BIRDS COLLECTED IN BENGAL. 211 



the nest if they have the least suspicion it has been touched, as 

 I have more than once found when a pair were nesting, and on 

 putting in my hand to feel for eggs, though the birds had not 

 laid, they deserted. It is curious how few nests are come across, 

 considering how common the bird is. 



Cypselus melba, Linn. (Alpine Swift). — I have several times 

 seen these birds, but was unable to shoot any. 



C. affinis, Gray (Common Indian Swift). — Common every- 

 where. 



Tachomis batassiensis, Gray (Palm Swift). — Very common. 

 Breeds nearly throughout the year on palm trees. Three is the 

 full complement of eggs. 



Chcetura sp. ?. — Mr. Inglis writes: — "On the evening of 

 Aug. 26th, 1897, I saw from twelve to fifteen Spinetails flying 

 over Janiagar in a northerly direction." 



Caprimulgus macrurus, Horsf. (Horsfield's Nightjar). — Often 

 seen in the cold weather. 



C. asiaticus, Lath. (Common Indian Nightjar). — I have only 

 twice shot this species. This bird has a curious note, like the 

 sound ice makes when a stone is thrown along it. 



Cuculus micwpterus, Gould (Indian Cuckoo). — More often 

 heard than seen. Its cry resembles the words, " Make more 

 pekoe." 



C. canorus, Linn. (European Cuckoo). — I once saw this 

 species sitting on some railings at Dalsingh Serai in March, 

 1900. There was no mistaking the species, as it was uttering its 

 familiar cry at the time I saw it. 



Hierococcyx varius, Vahl. (Common Hawk-Cuckoo). — Very 

 common and very noisy during the hot weather, but silent during 

 winter. This is the hated " Brain-fever Bird " of Europeans in 

 India, as its cry is said to resemble the words " brain-fever." 



Goccystesjacobinus, Bodd. (Pied Crested Cuckoo). — A common 

 summer migrant, arriving in May. 



Eudnamys honorata, Linn. (Indian Koel). — Very common 

 during the hot weather and .monsoon. It lays its eggs in the 

 nests of the House-Crows. Its food consists of fruit and birds' 

 eggs. 



Taccocua leschenaulti, Less. (Sirkeer Cuckoo). — This is not a 

 very common bird, and perhaps often overlooked on account of 



