The Large NiJtam. 
35 
is loosely constructod of moss and mostly placed in the cleft 
of a rock or a tree-trunk. The eggs are pale buff, spotted 
with i);ilc red. Jordon describes the nest as loosely constructed 
of moss, and when placed in the cleft of a rock, the shape 
is accommodated to it. having seen the nest shaped like a 
parallelogram, long, quite flat on the sides, and the two ends 
slightly rounded. 
There are two other Niltavas which range tlie Hima- 
layas, viz., the Eufous-boUied (.V. sundara) well known to 
English aviculture, and of which our member Mr. E. S. 
dc (}. Quincey, possesses a true pair, also brought over by 
Major Peircau. This species differs from grandis in its' 
smaller size (Gj in.), and the rich rufous -chestnut of its 
lowor |)luin;ige : and the small ( A", mficf/r/f/oririe) which dif- 
fers in its still smaller size (5 in.), violet-blue neck and 
breast, pale ashy abdomen and white ventral region. All 
three resemble each other greatly in general demeanour and 
characteristics. 
Perhaps Mr. de Q. Quincey will kindly oblige with 
an account of his pair, which have enjoyed the comparative 
freedom of a roomy garden aviary during 1912. 
♦ 
Some Punjab River Birds. 
By H. Whistler, LP., M.B.O.U. 
Of all the fascinating phases of bird life that await 
the observation of the Naturalist in India, one of t.fie most 
striking is that which consists of the feathered population of 
our Punjab rivers. And this is, I think, because one meets 
commonly on them many species of birds belonging to types 
which arc as a rule less familiar to the Naturalist in England; 
unless he happens to live in the comparatively few parts 
suitable for such birds as Terns, Plovers, and Sandpipers. 
These stray notes are collected from experience gained 
on two of the Punjab rivers — namely, the Sutlej at Pliillaur 
and Fei'ozepore. and the Jhelum at Jhelum, at which three 
places, although many miles apart, the ground and the birds 
observed were more or less similar. 
It may be well to start with a brief description of the 
rivers at these points, where they are most unlike the water- 
