198 a hand-book of the management of animals 



Treatment in sickness. 



The only ailment from which these birds have been known to suffer 

 in captivity is a horny tongue, generally accompanied by a filamentous 

 growth at the tip {see No. 24). 



Observations on the habits. 

 It becomes tame and sociable in captivity. 



(37) THE LABGE-TAILED DEONGO. 



(DISSEMUEUS PAKADISEUS-(Zm«.) ) 



Bengali and Hindi — Bhimraj. 



This interesting bird is widely known in Bengal and many other 

 parts of India. It varies somewhat in size and the length of its 

 lateral tail-feathers and the tuft of its forehead ; those from Bengal are 

 generally smaller with comparatively smaller head tufts than those from 

 Goruckpore, Almora, and other places in the Himalayas and the Terai. 



Hab. — Most parts of India, also Burmah, Ceylon and Tenasserim. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 A specimen obtained in 1886 is still alive and well. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — May be treated like the preceding specimen (No. 36). 

 If kept in a cage, the latter should be large, as otherwise the tail 

 will be injured. In this garden the Bhimraj is kept in one of the 

 smaller divisions of the principal aviary, which is about ten feet long, 

 six feet broad, and some twenty-two feet high. A specimen has been 

 known to be so amiable in disposition as to keep company with pigeons 

 and chakar partridges; as soon, however, as an attempt is made to 

 associate other species of drongos, or even magpies, it swoops down upon 

 and torments them. Whether it is kept in a cage or in an aviary, 

 a bath should be provided. 



Food. — Minced meat, satoo, insects, maggots, &c. A bhimraj has 

 been known to kill rats and lizards. 



Treatment in sickness. 



These birds suffer from bad moult, and in such cases the long tail 

 feathers do not appear until after the next season. The only treatment 

 that can be recommended is cleanliness and good food. 



Observations on the habits of a Bhimraj. 



Very sociable in habits, and when properly _ tamed affords great 

 amusement ; intelligent and knowing, and has evidently some idea of 

 fun; bhimrajes have been known to frighten shamas by mewing like 

 a cat. 



