ACCTPITRTNJE. 53 



and in the bands on the lower belly, and thigh coverts, being fewer 

 and lighter in tint, 



Irides bright yellow ; cere pale lemon yellow ; legs and feet 

 greenish yellow. 



Leno-th of a male about 11 inches ; wing 6f ; tail 5 ; tars. 2. A 

 female measured 14|- ; wings 8-^ ; tail 6^ ; tars. 2^. A male weighed 

 Sjoz. ; a. female 7oz. 



The Besra, or Jungle Sparrowhawk, is comparatively rare, 

 though well-known throughout India to all who take an interest in 

 hawking. It is found in all the large forests of India; in the 

 Himalayas, on the slopes of the Neelgherries, in the Malabar forests, 

 and here and there on the Eastern Ghats, and the forests of Central 

 India. It extends to Assam, Burmah, Malayana, and the Isles, 

 After the breeding season is over, about July, a few birds, usually 

 young ones, straggle to various portions of the more wooded parts 

 of the country. Mr. Elliot says he has only met with it in the 

 Soonda Jungles (in Canara.) 



The Besra and other short-winged Hawks, as well as occasion- 

 ally the Lugger and some of the Falcons, are usually caught by 

 what is called among Falconers the Do Guz. This is a small thin 

 net from four to five feet long, and about three feet broad, stained 

 of a dark colour, and fixed between two thin pieces of bamboo, 

 by a cord on which it runs. The bamboos are fixed lightly in the 

 ground, and a living bird is picketed about the middle of the net, 

 and not quite a foot distant from it. The Hawk makes a dash at 

 the bird, which it sees struggling at its tether, and in the keenness 

 of its rush, either not observing the net from its dark colour, or 

 not heeding it, dashes into it, the two side sticks give way, and the 

 net folds round the bird so effectually as to keep it almost from 

 fluttering. 



The Besra is said to be somewhat more difficult to train than 

 most of the Hawks, and it is a delicate bird, and requires great care 

 and attention, especially during the hot season. It is highly es- 

 teemed among native Falconers, and sells for a considerable price. 

 It is very speedy, and is particularly active and clever in jungle, 

 being a denizen of the forests in its wild state. It is chiefly flown 



