Col. SYKES has specimens in such states of plumage as to correspond with the above species, shot on the same ground. Migratory. Irides red brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 10 inches: tail 1 inches. Sexes alike. Feed like Snipes. Genus Pelidna, Cuv. Dunlin. 200. Pelidna Temminckii, Steph., 12. 103. Tringa Temminckii, Leisl. Temm., Man. d'Orn. 401. Small Dunlin. Identical with the European bird. Irides dark brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 6 to 6 inches: tail 2 inches. Feed like Snipes. Gregarious. Excellent eating. Fam. Rallidæ, Leach.-Genus Parra, Linn. Jacana. 201. Parra Sinensis, Gmel., 1. 709. Yellow back-necked Jacana. Fig. in GOULD'S Century of Birds. The immature bird is the Parra Luzoniensis. Dive remarkably well despite their long toes. Irides fuscous brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 18 to 19 inches : fail 9 to 10 inches. Found in the stomach of many birds vegetable matter, two species of univalve shells, bugs (Cimex annulatus), and fine gravel. Gregarious, and common on the rivers in Dukhun. Genus Gallinula, Ray. Gallinule. 202. Gallinula Javanica, Horsf., Linn. Trans. 13. 196. Poule Sultane de la Chine, ou Poule Soultane brune, Pl. Enl. 896. Pan Komree of the Mahrattas. This is the Variety 8 of the Index Ornithologicus.' Dr. HORSFIELD has judiciously separated it from the Gall. phoenicura. Col. SYKES's specimens differ from Dr. HORSFIELD's only in being a little larger. Irides fuscous red. Length, inclusive of tail, 11 to 12 inches: tail 2 to 3 inches. Larva of water insects found in the stomach. Legs very long. Genus Rallus, Auct. Rail. 203. RALLUS AKOOL. Rall. corpore suprà lateribusque olivaceo-fusco-brunneis ; alis caudáque fuscis; gutture, pectore, ventre, uropygioque cinereo-brunneis; tegminibus alarum caudæque inferioribus saturatè brunneis; mento albo. Rostrum virescenti-nigrum. Pedes carneo-brunnei. Longitudo corporis 8-9 unc., caudæ 25. The only spot of white on the bird is at the chin. Wings and tail short. This bird appears quite distinct from any described species of Rallus or Gallinula. The nearest approach to it is the Rall. niger of Gmelin from the Cape of Good Hope. Sexes alike. Frequents sedgy and marshy places amidst low bushes. Shuns observation. Genus Porphyrio, Briss. 204. Porphyrio smaragnotus, Temm., Man. d'Orn. 2nd Edit. 2. 700. Fulica Porphyrio, Linn,, 1. 258. Le Taleve de Madagascar, Buff., Pl. Enl. 810. These very beautiful birds are found on most of the very large tanks or ponds, the surface of which is a good deal covered with the broad leaves of the Lotus, on which the birds walk. Vegetable matters only found in the stomach of several birds, particularly parts of the green capsules of Trapa bispinosa. Sexes alike. Irides blood red. Length, inclusive of tail, 18 inches: tail 3 inches. Stomach a true gizzard. 205. Genus Fulica, Auct. Coot. Fulica atra, Linn., 1. 257. Le Foulque, Buff., Ois. 8. 211. Pl. Enl. 197. Differs only from Javanese specimens in being larger, and a shade lighter below. Much larger than the common Coot of Europe, but with the same coloured irides (crimson), and does not otherwise differ. Length, inclusive of tail, 18 to 19 inches: tail 2 inches. It has the habits of Podiceps, and with the gizzards, long cæca, and general internal organization of a Duck, seems to belong to the order Natatores. Water weeds and coarse sand found in the stomach. 206. Fam. Charadriada, Leach.-Genus Cursorius, Lath. Courser. Irides dark brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 10 inches: tail 2 inches. Sexes alike. Numerous in Dukhun; but only on the open stony and grass plains. This bird has the shortness of intestine of the Bustard (equal to the length of the body), with a stomach nearly similar; feeding in the same manner on insects and their larva and with the same cursorial habits, and should therefore be placed near the Struthionidæ, after Otis and Tetrao. Genus Vanellus, Briss. Lapwing. 207. Vanellus Goensis, Steph., 11. 514. Tringa Goensis, Lath., Ind. Orn. 2. 727. 7. Para Goensis, Gmel., 1. 706. Vanneau armé de Goa, Buff., Pl. Enl. 807. Irides fuscous crimson. Length, inclusive of tail, 14 inches: tail 5 inches. Affect open plains and beds of rivers. Gregarious. Water insects, shells, and corn found in the stomach. A watchful and noisy bird at night: uttering cries of Did he doo it, Did he doo it. Sexes alike. 208. Vanellus bilobus. Charadrius bilobus, Gmel. 1. 691. Le Pluvier de la côte de Malabar, Buff., Pl. Enl. 880. The bird has a black bill, yellowish at the base; and not a yellow bill, as described in the Index Ornithologicus.' There are one or two other minor discrepancies; but no doubt it is the species figured by BUFFON. Although it wants the hind toe, and is therefore, agreeably to generic characters, a Charadrius, its habits, figure, food, and almost its cry, are those of the preceding species. Col. SYKES has therefore classed it as a Vanellus. Irides yellowish. Length inclusive of tail, 11 to 12 inches: tail 34 inches. Gregarious. Found only on the open stony and grass plains. Like the Van. Goensis, a restless noisy bird at night, crying Deewit, Deewit. Sexes alike. Genus Charadrius, Auct. Plover. 209. Charadrius pluvialis, Linn., 1. 254. 7. Le Pluvier doré, Buff., Ois. 8. 81. Pl. Enl. 904. Golden Plover. Identical with Javanese specimens. 210. Smaller than one North American specimen and two English specimens in the British Museum; but absolutely identical · with other British specimens. A rare bird in Dukhun, and appearing only in the cold weather. Irides almost black. Length, inclusive of tail, 10 inches: tail 2.6 inches. Gregarious. In the stomach were found beetles, land insects, and coarse sand. Charadrius Philippensis, Lath., Ind. Orn. 2. 745. 11. Petit Pluvier à collier de Luçon, Sonn., Voy. Ind. 84. pl. 46. This little bird has the habits of Totanus; frequents the shores of fresh water only; and in firing into a flock of Sandpipers it is frequently killed in company with them. Irides fuscous crimson. Length, inclusive of tail, 74 inches; tail 2.3 inches. Gregarious. Sexes alike. SONNERAT, in his description, omits to mention that the margins of the eyelids are bright yellow; instead of which he calls the irides yellow. Genus Himantopus, Ray. Longshanks. 211. Himantopus melanopterus, Horsf., Linn. Trans. 13. 194. Charadrius Himantopus, Linn., 1. 255. L'Echasse, Buff., Ois. 8. 114. Pl. Enl. 878. There are slight discrepancies in the plumage between the birds of Java, India, and Europe; and in case of these being permanent, and not the result of nonage, specific differences might be established. Irides narrow, lake or crimson colour. Length, inclusive of tail, 16 inches; tail 3 inches; to the end of the toes 224 inches. Gregarious. Vegetable matters, larve of water insects, and minute univalve shells found in the stomach. These birds are strangely polluted with visceral worms of the tape and capillary kinds. 212. Genus Edicnemus, Cuv. Thick-knee. Edicnemus crepitans, Temm., Man. 322. Otis Edicnemus, Lath., Ind. Orn. 2. 661. 11. Charadrius Edicnemus, Linn., 1. 255. Le grand Pluvier, Buff., Pl. Enl. 919. Great-headed Thick-knee. There is no visible difference between the Dukhun and British species. Eyes of very great size. Irides very broad, of a greenish yellow. Length, inclusive of tail, 17 to 18 inches; tail 4 inches. Gregarious. Frequents bushy wilds as well as grass plains. Not met with in woods. Land insects and seeds found in the stomach. Sexes do not differ in size or plumage. This bird rests on the first joint of the leg like the Gallus giganteus. ORDER V. NATATORES, IN. Fam. Anatidæ, Leach.-Genus Plectropterus, Leach. 213. Plectropterus melanotos, Steph., 12. 8. Anas melanotos, Gmel. 1.503. L'Oie bronzée de Coromandel, Buff., Pl. Enl. 937. Black and white Plectropterus. Nukta of the Mahrattas. The very large vertical compressed process on the upper mandible; the white lower part of the back; cinereous rump; and rudimentary black mane down the back neck are not noticed in descriptions of this species. This noble and splendid bird is not common in the Dukhun. Female considerably less in size than the male, and with the metallic reflections much less brilliant; destitute also of the comb or crest on the upper mandible. Seen in pairs. Horny process on the bend of the wing obtuse. Length, inclusive of tail, 30 to 34 inches; tail 5 to 6 inches. Seeds of water-grasses, and the remarkable quadrangular hard seeds met with in the stomach of the Pterocles exustus found also in the stomach of the Plectropterus. Digastric muscle of the remarkable thickness of 1.2 inch. Genus Anser, Briss. 214. Anser Girra. Anas Girra, Gray, Indian Zool. Illust. No. 4. fig. 6. Girra Teal, Lath. Cotton Teal of Europeans in Dukhun, from the quantity of white in the plumage. Irides bright crimson. This handsome bird is one of the smallest of the Anatida. Length, inclusive of tail, 124 to 14 inches; tail 3 to 34 inches. Sexes exactly alike. Monogamous. Vegetable matter and gravel found in the stomach. These birds, when wounded, dive, and on returning to the surface show only the bill above water, keeping the body below at pleasure. Genus Tadorna, Leach. 215. Tadorna rutila, Steph., 12. 71. Anas Casarca, Linn., App. 3. 224. Shieldrake. Bruhmuny Duck of Europeans in Dukhun. Irides yellowish brown. Length, inclusive of tail, male 28 inches, female 25 to 26 inches; tail 5 inches. For the most part of the year these birds are in pairs, but on the Nerbudda river in Guzerat, Colonel SYKES has seen them congregated in hundreds in April. Found in the stomachs of many birds, grass seeds and vegetable matters only. The female is destitute of the black ring round the neck ornamenting the male. The intestinal canal twice the proportional length of that of the Plectropterus. Genus Anas, Auct. 216. Anas strepera, Linn., 1. 200. Chipeau, Buff., Pl. Enl. 958. Chestnut lesser wing-covert Duck. Males identical with specimens in the British Museum from Kent. No females for comparison. Length, inclusive of tail, male 24 to 25 inches, female 22 inches; tail 4 inches. Numerous in Dukhun. Gregarious. A tape-worm was found protruding through the coat of the intestine in one bird, without affecting its health or flesh. Genus Rhynchaspis, Leach, MSS. 217. Rhynchaspis virescens, Leach, MSS. Anas clypeata, Linn., 1. 200. Souchet, Buff., Ois. 9. 191. Pl. Enl. 971. 972. Black-headed shoveler. Identical with British specimens of the common Shoveler; but differing from the description of that bird in Shaw. Irides yellowish brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 20 to 21 inches; tail 4 inches. Grass seeds, vegetable matters, pulse-like seeds, and gravel found in the stomach. Gregarious. The intestinal canal is more than seven times as long as the body, neck and bill included; and in this particular is not approached within nearly two-sevenths by any other bird of the order Natatores. Genus Mareca, Steph. Wigeon. 218. Mareca pacilorhyncha, Steph., 12. 134. Anas pacilorhyncha, Gmel., 1. 535. Spotted-billed Duck, Lath. Irides red fuscous brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 22 to 25 inches; tail 4 to 44 inches. Sexes alike in plumage. Grass seeds, vegetable matters, and small stones found in the gizzard. Colonel SYKES's birds identical with a specimen in the British Museum, from the Himalayan mountains. The spot at the end of the bill invariably yellow, but in books it is stated to be white. The digastric muscle thicker than the diameter of the cavity of the gizzard. Colonel SYKES does not consider this species a true Mareca. 219 Mareca fistularis, Steph., 12. 131. Anas Penelope, Linn., 1. 202. Canard Siffleur, Buff., Ois. 9, 169. Pl. Enl. 825. Wigeon. Irides red fuscous brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 19 to 20 inches (male), 18 to 19 inches (females); tail 3 to 3 inches. Gregarious. Absolutely identical with specimens from Devonshire. Contents of the gizzard as in the preceding species. 220. MARECA AWSUREE. Mar. nigrescenti-brunnea; plumarum scapularium dorsique apicibus flavescenti-brunneis; tegminibus alarum minoribus caudæque superioribus saturatè castaneis; vertice lineâque cervicali fuscis; capite, collo, pectoreque pallide flavescenti-brunneis, ventre uropygioque saturatioribus ferrugineis; mento tegminibusque caudæ inferioribus sordide albis. caudæ 21. Rostrum pedesque nigri. Longitudo (caudâ inclusâ) 18-20 unc., Whistling Teal. This bird, of which Colonel SYKES has many specimens, is identical with a bird in the British Museum, from Africa; one in the Zoological Society, from Bengal ; and one in the India House, from Java. In the whole of these, the lunules on the breast, neck, and upper part of the back, and the strong black short mane of the Anas arcuata are wanting. It is also larger than that bird, and Colonel SYKES is therefore led to believe this to be a distinct species, although strongly resembling it. Gregarious, and abundant in Dukhun. Sexes alike in plumage. These birds are characterized by a very peculiar whistle when disturbed, by a proportionate length of intestine one-third shorter than that of any other species of the Anatida, and by the inferior larynx being dilated into two oblong chambers, placed rather in front of, than lateral to the trachea. 221. Querquedula Circia, Buff., Ois. 9. 268. Genus Querquedula, Ray. Teal. Steph., 12. 143. Anas Circia, Linn., 1. 204. Sarcelle d'été, Length, inclusive of tail, 16 to 17 inches; tail 3 to 3.4 inches. Female the smaller bird, and quite dissimilar in plumage. Identical with British specimens. Gregarious. In addition to similar contents of the gizzards in other species, rice in the husk was found. 222. Querquedula Crecca, Steph., 12. 146. Anas Crecca, Linn., 1. 204. Petite Sarcelle, Buff., Ois. 9. 265. Pl. Enl. 947. Common Teal, Identical with male and female British specimens. Length, inclusive of tail, 15 to 16 inches; tail 3 inches. Water-weed and gravel in the stomach. Colonel SYKES has in his possession specimens (male and female) resembling the female of Querq. Crecca; but in which the proportional length of the intestinal canal differs so much from that of Querq. Crecca (3:30 to 1, and 5.57 to 1), that he is induced to believe they may belong to a distinct species. It will be observed that the proportional length of the intestine (5.57 to 1) closely approximates to that of a widely-different bird, the carrion-devouring Percnopterus. Genus Fuligula, Steph. Pochard. 223. Fuligula rufina, Steph., 12. 188. Anas rufina, Pall. Le Canard Siffleur huppé, Buff., Ois. 9. 282. Pl. Enl. 928. Red-headed Pochard. Length, inclusive of tail, 25 inches; tail 3 inches. Digastric muscle remarkably thick. Rare in Dukhun. Vegetable matters and gravel in the stomach. 224. Fuligula Ash-brown Pochard with white speculum. This bird has a considerable resemblance to the female of Ful. rufina, as described by Mr. STEPHENS, but it has a black bill; and Colonel SYKES is not able to meet with a specimen to institute a rigid comparison; he therefore leaves the bird for future consideration. Length, inclusive of tail, 24 inches; tail 3 inches. A coloured figure in HUNT'S British Ornithology (Norwich) represents the female of Ful. rufina with a red bill, red legs, and reddish-brown plumage, which militate against its identity with the present bird. 225. Fuligula cristata, Steph., 12. 190. Anas Fuligula, Linn., 1. 207. Morillon, Buff., Ois. 9. 227. Pl. Enl. 1001. Tufted Duck. Differs only in the more pronounced amethyst reflection of the back neck in the male from British specimens. Female identical. Irides bright yellow. Length, inclusive of tail, 18 to 19 inches; tail 2.5 to 2.7 inches. Female the smaller bird. Fam. Colymbidæ, Leach.-Genus Podiceps, Lath. 226. Podiceps Philippensis, Steph., 13. 16. Indian Grebe, Lath., 10. 29. described from drawings of Sir JOHN ANSTRUTHER. Le Castagneux des Philippines, Buff., Ois. 8. 246. Pl. Enl. 945. BUFFON's plate is excellent. Irides broad, of an ochry yellow; they dilate and contract. Length, from the bill to the rump, 9 to 9 inches; tail none. Common in Dukhun, where their unceasing habit of diving occasions their being_called Divers by Europeans, although quite distinct from the genus Colymbus. From their remarkable quickness of eye, Colonel SYKES has known a dozen unsuccessful shots fired at the same individual, which constantly disappeared under water ere the shot reached him. Gregarious. Stomach simple, resembling that of Herons, and wholly unlike that of Ducks. Found in the stomach larvae of water insects and shrimps, aliments common to the Heron tribe, and not found by Colonel SYKES in the gizzard of Ducks. Fam. Pelecanida, Leach. Genus Phalacrocorax, Briss. Cormorant. 227. Phalacrocorax Javanicus, Steph., 13. 90. Carbo Javanica, Horsf. Linn. Trans. 13. 197. Figured in Illust. Ind. Zool., part 10. fig. 9. Shag of Europeans in Dukhun. Absolutely identical with Dr. HORSFIELD's specimens from Java. Differs from Pelecanus Africanus (Phal. Africanus), with which it has been confounded, in the scapulars and wing coverts being reddish-fuscous-brown instead of bluegray, and being margined and tipped with lighter brown instead of black; in the first three quill-feathers being black instead of pale brown; in the secondaries not being so long as the quills; tail graduated instead of cuneiform; in the front of the neck being reddish and fuscous instead of black and white; finally, in the belly being rusty black instead of white varied with dusky. There can be no question, therefore, of the propriety of its being considered a distinct species by Dr. HORSFIELD. Colonel SYKES has seen hundreds of them, and notes these differences with several specimens lying before him. Irides remarkably narrow, crimson. Length, inclusive of tail, 22 to 23 inches; tail 6 inches. Sexes alike. The only spot of white on the bird is at the chin. Very numerous in Dukhun, appearing in the rivers in flocks of hundreds. Fish (some 3 inches long) and prawns found in the stomach of many birds; also capillary worms. Colonel SYKES remarks, that the generic character, "Face and throat naked" is inapplicable to this species. 228. Genus Plotus, Linn. Darter. Plotus melanogaster, Gmel. 1. 580. Anhinga noir du Senegal, Buff., Ois. 8. 453. Pl. Enl. 960 & 107. Black-billed Darter, called the Snake-bird in Dukhun. Irides bright yellow. Length, inclusive of tail 37 inches; tail 9 inches. Solitary. Rare in Dukhun, but frequently met with below the Ghauts. This bird has the singular faculty of being enabled to swim with the whole of its body under water, the long neck and head alone being visible, looking like a snake. Colonel SYKES' limits do not permit him to enlarge on the very peculiar formation of the stomach, more resembling that of a ruminant than a bird. Seven small carp and much deep-green vegetable fibre were found in the stomach of a female. Fam. Larida, Leach.-Genus Sterna, Linn. Tern. 229. Sterna acuticauda, Gray, Illust. Ind. Zool., part 6. fig. 3. Small yellow-billed Fish Irides reddish deep brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 134 to 14 inches; tail 6 to 7 inches, very forked and acute; the lateral feathers being subulate. found in the stomach. Although the wings are so long, the flight is slow and with a good deal of flapping. Take their prey while on the wing by darting obliquely upon it. Do not dip under water, nor dart perpendicularly, like Alcedo rudis. This elegant and slender species Colonel SYKES shot 160 miles inland, and at an elevation of 1800 feet above the sea. Gregarious. Common in Dukhun. 230. Sterna similis, Gray, Illust. Ind. Zool., part 6. plate 8. fig. 2. Tern, with a fuscous lake-coloured bill. Length, inclusive of tail, 11 to 12 inches; tail 3.3 to 3.5 inches; slightly forked, and without the lateral, elongated, and subulate feathers of Sterna acuticauda. Fish only found in the stomach. Geagarious. Habits and locality of the last species. Colonel SYKES states it as curious, that all his specimens, seven in number, of Sterna acuticauda and Sterna similis proved to be females. Common in Dukhun. 231. STERNA SEENA. Sterna suprà cinerea; fronte, vertice, cerviceque saturatè nitidè atris; corpore infrà albo, hypochondriis parùm cinereo tinctis; rectricibus luteralibus albis. Irides saturate rufescenti-brunneæ. Rostrum forte, flavum. Pedes rubri. Longitudo (caudâ inclusâ) 17-174 unc., caudæ 8-81, rictús 2.5. This species differs from Sterna affinis of RUPPELL, tab. 14. p. 23, in its smaller size, and having red instead of black legs; in the white not being so brilliant, and in a stronger bill. RUPPELL'S Sterna velox appears to correspond in size with it. In the numerous species in the British Museum there is not one with which it can be identified. Proportionably to the shortness of the legs the claws are long, much arched, slender and sharp, and turn outwards. Hind claw never touches the ground. Same locality and habits as the preceding species, although rare in Dukhun. In the stomach and œsophagus of one bird were found the extraordinary number of thirteen Cyprini, one of them 24 inches long. Tail very much forked; lateral tail-feathers subulate, white, 8 inches long. Wings very narrow and long, reaching nearly to the end of the tail. Genus Viralva, Leach. 232. Viralva Anglica, Steph., 13. 174. Sterna Anglica, Mont., Orn. Dict. Sterna aranea, Wils., Amer. Orn. 8. 143. pl. 72. fig. 6? Marsh Tern, Lath. Gull-billed Viralve. Colonel SYKES' specimens correspond exactly with specimens of this rare British bird in the British Museum, both in their winter and summer plumage. Irides deep red brown. Length, inclusive of tail, 14 to 16 inches; tail 4 to 5 inches. Sexes alike in plumage, but the female somewhat smaller than the male. Numerous fish found in the stomach of many birds. With the aspect, length of wing, lazy flights and habits of the Tern, this bird has a bill approximating to that of the Gull, not quite identical with the bill of the Viralve. Colonel SYKES states, that the domestic Duck (Anas Boschas) is extensively bred by the Portuguese in the Western India, and that it is subject to a kind of apoplexy, which carries it off in a few minutes, although previously in apparent health. He has known a trader lose a flock of more than thirty in the course of one day; and he has himself had ten ducks struck simultaneously, stagger about for a short time as if drunk, run round in circles, fall on their backs, and die. He has not been able to discover any morbid appearances in the brain. In no instance, in the stomachs of the Anatidae, were animal matters met with; the contents consisted of grains, seeds, vegetables, and gravel. Colonel SYKES, in closing his Catalogue of the birds of Dukhun, mentioned that the details he had given resulted from personal observation of the specimens, in a living or recent state. With few exceptions, the whole were shot by himself; and to guard against false impressions, he accumulated several individuals of the same species and of both sexes, and was rarely confined to a solitary bird. |