1840.] vf the Peninsula of India. 195 



than either of the two last Cranes. Like those it is most abundant 

 in the neighbourhood of the larger livers, and has similar habits and 

 food. 



Mr. Elliot in his notes says " rTies in vast flocks— from 50 to 100, 

 and even 500, with great regularity of arrangement, in a long line, a few 

 of the leading ones deposing themselves in another line at an angle, 

 varying from a right to an acute one with it. This is when they are in 

 progress — at other times, as when disturbed during the heat of the day, 

 they may he seen circling round at a great height, but still a regular 

 order of lines may lie distinguished. Their favourite food is chenna 

 (Cicer arietinum). They never go to tanks to drink but always to 

 rivers." When this bird is struck by a Bhyree (Falco peregriuus) its 

 mate generally comes to its assistance. The Bhyree always strikes it 

 on the back and wings, to avoid being wounded by the sharp inner (law, 

 with which, if struck on the head, it generally manages to inflict severe 

 wounds on the breast of the falcon. 



Irides fine vinous red; bill greenish at the base, yellowish in the 

 middle, and inclining to pink at the tip; legs black. Length 2| feet ; 

 expansion about 5 feet; tarsus 6J inches; bill to front 2J'_ths. 



The inner claw of all these Cranes is much hooked, and exceedingly 

 sharp, and it always in self-defence strikes with its claw and never with 

 its bill. 



Genus ARDEA, Heron.— Buglah, II. 



Sub Genus ARDEA, Swains. 



300. — A cinerea, Lath. — A. major, Gmel.—Kabood, II. — Common 

 Heron. 



The European Heron is found all over India throughout the year, 

 frequenting tanks and rivers. It is generally solitary, hut is occasionally 

 met with in parties of 4 or 5 together. It breeds in the more wood,.] 

 districts on the top of lofty tress, during the hot weather, generally 4 or 

 5 nests being placed together. Length 8 feet : bill at front 5_«p at gape. 

 Gh ; tarsus 6k ; centre toe and claw 4* ; hind do. 2L 



301. — A. purpurea, Auct. also A. purpnrata. — Narcc, II. — Purpled 

 Heron. 



This species is much less numerous, and less generally spread than the 



