!tHi: BIRDS OF THE MADHUBANI SUBDIVISION. 369 



Order Macrochires. 



Sub-order Gyp sell. 



Family Cypselidas. 

 Sub-family Cypselince. 



(134) Cypselus melba. — The Alpine Swift. 

 Blanford, No. 1068 ; Hume, No, 98. 

 Not an uncommon visitant during the rains. The earliest arrivals were 

 noticed on the 18th April. I have seen them in May, but most are noticed 

 from June to September. I have not succeeded in getting any specimens but 

 am certain the identification is correct. 



(135) C. AFFiNis. — The Common Indian Swift. 

 Blanford, No. 1073; Hume, No. 100. 

 I have found this species uncommon. A few years ago I saw them nesting 

 on the rafters in the Mahnrajah's stables at Darbhanga, but am not aware 

 whether they still do so or not. I have seen them from February to October, 

 except during March and July. On the 3rd October a pair flew several times 

 into my verandah at Baghownie, one settling on one of the bamboos in the 

 roof. 



(136) Tachornis batassiensis.— The Palm Swift, 

 Blanford, No. 1075; Hume, No. 102. 

 Very common. I have found them breeding from February to August, 

 The earliest nest was taken on the 25th of February and the latest on the 

 2nd August. A nest from which 2 fresh eggs were taken on the 1st March 

 contained a young bird on the 15th April. Two nests are never found on the 

 one leaf though several pairs usually build on the same palm {Borassus flahel- 

 Uformis). Most of my eggs were got in March. 



Sub-order Caprimulgi. 



Family Caprimulgidce. 



(137) Capeimulgus asiaticus. — The Common Indian Nightjar. 



Blanford, No. 1091 ; Hume, TSo. 112. 



I have a single skin of this species shot at Anarh Fty, on Xmas Day 1899. 



(138) C. MACRiTRUs. — Horsdeld's Nightjar. 

 Bla7iford, T<!o. 1093 ; Hume, No. 110. 

 This is the common species found here. I have been unsuccessful in find- 

 ing its eggs but am certain it breeds here. Native name ChupJca. 



Order Coccyges. 



Family Cuculidce. 



Subfamily Cuculince. 



(139) CucDLUS MicROPTERUS. — The Indian Cuckoo, 



Blanford, No. 1107 ; Hume, No. 203. 



1 have noticed this species from the end of March to July during which 



months it is fairly common. 



