507 



winter on the fens and marshes of Cashmere. Their migrations are 

 not well defined. I found them abundant at Poonah in November, 

 whereas they are not plentiful in Bengal or the Punjab until the 

 latter end of December, and disappear by the end of April. A few 

 are found all the year round in the marshes of Bengal, where they 

 doubtless breed. Although common in winter in the Vale of 

 Cashmere, I never saw a single specimen in summer. I think they 

 leave N. W. India and Cashmere to breed in the more temperate 

 parts of Persia or Afghanistan, as the few seen during the hot months 

 will not account for the tremendous numbers which frequent the 

 marshes during the cold season. 



259. Rhynchea bengalensis (Linnaeus). 



There is considerable variety of plumage in some specimens. 

 Comes in with the last two, and, although not nearly so common, 

 is by no means rare in the Punjab and Deccan. 



260. Hydrophasianus chtrurgus (Scopoli). 



Water Pheasant of Europeans. 



Is very common on the lotus-covered lakes of Cashmere, where it 

 breeds. Its favourite attitude is sitting on the broad leaf of the lotus. 

 Flight irregular and flapping. Food, insects. Call, harsh, and re- 

 sembles that of the Water-hen. Is not confined to the lakes in the 

 valley, but sometimes makes excursions up the streams, and has 

 been found in the interior ranges. Not found in the Punjab. 



261. Grits cinerea, Bechst. 



Is very abundant during the cold months on the rivers of the 

 Punjab. They migrate evidently from the west, and return again 

 before the commencement of the hot weather. The numbers that 

 frequent the banks of the Jhelum below the city of that name and 

 the confluence with the Chenab, are almost beyond conception ; they 

 commit great havoc in the wheat-fields. They are shy and diffi- 

 cult of approach. 



Note. — The Ardea virgo and Grus antigone I have not seen in 

 the Punjab : the former is said to be common on the banks of the 

 Jumna, Chumbel, and Soane ; the latter, it would appear, does not 

 visit the upper provinces of Bengal. 



262. Falcinellus igneus (Gmelin). 



Black Curlew. 



Common in the Deccan and Punjab ; frequents marshy places, 

 and feeds on carrion, beetles, scorpions, &c. Generally seen in pairs, 

 or three together. Associates with Rooks on the frontier of the 

 Punjab. Native name, " Kutchechorrah." 



263. Platalea leucorodia, Linnaeus. 

 Plentiful on the rivers of the Punjab during winter. 



