DOMED OR ROOFED NESTS 237 



model. The materials in each type consist of bamboo 

 leaves either entire or shredded, and sometimes a 

 lining of fine grass is added. Then again, Stachy- 

 rhidopsis rufifrons (another Indian species) builds two 

 distinct types of nest ; one a globular one, the other 

 shaped like " an egg placed on its larger end, with the 

 extremity cut off in a rather slanting direction " 

 (Stuart Baker). These nests were either placed in 

 bamboo clumps, or in masses of twigs on the outside 

 of them, or in very dense bushes, and were made of 

 shreds of sun-grass, in one case mixed with bits of 

 bamboo leaves, and lined with fine grass and bamboo 

 roots. We still find the domed type of nest prevailing 

 in such genera as Timelia, Mixornis, Drymocataphus, 

 and Pellorneum. 



We have already had occasion to describe various 

 nests of the Flycatchers (Muscicapidas), the birds pre- 

 senting considerable diversity in their domestic 

 arrangements, even so far as they are known. As 

 previously shown, we have the covered or concealed 

 type of nest, as well as the open cup- shaped one, 

 whilst more exceptionally domed or roofed structures 

 occur. As, however, the nests of a very large number 

 of the three hundred species or thereabouts of which 

 the present family is composed are absolutely un- 

 known, it is impossible in the present state of our 

 knowledge to give a comprehensive review of their 

 architecture. Even the very limits or composition 

 of the family are as yet in an ill-defined condition. 



