CUB? 7) 
country. They descend to lower elevatious as snow storms drive 
them down to more sequestered spots. In some respects they are 
not unlike some of the pheasants Monaul in particular, in habits, 
though unlike these birds they associate in biggish flocks. Their 
call is shrill, clear and Monaul like. They seldom or ever seek shel- 
ter in the pine forests ; but prefer open country, and bare rocky 
uplands. They appear, when grouped together, not unlike white 
and grey looking Ptarmigans, and can be observed from a distance. 
They make an easy mark for the eagles, which frequent these heights 
and keep them on the move. 
(817) LERWA NIVICOLA, Snow Partridge, is found on a like alti- 
tude as the former species, and remains much in coveys on bare open 
ground. They are grouse-like in many respects, on the other’ hand 
not unlike snow-cock. In winter they descend to lower elevations. 
Occasionally a stray couple or two remain to breed above the bare 
slopes at Tongloo and Sandakphu where I have now and again found 
them. Lerwa is about 16 inches, extent 24 inches; legs and feet 
red; bill short and strong ; orbits plumed ; wings big and pointed, 
2nd quill longest ; tarsi partially feathered, also with spurs; colour 
grouse-like as a whole; barred with black and yellowish white ; 
chestnut tinged on wing-coverts, sides of the neck and shoulders ; 
quills brownish with yellowish freckles ; underparts with longish 
chestnut dashes which coalesce on the breast ; tail with bars of grey 
and rufous. 
IJ.—ROCK and SAND PARTRIDGES. 
(820) CaccaBIS CHUKOR, Chukor Partridge, are well known birds 
in the plains. Some of them ascend in spring, to near the snows. 
In the district they are occasionally met with, about, latter part of 
the rainy season, when numbers of these birds hide away among 
‘“Bhuta Khets” as fields of Indian Corn are called in the hills. This 
Chukor is about 16 inches in length; bill red; irides yellowish 
white ; legs and feet red ; colour, above, is pale bluish ashy tinged 
with chestnut ; wings reddish ash ; tail ash with a chestnut tinge ; 
face reddish with a black band near the eyes ; lores black ; a white 
streak behind the eyes ; neck and breast ash coloured ; under tail- 
coverts and abdomen buff, a prominent black band on either side of 
the breast. Sexes are alike in colour ; female a little smaller than 
the male. Kyah Partridge is found at foot of the hills. 
IIlL.—GREY or BUSH PARTRIDGES, are not found in the 
district. 
IV,—WOOD-PARTRIDGES. 
