SHUIKES. 
129 
tidci) issue from their nests at the bottom of a tree or hedge- 
row^ many of these birds^ associated with the Mina Grakle^ 
assemble as to a feast. The name King-crow/^ given 
to this bird^ has been acquired from its habit of following 
crows with great clamour and perseverance^ and every now 
and then pouncing on them. Mr. Jerdon informs us also 
that this is the first bird whose song is heard in the morning : 
it commences often long before sunrise^ and he has heard it 
on moonhght nights singing and chuckling. The bird is 
sometimes tamed^ and taught to perch on the head or hand 
of its master^ from which it will fly down after any insect. 
One species^ the Eacket-tailed Drongo Shrike {Dicmms 
retifer, L, Malabaricus, Shaw)^ is also^ according to Mr. 
Jerdon {L c, 241)^ occasionally tamed. In former times this 
bird was not unfrequently caught^ and sold for a high price 
at Hyderabad. It is said to resemble the mocking-bird in 
its imitative propensities, and has hence acquired the name 
of ^^Huzar Dustan/^ or "bird of a thousand tales."^' 
CoNiRosTEES. — This third great group of the Passerine 
birds is distinguished by the beak being stout and conical, 
and for the most part without a notch at the end. The 
Crows, Birds of Paradise, Orioles, Starlings, and Pinches 
are comprised in it; while the Plantain-eaters and Horn- 
