78 



a generic difference between this species and the Vult.fulvus 

 and Bengalensis. Length of bird 36 inches, inclusive of tail of 

 11 inches. 



3. Vult. Bengalensisy Gmel. Bengal Vulture , Lath. Geed of the 



Mahrattas. 

 Of a smaller size, and with shorter and stouter legs than Vult. 

 Indicus. Habits similar. Sexes alike. Length 30 inches, 

 inclusive of tail of 10 inches. Colonel Sykes was induced to 

 consider this species of Gmelin as distinct from Vult. citiereus, 

 with which it has been classed by M. Temminck, in his 

 Manuel d'Ornithologie, p. 4. 



Genus Neophron, Sav. 



4. Neophron Percnopterus. Vultur Percnopterus, Linn. Rachamah y 



Bruce, Trav. Append, p. 163. 

 Irides intense red brown. Gregarious. Sexes alike in adult birds ; 

 but non-adult birds vary in plumage from fuscous to mottled 

 brown and white. These birds are always found in canton- 

 ments and camps. For the most part of the day they continue 

 on the wing, soaring in circles. When on the ground, they 

 walk with a peculiar gait, lifting their legs very high. They 

 are efficient scavengers. Length 29 inches, inclusive of tail of 

 11 inches. 



Fam. Falconidce, Leach. 



Sub-Fam. Aquilina. Eagles. 



Genus Haliaetus, Sav. Sea Eagle. 



5. Hal. Ponticerianus. Falco Ponticerianus, Lath. Aigle de Pondi- 



cherry, Buffon, p. 136. PI. Enl. 416. Called Bruhmuny Kite 

 by Europeans in India. 

 Irides reddish brown. It is seen constantly passing up and down 

 rivers at a considerable height, but prepared to fall at an instant 

 on its prey. Usually it seizes while on the wing, but occasionally 

 dips entirely under water, appearing to rise again with difficulty. 

 It is quite a mistake to suppose it feeds on carrion. Colonel 

 Sykes has examined the contents of the stomach and craw of 

 many specimens, and always found fish, and fish only, except- 

 ing on one occasion, when a crab was met with. Sexes alike. 

 Female lays two large white eggs. Length, inclusive of tail, 

 19 to 21 inches : tail 9 inches. 



Genus Circaetus, Vieill. 



6. Circ. brachydactylus. Falco brachydactylus. Wolf. Aquila bra- 



chydactyla, Meyer. Falco Gallicus, Gmel., p. 295. sp. 52. Le 

 Jean le blanc, PI. Enl. 413. 

 Colonel Sykes's specimen was a female. Irides deep orange 

 at the external margin, passing to straw-yellow at the internal 

 margin. The remains of a snake and two rats were found in 

 the stomach. Length, inclusive of tail, 30 inches: tail 11 

 inches. 



