THE BIRDS OF INDIA. l8l 



Indian Drongo. — Though an eminently " nice " bird, 

 this Hottentot among birds is not an attractive-looking one, 

 in spite of its long erectile crest and flowing racket-shaped 

 tail, for it is black, but gorgeous in purple reflections on the 

 neck and breast, and deep glossy bronze green on the wings 

 and tail. The abdomen, bill, and legs, and feet are coal 

 black. Only the two outer tail feathers are prolonged and 

 racket-shaped. The others measure about 5 inches, and the 

 whole bird (not including the long tail feathers) about 12 

 oris. 



It is essentially an arboreal creature, and would perish 

 from hunger rather than demean itself by picking up an 

 insect from the ground. 



The eggs, which are white, with purple spots, and of an 

 elongated form, are generally two in number. The song of 

 the drongo is much esteemed ; but it has harsh notes, too, 

 one resembling the creaking of a rusty wheel. 



THE WEAVER BIRDS. 



This is a very extensive group, but has few typical re- 

 presentatives in India, their principal habitat being in 

 Southern Africa ; some of the other genera are better 

 known, namely, the Estreld^e and Munle. 



Family — Ploceidce. 



Genus — 1. Estrelda. E. amandava. Avadavat, 



E.fonnosa. Green Avadavat. 

 2. Mitnia. M. punctularia. Nutmeg Bird. 

 M. topela. Topela Finch. 



M. malacca. Black-headed Finch. 

 M. cucullata. Bronze-winged 

 Finch. 



