824 MR. R. I. POC'OCK ON THE 



Sun-Bittern, which persevered for some time but finally rejected 

 them. 



The only birds which ate the butterflies quite readily were 

 the two species of Rock-Thrushes, the Wood-Thrush, and the 

 Black-chinned Laughing Thrush. To the others they were 

 obviously more or less distasteful, the most significant rejection 

 being by the Shrike-Thrush, which on previous occasions has 

 eaten almost every insect offered to him. 



N.B. — These experiments were made between 4 and 5 r.M., 

 when the birds had been feeding throughout the day. 



July 9, 1911. One eaten readily by Black-headed Lemur, 

 one by Meerkat, two by Common Indian Mongoose. 



Three eaten readily by two Wall Lizards. 



Two eaten readily by Silver Pheasant, and one fairly readily 

 by Mantchurian Crossoptilon (Pheasant). 



One given to White-eared Scops Owl was taken at once but 

 dropped as soon as tasted. 



Experiment repeated with same result. 



Experiment repeated with same result with another specimen 

 of the same species of Owl. 



One given to Pekin Robin was taken at once, but put down 

 upon the ground. For fully five minutes the bird continued to 

 peck it and shake his head. He would neither eat it himself 

 nor allow the other birds to take it from him. Ultimately he 

 pecked it to pieces ; but I cannot say whether he ate particles or 

 wasted them on the ground. One thing was quite clear. He did 

 not find the flavour to his liking. 



Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaia). 



July 21, 1909. One let loose in aviary was chased by Black- 

 headed Sibia and Fantailed Flycatcher, but eluded both and 

 escaped into a crevice. This is the first butterfly I have seen 

 dodge the Flycatcher, which is extraordinarily adept at taking 

 insects on the wing. I then gave it to the Spectacled Thrush, and 

 he ate it after he had succeeded in shaking off* its wings. The 

 bird was keen not to lose it, and drove away the Flycatcher 

 whenever he ventured near. 



Silver-washed Fritillary [Argynnis (l)ryas) paphia). 



July 26, 1909. One caught on wing and eaten with avidity 

 by Fantailed Flycatcher. 



Also used as check upon Melana/rgia galathea which the 

 Flycatcher had rejected (see p. 827). 



July 31, 1909. One eaten readily by Brazilian Hangnest. 



Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Argynnis (Brentkis) eupkrosyne). 



May 26 to 31, 1909. One eaten by Silver Pheasant. For 

 details see under Melitcea artemis (see p. 826). 

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