DA ee 8D) haa yyy th st -\ 4 Nuys) wh Y y i a sats mi Shy 3 it OTL iy Phe ; Re ee aa on sf H } i aha) NEN it Nivel at iy i RE UNHtnetitn ag Aaaey Lb Pe AT US tS aM Wire Sy Ap ‘ a AENEAN ‘why i Wy ji Pah MAA 4 nt! PIRES Aa ety Riel Yr as ' A ATS aR He I eat aah Sd dle Wey a Haw indid i Pi any vag hs . ys 7 nit 1 x oa Oye ae fiat Ta Dele) bes be Ky : ne rE 3 , ; j JP i See f Ge MEhie bev bnap ae oSu (Suda ai $s ans t y ’ if as ale Ff Te 8 ut ) - fay aA Mee Min | Pe ee ee ¢ HN ARO hate Palas ? Aipsiyt Bane i Un nA ta) " { ACH ne Wie teehee rae i Ru j ey ALY Sunn Fann: b My Pei i IK AMPs a ; pA RM rennige eM i u Fi) atk Hayat d pith iad Ee oy as a, Hie He ey a ateont Pa Tehaniey ee ea ae Pio Fahy jit Oey f He i cg DL Ean Pes On A rio hi lh i 0 ii piv HATES TUG Ae Oe Ie be Ad VD fi ea i ae a * i ey o si,” | hi w oo e } ~ Ls J tll li on ENC & E> Ms og Se : ig Ee Sl, oe ss wee \* - tp * sll i. " ~ iL” ons Z RAN , “a, oO ‘4 A i i : a ll, C ‘| So % i i ey, ill Ls | c 4. “eas 7 “oy £ Wil ma. Sasi > os “Yn, ee 1B fe) er ose d JE Ageia, ; he he eae S + Se” =, B WE ON Gs eel [se aad] c ee 3) & a, oy XS A x oY, eS Me) a. rqcaaneee: FESOLIN ER te Pencarian faerie ey tel Win iH Cs co, — ce
Tesy 1), LSHlaveireies SUIS ae one ee een ee ara teevie eee ARR Ary
A PopuLarR TREATISE ON THE ComMMON INDIAN SNAKES.
Part XIII. Anerstrodon himalayanus and Psammody-
nastes pulverulentus. (With Plate XIII, Diagram and
Map.) By Major F. Wall, 1.M.s., C.M.z.s. (Continued
HOM AC O92 OV Ole CTR) Meriter er enemys asee ae eee
On THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE INDIAN HEDGEHOGS. By R.
WRAVoOWoNCOI F228) yh 5. era. cise eval Sa hepa eee SAS ee
THE Morus or INpiA. Supplementary paper to the Volumes
in the ‘‘ Fauna of British India.’”’ Series IV, Part I.
By Sir+ George F.Hampson, Bart., F.2.S., F.E.S. ......
ORCHIDS OF THE BomBay PRESIDENCY. Part X. (With
Plate X.) By G. A. Gammie, F.L.S.. (Continued from
jDaSe: G20 Ore WONG D-GD-O) ores naccrancs Boon dueascon eres:
THE BUTTERFLIES OF Kumaun. Part 1. (With a Map.)
vane D aia Oo LOM, WeC.Se ia ark e accede ai Sacoenaninennsttainge
DESCRIPTIONS OF INDIAN Micro-LepmpopTerRA. XI. By H.
AIG plete en AVNER Se EZ Sh. sac mative steloigaietre s abe tehanets ate
On THE BirpS oF KoHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY,
NORTHERN: [npr Part I By Capt: ©) Hi. ©:
Wahiitelnea cli pa ee ecco cent ey a mere ca Phun ee ile See Teasl Gatling al,
A Tamarix Association. By William Burns, B. sc. (Hdin.) yF
NOTE ON THE CIRCULATION OF Calycopteris floribunda. By
John, AVENE ec OR Oe nee erin vee aerate ho nuRUe Re, Mine Rear ee
PAGE
ee)
es)
iv CONTENTS.
Reviews.—“‘ The Fauna of India,” (Dermaptera). By
IME, SB Giese os eee tan crepe ees al a
‘Indian Insect Life,’ a Mammal of the
Insects of the Plains (Tropical India)......
‘‘ Insect Intruders in Indian Homes.” By HE.
PoStebbimgienin estes. bois s. sete eee
“Transactions of the Bombay Medical Con-
EEE SSO OO GENE da crckte: hie oles bigaieaina tints eee
MiscELLANEOUS NOoTES.—
I. The call of the Sloth-Bear. By F. Dewar,
LE CAS a aa eG COS TOSCO ER SICRC DERCIEACEE TS COTO DSCC .S 4 0/6
II. Distribution of the Sloth-Bear or Indian Bear
(Melursus ursinus). By Lt.-Col. MAY Tb.
Menton: bs. 6csk ses eee
III. The Baluchistan Bear. By Lt.-Col. L. L.
Penton scjnccisinls ined ge ut ieee eS ee. eee
IV. A Record Panther. By N. B. Kinnear, -t2:
V. Jackal hunting with Wild Dogs. By Major
BL W eBerbhone ieee... «se nktve ones eee
VI. The Rudimentary Clavicles of a Panther. By
Major tel WVesBerthon 2 02.0.-..eeeee eee
VII. Sloth-Bear calling her young when attacked.
By WitGave ie oes. cas. conaes) ease eee
Wille Birds feedime tthem Youngs By Ga seme
Rercnvyaleneserec: Shove delun ceca athe ee
IX. Nidification of the Sarus Crane. By Capt.
ZA. CEL? Miossens. i a0ses ascetic
X. The Food ofthe Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius
erythronotus). By Major H. A. Ff. Magrath.
XI. Occurrence of the Bronze-capped Teal
(Hunetta falcata) near Roorkee. By Lieut.
Be H.. Kellys Ries ick.eee ese eae eee
X11. Woodcock (Scolopaw rusticola) in Kanara. By
Ti Re Belly os. .6c eae Rt ala eee
213°
XIII.
XIV.
xe:
XOWAle
xe Vee
2 WAM
XXII.
XXIII.
LORI.
XXV.
XXVI.
CONTENTS.
Occurrence of the Hastern Solitary Snipe
(G. solitaria) at Haka, Chin Hills. By
FY. E. W. Venning
eC i eC Ct aca
Doves nesting on the ground. By Lt.-Col.
L. L. Fenton
i i eC i i Cry
Occurrence of the Lesser Flamingo (Pheni-
conaias minor) in Kathiawar. By Lt.-Col.
L. lL. Fenton.
i i Ck i cy
Breeding of the Great Stone Plover (Hsacus
recurvirostris). By H. R. 8. Hasted
Two Birds’ Nests from Tibet. By Capt. F. M.
Bailey
Bird Notes from a homeward bound steamer in
November. By Major H. A. F. Magrath.
The Smew (Mergus albellus). By Lieut. R.
Francis
Roller catching its prey in the water. By
Major H. Delmé Radcliffe
Shrikes’ Larders. By Capt. J. R. J. Tyrrell,
LMS. ,
eee eee eee eee eee eee tee eee eee ees eee ees eee ese aas
Occurrence of the Lesser Florican or Likh
(Sypheotis aurita) out of season. By Capt.
dy dis dia liaimmelly USE Acaoc seco ouueby sgussoued
Shrikes’ Larders. By Major H. A. F. Magrath
A Snake flirtation. By Coleridge Beadon...
The Food of Crocodiles. By Capt. H. W.
IMGYEHN, IR, 5cocodasoncebsoonoecdoun obo Sdécosees
Remarks on the Varieties and Distribution of
the Common Green Whipsnake (Dryophis
mycterizans). By Major F. Wall, LM.s.,
(QuINIVASSo Gaobioe nca500 000000000000 00000000000000000C
iw)
bo
Ns)
vi CONTENTS
XXVII. Note on the Breeding of Hehis carinata.
By Lt.-Col. W. B. Bannerman, I.M.S., M.D.,
DS Oeics ee ak Ce ere mine ote i:hes See
XXVIII. Notes on the viviparus habit of Jerdon’s Pit
Viper (Lachesis. jerdonv) and observations
on the foetal tooth inthe unborn embryo.
By Major EEaWealliicwis)y CNC ZS. seee nee
OXX. Sarge Mahseer: — By IN By Kinnear =. eee
XXX. Entomological Notes :—
By H. Maxwell-Lefroy, T. V. Ram Krishna
Aayar and El. E. Mann yy) 2y2)- ces eeeeeee
XXXI. The Distinctions between Terias silhetana
and Terias hecabe. By Lt.-Col. N. Manders,
RL A.MiC...5 or pa tine cece nee one eRe eee
XXXIT. A Giant Sunflower (Hehanthus annuus,
Limm>)) By. Sa Veiled eens eee teaeee
XXXII. Scientific Nomenclature. By F. EH. W.
V CUMING Ce cece ot caauwe ns ens eee
XXXIV. The preservation of Natural History Speci-
mens. By Gordon Dalgleish =: )-27--eesse
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING of Members of the Bombay
Natural History Society held on 3rd February 1910...
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING of Members of the Bombay
Natural History Society held on 7th April 1910 ......
No. 2.
THE GAME BIRDS OF Inp1a, Burma AND CreyLon. Part II.
The Eastern Solitary Snipe and the Wood Snipe.
(With Plates IT and Il.) By EH. C. Stuart Baker,
F.LS., F.Z.80,°M.BsOLUs ous sa eee ee ae eeeeene E eee eee eee
THE COMMON BUTTERFLIES OF THE PLAINS OF INDIA. Part
VIL By ‘Ty Re Bell, 16) a eee eee eee
PAGE
230
259
279
CONTENTS.
A COLLECTION OF THE OPHIADIA FROM THE CHIN HILLS.
(With notes on the same by Major F. Wall, 1™.s.,
CHILLS) Tey 1h ld. Wie Wier Mc88 2co 50 ose cooticouccdoe
A NEW TROPIDONOTUS FROM THE CHIN Hitis. (Tropidonotus
venningt, sp. n.) By Major F. Wall, 1.M.S., C.M.Z.S. ...
THe PatmMs or British INDIA AND CEYLON, INDIGENOUS
AND InTRopUCED. Part Il. (With Plates I, (11, IV
amma, WV) Teyp 1, IBanneIe, Silo Séc cso ce bodceocaonccaowerb och
THE BUTTERFLIES OF Kumaun. Part I]. By F. Hannyng-
WON, JaCHS: “eo geisttess pape CHOS SEEN OSCE SOR Bat SonerE ECC oM aMancnnecn &
A FurtTHer List or Birrps ON THE BuHaAmo DISTRICT,
Upper Burma. By Major H. H. Harington (92nd
[PAD on | OPIS) oan aoe res ches cake: a2 ays eA ENR Beene ee ee
A lLisr or THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE PaLNr HILLs. By
Capt. W. H. Evans, Rk. E. (With a Note on Migration,
loyy: diy ited Ne(0)) SAME anaes cot okheesenptonsapnns
THE NaruraL History or Bompay Mauaria. (With Plates
Tand II.) By Charles A. Bentley, M.B., c.m. (Hdin.),
[D)KIEI IP IOAN Co'nusle (Orta 3) hehe meres ononme cebu So nabens cocobe
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO CERTAIN LOCAL BUTTERFLY
Misisee by Captain We Elo iivams, RBar sco cllin-
A PRELIMINARY LisT OF THE FISHES OF TIRHOOT, BENGAL.
lBhy (Grarooin Denker ies) ny Sebee obs scsoscetone shpeeccueonsouscnon
DESCRIPTIONS OF INDIAN MicRO-LEPIDOPTERA. Part XII.
Divgullli pee Ml evacickemByAla sb R Sa EZ.Sc. be ecta tte i: /aveaee. se oats:
NOTES RELATING TO THE DISTRIBUTION, HABiTs AND NIDIFICA-
TION OF Certhia himalayana, Vigors (THE HIMALAYAN
TREE-CREEPER), IN AND AROUND SIMLA AND THE ADJA-
CENT RanGes. By P. T. L. Dodsworth, F.z.s. ..
PLANTS OF THE PunJas. ) English.—To all Anglo-Indians the snake is known by the
name of ‘‘ banded Krait.”
a
“See my article in this J ournal, Vol. XVIII, p. 71),
f Ind. Serp. 1796, Vol. I, Plate III.
934 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
(c) Vernacular.—The name applied to it in Orissa—‘ bunga-
?
rum pamah”’ is Telugu and means “ gold snake.” In Bengal it is
usually called ‘‘rajsamp,”’ a name probably suggested by the golden
belts which encircle it, also “sankni.” This latter appears to be
connected with the word pronounced like our English “sunk”
which is applied to the couch shells blown in Temples. If I am
correctly informed these large shells are sometimes cut into several
pieces by cross sections so as to make bracelets which are worn by
Bengali women, and there is a street in Dacca where many crafts-
men engaged in this occupation have congregated, and given to
the street the name of ‘“sunkaree.”” ‘‘Sankni” then appears to
be a wearer of bracelets. Mr. H. Muir tells me about “ kalna”
(Bengal) it is usually called ‘‘sankni,” but by the Hindus
‘‘dumukha”’ or two-mouthed. Also, he says, that the Santhals eall
it ‘““bangphora”’ meaning two-mouthed, and “ beeng.”
Inthe North-West of Bengal, Fayrer* says it is called “ kochlia
krait.” In Burma it has many names, ‘‘mywe min” (king
snake), ‘“ngan-wa”’ (yellow snake), ‘“‘ngan-daw-ja” (banded
royal snake), “nat mywe” (spirit snake), and ‘“ ngan-than
kwinsyut ” (or “ ngan-than-gwin-zok ”’ as Theobald has it) which
means literally a cylinder with bands or rings on it.
The banded krait when adult is a snake
of respectable dimensions which attracts attention by its very
General characters.
distinctive, and highly ornamental, colouration. The head is broad
and depressed, the snout short, and bluntly rounded. The eye is
moderate in size, and blackish throughout, the pupil being usually
invisible, but if looked at closely, sométimes an inconspicuous yellow-
ish rim is seen to indicate its outline. The neck is barely
apparent, the body smooth and glossy with a conspicuous ridge
down the spine, and the tail short and ending abruptly in a finger-
like extremity.
Colour.—The whole snake is broadly and alternately banded
with canary-yellow and black. These bands involve from 5 to 7
scales in the length of the snake, completely encircle the body, and
are of wonderfully even width, like a broad bracelet. The black
* Thanatophidia, p. 11,
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 935
are usually rather broader especially in front, and number from 16
to 27 on the body, and 2 to 5 on the tail.* On the nape isa large,
elongate, black patch rounded behind, and ogival in front where it
reaches the frontal shield, and this does not extend on to the belly.
On the top of the head there is a large yellow V, the arms of
which diverge backwards and pass over the temples to the throat.
Except the lips and lore which are yellow, the rest of the crown is
black. The chin and throat are yellow.
Dimensions.—\t grows to 6 feet, but specimens over 5 feet are
exceptional. I had one of 5 feet 3 inches in Berhampore (Orissa)
and Evans and I had one 5 feet 9 inches in Rangoon. Vincent
Richards+ records one 6 feet long, Talbot Kelly in his book on
Burma (1905, p. 110) mentions one just over 6 feet, and Major
Leventon, I.M.S., told me of a large gravid 9 he saw at Sibsagar
in Assam that measured 6 feet 14 inches. Fayrer { says on the
authority of Mason that it grows to 8 feet, but I very much
suspect there was some guess work in this estimate. 1 have had
over 50 specimens from Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Burma and China.
Identification.—Though the colour and banding is so distinctive
those who trust to these only may be deceived by the similarity in
this respect shown by some specimens of the harmless snake
Lycodon fasciatus. It is best in this instance as in every other
to identify your snake by scale characters. The enlarged verte-
brals, and entire subcaudals will proclaim the snake a Krait for
certain, and the ridged spine, blunt tail or the yellow bands will
distinguish this from all the other kraits.
Haunts.—It is usually found in open tracts of country, grass
land, crops, or low sparse jungle but not, I think, so much in dense
jungle. It is no infrequent visitor or inhabitant of Cantonments,
and is often to be encountered in well populated localities, getting
into the bazaars, native huts, and Cantonment houses. In my
early Indian days the rustling of something, one night across the
mat in adak bungalow proved when a lantern had been lit to
have proceeded from a large banded krait in the room which was
“In a specimen I killed in Hongkong there was a large black blotch ventrally
in many of the yellow bands.
} Landmarks of snake poison, p. 5. { Thanatophidia, p. 11.
936 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
duly despatched, and I have heard of other similar experiences.
About the Jail at Insein near Rangoon, it was very commonly
disturbed by convicts, and I used to get one or two a week with
great regularity in the rains. Instead of retiring to some place
of security by day, many specimens seem to lie up in grass or
shallow depressions in the ground or open drains and are often very
badly concealed. Their bright yellow bands make them very
conspicuous, and they are not likely to escape the notice of the
village urchins at their games, or the chance wayfarer.
Many of them show a special attachment to damp places, and
are to be met with in paddy fields, and even in pools of water, or
river sides. J had one brought to me in Assam that was reported
in the water, devouring a fish. Another in Burma took refuge in a
pool of water during the day. Captain Kelsall* encountered one
in a hole in a bank which escaped him by taking to the water, and
diving. Theobaldt, too, mentions its frequenting moist places, and
the vicinity of water, and the Revd. HK. Muir says the natives of Jalna
tell him it is generally found in flooded rice fields in the rains. A
specimen in Assam in seeking to escape was reported to have
climbed 10 feet high into a tree, but I have never heard of any
other clambering efforts.
Disposition.—The banded krait is a sluggard of the most con-
firmed type. It is lethargic to a degree that is difficult to under-
stand, and one is very apt at first to think that a snake which is really
quite unhurt, is suffering from ill-treatment and severe injuries. If
encountered coiled up péacefully in the day-time, instead of taking
alarm, and trying to escape the probabilities are that it will remain
“in situ,’? and even when stepped upon, or kicked up it will
frequently merely shift its position, and take no further notice. I
have seen it picked up by a parcel of noisy urchins, and carried over
a stick, from which it fell off every few yards to be picked up
again and again without endeavouring to escape or show resent-
ment, atreatment too humiliating for even the defenceless and
blind little burrowing snake T'yphlops braminus to submit to
without some struggles, and attempts to defend itself. I have
known it take refuge in a pool with a howling and excited mob,
* Jour. Asiatic Soc., Bengal 1894, p. 12. + Report, Cat. Brit. Burma, p 62.
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES, 93%
assailing it from all sides with stones, sods of earth, etc., and yet
seen it lie inactive unless actually struck by a missile, or immersed
by a wave from one when it simply re-appeared at the surface, and
maintained a dignified unconcern.
I have known it again when discovered swallowing another
snake, take no notice ofa ring of spectators, but continue engulf-
ing its victim. Many specimens have been brought to me alive
and quite unhurt, and I have never succeeded in making one angry,
never seen one bite at anything nor raise itself in menace, though
provoked in a most outrageous manner. What it usually did was
to sulk; sometimes it flattened itself to the ground, but more
usually lay still, and hid its head beneath its body. Sometimes if
an eye was still visible, and an object pushed towards it, it made a
slight spasmodic movement and withdrew its head still further so
as to avoid seeing the coming danger. If the tail was smartly
rapped, it merely shook it, and moved its position. I have some-
times thought that this singularly apathetic behaviour which strong-
ly suggests that of an animal that has been drugged, is merely
evinced during the day-time is, perhaps, due to its being dazed by
the sun, or strong light, but an incident which occurred to a
friend some years ago shows that, even at night the creature is
naturally slothful and stupid. My informant, Colonel Evans, came
across one when riding over an open piece of ground. He could
clearly see the snake in the moonlight so dismounted, and having
no weapon of offence, called to his servants to bring a stick. For
several minutes Colonel Hvans walked round the snake, which in-
stead of trying to escape, merely altered its direction as he con-
fronted it. It moved in a lazy way, and offered no menace, and
was eventually killed.
Its movements are in keeping with its phlegmatic disposition.
I have never seen one in the least degree active, and it is doubtless
due to these traits in its character that no casualties in the human
subject have hitherto been reported.
I have never heard one hiss, but Colonel Evans remarked that
the 9 that was found lying up with hatching eggs did so. The
Same observer mentioned the intolerance shown by the young brood
to the sun.
938 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Habits.—This krait is in the main of nocturnal habit. When
encountered at night it is always on the move. In Assam the
planters who owned motor-cars frequently saw it by the brilliant
light of their lamps crossing the roads, and on most of the occa-
sions when it was killed in or about habitations, it was seen at
night. The specimens met with in the day-time were for the most
part disturbed from some insecure quarter where they were lying
inactive. It evidently, though is sometimes abroad during day-
light in quest of food for the specimen reported above as eating a
fish, was seen in the day. Mr. Jacob observed one which he shot
in the day-time in conflict with a large tree snake, and Major Evans’
record of one eating a chequered kulback was also in the day.
lt is most frequently about in the rains, in fact, no less than 13
of the 17 specimens, Evans and I collected in Rangoon, were killed
in June, July and August. At other times of the year, it was
decidedly scarce.
Food.
reason, expect that it usually preys upon small and defenceless
From my remarks upon its disposition, one might, with
creatures, such as frogs and toads, but this is not so. It shows a
very great partiality for an ophidian diet, and in its choice by
no means picks out the weaklings, but will attack snakes as large
or larger than itself, and overcome such formidable species as the
dhaman (Zamenis mucosus) and the Himalo-Malayan rat snake
(Zamenis korros), as I have seen myself. Mr. Jacob, too, found one
in conflict with a large tree snake of a very truculent nature, viz.,
Dipsadomorphus cynodon ; and Colonel Evans records it having swal-
lowed that vicious reptile the chequered keelback (Tropidonotus pis-
cator). Blyth says that its usual fare is cobras, and we must, there-
fore, assume, that he has observed it swallowing this species. 1
once found a lizard of the Skink family ( Mabuia avultifasciatus )
had been eaten, and once a clutch of snake's eggs, which were
probably of the buff-stripped keelback (Vropidonotus stolatus).
Three of these eggs were intact, and I could discover no injury
done to them, though I examined them closely with a lens. This
seems remarkable when one reflects that there are two long rows
of teeth in the roof of the mouth, and many opposed to them
in the lower jaws. On one occasion in Assam, one was reported t0
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES, 939
be swallowing a fish. In every other instance where | have found
anything in the stomach a snake had been devoured, and in
many other examples, where the stomach was empty, an examina-
tion of the cloacal contents made it certain that a snake had pre-
viously been victimised as the very distinctive ventral shields’
floated up to the surface after softening the mass in water.
The victim in every instance lay fully extended within the
krait, and, even when small, was never folded or collected into a
mass. Although the stomach is remarkably elongate in this, and
other kraits being 94 inches long in one which measured 4 feet
and 4 an inch, it is not long enough to accommodate most of the
snakes preyed upon. Often a considerable length of the victim
lies in the gullet, and may even protrude for some distance beyond
the mouth ; in fact, inevitably must do so when the quarry is of a
length nearly equal to its vanquisher, or as sometimes happens
even greater. A specimen | had in Assam, probably about 5 feet
long, had been pickledin the act of eating a dhaman (Zamenis
mucosus ), which from the length of its tail must have been about
5 feet long and no less than 1 foot 4? inches were protruding from
the mouth. In another instance, a banded krait measuring 4 feet
24 inches was killed in the act of swallowing an Indo-Malayan
rat-snake (Zamenis hkorros), which measured 4 feet 24 inches. In
such cases, a considerable length of the victim must remain un-
swallowed until that portion already in the stomach is liquified by
digestion, and this organ capable of accommodating a further
instalment. It is probable that there is some protrusion beyond
the jaws for a day or two, and that the whole length of a relative-
ly large snake is not completely digested for a week.
The victim is at first seized anyhow, often being grasped in the
middle of the body, but as its struggles grow feebler under the
masterful grip of its captor, and the more powerful influence of its
poison, it is released and siezed by the head. It would appear
that sometimes the quarry is seized at first by the head, and swal-
lowing commenced forthwith, for the most violent struggles ensue,
in which the overpowered snake, although partially swallowed, has
wreathed itself around its foe with a strength that refutes any idea
of being enfeebled by the paralysing action of the krait’s venom.
940 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
These conflicts are very disagreeable to watch, the strenuous
though futile contortions which are to be seen even to the last
inch or two of the victim’s tail, must arouse the sympathy of the
most callous spectator.
It is rather.a pleasing reflection to my mind that the tables are
sometimes turned, and the banded krait has itself to suffer from
the same treatment it has probably meted out to scores of its
weaker relatives. Mr. Primrose has recorded an encounter in this
Journal, Vol. XII, p. 589, in which a banded krait had been over-
come, and swallowed by its more powerful rival the hamadryad.
The Sexes.—My notes in Assam show that the sexes are evenly
balanced, for out of 11 specimens sexed, 5 were males and 6
females. There appears to be no difference in the relative lengths
of the body or tail of sexual import. The anal glands in both
sexes secrete a blackish material reminding one of the blackened
oil caused by machinery in motion.
Breeding.—Although over 50 specimens have passed three
my hands I have been singularly unfortunate in gaining any in-
formation about the breeding, never having had a gravid 9. All
that is known on the subject is contained in the most interesting
record furnished by Colonel Evans which appeared in this Journal.”
The @ which measured half an inch less than 4 feet had retired
beneath the ground where some elephant tusks had been buried,
and had here deposited 8 eggs which she had evidently incubated
as she was still in attendance when on the 19th of May 4 of
them had hatched. She was thin as_ the result of her seltf-
imposed imprisonment, but though she evidently possessed strong
maternal instincts, it is curious that she showed no concern when
her young brood were tampered with. The average dimensions of
3 eggs was 2-3 inches in length, and 1-5 in breadth. The young
measured from 112 to 124 inches but as only two were taped, it is
probable that these were not the extremes of length. They are
reported as having more pointed tails than adults, and a modified
colouring, the yellow being replaced by a dirty-white and the
black by a leaden-hue. It is noteworthy, too, that they were re-
markably active. Judging from the time of year when those young
* Vol. XVI, p. 519.
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 941
appeared it is probable that the mating season is in January or
February. A young specimen of | foot 2 inches was sent to me
last year by Mr. Frere from Tharrawady (Lower Burma) killed in
June.
Growth.—It appears from my notes that the young grow about
a foot during each of the first three years of life and the female
reported above would therefore be completing her third year.
Poison.—Though this snake is a poisonous one, and common in
many districts there is no authentic case of toxemia in the
human subject arising from its bite,“ and it even seems doubtful
if it would prove fatal to man. Rogers by direct experiment on
birds fixed the lethal dose as 14 times that of cobra poison.
Lamb, however, estimated that it is but 7 times that of cobra
poison. In any case since we know that an adult cobra some-
times bites a man severely without injecting a lethal dose of poison,
it would seem improbable that a lethal dose would be delivered in
the bite of a snake of very similar proportions whose poison is 14
times or even 7 times less virulent. ‘This conclusion seems to
receive confirmation by the Burmese who are a very observant race,
and knowledgable in Natural History matters. Most of them affirm
that the banded krait is not poisonous. If it were otherwise, [I
think the Burmese of all people would be aware of it, for the snake
is very common in their Province. Although it is not an evily-
disposed snake it is difficult to believe that it is never the cause
of a casualty, and if it ever occasioned loss of life or even serious
symptoms, it is not likely to have escaped an evil reputation. Mr.
Muir tells me that the natives about Kalna too are very doubtful
* Fayrer records the case of a woman at Tavoy (Thanatophidia, p. 45) who was
bitten on the dorsum of the foot by a snake identified as the banded krait by
Dr. Paul. The accident happened at 8 p.m. and beyond some local tingling and
swelling at the time no ill-effects were noticed, and she was discharged from the
hospital next day as recovered. We may assume that if any poison gained access
to the wound, the dose was insignificant as no toxic symptoms were noted. The
case quoted as such by Calmette (Venoms, Venomous animals, etc., p. 336) is obvi-
ously a fallacious record as this snake does not occur in Central India, the locality
where the casualty occurred! The fact, too, that the original reporter says that
the snake which was 28 inches long was full grown, and talks of a single mark
made by an incisor tooth, proclaims a lamentable ignorance on his part of the
snakes of India, and snakes in general. since no snake has incisor teeth.
6
942 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
as to its poison as it seems very seldom to bite. Mr. C. Gore
told me of a bullock he once saw struck at and injured by this
snake which succumbed 20 minutes later.
Poison apparatus.—The tangs are lke those of other poisonous
Colubrines, being much stouter, and shorter than those of a viper
of similar length. ‘There are usually two operative fangs placed
side by side in each maxilla. The poison glands are relatively
smaller than those of the cobra. JI know of no special remarks
made upon the physical properties of the poison.
Towie symptoms.—To my namesake A. J. Wall we owe most
of our knowledge of the poisonous properties of banded krait
venom, indeed since his day further investigations have done
little more than confirm his work. As no human records are
available, the only picture we can present of the clinical mani-
festations of the toxeemia is as a result of experiment in the lower
animals,
Wall says the local condition produced is the same as that seen
in cobra bite. The part becomes swollen and painful, and later
discoloured blood or bloody serum oozes from the punctures for
some hours, and inflammation sets in later. He says the discolour-
ation is much less than that seen in cobra bite, but if the tissues
are cut into the same pinkish effusion of serum is to be observed in
the areolar tissue. Lamb says the local reaction is much less than
that seen in cobra bite ; in fact little or nothing is to be observed
at the side of the bite. Constitutionally two very distinct types
of disturbance oceur, both equally fatal, but each differing in the
manner in which death is brought’ about, and the time that elapses
before the fatal issue.
In the first the symptoms are exactly those of cobra poisoning
being due to a principle in the venom (neurotoxin) that acts upon
the brain and cord. Within an hour or two, or perhaps longer,
the bitten subject is prompted to assume a sitting or even a ly- —
ing posture from a feeling of weakness. This is the beginning of |
a paralysis that creeps on, affecting first the legs, then the trunk,
and last the head, and as time advances the weakness, and loss of
control of certain muscles becomes more and more pronounced.
Breathing becomes increasingly difficult and hurried, the face
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 943
growing livid in proportion to the embarrassment of this vital
function. The head droops, the lower lip falls away from the teeth,
so that the saliva, which cannot be swallowed owing to paralysis
of the throat, dribbles from the mouth. Movements of the tongue
become impaired so that speech is rendered difficult, and the ©
eyelids droop. Finally, death is brought-about by asphyxia owing
to the complete paralysis of the respiratory centre, and the final
issue is frequently ushered in by convulsions. Consciousness is
retained till the end. The heart is also affected in this form of
snake poisoning owing to a synchronous paralysis of the vaso-
motor centre, hence fainting witha feeble pulse may occur, directly
attributable to the poisoning process quite apart from fright, or
pain. In this last respect this poison differs in its effects from
those of the common krait, and the cobra in both of which there is
an element that by stimulating the heart muscle, and contracting
the arterioles, counteracts the effects on the vaso-motor centre.
Death may not occur till the 2nd or 3rd day from this type of
toxemia.
In the second type of disturbance symptoms are not evoked till
the 5th day or Jater, and are then the result of a chemical des-
truction of cells in the central nervous system (due to neurolysin).
Though the toxic element responsible for this form of disturbance
is met with in common krait and cobra venoms, it only occurs in
quantities insufficient to make its presence evident, but in banded
krait venom, and in this only of the snakes whose poison has been
investigated, serious symptoms are evoked by its presence. ‘There
are serious depression of spirits, loss of appetite, high fever, and
very rapid and extreme emaciation. The kidneys become diseased,
so that the urine contains albumen, and diminishes in quantity.
Discharges from the eyes and nose and other mucous surfaces accom-
pany the above, and death occurs in a few days from exhaustion.
Treatment.—In considering the treatment of a bite from this
snake it is best to begin by recalling the various methods which
have been tested experimentally in animals, and found futile, as
well as other orthodox measures. Both Lamb and Rogers have
tested the efficacy of Calmette’s antivenene, and proved it useless,
thereby falsifying Calmette’s claims in this direction.
944 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Drugs, such as Ammonia, Strychnia, and Alcohol, are not likely
to do any good, but on the contrary harm. They all act on the
central nervous system, and to administer them is like adding oil
to flame, as they can only accentuate the paralysing effects of the
snake venom. In addition Calmette has shown that Alcohol by
neutralising any antitoxin that the subject may be forming in his
own person, in response to the toxic absorption, acts in opposition
to nature's attempts to subdue the toxic process.
It is extremely dubious if hgature, the orthodox measure recom-
mended in every text book, is of the shghtest avail, in this or any
other snake poisoning process.”
Finally, artificial respiration is quite useless in this form of
ophitoxeemia as shown by Lamb and Rogers as the heart shares in
the general embarrassment, and tends to fail unlike what occurs in
cobra and ceruleus poisoning.
The only method, which appears to afford a rational means of
success, is the application of permanganate of potash locally. This
salt is known to completely destroy the toxicity of all snake venoms.
In practice, however, its merits have not met with the success one
would expect. It must be remembered that the poison on absorp-
tion becomes intimately connected with the tissues at the bitten
part, and whether this locking-up is merely a mechanical or a
chemical process, it is extremely difficult to dissociate the venom
from the tissues so as to allow the permanganate to come into
antagonistic relationship with, and destroy it. The success of the
treatment, therefore, must depend upon the degree to which the
tissues are cut into, and the extent of surface opened up, into
which permanganate can be introduced.
The surgeon should excise the bitten parts freely and dissect
up all tissues, that show where poison has been absorbed, and then
introduce permanganate crystals, and moisten them with water.
If the non-professional man uses the knife at all he should cut a
series of parallel incisions (as he would operate on a ham) close
together, deeply and freely in the length of the limb, or member, |
and then introduce permanganate. As free use of the knife to a
* See Trans. Bombay Medl. Congress 1909, p. 249.
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES, 945
degree that is really necessary seems to me a dangerous proceeding
for the layman to adopt, a better plan is to destroy the bitten part
freely with red hot iron, or nitric acid and subsequently to apply
permanganate.
Fables.—Mr. E. Muir tells me that about Kalna it is said to
have two mouths, one at the caudal extremity, and is reputed to
be able to move forwards or backwards. Also that it is said to
make a noise like the bellowing of a cow, which reminds me of
the traveller Chateaubriand’s description of a S. American snake he
had met which when approached became flat, appeared of different
colours, hissed like a mountain eagle and bellowed like a bull!
Uses.—The same informant says that the bones are sometimes
made into necklaces, and worn by Hindus.
Parasites.—Entozoa of several kinds infest this snake. I have
found two distinct nematode worms in the stomach which were
identified by Professor Von Linstow* as Kalicephalus willeyit, and
larval and immature forms of an Ascaris. One of these, I forget
which, anchors itself to the coats of the stomach and is found
attached there after death, but the other is free, and though I
believe inhabits this organ exclusively in life is often found to
have wandered into the intestine after death, or into the gullet, and
mouth. The Pterocercus or larval form of a tape worm, which Von
Linstow suggests may be harboured in its adult form by birds of
prey that devour snakes, is a very frequent parasite in the intestine.
A fourth parasite is the linguatulid Porocephalus crotalit, a maggot-
like, whitish animal half to three-quarters of an inch long, which
attaches itself by four hooks to the mesenteric tissues, and does
not enter organs.
Distribution.—The Mahanadi Basin, Kastern half of the Ganges
System, Brahmaputra, and Ivrawadi-Salween Basins, through
Indo-China to South China in the Hast, and through the Malayan
Peninsula to the Archipelago as far Hast as Java. Within our
Indian Dominions it is a common snake in Burma, Assam and
* Record, Ind. Mus., Vol. II, Part 1, p. 109.
T Spol. Zeylan, Vol. I, p. 99.
+ Bombay N. H. Journal, Vol. XIX, p. 837.
946 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Hastern Bengal, less common in Bengal and Orissa, and not rare,
I believe, in the Central Provinces.*
A specimen of Colonel Beddome’s collecting said to be from the
Anamallays is now in the British Museum, but I do not credit the
locality, and have shown good cause to doubt the accuracy of this
record.+ It is an inhabitant of the Plains, and rarely ascends to
any Hills, and then probably not above 3,000 feet. Thus in the
Hastern Himalayas in 1908, out of 778 snakes collected between
500 and 7,500 feet, no specimen came to hand. In 1909 Mr.
Wright of Tindharia sent me a single specimen collected some-
where between 500 and 2,800 feet, but he had forgotten the
exact locality. In the Khasi Hills, Assam, out of 264 snakes
collected in Shillong (4,900 feet) I got no banded krait, but saw a
dead one on the road somewhere near Nongpho (1,900 feet) which
IT guessed might have been about 3,000 feet elevation. Mr. Hamp-
ton writing from Mogok, Ruby Mines (3,800 feet), though an
industrious collector of snakes for many years, had, he told me,
never seen this snake there.
Lepidesis—fostral.—Touches 6 shields, the rostronasal sutures
longer than the rostro-internasal, and the latter about twice the
length of the rostro-labial. /nternasals—T wo, the suture between
them equal to or rather less than that between the prefrontal
fellows, and about two-thirds the internaso-preefrontal. Preefron-
tals—Two, the suture between them rather greater than the
preefronto-frontal: in contact with internasal, postnasal, preeocu-
* A member of our oereny addressed the Secretary about February last year
asking if he could name a snake which he had killed in Chanda, and he described
as being completely banded with broad belts of yellow and black, and with a
finger-like tail. I mislaid the letter which was handed to me, and cannot quote the
writer’s name, Mr. H. H. Young wrote to me last year, and told me he had killed
a banded krait in the Sal forest, 40 miles North of Bilaspur. Two Officers told me
of a banded krait killed at Raipur some years ago. When on Famine duty in 1897,
a friend told me of a yellow and black banded snake he had killed in his verandah
the night before near Bilaspur, which I had no doubt at the time was a banded
krait. Colonel Bannerman tells me he has known it from Raipur and Sam-
balpur.
+ Terr. snakes, Brit. Ind. Dom. 1908, p. 17.
MS
we
Journ. Bompay Nat. Hist. Soc.
Tue BANDED Krair (Bungarus fasciatus).
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES, 947
lar, supraocular, and frontal. rontal—Touches 6 shields, the
fronto-supraocular sutures rather longer than the rest. Swpraocu-
lars—About half the breadth, and three-fourths the length of the
frontal. Nasals—Quite divided by a nostril that is nearly as deep
as these shields ; in contact with the Ist and 2nd only of the
One. Postocu-
7 with the 3rd and
4, the 4th much the largest
andin contact with 2 scales behind; the 4th (or drd and 4th)
touching the posterior sublinguals. Sublinquals
supralabial series. IJoreal—-Absent. Preoculars
lars—Two. Temporals—One. Supralabials
4th touching the eye. Jnfralalials
Two subequal
pairs. Costals—Two headlengths behind head 15, midbody 15,
two headlengths before the vent 15. Smooth with no apical
facets. Vertebrals—Eniarged, broader than long, hexagonal. Sw-
pracaudals—In odd rows with enlarged vertebrals. Veutrals—200
to 2354,* rounded. Anal—Entire. Subcaudals—23 to 39,
entire.
Anomalies.—1 have once seen the upper postocular confluent
with the supraocular, and once two temporals on one side.
Dentition.t —The maxilla has a pair of tubular fangs placed side
by side, behind which are 3 teeth grooved on their outer faces,
about one-third the size of fangs.t Palatine—11 to 13, subequal,
about as large as the postmaxillary, and grooved on their inner
faces. Pterygoid—10 to 12, the anterior as large as the palatine.
the posterior slightly diminishing, grooved on their inner faces.
Mandibular—16 to 17, abruptly decreasing in front, and more gra-
dually behind, the median about as large as the palatine ; grooved
on their outer faces.
Our coloured plate is good but does not do justice to the glossi-
ness of the scales in life. Plate A is taken from a photograph
of a specimen in Parel that came from Raipur, C. P. We
are indebted to Sub-Assistant Surgeon C. R. Avari tor the photo-
graph which is a good one.
* In my Rangoon specimens 208 to 221, in Assamese 221 to 231.
} From 4 skulls in my collection.
{ Similar except in the number of the postmaxillary teeth, to those of caeruleus
(See this Journal. Vol, XVIII. figures C and D of Diagram).
948 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
The genus Lycodon is one of many into which the Aglyphous
series of the family Colubride is divided. This series is charac-
terised by an absence of either grooved, or tubular fangs, in the
maxille, and all the representatives are, therefore, non-poisonous.
When treated by Mr. Boulenger in 1893 * it included 15 spe-
cies. Since this time he has described another, viz., butleri from
Perak in this Journalt, and I have described two, viz., machinnona
from the Western Himalayas t, and jlavomaculatus from the
Deccan.§ Of the 18 species now grouped together under this
title, 11 occur within our Indian Dominions.
As shown by Stejneger,{/ the title Lycodon is a misapplication
to this genus, for the type of Lycodon is the 8S. American snake,
now wrongly known as Lycognathus cervenus (t.e., the Coluber
andax of Daudin).
Lycodon then being clearly preoccupied should give place’ to
Wagler’s name Ophites of which the Malayan suheimnctus is the type.
In spite of this I adhere to the name with which we have all
grown familiar. ‘This is an instance where in order to avoid con-
fusion, custom, whether right or wrong, should be allowed to over-
rule the ethics of nomenclature. If American systematists, however,
adopt the title Lycodon to designate their present Lycoqnathus,
we have no alternative but to change our generic name to Ophites.
LYCODON FASCIATUS (ANDERSON).
Anderson’s Wolf-snake.
History.—The species was discovered by J. Anderson during
his expedition to -Western Yunnan, and was subsequently in
1879 described, and figured by him.**
Nomenclature (a) Scientific.—The generic name from the Greek
‘“‘lukos ” a wolf and “ odous ” tooth was given by Ferrusact{ in
1826, on account of the teeth in the maxille, and mandible which
* Catalogue, Vol. 1, p. 348.
+ Vol. XIII, p. 336.
{ Vol. XVII, p. 29.
§ Vol. XVII, p. 612.
{ Herp. of Japan, 1907, p. 356.
** An. Zool. Res. Yunnan, p. 827, and fig. 4, Plate LXX VIII.
TT Bull. de Science Nat-, p. 238.
Journ., Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Diagram I.
Bungarus fasciatus ( xX 1s).
SHIELDING ob Figures A, B& C or DIAGRAM.
A.S. Anterior Sublinguals.
F. Frontal,
Int. Internasals,
M. Mental.
N. Nasals.
Pa. Parietal.
Po. Postoculars.
Pra. Preccular.
Prt. Prefrontal.
IPs Sk Posterior Sublinguals.
R. Rostral.
5. Supraoculars.
Hs Temporal.
1 to 7. Supralabials.
Ito lV. Infralabials
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 949
from their superior length, and position resemble the canine teeth
of dogs and wolves. ‘“ Fuasciatus” is from the Latin meaning
banded.
(b) Hnglish.—I think the best name for it is Anderson’s Wolf-
snake, a literal reference to its specific name being equally appro-
priate, to many of the species.
Mr. Hampton tells me that about the Ruby
Mines in Upper Burma it is called Ngan-do-ja. This is the same
(c) Vernacular.
as one of the Burmese names for the banded krait, and implies
“ banded royal snake.”’
General characters.—-It is a snake of moderate dimensions, and
rather slender proportions, very strikingly and handsomely marked,
and on this account likely to attract attention. The head is mar-
kedly flattened, and the snout broadly rounded. ‘There is no ridge
from the eyebrows forwards. The nostril occupies the whole
depth of the suture dividing the nasal shields, but is nevertheless
moderate in size, as the suture occurs at the lowest depth of these
shields. ‘The eye is rather small, and the iris, unlike all the other
species of the genus that I have seen, is heavily flecked with grey
so that the vertical shape of the pupil is very apparent. The neck
is fairly evident, the body long, round in section, and with glossy
scales, and the tail is long, being about one-fourth the total length
of the snake. The belly is somewhat abruptly turned up on either
side of the ventral shields, 1.e., angulate.
The head is quite black above, and the
edge of the upper lip, the lower lips, and chin are yellow, more or
less mottled with black. The body and tail are alternately banded
black, and yellow or dove colour with very jagged outlines. The
Colour and markings.
black bands completely encircle the snake anteriorly and _posteri-
only, but may be more or less incomplete ventrally in the middle of
the body. They are broader anteriorly than posteriorly, and num-
ber 23 to 33 on the body and 14 to 18 on the tail in my Burmese
Specimens, 32 to 38 on the body and 15 to 20 in Shillong speci-
mens, the anterior involving 9 to 10 scales vertebrally in the length
of the snake. The intermediate bands are yellow, wheat, or dove-
coloured, and often more or less subdivided by narrow or broad
black crossbars. Such a specimen probably accounts for Ander-
950 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
son’s description of the type which had 55 bands, or twice the
number as counted in my specimens.
The snake should never be confused with the banded krait,
even when attention is only paid to colour, but evidently some
Burmese confuse the two as already mentioned. Again, Mr.
Hampton himself sent me several specimens as kraits, probably
being misled by his Burmans. It is for this reason that the two
snakes are shown together on our Plate, and discussed together
in this article.
Identification.—The dual combination which follows will suffice
to distinguish it from all other Indian Snakes up to the present
time known, viz., (1) scales two-headslengths, behind the head
17, in midbody 17, and two-headslengths before the vent 15.
(2) Loreal touching the eye (see fig. D of diagram).
Dimensions.—Specimens over 24 feet are unusual, but I have
had 7 such, the largest being a 9 3 feet and ? of an inch in which
the tail was slightly imperfect, and ag 3 feet and + of an inch,
both captured in Shillong. One 3 feet long I got from Burma.
I have seen in all 31 specimens. Mr. Hampton tells me the
largest he has seen was 3 feet 7 inches in length.
Haunts.—It appears to frequent jungle tracts in hilly situations |
for choice. Shillong where I got so many is heavily wooded, and —
it was common inside the station, and more than one was en- |
countered inside a bungalow. Mr. Hampton tells me that they do |
well in captivity and will live for years. When they died they —
appeared to be in excellent condition but, perhaps, too fat.
Habits—From Mr. Hampton I learn that it is essentially a
nocturnal snake, never appearing during day light, but he has |
often noticed them in captivity visible, at 5 and 6 a.m. When |
people began to move about the house they retired under their ©
blankets unless they were in their bath where they remained in —
the water until mid-day. He tells me further that they are very |
quiet, but very quick, striking right, left, or centre without the |
slightest warning.
The few specimens I have seen alive were active, and plucky |
resenting interference, and showing it by assuming an offensive _
attitude.
\
Ane NS,
; y sh i
DistRIBUTION oF LYCODON FASCIATUS.
1 Tezpur (I.M.). 2 Shillong, Khasi Hills, 4,900 feet (I.M. and F.W.).
8 Haka Chin Hills, 6,500 feet (Wall and Evans.) and (F.W.). 4 Mansi,
Katha, Upper Burma (Bom. M.). 5 Ponsee (Anderson). 6 Mogok, Ruby
Mines, 8,800 feet (B.M., F.W.). 7 Maymyo (Evans). 8 Taounggyi, Shan
States (B.M., Wall and Evans).
B.M. implies British Museum, I.M. Indian Museum, Bom. M, our
Society’s Museum, F.W. the author.
Distrisution oF B. FASCIATUS.
1 Aska (I. M.) and Berhampore (F. W.). 2 Chanda (Record received by letter
to Secretary of our Society). 3 Raipur (Information from two Sources received by
me). 4 Near Bilaspur (F. W.and E.J. Young). 5 Calcutta(I.M.). 6 Raniganj
(I. M.). 7 Bettiah GF. W.)- 8 Below Tindharia (F. W.). 9 Jalpaiguri (Infor-
mation from Mr. W. A; Jacob). 10 Dacca (I. M.) and Silchar (Primrose in this
Journal, Vol. XII, p. 589) 11 Near Nongpho, Circa, 3,000 ft , Khasi Hills (F.W.}. 12
Samaguting Circa, 2,000 ft., Naga Hills (I.M.). 313 Sibsagar (I. M.). 14 Dibrugarh
Tinsukia, Doom Deoma (F. W.). 15 Near base of Daffla Hills, N. Lakhimpur,
(F W.); 16 Ruby Mines (B. M.). 17. Mandalay, Sagaing (I. M.), 18. Pyawbwe
and Meiktila (Wall and Evans). 19 Toungoo (B. M.). 20 Tharrawaddy (F. W.).
21 Rangoon (Wall and Evans). 22 Moulmein (F.W.)
I. M. implies Indian Museum, B. M. British Museum, and F. W. the author.
The dotted lines in the map imply that the exact limits of its distribution are
here uncertain.
an
Journ., Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Map
36 i100 104
INDIAN EMPIRE
a english prae _
‘0 500 400
0 S970 200
OF
catty |
BENGAL
ATM SS
XS a. § (ae salt }
= S
€ sien L On| c [ Ny
8 4 88 92
INDIAN EMPURE
alish (Mle.
© J 109 200 300 420
a ne
Y
OF
9 ;
Andamansy hi ea hh
AL }
2
ecCadive Si
3 Cochibl 44
’ : eee
la oh Colombd yLon
72 84
Distribution of Bungarus fasciatus.
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 951
I found the slough of one in a pine wood adhering some 5 feet
nigh to the trunk of a tree that was fully 18 inches in diameter.
This shows that it can climb deftly like its near relative aulicus,
for the irregularities in the bark were very slight, and there were
no branches to aid it.
Food.—I have found the skink Lygosoma indica in the stomach
once, and on another occasion a skink of similar dimensions and
probably of the same species. Mr. Hampton says his specimens
in captivity readily devoured lizards of the same species, and also
the Burmese slow worm Ophisawrus gracilis, but took no notice of
young rats or sparrows. Further, they evinced serpentivorous
tastes, being specially fond of the blind snake Typhiops diardi, but
if nothing else was handy the big ones practised cannibalism,
eating younger specimens of their own species. Another snake
which they devoured eagerly was Coluber porphyraceus.* On one
occasion he saw one in captivity endeavouring to swallow a green
pit viper Lachesis gramineus not quite so long but far more bulky
than itself. It had swallowed half of it, but had to give up the
attempt, the victim which was dead proving too large. There were
plenty of lizards in the cage when this happened. It wreathes its
body round its victim | am told.
Fes.—Mr. Hampton says one of his was eaten by a cobra (Naia
trupudians). Recently I had one sent to me which had been
removed from the stomach of a hamadryad (Naia bungarus) by
Mr. Venning in Haka (Chin Hills, Upper Burma).
Sewves.—Males and females appear to be equally abundant. Out
Of 13 sexed in Shillong, 6 were ¢ $, and 7 9 9. I can dis-
cover no differences of sexual import. The relative lengths of the
body and tail seems to be the same in both, and so are the num-
bers of ventral and subcaudal shields. The secretion from the
anal glands is yellowish and custard-like, and as abundant in a
young specimen (a hatchling), as in mature examples.
Breeding.—Vhe species is oviparous, for Mr. Hampton has had
eggs laid on two occasions, once 10 and once 14. Unfortunately
the dates of deposition were not noted. A small example which I
*As Mr. Hampton was uncertain of the identity of the snakes herein referred to
he sent me specimens.
952 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX_
am nearly sure was a hatchling and which measured 84 inches
was found in a child’s nursery on the 19th of September in
Shillong, and seems to indicate that the breeding season in these
Hills is considerably later than in the snakes of the adjoining
Plains. I have had two other specimens of similar length—84
and 82 inches—from Burma, the dates unknown.
Growth.—The young appear to grow about 6 to 8 inches during
the first 4 years of life, when they are about 3 feet in length.
Distribution.—lUt inhabits Hilly Districts between the Brahma-
putra and Salween River Systems, but has once been reported
from Tezpur, Assam.* I presume this is the Tezpur on the North
bank of the Brahmaputra, but since it was taken by Godwin Austen
on the Duffla Hills Expedition it appears to me possible there may
be another Tezpur in those Hills, especially as the snake with this
exception has always been collected in Hills. It is common in
the Khasi Hills about Shillong at an altitude of 4,500 to 5,500 feet,
also in the North Shan Hills about the Ruby Mines (Mogok 5,800
feet), and may prove to be equally common in intervening Hills
when those have been thoroughly exploited.
Lepidosis—fostral.—Touches 6 shields, the rostronasal rather
ereater than the rostro-internasal sutures. Internasals—Two, the
suture between them about 4 to 2 that between the prefrontal
fellows, and 4 to 2 the internaso-preefrontals. Preefrontals—Two,
the suture between them rather greater than the preefronto-frontal :
in contact with internasal, postnasal, loreal, preeocular, supraocular
and frontal. Mrontal touches 6 shields, the fronto-supraocular sub-
equal to or rather smaller than the rest. Swpraocular—Length about
2,and breadth along a line connecting the centres of the eyes, less
than 4 the frontal. Nasals—Divided, in contact with the 1st and 2nd
labials. Jioreal—One, elongate, not touching internasal, touching
eye beneath the preeocular. Prceocular—One. Postoculars—Two.
Temporals—Two, the lower touching the 6th and 7th labials. Supra-
labials—8, the 3rd, 4th and 5th touching the eye. Infralahials
—6, the 6th largest, and touching 3 scales behind, the 5th and 6th
touching the posterior sublinguals. Sublingwals—Two pairs, the
* Lately reported from Kerseong in the Eastern Himalayas (Journ. Bomb.
N. H.S. Vol. XX, p. 857.)
Journ., Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Diagrami
Lycodon fasciatus ( X 2).
Cece —
A. Maxilla (a) and
Mandible (6) of Dinodon riufozonatus.
B. Mawxilla Ca) and
Mandible (6) ot Lycodon fasciatus.
-
ys
We
ON THE COMMON INDIAN SNAKES. 9538
posterior rather smaller. Costals—'Two-headsleneths behind the
head 17, midbody 17, two-headslengths before vent 15. In the
step from 17 to 15 the 4th row above the ventrals disappears,
being usually absorbed into the 3rd, sometimes into the 5th.
Keels present but rather indistinct, in all rows but the last one or
two posteriorly. Apical pits present, in pairs, but often obscure.
Ventrals—200 to 213, angulate laterally. Anal—Entire. Subcau-
dals—74 to 88 (90 Boulenger), divided.
Dentitiont —Maxillary.—From 3 to 5 progressively increasing
teeth followed without a gap by 2 enlarged and subequal which are
about twice the length of the last preceding. A gap that would take
about 5 small teeth, then 2 (rarely 3), small subequal teeth, followed
by 2 large and subequal which are about twice as long as the last
preceding. | Palatine—13 to 15 subequal, and about the size of the
smallest maxillary. Plerygord—19 to 29, small, subequal to smallest
maxillary. Mandibular—s or 4, small, progressively increasing teeth
followed by two large and subequal, about twice the size of the
last preceding. A short gap that would take one small tooth, then
from 10 to 12 small subequal teeth.
_ Anomalies.—I have seen the prefrontal touching the eye below
the preocular once, 9 supralabials with the 4th, Sth, and 6th
touching the eye once, and the preeocular touching the frontal once.
Our coloured Plate might be better. The yellow is too bright,
but | have seen examples nearly as bright. The iris is shown
much too bright.
+ From 4 skulls in my collection.
i The distinction made by Mr. Boulenger between the genera Lycodon and
Dinodon (Catalogues Vol.I pp. 348 and 360) is not tenable. I find that in my
skulls of Dinodon rufozonatus, D. septentrionalis and D. senvicarinatus, there is no
greater gap just before the last enlarged teeth than there is in any of the 5 species
ot Lycodon of which I have skulls. The figure of the dentition of Dinodon
rufozonatus on page 360 is not correct. On examining my two skulls it is obvious
that a tooth has dropped out where the gap is shown in Mr. Boulenger’s figure,
and has so escaped his notice. I think, however, that the two genera deserve
recognition as such on other grounds, for I find in my three species of Dinodon
there is a smaller tooth behind the last two enlarged ones, and this is represented
in Mr. Boulenger’s figure. This small third tooth is not present in any of my
Lycodon skulls, viz., aulicus, striatus, fasciatus, travancoricus, jara, and flavovma-
culatus.
To be continued.
954
| Reprinted with corrections from the “ Ipts” of 1909 by permission. |
ON THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY.
NORTHERN INDIA.
BY
Lizut. C. H. T. Wuirrnean, Indian Army.
With an Introduction by Masor H. A. F. Macratu, Indian Army.
leauge UU
(Continued from page 799 of this Volume.)
[946.] Gecinus squamatus. The Western Himalayan Scaly-bellied
Green Woodpecker.
Fulton, J.B. N. HS. xvi. p. 57 (common in Chitral from 4,000 to 8,000 ft.) ;
Rattray, t. ce. p. 659 (common in the Murree Hills): Ward. op. cit. xvii. p.
724 (widely distributed in Kashmir).
565. 2 ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 6th February.
659. Q ad. Hangu, 2,500 ft., 8th March.
713. g ad. Kohat, 1,850 ft., 20th March.
A cold-weather visitor to the District from August to the end of March;
fairly common in the Miranzai Valley, but scarce near Kohat. A resident
on the Samana. Occurs sparingly in the Kurram Valley up to 9,000 feet.
I have several times seen this Woodpecker climbing up a cliff as if it were a
tree.
[961.] DenDRocoPUS HIMALAYENSIS. The Western Himalayan Pied Wood-
pecker.
Fulton, J.B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 57 (Chitral: common from 5,000 to 11,000 £t.);
Rattray, t. c. p. 660 (Murree Hills: abundant); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 724
(common).
Common on the Samana from 4,500 feet upwards, and on the Safed Koh —
up to tree-limit.
[963.] DeNDRocopUs sInDIANUS. The Sind Pied Woodpecker.
Rattray, J. B. N.H.S. xii. p. 341 (Thall: not rare) ; Marshall, op. cit. Xv.
p. 351 (Quetta: common near Khojak).
655, 656. ¢ 9 ad. Hangu, 2,500 ft., 8th March.
A fairly common resident throughout the District up to 3,000 feet. Nest-
ing commences early in April, a mulberry-tree being usually selected for the —
excavation. I have often observed this species in scrub-jungle some
distance from trees.
——
The arrangement and nomenclature followed are those of Oates and Blan-
ford’s “‘ Birds” in the Fauna of British India. The numbers in square brackets
before each name are the same as in that work.
a
|
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 955
In this and the last species the colouring of the lower parts varies from
white to a rich reddish buff, the white parts of the upper surface being also
frequently tinged with fulvous. No. 656 represents this ruddy variety.
(969.| DeENDROCOPUS AURICEPS. The Brown-fronted Pied Woodpecker.
Fulton, J. B. N. H. 8S. xvi. p. 57 (fairly common in Chitral from 4,000 to
10,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 660 (breeds in the Murree Hills up to 7,500 ft.);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (rare in Kashmir).
580. QQ. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 13th February.
GS, Qe Hangu, 2,500 ft., 8th March.
716. oG ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 20th March.
A common winter visitor to the District, including the Samana, from
October till April (last seen on the 9th).
(972. LiopicUS MAHRATTENSIS (Hath.) is fairly common both at Rawal
Pindi and Peshawar (an example from the latter place is in the British
Museum), but has not been observed in Kohat as yet. |
(1003.] Iynx rorqutiia. The Wryneck.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: occurs regularly in April);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 57 (Chitral: one obtained in May); Ward, op. cit.
Xvi. p. 725 (nests fairly commonly in Kashmir).
80. og ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., llth January.
69. © ad. 55 i 18th April.
Not common. The only other examples seen were one on the 23rd of
April near Peiwar, 7,000 feet (Kurram Valley), another cn the 29th near
Kohat, and one more in February 1909 at Kohat.
(986. BRACHYPTERNUS AURANTIUS (Linn.).—Major Magrath observed one
individual at Bannu in October 1908. It is common at Jhelum. |
[1022.] Cornactas indica. The Indian Roller.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 724 (rare ; occurs in the outer ranges).
Resident, but partially migratory, being very common in summer and
comparatively scarce in winter.
{1024.] Cornactas corruLA; The European Roller.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 341 (Thall: common in summer) ; Marshall,
op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: common in May and early June) ; Fulton, op.
cit. Xvi1. p. 57 (passing through Chitral early in May); Cumming, t. c. p.
689 (passing through Seistan in April) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (summer
visitor from May till November).
A fairly common summer visitor to the District and the Kurram Valley,
up to 3,000 feet, from early in May till September, being particularly com-
mon round Thall, where it nests in colonies in the conglomerate cliffs.
(|1026.] Mrrops viripis. The Common Indian Bee-eater.
Rattray, J.B. N. H. 8. xii. p. 342 (mot common at Thall); Ward. op.
cit. Xvii. p. 725.
956 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
756. 3 ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 28th March.
Abundant in summer, the majority arriving about the 20th of March and
leaving in the middle of October. In a mild year odd birds and even
parties of five or six are seen at intervals throughout the winter.
[1027.| Merors pHILIppinus. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: June.)
We have not met with the Bee-eater in Kohat. Colonel Rattray, however,
observed a pair at Thall in June.
Major Magrath has found it not uncommon in Bannu in early autumn
and has procured an example. It is very common round Rawal Pindi.
[1028.] Mzrops pERsicus. The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.
Major Magrath saw what he took to be this species in large numbers
between Basal and the Indus, just outside our limits, in July 1907, and also
observed one at Khushalgarh just inside. Another which he obtaimed
in Bannu, where the bird is fairly common in summer, is now in the National
Collection.
[1029.] Mrerors apiasteR. The European’Bee-eater.
Marshall, J.B. N. H.S. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: common summer visitor) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 57 (a few breed in Chitral) ; Betham, t. c. p. 749
(nests freely round Quetta); Ward, op. cit. xvi. p. 725 (abundant in
summer).
Passes through Kohat in April and the beginning of May, returning in
August and September. Possibly a few pairs nest round Thall; several
were certainly there up to the time that I left (May 20th), and Capt. Keen
informs me that he saw some there in July. This species breeds freely in
the Kurram Valley from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Towards the end of July, when
nesting-operations were over, flocks of from ten to forty used to fly up the
valleys of the Safed Koh to tree-limit (12,000 feet) every morning, and
return at dusk.
[1033.] CerynE varia. The Indian Pied Kingfisher.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii. p. 342 (common at Thall: nests in March);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (very common up to 6,000 ft.).
A resident, but not very common, though found along most of the streams
of the District, and in the Kurram Valley at least up to Dandar (4,700 feet).
[1035.] AtcEDo Isprpa. The Common Kingfisher.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii. p. 342 (Thall: an uncommon resident) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: common in spring); Cumming, op. cit.
Xvi. p. 689 (a common resident in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 720
(abundant in Kashmir up to 6,000 ft.).
Common in the cold weather.
It nests fairly commonly in the Miranzai and Kurram Valleys, but only a
few pairs stay to breed in the plains around Kohat. It may often be seen
hovering over water after the manner of Ceryle varia, if no perchis available
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 957
[1044.] Hatcyon smMyrnesis. The White-breasted Kingfisher.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: common): Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 725 (occurs in Poonch).
Abundant in Kohat and up to Sadda (3,500 feet) in the Kurram Valley.
A permanent resident. This bird picks up lizards and insects from the .-
ground like a Shrike. In Kohat its favourite food consists of freshwater
erabs. Major Magrath has also observed it taking locusts and dragon-flies
on the wing.
[1066.] Upupa Epops. The European Hoopoo.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: summer visitor); Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral: summer visitor, occurring up to 14,000 ft.);
Cumming, t. c. p. 690; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726 (common in summer, rare
in winter).
Abundant in Kohat in the cold weather, but only a few individuals stay
to nest. Occurs in the Kurram Valley up to 8,000 ft., but is scarce.
[1068.] Cyrseus meLBa. The Alpine Swift.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: May); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p.
301 (Quetta: summer visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (common in Chitral
in summer from 5,000 to 16,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 660 (found two nests:
Murree Hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726.
Flocks of this fine Swift, often accompanied by the next species, pass
through Kohat at intervals from mid-February till the end of May, return-
ing in August and September. They merely pass over and do not stay.
[1069.] CypsEeLus apus. The Common Swift.
Rattray, J.B. N. H.S. xi. p. 342 (Thall: common in May; shot two) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 8351 (Quetta: common in summer; found nests in
eaves); Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral; common in summer up to
14,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726 (summer visitor: nests in cliffs).
Occurs like the last species and often in company with it. Breeds in
small numbers in the cliffs of the Safed Koh, occurring up to the summit.
[1073.] CypseLus aFFINIs. The Common Indian swift.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 342 (rare at Thall); Marshall, op. cit. xv.
p. 851 (common in summer); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726.
Abundant from early in March till November, and appearing at intervals
throughout the cold weather if the season is mild.
[1089.] CapRIMULGUS MAHRATTENSIS. Sykes’s Nightjar.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 342 (Thall) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 690
(abundant in Seistan from April till September).
Nightjars are not common in the neighbourhood of Kohat, but round
Thall the country is better suited to their habits and they are plentiful.
We did not meet with this species, and are indebted to Col. Rattray for the
following notes he made at Thall:-—“Fairly numerous. The birds are not
permanent residents, but arrive about the middle of May with C. curopeus.
te)
958 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
I always found this species on the open hill-sides, and not amongst jungle.
It breeds in the more open nullahs during June and July. I obtained four
nests with eggs, the female in each case being shot on leaving the eggs.
Major Magrath procured several examples at Bannu.
(1090.] Carrimuneus monticona. Franklin’s Nightjar.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8S. xii. p. 348 (Thall).
The following details are again taken from notes made by Colonel Rattray
at Thall:—“‘Common and a permanent resident. I found it breeding
plentifully ; all the eggs that I procured from five nests were laid without any
depression, and were extremely highly coloured, being almost brick-red.”
(1092.] CaprimuLteus EUROPAUS. The common Nightjar.
Rattray, J.B. N. H.S. xii. p. 345 (Thall: commonest Nightjar in summer ;
found ten nests); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (fairly common at Quetta
summer); Rattray, op. cit. xvi. p. (661 not common in the Murree
Hills).
Passes through Kohat in spring and autumn, and nests commonly in the
serub-jungle around Thall. I shot several examples.
[1104.] Cucunus canorus. The Common Cuckoo.
Marshall, J.B.N.H.S. xv. p.351 (Quetta: very common in March and April);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral: fairly common in summer); Rattray,
t. c. p. 661 (abundant inthe Murree Hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p.726; Mag-
rath, op. cit. xviii. p. 296 (abundant at Thandiani, 9,000 ft., Hazara District).
The familiar call of the Cuckoo is heard in Kohat from early in April till
nearly the middle of May. The bird is found up to the tree-limit on the
Safed Koh, but is rather scarce. It continues calling there till well past
the middle of July.
Major Magrath (1. c.) records his finding blue Cuckoo’s eggs.
(1118.] CoccystrEs sacopinus. The Pied Crested Cuckoo.
Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 726 (Kashmir: not common, but several
specimens were procuréd in the Valley).
Occurs rarely during the autumn migration. I have met with it on three
occasions in August and September.
[1120.] Eupynamis Honorata. The Indian Koel.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 726.
I cannot do better than quote the following notes made by Major
Magrath :—“ A summer visitor in small numbers, much to the annoyance of
Corvus splendens. In the early summer of 1905 there were probably not
more than half a dozen birds in the station, but they made enough noise for
a hundred. I picked up a dead fledgling in the month of August.”
Arrives in Kohat about the middle of May.
{1138.] Pataornis torquatus. The Rose-ringed Parroquet.
Ward, J. B. N. HS. xvin. ip. 727.
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 9659
The following details are also from Major Magrath’s notes:—“A resident,
though scarce. There are probably not more than eight or a dozen in the
District, all of which frequent cantonments. I know of only two trees where
they nest, one a large cotton-tree (Simal) and the other a Cirrus. A tame
example which I kept in a state of semi-freedom used often to mix with the
wild birds, but the females, to whom he made advances, he invariably found,
to his cost, appropriated.”
[1141.] Panaorntis scuisticErs. The Slaty-headed Parroquet.
Fulton, J. B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral: summer visitor, occurring up to
7,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 661 (very common in the Murree Hills) ; Ward,
op. eit. Xvil. p. 727 (common in summer and autumn up to 7,500 ft.).
Flocks of this Parroquet visit the District during April (noted on various
dates from the 8th to the 26th) and stay afew days. Icame across a
small nesting-colony on the 19th of June near Zeran, 5,800 feet (Kurram
Valley) ; the young birds had just flown.
[1157.] Asto accrpirrinus. The Short-eared Owl.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 727 (occurs in the plains).
456. g ad. Samana, 6,500 ft., 5th March.
Migrates through Kohat in March, but apparently only in small numbers.
/1159.] Syrnium BippuLPHI. Scully’s Wood-Owl.
Fulton, J. B.N. H.S. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral: not common, occurs up to
8,000 ft.); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 727 (fairly common in Kashmir; eggs
taken in April and May).
90. dS. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 19th January.
637. dS. Hangu, 2,700 ft., 3rd March.
Fairly common from November till April in the orchards and wild olive-
groves of the Kohat and Miranzai Valleys.
This species spends the day in evergreen trees, but without troubling
much about concealment, being often mobbed by Crows, Mynas, Bulbuls,
&e. An individual so mobbed was rescued and taken to Major Magrath,
who kept it till dusk and then let it go. He says that it allowed him to
handle it and scratch its head, and it appeared to be of a gentle disposition.
He adds that the bird is a not uncommon winter visitor to Bannu.
|1164.] Kerupa zEYLONENSIS. The Brown Fish-Owl.
668. g ad. Kachai, 2,700 ft., 11th March.
Probably not rare, as the streams of the District are full of small fishes
and crabs. The stomach of the above-mentioned example was crammed
with fragments of crabs’ shells and claws, with a few fish-bone.
Besides this example I shot one of a pair at Kohat in November.
[1168.] Buso BENGALENSIS. The Rock-Horned Owl.
Rattray, J.B. N.H.S8. xii. p. 343 (rare: Thall) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi.
p. 690 (Seistan: one young bird brought in); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 727
{common in Kashmir).
960 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Major Magrath writes as follows on this species :—‘‘ A resident and fairly
common. An example I shot on the 15th of January, 1906, was put up in
broad daylight from a nullah in which it had just pounced on a huge bull-
frog. It flew away withits prey some distance and was killed on the
ground. The vast flocks of Pastor roseus that roosted in the cantonments
_in August 1905 were much harried by Owls, this species being, as far as 1
could ascertain, the chief depredator.”
This is the common Owl of the District.
[1180.] ArHENE BRAMA. The Spotted Owlet.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 727 (Kashmir.)
441, 3. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 19th February.
549. go. Thall, 2,550 ft., 15th May.
A fairly common resident, not found about houses, as is usually the case,
but only in cliffs in wild and desolate parts of the District, or occasionally
in groves. In the cliffs near Thall it is particularly common, and this must,
I think, be the species which Colonel Rattray took for A. bactriana.
Curiously enough, in the adjoining District of Peshawar it occurs commonly
about towns and villages.
[1191.] Orocyes catvus. The Black Vulture.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. 728 (far from common in Kashmir).
Rare. I met with a pair near Siau in November 1905, and a solitary
individual on the grass-farm in February 1908. These are the only
examples that I have observed.
[1192.] Gyps FuLvus. The Griffon Vulture.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 343 (Thall: common); Marshall, op. cit.
xv. p. 351 (Quetta: very common); Ward, op. cit. xvil. p. 728 (breeds in
colonies and is resident).
Common throughout the District, especially on the Samana, where it
breeds and is resident. Observed in the Kurram Valley up to 8,500 feet.
[1196.] Pszupocyrs BENGALENSIS. The Indian White-backed Vulture.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 343; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728 (rare in
Kashmir).
Colonel Rattray recorded this species from Thall, and made the following
notes on it:—“‘ Common on the plains round Thall; they were feeding on
the dead transport animals all along the road from Kohat to Thall.” This
was during the Tirah Campaign of 1897-98, which doubtless attracted them
to this part of the country, where in times of peace they are unknown.
The nearest place where I have seen them is at Rawal Pindi, a hundred
miles east of our limits, where, in October 1905, on the oceasion of thirteen
mules being shot, a great number, in company with Gyps fulvus and
Neophron percnopterus, assembled in anticipation of the feast.
(1197.] PropHron pERcNoprerus. The Egyptian Vulture.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii. p. 343 (Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 3oL
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 961
(Quetta : common in summer) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral : summer
visitor from March till September) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 662 (common in the
Murree Hills) ; Cumming, t. c. p. 691 (occasionally seen in Seistan) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 728.
The common Scavenger Vulture of the District. A resident everywhere, °
except on the Samana and in the Kurram Valley, which it leaves on the
approach of winter, returning early in March with Passer domesticus. Scarce
in the Kurram Valley, though we noted it up to the head (7,000 feet).
[1199.} Gypamrus BarBatus. The Lammergeier.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 343 (common at Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit.
xv. p. 352 (Quetta: very common and nests); Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59
(Chitral: a common resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 928 (common ; nests
in February and March).
Common and found everywhere from the plains to the summit of the
Safed Koh, though seldom seen in the plains from June till October.
[1200.] Aquila CHRYSHTUS.
I have now seen the Golden Hagle in its summer-quarters in the Kaghan
Valley, and feel fairly certain that the Hagle with the rufous-buff nape,
which frequents the low rocky hills in Kohat in winter, is of this species.
It is a regular visitor, but not common, and is not seen on the grass farm—
the rendezvous of A. hehaca, bifasciata, vindhiana, and maculata—nor
fighting over carrion, monitor lizards, &c., as these other species do, but is
usually found singly in desolate country.
[1201.| Aquina HELIAcA. The Imperial Hagle.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 728 (an uncommon winter visitor).
A fairly common winter visitor. Mr. Donald has seen one give chase to a
Lagegar Falcon, and finally force it to drop its prey. Immature birds of
this genus are frequently seen about the grass-farm feeding on offal, mole-
rats, &.
[1202.] Aquiza BiFasciata. The Steppe-Hagle.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 336 (abundant in Kashinir).
772. 6 imm. Kohat, 1,900 ft., Ist April.
Fairly common in winter, but those seen were mostly immature birds.
[1203.] AquiILaA viNDHIANA. The Tawny Eagle.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xxi. p. 343; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728.
Fairly plentiful in the cold weather and probably resident. Mr. Donald
told me that in May 1907, when swarms of young locusts were devastating
Kohat, he counted in one spot alone thirty-five of these Eagles which had
apparently been gorging on the locusts. Colonel Rattray writes that
in the Tirah Campaign he often saw this species feeding in company with
Vultures on dead transport animals near Thall.
[1205.] Aquita mactLata. The Large Spotted Eagle.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xviii. p. 464 (Badarwa, Kashmir).
962 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX .
One pair observed on the grass-farm and another at the Lachi reed-bed
in April and May. Probably breeds in the neighbourhood.
[1207.] Hinraxzrus Fascratus. Bonelli’s Eagle.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv. p.352 (Quetta: some breed in the hills) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728 (not common in Kashmir).
A fairly common resident, very destructive to game. Mr. Donald, who
has trained several of these birds, says that they are most courageous and
will hawk anything they are entered to; but that they are wild and difficult
to train, even when taken very early from the nest, and that through want
of practice in flying they are usually rather unwieldy; added to which,
owing to their marked partiality for poultry, they are somewhat unsatis-
factory from a falconer’s point of view. In the wild state they have a bad
reputation for pursuing and killing trained Goshawks when they get the
chance, and are said to be the worst enemies of the wild Goshawk. they
hunt in pairs; their favourite quarry, if they can be said to have one, is
perhaps the Wood-Pigeon, but little comes amiss, and they will snatch up a
fowl when opportunity offers, or make off with a wounded duck.
Watched a pair building in a cleft in a cliff on 17th March.
[1216.| Circazrus eauticus. The Short-toed Eagle.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 728.
Fairly common in winter, and perhaps resident.
[1220.] Burastur TEESA. The White-eyed Buzzard-Hagle.
711. g ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 19th March.
A summer yisitor, arriving early in March and leaving towards the
end of October. Breeds fairly commonly in the Miranzai and Samilzai
Valleys.
[1223.| Hanianrus LEUCoRYPHUS. Pallas’s Fishing-EKagle.
Cumming, J. B. N. H. 8. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728
(Kashmir).
Resident and common along the River Indus. Mr. Donald found four
pairs nesting there in March. Rare elsewhere; occasionally seen between
Chikarkot and Hangu.
[1229.] Mizvus covinpa. The Common Pariah Kite.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 344 (Thall: very common); Marshall, op.
cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta: common, scarce in winter); Rattray, op. cit. Xvi. p.
642 (common in the Galis) ; Ward, op. cit. xvi. p. 729.
532. 2 ad. Peiwar Kotal, 8,000 ft., 25th April.
A very common resident up to 4,000 ft., occurring up to 8,000 ft. in summer.
Major Magrath writes: “The numbers of this species were considerably re-
duced in the winter of 1905 by the excessive cold. The unfortunate birds
were induced to breed early in January by the mildness of the weather, and
had actually commenced to nest when the intense cold, lasting well into
March, fell on us.”
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 9638
|1230.] Minvus metanoris. The Large Indian Kite.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xu. p. 344 (Thall: rare; shot a female off a nest) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral: April); Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (rare at
Murree); Ward, op. cit. xvil. p. 729 (common in Kashmir).
Not common, more numerous on the Samana and in the Kurram Valley ~
than elsewhere.
[1232.] Enanus c#@RuLEvuS. The Black-winged Kite.
Fulton, J. B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 59 (common in Chitral in summer).
Fairly common in Kohat from early in April till October. In a mild year
a few stragglers stay the winter. I met with it as high as Dandar (4,700 ft.)
in the Kurram Valley.
[1223.] Circus MacruRrus. The Pale Harrier.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv. p. 352 (Quetta: common in spring); Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral: April).
739. g ad. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 25th March.
This is the common Harrier of the District. Chiefly seen on migration
from September till the end of November, and from February till May, only
a few remaining for the winter.
[1234.] Circus crnERAcEUS. Montagu’s Harrier.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 729 (winter visitor to Kashmir).
Rare. We both observed this species on the Samana during the spring
migration. I also saw one near Lachi in March.
[1235.] Circus cyangeus. The Hen-Harrier.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv. p. 352 (occurs at Quetta in spring); Ward,
op. cit. xvil. p. 729 (common in winter).
Fairly common on passage in spring and autumn.
[1237.] Circus zrucinosus. The Marsh-Harrier.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8S. xv. p. 352 (fairly common in winter) ; Ward, op.
cit. xvii. p. 729 (very plentiful ; possibly breeds in Kashmir).
Common about reed-beds and irrigated crops from September till the
middle of May, especially in spring and autumn. Dresser, in his ‘ Manual
of Palearctic Birds’ (p. 504), writing of this species, says: ‘“ It is doubtful
if it dares even to attack a rat.’”’ I once disturbed a bird feasting on a
freshly-killed adult Nesokia hardwickii (a particularly fierce species of field-
tat), which I think must have been killed by the bird. I believe that a
pair nested on the grass-farm at Kohat in the summer of 1906. They were
there up to the 14th of June, when I left for the Kurram Valley. On my
return in August I found an immature bird in the same spot.
[1239.] Burro FErox. The Long-legged Buzzard.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (common round Quetta im winter,
chiefly the dark form ; probably breeds close by).
A winter visitor and very common from October till April. I have shot.
both the light and the dark forms, but the former is much the commoner.
964 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
(1241.] Burzo DESERTORUM. The Common Buzzard.
Cumming, J. B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan: one shot in February).
757. 9. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 28th March.
A winter visitor, but by no means as common as the last species.
[1243.] Asturn PaLumBARIus. The Goshawk.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 729 (rare).
This species occurs on passage, but very rarely.
Mr. Donald says that nets are set in four or five gorges in the independ-
ent territory north of Kohat. These nets average twelve feet in height,
have a two-inch mesh, and are made to fit roughly the bottom of the gorge,
while they are so arranged as to collapse when struck by anything. The
Goshawk is thus occasionally taken in spring and autumn. Bonelli’s Eagle
is its chief enemy and pursues both wild and trained birds for its prey.
This is the favourite Hawk with the local Khans, but it is an expensive luxury,
females costing from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 and males from Rs. 50 to Rs. 70.
[1244.] Asrur Bapius. The Shikra.
Ward, J. B. N. H. 8. xvii. p. 729 (Kashmir: rare).
A summer visitor, arriving towards the end of March. Nests commonly
in the Samilzai Valley. Large numbers are snared by means of a light
cage formed of fine netting stretched over supports, and covered with
nooses ; a live Quail is used as a bait. They are used for hawking Quail,
and their price varies from 2d, to ls.
[1247.] AccIPITER Nisus. The Sparrow-Hawk.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xi. p. 344 (Thall: occasionally seen; breeds in
the Safed Koh); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (not common; occurs in
spring at Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral: shot one in May at
8,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (a resident in Kashmir).
Occurs on migration in spring and autumn. Colonel Rattray mentions a
young bird in down being brought to Parachinar in July from the Safed
Koh. Mr. Donald tells me that this species breeds freely in Tirah, which
lies just north of our limits, and that every autumn some thirty or forty
individuals are snared along the Kachai stream, by means of a drop-net
set up in the open, with a fine network cage containing Sparrows suspended
in front. The Hawk seeing the sparrows flutter up makes a dash and gets
entangled in the net. The bazaar rate varies from 2s. to 10s.
[1249.] Pernis cristatus. The Honey Buzzard. Occurs on spring migra-
tion.
[1254.] Fanco pereerinus. The Peregrine Falcon.
Ward, J. B. N. H. 8. xvii. p. 729 (common in Kashmir).
This species occurs chiefly on migration in spring and autumn, but is by
no means common. Mr. Donald only knows of one instance of its being
snared in the District, but has often observed it on passage. The bazaar
rate for a good female is about Rs. 30.
‘THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 965
[1255.] Fatco pErEGRINATOR. The Shahin.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 344 (Thall: common along the foot of the
hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (occasionally caught near Srinagar).
A resident, and after the Laggar the commonest of our larger Falcons.
Mr. Donald generally keeps a pair for hawking Chukor, Partridges, Teal,
&e. He speaks highly of their courage, and has known one strike and kill
a Mallard, but says that, though comparatively easy to train, after a year
or two in captivity they deteriorate rapidly. There are many eyries scat-
tered through the District. In June and July Mr. Donald has often seen
them taking bats; these he thinks must be young birds practising.
Eggs were being incubated on 16th March. Alarm note, krdp krdp.
[1257.] Fatco suaceR. The Laggar Falcon.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv. p. 352 (Quetta: fairly common); Ward, op.
cit. Xvli. p. 729.
Resident and common in open, cultivated country. Mr. Donald says
that this species is the most frequent lure for taking other and more valu.
able Falcons. It is usually trained to take hares, but is not thought very
much of, being too slow. The bazaar price is Re. 1.
[1258.] Fatco cHERRUG. The Cherrug or Saker.
The Cherrug occurs in open country like the last species, but is not
nearly so common, and is a winter visitor only, arriving about October and
leaving in April. Mr. Donald kept two birds which he trained very success-
fully to take Milvus govinda as well as Houbara-Bustards and Hares.
_ After the Goshawk and Peregrine, this is the favourite amongst local fal-
coners. The price ranges from Rs. 7 to Rs. 14 for a good female.
{1260.] Fanco supputEo. The Hobby.
Fulton, J. B. N. H.S. xvi. p. 60 (Chitral: one specimen obtained in May);
Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (rare in the Murree Hills; breeds); Ward, op. cit. xvii
p. 729 (breeds in the higher hills of Kashmir).
- Mr. Donald states that this species is fairly common in spring and that
he has observed it as late as May. I came across three individuals in
beautiful adult plumage in February near Lachi; they were flying back-
wards and forwards, sparring at each other, and occasionally perching in a
tree close by, while constantly uttering a ery which sounded lke “ gyak-
gyak.”’
(1263. | 4isaton RecuLus. The Merlin.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 729 (widely distributed in winter).
This bird is fairly common from October till the middle of March; it is
more often seen about the grass-farm and the Sarma and Lachi plains than
elsewhere. It migrates over the Samana in March. It is seldom trained
in this district.
(1264.] Aisaton curceuera. The Red-headed Merlin or Turumti.
An occasional visitor, but by no means common. I have only twice seen
966 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
it ;on one occasion the bird shot down just in front of me to take
a Starling flying in to roost, and started to tear it up close by, giving me
a splendid view through my glasses. Mr. Donald says that he has met
with this species in Kohat in most months of the year. He has a great
opinion of its courage, and has trained it to take Rollers (a bird a great deal
bigger than itself), while he has known a pair to tackle a Blue Rock-Pigeon.
It is a fairly common resident, he says, in the adjoiming districts of Pesha-
war and Mianwali. Major Magrath has also found it not uncommon in
Bannu. The wide open plains of these districts are more to its liking than
the confined valleys of Kohat.
[1265.] TINNUNCULUS ALAUDARIUS. The Kestrel.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xi. p. 344 (a common resident at Thall) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta: common ; found many nests) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 60 (Chitral: a very common resident from 4,000 ft. upwards ;
one seen at 18,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (common in the Murree Hills) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729.
753. ¢. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 27th March.
GOL. Sic 5 3 23rd March.
Common in winter; a resident on the Samana-and in the Kurram
and Miranzai Valleys (nesting regularly at Thall, 2,550 ft., and Hangu,
2,700 ft.).
[1292.] CotumBa INTERMEDIA. The Indian Blue Rock-Pigeon.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 344 (Thall: common in winter) ; Marshall,
op. cit. xv. p. 352 (a resident, at Quetta); Fulton, op. cit. xvi p. 60 (Chitral:
resident, occurring up to 10,000 ft.); Cumming, t.c. p. 691 (occurs in
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Kashmir).
Occurs in large flocks in the District from August to April. A few appear
to be resident round Thall, but the great majority leave in April. Colonel
Rattray, in his article referred to above, says that “ they were breeding in
hundreds in a cliff near the Fort. About the middle of April they all
disappeared suddenly.” On the 19th of May, 1907, however, I found some
still about the cliffs at Thall.
[1293.] CotumBa Livia. The Blue Rock-Pigeon.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall: large flocks occur in winter) 5
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta); Ward, op. cit. xvi. p. 9435 (the
common Pigeon of Kashmir).
Occurs with flocks of the last species in winter, but is much less common.
Never observed in separate flocks.
[1295.| CoLuMBA EVERSMANNI. The Hastern Stock-Dove.
Cumming, J. B.N. H. S. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan: April); Ward, op. cit.
xvil. p. 943 (Kashmir: rare, occurs on migration).
Migrates through Kohat in the latter half of April in small flocks which
feed chiefly on the mulberries that are then ripening. Less wary than
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 967
other members of the genus. Appears to be searce in the Kurram Valley,
and probably only passes through, I shot an example at 6,500 feet in Ilex-
serub on the 2nd of May.
[1298.] Patumsus casiotTIs. The Eastern Wood-Pigeon. p
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv., p. 352 (common on the hills round Quetta) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 945 (Kashmir).
A resident species, collecting in large flocks in autumn in the scrub-jungle
above Marai, about Shinauri, and in the wooded nullahs of the northern
slopes of the Samana—these being its favourite haunts, but odd birds oceur
all over the District. Mr. Donald tells me that it nests freely near the
Zera Kotal, above Shinauri, and north of the Samana. It occurs also in the
Kurram Valley, and probably breeds there, but was still in flocks in May.
[1305.] Turtur FERRAGO. The Indian Turtle-Dove.
Fulton, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 60 (common in Lower Chitral in summer) ;
Rattray, t. c., p. 663 (common in the Murree Hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p.
943 (common in Kashmir).
Small numbers migrate through Kohat from mid-April till the 3rd or
4th of May, returning in September and October. Mr. Donald has found
it nesting on the Samana, I shot a specimen there as late as the 4th
of November. It is common in summer in the woods of the Safed Koh,
from 7,000 feet to tree-limit.
[1309.] TurtuR caMBAYENSIS. The Little Brown Dove.
Rattray, J.B. N. H. 8. xi., p. 344 (Thall: common) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv.,
p. 353 (resident at Quetta, largely reinforced in summer) ; Fulton, op. cit.
Xvi., p. 60 (Chitral : probably common) ; Ward, op. cit. xvi1., p. 948 (Kashmir).
A resident in the District and abundant at all seasons. Common in the
Kurram Valley in summer up to 6,500 feet, and occurring at least up to
8,000 feet, at which height Major Magrath shot an example.
[1510.] Turrur risorius. The Indian Ring-Dove.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 344 (Thall: common) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv.,
Pp. 355 (common summer visitor); Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 60 (common in
summer) ; Cumming, t. c. p. 691 (very rare in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil.,
p. 945 (Kashmir). :
Abundant in summer, the majority leaving in autumn, though many
Stay the winter. In the Kurram Valley the bird is common up to
Dandar, but rather scarce higher up. I have met with it, however, as high
as 8,500 feet.
[1311.] GHNopoPELIA TRANQUEBARICA. The Red Turtle-Dove.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii., p. 345 (rare at Thall) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil., p.
945 (rare in Kashmir).
A summer visitor to the District, and fairly numerous from the second
week in April till August.
[1816.] Preroctes ArENARIUS. The Black-bellied Sand-Grouse.
968 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XA.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii, p. 845 (Thall: passes through in March),
Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 353 (Quetta: common in autumn and spring);
Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 691 (said to occur in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 943 (Jummu).
Large flocks occur in the cold weather in the fields around Doaba and
occasionally round Kohat, Lachi, and Dhand. I flushed a bird on the 21st
of June, 1906, on the stony plain near Dandar in the Kurram Valley, which
was possibly breeding in the neighbourhood.
[1317.] Prerocues Fasctatus. The Painted Sand-Grouse.
Ward, J. B. N. H. 5S. xvii., p. 944 (Jummu).
A rare bird, probably resident. Mr. Donald told me that he had
frequently flushed a pair of strange Sand-Grouse in the scrub-jungle west
of Shinauri (3,800 feet), but that for a long time they managed to escape.
Eventually, however, one was brought to bag and on being compared with
Hume and Marshall’s ‘Game Birds of India’ was found to correspond
exactly with this species. This is not the first record of its occurrence west
of the Indus. In 1902, Major Barton, of the Guides, sent a skin to the
Bombay Natural History Society, and ina note to the Journal (vol. xiv.,
p. 606) wrote that the bird was shot every year near Mardan and that it
was said to be resident.
[1321.] Prerocturus Exustus. The Common Sand-Grouse.
A resident in Kohat, but not very common. Peroclurus alchata should
occur, but we have not met with it, nor has Mr. Donald.
[1342.| LopHopHORUS REFULGENS. The Monal.
Fulton, J. B. N. H. 8. xvi., p. 61 (common in Lower Chitral); Ward, op.
‘cit. Xvil., p. 944 (common in Kashmir).
Fairly numerous on the Safed Koh from 9,000 feet to tree-limit. I came
across young ones fairly strong on the wing on the 27th of June.
[1355.] Corurnix communis. The Grey Quail.
Rattray, J. B.N. H.S. xii., p. 345 (Thall: passes through in spring and
autumn, a few are resident) ; Marshall, op- cit. xv., p. 353 (Quetta: a few occur
in spring and autumn); Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 61 (Chitral: passes through
in spring, a few stay) ; Cumming, t. c., p. 692 (Seistan: fairly common ; nests
in March and April); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 944 (summer visitor, nesting).
Passes through in varying numbers from about the third week in March
till the middle of May, and returns in August and September. Forty-six
brace to two guns is the best morning’s bag that I remember being made.
Every year a few pairs stay to nest. Colonel Rattray found four eggs on
the 21st of April near Thall. Mr. Donald has come across several nests, on
one occasion actually treading on the sitting bird.
[1556.] CoruRNIx CORAMANDELICA. The Rain Quail.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii., p. 944. (A rare visitor: has been known 10
nest in Kashmir.)
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 969
Two or three examples are yearly shot in Kohat about May; the bird
probably nests in the District.
[1370.] CaccasBis cHucAR. The Chukor.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii. p. 345 (Thall: a common resident) ; Marshall,
op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta: very common) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 61 (very
common, ranging up to 12,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii p. 944 (found every-
where in Kashmir).
662. Sen? Marai, 3000 ft., 9th March.
763. 9 ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 30th March.
Resident, and fairly numerous from the plains up to at least 11,000 feet
in the Safed Koh.
[1371.] AMMoPERDIx BONHAMI. The Sisi Partridge.
Rattray, J.B. N. AH. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall: a fairly common resident) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : very common) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi.
p. 692 (Seistan : scarce). 2
A common resident on the stony hills of Kohat and the Kurram Valley
up to about 6,000 feet, and abundant in the more remote parts, where it is
less persecuted.
[1372.] Franconinus vutearis. The Black Partridge.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xi. p. 345 (Thall: abundant); Marshall, op. cit.
xv. p. 353 (Quetta: occurs about the foot-hills) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p.
692 (Seistan : abundant).
A resident, and common in the Mazri scrub (dwarf-palm) of the Lower
_ Kurram and Upper Miranzai Valleys, and, in fact, wherever there is plenty
of Mazri.
[1375.| FRaANCOLINUS PONDICERIANUS. The Grey Partridge.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8S. xii. p. 345 (Thall: very common) ; Ward, op. cit.
Xvil. p. 944 (Kashmir : occurs in the plains).
A resident and fairly numerous, but less so than the Sisi. It is found
on much the same ground, though more frequently about cultivated spots,
and up to about the same altitude in the Kurram Valley.
(1378.| TETRAOGALLUS HIMALAYENSIS. The Himalayan Snow-Cock.
Fulton, J. B. N. H. 8. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral: found in winter down to 6,000
ft. and in summer up to 16,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 945) (common at
high altitudes).
This grand bird occurs in summer on the upper slopes of the Safed Koh
from about 9,000 feet to the summit, but israther scarce. Like the Chuko
it would often escape notice were it not so noisy.
[1384.] Turnrx Tanxi. The Indian Button-Quail.
A summer visitor in small numbers, breeding on the grass-farm. Major
Venour shot one at Christmas 1909, so probably a few are resident.
[1387.| Rattus aquaticus. The Water-Rail.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 945 (breeds in the Valley of Kashmir).
970 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
402. g. Dhand, 1,200 ft., 17th November 1906.
869. Kohat, 1,700 ft., 8th March.
These two were the only ones met with.
[1593.] Porzana pustuta. The Eastern Baillon’s Crake.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii. p. 345 (large numbers pass through about the
end of May) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil. p. 945 (Kashmir).
692, 698. 2 9 ads. Lachi, 1,540 ft., 17th March.
Capt. Keen shot the first example on the llth of February, 1906, and
from then till mid-April single individuals were met with at intervals. About
the latter date the main body appeared, and up to the 20th of May large
numbers continued to pass through, frequenting the grass-farm, irrigated
crops, and cover near water. The bird has not been observed on the autumn
migration, though common at Rawal Pindi (120 miles east) at that season.
[1394.] PorazaNa MARUETTA. The Spotted Crake.
695. ¢$ ad: lLachi, 1540 ft. 17th March.
Passes through Kohat in fair numbers in March and April, frequenting
reed-beds and irrigated crops. A great skulker, but may frequently be
located by its peculiar loud call-note.
[1398.| AmavRornNis Fuscus. The Ruddy Crake.
Ward, J. B. N. 0.8. xvii. p. 945 (breeds in Kashmir).
981. g ad. Dandar, 4,700 ft., 23rd June, 1906.
I found numerous nests of this species in a marsh near Dandar, in the
Kurram Valley. They were usually fairly well concealed in clumps of
reeds or grass, and generally mere hollows scantily lined with bits of these
plants. The first eggs are laid about the middle of June, the clutch vary-
ing from five to seven. In colour they are creamy-white profusely spotted
with pale red, and the average measurements are 1°22x°82 in. This
species has brought the art of skulking to a high state of perfection, and it
is only when the young have. emerged from the shell that it shews itself
at all. :
[1402.] GaLLiInuLA cHLOoRoPUS. The Water-Hen.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii. p. 945 (Kashmir).
A rather scarce winter visitor to Kohat ; more numerous at Dhand than
elsewhere. It occurs chiefly on migration in March and April, when it is
frequently caught. It breeds in the Kurram Valley in small numbers. I
found a nest at Dandar on the 9th of July.
[1405.] Funica atra. The Coot.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv. p. 353 (Quetta: common in winter) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral: shot in March at Drosh) ; Cumming, t. c. p. 693
(Seistan : a common resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 945 (Kashmir).
Abundant on Dhand tank throughout the cold weather, occurring also m
other suitable places in small numbers. I met with a pair near Lachi as
late as the 20th of May, so possibly a few are resident.
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY, 971
{1407.] Grus communis. The Common Crane.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 345 (passes over Thall in great numbers:
often driven back after storms).
Large flocks pass over from the third week in February till the end of
March, returning in August and September, but rarely halting except in -
the Latammar Nullah or at Dhodha.
Residents at Parachinar say that Cranes on migration fly straight over
the Safed Koh Range (lowest point 11,760 feet) and not round the western
shoulder, but that they are frequently forced to turn back by storms
Major Magrath, too, has often observed them returning S.E. to Bannu
after a storm.
(1411.] AnrHRoporpEs virco. The Demoiselle Crane.
Rattray, J. B.N.H.S. xii, p. 346 (Thall) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 393
(Seistan: a few occur in February and March); Ward, op. cit. xvii, p. 945
{a winter visitor to Kashmir).
This beautiful species passes through in big flocks from the end of March
till about the middle of April (last flock seen on the 17th), returning in
September.
[1413.] Oris terrax. The Little Bustard.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvu., p. 945 (Kashmir: one shot in December).
Very rare. We have never met with this species, but Mr. Donald says
that he has twice flushed the “ Butterfly” Bustard, as he calls it, from its
peculiar flight, when hawking the Houbara.
[1415.] Housara MacquEENI. The Houbara Bustard.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv., p. 353 (passes through Quetta in March and
April) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 693 (fairly common in Seistan in spring :
said to breed).
A rather scarce winter visitor, but fairly plentiful on the spring migra-
tion in March. Mr. Donald frequently takes this Bustard with his trained
Cherrug Falcons (Palco cherrugq).
[1418.] Gipicnemus scotopax. The Stone-Curlew.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 353 (rare at Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 945 (Kashmir).
I only once met with this species in Kohat and that was near Sheikhan
on the 22nd of August, 1906. Mr. Donald says that it occurs commonly
in the desert-country between Samrud and the mouth of the Khyber Pass,
7.e., about 40 miles N. E. of Kohat.
[1427.] GuarEota LactEA. The Small Indian Pratincole.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S, xii., p. 346 (Thall); Ward, op. cit. xvii, p. 945
(said to occur in Kashmir).
A summer visitor from April till August. Col. Rattray found it breeding
freely on the gravel banks in the Kurram River in April. It was very com-
mon when we passed through Thall in April and on our return in May.
972 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Major Venour saw three Swallow Plover at close quarters in spring
1909 which were not of this species but were either G. orientalis or G.
pratincola.
[1431.] SarncoaramMus InpDIcus. The Red-wattled Plover.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 346 (common at Thall); Marshall, op. cit.
xv. p. 353 (only one seen at Quetta, 5,600 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 946 (a
few occur at about 5,000 ft. in Kashmir).
A few are resident in the plains ; abundant in summer, but scarce in winter.
[1436.] VANELLUS vuLGARIS. The Lapwing.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 346 (a few pass through Thall); Marshall,
op. cit. xv., p. 353 (winter visitor to Quetta); Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 62
(Chitral: fairly common up to the end of May ; probably breeds) ; Ward, op.
cit. Xvii., p. 946 (winter visitor).
Fairly common from October tiil the third week in March.
[1437.] CHETTUSIA GREGARIA. The Sociable Plover.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 346 (large flocks pass through Thall in
April); Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 62 (Chitral: common in winter ; saw some at
Drosh, 4,300 ft., at the end of May, probably breeds about there); Ward,
op. cit. xvii., p. 946 (scarce in Kashmir).
Small flocks pass through from the last week in February till the end of
March: many are then in full plumage, z.e., are black and chestnut on the
abdomen (see Blanford, Fauna of B. I. vol. iv., p. 232). A solitary example
was shot on the parade-ground at Fort Lockhart (6,500 feet), where it had
alighted during parade.
[1438.] CuHerrusia LEUCURA. The white-tailed Plover.
Cumming N. L., J. B. N. H. 5S. xvi., p. 694 (Seistan, 6th May.)
Mr. Donald shot a specimen on the grass-farm on the 3lst of March 1905,
and sent it to Major Magrath for identification. This is the only occurrence
in Kohat that I know of. In Bannu, however, it is very common in winter
about the larger marshes.
[1446.] Aiataniris ALEXANDRINA. The Kentish Plover.
A somewhat rare spring visitor, arriving towards the end of February and
disappearing before the end of March. Major Magrath has found it
common in Bannu in spring and autumn.
[1447.] Afcratiris pupia. The Little Ringed Plover.
Rattray, J. B.N. H. S. xii., p. 346 (Thall); Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 555
(common at Quetta in spring) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 694 (fairly plentiful
in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 946 (Kashmir).
This species passes through Kohat in small flocks from about the end of
February till the middle of May (last seen on the 20th). The numbers vary
a good deal. In the spring of 1905 Major Magrath noticed a great many
passing through, but in the following year comparatively few were seen.
On the gravelly shores of the Kurram it breeds abundantly from Thall up to
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 973
Dandar at least ; Colonel Rattray found many nests near Thall, from the end
of May onwards.
I once saw an individual trying to escape observation by lying flat on the
ground with head and neck extended, after the fashion of the Stone-Curlew.
[1451.] Himanrorus canpipus. The Black-winged Stilt.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv., p. 353 (Quetta: common in March) ; Cum-
ming, op. cit. xvi., p. 694 (scarce in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvil., p. 946
(breeds in Kashmir).
A rather rare visitor to Kohat from March till May (last seen on the 28th).
Major Magrath says that it is very common in Bannu in spring.
(1460.] Totanus HyPOoLEUCUS. The Common Sandpiper.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S, xv., p. 353 (Quetta: occurs in April, but is rare);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 62 (Chitral: one shot on May 30th); Ward, op. cit.
Xvii., p. 946 (breeds in Kashmir).
Occurs on passage in the spring and autumn, a few staying the winter.
[1461.| Toranus GLAREOLA. The Wood-Sandpiper.
Fulton, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 62 (Chitral: one shot on the 6th of May).
Cumming, t. ¢., p. 695 (common in Seistan in May); Ward, op. cit. xvil.,
p. 946 (Kashmir).
Occurs in numbers on the spring migration in the irrigated fields round
Kohat.
[1462.| Toranus ochropus. The Green Sandpiper.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv., p. 353 (Quetta: common in winter; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi., p. 63 (common in spring; believed to breed in Chitral;
many found between 9,000 and 14,000 ft. in July); Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 946 (Kashmir).
Abundant on migration in April and May, and from the end of August
till November; the majority leave about that time, but many stay the
winter in the plains, and a few non-breeding birds through the summer.
It passes up the Kurram Valley in spring in great force, but does not stay
to breed.
[1463.] Toranus stagnatinis. The Marsh-Sandpiper.
Noét at allcommon, but a few individuals pass through every year be-
tween February and the middle of May, being generally found about the
irrigated parts of the grass-farm.
[1464.| Toranus catipris. The Redshank.
Cumming, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 695 (Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 946,
and xviil.; p. 464 (fairly common in Kashmir in winter; breeds in Ladak).
I have only met with one solitary example, and that was on the 17th of
March near Lachi. Major Magrath, however, has found the bird very com-
mon in Bannu in winter.
[1466.] Toranus Guorris. The Greenshank.
Ward, J. B. N. H. 8S. xvii., p. 946 (Kashmir).
10
974 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
A fairly common cold-weather visitor, arriving in October and leaving
towards the end of April.
| [1468.] PavonceLta puGNAx. The Ruff.
Marshall, J.B. N. H. S. xv., p. 353 (Quetta: one shot in February);
Ward, op. cit. xvii, p. 946 (a winter visitor to Kashmir).
Occurs in large flocks on the grass-farm and other suitable places from
the end of February till the middle of May (I shot a single bird on the
17th).
[1471.] Trinea minuta. The Little Stint.
Fulton, J. B. N. H. 8. xvi., p. 63 (common in Chitral in April and May);
Ward, op. cit. xvu., p. 946 Kashmir).
Appears in small flocks towards the end of March, and is abundant about
irrigated fields and shallow tanks, in company with Sandpipers, till the
middle of May. Not met with in autumn.
[1474.] Trrinca teEMMINCKI. Temminck’s Stint.
Arrives and leaves about the same time as the little stint, but unlike that
species is almost always found singly. I have only once met with it in
autumn.
[1482.] Scotopax RusticuLta. The Woodcock.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii, p. 354 (Thall: a rare winter visitor);
Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta : winter visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi.,
p. 63 (resident in Lower Chitral, but scarce); Rattray, t. c., p. 663 (nests
freely in the Murree Hills above 8,500 ft.); Cumming, t. c., p. 695 (scarce
in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 946 (breeds in Kashmir).
A winter visitor from November till the middle of March, but not com-
mon: there are, however, several favoured spots in the district which can
usually be counted on to hold one bird or more. In the gardens of Kohat
itself some half-dozen are shot every winter.
[1484.] GaLiInaco caLestis. The Common Snipe.
Rattray, J. B.N. H.S. xii, p. 346 (Thall: common in March); Marshall,
op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: fairly common); Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 63
(Chitral: a few noticed in April); Cumming, t. c., p. 695 (Seistan:
abundant from September to April); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (breeds m
Kashmir).
Passes through in varying numbers from the last week in January till
the middle of April. Few stay in Kohat, but in the Kurram Valley, where
there is plenty of good feeding-grounds, bags of fifty and sixty couples of
this and the next species are often made in a few hours. On the return
passage in autumn comparatively few halt.
[1487.] GaLLinaco GaLtLInuLA. The Jack Snipe.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 304
(Quetta : occasionally met with); Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 695 (Seistan:
said to be fairly common) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (Kashmir).
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 975
The same may be said of this bird as of the last, but it is not quite so
common.
[1488.] RosrratuLa cAPENSIS. The Painted Snipe.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (Thall in March) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 947 (a resident in the Kashmir Valley).
Rare in Kohat. Capt. Keen shot a specimen in April 1904, while
Mr. Donald and Major Venour shot several early in July 1907 and saw
others. In the Kurram Valley it is a permanent resident, but is not
common.
[1498.] Hyproproene caspiaA. The Caspian Tern.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (Thall) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 696
(common in Seistan).
Colonel Rattray saw a party of seven near Thall on the 22nd of May and
shot one. Capt. Keen and Mr. Boyle observed a large solitary Tern on the
Toi near Hangu between the 20th and 26th of March, 1906, and from their
description it must, I think, have belonged to this species.
[Major Magrath has also met with Larus ridibundus and L. cachinnans in
Bannu, and as they both occur in Kashmir, they probably also do so in the
Kurram Valley. |
[1499.] Sterna anetica. The Gull-billed Tern.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 8. xii., p. 347 (Thall: common in March) ; Cumming,
op. cit. xvi., p. 696 (Seistan : common).
Small flocks pass through Kohat from the beginning of April till May
‘(last seen on the 5th), and are then usually to be met with about the grass
farm or feeding in irrigated fields.
[1504.| SteRNA MELANOGASTER. The Black-bellied Tern.
Cumming, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 696 (Seistan : not common).
Major Magrath observed this species in some irrigated fields near Doaba
on the 18th of May 1907. In Bannu he says that it is common.
[1526.] PHatacrocorax carBo. The Common Cormorant.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv., p. 354 (Quetta : a few seen in March).
A fairly common bird on the Indus between Khushalgarh and Makhud.
It also oceurs occasionally up the Kohat Toi; Capt. Lyall sent me a
Specimen that he had shot on this stream near Hangu.
[1527.] PHatacrocorax FuscicoLiis. The Indian Shag.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347.
Colonel Rattray shot an example near Thall in February, 1898, after a
heavy storm in the Kurram Valley: it was the only one that he saw. We
have never met with this species.
[1544.) Puecapts ratcineLtus. The Glossy Ibis.
1. Juv. Kohat, 1,760 ft., 22nd August.
The only example that we have seen was a bird of the year which
Mr. Donald shot in his garden on the 22nd of August, 1905, and sent to
976 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX,
Major Magrath, who forwarded the skin to the Secretary of the Bombay
Natural History Society. Mr. Donald flushed another on the grass-farm.
[1545.] Puaratea LEUCoRODIA. The Spoonbill.
tattray, J. B. N. H.S. xi., p. 347 (Thall: a big flock at the end of May).
I came across four Spoonbills on the grass-farm on the 30th of May,
1906. The following year, on the 50th of April, Major Magrath and I
were standing on the Peiwar Kotal (8,200 feet) when a flock of about
twenty came up from the Kurram and passed close overhead ; but appa-
rently not relishing the strong north-west wind which met them as they
topped the Kotal (7.e. pass), they wheeled round and fiew back down the
valley.
[1546.| Crconta atBa. The White Stork.
Occurs regularly on the spring migration either singly or in small parties.
In the Kurram Valley we saw a flock of some two hundred near Dandar on
the 20th of April. Single individuals continue to pass through up till the
end of May.
[1547.] Crconia nigRA. The Black Stork.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii., p. 947 (occurs early in spring in Kashmir).
Not common ; but small flocks are seen every winter from January till the
end of March.
[1554.] ARDEA MANILLENSIS. The Eastern Purple Heron.
I flushed three individuals out of the Lachi reed-bed on the 20th of May
1906. Major Magrath and I also came on a small flock m the reeds at
Dandar in the Kurram Valley in April 1907. These are the only occasions
on which we have met with this Heron.
[1555.] ArnpDEA CINEREA. The Common Heron.
Rattray, J.B. N. H. 8S. xii., p. 347 (Thall: one or two always about) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common, especially in March) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 63 (only a few seen in Chitral) ; Cumming, t. c., p. 696
(common in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (abdundant in the Vale of
Kashmir). ;
Fairly common in suitable places, especially along the Kurram River,
Probably a resident species.
[1559.]| Heropias atBaA. The Large Egret.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (Thall); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 3a&
Quetta: fairly common in February); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (Kashmir).
Colonel Rattray writes :—“ A few birds appeared at Thall in the middle
of May for a day or two; one was shot and brought to me, it was in splendid
breeding-plumage.”
We have not met with this species ourselves in Kohat, though Major
Magrath has found it quite common in Bannu in winter.
[1565.| AnpEoLA Grayi. The Pond-Heron.
Ward, J. B. N. H. 8S. xvii., p. 947 (breeds in Kashmir).
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY. 977
Abundant in the plains in summer, arriving in the beginning of April, and
nesting freely in the cantonments. A few stay through the winter, if fairly
mild.
[1568.] Nycrrcorax Grissus. The Night-Heron.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii., p. 347 (rare, but presumably resident at
Thall); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (breeds in Kashmir).
Personally I have only met with this species in summer from April on-
wards; but a few individuals appear to be resident, as Colonel Rattray
observed it at Thall in winter, and Major Magrath at Bannu. It occurs in
Kohat and the Kurram Valley (up to 4,800 feet at least), but is not common.
[1570.] Arperra minuta. The Little Bittern.
Cumming, J. B. N. H.S. xvi., p. 696 (Seistan: one specimen); Ward, op.
cit. Xvil., p. 948 (breeds in Kashmir).
I found a nest with seven slightly incubated eggs in a reed-bed near
Dandar on the 9th of July, 1906, and shot the male bird. The nest was a
flat pad of reeds on a stump, three feet above the water. I have several
times put up a Little Bittern, either this species or A. simensis, in the reed
beds in the plains in April and May, but have not secured a specimen, so
cannot say to which species it belonged.
[1574.| Boraurus sTELLARIS. The Bittern.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xu., p. 347 (Thall: very rare); Cumming, op. cit
Xvi., p. 696 (Seistan: one shot in December) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil., p. 947 (a
winter visitor, but not common).
72. Adult. Kohat, 1,600 ft., 7th January.
A fairly common winter visitor, both to Kohat and the Kurram Valley.
Leaves early in April (last seen on the 8th).
[1579.| ANSER FERUS. The Grey Lag-Goose.
Cumming, J. B. N. H. 8. xvi., p. 697 (common in Seistan in winter) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvi1., p. 948 (abundant in winter). /
Mr. Donald has shot this species on the grass-farm ; but it is very rare in
Kohat, though occurring regularly in the Kurram Valley in spring.
[1588.] Casarca nutina. The Brahminy Duck or Ruddy Sheldrake.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (rare at Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv.,
p. 354 (Quetta : occurs in February and March) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil., p. 948
(a winter visitor to Kashmir, breeds in Ladak).
Passes through Kohat from the middle of February till the middle of
April, but is not common.
(1587. Taporna cornuta (8S. G. Gm.). Major Magrath writes that the
Sheldrake is a regular spring visitor to Bannu in small numbers. |
[1592.] Awas Boscas. The Mallard.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 347 (Thall: common in March) ; Marshall,
op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi., p. 64
978 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
(passes through Chitral) ; Cumming, t. c., p. 697 (Seistan : common) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii., p. 947 (a few nest in Kashmir).
A winter visitor and one of our commonest Ducks ; it disappears towards
the end of March.
[1595.] CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS. The Gadwall.
Rattray, J. B. N.H.S. xii., p. 348( Thall : common in March) ; Cumming,
op. cit. xvi., p. 697 (not common in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 948
(Kashmir).
Scarce in winter, but becoming fairly numerous in spring. Some stay
very late. I shot an individual out of a party of three on one of the reedy
tanks near Lachi on the 20th of May, 1906; they appeared to fly quite
well. I was unable to visit this spot again before autumn, so cannot say
whether the bird nests there or not. Colonel Rattray also writes:—‘“ One
male was shot out of a party of three in June [at Thall] and brought to me.”
[1597.] Nerrium crecca. The Common Teal.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xi., p. 348 (Thall: very common in spring);
Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in winter); Fulton, op. cit.
xv1., p. 64 (Chitral : common on migration) ; Cumming, t. ¢., p. 697 (Seistan :
abundant and apparently resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xv1l., p. 948 (Kashmir:
occurs in June and July in the Valley, but no eggs found).
Quite our commonest Duck and the first to arrive. The 9th of Septem-
ber is the earliest date on which I have noted it. As with all Ducks in
Kohat, itis much more numerous in autumn and spring than in winter.
tt leaves towards the end of April.
[1599.| Margnoa PENELOPE. The Wigeon.
Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xii., p. 64 (passes through Chitral) ; Cumming, op.
cit. Xvi., p. 698 (Seistan : winter visitor) ; Ward, op. cit. xvil., p. 948 (fairly
common in winter in Kashmir).
Not common, but usually occurs in March and April.
[1600.] Darina acuta. The Pintail.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii., p. 348 (Thall: one flock seen in March);
Marshall, op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: fairly common in winter); Fulton,
op. cit. xvi., p. 64 (Chitral: passes through in February and March);
Cumming, t. ¢., p. 698 (Seistan: a winter visitor); Ward, op. cit. Xvil., p.
948 (common on passage in Kashmir).
Passes through in small numbers in February and March.
[1601.] QuERQUEDULA crRcIA. The Garganey.
Ward, J. B. N. H.S. xvii., p. 948 (Kashmir: common on passage),
Mr. Donald shot one of a pair (a male) on the grass-farm in October;
this is the only occurrence of the Garganey in the District that I have
heard of.
[1602.] Sparuna cirypEata. The Shoveller Duck.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii., p. 348 (Thall: common in spring) ; Marshall,
THE BIRDS OF KOHAT AND THE KURRAM VALLEY.
We)
ST
9
op. cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: fairly common in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi,
p. 64 (Chitral: passes through in March and April) ; Cumming, t. ¢., p. 698
(Seistan : common in winter and probably resident); Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 948 (Kashmir).
Not common in autumn and winter; but large numbers pass through in
spring. Some individuals stay very late, and I have noticed them all
through April and up to the 20th of May. |
(1604.] Nerta nurina. The Red-crested Pochard.
Rattray, J. B. N. H.S. xii., p. 348 (Thall: occurs in March) ; Marshall, op.
cit. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in winter); Cumming, op. cit. xvi., p. 698
(Seistan : common in winter, probably resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 948
(Kashmir: common in February).
Not common, but found throughout the winter at Dhand Tank, and
occasionally elsewhere, up till the end of March.
[1605.] Nyroca rermna. The Pochard.
Marshall, J. B.N. H.S. xv., p. 354 (Quetta : common in winter) ; Cumming,
op. cit. Xvi., p. 698 (Seistan : common and doubtless resident) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvu., p. 948 (Kashmir).
Next to the Teal this is our commonest Duck in the cold weather.
(1606.] Nyroca FERRUGINEA. The White-eyed or Ferruginous Duck.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in February).
Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 698 (Seistan: common in winter); Ward, op. cit.
Xvul., p. 948 (Kashmir: a common resident).
Less common than the last species, but fairly numerous on Dhand Tank
in the winter. It leaves towards the end of March.
[1609.] Nyroca FuLictta. The Tufted Pochard.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in March); Cum-
Ming, op. cit. xvi., p. 698 (a winter visitor in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii.,
p. 948 (common, especially in March).
I have only met with this Duck at Dhand, where it is abundant and
occurs throughout the winter, at least up till the end of March.
_ (1611.] Erismarura tevcocerHata. The White-headed Duck.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. 8. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: February); Cumming,
op. cit. Xvi., p. 699 (Seistan: very common in winter, perhaps resident) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 949 (not common, but a regular winter visitor in
Kashmir).
Very rare. I observed single birds at Dhand on the 18th of November,
1906, and the 21st of February, 1907, but could not get a shot; it is, how-
ever, an unmistakeable species. Capt. MacNab, I.M.S., shot one at
_ Mardan (thirty miles north of our limits) on the 12th of Nocona 1899
(ude J. B.N.H.S. xiii., p. 182).
[1612.] Mereus atpettus. The Smew.
980 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. 5S. xi, p. 348 (Thall: February) ; Marshall, op. cit.
xv., p. 804 (Quetta: common in winter); Ward, op. cit. xvii., 949 (Kashmir:
often seen on the Wular Lake; breeds on the Shyoh).
An immature bird was brought in to Major Magrath on the 26th of
December, 1905. I also observed a big flock on the Indus on the 18th of
February, 1907.
[1613.| MerGanser castor. The Goosander.
Ward, J. B.N.H.S. xviii., p. 949 (shot on the Wular Lake and seen on
the Indus).
A rare winter visitor, occurring on the Indus, where Mr. Donald has
shot it.
(1616.] PopicipEs NicRicotiis. The Hared Grebe.
403 & 404. Dhand, 1,200 feet, 17th November.
Occurs regularly every winter on Dhand Tank, staying at least up till the
end of March.
[1617.] PopicirEs ALBIPENNIS. The Indian Little Grebe.
Marshall, J. B. N. H.S. xv., p. 354 (Quetta: common in spring) ; Cumming,
op. cit. xvi., p. 699 (Seistan: resident); Ward, op. cit. xvii., p. 949 (resident
in Kashmir).
A very common resident at Dhand, and in one or two other suitable
localities.
The following species not in the Kohat list were noted by me last March
onthe River Indus near Kalabagh (a few miles south of our mits), and are
of interest as they probably also occur in Kohat :—
(867.]| AtaupuLa apAmst. The Indus Sand-Lark was common along the
sandy shore wherever there were patches of vegetation ; it had then paired,
and one pair allowed me to watch them building their nest under the lee of
some tamarisk sheots.
[1189.] Panpion Hatrantus. I saw one Osprey fishing.
[1419.] Esacus recurvirosrris. I put up four Great Stone-Plovers off
a stony bank.
[1503.] Stprna seENA. The Indian River-Tern, the Black-bellied, and
the Caspian were all common, especially the first two.
[1517 .| Ruyncnors atsicoiuis. A flock of about thirty Scissorbills was
seen flying up and down the river, occasionally resting on a sand-bank
Cry, a nasal hap, kap.
[1583.] AnsER tInpicus. I saw a flock of Bar-headed Geese cropping —
young beans.
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981
THE PALMS OF BRITISH INDIA AND CEYLON,
INDIGENOUS AND INTRODUCED
BY
E. BuattTer, 8.J.
IeAyae JAY
(With Plates XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI & XVII.)
(Continued from page 705 of this Volume. )
TRACHICARPUS TAKIL, Bece. Webbia 1, 52.—Chamerops martiana
(non-Wallich) Duthie in Gard. Chronicle 1886, 10th April, p. 457.—Royle,
Illustr. of the Bot. of Himal. Mount., pp. 394, 397, 399 (ex parte ?)—Hook
f. Himal. Journ. II, 280 (quod ad plant. ex Himal. occid. pertinet).
Names.—Takil, Jhangra, Jhaggar, Tal (in Kumaon).
Stem of young plants growing oblique, then ascending, erect,
straight and stout, distinctly conical when young (in a young
specimen, 124 feet high, the stem measured 34 feet in circum-
ference at the base and only 1 foot at the top); when fully
developed 30-40 feet high, produces Howers when about 34 feet
high, always covered with the permanent leaves and the chestnut-
brown fibrous network; the hgular appendages of the sheath
erect, similar to those of 1’. eacelsa, but much shorter, broad,
triangular, remaining erect in the terminal bud. Leaves all
permanent, similar to those of 7’. excelsa, but those of the previ-
ous year just below the last flowering spadices reflexed, but per-
manent. Petiole about as long as the limb, slender, subtrigonous,
the lower angle rounded ; margins very acute, armed with minute
irregular subspinescent teeth or crenulations; ligule at the top
of the petiole semilunar, irregular, crenate in the upper part.
Blade ? orbicular, 33-4 feet in diameter, with 45-50 divisions
measuring 23-25 feet from the top of the petiole to the apex of
the median segments. Segments very irregularly divided, more
or less down to the middle, green, rather shining on the upper
surface, glaucescent pruinose on the lower; central segments
about 14 inch broad from the base to almost the top, where they
il
982 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
are shortly bifid or bidentate with the teeth obtuse and divaricate ;
lateral segments gradually becoming more narrow and shorter.
Male spadices very similar to those of 7’. eacelsa as regards size,
ramification and shape of the spathes, but the branchlets are less
densely covered with flowers. Flowers glomerulate, 2-4 together
with minute yellow fleshy bracts at the base, in the well developed
bud obscurely trigonous-globose, § inch long; calyx very small,
sepals suborbicular, very obtuse and rounded at the apex; petals
broadly ovate, concave, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx;
stamens 6, equal uniseriate; filaments cylindrical—lesiniform, at
least 1 longer than the petals; anthers ovate-oblong, versatile ;
carpels 3, narrowly conical, slightly incurved and divergent, glab-
rous, half as long as the petals, with an ovule apparently well
developed. Female spadix and flowers not yet described. Fruit
similar to that of J’. ewcelsa, but more distinctly reniform and
somewhat broader. (After Beccari.)
Hapirat.—Up to now this palm has been found in the West-
ern Himalaya only. It grows on Mount Takil in Kumaon at a
height of 6,600—8,000 feet, where it is annually covered with
snow. According to Gamble it prefers the cool narrow valleys
to the north-west. Duthie found hundreds of them at a height
of 8,000 feet in the moist forests of Quercus dilatata.
Beccari is probably the first to in-
CULTIVATION IN EUROPE.
troduce this palm in Europe. He obtained some plants from
seeds in the year 1887. All the young plants showed a marked
tendency towards unilateral development, as if they wanted to creep
on the ground. Inthe course of time the stem grew upwards
and became quite straight, but the lower part always remained
much thicker than the upper portion. After the appearance of
the stem this palm seems to grow quicker than 1’. excelsa. The
trees are kept in the open in the vicinity of Florence and they
did not suffer even during the severest of winters. Only once in
an exceptionally cold winter the ice spoilt a few leaves. The
heat seems to be more harmful to them than the cold. In 1904
some leaves were so to say burnt by the July sun and, perhaps,
also in consequence of the exceedingly dry air.
!
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THE PALMS OF BRITISH INDIA AND CEYLON. 983
In April 1902 one of the palms produced 3 male spadices.
The same tree measured in November 1904 almost 15 feet, taken
from the ground to the top of the central leaves.
ERratTa.—On page 703 of the previous Number it was stated
under the heading Habitat that Trachycarpus martiana was found
in Kumaon; this appears to be a mistake as this species does not
seem to occur in Kumaon.
HelAlenhSS Weta Aut. Horts Kewe le AS:
(From the Greek ‘‘ Rhapis ’’: a rod.)
Jacq. Hort. Schoenbr. t. 516.—Mart. Hist. Nat. Palm. ITT, 253,
t. 144.—Kunth, Enum. Pl. III, 251.—Walp. Ann. III, 471.—
Bot. Mag. t. 1371.—Miq. Fl. Ind. Bot. III, 61.—Benth. and Hook.
pene! Til, If. 930, 99.
Stem low, cane-like, ceespitose, covered with the remains of the
petioles. Leaves alternate, terminal, small, with the segments
divided almost to the base; margins of segments denticulate.
Spadix long-peduncled ; peduncle with 2-3 short, tubular spathes.
Flowers dioecious or polygamous on the slender branches of the
paniculately branched spadix, yellowish. Calyx cupular, 3-dentate.
Corolla in male flowers club-shaped, in female flowers shorter,
obovate. Stamens 6, rudimentary in the female flowers. Carpels
3, fleshy, ending in short styles. | Berry small, 1-seeded ; pericarp
fleshy ; endocarp soft ; seed compressed-globose ; embryo ventral.
Species at least 9°.—EHastern Asia, from China to the Sunda
Islands.
CULTIVATION IN HUROPE.
Densely tufted green house palms.
The species are of a very easy culture. They thrive in a compost
of rich, strong loam to which is added a small portion of vegetable
mould and sand; they require perfect drainage and plenty of water
throughout the summer. Propagation may be effected by suckers.
RHAPIS FLABELLIFORMIS, Ait., Hort. Kew. ed. I., I, '473.—
Mart. Hist. Nat. Palm. III., 253, t. 144.—Kunth, En. PI. III, 251.—Jacq.
Hort. Schcenbr. t. 316.—Bot. Mag. t. 1371.—Franch. et Savat. En. Pl. Jap.
Il, 2.—Benth. Fl. Hongk. 340.—Bretschn. Hist. Kurop. Bot. Disc. 126.
—R, kwanwortsik, H, Wendl., Ind. Palm. 34.—Seem. Bot. Voy. Herald, 416.
+ O. Beccari has lately described some new species of Rhapis. Cf. Webbia, vol. 3,
Firenze,1910.
984 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Name.— Dwarf Ground-Rattan.
DESCRIPTION.—Stem about 5-6 feet high, of the thickness of the
thumb, sheathed by the reticulate persistent bases of the leaves.
Leaves about 8, petioled, palmate, 5-7-parted; segments sub-
plicate, ciliate-spinulous along the edges and keel of the plaits,
indented-erose at the end; petiole round-ancipital, naked, very
obscurely denticulate. Spadix sparse, paniculately branched, 4-5
inches long; spikelets thick-set with sessile yellowish flowers.
Fie. 9,
Rhapis flabelliformis.
1, Calyx of male flower with bract. 3, Corolla of male flower.
2. Male flower,
All magnified, (After Martius).
_Male flowers: calyx of one piece, urceolate, fleshy, green, smooth,
scarcely 1 line in length, trifid, segments roundish-pointed, up-
right, with a membraneous border ; corolla yellow, coriaceous-fleshy,
Fig. 10.
Rhapis flabelliformis.
1, Side view of female flower. 3, Part of Corolla of female fiower
2. Female flower seen from above, with 3 staminodes,
4, Longitudinal section through
ovary.
All magnified. (After Martius).
4, Open Corolla of male flower with stamens
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THE PALMS OF BRITISH INDIA AND CEYLON, 985
obovate-oblong, tube clavate, triquetral, twice the length of the
calyx, limb trifid; three times shorter than the tube, segment
ovate, acute, subconnivent ; filaments 6, filiform-triquetral, shorter
than the corolla, adnate to the tube, alternately somewhat thicker .
and more detached. Fig. 9 and 10.
Hasirat.—s. China and Loochoo, in the Happy Valley Woods.
Uses.—This palm yields excellent walking-sticks, called
“ oround-rattans.”’
CULTIVATION IN HurRopE.—The Dwarf Ground-Rattan is adapted
to room-cultivation and may be kept at a great distance from the
window. Of this species there exist varieties with white and
golden-yellow leaves.
IuLustration.—Plate XIII A shows a characteristic group
of Dwarf Ground-Rattans as grown in the Royal Botanic Gardens
of Peradeniya in Ceylon. Mr. H. F. Macmillan has been kind
enough to take the photograph himself.
RHAPIS HUMILIS, Blme. Rumphia, I, 54.—Mart. Hist. Nat. Palm.
MT, 254.— Walp. Ann. V, 818.—Wright J. Linn. Soc. vol. 36, p. 169. R.
sterotsik, Sieb.— Chamerops excelsa, var. humilior, Thbg. Fl. Jap. 130.
Name.—Low Ground-Rattan.
DescriptTion.— Leaves cut into from 7-10 spreading segments ;
petioles unarmed. Similar in general aspect to Pf. jlabelliformis.
Hasirar.—China (cultivated in Japan).
CULTIVATION IN EuRopE.—The Low Ground-Rattan is well
adapted to room-cultivation. There exist beautiful garden-
varieties with white and golden yellow leaves.
Iuuusrration.—The photograph on Plate XII A, taken by
the Rev. M. Maier, S.J., shows several specimens of the Low
Ground-Rattan growing in the Victoria Gardens of Bombay. The
position of the leaves and the greater number of leaf-segments at
once distinguish this species from the Dwarf Ground-Rattan on
Plate XIII A. The plants are about 5 feet high.
COCCOTHRINAX, Sargent, Bot. Gazette; XX VII, 87, (1899).
(The name was given in allusion to the berry-like fruit.)
986 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XX.
Thrinaw, Hndlicher, Gen. Pl. 253 (in part) 1836.—Meissner,
Gen. 357 (in part).—Benth. and Hook., Gen. III, 930.—Drude,
Engl. and Prantl. Pflanzenf. I], pt. Il], 34 (sect. Huthrinax).—
Baillon, Hist. Pl. XIII, 517 (excl. sect. Hemithrinaw).—Sargent,
Silva N. Ann. X. 49. (sect. Huthrinaz).
Small unarmed trees, with simple or clustered stems or rarely
stemless. Leaves orbicular, or truncate at the base, pale or silvery
white on the lower surface, divided into narrow obliquely-folded
segments acuminate and divided at the apex; rhachises narrow ;
ligules thin, free, erect, concave, pointed at the apex; petioles
compressed, slightly rounded and ridged above and below, thin and
smooth on the margins, gradually enlarged below, into elongated
sheaths of coarse fibres forming an open network covered while
young by thick hoary tomentum. Spadix interfoliar, paniculate,
shorter than the leaf-stalks, its primary branches furnished with
numerous short slender pendulous flower-bearing secondary bran-
ches; spathes numerous, papery, cleft at the apex. Flowers
solitary, perfect, jointed on elongated slender pedicels; perianth
cup-shaped, obscurely lobed ; stamens 9-12, inserted on the base of
the perianth, with subulate filaments enlarged and barely united
at the base, and oblong anthers; ovary 1-celled, narrowed into a
slender style, crowned by a funnel-formed oblique stigma ; ovule
basilar, erect. Fruit a subglobose berry raised on the thickened
torus of the flower, with thick juicy black flesh. Seed free,
erect, depressed-globose, with a thick hard vertically-grooved shell
deeply infolded in the bony albumen; hilum basilar, minute:
raphe hidden in the folds of the seed-coat ; embryo lateral or
apical.
Species about 15.
DIsTRIBUTION.—Coccothrinaw is confined to the tropics of the
New World. ‘Two species, of which one is stemless, inhabit
southern Florida, and at least eleven other species are scattered
over several of the West Indian Islands.
CULTIVATION IN EuRoPE.—AlII the species of this and the next
genus are stove-palms. When young they should be kept im a
compost of loam, peat and sand; as they get older, turfy leam
and sand is preferable. Propagation is effected by seeds. These
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