92 A List of Birds from the Khasi hills Sfc. [No. 2, 



in the forests of that range, and the miles a surveyor daily march- 

 es through them. To Dr. J e r d o n I owe many a pleasant hour, 

 and much valuable information, that I should never have otherwise 

 known, and I only trust that, as in my own case, the " Birds of 

 India" may lead others in the same way, to first take an interest 

 in, and then collect specimens in the regions they may visit ; only 

 thus can we appreciate the labours of the many Naturalists who 

 have worked before us. 



I have followed Dr. J e r d o n ' s classification throughout, and 

 those birds not included in his purely continental Indian fauna, 

 have been placed under the numbers of their nearest allies. In 

 most cases, these birds are mentioned in the above work. I 

 must here acknowledge the very great aid I have received from 

 Dr. J e r d o n, who has named many doubtful species, and some 

 that I had been unable to identify. 



All measurements taken from the fresh bird have been given, 

 with differences of colour &c. noted. In the case of rare birds, a 

 description has been added, for the information of those who may not 

 be in possession of original Ornithological works. The present list 

 contains 207 birds, and I hope to add hereafter, from time to time 

 to it, and thus complete the birds of these Eastern Hills. Should 

 circumstances prevent the carrying out of my present intention, 

 such as the removal of the Survey to some other part of India, I 

 only hope that some one else may take up the work and finish the 

 series. 



Order, RAPTORES. 



Sub.-Fam, 'Falcokidje. 



17. Tinnunculus alaudariiis, B r i s s. 

 Sub.-Fam. Accipiteinjs. 



22. Astur (Lophospiza) trivirgatus, Tern. 



A fine live specimen of this bird caught by the Nagas of Asalu 

 was brought to me and was kept some time in confinement. The 

 diurnal families of this order are not by any means numerous in tha 

 North Cachar Hills, and I do not remember ever having seen the 

 common kite. A large Eagle was occasionally seen near the high- 

 er peaks of the Burrail, but never ventured within shot. 



