144 
POPULAR HISTORY OF BIRDS. 
accompanied by the birds who forewarned them of their 
danger"^/^ Dr. Smith adds, that he never found this bird 
on any other quadruped than the buffalo, though in the same 
districts two birds of similar habits are found [Buphaga 
Jfncana, and B, erytlirofhynclia), which however restrict 
their visits exclusively to the rhinoceros. Dr. Smith found 
the buffalo-bird to the northward of the 25th degree of 
south latitude. 
The common Myna of India {Pastor tristis) is also one 
of the Starling family ; and, like many of the group, is fond 
of keeping near cattle, following them as they graze, and get- 
ting the grasshoppers and other insects disturbed by their 
feet. Mr. Jerdon describes it (Madras Journal, xi. p. 31) 
as roosting in numerous flocks, generally on high trees, and 
dispersing about sunrise in small parties. Like our starling, 
its breeding-places are various, such as about old buildings, 
or in the holes of old trees and walls. Its notes are generally 
harsh, loud, and disagreeable, but some of them are sweet ; 
and, from its aptitude as a scholar,^^ it is not unfrequently 
caught when young, and caged and taught to repeat words 
and sentences. The Myna is one of the first birds in India 
that attracts a stranger^s attention. 
* Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa, pi. Ixiv. 
