501 



221. Tetragallus himalayensis (Hardw.). 



Local name, " Jer Monal ; " by the natives of Cashmere, " Gourka 

 gu " and "Kubuk." Snow Pheasant of Europeans. Confined to the 

 snowy ranges of the Western Himalayas, above the region of forest 

 trees ; is not universally distributed ; plentiful in Koonawer, Cheenee, 

 the high ranges of Cashmere, and Ladakh. In the summer months, 

 as the snow melts, they migrate northwards ; and during rigorous 

 winters are often driven into the forests of the Middle Ranges. I 

 have seen them on the Peer Pinjal Ranges, south of Cashmere, in 

 July, but only on the tops of the highest peaks, 12,000 or 13,000 

 feet above the level of the sea. Generally seen in flocks of from 

 twenty to thirty together by the margin of the melting snow : they 

 are partial to these situations, where they feed on the tender shoots 

 of plants just appearing above ground. In summer I have seldom 

 met more than a pair together ; indeed, on the ranges frequented by 

 the bird during the winter months, not one is seen in June and July. 

 The Golden Eagle and Bearded Vulture are great tormentors of this 

 species : I do not think they destroy old birds ; but the young fall 

 an easy prey to them. They never perch on trees, but prefer rocks 

 or eminences close to snow, where they are with difficulty seen even 

 within 100 yards distance ; their loud wailing cry, however, is heard 

 far off. The tail is carried erect while on the ground ; and their un- 

 gainly gait resembles that of a large Grey Goose. They always feed 

 upwards towards the tops of the mountains, walking slowly. The 

 species of wild Primulcs constitute their favourite food. The call is 

 very various, something like the following : whoo wit whit whit wit 

 wit wit weeit weeit wee ; it is a soft whistle. These birds are very 

 tame, and approached without difficulty from below, as they fly 

 always down the mountain when flushed, and seldom rise until the 

 sportsman is within thirty yards. The flesh is not savoury, and 

 frequently of a disagreeable flavour. Having seen the bird at all 

 seasons on the Cashmere Ranges, I am inclined to think they breed 

 there, although the majority migrate to Chinese Tartary in summer. 

 A hardy species, and stands confinement well. 



222. Lerva nivicola (Hodgson). 



Local, Quoir Monal. Snow Partridge of Europeans. 



Frequents like situations to the last bird ; but its haunts are more 

 selected: it is less generally distributed ; occasionally seen on the 

 highest mountains forming the northern barrier of the "Vale of Cash- 

 mere. Is very tame ; when flushed emits a loud harsh whistle, and 

 continues the call even when settled and out of danger. Its general 

 appearance and habits very closely resemble the Snow Pheasant. 

 The female lays six or eight eggs, and during incubation displays the 

 same desire to draw away the attention of the sportsman as observed 

 in the family generally. 



223. Pterocles arenarius (Pallas). 

 Punjab ; N.W. Provinces of Bengal : common. 



