316 PET BIRDS OF BENGAL 



fourteen years in captivity. It seldom 

 suffers from any disease. The Papiyas, 

 on the other hand, generally suffer from 

 cold and rheumatism- — the results of careless 

 feeding and exposure. 



The Papiya and the Bau-katha-kao are 

 not frugivorous like the Koel. They 

 are delicate birds and their diet-supply 

 becomes a problem to their keeper. 

 Grass-hoppers, insects and Satoo form 

 their menu, the basis of food being 

 the insects. They are kept in large 

 and costly cages. Both these birds 

 call freely in covered cages but as 

 the Bau-Katha-kao has a sweeter voice, 

 it is held in o^reater esteem. The 

 Koel is a vociferous singer and sings in 

 all seasons. When it begins calling, con- 

 versation becomes impossible in the house. 

 The Shah-buibul (Pied Crested Cuckoo) 

 is never available for sale in this pro- 

 vince in large numbers, and is, therefore, 

 less commonly seen as a captive. For 

 that very reason it is a bird for which 



