STRAY FEATHERS. 



Vol. V.] JUNE 1877. [No. 2. 



Uotc on futco ksevtorum attb gntco glumigcs. 



By J. H. Gurney, Esq. 



Having been much interested in the Editorial remarks 

 on the Indian Buzzards, contained in the December No. 

 of Stray Feathers for 1876, p. 358, I beg to offer, as in some 

 degree supplementary to them, the following comparative 

 measurements of Buteo desertovum and Buteo plumipes, to which 

 I have added a few remarks as to the coloration of both these 

 species ; the undermentioned specimens are all in the Norwich 

 museum, except where the contrary is specified, and the mea- 

 surements, with the exception of four quoted from Dresser's 

 Birds of Europe, have been all taken by myself, the wing* 

 being measured from the carpal joint to the tip of the longest 

 primary, along the external surface of the wing, and with a 

 flexible measure so as to allow for the slight convexity of the 

 surface, the tarsus to the origin of the toes, and the bare space 

 in front of the tarsus to the same point from the tip of the 

 tarsal feathers : — 



Ascertained and presumed males of Buteo desertovum. 



* My measurements are not round the edge of the wing, but straight from the 

 carpal joint to the tip of the longest primary, measured on the inner surface of the 

 wing, this latter being pressed flat on a table. About half an inch (more or less, for it 

 varies I find in different specimens) must be deducted from Mr. Gurney's measure- 

 ments to make them comparable with mine. — A. O. H. 



t Must 1 should say be really females. — A, 0. H. 



