Descriptive List of the Common Birds 
hawk with long pointed wings. But it does not 
make one dash at its prey after the manner of 
the sparrow-hawk ; it is a strong flier and settles 
down to a long chase in the open country. Its 
eyes are dark. Natives call falcons dark-eyed 
hawks, and sparrow-hawks light-eyed hawks. 
161. Aisalon chicquera: The Turumti, or 
Red-headed Merlin. (F. 1264), (J. 16), (+H) 
Head and a stripe on the cheek chestnut. 
Back and tail grey barred with dark brown ; 
under parts whitish with black streaks and bars. 
This species lives largely on small birds and 
often hunts in couples. . 
162. Tinnunculus alaudaris: The Kestrel ; 
thé English “‘ Windhover.” (F. 1265), (J- 17), 
(+IIT.) 
Head, neck, and tail grey, back and wings 
brick-red. Lower parts cream-coloured spotted 
with brown. The red back makes the bird 
easy to identify, as does its method of hunting 
its quarry. It flies over the open country, 
and every now and then hovers on rapidly 
vibrating wings over some spot where it thinks 
it espies some lizard or other animal. If there 
is an animal there it drops quietly on it, other- 
wise it passes on and hovers elsewhere. 
It is a winter visitor to the plains of India. 
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