The eggs vary in length from 0·86 to 1·15, and in breadth from 0·66 to 0·8; but the average of fifty-four eggs is 0·97 by 0·75.
546. Graculipica nigricollis (Payk.). The Black-necked Myna.
All that we know of the nidification of this species is contained in the following brief note by Dr. John Anderson:—
"It has much the same habits as Sturnopastor contra var. superciliaris. I found it breeding in the month of May in one of the few clumps of trees at Muangla."
Muangla lies to the east of Bhamo.
549. Acridotheres tristis (Linn.). The Common Myna.
Acridotheres tristis (Linn.), Jerd. B. Ind. ii, p. 325; Hume, Rough
Draft N. & E. no. 684.
The Common Myna breeds throughout the Indian Empire, alike in the plains and in the hills. A pair breed yearly in the roof of my verandah at Simla, at an elevation of 7800 feet.
They are very domestic birds, and greatly affect the habitations of man and their immediate neighbourhood. They build in roofs of houses, holes in walls, trees, and even old wells, in the earthen chatties that in some parts the natives hang out for their use (as the Americans hang boxes for the Purple Martin), and, though very rarely, once in a way on the branches of trees.
Captain Hutton says:—"This is a summer visitor in the hills, and arrives at Mussoorie with the A. fuscus, Wagl. It builds in the hole of a tree, which is lined with dry grass and feathers, and on no occasion have I ever seen a nest made on the branches of a tree composed of twigs and grass as stated by Captain Tickell."