148 Mr. A. Whyte's Omithological Notes 



XIII. — Ornithological Notes taken daring a Voyage from 

 Ceylon to England. By A. Whyte. 



In Ceylon and, indeed, thronghout India and the East gene- 

 rally the migrations of birds are chiefly influenced by the 

 two monsoons, viz. the north-east and the south-west, the 

 former generally prevailing in Ceylon and South India from 

 November to April, and the latter from May to October. 

 Comparatively little, however, has been definitely ascertained 

 as to whence the migratory birds come, and the circumstances 

 which influence their migrations. Detailed facts and data 

 can only be arrived at by recording long-continued syste- 

 matic observations in different localities. In the mean time 

 individual experience may add something to our knowledge 

 of the subject ; and it is with this hope that I now put together 

 these notes, taken on board the S.S. ' Duke of Devonshire' 

 during a recent voyage from Ceylon. 



We sailed from Colombo, Ceylon, on the 17th Oct. 1876; 

 and for some days we were constantly accompanied by the 

 more common Terns, Gulls, and other Sea-birds, none of 

 which, however, ventured on board. 



On the 20th Oct., when about thirty miles S.E. of Minicoy 

 Island, the most northern of the Maldives, a Swallow flew 

 on board, which proved to be Hirundo rustica, L. Being 

 either alarmed or exhausted, it was soon captured. When 

 again liberated it flew off vigorously for the island, on which 

 could be seen a beautiful fringe of graceful cocoanut-palms. 



At noon, on the 22nd Oct., a Kestrel {Falco alaudarius) 

 alighted on the rigging, and perched on one of the yards for 

 the night. After nightfall it was captured by one of the 

 quartermasters, and was caged as a curiosity. Next day, how- 

 ever, it escaped, and no one observed the direction it took. 

 On the same day a common Paddy-bird, or Heron [Ardea 

 leucoptera) , visited us. It was quite exhausted and emaciated, 

 and greedily devoured some minced meat. From this cir- 

 cumstance it does not seem likely that this species is capable 

 of catching fish or other food while on wing at sea. When 

 liberated it went off to the south-west. 



