246 FIRST LIST OF THE BIRDS OF 



birds for food. They peroh on the trees that are studded about 

 the expanse of paddy fields during the day, and retire for the 

 night to the tree jungle. 



34. — Limnaetus caligatus, Raffles. 



2Sth March 1878, Female.— Length, 26*75 ; expanse, 56*0 ; 

 wing, 16*50 ; tail from vent, 1210 ; tarsus, 3*75; bill from 

 gape, 1*86 ; bill at front, including cere, 1*58; closed wings fall 

 short of end of tail, 3*75. Irides stone colour ; feet dusky yel- 

 low ; bill and cere black ; gape bluish ; nostrils greenish. 



24th May, Male. — Length, 25*75; expanse, 51*0; wing, 

 15*12; tail from vent, 10*75; tarsus, 3*75; bill from gape, 

 1*58 ; bill at front, including cere, 1*33 ; closed wings fall short 

 of end of tail, 4 , 33. Irides bright golden yellow ; feet dirty 

 greenish yellow ; mouth inside, leaden blue ; bill and cere black ; 

 claws black ; orbits pinkish, clothed with white down ; testes 

 quarter inch in length. 



28th May, Male.— Length, 26*0 ; expanse, 52*0 ; \*ing, 16*20 ; 

 tail from vent, 11*75 ; tarsus, 4*0 ; bill from gape, 1*92; bill 

 at front, including cere, 1*58 ; closed wings fall short of end 

 of tail, 3*60. Bill and cere black ; gape paler ; orbits light 

 green; irides pale orange; feet pale yellow; mouth iuside, 

 fleshy, tinged blue at the edges ; testes small. 



Mh June, Male. — Length, 25*50 ; expanse, 48*50 ; wing, 

 14*50 ; tail from vent, 11*0; tarsus, 4*0; bill from gape, 1*70 ; 

 bill at front, including* cere, 1*46 ; closed wings fall short of 

 end of tail, 4*25. Irides bright yellow ; bill and cere black ; 

 feet dirty yellowish white ; mouth, inside bluish ; testes small. 



This species is very common. Wherever there is a tank sur- 

 rounded with heavy tree and cane jungle, one of these birds is 

 sure to be found. None of the birds, on dissection, showed 

 signs of breeding, nor could any of the natives call to mind 

 having found a nest. I never had any difficulty in getting within 

 range of these birds, and don't recollect meeting any but single 

 ones. I have seen very nearly half a pound of meat taken out 

 of the crop of one of these birds. Their cry is very loud and 

 shrill, and is uttered when perched on a tree as well as on the 

 wing. They are permanent residents. 



34^4. — Limnaetus horsfieldi, Vigors. 



2ord May 1878. — Near the factory is a small market-place, 

 in the centre of which a huge Burgot tree rears its head. 

 About 40 feet off the ground, and in the fork of one of the 

 primary branches, this bird's nest was placed. When first 

 I noticed the parent bird, half her body was visible above the 



