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The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a fish-eating species and the only
member of its genus which is a winter migrant to Maharashtra.
Family Falconidae: Eight species of falcons are known to occur in
Maharashtra State. These include the lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus), the
shahin (Falco peregrinus peregrinator), the peregrine (Fclco peregrinus
japonensis), the redheaded merlin (Falco chicquera), the redlegged falcon
(Falco vespertinus), the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and the lesser kestrel
(Falco naumanni). All these are winter visitors.
(7) Order Galliformes.—Two families of this order, Family
Phasianidae, are found all over the world, characterised by their compact
plump form and terrestrial habits. They have short rounded wings,
featherless sturdy tarsi adapted for scratching the soil for grains, seeds,
roots and insects. Many of these species are polygamous and the male
usually has highly developed secondary sexual characters such as gaudy
combs and crests. The hen is soberly coloured and is very productive of
eggs. The eggs are laid on the ground without any nest and the young are
able to run about almost immediately after hatching. Many of these forms
lend themselves to domestication and they are good as food.
Family Phasianidae—Pheasants, Junglefowl, Partridges. Quails: 13
species occur in the State and except the Common Quail (Coturnix
coturnix) all are resident.
The painted partridge (Francolinus pictus) and the grey partridge
(Francolinus pondicerianus), both good sporting birds, are common in
Maharashtra. The former is found near well watered areas while the latter
prefers dry open ground and thorny scrub country. Their calls can be heard
from a long distance and are a delight of the countryside.
Quails are much smaller birds than partridges. They are brown and
grey closely barred and vermiculated. They inhabit grasslands, standing
crops and scrub jungle throughout the State. The painted bush quail
(Perdicula erythrorhyncha) is found only in Peninsular India and is rather
rare.
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