CATALOGUE. 
31 
The Govinda Kite. 
Cheel or Chil, Hind., Dr. F. (B.) Hamilt. Jerd.^ or 
Paeiah Chil, Hind., BlytJi, 
TswoNBOP, Arracan, BlytJi. 
A. Dukhun. Presented by Colonel Sykes. 
h. Nepal. Presented by B. H. Hodgson, Esq. 
c. Bootan. From Pemberton's Collection. 
d. Kumaon. From Captain R. Strachey's Collection. 
e. Bagdad. Presented by Commander Jones. 
" 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 
soaring in the air in circles, watching an opportunity to dart upon 
a chicken, upon refuse animal matter thrown out from the cook- 
room, and occasionally even having the hardihood to stoop at a dish 
of meat being carried from the cook-room to the house.' — (P. Z. S. 
(1832), p. 81.) Away from cantonments, it preys chiefly on rep- 
tiles ; is also remarkably fond of fish, both fresh and dried. Has a 
very shrill cry or squeal." — (Jerd., Madr. J. L. S. X. p. 71.) 
Mr. Blyth gives the following remarks on the habits of this bird. 
" It is not unusual to see a hundred or more circling in the air 
together about Calcutta, especially towards the evening, all col- 
lected about one spot, though there may be no refuse to entice 
them thither: or, if some garbage be thrown out, their dexterity 
at clutching whatever they can seize without alighting, a number 
of them rapidly following each other and descending thus in the 
most crowded streets, affords a curious spectacle. A few will gene- 
rally alight and mingle among their fellow-scavengers the crows, 
while a crowd of others are circling and dashing over them, and 
stooping as they sweep by. In illustration of their boldness, I 
may mention that I once received a smart knock from the wing 
of one of these birds in a crowded bazaar, as it passed close to 
my shoulder from behind. The direct flight of this kite, when not 
sailing, is heavy and laboured, being relieved at intervals by gliding 
with motionless wings. Numbers may commonly be seen overhead 
buoyantly floating and gliding in easy curves, yet keeping much 
together, whether sailing high or low ; and their descent upon any 
garbage is very rapid, and often spiral. They are decidedly social, 
