C 38 ) 



THE INDIAN SAND MARTIN. 



A small greyish brown bird, which nests along the sandy banks 

 of the river, 'honeycombing them with small tunnels. An early 

 breeder, beginning nesting operations as soon as the rivers go 

 down in November or December. These burrows extend for two or 

 three feet in depth at the end of which is a small nest of grass lined 

 with feathers in which four or five white eggs are laid. 



(No, 809. Cotile sinensis.) 



THE WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW, 



The only swallow which remains with us in the plains for breeding 

 purposes. A handsome little bird, with forehead and crown chestnut, 

 the whole upper plumage glossy steel blue, and the whole lower 

 plumage white. It builds a small saucer shaped nest of mud, lined 

 with grass and feathers, always placing it near the water, either 

 under bridges or against the banks of rivers. It lays four white 

 eggs spotted with brown. 



In the hills one or two of the Striated Swallows (with streaked 

 under parts) stay for breeding purposes. They build retort- shaped 

 nests with funnel-shaped entrances against cliffs or inside pagodas, 

 and lay pure white eggs. 



(No. 818. Hirundo smithii.) 



XVII 



THE WAG-TAILS. 



In this family are included the wag-tails and pipits. They are all 

 winter visitors with one exception. Wag-tails are amongst the first 

 arrivals and are a joyful reminder that the rains are almost over and 

 the cold weather at hand. 



THE INDIAN PIPIT. 



A permanent resident in all the more open parts of the country 

 and is the small brown bird which runs along the road in front of 

 one, with bobbing head before it takes flight. Its upper plumage 

 is brown, each feather having a dark central stripe, and its lower 

 plumage light coloured. Nests on the ground, and lays brownish 

 coloured eggs with dark brown spots. 



(No. 847. A. n. thus rufulus.) 



