The WANDERING MAGPIE (_Dendrocitta vagabunda_) is about sixteen inches in
length, ten inches of which are included in the tail; the wing measures
six inches. The entire head, nape, and breast are reddish brown or
blackish brown, the tints being deeper upon the fore part of the head,
chin, and breast, and from thence changing into a greyish shade. The
feathers upon the shoulders, back, and tail-covers are deep red; the
wing-covers and the exterior web of the secondary quills are light grey,
almost white; the rest of the quills are black. The tail is deep grey,
and all its feathers tipped with black; the lower part of the breast is
red or reddish yellow, the beak black, the feet deep slate colour, and
the eyes blood red.
[Illustration: THE WANDERING MAGPIE (_Dendrocitta vagabunda_).]
The Kotri is met with throughout the whole of India, and is especially
numerous in the wooded plains of Assam, China, and Cashmere. In the more
northern parts it is seen in every group of trees and every garden,
generally living in the immediate vicinity of villages; it appears to
pass the day in flying in large undulating curves from tree to tree, or
in roaming over a considerable tract of country, resting where it feels
inclined, and never resorting to any particular spot for that purpose. It
is but rarely met with in parties, but lives in pairs. Its food consists
principally of fruit, or the insects found upon the trees; but it will
also eat young birds, destroying them after the manner of the Shrike.
Buckland tells us that another species hunts bats.
* * * * *
The BENTEOTS (_Crypsirhina_) are a group inhabiting Java. These birds are
recognisable by the construction of their tail, which is formed of ten
feathers, the centre ones being extremely long, whilst those at the sides
are graduated. The beak is strong, of medium length; the tarsi moderately
long, but weak; the toes are armed with powerful claws.