THE GAGE-BIRDS OF CALCUTTA. 567 



Some common Indian Jay-Thrushes, Garrulax leucolopJms, G. albigularis, 

 'G. pectoralis, G. moniliger, Grammatoptila striata, lanthocmcla rufigularis 

 ^nd one or two others, are pretty regularly brought down in the winter, 

 especially the first-named, which is in some demand for export. 



Other Babblers which also arrive in consignments from the hills are Poma- 

 torhinm schisticeps, P. erythrogenys, and Lioptila capistrata. and, among the 

 smaller species, Mesia argentauris, Siva cyanuroptera, and Yuhina nigrimentum. 

 None of these, however, come in to the market in any quantity. 



The charming little "Pekin Robin" {Liothrix lutea) is numerously imported 

 in winter — generally from China — and hence is almost always to be procured. 

 Zosterops simplex is also a very common captive, and attempts are sometimes 

 made by Bazaar dealers to pass it off as a " Humming-bird "! 



Chloropsis aurifrons, well known a*! the Harewa, is often on view, and is 

 one of the most delightful of cage-birds, being easily kept, and possessing 

 the recommendation of being a very clever mimic as well as very ornamental. 

 If hand-reared, it is very tame; but individuals vary much in temper, and some 

 are quite impossible companions for any small bird, while others are per- 

 fectly peaceable. As the sexes are so much alike in this species, I have not 

 lieea able to discover the reason of this difference of disposition, whether it 

 be personal or sexual. The fine Chloropsis hardioichii is comparatively scarce 

 «nd C. jerdoni ii seldom to be had. 



The species of Chloropsis are often called Green Bulbuls, but they cannot 

 be placed far from ^githina tijMa, obviously a small Babbler, which is some- 

 times kept here (but rarely, being a delicate species). It is locally known as 

 " Tofik. " Another small Timeliine form occasionally on sale is the Gulab- 

 Chasm (red-eye) {Pyctorhis sinensis) — a most amusing little bird, very impu- 

 dent, and mischievous when in company with others. 



Of the true Bulbuls, the common Molpastes bengalensis is by far the 

 most popular captive. It is not so often caged, however, as tethered 

 to an iron T shaped perch padded with cloth, the cord being fastened 

 to a soft string round its body. This is to further its employment as 

 a fighting-bird, that being the purpose for which it is commonly kept. 

 Two individuals are made hungry, and then their jealousy is excited 

 by offering food to one only, which of course provokes a fight. The 

 sport is carried on during the winter, after which the birds are released, 

 with the exception of such as have proved worthy of maintenance for 

 the future. 



This is the only species employed in such a way, but several other Bulbuls 

 may be seen caged, especially the almost equally abundant Otocompsa emeria. 

 0. fiaviveniris comes to hand occasionally in small numbers, and sometimes 

 considerable supplies of Molpastes leucotis, M. leucogenys, and the Chinese 

 Pycnonotus sinensis arrive, but these cannot be reckoned on. A few examples 

 of Hypsipeies psaroides, Hemixus Jiavala, and H. macclellandi have been 

 brought down in the winter of late years. 



