208 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



native birdcatchers, who, with these birds and the Short-toed 

 Lark, sell to Europeans as " Ortolans." These Pipits assemble 

 in large flocks, usually in mango groves, or under the shade of 

 any large tree. 



A. rufulus, Vieill. (Indian Meadow-Pipit). — A very common 

 resident. Breeds in March, April, and May. A nest found by 

 myself was situated under a clod of earth. The nest was com- 

 posed of grass, and contained four eggs. 



Calandrella brachydactyla, Leisl. (Short-toed Lark). — A com- 

 mon winter visitor, appearing in rice-fields in enormous flocks. 

 This bird is also caught under the name of " Ortolan." 



Alaudula raytal, Buch. Ham. (Ganges Sand-Lark). — Common 

 on the banks of large rivers. 



Alauda gulgula, Frankl. (Indian Sky-Lark). — I have not found 

 this bird at all common. Its song is not so long or melodious 

 as the European Lark. 



Mirafra assamica, McClell. (Bengal Bush-Lark). — Very 

 common. Numbers noticed in April, May, and June. A nest I 

 took was placed on the ground, and contained four eggs. 



Galerita cristata, Linn. (Crested Lark). — Very common on 

 waste and grassy lands. 



Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scop. (Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark). — 

 Very common on waste and grassy lands. It has a curious 

 habit of rising a few feet from the ground, uttering the while a 

 curious mournful whistle. They are very tame, and will let one 

 get within a few feet of them before taking wing. 



Arachnechthra asiatica, Lath. (Purple Sun-bird). — Common. 

 Breeds throughout the district in February, March, April, and 

 May. It builds a hanging nest placed in a variety of situations, 

 as a rule on trees and shrubs, and rarely under the eaves of 

 houses. 



Dicceum erythrorhynchus, Lath. (Tickell's Flower-pecker). — 

 Very common, keeping to the tops of high trees and on flowering 

 shrubs. I have never found its nest. 



Piprisoma squalidum, Burt. (Thick-billed Flower-pecker). — 

 Common. Breeds in March, April, May, and June, making a 

 very neat purse-shaped nest, as a rule built on mango trees. 

 Three is the full complement of eggs. 



Liopicus mahrattensis, Lath. (Yellow-fronted Pied Wood- 



