FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 31 
To the west of Nakon Chum station and the river are several 
big perennial swamps—probably an old course of the river—and 
in these are found many species of waterfowl, notably the Purple 
Moovhen ( Porphyrio poliocephalus), easily recognised by the hard red 
shield on the forehead. The Whistling Teal ( Dendrocycna javanica ) 
and the Cotton Teal ( Nettopus coromandelianus ) are found from 
January to July and are probably permanent residents, and I obtained 
the Garganey Teal ( Querquedula circia ) in February. The Bronze- 
winged Jacana and the Pheasant-tailed Jacana ( Metopidius mdicus and 
Hydrophasianus chirurgus ) also occur—the latter I found in flocks 
during February and March. Both are known to the Siamese as 
“Nok Prik” (wnwin ). 
In June [ saw a brown Pelican, and since Blanford states that 
the Eastern White Pelican is only a winter visitor, this bird could 
enly have been the Spotted-billed Pelican ( Pelicanus philippensis ). 
They are said to be common in Ratburi during the rains. 
Flocks of the Large Cormorant ( Piialacrocorax carbo ) appeared 
in February ; the smaller species I have only observed in the higher 
and more secluded reaches of the Petchaburi river. 
Of the Heron tribe, the Pond Heron and Cattle Egret (Ardeola 
grayi and Bubulcus coromandus) are found everywhere—the latter 
chiefly in the open plains, but the Pond Heron even in the more 
densely wooded districts. 
Che Common Heron ( Ardea cinerea) appears to be confined 
to the brackish swamps and may usually be seen from the train, norte 
of Petchaburi. 
Of the Columbae, the Malay Spotted Dove ( Turtur tigrinus ) is 
widely distributed, occurring in all classes of country except the dense 
evergreen forests. Practically every clump of bamboos contains a pair. 
The Red Turtle-Dove ( Oenopopelia tranquebarica ) occurs in large 
flocks and is also very common. 
Among the Accipitrine birds two species of Vulture occur—the 
Black Vulture ( Otogyps calvus ), with red head, and the Indian White- 
backed Vulture ( Pseudogyps bengalensis). The former is known as 
Lv 2 
UT3 L971 WIEH7 by the Siamese, who say that the common grey bird 
is the servant of the black one. The Kites are those seen around 
Bangkok, viz., the Common Pariah Kite (Milvus govinda) and the 
