290 BOMBAY DUCKS 
avine melodies of the homeland; and from his point 
of view he is undoubtedly right. Here in India the 
associations are wanting which endear to him the voices 
of the feathered folk at home. Yet a real live nightin- 
gale sometimes visits India. It is true that the melodious 
bird does not venture far into that uninviting land. 
Nevertheless the Persian nightingale (Daulas golzt) 
does pay parts of the Punjab a visit in the cold weather. 
Many are taken to Calcutta in captivity. Since a good 
specimen will fetch as much as Rs,200 in the Calcutta 
market, it is not surprising that some men make it 
their profession, and a cruel profession it is, to catch, 
imprison, and then send these birds to the city by the 
Hooghly. 
Of the permanent residents in India, the shama 
(Ctttocincla macrura) is perhaps the finest singer. This 
bird is not likely to be heard in any large town. It 
loveth not the unseemly din of the city. It lives 
among shady hills, and, if we would hear its splendid 
voice in its full magnificence, we must betake ourselves 
to one or other of the great forests of India, A fine 
songster, nearly related to the shama, and which is 
found in nearly all parts of India, is the magpie robin 
or dhyal (Copsychus saularis) This is a charming 
creature, having the confiding habits of the robin, the 
bright colouring of the magpie, and the voice of the 
canary. It,is nearly always found near human habita- 
tions. It is essentially a garden bird, nesting in holes 
in trees, or buildings, I once found a magpie robin’s 
nest in the dilapidated wall of a stable. It generally 
breeds from April to July. 
be ee & & 
