Significance of Scratching birds
Scratching birds, as per Dharmashastra, includes two main definitions. Firstly, it refers to a group of birds that are considered acceptable for consumption, such as partridge, blue rock-pigeon, francoline partridge, and peacock. Secondly, it describes birds that forage by scratching the ground with their feet. These classifications highlight both dietary guidelines and the behavior of specific bird types in traditional texts.
Synonyms: Pecking birds, Feather-plucking, Self-grooming
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Scratching birds'
In Hinduism, "scratching birds" denotes birds that forage by scratching the ground, exemplified by species like the partridge and peacock, and also includes those deemed permissible for consumption.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Birds that forage for food by scratching, such as the cock, and are advised against for eating.[1] (2) Refers to a group of birds listed as acceptable to be eaten including partridge, blue rock-pigeon, francoline partridge, and peacock.[2]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Birds that feed by scratching on the ground with their feet, with specific examples provided.[3]