186 



DENTIROSTRES. 



DlCRURIX^.' 



SUn-FAMlLY V. 



The DroiKjo Shi^ihes. 



Gen. Chaeac— Bill of various lengths, broad at the base, with the culmen 

 more or less keeled and curved to the tip, the sides compressed ; the nostrils 

 usually concealed by short compact plumes, and the gape furnished with 

 strong bristles; the wings long, with the fourth and fifth quills generally the 

 longest ; the tarsi and toes short, and strongly seutellated. 



Fig. 77. — the azure-breasted ieena. 

 (Irena cijano(jasier.) 



The Drongos are iuliabitants of Iiidia^ its Archi- 

 pelago, and the continent of Africa. They are 

 usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small parties, 

 perched on some elevated spot or upon the backs of 

 cattle when grazing. From these stations they 

 watch passing insects, and when they observe one, 

 give rapid chase after it, sometimes returning to 



* ^iq, dis, double ; ovpa, oura, a tail ; Having a forked tail. 



