82 : BIRDS IN SINGAPORE. 
plumage and bright red beak is a most attractive bird when 
seen close. At a distance in form and flight it may be mistaken 
for the Tiong (Fu/abes). the dark colour of its plumage appearing 
black and the light blue spots on its wings resembling the white 
ones in the same part of the Tiong. Indeed it seems to me 
that it mimics the latter more powerful and aggressive bird, 
and perhaps may thus sometimes escape the attacks of hawks, 
to which, however, it not rarely falls a prey on account of its 
bold habit of sitting in the most conspicuous positions. 
The Orioles are represented by the beautiful black and 
yellow * Chindrawaseh” of the Malays (Oriolus indicus), which is 
often kept in cages by the natives, especially in Java, where it is 
more common than here. It is only a casual visitor, and is usually 
to be seen about Waringin trees when the fruit is ripe. 
The Tiong (Fulabes javanensis) usually visits us in small 
flocks. Itis rather a noisy aggressive bird, especially when a num- 
ber collect in the jungle where there is a tiger or pig, when all 
flock together in the adjoining trees and make a great noise 
at the reposing anima]. The Tiong is often kept in cages by the 
natives, and learns to talk very well, but it is rather delicate and 
apt to die suddenly. The natives say that it always expires at the 
sight of blood. Some yearsago when a number of these birds 
were being kept in Malacca, an order was sent round that all 
Tiongs were to be set free, apparently under the impression that 
they were insect-eaters, and would benefit the place by being 
released. The district presently abounded in these bird, 
which for some time did not go away from the spots where they 
were set free. Unfortunately the Tiong feeds exclusively on fruit, 
so that they produced no benefit to the crops, but probably rather 
the reverse. Its ordinary cry is Tiong-Tiong, whence its Malay 
name but it also makes a low gurgling sound like distant human 
voices. 
The Glossy Starling (Ca’ornis chalybecus) is most abundant | 
at times, flying in large flocks and wheeling in masses like the 
English Starling. It is however a more beautiful bird, being of a 
very deep green colour with crimson eyes. It feeds entirely on 
fruits, being especially fond of those of the Waringin. It is 
known as the “ Perling” by the Malays. 
The Ant-thrushes or Pittas are regular visitants, but do 
not stay long, and I doubt if they breed here. The only one I 
