150 
CATALOGUE. 
Dicrurus indicus, Steph. Hodgs., As. Bes. XVIII. p. 21, 
t. Pearson, Jown. A. S. Beng. X. p. 638. 
Bhuchanga albirictus, Hodgs., Ind. Bev. 1. p. 326. 
Corvus balicassius, apud Lath., Hist. II. p. 61. Dr. F. 
(B.) Hamilton, MS. 1. p. 58. 
Dicrurus balicassius, apud Syhes, B. Z. S. (1832), p. 86. 
Jerd., Madr. Journ. L. 8. X. p. 238. McClell., B. 
Z. S. (1839), p. 158. 
The Common King Crow of India. 
KoLSA or BoJXJNGA, Hind., Br. F. (B.) Hamilton. Jerd. 
Sometimes, also, Kotwal, Jerd. 
FiNGA, Beng., Br. F. (B.) Hamilton. Bh/th. Tickell. 
QwTAi-MYEE-TSHWAi, Arracan, Blyth. 
Jhamp, Himalayas, Boyle. 
A. B. Dukhun. Presented by Colonel Sykes. 
C. d. e. Calcutta. Presented by the Asiatic Society of 
Bengal. 
f. g. Donors unknown. 
h. Drawing. From Dr. F. (B.) Hamilton's Collection. 
i. j. h Nepal {Bh. albirictus, Hodgs.). Presented by 
B. H. Hodgson, Esq., July, 1853. 
" This is the most common and abundant species of Dicrurus, and 
is to be met with in every part of the country, and inhabits alike the 
open country and wooded districts, but is never found in dense 
jungle. It may be seen perched on a tree or hedge, the top of a low 
bush on the plain, or a stack of grain, — frequently also on the top of 
a waU or old building, the bank of a paddy-field, or even a clod of 
earth or ant-hill, and it is by no means uncommon to see one on the 
back of cattle, sheep, or goats, while grazing. From this perch it 
watches eagerly for the stirring of an insect below ; on observing one, 
it flies rapidly to the spot, and generally alighting for an instant on 
the ground, seizes its prey ; frequently, however, the devoted grass- 
hopper, or other insect, being also on the look-out, makes an attempt 
to escape, but is closely pursued by the king-crow, who either snaps 
it up on the wing or just as it has alighted. Having secured it, the 
Kolsa flies off" generally, but not always to its former perch, devours 
it at leisure, and then uttering its usual cry, is again ready for 
