226 SOME SOUTH INDIAN INSECTS, ETC. r CHAP. XXI11. 



however, none the less useful, feeding principally on small insects, 

 i.illy on Hies, which thej often catch around cattle. 



Woodpeckers of various species occur in all wooded and forest 

 regions. They teed entirely on insects, mostly on wood-boring 

 species which the} dig out of the trees affected, thus being espe- 

 cially beneficial in checking these pests of forest areas. Brachyp- 

 (i runs aurantius is said to be very partial to toddy palms, probably 

 attracted by the palm beetles and weevils which bore into the 

 trees when cut by the toddy-tappers. 



Night-jars, being nocturnal or at least crepuscular in their 

 habits, are not commonly recognized although they occur not infre- 

 quently in most localities. Their food consists of insects which 

 thej capture on the wing as a rule, occasionally on the ground. 

 Thej must be classed as beneficial birds. 



Fig. 102. The Spotted Owlet (Athene brama). (After Dewar.) 



The Spotttd Owlet (Athene brama) is probably the most familiar 

 nl the owls, because it is common and often ventures out early in 

 the evening. It seems to have a special predilection for the neigh- 

 bourhood of man and sometimes even ventures into houses in 

 search ol prey, whilst .1 bungalow roof or an adjacent tree is a 

 favourite perch, whence its shrill chattering constantly advertises 

 its presence throughout the night. It feeds chiefly on insects, 

 particular!) 1 rii kets, and also on anj small mice-, shrews, or 

 lizards it can catch. On the whole this little owl is distinctly 

 beneficial, and the same may be said of all owls as a class. 



rhe Crow-pheasant or Coucal (Centropus sinensis) does a great 

 deal oi good by destroying insects and occasional harm as a poa- 

 cher of small birds-eggs and nestlings. From an agricultural 

 standpoint it is beneficial and deserves protection in districts where 

 it is'killed for food. 



