The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c8.t5.55

c8.t5.55

The Birds proper are divided into four classes :—
(1) *Plavas*, aquatic or amphibious birds, comprising the Natatores and the Grallatores. Various species are described.
(2) *Viṣkiras*, those that scatter their food in picking up.
(3) *Pratudas*, those that pierce or torment their food (fruits or grains). The enumeration of the species under (2) and (3) shows that these two classes included the Passeres (veræ and so-called), the Scansores, the Rasores, and the Columbæ.
(4) *Prasahas*, birds of prey proper (Raptores).