I have found the 
ty distinguished from that species, except by Its note* 
nests of both in close proximity to one another. 
It has a weak jerky flight, sustained for a short distance,only, and is 
insectivorous in diet, feeding on small caterpillars, larvae, minute insects 
etcetera, 
NIDIPICATION 
I have found the nest of this species in almost every month from February 
till November; the prevailing time, however, in all parts of the Island is 
from May until June, birds breeding in October and November being probably 
in the act of rearing a second brood. 
It builds its neat and cleverly constructed nest between the stalks of 
paddy or other cultivated species of grass, about three feet from the ground* 
The egg cavity is very deep for its width, for the better security of its 
contents, which are liable to be swayed to and fro with the wind. The nest 
is sometimes dome shaped, with the top forming a hood over the entrance, 
which in some fcn&tances, is neat and rounded, and in others wide and unfin¬ 
ished. Many, however, have an ingeniously made root of the green leaves of 
the supporting stalks, cleverly bent down and interlaced. The body of the 
nest is constructed of strips of green grass, generally sewn into the stalks 
at the bottom to form a secure foundation, the rest being woven round them 
to form the walls; the lining consists of finer strips of grass, scantily 
arranged In some cases, so that the bottom can be plainly seen through. 
The interior usually measures two inches in width by three In depth. The 
eggs are almost Invariably four in number, of a beautiful blue ground colour 
very handsomely though sparingly blotched with rich umber and sepia blotches 
of two shades, which In some examples are gathered mostly round the larger 
end. 
They measure from .6 by .47 to .67 by .49, and the period of their incu¬ 
bation Is ffom eleven to thirteen days. They are almost entirely hatched 
by the heat of the atmosphere in fine weather, the bird resorting to the 
nest at sun-down, and leaving it again in the morning. 
The upper bird in the drawing accompanying this article Is a male shot in 
July at Hurulle tank. 
