1839] 



of the Peninsula of India. 



71 



Length of male 24 to 26 inches, of female 28 to 30. Of a female 23 

 inches long, the wings were 17, tail 10$, tarsus middle toe 2|, tail 2 

 inches longer than the wing. 



Sub Family CYMINDINiE, Sav. — True Kites. 



Genus ELANUS, Sav. 



15. E. melanopteras. — Kupdsee, H — Blackwing, Hodgs. 

 Though very generally spread over India, this kite is by no means 

 common. It is most frequent in woody districts. Its general food is in- 

 sects (chiefly grasshoppers and locusts), lizards and mice. I shot one 

 in Goomsoor, which was devouring the carcass of a dove ; this, however, 

 appeared to have been dead for some time, and I doubt if it was killed 

 by the blackwing. The Kupdsee often frequents long grass and grain 

 fields, over which it may be seen to hover like the Kesiril. It is com- 

 paratively rare in the Deccan, owing to the country being so devoid of 

 trees. For a full account of this bird, its habits, &c. and accurate mea- 

 surements, vide a paper in this Journal No. 16 by Mr. Hodgson. 

 Irides fine crimson. Legs deep yellow,peculiarly soft and gummy. 



Sub Family BUTEONINvE— Buzzards and Harriers, 8?c. 



Genus MILVUS, Auct. 



16. M. Cheele.—M. Govinda, Sykes—Cheel, H..~Com?non or Pariah 



Kite. 



This very useful bird is extremely numerous, more especially in 

 cantonments, villages and camps, and is continually on the look out 

 for refuse of every description. Colonel Sykes says " constantly soar- 

 ing in the air in circles, watching an opportunity to dart upon a chicken, 

 and upon refuse animal matter thrown from the cook-room." I rather 

 think that the blame of carrying off chickens is, occasionally at least, 

 unjustly attributed to this bird. Vide postea, Spizaetus. Away from 

 cantonments, it preys chiefly on reptiles, is also remarkably fond offish, 

 both fresh and dried. Has a very shrill cry or squeal. Irides dark brown, 

 bill black, yellow cere, legs yellow, anterior scales large and transverse, 

 all the others small, irregular. Length 23 to 26 inches ; of one 23 

 inches long the wings are 18, tail 10£, tarsus 2, middle toe 2-l T V 



