THE FATIK-JAL 115 



with the ''^ChataW of Sanskrit literature, 

 wherein it is described as a thirsty bird, 

 always invoking the cloud-gods in a plain- 

 tive voice for drops of heavenly water, 

 as it refuses to quench its thirst with water 

 from the earth. European Orientalists 

 believe that the Chatak is a different bird 

 — Coccystes jacobimiSy which has a ''rather 

 plaintive, not unmelodious call." 



It hops about the leaves with marvellous 

 dexterity and searches them in the fashion 

 of White-eyes. Sometimes, it may be 

 seen hanging on, like a tit, to a slender 

 twior scrutinizinsr the surroundinsc foliao-e. 

 It seldom leaves a tree unless it has been 

 thoroughly searched and then makes a 

 rapid flight to another, where also it 

 remains for hours. x\.s it hops from twig 

 to twig, it may be noticed that every time 

 it utters its low whistle, there is a soft 

 echo from the same or another tree. This 

 is its sweet-heart which is always near or 

 around its gallant. Sometimes two hens 

 and a cock may be seen together ; and 



