210 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



whose long, thin, mobile neck and small pointed head give 

 it an extremely snake-like appearance when seen protruded 

 above the surface of the water, is found all over India 

 wherever there is a pond of any extent. It swims low, 

 and dives expertly, remaining for a long time beneath the 

 surface, and when obliged to rise for air, the nostrils onl}' 

 are thrust above the water. 



Its food consists chiefly of fish, of which it consumes an 

 enormous quantity, as the digestion is extremel}' rapid. 

 After feeding, it flies to the bough of some neighbouring 

 tree to .sleep off its meal, but the siesta is but of short 

 duration, and the darter is quickly in the water again in 

 quest of more prey. 



The forehead, nape, and neck are brown, with a paler 

 edging, which gives to these parts a mottled appearance ; 

 the median line is the darkest portion of each feather ; the 

 cheeks, chin, and throat are white. 



The female is lighter in colour, but otherwise resembles 

 her mate. 



The siirtke bird nests in .trees, making a huge pile of 

 sticks, in which it deposits its three or four bluish 

 eggs. 



The total lenrjth of the adult bird is 32 inches, of which 

 the tail occupies 9. 



The scapular feathers are long and pointed, and are 

 looked on as a badge of royalty by the Khasias, and 

 esteemed for decorative purposes by all. 



There are several other kinds of these birds, but 

 the above is the onl}' one for which we can find 

 room. 



