428 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



also now and tlien on wasps or bees, hence the Bengal name ; on 

 dragon-flies, and occasionally moths or bnttevilies. It generally 

 f^eizes its insect prey on tlie ground, or whips one off a stalk of 

 grain, frequently catching one in the air ; now and then, wlien the 

 grasshopper, having flown oiT, alights in a thick tuft of grass, the 

 King-crow hovers for a few seconds over the spot like a Kestrel. 

 AVhen it has seized an insect, it generally, but not always, returns 

 to the same perch. On an evening, just about sunset, it may often 

 be observed seated on the top of a tree, taking direct upward flights, 

 and catching some small insects that take wing at that time. Like 

 most other birds, when a flight of winged termites takes place, it 

 assembles in nnmbers to partake of the feast. 



The King-crow obtains his familiar name in this country from 

 its habit of pursuing Crows and also Hawks and Kites, which it 

 does habitually ; and at the breeding season, especially when the 

 female is incubatino;, with increased vigilance and vigour. If a 

 Crow or Kite approach the tree in wliicli their nest is placed, the 

 bold little Drongo flies at them with great speed and determination, 

 and drives them oft' to a great distance ; but although it makes a 

 great show of striking them, I must say that I have very rarely 

 seen it do so, and certainly I have never seen it flx on tlie back 

 of a Hawk with claws and beak for some seconds, as Mr. Philipps 

 asserts that he has seen. Occasionally, others will join the original 

 assailant, and assist in driving off* their common enemy. From this 

 habit the bird has received the name of Kotioal in some parts of 

 the country. Blyth assures me that he has seen these birds attack 

 and pursue the little Palm Scpiinel. At the pairing season, they 

 are exceedingly pugnacious : and four or five may not unfrequently 

 be seen entangled together on the ground, fighting both with beak 

 and cIa^^ s. 



The Drongo is lively, active, and loquacious, constantly uttering 

 its well known, somewhat liarsh, but cheerful cry ; it is one of the 

 earllost birds to greet the coming morn, and not unfrequently 

 keeping up an occasional conversation with a neighbour for the 

 greater part of a moonlight night. 1 have known people in 

 India who professed to find it monotonous and disagreeable, and 

 have heard it profanely called the Scotch Nightingale ; but I confess 



