890 AVIFAUNA OF CHOTA NAGPUR. 



species select the soft wood of the cotton tree, Bombax 

 malabaricum, in which to carve out the holes for their nests. 



58.— Palaeornis purpureus, Mull (149.) 



The Rose-headed Paroquet is found in most parts of Chota 

 Nagpur, but is at the same time somewhat local, and as mention- 

 ed above does not appear to trespass on the areas occupied by 

 eupatrius, Lin. I have often been much surprised to see 

 the way in which these birds can conceal themselves in trees. 

 Of course the color of their plumage aids them materially, but 

 that alone is not quite sufficient to account for the manner in 

 which a large flock suddenly disappears in a small tree. 



In the very hot weather Sal (Shorea robusta) trees are com- 

 monly chosen, and then one may approach within a few feet of 

 the birds without being able to distinguish a single individual. 



Captain Beavan has some very interesting remarks on the habits 

 of this species. He procured the nest with eggs in March. He 

 notices their pleasing warbling song, and that " when on the 

 wing, the bird turns from side to side like a badly balanced 

 arrow." 



PICID2E. 



59.— Picus mahrattensis, Lath. P. aurocris- 



tatus, Tickell. (160.) 



This bird, though not very common, is more abundant in Man- 

 fohum and Chota Nagpur generally than Captain Beavan seemed 

 to think. I have obtained it in all parts of the Division. Captain 

 Beavan found a pair on the Pulas tree {Butea frondosa), and I 

 can remember that some of my specimens were obtained on the 

 same tree which it seems to prefer, but is also found on the; 

 mhowa (Bassia latifolia) and doubtless upon others. • 



The following measurements are taken from specimens in my 

 collection : — 



60.— Yungipicus nanus, Fig. Hardwickii, Jerd. 



(164.) 



The Southern Pigmy "Woodpecker. I have only obtained 

 this species in Sirguja. I may have passed over it in the 



