1897.] F. Fiun — Experiments with various Birds. 617 



still untouched. The D. chrysippus was no more torn, but was behind a 

 dish. This, and the Euplcea remained a long time, but at last the latter 

 appeared to have been eaten, and I found the D. chrysippus, rather dry, 

 behind a vessel. There were still maggots and a little other food in 

 the aviary. 



I made only two more experiments with these birds. On another 

 day, later, seeing one or two Liothrix peek at a Danais genutia (which 

 I had let out) on the outside of the aviary, I put in a nearly-dead speci- 

 men of that species, but it was not attacked. The birds had maggots 

 and other food. On a second occasion I noted that the Chloropsis twice 

 took and refused a very harmless-looking small fly, which Liothrix ate 

 readily. 



I omit some other experiments made with Mesias and Bulbuls, the 

 general tastes of the latter birds having been made manifest in those 

 already given, and the former showing the same tastes as Liothrix. 



I have noticed a keenness for butterflies in other captive birds of 

 the Babbler group, the White-crested Jay-thrush {Garrulix leucolophus) , 

 the Yellow-eyed Babbler (Pyctorhis sinensis), the Orange-bellied Chlo- 

 ropsis (Chloropsis hardivickii), &c, and I think all of them probably 

 devour these insects when at large. 



SECTION II. 



I pass now to the consideration of some insectivorous birds of other 

 groups, with which I have experimented singly, a more satisfactory 

 method. The birds were mostly kept in cages with upright bars, 

 arid therefore the butterflies given them were in most cases killed to 

 prevent their escape. My most important experiments under these con- 

 ditions were made with Drongo-Shrikes, representing a well-marked and 

 very characteristic and abundant group of Passerine birds in the Orien- 

 tal region. They are birds of fair size and take their prey commonly 

 on the wing, either swallowing it whole, or holding it in one foot while 

 picking off the wings, &c. 



I have used two species, the Bhimraj or Backet-tailed Drongo 

 (Dissemurus paradiseus), about the size of a Magpie and apparently, from 

 its habits in captivity, more or less omnivorous, and the smaller and 

 much commoner King-Crow (Dicrurus ater) which is more strictly 

 insectivorous. I had several Bhimrajs, but only give my experiments 

 with the healthiest bird. It was fed on meat, fruit, and insects, with 

 satoo (meal) made up into paste. 



I am indebted to Drs. Alcock and Anderson for taking care of this 

 bird and others during an absence from Calcutta ou my part. The 

 experiments were made at the close of 1896. 



