5 
50 GARDEN AND AVIARY BIRDS. 
of the mouth orange, while in the old ones this is as black 
as if they had been drinking ink. 
This is one of our commonest birds, being found over 
India generally; in Burma it is replaced by a very 
closely allied species or variety (Sturnopastor superct- 
laris) differing merely in having white streaks on the 
forehead and over the eyes. It is more inclined to go 
in flocks than the House-Mynah, and does not come 
into streets and the actual precincts of houses, though 
a very usual inhabitant of our gardens, where it must be 
of considerable service as it is usually seen industri- 
ously hunting the grass. It does not indulge in any set 
song apparently ; but its voice is very sweet and flute- 
like, and it appears not to have any unpleasant notes 
whatever—a remarkable peculiarity in any bird, and 
especially in one of this family. 
The Pied Mynah appears to be the most insectivorous 
of all our Mynahs; it is constantly hunting for prey on 
the ground, though, when the red-flowered cotton-tree is 
in bloom it joins other birds in drinking nectar from 
the blossoms. In captivity it needs more animal food 
than other species. I believe it can, when nest-reared, 
be taught to whistle very well—which one would expect 
from the mellowness of its natural notes. 
Unlike other Starlings, it does not build in a hole, but 
makes a big untidy nest on the bough of a tree, several 
pairs often building near each other. The birds must 
possess remarkable courage to be able to afford to rear 
their broods in public like this, for the nest is obtrusively / 
obvious to every passer-by. 
