THE BIRDS OF INDIA. 189 



white. The bill and the orbits are yellow, as are also 

 the legs ; the eyes are reddish brown. Total length, 10 

 inches, of which the tail occupies 3^. 



It is found throughout India, preferring towns and 

 villages to the open country ; it is gregarious, and feeds 

 on grain, fruit, and insects. 



The common mynah is possessed of a great variety 

 of notes, and breeds mostly under the eaves of houses. 

 It is frequently domesticated, and learns to speak and 

 repeat a great number of domestic sounds. 



It is sacred to the god Ram Deo, and has been introduced 

 to Mauritius, where it is now quite naturalised. 



Brown Mynah. — In this bird the head, small frontal 

 crest, and ear coverts are deep glossy black ; the rest 

 of the upper plumage is brownish black, with a vinous 

 tinge ; the primaries are black, with a white spot at 

 the base, and the black tail feathers have each a white 

 tip ; the abdomen is reddish grey, and the under tail 

 coverts are white ; the bill is orange, and the legs yellow. 

 The total length is 9 inches, of which the tail occupies 3. 



It is found on hills and in jungles throughout India ; 

 and in the south it has grey eyes, but in the north they 

 are yellow. 



Its habits, food, and nidification are the same as th,e 

 last and preceding species. 



Malabar Mynah. — This small bird, which is also 

 known by the name of grey-headed pagoda starling, has 

 the bill yellow, with a tinge of blue at the base ; the head 

 and long feathers of the upper part of the neck, as well 

 as the wings and the terminal half of the tail, are grey ; 

 the flights are bluish, and the neck and breast vinous 

 brown ; the legs and feet are very light grey. Its total 

 length is about 6 inches, 2| of which belong to the tail. 



These rather pretty birds are easily kept, and will 



