THE BIRDS OF NORTH CACHAR. 166 
ones was found ina well-wooded ravine, and in August the same year 
another nest was taken from the same tree containing four eggs, 
They lay from four to five eggs. 
(5) DmenprocitTa RuFA.—The Indian Tree Magpie. 
Oates, No. 16 ; Hume, No. 675. 
Rare in this district, being replaced by the next. 
(6) D. numaLAYensis.—The Himalyan Tree Magpie. 
Oates, No. 18; Hume, No. 676. 
The common type in North Cachar. 
(7) D. FRontaLIs.—The Black-browed Tree Magpie. 
Oates, No. 19 ; Hume, No. 667. 
_ This bird is by no means rare on the higher peaks, but does not appear 
ever to descend below 3,000 feet, and very seldom below 4,000. _ In its 
habits there is little to note that is different from the better known 
species of the genus, but it is on the whole a less noisy bird. The 
flocks number from 4 to 7 or 8, and I am inclined to believe consist 
merely of the old birds and their last brood of young ones. The nest 
is in most cases a very flimsy construction, in general shape and size 
much like that of D. himalayensis, but perhaps even more flimsy and 
smaller. The materials consist of fine elastic twigs, and the coarse 
tendrils of some climbing plant ; occasionally the latter article is alone 
used. There is seldom any lining, though I have once or twice seen 
hair used, and now and then a little stout grass or fern roots may be 
placed at the bottom of the nest. In size the nests average about 
5" in diameter, the hollow being from one to two inches in depth. They 
are often placed very low down and generally below 6 feet. One nest 
taken at Hungrum was on a strong weed, in a fork about two and half 
feet from the ground. 
The eggs resemble those of the D. himalayensis, but are, as a rule, 
more densely and boldly marked. The most common ground-colour is a 
greenish-grey, and the markings consist of blotches of dark olive-green. 
I have taken no eggs with the pale salmon tint, so common amongst 
the eggs of D. rufa. They average rather smaller than the eges 
of the other species, and are also comparatively a somewhat broader 
oval ; 28 eggs averaged 1:10" * 84", 
