104 GLIMPSES OF INDIAN BIRDS 



passed under the nest. This framework supports the 

 nest proper, which is a hemispherical cup composed 

 of fine roots and dried grass. The minimum of material 

 is used in construction, with the result that the eggs 

 lying in the nest are sometimes visible from below. 

 He who would find orioles' nests should repair in June 

 to the canal bank or to the above-mentioned wood. 



Every oriole's nest that I have seen in Lahore has 

 been placed near a king-crow's nest. It is, I think, 

 for the sake of protection that the oriole builds near 

 the king-crow. This latter is so pugnacious that most 

 predaceous birds avoid the tree in which its nest is 

 situated. 



Among the summer visitors to the Punjab is a dove 

 known as Oenopopdia tranquebarica. Those who find 

 this name rather a mouthful are at liberty to call the 

 bird the red turtle-dove. This species is of interest on 

 account of the large amount of sexual dimorphism 

 which it displays. The head and neck of the cock 

 are ashy grey, his upper back and wings are the peculiar 

 red of a faded port-wine stain, the lower back is grey, 

 the middle tail feathers are brown and the other ones 

 white. There is a black collar round his neck. The 

 hen is a uniform greyish brown, her only adornment 

 being a black collar similar to that of the cock. 



As a chapter of this work is devoted exclusively to 

 the red turtle-dove, nothing more need be said of it in 

 this place, save that its note is not the orthodox coo, it 

 is a peculiar low grunt, and gives one the impression 

 that the bird has caught cold. 



One summer visitor remains to be described, but he 



