INDIAN BIRDS

BEING A KEY TO THE COMMON
BIRDS OF THE PLAINS OF INDIA
BY DOUGLAS DEWAR

A COMPANION VOLUME TO
THE BIRD VOLUMES OF “THE
FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA” &
JERDON’S “BIRDS OF INDIA”

LONDON: JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD
NEW YORK: JOHN LANE COMPANY MCMXX

2nd Edition (Revised)

The Mayflower Press, Plymouth, England. William Brendon & Son, Ltd.

PREFACE

I fear that the patience of those who have been awaiting this little book must be well-nigh exhausted, so long has it been in appearing. I began it two years ago, but had to put it aside during the last few months spent in India prior to taking furlough, on account of the heavy work the threatening famine entailed; and when one is on furlough one only works at the rare times when there is nothing better to do!

The object of this book is to enable people interested in our Indian birds to identify at sight those they are likely to meet with in their compounds and during their excursions into the jungle.

There are several good systematic works on Indian ornithology, but the descriptions in these presuppose that the reader has the specimen in his hand and is able to examine it leisurely, feather by feather. To do this it is necessary to kill the bird in question—a procedure which causes pain to many and gives pleasure to very few. Moreover, unless the seeker after knowledge has some notion as to the order to which the bird he has shot belongs, he will find that seeking it out in the four bird volumes of the Fauna of British India series is a task almost as hopeless as that of looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

Eha’s truly admirable book, entitled The Common Birds of Bombay, gives the reader a vivid description of our common Indian birds as they appear to the field naturalist; and I heartily commend this little masterpiece to every Anglo-Indian. But even this does not enable the observer to identify in a few seconds any bird he sees, for it is not written in the form of a key. The present book is an attempt at a key to the everyday birds of the plains of India, a dictionary of birds so arranged that the budding ornithologist is able to turn up any particular bird in a few minutes. This book is, I believe, the first of its kind that has been attempted.

The method I have adopted is to classify birds according to their habits and outward appearance. Every bird has a colour, and most birds possess some anatomical peculiarity, such as a crest, a long tail, long legs, etc. Not a few have some easily recognisable habit, such as a peculiar call or manner of flight. Thus most birds will appear in at least two of my classes, and so should be easily identified by a process of elimination. When the reader thinks that he has located a bird he should turn it up in the descriptive list, which composes Part II of this book, and this will serve to confirm or correct him in his identification. Thus, to take a very easy example, the observer while out walking sees a white bird with a long tail, and a black crested head. Looking through the lists of birds under (1) those having long tails; (2) those having a crest; (3) those mainly white, he will find that the Paradise Flycatcher is the only bird that appears in all three lists. Its number in the descriptive list is ([57]). A perusal of entry No. 57 will confirm the diagnosis, and indicate where illustrations of the bird are to be found.

I venture to hope that this little book will enable any person to learn in a few weeks to identify nearly all the common birds of his station.

The descriptions given in Part II of the book are short ones, and each is an attempt to depict the bird as it looks when perched in a tree or during flight. Sometimes the description given may appear to differ from those given in The Fauna of British India, or in Jerdon’s Birds of India. The reason of the apparent discrepancy is that the descriptions of the birds in these latter books are those of the skins of dead birds, while mine are attempts to depict the bird as he appears in the flesh.

In a few cases I have described birds from memory, and sometimes my memory may have played me false. I shall be most grateful to anyone who will be kind enough to point out to me any errors. One of the greatest of the difficulties I have experienced is to know what birds to insert and what to leave out of this book. It is a key only to the common birds of the plains, and deals with about one-fifth of the feathered inhabitants.

I have purposely omitted the game birds from my list. These are usually shot at sight; it is therefore not necessary for me to burden this book with them. There is no lack of good books that enable the sportsman to identify the birds he has shot. I may mention Marshall and Hume’s Game Birds of India, Burmah, and Ceylon, with its large number of coloured plates. This valuable work is out of print; but a copy is to be found in almost every Indian library. Then there is Stuart Baker’s recently published Indian Ducks and their Allies, which contains excellent coloured plates of all Indian ducks. Those who cannot afford to purchase this sumptuous work have in Finn’s How to know the Indian Ducks, a safe and inexpensive guide. The same author’s How to know the Indian Waders, enables the tyro to identify any dead wader. Lastly, there is Le Messurier’s Game, Shore, and Water Birds of India; but this, I fear, will be found rather technical for most people. I think I have stated sufficiently clearly my reasons for excluding the majority of game birds from the present work. It now remains for me to justify the other omissions.

In order to render it comparatively easy to identify any given bird, it is necessary that the various classes shall not be too large, and the only way of securing this desideratum is to exclude all the birds that are not frequently met with.

Some may think that I have omitted certain species that should have been included. In anticipation of such criticism I may say that I have done my best to deal impartially with my feathered friends. I have served in three provinces, viz. the United Provinces, Madras, and the Punjab, and have spent a little time on the Bombay side, and have been largely guided by my experience. It is, I admit, quite likely that some of the birds I have omitted may be very common in certain localities. I shall be glad to hear of any such with a view to adding them to a second edition should that be called for.

I would emphasise the fact that this book is a mere key, and as such is of necessity a collection of the dry bones of ornithology and devoid of any literary merit. The book will lose much of its value unless it be used in conjunction with other books, such as Jerdon’s Birds of India, or the bird volumes of the Fauna of British India series, to which references are made in the case of every species mentioned. The present work is primarily a companion to either of the above volumes.

When once the common birds have been learned, it becomes comparatively easy to identify the uncommon ones and to assign to its proper family an uncommon bird.

In conclusion, let me advise every one who wishes to “learn his birds” to procure Eha’s Common Birds of Bombay. Most of the species dealt with therein are common all over the plains.

Those who live in Calcutta will find Cunningham’s Some Indian Friends and Acquaintances, and Finn’s Birds of Calcutta very helpful.

Although I have, in the present work, indicated the distribution of the various birds dealt with, a local list (where it exists) will be of great assistance. The following lists have been compiled:

PREFACE
TO THE SECOND EDITION

The first edition of this work was exhausted a year before I became aware of the fact, and, as the demand appears to be brisk, I have not caused further delay by revising the book very thoroughly.

I am under considerable obligation to Mr. G. O. Allen, I.C.S., for his notes and suggestions. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the list of additions and corrections has been almost entirely compiled by him.

It is a source of great satisfaction to me to learn that this little book, notwithstanding its shortcomings, has enabled many people to learn the names of the common birds that live around them.

D. DEWAR.

Ghazipur, U.P., India,

1919.

CONTENTS

PAGE [Preface] 5 [Preface to Second Edition] 14 PART I [A. Hindustani Names of Common Birds] 19 [B. Classification According to Structural Peculiarities] 23 [I. Bills] 23 [II. Crest] 24 [III. Legs] 25 [IV. Tail] 26 [V. Sexual Dimorphism] 29 [C. Classification According to Colour] 31 [I. Black] 32 [II. Blue] 42 [III. Brown] 44 [IV. Coffee or Fawn Colour] 52 [V. Green] 53 [VI. Grey] 54 [VII. Pink] 56 [VIII. Red] 57 [IX. White] 61 [X. Yellow] 65 [XI. Birds of Many Colours] 68 [D. Classification According to Habits] 69 [I. Birds having remarkable cries] 70 [II. Birds whose nests are likely to be found in any garden in the plains] 75 [III. Birds that habitually sit on exposed perches] 78 [IV. Birds that go about in flocks] 79 [V. Flight] 81 [VI. Feeding habits] 82 [VII. Birds which habitually carry the tail almost vertically] 85 PART II [Descriptive List of the Common Birds of the Plains of India] 89 [Index to Descriptive List] 229

PART I

[A. Hindustani Names of Common Birds] [B. Classification according to Structural Peculiarities] [C. Classification according to Colour] [D. Classification according to Habits]

A. HINDUSTANI NAMES OF COMMON BIRDS

In all cases the number in brackets which follows the name of a bird is the number of the bird in the Descriptive List that composes Part II of this book.

Ababil, Swallow, Martin, Swift ([80]-[90], [124] and [125]). Ablak Maina, Pied Myna ([54]). Baglā, Paddy bird ([224]). Bara Kowā, Corby ([1]). Batér, Quail ([171]). Bāya, Baya or Weaver bird ([70]). Bāz, Eagle ([146]); also Goshawk. Bhairi, Peregrine Falcon. Bhīmrāj, Racket-tailed Drongo ([27]). Brāhmini Chīl, Brahminy Kite ([151]). Buchanga, King Crow ([25]). Būlbūl, Bulbul ([15]-[21]). Chahā, Snipe. Chakwá, Brahminy Duck ([229]). Chandūl, Lark ([97]-[103]). Chīl, Kite ([152]). Chotā Chahā, Jack Snipe. Daryā Mainā, Bank Myna ([53]). Dayāl, Magpie Robin ([68]). Desi Shāma, Brown Rock-chat ([64]). Dhobin, Wagtail ([91]-[94]). Fakhtā, Dove ([166]-[169]). Gheti, Goose (Mirzapur district). Gidh, Vulture ([141]-[145]). Golābi Mainā, Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). Gonriya, Sparrow ([82]). Gūgū, Dove ([166]-[169]). Hāns, Barred-headed Goose ([228]). Harre Lāl, Green Munia ([78]). Harriāl, Green Pigeon ([163] and [164]). Jānghil, Painted Stork. Jangli tota, Sirkeer Cuckoo. Kabūtār Pigeon ([165]). Kālā Pidhā, Pied Bush Chat ([61] and [62]). Kālā Tītar, Black Partridge ([172]). Kārkarra, Demoiselle Crane ([179]). Koil, Koel ([130]). Kotwāl, King Crow ([25]). Kowā, House Crow ([3]). Kūlang, Common Crane ([177]). Laggar, Lugger Falcon ([160]). Lahtora, Shrike ([34]-[37]). Lāl, Lāl Mūnia, Amadavat ([77]). Machlimār, Osprey ([140]). Mainā, Myna ([52]). Mōhok, Crow-pheasant ([131]). Mor, Peafowl ([170]). Nīlkant, Roller ([115]). Pahāri Mainā, Grackle ([46] and [47]). Pāndubi, Dabchick. Pan-kowa, Cormorant ([209]-[211]). Perki, Dove. Phutki, Tailor-bird, warbler ([28]-[33]). Pīlak, Oriole ([44] and [45]). Popīyā, Brain-fever bird ([128]). Rāj Hans, Grey-lag Goose ([227]). Safēd Gīdh, Scavenger Vulture ([144] and [145]). Sārās, Sarus Crane ([178]). Sāth Bhai, Seven Sisters ([7]-[9]). Sawan, Bar-headed Goose (Unao district). Shāh Būlbūl, Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). Shikrā, Shikra ([158]). Silahi, Whistling Teal. Siphāhi Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul ([20] and [21]). Sūbak, Night Heron (Baraich district). Sūga, Paroquet. Sūrkiā Baglā, Cattle Egret ([223]). Surkhābi, Brahminy Duck. Thampāl, King Crow ([25]). Tilyer, Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). Tīsa, White-eyed Buzzard ([147]). Tītar, Grey Partridge ([173]). Tītiri, Plover, Lapwing ([183] and [184]). Tōtā, Paroquet ([132]-[134]). Turamti, Red-headed Merlin ([161]). Tūti, Rose Finch ([80]). Ūllū, Owl ([135]-[139]). Wāk, Night Heron ([225]). Wokāb, Tawny Eagle ([146]).

The following words are used by Indians as equivalent to the English word “nest.”

Jhonj or Jhūnj. (In some parts of the country this is used to describe a hanging nest.) Ghonsla or Gonchila. Bil or Gahda. Used for a nest in a hole.

B. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO STRUCTURAL PECULIARITIES

[I. Bills.] [II. Crest.] [III. Legs.] [IV. Tail.] [V. Sexual Dimorphism.]

I. BILLS

Birds with Long Bills

1. The Sunbirds ([106]-[108]). (Very small birds with long curved bills.) 2. The Kingfishers ([118]-[120]). (Fairly long and straight.) 3. The Hornbills ([121] and [122]). (Big birds with long tails.) 4. The Hoopoe ([123]). (Bill very long and slightly curved.) 5. The Black-winged Stilt ([187]). (Fairly long, very slender.) 6. The Avocet ([188]). (Fairly long, slender, with an upward curve.) 7. The Curlew ([189]). (Very long and curved.) 8. The Whimbrel ([190]). (Long and curved.) 9. The Black-tailed Godwit ([191]). 10. The Snipes. 11. The Pelicans ([207] and [208]). 12. The Ibises ([212]-[214]). (Very long and slightly curved.) 13. The Spoonbill ([215]). (Long, straight, and flattened with a ladle-like tip.) 14. The Storks ([216]-[221]). 15. The Herons ([222]-[225]). (Fairly long and dagger-shaped.).

II. CREST

Crested birds

1. The Madras Red-vented Bulbul ([15]). 2. The Burmese Red-vented Bulbul ([16]). 3. The Bengal Red-vented Bulbul ([17]). 4. The Punjab Red-vented Bulbul ([18]). 5. The White-eared Bulbul ([19]). 6. The Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul ([20]). 7. The Southern Red-whiskered Bulbul([21]). 8. The Large Racket-tailed Drongo ([27]). 9. The Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). 10. The Brahminy Myna ([51]). 11. The Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). 12. The Crested Lark ([101]). 13. Sykes’s Crested Lark ([102]). 14. The Malabar Crested Lark ([103]). 15. The Yellow-fronted Woodpecker ([110]). 16. The Golden Woodpecker ([111]). 17. The Pied Kingfisher (small crest) ([118]). 18. The Indian Hoopoe ([123]). 19. The Pied-crested Cuckoo ([129]). 20. The Common Peafowl ([170]). 21. The Large Cormorant (small crest) ([209]). 22. The Indian Spur-winged Plover ([184a]). 23. The Herons ([222]-[225]).

III. LEGS

Birds with very long legs

1. The White-breasted Water-hen ([174]). (Moderately long.) 2. The Purple Coot ([175]). 3. The Cranes ([177]-[179]). 4. The Stone Curlew ([180]). 5. The Lapwings ([183] and [184]). 6. The Black-winged Stilt ([187]). 7. The Avocet ([188]). 8. The Curlew ([189]). 9. The Whimbrel ([190]). 10. The Spoonbill ([215]). 11. The Storks ([216]-[221]). 12. The Common Flamingo ([226]). 13. The Indian Spur-winged Plover ([184a]).

Birds with legs feathered to the toe

1. The Owls ([135]-[139]). 2. The True Eagles ([146]). 3. The Sandgrouse.

IV. TAIL

1. Birds with the tail deeply forked

1. The Drongos ([25]-[27]). 2. The Swallows ([88]-[90]). 3. The Palm Swift ([125]). 4. The Common Kite ([152]). (Tail slightly forked. This distinguishes the Kite from all other raptorial birds which have round, square, or wedge-shaped tails.) 5. The Terns ([200]-[206]).

2. Birds with long tails (i.e. long in proportion to rest of body)

1. The Indian Tree-pie ([5]). 2. The King Crow ([25]). 3. The White-bellied Drongo ([26]). 4. The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo ([27]). 5. The Tailor Bird (cock in breeding plumage when the two middle feathers are prolonged as two bristles) ([28]). 6. The Paradise Flycatcher (cock only) ([57]). 7. The Shama ([69]). 8. The Wire-tailed Swallow (two of the tail feathers are prolonged beyond the others and look like wires. These frequently get broken off) ([89]). 9. The Common Indian Bee-eater (the two median tail feathers are prolonged as bristles) ([116]). 10. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (the two median tail feathers are prolonged as bristles) ([117]). 11. The Hornbills ([121] and [122]). 12. The Cuckoos ([128]-[130]). 13. The Crow-pheasant ([131]). 14. The Large Indian Paroquet ([132]). 15. The Rose-ringed Paroquet ([133]). 16. The Western Blossom-headed Paroquet ([134]). 17. The Peacock ([170]). In this species it is not the tail, but the upper tail coverts which are elongated. 18. The Pheasant-tailed Jaçana (in breeding plumage) ([182]). 19. Terns ([202]-[204]).

3. Birds with a very short tail

1. The Nuthatches ([23] and [24]). 2. The Munias ([74]-[79]). (Fairly short). 3. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). 4. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 5. The Woodpeckers ([110] and [111]). (Fairly short.) 6. The Barbets ([113] and [114]). 7. The Kingfishers ([118]-[120]). 8. The Common Indian Swift ([124]). 9. The Spotted Owlet ([135]). 10. The Scops Owl ([138]). 11. The Vultures ([140]-[142]). (Fairly short.) 12. The Common Quail ([171]). 13. The Partridges ([172] and [173]). 14. The White-breasted Water-hen ([174]). 15. The Purple Coot ([175]). 16. The Coot ([176]). 17. The Plovers ([185] and [186]). 18. The Avocet ([188]). 19. The Black-tailed Godwit ([191]). 20. The Sandpipers ([192]-[194]). 21. The Little Stint ([195]). 22. The Pelicans ([207] and [208]). 23. The Cormorants ([209]-[211]). 24. The Ibises ([212]-[214]). 25. The Spoonbill ([215]). 26. The Egrets ([223]). 27. The Paddy Bird ([224]). 28. The Night Heron ([225]). 29. The Common Flamingo ([226]). 30. The Geese ([227] and [228]). 31. The Ducks ([229] and [230]). 32. The Little Grebe ([231]). (No tail at all.)

4. Birds in which a part of the tail feathers are prolonged beyond the rest as bristles

(a) Median pair prolonged

1. (Cock) Tailor Bird (in hot weather). 2. The Bee-eaters ([116] and [117]).

(b) Outer pair prolonged

1. The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo ([27]). (The web reappears at the tip, so as to form a disc at the terminal part of the feather.) 2. The Wire-tailed Swallow.

V. SEXUAL DIMORPHISM

Birds in which the sexes differ greatly in appearance

1. The Common Iora ([13]). 2. The Minivets ([39]-[41]). 3. The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike ([42]). 4. The Orioles ([44] and [45]). 5. The Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). 6. The Indian Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). 7. The Pied Bush Chats ([61] and [62]). 8. The Indian Bush Chat ([63]). 9. The Indian Redstart ([65]). 10. The Indian Robins ([66] and [67]). 11. The Magpie Robin ([68]). 12. The Shama ([69]). 13. The Weaver Birds ([70]-[73]). (In breeding season only.) 14. The Indian Red Munia ([79]). (Particularly in breeding season.) 15. The Common Rose-Finch ([80]). 16. The Common Sparrow ([82]). 17. The Buntings ([84] and [85]). 18. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). 19. The Sunbirds ([106]-[108]). 20. The Koel ([130]). 21. The Blossom-headed Paroquet ([134]). 22. The Harriers ([153]-[157]). 23. The Red Turtle Dove ([169]). 24. The Common Peafowl ([170]). 25. The Black Partridge ([172]). 26. The Shoveller ([230]). (In breeding plumage.)

C. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO COLOUR

[I. Black.] [II. Blue.] [III. Brown.] [IV. Coffee or fawn colour.] [V. Green.] [VI. Grey.] [VII. Pink.] [VIII. Red.] [IX. White.] [X. Yellow.] [XI. Birds of many colours.]

Colour affords the easiest means of identifying the great majority of birds, but in many cases the colours displayed, although conspicuous and easily recognised, are not of a nature to admit of strict classification. Take, for example, the blues—various species display almost every known shade from slaty grey to turquoise, from purple to ultramarine and indigo. To attempt to distinguish in the lists between the many shades of blue would have led to inevitable confusion. I have, therefore, divided my blues into bright blue, dark blue, and slaty blue. My method is probably inartistic, but it will, I hope, facilitate the task of identification.

Again, it is no easy matter to draw the line between greyish and brownish birds, hence I have included some species under both heads. The reader should bear in mind that, while nothing is easier than to identify some birds by their colour, in the case of others colour is at the best a rough guide—one, but only one, of the clues which have to be followed up before the identity of the species can be established. In the case of Raptorial birds colour is of very little assistance, since the great majority of them are of the same colour, moreover, individuals vary greatly in colouration at different stages of their existence.

I. BLACK

1. Birds with a quantity of black in their plumage

(a) All Black

1. The Indian Corby ([1]). 2. The Raven ([2]). 3. The King Crow ([25]). 4. The Large Racket-tailed Drongo ([27]). 5. (Cock) Sunbirds ([106] and [107]). (These are really dark purple, but sometimes look black from a distance.) 6. (Cock) Koel (bill green, eyes red) ([130]). 7. (Young) Scavenger Vultures ([144] and [145]). 8. Coot ([176]). (White bill and shield on forehead.) 9. The Indian Shag ([210]).

(b) Mainly Black

1. The Indian House Crow ([3]). This and ([4]) have grey necks, darker in ([4]). 2. The Burmese House Crow ([4]). 3. The Malabar Whistling Thrush ([11]). (Patches of cobalt-blue.) 4. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). (Yellow wattles and white bar in wing.) 5. The Indian Starling ([49]). (With small yellow or whitish spots.) 6. The Common Indian Swift ([124]). (Smoky brown, with white bar across rump.) 7. The Palm Swift ([125]). (Brownish black.) 8. The Crow-Pheasant ([131]). (Wings chestnut brown.) 9. The Black Vulture ([141]). (Red head, white breast and patch on each thigh.) 10. The White-backed Vulture ([143]). (Very dark grey, with white back.) 11. (Cock) Black Partridge ([172]). (With narrow white bars and broad chestnut collar.) 12. White-breasted Water-hen ([174]). (Very dark grey, with white face, throat, and chest, and red under tail.) 13. The Large and Little Cormorants ([209] and [211]). (White throat.) 14. Black Ibis ([213]). (Top of head red, white patch on wing.)

2. Black-headed birds

1. The Indian Tree-Pie ([5]). 2. (Cock) Iora ([13]). 3. The Red-vented Bulbuls ([15]-[19]). (Small crest.) 4. The Red-whiskered Bulbuls ([20] and [21]). (Large pointed crest.) 5. The Minivets ([39] and [40]). 6. The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike ([42]). 7. The Black-headed Oriole ([45]). 8. The Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). 9. The Black-headed Myna ([51]). 10. The Common Myna ([52]). (With yellow patch of skin behind eye.) 11. The Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). 12. The Indian Redstart (cock in spring) ([65]). 13. The Magpie Robin (cock) ([68]). 14. The Shama ([69]). 15. The Black-headed Munia ([74]). 16. The Chestnut-bellied Munia ([75]). 17. The Black-headed Bunting (in spring) ([84]). 18. The Purple-rumped Sunbird ([108]). (The head and breast are not black in this species, but look black from a distance.) 19. The Crow-Pheasant ([131]). 20. (Male) Pied Harrier ([156]). 21. The Bronze-winged Jaçana ([181]). 22. The Red-wattled Lapwing ([183]). (Red wattle and sides of neck white.) 23. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing ([184]). (Yellow wattle, back of neck white.) 24. The Terns (especially in summer) ([200]-[205]). 25. The White Ibis ([212]). 26. The White-necked Stork ([217]). (Neck white.) 27. The Black-necked Stork ([218]). 28. The Night Heron ([225]). 29. The Indian Spur-winged Plover ([184a]).

3. Black collaret or gorget or band across the breast

1. The Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul ([20]). 2. The Southern Red-whiskered Bulbul ([21]). (Collaret interrupted.) 3. The White Wagtail (patch on breast) ([91]). 4. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). (Black cross on throat.) 5. The Common Indian Bee-eater ([116]). 6. Some of the Bustards. (Not dealt with in this book.) 7. The Pheasant-tailed Jaçana ([182]). 8. The Little Ringed Plover ([186]). 9. The Painted Stork ([220]).

4. Black streak through the eye (i.e. from beak to back of head)

1. The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch ([23]). 2. The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch ([24]). 3. The Shrikes ([34]-[37]). 4. The Indian Oriole ([44]). (Rather a patch than a streak.) 5. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). 6. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 7. The Bee-eaters ([116] and [117]).

5. Black and another colour

(a) Black and blue

1. The Malabar Whistling Thrush ([11]). 2. The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch ([24]). (Whitish throat, lower parts greyish.) 3. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon ([165]). (Slaty blue, with black wing bars and red legs.)

(b) Black and brown (chestnut)

1. The Indian Tree-Pie ([5]). (Silver-grey on wings, grey bars on tail, which is long.) 2. The Common Myna ([52]). (White in wings and tail, yellow legs, and patch of skin behind eye.) 3. (Hen and young) Indian Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). 4. (Cock) Brown-backed Indian Robin ([66]). (Red patch under tail.) 5. The Chestnut-bellied Munia ([75]). 6. The Crow-Pheasant ([131]). (A black bird with brown wings).

(c) Black and coffee or fawn colour

The Rose-coloured Starling ([48]).

(d) Black and grey

1. The Indian House Crow ([3]). 2. The Burmese House Crow ([4]). 3. The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike ([42]). (Lower abdomen white and white tip to tail.) 4. The Large Cuckoo-Shrike ([43]). 5. The Bank Myna ([53]). (Red patch of skin on side of head and buff wing bar.) 6. The Open-bill ([221]). (When not in breeding plumage.)

(e) Black and pink

The Rose-coloured Starling (cock) ([48]).

(f) Black and red

1. The Indian Scarlet Minivet (cock) ([41]). 2. The Short-billed Minivet (cock) ([42]). 3. The Indian Redstart (cock in spring) ([65]). (Red is dull; outer tail feathers brown.) 4. The Black-backed Indian Robin (cock) ([67]). (A black bird with red patch under tail.) 5. The Common Swallow ([88]). (Upper plumage has bluish tinge; some white in tail.) 6. The Red-rumped Swallow ([90]). (Upper plumage has bluish tinge.) 7. The Black Vulture ([141]). (White breast and patch on thigh.) 8. The Black Ibis ([213]). (Small white patch on wing.)

(g) Black and white

1. The White-bellied Drongo ([26]). 2. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). (Black birds with white wing bar, yellow wattles, bills, and legs.) 3. The Pied Myna ([54]). (Orange bill and patch behind eye.) 4. (Cock) Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). (White bird with long tail and black head and crest.) 5. The Fantail Flycatchers ([58]-[60]). 6. (Cock) Pied Bush Chats ([61] and [62]). 7. The Magpie Robin ([68]). 8. The Large Pied Wagtail ([92]). 9. The Indian Pied Kingfisher ([118]). (Spotted black and white like a Hamburgh fowl.) 10. The Common Indian Swift ([124]). (Very dark brown, with white bar across back.) 11. The Pied-crested Cuckoo ([129]). 12. The Indian White-backed Vulture ([143]). (Very dark grey, with white back.) 13. (Cock) Pied Harrier ([155]). 14. The Coot ([176]). 15. (Cock) Black-winged Stilt ([187]). (Long-legged white bird with black back and wings.) 16. The Avocet ([188]). (White wading bird with black markings.) 17. The Indian Skimmer ([206]). (Dark brown and white.) 18. The Cormorants ([209] and [211]). (Black birds with white throat.) 19. The White Ibis ([212]). (White bird with black head.) 20. The White Stork ([216]). (White bird with black in wings; red bill and legs.) 21. The White-necked Stork ([217]). (Black bird with white neck and lower parts.) 22. The Black-necked Stork ([218]). 23. The Painted Stork ([220]). 24. The Open-bill ([221]).

(h) Black and yellow

1. (Cock) Iora (in summer) ([13]). (Two white bars in wing.) 2. (Hen) Scarlet and Short-billed Minivets ([39] and [40]). 3. The Orioles ([44] and [45]). 4. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). (Black birds with yellow bill, wattles, and legs, and white wing bar.)

6. Black and two other colours

(a) Black, blue, and white

The Velvet-fronted Blue Nuthatch ([24]). (The white is greyish.)

(b) Black, brown, and white

1. The Black-tailed Godwit ([191]). 2. The Barred-headed Goose ([228]). (Plumage greyish brown; bill and legs yellow.) 3. The Indian Spur-winged Plover ([184a]).

(c) Black, chestnut, and white

1. (Cock) Indian Bush Chat ([63]). 2. The Shama ([69]). 3. The Black-headed Munia ([74]). 4. The Chestnut-bellied Munia ([75]). 5. (Cock) Black Partridge ([172]). 6. The Bronze-winged Jaçana ([181]).

(d) Black, fawn-colour, and white

The Indian Hoopoe ([123]).

(e) Black, grey, and white

1. The Indian Grey Shrike ([34]). 2. The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike ([42]). 3. The White Wagtail ([91]). 4. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). 5. The Gulls* ([196]-[199]) 6. The Terns* ([200]-[205]) 7. The Night Heron ([225]). 8. The Barred-headed Goose ([228]). (Greyish brown; bill and legs yellow.)

* Wings very pale grey

(f) Black, pink, and white

The Common Flamingo ([226]).

II. BLUE

Birds with blue in their plumage

(a) Bright blue

1. The Common Green Bulbul ([14]). (Bright green bird with blue moustache.) 2. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 3. The Indian Roller or “Blue Jay” ([115]). (Wings and tail composed of light and dark blue bars.) 4. The Common Indian Bee-eater ([116]). (A green bird with turquoise throat, black streak through eye, and two long bristle-like feathers in tail.) 5. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater ([117]). 6. The Common Kingfisher ([119]). 7. The White-breasted Kingfisher ([120]). 8. The Green Parrots ([132]-[134]). (Green birds with blue in their long tails.) 9. The Common Peafowl ([170]). 10. The Purple Coot ([175]). (A large purple-blue bird with red bill, legs, and frontal shield.)

(b) Dark blue

1. The Malabar Whistling Thrush ([11]). (A black bird with cobalt patches.) 2. The Nuthatches ([23] and [24]). (Little short-tailed birds which go about in small flocks and pick insects off the bark of trees.) 3. The Swallows ([88]-[90]). (Upper parts glossy, dark blue.) 4. The Indian Roller or “Blue Jay” ([115]). (Wings and tail composed of light and dark blue bars.)

(c) Slaty or greyish blue

The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon ([165]).

(d) Blue and black birds

(Vide [Black and blue birds].)

III. BROWN

The number of birds of which the predominating hue is brownish is very considerable, and as these usually have nothing striking about their appearance, they are among the most difficult birds to identify. Birds which appear to be a uniform earthy brown will be found on closer inspection almost invariably to be brighter in hue below than above. This is largely counteracted by the fact that the lower parts are in the shade. Most birds which look a uniform earthy brown are in reality a cream colour below, and are described as such in systematic works on ornithology. But as this book is intended for the field naturalist, I shall describe them as they appear to the ordinary observer.

1. Birds whose general hue is earthy brown

(a) Those smaller than the sparrow

1. The Indian Tailor Bird ([28]). (This flits about among the leaves. The note is a loud to-wee, to-wee, to-wee. When the bird calls a small black band may be seen at each side of the neck. In the breeding season the two middle tail feathers of the cock grow over an inch longer than the others and project beyond them like bristles. A very familiar wren-like bird. The brown has a greenish tint.) 2. Sykes’s Tree-warbler ([29]). (Not unlike a solidly built wren, with a tail of average length, and not short like that of the wren.) 3. The Streaked Wren-warbler ([30]). (This is distinguished from other warblers by the fact that its upper plumage is streaked with dark brown.) 4. The Ashy Wren-warbler ([31]). (Makes a curious snapping noise as it flits about the bushes.) 5. The Indian Wren-warblers ([32] and [33]). (Slender and loosely-knit, and make no snapping noise.) 6. The Brown Flycatcher ([55]). (Characterised by its short tail and the fact that it constantly makes little sallies into the air after insects.) 7. (Hen) Indian Bush Chat ([63]). (Reddish brown. Cock quite differently coloured.) 8. The White-throated Munia ([76]). (Very thick bill, white throat and rump, and a note like the twitter of the sparrow; usually seen in small flocks.) 9. The Indian Sand-martin ([86]). (Swallow-like flight; nests in sandbanks.) 10. The Dusky Crag-martin ([87]). (Swallow-like flight; builds mud nest.) 11. (Hen) Sunbirds ([106]-[108]). (Pale yellow under parts, longish curved bill, sometimes hovers in the air on rapidly vibrating wings. Cocks gaily coloured.)

(b) The size of, or a little larger than, the sparrow

1. The Common Babbler ([6]). (A brown bird with a number of dark streaks. As it runs along it carries its tail along the ground, hence its name, “The Rat Bird.”) 2. The White-browed Bulbul ([22]). (Pale yellow patch under the tail, white eyebrow. It has a very cheery call.) 3. The Common Woodshrike ([38]). (Broad white eyebrow, outer tail feathers white; a pretty mellow note—tanti tuia.) 4. (Hen) Pied Bush Chat ([61] and [62]). (Reddish brown, with black tail; cock more strikingly coloured.) 5. The Brown Rock Chat ([64]). (Robin-like in habits; continually bobs its head.) 6. (Hen) Indian Robins ([67] and [68]). (Brick-red patch under tail. Tail often carried erect.) 7. Weaver Birds ([70]-[73]). (Stout bill. Cock becomes showy in breeding season.) 8. (Hen) Rose Finch ([80]). (Two white bars in wing.) 9. Yellow-throated sparrow ([81]). (Yellow patch on throat.) 10. (Hen) Common Sparrow ([82]). 11. The Grey-necked Bunting ([83]). (Thickish bill, some dark streaks in plumage and white in tail.) 12. (Hen) Black-headed Bunting ([84]). (Dull yellow under parts and bright yellow patch under the tail.) 13. The Pipits ([95] and [96]). (Longish legs; dark streaks in plumage. Feed on ground, but take refuge in trees when disturbed.) 14. The Larks ([97] and [98]). (Feed on ground; never perch in trees; some soar in the air and sing.) 15. The Bush Larks ([99] and [100]). (Distinguished from the true larks in perching in bushes when they sometimes take short flights into the air. Distinguished from the pipits in having no white in the tail.) 16. The Crested Larks ([101]-[103]). (Feed on ground; sing in air; never perch in bushes. Crested heads; no white in tail.) 17. The Common Wryneck ([112]). (Woodpecker-like habits. It twists its head from side to side continually. Its plumage is much streaked, speckled, and spotted.) 18. The Spotted Owlet ([135]). (Plumage much spotted and barred with white. Eyes in front of head. Comes out at sunset and sets up a loud chuckling chatter. Legs feathered to the toes.) 19. The Scops Owl ([138]). (Differs from the Spotted Owlet in having “horns” or ear-tufts. Note a single hoot, which is repeated regularly at intervals of about ten seconds.) 20. The Jungle Owlet ([139]). (Distinguished from the Spotted Owlet by its call and by the fact that it is far less often seen.) 21. The Kentish Plover ([185]). (White collar. Found in flocks on the sea coasts.) 22. The Little Ringed Plover ([186]). (Like the Kentish Plover, but distinguished from it by having a black band across the white throat.) 23. The Little Stint. (Wading birds, which occur in large flocks on shallow water.)

(c) About the size of a myna

1. The Jungle Babbler ([7]). (An untidy-looking bird, which goes about in small flocks of half a dozen, feeding on the ground; very noisy; flight feeble.) 2. The White-headed Babbler ([8]). (As above, but the crown of the head is greyish white. Found only in S. India.) 3. The Rufous-tailed Babbler ([9]). (Habits like those of the two species just cited; tail has a reddish tinge.) 4. The Common Indian Nightjar ([126]). (Plumage much mottled; crepuscular in its habits; it flits about at dusk hawking insects.) 5. Horsfield’s Nightjar ([127]). (A large edition of above.) 6. The Common Hawk Cuckoo ([128]). (Plumage much barred, like that of a bird of prey. Its loud crescendo call, a reiterated “brain-fever,” has made it familiar to all.) 7. The Shikra and the Sparrow-hawk ([158] and [159]). (Ashy grey birds with dark cross-bars to the feathers.) 8. The Common Quail ([171]). (A good deal smaller than a myna; legs short; plumage much barred with black. Lives exclusively on the ground.) 9. The Sandpipers ([192]-[194]). (Long-legged birds with white under parts and short tails, which occur in marshes or at the water’s edge.)

(d) Large birds. Bigger than a crow

1. The Common Grey Hornbill ([121]). (A large brownish-grey bird with long tail and big beak.) 2. The Malabar Grey Hornbill ([122]). (Like the above, but found chiefly on the west coast.) 3. The larger Owls ([136] and [137]). (Much barred and spotted. Night birds, with the eyes forwardly directed.) 4. The great majority of Birds of Prey ([140]-[162]). (Plumage usually much barred.) 5. The Grey Partridge ([174]). (Plumage much barred. Does not perch in trees; runs very fast; characteristic call.) 6. The Stone Curlew ([180]). (Black streaks in plumage, some white in wings and tail; legs and bill yellow.) 7. The Curlew ([189]). (A wading bird. Long curved bill.) 8. The Whimbrel ([190]). (A small edition of the Curlew.) 9. The Pond Heron ([124]). (Found at the water’s edge. Flight transforms it into a milk-white bird.) 10. The Night Heron ([225]). (Head black. Its cry “wāāk” is heard at sunset.) 11. The Grey-lag Goose ([227]). (Bill and legs dirty pink.) 12. The Sirkeer Cuckoo ([131a]). (Bill red. About the size of the House-crow.)

2. Birds with chocolate or rich brown in plumage

1. The Indian Treepie ([5]). (Long tail, silver grey on wings.) 2. The Yellow-eyed Babbler ([10]). (Cinnamon-brown bird with white breast.) 3. The Brown Shrike ([37]). 4. The Brahminy Myna ([51]). (Buff and grey bird with a black head.) 5. The Common Myna ([52]). (Yellow patch of skin at side of head.) 6. The Indian Bush Chat ([63]). 7. (Hen) Indian Redstart ([65]). 8. (Hen) Indian Robins ([66] and [67]). (Cock also in one species.) 9. The Munias ([74], [75], and [77]). (Not [76].) 10. The Red-headed Bunting ([85]). 11. The White-breasted Kingfisher ([120]). 12. The Crow-Pheasant ([131]). (Black bird with reddish-brown wings.) 13. The Barn Owl ([136]). 14. The Short-eared Owl ([137]). 15. The Brahminy Kite ([151]). (Reddish-brown bird with white head.) 16. The Kestrel ([162]). (Wings reddish brown.) 17. (Cock) Red Turtle Dove ([168]). (Wings reddish brown.) 18. The Black Partridge ([172]). 19. The Bronze-winged Jaçana ([181]). (Runs about on water weeds.) 20. The Red and Yellow-wattled Lapwings ([183] and [184]). (Back and wings bronzy brown.) 21. The Glossy Ibis ([214]). 22. The Shoveller ([230]). 23. The Indian Little Grebe ([231]).

3. Brown and black birds.

(Vide [Black and brown birds].)

IV. COFFEE OR FAWN COLOUR

1. A fawn-coloured bird with black and white wings and tail

The Indian Hoopoe ([123]).

2. Black and coffee colour

(Young) Rose-coloured Starling ([40]).

V. GREEN

Birds in the plumage of which bright green predominates

1. The Indian White-eye ([12]). (Greenish yellow above, bright yellow below.) 2. (Hen) Iora ([13]). (Lower parts yellow; two white wing bars.) 3. The Common Green Bulbul* ([14]). 4. The Green Munia ([78]). (Yellow under parts; red beak.) 5. The Indian Pitta ([109]). (Back and shoulders only are green.) 6. The Green Barbet* ([113]). (Brown patch of skin behind the eye.) 7. The Coppersmith ([114]). (Olive green.) 8. The Bee-eaters* ([116] and [117]). (Two middle tail feathers prolonged as bristles.) 9. The Paroquets* ([132]-[134]). (Long tails.) 10. The Green Pigeons ([163] and [164]). 11. The Bronze-winged Jaçana ([181]). (Wings only greenish bronze. Runs about on floating plants.) 12. (Cock) Shoveller Duck ([230]). (Head, neck, and wing patch (speculum) only glossy green.) 13. The Little Green Heron. [Added to [p. 224] by this list.]

* These are practically green all over.

VI. GREY

1. Prevailing hue grey

N.B.—Many birds are so coloured that it is not easy to know whether to class them as grey or as brown birds.

1. The Indian Grey Shrike ([34]). (Broad black band through eye.) 2. The Small Minivet ([41]). (Upper parts slaty-grey.) 3. The Cuckoo-Shrikes ([42] and [43]). 4. The Grey-headed Myna ([50]). 5. The Bank Myna ([53]). (Grey and black bird with red patch of skin on side of head.) 6. (Hen) Magpie Robin ([68]). (Grey and white bird.) 7. The Grey and Grey-headed Wagtails ([93] and [94]). (Upper parts bluish grey, lower yellow.) 8. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). (Upper parts ashy grey.) 9. The Grey Hornbills ([121] and [122]). (Large greyish-brown birds with the tail long.) 10. The Pale, Montagu’s and the Hen Harriers ([153]-[155]). 11. The Shikra ([158]). (Narrow rust-coloured bars on lower parts.) 12. The Sparrow-hawk ([159]). (Rust-coloured bars on abdomen.) 13. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon ([165]). (Bluish-grey with two black bars in wing.) 14. The Doves ([166]-[169]). 15. The Grey Partridge ([173]). (Plumage greyish-brown and much barred.) 16. The Cranes ([177]-[179]). (Large French-grey birds with long shanks.) 17. The Grey Pelican ([208]). (Pale grey; enormous bill.) 18. The Adjutant ([219]). 19. The Common Heron ([222]). 20. The Barred-headed Goose.

2. The head only grey

1. The White-headed Babbler ([8]). (Crown of head is often greyish rather than white.) 2. The Bay- and Rufous-backed Shrikes ([35] and [36]). (Broad black band through eye.) 3. The Grey-headed Flycatcher ([56]). 4. (Cock) Indian Redstart ([65]). (Head and neck grey in early winter.) 5. (Cock) Black-headed Bunting ([84]). (In early winter. Under parts yellow.)

3. Grey and black

(Vide [Black and grey].)

4. Grey, black, and white

(Vide [Black, grey, and white].)

5. Grey and red bird

The Kestrel ([162]). (Head, neck, and tail grey; back and wings brick red.)

6. Grey and white

1. (Hen) Magpie Robin ([68]). 2. The Gulls ([196]-[199]). (White birds with very pale grey wings.) 3. The Terns ([200]-[205]). (White birds with very pale grey wings.) 4. The Common Heron ([222]). (Under parts white.)

VII. PINK

1. The Rose-coloured Starling ([48]). (Black and deep rose-coloured pink.) 2. The Common Flamingo ([226]). (Legs long and deep pink; wings white, black, and cerise.)

VIII. RED

1. Birds with red in plumage, or having red wattles or red skin on head

(a) Bright red

1. The Red-vented Bulbuls ([15]-[18]). 2. The Red-whiskered Bulbuls ([20] and [21]). 3. The Minivets* ([39]-[41]). 4. The Bank Myna ([53]). 5. The Indian Redstart* ([65]). 6. The Indian Robins ([66] and [67]). 7. The Amadavat* ([79]). 8. (Cock) Common Rose-Finch ([80]). 9. The Purple-rumped Sunbird ([108]). (Back dull crimson.) 10. The Pitta ([109]). 11. (Cock) Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker ([110]). 12. Golden-backed Woodpecker ([111]). 13. The Crimson-breasted Barbet ([114]). 14. The Green Parrots ([131]-[133]). 15. The Black Vulture ([141]). 16. The Purple Coot ([175]). (Red shield on forehead.) 17. The Common Crane ([177]). (Red patch across back of head.) 18. The Sarus ([178]). (Red—not very bright—head and neck.) 19. The Red-wattled Lapwing ([183]). 20. The Black Curlew ([213]). (Back of head red.) 21. The Flamingo ([226]). (White and cerise.)

* These birds are conspicuously red.

(b) Dull red (chestnut, bay, or maroon)

1. The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch ([23]). 2. The Bay- and Rufous-backed Shrikes ([35] and [36]). 3. The Shama ([69]). 4. The Chestnut-bellied Munia ([75]). 5. The Red-headed Bunting ([85]). 6. The Swallows ([88]-[90]). 7. The Rufous-tailed Finch-Lark ([104]). 8. The Common Kingfisher ([119]). 9. The Crow-Pheasant ([131]). 10. The Brahminy Kite ([151]). 11. The Red-headed Merlin ([161]). 12. The Kestrel ([162]). 13. (Cock) Red Turtle Dove ([169]). 14. The White-breasted Water-hen ([174]). 15. The Bronze-winged Jaçana ([181]). 16. The Ruddy Sheldrake ([229]). (The red is very yellowish.) 17. The Shoveller ([230]). 18. The Indian Little Grebe ([231]).

2. Red crest

The Woodpeckers ([110] and [111]).

3. Red-legged birds

1. The Coppersmith ([114]). 2. The Common Kingfisher ([119]). 3. The White-breasted Kingfisher ([120]). 4. The Indian Blue Rock Pigeon ([165]). 5. The Doves ([166]-[168]). 6. The Partridges ([172] and [173]). (Dull brownish red.) 7. The Purple Coot ([175]). 8. The Sarus ([178]). 9. The Black-winged Stilt ([187]). 10. The Laughing Gull ([196]). 11. The Brown-headed Gull ([197]). 12. The Whiskered Tern ([200]). 13. The Indian River Tern ([203]). 14. The Black-bellied Tern ([204]). (Orange red.) 15. The Indian Skimmer ([206]). 16. The Black Ibis ([213]). 17. The Storks ([216]-[218]). 18. The Common Flamingo ([226]). (Deep pink.) 19. The Grey-lag Goose. (Dirty pinkish red.) 20. The Shoveller ([230]). (Yellowish red.)

4. Red patch of feathers under the tail, birds with

1. The Red-vented Bulbuls ([15]-[18]). 2. The Red-whiskered Bulbuls ([20] and [21]). 3. The Indian Robins ([66] and [67]). 4. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 5. The White-breasted Water-hen ([174]).

5. Red patch of feathers on shoulder, birds with

1. The Alexandrine Paroquet ([131]). 2. The Blossom-headed Paroquet ([133]).

6. Red patch of skin on side of head, birds with

1. The Bank Myna ([53]). 2. The Red-wattled Lapwing ([183]).

7. Red and black

(Vide [Black and red].)

IX. WHITE

1. Birds of which the plumage is pure white

1. The Spoonbill ([215]). 2. The Egrets ([223]).

2. Birds in the plumage of which white largely predominates

1. (Cock) Paradise Flycatcher ([57]). (Black head and crest.) 2. The Black-winged Stilt ([187]). (Back and wings black in cock, brown in hen.) 3. The Avocet ([188]). (Several black markings.) 4. The Gulls ([196]-[199]). 5. The Terns ([200]-[205]). 6. The Dalmatian Pelican ([207]). (Some black in wings.) 7. The White Ibis ([212]). (Black head and neck; long curved bill.) 8. The White Stork ([216]). (Black in wings; red legs.) 9. The Black-necked Stork ([218]). (Black in wings; head, neck, and shoulders black; legs red.) 10. The Painted Stork ([220]). (Black wings and bar across breast; legs brown.) 11. The Open-bill ([221]). (Dirty white, with black on wings, shoulders, and tail.) 12. The Common Flamingo ([226]). (Some cerise in the plumage.)

3. Dull-coloured bird whose wings appear all white when flying

The Pond Heron ([224]).

4. White bar in wing, birds with

1. The Grey, Bay- and Rufous-backed Shrikes ([34]-[36]). 2. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). 3. The Common Myna ([52]). 4. The Pied Bush Chats ([61] and [62]). 5. (Cock) Indian Robins ([66] and [67]). 6. The Magpie Robin ([68]). 7. The Large Pied Wagtail ([92]). 8. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 9. The White-breasted Kingfisher ([120]). 10. The Pied-crested Cuckoo ([129]). 11. The Red- and Yellow-wattled Lapwings ([183] and [184]). 12. The Common Sandpiper ([192]). (Very narrow white bar.)

5. Two white bars in wing, birds with

1. The Iora ([13]). 2. (Hen) Rose-Finch ([80]).

6. White cheeks, birds with

1. The White-eared Bulbul ([19]). 2. The Red-whiskered Bulbuls ([20] and [21]). (Also a small patch of crimson feathers on cheeks.) 3. The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch ([23]). 4. The Pied Myna ([54]). 5. The Indian Bush Chat ([63]). (The patch in this species is on the sides of the neck, not on the cheeks.) 6. (Cock) Sparrow ([82]). 7. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark ([105]). 8. The Golden-backed Woodpecker ([111]). (The white on the cheeks is intersected by a number of thin black lines.) 9. The Black Partridge ([172]). 10. The Common Crane ([177]). (In this species the white runs down each side of the long neck.) 11. The Red-wattled Lapwing ([183]). (Here a white band runs from eye down the neck.) 12. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing ([184]). (Here a white band runs from eye to eye round the back of the head.)

7. Ring of white feathers round eye

1. The Indian White-eye ([12]). 2. The Brown Flycatcher ([55]). (Ring not very conspicuous.) 3. The Grey-necked Bunting ([83]). (Ring not very conspicuous.)

8. White and black

(Vide [Black and white].)

9. White, black, and blue

(Vide [Black, blue, and white].)

10. White, black, and brown

(Vide [Black, brown, and white].)

11. White, black, and chestnut

(Vide [Black, chestnut, and white].)

12. White, grey, and black

(Vide [Black, grey, and white].)

13. White, pink, black

(Vide [Black, pink, and white].)

X. YELLOW

1. Birds with bright yellow in the plumage

1. The Indian White-eye ([12]). 2. The Iora ([13]). 3. The Common Green Bulbul ([14]). (Patch of yellow on forehead.) 4. The White-eared Bulbul ([19]). (Yellow patch under the tail.) 5. The White-browed Bulbul ([22]). (Pale yellow patch under tail.) 6. (Hen) Minivets ([39], 40, and [41]). 7. The Orioles ([44] and [45]). 8. The Grackles or Hill Mynas ([46] and [47]). (Black birds with yellow beak, legs, and wattles.) 9. The Common Myna ([52]). (Yellow beak, legs, and patch of skin behind eye.) 10. The Pied Myna ([54]). (Orange patch of skin behind eye.) 11. The Grey-headed Flycatcher ([56]). 12. (Cock) Bayas (at breeding season) ([70]-[73]). 13. The Green Munia ([78]). 14. The Yellow-throated Sparrow ([81]). 15. The Black- and Red-headed Buntings ([84] and [85]). 16. The Grey and Grey-headed Wagtails ([93] and [94]). 17. (Cock) Purple-rumped Sunbird ([108]). 18. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 19. The Yellow-fronted Woodpecker ([110]). (Spotted black and white bird with yellow forehead.) 20. The Golden-backed Woodpecker ([111]). (Back golden yellow.) 21. The Pheasant-tailed Jaçana ([182]). (Back of neck golden yellow in breeding plumage.) 22. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing ([184]). 23. The Cattle Egret (in breeding plumage) ([223]). (Yellow plumes grow from back of head.)

2. Birds with bright yellow or orange legs

1. The Yellow-eyed Babbler ([10]). 2. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). 3. The Mynas ([51]-[53]). 4. The Common Hawk-Cuckoo ([128]). (Not very bright.) 5. The majority of Birds of Prey. (The yellow varies from dull to bright.) 6. The Green Pigeons ([163] and [164]). 7. The Black Partridge ([172]). (Reddish orange.) 8. The Stone Curlew ([180]). 9. The Red- and Yellow-wattled Lapwings ([183]-[184]). 10. The Herring-Gulls ([198] and [199]). 11. The Little Tern ([205]). (Orange in summer, brownish in winter.) 12. The Barred-headed Goose ([228]). 13. The Shoveller ([230]).

3. Birds with dull-coloured upper plumage and bright yellow under parts

1. The Indian White-eye ([12]). 2. The Iora ([13]). 3. The Grey-headed Flycatcher ([56]). 4. The Green Munia ([78]). 5. The Black- and Red-headed Buntings ([84] and [85]). 6. The Grey and Grey-headed Wagtails ([93] and [94]).

4. Yellow patch of feathers under the tail, birds with

1. The White-eared Bulbul ([19]). 2. The White-browed Bulbul ([22]).

5. Yellow patch of feathers on the throat, bird with

The Yellow-throated Sparrow ([81]).

6. Yellow patch of skin on side of head or yellow wattles, birds with

1. The Grackles ([46] and [47]). 2. The Common and Pied Mynas ([52] and [54]). 3. The Yellow-wattled Lapwing ([184]).

7. Yellowish red

The Brahminy Duck ([229]). (This bird is mainly of a ruddy yellow hue.)

8. Yellow and black

(Vide [Black and yellow].)

XI. BIRDS OF MANY COLOURS

9. Birds in the plumage of which at least four bright colours appear

1. (Cock) Purple-rumped Sunbird ([108]). 2. The Indian Pitta ([109]). 3. The Coppersmith ([114]). 4. The Common Kingfisher ([119]). 5. The Green Pigeons ([163]). 6. The Peafowl ([170]).

D. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO HABITS

[I. Birds having remarkable cries.] [II. Birds whose nests are likely to be found in any garden in the plains.] [III. Birds that habitually sit on exposed perches.] [IV. Birds that go about in flocks.] [V. Flight.] [VI. Feeding habits.] [VII. Birds which habitually carry the tail almost vertically.]

Since habits of birds vary according to circumstances, none of the lists given are exhaustive. They merely serve as rough guides. Thus, if a nest be found in the compound it is in all probability the nest of one of the species set forth in the list given, but it may, of course, belong to some other species. The list is nevertheless useful, as out of twenty nests found in any garden in the plains nineteen of them will also certainly belong to birds set forth in my list. Having determined that a given bird in all probability belongs to one of these species, it should not be difficult to arrive at its name by a process of elimination.

I. BIRDS HAVING REMARKABLE CRIES

Call

Name of Bird

No. of Bird in Part II

A loud metallic coch-lee, coch-lee, or cogee, cogee

Indian Tree-pie [5]

Squeaks like that of a revolving axle that requires oiling

The Seven Sisters [6]

A striking whistle, like that of a human being

The Idle Schoolboy [11]

A sweet little tinkling song

The Bulbuls [15]-[22]

A cheery whistle, heard chiefly at dawn, which Cunningham describes as “chēyk, chĕchi chĕyk, chēȳk chĕchi chēȳ chēȳh”

The King Crow [25]

A loud to-wee, to-wee, to-wee

The Tailor Bird [28]

A snapping noise

Ashy Wren-warbler [31]

A pretty, mellow tanti-tuia

The Woodshrike [38]

A loud, mellow, peeho, peeho

The Orioles [44] & [45]

Keeky, keeky, keeky . . . churr, churr, kok, kok, kok

The Common Myna [52]

A whistle of about six notes, like the first bars of the “Guards Valse”

The Fantailed Flycatchers [58]-[60]

A song like that of a canary

Purple Sunbird [107]

A loud, screaming call

Golden-backed Woodpecker [111]

A loud, monotonous, penetrating kutur kutur, kuturuk

Green Barbet [113]

A monotonous, metallic tonk, tonk, tonk, like the tapping of a hammer on metal

The Coppersmith [114]

A loud, rattling scream

White-breasted Kingfisher [120]

A low ūk, ūk, ūk

The Hoopoe [123]

A shrill, trembling scream

The Swift [124]

A sound like a stone sliding over ice

The Common Nightjar [126]

Chuk, chuk, chuk, like the tapping of a plank with a hammer

Horsfield’s Nightjar [127]

A crescendo “brain-fever, brain-fever, BRAIN-FEVER”

Brain-fever Bird [128]

A crescendo “ku-il, ku-il, KU-IL”

The Koel [130]

A low, sonorous, owl-like whoot, whoot, whoot

The Crow-Pheasant [131]

Loud screams uttered during flight

The Paroquets [132]-[134]

“A torrent of squeak and chatter and gibberish,” kucha, kwachee, kwachee, kwachee, kwachee rapidly uttered in a shrieking, chattering tone

The Spotted Owlet [135]

A weird screech, heard at night

The Barn Owl [136]

A single hoot repeated monotonously at regular intervals of ten seconds, oomp

The Scops Owl [138]

At early dawn. “Turtuck, turtuck, turtuck, turtuck, turtuck, turtuck, tuckatu, chatucka tuckatuck. The words or dissyllables sounding rather low at first and with considerable pauses between, and the intervals decreasing and the tone getting louder till they end rapidly” (Tickell)

The Jungle Owlet [139]

Loud resonant calls uttered when the bird is high up in the air

The Fish-Eagles [148]-[150]

Peculiar squeaking wail uttered while the bird is sailing in the air