1840.] 



of the Peninsula of India. 



195 



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

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

 food. 



Mr. Elliot in his notes says " Flies 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 disposing 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 be seen circling round at a great height, but still a regular 

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

 {Cicer arietinwrn). They never go to tanks to drink but always to 

 rivers." When this bird is struck by a Bhyree (Falco peregrinus) 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 claw, 

 ■w ith 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 i feet ; 

 expansion about 5 feet ^ tarsus 6 ^ inches ; bill to front 2 J^-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 wdth 

 its biU. 



Genus AHDEA, Heron. — Bugkih, H. 



Sub Genus ARDEA, Swains. 



300. — A cinerea^ Lath. — A, major^ Gmel. --Kabood, H. — Co7nmon 

 Heron. 



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

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

 met with in parties of 4 or 5 together. It breeds in the more wooded 

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

 5 nests being placed together. Length 3 feet ; bill at frcnt at gape 

 6| ; tarsus 6J ^ centre toe and claw 4| ; hind do. 2h. 



301. —^. purpurea^, Auct. also A. purpurata. — Naree, H. — Purpled 

 Heron. 



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



