of certain South-Indian Birds. 321 



28. Hypsipetes neilgherriexsis, Jerdon. 



Breeds in lofty trees in the Neilghcrries, building a shallow 

 cup-shaped nest, from 20 to 60 feet from the ground. The 

 nest is constructed of the dried stems of the wild " Forget- 

 me-not/' and lined with a moss much resembling black horse- 

 hair. The eggs, which are two in number, are pretty thickly 

 spotted with pale lilac and claret on a light pink ground- 

 colour. I found these birds migrating in vast flights, num- 

 bering several thousands, in the Bolumputty valley in July. 

 They were flying westwards towards Malabar. The dimen- 

 sions of an egg are 1 inch by "73. 



29. Otocompsa jocosa (Linnaeus). 



Builds a nest similar to the preceding, but with thicker 

 sides. The nest is generally built in some low dense bush, 

 and contains from two to three eggs, very minutely and 

 thickly spotted with pinkish claret on a pale pink ground, 

 the spots being very close together. An egg measured '97 inch 

 in length by '68 in breadth. Breeds from March to May. 



30. Pratincola atrata, Blyth. 



Breeds in holes of banks from February to May, laying 

 three or four pale greenish-blue eggs, minutely speckled with 

 reddish brown, the dots forming a very distinct zone at the 

 larger end. The nest is constructed of moss, pieces of old 

 rag, frayed bits of grass, &c., and is lined with feathers and 

 the dried droppings of the wild cat [Felis chaus) , which, being 

 principally composed of rat's fur, are very soft ; the nest in 

 consequence is often rather odorous. An eg^ measured "78 

 inch by '^. 



31. Prinia socialis, Sykes. 



Builds in March, constructing a very neat pendent nest, 

 which is artfully concealed, and supported by sewing one or two 

 leaves round it. This is very neatly done with the fine silk 

 which surrounds the eggs of a small brown spider. The nest 

 is generally built of fine grass, and contains three eggs of a 

 bright brick-colour with a high polish. The entrance to the 

 nest is at the top, and a little on one side. An e^g measured 

 '7 inch in length by -48 in breadth. 



SER. III. VOL. V. 2 A 



