104 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



the appearance of one of these birds over either party prognosti- 

 cates victory to that side. 



H. leucosternus, Goidd, from Australia, is very close to our 

 Indian bird, and Milvus sphenurus, Vieillot, is by some also placed 

 as a third species of Haliastur. 



Gen. i\IiLVUS, Cuvier. 



Char. — Bill short, somewhat straight at the base, tip well curved 

 and hooked, upper mandible with a rounded obsolete tooth or 

 festoon, nostrils oval, oblique ; wings long, 4th quill, or 3rd and 

 4th, longest ; tail lengthened, forked or emarginate ; tarsus short, 

 plumed above in front, with scntar in front below ; posteriorly 

 naked to the knee, reticulate ; toes rather short, claws moderate, 

 unequal, moderately curved ; outer toe slightly mobile. 



This genus, though differing a good deal from what I consider 

 to be the typical kites, yet resembles them in its short tarsus ; and 

 the only other forked tail bird of prey belongs to this 

 family (Nauclerus). Although near Buteo, it differs considerably 

 from it, especially in its short tarsi, and long tail, and its 

 habits are very different. It may be said to represent in this 

 sub-family the Eagles, as the last bird does the sea-eagles. 



Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are much on the wing and 

 fly with ease and grace in large circles. They live chiefly on 

 refuse, but also eat insects, reptiles, and young and sickly birds 

 and animals. They build both on trees, and on rocks or 

 buildings. 



56. Milvus Govinda, Stkes. 



Sykes, Cat. 17— HoRSF., Cat. 17— Gould, Birds of Asia, 

 pi. 52 — M. cheele, apud Jerdon, Cat. 16— M. indicus, or cheela, 

 Hodgson — Hal. lineatus, Gray and Hardw., 111. Ind. ZooL I., 

 pi. 18, (young)— M. ater, apud Blyth, Cat. 127 — CMl. H. — 

 Malla gedda, Tel. — Paria prandu Tsun.— Genda of the Mharis. 

 The Common Pariah Kite. 



Descr.— Adult, head and neck pale brown, or rufous, or 

 reddish, with dark central streaks ; upper plumage brown, paler 

 on the shoulders and lesser wing coverts, quills brownish black, tail 



