368 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



proximity to those of Drongos. Along this portion of the 

 Himalayas (Simla) the eggs and young of the Kokla Green 

 Pigeons (Sphenocercus sphenurus) suffer largely from the depre- 

 dations of Jungle Crows, and I have often found a nest of the 

 former placed within a few feet of one belonging to the Indian 

 Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus longicaudatus) . The Koklas belonging 

 to the nest were allowed free access and regress to the tree, but 

 it was very different when a stranger showed himself in the 

 vicinity. In this particular instance that I happened to witness, 

 it was an unfortunate Black-throated Jay (Garrulus lanceolatus) , 

 which unknowingly approached too close, and was handled so 

 severely by the Drongos that it soon had to make itself scarce. 



Vultures are dull birds, and yet I have been assured on 

 excellent authority that on one occasion when a zealous oologist 

 approached the nest of apparently a Gyps bengalensis, the old 

 bird refused to budge, and, to get rid of the intruder, vomited on 

 him ! The sequel of the story is not known, but we may, I 

 think, safely assume that the old bird was left in peaceful 

 possession of her home. 



One cannot help being struck with the extraordinary care 

 and judgment exhibited by a large majority of birds in the 

 selection of sites for their nests. When the proper time 

 approaches, a pair may frequently be seen examining branch 

 after branch with the minutest scrutiny ; the examination 

 sometimes extending over a considerable period, and at other 

 times being only the work of a few hours. In a large number 

 of cases, it is not easy to say why a particular spot has been 

 chosen, when scores of other places, which to our way of 

 thinking are equally as good, have been rejected. Ants, lizards, 

 exposure to rain and wind, food supplies, &c, are no doubt 

 important factors, which must necessarily be taken into calcula- 

 tion, though these do not always appear to influence selection. 

 Concealment from possible enemies is of course the sine qua non 

 aimed at, but even this important precaution is not always 

 taken. Some nests are placed in exposed positions, and the 

 only reasonable conclusion to be drawn is that in their very 

 conspicuousness lies their safety. 



Once a spot has been selected, building operations go on 

 with great activity; but in some instances, when a nest has 



