Lieut. Burgess on the Habits of some Indian Birds. 201 



returning to England in 1852. When about half way between 

 Bombay and Aden, on the evening of either the 8th or 9th May, a 

 large flock of Bee-eaters was observed fluttering about the ship, 

 some three or four of which were caught after dusk, when they had 

 settled on the ropes and shrouds. I obtained three or four for the 

 purpose of preserving their skins, but in the confusion occasioned by 

 a shower they were unfortunately thrown overboard. They were 

 larger than Merops indicus. 



Family Halcyon id^e. 



Genus Halcyon. 



Halcyon smyrnensis. 



This and the black and white Kingfishers are the most common of 

 their tribe in the Deccan, frequenting almost every stream and 

 nullah. The former breeds during the month of May in holes in 

 the banks of rivers, laying as many as seven eggs. They are of a 

 beautiful pinky tinge, owing to the colour of the yolk showing 

 through the thin delicate shell. The egg is about the size of that of 

 the little Indian Owl {Noctua indica). 



Family Caprimulgid^. 



Genus Caprimulgus. 



Of the eggs of these birds, of which there appear to be several 

 varieties in India, I merely subjoin a note made by Mr. Jerdon from 

 Mr. Elliott's notes. He states, that he once found the eggs of the 

 common species, two in number, placed on the ground without any 

 nest. They were pink, spotted with brown. 



Family Hirundinid^. 



Genus Cypselus. 



Cypselus affinis. White-humped Swift*. 



I should certainly say that this is a common bird in the Deccan, 

 about the city of Ahmednuggur. I have seen their nests crowded 

 together under the roofs of old buildings, choultries and temples, 

 and obtained the nest and eggs from a rock in the range of hills 

 about twelve miles from Ahmednuggur, on the road to Aurungabad. 

 This nest was obtained on 21st September 1849. It was built of 

 mud and lined with grass, and contained two white eggs. The eggs 

 are considerably elongated in form. 



Cypselus palmarum, Hardw. Balasian Swift. 

 This Swift, according to General Hardwicke, builds its nest on the 

 leaf of the palm. Dr. Jerdon says that it ** is common in all the 



* This Swift builds twice during the year; I obtained a nest and eggs in 

 September, and also found a nest with young birds in April. 



