Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 2, 1891.djvu/397

 Rh hawks. Others, again, are known by the name of Hìndry or Fanìndry, words derived from roots meaning "to press down", "to pounce on", and doubtless referring to their swooping down upon their prey. The long pinions of the Grey Hobby, projecting even beyond the tail, are noticed in its name of Làvèlatra, i.e., "Long-wings". These birds appear in Madagascar only in the rainy season, coming from Africa in pursuit of the clouds of locusts which frequently cross the Mozambique Channel, and on which they principally feed. Their flight is rapid, like that of a swallow, and they may be seen pursuing the locusts as the swallows do gnats. A Sàkalàva name of this bird is Tsiasàra, i.e., "Not-found-in-the-dry-season". It will be seen that this group of rapacious birds presents good examples of the Malagasy power of giving striking and appropriate names to the living creatures of their country.

Two species of eagle are found in Madagascar, of one of which, the Ankoày, a fishing or sea eagle, much that is interesting has been observed as regards its habits; but I know of nothing yet as to any native superstitions connected with it, as the western tribes are still little known and this bird is only found on the west side of the island.

Six or seven species of owl are known in Madagascar two of which, the Scops and the Barn Owl, are very plentiful. The last mentioned appears to be exactly identical with the almost world-wide bird of that name. As among most other peoples, the owl is regarded by the Malagasy as a bird of ill-omen; they call it Vòrondòlo, i.e., "Spirit-bird", or "Ghost-bird", thinking it an embodiment of the spirits of the wicked; and when its startling screech is heard in the night, they believe it to be a presage of misfortune to someone. There are numerous fables and stories about the owl, illustrating the popular dread of and dislike to the bird. M. Grand idler says the provincial name of the Scops Owl, Atòroko, means "I am going to say" (more exactly, "to point out"), and that some Malagasy consider it as a menace when they hear it. Like the