3o8 PET BIPwDS OF BENGAL 



on during the breeding season, and is not retain- 

 ed all through the year. The yellow splash,, 

 therefore, indicates breeding plumage. 



In distinguishing males and females, the 

 colour of the lower body does not seem to be 

 the criterion, for I have found that the female 

 of one pair has the chestnut colour deeper than 

 the male. So, when bu}'ing these birds or 

 choosing pairs reliance should not be placed 

 on this point. 



5. TICKELL'S OUZEL 



I have two specimens of Merula unicolor. Up 

 till last spring they were kept separately in differ- 

 ent aviaries. But in June last I heard ox\^ of 

 them attempting to sing. The attempt resulted 

 in short and frequently-uttered whistles which 

 were a mixture of guttural and sibilant sounds. 

 Hoping that the season might not pass in vain^ 

 I brought the above two birds together. For 

 the first few days, I noticed the male chasing 

 the female about. The hen was evidently 

 dallying with the male. In a short while there 

 was no more pursuit and dodging ; the birds 

 lived together quite peacefully in evident harmony. 



