PRATIXCOLA. ' 41 



other parts of the surface. lu some the zone-markings are much 

 feebler and fainter, in others they are comparatively deciiled. 



The ep:gs vary in length from (J-Gl to 0-7 inch, and in breadth 

 from 0-45 to 0-49. 



Family TURDID^. 



Subfamily SAXICOLINtE. 



608. Pratincola caprata (Linn.). The Common Pied 

 Birsh-Chat. 



Pratincola caprata (Z.), Jerd. B. hid, ii, p. 123; Hume, Uoiuih 

 Draft N. ^- E. no. 481. 



The Common Pied Bush-Chat breeds throughout the plains 

 country of the continent of India and Burma and in the Hima- 

 layas, and ranges running southwards from these up to elevations 

 of from 4UU0 to yOUO * feet, according to latitude. 



The breeding-season is from March to June, and eggs may be 

 found everywhere during this period ; but for all that the majority 

 lay in the plains in March and Aprd and in the hills in May. 



In the plains perhaps the most favourite site for the nest is in a 

 hole some little way down the side of a well ; but any hole almost 

 in the ground will, if sheltered, serve their purpose, and at times, 

 but rarely, they will build in a dense bush or tuft of grass, but 

 still even then on or close to the ground. 



The nest as a rule is a shallow, somewhat saucer-shaped pad, 

 composed of soft grass, fine roots, and lined with the same, hairs, 

 or other soft material. 



I have found them composed entirely of human hair and sheep's 

 wool, fitted together without any attempt at rounding, and I have 

 once or twice taken neat circular nests closely woven of very fine 

 grass and carefully lined with horsehair. 



Four is the full complement of eggs ; but I have continually 

 found only three more or less incubated ones in a nest, and five 

 are recorded by more than one of ray correspondents. 



Mr. F. R. Blewitt says : — " This Stone-Chat is somewhat com- 

 mon in the Haugor and A'erbudda and Hoshungabad districts. It 

 is also to be met with in the more open country the whole way 

 from Sanger to Sumbulpoor. I have repeatedly secured its e<'-<'-s. 

 The nests were always on the ground, of very simple construction, 

 composed of grass-roocs externally, and lined with fine grass or a 

 little hair." 



* Dr. Stoliczka correctly remarks : — " Common all through the Sutlej Valley 

 up to Nacliar, but seldom furllier east above elevations of 8000 feet." 



