Major J. Biddnlph on the Birds of Gilgit. 41 



dull yjllow. A young male of this species shot on 1st Sep- 

 tember is identical with other Indian examples. — G. F. L. M.] 



12. AcciPiTER Nisus (Linn.). 



Very common, except in the depth of winter. I took a 

 nest and four hard-set eggs on the 23rd June. The nest was 

 in a fir tree, about thirty feet from the ground, at an elevation 

 of about 10,000 feet. The collection contains a very fine 

 series of these birds, eleven females and eight males. 



13. ACCIPITER MELASCHISTUS, HumC. 



The collection contains one specimen which, if the sex is 

 rightly ascertained, is clearly referable to this species. Unfor- 

 tunately the determination of sex was made by one of the 

 native collectors ; but as the man had had many years' expe- 

 rience, and the bird was killed in July, it seems hardly cre- 

 dible that a mistake should have been made. 



Sex male. Wing just short of 10 inches, tail 8'o. The 

 claws are decidedly larger and more powerful than in female 

 specimens of A. nisus of similar general dimensions ; and the 

 plumage agrees closely with Hume's original description. 



14. Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.). 



To be seen at all times of the year, generally in pairs. I 

 have constantly seen them stoop at Partridges [Caccabis 

 chukor) . 



Many young ones, conspicuous by the white tail, noticed 

 in winter-time, hunting these Partridges. 



15. NlSAETUS PENNATUS (Gmcl.). 



In March and April a number are seen for a short time. 

 Not noticed at any other time. A fsAV specimens were secured 

 in these months. One, a male, is in the plumage figured 

 by Dresser in the ' Birds of Europe,' except that the whole 

 of the sides of the neck and the throat are brown, each fea- 

 ther centred darker, but palest in the middle of the throat. 

 Length 20*25 inches, wing 14*5, tail 9, tarsus 2'5. Weight 

 1 lb. 8 oz. Cere pale yellow; irides pale red. 



16. Pandion haliaetus (Linn.). 



An Osprey was observed by me, at intervals of about three 



