Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/255

Rh pecker).—I have never found this bird common, and have very few specimens.

Iyngipicus hardwickii, Jerd. (Indian Pigmy Woodpecker).—Not uncommon among mango groves.

Micropternus phæoceps, Blyth (Rufous Woodpecker).—I have only seen two specimens of this bird during the four years I was collecting.

Brachypternus aurantius, Linn. (Golden-backed Woodpecker). This is by far the commonest Woodpecker in the district, and its curious cry is heard in nearly every mango grove. Breeds in March, April, May, and June, and I once found a nest in July. Three is the full complement of eggs.

Iynx torquilla, Linn. (Wryneck).—An uncommon cold weather visitor. I have only once seen it, and one specimen was shot by one of my collectors.

Thereiceryx zeylonicus, Gmel. (Common Indian Green Barbet).—Very common. Breeds in April, May, and June. One nest I found at Dalsingh Serai in June contained three newly hatched young. The nest was in a hole in the branch of a pepul tree a few feet from the ground.

Xantholæma hæmatocephala, Müll. (Crimson-breasted Barbet). Very common. Its monotonous cry of "tok tok tok" is heard as soon as the warm days set in, and is kept up from morning to night without ceasing. They breed in February, March, and April. I watched one making a nest-hole in an acacia tree in February, 1900, but unfortunately before the nest was finished one of the birds was killed by flying against a window. Another bird I watched was hollowing a hole in a bamboo.

Coracias indica, Linn. (Indian Roller).—Common throughout the district. Breeds in March, April, May, and June. A nest found in April contained two young. Three is the usual number of eggs, though I have taken four on one occasion.

Merops viridis, Linn. (Common Green Bee-eater).—Very common. Breeds in March, April, and May. Three to four is the usual number of eggs.

M. philippinus, Linn. (Blue-tailed Bee-eater).—Not so common as M. viridis, but nevertheless found in considerable numbers in some places. Though it is a resident, its numbers are greatly increased during the hot weather by migrants. It breeds