tu ' The Birds of India.' 243 



19. Erythropus vespertinus. 



The form of this Falcon found in North-eastern Asia has the 

 under wing-coverts white, with some dusky bars, whilst in the 

 European race they are pure grey. It has been named E. amu- 

 rensis, and is beautifully figured by Wolf in * The Ibis ' for 1866. 

 Nepal specimens examined prove the Indian bird to belong to 

 this race, which has also been found in Southern Africa. 



20 bis. HiERAX MELANOLEUCUS, Blyth. 



This rare Pigmy P'alcon has been lately procured by Major 

 Godwin-Austen in Cachar. 



21. ASTUR PALUMBARIUS. 



A few Goshawks find their way to the plains of the Punjab 

 during winter, and now and then are captured. Most of the 

 birds that are brought in such numbers for sale every year are 

 taken in the hills, in large nets hung between trees. I saw a 

 pair, evidently breeding, in a wood in the Asrang-valley, beyond 

 Chini, on the Sutlej, at about 12,000 feet elevation. 



The Goshawk is, perhaps, the greatest favourite with natives 

 for hawking, as it is much the most expensive, untamed birds 

 being rarely sold for less than 50 rupees {£5). In a good sport- 

 ing-country one or two Goshawks will furnish daily a fair sup- 

 ply of game, Partridges, Hares, Duck, Plover, &c. 



24. ACCIPITER NISUS. 



I beheve that a few pairs only breed on some of the higher 

 ranges of the Himalayas. I have killed it in July in Gulmurg, 

 in Kashmir, at 10,000 feet elevation. When Dr. Stoliczka 

 says it is '' more common on the lower hills than in the interior," 

 I presume he means either very early in the year or in the 

 autumn, i. e. during the periods of migration ; for I greatly doubt 

 its breeding in such localities. 



24: bis. AcciPiTER MELASCHisTus, Humc. 



I quite agree in the separation of this species from A. nisus, 

 as, indeed, I did as soon as I saw Mr. Hume's two specimens. 

 It may be looked on as a dark local race of A. nisus. It is 

 figured by Hodgson in his drawings ; but no distinct name given. 



25. ACCIPITER VIRGATUS. 



I have not at present sufficient materials to work out my ideas 



r2 



