382 AVIFAUNA OF CHOTA NAGPUR. 



I found this bird very common when geologising in the 

 deep-cut rock channels of the rivers of Sirguja. I fre- 

 quently flushed one from some ledge or hole in the rocks* 

 Once disturbed it would keep well ahead of me, flying from 

 point to point as I progressed, often too for long distances away 

 from its perch. 



I once saw an; old bird endeavouring to defend two fully 

 fledged young from the vigorous attacks of an Eagle which I 

 took to be Neopus malaiensis, Reinw. The old birds flew oft 

 on my approach, so I did not witness the expected denouement. 



Measurement of one in inches. 



Sirguja ? Wing 14*8; tail 7*8 ; tarsus 2*9; mid toe 1*7 ; 

 claw 1*2. 



None of my Sirguja specimens are so large as Dr. Jerdon's 

 measurements. A specimen from the N. W. Himalayas has 

 the wing 15'75. 



26.— Urrua coromanda, Lath. (70.) 



Of the Dusky-horned Owl I have seen but one specimen in 

 Chota Nagpur. This was a domesticated individual which 

 was captured in Manbhum. 



27.— Ketupa Ceylonensis, Gmel. (72.) 



The Brown Fish Owl occurs in much the same localities as 

 the Rock-horned Owl, but is not so abundant. It takes flight 

 freely during the day time, but perhaps not quite so readily 

 as the other. I have found its nest with one or two young in 

 holes in the rocks in the beginning of April. 



Measurements in inches : — 

 Sirguja <? Wiug 16*2; Tail 7*7; Tarsus 3; Bill from gape 2*1. 

 <? » 16 * 8 „ 2-9 „ „ „ 2- 



28.— Scops peimata, Hodg. (24.) 



The Indian Scops Owl occurs, I believe, only sparingly in 

 Chota Nagpur. I only obtained two specimens which I shot in 

 Gangpur. 



Measurements in inches : — 



Wing 6*25 ; tail 3 ; tarsus 2'6. 



29.— Athene Brama (76.) 



The Spotted Owlet is very abundant in the mango and 

 mhowa groves, and Sal (Shorea robusta) " rakhs" of the Divi- 

 sion. Mr. Hume's Heteroglaux Elewitti should be looked for 

 in Chota Nagpur. 



