the Birds of Central India. 59 



and breeds during December and January, making a rather 

 large nest in lofty trees, composed of sticks and twigs. The 

 eggs, two or three in number, vary much, both in size and 

 shape. They are creamy white in colour, and measure 2'4 

 by 1-8. 



28. Scops pennanti, Hodgs. 



^ . Length 8 inches, expanse 19'5, wing 6, tail 2'75. 



The Indian Scops Owl is very rare. The specimen whose 

 measurements are given above was procured at Mhow, and 

 was the only one obtained. 



29. Carine brama (Temm.). 



$ . Length 8"5 inches, expanse 19, wing 5'8, tail 2'6. 

 The Spotted Owlet is very common ; every well or old tree 

 is sure to be tenanted by a colony of these noisy birds. They 

 breed during February and March, laying three or four 

 roundish white eggs. 



30. HiRUNDO rustica, Linn. 



^ . Length 7*9 inches, wing 4*95, tail 4*7. 



The Chimney-Swallow is common during the cold season, 

 appearing about the middle of August and leaving towards 

 the end of February. 



31. HiRUNDO filieera, Steph. 



This most beautiful bird, the Wire-tailed Swallow, is very 

 common, and is a permanent resident. It breeds during 

 March, April, and May, building a half saucer-shaped nest 

 of mud under a bridge or on the sides of a well. The eggs, three 

 in number, are white, spotted and blotched with brownish 

 red and inky purple. They vary in shape, but are typically 

 longish ovals. 



32. HiRUNDO erythropygia, Sykes. 



The Red-rumped Swallow is not uncommon, but is very 

 locally distributed ; one locality much frequented by them is 

 the railway-cutting between Mhow and Kalakhund. They 

 are permanent residents, and commence to breed early in 

 June. 



