Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/254

208 native birdcatchers, who, with these birds and the Short-toed Lark, sell to Europeans as "Ortolans." These Pipits assemble in large flocks, usually in mango groves, or under the shade of any large tree.

A. rufulus, Vieill. (Indian Meadow-Pipit).—A very common resident. Breeds in March, April, and May. A nest found by myself was situated under a clod of earth. The nest was composed of grass, and contained four eggs.

Calandrella brachydactyla, Leisl. (Short-toed Lark).—A common winter visitor, appearing in rice-fields in enormous flocks. This bird is also caught under the name of "Ortolan."

Alaudula raytal, Buch. Ham. (Ganges Sand-Lark).—Common on the banks of large rivers.

Alauda gulgula, Frankl. (Indian Sky-Lark).—I have not found this bird at all common. Its song is not so long or melodious as the European Lark.

Mirafra assamica, McClell. (Bengal Bush-Lark).—Very common. Numbers noticed in April, May, and June. A nest I took was placed on the ground, and contained four eggs.

Galerita cristata, Linn. (Crested Lark).—Very common on waste and grassy lands.

Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scop. (Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark).—Very common on waste and grassy lands. It has a curious habit of rising a few feet from the ground, uttering the while a curious mournful whistle. They are very tame, and will let one get within a few feet of them before taking wing.

Arachnechthra asiatica, Lath. (Purple Sun-bird).—Common. Breeds throughout the district in February, March, April, and May. It builds a hanging nest placed in a variety of situations, as a rule on trees and shrubs, and rarely under the eaves of houses.

Dicæum erythrorhynchus, Lath. (Tickell's Flower-pecker).—Very common, keeping to the tops of high trees and on flowering shrubs. I have never found its nest.

Piprisoma squalidum, Burt. (Thick-billed Flower-pecker).—Common. Breeds in March, April, May, and June, making a very neat purse-shaped nest, as a rule built on mango trees. Three is the full complement of eggs.

Liopicus mahrattensis, Lath. (Yellow-fronted Pied Wood-