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(rump) ; a black streak about the eyes; underparts of the body are 
whitish tinged with red on the breast. These birds are shy; and 
hide among denser foliage, when seen they are usually capturing 
insects on the wing or hunting for caterpillers. 
(267) Hemieus picatus, Little Pied-Shrike, is seldom seen over 
5,000 feet. Like most of its kind, it prefers well wooded parts 
of the district or thick jungle undergrowth, where it appears to 
associate freely with small birds about the place. Not infrequently 
it is found beside hill streams. It is 5 inches in length and is readily 
distinguished. Male is black on the back and scapulars; white 
lower back (rump); white wing band ; tail feathers, white tipped ; 
beneath, the body plumage is white. 
(269) VoOLVOCIVORA MELASCHISTOS, Dark-grey Cuckoo-shrike, is 
fairly common in Darjeeling, and could be mistaken, at a hurried 
glance for one of the Rock-thrushes. It is about 10 inches in 
length. Its plumage is plumbeous and appears bluish among the 
ereen foliage ; quills and tail black; pale grey beneath ; bill and legs 
black; irides hazel. This Cuckoo-shrike is seen more frequently 
here in spring, at no great distance upon the trees, at times nearer 
the top, usually gliding about the big lateral branches in search of 
insects and beetles. Its song is musical, which is uttered at inter- 
vals, during the day. 
GENUS GRAUCALUS 
Bill strong, deep, wide at the base, ridge curved and hooked ; 
rictal bristles weak ; wings long and pointed; tail rounded at the 
tip; claws large and curved. 
(270) GraucaLus MACEI, Large Cuckoo-shrike, is also, occasionally 
found in Darjeeling. It is more abundant at a lower elevation. 
This species is not unlike a large Hawk-Cuckoo in appearance. In 
habits it differs, being shy and avoids exposure. Its call, at times 
is harsh and grating; but its song is musical which sounds like a 
soliloquy ; but when taken by surprise, it lets you know that you 
are intruding on its privacy. It feeds much on insects, occasionally 
on fruit and berries. This Cuckoo-shrike is 12 inches in length; 
plumage above is light plumbeous-grey ; tail blackish, tipped white ; 
breast light grey ; lower parts white, below the breast cross striped ; 
bill blackish ; irides dark coloured. It is the light grey colour, with 
the cross-stripes, appearing like horizontal lines, and racket tail 
which, at a passing glance, at times, mistakes this species, for the 
Hawk-Cuckoo or one of the hawks and gets accidently shot, as a 
marauder of poultry-yards and pigeon-coops. Its head is big. Its 
heavy, clumsy looking bill with widish, inflated margin at the base, 
cannot be mistaken, 
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