THE STARLINGS OR MYNAHS. bi) y 
The Pied Mynah in captivity is apt to turn more or 
‘ess black on the light parts of its plumage. I once saw 
in a cage one of these birds which was pale drab all over 
the parts which should have been black, the rest with 
the beak, &c., remaining normal. In the Indian Museum, 
too, are two skins of the species, one of which is mostly 
white, and the other entirely so. 
If any one is thinking of introducing Mynahs abroad, 
I should strongly recommend this species. Its breeding 
habits would render it easily controlled if it showed 
a tendency to become too numerous in a new country, 
while its energy in pursuing insects would make it a 
‘most useful bird. 
Tue Brauminy Mynan (Temenuchus pagodarum) 1s 
a very pretty birdindeed. It israther small fora Mynah, 
being only just over eight inches long, and has a very 
long silky crest, hanging right down to its shoulders. 
This crest, with the whole cap is black; the crest 
-of the upper plumage is clear pale grey, and the lower 
plumage warm cinnamon. The pinion-quills are black, 
and the tail is tipped with white. 
The bill is bright blue at the root, and yellow at the 
tip : the legs and feet are also yellow. Young birds have 
no crest, and their colours are much paler and duller than 
those of their parents: but their dark caps make them 
easily distinguishable from our other common small 
Mynah next to be dealt with. 
This species is found all over India and Ceylon, but does 
not ascend the hills to any height as a rule. It is found 
in Afghanistan, but it is not certain how far it extends in 
