NOTES ON THE BIRD8 OF UPPER ASSAM. 566 



The advent of these Harriers : the adult males in their pure white and 

 grey plumage with a rapid graceful flight as they beat the ground in search 

 of food is a charming sight and as true harbingers of the eagerly desired 

 cold weather are always welcome. The presence of these marauders is 

 duly announced by Bulbuls and Mynahs who create a general commotion 

 and quickly betake themselves to any light jungle aftording a retreat when 

 they survey the flight of their dreaded enemy from the tops should they 

 pass at a safe distance. A near approach and they drop into the inner 

 denser foliage. There appears to be no lack of food to supply their wants 

 judging by the numbers which visit the plains during the cold season. 

 Hoopoes fall an easy prey and pay a heavy toll in consequence. 



Dejoo, North Lakhimpur, 15-2-09, Harriers evidently have certain 

 chosen spots when disposing of their captures. I noted this day the 

 red feathers of the male Minivet (Pericrocotus brevirostris) , tail feathers of 

 Bulbuls [Otocompsa emeria), {Molpastes bengalensis) and Trogon {Karpactea 

 erythrocephalus) at one such place. Circus cyanens is apparently the com- 

 mon species. There is no reason why C . piygargus (L.), Montagu's Harrier, 

 should not occur although I have failed to get any specimens. 



343. CiroMs melanoleucus (Forst.) [12361. — The Pied Harrier. 



Bodutti, North Lakhimpur, 13-1-11, S ''', passed me at a remarkably 

 close range, so intent was it quartering the ground in search of food. North 

 Lakhimpur, station limits, 20-3-09,(5'^, beating over the Polo Ground. 

 Harmutty, North Lakhimpur (base of hills), 22-3-09, S *• 



North Lakhimpur, station limits, 7-4-08, S *, frequenting the open 

 ground by the cutcherry. 



Dejoo, North Lakhimpur, 20-7-08, S *, passed overhead flying in the 

 direction of Harmutty over the heavy forest at the base of the hills, quite 

 out of its usual habitat. 



Silonibari, 31-7-11 , $ *, a beautiful adult manoeuvring at the top end of 

 the garden identified by its small size and dark plumage. A dirty 

 afternoon, a heavy shower fell shortly afterwards. 



Dejoo, 24-9-10, S ''', undoubtedly on arrival from higher elevations, 

 morning very wet, north wind blowing, observed beating over the garden. 



Silonibari, 3-10-11, $ *; presumably this species seen again 9-10-11. 



Dejoo, 11-10-10, $•'•-, very dark bird, 25-11-07, (5 * ; 25-12-10, c? *. 



More addicted to wide open expanses of grass lands, although it may be 

 seen beating over damp marshy ground, seldom seen in the forest tracts 

 at the base of the hills. The above records are thus deemed worthy of 

 note. Resident: yet it can only be regarded thus in a partial manner as it 

 is undoubtedly most plentiful in the cold weather months. 



344. Circus ceruginosus (L.) [1237]. — The Marsh Harrier. 



Bhimpoora hlnl, Gogaldhubie. 



7-12-05, o » crown aud throat rufous with a few dark streaks ; man 

 somewhat light, other rest of plumage dark brown. Wing 16-25". 



9-12-05, S , crown rufous with dark markings ; mantle and breast rufous 

 mixed with dark blotchings. Wing 16"'. 



Iris stone brown ; cere bluish-yellow ; bill horny black ; tarsus dingy 

 yellow; claws black. 



20-12-05, c? , crown rufous with a few light streaks ; throat and breast 

 white mixed with heavy brown blotchings, mantle somewhat rufous. 

 Wing 17-75". 



6-12-05, $ , crown dull yellowish- white feathers abraded ; throat similar ; 

 breast somewhat rufous otherwise in dark plumage ; mantle slightly 

 blotched rufous. Wing 17". 



Iris dark brown ; cere pale yellowish;; bill black horn, bluish at base ; 

 tarsus dirty yellow ; claws black. 



