BUTCHER-BIRDS. 145 



in gardens and fields, others occur only in the forests, and they 

 are found at all altitudes, from the level of the sea to 8,000 feet 

 and upwards. They form a most characteristic feature of Indian 

 ornithology, for go where you will in India, you are sure to meet 

 with some of the family. They build a rather loosely constructed 

 nest, composed of fibres and twigs generally, in the fork of a tree, 



Fig. 77.— The Azure-breasted Irena {Ireiui cyatiogaster). 



and lay three or four eggs, usually white with a reddish tinge, 

 and marked with spots and blotches of various shades of red and 

 purple. 



The King-Crows, as they are termed in India, are the best- 

 known birds belonging to this sub-family, and the most abundant 

 in species, which, however, very closely resemble each other. 



The typical species is — 



The Azure-breasted Irena {Irena cyanogaster). 



10 



