94 Mr. E. BlytVs List of Birds obtained 



The general habits of this pretty little green bee-eater are those of 

 a flycatcher, but it frequently hawks for insects on the wing, many 

 together, like swallows. 



I have been informed that M. PhilUppinus may occasionally be shot 

 in the vicinity of Calcutta, but is rare. 



34. Coracias Indica. Common, but for the most part disappearing 

 at the time of the rains. This roller sits very upright on its perch, 

 with the body-feathers appressed, and those of the head and neck 

 puffy. Its flight is buoyant, but sustained by constant flapping ; and 

 I have now and then seen one, or a pair, when seeming about to 

 alight on a tree, make a rapid dive downward to near the ground, 

 then reascend, and perform this manoeuvre several times successively 

 as if in play. Its usual note is harsh, but in spring the male utters 

 a very pleasing dissyllabic cry, repeated at intervals. 



35. Eurystomus orientalis. I have seen a living specimen in the 

 possession of a dealer. 



36. Halcyon Capensis. Common at all seasons. 



37. H. amauropterus, Pearson (Journ. As. Soc. Beng. x. 635). 

 Not rare during the cool season, and perhaps also at other times. Is a 

 noisy species, with a much harsher and more grating cry than the last. 



38. H. Smyrnensis. Common. These three species feed partly 

 on fish and sometimes frogs, but more on crustaceans. 



In the Asiatic Society's museum is a specimen closely allied to 

 H. Smyrnensis, having the white on the under parts confined to the 

 throat, and the black wing-spot much enlarged, spreading over the 

 shoulder of the wing, which in the typical Smyrnensis is rufous-bay. 

 Its native locality is unknown. 



39. Ceryle rudis ; Ispida bitorquata, Swainson — the male. Com- 

 mon. 



40. Alcedo Bengalensis. This closely allied diminutive of the Bri- 

 tish kingfisher is very abundant. 



41. Bucco cyanops. Abundant. 



42. B. Phillipensis. Still more numerous than the preceding spe- 

 cies. B. viridis (vel caniceps) does not appear to inhabit this neigh- 

 bourhood. 



43. Picus strictus, Horsfield ; P. sultaneus, Hodgson ; P. strenuus} 

 Gould. Rare. 



44. P. Bengalensis. Extremely common. 



45. P. Nipalensis ; doubtfully cited P. mentalis of Mr. Jerdon's 

 catalogue. Rare. 



46. P. badius, Raflles ; P. rufus, Hardwicke and Gray. Not com- 

 mon. 



47. P. Macei. Common. 



48. Yunx torquilla. The museum contains a specimen that was 

 captured alive in Calcutta. 



49. Cuculusfugax. Abundant. 



50. C. canorus. Rare. 



51. C. micropterus. Rare. 



52. C, (subgenus Gymnopus, nobis) niger, Latham. Not uncom- 

 mon. 



