56 Mr. P. W. Miinn ow the BircU 



food consists principally of small fruits and berries^ and the 

 birds collect in some numbers in a tree covered with their 

 favourite fruit. 



69. Centrococcyx rufipennis. (The Crow-Pheasant.) 



Common, universally distributed, and resident. Breeds 

 during June, July, and August, and builds a large, loosely- 

 constructed, globular nest, with a hole at the side, among 

 dense jungle. If in grass-jungle, the nest is composed of dry 

 grass or reeds, but if among bushes or in a tree, usually of 

 sticks lined with grass and leaves. The eggs are oval and 

 white, with a rough chalky surface. 



Before nesting commences these birds frequently call to 

 each other, making a loud " hoo ^'-ing note from the top of 

 some tree, but when breeding they seldom venture far from 

 the vicinity of their nests. 



In this district their nests are usually found among the 

 tall rank grass growing on the edges of tanks in quiet parts 

 of the woods, or among the thick bushes and brambles over- 

 hanging water. 



70. Centrococcyx bengalensis. (Lesser Crow-Pheasant.) 

 Rare ; exceedingly shy and wary, and only found in that 



part of the district where there are large tracts of thick 

 grass-jungle, especially round some of the jheels towards 

 Baraset. 



71. Alcedo bengalensis. (Indian Kingfisher.) 

 Common, generally distributed, and resident. Breeds when 



the rains have well set in, usually in Julj and August, in 

 holes in banks, especially in those banks which surround 

 orchards, gardens, &c., and not necessarily above water. 

 The eggs are smaller than the English Kingfisher's, white, 

 and even more highly glossed than that bird's. 



72. Ceryle rudis. (Pied Kingfisher.) 



Fairly plentiful, but local ; more generally distributed 

 during the rainy season. This species prefers running water 

 to stagnant tanks and jheels ; and indeed, except during the 

 rainy season, is found only on running streams. I have 



