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These are raptors or diurnal birds of prey (diurnal means 'of the daytime'). They have short beaks and the upper beak is longer than the lower, curved and hooked at the tip. Their feet are strong, their claws hooked and powerful. The larger birds can be seen close to the sea-shore, and the smaller birds in wooded territory. They feed on the flesh of animals, either carrion, or killed by them. The Pariah Kite or cheel is about 60 cms high - almost the size of a vulture. It is brown and has a forked tail. It is usually found near habitation. It has an untidy nest made of twigs, wire, rags, rubbish up in a tree or on the roof of a building. The Brahminy Kite or garuda is smaller than the pariah kite. It is a rusty brown, and has a white head and is white down to the abdomen. It lives near water - either tanks or the sea-coast. It eats frogs, fish, offal, small snakes, bats, and winged termites. The Shikra is about the size of a jungle crow. It lives in wooded country close to villages. It is greyish on top and streaked white and brown below. The females and young birds are brownish on top. They eat lizards, mice, squirrels, birds etc. The Sparrow hawk is like the shikra but it has a black mesial stripe down its throat. The White-bellied Sea Eagle is larger than the pariah kite and is very impressive looking. It is brown on top, and has a white head and underparts. When it flies, you can see its wedge-shaped tail, and distinctive wings - white underside to black borders. The are often found in pairs near the sea-coast. The Marsh Harrier is about 55 cms. The male is brown with a rust coloured head, and the female is darker. The immature bird has pale markins on the shoulder. They are found near rice paddies and marshes, and like to eat frogs, small fish and birds, mammals and carrion. The Kestrel is a bit bigger than a pigeon and can be found near grasslands and cultivation. It has a grey head, is rust coloured above, and is light below with brown streaks.
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