( 449 ) 



BIRDS COLLECTED AND OBSERVED IN THE 

 DARBHANGA DISTRICT, TIRHOOT, BENGAL. 



By Gordon Dalgliesh. 

 (Concluded from p. 389.) 



Inocotis papillosus, Temm. (Black Ibis). — Very common. 

 Generally known to planters as the " planter's friend," as they 

 are useful in destroying insects injurious to the indigo plant. 

 They are excellent birds for the table, but are difficult to shoot 

 on account of their extreme wariness. 



Plegadis falcinellus, Linn. (Glossy Ibis). — Not common. A 

 fine male in breeding plumage was snared in March, 1901. 



Platalea leucorodia, Linn. (Spoonbill). — I have never come 

 across this species, but have a skin given me by Mr. Inglis, shot 

 at Jainajar in January, 1897. 



Ciconia alba, Bechst. (White Stork). — Very common in winter 

 These birds are caught by native fowlers, who sew the birds' 

 eyelids together ; they are then placed on the edge of a piece of 

 water as a decoy for other wildfowl. This cruel practice is com- 

 mon with all big birds, as Herons, Ibises, &c. 



C. nigra, Linn. (Black Stork). — I only once saw this bird. 

 Dissura episcopus (White-necked Stork). — Fairly common, 

 and often seen in large flocks. This bird is known to Europeans 

 in India as " Beef-steak bird." I once found a nest of this 

 species ; it was made of sticks, and placed in a lofty simul, or 

 cotton-tree. 



Xenorhynchus asiaticus, Lath. (Black-necked Stork). — A not 

 uncommon resident. 



Pseudotantalus leucocephalus, Penn. (Painted Stork). — A pair 

 were seen near Darbhanga in May, 1901. 



Leptoptilus dubius, Gmel. (Adjutant). — Seen occasionally 

 during the monsoon. • 



L.javanicus, Horsf. (Lesser Adjutant). — Seen at Narhar by 

 Mr. Inglis in November, 1898. 



