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

black-wings. They have short-bodies and long beaks. Their feathers
are very rough. They are very swift and pounce upon any other
birds, suddenly, at nights. They would search for their prey, flying in
circles at nights. They are very impatient and are not, easily, captu-
rable. They are dull and foolish-natured birds, producing bad smell.
They are very ungrateful.
[3rd variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(DIVA-BHETA)
These kinds of Kausika birds are much afraid of day time.
Hence they are called Diva-Bheta and they are sinful birds. They
are grey in colour, very tall having stout-bodies and broad-wings.
They soar high, in the sky. They would injure the quiet-going birds.
They eat flesh of bad odour. They catch hold of the hair and attack-
all the birds and people at nights. They are very deceitful. As mon-
keys, these also do spoil all the birds and eggs during night times.
They sleep even in day times for a little while. They are of low breed
and less passionate.
[4th variety of KAUSIKA BIRDS]
(NISATANA)
This kind of Kausika bird has small body, short-tail, short-
leg, very long beak and a very sharp-nail. They are very stout. They
cry very often "Ghoo-Ghoo". They are very fond of eating flesh.
There is much bad smell in them. They are very swift and strong to
kill all the birds at nights by searching them from tree to tree. They
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are much afraid of rainy season. They are not to be easily captured.
There are many varieties of Kausika birds in forests having the
same nature, and qualities. etc. They are unfit for training. They
would be young till their 4th year. Their utmost age is 5 years.
Owing to their bad nature, low breed, and bad qualities, they are
called Tamasa Madhyama or Midlle in 3rd. class.
29th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PARROTS.
The parrots are of 3 varieties. They are green-coloured birds
having long tailes, curved beaks and smooth and soft feathers. They
are very quiet-going and calm-natured, birds. They have beautiful
eyes and are very shrewd and clever. They like to live in houses.
They eat flesh, milk curd, food. fruits and grains etc. They speak
beautifully if taught. They are ever clean. The are very swift in
flying. They are much afraid of cats mew. They are coward by nature.
They can not endure cool winds, hot Sun and rain etc. Their move-
ments increase possion of the young human couples. They possess
many good qualities. They have much passion in spring and summer.
Their youth begins in 1½ years. They would cohabit with their female
ones giving food to each other. Their varieties are described below:--
[1st variety of PARROTS]
(SUKA)
They are beautiful having green coloured bodies, long tails,
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very fair wings, curved beaks, and they are moderate in size. They
would say Chandra, Surya, Naga, Vayu etc, if they are well taught.
They would live in thick and deep shade of trees. They are coward
and calm by nature. They are very grateful to their masters who
give them curd, milk, and food. They would, generally, fly, collec-
tively in the sky. They have very clean bodies and are easily traina-
ble. They like to dwell in residing houses or bungalows.
[2nd variety of PARROTS]
(KEERA)
These kinds of parrots are of the above-said colour and a
little tall. They have broad and very smooth wings, short tails and
very beautiful eyes. They are fond of playing with women. They are
very keen and shrewd. They have strong memory, smooth bodies and
take a little food. Their speech would give much pleasure to people.
They would always be with their female birds. They would fly for
pleasure walk both in mornings and evenings. Some times, they dive
in water and play, in various ways. They have many other good
qualities. 'They are superior in breed.
[3rd variety of PARROTS]
(SARIKA)
These kinds of parrots are of five colours yellow, blue, red, green,
and white. They are a little tall in size. They are very cheerful to
look at. They possess, naturally, very many good qualities. They eat
clean food, flesh and grains etc. They would always fly with their
female birds. They are easily capturable and trainable. They would
also speak distinctly. They have very smooth bodies and are very
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grateful to their masters. They are wearied a little in day times. There
would be coming good odour out of them. They would fly high in
the sky in different postures. They have no anger and haughtiness.
They are very superior in breed.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CUCKOOS.
There are 4 kinds of Cuckoos. They are blackish red, blackish
white or blue in colour. They often cry " cuckoo-cuckoo." Hence
they are called Cuckoos. They have small beaks, and cry very beauti-
fully. Their pleasant cry increases passion of the young (human)
couples, especially in spring season, and they are puffed with haugh-
tiness at that time. They have no pride, dull-ness and impatience.
They always live in shade of trees. They are much afraid of cold
winds, hot Sun, and rain &c. They eat tender leaves, buds, fruits and
grains etc. They have good smell in their bodies. Their eggs are being
hatched by crows. They are ever with their couples in gardens and
topes. Their passion would increased in spring and summer. They
have their prime youth in the 1st year. They are capable of giving
pregnancy to the female cuckoos. Their varieties are mentioned
below:—
[1st variety of CUCKOOS]
(VANAPRIYA)
As these varieties of cuckoos live in thick and cool gardens,
they are called Vanapriya. They are dark blue in colour having long
tails. Their cry is very cheerful. They take a very little food. They
would perch from one tree to another tree to enjoy good flavour.
They eat tender leaves, buds, and fruits etc., with their female birds.
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They are shrewd, clever and very grateful. They will also eat curd,
milk-food etc. They would increase passion to young human couples.
They are easily trainable. They have no irritation, and haughtiness.
They would speak some human words, as Natha, Hamsa, Sun, Cow
etc. when they are trained to speak. They have some other good
qualities too.
[2nd variety of CUCKOOS]
(PARABHRIT)
As these kinds of cuckoos are bred by crows, they are called
Parabhrit. They are reddish-black in colour, and a little tall posses-
sing broad-wings. They often cry in spring and summer season. They
are much passionate. They live in nests on trees with their female
birds. They would be circling in day times. If there be any separation
of the human couples, then the cry of these birds would be very
harsh and unpleasant to the separated souls. Their cry is depressed in
rainy and winter seasons. Their bodies are faded in summer and they
feel much thirsty. Their bodily appearance would be, rather, very
grand in Spring.
[3rd variety of CUCKOOS]
(KOKILA)
This kind of cuckoo is whitish-black in colour and moderate
in size. They have beautiful wings, sweet cry, very long tails, a little
stout heads and stout stomachs. They would always turning their
eyelids. They are very happy in Spring. They are clever and fond of
living with human beings. They have no anger and haughtiness. They
are good to all birds and are always very calm-natured birds.
—111—

[4th variety of CUCKOOS]
(PIKA)
This kind of cuckoo is whitish-black in colour and their legs
and stomachs are of some other colour. They have red eyes and small
and smooth bodies. They are beautiful in spring and summer seasons.
They are coward by nature. They would amuse people by their
various plays. They are a little irritated when hungry. After their
hunger is appeased they would be fair and calm. They are afraid of
great noises. They would fly in groups both in mornings and evenings.
They have a little sleep in nights, They are fond of sweet words. They
are superior in creed. There are many cuckoos in forests of possessing
better qualities. Their female birds also resemble them in all respects.
The cuckoos have their youth till their 4th year. Their utmost age
is 5 years. Owing to good nature and qualities, they are calle Rajasa
Uttama or Superior in 2nd class.
30th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PEACOCKS.
There are 6 varieties of peacocks. They have blue, green, and
red colours on the whole of their bodies. Their necks are greenish
blue. They have big and broad crests on their tails. Those crests are
of different coloured feathers. They are fond of dwelling in houses
and they would dance in different modes. Those peacocks, which have
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crowns on their heads, are male ones. They see the clouds with
amusement and curiosity, and they dance. They are stout in rainy
season. The parrots and peacocks are called house ornaments. They
eat curd, milk-food, grains, fruits and insects etc. They would, at
times, dwell in branches and bushes. They are very keen and shrewd.
They are naturally coward. They cannot endure hot Sun, cool winds
etc. They have neither passion nor pride. They have much passion in
spring and summer seasons. Their prime youth begins in 1½ years.
They cohabit with the female ones and give pregnancy to them. Their
varieties are described below:—
[1st variety of PEACOCKS]
(MAYURA)
These kinds of peacocks are green in colour, tall in size, having
long necks and long legs. They have broad crests. They cry often.
They fly in different ways. They dance more in evenings. They are not
gluttons and are much passionate. They are calm-natured birds. They
feel much delighted at the noise of thunders. They would sleep in
summer to a little extent. They hear the good words.
[2nd variety of PEACOCKS]
(BARHI)
These kinds of peacocks are very tall having very broad crests.
There are different varieties of spots on their bodies. They walk
swiftly. They have small beaks and long legs. They have a little
irritation of anger. They are fond of eating much. They would dance
both in the mornings and evenings in various modes when they are
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young. Some times, they live in shades with their pea-hens. They
are much delighted by hearing the noise of thunder. They are very
happy in evenings. They never wander in hot sun but always are in
shades. They are easily capturable and trainable, and they are good to
people and hear the sweet words.
[3rd variety of PEACOCKS]
(NEELAKANTHA)
As this variety of peacock have deep green necks they are called
Neelakanthas. They have green colour throughout their bodies. They
are short-bodied and short legged ones. Now and then they would jump
and play in various modes. They are fond of music. They always sing
songs. They do dance in various ways in rainy season. They are fit
for the females' play. They are much passionate. They would always
be with Pea-hens. They have a little sleep in nights. Their cry is
pleasant. They increase passion of cohabitation to young couples.
They wander beautifully in gardens and creepers. They have beauti-
ful eyes, crests and necks. They are somewhat impatient when
hungry. Good odour would come out from their bodies. They will play
in water in summer season.
[4th variety of PEACOCKS]
(BHUJANGABHUK)
As this variety of peacock eats serpents, they are called Bhu-
jangabhuk. Their bodies are small. They live in forests alone. They
would often cry in mornings. Their eyes are red when angry. They
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dwell on trees and under the trees. They are good to all birds and even
go and remain in lotus ponds in the forests. They eat flesh. They
have rough feathers. They are cruel and do not like the scent of
human beings, when they are irritated. They have a little passion
and eat a little food. They have lean bodies, lean legs and short wings.
They cannot dance appreciably and bad odour would come out of
their bodies. They are devoid of sweet words. They should not be tamed.
[5th variety of PEACOCKS]
(SIKHAVALA)
These kinds of peacocks have different shining colours on their
bodies. They are short. They have different coloured marks, very
long necks, long beaks and smooth bodies. They would always be
wandering. They are grateful. They are fond of dwelling in houses.
They imitate the dance of the dancing girls. They are fond of going
out in evenings even if they are kept in cages. They eat flesh, fruits
and food etc. They are very keen, easily capturable and trainable.
[6th variety of PEACOCKS]
(KEKEE)
As these peacocks would be crying often as "Ke-ka" while
wandering and sitting, they are called Keki. They are a little tall.
They desire to live in houses and bungalows and wander in streets.
They have very smooth-bodies. They dance very often while they
are young. They are much fatigued in hot Sun and hence they desire
to go and remain on the shores of the water, and thick shady bushes.
They would embrace the pea-hens when fatigued. They have red eyes
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and feet. They never stoop to do bad and mean actions and they have
some good qualities. The pea-hens also resemble the pea-cocks in all
respects but have no crowns on their heads. They often turn their
necks. Their walk is very nice and fair. They have beautiful wings.
Their crests resemble the rainbow for colours. They are very calm
minded. They have much passion when they are in forests. The youth
for both the sexes is till 5 years. Their utmost age is 6 years. Owing
to creed and nature, they are called Rajasa Uttama or superior in
2nd class.
[31st GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PIGEONS.
The pigeons are of 3 varities. Some are bluish green and some
gray in colour. Their necks are a little white. Their cry is very plea-
ing. The sight of these pigeons increases passion of the young couples.
They have calm-minds, beautiful wings and very smooth bodies.
They dwell in branches of trees and in holes of houses and towers.
Though they are kept in cages by people, they like freedom. They
often fly high in the air. They are much passionate. They eat fruits
grains and flesh. Their different kinds of play give amusements to
lookers on. They are easily trainable. They cannot withstand rain,
cold and hot Sun. They have much passion in winter season and have
prime youth in their 1st year. When they cohabit with the female
pigeons and give pregnancy to them. Their varieties are described
below:—
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[1st variety of PIGEONS]
(PARAVATA)
These kinds of pigeons are blackish in colour. Their necks are
blackish-grey. They have small beaks, small legs and beutiful wings.
They would always, make circle in the sky. They are very calm and
quiet going. They would ever be with their female birds owing to full
passion. They fly in the air collectively to a great distance. Their cry
is rather very harsh. They play in different moods in evenings. They
are easily trainable. They are coward by nature. They are much afraid
of hot Sun, cold and wind etc., They would always dwell in shades.
They are very grateful. They walk slowly in day times and sleep a
little. They have strong memory. They eat fruits, flesh etc., very
eagerly.
[2nd variety of PIGEONS]
(KALARAVA)
This kind of pigeon cries very curiously and cheerfully and
once they are called Kalaravas, their bodies are black and wings
white. There are dots of different colours on the tails, necks and
breasts. They have red eyes and feet. They are a little tall in size.
They have stout stomachs and floated haughtiness. They have irri-
tation owing to anger at times. They give pleasure in rainy season.
They eat grains insects and flesh much. They quarrel amongst them-
selves. They attack their enemy birds. They are fond of hunting.
They can go to strange places and live. They are successful in their-
work. Good odour would be blowing out of their bodies. They have
neither laziness nor sound sleep. They are much passionate at times.
— 117 —

[3rd variety of PIGEONS]
(KOPOTA)
They are deep greenish-blue in colour. Their necks are pure'
white. Some have red beaks and some yellow beaks. Their bodies
are small, legs stout, and wings broad. They have long tails. Though
they fly very distant in the sky, they have no fatigue. They are fond
of dwelling in houses. They are coward by nature but strong and power-
ful. They eat food, grains, fruits, insects, flesh etc. The female pigeons
too resemble the male ones in all respects. They are more beautiful
and more calm-minded. They play in various manners. Their youth
is till 4th year. Their utmost age is 5 years.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BLUE-JAYS.
There are 2 varieties of Blue-jays. They are blue coloured
with whitish blue wings and a little smaller than the pigeons. They
are calm-natured. They increases much passion to human young
couples.
[1st variety of BLUE-JAYS]
(CHASHA)
This variety of blue-jay is dark blue in colour w.th very short
beaks, broad wings and very smooth bodies. They often jump and play,
especially, in mornings and evenings. They are much pleased and give
happiness to people if they are smeared on their bodies. They often
drink water and live always by the side of water. They are much
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reduced in summer. Their eyes would become red in the mid-day.
They do not eat much food. They would always be accomanying their
female ones owing to heavy passion. Some of these birds have red
dots on their bodies.
[2nd variety of BLUE-JAYS]
(KIKIDIVI)
This kind of blue-jay always produce Ki-Ki cry. Hence they
are called Ki-Ki-Divi. Their bodies are blue in colour. except their
heads, breasts and ends of wings of whitish colour. They are very
smooth bodied birds. They are very swift in the sky. Though they are
separate and single at other times, they would fly collectively in mor-
nings and evenings. They would be sitting by the side of water-pots if
they happen to be in houses and by the bunds of the tank or rivers if
they be in forests. Tae corners of their eyes are either yellowish in
colour or of various coloured dots. They eat good flesh, milk and
curd etc. The people, in general, are very happy when they happen
to play or be with the parrots, blue jays and Shakora birds. The female
birds, too, resemble the male blue-jays in all respects. Their utmost
age is 3 years. Owing to good nature and creed they are called Rajasa
Uttama or Superior in 2nd class.
32nd GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COCKS.
There are 4 varieties of cocks. They, generally, live in villages
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and towns. They are yellowish, red, brown, or of different colours.
Their feathers are rough. They have long beaks, and falling paces
in walk. They would run very swift when they are angry. They cannot
fly high in the air to a great distance. They are dull-natured and
much passionate once in three hours. They generally live in cool
places. They are afraid of hot Sun and cold wind etc. They do show
the actual time by their long cry. They will eat insects, grains, food
and other nuisance. At times they are very impatient. There are
crowns on their heads. Within a year they get their prime youth and
passion. They are ever much passionate. They would often cohabit
with the hens and give pregnancy to them. At a time they will lay 6
to 8 eggs. The chickens come out of the eggs after a month and be
with their mothers. They live collectively. Their varieties are men-
tioned below:--
[1st variety of COCKS]
(KRAKAVAKU)
These kinds of cocks are of several colours, but, their wings
are red. They have yellowish beaks, very long cry and quick move-
ments. They are a little tall in size. They are coward and always
live in shades. Though they are collectively playing with one another,
they quarrel with each other unnecessarily. They are always fond of
eating much. They have rough feathers and untimely irritation
of anger.
[2nd variety of COCKS]
(TAMRACHUDA)
These varieties of cocks are red in colour with white wings.
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They have stout bodies, stout necks, sharp and short red beaks and a
little smooth feathers and stout tails. They have much irritation of
anger. Invariably, once in 3 hours. they do cry. They are a littie fearful
when quarrelling. They are afraid of hot-Sun and rain. They are
always with hens. They sleep in mid-day, especially, in summer.
[3rd variety of COCKS]
(KUKKUTA)
These varieties of cocks are brown in colour having red beaks
and are short in size and quarrelsome with each other. They are slow
in walk and a little passionate. They play in mire and have much
bad smell. They eat dung, insects and ants etc. They are dull-nature,
and sleepy. They are unfit for training. They are afraid of big noised
as beating of drums etc., Their cry is awfully unpleasant. They go wa-
ving their wings when irritated. These sorts of cocks do always wicked
and mean actions. Hence they should not be tamed.
[4th variety of COCKS]
(CHARANAYUDHA)
These varieties of cocks are of one uniform colour on their
bodies. They are called Charanaiyudha. They are stout bodied and
long legged birds. They have broad wings and thick feathers. They
lift their heads while walking. They have sharp and long nails. They
are fearful to other cocks and hens when angry. They are calm-
natured and keen. At times they go and remain by the shade of trees.
They have smooth and beautiful bodies. Once in three hours they
also cry invariably. Their cry is pleasing. They are fond of playing
often. They eat curd, milk, food etc, and never eat mean things.
— 121 —

They have stout bodies, stout necks, sharp and short red beaks and a
little smooth feathers and stout tails. They have much irritation of
anger. Invariably, once in 3 hours. they do cry. They are a littie fearful
when quarrelling. They are afraid of hot-Sun and rain. They are
always with hens. They sleep in mid-day, especially, in summer.
[3rd variety of COCKS]
(KUKKUTA)
These varieties of cocks are brown in colour having red beaks
and are short in size and quarrelsome with each other. They are slow
in walk and a little passionate. They play in mire and have much
bad smell. They eat dung, insects and ants etc. They are dull-nature,
and sleepy. They are unfit for training. They are afraid of big noised
as beating of drums etc., Their cry is awfully unpleasant. They go wa-
ving their wings when irritated. These sorts of cocks do always wicked
and mean actions. Hence they should not be tamed.
[4th variety of COCKS]
(CHARANAYUDHA)
These varieties of cocks are of one uniform colour on their
bodies. They are called Charanaiyudha. They are stout bodied and
long legged birds. They have broad wings and thick feathers. They
lift their heads while walking. They have sharp and long nails. They
are fearful to other cocks and hens when angry. They are calm-
natured and keen. At times they go and remain by the shade of trees.
They have smooth and beautiful bodies. Once in three hours they
also cry invariably. Their cry is pleasing. They are fond of playing
often. They eat curd, milk, food etc, and never eat mean things.
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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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[1st variety of SPARROWS]
(CHATAKA)
These kinds of sparrows are brown in colour having white
wings. They are a little tall and their legs, beaks and heads are a
little long. They cry in the mornings and show the people, in general,
the morning hours with their beautiful cry like crows and cocks.
They are smooth, grateful and fond of hearing their masters' sweet
words. They jump and play both in mornings and evenings. They
often drink water in the mid-day owing to unbearable heat. They live
always in shades and they are very much passionate.
[2nd variety of SPARROWS]
(KĀLAVINKA)
These kinds of sparrows are short in size brown in colour through-
out and their wings are either blue or black. Their eyes and feet are
blood-red in colour. They have long nails, small beaks and small legs
They become a little stout and often play ; in various modes during
spring season . There are thick and long feathers on their wings.
Some have broad wings and some short wings. They generally live with
their female sparrows. They are coward by nature and grateful to
their masters. They eat fruits, milk, curd, flesh etc., Their cry is
pleasant. There are many kinds of sparrows of various colours un-
described here. The female sparrows too resemble the male ones in
all respects. Their utmost age is 2 years. Owing to nature and creed,
they are called Tamasa Madhyama or middle in 3rd class.
— 123 —

[1st variety of KARETU BIRDS]
(KARETU)
The Karetu birds resemble Chataka birds. They are black like
crows but the ends of their wings are white in colour. Some have
various dots. They would, collectively, fly very swift in the sky. They
live in shades and by the sides of water. Their cry is, rather, unplea-
sant and they are ungrateful.
[2nd variety of KAKARETU BIRDS]
(KARETU)
This kind of Karetu bird is a little tall. They are either white,
black, brown or of various colours. They are not fair in appearance.
They have long beaks, long necks and legs. They have broad wings-
with rough feathers. Their cry is very unpleasant. They swiftly fly
high in the sky. They often quarrel amongst themselves. They would
fight with smaller birds and injure them unnecessarily. They are un-
fit for training and bad smell would be coming out of their bodies.
They live always in forests and invariably, eat flesh. The Karetu and
Kar-Karetu birds should not be trained and kept in houses. Their
utmost age is 2 years. Owing to nature and creed, they are called
Tamasa-Adhama or inferior in 3rd class.
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34th GROUP.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HERON AND
DARVAGHATA BIRDS.
Each of Heron and Darvaaghata birds are two in varieties.
They are either white, black, blue, or brown in colour. The heron
birds are a little tall with long legs, 'long beaks and very long necks
and small eyes. Their cry is very unpleasant and their appearance is
ugly. Their feathers are very rough. They are dull-natured. They are
afraid of big noises and hunting. They eat flesh and grains etc. They
stoop to do mean actions as they are mean-minded. Those which have
one unifrom and single colour are very stout in their youth and
they always cohabit with their female birds. Their varieties are
mentioned below:—
[1st variety of HERON BIRDS]
(LOHAPRISHTA)
This variety of heron bird is white in colour throughout with
black coloured wings. They have very long legs, and necks and stout
tails. Their cry is awkward. They become stout in their youth. They
slowly fly in the air. 'Though they fly in the air collectively, they
quarrel amongst themselves at times. They are less impatient and
very passionate. They are dull-natured birds and they sleep a little
in day times. They would prove to be successful and grateful if they
are trained with great difficulty. They always live in cool places.
Their bodies are smooth and their eyes bocome red when they are
impatient.
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