Descriptive Lnst of the Common Birds 
154. Circus cineraceus: Montagu’s Harrier. 
(F. 1234), (J. 52), (41V,) 
155. Circus cyaneus: ‘The Hen Harrier. 
(F. 1235), (J. 50), (-V.) 
156. Circus melanoleucus: 'The Pied Har- 
rier. (F. 1236), (J. 53), (+IV.) 
157. Circus eruginosus : The Marsh Harrier. 
(F. 1237); J: 54), (-V.) 
I shall not attempt to describe these birds, 
as, although it may be possible to tell the male 
birds apart, the hens are so alike that to distin- 
guish them is no easy matter. The ordinary 
man will doubtless be satisfied to call them all 
harriers. : 
Harriers are cold-weather visitors to India. 
They are striking-looking birds with long wings. 
They fly low, only a few inches above the 
level of the ground, ever on the look out for a 
lizard, a mouse, an insect, or even a small bird. 
They are larger than crows and smaller than 
kites. They hunt over fields and marshes, 
and are not seen in towns, but those who shoot 
must be familiar with them. (Illus. B. B., 
p- 15.) 
158. Astur badius: The Shikra. (F.12 44), 
(J. 23), (+I) 
This is one of the most familiar birds of prey. 
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