FOR NORTHERN INDIA 95 



contra). In this month they begin to give 

 vent with vigour to their cheerful call, which 

 is so pleasing as almost to merit the name of 

 song. 



Throughout the rains they continue to make 

 a joyful noise. Not that they are silent at 

 other seasons ; they call throughout the year, 

 but, except at the breeding period, their voices 

 are comparatively subdued. 



The nest is a bulky, untidy mass of straw, 

 roots, twigs, rags, feathers and such-like things. 

 It is placed fairly low down in a tree. 



Many of these nests are to be seen in May, 

 but the breeding season is at its height in June 

 and July. 



The grey hornbills (Lophoceros birostris) are 

 now seeking out holes in which to deposit their 

 eggs. The hen, after having laid the first egg, 

 does not emerge from the nest till the young 

 are ready to fly. During the whole of this 

 period she is kept a close prisoner, the aperture 

 to the nest cavity having been closed by her 

 mate and herself with their own droppings, 

 a small chink alone being left through which 

 she is able to insert her beak in order to receive 

 the food brought to her by the cock. 



Mr. A. J. Currie gives an interesting account 



