4 THE FOOD OF BIRDS IN INDIA. 



by natives. They need protection on the same lines as is suggested 

 under Coracias indica (No. 1022). 



The Orioles are all probably beneficial. 



EULABETID.E. 



GRACKLES OR TALKING MYNAHS. 



Entirely frugivorous. Jerd. B. I., ii, 337. Strictly arboreal 

 feeding entirely on fruit. F. I., 1, 509. 



523. Eulabes religiosa. Southern Grackle. Fruits and ber- 

 ries of various kinds. Jerd. B. I., ii, 238. 



524. E. intermedia. Indian Grackle. Large numbers snared 

 and exported to Calcutta until quite recently but the trade is now 

 forbidden. B. N. H. S. J., XVII, 158. 



527. Calornis chalybeius. Glossy Calornis. Feeding chiefly 

 upon figs, and honey out of flowers. B. N. H. J. S., XVII, 158. 

 Ficus fruits. B. N. H. S. J., XII, 397. 



Probably of no importance. Most are frugivorous and haunt 

 hill tracts. 



STURNIDAE. 



Mainahs and Rosy Pastors. "Gram and other leguminous 

 rabi crops are much damaged by illi the larvae of Chloridea obso- 

 leta, a green caterpillar, that eats out the pods. It is especially 

 liable to spread in cloudy weather and its great foes are Mainas 

 and Rosy Pastors ; when there are trees round a field for these 

 creatures to perch on they will soon make an end of the caterpillars. 

 A field attacked by illi often seems perfectly alive with starlings 

 of all kinds hopping up and down in pursuit of their prey which they 

 eat without ceasing all day long." Balaghat Dist. Gaz., 1907. 



The more terrestrial forms walk and run excellently, often stop- 

 ping suddenly to probe the soil for worms or larvae, which with in- 

 sects generally, and molluscs provide the chief sustenance. A large 

 amount of fruit is also consumed, including berries and seeds ; 

 Frogs, and as some say, callow nestlings are devoured ; Pastor, Dilo- 



