This species is common in Oudh. Blanford states that it is wanting in the Punjab. This is not correct, as I have seen it in Lahore. I have not observed it in the vicinity of Madras. Eha does not mention it in his common Birds of Bombay, nor does it appear to be found in the neighbourhood of Calcutta.
[122]. Lophoceros griseus: The Malabar Grey Hornbill. (F. 1063), (J. 145), (IV, but with tail 9 inches long.)
This is very like [121], but it lacks the casque. It is the common hornbill of the West Coast.
The Hoopoes, 123
Hoopoes are ground-feeding birds, characterised by their long slightly curved bill and conspicuous crest, which ordinarily projects from the back of the head and looks like a backward continuation of the beak. When the bird is disturbed and when it flies the crest is expanded like a fan. Almost every lawn in India forms the feeding-ground for at least one pair of hoopoes. Hoopoes nest in holes in trees or in the walls of buildings.
[123]. Upupa indica: The Indian Hoopoe. (F. 1067), (J. 255), (III.)
Head and body fawn-coloured. Wings and tail white with very broad black bars. The beak is 2½ inches long, and the legs are very short. The feathers of the crest have black tips. The note is a soft ūk—ūk—ūk, rapidly repeated. (Illus. B. D., p. 140.)
The Swifts, 124 and 125
These birds are frequently confounded with [swallows] (q.v.). Many species visit India, but only two are really common birds.
[124]. Cypselus affinis: The Common Indian Swift. (F. 1073), (J. 100), (-I.)