AND TYPES OF EGSS. 27 



and their nests and eggs are also very similar. The genus Oreiocol"' 

 differs from Pratincola, in that the only species which occurs here 

 (O. Jerdoni) is a shy, retiring bird, frequenting dense thickets and long 

 grass jungle. Its breeding habits are unknown. 



Stone Cha>ts, (Saxicola). — Are only cold weather visitants to this 

 country, and are found in dry open plains ; feeding on the ground and 

 perching on stones, rocks, and occasionally on bushes. None of them are 

 known to breed in India ; but where they do breed, their nests are on 

 the ground near shelter, and the eggs are blue, with a few faint spots. 



Rock chfttS, (Cercomela). — Are very similar in their habits to 

 stone chats, and are found in similar localities. One ( C fused) is a 

 permanent resident in India, and breeds where it is found. Of the other 

 very little is known. It is exjiremely rare. Their eggs are like those o£ 

 stone chats. 



R6dst£irtS, (Rutacilla, Chcemorrornis). — The redstarts are all 

 migratory, only one {R. rufiventris) wanders throughout India in the 

 cold weather, but many species are found in the Himalayas. They are 

 generally to be met with by water in open country. One species 

 (C, leucocephala) breeds in the alpine Himalayas, and the plumbous 

 water robin [R. fitliginosa) breeds throughout the Himalayas. These 

 two latter lay spotted eggs. The others, as far as has been ascertained 

 lay unspotted blue eggs, rather elongated in shape ; but they are not 

 known to breed in this country. 



Wood chSitS, [Larvivora, lantMa, Tarsiger, Calliope, Cyane- 

 cula) . — The wood chats are migratory birds. A few are found in the plains 

 in the cold weather. A few breed in the hills, and others leave the 

 country altogether for breeding purposes. They frequent open forests, 

 perching low and feeding near the ground. The blue throat wood chat 

 ( Cyanecula suecica) is generally found near water, often in the weeds 

 at margins of tanks. Their nests are very little known, but the eggs 

 appear to vary much in character. Of Larvivora the eggs are mottled 

 and streaked. Of Imihia they are faintly zoned. Of far^gfir they are 

 unspotted blue. Of Calliope unspotted pale buff. 



Reed warblers, (Acrocephalus, Anmdinax, I>umeticola, 

 Locustella, Tribura). — The reed warblers are generally migratory. The 

 three species of Acrocephalus are found throughout India in the cold 

 weather and retire to the Himalayas to breed. They lay white eggs 

 thickly spotted. The other genera are very little knoivn- They inhabit 



