Descriptive Lnst of the Common Birds 
It is fairly common in N. India ; rare in the 
south. 
206. Rhynchops albicollis : The Indian Skim- 
mer, or Scissors-bill. (F. 1517), (J- 995), 
(- IV.) 
A long-winged, tern-like bird, which flies 
about in little flocks a few inches above the 
surface of the water, with white forehead, tail, 
and lower parts, and a white collar round the 
neck; rest of upper plumage dark brown. 
Bill deep red ; legs bright red. (Illus. F. IV., 
p- 296.) 
The Pelicans, 207 and 208 
Description of these well-known birds is 
superfluous, as every one knows what they look 
like. 
Four species are found in India, but they 
can scarcely be described as common birds. 
Two species, however, are fairly abundant on 
the big jhils of Northern India. 
207. Pelicanus crispus : The Dalmatian Peli- 
can. (F. 1522), (+V; a large bird as big as 
a swan.) 
The beak is one and a half feet in length. 
A white bird with some black in the wings. 
Bill dark grey. 
215 
