80 ON THE RAPTORIAL BIRDS OF INDIA. [Jan. 16, 



57. Pernis cristata, Cuvier. (The Crested Honey-Buzzard.) 



Common, and is easily recognized on the wing, at any stage of 

 plumage, by its peculiar flight. Seems to be an object of special 

 aversion to Parrots {Palceornis torquatus), which invariably pursue 

 this species with every appearance of hatred. I have frequently 

 watched a flock of Parrots in the act of pouncing down on one of 

 these birds, even from a considerable height. The Honey-Buzzard 

 seeks refuge by flight, but is immediately overtaken and mobbed by 

 its pursuers, till at last it manages to conceal itself in some densely 

 foliaged tree. 1 have found this species building in March and 

 April, but have never succeeded in procuring their eggs. 



The food of this Buzzard consists of honeycombs and insects. 

 The craw of one I examined contained more than half a pound of 

 wax, honey, and bees ; the culmen and scale-like feathers of the head 

 were quite sticky from the freshly eaten honey. 



I once, however, saw this bird in the act of pursuing something 

 in long grass, half flying and half running, which I think must have 

 been a Leveret. Its erectile crest, golden-coloured eyes, and rapid 

 movements gave it a very fine appearance. I believe it is not above 

 eating small birds ; for one perched one day on a small enclosure 

 wall within a few paces of my tent, casting wistful glances at my 

 chickens. 



The jemadar of my guard, a high-caste Hindoo (Thakoor), picked 

 up a specimen of this bird that I had thrown away ; and, on my 

 expressing my surprise at his touching it, he informed me that it 

 was a mistake to consider this bird as belonging to the Hawk- 

 kind, as its food was pure honey, and, further, that it was delicious 

 eating! He called it " Mud-kaie," which signifies literally honey- 

 comb-eater. 



59. Elanus melanopterus, Daud. (The Black-winged Kite.) 



This handsome little bird, the connecting-link as it were between 

 the Harriers and Kites, affects open, marshy country, and is generally 

 found seated on a small tree. 



It is by no means a common bird in these parts ; and though it is 

 a permanent resident, we know next to nothing about its nidification. 

 I believe the bird breeds in the Oudh Terai, as in the month of 

 April one year, when out tiger-shooting in that locality, I saw great 

 numbers of them, and am almost certain I once saw one fly off its 

 nest. 



The immature bird, in its mottled stage, has the iris yelloiu ; but 

 every mature specimen that I have seen has it blood-red. 



60. Strix indica, Blyth. (The Indian Screech-Owl.) 

 Common. 



65. Bulacca ocellata, Lesson. (The Mottled Wood-Owl.) 



Common. This species frequently builds a nest, laying usually 

 a pair of eggs, generally in February and March. 



