64 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



rather melodious metallic whistle. The breeding season is 

 probably mainly in April and May. The nest is a very shallow 

 cup placed in the fork of a leafy branch. The outside is 

 fairly thickly bound with cobwebs, the interior lined with 

 fine grass. Three appears to be the normal number of eggs 

 in Ceylon. They are of two types : one pure white, the other 

 pale salmon colour with rather bold reddish-brown blotches. 

 Average size about 1 '00 by "75. 



DlCRXJRUS LEUCOPH^US LONGICAUDATUS. 



The. Indian Ashy Drongo. 



Dicnirus longicaudatus (Oates, Vol. I., p. 314) ; Buchanga 

 longicaudata (Legge, p. 390). 



Description. — Upper plumage metallic bluish-black with 

 a gray tinge, which increases on the tail coverts ; wing quills 

 and tail lustred with greenish on the outer webs ; lower parts 

 dull grayish-black. 



In young birds the plumage is dark brown ; the lower parts 

 are grayer than in adults, and the under tail coverts are 

 tipped with white, which gradually disappears. 



Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris red. 



Length 10-5; wing 5*2; tail 5-9; tarsus -7; bill from 

 gape 1 • 1 . 



Distribution. — Like the Black Drongo this species has a 

 wide range over practically the whole of the Indian Empire, 

 the Malay Peninsula, and Java, and is split up into geographi- 

 cal races. The small sub-species found in Ceylon appears 

 to be a migrant, probably from Southern India. It occurs 

 during the north-east monsoon on the east side of the Island. 

 One or two specimens have been shot near Colombo in October, 

 probably while on passage. 



Habits. — Generally found on the edge of open spacesin heavy 

 jungle and forest. It perches on some point of vantage 

 high up in a tree, swooping out on insects and returning to 

 its perch. Its calls are rather shrill and varied. It is not 

 likely to be found breeding in the Island. The nest is of the 

 usual Drongo type, and the eggs resemble the spotted eggs 

 of D. ater minor, but are slightly smaller. 



