THE PIDDAH 41 



cularly tasty insect. No one should suppose 

 that this little bird is incapable of giving 

 expression to its displeasure. Not being 

 over much fond of company, it dislikes 

 close proximity of birds of the same feather. 

 On such occasions and in the breeding season 

 it not only expresses its indignation by 

 angry up-jerks of the tail, but also becomes 

 irascible and pugnacious. In a big feeding 

 ground several of these birds may be seen 

 but each keeps within its own range and 

 seldom intrudes on the other. 



I have already said that this bird amply 

 repays observation. Though small, its body 

 is stout and strongly built. Its legs are 

 strong and in all its movements there is an 

 elegant buoyancy. Even its melodies are 

 expressive of the bird's buoyant and intrepid 

 nature. There is no constraint in its vocal 

 outpourings, which very often consist of notes 

 that are generally unmusical chatterings. 

 But in between them, the bird gives out 

 short warbles which are distinctly sweet 

 and melodious. Towards evening, when 



