( 26 ) 



It has nothing in common with the crow tribe, and probably gets 

 its name from the way it u bosses " the bird world in general and 

 the crows in particular. 



(No. 327. Dicrurus ater.) 



GREY DRONGOS. 



Two dark grey drongos are found in the hills, and better wooded 

 parts of the country, and are either the Grey Drongo (No. 333 D. 

 cineraceus) or the Tenasserim Ashy Drongo (No. 329. D. nigrescens), 

 the first being dark bluish grey, and the second a dark metallic 

 ashy-blue colour. A third, the Bronze Drongo (No. 334. C. aena), a 

 slightly smaller bird than the above, has a black plumage glossed 

 over with metallic bronze, and is a forest-loving bird. The habits 

 of these three are practically the same as those of the common 

 king-crow, which generally keeps to the open country, whilst these 

 others prefer the forests. 



THE HAIR CRESTED DRONGO 



Is about twelve-and-a-half inches in length, and is of a much heavier 

 build than the last. Its black plumage is glossed over with metallic 

 blue, and has a bunch of hair-like feathers springing from the back 

 of the neck, those on the sides of the head being greatly lengthened; 

 the outer tail feathers are also curled up at the ends. A common 

 bird up-country, being found in all the well-wooded districts, it 

 builds a cradle-like nest in the outmost branches of a tree ; and lays 

 eggs of two types, either white with dark brown spots, or salmon 

 pink with purplish spots. 



(No. 335. C. hottentotta.) 



THE LARGE RACKET-TAILED DRONGO. 



A large striking looking king-crow 'with two elongated wire-like 

 tail feathers, the ends of which suddenly broaden out. Black coat 

 glossed over wih metallic blue, and the head crested. The two outer 

 tail feathers are greatly lengthened and only webbed for a short 

 distance at the end, the webbing being only on the outride of the 

 feathers which are also curled up at the tips. Found in all well- 

 wooded and damp jungles, and very plentiful round Rangoon. It is a 

 wonderful mimic, and has many pleasing notes and calls; and is not 

 at all a shy or retiring bird, and may often be seen when out riding. 

 Nests usually at a good height from the ground, and lays pinkish 

 coloured eggs with red spots, its place in the hills is taken by the 

 next species. 



(No. 340. D. paradiseus.) 



