AVIFAUNA OF CHOTA NAGPUR. 439 



285— Aytlrya nyroca, Gould. (969.) 



I have never observed the White-eyed Duck in great abun- 

 dance ; but have met with it frequently in the well-watered 

 parts of the Division. 



286.— Fuligula cristata, Bmj. (971.) 



The Tufted Duck occurs in large flocks, not uncommonly, in 

 the well-watered parts of the Division. 



MERGIDiE. 



287.— Mergus castor, Lin. (972.) 



Colonel Tickell, as recorded by Dr. Jerdon, obtained the 

 merganser at Chaibassa. Mr. Hume has obtained it from Raipur, 

 which though outside is adjoining our limits. I have seen this 

 bird in flocks of from a dozen to 30 individuals on several 

 occasions in the Subanrika and Damuda rivers, and once 

 in the Rer river in Sirguja. The only specimen I ever 

 obtained, I believe, I sent home. I certainly have not got 

 it in my collection at present, and I regret to say I have no 

 remarks recorded regarding it. The merganser flies with 

 extreme rapidity. In the Subanrika they may be seen in 

 parties swimming against the stream, and all diving together 

 apparently to catch fish. The sudden disappearance of the 

 whole flock at the same moment gives the idea that they work 

 in concert in hunting the fish which are coming doAvn with the 

 stream. 



I do not know whether this bird has ever been compared with 

 Himalayan specimens. I have a suspicion that it may be 

 distinct. I have a description by me of a specimen obtained by 

 Captain Money in Palamow which does not quite accord 

 with Dr. Jerdon's account of M. castor. A specimen shot 

 near Barakar, and Mr. Hume's from Raipur, are, however, 

 said to belong to that species. See I., 423, and II., 336. 



PODICIPID^E. 



288.— Podiceps philippensis, Gm. (975.) 



The Little Grebe occurs in all parts of the Division. Scarcely 

 a tank is to be seen without one or two of them. Sometimes 

 they appear to dive to the flash of a gun fired at them. 



LARID^L 



289— Hydochelidon indica, Stephens. (984.) 



I appear to have recorded in my notes the occurrence of 

 this bird in Manbhum, but I cannot now remember the 



