The Jungle Babbler
Turdoides somerviller (Sykes).
Size: About that of the Myna,
Field Characters: A familiar earthy-brown bird of frowzled,
untidy appearance and a longish tail that gives the impression of
being loosely stuck into the body. Always in flocks of half a
dozen or so, whence its popular names of Sdivhdi and ‘ Seven
Sisters.’ Sexes alike.
Distribution: Throughout India and Assém, in the plains and
up to abont 5,000 fect elevation. It avoids beth heavy evergreen
forest and treeless country. Vive geographical races are recog-
nised on slight differences, mainly of colouration. Replaced in
Ceylon and Burma by other related species.
Habits: This Babbler inhabits outlying jungle as well as well-
wooded compounds, gardens and groves of trees about towns and
villages. ‘The flocks or ‘ sisterhoods ’ spend their time hopping
about on the ground, rummaging amongst the fallen leaves for
insects. They habitually form the nucleus of the mixed hunting
parties of insectivorous birds that move about the forests, They
keep up a constant harsh chatter and squeaking, and as a rule the
best of good fellowship prevails within a sisterhood, Occasionally
differences of opinion arise between members, and toud and
discordant wrangting ensues ; bill and claw are then freely plied
and feathers fly. To outside aggression however, they always
present a united front and when one of the flock has been set
upon, the others will boldly attack and often put to ront the
marauding hawk or cat,
‘Their food consists of spiders, cockroaches and other insects
and larve. Banyan and Peepal figs, Lantana and other berries,
and grain are also relished. Babblers are inordinately Tond of
the flower-nectar of the Coral and Silk Cotton trees and inci-
dentally do considerable service in cross-pollinating the blossoms,
Nesting: There is no well defined season and odd birds breed
imregniarly throughout the year, Lhe breeding pairs continue
tc remain with the Nock, only detaching themselves now and
again to attend to their private concerns. The nest is a loosely
put together cup of twigs, roots and grass placed in the tork of
some leafy mango or other tree, 8 to ro fect from the ground.
Three or four eggs comprise the clutch. They are of a beautiful
turquoise blue colour. Both sexes build, incubate and tend the
young. The Pied Crested and Common Hawk-Cuckoos often
foist their eggs in this habbler’s nest, and shed their parental
responsibilities upon the dupe.
14
The Common Babbler
15
8. The Common Babbler
Argya caudala (Dumont).
Size: That of the Bulbul with a relatively longer tail.
Field Characters: Slimmer than the Jungle Babbler and like
it always secn int flocks of half a dozen or so on the ground or in
low bushes. The earthy-brown upper plumage is streaked
darker, and the long, graduated, loosely attached tail is finely
cross-rayed. Sexes alike.
A closely allied species, the Large Grey Babbler, A.
malcoinu, with grey forehead and white outer tail leathers is
also common in the drier portions of the plains.
Distribution: The typical race caudata is resident throughout
the dry plains and hills of India up to about 4,000 feet. Not in
Burma, Assam or Ceylon. It has two other geographical races
outside India proper, viz., eclipes, in the Trans-Salt Range Plateau
and Autoni, in Afghanistan, Baluchistan, ete,
Habits: The Common [abbler is strangely catholic in its choice
of habitats. It avoids heavy evergreen forest and on the whole
prefers dry open country. But it is equally at home in the
deserts of Sind and Rajpaitana where the annual rainfall is under
5 inches a year, and the Jlimalayan foothills where it often
excceds a hundred.
Flocks spend their time scuttling along the gronud like rats
under hedges or through prickly scrub and thickets, rummaging
for insects. They are loth to take wing and usually rely on their
nimble legs when alarmed or moving from bush to bush. The
flight is feeble—-a few rapid flaps followed by a glide on outspread
wings and tail. Their calls are a series of short pleasant trilling
whistles. When agitated— as for instance at the appearance of a
prowling cat or mongoose—the birds utter a musical whistling
Which-which-whichi-vi-ri-vi-ri-ri-vi, etc., as they nervously twitch
their wings and hop from bush to bush, pecring down at the
intruder, loosely jerking their tails, the whole sisterhood com-
bining to hurl invectives at it in disorderly chorus.
Their food consists of spiders, grasshoppers and other insccts,
and their larva. Lantana and other berries, as well as grain are
also eaten.
Nesting : The season is poorly defined and odd birds breed
more or less throughont the year. The most general period
however is between March and July, and often two broods are
raised. The nest is a neat compact cup of grass and rootlets
placed in a low thorny bush, seldom more than 5 feet up. Three
or fonr glossy turquoise coloured eggs form the clutch. Both
sexes share in the domestic duties. The nests are commonly
parasitised by the Pied Crested and Hawk-Cuckoos,
16
The Deccan Scimitar Babbler
7
9. The Deccan Scimitar Babbler
Pomatorhinus horsficldii Sykes.
Size: Between the Bulbul and the Myna,
Field Characters: A dark brown babbler with white throat
and breast, a prominent white eyebrow, and curved, pointed
yellow bill, Pairs or small fucks usually in dense cover. Sexes
alike.
Distribution: Peninsular India from the Vindhya Mountains
to Travancore and Ceylon. So far five races are recognised
mainly on depth of colouration and size of bill,
Habits: The Scimitar Babbler is confined to thickly forested
country, preferably where it is broken and hilly. It is met with
up toabout 6,000 feet elevation, being inost abunclant in secondary
evergreen jungle with patches of bamboo and cane or thorn-
brakes. The birds go ahout in pairs or small scattered flocks of
4 to ro individuals which rummage on the ground in the dense
undergrowth, flicking the leaves over or digging in the moist
earth with their scimitar bills, in search of insects anc grubs,
They also hop about the moss-covered branches of forest trees
or amongst the bamboo cuims in this quest. The members of a
flock maintain contact with one another by mellow bubbling or
gurgling calls. In the case of pairs the male usnally acts as
leader and is followed from one thicket to anether by the female
who acknowledges by a subdued Aroo-Avoo or krokdnt every one
of his musical flute-Hke calls. When alarmed, the birds hop
along the branches with great agility as if to get under weigh
hefore launching dewn into the secinsien of the dense under-
growth, Like the other babblers, their flight is feeble and i-
sustained. The deep mellow whistling call of four notes,
constantly uttered, prockiims their presence in a patch of jungle
long before they are visible. The birds are as a rule shy and great
skulkers, but will sometimes boldly enter town limits in quiet
hill-stations.
Nesting: The principal breeding months are from December
to May. The nest is a looscly put together domed structure -—
a ball of grass, moss, rootlets and leaves. Ht is placed on the
ground at the foot of some bush growing, for preference, on the
side of adry forest nullah, and is inconspicuous in its surroundings.
Three to five eggs are laid, pure white, thin-shelled and trans-
lucent. Both sexes share in the nest-building,
8
Aka
MAE a unbbelhe
The Rufous-bellied Babbler
19
10. The Rufous-bellied Babbler
Duinetia hyperythra (Franklin).
Size: Abont that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters : A restless little bird olive-brown above,
fulvens below, in small cheeping flocks in scrub and grass jungle.
Sexes alike.
Distribution: Resident throughont the greater part of India
(excepting the dry areas in the north-west) from the Himalayan
foothills south, and across into Ceylon. Absent in Assam and
Bunna. Two races are recogmsed. The Southern race
(adboguiaris) differs from the typical Northern mainly in depth
of tint and in having the ehin and throat white.
Habits: The Rufous-bellied Babbler inhabits lightly wooded
and thorny sernh country, being especially partial to areas
with an intermingling of tall coarse grass. It goes about in loose
flocks of 5 to to lurds searching the undergrowth and grass stems
for tsects. The individuals keep in touch with one another by
means of feeble ut sharp cheeping calls. -Strech, sweech, &e.—
Qmistakuble by the uncritical for a Sunbird's). ‘These are pune-
tuated by harsh tittering notes when perturbed. They are
great skolkers. On taking alarm the birds promptly scatter and
dive into the thickest portions of the undergrowth. Seon,
however, the flack reassenibles by the louder and more agitated
cheeping und tittcring of its members, and resumes the hunt
for food.
The «dict consists principally of insects and their larvae,
They are also fond of the flawer-nectar of Silk Cotton, Coral
and other blossoms,
Nesting: The breeding scason over mast of its range is during
the S.-W. Monsoon, between the middle of May and September,
Also November to March in Ceylon, The nest is a neat hall-
shaped structure about six inches across, composed of coarse
grasses and bamboo leaves, lined with finer grass and rootlets,
with small round entrance hole at the side. 1 is placed in a
thorny bush or clamp of grass or bamboos, seldom above 3 feet
from the ground, and is often concealed by a dense growth of
mousoon creepers. The eggs--three or four in) number. --are a
glossy pinkish-white, profusely speckled and blotched with
teddish or dark brown.
The Yellaw-eyed Babbler
2t
11, The Yellow-eyed Babbler
Chrysonme sinensis (Gmelin).
Size: Slightly smaller than the Bulbul.
Field Characters: A long-tailed bird, cinnamon and chestnut-
brown «above, white below, with conspicuous orange-yellow
eyelids. In small parties in scrub and grass undergrowth. Sexes
alike.
Distribution : Resident throughout the plains and lower hills
(ap to about 5,000 ft.) of India proper, Assim, Burma and Ceylon.
Over this range 4 geographical races are recognised on depths
of colouration,
Habits: The Yellow-eyed Babbler is a resident of scrub-,
thorn and grass-jungle and like its Rufous-bellied relative, with
which it is often found side by side, it is partial to thickets
in which tall coarse grass predominates. Itis commonly met with
about cultivation among the thorn and grass tangles growing
on bands dividing the fields. The birds move about in small
loose flocks of 4 or 5, hunting among the brushwood for insects,
often clinging to the grass-stems sideways or upside down in the
manner of tits. The notes usually uttered are a clear, loud and
somewhat plaintive cheep-cheep-cheep, &c. In the breeding
season, principally, the males clamber up to exposed situations—
the top of a bush or tuft of grass—and utter a loud and pretty
song. ‘They are great skulkers, and when alarmed will hop
from bush to bush through the undergrowth and disappear,
uttering harsh tittering notes. ‘The flight is feeble, jerky and
undulating.
The food consists of spiders, grasshoppers and other insects
and caterpillars, but hke others of their ilk they will invariably
take flower-nectar from Coral and Sitk Cotton blossoms when-
ever available.
Nesting : The season is during the S.-W. Monsoon, between
June and September. The nest is a neat, deep cup of coarse
grasses lined with finer material and more or less cemented on the
outside with cobwebs. It is wedged into the crotch of a bush,
or shing hammockwise between the upright steins of grasses or
monsoon plants, and usually under 5 feet from the ground.
Four or five eggs form a chitch. ‘These are yellowish-white in
colour finely speckled with purplish-hbrown, and have a fair
gloss. Both sexes build, incubate and tend the young who leave
the nest 12 or 13 days after hatching.
The Common Iora
Female
Male
23
12. The Common Iora
githina tiphia (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters : <A glossy jet-black and canary-yellow
tit-like bird, usually accompanied by his mate chiefly grcenish-
yellow. In gardens, groves and light forest. In non-breeding
scison (winter plumage) the male resembles the female in
appearance.
Distribution : Resident throughout the plains and hills (up
ta about 3,000 feet) of the Indian Empire east of a line running
from the Gulf of Cainbay through Mt. Aboo to Gardaspir
(Punjab). Three races are recognised on details of colouration,
viz., Northern (¢iphia), Central Indian (iumei) and Ceylonese
(multicolor), the last extending into Travancore.
Habits: The Iora is a bird of gardens, groves of trees on the
outskirts of villages such as Mango, Tamarind and Neem, and
light secondary forest. It is usually seen in pairs which hunt
for caterpillars and insects among the foliage hopping from twig
to twig, frequently clinging sideways or upside down to peer
under the leaves. The birds keep in touch with each other by
mellow whistles and short musical chirrups. Its Hindtistani
uname ‘ Shoubéégi’ is rather a good rendering of one of its
commonest whistling calls. The nuptial display consists of the
male chasing the female and posturing before her with wings
drooping, white rump feathers fluffed ont and tail slightly cocked
to the accompaniment of chirrupping notes, a variety of musical
whistles or a long drawn sibilant chee-ee. A very spectacular
turn in the display proceedings consists of the male springing
several feet up in the air, fluffing out and exhibiting the glistening
white feathers on his rump and parachuting down to his perch
in spirals looking like a ball of fiuff.
Nesting: The season varies somewhat from one locality to
another but may be put down as mainly hetween May and
September. The nest is a compact little cup, about 24” across,
of soft grass and root fibres neatly rounded off at the bottom.
It is worked into the crotch of a slender twig 4 to 30 feet from the
ground, but most commonly between 6 and 12. The exterior
is well plastered with cobwebs. The eggs number two to four
and are pale pinky-white in colour blotched with purplish-brown.
Bath sexes share in nest-building, incubation and care of the
young,
24
Mi het asatiiti=t
The Gold-fronted Chloropsis
Maile
25
13. The Gold-fronted Chloropsis or
‘Green Bulbul’
Chloropsis aurifrons (Temm. & Laug.).
Size; About that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters : An elegant, restless grass-preen bird with
bright golden forehead, purple and biack chin and throat and
slender curved bil, The female is less — brilliant. Pairs or
parties in leafy or Hower-laden trees.
Distribution : Resident in well-wooded areas more or less
throughout India, Burma and Ceylon up to about 6,000 feet
elevation. Within this range three races are recognised on
differences of size and depth of colouration.
Habits: This Chloropsis inhabits forest and on the whole
prefers more thickly wooded country than the next species.
It is usually met with in pairs or parties of up to 8 or so, hunting
industrionsly for insects among the foliage, clinging to the
twigs upside down and in all manner of acrobatic positions
in the qnest. Its colour harmonizes with the leaves so admirably
that the bird is oftener heard than secn. Even then it is fre-
quently passed over since, being an aecomplished mimic, it
rather obscures its own identity by its perfeet imitation of the
calls of other birds. Among the species commonly mimicked
are the Tailor-bird, Red-whiskered and Common Bulbnils,
Black Drongo, lora, White-breasted Kingfisher, Rufous-backed
Shrike and Magpie-Robin. ‘The various impersonations follow
one another without break and convey the impression that a
veritable avian League of Natious is in plenary session! Calls of
migratory birds are often intriguing when they are reproduced
long after the originals have left the locality. This fact
postulates a remarkably retentive memory on the part of
the Chloropsis.
lis food consists of spiders, insects, fruits and berries.
llower-nectar is also regularly eaten.
Nesting : The season over most of its range is between May
and August. In Travancore and Ceylon November to
February seem to be the favoured months. The nest is a loose
shallow enp of tendrills, moss, rootlets, &c., lined with soft grass
or bast fibres. It is carefully concealed, and usually difficnlt
of access owing to its situation at the extremity of an outhanging
branch near the top of some high tree. The eggs, normally
two, are cream or reddish-cream in colour, with profuse claret
specks all over,
20
Jerdon’s Chloropsis
Male
Female
27
14. Jerdon’s Chloropsis
Chloropsis jerdoni (Blyth).
Size: Same as the last.
Field Characters: Differs from the Gold-fronted species in
the absence of golden-orange on the forehead and in having
bright purplish-blue moustachial streaks. The difference be-
tween the colouration of the male and female is shown on the
plate. Arboreal habits.
Distribution: The Gangetic Plain, all Peninsular India
and Ceylon, Its range largely overlaps that of the last species,
but on the whole it prefers less thickly wooded country. It
is not found in Assim or Burma.
Habits: Jerdon’s Chloropsis does not differ appreciably in
habits from the foregoing, and the descriptions apply equally
toboth. On Coral and Silk Cotton trees in bloom, where they are
regular visitors, they act the blustering bully, attacking and
driving off every other bird feeding on the nectar, not only
in their immediate proximity but often a good distance away
in quite another part of the tree. They will even resort to
dog-in-the-manger tactics when not actually themselves eating,
swooping down from a neighbouring tree, chasing away other
birds from the flowers and returning to their base after each
sortie.
Chloropsis of variaus species are known as Harewa in Hindis-
tani. They make amusiug pets and are much prized by fanciers.
Their pugnacions disposition, however, makes them unsuited for
mixed aviaries.
Nesting : The principal breeding months are between April
and August, but somewhat earlier in the south. The nest
is very like that of the Gold-fronted species but the eggs—two
or rarely three in number—are very different in appearance.
The ground colour is pale creamy or pinkish-white, sparingly
marked with specks, blotches and hair lines of blackish, purplish
and reddish-brown, chiefly about the broader end.
28
The Red-vented Bulbul
29
15. The Red-vented Bulbul
Molpastes cafer (Linnaeus).
Size : Somewhat smailer and slimmer than the Myna. (87).
Field Characters: A perky smoke-brown bird with par-
tially crested black head, scale-like markings on breast and back
and a conspicuous crimson patch under the tail. Pairs or
parties in gardens and lightly wooded country, Sexes alike.
Distribution: A resident species, upto clevations of about
4,000 fect, throughout the Indian Empire. Over this wide
range five geographical races are differentiated on depth of
colouration and minor variations in size.
Habits : The Red-vented Bulbul is a common bird of gardens
and light scrub jungle both near and away from tuman habita-
tions. lv is nsually seen in pairs, but wherever food happens
to be plentiful—as for instance on a Banyan tree in ripe fruit
or at a swarming of winged termites——large numbers will collect.
Although it has no song as such, its notes have a peculiar air
of joyousness which, coupled with the bird’s vivacious disposition,
always make it a welcome visitor to the garden.
Its food consists of berries and insects. Occasionaily it
causes some damage to fruit in orchards and is at all times a
nuisance in the vegetable patch on account of its weakness
for peas. But it devours a great many injurious insects as
well, thereby largely compensating for the mischief it does.
This bulbul is of a pugnacious nature and ranks high with
Indian bird fanciers as a fighting bird. Great rivalry olstains
among the owners and often considerable sums change hands
on the bouts. Champion hirds fetch big prices.
Nesting : The breeding season, which varies slightly in the
different parts of its distribution, is between February and
October. The uest is a cup of rootlets sometimes plastered on
the outside with a little cobweb. It is placed at heights of
hetween 3 and 30 feet from the ground, but oftenest under 10
feet. Shrubs and creepers growing on or near verandahs,
stunted date palms, cactus hedges or pollarded ‘ Bhendi’
(Thespesia) and guava trees in gardens and on the countryside
are some of the sites chosen. The eggs—two or three in numher-—
are pinkish-white, profusely blotched with purplish-brown
or claret. Both sexes share in building, incubation and care
of the young.
30
The White-cheeked Bulbul
31
16. The White-cheeked Bulbul
Molpastes leucogenys (Gray).
Size: Same as the last.
Field Gharacters : A typical earthbrown bulbul with black
head, conspicuous glistening white cheeks and bright sulphur-
yellow under the tail. Sexes alike. In gardens and open scrub
country.
Distribution : Up to between 3 and 9,000 ft. in the Himalayas
from the extreme west to the Assim hills north of the Brahma-
pitra River. Throughout the north-western part of the Peninsula
including Gijerat and Kathiaw4r, south to about Bombay and
cast to Jhansi. Three races are recognised mainly on the colour
and length of the crest which varies from almost none, as in the
race illustrated (Jeucoits}, to the highly developed forwardly
drooping tuft of the typical race.
Habits: The White-clleeked Bulbul is a bird of the same jaunty
and vivacious disposition as its Red-vented and Red-whiskered
cousins. Within its range it is found wherever there are gardens
or orchards, but it may also be met with far from the haunts of
Man in semi-desert with a sparse sprinkling of Salvadora persica,
Capparis and other thorny bushes, About human habitations it
becomes excessively tameand confiding, and is a general favourite.
lts cheery notes and happy presence have won for it a cherished
place in local poetry and song. ‘The birds go about in pairs, but
small scattered flocks will collect where feeding is plentiful.
Its diet consists of fruits and berries of various kinds, as well
as insects, grubs and spiders. ‘ Bér’ drupes and the fruit of
the Persian Lilac or ‘ Boqain’ (Melia azadirachta\, Salvadova
and Wild Caper are largely eaten.
Nesting : The breeding season is not sharply defined. It
varies somewhat with local conditions, but the principal months
are from Marcli to September. The nest is the typical bulbul
type of structure—a cup of twigs, grass or rootlets, rather loosely
put together, It is placed in some low tree or thorn bush seldom
more than 5 feet from the ground, in a garden or in open scrub
country. The eggs—-3 or 4 in number—closely resemble in
appearance and markings those of the Red-vented Bulbul.
32
The Red-whiskered Bulbul
33
17, The Red-whiskered Bulbul
Otocompsa jocosa (Linnaeus.)
Size: Same as the Red-vented Bulbul,
Field Characters : Distinguishable at a glance from the fore-
going by the presence of an upstanding, pointed black crest which
sometinics curves forward almost over the beak. The crimson
‘whiskers ’ and undertail patch, and white underparts are other
diagnostic features. Sexes alike.
Distribution : Resident up to about 6,000 feet throughout the
Indian Empire excepting the dry portions in the North-west.
Three geographical races are recognised on the tints and minor
differences in colouration, Thongh often found side by side
with the Red-vented species, this bulbul appears on the whole to
prefer more humid habitats.
Habits. The Red-whiskered Bulbul is another of the more
familiar birds of our gardens and countryside, being found
wherever trees afford the praspect of food and shelter, not un-
commonly in the heart of noisy cities. Its joyous, querulous
notes may be heard at all hours of the day. The birds go about
in pairs, but numbers will colleet at some tree or shrub in fruit.
Their diet consists principally of berries—those of the [Lantana
being a favourite—-but they also devour a considerable number
of spiders, insects and caterpillars. They make engaging pets,
becoming exceedingly tame and confiding, following their master
about and flying long distances when called.
Nesting : Nests may be found at all seasons of the year, but
chiefly from Jebruary to August. The tiest, like that of the
Red-vented Bulbul, is a compact cup made of rootlets, fine twigs
and grass. Casuarina needles are utilised where available. The
site selected is usually some low tree, shrub or hedge in a garden
or in scrub country, there being little effort at concealment.
Occasionally it is placed in the thatch or palm-leaf walls and roofs
of huts, the birds sitting complacently on the eggs or feeding the
young within a few inches of the inmates. The eggs—two to
four in number—are very similar to those of the last species.
Both sexes share in next building, incubation and care of the
young. The incubation period is 15-16 days. Two, or even
three, broads are frequently raised or attempted in succession,
the casualty among the eggs and young being amazingly heavy.
34
The White-browed Bulbul
35
18. The White-browed Bulbul
Pycnonotus luteolus (Lesson).
Size: Same as the last.
Field Characters: A sober coloured brownish olive-green,
unerested bulbul, with pale underparts and conspicuous white
forchead and eyebrows. Sexes alike. Pairs in scrub and bush
jungle.
Distribution : More or less throughout Peninsular India south
of abent 23°N. latitnde—from Baroda on the west to Midnapar
(Bengal) on the east, down to Cape Comorin and Ceylon. An
Indian (Zudeolus) and a Ceylonese (i#sul@) race are recognised,
the latter being slightly smaller and darker.
Habits: ‘The White-browed Bulbul is an inhabitant of dry
open bush-and-scrub country and also frequents shrubbery in
gardens and rambling compounds. It avaids heavy forest and
cultivation alike, but may be found on the outskirts of either.
It goes about in pairs and on account of its staid appearance and
tetiring disposition is oftener heard than seen. The birds
ordinarily utter a subdued, throaty churr, but every now and
again the male explodes into loud, abrupt snatches of rattling
song which are quite unmistakable when once heard.
Its diet consists of Banyan and Peepal figs and of fruits and
berries of various kinds—those of Bér (Zizyphus) and J.antana
being two of the commonest. Spiders and insects are also eaten.
All buibuls, by nature of their food, play an important role
in the dispersal of seed and dissemination of plant-life over the
countryside.
Nesting: The season is mainly from March to September.
Birds in Travancore and Ceylon breed somewhat earlier, i.e.,
between I'ebruary and April. The nest is similar to that of the
Red-vented Bulbul---a neat but flimsy and loosely put-together
affair of rootlets, etc., without extra lining. It is placed in some
thick bush or young date palm, as a rule under 5 feet from the
ground.
The eggs—two or three in number—are less richly marked
but otherwise not unlike those of the Red-veuted species.
36
The Pied Bush-Chat
37
19. The Pied Bush-Chat
Saxicola caprata (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Sparrow.
Fleld Characters: <A jet black bird with white patches on
rump, abdomen and wings, the last more conspicuous in flight.
The female is earth-brown with a pale rusty coloured runvp. Pairs,
on bushtops, etc., in open country.
Distribution: More or less throughout the Indian Empire,
in the plains as well as hills, commonly up to 7,000 feet. To
north-western india and the Himalayan foothills it is only a
breeding summer visitor. Three geographical races are recog-
nised on slight differences in size and the extent of white on the
underparts of the male.
Habits: The VPicd Bush-Chat loves stony open and sparsely
scrubbed country, in the neighbourhood of villages and culti-
vation, It is seen singly, but usually has its mate somewhcre
close at hand. The bird takes up a position on the top of a stake,
tuft of grass or some other exposed perch whence it makes
frequent little darts to the ground to pick up an unwary grass-
hopper or bug. Sometimes it will spring up into the air or make
short sallies after winged insects.
The note commonly uttered is a harsh chek, chek ending ina
subducd ¢vweet, In the breeding season the male has a pretty
whistling song, beginning with a double chick-chick and reseinbling
those of the Indian Robin and the Crested Bunting. It is uttered
either from a perch or as the bird indulges in short display
flights to and fre with slow ‘ delayed action ’ wing beats above
his back as in a pigeon ‘clapping.’ Apart from courtship,
the song is also uttered as a defiance turivals. During this gesture
the wings are drooped flaunting the white slioulder patches ;
the tail is depressed and outspread, the white rump fluffed out
menacingly and the neck stiffly craned forward.
Nesting : The season is between February and May varying
with locality. The nest is a pad of grass, lined with hair or wool.
It is placed in hollows in an earth cutting, a depression in the
ground under some bush or in crevices or holes in a boundary
wall. The eggs—three to five in number—are usually pale
Dluish-white, speckled and blotched with reddish brown, Incu-
bation takes 12 to 13 days. Only the female broods, but the
male helps to feed the young and also occasionally in building,
38
The Collared or Indian Bush-Chat
Male — Female
39
20. The Collared or Indian Bush-Chat
Saxicola lorguata (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Sparrow,
Field Characters: A dapper little bird with black head,
orange-brown breast, and prominent white patches on sides
of neck (the ‘ collar’), shoulders, and above the hase of tail.
The female resembles the hen Picd Bush-Chat, but is streaked
darker an the upper parts. Singly or pairs in open country and
cultivation,
Distribution: The race indica, which breeds in the Himdlay4s
and beyond, is common in winter throughout the Indian Empire,
excepting the part of the peninsula south of about Belgaum.
[tis also absent in Ceylon. Three other races are recognised on
minor differences of size and colouration, One of these is resident
along a strip of country in the north, the other two being winter
visitors from beyond our northern borders.
Habits : The Indian Bush-Chat is only met with in the plains
during the cold weather. It begins to arrive in September and
hy April the majority of birds have departed for their northern
breeding grounds. During its sojourn, it is seen singly or in
pairs in open country and cultivation. Like the Pied Bunsh-
Chat it takes most of its food from the ground using the tip of a
bush, grass-stem or clod of carth for its observation post. From
this perch it makes short excursions in pursuit of prey, which is
either devoured on the ground or carried back to the base.
lt is of the same restless disposition as the last, and constantly
spreads and flicks its tail up and dewn as it surveys the neigh-
bourhood.
Its voice and notes are similar to those of the Pied Bush-
Chat. The pretty little song, developed in the breeding season,
is seldom heard while the birds are in their winter quarters,
Its food consists of grasshoppers, earwigs, beetles and other
small insects.
Nesting : Within Indian limits, this Isush-Chat breeds through-
out the Himalayas from cast to west between 2 and 9,000 feet
elevation. Odd birds may occasionally be found nesting in the
foothills and sub-Mimalayan plains. The usual period is between
April and July. The nest does not differ from that of the Pied
Bush-Chat. It is well concealed in a hole in parapet walls of
terraced fields, or under a boukler on the stony, scrub-covered
hillsides. The eggs--four to six in number—do not differ
appreciably from those of the last species.
40
The Redstart
Female
Male
21. The Redstart
Phenicurus ochruros (S. G. Gmelin).
Size: About that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters: A slim black and orange-chestnut bird,
constantly shivering its tail and dipping low the forepart of its
body. ‘The female is brown where the male is black and is also
paler generally. Seen singly in stony, sparsely-scrubbed country
and groves of trees.
Distribution : In winter thronghont Assim, Burma and the
Indian Peninsula as far south as, but not ineluding, Travancore
or Ceylon, Two races are recognised: (1) pheenicuroides
visiting N.-W. India including the western United Provinces,
(2) rufiventris the tost of the range. The latter race is slightly
larger and has less grey fringing to its upper plumage, especially
crown,
Habits: The Redstart is a common and familiar bird about
villages, cultivation and gardens during the cold weather, from
September to April. It haunts shady nullahs and groves such
as mango orchards, and may frequently be seen perched on a
roof-top or wall dipping forward jerkily every little while and
ceasclessly flirting its tail. It is equally at home in bare broken
country or amongst boulder hillocks and ruins. 1t flits about
from perch to perch shivering its irrepressible little tail us it goes.
Its food consists of small hectles, caterpillars, ants, spiders
and the like which are picked off the ground or from old walls,
bushes or trees, the bird working industriously from early dawn
until well after dusk, At times it will capture winged insects
in the air in the manner of a flycatcher.
The notes comnionly nttered area sharp squeaky whit... whit,
&c., reminiscent of an unoiled bicycle whecl. There is a slight
pause betwcen one whit and the next, just enough for one revolu-
tion of the wheel! ‘I'he pleasant little song, uttered at the breed-
ing season, is seldom heard while the birds are in their winter
quarters.
Nesting: The Redstart breeds in the mountains of Kashmir,
Nepal, ‘Tibet and beyond—from Persia right across to Mongolia,—
between May and August. The nest is a loose cup of grass, moss
and leaves lined with hair, wool or feathers. Itis placed in a hole
man earth bank, roadside cutting or piled-stone boundary wall.
Four to six eggs are laid. In colour they range from almost
white to pale blue green, and have no markings.
42
The Indian Robin
Female
Male
22. The Indian Robin
Saxicoloides fulicala (Linnaeus.)
Size: Slightly larger than the Sparrow.
Field Characters: A sprightly little black bird with rusty-
red under the cocked tail. There is a white patch on each wing,
concealed or almost so in rest, but conspicuous in flight. The
hen is ashy-brown with pale chestnut under the tail. Pairs, in
ypen couritry.
Distribution: Resident throughout India and Ceylon up to
about 5,000 feet. Not in Assim or Burma. [our races are re-
cognised ; the typical or Ceylonese, a North Indian (cambaiensis),
a South Indian (ptymatura) and an intermediate (daterntedia).
The last occupies a broad belt across the centre of the peninsula
north and sonth of Ahmadnagar. They are separated on minor
differences of size and colouration of the back.
Habits: ‘The Indian Robin is one of the most familiar and
confiding birds of our countryside. It inhabits the drier and
more open parts and is a frequent visitor to gardens and com-
pounds. It loves the neighbourhoud of villages where one may
come across it perched ou a thatch reof, cactus hedge or stone,
swiiching its cocked tail up and down expressively as it turns
one way then another, uttering its cheery notes. The tail is
sometimes tossed so [ar forward as almost to touch the head.
This is the case especially when a rival is being faced up te. The
birds may be scen hopping along the ground, now mounting a
bush or termite-monnd, now descending at the sight of insect
prey. They are by no means shy and will boldly enter verandahs
of dwelling houses and tents in search of food.
The Robin feeds exclusively on insects and caterpillars. It
is partial to white-ants and is commonly iu attendance on or near
ant-hills, It has a short pleasant song uttered in cuurtship
display.
Nesting: ‘The scason over the greater part of its range is from
April to Jame; earlier in the south. The nest is a cup-shaped
affair of grass and rootlets, lined with feathers or hair and often
adorned with snake sloughs. It is placed in a hole in a wall,
earth-cutting or rotten trece-stump. A derelict tin can or earthen
chatty lying about is frequently used. The eggs—two or three
—~are white or cream coloured, sometimes with a greenish tinge,
and are speckled and blotched with ruddy brown. Both sexes
share in building and care of the young, but the female alone
incubates,
44
The Magpie-Robin or Dhayal
Male
45
23. The Magpie-Robin or Dhayal
Copsychus saularis (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Bulbul,
Field Characters: A trim black-and-white bird with cocked
tail as in the Robin. In the female the black portions are re-
placed by brown and slaty-grey. Singly or pairs about human
habitations,
Distribution: Resident practically throughout the Indian
Empire, up to about 4,000 feet elevation. It does not occur in
S.-W. Punjab, Sind and W. Rajpatana. Four races are recognised
on minor differences of size and colouration, viz. : Indian(sazdaris),
Ceylonese (ceylonensis), Andaman (andameanensis) and Malayan
(amaenis),
Habits: The Magpic-Robin is also amongst the more familiar
birds found about the haunts of Man. fn the non-breeding
season it is shy and quiet, skulking about in undergrowth and
brmshwoed and onty uttering a plaintive swee-ce and harsh chr-r,
chr-v notes from time toiime. Lut it is one of our finest sungsters.
With the approach of the hot weather the cock recovers his voice,
and in his spruce pied livery he is a striking and happy figure as
from the topmost twigs of a leafless tree, a gate-post or hedge he
gladdens the short-lived cool of a May morming with his contin-
nous torrent of far-reaching song. The melody is punctuated
by a constant spreading and upward jerks of his white-fringed
tail. Singing continues intermittently throughout the day.
He is an accomplish mimic besides, and imitates the calls of many
other birds to perfection.
Although chiefly arboreal, the bird also feeds largely on the
ground, hopping about and picking up crickets, grasshoppers,
ants, caterpillars and a host of other insects. Occasionally one
will make short sallies inte the air after winged prey. Sitk Cotton
and Coral blossoms are visited regularly for the sake ofthe sugary
nectar. During the breeding season the males tove to show off
before their mates and indulge in much spreading of tails and
hidicrous pufting-out, strutting and nodding. They become
very pugnacious and resent the intrusion of other cocks into their
territory.
Nesting : The season over most of its range is between April
and July; earlier in the south, The nest is a pad of grass,
rootlets and hair. It is placed in a hole in a wall, tree-trunk or
branch, between 5 and 20 fect from the ground. The eggs—
three to five. ~are sume shade of pale blue-green, blotched and
mottled with reddish-brown.
46
24. The Shama
Kittacincla malabarica (Scopoli).
Size: That of the Bulbul, but with a relatively much longer
tail.
Field Characters: An wnmistakable cousin of the familiar
Magpie-Robin, The head, back and breast in the male arc glossy
black, the underparts rich chestnut. The white patch above the
base of the long, graduated black-and-white tail is ciagnostic
even when only a flashing glimpse of the flying bird is obtained.
In the female the black is replaced by slaty-brown, the under-
parts are paler and duller and the tail shorter. Solitary, in deep
forest.
Distribution : Patchily through the whole of India (excepting
the dry portions in the N,-W.), Burma, Ceylon and the Andamans.
Three races are recognised on comparative lengths of tail, and
details of colouration,
Habits ; The Shaina is essentially a bird of forest-clad foothills
and ghais, where it haunts the seclusion of dense secondary
undergrowth, being particularly fond of bamboo-covered ravines.
It is extremely shy and retiring as far as Man is concerned, hut
otherwise closely resembles the Dhayal in habits. Its beautiful
song of several clear melodious notes is principally heard in the
early mornings and at dusk, often continuing till close ou nightfall,
On account of its retiring disposition and the remoteness of its
normal habitat, the Shama is much more likely to be met with as
a cage-bird by most readers than in a wild state. 1t is popularly
acknowledged as the finest songster we have in India and is
accordingly much prized by fanciers. It thrives well, and even
breeds, in captivity. Lesides its own vocal accomplishments,
it will readily learn to mimic the calls of other birds accurately.
Its diet is exclusively insectivorous, consisting of grasshoppers
and other insects and larva, which are taken cither off the ground
or among bushes.
Nesting : The breeding season is mainly between April and
June. The nest—a shallow cup of rootlets, grass aud bamboo
leaves—-is placed at moderate heights in some hollow in a tree-
trunk or at the base of a tangled bamboo clump. The eggs—
three or four in number—-closely resemble those of the Magpie-
Robin, being some shade of blue-green, densely blotched with
brown or reddish-brown,
48
The Black-capped Blackbird
Male
49
25. The Southern Blackbird
Lurdus simillimus Jerdon.
Size: About that of the Myna.
Field Characters :* A plain grey-brown bird with a black
cap, orange-yellow eyelids, legs and bill. The female is more
ashy above and paler generally, with the cap brown. In ghat
forests.
Distribution: Gdis and hill country practically throughout
Peninsular India, roughly south of the Vindhyan Hills, Five
races ure recognised on minor differences of size, colouration
and comparative lengths of the second primary wing-quill.
Habits: The Blackbird is a resident of well-wooded hills
but wanders into the plains in winter. lt may be met with
in open serub jungle, groves of trecs about villages and in gardens
and compounds. It goes about singly as well as in pairs or
small parties which feed both on the ground and in trees. But
it is chiefly terrestrial in habits and more usually scen hopping
about, turning over and flicking aside dry leaves in search of
insects and ripe fruit lying on the ground. The bird is silent
in the cold weather, the only note then heard being a sharp
high-pitched fvee-ee uttered from time to time and varied
occasionally by a throaty, quick-repeated chuch-chuch-chuck.
During the breeding season it has a fine song resembling that
of the Magpic-Robin, but considerably louder and richer. This
is heard mostly in the mornings and evenings, often till well
after dusk, Its flight is swift and direct without pauses or gliding.
It lives on insects, snails and the like, but fruits and berries
also form a large proportion of its diet. Banyan figs, Jamin
fruit (Lugenia jambolana) and Lantana berries are ivariably
eaten. Silk Cotton and Coral blossoms ure regularly visited
for the sngary nectar they supply.
Nesting: Blackbirds breed throughout the hilly portions
of their range between May and Angust. The nest, typical
of this group of birds, is a deep cup of moss, rootlets and grass
into which a good deal of wet mud is incorporated, lined with
soft ferns and root hairs, It is placed in « bush or small tree
tarely above Io feet from the ground. The eggs-—three to five
in number-—are pale greenish-white, blotched with ruddy-brown,
densely abont the broad end.
* These refer chiefly to the Black-capped Blackbird (T. s.
mahratiensis.)
50
The Blue Rock-Thrush
Male
51
26. The Blue Rock-Thrush
Monticola solitaria (Linnacus).
Size: That of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: Male bright indigo-blue; female grey-
brown above, whitish below cross-barred with dark brown,
and with a pale bar in the wings. Solitary, among boulders,
ruins, stonc-quarties, ete.
Distribution: Four races are recognise of which three have
a very restricted or occasional winter distribution in extreme
North-West India, and in Burma. The fourth pandoo, is found
practically all over India, Assim and Burma, in the cold weather.
The races differ in details of size anct colouration.
Habits: The Blue Rock-Thrush is a winter visitor to the Indian
plains and hills, arriving about October and leaving by April.
1t loves boulder-strewn hillsides, rock scarps and broke country,
but may also commonly be scen in and about towns and villages
perched holt upright on a housetop or cornice, bowing jerkily
in the manner of a Redstart and flirting its tail. Trom this
vantage point it sallies down on any insect it can spot ; morsels
too large to be devoured at once are carried off and whacked
against the perch hefore being swallowed. Occasionally it
will capture winged insects in the air like a flycatcher. It is of
sedentary habits and will often frequent a particular locality
day after day throughout the season. It is not shy and fre-
quently enters inhabited houses, quietly and unobtrusively,
to take refuge among the rafters or under caves from the inid-day
heat. For the most part it is silent while with us, but the male's
swect whistling song may sometimes be heard just before the
birds depart for their nesting grounds, In silhouette —on
the wing and also while alighting—the bird looks extremely
like the Brown Rock-Chat (Cercomela fusca) another familiar
species of similar habitat of North and Central India.
Its food consists principally of insects, but fruits and berries
are also eaten,
Nesting: The species as a whole breeds from Transcaspia
right across to Japan. Our Indian race, pandoo, nests in Kashmir,
Simla States, Garhwal and Tibet, usually at between 6 to 9,000
feet elevation, from April to June. The nest is a rough pad
of moss, grass and leaves placed in a hole in a cliff or bank,
or among stones in terracing parapet walls. The eggs---three
to five in number—are pale blue speckled with brownish-red.
52
The Malabar Whistling Thrush
33
27. The Malabar Whistling Thrush
Myophonus horsfieldit Vigors.
Size: Between the Myna and the Pigeon.
Field Characters: A blue-black thrush with patches of
glistening cobalt blue on forehead and shoulders. Sexes alike.
Singly or pairs by rocky hill-streams.
A closely related species (AJ. temminckii) occupies a
strip of country along the foot of the Himalayas extending into
Assim and Burma. This has no cobalt patches, and a yellow
bill instead of black.
Distribution : Mt. Abu and practically down the entire length
of the Western Ghats. On the eastern side only recorded from
SAmbalpar (Orissa) and the Shevaroy Hills.
Habits: This handsome bird is a denizen of well-wooded rocky
nullahs and torrential hill-streams, both near and away from
human habitations. In the cold weather mostly, the only note
heard is a sharp kvee-ee. With the approach of the breeding
season it develops a rich, remarkably human whistling song which
rambles aimlessly up and down the scale and has earned for the
bird its popular name of Idle or Whistling Schoolboy. It is
heard chiefly in the early morning and shortly before dusk.
Aquatic insects, snails and crabs form the major part of
its diet. The bird hops about from stone to stone in the midst
of a rushing stream and snatches the quarry as it floats past.
The tail is constantly jerked and spread fanwise in order to
‘stampede ’ lurking prey from the crevices and hollows. Snails
and crabs are purposefully battered on the rock and their shells
smashed before swallowing.
The Whistling Thrush thrives in captivity and becomes
surprisingly tame if taken young. It is much prized as a songster.
Nesting : The breeding season ranges, according to locality,
between February and August. The nest is invariably in the
proximity of some nullah or torrent. It is a large, compact
pad of roots, moss and grass reinforced with a good deal of mud.
lt is placed under a shelf of rock, on a precipitous ledge or among
the roots uf a tree. It is sometimes built in houses, both deserted
and in oceupation. Three or four eggs are laid, pale buff or
gteyish-stone in colour blatched and speckled with reddish-
brown and lavender. Both sexes share in building, incubation
and care of the young. The incubation period is 16-17 days.
54
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Male
55
28. Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Muscicapula tickellie (Blyth).
Size: About that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters: A blue bird with bright azure forehead,
eyebrows and shoulder-patches. Breast pale rusty, fading
to white lawer down, The female is duller and paler. Singly,
in secondary bush jungle.
Distribution : Resident for the most part—up to ahout 5,000
feet elevation—- practically throughout the Indian Empire except
in Sind and the dry areas of the North-West. Three races are
recognised ; the Indian (¢ickellie), the South Burma (stmtatrensis)
and the Ceylon (mes@a). They differ from each other mainly
in depth and details of colouration.
Habits : Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher is a resident of lightly
wooded country abounding in thorn scrub, and is also met with
in secondary growth in deciduous forest. It has a preference
for broken foothills country where it haunts cool shady glades
and bamboo-clad ravines. It also enters gardens and groves
about human habitations. From a favourite perch on some
exposed twig or twisted liana stem, where it sits bolt upright
flicking its tail, it launches short agile sallies after insects. While
these are usually captured on the wing, the bird will occasionally
also seek for them as it hovers before a sprig or flower.
It has a pleasing little trilly, metallic song which is constantly
uttered and which is frequently the first indication of its presence
in a thicket.
The food of the Blue Flycatcher, like that of its relations,
consists very largely of flies, gnats and other dipterous insects.
Nesting: The breeding season ranges between March and
August, varying with the locality. The nest is placed in a hollow
in a tree-stump or earth-bank, or it may be in a clump formed
by the branching on a bamboo stem. It is never at any great
height from the ground, and often as low as 3 or 4 feet. It is
composed of dead leaves, twigs, rootlets and moss untidily
put together. The whole thing is wedged into the site, and
in the Jast named situation usually assimilates so well with
its surroundings as to be difficult to locate. Three to five eggs
are laid, pale clay-brown or olive-brown in colour, sprayed all
over with very minute reddish-brown specks.
56
The Paradise Flycatcher
Male
Female
57
29. The Paradise Flycatcher
Tchitrea paradisi (Linnacus).
Size: That of the Bulbul, exchuding the tail ‘ribbons’ which
are hetween to and 15 inches long.
Field Characters: Adult male silvery white with two long-
ribbon-like feathers or streamers in tail, and metallic black-
crested bead. Female and young male chestnut above, grevish-
white below—in general effect suggestive of a bulbul. The
young male has chestnut streamers in the tail; the female is
without. Singly or pairs in wooded country.
Distribution : Throughout the Indian Empire, in the Hima-
layis (commonly up to 5,000 feet and occasionally higher),
the plains and the peninsular hill ranges, Resident in many
portions, seasonal visitor in others. Three races concern us
here. They are recognised on minor differences of colouration
and size.
Habits: This delightful creature—-variously known as Rocket
Bird, Widow Bird or Ribbon Bird— is a frequenter of shady
groves and gardens, often in the neighbourhood of human
habitations, and of light deciduous jungle with bamboo-clad
nullahs. Pairs are usually met with, either by themselves
or in the mixed hunting parties of small birds in forest. The
lithe, fairy-like movements of the male as, with streamers trailiug
behind, he makes short aerial sallies and contortions after winged
insects or flits in graceful undulating flight from one tree to
another, present a fascinating spectacle. ‘Che notes commonly
heard are a harsh and grating ché or ché-chwé, but during the
breeding season these are supplemented by a number of pleasant
musical ones uttered by both sexes.
Their diet is entirely iisectivorous consisting chiefly .of
flies and moths. These are captured on the wing in the manner
typical of the flycatchers.
Nesting: ‘The season ranges between February and July.
The nest is built in the crotch or elbow of a twig usually froin
6 to 12 feet above the ground. It is a compactly waven cup of
fine grasses and fibres, plastered on the outside with cobwebs
and spiders’ egg cases (Pkite p. 103). The normal clutch consists
af three to five eggs, pale creamy-pink in ground colour,
speckled and blotched with reddish-brown.
Both sexes partake in building, incubation and care of
the young, thongh the hen «does the lion’s share of the work.
Incubation takes 15-16 days and the young leave the nest about
12 days after hatching.
58
The White-spotted Fantail Flycatcher
59
30. The White-spotted Fantail Flycatcher
Leucocirca pectoralis Jerdon.
Size: About that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters: A cheery, restless smoke-brown bird with
conspicuous white eyebrows, white-spotted breast and flanks,
and whitish abdomen. Its most striking feature is the tail,
cocked and spread out like a fan, with the wings drooping on
either side, Sexes alike. Pairs, m wooded country, gardens, &c.
An allied species, the White-browed Iantail Mlyeatcher,
(E. anvevla,)—listinguished by its broad white forehead—is
found commonly more or less throughout India, Burma and
Ceylon.
Distribution: Lrom north of Travancore through the Bombay
Presidency to Rajpitana. Also the greater portion of peninsular
India in and south of the Central Provinces up to about 6,000
feel elevation. ‘Two races are recognisect on minor ditherences
of colouration.
Habits : This flycatcher is a bird of sparse secondary jungle
as well as gardens and groves, even in the midst of noisy towns.
It regards the proximity of Man with indifference and is often
surprisingly tame. The birds are usually seen in pairs which
keep more or less to one circumscribed locality. They flit
tirelessly about the foliage or from tree to tree, waltzing and
pirouetting amongst the lower branches or on a uearby wall
or stone. The birds constantly launch graceful looping-the-loop
sallies after insects which are snapped up in the air with a little
castanet-like snap of the mandibles.
‘The note usually uttered is a somewhat harsh chuck-chuck,
bnt it has also a delightful, clear whistling song of several tinkling
notes, rising and falling in scale, which is constantly warbled
as the bird prances about.
Its food consists of mosquitoes, flies and other small insects.
Nesting: The breeding season ranges between March and
August. The nest is a beautiful little cup of fine grasses and
fibres, neatly, draped and plastered on the outside with cobwebs.
Tt is similar to the lora’s though as a rule not rounded off at
the bottom but with an untidy bunch of grass, strips of bark and
pith dangling underneath. tt is built in the croteh or fork
of a twig, seldom more than 8 feet off the ground. The normal
clutch is of 3 eggs, pinkish-cream in colour with a ring of tiny
brown specks round the broad end. Both sexes share in
building, incubation and care of the young.
60
The Grey Shrike
61
31. The Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitor Linnaeus.
Size: About that of the Myna, with a relatively longer tail.
Field Characters: A silver-grey bird with longish black and
white tail. The black wings are relieved by a white patch which
flashes conspicuously in flight. A broad black stripe from bill
backwards across the eye. Typical heavy hoaked bill. Sexes
alike, Singly, in dry, open country.
Distribution : Sind, along the base of the Himalayas upto
2,000 feet elevation, and throughout the drier portions of the
Indian plains south to Belgaum and east to Calcutta, Not
Eastern Ghats, Assim, Burma or Ceylon. Besides the Indian
race (/ahtora), 3 others are recognised on minor differences.
These live beyond our limits and only occasionally straggle in
just across our N-W boundaries.
Habits : The Grey Shrike inhabits dry, open country and semi-
desert. Cultivation only attracts it where interspersed with
patches of arid Bér- or Babyol-covered waste land. From a
perch on the top of some thorn bush it keeps a sharp lookout for
prey, descending to the ground from time to time to seize and
carry off the victims. They are held under foot and torn to
pieces with the sharp hooked bill before being swallowed. Like
many of this genus-—which on account of the peculiar habit are
known as Butcher Birds—-the Grey Shrike maintains a regular
larder where surplus food is impaled on thorns to be eaten at
leisure. Except at the breeding season when pairs is the rule,
the birds are usually met with singly. Each individual has a
recognisc(| beat or feeding territory which it will frequent day
after day and jealously guard against interlopers. The usual call
notes are harsh and grating, but at the nesting period a very
pleasing little song is uttered. It is a good mimic of the calls of
other birds.
Its food consists of crickcts, locusts and large insects as well
as lizards, mice and any young or sickly birds that can be over-
powered,
Nesting : The season ranges between January and October,
but March and April are the principal months. The nest is a
deep, compact cup of therny twigs and grass, lined with rags,
wool or feathers. It is placed in a thorny bush or tree, between 4
and 12 feet from the ground. The eggs—-three to six in number
‘--vary considerably in colour and size. The commonest type is
pale greenish white, thickly blotched and spotted with purplish-
brown, especially at the broad end.
62
The Bay-backed Shrike
63
32. The Bay-backed Shrike
Lanius vittatus Valenciennes.
Size: About that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: Grey and white head with a broad black
stripe across forehead and backward through the eyes. Chestnut-
maroon back, white underparts. The white or whitish rump,
and the white patches on its black wings are very conspicuous in
flight. Long black-and-white graduated tail and typical stout,
hook-tipped bill, Sexes alike. Singly in dry country and ahout
cultivation,
Distribution : Practically the whole of India from the
Himalayas (up to 6,000 ft. elevation) soutl to Cape Comorin.
Across, it extends from Afghanistan and Balichistan to Western
Bengal. Not in Assim, Burma or Ceylon. In parts of this range
it is a seasonal visitor only.
Habits : The Bay-back—the smallest of our Indian shtikes—
is a bird of dry open country abounding in Babool trees and
scrub. Ht is frequently met with also in the vicinity of culti-
vation and gardens, It avoids both desert areas and humid
forest. The terrain it prefers is in fact intermediate in character
between the semi-desert favoured by the Grey Shrike, and the wood-
ed, well-watered country beloved of the Rufous-hacked Shrike. In
other respects, its habits do not differ appreciably from either of
these. The churring notes, most commonly heard, are harsh
and unmusical, but it also has a pleasant little warbliug song in
which imitations of the calls of other birds are freely intermingled,
A whimsical courtship display is indulged in by the male at the
breeding season. This consists mostly of craning his neck,
cocking his tail, sidting up to the hen on a perch and stiffly hop-
Ping closer and closer to her. All this while his face is turned
away from her, but he is singing obviously ‘at’ her.
Nesting: The season lasts from April to September, the
majority of eggs being laid in June and July. The nest is a neat,
compact cup of grass, rags, wool and feathers. Gencrally much
cobweb is used on the outside for bindiug the material. 1t is
placed at moderate heights in the fork of a small tree or in a tall
Toadside hedge. ‘Three to five eggs are laid, smaller than those
of the Grey Shrike, but similar in colour and inarkings, and
Presenting the same range of variations,
64
A. Lor vece ‘ fe :
The Rufous-backed Shrike
05
33. The Rufous-backed Shrike
Lanius schach Linnaeus.
Size: Between the Bulbul and the Myna, with a relatively
longer tail.
Field Characters : Vorelead and a band through the eyes
black. Ulead grey. Lower back and rump bright rufous.
Underparts washed rufous. Typical shrike bill. Singly, in
apen wooded, or scrub country.
Distribution : Practically throughout the Indian Empire
up to about 8,oo0 feet in the Elimalayas. Resident in many
portions, sexsonal visitor in others, Tour races are recognised
un medsurements, and details of colouration.
Habits: ‘The Rufous-backed Shrike inhabits open but wooded
and, on the whole, well-watered country. In general habits
it does not differ from the two foregoing species. Its usual
call notes are loud, harsh and scolding, but it has also a pretty
little rambling song uttered in the nature of a soliloquy, of con-
siderable duration. Besides its own notes, the song has a great
miny imitations of other birds’ calls interwoven in it.
This shrike is perhaps the finest and most convincing mimic
of the trio. Apart from the calls of birds, both resident along
side and long after they have migrated from the locality, it
reproduces with umazing accuracy «a large variety of other
familiar sounds of the countryside—for example, tle harsh squeals
of a frog caught by a snake. In one instance an individual
commenced yelping Hike a very young puppy the day after a
litter was born in a house adjoining its feeding territory. In
another case it mimicked to perfection the call of a tame Grey
Partridge belonging to a grass-cutter working in its feeding
area. The remarkable thing was that in every case the Shrike
prefaced the partridge’s call with 2 or 3 human whistling notes,
exactly such as it was the owner’s wont to utter when wishing
his bird to call !
Nesting : ‘The season ranges between February and July,
varying somewhat with local conditions. The nest is a deep
compact cup of twigs, roots, grass and sundry other material,
lined with soft grass. It is placed in the fork of a branch in
% moderate sized tree such as a Babvol, usually under 15 feet
from the ground. The eggs—three to six in number—uare
somewhat smaller than those of the Grey Shrike, but more
or less identical with them in colour and markings.
66
The Wood Shrike
67
34. The Wood Shrike
Lephrodornis pondicerianus (Gmelin).
Size: Abont that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: A plain greyish-brown bird with a dark
stripe below the eye and a distinct whitish supercilium, Hook-
tipped shrike bill; short square tail, Sexes alike. Pairs or
parties in thin forest.
Distribution : Practically throughout India, Burma and Ceyton,
Three races are recognised, viz., the pale N.-W. and Central Indian
pallida, the darker South Indian pondicerianms, and tlie ashy-
grey Ceylonese affinis.
Habits: The Wood Shrike is an inhabitant of open scrub-
and-bush country and light deciduous forest. It avoids dense
evergreen jungle. It is commonly met with in gardens and
orchards as well as among roadside trees and groves of Babool,
Neem, Tamarind, Banyan and the like near cultivation and
villages. Family parties of 4 or 5, either by themselves or
in the usual mixed hunting parties of small birds, are not un-
common, They hop or flit among the branches and follow
ane another from tree to tree calling in rich liqnid whistling
notes—weet-weet followed by a quick interrogative whi-whi-
whi-whi ? Unlike the true shrikes they seldom descend to
the ground, their food being procured niainly among the twigs
and branches or under the leaves and sprigs. Winged insects
are occasionally captured in the air in the manner of a flycatcher.
The diet consists mainly of moths, beetles, grubs and
caterpillars.
Nesting : The season ranges between February and September
varying with locality. March and April appear, on the whole,
to be the most generally favoured months. The nest is a neat
cup, about two inches across, composed of soft bark, fibres, etc.
cemented with cobwebs. It is draped on the exterior with
bits of papery bark and spiders’ egg-cases which render it in-
couspicuous among the supporting twigs. The site is in the
fork of some leafless branch of a sapling or small tree, and mostly
under 20 feet from the ground. The eggs—usually three in
number—are pale greenish-grey, speckled with some shade of
purple-brown, forming a ring round the broad end.
Both sexes share in building, incubation and care of the
young.
63
The Scarlet Minivet
69
35. The Scarlet Minivet
Pericrocotus speciosus (Latham).
Size: About that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: Adult male glossy jet black and deep
searlet. Female and young male with pale yellow underparts
and tio black on head or back. Flocks in forest.
An allied species, the Orange Minivet (P. flammeus,) with
orange-red under-parts instead of scarlet, is found in the forested
portions of the Western Ghats from Khandala to the extreme
south, and in Ceylon. A third species, the Short-billed Minivet
(P. bvevirostris) similar in general effect to the Scarlet Minivet, but
slightly sinaller and with a different colour pattern in the wings,
is found largely overlapping the range of that species.
Distribution : The Him4dlsyas up to 6000 feet or more, from
abont Kuli right across to the North-cast frontier, Also Assam,
Burma, Andamans and Upper Eastern Ghats. Six geographical
races are recognised on size, and details of colouration mainly
of the tail feathers and primary quills.
Habits: ‘This gorgeous Minivet is a resident of well-wooded
country and evergreen jungle. It is exclusively arboreal. It
goes about in flocks, often of 20 or more birds, which keep mostly
to the leafy canopy of the forest, flitting restlessly among the
folage or following one another about from tree to tree in search
of food. This consists mostly of insects and their larva: and is
secured among the leaves and buds or on the moss-covered tree
trunks. Sometimes they are captured in the air in the manner
of a flycatcher,
The call notes, frequently uttered, are a pleasant whistling
whee-tweet or whi-rvi-vi, whi-rvi-vi, etc,
Nesting : The season over the greater part of its range is
between April and July. The nest is a neat compact cup of
Tootlets and bast fibres well bound with cobwehs and copiously
bedecked on the outside with pieces of bark, green moss and
lichens. These serve to make the nest remarkably inconspicuous
in its surroundings. It is placed on the upper surface of a branch
lo to go feet from the ground, in humid forest.
The eggs—two to four in number—are of a pale sea-green
colour, spotted and blotched with dark brown and laveuder.
Both sexes share in building and care of the young.
MLL ae SDACer..
The Small Minivet
Male
Female
7!
36. The Small Minivet
Pericrocotus peregrinus (Linnacus).
Size: Slightly smaller and slimmer than the Sparrow, with a
longish tail,
Field Characters : Adult male chiefly black, grey and orange-
crimson. Female and young male paler, with yellow largely
replacing the red. Flocks flitting amongst trees in gardens and
wooded country.
Distribution : Throughout the Indian Empire mostly in the
plains, but also the lower hills. Five races are recognised chiefly
on shades of colouration.
Habits : ‘The Small Minivet is a frequenter of gardens, groves
and light deciduous jungle, It is exclusively arboreal. locks
of 5 to 10 birds may be seen flitting amongst the leafy canopy of
large trees in their hunt for insects, or following one another from
tree-top to tree-top. They keep up a feehle musical swee-swee
both while searching for food and on the wing. In the cold
weather some flocks are composed entirely of males. With the
approach of the breeding season, the flocks break up, and until
the young are sufficiently fledged to acconrpany their parents,
only pairs are met with.
Its food consists of moths, caterpillars, flies and other small
insects. These are captured from the leaves or buds. Some-
times a bird will flutter lightly before a sprig to get at the quarry
within, at others launch short aerial sales after winged prey.
The birds may commonly be seen on the large crimson
blossoms of the Silk Cotton tree, hunting insects attracted by
the nectar.
Nesting: The season is a very protracted onc, ranging between
February and September—varying according to locality. The
nest is a beautiful little shallow cup of fibres—about 2 inches
across—coated on the outside with cobwebs and lichens. It is
attached to the upper surface of a branch often high up in a big
tree, and is either invisible from below or looks exactly like a
small lichen-covered knot or swelling on the branch. The normal
clutch consists of 3 eggs, pale grecuish-white or creamy-bulff
stippled with reddish-brown—often densely and forming a ring
round the broad end. Both sexes partake in building and care
of the young.
q2
beet
The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike
Male
Female
73
37- The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike
Lalage sykesii Strickland.
Size :. About that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: Male ashy-grey with black head, wings
and tail and whitish underparts. ‘The female has the head grey
and the underparts barred black and white. Pairs, in open
wooded country.
Distribution : All India south and east of a line from Mt.
Abu through Sambhar to Bareilly. Also Ceylon and parts of
Assam,
Habits : The Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike is a dweller of light
deciduous forest and open secondary evergreen jungle, in the
plains as well as hills up to about 4ooo feet elevation. The bird
is resident in many portions of its range, but only a seasonal
visitor in others. it goes about in pairs and may commonly be
met with in association with the usual mixed lunting parties of
insectivorous species. 1t is fond of mango orchards and groves of
Neen, Tamarind and other leafy trees in the neighbourhood of
villages and cultivation. In its purely arboreal habits and
methods of procuring food, this Cuckoo-Shrike closely resembles
the minivets. In the hot weather, and with the approach of its
breeding season, the male utters a pretty, clear whistling song of
several notes ending in a quick-repeated pit-pit-pit.
The diet is chiefly insectivorous, but ripe berries such as
those of Lantana are also eaten.
Nesting : The season ranges between March and August, being
-earlier in Ceylon and the south than in the Deccan and elsewhere.
The nest is a shallow cup of thin twigs and rootlets strongly bound
tagether with cobwebs. It is placed in the fork of a branch or
on the upper surface of a bough, usually under 15 feet from the
ground. The eggs—two or three in number—are greenish white,
with longitudinal blotches of brown.
7
The Large Cuckoo-Shrike
Male
75
38. The Large Cuckoo-Shrike
Graucalus javensts.
Size’; Slightly smaller and slimmer than the Pigeon,
Field Characters: A grey bird, whitish wnderneath with a
broad dark eyestreak. Wings and tail black. Heavy, slightly-
hooked bill. The eyestreak is less conspicuous in the female and
her underparts are barred grey and white. Pairs, in trees in
wooded country.
Distribution: The whole of the Indian Empire from about
qooo feet in the Himalayas. Not found west of Garhwél nor in
the Punjab, Sind and Rajpitana, Four races are recognised on
differences in size and details of colouration. The largest,
uipalensis, occurs all along the Himalayas ; the smallest /ayards
is coufined to Ceylon, The race maces uccupies all continental
India, while siamensis is spread over East and Sonth Assam, and
Burma.
Habits: Vhe Large Cuckoo-Shrike is found in deciduous forest
as well as secondary evergreen jungle, in plains and hills alike.
It is also partial to groves of trees abont cultivation and villages,
and to orehards and forest plantations, The birds are mostly
secn in pairs or family parties of 3 or 4 which fly in irregular
follow-my-leader fashion above the tree-tops uttering their
distinetive, shrill but pleasant bisyllabie call /ee-ece front time to
time. Their dict mainly consists of insects which they hunt
among the foliage of trees, but berries of many kinds and figs of
the Banyan, Peepal and Gulair (#ieus indica, F. religiosa and
F., glomerata) are also largely eaten,
Nesting : The season ranges chiefly between May and October,
The nest is a shallow cup—-or a deep saucer—composed of fine
twigs bound together with cobwebs and often sparsely clraped
on the outside with lichens and pieces of bark. It is placed in
the fork of an outhanging branch high up in a tall tree. The
normal clutch consists of three eggs, pale green in colour with
seanty blotches of dark brown and purple.
76
The Black Drongo or King-Crow
77
39. The Black Drongo or King-Crow
Dicrurus macrocercus Vieillot.
Size: About that of the Bulbul, with a relatively longer tail.
Field Characters: A glossy black bird with long, deeply
forked tail, Sexes alike. Singly, on telegraph wires &c. about
cultivation,
Distribution : Throughout the Indian Empire, within which
four races are recogiised on differences in size of wing, tail and
bill. The largest race, albirictus, is found in the Himalayas
(np to about 7ooo feet), the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Assim ;
the smallest, minor in Ceylon. Peninstlaris accnpies the whole
of continental and peninsular India, and cathoecns Burma.
Habits: The Black Drongo is one of the most familiar birds
of our countryside. It frequents every type of country except
dense evergreen jungle and actual desert, though even in the
latter it is steadily penetrating wherever irrigation canals make
cultivation possible. The birds, however, are most abundant
in open intensely cultivated areas, and may invariably be seen
perched upon stakes, telegraph wires and the like in the proximity
of crops. From these look-out posts they swoop down from
time to time to carry off an unwary grasshopper. If too large
to be swallowed entire, the victim is held under foot and torn
to pieces with the sharp hook-tipped bill. They also capture
moths and winged insects in the air like a flycatcher. Drongos
may commonly be seen in attendance on grazing cattle -olten
riding on the animals’ backs—snapping up the insects
disturbed by their feet. For the same reason, forest fires or
fired grass patches never fail to attract the birds. ‘This species
is highly beneficial to agriculture on account of the large number
of injurious insects it destroys. They have a number of harsh,
scolding or challenging calls, some closely resembling thase of
the Shikra hawk, and the birds become particularly noisy at
the breeding season.
Nesting: Over its wide range the BlackDrongo breeds principally
between April and August. The nest is a_ flimsy-bottomed
cup of fine twigs, grasses and fibres cemented together with
cobwebs. It is placed in a fork, usually near the extremity
ofa branch, from rz to 30 feet from the ground. <A large tree
standing in open cultivation is usually selected. The eggs—
three to five in number—show some variation in colour and
markings, but are mostly whitish with brownish-red spots.
Both sexes share in building, incubation and care of the young,
and display great boldness in the defence of their nest.
yi)
The White-bellied Drongo
79
40. The White-bellied Drongo
Dicrurus caerulescens (Linnacus).
Size; Same as the last.
Field Characters: Glossy indigo above with white belly
and under-tail coverts. Long, dceply forked tail. Sexes alike.
Singly, in lightly wooded country.
Distribution : Ceylon and practically the whole of India
south of a line running roughly from Cutch to Garhwal and as
far east as Western Bengal and ihar. It ascends the Himalayas
up to about 6000 feet in a restricted tract. “Fwo races are re-
cognised : the larger Indian caerulescens, with more white on
the underparts, and the smaller Ceylonese lencopygialis, with
the white restricted to the undertail coverts, There is, however,
some doubt as to whether leucopygialis cau really be considered
a race of this species.
Habits: The White-bellied Drongo inhabits well-wooded deci-
duons tracts, hill and plain, and avoids cultivation and treeless
country as well as heavy evergreen forest. It is particularly
fond of bamboo and thin tree jungle, and is usually to le met
with about shady paths and small clearings in this. The birds
keep singly or in separated pairs and are frequently amongst
the hunting parties of insectivorous species that move about the
forest. 1t makes graceful, agile swoops after winged insects,
turning and twisting in the air in the pursuit, or snapping up
the quarry off the trunk of a tree in its stride. Its diet is mainly
insectivorous, but it may invariably be secn probing into the
blossoms of the Sitk Cotton, Fkime of the Torest (Sulea) aud
Coral trees for the sugary nectar they exude. In their efforts
to reach it, the birds do great service to the tree by conveying
the pollen on theit throat and forehead feathers and effecting
cross- pollination.
It has a pretty call of 3 or 4 musical whistling notes, and is
an excellent mimic besides.
Nesting : The season is principally between March and June.
The nest does not differ appreciably from that of the Black
Drongo except as regards the site which is usually in forest.
The normal clutch is of 2 or 3 eggs, also very similar in colouration
and markings to those of the foregoing species.
80
41. The Racket-tailed Drongo
Dissemurus paradiseus (Linnacus).
Size : Abont that of the Myna but with outer tail feathers about
15 inches long.
Field Characters: A glossy jet black drongo with conspi-
cuously tufted forehead and two long, thin, spatula-tipped
streamers in the tail. Sexes alike. Singly, pairs or loose parties
in forest.
Distribution: The Himalayas from Mussooree (abont 6000
ft, elevation) to E, Assam, and patchily throughout India south
of this, including Travancore and Ceylon, Also Lurma,
Andamans and Nicobars, At present 7 geographical races are
recognised on comparative lengths of wing, tail, crest and bill.
In continental India we are concerned with two: the northern,
grandis—the largest-—and the southern, salabavicus. Ceylon-
ensis- -the smallest race--is endemic in Ceylon, while bath the
Andaians and the Nicobars have races peculiar to those islands.
Habits: The Racket-tailed Drongo inhabits forest, both purcly
deciduous and where there is an intermingling of the humid
evergreen type. Teak and bamboo jungle in hroken foothills
couttry is especially favoured. The birds are met with singly,
in scattered pairs or parties of 4 or 5, mostly as members of the
mixed hunting parties and in unfailing association with tree-pies
and babblers. They are very noisy and have a large repertoire
of loud, metallic but musical netes-— some heing a rich whistling
what-whai-what-what- which are constantly uttered as the birds
fly about the forest. It is moreover an accomplished and con-
vincing mimic and imitates to perfection the calls of a great many
birds, It makes an amnsing pet and is much sought after by
fanciers.
The food consists of insects of various kinds and grubs,
which are either captured on the wing or picked off the branches
and tree-trinks in a gracefnl swoop.
Nesting: Over the bird’s extensive distribution, the season
varies with local conditions. The most general period, however,
is hetween March and June. The nest is a fairly deep, but rather
flimsy cup of fine twigs, rootlets and bast fibres bound together
and secured to the site with cobwebs. It is placed in a furk near
the end of an onthanging branch in forest, betweeu 15 and 50
feet from the ground. The eggs— three or four in number--are
mostly creamy white in colour, blotched and speckled with
reddish-brown,
82
hot “ear te HA I
The Tailor-Bird
83
42. The Tailor-Bird
Orthotomus sutoyins (Pennant).
Size: Smaller than the Sparrow.
Field Characters: <A small restless olive-green bird with
whitish underparts, a rust coloured crown, and clongated middle
feathers of the tail which is habitually cocked. Sexes alike.
Singly or pairs, in shrubbery.
Distribution: Throughout the Indian Empire up to about
5,000 ft. in the Flimalayads. Tive races are recognised on size and
depth of colouration, The three that concern us chielly are:
the Ceylon race su/orias, the Indian guzuvata, and the Burma and
Assim patia.
Habits: This familiar little bird is equally at home in outlying
scrub jungle or in gardens in the heart of a town. While not
found in actual desert, it is nevertheless present in small numbers
in the arid tracts of N.-AV. Inclia wherever there is any shrubbery,
about villages and in the compounds of Dak Bungalows. It is
tame and contiding and will fearlessly enter the verandahs of
occupicd houses, hopping about ou the ground with jauntily
cocked tail, or among the creepers and potted plants within a few
feet of the inmates. 1ts loud cheerful calls /owil-, towit-lowit or
pretly-pretiy-preily, ete., are familiar sounds on the countryside.
Its food consists of small insects, their eggs and caterpillars,
bnt the birds are also fond of the nectar of Silk Cotton and
Coral flowers and resort to them unfailingly.
Nesting ; ‘The season ranges between April and September.
The nest is a remarkable structure. It is a rough cup of soft
fibres, cottou wool or vegetable down placed in a funnel formed
by folding over and stitching a broad leaf along its edges. Some-
times 2 or more leaves are sewn together. ‘The stitching material
is cotton or vegetable clown cleverly knotted at the ends to
prevent the sewing getting undone. The site is some large-
leafect plant or creeper, the nest heing usually under 3 feet from
the ground. Crotons, young fig or mango-grafts and other
plants growing in pots in a garden, porch or verandah are much
favoured. ‘Fhe eggs. 3 or J in number -are recdish- or bluish-
white, usually spotted with brownish-red. Both sexes share in
building and care of the young, but apparently the female alone
incuhates.
84
The Streaked Fantail Warbler
85
43. The Streaked Fantail Warbler
. Cisticola juncidis (Rafinesque).
Size: Much smaller than the Sparrow.
Field Characters: A tiny bird, dark-streaked fulvous-brown
above, whitish below, with a white-tipped ‘fan’ tail. Singly
or several loosely together, in tall grass areas.
Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia. Throughout the Indian
Empire in plains and hills up to about 5,000 ft, Within our
limits three races are recognised on size and depth of colonration,
niz., the paler Indian race cursitans, the richly coloured Travancore
sdlimadii, and the larger Ceylonese omalura,
Habits: The Fantail Warbler inhabits open grassland and
standing paddy crops, It moves about to some extent seasonally
under stress of local conditions. It is usually met with singly or
in loose parties of up to Io or 15 birds which skulk in the grass,
making short flights only when flushed and diving into the stems
again, The curious, mounting, zig-zag flight in which the fan-
shaped tail is conspicuous, and the sharp chip. .chip. .chip
uttered on the wing are usually the tirst indications of its presence
in any locality. During courtship display the male rises in the
air every now and again and flies about over the nest site aim-
lessly, in irregular wavy zigzags. At each dip in this undulating
flight —everv second or so—it utters a single chip like the snip
of a barber’s scissors heard in the distance. After two or three
minutes of this, the hird descends to some percli in the neighbour-
hood of its base. The munceuvre is soon repeated.
Its food consists of small insects and caterpillars which are
hunted on the grass stems as well as among the rootstocks, the
bird hopping about on the ground like a Munia.
Nesting : The season over most of its Indian range is coincident
with the S.-W. Monsoon, ranging between June and September.
In Travancore it apparently breeds between August and March
and in Ceylon, November to June or later. The nest is a deep
oblong pouch with its mouth at the top, lined with vegetable
down. It is made of grasses woven around with cobwebs and
incorporating several of the supporting blades of the tussock in
which it is concealed, mostly under 2 ft. from the ground. The
eggs—-3 to 5—are pale bluish-white speckled with red and purple.
86
The Ashy Wren-Warbler
87
44. The Ashy Wren-Warbler
Prinia socialis Sykes.
Sizé; Smaller than the Sparrow.
Field Characters: Ashy-slate above, fulvous-white below
with a loose, longish, black-and-white tipped tail. This is
carried partially erect and constantly shaken up and down.
Sexes alike, but winter plumage less slaty than summer. Pairs,
in gardens and scrub country.
Distribution : Throughout India (excepting the N.-W. por-
tions), Assim and Ceylon, Not in Burma. Upto 4,o00 ft. in the
Himalayas and 7,000 {t. in the continental ranges. 4 races are
recognised on detuils of size and depth of colouration, viz., the
N. Indian séewarti, the S. Indian socialis, the Ceylonese brevi-
caudus and the Duars and Khasia Hills race ingiisi.
Habits: A pair or so of the Ashy Wren-Warbler is commonly
found in gardens of any size with shrubs and herbaceous borders.
lt also inhabits the outskirts of cultivation and is fond of open
grassland, especially wet, Though not shy, it is of a reticent
disposition and hops about quietly among the bushes in search
of insects, only uttering a sharp fee-tee-tee from time to time.
During the breeding season, however, the male courts publicity.
He constantly climbs up to some exposed situation on a grass
stem or bush and pours forth a torrent of feverish warbling. He
tits about exeitedly, jerks his tail up and down and flutters his
wings. His jerky undulating flight gives the impression of his
tail being too heavy for him to carry, When suddenly disturbed
off its nest this warbler emits—as do several others of its near
relations—a peculiar it-kit-kit as of an electric spark, presumably
by snapping its bill.
Its diet consists mainly of insects and caterpillars.
Nesting : The season ranges between March and September,
but is chietly after the S.-W. Monsoon has well set in. The nests
are normally either of the Tailor-Bird type—in a funnel of sown
leaves—or an oblong purse of woven fibres into which some of the
supporting leaves are tacked and bound with cobwebs. They
are mostly within 2 feet of the ground in some low bush. The
eggs—3 or 4—are a beautiful glossy brick-red in colour with a
dark ring round the broad end.
Both sexes share in building and eare of the young. The
incubation period is 12 days.
88
The Indian Wren-Warbler
89
45. The Indian Wren-Warbler
Prinia inornala Sykes.
Size: Smaller than the Sparrow. Same as of the Ashy Wren-
Warhler.
Field Characters: Like the last specics but dull carthy-
brown above with a rufous tinge, and no white terminal spots to
tail. The winter plumage is more fulvous. Sexes alike. Dairs,
in open scrub-and-grass country.
Distribution : The whole of the Indian Empire south of the
Hlimalayads. Seven races are recognised on details of size and
comparative depths of colouration. Two of these races are
restricted to Burma and one to Ceylon. A fourth occupies the
Outer and sub-Himalayan belt from Nepal to Upper Assan.
In India proper we are concerned with the remaining three races,
viz., the N, Indian terricolor, the Central Indian and Deccan
tmornaia, and the Travancore and Nilgiri Hills race franklinii.
Habits : The Indian Wren-Warbler affects hedges or scrub near
cultivation, open grassland and standing paddy crops, in the
plains as well as up to about 4,000 ft. in the hills, It does not
ordinarily enter gardens, and on the whole prefers drier localtties
than secizalis, but the two may often he found together. In all
other respects its habits closely resemble those of the Ashy Wren-
Warbler. The call notes and warbling are also of the same calibre,
yet clistinct enongh to be easily differentiated.
Nesting: ‘The season varies somewhat with locality, ranging
between March and September, but is most general during the
rainy months. The nest is a longish pear-shaped pouch woven
out of fine strips of grass, open or with a lateral entrance hole near
the top. 1t is slung between a number of grass stems or upright
weeds growing in open scrub, grassland, standing crops, or on
bands separating fields—under three feet from the ground. The
normal clutch consists of 3 to 5 eggs of a smooth and glossy
texture. They are greenish-blue in colour, speckled, blotched
and pencilled with reddish-brown.
Both sexes share in building the nest and tending the young.
go
yt
Nest and Eggs of Yellow-wattled Lapwing
SOME NESTS AND NESTING BEHAVIOUR
In the Introduction we said that ‘ or the safety of their
eggs and young, birds build nests which inay range from a simple
scrape in the ground as of the Lapwing to such elaborate struc-
tures as the compactly woven nest of the Weaver-Bird.’ To
complete the picture, it may be added that most birds incubate
their eggs with the heat of their bodies by broading them, and
show considerable solicitude for their young until they are able
to fend for themselves. In this chapter we shall consider the
main types of nests built by Indian birds and deal briefly with
the nesting behaviour of some of the builders.
Nesting seasons
Broadly speaking, the majority of our resident birds have
more or less well-marked seasons in which they lay their eggs
and rear their young. The periods favoured by dilferent species
vary somewhat in the different portions of their distribution,
depending upon geographical position and local climatic conditions.
‘The season in India as a whole is perhaps nowhere as clear-
cut as in the Temperate and Arctic zones. In the lower Hima-
layas and the country about their base, most species commence
their vesting operations with the advent of Spring, which may
be put down as the beginning of March. The farther south
one moves towards the Equator the more equable does the
climate become, so that the most important seasonal change
in those parts is the one brought about by the monsoons,
particularly the South-west Monsoon. Birds that nest in tree-
holes as well as the ground-nesting species must be discharged
of their parental duties before the onset of the 5.-W. Monsoon
in June. In North India ii is of vital importance for such
birds as nest on the sandbanks of the larger rivers to have finished
their activities before the rivers swell in summer due to melting
of the Himalayan snows. Therefore, March and April are the
principal months in which to look for the eggs of river birds.
The S.-W. Monsoon— June/July to Septem ber/October—is the
time when the annual vegetation is at the height of its luxuriance
and insect life at its peak. In these respects the season corres-
ponds to Spring in the more northerly latitudes. A large
section of Indian birds of divers families and species find optimum
conditions for bringing up families during this period of plenty.
By about mid-October the majority of young birds of the mon-
soon-breeding species have left their nests. The raptores or
birds of prey commence their nesting activities about this period
and are busy throughout the winter months up till about the
92
Auevdusoo uy }s0u AT[VNSN SIUeIOUTIOD puB SASIq] 91M ‘SYIOIg pawuwed
93
end of February. It is often quite late in March or even the
middle of April before the young ol some of the larger raptores. -
vultures and eagles-have launched into the world. Young
raptores have astonishingly healthy appetites. The continuous
supply of animal food the parents ate obliged to procure for
them makes the choice of this season a happy one; young bitds
are then plentiful and easily hunted, and their numbers are
augmented by vast hordes of winter immigrants {rom beyond
our borders. .
Territory, courtship and song
Individual breeding pairs usually ocenpy a ‘ Territory’
in the surtoundings of their nest which is treated as theit special
presetve and into which intrusion by other members of the same
species is regarded as an unfriendly act, to be actively resented,
The acqnisition of breeding territories is a fairly gencral practice
among birds, but not universal. Their existenee is partieularly
noticeable in the more aggressive species like the Black Drongo,
Territory is acquired by the male. In migrant species this
accounts in a measure Tor the fact that on Spring passage, when
joumneying to their breeding grounds, the males usually preecde
the females. thaving artived in the breeding tocality, the male
ptoceeds to stake ont and establish possession of an atea, usuatly
more or less definable and varying in extent according to specics
and to the density of its avian population. In the process it
may have to fight for ownership with another male already
in occupation, or in defence of its territory against an interloper.
Once in secure possession, the male awaits the arrival of the
body of females and advertises his presence and the availability
of a nesting site by singing full-threatedly from exposed sitna-
tions, The song serves not onty to attract likely females, but
also as a warning to tival males to keep off. Having secured
a female, in the pro ess of which again there is often much
active hostility between rival males, courtship displays commence.
These take numerous forms; tInffing ont of the ornamental
plumage, fanning and erecting the tail and dancing or posturing
m front of the femate, as in the Peacock and many pheasants,
being some of the most spectacular. The extravagant aerial
contartions of shooting skywards and nose-diving to the ac-
companiment of raucous screams indulged in by the Roller
or‘ Blue Jay’ in love are a familiar sight at the commencement
of the hot weather. ‘There is an intinite variety of courtship
behaviour both exquisite and bizarre. Again, Sung---which
teaches the climax of its intensity in the breeding scason—plays
a predominating part in the courtship ceremonials of certain
birds, the skylark and thrnsh for example. All this feverish
OF
MOTIEMS YD ey} Jo 838aN pny Jo AuojoD
activity is indulged in either by one partner or by both, and
has for its ultimate object the rousing of the necessary physiolo-
gical response for successful breeding.
In. birds where the sexes are dissimilar in colouration it
is usually the male who is the more showily coloured and who
takes the initiative in the display and courtship ceremonials,
the female remaining more or less a passive spectator. In
species where the sexes are similar in appearance, such as larks
and pipits, both male and female take an active part in courtship ;
sometimes one sex predominates sometimes the other according
as one or the other is the more physiologically mature.
Colouration of eggs
The colour patterns of birds’ eggs are almost as varied as
the birds themselves, or as the architecture of their nests. Egg-
colouration suggests an advanced stage of evolution; the ances-
tors of birds—the Reptiles—lay only white eggs. Birds that
nest in tree-holes or carth-tunnels also lay white eggs since,
as in reptiles, the required protection is afforded them by the
situation. It cannot be denied that in the main the colouration
of eggs is a protective device and in a general way bears a direct
relation to the types of nests in which they are laid. The eggs
of the Yellow-wattied Lapwing deposited on barren, open waste
land, and of the Tern in a sandy river bed are convincing examples.
They match the soil and blend with their surroundings to snch
perfection that they are quite invisible at a few feet’s distance
even when deliberately looked for. The eggs of the Pheasant-
tailed Jacana, often laid directly upon floating singadra (Trapa)
leaves, resemble the surrounding olive-brown vegetation so
closely as to be completely obliterated from view. Anomalies
are, however, not wanting. Thus the eggs of the Rain-Quail laid
in grassland are obliterative whereas those of the Bush-Quail,
laid in not much more sheltered sites, are white !
Types of nests
The following are the main types of birds’ nests found in
India :
1. Simple scrapes in the ground sparsely lined with grass and
leaves, ¢.g., Quail, Jungle Fowl and other game birds, or with no
semblance of lining, ¢.g., Tern and Lapwing (Plate, p.or). Protec-
tion is secured by the eggs and young of such birds throngh their
remarkably obliterative colouration,
2. Twig nesis like platforms with a cup-like depression in the
centre usually lined with softer material—grass, tow, feathers,
&c. This type, built in trees or on buildings or cliffs, is common
to a large number of birds of different families: ¢.g., Crow,
Kite, Dove, Vulture, Cormorant, Stork, &c.
96
3. Nests in tree-holes either excavated in living or de ayed
wood, or in natural hollows, and either with a sparse lining of soft
material or unlined, ¢.g., Tits, Yellow-throated Sparrow, Wood
peckers, Barbets, Hornbills, Owls, some Mynas and most of our
tesident Ducks (Plate, p. 101). The holes arein the first instance cut
by woodpeckers, parrots or barhets and subsequently appropriated
in rotation by many other species. Nesting in natural tree hollows
is a common habit among our resident ducks, all of whom breed
during the S.-W. Monsoon. The raised situation gives immunity
against sudden rise of water-level in the jkeels due to cloud-
bursts or the swelling of streams flowing into them. The duck-
lings reach the water by heing simply pushed out of the nest
by the parents and are not carried down by them as has some-
times been asserted.
4. Nests in excavated tunnels in earth banks or in clefts of
buildings, rock cliffs, &c., ¢.g., J3ee-eaters, Kingtishers, Noopoe.
The tunnels are driven horizontally into the side of an carth-
cutting or bank of a stream, the bird using its bill to dig and
its:feet to kick back the loose earth. The tunnels are from a
few imches to several feet in length and usually bent near the
extremity where they widen into a bulbons egg chamber.
5. Nests built entirely of sud or in which mud predominates,
é.g., Whistling Thrush, Blackbird, Swallows, Martins. The
wet mud is commonly collected at rain puddles. I[t is mixed
with a certain amount of saliva in the case of Swallows. ‘There
is a marked increase in the size of the salivary glands of these
birds and swifts during the breeding season. Swallows nests
have perforce to he built very gradually, pellet by pellet, so that
not too much of the material is daubed on at onc time before
the underlying layer is sufficiently dry (Plate, p. 95).
6. Cup-shaped nests of grass and fibres in crotches or forks
of branches, usually well plastered over with cohwebs, ¢.g., Tora,
Fantail and other flycatchers, Orioles, White-eye, Minivets, Reed-
Warblers, Cnckoo-Shrikes, &c. (Plate, p.191). Cobwebs are very
extensively employed as cement in bird architecture, for binding
the material compactly and neatly together. It is collected by
being twisted round and round the bill and is then unwound
and attached on the exterior of the nest, or used in securing the
nest into position.
7. Domed or ball-shaped nests of twigs, grass or rootlets
with a lateral entrance hole, e.g., Munias, Rufous Babbler.
8. Pendant nests, e.g., Weaver- Birds (woven), Sunbirds, lower-
peckers (Plate, p.99). The Sunbird’s nestisa vertical oblong pouch
suspended from the tip of a thin outhanging twig, usually not
high above the ground. It has an entrance hole at the side
with a little projecting porch over it. The exterior is draped
97
untidily with pieces of bark, caterpillar droppings and spiders
egg-cases which give it an effective camouflage. The llower-
peckers’ nest is a hanging pouch of the same general pattern,
but made entirely of seed- and vegetable- down worked into
a felt-like fabric.
9. Woven oblong purse—loolah-like—attached to stems of
tall grass or low bushes, e.g., Wren-Warblers (alternative to the
next type).
to. Nest in leaves stitched together in the form of a funnel,
eg., Tailor-Bird, lranklin’s Wren-Warbler, Ashy Wren-Warbler,
There are yet other nests of less conventional design, The
Edible Swiftlets which breed in vast colonies, attach their half-
saucer shaped nests made entirely of the birds’ saliva or with
an admixture of straw and feathers, to the sides of the rock
in dark grottos and caves on islands in the sea. The Palm
Swift makes a rather similar nest but with more feathers rein-
forcing it, attached to the leaves of the Palmyra palm and usually
well-concealed among the furrows. The Rufous Woodpecker
makes its home in the carton-nests of certain tree ants, and
seems to live on terms of amity with the insects.
A distinction must be made between birds that nest in
individual pairs in usually well-recognised territories, like the
Black Drongo for example, and those that nest in colonies.
Some familiar examples of the latter are the Weaver-Birds,
Cliff Swallows (Plate, p. 95), Common and Edible Swifts, aud
water birds such as Storks, Cormorants and Herons (Plate, p. 03).
Whatever its pattern, the nest is always true to the type
of the species that builds it, and is primarily the outcome of
instinct fixed and inherited through countless generatious of
builders. That a young Baya in its first season builds a uest
exactly like the one in which it was born is neither the result
of training by its parents nor of intelligence as we understand
it. The architecture may be improved and perfected with
practice, but the design will remain constant. Experiments
have shown that birds hatched in an incubator who can there-
fore have no idea of the sort of nest built by their kind, wil, at
the appointed time, build nests after their own specific pattern.
A great deal of the other seemingly intelligent behaviour of nesting
birds, such as solicitude or love for their offspring, anc the
‘ broken wing’ trick practised by many different species osten-
sibly to draw off an intruder from the nest or young, prove
upon analysis to be largely, if not wholly, the working of a blind
and unreasoning instinct.
It would be a pity to close this chapter without mention
of the extraordinary nesting habits and behaviour of .} of our
Indian birds,
98
Bird and Nest
Baya Weaver-
99
The Hornbills
The first of these is the Hornbill whose prodigious beak at
once proclaims him a Qneer Customer. His nesting habits are
in keeping with his unnsnal get-up. All our Wornbills, as far
as is known, share this peculiar behaviour, We shall take the
Grey Hornbill, their commonest representative, as the type.
At the appointed season, after the courtship and marriage
ceremonials have been duly performed, the female hornbill
betakes herself to a natural hollow in some tree-trunk, the same
perhaps as has served as nursery to numerous previous horabill
generations. She incarcerates herself within this hollow, using
her droppings as plaster and the flat sides of her enormous
hill as trowel to wall up the entrance, merely leaving a narrow
slit for the tip of her bill to be thrust out to receive the food
brought in by the male. This walling-in process occupies 2 or
3 days and it is doubtful if the husband assists her at all in the
work. It is also uncertain whether any material besides the
females own excreta is used, anc if so how it is conveyed to the
site. The plaster sets so hard that no ordinary predatory animal
can get at the occupant within. From this self-imposed con-
finement the female does not free herself until after the young—-
3 to 5 in number hatch out and are at least a week old. All
the time she is within, the male assiduously brir her food—
banyau and peepal figs varied occasionally by a lizard or some
other tit-bit. The incessant labour of foraging for his spotse
wears him down to a skeleton, while she tlitives exceedingly
ou this life of case and plenty and is said to grow enormously
plump. In the case of the closely related Great Indian Hornbill
it is believed that during her incarceration the female moults
her flight qnills so that the imprisoning wall gives her protection
from predatory foes at a time when she is most helpless. This
question of moult, however, and the marmer of its taking place
needs further investigation. When the young are about a
week old the female breaks down the wall by hammering away
patiently at it, and releases herself. After her exit, the wall
is built up once more and thenceforth father and mother slave
to fill the hungry maws of the voracions sqnabs until they are
feathered enough to be let out and fend for themselves.
The Baya
The Baya or Connon Weaver-Bird is a cunning polygamist,
but he has a system of hisown. At the onset of the rainy season,
the male Bayas, now in their handsome breeding dress, commence
to bnild their wonderful retort-shaped pendant nests, chiefly
on Babil trees or date palms preferably standing in or over-
f
Bo.
Phota BE. HL ON, Lowther
Nukta or Comb-Duck at Nest
Most of our resident ducks nest in natural tree hollows.
IOL
hanging water. The building parties which may consist of from
10 to 50 birds comprise exclusively of cocks. A great deal
of noisy, joyous clhirruping choruses and fluttering of wings
accompany the building operations. After the strands of the
initial attachment are wound and twisted round and rouud
the selected twig till a firm snpport is secured, the bird proceetts
to work the loose strips dangling from it into a trausverse oblong
loop. This is the skeleton of the structure. Porehes are built
over the upper part on either side of this loop and continued
down, one bulging out lower into the egg-chamber, the other
less bulgy being produced into the entrance tube. Now it comes
to pass that when the nests are nearing completion, there is
suddenly one morning a visitation from a party of hen Rayas
who have been completely absent hitherto. They hop about
from nest to nest deliberately, entering to inspect the interior,
seciningly indifferent to the excited prancing and strutting and
chittering of the cocks around them. If a hen is satisfied with
a particular nest she calmly ‘ adupts’ it and moves into posses-
sion. Thenceforth she and the buikler are wife and husband.
He works assiduously to complete the exterior while she busies
herself mainly with mterior decoration, As soon as this nes
is completed and the hen safely on eggs, the cock comme
to build another on a nearby twig. In course of time this,
if approved, is similarly adopted by a second prospecting female
who becomes Wife No, 2.0 “The process may be repeated until
the cock finds himself the husband of 3 or even | wives and the
happy father of as many families all at once !
The Bustard-Quail
The normal condition in birds is that where the male and
female ditler in colouration, it is the male who is the brighter
coloured and more showy. He displays his splendour before
the female, courts her and if need be fights furiously with rival
males for her possession. In the Bustard-Quail, however,
the réle of the sexes is reversed. Here it is the female who is
the larger and more brightly coloured anc who takes the initiative
in affairs of the heart. She decoys eligible males by a loud
drumming call, courts them sedutously, displaying all her charms
before them, and engages in desperate battles with rival Amazons
for the ownership of the favoured one. As soon as the husband
is secured, the preliminaries over and the full complement of
eggs laid, she leaves him to his own devices and wanders of!
in search of fresh conquests. The lucky husband is saddled
with the entire responsibility of menbating the cggs and tending
the young which, to his credit, he discharges admirably and
with great solicitude. By feminine artifice the roving hen
manages to inveigle another unattached cock who is likewise
Male Paradise Flycatcher at Nest
103
‘landed’ with family cares. The hen is once more in the
market for a third husband! In this inanner each hen may lay
several clutches of eggs during a single season which, accordingly,
is much prolonged. The Painted Snipe is another tndian species
in which the female is similarly polyandrons.
The Parasitic Cuckoos
A large section of the Cuckoo family are known as the
Parasitic Cuckoos on account of their disreputable habit of
building no nests of their own but utilising those of other birds
for laying in, and foisting their parental duties upon the shoulders
of the dupes. Familiar examples of parasitic cuckoos are the
Brain-fever Bird and the Woel. The former commonly lays
in the nests of babblers, often removing one of the rightful
eggs to make raom for its own. The Koel habitually parasitizes
the House- and Jungle-Crews and leaves to them the task of
incubating its eggs and rearing its young. The eggs of parasitic
cuckoos usually bear a remarkably close resemblance to those
of their hosts or fosterers. It is believed that this similarity
has been gradually brought about by discrimination on the part
of the fosterer, 7.¢., by its rejecting, generation after generation,
of such eggs Jaid in its nest as differed glaringly in colouration
from its own. There is good evidence for believing that even
anlong parasitic cuckoos of the same species there are distinct
‘strains’ which are as a rnle constant in the choice of their
fosterers. Thus Plaintive Cuckoos in Hyderabad City (Deccan)
habitually lay in the nests of the Ashy Wren-Warbler while those
in the surrounding country favour those of the Tailor-Bird.
Now, the eggs of the Wren-Warbler and (hose of the Tailor-
Lird are markedly dissimilar, but those of the respective ‘strains’,
of the Plaintive Cuckoos have evolved through Selection to match
those of their usual fosterers in either area.
We have still a great deal to learn about the breeding biology
of even sume of our commonest birds, Egg-collecting alone is
not enough. Some of the points on which detailed information
is desirable are (1) The share of the sexes in nest-building, in-
cubation and care of the young, (2) Periods of incubation, (3)
Interval between the laying of each egg in a clutch. (This
varices among species and groups.) (4) Nature of food and
quantity fed each day to the young, (5) Kehaviour of parents
and young.
Those interested in the nesting habits of Indian birds should
read Birds at the Nest by Douglas Dewar which contains
some useful indications of what still needs te be done in this
country. For the serious student there is nothing more complete
or authoritative than the 4 recent volumes by Mr. E. C. Stuart
Baker—Nidification of Indian Birds,
To4
The Golden Oriole
105
46. The Golden Oriole
Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Myna.
Field Characters: A bright yellow bird with black in the
wings and tail, and a conspicuous black streak through the eye.
The female is usually duller and greener, Singly or pairs, among
trees in wooded country.
Distribution : The race kundoo occupies all Tudia up to ahout
5,000 ft. in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Cape Comorin and
from Balichistan to Bengal. 1 is a resident in most localities
but a local migrant in others. Tor instance, to the Himalayas
and the country about their base it is a breediug visitor only,
from March to September.
Habits: The Golden Oriole, or Mango-Bird as this species is
popniarly known, is a dweller of open but well-wooded conntry
and is fond of orchards and groves of large trees such as Banyan,
Mango, Tamarind and Yoon. It is entirely arboreal, but while
of a shy and retiring disposition will commonly enter gardens
even in the midst of noisy towns. The bird is usually met with
in pairs which fly about from tree to tree, flashing through the
foliage, with a peculiar strong dipping flight. Their usual call
notes——a harsh cheeah, and rich mellow whistles something like
pe-lo-lo —are among the more familiar bird voices of our country-
side.
Their food consists chiefly of fruits and berries, those of the
Banyan, Peepalt and Lantana being some of the commonest.
Insects of various kinds are also eaten, as is the nectar of flowers
like the Coral and Silk Cotton whenever available.
Nesting : The season over most of its range is from April to
July. The nest is a beautifully woven deep cup of bast fibres
with a good deal of cohwebs used as binding material. It is
suspended like a hammock in a fork of twigs near the end of an
outhanging branch of some large leafy tree, 12 to 30 feet from the
ground. The eggs-—2 or 3 in number—are white, spotted with
black or reddish-brown.
Both sexes share in building the nest and tending the young,
106
The Black-headed Oriole
107
47. The Black-headed Oriole
Oriolus xanihornus (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Myna.
Field Characters: A brilliant golden-yellow bird with jet
black head, thruat and upper breast. Black in wings and tail.
Sexes alike. Singly or pairs, arboreal, in wooded country.
Distribution: The whole of the Indian Empire excepting the
arid portions west of a linc from Mathiawar through Mt. Aboo
to the Sutlej River. In the Himalayas up to about 4,000 ft.
Three races are recognised on differences of size and details of
colonration, viz., the largest northern +anthoynus, the inter-
mediate peninsular mederaspatanus, and the smallest Ceyloncse
ceylonensis. It is resident over the greater part of its range, but
also moves about locally to some extent.
Habits: ‘This oriole, like the last, is a bird of well-wooded
country and groves of large trees, often in the neighbourhood of
human habitations. It has a variety of loud melodious calls
which in general are very like those of the Indian Oriole. A harsh
monosyllahic note commonly uttered is mistakable for one of the
Tree-Pie’s. Otherwise, there is no appreciable difference between
the habits of the two species.
Nesting: The principal months in India are from Aprii to July,
but in Ceylon it apparently breeds from October to May. The
structure and site of the nest do not differ from those of the Indian
Oriole (Plate, p. 191), but the eggs are somewhat smaller, pinker
and less glossy.
Orioles of both species, along with such other mild-mannered
birds as doves and babblers, often build in the same tree as holds
anest of the Black Drongo. That this is by design rather than
accident can scarcely he doubted considering how frequent the
occurrenee is. 1t is certain also that the birds must thereby
enjoy a degree of protection against marauders like crows and
tree-pies. The King Crow will tolerate the proximity of his
harinless dependents with complacence, but a crow has only to
show himself in the precincts of the nest-tree to be furiously set
upon and beaten off by the valiant Adiwa? and his wife.
108
The Grackle or Hill-Myna
tog
48. The Grackle or Hill-Myna
Gracula religiosa Linnaeus,
Size: Slightly larger than the Myna.
Field Characters: A glossy jet-black bird with yellow bill and
legs and bright orange-yellow patches of naked skin and wattles
on the head. Sexes alike. Pairs or noisy flocks, in dense hill
forest.
Distribution: Resident in 3 clearly cefined areas in India
proper : (1) Himalayan foothills up to about 2,500 {t. from near
Almora to Assim, (2) an area south of Chota Nagpir including
S-IE Central Provinces, (3) Ceylon, and upto about 5,000 [t.
throughont the Western Ghats north to Kanara and rarely to
Bombay. Three races are recognised on differences of size and
in the head wattles: the northern race ivferinedia, the central
peninsularis and the southern jidica. Besides these, two other
races oceur within our limits, one in Tenasserim, the other in the
Andamans,
Habits: The PaAdri- or Hill-Myna, as this bird is popularly
known, inhabits heavily forested hill tracts. In its south-
western Tange, cardamon and coffee plantations with their lofty
natural evergreen shade trees form an ideal habitat for this species.
Pairs, or flocks of upto 20 are commonly met with feeding on ripe
figs of the various (ici and other fruits, in company with horn-
bills, green pigeons and other frugivorons birds. The nectar of
Coral, Sitk Cotton and Silver Oak (Grevillea) flowers is also
largely eaten and the birds do considerable service as pollinating
agents. The [orest resounds with their loud, sharp, creaky,
shrieks, and in flight their wings produce the same whirring sound
as green pigeons.
This Myna is much prized as a cage bird. LH is a mimic of
exceptional merit, becomes very tame, and seon learns to re-
produce the human voice aud speech with astonishing clarity.
Nesting : The season is from March to October. The nest—
a collection of grass, leaves, feathers, ete.—is placed in natnral
hollows 30 to go [t, from the ground, in the boles of lofty trees,
often standing isolated in a forest clearing. The eggs—2 or 3—
are a beautiful deep-blue, sparsely spotted and blotched with
reddish-brown or chocolate,
The Rosy Pastor or Rose-coloured Starling
Tir
49. The Rosy Pastor or Rose-coloured
Starling
; Pastor roseus (Linnaeus).
Size: About that of the Myna.
Field Characters: A rose-pink and black Myna-like bird
with a prominent crest. Sexes alike, but young birds and adults
in non-brecding plumage, duller and browner. Flocks, about
cultivation.
Distribution: In winter all India. Particularly abundant in
the North-West, but diminishing markedly towards its eastern
boundary in Bengal. South of the Deccan also its numbers are
small, and it visits Ceylon only sparingly and irregularly.
Habits: This, the Jowari Bird or Tilyer, is one of our earliest
immigrauts, some individuals often arriving as early as July or
August. The birds stay with us till April. Small parties and
large flocks of upto 400 or more may be seen flying about in the
vicinity of cultivation, especially Jowari, alighting from time to
time to feed on the ripening grain. The ryot may rattle his tin-
eans or shout himself hoarse, but all to no avail. The hungry
swarms rise from one corner of his crops only to circle round in
little ‘ clouds’ and settle in a farther corner, almost before the
din has ceased. The birds rest in nearby trees in the intervals
hetween their intermittent ravages, and spend their time in noisy
chattering and warbling. The damage they cause is often
considerable, but to compensate for this they do inestimable
service in destroying locusts on an cnormous scale, both in times
of ‘invasions’ and while in their common breeding grounds in
Central Asia. They may commonly be seen in attendance on
cattle grazing on moist grassland, snapping up grasshoppers and
other insects disturbed by the animals. Their food also consists
largely of fruits and berries, those of the Banyan, Peepal and
Laniana being largely patronised. The birds are invariably
present on Silk Cotton trees in blossom for the sugary ncctar
exuded by the flowers, and are truculent towards other species
visiting the tree. They are imnportant agents in the cross-polli-
nation of these flowers, and responsible for the dispersal of seeds
of a great varicty of wild fruits.
Nesting; The Rosy Pastor brecds in large colonies in Eastern
Europe, Western and Central Asia, onstony hillsides and amongst
ruins, in May and June. The selection of the breeding ground
varies from year to year being largely dependent upon the move-
ments of locust swarms which furnish the staple dict of the adult
birds and of the young from the time they hatch ont.
The Grey-headed Myna
113
.§0. The Grey-headed Myna
Sturnia malabarica (Gmelin).
Size: Smailer than the Common Myna.
Field Characters: A smali trim Myna with blackish wing-
quills. Grey above, rusty-brown below. Sexes alike. Flocks,
in thinly wooded country.
Distribution : Throughout India east and south of a line from
Mt. Abu to Dehra Din; Assim, Burma, but not Ceylon. It is a
local migrant and shifts about considerably with the seasons.
Six races are recognised on differences of size and details of
colouration. Weare chiefly concerned with three, viz., the grey-
headed India and Assam race malabaricus, the white-headed
Travancore and Malabar race biythii, and the white-winged Burma
race nemoricola.
Habits: The Grey-headed Myna inhabits open, thinly forested
country and the neighbourhood of forest cultivation, In suitable
localities, it is found both near human habitations and in out-
lying parts. It goes about in small flocks, either by themselves
or in association with other Mynas. The swift, direct flight is
typical of the Starling. While principally arboreal in habits,
it will often descend to feed in low bushes or even to the gronnd.
lts diet consists chiefly of fruits and berrics, those of Zizvphus,
Lantana and the various Fici being abundantly taken. Insects
are also eaten. The hirds are wnfailing visitors to Silk Cotton
trees to feed on the flower-nectar, hopping about from branch to
branch in the quest and keeping up the same incessant squabbling
and chatter as the Rosy Pastor does, varied by pleasant musical
notes. For no apparent reason a feeding flock will suddenly dive
into space helter-skelter, as if to dodge some imaginary hawk,
and after circling round the tree once or twice will resettle and
resume feeding.
Nesting : The season varies somewhat according to locality,
ranging between March and June. The nest is a collection of
twigs, rootlets and grass placed in a barbet- or woodpecker-hole
in the stem of a tree, 10 to 40 feet from the ground. The eggs—
three to five—are pale-blue in colour without markings.
Both sexes share in huilding the nest and care of the young,
but the female alone is said to incubate.
14
The Brahminy or Black-headed Myna
115
51. The Brahminy or Black-headed Myna
Temennchus pagodarum (Gmelin).
Size: Smaller that the Common Myna.
Field Characters : A typical Myna, grey above reddish-fawn
below, with glossy black head and long crest ; black wing-quills
and brown tail, the latter with whitish edging at tip which is
conspicuous as the hird spreads it before alighting. Sexes alike.
In the young the head is sooty brown and crestless, and the
general colouration dull. Small flocks, in thinly wooded country.
Distribution: Ceylon and the whole of continental India east
to Bengal. Inthe Himalayas commonly upto 4,000 ft. in summer,
and occasionally up to 8,000 ft. Absent or patchy in the arid
portions of the N.-W., as also in evergreen forest. Mainly
resident, but also local migrant.
Habits: This Myna is a dweller of open, lightly wooded country
and often associates with the Grey-headcd and Common species.
It freely enters gardens, and makes itself at home on and about
houses in towns and villages. It is neither so overwhelmingly
arboreal as the former nor so terrestrial as the latter. Flocks of
6 to 12 birds may usually be met with feeding on Banyan, Peepal,
Bér, Lantana and other fruits and berrics in the usual mixed
frugivorous company. It is partial to moist grassland sucli as
on the edge of village tanks, where it hops or stalks along amongst
the feet of grazing cattle hunting the grasshoppers and other
insects they disturb. It is likewise very fond of the nectar of
flowers like those of the Silk Cotton, and also feeds largely on the
fleshy blassoms of the Mhowa (Bassia).
The bird has several merry creaking or chattering notes and,
at the breeding season, a pleasing little song in the nature of a
soliloquy. When uttering this, the crest is partially erected and
the whole plumage frowzled.
Nesting: The principal breeding months are from May to July.
The nest is a pad of grass, rags, feathers, etc., placed in some
hollow in a tree, ruined wall or even in those of inhabited houses,
frequently in the midst of noisy bazaars. The eggs—3 or 4—
are pale-blue, unmarked. Both sexes share in building the nest,
incubation and care of the young.
116
The Common Myna
mg
52. The Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus).
Size: Between the Bulbul and the Pigeon. (9”).
Fieid Characters: A familiar, perky, well-groomed dark-
brown bird with bright yellow bill, legs and bare skin around the
eyes. A large white patch on the wing is prominent in flight.
Sexes alike. Common in towns and on the countryside.
Distribution: ‘Throughout the Indian Empire, in summer
up ta about 9,000 feet in the Himalayas. Two races are
recognised, viz: the Indian wvistis, and the darker Ceylonese
metanosteynus,
Habits: Along with the Crow, the Kite and the Sparrow, the
Myna is our commonest and most familiar bird about human
habitations-- in the heart of a hustling city or far out on the
countryside. It is sociable in disposition and omnivorous iv diet,
two conditions which fit it admirably for a life of commensalism
with Man. A pair or two usually adapt a house or compound
for their own and guard it jealously against intrusion from others
of their kind. J.arge numbers, however, will collect to feed,
whether on earthworms on a freshly watered lawn, a swarm of
winged termites or on a Peepal or Banyan tree in fruit, They
may commonly be scen hunting grasshoppers on the heels of
grazing cattle, or following the plough, stalking alongside it,
side-hopping jauntily, and springing in the air now and again to
secure the fleeing quarry. The birds have communal roosts in
favourite groves of trees to which large numbers foregather every
evening, These are often shared by parakeets, crows and other
species who contribute to the din that prevails before the birds
finally retire for the night.
This Myna has a varied assortment of sharp calls and chatter.
A loud, scolding rddio-radio-rddio is commonly heard, while
during the mid-day heat when a pair are resting in a shady spot,
the male will frequently go through an amazing gamut of keek-
heek-heek, hok-kok-hok, chuv-chur, ctce., with plumage frowzled and
a ludicrous bobbing of his head before his mate.
Nesting: The season is principally from April to August.
Olten two successive broods are raised. The nest is a collection
of twigs, roots, paper and rubbish, placed in holes in trees and
walls, ar between the ceiling and roof of a house. The same site
is used year after year. The eggs—four or five—are a beautiful
glossy blue.
Both sexes, build, incubate and tend the young.
118
The Bank Myna
119
53. The Bank Myna
Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham).
Size: Slightly smaller than the Common Myna,
Field Characters: Very like the last, but gencral colouration
pale bluish-grey. Another distinguishing feature is the naked
skin around the eyes which is brick-red instead of yellow. Sexes
alike. Flocks, in open country.
Another specics—the Jungle Myna (Ethiopsar fuscus)—is
not uncommon in lightly wooded country in many parts of India,
and often found side by side with the Common Myna. In size
and appearance it is rather similar to the latter, but lacks the
bare yellow skin around the eyes and has an upstanding brush-
like tuft of feathers at the forchead.
Distribution: The greater part of Northern India from Sind
to Eastern Hengal, and south te about the latitude of Bombay.
ln portions of the Himalayis, up to about 3,000 fect. Itis a
resident, but also moves about a good deal locally.
Habits: The Bank Myna is found in open cultivated country
in the neighbourhood of towns and villages. Railway stations
are a favourite resort and large numbers may often be seen
sauntering about on the platforms picking up bits of food dropped
by the passengers. The bird may also be confidently looked for
about municipal refuse dumps and amongst grazing cattle. Its
antics of clinging to the ears of the animals to pick off ticks, and
holding on precariously as these are flapped, are amusing to
watch. Its voice is somewhat softer than that of the common
Myna, but otherwise there is little appreciable difference in the
habits of the two.
Nesting: ‘The season is between May and August. The birds
breed in colonies, often of considerable size. The nest is a rough
pad of grass, leaves and rubbish placed in tunnels excavated by
the birds in carth banks, or in those in the revetment of bridges,
etc. When dug by the birds, these tunnels are frequently up to
5 feet deep and often coalesce with adjacent o ones. They ter-
minate in a bulbous nest-chamber.
The normal clutch consists of three to five eggs, glossy pale
blue, without markings.
The Pied Myna
121
54. The Pied Myna
Sturnopasior contra (Linnaeus).
Size: Slightly smaller than the Common Myna.
Field Characters: An obvious myna of pied-—black and
white—plumage, with a bright orange-red and yellow bill.
Sexes alike. Flocks about open cultivation,
Distribution : India cast of a line from Ambala to Hyderabad
(Deccan) and Masilipatam ; Assim and Burma. Four races are
recognised on depth and other details of colouration, viz., the
India-Assam race conira, the doubtful delve, the Burma race
superciliavis and the Siamese floweri. The last may just cross
over into our boundary in South Tenasserim.
Habits: This species inhabits cultivated country and is rarely
met with away from human habitations, Unlike the Common
Myna, however, it does not appropriate dwelling houses though
often entering gardens and compounds to hunt grasshoppers or
dig up earth-worns on a dlooded lawn, or to roost ainongst groves
of large trees. It is essentially a ground feeder and much more
insectivorous in its diet than the mynas already described. It
keeps in flocks— often associated with other mynas --in the
neighbourhood of villages and towns, feeding at the refuse dumps
on their outskirts or attending on grazing cattle on the moist
grassy margins of village tanks. In Calcutta, particularly large
flocks may be seen about the brackish lakes and in the sewage
outflow locality.
It has a number of pleasant musical notes, some of them
rather like snatches from the flight-song of the Finch-Larks.
Nesting: The scason ranges between March and September
and often two successive broods are raised. The nest is very
different from that of the other mynas, being a large untidy
globular structure of twigs, leaves, grass and rubbish. It is
placed on an outhanging branch of a mango or similar large tree
near cultivation, 15 to 30 feet from the ground. The birds do not
nest in colonies as such, but it is not unusual to find 3 or 4 nests
on the same tree. The eggs—four or five in numbecr-—are a
glossy blue, without markings.
Both sexes share in building and care of the young.
t22
The Baya or Common Weaver-Bird
Male in breeding plumage
123
55. The Baya or Common Weaver-Bird
Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus).
Size: That of the Sparrow,
Field Characters: Female, and male in non-breeding plumage,
verv like the female House-Sparrow but with a thicker bill and
shorter tail. Flocks, about open cultivation.
Distribution: Ceylon and ail India, Assim and Burma.
Mostly plains, but also sub-Himalayan foothills up te about 3,000
feet. Three races are recognised on size and details of colouration,
viz., the Indian philippinus, the Assam-Upper Burma race
burmanicus, and the Lower Burma-Malaya trace iufortunatus,
Resident, but also local migrant.
Habits: The Baya is essentially a bird of open cultivated
country. It goes about in flocks, often of considerable sizc,
gleaning paddy, jowdri and other sceds on the grownd, or invading
tipening crops ta which it causes a certain amount of damage.
Paddy cultivation largely governs the scasonal movements of the
bird. Enormous numbers gather to roost in favourite patches
of reeds and bulrushes, usually on the swampy niargins of tanks.
Their call notes are a sparrow-like chit-chit-chit followed by a
long-drawn chee-ee uttered in chorus, while the birds are working
on their nests,
Nesting: The Baya is noted chieily for its wonderful retort
shaped hauging nests and for its remarkable breeding biology.
The season coincides with the S.-W. Monsovon—chiefly between
May and September—and the consequent availability of paddy
plants and coarse saw-edged grasses for building material. The
hirds build in colonies, occasionally of over 100 nests, on bahool
or ber trees and date or palmyra palms standing amidst
cultivation. The nest with its long entrance tube is commonly
suspended over water at heights of between 5 and qo feet. It is
compactly woven with strips of grass or paddy leaf and has a
small quantity of mud stuck inside near the egg-chamber, the
significance of which is not understood. The male does most of
the building. When a nest is nearing completion a female
arrives and takes possession of it, and thenceforth the two become
husband and wife, she assisting to finish off the interior. As
soon as eggs are laid, the nile commences another nest close by
which in due course is similarly appropriated by a second female.
Thus a single cock may have two, three or more nests and wives.
The eggs—two to four-—are pure white and unmarked.
The female alone incubates and is mainly responsible for tending
the young.
124
The Striated Weaver-Bird
Mate in breeding plumage
125
56. The Striated Weaver-Bird
Ploceus manyar (Horsfield).
Size: That of the Sparrow.
Field Characters : Differs from the Baya in having the breast
fulvous boldly streaked with black in both sexes and in the
breeding as well as non-breeding plumage of the male, Flocks,
in swampy tall grass areas.
Distribution: Patchity more or less throughout the Indian
Empire in humid or swampy tracts covered with tall grass and
bulrushes, as in the Himalayan Terai, Within our limits,
three races are recognised on details of colouration, viz,, the
N.-W. Indian race siviaéuws, the North India-Assam-Burma race
peguensis, and the South Indian flaviceps.
Habits: xcept that it is more confined to the vast seas of
elephant- and other tall coarse grass, and to bulrushes, &c.,
about tanks, this weaver does not differ appreciably in habits
from the Baya. Both species, but especially the last, are largely
kept as pets. They are apt at learning and can be readily
trained to perform a number of tricks such as muzzle-loading
and firing off a toy cannon, retrieving a ring dropped into a
well before it reaches the water, stringing beads, and others
requiring a high degree of skill.
Nesting: The season ranges, according to local conditions
of humidity and rainfall, between lebruary and September.
The nests, built in smaller colonies, are similar to those of the
Baya, but have shorter entrance tubes and on the whole are
more loosely and roughly woven. They are suspended from
hutrushes, giant grass, &c., usualky on swampy ground. The
nest is not attached by a long slender suspension as is the Baya’s,
but directly to a number of grass-blades which makes its npper
end broader than in that species. Pellets of mud are stuck
near the egg-chamber in these nests also, and the breeding
biology of the two species is very similar in all other Tespects.
‘The full clutch consists of two to four eggs, white in colour,
unmarked,
126
1. The White-backed Munia
2. The White-throated Munia
127
57- The White-backed Munia
Uroloncha striata (Linnacus).
Size: Smaller than the Sparrow,
Field Characters: A small black and white finch with
heavy bluish conical bill and wedge-shaped tail. Sexes alike.
About open cultivation.
Distribution ; Ceylon and a large part of peninsular India ;
a sub-Himalayan belt from Garhwal eastwards ; Assam, Burma,
Andamans, Nicobars. Six races are recognised chiefly on
details of colouration.
Habits: This Mania goes about in small flocks which feed
on grass sceds, &c., on the ground near cultivation, and utter
feeble chirruping calls.
Nesting: There is no well defined season, the principal months
varying from locality to locality. The nest is an untidy
globular structure of grasses with a lateral entrance hole-—
sometimes like a short tube, It is placed in low bushes or trees,
5 to ro feet from the ground. ‘The normal clutch is of five or
six eggs, pure white in colour. Both sexes shure in building,
incubation (?) and care of the young. The incubation period
is 13-14 days.
58. The White-throated Munia
Uyvoloncha nulabarica (Linnaeus).
Size: Same as abave. .
Field Characters: A plain earthy-brown, thick-billed little
bird with pointed black tail, whitish underparts and white rump.
In dry open scrub country.
Distribution: The drier parts of Ceylon and of all India
{up to about G,ooo feet in the llimalayas) cast tu, but excluding
Assam.
Habits: The White-throated Minia inhabits dry, open,
cultivated as well as sparse scrub-and-bush country, and avoids
humid forest. It is usually met with in flocks gleaning grass
seeds on the ground or taking them off the ears. The feeble
chitruping notes ditfer little from those of other minias.
Nesting: Breeds throughout the greater part of the year,
building the usual globular miinia nest of grass in some low bush,
In cotton growing tracts these are often largely composed of
cotton filched from the fields. It also habitually utilises old
weaver-bird nests for laying in. The normal clutch is of four
to six white, unmarked, eggs. The nests are used as dormitorics
by the entire family long after the young have flown.
128
3. The Spotted Munia
Breeding plumage
4. The Red Munia or Waxbili
Male in breeding plumage
129
—
59. The Spotted Munia
Uroloncha punctulata (Linnaeus).
Size: Same as the last two species. .
Field Characters: In breeding plumage npper parts chocolate-
brown; lower, white speckled with black. In non-breeding and
young plumage more or less plain brown, Sexes alike. Mlocks about
open cultivation.
Distribution; Throughout the Indian Empire excepting Sind,
Punjab plains, portions rol Rajptitana and the N.-W. I. Province. ln
the Himala up to about 6,000 feet. Three res are recognised
on details of colouration, viz., the India-Assam race Uneorenter, the
Burma race subundulata, and the Shan States-Chinese fepela. Resi-
dent, but also local migrant.
Habits: Typical Mania. Flocks - sometimes of up to 200 individuals
feed on the ground on grass seeds, &c. When disturbed, the birds
fly up into trees and bushes uttering feeble chirrups. They occasionally
devour winged termites emerging from the ground.
Nesting : The season is mainly between July and October. The
nest is a ball of Krass about 8 inches across, with a lateral entrance hole
near the top. Lt is built in some low thorny trec or bush sometimes
several nests together, ‘The eggs—tlour to seven -are glossless white,
unmarked. Both sexes partake in building and tending the young.
60. The Red Munia or Waxbill
‘linandava amandava (\.innacus).
Size: Smaller than the last.
Fleld Characters: Male in non-breeding dress, and female, brownish
sparsely spotted with white, with red bill and crimson rump. Tail
rounded. Flocks in tall grassland and among reeds, often on wet
ground,
Distribution: . Throughout [ndia from Sind to Assam and = from
about 2,000 [t. in the Himalayas to Ceylon; Burma. Upto 6,000 ft.
in the peninsular hills. The Burmese race flavidiventris differs from
the Indian amandava in having the abdomen orange yellow in the
breeding male. Resident species.
Habits: Typical Miinia. The feeble call notes are more musical
than those of the species described, and during the breeding season
the male keeps up a low, continuous twittering song. It is a popular
cage bird and large numbers are always for sale in bird markets.
Nesting: The scason is not sharply defined, but breeding is perhaps
most general in the rains, from June to October. The nest is a small
globular structure of grass, lined with finer grasses and feathers. It is
normally placed under 2 feet from the ground, in a tussock of coarse
grass or bracken bush. The eggs—four te seven in number ~-are
glossless white, unmarked.
Both sexes share in building, incubation and care of the young.
130
The Common Indian or Hodgson’s Rose-Finch
Male —
Female
13h
61. The Common Indian or Hodgson’s
Rose-Finch
Carpodacus erythrinus (Pallas).
Size: A trifle larger than the Ilonse-Sparrow.
Field Characters: Both in the rose-coloured male and the
brownish female, the heavy conical finch bill and the slightly
forked tail are always conspicuous features. Flocks in wooded
country and about cultivation.
Distribution: The Indian race voseatus breeds in the
HimAlay4ds at 10,000 feet and higher, from Kiamaon and Garhwal
to East Tibet, down throngh Yinnan to the Shan States and
eastward beyond our borders. In winter it spreads out over the
whole of India and Burma. The Eastern European race eryth-
vinus also occurs in N.-W. and Central India in winter, while the
Caucasus race kubanensis enters the extreme North-West. The
races differ from each other mainly in depth of colouration.
Habits: The Rose-Finch is found in continental India chiefly
between September and May. It is met with in small flocks in
wooded country and on the outskirts of cultivation, fecding in
bushes, scrub and standing crops. Its diet consists of flower
buds, Lantana and other berries, Banyan figs, bamboo seeds, as
well as jowdri, linseed and other grains. The nectar of Buiea,
Erythrina and a large variety of other wild flowers is habitually
eaten, and the birds doubtless play a considerable part in cross-
pollinating them.
The ordinary call note is a musical, whistling, interrogative
tooee ?-tooee ?, but just before the birds depart for their breeding
grounds the beginnings of a loud pleasant song may often be
heard.
Nesting: The season is from June to August. The nest is a
cup of grass lined with fine roots and hair. It is placed between
2 and 6 feet from the ground in wild rose and similar bushes.
The eggs—three or four—are blue in colour, spotted and speckled
with blackish and light red.
Both sexes share in building the nest and tending the young.
132
The Yellow-throated Sparrow
Male
133
62. The Yellow-throated Sparrow
Gymmorhis xanthocollis (Burton).
Size: That of the House-Sparrow.
Field Characters: An unmistakable sparrow with a
conspicuous chestnut shonlder-patch, two whitish bars in the
wing and a lemon yellow ‘thumb impression’ on the throat.
The female lacks the last, and the chestnut on her shoulders is
paler. locks, in open lightly wooded country.
Distribution: Practically all India from abont 4,000 feet in the
Himalayas to Ceylon and from Sind to Bengal, also Shan States
(Burma). Not Assim. Two races are recognised, viz., the paler
transfuge of Sind and the N.-W. L‘rontier, and the darker xaztho-
collis of the rest of its Indian range. Resident and local migrant.
Habits: While often found in the ueighbourhood of human habi-
tations, the Yellow-throated Sparrow does not establish itself in
dwellings in the impudent matter-of-fact way the Nlonse-Sparrow
does. it keeps more to open scrub country and light deciduous
forest. I‘locks of upto 30 are usually met with gleaning paddy
grains, or grass seeds in stubble fields and on the outskirts of cniti-
vation. It also feeds largely on berries, e.g., Lantana, moths and
other insects, and flower nectar. The chirpy call notes are
similar to those of the House-Sparrow but pleasanter. During
the heat of the day the flocks retire into the centre of some leafy
tree and spend the hours in noisy chirruping and chatter.
Nesting: The season is from April to June. The nest is a
collection of grass, wool, feathers and rubbish placed in a hole ina
tree at any height between 8 and 25 feet. Woodpecker- and
barbet-holes are often appropriated, and nest boxes put up in a
garden are freely used. Old street lamps offer favourite nest
sites, and sometiines a hole on the outside of a building is occupied.
Often the same hole is used year after year. The eggs- -three or
four-—are whitish or pale greenish-white, profusely spotted,
bletehed and streaked with dingy brown.
Both sexes share in building the nest and tending the young.
134
The House-Sparrow
Male
135
63. The House-Sparrow
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus).
Size: Well known. Smaller than the Bulbul. (6).
Field Characters: lemale earthy-brown streaked with black
and rufous above, whitish below. Ain unfailing commensal of
Man.
Distribution: Throughout the Indian Empire excepting
Andamans, Nicobars and extreme South Tenasserim. Ordinarily
up to about 7,000 feet in the Himalayas. J)ivided into several
races over Europe, Asia and Africa. We are coucerned with two,
viz. . the Indian race indicus, and the larger Kashmir and N-W.
Mronticr race parkini(=bacirianits.)
Habits: The House-Sparrow is a confirmed hanger-on of Man
in hills and plains alike, whether in bustling, noisy city or outlying
forest village. When fresh areas are colonised, the Sparrow is
amongst the foremost to profit, and quick to adapt itself to the
new surroundings. In spite of this, however, its complete absence
in certain apparently suitable localities—as for example in the
Travancore hills-- seems curious and inexplicable. In winter,
Tlouse-Sparrows collect in flocks—often of considerable size—
to feed in the neighbourhood of cultivation. At this season, too,
large numbers roost together in favourite trees or hedges, and
indulge in a great deal of noise and bickering before settling down
for the night. ‘Their food consists mostly of grains and seeds
gleancd on the ground, or picked out of horse-and cattle-lroppings,
Indeed, the presence or absence of horses at a hill-station, for
example, has a marked influence on the local sparrow population.
Insects and flower buds are also eaten.
The vulgar, irritating call notes of the Sparrow are too well
known to need description. Breeding males have, besides, a loud
monotonous, and still more aggravating ‘song ’-—7si, dsi, tsi
or cheer, cheer, cheer, &c., uttered, sometimes for fully 10 minutes
on end, as the bird flutfs ont its plumage, arches its rump, droops
its wings and struts about arrogantly, twitching its slightly cocked
tail.
Nesting: Vractically throughout the year. Several broods are
raised in quick succession. The nest is a collection of straw and
rubbish placed in a hole in wall or ceiling, niche, gargoyle, inverted
lamp shade, and in every conceivable situation within or on the
outside of a tenanted building. Rarely, in some small bushy tree
ot creeper, The eggs——three to five—are whitish or pale greenish-
white, marked with various shades of brown.
Both sexes build and tend the young, but the female alone
incubates. The incubation period is 14 days.
136
The Black-headed Bunting
Male
The Red-headed Bunting
Male
137
64. The Black-headed Bunting
Emberiza melanocephala Scopoli.
65. The Red-headed Bunting
: Emberiza brunniceps Brandt.
Size: Slightly larger than the House-Sparrow.
Field Characters: ‘Yellow sparrow-like birds with a longer
and noticcably forked tail. The female of the Black-headed
species is pale fulvous-brown above; that of the Red-headed
Bunting ashy-hbrown. Lawer plumage of both pale fulvous
washed with yelluw. Large flocks-—often of both species mixed
about open cultivation.
Another bird of the same size but less gregarious habits,
with a wide residential distribution in the Lower Himalayas,
Central and peninsular India is the Crested Bunting (AZelophus
fathami), The male is black and chestnut, of the same colour
scheme as the Crow-Pheasant, with a prominent crest. The
female—also crested --is dark brown with some cinnamon in
her wings.
Distribution : In winter over the greater part of continental
and peninsular India. The DBlack-headed Bunting is confined
chiefly to the western side south to Belgaum, but the other
extends east to Chota-Nagpur and south to Coimbatore.
Habits: These Buntings arrive in India in September /October
and depart again in March/April. They spread themselves out
over the country in enormous flocks, which keep to open cultiva-
tion interspersed with bush and babool jungle. The birds
descend in ‘ clouds’ to feed upon ripening crops- jowdy, wheat,
dbajra and others-—and cause considerable damage. The masses
present a remarkahle spectacle when settled in the surrounding
trees and hedges, the yellow plumage of the males glistening
in the sun against the dark green backgronnd.
The hirds are mostly silent whilst with us--the only note
heard being a sparrow-like, but musical tweet as they fly about.
Just before they depart for their breeding grounds, however,
the beginnings of a loud, pleasant whistling song may sometimes
be heard,
Nesting: The Black-headed Bunting breeds in W. Asia and
E, Europe. Within our limits, the Red-headed species breeds
only in British Balichistan, in May and June. Its nest is cup-
shaped, made of weed-stalks and fibres and lined with goat’s
hair, It is well cancealed in garden hedges, rose lushes, vines,
and not uneommonly z to 4 feet up in the fork of peach trees
growing in. wheat fields. The normal clutch is of five eggs—-
pale greenish-white, speckled and spotted’ with «ark brown,
lavender ani grey.
138
The Dusky Crag-Martin
139
66. The Dusky Crag-Martin
Riparia concolor Sykes.
Size: Slightly smaller than the House-Sparrow.
Field Characters: A uniformly sooty-brown bird with a
short square tail, and swallow-like wings and flight. Sexes
alike. Small numbers about cliffs, &c., in company with swallows.
The closely allied Crag-Martin Riparia rupestvis, breeding
in the Himalayas and beyond, is often found associating with
the present species during winter. It is slightly larger and paler
and has whitish underparts.
Distribution: Resident thronghout India, excepting Sind
and the Punjab, from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin and from
Rajpitaina to Western Bengal. Patchy locally.
Habits: ‘The Dusky CrageMartin’ is an exceptionally
happy name for this bird which it describes admirably. It
is a close relation of the swallows and inseparable from crags
and rock-searps, being found wherever these occur. Lt is also
very fond of old stone buildings-——even in the midst of populated,
noisy cities—hill-foris and ancient ruins, aud may usually be
met with either Nying about in twos and threes in their neigh-
bourhood, hawking winged insects, or perched on some ledge
or cornice. Rock-cut caves, such as at Ellora and Ajanta in
the Deeean, and others elsewhere within its range, invariably
have their small resident population of these Crag-Martins,
The birds utter a soft, cheerful chit-chit as they tly abont.
Nesting: ‘The principal months vary according to: locality,
but it breeds more or less throughout the year, commouly rearing
two broods in snecession. The nest is a deepish oval saucer
attached like « bracket to a perpendicular wall or rock face,
under an archway or projecting ledge, leaving a narrow slit
between the tap af the nest and the ceiling. It is composed
of plastered mud-pellets collected at a puddle while wet. The
depression is lincd with fine grass, tow and feathers. ‘Che nests
are solitary as a rule, but may occasionally be found in a small
seattered colony. They are built under eaves and against rafters
in inhabited bungalows, old mosques, tomhs and caves as well
as on natural cliffs. The normal clutch consists of two or three
eggs, white in colour, minutely speckled and spotted with various
shades of reddish-brown. Both sexes share in building,
incubation and tending the young.
140
The Common Swallow
I
67. The Common Swallow
Hirundo rustica Linnaeus.
Size: About that of the Ilouse-Sparrow.
Field Characters: Glossy stecl-blue upper plumage, chestuut
forehead and throat, white underparts and deeply forked tail.
Sexes alike, Gregariously, in open country and by water,
Distribution: In winter throughout the Indian Empire. The
visitors are mainly comprised of two races differing trom each
other in size and details of colouration, eis. : the European-West
Himalayan race vistica, and the Fast Asiatic-EKast Himalayan
gutturalis, A third race the N-E Siberian éyileri— with chest-
nut underparts, is restricted in winter to E, Bengal, Assam and
Burma,
Habits : The vast majority of swallows that visit the plains
of India—exeept in the N-W where the European race predo-
minates— belong ta the Eastern gautturalis, The birds arrive in
Angust/September and return to their brecding grounds in
April/May. They are met with gregariously, perched on tele-
graph wires or beating back and forth over reeds and grass
on marshes or shallow jheeds, hawking insects in the air or seoop-
ing them up from the surface of the water, They are also common
about cnitivation, Large congregations collect every evening
to roost amongst reed- and tamarisk-beds standing in water.
The flight is swift and graceful, the forked tail greatly enhancing
the agility of their movements. Prior to emigration, these
swallows collect in enormous swarms often covering long stret-
ches of telegraph wire and overflowing on to adjacent tree-tops
and even the ground.
Their food consists of winged insects which are eaptured
in the air. They have a number of pleasant twittering notes
uttered both on the wing and while at rest.
Nesting : Within our limits the European race breeds in
Ralichistan and the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. The
Eastern race breeds from Sikkim to N-F Assim, at hetween 4 and
7 thousand feet. Often two successive broods are reared between
Apriland July, The nest is similar to that of the Cray-Martin,
but the wud is reinforced with grass and straw, It is fixed in the
coruer of a verandah near the ceiling, under eaves or against
rafters in buildings, both inhabited and disused. The eggs
four or five are similar in colour and markings to those of
the last species.
142
The Indian Wire-tailed Swallow
143
68, The Indian Wire-tailed Swallow
Hirundo smithit Leach.
Size: Same as the last.
Field Characters: Glossy stecl-blue above, with a chestnut
cap; white below. Distinguishable from all other swallows
by its glistening white underparts and two long, fine ' wires’
in the tail. In the female these are shorter. Pairs or parties
in open cultivation, near water,
Another common swallow is the Red-rumped or Striated
species IT, dauvica. This may he recognised by a chestnut
hal collar on the nape, a chestnut rump and finely dark-striated
underparts. It is usually present about old mosques and build-
ings.
Distribution; The Indian race fiifera is found from about
5,000 feet in the [limalayas south to Mysore and the Nilgiris,
and from the N-W. Frontier and Sind east to Bengal. Also in
Pegu and Tenasserim. Mainly resident, but lucal migrant in
parts.
Habits: The habits of the Wire-tailed Swallow do not ditfer
appreciably from those of the foregoing species. It is, however,
even more devoted to the neighbourhood of water and is hardly
ever met with away from it. Several birds may be seen loosely
together skimming over the surface of a jhee/ or village tank, or
hawking insects a few feet above it or over ploughed fields around
its margin.
It utters a pleasant chit-chit while flying about. In the
breeding season the male has a pretty little twittering song.
When agitated, as for example when the nest is threatened by a
sparrow, the birds launch a series of furious mock attacks snapping
their bills at the intruder every time they shoot past him. The
‘war cries’ then uttered are very like the chi-chip, chi-chip of a
wagtail in Aight.
Nesting : The season extcnds practically over the whole year,
but the principal months are March to September. ‘Iwo broods
are frequently raised in succession, The nest does not differ
from that of the Crag-Martin. It is attached under arches
of bridges and culverts, to cliffs flanking streams, and frequently
to rafters in the verandahs of bungalows. In situations as the
last, the Hause-Sparrow often ousts the rightful owners, usurping
the nest for its own purposes. The nest is usually solitary, but
occasionally several are built close together. The normal clutch
is of three to five eggs, in appearance like those of the Common
Swallow. Both sexes share in building and care of the young.
144
69. The Eastern Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerce Tunstall.
Size: About that of the House-Sparrow, but with a long tail.
Field Characters: In non-breeding plumage blue-grey above
with greenish-yellow rump, and yellowish-white underparts,
brighter yellow towards the tail. A slim, sparrow-like bird with
slender bill, and long tail (even for a wagtail) which is constantly
wagged up and down. Sexes alike. Singly, on the ground by
streams, etc. Several other species of grey and yellow wagtails
also visit the Indian plains during winter. In winter plumage
their identification in the field is dilficult except with mueh
practice,
Distribution; The Eastern race cespica, which breeds from
the Ural Mountains to Kamschatka and south to Afghanistin
aud the Himalayas, is found in winter throughout the Indian
Empire.
Habits: The Grey Wagtail is almost invariably met with as a
solitary bird near streams or rocky pools in well-wooded country,
both hill and plain, and also along forest paths. [¢ runs about
briskly chasing insects, turning and twisting with agility in their
pursnit and often springing up into the air flutteringly after them.
Sometimes it makes regular sallies after winged insects from a
stone amid stream, snapping up the quarry in the air and return-
ing to its base. The tail is constantly wagged up and down,
Its Hight, like that of other wagtails, is a series of long undulating
curves eaused hy alternate quick flapping and closing of the wings
It is accompanied by a sharp chi-cheep, chi-cheep, ete. These
are the only calt notes heard whilst the birds are with us in their
winter quarters. In the breeding season a pretty little ' song’
is nttered by the male.
Its food consists entirely uf small insects and molluses.
Nesting: Within our limits, this Wagtail breeds only in the
Himalayas between 6 and 12 thousand feet elevation, from May
to July. The nest is cup-shaped, made of yrass, rootlets and
wool, 1t is placed under a stone, amongst the roots of a fallen
tree or under a thick bush near a stream, preferably on a miniature
islet in the middle of it. The eggs -four tu six in number—are
yellowish-grey or greenish, freekled with reddish-brown, more
densely about the broad end. Both parents tend the young.
146
ge numbers of Grasshoppers
Myna on the same quest.
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disturbed by the animals.
Cattle Egrets attend on
70. The Large Pied Wagtail
Motacilla maderaspatensis Gmelin.
Size: Abont that of the Bulbul.
Field Characters: Plate on p, 145. <A typical wagtail of
black and white plumage resembling in pattern that of the
familiar Magpie-Robin, Sexes alike. Pairs, on river banks or
near water.
Distribution: Resident throughout the whole of India from
about 3,000 fect in the Himalayas to Ceylon, and from Sind and
Kashmir to W. Bengal. Not found in Assim or Burma.
Habits: The Large Pied Wagtail is usnally met with in pairs
in the neighbourhood of jhee/s and village tanks, but above all it
loves clear, shingly, smooth-running streams with rocks here and
there and diminutive cypress-prass covered islets standing in
their beds. The birds are not shy and often frequent human
habitations, perching upon roof-tops and the like, or running
about and feeding within a few feet of the dhobi battering his
clothes. They have a number of loud, pleasant whistling calls
and during the breeding season the male sings sweetly from a
rock or housetop, The song is not nnlike some snatches of the
Magpie-Robin's. Otherwise, in general habits, this species does
not differ from other wagtails.
Nesting: The season is elastic and continues almost throughout
the year. March to September are, however, the most widely
favoured months. ‘The nest is a cup-shaped pad of rootlets, hair,
wool and dry alge, placed in a hole in a wall, beneath a projecting
tock, among the rafters of an inhabited house or under the girders
of a bridge spanning a river. Whatever the situation, the nest is
always in the neighbourhood of water. The normal elntch
consists of three or four eggs. They are greyish-, brownish-, or
greenish-white in eoleur, blotched and streaked with various
shades of brown.
Both sexes share in building the nest and feeding the young.
148
71. The White Wagtail
Molacilla alba Linnaeus.
Size: Same as of the Grey Wagtail.
Field Characters: In winter or non-breeding plumage the
black ‘ bib” is much reduced or wanting, the chin and throat
being pure white like the underparts. Sexes alike. Loose
flocks, running about on open grassland.
Distribution: ‘The two races which have the widest range
within our limits are: the Indian dukhuneusis and the Masked
personata. They are very similar in general appearance but the
former las white car coverts at all seasons as against black in
personata, Voth are winter visitors to the greater part of India
and Assim, JDukhunensis also extends sparingly into Ceylon,
but the other has not been recorded thenee. Dukhinersis
breeds entirely outside our limits ; personata in Central Western
Asia as far south as Kashmir, |adakh and the N.-W, FF. A third
race, the N.-E. Siberian ocudavis—distinguished by a streak
tanning through the eye---visits Assim and Barma in winter.
Habits: ‘The first two races of the White Wagtail are fainiliar
birds throughout the eold weather, though d#khunensts is the
commoner, They arrive in September/Octeber and depart for
their breeding grounds in Mareh/April. Parties often large
flocks—ate usually met with running about, constantly moving
their tails up and down and picking up insects, in ploughed fields,
fallow land, the grassy margins of tanks or on golf links, maidans
and lawns frequently in the midst of populated towns, All
wagtails roost at night in large mixed gatherings preferably
amougst reed- and tamarisk-beds standing in water. In flight,
notes, food and other particulars this species does not differ
markedly from the Grey or other wagtails,
Nesting: The race pervsonaie breeds in Kashmir and the
N.-W, F. between 6,000 and 12,000 feet elevation, from May to
July. The nest is a pad of rootlets, moss, hair ind wool placed
in a hole in a ruined wall, hank or heap of stones. The normal
clutch consists of four to six eggs, white in colour, freckled and
spotted with reddish-brown.
1590
151
White Ibises on Nests
72. The Indian Pipit
dAanthus rufulus Vicillot.
Size: <Ahout that of the Sparrow.
Field Characters: Plate on p. 149. Like the female House-
Sparrow in colouration, but slimmer, with a slenderer bill and
longer tail, Sexes alike. Pairs or loose parties on the ground in
open country. Several other species of pipits visit our area during
winter, many of which are superficially so alike in their coloura-
tion and habits, as to be difficnlt to differentiate in the field.
Distribution ; Resident throughout the Indian Empire. Three
races are recognised mainly on depth of colouration, viz. : the
palest N.-W. Indian waite, the intermediate peninsular and Burma
race vufulus, and the richly coloured ‘Cravancore-Ceylon-Malaya
malayensis.
Habits: The Indian Pipit affects open country, in the plains as
well as up to about 6,000 fect in the hills. DPairs or scattered
parties are met with in ploughed and stubble fields, fallow land,
under groves of shady trees or ov open grass-covered stony hill-
sides. They feed on the ground, running about briskly and
moving their tail up and down in the manner of wagtails, flying
up into trees when disturbed. They have the sume gently
undulating flight, and the notes ultered on the wing--a feeble
pipit-pipit or tseep-tsecp, etc.—are also similar to, yet casily
distinguishable from, those of the wagtails. Their food consists
of weevils and other small insects.
Dnring the breeding season the male indulges in a song
flight--an exceedingly poor imitation of the Skylark’s. It soars
aud flutters a few feet up in the air uttering a feeble cheeping
‘song’ anc descends to earth in a couple of minutes. When
the nest young are threatencd, the parents express concern by
repeatedly flying up 15 or 20 fect in the air with an agitated
tistp-istp-tisip, hovering flutteringly overheul for a while, and
sailing down obliquely to the ground some distance away, wings
depressed at the sides and tail tilled upwards.
Nesting : The season ranges between February and October,
but is most general from March to June. The nest is a shallow
cup of fine grass, rootlets and hair -sometimes partially domed—
placed on the ground in an old hoof-print of cattle or under
shelter of a clod or diminutive lush. The eggs, three or four in
number, are yellowish- or greyish-white irregularly blotched and
spotted with brown, more densely at the hroader end. Both
sexes share in buikling the nest and tending the young.
152
The Small Skylark.
153
73. The Small Skylark
slauda gulgula Franklin.
Size: About that af the Sparrow.
Fieid Characters: A hen-sparrow-like bird with dark streaks
in the brown upper plumage and on the fulvous breast. Differs
from the pipit in its rather squat build and shorter tail. Sexes
alike. Pairs or parties, in open country aud cultivation,
Distribution: The three races of this skylark which mainly
concern us are; the pale N.-W. Indian panjanbi, the darker
continental India-Assim-Burnia race guigula, and the larger
Nilgiri-Travancore-Ceylon race australis. Four other races oecut
in restricted areas within our limits. Resident, but alsa local
migrant,
Habits: The Skylark is essentially a bird of grassy meadows
and open cultivated country—-both plain and hill-—-being par-
ticularly fond of damp grassland in the environs of jheeds, It
is met with in pairs, family parties and loose scattered tlocks—
often quite large onesin the cold weather. It feedson the ground
on insects as well as seeds. ft has a peeuliar fluttering flight.
Inspite of its insignificant appearance, the Skylark is a
songster of exceptional merit and well-deserved reputation.
As the breeding season draws nigh, males indulge in their soaring
and singing displays. l‘rom time to time—inostly in the early
mornings and evenings, but also throughout the day---the bird
springs up from its pereh on a clod or stone and soars almost
vertically upwards on fluttering wings - often legs dangling—
singing as it rises, higher and higher, until almost out of sight
even with binoculars. There it remains more or less stationary,
hovering on vibrating wings, and continues to pour forth an
unbroken streain of spirited lond, clear and melodious warbling.
The performance often lasts for over 5 minutes at a stretch,
When it is over, the bird closes his wings and drops like a stone
for some distance opens them out, flutters a little and drops
again and so on by steps, until when within a few feet of the
ground he shoots off at a tangent and comes to rest near the
starting point. Several males may be thus soaring and singing
in rivalry at the same time over a meadow or wheatfield, and
the air resounds with their full-throated melody.
Nesting: The season over most of its range is February to
July, but in Travaneore and Ceylon they apparently breed
most months of the year. The nest is a cup-like depression
in the ground—or a_ hoof-print—lined with grass, and under
shelter of a clod or grass tussock. The eggs—two to four—are
usually pale brownish-grey or whitish, spotted and streaked with
brown.
134
The Crested Lark.
155
74. The Crested Lark
Galerida cristata (Linnaens).
Size: Slightly larger than the Sparraw.
Field Characters: Larger size and prominent, pointed
crest (usually upstanding) distinguishes it from most other larks.
Sexes alike. Singly or pairs in dry, open country.
Two allied but considerably smaller species, Sykes’s Crested
Lark (Galerida deva) and the Malabar Crested Lark (G. malabarica)
between them occupy the greater part of India.
Distribution: A widely distributed species with numerous
races in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Only two of these
concern us in India, viz.: the larger Balachistén-N.-W. Frontier
race magna, and the smaller North Indian chendoola which
extends south to Central India and east to Bihar.
Habits: The Crested Lark inhabits dry, open, sandy or stony
semi-desert country covered with scanty grass. It is not found
on lush meadows or moist grass land. Where the two types of
country are contiguous, its predilection for the drier facies will
be obvious. Pairs or small parties are usually met with running
about on the ground in search of food. From time to time the
bird mounts a clod or stone to utter its liquid whistling notes.
Its food consists largely of grain and grass seeds, but small
beetles and other insects are also eaten. During the breeding
season the male indulges in a modest song-flight which consists
of soaring a few feet up in the air, flying about wanderingly
over a circumscribed area on leisurely fluttcring wings, singing
its short pleasant song, and then sailing down on stiffly out-
spread and slightly quavering wings to perch on a stone or clod.
The song is also uttered from the ground or a bush. It not only
lacks the spirit and liveliness of the Skylark’s melody, but is
not so unbrokenly uttered, and is of course very much shorter.
The Crested Lark is a favourite cage bird and thrives well in
captivity.
Nesting : The season is principally between March and June,
The nest is a shallow cup of grass, lined with finer material or
hair, placed in a slight hollow in open country, under shelter
of a grass-tuft or clod. The normal clutch consists of three
or four eggs, dull yellowish-white in colour, blotched with
brown and purple. Both sexes share in building the nest
and tending the young. The female alone is said to incubate.
156
The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark.
Female
Male
157
75. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark
Evemopterix grisea (Scopoli).
Size: Smallcr than the House-Sparrow.
Field Characters: A squat finch-like bird seen in pairs or
small flocks un the ground in open couniry. The male has black
underparts, ashy crown and sandy upper plumage ; the female
is sandy hen-sparrow-like all over.
Distribution: All India from the Himalayas to Ceylon and
from Sind to ahout Calcutta. Three races are recognised, viz.,
the pale N.-W. Indian siccafa, the darker continental and penin-
sular Tudian grisea, and the large-billed Ceylonese ceylonensis.
It moves about a good deal locally with the seasons.
Habits: This little lark affects flat, open cultivated country
and semi-barren waste land. It is usually met with in widely
scattered pairs or parties which run aloug the ground, body
held low, in short zig-zag spurts, facing this way and that,
in search of food. Its colouration is remarkably obliterative
and matches the ground to perfection. Its food consists chiefly
of seeds and grain, but insects are also eaten. The flight is a
series of rapid wing beats as in hovering, followed by short
pauses. The males have a very pleasant little song—a combina-
tion of sweet warbling and drawn-out ‘ wheeching’ notes—~
which is uttered both on the gronnd and while indulging in their
spectacular aérobatic displays. The bird shoots upwards
vertically on quivering wings for a hundred feet or so. Then
nose-diving for a distance with wings pulled in at the sides,
he suddenly turns himself round to face skywards, and using
the momentum of the dive—still with wings closed--.shoots up a
few feet once more. On the crest of the ‘wave’ he again nose-
lives a step lower, and so on until just when perilously near to
dashing himself to pulp on the ground, the wings are opened out
and he alights safely on a clod or stone. The grace and ease
attending the entire performance make it delightful to watch.
Nesting: Breeding is irregular and continues more or less
throughout the year. The nest is a tiny, neatly-made saucer-
like depression in the ground—or merely a hoof-print—under
shelter of a clod or small bush in open country. It is lined with
fine grasses, hair or feathers and frequently rimmed with gravel
or small stones. The eggs—two or three—are pale yellowish
or greyish-white, blotched and speckled with brown and laven-
der. Apparently the female alone huilds the nest, but the male
assists in incubation and care of the young,
158
The White-eye.
359
76. The White-eye
Zosterops palpebyosa (Temm. & Schlegel).
Size: Smaller than the Sparrow. About that of the Red
Mania.
Field Characters: A tiny, square-tailed greenish-yellow and
bright yellow bird with a conspicuous white ring round the eyes
and slender, pointed, slightly curved bill. Sexes alike. Gregari-
ously, in gardens and wooded country.
Distribution: Practically throughout the Indian Empire
excepting actual desert. Resident but also local migrant. Seven
geographical races are recogniscd within our limits, on details
of size and depths of colouration.
Habits: The White-eye inhabits well-wooded country, gardens
and groves of trees. it is also found in humid evergreen forest.
In the non-breeding season the birds keep in flocks of 5 to 20,
but occasionally as many as a hundred may be seen together.
They are entirely arboreal and spend their time hunting for food
amongst the foliage of tall trees as well as bushes, working
with energy and method, often clinging upside down to peer
into springs and buds for lurking insects. The birds constantly
utter their feeble jingling or twittering notes as they move or
flit about. The flocks break up into pairs during the breeding
season and the male then develops a pretty little tinkling song,
rather reminiscent of the Verditer Flycatcher’s. It begins almost
inaudibly, grows louder and soon fades out as it began. Their
food consists of small insects as well as fruits and berries. Nectar
of a large variety of flowers likewise forms a substantial part
of their diet, and the birds do considerable service is cross-
pollinating the species they visit.
Nesting : The principal months are between April and July.
The nest is a tiny cup of fibres, neatly bound with cobwebs—
a small facsimile of the Oriole’s nest—and similarly slung ham
mock-wise, in the fork of a thin twig at the extremity of an
outhanging branch. It is situated in a bush or tree normally
between 5 and ro feet from the ground, but occasionally higher.
The eggs—z2 or 3 in number—are a beautiful unmarked pale blue
in colour, sometimes with a cap of deeper bluc at the broad end,
Both sexes share in building, incubation and tending the
young. Incubation occupies 10/11 days, and the young leave
the nest in a like period.
160
The Purple Sunbird.
Male
Female
77- The Purple Sunbird
. Cinnyris astatica (Lathan).
Size: Sinaller than the Sparrow. About that of the White-eye,
Fieid Characters: I non-breeding plumage the male is like
the female—brown to olive-brown above, pale dull yellow
below—bnt with darker wings and a broad black streak running
down middle of breast. Pairs, in open lightly wooded country.
Distribution : ‘Throughout India, Burma and Ceylon. Mostly
resident, but also local migrant. ‘Three races are recognised on
details of size and depth of colonration, viz., the N.-W. Indian
brevivostvis, the continental and peninsular Indian-Ceylonese
astatica, and the Assim-Burma race trlermedia.
Habits: The Purple Sunbird is a common and familiar species
all over its range. lt affects gardens, groves, cultivated and
scrub country as well as light deciduous forest. It is also met
with in semi-desert wastes with a scanty growth of Babil trees,
young date palms and Ak (Calotropis) bushes, but it avoids
humid evergreen jungle.
The bird goes about in pairs flitting restlessly from flower to
flower and often clinging to them upside down to prohe with
its slender curved bill for the nectar, which forms its staple diet.
lt will sometimes hover in front of a flower like a lrawk-moth,
and, poised on rapidly vibrating wings, insert its long extensile
tubular tongue to suck in the sugary fluid. A very large variety
of flowers is visited in its assiduous search for nectar, ancl all
sunbirds play an important réle as eross-pollinating agents.
Small spiders and insects are also eaten to a lesser extent. It
utters a sharp monosyllabic wich-wich as it flils amongst the
foliage and blossoms. Breeding males habitually perch on the
topmost branches of a tree, a telegraph wire or in some other
exposed situation and ‘sing’ excitedly cheewit-cheewit-cheetwit
Tepeated quickly from 2 to 6 times. While doing so, the bird
pivots from side to side and nervously raises and lowers his
wings.
Nesting: Nests may be found practically all the year, but the
most general breeding months are March to May. The nest is
typical of the sunbirds-—an oblong pouch of soft grasses, rubbish
and cobwebs draped with pieces of hark and woody refuse, with
a porched lateral entrance near the top. It is suspended at the
tip of a branch in a bush or small tree between 3 and 6 feet from
the ground, rarely higher. Commonly it may be in a creeper
climbing on the trellis work of inhabited bungalows. The eggs—
2 or 3—are pale greyish- or greenish-white marked with various
shades of brown and grey. Only the female builds and ineubates,
but the male assists in tending the young.
162
The Purple-rumped Sunbird.
Male
Female
163
78. The Purple-cumped Sunbird
Cinnyris zeylonica (Linnaeus).
Size: Same as the Purple Sunbird.
Field Characters: Hcad, upper parts and breast mostly
metallic green, crimson and purple. Rump anictallic bluish-
purple. Lower parts yellow. Female very similar to that of
the last. Breeding and non-breeding plumages alike. Pairs,
in open lightly wooded country.
Distribution : Ceylon and peninsular India north to Bombay ;
east through the Central Provinces to Chita Nagpir and Bengal,
rarely to Calcutta. In the Madras Presidency not recorded north
of the Godavari Valley. Resident.
Habits: Very similar to those of the Purple Sunbird except
that it is perhaps even commoner in gardens and about villages
and human habitations in the plains. Vairs are invariably
present on the white blossoms of the Drumstick tree (Moringa
oleifera) to be found in numbers in every village in peninsular
India, the pods of which are so highly relished in curries. The
hirds hop from one flower cluster to another or dart from tree
to tree, hanging upside down and clinging to the branchlets in
all manner of acrobatic positions to get at the nectar. A very
large variety of other flowers is also visited in this quest and
similarly cross-pollinated, the birds thus doing a vital service
to trees. The pernicious tree-parasite, Loranthus, which is such
a curse to mango orchards and other plantations in India, is
dependent for the fertilisation of its flowers almost exclusively
on Sunbirds and White-cyes. The birds are in unfailing attendance
on Loranthus clumps in bloom, and the economic loss sutfered
by the growers on account of this parasite can largely be attri-
buted to them.
The feeble call notes of this Sunbird are not unlike those of
the Purple species, but easily distinguishable from them.
Nesting: The season is not well-defined and nests may be found
in practically every month. In structure and situation they
do not differ from the Purple Sunbird’s, and the eggs of the two
are also similar. The female alone builds, but the male accom-
panies her each time she brings matcrial to the nest, encouraging
her from a distance by little snatches of lively song. The male
does not share in incubating either, but he helps to tend the
young. Incubation occupies r4—15 days and the young leave
the nest when about 15 days old.
164
Tickell’s Flowerpecker.
165
79. ‘Tickell’s Flowerpecker
Dicaeum erythrorhynches (Latham).
Size: Smaller than the Sunbirds described.
Field Characters: A restless olive-brown hird with greyish-
white underparts—rather like a female sunbird in general effect
—and with short, slender, slightly curved, flesh-coloured bill.
Singly, in mango orehards, ete.
Another common species of rather similar appearance and
habits is the Thick-billed Mlowerpecker (Piprisoma agile). its
thick, bluish, horny finch-like bill is diagnostic. (Plate p. 2.41).
Distribution: Ceylon, Assim aud all Endia excepting the dry
areas of the N.-W., i.e. Sind, Punjib, W. Rajpatana, N_-W. F. P.
and Balichistan. Also sparingly in Burma, The Ceylon race
ceylonensis is darker than the Indian erythrorhynchos.
Habits: This Flowerpecker inhabits orchards, groves and
light forest. Its existence and distribution is narrowly linked
with that of Loranthus and Viscum tree-parasites, commouly
known in India as Bandha and belonging to the Mistletoe family.
Where one partner is present the other may confidently be looked
for. The bird’s food consists almost exclusively of the flower-
nectar and berries of these parasites. In its efforts to reach
the Loranthus nectar it fertilises the flowers. The ripe berries
are swallowed entire and the viscous seeds exereted soon after
on to a neighbouring branch of the host-tree, where they adhere
and sprout within a few days. Complicity in the propagation
of these harmful parasites constitutes a serious indictment
against the bird. Flowerpeckers have regular “beats’ or
feeding territories within which they fly about from one infested
tree to another. In flight, as well as while the bird hops restlessly
amongst the bunches of Loranéhus berries, it uttersan almost
incessant sharp chick-chick-chick. This is occasionally varied
by a series of twittering nates which might be termed its song.
Nesting: ‘The season over the greater part of its range is
from February to June. The nest is a hanging oval pouch like
the sunbird’s, but somewhat smaller and much neater, It is
made of soft fibres and vegetable down, usually pinkish-brown
in colour, with the texture of felt, and not draped with rubbish,
It is suspended on a twig between ro and 40 fect from the
ground, The eggs. usually two—are unmarked white. Both
sexes build the nest and fced the young.
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