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

pleasure with their young ones, and comrades in cool places and
gardens. They come out of eggs according to their sins committed in
their past births. Though they come out of eggs, they are very clever
and do things more beautifully and completely than human beings.
The birds are called the best decorations of high buildings mansions
palaces, and houses etc,. All kinds of birds enjoy with female birds of
different species in different ways and give pregnancy to them in their
prime youth. After pregnancy, female birds lay eggs and sit on them
for some days to give warmth. They understand when young ones get
life, and pierce eggs with their beaks. They protect them (young ones)
by giving them food for some time. Till they get wings to fly, they
take food brought by their mothers and play with them. After they
get their wings they try to fly with their mothers in the sky for some
time till they get full strength. There are innumerable varieties of birds
living in forests. Generally they sleep at nights only. They create
animal passion to young human couples by their actions. They could
easily be caught by nets in their early periods and trained well. They
must be caught and tamed. Our ancestors say “Those who do not
tame and protect birds by giving food, are unfit to live on the surface
of the earth.” Amongst all, swan are most superior birds. Hence the
description of swan is first mentioned below:—
[1st variety of SWAN]
(HAMSA)
There are 7 kinds of swan. Swan of these kinds are called
Hamsa. They are very beautiful with white wings. Generally, they live
in lakes lotus ponds and big wells, and upon good fruits, lotus
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trunks, and leaves, and on lotus. They are very swift when they fly in
the sky and when they are on the ground, It is very beautiful to look
at. Their beaks and feet are red in colour. Their necks are very long.
They are ever happy. They have very soft feathers. They have very
much passion and they are always with their female ones. After rainy
season, they become very stout and puffed with haughtiness.
[2nd variety of SWAN]
(CHAKRANGA)
Swan of this kind are very short in size. Their bodies are white
save their faces, wings and rear portions and ends of tails, which are
red in colour. Their legs are very short and their necks are very long.
There are blood-red stripes in their eyes. They are coward by nature.
They are stout, with soft feathers. Their tones are pleasant to hear.
Their tails are long. Lotus smell will be blowing from their bodies.
They generally live in crowds, but if they are separated they feel very
much dejected. At times they live in lakes and lotus ponds and at
times in shady places. They are called Chakranga Swan.
[3rd variety of SWAN]
(MANASAVASI)
Swan of these kinds do generally live in the Manasa lake on the
Himalayas and never go out of it. They are very patient and calm.
Their bodies are white like pearls save their red beaks and bushy tails.
Generally they dive in water often coming out. They have much pas-
sion and less appetite. They are moderate in size. They have a little
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sleep at nights. They play in different pastures with their female ones.
Their eyes resemble white lotus. Those persons who see this variety
of swan have much increase of animal passion. Their bodies are round
like circle. Swan of this kind are called Manasavasi as they live in the
Manasa lake.
[4th variety of SWAN]
(RAJAHAMSA)
Swan of these varieties are very beautiful to look at. They are
purely white like full moon save their beaks and feet which are red in
colour. Their walk in their youths are very beautiful and amusing.
Their cry is very amusive and pleasant. Those who have a look at
them are freed from sins committed in their past births. Like Swan of
the 2nd variety, these swan also live at times in lotus ponds and at
times in shady places. They are a little tall. They fly very high in the
sky. They would cohabit with their female ones, playing and crying
very beautifully. They show innumerable modes of walk when they are
with female swan. If they appear in front of persons who go to war,
they (persons) are sure to be victorious. After rainy season, they are
much puffed up with haughtiness. They have always their eyes wide
open as they are cheerful. When they stand before the birds, the birds
also astonish to see them. If able persons train them up, they can
talk a few words to some extent as they are intelligent and clever.
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[5th vareity of SWAN]
(MALLIKAKSHA)
These kinds of swan are generally a little blackish-white in
colour. If their entire bodies including their eyes are purely white,
they are called Mallikakshas and if they are purely white throughout
save their beaks and feet with red colour, they are called Dhartashtras.
All these swan are a little short. They have various coloured dots on
their bodies. They have long and curved tails, and less speed. They
are very clever and and very fond of living with human beings. They
are not easily captuarable by experts. They are very fast when in
dangers. They are fond of ladies, who touch and protect them.
[6th variety of SWAN]
(KADAMBA)
Swan of these kinds are entirely a little bluish-white. They are
moderate in size. They have broad and spread wings. They often cry
when they walk. They are fond of their comrades. They live in very
cool and calm places and in places where quiet-going animals live. They
are much passionate. They are very pleasant both in morning and
evening. They are a little bit coward. They eat their food along with
their female swan like Gandharvas. They are very willing to fulfil the
desires of their female ones. They have much shining on their bodies.
They are easily captuarable and trainable.
[7th variety of SWAN]
(KALAHAMSA)
Swan of these varieties are white in colour. Their wings are
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a little bluish, their tails a litte black and their beaks red. They are
a little tall, stout and big with curved necks. Their bodies are round.
They are fond of swimming in water and living in trees at times. They
are kind and pleasing to all birds. Their feet are very white and their
feathers are very soft. Their tone is very plesant and stomachs are
very stout in their youth. Their feathers are long. They are a little
impatient and begin to cry often when they are seperated from their
female group. They are always very fond of remaining with the female
ones, as they are much passionate. They could easily be trained. Some
swan are of various colours, and some with spots of different colours.
The female swan too generally resemble their males in all respects but
are more beautiful and calm. Generally the female ones like to remain
under the shade of wings of male ones in summer. They always spend
their time with their male ones. They have crowns on their heads.
'Their eyes and walk are very beautiful. Their youth begins in their
2nd year and lasts till the 5th year when they become pregnant. They
could be caught in their early periods and kept in cages and well trained.
Their utmost age is 7 years. Owing to good nature and qualities they
are called Rajasa Uttama or superior in 2nd class.
23rd GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHAKRAVAKA BIRDS.
(RUDDY-GEESE)
There are 3 kinds of chakravaka birds or ruddy-geese. Gene-
rally they are blackish. Some are white and some blue like swan.
Their nature and bodies resemble those of swan. They seperate
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themselves with their female birds during night times owing to
curse given to them. Again in the day break they come and join
with them. They are smaller than the swan. They would increase
passion of the human young couples much, especially in spring sea-
son. They live in lakes, lotus ponds, and on the lotus flowers. They
eat lotus trunks, flowers and other good tasteful fruits. Their youth
begins in their 1st year. Their passion is increased in the spring
season. Young ones come out of eggs after a month. Female birds
lay eggs after they become pregnant. The young ones get wings in
their 2nd month. All birds in general comes out of eggs after the
1st month and get wings in the second month.
[1st variety of RUDDY-GEESE]
(KOKA)
Ruddy-geese or chakravaka birds of these varieties are blackish
red in colour, very small in size, having round bodies. The ends of
their wings are black. They would often cry, especially at nights.
Their speed is less than that of swan. They remain always with their
female birds from day-break to Sun-set. They would, often, dive in
water in summer season and play. They fly in the sky in crowds.
They are always fond of remaining on the flowers. Some times they
eat tree flowers, fruits etc., in the absence of pond flowers. Their
tone is very melodious when they are young.
2nd variety of RUDDY-GEESE]
(CHAKRA)
Their bodies are round like wheels. They are black in colour
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with small beaks. Their necks and ends of wings are red in colour.
They increase passion of young couple by exhibiting their skill in
various dances. They are fond of living with their female birds. Their
eyes and walk are very beautiful. They would play in water often
with their couples.
[3rd variety of RUDDY GEESE]
(RATHANGA)
These kinds of ruddy geese are white in colour. Their wings are
long to a little extent. Their feet are red. There are various coloured
dots on their breasts. Their tone would be cheerful. They are much
afraid of people. They fly in the sky in couples. They have very
smooth bodies. They would be bathing both in the morning and
evening. They have much puffed haughtiness in their youth. Their
eyes are opened broad owing to cheerfulness. They have a little sleep.
Peoples' passion is increased in their youth when they see these birds.
The emale birds too resemble the male in all respects. They feel much
dejected by the separation of their husbauds. Their youth extends
from 2 to 5 years. Their utmost age is 6 years. These birds like swan
are caught and kept in cages by Kings, Ministers, Nobles and other
persons. These birds are also classified under Rajasa Uttama or
superior in 2nd class like Swan.
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24th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SARASA, BALAKA,
AND OTHER BIRDS.
There are 2 varieties in each class of these birds. They all live
in water and in cool places by the side of water. They are grnerally
called as younger brothers of ruddy-geese. Some or white, blue, and
black and some of various colours. Generally all birds have various
coloured dots on their bodies. Their play is very cheerful and creates
amusements to lookers. They are calm and quiet-going ones. They
have much passion in Spring and Summer seasons. The youth for all
the above said varieties of birds begins in their 1½ years, All the female
birds protect their young ones very carefully. The young ones get
wings in their 2nd month and developed their growth gradually like
other birds. Their varieties are meationed below:—
[1st variety of SARASA BIRDS]
(INDIAN CRANE PUSHKARA)
Sarasa birds of these varieties are called Pushkara. They are
blue in colour but their necks, wings and breasts are whitish. Their
bodies are like that of the ruddy-geese, but a little tall in size. They
have long beaks and they always wave their wings. They fly very
high in the sky very swiftly in groups. They often enjoy with their
couples whenever they are passionate, especially at nights. They at
times live in lakes and ponds even. They cry very pleasantly. After
the first quarter of the night, they sleep. They are never be dull and
lazy in the mornings. They take rest in the mid-day owing to weariness.
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[2nd variety of SARASA BIRDS]
(SARASA)
These kinds of birds are called Sarasa birds. These are black
in colour, and they have white and red dots together or red or white
dots on their bodies separately. Such dots are visible only in breasts
and wings. They have small beaks and legs. They are quiet-going
ones. They are fond of swimming in water often, especially in mid-
days. Their nails are of golden colour. They generally live on night
lotus or white and red lotus flowers. They enjoy with their couples in
Spring season. They have very soft bodies. Their beauty is cheerful
and amusing.
[1st variety of BALAKA BIRDS]
(BALAKA)
These kinds of birds are called Balaka. They are very tall,
having long legs, red beaks, and white bodies. Their stomachs and
rear portions are stout. Their wings are broad and big. They are a
little impatient when they are hungry. They eat small fish, fruits,
lotus trunks and roots and others. They often dive in water and play.
They generally enjoy during nights. They fly in the sky with their
couples. They perch on the cool trees at the time of wearisome. They
are much afraid of the roar of lions and tigers and they run away to
distant places. They are fond of swimming even in the floods and
they have smooth feathers. They have a little passion.
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[2nd variety of BALAKA BIRDS]
(SARANGA)
These kinds of birds are called Saranga birds. Some are blue
and some black. They have white dots on their bodies. They are
short in size, but have long legs and beaks. They will, collectively, fly
in the sky. They live by the side of water and in the cool and shady
places. They will come quick from high in the sky and cath fish in
water (i.e) they will have the the bird's eye view. Their beaks are a
little yellowish. They have broad eyes. They enjoy at nights only.
[1st variety of CHAKORA BIRDS]
(CHAKORA)
These varieties of birds are called Chakora birds. They are
black or blue in colour. There are different coloured spots on their
bodies. They are stout in size. They have long wings, stout stomachs,
small beaks and legs. They will be looking on at the beautiful
sceneries in all directions in the day times and in nights they eat the
moon light alone and thus improve. They will spend there whole
time in the day by remaining under the shade of trees and by sleeping
for some time. They would be always with their couples. They are
afraid of thunder. They generally, never sleep in nights.
[2nd variety of CHAKORA BIRDS]
(BRIHATCHAKORA)
These BrihatChakora birds are a little tall in size. Some are black
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and some blue in colour. Their wings, stomachs, and necks are a
little whitish. They eat moon light alone and if there is no Moon-light
for eating, they will be much reduced out of hunger. They wander in
nights and sleep in one place in the day time. They would always be
with their sexes. Both kinds of Chakora birds build their nests' in the
huge and tall trees either by the side of mountains or the seas. They
can withstand hunger and thirst. They are naturally beautiful and
increase passion to young human couples. They drink the sweet and
tasteful water in summer. They would generally, be hapv in nights.
They never eat anything except the Moon-light and they are very
calm and quiet-going.
[1st variety of SARARI BIRDS]
(SARARI)
These varieties of birds are called Sarari. They are generally red
in colour. There would be some other colour on their wings, legs, long
beaks, and end of the wings. They have crowns on their heads and
beautiful eyes. Their wings are small and beautiful. They will be on
the trees, in their nests, by the side of water. They sit always separately
and search of their prey on the bunds of the lake, crying beautifully.
They eat small fish, flesh and fruits. They wander in the day time
and sleep in nights. They would, always, be in couple wherever they
go. They will join together when quarrel arises with the other birds
but, they are not, generally, impatient.
[2nd variety of SARARI BIRDS]
(ATI)
These kinds of birds are called Ati birds. They are very short
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and small. Some are white, black and some whitish black. Their beaks,
legs, and ends of their wings would be of some other colour. They
have small beaks, a little stout bodies and broad wings. They are fond
of living in water. They are afraid of going to strange places. They will
not live collectively. They live in their nests alone in the rainy season,
but, very fond of seeing the clouds and rain. They spend their time
by eating bits of flesh and fruits in the rainy season. They will collec-
tively help one another when they are attacked by another kind of birds.
[1st variety of CHATAKA BIRDS]
(CHATAKA)
These varities of birds are called Chataka birds. They are very
small in size. They are black, red or blackish red. They drink always
the rain water and are healthy. As per a Sage's curse, they do not
drink the water on the face of the earth owing to the fear of being
unhealthy. Therefore, they live, generally, in the high places as, the
tops of the mountains, and tall trees wherever there are clouds They
would, ever, be looking at the sky with mouths wide open for rain.
Sometimes they will be with their female birds on the shade of the
branches of trees. They will collectively fly very high in the sky.
They are very good to all birds. They are happy and healthy in the
rainy season
[2nd variety of CHATAKA BIRDS]
(STOKAKA)
These kinds of birds are called Stokaka birds. They are very
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small in size and black in colour. Their wings and beaks and feet are
red. There are very small dots on their bodies. They will, always, be
flying in the sky and looking for the outcome of rain. They will perch
on the trees only for a short space at the time of wearisome. Their
wings are beautiful when they are young. They will, at times fly in
the sky collectively. Their female birds resemble their male ones
in all respects. Their youth is from 1½ to 4 years, and their utmost
age is 5 years. They may be kept in palaces and high buildings and
well-trained. They would dance in different varieties and give amuse-
ment. Owing to nature and good qualities, they are called Rajasa
Uttama or Superior in 2nd class.
25th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GARUDA AND HAWKS.
There are 3 kinds of Garuda birds. They are called King of birds.
They possess very strong memory and good strength. They are white
red or of different colours. They have huge strong wings. They are
the best in creed. They are the enemies of serpants or cobras and
will eat them. They can fly very high and swift in the sky, with cou-
ples, singly and collectively at times. They have long and soft feathers.
They are neither cruel nor much passionate. They are very clever
and have very keen eyes. They are fond of hunting and to remain with
people. They eat the sweet and good fruits in the forests, flesh by
piercing with their strong and powerful beaks. They can withstand
cold, rain, hunger and thirst. They are kind to all souls. They are
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much passionate in spring and summer. Their youth begins in the 2nd
year. Their varieties are described below:—
[Ist variety of GARUDA BIRDS]
(GARUDA-BRAHMANY KITE)
This kind of bird is called Garuda bird. Their necks are purely
whitish and they have curved beaks, huge and broad wings and
strong and firm legs. They fly very high in the sky without waving
their wings sometimes and waving them at other times. They would at
times, kill fish and other smaller ones and eat them. They never feel
tired even if they go afar. They live in cool trees and places crying
plesantly. They would kill cobras and eat them as they'are their dead
foes. When they are impatient, they would kill all the enemy birds
and swallow them.
[2nd variety of GARUDA BIRDS]
(VAINATEYA)
These kinds of Garuda birds are whitish in colour with their
wings- blackish-red. They are said to be the sons of Vinata, daughter
of Devine Being and wife of the great sage Kasyapa. Hence they are
called Vainateyas. They have a littl long tails and long leg. They are
impatient. They will fly in the sky, collectively, crying often. They
are stout.bodied. They can fly very swift in the sky even against the
winds. They can withstand all sorts of difficulties, such as, fatigue,
winds, rain, sun's heat, hunger and thirst, etc,. Their necks are of
pure white. They have the birds' eye view very acurately. They come
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down from the sky by circling. They cannot be prevented by any other
bird when they fly in the sky.
[3rd variety of GARUDA BIRDS]
(PANNAGARI)
These kinds of Garuda birds are called Pannagari as they are
the enemies of serpents. They are tall, white and spotted in different
colours. They have huge wings and big and sharp beaks. They are
very grand in appearance. No other bird could see and attack them
when they are very impatient. They will fly very high and very far in
the sky. They would sleep in day time. Their feathers are a little-bit
long. Their bodies are stout and shining. They cannot be attacked by
any one, anywhere. There are many kinds of Garuda birds of this
species in the forests. The female birds, too, do resemble the male
ones in all respects. They are more beautiful and less impatient. Their
voice is very pleasant. The youth for both the sexes is from 2 to 7
years. Their utmost age is 10 years. Owing to good creed and nature,
they are called Rajasa Uttama or Superior in 2nd class.
[1st variety of HAWKS]
(SYENA)
There are 2 varieties of Syena birds. The first variety of bird
is called Syena or the hawk and the second is called Sasada or
falcon. The Syena birds are almost like G a r u d a birds, but a
little taller and more impatient. Their bodies are red with white feet.
Their beaks are very sharp. Their wings are very broad. Their cry
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is awfully, unpleasant. They are fond of eating much flesh. They
are dreadful in appearance to other birds. They would fly swiftly
high in the sky. They are available everywhere. Their feathers are
rough and feet very strong. They are not easily capturable. They too
have the "birds' eye view". They do not like the scent of human be
ings. They are very cruel in day time, when they will kill all the
other birds.
[2nd variety of SYENA BIRDS]
(SASADA-FALCON)
These kinds of birds are called Sasada. They are tall and brown
with white wings. Their feet and beaks are red. They are cruel-minded
and their cry, too, is very unpleasant. They venture to do bad things
and every-thing. They have rough feathers and bad smell on their
bodies. They are dreadful to other birds. They are devoid of sweet
words. They eat, pigeons, doves, wildrates etc. Some of the falcons
have blood-red necks ;and some various coloured necks. They are
fond of eating much flesh. They have the same youth, age etc, of the
hawks. Owing to creed, nature and bad qualities, they are called
Rajasa Madhyama or Middle in 2nd class.
26th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EAGLES.
There are 4 kinds of eagles. They are the brother-species of
hawks and Garuda birds. They are of different colours. They are
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dull-natured, stout, and strong winged. They eat fruits, flesh and
food etc, They are fond of hunting. They have increased passion in
rainy season. Their youth begins in the 2nd year. Their varieties are
described below: —
[1st variety of EAGLES]
(GRADHRA)
These kinds of eagles are blackish-red, stout bodied, and big
winged. They are strong beaked, and rough feathered. They are very
strong and swift in flying. They would often wave their wings when
flynig. They are a little calm and quiet-going. They are fond of living
with people and hearing good and sweet words. They would fly in diff-
erent pastures. They are available in every corner of the forests They
will be dreadful and destroy the enemy birds when they are impatient.
They never wander in nights. They can tolerate hunger and thirst.
They are easily capturable and trainable. They are keen and intellegent.
They have the "birds, eye view". They eat flesh, fruits and food. They
are fond of hunting.
:[2nd variety of EAGLES]
(DAKSHAYYA)
These kinds of eagles are otherwise called Dakshayya. Their
bodies are short and bulky. They have huge and broad wings with white
colour on their ends (wings). Their bodies are brown in colour. They
have small beaks, stout stomachs and long legs. They will wander
collectively. They are shrewd and clever; but they never desire to
hear the sweet words and do not like the scent of human beings.
They never forget to revenge against the enemy birds. They will fly
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high and to a long distance in the sky. At times they stoop to cruel
actions. Enemy birds cannot attack these birds when they are young.
[3rd variety of EAGLES]
(ATAYI)
Bodies of these kinds of eagles are small. They are of different
colours. Their legs and wings are long and beaks very small. They
have rough feathers. Their cry is, awfully ' cruel. They kill all
the insects and fish which come to the shore. They, at times, eat
flesh. They have accurate birds' eye view. They fly very high in the
sky, collectively. They would be puffed up with haughtiness when they
are young. They shirk from and fear for hunting. At times they are
fond of fighting with each other. They become very stout in rainy
season. They are easily trainable and they are fond of hearing sweet
words.
[4th variety of EAGLES] .
(CHILLA)
These varieties of eagles have small bodies. They have beautiful
eyes and a little big heads with various dots. There are beautiful colo-
urs on their wings. Their tone is very pleasant and they have a strong
memory. They are fond of living with people and hearing sweet
words. They eat insects and fish etc, which come to the surface of
water and at times fruits and flesh, crying often. They are afraid of
hunting. They wander collectively both in the sky and on earth. They
fight with other birds furiously when they are impatient. They have
smooth bodies and are clever. There are many varieties of eagles
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available in forests possessing the same nature and qualities. The
female eagles, too, resemble, the male ones, in all respects. The youth
for all the eagles is, generally, from 2 to 5 years. Their utmost age is 8
years. Owing to creed, nature and deed they are called Tamasa Madh-
yama or Middle in 3rd class.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CRANE.
There are 4 kinds of Cranes. They are greyish, white, reddish
and of different colours. They are dull-natured and their cry is unplesant.
They are very strong when impatient. They are strong and have rough
feathers. They can fly to some distance in the sky. They live with
their comrades; but, at times, they do quarrell with each other. They
build their nests on the tops of trees and live in them Some like to
remain with people and some do not like to be so and go away. They
have much passion in rainy season. They are carnivorous. The youth
for them is from 1½ to 3 years. Their kinds are described below:—
[1st variety of CRANES]
(CROWNCHA)
These kinds of cranes have red bodies with white wings.
They have very long legs, necks and beaks. They are stout bodied
birds. Their apperance is not pleasing and their cry is not long at a
stritch. They have failling paces of walk. Their feathers are very
rough. They fly with their comrades in the sky. They are strong
and attack the enemy birds when impatient. They are fond of eating
flesh and sleeping during day-times. They will at times dive in water
and play.
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[2nd variety of CRANES]
(BAKA)
These kinds of cranes are white throughout. They have broad
wings, very long beaks and feet and little smooth bodies. Some are
stout and some lean and small. Those, which are small and lean are
not pleasant in appearance. They would, always be secluded wherever
they go. To attack enemy-birds they call for their comrades. They
are fond of eating flesh and fish. They would, at times, play in water.
Though they are dull in nature, they would yield to people and give
pleasure to them.
[1st variety of KAHWA BIRDS]
(KAHWA- GEESE)
Those which are very inferior to crane class are called geese.
They are white in colour. They would walk slowly and their cry is
very unpleasant. They are fond of playing in mire. They are dull in
nature and bad smell would be coming out from them. Their bodies
are stout. They have very long necks and beaks. They can swim in
water. They cannot fly in the sky. They are very ugly in appearance.
They eat insects, frogs and fish. They are unfit for training. They
are not strong and they are mean-minded. They decrease peoples'
welfare.
[2nd variety of KAHWA BIRDS]
(KUNCHA)
These kinds of geese are very short in size. They are of
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