240 
Birds of the Jhclum District. 
slightly larger number of Sykes' Tree -warbler (Hypolnis 
ramu). In both cases these individuals doubtless formed 
the tail-end of the spring migration. 
May 19. — Travelled during the night and reached iSirsa in the early 
morning . A Marsh Harrier, a Green Sandpiper, and a flock of 
SIX Stints 01 Common Sandpipers were noted by some pools . 
May 20. — Travelled some twenty-six miles on camel and horsc-back 
from Sirsa to Ellanabad near the boundary of Bikanir 
State ; the way lay through a level sandy plain thickly 
besprinkled with thorn and other bushes, varied by occa- 
sional patches of grass jungle and thorn trees. The most 
numerous birds were Common Babblers (Argya caiidiita), 
and White -eared Bulbuls (Molpastcs Icucotis) which were 
everywhere. Little Green Bee-Eaters {Mcrops viridis), 
Indian Eobins (Thavmobia camhaicnsis), and Purple Honey 
Suckers (Arachnecthra asiatica), were also common. Of 
larg-er species Peafowl and White -backed Vultures (Fseudo- 
gyps hviigahnsis) were numerous. A small flock of Weavers 
(Ploccus baya) containing a male in colour, were noted. 
Old nests of this species are common enough, both here and 
at Hissar but these are the first birds I 'have met with this 
month. Eight Sarus Cranes (Grns antigonc), many Pin- 
tailed Sand-grouse (Ptcroclurus exustns), a King \'ulturc, 
a Lugger Falcon, and a Red-headed Merlin seen. 
May 21. - At Ellanabad. It is a wonderful sight to see the Peafowl 
here . They are strictly preserved hy the natives and 
hence are as abundant as chickens and almost as tame, 
wandering everywhere. The males arc now in full plumage 
with magnificent trains . At one time when 1 was working 
there were three cocks together within 30 yards of me, 
to say nothing of hens — the whole forming an interesting 
spectacle. Twice I noticed a hen displaying, exactly imi- 
tating the posture of the cock's display, but I could not 
see any meaning attached to the performance ; one of the 
displays was certainly directed at a Crow that was standing 
on th? ground near by. 
May 22. — From Ellanabad to Eanian — the most noticeable bird about was 
the Blue-cheeked Bee-cater (Mcrops pcrsin(s). which was 
common all the way. There is a Jsmall Wren -Warbler about 
in these grass -jungles which looks like the streaked Wren 
Warbler {Prima lepida) which I have not met bufore 
away from the big rivers. However, the Ghogga river 
is said to overflow these parts later on in the year, which 
fact presumably accounts for the presence of this bird . 
An Egyptian Vulture seen sitting on a nest at the top 
of a large thorn tree . It was on the oiest when I passed 
this way before on the 20th May. A Lugger Falcon seen. 
At Kanian there is a large tank with a garden by it — 
