observed about Talien Bay {N. China). 253 



ascertain, as insects and vegetable food were both abundant, and 

 their enemies, in the shape of Hawks or beasts of prey, by no 

 means common. 



1. MiLvus GOVTNDA, Sykcs. 



Even here this bird is met with, though in no great numbers, 

 soaring about in the neighbourhood of villages and over junks in 

 the harbour, ever prowling for its carrion prey. I shot a male, 

 and found it answering in most respects to the southern bird, 

 though the bill is stronger and thicker, and the legs more robust. 

 The culmen of the cere, when the specimen was fresh, was yel- 

 low, the rest bluish. Legs bluish, with black claws. Compared 

 with some skins of the Indian bird sent me by Mr. Blyth, the 

 Chinese race is much larger and stronger, with heavier legs and 

 stouter claws, and a much darker tinge of plumage ; but I think 

 there can be little doubt that they are the same species, the 

 Chinese race being somewhat more ennobled in appearance by 

 the cooler temperature in these parts. 



2. Erythropus vespertinus, Linn. 



This handsome little bird-slayer was not unfrequently met with 

 flying along overhead or hovering poised in air. Judging from 

 the contents of the stomachs of two I procured, I should say it 

 committed considerable havoc among the Larks and other field- 

 birds. It certainly caused considerable consternation wherever 

 it appeared among them. I had an opportunity of observing 

 the nest of this species twice; one was placed amongst the top- 

 most boughs of a willow, the other in the leafy foliage of some 

 umbrageous tree. The nests were large and round, and built 

 of sticks, resembling somewhat those of the Magpie. When the 

 old birds visited the nest, the young set up a chattering cry. 



Old male. Length 11 in., wing 9y\j, tail 5. Cere, skin round 

 the eye, bright orange-red, with a tinge of yellow-orange running 

 into the beak. Apical third of upper mandible bluish black, 

 somewhat light in tint. Iris deep hazel. Legs bright orange, 

 with yellowish claws. 



The young were balls of white down with bluish bills. The 

 cere and skin round the eyes were of a pale yellow, as also were 

 the legs and claws. The irides were brown. 



