THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
$99 
their mischievous tricks and impudence are put up with, 
and they are never suffered to be shot or otherwise destroyed. 
The kites and vultures are very destructive to the 
feathered tribes of the forest ; but where troops are en- 
camped, are, like the crows, very useful in removing all 
noisome matters. 
The Indian roller is a bird remarkable for the beauty 
of its plumage : its tail is ornamented with two feathers of 
singular appearance and remarkable length. 
The yellow-crowned thrush, which is here kept in cages, 
is remarkable for its powers of imitation, and can readily 
repeat every note which it hears. 
Among the smaller birds, the tailor-bird is particularly 
remarkable for the art with which it constructs its nest. 
This bird is of a yellow colour, not exceeding three inches 
in length, and slender in proportion. To preyent the pos- 
sibility of its little nest being shaken down, it contrives 
to attach it in such a manner to the leaves of the tree, 
that both must stand or fall together. The nest is formed 
of leaves which it picks up from the ground ; and it contrives, 
by means of its slender bill and some fine fibres, which 
it uses as needle and thread, to sew these leaves to those 
growing on the tree with great dexterity. Hence it re- 
ceives the name of the tailor-bird. The lining, which 
consists of down, adds little to the weight of the nest, 
which is scarcely felt on the twig that supports it. 
Two species of fly-catchers are found in Ceylon. They 
