No. 5. — 1849.] NATURAL HISTOKY. 



205 



11.— C, Cineeascens (Gould's B. E., pi. 35). 

 Syn. — F. Cinerascens, Montague ; C. Montagui, Vieillot. 

 Abundant in the same localities as the preceding, and 

 often mistaken for it in its adult plumage. When young 

 it is rufous brown, with a light chocolate nuchal ring and a 

 conspicuous whitish mark on the rump, by which it may be 

 identified during its flight at a great distance. Its principal 

 food consists of snakes, upon which it pounces in its low 

 skimming flight. The prey is always seized with the foot 

 near the neck, and instantly bitten across the head. I have 

 seen it strike its quarry as often in the water as on land. 



12.— -G. Melanoleucus. 

 Syn. — Falco Melanoleucus, Pennant. 

 One specimen only of this bird has fallen under my notice. 

 I shot it near Mantoddam, west coast. 



Sub-Family Accipitein^e. 

 Genus Miceonisus, G. R. Gray. 



13, — M. Badius (Rl. Col., 308, 336). 

 Syn.— Falco Badius, Gmelin ; F. Brownii, Shaw. 



This is the common sparrow-hawk of the European resi- 

 dents, and is most universally distributed, and very 

 common. It preys on small reptiles and birds. 



Genus Astue, Bechstein. 



14. -A. Teiviegatus {PI. Col, 303). 

 Syn. — Falco Trivirgatus, Rein. ; 'Astur Indicus, 



Hodg, ; A. cristatus, G. R. Gray. 

 Apparently confined to the mountainous districts, where, 

 to the loss and annoyance of the planting community, it is 

 very common, doing great damage in the hen roosts. It is 

 very sly, and rarely falls by the planter's gun, although 

 always killed when opportunity offers. The late Mr. Dewar 



