(> 8250) 
I have occasionally timed these birds, and one or two minutes  pro- 
gess under water does not seem to cause them any inconvenience, 
or requiring a short rest to regain their breath, one would expect to 
find the dipper a bit blown on reaching the surface after covering, 
in so short a time 20 or 30 feet below the water. In all probability 
they could cover a greater distance were it not for the limited pass- 
age, across our hill rivers and the strong currents frequently en- 
countered. Bill of the Dipper is longish, straight, slightly ascending, 
an uptilt of bill noticeable in most of the kingtishers and Insesso- 
real water-birds ; tail short; hind toe short; lateral toe equal; 
claws curved. 
(347) Hypropara Astarica, Brown MWater-Ouzel, is the only re- 
presentative, we have on our side (Eastern) of the Himalayas. Owing 
to its characteristics and habits no difficulty need be experienced 
in making the acquaintance of this interesting smallish bird. It 
frequents most of our rivers, Runjeet and Teesta, where it locates 
itself the greater portion of the year. In spring, it may be seen, 
at a fair elevation, far up hill streams and big Jhoras, drawn, it may 
be by the migratory impetus of not a few of the Jnsessores or bird 
life generally. Like the kingfishers it is often seen perched silently 
on a sharp, pointed rock, or at other times on a dry spot on the 
bed of the Jhoras, or flying up stream. Like most of the Insesso- 
rial “ Water-birds” it starts, nest building, amongst the first of 
this big natural order of birds. In size this Water-Ouzel is &} 
inches; general appearance of the plumage is dark brown; bill 
black ; irides dark brown. In habits it is typical, being unlike other 
birds in the district, more especially, in its mode of procuring food. 
It dives into the troubled waters, striking out vigorously under 
deep sweeping currents and reappears at some distance beyond. 
On such occasions you are reminded not a little of that master- 
diver, in the plains, Indian Skimmer, /?hynchops (995) though at the 
same time, you are conscious of the fact that this expert in the 
art of diving, prefers deep sullen “mill ponds,’ whereas the little 
ouzel ventures, where few human beings would care to run the risk. 
The tail of Hydrobata is short, like a true diver; its toes have no 
web to aid its paddling, so that it has to rely on the strength of its 
wings, in its battle with the elements, and many a time must its 
little store of energy, hung ona balance, when the overpowering 
currents are sweeping it down stream. In spring and during the 
rains it is frequently seen picking up aquatic insects, shells, ete. in 
Jhoras. It strikes one, that on such occasions it is not in its ele- 
ment. This apparent self-imposed drudgery, no doubt is to meet 
the big demand for food to keep the household from staryation, for 
these little hungry mouths have to be attended to every few minutes, 
