मृगपक्षी-शास्त्र (हंसदेव - १३वीं शती का अमर भारतीय वन्यजीव, पक्षी एवं प्राणि-विज्ञान)

They are fit to be used as watch-guards in some places at times.
There are many varieties of cocks of the same qualities which
are not described here Some cocks live in the forests and they are a
little bit cruel and carnivorous They are not beautiful to look at and
their cry is unplesant. They are quite unfit to be trained and kept in
houses as they are useless ones. The hens have the same resemb-
lances in all respects save crowns on their heads. Some hens lay
many eggs often and some, occasionally, a few. Their utmost age
is 2½ years. Owing to nature, and qualities, they are called Tamasa
Uttama or superior in 3rd class.
33rd GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHATAKA AND KARETU
BIRDS.
There are 2 varieties of Chataka birds (otherwise called Spar-
rows) and 2 varieties of Karetu birds, (another kind of sparrows.)
The Chataka and Karetu birds generally live in villages and towns and
some in forests. They are short and smooth and brown in colour.
They can fly swift in the air. They are much afraid of noise. They
pick up grains spread on the floor and eat them. They have lean legs,
short tails and pleasant cry. Their youth begins after the 1st year and
they begin to cohabit with their female birds very often. The female
birds. begin to lay eggs after one year. Their varieties are described
below:—
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