OF DICRURUS. ^ 23 



From a careful examination of several of these birds — males and fe- 

 males — young and old, I am led to suspect that the three species in Shaw, 

 referred to above, are only more or less accurate descriptions of one and 

 the same species. The Laniidse of this work exhibit — according to 

 Stephens' new arrangement— a world of genera separated, I humbly think, 

 with more cunning than wisdom. But be that as it may, I trust that the 

 accurate details now furnished from ample observations, will enable the 

 future Ornithologist at least to give an accurate and full account of the 

 Indian Bhiichang, and to determine whether Shaw's three species be really 

 distinct or not. 



The bird is found very generally throughout the vast Bengal presi- 

 dency, and also in the mountains confining it on the east and north. It 

 is very common in the valley of Nipal ; is familiar with man ; and seems 

 to love the neighbourhood of country houses. 



It is monogamous, and associates usually in pairs — but five or six are 

 always found in the same vicinity. It is capable of a very rapid forward 

 flight, and when exerting its speed makes a loud whirring noise with its 

 ■wings. Commonly it makes short jerking parabolic flights from and to a 

 bare tree, whereon it sits watching for insects and thence darts, as above 

 described, to catch them on the wing. I have been told it will sometimes 

 seize very small or young sickly birds — but never saw it do so : and its 

 food undoubtedly consists, in the main, of insects, and chiefly of winged 

 ones. It likewise feeds upon the vermin that harbour in the skins of 

 sheep and oxen ; and is constantly seen attendant upon herds and flocks, 

 perched upon an animal's back, and searching the skin with its bill. 



It is very bold, frequently pursuing Crows and Kites, that come near 

 its perch— and such is the rapidity of its flight that it can overtake the 



