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The Brcediyig of Malabar Mynahs. 
(I be iBrccDiiiG of HDalabar nDriiabs- 
{Poliopsar malabarims). 
By Miss Mary E. Baker. 
Early in June my pair of Malabar Starlings seemed very 
anxious to find a nesting site, and, after inspecting every box 
and basket in the aviary, they finally decided on a box which I 
placed on a shelf for them. 
This box was i8 inches long, lo inches wide and about the 
same in height; the cover was nailed down and a round hole cut 
in the front large enough for a Starling to comfortably pass in 
and out through. The nest (a large one) was constructed of 
dried rootlets, grass bents, dead leaves and feathers. 
It took several days to complete, and the two birds kept 
lip a continual chatter as they flew about tlie aviary collecting 
building material. I think both of them worked at the nest. 
After completion, four eggs were duly laid, of a very beautiful 
shade of blue without any markings whatever. The hen alone 
performed the duties of incubation, tlie period being about 
thirteen days. 
When the 3'oung birds were hatched I knew that, if they 
were to be reared, I should have to be industrious indeed, so 
besides supplying them with mealworms, I hunted for butterflies, 
moths, beetles, large flies and grubs ; dug small earthworms and 
also supplied bunches of leaves covered with green fly. 
The parents were most assiduous in their attention to the 
young, in fact appeared to be feeding all day long. I took them 
fresh supplies every hour from early morning until eight o'clock 
at night until the young left the nest. 
Although so much insect food was given, the young were 
not brought up on that alone, as they consumed a lot of ants' 
eggs (as bought), dried flies, some small pieces of beef and milk 
sop, the latter made with boiling milk. 
The little Malabars left the nest when three weeks old, 
full}' feathered, and almost as large as their parents. Tliey grew 
apace, and when a month old could pick up food. They now 
fend for themselves and also bathe regular!}'. 
Tliey all resemble their parents in plumage save that they 
