72 Lieut. R. E. Vauglian and StafF-Surg. K. H. Jones 



These birds are greatly in favour with tlie Chinese as cage- 

 birds ; they take them from their nests AThilst unable to 

 fly, and having placed them in a c^tge hang it near the 

 original nesting-site, so that the ohl birds come and feed 

 their offspring until the latter are able to take care of 

 themselves. 



The first nests of this species at Hong Kong are built iu 

 the beginning of March, and as others continue to be made 

 until August,, there is no doubt that several broods are 

 reared in a season. 



The situation of the nest is frequently the outer end of a 

 horizontal bough of a banyan-tree, where, slung underneath 

 the finest twigs and surrounded by leaves, it is most difficult 

 to see. It can also be found in various other trees, always 

 well hidden and often at a considerable elevation. Small, 

 beautifully made, quite round, and fairly deep, it is a 

 charming structure, composed externally of fine grass or 

 AveedSj mixed with cotton, and lined with a variety of 

 materials, such as very small pine-needles, horsehair, or the 

 finest grasses and weeds. 



The eggs vary from four to two in numbei*, and are 

 usually pale blue, but arc sometimes quite white; they are 

 a favourite article of diet with the Blue Magpie. 



Eggs average '63 x '-IG, and vary in length from '7\ to '55 

 and iu width from "41 to 50. 



DlCEUM CRUENTATUxM. 



This riowerpecker is a fairly common resident both on 

 the coast and up the West River; but it is commoner on the 

 coast and is not seen above Wuchau nor on the North River. 

 These birds, in the winter time, are seen singly or in su)all 

 parties, and their peculiar "chink''^ of a note calls attention 

 to them at once. They hunt for insects, frequently at the 

 tops of very high trees, and are so rapid in their movements 

 that they are difficult to see. In addition to the loud 

 " chink, ^•' the male of this species has a feeble little song. 



These birds pair in February, and their nests have been 

 found at various dates from June 17th to August 19th. 



