I '.I
GIFT OF
BIOLOGY
LIBRARY
G
.- a
.-'. jgjjS ' K I
BIRDS' NESTING
IN
INDIA
A CALENDAE OF THE BREEDING SEASONS, AND A POPULAR
GUIDE TO THE HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS,
LLUSTRATED.
BY CAPTAIN G. F. L. MARSHALL, R.E., F.Z.S.,
AND MEMBER OF 7 HE BRITISH 6- INDIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL UNIONS.
PUBLISHED BY THE CALCUTTA CENTRAL PRESS CO.,
5, COUNCIL HOUSE STREET.
1877.
CALCUTTA :
CALCUTTA CENTRAL PRESS COMPANY, LIMITED,
5, COUNCIL HOUSE STREET.
CONTENTS.
PAET I. Page.
PBEFACE ... ... ... ... ... ... i
CHAPTEE I. Introductory, breeding seasons and hints on birds' nesting 1
CHAPTEE II. Habits and haunts of birds, with general description of
types of eggs ... ... ... " ... 12
PAET II.
INDEX. List of birds that are known to breed in India, with duration
of breeding season for each species tabulated ... ... 41
PAET III.
CALENDAE showing the birds of which the eggs may be looked for during
each month of the year ; with description of nest and
the situation where usually placed ...
... 63
JANUABY ... ...
... 64
FEBEUABY ... ... ... ...
69
MAECH
76
APRIL .. ... ...
88
MAY ... ... ... ...
... 107
JUNE
... 130
JULY ...
... 149
AUGUST ... ... ... ...
... 161
SEPTEMBER .. ... ...
... 170
OCTOEEB ... ... .0. ...
... 174
NOVEMBEB ... ...
... 177
DECEMBEE
180
44S081
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS,
Page.
TAKING THE BROADBILI/S NEST ... ... FRONTISPIECE,
NEST OF THE KING VULTURE (Otogyps calvus) ... ... 64
NEST OF THE THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER (Piprisomct agile) ... 69
NEST OF THE RED-HEADED TIT (Effithaliscus erythrocephalus) 76
BREEDING PLACE OF THE TERNS .., ... ... 88
NEST OF THE WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL (Leucocerca fuscoventris) 107
NEST OF THE WHITE-BROWED WARBLER (Abrornis albosuperciliaris) 130
NEST OF THE YELLOW-THROATED BROADBiLL (Psarisomus dalhousm) 149
NEST OF THE WHISTLING TEAL (Lendrocygna arcuata) ... 161
BREEDING PLACE OF THE LITTLE CORMORANTS ... ... 170
NEST OF THE YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL ( Ghelidorhynx hypoxanihd) 174
NEST OF THE BROWN FISH OWL (Ketupa ceylonensis) ... 177
NEST or THE PURPLE HoNEYsucKER (Arachnechthra asiatica) ... 180
PREFACE.
TEN years ago when beginning to make a collection of birds' eggs in
this country, I was struck by the diversity in the breeding seasons, and
the want of any guide to assist the beginner in his researches. Since
then I have kept a continuous record of my observations, and, with
the intention of eventually publishing them, I have endeavoured to
gather together, as far as possible, the recorded experiences of others ; and
this little book is the result. Many friends have kindly placed their
collections at my disposal, and for a great deal of the information
regarding the rarer birds, I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. A. O.
Hume, in permitting the use of extracts from a draft of his book on " Indian
Birds' Nests and Eggs," which has as yet only been printed for private
circulation : to this source are due the valuable observations from Sikkim
by Mr. Gammie ; from Hansi (Punjab), the Central Provinces, and
Bundelkhund by Mr. Blewitt ; from the Nilgiris by Miss Cockburn
and Messrs. Davidson and Wait, and by many others from various parts
of India, while the information from Bengal is chiefly due to Mr. Parker.
Of private collections from which notes have been taken those of Captains
Cock and C. H. T. Marshall, and of Mr. W. E. Brooks, were the most
important, and to all these gentlemen my thanks are due.
The notes from upper India are comparatively full and complete, but
as regards Eastern and Peninsular India they are as yet very meagre,
more especially from the latter. A good deal of new information has
been collected since the manuscript of this book was put in hand, and
more is being accumulated month by month ; but the knowledge already
gained is valuable as far as it goes, and believing that it is better that
what is known should be made at once available to the public, rather
than that indefinite delay should be made for fuller detail, I offer no
further apology for the incompleteness of the record.
This book will not in any way supplant the carefully detailed work
which Mr. Hume is compiling on the nidification of Indian birds, but
it will supplement it by abstracting, in a convenient form, certain points
11 PREFACE.
of information, and so facilitate the direction of research into the proper
channels. Mr. Hume's work, when published, and, it is to be hoped, it
soon will be, should be in the hands of every lover of Natural History in
this country.
No details are here given as to the materials and apparatus necessary
in forming 1 a collection and in preparing and preserving specimens : those
who wish to commence collections of eggs or of skins of birds, will find
all information as to details in Mr. Hume's tc INDIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL
COLLECTOR'S VADE-MECUM," a most useful little book published by the
Calcutta Central Press Company (5, Council House Street, Calcutta),
and priced one rupee: .but with reference to collections of eggs,
it is necessary to repeat here that eggs are scientifically worthless as
specimens, unless the species of bird to which they belong has been
accurately ascertained ; and to do this effectually it is necessary for all
except the most practised observers that the skin of the parent bird
should be in all cases obtained and preserved.
If egg collectors, into whose hands this book may come, would
kindly communicate to me any notes they may make from their own
experience in correction or extension of the information now recorded,
it would confer a great obligation on me, and enable me, in case a second
edition may be required, to render it more complete and satisfactory than
I am able to do in the present case.
The list of birds in Part II serves as an index, the order of arrange-
ment followed by Jerdon is adopted, and having ascertained from this
list the months in which any particular bird breeds, the further details
required will be found on reference to the lists for those months.
*^
TAKING THE BROAD BILLS NEST
BIRDS' NESTING IN INDIA.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY; BREEDING SEASONS AND HINTS ON
BIRDS' NESTING.
BIRDS' nesting has gained in civilised countries a very evil reputation,
in many cases unfortunately only too well deserved, by the wanton
cruelty with which it is attended ; and it must be stated clearly to
begin with, that the publication of this book is not intended in any way
to encourage the idle and foolish destruction of birds, nor to countenance
the wholesale robbing of young and eggs from nests, which has brought
the very name of birds ' nester into discredit, and has changed what
should be, and is, if properly carried on, a healthy and instructive pursuit
into a deserved reproach.
That the collecting of birds' eggs may be done without cruelty is
not to be doubted by any one who has devoted time and thought to the
question. Few birds attach any importance to fresh eggs, it is only as the
process of incubation progresses, and the maternal instincts are developed,
that any grave anxiety is shown by the parent birds when the eggs are
approached ; even at this stage many birds will forsake the nest at once
if the eggs are touched ; and when the eggs are quite fresh, the simple
fact of the nest being touched, or even the detection by the parent bird
that the nest has been discovered, is sometimes enough to lead to its
desertion : in such cases the taking of the eggs is clearly not followed
by any distress to the parent birds. Not many years ago I used to feel
very much more strongly on this point than I do now; the pain at robbing
a nest used quite to embitter the joy of discovering a prize ; but it happened
on one occasion, during a march through the Bolandshahr district, that
2 BREEDING SEASONS.
I found a nest of a kind I had long sought in vain, the whistling teal
(Dendrocygna arcuatd). These curious little ducks perch in trees and lay
their eggs in nests made of sticks and twigs in trees. The nest was in a
babul tree, at the edge of a large swamp, about ten feet from the ground ;
and standing on a bank close by, I could see both parent birds seated side
by side on the nest, with their little heads laid lovingly together, and
their soft eyes watching me with no signs of dread. A severe mental
struggle followed. My desire to get the eggs turned the scale, and
I determined on shooting both the parent birds so as to leave no desolate
mourner. I startled them from the nest, and as they flew off, fired right
and left, killed the drake, but alas missed the duck. The deed was done,
and there was nothing left but to take the egg which I did with a sad-
dened heart and walked on to my camp three miles distant. All that day
the memory of the poor little solitary duck haunted me. I could not get
it out of my mind, and the next morning I determined to return to the
spot, though it took me six miles out of my way, and put an end to the
misery of the unhappy survivor by shooting her. On reaching the place,
there I found her, seated on her empty nest, the scene of the previous
day's calamity, seated indeed, but not alone, she was accompanied, and no
doubt successfully cheered by another drake that had already aspired to
the place in her affections vacated by her unfortunate partner only the
day before. In this case the nest contained only a single egg which was
quite fresh, the usual number laid for hatching being from seven to ten.
The behaviour is, however, very different when the little family
arrangements are further developed. I once found the nest of a golden-
crested wren, with eight eggs in it. The eggs were new to me at the time,
and as I was anxious to find out accurately to what bird they belonged, I
set a snare by the nest, and in a few minutes caught and killed the hen
bird, and then taking the nest I sat down to pack it, and the eggs and the
little bird to convey them safely away. While I was engaged on this,
the cock bird appeared and soon perceived the disaster that had happened
to his home, his plaintive chirping was most piteous to hear, and I hur-
riedly moved away, but there was no escaping, the poor little
thing followed me incessantly, keeping pace with me and flitting
from tree to tree, till passing out of the pine wood I got into
open-treeless ground, and there, unable to trust his frail little wings to
the long flight, and fearing to alight on the open common, he fell back,
and to my great relief his cries of woe were soon lost to hearing. The
eggs were so hard set in this case that I was unable to preserve even one
BREEDING SEASONS. 3
of them, and that day's work I have ever regretted. It cannot of course
be known how long the little bird mourned his loss, or what his end was,
but on the other hand no one can doubt that the sorrow for the time was
real and deep.
When the eggs are hatched, and the helpless young lie in the nest
dependant solely on the parent birds for food and life, the maternal
instincts are of course quicker and more deep-seated, and many anec-
dotes could be told of the devotion of birds to their young, and of their
courage and ingenuity in defending them. I will only mention one
instance which occurred to a friend of mine. A nest of the golden oriole,
often known as the mangp bird ( Oriolus kundoo) , had been found in the
garden containing young, and was taken and brought into the house with
the intention of rearing the young for the cage. The nest was placed by
an open window, and there was discovered by the parent birds. They took
charge of it as if nothing had happened, coming fearlessly into the
verandah and feeding the young all day long. After a few days the nest
was removed to another house more than half a mile distant, and still the
parent birds followed it, tended it in the new situation, and eventually
I believe reared up the young and carried them off as soon as they were
able to fly. The golden oriole is a shy retiring bird, and for it to overcome
so far its dread of man shows a very high order of parental affection.
One more instance, perhaps the most curious of all, I must give
before passing on to resume my subject. The heroine this time being
a kite ( Milvus govinda) . Kites are not attractive birds, except for the
wonderful grace of their flight, and it is hard to imagine a tender heart
beneath their fierce but treacherous and withal cowardly exteriors. In the
month of January in lower Bengal when with the kites the breeding
season is at its height, a solitary female, over whom the instincts of
the season evidently had their sway, but who from some cause or other
was unprovided with a nest or eggs, appropriated an empty pill-box
that had been thrown on to the roof of a portico, nd gathering
some sticks and straws round it in the corner of the roof to serve as a
nest, she commenced and carried on with admirable perseverance a forlorn
attempt to hatch it. When approached and driven from her place she would
return to defend the beloved treasure dashing fiercely at the intruder.
How long it would have taken before her hopes of welcoming a young
kite out of the pill-box would have been finally abandoned was not
proved, for a heavy storm of rain reduced it to a pulp, and in its place
the egg of a domestic fowl was put down, and on that the kite now joined
4 BREEDING SEASONS.
by a male kite who keeps careful guard over her, is still sitting-. The
eggs will be hatched in a few days, and the life of the young chick, which
will probably be short and adventurous, will commence.*
It is not essential to the pursuit of natural historythat collections
of eggs or skins should be made ; but the act of collecting is the sim-
plest and readiest if not the only certain way of rendering the eye sufficient-
ly familiar with the appearance of birds to enable any one to recognise and
distinguish at a distance the various kinds one from another, and for
this reason the making of a collection is very advisable. The interest
in the subject so far from ceasing would even increase when the collec-
tion was formed and the knowledge gained in the act of collecting
remains. Experience proves that, after the acquisition of specimens is
no longer desired, there is a pleasure in intelligently watching and
noting the habits of birds and animals in life, the intensity of which
grows in the minds of all true lovers of nature, just in proportion as
its gratification is no longer encumbered with the necessity for taking
the lives of harmless and beautiful creatures.
The duties of an Englishman in India frequently entail a great
deal of out-of-door life, much of which is in many instances solitary.
To such, the need of a pursuit to interest the mind and divert it
in leisure hours from the groove of official routine is very great, and to
this end the study of natural history is pre-eminently adapted. Few
countries offer greater inducements or better opportunities for it than India
does, and its pursuit not only affords occupation and interest both in-doors
and out-of-doors, but it is also accessible to all and necessitates no more
costly apparatus than is within the means of every official Englishman.
The habits of close observation which it fosters are especially useful ;
and the careful record of personal observations supplies the much-needed
data, without which general laws cannot be discussed or deduced. As
to the healthy interest it developes in life, those who have experienced
it will testify. A country which to others may seem a dreary waste is
often to the naturalist a very mine of wealth, a ride across it, or a march
through it, becomes replete with interest and enjoyment ; and it is earnestly
hoped that, on perusing these pages, some of the many Englishmen
scattered over India in solitary places may be induced to take up the
study of ornithology, and find in it a new and growing interest which
will while away many a pleasant hour.
* This curious instance of aberrant instinct was pointed out to me by Col. Tucker,
E.E., on whose house the event occurred and indeed is still occurring.
BREEDING SEASONS. 5
A knowledge of the habits and seasons of birds is especially useful
to sportsmen who seldom have the time for ascertaining the breeding
seasons of game birds by personal observation, and in consequence of
the want of this information many of our Indian game birds are slaugh-
tered while they have eggs or young chicks, even by men who would
be the first to condemn the deed if it were done wittingly. In England
long experience has rendered every one familiar with such things, but
in this country the seasons are known only to a few. At present no
means exist for others of readily ascertaining them, and sportsmen are
helpless in the matter. A case in point quite recently came under my
observation. A large bag of the likh florikin (Sypheotides auritus) had
been made in the very height of the breeding season, but no idea that
such was the case had ever entered the head of the man (a true sports-
man) who had shot them, and he was quite ignorant of the extent of
the damage unconsciously inflicted. I feel sure that the publication
of any facts that will aid in preventing this misdirection of sport will
be welcomed by all, and if each will supplement the existing knowledge
of the subject by carefully recording his own personal experiences, we
should in a few years have sufficient materials accumulated for a complete
record of the breeding seasons, and the way would be paved at all events
for an unwritten law, known and honoured by all sportsmen for the
observation of close seasons, and then, but not till then, India will
become, as it ought to be, equal to the best country in the world for a
day's small game shooting. The occasional holiday with a gun, so
looked forward to by many, would no longer result in a weary trudge
with a nearly empty bag at the end, as is now not unfrequen^ly the
case ; and partridge-shooting would then afford as good sport as snipe-
shootino- does at present, but which is in the latter case entirely owing
to the fact that the snipe by removing themselves en masse to other
countries inaccessible to sportsmen, when the breeding season comes
round, are able to carry on their domestic arrangements in peace and
security.
But to return to the birds' nesting, the real reason why the difficulties
arise out here, is the irregularity in season of breeding in tropical climates
as compared with temperate climates. In the latter, breeding among
birds is almost universally confined to the spring and early summer
months. On coming out to India, people naturally assume that the
rule holds good out here, which is only very partially the case, and
the first difficulty that besets a beginner in collecting birds' eggs in this
6 BREEDING SEASONS.
country is tbe absence of any information on this point. At first, search
for nests is only made in the spring- and summer months, but in the
course of time eggs are found incidentally in other months, both
earlier and later, and it gradually becomes evident that hours of fruitless
search and watching of birds, to trace from their movements where their
nests are concealed have been thrown away, which a little experience
would have saved by teaching that the breeding- season were either
already over or had not yet begun, or in some instances even never
would begin in that part of the country. It is to answer at all events
partially this question, when do the birds breed ? that these notes
are published. The question is now being answered in full detail for
each bird by Mr. Hume's book already referred to in the preface, and
this little book will give a review of the year month by month, indicating-
the direction in which search can at any given time be profitably
carried on.
In dealing with a limited area, either tropical or temperate, it would
be comparatively easy to furnish a complete guide on this point in
a small compass ; but with a large country like India, including every
variety of climate from the eternal snows of the alpine Himalayas
to the unvarying round of heat in the southern peninsular on the
one hand, and from the arid deserts of Sind to the humid forests of
Assam on the other hand. It is a task of much difficulty to afford
full details in a single book. The area dealt with is bounded by the
main ridge of the Himalayas on the north ; the Suliman range and
the Arabian sea on the west ; by the Indian ocean on the south ;
and by the bay of Bengal and Assam on the east. Climate has by
far the largest influence in determining the breeding period with birds, and
thus over so large an area it is clear that great variations must occur
at different points. Speaking generally, it may be assumed that the
colder the climate, the more uniformly will the breeding season be
confined to the warmer months ; and the hotter and less variable the
climate, the more irregularly will the breeding season be spread
throughout the year. Among hot climates the drier the climate, the
more the breeding season inclines to the summer and monsoon months ;
while in damp tropical climates the winter months are more prolific
in proportion ; but in India, excluding the Himalayas, there is no place
where eggs of some species may not be obtained in every mouth of
the year.
The fewest number of kinds of birds known to breed in this country
BREEDING SEASONS. 7
in any one month is twenty-eight, and that month is November ; and
further research will probably show that this number is under the
mark. In May four hundred kinds of birds are known to breed, and
the number is probably little short of five hundred. Of the twelve
hundred or so species found in this country, the breeding of about
six hundred has already been ascertained, of the remainder many are
migratory and do not breed in this country at all, but there still
remains a wide field for discovery, the great bar to further progress
being the deadly character of some parts of the country at certain
seasons of the year. The great majority of the birds, the breeding of
which is yet unknown, frequent swamps or dense forests, and probably
breed at seasons of the year when exploration is not only attended with
extreme discomfort, but with serious risk of life. Some few kinds, such as
hawk owls (Ninox) and some of the goat suckers ( CaprimulgidoB) and
others, though they breed in accessible and healthy localities, escape
observation by their shy and retiring habits.
In every part of India the vultures and many of the large eagles
breed during the cold season, the most notable exception is the breeding
of the Indian tawny eagle (A. vindhyana\ the spotted eagle (A, ncevia),
and the loner-legged eagle (A. hastata) in the height of the hot weather
in moist localities, such as Saharunpoor, the Terais, and Calcutta, but in
other parts these species too conform to the general rule. Many of
the owls, especially the large ones, breed in the winter, and almost all the
others breed in the early spring. The water birds breed during the
rainy season. In July and August, in the country affected by the south-
west monsoon, and in December in those parts of the south-east
coast which are under the influence of the north-east monsoon. In
some places the herons are known to breed in the spring, this has
been ascertained in Oudh and also at Saugor, but it is unusual. The
small warblers also of all kinds breed chiefly, though not without exception,
during the rainy season. For the rest the season varies with locality.
In the Himalayas the chief season is April, May, and June, but
many eggs may be found in February and March ; and also in July.
All the finches breed late, chiefly in July in the higher ranges. From
August to November birds'* nesting does not repay the labor and fatigue
of walking in the hills, few, if any, eggs are to be found, and only definite
search after particular kinds, which there may be good reason to believe
are then breeding, should be made. In December and January the
big vultures and eagles have eggs, and their eyries should be sought for.
8 BREEDING SEASONS.
The seasons for any particular kinds that may be spread throughout
the whole range of the Himalayas are usually somewhat earlier in the
eastern, and later in the western portion.
In the hills of south India the season is much the same as in the
Himalayas, hut it begins earlier, and ends later. There too a second or
autumn brood is frequently hatched, while in the Himalayas, with
birds that have two broods, the first is usually in March, and the second
in June. In the southern hills, the ranges being less lofty and easily
accessible to and from the plains, birds' nesting may be carried on with
more or less success over a much longer period by extending the rambles
to the forests at the foot of the hills from time to time.
In the plains, where the tropical extremes of temperature occur,
the season never ends, every month of the year yields a fair harvest.
Some individual species breed all the year round, and where some leave
off, others begin, so that the birds' nester may be always fully employed*
In the dry parts of the plains, more especially towards the north and
west, the autumn months are comparatively barren seasons, the end of
the cold weather, and throughout the hot weather and rains being the
most prolific periods.
In searching for birds' nests the great secret of success after all ia
patience and perseverance, and when this is backed by keen eyesight
and a knowledge of the habits of birds, success is certain. When the
time cf breeding is known, the way is cleared to a great extent; but
when the time for any particular species is only to be found out by
observation, search may be guided by noting the breeding times of
closely allied kinds of birds. If the breeding of one species is known,
it may generally be inferred, though it is not always the case, that
other species of that genus will breed about the same time in that
locality. An exception to this is found among the crows, the common
crow (Corvus impudicus) breeding in the upper provinces in June, while
the raven (C. corax) and the corby (C. culmenatus) both breed in those
parts during the winter. Other exceptions will occur to all who have
collected eggs in this country, but the rule generally offers a fair guide.
When this method leads to no results, the simplest way with
common species is to shoot a specimen from time to time and ascertain
by dissection whether breeding is in progress or not. Of course, if the
birds are rare, this method cannot be carried out ; for it defeats its own
object, and watching must be resorted to. With birds in which the
sexes differ in plumage, the disappearance of the hen birds, while the
BREEDING SEASONS. 9
cocks are still to be seen about, leads to the inference that
the former are in all probability sitting on eggs somewhere close by, and
if watched, the male bird may be seen to carry food to the female, and
thus lead to the discovery of the nest. Some birds put on handsome
plumes or tufts of feathers as the breeding season approaches, which
indicates when search for the eggs should be made. If watched closely,
many kinds of birds may be detected pairing ; or, in the case of such
as build nests, they may be seen carrying bits of stick or straw, or
wool or feathers in their bills to the tree or hole where they are prepar-
ing their little home. This latter of course leads not only to the know-
ledge of the breeding season, but also what is more to the point to
the discovery of the nest. Some birds that are widely spread over the
country breed in one locality or another nearly throughout the year.
Some again breed nearly throughout the year in the same locality.
Among these latter may be mentioned the striated bush babbler (Chat-
tarhcea caudata), the pin-tailed munia (Munia malabarica), the black-
bellied finch lark (Pyrrhalauda grisea), the common sandgrouse (Pterocles
exustus), and all the commonest doves in the plains.
To ensure success in discovering nests to any extent, it must be
repeated that close and persevering search is necessary, many nests and
sometimes those of the rarest birds are found accidentally, but even in
these cases the finding generally results from a habit of keeping a
watch on the movements of birds, and without labor and perseverance
no great results can be looked for in this or in any other pursuit.
With birds that sit close the nest itself must be searched for ; and
likely spots must be beaten, or otherwise disturbed, to cause the bird
to fly off; but in many cases this is not necessary, as birds often quit
their nests on the first signs of the approach of man. In forest country
if the trees are too numerous, or the underwood is too thick to allow
of complete search, it is best to keep a sharp look-out some thirty
yards ahead of where you are walking to catch sight of the birds as
they rapidly and often silently flit from the nest and reveal its situa-
tion. In this manner I found in one morning nests of the small
billed mountain thrush (Oreocincla dauma), the dusky bush thrush
( Geocichla unicolor), the black-throated jay ( Garrulus lanceolafus), and
several others in the course of a quick ride through a secluded forest.
It is sometimes advantageous to sit quite still for a time and watch, but
as a rule moving about gives the best chance. One morning in the hot
weather I had sat down to light my pipe at the foot of a tall clump
B
s
10 BREEDING SEASONS.
of surkerry grass, when a little wren warbler (Prinia steivarli) flew
up with a straw in its mouth, suddenly caught sight of me and
alighting on a twig close by, looked at me in evident astonishment
without moving for two or three seconds, then opening its bill and
dropping the straw it gave a most melancholy chee-e-ep. I looked round,
and just at my back, fortunately uninjured, was the nest neatly
woven in among the stalks of the grass about a foot above the ground -,
it was unfinished, and I left it in peace and moved away. Tapping the
trunks of trees with a stick in passing is a good plan, as it will generally
put a bird up off a nest that would otherwise sit close and escape
observation ; but even with those species that lay in deep holes in trees,
a sound of approaching footsteps is often enough to rouse the bird. I
once found th nest of a speckled piculet (Fivia mnominata) } in this way,
seating myself on a bank to rest for a few moments under a tree, and
looking up among the branches, a head of a little bird protruded from
a tiny hole caught my eye. The bird had been roused by the sound of
my approaching footsteps, and was looking out to see the cause. The
hole which was pierced in the wood of an old trunk at some distance
from the ground was so small that I could only put one finger into the
entrance, and was almost invisible until the eye was guided to it. To
find nests of this description, such as woodpeckers and barbets, the
easiest way is by listening carefully in the woods in the early part of
the breeding season when the tapping noise made by the birds in. dig-
ging out the holes with their bills guides the eye to their position.
To find nests in bushes and trees when the birds are close sitters, it
is sometimes a good plan to disturb the birds by beating the foliage ;
but by far the best way is to select the most likely localities where
birds are most numerous and carefully search every bush. In open
country, with scanty jungle and few trees, every bush and tree should
be searched, especially where birds are abundant. Large isolated trees
which are so marked a feature in the plains are very favorite resorts, and
most of them are more or less tenanted in the season. If the country
is quite open, or if the jungle is like the common " bed " thorn
jungle, too low and thick to search systematically, better results will
be got on horseback than on foot, and in such situations many nests
may be found while cantering about on a sure-footed pony. When the
country is quite bare of vegetation, as in some plains and fallow lands,
or even low stubble, a look-out should be kept Well ahead for plovers or
sandgrouse and other birds which creep quietly away from their eggs
BREEDING SEASONS. 11
long before you can get near them. If little bushes or tufts of grass
are scattered about here and there, the pony should be guided to pass
close by them ; and if a lark or pipit or other bird of similar habits
should happen to have a nest under the shelter of one of them, the bird
will rise sometimes almost at the horse's feet. For thick low jungle where
the riding plan fails, the place should be beaten or dragged with a rope,
which latter will make even quail, which are exceedingly close sitters
rise from their eggs. The object of the rapid approach on horseback
is to startle the bird and make it rise hurriedly, as otherwise it would
creep quietly away unobserved to the other side of the bush.
With gregarious birds the matter is more simple, the breeding
haunts may easily be found in most cases, except when the powers of
flight are very great as with the spinetails and swiftlets, by noting
where they tend to congregate when the proper season arrives. When
once the breeding ground is known, it is easy to find the individual
nests.
A plan tried by Captain Cock of nailing up a sheepskin to a tree,
and watching with binoculars the birds that came to take the wool, was
found very successful with tits and some small birds, but experience is
the best guide in all cases ; and with these general remarks I must have
the reader to arrange his own course of action in each case.
CHAPTER II.
HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS, WITH GENERAL DESCRIPTION
OF TYPES OF EGGS.
Vultures, (Otogyps, Gyps, Percnopteron, Gypaetus). Build a
large conspicuous nest of sticks ; sometimes many feet in width and
depth ; generally a huge solitary tree is chosen for the purpose, and the nest
is difficult to reach, indeed often nearly inaccessible. The usual number
of eggs laid in each nest is one ; two is the greatest number ever laid,
and that only by a few species ; so that a good collection of the eggs
of these birds requires a great deal of difficult climbing and perseverance.
Some kinds, the king vulture and the " roc," lay pure white eggs.
Of other kinds the eggs are more or less spotted, those of the " sca-
venger" and bearded vulture being often very richly coloured. The
great brown vulture (Vultur monacfius) only occurs here in the cold
weather, all the other vultures are permanent residents, some breeding
wherever they are found, others congregating at particular spots when
the time for nest building arrives.
Falcons, (Falco.) Of the eight species of true falcons which
are found in India, only three are known to breed here ; the rest are cold
weather visitants migrating- to north and west in the summer. Of the
three which remain, one, the laggar falcon ( F. juggur) is found in dry
plains ; the two others, the " shahin" (F. perigrinator) and the black
cap falcon (F. atriceps) affect wooded and rugged country. The nest,
though large, is generally well concealed. From three to six eggs are
laid, which are always well marked, sometimes very richly coloured.
Hobbles, (Hypotriorchis). Nothing is known of their breeding
in this country. The European hobby [(H. subbuteo) is a rather rare
winter visitant. The Indian hobby (H. severus) is a permanent resident
in the eastern Himalayas, where its nest will probably be found in
high trees in forest tracts.
Merlins, (Lithofalco). The merlin of Europe (L. esalon] is a
rare cold weather visitant. The red-headed merlin (L. chicquera) is very
common, it is a permanent resident, and chiefly found in mango groves.
The nests are well concealed in thick foliage, and the eggs are of the
same type as those of the true falcons.
TYPES OF EGGS. 13
(Tinnunculus, Erythropus.) The common kestril (T.
alaudarius) is found all over the country in the cold weather, but retires
to the mountain ranges to breed. Of the breeding of the other two
kestrils (E. cenchris and E. vespertinus) very little is known. The
former is said to breed in the Nilgiris, and the latter may probably breed
in the Himalayas. The eggs are richly coloured.
Pigmy falcons, (Hierax).O these beautiful little birds very
little is known. Only one kind is found in India, in the extreme north-
east. They feed on insects and frequent forests. They do not appear
to be migratory.
Hawks, (Astur, Lophospiza, Micronisus, Accipiter). The six
species known in India are all permanent residents, though in the cold
weather some of them wander far from their breeding haunts. Of the
besra sparrow hawk (A. virgatus), nothing is known as to its breeding.
They affect wooded localities and often fly high. The eggs of Astur
and Micronisus are pale blue or grey unspotted. The sparrow hawks lay
boldly blotched eggs. One only (M. badius) breeds in the plains ; the
others all breed in mountain ranges and temperate climates.
Eagles, (Aquila, Neopus). The golden eagle (A. chrysaetus)
is said to breed in the alpine Himalayas, making its nest on cliffs ; but
no eggs have been taken as yet. The black eagle (N. malaiensis) also
breeds on cliffs, the other resident eagles breed on trees. All the true
eagles are more or less migratory. The great tawny eagle (A. ful-
vescens vera or A. ncevioides) and the barred imperial eagle (A bifasciata)
leave the country altogether in the breeding season. Eagles frequent
open or wooded places, perching on high trees and soaring in search of
prey. The nests are conspicuous, and they lay two or sometimes one
egg ; white with a few spots or blotches.
Hawk eagles, (Nisaetus, Limnaetus, Spizaetus). Bonelli's eagle
(N. bonellii) frequents open plains as well as wooded hills. The other
hawk eagles are confined to forest tracts, and from the unhealthiness of
the woods at the breeding time, but few of their nests are taken. They
perch in trees with thick foliage and keep a good deal out of sight. They
have a loud rather musical call which often leads to their detection.
Their eggs generally two in number are sparingly spotted or streaked.
They are partially migratory, but probably all breed within Indian limits.
Serpent eagles, (Circaetus, Spilornis). The short- toed eagle
(C. gallicus) is a permanent resident and frequents dry open plains, perch-
14 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
ing on isolated trees. It lays a single white egg. The crested serpent
eagles (Spilornis) are found in forests and well- watered tracts. S. cJieela
breeds in the warm sub- Himalayan valleys. The nest is placed about
half way up a tree near water, and the eggs two in number are slightly
spotted. They migrate to the well-watered plains in the cold weather.
The others are probably permanent residents were found.
Fishing eagles, (Pandion, Polioatus, Halicetu*). These are
always found in the neighbourhood of water. They build enormous nests
of sticks on high trees. The osprey (P. haliatus) probably breeds in
this country, but the eggs have not as yet been taken. They are very
handsomely blotched. The other fishing eagles are permanent residents
where they occur, and lay unspotted white eggs.
Buzzards, (Buteo, Archibuteo, Poliornis). Of the true buz-
zards (Buteo) only one, the long-legged buzzard (B. canescens) is known
to breed in India. It breeds in the far north-west. The others are con-
fined to the mountains of India and affect well-wooded slopes. Their
eggs are boldly. blotched. Of the genus Archibuteo nothing is known.
The two species that occur in India (A. hemiptolopusandA. stropliiatus) are
some of the rarest birds in collections. The white-eyed buzzard (P. teesa),
the only representative of the genus Poliornis in India proper, is very
common throughout the plains, and a permanent resident everywhere.
Its eggs, three in number, are unspotted as a rule.
Harriers, (Circus). Are cold weather visitants to India, re-
tiring north and west to breed. One the marsh harrier (Coeruginosus)
may prossibly breed in a few localities, but the majority of them leave
the country. They breed on the ground in marshy tracts and lay bluish
unspotted eggs.
Kites, (Haliasturj Milvus, Baza, Elanus). The brahminykite
(II. Indus) is found in all well-watered districts, and is a permanent
resident where found. Of the breeding of the crested kite (Baza
lophotes) nothing is known. It is wide spread in its distribution, but rare
everywhere. The black-winged kite, (E. melanopterus] is common in
well-wooded districts. All the kites, except the larger Indian kite
(M. major) which migrates to the plains in the cold weather, appear
to be stationary in their habits. They all build on trees and lay hand-
somely blotched eggs.
Owls, (Strix, ScelostriXj Phodiltts, Bulacca, Otus ) Ascalaphia,
HuJiua, Bulo, Nyctea, Ketvpa, Ephialtes, Athene, Heteroglaux,
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 15
Glaucidium.) A great number of owls are found in India, most of
them are permanent residents. The short-eared owls (Olus) are the only
truly migratory ones. They all lay pure white eggs of a rounded shape.
The grass owl (Scelostrix Candida) lays on the ground in grass. The
rock-horned owl (Ascalaphia bengalensis) lays on shady ledges of banks.
Some of the wood owls (Bulacca) lay occasionally on ledges of rocks.
The screech owl (Strix indica) and the spotted owlet (Athene drama) lay
sometimes in buildings or deserted wells, but the place par excellence
for finding owls' eggs is in natural hollows in decayed trees. Some of the
larger owls which would find holes in any ordinary tree rather tight
quarters lay in hollows at the bifurcations of the trunks of large trees.
Owls are seldom seen, owing to their nocturnal habits, but some species
or other is to be found in every part of India. Some of them live in
houses inhabited by man, but the great bulk of them frequent well-
wooded districts away from human habitations.
Hawk OWls, (Ninox). Nothing is known of the nidification of
these curious birds. They affect wooded localties, and are more widely
spread than is usually thought. They appear at twilight, perching on
conspicuous dead boughs.
Swallows, (Hirundo) . Are very widely spread. They are often
gregarious and generally found near water over the surface of which they
feed. They occur throughout India, and breed much near human
habitations. Their nests, of whatever shape, are all made of pellets of
clay, fixed against a building or rock generally with a soft lining. The
eggs are pure white in some, but spotted iu others. The common swallow
(H. rustica) is migratory. A few pairs only remain to breed in the
Himalayas. All the others are permanent residents where found, except
perhaps H. daurica which breeds in the Himalayas only, but is found
in the plains in winter.
Martins, (Cotyle, Chelidon} . Are very locally spread through India,
the sand martins (Gotyle) are found near large rivers. The crag martins
(Cotyle) and the house martins (Chelidon) chiefly affect rocky country,
and of the breeding of these latter very little is known. They are all
more or less gregarious. The crag martins lay spotted eggs. The sand
martins lay pure white eggs. They arc partially migratory.
Spine tails, (Acanthylis). Of the breeding of the spine tails
nothing is known, their amazing powers of flight, and the great dis-
tances they traverse in a day, render observation of their habits almost
16 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
impossible. They probably breed in company against precipitous
rocks.
Swifts, (Cypselus.) The breeding- of the larger swifts is
difficult to ascertain from the same reason as in the case of the spine
tails. They fly with great ease and swiftness, and though not, as far as
is known, migratory ; in the true sense of the word, they wander far and
come and go irregularly. The palm swifts are much more local and do
not wander far from their breeding haunts. The eggs of all swifts are
pure white and very elongated. They are all more or less gregarious
breeders.
SwiftletS, (CoUocalia.) Three kinds of swiftlets breed in
India. They are gregarious, with great powers of flight, and wander far.
They breed on rocks. Some of the species make the " edible nests" so
highly valued by the Chinese. Their eggs like those of the swifts are
pure white and very elongated.
Tree SWiftS, (Dendrocheledon). Only one species is found in
India, and that confined to forests and very local. The egg (only one is
laid) is pure white and elongated.
FrOgmOlltllS, (Otothrix, Batrachostomus). Are confined to
forests and very local, little is known of them. They probably breed in
holes or on stumps and lay white eggs.
Goatsuckers, (Caprimulgus.) These birds are widely
spread, but each species is comparatively local. They are crepuscular in
their habits, and frequent wooded or waste jungly land. They are per-
manent residents wherever found, and lay two elongated eggs, beauti-
fully marked with pink or brown and salmon colour, on the bare ground
or on a few dead leaves. They lie exceedingly close, not rising till they
catch your eye. The beds of shady nullahs, ravines, at roots of trees,
or in dense underwood, are the spots where they usually deposit their
eg~s, but they are sometimes laid by a sprig in an open field ; and to find
them careful and persevering search is necessary. Of G. macrourus and
C. mahrattensisj the eggs have not yet been found. Though not gre-
garious, one or two nests may sometimes be found very near each
other.
TrOgOnS, (Harpactes). Are not migratory. They frequent dense
forests and lay pure white eggs in holes in decayed trees. Only two kinds
are found in India, and they are very local.
(Merops, Nyctiornis)* Are found all over India.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 17
Some frequent forests, and some open plains, but as a rule they are seldom
found far from water, except the common bee eater (M. mridis), which is
found everywhere in the plains. They make no nest, and lay very round
pure white egg-s in deep holes in banks or in level ground. Sometimes
old rat holes are used, but often they excavate for themselves. They
are permanent residents, and the breeding of all, except the blue-ruffed
bee eater (N. athertoni) , is well known. They are generally, though not
always, gregarious and breed in colonies.
Rollers, (Coracias, Eurystomus}. Lay round white eggs in
holes in decayed trees. They are not migratory as a rule, though they
sometimes wander in the cold season far from their breeding haunts.
The common roller (C. indica), the " jay" of Englishmen in India, often
breeds about houses. It is a well-known and conspicuous bird.
Kingfishers, (Pelargopsis, Halcyon, Ceyx, Todiramphus, Alcedo,
Ceryle).A.?Q essentially non-migratory. Wherever they are found they
breed. They lay round white eggs in deep holes in banks, making no
nest. Many species are found in India, but most of them are very
local; and partly owing to their rarity, partly owing to the unhealthiness
of the localities, they affect during the breeding season. The nests of
only a few species have as yet been discovered in this country. The
kingfishers in India all belong to genera, which keep near water and
breed in holes in banks. Some genera belonging to other countries
inhabit forests, and lay their eggs in holes in decayed trees. Here, though
banks of rivers or canals are by far the most approved localities, instances
have occurred of eggs being found in holes in the sides of wells, in
banks of ponds, and even in mud walls in a village.
BroadbillS, (Psarisomus, Serilophus.) The nidification of
these birds is little known. They appear generally to build a globular
or pear-shaped nest,* hanging from the tips of boughs, and lay white eggs.
Only two species occur (P. dalhousice and C. rubropygia), both con-
fined to the Eastern Himalayas, and both rather rare, though permanent
residents. They affect oak forests and keep to the tops of trees.
HombillS, (Homraius, Rhyticeros, Hydrocissa, Meniceros,
TocJcus^ Aceros). These are the "toucans" of Englishmen in India.
They inhabit forests or wooded- country; and where they occur are per-
manent residents. They all nestle in holes in decayed trees generally
at a considerable height from the ground. The entrance to the hole is
* See frontispiece.
18 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
more or less plastered up after the female has entered, and the egg's are
white.
PaiTOtS, (Paloeornis, Loriculus). These occur throughout India
some local, some widely spread, but all where they occur are
permanent residents. They lay pure white eggs in holes in trees,
generally they use a natural hollow, but sometimes they cut the entrance
hole themselves, always choosing a tree decayed internally. The nest holes
are often at a considerable height from the ground. They are gtegari-
ous when not breeding, and often a number of nests may be found in the
same tree, They affect cultivation and open wooded country.
Woodpeckers, (Picns, Hypopicus, Yungipicus, Hemicircu^ Chry-
socolaptes, Muelleripicus, Gecinus, Chrysophlegma, Venilia, Gecinulusj
Micropternus, Brachypternus, Chrysonotus). There are a great number
of species in India. Only two species are widely spread, the yellow-fronted
woodpecker (Picus mahrattensis) and the common gold-back woodpeck-
er ( Brachyplernus aurantius). The rest are local and confined to particular
parts of India. They are as a rule only found in well-wooded districts.
They all lay pure white eggs, and deposit them in holes in trees which
they cut for themselves with a neat circular orifice.* The nest holes are
always on the under -sides of boughs, or in perpendicular trunks to keep
out rainwater. Woodpeckers are not migratory. They breed wherever
they are found.
PicllletS, (Fivia, Sacia). Only two species occur in India, and
these are confined to the Himalayas. In habits they exactly resemble
woodpeckers, and lay white eggs in artificial holes in trees. They are
not nugatory.
Wrynecks, ( Yunx). One species, the common wryneck ( Y. tor-
quila) is common in the plains in the cold weather, but it migrates in
the spring. It is said to breed in Kashmir, but no details are recorded.
They nestle in holes in decayed trees and lay pure white eggs.
Honey guides, (Indicator). -One species is found though ex-
tremely rarely, and nothing is known of its habits.
BarbetS, (Megalcema, Xantholoema) . Many species occur in India.
They closely resemble woodpeckers in their habits, but they feed on fruit.
They are non-migratory, breeding wherever they are found. They usual-
ly inhabit forests or well-wooded country, lay pure white eggs, and de-
* Mr. Gamruie lias recently discovered that in Sikkim the bay woodpeckers (Micropter-
nus) make their nest holes in black ants' nests attached to trees, a most remarkable fact.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 19
posit them in holes which they cut fort hem selves in trees. They usually
select a decayed tree, and the circular orifice pierced, they occupy the
oatural cavity in the centre of the trunk or bough.
CllckOOS, (Cuculus, Hierococcyx, Polyphasia, Surniculus, Chry-
sococcyx, Coccystes, Eudynamis). All these birds are migratory more or
less, and parasitic in their habits. They appear for breeding purposes
in the spring in the hills, and in the rains in the plains, and lay their eggs
in other birds' nests, selecting, according to circumstances, the bird
most likely to prove useful in rearing their young for them. One of the
hawk cuckoos (H. sparverioides ) is said to build its own nest in the Nil-
giris, but this requires confirmation.
Ground CUCkoOS, (Zanclostomus, Centropus, Taccocua). These
birds are somewhat locally distributed ; they chiefly inhabit dense jungle
and thickets, and where they occur are permanent residents. They build
massive stick nests often domed over, in thick cover, and lay white eggs,
rather chalky in texture.
Spider-hunters, (Arachnothera). -These are a Malayan form,
only two species extending to India. The nest of the big spider-hunter
( A. magna) is a very neat massive deep cup, sewn to a leaf of the plantain
tree, and the eggs are deep greyish brown.
Honey SUCkerS, (CEthopyga, Leptocoma, Arachnechthra.)OnQ
species, the purple honeysucker (A. asiatica), is spread throughout India.
The other species, and there are many, are very local. The greater
number confined to the Himalayas. They build a beautiful little pear-
shaped hanging nest, with a side entrance, overhung by a fringe, and
lay two much speckled eggs. They are partially migratory and frequent
warm valleys and jungles.
Flower-peckers, (Dicauw, Piprisoma, MyzantJie, PacJiy-
glossa). These birds are generally local and are not migratory. The
nest is a beautiful little purse-shaped structure of a delicate felt-like
substance hung not by a point but by an edge from a bough. The eggs
are white in some species and spotted in others. They affect well-wooded
localities, and often keep to the tops of high trees for feeding ; though the
nests are as often as not quite low down. The last two genera are only
found in the eastern Himalayas.
Tree-Creepers, (CertJiia, Salpornis.)T\ie true tree-creepers
(Certhia) are confined to the Himalayas where they are permanent
residents. The nests are high up in trees behind crevices in bark and
20 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
exceedingly difficult to find. The eggs are spotted. Of the spotted
grey creeper (Salpornis spilonota) nothing is known. It is found in many
localities, but nowhere common.
Wall-Creepers, (Tichodroma). Only one species occurs in India.
It breeds in the Himalayas at 3,000 to 5,000 feet altitude, descending
to the foot of the hills in the cold weather. The nest is slight, placed in
a crevice in a rock.
Nuthatches, (Sitta, Dendrophila.) These are all permanent
residents where they occur. They are found in forests or well-wooded
tracts. They make their nests in hollows in decayed trees, lining the hole
with feathers, wool, or moss, and closing up the entrance with a stiff
gummy substance, till only a tiny circular orifice is left. The holes are
often near the ground, but sometimes very high up in large trees. The
eggs are spotted rather boldly.
Hoopoes, ( Upupa.) The common hoopoe ( U. epops) migrates
to the plains in the cold weather, but breeds only in the north-west
Himalayas. The Indian hoopoe (U. nigripennis) is a permanent
resident throughout the country. They nestle in holes in trees or buildings,
lining the hole with a few feathers and leaves. They are domestic in
their habits, often breeding about human dwellings. The eggs are
greenish or brownish grey.
Shrikes, (Lanius). Butcher birds or shrikes are permanent
residents where they occur. They usually place their nest in the fork
of a thick bush, but sometimes they wedge it up against the trunk of
a tree, or even place it on a dead stump. The eggs are typically whitish,
with a thick ring of spots near the larger end ; but sometimes the
whole egg is more or less spotted. Shrikes generally frequent open
country and avoid forests. The brown shrikes are migratory and leave
upper India in the spring.
Wood Shrikes, (Tephrodornis). The nests of the woodshrikes
are small and very neatly made, usually placed in forks high up in trees and
difficult to detect. The birds are not migratory, but the breeding of
only one species, the common woodshrike (T. ponticeriana), is known-
Its eggs are very much like miniatures of the true shrikes.
Pied Shrikes, (Hemipus.) These birds are local and frequent
hilly country. Very little is known as to their habits.
CrUCkoO Shrikes, ( Volvocivora, GVawca^s.J These, like the
woodshrikes, are permanent residents where they occur ; but the nests
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 21
are very difficult to find. They are small, neatly made, placed high up,
and the outside is assimilated in appearance to the bark of the tree
they are on. The eggs are boldly streaked and very handsome.
MlnivetS, (Pericrocotus). Are almost always found in forests
or well-wooded districts. They are gregarious during the cold weather,
and some of them are migratory, but all the kinds that occur in India
breed in this country. The nest is beautifully built, almost like a
tumbler, with perpendicular sides, and placed on a horizontal branch
high up. They are very difficult to find. The eggs are well spotted.
DrongO Shrikes, (Dicrurus, Buchanga, Chaptia, Bkringa,
Edolius, Dissemurus, Chibia). Are almost entirely confined to forest
tracts, with the exception of the common drongo shrike or " king
crow" (D. albirictus) , which is found every where. They are not migra-
tory, though some of the hills species ascend to higher elevations as
the weather gets warmer ; and the white-bellied king crow (D. coeru-
lescens) seem to disappear from the plains in the breeding season, but
of its habits very little is known. They all make a loose basket work
saucer-shaped nest of roots wedged into a horizontal fork at the end of
a bough often at a considerable height from the ground. The common
king crow (D. albirictus) sometimes lays pure white eggs, but the
typical colour in this family is white, with a few claret or brown
spots.
Swallow Shrikes, (Artamus). Are very local and little is
known of their habits. They are generally found in clearings in forests,
and are probably permanent residents.
Flycatchers, (Tchitria, Myiagra, Leucocerca, Chelidorhynx,
Cryptolopha, Hemichelidon, Alseonax, Ochromela, Eumyias,
Cyornis, Muscicapula, Nitidula, Niltava, Anthipes, Siphia, Ery-
throsterna) . The habits of this group show many variations. As a
rule, flycatchers are to be found in forests and retired glens ; but they also
sometimes frequent gardens and orchards. Probably, all the Indian species
breed within the limits of this country. The only doubtful ones being the
robin flycatchers (Ery thro sterna). Most of the flycatchers migrate
to the plains in greater or less numbers during the cold weather. Out
in the open plains the white-browed fan-tail (L. aureola) is the only
widely distributed permanent resident. The paradise flycatcher
(21 paradisii), the black-uaped azure flycatcher (M. azurea), and
the white-throated fan-tail (L. fuscoventris) breed in some of the moister
22 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
and better wooded districts. Some of the blue red-breasts (Cyornis)
breed in the plains of south India. All the others breed in
the hills, and the greatest number breed in the Himalayas. Their
nests are all ingenious. Some of them most beautiful little structures,
seldom at any great height from the ground, and often resting on it.
The eggs are in all cases prettily marked and spotted.
Wrens, (Tesia, Pnceopyga, Troglodytes, Rimator).Are
only found in the Himalayas within the Indian limits. They frequent
moist forests and live in thick undergrowth. They are not migratory.
Very little is known of their breeding, but they probably all make domed
nests in thick creepers against trunks of trees.
ShortWUlgS, ( Brachypteryx, Callene, Hodgsonius). Are
found only in mountainous countries and like the wrens frequent
dense underwood in forests. Very little is known of them, but they do
not appear to be migratory.
Whistling thrushes, (Myiophonus).-Aie hill birds, though
they extend especially in the cold weather into the forests below. They
are seldom found far from water or in open country, and they breed in
retired places exclusively in the hills. The eggs are long, pointed,
and freckled all over with minute spots.
Ground thrushes, (Hydrornis, Pitta}. Are birds of very
retiring habits, keeping on or near the ground in tangled brushwood or
dense cover. They appear to be very local in their distribution, and some
of them migrate, but their shyness prevents much observation of their
habits. The eggs are white, more or less spotted and streaked.
Water OUZels, (Hgdrobata). Are only found in the Himalayas
frequenting streams of running water. The eggs are pure white.
Long-billed thrushes, (Zoothera) . Only one species is found
in India. It is confined to the Himalayas, and frequents tangled brush-
wood by streams in dense forest. Nothing is known of its nidification or
migrations. The eggs of Zoothera, as far as they are known, resemble
those of Pitta.
Rock thrushes, (Petrocossyphus). Are migratory birds fre-
quenting rocky plains. They are only known to breed in India in the
far north-west. The eggs are blue, slightly speckled.
Chat thrushes, (Oroc&tes). Are found commonly on wooded
hills. They breed only in the Himalayas, but in the winter descend to the
warm valleys and even to the plains. They all build their nests on the
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 23
ground ; and their eggs are clouded somewhat similarly to the eggs
of the English robin.
Bush thrushes, (Geocichla). Are migratory, breeding only in
the hills, but extending far into the plains in the cold weather. They fre-
quent open forests and glades. The position and shape of nest and the
colour of the eggs are exact miniatures of those of the blackbirds to
which these birds are very closely allied.
Blackbirds, (Turdulus, Merula). Breed only in the hills and
wander less in the cold weather than the bush thrushes or true thrush-
es. In habits and nidification, and also in the colour of their eggs,
they closely resemble the English blackbird.
Thrushes, (Turdns, Planesticus, Oreocincla). The true thrushes
are rare in India. The Nilgiri thrush (0. nilgiriensis) is found in the hills
of south India as a permanent resident. The black-throated thrush
(P. atrogularis) is a cold weather visitant to the plains of upper India.
The small-billed mountain thrush (0. dauma), which breeds in the Hima-
layas, also visits the plains in the winter, but the remainder of the thrush-
es are only found in the Himalayas. Many of them being extremely
rare. Of the breeding of the genus Planesticus, nothing is known in this
country. The eggs of Oreocincla are like miniatures of the whistling
thrushes ; being long, pointed, and freckled all over with minute pale
spots. The breeding of the genus Turdus out here is similar to that of
the missel thrush at home.
Finch thrushes, (Paradoxornu, Heteromorpha). Nothing is
known of their nidification. They are shy birds and rare, frequenting
thick cover. They are only found in the eastern Himalayas and Khasia
hills, where they are probably permanent residents, at 3,000 to 10,000
feet above the sea.
Tit thrushes, ( Chleuasicus, Snthord). Are also rare and con-
fined to the eastern Himalayas and Khasia hills. Of their nidification
nothing is known. They frequent brushwood and grass jungle.
Jay thrushes, (Conostoma, Grammatoptila). Are shy, forest-
loving birds, only found in the higher ranges of the eastern Himalayas.
The red-billed jay thrush (C. cemodium) is only found near the snows.
They do not appear to migrate. They build in thick brushwood or
forest. The egg of Conostoma is white, with blotches and streaks. That
of Grammatoptila is pale blue unspotted.
Shrike thrushes, (Tftamtwcataphus, Gampsorfynchus). Are also
24s HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
confined to the eastern Himalayas, and their nidification is un-
known. They occur at low elevations and frequent brushwood. Of one
kind, the white-winged shrike thrush (T. picatus), only one specimen has
ever been procured.
Tit babblers, (PyctorUs, Trichastoma). Only one of these, the
yellow-eyed babbler (P. sinensis) is common. The other species are only
found in north-east India. They frequent low jungle and brushwood, and
are not migratory, breeding wherever they are found. The egg of the
only species of which the breeding is known is beautifully marked with
spots, clouds, and streaks.
Quaker thmsheS, (Alcippe). Are small birds frequenting
dense forests and chiefly hilly countries. They are not migratory nor
gregarious to any extent. The eggs are profusely spotted, and some-
times lined or blotched.
Wren babblers, (Stachyris, Mixornis, Timalia, Dumetia,
Pellorneum). Are a Malayan family, and the greater number of the species
are confined to the north-east corner of India. The genus Stachyris
is confined to the Himalayas, and is a strictly arboreal genus. All the
others frequent brushwood and low thick jungle, and are generally grega-
rious. Mixornis and Timalia are eastern Himalayan forms. Dumetia
is found in all India, but not very common anywhere. Pellorneum has
an equally wide distribution, but is more common in hilly than level
countries. They do not migrate. They build on or near the ground
in brushwood. The eggs of some are pure white, of others more or
less thickly speckled, and in one case, that of the rufous-bellied wren
babbler (D. hyperythra], the eggs are streaked as well as spotted.
Scimitar babblers, (Pomatorhinus, Xiphoramphus.) This
is purely a hill genus. They are found at low elevations haunting under
wood in open forest country. They do not migrate. One species is
found in the Nilgiris. All the others are confined to the Himalayas and
hill ranges of north-east India. They build on or very near the
ground making a domed nest and laying very fragile elongated eggs.
These are always, as far as is known, pure white, unspotted.
Laughing thrushes, (Garrulax, TrocJialopteron.) A group
of richly-coloured, noisy, and generally gregarious birds which do
not migrate and are confined to hilly countries. The nests are solitary,
but the birds even in the breeding season keep usually in small parties.
They are never found far from forests and love densely wooded tracts.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 25
One species of Garrulax and three species of Troclialopteron are found in
the hills of south India. The rest are all from the northern mountains.
The nests are always in small trees or bushes in thick woods, never
in open country. The egg's of one or two species are pure white ; but the
general colour of eggs of the various kinds of Garrulax is unspotted
blue, sometimes pale, sometimes a very deep rich shade. In Trocha-
lopteron the eggs are blue, sometimes unspotted. In one case (T. phce'
niceum) they are scrawled and streaked ; but the usual type is that of
the English song thrush (T. musicus) blue, with a few conspicuous
dark spots.
Bar wingS, (Actinodura). Are confined to the eastern Hima-
layas and Khasia hills. They frequent forests, and though they breed
on the ground, they are very arboreal in their habits. They occur usually
from 3,000 to 10,000 feet elevations, and do not migrate. Their eggs
are very little known.
SibiaS, (Sibia). Are only found in the Himalayas and Khasia
hills. They are noisy, do not migrate, and are strictly arboreal in their
habits. The eggs are clouded and somewhat streaked on an ashy ground.
Babblers, (JcanthoptUa, Malacocercus, Layardia, Chattarhaa).
Are some of the commonest and most widely spread birds in India.
The genus Acanthoptila is confined to the Himalayas and is very little
known. The others are plains birds, only one (M. malabaricus) being
confined to the hilly portions of south India. They are to be found
everywhere feeding chiefly on the ground and flitting about in brush-
wood in small parties, being of gregarious habits ; though the nests are
always solitary. They lay unspotted blue eggs. One species (C. earlii)
is almost a reed-babbler, and is seldom found far from water. It fre-
quents reeds and long grass among which its nest is placed.
Reed babblers, (Megalurus, Ckatornis, Schcenicola, Eurycercus).
Are very local ; partly gregarious and only found in marshy tracts.
Some of them appear to migrate, but their habits are not well known*
The eggs are usually spotted on a white ground, but more information
is required.
Bulbllls, (Hypsepetes, Hemixos, Alcurus, Criniger, Ixos, Kelaar-
tia, Rubigula, Brachypodius, Otocompsa, Pycnonotus, Phyllornis, lord}.
The Malayan region is the head-quarters of the bulbal family,
but no less than twenty-seven different kinds are found in India. They
are found everywhere, and where found are permanent residents. Some
26 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
kinds occur in the plains only and some in the hills. They are arboreal
in their habits. Most of them prefer forest country, more or less dense,
but some are found in open slightly wooded country. They build small
neat cup-shaped nests, often very slight in structure ; generally fixed in
forks where two or three shoots divide near the ends of boughs ; but
sometimes hung from a horizontal fork like a tiny basket. The eggs
are typically pinkish white, thickly spotted, and blotched with claret
or purple. Of the green bulbuls (Phyllornis), the eggs are white, with
a few brownish marks, and in the genus lora the ground colour is
greyish white, and the markings are very curious, jagged irregular streaks
of greyish, reddish, or purplish brown.
Blue birds, (Irena). Only one species is found in India, and
that only in the Malabar forests. They are strictly arboreal in their
habits and do not migrate. They keep in small parties near the tops
of high trees. The nest is rough and untidy, not the least like an oriole.
The eggs are pale greenish, streaked and spotted with dusky.
Orioles, (Oriolus). Are permanent residents in India, but they
wander much in the cold weather. They are quite arboreal in their
habits, and build in trees a beautitul neat basket-shaped nest. They are
not gregarious. The eggs are glossy white, with a few dark spots. They
are found all over India, both in hills and plains.
Robins, (Copsychus, Kittacincla, Myiomela, Grandala, Thamno-
fiia). This group comprises many widely differing forms. The magpie
robin (Copsychus saularis) is found throughout India in wooded tracts
and gardens. The shama (Kittacincla macroura) is very local, and inhabits
only dense thickets in forests. The long- winged blue chat (Grandala
ccelicolor) is a most anomalous form, approaching in some points very
near the starlings. It is only found near the snow in the alpine Hima-
layas. The white-tailed blue chat (Myiomela leucurd) is also confined to
the Himalayas, and is found at rather high altitudes. The true robins
of India (Thamnobia) are found in the open plains throughout the country.
All the robins build on or very near the ground often in banks or
clefts of rocks. They do not migrate ; are solitary, and lay spotted or
more often clouded eggs.
Blish chats, (Pratincola, Oreiocola). A group of small birds
found throughout the plains, especially in dry open country in the cold
weather, but retiring, as a rule, to the hills to breed. Only a very few
nestle in the plains. Their habits are very much those of the robins,
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 27
and their nests and eggs are also very similar. The genus Oreiocol a
differs from Pratincola, in that the only species which occurs here
(O. Jerdoni) is a shy, retiring bird, frequenting dense thickets and long
grass jungle. Its breeding habits are unknown.
Stone Chats, (Saxicola). Are only cold weather visitants to this
country, and are found in dry open plains ; feeding on the ground and
perching on stones, rocks, and occasionally on bushes. None of them are
known to breed in India ; but where they do breed, their nests are on
the ground near shelter, and the eggs are blue, with a few faint spots.
Rock chats, (Cercomela). Are very similar in their habits to
stone chats, and are found in similar localities. One ( 0. fused) is a
permanent resident in India, and breeds where it is found. Of the other
very little is known. It is extremely rare. Their eggs are like those of
stone chats.
Redstarts, (Rutatilla, Clwemorrornis). The redstarts are all
migratory, only one (R. ritfiventris) wanders throughout India in the
cold weather, but many species are found in the Himalayas. They are
generally to be met with by water in open country. One species
(C. leucocepliald) breeds in the alpine Himalayas, and the plumbous
water robin (R. fuliginosd) breeds throughout the Himalayas. These
two latter lay spotted eggs. The others, as far as has been ascertained
lay unspotted blue eggs, rather elongated in shape ; but they are not
known to breed in this country.
Wood Chats, (Larviwra, lanthia, Tarsiger, Calliope, Cyane-
cula) . The wood chats are migratory birds. A few are found in the plains
in the cold weather. A few breed in the hills, and others leave the
country altogether for breeding purposes. They frequent open forests,
perching low and feeding near the ground. The blue throat wood chat
( Cyanecula suecica) is generally found near water, often in the weeds
at margins of tanks. Their nasts are very little known, but the eggs
appear to vary much in character. Of Larvivora the eggs are mottled
and streaked. Of lanthia they are faintly zoned. Of Tarsiger they are
unspotted blue. Of Calliope unspotted pale buff.
Reed warblers, (Acrocephalut, Arundinax, Dumeticola,
Locustella, Tnbura). The reed warblers are generally migratory. The
three species of Acrocephalus are found throughout India in the cold
weather and retire to the Himalayas to breed. They lay white eggs
thickly spotted. The other genera are very little known. They inhabit
28 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
dense swamps and marshy tracts, and are very difficult to flush, and
consequently rare in collections. None of them are known to breed in
the plains.
Hill Warblers, (Hororni^ Uoreites.) A group of small plain
coloured birds found at high elevations in the eastern Himalayas, and
some on the Khasia hills. They frequent brush-wood and thick grass
and shun observation. The eggs vary a good deal, but typically appear
to be richly coloured, chocolate brown, or dull purple. The nests are
near the ground in thick brush-wood.
Tailor birds, (Orthotomus). Are found throughout India, shun-
ning the dry open plains, and creeping about in trees or brush-wood.
They are non-migratory, and the eggs are spotted.
Wren Warblers, (Prinia, Drymoipus, Burnesia, FranJclinia).
A large group of tiny birds which are spread throughout India, not
however ascending the Himalayas to any height. They affect open
plains or gardens creeping about in grass or bushes. They make purse-
like nests, deep with an opening near the top, or a little cup sewn in
leaves like a tailor bird's nest. They do not migrate, but breed wher-
ever they are found. The eggs of the Prinias, with ten tail feathers,
are brick red. Those of the Prinias, with twelve tail feathers, are blue,
with small spots. The smaller species of Drymoipus lay blue eggs, richly
streaked and blotched, while the larger species lay dull-coloured clouded
eggs. Of Burnesia and Franklinia the eggs are profusely speckled.
GraSS Warblers, (Cisticola, Gramminicola). Are spread locally
throughout the plains in marshy spots, frequenting thick grass and
shunning observation. The eggs are spotted.
Scrub Warblers, (Drymceca). One species only is found, and
that in the trans-Indus hills in low scrub jungle, where it is a permanent
resident. The eggs are profusely spotted.
Tailed hill Warblers, (,%a). These birds are found only
in the Himalayas where they take the place of the Drymoipi, which they
much resemble in appearance and habits. They are not migratory in the
true sense of the word, but descend to the warm valleys in the winter.
The eggs are zoned.
Tree Warblers, (Neornis, Hyppolais, Phylloscopus, Reguloides,
Culicepeta, Abrornis, Tickellia). A large group of very small birds,
many of which are brightly coloured. They are migratory as a rule.
Only one (Hyppolais ramd} is known to breed in the plains, and that very
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 29
rarely, the majority migrating north and west. The genus Neornis
build cup-shaped nests, and lay deep dull purple red eggs, with a tendency
to a zone at the large end. They are permanent residents in the eastern
Himalayas. Of the breeding of the Phylloscopi very little is known,
but some of them certainly breed in the Himalayas. The Reguloides,
Culicepeta, and Abrornis also breed in the Himalayas to a great extent ;
typically they make domed nests on the ground in mossy or grassy
banks ; but some build high up in trees (as R. proregulus) , and others
(as R. occipitalis) breed often in holes in decayed trees. The eggs of
Culicepeta, Abrornis, and at least one of the Reguloides (R. occipitalis)
are pure white, with some of the Reguloides^ they are spotted, but the
breeding of these birds is comparatively little known. Of Tickellia
the breeding is unknown, but it appears to be a permanent resident in
the Himalayas.
Golden-Crested Wrens, (Regulus). Only one species is
known, and that is a permanent resident in the Himalayas at high
elevations. In habits it closely resembles the English golden-crested
wren, and its nest is similar, but the eggs have not as yet been taken.
WhitethroatS, (Sylvia). Are migratory birds, appearing in
the plains of India in the cold weather. One species only (* affinis) is
known to breed in the north-west Himalayas, and this in its habits is
identical with the English whitethroat.
Fork tails, (Henicurus) . Are an In do-Malayan family of birds.
They occur in India only in the Himalayas, and are not migratory. They
are always found near water, generally running water. The nest is a
shallow compact structure of mosses and roots and fibres placed on
banks or rocks, and the eggs are speckled in all the species of which the
breeding is known.
Wagtails, (Budytes, Motacilla, Nemoricola). Are very migra-
tory birds. Only two appear to be permanent residents in the plains of
India: one the Indian pied wagtail (M. maderaspatana) , the other
a very anomalous form, the black-breasted wagtail (Nemoricola indica)^
which is rare every where, and of which the nest has never been taken.
Of the remainder, three species (M. luzionensis, M. melanope, and
B. calcaratus) are known to breed in the Himalayas. The rest probably
migrate still further north ; breeding in Turkistan. In habits they
are all alike keeping to plains near water or moist fields, building a
shallow nest of roots and hair on the ground and laying speckled eggs.
30 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
Pipits, (Pipastes, Anthus, Corydalla^ Agrodroma, Heterura) . Are
as a rule migratory, though many of them are permanent residents
in some parts of India. One of the tree pipits [P. montanus) appears
to be confined to the Nilgiris. The others are cold weather visitants to
the plains, retiring to the alpine Himalayas to breed. So also with the
true pipits (Anthus as restricted), which are known to breed on this side
of the snows. Of the titlarks (Corydalla), one (C. rufula)is a very
common permanent resident throughout the plains. The others are only
cold weather migrants. Of the stone pipits (Agrodromd), one (A.
griseorufescens) is a cold weather visitant to the plains, but breeds in the
north-western Himalayas ; another (d. campestris) is abundant in the
cold weather, and is said to breed in the plains, but this requires con-
firmation ; the third (A. cinnamomea) is confined to the Nilgiris, where
it is a permanent resident. The genus Heterura, of which there is only
one species in India, is confined to the Himalayas, where it is a permanent
resident. All the pipits make their nest on the ground, sheltered by grass,
on open plains or hill sides, and lay richly blotched or spotted eggs.
Thrush titS, ( Cochoa) . Are a very remarkable group of birds.
They are confined to the eastern Himalayas, frequent forests at moderate
elevations, and in their nidification and eggs much resemble blackbirds.
There are only two species in India, both rare.
Shrike titS, (PterutMus).K confined to the Himalayas. Of
one kind (P. rufiventer), the nest has never been found. Of the other
(P. erythropterus) , the egg is one of the rarest in collections. The
shrike tits are arboreal in their habits, frequent well-wooded slopes at
moderate elevations. They lay speckled eggs in a basket- shaped nest of
moss and roots hung from a fork near the top of a tree.
Hill tits, (AllotriuSj Culia, Leioptila, Leiothrix, Siva, Minla,
Proparus, IxuluSj Yuhina, Myzornis, Erpornis). Are also confined to
the Himalayas, and with few exceptions to the eastern Himalayas
and such outlying ranges as the Khasia hills. They are very arboreal
in their habits, frequent well-wooded tracts, and generally associate
in small flocks. They usually make rather massive cup-shaped nests,
about five to ten feet from the ground, and lay spotted eggs, in
which the markings frequently form a zone at the large end. One
species (Yuhina nigrimentum) is known to lay pure white eggs, and
another (biyzornis pyrrJioura) is believed to lay unspotted eggs also. As
a rule these birds are not migratory, but breed wherever they are found.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 31
TitS, (Zosterops, Sylviparus, Cephalopyrus, Egithaliscus, Lopho-
phanes, Parus, Machlolopkus, Melaniparus, Melanochlora) . Are as a rule
confined to the Himalayas. One (Zoster ops palpebrosus) is found through-
out India as a permanent resident. One (Parus cinereus) is found
in all wooded hills. Another (Parus nuchalis) is only found in
central and south India. Another ( Machlolophus jerdoni) is only found
in the hills of south India. All the rest are confined to the Himalayas,
and a great number of them are found in the eastern Himalayas
only. They are not as a rule migratory, and are by no means shy,
often associating in small flocks. The nest and eggs of Zosterops pal'
pebrosus are quite aberrant (the eggs are pale unspotted blue). The
nest of Sylviparus is unknown. So also are those of Melaniparus and
Melanochlora. The nest of Egithaliscus is like that of the bottle tits
in England, while all the others are typically "parine" in their
nidification, building in holes, in walls, or decayed trees, and laying
spotted eggs.
Hedge SparrOWS, (.Accentor). There are several kinds of hedge
sparrows found in the upper regions of the Himalayas ; but nowhere
else in India. They are not migratory, and their nests and eggs as far
as is known are similar to those of the hedge sparrow in England.
Ravens and CrOWS, (Corws). Ravens are found only in the
Himalayas and western continental India. They frequent open country,
and do not appear to be entirely migratory, though they wander far in
the cold weather. Crows are found all over India. Their nests and eggs
are all of one general type, which is well known.
Jackdaws, (Colceus). One species, the common jackdaw (C.
monedula) is found in the north-west Himalayas, where it is a perma-
nent resident. Its habits are well known. It migrates to the Punjab
in the winter, but does not breed there.
Nutcrackers, (Nucifraga). Are confined to the Himalayas,
chiefly the western Himalayas. They keep to rather high elevations,
frequent pine forests, and in habits closely resemble jays and magpies.
They are not migratory.
Magpies, (Pica) . Two species occur in the alpine Himalayas,
where they are permanent residents. Their habits are identical with
those of the English magpie.
JayS, (Garrulus, Urocissa, Cissa). Are found only in the Hima-
layas within the Indian limit. They keep to open forests, are not migra-
32 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
tory, and feed partly on the ground. The eggs of all are profusely spot,
ted, and the nest is generally a loose structure of twigs, with a slight
inner casing of fine roots.
Tree pies, (Dendrocitta). Are found throughout India in wood-
ed country. Their habits and nests are very similar to those of the jays,
and they do not migrate, hut the eggs are less thickly spotted.
Choughs, (Fregilus, Pyrrhocorax). Are permanent residents in
the alpine Himalayas ; hut their breeding in this country has only very
recently been ascertained. They nestle in holes, in rocks, and in buildings,
and their eggs are similar to those of the European chough. A few
migrate as far south as the Punjab in the cold weather.
St&FlingS, (Stur*us\ Are cold weather visitants to the plains of
India, migrating north and west to breed. One only (6'. nitens) breeds
within our limits in Kashmir and the extreme north-west Punjab. They
build in holes and lay unspotted blue eggs.
Mynahs, (Siumopqstor, Acridotheres, Temenuchus, Pastor, Sara-
glossa, Eulabes). As a rule these birds are not migratory. The
genus Pastor perhaps more properly belongs to the starlings. The only
species of Pastor that occurs here (P. roseus) is very migratory, and does
not breed in this country. The true mynahs (Acridotkeres, Temenuc/ius,
Sturnopastor) are very domestic, and are found almost everywhere. The
stare (Saraglossa) is confined to the Himalayas, and the grackles (Eulabes}
to warm forest country. All build in holes, except the pied mynah
(S. contra) which makes a conspicuous nest like a truss of hay in the
outer fork of a bare tree. The eggs of the rose-coloured pastor
(P. roseus) are not known. The true mynahs lay unspotted blue eggs.
But the eggs of the stare and of the grackles are all spotted.
Weaver birds, (Ploceus). Are highly gregarious, but not
migratory. They are somewhat locally distributed, and prefer wooded
country near long grass and water. They lay pure white eggs.
MliniaS, (Munia, Estrelda). Are all permanent residents in some
part of India. They wander a good deal in the cold weather, and frequent
grass jungle near water or open glades in forests. They make large
rough globular nests and lay pure white eggs.
SpaiTOWS, (Passer). Are widely distributed and do not as a rule
migrate, though in the winter they associate in flocks. Their eggs are all
profusely spotted.
Buntings, (Emberiza, Euspiza, Melophus). Are usually migratory
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 33
birds, found in this country chiefly in the cold weather. Two species
(Emberiza striolata andMelophus melanicterus) are permanent residents and
breed in the plains. Two or three kinds of buntings breed in the Himalayas,
but all the rest go further north or west to breed. They frequent open
ground or rocks with scanty jungle. The corn buntings (Euspiza) are
generally found in cultivated ground. They all nestle on or close to
the ground, under shelter, and the eggs are spotted and often scrawled
with fine hair-like lines.
Finches, (Hesperiphona, Mycerobas, Pyrrliula, Pyrrhoplectes,
Loxia, Htematospiza, Propyrrhula, Carpodacus, Propasser, Procarduelis,
Pyrrhospiza, Callacanthis, CardueUs, Chrysomitris, Metoponia, Fringilla,
Montifringilla, Fringillauda) . A few finches wander to the foot of
the hills in the winter, but the common rose finch (Carpodacus
eryihrinus] is the only one found in the plains of India. All the others
occur in the Himalayas only, chiefly at high elevations. They are all
more or less migratory. Of arboreal habits, frequenting forests and wooded
tracts, and of their breeding, very little is known. All the eggs of this
group that are known are prettily, some very handsomely, marked.
Bush larks, (Mirafra). Are spread throughout the plains of
India. Tney frequent opea forests, grass jungle, and edges of cultivation,
are not migratory, build on the ground in short grass, and lay pro-
fusely spotted eggs.
Finch larks, (Ammomanes, Pyrrhalauda) . Are also perma-
nent residents of the plains of India frequenting drier and more open
ground and avoiding cultivation. They are widely distributed. Their eggs
are profusely speckled.
Larks, ( Calandrella, Melanocorypha, Alaudala, Otocoris, Spiz-
alauda, Alauda } Galerita, C erthilauda) . Are more or less migratory, asso-
ciating in flocks in the cold weather, but many species breed in India.
The short- toed larks (Calandrella), the calandra Jarks (Melanocorypha),
the horned larks ( Otocoris), and probably also the desert larks (Certhilauda)
are merely cold weather visitants, and do not breed at all within our limits.
The Himalayan sky lark (A. dukivox) breeds only in the Himalayas^
while the others breed in suitable localities throughout the country. The
sky larks (Alauda) affect damp grassy spots. The sand larks (Maudala)
frequent the sandy beds of large rivers. All the others are found in dry,
open, or cultivated plains. They all build on the ground and lay spotted
eggs.
E
31 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
PlgeOIlS, (Treron, Crocopus, Osmotreron, Sphenocercus, Carpopliaga,
Alsoccmus, Palumbus, Palumbana, Columba). There areseveral well-mark-
ed groups of pigeons. The green pigeons (Treron, Crocopus, Osmotreron^
Sphenocercus) are forest-loving, fruit-eating birds, partly gregarious, and
wandering a good deal during the winter, though all are permanent
residents of the Indo-Malayan region, and the species that occur in India
breed there too. The imperial pigeons (Carpophaaa) are similar in their
habits, but even more confined to dense forests. The wood pigeons
(Ahocomus, Palumbus) are more migratory, more shy, and with one
exception confined to mountain ranges. The stock pigeon (Palumbcena)
is strictly migratory, visiting India in the cold weather only, in vast
flocks. The true pigeons (Columba) are gregarious, and are probably per-
manent residents where they occur, but this has only been ascertained in
the case of the common blue pigeon (C. intermedia). All pigeons lay
either one or two pure white eggs on a small rough platform of sticks.
Doves, (Macropygia, Turtur, Chalcophaps). Are less gregarious
than pigeons. They all breed in India. Only one, Sykes' turtle dove
(T. meena), appears to wander much from its breeding place. They feed
almost entirely on the ground, and are very widespread in this country.
They lay two pure white eggs on a tiny platform of sticks.
SandgrOUSe, (Pterocles, Syrrhaptes). Are usually only cold
weather visitants to this country. They associate in large flocks, and
frequent dry, open, or cultivated plains. The painted sandgrouse (P-
fasciatus) affects rocky ground, and the Thibetan sandgrouse (Syrrhap-
tes tibetanus) is only found in the Himalayas at great elevations. Two
only of the sandgrouse, the common and the painted, are known to breed
with any regularity in this country. Their eggs are richly coloured and
blotched. In shape they are elongated and cylindrical. The eggs of a
third kind P. lichtensteini have lately been taken in Sind.
Pheasants, (Paw, Polyplectron, lophophorus, Ceriornis, Euplo-
camusj Ithaginis, Pucrasia, PJiasianus, Gallophasis) . With the exception
of the peacock (Pavo cristatus), which is found iu wooded tracts
throughout India, the Phasianidce are confined to the Himalayas.
They are found at all elevations, but only in forest country, with dense
undergrowth. They are all permanent residents, breeding on the
mountains, and descending into the valleys in the winter to feed. The
eggs of many of them are boldly blotched, while others approach closely
to the eggs of domestic fowls.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 35
Jungle fowl, (Gallus). Are more tropical birds, being found in
dense thickets and forests throughout the country. They too are perma-
nent residents, breeding where found. The eggs are like those of the
Cochin-China fowls.
Spill fowl, (Galloperdix) . Are confined to rocky ridges and the
dense jungles that fringe their bases in central and southern India
where they breed. They are shy and wary, and conceal themselves in the
densest cover. The eggs vary from creamy white to ec cafe au lait."
GrOUSe, (Tetraogallus, Lerwa). Are only found near the snow
in the alpine Himalayas. They lay boldly blotched eggs as far as has
been ascertained, and frequent grassy and rocky slopes near snow.
Partridges, (Perdix, Francolinus, Caccabis, Ammoperdix, Orti-
gornis, Arbor i cola). Of the true partridges only one (P. hodsonice)
is found in India. It frequents the alpine Himalayas at great altitude.
The black and painted partridges (Francolinus) frequent thick jungle
and grass near water and cultivation. The rock partridges (Caccabis,
Ammoperdix) frequent rocky hills and open grassy slopes. Of the grey
partridges one (0. gularis) is a swamp partridge found only
in the Terais, the other is common where there is cover throughout
the plains. Wood partridges (Arboricola) are only found in the
Himalayas in dense under-wood in forests, and are difficult to flush.
Partridges do not migrate and breed wherever found. The eggs of the
chukor are spotted. All other partridges lay unspotted, buff, or cream
coloured eggs.
Quails, (Perdiculatj Coturnix, Excaljatoria, Turnix). Some of the
quails are migratory, but all that occur in India breed more or less in
this country. The bush quails (Perdicula) frequent jungle and under-
wood, so does the blue-breasted quail (E. chinensis). The other
quails affect cultivation or grassy plains. The eggs of the bush quails
are like miniature partridges' eggs. The eggs of the true quails (Coturnix)
are boldly blotched ; and those of the bustard quails and button quails
are profusely spotted and speckled.
Bustards, (Eupodolis, Honiara, Sypheotides, Otis) . The great
bustard (E. edwardsii) is a permanent resident in the arid portions of
continental India, frequenting low scrub and scanty grass jungle. The
florikin (S. bengalens^s) is a permanent resident in the dense grass
jungles of eastern upper India. The likh (S. auritus) is found through-
out India in the cold weather in suitable localities, but as yet it has
36 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
only been known to breed in the Deccan among tufts of grass on cotton
soil. The houbara and the true bustards (Otis) are only found in the
arid plains of the extreme north-west. All the bustards lay dark-coloured
handsomely marked eggs.
Plovers, (Cursorius, Rhinoptilus, Glareola, Squatarola, Charadrius,
(EgialiteS) Vanellus, Chettusia, Lobivanellus, Sarciophorus, Hoplopttrus,
Esacus, (Edicnemus, Strepsilas, Dromas, Hamatopus). Plovers are more
or less gregarious and widely spread in India. They frequent open
country, avoiding forests entirely as a rule, and feeding on the ground in
ploughed or fallow fields. The grey plover (Squatarola helvetica], the
golden plover (Charadrius longipes), all the ringed plovers ((Egialites)i
except (E. curonicus, the crested lapwing (Vanellus cristatus), the true
lapwings (Chettusia), and the oyster catcher (Hamatopus ostralegus),
are migratory and only visit this country in the cold season. The
remainder are either known or believed to breed in India. The courier
plovers (Cursorius), the wattled lapwings (Lobivanellus, Sarciophorus) ,
and the stone plover ((Edicnemus) breed in fields or plains away from
water. Of the breeding of the genus Rhinoptilus nothing is known, but
they frequent scanty jungle on rocky hills. The swallow p\overs( Glareola} ,
the ringed plovers ((Egialiies), the spur- winged plovers (Hoplopterus),
and the great stone plover (Esacus) lay their eggs on the bare sand
in the beds of great rivers. While the turnstone (Strepsilas inter pres)
and the crab plover (Dromas ardeola) lay on the sand on the sea-coast.
The eggs of all plovers are dark-coloured and richly marked.
Cranes, ( Grus, Anthropoides). The only crane that permanently
resides in India is the sarus ( Grus antigone). It feeds in open plains
and fields, but breeds on islands in swamps among rushes. All the other
cranes are migratory visiting India in the winter in large flocks. The eggs
are spotted or blotched.
Snipe, (Scalopax, Gallinago, RhyncJiaa). The painted snipe
(R. bengalensis) is the only permanent resident. It is somewhat local
and affects thick weeds in marshy places. The woodcock (S. rusticola)
visits the lower Himalayas in the winter, also the hilly portions
of the south of India. A few pairs at least breed in the alpine
Himalayas. The true snipe (Gallinago) are all migratory coming
in the cold weather. A few of the common snipe may breed in the north-
west Himalayas, but, as a rule, all the snipe go beyond Indian limits
to breed. The eS are handsomely marked.
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 37
GodwitS, (Macroramphus, Limosa, Terekia). Are only winter
visitants. None of them breed in this country.
ClirleWS, (Numenius, lUdorhynchus). Are cold weather visit-
ants and breed beyond the border.
StintS, (Philomachus, Tringa, EurinorhynchuSj Calidris, Phala-
ropus). Are merely cold weather visitants.
Sandpipers, (Actitis, Totanus, Himantopus, Recurvirostra) . Are
all migratory. The stilt (H. candidus) congregates for breeding purposes
in one or more localities in the plains. The common sandpiper (A.
hypoleucus) breeds in considerable numbers in the beds of rivers in
Kashmir ; but all the other birds of this class go beyond the border to
lay their eggs. The eggs are spotted or blotched on a buffy ground.
JacanaS, (Hydrophasianus, Metopidus). The water pheasants are
permanent residents, frequenting weedy marshes. In the cold weather
they retire to the moister districts, but in the rains they wander wherever
there are marshes. They lay deep bronze-coloured eggs. In one species
unmarked, in the other scrawled all over with fine black lines.
Coots, (Porphyrio, Fulica, Gallicrex, Gallinula). Are all per-
manent residents, frequenting marshes and ponds or dense thickets near
water. They breed both in hills and plains. Their eggs are spotted.
Rails, (Porzana, Rallus). Of these birds very little is known.
They frequent dense weeds and thickets near water. They breed both in
the hills and plains, but are flushed with difficulty, and it is not known
whether they migrate. The eggs typically are spotted.
Storks, (Leptoptilus, Mycteria, Ciconia, Melanopelargus}. The
true storks ( Ciconia) are cold weather visitants, and do not breed in India.
The adjutants (Leptoptilus) have special breeding places to which they
resort. While the other storks (Mycteria and Melanopelargus) breed
throughout India on high trees near water. Their eggs are dingy
white unspotted.
Herons, (Ardea, Herodias, Demi-egretta, Buphus, Ardeola,
Sutorides). Are permanent residents, breeding on trees near water in all
parts of India. They all lay unspotted blue eggs.
Bitterns, (Ardetta, Botaurus\. It is not as yet ascertained
whether the common bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a permanent resi-
dent, but probably it, as well as all the other bitterns, breeds in India.
They frequent thick reeds in swamps, are very difficult to flush, and lay
unspotted greenish eggs.
38 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS
Night herons, (Nycticorax).KvQ found near water. They are
permanent residents breeding on trees, and sometimes it is said in reeds.
They lay pale green eggs.
IblSeS, (Tantalus, Platalea, Anastomus, Threskiornis, Geronticus,
Falcinellus). The glossy ibis (Falcinellus igneus) is a cold weather
visitant, coming in in large flocks, and leaving the country when the
breeding season comes. All the others are permanent residents, and
are as a rule gregarious breeders, making their nests on high trees near
water. The eggs of the pelican ibis (T. leucocephalus) are dull white;
so also are those of the shell ibis (A. oscitans). Those of the white
ibis (T. melanocephalus) are very pale green, and the spoonbill (P.
leucorodia] and the king curlew ( G. papillosus) lay spotted eggs.
Flamingoes, (Phanicopterus). Are cold weather visitants, and
do not breed in this country.
Geese, (Anser, Sarkidiornis). The black-backed goose (S.
melanotus) is found throughout the country in swampy parts and is a
permanent resident. All the other geese leave India to breed elsewhere.
The eggs are ivory white.
Ducks and Teal, (Nettapus, Dendrocygna, Casarca, Tadorna,
Spatula, Anas, Chaulelasmus, Dafila, Mareca, Querquedula, Branta,
Aythya, Fuligula, Clangula, Mergus) . Almost all the ducks are migra-
tory coming to India for the winter months only. The cotton teal
(Nettapus coromandelianus), the two whistling teal (Dendroeygna
arcuata and D. major), the spotted-billed duck (J. pcecilorJiynchus^
and the pink-headed duck (A. caryophyllacea) are permanent resi-
dents, and breed where they occur in the plains of India. The
mallard (Anas boschas) and the white-eyed duck (AytJiya nyroca)
remain to breed in Kashmir. All the rest go farther north towards
central Asia. The eggs are glossy white, buff or " cafe au lait.""
Grebes, (Podiceps). The little grebe (P. philippinns) is found
on tanks and ponds throughout India, and is a permanent resident.
The crested grebe is a winter migrant in continental India, retiring to
Kashmir to breed. The eggs are dull white.
GllllS, (LaniSj Xema) ; Petrels, ( Thallassidroma, PeUcanoides] ;
Puffins (Puffinus). Are found at sea round the coast. Some of the gulls
coming far inland at times. None of these birds breed within our limits,
but they are believed to lay on the rocky islands of the Red sea.
, (SylocJielidon, Gelochelidon, Hydrochelidon, Seena, Sterna,
AND TYPES OF EGGS. 39
Sternula, Thallasseus, Onochoprion, Anous). Terns are as a rule migra-
tory, and congregate in flocks during the breeding season. The
Caspian tern (S. caspius) does not breed in this country; and the
gull-billed tern (G. anglicus) only breeds in the far north-west. The
marsh terns (Bydrochelidori) breed here and there in India gregariously
on weeds floating in swamps. The true terns ( Gelochelidon, ' Sterna,
Seena, Sternula) lay their eggs on the bare sand in the beds of large
rivers. The sea terns (Thallasseus, Onochoprion, Anous) lay on bare
rocky islands off the sea-coast. All the terns lay handsomely^marked
eggs.
Skimmers, (Rhynchops). Are permanent residents here, and are
similar in their eggs, habits, and distribution to the true terns (Sterna).
Fishers, (Phaeton, Sula, Attagen). Are all sea-birds which are
found in Indian waters, but which are not known to breed on our coasts.
Pelicans, (Pelecanus). Pelicans are widely spread throughout
India in the cold weather, but of their breeding here nothing is known.
They are said to build on trees.
Cormorants, (Graculus). Are permanent residents in India,
frequenting rivers and large tanks. They are gregarious and consequently
local breeders. The breeding of the big cormorant (G. carlo) is not
accurately known; and this bird is certainly to a great extent migratory.
The eggs of cormorants are dull chalky white.
Snake Birds, (Plotus). Are permanent residents in India, and
are similar in their habits and eggs to the cormorants.
PART II.
INDEX.
LIST OF BIRDS THAT ARE KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA, SHOWING-
DURATION OF BREEDING- SEASON.
THIS list only contains those birds of which the eggs have been
taken : of course, many more birds do breed here, and further research
would greatly extend the list.
Column I gives the number as in Jerdon's hand-book of the
Birds of India. Where no number is given in this column, it indicates
a species added to the list of birds of India, since Jerdon's book was
published.
Column II gives the English name of each bird. In most cases
the name as given by Jerdou is adhered to. In some cases where it
seemed advisable the alterations introduced by Mr. Hume in his more
recent works have been adopted ; and in a few cases alterations have
been made which further knowledge has rendered desirable.
Column III gives the scientific name for each bird. In this
column many deviations from the names as given by Jerdon, both
generic and specific, will be found ; but the revisions shown in Mr.
Gray's hand-list have not been adopted in their entirety as they quite
revolutionise the nomenclature heretofore in use, and with which we have
become through Jerdon's book familiar ; and though possibly Mr. Gray's
list may be more scientifically correct, it is inexpedient to adopt it in
this book which is written chiefly for beginners in this country, in
whose hands Jerdon 'is the only text-book ; for the disadvantage of a
wholesale change, especially on merely arbitrary points, is obvious.
Where it has been absolutely necessary for accuracy, I have entered the
new names ; and in case of a difference, the number (in Jerdon;, which is
quoted in Column I, will determine the bird referred to.
F
42 LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA, &C.
The remaining columns require little explanation. The portion marked
off opposite each bird's name indicates the season and duration of the
period in which its eggs may be found.
The breeding season thus noted includes every month in which each
bird is known to breed in any locality. Where the breeding of a bird
is confined for any particular season to any particular locality, a letter
signifying the locality is placed over the line denoting the breeding during
that month. Where no distinguishing letter is placed over the line,
it indicates that the bird in that month is breeding wherever it is found.
Thus : B. over the line signifies " Bengal/'
C. " Central Provinces only. J
H. " Himalayas only."
I. P. " The plains of India."
K. " Kumaon only."
M. " Moist tracts only."
N. " Nilgiris only."
P. Punjab only."
R " Rajputana only."
S. li South India only."
U. " Upper India."
INDEX.
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA, SHOWING PERIOD AND
DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON,
a
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
ll
I
-1
1
t?
I
i
1
t o
ft
2
The king Vulture
Otogyps calvus
--
-
3
The roc
Gyps himalayensis
4
The pale long-billed
pallescens
-
The long-billed
indicus
-
5
The white-backed ,.
bengalensis
-
-
The bay
fulvescens
H-
6
The white scavenger
Perenopteron ginginianus
-
7
The bearded
Gypaetus barbatus
-
9
The shaheen Falcon
Falco perigrinator
The black-capped
atriceps
11
The lagger
jugger
.
P-
16
The red-headed Merlin
Lithofalco chicquera
--
-
-N-
H
17
The Kestril
Tinnunculus alaudarius
18
The lesser
Erythropus cenchris
21
The Goshawk
Astur palumbarius
23
The Shikra
Micronisus badius
-
24
The sparrow Hawk
Accipiter nisus
The dove
melaschistus
-
-
27
The imperial Eagle
Aquila mogilnik
-
-
28
The spotted
noevia
_
.
M-
29
The Indian tawny
vindhyana
-
-
30
The long-legged
,, hastata
-
-
31
The booted
pennata
32
The black
Neopus malaiensis
33
Bonellis'
Nisaetus Bonellii
-
36
The Nepal hawk
Spizaetus nipalensis
-
Tl Ti Kl h t
r
]
jj caligatus
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
Nos.in 1
Jerdon.
English Names.
Scientific Names.
|
1
I
I
^
1
1
^
13
^
I
i
1 2
on j O
1
d
38
The short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus
_
_
39
The crested serpent
Spilornis cheela
-
-
The lesser Indian harrier
minor
41
The bar-tailed fishing
The Himalayan fishing
Polioaetus ichthyaetus
plumbeus
:
_?
K-
42
The ring-tailed fishing
Haliaetus leucoryphus
-
-
43
The white-bellied sea
leucogaster
-
45
The long-legged Buzzard
Buteo canescens
-
48
The white-eyed
Poliornis teesa
-
55
56
The brahminy Kite
The common
Haliastur indus
Milvus govinda
:
:
:
_
B-
B-
The greater Indian
major
-
-
67
59
60
The crested honey Buzzard
The blacfe^winged Kite
The Indian screech Owl
Pernis cristata
Elanus melanopterus
Strix indica
C-
c-
-
u-
TJ-
-
-
C-
C-
61
65
The grass
The mottled wood
Scelostrix caudida
Bulacca sinensis
L-
c-
-
u-
c-
64
The Himalayan brown wood
newarensis
69
The rock-horned
Ascalaphia bengalensis
-
70
The dusky -horned
coromanda
-
72
The brown fish
Ketupa ceylonensis
-
-
c-
74
The Indian scops
Ephialtes pennatus
The bare-foot scops
spilocephalus
-
-
75
The Nepal scops
., lettia
The plume-foot scops
plumipes
Pennant's scops
griseus
-
-
76
The spotted Owlet
Athene brama
77
The jungle
radiata
79
The large barred
cuculoides
-
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
45
-So
II
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
1
1
1
I
f
1
o
i
8
80
The collared pigmy Owlet
G-laucidium Brodiei
_
82
The common Swallow
Hirundo rustica
83
The Nilgiri house
domicola
-
-
84
The wire-tailed
ruficeps
-
-
-
85
The great Indian mosque
The mosque
daurica
erythropygia
-
N-
-
86
The Indian cliff
Hirundo fluyicola
_
_
_
_
88
The dusky sand Martin
Cotyle subsoccata
-
89
QO
The common sand
The dusky crag
sinensis
concolor
c-
-
N
-
u
<7v
91
The crag
rupestris
-
92
The house
Chelidon urbica
-
-
93
TOO
The Kashmir
Til common Indi&n Swift
cashmirensis
J*\J\J
The Palm roof
infumatus
102
The Palm
batassiensis
-
-
103
The Southern hill Swiftlet
Collocalia unicolor
-
-
Horsfield's
linchi
104
The Indian crested Swift
Dendrochelidon coronatus
-
106
The Sikkim Frogmouth
Otothrix Hodgson!
107
108
The jungle Nightjar
The Nilgiri
Caprimulgus indicus
Kelaarti
.
v.
-
C-
109
The large Bengal
albonotatus
-
-
111
The G-hat
atripennis
112
The common Indian
asiaticus
-
114
Franklin's
monticolus
-
Unwin's
Unwini
-
116
Hodgson's Trogon
Harpactes Hodgson!
117
The common Bee eater
Merops viridis
46
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
z.i
II
English Names.
Scientific Names.
4
,0
^3
g
03
3
Z
A
-
t
I
|
~
,
1
I
118
The blue-tailed Bee eater
Merops philippensis
-
119
The chestnut-headed
quinticolor
-
120
The Egyptian
oegyptius
I
121
The European
apiaster
_
_
122
The blue-ruffed
Nyctiornis Athertoni
123
The common Roller
Coracias indica
-
-
125
The European
garrula
-
-
126
The broad-billed
Eurystomus orientalis
-
-
127
The Indian stork-billed Kingfisher
Pelargopsis gurial
-
129
The white-breasted
Halcyon smyrnensis
-
-
134
The little Indian
Alcedo bengalensis
-
-
-
-
136
The pied
Ceryle rudis
-
-
138
The yellow-throated Broadbill
Psarisomus Dalhousise
-
140
The great Indian Hornbill
Homraius bicornis
-
-
144
The Northern grey
Meniceros bicornis
~
-
147
The Northern rose-band Paroquet
Paloeornis siyalensis
148
The rose-ringed
torquatus
-
-
149
The rose-headed
purpureus
-
-
150
The slaty-headed
gchisticeps
-
~
152
The red-breasted
jaranicus
153
The Indian Loriquet
Loriculus vernalis
-
-
154
The Himalayan pied Woodpecker
Picus himalayanus
-
156
The lesser black
caphtharius
-
-
157
The Indian spotted
macei
-
-
159
The brown-fronted
brunneifrons
-
-
160
The yellow-fronted
mahrattensis
-
-
161
The rufous-bellied pied
Hypopicus hyperythrus
-
163
The Himalayan pigmy
Yungipicus pygmoeus
-
-
164
The Southern pigmy
Hardwickii
-
167
The Southern golden-backed
Chrysocolaptes delesserti
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
47
.s
11
English Names.
Scientific Namea.
1
1
\
'i,
t
1
>
].
II
1
1
1
170
The scaly-bellied green Woodpecker
Q-ecinus squarnatus
-
-
171
The lesser Indian green
striolatus
-
-
-
172
The black-naped green
occipitalis
-
180
The common gold-back
Brachypternus aurantius
-
-
-
-
186
The speckled Piculet
Yivia innominata
-
-
191
The Marshall's Barbet
Megalsema Marshallorum
-
192
Hodgson's green
Hodgsoni
-
-
193
Franklin's green
caniceps
-
-
194
The small green
Tiridis
-
-
195
The blue-throated
asiatica
-
196
The golden-throated
Franklinii
-
197
The crimson-breasted
Xantholsema haemacephala
-
-
-
199
The common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
-
-
201
The hoary-headed
poliocephalus
-
-
204
The hill
Cuculus sfcriatus
-
-
207
The large hawk
Hierococcyx sparverioides
-
-
212
The pied crested
Coccystes melanoleucus
-
-
214
The Koel
Eudynamis orientalis
-
.
B-
217
The common Coucal
C61ltl*OT)U.S mJ&D6Hllis
218
The lesser
viridis
219
The southern Sirkeer
Taccocua leschenaulti
220
The Bengal
sirkee
-
225
The Himalayan red Honey Sucker
GEthopyga miles
-
-
229
The maroon-backed
nipalensis
-
231
The black-breasted
saturata
_
_
.
B-
232
The amethyst-rumped ,,
Leptocoma zeylanica
-
-
233
The tiny
minima
_
_
N
U
C
&
u-
234
The purple
Arachnechthra asiatica
~
238
Tickell's Flower Pecker
Dicceum minimum
-
239
The Nilgiri
concolor
-
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
,S e
II
English Names.
Scientific Names.
|
1
x
I
et
2
II
I
Jf
1
'!'!'
240
241
The thick-billed Flower Pecker
The fire-breasted
Piprisoma agile
Myzanthe ignipectus
-u
-
-H
-
243
The Himalayan Tree Creeper
Certhia himalayana
Hodgson's
Hodgsoni
-
-
247
The red- winged Wall Creeper
Tichodroma muriaria
248
The white-tailed Nuthatch
Sitta himalayensis
-
249
The white-cheeked
leucopsis
-
250
The chestnut-bellied
castaneiventris
253
The velvet-fronted
Dendrophila frontalis
-
254
The Hoopoe
Upupa epops
-
-
255
256
257
The Indian
The Indian grey Shrike
The rufous-backed
nigripennis
Lanius lahtora
erythronotus
-
-
-
The pale rufous-backed
caniceps
-
-
258
The grey-backed
tephronotus
-
259
The black cap
nigriceps
-
260
The bay-backed
vittatus
-
-
265
The common wood
Tephrodornis ponticeriana
-
267
The little pied
Hemipus picatus
The Himalayan pied
capitalis
268
The pied cuckoo
Volvocivora Sykesii
-
-
269
The dark grey cuckoo
melaschistus
-
-
270
The large grey cuckoo
G-raucalus macei
-
271
The large Mini vet
Pericrocotus speciosus
-
272
The orange
flammeus
273
The short-billed
brevirostris
275
The rosy
roseus
-
276
The small
peregrinus
-
-
-
278
The common Drongo Shrike
Dicrurus albirictus
-
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
49
Sd
If
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
1
1
!
1
^r
s
1-5
i
1
15
o
>
o
fc
1
280
The long-tailed drongo Shrike
Dicrurus longicaudatus
-
Walden's
waldeni
-
281
The white-bellied
cosrulescens
-
-
282
The bronzed
Chaptia oanea
-
-
-
283
The oar-tailed
Bhringa remifer
-
-
284
The Northern racket-tailed
Edolius paradiseus
-
286
The hair-crested
Chibia hottentota
-
-
-
287
The ashy swallow Shrike
Artamus fuscus
-
-
288
The paradise Flycatcher
Tchitrea paradise!
-
-
290
The black-naped azure
Myiagra azurea
-
-
-
291
The white-throated Fantail
Leucocerca fuscoventris
-
-
~
292
The white-browed
aureola
-
-
-
-
-
-
293
The white-spotted
pectoralis
-
-
-
294
The yellow-bellied
Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus
-
-
295
The grey-headed Flycatcher
Cryptolopha cinereocapilla
-
-
-
-
296
The sooty
Hemichelidon fuliginosa
-
-
300
The black and orange
Ochromela nigrorufa
-
-
301
The verditer
Eumyias melanops
-
-
-
302
The Nilgiri blue
albicaudata
-
-
304
The blue-throated Eedbreast
Cyornis rubeculoides
-
305
The southern blue
banyumas
-
306
Tickell's blue
tickelliae
-
-
310
The white-browed blue Flycatcher
Muscicapula superciliaris
-
-
314
The fairy
Niltava sundara
-
-
315
McGregor's fairy
macgrigorice
-
-
-
316
The great fairy
grandis
-
-
-
320
The slaty
Siphia leucomelanura
-
-
321
The rufous-breasted
superciliaris
-
-
The grey robin
Erythrosterna parva
-
-
324
The white-tailed robin
hyperythra
-
-
-
50
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
ll
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
1
|
T
p.
4J
Jl
f
'-s
I
3
ill
SIS
i
&
p
327
The chestnut-headed Wren
Tesia castaneocoronata
--
331
The tailed hill
Pneopyga caudata
-'-
333
The Nepal
Troglodytes nipalensis
-
The Kashmir
neglectus
-
338
The white-browed Shortwing
Brachypteryx cruralis
~
-
339
The rufous-bellied ,,
Callene rufiventris
-
-
The white-bellied
albiventris
~
343
The yellow-billed whistling Thrush
Myiophonus temminckii
-
-
342
The Malabar ,,
horsfieldii
-
-
844
The Nepal ground
Hydrornis nipalensis
-
345
The Indian ground
Pitta bengalensis
-
-
346
The green-breasted ground
cucullata
-
-
347
The brown water Ouzel
Hydrobata asiatica
-
-
-
-
-
351
The blue rock Thrush
Petrocossyphus cyaneus
-
-
352
The chestnut-bellied chat
Orocetes erythrogastra
353
The blue-headed
cinclorhynchus
-
-
355
The rusty-throated bush
G-eocichla citrina
-
-
356
The dusky
unicolor
-
-
358
The variable pied Blackbird
dissimilis
357
Ward's pied
Turdulus wardii
-
-
360
The Nilgiri
Merula simillima
-
-
361
The grey-winged
boulboul
-
-
-
362
The white-collared Ouzel
albocincta
-
363
The grey-headed
castanea
-
-
-
368
The Indian missel Thrush
Turdus hodgsoni
-
371
The small-billed Mountain
Oreocincla dauma
-
382
The striated Jay
Grammatoptila striata
385
The yellow -eyed Babbler
Pyctorhis sinensis
-
388
The Nepal quaker Thrush
Alcippe nipalensis
-
389
The Nilgiri
poiocephala
-
-
-
-
-
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
51
2u>9. in i|
Jerdou.
English Names.
Pcientific Namss,
1
1
1
i
^
i
c
3
i-s
K
3
>-
i
i
s
i
k
|
fl
390
The black-headed quaker Thrush
Alcippe atriceps
391
The black-headed wren Babbler
Stachyris nigriceps
392
The red-billed
pyrrhops
393
The red-headed
ruficeps
-
-
395
The yellow-breasted
Mixornis rubricapillus
396
The red-capped
Timalia pileata
-
397
The rufous-bellied
Dumetia hyperythra
-
-
398
The white-throated
albogularis
-
399
The spotted
Pellorneum ruficeps
The Nepal spotted
nipalensis
-
-
400
The rufous-necked scimitar
Pomatorhinus ruficollis
404
The southern
horsfieldii
-
-
405
The rusty-cheeked
erythrogenys
406
The slender-bHled
Xiphoramphus superciliaris
407
The white-crested laughing Thrush
Grarrulax leucolophus
-
~
-
408
The grey-sided
coerulatus
410
The rufous-necked
ruficollis
411
The white-throated .,
albogularis
-
412
The black-gorgetted
pectoralis
413
The necklaced
moniliger
-
-
414
415
The white-spotted
The red-headed
c occeilatus
[phalum
.Trochalopteron erythroce-
_
417
The plain-coloured
subunicolor
418
The variegated
variegatum
-
-
-
420
The blue-winged
* squamatum
421
The red-throated
i, fogulare
_
422
Che crimson- winged
phoeniceum
423
The Nilgiri
cacchinans
425
The streaked
,, lineatum
426
The bristly
setafer
52
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
English Names.
Scientific Names.
2
i
- 1
,
It
i3
tit
6
j
i
I
,
428
The hoary Barwing
Actinodura nipalensis
-
429
The black-headed Sibia
Sibia capistrata
-
The Assam
gracilis
430
The magpie
,, picaoides
432
The Bengal Babbler
Malacocercus canorus
--
433
The white-headed
griseus
-
-
434
The jungle
malabaricus
-
-
435
The rufous-tailed
somervillii
-
436
The large grey
malcolmi
--
-
-
438
The striated bush
Chattarrhoea caudata
-
-
--
-
-
-
-
-
439
The striated reed
,, earlii
--
-
440
The striated marsh
Megalurus palustris
441
The grass
Chsetornis striatus
444
The Himalayan black Bulbul
Hypsipetes psaroides
-
445
The Nilgiri black
nilgiriensis
-
447
The rufous-bellied
mcClellandi
-
450
The yellow-browed bush
Criniger ictericus
451
The white-throated
flaveolus
452
The white-browed bush
Ixos luteolus
-
456
The black-crested yellow
Rubigula flaviventris
458
The white-cheeked crested
Otocompsa leucogeny s
-
-
459
The white-eared
leucotis
-
460
The red-whiskered
emeria
The southern
fuscicaudata
-
-
-
461
The common Bengal
Pycnonotus pygoeus
- N
-
-
462
The common Madras
,, pusillus
--
- B-
-
463
Jerdon's green
Phyllornis jerdoni
467
The black-backed
lora zeylanica
B-
-
468
The white- winged green
typhia
-
-
469
The fairy Blue Bird
Irena puella
-
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
53
Sd
i!
English Names.
Scientific Names.
g
1
,d
Is
!
I
a
3
i-:
1
t
<
u
&
1
1
8
q
470
The Indian golden Oriole
Oriolus kundoo
-
-
472
The black-headed
melanocephalus
475
The magpie Eobin
Copsychus saularis
-
-
476
The Shama
Kittacincla macroura
477
The white-tailed Bluehat
Myiomela leucura
479
The southern brown-backed Eobin
Thamnobia fulicata
-
-
-
Aon
rrOv/
JLne brown- backed ..
j) cuiiibtiioisis
481
The black Bushchat
Pratincola caprata
482
The southern black
atrata
-
483
The common Indian
indica
-
-
486
The iron grey
ferrea
-
494
The brown Eockchat
Cercomela fusca
504
The blue-headed Eedstart
Eutacilla creruleocephala
505
The plmnbous water Eobin
fuliginosa
506
The white-capped Eedstart
Chaemorrornis leucocephala
507
The blue Woodchat
Larvivora cyana
508
The white-breasted blue
lanthia rufilata
-
-
511
The golden
Tarsiger chrysoeus
513
The white-tailed Euby throat
Calliope pectoralis
515
The large reed Warbler
Acrocephalus brunnescens
-
-
516
The lesser ,,
dumetorum
_
-
517
The paddy field
agricolus
The brown-breasted hill
Dumeticola brunneipectus
-
-
The streaked-scrub ,,
Drymoeca inquieta
-
523
The fulvous-breasted hill
Horornis fulviventer
526
The strong-footed
fortipes
529
The large
Horeites major
-
The pale
pallidus
-
B
530
The Indian Tailor Bird
Orthotomus longicauda
-
-
532
The yellow-bellied Wren Warbler
Prinia flaviventris
-
~
54
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
.a
S'B
fc^
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
1
%
3
-4
i
i
3
f-s
S3
<!
",
1
tj
1
533
KOA
Adams's Wren Warbler
Prinia adamsi
D04
535
The ashy
Stewart's
socialis
, , stewarti
537
The grey-capped
cinereocapilla
538
Hodgson's
hodgsoni
539
The rufous Grass
Cisticola scho3nicola
-
-
-
542
The Bengal
Graminicola bengalensis
-
-
543
The common Wren
Drymoipus inornatus
-
-
The earth brown
terricolor
-
-
544
The long-tailed
longicaudatus
-
-
Jerdon's
V
jerdoni
The great
insignis
-
-
546
The allied
neglectus
-
The fuscous
fuscus
-
-
The great rufous
rufescens
547
The brown Hill
Suya criniger
548
The dusky
fuliginosa
549
The black-throated
atrogularis
550
The streaked Wren
Burnesia lepida
-
551
The rufous-fronted
Franklinia buchanani
-
552
The aberrant Tree
Neornis flavolivacea
.-
_
Blyth's aberrant
assimilis
553
Sykes' Warbler
Hyppolais rama
Tytler's Tree
Phylloscopus tytleri
-
563
The large-crowned
Reguloides occipitalis
-
-
565
The crowned
superciliosus
-
-
566
The Dalmatian
proregulus
-
-
670
The lesser black-browed
Culicepeta cantator
571
The black-eared
Abrornis schisticeps
672
The grey-headed
xanthoschistus
SHOWING DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
55
'H
English Names.
Scientific Names.
i
1
j
1
a
ill
1
' i
1
The grey-faced Warbler
Abrornis chloronotus
-
573
The white-browed
albosuperciliaris
-
-
The chestnut-headed
castaneiceps
-
580
The Indian golden-crested Wren
Eegulus himalayensis
-
582
The Indian Whitethroat
Sylvia affinis
-
584
The western-spotted Forktail
Henicurus maculatus
-
586
The slaty-backed
schistaceus
-
587
The little
scouleri
The eastern-spotted
guttatus
-
s-
-
s-
589
The Indian pied Wagtail
Motacilla maderaspatana
,
-
-
590
The white-faced
luzionensis
-
592
The grey and yellow
melanope
-
-
The bl ack-backed yellow-headed , ,
Budytes calcaratus
-
596
The Indian Pipit
Anthus arboreus
-
597
The Tree
maculatus
-
598
The Nilgiri
montanus
-
-
-B
-C
00
The Indian Tit Lark
rufulus
-
605
The ruddy Pipit
rosaceus
-
603
The Nilgiri Tit Lark
Agrodroma cinnamomea
604
The brown Eock Pipit
griseorufescens
-
-
606
The upland
Heterura sylvana
-
-
607
The purple Thrush Tit
Cochoa purpurea
-
-
608
The green
viridis
-
609
The red-winged Shrike
Pteruthius erythropterus
-
-
614
The red-billed Hill ,'
Leiothrix luteus
-
-
615
The silver-eared
argentarius
-
616
The stripe-throated
Siva strigula
-
617
The blue-winged
cyanouroptera
-
618
The red-tailed
Minla ignotincta
-
619
The chestnut-headed
castaneiceps
-
56
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
English Names.
Scientific Names.
If
The golden breasted Hill Tit
The yellow naped
The rusty headed
The stripe throat crested .,
The black-chinned
The fire-tailed
The Indian white-eyed
The firecap
The red-capped
The crested-black
The mountain
The Indian grey
The yellow-cheeked
The rufous-breasted Accentor
Jerdon's
The Haven
The Indian earrion Crow
The bow-billed Corby
The Himalayan
The common
The Jackdaw
The Himalayan Nutcracker
The Himalayan Magpie
The Himalayan Jay
The black-throated
The red-billed blue
The yellow-billed blue
The green
The Indian Treepie
The Himalayan
Proparus chrysoeus
Ixulus flavicollis
occipitalis
Yuhina gularis
nigrimentum
Myzornis pyrrhoura
Zosterops palpebrosus
Cephalopyrus flammiceps
Egithaliscus erythrocephalus
Lophophanes melanolophus
Parus monticolus
cinereus
Machlolophus xanthogenys
Accentor strophiatus
jerdoni
Corvus corax
corone
culminatus
intermedius
impudicus
moiiedula
Nucifraga hemispila
Pica bottanensis
Garrulus bispecularis
lanceolatus
Urocissa occipitalis
flavirostris
Cissa venatoria
Dendrocitta rufa
himalayanus
DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
57
.5
|l
r*
English Names.
Scientific Names. . " d s!
1 1 lit J
i 1 1 I 1 1 1
678
The long-tailed Treepie
Dendrocitta leucogastra
682
The bright Starling
Sturnus nitens
683
The pied Mynah
Sturnopastor contra
-
The Burmese pied
superciliaris
684
The common
Acridotheres tristis
-
685
686
The bank
The jungle
ginginianus
-I-P- -H
,, fuscus
_
687
The brahminy
Temenuchus pagodarum
-
688
The grey-headed
malabaricus
691
The spotted-winged Stare
Saraglossa spiloptera
692
The southern hill Mynah
Eulabes religiosa
693
694
The large hill
intermedia
695
JLhe common ^weaver Bird
The striated
Ploceus baya
manyar
696
The black-throated
bengalensis
697
698
The black -headed Munia
The chestnut-bellied
Munia malacca
rubroniger
- B-
699
The spotted
undulata
700
701
The rufous-bellied
The white-backed Munia
pectoralis
striata
-N-
702
703
Hodgson's
TliP nin-failprl
acuticauda
704
-LX1U |JlIl-LcllieCl }j
The Indian Amadavat
,, malabarica
Estrelda amandava
705
The green
formosa
~
706
The Indian house Sparrow
Passer indicus
708
The cinnamon-headed
cinnamomeus
710
The tree
montanus
711
The yellow-throated
flavicollis
713
The meadow Bunting
Emberiza cia
The striolated
striolata
58
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
S e
II
English Names.
Scientific Names.
!
1
i
i
3
*
1
<-:
i
i
8
1
1
718
The white-capped Bunting
Emberiza stewarti
-
719
The grey-headed
fucata
-
724
The crested black and chestnut
Melophus rnelanicterus
-
-
725
The black and yellow Grosbeak
Hesperiphona icterioides
-
-
732
The orange Bullfinch
Pyrrhula aurantiaca
737
The Circassian rose Finch
Carpodacus rubicilla
748
The red-browed
Callocanthis burtoni
750
The Indian Siskin
Chrysomitris spinoides
-
754
The Bengal Bush Lark
Mirafra assamica
756
The red-winged
erythroptera
-
-
757
The singing
cantillaus
-
-
*
-
758
The rufous-tailed Finch
Ammomanes phcenicura
-
759
The desert
luscitanica
-
7fiO
. .
/ \j\j
Ine black-be lied
Pyrrhalauda grisea
762
The Eastern Sand
Alaudala raytal
".
-
The Punjab
adamsi
-
-
765
The Northern crown crest
Spizalauda simillima
-
-
766
The Himalayan Sky
Alauda dulcivox
-
767
The Indian
gulgula
-
-
TheNilgiri
australis
-
-
-
-
768
The Malabar crested
malabarica
-
-
-
-
769
The common
Galerita cristata
-
-
The lesser
boysii
-
~-
-
772
The Bengal green Pigeon
Crocopus phocnicopterus
-
773
The Southern
CVl 1 AIM Of Q at T*fl
I/O
I 1 1< >1 l^dM 1 l
774
The orange-breasted
Osmotreron bicincta
775
The grey-fronted
malabarica
4
778
The Kokla
Sphenocercus sphenurus
-
-
781
The bronze-backed Imperial Pigeon
Carpophaga insignia
-
-
783
The speckled wood
Alsocomus hodgsoni
DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
59
.2 fl -
II
English Names.
8cientific Names.
1
,c
C)
PH
,
I
<
1
I
>
5
j- 1
*
c "p
1
1
1
784
The Himalayan wood Pigeon
Palumbus casiotis
-
-
786
The Nilgiri
elphinstonii
-
788
The Indian blue rock
Columba intermedia
-
-
-
791
The bar-tailed tree Dove
Macropygia tusalia
-
-
792
Hodgson's turtle
Turtur rupicola
-
-
793
t-rqA
Sykes'
TTip liivYHrn
meena
-
/?'*
795
JL lie uro WH )} ^ )
The spotted
)j Ctini Dtiionsis
suratensis
-i.
__.
796
The Indian ring
risorius
~-
i.
-
-
-
797
The ruddy ,
humilis
~
-H
.._
-
798
The emerald
Chalcophaps indicus
~
^
-.
-
800
ono
The painted sand Grouse
Pterocles fasciatus
~
OU^
803
JL lie common ^ ^
The Peacock
jy CXUSlJllS
Pavo cristatus
-
-
804
The Moonal
Lophophorus impeyanus
805
The red Argus
Ceriornis satyra
806
The black-headed
melanocephala
808
The Koklas
Pucrasia macrolopha
809
The cheer Pheasant
Phasianus waliichii
810
The white-crested Kalij
G-allophasis albocristatus
i
.
811
The black-backed
melanotus
*~
^
812
The red jungle Fowl
Gallus ferugineus
-
*
813
The grey
sonneratii
-
*
-
-
814
The red spur
Gtelloperdix spadiceus
815
The painted
lunulosus
-
816
The snow Pheasant
Tetraogallus himalayensis
-
.__
817
The snow Partridge
Lerwa nivicola
-
Hodgson's
Perdix hodgsoniae
818
The black
Francolinus vulgaris
-
-
~
819
The painted
pictus
-
-
60
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA,
51
English Names.
Scientfic Names.
1
1
1
t
i
"s
1-9
f
3
*
i
1
I
820
The chukor Partridge
Caccabis chukor
-
-
821
The susee
Ammoperdix bonhami
-
822
The grey
Ortygornis ponticeriana
-
-
823
The Kyah
gularis
-
824
The Peora
Arboricola torqueola
-
-
826
The jungle bush Quail
Perdicula cambaiensis
-
-
827
The rock
., asiatica
-
-
828
The red-billed
erythrorhyncha
-
-
-
829
The common
Coturnix communis
830
The rain
coromandelicus
-
831
The blue-breasted
Excalfatoria sinensis
832
The Bustard
Turnix taigoor
-
833
The Himalayan
plumbipes
834
The large Button
tanki
835
The lesser .,
dussumieri
CQf!
The Indian Bustard
E d t' d d "
oou
838
The Florikin
Sypheotides bengalensis
-
839
The Likh
auritus
840
The Indian courier Plover
Cursorius coromandelicus
-
-
The cream-coloured
gallicus
-
843
The lesser swallow
Glareola lactea
-
-
846
The greater shore ,.
(Egialites leschenaulti
-
-
847
Pallas's
mongolicus
-
-
849
The ringed
curonicus
-
855
The red-wattled
Lobivanellus goensis
-
~
-
-
856
The yellow-wattled
Sarciophorus bilobus
-
-
857
The spur-winged
Hoplopterus malabaricus
-
858
The great Indian stone
Esacus recurvirostris
-
-
859
The
CEdicnemus crepitans
-
-
-
-
863
The Sarus Crane
Grus antigone
-
-
DURATION OF BREEDING SEASON.
61
fl
i!
English Names.
Scientific Names.
1
1
I
1
1
a
%
f
i
i
i
i
867
The Woodcock
Scalopax rusticola
873
The painted Snipe
Rhynchoaa bengalensis
-
B-
893
The common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucus
-
-
898
The Stilt
Himantopus candidus
-
-
-
900
The bronze-winged Jacana
Metopidus indicus
-
901
The pheasant-tailed
Hydrophasianus sinensis
902
The purple Coot
Porphyrio poliocephalus
903
The common
Fulica atra
-
904
905
The water Cock
The Hen
G-allicrex cristatus
Gallinula chloropus
-
H-
906
Blythe's
burnesii
907
The white-breasted
Porzana phcenicura
-
908
910
The brown Rail
Baillon's Crake
akool
pygmo3a
H-
:
911
The ruddy Rail
fusca
915
The Adjutant
Leptoptilus argala
917
The black-necked Stork
Mycteria australis
-
920
The white-necked
Melanopelargus episcopus
-
-
-S
922
The great Heron
Ardea sumatrana
~
923
924
The common
The purple
cinerea
C-
-,
925
J-l-lV, >IM.S.US jj
The white
Herodias alba
_
s-
926
The little
egrettoides
-
927
The little Egret
garzetta
-
;
s-
929
The cattle
Buphus coromandus
S-
930
The little pond Heron
Ardeola grayi
-
S-
931
The little green Bittern
Butorides javanicus
-
932
933
The black
The chestnut
Ardetta flavicollis
cinnamomea
-i
-p
934
The yellow
sinensis
935
The little
minuta
62
LIST OF BIRDS KNOWN TO BREED IN INDIA, &C.
.3%
II
English Names.
Scientific Names.
i
1
I
i
1
a
-S
t^
3
i-s
%
t
o
i
i
p
11-
937
The Night Heron
Nycticorax griseus
-
938
The pelican Ibis
Tantalus leucocephalus
-
-
939
The Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
-
940
The shell Ibis
Anastomus oscitans
-
941
The white
Threskiornis melanocephalus
-c
-
-s
.
942
The King Curlew
Q-eronticus papillosus
-
949
The bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus
950
The black-backed
Sarkidiornis melanotus
-
-
951
The cotton Teal
Nettapus coromandelianus
952
The Whistling
Dendrocygna arcuata
-
953
The large
major
954
The Brahminy Duck
Casarca rutila
-
958
The Mallard
Anas boschas
-
959
The spotted-billed Duck
pO3cilorhyncha
-
960
The pink-headed
caryophyllacea
-
-
969
The white-eyed
Ay thy a nyroca
-
-
974
The crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
-H
&
N
.
975
The little
philippensis
983
The gull-billed Tern
G-elochelidon anglicus
.'
984
The whiskered
Hydrochelidon indicus
985
The large river
Sterna seena
-
987
The black-beUied .,
javanica
-
988
The little
Sternula minuta
-
989
The large sea
Thallaseus cristatus
990
The small
bengalensis
991
The little black-naped
Onochoprion melanauchen
-
-
995
The Scissorbill
Ehynchops albicollis
1005
The common Cormorant
Graculus carbo
-
1006
The lesser
fuscicollis
-
-
1007
The little
javanicus
-
-
-s
-U
1008
The Indian Snake Bird
Plotus melanogaster
PART III.
CALENDAR.
THE columns of the accompanying- calendar give the leading details
for each month. The wording is necessarily brief, as the space is
limited.
The first column gives the number in Jerdon's Hand-Book for re-
ference. Where no number is given in this column, the bird has been
added to the Indian list since Jerdon's book was published.
The next column gives the generally accepted English name.
Jerdon's names have been adhered to in almost every case.
The third column is the scientific name. In this no alteration has
been made, unless clearly proved to be necessary.
The next column " shape of nest."
And the one following " site of nest," need no comment.
The column headed u geographical range in breeding season" gives
roughly the extent of country in which the bird is known to breed at
one time or another, but it does not follow that it breeds throughout the
whole of the range in that particular month.
The last column " particulars for the month" gives actual facts as
ascertained by experience, leaving the reader to draw his own inference.
Representative dates have been chosen so far as possible when more than
one date was available ; for instance, if the season is beginning, the earliest
date has been selected ; and if the season is nearly over, the latest date has
been taken. Similarly, in regard to localities, only one or two could be
specified, and the same rule has been followed. Where the breeding is
over a wide stretch of country, the two limits are given. Where any par-
ticular climate is more favorable, the typical place has been selected ; of
course, when only one nest has been found, the date of that is given, and
there can be no selection, but the places and dates are records in every
case of actual ascertained facts.
JANUARY.
JANUARY is in all parts of the country the month for the larger
birds of prey. Of the fifty-six kinds of birds known to breed at this
time, twenty-eight belong to this order (Raptores).
ID the HIMALAYAS, with the exception of a solitary instance of a
nest of the brown water ouzel (Hydrobata asiatica), none but the nests
of raptores have been found. Vultures, eagles, falcons, and kites are
either building or laying, and as these birds are comparatively few in
numbers, with great powers of flight, it is necessary to explore over a
large extent of country to get many eggs ; both birds and nests are
conspicuous. Eyries can generally be marked down in the course of
the morning's ride, and arrangements made afterwards for obtaining the
eggs; a matter often of no small difficulty, as, whether the nest is on
a ledge of the rock itself or in a tree, it is generally on the face of a
precipice, which it requires both skill and nerve to surmount.
In the PUNJAB, besides the birds of prey, the raven, the striated
bush babbler, and the dusky sand martin have eggs. Watch should be
kept on all the large birds of prey, and every large solitary tree should
be scanned, as it is on such trees that nests of eagles, vultures, &c., will
be found. These nests are conspicuous from a distance. I have often seen
and noted them while passing along on a railway journey, returning
when opportunity offered to examine the nest.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES the Indian hoopoe, the sand martin,
the pin- tailed munia, the blue rock pigeon, the common sand grouse, and
the doves have eggs, as well as the vultures and eagles, and falcons and
some of the owls.
In BENGAL, the sand martin is the only bird now breeding in any
quantities, besides the birds of prey.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the dusky crag martin, the munias and amada-
vats, and doves have eggs, besides the birds of prey which lay everywhere
at this period.
In SOUTH INDIA, the large birds of prey are few in number, but the
eggs of many other kinds may now be sought for. Some species of
woodpeckers, martins, honey suckers, flower peckers, quaker thrushes,
bulbuls, bluebirds, wagtails, finch larks, doves, quail, and water
birds are already known to breed there at this season, and it is probable
.
NEST OF THE KING VULTURE,
JANUARY. 65
that further search will lead to the discovery of many others. Our know-
ledge of that part of India is comparatively very incomplete.
Besides the birds noted in the list, there are many that are known
to lay early in February, and which may possibly sometimes lay in the
end of January ; at all events they will be building in the present
month, and careful watch should be kept over their movements.
Among these may be noted in the HIMALAYAS the black-capped
falcon and the imperial eagle.
In the PUNJAB, the bay vulture and the imperial eagle, these are
both rare birds, and few collections contain specimens of their eggs
taken in India.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the spotted owlet begins to lay
towards the end of the month, as also the little ringed plover, for which
watch should be kept on the sands in the beds of big rivers, more espe-
cially on the flat sandy islands left by the receding floods.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the bay vulture is building, and the grey partridge
commences to pair.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the Jcestril commences building in the Nilgiris,
also the red spur fowl, while in Travancore the booted eagle, the grey
fronted green pigeon, and the grey jungle fowl are pairing and preparing
their nests.
66
JANUARY.
l!
3 M &
5 _!'*9
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JANUARY.
67
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IARSHALL DEL.
NEST OF THE THICK BILLED FLOWER PECKER,
FEBRUARY.
IN this month the birds of prey continue to lay, while other kinds
commence. The eggs of several swallows and martins may now be
found. Parrots, woodpeckers, and other climbing birds are pairing, and
even commence excavating the holes for their nests. Several kinds of larks
have eggs, others are pairing and building. Doves, of course, are breeding
in this as in every other month. The spotted doves, which are more regular
than the others, are commencing to build, and the jungle bush quail
are pairing in all parts of the country.
In the HIMALAYAS, the roc vulture, the lammergeyer, the black-
capped falcon, the hawk eagles, buzzards, kites, and water ouzels
have eggs, while the large barred owlet and the common Indian
bushchat are pairing and building throughout the range, and the red-
capped tit and crested black tit begin to build in the eastern portions.
The Himalayan magpie in all probability has eggs in this month.
In the PUNJAB, the vultures, falcons, eagles, Pennant's scops
owls, the hoopoe, the grey shrike, the streaked scrub warbler, and
the raven have eggs throughout the month, and the rufous grass warbler,
the common quail, the big bustard, and in some places the common
heron are building their nests.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the laying season is fairly beginning.
In addition to the vultures, falcons, eagles, &c., no less than seven
kinds of owls have eggs. Swallows and martins begin laying- ; so do
also the parrots, the purple honey-sucker, the flower-peckers, the
streaked wren warbler, the bow-billed corby, the house sparrow, the
finch larks and sand larks, the emerald dove, the ringed plover and
the stone plover : and besides these, the following kinds should be watched
as they commence building their nests, and possibly laying also during
this month : the Indian scops owl, the palm swift, the rose-headed
parroquet, the chestnut-bellied nuthatch, the common woodshrike, the
brown-lacked robin, the black bushchat, the common quail, and the
spur-winged plover. The common heron too begins building in parts of
Oudh, and the river terns and scissor bills are now congregating on the
islands, where in the next month they will breed.
In BENGAL, the eggs of the long-billed vulture and white-bellied sea
eagle and changeable hawk eagle, and brahminy kite may be taken.
The common sand martin is still laying-. The yellow-fronted wood-
70 FEBRUARY.
pecker has eggs, while the palm roof swift in the Garo hills, the red-
breasted parroquet, the common woodshrike, and the red jungle fowl
in the sub-Himalayan tracts are pairing off and preparing their nests.
Here too the river terns and scissor bills are congregating.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the vultures and the brahminy kite, probably
also the owls, and whatever species of eagles are found there, have eggs
still. The cliff swallow and dusky crag martin are hatching their first
brood. The pied kingfisher, the crimson-breasted barbet, the amethyst
rumped honey-sucker, the Indian amadavat, and the finch-larks have
eggs throughout the month, while the painted spur fowl, and probably
also the flower-peckers, nuthatches, woodpeckers, parrots, larks, and
some plovers are pairing. The river terns and scissor bills will also
probably congregate here too in this month.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the breeding season is by this time further
advanced than in the north. The kestril has eggs throughout the month
in the Nilgiris. In the far south, eggs of the booted eagle may be taken,
and also those of the common kite, the Nilgiri nightjar, the golden -
backed woodpecker, the Nilgiri flower-pecker, the velvet-fronted
nuthatch, the quaker thrushes, babblers, laughing thrushes, bulbuls,
and bluebirds throughout the peninsular. In the Nilgiris the eggs of
the white-eyed hill tit may be found, and the Indian grey tit, the
jungle mynah, the crested larks, green pigeons, doves, jungle fowl,
spur fowls, grey partridges, and bush quail are also sitting. In the
extreme south the eggs of the snake bird, and possibly some other water
birds, may still be found, but the season for them is virtually over.
The following kinds are also commencing to pair and build their nests,
and should be watched particularly towards the end of the month :
The southern sirkeer, the little pied (flycatcher) shrike (Hemipus
picatus), the spotted wren babbler, the black bulbul, the robins, bush
chats, Nilgiri tit lark, long-tailed treepie, and Nilgiri sky lark. Of these
latter the eggs have not as yet been taken before the beginning of March.
PEBRUAKY.
71
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FEBRUARY.
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FEBRUARY.
73
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74
FEBRUARY.
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FEBRUARY.
75
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l> t> 00 00
MARCH.
THE birds of prey are still in full season, and though many of the
larger kinds have ceased to lay their places are filled by others, especially
among the owls. Most of the bee eaters, kingfishers, parrots, wood-
peckers, barbets, nuthatches, larks, plovers, and terns are either laying
or building, and several species of swifts, goatsuckers, shrikes, fly-
catchers, thrushes, babblers, bulbuls, chats, warblers, titlarks, jays,
mynahs, and game birds are beginning to lay.
In the HIMALAYAS, the king vulture is still laying, also the
bearded vulture (Lammergeyer), the black-capped falcon, and Bonelli's
eagle. The crested serpent eagle, the long-legged buzzard and the
greater Indian kite, and several of the owls are laying. The slaty-
headed paroquet and the scaly-bellied green woodpecker have eggs.
The white-tailed and velvet-fronted nuthatches, the hoopoe, the bronzed
drongo, the ashy swallow shrike, the verditer flycatcher, the Nepal
quaker thrush, the white-browed warbler, the white-eyed tit, the
red -capped, crested black, and mountain tits, the nutcracker, magpie
and jay, the large hill mynah, the tree sparrow, and the white-crested
king pheasant all begin laying ; and the goshawk, Himalayan fishing
eagle) collared pigmy owlet, common swallow, crag and Kashmir
martins, Hodgson's trogon, roseband paroquet, woodpeckers, piculets,
flower -peckers, tree-creepers, raquet-t ailed drongos, chestnut-bellied
chat thrush, white-collared ouzels, missel thrush, red-headed wren
babbler, rufous-necked and rusty-cheeked scimitar babblers, black
gorgetted laughing thrush, iron grey bushchat, blue-headed redstart,
black-eared and grey-headed warblers, western spotted forktails, yellow-
cheeked tits, blue magpies, green jays, and spotted-winged stares are
all pairing and building.
In the PUNJAB, the vultures, hawks, falcons, and true eagles are
still laying, also the short-toed eagle. The buzzards and several owls
commence laying. The dusky crag martin, the pied king-fisher, the
grey shrike, the babblers, the streaked scrub warbler, the streaked
wren warbler, the raven, the larks, doves, the common sandgrouse,
the common quail, the big bustard, most of the plovers, the common
heron, the king curlew, most of the terns, and the scissor bill have
eggs during the month ; and the painted sandgrouse, the seesee
partridge, the lesser button quail, and the gull-billed terns are
pairing and making their nests.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the white scavenger vulture
NEST OF THE RED-HEADED TIT,
MARCH. 77
and a few of the king vultures are the only vultures with eggs at
this season. The laggar falcon, the red-headed merlins, the changeable
hawk eagles, buzzards, kites, and most of the owls, are still laying.
All the swallows and martins, the blue-tailed bee eater, the roller,
the parrots, woodpeckers and barbets, the flower-peckers, honey
suckers, nuthatches, robins, chats, titlarks, carrion crows, larks
of all kinds, green pigeons, emerald doves, grey partridges, bush
quail, common quail, most of the plovers, the river terns, and the
scissor bills have all got eggs. The following birds not included in
the list that follows begin building during the month, and should be
watched : The shikra hawk, the jungle owlet, the blue-ruffed bee eater,
the northern grey hornbill, the large grey cuckoo shrike, Sykes*
warbler, and the common cormorant.
In BENGAL, the palm roof swift in the Garo hills lays throughout
the month. The large Bengal nightjar, the white-breasted kingfisher,
the red-breasted paroquet, the Indian loriquet, the yellow-fronted wood-
pecker, Franklin's green barbet, the koel, honey suckers, flower-
peckers, the common wood shrike, the common babbler, the red-
whiskered and white-winged green bulbul, the black-headed oriole,
the black crow, Sykes' turtle dove, the red jungle fowl, the kyah par-
tridge, plovers, river terns, and scissor bills all have eggs. The species
that commence nest-building during the month are Jerdon's green
bulbul, the shama robin, and the white- backed munia.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the cliff swallows, crag martins, blue-tailed
bee eater, little kingfisher, rock chat, rufous-tailed finch lark,
painted spur fowl, and plovers are the characteristic species that lay
during the month, but many of the species that breed at this time in
northern, and particularly southern India, breed also now in central
India. The species that begin building in this month are the jungle
nightjar and the purple heron.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the kestril is still laying, and probably some
of the owls. The jungle nightjar, chestnut-headed bee eater, little
kingfisher, lesser green woodpecker, the green barbet, the sirkeer, flower-
pecker, some shrikes, flycatchers, thrushes, blackbirds, quaker
thrushes, babblers, laughing thrushes, bulbuls, robins, chats, the
ashy wren warbler, titlark, tits, long-tailed treepie, mynahs,
larks, grey jungle fowl, red spur fowl, and red-winged bush quail
are the kinds that breed throughout the month. The white-bellied
short wing in the Pulneys, and the green pigeons and Nilgiri wood
pigeons commence building their nests.
MARCH.
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APRIL,
BRKEDING Las by this time become more general everywhere. The
kites and buzzards, the shrikes, tit larks, sparrows, doves, the common
sandgrouse, jungle fowl, spur fowl, plovers, and river terns have eggs
in all parts of the country. The common heron has eggs here and there
in northern, western, and central India.
In the HIMALAYAS, most of the hawks, hawk eagles, serpent eagles,
the barefoot scops owl, the owlets, martins, large Bengal nightjars,
trogons, most of the woodpeckers and piculets, all the barbets, (except
the Marshall's barbet,) honey-suckers, treecreeper, nuthatches, hoopoe,
cuckoo shrike, large minivet, some of the drongos, swallow shrikes,
most of the flycatchers, shortwings, thrushes, ouzels, a few laughing
thrushes, bushchats, most of the tree warblers, all the pipits, most of
the true tits, crows, jackdaws, jays, the spotted winged stare, crested
bunting, white-crested kalij pheasant, the chukor, and the night
heron have eggs throughout the month, while the sparrow hawk,
wood owl, the rest of the scops owls, the Sikkim frog mouth, Unwinds
nightjar, the European bee eater, black cap shrike, pied shrike, short-
billed minivet, drongos, yellow-bellied fantail, red-breasts, ground
thrushes, blackbirds, black-headed wren warbler, most of the laughing
thrushes, a few bulbuls, the redstarts, most of the remaining warblers,
the forktails, wagtails and pipits, nearly all the hill tits, the rufous-
breasted accentor, the corby, the yellow-billed line magpie, the grey-
headed mynah, the sparrows, meadow bunting, skylark, imperial
pigeons, turtle doves, all the rest of the pheasants, the snow partridge^
bustard quail, woodcock, sandpipers, water hens, geese, ducks, and
grebe are pairing and commence building their nests towards the end of
the month.
In the PUNJAB, the king vulture, the white scavenger vulture,
the red-headed merlin, and Indian tawny eagle are still laying. The
screech owl and scops owl, and little owlet have eggs, so also have the
striated reed babblers, the rock chats, scrub warblers, treepies, the '
bright starlings, singing bush larks, sandlarks, crested larks, green
pigeons, the seesee partridges, the common quail, button quail, big
bustard, plovers, king curlew, and river terns, as well as many other
APRIL.
89
birds which have been found breeding- in the North-West Provinces and
central India. The Egyptian bee eaters and desert finch larks com-
mence nest building- towards the end of the month.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the shikra, the short-toed
serpent eagle, buzzards, kites, and most of the owls have still got eggs.
The wire-tailed and mosque swallows, the sand martins, common swifts,
blue-tailed bee eaters, the kingfishers, hornbill, green barbets, cuckoo
shrikes, fantails, grey babblers, bulbuls, ioras, robins, chats, Sjkes's
warbler, pied wagtails, treepies, bush larks, sand larks, finch larks,
rock pigeons, jungle fowl, plovers, and the common cormorant are
laying during this month : while the common drongo and the brahminy
mynah are beginning to pair and build, also a few pairs of the concal
and sirkeer build in the eastern parts.
In BENGAL, the spotted eagle is laying. The large Bengal
nightjar, the stork-billed kingfisher, the koel, the common wood
shrike, the black-headed wren babbler, the red-whiskered bulbul,
the common bulbul, Jerdon's green bulbul, the black-headed oriole, the
shama, the tailor bird, the white-backed munia, the orange-breasted
green pigeon, Sykes's turtle dove, the red jungle fowl, the kyah
partridge, the common quail, and the painted snipe, all have eggs
during the month, besides many others common to it and central and
western India. The long-legged and spotted eagles, the yellow -breasted
and red-capped wren warblers, and the green pigeons are beginning to
pair and build.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the spotted eagle, buzzards, and kites are
laying. The cliff swallow and crested swift have eggs. The jungle and
Nilgiri nightjars have begun to lay, and the blue-tailed bee eaters,
white-breasted kingfishers, rockchats, finch larks, painted sand-
grouse, jungle fowl, spur fowl, plovers, purple herons, as well as the
common herons, are sitting. The lesser harrier eagle, TickeWs blue
redbreast) the striated marsh babbler, the green amadavat, and the
brown rail begin to build towards the end of the month.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the white scavenger vulture is still laying.
The house and mosque swallows, dusky crag martins, Nilgiri night-
jars, chestnut-headed bee eaters, little kingfishers, green barbets,
TiekelFs flower-pecker, the velvet-fronted nuthatch, white-spotted
fantail, the flycatchers, shortwings, whistling thrushes, blackbirds,
quaker thrushes, wren babblers, scimitar babblers, bulbuls, robins,
chats, wren warblers, pipits, white-eyed tits, tit larks, treepies,
90 APRIL.
jungle mynahs, bill mynahs, weaver birds, munias, larks, green
pigeons, wood pigeons, jungle fowl, spur fowl, plovers, and many
other kinds bave eggs. Tbe lesser kestril in the Nilgiris, the ghat
nightjar, the southern blue redbreast, the jungle babbler, and tbe
common crow are pairing and building by the end of the month.
APRIL.
91
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S> 2 2
NEST OF THE WHITE-THROATED FAN TAIL
MAY.
THIS is in all parts of India the most prolific season of the
year. Nearly thirty kinds of birds of prey are still breeding-, and
almost all the non-climbing- birds have commenced to lay. The shrikes,
the common drongo, the larg-e grey babbler, the doves, and the red
wattled plover are now breeding in all parts of the country.
In the HIMALAYAS, the white scavenger vulture is still laying-.
The kestril, shikra, sparrow hawks, long-legged eag-les, hawk eagles,
serpent eagles, kites, wood owls, scops owls, owlets, mosque
swallows, frogmouths, goatsuckers, European bee eater, rollers, and
broadbills are laying. Most of the woodpeckers still have eggs, though
for them it is late. The Marshall's barbet begins laying, while the
other barbets still have eggs. The cuckoos, honey suckers, flower-
peckers, tree creepers, nuthatches, hoopoes, shrikes and drongos of
all kinds, flycatchers, wrens, shortwings, thrushes of all kinds, black-
birds, ouzels, wren babblers, laughing thrushes, barwings, bulbuls,
robing, bushchats, woodchats, water robins, reed warblers, tailor
birds, warblers of all kinds, golden -crested wrens, forktails, wagtails,
pipits, all the hill tits (Leiotrichina) ^ true tits, hedge sparrows,
crows, jays, magpies, starlings, mynahs, sparrows, buntings, gros-
beaks, skylarks, pigeons, doves, pheasants, grouse, partridges, quail,
plovers, woodcock, sandpipers, coots, bittern, herons, geese, ducks,
and grebe have all begun to lay : while the rosy minivet, the red-billed
wren warbler, the magpie sibia, the while-tailed ruby throat, the
paddy field warbler, strong-footed hill warbler, the golden-breasted
hill tit, Hodgson's munia, the white-capped bunting, the speckled
wood pigeon, Bullion's crake, the little bittern and the whiskered tern
have all begun to pair and build.
In the PUNJAB, the red-headed merlins, the sand martin, the
Egyptian bee eater, the rose-headed paroquet, the speckled piculet,
the common bulbul, the magpie robins, the common bushchat, the
bright starling, the pied mynah, the pin-tailed munia, the desert
finch lark, the sand larks, the crested lark, the common sand-
grouse, the black partridge, the chukor, the seesee, the grey partridge,
the big bustard, the courier plover, the great stone plover, the stone
108 MAY.
plover, the stilt, the king curlew, and the gull-billed tern are all
laying : while the white-necked storks are pairing and building.
In the NORTH- WEST PROVINCES the true eagles, buzzards, kites,
screech owl, scops owl, jungle owlet, wire-tailed swallow, goat-
suckers, rollers, white-breasted and .little kingfishers, hornbills, koel,
concal, sirkeer, purple honey sucker, fantails, babblers, bulbuls,
orioles, robins, pied wagtails, treepies, mynahs, sparrows, bush larks,
finch larks, skylarks, green pigeons, rock pigeons, sandgrouse,
jungle fowl, partridges, plovers, and common cormorants have eggs ; and
Stewart's wren warblers, the Bengal bush larks, white-necked storks, shell
ibis, and white ibis are pairing and building.
In BENGAL, the spotted eagle, the crested swift, the white-
breasted and stork-billed and little kingfishers, the amethyst-
rumped honey suckers, king crows, the yellow-breasted and red-capped
wren babblers, the striated marsh babblers, red-whiskered bulbuls,
the black-headed oriole, the shama, titlark, sparrows, and many other
kinds are laying. The lesser concal, the Bengal bushlark, the florikin,
the yellow bittern, and the pink-beaded duck are commencing to pair
and build.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the shikra, the lesser harrier eagle, the white-
eyed buzzard, the Nilgiri nightjar, the blue-tailed bee eater, the blue
redbreasts, the striated marsh babblers, the white-eared crested
bulbuls, the brown-backed robins, the brown rock chats, pied wag-
tails, green amadavats, the sand larks, the painted sandgrouse and
the common sandgrouse, the grey jungle fowl, the spur fowl, courier
plovers, wattled plovers, the brown rails, purple herons, and some
others have got eggs. The white ibis are pairing and building towards
the end of the month.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the house and mosque swallows are laying.
Also the crag martins, swiftlets, ghat nightjars, small green barbets,
crimson-breasted barbets, long-tailed drongos, white-spotted fantails,
grey-headed and black and orange flycatchers, blue redbreasts, short
\viugs, blackbirds, Nilgiri quaker thrushes, scimitar babblers, laugh-
ing thrushes, babblers, black bulbuls, yellow-browed bush bulbuls,
bushchats, the fuscous and ashy wren warblers, the Nilgiri pipit
and Nilgiri tit lark, the white-eyed tit, the grey tit, the black crows,
the common crows, the hill mynah, the weaver bird, the spotted
munia and Indian amadavat, the skylark, the grey jungle fowl^
the red spur fowl, and the little grebe have all got eggs during the
month. Towards the end of it, the orange minivets, black-headed
MAY. 109
quaker thrush, white-browed bush bulbuls, and peafowl commence pairing
and building 1 .
In the ANDAMANS and NICOBARS, the black-naped ternlet is laying 1 ,
and the sea terns and gulls begin to congregate for breeding- purposes on
the rocky islands in the Indian ocean and Persian gulf. The island of
Astolah is well known as a breeding place.
110
MAT.
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MAY.
113
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114
MAY.
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MAY.
115
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116
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MAY.
123
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MAY.
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Geographical Range in
Breeding Season.
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JUN E.
THE breeding season is now just past its height. In all parts of
the country the shrikes, the paradise flycatcher, the common bul-
buls, weaver birds and sparrows, the black-bellied finch lark, doves,
the common sandgrouse, and the little grebe are breeding every
where ; and throughout the plains the purple coot and waterhens are
pairing and building.
In the HIMALAYAS, a few of the hawks and one of the swallows
are still laying. The goatsuckers, bee eater, and roller all have eggs. Also
the little kingfishers and broadbills in the low valleys. The Marshall's
barbet begins to lay. All the cuckoos and honey suckers have eggs, and
in the far west nuthatches' and tree creepers' eggs may still be found.
Most of the mini vets, drongos, flycatchers, wrens, thrushes of all kinds,
blackbirds, most of the babblers, laughing thrushes, bulbuls, orioles, robins,
chats, reed warblers, hill warblers, tree warblers (except the abrornis group,
which are early breeders), white throats, forktails, wagtails, pipits, all
the hill tits (Leiotrichina) , the carrion crow, the jays and magpies, the
mynahs, munias, sparrows, buntings, skylark, pigeons, doves, a few of
the pheasants, partridges, grouse and quail (these latter only at the
higher elevations), sandpipers, coots, rails, bittern, and some ducks are
laying throughout the month. Towards the end of it the red-winged wall
creeper, striated jay thrush, white-throated bulbul, fulvous-breasted and
large hill warblers, tree sparrows, most of the finches, and the ruddy
rail are pairing and building. The " sacfa" or Hodgson's partridge also
pairs at the end of this month, in the alpine Himalayas.
In the PUNJAB, the crested honey buzzard, and possibly also some
of the eagles and kites have eggs. All the bee eaters are laying. The
roller, white-breasted kingfisher, koel, concal, sirkeer, the white-eared
bulbul, golden oriole, treepie, mynahs, bush larks, finch larks, black
partridge, bustard, plovers, stilts, white-necked storks, and king curlew
are all breeding. While the egrets, pond herons, cattle herons, bitterns,
night herons, and spoonbills are beginning to pair and build.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the true engles, buzzards, kites,
and screech owl, are still breeding. The mosque swallow has eggs also.
The goatsuckers and rollers, the little kingfisher, the common gold
JUNE. 131
back woodpecker (second brood), the koel and concal, the purple honey-
sucker, the drongo shrike, white-browed fan tail 3 yellow-eyed babbler,
rufous-bellied wren babbler, the Bengal and large grey babblers, the
bulbuls, and orioles are breeding 1 . Eggs of the brown-backed robin may
still be found. Stewart's wren warbler has begun to lay, so has the earth
brown wren warbler and the Indian white-eyed tit and the common crow.
The treepie, mynahs, black and chestnut bunting, bush larks, green
pigeons, partridges, plovers, white-necked storks, shell ibis, white ibis,
black-backed geese, and whistling teal all have eggs during the month.
While towards the end of it the grey-capped wren warbler, pheasant-
tailed jacana, egrets, pond herons, cattle herons, some bitterns, night
herons, spoonbills, cotton teal, and snake birds commence to pair and
build.
In BENGAL, the palm swifts, crested swifts, white-breasted king-
fisher, broad-billed rollers, lesser concals, Tickell's flowerpecker, babblers,
common bulbuls, common wren warblers, bush larks, florikin, sarus
cranes, little pond heron, bitterns, black-backed geese, whistling
teal, and pink-headed ducks have eggs. Besides, many other species
which breed at this time in the North-West Provinces and Central
India. At the end of the month, the blue-breasted quail, bronze-
winged jacana, watercock, ruddy rail, and great heron begin to pair and
build.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the shikra, the dusky crag martin, most of the
nightjars, cuckoo shrikes, small minivets, blue redbreasts, rufous-
bellied wren babblers, black-headed orioles, robins, chats, Hodgson's
wren warbler, rufous-fronted wren warbler, treepies, brahminy mynahs,
bush larks, crown crest larks, plovers, brown rails, herons, and white ibis
are the characteristic birds that breed. While Jerdon's green bulbul, the
black-backed green bulbul, the allied wren warbler, the Indian titlark,
the green amadavat, the bronze-winged jacana, the white-breasted water-
hen, the egrets, pond herons, cattle herons, and bitterns begin pairing and
building at the close of the month.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the lesser kestril is breeding in the Nilgiris.
Also the house swallow and the hill swiftlet, the orange miuivet,
the white-bellied drongo, the black-n.iped azure flycatcher, the white-
spotted fantail, the blue redbreast, the yellow-eyed babbler, quaker
thrushes, white-throated wren babbler, laughing thrush, rufous-tailed
and jungle babblers, most of the bulbuls, the ashy and fuscous wren
warblers, the rufous grass warbler, the Indian amadavat, the sky lark,
t-he woodpigeon, the peafowl, the red spur fowl, and courier plovers have
132 JUNE.
eggs wherever the birds are found, and the rnfous -bellied miniia is
building at the end of the month.
The sea terns and gulls lay throughout this month on the rocky
islands in the bay of Bengal, Indian ocean, Red sea, and Persian
gulf.
JUN'E.
133
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JUNE.
135
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JUNE.
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JUNE.
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JUNE.
139
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JUNE.
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MARSHALL, DEL.
NEST OF THE YELLOW-THROATED BROADBILL
JULY.
THIS is in the plains the principal month for taking the eggs of
the water-birds, wren warblers, and munias, while in the Himalayas the
finches and buntings are the most numerous breeders. The birds of
prey, parrots, hornbills, most of the woodpeckers and the barbets, the
nuthatches and creepers, thrushes and blackbirds, and tits of almost all
kinds, have ceased to lay. The shrikes, small minivets, the turtle doves,
ringdoves are still breeding everywhere. And throughout the plains the
eggs of the common drongo, tailor bird, rufous grass warbler, peafowl,
bustard quail, red-wattled plovers, purple coots, common coots, and water-
hens, may be taken.
In the HIMALAYAS, the eggs of the mosque swallow, the swift, the
roller, the Marshall's barbet, the common and large hawk cuckoos,
paradise flycatcher, grey-headed and verditer flycatchers, the grey-
winged blackbird, striated jay thrush, Nepal quaker thrush, red-billed
wren babbler, several of the laughing thrushes, some of the bulbuls,
bushchats, hill warblers, tree warblers and pipits, the rufous-breasted
accentor, blue magpie, mynahs, munias, sparrows, bartailed tree doves,
emerald doves, kalij pheasants, Hodgson's partridges, chukor, peora
partridge, bustard quail, rails, and bitterns may still be found, but the
season is practically over, except in the more elevated ranges and towards
the far west. Eggs of buntings and finches are found throughout the
ranges. The golden woodchat begins to pair and build during this
month.
In the PUNJAB, the crested honey buzzard is still laying. The mosque
and cliff swallows have their second brood. The white-breasted kingfisher
and common gold back woodpecker breed throughout the month. Also
the koel, coucal and sirkeer, the white-eared bulbul, the golden oriole,
brown-backed robin, Stewart's wren warbler, and all other wren warblers
that occur there, the common crow, mynahs, pin-tailed munias, bushlarks
and black-bellied finchlarks, the common sandgrouse, the black partridge,
bustard, courier plover, red-wattled plover, white-necked stork, common
heron, egrets, pond herons, cattle herons, green bitterns, night herons,
and spoonbills have eggs. By the end of the month the black-winged
kites, the large button quail, and Biyth's water hen (very rare) are begin-
ning to pa 1 !' and build.
150 JULY.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the birds of prey have al Iceased
to lay. Eggs of all the resident swallows may be found, and the
palm swift has its second brood. The cuckoos, coucals and sirkeers are
laying. The large grey cuckoo shrike, the fantail, the yellow-eyed babbler,
the rufous-bellied wren babbler, all other babblers, except the reed babbler,
the golden oriole, the wren warblers, white-eyed tits, tree pies, mynahs,
weaver bird, pin-tailed munia, bushlarks, finch larks, stone plover, still
have eggs ; while those of the sarus crane, pheasant-tailed jacana,
Baillon's crane, white-necked stork, herons, and egrets of all kinds,
spoonbills, Ibis's geese, teal, and snakebirds are found throughout the
month. The marsh terns also breed in this month, and the great rufous
wren warbler, striated weaver birds, cinnamon bitterns, and spotted billed
ducks commence to pair and build.
In BENGAL, the palm swift has its second brood. The broad-billed
roller is believed to be breeding, but its eggs have not been taken. The
coucal, tailor-bird, white-breasted kingfisher, common babbler, yellow-
bellied wren warbler, white-winged green bulbul, chestnut-bellied munia
and spotted munia, and the bustard quail lay in the neighbourhood of
Calcutta. The Bengal grass warbler in the eastern districts, the blue -
breasted quail and florikin in the Terai districts. The bronzed-winged
jacana, the water cock, Baillon's crane, the great heron, the black bittern
and chestnut bittern, the pink-headed duck, and probably most of the
other resident water birds lay everywhere throughout the month.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the swallows, dusky crag martins, nightjars,
koels, coucals, cuckoo shrikes, fantails, ground thrushes, wren babblers,
green bulbuls, robins, rockchats, almost all the wren warblers, titlarks,
treepies, mynahs, munias, amadavats, crested buntings, bushlarks, crown
crest larks, painted partridges, bustard, jacanas, rails, herons, egrets, and
white ibis, are laying still, while Sykes^s warbler, the lesser button quail,
and the larger whistling teal begin to pair and build.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the orange minivet, the black-naped azure
flycatcher, the white- spotted fan tail, the yellow-eyed babbler, black-
headed quaker thrush, most of the wren warblers, the white-eyed tit, the
jungle mynah, and most of the munias, appear to be the principal
breeders during this month. Towards the end of it Jcrdon's wren warbler,
the Malabar crested lark, and the rain quail commence to pair and build.
JULY.
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AUGUST.
IN this month the water-birds and small wren warblers are the
principal breeders throughout the plains. The eggs of the rufous grass
warbler, the white-eyed tit, the pin-tailed munia, the jungle bush quail,
the bustard quail, and the little grebe may be taken.
In the HIMALAYAS, the season is now nearly over. Eggs of the
mosque swallow, the small minivet, the grey-winged blackbird, the
red-headed and streaked laughing thrushes, the golden woodchat,
the brown-breasted hill warbler, the red-billed hill tit, the yellow-billed
blue jay, the chestnut-bellied and spotted munias, the meadow bunting,
the Indian siskin, Hodgson's turtle dove, and the black partridge may
still be found, though only a few stragglers are laying. Probably at the
higher elevations many of the finches breed in this month, but their nests
have not as yet been found.
In the PUNJAB, the black- winged kite is breeding, also the wire-tailed
and mosque swallows ; eggs of the sirkeer, the bay-backed shrike, the
white-eyed bulbul, the striated reed babbler (second brood). The rufous-
fronted wren warbler, the large button quail, the big bustard, Blythe's
water hen, and most of the resident water-birds may still be taken. The
streaked wren warbler is building for its second brood.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, the wire-tailed and mosque swal-
lows, the common swifts, the pied crested cuckoos, coucals, sirkeers rufous-
backed and bay-backed shrikes, large grey cuckoo shrikes, white-browed
fantails, babblers, reed babblers, wren warblers, mynahs, striated and
common weaver birds, black-bellied finch larks, peafowl and almost all
the resident water-birds, waders and swimmers, except the terns and
plovers, have eggs throughout the month ; while the grass babbler,
streaked wren warbler, black-throated weaver bird, painted snipe, and
black-necked stork commence building towards the end of the month.
In BENGAL, the characteristic breeders are the yellow-bellied wren
warbler, the tailor bird, the Bengal grass warbler, the chestnut-bellied
munia, the peafowl, jacanas, rails and coots and bitterns, which almost all
have eggs, besides, many of those which breed at this season in other
parts. The grass babbler and black-throated weaver bird begin to build
in this month.
v
162 AUGUST.
In CENTRAL INDIA, eggs of the cliff swallow, Nilgiri nightjar,
purple honey sucker, blackcap shrike, pied cuckoo shrike, large grey
cuckoo shrike, small minivet, white-browed fantail, ground thrush,
rufous-bellied wren warbler, green bulbuls, ioras, the great and
allied wren warblers, Sykes' warbler, the chestnut-bellied and spotted
munias, the Indian amadavat, the crested bunting, the painted partridge,
the lesser button quail, jacanas, coots, rails, king curlew, large whistling
teal, and lesser cormorant may be taken during the month. The likh
florikin and the painted snipe commence pairing and building towards
the end of the month.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, the honey suckers have eggs, also the ashy wren
warbler, the common wren warbler, the brahminy mynah, the spotted
white-backed and pin-tailed munias, the Indian amadavat, the crown-crest
lark, the rain quail, bush quail, and bustard quail : probably the eggs
of many other species also may be found. The white-browed bush bulbul
and the Nilgiri skylark are building towards the end of the month for
their second brood.
AUGUST.
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SEPTEMBER.
IN this month the water-birds form the bulk of the breeders, and
with them the season practically ends in upper India. Most of the
wren warblers and the rufous grass warbler and pin-tailed munias too
are breeding everywhere in the plains, and a few stragglers of other
families and genera.
In the HIMALAYAS, eggs of the streaked laughing thrush have
been taken, but no others are recorded, and the season may be looked on
as practically over.
In the PUNJAB, eggs of the common sandgrouse, the grey partridge,
and probably also those of the likh florikin may be taken. The pelican
ibis too begins to lay in the eastern part of the province.
In the NORTH- WEST PROVINCES, eggs of the common coucal, the
yellow-eyed babbler, the grass babbler, the common bulbul, all the
wren warblers and weaver birds, the red-winged bush lark, common
sandgrouse, the peafowl, painted snipe, black-necked and white-necked
storks, purple herons, chestnut bitterns, spoonbills, king curlew and little
grebes, and possibly of several other kinds may be found ; but the breed-
ing season is now perceptibly on the decline.
In BENGAL, the arnethyst-rumped honeysucker, the grass babblers,
the black-throated weaver birds, chestnut-bellied munias, bustard, quail,
and painted snipe have eggs, while the grass owls begin pairing towards
the end of the month.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the common bulbul, the allied wren warbler,
the common sandgrouse, the painted partridge, the likh florikin, the
painted snipe, the bronze-winged jacana, and the lesser cormorant are
known to have eggs.
In SOUTH INDIA, eggs of the tiny honeysucker, the white-browed
bush bulbul, the ashy wren warbler, the common wren warbler, the
pin-tailed munia, the Malabar-crested lark, the turtle and ring doves,
the red-billed bush quail, the rain quail, the likh florikin have been taken,
and probably many other kinds lay. Towards the end of the month the
white-headed babbler, the jungle babbler, Adams's wren warbler, and the
grey jungle fowl commence to pair and build.
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OCTOBER.
THE breeding season of the water-birds is now over, except in the range
of the north-east monsoon where it has not begun. The large birds of
prey have not commenced to lay to any extent, and only a few stragglers
of various families breed during this month. The eggs of the river tern
have once been found in large numbers in this month, but this is pro-
bably a most unusual circumstance.
In the HIMALAYAS, as far as is known, not a single species lays in this
month. There is no record of an egg of any kind having been taken.
In the PUNJAB, eggs of the rufous grass warbler, the streaked wren
warbler, the pin-tailed munia, the common sandgrouse, the grey par-
tridge, the black-necked stork, and the pelican ibis have been taken. The
likh florikin certainly breeds there in this month, but further particulars
are required. Towards the end of the month the long-billed vulture and
the striated bunting begin to pair and build.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, eggs of the white-backed vulture,
the ring-tailed fishing^ eagle, the large grey babbler, the streaked wren
warbler, the pin-tailed munia, the common sandgrouse, and the pea fowl
may be taken. Some of the Indian hoopoes too begin to pair and build.
In BENGAL, the grass owl is known to lay. Also the ring and turtle
doves, black-necked storks, and some other species ; and the common kites,
the common sand martins, and the adjutants begin to build.
In CENTRAL INDIA, eggs of the rain quail and likh florikin have been
taken ; and by the end of the month the painted sandgrouse begin to
pair.
In SOUTH INDIA, eggs of the white-headed and jungle babblers,
Adams's wren warbler, the common wren warbler, the black-headed mu-
nia, the Malabar-crested lark, the turtle doves, the grey jungle fowl, the
red-billed bush quail, the rain quail, the likh florikin, and the black-
necked stork have been taken. The king curlew builds towards the end
of the month.
MARSHALL, DEL.
NEST OF THE YELLOW-BELLIED FANTAIL
OCTOBER.
175
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OCTOBER.
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MARSHALL, DEL.
NEST OF THE BROWN FISH OWL
NOVEMBER.
IN this month the breeding season is at its lowest ebb. The larger
birds of prey are commencing to pair and build, but few of them lay so
early. The breeding of the water-birds is almost completely over, and it
is only here and there that in particular localities some few species may
be found breeding.
In the HIMALAYAS, the bearded vulture, and possibly also the roc vul-
ture, commence to build, but no eggs of any species have been recorded
as taken.
In the PUNJAB, the striated bunting, the common sandgrouse, and
the grey partridge have eggs, while the raven begins to build at the
latter end of the month.
In the NORTH-WEST PROVINCES, eggs of the white-backed vulture,
the ring-tailed fishing eagle, the rock-horned owl, the pin-tailed munia,
and the black-necked stork may be found, while Bonelli's eagle and the
dusky-horned owl are pairing and building ; the latter is, more strictly
speaking, selecting than building, for it usually occupies an old kite's or
eagle's nest.
In BENGAL, eggs of the grass owl, the common sand martin, and the
adjutant, may be found, and possibly some few others, but only these are
recorded.
In CENTRAL INDIA, the Indian tawny eagle, the black-winged kite,
the Indian screech owl, the mottled wood owl, and the painted sand-
grouse are all laying. The green amadavat and Sykes' turtle dove are
pairing and building.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, eggs of the amethyst-rumped honeysucker, the
jungle babbler, the Indian amadavat, the grey jungle fowl, and the king
curlew have been taken ; and by the end of the month the golden-lacked
woodpecker, the white-necked stork, and all kinds of egrets have begun to
pair and build.
178
NOVEMBER.
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NOVEMBER,
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DECEMBER.
BY this time in Upper India the season for eggs of the large birds of
prey has fairly commenced. In the extreme south and east coast, the
water-birds that are monsoon breeders, such as egrets, pond herons, cur-
lews, &c., are all breeding ; and everywhere throughout the plains, the
eggs of the ring-tailed fishing eagle and of the ring dove may be taken.
In the HIMALAYAS, eggs of the bearded vulture have been taken ;
while the roc vultures, black eagles, Nepal hawk eagles, and Himalayan
fishing eagles are all building.
In the PUNJAB, the pale long-billed vulture, the white-backed vulture,
the ring-tailed fishing eagle, the striated bush babbler, the raven, and
the common sandgrouse all have eggs.
In the NORTH-^VEST PROVINCES, the white-backed vulture, Bonelli's
eagle, the ring-tailed fishing eagle and rock-horned owl, the dusky-horned
owl, the brown fish owl, the hoopoe, the pin-tailed munia, and the black-
necked stork have all got eggs. The pale long-billed vulture, the dusky
sand martin, and the turtle doves are building.
In BENGAL, the ring-tailed fishing eagle and white-bellied sea eagle,
the common kite, the brown fish owl, the Indian sand martin, and the
ring doves have all got eggs.
In CENTRAL INDIA, eggs of the pale long-billed vulture, the Indian
tawny eagle, the ring-tailed fishing eagle, the black-winged kite, the
screech owl, the mottled wood owl, the Indian amadavat, the green ama-
davat, and Sykes's turtle dove have all been taken ; and among the birds
that commence pairing and building in this month may be mentioned
the shaheen falcon, the bar-tailed fishing eagle (possibly, but this requires
confirmation), the dusky crag martin, the white-backed munia, and the
ruddy turtle dove.
In SOUTHERN INDIA, eggs of the white-bellied sea eagle, the common
kite, the southern golden-backed woodpecker, the amethyst-rumped
honeysucker, the jungle babbler, the Indian pied wagtail, the Indian
amadavat, the black-bellied finch lark, the ring dove, the grey jungle fowl,
the white-necked stork, the egrets, pond herons, king curlews, and all of
the resident water-birds may be taken ; and watch should be kept on the
white scavenger vultures, shaheen falcons, bar-tailed fishing eagles, purple
honey suckers, Nilgiri flowerpeckers, red-billed bush quail, and Indian snake
birds, which are known to commence building in the course of the month.
s
MARSHALL, DEL,
NEST OF THE PURPLE HONEY SUCKER
DECEMBER.
181
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DECEMBER.
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DECEMBER.
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ABSTRACT
SHOWING NUMBER OF SPECIES KNOWN TO BUILD IN EACH MONTH.
1
All kinds
of. Birds.
RAPTOBES.
GEMITOBE
BASOBBS.
Diurnal.
Nocturnal
Total.
Doves an<
Pigeons.
Game
Birds.
Total.
January ...
56
22
6
28
5
2
7
2
February ...
89
24
7
31
7
4
11
3
March ...
186
22
10
32
8
13
21
4
April
299
24
11
35
12
15
27
5
May
394
19
9
28
13
22
35
6
June
316
12
2
14
15
13
28
7
July
193
1
...
1
5
12
17
8
August ...
124
1
...
1
3
9
12
9
September
55
...
...
...
2
8
10
10
October ...
30
2
1
3
1
8
9
11
November
28
5
4
9
...
5
5
12
December...
41
10
5
15
2
3
5
14 DAY USE
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
This book is due on the last date stamped below, or
on the date to \vhich renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
MAR 3 I960
AP3'60JM
(A28
General Library
University of California
Berkeley
449981
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
