Kenneth H. Jones

“ This dove is a resident, and lays its eggs almost throughout the whole year.
Of birds of prey there is some variety, but only one species, the Black-eared Kite, is to be seen the whole year round. This bird (Milvus metanotis) is the large brown hawk to be seen flying over the harbour in search of scraps of garbage, and is too well known to require any description. The numbers of kites are much increased in the winter months, when many individuals come down from their breeding-places further to the north, and at such times they have a tendency to congregate in certain selected spots. ”

“ Milvus melanotis is a resident, and breeds about Hongkong, but not at all commonly, and most of those individuals which remain for the summer months in the Colony are probably immature, and do not nest. Another large brown hawk rarely seen except in the autumn and winter is the common Buzzard (Buteo vulgaris) a slightly smaller bird than the Kite, usually solitary in its habits, and never to be found hunting for garbage. ”

“ In its wild state the bird also mimics others, especially the Francolin and the common Hongkong Shrike. More common in the summer than in the winter, this bird breeds abundantly about Hongkong, sometimes in waterspouts and under the eaves of houses, or in a chimney, but more frequently in cracks in the rocks, or, most often of all, in the disused nesting-hole of one of the larger kingfishers. ”

“ Of Owls one species, Scops glabripes, a bird about the size of a pigeon, is fairly plentiful in Hongkong, where it is resident, breeding in April and May in the old nests of the Magpie. Strictly nocturnal, it is not often seen, and its note, a gentle "Hoo" repeated at intervals, is usually the only intimation of its presence. Another bird of this family, to be seen occasionally is Bubo maximus. the Eagle Owl, the largest of all the owls, and a great game destroyer. It is hard to suppose that many individuals of this species can find a living on the island. ”

“ Contrary to what obtains with most of the cuckoos, the eggs of the Rain Bird bear considerable resemblance in colour to those of the Tailor Bird, though they are, of course, much larger.
Only one species of Dove is met with in Hongkong, the Turtur chinensis, which is extremely numerous all over the Colony, and very tame, settling in public places and running about the roads with the utmost confidence. ”

“ This species is a large blackish bird, with conspicuous white patches below the ears, and its notes, though few and apt to be monotonous at close quarters, are flute-like and full, and sound, in the woods, exceedingly well. The bird undoubtedly breeds in the woods above and below Bowen Road, but so wary is it that but for its characteristic song its presence there would probably never be suspected. ”

“ There is only one Cuckoo which is at all common in Hongkong, the well-known Rain Bird (Cacomantis merulinus) , whose familiar whistle is one of the most frequent and mournful of bird sounds during the summer months by night as well as by day. This bird arrives in March and leaves again in September, and, like most cuckoos, lays its eggs in the nests of another species. ”

“ At the nest, which is always slung from the under surface of a bough, at its slenderest extremity, the birds are both noisy and fearless, resenting interference in the most intrepid manner.
The Kingfishers are birds which always attract attention by their very striking colouring. Of the three species of the family which are to be found at Hongkong, all present the brilliant blues for which most of these birds are famous, and two of them are of large size. ”

“ This bird gives vent, especially during the summer months, to a peculiar booming sound, which can be heard for a great distance, and which is quite characteristic. This sound the bird produces in its throat with the beak closed, dropping its head and raising its shoulders as it does so. The bird breeds in Hongkong, but nests are rarely found, and then only by the grass cutters. ”

“ This little bird, so tame and domesticated in Cliina, is not very common in England, and is there rather shy. These birds raise an immense number of young, commencing to breed in March and continuing to do so until October. ”

“ It is not a very common bird, but throughout the year it may be seen at times on inland streams, and more frequently on the rocks by the sea-coast. There is no doubt that it sometimes breeds in Hongkong. ”