232 PET BIRDS OF BENGAL 



any gloss. These eggs are seldom uni- 

 form in colour, varying from white to a 

 rich pink and spangled with markings of 

 red, purple, reddish brown or inky grey. 

 These marks are in some cases large blot- 

 ches, while in others mere specks sprinkled 

 over the surftice thickly in some, thinly 

 in others, but as a rule, the largest blotch- 

 es are about the large end. 



A large cage, at least three feet square, 

 is the most suitable dwelling for the 

 Bhimraj. In an aviary, it would 

 Cage-life no doubt thrive splendidly, but 

 if it be a mixed one, this ruffian 

 would make the place hot for the less 

 sturdy inmates. With pigeons and chukor 

 partridges, it will readily form an entente 

 cordiale ; but if other species of Drongoes 

 or smaller birds like Magpie-robins be 

 there, bloody strife is sure to occur. There- 

 fore, this Knight-Templar should be 

 housed with such birds as can hold their 

 own against it. 



Though its behaviour towards its kin- 



