0) 
somewhat barbarous practice is on the decline. I well: remember a 
visit, to an old Rajpoot state, where Falconers of ancient lineage, 
talked sadly of the days, when notable warriors, came from far off 
lands, to witness the prowess of Shahin falcon, or Golden Eagle of 
the Mongolian principalities. The falcon’s bill is short, well curved 
and hooked, with a sharp tooth; wings long, first quills notched 
on the inner web, second quill longest, and also usually notched ; 
legs short and muscular; toes longish; claws sharp, curved and 
retractile. 
(8) FALCO PEREGRINUS, Peregrine Falcon, is a well known bird 
owing to its prowess on the hunting field. It is found in most 
places in India. In former times it was usually trained to strike 
herons, egrets ete. which it does with its hallux or rather hind 
claw, when it has caught up to the bird, and got within range, or 
striking distance. In size peregrinus is about 153”. It has a distinct- 
ly marked cheek stripe; wings long and pointed. When seen on a 
perch, close by, the tips of the wings reach, to end of the tail ; legs 
and feet are yellow ; bill blue ; cere yellow ; colour of the upper 
plumage is bluish grey ; wings black, spotted and barred with white, 
lower parts of the body white with longitudinal streaks. The 
general appearance of this falcon is dark in colour. Peregrines are 
uncommon in Darjeeling. Generally when present, they hide away 
among the dense foliage. 
LANNERS 
(10) Fatco Sacer, Saker Falcon. This bird is much rarer in 
these parts than the last. It is larger in size, male being about 
18” in length, female about 21". Its tail is longer ; toes shorter 
than the Peregrine. From a distance you will find but little differ- 
ence in colour generally ; head is reddish-ash with black streaks ; 
upper parts are light brown ; below white with large oblong slate 
coloured spots. 
(14) HyporriorcHus SEVERUS, Indian Hobby. This bird re- 
sides chiefly in the Himalayas and seldom visits the plains except 
in the cold weather. It is fairly small in size, being about 103” 
long. The Hobby usually comes out to hunt, a little before dusk, 
occasionally it goes for small birds, preferably larks and finches, which 
are bolder on the wing, than birds which keep to the dense foliage ; 
also allured, no doubt by the dainty morsel these fat little birds 
offer. Hobby generally makes straight, like an arrow from the bow, 
at a flock of mixed Larks and Finches—on the wing, usually seen at 
approach of the cold weather ; but the marvellous evolutions of 
these birds, in mid air, is beautiful to watch, as they follow the in- 
structions of their leaders, as it were, and sweep in great circles, 
