BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 205 
The noise the birds then make, for half an hour or so before dark, is 
almost deafening. 
Distribution. Probably to be found over the greater part of the 
country, as it is also recorded by Gyldenstolpe from Hastern, Northern 
and Central Siam, and by Gairdner from the Provinces of Ratburi and 
Petchaburi. I have found it common both at Koh Lak and at various 
places on the east coast of the Gulf of Siam. 
*31 (549). Acridotheres tristis. Zhe Common Myna. 
u | 
Siamese. wndianm (Nok salika). 
Description. Length 254 mm. (10 in). Upper portion of head 
and neck glossy black, succeeded by a band of dull greyish black, 
fading into the vinous brown of the back and the paler brown of the 
rump and upper tail-coverts ; primary wing-coverts white ; other wing- 
coverts and tertiaries vinous brown ; primaries black with white bases ; 
tail feathers blackish, tipped with white. Lower neck and breast dull 
black, passing into the vinous brown of the abdomen and flanks ; under 
tail-coverts white. 
Iris reddish brown. Bill, bare facial skin and legs yellow. 
Mouth blackish purple. 
Habits, etc. Largely a ground-bird feeding on insects, and 
of a gregarious and sociable character. 
Distribution. So far as regards Bangkok, this bird appears to 
be somewhat of a rarity as | have only obtained specimens on three 
occasions, in February, March and October. Mr. E. W. Trotter, 
however, informs me that he found it common in December at 
Klong Rangsit (only 12 miles due north of Bangkok) whence he sent 
mea specimen. Outside Bangkok I have obtained the bird at Koh 
Lak, and also observed it at Paknampo, while Gairdner records it from 
the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi, and Barton from Raheng in 
Northern Siam. 
82 (553). Mthiopsar grandis. The Siamese Myna. 
Siamese, wn tae A ( Nok iang dam ). 
Description. Length up to 254 mm.(10in). Body plumage 
black—the lower parts with a brownish tinge and the under tail-coverts 
