EBA 9 
plumage, which makes their movements silent, and flight noiseless. 
They are usually seen hunting near the ground ; skimming over 
the surface of the land. 
Sup-FAMILY MILVINE ( Kites) 
These birds are so well known, that it seems hardly necessary to 
offer any remarks. ‘Typically they have the bill small, weak and 
much hooked ; tail in some of the commoner species is forked, which 
helps, somewhat to distinguish them from most of the eagles, also 
the appearance of their long, more curved wings when flying. Where- 
as the true eagles, having long tertiaries and coverts give them a 
much heavier and more powerful sweep of their pinions, and further 
the Kites are smaller in size. So that whether resting or flying they 
are readily distinguished from most birds belonging to the previous 
groups. 
(55) HALIASTUR INDUS, Mavroon-backed Kite, is well known to all 
in India. It is generally found in Bengal near the sea, or rivers 
feeding on small fish and aquatic insects. This bird is commonly 
known as the Brahminy Kite, as it is considered sacred to Vishnu 
consequently enjoys unmolested freedom in the plains, where it, 
occasionally, gets food thrown to it by pious Hindus and Mahom- 
edans alike, the latter, owing to certain good fortune it brings on 
auspicious occasions. This species is 21 ins. long; plumage is rich 
chesnut ; quills black; head, neck and lower part of the body 
white. 
(56) Mitvus Govinpa, Common Pariah Kite, is a well known 
scavenger in India, so requires no introduction, for it must have 
long ere this introduced itself where there is anything in the shape 
of food, going a begging or meant for some one else. 
HI. Famity STRIGIDAE (Owls) 
This brings us to the last of the three main divisions, the Lap- 
fores have been divided into. Owls form a distinct and well marked 
eroup of soft plumage birds, having large heads, with eyes and face 
surrounded by a dise or ruff of close set feathers; feet feathered : 
toes reversible ; body closely feathered. These are the nocturnal 
Birds of Prey, some few the Athene ete: show a marked apprecia- 
tion for the day, nevertheless all are more or less nocturnal in 
their habits. Their soft plumage gives them a silent flight when on 
the wing. 
They are divided into the following sub-families :— 
