THE BIRDS OF THE LUCKNOW CIVIL DIVISION, 5 
17.—Cerchneis tinnunculus, Zin. Native name— 
Koruttia. 
8th October, Female.—Length, 15°50; expanse, 30; wing, 
10°80; tail, 8°25; tarsus, ; bill from gape, ‘90; weight, 
74 02. 
*From about the middle of September to the 15th April, the 
Kestrel is very abundant, though it begins to migrate to the 
hills as early as the commencement of March. But I think it 
doubtful whether the whole of them migrate, having seen a 
pair frequenting the telegraph wires along the railway on the 
30th July—a very early date for their return, supposing them 
to have bred in the hills. 
For some hours in the morning, and for two or three 
before sunset, the Kestrel is much on the wing, hovering 
alike over barren plains and cultivated tracts. During the 
day it frequently takes shelter in trees—solitary ones pre- 
ferred—but as often rests on some eminence or irrigation 
ridge on the open plains. It feeds on small mammals, 
often, I think, on nothing but frogs; but I have seen it break- 
fasting on a dove ( Turtur suratensis), though I am unable to 
say whether it killed it or not. It feeds, however, chiefly on 
insects. 
There is a favorite incubating place of the Kestrel about half 
way between Almora and Naini Tal, where I found it breeding 
in company early in May. 
18 dis.—Cerchneis pekinensis, Svoinh. 
I have not myself noticed the Eastern Lesser Kestrel, but it. 
undoubtedly occurs in the Division, though whether as a seasonal 
visitor or a permanent resident, 1 cannot say, though I presume 
as only the former. 
There are two specimens in the Lucknow Museum which were 
captured in the neighbourhood, and Mr. Anderson, on visiting 
the Museum in 1875, took away two more—vide STRay 
Fratuers, Vol. III., page 384, so the bird may fairly claim 
a place in this list. - 
23.—Astur badius, Gm. Native name—Shikra. 
11th November, Male.—Length, 13°; expanse, 24°25 ; wing, 
7:70; tail, 6°60; tarsus, 1°80; bill, from gape, -80; weight, 
5} oz. Irides dark red; legs dirty yellow. 
The Shikra—still highly prized by the few natives who 
indulge in Faleonry—is a permanent resident and the most com- 
mon and universally spread of all the hawk tribe. It frequently 
enters and lives in compounds, and may be found in almost 
