CHAPTER IXTHE HARRIERS

Harriers.—[The author next proceeds to describe what appear to be two species of harriers. He says:]—

We now come to theBayl-bāqilī, called by the Kurds,Dasht-māla,[105]and by the Arabs,Abū-ḥikb. There are two species, one yellow-eyed, and one dark-eyed.[106]

Yellow-eyed Species.—In the yellow-eyed species, the plumage of the young bird is henna-coloured [chestnut brown], but after its first moult, some white feathers make their appearance. After the second or third moult, the plumage is very like that of theTīqūnGoshawk, the back turning a bluish grey and the breast becoming white. The female is about the size of a smallQizil“tiercel.”[107]Only a falconer could distinguish the adult female from aTīqūntiercel. The “stalke” of this species is long and slender.

Dark-eyed Species.—In the dark-eyed species, there is no material difference between the plumage of the young and the adult bird. In the latter, however, the markings on the breast are larger. The general colouring of the dark-eyed species is darker than that of the yellow-eyed.

In habits, both species are similar; they haunt open plains, preying on mice and sparrows, and occasionally on quails. They are mean-spirited, ignoble birds, with poor and weakly frames.

Wager with the Shāh.—When in attendance on the Shāh (may our souls be sacrificed for him!) I once made a bet with somefellow sportsmen that I would catch a harrier[108]and train it to takechukor. I made no idle boast. Praise be to God, I won my bet and proved myself a man of my word, for I trained it and took achukorwith it. The puissant King of Kings, who has surpassed in renown even Jamshed and Cyrus, regarded me with extreme condescension, and in just appreciation of my skill bestowed on me lavish commendation and a rich robe of honour.

On a second occasion, in Baghdad, I laid a wager of a Nejd mare with some sportsmen of that city, that within a space of fifty days I would “reclaim”[109]one of these hawks and successfully fly it at wild quarry. I flew it in the presence of my friends, and took with it one black partridge,[110]one quail, and one rail.[111]

As previously stated, it is quite possible to train these hawks, as indeed it is possible to train many other useless birds of prey: even—

The Bird whose Soul Delights the nightWith care and trouble you can train,To use its senses, use its sight,In flying quarry on the plain.

The Bird whose Soul Delights the night

With care and trouble you can train,

To use its senses, use its sight,

In flying quarry on the plain.

The harrier is an ill-tempered bird with no great powers of flight. To train it is a matter of extreme difficulty, and the result by no means repays the labour. However, give the devil his due: it is very long-winded.

FOOTNOTES:[105]Dasht-mālamay be translated “desert-quarterer.” In the Panjab this is the name of the Pale Harrier (Circus Swainsonii) and probably also of Montague’s Harrier (Circus cineraceus).[106]In the young of the Marsh Harrier, the iris is hazel. The iris of the female of Montague’s Harrier is also said to be hazel.[107]“‘Tiercel, Tercel, Tassel’ (Shakespeare) and ‘Tarsell’ (Bert), the male of any species of hawk, the female being termed a falcon. The tiercel is said by some to be so called from being about one-third smaller in size than the falcon; by others it is derived from the old belief that each nest contained three young birds, of which two were females and the third and smallest a male. Note the familiar line inRomeo and Juliet: ‘Oh! for a falconer’s voice to lure this tassel gentle back again.’”—Harting.[108]It is not clear which of the two species the author trained, but apparently the “black-eyed.”[109]“Reclaim;” Fr.réclamer, to make a hawk tame, gentle and familiar.—Harting.[110]Durrāj; the Common Francolin (F. vulgaris). It is a favourite cage-bird in India, especially with the Muhammadans, who liken its call to the wordsSubhān Teri Qudrat“Oh Lord! Thy Power” (i.e., who can fathom it?). The practical Hindus say its call is,Chha ser kī kacharī, “Twelve pounds ofkacharī.”[111]Yalvais a name incorrectly applied to several species of bird with long beaks, as the woodcock and snipe, etc. I am told that in Teheran it is applied to a rail.

[105]Dasht-mālamay be translated “desert-quarterer.” In the Panjab this is the name of the Pale Harrier (Circus Swainsonii) and probably also of Montague’s Harrier (Circus cineraceus).

[106]In the young of the Marsh Harrier, the iris is hazel. The iris of the female of Montague’s Harrier is also said to be hazel.

[107]“‘Tiercel, Tercel, Tassel’ (Shakespeare) and ‘Tarsell’ (Bert), the male of any species of hawk, the female being termed a falcon. The tiercel is said by some to be so called from being about one-third smaller in size than the falcon; by others it is derived from the old belief that each nest contained three young birds, of which two were females and the third and smallest a male. Note the familiar line inRomeo and Juliet: ‘Oh! for a falconer’s voice to lure this tassel gentle back again.’”—Harting.

[108]It is not clear which of the two species the author trained, but apparently the “black-eyed.”

[109]“Reclaim;” Fr.réclamer, to make a hawk tame, gentle and familiar.—Harting.

[110]Durrāj; the Common Francolin (F. vulgaris). It is a favourite cage-bird in India, especially with the Muhammadans, who liken its call to the wordsSubhān Teri Qudrat“Oh Lord! Thy Power” (i.e., who can fathom it?). The practical Hindus say its call is,Chha ser kī kacharī, “Twelve pounds ofkacharī.”

[111]Yalvais a name incorrectly applied to several species of bird with long beaks, as the woodcock and snipe, etc. I am told that in Teheran it is applied to a rail.

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