ORIOLES. 



353 



with a steely-blue gloss, but the under tail-coverts generally tipped with white, is 

 one of the most familiar of Indian birds, both in the hills and the plains, generally 

 selecting the most exposed and barren tree or post for its perching-place. The nest, 

 which is generally placed in a thickly-leafed bough, is composed of fine twigs and 



THE BLACK INDIAN DRONGO. 



grass, covered externally with cobwebs. Usually four, although occasionally five in 

 number, the eggs may be either uniformly pure white, or salmon colour with 

 brownish spots. Not unfrequently this bird may be observed perched on the back 

 of cattle searching; for insects. 



The Orioles. 



Family OmOLlDJE. 



The orioles comprise a number of birds from the temperate and tropical 

 portions of the Old World, in which the bill is as long as the head, and gently 

 curved to the tip, where it is notched ; the head is never crested ; the wings are long, 

 with the first three quills equally graduated, and the third and fourth longest; 

 while the tail is moderate and rounded ; and the toes are free at the base, and 

 have long curved claws. The nostrils are bare, and placed well in front of the base 

 of the beak, and this character, together with the presence of twelve tail-feathers, 

 at once distinguishes them from the drongos. Brilliant yellow generally adorns 

 the plumage of the male orioles ; in others the lower-parts are variegated with rich 

 crimson. They are birds of frugivorous habits, and frequent forest trees in 



vol. m. — 23 



