( 30 ) 



pinky red, the remainder of the plumage a rich orange yellow. Orioles 

 build cradle-like nests suspended between the outmost forks of a tree, 

 and lay white eggs spotted with dark brown or black. 



Burmese name Hnet Wa. 

 (No. 521. Oriolus melanocephalus.) 



MAROON ORIOLE. 



In the hills this handsome bird is fairly plentiful. It has the whole 

 of its head, throat and wings black ; the remainder of its plumage a 

 r.'ch maroon red. 



XII 

 THE FLYCATCHERS. 



This is a large family of small birds, which invariably catch their 

 prey on the wing, and can generally be recognised by the manner in 

 which they get their living, by making short sallies and darts from 

 some favourite position, generally returning to, or near, the original 

 perch. Some kinds keep entirely to the open, making excursions 

 from the tops of trees whilst others hunt in shady and sheltered 

 localities, under trees or in thick jungle. 



They all have the following family characteristics : Small weak feet 

 and legs, which are quite unsuitable for progression on the ground ; 

 numerous small hairs which overhang the nostrils horizontally ; 

 and rather flat wide beaks ; also their young have a mottled plumage. 



The majority are migratory; and the sexes of many are of differ- 

 ent colours, the cock birds in many cases having a brilliant blue 

 upper plumage, whilst the hens are an olive brown, very like the 

 English robin. 



All the migratory species retire for the breeding season to the 

 hills, being found from 2,000 feet upwards ; and nest in the holes 

 of trees or banks. I have omitted these although many are to be 

 found in the hills during the breeding season. 



THE VERD1TER FLYCATCHER 



Is a small vivid blue bird about six inches in length, common in 

 most places during the cold weather, and very noticeable owing to 

 its bright plumage as it makes excursions after insects, from the 

 topmost bough of a tree. 



They nest in great numbers along the sides of hill roads, both 

 at Sinlum-Kaba. and Thandqung; making a mossy nest in any 



