# The Zoologist/4th series, vol 6 (1902)/Issue 732/Birds Collected and Observed in the Darbhanga Districts, Tirhoot, Bengal

part 1 of a series of three articles 'Birds Collected and Observed in the Darbhanga Districts, Tirhoot, Bengal'. This part published in: The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6, issue 732 (June, 1902), p. 201–215
THE ZOOLOGIST
No. 732.—June, 1902.
BIRDS COLLECTED AND OBSERVED IN THE DARBHANGA DISTRICT, TIRHOOT, BENGAL.
By Gordon Dalgliesh.
The country does not require much description, in most parts being almost flat. Small woods, mostly formed of mango trees, are plentifully scattered over the plains. Rice is largely grown, besides other crops, as maize, wheat, and oats. Here and there are large sheets of water, which in winter abound with all kinds of water-fowl. The principal rivers are the Kamla on the west, and the Bolan on the east, both flowing from the hill ranges of Nepaul.
My thanks are largely due to Mr. C.M. Inglis, who furnished me with many interesting notes, which help to make this paper more complete than it would otherwise have been.
Corvus macrorhynchus, Wagl. (Jungle-Crow).—Common. Commences building in February. Eggs found in March and April. The nest, which is a large mass of sticks, and lined with dried grass and roots, is placed in mango or pepul trees. Usual number of eggs from three to four.
C. splendens, Vieill. (House-Crow).—Very common, more so than the last. Breeds throughout the district in May and June. Usual number of eggs four, though I have taken a nest containing five.
​Dendrocitta rufa, Scop. (Common Tree-Pie).—Very common. Frequents mango groves and gardens. It is very fond of eating eggs and young birds, and does great damage to peas when they are ripe. It breeds in April and May, building in mango and sisoo trees. The usual complement of eggs is three.
Parus atriceps, Horsf. (Indian Grey Tit).—Fairly common. Though some do remain to breed, the majority are cold-weather visitors.
Argya caudata, Dum. (Common Babbler).—I have not found this bird at all common anywhere in the district.
Crateropus canorus, Linn. (Jungle Babbler).—Very common everywhere. Seen always in small flocks. This bird is known to Europeans in India as the "Seven Sisters." They breed nearly throughout the year. The nest is made of dried grass, and contains from four to six deep blue eggs. These birds may often be seen mobbing Hawks and Owls, keeping up the while their noisy chatter.
Zosterops palpebrosa, Temm. (Indian White-Eye).—Very common. Found during winter in small flocks. They build during May, making a very neat little nest of grass lined with thistledown and small feathers. The nest is usually placed on a mango tree a few feet from the ground, and is well concealed by leaves. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Ægithina tiphia, Linn. (Common Iora).—Very common in all the well-wooded parts of the district. This bird is silent, as a rule, during winter, but as soon as the warm days begin to set in its curious ringing cry is heard in nearly every mango grove. It is on the whole a shy bird, and keeps well out of sight among the thickest part of a tree. They breed from April to July, laying three eggs.
Molpastes bengalensis, Blyth (Bengal Red-vented Bulbul).—Exceedingly common. Breeds from March to August. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Otocompsa emeria, Linn. (Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul).—I have always found this bird rare. I have only one pair, shot in a garden.
Sitta castaneiventris, Frankl. (Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch).—Common in all well-wooded parts of the district. Breeds from March to April. It lays its eggs in the holes of trees. The hole ​is always plastered round with mud. Five is the full complement of eggs.
Dicrurus ater, Herm. (Black Drongo).—Very common. They are most pugnacious birds, always fighting amongst themselves, and attacking every bird they come across—even birds as big as Kites. This is the earliest bird to rise, and the last to retire. Its note is very often heard long before daylight. It breeds in April, May, June, and July.
D. cærulescens, Linn. (White-bellied Drongo).—A pair were shot by Mr. C.M. Inglis in the Madubuni Sub-division.
Dissemurus paradiseus, Linn. (Racket-tailed Drongo).—Mr. Inglis writes:—"Five were seen at Sarso, five miles west of Jhanjrurpur, on Jan. 9th, 1899."
Acrocephalus dumetorum, Blyth (Blyth's Reed-Warbler).—Very common during winter.
Orthotomus sutorius, Forst. (Indian Tailor-Bird).—Very common. Breeds during March, April, May, and June. One nest I knew of was built on a Croton plant, which was in a pot standing in the verandah of a house. Four is the usual complement of eggs.
Cisticola cursitans, Frankl. (Rufous Faintal-Warbler).—Very common. Breeds in March, July, and August.
Prinia inornata, Sykes (Indian Wren-Warbler).—Common. Breeds in June and July. The nest is built among long grasses, and on the indigo plants. Three to four is the full complement of eggs.
Lanius nigriceps, Frankl. (Black-headed Shrike).—I have seen this bird several times during winter among sugar-cane.
L. tephronotus, Vig. (Grey-backed Shrike).—Rarer than the last, and also a cold weather visitor.
L. cristatus, Linn. (Brown Shrike).—Common during winter. It sometimes arrives as early as the end of August, but this is exceptional, the majority of birds arriving in October.
Tephrodornis pondicerianus, Gmel. (Common Wood-Shrike). Scarce. I have only two specimens in my collection.
Pericrocotus speciosus, Lath. (Scarlet Minivet).—One specimen seen by Mr. Inglis in the district.
P. peregrinus, Linn. (Small Minivet).—Very common in all mango groves. Breeds during April, May, and June. The nest ​is a neat cup-shaped affair, composed of moss and lichens. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Campophaga melanoschista, Hodgs. (Dark-Grey Cuckoo-Shrike).—Not a common bird.
Graucalus macii, Less. (Large Cuckoo-Shrike).—A common cold weather migrant.
Oriolus indicus, Jerd. (Black-naped Oriole).—One specimen was seen by Mr. Inglis at Narhar.
O. kundoo, Sykes (Indian Golden Oriole).—A common summer migrant. It breeds during April, May, June, and July, usually in mango trees. This bird has a fine melodious whistle. The young follow their parents for some time after they are fledged.
O. melanocephalus, Linn. (Black-headed Oriole).—Very common and a resident. Breeds in March, April, June, and July.
Pastor roseus, Linn. (Rose-coloured Starling).—Very rare. I shot a single specimen at Dalsingh Serai on March 4th, 1900. I saw several feeding in a carrot-field, in company with some Mynahs; but I only managed, with great difficulty, to secure the one, as they were very shy at the approach of a gun.
Sturnus menzbieri, Sharpe (Common Starling).—A common winter visitor, appearing in large flocks, and usually found in rice-lands. I have often noticed mixed flocks, consisting of this bird, Acridotheres tristis, Sturnopastor contra, and Corvus splendens.
Sturnia malabarica, Gmel. (Grey-headed Mynah).—Common, and breeds in the district. The nest is made in the hole of a tree. Four, I think, is the full complement of eggs. These birds are very fond of the fruit of the pepul tree (Ficus religiosa). They are gregarious in their habits, keeping to themselves, and not mixing much with other birds.
Temenuchus pagodarum, Gmel. (Black-headed Mynah).—Fairly common. A nest found at Dalsingh Serai on June 23rd, 1901, contained three half-fledged young and one addled egg. The nest was in the hole of a mango tree a few feet from the ground.
Acridotheres tristis, Linn. (Common Mynah).—Exceedingly common, and breeds almost everywhere. I have found their nests in holes of trees, under the thatch of houses, holes in walls, ​and in pigeon-cotes. They begin to lay in May. Five is the full complement of eggs. A curious pied variety of this bird was shot by Mr. C.M. Inglis at Jainagar. An albino was seen by my brother at Dalsingh Serai.
A. ginginianus, Lath. (Bank Mynah).—Not a very common bird. They breed in holes in the banks of rivers. Four to five is the usual number of eggs.
Æthiospar fuscus, Wagl. (Jungle Mynah).—This is, I have found, the rarest Mynah we have. They do not, I think, breed in the district, as my collectors never came across a nest. They disappear about May, and return again in July.
Sturnopastor contra, Linn. (Indian Pied Mynah).—Quite as common as A. tristis. Breeds in April, June, and July, making a large untidy nest of grass in a mango or pepul tree. They breed, as a rule, in small colonies. Five is the full complement of eggs.
Siphia parva, Bechst. (European Red-breasted Flycatcher).—A cold weather visitor, and common in mango groves.
Cyornis superciliaris, Jerd. (White-browed Flycatcher).—One specimen shot by Mr. C.M. Inglis at Narhar on March 18th, 1898.
C. rubeculoides, Vig. (Blue-throated Flycatcher).—A scarce cold weather visitor.
Stoparola melanops, Vig. (Verditer Flycatcher).—Not uncommon during the cold weather.
Culicicapa ceylonensis, Swains. (Grey-headed Flycatcher).—Common in mango groves during winter.
Terpsiphone paradisi, Linn. (Indian Paradise Flycatcher).—Very common. Breeds in April in mango groves. Four is the full complement of eggs laid by this bird.
Hypothymis azurea, Bodd. (Indian Black-naped Flycatcher).—I have only one specimen in my collection. It is not a common bird, keeping to well-wooded parts.
Rhipidura albifrontata, Frankl. (White-browed Fantail Flycatcher).—Very common in mango groves. Breeds in April and May. This bird has a habit of spreading out its tail when alighting on a tree.
Pratincola caprata, Linn. (Pied Bush-Chat).—Common during the cold weather among thick grasses and sugar-cane.
​P. maura, Pall. (Common Indian Bush-Chat).—Very common during the cold weather. Affects the same situations as the last.
P. leucura, Blyth (White-tailed Bush-Chat).—I never saw this bird myself, but my friend Mr. C.M. Inglis writes that he saw a bird at Nashar, which he took to be this species.
Ruticilla rufiventris, Vieill. (Indian Redstart).—A common cold weather visitor, arriving in October, and departing again in March.
Cyanecula suecica, Linn. (Red Spotted Blue-throat).—This bird is very common during the cold weather among sugarcane and tall grasses. It usually arrives about the end of September.
Calliope camtschatkensis, Gmel. (Common Ruby-throat).—Two were seen by Mr. Inglis at Narhar.
Copsychus saularis, Linn. (Magpie-Robin).—Extremely common. It breeds in April, May, and June. Five appears to be the full complement of eggs. This bird is much prized by the natives for cages, on account of its sweet song.
Cittocincla macrura, Gmel. (Shama).—One of Mr. Inglis's collectors shot a specimen of this bird at Narhar in February, 1900.
Merula atrigularis, Temm. (Black-throated Ouzel).—I once came across a small flock of these birds at Dalsingh Serai in March, 1900, but was unable to secure any.
Geocichla citrina, Lath. (Orange-headed Ground-Thrush).—A scarce winter visitor. Usually seen in mango groves.
Oreocincla dauma, Lath. (Small-billed Mountain-Thrush).—A pair were shot by Mr. Inglis's collectors at Narhar in March, 1899.
Ploceus baya, Blyth (Baya).—Common. Breeds during the rains, making a large hanging nest. Most of the nests I have taken were hung on palm trees, but I have seen them on mimosa and sisoo trees. Two is the full complement of eggs.
P. bengalensis, Linn. (Black-throated Weaver-Bird).—Common, but not quite as common as P. baya. They build in rushes and long grass, breeding in June, July, August, and September.
Munia atricapilla, Vieill. (Chestnut-bellied Munia).—Found commonly in July and August.
​Uroloncha malabarica, Linn. (White-throated Munia).—Very common on waste lands in large flocks. It breeds in every month except January and June.
U. punctulata, Linn. (Spotted Munia).—I have always found this the rarest of the Munias. It breeds in March, July, August, September, and November.
Sporæginthus amandava, Linn. (Indian Red Munia).—Fairly common. Found breeding in July, August, and October.
Carpodacus erythrinus, Pall. (Common Rose-Finch).—I saw two in the possession of a birdcatcher, who told me he had caught them in the district.
Gymnorhis flavicollis, Frankl. (Yellow-throated Sparrow).—I have only one specimen, shot by one of my collectors.
Passer domesticus, Linn. (House-Sparrow).—Extremely common. Breeds almost anywhere nearly throughout the year.
Cotile sinensis, Gray (Indian Sand-Martin).—Very common. Found breeding in January, April, and November.
Hirundo rustica, Linn. (Swallow).—A common cold weather migrant, often staying well on into summer. First arrivals noticed in September.
H. nepalensis, Hodgs. (Striated Swallow).—Several times noticed in company with H. rustica and C. sinensis.
Motacilla alba, Linn. (White Wagtail).—A common cold weather visitor, seen everywhere.
M. leucopsis, Gould (White-faced Wagtail).—Common.
M. personata, Gould (Masked Wagtail).
M. hodgsoni, Gray (Hodgson's Pied Wagtail).—Very common.
M. maderaspatensis, Gmel. (Large Pied Wagtail).—Very common. Commences nesting in June.
M. borealis, Sundev. (Grey-headed Wagtail).—A cold weather migrant.
M. flava, Linn. (Blue-headed Wagtail).—A common cold weather visitor. Arrives first in October.
M. beema, Sykes (Indian Blue-headed Wagtail).—Very common, and often confounded with the last.
M. citreola, Pall. (Yellow-headed Wagtail).—Not very common. Arrives first in October.
Anthus maculatus, Hodgs. (Indian Tree-Pipit).—Exceedingly common during the cold weather, and much sought after by ​native birdcatchers, who, with these birds and the Short-toed Lark, sell to Europeans as "Ortolans." These Pipits assemble in large flocks, usually in mango groves, or under the shade of any large tree.
A. rufulus, Vieill. (Indian Meadow-Pipit).—A very common resident. Breeds in March, April, and May. A nest found by myself was situated under a clod of earth. The nest was composed of grass, and contained four eggs.
Calandrella brachydactyla, Leisl. (Short-toed Lark).—A common winter visitor, appearing in rice-fields in enormous flocks. This bird is also caught under the name of "Ortolan."
Alaudula raytal, Buch. Ham. (Ganges Sand-Lark).—Common on the banks of large rivers.
Alauda gulgula, Frankl. (Indian Sky-Lark).—I have not found this bird at all common. Its song is not so long or melodious as the European Lark.
Mirafra assamica, McClell. (Bengal Bush-Lark).—Very common. Numbers noticed in April, May, and June. A nest I took was placed on the ground, and contained four eggs.
Galerita cristata, Linn. (Crested Lark).—Very common on waste and grassy lands.
Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scop. (Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark).—Very common on waste and grassy lands. It has a curious habit of rising a few feet from the ground, uttering the while a curious mournful whistle. They are very tame, and will let one get within a few feet of them before taking wing.
Arachnechthra asiatica, Lath. (Purple Sun-bird).—Common. Breeds throughout the district in February, March, April, and May. It builds a hanging nest placed in a variety of situations, as a rule on trees and shrubs, and rarely under the eaves of houses.
Dicæum erythrorhynchus, Lath. (Tickell's Flower-pecker).—Very common, keeping to the tops of high trees and on flowering shrubs. I have never found its nest.
Piprisoma squalidum, Burt. (Thick-billed Flower-pecker).—Common. Breeds in March, April, May, and June, making a very neat purse-shaped nest, as a rule built on mango trees. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Liopicus mahrattensis, Lath. (Yellow-fronted Pied Wood​pecker).—I have never found this bird common, and have very few specimens.
Iyngipicus hardwickii, Jerd. (Indian Pigmy Woodpecker).—Not uncommon among mango groves.
Micropternus phæoceps, Blyth (Rufous Woodpecker).—I have only seen two specimens of this bird during the four years I was collecting.
Brachypternus aurantius, Linn. (Golden-backed Woodpecker). This is by far the commonest Woodpecker in the district, and its curious cry is heard in nearly every mango grove. Breeds in March, April, May, and June, and I once found a nest in July. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Iynx torquilla, Linn. (Wryneck).—An uncommon cold weather visitor. I have only once seen it, and one specimen was shot by one of my collectors.
Thereiceryx zeylonicus, Gmel. (Common Indian Green Barbet).—Very common. Breeds in April, May, and June. One nest I found at Dalsingh Serai in June contained three newly hatched young. The nest was in a hole in the branch of a pepul tree a few feet from the ground.
Xantholæma hæmatocephala, Müll. (Crimson-breasted Barbet). Very common. Its monotonous cry of "tok tok tok" is heard as soon as the warm days set in, and is kept up from morning to night without ceasing. They breed in February, March, and April. I watched one making a nest-hole in an acacia tree in February, 1900, but unfortunately before the nest was finished one of the birds was killed by flying against a window. Another bird I watched was hollowing a hole in a bamboo.
Coracias indica, Linn. (Indian Roller).—Common throughout the district. Breeds in March, April, May, and June. A nest found in April contained two young. Three is the usual number of eggs, though I have taken four on one occasion.
Merops viridis, Linn. (Common Green Bee-eater).—Very common. Breeds in March, April, and May. Three to four is the usual number of eggs.
M. philippinus, Linn. (Blue-tailed Bee-eater).—Not so common as M. viridis, but nevertheless found in considerable numbers in some places. Though it is a resident, its numbers are greatly increased during the hot weather by migrants. It breeds ​in large numbers in holes of sand-banks near water. These birds have a habit of soaring with wings almost motionless during the evenings. I have watched them several times doing this, for what purpose I cannot say, as they never caught any insects at the time.
Ceryle varia, Strickl. (Pied Kingfisher).—This is the commonest Kingfisher found here, and is seen hovering over nearly every piece of water. In December, 1897, I found a nest in the hole of a bank of a river containing three half-fledged young.
Alcedo ispida, Linn. (Common Kingfisher).—Very common during the cold weather, but I do not think they remain to build anywhere in the district, as I never heard of a nest, though I took special pains to find one.
Pelargopsis gurial, Pears. (Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher).—This I have always found a somewhat scarce bird. It feeds chiefly on fish, but Mr. Stuart Baker mentions that he once saw one devouring a nest of young Mynahs. They have a curious habit, when sitting, of constantly jerking the head from side to side. Their cry may be described as a mournful wail.
Halcyon smyrnensis, Linn. (White-breasted Kingfisher).—An uncommon bird, and very difficult to shoot on account of their extreme wariness.
H. pileata, Bodd. (Black-capped Kingfisher).—A fine male of this rare species was shot by me at Dalsingh Serai on Feb. 25th, 1900. It was sitting on a bamboo near the river. The stomach contained the remains of some fish and beetles, the latter being undigested. As far as is known, this is the first example of the species procured or seen in this district. The skin is now in Mr. Inglis's collection.
Lophoceros birostris, Scop. (Common Grey Hornbill).—Fairly common. Their food seems to consist of fruit, they being especially fond of the fruit of the pepul tree (Ficus religiosa). A nest was found by Mr. Inglis in a cotton tree (Bombax).
Upupa epops, Linn. (European Hoopoe).—Very common during winter. This and the next species very probably interbreed.
U. indica, Reich. (Indian Hoopoe).—A common resident. A pair nested in March this year (1901) in a bungalow near Darbhanga, and hatched out all the young. They will at once desert ​the nest if they have the least suspicion it has been touched, as I have more than once found when a pair were nesting, and on putting in my hand to feel for eggs, though the birds had not laid, they deserted. It is curious how few nests are come across, considering how common the bird is.
Cypselus melba, Linn. (Alpine Swift).—I have several times seen these birds, but was unable to shoot any.
C. affinis, Gray (Common Indian Swift).—Common everywhere.
Tachornis batassiensis, Gray (Palm Swift).—Very common. Breeds nearly throughout the year on palm trees. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Chætura sp.?.—Mr. Inglis writes:—"On the evening of Aug. 26th, 1897, I saw from twelve to fifteen Spinetails flying over Janiagar in a northerly direction."
Caprimulgus macrurus, Horsf. (Horsfield's Nightjar).—Often seen in the cold weather.
C. asiaticus, Lath. (Common Indian Nightjar).—I have only twice shot this species. This bird has a curious note, like the sound ice makes when a stone is thrown along it.
Cuculus micropterus, Gould (Indian Cuckoo).—More often heard than seen. Its cry resembles the words, "Make more pekoe."
C. canorus, Linn. (European Cuckoo).—I once saw this species sitting on some railings at Dalsingh Serai in March, 1900. There was no mistaking the species, as it was uttering its familiar cry at the time I saw it.
Hierococcyx varius, Vahl. (Common Hawk-Cuckoo).—Very common and very noisy during the hot weather, but silent during winter. This is the hated "Brain-fever Bird" of Europeans in India, as its cry is said to resemble the words "brain-fever."
Coccystes jacobinus, Bodd. (Pied Crested Cuckoo).—A common summer migrant, arriving in May.
Eudnamys honorata, Linn. (Indian Koël).—Very common during the hot weather and monsoon. It lays its eggs in the nests of the House-Crows. Its food consists of fruit and birds' eggs.
Taccocua leschenaulti, Less. (Sirkeer Cuckoo).—This is not a very common bird, and perhaps often overlooked on account of ​its skulking habits. It breeds in April and May, making a big nest of grass. Three is the full complement of eggs.
Centropus sinensis, Steph. (Common Coucal).—Very common in long grasses and among bamboos. It commences nesting in May, building a large globular nest of grass. Three is the full complement of eggs laid. The call of this bird resembles the words "puss puss," uttered in a very deep tone.
C. bengalensis, Gmel. (Lesser Coucal).—I have myself never come across this species, but Mr. Inglis's collectors shot a pair at Narhar.
Palæornis nepalensis, Hodgs. (Large Indian Paroquet).—I have only on two occasions seen small flocks of this bird.
P. torquatus, Bodd. (Rose-ringed Paroquet).—This is the commonest Paroquet found in this district. It breeds in March, April, and May. They are very destructive to native crops, especially millet, which they carry off wholesale. A number were found breeding in a big cotton tree in May.
P. cyanocephalus, Linn. (Western Blossom-headed Paroquet). This species is fairly common.
Strix flammea, Linn. (Barn-Owl).—A rare bird in this district. I have two specimens in my collection shot at Jainagar. A pair were seen in an outhouse at Hattowrie Factory, Darbhanga, in May, 1901. One egg was taken from the nest, which consisted of a heap of ejected pellets.
S. candida, Tickell (Grass-Owl).—I have once or twice flushed this species from big grass jungle, and on one occasion found their young.
Syrnium ocellatum, Less. (Mottled Wood-Owl).—This fine species is rare. I shot one near Darbhanga in December, 1900, and have seen one or two others. From their castings I have examined, their food seems to consist only of small rodents.
Scops giu, Linn. (Scops Owl).—Mr. Inglis's collectors shot one specimen in immature plumage.
Athene brama, Temm. (Spotted Owlet).—This little Owl is very common, and several pairs are nearly always to be found in any large tree. They are very quarrelsome, always fighting among themselves, and making a considerable noise both day and night. I once watched the courtship of a pair of them. During this time the male bird was most attentive to the female, ​and kept feeding her on large beetles. The process of eating the beetles was effected in this manner: The female would throw back her head, and, after two or three gulps, the beetle would be swallowed. She would then shake her tail and shut her eyes with evident satisfaction. A pair of these Owls some years ago built their nest in the thatch of the house here. For some reason or other one of them took a violent dislike to my father, and as soon as he showed himself outside the door, down would pounce the Owl, and commence a vigorous attack on his head; and on one occasion, whilst he was sitting with other people in the garden, the Owl lifted the cap from off his head. From the castings I have examined, their food seems to consist of insects and bats, and on one occasion I found in one nest a half-grown rat. A nest I found in an outhouse contained three young birds and one fresh egg. I took the young away, together with the parent bird, which was caught on the nest. I kept her for a day, and then released her. About a month after three fresh eggs were found in the same nest, but whether they were laid by the same bird is not certain, though I think it very probable they were.
Ninox scutulata, Raffl. (Brown Hawk Owl).—Mr. Inglis writes:—"Very rare. A single specimen procured at Jainagar."
Asio accipitrinus, Pall. (Short-eared Owl).—I have only one specimen in my collection, given me by Mr. Inglis.
Pandion haliaëtus, Linn. (Osprey).—A common cold weather migrant.
Otogyps calvus, Scop. (Black Vulture).—Very common. Lays one large white egg. Nest situated in high trees. I once found a nest in January.
Pseudogyps bengalensis, Gmel. (Indian White-backed Vulture).—Common. Breeds in November, December, and January.
Neophron ginginianus, Lath. (Small White Scavenger Vulture). Very common. Breeds in February, March, April, and May. A nest I found in April contained two newly-hatched young. The nest was a large mass of sticks placed at the top of a high pepul tree (Ficus religiosa).
Aquila hastata, Less. (Small Indian Spotted Eagle).—A young bird of this species was procured by Mr. Inglis at Jainagar in August, 1899.
​Spilornis cheela, Lath. (Crested Serpent-Eagle).—I shot a male of this species out of a pair in July, 1900, at Dalsingh Serai.
Butastur teesa, Frankl. (White-eyed Buzzard-Eagle).—Very common. Breeds in April and May.
Haliaëtus leucoryphus, Pall. (Pallas's Fishing Eagle).—Fairly common. It breeds in November, making a large nest of sticks at the top of some lofty tree.
Polioaëtus ichthyaëtus, Horsf. (Large Grey-headed Fishing Eagle).—Very common. These Eagles are a great nuisance to one when out shooting duck, as any bird that happens to fall dead some way from the boat is at once seized and carried off. They breed in November, December, and January. Two is the full complement of eggs.
Haliastur Indus, Bodd. (Brahminy Kite).—Abundant everywhere. It nests in February, March, and April. The cry of this Kite resembles the bleating of a sheep.
Milvus govinda, Sykes (Common Pariah Kite).—Very common. Breeds in February, March, and April on trees and roofs of houses.
Elanus cæruleus, Desf. (Black-winged Kite).—This I have always found a somewhat scarce bird. It nests in July, September, October, November, and January. The nest is usually built in mango trees. One of these Kites killed and carried off a House-Pigeon, which is, I think, a good weight for it to carry, as the Pigeon was quite as large as the Kite.
Circus macrurus, Gmel. (Pale Harrier).—Often noticed during the cold weather.
C. melanoleucus, Forst. (Pied Harrier).—Very common during winter, frequenting heavy grass jungle.
C. cyaneus, Linn. (Hen-Harrier).—A Harrier, which I am sure was this species, was seen by me in January, 1901.
C. æruginosus, Linn. (Marsh-Harrier).—A very common winter visitor. Usually arrives about September. One I dissected had the remains of a frog and some crickets in its stomach, and Mr. Inglis informs me he once found a half-digested Palæornis cyanocephalus in one he dissected.
Falco jugger, Gray (Laggar Falcon).— I only once saw a pair of these birds.
​F. peregrinus, Tunst. (Peregrine Falcon).—I once saw this bird at Dalsingh Serai in January, 1901. It was hovering over an oat-field.
F. peregrinator, Sundev. (Sháhin Falcon).—Mr. Inglis writes: "On the 22nd of December, 1899, I saw a Falcon sitting on a pepul tree near Hattiahi; it appeared to be this species. A Falcon with very dark-coloured back flew past the Nashar bungalow; it was flying very fast and low. I couldn't see its lower plumage, but, on account of the very dark colour above, I think it was this species."
Æsalon chicquera, Daud. (Red-headed Merlin).—Rare. I have a single male in my collection.
Tinnunculus alaudarius, Gmel. (Kestrel).—A very common cold weather visitor, arriving in October.
Accipiter virgatus, Reinw. (Besra Sparrow-Hawk).—Very common. One specimen I saw had the head white, though the rest of the plumage was of the normal colour.
A. nisus, Linn. (Sparrow-Hawk).—I once shot a specimen of this bird in March, 1898. I never came across another.
Astur badius, Gmel. (Shikra).—Very common, and much prized by native birdcatchers for the purpose of hawking. It breeds in April.
Pernis cristatus, Cuv. (Crested Honey-Buzzard).—Fairly common in well-wooded parts of the district. In June, 1901, I took a nest containing two young. Whilst the boy whom I sent up to take the nest was bringing down the young ones, the old bird kept swooping round his head, uttering a low kind of whistle.
(To be continued.)
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