253 
observed about Talien Bay (N. China), 
ascertain, as insects and vegetable food were both abundant, and 
their enemies, in the shape of Hawks or beasts of prey, by no 
means common. 
1 . Milvus govinda, Sykes. /<£(?'• i. 
Even here this bird is met with, though in no great numbers, 
soaring about in the neighbourhood of villages and over junks in 
the harbour, ever prowling for its carrion prey. I shot a male, 
and found it answering in most respects to the southern bird, 
though the bill is stronger and thicker, and the legs more robust. 
The culmen of the cere, when the specimen was fresh, was yel¬ 
low, the rest bluish. Legs bluish, with black claws. Compared 
with some skins of the Indian bird sent me by Mr. Blyth, the 
Chinese race is much larger and stronger, with heavier legs and 
stouter claws, and a much darker tinge of plumage; but I think 
there can be little doubt that they are the same species, the 
Chinese race being somewhat more ennobled in appearance by 
the cooler temperature in these parts. 
2. Erythropus vesperttnus, Linn. 
This handsome little bird-slayer was not unfrequently met with 
flying along overhead or hovering poised in air. Judging from 
the contents of the stomachs of two I procured, I should say it 
committed considerable havoc among the Larks and other field- 
birds. It certainly caused considerable consternation wherever 
it appeared among them. I had an opportunity of observing 
the nest of this species twice; one was placed amongst the top¬ 
most boughs of a willow, the other in the leafy foliage of some 
umbrageous tree. The nests were large and round, and built 
of sticks, resembling somewhat those of the Magpie. When the 
old birds visited the nest, the young set up a chattering cry. 
Old male. Length 11 in., wing 9 T ^, tail 5. Cere, skin round 
the eye, bright orange-red, with a tinge of yellow-orange running 
into the beak. Apical third of upper mandible bluish black, 
somewhat light in tint. Iris deep hazel. Legs bright orange, 
with yellowish claws. 
The young were balls of white down with bluish bills. The /Zlt 
cere and skin round the eyes were of a pale yellow, as also were 
the legs and claws. The irides were brown. 
