38 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS 
Night herons, (Nycticorar).—Are found near water. They are 
permanent residencs breeding on trees, and sometimes it is said in reeds. 
They lay pale green eggs. 
Ibises, (Tantalus, Platalea, Anastomus, Threskiornis, Geronticus, 
Falcinellus).—The glossy ibis (Falcinellus igneus) is a cold weather 
visitant, coming in in large flocks, and leaving the eountry when the 
breeding season comes. All the others are permanent residents, and 
are as a rule gregarious breeders, making their nests on high trees near 
water. The egos of the pelican ibis (Z. lewcocephalus) are dull white ; 
so also are those of the shell ibis (A. oscitans). Those of the white 
ibis (7. melanocephalus) are very pale green, and the spoonbill (P. 
leucorodia) and the king curlew (G. papillosus) lay spotted eggs. 
Flamingoes, (Phenicopterus).—Are cold weather visitants, and 
do not breed in this country. 
Geese, (Anser, Sarkidiornis).—The black-backed goose (8. 
melanotus) is found throughout the country in swampy parts and isa 
permanent resident. All the other geese leave India to breed elsewhere. 
The eggs are ivory white. 
Ducks and Teal, (Nettapus, Dendrocygna, Casarca, Tadorna, 
Spatula, Anas, Chaulelasmus, Dafila, Mareca, Querquedula, Branta, 
Aythya, Fuligula, Clangula, Mergus).—Almost all the ducks are migra- 
tory coming to India for the winter months only. The cotton teal 
(Nettapus coromandelianus), the two whistling teal (Dendrocygna 
arcuata and D. major), the spotted-billed duck (4. pacilorhynchus), 
and the pink-headed duck (A. caryophyllacea) are permanent resi- 
dents, and breed where they occur in the plains of India. The 
mallard (Anas boschas) and the white-eyed duck (Aythya nyroca) 
remain to breed in Kashmir. All the rest go farther north towards 
central Asia. The eggs are glossy white, buff or “ cafe au lait.” 
Grebes, (Podiceps).—The little grebe (P. philippinus} is found 
on tanks and ponds throughout India, and is a permanent resident. 
The crested grebe is a winter migrant in continental India, retiring to 
Kashmir to breed. The eges are dull white. 
Gulls, (Larus, XYema); Petrels, ( Thallassidroma, Peltcanoides) ; 
Puffins (Pufinus).—Are found at sea round the coast. Some of the gulls 
coming far inland at times. None of these birds breed within our limits, 
but they are believed to lay on the rocky islands of the Red sea. 
Terns, (Sylochelidon, Gelochelidon, Hydrochelidon, Seena, Sterna, 
