The SYAMA or BAZA (_Baza lophotes_) is the most remarkable of the many
species of Kites with which we are acquainted. Its length is from
thirteen to fourteen inches, its breadth thirty inches; the wing measures
nine, and the tail five inches. The beak of this bird is small, much
curved and furrowed at the sides; the upper mandible is furnished with
two sharp teeth on each side, and the lower one has three or four similar
appendages towards the tip. The wings are of moderate size, the third
quill being longer than the rest; the tail is square, and of medium
length; the tarsi are short, thick, and feathered on the upper side; the
toes short, the talons small, and very much curved. The plumage is rich,
and forms a crest upon the head; the upper portions of the body and hose
are of a brilliant greenish black, as are also the tail and wing-covers;
the outer web of the secondary quills is a beautiful nut-brown, the
feathers on the shoulders, and some of those on the wing-covers, are
white, spotted with brown; these form an uninterrupted white line across
the entire wing. The lower parts of the body are white, with five or six
nut-brown bands on the sides of the belly. The quills of the wings and
tail are of an uniform pale blueish tint.
Jerdon informs us that this bird is found throughout the whole of India;
it is, however, scarce in the southern provinces and near Calcutta, but
occurs more frequently in the region of the lower Himalayas. It subsists
principally upon insects, which it procures from within the recesses of
the forests. The Syama is seldom seen in flight; the crest is usually
carried erect. These scanty particulars comprise all the information
respecting this species that has as yet been obtained.
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