312 THE FOOD OP BIRDS 18 INDIA. 



but local damage. The Quail probably obtains nearly all itrf 

 grain food by gleaning. Crows do some considerable damage 

 to the young plants, but nothing in comparison with that done 

 by some of the Cranes, Geese and Ducks which often destroy 

 acres of the young plants in a night. The Demoiselle Crane is 

 said to be partial to wheat grain, and attacks newly sown grain. 

 MAIZE (Zea mays). 



The common species of Crows take some considerable amount 

 of maize, and all the common species of Myrahs especially 

 Acridotheres tristis and Sturnopastor contra. Maize has been 

 taken from the stomachs of these and also Gymnorhis flavi- 

 collfe and Palwornis torquatus which is as great a pest on 

 this crop^as on all other grain crops. Suthora ruficeps and 

 Pavo cristatus (Peacock) are also said to take this grain. 

 The young plants do not appear to be damaged by birds, 

 though the grain is in most cases taken before it is ripe. 



LEGUMINOUS CROPS. 



GROUND-NUT (Arachis hypogcea). 



Occasionally taken by Acridotheres tristis, the common Mynah. 

 In some localities this crop is much damaged by the Indian 

 House Crow (C. splendens), and Corvus macrorhynchus. 



RAHAR (Cajanus indicus). 



Seeds have been taken from the stomachs of lurtur suratensis, 

 T. risorius, and Francolinus vulgaris, but in small quantities 

 only. The Common Quail (Coturnix communis) is said to 

 glean the seeds from stubbles, and some of the Cranes 

 especially Grus communis feed on the flower and pocs alike. 

 Some of the Bustards are partial to mustard floweis and 

 therefore are almost certain to take the floweis on this ciop, 

 if hot too high. 



* CHENNA (Cicer arietinum). The Chick-pea. 



Not a common food. It is said to be taken by the Peacock, 

 two species of Quails (C. communis, and C. coromandelica) 



* The author's meauiug is not clear, Cicer arietinum, the chick pea is commonly called 



Gram " whereas Phatevlus mungo is '* Mung " or " Urid." [H.M.L,] 



