1840.] of the Peninsula of India. 7 



Geerzah among a lot of ' Loicalis. It is an inhabitant of all the forests 

 of S. India, and also occasionally and more sparingly found in low jungles, 

 and wooded nullahs in the Carnatic and other regions. It is found at all 

 levels, from the neighbourhood of the sea to the summits of the lofty 

 mountains of the Western Ghauts. The Geerzah, though also caught 

 and used for fighting, is in less esteem than the Lowuh. Irides brown; 

 bill dusky ; legs reddish yellow. Length G J— 6§ inches. 



279. — C. crythrorliyncha, Sykes. — Koknee Lowah, H. — Red-billed 

 Quail. — Black quail of the Neilgherries. 



This very handsomely plumaged quail is very abundant on the top of 

 the Neilgherries, frequenting the low brushwood of the woods, and occa- 

 sionally entering gardens. As it is mentioned by Colonel Sykes and also 

 by Mr. Elliot, in his Catalogue, it is probably to be found in all the more 

 elevated districts of the Western Ghauts. 



Bill and legs fine red ; irides brown. Length 64 ; weight about 2f oz. 



2S0. — C. Chinensis. — Perd. Chincnsis, Auct. 



There is an accurate description of this species of quail in Mr. Elliot's 

 notes, taken from a single specimen, shot by a gentleman near Belgaum in 

 the Southern Mahratta Country. 



F.ui.STRUTIIIONIDjE. 



Gen. OTIS, L. 



281. — O. nigi-iceps, Vigors — Gould Cent. Him. Birds. — O. Edwards'/ i, 

 Gray and Hard w., 111. Ind. Zool. — Tokdar, II.— Black- headed or Indian 

 Bustard. 



This noble bird is found, I believe, over all the peninsula, except per- 

 haps on the wooded regions of the Western Coast, but more numerous in 

 some localities than in others. Wherever there are extensive plains, 

 whether of long grass or cultivated, this bird is most abundant, more es- 

 pecially on the trap formation of the north-west part of the great table 

 land. The Bustard is frequently seen alone, occasionally 2, 3 or <! toge- 

 ther, and often flocks of 20 or more are seen feeding in company. Its 

 most favourite food is large locusts and grasshoppers, also the common 

 black and red mi/lubris, various insects of the genus buprestis, scaraboeus 

 and others, caterpillars, centipedes, and even lizards. Mr. Elliot men- 

 tions ;i qunifs egg entire having been found in the stomach of one. In 



