of the Calcutta District. 49 



33. Cyanecula suecica. (Biuethroat.) 



A winter visitor and fairly plentiful, especially on the 

 edges of j heels and in damp paddy-fields, where it is usually 

 seen hopping under shelter of the grass growing on the 

 bunds between the fields. It much resembles a Redbreast in 

 its habits. On Feb. 15, 1891, 1 had a near and distinct view of 

 one of these birds with a white spot on the breast ( Cyanecula 

 wolfi ?) . 



34. Calliope camtschatkensis. (Ruby-throat.) 



A winter visitor, usually found in rank grass-jungle, sugar- 

 cane, or reeds, but not often seen. The male makes a plain- 

 tive whistling noise. 



35. CopsYCHUs SAULARis. (Magpic Robin.) 



The Magpie Robin is a very common bird in this district, 

 and is universally distributed and resident. It breeds in 

 May and June usually, in holes in trees, stumps, walls and 

 buildings, often utilizing old holes made by Woodpeckers 

 and Barbets to build in. It feeds on insects, and has a 

 pleasing song, not unlike a Redbreast^s, but more powerful. 



36. Geocichlacitrina. (Orange-headed Ground Thrush.) 

 An uncommon winter visitor, very shy, and therefore 



seldom seen. I shot one on Nov. 30, 1890, near Khardah, 

 as it flew up from the ground, where it had been hopping 

 about and feeding, just like the common English Thrush. 



37. Ploceus baya. (Baya.) 



Common^ generally distributed, and resident. During the 

 winter they entirely desert the neighbourhood of their nesting- 

 trees and assemble in large flocks in the open grass-jungle. 

 They breed from May to September, usually constructing 

 their nests in ''tar" trees {Borassus flabelliformis) , though. 

 occasionally babool and date-palms are selected. Sometimes 

 an old nest is added to, with the result that there are two 

 bulbs in the structure, only the lower one, however, being 

 used to lay in. 



38. Ploceus bengalensis. (Black-throated Weaver-bird.) 

 Resident ; occurs sparingly in some of the larger j heels, 



where it breeds in small colonies among the tall reeds growing 



SER. VI. — VOL. VI. E 



