256 Sir R. H. Schomburgk on the Birds of Siam. 



Minas, and I consider they greatly surpass Magpies and Star- 

 lings in talking powers, and that they vie even with the Grey 

 Parrot. I will not bring the Eaven into comparison^ as that bird 

 is so inferior to the Mina in its imitation of the human voice. 



The Mina is to be found in the mountains about 300 to 400 

 miles to the north of Bangkok. Several specimens were shot at 

 that distance during my journey to Xiengmai; they were cer- 

 tainly much more plump than any I had seen in cages. I 

 know nothing of their habits when at large in their own haunts. 

 The Mina is a very delicate bird, and it is difficult to keep 

 them for long in health confined in cages even in their native 

 land. I have been told it is but seldom they are brought 

 alive to Europe ; and if so successfully, they soon die after their 

 arrival*. 



18. Lanius nigriceps. 



This is a very handsome Shrike. In a line with the upper 

 mandible, extending for about an inch and a half towards the 

 wings, the feathers are of a deep black ; the neck and breast 

 are white, the mantle of Indian red ; the primaries of the wing- 

 black, but near their base they are white ; the tail-feathers tipped 

 with yellowish white. I know nothing of its manners. 



19. Passer montanus. (Nock atshah.) 



The Sparrow is well represented by a congener, not so large 

 as our Domestic Sparrow, but equally familiar and impudent 

 in manners. Let a new house be erected, and, even before 

 it is finished and tenanted, the Sparrows take possession of the 

 verandah and build their nests between the rafters and tiles or 

 slates, considering themselves now domiciled, with free access 

 to the verandah and breakfast- or dinner-room. There they 

 hop about, and become so familiar that ' one might almost 

 seize them with the hand. They are quarrelsome amongst 

 themselves, and a pair of cock- Sparrows will dispute the pos- 

 session of a fair one which is close by to witness the feud, the 

 combatants grasping each other, and often falling to the ground. 



* This bird has been not unfrequently in the Zoological Society's living 

 collection. A bird, obtained in October 1859, lived nearly three years in 

 the Gardens. — Ed. 



