THE DIIAYAL 29 



rearing up its family. The bird seems tii 

 have a remarkably monogamous instinct. 



Observations of its habits in the 

 _ "^ aviary substantiate the fact that a 



cock-bird which has lost its heic 

 refuses to chum up with any other female, 

 and feels so much enraged as to kill all 

 subsequent wives submitted for its approval. 

 The Dhayal breeds throughout the plains of 

 India ; but many birds resort to the Dhoons 

 and Terais of the Himalayas during the 

 nesting season. Holes in trees, walls, banks, 

 corners of the under-roof or the eaves of a 

 verandah are tbe places generally selected 

 for nesting. The nest is invariably placed 

 in a secure and sheltered position and is 

 made up of roots, grass, fibres, feathers — in 

 fact anything that is to hand is utilized for 

 the purpose. In the hills, the nest is a 

 shallow loosely-built cup of moss, small 

 twigs, and dry leaves. The Dhayal develops 

 a great fondness for particular places. 

 Hov^^ever far it may stray from its abode iu - 

 otiier seasons, it will come back year after 



