AMPELID.E. 187 



tlie same perch to await the approach of other 

 victims. Some are said to hunt in small parties, 

 though at a distance from each other ; others fly from 

 tree to tree at a great elevation, making swoops 

 after insects in their progress. They show much 

 courage in attacking bu^ds far superior to them- 

 selves in size, and their great speed of flight enables 

 them to attack and retreat with ease and safety. 

 Some species, when about to seek a new locality, 

 congregate in hundreds during the evening, and all 

 roost together in bamboo and other thick jungles. 

 All kinds of insects fall a prey to their beaks. 

 Their nest is placed in the fork of a tree. It is 

 composed of roots and tmgs carelessly put together, 

 and not lined interiorly. The eggs are about three 

 in number. 



The typical species is — 



The Azure-breasted Irena {Irena cycmogaster). 



