ipS JUNGLE FOLK 



to see in what way the head of the pied starHng 

 has a debased look ; it is typical of its family. The 

 bill, however, is a trifle longer and more slender than 

 that of the common myna. The statement that pied 

 mynas have not the pleasant notes of the common 

 species is the most astounding of a series of astounding 

 assertions ; as well might a musician complain that the 

 cathedral organ lacks the fine tones of the street hurdy- 

 gurdy ! I hke the cheerful " kok, kok, kok, kekky, 

 kekky " of the common myna. I also enjoy listening 

 to the harsh cries with which he greets a foe. India 

 would be a duller country than it is without these 

 familiar sounds, but I maintain that his most ardent 

 admirer can scarcely believe the common myna to be 

 a fine songster. The notes of the pied starling, on the 

 other hand, although essentially myna-like, are really 

 musical. Its lay is that of Acridotheres tristis, purified 

 of all the harshness, with an added touch of melody. 

 Jerdon, I am glad to notice, speaks of its pleasant 

 song, and Finn, who knows the bird well, writes in one 

 place of its beautiful note, and in another says : "It 

 does not indulge in any set song apparently, but its 

 voice is very sweet and flute-like, and it appears not 

 to have any unpleasant notes whatever — a remarkable 

 peculiarity in any bird, and especially in one of this 

 family." In Northern India the cheerful melody of 

 the pied starlings is one of the most pleasing adjuncts 

 of the countryside. 



So jovial a bird is Sturnopastor contra that it is a 

 great pity that his range is comparatively restricted. 

 He would be a great acquisition to Madras and Bom- 



