THE BHAKAT AND ITS KINDRED 



141 



tanks and also 

 the bunds of rice 

 fields, on which 

 it often breeds. 

 Its degree 

 of sociabi- 



lity varies with the change of season. 

 In spring and summer, it lives in pairs for 

 breeding purposes. Towards the end of 

 summer and during the rains, it may be 

 found in small groups, which are probably 

 family parties, as the young birds continue 

 to live with their parents even after they 

 are able to fend for themselves. As autumn 

 advances, the bird becomes gregarious 

 and large flocks keep together all through 

 the winter. The Bharat roosts on the fjround 



