Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/256

210 in large numbers in holes of sand-banks near water. These birds have a habit of soaring with wings almost motionless during the evenings. I have watched them several times doing this, for what purpose I cannot say, as they never caught any insects at the time.

Ceryle varia, Strickl. (Pied Kingfisher).—This is the commonest Kingfisher found here, and is seen hovering over nearly every piece of water. In December, 1897, I found a nest in the hole of a bank of a river containing three half-fledged young.

Alcedo ispida, Linn. (Common Kingfisher).—Very common during the cold weather, but I do not think they remain to build anywhere in the district, as I never heard of a nest, though I took special pains to find one.

Pelargopsis gurial, Pears. (Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher).—This I have always found a somewhat scarce bird. It feeds chiefly on fish, but Mr. Stuart Baker mentions that he once saw one devouring a nest of young Mynahs. They have a curious habit, when sitting, of constantly jerking the head from side to side. Their cry may be described as a mournful wail.

Halcyon smyrnensis, Linn. (White-breasted Kingfisher).—An uncommon bird, and very difficult to shoot on account of their extreme wariness.

H. pileata, Bodd. (Black-capped Kingfisher).—A fine male of this rare species was shot by me at Dalsingh Serai on Feb. 25th, 1900. It was sitting on a bamboo near the river. The stomach contained the remains of some fish and beetles, the latter being undigested. As far as is known, this is the first example of the species procured or seen in this district. The skin is now in Mr. Inglis's collection.

Lophoceros birostris, Scop. (Common Grey Hornbill).—Fairly common. Their food seems to consist of fruit, they being especially fond of the fruit of the pepul tree (Ficus religiosa). A nest was found by Mr. Inglis in a cotton tree (Bombax).

Upupa epops, Linn. (European Hoopoe).—Very common during winter. This and the next species very probably interbreed.

U. indica, Reich. (Indian Hoopoe).—A common resident. A pair nested in March this year (1901) in a bungalow near Darbhanga, and hatched out all the young. They will at once desert