Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/97

1837.] first quill is moderately notched on the inner vane, about 1½ inch from its point: but the notch is less strong and more remote than in Falco. The scapulars are usually about 1½ inch shorter than the tertials. The tail is short, and, like the wings, noticeably soft, as is, indeed, the whole plumage. The tail is, upon the whole, nearly even; but there is a slight gradation from below in the extreme lateral feathers, and another from the centre above. The latter seldom exceeds half an inch, but still the tail may be said to be somewhat forked, though there be scarcely a trace of the divaricating structure, even in the extreme feathers. Shortness and thickness are the characteristics of the legs and feet : but the thickness is of that sort which the vulgar call 'gumminess'—not nervous strength. The tarsi are half plumed in front; their residue, and the toes, being very finely reticulated, with the exception of three digital scales next to each talon. The toes are short, unequal, and cleft, but the outer one, though free, can only act in front. The chief feature of the digits is the excess in length of the inner over the outer fore one. The central one has the average superiority over the others in length; and the hind one is just half as long as the central, or somewhat short but broad and stout. All the digits have nearly the same thickness. The soles of the feet are full and rounded, soft and unbailed. The talons are sufficiently large, strong and acute; the inner and hind being equal; the central as long almost but feebler ; and the outer fore, much the smallest. All the talons are rounded below, but none of them are compressed.

The ear, as well as the eye, is very noticeably large; and the gape reaches to the centre of the eye or more. The breadth of the head, and of the bill near it, have been already noticed; and these features, together with the amplitude of the wings, and the shortness of the tail and feet, seem to indicate (in the language of Mr. Swainson) a Natatorial or Fissirostral type. And, as there cannot, I suppose be two such types in the circle of the Mil vine?, it is difficult to imagine how Nauclerus and Elanus can continue distinct in this single circle.

But what the manners of Elanus? The birds of this genus are not, in India, migratory : they breed on (not in) trees, laying usually from 3 to 5 eggs in April, May, and rearing commonly from 3 to 4 young. The Chanwa or black wing quests chiefly in the morning and evening, feeding upon small birds, insects and mice. It does not usually seize upon the wing, though its hunting be, for the most part, by continuous questing. Commonly it is seen skimming the cultivation, like a Circus, occasionally poising itself on the wing for the purpose of getting a distincter view of some mouse, small bird or insect which has stirred on its beat and upon which, when clearly perceived, it stoops perpendicularly with the speed of lightning. After a while, it will resort to