504 



232. Perdicula asiatica (Latham). 

 Coturnix jjentah, Sykes. 



" Lowa " of the natives ; Bush Quail of Europeans. 



Frequents the valleys of the lower ranges of the Western Hima- 

 layas ; gregarious and migratory. Its food consists of small seeds, 

 such as mustard. Rises with a quick whirring noise ; flies only a 

 short distance, frequently dropping into the nearest bush, where it 

 secretes itself. I have not seen this species on the plains of India. 



233. Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre. 

 Tetrao coturnix, Linnaeus. 



Dispersed all over India ; assembling in great numbers during the 

 ripening of the spring and autumn crops. Breeds in the dense 

 jungles. 



234. Coturnix coromandelica (Gmelin). 

 Rain Quail. 



Not uncommon during the rains in the gardens and fields around 

 Poonah in the Deccan ; not seen in Scinde, Punjab, or the Hima- 

 laya Mountains. 



235. Otis macqueenii (Hard.). 



Common in Scinde ; found in the country between Loodeana and 

 Ferozepoor, likewise in various parts of the Punjab. They frequent 

 sandy plains alternating with patches of long grass and fields of 

 grain, and cause much destruction in wheat-fields by eating the 

 young shoots. Iris black ; sclerotic coat yellow ; eye large and 

 globular. This bird is migratory in the above districts, and only 

 seen in winter ; doubtless it comes from Persia, where it is said to 

 be found at all seasons. English sportsmen call this bird " Hau- 

 bara." 



236. Eupodotis edwardii (Gray). 

 Otis nigriceps (Vigors). 



Found occasionally near Poonah in the Deccan ; not common. 

 It is said to have been seen in the Valley of Peshawur, but this only 

 from native reports. 



237. Cursorius coromandelicus (Gmelin). 



Pretty common on the sandy wastes of Scinde ; gregarious ; seen 

 usually in flocks of fifteen or twenty. Runs with great speed. 

 Favourite food, a species of Sand Locust. The flesh of this bird is 

 very tender and wholesome. 



238. (Edicnemus crepitans (Temminck). 



" Khurma" of the natives. 

 Bastard Floriken of Sportsmen. 



On the banks of the Jhelum River, from the town of Jhelum south- 



