224 
Capt. L. H. Irby on Birds 
“ I do not attach much importance to the fact that the pos¬ 
terior part of the Indian specimen shows two orifices which are 
wanting in the Crimean example, because I think that the 
absence of these holes in the Eagles generally indicates a degree 
of maturity perhaps seldom, though certainly sometimes arrived 
at. I may add, however, that it is usual for species of the re¬ 
stricted genus Aquila to possess these holes, while I never before 
saw them in any example of Haliaetus” 
This report is decidedly in favour of the species being distinct; 
but I hope some one may soon procure a European specimen, 
which will decide the matter. 
25. Haliastur indus. (Brahminy Kite.) 
Abundant throughout the year, feeding almost entirely on 
fish and frogs. I did not obtain a nest. This species was 
common at the Island of Banca in July 1857. 
26. Milvus govinda. (Govinda Kite.) 
In the Catalogue of the Birds of the Asiatic Society's Museum 
this Kite is called M. ater —being perhaps confounded with M. 
migrans (the Black Kite), a species which, I believe, has not yet 
been noticed in India. 
The Govinda Kite is found in swarms near all cantonments, 
particularly those in which the carnivorous European troops are 
quartered. I have seen certainly more than a hundred on the 
wing at a time; and the time of the men's meals could always 
be told by the Kites being in motion and on the qui vive for the 
scraps of meat and bones which are thrown away. They have 
been known to snatch meat off a plate which a servant was 
carrying from the cook-house to the mess-room; occasionally 
they may be seen catching fish in company with the Brahminy 
Kite and the small Black-bellied Tern [Sterna javanica). They 
nest on tall trees in the cold season; but I did not obtain the 
eggs—not thinking I should leave the country so suddenly. The 
Govinda Kite is common in the valleys of Kumaon and at 
Nynee Tal. 
27. Otogyps calvus. ("King Vulture" of European resi¬ 
dents.) 
Found throughout the year, and breeds on tall trees at the end 
