18/2.] MR. E. W. H. HOLDSWORTH ON CEYLONESE BIRDS. 415 



Jerdon ; but Mr. Gurney tells me that the birds from Ceylon are 

 usually larger than those from India. Although this bird is well 

 known from Ceylon, it appears not to have been hitherto recorded 

 from that island. 



Ceylon, India, Burmah to Malaya. 



24. Baza lophotes, Cuv. 



Not very numerous, but has been found both in the low country 

 and on the hills. I have seen specimens from the Randy district. 

 Ceylon, India. 



25. Elanus melanopterus, Daud. 



I have only seen specimens of this handsome bird from the hills, 

 where locally it is not uncommon. Layard obtained it in the low 

 country. 



Ceylon, India, part of Africa, S. Europe. 



26. Strix indica, Blyth. 



Formerly included in S. javanica, De Wurmb., which Jerdon has 

 recently (Ibis, 1871) stated to be more nearly allied to S. Candida, 

 Tickell. S. indica is very local in Ceylon, and is entirely confined 

 to the north of the island. Layard gave the fort of Jaffna as the 

 only locality for it ; but I have since obtained it at Aripo, where a 

 pair of these Owls were resident. They frequented a government 

 storehouse in my compound, each regularly perching in a dark 

 corner under the roof, at opposite ends of the long building, and 

 apparently living in harmony with the hundreds of Bats which hung 

 from the roof and walls around. I have never observed these birds 

 out of doors until some time after sunset. 



Bill horny yellow ; hides black ; feet yellowish brown. 



Ceylon, India. 



27. Syrnium indranee, Sykes. 



This bird is found in the low country in the northern half of the 

 island and on the lower hills ; but although well known to and 

 dreaded by the natives as a bird of ill omen, it does not appear to 

 be anywhere numerous. Doubts have been expressed as to whether 

 the so-called "Devil-bird" is really an Owl; but I have frequently 

 questioned the native hunters about the bird, which is so notorious 

 in Ceylon for its horrible cries ; and they have described it in such 

 terms as to leave no doubt in my mind about its being an Owl, and 

 probably of this species. 



I have only seen specimens of it from the Kandy district ; but it 

 has been found in several parts of the island, and I once had an 

 opportunity of hearing the bird under very favourable circumstances 

 near Aripo. I was lying out in wild jungle about eight miles from 

 my house, and five from the nearest native village, watching for 

 Bears. It was bright, moonlight ; the Nightjars had long ceased 

 their churring notes, and there was an almost unnatural stillness 

 around — the midnight silence of the jungle, only occasionally broken 



