a, 
exclusively on insects, but like the Drongos are seen oftener on their 
perches. Their flight is elegant and easy, much like Hirundinine. 
In some parts of the country it is called Palmyra Swallow, owing 
to its partiality to this palm and other trees of like structure and 
qualities: as their sweet juices attract swarms of insects. These 
Swallow-shrikes are often seen in the plains, more so perhaps than 
in the Himalayas. Skimming over the surface of quiet peaceful 
tanks and Jakes. Occasionally they are seen passing to and fro over 
the surface of hill rivers. Their flight is typical: a few rapid flaps 
of their wings, then taking advantage of the impetus gathered, 
they sail with out-stretched wings, either on the straight or exe- 
cuting curves, loops and circles. Their cry is wild, though hawk- 
like in sound. Fuscus is 7 inches in length; extent of wings 15 
inches; bill pale blue; plumage ashy-grey, with a reddish tinge on 
the back, under parts are white ; sexes are alike in colour. 
IL Famity MUSCICAPIDAE ( Flycatchers ) 
The second group of Dentirostres, have many interesting repre- 
sentatives in Darjeeling: Flycatchers, appear to be in many res- 
pects well marked out by nature. They comprise birds of small 
size of the most part, feebler bills than Shrikes; gape fairly wide ; 
strong and numerous rictal bristles, assist them in securing insects, 
on the wing; legs short and feeble, suitable for the perch from 
where they make short rapid sallies and usually return to the same 
perch. Bill is typical, fairly wide, depressed and shallow, hooked 
and notched at the tip. Without entering into minor details of 
anatomy and structure, these few leading characteristics will suftice 
to distinguish this éypical group of birds. 
They are divided into (i) Myiagrine, Gi) Muscicapine. 
(ji) Sup-Famity MYIAGRINE (True Flycatchers) 
Comprise, birds with flat triangular bills ; rictal bristles long, 
numerous and well developed ; feet feeble. They feed on insects, 
chiefly caught on the wing. They are restless in their habits ; all 
their movements are easy and graceful. It is a pretty sight to 
watch these typical Flycatchers at work, you can hear, without 
difficulty, the loud snap of their mandibles, at each Hick at, an 
insect. 
