[128] Parhā-yi rān-ash tā pācha rīk͟hta. Possibly by this expression the author means that the whole of the tarsus is feathered. “‘Pendant Feathers,’ those behind the thighs of a hawk.”—Harting.
[129] ʿArabistān or K͟huzistān: its capital Shuster is about 130 miles north of the head of the Persian Gulf.
[130] Parah malā (?); possibly for Parlā T., which is said to be the name of a “black water-bird with a white beak.” The coot?
[131] Ḥaqar: variously spelt in old Persian MSS. on falconry awqār, aqār and ʿuqār; latter correct.
[132] Hamadān: about 100 miles North-East of Kirmānshāh.
[133] Sār (for sā?): Apparently two species of large buzzard are so-called by the author. This word must not be confused with sār the common Persian word for starling. In Dr. Scully’s list of the Turkish names of birds, sā is said to be the name applied to Buzzards, Harriers, and Kites.
CHAPTER XIII
KITES AND HARRIERS
Kites [and Harriers].—There are three common species of kites.[134] In the first, the two centre tail-feathers, called by the Arabs ʿamūd,[135] and by Persian and Turkish[136] falconers qāpāq,[137] are shorter than the rest, the outer feathers being longer. The general colouring of the plumage is a dirty brown with dark coloured drops on the breast. The feet are small and the tarsi[138] short.
2nd Species [Marsh Harrier?].—The second species haunts marshes and reedy pools in quest of frogs and rats. In this species the tarsus is long[139] and unfeathered, and the feet are small, ill-looking, and black. There is also a certain amount of white on the head.
3rd Species.—In the third species the general colouring of the plumage—with the exception of the head, which is reddish—is very dark. In habits it resembles the two preceding.