94 



of all that saw it, the young bird put forth white plumage, whieh it 

 renewed, of the same snow-white colour every moulting season. 



Query. Could any fright received by the nestling on being carried 

 off by the crow have produced this effect on the plumage ? 



27. Pyctornis sinensis, Gmel.* Native name, Dara Podna. 



This is an elegant little bird, which I have often observed in my 

 garden. It lives on insects, and spreads out its tail like a fan when 

 flying. Mr. C. J. Davis of Agra remarks that " this is the bird said 

 to support the heavens by its legs, lest it fall." (See Shakespeare.) 

 It generally builds in the Banyan tree. 



28. Oriolus Kundoo, Sykes. 



Breeds here in the rainy season, and may frequently be observed 

 frequenting the gardens in the neighbourhood. 



29. Copsychus saularis, Linn. Native name, Daycr. 



This pretty singing bird is much prized by the Mussulmen, who 

 cover up its cage, and feed it with expensive delicacies. Its food 

 is made of roast grain-meal, ghi and spices. It frequents the lower 

 branches of trees, and catches flying insects. I have observed it 

 hunting on the ground in the shade of trees and bushes for soft 

 insects, flying or creeping. 



AO. Kittacincla MACROURA, Gmel. Native name, Shdmd. 



May be observed early in the morning perched on walls, low trees 

 and mounds, singing very sweetly. It builds in old walls, holes in 

 houses, &c. 



Mr. Davis says that the Shama will sometimes imitate other birds, 

 and that one in his compound, which had her nest near his poultry 

 yard, used to imitate exactly the crowing of the cock, the call of a 

 partridge, a kite and the Tuti (Loxia rosea). When caged it will 

 imitate any other singing bird placed near it. It lays its eggs in the 

 hot weather. 



31. Thamnobia fulicata, Linn. Native name, Kalchiri. 



Feeds on insects, as black and white ants. It constantly utters 

 its sharp pleasant twitter when jumping about. Its note is twi a 

 twi a twi, ending in queck. It builds in holes in walls, &c. When 

 the 'male is courting, he swells himself out, and especially his red 

 under tail-coverts, and erects his tail perpendicular. He then flies 

 with a whirring sound. 



'.VI. Pratincola caprata, Linn. Native name, Piclha. 



This bird abounds here at the close of the rains, and may be seen 

 perched on the tops of the bajra and joar when nearly ripe. It 

 utters a sharp rapid whirr, and has a song also. They" answer each 

 other. 



* Syn. Tivmli/i hypokuax, Frankl. 



