92 PERNIS PTILOXORIIYNCHUS. 



One of the most interesting points yet to be decided with reference to Ceylon ornithology is that relating 

 to the movements of this fine bird. "Whether it comes from Burmah or from South India, or even from Sumatra, 

 remains yet to be seen. If an extensive series could be obtained from South India, a comparison of it with 

 another from Ceylon would easily settle the matter with reference to that quarter. 



This species is scattered throughout India, extending into Burmah and a portion of the Asiatic archi- 

 pelago. It is not unfrequent in the south of India, but appears to be local in its distribution there. Jerdon 

 says of it, in the 'Madras Journal :' — " I have only met with this bird in the jungles of the western const and 



Nilghiris. It is by no means common I procured a female at the foot of the Conoor pass, and 



another on the summit of the hills." Mr. Bourdillon appears not to have found it in the Travaucorc district. 

 Near Khaudala and in the western parts of the Deccan it is common ; in the region about Mount Aboo and in 

 Northern Guzerat Captain Butler states that it occurs, but not commonly ; and at Sambhur it appears now and 

 then as a straggler. Mr. Hume does not record it from Sindh. In the North-west Provinces it occurs ; and 

 in Chota Nagpur Mr. Ball has procured it ; but it is found in that district sparingly, though this gentleman saj a 

 that it appears to be common near the Ganges at the north-east corner of the Kajmehal hills ; this, however, 

 has reference to the red-eyed race, which is spread through Bengal, and which some think is specifically 

 distinct from the southern bird. The Pegu race, likewise, Mr. Hume considers differerent from the Bengal 

 on account of its smaller size ; it appears to be not uncommon there. From Teuasserim I do not find that it 

 has as yet been received ; and it has not yet been discovered in the islands of the Bay of Bengal. From Java 

 it is well known ; and of late it has been procured by Mr. Buxton in South-east Sumatra, having been also 

 previously known from the island of Banka. 



Habits. — Well- wooded districts and large tracts of jungle are the favourite habitat of this handsome bird. 

 It is solitary in its habits, and is partial to the vicinity of water. I have more than once surprised it in shady 

 trees on the borders of forest-rivers or lonely tanks, when it would make off with a straight quick flight to 

 another inviting perch. I have also seen it perched on the tops of high trees in forests, when it much 

 resembles the Serpent-Eagle in the distance. It soars high in the air at times, taking short circles as it ascends, 

 and, according to some observers, has the habit of descending with a rush, much to the terror of the small 

 birds in the neighbourhood. This I have not seen myself , though I have witnessed it soaring at a considerable 

 height. Jerdon observed it attempting to hover, which he said it did in a clumsy manner. Its usual diet 

 consists of honey, which it robs in spite of the attacks of the inmates of the nest, against whose stings, however, 

 its peculiarly-feathered face and lores well protect it. With the honey it also devours the young ones, remains 

 of which I have invariably found in its stomach. It is said also to eat other insects, white ants, and small 

 reptiles ; but the latter food, I imagine, is only resorted to when pressed for want of its usual diet. One that 

 was shot in the Fort at Trincomalie was associating with Crows, and flying round the barrack-room at the 

 dinner-hour in company with them, on the look-out for scraps thrown out from the verandahs. Another 

 haunted the fine trees shading the officers' quarters for more than a day, and appeared not to mind the frequent 

 passers-by in the least, finally allowing me to shoot it in the tamest manner. 



Its habits do not appear to have been paid much attention to by Indian observers, Jerdon being the only 

 one who has recorded much concerning it. He writes in the 'Madras Journal :' — "I occasionally saw it seated 

 on a tree, alternately raising and depressing its crest, and in the Nilghiris frequently noticed it questing diligently 



backwards and forwards over the dense woods there Their usual flight is rather slow; but I onee 



observed one flying more rapidly than in general, with a continued motion of its wings, and every now and 

 then attempting to hover, with its wiugs turned very obliquely upwards." He further remarks in the ' Birds 

 of India/ that Burgess mentions his having been told by some natives that, when about to feed on a comb, it 

 .spreads its tail and with it drives off the bees before attacking it. 



Nidification. — The Honey-Buzzard may possibly breed in the central and northern forests of Ceylon; 

 but I know of no evidence to this effect. In India it breeds from April until July, nesting in the forks of 

 trees. It builds a nest of sticks and small twigs, and lines the interior with green leaves or fresh grass — a 

 common habit with raptorial birds. Captain G. Marshall observes that the female sits very close during the 

 period of incubation, and is not easily driven away from its nest. This is unusual with the Hawk tribe, the 



