FALCON ID.E. 49 



down on the heaps, along with the dogs and crows, and 

 .selecting their scraps. On such an occasion, too, there 

 is many a struggle to retain a larger fragment than usual ; 

 for the possessor no sooner emerges from its swoop than 

 several empty-clawed spectators instantly ])ursue it eagerly, 

 till the owner finds the chase too hot, and drops the bone 

 of contention, which is generally picked up long before 

 it reaches the ground, again and again to change owners, 

 and perhaps finally to revert to its original proprietor. On 

 such occasions there is a considerable amount of squealing 

 going on. Though it is generally on sufficiently good 

 terms with the crows in company on a heap of garbage, 

 yet I have frequently seen it pursue a crow and force it 

 to relinquish a coveted morsel. The Crows, however, 

 often tease a Kite, apparently without any object but 

 that of a little amusement to themselves. The food of 

 the Kite is usually devoured on the wing, or if too large,» 

 carried to the nearest house or tree. Mr. Blyth notices 

 their collecting in numbers without any apparent object, 

 especially towards evening. This I have frequently 

 observed at all large stations, where all the Kites of the 

 neighbourhood, before retii'ing to roost, appear to hold 

 conclave." — Jerdau^ '■'■Birds of India," 



