FOR NORTHERN INDIA 77 



together. The nest is a shallow depression in 

 the ground, lined with grass, usually under a 

 bush. From six to nine cream-coloured eggs 

 are laid. 



Another bird which is now incubating 

 eggs on the ground is the did-he-do-it or 

 red-wattled lapwing (Sarcogrammus indicus). 

 The curious call, from which this plover 

 derives its popular name, is familiar to every 

 resident in India. This species nests between 

 March and August. The 122 eggs in the 

 possession of Hume were taken, 12 in March, 46 

 in April, 24 in May, 26 in June, 4 in July, and 

 8 in August. Generally in a slight depression 

 on the ground, occasionally on the ballast of a 

 rail-road, four pegtop-shaped eggs are laid ; 

 these are, invariably, placed in the form of a 

 cross, so that they touch each other at their 

 thin ends. They are coloured like those of the 

 common plover. The yellow-wattled lapwing 

 (Sarciopborus malabaricus), which resembles 

 its cousin in manners and appearance, nests in 

 April, May and June. 



The nesting season of the various species of 

 sand-grouse that breed in India is now begin- 

 ning. These birds, like lapwings, lay their 

 eggs on the ground. 



