[21]. Otocompsa fuscicaudata: The Southern Red-whiskered Bulbul. (F. 289), (J. 460), (II.)
Found chiefly in the south-western portion of India, more especially in the hills. This is the common bulbul of all our South-Indian hill stations.
This species is distinguishable from Emeria in that it has a complete collaret. In Emeria the black collaret is interrupted in front.
Both the Molpastes and the Otocompsa bulbuls build neat cup-shaped nests in trees and shrubs in gardens. Not infrequently they nest in plants growing in pots placed in the verandah. (Illus. B. D., p. 296; also B. B., p. 87.)
[22]. Pycnonotus luteolus: The White-browed Bulbul. (F. 305), (J. 452), (-II.)
A dull greenish brown bird, having no crest. It has a white eyebrow, and the patch of feathers under the tail is pale yellow.
It occurs only in Southern India and is exceedingly common in the vicinity of Madras. It frequents gardens and utters a variety of very cheery little notes, and has, therefore, been called “the blithest little bird in existence.” It does not show itself very much in the open, being heard much more frequently than seen. It builds a cup-shaped nest in a bush or low tree.
The Nuthatches, 23 and 24
Nuthatches are little climbing birds characterised by very short tails. They go about in small flocks and run up and down the trunks and branches of trees with great address, picking up small insects. They also, as their name implies, feed upon nuts. They nest in holes of trees, frequently closing up a portion of the aperture with mud. (Illus. F. I., p. 298.)
[23]. Sitta castaneiventris: The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch. (F. 321), (J. 250), (-I.)