15$ Ceylon Ornithology. 



" The Sea Eagle constructs a large nest ( to which it adds 

 yearly) among the branches of some large tree, generally an 

 aged Bo-tree (Ficus religiosa) is selected, and owes its security 

 to the superstitious fears of the ignorant natives, who, in spite 

 of all our promised reward, have invariably refused to ascend 

 the trees, alleging that the guardian demons of the sacred tree 

 would hurl them headlong down if they attempted to climb 

 the tree for such profane purpose as robbing a bird's nest. 

 We have, therefore, as our own climbing days are over, never 

 been able to procure the eggs of this species," [Mr. Layard, 

 in MS. ] 



Pontoaetus Ichthyaetus, Horsf. Brown Tank Eagle, 



Syn. Falco Ichthyaetus, Horsf. 



Plumage in general brownish ; quills deep brown ; head 

 grey; chin whitish; neck brownish grey; breast and belly 

 pale ferruginous brown; lower part of the latter, the vent and 

 thighs white; tail dusky at the tip. Length 2 feet 4 inches, 

 Latham, 



The only specimen secured by Mr. Layard is now with 

 Mr. Blyth. 



Found in the large tanks in the Northern parts of the Island, 



ClRCAETUS Cheela, Latham. The Undulated Bacha. 



Syn. Falco cheela, Latham and Gmelin. 

 Hsematornis undulatus, Vig. 

 Circaetus Eepalensis, Hodg. 

 Falco albidus, Temm. 

 Falco Bacha, Daudin. (African Race.) 

 Falco Bido, Horsf. (Malabar Race). 



Head black, occipital crest tipped white or fulvous. Back 

 fuscus brown. Small wing coverts spotted white. Upper 



