218 



BIRDS COLLECTED IN TBE E7LAKAND7 DISTRICT. 289 



Genus Haliastur (Selby, 1840). 

 Hume, No. 55 ; Blanf., No. 1228. Haliastdr Indus (Bodd.).— The 216 



Brahminy Kite. 



Common. Frequents marshes and paddy-fields. After a shower of naro'e— 

 rain numbers congregate to feed on the termites which fly from the Lall or 

 ground. They breed here. 



Genus Milvus (Cuvier, 1800). 



216 



Hume^ No. 56 ; Blanf.j No. 1229. Milvus govinda (Sykes.). — Native 

 The Common Pariah Kite. Exceedingly common. °Chi~ 



Hume, No. 56 bis ; Blanf., No. 1230. Milvus melanotis (Temm. 217 



and Schleg.). — The Large Indian Kite. 



Only found, I think, during the cold weather. * 



Genus Elanus (Savigny, 1810). 



Hume, No. 59 ; Blanf., No. 1232. Elanus CiERULEUS (Desf.). — 

 The Black-winged Kite. 



Kather rare. The only one I got was shot whilst hovering like a 

 Kestrel. A few generally seen each year. 



Genus Circus (Lacepede, 1801). 



Hume, No. 51 ; Blanf., No. 1233. Circus macrurus (Gmel.). — sit 



The Pale Harrier. 



Ratier scarce. I shot one once flying over the tea in the cold season. 



Hume, No. 50 ; Blanf.^ No. 1235. Circus cyaneus (Linn.).— 220 



The Hen Harrier. 



Decidedly rare. I have only seen one since collecting. 



Hume, No. 53 ; Blanf., No. 1236. Circus melanolkocus (Forst.). — 221 



The Pied Harrier. 



Very oommon during the cold season, adult males predominating, f 



Humcj No. 54 ; Blanf., No. 1237. Circus acruginosus (Linn.). — 222 



The Marsh Harrier. 



Fairly common near the jheels during the cold weather. 



* *•■ This is interesting; the local movements of kites are very peculiar in the hilly portion 

 of the district ; this kite is a permanent inhabitant, whereas M, govinda seems to be the 

 Winter visitant." (E. C, S. B.) 



t " I think this note may probably be due to an oversight on Mr. Inglis' part. I have 

 collected Harriers very carefully and constantly for twelve years in Cachar and there is no 

 doubt whatsoever that females and non-adult males number at least ten to every adult 

 male. Of course Harriers are not at all easy birds to discriminate, and it is possible that 

 immature males may have been ascribed to other species." (K. C. S, B.) 



