THE BIRDS OF INDIA. 175 



From Simla to Bootan is the liabitat of this noisy, imi- 

 tative, and gregarious species. It feeds on all manner of 

 insects, the pollen of flowers and their nectar, and also on 

 berries. 



The nest, which is very compactly built, is cup-shaped. 

 It is usually placed on a tall tree, and is made of leaves and 

 grass stuck together with spiders' webs. The eggs are 

 usually three in number, and of a rosy white colour, with a 

 few purplish spots and claret red blotches, but vary a great 

 deal in appearance. 



The Red- Vented, or Common Madras Bulbul. — In this 

 species the head, chin, and throat are black ; the nape and 

 back are smoky brown, with a paler edge to each feather, 

 which imparts to the bird a speckled appearance. The 

 rump is cinereous red, and the upper tail coverts white ; 

 the under surface is brown, with pale ashen grey edgings, 

 fading posteriorly into white at the vent ; the under tail 

 coverts, however, are crimson. 



This bird is found in Southern India, where it fiequents 

 gardens, cultivated ground, and fields. It is met with in 

 pairs, or small flocks, and feeds chiefly on fruit, buds of 

 trees, vegetables (peas, etc.), and is very destructive to 

 young crops. 



The note is a harsh chirp, but at times it has a sweeter tiill. 



The nest is built in low cover, and the eggs are like those 

 of the black bulbul. 



White-Eared Bulbul. — Head and neck black, passing 

 into rich brown on the latter ; the ear coverts and a patch 

 below them white, with black edging ; the remaining upper 

 parts dull brown ; the tail is brown at the base, but 

 terminal part is blackish brown, edges white ; the lower 

 parts are whitish brown, and the under tail coverts saflron. 

 The length of this bird is 7 inches, of which the tail 

 measurse 3|. 



