On Birds observed in Madagascar. 165 



The plumage of the female C. maillardi agrees very well with the 

 description given by M. Jules Verreaux of the male in its first 

 year. 



In Dr. Hartlaub's ' Ornithologischer Beitrag zur Fauna Ma- 

 dagascars/ the Asiatic Circus melanoleucus is given as an inha- 

 bitant of the Island of Bourbon (see p. 21). The description 

 there given is, however, that of the adult male of the present 

 Harrier [Circus maillardi), being, indeed, taken from the typical 

 example of this species. Independently of the difference of 

 coloration which distinguishes these two Harriers, and which 

 may be seen at once on comparison of our plate with that given by 

 Levaillant (Ois. d'Afr. pi. 32) of the Asiatic bird, the Bourbon 

 Harrier differs in size and general proportions, as may be noticed 

 by the Table of Admeasurements ; and its legs and claws are de- 

 cidedly stouter. 



XVI. — Notes on Birds observed in Madagascar. By S. Roch, 

 Assistant- Surgeon, Royal Artillery, C.M.Z.S., and Edward 

 Newton, M.A., C.M.Z.S. Part II. 



[Concluded from vol. iv. p. 2/5.] 



36. CoRACOPsis VAZA (Bonapartc), Hartl. p. 58. " Buoaz." 

 Is very common wherever there is forest. We saw great 



numbers, in the evening, passing over Ampasimbe in small 

 parties of from a pair to six or seven individuals, whistling as 

 they went. They were a great height up in the air, and evidently 

 had been feeding in the low grounds near the sea, and were then 

 going home to roost in the great forest of Alanamasaotra. The 

 bird is constantly kept tame by the natives. 



37. CoRACOPSis NIGRA (Linn.), Hartl. p. 58. 



We only saw this bird once — a tame one, at Beforona. It was 

 bought by our Indian cook ; but it bit his fingers as he was 

 putting it into a basket a few days afterwards, and he killed it 

 in a rage. 



38. PoLiopsiTTA CANA (Gm.), Hartl. p. 59. 



Seen in small flocks on the coast. Many were offered for 

 sale at Tamatave. They appeared to be identical with the " Per- 

 ruche " of this island. 



