Indian Birds 



151. Haliastur Indus : The Brahminy Kite. 

 (F. 1228), (J. 55), (-V.) 



Of all the birds of prey this is perhaps the 

 easiest to identify in its adult state. The 

 head, neck, breast, and upper abdomen are 

 white, the shaft of each white feather being 

 black. The remainder of the plumage is a rich 

 chestnut, almost maroon. 



The young are very like the common kite in 

 appearance, but may be distinguished when on 

 the wing by the fact that the tail of the 

 Brahminy is always rounded, while that of the 

 kite is more or less forked. 



This species is rare in the Punjab, common 

 everywhere else. In Madras it sometimes 

 swoops down and carries off a snipe that has 

 been shot by a sportsman. Its cry is a peculiar 

 squeaking wail. (lUus. B. D., p. 190.) 



152. Milvus govinda : The Common Pariah 

 Kite. (F. 1229), (J. 56), (V.) 



Description of this ubiquitous bird is un- 

 necessary. His long tail, slightly forked at the 

 tip, suffices to distinguish him at a glance from 

 aU other raptorial birds. (Illus. B. D., p. 182 ; 

 also B. P., p. 148.) 



153. Circus macrurus : The Pale Harrier. 



(F. 1233), a- 51), (+IV.) 



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