40 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



This type may be considered a subordinate one to Tinnuncuhis, 

 from wliich it chiefly differs by its longer wings, and more equal, 

 pale claws. It is more exclusively insectivorous than l^innunculas. 



IS. Erythropus Cenchris, Naum. 



Falco, apud Naumann — F. tinnunculoides Auct. — HoRSF., Cat. 

 12 — Blyth, Cat. 72 — Gould, Birds of Europe, j)l. 29. 



The Lesser Kestril. 



Descr. — Young bird and female colored very like a female 

 Kestril ; the check stripe is wider, and the spots beneath are 

 broader ; the quills barred internally with rufous ; tail with 

 numerous blackish bands, with a terminal dark band, not so broad 

 as in the last. 



The adult male has the head, wing coverts, and tail, fine blue 

 grey, without any bands ; the back, mantle, and wing coverts, 

 vinaceous red ; quills black, not barred nor spotted ; beneath, pale 

 vinous, lightest on the throat and under tail coverts. 



Length of a female 13 inches ; wing 9|-; tail 65. A male mea- 

 sures about 12; wing 9^; tail 5^. Cere, orbits, and legs yellow; 

 claws yellowish white ; iiides deep brown. 



I have only hitherto, that I am aware of, seen this Falcon on the 

 Neilgherries, where I found it breeding on some cliffs in May and 

 June. I find from Mr. Blyth that it visits Bengal during the rains. 

 Dr. Adams met with it ia Cashmere, and found it feeding on the 

 mountain pij^it. Not much is recorded of its habits, but it is known 

 to be insectivorous, and has been seen seizing insects on the wing, 

 and pulling off the elytra of beetles. In Palestine it is said to 

 breed in company on ruins and old buildings. It is also said, like 

 Vespertinus, to be veiy social. 



19. Erythropus Vespertinus, Lin. 



Falco, apud Linn.eus — Horsf., Cat. No 13 — Blyth, Cat. 74 — 

 Jeudon, 2nd. Suppl. Cat., 30 bis— P. E., 431 — Gould, Birds of 

 Europe, pi. 23 — Karjanna or Karjoona, Hind. 



