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

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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various colours. They walk slowly and their cry is awfully unplesant.
They have very long necks and beaks. They eat frogs, fish, grains and
insects etc. They are fond of water. As they are dull in nature, they
do mean and silly things. There are many geese of various colours.
Their female ducks too resemble them in all respects. Their bodies are
soft possessing calm mind. Their utmost age is 4 years. Owing to creed,
nature and deed they are called Tamasa-Adhama or inferior in 3rd
class.
27th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CROWS.
There are 12 varieties of crows. They are, generally, black. They
would generally live in villages. Their cry shows the forth coming of
either good or bad of the owners of houses on which they sit. They
are useful and fit for the sacrified food. They are, generally, said to
be the decorations of trees. They eat fruits, food, insects, fish and
flesh etc., especially margosa seeds. They are fair and their cry is long
and loud. They can play by jumping. They invariably cry both in the
mornings and evenings. They can see by one eye alone. They are
dull in nature. They would often play in water in summer season.
They are grateful to their masters. Their youth begins in 1½ years.
Their varieties are described below:—
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[1st variety of CROWS]
(KAKA)
These kinds of crows are called Kaka owing to their cry as Ka-
ka. They are jet black. They have big rough feathers, and long beaks.
They often go by flying. Their cry is a little harsh. They would ever-
be with their groups. They are coward and lazy. They are long-
sighted. whey would ever be eating. Hence they are gluttons. They
become tired in the hot Sun. Bad smell would be coming out of
their bodies. whey are troublesome to all kinds of birds
[2nd variety of CROWS]
(KARATA)
This variety of crow is jet black and long winged. They would
always be producing unbearable cries. They are very strong and have
small beaks. They will fly swiftly very high in the sky. They can
cross any big floods, lakes, and small seas. They are available every
where. They revenge against the enemy birds. They take a little food.
[3rd variety of CROWS]
(BALIPUSHTA)
This variety of crow is blue in colour and have smooth bodies.
They are fair to look at. They have small tails, beaks, and stomachs.
They take little food. They are very calm-minded. They are fond of
remaining with people. They are fond of eating the curd-food and
sweet food, etc. Their cry and walk are very pleasant. They would
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listen to sweet words. They never fear for people, and never do mean
things. They would sleep during day times. They would always be
single. They are good to all birds. Sacrificial food should be given to
these crows. They have some other good qualities and nature.
[4th variety of CROWS]
(SAKRITPRAJA)
This variety of crow is called Sakritpraja; because they lay eggs
only once in their life time. The whole of their bodies are jet black;
but, their necks whitish in colour. They are a little tall in size having
broad wings and a little long legs. They have stout heads and stoma-
chs. They can swiftly fly very high in the sky. They would collectively,
attack their enemy-birds. At times, they would quarrel with each other.
They eat flesh, fruits, food and grains etc. At times, they would
dwell in forests also. They are mighty and powerful. They would play
in different varieties by jumping. They cannot be controlled when
they are impatient. Those who do not like the people and go away are
considered to be very inferior and those who like to be by the side of
the people, are considered to be superior.
[5th variety of CROWS]
(DHWAKSHA)
These kinds of crows are deep blue in colour. They have
long beaks and legs. They are capable of flying in different pastures
waving their wings often. They can fly very high in the sky. They
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would attack the enemy birds with dreadful cries. They are always
calm in temper and take a little food.
[6th variety of CROWS]
(ATMAGHOSHA)
This vairety of crow is neither too black nor too blue, but a
little tall. They would imitate singing in various ways. They would
always be alone. They build their nests always on the trees that are
by the side of water. They eat small fish sitting on the shores of the
water. They are calm in temper and much afraid of hunting. They
have no eremity at all. They would walk in different postures. They
would 'go collectively to any place. They live both in forests and
houses.
[7th variety of CROWS]
(PARABHRIT)
This variety of crow protects the eggs of cuckoos without their
own knowledge. Hence they are called parabhrit. They are beautiful
and blue in colour throughout their bodies having some whitish colour
on the ends of their wings. They have small beaks and very charming
cries. They are experts in building nests. They live in trees alone
eating the insects. They are afraid of people and rainy season. They
are capable of flying in various postures. They have pleasure during
mornings and evenings. They bathe surely in water during day time.
They wander only in pleasure gardens and cool places. They have
some good qualities and are very easily trainable.
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[8th variety of CROWS]
(VAYASA)
These kinds of crows have very dark-bodies and rough feathers.
They eat flesh of corpse. They are not fair to look at. Their beaks
are very long, sharp and strong. They perch for some time on the
backs of goats, bulls cows, buffaloes, and other quadrupeds. Their
appearance would be rather dreadful to smaller birds. Their cries are
unpleasant. They would, slowly, fly in the sky. They fear to go to
other forests. They are always secluded. They do not like amongst
themselves. They are mean -minded and do mean things. They have
bad smell. They would never sleep in moon-lights. They fear for
thunder.
[9th variety of CROWS]
(CHIRAJIVIN)
This variety of crow has long life. Hence it is called Chira-
jivin. They are jet black-bodied; but, their necks, breasts and wings
are a little whitish. They are a little tall in size. They have failing
paces in their walk. They do not fly high in the sky. They fear to cross
the floods of the rivers. They are fond of eating food always. They
are ever angry. Their cry would be very harsh. They eat very mean
things. They would always have side-sight. They would deceive people
and other birds. As they are fickle-minded, they have no stability.
[10th variety of CROWS]
(MAUKALI)
This variety of crow is very small in size and blackish' white.

There will be some other colour or dots on the ends of their tails
and wings. They have small beaks. They are fond of eating powdered
rice and food etc. They often swim and play in water. They are fond
of living with people. They sing at times pleasantly. They follow
the female crows often wherever they go, owing to extreme passion
They join their comrades at the time of fear and danger. They are
grateful to masters and fond of hearing sweet words. They are very
smooth bodied and easily trainable.
[11th variety of CROWS]
(DRONAKAKA-RAVEN)
This variety of crow is long bodied and jet black in colour.
They are called Dronakaka. They have very long beaks, legs and broad
wings and very rough feathers. They have small white dots on their
bodies. They have sharp nails. They live always in forests. They are
not easily obtainable. They do not like the scent of human beings.
They are fond of eating flesh and their cry is very unplesant. They
attack other birds unnecessarily. At times, they quarrel themselves.
They do not take much food. They have cruel-mind. They have no
fear when they are in groups.
[12th variety of CROWS]
(KAKOLA)
This variety of crow lives in mountains and at the foot of
the mountains. Their cry is very harsh. They are jet black. They
kill all the birds in the nests in the vicinity of their own nests. Their rear
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