Hen: A sandy brown bird with a brick-red patch under the tail.
A familiar bird which haunts gardens and is very partial to dry sandy localities. It builds a neat cup-shaped nest on window-ledges or in holes in walls, banks, etc. It usually carries the tail raised almost vertically and so displays the red patch. Occurs all over Northern India. South of the Godaveri it is replaced by [67].
[67]. Thamnobia fulicata: The Black-backed Indian Robin. (F. 662), (J. 479), (+I.)
The hen of this species is scarcely distinguishable from the hen of T. cambaiensis (66). The cock differs in having the back black instead of brown. Occurs only in S. India. (Illus. B. D., p. 294.)
[68]. Copsychus saularis: The Magpie Robin, or Dayal. (F. 663), (J. 475), (-II.)
A very familiar garden bird.
Cock: A glossy black bird, with a white abdomen sharply marked off from the black throat and breast. Outer tail feathers white. A conspicuous white wing bar.
Hen: Marked like the cock, but greyish brown where he is black. This species, like the last, frequently elevates the tail.
The cock has a fine song in spring. This and the magpie pattern of its plumage cause it to be readily identified. The cock and hen pair for life. They frequent gardens and are robin-like in habits. It nests in holes in trees or buildings. The nest is frequently found in stables and outhouses. (Illus. F. II., p. 56; also G. B., frontispiece, and B. B., p. 97.)
[69]. Cittocincla macrura: The Shama. (F. 664), (J. 476), (II, but with a tail six inches long.)