BIRDS COLLECTED AND OBSERVED IN THE
DARBHANGA DISTRICT, TIRHOOT, BENGAL.
By Gordon Dalgliesh.
(Concluded from p. 389.)
Inocotis papillosus, Temm. (Black Ibis).—Very common. Generally known to planters as the "planter's friend," as they are useful in destroying insects injurious to the indigo plant. They are excellent birds for the table, but are difficult to shoot on account of their extreme wariness.
Plegadis falcinellus, Linn. (Glossy Ibis).—Not common. A fine male in breeding plumage was snared in March, 1901.
Platalea leucorodia, Linn. (Spoonbill).—I have never come across this species, but have a skin given me by Mr. Inglis, shot at Jainajar in January, 1897.
Ciconia alba, Bechst. (White Stork).—Very common in winter. These birds are caught by native fowlers, who sew the birds' eyelids together; they are then placed on the edge of a piece of water as a decoy for other wildfowl. This cruel practice is common with all big birds, as Herons, Ibises, &c.
C. nigra, Linn. (Black Stork).—I only once saw this bird.
Dissura episcopus (White-necked Stork).—Fairly common, and often seen in large flocks. This bird is known to Europeans in India as "Beef-steak bird." I once found a nest of this species; it was made of sticks, and placed in a lofty simul, or cotton-tree.
Xenorhynchus asiaticus, Lath. (Black-necked Stork).—A not uncommon resident.
Pseudotantalus leucocephalus, Penn. (Painted Stork).—A pair were seen near Darbhanga in May, 1901.
Leptoptilus dubius, Gmel. (Adjutant).—Seen occasionally during the monsoon.
L.javanicus, Horsf. (Lesser Adjutant).—Seen at Narhar by Mr. Inglis in November, 1898.
