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20. Dicrurus macrocercxjs, Vicill. Native name, Bojunga. 



This bird may be seen everywhere flitting about trees, and on the 

 backs of cattle. They abound in great numbers at the commencement 

 of the high land on the Brindabiln road. It is sometimes seen con- 

 tending with the Hoopoe for the same insect. I saw one deliberately 

 pulling to pieces a large insect which it held tight to the branch 

 with its claw ; the remaining piece it took in its bill .and by a slight 

 effort swallowed it. I once heard, about four o'clock in the morn- 

 ing and whilst yet dusk, several Bojungas making a great whistling 

 noise and replying to each other, and was informed upon inquiry, 

 that they are accustomed to have great fun at this hour, flying about 

 in antics. I would remark that the Bojunga and the Bhringraj 

 (D. paradiseus) are different species of the same genus of birds ; 

 the latter is an inhabitant apparently of the Nepal Hills, whence 

 only it is brought down as a singing bird and sold at a fair near 

 Bulubhut held in January every year. The Bhringraj is never to 

 be seen in the plains, at least of the N.W. Provinces, in its wild 

 state : it may easily be distinguished from the Bojunga by its having 

 a crest of feathers on its head, and being more than double the size 

 of the former, though the shape, plumage (except the top-knot), and 

 perhaps habits are the same. The Bojunga probably inhabits the 

 mountainous parts of the country as well as the plains, but certainly 

 the Bhringraj confines itself entirely to the hills. The Thampal, 

 which is another native name for the Bojunga, is uncmestionably 

 common enough in the N.W. Provinces, being found wherever there 

 arc large trees. It is fond of positions commanding extensive views : 

 the top of a high tree is a favourite perch, where it performs the 

 part of a sentinel in watching and giving notice of the approach of 

 an unwelcome visitor. It has some peculiar loud notes of alarm, 

 which are well understood by the less watchful but more peaceable 

 portion of the feathered race. The Thampal has an innate dislike 

 to the vicinity of all Raptorial birds, and will, without any apparent 

 provocation, attack and drive these away from its immediate neigb- 

 bourhood ; but it is not until the breeding season arrives, which is 

 from May to July and August, that this aversion and its natural 

 pugnacity come out in full force. From the moment the nest is 

 built, the male bird becomes extremely jealous of any encroachments 

 upon the precincts of his dwelling, and during incubation his vigi- 

 lance and ferocity are extreme. No sooner does he perceive the ad- 

 vance of a hawk, &c, than, starting from his high perch, he launches 

 into the air to meet it. As all birds seem to dread an encounter 

 with this dauntless little champion, the hawk is often seen to alter 

 its course immediately on observing this challenge ; but should it 

 have the hardihood to continue the original direction of its flight, 

 it certainly pays the penalty of its temerity ; for the Thampal, 

 mounting into the air a short distance above it, inflicts such smart 

 blows, sometimes fixing on its back with his claws and beak for some 

 seconds, as compels the hawk to beat a hasty retreat to some cover. 

 Occasionally the female will turn out to assist the male in beating 

 off a bird that approaches too near her nest. The following instance 



