NESTING l\ WESTERN IHD14 HI 



&I3. the Bi;ri:-i;i;i;AsTi;i) banded kail. 



Hypotaviilia striata, Lin. 



I do not, think that the Bluc-breastcd Bjimlc id 1,'ail occurs north 

 of Bombay; it appears to be not uncommon iri'manj parts of the 

 Deccan, breeding during August and Septembbr. I have never 

 seen a nest, arid cannot find a description of one. 



The eggs in my collection Were taken in a rtfedy swamp heal 

 Knandala during August: Tlio eggs- throe in number, were 

 perfectly fresh, and the bird would probaoly have laid more. These 

 eo-o-s are broad ovals, of a pale brownishi stone colour, much blotched 

 at the large end with brownish and cinnamon-red and purplish-grey ; 

 they measure 1*3 inches in length by 1*02 in breadth. 



917. THE BLACK-NECKED STORK. 



Xenorkynchm asiaticus, Lath. 



The Black-necked Stork appears to be very uncommon in the 

 Deccan and south generally, but. is more common towards the north, 

 frequenting the borders of tanks and j heels, and the banks of rivers 

 and streams. 



It is a permanent resident, breeding just after the rains are over, 

 that is, about the beginning of September, and eggs may be found 

 quite up to the middle of December. 



The nest is very massive and is saucer-shaped, composed of sticks 

 well lined with grass, rushes, and water weeds. It is placed on the 

 top of a high tree. 



The eggs, four in number, occasionally three only, more rarely 

 five, are typically broadish ovals in shape, compressed at one end, 

 but are subject to variation. "When fresh the eggs are almost pure 

 white, but soon become discoloured, and are then a dingy yellowish- 

 white. In size they vary a good, deal, but the average is 2'9 inches 

 in length by about 2'12 in breadth. 



Deem, October. H. E. Dan/ex. 



Barodd, September. H. Lfflledctk, B,A. 



Sind, Eastern Narra. Octobei to December 8. B. Voiy, 



