246 THE FOOD OF BIRDS IN INDIA. 



Termites when these insects are available, many of the birds habi- 

 tually scraping in the ground to get at them. Some are also at tirm s 

 foul feeders. 



The following is from the Second Annual Report S. A. C. L. B. 

 (Fuller, Natal, 1908), with regard to the locust-egg eatirg propen- 

 sities of the Guinea-fowl, presumably the bird usually known by 

 that name. ' Whilst these birds are our best natural alli's, many 

 other animals can be mentioned such as baboors ard all kinds of 

 predaceous insects, rodents, and reptiles. Special mention should 

 be made of the habit of the Guinea-fowl and mier-cat in digging 

 up locust eggs and devouring them. Several large areas of eggs 

 were thus destroyed in Moreed and Zoutpansburg, and immerse 

 swarms of ' voet-gangers ' (hoppers) were destroyed by the former 

 in all parts of the colony. The guinea-fowl contrary to popular 

 belief does not stay in the lands during summer, but retires to 

 the bush in order to mate and rear its young. Whilst there it 

 destroys many ' voet-gangers ' in places which are difficult for us 

 to work. Observations also show that they do no haim to 

 crops." It would therefore seem that a judicious importation of 

 these birds into locust producing districts in India might be of 

 some considerable value. In spite of the fact that the Nilgiri 

 Gam? Association have apparently failed to introduce the Guinea- 

 fowl into their district (Nilgiri D. G., 36-37), these birds thrive in 

 many parts of the country, and are kept domesticated in large 

 numbers, and we see no reason why wild birds of various species 

 if turned down should not thrive also, in suitable localities. The 

 keeping of poultry is certainly to be recommended always. In 

 addition to their value as food the feathers of many species are 

 used for decorative purposes, and in minor industries for making 

 artificial flies for fishing, arrow flights, etc. 



The Peacock (P. cristatus) occurs in the North-West being re- 

 placed in Burma by its ally P. muticus. The Jungle-fowls are found 

 generally in hilly jungle tracts and the Pheasants are entirely con- 

 fined to the hills, chiefly the Himalayas, four being practically cor- 

 fined to Burma and the Malayan region. 



