Mr. E. L. Layard on the Oimithology of Ceylon. ^\1 



of nature, but one kept in a large aviary in Colombo destroyed 

 all the little AmadincB placed with it. Not content with snapping' 

 them up when within his reach, he would lie in wait for them 

 behind a thick bush or the feeding-trough, pounce upon them 

 unawares, and after beating them a little on the ground or perch, 

 swallow them whole. When this cannibal came into my posses- 

 sion, he was confined in a smaller cage than that in which he 

 had at first been secured ; this seemed to displease him, and he 

 went to work to find some means of escape; he narrowly 

 examined every side and corner to discover a weak spot, and 

 having detected one, applied himself vigorously to bore a hole 

 through it, as a woodpecker would have done ; grasping the 

 bars with his feet, he swung himself round, bringing his whole 

 weight to bear upon his bill, which he used as a pickaxe, till the 

 house resounded with his rapid and well-aimed blows. On being 

 checked from exercising his ingenuity in this manner, he became 

 sulky and refused to eat, or offer his call of recognition when I 

 approached him ; in a day or two, however, he apparently 

 thought better of the matter, resumed his labours upon 

 another spot, and fed as voraciously as ever, devouring huge 

 slices of bananas, jungle fruits, the bodies of any small birds I 

 skinned, &c. &c. I hoped he would have lived long with me, 

 but found him dead one morning at the bottom of his cage, and 

 as he was fat and well-favoured, I presume he died a victim to 

 the solitary system. 



The species builds in hollow trees, laying three or four pure 

 white, but very shiniug eggs. Axis 1 in. 1 line, diam. 11 lines. 

 The natives all affirm that the birds hollow out their own nest- 

 hole. One I saw was in an unsound tree, the nest slightly formed 

 of a few bents of dry grass. 



180. Megalaima flavifrons, Cuv. 



This Barbet is confined to the hilly zone, where it predominates 

 over the other island species. It may be heard at a great distance, 

 and distinguished by its shrill call. Breeds in hollow trees in 

 the month of February : lays three or four roundish, polished 

 white eggs. 



181. Megalaima Philippensis, Briss. Mal-Kotoor, Cing. ; lit. 

 Flower- Kotoor. Kokoorupan, Mai. 



This is the prevailing species in the northern province, where 

 it has acquired the name of " coppersmith ^' among the Euro- 

 peans, from its ceaseless call, which resembles the knocking of an 

 artisan engaged in the manufacture of a caldron. It frequents 

 the tamarind trees, on the fruit of which it feeds. Like the 



