Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/257

Rh the nest if they have the least suspicion it has been touched, as I have more than once found when a pair were nesting, and on putting in my hand to feel for eggs, though the birds had not laid, they deserted. It is curious how few nests are come across, considering how common the bird is.

Cypselus melba, Linn. (Alpine Swift).—I have several times seen these birds, but was unable to shoot any.

C. affinis, Gray (Common Indian Swift).—Common everywhere.

Tachornis batassiensis, Gray (Palm Swift).—Very common. Breeds nearly throughout the year on palm trees. Three is the full complement of eggs.

Chætura sp.?.—Mr. Inglis writes:—"On the evening of Aug. 26th, 1897, I saw from twelve to fifteen Spinetails flying over Janiagar in a northerly direction."

Caprimulgus macrurus, Horsf. (Horsfield's Nightjar).—Often seen in the cold weather.

C. asiaticus, Lath. (Common Indian Nightjar).—I have only twice shot this species. This bird has a curious note, like the sound ice makes when a stone is thrown along it.

Cuculus micropterus, Gould (Indian Cuckoo).—More often heard than seen. Its cry resembles the words, "Make more pekoe."

C. canorus, Linn. (European Cuckoo).—I once saw this species sitting on some railings at Dalsingh Serai in March, 1900. There was no mistaking the species, as it was uttering its familiar cry at the time I saw it.

Hierococcyx varius, Vahl. (Common Hawk-Cuckoo).—Very common and very noisy during the hot weather, but silent during winter. This is the hated "Brain-fever Bird" of Europeans in India, as its cry is said to resemble the words "brain-fever."

Coccystes jacobinus, Bodd. (Pied Crested Cuckoo).—A common summer migrant, arriving in May.

Eudnamys honorata, Linn. (Indian Koël).—Very common during the hot weather and monsoon. It lays its eggs in the nests of the House-Crows. Its food consists of fruit and birds' eggs.

Taccocua leschenaulti, Less. (Sirkeer Cuckoo).—This is not a very common bird, and perhaps often overlooked on account of