The GOVINDA (_Hydroictinia Govinda_), as the Indian species is called,
is found, according to Jerdon, throughout the whole of Hindostan, up to
an altitude of 8,000 feet, and is one of the birds commonly met with in
India, where it frequents all large towns or populous places, and proves
itself a most bold and impudent thief. It will follow travellers in hopes
of being able to steal their food, and even snatch a dainty morsel from
the table, under the very eyes of its lawful owner. It not only drives
its own species and other birds from a meal that has caught its fancy,
but often pounces upon fine full-grown Hens and Parrots. Bligh informs
us that it will also eat Crows. According to our own observations, the
Govindas often congregate in large companies, on which occasions they
seem to come together from all parts of the neighbourhood, to hold, as
it were, a kind of "palaver," and compare their experiences. The Govinda
pairs about Christmas, and breeds from January to April. The nest is
placed upon trees or high buildings, and is formed of twigs or branches,
lined with some soft material. The eggs are from two to three in number.