BIRDS COLLECTED IN BENGAL. 209 



pecker). — I have never found this bird common, and have very 

 few specimens. 



Iyngipicus hardwickii, Jerd. (Indian Pigmy Woodpecker). — 

 Not uncommon among mango groves. 



Micropternus phceoceps, Blyth (Rufous Woodpecker). — I have 

 only seen two specimens of this bird during the four years I was 

 collecting. 



Brachypternus aurantius, Linn. (Golden-backed Woodpecker). 

 This is by far the commonest Woodpecker in the district, and 

 its curious cry is heard in nearly every mango grove. Breeds in 

 March, April, May, and June, and I once found a nest in July. 

 Three is the full complement of eggs. 



lynx torquilla, Linn. (Wryneck). — An uncommon cold weather 

 visitor. I have only once seen it, and one specimen was shot by 

 one of my collectors. 



Thereiceryx zeylonicus, Gmel. (Common Indian Green Bar- 

 bet). — Very common. Breeds in April, May, and June. One 

 nest I found at Dalsingh Serai in June contained three newly - 

 hatched young. The nest was in a hole in the branch of a pepul 

 tree a few feet from the ground. 



Xantholcema hcematocephala, Mull. (Crimson-breasted Barbet). 

 Very common. Its monotonous cry of " tok tok tok " is heard 

 as soon as the warm days set in, and is kept up from morning to 

 night without ceasing. They breed in February, March, and 

 April. I watched one making a nest-hole in an acacia tree in 

 February, 1900, but unfortunately before the nest was finished 

 one of the birds was killed by flying against a window. Another 

 bird I watched was hollowing a hole in a bamboo. 



Coracias indica, Linn. (Indian Roller). — Common throughout 

 the district. Breeds in March, April, May, and June. A nest 

 found in April contained two young. Three is the usual number 

 of eggs, though I have taken four on one occasion. 



Merops viridis, Linn. (Common Green Bee-eater). — Very 

 common. Breeds in March, April, and May. Three to four is 

 the usual number of eggs. 



M. philippinus, Linn. (Blue-tailed Bee-eater). — Not so com- 

 mon as M. viridis, but nevertheless found in considerable num- 

 bers in some places. Though it is a resident, its numbers are 

 greatly increased during the hot weather by migrants. It breeds 



