BJOLOOY LIBRARY S /. ,: i'-:"'" 5 -r- - ••':::..''>?. vi.V ^p ^ THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA, INCLUDING CEYLON AND BURMA. PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA IN COUNCIL. EDITED BY W. T. BLANFORD, BIRDS— Vol. II. BY EUGENE W. GATES. LONDON: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. CALCUTTA : I BOMBAY : THACKER, SPINK, & CO. THACKEK & CO., LIMITED. BERLIN: B. FRIEDIANDER & SOHX, 11 CARL8TBA8SE 1890. BIOLOGY LIBRARY G PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. PREFACE. THE appearance of the second volume of ' Birds ' with fewer pages than are contained in other volumes belonging to the e Fauna of British India ' requires a brief explanation. When the ' Birds ' were undertaken by Mr. Gates in 1888, he knew that it would not be possible to complete them within the two years of furlough to which he was entitled, but it was hoped both by him and by myself that he would obtain additional leave of absence. This has not proved to be the case, and within the time available Mr. Gates has only found it practicable to finish the Passerine Order, comprising about five ninths of all the species of birds found in India. As will easily be understood by those who have been engaged in similar scientific work, constant application has been necessary in order to accomplish this within the period mentioned. The first volume of the 'Birds' having appeared in December of last year, there was, when Mr. Gates left England in August last, considerably less than another volume ready in manuscript. To have waited for a full volume to be prepared would have entailed considerable delay, and, under the circumstances, it has been thought best to publish at once a second volume of less bulk at a reduced price, and to leave the remaining birds to be 358259 IV PREFACE. described in a thicker third volume, the cost of which will be proportionately greater, so that the price of the two volumes together will remain unaltered. By this means descriptions of all Indian Passerine birds, which are more numerous than those of all other orders together, and which afford the greatest difficulties in identification, are placed at once in the hands of Indian ornithologists, whilst Mr. Gates' s work is kept distinct from that of any other writer. I can only express my regret that Mr. Gates has been unable to finish the work he has so well begun. The present is the second volume of the ' Fauna of British India ' published in the current year, Mr. Boulenger's ( Reptilia and Batrachia' having been issued in August. The only part now wanting to complete the Vertebrata of the Indian Fauna, besides the third volume of Birds, is the second half of the volume containing Mammalia ; and this half -volume, the greater portion of which is written, will, I hope, be completed early in 1891. It is not probable that the Birds can now be finished next year, but I propose to undertake the third volume as soon as the Mammalia are completed. W. T. BLANFORD. October, 1890. SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Fam. MUSCICAPIDJE Page 1. Muscicapa, Briss 4 1. grisola, Linn 4 2. Hemiclielidon, Hodys. . 1. sibirica (Gm.) 2. ferruginea, Hodgs 3. Siphia, Hodys 1. strophiata, Hodys 2. parva (Bechst.) 3. albicilla (Pall.) 10 4. hyperythra, Cab 10 4. Cyorms, Blyth 11 1. cyaneus (Hume) .... 13 2. hodgsoni (Terr.) .... 14 3. hyperythrus (Blyth) . . 15 4. leucoinelanurus (Hodys.) 16 5. superciliaris (Jerd.) . . 17 6. melanoleucus (Hodys.) 18 7. astigma (Hodys.) 19 8. sapphira (Tick.) 20 9. oatesi (Salvad.) 20 10. pallidipes (Jerd.) 22 11. unicolor, Blyth 22 12. rubeculoides (Vig.) .. 23 13. tickelli, Blyth 2o 14. magmrostris, Blyth . . 26 5. Nitidula, Jerd. $ Blyth . . 27 1. hodgsoni (Moore) .... 27 6. Stoparola, Blyth 27 1. melanops (Vig.) 28 2. sordida(JFaW.) .... 29 3. albicaudata (Jerd.) . . 30 7. Muscitrea, Blyth 30 1. grisola (Blyth) 31 8. Anthipes, Blyth 31 1. moniliger (Hodys.) 2. leucops (Sharps) . . . 3. submoniliger, Hume, 4. poliogenys (Brooks) . 5. olivaceus (Hume) . . . 9. Alseonax, Cab 34 1. latirostris (Raffi.) 35 2. ruficandus (Swains.) . . 36 3. muttui (Layard) .... 36 10. Ochromela, Blyth 37 1. nigrirufa (Jerd.) .... 37 11. Culicicapa, Sivinh 38 1. ceylonensis (Swaitis.) . 38 12. Niltava, Hodga 39 1. grandis (Blyth) 40 2. sundara, Hodys 41 3. macgrigorice (Burt.) . . 42 13. Philentoraa, Eytan.. ...... 42 1. velatum (Temm.) .... 43 2. pyrrliopterum(7eww.) 43 14. Terpsiphone, Gloyer .... 44 1. paradisi (Linn.) 45 2. affinis (Hay) 47 3. nicobarica, Dates .... 48 15. Hypothymis, Boie 48 1. azurea (Bodd.) 49 2. tytleri (Beavan) 50 16. Chelidorlayiix, Hodys. . . 51 1. hypoxanthum (Blyth) . 51 17. Rhipidura, Vig. $ Horsf. 52 1. albifrontata, Frankl... 52 2. albicollis ( VieiU.) .... 53 3. javanica (Sparnn.) . . 64 4. pectoralis (Blyth) .... oo Fam. TUKDID^E 56 Subfam. Saxicolinee 57 1. Pratincola, Koch 58 1. caprata (Linn.) 59 2. atrata, Kelaart 60 3. maura (Pall.) (51 4. leucura, Blyth (53 5. macrorhyncha, Stol. . . 63 6. insignis (Hodys.) .... 64 VI SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Page 2. Oreicola, Bonap 66 1. jerdoni, Blyth 66 2. ferrea (Hodgs.) 66 3. Saxicola, Bechst 67 1. monacha, Riipp 69 2. albinigra, Hume .... 70 3. picata, Blyth 71 4. cajtistrata, Gould .... 72 5. opistholeuca, Strickl. . 73 6. pleschanka (Lepech.) , 73 7. barnesi, Oates 75 8. vittata, Hempr. $ Ehr. 75 9. penanthe (Linn.} .... 76 10. isabellina, Cretzschm. . 77 11. deserti, Temm 78 12. montana, Gould .... 78 13. chrysopygia (De Filippi) 79 4. Cercomela, Bonap 79 1. fusca (Blyth) 80 Subfam. Rutidttince 81 1. Henicurus, Temm 82 1. maculatus, Vig 83 2. guttatus, Gould 84 3. schistaceus, Hodgs. . . 84 4. irnmaculatus, Hodgs. . 85 5. leschenaulti (Vieill.). , 86 2. Hydrocichla, Sliarpe 86 1. frontalis (Blyth) .... 87 2. ruficapilla ( Temm.} ..87 3. Microcichla, Sharpe .... 88 1. scouleri ( Vig.) 88 4. Chimarrhornis, Hodgs. . . 89 1. leucocephalus ( Vig.) . . 89 5. Ruticilla, Brehm 90 1. frontalis (Vig.) 91 2. scbisticeps, Hodgs. . . 92 3. aurorea (Pall.) 93 4. erythronota (Eversm) 94 5. hodgsoni, Moore .... 95 6. rufiventris (Vieill.) .. 95 7. erythrogaster (Gilkl) . 97 6. Khyacornis, Blanf. 97 1. f uliginosus ( Vig.) 98 7. Cyanecula, Brehm 99 1. suecica (Linn.) 99 2. wolfi (Brehm) 100 8. Daulias, Boie 100 1. golzi (Cab.) 101 9. Calliope, Gould 101 1. camtschatkensis (Omel.) 102 Page 2. pectoralis, Gould ____ 103 3. tschebaiewi, Prjev. . . 104 10. Tarsiger, Hodgs ......... 104 1 . chrysaeus. Hodgs ..... 104 11. lanthia, Blyth .......... 105 1. rufilata (Hodgs.) ____ 106 2. indica ( Vieill.) ...... 107 3. hyperythra, Blyth . . 108 12. Adelura, Bonap ......... 108 ] . caemleicephala ( Vig.) . 108 13. Grandala, Hodgs ....... 110 1. coelicolor, Hodgs ..... Ill 14. Notodela, Less ......... Ill 1. leucura (Hodgs.) ____ 112 15. Callene, Blyth ..... ..... 113 1. frontalis (Blyth) ____ 113 16. Thamnobia, Swains ..... 113 1. cambaiensis (Lath.) . . 114 2. fulicata (Linn.) ...... 115 17. Copsychus, Way 1 ....... 11(5 1. saularis (Linn.) ...... 116 18. Cittocincla, Gould ...... 118 1. macrura (Gmel.) .... 118 2. albiventris, Blyth ____ 120 Subfam. Turdina .......... 120 1. Merula, Leach .......... 1. maxima, Seebohm .... 2. simillima (Jerd.) .... 3. kinnisi, Kelaart ...... 4. bourdilloni, Seebohm . . 5. erythrotis, Dav ..... 6. nigripileus (Lafr.) . . 7. albicincta (Royle) ____ 8. castanea, Gould ...... 9. fuscata (PaU.) ...... 10. ruficollis (PaU.) ____ 11. bonlboul (Lath.) ____ 12. atrigularis (Temm.) . . 13. unicolor (Tick.) ...... 14. protomomeleena (Cab.) 15. obscura (Gmel.) ____ 16. subobscura, Salvad. . . 17. fese, Salvad. ........ 2. Geocicnla, Euhl ......... 1. wardi (Jerd.) ........ 2. sibirica (Pall) ...... 3. cyanonotus (Jard. $ . 4. citrma (Lath.) ...... 5. innotata, Blyth ...... 6. albigularis, Blyth ____ 7. andamanensis, Wald. . 121 123 124 124 125 126 126 127 128 129 130 130 131 132 133 134 135 135 130 137 133 139 140 141 142 142 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Vll 3. Petrophila, Swains 142 1. erythrogostra (Vig.). . 143 2. cinclorhyncha ( Vig.) . . 144 3. solitaria (Mill.) 146 4. cyanus (Linn.) 146 4. Monticola, Boie 147 1, saxatilis (Linn.) .... 147 5. Turdus, Linn 148 1. viscivorus, Linn 148 2. pilaris, Linn 150 3. iliacus, Linn 150 G. Oreocincla, Gould 151 1. dauma (Lath.) 152 2. varia (Patt.) 153 3. nilgiriensis, Blyth . . .153 4. imbricata (Lay.) . . . 154 5. inollissiina (Blyth) . 154 6. dixoni (Seebohm) . . . 155 7. spiloptera, Blyth . . . ]55 7. Zoothera, Vig 15G 1. monticola, Vig 157 2. marginata, Blyth .... ] 57 8. Cochoa, Hodgs 158 1. purpurea, Hodgs 159 2. viridis, Hodgs 160 Subfam. Cinclince 161 1. Cinclus, Bechst 162 1. kashmiriensis, Gould. . 162 2. asiaticus, Sivains 163 3. pallasi, Temm 164 4. sordidus, Gould 165 Subfam. Accentorince 165 1. Accentor, Bechst 166 1. nepalensis, Hodgs. . . 166 2. himalayanos, Blyth . . 168 2. Tharrhaleus, Kaup 168 1. immaculatus (Hodgs.) 169 2. rubeculoides (Hodgs.). 169 3. atrigularis (Brandt) . . 170 4. fulvescens (Sev.) .... 171 5. strophiatufl (Hodgs.) . 17] 6. jerdoni (Brooks) 172 Fani. PLOCEIDJE 173 Subfam. Ploceincc 174 1. Ploceus, Guv 174 1. baya, Blyth 175 2. megarhynchus, Hume . 176 3. bengalensis (Linn.) . . 177 4. manyar (Horsf.) .... 179 2. Ploceella, Gates 179 1. javanensis (Less.). . . . 180 Subfam. Viduince 181 1. Munia, Hodgs 181 1. malacca (Linn.) .... 182 2. atricapilla(F«.) .. 183 2. Uroloncha, Cab 183 1. acuticauda (Hodgs.) . . 184 2. striata (Linn.) 185 3. semistriata (Hume) . . 186 4. fumigata (Wold.). ... 186 5. leucogastra (Blyth) . . 186 6. pectoralis (Jerd.) 187 7. kelaarti (Blyth) 187 8. nmlabarica (Linn.) . . 188 9. punctulata (Linn.) . . 189 3. Erythrura, Sivains 190 1. prasina (Sparrm.). . . . 190 4. Stictospiza, Sharpe 190 1. formosa (Lath.) 191 5. Sporaegintkus, Cab 192 1. amandava (Linn.). . . . 192 2. flavidiventris (Wal- lace) 193 Fani. FRINGILLIDJE . , 194 Subfam. Coccothraustince .... 196 1. Coccothraustes, Briss. . . 196 1. humii, Sharpe 196 2. Pycuorhaniphus, Hume. . 198 1. icteroides (Vig.) 198 2. affinis (Blyth) 199 3. carneipes (Hodgs.) . . 200 3. Mycerobas, Cab 200 1. melanoxanthus (Hodgs.) 201 Subfam. Frini/iUinee 202 1. Pyrrhula, Briss 204 1. aurantiaca, Gould .... 204 2. erythrocephala, Vig..t 205 3. erithacus, Blyth 206 4. nepalensis, Hodgs 206 2. Pyrrhoplectes, Hodgs. . . 207 1. epauletta (Hodgs.) . . 207 3. Loxia, Linn 208 1. hiinaljiy.-iiia, Hodgs. . . 208 4. Hajmatospiza, Bli/th . . , . 209 1. eipahi (Hodgs.) 209 Vlll 5. 6. 7. SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Propyrrhula, Hodgs 210 1. subhimalayensis (Hodgs.) 210 Pyrrhospiza, Hodgs 211 1. punicea, Hodgs 21 1 Propasser, Hodgs 212 1. thui&(Bonap4Schleff.) 213 2. pulcherrimus, Hodgs. . 215 3. ambiguus, Hume 215 4. grandis (Blyth) 216 5. rhodochrous ( Vigors) . 217 6. rhodopeplus ( Vigors) . 217 7. edwardsi ( Verr.} . . . •. 218 8. Carpodacus, Kaup . . 219 9. 10. 219 220 221 221 222 223 223 224 1. erythrinus (Pall.) . 2. severtzovi, Sharpe. . Erythrospiza, Bonap. . . 1. githaginea (Temm.) 2. niongolica (Swinh.) Procarduelis, Hodgs. . . 1. nepalensis (Hodgs.} 2. rubescens, Blanf. 11. Carduelis, Briss 225 1. caniceps, Vigors 225 12. Callacanthis, Reichenb. . . 226 1. burtoni (Gould) 226 13. Acanthis, Bechst 227 1. fringillirostris (Bonap. 8f Schleg.) 228 2. brevirostris (Gould) . . 229 14. Metoponia, Bonap 230 1. pusilla (Pall.) 230 15. Hypacanthis, Cab 231 1. spinoides ( Vig} 231 16. Chrysomitris, Boie 232 1. tibetana, Hume 232 17. Fringilla, Linn 233 1. montifringilla, Linn. . . 233 18. Gymnorhis, Hodgs. . . . 1. flavicollis (Frankl.) . 19. Passer, Briss 1. domesticus (Linn.) . 2. pyrrhonotus, Blyth .. — 3. hispaniolensis(remw.) 238 4. montanus (Linn.) .... 24C 5. cinnamomeus (Gould). 24C 6. flaveolus, Blyth 242 20. Petronia, Kaup 243 2. stulta (Gmel.) 243 21. Montifringilla, Brehm . . 244 1. blanfordi, Hume 24 2. ruficollis, Blanf. .... 245 3. adamsi, Moore ..... 24( 22. Fringillauda, Hodgs 24^ 1. nemoricola, Hodgs. . . 247 235 235 236 236 238 Page 2. sordida, Stol 3. brandti (Bonap.) Subfam. Emberizince ........ 249 1. Einberiza, Briss. . . ...... 1. schoeniclus, Linn ..... 2. fucata, Pall ......... 3. pusilla, Pall ......... 4. leucocepliala,^. G. Gm 5. stewarti,, Blyth ...... 6. stracheyi, Moore .... 7. buchanani, Blyth .... 8. hortulana, Linn. . . . 9. aureola, Pall ........ 10. spodocephala, Pall. . 11. melanocephala, Scop. 12. luteola, Sparrm. . . . 13. rutila, Pall. ....... 14. striolata (Licht.) . . . 2. Melophus, Swains ...... 1. melanicterus (Gm.) . 250 251 252 254 254 256 257 258 259 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 265 , 267 Fam. 1. Chelidon, Forst 268 1. urbica(i«/m.) 269 2 kashmiriensis, Gould. . 269 3. lagopus (Pott.) 270 4. nepalensis (Hodgs.) . . 271 2. Cotile, Boie 271 1. rip aria (Linn.) 272 2. sinensis (Gray) 273 3. Ptyonoprogne, Reichenb. . 273 1 . rupestris (Scop.) 274 2. concolor (Sykes) .... 275 3. obsoleta ( Cab.) 275 4. Hirundo, Linn 276 1. rustica, Linn 277 2. gutturalis, Scop 277 3. tytleri, Jerd 278 4. erythrogastra, Bodd. . . 279 5. javanica, Sparrm 279 6. smithii, Leach 280 7. fluvicola, Jerd 280 8. striolata, Temm 281 9. daurica, Linn 282 10. nepalensis, Hodgs 282 11. erythropygia, Sykes . . 283 12. rufula, Temm 284 13. hyperythra, Lay 284 Fam. MOTACILLID^B 285 1. Motacilla, Linn 285 1. alba, Linn 287 SYSTEMATIC INDEX. IX 2. leucopsis, Gould .... 3. ocularis, Swinh ....... 4. personata, Gould .... 5. hodgsoni, Gray ...... G. maderaspatensis, Gmel. 7. melanope, Pall ....... 8. borealis, Sitndev ..... 9. flava, Linn ......... 10. beema, Sykes ........ 11. feldeggi, Michah ..... 12. citreola,P«W......... 13. citreoloides(lT<%*.) . . 2. Limonidroinus, Gould. . . . 1. indicus (Gmel.) ...... 3. Anthus, Bechst ......... 1. trivialis (Linn.) .... 2. maculatus, Hodgs. . . 3. nilgiriensis, Sharp* . . 4. cockburniaB, Oates . . 5. similis (Jerd.) ...... (',. richardi, VieiU ....... 7. striolatus, Blyth .... 8. rufulus, Vieill. ...... 9. campestris (Linn.) . . 10. cervinus (Pall.) ...... 11. rosaceus, Hodgs ..... 12. spinoletta (Linn.) ---- 13. japonicus (Tenmi. Schley.) ..... ..... 4. Oreocorys, Sharpe ...... 1. sylvanus (Hodys.) ____ Page 288 289 290 291 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 300 301 302 ; 304 ! 305 | 305 I 306 i 307 ! 308 I 308 309 310 311 312 312 313 313 Fam. ALAUDIDJE .......... 315 1. Algernon, Keys, ft Bias.. . 317 1. deserter um (Stanl.) . . 318 2. Otocorys, Bonap ....... 319 1. penicillata (Gould) . . 319 2. longirostris, Gould . . 320 3. elwesi, Blanf. ...... 321 3. Melanocoryplia, Boie .... 322 1. maxima, Gould ...... 322 2. bimaculata (Menefr.) . 323 4. Alauda, Linn ......... 324 1. arvensis, Linn ....... 324 2. gulgula, Frankl ..... 326 5. Calandrella, Kaup ...... 327 1. brachydactyla (Leisl) 327 2. dukhunensis (%&«).. 328 3. tibetana, Brooks .... 329 4. acutirostris, Hume . . 329 <>. Alaudula, Blyth ........ 330 1. raytal (IJuch. Ham.). . 330 '2. adamsi (Hume) ...... 331 3. porsica, Mharpr ...... •'!•'! I VOL. Tl. 7. Mirafra, Horsf. 332 1. cantillans,' Jerd 333 2. assamica, McCkll. . . 334 3. erythroptera, Jerd. . . 334 4. affinis, Jerd 335 5. microptera, Hume . . 336 8. Galerita, Boie 336 1. cristata (Linn.} 337 2. deva (Sykes) 338 3. malabarica (Scop.) . . 339 9. Ammomaiies, Cab 339 1. phcenicura(jyaw&/.).. 339 2. phcenicuroides (Blyth) 340 10. Pyrrhulauda, Smith 341 1. grisea (Scop.) 341 2. melanauchen (Cab.).. 343 Fam. NECTAEINIIDJE 343 Subfam. Nectariniince 345 1. Chalcostetha, Cab 345 1. pectoralis (Temm.) .. 345 2. ^Ethopyga, Cab 346 1. seheri^ (Tick.) 348 2. andersoni, Oates .... 349 3. cara, Hume 349 4. nicobarica, Hume .... 350 5. vigors! (Sykes) 350 6. ignicauda (Hodgs.) . . 351 7. gouldi»(Ft>.) 352 8. dabryi ( Verr.) 353 9. saturata (Hodys.). . . . 354 10. sanguinipectus, Wald. 354 11. nepalensis (Hodgs.) . . 355 12. horsfieidi (Blyth).... 356 3. Arachnechthra, Cab 357 1. lotenia (Linn.) 358 2. aaiatica (Lath.) 359 3. hasselti (Temm.) 360 4. pectoralis (Horsf.) . . 361 5. liammaxillaris (Blyth) 262 6. andauianica, Hume . . 363 7. minima (Sykes) 363 8. zeylonica (Linn.) .... 364 4. Anthothreptes, Swains. . . 365 1. hypogrammica(J1f«//.) 365 2. malaccensis (Scop.) . . 366 3. rhodolajnia, Shell. 367 4. simplex (Miill.) 367 Subfam. Araclmothennce . . 36S 1. Arachnothera, Temm. . . 368 1. nijiiriiH (J/tn?;/x.) .... :'.«)!> SYSTEMATIC INVDEX. Page 2. aurata, Jilyth 370 3. modesta (Jfytm) 370 4. longivostris (Lath.) . . 371 5. clirysogenys (Temm.). 371 [Fain. CBATKROPODIDJE. Subfam. Liotrichince. 6 a. Chalcoparia, Cab ....... 373 ]. phoenicotis(7Vwm.).. 373] Fain. 374 1. Dicaeuin, Cuv ........... 375 1. cruentatum (Linn.} . . 376 2. trigonostigma (Scop.). 377 ! 3. chrysorrhceum, Temm. 378 4. ignipectus (Hodgs.) . . 378 5. concolor, Jerd ....... 379 6. olivaceum, Wald ..... 380 7. virescens, Hume .... 380 8. erythrorhynchiLs (Lath.} .......... 381 2. Acinonorliynclius, Oates. . 381 1. vincens (Scl.) ...... 382 •'). Piprisoma, Blytli ...... 382 1. squalidum (Burt.) . . 382 2. modestum (Hume) . . 383 4. Prionochilus, Strickl ..... 384 1. ignicapillus (Eytori) . . 384 2. maculatus (Temm.) . . 385 5. Pacliyglossa, Hodys ..... 385 1. melanoxantha, Hodys. 386 Fam. 386 1. Anthocincla, Blyth 387 1. phayrii, Blyth 387 2. Pitta, Vieill. 388 1. nepalensis (Hodys.) . . 389 2. oatesi (Hume) 390 3. cserulea (Raffl.) 390 4. cyanea, Blyth 391 5. cyanoptera, Temm. . . 392 6. megarhyncha, Schley. 393 7. brachyura (Linn.} . . 393 8. coccinea, Eyton .... 394 9. cucullata, Hartl 395 10. gurneyi, Hume 395 Fig. 1 . — Terpsiphone paradisi. Family MUSCICAPID.E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles smooth, the upper one simply notched ; hinder aspect of tarsus smooth, com- posed of two entire longitudinal lamina) ; wing with ten pri- maries ; tongue non-tubular ; nostrils clear of the line of forehand, the lower edge of the nostril nearer to the commissure than the upper edge is to the culmen ; plumage of the nestling mottled or squamated ; nostrils covered more or less by long curly hairs ; rectrices twelve ; tarsi short ; an autumn moult only. The Muscicapidce, or flycatchers, constitute a large family of birds, which is well represented in India. Sonic :uv resident ; but the majority are migratory to a greater or less extent. The Flycatchers may be known by the mottled plumage of the VOL. IT. B o • * "v\.*° 1 ,* V , v : FV. „ -> , « » •• *.»<>• •> ^ » ••> » "O0 » * ^ * a ° 9 * "* * _. » » «. * - , • • Q * • -, l" A „ T *•«* * • nestling, and by the presence of numerous hairs stretching from the forehead over the nostrils. These hairs lie horizontally, and in all cases reach beyond the nostrils, and not unfrequently nearly to the end of the bill. They are not to be confounded with the rictal bristles, which are stiff and strong and lie laterally, nor are they to be confounded with the lengthened shafts of the frontal feathers, which in some of the Thrushes resemble hairs. These latter, moreover, are never horizontal, nor do they extend over the nostrils except in cases where this is brought about by accident, such as careless preparation of the preserved specimen. The amount of mottling or squamation in the plumage of the nestling varies considerably, but is present in every species in a more or less marked degree. This character is perhaps least developed in the genus Terpsiphone, the most typical of Fly- catchers so far as structural characters are concerned ; but even in this genus the mottled breast is unmistakable. The Flycatchers may further be recognized by their very feeble tarsi and feet, which quite incapacitate them from walking on the ground; and this character will by itself be sufficient to separate them from the Thrushes, in which the tarsi are long and the feet strong. Young Flycatchers moult into adult plumage in most cases the first autumn ; but Terpsiphone differs in this respect, the males retaining an intermediate plumage for two or more years. Those Flycatchers which have abandoned their migratory habits and have become resident are well differentiated by generic cha- racters ; but others which are still migratory resemble each other structurally very closely, and generic characters by which to separate them into convenient groups are not easy to be found. In the following key, therefore, I have had recourse to types of colour, which appear to work well and to bring allied birds together into natural groups. The Flycatchers feed on insects, which they either catch on the wing, starting from a perch to which they usually return several times, or by running with the aid of their wings along the limbs of trees. They seldom or never descend to the ground. The majority construct their nests in holes of trees or banks, and some of the species build very beautiful cup-shaped nests in the branches of trees. Few of these birds have any song, and on the whole the Flycatchers are remarkably silent. They are found solitary or in pairs, and they are frequently familiar birds. Key to the Genera. a. Tail considerably shorter than wing. «'. Second primary equal to the fifth. a". Closed wings not reaching- beyond middle of tail MUSCICAPA, p. 4. b . Closed wings reaching nearly to tip of tail HEMICHELIDON, p. 5. MUSCICAP1DJE. b'. Second primary very much shorter than fifth. c". Frontal feathers of ordinary structure, not concealing the nostrils. «'". Rictal bristles short and few in number, generally less than six. «4. Sexes different. a3. In both sexes base of tail white, upper tail-coverts black, upper plumage brown or rufescent, never blue nor black SIPHIA, p. 7. b5. Males with whole upper plu- mage blue or black ; lower plumage never entirely blue or greeii. Females brown or rufescent above, never com- bined with black upper tail- coverts and white on tail. a6. Bill wide at base and strong. CYORNIS, p. 11. b6. Bill narrow throughout, and feeble NITIDULA, p. 27. c5. Both sexes with the entire plumage suffused with blue or green STOPAROLA, p. 27. 64. Sexes alike ; plumage plain brown or rufous throughout. ds. First primary never less than half second. c6. Bill laterally compressed ; lower mandible pale MUSCITREA, p. 30. d6. Bill flattened ; lower man- dible dark ANTHIPES, p. 31. e5. First primary much less than half second ALSEONAX, p. 34. b'". Rictal bristles very long and nume- rous, about ten on each side. c4. Tail much rounded; first primary much longer than half second . . OCHROMELA, p. 37. d*. Tail quite even ; first primary much less than half second .... CULICICAPA, p. 38. d". Frontal feathers lengthened and very dense, concealing the nostrils. c'". Bill carinated and narrow; both sexes with a brilliant neck-spot . . NILTAVA, p. 39. if". Bill broad and flattened ; no neck- spot in either sex PHILENTOMA, p. 42. b Tail as long as, or longer than, wing. c . Head crested TERPSIPHONE, p. 44. d'. Head not crested. e". Tail about equal to wing. e'" '. Length of culmen about twice the breadth of bill at forehead HYPOTHYMIS, p. 48. /'". Length of culmen about equal to breadth of bill at forehead CHKLIDORHYNX, p. 51. f". Tail considerably longer than wing . . RHIPIDURA, p. 52. B2 MUSCICAPIim Genus MUSCICAPA, Brisson, 1760. The genus Muscicapa contains the Spotted Flycatcher, a common summer visitor to England and Europe. In this genus the sexes are alike : the culmen of the bill is about as long as twice the breadth of the bill at the forehead ; the rictal bristles are few and moderate in length ; the wing is long and pointed, the first primary being very small and the second very long and equal to the fifth ; the tail is square ; and the plumage is streaked. M. grisola is migratory. 557. Muscicapa grisola. The Spotted Flycatcher. Muscicapa grisola, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 328 (1766) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 151 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 437 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd. ed. ii, p. 1. Butalis grisola (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 175; Hume fy Headers. Lah. to York. p. 185; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 467, v, p. 495; id. Cat. no. 299 bis j Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 52 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 163. Coloration. Upper plumage brown, the forehead, crown, and nape with black centres ; wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertiaries dark brown, rather broadly edged with pale fulvous ; primaries and the Fig. 2.— Bill of M. grisola. primary-coverts more narrowly edged with the same ; tail dark brown, obsoletely edged paler ; lores greyish white ; a buff ring round the eye; sides of the head brown; cheeks whitish, with an irregular dark moustachial streak below ; lower plumage white, the breast and the sides of the throat streaked with brown ; the sides of the body less distinctly streaked. The young have the upper plumage pale fulvous, with brown or blackish margins; the wings broadly edged, the lesser coverts broadly tipped, with buff ; the lower plumage whitish, variegated with dark brown. Legs and feet black ; bill blackish, yellow at the base of the lower mandible ; iris dark brown (Butler). Length about 6; tail 2-5; wing 3*3; tarsus -6; bill from gape -8. Distribution. Common from May to September in Gilgit, where this species breeds at elevations over 8000 feet. This bird visits the plains in the autumn, and is found at that season in Sind, Eaj- putana, Guzerat, Cutch, and Kattywar. Its eastern limit in the HEMICIIELIDON. 5 Himalayas appears to be Simla, where it has been obtained in September. This Flycatcher has an extensive range, being found, according to season, over the greater part of Europe, Africa, and South- western Asia. Habits, $c. This bird 'breeds in Gilgit, but nothing beyond this is on record about its nidification in India. In Europe it makes its nest on a branch of a tree near the trunk, in a shallow hole in a tree, or on a branch of a fruit-tree or creeper trained against a wall. The eggs are pale bluish or greenish, marked with reddish brown, and measure about '75 by '57. Genus HEMICHELIDON, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Hemichelidon contains two species of Flycatchers which are permanent residents in the Himalayas, a considerable number descending to the lower ranges and plains in the winter. In Hemichelidon the bill viewed from above is almost an equi- lateral triangle, sharp-pointed, pinched in towards the tip, and very depressed ; the rictal bristles are moderate ; the wing is long, reaching nearly to the end of the tail, the first primary very minute and the second equal to the fifth ; the tail is square. In this genus the sexes are alike, and the plumage brown or fer- ruginous. Key to the Species. a. General colour of plumage brown H. sibirica, p. 5. b. General colour of plumage ferruginous . . H.ferrityinea, p. 6. 558. Hemichelidon sibirica. The Sooty Flycatcher. Muscicapa sibirica, Gm. Syst. Nat. i, p. 936 (1788). p. 75 ; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to York. p. 184, pi. iv. Hemichelidon sibirica (Gm.), Hume, N. 8f E. p. 206; id. Cat. no. 296 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 120 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 275 ; id. in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 1. Dang-chim-pa-pho, Lepch. Fig. 3.— Bill of H. sibiricu. Coloration. Upper plumage brown, the feathers of the head \\ith darker centres and those of the wings more or less edged paler ; 6 MUSCICAPID^. tail plain brown ; a ring of white feathers round the eye ; lores mixed white and hrown ; sides of the head brown ; chin, throat, breast, and sides of the body smoky brown, dashed with grey in places ; an indistinct white patch on the lower throat ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white, the last mixed with brown. After the autumn moult, the margins to the wing-feathers are broader and more rufous. The young have the crown and nape streaked with fulvous white and the upper plumage spotted and streaked with fulvous ; the lesser wing-coverts are tipped, and the greater coverts and quills margined broadly, with fulvous ; the lower plumage is much whiter than in the adult. Upper mandible dark brown, lower yellowish ; iris brown ; legs brownish black. Length about 4-5 ; tail 2 ; wing 2-8 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape *55. Distribution. A permanent resident in the Himalayas, from Afghanistan and Kashmir to Sikhim, occurring as high as 33,000 feet in the summer. In the winter this species is found along the lower ranges of those mountains, and it has been observed at Shillong, Manipur, and generally throughout Pegu and Tenasserim, extending into the Malay peninsula. It is widely spread over China and Eastern Siberia in summer. This Flycatcher appears to be entirely absent from the plains of India. Halnts, fyc. Breeds in Kashmir in June. A nest found by Major Cock was placed against the side of a tree-trunk. The eggs are pale green mottled with pale reddish, and measure about •65 by -46. 559. Hemichelidon ferruginea. The Ferruginom Flycatcher. Hemichelidon ferruginea, Hodgs. P. Z. S. 1845, p. 32 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 175; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 137; Hume, N. $ E. p. 207; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 122: Gates. B. B. i, p. 276; id. in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 2. Alseonax ferrugineus (Hodgs.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 460 ; Hume. Cat. no. 299; id. S. F. xi, p. 106. Dang-chim-pa-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Forehead and crown of head dark brown; back, scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, rump, and upper tail-coverts reddish brown, changing to chestnut on the latter two parts ; median and greater coverts brown, edged and tipped with chestnut; quills dark brown, the later secondaries and tertiaries edged with reddish brown ; tail reddish brown ; a distinct ring of feathers round the eye whitish or pale buff; lores and ear-coverts mixed rufous and brown ; lower plumage pale rufous, deepening to chestnut on the abdomen, under tail-coverts, and flanks, the breast infuscated, the lower part of the throat whitish, and the sides of the throat mottled with brown. The young have the forehead, crown, and nape black, boldly S1PHIA. 7 shvakrd with fulvous; the upper plumage chestnut, mottled with black ; wings and tail more rufous than in the adult ; chin and throat white ; lower plumage uniform pale chestnut. Bill dusky, fleshy-yellow at the base beneath ; legs pale whitish- fleshy ; iris dark brown (Jerdoii). Length about 5 ; tail 2 ; wing 2' 7 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape -65. Distribution. A permanent resident in the Himalayas from. Nepal to the extreme east of Assam, from about 4000 to 8000 feet. This species has been procured in winter at Shillong, in the Khasi hills ; in Pegu and in Tenasserim. Hume obtained it in April in Manipur, where he is of opinion that it breeds. This Flycatcher extends to China. Habits, $c. Hodgson figures the nest, made of moss and lichens and placed upon the surface of an old stump of a tree. The eggs of this bird appear to be buff freckled with reddish, and to measure -69 by -5. Genus SIPHIA, Hodgs., 1837. The genus Sipliia contains four Indian birds, one of which is the type of the genus, and the other three are closely allied species, which have been placed by various ornithologists in Muscicapa^ Sipliia, or Erytlirosterna. I consider the four species now noticed to be absolutely congeneric both in structure and in style of coloration. They have no close relationship with Muscicapa, in which the sexes are alike and the wing very lengthened, and I prefer to associate them together in the genus Sipliia, which is equal to Erytlirosterna but of older date. In Siphia the sexes are differently coloured, the base of the tail in both sexes is white, the upper tail-coverts black, and the back brown or rufous. The bill is small, and the rictal bristles mode- rate ; the wing is of moderate length, but sharply pointed, and the first primary is shorter than half the second; the tail is square. The male nestlings soon lose their spotted plumage, and assume the plumage of the adult female in September. It is not, however, till towards the end of the winter that they commence to put on the characteristic red colouring of the adult male, and consequently the mass of birds which visit India are in the garb of the female till near the time for their departure to summer-quarters. Key to the Species. a. Throat chestnut, not extending to the chin or breast .......................... S. strophiata, p. 8. b. Chin, throat, and breast chestnut ; crown of different shade to back ............ S. parva tf , p. 9. c. Chin and throat chestnut, breast ashy; crown and back of the same shade .... & albicilla cT , p. 10. d. Chin, throat, breast, and upper abdomen chestnut, surrounded by a black band . . S. hyperythra $ , p. 10. I S. parva ) O et rf e. No chestnut on lower plumage .......... vs>- ^Sneilla > • •„ (S.hyperytha \ JUV' 'g MUSCICAPID^E. 560. Siphia strophiata. The Oranye-yoryeted Flycatcher. Siphia strophiata, Hodgs. 2nd. Rev. i, p. 651 (1837) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 171 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 293 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 479 ; Stoliczka, J.A.S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 32 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 47 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 72 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 620 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 232 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 455 ; Hume, Cat. no. 319 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 278 ; Gates, />'. n. i, p. 290. Siphia rufigularis, Scully, S. F. viii, p. 279 (1879). X/y hija, Nep. ; Phatt-tayrak-pho, Lepch. Fig. 4.— Bill of 8. strophiata. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage olive-brown, tinged with fulvous on the back and rump ; upper tail-coverts black ; lores, cheeks, chin, and throat black; forehead and a short eyebrow white ; ear-coverts and feathers above the eye deep slaty ; a large oval patch below the throat bright chestnut ; breast and sides of the neck slaty ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; flanks olive-brown; lesser wing-coverts slaty; the other coverts and all the quills brown, edged with fulvous ; tail blackish ; the pair next the middle pair with a patch of white on the outer web ; the others with a larger white patch on both webs : under wing- coverts and axillaries light buff. Female. Similar in style of coloration to the male, but the orange gular patch paler and smaller, the white on the forehead of less extent, and the black of the face and throat replaced by slaty. The young bird is brown all over, closely streaked and mottled with fulvous ; the tail is marked with white as in the adult, but there is no indication of the gular patch. Bill black'; gape fleshy-rwhitish ; iris dark brown; feet dark horny-brown ; claws black (Scully}. Length nearly 5-5 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 3 ; tarsus *8 ; bill from gape '65. It is not unusual for the female to have the throat to some extent orange-rufous, and it was to a specimen exhibiting this peculiarity that Scully assigned the name of Siphia rufyularis. Distribution. The Himalayas from Eastern Kashmir to the Daphla hills in Assam up to 12,000 feet in summer, and descend- ing to the lower valleys in winter; the Khasi and Naga hills; Manipur ; the neighbourhood of Bhamo ; Arrakan ; Muleyit moun- tain in Tenasserim. This species extends into China. Halits, fyc. Nothing is known of the nidincation of this Ely- catcher. According to Jerdon it frequently alights on the ground SIPHIA. to pick up an insect, and occasionally makes a dart at oue in the air, returning after each sally to its perch. 561. Siphia parva. The European Red-breasted Flycatcher. Muscicapa parva, Bechst. Naturg. Deutschl. iv, p. 505 (1795) ; Cat. B. M. iv, p. 161. Erythrosterna parva (Bechst.}, Blanf. J. A. S. B. xxxviii, pt. ii, p. 174 ; id. S. F. v, p. 484 ; Hume, 'J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 116 ; id. Cat. no. 323 bis ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 167. Coloration. Male. When in fresh plumage, after the autumn moult, the forehead, lores, and cheeks are grey, speckled at times with blackish ; a ring of white feathers round the eye; sides of the head bluish ashy ; crown and nape ashy brown ; remainder of the upper plumage fulvous-brown ; upper tail-coverts black ; wing- coverts, secondaries, and tertiaries brown, edged with fulvous- brown ; primaries and primary-coverts edged more narrowly with the same ; chin, throat, and breast bright chestnut ; remainder of the lower plumage white, tinged with buff on the sides of the body ; the two middle pairs of tail-feathers wholly black ; the others with the basal two thirds more or less white. Female. The whole upper plumage brown, tinged with fulvous, the crown being of the same colour as the back ; wings and tail as in the male ; upper tail-coverts black ; feathers on the eyelids white ; sides of the head rufous-brown ; lores whitish ; lower plumage dull white, suffused with pale fulvous-ashy on the breast and sides of the body. The young are spotted on the upper plumage and breast with fulvous. After the autumn moult young males commence to assume some red on the breast, and they become fully adult by the spring. Iris blackish brown ; legs and feet black ; bill brown above, brownish-flesh below (Butler}. Length about 5; tail 2-1; wing 2-6; tarsus -65; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A winter visitor to a great portion of the Indian peninsula, being found to the east as far as the Bhutan Doars at the base of the Himalayas and Singbhoom in the plains, and to the south as far as Mysore and the Nilgiris. This species is found in Central and South-eastern Europe during the summer. Its distribution out of India is very difficult to trace, as this Flycatcher has been confounded with the next by many ornithologists, Seebohm going so far as to unite S. parva^ S. albicilla, and S. hyperythra into one species. I have seen no example of S. parva from any portion of the Himalayas *, and I doubt if it ever crosses those mountains, the specimens said to * Stoliczka (J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 3*2), however, records leucura from Kotgarh. The species he obtained may have been S. parva or more likely S. hyperythra. 10 heave been procured from Central Asia having probably found their way thither from the west. This species is found in India from October to April. Habits, $c. This bird breeds in Europe, making a nest of moss lined with grass and hairs, either against the trunk of a tree or in a hollow of the trunk The eggs are pale green, marked with pinkish brown, and measure about -65 by '53. 562. SipMa albicilla. The Eastern Red-breasted Flycatcher. Muscicapa albicilla, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso- Asiat. i, p. 462, Aves, tab. i (1811) ; Sharps, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 162 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 278. Erythrosterna leucura (Gm.), Blyth, Cat. p. 171 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 297; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 481. Erythrosterna albicilla (Pall.), Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 621 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 233; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 280; Hume, Cat. no. 323. The White-tailed Robin Flycatcher, Jerd.; Turra, Hind.; Chut-ki, Beng. Coloration. Male. Similar to the male of S. parva, but having only the chin and throat chestnut, and not the breast, which is ashy ; it differs also in the crown being, in freshly moulted birds in good plumage, of the same colour as the back, and in the ear- coverts being brown instead of bluish ashy. Female. So similar to the female of /S. parva, as to be undistin- guishable from it. I have not been able to examine nestlings of this species, but there is no reason to think that they differ from those of S. parva. The youngest birds I have seen are like the females, but with some fulvous tips to the wing-coverts. Bill dark brown, yellowish at the gape ; mouth yellow ; iris hazel-brown ; legs and claws black ; eyelids grey. Length about 5 ; tail 2*1 ; wing 2*7 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Visits the Eastern portion of the Empire from October to April, extending on the west as far as Nepal in the Himalayas and Dinapore in the plains, and southwards to Tenas- serim. This species summers in Eastern Siberia and Northern China. Habits, $c. The nest and eggs of this bird do not appear to be known. This Flycatcher frequents groves of trees, running among the larger branches and constantly flitting its tail up and down and partially expanding it. 563. SipMa hyperythra, The Indian Red-breasted Flycatcher. Siphia hyperythra, Cabanis, J. f. Orn. 1866, p. 391 : Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 2. rythrosterna parva (Bechst.}, Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 76, xliii; pt. ii, p. 245. CYORNIS. 11 Ervthrosterna hyperythra (Cab.), Holdsworth, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 442, pi. 17; Hume, N. $ E. p. 217; Brooks, 6'. F. iii, p. 236; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 376 ; id. Cat. no. 323 ter. Muscicapa hyperythra (Cab.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv. p. 163; Leyye, Birds Ceyl p. 428. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage dark ashy brown ; the tail -coverts black; wings and coverts dark brown, edged with the colour of the back ; tail black, with the same distribution of while as in S. parva and S. albicilla-, sides of the head dark ashy brown like the crown ; chin, throat, breast, and upper part of the abdomen rich chestnut, separated from the head and neck by a broad black band produced down the sides of the breast; remainder of the lower plumage white, tinged with rufous on the flanks and under tail-coverts. Female. Very similar to the females of S. parva and S. albicilla, but darker above. Some young males in May are acquiring the black pectoral band and show indications of rufous on the throat and breast. Iris hazel-brown ; bill above brown, pale next the forehead ; gape and lower mandible fleshy yellow, with the tip dusky ; inside of mouth yellow ; legs and feet deep brown ; soles yellowish (Legge). Length about 5 ; tail 2 ; wing 2*7 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Summers in Kashmir and winters in Ceylon. This species has not yet been procured in the intervening countries during the periods of migration. Habits, fyc. Brooks remarks that this Flycatcher breeds in Kashmir between 6000 and 7000 feet elevation, but he failed to find the nest. Genus CYORNIS, Blyth, 1843. I place in the genus Cijornis fourteen species of Flycatchers in which the sexes are different, and which appear to be congeneric in structure, habits, and style of coloration. The females of some of the species of this genus are amongst the most difficult of birds to discriminate, and they remained in givat confusion till Sharpe brought them into order with the aid of Hodgson's types and drawings. In Cyornis the bill is about half the length of the head, depressed, and rather broad at the base; the rictal bristles are moderate ; the wing in most of the species is sharply pointed, and the first primary generally small; the tail is square or nearly so. In this genus all the males are blue or black on the upper plumage, and the females brown or rufescent. All the species are true Flycatchers, catching their prey on the wing or by running along branches. 12 MUSCICAPID^E. Key to the Species. a. Base of tail white. a. White on taitffetending nearly to tips of feathers C. cyaneus, p. 13. b'. White on tail confined to base. a". Upper plumage blue. a'". Breast orange-chestnut. «4. No white frontal band C. hodgsoni <5, p. 14. b*. A white frontal band C. hyper ythrus d", p. 15. b'". Breast white, pale buff, or fulvous- grey, [p. 16. e4. No white supercilium C. leucomelanurus <3 , d*. A white supercilium C. superciliaris J , p. 17. b". Upper plumage black C. melanoleucus <) (Vcf ; the eastern portion of the Empire, from the Rajraehal hills, Maunbhoom, Singbhoom, and Midnapore, through Bengal and Assam, down to Tenasserim aud Karennee, extending to Sumatra and Java. This species breeds in the Himalayas and also in the Khasi hills ; and from the latter locality I have seen young nestlings procured in June. To the other parts above mentioned it appears to be a winter visitor. The nest of this Flycatcher does not yet appear to have been found. 570. Cyornis astigma. The Little Blue-and-white Flycatcher. B. I. i, p. 471 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 157, xlv, pt. ii, p. 201, xlvii, pt. ii, p. 22. Muscicapula astigrna (Hodys.\ Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 205 ; Hume, Cat. no. 311 j id. S. If. xi, p. 112. Muscicapula superciliaris (Jerd.), apud Oal.es, B. B. \, p. 292. Coloration. Male. Resembles the male of C. superciliaris. Differs in having no white on the tail-feathers, the supercilium Fig. 6.— Bill of C. absent or very faintly indicated, and the white on the throat and hrra>i somewhat narrower. /•' male. Resembles the female of C. superciliaris. Differs, generally speaking, in having the upper tail-coverts more fulvous than the other parts of the upper plumage, and in never having any tinge of blue on these parts, as is almost always the case in C. super ciliar is. The plumage may be termed olive-brown on the sides of the neck and breast, and not buff. The females of the two species are, however, difficult to separate unless series of both are examined. The young are precisely similar to those of C. ruptrct/tartf, Bill and legs black ; iris brown (Cockbunt'). Length about 4'5 ; tail 1-9; wing 2'6; tarsus '6; bill from gape '6. The two female specimens of a Flycatcher procured by \Vardlaw Ramsay in Karennee, and retWivd by me to C. x//^< /•< •Ifin'riy in the ' Birds' of Burmah,' are now, 1 find, females of C. ti.«li>/in>i. o2 20 MUSCICAPIDJE. Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim ; the plains of Bengal, whence I have seen specimens collected by Brooks at Mudhupur and Assensole on the E.I. Bail way in winter ; the Khasi hills, where this species is a constant resident and breeds ; probably Manipur, where Hume procured a specimen which he doubtfully refers to this species, but which specimen I have not been able to discover in his collection ; Karennee, where Wardlaw Bamsay obtained two specimens. 571. Cyornis sapphira. The Sapphire-headed Flycatcher. Muscieapula sapphira, TicMl, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 939 (1843) ; Jerd. III. Ind. Orn. pi. 32 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 173 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 295 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 471 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv. p. 203 j Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aoes, p. 619 ; Hume, Cat. no. 312. Siphia superciliaris P, apud Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 201. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and upper tail-coverts bright ultramarine-blue ; lores and a band from the eyes to the nostrils black ; sides of the head and neck, upper breast, back, rump, and visible portions of wing-coverts deep purplish blue; quills black, narrowly edged with blue ; tail black, the outer webs suffused with bright blue; chin, throat, and upper breast chestnut; remainder of lower plumage pale bluish white ; under wing-coverts and axil- laries white. Female. Upper plumage olive-brown tinged with rufous ; the upper tail-coverts ferruginous ; wing-coverts and quills dark brown, edged with rufous ; forehead and sides of the head bright fulvous- brown, with 'a ring of fulvous round the eye; chin, throat, and breast pale orange-chestnut ; remainder of lower plumage whitish, the flanks and sides of the body tinged with fulvous ; under wing- coverts and axillaries white. The female of this species, with its red throat and breast, cannot be confounded with the females of O. super ciliaris^ C. melanoleucm, or C. astigma. The nestling is densely spotted above and on the coverts with fulvous, and mottled with brown below. At the autumn moult young males assume the plumage of the female, but have the wings, tail, rump, and upper tail-coverts like the adult male. Bill black ; legs ashy brown; iris brown (Cockburn'). Length 4-5 ; tail 1-8 ; wing 2-3 ; tarsus -6 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. A permanent resident in Sikhim, probably extending into Nepal ; found also in the Graro and Naga hills, and in the hills to the east of Bhamo. 572. Cyornis oatesi. The Rufous-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Cyornis vivida, Swinh. apud Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi. p. 229 ; Hume Cat. no. 309 bis; id. S. F. xi, p. 111. CYORNIS. 21 Niltuva vivida (SwinA.), anuil Shurne. Cat. B.M. iv, p. 4G3 (part.) ; Gates, B. B. i. p. 2JM5. Niltava oatesi, Salvadori, Ami. Mas. Civ. Gen. (2) v. pp. 514 (1887), 578 (1888). Coloration. Male. Forehead and lores deep black ; crown, nape, rump, upper tail-coverts, lesser and median wing-coverts shining cobalt- blue ; buck and scapulars dark bluish black: winglet and Fig. 7.— Bill of C. oafesi. primary-coverts black ; greater coverts and quills black, edged with blue ; tail black, the outer webs suffused with cobalt-blue ; region of eye and ear-coverts black, the latter bordered posteriorly by a band of cobalt-blue running up to the nape ; chin and throat black suffused with blue ; remainder of lower plumage, axillaries, and under wing-coverts chestnut. Female. Forehead, lores, round the eye, cheeks, chin, and upper throat rufous, speckled and irregularly barred with brown; under tail-coverts and a large patch on the throat, the axillaries, and under wing-coverts clear yellowish buff; remainder of lower plumage ashy olive suffused with buff; crown, nape, and sides of neck ashy brown ; remainder of upper plumage olive-brown with a fulvous tinge ; tail brown, suffused with rufous on the outer webs. Legs, feet, and claws dark to blackish brown ; soles yellowish ; bill black ; iris deep brown to reddish chocolate (Hume). Length about 7'5 ; tarsus -7 to *8 ; bill from gape about -8. Males from Tenasserim have wings varying from 3*7 to 4, tails 3 to 3-7 ; males from Manipur have wings varying from 3-9 to 4, tails 3-1 to 3-3. In the females the wing is 3'7, and the tail 2-8 to 3-2. C. vividus from China differs from the present species in being much smaller, the wing in males varying irom 3'3 to 3'5 and tail 2'6 to 2*8 ; in females the wing is 3*3 and the tail 2'5. The male has the upper parts of a much more brilliant blue. The female differs merely in si/<-. I have examined the type of C. oatesi, and find it the same bird as the one which Hume identified with doubt with c. vividus, and of which there are numerous specimens in the Hume collection from Manipur and Tenasserim. There is a female specimen of a Cyornis in the Hume collection from Tenasserim, which I cannot identify with any known species. It differs from the females of C. oatesi and C. vividus, among other things, in wanting the conspicuous yellowish-buff patch on the throat. It is probably the female of an mult -scribed species, and 22 it appears to be the same as a specimen noticed by Count Salvador! (Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) vii. p. 385, 1889) under the generic name of Niltava. Mr. Tea procured this specimen in Karennee, and Count Salvadori, with his usual courtesy, forwarded it to me for examination. Being a female specimen, and, as such, difficult to deal with till the male is known, the Count has prudently refrained from naming it*. Distribution. Muleyit mountain in Tenasserim ; Manipur. 573. Cyornis pallidipes. The White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Muscicapa pallipes, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xi, p. 15 (1840). Cyornis pallipes (Jerd.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 338; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 469 ; ' Hume, S. F. iv, p. 397 ; id. Cat. no. 309 ; Butter, 8. F. ix, p. 397 ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 371 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 165. Siphia pallidipes (Jerd.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 444. Coloration. Male. Forehead and a supercilium ultramarine- blue ; lores and a space in front of the eye black ; feathers round the eye bluish black ; whole upper plumage, sides of the head and neck, chin, throat, breast, and the margins of the wings and tail indigo-blue; the lesser wing-coverts brighter; abdomen, vent, and under wing-coverts white. Female. Lores, in front of the eye, and the point of the chin white ; an indistinct supercilium grey ; ear-coverts greyish brown : forehead, crown, and nape ashy brown ; upper plumage and the sides of the neck rufescent olive-brown, the upper tail-coverts and the outer webs of the tail-feathers chestnut; wings brown, mar- gined with pale rufous ; throat and breast orange-chestnut remainder of the lower plumage white. Legs and feet fleshy tinged purple ; bill black ; iris dark wood- brown (Davison). Length about 6'5; tail 2'6 ; wing 3; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape *75. Distribution. A permanent resident in the South of India on the Western Grhats, from about the latitude of Belgaum to My nail in Travancore. This species appears to be found up to about 6000 feet. Habits, $c. Davison calls this Flycatcher a magnificent songster. 574. Cyornis unicolor. The Pale Blue Flycatcher. Cyornis unicolor, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xii, p. ]007 (1843); id Cat. p. 173 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 465 ; Wald. Ibis, 1876, p. 353 ; Godw- Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, pp. 71, 195, xlvii, pt. ii, p. 15 ; Hume, * Count Salvadori thus describes the specimen : — " 5 . Supra olivacea, pileo ct cervice griseis ; uropygio et supracaudalibus brmmeo-rufescentibus ; fronte, lateribus capitis et gularufo t'wctis,yula ima albicante ; gastrao reliquo griseo-olivacco, pectorc magis olivasenie sub- ca/ndalibusetsnbalaribnsftdvescente-albidis; alls fuscis, externis brimneo- olivaceo marginatis ; caitda briinnco-ntfcsccntc ; rostra nigro • pedilms fuscis. Long, tota 0"\200 ; al. Om,()96 ; caud. 0™,077 ; rostri culm On',010; tarsi Om,020." CTORNIS. 23 Str. F. vii, p. 516 ; ill Cut. n... :\(V.\ : ,SV///Wt»n, ^4nn. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) vii, p. 386 ; 7/ww, AS'. F. xi, p. 107 j O«fe* w Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 5. Siphia unicolor (Bl.), Sharpe, Cat,. B. .If. iv, p. -111. Coloration. Male, Forehead, a broad eyebrow, and the lesser wing-coverts ultramarine-blue ; lores black, tipped with blue ; sides of the head and neck and the whole upper plumage, with the exposed parts of the closed wing, light blue ; upper tail-coverts and the margins of the tail-feathers deep blue ; lower plumage pale dull blue, becoming albescent on the abdomen ; the under tail-coverts broadly fringed with white ; axillaries pale fulvous. Female. Lores and a ring round the eye pale rufescent ; the whole upper plumage olive-brown tinged with rufous; the upper tail-coverts and the margins of the wings, together with the whole tail, ferruginous ; the whole lower plumage earthy brown, tinged with ochraceous on the sides of the body ; abdomen albescent ; axillaries pale fulvous. The young nestling is brown, densely spotted and mottled with bright fulvous. In the male the legs and feet are dull pale purple ; bill black ; iris brown. In the female the legs and feet are greyish brown ; upper mandible brown, lower mandible pale bluish horny ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 6%5 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus *65 ; bill from gape -75. Distribution. The Himalayas from Sikhim to the Daphla hills in Assam; the Khasi hills; the Naga hills; Manipur; Karen nee ; probably Arrakan. C. cyanopolius, Blyth, from the Malay peninsula and islands, is a much brighter bird than C. unicolor, and may be kept distinct. //tibits, $c. Mandelli found the nest of this bird in Sikhim in August, a cup of moss and fern-roots placed in a depression in the trunk of a tree about 10 feet from the ground. 575. Cyornis rubeculoides. The Blue-throated Flycatcher. Phoenicura rubeculoides, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 35 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 25, fig. 1. Cyornis rubeculoides (Via.), Blyth, Cat. p. 173 ; Ilorxf. 8f M. Cat. i, p^289; Jerd. S. L i, p. 4<;1'.': Hume, Cat. no. 304 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 164 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 107 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, ]>. •">. Sij.hia rubeculoides (Via.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 44/3 ; Leaue, Birds Ceyl. p. 424 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 287. Cyornis dialilaema, Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) vii, p. 387 (1889). The Blur-//. Tarsiger hodgaoui (Moore), Sharps, (' male, but I have seen no sexed female. All the birds in the small series of this species in the British iMuseum appear to be males, but only one is so sexed. Dittributmn. A resident in Ceylon up to 2000 feet. 30 MUSCICAPID.E. 581. Stoparola albicaudata. The Nilyhiri Blue Flycatcher. Muscicapa albicaudata, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. 8f S. xi, p. 16 (1840) ; id. III. 2nd. Orn. pi. xiv. Stoparola albicaudata (Jerd.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 175 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 210 ; id. Cat. no. 302 ; Sharpe, Cat. JB. M. iv, p. 437 ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 370; Oat.es in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 11. Hypothymis albicaudata (Jerd.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 292. Eumyias albicaudata (Jerd.}, Jerd. B. I. i, p. 464. Coloration. Male. The whole plumage indigo-blue; the fore- head, a short and broad eyebrow, and the edge of the wing ultra- marine-blue ; the throat suffused with the same ; lores and the region of the nostrils black ; abdomen bluish brown mottled with white ; under tail-coverts bluish brown, broadly fringed with white ; wings and tail dark brown edged with blue, all the tail-feathers except the median pair white at the base. Female. The whole upper plumage dull greyish tinged with olivaceous ; upper tail-coverts dark bluish brown ; tail blackish, the bases of all the feathers except the median pair white; entire lower plumage dull greyish blue, tinged with olivaceous on the throat and fore neck ; coverts and quills dark brown edged with rufescent, the greater coverts tipped with fulvous. The young have the upper plumage and wing-coverts brown, each feather margined with black and centred with fulvous ; wings and tail as in the adult ; lower plumage pale greyish brown, barred with black and fulvous. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris dark brown (Davison}. Length about 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. The Nilgiri and Palni hills up to 7000 feet. Habits, <$fc. Breeds from February to May, constructing a nest of moss in a hole in a tree, wall, or bank, and laying three eggs, which are white or pale buff marked with reddish, and measure about -81 by '59. Genus MUSCITREA, Blyth, 1847. The genus Muscitrea contains one Indian species the position of which is somewhat doubtful. The British Museum does not con- tain a nestling bird of this species, but judging from the circum- stauce that a few birds have the wing-coverts margined with rufous, as is the case with so many young Thrushes and Flycatchers, I incline to the belief that the nestling will prove to be spotted. The presence of numerous long hairs over the nostrils further induces me to place this species in its present position. In Muscitrea the sexes are alike ; the bill is strong, deep, and much compressed laterally ; the wing is rather long and straight, and the first primary ^ is large, being more than half the length of the second; the tail is square, and the plumage brown. There is but little on record about the habits of this bird. The AN Till !'!.<. 31 one I observed in Pegu was solitary and silent, and was perched on a stalk of elephant-grass. 582. Muscitrea grisola. The Grey Flycatcher. Tephrodornis grisola, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 180* (1843) ; id. Cat. p. 153; Jertl. B. I. i, p. 411. Muscitrea cinerea, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 122 ; Hume, S. F. v, p. 101. Hylocharis philomela (Bole), Hume^S. F. ii, p. 201. Hylocharis occipitalis, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 202 (1874). Muscitrea grisola (Bl.}, Hume $ Dciv. S. F. vi, p. 206 ; Hume, Cat. no. 266 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 257. Pachycephala grisola (BL), Gadow, Cat. B. M. viii, p. 220. The Arakan Wood-Shrike, Jerd. Figs. 11 & 12.— Head and bill of M. grisola. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, and lores ashy brown ; upper plumage, wings, and tail rufous- or olive-brown, the secondaries broadly edged with rufous ; sides of the head pale brown ; chin and throat white mottled with ashy ; breast pale ashy ; remainder of lower plumage and under wing-coverts white. The young are slightly rufous. Bill dark brownish black ; mouth flesh-colour ; iris reddish brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs plumbeous ; claws pale horn- colour. Length about 6'5 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 3-3 ; tarsus *8 ; bill from gape *8. Some specimens are paler and greyer, others darker and browner, and the plumage varies apparently according to the length of time which has elapsed since the moult in the autumn. Distribution. Jerdon states that this species has been procured near Calcutta ; it occurs in the Andaman Islands, Arrakan, Pegu, and Tenasserim, extending to the Malay peninsula and islands. Genus ANTHIPES, Blyth, 1847. I place in the genus Anf/ilpesfive species of Flycatchers in which the sexes are alike, the plumage brown or rufous, relieved, in the case of three, by a patch of white on the throat, the bill flattened, the first primary large, and the lower mandible dark coloured. They are all very local, and they are not known to migrate. In addition to the above characters the rictal bristles are long but few in number, and the tail is square. 32 MUSCICAPIDJE. Key to the Species. a. Chin and throat white, in strong contrast to surrounding parts. a'. White of chin an and throat surrounded by a firm black band. a". Forehead and eyebrow fulvous A. moniliger, p. 32. b' . Forehead and eyebrow white A. leucops, p. 33. b . White of chin and throat not surrounded by a black band A. submoniliger, p. 33 b. Chin and throat buff or whitish, blending with surrounding parts. c'. General colour of lower plumage orange- buff A. poliogenys, p. 33. d'. General colour of lower plumage white, merely tinged with ochraceous on breast and flanks A. olivaceus, p. 34. 583. Anthipes moniliger. Hodgson's White-yoryeted Flycatcher. Dimorpha monileger, Hodgs. P. Z. S. 1845, p. 26. Anthipes gularis, Blyth, J.A. S. B. xvi, p. 122 (1847). Anthipes moniliger (Hodgs.), Blyth, Cat. p. 172 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 477; Hume, Cat. no. 317 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 13. Digenea moniliger (Hodgs.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 460, pi. xiv, tig. 1 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 300. The White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Jerd. j Phatt-tagrak-pho, Lepch. Fig. 13.— Bill of A. Coloration. Forehead and a short eyebrow bright fulvous ; lores, ear-coverts, and under the eye greyish brown with white shafts ; the whole upper plumage and sides of the head olive-brown tinged with rufous on the rump ; upper tail-coverts and tail dull ferru- ginous ; coverts and wings brown edged with ferruginous ; chin and throat white, surrounded on all sides by a black band ; lower plumage fulvous-olive, becoming white on the abdomen. Bill black ; legs and claws pale fleshy ; iris dark brown (Jerdon). Length about 5 ; tail 2 ; wing 2-4 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape '6. The young nestling is no doubt spotted, but the youngest bird I have seen merely differs from the adult in not having the black band round the white of tbe throat. Distribution. Sikhim up to about 7000 feet or so. Hodgson's specimens, now in the British Museum, do not appear to have been obtained in Nepal but in Sikhim. Habits, <$fc. According to Mandelli, this species breeds in Sikhim ANTHIPES. 33 from April to June, constructing a nest of inoss on the ground in qrass and low jungle. ^The eggs are described as being white marked with brownish red, and measuring about '73 by '54. 584. Anthipes leucops. Miarpes White-yoryeied Fit/catcher. Anthipes momliger (Hodf/s.), Blyth fy Walden, Birds Burm. p. 103 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 195. Digenea leucops, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1888, p. 240. Coloration. Resembles A. moniliger, but has the forehead and eyebrow white, and the sides of the head ashy grey. Iris bright dark brown ; bill slate-brown ; legs white tinged fleshy ( Wardlaw Ramsay}. Of the same size as A. moniliyer. Distribution. The Kluisi hills ; Gougloug, Manipur hills ; Karen- nee at 5000 feet. 585. Anthipes submoniliger. Humes White-yoryeted Fit/catcher. Anthipes submoniliger, Hume, S. F. v, p. 105 (1877) j Humefy Dau. S. F. vi, pp. 232, 510 ; Hume, Cat. no. 317 bis. Digenea submoniliger (Hume), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 461 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 301 j Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1888, p. 246. Coloration. Upper plumage fulvous-brown ; forehead, lores, a broad but short supercilium, and a circle of feathers round the eye rich golden-fulvous ; sides of the head fulvous-brown ; chin and throat white, with a few black feathers on the side of the chin ; breast and flanks olive-brown; abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts white ; wings and wing-coverts brown, edged with rufous; tail ferruginous. Bill black, yellowish on lower mandible ; iris deep brown ; legs fleshy white (Davison*). Length about 5 ; tail 2; wing2'4; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape '6. Distribution. Tenasserim, where this species has been found on Muleyit mountain and at the foot of Nwalabo mountain. 586. Anthipes poliogenys. Brooks's Flycatcher. Cyornis poliogenys, Brooks, S. F. viii, p. 4C9 (1879) ; Hume, S. F. ix, pp. OC>, :: <.).->; xi, p. 108. Siphia eaclmrensis, Madardsz, Zeitschr. yes. Orn. 1884, p. 52, pi. i, tig. 2. Coloration. Forehead, crown, and nape greyish brown; back, rump, scapulars, and the margins of the quills olive-brown ; upper tail-coverts and tail ferruginous ; lores and a ring round the eye light grey ; sides of the head brownish grey ; chin and throat pale buff ; breast and sides of the body orange-buff ; middle of the abdomen whitish ; under tail-coverts pale buff or buffy white. VOL. II. D 34 MUSCICAPID^E. Iris brown; bill black; edges of the eyelids yellowish ; legs pale greyish pink, pale silvery fleshy, pale silvery purplish (Hume). Length about 6 ; tail 2'4 ; wing 2-8 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape '8. This bird resembles the female of Cyornis rubeculoides, but may be recognized at a glance by the size of its first primary, which is equal to half the length of the second, whereas in G. rubeculoides the first primary is much less than half the second. Distribution. The Bhutan Doars ; Dibrugarh in Assam ; Shil- long ; Cachar ; Tipperah ; Manipur. Hume records this species from the Sikhim Terai. 587. Anthipes olivaceus. Hume's Flycatcher. Cyornis olivacea, Hume, S. F. v, p. 338 (1877) ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 229 ; Hume, Cat. no. 307 ter. Siphia olivacea (Hume), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 457 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 292. Coloration. Upper plumage greyish brown, tinged with fulvous on the back and rump ; lores and the sides of the head ashy, the shafts of the ear-coverts whitish ; lower plumage whitish, the breast and the sides of the body suffused with ochraceous ; tail reddish brown edged with ferruginous ; wing-coverts and quills brown edged with rufous-brown. Bill black in the male, brown in the female ; iris brown ; legs, feet, and claws pinkish white (Hume < HK'MMKLA. 37 Legs and feet pale Wax-yellow ; claws brown ; upper mandible blackish brown, yellowish at tip ; lower mandible dull horny-yellow ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 5'5; tail 2-1; wing 2*8; tarsus '55; bill from gape '65. I have not been able to examine a young bird. Distribution. Summers in Sikhim and probably in other parts of the Himalayas and winters in Travancore and Ceylon. This species occurs at Shillong on the Khasi hills, where it has been obtained in August, September, and October, and in Manipur, where Hume observed it in April. It may probably be a permanent resident, therefore, in Shillong and in Manipur. Brooks observed it at Mudhupur on the E. I. Kailway on passage. Legge notes it from Ceylon in January and June. Altogether our knowledge of the movements of this Flycatcher is very imperfect. Genus OCHROMELA, Blyth, 1847. The genus Ocliromela was instituted by Blyth for the reception of a Flycatcher which is remarkable alike for its coloration and its habits. In Ocliromela the sexes are slightly dissimilar, but both preserve the characteristic black and orange plumage. The bill is blunt and thick, and the rictal bristles are not only very numerous but very long. The wing is blunt, with the first primary longer than half the length of the second, and the tail is considerably rounded. In habits this species approaches Pratincola, descending to the ground for an instant to capture its prey, and it differs from all other Flycatchers in constructing a large globular nest. It is described by Jerdon as frequenting dense woods. 591. Ocliromela nigrirufa. The Black-and-Orange Flycatcher. Saxicola nigrorufa, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. x, p. 200 (1839). Ochromela nigrorufa (Jerd.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 173 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 289 ; Jerd. B. L i, p. 402 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 207 ; id. Cat. no. 300 ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 309 ; Gate* in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 14. Siphia nigrorufa (Jerd.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 455; Legye, Binh Ceyl. p. 425. Fig. 15.— Bill of 0. nigrirufa. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, lores, sides 38 MTJSCICAPID^E. of the head, and the whole wing black, some of the coverts and inner quills very narrowly tipped with orange ; remainder of the plumage rich orange, somewhat paler on the abdomen. Female. Resembles the male, but the black is replaced by greenish brown, and the orange-coloured parts of the plumage are paler ; the lores and a large space round the eye are rufous speckled with dusky, and the wings are dark brown. I have not been able to examine a young bird of this species. Bill black ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet dark plumbeous fleshy (Davison}. Length about 5 ; tail 2 ; wing 2'5 ; tarsus *8 ; bill from gape '6. Distribution. The Hill-ranges of Southern India from the Wynaad to Cape Comorin at 2500 feet and upwards. This species appears to be common on the Kilgiri, the Palni, and the Assambu hills. Its occurrence in Ceylon is doubtful. Colonel McMaster is of opinion that he observed this bird at Chikalda in Berar. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to June, constructing a large globular nest of coarse grass and fern-leaves in a clump of reeds or on the summit of a stump of a tree. The eggs, two or three in number, are greyish white marked with brownish red, and measure about -7 by -53. Genus CULICICAPA, Swinhoe, 1871. The genus Culicicapa contains one species of very wide distri- bution over the Empire, migratory in the plains, but resident in the Himalayas and many of the hill-ranges. Fig. 16. — Bill of C. ceylonensis. In this genus the sexes are alike and the plumage is grey and yellow. The bill is very much depressed, and viewed from above forms an equilateral triangle; the rictals are extremely numerous and long; the first primary is short and the tail is square. 592. Culicicapa ceylonensis. The Grey-headed Flycatcher. Platyrhynchus ceylonensis, Sivains. Zool III ser. 1, i, pi. 13 (1820-21) Cryptolopha cinereocapilla ( Vieill.\ Bhjth, Cat. p. 205 : Horsf. & M. Cat. i, p. 147 j Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 455. Myialestes cinereocapilla ( Vieill.), Hume, N. $ E. p. 205. Culicicapa ceylonensis (Swains.}, Hume, Cat. no. 295 : Scully. 8 F. vm p.275; Sharps, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 369 ; Legge, Birds On/I.- p. 410 ; Oatcs, B. B. i, p. 274 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 162 ; Ocites in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 16. Zird phutki, Beug. MI TATA. 39 Coloration. The whole head, neck, and breast ashy, darker on the crown, the feathers of which are obsoletely centred with brown ; lower plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts pale yellow; lores and the edges of the eyelids whitish ; back, rump, scapulars, and upper tail-coverts greenish yellow ; wings and coverts dark brown, the outer webs of all the feathers edged with greenish yellow; the lesser coverts edged on both webs; tail dark brown, the outer webs of all the feathers except the median pair broadly edged with greenish yellow. Iris dark hazel; bill brown, paler at the base and gape; mouth yellow ; legs yellowish brown ; claws horn-colour. Length about 5 ; tail 2'2 ; wing 2-4 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape *55. Distribution. The whole Empire except Sind, the Punjab, and Rajputana, from which provinces I have not seen any specimens. This species is a permanent resident on the Himalayas up to 8000 feet, and on all the hill-ranges such as the Nilgiris, Khasi hills, &c., but to many portions of the plains it is probably only a winter visitor. The most westerly locality on the Himalayas from which I have examined a specimen is Baramula on the Jhelum river in Kashmir. It is found in Ceylon at about 1000 feet eleva- tion, but it apparently does not extend to the Andamans nor to the Nicobars. This Flycatcher ranges as far as Java and Borneo. Habits, <$fc. Breeds from March to June, constructing a small nest of moss against a rock or tree-trunk. The eggs, three or four in number, are whitish marked with brown and grey, and measure about -61 by -43. Genus NILTAVA, Hodgs., 1837. The genus Niltava contains three species of Flycatchers remark- able for the brilliant plumage of the males. The sexes differ in colour, but both may be recognized by the presence of a bright spot or mark on the side of the neck. Cyornis oatcsi approaches these birds in having some bright blue on the side of the neck, but the patch is of a different character, being connected with the nape and forming a band rather than a spot. This bright mark is more- over absent in the female. The Niltavas frequent thick jungle and are less typical in their habits than the species of Cyornis, and they are said to eat berries. They appear to be resident on the Himalayas. Mr. Cripps, how- ever, states that N. sundara and N. macyrirforice are seasonal visitors to Dibrugarh in Assam, but he omits to state at what season they visit that district. In Niltava the bill is somewhat compressed laterally and narrow, and the base is covered by a multitude of dense plumelets, which conceal the nostrils; tin; rirtal bristles are moderate in number and in length; the first primary is large, being quite hull' the length of the second, and the tail is rounded. 40 IfUBCI' .M-JF..K Key to the X a. Winy 4 inches Of lony'T ................ A', yra-ndi*, p. 40. /y. Wing not much exceediny .'{ jnch> a7. Uridor winy-covert:-; ;ind ftlillfriei chost- nut or buff ........................ A. wriilti.ru, ],. 41 . 5. Under win^-covcrte and axillarieH white or ashy indtfl ...................... A', macgrifforue, p. . Niltava grandis. The Largt NUtova* Chaitaria grandis, ///// (1842), Niltava grandin r/;//////;, ////////, <"'//. p. 174; /A,y*/*. (^ ^/. Ca«. p. 288; ,7m/. //. '/. i, p. 470; ///////'•, A'. V /- p- ^lr>; //«'»* Z>«y. fi. F. vi, p. 2.(}i;; Mr/,-/,". Cat, H. M. iv, p. 4<:i : //"//"-, r no. .'{!«; ?VA -V. /•'. xi, p. I l-'J ; O«/^, //. //. i, p. 207 : •/'/. in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 1H. , .J«:rd.; Fig. 17.— "Bill of N. grandis. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, rump, iipp<:r lesser and median wing-coverts, and a large patch on osi'-li ~i';r br'-ast black ; lower breast dull blu«-; abrlornen bluish ashy, the under taiU-overtH fringed with wliitish. Female, \« head, lorea, round the eye, ear-corerf«, and rhe<-,kH fulvous, with pale .shafts ; crown and nape ashy brown ; a pjitr-h on each side of the wch bright blue; bfiek find rump fulvous-brown ; tail and wings dark brown, with the outer web.s sufTus'-d \\ith d"«-|> rufous; the whole lower plumage rich olive-brown, tin- fi-ath- the throat and breast with whitish shafts; the middle of the chin and throat clear buff, and of the abdomen ashy ; under wing-coverls and axillaries buff. The young nestling is darl: bro-.vn, s( r. -ak«-d willi fulvous; wings and tail as in th«- fi-.male. Iris d'-'.p browji ; in the male flu- bill is blax-k, the h-^s .,M,| \',.,. ] bbu-k or very dark pliimbfous ; in the f«-inale \\n- bill is brf*wnish black, the J«-gs, feel, nnd claw.s fleshy-pink (/fume >'<> ; \vin<; -I'J ; tarsus t(j ; Mil from '/:.(,.• "I. ,-il,nt'i,ni. The Himalaya^ from Nepal to tin- Daphla hills in \ i from IOIID to 7""H'e-e| elevation; the Kha-i ami Na"ga hills; Manipur; Mule\ -it mountain in Toiiass.-rim. /A/A/'/x, ifv. IJn-eds iVom April to .June, con>t met \i\tr a ne.st of in a deft of a rock or of a t ivr-tnuik, and laying four «-^s, which arc pair bull' freckled with pinkish bnnvn, and IIHMMII" about •!> by -7. r>0 I. Niltava sundara. 77/. ///-, . i, p. < : ntyth, Cat. p. 171: H / Cat i. p. 388; Ml, //. /. i, p. 47:i ; //////«.-, A'. ^ A', p. L'i:J ; A'//////, ////v/^ A'///-,//, p. H)J; ////////-, ,///-.<, /;. /;. i, p. 295* /,/. ln 77- ^listeuiii^ blue; the remaining coverts and quills dark brown, cd^cd with purplish blip-; bad, and scapulars purpli>h black; tail Mark, tin; outer \\eb> e d^«-d with bright blue; the \vliole lower plumage and the under win^-coverN chestnut. Female. Upp(;r ])lumago olivr-brou n, tinned witfi fulvous on the rump; uppor tail-cos erts and tail client nut ; win^s lirowu, • with rufou- ; tide* of the bead Mid lore-, mixed fulvous and broun, \\ith paler shafts; lower plumage rich olive-brown, tinned with ochraceous ; tlie chin and thr> P rufous, the abdom-n xvhiti-h ; a lar^'e oval patch of white on the fore neck, and a patch of brilliant blue on ea--h >ide of it ; under t;iil-co\erl s pale buff ; under \s in t^'-co \ert-. and axillarie-, buff. n^' birds arc dark brown streake; tail U'7 ; \\in^ '.'>"2 ; tar.-us -S ; bill from -7. ribuium. rl'he Himalayas from Simla to Assam from "•'I 1',-,-t cle\ation ; tliel\h;i^i hill> ; Kan-une- 'fe,-t. Jilyth records t hi- -m Arrakan and Tenass(;rim. I have not been able to examine sperimen-, from fhe-i- localities. It (.-.xtencU into Western China. llnlxt.-;. ty<-. lin-eds in April and May, constructing a nest of amon^ the i cre\ ice of a trunk of a t: -ometime- a^ain~1 a rock. i pale bull' frerklird uith pink, and meainm about -'.)'.', by -71. 42 MUSCICAPHLE. 595. Niltava macgrigoriae, The Small Niltava. Phoenicura macgrigoriae, Burton, P. Z. S. 1835, p. 152. Niltava macgrigoriaj (Burton), Blyth, Cat, p. 174 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 288 ; Jerd. B. L i, p. 475 ; Hume, N. ty E. p. 214 ; Wald. in Blyth, Bird* Burm. p. 102 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 231 ; SJiarpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 465 ; Hume, Cat. no. 315 ; id. S. F. xi, p. 113 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 299 ; id. in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 21. The Small Fairy Blue-Chat, Jerd. ; Phatt-tagrak-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage bright purplish blue ; fore- head, supercilium, rump, upper tail-coverts, and a patch on each side of the neck cobalt-blue ; lesser wing-coverts brown, tipped with blue ; median coverts entirely blue ; greater coverts and quills dark brown, edged with blue; median tail-feathers entirely blue, the outer webs of the others blue, the inner dark brown ; lores, feathers at base of the upper mandible and those in front of and below the eye black ; cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and breast purple ; the breast occasionally ashy like the abdomen ; remainder of the lower plumage ashy, becoming albescent on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts ashy white. Female. Upper plumage olive-brown, tinged with rufous ; tail rufous-brown ; wing-coverts and quills brown, edged with rufous- brown ; forehead and sides of the head mixed brown and fulvous ; a patch of brilliant blue on each side of the neck ; lower plumage ochraceous buff, paling on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pure white. The young nestling is streaked with fulvous. Bill black ; legs reddish black ; iris dark brown (Jerdon). Length nearly 5; tail 2-1; wing 2-6; tarsus '7; bill from gape -6. Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to Assam from about 3000 to 5000 feet elevation ; the Khasi hills ; North Cachar hills ; Manipur; Karennee; Northern Tenasserim. Habits, $c. Breeds from April to June, constructing a nest of moss, sometimes, it is said, on the ground, at other times in the hole of a trunk of a tree. The eggs are described as being white or stone-coloured, freckled with brownish purple or brownish pink, and measure about '76 by '53. Genus PHILENTOMA, Eyton, 1845. The two Flycatchers which constitute the genus Pliilentoma are birds of peculiar coloration, maroon and chestnut entering into its composition. In this genus the sexes are dissimilar. The bill is very large and coarse, and its base is covered by the frontal plumelets ; the wing is rounded, and the first primary is much longer than half the length of the second ; the tail is square. Both species are resident, and they have all the habits of the typical Flycatchers, catching insects on the wing. miLENTOMA. 43 Key to the Species. a. Wings and tail blue , P. velatum, p. 43. b. Wings and tail chestnut P. pyrrhopterum, p. 43. 596. Philentoma velatum. The Maroon-breasted Flycatcher. Drymophila velata, Temm. PI. Col. no. 334. Philentoma velatum (Temm.), Blyth, Cat. p. 204 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. .392; JInme $ Dav. S. F. vi, pp. 224, 509; Hume, Cat. no. 289 ter ; Sharps, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 365 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 263. Fig. 18.— Bill of P. velatum. Coloration. Male. General colour indigo-blue ; forehead, lores, chin, cheeks, ear-coverts, and round the eye black ; throat and breast rich maroon ; quills black, the outer webs broadly margined with indigo-blue, and the tertiaries wholly of this colour, but with the shafts black ; median tail-feathers indigo-blue ; the others black on the inner web and blue on the outer. Female. Wholly dull indigo-blue except the wings and tail, which are coloured as in the male. The nestling has the whole plumage chestnut except the wings and tail, which are the same as in the adult, but all the median and greater wing-coverts are broadly tipped with chestnut. Almost before it is able to leave the nest blue feathers appear on all parts, and probably before the first autumn the full adult plumage is assumed ; but both sexes resemble the adult female at first, the male donning the maroon breast later on. Legs and feet bluish- or purplish-black ; bill black, iris lake to crimson (Hume 4' Davison). Distribution. Tenasserim from about Muleyit mountain to the extreme south. This species extends down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. 597. Philentoma pyrrhopterum. The Chestnut-winged Flycatcher. Muscicapa pyrrhoptera, Tcmm. PI. Col. no. 590 (1823). Philentoma pyrrhopterum (7V;nm.), Blyth, Cat. p. 205; Huiw \ Dai-. ,v. /•'. vi, p. ±>:}; Hume, Cat. no. 289 bis; Sharpe, Cat.B.M. iv, p. 300 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 204. Coloration. Mali'. The whole head and neck, back, breast, and 44 MUSCICAPIDjE. lesser wing-coverts indigo-blue ; lower back and ramp rufous- grey ; upper tail-coverts, the tail, a portion of the outer webs of the scapulars, the whole of the tertiaries, and the greater portion of the outer webs of the secondaries bright chestnut ; remainder of the quills dark brown, the outer webs of the primaries margined with reddish grey ; primary-coverts blue, centred with blackish ; greater wing-coverts chestnut ; lower plumage pale buff, becoming paler on the vent and under tail -co verts. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, and ear-coverts dark olive- brown ; lores and round the eye pale ashy ; back, scapulars, and rump rufous-ashy ; upper tail-coverts and tail chestnut ; lesser wing-coverts olive-brown, tinged with rufous on the margins ; greater coverts chestnut ; wings dark brown, the outer webs of the primaries rufescent, those of the other quills chestnut ; the tertiaries wholly chestnut; lower plumage pale buff, somewhat brighter on the throat and breast. In the males legs, feet, and claws pale purplish blue ; bill black ; iris crimson ; in the adult female legs, feet, and claws plumbeous olive ; upper mandible pale horny-brown ; lower mandible fleshy- white ; iris dull red ; in a young female legs and feet pale horny- red ; iris pale red, speckled with white (Hume &f Davison). Length about 7 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape -9. I have not been able to examine a young bird of this species, but it probably follows the young of P. velatam in its style of coloration. Distribution. Tenasserim from Nwalabo mountain to its southern extremity, extending to the Malay peninsula, Cochin China, Sumatra, and Borneo. Genus TERPSIPHONE, Gloger, 1827. In Terpsiphone the typical characteristics of the Flycatchers are developed to a greater extent than in any other genus. The bill is extremely large, depressed, and swollen, and the rictal bristles are very numerous, coarse, and long. The head is crested, and the tail is greatly developed in the mature males. In Terpsiphone the sexes are alike, or closely so, during the first two years, and the prevailing colour of the plumage is chestnut. The female never drops her chestnut garb, but the male after the second autumn, or even later, assumes a white plumage. It thus happens that a pair may be found breeding both being in the chestnut plumage, or a female in chestnut plumage may be found mated with a white male. The Paradise Flycatchers are found over the whole Empire, both on the Himalayas and in the plains and lesser hill-ranges, and are resident in many portions of the country, but in others they appear to be seasonal visitors, or in great measure so, but their movements are probably of no great extent. The members of this genus are typical Flycatchers, catching TERPSIPHONB. 45 insects oil the wing, never descending to the ground, and of solitary habits. Their notes are very harsh. Key to the Species. a. Crest long and pointed, reaching to upper part of back. a'. Throat and sides of head ashy b' ' . Throat and sides of head glossy black . . b. Crest short and rounded, not reaching beyond nape. c '. Back deep chestnut ; throat and sides of head bluish ashy d' '. Back ashy rufous. a". Throat and sides of head dark ashy. . b". Throat and sides of head black . T. parodist : 5 at all ages arid c? before second autumn, p. 45. T. paradisi : '/!///<, J. A. S. 13. xv, p. 202 (1846) ; id. Cat. p. 203 ; Horjf. $ \\L Cat. i, p. 134 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 448. Tchitrea paradisi (Linn.), Hume, S. F. iii, p. 102. Muscipeta affiuis (Hay), Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 223; Hume, Cat. no. 289. Terpsiphone ailinis (Haij], Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 654; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv/p. 349 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 2(31 ; id. in Hume\ N. % E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 20. Coloration. Up to the second autumn both sexes are alike. The forehead, crown, nape, and a short blunt crest are metallic black ; sides of the head, chin, throat, and neck all round with the breast dark bluish ashy ; remainder of the lower plumage white ; back, rump, upper tail- and wing-coverts, and tail deep chestnut ; wings black, broadly margined with chest nut. The female undergoes no further change of plumage. The male after the moult of the second autumn acquires two long median tail-feathers, but probably sheds them at the end of the breeding-season. At the moult of the third autumn the white plumage is assumed in its entirety, and in this state resembles the white phase of T. •jHii'ddiiti, differing only in the shaft-stripes of the upper plumage being much broader, the tail more broadly edged with black, and the shafts of the median pair of tail-feathers being black for a greater length (for three quarters of their length and at the tip), and in having a short rounded crest. The nestling is ricjh chestnut above, with darker tips to some of the feathers ; the lower plumage white, the breast mottled with rufous. Iris hazel-brown; eyelids plumbeous, the edges tumid and rich blue ; mouth yellow ; bill blue, the tip and anterior half of the margins black ; legs plumbeous blue ; claws dark horn-colour. Length 8 to 18; tail 4 to 14 ; wing 3'6 ; tarsus 7 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. The Himalayas from Sikhini to Dibrugarh in Assam, and thence south throughout the hill-tracts and Burma to the extreme southern part of Tenasserim. This species extends east of Burma and down the Malay peninsula, where it meets T. incii, and owing to the similarity of T. affinis and T. iticii in certain stages of plumage the respective limits of these two species have not been determined with any great exactness. T. incii resembles T. affinis very closely, but the large series of the former in the British Museum appears to prove beyond doubt that the male never assumes the white plumage. Habits, fyc. I found the nest of this bird in Burma at the end of April. It was cup-shaped, and composed of dry bamboo-leaves and tibres, and it was placed near the summit of a small tree. The eggs are similar to those of T. paradisi, and measure about •85 by -6. 48 MtTSCICAPIDyE. 600. Terpsiphone nicobarica, n. sp. The Nicobar Paradise- Flycatcher. Tchitrea affinis (Hay), Walden, Ibis, 1873, p. 309 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 216. Coloration. The changes of plumage of this species cannot be followed with the same certainty as in the two preceding species, by reason of the smaller number of specimens available for ex- amination, but certain characters are present which serve to distin- guish the present form at once. In the chestnut plumage the male has the whole head and neck all round with the chin and throat glossy black ; the back ashy rufous ; rump dull rufous ; upper tail-coverts, tail, and the visible portions of the closed wing bright chestnut ; breast dark ashy ; remainder of lower plumage pale ferruginous. The female in the chestnut plumage, which is never changed, resembles the chestnut male, but has the sides of the head, chin, throat, breast, and sides of the neck uniform dark ashy. In the white stage the male is undistinguishable from the male of T. affinis. This species differs from T. paradisi in all stages of plumage by having a short, round crest, by the ashy tint of the plumage of the back when in the chestnut stage ; and by the same characters, when in the white stage, as those which separate T. affinis from T. paradisi. Erom T. affinis it differs when in chestnut plumage by the male having the whole head and neck, chin and throat glossy black, T. affinis (male) in this stage having only the crown and crest of this colour, the other parts being constantly dark ash}'-. In white plumage the two species appear to be uu distinguishable. From T. incii of the Malay peninsula it differs in the pale coloration of the back when in chestnut plumage, and further in attaining a white stage, which T. incii apparently never does. It is of the same size as T. affinis. Distribution. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where this species appears to be a constant resident. Genus HYPOTHYMIS, Boie, 1826. The genus Hypothymis contains two Indian Flycatchers of a brilliant blue colour, one being of wide distribution and the other confined to the An damans. In Hypothymis the bill is very large and flattened, its length being about double its width at the nostrils. The rictal bristles are very strong and numerous. The tail is ample, being of the same length as the wing. The sexes differ, but preserve the same pattern of colour, with the exception of certain marks on the head and neck. Both the species found within the Empire are resident. HYPOTIIYMIS. 49 Key to the Species. a. Abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white //. azitrca, p. 49. b. Abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts blue II. tytleri, p. 50. 601. Hypothymis azurea. The Indian BlacTc-naped Flycatcher. Muscicapa azurea, Bodd. Tabl. PL Evil. p. 41 (1783). Myiagra caerulea ( Vieill.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 204. Myiagra azurea (Bodd.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 138 j Jerd. B. I. i, "p. 450 ; Hume, N. Sf E. p. 198. Hypothymis azurea (Bodd.}, Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 055 ; Hume, Cat. no. 290 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 274 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 265 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 159 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 27. llypothymis ceylonensis, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 277 (1870); Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 408; pi. xviii. The Black-nttped />////• Flycatcher, Jerd. ; Kuht l-at-l-ntia, Beng. Fig. 20.— Bill of H. azurea. Coloration. Male. A patch on the Dape, forehead, angle of the chin, and a crescentic bar across the fore neck black ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white, or faint bluish white ; re- mainder of lower plumage a/Aire-blue ; wings and coverts dark brown edged with blue; tail brown, suffused with blue on the median pair of feathers and the outer webs of the others ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. Head above azure-blue ; sides of the head, chin, and throat duller blue, the ear-coverts almost brown ; breast ashy blue ; abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts white tinged with grey ; wings, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts brown ; tail darker brown, the outer edges washed with blue. I have not been able to examine a nestling of this species. Iris dark brown ; eyelids plumbeous, the edges blue ; bill dark blue, the edges and tip black : mouth yellow ; legs plumbeous ; claws horn-colour. Length about 6*5 : tail 3 ; wing 2*8 ; tarsus '7 ; bill from gape •75. //. ceylonensis, from Ceylon, is said to differ in the male wauling the black bar across the throat, but I am of opinion that this alleged difference does not really hold good. Ceylonese specimens of this Flycatcher are not common in collections, but the British Museum contains six males. Of these, five have no black throat- bar, but they als<> ha\i> no nape-patch, which shows them to be VOL. II. E 50 young. The sixth bird has a small nape-patch and traces of a throat-bar. This last specimen, therefore, clearly shows that the Ceylon bird does sometimes at least exhibit a throat-patch, and this being the case there is no character by which the two sup- posed races can be separated. Distribution. The whole Empire east of a line drawn approxi- mately from Mussoorie in the Himalayas to Khandala on the Western Ghats. This species does not ascend the Himalayas above 3000 feet or thereabouts. It occurs in Ceylon and the Nicobar Islands, but is absent from the Andainans, where it is replaced by the next species. Habits, fyc. Breeds generally from May to August, constructing a beautiful cup of fine grass coated exteriorly with cobwebs and cocoons in the fork of a branch not far from the ground. The eggs, three to five in number, are white or pinkish marked with reddish, and occasionally some purple spots and specks, and measure about -69 by '53. 602. Hypothymis tytleri. The Andaman Black-naped Flycatcher. Myiagra tytleri, Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 324 ; Ball, S. F. i, p. 68 ; Hume, 8. F. ii, p. 217 ; id. N. $ E. p. 199. Hypothymis occipitalis ( Vig.), Sharpe, Cat. E. M. iv, p. 275 (part.). Hvpothymis tytleri (Beavan), Hume, Cat. no. 290 ; Oates in Hume's "N. $ *E. 2nd ed. ii; p. 30. Coloration. Resembles H. azurea. The male differs from the male of that species in having the abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts of the same blue as the breast ; the female similarly in having those parts dingy lilac-grey. The differences pointed out above hold good in a considerable series of the Andamanese bird, and I think that it forms a species easily recognizable from the Continental and Nicobarese form. A richly-coloured Indian bird and a dull Andamanese bird may be difficult to separate, but such pairs of birds are not often met with and do not in my opinion affect the question. Hume recognizes the two species in his Catalogue. In retaining the Andamanese form under Beavan's name I do so because I am not satisfied that any prior name applies to it with certainty. The forms from the Malay peninsula and the islands do not seem identical with the Andamanese bird, but rather to be referable to H. azurea. Distribution. The Andaman Islands and the Great and Little Cocos. Habits, $c. Davison found the nest of this species on 23rd April at Aberdeen, South Andaman, with three eggs. Both nest and eggs resembled those of H. azurea. CHELLDOKin N \. 51 Genus CHELIDORHYNX, Hodgs., 1844. The genus CTididorhynx contains only one species of Flycatcher remarkable for the shape of its bill, which is short and pointed, and \\hen viewed from above forms a perfect equilateral triangle. Fig. 21.— Bill of C. hypoxanthum, The rictal bristles are extremely numerous and long. The tail is of about the same length as the wing, rounded, and with the shafts thickened and white. The sexes are quite alike. 603. Chelidorhynx hypoxanthum. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Rhipidura liypoxanllia, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 936 (1843); id. Cat. p. 205. Chelidorhynx hypoxantlia (Bl.~), Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 147 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 455; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 47; Hume, N. $ E. p. 204 ; Hume, Cat. no. 294 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 275 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 279/Oates, B. B. i, p. 269; id. in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 30. The Yellow-bellied I1 ant ail, Jerd. ; Sitte kleotn, Lepch. Coloration. A broad band on the forehead, continued back as a broad supercilium, and the whole lower plumage bright yellow ; lores, feathers round the eye, cheeks, and ear-coverts dark brown, tinged with green, the shafts of the latter part whitish ; tail brown, with conspicuous white shafts and all the feathers except the middle pair tipped white ; upper plumage and wing-coverts olive- brown, the greater coverts tipped with white; wings brown, edged with the colour of the back. I have not been able to examine a young bird. Bill black above, the lower mandible yellow; iris brown; gape orange; feet brownish (Scull 11). Length about 4-7; tail 2-3; wing 2*1; tarsus *6; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The Himalayas from Simla to Assam up to 12,000 feet; the Khasi hills; Manipur; the hills east of Toungngoo in IVini. This species appears to be a permanent resident wherever it is found. llnl/it*, ijj-c. According to Blanf ord this Flycatcher is usually seen in small flocks hunting about trees. The nest appears to be a deep cup made of moss, hair, wool, &c., built on the branch of a trt.v, and the eggs white without spots. E2 52 MUSCICAPID^E. Genus RHIPIDURA, Vigors & Horsf., 1826. The genus Rhipidura is a very extensive one, and contains four Indian Flycatchers. In these birds the bill is large, about twice as long as broad, and the rictal bristles are very numerous and long. The tail is very ample and rounded. The sexes are alike or nearly so. These Flycatchers are abundant everywhere and are resident. They are very lively, constantly on the move, and frequently seen with outspread tail d-incing from branch to branch. They make small and very beautiful nests covered with cobwebs. Key to the Species. a. Forehead and sides of the crown broadly white , R. a^bifrontata, p. 52. b. Forehead black ; a small white supercilium. «'. Abdomen black R. albicollis, p. 53. &'. Abdomen white or whitish. a". Outer tail-feathers distinctly and abruptly tipped white R. javanica, p. 54. b". Outer tail-feathers merely paler towards the tips R. pectoralis, p. 55. 604. Rhipidura albifrontata. The White-browed Fantail Flycatcher. Rhipidura albofrontata, Frankl. P. Z. & 1831, p. 116 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 145; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 655; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. \\, p. 338 ; Le.gge, Birds Cet/l. p. 412 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 268 ; id. in Hume's N. If E. 2nd ed. 'ii, p. 31. Rhipidura aureola, Less. Traite, p. 390 (1831). Leucocerca albofrontata (Frankl.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 206; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 452; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 201. Leucocerca aureola (Less.}, Hums, S. F. i, p. 436, iii, p. 104; id. Cat. no. 292 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 160. Leucocerca burmanica, Hume, S. F. ix, p. 175, footnote (1880). The White-browed Fantail, Jerd. ; Macharya, Hind, in the South ; Manati, Mai. ; Dasari-pitta, Tel. Coloration. Male. Crown, lores, ear-coverts, and the feathers round the eye black ; forehead and a very broad supercilium to the nape white ; upper plumage and wings ashy brown, the wing- coverts tipped with white ; tail brown, all but the median pair of feathers tipped white, progressively more and more so to the outermost feather, which is almost entirely white ; cheeks, chin, and throat black, each feather broadly terminated with white, except on the lower throat, where the white is reduced to narrow margins ; sides of the breast black ; remainder of lower plumage white. Female. Very similar to the male, but browner above. RHIPIDURA. 53 The young resemble the adult, but the back and wing-coverts are margined with rufous. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris brown. Lengt h about 7 ; tail 3-7 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus *8 ; bill from gape -7. Birds of this species from Burma are characterized by a nearly total absence of white spots on the wing-coverts and by the presence of more white on the chin and throat ; to this race Hume has given the name of burmanica. I do not propose to keep it dis- tinct, as the specimens of this species in the British Museum from Burma are very few, and the characters pointed out above may prove to be accidental or variable. Distribution. The whole Empire, ascending the Himalayas to 4000 or 5000 feet. This species is apparently rare from Assam down to Tenasserim, but is found in suitable localities all over the tract. It occurs in Ceylon, but not, so far as is known, in the Andamans and Nicobars. Habits, tyc. Breeds from February to August, having two or more broods. The nest, composed of fine grass and coated with cobwebs, is generally placed on a stout branch of a tree, or some- times in a fork, and is cup-shaped. The eggs, usually three in number, are white or cream-coloured, marked with greyish brown, and measure about *G6 by '51. 605. Rhipidura albicollis. The White-throated Fantail Flycatcher. Platyrhynchus albicollis, Vie-ill. Nmiv. Diet. it Hist. Nat. xxvii, p. 13 Rhipidura fuscoventris, Frankl. P.Z.S. 1831, p. 117; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 144. Leucocerca fuscoventris (Frankl.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 206 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 451 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 200. Rhipidura albicollis ( Vicill.), Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. ('>"><• ; Shftrpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 317; Oates, B. B. i, p. 266 ; iff. in Humes N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 35. Leucocerca albicollis (Vieill.), Ball, S. F. vii, p. 211; Huine, Cat, no. 291 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 160 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 104. The White-throated Fantail, Jerd. ; Chok-dayal, Beng. ; C/iak-dil, in the N.W. Provinces ; Natn-dit-nom, Lepch. Coloration. Crown, lores, sides of the head, and angle of the chin black; a short supercilium white; throat white, extending laterally to the sides of the neck, the bases of the feathers black, causing the white to appear dull; with these exceptions the whole plimmge is dark sooty brown ; tail dark brown, all but the middle pair of feathers broadly tipped with white. The female does not differ from the male. The young have the back and wing-coverts tipped with rufous, the lower plumage fringed \\ith rufous, and the white supoc- ciliuin and white on the throat barely indicated. 54 MUSCICAPID.S;. Bill, legs, and feet black; mouth fleshy white; eyelids grey; iris deep brown ; claws blackish horn-colour. Fig. 22.— Bill of R. albicollis. Length about 7'5 ; tail 4 ; wing 2-9 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Dibrugarh in Assam from their base up to 5000 feet, and occasionally, as re- corded by Stoliczka, up to 9000 ; portions of the Central Provinces and Chutia Nagpur, Ball recording this species from Maiibhoom, Loharclugga, Jashpur, Sambalpur north of the Mahanadi, Raipur, and the Godavari valley, and Hume from Bod ; to the west the range of this bird is somewhat undefined, Barnes expressing his belief that it does not occur in the Bombay Presidency, but Mr. B. Aitken stating that it is common both at Bombay and Poona. Sykes obtained it in the Deccan. It is found in Lower and Eastern Bengal, Assam, and all the countries between this latter province and Central Tenasserim, extending into Cochin China. Habits, &jCt Breeds in May, June, and July, constructing a nest of grass coated with cobwebs, of the shape of an inverted cone, in a small fork on a branch of a tree. The eggs, usually three in number, are fawn-colour or yellowish, marked with grey, and measure about -65 by -49. 606. Rhipidura javanica. The Java Fantail Flycatcher. Muscicapa j avanica, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, tii, pi. 75 (1783;. Leucocerca j avanica (Sparnn.), Bhjth, Cat. p. 206 ; Hume 8f Dav. S, F. vi, p. 226 ; Hume, Cat. no. 293 bis ; id. S. F.ix, p. 175. Rhipidura javanica (Sparrm.), Horsf. # M. Cat. \, p. 144; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 332 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 267. Leucocerca infumata, Hume, S. F. i, p. 455 (1873). Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, and sides of the head sooty brown ; the whole upper plumage and the wings brown, suffused with rufous; tail dark brown, the four outer pairs of feathers broadly tipped with white, the pair next to these very narrowly tipped with white ; a short supercilium white ; chin, a band across the upper breast, and the sides of the breast blackish brown ; throat white ; remainder of lower plumage white tinged with buff. 55 . Resembles the male, but has the lower plumage more tinged with buff. The young resemble the adult, bufc the back and the wing- coverts are broadly tipped arid fringed with rufous. Iris brown ; bill black, fleshy at the base of the lower mandible (//nine and Davison). Length about 7'5 ; tail 3'6 ; wing 3 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. Tenasserim from Tavoy southwards, extending to Slum, Cochin China, the Malay peninsula and islands. 607. Rhipidura pectoralis. The White- spotted Fantail F/ I/catcher. Leucocerca pectoralis, Jerd. III. Ind. Orn. text to plate ii (1847) ; myth, Cat. p. 200 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 453 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 203. Muscipeta leucogaster, Cuvier,Jide Pucker. Arch. Mus. vii, p. 333 (1854). Rhipidura pectoralis (Jerd.), Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 935 (1843) ; Marpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 335 j Oatesin Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 38. Leucocerca leucogaster ( Cuv.\ Hume, Cat. no. 293 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 101. The White-shotted Fantail, Jerd. Coloration. Resembles R.javanica. Differs in having the breast- band ocellated with white and the outer tail-feathers merely paler towards the tips, not abruptly and broadly pure white. Iris blackish brown ; legs, feet, and bill black (Butler). Length about 7 ; tail 3'8 ; wing 3 ; tarsus '7 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Found chiefly and most abundantly in the western portion of India from Abu nearly down to Cape Comorin. To the eastward this species has been found at Raipur (Ball), Chikalda (McMaster), Goona (King), Chanda (Blanford), and a line con- necting these localities probably represents its eastern limits. It a j) ] tears to be found up to 6000 feet or even higher. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to August, constructing a nest very similar to that of R. albifrontata. The eggs are buffy white, with a zone of brownish spots round the larger end, and measure about -66 by -47. 56 TUED1D.E. Fig. 23.— Copsychus saularis. Family TURDID^E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles smooth, or the upper one simply notched ; hinder aspect of tarsus bilaminated, the laminae entire and smooth ; wing with ten primaries ; tongue non-tubular ; nostrils always clear of the line of forehead, the space between the nostril and the edge of the mandible less than the space between the nostril and the culmen ; plumage of the nestling mottled or squamated to a greater or less extent ; one moult in the year, but frequently supplemented by a seasonal change of plumage caused by the casting-off of the margins of the feathers in spring ; rectrices usually twelve, very seldom fourteen. SAXICOLLN.K. ">7 The Turdidit', or Chats, Hobins, Thrushes, Dippers, and Accen- tors, form a very large family of the Passeres. The only character which links all the species together is the mottled or squamated plumage of the nestling. In this character the Turdidce agree with the Muscicapidce, but they differ from this family in' having long or moderate tarsi and in having the nostrils and base of the upper mandible quite free from all hairs. The only exception to this latter feature appears to be in Zoothera, in which genus the frontal hairs are developed and reach over the nostrils. The long tarsus of the birds of this genus, however, will prevent them from being confounded with any of the Flycatchers. In some few genera, especially liuticilla and Pralincola, the shafts of the feathers of the forehead are somewhat elongated and the webs disintegrated, but these cannot be considered hairs nor do they lie over the nostrils as is always the case with the Muscica-pidas. The rl\rdid& are found over nearly the whole globe and their migratory instincts are generally very strong. The Turdidce may be divided into five subfamilies, characterized partly by habits and partly by structural characters. Tarsus smooth ; rictal bristles present ; habits Muscicapine, the insect-food captured by sallies from a fixed perch Saxicolince, p. 57. Tarsus smooth, with hardly an exception*; rictal bristles present : habits terrestrial, the insect-food captured on the ground. lluticillime, p. 81. Tarsus smooth ; rictal bristles present : habits terrestrial and arboreal, the species being both insectivorous and frugivorous .... Turdince, p. 120. Tarsus smooth ; rictal bristles absent : habits aquatic; eggs unspotted white Cindince, p. 161. Tarsus scutellated ; rictal bristles present : habits terrestrial ; eggs unspotted blue. . Accentorina?,\>A65. Subfamily SAXICOLIN^E. The Saxicolinee or Chats form a natural section of the Thrushes very nearly related to the Flycatchers and with many of their habits. The Chats feed entirely on insects, which they capture generally on the ground from a fixed perch, such as the summit of a stone, a stalk of grass, or a branch of a bush, and then return at once to their post of observation. The characteristic habit of the Chats is the fre- quent movement and expansion of the tail. The majority of this subfamily are migratory, and they have a very marked seasonal change of plumage caused by the abrasion of the margins of the feathers in the late autumn or early spring. The sexes usually differ very much in colour. * The only exception I know of is Thamnobia. 58 TURDIDJE. In the Chats the bill is strong and the rictal bristles occasionally very numerous and strong ; the wing in most is pointed ; the tail, of twelve feathers, is seldom or never longer than the wing ; and the tarsus and foot are of medium size and strength. The 'Chats nest in holes in the ground or in walls, or among heaps of stones, and they lay eggs which, so far as is known, are always marked with brown or rufous. Key to the Genera. a. Bill broad at base ; rictal bristles numerous and strong. a'. Tail shorter than wing ; outer feathers reach- ing nearly to tip PRATINCOLA, p. 58. b'. Tail about as long as wing ; outer feathers falling short of tip by about half length of tarsus OREICOLA, p. 66. b. Bill narrow, not strikingly broad at base ; rictal bristles few and weak. c'. Tail with a pattern of two colours SAXICOLA, p. 67. d'. Tail entirely of one colour . CERCOMELA, p. 79. Genus PRATINCOLA, Koch, 1816, The genus Pratincola contains a considerable number of species of wide distribution, some of which are migratory and others resident. They are mostly familiar birds, displaying little fear, and one or more species are generally common in every part of the Empire except the tracts covered with forest. In Pratincola the bill is rather less than half the length of the head, broad at base and well notched ; the rictal bristles are very strong ; the wing is rather sharp, and the first primary varies from one half to one third the length of the second ; the tail is shorter than the wing and slightly rounded, and the tarsus is moderate in length. The sexes are invariably dissimilar, and the seasonal changes of plumage are very marked. Key to the Species *. a. Plumage entirely black and white. a', Wing about 2'8 ; bill from nostril to tip '3 . P. caprata <$ , p. 59. b'. Wing about 3 ; bill from nostril to tip '4 . . P. atrata tf, p. 60. I exclude the following species from the Indian list : — PRATINCOLA ROBUSTA, Tristram. Pratincola robusta, Tristram, Ibis, 1870, p. 497 ; Hume, 8. F. ix, p. 133. The type of this species, said to have been procured in Mysore by Mr. H. E. Fox more than twenty years ago, has been obligingly lent to me by Canon Tristram. It is identical with the larger Bush-Chat of Madagascar, and both Sharpe and Tristram agree with me in this identification. There are two Bush-Ghats of this type in Madagascar, agreeing in coloration but differing in size. To one P 11 A TIN CO LA. 59 b. Plumage not entirely black and white. c. Chin and throat black. a". No white on tail except at extreme base . P. maura <5 , p. 01. b". Inner webs of tail-feathers white P. leucura tf , p. 03. d'. Chin, throat, and uppjr tail-coverts white or pale rufous. c". Inner webs of tail-feathers white P. macrorhyncha, d". Inner webs of tail-feathers black or brown. [p. 03. a'". Under wing-coverts and axillaries black broadly edged with white ; wing 3'0. . P. insignia, p. 04. V". Cinder wing-coverts and axillaries rufous I P. maura $, p. 61. or fulvous ; wing 2*0 \ P. leucura $ , p. 03. e1 '. Chin and throat brown ; upper tail-coverts deep ferruginous. e". Wing about 2'8 P. caprata $ , p. 50. /". Wing about 3 P. utratu $ , p. GO. 608. Pratincola caprata. . The Common Pied Bush-Chat. Motacilla caprata, Lmn. Sut <> ; tail 24 ; wing 29 ; tarsus '9 ; bill from gape '6. The many specimens from the Himalayas which have b3en identified with this species by Brooks, Scully, and others are quite a different type of bird and are, in my opinion, merely large specimens of P. maura. 60 TUEDIDvE. Female. The upper plumage grey, with dark brown mesial streaks, the back tinged with rufous ; upper tail-coverts ferruginous ; tail black ; chin and throat brownish grey ; breast, upper part of the abdomen, and sides wood-brown with dark streaks ; lower part of the abdomen the same but without streaks ; under tail-coverts rufescent ; lores and feathers in front of the eye mixed with white ; quills and the larger coverts brown narrowly edged w ith rufescent, the other coverts brown broadly edged with light buff ; under wing- coverts bright buff with dark centres. In the winter the grey margins on the upper plumage are so ample that hardly any of the dark brown centres are visible ; otherwise there is no change. The young are fulvous -brown, mottled all over with dusky; in the young male the white patch on the wing makes its appearance from the earliest period. Iris brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; bill black ; mouth dusky ; legs and claws black. Length ahout 5'5 ; tail 2*2 ; wing 2*8 ; tarsus '85 ; bill from gape -7. Fig. 24.— Head of P. caprata. Distribution. A resident species throughout the whole of India and Burma, except the southernmost part of the peninsula of India and portions of Tenasserim. This bird ascends the Himalayas up to 8000 feet, probably in summer only. It is found in the south as far at least as Maddur in Mysore. It is more or less abundant throughout the peninsula and through Assam and the Burmese provinces to Pegu. In Tenasserim Davison observed this bird in the northern and central portions, but not in the extreme south, and Wardlaw Ramsay procured it in Karennee. Outside Indian limits this species extends to Persia on the west, and on the east and south to the Philippines and Java. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to June, constructing a flat, and frequently shapeless, nest in a hole in the ground, in a bank or in a well, composed of grass, roots, and hair. The eggs, usually four in number, are pale bluish green, marked in various ways with brownish red, and measure about *67 by '55. C09. Pratincola atrata. Tlie Southern Pied Bush- Chat. Pratincola atrata, Kelaart, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xx, p. 177 (1851) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 124 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii,'p. 46. Pratincola bicolor (Syfces), apttd Hume, N. fy E. p. 814; Legye, Birds Ceyl. p. 430 ; Hume, Cat. no. 482 ; Damson, S. F. x, p. '389. Pratincola caprata (Linn.), apud Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 195 (part.). PRATINCOLA. 61 Coloration. In all respects similar in plumage to P. caprata, sex for sex. Differs ill being much larger and in having a con- spicuously more massive hill. Length about 6 ; tail 2'3 ; wing 3 ; tarsus *9 ; bill from gape -75. In distinguishing between this and the preceding species, P. caprata, the size of the bill alone is quite sufficient. In the present species the bill, measured from the anterior margin of the nostril to the tip^is '4; in P. caprata -3 or less. I adopt Kelaart's name for this species, as Sykes's Saxicola Incolor was procured in the Deccan, where, so far as I know, only P. capratx occurs. Distribution. Southern India, from the Nilgtris to Cape Comorin, above 5000 feet ; Ceylon. A permanent resident. Habits, fyc. Breeds from February to May, placing its nest in similar localities to thoss selected by P. caprata, and laying similar eggs, which, however, are much larger and measure about '77 by '6. 610. Pratincola maura. The Indian Bush-Chat. Motacilla maura, Pall. Rds. Ruts. Reichs, ii, p. 708 (1773). Saxicola saturatior, Horlgs. in Grays Zool. Misn. p. 83 (1844). Pratincola indica, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xvi, p. 129 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 170 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 124 ; Cabanis, Journ. f. Orn. 1873, p. 359 ; Severtz. S. F. iii, p. 429 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 018; Hume, Cat. no. 483 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 200. Pratincola albosuperciliaris, Hume, S. F. i, p. 337 (1873). Pratincola rubicola (Linn.), apud Hum?., N. fy E. p. 316 ; Hume Sf Headers. Lah. to Yark. p. 204. Pratincol i maura (Pall.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 188 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 279 ; id. in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 48. Ad'im-kampa-nalanchi, Adavi-kampa-jitta, Tel. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, napo, hind neck, back, scapulars, and upper rump are black, with broad fulvous or rufous margins to the feathers ; the innermost wing-coverts pure white ; the remaining upper wing-coverts black, edged with rufous ; primary-coverts and winglet black, edged with whitish ; quills dark brown, the primaries narrowly, the other quills broadly, edged with rufous on the outer web and tip; lower rump and tail-coverts white, frequently suffused with orange- rufous ; tail black, narrowly edged with pale rufous ; the extreme bases of the feathers white ; lores, sides of the head, chin, and throat black, most of the feathers edged with fulvous ; a large patch of white on each side of the neck ; breast orange-rufous ; remainder of the lower plumage paler rufous ; under wing-coverts and axillaries black with narrow white tips. In summer the margins of the feathers of the black portions of the plumage are almost entirely lost, and these parts become deep black. Female. After the autumn moult the upper plumage, wings, and tail resemble those parts in the male, but the black is everywhere 62 TUEDID^E. replaced by brown and the upper tail-coverts are uniform pale rufous ; the lores, ear-coverts, and round the eye are dusky ; supercilium, chin, and throat pale fulvous ; remainder of lower plumage pale orange-rufous ; no white on the side of the neck ; under wing-coverts and axillaries fulvous. In summer the edges of the feathers are much worn down, and the plumage is paler. The nestling has the upper plumage brown, the head and neck streaked with fulvous, the back broadly edged with fulvous ; lower part of the rump and upper tail-coverts bright ferruginous ; the lower plumage fulvous, with brown mottlings on the breast. After the first autumn moult the young male has the lower plumage very bright chestnut, but resembles the adult in other respects. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris dark brown. Length about 5; tail 1-9; wing 2-8; tarsus '8; bill from gape "65. This species differs from the European P. rubicola in having the upper tail-coverts streakless, and the under wing-coverts and axillaries very narrowly tipped with white. Although I have assigned Pallas's name to the Indian Bush- Chat, I am by no means satisfied that the Siberian and Indian birds are identical, nor is it certain that any of the Bush-Chats which visit the plains of India in the winter cross over to the north of the Himalayas in the summer. The Indian Bush-Chat breeds so abundantly at all moderate levels in the Himalayas that it is •not improbable that the Himalayas form the northern limit of its range. Siberian specimens of Bush-Chats are not very numerous, but all I have seen are so intensely black on the head and back, so intensely rufous on the breast, and, moreover, so small, the wing not exceeding 2-6 in length, that I have not been able to match them, with any breeding bird from the Himalayas, except in the case of one bird from the interior of Sikhim. This small dark race occurs also in Turkestan. Distribution. A winter visitor to every portion of the Empire except the southern portion of the peninsula of India south of Mysore. The most southern point from which I have seen a spe- cimen of this species is Belgaum ; but Hume says (S.F. x, p. 389) that it is reported common from South-west Mysore. It occurs in the Andamans. In the summer this species is found throughout the Himalayas, from Afghanistan to Assam, up to 5000 feet. Should the Indian bird prove identical with the Sibeiian form, its range will extend to Japan and China on the east and to Northern E-ussia on the west. Specimens from. Abyssinia are quite inseparable from Indian birds. Habits, 6fc. Breeds in the Himalayas at all heights up to about 5000 feet, constructing a nest of grass and rnoss in small shrubs or in holes of walls, and laying four or five eggs, which are pale green marked with brownish red, and measure about '7 by "55. PRATINCOLA. 63 611. Pratincola leucura. The White-tailed Bush-Chat. Pratincola leucura, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 474 (1817) ; id. Cat. p. 170; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 120; Godw-Aust. J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 270 ; Hume, S. F. i, p. 183, iii, p. l:V5, v, p. 241 ; id. Cat. no. 484; Brooks, S. F. vih, p. 473; tiharpe, C (frits, 6fc. Breeds from March to July, constructing a nest of grass, lined with feathers, in a hole of a wall or a cleft of a rock. The eggs are greenish blue, with very pale marks of rusty brown round the larger end, and measure about *81 by *56. 72 TTJEDID2E. 619. Saxicola capistrata. The White-headed Chat. Saxicola leucomela (Pall.}, apud Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 131. Saxicola capistrata, Gould, Birds Asia, iv, pi. 28 (1865) ; Hume, 8. F. iii, p. 475 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 368. Saxicola morio (Hempr. fy JEhr.), apud Hume, Cat. no. 490 ; Barnes, Birds Bom, p. 203. The White-headed Stone-Chat, Jerd. Fig. 25. — Head of 8. capistrata. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult, the forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck are greyish white, somewhat whiter over the eye and ear-coverts ; sides of the head, chin, throat, neck all round, back, scapulars, wings, under wing-coverts, and axillaries black ; remainder of lower plumage with rump and upper tail- coverts white ; tail white, except the terminal half of the middle pair of feathers and a broad band on the tip of the others, which are black. Soon after the autumn moult the tips of the crown- feathers become reduced, and the crown is much whiter than before. When these feathers become still more worn, the crown has a tendency to exhibit patches of black. There is no other seasonal change of plumage. Female. Resembles the female of S. picata, but the upper plu- mage is more sandy ; the chin, throat, and breast are light fulvous, very little darker than the remainder of the lower plumage. The young resemble the adult female, but are mottled below. After the first autumn the males are blackish brown with broad brown fringes, and the crown is always conspicuously paler than the back. Bill and legs black ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 7 ; tail 2*7 ; wing 3'6 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape '75. Distribution. A constant resident in the plains of the Punjab, Sind, and Eajputana, extending in this latter area as far south only as Jodhpur and Sambhar ; and apparently not passing east of the Jumna river. This species extends on the west to Kandahar. It appears to be somewhat rare, but I have seen specimens killed in the above localities in every month of the year except May and July, Seebohm records this bird from the cultivated districts of Turk- estan, apparently on the authority of Severtzoff ; but this gentleman states (S. F. iii, p. 429) that S. luc/ens, Licht., of his Turkestan list, SAXJCOLA. 73 is nothing but S. morio or S. hendcrsoni, and consequently there are now no grounds for stating that S. capistrata occurs in Turk- estan. Habits, \*, 1881, p. 55; Scully, Ibis, 1881. p. 441 : Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 276 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 201. Saxicola leucoroides, Guerin, apud Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 130. The Indian White-tailed Stone-Chat, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole plumage black except the rump and upper and under tail-coverts ; tail white, except the terminal half of the middle pair of feathers and a broad band at the tip of the others, which are black. There appears to be no seasonal change of plumage. Female^ liesembles the females of S. picata and 8. capistrata in general /olour, but is very dusky throughout and has the ear- coverts a rich brown. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris dark brown (Bine/ham). Length about 6-5 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 3*6 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape -75. Distribution. A winter visitor to the plains of India from the Punjab down to Khandesh and Nagpur, and from Sind to Etawah in the N.W. Provinces. This species extends to Afghanistan in the winter. It passes through Gilgit in the spring and autumn, and summers in Turkestan. In addition to the above localities in the plains, it has been recorded by Stoliczka from the lower hills of the Sutlej valley. 621. Saxicola pleschanka *. The Siberian Chat. Motacilla pleschanka, Lepech. Nov. Com. Petr. xiv, p. 503, pi. xiv, fig. 2 (1770). Motacilla leucomela, Pall. Nov. Com. Petr. xiv, p. 584, pi. xxii,fig. 3 (1770). Saxicola morio, Hempr. et Ehr. Symb. Phys. fol. aa (1833) ; Blanf. Sf Dresser, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 225 (part.) ; Wardlaw Rant*m/, Ihi*, 1880, p. 55 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 372; Bi, Ibis, 1871, p. 408; Hume 8f Hendvr*. Luh. to Yark. p. 206, pi. xiii ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 526; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 144 ; Htime, Cat. no. 492 bis ; id. S. F. ix, p. >\'2\\ pote. Saxicola pleschanka (Lep.)t Oates in Hume's N.fyE. 2nd ed. ii, p. 53. * As the names /(•//<•<,,//,•/,/ and //tin-in have bt' middle toe. * The only exception is in the female of Jttyacomit fttttffi VOL. II. 0 82 nb. Bill straight and Thrush-like ; rictal bristles well developed. a6. Tail about twice tarsus. a7. Throat of male brilliantly coloured ............ CALLIOPE, p. 101. b7. Throat of male coloured like remainder of lower parts ................ TARSIGER, p. 104. b6. Tail considerably more than twice tarsus. c7. Tail uniformly of one colour. a8. Tips of tail-feathers mucronate .......... IANTHIA, p. 105. b8. Tips of tail-feathers rounded ............ ADELUBA, p. 108. d7. Tail largely white ...... NOTODELA, p. 111. b5. Bill slender and curved ; rictal bristles obsolete .......... THAMNOBIA, p. 113. 64. Outer tail-feathers falling' short of tip of tail by a distance quite equal to length of middle foe. c\ Tail of one colour .......... CALLENE, p. 113. d5. Tail black and white ...... COPSYCHUS, p. 116. b'". Tail much longer than wing .... CITTOCINCLA, p. 118. Genus HENICURUS, Temm., 1823. The genus Henicurus comprises certain birds with the general appearance of Pied Wagtails, but differing from them in having a forked tail and ten primaries, together with a coarse bill. The JForktails are found in mountain-streams flitting from pool to pool and feeding on insects which are found on the edge of the water. They are solitary and not very shy when disturbed, flying some distance further on, and on being disturbed a second time frequently disappearing into the jungle to return to the stream shortly afterwards. They wag their tails incessantly, and seldom perch except on rocks and bare branches near the ground. They build nests of moss in the banks of streams or under rocks and snags, and lay spotted eggs. In Henicurus the bill is nearly as long as the head, stout and straight, and the lower mandible is much bulged out in the middle ; the rictal bristles are well developed ; the wing is large, the first primary being about half the length of the second ; the tail is much longer than the wing, deeply forked, and the median feathers of about one third the length of the outer ones ; the tarsus is long and of a very pale colour. The sexes are alike. None of the species are known to migrate. HENKTKI 8. 83 1\< y to the Species. a. Back spotted. a'. Spots on back lunate ; feathers on lower breast fringed with white H. maculatus, p. 83. b'. Spots on back round ; feathers on lower breast entirely black H. yuttatus, p. 84. b. Back plain. r'. Chin and throat black. a". Back slate-coloured H. xchistaceus, p. 84. b". Back black H. immaculatus, p. 85. d'. Chin, throat, and breast black H. leschenaulti, p. 86. 630. Henicurus maculatus. The Western Spotted Forktail. Enicurus maculatus, Viyors, P. Z. S. 1830, p. 9; Gould, Cent. pi. xxvii ; Bhjth, Cat. p. 159 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 346 : Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 212 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 374. Henicurus maculatus, Vigors, Bluth, Ibis, 1867, p. 29; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 47 ; Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 260 ; Hume 8f Renders. Lah. to Yark. p. 222 ; Hume, Cat. no. 584 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 310 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 317 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 57. The Spotted Fork-tail, Jerd. ; Khanjan, N.W. Him. Fig. 26.— Head of H. maculatus. Coloration. Forehead and anterior half of crown white; re- mainder of the head, the whole neck, breast, back, lesser and median wing-coverts, primary-coverts, and winglet black ; the feathers of the hind neck thickly marked with large round white spots, those of the back and scapulars with large ovate transverse bars ; greater wing-coverts black, tipped white ; the earlier pri- maries black ; the other quills broadly white at base and also tipped white ; rump, upper tail-coverts, abdomen, and under tail- coverts white ; the lower part of the black of the breast fringed with white ; the two outer pairs of tail-feathers white ; the others black, broadly white at base and tipped white ; under wing-coverts black; axillaries white. In many specimens the crown and nape are rufous-ashy, with black margins to the feathers. The young have the head, back, and lower parts down to the breast rufous-ashy, the breast with whitish shaft-streaks. Bill black; iris dark brown; legs, feet, and claws white, with u pink tinge at junction of toes with tarsi and on all the toe-joints (Hume). G 2 84 TURDID.E. Length about 11 ; tail up to 6-2 ; whig 4-5; tarsus 1*15 ; bill from gape 1'05. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Nepal at all eleva- tions up to 12,000 feet. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to June, constructing a cup- shaped nest, chiefly of moss, on a ledge of rock or at the root of a tree, or on a bank near water, and laying four or five eggs, which are greenish white marked with yellowish or reddish brown, and measure about *96 by *72. 631. Henicurus guttatus. The Eastern Spotted Fork-tail. Enicurus maculatus, Viq., Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 212 (part.). Enicurus guttatus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1865, p. 664 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 375 ; Gates, S. F. iii, p. 342. Henicurus guttatus, Gould, Blyth, Ibis, 1867, p. 29 ; Ehves, Ibis, 1872, p. 261 j Hume, S. F. vii, p. 399; id. Cat. no. 584 bis ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 311 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 316 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 26; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 227; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 58. Oong-sam ching-pho, Lepch. ; Chubia leka, Bhut. Coloration. Resembles H. maculatus. Differs in having the white marks on the back fewer in number, small, and perfectly round in shape, and in having the breast deep black without any white fringes ; smaller in size. Length about 10 j tail 5'3 ; wing 4 ; tarsus 1'2 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. Nepal ; Sikhim ; North Khasi hills ; Manipur ; Arrakan. I have seen a typical specimen of this species from Mussoorie, but it is seldom that this bird occurs so far west. Habits, fyc. Breeds in Sikhim from 2000 feet upwards in May and June. The nest and eggs do not appear to differ from those of H. maculatus. The eggs measure about '93 by *68. 632. Henicurus schistaceus, The Slaty-backed Forktail. Enicurus schistaceus, Hodys. As. lies, xix, p. 189 (1836) ; Blyt.h, Cat. p. 159 ; Ilorsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 346 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 214 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 376. Henicurus schistaceus, Hodys., Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 253 ; Godw.- Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 80 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 361 ; Hume, Cat. no. 586 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 311 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 315 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 27 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 229 ; Oates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 60. Coloration. A frontal band and the feathers immediately over and behind the eye white ; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, upper part of the throat, and the sides of the lower part black ; crown, nape, sides of neck and back slaty blue ; lesser wing-coverts black, margined with slaty black ; median coverts black ; greater coverts black, tipped with white ; scapulars slaty blue, tipped with white ; quills black, broadly white at base ; the secondaries and tertiaries HENICURUS. 85 with white tips ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and the two outer pairs of tail-feathers white; the other tail-feathers black, with whit<> bases and tips ; lower part of throat and the whole lower pluma^y white, the breast with narrow indistinct black cross bars. The young have the head and back ashy brown ; chin and lower plumage white, the throat and breast mottled with brown. Bill black ; iris blackish brown ; feet fleshy white ; the tarsi livid in front ; claws whitish. Length up to 10; tail up to 5 ; wing 3-8; tarsus 1-05; bill from gape 1. Distribution. The Himalayas from Kumaun * to the Daphla hills in Assam; the Naga hills; Manipur ; Arrakan ; the whole of Tenasserim. This species extends into Southern China. J/nhits, cjr. Breeds in Sikhim and Tenasserim from March to July. The nest and eggs do not differ in any respect from those of the preceding species. The eggs measure about -85 by -65. 633. Henicurus immaculatus. The Black-lacked Forktail. Enicurus immaculatus, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 190 (183G) ; Bli/f/i, Cat. p. 159; Hursf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 346; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 213 ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 141. Henicurus immaculatus, Hodgs. , Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 254 ; Anders. Yunnan E.rped., Aves, p. 610 ; Hume, Cat. no. 585 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 314 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 25 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 228 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 62. Coloration. Forehead and the feathers above and behind the eye white ; the plumes at the base of the bill, the lores, sides of the head, sides of the neck, chin, throat, crown, nape, and back black ; lesser and median wing-coverts black ; primary-coverts and winglet black ; scapulars and greater coverts black, tipped with white ; primaries black ; secondaries and tertiaries black, the bases broadly white and tipped white ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and the lower plumage white, the feathers at the side of the breast tipped with black ; axillaries white ; the two outer pairs of tail-feathers white, the others black, with broad white bases and narrower tips. The young have the head, neck, back, and breast sooty black, and there is no white on the forehead and about the eyes. The nestling is probably spotted. Iii 11 and inside of mouth black ; iris brown ; feet and claws pale yellowish white4. Length nearly 10; tail 5'3 ; wing 4; tarsus 1-2; bill from gape '95. Distribution. The Himalayas from (larhwa'l to Dibmgarfa in Ai-sam ; Cachar; Sylhet ; the Garo and Khu'si hills; Manipur; * Hume assures us that In1 procured the nest of this species in Kumauu (N. & E p. :i7r,i. Mud I :icc»>i(liiiul\ ^ive the range as extending westwards to this Stsiti-, Imt I liau- MOD im sp.Tiim-n from any locality \\.--t of Nepal. 86 TUKDIDJE. the neighbourhood of Bhaino ; Arrakan ; Pegu, probably not extending to the east of the Sittoung river. This species is found at low elevations chiefly. Habits, fyc. I found the nest of thisForktaii placed on a bank ab the side of a nullah in the Pegu hills on the 20th April, and con- taining three fresh eggs. 634. Henicurus leschenaulti. Lesclienaulf s Forldail. Turdus leschenaulti, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xx,p. 269 (1818). Enicums leschenaulti ( V.), Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 345 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 168. Henicurus leschenaulti ( V.\ Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 258 ; Hume, S. F. v, p. 249 ; Tiveedd. Ibis, 1877, p. 310 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 360; Hume, Cat. no. 584 ter; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 313; Oates, B. B. i, p. 27 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 228. Henicurus sinensis, Gould, apud Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 80; Salvad. Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) vii, p. 412. Coloration. Forehead and two thirds of the crown white ; the remainder of the head, neck, breast, back, scapulars, and wings black, the scapulars and the greater coverts broadly tipped white, the secondaries and terriaries white at their bases, and the later ones tipped white ; rump, upper tail-coverts, abdomen, vent, under tail-coverts, under wing-coverts, and axillaries white ; the two outer pairs of rectrices entirely white ; the next black, with white base and tip ; the others black, tipped white. The nestling has the head, neck, and back chocolate-brown, the sides of the head with pale shafts ; chin and throat grey ; breast brown, with yellowish streaks ; the other parts as in the adult ; the white of the crown is assumed at a late period. Length about 11 ; tail up to 5'9 ; wing up to 4-5 ; tarsus 1-3 ; bill from gape 1-1. This species is slightly smaller than H. sinensis, Gould, from China, and is inseparable from it in coloration. The two species may, however, be always separated by the structure of the tail. In H. leschenaulti the outermost tail-feathers are about as long as those next to them, whereas in H. sinensis these feathers are shorter than the penultimate pair by about two inches. Distribution. Sikhim ; the Bhutan Doars ; Upper Assam ; the Daphla hills ; the E. Naga hills ; the Khasi hills; Manipur ; the northern and central portions of Tenasserim below 2500 feet. This speciess in occur Java. Genus HYDROCICHLA, Sharpe, 1883. This genus differs from Henicurus in having the tail about equal in length to the wing, and the middle pair of tail-feathers about half the length of the tail. There are two species of this genus found in India, in one of which the sexes are alike arid in the other dissimilar. HYDROCICHLA, 87 Key to the Species. a. Crown of head white; nape black If. frontalis, p. 87. b. Crown of head and nape chestnut II. rujicapilla, p. 87. 635. Hydrocichla frontalis. The White- crowned Forktail. Enicurus frontalis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 156 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 159; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 346. Henicurus frontalis, Blyth, Wives, Ibis, 1872, p. 259, pi. ix ; Oates, S. F. v, p. 248 ; Ttceedd. Ibis, 1877, p. 310 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 3GO ; Hume, Cat. no. 584 quat. Hydrocichla frontalis (Blyth), &harpe,Cat. B. M. vii, p. 321 : Oates, B. B. i, p. 29. Coloration. Forehead and front of crown white ; head, neck, breast, back, lesser and median wing-coverts, primary-coverts and \vinglet black ; scapulars and greater wing-coverts black, tipped with white ; primaries black ; secondaries and tertiaries black, with broad white bases ; rump and upper tail- coverts, abdomen, and under tail- coverts white; the two outer pairs of tail-feathers white, the others black with white bases and tips. The youngest bird I have been able to examine has the whole head, ntck, back, and breast dusky brown, with no trace of white on the forehead or crown. J^sestling birds will, no doubt, prove to be spotted as in the other species. Bill black ; legs flesh-colour. Length nearly 8; tail 3*6; wing 3-6; tarsus 1-1; bill from gape '95. Distribution. The extreme south of Tenasserim, extending down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. 636. Hydrocichla ruficapilla. The Chestnut-backed Forktail. Enicurus ruficapillus, Temm. PI. Col. iii, pi. 534 (1832) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 159. Henicurus ruficapillus, Temm., Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 257 ,• Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 361 j Hume, Cat. no. 588 bis. Hydrocichla ruficapilla (Temm.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 319 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 28. Coloration. Male. Forehead white ; a frontal band, the lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, and throat black ; the forehead, crown, nape, upper part of back, and the sides of the neck chestnut ; back, lesser and median coverts, primary-coverts, and winglet black ; greater coverts and scapulars black, tipped with white ; primaries black ; secondaries and tertiaries black, with broad white bases and narrower tips; rump, upper tail-coverts, and the lower plumage white ; the feathers of the breast and the upper part of the abdomen margined with black ; the two outer pairs of tail-feathers white ; the others black, with broad white bases and tips. Female. Resembles the male, except that the whole of the back is chestnut, tinged with olivaceous on the lower portion. The young bird is probably spotted in its first stage of plumage. 88 TURDID^E. Legs, feet, and claws pale pinky- or fleshy- white ; bill black ; iris dark brown (Hume fy Davison\ Length about 8 ; tail 3-3 ; wing 37 ; tarsus 1-15 ; bill f/om gape I'l. Distribution. Tenasserim, from Nwalabo mountain southwards. This species extends down the Malay peninsula and is found in Borneo. Genus MICROCICHLA, Sharpe, 1883. This genus differs from the two preceding genera in its very short tail, which is very much shorter than the wing and very slightly forked, the middle feathers reaching nearly to the tip of the outermost ones. There is only one species known, and the sexes are alike. 637. Microcichla scouleri. The Little Forktail. Enicurus scouleri, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 174 ; Gould, Cent. pi. xxviii ; Blyth, Cat. p. 159 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 347 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 214 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 377. Enicurus nigrifrons, Hodgs., Gray, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 102 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 215 ; Hume, Cat. no. 588. Henicurus scouleri, Vigors, Elwes, Ibis, 1872, p. 255; Hume, Cat. no. 587 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 311 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 279. Microcichla scouleri ( Vigors}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 322 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 62. The Short-tailed Forktail, The Black-fronted Forktail, Jerd.; Oong- sumbrek-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Forehead and anterior half of crown white ; the whole head, neck, upper part of breast, back, lesser and median wing-coverts, primary-coverts, and winglet black ; scapulars and greater coverts black tipped white ; primaries black ; secondaries and tertiaries black with broad white bases, the later quills also with white margins ; rump and upper tail-coverts white, with a broad black band across the former ; the two outer pairs of tail- feathers white ; third pair white, with a black tip ; the others progressively with less white and broader black tips ; lower plumage white, the breast and the sides of the body mottled with black. The young have the forehead and anterior half of the crown black like the rest of the upper plumage ; the chin and throat white and the breast more mottled than in the adult. Bill black ; iris dark brown ; feet and claws pure fleshy white (Scully}. Length 5 ; tail 1*9 ; wing 2'9 ; tarsus '95 ; bill from gape '6. Distribution. The whole of the Himalayas, from Grilgit to the Daphla hills in Assam; the E. Naga hills. This species is found up to 11,000 feet in summer. It extends into Western China. Habits, <$fc. This Forktail appears to differ from all the other Forktails in its habit of plunging into the water. The nest does not appear to have been found yet. CHIMABBHORNIS. 89 Genus CHIMARRHORNIS, Hoclgs., 1844. The genus Chimarrhomis is closely allied to the Forktails in habits, and connects them with the Redstarts. The sole species of this genus is found on the Himalayas and on certain hill-ranges of Assam and Burma. Fig. 27.— Head of C. leucoccphahis. In Chimarrhomis the sexes are alike, and the tail, which is chestnut tipped with black, is much rounded ; the wing is large and rounded, the first primary being about half the length of the second ; the tarsus is long. 638. Chimarrhornis leucocephalus. The White-capped Redstart. Phcenicura leucocephala, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1830, p. 35 ; Gould, Cent. pi. xxvi, fig. 1. Ruticilla leucocephala (Vir/.), Blyth, Cat. p. 169; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 309 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 51. Chaemorrornis leucocephala ( Vig.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 143 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 44 ; A. Anders. S. F. iii, p. 355 ; Hume 8f Senders. Lah. to Yark. p. 214; Hume, Cat. no. 506; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 303 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 24. Chimarrhornis leucocephala ( Vig.), Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 613 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii,' p. 47 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 197 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 63. Gir-chaondia, Hind. ; Kali-pholia at Molmn Ghat ; Mati-tap-pho, Lepch. ; Chubia-mati, Bhut. Coloration. Crown and nape white ; with this exception, the whole head and neck, with the breast, back, and the whole of the \\iiijfs black; rump, upper tail-coverts, abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts chestnut ; tail chestnut, broadly tipped with black. The young have the plumage blackish brown, the feathers of the back, rump, and of the whole lower plumage fringed with rufous ; crown and nape white with black edges; tail and wings as in the adult. The rufous and black tips and fringes are soon cast off, and the adult plumage assumed in October or November. Bill black; gape fleshy white; iris deep brown; feet blackish brown ; claws black (Scully). Length about 7*5 ; tail 3-2 ; wing 3-9 ; tarsus 1/2 ; bill from gape -8. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan and Gilgit to Assam; the Kluisi hills; Manipur; (lie second defile, Irrawaddv river; Arrakan. 90 This species is found at high elevations on the Himalayas in summer, Stoliczka recording it from about 20,000 feet above the sea. In winter it descends to below 3000 feet, or probably to the plains at the foot of the hills. This Eedstart extends to China. Habits, fyc. Frequents the banks of rivers and nullahs, feeding at the edge of the water on insects, and constantly moving its tail up and down and expanding the feathers. Breeds in May, con- structing a cup-shaped nest of green moss and fibres, lined with hair, in the hollow of a bank on the side of a stream. The eggs are greenish white covered with rufous spots. Genus RUTICILLA, Brehm, 1828. The genus Ruticilla contains the true Redstarts, which may be recognized by their rather long tail, which is more than twice the length of the tarsus and nearly or quite square at the tip ; by the large amount of chestnut in the tail ; and by the sexes being dif- ferently coloured. The bill is short, slender, and black, and the rictal bristles moderate or short. The wing is sharply pointed, and the first primary less than half the second. The tarsus is of moderate length. The Redstarts feed on the ground largely, but they also catch insects on the wing and perch freely. They constantly vibrate their tail. Nearly all the species migrate to a greater^ or less extent, and those that inhabit the Himalayas move vertically according to season. They breed in holes of trees and rocks, and lay unspotted blue eggs. The nestlings of the Eedstarts are streaked with fulvous above and have the feathers margined with brown below. In each species the nestling has the same pattern of tail as the adult, render- ing specific recognition comparatively easy. The seasonal change of plumage in the Eedstarts, due to the wearing away of the edges of the feathers in the winter and spring, is very great. Key to the Species*. «. All tail-feathers except the middle pair abruptly tipped with black R. frontalis, p. 91. b. None of the tail-feathers tipped. a'. A large white patch on throat J?. schisticeps, p. 92. * The following species are reported to have occurred in India, but either by error or on insufficient evidence : — R. PHCENICURA (Linn.). — Two skins of this species now in the British Museum, originally deposited in the Indian Museum, as noticed by Horsfield and Moore (Oat. i, p. 301), are said to have been procured at Saharanpur by Dr. Jameson. The two specimens in question, which ha\ e been at one time stuffed and mounted, are typical B. jjhoenicura. The occurrence of this species in India requires con- firmation. It resembles E. rufiventris, but has the anterior part of the crown BUTICILLA. 91 //. Xo white patch on throat. a". Middle tail-feathers distinctly different to others ; wing- under 345. a"'. Secondaries with white on both webs R. attrorea, p. 03. b'". No white on inner webs of secon- daries. a4. Terminal portion of shafts of all lateral tail-feathers black R. erythronofa, p. 94. b*. Shafts of lateral tail-feathers uni- formly chestnut. a5. Throat and breast black. «G. Portion of outer webs of secon- daries broadly margined with white R. hodgsoni <$ , p. 95. be. No white margins to secon- daries R. rufiventris <5 , p. 95. b6. Throat and breast buff or ashy brown. c6. Lower plumage in general ashy brown R. hodgsoni § ; P- 95. d6. Lower plumage in general buff, frequently suffused with orange R. rtifiventris $ , p. 95. b". Middle tail-feathers of much the same colour as others ; wing over 4 R. erythrogaster, p. 97. 639. Ruticilla frontalis. The Blue-fronted Redstart. Phcenicura frontalis, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 172; Gould, Cent. pi. xxvi, tig. 1. Ruticilla frontalis (Vig.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 168; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 308 ; Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 141 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 50; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 211 ; Hume, Cat. no. £03 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 302 : lliddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 63 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 446; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 349: Hume, S. F. xi, p. 195 ; Oates in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 64. Tak-tirriri-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. After the autumn inoult the forehead and white with a distinct greyish-white supercilium, and the back is grey without a trace of black at any season. E. ERVTIIKOPKOCTA, Gould. — This bird has been recorded from India under a misapprehension as to what the species really is. The only specimens known are two from the Gould collection, now in the British Museum. They were obtained in Asia Minor. This Redstart resembles R. rujiventris, but has the under wing-coverts and axillaries black tipped with ashy, and the black of the lower parts produced further down on the abdomen. R. MKSOLEUCA (Hempr. & Ehr.). — This species is said to have been procured at Daulatpur in Sind by Mr. Murray's native collector. The specimen obtained iv.-i.-lird Mr. Hume's hands without a label. Both Hume (S. F. vii, p. 115) and Blanford (S. F. vii, p. 527) entertain doubts of the occurrence of this species in India, and I think the matter requires confirmation. For the present it is perhaps advisable to omit it from my list. R. mesoleuca resembles R. rufivenfris, but has the anterior third of the crown pure white and the supercilium whitish ; the outer webs of the secondaries and later primaries are, moreover, margined with white. 92 supercilium are bright blue ; remainder of head, neck, back, and lesser and median wing-coverts dull blue, the feathers with brown fringes ; greater coverts dark brown, suffused with blue on the outer webs and tipped with rufous; quills dark brown, margined with pale rufous ; rump, upper tail-coverts, breast, and lower Fig. 28.— Head of li.frontaHs. plumage chestnut; tail chestnut, except the middle pair of feathers and broad tips to the others, which are black ; under wing-coverts and axillaries chestnut with blue bases. In summer the fringes to the feathers of the blue parts of the plumage get worn away, leaving those parts pure blue. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, scapulars, and back rich brown with a tinge of fulvous ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail as in the male ; quills and coverts brown, edged with, fulvous ; a ring of pale feathers round the eye; chin fulvous; throat and breast fulvous-brown ; remainder of lower parts orange-brown, becoming brighter and purer orange on the abdomen and under tail-coverts. The young nestling has the tail similar to that of the adult. Bill, legs, feet, and. claws black ; iris deep brown (Hume}. Length about 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 3*4 ; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. The Himalayas from Gilgit and Kashmir to Assam ; the Khasi hills ; North Cachar ; Manipur. This species is seldom found below 5000 feet in summer, and it occurs up to 14,000 feet or even higher at that season. It extends into Tibet and Western China. Habits, fyc. Little is known of the nidification of this Redstart ; eggs said to belong to this species, procured in Sikhim in June, measured about *82 by '59. 640. Ruticilla schisticeps. The White-throated Redstart. Rnticilla schisticeps, Hodgs. Cat. Mamm. etc. Nep. Coll. p. 69, App. p. 153 (1846) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 140 ; Blanf. J. A. 8. B. xlvii, pt. 2, p. 1, pi. i; Hume, Cat. no. 501 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 351. Ruticilla nigrogularis, Moore, P. Z. 8. 1854, p. 29, pi. xli ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 307; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 140; Hume, S. F. iv, p. 497; id.Cat.no. 502. The Slaty -headed Redstart, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead and crown cobalt-blue, turning to duller blue on the nape ; feathers at base of upper mandible, sides HUTICILLA. !»'{ of the head and neck, chin, throat, back, and scapulars black, the longer scapulars tipped with chestnut, and all the feathers of these black portions of the plumage, and also of the crown, fringed with fulvous after the autumn moult ; a well-defined white patch on the throat ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and lower plumage rich chestnut, the middle of the abdomen albescent ; tail black, all but the middle pair of feathers chestnut on the basal third of their length ; the median wing-coverts, the innermost greater coverts, and the outer margins of tertiaries and later secondaries white; remainder of wings black ; under wing-coverts and axillaries black, with broad white tips. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, back, upper part of rump, scapulars, and sides of neck rich brown ; lower part of rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut ; tail dark brown, the basal half of all but the middle pair of feathers dull rufous ; wings as in the male, but the black replaced by brown and the white margins narrower ; lower plumage pinkish ashy, albescent on the abdomen, and with a large white patch on the throat ; under wing-coverts and axil- laries brown, tipped white. Bill and legs black. Length about 6 ; tail 2-9 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus '9 ; bill from gupe -55. Distribution. Confined to the higher portions of Nepal and Sikhim and the adjoining parts of Tibet and Central Asia, such as Kausu. 641. Ruticilla aurorea. The Daurian Redstart. Motacilla aurorea, Pall. Rci*. Ru*$. Reicks, iii, p. 695 (1776). Phcenicura leucoptera, ////////, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 962 (1843) Ruticilla leucoptera (Bl.)\ Bli/th, Cat. p. 168. Ruticilla aurorea (Pall.), Horxf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 305 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 139 ; Hume, Cat. no. 500 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 345 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 16 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 195. Reeves' Redstart, Jerd. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, nape, and mantle are slaty grey, the feathers fringed with slaty brown, the portion over the eye and along the sides of the neck purer grey ; lower back, scapulars, and wing-coverts black with fulvous margins ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail chestnut, except the middle pair of feathers of the latter, which are black ; quills black, each secondary with a patch of white, forming a large wing-spot; feathers at base of bill, chin, throat, and sides of head black, with whitish margins ; remainder of lower plumage chest- nut. In the spring and summer the fringes of the feathers are much reduced in extent, but seldom entirely lost except on the throat. Female. Everywhere brown, paler beneath and albescent on the abdomen; a circle of pale foatfaen round the rvc; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail as in tin male ; wings brown edged with 94 TURDIDJE. fulvous, and the secondaries with white patches as in the male, but reduced in extent and slightly fulvous. Legs and feet black ; bill blackish brown to black, yellow or yellowish at gape in the male and sometimes on base of lower mandible also ; iris deep brown (Hume}. Length about 6 ; tail 2'5 ; wing 2*9; tarsus '9 ; bill from gape '65. Distribution. A winter visitor to Bhutan ; Assam ; the Khasi hills ; Cachar ; Sylhet ; the Naga hills ; Manipur ; Thayetmyo. In winter this species extends to Java and Timor, and in summer it is found in Siberia, Mongolia, Japan, and China. 642. Ruticilla erythronota. Eversmanns Redstart. Sylvia erythronota, Eversm. Add. Pall. Zoogr. Ross-Asiat. fasc. ii, p. 11 (1841). Ruticilla rufogularis, Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 27, pi. lix ; Horsf. Sf M. Cat. i, p. 306. Ruticilla erythronota (Eversm.}, Hume, S. F. vii, p. 389 ; id. Cat. no. 498 bis ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 445 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 277 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 348. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck are pale blue, nearly concealed by broad slaty- grey fringes ; lores, cheeks, point of chin, sides of the head and of the neck, produced round the upper back as a collar, black with narrower slaty-grey fringes ; back, scapulars, throat, breast, and flanks chestnut fringed with grey ; rump and tail chestnut, the middle pair of feathers black, as also the tip of the outer web of the outermost feather, and the terminal portion of the shaft of all the feathers ; lesser wing-coverts black, tipped with white ; median coverts and the inner greater coverts pure white ; remaining coverts and the quills brown edged with pale fulvous, the primary- coverts very largely white ; abdomen and under tail-coverts pale fulvous ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white with black bases. In summer the fringes are all dropped. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, back, scapulars, and upper part of rump brown ; lower part of rump and upper tail-coverts chest- nut ; tail as in the male ; wing-coverts and quills brown, broadly edged \vith fulvous white ; no white on wing ; a ring of pale feathers round the eye ; lower plumage greyish brown, tinged with dull orange in places, and paler on the abdomen. In the dry state the legs and bill are black. Length about 6'5 ; tail 2-9 ; wing 3*4 ; tarsus *9 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A winter visitor to every portion of Kashmir, ex- tending on the west to Hazara and Afghanistan and on to Asia Minor. The most easterly locality from which I have seen a specimen of this bird is Kotokhai in the Himalayas. In summer this Redstart is found in Turkestan, and even in Mongolia and Siberia, if R. alaschanica, Prjev., should prove to be the same species, as is probable. RFTICILM. 95 643. Ruticilla hodgsoni, Hodysoris Redstart. Ruticilla erythrog-astra (Quid.), ajmd Blyth, Cat. p. 168 (part.). Ruticilla hodgsoni, Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 26, pi. Iviii ; Horsf. 8? M. Cat. i, pi 303 ; Jerd. B. L ii, p. 138 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 199 ; Hume, Cat. no. 498 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 302 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 344 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 195. Thar-capnij Nep. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, lores, sides of head aod neck, chin, throat, and uppar breast are deep black with a few grey fringes ; crown, nape, and back ashy, the portion of crown above the forehead and at the sides nearly white ; lower rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail chestnut, except the terminal two thirds of the middle pair of feathers of the latter, which are black ; wing-coverts black, edged with ashy ; quills dark brown, a few of the later secondaries margined with white about their middle portion, forming a patch in the closed wing ; lower plumage chestnut. Males in summer are unknown to me, but probably differ in wanting the grey fringes on the throat and breast. Female. Upper plumage and wings brown tinged with ashy, the feathers of the wings edged paler; lower rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail chestnut except the middle pair of tail-feathers, which are blackish ; a ring of whitish feathers round the eye ; lower plumage ashy brown, albescent on the abdomen and turning to pale rufous on the flanks, vent, and under tail-coverts. Bill black ; gape fleshy yellow ; iris dark brown ; feet black or brownish black, soles yellow ; claws black (Scully}. Length about 6 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 3'4 ; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. Nepal ; Sikhim ; Bhutan ; the Daphla hills in Assam ; the Naga hills ; Manipur. This species is only a winter visitor to the above localities. It summers in Western China and probably in Central Asia. This Redstart has been erroneously recorded from Afghanistan and Gilgit. 644. Euticilla rufiventris. The Indian Redstart. (Enanthe rufiventris, Vieill. Nouv. Diet, a" Hist, Nat. xxi, p. 431 (1818). Ruticilla indica, Blyth, Cat. p. 168 (1849). Ruticilla phcenicuroides, Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 25, pi. Ivii ; Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. 301 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 136. Ruticilla nipalensis (Hodgs.\ Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 26 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 302. Ruticilla rufiventris (Vieill.}, Jerd. B. 2nd. ii, p. 137; Blanf. J. A. 8. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 60 ; Hume, N. % E. p. 321 : id. S. F. v, p. 36 ; id. Cat. no. 497 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 342 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 194 ; Oates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 64. Thir-thira, Thirtir-kampa, Hind. ; Phir-ira, Lal-girdi, Beng. ; Nuni- budi-gadu, Tel. 96 TURDIDJE. Coloration. Male. In typical autumn plumage the forehead, sides of the head, chin, throat, breast, and sides of neck are black with grey fringes, the black more or less concealed ; crown, nape, hind neck, back, and scapulars ashy grey, this grey appearance caused by broad fringes which generally quite conceal the black bases of the feathers ; lesser and median wing-coverts black, edged with ashy; the other coverts and the quills brown, edged with rufous ; rump and upper tail-coverts bright chestnut ; tail chestnut except the middle pair of feathers, which are brown ; abdomen, vent, under tail- and wing-coverts, and axillaries deep orange- brown. In typical summer plumage the whole head, neck, back, scapu- lars, lesser and median wing-coverts, and the breast are deep black, with an ashy supercilium and some ashy on the crown just behind the forehead. The rufous margins to the greater coverts and quills are reduced or disappear. Between these two stages every intermediate form occurs re- gardless of season, the deep black plumage sometimes making its appearance immediately after the moult, and some birds even at midsummer retaining the broad ashy- grey fringes in varying 'legrees. Some males are said to breed in female plumage. Female. Upper plumage brown tinged with fulvous \ the wings broadly edged with fulvous ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail chestnut, except the middle pair of feathers, which are brown ; a circle of pale feathers round the eye ; lower plumage huffy brown, suffused with orange on the abdomen, flanks, vent, and under tail- coverts. Bill, legs, feet, and iris black ; base of bill yellow (Binyhani). Length about 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 3*3 ; tarsus *9 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. A common winter visitor to a great portion of the Empire, this species occurs from the Himalayas down to Bangalore and the Nilgiris, and from Sind to Assam, thence ranging down to Manipur. It appears to be common from September to April. Some few birds are found in the plains in summer, but do not apparently breed. In the Hume Collection there are specimens shot at Sambhar in July and at Ahmednagar in June. This Eedstart extends on the west to Persia and on the east to China, and large numbers appear to summer in Turkestan and Mongolia. Within our limits it breeds on the higher mountains of Kashmir above 10,000 feet. It also breeds in Afghanistan. Mandelli procured a specimen in Native Sikhim in June, and pro- bably it may be found to breed throughout the Himalayas at great heights. Habits, Sfc. The nest of this species has seldom been found, and little is known of its nidification. Wardlaw Bamsay found the nest in Afghanistan on the 1st July in an old tree-stump, but the young had apparently left it some time before. I.MIVACOBNIS. 97 lt, Ibis, 1881, p. 03 j Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 445 ; Scebohm, Cat. Ii. M. v, p. 347. Ruticilla viprorsi, Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 27, pi. Ix ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. ."04. 77w White-winyed Redstart, Jerd. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the crown and nape are white with a few ashy margins ; forehead, sides of head and neck, back, scapulars, upper wing-coverts, chin, throat, and upper breast deep black, a few of the feathers margined with grey ; wings black, the middle portion of all the quills except the terti- aries white ; remainder of the plumage with the tail deep chestnut. Soon after the autumn, the few margins present on the black por- tions of the plumage drop off, and the crown becomes pure white. Female. Upper plumage brown tinged with ashy ; the lower portion of rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail ferruginous, the middle tail-feathers and the tips of the others dusky; wings brown, edged with pale fulvous ; sides of head and whole lower plumage uniform fulvous-grey. The female has no seasonal change of plumage. Bill black, yellow at gape; iris brown; legs, feet, and cla\vs black (Hume Coll.}. Length about 7 ; tail 3 ; wing 4-2 ; tarsus 1-05 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. The Himalayas from Kashmir and Gilgit to Sikhim. In summer this species is found at very high altitudes, from 10,000 to 14,000 feet or even higher. In winter it descends to 5000 feet. This Redstart extends on the west to the Caucasus ; on the north, through Turkestan and Tibet, to Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia; and on the east into China. Habits, $c. This species, like Chimarrkomit leucocephalus, affects streams and lakes, but is more frequently seen, according to 15 Ian ford, on rocky hill-sides. Its nest has not yet been found by any naturalist. Genus RHYACORNIS, Blauford, 1N7L'. The genus Rhyacornit contains one species, which is closely allird to both Clt'niiarrlnn'iiis and Itiil'n-iUa. It differs from both tlicM-. howt-Ner, in the simrl n P- ^ j C. tschebaiem $ , p. 10 L '. 102 TURDID^E. 650. Calliope camtschatkensis. The Common Ruby-throat. Motacilla calliope, Pall. Reise Russ. Reichs, iii, p. 697 (1776). Turdus camtschatkensis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 817 (1788). Calliope camtschatkensis (Gmel}, Blyth, Cat. p. 169; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 3] 3 ; Jerd. B. /. ii, p. 150 ; Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 337 ; Anders. Yunnan Eiped., Aves, p. 615 ; Hume, Cat. no. 512 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 209 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 199. Calliope yeatmani, Tristram, Ibis, 1870, p. 444. Erithacus calliope (Pall.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 305 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 14. Gunpiffora, Beng. ; Ganyula, Nep. Fig. 29. — Head of C. camtschatkensis. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage olive-brown, the head darker, and all the feathers indistinctly edged paler ; a line from the forehead over the eye white ; lores and under the eye black; a broad moustachial streak white; throat and fore neck scarlet, each feather margined at the tip with white, and the whole patch bordered by black ; upper breast brownish grey, paling and becoming buffy grey on the lower breast and sides of the body ; abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; tail brown, edged on the outer webs with olive-brown ; wing-coverts and quills brown, edged w ith bright olive-brown ; axillaries buff. Female. Superciliary streak buffy white ; lores and in front of the eye dusky brown; the bright scarlet of the throat and the surrounding black line absent, and replaced by dull white ; mous- tachial streak olive-brown ; other parts as in the male. The young are mottled, and moult into the plumage of the adult female at the first autumn, and the crimson throat- patch is assumed in the first winter without a moult. Bill light brown, white at the gape ; mouth flesh-colour ; iris brown ; legs pale plumbeous ; claws horn-colour. Length 6 ; tail 2-4; wing 2*9: tarsus 1-15; bill from gape -8. Distribution. A winter visitor to Nepal and Sikhirn, extending through the plains of the Eastern portion of India proper as far south as the latitude of Eaipur in the Central Provinces. This species is common in Bengal, Bhutan, and Assam, and extends down to Arrakau, Pegu, Karennee, and the northern portion of Tenas- serim. As an accidental visitor this bird may be expected to occur in almost every part of India, and Jerdon records an instance of its being found near Bombay. In winter the Common Ruby-throat extends its migration as far as the Philippines, * and in summer it is found throughout Northern Asia up to the Arctic Circle. CALiJOFE. 651. Calliope pectoralis. The Himal«ynn /f«f>i/ -throat. Calliope pectoralis, Gould, Icon. Av. pt. i, pi. iv (1837) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 100 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. 313 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 150 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 45 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt, ii p. 52 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 325 j id. Cat. no. 513 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 304 ; Biddulpk, Ibis, 1881, p. 64 ; Gates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 67. Erithacus pectoralis (Gould), Seebokm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 30.1. The White-tailed Ruby-throat, Jerd. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage, wing-coverts, and sides of the neck are dark slaty, blacker on the crown ; forehead and a short supercilium white ; middle of chin and of throat bright crimson ; lores, sides of head, sides of chin and of throat, and the whole breast deep black, every feather fringed with ashy ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; wings brown, edged with olivaceous ; middle tail-feathers black, (he others with the basal half white and the terminal half black tipped with white. In summer the ashy fringes are cast and the upper plumage is tinged with olivaceous. /•' male. Olive-brown, the outer webs of the quills suffused with fulvous ; lores, edge of forehead, and a short superciliura dingy white ; chin and middle of throat white, contrasting with the ashy- brown of the sides of the throat and the breast ; abdomen pale fulvous ; middle tail-feathers olive-brown, the others blackish brown tipped with white. The nestling has the upper plumage fulvous-brown, much darker on the crown, all the feathers with fulvous streaks ; lower plumage fulvous, all the feathers margined with dark brown; the tail-feathers at first tipped with fulvous instead of white, and the male from the earliest age has the base of the tail white. At the first autumn moult the young male assumes the dark upper plumage of the adult male, but retains the lower plumage of the adult female; traces of the black breast are assumed during the first summer, but the breast does not become fully plumaged till the moult of the second autumn. The female becomes adult at the first autumn moult. Bill black, brownish at tip and base of lower mandible ; iris brown ; feet brown ; the tarsi rather livid ; claws dusky (Scully). Length about 6 ; tail 2*4 ; wing 3 ; tarsus 1'2 ; bill from gape *75. /)ixtrif>it(ion. A constant resident on, or a summer visitor to, the higher portions of the Himalayas from (Hlgif to Sikhim and Bhutan. A winter visitor to the intermediate and lower ranges of the same mountains, being occasionally found in the plains at the foot as in the Bhutan doars and at Sultanpur in Oudh, In summer this species is also found in Turkestan. J/nl'It*, i\v. Breeds in Kashmir and Sikhim at 10,000 feet and upwards. A nest, said to belong to this species and found in Sikhira, is described as being a saucer- shaped pad of fine mo-- and roots placed in a deep crevice of a rock. The eggs are described as being pale salmon-bull' and as measuring about '9 by "06. 104 TUHDIDJE. 652. Calliope tschebaiewi. The Tibet Ruby-throat . Calliope pectoralis, Gould, apud Godw.-Aust. J. A, 8. 12. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 270, xlv, pt. ii, p. 79 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. G15 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 199. Calliope tschebaiewi, Prjev., Rowley's Orn. Misc. ii, p. 180, pi. liv, fig. 1 (1877). Erithacus tschebaiewi (Prjev.}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 308. Coloration. Male. Differs from the male of C. pectoralis, when adult, in being olive-brown, tinged with russet above, and in having the cheeks white, not black. The females and immature birds of both species are inseparable. Bill and legs black; iris brown (CocJcburn). Length about 6; tail 2-3; wing 3; tarsus 1'2; bill from gape *75. Distribution. A winter visitor to the Himalayas from Sikhim to the Dikrang valley in Assam, extending to the Khasi hills, where it is very common at Shillong ; Godwin-Austen procured this species at Mymensing and Anderson near Bhamo. In summer this bird is found in Tibet and Kaiisu. Genus TARSIGER, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Tarsiger contains one species, in which the sexes resemble each other somewhat closely, and have the whole lower plumage yellow. In structure this genus differs in no respect from Calliope, Tarsiger chrysceus is a constant resident at moderate heights on the Himalayas. 653. Tarsiger chrysaeus. The Golden Busli-RoUn. Tarsiger chrysams, Hodgs. P. Z. 8. 1845, p. 28 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 169 ; Horsf. Sf M. Cat. i, p. 310; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 149; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 45 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 325 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 260 ; Hume, Cat. no. 511 ; Gates in Hume's N. & E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 67. The Golden Bush-Chat, Jerd. ; Manshil-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, and the middle portion of the back olive-green; a superciliary streak reaching to the nape, the lesser wing-coverts, scapulars,' sides of the back, the rump, the upper tail-coverts, and the whole lower plumage bright orange-yellow, many of the feathers more or less fringed very narrowly with brown ; median and greater coverts and the quills black, margined with olive-green ; tail orange- yellow, broadly tipped with black, the median pair of feathers black, with a yellow margin on the outer webs ; lores, round the eye, and the ear-coverts black. Female. The whole upper plumage and the exposed parts of the lANTIIFA. 105 wings olive-green ; median pair of tail-feathers olive-green, the others golden yellow, broadly tipped, and margined on the outer webs, with olive-green ; a yellowish-white ring round the eye ; ear- coverts olive-brown, with pale shafts ; lores and an indistinct supercilium olive-yellow ; the whole lower plumage ochraceous yellow, most of the feathers with tiny dusky fringes and the flanks washed with olivaceous. The young have the whole plumage dark olive-brown, the feathers streaked with fulvous and tipped with black. Lower mandible and edge of the upper along the commissure yellow ; rest of the bill black ; iris very dark brown ; legs, feet, and claws fleshy, tinged with brown (Hume). Length about 6; tail 2-3; wing 2-7; tarsus 1-2; bill from gape -7. Distribution. The Himalayas from Chamba to Sikhim, apparently up to 5000 feet ; the Khasi hills; the Niiga hills ; Manipur. This species extends into Western China. Habits, &c. Nests on the ground from May to August, in holes of rocks and banks, and lays three or four eggs, which are pale blue, and measure about '8 by '53. Genus IANTHIA, Blyth, 1847. The genus lantliia contains three species of Indian birds, in which the males are very brightly coloured and the females are dull. They inhabit the Himalayas, and migrate locally according to season. r Fig. 30.— Tail of /. indica. This genus differs from Tarsiyer and Calliope in having a much longer tail, the feathers of which are moreover pointed at the tips. Very little is on record about the habits of the members of this genus, but they probably do not differ in any important particular from those of the Blue-throats and Ruby- throats. 106 TUEDID^E. Key to the Species. a. Sides of body orange- chestnut, contrasting with remainder of lower plumage I. rufilata, p. 106. b. Sides of body of same colour as remainder of lower plumage. a'. A white supercilium /. indica, p. 107. b'. No white supercilium /. hijperythra, p. 108. 654. lanthia rufilata. The Red-flanked Bush-Robin. Nemura rufilatus, Hodgs. P. Z. 8. 1845, p. 27 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 199; Hume, N. $ E. p. 324 ; id. S. F. xi, p. 198. lauthia rufilata (Hodc/s.), Blyth, Cat. p. 170 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 52; Brooks, J. A. 8. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 77 j id. S. F. iii, p. 240 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 68. lanthia cyauura (Pall.}, apud Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 146 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 44. Nemura cyauura (Pa//.), apud Hume, Cat. no. 508 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 304 ; Bidihdph, Ibis, 1881, p. 64. Tarsi ger rutilatus (Hodys.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 2-56 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 446. The White-breasted Slue Wood-Chat, Jerd. ; Mangzhil-pho, Lepch, Fig. 31.— Head of I. rufilata. Coloration. Male. Forehead and a broad eyebrow, rump, upper tail-coverts, and the median wing-coverts bright ultramarine-blue ; ear-coverts, lores, and round the eye black ; upper plumage, edges of wing-coverts and quills, sides of the head, throat, and neck extending down to the sides of the breast deep purplish blue ; tail black, the outer webs suffused with deep blue ; chin, throat, middle of breast, and remaining lower plumage white, sallied with ashy brown on the breast ; a very large and conspicuous patch of orange-chestnut on each side of the body ; under wing-coverts and axillnries white. Males from Sikhim are very bright ; those from other parts have the upper plumage a greenish blue. Female. Upper plumage olive-brown, the coverts and wings edged with rufous ; rump greenish blue ; upper tail-coverts deep blue ; tail dark brown, the outer webs suffused with deep blue ; chin and throat narrowly white ; sides of the head and neck and the whole breast ochraceous ; a large patch of orange-chestnut on each side of the body ; remainder of the sides ochraceous ; middle of abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellowish buff. IANTHIA. 1 U7 Some females have a well-marked bluish-grey supercilium, and others are without it. The young resemble the female, and have the orange patch 011 each side of the body and also a blue tail and rump, but the upper plumage is everywhere streaked with fulvous as well as the sides of the head and the throat. Bill black ; legs and feet deep brown ; iris brown (Hume). Length nearly 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus 1/05 ; bill from gape -6. /. cyanura is an allied species from Northern Asia. Distribution. The Himalayas from Gilgit and Kashmir generally to Sikhim ; the Khasi hills ; Tipperah ; Manipur. This species is found up to 11,000 feet in the Himalayas in summer, and descends to lower levels in winter. Habits, $c. Breeds in May and June, constructing a nest of moss and grass in holes in banks and under tree-roots, and laying four eggs, which are white with a green tinge, spotted sparingly round the larger end with minute specks of reddish brown, and measuring about '71 by '56. 655. lanthia indica. The White-browed Bush-Robin. Sylvia indica, Vieill. N. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xi, p. 267 (1817). Nemura flavo-olivacea, Hodys. P. Z. S. 1845, p. 27. Tarsiger supevciliaris, Hodffs., Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 76 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. 311 ; Hume, Cat. no. 510. Erythaca flavo-olivacea, Blyth, Cat. p. 171. lauthia superciliaris (Hodys.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 148 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 161. Tarsiger iudicus ( Vieill.), Sharps, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 259. The Rufous-bellied Bush- Chat, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage dull slaty blue ; a very well-defined supercilium from the point of the forehead to the nape white ; lores and in front and under the eye black ; sides of the head blackish blue; coverts and quills dark brown, edged with olive-yellow, the coverts next the body more or less suffused \\ illi blue ; tail black, suffused with blue on the outer webs ; lower plumage orange-rufous, the sides of the throat mottled with white and the middle of the abdomen whitish. Female. The whole upper plumage olive-brown, tinged with fulvous on the rump ; a partially-concealed white supercilium extending to the nape ; sides of the head and a ring round the eye ochraceous, mottled with whitish ; wings and tail brown, edged with the colour of the back ; entire lower plumage ochraceous, tingi-d with rufous on the breast and paler on the abdomen. 1 have not been able to examine a young bird of this species. Bill black; legs pale horny-brown : iris brown (Jerdou). Length about 6; tuil 2<(J ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus 1/15; bill from gape 7. Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim, r\frmlm«j into Western China. There are few birds about which so little is known as this species. 108 TURDlD^l. 656. lanthia hyperythra. The Rufous-bellied Bush-Robin. lanthia hyperythra, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 132 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 170; e/m*. ,5. /. ii, p. 147; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 106. Nemura hyperythra (Blyth), Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 299 ; Ilmne, Cat. no. 509. Tarsiger hyperythrus (Blyth), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. iv, p. 257. The Rusty-throated Blue Wood-Chat, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead continued back as a supercilium, the upper tail-coverts, and a patch on the lesser wing-coverts near the edge of the wing bright ultramarine-blue; ear-coverts, lores, and in front of the eye black ; upper plumage and the sides of the head and neck deep purplish blue ; wing-coverts and quills black, edged with purplish blue ; tail black, suffused with purplish blue on the outer webs ; chin, throat, breast, and abdomen chestnut ; vent and under tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts and axil- laries pale chestnut. Female. Upper plumage and the visible portion of the closed wing olive-brown tinged with rufous ; rump slaty blue ; upper tail-coverts deep blue ; tail black, the outer webs suffused with deep blue ; sides of the head fulvous olive-brown ; lower plumage, under wing-coverts, and axillaries rich ochraceous, becoming white on the vent and under tail-coverts. I have not been able to examine a young bird, but it will prove, without doubt, to be spotted. Bill black in the dry skin ; legs and feet brown. Length about 5-5 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Sikhim and the Khasi hills. In the former tract this species is a resident, probably moving vertically according to season. This bird is figured by Hodgson, and there are likewise some specimens collected by him in the British Museum, probably from Nepal, but there is no certainty on this point. Genus ADELURA, Bonap., 1854. The sole member of this genus is frequently associated with the true Redstarts, but the total absence of the chestnut in the tail, which forms so conspicuous a feature in all the Redstarts, induces me to place the present type apart from them. In habits this species appears to be a Redstart, and structurally it does not differ from Ruticilla. From lanthia, which it somewhat resembles in coloration, this genus differs in having the tips of the tail- feathers rounded. 657. Adelura caeruleicephala. The Blue-headed Robin. Phoenicura caeruleocephala, Viyors, P. Z. S. 1830, p. 35 : Gould. Cent. pi. xxv, fig. 2. ADELURA. 109 Jluticilla crcruleocephala ( FiV/.), Blyth, Cat. p. 168 ; Horsf. 8f M. ( '//. i, p. 307 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 141 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 42; Hume Sf Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 211, pi. xiv ; 1 1 tnm, N. $ E. p. 322; id. S. F. vii, p. 391 ; id. Cat. no. 504; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 353 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 09. Adelura (Ruticilla) caeruleocephala ( FiV/.), Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 240. The Blue-headed Redstart, Jerd. Fig. 32. — Tail of A. ccerideicephalu,. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and nape are pale blue, each feather with a broad brown fringe ; back, scapulars, upper rump, sides of neck, chin, throat, and breast black, the feathers broadly fringed with brown; lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts plain black ; lower rump and upper tail-coverts black, with very narrow brown fringes ; tail entirely black ; wings dark brown or black, the median coverts, the inner greater coverts, and broad margins to tertiaries and later secondaries white ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries black, with white tips. In spring all the fringes of the feathers are lost, the forehead, crown, and nape become uniform blue, and the black parts of the plumage deep black. Female. Upper plumage rich brown, the lower part of the rump tinged with rufous, and the upper tail-coverts ferruginous ; tail brown, narrowly edged with ferruginous; wings brown, the coverts and tertiaries broadly edged and tipped with fulvous-white ; the other quills narrowly margined paler ; lower plumage ashy brown tinged with fulvous, becoming almost pure white on the abdomen and upper tail-coverts ; a ring of pale feathers round the eye. The nestling is mottled all over, and the young male may be known at all ages by the white margins on the wings. Bill dark brown ; legs, feet, and claws black ; iris dark brown (Hume). Length about 6 ; tail 2'7 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape '65. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan and Gilgit to I)lui1;i!i. I have seen no specimen of this bird from Sikhim, and only one from Bhutan, collected by Pemberton. This species 110 TUEDIDyE. is found from 10,000 feet upwards in summer, but at much lower levels in winter. In summer it extends into Turkestan. Habits, fyc. Breeds in Gilgit and Afghanistan in May and June, and generally throughout the higher parts of the Himalayas. According to Wardlaw Ramsay the nest is composed of small twigs and grass, lined with hair, and is placed in a crevice or hole in the face of a cliff. The eggs, five in number, are of a dull cream-colour, with a darker zone of the same round the thicker end, and measure about -84 by "62. According to Hume this species lays a blue unspotted egg, but it appears from his account that in the single instance in which he found the nest he did not secure the bird, and consequently there may have been some mistake about it. I am also disposed to believe that "Wardlaw Ramsay's identification of the eggs is correct, as the bird is not a Redstart according to my views. Genus GRANDALA, Hodgs., 1843. The genus Grandala contains one bird of remarkable structure, the position of which it is somewhat difficult to determine. It is placed by Seebohm among the Thrushes, and by Jerdon among the Saxicolince, and I place it here in an intermediate position, considering it more allied to the Robins than to the Thrushes or Chats. The proper position of this species may probably be among the Brachypteryyinw. The plumage of the nestling of this species is streaked, and so far it resembles that of the adult female ; but the streaks are more numerous and less distinctly defined, giving it a decided, though not typical, Thrush-like appearance. Fig. 33.— Head of G. cxlicolor. In Grandala the bill is about half the length of the head and slender; the nasal membrane is clothed with plumelets to its middle portion, and the rictal bristles are rather long ; the wing is excessively long, the first primary very minute, and the second reaching to the tip of the wing ; the tail is rather longer than half the wing and square ; the tarsus is slender and smooth and fairly long. The sexes are coloured differently, and the plumage is soft and copious. Only one species of this genus is known. Seebobm unites it with Sialia, a genus of American birds, with which, however, it has, in my opinion, no affinities. NOTODKLA. HI 658. Grandala coelicolor. HodgsoiC* Grandala. Grandala coelicolor, Hodf/s. J. A. S. B. xii, p. 447 (1843) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 166 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 281 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 119 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 49 ; Hume, Cat. no. 478. Grandala schistacea, Hodys. J. A. S. B. xii, plate illustrating p. 447 (1843). Sialia coelicolor (Hodus.\ Scebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 328. The Long-winged Blue Chat, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Wing, tail, greater wing-coverts, primary- coverts, and winglet black ; remainder of plumage bright smalt- blue, most brilliant on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Female. The whole plumage brown with a bluish tinge, the rump and upper tail-coverts decidedly blue ; the head, back, sides of head and neck, and the whole lower plumage except the flanks streaked with fulvous-white ; wings and tail brown ; the quills with a patch of white near the base, forming a wing-spot ; some of the secondaries tipped white ; under tail-coverts broadly edged with white. The young resemble the female closely, but they have the streaks broader and extending on to the flanks. The young male pro- bably assumes the adult plumage at the first autumn moult; before finally acquiring it some of the feathers of the head and neck are fringed with bro\vn. Bill and feet jet-black ; iris dark brown (Jerdori). Length about 9 ; tail 3'6 ; wing 5'8 ; tarsus 1'15 ; bill from gape •!). Distribution. The highest parts of the Himalayas from Garhwal to Sikhim. Blanf ord did not meet with this species below 15,000 feet in Sikhim, and he observed it as high as 17,000 feet. It ex- tends into the mountains of Tibet and Western China. Habits, £fc. Probably found in pairs in the summer, but in flocks in the winter ; described as having the flight of a Starling, and feeding on the ground on insects. Genus NOTODELA, Lesson, 1831. The genus Notodela contains one species, which is largely dis- tributed from Nepal to Tenasserim. The sexes are very different, Fig. 34.— Head of -Zv". leucura. the male being blue and the female rufous, but both sexes have a large amount of white on the tail, which is considerably longer than twice the tarsus. 112 TTJEDIDJi. The White-tailed Blue Robin frequents the ground, flying up into trees when disturbed, and expanding and closing its tail frequently. It does not appear to be shy, and it is said to be very silent. 659. Notodela leucura. The White-tailed Blue Robin. Muscisylvia leucura, Hodys. P. Z. S. 1845, p. 27. Myiomela leucura (Hodqs.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 280 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 118; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 161 ; Blyth $ Wald. Birds Burm. p. 100 ; Hume # Dav. S. F. vi, p. 334 ; Hume, Cat. no. 477 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 23 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 190. Notodela leucura (Hodgs.), Blyth, Cat, p. 166 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 306 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 23 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 70. The White-tailed Blue Chat, Jerd. ; Mangshia, Lepch. Coloration. Male. Forehead, eyebrow, and the smaller upper wing-coverts near the bend of the wing bright cobalt-blue ; the whole upper plumage black suffused with blue ; lores, sides of the head and neck, and lower plumage deep black, with a few of the feathers of the abdomen fringed with blue ; a concealed patch of white on the side of the neck ; wings black with bluish edges ; tail black, all the feathers except the outermost and the middle pair with a large patch of white on the outer web, increasing in size towards the middle of the tail ; under tail-coverts fringed with white. Female. The whole plumage rufescent brown, and the exposed parts of the closed wings and tail bright ferruginous ; no concealed white spot on the side of the neck : tail brown with white patches, as in the male, but smaller in extent ; the feathers of the chin, throat, lores, and sides of the head with paler shafts ; a ferruginous ring- round the eye. The young are reddish brown, with bright shaft-streaks and with ferruginous tips to the feathers of the upper wing-coverts ; the white patches on the tail-feathers are present from the earliest age ; in the young male the tail and wings are black, in the female rufous ; the adult plumage appears to be acquired by a moult when the young are about a year old. Bill, legs, feet, and claws black ; iris deep brown (Hume $ Davison). Length about 7 ; tail 3 ; wing 3'8 ; tarsus 1-1 ; bill from gape •9. Distribution. Nepal, Sikhim, the Daphla hills in Assam, the Khasi hills, Cachar, Manipur, Karennee, Muleyit mountain in Tenasserim. Blyth. in his catalogue, recorded a specimen obtained by Hutton at Mussoorie, but no specimen is contained in the British Museum from any locality west of Nepal. This bird is found from about 4000 to 9000 feet, and appears to be a constant resident in the parts it affects. Habits, fyc. Breeds in April and May, constructing a cup-shaped nest of roots and leaves, sometimes hooded, on the ground under CALL KM:. 113 the shelter of a rock or on the face of a bank. The eggs are salinon-pink, very faintly freckled with grey all over, and measure about -91 by -65. Genus CALLENE, Blyth, 1847. The genus Callene differs from Notodela in having a very much longer tail, and one the feathers of which are greatly graduated and without any white pattern. The tarsus is extremely long. Little is recorded of the habits of the sole Indian member of the genus, which, however, are not likely to differ materially from those of Notodela. 660. Callene frontalis. The Blue- fronted Callene. Cinclidium frontale, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xi, p. 181 (1842). Callene frontalis (Blyth}, Blyth, Cat. p. 178; Hor.-f. $ M. Cat.i, p. 396 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 496 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 220 ; id. Cat. no. 340 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 15 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 71. The Blue-fronted Short-iviny, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Lores and a frontal band black; forehead and a short eyebrow cobalt-blue ; with the exception of the abdo- men, which is dark brown, and the under tail-coverts brown fringed with white, the whole plumage is slaty-blue with the edges of the feathers brighter ; wings and tail dark brown, the outer webs suffused with blue; a portion of the under wing-coverts white ; the lesser upper wing-coverts bright cobalt-blue. Female. The whole plumage rufescent brown, and the visible portions of the closed wings and tail bright ferruginous ; tail brown ; the feathers of the chin, throat, lores, and sides of the head with paler shafts ; a ferruginous ring round the eye ; a portion of the under wing-coverts white. The young are dusky brown, with pale mesial streaks on the feathers of the scapulars and the lower plumage. The young male assumes the adult plumage at the commencement of its first year. Bill black ; legs brown. Length about 8 ; tail 37 ; wing 3-6 ; tarsus T5 ; bill from gape *8. This bird, though structurally very different from Notodela leucura, resembles it closely in coloration. Distribution. Sikhim only. There is no evidence that Hodgson met with this bird in Nepal ; on the contrary, his drawing appears to have been taken from a Sikhim specimen. There is nothing known of the habits of this species. Genus THAMNOBIA, Swains., 1831. The genus Thamnobia contains two species, one or other of which is found over a considerable portion of India. VOL. II. I 1 14 TUflDID JS. I have much hesitation in placing this genus here. It is the only genus of the Turdidce, with the exception of the Accentorincv, in which the tarsus is strongly or at all scutellated ; the bill is, moreover, quite of a different character to that of any of the Thrush tribe, and the rictal bristles are reduced to a minimum. The young are mottled to a slight extent only. A better place may possibly hereafter be found for it. In Thamnobia the bill is slender and curved downwards, the wing is very rounded, and the tarsus is strongly scutellated in front. The two species of this genus appear to run into each other at the common point of meeting in about the latitude of Bombay ; but with reference to this, two points should be carefully regarded. They are both subject to two kinds of change of plumage. One change is caused by the ordinary wearing away of the margins of the feathers during the winter, and the other, coincident in time with this, is caused by the further abrasion of the feathers after the margins are worn off. In consequence of these changes it is difficult for nine months of the year to be quite certain to which species any particular specimen may belong if the abrasion of the feathers has been at all normal. I have had no difficulty, how- ever, in separating autumnal freshly-moulted birds, and they can be ranged into two series, each of which is found to occupy a different geographical area. In a certain zone, from Ahmednagar to the mouth of the Godavari valley, both species occur, but they are to be separated even here if birds in good plumage be examined. The Indian Robins, as they are termed by residents in India, are familiar birds, being found in compounds, &c., and nesting in houses, or in their immediate vicinity. These birds feed a good deal on the ground, and- have the habit of erecting the tail after the fashion of Robins. Both species are resident. The sexes are different, and while the males of the two species are not difficult to discriminate, the females are very close to each other. i Key to the Species. a. With white on the wing-coverts. a'. Upper plumage sandy brown T. cambaiensis tf, p. 114. b'. Upper plumage black T.fulicata rf, p. 115. b. With no white on the wing-coverts . . \ T' c^lbaj ensjs ? ' P« 114' ) T.fulicata , p. 115. 661. Thamnobia cambaiensis. The Brown-backed Indian Robin. Sylvia cambaiensis, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii, p. 554 (1790). Thamnobia cambaiensis (Lath.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 165 ; Horsf. &• M. Cat. i, p. 283 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 122 ; Stoliczka, J. A. & B. xxxvii', pt. 11, p. 40, xli, pt. ii, p. 237 ; Hume, S. F. i, p. 182 ; id. N. $ E. p. 309; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 216 ; Hume, Cat, no. 480 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 55 ; Barnes, Birds Bom, p. 198 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 71. THAMNOBIA.. 115 Coloration. Male. When freshly moulted in September, the M hole upper plumage is sandy brown ; upper tail-coverts and tail black ; wings dark brown, the lesser coverts and a portion of the median ones white, the remaining coverts with bluish edges ; lores, sides of the head and neck, chin, throat, breast, upper part of abdomen, and the sides of the body glossy black with a few sandy edges ; lower part of abdomen and the under tail-coverts deep chestnut. The male continues in this plumage up to February, when the feathers of the upper plumage become much darker in colour, owing apparently to the wearing away or casting off of the lips. During the summer the plumage resembles that of T. fulicata in many respects, but is seldom or never so dark. Female. Ear-coverts and round the eye rufous, the former with pale shafts; chin, cheeks, and a frontal band over the lores pale fulvous ; with these exceptions, the whole plumage is sandy brown, tinged with ashy below ; tail and wings dark brown ; middle of the abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts chestnut. The young are rufous, the feathers of the back oosoletely barred and the wing-coverts and quills broadly edged with brighter rufous ; upper tail-coverts smoky brown ; tail very dark brown ; lower plumage ashy brown tinged with rufous and slightly mottled ; under tail-coverts, vent, and middle of abdomen pale chestnut. Iris dark brown ; legs, feet, and bill black (Hume Coll.). Length about 6*5 ; tail 2*7 ; wing 3 ; tarsus 1'05 ; bill from gape '75. Distribution. A. resident in a very large portion of India proper. On the wrest this species extends to Sind and the Punjab ; on the north to the lower ranges of the Himalayas, ascending them at times up to 5000 or 6000 feet ; on the east to the Rajmehal hills and Midnapur, and on the south to Ahmednagar and the Goddvari valley. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to August, constructing a flimsy nest of miscellaneous materials in holes of walls, banks, &c., and laying four to six eggs, which are greenish white mottled with reddish brown, and measure about *79 by *59. 662. Thanmofoia fulicata. The Black-backed Indian Robin. Motacilla fulicata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 336 (1766). Thamnobia fulicata (Z«m.), Blyth, Cat. p. 165; Horsf. $ M. Cat. \. p. 281 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 1 21 ; Hume, N. % E. p. 307 ; id. Cat. no. 170 ; Lef/f/e, Birds Ceyl. p. 440 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 54 : S. P. x, p. 388; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 198; Oates in Hum,'* N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 76. The Indian Black Robin, Jerd.; Kalchuri, Hind.; Nalanchi, Tel. ; Wannati-kuravi) Tain. Coloration. Male. When freshly moulted in September, the whole plumage is glossy black except the lesser wing-coverts and a portion of the median, which are white, and the under tail- i2 116 TURDID^E. coverts and a portion of the lower part of the abdomen, which are chestnut ; wings brown or dull black. This plumage is retained till February, when the coloration becomes paler either by bleach- ing or abrasion of the feathers, and in this state the birds resemble T. cambaiensis, but there is always some black left to indicate the species. Fig. 35.— Head of T.ftdkuta. Female. Lores, forehead, and chin rufous-ashy ; ear-coverts rufous, with pale shafts ; the whole upper plumage brown with a rufous tinge, the wing-coverts edged paler ; quills brown, edged with the colour of the back ; lower plumage ashy grey, varying in different individuals ; middle of the lower abdomen and the under tail-coverts chestnut. The young are rufous-brown above, obsoletely barred or tipped brighter ; wing-coverts and quills broadly edged with rufous ; upper tail-coverts dusky ; tail blackish : lower plumage brown mottled with rufous, the* chin paler; middle of the abdomen and the under tail-coverts pale chestnut. The young of this species are more distinctly spotted than are those of T. cambaiensis. Iris dark brown ; legs, feet, and bill black (Butler). Length about 6-5 ; tail 2'5 ; wing 2-9 ; tarsus T05 ; bill from gape -75. Distribution. Ceylon ; the southern portion of India up to Ahmednagar on the west and the Godavari valley on the east. Habits, fyc. Precisely those of the last species in all respects. Eggs of the same type and size. Genus COPSYCHUS, Wagler, 1827. The genus Copsychus contains the well-known Magpie-Robin of India and some other allied species. It differs from all the other genera of this subfamily in having a tail which is about equal to the wing in length, considerably graduated, and coloured black and white. The sexes are different, although both possess the same pattern of colour. 663. Copsychus saularis. The Maypie-Robin. Gracula saularis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 165 (1766). Copsychus saularis (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 166: Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. '275; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 114; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 202; Hume, N. $ E. p. 303; id. S. F. ii, p. 230; Hume # COPSYCIIfS. 117 Jhir. S. F. vi, p. 332 ; Anders. Yunnan Hxped., Aves, p. C13 ; J'<'(/(/?, Birds Ceyl. p. 433 ; Hume, Cat. no. 475 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 20 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 01 : Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 197 ; Oates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 80. Copaychus musicus (Rqffi.), apud Hume $• Dav. S. F. vi, p. 333 ; Hume, Cat. no. 475 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 21. Dayar or Dayal, Hind, and Beng. ; Pedda nalanchi, 8arcla-gachi, Tel. Zannid-pho, Lepch.; Thapate-livay, Burm. Fig. 30>. — Head of C. saulari?. Coloration. Male, Head, neck, breast, and upper plumage glossy black ; abdomen, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts white ; wing black, the last two secondaries with a considerable amount of white on the outer webs, the lesser and median coverts and the outer webs of the later greater coverts also white ; the median two pairs of tail-feathers black, the others white, the fourth pair, however, varying from white with a small black tip to white with a greater or less amount of black in combination ; under wing- coverts and axillaries white, with ashy bases varying in extent. Female. Wings and tail dark brown, with white distributed as in the male ; chin, throat, breast, and sides of the neck dark grey ; forehead, lores, and cheeks mottled with white and grey ; the whole upper plumage uniform dark brown glossed with bluish ; sides of the body, vent, and under tail-coverts pale fulvescent ; middle of the abdomen whitish ; under wing-coverts white. The young have the crown and nape ashy brown ; upper plumage dark brown, streaked or barred with rufous ; wings dark brown, with rufous tips to the lesser coverts and broad rufous margins to the quills ; the white in the wing disposed as in the adult, and the tail brown, with the white portions similarly disposed ; throat and breast greyish brown tipped with rufous ; remainder of the lower plumage white. The adult plumage is assumed almost as soon as the young bird is fully fledged. Bill black ; mouth flesh-colour ; eyelids plumbeous ; iris hazel- brown ; legs dark plumbeous ; claws horn-colour. Length about 8 ; tail 3'6 ; wing 3-7 ; tarsus 1-15 ; bill from gape 1. Throughout its great range C. saularis is very constant in its type of plumage, the only variation noticeable being in the colora- tion of the tail and the under wing-coverts and axilhiries. Throughout Continental India and Burma to about Moulnirin most of the birds have tho fourth pair of tail-feathers, from tin1 outside, white with a small black tip. South of Moulmein and 118 throughout Tenasserim these feathers contain more black and less white, and in this respect approach C. musicus of Java. It is not, however, difficult to find birds in Ceylon and parts of India with these feathers almost entirely black, and consequently I do not think that this character can be utilized for the separation of the two species. With regard to the other point, Indian and Burmese birds have the under wing-coverts and axillaries almost entirely white, but in the southern parts of Tenasserim some birds are found with these parts more black than white ; but still they cannot be considered to be C. musicus, in which these parts are almost entirely black, and consequently I do not admit this latter species into the Indian list. Distribution. Occurs in almost every part of the Empire and Ceylon, ascending the Himalayas up to about 5000 feet ; rare in the extreme North-west and Sind, and probably absent from the Nicobars. Habits, fyc. A common and familiar bird wherever it occurs. This species has many of the habits of the common English Robin, being equally confiding and entering verandahs of houses without fear. It is a fairly good songster, feeds on the ground on insects, and has the habit of raising its tail perpendicularly at the end of its run. This bird breeds from March to July, constructing a rough nest in holes of trees, or walls, or in houses, and laying five eggs, which are greenish marked with reddish brown, and measure about -87 by -66. Genus CITTOCINCLA, Gould, 1836. The genus Cittocinda contains the Shamas, of which two species inhabit India, one being universally distributed and one confined to the An damans. This genus differs from Copsyclius in its longer tail, which con- siderably exceeds the wing in length. The Shamas frequent thick woods and tree-jungle, and feed on the ground. One species at least sings very well, but C. albiventris is said to have no voice. Key to the Species. a. Abdomen rufous C. macrura, p. 118. b. Abdomen white C. albiventris, p. 120. 664. Cittocincla macrura. The Sliama. Turdus macrourus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 820 (1788). Kittacincla macroura (<7m.), Blyth, Cat. p. 1G5 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 279; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 116 ; Sanies, Birds J5om.'p. 197. Cittocincla macrura (Gm.), Legge, Birds Ceyl. -p. 437 ; Oates, J3. B. i, p. 22 ; id. in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii. p. 86. CITTOCINCLA. 119 Cercotrichas macrurus (Gm.), Hume, N. # E. p. 300 ; id. $ Dav. S. J?. vi, p. :j:.J3 ; Hume, Cat. no. 470. Cittocincla tricolor (Vie ill.), apnd Munye, Cat. P. M. vii, p. 85. Shama, Hind. ; Poda nalanchi, Tonka nalanchi, Tel. Coloration. Male. Head and neck all round, breast, back, sca- pulars, and wing-coverts glossy black ; rump and upper tail-coverts white; the median four tail-feathers entirely black, the others black at the base and then white ; quills, winglet, and primary- coverts dull black, with a slight gloss on the outer webs only; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts bright chestnut ; thighs white. Female. In the female, which resembles the male in the distri- bution of colours, all those parts are slaty brown which are black in the male ; the bright chestnut parts of the male are pale rufous in the female, and the quills and wing-coverts are narrowly edged with rufous. In other respects the sexes are alike. The young vary a good deal. The general colour of the upper plumage is dark brown, the wing-coverts and some of the feathers of the back tipped with rufous ; the quills margined with rufous ; the lower plumage is chiefly pale rufous, mottled with brown on the throat and breast. Young birds assume the adult plumage very soon after they are fully fledged. The coloration of this bird is very constant to type throughout the large area of its distribution, the only variation apparent being in the darker coloration of some of the females in Tenas- serim. Bill black ; legs pale flesh-colour ; claws light horn-colour ; mouth flesh-colour ; eyelids plumbeous ; iris dark brown. Length about 11 ; tail about 6; wiug3'7; tarsus 1-1 ; bill from gape *95 ; the female has the tail about one inch shorter than the male. Distribution. Ceylon ; the hills along the western coast of India from Cape Comorin to Khandala ; the Eastern Ghats, according to Jerclon ; Orissa ; the Central Provinces ; Chutia Nagpur ; Western Bengal ; the lower ranges of the Himalayas, from Nepal to Dibru- i^ai-h in Assam; the Khasi hills; Cachar; Tipperah ; Mauipur; universally distributed over the whole of Burma and Kareunee. The range of this common species is not well exhibited by the series in the Hume Collection, and it may be more widely spread over India proper than the above localities indicate. This bird is a permanent resident, and does not ascend the hills to any great height. Habits, $c. Frequents thick jungle and is very shy ; a most excellent songster; breeds from April to June, constructing a m-si of leaves and grass &c. in a hole of a tree at no great height From the ground, and laying four eggs, which are very similar in colour to those of Copsychus wmlm-ix, and measure about -85 by .62. 120 TTJRDID^. 665. Cittocincla albiventris. The Andaman SJiama. Kittacincla albiventris, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xxvii, p. 269 (1858) ; Ball, S. F. i, p. 73; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 232 ; Walden, Ibis, 1873, p. 307, pi. xii, fig. 1. Cercotrichas albiventris (Blytli), Hume, Cat. no. 476 bis. Cittocincla albiventris, Blyth, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 90. Coloration. Both sexes are alike, or nearly so, the female merely differing from the male in having the chin and throat less glossy and they both resemble the male of C. macrura, from which they differ in the colour of the abdomen and vent, which is white instead of chestnut. The under tail-coverts and flanks are pale ferru- ginous. The tail is much shorter. The nestling bird is dark brown, spotted with ferruginous ; the wings are margined with the same, and the coverts spotted. Legs and feet pale fleshy ; bill black (Hume). Length about 9 ; tail about 5 ; wing 3*6 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape 1. The female has usually a shorter tail. Distribution. The Andamans. Subfamily TURBINE. The Turdince comprise the true Thrushes. These differ chiefly from the Saxicolinw and Ruticillince in being of larger size, in having a greater tendency to be gregarious, and in being less dependent on insects for their food — berries forming a considerable portion of their diet during winter. The Thrushes are mostly migratory ; some few are resident, and when this is the case they are generally confined to limited areas. The majority undergo a seasonal change of plumage through the margins of the feathers dropping off ; but these changes are never very striking, and frequently hardly appreciable. The Thrushes feed a great deal on the ground, and their long tarsi enable them to hop with great facility ; they are good songsters ; they mostly build cup-shaped nests in trees, and they lay spotted eggs. The Turdinas resemble each other closely in structure, and it is by no means easy to divide them into genera. I have had recourse to the type of coloration in subdividing them, and I have found the colour of the under wing-coverts arid axillaries of considerable importance in classification. The young of the Thrushes are greatly spotted, and they acquire the adult plumage at the first autumn moult. I have not attempted to describe the young of each species, as, from the nature of the coloration, the descriptions, to be of any utility, must of necessity be somewhat lengthy, and space does not permit of this ; and it may be doubted if any description of young Thrushes, however ehborate, would enable the student to identify the species. Kc>i to the Genera. a. Bill narrow ; breadth at forehead not more than half length of culmen ; rictal bristles well developed. «'. Sexes different in coloration. a". Axillaries and under wing-coverts in both sexes uniformly of one colour or very nearly so ; lower plumage never blue nor chestnut combined with black or blue MKBULA, p. 121. //'. Axillaries and under wing-coverts in both sexes of two colours in strong contrast ; arrangement of colours in axillavies transposed in under wing- coverts GEOCICHLA, p. 130 c". Axillaries and under wing-coverts in males of one colour, in females more or less barred with two colours ; lower plumage of males wholly blue, or chest- nut combined with blue or black, in females squamated. a'". Tail very much longer than half wing PETBOPHILA, p. 142. It" . Tail about equal to half wing MONTICOLA, p. 147. I'. Sexes alike in coloration. d'1. Axillaries and under wing-coverts en- tirely of one colour TURDUS, p. 148. e. Axillaries and tinder wing-coverts of two colours ; arrangement of colours in axillaries transposed in under wing- coverts. c'". Lower plumage distinctly barred or spotted ; rictal bristles few and lateral OREOCINCLA, p. 151. d'". Lower plumage squamated; rictal bristles numerous, and anterior ones projecting forwards over nostrils .... ZOOTHERA, p. 156. b. Bill broad ; breadth at forehead more than half length of culmen ; rictal bristles obsolete . . COCHOA, p. ]58. Genus MERULA, Leach, 1816. I restrict this genus to those Thrushes in which the sexes are different in coloration and in which the under wing-coverts and axillaries in both sexes are uniformly of one colour or nearly so. The lower plumage of the Thrushes of this genus is, moreover, never blue, nor chestnut combined with black or blue. In Met-ula the bill is about half the length of the head ; the rictal bristles moderate ; the wing long and sharp, the first primary being small ; the tail rather ample, and the tarsus long. The under- side of the wing has no pattern. 122 Key to tlie Species. a. General colour of plumage black or brown, unrelieved by any distinctive marks. a'. Legs black or brown M. maxima, p. 123. b'. Legs yellow or orange. a". Wing quite 5 inches and generally more. a'". Lower plumage uniformly dark brown ; crown of male not much darker than back M. simillima^ p. 124. b'" '. Lower plumage albescent on abdo- men and under tail-coverts ; crown of male black, forming a cap con- spicuously darker than back M. nigripileus, p. 126. b". Wing about 4*5 inches, rarely reach- ing 5. c'". Upper plumage with all feathers margined M. kinnisi, p. 124. d'". Upper plumage uniform. a4. Sides of head of much the same colour as other parts of head .... M. bourdilloni, p. 125. 64. Sides of head rufous * M. erythrotis, p. 126. b. Plumage variegated. c'. Hind neck of different colour from back. c". Crown and back of same colour M. albicincta, p. 127. d". Crown and back of different colours . . M. castanea, p. 128. d'. Hind neck of same colour as back. e". Feathers of upper plumage variegated with dark central marks M.fuscata, p. 129. f". Feathers of upper plumage not varie- gated. e'". Tail, throat, and upper breast chiefly chestnut M. ruficollis, p. 130. f". No chestnut on tail, throat, or upper breast, c*. Wings boldly marked with a large patch of grey or rufous M. boulboul, p. 1 30. d4. Wings uniform. a5. Under wing- coverts and axil- laries wholly or in part chest- nut or orange-brown, a6. Sides of breast and abdomen grey or brown. a7. Throat and breast uni- formly of one colour. a8. Throat and breast black. M.atrigularis <$,"$. 131. bs. Throat and breast slaty grey M. unicolor tf , p. 132. b7. Throat and breast streaked. c8. Under wing - coverts orange-brown; axillaries rufous-grey M. atrigularis £ , p. 131. * Of M. Jcinnisi, M. bourdittoni, and M. erythrotis the series to which I have access is so very small and unsatisfactory that the characters for these three species given here may not prove to hold good in all cases. MERULA. 123 d*. Under wing - coverts and axillaries uniformly chestnut-brown M. unicolor £ , p. 132. br\ Sides of breast and abdomen orange-ferruginous M . protomomeltena, b5. Under wing-coverts and axil- [p. 133. laries slaty grey. c6. Breast and sides of abdomen chestnut-brown. c7. Wing 4*8 ; second primary longer than fifth M. obscura, p. 134. d7. Wing 5'4 ; second primary shorter than fifth M . subobscura, p. 135. d6. Breast and sides of abdomen slaty grey* M.feee, p. 135. 666. Merula maxima. The Central-Asian Blackbird. Merula vulgaris ?, Jerdon, Ibis, 1872, p. 137. Merula vulgaris, Ray, Scully, S. F. iv, p. 139. Merula vulgaris, Leach, Hume, Cat. no. 359 bis. Merula maxima, Seebohm. Cat. B. M. v, p. 405 (1881) ; St. John, Ibis, 1889, p. 161. Coloration. Male. Entirely black throughout. Female. Upper plumage dark slaty brown with an olive tinge ; tail black; wings dark brown, all the feathers edged with oliva- ceous ; lores dark brown, with a whitish line over them ; sides of the head ashy brown, the lower portion of the ear-coverts with white shafts ; lower plumage slaty grey, the chin, throat, and breast streaked with blackish ; axillaries and under wing-coverts uniform slaty brown. A young bird procured by Jerdon in Kashmir is black ; but the abdomen, vent, thighs, under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts are barred with buff, and the feathers of the rump and upper tail- coverts are tipped with the same. The male has the bill yellow, tip of upper mandible blackish ; legs and feet dark brown ; claws black (Scully}. The female has the bill brownish black ; legs and feet blackish brown ; claws black (Scully}. Length about 11; tail 4-8 to 5'15 ; wing 5-4 to 5-9 ; tarsus 1-45 ; bill from gape 1*2. Scully gives the length of the tail of a female bird of this species as 5*6 ; but this is probably a misprint, as the tail of a male, as given by the same author, is only 5-15. This species differs from its European ally in being much larger, the wing in Merula vulyaris being seldom more than 5 inches and the tail 4*5 inches. * M. kcssleri, Prjev., was obtained by Mandelli in Tibet (S. F. v, p. 484), not far from the Sikhim frontier. In the male the abdomen and Hanks are deep chestnut, in tin- female dull chest nut-brown ; in both sexes the rump is dull rufous, the wings and tail nearly black ; tin- head and breast in the male are black or dark brown, in the female paler and streaked on the throat. Wing 5-7 ; tail 4-7. 124 TURDIDJE. Distribution. I have examined specimens of this Blackbird from Kashmir, Kandahar, Bala Murghab, Tashkent!, and Yarkand. It: meets M. vulgarism Persia, and both species occur in that country. Habits, fyc. According to Scully, this bird is said not to be uncommon during the winter near Kashgarh and Yarkand. It seemed to keep principally among Elezgnus trees and thorn-bushes in the vicinity of unfrozen bits of water. It migrated northwards in spring. St. John states that it is common about Kandahar. 667. Merula simillima. The Nilgiri Blackbird. Turd us simillimus, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. 8. x, p. 253 (1839). Merula simillima (Jerd.), Blyth, Cat. p. 162 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. 401 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 524 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 232 ; Fairbank, S. F. v, p. 403 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 2ol ; Hume, Cat. no. 360 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 88. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, and nape black ; the whole upper plumage and the outer webs of the feathers of the wings and tail dark ashy brown ; the whole lower plumage, axillaries, and under wing-coverts dark brown, the feathers indistinctly edged paler. Female. The whole upper plumage, including the forehead, crown, and nape, dark ashy brown ; the whole lower plumage, including the axillaries and under wing-coverts, brownish grey, some of the feathers of the abdomen with whitish shafts ; chin and throat streaked with dark brown. Iris brown ; bill reddish orange ; orbital skin and eyelids yellow; legs orange-yellow (Wardlaiv Ramsay}. Length about 10-5 ; tail 4-2 ; wing 5 to 5-2 ; tarsus 1-25 ; bill from gape 1*2. Distribution. A resident on the higher portions of the Nilgiri hills, the Brahmagiris in Coorg, and the Palni hills. Habits, fyc. Frequents dense woods, occasionally entering gardens. Breeds from March to May, constructing a massive cup-shaped nest of ferns, grass, moss, and roots, more or less plastered together with mud, in a branch of a tree up to 20 feet from the ground. The eggs, usually four or five in number, are greenish marked with brownish red, and measure about 1/17 by -86. 668. Merula kinnisi. The Ceylon Blackbird. Merula kinnisii, Kelaart, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xx, p. 177 (1851) ; id. Ibis, 1867, p. 304; Hume, Cat. no. 360 his ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 252 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 90. Turd us kinnisi (Blyth), Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 449. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage black, each feather with a bluish-grey margin at all seasons apparently ; quills and wing- coverts black, with similar margins ; tail black, the feathers with narrow and less distinct bluish-grey margins ; lower plumage slaty brown, each feather with a pale margin. .MI: HULA. 125 Female. The small series of this bird iii the British Museum appears to consist entirely of males. Legge thus describes the female : — Above dark bluish slate, pervaded with brownish on the head, the margins of all the feathers black ; outer webs of pri- maries and secondaries washed with brownish slaty ; tail blackish brown ; beneath slaty washed with earthy brown, the feathers of the abdomen sometimes with light shaft-streaks ; under wing- coverts edged with earthy brown. In the male the iris is pale brown ; eyelid and bill orange-yellow ; legs and feet paler yellow than the bill ; claws yellowish horny. In the female the bill is yellowish orange ; eyelid yellow ; legs and feet pale yellow (Leyye). Length about 9-5 ; tail 3'6 to 4 ; wing 4-3 to 4-5 ; tarsus 1*3 ; bill from gape 1*2. This species differs from M. maxima in being very much smaller and in having yellow feet ; from M. simillima in being smaller and blacker ; from. M. bourdilloni also in being smaller, and in having the feathers of the upper plumage margined with bluish grey ; and from M. erythrotis in having the whole head black or brown. Distribution. A resident in the forests of Ceylon above 2500 feet elevation. Breeds from April to June, constructing a cup-shaped nest in trees, and laying four eggs, which are pale green marked with reddish-brown and umber, and measure about 1'05 by '82. 669. Merula bourdilloni. Bourdillon's Blackbird. Merula kinnisi (Kelaart), apud Hume, S. F. vii, p. 35 ; Terry, S. F. x, p. 474. Merula bourdilloui, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 251, pi. xv (1881) ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 91. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage deep black ; tail black ; wings black, the outer webs of the feathers suffused with slaty grey ; the whole lower plumage blackish brown. Female. The only bird of this sex that I have seen has the whole upper plumage dark brown tinged with olivaceous, the chin and throat whity brown, and the lower plumage fulvous ashy. In the male the bill, legs, feet, and claws bright orange-red ; iris dark brown (Hume Coll.). Length about 9'5 ; tail 3'6 to 4 ; wing 4'6 to 5 ; tarsus 1'25 ; bill from gape 1/2. This species, long accepted as M. Icinnisi, differs from that species in being larger and in having the upper plumage (in the males) deep black without slaty margins. The legs would also appear to be of a different colour, judging from the recorded colours above. I have not been able to compare females of the two species together. Distribution. The hills of Southern Travancore, extending north to the Palnis. This species does not appear to be found below 3000 feet. Habits, $c. Breeds on the Palnis in May and June. The nest 126 TURBID^E. and eggs resemble those of M. simillima, but the size of the eggs has not been recorded. 670. Merula erythrotis. Davison's BlackUrd. Merula erythrotis, Davison, Ibis, 1886, p. 205. Coloration. The type of this species, the only specimen I have seen, is in the British Museum. It appears to be a female, and resembles the only female of M. bourdilloni contained in the same collection in general appearance. It differs, however, in having a supercilium, the lores, the sides of the head, cheeks, and chin rufous-brown. Davison discovered this specimen, with another similar to it, in the Museum of Trivandrum in Travancore, and they are thought to have been obtained in the Palghat hills in Travancore. Davison remarks on the triangular bare patch of skin behind the eye in this species, but this patch is present, in a more or less distinct form, in all Thrushes, and forms no character of any value. Length about 10 ; tail 4*1 ; wing 4*8 ; tarsus 1'2 ; bill from gape 1-2. Distribution. Probably the Palghat hills in Travancore. 671. Merula nigripileus. The Black-capped Blackbird. Turdus (Merula) nigropileus, Lqfresnaye, Delessert, Voy. de TInde, pt. ii, p. 27 (1843) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 162 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 523 ; Butler, S. F. iii, p. 470 ; Hume, Cat. no. 359 ; Vidal, 8. F. ix, p. 63 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 250 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 173 ; Gates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 91. Kasturi, Hind. ; Poda palisa, Tel. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and sides of head black, paling on the lower portion of the ear-coverts ; hind neck, mantle, sides of the neck, and the whole lower plumage brownish grey, inf uscated on the throat and suffused with ashy on the flanks ; the under tail-coverts whitish along the shafts ; lower back, scapulars, rump, the wings, and tail dark ashy ; axillaries and under wing-coverts ashy. Female. Whole upper plumage brown, tinged with ashy on the rump ; wings and tail with the outer webs of the feathers suffused with ashy ; ear- coverts with pale shafts ; chin and throat dull greyish white, streaked with brown ; breast, upper abdomen, and flanks brownish grey ; lower abdomen dull whitish ; under tail- coverts whitish, broadly edged with ashy brown ; axillaries and under wing-coverts brownish grey like the breast. In the male the legs and feet are dirty straw-colour; iris dark brownish red ; bill dirty orange : in the female the legs and feet are dark straw-colour; bill dark orange (Hume}. Length about 10*5; tail 4; wing 5'1 ; tarsus 1'2 ; bill from gape 1*2. MEEULA. 127 The male of this species cannot be confounded with any other Blackbird, but the female resembles the females of the other species somewhat in colour and M. simillima in size. From this latter she may generally be recognized by the whitish abdomen. Distribution. The western parts of India from the Nilgiris and Mysore up to Mount Abu. This species extends into the interior of the peninsula, and has been recorded from Chikalda, Raipur, and Sambalpur. It appears to be a summer visitor only to the extreme northern portions of its range, but to be resident else- where. //«?>its, $e. Breeds throughout its limits from May to July, con- structing a nest of twigs and grass mixed with earth and moss, and laying three eggs, which are greenish marked with brownish red and purple, and measure about 1*08 by *82. 672. Merula albicincta. The WhiU-eoUartd Ouzel. Turdus albocinctus, Royle, El. Bot. Himal. fyc. pp. Ixxvii, Ixxviii (1839). Turdus albicollis, op. cit. pi. viii, tig. 3. Merula nivicollis, Hodgs. Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 83 (1844). Merula albocincta (Royle), Blyth, Cat. p. 162 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 107 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 526 ; Stoh'czka, J. A. 8. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 35 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 49; Hume, Cat. no. 362 ; >SVv/%, S. F. viii, p. 285 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 245 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 92. Kundoo kastura, Hind. Coloration. Male. Entire plumage black, except the hind neck, upper back, sides of neck, chin, throat, and upper breast, which are white and form a broad collar ; the chin and throat frequently streaked with brown ; under tail-coverts with white shafts. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, and sides of the head rufous- brown ; the white parts in the male replaced by dull ashy ; lesser \ving-coverts, scapulars, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts rufous- brown ; wings and tail dark brown tinged with olivaceous ; breast, under wing-coverts, and axillaries rufous, gradually becoming darker and blacker on the remainder of the lower plumage, many of the feathers of which are fringed with light rufous; under tail-coverts with white shafts. The nestling exhibits no indication of the white collar till the autumn moult. Bill yellow, dusky at extreme tip ; iris deep brown ; tarsi and toes buffy yellow ; claws brown-horny (Scully). Length about 11; tail 4*4; wing 5%5 ; tarsus 1/3; bill from gape 1-3. •Distribution. The Himalayas from Eastern Kashmir to Sikhim. In the summer this species is found up to 13,000 feet, and in winter down to 7000 feet. Godwin-Austen procured this Ouzel at Remta in Manipur. Habits, fyc. Found singly or in pairs. Breeds in May. The J 28 TUED1D.E. nest has not been described, but the eggs are said to be greyish white marked with reddish brown, and to measure about l"2 by -85. 673. Merula castanea. The Grey-headed Ouzel. Merula castanea, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1835, p. 185 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 102 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 197 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 526 j Cock & Marshall, S. F. i, p. 354 ; Godiv.-Aust. J. A. 8. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 268 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 235 ; id. Cat. no. 363 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 259 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 93. Lai kastura, Hind. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and sides of the head dark grey ; chin, throat, and neck all round pale greyish white ; upper back dark chestnut ; lower back, scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts bright chestnut ; wings and tail black ; lower plumage chestnut, the middle of the abdomen whitish ; under tail-coverts black, with mesial white streaks and fulvous margins near the tip of the feathers ; axillaries and under wing-coverts chestnut-brown. Female. Resembles the male in general pattern of colour, but the head and neck are a darker grey, the chestnut of the upper and lower parts is paler, and the wings and tail are brown ; the under tail-coverts are brown instead of black, but marked in the same manner as in the male. Bill, orbits, and legs yellow; iris brown (Jerdori); legs dull yellow, iris dark brown (Godw.-Aust.). Length about 11; tail 4-3; wing 5'3 ; tarsus 1*3; bill from gape 1-2. This species and M. albicincta wrere at one time thought to be the same, but no one now doubts their distinctness from each other. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Sikhim. Godwin- Austen procured this species in the Tura range, Garo hills. Griffith appears to have obtained it in Assam. This Ouzel, accord- ing to Stoliczka (J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 35), comes to Kotgarh in the winter, and probably lives during the summer months in Central Asia and Eastern Tibet. This distribution has not, how- ever, been confirmed, and the nest of this species has been found at Kotgarh and Murree, showing that some birds at least remain in the Himalayas during the summer and at comparatively low levels. HaHttySfC. Associates in flocks (during the winter ?) according to Hutton. This species appears to construct its nest in banks, making it of moss and fern-leaves with a little earth, and lining it with grass. The eggs are pale green marked with brownish red and pinkish purple, and measure about 1*2 by *85. MKUFLA. 120 674. Merula fuscata. The Dusky Ouzel. Turdus i'uscatus, Pall. Zooyr. Rosso-Asiaf. i, p. 4-51, pi. xii (1811). 1'lunesticus fuscatus (Pott.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 530 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 159, xlv, pt. ii, p. 72. Turdus dubius, Bcchst. apud Hume, Cat. no. 3C6. Merula fuscata (Pall.}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 202. The Dusky Thrush, Jerd. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and nape are black, with narrow grey margins; the remaining upper plumage black, with broad rufous-grey margins, the rufous increasing in intensity towards the tail ; wing-coverts and quills blackish, each feather margined exteriorly with dull chestnut; tail black, very narrowly edged with rufous ; a distinct pale buff super- cilium from the nostril to the nape ; lores and ear-coverts black ; chin, throat, upper breast, and sides of the head and neck pale buff, with a few brown marks ; lower breast and sides of the body black, the former with narrow, the latter with broad, white margins ; abdomen white ; under tail-coverts brown, broadly edged with white ; axillaries and under wing-coverts dull chestnut. Female. Differs from the male in having the dark portions of the upper plumage brown, in having the chin and throat much spotted with black, and in having the black on the lower breast much less in extent. In the spring the margins on the upper plumage disappear, and these parts become nearly uniform black or brown. Some birds from Siberia, however, exhibit a large amount of rufous on the upper plumage even in the height of summer, the black or brown parts becoming very worn and faded. Young birds after the first autumn moult have the black centres to the feathers of the upper plumage smaller than in adults, the chin and throat very much streaked and spotted and less black on the lower parts. Iris dark brown ; bill horny brown, yellowish towards the base of the lower mandible; legs light brown (Wardlaiv-Ramsay} ; iris dark brown, bill black above, dull yellow below, legs dull brown (Godw.-Aust.). Length about 9'5 ; tail 3-5 ; wing 5 ; tarsus 1*25 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. A rare winter visitor to the north-eastern portion of the Empire. Hodgson procured this species in Nepal ; Godwin- Austen at Harmutti in the Daphla hills in Assam and on the peak of Japvo, the highest point of the Burrail range, at 10,000 feet ; Hume at Shillong and Dibrugarh in Assam, and AVardhuv-!v;imsay at Toungngoo in Burma. A specimen in the Hume Collection from the Bhutan Doars, referred to this species, appears to me to be M. atriyularis in immature plumage. This Ouzel summers in the eastern portion of Siberia, and is found in winter in Japan and China. Occasionally it wanders into Europe. VOL. II. K 130 TTTRDID^. 675. Merula ruficollis. The Red-throated Ouzel. Turdus ruficollis, Pall. Reis. Russ. Reichs. iii, p. 694 (1776) ; Blyth* Cat. p. 161 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 194 ; Hume, Cat. no. 364 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 53 ; Hume, 8. F. ix, p. 318, xi, p. 129. Planesticus ruficollis (Pall.}, Jerd. B. I. i, p. 528 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 102. Merula ruficollis (Pall.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 269. Turdus hyemalis (Dyboivski), apud Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 271. The Red-tailed Thrush, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage ashy brown, the shafts of the feathers of the crown dark ; wings dark brown, the outer webs suffused with ashy brown ; tail chestnut, the terminal half or third of the middle pair of feathers brown, the others suc- cessively with less black at the tip ; a narrow pale chestnut super- cilium ; lores and ear-coverts ashy brown ; cheeks, chin, throat, breast, and sides of the neck chestnut, the feathers of these parts immediately after the autumn moult very narrowly margined with white, and all but the very oldest birds with a row of black spots down each side of the throat ; remaining lower plumage white, the sides of the body mottled with brown ; under tail-coverts chestnut at base ; axillaries and under wing-coverts orange-brown. Female. Eesembles the male, but has the chestnut of the lower parts much paler, and the breast spotted with black. In very old females, however, these spots disappear, and the sexes are then very closely alike. Tarsi greyish fleshy ; feet fleshy brown ; upper mandible and tip of lower brown, rest of lower mandible, gape, and margins of upper mandible, except at tip, dull yellow ; iris hazel (Hume}. Length about 10 ; tail 4 ; wing 5'4 ; tarsus 1-3 ; bill from gape ri. Distribution. A winter visitor to the Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam. This species has also been observed in winter at G-oalpara in Assam, Sylhet, Cachar, the Khasi hills, and Mauipur. In winter this Ouzel occurs on the west in Afghanistan, and on the east in China. It summers in Siberia and Central Asia. 676. Merula boulboul. The Grey-winged Ouzel. Lanius boulboul, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 80 (1790). Turdus pcecilopterus, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 54 j Gould, Cent. pi. xiv. Merula boulboul (Lath}, Blyth, Cat. p. 162 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 196 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 525 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 35 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 234 ; id. Cat. no. 361 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 285 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 248 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 128 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 93. The Grey-winged Blackbird, Jerd. ; Kasturi, Hind. ; Patariya masaicha, Beng. ; Phoyiong pho, Lepch. ; Chomam, Bhut. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, wings and tail, MERULA. 131 the whole head, neck, and breast deep glossy black, except the tips of the median coverts, the outer webs of the greater coverts and tertiaries, and the margins of the outer webs of the later secon- daries, which are silvery ashy grey with a tinge of vinaceous ; lower plumage from the breast downwards, the axillaries, and under wing-coverts dull black, each feather narrowly margined with whitish. Fig. 37.— Head of M. boulboul. Female. Brownish ashy throughout with an olivaceous tinge, the marks on the wings, which are similar to those of the male in shape and disposition, being pale rufous. In the male the legs and feet are brownish in front, yellow behind ; bill coral-red, tip black ; iris brown ; edges of eyelids orange-yellow (Hume Coll.) : in the female the iris is hazel-red ; bill orange, horny at tip ; legs burnt sienna (Cockburn). Length about 11-5 ; tail 4-5 ; wing 5*7 ; tarsus 1'3 ; bill from gape 1-25. Distribution. A resident on the Himalayas from their bases up to 8000 feet, the range varying according to season. This Ouzel occurs from Murree to Sikhim ; it has also been obtained in the Bhutan Doars, the Khasi hills, Cachar, and Manipur. Habits, &fc. This Ouzel builds its nest sometimes on the ground in the hollow of a massive root or fallen trunk, and some- times, more frequently perhaps, on a ledge of rock or on the extremity of a thick branch, where it has been cut or broken off. The nest is constructed of moss and leaves, and little or no mud is used in the structure. The breeding-season lasts from April to August. The eggs, four in number, are dingy green thickly marked with reddish brown, and measure about 1*2 by '87. 677. Merula atrigularis. The Black-throated Ouzel. Turdus atrogularis, Temm.Man.tfOrn. ed.2, i, p. 169, pi. (1820); M/th, Cat. p. 101 ; Horsf. Sf M. Cat. i, p. 195 ; Hume, Cat. no. 80o. Planesticus atrogularis (jPewiw.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 529; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 35 ; Hume $ Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 192 ; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 140, viii, p. 286. Cichloides atrogularis (Temm.), Hume, 8. F. i, p. 179. &2 182 TTJRDID^. Merula atrigularis (Temm.), Barnes, Birds 'Bom. p. 173; Seebohm, Cat. S. M. v, p. 267. The Black-throated Thrush, Jerd. ; Mach-reycha, Beng. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the lores, cheeks, chin, throat, breast, and sides of the neck are black, each feather with a broad white margin ; rest of the underparts white, the sides of the body with ashy streaks ; under wing-coverts dull orange- brown ; axillaries rufous-grey; under tail-coverts dark brown tipped with white ; ear-coverts, the whole upper plumage, and the visible portions of the closed wings and tail greyish brown, the feathers of the crown centred with dark brown. Soon after the moult the white margins of the head, neck, and breast become reduced in width, and are altogether lost by summer, causing the parts to appear uniformly black. Female. Sides of the head and neck greyish brown like the upper plumage ; chin and throat whitish streaked with dark brown ; breast ashy brown spotted with black ; otherwise as the male. Legs and feet greyish brown ; bill blackish brown, dusky yellow at base of lower mandible ; iris blackish brown {Butler}. Length about 10 ; tail 3*8 ; wing 5'2 ; tarsus 1*3 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. A winter visitor to the Himalayas and the plains of Upper India. This species extends throughout the Himalayas from Hazara to Assam. In the plains it is found as far south as Karachi, Cutch, Delhi, and Dacca. Erom Assam it ranges south through the hill-tracts to Manipur. Jerdon speaks of this Ouzel as inhabiting the higher ranges of the Himalayas in summer. This statement has received no confir- mation since he made it ; but it is not improbably correct, as I have seen a specimen killed at Simla on the 14th August and one killed in Kashmir in May. The bulk of these Ouzels, however, if not all, retire north to Siberia to breed. In winter they are found in Central Asia and Afghanistan, but not to the east of Assam. 678. Merula unicolor. TickelTs Ouzel. Turdus unicolor, Tick. J. A. S. B. ii, p. 577 (1833). Petrocincla homochroa, Hodgs. in Grays Zool. Misc. p. 83 (1844). Turdus dissimilis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 144, part. (1847). Geocichla dissimilis, Blyth, Cat. p. 163 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 101. Geocichla unicolor (Tick.), Blyth, Cat. p. 163; Jerd, B. I. i, p. 519; Hume $ Renders. Lah. to Yark. p. 192 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 230; Ball, S. F. ii, p. 408, vii, p. 213 ; Hume, Cat. no. 356 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 283 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 171. Merula unicolor (Tick.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 271 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 96. The Dusky Ground-Thrush, Jerd. ; Desi pawai, Hind. ; Machasah, Beng. ; Poda paliaa, Tel. Coloration. Male. The upper plumage, sides of head and neck, and the visible portions of the closed wings and tail ashy grey ; MERIT LA. 133 lower plumage slaty grey, paler on the chin and becoming white on the abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts ; auxiliaries ashy grey, generally tinged with buff ; under wing-coverts chestnut-brown. Female. Upper plumage and sides of neck olive-brown ; wings and tail dark brown, the outer webs suffused with olive-brown ; lores blackish with a pale band above ; sides of the head mixed brown and fulvous ; chin and throat white, the sides streaked with black ; breast olivaceous, the upper part spotted with black ; sides of the body pale ochraceous ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white; axillaries and under wing-coverts chestnut-brown. In the male the iris is reddish, legs and feet light brownish (Hwne Coll.} ; in the female the bill is yellow with a few dusky cloudings ; iris brown ; eyelid greenish yellow ; feet vivid orange- yellow ; claws yellowish horny (Scully). Length about 9 ; tail 3-4 ; wing 4'7 ; tarsus 1-2 ; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. Found in summer throughout the Himalayas from Murree to Sikhim up to about 7000 feet. In the winter this species occurs throughout the plains of Northern India from Sincl to Bengal. So far as is known it extends at this season to Khandala, Raipur, and Orissa, and Jerdon records it even from the Eastern Ghats, a specimen from this latter locality being no win the British Museum. An Ouzel obtained at Belgaum in March, now in the Hume Col- lection, and referred to M. unicolor, is undoubtedly a specimen of M. obscura. Habits, $c. Breeds in the Himalayas in May and June, con- structing a nest of moss and fibres in trees. The eggs, three or four in number, are greenish white, spotted and freckled with rufous and measure 1/06 by '78. 679. Merula protomomelaena. The Black-busted Ouzel. Turdus dissimilis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 144, rf (1847) ; Godw.- Aust. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii,p. 142; Seebohm, S. F. viii,_p. 437. Geocichla dissimilis (Blyth), Blyth, Cat. p. 163, rf; Jerd. Ibis, 1872, p. 136, pi. vii ; Hume, Cat. no. 358 ; id. 8. F. ix, p. 103, xi, p. 126. Turdulus cardis (Temrn.), apud Jerd. B. I. i, p. 521. Turdus protomomelas, Cabanis, Journ.f. Orn. 1867, p. 286. Geocichla tricolor, Hume, Ibis, 1871, p. 411 ; id. S. F. iii, jp. 409. Merula protomomelrena (Cab.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 265. The Variable Pied Blackbird, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole head, neck, and upper breast black ; upper plumage, wings, and tail dark slate-colour ; sides of the lower breast, sides of the body, axillaries, and under wing-coverts bright orange-ferruginous ; middle of lower breast, abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white. Younger males have the upper wing-coverts tipped with rufous and some black spots on the red of the lower parts of the plumage. Female. The whole upper plumage olive-brown tinged with slaty ; wings and tail brown, suffused with olive on the outer webs ; sides 1 34 TUKDIDjE. of the head ashy brown, the shafts of the ear-coverts whitish ; chin and upper throat white streaked with brown, the streaks in- creasing in number at the sides ; upper breast olivaceous, spotted with black ; middle of lower breast, abdomen, vent, ,and under tail-coverts white ; sides of breast, sides of body," axillaries, and under wing-coverts bright orange-ferruginous. In the male the bill and orbital skin are yellow ; iris deep brown ; legs and feet dusky orange-yellow (Cripps}. In the female the legs, feet, bill, and eyelids are wax-yellow (flume) ; iris deep brown (Scully). Length about 9; tail 3-3; wing 4-7; tarsus 1-3; bill from gape 1-1. The synonymy of M. protomomelcena has been determined entirely by a careful perusal of the various original descriptions of the bird, which fortunately are sufficiently in detail to render the identification certain. Judging from Hume's remarks (S. E. ix, p. 103), any appeal to Blyth's types in the Indian Museum on this point must prove useless if not misleading. Blyth applied the name Turdus dissimilis to specimens of both j$f. unicolor ai\dM.^)rotomomelcena, confounding the two together, and consequently it is advisable to discard this name. Distribution. I have examined specimens of this Ouzel from Dibrugarh in Assam, the Tipperah hills and Manipur. Blyth appears to have procured it from the neighbourhood of Calcutta, and I know of no other locality for this species, which is probably a constant resident in the above-mentioned places. Scully (S. E. viii, p. 284) records a specimen of this Ouzel from Nepal, but judging from his description, in which a supercilium is mentioned, and the sides of the breast and flanks are referred to as ferruginous, there can be little doubt that the bird was M. obscura, which Hodgson procured in Nepal, one of his specimens being now in the British Museum. 680. Merula obscura. TJw Dark Ouzel. Turdus ohscurus, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i; p. 816 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 251 ; Hume, Cat. no. 369 his ; id. S. F. xi, p. 130. Turdus pallens, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. i, p. 457 (1811). Turdus rufulus, Drap. Diet. Class. (THist. Nat. x, p. 443 (1826) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 401. Turdus modestus, Eyton, P. Z. S. 1839, p. 103. Turdus javanicus?, Horsf., Blyth, Cat. p. 161. Geocichla dissimilis (Blyth}, Scully, S. F. viii, p. 284, Merula obscura (Gm.), Seebohm, Cat B. M. v, p. 273 ; Oates, B. B. i, j). 1. Geocichla unicolor (Tick.}, apud Butler, S. F. ix, p. 399. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage olive-brown : the forehead, crown, and nape in old birds tinged with ashy ; lores black ; a broad white supercilium from the lores to the nape ; chin, a patch at base of bill, and under the eye white ; ear-coverts and the whole throat dark slaty brown ; breast and sides of the body chestnut-brown ; MERULA. 135 abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white, the last basally mar- gined with brown ; wings and tail brown, suffused with olive on the outer webs ; axillaries and under wing-coverts slaty grey. Female. Resembles the male in general coloration, but has the crown always of the same colour as the upper plumage ; the lores and ear-coverts pale, the latter with whitish shafts ; the middle of the chin and throat white with a few minute brown streaks. Iris olive-brown ; eyelids greenish ; upper mandible dark brown ; lower mandible and gape yellow ; inside of mouth yellow ; legs yellowish brown ; claws horn-colour. Length nearly 9; tail 3-5; wing 4-8; tarsus 1-2; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. A winter visitor, more or less abundant, to the whole of Burma, the Andamans, Manipur, Shillong, Sikhim, and Nepal. An occasional straggler visits the plains of India, and in the Hume Collection there is a specimen procured at Belgaum in March. In the winter this species extends to China and to the Malay peninsula and islands, and it summers in Siberia. 681. Merula subobscnra. Salvador's Ouzel. Merula subobscura. Salvador!. Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) i, p. 413 (1889). Coloration. Similar to Merula obscura but larger, with the white superciliary band less conspicuous, the sides of the body paler ochraceous, and the proportion of the primaries different. The type of this species, the only specimen known, was procured by Mr. 1'ea at Taho in the Karen hills, north-east of Toungngoo, in March. It is an adult male. The measurements of this specimen are : length 10 ; tail 3'8 ; wing 5-25 ; tarsus 1'2; bill from gape 1. The third and fourth primaries are subeqnal and longest ; the second shorter than the fifth and longer than the sixth. In M. olscura the third primary is the longest, the fourth is rather shorter than the third, and the second is between the fourth and fifth. I have examined the type of this species and I have failed to find any example of this Thrush from Burma in the British Museum series. 682. Merula feae. Feet's Ouzel. Turdus chrysolaus, Temm., apud Godiv.-Aust. J. A. 8. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 102, xli, pt. ii, p. 143. Turdulus pallens (rail.}, apud Godw.-Amt. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 178. Turdus pallidus, Gmel., apud Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 196 ; Hume $ Dav. 8. F. vi, p. 253 ; Hume, Cat. no. «(}'.) tt>r : id. S. F. xi, p. 130. Merula pallida, GmeL, apud Oates, B. B. i, p. 2. Merula feae, Sakadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) v, p. 514 (1887), p. 610 (1888). Turdus subpallidus, Hume, S. F. xi, p. 132 (1888). 136 Coloration. Resembles M. olscura, but differs in the following respects : — the breast and sides of the body in both sexes are slaty grey, not chestnut-brown ; the upper plumage in both sexes is russet-brown, not olive-brown ; the crown in the adult male is never darker than the other upper parts ; the sides of the head and the sides of the chin and throat are russet-brown, not slaty brown ; and in the adult male the throat itself is slaty grey, not slaty brown. Iris deep chocolate ; bill black ; legs pale cloudy brown ( Wardlaw Ramsay) ; legs and feet brownish yellow ; bill blackish brown, yellow at gape and on base of lower mandible ; iris brown (Hume). Of the same dimensions as M. obscura. This Ouzel resembles M. pallida, Ginelin, but may be instantly distinguished from that species by the presence of a supercilium, which is altogether absent in M. pallida. The latter inhabits Eastern Asia and may occasionally visit Burma. Distribution. Shillong and Cherra Poonjee ; Japvo peak in the Naga hills at 10,000 feet; Manipur; Karennee at 5000 feet; Muleyit mountain in Tenasserim. All the specimens of this species that I have examined from the above localities were procured in the winter months, but this Ouzel is not unlikely to prove a resident species in those parts. G-enus CKEOCICHLA, Kuhl (teste Gould), 1836. In the Thrushes of this genus the sexes are different and the under wing-coverts and axillaries are each of two colours, the position of the two colours on the under wing-coverts being transposed on the axillaries. From Merula this genus differs in having a somewhat blunter wing and shorter tail. The underside of the wing presents a pattern formed by the white bases of many of the quills. Key to the Species. a. No chestnut on lower plumage. a'. Upper tail-coverts margined with white . . G. wardi, p. 137. b'. No white on upper tail-coverts G. sibirica, p. 138. b. Lower plumage almost entirely chestnut. c'. Median wing-coverts broadly tipped with white. «". Chin and throat white G. cyanonotus, p. 139. b". Chin and throat chestnut like the breast. G. citrina, p. 140. d\ Median wing-coverts without white tips. c". Chin and throat chestnut G. innotata, p. 141. «T. Chin and throat white G. albiyularis, p. 142. e" Chin white, throat chestnut G. anflamanensis, [p. 142. GEOCICHLA.. 137 683. Geocichla wardi. The Pied Ground-TJirusli. Turdus wardii, JenL J. A. S. B. xi, p. 882 (1842) ; id. III. Ind. Om. pi. viii ; Lc(/qe, Birds Ceyl. p. 453. Merula wardiV (Jerd.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 163 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat, i, p. 402. Turdulus wardii (Je.rd.\ Jerd. B. I. i, p. 520 ; Hume, Cat. no. 357 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 172. Cichloselys wardii (Jerd.}, Hume, N. fy E. p. 231. Oreocincla pectoralis, Legge, S. F. iv, p. 244. Geocichla wardi (Jerd.}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 178 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 97. Ward's Pied Blackbird, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole head, neck, breast, upper plu- mage, wings, and tail black ; the lesser and median wing-coverts very broadly tipped with white ; the greater wing-coverts and quills tipped with white, except the earlier primaries, which, with the primary-coverts, are partially margined with white ; the rump and upper tail-coverts with crescentic white tips; tail with a con- siderable amount of white, increasing in extent from the middle feathers to the outer ; a wrhite supercilitnn to the nape ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; sides of the body and the axillaries white, each feather with a subterminal black bar ; under wing-coverts black tipped white. Female. Upper plumage and wings olive-brown, all the wing- coverts and tertiaries with buff tips, the outer webs of the quills suffused with russet, the longer feathers of the rump and upper tail-coverts tipped with dull white ; tail olive-brown, the portion next the shafts darker, the four outer pairs of feathers tipped white ; a broad buff supercilium to the nape ; sides of the head and of the throat mixed buff and black ; chin nearly plain white ; middle of throat and the upper breast pale huffish white, each feather margined with dark brown ; lower breast, upper abdomen, and sides of the body barred with olivaceous and suffused wit h ochraceous ; middle of abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white. Iris brown; bill ochre-yellow, the tip of upper mandible black ; legs and feet fleshy ochre (Hume). Length about 8'5 ; tail 3'3 ; wing 4-5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape 1'15. Distribution. Summers in the Himalayas from the Sutlej valley to Sikhim and the Bhutan Doars up to 6000 or 7000 feet ; \vint crs in Southern India and Ceylon. The chief winter-quarters of this species appear to be the Nilgiris and other hill-ranges down to Cape Comorin and Ceylon. It must necessarily occur over a great part of India when migrating, but it has seldom been observed at that period. Major Lloyd records it from the Konkan, and Jerdon from Nellore in the Carnatic. Habits, Sfc. Brooks remarks that this species has a strange song of two notes and quite unmusical. It breeds in the Himalayas from May to July, constructing a nest of moss and fibres, with or 138 without mud, in the branch of a tree, and lays four eggs, which are described as being pale green marked with purple and brownish red, and measuring about 1 by -72.* 684. Greocichla sibirica. The Siberian Ground-Thrush. Turdus sibiricus, Pall. Reis. ~Russ. Reich, iii, p. C94 (1776) ; Hume, Cat. no. 369 quat. Oreocincla inframarginata, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xxix, p. 106 (1860) ; Ball, S. F. i, p. 70 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 223. Turdulus davisoni, Hume, S. F. v, pp. 63, 136 (1877). Turdulus sibericus (Pall.), Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, pp. 255, 513 ; Humet S. F. xi, p. 132. Geocichla sibirica (Pall.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 180; Gates, B. B. i, p. 4. Coloration. Male. The fully adult has the whole plumage slaty black, the margins of the feathers paler ; the outer three pairs of tail-feathers narrowly tipped with white ; a broad white super- cilium to the nape ; the under tail-coverts tipped with white ; axillaries white tipped with dark ashy, and the under wing-coverts ashy tipped white. Males after the second autumn moult are bluish slaty instead of slaty black, but the middle of the abdomen * GEOCICHLA AVENSIS. Turdus avensis, Gray, Griffith's ed. Cuvier, vi, p. 530, pi. (1829). Geocichla avensis (Gray), Hume, 8. F. viii, p. 39 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 167. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck bright chestnut ; upper plumage, wings, and tail dark slaty brown, the lesser and median wing-coverts almost entirely white, and the greater coverts tipped with white ; lores, cheeks, and a portion of the ear-coverts white ; remainder of the head, throat, and upper breast black ; lower breast, abdomen, and sides of the body white spotted with black ; middle of abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; axillaries white tipped black ; under wing-coverts black tipped white. Wing 4'2 ; tail 2'5. It is not known how the sexes differ. The above description probably applies to the male only. The only record of the occurrence of this species within Indian limits is the statement of Gray that the plate of G. avensis in his work was taken by Mr. Crawfurd from a specimen procured at Ava. Until this habitat is con- firmed, I think it preferable merely to notice this species and thus draw atten- tion to it. This species has never been observed in Burma again since Crawfurd's time. I have little doubt that G. avensis is the same bird as G. interpres, Kuhl. The two species are said to differ only in one slight respect. G. avensis has the greater wing-coverts plain, and G. interpres has them tipped with white ; but as all we know of the former bird is derived from Gray's figure, too ^much reliance must not be placed on this character. Hume received a specimen of a Thrush from the Malay peninsula (Kumbow) which he identified with G. avensis. On examining this specimen, which is now in the British Museum, I find that the greater wing-coverts are wanting or in part moulting, and that the new sprouting feathers of this part appear to be tipped with white. The specimen is by no means a good one for the purpose of deciding the question of the identity or difference of the two species, which must for the present remain unsettled. GEOCICHLA. 139 is white ; and the distribution of white marks is the same as in the fully adult. Males after the first autumn moult are similar to those just described, but the centres of the feathers of the upper abdomen and sides of the body are white and the tips darker than the other parts, causing a barred appearance ; they have also a rufous band across the breast, the remains of the nestling plumage. The nestling is unknown. Female. The whole upper plumage, wings, and tail olive-brown with a slaty tinge on the rump ; the wing-coverts tipped with buff ; the outer webs of quills tinged with rufescent ; the outer tail-feathers narrowly tipped white ; an indistinct buff supercilium to the nape ; sides of the head mixed brown and buff ; cheeks buff bordered below by a dusky stripe ; chin and throat buff ; breast pale buff, the feathers tipped and margined with brown ; middle of abdomen white ; sides of the body olivaceous brown obsoletely barred darker; under tail-coverts white with basal brown margins ; axillaries white tipped olive-brown ; under wing-coverts olive- brown tipped white. Adult males have the bill black ; iris deep brown ; front of legs, feet, and claws greenish yellow ; back of legs dirty yellow. Females have the iris dark brown ; the upper mandible very dark brown ; the lower mandible and gape to angle of gonys dirty yellow ; legs, feet, and claws orange-yellow (Hume 3f Davison}. Length about 9 ; tail 3'6 : wing 4-8 ; tarsus I'l ; bill from gape 1*1. Distribution. A winter visitor to the eastern portions of the Empire. This species has been obtained on Muleyit and Nwalabo mountains in Tenasserim ; at Toungngoo ; in Karennee ; and in Manipur. It has also occurred in the Andamans, a female speci- men from these islands having been named 0. inframaryinata by Blyth. In winter this bird is found from China to Java, and it summers in Siberia and Japan. 685. Geocichla cyanonotus. The White-throated Ground- Thrush. Turdus cyanotus, Jard. $ Sclby, III. Orn. i, pi. xlvi (1828). Geocichla cyanotus (J. $ S.), Blyth, Cat. p. 163 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 101 ; Jcrd. B. I. i, p. 517 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xxxviii, pt. ii, p. 179; Hume, J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 118; id. N. 8f E. p. 229 ; id. Cat. no. 354 ; Davison, S. F. x, JD. 374 ; Seebphm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 172; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 1/1 ; Oates, in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 98. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck and sides of the neck, breast, abdomen, and sides of the body golden rufous, the crown tinged with greenish ; vent and under tail-covert s white ; back, rump, upper tail-coverts, scapulars, and wing-coverts slaty blue; the median wing-coverts broadly tipped with white; quills dark brown, margined on the outer webs with pale slaty; tail slaty blue, the outer feathers tipped pale ; lores, cheeks, chin, ] 40 and throat white ; an oblique brown band from the eye down- wards, succeeded by a baud of white behind it running down the neck, and by another brown band running through the middle of the ear-coverts, followed again by a narrow white patch ; axillaries white, tipped with ashy fulvous; under wing-coverts slaty blue, tipped with white ; a large patch of white on the underside of the quills. Female. Differs from the male in having the back, scapulars, the outer webs of the secondaries, and many of the wing-coverts suffused with olive-green. Iris dark brown ; bill black ; feet fleshy ; claws dusky (Fair- bank}. Length about 8*5 ; tail 3 ; wing 4*1 ; tarsus 1*2 ; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. The southern half of the peninsula of India, from about north latitude 24° to Travancore. This species appears to be resident or very locally migratory within the above-defined area, and to be found up to 4000 feet. Habits, fyc. Breeds from June to September, making a nest apparently very similar to that of G. citrina, but using mud in its construction. The eggs are pale bluish or greenish white marked with rufous, and measure about 1 by '75. 686. Geocichla citrina. The Orange-headed Ground- Thrush. Turdus citrinus, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 350 (1790). Geocichla citrina (Lath.), Blyth, Cat. p. 163 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 189; Jerd. B. I. \, p. 517 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 229 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 250 ; Hume, Cat. no. 355 ; Leyge, Birds Ceyl. p. 457 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 283 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 172 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 3; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 171 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 100. Geocichla layardi, Wald. A. M. N. H. (4) v, p. 416 (1870); Hume, S. F. iii, p. 401. Coloration. Male. The whole head, neck, and lower parts as far as the vent orange-chestnut, darker on the crown and paler beneath ; vent, thighs, and under tail-coverts pure white ; back, scapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, and lesser wing-coverts bluish grey, the edges of the feathers paler ; median wing-coverts broadly tipped white, forming a conspicuous spot ; remaining coverts and the quills dark brown, edged exteriorly with bluish grey ; tail ashy brown indistinctly cross-barred ; axillaries white, tipped with grey ; under wing-coverts ashy tipped with white ; a large white patch on the underside of the quills. Female. Of a paler chestnut throughout ; the back and scapulars greenish brown with yellowish margins ; upper tail-coverts and the outer webs of the feathers of the wings and tail suffused with green. Bill very dark brown, the gape and the base of the lower mandible GBOCIOHLA. 141 flesh-colour ; inside of mouth flesh-colour ; eyelids slate-colour ; iris dark hazel ; legs fleshy pink ; claws pink. Length nearly 0 ; tail 3 ; wing 4'6 ; tarsus 1-3 ; bill from I'l. Distribution. Found in summer throughout the Himalayas from Murree to the extreme east of Assam up to 5000 or 6000 feet. At other times of the year this Thrush occurs sparingly in the plains of India, extending occasionally to Ceylon, but it has not been known to occur in the Punjab, Eajputana, Sind, or (Tiizerat, and it appears to be extremely rare in the west and south of the peninsula. This bird is more abundant to the east, being found throughout the whole country stretching from Assam to Tenas- serim, where a considerable number remain the whole year and breed. This species extends down the Malay peninsula as far as Tongkah, but does not otherwise occur outside the limits of the Empire. Habits, $'c. Breeds on the Himalayas and also in Burma from April to July, constructing a large nest of coarse grasses, roots, and fibres, in a bush or low tree, and laying three or four eggs, which are greenish white freckled with rufous, and measure about 1 by -77. 687. Geocichla innotata. The Malay Ground-Thrush. Geocichla innotata, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xv, p. 370 (1846), xvi, p. 146 ; id. Cat. p. 103 ; Ball, S. F. i, p. 69 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 250 ; Hume, S. F. viii, p. CO ; id. Cat. no. 355 ter ; Scebohm, S. F. ix, p. 99 ; id. Cat. B. M. v, p. 176. Coloration. Eesembles Gt citrina, and differs only in entirely wanting the white tips to the median wing-coverts. Iris intense rich brown ; bill black, whitish plumbsous at base of lower mandible ; legs dull white tinged with pink, especially on the feet (Wardlaw Ramsay). Of the same size as 0. citrina. I look upon this species as quite distinct from G. citrina. In the large series of this latter bird in the British Museum, I fail to find a single specimen from any part of India or Burma north of Amherst without the white tips to the wing-coverts. From Amherst southwards to Malacca spotless birds occur — as far as Tongkah in company with G. citrina, but south of that place by themselves. Distribution. G. innotata occurs at Amherst, Toungya, Banka- sun, and Malawun in Tenasserim ; in Karennee ; and down the Malay peninsula as far at least as Malacca. There are no grounds for the belief that this species occurs in the Andamaus or Mcobars. Young birds shot in Tenasserim in September and October show that this species breeds in Burma. 142 688. Geocichla albigularis. The Nicobar Ground-Thrush. Geocichla albogularis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 146 (1847) ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 221 (part.) ; id. S. F. iv, p. 289 (part.) ; id. Cat. no. 355 bis (part.) ; Seebohm, S. F. ix, p. 99 ; id. Cat. B. M. v, p. 175. Coloration. Resembles G. citrina, sex for sex, but differs in having the chin and throat white, and the lores and cheeks also whitish ; the median wing-coverts are not tipped with white ; the under tail-coverts are much tipped and otherwise marked with greenish or slaty brown ; and the chestnut of the hind neck descends on to the upper back. The colour of the bill &c. does not appear to have been re- corded. Length about 8-5 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 4 ; tarsus 1-2 ; bill from gape 1-05. Distribution. The Nicobar Islands. 689. Geocichla andamanensis. The Andaman Ground-thrush. Geocichla albogularis, Blyth, apud Wald. Ibis, 1874, p. 138 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 221 (part.), iv, p. 289 (part.) ; id. Cat. no. 355 bis (part.). Geocichla andamanensis, Wald. A. M. N. H. (4) xiv, p. 156 (1874) ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 495 j Seebohm, S. F. ix, p. 100 ; id. Cat. B. M. v, p. 175. Coloration. Resembles G. citrina. Differs in having the forehead, crown, and nape suffused with brown, in having no white tips to the median wing-coverts, and in having the chin white. From G. albigularis it differs in having the forehead, crown, and nape suffused with brown, and the throat chestnut. Iris umber-brown ; bill horny brown, whitish at base of lower mandible ; legs fleshy white ( Wardlaw Ramsay). Length rather more than 8 ; tail 2*9 ; wing 4-1 ; tarsus !•£ ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. The Andaman Islands. Genus PETROPHILA, Swains., 1837. The genus Petrophila contains those Rock-Thrushes which have a short wing and a comparatively long tail. The males have the under wing-coverts and axillaries entirely of one colour and the lower plumage blue, chestnut, or black, or a combination of these colours. The females have the lower plumage squaniated or irregularly barred and the under wing-coverts and axillaries also barred. The Rock-Thrushes frequent open rocky ground and are generally solitary in their habits. They make their nests in holes of walls and rocks. PETROPHILA. 143 Key to tlie Species.* a. Lower plumage of two colours, black or billy with chestnut. a'. Chin and throat black P. erythrogastra <5, p. 143. b'. Chin and throat blue. a". Large white patch on wing. ... P. cmdorkyncha J, p. 144. //'. No white patch on wing P. solitaria cJ, p. 145. b. Lower plumage almost uniformly of one colour, barred or squamated with black or brown. c'. Upper plumage blue or suffused with blue. c". Under wing-coverts and ax- illaries blue, narrowly tipped white P. cyanus J , p. 140. d". Under wing-coverts and axil- Uries barred with black or , p Maria ? _ p J45 d'. Upper plumage olke-brown.' " ' ' P~ c'JanUS ? ' *' 146' c" . 13ack and rump barred ; wing o. P. erythrogastra $ , p. 143. f". Back plain, rump barred ; wing4. P. cinclorhyncha £ , p. 144. <>'JO. Petrophila erythrogastra. The Chestnut-bellied Rock- Thrush. Turdus erythrogaster, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 171 ; Gould, Cent. pi. xiii. Petrocincla erythrogastra ( Viy.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 164 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 185. Orocetes ervthrogastra (FiY/.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 514; Wardlaw Ramsay, P. Z. S. 1876, p. 077 ; id. Ibis, 1877, p. 463. Petrophila erythrogaster ( Viy.}, Hume, N. fy E. p. 227 ; id. Cat. no. 352 j Scully, S. F. viii, p. 282 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 102. Monti cola erythrogaster ( Vig.\ Seebohm. Cat. B. M. v,p. 325; Oates, />'. B. i, p. 10. The Chestnut-bellied Thrush, Jerd. j Ninyri-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult, the lores, sides of the head and neck, and the mantle black, each feather margined with whitish ; remaining upper plumage brilliant cobalt-blue ; lesser and median coverts brown edged with cobalt-blue ; greater coverts and quills brown edged with duller blue ; tail bluish brown ; chin and throat black overlaid with blue; remainder of lower plumage maroon-chestnut. The white edges to the black portions of the plumage soon wear off, and in spring and summer these parts are usually black. Female. Dull olive- brown, the feathers of the back, scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts with wavy black bars and paler fringes ; * I cannot identify Petrocincla castancocollis, Lesson, Kev. Zool. 1840, p. 166, described as occurring in the Himalayas. Seebohm does not refer to this species in his Catalogue of the Thrushes. Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, p. 34 note, suggests that the type was a young Monticola saxatUis. 144 TFRTJIDTE. lores, centre of chin and throat, a patch on the side of the neck, and a broad but ill-defined cheek-stripe buff, each feather more or less fringed with black ; ear-coverts black with mesial buff streaks ; greater coverts and quills more or less margined white ; tail plain brown ; lower plumage, axillaries, and under wing-coverts barred with black and buff. In the male the bill is black ; gape yellow ; iris dark brown ; feet vinous brown or black ; claws blackish : in the female the bill is dusky ; mouth and gape yellow ; iris brown ; tarsus dark brown ; toes blackish (Scully}. Length about 9*5; tail 4'2; wing 4'9 ; tarsus !•! ; bill from gape 1-2. Distribution. A permanent resident in the Himalayas from Chamba to Bhutan ; the Khasi hills ; Cachar ; Manipur ; the mountains east of Toungngoo. This species extends into Western China. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to July, constructing a nest on the ground under a rock or stump or in a hole in a bank, and laying three eggs, which measure about 1 by '75, and are described by Hodgson as being somewhat buff-coloured. 691. PetropMla cinclorhyncha. The Blue-Jieaded Rock-Thrush. Petrocincla cinclorhyncha, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 172. Phoenicura cinclorhyncha ( Vig.\ Gould, Cent. pi. xix. Mouticola cinclorhvncha ( Vig.), Blyth, Cat. p. 164 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 320 ;" Gates, B. B. i, p. 9 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 170. Jerd. id. Cat. no/353 ; Scully, S. F. via, p." 282; Oates in Hume's N. '$ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 103. The Blue-headed Chat-Thrush, Jerd.; Krishen patti, Nepal. Coloration. Male. Head, from the nostrils to the nape, and the lesser wing-coverts, the chin, throat, and cheeks cobalt-blue ; lores, under the eye, ear-coverts, sides of neck, back, and scapulars black ; primaries black, all but the first two edged exteriorly with blue ; secondaries black, each with a white patch on the outer web ; tertiaries wholly black ; greater coverts black, edged with faint blue ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and lower plumage, with the axillaries and under wing-coverts, chestnut ; tail blackish, edged faintly on the outer webs with bluish. In autumn most of the feathers of the black and blue portions of the plumage are fringed with pale buff and these fringes are dropped in spring and summer plumage. Female. The whole upper plumage is olive-brown tinged with ochraceous, especially on the rump and upper tail-coverts, which are also barred with black ; wings brown, the quills ochraceous on the outer web, and the tertiaries and later secondaries margined with white ; chin and throat nearly white ; sides of the head mottled with white and brown ; remainder of lower plumage white, tinged with ochraceous on the breast, and the whole, with the exception of the PETROPHILA. 5 abdomen, barred with dark brown; under tail-coverts white \\itli blackish streaks. 13111 brownish black, the gape bright yellow ; tarsi dusky slaty ; the toes brownish black ; claws blackish horny (Scully). Length about 7*5 ; tail 2*8 ; wing 4 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape 1*1 . Distribution. Found in summer throughout the Himalayas from Afghanistan and Kashmir to Bhutan; in winter throughout the plains of India as far south as Coorg, the Nilgiris and probably to Cape Comorin. This species in the winter months is more fre- quent on the hill-ranges of Western India than elsewhere, but it is known to occur in almost all parts of the peninsula from. Sind to Bengal. Blylh records it from Arrakan. Habits, cj-c. Breeds in the Himalayas from 4000 to 8000 feet from April to June, constructing a cup-shaped nest of moss and dead leaves at the root of a tree, in a hole in a bank or in an old wall. The eggs, four in number, are pinkish white, densely IVeekled witli brown and rufous, and measure about '92 by *72. 092. Petrophila solitaria. The Eastern Blue Roclc-Thrmli. T urclus solitnrius, P. L. S. Mii/fcr, A>/.< Nat., Anlumy, p. 142 (1770). Tiirtlus manillensis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 833 (17ss). Petrocincla manillensis (Gm.),Blyth, Cat. p. 164; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 188. Cyanocincla solitaria (MiiU.\ Hume 8f Lav. S. F. vi, p. 248 ; Hume, Cat. no. 3olbis; id. S. F. xi, p. 125. Monticola solitaria (Mull), Scebohm, Cat. JB. M. v, p. 319. Coloration. Male. The whole head, neck, breast, upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts bright blue, most of the feathers \\ithsmal white tips and subterminal black spots ; median, greater, and primary coverts blackish, edged with blue and tipped with white; quills and tail black, edged with bluish and each feather very narrowly tipped white; abdomen, vent, under tail-covert, axil- laries, and under wing-coverts chestnut, with narrow white fringes and black subterminal bars ; thighs and flank-feathers adjacent to them blue. At the end of winter the white fringes and subterminal black bars on the blue parts of the plumage are entirely lost, and the marks on the chestnut parts are also removed by abrasion in great measure, but never entirely. Female. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts are avery dull blue, most of the feathers being fringed with white and with a subterminal black bar, and the feathers of the back with black shafts ; quills and remaining wing- coverts dark brown, edged with dull blue and tipped white ; the whole lower plumage and the sides of the head and neck pale buffy white, each feather subterminally margined with black ; the under wing-coverts axillaries, and under tnil-co\vr1> snlViiM-d \\ith rufous and irregularly barred with black. In summer all tin- margins of the feathers become abraded, causing the plumage to become more uniform. VOL. II. L 146 TUHDID^E. The nestling resembles the adult female, but has the margins of the feathers more extended, causing a squamated appearance. The young male assumes the chestnut of the adult very rapidly and acquires the greater part of it before the autumn moult. The females and young of this and the next species cannot be discriminated with certainty ; but the females of P. solitaria are generally suffused with rufous on the under wing- and tail-coverts. Length about 9*5 ; tail 3*4 ; wing 4-9 ; tarsus 1*2 ; bill from gape 1-2. Birds of this species in typical plumage are only found in Japan and the islands of the China seas. Further west the males always exhibit some admixture of blue with the chestnut of the lower parts. The only bird killed within Indian limits that I have been able to examine at all approaching a typical Japan bird is from the Anda- inans. On examining all the available specimens of Blue Rock- Thrushes killed in the Indian Empire, I find that out of 102 birds from the west of the longitude of Calcutta only 8 exhibit a trace of red ; of 30 specimens from Assam down to Rangoon, only 7, and out of 72 Tenasserim birds only 27 show any red. This red is generally present on the under tail-coverts, and only in a few- cases extends to the abdomen in varying quantities. The cause of this variation is unknown, but may be attributed either to climatic causes or to the interbreeding of P. cyanus with P. solitaria. Distribution. Birds exhibiting red in the lower plumage are found in Nepal, Sikhim, Dacca, Cachar, the whole of Burma and the Andamans. This species visits the Empire in the winter only, and at this season is found also in Southern China, extending down to the Malayan islands. It breeds in Japan and Northern China. 693. Petrophila cyanus. The Western Blue Itock-Tlimsli. Turdus cyanus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 296 (1766). Petrocincla pandoo, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 87 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 186. Petrocincla cyaneus (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 164. Petrocincla affinis, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xii, p. 177* (1843) ; id. Cat. p. 164 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 187. Petrocossyphus cyaneus (Linn.}, Jerd. B. I. i, p. 511 ; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 190. Cyanocincla cyanus (Linn.), Hume, N. 8f E. p. 226 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 247 ; Hutne, Cat. no. 351. Mouticola cyanus (Linn.), Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 611 ; Legc/e, Birds Ceyl p. 460 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 316 ; Gates. B. B. i, p. 11 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 169. Petrophila cyana (Linn.}, Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 105. The Blue Rock- Thrush, Jerd. ; Shama, Hind, in the South ; Pandu, Mahr. ; Poda kachi pitta, Tel. ; Ninyri-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. After the autumn inoult the whole plumage is bright blue, most of the feathers with white fringes and sub- terminal dark bars ; a supercilium, the cheeks, throat, and ear- coverts brighter than the other parts ; lores blackish ; wings and MO.NTJCOLA. 147 tail dark brown, the ijuills all tipped with white and edged with Muish. In summer most, if not all, of the whitish fringes and subterminal bars are cast, and the bird is nearly uniform blue. Female. After the autumn moult the upper plumage, together with the wings and tail, resemble the same parts in the male, but are of a very dull blue ; the lower plumage is pale buffy white, each feather subterminally margined with black, the under wing- coverts, axillaries. and under tail-coverts barred with black. In summer most of the whitish fringes and black bars are lost. The nestling closely resembles the adult female, but has the white fringes to the feathers broader. Iris hazel ; eyelids plumbeous ; bill blackish hora ; mouth yellow ; feet black ; claws dark horn. Length about 9-5; tail 3-4; wing 4-9; tarsus 1-2; bill from gape 1*2. Distribution. This species, without any admixture of red in the lower plumage, is found in the winter throughout the whole Em- pire. It extends to Southern Europe and Northern Africa. The birds which are found in India and Burma appear to breed in Afghanistan, Kashmir, and probably other parts of the Himalayas, Turkestan, Tibet, and Western China. JIafnis, $c. This Hock-Thrush frequents open, and by preference rocky, country, and it is not unfrequently found near buildings. Colonel C. H. T. Marshall found a nest of this bird at Murree in a low stone wall in June. The eggs are described as pale blue speckled with brownish red, and measured about 1*1 by "75. Genus MONTICOLA, Boie, 18±>. The genus Moidkola differs from Petropliila in the proportion between the length of the wing and tail, the former in Monticola being twice the length of the latter. The Thrushes of the two are quite alike in habits and in general type of coloration. 694. Monticola saxatilis. The Rock-Thrush. Turdus saxatilis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 294 (1706). Monticola saxatilis (Linn.), Blyth, Cut. p. 1(55; Blanf. Ibis, 1870, p. 4C6 ; Hume $ Hmders. Lah. to Turk. p. 190 ; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 139; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 379; id. Cat. no. 351 ter ; Bicldulph, Hi*, 1881, p. 53 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 439 ; Secbo/.m, Cat. B. M. v, p. 313. Orocetes saxatilis (Linn.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 189. Coloration. Male. The entire head and neck blue; back, scapu- lars, lesser wing-coverts, and rump blackish blue; the centre of the back occupied by a large white patch ; lower plumage, upper tail-coverts, and tail chestnut, the middle pair of tail-feathers \\iih their terminal half brown ; median and greater coverts and quills dark brown, the coverts and secondaries narrowly tipped with L2 148 TURDID^E. whitish. After the autumn moult the lower parts are fringed with white, and some of the feathers of the head with black. Female. Upper plumage brown, each feather with a blackish shaft-streak and a subterminal dark bar with a pale tip ; upper tail-coverts chestnut, similarly barred and tipped ; tail chestnut, the middle pair of feathers brown on their terminal half ; lower plumage dull white, suffused with rufous everywhere except on the throat, each feather with a wavy interrupted cross-bar near the tip ; under tail- and wing-coverts and the axillaries chestnut with indistinct white tips. Bill dusky, lower mandible yellow at base ; iris brown ; legs, feet, and claws black (Scully}. Length about 7'5 ; tail 2'5; wing 4'7 ; tarsus 1*1; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. Occurs in Gilgit at the autumn migration, the birds met with in this locality being chiefly young. Stoliczka obtained a specimen, probably of this species, near Dras. Blanford records this species from the banks of the Irrawaddy, near Ava, in Upper Burma. This Rock-Thrush has an extensive range from Northern Africa and Southern Europe through Asia to China. Its migration appears to be of very limited extent. Genus TURDUS, Linn., 1766. The genus Turdus contains those Thrushes in which the sexes are alike and the under wing-coverts and axillaries of one colour. The three Indian species of this genus are found in Europe (and in England) and are among the best known birds of the tribe. In Turdus both the wing and tail are long, and the latter is slightly graduated ; the bill is small, and there is no pattern on the underside of the wing. The Thrushes of this genus are good songsters ; they are found in well-wooded country; they make cup- shaped nests in trees, using mud in the construction, and they feed largely on berries and fruit. Key to tlie Species. 1 axillaries white. a . urown ana mantle Drown T. viscivorus, p. 1< b' '. Crown blue, mantle rufous T. pilaris, p. 150. ?. Under wing-coverts and axillaries rufous T. iliaeiis, p. 150. a. Under wing-coverts and axillaries white. a. Crown and mantle brown T. viscivorus, p. 148. 695. Turdus viscivorus. The Missel- Tlirusli. Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 291 (1766) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 160 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 194 ; Hume, Cat. no. 368 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 194 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 53 ; Scully, Ibis. 1881, p. 439 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed, ii, p, 106, TURDUS. 149 Turdus hodgsoni, Homeyer, Rhca, ii, p. 150 (1849) ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 531 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 3G ; Hume, N. # E. p. 236 ; Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 237, viii, p. 471. The Himalayan Missel-Thrush, Jerd. Fig. 38.— Head of T. viscivorus Coloration. Upper plumage greyish brown, the edges of the feathers paler, a tinge of oehraceous running through the rump and upper tail-coverts ; tail ashy brown, the exterior webs nar- rowly edged with white, and all the feathers tipped whitish, the middle pair narrowly, the others more and more ; wings brown, all the quills and coverts edged and tipped with fulvous white ; lores pale fulvous ; a whitish ring round the eye ; ear-coverts brown streaked with fulvous ; lower plumage pale buff, the chin and middle of the throat nearly spotless, the sides of the throat and the whole breast with triangular black spots, the abdomen and sides of the body with roundish spots ; the under tail-coverts broadly margined at the base with brown ; axillaries and under wing-coverts pure white. Birds in the summer with worn plumage are paler and greyer. Bill dark horny brown, paler on lower mandible, which is yel- lowish along the margins ; iris deep brown ; legs and feet palo yellowish brown; claws dark horny brown (Hume). Length nearly 12 ; tail 4'8 ; wing 6-4 to 6-8 ; tarsus 1'4 ; bill from gape 1*2. Birds from Europe have the wing generally under 6 inches and the bill slightly smaller, but do not otherwise differ from Hima- layan examples. Distribution. Occurs in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Nepal. All the dated specimens that I have seen from India were killed in the summer months. Scully states that this species is met with in the Grilgit district in summer at elevations of over 9000 feet, where it breeds ; and Biddulph writes that it was tolerably common in Gilgit during the severe winter of 1877-7^, but seldom comes so low down, keeping generally to the higher valleys, whore he found it in .Inly al 10,000 feet. The Missel-Thrush occurs in Europe, North Africa, and a considerable part of Asia. 1 50 TURDIJXE. Habits, tyc. Breeds in the Himalayas from April to June above 6000 feet. The nest is a large deep cup made of grass and dry leaves, with clay and mud, placed in trees. The eggs vary from pink to greenish grey ; they are marked with brownish red and purplish pink, and measure about 1*2 by *9. 696. Turdus pilaris. The Fieldfare. Turdus pilaris, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 291 (1766) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 161 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 194 ; Hume, Cat. no. 367 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 205. Planesticus pilaris (Linn.), Jerd. B. I. \, p. 530. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck slaty grey, the feathers with narrow brown tips and darker shafts ; back and scapulars chestnut-brown, with pale edges ; rump and upper tail- coverts slaty grey; tail dark brown, the outer feathers very nar- rowly tipped white ; wing-coverts dull rufous-brown with greyish margins ; winglet, primary-coverts, and primaries dark brown with narrow grey margins ; secondaries with the outer webs rufous, the inner brown ; lores and under the eye dark brown ; ear-coverts slaty grey ; traces of a pale supercilium extending as far as the ear-coverts; chin, throat, and breast bright buff streaked with black ; abdomen white ; sides of the body white, with large roundish rufous-brown spots ; axillaries and under wing-coverts pure white. The plumage of this bird in summer differs little from the plumage in winter, the loss of the margins of the feathers causing but little change. Bill yellow ; feet and legs black ; iris very dark brown (Seebohm). Length about 11 : tail 4 ; wing 5*5; tarsus 1-3 ; bill from gape M. Distribution. The Fieldfare, according to Jerdon, has occurred once at Simla, and Adams records it from Kashmir. The only specimen I have ever seen from India is one obtained by Dr. Jameson at Saharanpnr, and presented by him to the Indian Museum, from which it passed to the British Museum. It can only be considered a very rare winter visitor to the north-west of India. The Fieldfare has a wide range, being found from the Atlantic to the Tenesay river in Siberia, and coming south in winter as far as Turkestan on the east and North Africa on the west. 697. Turdus iliacus. The Redwing. Turdus iliacus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 292 (1766) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 161 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 532 ; Hume, Cat. no. 3C9 ; Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 189. The Reducing Thrush, Jerd. Coloration. The whole upper plumage and tail olive-brown ; the wings dark brown, all the feathers edged with olive-brown, the OREOCINCLA. 151 greater coverts most conspicuously so; a broad pale buff super- cilium from the bill to the nape; lores black; ear-coverts brown streaked with buff; chin, throat, and breast pale buff streaked with blackish ; middle of the abdomen white ; sides of the abdomen white streaked with brown ; flanks, axillaries, and under wing- coverts chestnut; under tail-coverts white, ba.sally margined witli brown. The summer plumage, resulting from the wear of the feathers at their margins, does not differ very much from the winter plumage. Bill dark brown ; legs pale ; iris brown (Seebohm). Length about 8'5; tail '3-3; wing 4'6 ; tarsus 1-2; bill from gape 1. Distribution. I have not been able to examine any specimen of Redwing procured in India, and I admit the species on the authority of Jerdon, who states that at the time he wrote it had been lately found in the N.W. Himalayas, but very rarely. " But at Kohtit, ' he adds, ** as I am assured by Mr. Blyth, according to a very good observer, the late Lieut. Trotter, it is a regular winter visitant in large flocks." The lied wing has even a larger range than the Fieldfare, being found in the Northern parts of Europe and Asia in summer from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and wandering south in the winter as far as Turkestan and Persia on the east, and Southern Europe on the west. Genus OREOCINCLA, Gould, 1837. In the genus Oreocincla the sexes are alike, the under wing- coverts and axillaries are each of two colours, those on the axillaiies being transposed or reversed in order on the under wing-coverts ; the lower plumage is distinctly barred or spotted, never squamated, and the rictal bristles are few and confined to the gape. The tail is typically short, and the upper tail-coverts very ample. There is a distinct pattern on the underside of the wing. The Thrushes of this genus are permanent residents in the tracts they inhabit, or very locally migratory. They are found in thickly wooded parts. The bill of the Thrushes of this genus varies much in shape and size. In 0. dauma, 0. mollissima, and 0. dixoni it is as small as in Turdus ; in 0. spiloptera it is larger and very deep ; and in 0. imbricata and 0. nilyiriensis it is extremely large and coarse, resembling the bill of Zoothera. Key to the Species. a. Feathers of upper plumage boldly tipped with crescentic black bars. a'. Ground-colour of lower plumage white a". Third and fourth quills equal and longest ; 152 second and fifth nearly equal, and about a quarter inch shorter than longest ; wing- 5'5 O. damna, p. 152. b". Third, fourth, and fifth quills equal and longest ; second rather shorter than sixth, and about half inch shorter than longest ; wing 5 O. nilyiriensis, p. 153. b'. Ground-colour of lower plumage ochraceous buff O. imbricata, p. 154. /-. Feathers of upper plumage plain without darker margins or tips. c' . Lower plumage with black crescentic tips ; wing over 5. c". Wing-coverts not tipped ; tail not ex- ceeding 4-3 O. mollissima, p. 154. d". Wing-coverts tipped ; tail about 4*7 . . O. dixoni, p. 155. d' . Lower plumage with black triangular spots ; wing about 4 O. spiloptera, p. 155. 698. Oreocinda daiima. Tlie Small-billed Mountain-ThrusJi. Turdus dauma, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 362 (1790). Oreocincla dauma (Lath.), Blyth, Cat. p. 160 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, -i r\f\ Y 1 T\ T * fOO TT ~\T 0 TTJ -_ rtOO _ 7~> _. 77 Or T7J Sf K 2nd ed. ii, p. 107. Geocichla dauma (Lath.), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 154 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 6. Coloration. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is ochraceous brown, each feather with a crescentic black bar at the tip, preceded by a fulvous patch ; wing-coverts with large bright fulvous tips, the median series blackish above the tips ; primary-coverts black, with a broad band of fulvous on the outer webs ; 'quills dark brown, margined on the outer web with fulvous ; the four middle tail-feathers olive-brown, the next three pairs blackish with white tips, the outermost feathers blackish, with the terminal third fulvous ; sides of the head pale fulvous variegated with black; chin, middle of throat, and middle of abdomen white; remainder of lower plumage white, tinged with fulvous, each feather with a terminal band of black, and with a subterminal lighter patch ; under tail-coverts white, some of the feathers tipped with black; axillaries with basal half white and terminal half black ; under wing-coverts black and terminally white. In summer the plumage becomes very dull, the fulvous parts fading to olive -brown. Upper mandible and middle of lower dark brown, remainder of bill pale brown, the gape tinged with orange ; inside of mouth yellowish ; eyelid and ocular region plumbeous ; iris dark hazel- brown ; legs and claws fleshy white. Length about 10-5; tail 3*8; wing 5*6; tarsus 1 '3 ; bill from gape 1-2. Distribution. The Himalayas from Hazara and Kashmir to Assam, OREOCINCLA.. 1 53 and thence down to the central parts of Tenasserim. This Thru-li is ;il so found in the plains of India, where it has been recorded from the North- West Provinces, Behar, Bengal, Chutia Na.sjpur, OrUsa, and Central India, extending, according to Jerdon, as far sou Mi as the Wynaad. It is doubtful to what extent this Thrush is migratory. It breeds throughout the Himalayas, and also occurs in those mountains in winter, and it is found throughout the year in the Dhoon. From the plains of India and from Assam to Tenasserim I have seen no specimens that were killed in the summer months ; but this is not improbably due to the inactivity of collectors during the latter part of the hot season and during the rains. On the whole I am inclined to think that this bird is resident on ah1 the hill-ranges wil hin its area of distribution, and merely descends to the adjoining plains in the winter. Habits, $c. Breeds in the Himalayas in May and June up to 7000 feet at least. The nest is a cup, constructed of moss and lined with fern-leaves, placed in a tree. The eggs, probably three in number as a rule, are greenish white, marked with bro\\ nish and reddish purple, and measure about 1'23 by '91.* ODD. Oreocincla nilgiriensis. The Nilgiri ThrusJi. Oreocincla nilgiriensis, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xvi, p. 141 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. ]60; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 534; Hume, S. F. iv, p. 399; id. Cat. no. 372 ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 374 ; Terry, S. F. x, p. 474 ; Dates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 107. Geocichla nilgiriensis (Blijth\ Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 157. Coloration. Resembles 0. dnuma in general appearance, but has the wing shorter and more rounded, the third, fourth, and fifth quills being about equal and longest, the second rather shorter than the sixth ; has a much larger bill, resembling that of Zoothera ; has the upper plumage more rufous, with the sub terminal pale patches hardly indicated, and the lower plumage less tinged with fulvous and whiter throughout. Legs, feet, and claws dark fleshy ; iris dark brown : upper man- dible blackish ; lower mandible brown, palest at base ; gape yellow * 698 a. OREOCINCLA VAUIA. White's Thrush. Turdus varius, Pall. Zoogr. Rosso-As. i. p. 449 (1811). Geocichla varia, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v. p. 151. So similar to 0. dnuma as to require no separate description, but much larger ;md \\iili 1 1 tail-Tea! hers. Iris brown ; upper mandible brown, lower pale ; legs whitish brown ( ff " ; bill from gape 1'5. Distribution. South-eastern Siberia and North China in summer ; South Japan, South China, and the Philippine Islands in winter. A male specimen was procured by Ward law Rain-ay at Toungngoo on January llth. 1X7<-. 154 TURDID^!. Length about 10'5; tail 3'6 ; wing 5-2 ; tarsus 1*2 ; bill from gape 1-5. Distribution. The hill-ranges of Southern India, from the Nilgiris to Travancore, above 2000 feet, where this Thrush appears to be a permanent resident. Habits, $~c. Represented to be a very fine songster. Breeds from March to June, constructing a nest of green moss in trees, and laying three eggs, which are greenish blue speckled with rusty brown, and measure 1'21 by *82. 700. Oreocincla imbricata. The Ceylon Thrush. Zoothera imbricata, Layard, A. M. N. H. (2), xiii, p. 212 (1854). Oreocincla gregoriana, Nevill, Hume, S. P. i, p. 437 (1873). Oreocincla imbricata (Layard}, Hume, Cat. no. 372 quat. ; Leyye, Birds Ceyl. p. 455, pi. xix. Geocichla imbricata (Layard}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. \, p. 159. Coloration. Resembles 0. dauma in general appearance, but has the upper plumage darker olive-brown, the tips of the feathers blacker, and the subterminal pale bars absent ; tips of wing-coverts inconspicuous ; the whole lower plumage a rich ochraceous buff, with the bars very black ; the bill is much larger, resembling that of a Zoothera. Iris brown ; bill blackish brown, paling at the base of the lower mandible ; legs and feet fleshy brown, some with a bluish tinge ; claws brownish at the tips (Legge). Length about 9'5; tail 3-2; wing 4-9; tarsus 1-1 ; bill from gape 1-4. Distribution. Confined to Ceylon, above 3000 feet. 701. Oreocincla mollissima. The Plain-backed Mountain- Thrush. Turdus mollissimus, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xi, p. 188 (1842). Oreocincla mollissima (Blyth}, Blyth, Cat. p. 160 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 193 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 533 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 36; Hume, Cat. no. 370; id. 8. F. xi, p. 132; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 108. Geocichla mollissima (Blyth}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v. p. 159. Phanaiok-kiok-pho, Lepch. ; Teliakanrim, Bhut. Coloration. The whole upper plumage rich olive-brown ; wings dark brown, the feathers all broadly edged with olive-brown, the median and greater coverts very narrowly and indistinctly tipped with fulvous ; the four middle tail-feathers olive-brown, the next three pairs blackish faintly tipped with white, the outermost pair black on the basal two thirds of the inner web, olive-brown else- where and tipped with white ; a ring of fulvous feathers round the eye ; sides of the head mingled black and fulvous ; chin, throat, breast, and sides of the body ochraceous, each feather with a terminal black band ; abdomen white, with similar bands ; under tail-coverts greenish brown streaked with white ; axillaries white OREOCINCLA. 155 broadly tipped with black ; under wing-coverts black, broadly tipped with white. The young after the first autumn moult appear to be tinged with rufous, and to have the spots on the wing-coverts larger than in the adult. Legs and feet yellowish fleshy ; claws horny brown ; bill dull black; base of lower mandible pale fleshy brown; iris deep brown (Hume). Length about 11 ; tail 3-8 to 4-2; wing 5-5 to 6; tarsus 1-4 ; bill from gape 1*2. Distribution. I have examined specimens of this Thrush from numerous localities in the Himalayas from Chamba to Darjiling, and from no other part. Godwin- Austen records it from the Khasi hills, and Hume is under the impression that he recognized this species in Manipur, but he was unable to secure a specimen. This Thrush ascends the Himalayas up to 6000 or 8000 feet in summer, and probably descends to the lower valleys in winter. Habits, fyc. The eggs of this species are described as being white marked with two shades of red, and measuring about K35 by -88. 702. Oreocincla dixoni. The Long-tailed Mountain-Thrush. Oreocincla mollissima (Blyth), apud Walden in Blyttts Birds Burm. p. 100 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 256 ; Wardlaw Ramsay, Ibis, 1877, p. 403. Geocichla dixoni, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 161 j Oates, B. B. i, p. 7. Coloration. Resembles 0. mollissima, but differs in having a much longer tail and large and distinct fulvous tips to the median and greater wing-coverts at all ages. Iris brown ; bill brown ; gape yellowish ; legs dull brownish yellow (Wardlaw Ramsay}. Of the same size as 0. mollissima, with the exception of the tail, which measures about 4'7. Distribution. I have examined specimens of this species procured in the hills north of Mussooree, in Nepal, at Darjiling, and in Karennee. 703. Oreocincla spiloptera. The Spotted-wing Thrush. Oreocincla spiloptera, Bh/th, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 142 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 100 ; Legge, S. F. ii'i, p. 367 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 382 ; id. Cat. no. 372 ter ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 109. Turdus spiloptera (Blytli), Leyge, Birds Ccyl. p. 451, pi. xix. Geocichla spiloptera (BlytJi), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 167. Coloration. Upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts rich olive- lirown tinged with russet; tail rusty olive-brown; wings dark brown, broadly edged with olive-brown, the median and greater coverts more or less black tipped with white ; lores whitish ; ear- coverts mixed white and black; lower plumage white, tinged with 156 grey on the sides of the breast and body ; the cheeks, sides of the throat and neck, the whole breast, and the upper half of the abdomen with fan-shaped or triangular black spots ; axillaries Fig. 39. — Head of Cr. sjj white, tipped with dark brown ; under wing-coverts dark brown, tipped with white. Iris brown ; eyelid leaden grey ; bill blackish, pale at gape ; legs and feet dusky bluish grey or greyish fleshy ; claws dusky horn (Legge). Length about 8-5 ; tail 3*2 ; wing 4 ; tarsus 1-4 ; bill from gape 1-15. Distribution. Confined to Ceylon up to 4000 feet. Habits, $c. A nest of this bird was found by Legge in January containing two eggs bluish green freckled with rufous, and measuring 1*19 by '79. Genus ZOOTHERA, Vigors, 1831. In the genus Zoofhera the sexes are alike, the under wing-coverts and axillaries of two colours, the colours in the one part transposed or reversed in the other, the lower plumage squamated, not distinctly barred nor spotted, and the rictal bristles very numerous and long. The anterior or supplementary bristles extend over the nostrils as in the Flycatchers, and Zoothera is the only genus of Thrushes in which this feature is present. The bill is very long and strongly curved near the tip, and the edges of the mandibles are frequently serrated by wear and tear, but never originally so. The Thrushes of this genus are non-migratory, and they are found in thickly-wooded tracts. Key to the Species. a. Upper plumage dark slaty ; feathers of breast tipped with brown ; wing- 5'5 Z. tnonticolo, p. 157. b. Upper plumage olive-brown ; feathers of breast margined with brown ; wing 5 Z. marginata, p. ]57. ZOOTHERA. 157 704. Zoothera monticola. The Large Brown Thrush. Zoothera monticola, Vigor*, P. 7,. S. 1831, p. 172 ; Gould, Cent. pi. xxii ; Blyth, Cat. p. 100 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 102 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. SOU ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 33 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 49; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 72 ; Hume, Cat. no. 350. Geocichla monticola (Vig.}, Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v, p. 161. Coloration. The whole upper plumage dark slaty, each feather narrowly but distinctly margined darker, giving a scaly appearance to the feathers ; forehead and crown tinged with rufous ; wings dark brown, the quills margined with fulvous-brown and the median and greater coverts tipped with ochraceous ; sides of the head rufescent brown, with ochraceous shafts to the feathers ; chin and middle of the throat white, each feather with a triangular brown tip ; breast and sides of the throat dark olive-brown, with black subterminal spots, the feathers of the middle of the breast with a good deal of fulvous at their centres ; abdomen white, irre- gularly spotted and barred with brown ; under tail-coverts dark olive-brown, broadly tipped white ; sides of the body dark oliva- ceous ; axillaries basally white, then black, and narrowly tipped white ; under wing-coverts black, tipped white ; tail blackish, obso- letely cross-barred, and the outer feathers paler. Fig. 40.— Head of Z. monticola. Legs and feet light brown ; iris dark brown ; bill dark brown (Hume). Length between 11 and 12; tail 3'5 ; wing 5'5; tarsus 1'3 ; bill from gape 1*8. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej valley to the Daphla hills in Assam, where this bird is a permanent resident up to 10,000 feet. 705. Zoothera marginata. The Lesser Brown Thrush. 158 - Binyham, S. F. viii, p. 195, ix, p. 177 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 8 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 124 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 109. Zoothera monticola, BL, apud Godiv.-Auit. J. A. S. B. xli; pt. ii, p. 142 (Jide Wald. in BL Birds Burm. p. 100 n). Geocichla marginata (Blytk), Seebohm, Cat. B. M. v; p. 162. Coloration. The whole upper plumage olive-brown tinged with rufous, especially on the outer webs of the quills, all the feathers margined darker, causing a scaly appearance ; tips of the median and greater coverts ochraceous ; tail brown, indistinctly cross-rayed, and the outer feathers paler ; sides of the head mixed fulvous and dark brown ; chin, throat, middle of breast, and abdomen white, with brown tips and margins; sides of the throat, breast, and body dark olive-brown, the feathers of the sides of the throat and upper breast with darker centres ; under tail-coverts pale buff, the feathers broadly margined with olivaceous at the sides ; auxiliaries basally white, then black ; under wing-coverts basally black, and then white. Bill very dark horny brown, lower mandible reddish from angle of gonys to base ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet dark brown (Hume Coll.). Length about 10 ; tail 3 ; wing 4'9 ; tarsus 1-1 ; bill from gape 1-5. Distribution. Sikhim ; Bhutan ; the whole of the Eastern portion of the Empire from the Brahmaputra river to the extreme south of Tenasserim. This species is probably a permanent resident throughout its range. Habits, &fc. Mr. Grammie found the nest of this Thrush in Sikhim at the end of May — a cup composed of moss and fibres and placed on a low branch of a tree. The eggs were three in number, and one of these is described by Hume as being very pale greenish white much marked with ferruginous-brown and pinky purple. It measured 1*05 by '79. Genus COCHOA, Hodgson, 1830. The genus Cochoa contains two species, the position of which remained doubtful for many years. An examination of the young of these birds, however, clearly proves, as shown by Hume, that they belong to the Turdince. In Cochoa the sexes differ and the plumage of both sexes is very brilliant. The bill is short and very broad at the base ; the nostrils are large exposed ovals ; the rictal bristles are obsolete ; the wing is long and pointed, and the first primary minute ; the tail of moderate length, and the tarsus short. The Thrushes of this genus inhabit forests, go in pairs or small fiocks, feed both on the ground and on trees, and have a harsh note. They make cup-shaped nests in trees, and lay spotted eggs. They are non-migratory. cocuuA. 159 Key to the /ty» change is effected by the casting-off of the margins of the feathers. VOL. it. M 1 62 TTTRDTDvE. The Dippers are aquatic in their habits, and they are admirably fitted for obtaining their food in the water. The plumage is every- where very dense and even the eyelids are clothed with feathers ; the head is narrowed in front, and the feathers of the forehead are very short and lie flat. The Dippers frequent mountain-streams, and the Indian species do not migrate. They build large domed nests of moss amongst rocks or between the roots of trees near the water, and they lay numerous white eggs. Genus CINCLUS, Bechst., 1802. The characters of the genus are the same as those of the sub- family. Key to the Species. a. Throat and breast white , • C. kashmiriensis, p. 162. b. Throat and breast brown, uniform with re- mainder of lower plumage. a'. Plumage light-coloured C. asiaticus, p. 163. b'. Plumage dark-coloured C. pallasi, p. 164. c. Throat and breast brown, but conspicuously paler than remainder of lower plumage . . C. sordidus, p. 165. 708. Cinclus kashmiriensis. The White-breasted Asiatic Dipper. Cinclus cashmeriensis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 494 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1867, p. 117; Bla»f. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 48; Hume, Cat. no. 348 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vi, p. 312 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 438. Hydrobata cashmiriensis (Gould), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 507 ; Blyth, Ibis, 1866, p. 374 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 33 ; Hume $ Holders. Lah. to Yark. p. 189. The White-breasted Cashmere Dipper, Jerd. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, lores, sides of the head and neck, and the whole mantle chocolate-brown ; remainder of the upper plumage slate-colour, each feather distinctly margined with black ; the mantle and back blending gradually together, the brown of the former suffusing the upper part of the latter ; wings dark brown, the outer webs edged with slate-colour, and the secondaries and tertiaries tipped with white ; wing-coverts dark brown, broadly edged with slaty ; tail slaty, the shafts dark; cheeks, chin, throat, and breast pure white ; remainder of the lower plumage chocolate- brown, gradually turning to dark brown or blackish towards the tail. The young have the whole upper plumage slate-colour with black margins; the wing-coverts tipped white ; the quills more broadly tipped with white than in the adult ; the whole lower plumage white with numerous irregular - cross-lines of brown. After the autumn moult the young resemble the adult, but the abdomen is dark brown without any tinge of chocolate immediately next the white of the breast, as is the case in the adult, and each feather CINCLUS. 163 of the vent, abdomen, and under tail-coverts narrowly margin. -d with white; tips to quills broader than in the fully adult. Early in the first spring the white margins and tips are cast and the full plumage donned. Legs and feefc dark brown ; bill black (G. Ifenderson). Length about 8; tail 2-1; wing 3'8 ; tarsus 1*15; bill from gape -95. This species extends westward to Asia Minor, and is closely allied to the three races of Dipper which are found in Europe. It may be distinguished from them by the absence of rufous on the abdomen immediately next the white breast, and further by the brown of the mantle extending some distance down the back and blending with the colour of the latter. To the north, the present form tends to run into O. leucoyaster, in typical examples of which the whole lower parts are white. In some specimens there is a tendency towards G. sordidus, the white of the throat and breast being infuseated and occasionally these parts are quite brown. Distribution. The Himalayas from Gilgit to Sikhim from 9000 to 14,000 feet or higher, according to season. This Dipper extends on the west to Asia Minor and on the east to China, and it has a very extended range through Central Asia. 709. Cinclus asiaticus. The Brown Dipper. Cinclus asiaticus, Stcains. Faun. Bor.-Amer., Birds, p. 174 (1831) ; AV//rm, His, 1807, p. 120 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 48 ; Hume, Cat. no. 347 ; Sharpe, Gat. B. M. vi, p. 314 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 281 ; id. Ibis, 1881, p. 437 : Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 112. Ilydrobata asiatica (Swains.), BlytTi, Cat. p. 158 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. \ p. 185 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 500 ; Hume, N. Sf E. p. 225 ; Hume $ Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 188 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 203 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 52. The Brown Water-'Ouzel, Jerd. ; Nambong karriak, Lepch. ; Cltubia i.akka, Bhut. Fig. 42.— Head of C. asiaticus. Coloration. The whole plumage chocolate-brown, the edges of the feathers somewhat paler in places ; the eyelids covered with \\hite IVatlu-rs: wings and tail dark brown, edged with the sanio colour as that of the plumage in general, the later quills tipped white. The young in March, just fledged, have the upper plumage grey, the feathers tipped with black and the subterminal portion more if 2 164 or less whitish ; wings black, the quills and coverts all tipped and margined with white ; tail very dark brown, tipped white ; sides of the head grey with white shaft-streaks ; the lower parts grey and marked in the same manner as the upper plumage, but with more conspicuous black tips and subterminal white patches. In August the nearly adult plumage is assumed by a moult, but the new feathers of each side of the head, of the throat, breast, and middle of the abdomen, and sometimes those of the crown and back, are fringed with white, and the wing-coverts and quills are conspicuously margined with white. The fully adult plumage is assumed in the first spring by the casting of the white fringes. Bill black ; legs pale brown ; soles of the feet yellow ; iris dark brown (Jerdon). Length about 8; tail 2-2; wing 3'9 ; tarsus 1-15; bill from gape 1'05. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan and Grilgit to Bhutan at elevations from 1000 to 14,000 feet, according to season. This species occurs in the North Khasi hills, specimens from that locality being in the National Collection. It extends into Turkestan. Habits, $c. Breeds throughout the Himalayas at all levels from December to May. The nest is a rounded ball of moss lined with ferns and roots, with an opening at the side, wedged into a deft of a rock near water and not far above its surface. The eggs, gene- rally five in number, are white and measure about 1 by '72. 710. Cinclus pallasi. Pallas's Dipper. Cinclus pallasii, Temm. Man. (VOrn. ed. 2, i, p. 177 (1820) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1867, p. 118 j Hume, S. F. vii, p. 378 ; id. Cat. no. 349 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vi, p. 316 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 124. Coloration. The whole plumage with the lesser wing-co verts a very rich dark chocolate-brown ; the eyelids clothed with white feathers ; the abdomen blackish ; greater wing-coverts dark brown, edged with chocolate-brown ; wings and tail blackish, suffused with chocolate-brown on the outer webs. The young differ markedly from those of 0. asiaticus. The whole upper plumage and the sides of the head and neck are blackish brown with subterminal rufous margins ; the wings and coverts with white, or on some of the feathers slightly rufous, edges ; tail black, narrowly tipped with white ; the whole lower plumage blackish brown, with ashy fringes to all the feathers. Another bird, which has just completed its first autumn moult, resembles the adult, but the throat, breast, and middle of the abdomen are mottled with white and the wings retain their white edges. Iris hazel ; bill horny ; legs plumbeous in front, dusky behind (CocJcburn). ACCENTORIN/E. 165 Length about 8 ; tail 2'1 ; wing 3*9; tarsus 1*15; bill J'rom gape 1'15. Distribution. In the British Museum there is an adult prormvd by Cockburn at IShillong and two young birds obtained by A. W. Chennell in the North Khasi hills. The latter were shot in March and are those described above. In the collection of Godwin-Austen are three specimens of this species, two adults, procured at Shillong in April and May respectively, and a young bird procured in North Cachar without date. I have seen no other specimens from Indian limits. This species is found in China and the whole of North- eastern Asia. 711. Cinclus sordidus. The Sombre Dipper. Cinclus sordidus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 494 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1867, p. 118 ; Blanf. J, A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 48 ; Hume, Cat. no. 349 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vi, p. 317. Hydrobata sordida (Gould), Jercl. B. I. i, p. 507. The Black-bellied Cashmere Dipper ^ Jerd. Coloration. t Forehead, crown, nape, mantle, sides of the head and neck chocolate-brown ; chin, throat, and upper part of breast the same but strikingly paler ; upper plumage and wing-coverts blackish brown; wings and tail blackish, the outer webs somewhat paler ; lower plumage very dark chocolate-brown ; the eyelids are probably clothed with white feathers as in the other members of the genus, but the type specimen, the only one I have been able to examine, exhibits no trace of them. Length about 7 ; tail 2 ; wing 3'5 ; tarsus I'l ; bill from gape -9. Distribution. This species was founded on a specimen procured in Kashmir. Blanford appears to have met with this Dipper in Sikhiui at 15,000 feet, and Hume records its occurrence in the tract of country traversed by Dr. Henderson (Lah. to Tark. p. 189). I can find no other notice of it, and this species appears to be very rare. It has been met with in Kansu and Northern Tibet. Subfamily ACCENTOEIN.E. The Accentorince or Accentors comprise a number of birds the position of which has been much disputed. Looking to their habits and to the colour of the nestling, their position appears to me to be among the Thrushes. The Accentors have a bill about half the length of the head, wide at base, compressed somewhat abruptly in the middle, the culmen nearly straight, the upper mandible teiminating in rather a fine point and slightly notched ; the nostrils large, diagonal, and 166 TUBDIDJE. covered by a large membrane ; the rictal bristles few and weak ; the feathers of the forehead slightly disintegrated ; the tail nearly square or sometimes slightly forked ; the tarsus strongly scutel- lated. The sexes are alike, and some species have a seasonal change of plumage caused by the wearing away, in winter, of the margins of the feathers. The young moult into adult plumage at the first autumn. The nestlings of the various species resemble each other closely, and may be described as pale rufous below, densely streaked with dark brown, especially on the breast and sides of the body, the chin being frequently barred. The upper plumage is dark brown, each feather edged with rufous. The majority of the Accentors inhabit mountains at considerable elevations ; others, hke the common Accentor or Hedge-Sparrow of England, inhabit gardens and cultivated spots. They feed on insects, and also, it is said, on small seeds. They build their nests in bushes or in holes of rocks, and lay blue eggs. Key to the Genera. a. Wing large and pointed, longer than tail by more than length of tarsus ACCENTOR, p. 166. b. Wing small and blunt, longer than tail by much less than length of tarsus THARB.HALEUS, p. 168. Genus ACCENTOR, Bechst., 1802. The genus Accentor, in addition to the characters of the subfamily, has a long and pointed wing. The wing is longer than the tail by more than the length of the tarsus, and the secondaries fall short of the tip of the wing also by about the length of the tarsus. The Accentors of this genus are more or less migratory. Key to the Species. a. Breast uniformly greyish brown A. nepalensis, p. 166. b. Breast rufous, feathers edged with white . . A. himalayanm, p. 168. 712. Accentor nepalensis. The Eastern Alpine Accentor. Accentor nipalensis, Hodgs., Blyth, J. A, S. B. xii, p. 958 (1843) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 130; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 359 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 286 j Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 63 ; Hume 8f Hend. Lah. to Yark. p. 234; Hwne, Cat. no. 652; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 74; 1882, p. 281 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 568 ; SJiarpe, Cat. B. M. vii, p. 664. Accentor cacharensis, Hodgs. P. Z. 8. 1845, p. 34. The Large Himalayan Accentor, Jerd. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck greyish A.CCEKTOB. In-own, with indistinct darker slreaks : back dark brown, edged \\illi rufous-brown: mini) and upper tail-COVerta pale rufous, \\ ill i I>laeki>li >haH-shvaks : lesser \\ ing-coverts greyish hrown ; all the oilier coverts blackish, tipped with white ; scapulars and tertiaries black, edged with ferruginous; the other quills dark brown, Fig. 43. — Head of A. narro\\]y edged and tipped with rufous; tail dark brown, each inner web tipped with a spot, which is white on the outer feathers and gradually turns to rufous on the inner ; chin and throat white barred with black; sides of head, sides of neck, and the breast greyish brown ; the region of the eye speckled with white ; middle of the abdomen rufous-grey, barred with white and brown ; under tail-coverts chestnut-brown, broadly edged with white; sides of body and flanks dark ferruginous, some of the feathers near the thighs narrowly margined with white. Ease of upper mandible from nostril to gape, the gape, and base of lower mandible bright yellow ; rest of bill black ; iris very dark brow*n ; legs and feet very pale reddish brown, almost fleshy (Hume). Length about 7 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 4 ; tarsus '95 ; bill from gape •65. This species is allied to the European A. collaris, from which it differs in being very richly coloured, and in having the second primary equal to or shorter than the sixth, whereas in A. collaris the second primary is much longer than the sixth. A. nepalensis has, moreover, few white margins on the flanks, and is not so much barred beneath. Gilgit examples of A. nepalensis are paler than typical birds, but do not otherwise differ. Afghan specimens are still paler, and in Asia Minor an intermediate race is found. A. nijilatus, Severtzow, from Turkestan, appears to me to be identical with A. nepalensis. A. erythropygius, Swinhoe, from China, differs from the present species in having very rufous upper tail-coverts, and is doubtfully distinct. ttintrilntt'nni. The ]Iiinalayas from Afghanistan and Gilgit to Sikhim, at very high elevations, Blanford recording this species from 11, <> 17G /'. Breast black, or black fringed with fulvous P. bengalensis, p. 177. g . Breast boldly streaked with black .... P. manyar, p. 179. 720. Ploceus baya *. The Baya. ? Loxia philippina, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 305 (17CG). Ploceus baya, Bhjth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 945 (1844) ; Harsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 515 (part.) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 343 (part.) ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 167 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 436 (part.) ; id. $ Jhir. S. F. vi, p. 399 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 488 ; Gates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 114. Ploceus philippinus (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 115 (part.) ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 641 ; Hume, Cat. no. 694; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 1>.V.». The Common 1\'ram--lird (Jerdon) ; Baya, Hind.; Chindora, Hind, in Bengal ; Bawi, Talbabi, Bong. ; Parsnpu-jntta, Tel. ; Manja-kuravi, Tarn. ; Tkucker&m /.///•///•/, Tarn, in Ceyl. ; Tatta kurula, Wada kurulla, Ceyl. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is fulvous streaked with blackish brown, the streaks be- coming obsolete on the lower rum]) and upper tail-coverts ; wing- coverts, quills, and tail dark brown, each feather edged with fulvous, the edges of the primaries and tail-feathers also being tinged with greenish; a clear fulvous supercilium ; sides of the head pale fulvous-brown; the whole lower plumage fulvous, * Linnieus's name, even if it applied to the Continental race of Weaver-bird, which is very doubtful, is inappropriate, as no bird of this genus is known to occur in the Philippine Islands. I prefer, therefore, to follow Sh.-irpe in adopting Blyth's \vrll-kno\vn name for this species. 176 PLOCEIDvE. darker on the breast and flanks, the feathers of which parts are frequently streaked with narrow shaft-lines of brown. After the spring moult the appearance of the bird is much changed : the forehead, crown, and nape become bright yellow ; the back and scapulars are black, each feather broadly margined with bright yellow ; the sides of the head, the chin, and throat dark blackish brown, and the breast bright yellow; the other parts of the plumage remain unchanged. Fig. 45.— Head of P. baya. Female. At all times resembles the male in winter plumage so closely as to require no separate description. The intensity of the fulvous tinge on these birds varies much according to age, and in some degree according to the time which has elapsed since the moult- In the male in summer the bill is dark horny brown, yellowish at gape and base of lower mandible ; legs and feet flesh-colour ; iris brown. The female in summer and both sexes in winter have the bill yellowish horn-colour. Length about 6 ; tail 2 ; wing 2'9 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape •65. Distribution. Ceylon and the whole of India proper from the extreme south to the base of the Himalayas as far east as the 85th degree of longitude, about which boundary this species meets the next. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to September, constructing a hanging flask-shaped nest of grass, strongly woven, suspended from a branch of a tree generally growing over water. The nest terminates in a long funnel of grass, sometimes nearly two feet in length, through which the bird enters the nest proper. The eggs, either two or three in number, measure about -82 by -59. 721. Ploceus megarhynchus. The Eastern Baya. Ploceus atrigula, Hodgs. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 84 (1844, desc. null.) ; Skarpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 491 (1890). Ploceus philippinus (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 115 (pt.). Ploceus baya, Blyth, Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 515 (pt.) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 343 (pt.) ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 436 (pt.) ; id. $ Uav. S. F. vi, p. 398 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 597 ; Hume, Cat. no. 694 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p, 358. PLOCET7S. 177 Ploceus Baegarhynchus, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 406 (1875) ; id. Cat. no. 694 ter; Gates in Hume's N. 8? E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 119. Ploceus passerinus, Hodgs. MS., Reichenoiv, Zool. Jahrb. Jena, i, p. 156 (1886). Took-ra, Assam. Coloration. The male in winter and the female at all seasons resemble the same sexes of P. baya at the same seasons. In summer the male has the forehead, crown, and nape bright yellow ; the whole upper plumage fulvous streaked with blackish brown, the streaks becoming obsolete on the lower rump and upper tail- coverts ; wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown edged with fulvous ; sides of the head, chin, and throat dark blackish brown ; the remaining lower plumage fulvous or tawny, becoming albescent on the abdomen ; the breast and flanks occasionally with narrow shaft-streaks. The present species varies as much as does the last in the in- tensity of the fulvous tinge, and towards the southern portion of the bird's range the fulvous changes to a rich tawny. The male in summer has the bill black, the inside of the mouth Hesh-colour ; eyelid grey ; iris dark brown ; legs flesh-colour ; claws pinkish horn-colour. The male in winter and the female at all seasons have the bill yellowish horn-colour. Length about 6 ; tail 2 ; wing 2*9 ; tarsus "8 ; bill from gape •75. This species increases in size from south to north, and attains its greatest size in the Himalayan Terai. Here the tarsus fre- quently reaches to a length of *95, and the bill, from gape to tip, •85. To this larger bird Hume gave the name of megarhynchus. It is, however, impossible to separate this larger race from the form inhabiting Burma and the Malay peninsula, and consequently Hume's name will stand for the species, no previously-imposed name being available. Distribution. Bengal and the base of the Himalayas from the 85th degree of longitude to Assam, and southwards through the whole of Burma to the southern end of the Malay peninsula, ex- tending to Sumatra and Java. This species, in a somewhat larger form, is found along the base of the Himalayas as far west as the Dhoon, in company with P. lay a. Habits, Sfc. Breeds from April to September, constructing a nest very similar to that of P. baya. The nest is not unfrequently attached to the thatched eaves of native houses, or even to the ends of the loose leaves inside the verandahs. The eggs measure about -82 by -6. 722. Ploceus bengalensis. The Black-throated Weaver-bird. Loxia benghalensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 305 (1766). Ploceus bengalensis (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 115 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 515; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 349; Hume, N. $ E. p. 44 1 ; id Cat. no. 696 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 361 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 493 ; VOL. II. y 178 PLOCEID^E. Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 261 ; Hume, S. F, xi, p. 270 j Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 120. Sarbo baya, Hind, j Shor baya, Kantawala baya, Beng. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and nape are dark brown, each feather narrowly margined with fulvous-brown ; back, scapulars, and all the feathers of the wings dark blackish brown, each feather broadly margined with fulvous ; rump and upper tail-coverts dull fulvous, streaked with pale brown ; tail brown, narrowly margined paler ; a distinct supercilium, widen- ing and becoming paler at the nape, yellow ; a large yellow patch on the side of the neck ; a pale yellow patch under the eye ; re- mainder of side of the head brown ; cheeks, chin, and throat pale yellow ; a narrow moustachial streak black ; fore neck and upper breast black, each feather very broadly margined with fulvous ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, paler on the abdomen, and the sides of the body narrowly streaked with brown. Soon after the moult the broad fulvous margins on the fore neck and upper breast commence to wear away, and by February and March these parts are almost uniform black. After the partial spring moult the forehead and crown become bright golden yellow surrounded by a black band ; the chin and throat become whitish or whity brown, and the entire side of the head and neck become uniform brown ; the other parts of the plumage remain unchanged, except that the pale margins to the feathers of the back and wings get worn away, causing those parts to become very dark and more uniform brown. Female. Very similar to the male in winter plumage, but with all the yellow marks on the head paler, and with much less black on the fore neck and upper breast. The pale margins on these parts wear away as in the male, but these parts apparently never become quite so black in the breeding-season as in the male. Bill pearly white or pale plumbeous at all seasons and in both sexes ; iris light brown ; legs flesh-colour. Length about 5-5; tail 1-8; wing 2'S ; tarsus '8; bill from gape *65. Distribution. Occurs sparingly throughout Northern India from Sind to Bengal, and up to the foot of the Himalayas. The Southern limit appears to be a line drawn from Bombay to Bastar, south of which line this species does not appear to have been recorded. Eastwards it occurs throughout Assam, and it is found commonly as far south as Manipur. Blanford records this Weaver-bird from Ava and Thayetmyo, but its occurrence in Burma has not been confirmed. Habits, $c. Breeds in the rains. The nest resembles that of P. baya in general shape, but the funnel is very short. The nest is invariably attached to the leaves of elephant-grass, with which it is well incorporated and by which it is more or less supported. The eggs measure about -83 by *58. PLOCEELLA. 179 723. Ploceus manyar. The Striated Weaver-bird. Fringilla manyar, Horsf. Trans. Linn. Soc. xiii, p. 160 (1820). Ploceus manyar (Horsf.), Blyth, Cat. p. 115 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 514 ; Jerd. B. /.'ii, p. 348; Hume, N. $ E. p. 440 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 598 ; Legye, Birds CeyJ. p. 646 ; Hume, Cat. no. 695 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 360 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 260 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 496 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 121. Bamani bay a, Hind, in the Deccan ; Telia bay a, Beng. ; Bawoyi in Rungpore. Coloration. Male. After the autumn inoult the forehead and crown are yellow ; throat, cheeks, ear-coverts and sides of neck black or brownish black; lower plumage fulvous, each feather striated with black down the centre, except on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; upper plumage dark brown edged with pale fulvous ; wings and tail brown edged with yellowish ; the throat is sometimes coloured a pale brown, and the intensity of the fulvous on the lower parts varies much. After the partial spring moult the forehead, crown, and nape become deep yellow ; the supercilium and the spot behind the ear- coverts disappear, and the whole of the sides of the head and neck together with the cheeks, chin, and throat become blackish brown Female. Resembles the male in winter plumage. The male in summer has the bill bluish black, paler at gape ; the female in summer and both sexes in winter have the bill yellow- ish horn-colour ; the iris is at all times brown, legs flesh-colour, and claws pinkish horn. Length nearly 6 ; tail 1-8; wing 2-7; tarsus -8; bill from gape -7- Distribution. The whole Empire from the foot of the Himalayas southward to Ceylon on the one hand, and to about the latitude of: Moulmein in Tenasserim on the other. This species also occurs in Java. Habits, $c. Breeds throughout the rains, attaching its nest, which resembles that of P. bay a, but has a shorter funnel, to the extremities of several leaves of elephant-grass. The eggs measure about *8 by -58. Genus PLOCEELLA, Oates, 1873. The genus Ploceella differs from Ploceus in many important par- ticulars. The bill is much shorter, being no longer than it is high ; the nape is furnished with a few short hairs, and the tail is much longer and more rounded. The plumage of the male in summer is largely yellow. The nest differs much from that of a Ploceus, being supported at the sides by reeds and not suspended from their tips ; it has no tubular entrance, and the exterior surface of the nest is of quite a different appearance, being rough and coarse N2 180 PLOOEID^E. instead of smooth. The eggs are of all colours and but seldom pure white. Ploceella approximates more to the African Weaver-birds than does Ploceus. Only one species of this genus is known. 724. Ploceella javanensis. The Golden Weaver-bird. Loxia javanensis, Less. TV. d'Orn. p. 446 (1831). Ploceus hypoxanthus (Daud.), Blyth, Cat. p. 114 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 613 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 442 ; id. S. F. iii, p. 154. Ploceella javanensis (Less.}, Oates, S. F. v, p. 160; Hume, Cat. no. 696 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 362 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 474 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 124. Ploceus chryseus, Hume, S. F. vi, p. 399 note (1878). Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is rufous-brown streaked with dark brown ; wings and tail brown, margined with rufous-brown ; a supercilium, the sides of the head and neck, and the whole lower plumage tawny buff, becoming paler on the abdomen. After the spring moult, the cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, and throat become deep black ; the re- mainder of the lower plumage, the sides of the neck, forehead, crown, nape, rump, and upper tail-coverts rich golden yellow ; back and scapulars black, each feather edged with bright golden yellow ; wings and tail black, edged with pale yellowish, the latter also tipped with the same colour. Female. Resembles the male in winter plumage. The male in summer has the bill black with the underside of the lower mandible dark horn ; inside of the mouth flesh-colour ; iris brown ; eyelids grey ; legs pinkish flesh-colour ; claws horn-colour. The female in summer and both sexes in winter have the bill fleshy brown, dark on the upper and pale on the lower mandible, and the other parts as in the male in summer. Length nearly 6 ; tail 2'3 ; wing 2'7 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape •55 ; the female has the tail about 1'9 and the wing about 2-5. Distribution. Upper Burma and Pegu between the Irrawaddy and Sittoung rivers from Mandalay down to the Grulf of Martaban ; Northern Tenasserim ; Siam, Cochin China, and Java. Habits, fyc. Commences to breed in May and June, making a cylindrical nest of woven grass attached to several stalks of elephant- grass or sometimes placed in a thorny bush or tree. The eggs, either two or three in number, vary much in colour, being white, greenish white, grey, or purplish, either unmarked or marked with grey, greenish brown, and neutral tint. They measure about -73 by -54. MUNIA. 181 Subfamily VIDUIN^). The Vidwnce or Munias differ from the Weaver-birds in having a very minute first primary and in having no spring moult. The Munias associate in large flocks during the winter months, but they separate and are no longer sociable in the breeding-season, although several nests may be found near each other. They have a rapid flight. The sexes of these birds are usually quite alike in plumage, and when they differ, the differences between the sexes are not very great. The Munias construct large round nests of grass with an opening at the side. The nest is placed in a bush or in a clump of grass, and some species approach man and build their nests in houses, under the eaves or in the treUis-work of a verandah. The eggs are numerous, being frequently six or more, and they are invariably pure white. None of the Munias are known to migrate. They feed on the ground or else cling to the heads of flowering grass or corn, and they consume large quantities of grain. Key to the Genera. a. Middle pair of tail-feathers narrow and pointed. a'. Tail rounded and very slightly graduated ; difference between wing and tail quite equal to tarsus ; crown black, different from back MUNIA, p. 181. b'. Tail wedge-shaped and much graduated ; difference between wing and tail much less than tarsus; crown of much the same colour as back UROLONCHA, p. 183. c'. Tail wedge-shaped and much graduated; tail in male longer than wing ; colours green and crimson ERYTHRURA, p. 190. b. Middle tail-feathers broad and rounded. d'. Difference between outer and middle tail- feathers less than tarsus; plumage jrreen STICTOSPIZA, p. 190. e'. Difference between outer and middle tail- feathers equal to tarsus ; plumage red. SPOR^GINTHUS, p. 192. Genus MUNIA, Hodgs. 1836. The genus Munia contains two Indian species, which are characterized by a short and rounded tail, having the middle pair of feathers very narrow and pointed. The tail is shorter than the wing by a distance quite equal to the length of the tarsus. The plumage is chiefly black and chestnut, and the sexes are absolutely alike. 182 Key to the Species a. Lower breast and sides of body white .... M. malacca, p. 182. b. Lower breast and sides of body chestnut . . M. atricapilla, p. 183. Fig. 46.— Tail of M. malacca. Fig. 47. — Head of M. malacca. 725. Munia malacca. The Blade-headed Munia. Loxia malacca, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 302 (1766). Munia malacca (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 116; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 507 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 352 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 443 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 652 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 330 ; Gates, in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 126. Amadina malacca (Linn.}, Hume, Cat. no. 697 j Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 362. Nakal-nor, Hind. ; Nalla jinawayi, Tel. ; W&-kurulla, Ceyl. ; Tinna kuruvi. Tarn. Coloration. The whole head, neck, and upper breast, the middle of the abdomen, vent, thighs, and under tail-coverts deep black ; remainder of lower plumage white ; back, upper rump, scapulars, and the whole of the wings chestnut ; lower rump and upper tail- coverts glistening maroon ; tail dull chestnut, edged with glistening maroon. The young bird has the whole upper plumage, wings, and tail rufous-brown ; the whole lower plumage pale buff. Bill pale lavender ; legs and feet leaden blue ; iris dark brown (Butler}. Length about 5 ; tail 1*6 ; wing 2-2 ; tarsus *6 ; bill from gape •45. Distribution. Ceylon and the southern half of India up to about the latitude of Bhandara and E-aipur in the Central Provinces. * MUNIA ORYZIVORA (Linn.). The Java Sparrow has been introduced into parts of India and is now to be met with in the wild state in Madras and, according to Blyth, in Tenasserim. I do not, however, propose to include it in my list. The following is a descrip- tion of the bird. The sexes are alike : — Cheeks and ear-coverts white ; chin, throat, a line bordering the ear-coverts, the forehead, and the whole top of the head black ; neck, breast, upper abdomen, back, scapulars, and wings bluish grey ; rump, upper tail -coverts, and tail black ; abdomen, sides, thighs, and vent vinous, paler down the middle ; under tail- ooverts white, UROLONCI! A . 183 Jerdon states that tbis species occasionally extends to Bengal, but I have not seen any specimen from that province. Habits, &fc. Breeds from April to October. The eggs measure about -64 by '47. 726. Munia atricapilla. The Chestnut-bellied Munia. Loxia atricapilla, Vieill. Ois. Chant, p. 84, pi. 53 (1805). Munia rubroniger, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 153 (1836) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 116 ; Hotvf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 507 : Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 353 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 652. Munia atricapilla (Vieill.}, Hume, N. fy E. p. 444; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 598 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 334 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 129. Amadiua rubronigTa (Hodgs.}, Hume, Cat. no. 698 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 262 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 272. Amadina atricapilla ( Vieill}, Oates B. B. i, p. 366. Coloration. The whole head, neck, and upper breast deep black ; middle of the abdomen, vent, thighs, and under tail-coverts dull black ; remainder of the lower plumage, the back, scapulars, upper rump, and the whole of the wings chestnut ; lower rump and upper tail-coverts rich maroon, the latter tipped with glistening golden fulvous ; tail brown, margined with glistening golden fulvous. Towards the southern part of its range this species has the back washed with silvery grey. The young bird is plain rufous-brown above and pale buff below. Bill leaden blue ; iris dark brown ; legs dark plumbeous. Length about 4*5; tail 1*5; wing 2*1; tarsus "55; bill from gape *45. Distribution. The country skirting the base of the Himalayas from the Dehra Dun to the extreme east of Assam; Lower Bengal ; Chutia Nagpur and Sambalpur in the Central Provinces ; the whole eastern portion of the Empire from Assam down to Tenasserim. This species has been recorded from Ceylon, but it is probable that the specimens observed there had escaped from captivity. M. atricapilla has a wide range, being found in China, Siam, and the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Habits, fyc. Breeds from June to September in swampy localities. The eggs measure about *63 by *43. Genus UROLONCHA, Cabanis, 1851. The genus Urolonclia contains numerous species of Munias in which the tail is much longer than in typical Munia, the difference between the tail and the wing being much less than the length of the tarsus ; the graduation of the tail-feathers is also much greater. In this genus the sexes are absolutely alike, and the colour of the crown of the head is very closely, or quite, the same as that of the back. 184 PLOCEID^. Key to the Species. a. Rump white. a'. Abdomen white mottled with brown .... b'. Abdomen plain, unmottled white. a". Feathers of upper plumage with white shafts. a'". Fore neck and breast deep black . . b"'. Fore neck and breast brown with rufous margins b". Feathers of upper plumage without white shafts b. No white on rump. c'. Shafts of feathers of upper plumage pale ; upper tail-coverts black or tipped with glistening fulvous. c". Abdomen white, sides of body black. . d". Abdomen and sides of the body plain pinkish brown e". Abdomen and sides of the body cross- barred with brown. c'". Chin and throat black d'". Chin and throat chestnut d'. Shafts of feathers of upper plumage of same colour as coverts white . feathers ; upper tail- U. acuticauda, p. 184. U. stnata, p. 185. U. semistriata, p. 186. U. fumigata, p. 186. U. leucogastra, p. 186. U. pectoralis, p. 187. U. kelaarti, p. 187. U, punctulata, p. 189. U. maldbarica, p. 188. Fig. 48. — Tail of U. acuticauda. 727. Uroloncha acuticauda, Hodgson's Munia. Munia acuticauda, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 153 (1836) ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 510 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 356 ; Hume, N. $ JS. p. 450. Munia molucca (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 117. Amadina acuticauda (Hodgs.}, Hume, Cat. no. 702; Gates, E. B. i p. 364; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 273. Uroloncha acuticauda (Hodgs.'), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 356; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 131. The Himalayan Munia, Jerd. ; Samprek-pho, Lepch. ; Namprek, Bhut. Coloration. The whole upper plumage chocolate-brown, with a band of white across the rump, the upper tail-coverts washed with rufous, all the shafts of the feathers of the upper plumage white ; tail black ; wing-coverts brown with white shafts ; wings blackish UROLONCHA. 185 brown ; feathers round the bill, the chin, and upper throat black ; ear-coverts and sides of neck rufous, with paler margins and white shafts ; lower throat, fore neck, and In-east chocolate-brown, witli pale rufous or whitish margins and white shafts ; abdomen and sides of the body white mottled with brown ; vent, thighs, and under tail-coverts chocolate-brown with white shaft-streaks. Young birds have the upper plumage somewhat similar to that of the adult, and the lower plumage almost uniform dull greyish white mottled with brown. Upper mandible blackish, the lower plumbeous ; iris dark brown ; legs plumbeous ; claws horny. Length about 4*5 ; tail 1*75 ; wing 2 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape -4. This bird varies slightly in plumage throughout its great range. Distribution. The lower ranges of the Himalayas from Grarhwal to Assam, up to 5000 feet ; the whole eastern portion of the Empire from Assam to Tenasserim : sparingly distributed. This species extends to Southern China, Siam, the Malay peninsula, and Sumatra. Habits, $c. Breeds from about June to November or December. The eggs measure about -61 by -42. 728. Uroloncha striata. The White-backed Munia. Loxia striata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 306 (1766). Munia striata (Linn.), Blyth, Cat. p. 117 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 511 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 356 ; .Hume, N. $ E. p. 448 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 660. Amadina striata (Linn.'), Hume, Cat. no. 701 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 365 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 263. Uroloncha striata (Linn.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 359; Oatfs in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 133. Shakari munia, Beng. ; We-kurulla, Ceyl. ; Tinna kuruvi, Tani. Coloration. Forehead and crown blackish, with the shafts in- distinctly white ; upper plumage chocolate-brown, becoming blacker on the upper tail-coverts, all the feathers with a white shaft ; a broad white band across the rump ; tail black ; wing-coverts black with whitish shafts ; quills black ; lores, round the eye, cheeks, chin, throat, and breast deep blacky ear-coverts and sides of the neck chocolate-browrn with pale shaft-streaks ; abdomen and sides of the body white ; vent, thighs, and under tail-coverts dark brown or blackish ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Young birds resemble the adult, but have the chin, throat, and breast brown with paler margins and shafts. Upper mandible blackish, the lower bluish ; iris reddish brown ; legs greenish horny. Length about 4-5 ; tail 1*8 ; wing 2 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape *4. This bird is subject to slight variations in plumage according to age and locality. '',. Ceylon and the southern half of India up to a Hue 186 PLOCEID^:. drawn roughly from Bombay to Sambalpur and Manbhoom in S.W. Bengal. Blyth recorded this species from Arakan, but pro- bably by an oversight. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to December and probably in the remaining months of the year. The eggs measure about -61 by -44. 729. Uroloncha semistriata. The Nicobar White-backed Muni a. Munia semistriata, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 257 (1874). Amadina semistriata (Hume), Hume, Cat. no. 701 quat. Uroloncha semistriata (Hume), SJiarpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 361. Coloration. Eesembles U. striata but is smaller ; the striations or white shafts on the upper plumage less distinct ; and the feathers of the fore neck and breast dark brown, not deep black, with conspicuous rufous-brown margins. Length about 4'2 ; tail 1*6 ; wing 1/8 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The Nicobar Islands. 730. Uroloncha fumigata. The Andaman White-backed Munia. Munia fumigata, Walden, A. M. N. H. (4) xii, p. 488 (1873) ; id. Ibis, 1874, pp. 144, 14/5. Munia nonstriata, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 257 (1874). Munia striata (Linn.}, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 497. Amadina fumigata (WaM.}, Hume, Cat. no. 701 ter. Uroloncha fumigata ( Wold.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 361 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 135. Coloration. Eesembles U. striata. Differs in entirely wanting any white shafts on the upper plumage, in having the upper tail- feathers broadly margined with rufous-brown, and in the feathers of the sides of the breast being also margined with rufous, these margins sometimes extending across the lower breast. Iris reddish brown ; upper mandible black, the lower leaden blue ; legs and feet plumbeous green or greenish horny (Hume). Length about 4'5 ; tail 1-8 ; wing 2 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape '4. Distribution. The Andaman Islands. Habits, Sfc. Davison remarks that when he arrived at the Anda- mans in December, the young birds of this species had left the nest. This bird probably breeds, therefore, in the latter part of the rains. 731. Uroloncha leucogastra. The White-bellied Munia. Amadina leucogastra, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xv, p. 286 (1846) ; Hume, Cat. no. 701 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 367. Munia melanictera (Gm.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 117. Munia leucogastra (Blyth}, Davison, S. F. v, p. 460 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 402. Uroloncha leucogastra (7?/.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 362 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 135. UROLONCHA. 187 Coloration. Upper plumage, scapulars, and wing-coverts chocolate- broxvn, the .shaft of each feather white ; upper tail-coverts black ; tail blackish, with broad shiny fulvous margins ; wings blackish ; lores, cheeks, chin, throat, breast, sides of the body, thighs, and under tail-coverts black ; abdomen and under wing-coverts white, the white of the abdomen forming an angle in the breast. Legs and feet dusky plumbeous or dull smalt-blue ; lower man- dible dull smalt- or pale blue ; upper mandible brownish black or black ; iris dark brown (Hume $- Dav.). Length about 4*5 ; tail 1/8 ; wing 1*9 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape '45. Distribution. The extreme south of Tenasserim, ranging down the Malay peninsula and to Borneo. Habits, $'c. Davison took a nest of this species in Tenasserim in April. The eggs appear to measure about *65 by -44. 732. Uroloncha pectoralis. The Rufous-bellied Munia. Munia pectoralis, Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 355 (1863) j Hume, N. $ E. p. 448 ; id. S. F. iii, p. 263, iv, p. 403. Amadina pectoralis (Jerd.), Hume, Cat. no. 700. Uroloncha pectoralis (Jerd.), Sharpe, Cat. S. M. xiii, p. 365 ; Oates in Hume's N. % E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 136. Coloration. Upper plumage chocolate-brown with pale shafts, the head a darker brown ; the rump blackish, with broad triangular streaks of pale buff; upper tail-coverts glistening fulvous; tail black ; wings dull black ; lores, cheeks, chin, throat, and fore neck black ; ear-coverts buff with pale shafts ; sides of the fore neck, sides of breast, breast, sides of the body, and the whole abdomen pinkish brown ; vent and under tail-coverts blackish, with pinkish- brown streaks. The young are plain chocolate-brown above with fulvous upper tail-coverts, and have the lower plumage buff with pale shaft-streaks. Bill, legs, and feet slaty ; iris brown (Miss Cockburn). Length nearly 5 ; tail 1*8 ; wing 2*2 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape *45. Distribution. The hills on the western coast of India from the Wynaad to Travancore. Habits, fyc. Appears to breed chiefly in June and July. The eggs measure about *62 by '44. 733. Uroloncha kelaarti. The Ceylon Munia. Munia kelaarti, Bluth, Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 356 (1863) ; Blyth, Ibis, 1867, p. 299 ; Hume, £ F. vii, p. 410 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 650, pi. xxvii, tig. 2. Amadina kelaarti (Blyth), Hume, Cat. no. 700 bis. Uroloncha kelaarti (Blyth), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 366. We-kurulla, Ceyl. ; Tinna kuruvi, Tarn. Coloration. Upper plumage chocolate-brown with pale shafts, 188 the head darker ; rump black, with white cruciform marks ; upper tail-coverts glistening fulvous ; tail black ; wings dark brown or blackish ; cheeks, lores, chin, throat, and fore neck black ; sides o£ the neck and of the breast pinkish brown with pale shafts ; breast and whole lower plumage pinkish white, irregularly but closely cross-barred with black. The young are plain chocolate-brown above, without pale shafts or white marks on the rump, and pale buff below with white shafts and irregular cross-bands of brown. Iris sepia-brown ; bill blackish leaden, bluish at the base of the lower mandible ; legs and feet plumbeous, in some with a greenish tinge (Legge). Length about 4-5; "tail 1-8; wing 2-1; tarsus -5; bill from gape *45. Distribution. Confined to the island of Ceylon. 734. Uroloncha malabarica. The White-throated Munia. Loxia malabarica, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 305 (1766). Munia malabarica (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 117 j Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 508; Jerd. B.I. ii, p. 357 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 451; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 662. Munia similaris, Stoliczka,^ J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 56 (1868). Amadina malabarica (Linn?), Hume, Cat. no. 703; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 263. Aidemosyne malabarica (Linn.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 369. Uroloncha malabarica (Linn.), Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 136. The Plain Brown Munia, Jerd. ; Charchara in the N. W. Prov. ; Piddari, Southern and Central India ; Sar-munia, Beng. ; Jinuwayi, Tel. Coloration. Upper plumage, wing-coverts, secondaries, and ter- tiaries earthy brown ; primaries and winglet black ; upper tail- coverts wrhite, the outer webs of the exterior feathers partially black ; tail dark brown, margined with rusty ; sides of the head and lower plumage pale buffy white, the sides of the body faintly cross-barred with rusty. The young closely resemble the adult. Upper mandible plumbeous horn-colour; lower mandible lav- ender ; legs and feet pale purplish pink ; iris dark brown (Butler}. Length about 4'5 ; tail 1-9 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The whole continent of India from the Himalayas, which this species ascends up to 5000 feet, to Cape Comorin and Ceylon. The most easterly locality at which this bird appears to have been observed is Kooshtea on the Ganges, Bengal, where Godwin- Austen obtained it ( J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. ] 71). To the west it ranges into Afghanistan. Habits, $c. Breeds throughout the greater part of the year. The eggs measure *6 by -47. UBOLONCHA. 189 735. Uroloncha punctulata. The Spotted Munia. Loxia punctulata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 302 (1706). Loxia undulata, P. L. 8. Mull. Syst. Nat., Anhany, p. 151 (1776). Mimia undulata (Lath.}, Myth, Cat. p. 117; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 506 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 354. Munia punctulata (Linn.), Hume, N. Sf E. p. 444 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 656 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 346. Munia subundulata, Godw.-Aust. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 48 j Hume, S. F. iii, p. 398. Munia superstriata, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 481 (1874) ; Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 402. Munia inglisi, Hume, S. F. v, p. 39 (1877). Amadina punctulata (Linn.), Hume, Cat. no. 699 ; Oates, B. B. \, p. 368 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 262. Amadina subundulata (Godw.-Aust.), Hume, Cat. no. 699 bis ; id, S. F. xi, p. 272. Arnadiua superstriata (Hume), Hume, Cat. no. 699 ter. Amadina inglisi (Hume), Hume, Cat. no. 699 quat. Uroloncha punctulata (Linn.), Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 141. Telia munia, Hind, in the North ; Sing-baz, Shinbaz, Hind, in the Deccan and at Mussooree ; Shubz munia, Beng. ; Kakkara jinuwayi, Tel. j We-kurulla, Ceyl. ; Tinna kuruvi, Tarn. Coloration. Upper plumage dull chocolate-colour with the shafts pale ; lower rump barred irregularly with brown and yellowish and streaked with white ; upper tail-coverts glistening yellowish fulvous ; tail fulvous-yellow ; wings chocolate, the coverts with pale shafts ; sides of the head, chin, and throat rich chestnut ; lower plumage white, each feather, with the exception of those on the abdomen, subinarginally banded with fulvous-brown ; under tail-coverts fulvous white mottled with black. The above description applies to birds from the Continent of India, which, however, vary considerably among themselves in the shade of colouring of the rump and the amount and distinctness of the bars on this part. Birds from Assam, southwards to Burma, are less distinctly barred on the rump, the general colour of which and of the upper tail-coverts and tail is more olivaceous. Many species have been established on these slight differences, but I am unable to recognize them even as races, the differences being by no means constant over the same small areas. Bill bluish black, paler and somewhat plumbeous on the lower mandible ; iris deep reddish brown ; legs plumbeous ; claws horny. Length nearly 5; tail 1*7; wing 2'1; tarsus '6; bill from gape *45. Young birds are rufous-brown above and pale buff below without marks of any kind. Distribution. The whole continent of India, except Sind, the Punjab, and portions of Eajputana and the N.W. Provinces, ascending the Himalayas up to about 5000 feet ; Ceylon ; the eastern part of the Empire from Assam to about the latitude of 190 Tavoy. To the east, in China, this species is replaced by an allied race M. topela. Habits, <$fc. Breeds almost throughout the year. The eggs measure about *65 by *46. Genus ERYTHRURA, Swains., 1837. The genus Erythfura contains one species of Munia, the pre- vailing colours of which are green and crimson. The sexes are slightly different. In the male the tail is longer than the wing ; in the female it is considerably shorter. The middle pair of tail- feathers is very narrow and pointed. 736. Erythmra prasina, The Long-tailed Munia. Loxia prasina, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, pis. 72, 73 (1788). Erythrina prasina (Sparrm.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 118. Erythrura prasina (Sparrm.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 503 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 405; Hume, Cat. no. 703 ter; Oates, B. B. i, p. 370; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 381. Coloration. Male. Lores and a narrow line to the nostril black ; forehead, cheeks, round the eye, chin, and throat blue ; upper plumage, wing-coverts, and tertiaries bright green ; lower rump and upper tail-coverts crimson ; middle pair of tail-feathers dull red, the others brown tipped with greenish; primaries and secon- daries black, margined with green ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck green ; lower plumage buff, except the middle of the abdomen, which is crimson. Female. Resembles the male in general appearance, but has the blue of the forehead, cheeks, and round the eye replaced by green with a slight blue tinge, and the blue of the chin and throat replaced by greenish buff; the crimson on the abdomen is absent, that part being buff like the remainder of the lower plumage. The young resemble the female in general appearance, but have the upper tail-coverts and middle pair of tail-feathers yellowish, not crimson. Legs, feet, and claws fleshy pink : bill black ; iris dark brown (Hume 6f Dav.}. Length of male about 6 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 2-3 ; tarsus -6 ; bill from gape -55. Length of female nearly 5 ; tail 1-6 ; other parts as in the male. Distribution. The extreme south of Tenasserim, extending down the Malay peninsula and to Sumatra, Java, aud Borneo. Genus STICTOSPIZA, Sharpe, 1890. The genus Stictospiza contains a single species of Munia of a green colour. The female differs from the male chiefly in being paler. In this genus the middle tail-feathers are broad and rounded, and not narrow and pointed as in the preceding genera. STICTOSPIZA. 191 737. Stictospiza formosa. The Green Munia. Fringilla formosa, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 441 (1790). Estrelda formosa (Lath.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 119 ; Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 361 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 456 ; Butler, S. F. iii, p. 496 ; Hume, Cat. no. 705 ; Reid, S. F. x, p. 56 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 265. Stictospiza formosa (Lath.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii. p. 287 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 145. The Green Wax-bill, Jerd. ; liar re lal, Harre munia, Hind. Fig. 49.— Tail of S. for mow. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage light green, tinged with yellow on the upper tail-coverts ; wings and their coverts brown, each feather broadly edged with light green, the closed wing appearing entirely of this latter colour ; tail black ; sides of the head and neck yellowish green ; lower plumage yellow, pale on the chin, throat and fore neck, brighter on the breast, and becoming deep on the abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts ; flanks and sides of the body transversely barred with dark greenish brown and white, the white bars sometimes tinged with yellow ; under wing-coverts pale yellowish. Female. Not very dissimilar to the male, but having the green of the upper plumage and wings duller ; the chin, throat, and breast grey barely tinged with yellow, and the yellow of the remaining lower parts much paler. The young bird has the upper plumage olive-brown ; the lower plumage ochraceous, turning to pale yellow on the abdomen ; flanks and sides of the body pale buff, uniform and unbarred ; bill black. Bill waxy red ; feet plumbeous brown ; iris pale brown (Jerdoti). Length about 4; tail 1-5 ; wing 1-95 ; tarsus -5; bill from gape •45. Distribution. The Central portion of the Indian continent, the extreme points to which this species extends being apparently Mount Abu on the west, Palamow and Lohardugga on the east, Jhansi on the north, and Chanda and Ahiri on the south. Habits, $c. Breeds apparently twice a year, once in the rains and once in the cold season, laying five eggs, which measure about •66 by -47. 1 92 Genus SPORJEGINTHUS, Cabanis, 1850. The genus /Sporceginthus contains two Indian species of Munia, in which the males are red and the females brown, and both sexes are much spotted with white on various parts of the plumage. This genus differs from the last not only in the general coloration of the plumage but also in the shape of the tail, which in Sporce- yinthus is much more rounded. Key to the Species *. a. Abdomen black S. amandava rf , p. 192. 6. Abdomen yellowish red S.flavidiventris $ , p. 193. 738. Sporaegintlms amandava. The Indian Red Munia. Fringilla amandava, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 319 (1766). Fringilla punicea, Horsf. Tr. Linn. Soc. xiii, p. 160 (1820). Estrelda amandava (Linn.) Blyth, Cat. p. 118 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 502 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 359 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 454 j Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 662 j Hume. Cat. no. 704 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 264. Sporseginthus amandava (Linn.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii; p. 320 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ JE. 2nd ed. ii, p. 147. The Red Wax-bill, Jerd. ; Lai munia, Hind. ; Torra jinuwayi, Tel. Coloration. Male. The fully adult has the whole head, upper plumage, neck, breast, and sides of the body crimson, with the ashy or brown bases of the feathers showing through more or less • rump and upper tail-coverts, sides of the neck, breast, and body spotted with white ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts black, the feathers of the abdomen with crimson fringes ; wings and coverts brown, each covert-feather and the tertiaries with a term- inal white spot ; primary-coverts and winglet plain brown ; tail blackish, the outer feathers tipped white. female. Upper plumage and scapulars brown ; upper tail-coverts dull crimson vvith minute white tips ; tail dark brown, the lateral feathers tipped white; wings brown, the median and greater coverts with the tertiaries tipped white ; lores black ; chin and throat whitish ; sides of the head and neck and the breast ashy brown ; remainder of lower plumage dull saffron, the sides of the body more or less tinged with ashy. The young have the whole upper plumage brown, the wing- coverts and tertiaries broadly edged with fulvous ; the whole lower plumage uniform ochraceous brown ; bill dark brown. Iris orange-red ; bill red, dusky at base of culmen ; legs and feet brownish flesh (Butler']. Length about 4-5 ; tail 1/6 ; wing 1/9 ; tarsus *55 ; bill from gape -4. * The females of the two species are not separable by any characters kn own tome. SPOR^EGINTHUS. 193 Sharpe is of opinion that the male bird of this species undergoes a seasonal change of plumage. I cannot follow him in this, as all the evidence 1 can find in the large series of this bird in the British Museum leads me to the same conclusion 1 arrived at some years ago with respect to the allied Burmese race, viz., that the male is a very considerable period in acquiring his perfectly mature dress, but that having once acquired it he never changes. The nestling male at the first autumn appears to don the female plumage, and from this point slowly advances step by step towards his complete adult plumage, which is probably not fully attained till the second autumn or a short time previously. Distribution. The whole of India proper from Sind to Assam and from the foot of the Himalayas to Cape Comorin ; Ceylon; the hill-ranges of Assam, Cachar, Sylhet, and Tipperah. This species is again found in Siam, Cochin China, Singapore, and Java. Habits, <$fc. Appears to breed twice a year, once in the cold season and once in the rains, constructing its nest near the ground. The eggs measure about *55 by '43. 739. Sporaeginthus flavidiventris. The Burmese Red Munia. Estrelda flavidiventris, Wallace, P. Z. S. 1863, pp. 486, 495 ; Ward- laiv Ramsay, Ibis, 1877, p. 461 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 600 ; Hume, Cat. no. 704 bis. Estrelda amandava (Linn.), Oates, S. F. iii, p. 342. Estrilda burmanica, Hume, S. F. iv, p. 484 ; Oates, S. F. v, p. 163. Estrilda punicea (Horsf.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 371. Sporeeginthus flavidiventris (Wall.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii,p. 323; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 149. Coloration. Very similar to S. amandava, the male differing from the male of that species in having the abdomen yellowish red. The females of the two species are apparently undistinguishable. The young are also alike, and the males undergo the same changes in adopting the adult plumage. Bill deep red, the posterior half of culmen black ; iris crimson ; eyelids purpurescent ; inside of mouth salmon-colour ; legs flesh- colour ; claws horny. Leagth 4 ; tail 1'5 ; wing 1*8 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape -35. Upon re-examining Horsfield's type of Fringilla punicea from Java, it now appears to me to be a specimen of S. amandava rather than of S. Jlavidiventris. Such is also Sharpe's opinion. A considerable number of specimens from Singapore are undoubt- edly S. amandava. The distribution of the two species is thus very difficult to understand. Distribution. Burma, from the neighbourhood of Bhamo down to the southern coast of Pegu and to Karennee and Central Tenas- serim. This species occurs in the islands of Elores and Timor. flabits, #c. Breeds in Pegu in October and November, con- structing its nest in clumps of low grass. The eggs, four to six in number, measure about !56 by '44. YOL. II. O 194 FBINGILLIDJE. Family FRINGILLID^. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of the mandibles smooth ; the hinder part of the tarsus longitudinally bilaminated, the laminae*, entire and smooth ; wing with nine primaries, the first and second about equal in length ; secondary quills reaching about three- quarters the length of the wing ; bill more or less conical ; tail of twelve feathers ; tarsus scutellated ; nostrils pierced close to the line of the forehead and very near the culmen; rictal bristles few and short ; plumage of nestling various ; sexes generally dissimilar. The Fringillidce or Finches comprise a very large number of birds which have a considerable general resemblance to each other, and are characterized by points of structure which render their separation from other groups comparatively easy. Although Einches have, as a rule, but one moult a year, yet their summer and winter plumages differ considerably in many of the species. In spring and summer the margins of the feathers are lost by abrasion or by being cast off, and then the colour of the parts affected becomes more uniform and frequently more brilliant. The Pinches are normally granivorous or frugivorous, but they also eat insects and the young are fed entirely on these. They are for the most part gregarious and arboreal, but they descend to the ground freely to pick up food. Many of them are good songsters, and they are all hardy and bear captivity well. Sharpe, in the twelfth volume of the British Museum Catalogue of Birds, has treated this family in a very complete and satisfactory manner. This was the first Catalogue written by him with the combined Hume and Tweeddale Collections at his disposal. I follow him in the arrangement of this group, and I have found no reason to differ from him except in some minor matters, such as the extent of a few of the genera. The Fringillidce may be divided into three very natural sub- families by the character of the shape of the skull and bill. i KIM. ii, i. in. i:. Upper mandible produced backwards beyond the front line of the bony orbit ; inferior outline of lower mandible straight or nearly so .... 19o Coccothraustinc?, p. 196. Fig. 50. — Skull of Coccothraustes vulgari*. Upper mandible not produced backwards beyond front line of orbit ; inferior outline of lower mandible with a slight re-entering angle ; cutting- edges of upper and lower mandibles everywhere in contact Frinfjillmce, p. 202. Fig. 51.— Skull of Fringilla Calebs. Upper mandible not produced backwards beyond front line of orbit ; inferior line of lower mandible greatly an- gulate; cutting-edges of mandibles Fig. 52.— Skull of Embcriza citrindla. not everywhere in contact, but leaving a gap of greater or less extent Emberiz'uux, p. lM9. 196 FRINGlLLIDvE. Subfamily COCCOTHRAUSTIN^. The subfamily Coccoihraustince contains those Finches which are characterized by a very large bill. They are birds of considerable size and rather bright coloration, and in all the Indian species the sexes differ from each other. They have only one moult a year. The Indian Grosbeaks are chiefly inhabitants of the higher parts of the Himalayas ; they live in forests, feed on stony fruits, and are mostly gregarious. They make, so far as is known, cup-shaped nests in trees and lay spotted eggs. Key to the Genera. a. Tips of later primaries and earlier secon- daries square or sinuated ; margin of upper mandible not toothed near gape COCCOTHRAUSTES, p. 196. b. Tips of later primaries and earlier secon- daries rounded or pointed ; margin of upper mandible sinuated or toothed near gape. n'. Difference between wing and tail hardly equal to tarsus PYCNORHAMPHUS, p. 198. b'. Difference between wing and tail about equal to twice tarsus MYCEROBAS, p. 200. Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES, Brisson, 1760. The genus Coccothraustes contains the Hawfinches, of which two species are known, one inhabiting a considerable portion of Europe and Asia, and the other the north-west portion of the Punjab and probably Afghanistan. In Coccothraustes the bill is conical, with the culmen nearly straight and the cutting-edge of the upper mandible curved, but not toothed near the gape ; the nostrils partially concealed by hairs ; tail short and almost square ; wing sharp, the primaries, commencing from the fifth, with sinuated or square tips ; tarsus short. The nestling in this genus is highly spotted and also suffused with yellow. 740. Coccothraustes humii. Hume's Hawfinch. Coccothraustes vulgaris (Pall.}, Hume, Ibis, 1869, p. 456 ; id. S. F. vii, p. 462 ; id. Cat. no. 728 bis ; Barnes, S. F. ix, p. 456. Coccothraustes humii, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1886, p. 97 j id. Cat. B. M. xii, p. 40, pi. 1. Coloration. Male. Feathers immediately next the bill, the lores, chin, and throat black; a narrow baud next these black parts dull COCCOTHRAUSTES. 197 white ; forehead, crown, nape, back, scapulars, and tertiaries tawny brown ; a broad ashy collar on the hind neck and sides of neck ; rump, upper tail-coverts, sides of the head, and the whole lower plumage a paler but clearer tawny brown ; middle of abdomen and the under tail-coverts white ; tail black, the feathers with broad white tips, the middle pair frequently ashy for some distance in front of the white tip; lesser wing-coverts brown, tipped ashy; median Fig. 53.— Head of C. humii. coverts and the greater part of the outer \vebs of the greater coverts white ; remainder of wing black, the primaries tipped with metallic blue, and each with a large white patch on the inner web ; the later primaries and secondaries edged wdth metallic lilac or purple. Female. Black parts of the head as in the male ; remainder of head and neck ashy brown ; other parts of plumage as in male, but the tawny brown everywhere very pale and dull, the wings chiefly brown with some ashy on the outer wrebs. Both sexes in winter have the black feathers of the chin and throat narrowly tipped with wrhite. These margins soon wear awrav. The young of this species are unknown, but in the European ally the nestling is brown above with black tips to the feathers ; the head is suffused with yellow ; the lower plumage is white, each feather with a black terminal bar ; the wings and tail resemble those of the adult. Bui in winter whitish ; in summer blue ; legs flesh-colour. Length about 7 ; tail 2-5 ; wing 4 ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape •85. This species differs from C. vulyaris of Europe in having a lighter and less richly coloured head, a paler back, and the lower plumage tawrny brown, not vinaceous. Distribution. The only specimens of this species that 1 have seen were collected at Attock in the Punjab in February and March. There can be little doubt that the Hawfinch procured by Barnes nt Chaman in Afghanistan belonged to this species. Of it he renmrks that it is a common bird and resident. 198 Genus PYCNORHAMPHUS, Hume, 1874. In Pycnorliamplius the bill is very similar in sha-pe to that of Coccotliraustes, but the cutting-edge of the upper mandible is toothed near the gape ; the tail is square and comparatively long, the difference in length between it and the whig being about equal to the tarsus ; the primaries have the ordinary rounded tips. The Grosbeaks of this genus are of rather large size and well- marked colours. They inhabit the Himalayas and but little is known of their habits. The nestling bird appears to resemble the adult female closely in this genus, but it is doubtful whether the young male moults into adult plumage at the first autumn moult. Materials for settling this question are at present insufficient. Key to the Species. a. No white spot on wing. «.' Head black. a". Thighs black P. icteroides $ , p. 198. b". Thighs yellow P. affinis <$ , p. 1 99. b'. Head ashy. c". Breast ashy grey j abdomen fawn- buff P. icteroides $ , p. 198. d". Breast and abdomen olive-yellow . . P. qffinis § , p. 199. b. A white spot on wing P. carneipes, p. 200. 741. Pycnorliamphus icteroides. The Black and Yellow • Grosbeak. Coccothraustes icterioides, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1830, p. 8 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 45 ; myth, Cat. p. 125. Hesperiphona icterioides ( Vig^), Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 462 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 384 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 59 ; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 257 ; Cock fy Marsh. S. F. i, p. 358 ; Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 84 ; Wardlaw Ramsarj, Ibis, 1880, p. 66 ; C. H. T. Marshall, Ibis, 1884, p. 420. Pycnorhamphus icteroides (Vig.), Hume, N. fy E. p. 469; id. Cat. *no. 725 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 44 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 150. Coloration. Male. The whole head, chin and throat, wings, scapulars, sides of the back, upper tail-coverts, under wing-coverts, axillaries, and thighs dull black ; remainder of plumage deep yellow, tinged with orange on the hind neck. Female. Head, neck, chin, throat, breast, axillaries and under wing-coverts, back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts, and the greater part of the outer webs of the greater coverts and secondaries ashy grey, the head darker than the other parts ; rump fulvous ; upper tail-coverts grey ; winglet, primary-coverts, and primaries black ; abdomen, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts fawn-buff. PYCNORHAMPHUS. 199 A young male shot in August is moulting from the female to the adult male plumage. Legs and feet fleshy pink ; bill horny greenish ; iris reddish hrown (Hume). The bill becomes yellow in winter. A young bird had the bill waxy green ; iris hazel ; legs and feet pale fleshy (Bingham, August). Length about 9 ; tail 37 ; wing 5-2 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree and Central Kashmir eastwards to Garhwal, where this species is found in the hills north of Mussooree. Jerdon's statement that this bird extends into Nepal requires confirmation. This Grosbeak occurs from 5000 to 9000 feet, and according to Stoliczka not beyond the limit of the large forests. Habits, <${c. Breeds in May and June, constructing a nest of twigs and grass, lined with fern-roots, in a branch of a tree, and laying two or three eggs, which are white marked with broad longi- tudinal dashes of rufous-brown at the larger end, and measure from •9 to 1-07 in length by -77 to -81 in breadth. 742. Pycnorhamphus affinis. The Allied Grosbeak. Hesperiphona affinis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xxiv, p. 179 (1855) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 385 ; Blyth, Ibis, 1807, p. 43. Pycnorhamphus affinis (Blyth}, Hume, Cat. no. 726 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 46. Coloration. Male. The whole head, chin and throat, the upper part of the fore neck, wings, scapulars, the sides of the back, and the tail deep black ; the feathers of the middle line of the back black on the outer web, yellow on the inner ; neck all round, rump, and entire lower plumage from the throat downwards rich yellow, tinged with orange on the rump and hind neck ; upper tail-coverts black ; under wing-coverts and axillaries black. Female. The whole head, chin, and throat ashy ; hind neck, sides of neck, rump, and lower plumage olive-yellow ; back, scapulars, upper tail-coverts, the lesser and median wing-coverts, and the greater portion of the outer webs of the greater coverts and second- aries ashy green ; remainder of wing and the tail deep black. Males not quite adult have the head, chin, and throat dark brown with pale fringes, and the lower plumage saffron-yellow. Bill bluish in winter, yellow in summer ; feet fleshy yellow (Jerdori). The few dated specimens in the British Museum, however, show that the bill is blue in summer and yellow in winter, in the dried state at least. Length about 9 ; tail 3*8 ; wing 5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape •!•.">. Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim, extending into Tibet and "Western China. In the British Museum ihere is a specimen of this bird which is marked as having been procured at Dharmsala. This Grosbeak appears to be found only at high elevations. 200 FRINGILLTDjE. 743. Pycnorhamphus carneipes. The White-ivinged Grosbeak. Coccothraustes carnipes, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 151 (1836); Blyth, Cat. p. 125. Mycerobas carnipes (Hodgs.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 462 ; Jerd. 'B. I. ii, p. 387 ; Wardlaw Ramsay, Ibis, 1879, p. 448, 1880, p. 66 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 81 ; Scully, Ibis, 1831, p. 577. Pycnorhamphus carneipes (Hodgs.), Hume, Cat. no. 728 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 47. Coloration. Male. The whole head, neck, back, scapulars, wings, chin, throat, breast, upper abdomen, upper tail-coverts, and tail black with ashy margins ; the upper tail-coverts margined with greenish yellow ; the scapulars, innermost greater coverts, and tertiaries tipped with greenish yellow on the outer web ; all but the first primary with a white patch at base ; the primaries and secondaries narrowly margined with white on the outer web near the tip ; rump, lower abdomen, sides of body, and under tail- coverts greenish yellow ; thighs ashy brown ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ashy. Female. Very similar to the male in general appearance. The dark parts of the plumage are ashy brown, not black, and the margins of the feathers have a greenish tinge ; the cheeks and the sides of the head are streaked with whitish ; the lower abdomen, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts are ashy yellow ; the breast is more or less streaked with white, but is occasionally quite plain. Upper mandible brownish, the lower one whitish horn-colour ; legs pale fleshy brown ; iris hair-brown ( Wardlaw Ramsay}. The bill does not appear to undergo any seasonal change of colour. Length 8 to 9 ; tail 3-5 to 4 ; wing 4-3 to 4-8 ; tarsus I ; bill from gape '8 to 1. The size of this species varies extremely but not according to locality, probably according to age. Distribution. The Himalayas from Grilgit to Sikhim, generally above 8000 feet, but occasionally descending to 5000 feet. This species extends to Afghanistan on the west, and to parts of Central Asia on the north. Genus MYCEROBAS, Cabanis, 1847. In the genus Mycerobas the bill is of very great size, the height at the nostrils being about equal to the length of the bill ; the cutting-edge of the upper mandible, as in Pycnorhamphus, is provided with a large tooth near the gape, and the nostrils are covered by hairs ; the tail is comparatively short and decidedly forked ; and the wing-quills have ordinary rounded tips. The sexes differ in colour. The only member of this genus inhabits the Himalayas, and has also occasionally been found in Mauipur. Very little is known of its habits. MYCEROBAS. 201 744. Mycerobas melanoxanthug. The Spotted-winged Grosbeak. Coccothraustes melanozantliiis, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 150 (1836) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 125. Mycerobas melanoxantlms (Hodys.}, Horsf. Sf M. Cat. ii, p. 461 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 336 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 64 ; Oodio.- Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 200; Hume, Cat. no. 727; Sharps, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 41 ; Hum*, S. F. xi, p. 286. MaUam-pho, Lepch. Fig. 54. — Head of M. melanoxanthiis. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, sides of the head and neck, chin and throat slaty black, each feather with an ashy margin more or less distinct ; wings black, the feathers margined with ashy, the inner greater coverts and tertiaries with an elongated oval pale yellow spot on the outer web near the tip ; the fourth to eighth primaries white at base ; the secondaries and inner primaries with a short white margin near the tip of the outer web ; tail black ; lower plumage deep yellow ; axillaries black, tipped with yellow. Female. Upper plumage black, the feathers edged with yellowish green, those of the head, hind neck, and back subterminally bright yellow, causing those parts to be about equally black and yellow ; feathers of forehead and those at the side of the crown almost pure yellow ; a broad black band from the lores through the eye to the ear-coverts, followed below by a yellow band ; a black patch on the cheeks ; sides of the chin and throat, sides of neck, breast, and sides of body deep yellow streaked with black ; chin, throat, abdomen, and under tail-coverts deep unstreaked yellow ; wings and tail much as in the male, but the feathers margined with greenish yellow. The nestling resembles the female in general appearance, but has the yellow of the head and upper parts replaced by yellowish white, and the lower plumage pale vinaceous streaked with black and occasionally tinged with yellow. It is difficult to trace the transition of plumage from youth to maturity in the series in the British Museum, but Hodgson asserts that the young males retain the plumage of the female till after the second moult. Bill leaden blue ; feet leaden grey, claws brown ; iris brown (ffodyson). 202 Length about 8-5 ; tail 3-1 ; wing 5 ; tarsus *85 ; bill from gape 1. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Hazara country to Sikhim at considerable elevations ; Manipur. Subfamily FRINGILLIN^E. The Fringillince comprise the Bullfinches, the Bose-Finches, the Crossbills, the true Finches, the Sparrows, and the Mountain- Finches. They have a bill of medium size, the upper mandible not being produced behind the front line of the bony orbit, and the cutting-edges of the two mandibles are everywhere in contact. The Fringillince have one moult a year only, but the wearing away of the margins of the feathers in parts of the plumage in the spring causes many of them to have a summer plumage, which in some cases is very different to the winter dress. The young birds resemble the adult females and probably retain this dress till the second autumn. The Fringillince are more or less gregarious or sociable, live both on seeds and insects, and are frequently good songsters. 1 have made the division of the Fringillince into genera to depend in great measure on types of colour as well as structure *. Key to tlie Genera. a. Rump white ; quills and tail uniform black PYRRHULA, p. 204. I. Inner webs of tertiaries white PYRRHOPLECTES, p. 207. c. Sexes (except in Erythrospiza) very dis- similar; males red or pink, females brown or greenish ; no white on tail ; tail forked. «'. Tips of mandibles crossed. LOXIA, p. 208. b'. Bill of normal shape. a". Bill short and thick ; culmen curved. «'". Tail conspicuously short, the tip of the wings reaching- considerably beyond middle of tail. a4. Nostrils exposed ; male scarlet, female green H^EMATOSPIZA, p. 209. b4. Nostrils densely plumed ; sexes nearly similar ERYTHROSPIZA, p. 221. b'". Tail of moderate length ; tip of wing not reaching byond middle of tail. * I cannot determine the following Finches : — FRINGILLA PYRRHOPTERA, Less, in Belang. Voy. p. 271 (1834). PROPASSER MURRAYI, Blyth, 3. A. S. B. xxxii, p. 458 (1863). LTNOTA PYGM^A, Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 62 (1868). All of which were described from specimens procured in India, but too insufficiently to be recognizable. FKTNGTLLTN r. 203 <4. Males with the abdomen and breast of quite different colours. «'"'. Culmen much longer than depth of bill at base PYRRHOSPIZA, p. 211. b5. Culmen about as long- as depth of bill at base PROPYRRHULA, p. 210. d*. Males with the abdomen and breast of the same colour. c5. A supercilium present in both sexes PROPASSER, p. 212. d?. No supercilium present in either sex CARPODACUS, p. 219. b'1. Bill lengthened and slender ; culmen straight PROCARDUELIS, p. 223. (I. Lateral tail-feathers largely marked with white ; tail forked. c'. Bill long, slender and pointed ; a large amount of yellow on wings CARDUELIS, p. 225. d'. Bill long and thick ; wings spotted with white CALLACANTHIS, p. 226. e'. Bill short and pointed ; plumage streaked ACANTHIS, p. 227. e. Both sexes with greater part of plumage yellow or green. f." Bill small and swollen; culmen curved. METOPONIA, p. 230. (/'. Bill lengthened and sharp; culmen straight. c". Length of culmen about equal to depth of bill at base ; sexes closely alike HYPACANTHIS, p. 231. d". Length of culmen about twice depth of bill at base ; sexes dissimilar . . CHRYSOMITRIS, p. 232. f. Sexes not strikingly dissimilar ; two bars on wing- co verts ; throat and breast generally rufous; bill lengthened and straight FRINGILLA, p. 233. g. A yellow patch on throat ; no pattern on outer webs of earlier primaries GYMNORHIS, p. 235. h. Pale margins on outer webs of earlier primaries not of uniform width, forming two patches, one below primary-coverts and one above emarginations. h'. No yellow patch on throat and no white spots on tail PASSER, p. 236. i'. A yellow patch on throat and white spots on tail PETRONIA, p. 243. t. Tail square, middle pair of feathers as long as the others; quills and tail largely white ; no yellow on throat MONTIFRINGILLA, p. 244. k. Tail forked and not marked with white ; sexes alike ; plumage occasionally pink on rump and shoulder FRINQILLAUDA, p. 247. 204 PRINGILLID^). Genus PYRRHULA, Briss., 1760. The genus Pyrrhula comprises the Bullfinches, which are cha- racterized by a short and very swollen bill, a white rump, and deep black wings and tail. The sexes differ considerably from each other. Three of the Indian species of Bullfinches have the tail deeply forked, but the fourth has it nearly square. The Bullfinches inhabit well-wooded districts arid are strictly arboreal. They sing well and are easily kept in captivity. They make cup-shaped nests in trees, and lay blue eggs spotted with various shades of brown. Hardly anything, however, is known of the nidification of the Indian species. Key to tlie Species. a. Middle pair of tail-feathers nearly as long as outermost pair P. aurantiaca, p. 204. b. Middle pair of tail-feathers fully half an inch shorter than outermost pair. «'. A well-defined deep black band round base of bill. a". Crown varying from greenish yellow to vermilion P. erythrocephala, p. 205. b" . Crown ashy grey P. erithacus, p. 206. b'. An ill-defined brown band round base of bill P. nepalensis, p. 206. 745. Pyrrhula aurantiaca. The Orange Bullfinch. Pyrrhula aurantiaca, Gould, P. Z. 8. 1857, p. 222 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 390 ; Hume # Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 258 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 470 ; id. Cat. no. 732 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 82 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 577 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 455; Oates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 151. Coloration. Male. A broad black band round the base of the bill ; rump, under tail-coverts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts white ; upper tail-coverts, tail, and quills of wing black ; lesser and median wing-coverts dusky edged with orange-rufous, the latter sub- terminally ashy ; greater series black, broadly tipped with orange- rufous ; the other parts of the body deep orange. Female. A broad black band round the base of the bill exactly as in the male ; crown, nape, hind neck, and sides of the head ashy brown ; back and scapulars yellowish brown ; rump white ; upper tail-coverts and tail black ; lesser and median coverts like the back but with subterminal ashy bars ; greater coverts black, with broad tips of the colour of the back but paler ; throat and breast pale rufous ; abdomen dull yellowish ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Young males have the sides of the head and the whole lower plumage bright yellow and the upper plumage more or less yellow. Bill black ; feet fleshy ; iris dark brown (Jerdon). Length about 5-5 ; tail 2-4 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus -65 ; bill from gape '45. I'YKHHULA. 205 Distribution. The Hazara country and Kashmir, extending into the adjoining native territory. ffalntf, fyc. Appears to breed in July, but the nest and eggs have not been taken. 746. Pyrrhula erythrocephala. The Red-headed Bullfinch. Pyrrhula erythvocephala, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 174 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 32 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 123 ; Horsf. ^ M. Cat. ii, p. 454 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 389 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 59 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 64 ; Hume, Cat. no. 729 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 457. Fig. 55.— Head of P. erythrocephala. Coloration. Male. A broad black band round the base of the bill, followed by a pale zone which is succeeded on the crown, nape, and hind neck by vermilion, and on the sides of the head, sides of the neck, throat, breast, and upper abdomen by paler red ; back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts ashy grey ; rump white, with a narrow black bar between it and the lower back ; greater wing-coverts black, broadly tipped with ashy grey ; quills, upper tail-coverts, and tail black ; lower abdomen pale ashy, passing to pure white on the under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. A broad black band round the base of the bill, followed by a pale zone which is succeeded by yellowish green on the crown, nape, and hind neck, and by drab-brown on the entire lower plumage except the abdomen, under tail-coverts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts, which are white ; back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts drab-brown ; greater coverts black, broadly tipped with drab-brown ; quills, upper tail-coverts, and tail black ; rump white. The young males are at first like the female, and gradually assume the plumage of the adult male by a slow change of colour in the feathers. Bill black ; legs pale fleshy brown ; iris light brown (Jerdon). Length about 5'5 ; tail 2-6; wing 3' 1; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape -45. Distribution. The Himalayas from Chamba and Southern Kashmir to Bhutan. Stoliczka states that this species breeds near Kotgarh between 6000 and 8000 feet, and Blanford met with it in Sikhim at 11,000 feet. 206 FRINGILLIILE. 747. Pyrrhula erithacus. Beavan's Bullfinch. Pyrrhula erythaca, Blyth, Ibis, 1862, p. 389 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 389 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 455 ; id. Cat. no. 730. Pyrrhula erithacus, Blyth, Ibis, 1863, p. 441, pi. 10 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 455. Coloration. Male. A broad black band round the base of the bill, edged posteriorly with greyish white shading off into the dark ashy grey of the crown, nape, back, and scapulars, and the paler ashy grey of the sides of the head and throat ; a broad black band across the rump followed by a broader white band ; upper tail-coverts and tail deep glossy black ; lesser and median coverts ashy grey with dark centres ; greater coverts with basal half black and terminal half ashy grey ; quills black, the outer webs becoming more glossy inwardly and the tertiaries being entirely glossy black ; breast, upper half of abdomen and of the sides of the body orange ; re- mainder of lower plumage greyish white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries greyish white. Female. Differs from the male by having all the underparts, with the exception of the white abdomen, of a light chocolate-colour, and the back darker. Iris dark brown ; culmen black ; tarsus body-colour (Prje- valsky}. Length about 6 ; tail 2-9 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape *45. Distribution. Sikhim, extending to Kansu and Western China. 748. Pyrrhula nepalensis. The Brown Bullfinch. Pyrrhula nipalensis, Hodf/s. As. Ees. xix, p. 156 (1836) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 122 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 455 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 390 ; Blanf. J.A.S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 65; Hume, Cat. no. 731 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 335 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 453. Coloration. Male. Forehead and feathers round the bill dark brown; crown and nape ashy brown, the feathers with dusky centres ; hind neck, sides of the neck and head, throat, breast, and the whole lower plumage (except the under tail-coverts and middle of the abdomen which are white) plain ashy brown ; back and scapulars darker ashy brown ; a white patch under and behind the eye ; upper part of rump purplish black, lower white ; upper tail-coverts and tail black with a bronze gloss, and all the feathers tipped with velvety black ; lesser and median wing-coverts dark ashy brown ; greater wing-coverts pale ashy brown, the outer ones broadly margined with purplish black ; quills black, margined on the outer web increasingly with purplish black, the tertiaries becom- ing entirely of this colour and the innermost margined exteriorly with crimson ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. Eesembles the male, and differs merely in the edging to the innermost tertiary being yellow instead of crimson. The young appear to resemble the adult female. PYJIEHOPLECTES. 207 Bill greenish horn-colour with a black tip ; legs fleshy brown; iris brown (Hodgson). Length about 6P5 ; tail 3 ; wing 3*4 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The Himalayas from G-arhwal to Sikhim. Blanford observed this species in Sikhim at 10,000 feet. Genus PYRRHOPLECTES, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Pyrrhoplectes contains one species, which resembles the Bullfinches in general appearance and structure, but it has the bill less tumid and the rump is of the same colour as the lower back. It may be recognized from all the other species of Indian Frin- yillidce by the colour of the inner webs of the tertiaries, which are pure white. Both sexes possess this character. 749. Pyrrhoplectes epauletta. The Gold-healed Black Finch. Pyrrhula ? epauletta, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 150 (1836). ^yrrhoplectes epauletta (Hodys.), Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 455 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 392 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 65; Hums, Cat. no. 733 ; Sharps, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 386. Pyrrhuloides epauletta (Ilodgs.), Bhjth, Ca£.p. 337. The Gold-headed Black Bull/inch, Jerd. ; Lho sampreh-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Male. The whole plumage black except the hinder part of the crown and nape, which are golden orange, the axil- laries and a small portion of the middle abdomen, which are orange- buff, the under wing-coverts and the inner webs of the tertiaries, which are white. Female. Forehead, anterior part of crown, lores, round the eyes, and base of cheeks ashy grey more or less suffused with olive-yellow, and turning to this colour entirely on the remainder of the crown, the ear-coverts, and the sides of the head ; hind neck, sides of neck, and upper back ashy grey, turning to chestnut-brown, which is the colour of the lower back, rump, upper tail-coverts, scapulars, and visible portions of the wing-coverts ; wings and tail dark brown, the tertiaries rufous on the outer, white on the inner, webs ; entire lower plumage chestnut-brown except the axillaries, which are orange-buff, and the under wing-coverts, which are whitish. The nestling resembles the adult female aud moults into female adult plumage at the first autumn moult ; the young males acquire the adult plumage during the first winter and by a very gradual process extending over several months. Bill dusky horny ; legs brown ; iris brown (Jerdoti). Length nearly 6 ; tail 2'4 ; wing 31; tarsus '75; bill from gape '5. Distribution. The Himalayas from the eastern side of the valley of the Sutlej to 8ikhim. Blanford met with this species in Sikhim at 11,000 feet. 208 FRHSTGILLID^. Habits, $c. Little is recorded of the habits of this bird. Hodgson says it is shy, adhering to the forests. Genus LOXIA, Linn., 1766. The genus Loccia contains one Indian species of Finch which may be recognized at a glance by the peculiar structure of the bill, in which the tips of the mandibles cross each other. The plumage of the male is red and that of the female greenish. In Loxia the wing is very Jong, reaching to a considerable distance beyond the middle of the tail. Fig. 56. — Head of L. himalayana, The Crossbills feed chiefly on seeds from the cones of various pine-trees, for the extraction of which their bill is specially adapted. 750. Loxia himalayana. The Himalayan Crossbill. Loxia himalayana, Hodgs., Gray, Zool. Misc. p. 85 (1844); Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 453 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 393 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 60 ; Hume, Cat. no. 734. Loxia himalayensis, Hodgs. J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 952 (1844) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 123. Loxia curvirostra, Linn., Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 435 (part.). Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck red, the rump brighter red ; back and scapulars brown, the feathers broadly fringed with red ; wing-coverts brown, margined with rufous- brown ; primary-coverts, winglet, and quills blackish with very narrow rufous margins ; upper tail-coverts and tail dark brown margined with rufous ; sides of the head dark brown, more or less mixed with red ; lower plumage red ; under tail-coverts brown, broadly edged with whitish; under wing-coverts and axillaries ashy brown washed with rufous. Female. Upper plumage brown, each feather edged with olive- yellow; the rump purer yellow ; wings and tail dark brown, mar- gined narrowly with olive-yellow : chin, throat, and sides of the head and neck ashy, more or less mottled and washed with dull yellow ; abdomen ashy ; remainder of lower plumage dull yellow. Young birds are ashy brown tinged with yellow and densely streaked all over with dark brown. Bill and feet brown ; iris dark hazel. Length about 5'5 : tail 2-2; wing 3'4; tarsus '65; bill from gape *75. The Crossbills of the Himalayas form a very small race which I think it is advisable to keep distinct. There is a very marked H.EMATOSPIZA. 209 difference in size between the Himalayan birds and L. curvirostra, from Northern Europe, on the one hand, and L. japonica, from Japan, on the other ; and the only Crossbills which approach the Indian birds in size are some from America. Sharpe's view that all these Crossbills form but one species is no doubt correct ; at the same time the Himalayan Crossbills are in my opinion quite dis- tinguishable from all others in size, and it is consequently more con- venient to retain them as distinct. Distribution. The Himalayas from Chini and Lahul to Sikhiin, extending into Tibet and Western China. Habits <$fc. Inhabits the pine-forests and is highly gregarious. Q-enus HJEMATOSPIZA, Blyth, 1844. The genus Hcematospiza is closely allied to Loxia, the male being red and the female green, but the bill is of a normal shape and very stout and strong. The wing is of considerable length, reaching beyond the middle of the tail. A curious feature of this species is the white colour of the bases to the feathers of the head and neck ; these white bases show up when the feathers are dis- arranged and are hardly ever completely hidden. 751. Haematospiza sipahi. The Scarlet Finch. Corythus sipahi, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 151 (1836). Hsematospiza boetonensis (Lath.), Blyth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 951 (1844) ; id. Cat. p. 122. Haematospiza sipahi (Hodgs.), Blyth, Cat. p. 342 j Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 454 ; Jerd. B. L ii, p. 394; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 110 ; Hume, Cat. no. 735. Carpodacus sipahi (Hodgs.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 397. The Scarlet Grosbeak, Jerd. ; Phanying-pho bin, Lepcli. ; Labbia ma- p/too, Bhut. Fig. 57.— Head of H. xipahi. Coloration. Male. The whole head and body brilliant scarlet, the concealed bases of the feathers ashy; wings black, every feather margined with scarlet ; tail black with narrow crimson margins ; thighs black ; under tail-coverts black, with scarlet tips ; axillaries and under wing-coverts ashy, with very small scarlet tips.. VOL. n. p 210 Female. E-ump bright yellow; with this exception the whole upper plumage, sides of neck, lesser and median wing-coverts are dark brown, each feather with a large and well-defined greenish- yellow margin ; greater coverts and quills dark brown, margined with greenish yellow on the outer webs ; tail dark brown, with a greenish-yellow tinge on the outer webs ; region of the eye and cheeks ochraceous yellow ; ear-coverts greenish yellow with pale shafts; the whole lower plumage pale ochraceous, each feather with a subterminal black mark showing more or less clearly and sometimes concealed. The young bird resembles the adult female ; the male moults the first autumn into the female plumage again, but immediately after commences to assume the adult male plumage by a change of colour in the feathers, and probably attains the full plumage by the first breeding-season. Bill yellow ; legs brown ; iris hazel-brown (Jerdon). Length about 7'5 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 4 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape '8. Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim from 5000 to 10,000 feet ac- cording to season ; the Khasi hills. Habits, 6fc. According to Jerdon frequents both forest and bushy ground and has a loud whistling note. This species is captured in the Khasi hills and kept in captivity. Genus PROPYRRHULA, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Propyrrhula connects Loccia and Hcematospiza with the large group of the Rose-Finches. It has much the same bill as Hcematospiza but a longer tail, and the plumage of the male is less brilliant, being much mixed with green above and the abdomen being brown. The female of Propyrrhula, however, is not very unlike the female of Hcematospiza. 752. Propyrrhula subhimalayensis. The Red-headed Hose-Finch. Corythus subhimachalus, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 152 (1836). Propyrrhula subhemachalana, Hodgs., Blyth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 952 (1844) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 454. Propyrrhula subhimachala (Hodgs.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 123 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 396 ; Godiv.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xly, pt. ii, p. 200 j Hume, Cat. no. 736. Propyrrhula subhimalayensis * (Hodgs.}, Sharps, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 462. Coloration. Male. Forehead, supercilium, cheeks, chin, and throat crimson ; fore neck and upper breast duller crimson, with the feathers subterminally paler, causing a mottled appearance ; remainder of lower plumage greyish brown, paler on the abdomen ; crown, nape, hind neck, sides of head and neck, back, scapulars, * As pointed out by Sharpe, it will be convenient to employ this name for the present species rather than subhimachal'iis and subhemachalana. PYRRHOSPIZA. 211 and wing-coverts dull crimson, eacli feather with a brown centre ; rump and upper tail-coverts bright crimson ; quills and tail brown, margined with reddish. Female, forehead and an indistinct supercilium rather bright yellow ; anterior part of crown yellow, the feathers with dusky centres, becoming ashy on the posterior portion of the crown, and the nape with narrow yellowish margins; back, scapulars, and wing- coverts bright olive-yellow, the feathers with dusky centres ; rump and upper tail-coverts nearly pure olive-yellow ; quills and tail brown, edged with olive-yellow ; sides of the head ashy ; lores, cheeks, and chin pale grey mottled with ashy; throat and sides of neck ashy; breast yellow, with ashy bases to the feathers; remainder of lower parts ashy, paler on the abdomen. The young birds resemble the adult female. Bill fleshy brown ; legs pale brown ; iris hazel-brown (Jerdon). Length about 3 ; tail3'2; wing 3*8; tarsus *8; bill from gape *6. Distribution. Nepal; JSikhiin ; Manipur. Habits, $c. Jerdon states that he found this species near Dar- jeeling, frequenting the more open parts of the woods in small parties. Genus PYRRHOSPIZA, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Pyrrhospiza approaches the Rose-Finches still more than the preceding genus does, but differs in the male having the abdomen brown, streaked with black. The female is absolutely like the females of the Rose-Finches and has no green whatever in the plumage. In structure Pyrrhospiza resembles Prvpyrrhula, but in the former the bill is rather more slender and longer. 753. Pyrrhospiza punicea. The Red-breasted Rose-Finch. Pyrrhospiza pimicea, Hodgs. Blyth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 953 (1844) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 121 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 401 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. Y Pyrrhospiza humii, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 433. The Large Red-breasted Finch, Jerd. Fig. 58. — Head of P. punicea. Coloration. Male. The forehead and a broad but short super- cilium crimson, each feather tipped with black or dusky ; crown, r2 212 FRITOILLID^E. nape, back, and scapulars black, each feather margined with light brown ; rump rosy red with dusky tips ; upper tail-coverts brown, with black shafts ; wing-coverts dark brown with pale brown margins, the lesser series washed with rosy ; quills and tail dark brown, very narrowly margined paler ; a streak behind the eye and the sides of the neck and of the body pale brown, streaked with dark brown ; cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and breast crimson, most of the feathers with white terminal shaft-streaks : abdomen ashy brown, sparingly streaked with black; under tail- coverts brown, margined with pink. Female. The whole upper plumage, wings and tail, sides of the head and neck dark brown, each feather margined with pale browTn and those of the rump with dull greenish ; lower plumage pale fulvous with narrow black streaks, the breast more or less suffused with buff. Bill horny brown. Length 7*5 ; tail 3*2 ; wing 4*4; tarsus '9 ; bill from gape *6. Sharpe has separated as a subspecies, under the name of P. liumii, a pale race of this bird with the red parts of the head and breast rosy, not crimson, and the brown of the back quite pale. The frontal band is also much broader, extending back as far as the middle of the eye. The female has the rump-feathers broadly margined with olive-yellow. In the British Museum there is a pair of these birds procured in Kansu ; one bird from Tibet ; another from the " Borenda Pass ; " and a fifth from Kotgarh. Altogether I am not satisfied that this race, as found in the Hima- layas, is worthy of separation from P. punicea. Distribution. The Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikhim, at eleva- tions of from 10,000 to 17,000 feet, according to season, and extending into Tibet and Western China. Habits, fyc. Stoliczka found this Finch in Spiti and Ladak searching after food at the camping-grounds, and he also records the finding of a nest made of coarse grass and placed in a furze bush. The eggs were dirty white or greenish with some dark brown spots. Genus PKOPASSER, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Propasser belongs to the Bose-Finches, the males of which are characterized by rose-coloured plumage, and the females by streaked brown plumage. The birds of this genus may be separated from those of the next genus Carpodacus, by the presence of a supercilium in both sexes and by the bluntness of the wing, the secondaries falling short of the tip of the wing by a distance less than the length of the tarsus. The bill of Propasser is of much the same shape as that of Hcematospiza, but smaller in comparison to the size of the head. PROPASSER. 213 Key to the Species. a. Supercilium red. a'. Crown of head with coarse black streaks. a". Feathers of forehead, superciliura, throat, and cheeks with shining white shaft-streaks ............ P. thura <$, p. 213. I". Feathers of above parts without white shaft-streaks. a'". Red parts of the head rosy. ... P. pulcherrimus J, p. 215. b'". Red parts of the head crimson. P. ambiguus <5, p. 215. b'. Crown of head unstreaked or with mere black shaft-lines. c". Rump red. c'". Wing-coverts not tipped. a1. Feathers of supercilium and of sides of head and throat pointed and shining rosy ; wing 3-5 ................ P. grandis tf , p. 216. /;'. Feathers of supercilium and of sides of head and throat rosy red, not pointed; wing 3. P. rhodochrous tf , p. 217. d'". Wing-coverts broadly tipped with rosy ................ P. rhodopeplus <$ , p. 217. d". Rump coloured like back ...... P. edivardsi <$ , p. 218. b. Supercilium butf or ochraceous. c'. Ground-colour of lower plumage not uniform ; abdomen whitish ...... P. tfatra $ , p. 213. d1. Ground-colour of lower plumage uniform throughout. e'1. Lower plumage ashy white streaked with brown. e"'. Wiag .ess than 3 f". Wing more than 3-5 ........ P. grandis $ , p. 216. /". Lower plnmage ochraceous buff, streaked with brown. , p. 217. rJl. Lores and ear-coverts brown, mottled with buff; tail 2'6. . P. edicardsi $ , p. 218. 754. Propasser thura. The White-browed Itose-Fi ndi . Carpodacus thura, Bonap. $ Schleg. Mon. Lox. p. 21, pi. 23 (1850) ; HlKtrpe, Cat. E. M. xii, p. 425. Propasser thura (Bonap. 8f Schlec/.} Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 459 ; Moore, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 215, pi. 113; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 400; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii,p. (55 ; Hume. Cat. no. 740 ; Gates in HumSs N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 152. Propasser frontalis, lilyth, Ibi^ 1802, p. 390 ; id. J. A. 8. B. xxxii, 214 p. 458 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, pp. 403, 874 ; Hume, Cat. no 744 ; G. F. L. Marshall, Ibis, 1881, p. 84 ; Hume, S. F. ix,p. 349, note. Carpodacus dubius, Prjev. in Rowley's Orn. Misc. ii, p. 301, pi. liv, v (1877). Propasser blythi, Btddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 283, pi. ix. Coloration. Male. Lores and front part of face crimson ; forehead, supercilium, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, and throat pale shining pink, with white shaft-streaks ; the end of the supercilium white ; a broad band behind the eye nearly black ; sides of neck plain brown; crown, nape, backhand scapulars brown, broadly streaked with black ; rump rosy pink ; upper tail-coverts black, margined with rosy pink ; lesser wing-coverts black, edged with rosy ; median coverts black, broadly tipped with pink ; greater coverts black, narrowly margined with dull pink, and tipped on the outer web with pale buff ; quills, primary-coverts, and tail blackish, margined with dull rosy, the tertiaries with pale buff; lower plumage from the throat downwards uniform rosy pink ; under tail-coverts black, edged with rosy ; axillaries and under wing- coverts whitish. Female. Upper plumage dark brown, streaked with black ; the feathers of the rump and upper tail-coverts edged with golden yellow ; a broad supercilium and the feathers round the upper mandible buff, more or less streaked and mottled with black ; a broad band behind the eye black ; cheeks and ear-coverts pale rufous, streaked with black ; chin, throat, breast, and sides of the body rufous, streaked with black ; abdomen buffy white ; under tail-coverts black, margined with pale buffy white ; under wing- coverts and axillaries whitish. Length about 6*5 ; tail 3*1 : wing 3*4 ; tarsus *9 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Sikhim ; Nepal ; Gilgit ; extending to Tibet, Alachan, and Kansu. This species has been recorded at 12,000 feet and upwards both by Blanford and Man del Ii. Habits, fyc. This bird was observed by Blanford on rhododendron bushes, and sometimes on grassy hill-sides. Beavan observed it in flocks. Mandelli obtained the nest at Dolaka in Nepal in August. It was built in a thorny bush, was cup-shaped, and composed of fine grass coated exteriorly with brown moss, and was lined with white fur. The eggs, three in number, are dull greenish blue, sparingly marked with brownish grey, and measure about '87 by -65. ' I have not been able to examine a specimen of P. blythi from Gilgit, but, judging from, the description, this race of P. thura is identical with P. dubius, which is characterized by a pale brown upper plumage, and differs from P. thura in no other respect. There are two specimens of this pale race in the British Museum, marked as having been received from the N.W. Himalayas, but the labels are unsatisfactory and the locality doubtful. P. thura may be looked upon as a dark race from Sikhim and Nepal, and P. dubius (or P. blythi) as a pale race from the drier regions of PROPASSEtt. 215 Gilgit and Tibet. I do not consider these races worthy of separation. 755. Propasser pulcherrimus. The Beautiful Eose-Finch. Propasser pulckerrima, Hody*. in Cray's Zoof. Misc. p. 85 (1844, sine descr.*). Propasser pulcherrimus, Moore, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 216 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 460; Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 402; Hume, N. & .E.'p. 471 ; id. Cat. no. 743 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. if, p. 153. Carpodacus davidianus, Milne-Edwards, Nouv. Arch. Mus. i, Buff. p. 19, pi. ii, fiff. 2 (1864). Carpodacus pulcherrimus (Moore), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 429. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage ashy brown streaked with dark brown, the crown tinged with rosy ; the rump rosy red ; the upper tail-coverts rosy brown with dark shaft-streaks ; wing-coverts blackish, broadly edged with ashy rufous ; quills and tail black, narrowly edged with ruddy brown, the tertiaries more broadly with ashy ; a very broad supercilium, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and a small portion of the forehead pale rosy, with the black bases of the feathers showing more or less ; lores and a band behind the eye rosy brown ; breast and abdomen rosy red, with black shafts ; sides of the body brown, streaked darker ; under tail-coverts rosy red, with large black centres. Female. The whole upper plumage fulvous-brown, streaked with black ; wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown or black, margined with fulvous-brown ; a very indistinct supercilium fulvous, mottled with brown ; sides of the head and neck and the whole lower plumage ashy white, tinged with fulvous and densely streaked with brown. Iris reddish brown ; bill horny brown with the lower mandible greyish ; legs rosy grey (David). Length about 6 ; tail 2'6 ; wing 3 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -45. Distribution. The Himalayas from Kumaun to Sikhim, extending to "Western China. 756. Propasser ambiguus. Hume's Hose-Finch. Propasser ambiguus, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 326 (1874) ; Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 255 ; Hume, Cat. no. 743 bis. Carpodacus ambiguus (Hume), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 428, pi. x. Coloration. Male. The only male of this Rose-Finch that I have been able to examine is a carbolized specimen in the Hume Collec- tion and the type of the species. It is now in very bad order, and I shall therefore quote the original description made when the speci- men was fresher : — " Forehead, crown, occiput, back, and scapulars dark hair-brown, most of the feathers narrowly and inconspicuously margined with pale brown ; a broad line from the nostrils over the * Hodgson confounded this species with P. rhodochrwis, but fortunately Moore, in redescribing the present species, retained Hodgson's name. 216 FKINGULLIDJE. eye, the lores, cheeks, chin, and throat dull dark crimson, the feathers dusky at their bases ; the ear-coverts and sides of the neck like the back, but more broadly margined with very pale brown ; the wings, tail, and upper tail-coverts hair-brown ; the feathers with an excessively narrow pale brown margin, and the median coverts rather more broadly tipped with pale brownish pink ; the rump pale rose-colour ; breast, abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts pale rose-colour, paling towards the lower tail-coverts, each feather dusky at the base and with brown shafts or narrow brown shaft- stripes." Female. The specimens in the British Museum labelled as females of this species are absolutely inseparable from the females of P. pulclierrimus both as regards size and colour. Length 5-5 to 6 ; tail 2-2 ; wing 3 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape^-5. Distribution. The only male of this species known was obtained in the valley of the Bhaghirati river in Garhwal. Females, pre- sumably of this species, have been obtained at Suki and Darali in the same valley. Sharpe identifies with this species two females obtained by Hodgson in Nepal, but I cannot separate them from other females ascribed to P. pulcJierrimus and also obtained by Hodgson in Nepal. 757. Propasser grandis. The Red-mantled Rose-Finch. Carpodacus grandis, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xviii, p. 810 (1849) ; id. Cat. p. 342 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 404. Propasser rhodochlamys (-Z?m??^), apud Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii. p. 458; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 401 ; StoUczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 60 ; Hume 8f Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 259 ; Hume, Cat. no. 741 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 84; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 578. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage and the visible portions of the closed wings and tail rosy brown, becoming pure rosy on the rump ; the feathers of the head and back with dark brown streaks ; supercilium, sides of head, chin, and throat pale shining rosy, the feathers all pointed ; lores and a band behind the eye reddish brown ; lower plumage rosy red ; under wing-coverts and axillaries rosy white. Female. Upper plumage ashy brown, streaked darker everywhere ; the lower plumage ashy white, streaked with dark brown ; wings and tail brown, the feathers with paler margins ; an indistinct supercilium pale buff mottled with brown. Iris light brown ; bill greyish brown, the lower mandible albes- cent; legs pinkish carneous brown (Warcttaiv Ramsay). Length about 7 ; tail 3'1 ; wing 3' 6 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape *65. This species differs from the true P. rliodoclilamys, Brandt, in having no rosy plumes on the forehead. Distribution. The whole Himalayas from Afghanistan and Gilgit eastwards to Garhwul and Ivumaun. In the British Museum PROPASSER. 217 there is also a single female said to have been procured in Sikhim by Mandelli, but there is no original label attached to this specimen and I fear that some mistake may have been made re- garding the locality. This Rose-Finch is found from about 4000 to 9000 feet according to season. 758. Propasser rhodochrous. The Pink-browed Rose-Finch. Fringilla rhodochroa, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 23 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 31, fig. 2. Propasser rhodochrous ( Vig.), Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 459 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 402; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 60; Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 255 ; Hume, Cat. no. 742. Carpodacus rhodochrous ( Viy.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 122 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 413. Gulabi tuti, Nep. ; Cheerya, Nep. plains. Coloration. Male. Crown and nape dusky crimson, with faint shaft-streaks ; back and scapulars ruddy brown, streaked darker ; rump rosy red ; upper tail-coverts dull crimson ; wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown, margined with ruddy brown ; lores and a broad band behind the eye crimson-brown ; a supercilium, cheeks, ear-coverts, and entire lower plumage rosy red, the plumage of the head with a pearly tinge ; under wing-coverts and axillaries ashy rosy. Female. Whole upper plumage olive-brown, broadly streaked with dark brown ; wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown margined with olive-brown ; a broad conspicuous ochraceous super- cilium ; lores and a band behind the eye dark brown ; cheeks, chin, and upper throat ashy, streaked brown ; the whole lower plumage ochraceous buff, streaked with dark brown. The young resemble the adult female. Upper mandible, legs and feet dark brown ; lower mandible a lighter brown, fleshy brown towards the base ; iris red-brown (Hume). Length 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 2'8 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape -45. Distribution. The Himalayas from Dharmsala to Nepal, not occurring in summer much below 7000 feet according to Stoliczka. Royle, as quoted by Jerdon, asserts that this Kose-Finch occurs in the plains near Saharanpur. Godwin-Austen (J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 110) refers to this species, with some doubt, a female specimen of a Bose-Finch pro- cured in the Khasi hills by him. 759. Propasser rhodopeplus. The Spotted-winged Rose-Finch. Fringilla rhodopepla, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 23 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 31, fig. 1. Propasser rhodopeplus (774 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 273. Erythrospiza githaginea (Temm?), Hume, Cat. no. 732 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 284. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, sides of the head, and entire lower plumage are bluish grey, suffused with rosy on the lower parts ; upper plumage and sides of the neck greyish brown, with a faint tinge of rosy on the rump ; wings and Fig. 59.— Head of E. yithayinca. tail brown, edged with vinous grey, the quills subterminally blacfc. The above plumage is retained by the male for only a short time after the moult, and at this period the whole plumage has a decided 222 purplish tinge throughout, and hardly any pink is visible. A slight abrasion of the feathers soon causes a change, and as early as December the feathers round the bill, the cheeks, the whole lower plumage, the rump, and the margins of the quills and coverts become a beautiful rose-pink, becoming still brighter as the plumage gets more worn away. Female. Besembles the male, but never becomes so rosy in tint at any time of the year. Iris brown ; legs and feet fleshy brown ; claws dusky ; soles whitish ; bill orange-yellow, sometimes pale yellow, brownish on upper mandible (Hume). Length nearly 6 ; tail 2*2 ; wing 3*5 ; tarsus •? ; bill from, gape '5. Young birds appear to be characterized by the presence of some dark streaks on the breast and abdomen. Distribution. The whole of Sind and a considerable portion of Kajputana, extending east as far as the Gurgaon district in the Punjab. This Finch is probably a resident, and it is found west- wards throughout Afghanistan and Baluchistan to Europe. Habits, fye. Hume observed this species in Sind, feeding in desert places in patches of mustard and other cultivation, and running about a good deal on the ground like Sparrows. 764. Erythrospiza mongolica. The Mongolian Desert-Finch. Carpodacus mongolicus, Swinh. P. Z. S. 1870, p. 447, 1871, p. 387 j Scully, S. F. iv, p. 169 ; id. Ibis, 1881, p. 577. Erythrospiza incarnata, Severtz. Turkest. Jevotn. pp. 64. 117 (1873) ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 82. Erythrospiza mongolica (Swinh.), Hume, S. F. ix, p. 347 note ; Bid- dulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 282 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 287. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts sandy brown, the centres of the feathers almost everywhere darker brown, the lower rump suffused with rosy ; tail brown, broadly edged with pale buff : median wing- coverts brown, edged with rosy buff ; greater coverts brown, sub- terminally darker and broadly edged with rosy red ; winglet very dark brown, edged with buff ; primary-coverts paler brown, edged with buff: quills brown, the outer webs whity brown, and most of them suffused with rosy red on the greater part of the web ; tertiaries pale buff, with the middle portion brown ; ear-coverts and sides of neck brown ; lores, round the eye, the cheeks, and the whole lower plumage, except the abdomen and under tail-coverts, pale rosy pink ; the two latter parts pale isabelline. In the spring and autumn the rosy tinge on the plumage every- where is much brighter owing to the wearing away of the margins of the feathers, and the outer webs of the quills and coverts become crimson in many birds. PROCARDUELIS. 223 I'\in<(f>'. Very similar to the male in autumn, but with the rosy much paler and entirely absent on the rump. Bill and legs pale fleshy ; iris dark brown (Mwrray\ Length about 5'5 ; tail 2-3; wing 3'6 ; tarsus 7; bill from gape -45. Distribution. Resident in Gilgit from 5000 to 10,000 feet ac- cording to season. To the west this Finch extends to Afghanistan. It is spread over a considerable portion of Central Asia and ranges to China. Habits, $c. Occurs in large flocks throughout the winter. The following two birds are likely to be found in India proper, but are not yet known to occur there : — Ehodopechys sanyuinea (Gould), entered by Hume in his Catalogue with a note of doubt. A fine Finch with a wing over four inches, the bases of all the quills largely white and the outer webs of the quills and coverts a beautiful rosy red, paler in the female. Occurs in Yiirkand. lihodospiza obsoleta (Licht.). Sandy brown throughout, with the outer webs of the primaries pure white and those of the secondaries and greater coverts pink. Occurs in Afghanistan and Yarkand. Genus PROCARDUELIS, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Procarduelis contains certain species which are E.ose- Finehes in plumage, but differ remarkably from those birds in the shape of the bill, which is slender and pointed, with the culmen straight. The females differ from those of the Kose-Finches in being unstreaked. Key to the Species. a. Lower plumage red. a'. Forehead and supercilium of a different shade of red to the crown P. nepalensis tf , p. 223. b'. Forehead and crown of the same red and no supercilium evident : P. rubescens <$ } p. ±M. b. Lower plumage without a trace of red. c. Upper plumage without a trace of red . . P. nepafauu $ , p. -_'•!. d'. Upper plumage suffused with red P. rubescens $ , p. 224. 765. Procarduelis nepalensis. The Dark Hose-Finch. Carduelis nipalensis, Hodys. As. lie*, xix, p. 157 (1836). Procarduelis nipalensis (Hodys.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 121 ; Horsf. ISf M. Cat. ii, p. 492 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 400 ; Blanford, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 0(5 ; Hume, Cat. no. 746 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 336; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 182. Ka-biya, Lepch. Coloration. Male. Forehead, anterior part of crown, broad super- cilia, cheeks, chin, and throat rosy red, the forehead and anterior part of crown of a richer colour ; lores and a broad band through the 224 FKIITOILLID.E. eye over the ear-coverts black, tinged with red ; upper plumage, scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, sides of the neck, and the whole breast dusky, tinged with vinaceous, and each feather margined with sanguineous ; remaining wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown, edged with dusky red ; abdomen rosy red ; sides of the body brown, suffused with rufous; under tail-coverts brown, margined with pink ; under wing-coverts and axillaries dark brown. Fig. 60.— Head of P. Female. The whole upper plumage brown, each feather more or less margined with ochraceous, most distinctly so on the back ; wings dark brown, the coverts and the tertiaries very broadly tipped and margined near the tip with ochraceous ; remainder of the wing and the tail brown, narrowly margined with ochraceous ; sides of the head and neck and the whole lower plumage uniform ochraceous brown, the under tail-coverts lighter and with dusky centres. This species does not appear to undergo any appreciable change of plumage according to season. The young resemble the adult female closely. Bill dusky, paler below ; iris dark brown ; legs fleshy brown (Scully). Length about 6'3; tail 2*6; wing 3-6; tarsus -85; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The Himalayas from. Kashmir to Bhutan at eleva- tions of from 6000 to 14,000 feet, according to season. This species extends into the mountains of Western China. Habits, fyc. This bird appears to be found in small flocks feeding on the ground, and is said not to be at all shy. 766. Procarduelis rubescens. Blanford's Rose-Finch. Procarduelis rubescens, JBlanf. P. Z. S. 1871, p. 694, pi. 74 ; Hume, Cat. no. 746 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 184. Procarduelis mandellii, Hume, S. F. i, pp. 14, 318 (1873). Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts crimson, brightest on the crown, the bases of the feathers showing through more or less everywhere and im- parting a brownish hue to the plumage ; greater coverts brown, edged with red in some specimens, with rufous or fulvous brown in others ; tertiaries the same ; remaining quills and tail-feathers dark brown, narrowly margined with reddish ; lores and a band • A KIM Kl. IS. 225 through the eye over the ear-coverts brown stippled with red ; the whole lower plumage rosy red, the lower part of the abdomen whitish; the under tail-coverts pale brown, edged with white; under wing-coverts and axillaries greyish brown tinged with fulvous. Female. In general appearance similar to the female of P. nepal- ensis, but the whole upper plumage, except the back, and the margins of the wings and tail suffused with crimson, of which there is not a trace in the other species ; the lower plumage much paler, becoming albescent on the abdomen. Length about 5*5 ; tail 2'2 ; wing 3*3 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -55. The bill is thicker in this species than in P. nejpaleiisis. Distribution. Sikhim arid the eastern portion of Nepal, probably at high elevations. Genus CARDUELIS, Briss., 1760. The genus Garduelis contains the Goldfinches, of which two species are known, one inhabiting Europe and Western Asia, and the other Central Asia down to the Himalayas. The Goldfinches are charac- terized by a long, slender, straight and sharply pointed bill, long wings, the bright red colour of the face, and the bright yellow on the wing. The sexes are very closely similar. 767. Carduelis caniceps. The Himalayan Gold/inch. Carduelis caniceps, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 23; Gould, Cent. pi. 33, fig. 1 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 124 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii,p.493 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 408 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 61 ; Hume, Cat. no. 749; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 85 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 578 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 189. Shira, Hind. ; Saira, Kashm. Fig. 61.— Head of C. caniceps. Coloration. Male. Forehead, chin, and the cheeks next the bill crimson ; lores black ; upper plumage ashy brown, becoming whitish on the rump ; upper tail-coverts white; lesser, median, and primary coverts with the winglet black, sometimes with ashy margins ; greater coverts chiefly bright yellow ; primaries and secondaries black, with a considerable portion of the outer webs of all but the first primary bright yellow, the inner w ebs margined with white ; the tertiaries each with a large oval white mark on the outer web ; tail black, the two outer pairs of feathers largely white on the inner webs, the two middle pairs tipped white: throat ashy white; sides TOL. ii. 226 of the head and neck and the breast ashy brown ; abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; sides of the body fulvous ashy ; under •wing-coverts and axillaries whitish. Female. Yery similar to the male, but having the crimson on the head paler and the yellow on the greater wing-coverts less extensive. Bill carneous with a dusky tip ; legs pale brow n ; iris brown (Jerdon). Length about 5'5 : tail 2-1; wing 3-2; tarsus '55; bill from gape *6. This species differs from the English Goldfinch, C. elegans, chiefly in having no black on the head. Where the two species meet they appear to interbreed, and every intermediate form between the two may be found, as is well shown in the fine mounted series of these birds in the Central Hall of the British Museum of Natural History. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Hazara country and Gil- git to Kumaun, from 5000 to 9000 or 10,000 feet according to season. This species extends to Afghanistan on the west and through Central Asia to Siberia on the north. Habits, fyc. This Goldfinch, like its European ally, affects open country, feeding chiefly on the seeds of the thistle. Nothing is known regarding its nidification on the Himalayas. Genus CALLACANTHIS, Reichenb., 1850. The genus Callacanthis contains one species which appears to have considerable affinities for Carduelis. Both sexes are charac- terized by a large amount of white on the wings and tail ; the male is rosy red, and the female brown, but they both preserve the same pattern of colour. The bill is large and thick, but straight and pointed, and the wings are very long. This Einch probably resembles the Goldfinch in its habits. 768. Callacanthis bur toni. The Eed-browed Finch. Carduelis burtoni, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 90. Fringilla burtoni (Old.), Blyth, Cat. p. 337. Callacanthis burtoni (Gld.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 407; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt ii, p. 61 j Hume, N.. $ E. p. 471 ; Brooks, 8. F. iii, p. 255 ; Hume, Cat. no. 748 ; Sharps, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 232 ; Oates in Hume's N. \ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 15.4. Coloration. Male. Forehead, lores, and a large ring round the eye crimson ; crown and nape black ; cheeks and ear-coverts black with pale shafts ; upper plumage and scapulars brown suffused with rose-colour ; lesser and median wing-coverts black, margined with red ; the remaining wing-coverts and winglet black, tipped with white, the tips of the greater coverts tinged with rosy ; quills black, tipped with white ; tail black, the middle pair of feathers merely tipped with white, the others with an increasing amount of white, the outermost feather having nearly the whole inner we b ACANTHIS. 227 white ; chin and throat blackish, tipped with red ; lower plumage brown suffused with rosy red ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white with asliy bases. Female. The forehead, round the eye, and supercilium buff ; crown and nape dusky brown ; upper plumage ochraceous brown ; lesser and median wing-coverts ochruceous brown, tipped paler; greater Fig. 62. — Head of C. burton i. wing-coverts, primary-coverts, winglet, and quills black, tipped with white ; tail as in male ; lores and ear-coverts brown with pale shafts ; entire lower plumage ochraceous brown ; under wing- coverts and axillaries white with ashy bases. In the dry state the bill is yellow and the legs fleshy brown. Length 6-5 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 4 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape '7. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Garhwal and Kumaun. According to Stoliczka, this species is found occasionally in winter on the lesser ranges, about Kotgarh and Simla, between 4000 and 7000 feet ; in summer it lives in the highest cedar-forests on the central range of the N.W. Himalayas. Habits, fyc. This Finch is said to make a large nest of moss in a pine-tree in dark forest situations. The eggs do not appear to be known. Genus ACANTHIS, Bechst., 1802. The genus Acanthis contains the Linnets, of which two species are found on the Himalayas. One of them is little more than a race of the common English Linnet, but it varies in certain constant particulars which I think en title it to separation from the European form. The Linnets are brown, but the males have portions of the plumage suffused with red. The bill is short, straight and pointed. The sexes do not differ very much from each other except with regard to the rosy parts of the plumage. Key to the /S/>< • ti< aU'd A.frirtgillirostris, p. L'i'S. b. Throat unstreaked , . A. brevirostns, p. 229. 228 769. Acanthis fringillirostris. The Eastern Linnet. Linota fringillirostris, Bonap. fy Schleg. Monog. Lox. p. 45, pi. 49 (1850). Linaria canna"bina (Linn.), Hume, S. F. vii, p. 122 ; Butler, S. F. vii, p. 184 ; Hume, Cat. no. 751 ter ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 86; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 579 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 285. Acanthis fringillirostris (Bp. fy Schleg^, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 244. Fig. 63. — Head of A. fringillirostris. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck are ashy brown, with dark brown streaks, the centres of the feathers of the forehead and front part of crown being red, but entirely concealed ; back, rump, scapulars, and wing- coverts dark brown, with broad chestnut-brown margins to all the feathers ; upper tail-coverts black, margined with white : tail-feathers black, the inner webs broadly, the outer more narrowly, margined with pure white ; primaries black, margined and tipped with white ; secondaries dark brown, edged with reddish brown, which colour occupies nearly the whole of the tertiaries ; a broad band above and below the eye fulvous ; sides of the head pale brown ; chin and throat fulvous, the middle portions streaked with dark brown ; breast dull red, the feathers with very broad fulvous margins which nearly conceal the red ; sides of the breast and of the body fulvous, streaked with brown ; abdomen and under tail-coverts whitish suffused with fulvous. In spring and summer the margins of the feathers of the forehead and front part of crown are worn down and the red centres become very evident, causing those parts to have a general red appearance ; the hinder crown, nape, and hind neck become more uniformly brown ; the breast becomes a deep rosy pink, with very narrow whitish margins ; a tinge of red is frequently observable on the rump. Female. Resembles the male, but has no red whatever on the fore- head, front part of crown, or breast, these parts being streaked with brown like the other parts of the plumage. The young bird appears to resemble the adult female closely. The colours of the bill &c. of this race have not been recorded ; in the Common Linnet the bill is horn-colour, the under mandible brown at base, legs pale reddish brown, iris brown. Length 5-5 to 6 ; tail 2'4 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape '45. This race of Linnet differs from A. cannabina in being larger, and, as regards the males, in the colour of the forehead and breast in ACANTHT8. the full worn plumage of summer. In A. cannabina these parts are a deep carmine-red ; in A. fringiUirostris a bright pomegranate- red. Other differences alleged to exist between the two birds as regards the amount of white on the wing and tail are, I find, of no service in distinguishing them. Distribution. Occurs in G-ilgit from November to February at an elevation of 5000 feet. In the Hume Collection there is a specimen said to have been procured at Daulatpur in Sind in November, and Butler is under the impression that he observed a Linnet, probably of this species, at Karachi. This Linnet extends westwards to Asia Minor and it is found in Central Asia. 770. Acanthis brevirostris. The Eastern Twite. Linota brevirostris, Gould, Bonap. Comp. List B. Eur. Sf N. Am. p. 34 (18:5S) ; //0/-.S-/; # M. C«t. ii, p. 490; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 02 ; Hume, Sf Senders. Lah. to Yark. p. 260, pi. 26 ; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 170. Linaria brevirostris (Gould), Hume, S. F. vii, p. 417; id. Cat. no. 7ol bis; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 86, 1882, p. 284; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 578. Acanthis brevirostris (Gould), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 238; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. loo. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, back, and scapulars pale sandy brown, each feather with a dark brown streak down the middle; rump rosy pink ; upper tail-coverts dark brown with broad whitish edges ; tail-feathers blackish, edged with white on both webs ; wing-coverts dark brown, suffused with rufous towards the edges and tipped with sandy white ; primaries and secondaries blackish, the fourth to the eighth primaries broadly edged with white, the others more narrouly with sandy white; tertiaries brown, broadly edged with fulvous ; sides of head, chin, and throat sandy brown ; breast and sides of the body sandy brown, streaked with dark brown ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, under wing-coverts, and axillaries white. Female. Differs from the male in having the rump of the same colour as the back. In the summer the upper plumage is somewhat darker and the rump brighter pink than in the winter. The young bird appears to resemble the adult female, but to be more fulvous. Bill yellowish horny, brown on theculmcn : logs and feet brown, claws dusky or black with yellowish tips : iris brown (New////). Length about 5'5 ; tail 2*0; wing 3*1; tarsus *6 ; bill t'roui gape • 1. Dlxirilnttion. Occurs in Gilgit app.-uvnily throughout the year from 5000 feet upwards, according to scnson. Stoliczka obsrnvs that this species is "rare in I,;ul;ik ami \isitiiiL;- Kulu and thcSutk-j \;illcy in winter; it is also in winter caught near Chini, and some- times caged." No one has since confirmed this account of this 230 FRIffGILUDJE. Linnet's distribution in the Himalayas. This species extends west- wards to Asia Minor, and is found throughout a considerable portion of Central Asia. Habits, fyc. An egg of this species, said to have been found in Native Sikhira, is described as being white with a faint bluish tinge and mottled all over with reddish brown, and to have measured •72 by *55. Genus METOPONIA, Bonap., 1853. The genus Metoponia contains one Finch which has a considerable amount of yellow in its plumage, and connects the Linnets with the Siskins. The sexes are almost alike. The bill is very small but somewhat thick, with the culrnen curved. In both sexes the front part of the crown is red. 771. Metoponia pusilla. The Gold-fronted Finch. Passer pusillus, Pallas, Zooqr. Ross.-Asiat. ii, p. 28 (1811). Serinus aurifrons, Blyth, Cat. p. 125 (1849). Metoponia pusilla (Pall.), Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 494 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 410; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 61 ; Hume $ Sen- ders. Lah. to Yark. p. 259 ; Hmne, N. $ E. p. 473 ; Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 84 ; Hume, Cat. no. 751 ; Wardlaw Ramsay, Ibis, 1880, p. 67; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 86, 1882, p. 284; Scully* Ibis, 1881, p. 578; Oafes in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 155. Serinus pusillus (Pall.\ Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 373. The Gold-headed Finch, Jerd. Fig. 64.— Head of M. pusilla. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead and anterior portion of crown are crimson ; remainder of crown, nape, and sides of the neck black, with broad grey fringes ; sides of the head, chin, throat, and upper breast black, with narrow grey fringes ; back, scapulars, and rump black, with broad yellowish margins ; the shorter upper tail-coverts golden yellow, with a subterminal black mark and white tip ; longer coverts black, margined with W7hite ; tail black, the outer webs of feathers basally yellow, margined with white elsewhere ; lesser and median wing-coverts yellow, the longer ones tipped white, and the feathers more or less black in the middle ; greater coverts black, broadly tipped yellowish white ; primaries black, edged with yellow ; the remaining quills black, broadly edged with dull white on the terminal half of outer web ; lower plumage from the breast downwards yellowish streaked with black ; under wing-coverts and axillaries bright yellow. In spring and autumn HYPACANTHIS. 231 the fringes and margins are every where reduced or cast off, and the plumage becomes darker. /•< male. Closely resembles the male. The nestling is fulvous-brown streaked with brown above ; below fulvous, with a few streaks, and tinged with yellow on the throat ; the wings and tail are margined with paler yellow than in the adult. After the first autumn moult the plumage resembles that of the adult, but there is no black on the head, throat, and breast, this colour being gradually acquired during the winter. At the end of the first winter the young resemble the adult in all respects, but have no red on the forehead, this red being acquired at the second autumn moult. Bill dull black; gape whitish ; iris very dark brown; legs and feet black (Hume). Length 5 ; tail 2*4 ; wing 3'1 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape '35. Distribution. Kashmir and the Himalayas from Afghanistan to Garhwal, at heights from 5000 to 10,000 feet according to season. This Finch extends westwards to the Caucasus and Asia Minor and northwards to Turkestan. Habit*, <$fc. Breeds in Kashmir and Afghanistan in June and July, constructing a cup-shaped nest of grass and fibres and lined with wool, feathers, and hair. The eggs are described as being dull stone-white, marked with red-brown spots about the larger end, arid one egg measured -65 by '49. Genus HYPACANTHIS, Cabanis, 1851. The genus Hypacantliis contains one species of Finch which is closely allied to the Common Greenfinch of Europe, but has a much more slender bill and a darker style of coloration, the upper plumage Ix-ing a dark brown. The bill is of much the same shape as that of Acantltis (and is not therefore figured), but considerably deeper and broader. 77-?. Hypacanthis spinoides. The Himalayan GreeiifincJi. Carduelis spiuoides, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 44; Gould, Cent. pi. 33, tig. 2. Clnysomitiis spinoMes (Vig.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 123; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 493; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 409; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 61 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 66 ; Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 84 ; Godiv.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 200 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 201. Hypacanthis spinoides ( Vig.}, Hume, N. Sf E. p. 472 ; id. Cat. no. 750 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 336 ; Vote* in Humes N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 158, Coloration. Male. Forehead either black or yellow or a mixture of both, the differences probably dependent on age; a very broad eyebrow, the sides of the neck meeting behind and forming :i more or le-s distinct collar, the lores, a patch under Ilie eye, a narrow band between the ear-coverts and the cheeks, the rump, and whole lower plumage bright yellow ; crown, nape, ear-coverts, and a 232 FRUSTGILLID^E. portion oE the cheeks black tinged with green ; back and scapulars dark greenish brown, sometimes suffused with yellow ; upper tail- coveris greenish brown ; tail with the two middle pairs of feathers dark brown, the others brown largely mixed with yellow, the outermost pair being yellow with browTn tips and brown shaft- streaks: lesser and median coverts yellow ; greater coverts black tipped with yellow ; primary-coverts and quills black, all the quills except the first primary with a patch of yellow on the outer web ; the later secondaries and tertiaries broadly tipped and margined with white. Female. Eesembles the male, but has the yellow of the plumage paler and the dark upper plumage more tinged with green ; the forehead appears to be always black or brown. The young bird has the lower plumage pale yellow streaked with brown ; the upper plumage dull greenish brown streaked with dark brown, the rump being merely tinged with yellow ; wing- coverts greenish brown, tipped with pale yellow : quills and tail as in the adult but with less yellow ; sides of head brown where the adult is black. The amount of yellow on the forehead of the adult male appears to depend more on age than on season ; some birds in January have a great deal of yellow on this part and a few summer birds fail to have any. Bill fleshy, brownish on culmen and dusky at tip ; iris light or dark brown ; feet brownish fleshy ; claws dusky (Scull)/). Length about 5; tail 1-9; wing 3'1 ; tarsus "65; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Pir Panjal range in Kashmir to Sikhim ; Manipur. This species is found up to about 9000 feet. Habits, $c. Breeds in July and August, constructing a cup- shaped nest of fine grass, hair, and moss in a branch of a tree and laying three eggs, which are pale green speckled with black, and measure about '69 by '52. Genus CHRYSOMITRIS, Boie, 1828. The genus Chrysomitris contains the Siskins, small birds of green plumage closely allied in form to the Linnets. In this genus the bill is very slender and pointed, but resembles that of the Linnets so closely in general shape that it is unnecessary to figure it. In the Siskins the sexes differ considerably in colour, the female being streaked. 773. Chrysomitris tibetana. The Sikhim Siskin. Chrysomitris thibetana, Hume, Ibis, 1872, p. 107 ; Brooks, Ibis, 1872, p. 469 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 416 ; id. Cat. no. 750 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 226, pi. iii. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage olive-green, the back and scapulars streaked with blackish ; an indistinct patch on the nape, KltLXGILLA. L' •"•:' a broad snpeivilium, a streak under the eye and ear-coverts joining the supercilium behind the ear-coverts, the chin, throat, breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts deep dull yellow, the sides of the body greener and more or less streaked with brown ; ear-coverts and a broad moustachial streak olive-green ; tail dark brown, margined with olive-yellow ; lesser and median wing-coverts olive- green; larger coverts dark brown, tipped and edged with olive- green ; quills dark brown, margined on the outer web with olive- green. Female. Not very dissimilar to the male, but with the whole upper plumage and most of the lower streaked with brown, the lower plumage being also very pale yellow ; wing*, tail, and marks on side of the head as in male. Bill and legs (in dry state) dusky flesh-colour. Length about 4-2; tail 1'6 ; wing 2'7 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The interiorof Sikhim, at high elevations, bordering on Tibet*. Genus FRINGILLA, Linn., 1766. The genus Fringilla contains the typical Finches such as the Brambling and Chaffinches. In this genus the plumage is much variegated and in the Brambling, the only species found in India, the summer plumage differs considerably from that of the winter, owing to the margins of the feathers wearing away. The bill is long and the culmen straight except near the tip, where it is slightly deflected. 774. Fringilla montifringilla. The Brambling. Fringilla montifringilla, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 318 (1766) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 121 ; Hortf. $ M. Cat. i'i, p. 491 : Jerri. B. I. ii, p. 412 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 465 ; id. Cat. no. 752; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 87 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 579 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 178. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, and back are black with broad rufous margins ; rump and the upper tail-coverts white, the sides of these black, * SERINUS PECTORALIS, Murray, Vert. Zool. Sind, p. 190 (1884), is the ('ri/hnt/ra chri/sopyga of Swainson (jBirds West Afr. i, p. L'liii, pi. 17) or Serini'is ictericus, Bonn, et Vieill. apud Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 3f>6. This species inhabits a considerable portion of Africa and is a very common cage- bird, and it was doubtless a bird escaped from confinement that came under .Mr. Murray's observation. Both Mr. Murray's description and a coloured sketch of the bird sent to me by Mr. Hume agree with thei African bird in every particular. Forehead, supercilium, and cheeks bright yellow; a broad ashy band from the lores through the eve to the ear-coverts; a dark brown moustaehial streak; upper plumage ashy green streaked with dark brown ; lower plumage yellow, the sides of the breast ashy ; wings and tail brown, margined with yellow ; rump bright yellow. Tail l-7 ; wing 2'5. 231 FBING1LLIDJE. some of the longer tail-coverts mingled black and ashy ; tail black, the feathers narrowly margined with white and the outermost feather with a good deal of white on it ; lesser wing-coverts and scapulars orange-rufous ; median coverts chiefly white; greater coverts black, tipped with pale rufous, the innermost feather or two with the inner web white ; tertiaries black, edged with rufous ; Fig. 65. — Head of F. montifringilhi. remainder of quills black edged with pale yellow, and many of the primaries with a basal white patch on the outer web and a broad white margin on the inner ; sides of the head and neck black, streaked and mottled with rufous ; chin, throat, and breast orange- rufous ; abdomen white ; under tail- coverts pale buff ; flanks buff spotted with black ; axillaries primrose-yellow ; under wing-coverts white suffused with yellow. In the late spring and summer the margins of the feathers of the head and back are cast or get worn away, leaving those parts deep black and the longer upper tail- coverts are also entirely black ; the margins of the wing- and tail- . feathers become reduced and in some cases entirely disappear. Female. Not very different from the male in winter plu- mage, but the dark parts of the plumage are paler and the rufous margins broader ; the lesser and greater wing-coverts and the scapulars are dark brown, fringed with rufous, and the median coverts are broadly tipped with white ; the chin, throat, and breast are much paler rufous. Many specimens have an ashen patch on the nape, and this colour suffuses the sides of the neck. Young birds resemble the female in general appearance, but are suffused with yellow. Bill light grey at base, dusky at tip ; iris brown ; legs and feet fleshy brown (Unwin). In summer the bill becomes black. Length rather more then 6 ; tail 2'6 ; wing 3'5 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape '6. Distribution. Occurs in Gilgit and N.W. Punjab at the spring and autumn migrations. This species summers and breeds in the more northerly portions of Europe and Asia and in winter migrates southwards, being found at that season in Southern Europe, South- western Asia from Asia Minor to Afghanistan, and in China. Halits, Sfc. The Brambling is found in flocks and frequents forest country, but, like many other Finches, feeds on the ground both on seeds and insects as well as on trees. GYMNORHIS. -:'"> Genus GYMNORHIS, Hodgs., 1844. The genus Gymnorhis contains one Indian species of Finch which is generally termed a Sparrow, but its affinities for the Sparrows are not very great. In this genus the bill is long and slender with the culrnen gently curved throughout, and the chief characteristic of the plumage is the presence of a yellow patch on the throat in both sexes. Fig. 0>r>.--Heacl of G. flavicollis. This Finch or Sparrow is found in all descriptions of jungle and frequently near houses, and it has much the same habits as the House-Sparrow. 775. Gymnorhis flavicollis. The Fellow -throated Sparrow. Fringilla flavicollis, Fmnkl P. Z. S. 1831, p. 120. Petronia flavicollis (Frankl.},Blyth, Cat. p. 120 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 293. Gymnoris flavicollis (Frankl.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 497 j Hume, N. $ E. p. 461 ; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 223; Hume, Cat. no. 711 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 157. Passer flavicollis (FrankL), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 368 j Leyye, Birds Ceyl. p. 605 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 267. The Yellow-necked Sparrow, Jerd. ; Raji, Jangli-churi, Hind. ; Adavi pichike, Konde pichike, Ckeruka pichike, Tel. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage and scapulars a-liv brown; tail brown, narrowly edged with whity brown; lesser wing-coverts chestnut; median coverts brown, tipped with white ; greater coverts and tertiaries brown, margined and tipped \\itli pale buff; the other quills dark brown, very narrowly margined with buff ; primary-coverts and winglet black ; chin dull white ; throat yellow ; sides of the head and neck and the breast pale ashy brown ; remainder of lower plumage ashy white, the flanks darker. /•'••male. Resembles the male, but has the yellow throat-spot very pale and the lesser wing-coverts rufous-brown, not chestnut. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet greyish plumbeous ; the male appears to have the bill black in winter, brown in summer ; the female to have it always brown. The colour of the bill of the male is by no means constantly black in winter and brown in summer, but I cannot discover any reasons for the exceptions Length about 6; tail 2-1 ; wing 3-2; tarsus *6 ; bill from gape -6. 236 Distribution. The plains of India from the foot of the Himalayas down to Travancore, and from Sind eastwards to about the longitude of Midnapore in Bengal ; also Ceylon. This species ascends the Himalayas in parts, and the hill-tracts of the south of India up to about 4000 feet. It extends westwards to Persia. Habits, fyc. Breeds from April to July, constructing a small nest of grass and feathers in holes of trees and more rarely in houses. The eggs, three or four in number, are greenish white, densely blotched all over with brown, and measure '74 by -55. Genus PASSER, Briss., 1760. The genus Passer contains the true Sparrows, which are well represented over the greater part of the Old World. In this genus, as restricted by me, both sexes agree in exhibiting a peculiar pattern on the outer webs of the earlier primaries, caused by the varying width of the margins of the feathers. The bill is short and stout and the culmen slightly curved. The Sparrows are mostly well-known birds which frequent the neighbourhood of towns and villages. A few species, however, are only found in the open country away from houses. Key to the Species. a. Back streaked with black. a'. No super cilium. a". Crown of head ashy grey. a'". Chin, throat, and whole breast black P. domesticus <$ , p. 236. b1". Chin and upper throat only black P. pyrrhonotus <$ , p. 238. b". Crown of head red or rufous. c'". Chin, throat, and breast black. P. hispaniolensis <$ , p. 239. dn>. Chin and throat only black. a4. A black patch on ear-coverts. P. montamis, p. 240. b4. No black patch on ear-coverts. P. cinnamomeus tf , p. 240. b'. A superciliurn. c". Lower plumage more or less streaked P. hispaniolensis $ , p. 239. d". Lower plumage unstreaked. e'". No yellow in lower plumage. c4. Wing about 3 P. domesticus $ , p. 236. d\ Wing about 2'5 P. pyrrhonotus $ , p. 238. /'". Lower plumage decidedly yellow P. cinnamomeus $ , p. 240. b. No black streaks on back P.faiveolus, p. 242. 776. Passer domesticus. The House-Sparrow. Frinoilla domestica, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 323 (1766). Passer indicus, Jard. 8f Selby, III. Orn. iii, pi. 118 (1835?) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 119 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. ii, p. 499 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 362 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 457 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 346. Passer domesticus (Linn.}, Hume, Cat. no. 706 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. PASSEK. 237 p. 600 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 307 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 265 ; Oates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 1-59. The Indian House -Sparrow, Jerd. ; (lonrh/. 25:2, pi. 25; Hume, N. $ E. p. 459; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aces, p. 002 ; Hume, Cat. no. 708 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 325 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 275 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 164. The Cinnamon-headed Sparrow, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The upper plumage from the forehead to the rump, including the scapulars and lesser wiug-coverts, bright cinnamon-rufous, the feathers of the back with the inner web black, wholly or partially, and all the feathers with very narrow pale fringes ; upper tail- coverts brown with ashy margins ; tail brown with greenish margins; median coverts black, broadly tipped white ; greater coverts and tertiaries black, edged with pale rufous ; primaries and secondaries black, edged with pale fulvous, more broadly so at the base and just above the emarginations of the first few primaries ; lores and round the eye black ; cheeks and ear- coverts pale yellowish white ; chin and throat black, fringed with whitish ; a large patch on each side of the throat bright yellow ; lower plumage greyish yellow, more yellow on the abdomen and under-tail coverts. The difference between the summer and winter plumage of this Sparrow is very slight, the colours in the former season being slightly more intense owing to the narrow fringes wearing away. Female. The whole upper plumage ruddy brown, tinged with red on the rump and with black and fulvous streaks on the back ; lesser wing- coverts ruddy brown ; median coverts black, tipped with white ; greater coverts, quills, and tail dark brown edged with fulvous ; a broad fulvous supercilium, with a broad dusky band below it ; sides of the head and neck and the whole lower plumage pale ashy yellow. Iris reddish brown ; legs and feet dark reddish brown ; bill pale brown in winter, black in summer. Length about 5*5 ; tail 2*3 ; wing 2-9 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Bhutan up to 7000 feet ; the Khasi hills ; the Naga hills ; Manipur ; the hills east of Bhamo ; the Karen hills east of Toungugoo. Habits, $c. Chiefly a jungle-sparrow. Breeds in May and June, constructing its nest in holes of trees as a rule, but sometimes in houses. Eggs, four to six, of the Sparrow type, and measuring about -76 by -57. Passer assimilis, Walden, A. M. N. H. (4) v, p. 218 (1870), is, I now find after a re-examination of the type, to be referred to P. rutilans, Temm., as already noted by Sharpe (Cat. B. M. xii, p. 827). The type of P. assimilis is said to have been procured at Toungngoo, but there may be probably some mistake about this, as the specimen was not shot by Wnrdhuv Ramsay or other trust- worthy collector. It appears to be a dealer's skin. It is also to be noted that a pair of true P. cinnnntomeus were procured by Wardlaw Bauisay on the Karen hills near Toungngoo, and it is VOL. II. B, 242 FMNG.ILLID.3i. unlikely that two distinct but closely allied Sparrows should be found together in Toungngoo and its neighbourhood. Under these circumstances I shall not include P. rutilans among the birds of the Indian Empire. In case, however, it should be met with, the male may be recognized by its similarity to the male of P. cinna- momeus, from which it differs in having the cheeks and ear- coverts pure white and the lower plumage ashy white without a trace of yellow. The females of the two species are undistinguishable from each other. P. rutilans is found in China. 781. Passer flaveolus. The Pegu House-Sparrow. Passer flaveolus, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 946 (1844); id. Cat. p. 120 j Hume, N. fy E. p. 460 j Blyth $ Wold. Birds Burm. p. 94 ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 156 j Anders. Yunnan Exped.} Aves, p. 602 ; Hume, Cat. no. 708 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 349; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 330 ; Salvation, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2), vii, p. 419 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 165. Passer jugiferus, Temm., Bonap. Consp. Av. i, p. 508 (1850). Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the lores, chin, and a stripe down the throat are black ; a line over the lores from the nostrils to the eye yellow ; cheeks and ear-coverts with the whole lower plumage and under wing-coverts rather bright yellow; a patch extending from the eye over the ear-coverts to the sides of the nape chestnut ; forehead, top of head, nape, and hind neck greenish olive ; back, scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts chestnut fringed with greenish ; lower back and rump brown tinged with yellow ; tail brown, the outer webs tinged with olive-yellow ; median wing-coverts dark brown, broadly tipped with white ; greater wing-coverts and all the quills dark brown, edged with yellowish white. In the summer the greenish fringes are worn away. Female. The chin, throat, cheeks, and the whole lower plumage with the under wing-coverts pale yellow; a streak from the eye to the nape yellowish white ; the upper plumage from the forehead to the upper tail-coverts, the scapulars and lesser wing-coverts hair-brown, the shafts of all the feathers darker ; the median and greater wing-coverts and the quills dark brown, each feather edged with yellowish white ; tail brown, the feathers edged with whitish on the outer webs. Bill black in the male, flesh-colour in the female ; iris dark hazel- brown : legs and claws plumbeous flesh-colour. Length 5" 5 ; tail 2*1 ; wing 2*7 ; tarsus '6 ; bill from gape '55. Distribution. Mengoon on the Irrawaddy river in Upper Burma ; Arrakan; the greater part of Pegu, but the species is more abundant in the northern portion ; the Karen hills east of Toung- ngoo ; Karenuee ; extending into Cochin China. Habits, Sfc. Frequents habitations and jungle near houses, breeding in March and other months. PETRONIA. 248 The following Sparrow, which occurs in Turkestan, may possibly hereafter be found within Indian limits : — Passer ammodendri, Severtz. The male has the forehead, crown, and nape narrowly black ; the sides of the crown and the sides of the nape clear rufous ; chin and throat black ; lower plumage ashy white ; upper plumage ashy brown, streaked with black. The female has no rufous on the sides of the crown and nape, and the chin and throat are pale brown. Tail 2'7, wing 3. Passer pyrrliopterus (Less.), mentioned by Jerdon (B. I. ii, p. 367), is probably referable to P. domcsticus, but it is not easy to identify it. It is not, however, likely to be a Sparrow which remains to be rediscovered in Southern India. Genus PETRONIA, Kaup, 1829. The genus Petronia contains some species which resemble Sparrows in structure and habits, but differ from them in having a much stronger bill and longer wings. The only species found in India is characterized by the presence of a yellow patch on the throat in both sexes. This species has the same pattern on the earlier primaries as the Sparrows. The E/ock-Sparrows frequent open rocky land and are gregarious. 782. Petronia stulta. The Rock-Sparrow. Fringilla petronia, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 322 (1766). Fringilla stulta, Gmel Syst. Nat. i, p. 919 (1788). Petronia stulta (Gm.) Blyth, Cat. p. 120 ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 497; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 79; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 674 ; Hume, S. F. ix, p. 343 (note). Petronia petronia (Linn.), Sharpe, Cat. J3. M. xii, p. 289. Fig. 68.— Head of P. stulta. Coloration. Male. The forehead and crown dark brown, with a broad mesial buff band from the bill to the nape ; a broad super- cilium buff; back and scapulars with the inner webs of the feathers black, the outer buff; rump mingled brown and buff; upper tail-coverts brown edged with buff; middle tail-feathers ashy brown, becoming black towarks the tip and margined whitish : the other feathers the same but with a large terminal white patch E2 244 on the inner web ; quills and coverts brown edged with buff ; a dark brown band from the eye under the supercilium and a spot near the gape ; ear-coverts brown ; lower plumage wbity brown more or less streaked with dark brown, and with a yellow patch on the lower throat. Female. Eesembles the male closely. Bill horn-brown above, light brown below with a dark tip ; legs light brown ; iris brown. Length about 6-5 • tail 2-3 ; wing 3-8 ; tarsus '7 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. A winter visitor to Grilgit, occurring there from November to March. This species has a wide range, being found over a considerable portion of Europe, in North Africa, Asia Minor, Persia, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Siberia, and Northern China. Genus MONTIFKINGILLA, Brehm, 1828. The genus Montifringilla is closely allied to the genus Petronia in structure, but the wings are rather longer and the bill less deep though otherwise similar in outline. The birds of this genus are characterized by a large amount of white on the wings and tail. The sexes are alike or nearly so. The claws are somewhat length- ened. The tail is perfectly square, the middle feathers being as long as the others. The Mountain-Finches are found at high elevations feeding in flocks on the ground. Key to the Species. a. Sides of neck ferruginous ; lores black. a'. Chin black j no moustachial streaks M. blanfurdi, p. 245. b'. Chin white ; black moustachial streaks . . M. rujicollis, p. 245. b. Sides of neck pale fulvous; lores pale; no black marks on the head , » . M. adamsi, p. 246. Montifringilla mandettii, Hume (S. F. iv. p. 488), was. procured by Mandelli in Tibet, north of Sikhim. It does not appear to have yet been met with in British territory. This species resembles M. ruficollis, but has no ferruginous on the sides of the head and neck, nor Las it any trace of the black moustachial streaks. The bill in the dry state is yellow with a black tip, not bluish black throughout as in M. ruficollis. Wing 4-1 ; tail 3. M. alpicola (Pall.) occurs in Persia and Afghanistan. In the latter country this species was procured by Griffith " near Gurdan Dewar, on the Helinund, at an elevation of 11,500 feet " (Horsf. & M. Cat. ii, p. 491). The specimen referred to is now in the British Museum. This species has a very long bill, a wing measuring 4*7, and the wing-coverts and secondaries entirely white. MONTIFBINGILLA. 245 783. Montifringilla blanfordi. BlanforcTs Mountain-Finch. Montifringilla blanfordi, Hume, S. F. iv, p. 487 (1876) ; id. Cat. no. 7~y2 quint. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 264, pi. iv. Coloration. Forehead white, with a median black streak; a large patch between the eye and the bill black, extending down to the cheeks and up to the forehead ; a short but broad white super- cilium ; cheeks and ear-coverts white ; the whole upper plumage fulvous ; wing-coverts and tertiaries brown, broadly edged with fulvous ; quills dark brown, edged with fulvous, the last few primaries with a patch of white on the outer web ; all the quills except the first two or three primaries also with a patch of white on the inner web ; middle tail-feathers brown edged with fulvous, the others ashy brown, then white and broadly tipped brown ; sides of the neck ferruginous, reaching forward to the sides of the throat and breast but not meeting in front ; chin black ; remainder of lower plumage pale fulvous-white. Xone of the birds in the British Museum series of this species are sexed. The sexes are, however, probably alike. Some few birds with the chin white or pale brown are obviously young birds just fledged ; they resemble the adult in other respects, but have the marks on the head paler, and some have the lower plumage suffused with yellow. In the dry state the bill is bluish and the legs black. Length about 6 ; tail 2-2 ; wing 3-8 ; tarsus -7 ; bill from gape •55. Distribution. In the Hume Collection there are four specimens of this species which were procured " near Darjeeling " and numerous others from Tibet immediately north of Sikhim. Some of these latter are quite young birds. Montifringilla ruficollis, Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 66 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 420; id. Cat. no. 752 quat. ; Sharpe t Cat. 784. Montifringilla ruficollis. The Red-necked Mountain-Finch. 56; Hume, B. M. xii, p. 263. Coloration. Male. Eorehead whitish, turning to ashy and becoming umber-brown on the crown, nape, and hind neck ; a broad white supercilium ; lores and a band under the eye and over the ear- coverts black, passing into rufous posteriorly; sides of the nape, sides of the neck, the ear-coverts, and the sides of the lower throat ferru- ginous ; chin, throat, and cheeks pure white ; a moustachial streak black ; remainder of lower plumage white tinged with fulvous ; back and scapulars umber-brown streaked with dark brown ; rump and upper tail-coverts plain umber-brown ; middle tail-feathers brown, the others chiefly ashy with broad brown tips, the portion of each feather immediately before the brown tip being white : lesser wing coverts brown ; median and greater coverts chiefly white ; winglet and primary-coverts dark brown ; quills brown margined with fulvous ; the outer web of the first primary entirely white ; all 246 the quills except the first four primaries and the last two or three secondaries with a basal patch of white on the inner web ; tertiaries brown, broadly edged with fulvous. Female. Apparently differs from the male in having the ferru- ginous on the sides of the neck and throat produced so as to form a continuous collar across the lower throat ; and the white on the forehead less extensive. The young bird resembles the adult closely, but is paler and has the marks on the head less distinct. In the dry state the bill is bluish black and the legs black. Length about 6 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 3'7 ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape '55. Distribution. Sikhim and Tibet, extending to Western China. This species is found at great altitudes, Blanford meeting with it at 15,000 and 16,000 feet. Mandelli procured many young birds, just able to fly, in Tibet, immediately north of Sikhim, in June. 785. Montifringilla adamsi. Adams's Mountain-Finch. Montifringilla adamsi, Moore, Adams, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 482, 1859, p. 178, pi. 156 ; Hume $ Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 262 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 473 ; Stoticzka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 62 ; id. 8. F. ii, p. 463, iii, p. 220 ; Scully, 8. F. iv, p. 172 ; Hume, Cat. no. 752 ter ; Sharpe, Cat. S. M. xii, p. 261 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 165. Coloration. The whole upper plumage brown, the feathers of the back with a broad median darker brown streak ; upper tail-coverts with the outer webs whitish, the inner brown ; middle tail-feathers black with fulvous edges ; the next black at base of inner web and at tip of both webs, white elsewhere ; the others white with black tips ; lesser and median wing-coverts and tertiaries brown ; greater coverts dark brown, broadly tipped white ; primary-coverts white, tipped brown ; primaries blackish, edged with fulvous ; secondaries brown, with a large amount of white near the tips ; the sides of the head and neck and the whole lower plumage pale fulvous-white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pure white. In spring and summer the plumage is much worn down and consequently duller, but no other change takes place. The sexes appear to be alike. Legs, feet, and claws black ; iris brown ; bill black in summer, orange-yellow, dusky on culmen and brown at tip, in winter (Hume}. Length nearly 7; tail 2-7; wing 4-3; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape -65. Distribution. The higher regions of the Himalayas beyond the first snowy range. On the east this species occurs as far as Sikhim according to Hume, and on the west it is met with over the greater part of the north and east of Kashmir, Laddk, Kulu, &c. It has also been met with near G-ilgit, and it extends to Kashgarh and Tibet. This species appears to be found between 11,000 and 1.4,000 feet in summer. FRTNGILLATJDA. 247 According to Adams this species breeds in Ladak and Little Tibet, constructing its nest in the long dykes built by the Tartars over their dead. Genus FRINGILLAUDA, Hodgs., 1836. The genus Fringfflauda resembles Montifringffla, but the bill is more slender and the tail is forked, the middle feathers being considerably shorter than the outer. There is moreover no whitt^ in the wings and tail except on the margins. The birds of this genus, like those of the last, are found at considerable altitudes and feed on the ground in flocks. Key to the Species. a. Wing nearly 4 ; no rose-colour on rump or winof-coyerts. a'. Axillaries yellow F. nemoricola, p. 247. b'. Axillaries pale ashy F. sordida, p. 248. I. Wing- nearly 5 ; rump and wing-coverts suffused with rose-colour F. brandti, p. 248. 786. Fringillauda nemoricola. Hodgson's Mountain-Finch. Fringillauda nemoricola, Hodgs. As. Res. xix, p. 158 (1836) ; Horsf. Sf M. Cat. ii, p. 491 (part.) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 414 (part.) ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 66 ; Hwne, S. F. i, p. 41 ; id. Cat. no. 753. Montifringilla nemoricola (Hodys.}, Blytli, Cat. p. 121 (part.) ; Maryc, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 268. The Jlinialnyan Lark-Finch, Jerd. (part.). Fig. 69.— Head of F. nemoricola. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, back, scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts dark brown, with rufous margins ; rump ashy grey ; upper tail-coverts black, with distinct white margins ; tail brown, with narrow pale margins; median wing-coverts ashy brown, with white margins ; greater coverts brown, mottled with black and tipped white ; primary-coverts tipped with dark brown and edged with ashy ; quills brown, margined with rufous, and the inner webs of the tertiaries black ; a broad but indistinct super- cilium ashy white streaked with brown ; sides of the head and neck rufous-brown, the cheeks and the part under the eye streaked with brown ; lower plumage plain brown, the sides of the breast slivnked with darker brown, most of the feathers edged paler, the 248 FEINGILLID^E. middle of the abdomen whitish, the flanks a darker brown, the under tail-coverts very broadly edged with white ; axillaries yellow ; under wing-coverts ashy white. The sexes appear to be alike. The nestling bird has the whole crown uniform deep rufous, the upper plumage darker than in the adult and with deeper rufous margins, and the lower plumage uniform rufous, a little paler than the crown. The change to the adult plumage is difficult to trace, but it is probable that the young bird retains the rufous head till the second autumn. Bill and legs fleshy- brown ; iris red-brown {Hodgson) ; iris clear nut-brown (A. David). Length about 6-5 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 3-9 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan, extending to Moupin and Western China. 787. Fringillauda sordida. Stoliczlca's Mountain-Finch. Montifringilla nemoricola (Hodgs), Blyth, Cat. p. 121 (part.) Friii gill auda nemoricola, Hodgs., Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 491 (part.) j Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 414 (part.) ; Hume fy Senders. Lali. to Yark. p. 264 ; Brooks, J. A. 8. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 84. Fringillauda sordida, Stoliczka, J. A. 8. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 63 (1868) ; Hume, 8. F. i, p. 41 ; id. Cat. no. 753 bis j Biddulpli, Ibis, 1881, p. 88; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 579. Montifringilla sordida (Stol), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 266. The Himalayan Lark-Finch, Jerd. (part,) Coloration. Resembles F. nemoricola, but has the axillaries pale ashy and the tips to the median and greater wing-coverts less distinct and tinged with rufous, not pure white. Iris cinnabar-red ; bill brown, a spot of brownish fleshy at base of forehead between nostrils, and base of lower mandible brownish fleshy ; legs, feet, and claws blackish brown (Hume). Of much the same size as F. nemoricola. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan and GHlgit to Kumaun, extending to parts of Central Asia. Common at about 5000 feet in winter about Gilgit, and in summer at 9000 or 10,000 feet. 788. Fringillauda brandti. Brandt's Mounlain-FincJi. Leucosticte brandti, Bonap. Consp. Av. i, p. 537 (1850) ; Ibis, 1881, p. 88. Montifringilla hsematopygia, Gould, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 115; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 62 ; Hume 8f Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 261 ; Scully, 8. F. iv, p. 171. Leucosticte haematopygia (Gould), Blanf. J. A. 8. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 66 ; Hume, Cat. no. 752 bis. Montifringilla brandti (Bonap), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 269. Coloration. After the autumn moult the forehead, anterior part of crown, and lores are black, margined with sandy brown ; the remainder of the crown, nape, hind neck, and sides of neck brown, margined with sandy brown ; back and scapulars ashy brown with fulvous fringes and dark shafts ; rump ashy, each feather delicately tipped with rosy red, the shafts dark ; upper tail-coverts ashy, broadly tipped and margined with white, and the shafts dark ; wing-coverts pale ashy with darker shafts, the lesser and median coverts fringed with rosy red, the greater coverts with pale fulvous white ; winglet, primary-coverts, primaries, and secondaries black edged with white ; tertiaries ashy brown ; tail black edged with white ; sides of the head, chin, throat, and breast ashy, the feathers edged with pale fulvous ; remainder of lower plumage pale ashy with darker shaft-streaks ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ashy white. The sexes appear to be alike. As the winter progresses, the margins of all the feathers get worn away, and the whole head and mantle become dark blackish brown ; the other parts are also much darker, and while the red on the rump becomes more intense in colour, the red on the wing- coverts disappears by abrasion ; the wings and tail become nearly uniform brown. The young bird has very broad fulvous margins to the feathers of the head, and the margins everywhere more fulvous ; there is no red on the wing-coverts, but the rump-feathers are rather broadly margined with red or reddish yellow from the earliest period. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 7*5 ; tail 3'1 ; wing 4*8 ; tarsus *85 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The Himalayas from Gilgit to Sikhim, extending into Turkestan and Tibet. This species is found at high elevations from 12,000 to 19,000 feet, but descends occasionally in winter to the level of Gilgit, Subfamily EMBERIZIN.E. The Emlerizince comprise the Buntings, a very large group, of which fifteen species are found in India, the majority visiting that country in the winter and retiring north in the summer. A few remain to breed, but chiefly in the Himalayas. The Buntings have a conical and sharply pointed bill, with the culmen straight or nearly so; the edges of the two mandibles, however, unlike those of the other Friiifjillidtx, are not in contact throughout their length, but form a gap or angle about midway between the gape and the tip of the bill. The upper mandible, moreover, has the palate furnished with a small hard process or knob. With this exception the Buntings conform in structure to the Finches. Like them also they have a double plumage, caused in most cases by the abrasion or dropping off of the margins of the feathers in spring, while a few Buntings have in addition a partial spring moult. 250 FEINGILLTD7E. The young of Buntings resemble the female, but are character- ized, where striation is present, by a greater amount of streaking. At the autumn moult of the first year the young assume the plumage of the adult female, and then the males gradually put on the plumage of the adult male, the process taking several months. The Buntings frequent cornfields, waste lands, and grassy tracts of country. They are more or less gregarious. They devour grain in large quantities and also feed on seeds of all sorts. Their nests are cup-shaped and placed on or near the ground in grass and bushes, and sometimes in crevices of rocks and walls. The eggs, as a rule, are richly marked with spots and lines of red and purple. With, the exception of one Bunting which is crested, all the Indian species appear to me to be sufficiently similar in structure to be congeneric, and I have accordingly placed them all in the genus Emberiza. Key to tlie Genera. a. No crest EMBERIZA, p. 250. b. A well-developed crest MELOPHUS, p. 265. Genus EMBERIZA, Briss., 1760. Fig. 70.— Head of E. aureola, The genus Emberiza contains the typical Buntings, which are crestless and have a slightly forked tail. Key to the Species *. a. A large distinct white patch on the outermost tail-feather. a'. Sides of body streaked or differ- ently coloured to abdomen. a". No trace of yellow on lower plumage. a' . Chin and throat black. a1. Breast white E. schceniclus <$ , p. 251. b*. Breast chestnut E. stewarti $ , p. 256. b'". Chin and throat chestnut .. E. kucocephala <$ f p. 254. * This key applies only to fully adult birds, and the margins of the feathers in winter plumage are disregarded, the colours noted being those which are most fully developed at the breeding-season. EMBERIZA. 251 c'". Chin and throat white or pale fulvous, with or without streaks. c4. Ear-coverts chestnut. a3. A chestnut pectoral band. E.fucata, p. 252. A5. No pectoral band E. pusilla, p. 254. d1. Ear-coverts fulvous or brown. c5. Rump and upper tail- coverts of same colour as back E. schcenidus $ , p. 251. ds. Rump and upper tail- coverts chestnut, quite different to back. a6. Wing 3-6- E. leucocephala , p. 254. b«. Wing 3-3 E. steicarti $ , p. 256. b". Lower plumage largely yellow. d"'. Crown chestnut; or brown greatly streaked with black. E. aureola, p. 259. e'". Crown green, with obsolete shaft-streaks E. spodocephala, p. 260. b'. Sides of body unstreaked and of same colour as abdomen. c". Throat and breast bluish grey . . E. stracheyi, p. 257. d". Throat and breast rufous. ..... E. buchanani, p. 258. e". Throat and breast yellow E. hortidana, p. 250. b. No distinct white patch on outermost tail-feather. c'. Sides of body unstreaked. f". No streaks whatever on lower plumage. /'". Crown black E. melanocepJiala <$ , p. 201. ff'". Crown golden . E. luteola $ , p. 262. ti" . Crown streaked with brown. r1. Wing about 3*5; rump more or less tinged with chestnut E. melanocephala $ , p. 2<>] . /l. Wing about 3-2; rump tinged yellow E. luteola $ , p. 262. y". Throat and fore neck streaked . . E. striolata, p. 264. d'. Sides of body streaked E. rutila, p. 263. 789. Emberiza schoeniclus. The Heed-Bunting. Einberiza schcem'clus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 311 (1766) ; Hume, S. f. vii, p. 412; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 81 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 575 ; llnme.j Cat. no. 720 ter ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 480. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and nape are black, each feather broadly margined with fulvous ; a broad collar round the hind neck white, the feathers with broad fulvous-ashy tips, which conceal the white bases of the feathers; the whole upper plumage and wings dark brown, each feather broadly margined with rufous or chestnut, the rump and upper tail-coverts strongly tinged with ashy ; the four middle pairs of tail-feathers very dark brown, margined with rufous; the 252 FKINGILLIDJE. two outer pairs mostly white, the bases and a longitudinal streak along the shaft being brown or black ; sides of the head rufous with concealed black bases ; a broad white moustachial band more or less dimmed by rufous tips ; chin, throat, and fore neck black, with broad white edges ; sides of the neck and remaining lower plumage dull white, the sides of the body streaked with ochraceous brown. Soon after the moult the margins and tips of the feathers begin to wear away, and in full breeding-plumage the moustachial band and the collar round the hind neck become pure white ; the fore- head, crown, nape, sides of the head, chin, throat, and fore neck become deep black ; the margins of the feathers of the upper plu- mage decrease in size, causing the plumage to become much blacker. Female. Closely resembles the male after the moult, but has no concealed black bases to the feathers of the head, chin, throat, and fore neck, these parts being rufous or fulvous, more or less streaked and mottled with black ; the moustachial band, which is pale fulvous, is bordered below by another blackish band, and the breast and sides of the body are boldly streaked with rufous. The young resemble the adult female closely. In winter the bill is dark brown, the lower mandible paler and whitish ; legs and feet dark bronze-brown ; claws black ; iris brown (Hume Coll.} ; in the summer the bill of the male becomes nearly black. Length about 6 ; tail 2'7 ; wing 3'1 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape *4. Distribution. A winter visitor to the north-west of the Empire. This species occurs in Gilgit from December to March, and a specimen in the Hume collection was obtained at Eohtak in the Punjab in December. This Bunting has a very wide range, being found over the whole of Europe and Central and Northern Asia. 790. Emberiza fucata. The Grey-headed Bunting. Emberiza fucata, Pall. JReis. Russ. Reichs, iii, p. 698 (1776) ; Jercl B. 1. ii, p. 375; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Avcs, p. 603; Hume, Cat. no. 719 ; Oatcs, B. B. i, p. 35] ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 493; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 269; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 279; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 166. Euspiza fucata (Pall.), Blyth, Cat. p. 129 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 488. Citrinella fucata (Pall}, Hume, N. fy E. p. 465. Emberiza arcuata, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 494 (1888). Puttliur-chirta, Hind. Coloration. Male. After the moult the forehead, crown, nape, and sides of the neck are ashy streaked with black; back and scapulars reddish brown, with broad black streaks ; rump reddish brown, with obsolete brown streaks ; upper tail-coverts fawn-brown, streaked with brown; lesser and median wing-coverts chestnut with concealed dark bases; greater coverts and tertiaries black, EMBBRIZA. 253 - with broad rufous edges ; quills dark brown edged with rufous ; lores and round the eye fulvous mottled with ashy ; ear-coverts chestnut; cheeks fulvous, continued as a baud under the ear- coverts ; a moustachial baud black, gradually widening and reaching to the lower throat, where it meets the other moustachial streak, thus forming a gorget which on the fore neck is more or less interrupted by fulvous streaks ; chin and throat fulvous ; a band of chestnut across the upper breast; remaining lower plumage pale fulvous, the sides of the breast and of the body streaked with dark brown ; tail dark brown edged with rufous, the penultimate feather with a triangular patch of white at the tip, the outer feather with the outer web almost entirely white and half of the inner, next the shaft, also white. In spring the chin, throat, and streaks on the gorget become pure white, the rufous pectoral baud becomes broader and brighter by the wearing away of the tips of the feathers \vhich partially overlie the band, and the sides of the body become uniform bright chestnut ; the ashy parts of the head become purer ashy, and the upper plumage in general becomes a richer rufous. The difference between breeding and non-breeding plumage in this species is not very marked or noteworthy. Female, lleseinbles at all seasons the male after the moult ; is perhaps a trifle duller in colour. The young bird resembles the female. Bill dark fleshy brown, the lower mandible paler ; iris brown ; feet and claws pinkish. Length about 6 ; tail 2'7 ; wing 2-8 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape '6. The Himalayan Buntings of this type differ from the true E. fucata of Siberia, and from those which visit the Eastern portion of the Empire in having the scapulars and lesser wing-coverts and the whole of the sides of the body uniform chestnut. Should this form be distinct, it will bear Sharpe's name E. arcuata. Distribution. A resident species in the whole of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Assam, and a fairly common winter visitor to all parts of the Eastern portion of the Empire from Assam down to about the latitude of Houlmeiu. According to Jerdon, this species is spread sparingly through Northern and Central India and it has been found near Calcutta, Jalna in the Deccan, Mhow, Saugor, and Nagpur. Barnes re- cords it from Neemuch. There is, however, no specimen of this Bunting from any part of the plains of India proper either in the Hume or Tweeddale collections, nor have I ever seen a specimen from those parts. This species, if the same as E. fucata, ranges over the greater part of Northern and Eastern Asia. Habits, $c. Breeds from 6000 to 8000 feet in May, June, and July, constructing a saucer-shaped nest of dry grass on the ground under shelter of a bush or stone. The eggs, four in number, are pale greenish grey speckled all over with dull reddish or purplish brown, and measure about "83 by *6. 254 FEINGILLID^E. 791 . Emberiza pusilla. The Dwarf Bunting. Emberiza pusilla, Pall Reis. Russ. Reichs, hi, p. 697 (1770) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 376; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 603; Oatet, B. B. i, p. 353 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 487 ; Hume, Cat. no. 720 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 280. Euspiza pusilla (Pall.), Blyth, Cat. p. 130. Ocyris oinopus, Hodgs., Horsf. Sf M. Cat. ii, p. 488. Coloration. Male. After the moult a broad rufous band over the crown from the forehead to the nape, some of the feathers with a brown mesial streak ; a broad dark brown band on either side of the coronal band, all the feathers broadly margined with rufous ; a distinct pale rufous supercilium ; lores and ear-coverts chestnut ; upper plumage and wings dark brown or blackish, each feather margined with rufous ; tail dark brown margined paler, the penultimate feather with a streak of white near the tip, the outer feather largely white on both webs ; cheeks pale fulvous, produced as a band under the ear-coverts ; chin and throat white ; sides of the throat, the whole breast, and the sides of the body white, sullied with fulvous and densely streaked with dark brown ; abdo- men, vent, and under tail-coverts white without streaks. In spring, the broad coronal band becomes richer rufous, and the broad lateral bauds pure deep black, in consequence of the rufous margins getting worn away, and the supercilium becomes very well defined and somewhat broader. Female. Resembles the male in winter plumage very closely, but apparently never acquires the deep black coronal bands. The young resemble the adults in winter but are paler. Bill horny ; legs pale fleshy brown ; iris brown (Jerdon}. Length about 5*5 ; tail 2*4 ; wing 2'8 ; tarsus *7 ; bill from gape *45. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej valley to Assam. This species has been observed at numerous localities in the Eastern part of the Empire from Assam through the hill-ranges to Bhamo. It has also been obtained in Karennee and on Muleyit mountain in Tenasserim. This Bunting does not appear to be found in the plains of the Indian Peninsula, but Jerdon records it from the Purneah district. A specimen from the Andamans is in the Tweeddale collection. The Dwarf Bunting visits the Empire in the winter only. In the summer it is found throughout Northern Asia and China. 792. Emberiza leucocephala. The Pine-Bunting. Emberiza leucocephala, S. G. Gm. N. Comm. Acad. So. Imp. Petrov. xv, p. 480, tab. xxiii, fig. 3 (1770) ; Hume $ Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 254 ; Hume, Cat. no. 712 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 79, 1882, p. 282 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 574 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 549. Emberiza pithyornis, Gm. Syst. Nat. i, p. 875 (1788) ; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 482 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 370. BMBERIZA. 255 Emberiza albida, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, p. 811 (1849); id. Cat. p. 128. The White-crowned Bunting, Jerd. Coloration. Male. After the moult the forehead and crown are ashy, streaked with brown, the base of the feathers white, but not showing at first ; lores, round the eye, and a short but broad Bupercilium, cheeks, chin, throat, and sides of the neck chestnut, each feather margined with white ; ear-coverts brown, divided down the middle by a band of white which extends under the eye to the gape ; hind neck ashy, turning to rufous on the back and scapulars, the feathers of which are streaked with black ; rump and upper tail- coverts chestnut, margined with white ; tail dark brown, narrowly margined with pale rufous, the two outer pairs of feathers with the terminal two-thirds of the inner web, and a margin on the outer web, white ; lesser coverts pale rufous ; median and greater coverts and tertiaries black, with broad rufous margins ; quills brown, narrowly margined with pale rufous ; a large patch of white on the lower throat ; breast chestnut, margined with white ; abdo- men white ; sides of the body white, streaked with chestnut. In the spring the crown and nape become pure white, bounded on each side and on the forehead by a black band ; the chestnut on the sides of the head and on the chin and throat becomes pure, owing to the white margins wearing off ; the breast and sides of the body also become purer chestnut, but the white on these parts never entirely disappears. Between the two extreme plumages described every intermediate stage is to be found. Female. The forehead, crown, and nape ashy streaked with brown, and without any white at the base of the feathers ; the remaining upper plumage, wings, and tail as in the male, but duller ; the white band on the side of the head and all chestnut on this part and the chin and throat are wanting the former part being more or less plain brown, and the two latter whitish streaked with brown ; breast and sides of the body rufous, streaked with brown and varied with white; abdomen white. The young bird appears to resemble the male. Upper mandible very dark brown, the base from gape to nostril yellowish ; lower mandible very pale horny bluish ; legs yellowish fleshy, feet slightly tinged brown ; iris dark brown (Hume Coll.). Length about 7 ; tail 3-4 ; wing 3-6 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. A winter visitor to GHlgit, Kashmir, and the Hima- layas down to Garhwal. At this season the Pine-Bunting is also found in Afghanistan and Europe, but in the summer it is con- fined to Northern Asia. 256 FRINGILLID.E. 793. Emberiza stewarti. The White-capped Buntiny. Emberiza stewarti, Bhjth, J. A. S. B. xxiii, p. 215 (1854) ; Horsf. # M. Cat. ii, g. 485 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 374 ; Stolicxka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 58; Hume, Cat, no. 718; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 81, 1882, p. 282 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 575 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 547 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 269 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 167. Citrinella stewarti (Blyth), Hume, N. # E. p. 465. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, nape, and ear-coverts are grey, with brownish tips to the feathers ; a broad black supercilium, each feather tipped with grey ; the whole upper plumage and scapulars chestnut with pale fulvous margins to the feathers ; lesser and median wing-coverts dull chestnut, edged paler ; greater coverts and quills dark brown, edged with rufous ; tail brown margined with rufous, the two outer pairs of feathers almost entirely white, the bases and the shafts with a narrow por- tion of the outer webs only being brown ; chin and upper throat, produced laterally down the sides of the lower throat, black, each feather margined with whitish ; lower throat and fore neck white ; breast chestnut, margined with white ; remaining lower plumage pale fulvous, the sides of the head streaked or blotched with rufous. In spring the margins and tips to the feathers of the crown, supercilium, upper plumage in general, chin, throat, and lower breast disappear in part or wholly by abrasion, leaving each part entirely of one colour or nearly so. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, back, and scapulars ashy brown, streaked with blackish, the scapulars tinged with chestnut ; rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut, with paler edges and blackish shafts ; tail as in the male, but with rather less white on the two outer pairs of feathers ; wings brown, each feather margined with pale rufous or fulvous ; lores and round the eye fulvous ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck brown ; lower plumage pale fulvous streaked with brown. The young resemble the female. Bill brown, paler on lower mandible ; iris slightly reddish brown ; legs and feet pinkish fleshy ; claws pale brown (Hume}. Length about 6*5 ; tail 3 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Hazara country, Gilgit, and Kashmir to about Almora ; the Punjab, Sind, Rajputana, and the N. W. Provinces as far east as Etawah. This species is found in the plains on the lower ranges of the Himalayas in winter only and on the higher parts of the latter (up to 6000 or 8000 feet) in summer. It extends into Afghanistan. Habits, $c. Breeds in June and July, constructing a deep cup- shaped nest, of fibres and grass, in low bushes, or on the ground by the side of a road or bank. The eggs, usually four in number, are white mottled with purple, and measure about -78 by -59. 794. Emberiza stracheyi. The Eastern Meadow-Buntl^j t Kuspi/i cia (Linn.}, ajntd Bli/t/i, Cat. p. loO. Emberiza stracheyi, Moore, P. /. -V. 18-V">, p. i>|r,f pi. 112; p. 168. Emberi/.a cia, Linn. apudJerd. B. I. ii, p. 371 ; StoliczJca, J. A. S. H. xxxvii, pt. ii, ]). 57 ; Hume $ Holders. La/i. fo Ytirk. p. -00. Citrinella cia (Linn.), Hume, N. $ E. p. 401. Coloration. Mole. After the autumn moult a longitudinal broad coronal band from the bill to the nape is bluish grey with a few black streaks ; a broad lateral band on each side of the crown black with rufous tips, succeeded by a distinct pale fulvous eyebrow reach- ing from the nostrils to the nape; lores and band through the eye black ; cheeks and ear-coverts pale fulvous ; a narrow black mou- stachial streak passing under and behind the ear-coverts and joining the eye-band ; back and scapulars chestnut-brown, streaked with black ; lesser wing-coverts bluish grey ; median and greater coverts, secondaries and tertiaries black, broadly margined with chestnut- brown ; primaries brown, narrowly edged with rufous ; rump chest- nut with paler edges ; upper tail-coverts chestnut-brown, with black shaft-streaks ; middle pair of tail-feathers black, broadly edged \\i1h chest nut-brown, the next two pairs entirely black, with narrow pale margins ; tin* next pair black with a white tip ; the outer two pairs white on the terminal half with black shafts ; chin whitish ; throat and breast bluish grey, each feather with an indistinct triangular brownish tip; remainder of lower plumage and the sides of the neck plain chestnut-brown. In the spring the tips and margins of the feathers become abraded, and the mesial coronal band becomes pure bluish grey ; the lateral bands, the eye-baud, and the moustachial streak deep black ; the eyebrows, cheeks, and ear-coverts pure white ; the throat and breast lose all traces of the triangular tips to the feathers. Female. Resembles the male in every respect, but is perhaps a little paler ; undergoes the same seasonal change of colour. The young bird is rufous-brown above, everywhere densely streaked with black, and the lower plumage is pale rufous, deepening on the abdomen and densely streaked with black on the throat, breast, and sides of the body. Bill dark plumbeous above, light plumbeous below; iris dark brown ; legs and feet fleshy yellow (Hume). Length (r5 ; tail 3-1 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus *7 ; bill from gape '5. This Bunting may be looked upon as a race of K. cia of Kin-ope. /•,'. da differs in wauling the pure black and white marks on the head which are so conspicuous in /:'. *•//•'. rin being always tinged with grey aiul the black ol»emvd by rufous tints. In E. cia the median and greater wing-COVertfl are tipped with a more or less pure white, whereas in the Indian bird the YOL. II. 8 258 tippings to these parts are chestnut-brown of the same colour as the back. Lastly, iuE. da the rufous of the lower parts is much paler. Distribution. The Himalayas, from the Hazara country and Gil- git to Kumaun. This species is resident on the Himalayas, moving vertically according to season. A few Buntings of this species appear to visit the plains of the Punjab in the winter. The range extends into Baluchistan. Habits, fyc. Breeds in the Himalayas from 4000 to 9000 feet, making a loose cup-like nest of grass on the ground. The eggs are pale greenish white or grey mottled with purplish, and covered by a series of delicate lines and scrawls which are dark brown or black. They measure about *83 by *63. 795. Emberiza buchanani. The Grey-necked Bunting. Emberiza buchanani, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 957 (1844), xvi, p. 780 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 150 ; id. Cat. no. 716 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 533 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 268. Euspiza huttoni, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, p. 811 (1849). Emberiza huttoni (Blyth), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 485 j Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 373 ; Hume, J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 121. Citrinella huttoni (Bl.}, Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 247. Jamjohara, Hind. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is ashy brown, each feather with a dark brown shaft- streak, the back slightly tinged with rufous ; lesser wing-coverts ashy brown ; the remaining coverts and quills dark brown, broadly margined with rufous; tail brown, the middle pair broadly, the next three pairs narrowly, margined with rufous ; the two outer pairs with the terminal half of the inner web white, as also a small portion of the outer web of the outermost feather ; lores and a ring round the eye fulvous ; sides of the head and neck ashy brown ; an indistinct black moustachial streak; entire lower plumage rufous, palest on the chin and darkest on the breast, most of the feathers with pale fulvous margins. In the spring the fulvous margins on the lower plumage get worn away. Female. Hardly distinguishable from the male, but slightly paler. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet yellowish brown j bill fleshy brown (Butler}. Length about 6-5; tail 2-8; wing 3'3; tarsus '75; bill from gape -45. Distribution. A winter visitor to the whole of the North-western portion of the plains of India, extending south as far as Khaudala and Chanda and east as far as Etavvah. This species migrates through Kashmir and has been observed in Gilgit in September, and our Indian birds probably summer in Turkestan and Persia. Its range extends westwards to the Caucasus. KMMKIJI/A. 259 7'. "5. Emberiza hortulana. The Ortolan Bunting. Emberiza hortulana, Linn. Si/sf. Nat. i, p. 309 (17GG) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 4S4 ; Jcnl B. L ii, p. 372 ; JJtnn^ Cat. no. 715; Bid- dvlph, Hi*, 1S81, p. 80; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 574; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 530. Euspiza hortulana (Linn.}, Hlyth, Cat. p. 129. Emberiza shah, JtotKtp. Conxp. Av. i, p. 465 (1850). Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, and nape dusky olive-green ; back and scapulars pale rufous, with broad black streaks ; rump and upper tail-coverts pale rufous, with less distinct black streaks ; tail dark brown celled with rufous, the two outer pairs of feathers white on the terminal half of the inner web ; lesser wing-coverts ashy ; remaining coverts and quills brown with rufous margins ; feathers on the eyelids, lores, cheeks, chin, and throat yellow ; sides of the head and neck dusky olive ; a moustachial streak pale brown ; upper breast dull olive-yellow; remainder of lower plumage cinnamon-rufous. The above is the full breeding- plumage. I have not been able to examine freshly moulted autumn birds, but these are said to have pale margins to the feathers of the head and breast as in the other species of Buntings. Female. Hesembles the male very closely but is much paler on chin and throat, and the upper breast is frequently streaked with brown, which may, however, be only remains of the immature plumage. The young bird is pale rufous throughout, densely streaked with dark brown both above and below. Bill dsirk flesh-colour, rather darker above than below ; iris brown ; legs pale fleshy red (Dresser}. Length about 6*5; tail 2*8 ; wing 3'6 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape '55. Distribution. A rare visitor to Gilgit, where this species has been obtained in May. This Bunting is found in Afghanistan and Turkestan and extends westwards throughout Europe. 797. Emberiza aureola. The Yellow-breasted Buntwy. Emberiza aureola, Pall. Eeis. Euss. Eeichs, ii, p. 711 (1773); Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. G02; Oates, B. B. i, p. 355; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 509. Mirafra flavicollis, McClell. P. Z. S. 1839, p. 163. Euspiza aureola (Pali.), Blylh, Cat. p. 129; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii. p. 487 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 380 ; Hwne, Cat. no. 723 ; id. S. F. xi, p. 282. Euspiza flavogularis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, pp, 86, 811 (1849) j id. Cat. p. 129. Colon/ fin/i. Mul,. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is a dull rhestnut, each feather margined with ashy ; tail brown, margined with dull rufous, the outermost feather with abroad diagonal white band across the inner web, the penultimate with a narrow white tip ; lesser wing-coverts chestnut edged with ashy ; 260 median coverts almost entirely white ; greater coverts and quills dark brown, margined with chestnut-brown ; a distinct supercilium, lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts ashy yellow ; a band above the ear-coverts and another below chestnut-brown ; the whole lower plumage yellow, with a chestnut band across the breast, and the sides of the body streaked with chestnut-brown ; the under tail-coverts paler than the other parts. In the spring the margins on the upper plumage become worn away and the general colour becomes rich maroon chestnut, and in a similar manner the lower plumage becomes rich yellow and the pectoral band broader and deeper chestnut. A change takes place in the colour of the head, but this is effected by a complete moult of the feathers of the parts affected : these parts are the forehead, anterior part of crown, lores, ear-coverts, cheeks, chin, and a small portion of the throat, which become deep black. The plumage of the males varies a good deal, as does also the time at which the black on the head is assumed. Female. Head chestnut-brown, with dark brown streaks ; nape and back of the neck olive-brown, with indistinct brown streaks and the centres of the feathers tinged with chestnut ; back and scapulars olive-brown, with broad distinct dark brown streaks ; rump pale chestnut, edged with grey ; upper tail-coverts brown, centred darker ; lesser wing-coverts brown ; median ones brown, very broadly tipped with white ; greater coverts and all the quills brown, edged on the outer webs with pale rufous-brown ; tail as in the male ; a broad supercilium reaching to the nape yellowish white ; sides of the head mixed brown and yellowish white; chin and throat whitish ; breast, sides of neck, and abdomen bright yellow, tinged with brown across the breast, which is also faintly streaked with brown ; flanks faint yellow, streaked with brown ; vent and under tail-coverts pale yellow, the latter indistinctly streaked. The young bird is very similar to the female, but has no chestnut on the head and rump and the whole breast is boldly streaked with brown. Iris rich brown ; upper mandible dark brown, lower fleshy brown ; feet and claws pinkish brown. Length 6-2; tail 2'4 ; wing 3 ; tarsus '85 ; bill from gape *55. Distribution. A common winter visitor to the Himalayas from Nepal to Assam and to the whole of the eastern portion of the Empire from Assam southwards to Tenasserim, and also to the Nicobar Islands. This species occurs from October to May, and at this season it ranges to the southern extremity of the Malay peninsula and to China and Siam. In summer it is found chiefly in Northern Asia. 798. Emberiza spodocephala. The Blade-faced Bunting. Emberiza spodocephala, Pall. Reis. Russ. Reichs, iii, p. 698 (1776) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 374 ; Hume, Cut. no. 717 ; id. IS. F. xi, p. 275 ; tiharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. d'2'2. l']iiib''ri/:i melanops, 7>Y///7/, J. A. 8. B. xiv, p. 554(1845). Ku//////, Cdf. p. 129. Colont / ion. Male. After the autumn moult the lores, the region of the gape, and the point of the chin are hlack , the whole head, whole neck, and breast dull olive-green, some of the feathers of the hind neck with dull rufous-brown tips and the feathers of the crown with indistinct dark shaft-streaks ; back and scapulars dull rufous-brown streaked with black ; rump and upper tail-coverts olive-brown ; tail dark brown, edged with olive-brown, the outer- most feather with the basal portion of the outer web and the terminal half of the inner web white; the penultimate feather with a large triangular white tip to the inner web ; lesser coverts rufous-brown ; remaining coverts and quills dark brown, broadly edged with rufous-brown ; lower plumage from the breast down- wards yellow, the sides of the body tinged with rufous and streaked with brown. The change that takes place in the plumage in spring is very trifling, the rufous tips to the feathers of the hind neck wearing away and the plumage in general becoming brighter. Ff in ale. The whole upper plumage, wings, and tail as in the male, but the head and hind neck less green and the shaft-streaks well- developed ; a supercilium, lores, cheeks, chin, and throat pale yellowish ; ear-coverts brown ; a series of brown spots on each side of the throat extending to the breast, which is dull yellowish streaked with brown ; remainder of lower plumage yellow, the sides of the body streaked with brown. Young birds resemble the female, but have the head more streaked and the throat spotted with brown. Young males have assumed the adult plumage by February or March, the last signs of immaturity left at that time being small triangular tips to the feathers of the crown. Legs and feet pale brownish fleshy; upper mandible dark brown ; lower mandible and gape horny pinkish white ; iris brown ( 1 1 inne). I .ength about 6 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 2-8 ; tarsus -75 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. A winter visitor to the Himalayas from Nepal to Assum and to the eastern portion of the Empire from Assam down to Manipur. In the winter this species extends to China and it summers in Eastern Siberia. Habits, <$fc. According to Hume, this species is very partial to long grass and watery localities. 791). Emberiza melanocephala. The Black-headed Bunting. Emlx-ri/a melanocephala, Scop. Ann. i, p. 142 (17G9); Sharj><>, Cnf 7>'. M. xii, p. 50,3 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 170. l.i.MM/a simillimn, lllytlt, J. A. S. 7?. xviii, p. 811 (1849); id. Cat. p. 128 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 486 ; liuim; X. ,S- /,'. p. 400. Kiispi/;i ]iirlaii(»c«.],li;il;i (,SV-o/o. lilifth, ( 'at. p. 128 ; Jcrd. Ii. I. ii, p. :J7s ; lihnif. J. A. >s. /*'. XXXViil, pt. ii, p. 180; Hume, Cat. no. 7'2\ ; 7iW///'.N-, Hints l><>nt. p. L;71. Gandam, Hind. 262 FRINGILLID^E. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and nape are black almost concealed by ashy margins ; a concealed yellow collar on the hind neck ; back, rump, and scapulars orange- chestnut with ashy margins ; upper tail-coverts brown, edged with ashy; tail brown, margined with fulvous; lesser wing-coverts orange-chestnut, margined with ashy; remaining coverts and quills dark brown, edged with fulvous ashy ; lores and under the eye deep black ; ear-coverts black tipped with yellow ; cheeks, side of the neck, and the whole lower plumage deep yellow with pale lilac margins. In spring the margins everywhere get worn away ; the forehead, crown, nape, lores, under the eye, and the ear-coverts become deep black ; the upper plumage and lesser coverts become uniform deep orange-chestnut, and the whole lower plumage a deep yellow. Female. The whole upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts fulvous brown, streaked with dark brown, the streaks almost obsolete on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; coverts, quills, and tail as in the male ; the entire lower plumage is a delicate fulvous, washed with ochraceous on the breast and with yellow on the abdomen ; under tail-coverts bright yellow. The difference between the summer and the winter plumage of the female is slight. Young birds resemble the female closely ; young males not quite adult have brown ear-coverts. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet fleshy brown ; bill pale greenish horn, brown on culmen (Butler}. Length about 7'5 ; tail 3'1 ; wing 3'S ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A winter visitor to the plains of India as far east as Delhi, ]NTagpur, and Chanda, and as far south as Belgaum. This species passes through Baluchistan, and, in smaller numbers, through Grilgit on migration, and the Indian birds probably breed in Persia. This Bunting extends westwards to South- western Europe. Habits, fyc. This Bunting is usually found in India in large flocks, which commit great devastation in corn-fields. It breeds about May in Western Asia and South-western Europe ; the nest, a cup of straw or grass lined with hair or roots, is usually placed in a bush, vine, or low tree, and the eggs, four to six in number, are pale greenish-blue, spotted throughout, more profusely round the larger end, and measure about 0*87 by 0-62. 800. Emberiza luteola. The Red-headed Bunting. Emberiza luteola, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, fasc. iv. Taf. 93 (1788) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 506. Euspiza luteola (Sparrm.), Blyth, Cat. p. 128 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 486 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 378; Hume, S. F. iii, p. '498 ; Scully, S. F. iv. p. 167 ; Wardlaw Ramsay ^ Ibis, 1880, p. 66 ; Hume, Cat. no. 722 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 271. Gxndam, Hind.; Dalchicli, Sind ; Pacha jinmuayi, Tel. KM i! KIM/A. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the forehead, crown, and napt-aiv rich golden brown, the feathers tipped with ashy ; hind nt>rk and sides of neck olive-yellow; back, scapulars, and lesser coverts olive-yellow streaked with brown ; rump yellow ; upper tail-coverts olive-brown, margined with olive-yellow ; tail dark brown, edged with fulvous; middle and greater coverts and quills dark brown, margined with fulvous ; lores, sides of the head, chin, throat, and middle portion of breast chestnut, the feathers margined with ashy; sides of the breast and remainder of lower plumage deep yellow. In spring the forehead, crown, and nape become deep golden brown, and the lores, sides of the head, chin, throat, and breast pure chestnut. This change is caused by the abrasion of the ashy margins on those parts. Occasionally the golden brown of the crown suffuses the entire upper plumage. This occurs probably in very old males only. /•'•-male. The whole upper plumage ashy brown, the back and scapulars streaked with dark brown and the rump tinged with olive- yellow ; tail and wings as in the male ; lores pale ashy white ; sides of the head and neck dark fulvous ; the whole lower plumage pale fulvous, the abdomen washed with yellow, and the under tail- coverts pure yellow. The young bird resembles the female, but has the whole upper plumage, sides of the throat, arid the whole breast thickly streaked with brown. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet brown ; bill greyish brown above, darkest on the cuhm>n and greenish horn below (Butler). Length about 7 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 3*5 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A. winter visitor to the plains of India from the foot of the Himalayas down to the Nilgiris and from Sind to Chiitia Nagpur. This species passes through G-ilgit on migration and breeds in Turkestan and Northern Asia. It extends to Afghanistan, Turkestan, and Persia*. //«!>its, <${c. Not so commonly found in flocks, and not asso- ciating in as large numbers as the last species, and less confined to well-cultivated tracts. The nest and eggs are very similar to those of E. melanocepJiala, and have been taken in Eastern Turkestan by Stolic/ka and Scully in May and June, and by Wardlaw l&iinsay in the Hariab valley, Western Afghanistan. 801. Emberiza rutila. The Chestnut Bnnti,nj. Einberiza rutihi, Poll. 7,V/x. 7.W /.V/r//s iii, p. 098 (1770); Oates, B. B. i, p. :;-Vt : K/HU-/H', Cat. B. M. xii, p. 514. Euspiza rutila (Pall.), Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, ]>. IiN; //;/;/«>, Cat. n... 1-1-1 bis; id. S. F. xi, p. i>M'. ( 'itrinella rutila (Pall.), Hume, & F. iii, p. 1 ">7. * Dr. Scully (Ibis, 1881, p. 575) indicates an mulon-i'lvd s|».-rifs uf Hunting allied to E. luteola. 264 PETNGILLTD.-r. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage, lesser and median wing-coverts, sides of the head and neck, chin, throat, and fore neck are deep chestnut, each feather fringed with ashy yellow ; greater coverts and tertiaries dark brown, margined with chestnut; primaries, secondaries, and tail- feathers dark brown, narrowly margined with ochraceous ; lower plumage from the fore neck downwards yellow, the sides of the body and the under tail-coverts streaked with dusky green. In the spring the ashy-yellow margins get worn away on all the chestnut parts of the plumage, and these become deep chestnut. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, back, and lesser wing- coverts ashy brown streaked with black ; rump chestnut, edged with ashy ; upper tail-coverts rufous-brown, edged with ashy ; median and greater wing-coverts and tertiaries dark brown, broadly margined with fulvous or rufous ; quills and tail brown, edged with ashy or fulvous ; lores, an indistinct supercilium, cheeks, chin, and throat fulvous ; a brown moustachial streak ; remaining lower plumage oil-yellow, tinged with brown on the breast, which is also obsoletely streaked; sides of the body boldly streaked with dusky green. The young bird is brown above and pale yellowish below, every- where streaked with dark brown. Iris bright brown ; bill above dark horny, below pale ; legs pale yellowish brown (Wardlaw Ramsay), Length about 6; tail 2*5; wing 2- 9 ; tarsus *7 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The Eastern portion of the Empire, This species has been recorded from Sikhim, the Bhutan Dears, Manipur, Karennee, and various localities in Pegu and Northern and Central Tenasserim. It visits India only in the winter, at which season it is also found in China and Siam. It summers in North China and Eastern Siberia. 802. Emberiza striolata. The Striolated Bunting. Fringillaria striolata, lAcht. Verz. Doubl. p. 24 (1823) ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 463; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 601. .Emberiza striolata (Lichf.), Hume, Ibis, 1870, p, 309; id. S. F. vii, p. 410 ; id. Cat. no. 7iO his; Oatcs in Hume's A7. & E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 170. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, and nape greyish white, thickly streaked with black; upper plumage, scapulars, and lesser coverts pale rufous with dark streaks ; wings and tail dark brown, each feather margined with rufous ; lores and a distinct supercilium white; a black eye-band followed below^ by a broad whitish band from the gape to the middle of the ear-coverts and by another black band meeting the eye-band behind the ear-coverts ; a white moustachial streak ; chin, throat, and upper breast ashy, with black streaks to the feathers ; remainder of lower plumage, under wing-coverts, and a portion of the inner webs of the quills rufous. The difference in plumage in \\in1er and summer is in this species very trifling. l'\nKil . Resembles the male closely but is somewhat duller in coloration. Iris brown ; legs and feet yellowish fleshy ; claws pale brown ; upper mandible dark brown, lower fleshy brown (Hume Coll.}. Length nearly 6; tail 2'G; wing 3-1; tarsus '6; bill from gape -45. Distribution. A permanent resident in a great portion of the plains of the north-west portion of the Empire from Sind to Klawah in the N.W. Provinces and from the Punjab down to ditch. This species also occurs as far as Saugor in the Central Provinces. It extends westwards to Arabia and Palestine. //afiits, $c. Breeds in November and December, and probably also a second time in June or July, constructing a nest cf grass under or between blocks of stone. The eggs are marked with brown of various shades and measure about '76 by '56, Genus MELOPHUS, Swains., 1837. In the genus Meloplius both sexes are crested, the crest of the female being shorter than that of the male, and the tail is more even or square at the tip than in Emberiza. The sexes are very Fig. 71. — Head of M. mclanicterus. differently coloured, but both have a considerable amount of red on the wings and tail. The only Bunting of this genus affects rocky hill-sides and the banks of streams, and is solitary in its habits. 803. Melophus melanicterus. The Crested Bunting. Frin«rilla nu-lanictera, Gm. R;i*t. Nat. i, p. 910 (1788). Kmlx'riza cristata, JVc/orx, 7'. Z. »V. Is.'Jl, ]>. •'{•">. Mnspi/a h.thami (.7. /,'. (,'r.\ ////////, Cut. }>. IL".». Meloplius mclanicterus (Gm.), Horsf. & M. Cat. ii, p. 489; Jerd. I!. I. ii, p. .">81 ; Hume, X. $ E. p. 407; And<-r*. Yunnan A'.ryW., .J/v.v, ],. <;<)!; ][,nne,S. F. vii, p. 517 ; id. Cat. no. 724 ; .SV •//////, •s. /•'. viii, ]). :j:M ; OH/I-*. />. B. i, p. 357 ; Barnes, liirds Bom. 266 FKHSTGILLID^E. p. 272 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xii, p. 568 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 173. Patliar chirta, Hind. Coloration. Male. After the autumn moult the whole head, neck, back, rump, scapulars, lesser wing-coverts, and the whole lower plumage except the thighs and under tail-coverts are black, each feather with a broad ashy margin ; wings, tail, under tail- coverts, and thighs chestnut, the quills, tail, and some of the wing- coverts tipped with black ; upper tail-coverts chestnut, margined with black, sometimes wholly black. In the spring the ashy margins disappear wholly or in part. Female. The crest shorter and not very apparent in some specimens ; the whole upper plumage dark brown, each feather edged with olive-brown, frequently with a tinge of rufous ; lesser wing-coverts dark brown, narrowly edged with pale rufous ; median and greater coverts dark brown, very broadly edged with cinnamon; primaries and secondaries with the outer webs blackish, edged exteriorly with pale cinnamon ; inner wrebs cinnamon, broadly tipped with dark brown; tertiaries dark brown, edged with pale cinnamon on the outer webs ; outer tail-feathers cinnamon, with a broad band of brown on the inner web ; the other feathers brown, with a narrow margin of pale cinnamon on the outer webs, and the fifth pair from the middle also with a streak of cinnamon on the inner webs ; ear-coverts and cheeks dark brown, the former tipped with olive-brown ; lower plumage dull buff to yellowish brown, streaked and mottled, especially on the throat and breast, with dark brown ; vent and under tail-coverts brighter and sometimes tinged with rufescent. The young bird resembles the female very closely, and the young male commences in the autumn to put on the chestnut body- plumage of the adult. Bill dusky, blackish above and fleshy at base of lower mandible ; irides dark brown ; feet fleshy brown, the toes darker ; claws blackish, pale at tips (Scully). Length 6'5 ; tail 2-8 ; wing 3-2 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape *6 ; crest in male about -8, in female '5. Distribution. The Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan ; the plains of India from Sind to Bengal as far south as about the latitude of Mahableshwar ; thence through the Assam hills, Manipur, and Upper Burma to Arrakan on the one hand, and to Karennee and Northern Tenasserim on the other. This species is somewhat capricious in its choice of localities, and it is absent throughout large tracts of country. It extends into China. It is everywhere apparently a resident species. Habits, §c. Breeds from April to August, making a saucer-like nest of grass on the ground or in holes of banks and walls. The eggs are thickly marked with red or purple and measure about '79 by -63. Fig. 72. — HiritniJu crythropyyia. Family HIRUNDINID^E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles perfectly smooth, with a single notch or the indication of one in the upper ; the hinder part of the tarsus longitudinally bilaminated, the laminae entire and smooth ; wing with nine primaries, the first and second nearly equal ; bill Hat, broad and triangular when viewed from above ; gape very wide ; the longest secondaries reaching to about the middle of the wing ; front of tarsus smooth ; rectrices twelve: sexes alike; a moult in the spring only; young very similar to the adult ; rictal bristles weak. The Swallows form n well-defined group of birds remarkable for their great powers of flight, the whole of their food, which consists of small insects, being caught on tin- \\ ing. Many of the Swallows migrate vast distances, others are resident, and some species are confined to small areas. 268 HIRTTNDlNIDyE. The Swallows resemble each other closely in structure, and the only point in which they vary is the shape of the tail. As the shape of the tail is, however, different in almost every species, it cannot very well be utilized as a generic character. The Indian Swallows may be divided into four genera by characters which are of considerable value, such as the feathered or bare condition of the leg, the colour of the plumage and of the tail, the mode of nidification, and the colour of the eggs. Key to the Genera. a. Tarsus and toes feathered CHELIDON, p. 268. b. Tarsus and toes bare. a' . Upper plumage brown and without gloss. a". Tail-feathers uniform COTILE, p. 271. b". Tail-feathers with white spots .... PTYONOPROGNE, p. 273. b'. Upper plumage, or the greater portion of it, black and highly glossy HIRUNDO, p. 276. Genus CHELIDON, Forster, 1817. The genus Chelidon contains the Martins, which are distinguished from all the other birds of this group by their feathered tarsus and 4-^,. mu« _ • _n j.1 _ _ • • _JI_»L_ ._ j £ toes. The rump in all the species is white, and forms a conspi- cuous feature of the Martins when flying. The shape of the tail varies in the different species, C. urbica having the tail somewhat deeply forked, and C. nepalensis having it quite square. The Martins build nests of mud lined with feathers, and lay four to six pure white eggs. Figs. 73, 74, 75. — Foot, head, and bill of C. urbica. Key to the Species. a. Under tail-coverts white. a'. The longer upper tail-coverts black. a". Lower plumage pure white ; fork of tail half to three-quarters inch deep b" . Lower plumage pale grey ; fork of tail one-quarter inch, or less, deep . . b' . The longer upper tail-coverts white . . b. Under tail-coverts black C. urbica, p. 269. C. kashmiriensis, p. 269. C. lay opus, p. 270. C. nepalensis, p 271. 269 804. Chelidon urbica. The Hirundo urbica, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 344 (1766) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 198. Chelidon urbica (Linn.), Hor*f. $ M. Cat. i, p. 385 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. IW ; ll,nne, Cat. no. 92 ; Butler, S. F. ix, p. 378 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 428 ; Biddudph, Ibis, 1882, p. 269; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 84 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 87 ; Oates in Humes N. % E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 177. TheEnylish House Martin, Jerd. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, lores, a small space below the eye, hind neck, back, and scapulars glossy bluish black ; rump and the shorter upper tail-coverts white, with the shafts very narrowly brown ; longer upper tail-coverts glossy black ; tail black with a slight gloss ; coverts and quills dull black, some of the smaller coverts margined with glossy bluish black ; cheeks, ear-coverts, and lower plumage white, washed with ashy on the sides of the breast and body and on the auxiliaries. The young have the chin, throat, fore neck, cheeks, and ear- coverts dull smoky brown, and the quills next the body tipped with white ; the upper plumage is dull brown. Bill black ; feet pale flesh-colour ; iris deep brown. Length nearly 6 ; tail 2-5 ; wing 4'4 ; tarsus *5 ; bill from gape •5 ; bifurcation of tail from %5 to *75. Distribution. The series of Indian-killed specimens of this Martin in the Hume Collection is remarkably poor and the skins are in almost all cases badly prepared. It is not therefore easy to identify some of them with absolute certainty, especially the younger birds, which are very close to C. kashmiriensis. There are three nearly adult birds killed in April at Mussooree; one nearly adult and four immature birds from Hazara, killed in September ; one nearly adult from Khandesh killed in November; auother quite adult, but moulting, from Hhiinoga, Mysore, obtained in April, and four young January birds from Coimbatore. Until well-preserved adult specimens are obtained, the distribution of this Martin in India must remain in great doubt. Jerdon records this species from the Nilgiris in March. Scully informs us that it is very common in Gilgit in May and June, and Biddulph obtained it at Gilgit in July. This species is found in Europe, Africa, and the western half of Asia. Habits, $c. Has been found breeding in Mysore in May, con- structing a nest of mud pellets lined with feathers under a large rock in the bed of the river Tungabhadra. This Martin probably breeds in other similar localities. The eggs, varying from t\\<> t<> four in number, are pure white and measure about '75 by -54. 805. Chelidon kashmiriensis. The Kashmir Mn,-tin. Chelidon cashnicricnsis, f;,,n/,7, P. Z. S. 1858, p. :'."*( 5; ,/m/. D. I. i, p. K'>7; Jluim', A'. A /:'. p. 84; id. Cat. no. 93; Biddulph, Ibis, 270 H1UUNJDINID.E. 1881, p. 47, 1882, p. 260; Sfiarpe, Cat, B. M. x, p. 90; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. \\, p. 177. The Cashmere House Martin, Jerd. Coloration. Very similar to C. urbica, but with the whole lower plumage pale smoky brown and the axillaries darker brown. The shaft-lines on the rump are generally coarser. This species and the preceding are so closely allied that they can only be separated with certainty when full-grown and when the tail is perfect. In C. urbica the difference between the middle and the outermost pair of tail-feathers varies from half to three- quarters of an inch, whereas in C. kasJimiriensis, it is never more than a quarter of an inch. C. urbica is a larger bird. Length about 5 : tail 2-1 ; wing 4 ; tarsus *5 : bill from gape 45. Distribution. The series of this bird in the Hume Collection is little better than that of C. urbica. There are three adult specimens from Sikhim (April) ; one nearly adult from the Sutlej valley ; five from Kashmir ; two from Gilgit (May and July) ; one from Hazara (November) ; one from Garhwal (December) ; and a solitary specimen from the plains, obtained by Blanford at Bilaspur in the Central Provinces in April. This species ascends the Himalayas up to 12,000 or 1 3,000 feet, and it appears to breed along the whole range, from Kashmir to Sikhim. Its range in the plains is quite unknown. Habits, fyc. Breeds in Kashmir in April and May, and probably a second time later on, constructing a mud nest, shallow7 and cup- shaped, in the hollows of rocks, many birds breeding together. The eggs are not known, but will undoubtedly prove to be pure white. 806. Chelidon lagopus. The Siberian Martin. Hirundo lagopoda, Pall. Zoogr. JRosso-Asiat.i, p. 532 (1811). Chelidon urbica (Pall.) apud Tick. J. A. S. B. xxiv, p. 277 note ; Blyth, Birds Burm. p. 127 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 45. Chelidon whiteleyi, Swinhoe, P.Z.8. 1862, p. 320; id. Ibis, 1874, p. 152, pi. vii, fig. 2. Chelidon lag-opoda (Pall.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 311 ; Seebohm, Hist. Brit. Birds, ii, p. 179 note. Chelidon lag-opus (Pall.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 93. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, back, scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts glossy steel-black ; rump and upper tail-coverts white, the shafts dark ; tail, wings, and greater coverts brown ; lores, the feathers under the eye and above the ear-coverts dull black ; cheeks, lower ear-coverts, and all the lower plumage pure white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries dark smoky brown. Length nearly 5 inches; tail 2-3; wing about 4-5; bill from gape '45. Distribution. A House-Martin was observed in Burma by the late Colonel Tickell many years ago. He identified it with C. ur- bica, but his description and figure of it in his MS. work, now in the Library of the Zoological Society of London, show that he i "I n.i;. 271 procured the present species. I have frequently seen largo flocks of a Martin in Southern Pegu, but have failed to secure a specimen ; they were most probably of this species. The Siberian Martin summers in Northern and Central Asia, and visits Burma in the winter months. Colonel Tickell's specimen of this bird was obtained at Moulinein. 807. Chelidon nepalensis. Hodysons Martin. Delichon nepalensis, Ifodgs., Moore, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 104, pi. Ixiii ; Hortf. £ M. Cat. i, p. '384 ; Hume, Cat. no. 94 ; id. S. F. xi, p. 29. Chelidon nepalensis (Ifodys.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 168 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 156 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, pp. 68, 193 ; xlvii, pt. ii, p. 13; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 90. The Little Himalayan Martin, Jerd. Coloration. Rump white, the feathers delicately fringed with black ; with this exception the whole upper plumage is glossy bluish black ; wings and tail dull black, some of the coverts margined and tipped with glossy bluish black ; lores and sides of the head deep black with a very slight gloss; chin and throat black speckled with white; fore neck, breast, abdomen, vent, and legs white ; under tail-coverts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts deep black. Some birds, probably the young, have the point of the chin black, the remainder of the chin and the whole throat white ; and in these birds the uuderparts are not quite so pure a white as in those with black throats. Bill brown, paler at gape ; legs and toes fleshy white. Length about 4-5 ; tail 1-8 ; wing 37 ; tarsus -45 ; bill from gape *4 ; tail quite square at tip. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nairn Tal to the Daphla hills in Assam, and thence southwards through the hill-ranges to Manipur. This Martin appears to ascend the Himalayas up to at least 8000 feet, and it also appears to be found on those mountains throughout the year, as I have seen specimens procured in Sikhim in every month from June to January. It probably visits the lower valleys and plains inthe winter months only. Genus COTILE, Boie, 1822. The genus Cotile comprises the Sand-Martins, which frequent large rivers and construct their nests in holes excavated in the banks. The eggs are white. In Cotile the legs and toes are bare except in C. riparia, which lias a small tuft of feathers at the base of the tarsus and behind it. The tail is forked to a very small extent, and the colour of the plumage is extremely plain and dull. The tail-feathers are not spotted witJi white as in tin1 next genus. The Sand-Martins are highly gregarious and breed in large societies. 27*2 HIRUNDINTD.I. Key to the Species. a. A well-defined collar across the upper breast ; a tuft of feathers on tarsus C. riparia, p. 272. b. No collar across breast and no tuft of feathers 0:1 tarsus C. sinensis, p. 273 808. Cotile riparia. The Sand-Martin. Hirundo riparia, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 344 (170(5) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 199. Cotyle riparia (Linn.}, Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 95 ; Jcrd. B. I. i, p. 163 ; Blanf. S. F. iv, p. 507 ; Hume, Cat. no. 87 ; id. S. F. xi, p. 28 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 82. Cotile riparia (Linn.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 310 : Sharne. Cat. B. M. x, p. 96. The European Sand-Martin, Jerd. Fig. 70. — Foot of C. riparia. Coloration. The whole upper plumage greyish brown, each feather with a more or less distinct pale margin ; a dark spot in front of the eye ; lores and ear-coverts brown ; quills and coverts dark brown ; tail dark brown, narrowly margined with whitish ; a broad and distinct band across the 'breast brown; cheeks and remainder of lower plumage pure white. Young birds have all the feathers of the upper plumage and the wings margined with rufous, the chin and throat fulvous, and the breast broadly brown. Bill black ; iris brown ; legs dark brown. Length about 5 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 4 ; tarsus '45 ; bill from gape •5 ; bifurcation of tail '4. Distribution. The Sand-Martin is probably spread over the whole of the northern portion of India proper as far south as the latitude of Bombay. It appears to be rare in India, for the Hume Collection contains but very few specimens, and these from Sind only; specimens from the eastern part of the Empire are more numerous. This species extends from Assam to Tenasserim, the most southern locality from which I have seen a specimen being Thatone near Moulmein. It appears to be a winter visitor to India for the most part, but specimens procured in May and .June are contained in the Hume Collection. This Martin is found over the whole northern hemisphere. PTYONOPROGNE. 273 N>t>. Cotile sinensis. The Indian Sand-Martin. Jlirundo chiuensis, J. E. Gray in Hardw. III. Ind. Orn. i, pi. 3o, f. 3 (1830-2). Hirunoo subsoccata, Hodys. in Gray's Zool Misc. p. 82 (1844, desc. null.). Hirundo sinensis (J". E. 6V.), Blyth, Cat. p. 199. Cotyle sinensis (J. E. Gr.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 96 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 164; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 651; Hume, Cat.no, 89 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 82. Cotyle subsoccata (Hodys.}, Jerd. B. I. i, p. 163 ; Hume, Cat. no. 88. Cotile subsoccata (Hod\/s.\ Hume, N. 8f E. p. 82. Cotile sinensis (J. E. Gr.), Hum?, N. $ E. p. 82 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 309 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 104 ; Oates in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 178. The Dusky Martin, The Indian Bank Martin, Jerd. ; Abali, Hind. ; Nakuti, Beng. Coloration. Upper plumage greyish brown, most of the feathers margined with paler brown; wings and tail darker brown ; chin, throat, breast, sides of the head and neck pale grey ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts white. The young bird has all the feathers of the upper plumage and wings broadly margined with rufous, and the chin, throat, and breast are pale rufous. Iris brown ; bill black ; legs dark brown. Length about 4; tail 1-8 ; wing 3-4 ; tarsus *35; bill from gape •45 ; bifurcation of tail about -2. Distribution. A resident species over the whole of the northern half of India down to about the latitude of Bombay, and probably further south. This Martin ascends the Himalayas wherever the streams are suitable to its habits. In the eastern part of the Empire it extends from Assam to Northern Tenasserim. It is found in Southern China, Siam, and the Philippine Islands. Habits, $c. Breeds in large societies in the sandy banks of rivers, constructing its nest, which consists of a few feathers and a little grass, in a roundish chamber at the end of a narrow tunnel, frequently three feet in length. The breeding-season lasts from November to February in the greater part of India, but in some parts these Martins breed in April and May. The eggs, either four or five in number, are pure white, and measure about •68 by -48. Genus PTYONOPROGNE, Eeichenb., 1850. The genus Ptyonoproyne comprises the Crag-Martins, which are similar in appearance and structure to the Sand-Martins, but differ from them in some important points. The Crag-Martins have a white spot on the inner web of all the tail-feathers except the middle and outermost pair; they VOL. II. T 274 HIETTNDINIT)^!. construct mud-nests amongst rocks, in caves or old buildings, and they lay spotted eggs. Key to the Species. a. Chin and upper throat streaked or spotted. a'. Wing 5; under tail-coverts much darker than abdomen P. rupestris, p. 274. b'. Wing little more than 4 ; under tail-coverts of same colour as abdomen P. concolor, p. 275. b. Chin and upper throat unmarked , . P. obsoleta, p. 275. 810. Ptyonoprogne rupestris. The Crag-Martin. Hirundo rupestris, Scop. Ann. i, Hist. Nat. p. 167 (1769) ; Blytli, Cat. p. 198. Cotyle rupestris (Scop.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 95 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 166 ; Hume 8> Senders. Lah. to Yark. p. 177 ; Blanf. J. A. S. B. xxxviii, pt. ii, p. 173 ; Hume, J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 116 j Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 83. Ptyonoprogne rupestris (Scop.}, Hume, N. fy E. p. 84; id. Cat. no. 91 ; Oates in Hume's N, $ JE. 2nd ed. ii, p. 180. Cotile rupestris (Scop.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 109. The Mountain Crag Martin, Jerd. Coloration. Upper plumage, sides of the head, wings, and tail ashy brown ; a large white spot on the inner web of all the tail- feathers except the middle and outermost pair ; chin, throat, and breast white, tinged with pale rufous, the chin and upper throat spotted with brown ; abdomen and sides of the body rufous ashy ; under tail-coverts dark ashy brown. The young has the whole upper plumage, wings, and under tail- coverts margined with rufous, and the lower plumage uniform, pale rufous. Bill black ; legs and feet fleshy ; claws dusky ; iris dark brown (Scully). Length about 6 ; tail 2'4 ; wing up to 5-4 • tarsus -45 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The whole Himalayas as far east as Bhutan and the plains as far south as the Nilgiri hills. The range of this Martin is probably much greater than above indicated, for Davison observed a Ptyonoprogne in Tenasseriin, which was probably of this species. The Crag-Martin has an immense range out of India, being found in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and a great portion of Asia. Habits, Sfc. Breeds amongst precipitous rocks high up in the Himalayas in April, constructing a saucer-shaped nest of mud, attached to the rock. The eggs are described as being white, speckled with red and purple. PTYONOPROGNE. 275 811. Ptyonoprogne concolor. The Dusky Crag-Martin. Hirundo concolor, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 83 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 199. Cotyle concolor (Sykes), Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 97 ; Jerd. B. 2nd. i, p. 165 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 83. Ptyonoprogne concolor^AS^&es), Hume, N. fy E. p. 83 ; id. Cat. no. 90 ; Oates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 181. Cotile concolor (Sykes), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 108. Coloration. The whole upper plumage, wings, and tail dark sooty brown ; a white spot on the inner web of all the tail-feathers except the middle and outermost pairs, the spot on the pair next the middle one being obsolete or frequently wanting ; cheeks, chin, throat, and fore neck rufescent, streaked with brown; remainder of lower plumage sooty brown, many of the feathers with fulvous margins and darker shafts. The young bird has the upper plumage and wings margined with rufous. Iris dark brown ; bill, legs, and claws brown (Bingham). Length about 5 ; tail 2 ; wing 4 -2 ; tarsus -4 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The plains of India, from the foot of the Himalayas to the Mlgiris, and extending eastwards to Behar and Western Bengal. To the west this species is found throughout Eajputana, but does not appear to be found in Sind. Habits, fyc. Breeds during many months of the year, the time varying according to locality. The nest is cup-shaped, constructed of mud and attached to a rock or wall in caves, old buildings, and cliffs. The eggs are white, speckled with yellowish and reddish brown, generally four in number, and measure about •72 by -52. 812. Ptyonoprogne obsoleta. The Pale Crag-Martin. Cotyle obsoleta, Cab. Mus. Hein. i, p. 50 (1850) ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 83. Ptyonoprogne pallida, Hume, S. F. i, pp. 1, 417 (1873). Ptyonoprogne obsoleta (Cab.), Hume, Cat. no. 91 bis. Cotile obsoleta (Cab.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 111. Coloration. The whole upper plumage pale greyish brown ; wings and tail darker ; all the tail-feathers with a white spot on the inner web except the middle and outermost pair, but with signs of a spot on the latter sometimes ; a black spot in front of the eye ; sides of the head like the upper plumage ; lower plumage white, tinged with fulvous, and gradually turning to pale brown on the lower abdomen and under tail-coverts, which latter are margined paler. Legs and feet dusky greyish brown ; bill blackish brown ; iris blackish brown (Butler). Length about 5-5; tail 2-2; wing 4*5; tarsus '4; bill from gape -55. T2 276 HIEUNDINIDJE. Distribution. Sind, extending west to Arabia and Egypt. This species appears to be only a winter visitor to Sind. Genus HIRUNDO, Linn., 1766. The genus Hirundo comprises the true Swallows, which are for the most part familiar and well-known birds. The Swallows have the upper plumage, or the greater portion of it, deep steel-blue and highly glossy. Many of them have the tail greatly forked, and a few have it nearly square. They all construct nests of mud lined with feathers, some making their nests cup-shaped, while others add a long tubular entrance. The eggs in some species are speckled, in others white without any marks. Key to the Species* a. Rump blue or brown. a. "White spots on tail. a". A complete or broken band across the breast. a'". Pectoral baud complete H. rustwa, p. 277. b'". Pectoral band more or less inter- rupted in the middle. #4. Chin and throat chestnut ; abdo- men white H. yutturalis, p. 277. 64. Chin, throat, and abdomen uni- form deep chestnut H. tytleri, p. 278. c4. Chin and throat much deeper chestnut than the abdomen . . H. erythrogastra, p. 279. V. No trace of a pectoral band, c'". Chin, throat, and fore neck chest- nut j abdomen grey H.javanica, p. 279. d'". Chin, throat, and fore neck white like abdomen H. smithii, p. 280. b'. No white spots on tail H. fiuvicola, p. 280. b. Rump chestnut. c'. Lower plumage pale rufous, much paler than ear-coverts. c". Rump and upper tail-coverts of same colour throughout, or very slightly paler posteriorly. c". Wing 4-9 to 5-3. t/4. Shaft - streaks on rump very distinct j lower plumage nearly white, with very coarse stria- tions H. striolata, p. 281 . c4. Shaft-streaks on rump absent or obsolete j lower plumage de- cidedly rufous, with fine stria- tions H. daurica, p. 282. /'". Wing 4;3 to 4-7. /4. Striations on lower plumage much broader than the shafts . . H. nepaknsis, p. 282. HIRUNDO. 277 yl. Striations on lower plumage hardly broader than the shafts . . H. erythropygia, p. 283. d". Rump paling posteriorly and be- coming creamy white IT. rufula, p. 284. d1. Lower plumage chestnut, quite as dark as the ear-coverts //. hyperythra, p. 284. 813. Hirundo rustica. The Swallow. Hirimdo rustica, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 343 (17G6) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 197 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 157; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 72; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. C49 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl p. 587 ; Hume, Cat. no. 82 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 302 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 79 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 128 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd eel. ii, p. 184. The Common Swallow, Jerd. ; Ababil, Hind. ; Talli-illedi kuravi, Tarn. ; Wanna [kovela, Tel.; Paras pitta of the Mharis and Gonds; Tdm pddi, Tarn. ; Pyan-hhca, Burm. ; Wcchcelaniya, Cing. Coloration. Forehead, chin, and throat chestnut; lores black; upper plumage and wing-coverts glossy purplish blue ; quills and tail black suffused with glossy green, all the tail-feathers, except the middle pair, with a white patch on the inner web ; sides of the head and neck and a very broad pectoral band glossy black, a few of the feathers of the latter part narrowly fringed with chestnut ; lower plumage from the pectoral band downwards pale rufous, becoming rather darker on the under tail-coverts. The young bird does not differ very much from the adult, but has the colour of its plumage very dull. Bill black ; feet black ; iris dark brown. Length up to 8 ; tail up to 4*5 ; wing 5 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape *6 ; bifurcation of tail about 2-7. Distribution. Every portion of the Empire, breeding throughout the whole range of the Himalayas and being found in the plains during the winter. Young birds of this species are to be met with in the plains at nearly all times of the summer in small numbers. The Swallow has an enormous range, being found over the whole of Europe and Africa and over a great part of Asia. Habits, $c. Breeds throughout the Himalayas in April and May from 4000 to 7000 feet, constructing its nest of mud, lined with feathers, in outbuildings, verandahs of houses, and sheds. The eggs, four or five in number, are white or pale pink speckled with red and purple, and measure about -76 by '53. 814. Himndo gutturalis. TJie Eastern Sivallow. Hirundo gutturalis, Scop. Del. Flor. et Faun. Insubr. ii,p. 96 (1786) ; Hume Sf Dav. S. F. vi, p. 41 ; Hume, Cat. no. 82 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 134. Ilirundo panayana, Gm. Syst. Nat. i, p. 1018 (1788) ; Horsf. Sf M. Cat. \, p. 91. Hirundo andamanensis, Tytler, Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 316 ; Ball, S. F. i,p.r>5 278 Coloration. Resembles H. rustica, but the chestnut of the throat encroaches on the black pectoral band so as to nearly sever it down the middle of the breast ; the lower plumage below the pectoral band is pure white. Length about 6-5 ; tail 3-6 ; wing 4-6 ; tarsus -4 ; bill from gape *6; bifurcation of tail 1*7. Typical examples of this Swallow from Japan and North-eastern Asia are very distinct from H. rustica, the lower plumage being pure white and the pectoral band severed in two by the encroach- ment of the chestnut of the throat. Many examples procured in Burma are sufficiently typical to be easily recognizable, but the majority of Swallows from the eastern portion of the Empire are quite intermediate between the two species. Distribution. Common in winter over the whole of the Empire east of the Bay of Bengal and extending to Assam and Bengal. The western limits of this species cannot be determined with any accuracy, as many birds from the continent of India are quite inter- mediate between H. rustica and H. gutturalis, and I have seen no bird which could unhesitatingly be assigned to H. gutturalis from any point west of Calcutta. This species ranges from North-eastern Asia to the Malay islands and Singapore. 815. Hirundo tytleri. Tytler's Sivallow. Hirundo tytleri, Jerd. B. I. iii, App. p. 870 (1864) ; Hume, S. F. i\i, p. 41 ; Wardlaw Ramsay, Ibis, 1877, p. 466 ; Hume $ Lav. 8. F. vi, p. 41 ; Hume, Cat. no. 82 ter ; Simson, Ibis, 1882, p. 84 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 304 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 140. Coloration. Eorehead rufous ; lores black ; whole upper plumage glossy purplish blue ; wing-coverts brown, margined with glossy purplish blue ; quills black, suffused with glossy green ; tail brown, all the feathers, except the middle pair, with a patch of white on the inner web ; the whole lower plumage chestnut, the chin and throat very little if at all darker than the other parts ; sides of the head and neck, continued to the sides of the breast and forming a pectoral band, interrupted in the middle, glossy purplish blue. Length 6-5 to 7 ; tail up to 4 ; wing 4-8 ; tarsus -45 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A common but uncertain visitor to the eastern parts of the Empire. This species has been observed in Sadiya, Dacca, Cachar, the Khasi hills, Manipur, Pegu, and Tenasserim, and there are specimens from all these parts in the British Museum. It has been obtained during February, March, April, May, and June ; and it may breed on or near the eastern borders of Assam and Burma. It occurs in Eastern Siberia and Kamtschatka and probably has a very wide range. Some specimens of Swallows from Peru and Brazil in the British Museum are perfectly undis- tinguishable from H. tytleri. HIRUNDO. 279 816. Hirundo erythrogastra. The American Swallow. ilirundo erythrogaster, Bodd. Tabl. PL Enl. p. 4/5 (1783) Hirundo horreorum, Bart. Fraym. Nat. Hist. p. 17 (1799) ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 42 ; Hume, Cat. no. 82 quint. ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 303. Hirundo erythrogastra, Bodd., Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 137. Coloration. Eesembles H. tytleri, and like it has an interrupted pectoral band, but the plumage below the band is pale rufous, whereas the chin, throat, and middle of the breast are chestnut. Of the same size as //. tytleri. Distribution. The only specimens of this species that I have seen from within Indian limits are two procured by myself in February, one at Toungngoo and one at Pegu. The former is adult and the latter young. There are two typical adult specimens from Cochin China in the British Museum. This Swallow is found in Eastern Asia and over the whole of the continent of America as far south as Brazil. 817. Hirundo javanica. The Nilgiri House-Swallow. Hirundo javanica, Sparrm. Mus. Carls, iv, pi. 100 (1789) ; Leyge, Birds Ceyl p. 597 ; Hume, Cat. no. 83 ; Shar-pe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 142 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 386. Hirundo doniicola, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xiii, p. 173 (1844) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 198 j Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 384 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 158. Hypurolepsis domicola (Jerd.}, Hume, N. Sf E. p. 73. Hypurolepis javanica (Sparrm.), Oates, B. B. \, p. 308. Coloration. A broad band on the forehead, the chin, throat, upper breast, cheeks, and ear-coverts deep ferruginous ; lores dusky ; upper plumage glossy black ; wings and tail dark brown, slightly glossy on the outer webs ; the tail with an oval spot on all the inner webs of the feathers except those of the median pair ; lower plumage pale ashy, albescent on the abdomen ; under tail-coverts ashy, the feathers with white tips and subterminal patches of black. The young bird is without gloss above and has some of the secondaries margined with rufous. Bill black ; legs and claws lighter black ; iris dark brown. Length about 5; tail 2-1; wing 4'2 ; tarsus '4; bill from gape '65 ; bifurcation of tail '3. Distribution. Ceylon and Southern India as far north as the Nilgiris, being resident and confined to the higher parts of the hills ; Tenasserim ; the Andanians. This species extends down the Malay peninsula and is found throughout the islands. Habits, fyc. Breeds from February to June, constructing a cup- shaped mud nest in bungalows and outbuildings and laying three eggs, which are white spotted with brown and purple and measure about *7 by *5. 280 818. Hirundo smithii. The Wire-tailed Swallow. Hirundo smithii, Leach, App. to Tuckey's Voy. Congo, p. 407 (1818) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x. p. 150 : Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 188. Hirundo filifera, Steph. Gen. ZooL xiii, p. 78 (1826) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 197 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 93 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 159 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 650 ; Hume, Cat. no. 84 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 79. Uromitrus filiferus (Steph.\ Hume, N. 8f E. p. 75 j Oates, B. B. i, p. 307. Leishra, Hind. Coloration. Forehead, crown, and nape chestnut ; sides of the head and neck and the whole upper plumage with the wing-coverts glossy steel-blue ; quills and tail dark brown, margined with steel- blue; all the tail-feathers except the two median pairs with a white spot on the inner web ; the whole lower plumage white. The nestling has the chestnut of the head replaced by brown, and the chin, throat, and breast are tinged with pale fulvous. Bill, legs, and feet black ; iris dark brown (Bingham). Length to tip of ordinary feathers of the tail about 5 ; tail to end of ordinary feathers 1*8 ; outer tail-feather with lengthened shaft about 7 in male, somewhat less in female ; wing 4-6 ; tarsus •45 ; bill from gape -55. The Wire-tailed Swallow of India is quite identical with the Wire-tailed Swallow of Africa. Distribution. The whole peninsula of India as far south as Mysore and the Nilgiris ; this Swallow is apparently absent from, or rare in, Bengal, Assam, and Upper Burma, but reappears in Pegu and Tenas- serim. It ascends the Himalayas to a considerable height in the summer, and appears to be a constant resident in the plains. It extends to Africa and is found in various parts of that continent. Habits, dfc. Breeds from January to December, according to locality, constructing a small cup-shaped nest under bridges and culverts, and also under rocks in the immediate vicinity of water. The eggs, three or four in number, are whire marked with various shades of brown and red, and measure about '72 by -53. 819. Hirundo fluvicola. The Indian Cliff-Swallow. Hirundo fluvicola, Jerd., Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xxiv, p. 470 (1855) ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 161 ; Blanf. J. A. 8. B. xxxviii, pt. ii, p. 172 ; Hume, J. A. 8. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 115; id. Cat. no. 86 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 81 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 191. Lagenoplastes fluvicola (Jerd.}, Hume, N. 8c E. p. 80. Petrochelidon fluvicola (Jerd.], Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 200. Coloration. Forehead, crown, and nape dull chestnut, with black shaft-streaks; back and scapulars • glossy steel-blue; rump and upper tail-coverts dull brown, with narrow pale margins ; wings and tail dull brown ; lores and upper part of the ear-coverts dark HIRTJNDO. 281 brown ; remainder of the sides of the head, chin, throat, and upper breast white, tinged with very pale fulvous, and boldly streaked with brown ; remainder of lower plumage \vhite, the sides of the body slightly streaked with brown. The young bird has the head brownish, the feathers of the back margined with rufous, those of the rump very broadly margined with fulvous, and the wings more or less margined with the same. Legs dark brown ; toes black ; iris brown ; bill black (Hume). Length about: 4*o ; tail 1/75; wing 3'6; tarsus '4: bill from gape -5 ; bifurcation of tail -15. Distribution. A considerable portion of India proper. Towards the south this species has been found as far as Coimbatore ; to the east as far as Etawah ; and on the north and west to the foot of the Himalayas and in Kashmir, extending into all parts of the north-west except Sind. l/ahits, tj-c. Breeds in large societies from February to April and in July and August, constructing a mud nest, which is spherical or oval with a long neck or tubular entrance attached to it. Large numbers of nests are plastered together against the face of cliffs or under bridges. The fggs are sometimes spotless white, more frequently white speckled with yellowish or reddish brown, and usually three in number. They measure about *76 by '53. 820. Hirundo striolata. The Japanese Striated Swalloiv. Hirundo striolata, Temm., Temm, $ Schlcg. Faun. Jap., Aves, p. 33 (1850) ; Waldcn in BlytVs Birds Sunn. p. ] 27 ; Sharpe, Cat. B.M.X,?. lei. Hirundo alpestris japonica, Temm. Sf Seldeg. op. tit. p. 33, pi. ii (1850). Lillia substriolata, Hume, S. F. v, p. 2G4 (1877). Hirundo substriolata (Hume), Hume, Cat. no. 85 quat. Hirundo japonica (T.$ S.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 305; Skarpe, Cat, B. 3f.x,p. UL>. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts, and tail-coverts glossy steel-blue ; quills and tail black, slightly glossy on the outer webs; rump chestnut, with well-marked black shafts ; lores black ; a mark in front and above the eye, continued as a narrow line over the eye, and the ear-coverts chestnut, streaked with black ; lower plumage white, with a very pale fulvous tinge throughout, and very coarsely streaked with black throughout ; under tail-coverts with their terminal halves entirely black. Iris dark brown ; bill and legs dark brown ( Wardlaw Ramsay). Length nearly 8 ; tail up to 4-2 ; wing 4'9 to 5*3 ; tarsus '6 ; bill from gape "6 ; bifurcation of tail 2*1. Distribution. The only specimens of this species killed within Indian limits that I have seen are : two specimens from Cachar, February (types of LiHui snl>*triolata, Hume) ; a specimen from Karennee, 2600 feet, 29th March ; and two from the Karen hills, east of Toungngoo, 3000 feet, loth January. 282 This species is found from Japan down to Java and Flores, summering in the northern part of its range, and wintering in the south. It is common throughout China. 821. Hirundo daurica. The Daurian Striated Swallow. Hirundo daurica, Linn. Mantissa Plant, p. 528 (1771) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 159. Hirundo alpestris, Pall. JReis. Russ.Reichs, ii, p. 709 (1773). Lillia intermedia, Hume, S. F. v, p. 263 (1877). Hirundo intermedia (Hume), Hume} Cat. no. 85 ter. Coloration. Resembles H. striolata closely, but has the lower plumage distinctly rufous, and the striations less coarse ; the shafts of the feathers of the rump are with few exceptions rufous, a very few only being very finely black. The dimensions are much the same as those of H. striolata. This species, when compared with the last, appears very distinct, and it has a very different geographical distribution. Distribution. The only two specimens of this species killed within Indian limits that I have seen, are two in the Hume Collection from Sadiya in Assam, obtained in June. These are the types of Lillia intermedia (Hume). This species is found over a large portion of Northern and Central Asia, but does not extend to Japan or China. I have seen specimens from the Irtisch river, Dauria, and Mongolia, all killed in the height of summer. It is probably a resident species except in the more northern part of its range. 822. Hirundo nepalensis. Hodgson's Striated Swallow. Hirundo nipalensis, Hodgs. J. A. S. B. v, p. 780 (1836) ; Hume, Cat. no. 85 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 306 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 160 ; Gates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 195. Hirundo daurica, Linn., Blyth, Cat. p. 198 (pt.) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 92 (pt.) ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 160 (pt.). Cecropis arctivitta, Swirih. P. Z. S. 1871, p. 346. Lillia daurica (Linn.} apud Hume, N. fy E. p. 78. Lillia nipalensis (Hodgs.}, Hume, S. F. v, p. 262. The JRed-rumped Sivalloiu, Jerd. Coloration. Merely a small form of H. striolata, the wing seldom exceeding 4'7, and being frequently under 4'5 ; the colour of the lower plumage is also more rufous and the striations rather less coarse ; very few of the feathers of the rump have black shafts, while many are fringed paler. The expediency of separating this form from H. striolata may be questioned by many and with much justice. Having regard, however, to the fact that no Swallow of this type either from the Himalayas or from the plains of India ever attains the size of the true H. striolata, nor has the striations on the lower plumage as coarsely marked, nor those on the rump as numerous or distinct, I HIRUITDO. 283 am inclined to consider the two races sufficiently well differentiated to be easily recognizable, notwithstanding that a few birds may occasionally be met with which it is difficult to assign to the one species or the other with certainty. Distribution. Every portion of the Empire, breeding along the whole extent of the Himalayas, and visiting the plains in the winter months. This species extends into China, where it appears to be common, and it ranges as far as Japan. Habits, 6>"c. Breeds in the Himalayas from April to August, constructing a retort-shaped nest like that of //. fluvicola in the verandahs of houses, and on rocks and cliffs. The eggs are pure white, and measure about *85 by *55. erythropygia, Sykes, P. Z. 8. 1832, p. 83 j Hume, Cat. ; Legye, Birds Ceyl. p. 594 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 164 ; *, Birds Bom, p. 80 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, 823. Hirundo erythropygia. Sykes's Striated Swallow. Hirundo erythropygia, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 83 j Hume, Cat. no. 85 ; Barnes, p. 197. Hirundo daurica, Linn., Blyth, Cat. p. 198 (pt.) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 92 (pt.) ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 160 (pt.). Lillia erythropygia (Sykes), Hume, N. fy E. p. 76 ; id. S. F. v, p. 255. The Red-rumped Swallow, Jerd. ; Masjid-ababil, Hind. Coloration. Forehead, crown, nape, back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts glossy steel-blue ; rump and the shorter upper tail-coverts plain chestnut ; longer upper tail-coverts glossy black ; greater wing-coverts, quills, and tail dark brown, glossed with blue on the outer webs; the outermost tail-feather with an obsolete white patch on the inner web ; lores brown ; under the eye mixed rufous and brown ; ear-coverts and a narrow partially- interrupted collar on the hind neck chestnut; the whole lower plumage pale rufous, with delicate brown streaks, hardly anywhere broader than the shafts themselves ; under tail-coverts tipped with black ; sides of the neck glossy blue, extending to the sides of the breast. The young bird has the striations on the lower plumage very faint, and the quills are tipped with rufous. Bill and legs black ; iris brown. Length about 6-5 ; tail 3'2 ; wing 4-3 ; tarsus -5 ; bill from gape •45 ; bifurcation of tail 1*4. Distribution. A resident in the plains of India from the foot of the Himalayas to the Nilgiris, and from Sind to about the longi- tude of Calcutta. This Swallow occasionally wanders to Ceylon. Habits, $c. Breeds from April to August, constructing a retort- si iMju.'d nest of mud under arches, against walls and rocks, and sometimes in old buildings. The eggs are pure white, three in number, and measure about '78 by '55. 284 HIRTJNDINID^E. 824. Hirundo rufula. The European Striated Swallow. Hirundo rufula, Temm. Man. 2e ed. iii, p. 298 (1835); Wardlaw Ramsay. Ibis, 1880, p. 48 ; Scully, His, 1881, p. 427; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 156. Hirundo scullii, Seebohm., Ibis, 1883, p. 167 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 158. Coloration. Resembles H. eryihropyyia, but has the striations on the lower plumage even finer, and the chestnut on the rump paling off to creamy white posteriorly : much larger. Bill blackish ; iris blackish brown ; feet dark brown (Dresser). Length about 7'5 ; tail 4 ; wing 4- 8 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape •6 ; bifurcation of tail 2-3. Mr. Seebohm has separated a small form of this species from. Nepal as H. scullii. As this only differs from H. rufula in being very slightly smaller, 1 do not propose to keep it distinct. On examining the type of H. scullii, kindly lent to me for the purpose by Mr. Seebohm. I have strong doubts as to whether it belongs to H. rufula or to H. nepalensis. The rump pales slightly posteriorly it is true, but not more so than in many specimens of undoubted //. nepalensis ; the striations, however, on the lower plumage appear to me to be too coarse for H. rufula. Fortunately, the occurrence of this latter species within Indian limits rests on other evidence than that of this dubious specimen collected in Nepal, Dr. Scully having obtained H. rufula in Grilgit, where its presence was not unexpected. Major Wardlaw Ramsay also procured an undoubted specimen of this species at Byan Khel in Afghanistan, and this is deposited in the British Museum. Distribution. Found in Gilgit in summer, and probably extends along the Himalayas to Nepal. This Swallow ranges westwards into Europe and Africa, and is also found in Central Asia. 825. Hirundo hyperythra. The Ceylon Siuallow. Hirundo hyperythra, Layard, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, p. 814 (1849) ; id. Cat. p. 198; Legye, Birds Ceyl. p. 592 ; Hume Cat. no. 85 quint. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 167 j Oates in Hume's N. § E. 2nd ed. ii. p. 201. Wcehcelaniya, Cing. Coloration. Bump and the shorter upper tail-coverts deep chest- nut ; with this exception, the whole upper plumage, wings, and tail glossy steel-blue ; sides of the head and whole lower plumage deep chestnut with narrow shaft-streaks ; terminal half of under tail- co verts black. Iris sepia-brown : bill deep brown, in some blackish, base of lower mandible reddish ; legs and feet vinous-brown (Legge). Length about 6-5 ; tail 3-3 ; wing 407 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape -6 ; bifurcation of tail 1-4. Distribution. Confined to Ceylon. A similar but very much larger Swallow (H. badia} occurs at Malacca. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to June, constructing a cup-shaped nest of mud under bridges or in outhouses. The eggs are pure white, and measure about -85 by *56. MOTACILLTD^;. 285 Family MOTACILLID.E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles perfectly smooth except for the presence of a small notch in the upper near the tip ; the hinder part of the tarsus longitudinally bilaminated, the laminsc entire and smooth ; wing with nine primaries, the first and second nearly equal ; bill long and slender ; the longest second- aries reaching nearly or quite to the tip of the wing ; a complete autumn and a partial spring moult ; young not very dissimilar to the adult ; tail of twelve feathers ; rictal bristles present and fairly well developed ; sexes alike or nearly so ; tarsus slightly scutel- lated. The Motacillidce comprise the Wagtails and Pipits, birds of wide distribution, and, in nearly all cases, migratory. The Indian species of this family resemble each other very closely in structure, and there are few characters by which to divide them into genera. I shall content myself with making use of four genera, two of them being of large extent, and two restricted to a single species each. The Wagtails and Pipits are chiefly found on the ground ; a few species have the habit of flying up into trees when disturbed. They feed entirely on insects, and their deportment is very grace- ful. They have no great power of song. Key to the Genera. A. Upper plumage neither streaked iior mottled, but plain. a'. Middle pair of tail-feathera as long as the others, or longer MOTACILLA, p. 285. b'. Middle pair of tail-feathers abruptly shorter than the next, and of a markedly different colour LIMONIDROMUS, p. 300. B. Upper plumage streaked or mottled. c'. Tips of tail-feathers rounded and of nor- mal shape ANTHUS, p. 301. d'. Tips of tail-feathers sharply pointed OBEOCOBYS, p. 313. Genus MOTACILLA, Linn., 1706. The genus Motacilla contains the typical Wagtails, which are found over the whole of the Old World. In Motacilla the upper plumage is quite plain, being character- ized by an utter absence of all streaks, spots, or mottlings. The 286 MOTAOILLIDJ5. sexes are alike or nearly so, and the difference between the sum- mer and winter plumage in most of the species is very striking. The Pied Wagtails are constantly undergoing a change of colour, and it is hardly possible to find two birds at the same date in the same state of plumage. This causes them to be very difficult to identify by any set description. The Yellow Wagtails do not undergo such complete changes as the Pied, but their similarity to each other is so great in winter and immature plumage, that their recognition is still more difficult. The Wagtails have the tail and wing of nearly equal length, and they have the habit of vibrating the former repeatedly. They fre- quent open land, fields, and the banks of rivers and ponds, some of the species of Yellow Wagtails being only found on marshy land. They construct their nests on or near the ground or in holes of walls and banks, and their eggs are much spotted with brown. Key to the Species. A. Hind claw much curved and shorter than hind toe (fig. 78). a'. Plumage black, white, and grey. a". Ear-coverts and sides of neck always white-washed. a'". No black streak through eye. a4. Greater wing-coverts merely mar- gined with white ; back never black M. alba, p. 287. 64. Outer webs of greater wing-coverts entirely white ; back black or dusky on the mantle M. leucopsis, p. 288. &'". A broad black streak through the eye. M. ocularis, p. 289. b". Ear-coverts and sides of neck always black. c"f. Forehead entirely white. c4 Back always grey M. personate, p. 290. (P. Back black or with traces of black or dusky M. hodgsoni, p. 291. d'". Forehead with black of the crown [p. 291. produced to base of bill M. maderaspatensis, b'. Plumage largely yellow and green M. melanope, p. 293. B. Hind claw little curved and much longer than hind toe (fig. 81, p. 294). c'. Tarsus unmistakably shorter than one inch. c". Crown dark slaty grey; supercilium absent or obsolete ; cheeks blackish . . M. borealis, p. 294. d". Crown dark slaty blue ; supercilium very broad and distinct ; cheeks black- ish and ear-coverts streaked with white. M.flava, p. 295. e". Crown pale grey ; supercilium broad and distinct ; cheeks white M. beema, p. 296. /". Crown black; supercilium absent or obsolete; cheeks and ear-coverts deep black M.feldeggi, p. 297. MOTACILLA. 287 d'. Tarsus considerably longer than one inch. ff". Back always ashy grey M. citreola, p. 298. h" . Back either black or with some black or dusky feathers M. citreoloides, p. 299. 826. Motacilla alba. The White W« tf>its, $c. Little is known of the nidification of this Wagtail. Theobald found the nest in Kashmir in May, in a depression in soft earth beneath a rock, with four eggs, which were pale grey marked with greyish brown and greyish neutral tint, and measured about -95 by 7. 300 MOTACILLIDjE. Genus LIMONIDROMUS, Gould, 1862. The genus Limonidromus contains one species of Wagtail some- what resembling the Pied Wagtails in colour, but the whole upper plumage is suffused with green. The structure of the tail in this genus is peculiar, inasmuch as the middle pair of feathers is very markedly shorter than the others and of a different colour. The sexes are quite alike. The Forest- Wagtail is found in well-wooded parts of the country and frequently runs about under the shade of trees. On being disturbed it has the habit of perching on a branch. It wags its tail incessantly and does not differ from the other Wagtails in its general habits. 839. Limonidromus indicus. The Forest- Wagtail. Motacilla indica, Gmel Syst. Nat. i, p. 962 (1788). Nemoricola indica (Gm.), Ulytft, Cat. p. 136; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 353 ; Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 226 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 48. Limonidromus indicus (Gm.), Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 364 ; Lecjc/e, Birds Ceyl. p. 614; Hume, Cat. no. 595; Sharpe, Cat. B. M.'x, p. 532 ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 164 ; Barnes, Birds Bom, p. 241. The Black-breasted Wagtail, Jerd. ; Uzhalla-jitta, Tel. Fig. 82.— Head of L. indicus. Coloration. Plumage above dull olive-green, the tail-coverts dark brown or sometimes black ; ear-coverts and lesser wing-coverts also olive-green ; a supercilium from the bill over the eye to the nape, the cheeks, chin, throat, and all the lower plumage yellowish white ; two black bands across the breast, the upper one entire, the lower one broken in the middle ; median and greater wing- coverts black, with broad yellowish- white tips forming two bands across the coverts ; quills brown, the second to the seventh primaries with a patch of yellowish white on the outer web near the base ; all the primaries and secondaries with an abrupt margin of yellowish white near the tip on the outer web ; tertiaries brown, broadly tipped with olive-green ; middle pair of tail-feathers similar to the back ; the next three pairs dark brown ; the next pair brown with a large white tip ; and the outer pair all white, except at their base, where they are brown. Irides nearly black; upper mandible dusky brown, lower mandible fleshy white ; legs and feet purplish white ; claws horny white (Armstrong). AKTIIUS. 301 Length about 6-5 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 3*1 ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape '75 ; hind toe and claw '6. Distribution. A somewhat rare winter visitor to all parts of the Empire except the portion lying west of a line drawn roughly from the Sutlej valley to the head of the Gulf of Cambay. This species extends to Ceylon and is also found in the Andamans. In winter it ranges down the Malay peninsula to the larger islands and eastward to Siain and Southern China. In summer this Wagtail retires to Northern China and Eastern Siberia. Genus ANTHUS, Bechst., 1807. The genus Anihus contains the Pipits, which may be recognized by their streaked upper plumage and comparatively short tail. The Pipits are found over nearly the entire world. They resemble each other greatly in their pattern of colour, and con- sequently they are difficult to describe, and in fact long descriptions of them are useless, their identification depending entirely on a few characters which are easily learnt. Each species is very con- stant to one type. The young are very much spotted beneath and these spots become reduced in size and number at each successive spring moult and in a few species disappear altogether, the lower plumage in these adults becoming uniform. The difference be- tween summer and winter plumage in the Pipits is very slight, and in my opinion it is useless attempting to treat the two plum- ages as distinct, although some authors do so. I have, therefore, only described the bird in its fresh autumn plumage. In summer this plumage becomes abraded and faded, and the black marks on the upper plumage more pronounced. Those Pipits which have bright colours about the head and breast assume this colour slowly and permanently and not seasonally. The Pipits frequent the ground, but a few species occasionally perch on trees and even run along the larger boughs in pursuit of insects. They build their nests on the ground and lay eggs which, like those of the Wagtails, are much spotted with brown. The sexes are invariably alike. Key to the Species. n. Hind claw not exceeding hind toe in length. a'. Pale tip of inner web of penultimate tail- feather very small, less than a quarter the length of feather; next feather never tipped. a". Streaks on lower plumage large and black, well defined ; light parts of tail-feathers white. «'". Upper plumage brown with very large streaks ; supercilium fulvous throughout A. trivialis, p. 302. 302 MOTACILLIDJE. 6'". Upper plumage suffused with green with small ill-defined streaks : supercilium white posteriorly .... A. maculatus, p. 304. b". Streaks on lower plumage narrow and brown; light parts of tail-feathers pale rufous. c'". Upper plumage dark brown j streaks on breast well defined A. cockburnice, p. 305. d'". Upper plumage ashy brown ; streaks on breast ill defined A. similis, p. 306. b'. Pale tip of inner web of penultimate tail- feather large, about one third the length of feather ; next feather with a distinct tip A. nilyiriensis, p. 305. b. Hind claw exceeding hind toe in length, c' Sides of body plain or very obsoletely streaked, c". General colour of lower plumage sandy buff or fulvous. e"'. Breast spotted or streaked. a4. Upper plumage brown with broad dark centres to the feathers. a5. Wing 3 '5 or more. aG. Tarsus 1-2 to 1 '3 A. richardi, p. 307. 6°. Tarsus 1 to M A. striolatus, p, 308. Is. Wing about 3 A. rufulus, p. 308. 64. Upper plumage sandy with faint [p.O). centres to the feathers. A. campestris, juv., /"'. Breast plain A. campestris, ad., p. 309. d". General colour of lower plumage vin- ous A. spinoletta, ad., p. 312. d'. Sides of body coarsely streaked with black or dark brown. e". Axillaries and under wing-coverts yellow A. rosaceus, p. 311. /". Axillaries and under wing-coverts whitish or brownish. */'". Throat and breast cinnamon-red . . A. cervinus, ad., p. 310. h'". Throat and breast whitish or pale fulvous. c4. Streaks on breast very broad, black and well defined. c5. Upper plumage black with ful- vous margins A. cervinus, juv., p. 310. d:\ Upper plumage olive-brown with darker centres to the feathers . A.japontcus)jii\r.,p. 312. d*. Streaks on breast narrow, pale and ill-defined A. spinoletta, juv., p. 312. 840. Anthus trivialis. The Tree-Pipit. Alauda trivialis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 288 (1766). Alauda plumata, P. L. S. Mull. Natursyst. Suppl p. 137 (1776). Anthus arboreus, Bechst. Nattirg. DeutschL iii, p. 706 (1807) ; Horsf. # M. Cat i, p. 354. Anthus agilis, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 91 ; Brooks, S. F. iv, p. 278. Dendronanthus trivialis (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 135. 303 Pipastea arborous (Bechst.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 229 ; Hume $ Renders. Lah. to Yark. p. 226. Pipastea plumatus (Miill.), Hume, N. $ E. p 383. Anthus trivialis (Linn.), Hume, Cat. no. 507 j Skarpe, Cat. B. M. x, P- 043; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 242; Gates in Hume's N. * ^. 2nd ted. ii, p. 208. Pipages trivialis (Linn.\ Oates, B. B. i, p. 172. The European Tree-Pipit, Jerd. Figs. 83, 84. -Head and foot of A. trivialis. Coloration. Upper plumage sandy brown with large black streaks or centres to the feathers except the rump and upper tail-coverts which are very faintly marked ; coverts and quills of wing dark brown margined with pale fulvous ; tail dark brown with narrow pale margins, the outermost feather about half white, the white and brown meeting diagonally ; the penultimate feather with a small white tip ; a pale fulvous supercilium : sides of the head mixed brown and fulvous ; lower plumage white tinged with ful- vous; a short black moustachial streak ; the whole breast and the sides of the throat with large, well-defined black streaks; the sides of the body tinged with olivaceous and indistinctly streaked. The young bird after the autumn moult resembles the adult, but is tinged with bright fulvous, especially on the throat and breast. Iris dark browu ; legs and feet flesh-colour ; bill dark brown above, pale brown below tipped with dusky. Length about 6'5 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 3*5 ; tarsus '85 ; bill from gape '0 ; hind claw about '3. Distribution. A winter visitor to the western portions of the Empire. Judging from the specimens I have examined this species is found as far south as Belgauin and as far east as Manbhoom in Chutia Nagpur. Many years ago Hume identified a Pipit I sent to him from Pegu as this species, but I remember that the skin was a very bad one and I think it not improbable that some mistake was made regarding it. This bird winters in South- western Asia and in Africa, and summers in Europe and Northern Asia. A few birds of this species appear to breed in the Hima- layas. Habits, ^v. A nest supposed to belong to this Pipit wa> a circular, shallow saucer, made of grass, lined with a few hairs and placed on the ground at the foot of a tuft of grass. It \\ a> found at Kotgarh in May and contained three eggs, which were greyish white, marked with dull purple and purplish brown, and measured about -85 by -63. 304 MOTACILLID^!. Anthus pratensis (Linn.), the Meadow-Pipit, is not unlikely to be found in the north-western parts of the Empire. It bears a close resemblance to A. trivialis, but may be recognized at once by its long hind claw. 841. Anthus maculatus, The Indian Tree-Pipit. Anthus maculatus*, Hodys. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 83 (1844) ; A. Anderson, S. F. iii, p. 353 ; Hume, Cat. no. 596; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 547; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 242; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 209. Dendronanthus maculatus (Hodys.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 135. Anthus agilis, Sykes, Horsf. Sf M. Cat. i, p. 354 (nee Sykes). Pipastes agilis (Sykes), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 228 ; Hume. N. & E. p. 382. Pipastes maculatus (Hodys.}, Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 250 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 608 j Scully, S. F. viii, p. 316 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 171. Liku-jitta, Tel. Coloration. Resembles A. trivialis, but has the whole upper plumage strongly suffused with green, and the streaks and centres to the feathers much narrower and less well-defined ; the super- cilium is pale fulvous anteriorly and white posteriorly. In the summer the green tinge is much subdued, and the super- cilium becomes very white and distinct. Bill bluish black, darker above, and yellowish at base of the lower mandible ; iris brown ; legs and feet flesh-colour. Generally smaller than A. trivialis, the wing being seldom so much as 3*3, and frequently under 3-2 ; tail 2-5 ; tarsus '85. Distribution. A winter visitor to the plains of the greater portion of the Empire, being found as far west as the Sutlej valley in the Himalayas and Kajputana and Gruzerat in the plains. This species appears to breed in considerable numbers on the higher ranges of the Himalayas. To the south this Pipit extends down to the Palni hills, and probably to Cape Comorin. Its winter range extends to China and Cochin China. In summer it is found in Siberia, North China, and Japan. Habits, fyc. Breeds in the higher parts of the Himalayas (7000 to 12,000 feet) from May to July, constructing a nest of moss or grass on the ground under the shelter of a tussock of grass, and laying four eggs, which are thickly marked with dark brown and dingy purple, and appear to measure about '93 by *68. This species and the preceding frequent gardens and localities which are well wooded, feeding on the ground and flying up to a branch when disturbed. They are somewhat social in the winter. The males of both are fine songsters in the breeding-season . * Hodgson never described this species himself, and I should reject this name were a prior one available, which there is not. \vmis. 305 MJ. Anthus nilgiriensis. The .\i/nl 5m MS *, Jerd., Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 435 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 136; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 4(51 : id. Cut. no. 598; Davison, S. F. x, p. .W. Pipastes montanus (Jerd.), Jerd. If. I. ii, p. 230 ; Hnmr, N. 8f E. p. 383 ; Fairbank, S. F. v, p. 407. Anthus nilofhiriensis, Sharpe, Cat. B. J/. x. p. 550 (1885) : Oates in l[, outer pairs of feathers dull white on the terminal half or third of their length, the next pair with a dull white tip ; a light rufous supcrcilium ; lores brown ; sides of head mixed rufous and brown ; lower plumage tawny fulvous, the sides of the neck, the whole breast, and the sides of the body with short, narrow, but very distinct and well-defined black streaks. Upper mandible dull black, apical half of lower mandible dark fleshy ; iris deep brown ; legs and feet fleshy ; claws pale brown (Davison). Length nearly 7 ; tail 2'6 ; wing 3*1 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape •7 ; hind claw about '35. Distribution. The higher parts of the Nilgiri and Palni hills in Southern India, where this Pipit is a permanent resident. Habits, &fc. Breeds on the Nilgiris above 6000 feet in May, making a nest of grass under shelter of a tuft or bush. The eggs are greenish brown mottled with a darker sliadc, and measure about •85 by -6. 843. Anthus cockburniae, The Itufous ]liH-k-l*ipit. Anthus similis, Jerd. 111. 2nd. Orn. pi. 45 (1847), nee Madr. Jonrn. L. S. (1840). Agrodroma cinnamomea (Itiipp.), apud Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 235. Agrodruma similis, Jerd., Hume, N. $ E. p. 385 ; Fairbank, S. F. i\. p. 260; Hume, Cat. no. 603; Darison, S. F. x, p. 397; liii-ds Bom. p. 246. Anthus sordidus, Itiipp., apud Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 5CO ; Oates in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 212. Coloration. Upper plumage dark brown, the feathers nnrrowh margined with fulvous ; wings brown, broadly edged with bright fulvous; tail Mack margined with fulvous, the outermo-t frail «r * Neither of the names given by Jerdon to this species can stand, as the first had previously hem implied by Ti inniinck, and the second by Koch, to other species of Pipits. VOL. II. X 306 MOTACILLID^:. with the outer web and the terminal half of the inner pale rufous ; the penultimate feathers tipped with pale rufous ; supercilium and lower plumage fulvous or sandy buff ; a narrow black moustachial streak ; the breast with small, narrow, but very distinct triangular brown streaks. Iris wood-brown ; upper mandible black ; lower mandible fleshy, with the tip blackish ; tarsus reddish fleshy, the feet darker ; claws dark reddish brown ; gape yellow (Davison). Length about 8 ; tail 3-1 ; wing 3'7 ; tarsus 1*1 ; bill from gape •9 ; hind claw "35. There has been much confusion regarding the name of this Pipit. It has been identified with two names of Riippell's, but wrongly so. Jerdon figured it as A. similis in his ' Illustrations,' and in the accompanying letterpress confounded it with that species. As there is, so far as I can ascertain, no specific term that applies to the present species, I have much pleasure in connecting this fine Pipit with the name of Miss Cockburn, a lady who has for so many years successfully worked the Nilgiri hills, and whose specimens enrich the Hume Collection. Distribution. A permanent resident in the Nilgiri hills, on the higher portions of which this Pipit appears to be not uncommon, frequenting grassy land and occasionally perching on bushes when disturbed. This species appears to extend some distance north, as the Hume Collection contains a specimen obtained at Ahmednagar by Dr. 1'airbank. Habits, $'c. A nest of this species was found in the Nilgiris by Miss Cockburn in March. It was placed under a shelving rock, and was composed of fine grass. The eggs are creamy white densely speckled with yellowish brown and purplish grey, and measure about *85 by *65. 844. Anthus similis. The Brown Rock-Pipit. Agrodroma similis, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xi, p. 35 (1840). Anthus similis (Jerd.), Blyth} Cat. p. 135 (pt.) ; &or*f. fy M. Cat. i, p. 356. Agrodroma sordida (Riipp.'), apud Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 236 ; Hume, J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 119; Hume, Cat. no. 604; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 246. Agrodroma jerdoni, Finsch, Trans. Z. S. vii, p. 241 (1870) ; Hume & Renders. Lah. to Yark. p. 227, pi. xxi ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 386 ; id. S. F. i, p. 203 ; Butler, 8. F, iii, p. 491. Corydalla griseorufescens, Hume, Ibis, 1870, pp. 286, 400. Anthus jerdoni (Finsch}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 562 ; Oates in Hume\ N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 212. Coloration. Upper plumage ashy brown, the feathers narrowly edged with fulvous, and with dark shaft-streaks ; wings brown, broadly edged with bright fulvous ; tail brown or black margined with fulvous, the outermost feather with the outer web and the terminal half of the inner pale rufous; the penultimate pair of feathers tipped with pale rufous ; supercilium and lower plumage ANTHUS. 307 fulvous or sandy buff, the breast with a few ill-defined and pale brown streaks. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet yellowish flesh ; bill dark brown above, flesh-colour below (Hume Coll.). Length about 8*5 ; tail #6 ; wing 4'1 ; tarsus 1*1 ; bill from gape *9 ; hind claw about *45. This species very closely resembles A. sordidus, Riipp., from Palestine, Arabia, and Africa, but is much larger and more brightly coloured than that bird. Agrodroma similis of Jerdon was founded on a single specimen, the locality of which was not mentioned in the original description, but was subsequently, in the ' Illustrations of Indian Ornithology/ stated to be Jalna. In the 'Birds of India' the Jalna bird was referred to A. sordida, the name there adopted for the present species. Distribution. A winter visitor to the plains of the north-west of India, extending to the east as far as the Sikhim terai and Mughal Sarai, and to the south as far as Jvhandesh, Jalna, and Nagpur. This Pipit retires in summer to the Himalayas, where it breeds from Hazara to Sikhim, up to about 6000 feet elevation. The range of this bird extends to Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and Persia. Habits, fyc. Breeds at Murree and in Afghanistan, below 6000 feet, from May to July, making a rough nest of grass on a hill-side, and laying four eggs, which are brownish or greyish white marked with brown and purple, and measure about '85 by '63. 845. Anthus richardi. Richard's Pipit. Anthus richardi, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxvi, p. 491 (1818) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 135 j Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 355 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 5G4. Corydalla richardi (Vieill.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 231 ; Brooks, S. F. i, p. 358 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 606 ; Hume, Cat. no. 599 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl p. 621 j Gates, B. B. i, p. 166. The Large Marsh-Pipit, Jerd. ; Pulla puraki, Meta kdlie, Tam. Fig. 85.— Foot of A. rwhardi. Coloration. Upper plumage fulvous-brown, llir leathers centred with blackish, the rump more uniform; wings dark hrmvn mar- x ^ 308 MOTACILLID^E. gined with fulvous ; tail dark brown, with pale margins, the outer- most feather almost entirely white, the penultimate with an oblique portion of the inner web, about an inch and a half in length, also white; superciliuni and lower plumage pale fulvous, the sides of the throat and fore neck and the whole breast streaked with dark brown ; sides of the body darker fulvous, with a few indistinct streaks. Bill brown, yellowish at the base of lower mandible ; mouth yellow ; iris brown ; legs flesh-colour ; the claws darker. Length about 7*5 ; tail 3-4 ; wing 3'7 ; tarsus 1*2 ; bill from gape '85 ; hind claw about -8. Distribution. A winter visitor to the whole of the Eastern part of the Empire from Assam to Tenasserim, extending along the Himalayas as far west as the Sutlej valley, and southwards through Bengal and Chutia Nagpur along the eastern side of India to Ceylon. In winter this species is found in China on the one side and in Europe on the other. It summers in Central and Northern Asia. 846. Anthus striolatus, ElyiKs Pipit. Oichlops thermophilus, Hodgs. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 83 (1844, desc. nulla). Anthus striolatus, Bhjth; J. A. S. B. xvi, p. 435 (1847) ; id. Cat. p. 136 j Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 61 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 568. Anthus thermophilus (Hodgs. \ Horsf. fy M. Cat. i, p. 356. Corydalla striolata (Blyth), Jerd. B. 1. ii, p. 233 ; Brooks, S. F. i, p. 359 ; Hume, Cat. no. 601 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 628 ; Oates, J3. B. \, p. 167 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 245. The Large Titlark, Jerd. Coloration, llesembles A. richardi, but is considerably smaller, the tarsus and feet being conspicuously smaller, and the hind claw hardly longer than the hind toe ; the amount of white on the penultimate tail-feathers is much less, varying from half to a whole inch in length. Length about 7 ; tail 3 ; wing 3'5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape "75 ; hind claw *5. Distribution. Occurs in every portion of the Empire from the Himalayas to Ceylon and the extreme south of Tenasserim, winter- ing in the plains and retiring to the higher parts of the Himalayas for the summer. This species is, however, met with in the plains up to a very late date (June), and a few pairs may breed in suit- able localities. Blanford observed this Pipit as high as 15,000 feet in Sikhim in October. Its nest has not yet been discovered. 847. Anthus rufulus. The Indian Pipit. Anthus rufulus, Vieill Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxvi, p. 494 (1818) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 135 • Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 356 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 574 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p, 213. ANTIIUS. 309 Anthus ciunamomeus, ltiij>]). Xexe Wirb., Vb'yel, p. 103 ( 1 *•'!•">). Anthus malayensis, Eyton, P. Z. S. 1839, p. 104; Horxf. # M. Cat. i, p. 357. Corvdalla nifula (Jleill.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 232 ; Hume, N. Sf E. p. 384 ; hi Cat. no. 600 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 317 ; Legge, Birds Cryl. p. 625 ; Oales, B. B. i, p. 168 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 214. Corvdalla malayensis (Eyton), Hume <§• Dav. S. F. vi, p. 366 ; Hume, Cat. no. 600 bis. Corydalla ubiquitaria (Hodgs.}, apud Anders. Yunnan E.rped., Aves, p. 607. The Indian Titlark, Jerd. ; Rugel, Chachari, Hind. ; Gurapa-madi jitta, Tel. ; Meta kdlie, Tarn. Coloration. An exact miniature of A. richardi, from which this species differs in nothing but size. It has, however, a proportion- ally larger bill. Bill dark brown, yellowish at the base of lower mandible ; iris brown ; legs flesh-colour ; claws brownish. Length about 6-5 ; tail 2-4 ; wing 3 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape •7") ; hind claw -5. Distribution. A permanent resident in every portion of the Empire and Ceylon, ascending the Himalayas to about 6000 feet. This species has not yet been found in the Andamans or Nicobars, but probably occurs there. It extends through the Malay peninsula and islands to Lombock and Timor and it is largely distributed in Africa. Habits, $c. Breeds all over the Empire (up to 6000 feet in the Himalayas) from March to July and perhaps later. The nest is a small structure of grass placed on the ground under shelter of a tuft of grass or clod of earth. The eggs, three in number, are brownish or greenish stone-colour, thickly marked with brown and purplish red, and measure about '8 by *6. 848. Anthus campestris. The Tawny Pipit. Alauda campestris, Linn. »sv/.«f. Nat. i, p. 288 (1766). Anthus campestris (Linn.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 136; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 5i il). Agrodroma campestris (Linn.}, Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 234; Hume, S. F. \, p. 202 ; id. Cat. no. 602 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 245. The Stone-Pipit, Jerd. ; Chillu, Hind. Coloration. The fully adult bird is pale sandy brown above, with darker centres or streaks to all the feathers except those of the rump ; wings dark brown, margined with bright sandy buff ; tail black, the outermost iVaihrr \\ith the terminal half obliquely white, the penultimate with an oblique patch of white about an inch in length ; lores and sides of the head mixed brown and fulvous ; a broad supercilium and the whole lower plumage sandy buff or fulvous entirely inmuirked. Tin- vtuini; bii'd has the upper plumage darker, a row of brown spots down each side of the throat and the whole breast sln-ak.-d 310 MOTACILLID^. with rather well-defined brown marks and a few indistinct streaks on the sides of the body. At each spring moult the streaks become reduced in number and ultimately disappear. Iris blackish brown ; bill dark horny brown above, pale flesh below ; legs and feet pale yellowish flesh (Batter}. Length about 7*5 ; tail 3; wing 3-5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape '8 : hind claw -45, very slightly longer than hind toe. Distribution. A winter visitor to the plains of the north-west portion of India, ranging to Ahinednagar on the south and to Manbhoom and Mughal Sarai on the east. At this season this species ranges westwards to Northern Africa. It summers in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. 849. Anthus cervinus. The Red-throated Pipit. Motacilla cervina, Pall. Zooi/r. Ross.-Asiat. i, p. 511 (1811). Anthus cervinus (Pall.}, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 239 ; Hume ty Dav. S. F. vi, p. 367 ; Hume, Cat. no. 605 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 169 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 585. Coloration. The fully adult has the whole upper plumage black with fulvous or pale rufous margins to all the feathers ; wings and tail dark brown, edged with pale fulvous, the outermost tail-feather diagonally white on the terminal two thirds of its length, the penultimate with a small white tip ; a distinct supercilium, cheeks, chin, throat, and upper breast vinous or cinnamon-red, the breast with a few black streaks ; sides of the breast densely streaked ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, suffused with pink, the sides of the body densely and coarsely streaked with black ; lores and ear-coverts vinous-brown ; under wing-coverts and axillaries buff. The young bird has the upper plumage, wings, and tail like the adult ; the supercilium indistinct and fulvous ; lores and ear-coverts rufous-brown ; the whole lower plumage fulvous, the chin, throat,and cheeks unspotted, a broad black band down each side of the throat, the whole breast and sides of the body with very broad black streaks ; middle of abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts unmarked. At each successive spring moult the young bird acquires more and more vinous on the head and breast and probably becomes fully adult in three years. Iris brown ; bill dark brown, the gape and base of lower mandible yellowish ; legs yellowish flesh-colour ; claws horn-colour. Length about 6-5 ; tail 2-4 ; wing 3'3 ; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape '65 ; hind claw '45. Distribution. A common winter visitor to the eastern part of the Empire from Assam down to Tenasserim, extending along the Himalayas to Gilgit and Kashmir. This Pipit is also found in the Andamans in winter. At this season it ranges west to North-east Africa and East China and the Malayan islands. It summers in Northern Europe and Siberia. ANTHUS. 311 850. Anthus rosaceus. IMf/sons Pipit. Anthus rosaceus vel rufogularis, Hodys. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 83 (1844, descr. nulla). Anthus cervinus (Pa//.), apud Blyt.h, Cat. p. 130 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 237. Anthus roseaceus, Hodys., Horsf. Sf M. Cat. i, p. 357. Anthus rosaceus, Hodys., Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 61 ; Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 83 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 386 ; id. S. F. ii, p. 241 ; Brooks, S. F. iii, p. 252 ; Hume, Cat. no. 605 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 317 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 170 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 589 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 236 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. iMii. The Vinous-throated Pipit, Jerd. Coloration. The fully adult bird has the upper plumage dark brovvii or blackish, the feathers broadly margined with olivaceous brown ; wings dark brown, margined with olivaceous and the median coverts broadly tipped with the same ; tail dark brown, half the outermost feather diagonally white, the penultimate with a triangular white tip ; lores dusky ; ear-coverts brown streaked with yellowish ; a broad supercilium, chin, throat, fore neck, and middle of the breast vinous-pink ; sides of the breast vinous pink- grey, streaked with black ; remainder of lower plumage pale fulvous, the sides of the body boldly and coarsely streaked with black ; axillaries and under wing-coverts yellow ; during the summer the green tinge on the upper plumage fades away and is almost entirely absent. The young bird has the axillaries and under wing-coverts yellow as in the adult, but has no trace of vinous-pink on the head and breast. The upper plumage, wings, and tail are as in the adult, and the whole fore neck and breast are thickly and coarsely streaked with black. The amount of streaking diminishes at each successive spring moult and the amount of pinkish grey acquired increases. Bill dusky, blackish on culmen and fleshy brown at base of lower mandible ; iris dark brown ; feet brownish fleshy ; claws dusky (Scully). Length about 6-5 ; tail 2'8 ; wing 3'6 ; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape '75 ; hind claw -4. Distribution. Found in winter on the lower slopes of the Hima- layas from Kashmir to Assam and in the plains of the Punjab and N.W. Provinces, extending on the east down to Manipur and, according to Blyth, to Arrakan. This species is found in summer on the higher parts of the Himalayas from 12,000 to 15,000 feet, and at this season it appears to be found also in Western China and probably in Turkestan. Westwards it extends to Afghanistan. //«I>its, <$fc. There is little authentic information regarding the nidification of this Pipit. A nest found in Nepal in May \\ ;i> ;i pad of grass phu-rd on the ground and contained two eggs. An egg from Uarjiling is described as being greyish white, marked with earthy brown, and as measuring -85 by '6. 312 MOTACILLID JE. 851. Anthus spinoletta. The Water-Pipit. Alauda spinoletta, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 288 (1766). Anthus &a\iatic(l8,Bechst. Naturg. Deutschl. iii. p. 745 (1807) : Scully, 8. F. iv, p. 152. Anthus blakistoni, Swink. P. Z. S. 1863, pp. 90, 273 ; id. Ibis, 1867, p. 389 ; Hume, S. F. v, p. 345 ; id. Cat. no. 605 quat. ; Brooks, 8. F. viii, p. 484 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 70 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 453; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 237 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 244. Anthus neglectus, Brooks, Ibis, 1876, p. 501 ; Hume, S. F. v, p. 345. Anthus spinoletta (Linn.), Hume, Cat, no. 605 ter ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 243. Anthus spipoletta (Linn.}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 592. Coloration. The adult has the upper plumage ashy brown, with the feathers streaked or centred darker ; the wings brown mar- gined with pale fulvous ; tail brown, the outermost feather with the terminal half obliquely white, the penultimate tipped white ; lores and sides of the head rufous ; supercilium and the whole lower plumage uniform fulvous or vinous. The young bird has the upper plumage, wings, and tail like the adult; the supercilium and lower plumage pale isabelline, with narrow ill-defined pale brown streaks on the fore neck and breast, and streaks of the same kind, but much larger, on the sides of the body. Iris brown ; bill, legs, feet, and claws black (Bine/ham'). Length about 6-5; tail 2-7; wing 3*5 ; tarsus '85; bill from gape -7 ; hind claw -4. This Pipit varies much in size and colour of plumage, and an attempt has been made to establish two species on these variable characters. After examining a very large series of these birds col- lected in all parts from Europe to China, I am quite unable to discover any grounds for separating the Chinese and Indian bird (A. blakistoni) from the European (A. spinoletta). It is note- worthy that nearly all the Pipits of this species procured in the North-west Provinces of India have the wing under 3'3 in length, whereas European birds have it 3-6 on the average. In the Pun- jab, however, the large and small birds are met with together, and birds of intermediate si/e occur everywhere. Chinese birds have the wing 3*4 The alleged differences of striation on the upper and lower plumages are apparently merely matters of age. Distribution. A winter visitor to Sind, the Punjab, and the North- west Provinces, the whole of Kashmir and the Himalayas as far east as the Sutlej valley. This Pipit ranges into Europe on the 'one hand, and into China on the other. It appears to breed in Northern and Central Asia. 852. Anthus japonicus. The Eastern Water-Pipit. Anthus pratensis japonicus, Temm. fy tSchley. Faun. Japon., Aves, p. 59, pi. 24 (1850). Anthus blakistoni, Swinh., apud Butler, S. F. yii, p. 177. OREOCORYS. 313 Antlms liulovicianus (Gincl. ), t1;s, .V. F. viii, p. 48o ; Hume, -V. F. xi, p. i>:',s. Antlms japoiiicus, Trmw. *\ Coloration. The adult of this species appears to be of a uniform unspotted vinous colour below, but I have been unable to examine anv but young birds. The young bird as usually found in India is ashy brown above, tinged with green, all the feathers except those of the rump and upper tail-coverts centred darker ; the wings blackish margined with fulvous white ; the tail dark brown margined paler, the outer- most feather with the terminal half obliquely white, the pen- ultimate with the inner web broadly tipped white ; sides of the head brown and fulvous ; a supercilium and the whole lower plum- age pale fulvous, every portion of the latter except the chin, throat, and middle of the abdomen streaked with very wide coarse black streaks, those on the breast being particularly large. Legs and feet brown ; bill black ; iris blackish brown (Butler}. Length about 6*5; tail 2-6; wing 3'5 ; tarsus *85; bill from gape -65 ; hind claw -4. Distribution. Undoubted specimens of this Pipit are in the British Museum from Karachi, Mooltan, and Darjiling, killed in the winter months ; a specimen from Nepal and another from Um- balla in indifferent order appear to be referable to this species. This Pipit winters in China and Japan, and apparently summers in Eastern Siberia and Kamtschatka. Anthus pennsylvanicus, Lath., of North America is an allied species. It differs in having the lower plumage in all stages of the young very fulvous, and in having the streaks on the breast narrow, well-defined, and detached from one another. Anthn* (justavi, Swinhoe, from China, Northern Asia, and other parts, is very richly streaked with black above on a bright fulvous ground, and the breast and sides of the body are streaked with Ion" well-defined black streaks. Genus OREOCORYS, Sharpe, 1885. Tin1 only Pipit belonging to this genus is remarkable for the pointed shape of the tail-feathers. Otherwise it does not differ from the true Pipits. The Upland Pipit is confined to the higher parts of the Hima- layas, where it is found on grassy slopes. 853. Oreocorys sylvanus. The Upland Pipit. Heterura sylvana, Hodys., Blylh, J. A. S. B. xiv. p. -V>.; ( IM/i) ; id. P. Z. S. 1845, p. ;j:ii /;//////, Ctrl. p. 1:14; ,hnl. li. I. ii, p. 239; Ball, »V. F. iii, p. 207: Brooks, 8. F. iii, p. 2~>i) : Hume, A. # E. p. 387 ; /c, Cut. B. M. x, p. 022; Oatv* in ffmme't N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 217. 314 MOTACILLTD^E. Coloration. The whole upper plumage, wings, and tail blackish brown, each feather margined with rich rufous buff, the terminal two thirds of the outermost tail-feather diagonally white, the penultimate feather with about an inch of white at the tip, the next feather with a narrow white tip, the next tipped very faintly at the extreme tip ; an indistinct pale fulvous supercilium ; sides of the head pale fulvous streaked with blackish ; chin and throat white, bounded on either side by a narrow black moustachial streak ; fore neck, breast, sides of the body, vent, and under tail- coverts buff streaked with black, the streaks on the breast more or less triangular, those on the other parts narrow and long ; abdomen unspotted pale fulvous. Fig. 86.— Tail of 0. sylvanus. In the summer the rufous margins on the upper plumage and the triangular marks on the breast become much worn away. Upper mandible blackish brown ; lower mandible, legs, and feet fleshy, tip of lower mandible and claws shaded dusky ; iris dark brown (Hume). Length about 7 ; tail 3 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus *95 ; bill from gape •8 ; hind claw '35. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Nepal, where this species appears to be a permanent resident. A specimen in the Hume Collection is stated to have been obtained at Etawah in the plains, but probably there is some error. Habits, &fc. Breeds on the Himalayas from 4000 to 8000 feet about May and June, making a shallow open nest of grass on the ground under a tuft of grass or a stone, and laying four or five eggs, which are whitish marked with red and purple, and measure about -9 bv 68. ALAUDID;E. 315 Fig. 87. — Alauda arvensis. Family ALAUDID.E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles perfectly smooth, except for the presence of a notch in the upper mandible : the hinder part of the tarsus transversely scutellated ; the front part of the tarsus also scutellated ; wing of nine or ten primaries ; tail of twelve feathers ; one moult a year, in the autumn ; plumage of the nestling spotted ; sexes usually alike ; rictal bristles well- developed ; head usually crested ; hind claw usually long. The Alaudidce or Larks form a group of birds which bear a close general resemblance to the Pipits, but which differ from them, as well as from all other Indian Passeres, in having the hinder part of the tarsus transversely scutellated. 316 ALAUDID^E. The Larks have only one moult a year, but many undergo a seasonal change of plumage through casting off the margins of the feathers in spring. The variations of colour produced by this, combined with the plain coloration of many of the species, render the study of the Larks rather difficult. Specimens of Larks killed at the same time of the year should therefore be compared with each other. Some of the Larks are subject to much variation in size as well as in colour. Fig. 88. — Foot of Alcemon desertorum, to show scutellations on hinder part of tarsus. The Larks for the most part frequent open plains and cultivated land, but some are found only in arid deserts, and others again affect the borders of woods. They generally sing whilst soaring in the air, and their song is always agreeable and in many cases fine. Many are migratory, others are resident or very locally migratory. They are generally sociable and occasionally gregarious. The}r all breed on the ground, constructing a slight grass nest in a hol- low, and their eggs are marked with brown. I have had the great advantage of studying the Larks with Mr. Bowdler Sharpe, who was engaged at the time in writing the Catalogue of these birds. "We have in every case arrived at the same conclusions with regard to each species, and the only point on which I subsequently found reason to differ from him was in the suppression of the genus Spizalauda. Key to the Genera. a. Nine primaries, the first reaching to about tip of wing-. «'. A tuft of pointed feathers springing from each side of crown. OTOCOBYS, p. 319. b'. No tuft of pointed or other feathers springing from side of crown, a". The longer secondaries or tertiaries reaching- to about tip of wing. . . . CALANDRELLA, p. 327. b". The longer secondaries or tertiaries falling short of tip of wing by a con- siderable interval ALAUDULA, p. 330. \ i. I:MON. 317 b. Ten primaries, the first minute. c. First primary large, considerably exceeding the primary-coverts. c". Bill as long as, or longer than, the head, and very slender ALJEMON, p. 317. d". Bill much shorter than the head, aud thick. a'". Nostrils not covered by plumelets, but clearly visible . .". MIRAFRA, p. 332. b'". Nostrils quite concealed by dense plumelets AMMOMANKS, p. 339. d'. First primary very small, not exceeding the primary-coverts. e" . Crest, if any, short, and covering the whole crown. c'". Hind claw long and straight. a\ Wings reaching nearly to tip of tail ; tertiaries falling short of tip of wing by more than length of tarsus MKLANOCORYPHA, p. 322. b1. Wings falling short of tip of tail by a considerable distance ; tertiaries falling short of tip of wing by less than length of tarsus ALAUDA, p. 324. d'". Hind claw very short and curved. PYRRHULAUDA, p. 341. f . Crest consisting of a few very elongate feathers, springing from centre of crown GALERITA, p. 336. Genus AL-EMON, Keys. & Bias., 1840. The genus Alcemon contains one Indian Lark of large size which is found in the desert tracts of Sind as a permanent resident. In Alcemon the bill is very long and slender, and gently curved on its terminal half, aud the nostrils are fully exposed to view. Fig. 89. — Head of A. The first of the ten primaries of the whig is small, but exceeds 1h<> primary-coverts. The toes and claws are very short, and the latter are very stout. The sexes are quite alike. 318 ALAUDID^. The Desert-Lark is said to run with great speed. The male at the breeding-season rises about fifty feet, and sings a short song of a few notes, after which he descends and perches on a bush, prior to reaching the ground. 854. Alaemon desertorum. The Desert-Lark. Alauda desertorum, Stanley in Salt's Exped. Abyss. App. p. Ix (1814). Certhilauda desertorum (Stanl.), Blyth, Cat. p. 133 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. ii, p. 464 ; Jerd. B. I. u, p. 438 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 248 ; Hume, Cat. no. 770 ; Doiff, S. F. ix, p. 281 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 284. Alaemon desertorum (Stanl.), Hume, S. F. \, p. 216 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 519 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 219. Coloration. Upper plumage isabelline grey, tinged with ashy on the forehead and upper tail-coverts, which latter have dusky shafts ; middle pair of tail-feathers sandy brown, very broadly margined on both webs with bright fulvous ; the other tail-feathers black, narrowly margined with fulvous, the outermost feather with a well- defined white margin occupying half the outer web ; wing-coverts brown, with broad fulvous margins, some of the greater coverts tipped white ; primary-coverts black, tipped with white ; the first few primaries black, with white bases; the remaining primaries and secondaries white, with a black spot on the outer web, and a portion of the shaft also black ; tertiaries like middle pair of tail- feathers ; feathers immediately next the nostrils fulvous ; a black streak through the lores, with a white band above and below, the lower band continued under the eye ; a black band behind the eye, with a broad pale fulvous supercilium above it ; cheeks and ear- coverts bright fulvous, divided by a blackish patch ; chin and throat white ; fore neck and breast pale fulvous, with large black spots ; remainder of lower plumage white, the flanks shaded with brown. Legs and feet china-white ; iris brown ; bill horny brown above, darkening at the tip ; lower mandible fleshy (Butler}. Size extremely variable, the female being apparently much smaller than the male. Length 8*5 to 11 ; tail 3*3 to 4 ; wing 4'5 to 5'5 ; tarsus 1*2 to 1*3 ; bill from gape about 1*4. Distribution. A permanent resident in Sind and Cutch, extending west through Afghanistan and Persia to Arabia and North-eastern Africa, and ranging in a modified form through Northern Africa. Habits, Sfc. This Lark affects the desert and runs like a Plover. Stoliczka observed it on tracts of mud in the Eann of Cutch. It breeds in May and June, making a small nest of grass on the sand, and laying three eggs which are greyish white, marked with yellowish brown, and measure about 1'02 by '74. OTOCORTS. 319 Genus OTOCORYS, Bonap., 1838. The genus Otocorys contains the Horned Larks, three species of which are found at considerable altitudes in the Himalayas. They occur in flocks, and at the breeding-season the males are said to rise in the air, and sing in the same manner as the Sky-Lark. The Horned Larks have a few lengthened feathers springing from each side of the crown in both sexes. The bill is of median length, and the nostrils are densely covered by plumes ; the wing has nine primaries, of which the first reaches nearly to the tip of the wing ; the hind claw is straight and about as long as the hind toe. The sexes are slightly different in colour, and both sexes undergo a considerable variation of plumage according to season, caused by the gradual wearing away of the margins of the feathers in winter and spring. Key to the Species. a. Black of the side of the head connected with black of breast O. penicillatn, p. 319. b. Black of the side of the head divided from black of breast by a white band. a'. Wing about 5 ; bill at front "55 to '6 O. l&nyirostris, p. 320. b'. Wing about 4'5 ; bill at front '4 to '45 O. elwesi, p. 321. 855. Otocorys penicillata. Gould's Honied Lurk. Alauda penicillata, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, p. 126. Otocorys penicillata (Gould), Blanf. E. Pers. ii, p. 240; Biddulph, Ibis! 1881, p. 89 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 580 ; BiMidph, Ibis, 1882, p. 285 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 530. Coloration. After the autumn moult the feathers at the base of the upper mandible and the lores are deep black ; the forehead, a broad supercilium, the posterior part of the ear-coverts, the chin, and upper throat are dull yellow ; anterior part of crown black, each feather broadly margined with vinous ; coronal horns black, with pale tips ; upper plumage ashy brown, the crown, mantle, and upper tail-coverts with the major portion of the feathers rich vinous, imparting a tinge of this colour to those parts ; the rump and upper tail-coverts with blackish shaft-streaks ; middle tail- feathers dark brown, margined with paler brown ; the other feathers black, narrowly margined paler, the outermost feather more broadly margined with pure white ; wing-coverts brown, margined with ashy and washed with vinous; primaries and secondaries dark brown, narrowly margined with whitish ; tertiaries like the middle pair of tail-feathers ; cheeks, anterior part of ear- coverts, sides of throat, fore neck, upper breast, and sides of the neck deep black, each feather margined with yellowish ; remainder ALAUD1D/E. of lower plumage white, washed writh vinous on the breast and sides of the body. Soon after the autumn moult the yellow parts of the head become pure white, and the black parts lose all their fringes and become deep black ; the crown, mantle, and upper tail-coverts become deep vinous, and the whole of the upper plumage and wing-coverts become more or less tinged with this colour ; the coronal horns become very distinct and deep black. Fig. 90.— Head of 0. penicillata, The female has no black band on the front part of the crown, the whole crown being streaked with black ; the black on the other parts of the head is much duller, and there never is any trace of vinous or pink on the plumage, except perhaps immediately after the autumn moult ; the black patch on the fore neck and breast is somewhat smaller, and the streaks on the upper plumage are more pronounced. Iris deep reddish brown ; bill blackish above, bluish grey below ; tarsi and upper surface of toes (in May) black in the male, dusky in the female ; claws the same ; soles of feet whitish (Blanford}. Length about 8 ; tail 3'3 ; wing 4-6 ; tarsus '9 ; bill from gape •75 ; the female is considerably smaller. Distribution. A winter visitor to Gilgit, where this species is found at a height of about 5000 feet. Biddulph procured this Lark on the Shandur plateau, where it no doubt breeds. It ranges north into Turkestan, and west into Asia Minor. 856. OtOCOrys longirostris. The Long-billed Horned Lark. Otocorys longirostris, Gould, Moore, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 215, pi. 3; Horsf. & M. Cat. ii, p. 470 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 431 ; Hume, Cat. no. 764;' Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 581; Biddulph, Ibis, 1882, p. 285: Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 536. Coloration. Very similar to 0. penicillata, but differing in having the white of the throat passing under the cheeks and ear-coverts and merging into the pale colour of the side of the neck, thus isolating the black on the fore neck and upper breast ; the pre- sent species is also much larger and the feathers of the upper OTOCORYS. 321 surface have, in the worn summer plumage, very much larger and more conspicuous dark shaft-streaks. The pale parts of the head are at all seasons white, never yellow. The colours of the soft parts of this Lark do not appear to have been recorded. Length about 8-5 ; tail 3-7 ; wing 5 ; tarsus '95; bill from gape •8 ; bill at front '55 to *6. Fig. 91.— Head of 0. longirostris. Distribution. The higher parts of the Himalayas from Kashmir and Laduk down to Kumaun, extending into the adjoining parts of Tibet. This species appears to be found only at very high altitudes. 857. Otocorys elwesi. Elwes's Horned Lark. Otocorys penicillata (Gould), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 469 j Jerd. B. I. ii,p. 429; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 422; id. Cat. no. 763. Otocorys elwesi, Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 62 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 534 ; Oates in Hume's N. 8? E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 220. Otocorys longirostris, Gould, apud Hume 8f Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 267. The Horned Lark, Jerd. Coloration. Of the same coloration as 0. longiroslris. The present species differs in its much smaller size ; its conspicuously smaller bill ; in the large amount and intensity of the vinous or pink tinge, which suffuses the whole of the upper plumage and wings ; and in the small extent and paler tone of the streaks on the back and rump. The nestlings of this and other species of Otocorys have the whole upper plumage fulvous, each feather with a subterminal black bar and a white tip; the wing-feathers are all broadly margined with fulvous ; lower plumage pale yellowish wliite, spotted with brown on the throat, fore neck, and breast. The adult plumage is assumed at the first autumn moult. Bill black above, pale near the base below ; legs black ; soles of feet yellowish (Stanford). Length less than 8; tail 3'4 ; wing 4'3 to 4'8 ; tarsus *9 ; bill from gape '7. VOL. II. T 322 ALAUDID^l. This species is easily distinguished from 0. longirostris by the characters pointed out above, the best of which are the smaller bill and general smaller size. Distribution. A permanent resident in the highest parts of the Himalayas from Sikhim toLadak, extending into Central Asia from Turkestan to Mongolia and China. Blauford met with this species in Sikhim at nearly 18,000 feet elevation. Habits, fyc. Some eggs, presumably of this Lark, found in Native Sikhim are described as being greyish white freckled and mottled all over with pale olive-brown and purplish grey and as measuring about -89 by '64. Genus MELANOCORYPHA, Boie, 1828. The genus Melanocorypha contains the Calaudra Larks, which are birds of heavy build and large size. One of the Indian species is found only on the highest parts of the Himalayas, but the other is found in the cultivated parts of the plains. The Alpine species has a much longer bill than the lowland species and has hardly any trace of the black pectoral patches which characterize the Calandras. It has also a much longer and a straighter claw. It is, however, hardly advisable to place the two in separate genera as there are many points of resemblance between them. In Melanocorypha the bill is thick and gently curved and the nostrils are covered by plumelets ; the wing has ten primaries, the first of which is very minute, and the wing is very long, reaching, when folded, nearly to the tip of the tail ; the hind claw is very long and straight. The sexes are alike or nearly so. Key to the Species. a. Wing about 6 and largely white M. maxima, p. 322. b. Wing about 4'5 and without any white M. bimaculata, p. 323. 858. Melanocorypha maxima. The Long-billed Calandra Lark. Melanocorypha maxima, Gould, Birds As. iv, pi. 72 (1867) ; Hume, 8. F. i, p. 492 ; id. Cat. no. 761 quat. ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 554. Coloration. Forehead, crown and nape, lower rump, and upper tail-feathers rufous brown, each feather rnesially darker and edged with pale fulvous ; back, scapulars, and upper rump dark brown, with broad lateral fulvous margins and narrow tips ; the hind neck and mantle suffused with ashy ; middle pair of tail-feathers brown margined with tawny, the others black increasingly tipped with white, the penultimate feather with half the outer web white, and a broad tip to the inner web, the outermost feather with the terminal MMI.\MM OKYI'IIA. 323 two-thirds of both webs while ; wing-coverts and trrtiarie.s bro\\ 11. edged with fulvous ; primaries and secondaries dark brown, margined paler and with the outer web of the first primary almost entirely white ; all the quills except the first few primaries broadly tipped with white; ear-coverts rufous ; lores, supercilium, and cheeks white, mottled with rufous ; chin and throat whitish ; breast pale ashy with some ill-defined brown spots, and the sides of the breast with an obsolete dark patch ; remainder of lower plumage white, tinged with fulvous on the flanks. In the spring and summer months the plumage is much darker owing to the wearing away of the margins of the feathers. The young bird is nearly black above with yellowish or fulvous margins to all the feathers ; the breast is also very dark or blackish with yellowish margins and the remainder of the lower plumage is pale yellow. The colours of the soft parts of this Lark do not appear to have been recorded. Length about 9'5 ; tail 3-5 ; wing 6 ; tarsus 1*1 ; bill from gape 1*2 ; hind claw up to '8. Distribution. The higher parts of Sikhim, extending into the adjoining parts of Tibet and the mountain region of Western China. 859. Melanocorypha bimaculata. The Eastern Calandra Lark. Alauda bimaculata, Menetr. Cat. Rais. Cauc. p. 37 (1832). Melanocorypha bimaculata (Menetr.}, Blanf. S. F. \, p. 24(3 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 421 ; id. Cat. no. 761 ter ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 89 ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 580; Barnes, Birch Bum. p. 279 ; S/iarpe, ( '(if. B. M. xiii, p. 555. Melanocorypha torquata, Blyth, J.A.8. B. xvi, p. 476 (1847) ; Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yarlc. p. 265, pi. xxvii; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 173. Fig. 92.— Head of M. H >,«!>• nhif a . Coloration. Tln> upper plumage dark brown, each leather latenilly margined with fulvous, the character of the upper plumage being streaky ; tail dark brown, margined with fulvous, the inner web of all the feathers, except the middle pair, with a terminal white spot ; Y2 324 ALATJDIDjE. wing-coverts and quills dark brown, margined with fulvous ; no white whatever about the wing ; a dark line running through the lores and behind the eye ; a broad pale fulvous supercilium ; cheeks and ear-coverts rufous, streaked with brown ; a patch of white under the black band through the lores and under the eye ; chin, throat, and a lateral baud behind the ear- coverts white ; a broad black band across the upper breast inter- rupted in the middle ; remainder of breast fulvous streaked with brown ; other parts of lower plumage white, the flanks tinged with fulvous. The female has the black pectoral band reduced in size. Legs and feet fleshy or yellowish fleshy, more or less dusky at joints ; claws dusky ; iris brown, in some light brown ; bill horny brown or blackish horny on upper mandible, lower mandible greenish horny changing to yellow at base and gape. Length about 7*5 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 4*5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape •8 ; the female is smaller than the male. Distribution. A winter visitor to Sind, Rajputana, Bahawalpur, the Punjab, the N.W. Provinces and Ouclh, passing through Kashmir on migration and summering in Central Asia. This Lark extends on the west to Afghanistan and Persia and ranges as far as North-eastern Africa. Genus ALAUDA, Linn., 1766. The genus Alauda is now restricted to the Sky-Larks, two species or races of which occur in India. These Larks vary very much in size and plumage and I quite agree with Sharpe in not recognizing more than these two species as occurring in India. In Alauda the bill is slender and feeble and the nostrils are covered by plumelets ; there are ten primaries, the first of which is very minute, and the wing is somewhat short, not reaching to far beyond the middle of the tail, and the tertiaries are lengthened ; the hind claw is very long and nearly straight. The sexes are alike. The Sky-Larks frequent cultivation chiefly, and are noted for the excellence of their song, which is given forth at a great height from the ground. They are abundant in most parts of India, but become less frequent to the east in Burma. Key to the Species. a. Of larger size ; wing generally over 4 A. arvensis, p. 324. b. Of smaller size ; wing seldom exceeding 3'5 . . . . A. gulgula, p. 326. 860. Alauda arvensis, The Sty-Lark. Alauda arvensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 287 (1766) : Blyth, Cat p. 131 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 466; Hume, 8. F. i, p. 39; id. N. $ E. p. 485 ; Sharpe, Cat.B. M. xiii, p. 567 ; Gates in Hume's N, 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 220. ALAUDA. 326 Alauda leiopus vel orient-alls, Hodgs. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 84 (1844, descr. nulla). Alauda dulcivox, Hodys. in G 'ray's Zool. Misc. p. 84 (1844, descr. nulla) ; Brooks, S. F. i, p. 484; id. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 253 ; Hume, Cat. no. 766 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 338 ; id. Ibis, 1881, p. 582 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 89. Alauda triborhyncha, Ifodf/s. apud Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii,p. 467 (part.) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 433 j Hume $ Henders, Lah. to Yark. p. 268, pi. xxviii. Alauda guttata, Brooks, J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 85 (1872) ; id. S. F. i, p. 485 ; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 90; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 583. The Himalayan Sky-Lark, Jerd. Coloration. Upper plumage and wing-coverts dark brown, each feather broadly edged with fulvous ; quills brown edged with fulvous, and with a tinge of rufous near the base of some of the quills ; tail brown, edged with fulvous, the penultimate feather with the outer web almost entirely white, the outermost all white, except the base of the inner web ; a pale supercilium from the nostrils to the end of the ear-coverts ; ear-coverts streaked brown and rufous ; lower plumage pale fulvous, the cheeks and throat slightly, the breast boldly, streaked with black ; the sides of the body less distinctly streaked with brown ; remainder of lower plumage very pale fulvous and at times almost white. The young have the feathers of the crown much rounded and tipped with white, and most of the feathers of the upper plumage are very rufous and also tipped with white ; the wing-coverts are much more broadly margined with fulvous or rufous. Bill dusky above, lower mandible greyish horny, faintly yellowish at the extreme tip ; iris dark brown ; legs and feet brownish fleshy (Scully). Size very variable ; length about 7 ; tail 2'5 to 2*9 ; wing 3'7 to 4'4 ; tarsus '95 ; bill from gape '65 ; these represent the extreme measurements of numerous Indian birds. The Sky-Lark is as variable in size as the Eaven, and the shades of brown, fulvous, and rufous of which its plumage is composed also vary exceedingly throughout its great range. Distribution. The whole extent of the Himalayas from Hazara and Kashmir to Assam, where the Sky-Lark appears to be a con- stant resident, moving about to different levels according to season. In the winter many birds appear to visit the plains of the Punjab and North-west Provinces, and a Lark killed by Dr. Anderson near Bhamo in Upper Burma appears referable to this species. The Sky-Lark is spread over Europe and the greater portion of Asia as far as China. J faints, $c. Breeds in the Himalayas in May and June, con- structing a nest of fine grass on the ground and laying three to five eggs, which are marked with yellowish and purplish brown and measure about '95 by *67. 326 ALATTBIDJE. 861 . Alauda gulgula. The Indian Sky-Lark. Alauda gulgula, FranU. P. Z. S. 1831, p. 119 ; Blyth, Cat. p. 132 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 434 ; Hume $ Renders. Lali. to Tark. p. 269, pi. xxix ; Hume, S. F. i, p. 40 ; Brooks, S. F. i, p. 485 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 486 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl p. 630 ; Hume, Cat. no. 767 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p.' 338 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 373 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 282 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 575 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 221. Alauda triborhyncha, Hodgs. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 84 (1844, descr. nulla) ; Horrf. # M. Cat. ii, p. 467 (part.). Alauda malabarica, Scop, apud Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 467. Alauda australis, Brooks, S. F. i, p. 486 (1873) ; Hume, Cat. no. 768. Alauda peguensis, Oates, S. F. iii, p. 343 (1875). Buruta-pitta, Niala pichike, Tel. ; Manam-badi, Tarn. ; Bhurut, Hind. ; Bee-lone, Burm. ; Gomarita, Cing. Coloration. So similar to A. arvensis as to require no separate description. Differs in being constantly smaller, the wing seldom exceeding 3*5. There are as many races of this Lark as there are of A. arvensis, but they are equally unworthy of recognition, as they are based on points of size and colour which are by no means constant or even definable. Sharpe is of opinion that A. gulgula differs from A. arvensis in having paler under wing-coverts, and by the almost entire absence of flank-stripes. These points may be of service in discriminating between the two birds, but the only character which is of real use seems to me to be that of size. Mouth yellowish ; upper, mandible dark horn ; lower mandible pinkish fleshy, dusky at the tip ; iris brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs fleshy brown ; claws pale horn-colour. Length about 6'5 ; tail 2'3 ; wing 3'4 ; tarsus '9 ; bill from gape '75. Distribution. Every portion of the Empire and Ceylon, except Tenasserim, south of Moulmein, and the middle ranges of the Himalayas, where this Lark is absent or comparatively rare. A specimen of a Lark procured by Brooks at Almorah, however, appears to be referable to this species. It has not been recorded from the Andamans or Nicobars. Habits, fyc. Breeds throughout India apparently from April to June and in Burma from December to April, constructing a nest similar to that of A. arvensis, and laying similar egejs, which are, however, somewhat smaller, and measure about '8 by -61. The habits of this species closely resemble those of the European Sky- lark, the soug is similar and is uttered in the same manner as the bird soars. Both species associate in flocks in the winter. CALANDRELLA. 327 Genus CALANDRELLA, Kaup, 1829. The genus Calandrella contains the Short-toed Larks, of which four fairly distinct and recognizable species occur in India. In Calandrella the bill is somewhat deep and short, and the nostrils are concealed from view by plumelets ; there are nine primaries only in the wing, and the first is long and reaches to the tip ; the tertiaries are lengthened and reach to the end of the primaries or nearly so ; the hind claw is rather longer than the hind toe and gently curved. The Short-toed Larks are fond of dry sandy ground, and their habits are similar to those of the Sky-Larks. The song, how- ever, is weak and monotonous. Key to the Species. a. Pale part of inner web of outermost tail- feather of large extent, more than an inch in length. a'. Light part of outermost tail-feather pale buff. a". General colour of lower plumage whitish ; wing generally under 3'6. C. brachydactyla, p. 327. b". General colour of lower plumage fulvous ; wing generally over 3-9. . C. dukhunensis, p. 328. b' . Light part of outermost tail-feather white C. tibetana, p. 329. b. Pale part of inner web of outermost tail- feather of very small extent, much less than an inch in length C. acutirostris, p. 329. 862. Calandrella brachydactyla. The Short-toed Lark. Alauda brachydactyla, Leisler, Wetterau Gesellsch. Ann. iii, pp. 357- 359 (1812). Calandrella brachydactyla (Leisl.), Hume, S. F. i, p. 213 ; Adam, S. F. i, p. 389 ; Butler, S. F. iii, p. 500 ; Hume, S. F. vii, p. 66 ; id. Cat no. 761 (pt.) ; /;i,/(/nlj>/t, Ibis, 1881, p. 88 (pt.) ; Scully, Ibis, 1881, p. 579; HuMnlph, Ibis, 1882, p. 285 (pt.) ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 279 (pt.) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 580. Fig. 93.— Head of C. brachydactyla. Coloration. Upper plumage sandy buff, each feather broadly centred or streaked with dark brown or black, the upper tail- 328 ALATJDID JE. coverts more sandy than the other parts ; wing-coverts and quills dark brown broadly edged with fulvous ; middle pair of tail-feathers dark brown broadly edged with rufous ; the next three pairs dark brown, very narrowly margined with fulvous ; the penultimate dark brown, with the terminal half of the outer web very pale buff ; the outermost with the outer web nearly entirely pale buff, and the inner web with the inner half brown and the outer half whitish ; lores and a supercilium pale buff ; ear-coverts hair-brown ; sides of the neck pale brown ; lower plumage dull white, the breast washed with brown ; the breast is frequently streaked with darker brown, but sometimes perfectly plain ; there is almost always a dusky or blackish patch on each side of the breast. Iris brown; legs and feet brownish flesh-colour ; upper mandible dark horny brown; lower mandible pale fleshy (Sutler). Length abaut 6'5 ; tail 2-4 ; wing 3-5 to 3'8 ; tarsus *8 ; bill from gape '55. Distribution. A winter visitor to the north-west portion of the Empire, west of a line drawn roughly from Bombay to Kumaun. This species ranges into Turkestan and extends westwards to Europe and Northern Africa. 863. Calandrella dukhunensis. The Rufous Short-toed Lark. Emberiza haghaira, Frankl. P. Z. 8. 1831, p. 119 (descr. nulla). Alauda dukhunensis, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 93. Calandrella brachydactyla (Temm.}, Blyth,* Cat. p. 132: Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 426 ; Ball, S. F. ii, p. 423 ; Fairbank, S. F. iv, p. 261 ; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 223 ; Hume, Cat. no. 761 (pt.) ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 337 ; Butler, S. F. ix, p. 418 ; Reid, S. F. x, p. 58 ; Davidson, S. F. x, p. 314; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 279 (pt.). Coryphidea Calandrella (Bonelli), Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 472. Alauda (Calandrella) brachydactyla, Temm. Blanf. J. A. S. B. xli, pt. ii, p. 62. Calandrella dukhunensis, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 584. Bayliaira, Bayheyri, Bayhoda, Hind. Coloration. Resembles C. brachydactyla, but has the whole lower plumage fulvous, darker on the breast and sides of the body ; the upper plumage also a rich fulvous : has a longer wing. Iris brown ; legs and feet brownish flesh-colour, dusky at the joints ; bill dark horny brown above, pale flesh below (Butler). Length about 6*5 ; tail 2-4 ; wing 3-8 to 4-1 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape -6. This appears to me to be an easily recognizable form of Short- toed Lark with quite a distinct area of distribution from C. brachy- dactyla. I have examined specimens killed in India from August to April. The deep fulvous lower plumage combined with the longer wing suffice to separate this species from C. brachydactyla when the plumage is in good order. Distribution. The whole of India east of a line drawn roughly from Bombay to Kumaun, and as far south as Belgaum, extending CALANDRELLA. 329 into Assam, and more rarely into Pegu. This species also extends into Tibet and probably breeds there or in Central Asia. It is very probable that some of these Larks may also remain in the plains of India or in the Himalayas to breed, but a great majority are winter visitors. Habits, fyc. This Short-toed Lark frequents open ground, culti- vated or waste, and is generally found in smill flocks, which, about the end of March, associate together, often forming assemblages of many thousand birds. At this season these Larks are fat and are killed in great numbers for food ; they are commonly known by Europeans throughout India as Ortolans. 864. Calandrella tibetana. Brooks' s Short-toed Lark. Calandrella brachydactyla (Temm.), Hume fy Henders. Lah. to Yark. p. 204. Calandrella tibetana, Brooks, S. F. viii, p. 488 (1879) ; Hume, S. F. ix, p. 97 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 585. Coloration. Resembles C. brachydactyla, but is much greyer or less fulvous above ; has a smaller bill ; and has the pale part of the outermost tail-feather pure white, not pale buff ; the superciliuin and cheeks nearly white. Length about 6 ; tail 2-5 ; wing 3'7 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape *6. Distribution. The Himalayas from Gilgit and Kashmir to Sikhim, extending into the neighbouring parts of Tibet. This Lark appears to descend to the plains of Upper India in the winter, the British Museum containing specimens collected at Cawnpore and in the Eohtak District of the Punjab. 865. Calandrella acutirostris. Hume's Short-toed Lark. Calandrella acutirostris, Hume, Lah. to Yark. p. 265 (1&73) ; Sharpe, Cdf. B. M. xiii, p. 585. Calandivlla brachydactyla (Leisl), Scully, S. F. iv, p. 172; Biddulph, Ibis, 1881, p. 88 (pt.), 1882, p. 285 (pt.). Coloration. Resembles C. brachydactyla, but ha8 the upper plumage decidedly tinged with ashy ; the extent of light colour on the inner web of the outermost tail-feather of very small extent, much less than an inch in length ; and a much more slender bill. Bill dusky along ridge of upper mandible, at tip, and along half of under surface of lower mandible ; rest of bill yellowish horny ; iris brown ; legs and feet brownish fleshy ; claws dusky brown (Scully). Length about 6 ; tail 2-5 to 2-8 ; wing 3-6 to 3-9 ; tarsus '85 ; bill from gape -6. Distribution. Visits the plains of Upper India in the winter. I have examined specimens obtained at Delhi, Etawab, and Mughal Sarai. Summers in Afghanistan, Gilgit, and Turkestan. 330 G-enus ALAUDULA, Blyth, 1856. The genus Alaudula contains the Sand-Larks, which differ structurally from the Short-toed Larks only in having a more slender bill and shorter tertiaries, The Sand-Larks frequent the sandy banks of rivers, running about near the edge of the water. They have a poor song. Key to tlie Species. a. "Wing under 3-5. a'. Bill at front '5 .......................... A. raytal, p. 330. b'. Bill at front '4 .......................... A. adamsi, p. 331 . b. Wing about 4 ............................ A. persica, p. 331. 866. Alaudula raytal. The Ganges Sand-Lark. Alauda raytal, Such. Hamilton, Blyth, J. A. 8. B. xiii, p. 962 (1844). Calandrella raytal (Blyth}, Blyth, Cat, p. 132. Alaudala raytal (Blyth}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 471 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 428. Alaudula raytal, Blyth, Ibis, 1867, p. 46; Hume, N. $ E. p. 481 ; . Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 606 ; Cripps, S. .F.'vii, p. 295; Hume, Cat. no. 762; Oates, B. B. i, id. S. F. iii, p. 159 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 606 ; p. 374 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 280 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 591 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 225. The Indian Sand-Lark, Jerd. ; Retal, Hind. Fig. 94.— Head of A. raytal. Coloration. Upper plumage greyish brown, with dark brown shaft-streaks ; lores, supercilium, and under the eye white ; ear- coverts streaked with grey and brown ; lower plumage white, with a few distinct and well-defined brown streaks on the breast, most numerous on the sides ; wings dark brown, edged with greyish brown ; middle tail-feathers brown, broadly edged with fulvous white, the others dark brown, the penultimate feather with the outer web almost entirely white, the outermost with the outer web entirely white, the outer half of the inner web white and the inner half black. Legs fleshy yellow ; claws pale horn ; bill horn-colour, with a greenish tinge, the tip dusky, the gape yellowish ; iris brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; mouth flesh-colour. Length about 5-5 ; tail 2 ; wing 3-3 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape •65 ; bill from tip to forehead '5. ALAUDULA. 331 Distribution. Found on the sand-banks of all the large rivers of the North-west Provinces, the Nepal Terai, Oudh, Behar, and Bengal. This Lark is also found along the banks of the Brahmaputra, and it occurs on the Irrawaddy river, on which it IIM* been procured near Bhtimo and Thayetrnyo. Barnes records this Lark from Neemuch in Rajputana, and Hume from the sand- banks of the Nerbudda river, but I have seen no specimens from these localities. Habits, fa. Breeds from March to May or June, making a small cup-shaped nest of grass or leaflets in a hollow on a sand-bank, under shelter of a shrub or stone, and laying two or three eggs, which are greyish white, speckled with yellowish brown, and measure about '75 by '55. 867. Alaudula adamsi. The Indus Sand-Lark. Alauda adamsi, Hume, Ibis, 1871, p. 405. Alaudula adamsi (Hume), Hume, S.F.\, p. 213 ; id. N. $ E. p. 482 ; id. Cat. no. 702 ter : Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 280 ; Sharp*, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 592; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 226. Coloration. Resembles A. raytal, but has a very much smaller bill, and, generally, a shorter wing and tail*. Bill fleshy, dark brown on culmen and tip, with a slight shade of horny blue on lower mandible ; legs and feet brownish flesh ; iris brown (Butler}. Length about 5'5 ; tail 1-8 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus '75 ; bill from gape '55 ; bill from tip to forehead *4. Distribution. Sind, and along all the large rivers of the Punjab, as far east as the Jumna. Habits, <$fc. Breeds in March, April, and May : the mode of nidification of this species does not appear to differ in any important particular from that of A. raytal. 868. Alaudula persica. Sharpens Sand-Lark. Alauda pispoletta, Pall., Hume, Ibis, 1870, p. 531. Alaudula pispoletta (Pall.), Hume, S. F. vii, p. 528 ; id. Cat. no. 762 bis. Alaudula persica, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 590 (1890). Coloration. Upper plumage sandy fulvous, each feather with a narrow dark brown shaft-streak ; wings dark brown margined with sandy fulvous ; middle pair of tail-feathers brown broadly margined \\ilh fulvous ; the next three pairs dark brown with narrow mar- gins ; the penultimate dark brown on the inner web, white on the outer ; the outermost feather white, with the inner half of the inner * A. adamsi is said to be larger than A. raytal, but a series of measurements of both taken by me has convinced me that the contrary is the case. 332 ALAUDIDJE. web black ; lores, superciliuin, and sides of the liead pale buff ; lower plumage fulvous white, rather darker on the breast and flanks ; breast distinctly streaked with brown ; flanks indistinctly streaked ; the cheeks frequently streaked with brown. The colours of the soft parts of this Lark do not appear to have been recorded. Length about 6 ; tail 2'6 ; wing 4 ; tarsus '8 ; bill from gape •5 ; bill from forehead to tip *4. Sharpe has quite properly bestowed a name on this hitherto unnoticed and well-defined species, but in doing so he has selected a Persian example as his type, a bird collected by Blanford at Niriz in Persia. The Larks of this type found in India, although agree- ing with this Persian bird in general size, structure, and coloration, differ from it immensely in the size of the bill. The former have the culmen measuring -4 and the latter -6. Having seen only one Persian bird I do not wish to insist too much upon this difference in size of bill, otherwise I should be disposed to keep the Indian birds distinct. Distribution. The Punjab, extending west through Afghanistan to Persia. This species is probably only a winter visitor to the plains of the Punjab. Genus MIRAFEA, Horsf., 1821. The genus Mirafra contains the Bush-Larks, which are found in well-wooded districts. They frequently perch on bushes and low trees and they take short flights in the air. Their song is pleasant but weak. In Mirafra the bill is thick and short and the nostrils are quite exposed to view ; there are ten primaries in the wing, the first of which is about a half or a third the length of the second ; the hind claw is much longer than the hind toe and gently curved. Key to the Species. a. Inner web of outer tail-feather largely white M . cantittans, p. 333. b. Inner web of outer tail-feather dark brown. a'. Rufous on inner and outer webs of pri- maries not reaching to shaft. a". General tone of upper plumage ashy brown M. assamica, p. 334. b". General tone of upper plumage rufous. a'". Wing 3-2 to 3-5 M. affinis, p. 335. V". Wing 2-7 to 3 M. microptera, p. 336. b'. Rufous on inner and outer webs of pri- maries reaching to shaft and confluent. M. erythroptera, p. 334. UIRAFRA. 333 869. Mirafra cantillans. The Sinyiny Bush-Lark. Mirafra cantillans, Jrrd, Myth, J. A. S. B. xiii, p. 960 (1844) ; id. Cat. p. 134 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 476; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 420; Hume, N. $ E. p. 476 ; id. Cat. no. 757 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 275 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 605 j Oates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 227. Aylmn, Ay/tin, Hind. ; Burutta pitta, Aghin pitta, Tel. Coloration. After the autumn moult the whole upper plumage is dark brown, each feather with rufous lateral margins and a whitish terminal band ; wing-coverts and tertiaries brown margined with rufous ; primary-coverts, primaries, and secondaries with nearly the entire outer web deep rufous or chestnut ; middle pair of tail- feathers brown broadly margined with rufous, the next three pairs Fig. 95.— Head of M. cantillans. almost entirely brown, the penultimate brown on the inner web, white on the outer, the outermost white with a blackish band on the inner margin of the inner web ; lores and supercilium very pale fulvous ; sides of the head mottled with fulvous and brown ; chin and throat white ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, the sides of the neck and the whole breast streaked with triangular brown marks. Shortly after the autumn moult the whitish terminal bands or fringes of the feathers of the upper plumage become worn away. Iris brown ; legs, feet, and lower mandible fleshy ; upper mandi- ble horny brown (Butler}. Length nearly 6 ; tail 2-1 ; wing 3'2 ; tarsus *75 ; bill from gape '55. Distribution. Locally distributed over a considerable portion of the Indian Peninsula. This species is found in the Punjab, Kaj- putana, the North- West Provinces, and Western Bengal, extending south to about the latitude of Madras. It appears to ascend the slopes of the Himalayas in suitable spots, as Stolic/ka records it from the Sutlej valley. Habits, $c. Breeds from March to August, probably having 1 \\ o broods in the year, and laying four eggs, which are dull white thickly marked with various shades of brown, and measure about •81 by '62. This species is less frequently found amongst bushes than other members of the genus, and it is commonly met with on grass-land about cultivate^ tracts. It is often kept caged for the sake of its song, 334 870. Mirafra assamica. The Bengal Bush-Lark. Mirafra assamica, McCleU. P. Z. 8. 1839, p. 162 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 476 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 416 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 473 ; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 223 ; Cripps, S. F. vii, p. 294 ; Hume, Cat. no. 754 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 6C6 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 375 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 609 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 287 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 229. Mirafra assamensis, McCleU., Blyth, Cat. p. 134. Mirafra immaculate, Hume, S. F. i, p. 12 (1873). Affffta, Hind. ; Bhiriri at Bhagalpur. Coloration. The whole tipper plumage dark ashy browo with blackish streaks on all parts except the rump ; wing-coverts blackish margined with pale ashy ; primary-coverts externally rufous ; quills dark brown, most of them externally margined with chestnut and all of them with a large portion of the inner web chestnut ; tail brown margined with ashy rufous, the penultimate and outer feathers with the greater part of the outer web pale rufous ; lores and an indistinct supercilium fulvous ; sides of the head fulvous barred with brown; chin and throat pale fulvous white; remainder of lower plumage darker fulvous, the breast coarsely streaked with triangular marks of brown ; under wing-coverts and axillaries ferruginous. Bill dusky above, fleshy white below ; legs fleshy white ; iris yellowish brown (Hume}. Length rather more than 6 ; tail 2 ; wing 3*3 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape *75. Distribution. The north-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula, north and east of a line drawn roughly from Garhwal to Cuttack, extending through Bengal into Assam and thence south on the one hand to the neighbourhood of Bhamo and on the other to Arrakan. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to July, laying four or five eggs, which are greyish white speckled with brown of different shades, and measure about -82 by -61. 871. Mirafra erythroptera. The Red- winged Hush-Lark, Mirafra erythroptera, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xiii, pt. 2, p. 136 (1844) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 133 ; Jerd. III. 2nd. Orn. pi. 38 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 474 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 418 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 475; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 223 ; Hume, Cat. no. 756 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 274 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 612 j Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nded.'ii, p. 231. Jungli aaffia, Hind. ; Chinna eeli-jitta, Tel. Coloration. The whole upper plumage fulvous-brown streaked with dark brown or black ; middle pair of tail-feathers pale brown mar- gined with fulvous ; the others blackish, the outermost feather with MIRAFRA. 335 the outer web entirely pale rufous, and the inner web tipped with the same colour ; wing-coverts brown edged with fulvous ; quills brown with a large portion of both webs chestnut ; lores and a supercilium pale fulvous ; cheeks and ear-coverts fulvous speckled with brown ; chin and throat whitish ; remainder of lower plumage pale fulvous, the breast spotted with triangular marks of brown or black ; under wing-coverts pale rufous. Bill horny brown above, fleshy below ; legs flesh-colour ; iris hazel (Butler). Length about 5'5 ; tail 2-1 ; wing 3 ; tarsus '85 ; bill from gape •65. Distribution. The whole of India from the foot of the Himalayas to about the latitude of Nellore and east to the longitude of Cal- cutta. This Lark appears to be rare in Siud and the western parts of Eajputana and the Punjab. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to September. The eggs, four or five in number, are speckled with various shades of red and brown, and measure about -76 by -59. 872. Mirafra affinis. The Madras Bush-Lark. Mirafra affinis, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xiii, pt. 2, p. 136 (1844) ; id. Ill 2nd. Orn. text to pi. 38; Bh/th, Cat. p. 133; Horsf. '<£ M. Cat. ii, p. 475 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 417 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 474; Ball, S. F. vii, p. 223 ; Hume, Cat. no. 755 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 634 ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 404 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 614; Oates in Humes N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 233. Eeli-jitta, Tel. ; Chirchira, Hind. ; Leepee, in Central India ; Gomarita, Cing. Coloration. Upper plumage rufous-brown with very broad median dark brown streaks to all the feathers ; tail dark brown narrowly margined with rufous, the outer web of the outermost feather being very broadly margined with this colour ; wing-coverts and quills dark brown, margined with rufous, most of the quills with a large band of rufous on the inner web; lores and superci- lium pale fulvous; ear-coverts rufous mottled with brown; chin and throat very pale fulvous ; remainder of lower plumage deeper fulvous, the breast streaked with large triangular patches of dark brown ; under wing-coverts and axillaries rufous. Legs, feet, claws, lower mandible, and edges of upper mandible fleshy white ; rest of upper mandible horny brown ; iris sienna- brown (Davison). Length about 6 ; tail 1-8 to 2-1 ; wing 3-2 to 3-5 ; tarsus 1 ; bill from gape '7. Distribution. Ceylon and Southern India, extending north to Midnapore in Bengal on the eastern side of the Peninsula and to the Nilgiris on the western. Habits, §c. Little is known about the uidification of this Lark. It appears to lay in May and June and its nest and eggs are not 336 ALAUDID^E. likely to differ in any respect from those of the other species, the habits of which are well known. 873. Mirafra microptera. The Burmese Bush-Lark. Mirafra microptera, Hume, S. F. i, p. 483 (1873) ; id. N. $ E. p. 475 ; id. S. F. iii, p. 159 ; id. Cat. no. 755 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 615 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 233. Mirafra affinis, Jerd. apud Oates, B. B. \} p. 376. Coloration. Resembles M. affinis, but is considerably smaller. Iris hazel ; lower mandible and margin of upper very pale pinkish fleshy ; remainder of upper mandible dark horny ; legs light fleshy ; claws pinkish. Length 5'5; tail 1-55; wing 2'7 to 3 ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape -55. Distribution. The northern part of Pegu about the district of Thayetmyo. Specimens of a Bush-Lark from Saigon appear re- ferable to this species. Habits, fyc. A nest of this bird that I found in Pegu in July contained two eggs and one young bird, and was placed on the ground in a hoof-mark. It was partially domed and constructed of grass and fibres. One egg measured '83 by *6 and was thickly marked with brown. Genus GALERITA, Boie, 1828. The genus Galerita contains the Crested Lark, and two other Larks which have hitherto been placed in the genus Spizalauda. These two genera appear to ine to be identical and I therefore unite them. In Galerita the bill is about half the length of the head and pretty strong ; the head is furnished with a few long feathers forming a conspicuous crest ; the nostrils are completely covered by plumelets ; there are ten primaries in the wing, the first of which is very small ; the hind claw is about the same length as the hind toe and very slightly curved ; and the sexes are quite alike. The Crested Larks resemble the Sky-Larks closely in their habits. Key to the Species. a. Bill at front about '7 ; general colour above earthy brown - G. cristata, p. 337. b. Bill at front about '5 ; general colour above rufous. a. Wing about 3'4 ; pectoral streaks few and narrow G. deva, p. 338. b'. Wing about 3'8 ; pectoral streaks numer- ous and broad G. malabarica, p. 339. GALEEITA. 337 874. Galerita cristata. The Crested Lark. Alauda cristata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 288 (1766). Alauda chendoola, Frankl. P. Z. S. 1831, p. 119. Galerida chendoola (Frankl.), Blyth, Cat. p. 133. Galerida cristata (Linn.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 465; Jerri. B. I. ii, p. 436 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 488 j id. S. F. i, p. 214; Butler, S. F. vii, p. 185 ; Hume, Cat. no. 769 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 283 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 626 ; Gates in Hume's N. & E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 233. Galerida magna, Hume, Ibis, 1871, p. 407 ; id. fy Senders. Lah. to Yark. p. 270, pi. 30 ; Scully, S. F. iv, p. 175. The Large Crested Lark, Jerd. ; Chendul, Hind. ; Chendul, Jutu-pitta, lei. Fig. !)().- -Head of 6r. cristata. Coloration. Upper plumage earthy brown, with blackish streaks or centres to most of the feathers ; tail-feathers brown, with sandy margins and tips, the penultimate feather with the greater portion of the outer \veb pale rufous, the outermost all pale rufous except the inner portion of the inner web, which is brown; wing-coverts and quills brown with sandy margins, the quills with a largo patch of rufous on the inner web ; lores brown ; supercilium pale ful- vous ; ear-coverts pale fulvous white, mottled with brown ; entire lower plumage pale fulvous with some brown spots on the cheeks and numerous brown streaks on the breast ; the sides of the body obsoletely streaked ; under wing-coverts and axillaries rufous. Bill yellowish ; feet pale brown ; iris dark brown (Jerdon). Length about 7*5 ; tail about 2'7 ; wing 3'5 to 4'3 ; tarsus 1-05; bill from gape about '9. The Crested Lark varies as much as the Common Sky-Lark both in size and colour, and it is as difficult in the case of the one as of the other to subdivide it into two or more races. Distribution. The north-western portion of India, extending east as far as the 85th degree of east longitude, and south as far gene- rally as the 23rd degree of north latitude, but occasionally further south in favourable localities, this species having been recorded from Kaipur in the Central Provinces. Many Larks of this species are resident and breed in India, but the majority appear to migrate in TOL. II. Z 338 spring to Central Asia. This Lark, in a more or less variable form, has an immense range, being found in Europe and Northern Africa and the greater part of Asia, as far east as China. Habits, fyc. Breeds in India from March to June, constructing a small nest of grass on the ground under shelter of a stone or clod of earth. The nest is usually lined with cotton, hair, fibres, and feathers. The eggs, usually three in number, are dull white marked with brown and purple, and measure about *87 by '65. 875. Galerita deva. Sykes's Crested Lark. Alauda deva, Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 92. Mirafra hayii, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xiii, pt. 2, p. 136 (1844) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 133. Spizalauda deva (Sykes), Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 477 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 432; Hume, Cat. no. 7(35; Davison, S. F. x, p. 704; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 281 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 621. Alauda simillima (Hume), J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 120 (1870). Spizalauda simillima (Hume), Hume, N. fy E. p. 484. Alauda (Spizalauda) deva, Sykes, Blanf. S. F. iv, p. 240. Galerita deva (Sykes}, Gates in Hume's N, 4* E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 236. The Small Crested Lark, Jerd. ; Chinna chandul, Tel. Coloration. Upper plumage rufous, with dark brown streaks or centres to all the feathers ; the upper tail-coverts more uniformly rufous ; tail dark brown edged with rufous, the penultimate feather with the outer web entirely rufous, the outermost feather all rufous except a small portion of the inner web ; wing-coverts and quills brown, edged with rufous, all the quills with a large amount of pale rufous on the inner web ; a broad and well-defined pale rufous supercilium ; sides of the head pale rufous mottled, with brown ; the entire lower plumage rufous, with a few spots on the cheeks and a few narrow black streaks on the breast ; under wing-coverts and axillaries rufous. Bill horny brown above, pale flesh-colour below ; legs and feet yellowish brown ; iris dark brown (Butler). Length about 6; tail 2'1 ; wing 3'4; tarsus '8; bill from gape -6. Distribution. A considerable portion of the peninsula of India, where this species is a permanent resident. It occurs in Cutcb, Kajputana, the eastern portion of the Punjab, the North-west Pro- vinces and Central India, extending south to about the latitude of Bangalore and Madras. Its eastern limits are not known with any precision, but it does not seem to be found east of the 80th degree of longitude. To the west it is found everywhere as far as the sea-coast. Habits, fyc. Breeds from June to August, making its nest at the foot of a tuft of grass or bush, and laying three eggs, which are speckled with reddish brown and purplish, and measure about §77 by -6. \MMOMANES. 339 876. Galerita malabarica. The Malabar Crested Lark. Alauda malabarica, Scop. Del. Flor. et Faun. Insubr. ii. p. 94 (1786) ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 436. Spizalauda malabarica (Scop.), Hume, N. 8f E. p. 483 ; id. Cat. no. 765 bis ; Davison, S. F. x, p. 405 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 282. Alauda (Spizalauda) malabarica, Scop. Blanf. S. F. iv, p. 241. Galerita malabarica (Scop.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 633 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 237. The Crested Malabar Lark, Jerd. Coloration. Resembles G. deva very closely, but is considerably larger, has the streaks on the breast very broad and coarse and the light pattern of the tail much deeper rufous. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet livid flesh ; bill horny brown above, whitish flesh below (Butler). Length nearly 7 ; tail 2-3 ; wing 3-8 ; tarsus -85 ; bill from gape -7. Distribution. A permanent resident in the western part of the peninsula of India from Guzerat to Travancore, occurring up to the summit of the hill-ranges of those parts. Habits, fyc. Breeds from March to September, having two broods. The mode of nidification of this species appears to be quite the same as that of G. deva, but the eggs are larger and more distinctly marked and measure about "87 by '65. Genus AMMOMANES, Cabanis, 1850. The genus Ammomanes contains those Finch-Larks which are characterized by a general rufous tone of plumage and by the sexes being alike in colour. In Ammomanes the bill is thick and slightly curved and resembles that of Galandrella very closely; the nostrils are covered by plumelets ; the wing has ten primaries, the first being small but exceeding the primary- coverts considerably, and the second quill is much shorter than the third ; the hind claw is short and curved. The Larks of this genus are found in open plains and arid spots. They rise singing in the air for a short distance and descend with a sudden drop. Key to the Species. a. Tail deep rufous broadly tipped black. . . . A. phoenicura, p. 339. b. Tail brown throughout, merely tinged with rufous A. phomicuroides, p. 340. ^77. Ammomanes phcenicura. T7ie Rufous-tailed Finch-Lark. Mirafra phoenicura, Frankl P. Z. S. 1831, p. 119 ; Bluth, Cat. p. 134 Ammomanes phoenicura (Frankl.), Horsf. ty M. Cat. ii, p. 477 Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 421 ; Hume, N. 8? E. p. 477 ; id. Cat. no. 758 z2 340 ALATTDIDJS. Ball, S. F. vii, p. "223 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 276 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 642 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 240. Aggiya, Eetal, Hind. 5 Ambali-jori-gadu, Dowa-pitta, Tel. Coloration. Upper plumage dark brown, with slightly darker shafts and obsolete pale margins to all the feathers, those of the head with blackish streaks ; upper tail-coverts deep rufous ; tail deep rufous with a broad black tip ; wing-coverts and quills brown margined with sandy brown, the quills with a large amount of rufous on the inner web ; a very indistinct supercilium pale rufous ; sides of the head rufous streaked with brown ; entire lower plum- age rufous, the chin, throat, and breast streaked with brown. Bill horny brown above, fleshy at the base beneath ; legs fleshy ; iris brown (Jerdon). Length about 6-5; tail 2-4; wing 4-1; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape *65. Distribution. A permanent resident over a considerable portion of the peninsula of India. The western limit of this species appears to be a line drawn from the head of the liann of Cutch to Delhi and thence produced to the Granges ; the northern boundary would appear to be the Ganges itself as far as Dinapore, and thence this Lark is spread over the entire country, in suitable localities, down to Coimbatore. Habits, fyc. Breeds from February to April, making its nest of grass on the ground and laying three or four eggs, which are speckled with yellowish and reddish brown and measure about '85 by -62. 878. Ammomanes phoenicuroides. The Desert Finch-Lark. Mirafra phoenicuroides, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xxii, p. 583 (1853). Ammomanes phoenicuroides (BlytJi), Horsf, fy M. Cat. ii, p. 478 ; Sharps, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 647 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ JE. 2nd ed. ii, p. 242. Ammomanes lusitanica (Gmel.), Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 422 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 478; id. 8. F. i, p. 211. Ammomanes deserti (Licht.), Hume, Cat. no. 759; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 276. The Pale-rufous Finch-Lark, Jerd. Coloration. Upper plumage greyish brown, tinged with rufous on the upper tail-coverts and slightly streaked with blackish on the crown ; tail brown margined with pale rufous, the outer web of the outer tail-feather entirely of this colour, the bases of all the feathers tinged reddish ; wing-coverts and quills brown margined with pale fulvous, the inner web of all the quills largely pale rufous ; lores brown ; a ring round the eye and a line above and below the lores fulvous white ; ear-coverts greyish brown ; chin and throat pale fulvous white, with a few brown spots on the PYRRHULAUDA. 341 lower throat ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous grey, with a few brown streaks on the breast ; under wing-coverts and auxiliaries rufous. Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath ; feet pale yellow-brown (Jcrdon). Length about 7 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 4-1 ; tarsus -9 ; bill from gape '65. Distribution. A permanent resident throughout Bind and the northern part of the Punjab, ranging west to the Persian Gulf. Habits, , p. 343. 879. Pyrrhulauda grisea. The Ashy-crowned Finch-Lark. Alauda grisea, Scop. Del. Flor. et Faun. Insubr. ii, p. 95 (1786). Pyrrhulauda grisea (Scop.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 134 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 479 ; Jerd. B. I. ii, p. 424 ; Hume, N. # E. p. 479 ; Batt, S. F. vii, p. 223 ; id.Cat. no. 760 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 637 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 277 ; Sharpc, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. 652 ; Oates in Hume's N. S? E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 2-l:J. 342 ALAUDIDJE. The Black-bellied Finch-Lark, Jerd. ; Diyora, Duri, Dabhak chun, Jothauli, Hind. ; Chat-bharai, Dhula chata, Beng. ; Poti-pichike, Piyada pichike, Tel. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage ashy brown, each feather margined with pale grey and the forehead and crown more broadly margined than the other parts ; middle tail-feathers light brown, the others dark brown, the outermost feather with the outer web and the terminal half of inner whitish; wings dark brown margined with pale grey ; lores, front part of cheeks, a supercilium, chin, throat, sides of neck, breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts dark chocolate-brown ; posterior part of cheeks, ear-coverts, and sides of the breast white ; sides of body mixed ashy and blackish ; under wing-coverts and axillaries chocolate-brown. Fig. 97.— Head of P. grisea. Female. Darker brown above, with narrower and darker grey margins and with a tinge of rufous throughout ; tail as in the male ; wings of much the same colour as the upper plumage ; lores, a supercilium, and round the eye rufous ; ear-coverts mixed rufous and brown ; lower plumage pale rufous, with obscure, ill-defined brown striations chiefly on the breast. The young bird resembles the female, but has the margins of the feathers of the upper plumage very distinct and broad and of a pale rufous colour. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet brownish flesh ; bill bluish flesh, horny brown on the culmen (Butler). Length about 5-5 ; tail 1*8 ; wing 3 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The plains of India from Sind to the longitude of Calcutta and from the foot of the Himalayas to Cape Comorin, extending to Ceylon. This species is not recorded from the northern and western portions of the Punjab, but with this exception is found throughout the above area in suitable localities. It is every- where a permanent resident. Habits, <$fc. Breeds from January to August, having two broods in the year. The nest is a small pad of grass, fibres, and feathers placed on the ground. The eggs, two in number, are speckled with brown and grey and measure about *73 by *55. :; |:s 880. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen. The Black-crowned Finch-Lark. Coraphites melanauchen, Cabanis, Mm. Hein. i, p. 124 (1850). Pyrrkulauda affinis, Blyth, Ibis, 1807, p. 185 j Hume, S. F. i, p. 212. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen ( Cab.), Hume, S. F. vii, p. G4 ; id. Cat. no. 750 bis ; Barnes, iJirrfx Horn. p. 277 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xiii, p. G55 ; Gates in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 248. Coloration. Male. Besembles male of P. yrisea, but differs in having the forehead broadly white, the whole crown dark chocolate- brown or blackish, and the white of the ear-coverts produced narrowly round the hind neck to form a collar ; the black sides of the neck are also produced as a collar over the mantle, im- mediately behind the white collar. Female. Resembles the female of P. yrisea, but is much paler and more sandy ; the lower plumage is less rufous and almost pure white on the abdomen, and the streaks are fewer in number. Bill pale whity brown, bluish on lower mandible ; legs and feet pale whity brown ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 5-5 ; tail 2-2 ; wing 3-3 ; tarsus -65 ; bill from gape '5. Distribution. A permanent resident in Sind and the western half of Rajputana. This species has also been obtained at Muttra, just within the limits of the Punjab. It extends westwards to Arabia and North-eastern Africa. Habits, $c. Breeds apparently throughout the year in Sind, having three broods. The nest and eggs appear to be very similar to those of P. yrisea, and the eggs measure about *75 by *54. Family NECTAKINIID^). The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings ; both mandibles finely and evenly serrated on the terminal third of their edges ; tongue tubular ; bill long and cylindrical ; the nestling resembling the adult female ; one moult in the year ; wing of ten primaries, the first small ; rectrices twelve ; tarsus scutellated ; rictal bristles short. The Nectariniidce, or Sun-birds, constitute a family of birds which are found only in the Old World and chiefly within the tropics. The Sun-birds are of small and delicate make and the majority are clothed in resplendent plumage. They are found solitary or in pairs ; they are entirely arboreal in their habits and they feed on minute insects and on the nectar of flowers. This latter they secure with their tongues when clinging to flower-stems, as they are unable to poise themselves in the air, after the manner of Humming-birds, except 344 on rare occasions, and only then for a very brief interval. The males have a short but pretty song in the breeding-season. The Sun-birds build elaborate pensile nests at the end of branches or attach them to the underside of a broad leaf, such as that of a plantain (Huso). They usually lay two eggs, which are always, so far as is known, spotted. After examining all the known species of Sun-birds I find that without exception they are characterized by having both mandibles of the bill serrated on the terminal third of their length. This character suffices to separate them from all the other Passeres Fig. 98. — Bill of Anthothreptes malaccensis (enlarged), to show serrated edges of mandibles. except the Dicceidce, and from these they may be distinguished by the shape of their bill, which is long, fine, and cylindrical, whereas in the Dicceidce it is short and triangular. Under these circumstances the key to the families of Passeres (vol. i, pp. 8, 9) is susceptible of being considerably improved and simplified by deleting section a4, Tongue non-tubular and b*, Tongue tubular. The Nectariniidce may then be entered under section b' together with the Dicceidce, thus : — b'. Both mandibles finely and evenly serrated on the terminal third of their edges. c". Bill long, fine, and cylindrical ; primaries invari- ably ten Nectariniidae. d". Bill short and triangular ; primaries either nine or ten Dicaeidae. I find also that, for reasons explained in their proper place, the genus Chalcoparia cannot be placed among the Nectariniidce. The position of this genus is undoubtedly among the Liotrichince in the family Crateropodidce, probably near Myzornis. It has frequently been asserted that the males of many species of Indian Sun-birds have a distinct summer and winter plumage. After examining the very large series of Sun-birds in the British Museum, I am convinced that this is never the case. Full- plumaged males of all the common species, and it is of these that the assertion has been made, shot in every month of the year, or at such frequent intervals as to practically amount to the same thing, are in the National Collection, and prove that the adult males never change their colours. Young males are to be found through- out their first year in immature plumage, and these have probably OHALCOSTETHA. 345 given rise to the belief that a seasonal change takes place in the adult. The young birds of both sexes resemble the adult female up to the first autumn moult. The males then commence to assume the colours of the adult and the change is effected very slowly and probably extends over a whole year. The Indian Sun-birds may be conveniently divided into two subfamilies. Sexes different ; plumage of male in part metallic ; bill slender ; nest pensile. Nectariniince, p. 345. Sexes alike ; plumage non-metallic ; bill large ; nest cup-shaped, attached by a portion of the rim to a broad leaf Arachnotherince, p. 368. Subfamily NECTARINIINCE. The Sun-birds of this subfamily are characterized by a slender body and an attenuated bill ; by the sexes being different, and by the males having bright metallic colours in their plumage, the females being of a dull green or yellow colour. Key to the Genera. a. Covering-membrane of nostril feathered. CHALCOSTETHA, p. 345. b. Covering-membrane of nostril bare. a'. Lower mandible of bill distinctly curved downwards. a". Males with middle tail-feathers elongated ; rump yellow ; females with lower plumage green ^ETHOPYGA, p. 346. b'1. Both sexes with short, rounded tails ; females yellow beneath . . ARACHNECHTHRA, p. 357. b'. Lower mandible of bill straight or nearly so ANTHOTHREPTES, p. 3(>">. Genus CHALCOSTETHA, Cabanis, 1850. The genus Chalcostetha contains a single species of Sun-bird, which may be recognized by the covering-membrane of the nostril being completely plumed and by the tail being of considerable length and well graduated. The bill is slender and the lower mandible is nearly straight. 881. Chalcostetha pectoralis. Mnklot's Sun-in,-'!. Nectarinia pectoralis, Temm. PI. Col. pi. 138, fig. 3 (1823). Nectarinia insignia. Jard. Naturalist's Libr.. Sun-bird*, p. 274 (1848). Nectarinia insignis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1865, p. 663. Chalcostetha insignis (Jard.), Wuldcn, Ibis, 1870, p. 44; Hume,S.F. 346 iii, p. 319 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxv, 87, pi. 30 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 183 ; Hume, Cat. no. 231 ter j Gadmo, Cat. S. M. ix, p. 12. Clialcostetha insperata, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 320 (1875). Chalcostetha pectoralis (Te?nm.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 317. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, and nape metallic green ; lores, sides of the head, and back black \ scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts, lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts metallic green suffused with lilac ; greater coverts and quills dark brown margined with purple ; tail deep blue margined with metallic purple ; chin and throat metallic copper-colour, surrounded by lilac-purple, which colour also covers the whole breast ; pectoral tufts bright yellow ; abdomen, sides of the body, and under tail- coverts dull brownish black. Female. Forehead, crown, and nape brown, edged with grey ; upper plumage dull olive-green ; quills brown, edged with the colour of the back ; tail black, all but the median pair of feathers tipped white ; feathers round the eye, sides of the head, chin, and throat pale grey ; breast, abdomen, and sides of the body yellow ; vent and under tail-coverts pale yellowish white. The young resemble the female, and the young male moults into adult plumage at the first autumn. Legs and feet black or bluish black ; bill black ; iris dark brown (Hume § Damson). Length about 5*5 ; tail 2*1 ; wing 2*3 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape -8.^ Distribution. The extreme southern point of Tenasserim and Patoe Island, extending down the Malay peninsula to the islands. Genus JETHOPYGA, Cabanis, 1850. The genus ^fhopyga contains those Sun-birds, the males of which have the middle pair of tail-feathers produced beyond the next pair and the lower back or rump yellow. The females are not so easy to diagnose. They resemble each other very closely and also the females of the next genus AracTinecJithra, but they may be distinguished from the latter by the general green tone of the lower plumage. In this genus the bill is slender and well curved downwards and the covering-membrane of the nostril is bare. Key to the Species. a. Chin and throat crimson. a'. Middle tail-feathers exceeding next pair by more than length of tarsus, a". 'Crown and tail metallic green ; tail 27 AL. seheria rf , p. 348. b". Crown and tail metallic violet ; tail 2-4 JE. andersoni S , P- 349. jETHOPYGA. 347 V. Middle tail-feathers exceeding next pair by less than half tarsus, c". No metallic patch behind the ear- coverts. a'". Moustachial streak entirely violet. AS. cara d*,p. 340. b'". Moustachial streak bordered with black interiorly AL. nicobarica c?, p. 350. d" '. A metallic patch behind the ear- coverts JE. rif/orsf $ , p. 350. b. Chin and throat of a dark colour, not crimson. c' '. Middle tail-feathers red A2. ignicauda $ , p. 351 . d'. Middle tail-feathers green or violet. e" . Back crimson. c'". Dark portion of crown abruptly defined posteriorly and not ex- tending to nape. a l. Breast yellow JE. goiddifP tf , p. 352. b1. Breast crimson AZ. dabryi $ , p. 353. d" '. Dark portion of crown extending to hind neck or mantle. c4. Crown, upper tail-coverts, and tail steel-blue. a\ Breast black JE. saturata $ , p. 354. 65. Breast yellow, streaked with [p. 354. crimson AL. sawjuinipectiis <$ , d1. Crown, upper tail-coverts, and tail green A2. nepaknsis <5 , p. 355. f". Back olive-yellow AL. Iwrsficldi <$ , p. 350. <-. Chin and throat green, like remainder of lower plumage. e'. A yellow band across the rump. y". Upper plumage light green. e'". Bill from gape to tip '8 AL. saturata $ , p. 354. /". Bill from gape to tip -65 AE. gonldia $ , p. 352. h". Upper plumage dull green tinged with ashy. [p. :55-l. (/'". Bill from gape to tip *8 A£. rnng^mwecbu $ , h'". Bill from gape to tip 7 sE. dabryi $ , p. 353. f'. No yellow band across rump. i". Distance from tip of outermcst feather of tail to tip of tail equal to tarsus or more. i'". Pale tips to tail-feathers obsolete. A\. ii/Htcauda _9 , p. -151. //". Tips of tail-feathers large, white, ^ nepaiensis $ p. 955. and weU-defined {^ JU-L 9 i> 'us k". Distance from tip of outermost feather ' of tail to tip of tail less than hind toe. I"'. Tail about 17 ; lower plumage distinctly ashy green JE. rigorsi $ , p. 350. m". Tail about 1'5 j lower- plumage distinctly pure green* JE. cam $ , p. 349. * I have not been able to examine females of M. nicobarica and JE. andcr- soni, and the only female of IE,, horsfieldi accessible to me has no bill. I conse- quently omit these three from the Key. 348 NECTARIN1ID2E. 882. JEthopyga seherise. The Himalayan Yellow-backed Sun-bird. Nectarinia seherise, Tickell, J. A. S. B. ii, p. 577 (1833). Cinnyris miles, Hodgs. Ind. Rev. ii, p. 273 (1837). Certhia goalpariensis, Royle, III. Him. Bot. p. Ixxvii, pi. 7 (1839). Nectarinia goalpariensis (Royle), Blyth, Cat. p. 223. ^thopyga miles (Hodas.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 732 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 362 ; Ball, S.F. ii, p. 396 ; Hume, S. F. v, p. 122. ^Ethopyga goalpariensis (Lath.), Hume, N. fy E. p. 146. ^Ethopyga seherise (Tick.), Shelley, Man. Aect. pp. xxi, xxiii, 67, pi. 22 ; Hume, Cat. no. 225 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 18 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 80 ; Oates in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 249. The Himalayan Red Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Forehead and greater part of the crown metallic green; hinder part of crown and nape brownish green; back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts, sides of head and neck, chin, throat, and breast crimson ; rump bright yellow ; upper tail- coverts and middle pair of tail-feathers metallic green ; the other tail-feathers brown, suffused with violet and edged with metallic green ; greater coverts of wing and quills dark brown, margined with olive-yellow; a long narrow moustachial streak metallic violet ; abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts slaty greenish yellow ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellowish white. Female. General colour green, the centres of the feathers of the crown dark ashy, the back, upper tail-coverts, and the margins of the wing-feathers suffused with yellow and with a russet tinge ; under wing-coverts, axillaries, and sides of the body clear pale yellow ; chin, throat, and sides of head suffused with ashy ; middle tail-feathers greenish, the laterals blackish tipped broadly with white. Legs and feet dark brown ; upper mandible dark brown ; lower mandible dark horny brownish yellow ; iris dark brown (Hume). Male : length about 6 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 2-2 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape -8. Female: length about 5 ; tail T8 ; wing 2. In the male the middle tail-feathers project one inch beyond the tips of the next pair ; in the female the middle tail-feathers are *75 longer than the outermost feathers. Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to Dibrugarh in Assam up to 7000 feet in summer ; Cachar ; Sylhet ; the Khasi hills ; Manipur. This species is also found in the plains, having been recorded from Seheria in Borabhoom by Tickell and an ^Eiho- pyga was seen in Singbhoom by Ball. It is commonly found along the base of the Himalayas at all seasons, and it is probably resident in all parts of its range, except the higher portions of the Himalayas. Habits, Sfc. Breeds from April to August, constructing a pear- shaped nest suspended from the end of a twig not far from the ground. The materials of which the nest is made are grass and £THOPYGA. 349 rootlets externally and line steins of flowering grasses internally. The eggs, two or three in number, are white speckled with greyish purple, and measure about -59 by -46. 883. TEthopyga andersoni, n. sp. Anderson's Yellow-backed Sun-bird. xEthopyga miles (Hodys.), apud Anderson, Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 061. -Ethopyga cara, Hume, apud Salvadori, Ann. Mus.Cic. Gen. (2) iv, p. 593. Coloration. Male. Differs from JE. seherice in having the fore- head, crown, and the visible portions of the closed tail metallic lilac, not green, and the tail measuring 2-4 inches. Female. Unknown. Distribution. There are three specimens of this species in the British Museum — two obtained by Dr. Anderson at JSawaddy east of Bhiimo in January, and one obtained by my own collector at Bhumo in November. All three are adult males and agree with each other in the particulars pointed out above. 884. JEthopyga cara, The Tenasserim Yellow-backed Sun-bird. ^Ethopyga miles (Hodgs.), apud Wald. P. Z. S. 1866, p. 541 j Seavan, Ibis, 1869, p. 419. ./Ethopyga cara, Hume, S. F. ii, p. 473, note (1874) ; HutneSf Davi- son, tf. /*'. vi, p. 179; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxi, xxiii, 63, pi. 21 ; Hume, Cat. no. 225 ter ; Bingham, S. F. ix, p. 170; Oates, B. B. i, p. 316 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 19 ; Salvador}, Ann. Mus. Civ. G<>.n. (2) v, p. 690, vii, p. 68. Coloration. Male. Differs from the males of JE. seherice and . 44 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 15(> ; tihcl/ci/, Mon. Ncct. pp. xx, 45, pi. 15 ; Hume, Cat. no. 228; Gadoiv, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 25. The Fire-tailed JKcd Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead and crown metallic blue ; sides of the crown, nape, hind neck, sides of the neck, back, scapulars, upper 352 tail-coverts, and middle pair of tail-feathers crimson ; remainder of tail brown, margined with crimson or rufous exteriorly ; rump yellow ; wings brown, each feather edged with olive-yellow ; sca- pulars greenish ; chin and throat purple, changing to steel-blue at the sides ; lores and ear-coverts dull black ; breast yellow suffused in the middle with crimson ; remainder of lower plumage dull greenish yellow. Female. General colour green, the crown-feathers with concealed dark centres, the rump and upper tail-coverts margined with greenish yellow ; wings dark brown margined with yellowish ; middle tail-feathers yellowish brown, the others blackish on the inner web and green on the outer, and obsoletely tipped pale ; throat and breast tinged with ashy; middle of abdomen rather bright yellow. Bill and legs black; iris dark brown (Hume Coll.) Male : length about 8 ; tail 5 ; wing 2-3 ; tarsus '65 ; bill from gape "85 ; the middle pair of tail-feathers are 2'7 longer than the next pair. Female: length about 5; tail 1*6; wing 2*2; the outermost tail-feathers fall short of tip of tail by *5. Distribution. Nepal ; Sikhim ; Bhutan ; the Khasi hills ; the Naga hills ; Manipnr. Hume records this species from Kurnauu and Garhwal and also from Sylhet and Cachar ; but I have seen no specimens from these localities. Blanford observed this bird in Sikhim at 11,000 feet. 888. .ffithopyga gouldiae. Mrs. Gould's Yellow-backed Sun-bird. Cinnyrisgouldise, Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831, p. 44 ; Gould, Cent. pi. 56. Nectarinia gouldiae ( Vigors), Blyth, Cat. p. 223. ^Ethopyga gouldiee ( Vigors), Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 733 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 364 ; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. 'xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 23 ; Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 35 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 156 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. Tpip. xx, xxii, 41, pi. 14; Hume, Cat. no. 227; Oates, B. B. i, p. 315 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 27 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 81. The Purple-taUed Red Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, chin, throat, and the posterior part of the ear-coverts coppery red or burnished purple according to the light ; lores blackish ; a line of feathers over the lores, cheeks, sides of the head and neck, lesser wing-coverts, back, and scapulars crimson ; rump yellow ; upper tail-coverts rich purple or violet ; basal three quarters of the median tail-feathers bright purple, ter- minal quarter brown ; the other rectrices brown, tinged with purple on the outer web and tipped with whitish ; greater coverts and quills dark brown, edged with yellowish brown ; lower plumage bright yellow ; the breast more or less streaked with crimson ; the sides of the breast crimson, with a patch of bright purple below the ear-coverts ; under wing-coverts and axillaries whitish. Female. Upper plumage light green, the feathers of the crown with brown centres ; rump sulphur-yellow ; tail brown edged with IT! I "I- VGA. 353 olive-green, the lateral feathers broadly tipped with whitish ; quills brown edged with green ; the whole lower plumage yellowish green. Bill blackish brown ; iris reddish chocolate-brown ; tarsus deep brown ; toes a little paler (Hume). Male: length about 6; tail 3; wing 2-1 ; tarsus *55 ; bill from gape -7. Female : tail 1-4 ; wing 2 ; bill from gape -65. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej valley to Sikhim, up to 10,000 feet ; the Khasi hills ; the JNaga hills ; Manipur ; Arrakan. This last locality I give on the authority of Blyth. Hume gives this species from Hill Tipperah and Chittagong, but there are no specimens in his collection from these localities. 889. JEthopyga dabryi. Dairy's Yellow-backed Sun-bird. Nectarinia dabryii, J. Verr. Rev. et Mag. Zool 1807, p. 173. pi. 15. ^thopyga debrii (J. Verr.), Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 35. ^Ethopyga dabryi (J. Verr.), Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xx, xxi, 39, pi. 13 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 662 ; Hume fy Dav. S. _F. vi, p. 180 ; Hume, Cat. no. 227 bis ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 28 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 314 ; Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) vii, p. 395. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, chin, throat, and upper part of ear-coverts metallic purple or lilac according to the light ; the nape, sides of the crown, feathers round the eye, sides of the neck, back, scapulars, and lesser and median wing-coverts deep crimson ; rump bright yellow ; upper tail-coverts and broad margins to basal two thirds of the middle tail-feathers metallic purple ; remainder of the tail black, the outer three pairs of feathers tipped with dull white ; greater coverts and quills brown, edged with yellowish green ; breast scarlet, with a patch of metallic purple on either side ; abdo- men, vent, sides of the body, and under tail-coverts yellow, tinged with dusky ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow. Female. Upper plumage olive-green ; the feathers of the crown with dark brown centres ; rump pale yellow ; tail brown, edged narrowly with olive-green and the three outer pairs of feathers tipped with dull whitish ; quills brown, edged with dull greenish yellow ; the whole lower plumage dull pale green. Legs and feet dark horny brown ; bill dusky black ; irides deep brown (Davison). Iris, bill, and legs brown (Wardlaw Ramsay). Male : length 5*7 ; tail 2'6 ; wing 2-2 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape *7. Female : length 3'5 ; tail 1/3 ; wing 1'75. Distribution. The higher portions of Muleyit mountain in Ten- asserim ; the Karen hills east of Toungngoo ; Kareunee ; the hills east of Bhamo, extending into South-western China. Hume is certain that he observed this species in Manipur, but he failed to obtain a specimen. This Sun-bird appears to be a hill-species and to be found only above 4000 feet. VOL. II. 1' A 354 KECTAErNIIDJE. 890. JEthopyga saturata. The Black-breasted Yellow-backed Sun-bird. Cinnyris saturatus, Hodgs. Ind. Rev. ii, p. 273 (1837). Nectarinia saturata (Hodg8.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 224. ^Etkopyga saturata (Hodgs. \Horsf. 8f M. Cat.u,?. 735 5 Jerd. B. I. i, p. 367 ; Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 36 ; Godiv.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xxxix, pt. ii, p. 98 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 147 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 70 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xx, xxi, 35, pi. 11 ; Hume, Cat. no. 231 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 15 : Hume, S. F. xi, p. 82 : Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 250, The Black-breasted Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck metallic steel-blue ; back dark red ; lesser wing-coverts, scapulars, and lower back dull deep black ; the black of the lower back succeeded by a yellow band ; rump and upper tail-coverts metallic steel-blue ; tail dull black except the basal two-thirds of the middle pair of feathers, which are metallic steel-blue ; median, greater, primary - coverts, and winglet dark brown edged with black ; quills brown, edged narrowly with olivaceous ; lores and sides of the head black ; sides of neck dull red ; chin, throat, breast, and upper abdomen deep black ; a broad moustachial streak metallic steel-blue ; re- mainder of lower plumage pale greenish ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellowish white. Female. General colour light green; a broad band of light yellow across the rump ; the wings and tail margined with olive- green ; the under wing-coverts and axillaries clear pale yellow ; the three or four outer pairs of tail-feathers blackish, broadly tipped with dull white. Bill black ; legs brown ; iris brown (Jerdon). Length of .male nearly 6 ; tail 3 ; wing 2-15 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape '8 ; the female has the tail 1*6 and the wing 1*9. Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to the extreme east of Assam ; the Khasi hills ; Manipur. This species appears to be found up to 5000 feet. Habits, $c. The nest of this bird appears, from Hodgson's de- scription,-to resemble that of ^E. seherice. The breeding-season commences in April. The eggs are described as being white marked with brown and measuring about '6 by '43. 891. .ZEthopyga sanguinipectus. Walderis Yellow -backed Sun- bird. ^Ethopyga sanguinipectus, Wald. A. M. N. H. (4) xv, p. 400 (1875) ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 402 ; Wald. in Blyth' s Birds Burin, p. 142 ; Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 182 ; Hume, Cat. no. 231 bis ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xx, xxi, 37, pi. 12 ; Oates, B. B. \, p. 313 ; Gadow, l at. B. M. ix, p. 27; Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen. (2) v, p. 590, vii, p. 395. ^Ethopyga waldeni, Hume, S. F. v, p. 51 (1877). JETHOPYGA. 355 Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, and hind neck purplish steel-blue ; sides of the head dull black ; sides of the neck, back, and the shorter scapulars red ; lesser wing-coverts, the longer scapulars, and a band on the back below and next to the red deep black ; next this black band another yellow one ; remainder of the rump, upper tail-coverts, and the basal three quarters of the middle tail-feathers steel-blue ; remainder of the tail, the median and greater wing- coverts, and the quills blackish brown ; lateral tail-feathers tipped with white ; chin black ; throat purplish steel-blue ; upper breast black, the lateral feathers tipped with red ; remainder of the lower plumage dull green, the breast streaked with crimson; under wing- coverts and axillaries yellowish white. Female. Upper plumage dull green tinged with ashy, and the feathers of the crown with dark centres : rump pale yellow ; lower plumage ashy green, becoming paler on the abdomen ; tail blackish, all the lateral feathers with pale tips ; under wing-coverts and axillaries whitish. Bill black ; iris and legs dark brown ( Wardlaw Ramsay}. Male : length 5-5 to 6 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus *55 ; bill from gape -8. Female : length about 4 ; tail 1*1 ; wing 1*8. Distribution. The Karen hills east of Toungngoo ; Karennee ; Mulevit mountain in Tenasserim. This species is found at eleva- tions above 2000 feet. 892. JEthopyga nepalensis. The Nepal Yellow-backed Sun-bird. Chmyris nipalensis, Hodgs. Ind. Rev. ii, p. 273 (1837). Nectarinia nipalensis (Hodgs.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 224. JEthopyga nipalensis (Hodgs.}, Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 735 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 366 ; Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 35 ; Hume, N. $ E. p. 147 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 70 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xx, xxi, 29, pi. 10 ; Hume, Cat. no. 229 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 26 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 82 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 251. The Maroon-backed Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck, sides of the crown, chin, and throat metallic green ; sides of the head black ; sides of the neck and back deep red ; scapulars, lower back, and the margins of all the wing-feathers olive-yellow ; rump bright yellow ; upper tail-coverts and the basal three quarters of the middle pair of tail-feathers metallic green ; remainder of tail black, all the feathers with broad pale tips except the two middle pairs ; lower part of throat pure yellow ; breast and upper abdomen yellow suffused with red and streaked with crimson ; remainder of lower plumage dull greenish yellow; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. Quite undistinguishable from the female of ^E. seherice. Bill nnd legs black ; iris brown (Coclclnirn*). 2A2 356 Male : length about 6 ; tail 2-7 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus -6 ; bill from gape -9. Female : tail 1*7 ; wing 2. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to the Daphla hills in Assam ; the Khasi hills ; Manipur. This species ranges up to 6000 feet. - The limits of this Sun-bird on the west are difficult to define ; they may extend to the extreme west of Nepal, but JE. horsfieldi also occurs in this State. Habits, Sfc. Judging from Hodgson's account of the nidification of this Sun-bird, the nest and eggs do not differ in any material respect from those of jffi. seTierice. The eggs, however, appear to be less densely marked and measure about '68 by '43. Jerdon remarks that a nest of this species which he found at Darjiling had a projecting roof over the entrance. No other species of this genus, so far as is known, constructs its nest in this manner. 893. JEthopyga horsfieldi. Horsf eld's Yellow-lacked Sun-bird. Cinnyris horsfieldi, Blyfh, J. A. 8. B. xi, p. 107 (1842). Nectarinia horsfieldi (Blytfy, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 975 ; id. Cat. p. 224. ^Ethopyga horsfieldi (BlytJi), Jerd. B. I. \, p. 366 ; Walden, Ibis, 1870, p. 36 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xx, 33, pi. 10 ; Hume, Cat. no. 230. ^thopyga nipalensis (Hodgs.*), Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 26 (part.). The Green-backed Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. The male differs from the male of JE. nepalensis in having the back and sides of the neck olive-yellow instead of deep red, there being merely traces of red along the margin of the metallic green of the hind neck ; in Laving the yellow of the breast and upper abdomen almost pure, there being hardly a trace of red, and in having the streaks of crimson on the breast few and indistinct ; and lastly in having a much shorter bill, measuring only '8 from gape to tip. The females of the two species are undistinguishable from each other in colour. The bill of the present species, however, is pro- bably shorter, judging from the length of bill of the males of the two species. The only female <3$. horsfieldi that I have been able to examine is without a bill. Distribution. Garhwal, Kumaun, and Nepal, but probably only the extreme western portion of the latter State. This species descends to the Dehra Dun, and probably is found up to 6000 feet, as is the case with JE. nepalensis. ARACHNECHTHBA. 35? Genus ARACHNECHTHRA, Cabanis, 1850. I retain the genus Arachnechthra for those Indian Sim-birds in which the tail in both sexes is short and rounded, the covering-mem- brane of the nostril bare, and the bill slender and much curved downwards. The type of the genus Cinnyris, in which genus these Sun-birds have latterly been placed, is C. splendida from Africa, and this species has the upper tail-coverts very ample, reaching quite to the tip of the tail. I cannot therefore consider the Indian species, which I retain in Araclmeclitlira, at all congeneric with this African bird. In the genus Arachneclitlira the sexes are very different in colora- tion, the males being clothed in metallic colours and the females being greenish above and yellow beneath. The females of the different species resemble each other very closely and are difficult to separate, except in the case of a few. Key to the Species. a. Chin and throat dark-coloured and metallic. a'. Lower plumage, below the breast, dark-coloured. a". Upper plumage uniformly of one colour. a'". Abdomen snuff-brown .... A. lotenia tf, p. 358. V". Abdomen violet-black .... A. asiatica cJ,p.360, b". Upper plumage green, black, and blue .? A. hasselti rf, p. 360. b' . Lower plumage, below the breast, yellow. c". Back olive-yellow. c'". Forehead and anterior part of crown violet-blue A. pectoralis <$ , p. 361. d'". Forehead and anterior part of crown like back, a*. Pectoral tufts yellow and flame-colour ; bill from gape -8 A. flammcwillaris $ , p. 362. b1. Pectoral tufts entirely yel- low ; bill from gape more than -9 A. andamanica 3 , p. 363. d". Back crimson. e'". Upper tail-coverts metallic red A . minima J , p. 363. f". Upper tail-coverts metallic purple A. zeylonica $ , p. 364. b. Chin and throat palo-coloured and non- metallic. c'. Entire lower plumage yellow. e". Rump and upper tail-coverts of the same colour as the back. 358 g"'. Bill from gape quite 1 inch or more .................. A. lotenia $ , p. 358. h'". Bill from gape well under 1 inch. c1. Lower plumage rich yellow. A. pectoralis $ , p. 361. d*. Lower plumage pale yellow. d\ Bill at gape '65 ........ A. hasselti £ , p. 360. 6s. Bill at gape '8. «6. Lateral tail-feathers very narrowly tipped. A. asiatica £ , p. 359. b6. Lateral tail-feathers very broadly tipped .. A. flammaxillaris $,p. 362. c5. Bill at gape '9 ........ A. andamanica $ , p. 363. f". Kump aud upper tail-coverts red .... .................. A. minima $ , p. 363, d'. Chin aud throat ashy white; re- maining lower parts bright yel- low ........................ A. zeylonica $ , p. 364. 894. Arachnechthra lotenia. Loten's Sun-bird. Certhia lotenia, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 188 (1766). Nectarinia lotenia (L.), Blyth. Cat. p. 224. Arachnechthra lotenia (L.)t Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 743 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 372 ; Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 23 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 563 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 251. Cinnyris lotenius (L.\ Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxviii, xxxvi, 177, pi. 56 ; Hume, Cat. no. 235 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 60 ; Vidal, 8. F. ix, p. 57 ; Butler, S. F. ix, p. 390 ; Damson, S. F. x, p. 362 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 137. The Large Purple Honey-sucker, Jerd. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage metallic green glossed with lilac, the upper tail-coverts metallic blue ; lesser and median wing-coverts lilac ; greater coverts and wings brown ; tail blue ; sides of the head and neck green glossed with lilac ; cheeks, chin, and upper throat metallic green ; breast rich metallic violet changing to green at the sides ; a band of maroon below the breast ; pectoral tufts rich yellow with a small intermixture of crimson ; remainder of lower plumage snuff-brown. Female. Whole upper plumage, wings, sides of the head, and neck greenish brown ; entire lower plumage very dull yellow ; tail blackish, the lateral feathers broadly tipped with whitish. Bill, legs, feet, and claws black ; iris deep brown (Davison). Length about 5*5 ; tail 1*6 ; wing 2'3 ; tarsus *6 ; bill from gape 1*2. The female is considerably smaller, the tail being about 1*3, the wing 2, and the bill from gape 1. Distribution. Ceylon and Southern India. On the west this species extends north as far as Eatnagiri, but on the east its limits are undetermined. Davison found this bird at 5000 feet in the Wynaad. Habits, fyc. A nest found by Mr. E. H. Aitken in November was similar to the nest of A. zeulonica, and contained a young bird ARACHNECHTHRA. 359 and an egg. The latter is described as being dirty brownish white covered with dull brown marks. 895. Arachnechthra asiatica. The Purple Sun-bird. Certhia asiatica, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 288 (1790). Nectarinia asiatica (Lath.), Blyth, Cat. pp. 224, 328. Arachnechthra asiatica (Lath.), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 743 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 370 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 151 ; Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 20; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 190 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 252. Arachuechthra intermedia, Hume, Ibis, 1870, p. 430 ; id. N. $ E. p. 154. Nectarinia (Arachnechthra) brevirostris, Blanford, Ibis, 1873, p. 86. Arachnechthra edeni, Anderson, Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 661, pi. xlix (1878). Cinnyris asiaticus (Lath.), Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxviii, xxxvi, 181, pi. 57 ; Hume, Cat. no. 234 ; Legye, Birds Ceyl. p. 566; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 56 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 259 ; Gates, B. B. \, p. 321 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 137. The Purple Honey-sucker, Jerd. ; Shaken- khora, Hind. ; Jugi jugi, Bhagalpur ; Than kudi, Tana ; Gewdl kurulla, Cing. Fig. 99.— Head of A. asiatica. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, sides of the head and neck, and the lesser and median wing-coverts metallic violet- blue or greenish ; greater coverts and all the quills brown, edged paler ; tail bluish black ; chin, throat, and fore neck metallic violet ; breast like the sides of the neck ; a narrow band below the breast coppery brown, of varying extent, sometimes absent ; the large pectoral tufts mixed orange-red and bright yellow ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts violet-blacL Female. Upper plumage, wings, and sides of the head and neck greenish brown ; lower plumage rather bright yellow ; tail dark brown or blackish, the laterals narrowly tipped with white. Young males have generally a broad stripe from the chin to the abdomen dark metallic violet ; the remainder of the lower plumage yellow. Bill black ; iris hazel-brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs black ; claws dark horn. Length 4-5 ; tail 1-5 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus -6 ; bill from gape '8. Birds from Burma are remarkable for the rich tone of their coloration, the prevailing tint being rich violet. In India, especi- ally in the dry north-western portions, the prevailing tint is rather green. Intermediate birds are also found ; and this variation of colour, coupled with a bill which also varies remarkably in length 860 NECTA.RINIIDJ3. has caused this bird to be subdivided into several races, none of which, however, appears worthy to be upheld. Distribution. The whole peninsula of India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas, where this species is found up to 5000 feet, and from Sind and the Punjab to the extreme east of Assam, thence extending south through Burma to Central Teuasserim and the Thoungyeen valley. The furthest point south in Tenasserim where this bird has been observed on the sea-board is Tay. This Sun-bird also occurs in Ceylon. Outside Indian limits, this species is found on the west as far as Persia, and on the east it extends to Cochin China. Habits, fyc. Breeds almost the whole year round, having two or more broods. The nest is a pear-shaped structure suspended from a low branch and composed principally of grass, with which, however, are combined various other materials. The outside is invariably ornamented with cobwebs to which are attached pieces of bark, dead leaves, and excreta of caterpillars. The entrance, at the side, is overhung by a small porch in most instances. The eggs, two or three in number, are dull white, marked with various shades of brown and measure about '64 by '46. 896. Arachnechthra hasselti. Van Jfasselt's Sun-bird. Certhia brasiliana, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 474 (1788). Nectarinia hasseltii, Temm. PI. Chi. pi. 376, fig. 3 (1825) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 226. Nectarinia phayrei, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 1008 (1843). Leptocoma hasseltii (Temm.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 740; Godw.- Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, p. 156. Leptocoma brasiliana (Gm.), Wold. P. Z. S. 1866. p. 543; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 184. Nectarophila brasiliana (Gm.), Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 41. Cinnyris hasselti (Temm.), Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxvii, xxxi, 127, pi. 42 ; Oates, S. F. x, p. 197 ; id. B. B. i. p. 318 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 67. Cinnyris brasiliana (Gm.), Hume, Cat. no. 233 bis. Arac'hnechthra hasselti (Temm.\ Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii. p. 258. Coloration. Male. Forehead and crown shining golden green ; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, the neck above and at the sides, the upper back, tertiaries, and all the wing-coverts except those near the edge of the wing deep black ; the wing-coverts near the edge of the wing, scapulars, lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts brilliant pur- plish blue ; primaries and secondaries brownish black ; under wing- coverts deep black; throat and fore neck brilliant amethystine- purple ; breast and upper abdomen rich red ; lower abdomen, sides of the body, vent, and under tail-coverts dull greyish black ; tail brilliant purplish black. Female. Upper plumage olive-green, the feathers of the crown dark-centred ; wings brown, the coverts edged with greenish, the A.RACHNECHTHRA.. 361 quills with pale rufous ; tail blackish, the margins greenish and the lateral feathers tipped pale; entire lower plumage, under wing- coverts, and axillaries pale yellow. Bill dark brown ; the gape and mouth cinnamon-red ; iris dark hazel ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs black ; claws brown. Length 4; tail 1*2; wing 1-95; tarsus -45 ; bill from gape *65. Distribution. This species is spread over the whole of Arrakan, Pegu, and Tenasserim, but appears to be nowhere very common, except in the southern portion of the latter division. Godwin- Austen obtained this Sun-bird in Tipperah, whence Hume also records it as well as from Chittagong. It extends down the M alay peninsula to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. The nest has not yet been found within Indian limits. //<(bits, . Cyrtostomus pectoralis (H orsf.), Horsf. <§• M. Cat. ii, p. 739 : Hume, N. 8f E. p. 155. Arachnechthra pectoralis (Horsf.), Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 25; Sail, S. F. i, p. 64 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 196 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 259. Cinnyris pectoralis (Horsf.'), Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxvii, xxxvi, 87, 10-1, pi. 53 ; Gadoiv, Cat. B. M. ix,p. 88 ; Hume, Cat. no. 234 bis. Coloration. Male. Forehead, anterior part of crown, and cheeks violet-blue ; lores black ; upper plumage, sides of head and neck olive-yellow; wings brown, each feather margined with olive-yellow; tail blackish, the lateral feathers broadly tipped with whitish ; chin and throat metallic violet, bordered by a band of metallic blue, which gets broader on the upper breast and is narrowly margined with maroon ; lower plumage bright yellow ; pectoral tufts deep yellow tinged with red ; under wing-coverts very pale yellow. Female. Upper plumage olive-yellow, as also the sides of the head and neck; entire lower plumage deep yellow; wings brown, cai-h feather edged with olive-yellow; tail blackish, the lateral feathers broadly tipped with white. Legs, feet, and bill black ; iris brown (Hume). Length about 4*5; tail 1*4; wing 2*1 ; tarsus '55; bill from gape *7 to *9. There are two distinct races of this bird in the Nicobar Islands. 362 Those found in Car Nicobar, Bompoka, Trinkut, Camorta, and Kat- chal have the culmen short as in birds from the Malay peninsula and islands ; those found in Oondul have the bill extremely long, the culmen measuring about -85. These two races differ, however, in no other respect and I do not propose to separate them. Distribution. The Nicobar Islands as above, extending to the Malay peninsula and all the adjacent islands. Habits, fyc. Yery partial to the flowers of the cocoanut-palm. Breeds in the Nioobara in January and February, constructing a nest similar to that of A. asiatica, but larger and coarser. An egg measured *61 by '45 and was greyish brown speckled with darker brown, some of the spots being surrounded by a purplish tinge. 898. Arachnechthra flammaxillaris. The Burmese Fellow-breasted Sun-bird. Nectarinia flammaxillaris, Blyth, J. A, S. B. xiv, p. 557 (1845) ; id. Cat. p. 226. Cyrtostomus flammaxillaris (Bl,), Horsf. fy M. Cat. \\, p. 739. Arachnechthra flammaxillaris (BL), Wald. Ibis, 1870, p. 24 ; Hume, N. 8f JE. p. 154 ; Hume Sf Dav. S. F. vi, p. 192 ; Oates in Hume's N. # E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 260. Cinnyris flammaxillaris (BL}, Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xxvii, xxxv, 161, pi. 51 ; Hume, Cat. no. 234 ter ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 83 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 320. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, sides of the head, back, scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts olive-yellow ; tail black, the middle feathers narrowly tipped with white, the others progressively with larger white tips ; chin, throat, and breast rich metallic purple, bordered by rich steel-blue; below the breast a band of orange-red, and another, broader, below the orange band black ; axillaries flame-red ; abdomen, sides of the body, vent, and under tail-coverts yellow ; wings and coverts brown, edged with greenish brown ; under wing-coverts yellowish white ; edge of the wing bright yellow. Female. Upper plumage, wings, and tail like the male, but the lower plumage entirely yellow. Iris light brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs and claws deep bluish black; mouth light salmon-colour; bill blackish. In the breeding-season the mouth becomes livid. Length 4*5 ; tail 1*4 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus '55 ; bill from gape '8. Distribution. The greater part of Pegu and the whole of Tenasserim. Blyth also records this species from Arrakan. It extends into Siam, Cochin China, and the Malay peninsula. Habits, $c. Breeds from February to August, constructing a nest similar to that of A. asiatica, with a porch over the entrance, and laying two eggs which are greenish white, marked with greyish ash, and measure about *6 by '45. ARACHtfECHTHRA. 363 899. Arachnechthra andamanica. The Andaman $nu.-hi,'\ .S'. 7-'. vi, p. 188 ; Hume, Cat. no. 233quat. ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 324. Anthothreptes simplex (S. MiilL), Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 114. Coloration. Male. A large patch on the forehead metallic green ; the whole upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-yellow ; tail a deeper tint of the same ; quills brown, edged with olive-yellow ; sides of the head ashy green ; cheeks, chin, throat, and fore neck greenish ashy ; remainder of lower plumage dull oily yellow ; under wing-coverts whitish. Female. Differs only in wanting the metallic patch on the fore- head. 368 Legs and feet pale dirty green ; the bill dark horny brown; irides wood-brown (Davison). Length 4-5 ; tail 2-1 ; wing 2-4; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape '7. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Distribution. The southern part of Tenasserim from Mergui southwards, extending down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. Subfamily ARACHNOTHERIN^E. The Sun-birds of this subfamily are characterized by a somewhat massive body, a long and strong bill, and non-metallic plumage. The sexes are either quite alike or very nearly so. The tail of all the members of this subfamily is short and rounded. There is only one genus, containing five Indian species, represented within Indian limits. Genus ARACHNOTHEKA, Temrn., 1826. In the genus Arachnofhera the bill is extremely long, about twice the length of the head or longer, much curved, stout at base, and with the culmen ridged between the nostrils. In four out of the five Indian species of this genus the sexes are alike, and in the fifth they resemble each other very closely. The plumage of all is more or less green. The Sun-birds of this genus are generally found in dense ever- green forests or in thick plantain-gardens in retired spots. They affect the flowers of plantain-trees (Musa) more than those of any other tree and their nests appear to be frequently attached to the leaves of these. Key to the Species. a. No yellow on side of head, a'. Upper plumage streaked. a". Back and rump distinctly streaked ; wing 3'7 in males A. magna, p. 369. b" . Back and rump indistinctly streaked ; wing- 3*4 in males A. aurita, p. 370. )er plumage unstreaked. )wer plumage uniform ashy green, obsoletely streaked A. modesta, p. 370, d". Lower plumage yellow ; chin and throat dull white .4. longirostris, p. 371. b. Portion of side of head yellow A. chn/sogenys, p. 371. AllACHNOTHERA. 006. Arachnothera magna. Ike Larger StreaJced Spider-hunt, r. Cinnyris magna, Hodt/s. Ind. Hev. 1837, p. 272. Arachnothera magna (Hodgs.), Blyth, Cat. p. 221 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. n, p. 727; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 360; Stoliczka, J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. 11, p. 23 ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 85 ; Gammie, S. F. v, p. 385 ; Shelley, Man. Nect. pp. xlix, 347, pi. 112; Hume % Dav. S. F. vi, p. 173 ; Hume, Cat. no. 223 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 327 ; Bingham, S. F. ix, p. 169 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 105 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 79 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. li, p. 268. The Large Spider-hunter, Jerd. ; Dom-siriok-pho, Lepch. ; Yedonq- pichany, IJhut. Fig. 101.— Head of A. magna. Coloration. Forehead and crown olive-yellow, each feather with a large black patch in the centre ; lesser and median wing-coverts the same; remainder of the upper plumage olive-yellow, with distinct broad black shaft-stripes ; greater wing-coverts and ter- tiaries olive-yellow with black shafts ; primaries and secondaries dark brown, margined with olive-yellow; tail olive-yellow, each feather with a band of black near the end, followed on all but the median pair by a lighter patch of pale yellowish ; sides of the head like the back, but paler ; the entire under plumage pale yellowish, each feather with a broad streak of black. Bill black : iris brown ; legs orange-yellow ; claws yellow. Length 7 ; tail 2 ; wing 3'7 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape 1-8. Distribution. The Himalayas, from Bilaspur in the Sutlej valley (according to Stoliczka, I. c.) to the extreme east of Assam ; the valley of Assam ; the Khasi hills ; Manipur ; Arrakan ; Tenasserim as far south as Tavoy and the Thoungyeen valley. This species is probably spread over the whole of Burma, but I failed to meet with it in any part of Pegu west of the Sittoung river. It occurs up to 5000 feet. Habits, <$fc. Breeds from May to August, constructing an open cup-shaped nest of vegetable fibres felted together and minted with dead leaves, and lined with grass. The nest is attached by half its rim to a plantain-leaf, to which it is sewn by very numerous threads. The eggs, usually three in number, are brown speckled with purple, and measure about -95 by -7. YOL. II. 2 B 370 KECTAKINIIDJE. 907. Aradmothera aurata. The Smaller Streaked Spider-hunter. Arachnothera aurata, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xxiv, p. 478 (1855) ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 85 j Blyth $ Walden, Birds Burm. p. 140 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xlix, 351 , pi. 112 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 174 ; Hume, Cat. no. 223 bis j Gadmo, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 105 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 328 ; Salvadori, Ann. Mm. Civ. Gen. (2) vii, p. 395. Coloration. Resembles A. magna very closely. Differs in being smaller and in having the striations on both the upper and lower plumage much narrower and almost or quite absent on the lower back. Bill black, the margins of the lower mandible yellow ; mouth yellow ; iris brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs orange-yellow ; claws yellow. Length about 6-5 ; tail 1-8 ; wing 3 to 3-4 ; tarsus -8 ; bill from gape 1*6. Distribution. Confined to Pegu. This species is found through- out the Pegu hills and it has also been procured both at Thayetmyo and Toungngoo. It is also recorded from the Karen hills east of the latter town. The late Captain Beavan is said to have procured this bird at Kyodan on the Salween river. 908. Arachnothera modesta. The Grey-breasted Spider-hunter. Anthreptes modesta, Eyton, P. Z. S. 1839, p. 105. Arachnothera modesta (Eyton}, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 85 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 176 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xlix, 1, 353, pi. 113 ; Hume, Cat. no. 224 bis ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 107 ; Oates, B. B. i. p. 329. Coloration. The whole upper plumage and wing-coverts bright yellowish green, the feathers of the head dark-centred ; quills dark brown, broadly edged with the colour of the back, the tertiaries almost wholly of this colour ; sides of the neck and the upper part of the ear-coverts olive-green ; cheeks, the lower portion of the ear- coverts, chin, throat, and fore neck ashy green, obscurely streaked with brown ; remainder of the lower plumage ashy green, paler on the abdomen, and the under tail-coverts tipped yellowish white ; median tail-feathers yellowish green, broadly tipped with black ; the others blackish, the basal two thirds of the outer webs yellowish green, and each of the feathers with a spot of white near the tip on the inner web; edge of the wing bright yellow: under wing- coverts and axillaries pale yellow. Legs and feet reddish ochre to pale reddish brown ; the upper mandible black, the lower reddish horny to pale reddish brown ; irides brown (Davison). Length 7 ; tail 2-2 ; wing 3-5 ; tarsus -75 ; bill from gape 1-5. Distribution. Tenasserim from the base of Muleyit mountain to Malawiin, extending to Cochin China, the Malay peninsula and the islands. ARACHNOTITEBA. 371 909. Arachnothera longirostris. TJie Little S^H^y-A »/,/,/-. Certhia longirostra, Lath. Ind. Orn. i, p. 299 (1790). Arachnothera affinis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xv, p. 43 (1846) ; id. Cat. p. 222. Arachnothera pusilla, Blyth, Cat. p. 328 (1849) ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 730 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 361 j Hume, S. F. iii, p. 85. Arachnothera longirostra (Lath.}, Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xlix, 1, 357, pi. 114; Fairbank, S. F. v, p. 397; Hume % Dav. S. F. vi, p. 174 ; Hume, Cat. no. 224 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 103 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 330 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 135 ; Hume, 8. F. xi, p. 80. Coloration. Male. Upper plumage olive-green, the feathers of the forehead and crown centred with dark brown ; lesser wing- coverts like the back ; greater coverts and the wings brown, edged with olive-green; tail blackish, tipped with dull white and obsoletely margined with olive-green ; lores whitish ; sides of the head ashy brown ; a short moustachial streak dark brown ; chin and throat dull white ; remainder of lower plumage deep yellow ; a tuft of feathers on each side the breast chrome-yellow. Female. Differs in wanting the pectoral chrome-yellow tufts. Bill above brown, below plumbeous ; iris dark brown ; legs plumbeous ; claws horn-colour. Length 6-3; tail 1*6 ; wing 2'6 ; tarsus *65 ; bill from gape 1*5. Distribution. The Western Grhats of India from the Palni hills to about the latitude of Belgauru, up to about 5500 feet ; the extreme eastern part of Assam ; Cachar ; Tipperah ; Sylhet ; Manipur; Chittagong; Arrakan; Pegu and the whole of Tenas- serim, extending down the Malay peninsula to the islands. Habits, 6fc. The nest of this species has not yet been found within Indian limits, but Bernstein, who procured it elsewhere, describes it as being oval and attached to the underside of a large leaf which forms the back wall of the nest. 910. Arachnothera chrysogenys. The Yellow-eared Spider- hunter. Nectarinia chrysogenys, Temm. PI Col. pi. 388, fig. i (1826). Arachnothera chrysogenys (Temm.), Blyth, Cat. pp. 222, 327 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 729; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 85; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 177 ; Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xlix, Ii, 365, pi. 117 ; Hume, Cat. no. 224 ter ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 331 ; Gadow, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 108. Coloration. Upper plumage dull olive-green, the feathers of the head dark-centred ; coverts and quills dark brown, broadly edged with the colour of the back ; tail olive-green ; feathers on the edge of the upper eyelid and a bunch of feathers springing from near the angle of the gape bright yellow ; ear-coverts and sides of neck like the back ; cheeks, chin, throat, and upper breast dull brownish green, the centres of the feathers darker ; lower breast, abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts yellow ; sides of the body yellow, tinged with dusky ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow. 372 Legs and feet fleshy white ; the bill darker horny brown ; the edges of both mandibles to within *6 of tip dirty yellow ; gape fleshy white ; irides brown (Davisori). Length 7; tail 1'7 ; wing 3'5; tarsus -75; bill from gape 1-8. Distribution. Tenasserim south of Mergui, extending down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. AraclmotJiera flavigastra is a closely allied species inhabiting the Malay peninsula, and is likely to occur in Tenasserim. It may be recognized by its larger size, by the eye being entirely surrounded by yellow, and by its stouter and more flattened bill. ArachnotJiera crassirostris (Eeichb.) occurs in the Malay penin- sula, and is not unlikely to be found in Tenasserim. This species resembles Arachnothera longirostris very closely, but may be known by its much broader and rounder bill and by the chin and throat being of the same colour as the breast. The following species, on being critically examined, proves to be no Sun-bird. I failed to discover this, however, till I was working the Nectariniidce^ with which it has always been associated. My reasons for excluding this bird from the Nectariniidce are threefold : It has no serrations on the margins of the mandibles, a character found in all the Sun-birds. It has, according to Wallace (Ibis, 1870, p. 49), a tongue which is " short, triangular, horny at the tip, and entire." It has habits which resemble those of no other species of Sim- bird. I know the bird well in life, but prefer to quote what Davison says on this point : — " In its habits this species differs conspicuously from all its con- geners, reminding one very much of the White-eyed Tit (Zosterops palpebrosus) or again of Timalia (Cyanodermd) erythroptera. Except perhaps during the breeding-season, it goes about in small parties of from five to ten in amongst the undergrowth, or the skirts of the forest, or in scrtib-juugle, hunting amongst the foliage and roots of the trees for insects, on which it chiefly subsists, and keep- ing up the while an incessant twittering. " Of other species of Sun-birds a dozen, or even at times fifty, may be seen about a single tree ; but in the case of these there is never any concerted action between more than a single pair. They do not go about in flocks, though many individuals may happen to collect in a single place, but the present species, when not breeding, is almost always seen in flocks working together in concert, invariably moving away from one place to another at the same time and hunting, some high and some low, just as a mob of our Titmice on the Himalayas may often be seen doing." The nestling bird resembles the female, and therefore the proper position of this species appears to be among the Crateropodidce in the subfamily Liotrichince, probably near Myzornis (Vol. i, p. 233). CHALCOPABIA. 373 Genus CHALCOPARIA, Cabanis, 1850. The single species of this genus has the bill shorter than the head, entire, without any serrations on the margins of the mandibles ; the cuJmen very slightly curved, the lower mandible straight; the nctal bristles weak ; the tarsus short and scutellated ; the tail of moderate length, slightlyrounded,and consisting of twelve feathers ; the wing moderate, with ten primaries, the first of which is small. The sexes are of different colours and the upper plumage of the male is metallic. Fig. 102.— Head of C. ph&nicotis. 911. Chalcoparia phcenicotis. The Ruby-Cheek. Motacilla singaleusis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 9G4 (1788). Nectarinia phoenicotis, Temm. PI. Col. pi. 108. fig. 1 (1824), pi. 388, fig. 2; myth, Orf.p.225. Chalcoparia phoenicotis ( Temm.'), Horsf. 8f M. Cat. ii, p. 747 ; Oates, S. F. v, p. 147 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. u, p. 269. Chalcoparia singaleusis (Gmel.'), Wold. Ibis, 1870, p. 48; Hume Sf Dav. S. F. vi, p. 189 ; Hume, Cat. no. 233 sex. Chalcoparia ciiigalensis (Gmel.'), Anders. Yunnan Exped.,Aves, p. G02. Anthreptes phoenicotis (Temm.}, Shelley, Mon. Nect. pp. xliii, xlv, 325, pi. 105. Anthreptes singalensis (Gmel.), Oates, B. B. i, p. 320. Anthothreptes phoenicotis (Temm.'), Gadoiv, Cat. B. M. ix, p. 121. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage and lesser wing- coverts brilliant metallic emerald-green ; lores blackish ; cheeks and ear-coverts rich copper-colour, bordered below by a line of rich metallic violet-purple ; chin, throat, and breast ferruginous buff; abdomen, sides of the body, vent, and under tail- coverts yellow ; tail black, edged externally with metallic green ; under wing-coverts pale yellow; greater wing-coverts black, edged with metallic green ; wings black, edged more or less with purple. Female. The lower plumage like that of the male ; the upper plumage and the lesser wing-coverts olive-green ; ear-coverts and cheeks slate-colour ; greater wing-coverts and wings dark brown, edged with yellowish green; tail brown, broadly edged with yellowish green. The young are like the female. Bill black ; gape orange-yellow ; mouth yellow ; iris lake-red ; legs yellowish green ; claws yellowish horny; eyelids greenish. Length 4-4; tail 1'6 ; wing 2-1 ; tarsus -65 ; bill from gape §6. Distribution. The SikhimTerai; the Bhutan Doars ; the Dibrugarh district of Assam; the Khasi and Garo hills ; Sylhet ; Cachar ; 374 Dacca ; Tipperah ; Manipur ; the neighbourhood of Bhamo ; Chittagong ; Arrakan ; the southern portion of Pegu ; the whole of Tenasserim, thence extending down the Malay peninsula to the large islands. habits, fyc. Breeds in Southern Pegu from May to August. The nest is suspended from the tip of a branch at any height from the ground and well surrounded by leaves. It is a pear-shaped structure constructed of hair-like fibres and roots and ornamented outside with various substances. The entrance is about midway up the nest and protected by a very ample portico which extends to the base of the nest. The eggs, two in number, are pinkish white marked with brown and purple ; they measure about -64 by -45. Family The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the end of the bronchial semi-rings ; both mandibles finely and evenly serrated on the terminal third of their edges ; bill short and triangular ; primaries nine or ten ; the nestling resembling the adult female; one moult in the year ; rectrices twelve ; rictal bristles short. The Dicceidce form a very compact and natural family of birds, which may be known at once, and separated from all other Passeres except the Nectariniidce, by the peculiar serrations on the edges of both mandibles, as shown in the accompanying cut. Fig. 103. — Bill of D, cruentatum (enlarged), to show serrations on mandibles. This character holds good in all the species of this family without exception. A lens is generally necessary to observe the serrations, but frequently they may be seen with the naked eye, especially if the open bill is held against a sheet of white paper. The Dicceidce are all small birds, generally of brilliant plumage. In most species the sexes differ in colour, in some they are alike. The young resemble the adult female. They are all resident, not even migrating locally. DICJEUM. 375 This family forms a connecting-link between the nine-primaried and the ten-primaried Passeres, some of the genera possessing nine of these feathers, and others ten. They all have twelve tail- feathers. The nostrils are covered by a large oval process leaving a lunar aperture ; the rictal bristles are short, but the naral bristles are sometimes greatly developed. The tail is always short, and the tarsus is never lengthened. The Flower-peckers are remarkable for the beauty of their nests, which are frequently pear-shaped, and suspended 'from a branch. The eggs are invariably white except in Piprisoma, in which they are spotted. Key to the Genera. a. With nine primaries, the first reaching to the tip of the wing. a'. Bill slender ; the lower line of the inferior mandible almost straight . . DICTUM, p. 375. //. Bill thick ; lower mandible swollen ; its lower edge much angulate. a". Tail rounded; nostrils covered by long hairs ACMONOBHYNCHUS, p. 381. b". Tail square ; nostrils perfectly bare of hairs PIPRISOMA, p. 382. b. Wing with ten primaries, the first one small, c'. First primary about equal to the tarsus PBIONOCHILUS, p. 384. (I '. First primary not longer than the hind toe PACHYGLOSSA, p. 386. Genus DICJEUM, Cuvier, 1817. The genus Dicceum contains eight species of Indian birds, which are characterized by the possession of nine primaries and a slender bill with the lower line of the inferior mandible nearly straight. In Dicceum the males of many of the species are brightly coloured, and in these cases the sexes differ in coloration ; in other species they are more dully coloured and the sexes are alike. They are all without exception of very small size. They frequent trees, generally at a considerable height above the ground, and feed both on insects and small berries. Their nests are beautiful structures made of the finest and most delicate materials, egg-shaped, and suspended from the tip of a branch. They all lay white eggs, so far as is known. Key to the Species. >me red in it. a'.* Whole upper plumage crimson .... D. cruentatum tf , p. 376. a. Upper plumage with some red in it. a'. Whole upper pi b'. Rump only crimson" D. cruentatum $, p. 370. c'. Back and rump bright orange-red . . D. triyonostigma tf , p. 377. d'. Rump only pale orange-red , . D. triyonostigma $ , p. 377. 376 DICJEIDJE. b. Upper plumage without any red in it. e' . Lower tail-coverts of a different colour to the abdomen; lower plumage streaked D. chrysorrliceum <5 $ , /'. Lower tail-coverts of the same [p. 8. colour as the abdomen; lower plumage mistreated. a". A patch of red on the breast D. ignipectus rf, p. 378. b". No red on the breast. a'". Bill black or of a dark colour. «4. Lower plumage of one uniform colour. a5. Rump yellowish green con- trasting with the green of the back D. ignipectus $ , p. 378. b5. Rump of the same colour as the back. a6. Forehead and lores conspicuously whitish . . D. concolor tf $ , p. 379. b6. Forehead and lores of a dark colour D. olivaceum <$ $ , p. 380. b4. Lower plumage not uniform ; throat and breast whitish, abdomen dull yellow D. virescens c? $ , p. 380. b'". Bill yellow D. erythrorhynchus J $ , [p. 381. 912. DicsBum cruentatum. The Scarlet-backed Flower-pecker. Certhia cruentata, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 187 (1766). Certhia coccinea, Scop. Del. Fl. et Faun. Insub. ii, p. 91 (1786). Dictum cruentatum (L.), Blyth, Cat. p. 226 j Hume, N. # E. p. 1/55 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 192; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves, p. 663 ; OateSjS. F. vii, p. 46 ; Hume, Cat. no. 236 ; Oates,B. E. i, p. 332 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 15 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 83 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 270. Dicceum coccineum (Scop.}, Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 747 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 373. Fig. 104. — Head of D. cruentatum. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, back, ramp, and upper tail-coverts rich crimson ; lores, sides of the head and neck, tail, wings, and wing-coverts black ; lower plumage pale buff, the sides of the breast black, and the sides of the body ashy brown ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. Head, nape, and back olive-green, the centres of the feathers of the crown darker, and the nape with a golden yellow tinge ; rump and upper tail-coverts red ; tail black ; the whole lower plumage ashy buff, darker .on the sides of the neck and body ; DICTUM. 377 upper wing-coverts dark brown, edged with olive-green ; tertiaries the same ; primaries and secondaries brown, edged exteriorly with greenish white. The young resemble the female. Legs and feet black ; bill and mouth black ; iris dark brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; in the female the mouth is flesh-coloured. Length 3*5; tail 1*05; wing 1/9; tarsus "5; bill from gape *45. Distribution. The western and northern limits of this species have not been determined with any great accuracy. It appears to be common at Calcutta, and it has been obtained in the Khasi hills, the Bhutan Doars, and the valley of Assam up to Dibrugarh. South and east of these localities it has been found in Sylhet, Cachar, and Manipur. It is common throughout the greater portion of Burma, and extends down to the southernmost point of Tenasserim. It is diffused through Southern China, Siam, and the Malay peninsula down to Sumatra. Habits, $c. Breeds from March to May and probably later, con- structing a small egg-shaped nest of vegetable down and grass, which is attached to the tip of a branch at a considerable height from the ground as a rule. The eggs, two or three in number, are glossless white, and measure "56 by '4. 913. Dicaeum trigonostigma. The Orange-bellied Floiver-peclcer. Certhia trigonostigma, Scop. Del. Fl. et Faun. Insub. ii, p. 91 (1786). Dicseum trigonostigma (Scop.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 226 ; Iforsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 74 s ; Wahl. P. Z. S. 1866, p. 545; id. Ibis, 1876, p. 341), pi. x, f. 2 ; Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 194 ; Hume, Cat. no. 236 bis ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 336; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 38; Oatcs in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 272. Coloration. Male. Forehead, crown, nape, sides of the head and neck, scapulars, and wing-coverts dull blue ; back and rump flaming orange-yellow, deeper on the back ; upper tail-coverts dull blue; chin, throat, cheeks, and breast ashy grey; abdomen, sides of the body, vent, and under tail-coverts flaming orange ; under wing-coverts and axillaries whitish ; tail black ; wings black, edged with dull blue. Female. Forehead, crown, nape, back, sides of the neck, and scapulars olive-green ; rump and upper tail-coverts yellow, tinged with orange at the tips of the feathers ; tail blackish ; coverts and wings dark brown, narrowly edged with olive-green ; sides of the head pale ashy; chin and throat sordid green ; breast and side-; <>l the body ashy green ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts bright yellow. The young resemble the female, but have the abdomen dull yellow. Male : legs and feet horny black ; bill black ; iris brown. Female: legs, feet, and claws greenish to dark plumbeous; upper mandible from tip to nostrils and tip of the lower mandible 378 VICJEIVJE. blackish horny ; base of upper mandible reddish brown ; lower mandible (except the tip) and gape pale orange-brown to orange- vermilion ; iris grey to dark brown (Hume fy Davisori). Length 3-6 ; tail 1 ; wing 1*9 ; tarsus *5 ; bill from gape *55. Distribution. Burma. Wardlaw E/amsay obtained this species in the Karen hills east of Toungngoo at 3000 feet elevation, and I procured it near the town of Pegu. Davison observed it in Tenasserim from Moulmein southwards to Bankasun. It extends to Cochin China and the Malay peninsula. 914. Dicaeum chrysorrhceum, The Yellow-vented Flower-pecker. Dictum chrysorrhoeum, Temm. PI. Col. pi. 478, f. 1 (1829) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 227 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 751 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 374 ; Wold. Ibis, 1872, p. 380 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 156 ; Hume 8f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 195 ; Anders. Yunnan Exped., Aves,p. 663 ; Hume, Cat. no. 237 ; Bingham, S. F. ix, p. 170 ; Oates, S. F. x, p. 198 ; id. B. B. i, p. 335 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 44 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 84. Dictum chrysochlore, Blyth, J.A.S. B. xii, p. 1009 (1843). Coloration. Upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts yellowish green, brighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; tail blackish ; greater wing-coverts dark brown on the inner webs and yellowish green on the outer ; quills blackish brown, the secondaries and tertiaries broadly edged with yellowish green, the primaries very narrowly with whitish ; sides of the head and neck yellowish green ; cheeks, chin, and throat white, with a greenish-brown rnandibular streak below the cheeks ; lower plumage whitish, streaked with greenish brown ; under tail-coverts golden yellow ; under wing- coverts and axillaries white. Iris orange-red ; eyelids pinkish ; upper mandible and tip of the lower black; remainder of bill pale plumbeous ; legs dark plum- beous ; claws dark horn ; mouth flesh-colour. Length 4 ; tail 1-2 ; wing 2-3 ; tarsus -6 ; bill from gape '5. Distribution. Nepal and Sikhim ; Naga hills, Tipperah, Manipur ; the whole of Burma to the extreme south. The Nepal habitat is somewhat doubtful, for although Hodgson's specimens are said to have come from that country, they may nevertheless have been obtained in Sikhim. This species extends down the Malay penin- sula to the islands. 915. Dicaeum ignipectus. The Fire-breasted Flower-pecker. Myzanthe ignipectus, Hodgs. Blyth, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 983 (1843) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 227; Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 751; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 377 ; Stol. J. A. S. B. xxxvii, pt. ii, p. 24 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 159 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 200 ; Hume, Cat. no. 241 ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 261 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 337 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 85. Dicseum ignipectus (Hodgsi}, Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 41 ; Oates in Hume's N. fy E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 272. Sangti-pro-pho, Lepch. DICTUM. 379 Coloration. Male. Upper plumage, sides of head, and neck black with a green and purple gloss and each feather fringed with yellowish brown ; wings and tail black, edged with glossy green ; lower plumage buff, tinged with green on the sides of the body ; a large patch of crimson on the breast, with a black patch below it sometimes produced down the middle of the abdomen. The yellow fringes of the upper plumage get worn off a good deal during the winter. Female. Above green, rather glossy on the head and tinged with yellow on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; sides of the head ashy green, also the sides of the throat ; lores and lower plumage buff, tinged with green on the sides of the body ; wings and tail black edged with green ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. The young resemble the female. Male : bill black ; iris brown or blackish brown ; feet and claws dull or brownish black. Female : bill black ; base of lower man- dible plumbeous (Scully). Length rather more than 3 : tail 1 ; wing 1*9 ; tarsus '5 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej valley to Assam, up to 7000 feet ; Khiisi hills ; Manipur ; Karennee and Muleyit mountain in Tenasserim. Habits, fyc. Breeds in the Himalayas from April to July, con- structing a pendent nest of very small size attached to the end of a twig of some large tree. In shape the nest is said to be like a purse and the walls to be like thin felt. The eggs are not known. 910. DiCBBTim concolor. The Nilyiri Flower-decker. \ ticaeum concolor, Jcrd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xi, p. 227 (1840) ; id. 111. Lid. Orn. pi. 39 ; id. B. I. i, p. 37o : 7///////, Cat. p. 227 ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 156 ; id. Cat. no. 239 ; Damson, 8. F. x,p. 303 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 45 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 138; Oatcs in Hume'* N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 272. Chitlu-jitta, Tel. Coloration. In freshly-moulted birds the lores, forehead, and round the eye are conspicuously white ; the whole upper plumage dull green, the centres of the crown-feathers darker ; wings and tail dark brown, edged with dull green ; sides of the head and neck pale ashy green ; low*er plumage pale yellowish buff. Soon after the autumnal moult the white of the face becomes dull. Iris dark brown ; legs and feet dusky slaty ; bill lavender-blue, dusky on the culmen (Butler}. Length about 3'5 ; tail 1*1 ; wing 2 ; tarsus *5 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The western coast of India from Khandala and Mahablesluvar to the Palui hills. Blanford is said to have obtained it at Bihispur in the Central Provinces, but most probably some mistake has occurred about this locality. 380 Habits, $-c. Breeds from January to April, making a pendent nest of vegetable down, lichens, &c., attached to the extremity of a twig of some tree. It lays three eggs, which are glossless white and measure '64 by '43. 917. Dicaeum olivaceum. The Plain-coloured Flower-pecker. Myzanthe inornata, Hodgs. in Gray's Zool. Misc. p. 82 (1844, descr. nulld) ; id. Gray's Cat. Mamm. fyc. J^epal Coll. Hodgs. pp. 60, 151 (1846, descr. nulld). Dicseum olivaceum, Wald. A. M. N. H. (4) xv, p. 401 (1875) ; Godw-Aust. J. A. S. B. xlv, pt. ii, p. 194 ; Hume, S. F. iv, p. 498 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 195 ; Hume, Cat. no. 237 ter ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 333 ; Hume, S. F. xi, p. 84. Dicseum inornatum (Hodgs?), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 45. Coloration. The whole upper plumage olive-green, the rump rather brighter and the feathers of the head centred darker ; tail dark brown, the feathers faintly edged with olive-green ; wing- coverts brown, broadly edged with the colour of the back ; wings dark brown, edged with olive-green rather brighter than the back ; sides of the head and the whole lower plumage dull oily greenish yellow with an ashy tinge. Legs and feet very dark plumbeous ; upper mandible and tip of lower very dark brown ; rest of the bill pale plumbeous ; iris deep brown (Hume fy Davison}. Length 3-3; tail 1 ; wing 1-8 ; tarsus '45 ; bill from gape -45. The name D. inornatum cannot be used for this species, for Hodgson never published any description of the bird. He, more- over, confounded together the females of D. inornatum and D. ignipectus, as is shown by his specimens of both species in the British Museum being numbered 393. Distribution. Occurs in Nepal, Sikhim, the Bhutan Doars, Shil- long, the Naga hills, Manipur, the Toungngoo and Karen hills, at Pap won, on the Sal ween river, "Wimpong, and Meet an near Moulmein. This species ranges into the Malay peninsula and to Sumatra. 918. Dicaeum virescens. The Andamanese Flower-pecker. Dicreum virescens, Hume, S. F. i, p. 482 (1873), ii, p. 198 ; id. Cat. no. 237 bis ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 46. Coloration. The whole upper plumage olive-green, brightest on the rump and upper tail-coverts, the feathers of the crown centred darker ; wings and tail dark brown, edged with olive-green ; sides of the head greenish ashy ; chin, throat, and breast ashy white ; remainder of the lower plumage yellow. Length about 3*5; tail 1-1; wing 1'8; tarsus -5; bill from gape -5. Distribution. The Andaman Islands. ACMONOHHYNCHUS. 381 Oil). Dicaeum erythrorhynchus, Tickell's Flower-pecker. Certhia erythrorliynchos, Lath, 2nd. Orn. i, p. 299 (1790). Nectarinia minima, Tickell, J. A. S. B. ii, p. 577 (1833). Dictum tickulliae, Blyth, J. A. S. 11. xii, p. 983 (1843). Dicteuiu miiiiiuum (Tick.}, Blyth, Cat. p. 227; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 7-"">0 ; Jerd. B. 1. i, p. 37-4 ; Hume, 2\\ $ E. p. 155 j Leyge, Birds Ccijl. p. 574. Dicwimi erythrorhynchus (Lath.}, Hume, Cat. no. 238 ; Gates, B. B. i. p. 334 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 138 ; tiharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 48 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 274. Sungti-pro-pho, Lepch. Coloration. Upper plumage ashy olive, the feathers of the crown with dark centres ; tail dark brown ; wings and coverts brown, edged with ashy olive ; sides of the head and lower plumage buffy white. Iris brown ; legs and feet bluish plumbeous ; bill pale livid lleshy, dusky brown on the culmen towards the tip of the upper mandible (Butler). Length &2 ; tail 1 ; wing 1-8 ; tarsus -5 ; bill from gape '5. Distribution. Occurs over the greater part of the peninsula of India, from the Himalayas to Ceylon. Its western limits are dillic-ult to define for want of information. It is abundant in South Guzerat, and 1 have seen specimens procured at Dehra aud at Dharmsala, but noue from intermediate localities. It probably follows the margin of the arid region of llajputana, keeping well outside it. To the east it ranges along the foot of the Himalayas to Dibrugarh, and it lias been procured in the Cairo hills. Blyth records it from Arrakan and Tenasserim, and in the latter divison Biugham, as quoted by Hume, once obtained a specimen. Habits, $'c. Breeds in March, April, and May, constructing a small nest about 3 inches long, which is suspended from the extremity of a twig on a tree. The nest is made of fine vegetable fibres and down and generally well concealed under some drooping li-avrs. The eggs, usually two in number, are glossless white and measure -58 by "41. Genus ACMONORHYNCHUS, n. gen. I propose this genus for the reception of a remarkable Flo \\cr- pecker which is found only in Ceylon and which has hitherto been placed either in Prionochilus or in Pachyglossa. It differs from both these genera in possessing only nine primaries. From Dicceum it may be recognized by its very large, coarse bill, and from Piprisoma, by its rounded tail and the numerous hairs which cover the nostrils. In AcmoiHjrhi/nckus the sexes differ and the young bird resembles the female. Its habits are those of the family, but nothing is known about its nidification. 382 920. Acmonorhynchus vincens. Legge's Flower-pecker. Prionocliilus vincens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 729 ; id. Ibis, 1874, p. 2, pi. i, figs, i & ii ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 455, iv, p. 403 ; id. Cat. no. 240 ter ; Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 72. Pachyglossa vincens (Scl.), Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 577, pi. 20. Fig. 105. — Head of A. vincens. Coloration. Male. Whole upper plumage aud wing-coverts and sides of the head and neck very dark bluish ashy approaching to black ; wings and tail glossy black, all the tail-leathers except the two median pairs broadly tipped with white and the quills with a broad band of white on the inner webs ; chin, throat, breast, and under tail-coverts white ; remainder of lower plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Female. Eesembles the male, but the black of the upper plumage is replaced by greenish brown ; wings and tail not quite so black. Iris brownish red ; bill black, leaden at base ; legs and feet blackish (Legge). Length about 4 ; tail 1'3 ; wing 2*35 ; tarsus '45 ; bill from gape *45. Distribution. Ceylon only, in the forests of the low hills of the Southern Provinces. Genus PIPRISOMA, Blyth, 1844. The genus Piprisoma contains two species which Sharpe places with Prionocliilus^ but which I prefer to keep separate on the ground of their having but nine primaries. In Piprisoma the bill is of much the same shape as in Acmono- rhynchus but proportionally shorter. Viewed from above the bill is nearly an equilateral triangle with the two sides sinuated. In this genus the plumage is dull and the sexes are alike. Both species are resident over the whole area they inhabit. Key to tlie Species. a. Upper plumage and sides of the head ashy green ; lower mandible coarse P. squalidum, p. 382. b. Upper plumage and sides of the head green ; mandible slender , P. modestum, p. 383. 921. Piprisoma squalidum. The Thick-billed Flower-pecker. Pipra squalida, Burton, P. Z. 8. 1836, p. 113. Frmgilla agilis, TicMl, J. A. 8. B. ii, p. 578 (1833). Parisoma vireoides, Jerd. Madr. Journ. L. S. xi, p. 8 (1840). PIPEISOMA. 383 Piprisoma agile (Tick.), Blyth, Cat. p. 228; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 376 ; livavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 430, pi. x ; Hume, N. 8f E. p. 158 ; id. S. F. i, p. 434 ; id. Cat. no. 240 ; Legge, Birds Ceyl. p. 579 ; O. F. L. Marsh. Bird*' -nesting Ltd. p. 69, pi. ; Scully, S. F. viii, p. 260; Gates, B. B. i, i). 338 ; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 139. Prionochilus squalidus (Burt.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 73. Piprisoma squaliduni, Oates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 277. Chitlu jitta, Tel. Coloration. Upper plumage ashy green, purer green on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; wings and tail brown edged with olive-green ; the latter tipped with white, broadly on the outer- most feathers, more narrowly on the others, the middle feathers being almost without any white; lores, cheeks, chin, and throat white ; sides of the head and neck ashy brown ; a narrow brown streak down each side of the throat; lower plumage pale ashy yellow streaked with greenish brown. Iris light brick-red ; bill pale plumbeous horny ; legs dusky plumbeous (Cleveland). Length about 4 ; tail 1'3 ; wing 2*4 ; tarsus "5 ; bill from gape -45. Distribution. Throughout the Himalayas at low elevations from the Sutlej valley to Sikhim, and throughout the peninsula down to Ceylon. The western limits of this species are difficult to define owing to want of specimens and records of occurrence. It is said to be very common at Baroda and then there is a great gap up to Ktiiwah and another up to Dehra. I have seen specimens from all three places but from no other locality west of them. To the east it can be traced to Midnapore and Dinapore, but it is probable that it does not pass the longitude of Calcutta. Hume, commenting on a collection of birds made by Inglis in Cachar, states that it occurs in that district, but the Cachar speci- mens in the Hume Collection that I have examined, as noted below are referable to P. modestum. I formerly erroneously recorded P. squalidum (P. ayile) from Pegu and Tenasserim. Habits, fyc. Constructs a small purse-like bag suspended from a horizontal twig on a tree, from February to May. The materials are fibres and the down of flower-buds felted together into a pliable fabric which will bear crushing in the hand and then re- cover its shape. The eggs, two or three in number, are white or pinkish, marked in various ways with brownish pink or claret- colour. They measure *63 by *45 *. 922. Piprisoma modestum. Hume's Flower -pecker. Prionochilus modestus, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 298 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 200 ; Hume, Cat. no. 240 sex ; Bingham, S. F. ix, p. 171 ; Hume, S. F. x, p. 198, note ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 340 ; Sharpe, Cat B. M. x, p. 74. Piprisoma agile (Tick.), apud Oates, S. F. x, p. 198. * The Prionochilus pipra, Less., of Hume's Catalogue, entered with doubt and stated by Lesson to have been received from Ceylon, is lodopleura pipra, now known to occur only in the New World. 384 DICLEIDJE. Coloration. Resembles Piprisoma squalidum, but has the upper plumage a brighter green, the sides of the head greener and the streaks below darker and more distinct. The chief difference, however, lies in the form of the lower mandible of the bill, which in P. squalidum is very large, swollen, and much bent upwards in front of the angle of the genys, whereas in the present species it is very slender and nearly straight. Length about 4 ; tail 1/2 ; wing 2-4 ; tarsus -45 ; bill from gape -4. Distribution. Probably throughout Burma, for Davison procured it at Amherst, Mergui, and Malawun, and Bingham in the Thoung- yeen valley. I obtained it several times near the town of Pegu, and I at one time wrongly identified my specimens with P. agile (P. squalidum). I have now reexamined my birds and find them to be the present species as suggested by Hume. In the Hume Collection there is a specimen procured in Cachar. I have examined this bird with the greatest care and find it to be the present species and not P. squalidum, to which Hume, probably by an over- sight, refers it (S. E. xi, p. 85). Genus PEIONOCHILUS, Strickl., 1841. The genus Prionochilus contains two Indian species, the males of which are brightly coloured. The females are not very dis- similar to the males. In this genus the bill is of the same shape as in Acmonorliynclms* but the sides are slightly concave when viewed from above. The naral bristles are entirely absent. The wing has ten primaries, the first of which is of considerable size. The tail is square. Key to the Species. a. Upper plumage blue . . . . P. ignicapillus <$ , p. 384. b. Upper plumage green. a'. Lower plumage uustreaked P. ignicapillus $, p. 384. b'. Lower plumage streaked. a". Crown-patch crimson P. maculatus $ , p. 385. b". Crown-patch orange-yellow P. maculatus $ , p. 385. 923. Prionochilus ignicapillus. The Crimson-breasted Floiver- pecker. Dicseum ignicapilla, Eyton, P. Z. 8. 1839, p. 105. Prionochilus percussus (Temm.^apud Blyth, Cat. p. 227; Horsf. fy M. Cat. ii, p. 751 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 196 ; Hume, Cat. no. 240 quat. ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 339, Prionochilus ignicapillus (Eyt.)t Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 65. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, sides of the head and neck, and lesser wing-coverts dull blue ; a patch of crimson on the centre of the crown ; tail brown, washed with blue on the outer webs ; greater wing-coverts brown, edged with dull blue ; PACHYGLOSSA. 385 quills brown, edged with lighter blue ; a narrow white moustachial streak down the cheeks ; point of the chin white ; under wing- coverts and auxiliaries pure white ; the whole lower plumage deep yellow, paler on the vent and under tail-coverts and washed with green on the sides of the body ; a large patch of crimson on the breast. Female. Upper plumage green ; wings and tail dark brown edged with green; a pale red patch on the crown; sides of the head green tinged with grey ; an ashy-grey moustachial streak ; lower plumage dull ashy green, suffused with yellow on the breast and abdomen. The young resemble the female but have no coronal patch. Legs, feet, claws, and lower mandible dark plumbeous ; upper mandible black ; iris dark brown (Davison) ; iris red-brown (Ward- law Ramsay). Length 3*8 ; tail 1'2; wing2'2; tarsus '55; bill from gape '45. Distribution. Procured hitherto within our limits only at Ban- kasun at the extreme southern point of Tenasserim. The range of this bird extends down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. 924. Prionochllus maculatus. The Wliite-iJiroated Flower-pecker. Pardalotus maculatus, Temm. PI. Col. iii, pi. 600, f. 3 (1836). Prionochilus maculatus (Temm.*), Horsf. $ M. Cat. ii, p. 752 ; Wald. Ibis, 1872, p. 379 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 199 ; Hume, Cat. no. 240 quint, ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 340 j Sliarpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 69. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage and lesser wing- coverts green ; a patch of fiery red on the crown ; greater coverts, wings, and tail brown, edged with green ; sides of the head ashy green ; lores and moustachial streak greenish white ; a dull green streak below this moustachial streak ; the space between these green streaks pale yellow ; breast and sides of the neck bright yellow, streaked with brown ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts bright yellow ; sides of the body dusky yellow ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow. Female. Differs from the male merely in having the coronal patch orange-yellow. In the males, legs and feet very dark plumbeous, in the females dirty smalt-blue ; upper mandible and the lower to the angle of gonys black; the rest of the bill plumbeous in males, smalt- blue in females ; iris dull red (Hume fy Davisoii). Length 3'7 ; tail 1-1 ; wing 2-1 : tarsus -5 ; bill from gape -5. Distribution. Tenasserim from Mergui down to Malawun ; extending down to the Malay peninsula. Genus PACHYGLOSSA, Hodgs., 1843. The genus Pachynlossa resembles Prionochilus in many respects, but the wing is extremely long with a much shorter first primary, TOL. ii. 2 o 386 PITTIDJC. and the secondaries fall short of the tip of the wing by a distance greater than the length of the tarsus. The lower edge of the inferior mandible is nearly straight. The sexes are dissimilar, but not very much so. I have not been able to examine a young bird, but it will, without doubt, be found to resemble the adult female. The only species of this genus inhabits the Himalayas, and nothing appears to be known about its habits. Hodgson, fide Jerdon, says that it feeds on small insects and viscid berries and makes a pendulous nest. 925. Pachyglossa melanoxantha. Tlie Yellow-bellied Flower-pecker. Pachyglossa melanoxantha, Hodys., Blytli, J. A. S. B. xii, p. 1010 (1843) ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 378 ; Hume, N.fyE. p. 160 ; Godw.-Aust. J. A. S. B. xliii, pt. ii, p. 156 ; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 455 ; id. S. F. v, p. 348 ; id. Cat. no. 242 : id. S. F. xi, p. 85: Oatcs in Hume's N. Sf E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 279. Prionochilus melanoxanthus (Hodgs.}, Sclater, Ibis, 1874, p. 3, pi. i, fig. 3 j Sharpe, Cat. B. M. x, p. 71. Coloration. Male. The whole upper plumage, wings, tail, sides of head, neck, and breast black, the outermost pair of tail-feathers, or sometimes the two outer pairs with a patch of white on the inner web near the tip ; middle of chin, throat, and breast white ; remainder of the lower plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts white. Female. Eesembles the male, but the black is replaced by greenish brown, becoming paler on the sides of the head, neck, and breast ; abdomen and under tail-coverts duller yellow; middle of chin, throat, and breast greyish white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries white. Iris red ; legs dark plumbeous (Godwin-Austen). Length about 4-5 ; tail 1-7 ; wing 2-8 ; tarsus -55 ; bill from gape '45. Distribution. Sikhim and probably Nepal; extending toDibrugarh in Assam and Sopoomah in the Naga hills. Family PITTID^E. The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed at or near the middle of the bronchial semi-rings ; wing of ten primaries, the first of considerable size and reaching nearly to the tip of the wiug ; tarsus elongated, the anterior covering entire and smooth ; tail very short and of twelve feathers ; feathers of crown elongate and forming a conspicuous crest when erected. ANTHOCINCLA. 387 The Pittidce are a compact group of birds which are found over the whole of South-eastern Asia, extending to Australia ; and a single species is found in Africa. They differ from all other Indian Passeres in the structure of the syrinx and also in the formation of the wing, the first primary being of large size, whereas in all the other ten-primaried Passeres the first is markedly small. Their long legs and short tails also suffice to separate them from nearly all other Passeres. The Pittas live habitually on the ground and feed on insects ; they hop and run with great facility and their flight is strong for short distances. The males have a very sweet call consisting of a double whistle, uttered from a tree. The majority of the species prefer dense jungle, but some few may be found in gardens, sparse bamboo-jungle, and even in comparatively open country. Many of the species are locally migratory, others appear to be quite stationary throughout the year. The Pittas make large oven-shaped nests on the ground or on thick branches near the ground and lay four or five eggs which are very richly marked. It seems quite impossible to divide the Indian Pittas into more than two genera, as they are extremely similar to each other in structure. Key to the Genera. a. Feathers at sides of nape long and pointed, forming conspicuous aigrettes ANTHOCINCLA, p. 387. b. Feathers at sides of nape not conspicuously lengthened PITTA, p. 388. Genus ANTHOCINCLA, Blyth, 1862. The only species of this genus is characterized by its conspicuous aigrettes and by its elongated and compressed bill. The sexes are not very different. 926. Anthocincla phayrii. Phayre's Pitta. Anthocincla phayrii, Blyth, J.A.S. B. xxxi, p. 343 (1862) ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 109, pi. ii ; Blyt h, Birds Burm. p. 100 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 245 ; Hume, Cat. no. 346 ter ; Bingham, S. F. ix, pp. 177, 474 ; Oates, B. B. i, p. 420 ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 413 ; Gates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 279. Coloration. Male. A black band from the forehead passing over the middle of the crown and expanding to cover the nape and whole hind neck; remainder of crown and forehead rich fulvous, each feather narrowly edged with black ; lores, cheeks, and ear- coverts mixed rufous and black ; a broad stripe from the eye over the ear-coverts, reaching well down the neck, white, each feather margined with black; some of the longer feathers, forming aigrettes, also barred with black; whole upper plumage rufous 2o2 388 PITTTD7F. brown ; wing-coverts tipped broadly with fulvous and with a subter- minal black bar on both webs ; tertiaries and tail rather duller than the back ; primaries brown, broadly tipped paler ; a large fulvous patch at the base of each feather ; secondaries brown, edged with the colour of the back ; chin and middle of the throat white ; sides of the throat fulvous, the feathers margined with black ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous ; the feathers of the breast very narrowly and indistinctly margined with black, and some of them with black spots ; the feathers of the sides of the body and flanks distinctly spotted near the tip of both webs ; under tail-coverts pink. Female. Differs in wanting the black coronal streak and the black on the nape and hind neck, this colour being replaced by the colour of the back, but rather darker ; the feathers of the forehead and crown margined with black ; also differs in having the breast more marked with black and the spots on the sides of the body larger. Male : bill dark horny ; iris nut-brown ; legs and feet dirty flesh- colour blotched with brown. • Female : bill horny ; iris dark brown ; legs, feet, and claws fleshy white (BinyTiani). Length about 9 inches ; tail 2-3 ; wing 3'9 ; tarsus 1*25 ; bill from gape 1*5. Fig. 106.— Head of A. phayrii, Distribution. Burma east of the Sittoung river from the Karen hills east of Toungngoo to the valley of the Thoungyeen river. Habits, $c. Bingham found a nest of this Pitta in Tenasserim in April. It was an oven-shaped structure on the ground at the root of a tree and was composed of leaves, roots, and grass, with a small platform of twigs leading up to the entrance, which was at the side. The nest contained four eggs, which were white marked with purple and black and measured about 1'09 by '86. Genus PITTA, Vieill., 1816. The genus Pitta contains those Pittas which have no aigrettes of pointed feathers, and which have a shorter and broader bill than Anthocinda. The tail-feathers of the birds of this genus vary considerably in shape, in some being broad and rounded, and in others narrow and pointed. PITTA. 389 Key to the Species. a. Lower plumage plain fulvous. a'. Tail brown tinged with green. a". Nape and hind neck blue 7'. /irjialcHxi*, p. •"»>'.». b". Nape and hind neck fulvous P. oatesi, p. ;5'.K). //. Tail blue P. cccrulca, p. 390. b. Lower plumage cross-barred. c'. Nape red ; crown with a black coronal band P. cyanea, p. 391. d'. Nape ferruginous like crown ; no coronal band P. yurneyi $ , p. 395. c. Lower plumage with some brilliant crim- son. e'. Breast and abdomen fulvous or buff, c". Under wing-coverts black. a". Bill from gape to tip about 1-2 .. P. cyanoptera, p. 392. b'". Bill from gape to tip about 1-6 . . P. megarhyncha, p. 393. d". Under wing-coverts black -with a large patch of white P. brachyura, p. 393. f. Breast and abdomen all crimson P. coccinea, p. 394. //'. Breast and abdomen green P. cucullata, p. 395. d. Lower plumage deep black P. f/umeyi (J , p. 395. Fig. 107. — Head of P. nepalensis. 927. Pitta nepalensis. Th.e Blue-naped Pitta. Paludicola nipalensis, Hodgs. J. A. S. B. vi, p. 103 (1837). Pitta nipalensis (Hodgs.), Blyth, Cat. p. 150 ; Hor*f. $ M. Cat. i, p. 182 ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 414; Oates in Humes N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, u. 281. Brachyur us nipalensis (Hodgs.), Elliot, Mon. Pitt. pi. iii ; id. Ibis, 1870, p. 413. Hydrornis nipalensis (Hodf/s.), Jerd. B. I. i, p. 502 ; Hume, N. fy E. p. 224 ; Oates, S. F. iii,' p. 337 ; id. B. B. i, p. 412 ; Hume, Cat. no. 344. The Large Nepal Ground-Thrush, Jerd. Coloration. Male. Forehead and anterior half of crown rich fulvous, shading off into blue on the nape and hind neck ; upper plumage greenish brown ; tail brown tinged with green ; wings 390 PITTID^E. dark brown, the outer webs of all the feathers broadly margined with f ulvous ; sides of the head, chin, and throat rich rusty or rufous ; a concealed black patch on the side of the neck ; remaining lower plumage deep fulvous ; the feathers of the fore neck with concealed black bases, sometimes showing through when the tips of the feathers get worn. Female. Differs from the male in having the throat whitish and the general colour of the head duller rufous. The young bird is blackish above, with large fulvous spots ; the front of the head is tinged with pink ; the lower plumage is blackish, with broad pale pink tips to all the feathers. Bill dusky, fleshy at the base ; legs ruddy flesh-colour ; claws whitish ; iris lightish brown (Jerdori). Length about 10 ; tail 2-6 ; wing 4'8 ; tarsus 2-1 ; bill from gape 1*4. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Assam and the countries south of Assam to Manipur on the east and to Arrakan on the west. Habits, fyc. Breeds during May and June, constructing a covered nest of grass and leaves on the ground or on a tangled mass of branches of trees a short distance above the ground. The eggs, three or four in number, are white, sparingly marked with red and purple, and measure about 1'2 by "95. This species and the next are found in dense forests on the hills in the neighbourhood of water. 928. Pitta oatesi. The Fulvous Pitta. Hydrornis oatesi, Hume, S. F. i, p. 477 (1873) ; Walden in Blyth's Birds Burm. p. 98 ; Wardlaw Ramsay, Ibis, 1877, p. 463 ; Hume f Dav. S. F. vi, p. 237 ; Hume, Cat. no. 344 bis ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 411 ; Salvadori, Ann. Mm. Civ. Gen. (2) v, p. 574. itta oatesi (Hume], Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 416. Pitta Coloration. Resembles P. nepalensis, but entirely wants all traces of blue on the nape and hind neck. Upper mandible brown, the tip and edges salmon-colour ; lower mandible brown; gape salmon-colour; inside of mouth flesh- colour ; iris rich brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs and claws pinkish flesh-colour. Of the same size as P. nepalensis. Distribution. Karennee ; Tenasserim as far south as Muleyit mountain ; the evergreen forests of the hills of Pegu. 929. Pitta caerulea. The Giant Pitta. Myiothera cserulea, Raffl. Trans. Linn. Soc. xiii, p. 301 (1822). Pitta ceerulea (Bafll.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 156 ; Horsf. $ M. Cat. i, p. 181 ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 238 j Hume, Cat. no. 344 quart. ; Sciater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 416. Brachyurus caeruleus (RaM.}, Elliot, Mon. Pitt. pis. i & ii ; id. Ibis. 1870, p. 412. Brachyurus davisoni, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 321 (1875) . Gigantipitta cserulea (Raffi.\ Oates, B. B. i, p. 413. PITTA. 31 H Coloration. Male. Forehead, front and sides, of bead, and the ear-coverts greyish brown, each feather narrowly margined with black ; crown, nape, and back of neck black ; a broad supercilium produced back nearly to the end of the black on the neck, as also a broad patch below this line and separated from it by a broad black streak starting from the eye and passing over the ear-coverts, f ul- vescent ; chin and upper throat plain f ulvescent ; lower throat and sides of the neck the same, but each feather slightly margined with blackish ; the whole lower plumage fulvous with a tinge of green ; the throat separated from the breast by a broad black collar formed by the bases of certain of the feathers ; this collar is not, however, always present ; wings chiefly black, all the exposed portions when closed being blue ; back, upper wing-coverts, rump, tail-coverts, and tail bright blue. Female. The whole head and nape rufous-grey, closely barred with black ; a broad streak from the eye over the ear-coverts and a broad collar round the back of the neck black ; a supercilium reaching to the black collar, widening as it approaches it, and half surrounding the end of the black streak just referred to, plain ful- vous ; upper plumage chestnut ; tail blue ; wing-coverts and tertiaries chestnut ; primaries and secondaries brown, more or less edged with ruddy ; chin and throat pale grey ; sides of the head and lower throat fulvous-grey, mottled with brownish ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, with a tinge of green ; a black collar between the throat and breast, but not so conspicuous as in the male. Legs and feet bluish fleshy or dark fleshy, tinged with pale plumbeous ; bill black ; inside of the mouth white ; eyelids and gape very dark fleshy ; irides hazel-grey (Davisori). Length about 11'5; tail 2-5 ; wing 6-2; tarsus 2'4; bill from gape 1-75. Distribution. Tenasserim, from the foot of Nwalabo mountain southwards extending down the Malay peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. 930. Pitta cyanea. The Blue Pitta. Pitta cyanea, BlythtJ. A. S. B. xii, p. 1008 (1843) ; id. Cat. p. 157 ; Horsf. 8f M. Cat. i, p. 182 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 238 ; Hume, Cat. no. 344 ter ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 417 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 282. Brachyurus cyaneus (Blyth), Elliot, Mon. Pitt. pi. xiii ; id. Ibis, 1870, p. 413 ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 107. Eucichla cyanea (Blyth), Oates, ti. B. i, p. 419; Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. (2) v, p. 575. Coloration. Male. The lores and a broad streak from the eye over the ear-coverts to the nape black; forehead and crown greenish grey, changing to red, and giving place entirely to red on the nape, where the feathers are long and form a crest ; a black streak from the bill, over the centre of the crown, to the nape ; the whole upper plumage and tail blue ; quills of the wing brown, each with a white patch at the base ; cheeks and ear-coverts fulvous ; below 392 WTTIDJS. these a black rnoustachial stripe ; chin and throat whitish, mottled with black ; remainder of lower plumage light blue, barred with black, and the breast washed with yellow ; the abdomen and lower tail-coverts paler blue, and barely barred at all. Female. Differs from the male in having the upper plumage brown, tinged with blue, and the lower plumage yellowish brown, barred with black. Bill black ; inside of mouth dusky fleshy ; iris dark reddish brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs pinkish flesh-colour ; claws whitish. Length about 9 inches ; tail 2'3 ; wing 4*5 ; tarsus 1/8 ; bill from gape 1/2. Distribution. Bhutan ; Hill Tipperah ; Arrakan ; Pegu ; Teii- asserim as far south as Tavoy ; extending to Siatn. Habits, fyc. Breeds in May, constructing a massive globular nest of earth, leaves, and twigs on the ground. The eggs, four or five in number, are white, marked with various shades of purple, and measure about 1-07 by -84. 931. Pitta cyanoptera. The Lesser Blue-ivinged Pitta. Turdus molucceusis *, P. L. 8. Mull. Natursyst. Suppl. p. 144 (1776) . Pitta cyanoptera, Temm. PL Col pi. 218 (1823) ; Blyth, Cat. p. 157 ; Horsf. # M. Cat. i, p. 183; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 420 ; Gates in Hume's N. 8f E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 283. Brachyurus cyanopterus (Temm.}, Elliot, Mon. Pitt. pi. iv. Brachyurus moluccensis (Mull.). Elliot, Ibis, 1870, p. 413 j Hume. Ajp'.Uvp.ioe. Pitta moluccensis (Miitt.\ Hume 8f Dan. S. F. vi, p. 240 ; Hume, Cat. no. 345 bis j Oates, B. B. i, p. 415. Coloration. Crown from the nostrils to the nape fulvous-brown ; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, a stripe over the eye, and a broad band round the back of the head black ; a dark brown stripe over the head from the forehead to the nape ; back, scapulars, and tertiaries dull green ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and the smaller upper wing- coverts bright ultramarine-blue; chin immediately near the bill blackish, remainder of chin and throat white ; breast, abdomen, and flanks ruddy buff ; a broad stripe down the abdomen, the vent, and under tail-coverts bright crimson ; tail black, tipped with dull blue ; primaries black, each feather with a large patch of white ; second- aries black, edged with dull blue on the terminal half ; tertiaries black, tipped and margined with bluish green ; larger wing-coverts dull green, edged with bright blue ; under wing-coverts black. Young birds have the coronal streak broader, and the feathers of the crown are narrowly margined with black ; the wing-coverts are dull blue, and the colours of the other parts of the body less bright than in the adult. Iris dark brown ; eyelid and ocular region plumbeous ; bill black ; inside of mouth flesh-colour ; legs fleshy pink ; cla"ws horn-colour. * This name conveys an erroneous impression of this bird's habitat, and has been very properly rejected by most authors. PITTA. 393 Length 8 ; tail 1'6 ; wing 4-9 ; tarsus 1'7 ; bill from gape 1*2. Uistribution. The southern portion of Arrakan ; Pegu ; Tenasserim. This Pitta is a seasonal visitor to the northern portion of its range, visiting Arrakan, Pegu, and Northern To nas.se rim in April and May, and leaving in July. It appears to be a permanent resident in Southern Teuasserim. It ranges to Siam and down the Malay peninsula to some of the islands. Habits, $-c. Breeds in May, June, and July, constructing a large oven-shaped nest of leaves, roots, and earth, matted together on the ground or on a large branch or fallen tree near the ground. The eggs, usually five in number, are white, richly marked with red and purple, and measure about 1*05 by 0*87. 932. Pitta niegarhyncha. The Larger Blue-ivinged Pitta. Pitta megaiiiyncha, Schleg. Vog. Ned. Ind., Pitta, p. 32, pi. 4, fig. L> (1803) ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 242 ; Hume, Cat. no. 345 ter ; Gates, B. B. i, p. 41G ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 421 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 285, note. Brachyurus niegarliynchus (Schlcg.), Elliot, Ibis, 1870, p. 414, pl.xii. Coloration. Very similar to P. cyanoptera, but differing slightly in coloration, larger, and with a much longer bill. The coronal streak is obsolete or altogether absent, the brown of the head is darker, the breast is paler, and the black collar narrower. Bill black ; iris deep brown ; legs and feet dark fleshy. Length (J ; tail 1*7 ; wing 4'7 ; tarsus 1*6 ; bill from gape 1*6. Distribution. Southern Pegu and Tenasserim from Moulmein southwards. This species appears to visit Pegu and the more northern parts of its range in Tenasserim in May, and to depart in July, but in Southern Tenasserim it is probably a resident. Its range extends down the Malay peninsula, and it is also found in Bauka. Habits, <$fc. The nest of this species has not yet been found within Indian limits. Further south in the Malay peninsula a nest was found in April, and appears to have been of the usual type. 933. Pitta brachynra. The Indian Pitta. Corvus brachyurus, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 158 (1766). Corvus brachyurus, var. bengalensis, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 376 (1788). Turdus coronatus, P. L. S. Mull. Natursyst., Suppl. p. 144 (1776). Pitta triostegus (Sparrm.\ Blyth, Cat. p. 157. Pitta brachyura (Linn.}, Gould, Cent. pi. 23; Hume, Cat. no. 345; Barnes, Birds Bom. p. 169; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 423; Oates in Hume's N. & E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 285. Pitta bengalensis (Gmel.), Horsf. & M. Cat. i, p. 184 5 Jerd. B. I. i, t>. 503. Brachylirus bengalensis (Gmel.}, Elliot, Mm. Pitt. pi. vi. Pitta coronata (P. L. S. Mull.), Hume, N. #. E. p. 224 ; Lec/ge, Birds Ceylon, p. 687. The Yellow-breasted Ground-Thrush, Jerd. ; Nourang, Hind. ; Shumcha, Beng. ; Pona-inki, Tel. ; Avitchia, Ayitta, Cing. 394 PITTIDvE. Coloration. Forehead and crown pale fulvous, with a broad median black band from the forehead to the nape ; a narrow super- cilium and the feathers under the eye white ; a very broad black band passing under the eye, over the ear-coverts, and meeting the median coronal band on the nape : back, scapulars, and upper rump green ; lower rump, upper tail-coverts, and lesser wing-coverts shining pale blue ; tail black, tipped with dull blue ; median coverts and tertiaries green ; greater-coverts green, with the bases of the outer feathers black ; winglet and primary-coverts black ; primaries black, each with a basal white patch and a grey tip ; secondaries black, tipped with white, and with the terminal portion of the outer web margined with dull blue ; chin and throat white ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, the middle of the lower abdomen and the under tail-coverts crimson ; under wing-coverts black, with a patch of white near the edge of the wing. Iris dark brown ; bill blackish, paling to reddish brown on culmen; legs and feet pale purplish fleshy (Butler). Length about 7*5; tail 1-8; wing 4-1; tarsus 1'4; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. The whole of India from Eastern Eajputana and Garhwal to Sikhim and Calcutta, extending south to Cape Comoriu and Ceylon. This Pitta is a local migrant, being found in the southern part of its range in the winter, and in the central and northern portions in the hot weather and rains, but a certain number of birds appear to be constant residents in all parts of its range suited to its habits. Habits, &c. Breeds in the Central Provinces of India in July and August, building a huge globular nest of twigs and leaves on the ground or on low branches. The eggs are of the usual type, glossy white, marked with maroon and purple, and measure about 1*01 by -86. 934. Pitta coccinea. The Malayan Scarlet Pitta. Pitta coccinea, Eyton, P. Z. S. 1839, p. 104; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 511 ; Hume, Cat. no. 345 quat. ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 431. Brachyurus granatinus (Temm.), Elliot. Mon. Pitt. pi. xv (pt.) ; id. Ibis, 1870, p. 417 (pt.). Eucichla coccinea (Eytori), Oates, B. B. i, p. 417. Coloration. The forehead, for about a quarter of an inch or to a point well in front of the eye, the lores, a streak over the eye, and the sides of the head black ; crown and nape deep crimson, bordered on either side of the nape by a streak of lavender-blue ; the whole upper plumage purplish blue, most brilliant on the back and dull on the other parts and tail ; wing-feathers black, the outer edges and tips more or less tinged with blue ; lesser wing-coverts plain black ; the greater coverts black, all broadly tipped with glistening blue ; chin and throat rufous, the feathers all tipped with dark brown ; the breast purple, each feather edged with crimson ; sides of the body, abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts crimson. PITTA. 395 A young bird shot by Mr. Davison had the legs, feet, and claws pale lavender ; the bill black ; the gape and a spot at the base and tip of both mandibles orange-verniilion. Length 7; tail 1/6 ; wing 3*5 ; tarsus 1*5 ; bill from gape 1*05. Distribution. Tenasseriin, at the foot of Nwalabo mountain, extending down the Malay peninsula. 935. Pitta CUCullata. The Green-breasted Pitta. Pitta cucullata, Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 65; Blyth, Cat. p. 1">7 ; Horsf. * M. Cat. i, p. 399 ; Jerd. B. I. i, p. 504 ; Uavison, S. F. v, p. 457 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 243 ; Hume, Cat. no. 346 ; Oatcs, B. B. i, p. 414 ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 442 ; Oates in Hume's N. $ E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 286. Melanopitta cucullata (Hartl.), Hume, N. 8f E. p. 225. Brachyurus cucullatus (Hartl.}, Elliot, Mon. Pitt. pi. xxviii ; Hume, S. F. iii, p. 109. The Green-breasted Ground-Thrush, Jerd.; Phattim-pho, Lepch. Coloration. The crown from the nostrils to the nape rich rufous- brown ; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and a collar sur- rounding the head black ; breast and sides of the body pale greenish blue ; the abdomen black ; lower abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts crimson; back, scapulars, and rump dark glossy green ; upper tail-coverts and all the^smaller wing-coverts bright ultramarine-blue ; primaries black, with a large white patch on each feather ; secon- daries black, with the terminal half of the outer webs edged broadly with greenish blue ; tertiaries wholly dark green ; the larger wing- coverts dull green ; tail black, tipped with blue ; under wing-coverts black. Bill black ; inside of mouth dusky fleshy ; iris dark coffee-brown ; eyelids plumbeous ; legs and claws fleshy pink. Length about 7*5 ; tail 1*6 ; wing 4'5 ; tarsus 1'7 ; bill from gape 1*05. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Assam ; Tipperah ; the Khasi hills ; Manipur ; Pegu and Tenasseriin. Blyth records this species from Arrakan. It extends down the Malay peninsula. Habits, Sfc. Breeds from April to July, making a globular nest of leaves, twigs, and fibres on the ground, and laying four eggs, which are white marked with purple and measure about 1-07 by -84. 936. Pitta gurneyi. Gumetfs Pitta. Pitta gurneyi, Hume, S. F. iii, p. 296, pi. iii ; Hume fy Dav. S. F. vi, p. 244 ; Hume, Cat. no. 346 bis. Eucichla gurncyi (Hume), Oates, B. B. i, p. 418 ; Sclater, Cat. B. M. xiv, p. 448. Coloration. Male. Forehead, front of the crown, lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, a stripe over the eye continued to the back of the head as a collar, breast, abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts deep black ; remainder of crown and nape bright glistening blue, the feathers 396 PITTID/E. long and forming a crest ; chin and throat white ; sides of the neck and a broad collar on the upper breast bright yellow ; sides of the body and of the breast yellow, barred with black ; under wing-coverts black, a few of the feathers in the middle being white ; the upper plumage with the tertiaries and upper wing-coverts light chestnut-brown ; primaries and their coverts black ; secondaries black, the first two or three margined with whitish near the tip, the others margined more broadly with the same colour as the back ; tail bright blue, the inner webs being almost entirely black. Female. Forehead pale, the crown and nape bright ferruginous ; cheeks, ear-coverts, and a line along the neck black, a few of the feathers of the cheeks pale orange-brown ; chin and throat dirty white ; remainder of the lower plumage yellow closely barred with black ; the yellow most bright on the breast, and the bars almost absent on the abdomen ; with the exception of the head, which has been described, the whole upper plumage is like that of the male ; lower tail-coverts black, tipped with dull blue ; primaries and secondaries dull brown ; tail as in the male. Bill black ; iris dark brown; eyelids black ; gape whitish; legs and claws fleshy white (Davison). Length about 8'5; tail 2-2; wing 4-1; tarsus 1*6; bill from gape 1-1. Distribution. The extreme southern portion of Tenasseritn and the Island of Tonkah. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Acanthis, 227. Accentor, 166. Accentorinae, 165. Acmonorhynchus, 381. acornaus (Ery throsterna), 17. acornaus (Muscicapula), 17. acuticauda (Amadina), 184. acuticauda (Munia), 184. acuticauda (Uroloncha). 184. aoutirostris (Oalandrella), 320. adamsi (Alauduln), 331. adamsi (Montifringilla), 246. Adelura, 108. ae.-tigma (Muscicapula), 19. jEthopyga, 346. nfllnis (Arachnothera), 371. affinis (Hesperipbona), 199. affinis (Mirafra), 335. affinis (Petrocincla), 146. affinis (Pycnorhamphus\ 199 affinis (Pyrrhulauda), 343. affinis (Tchitrea), 47, 48. affinis (Terpsiphone), 47. agile (Piprisoma), 383. ngilis (Anthus), 302, 304. agilis (Pipastes), 304. Agrodroma, 305. Aidemosyne inalabarica, 188. Alsemon, 317. alaschanica (Ruticilla), 94. Alauda, 324. Alaudidse, 315. Alauclula, 330. alba (Motacilla), 287. albicaudata (Stoparola), 30. albicilla (Ery throsterna), 10. albicilla (Siphia), 10. albicincta (Merula), 127. albicollis (Rhipidura), 53. albicollis (Turdus), 127. albida (Emberiza), 255. albif'rontata (Rhipidura), 52. albigularis (Geocichla), 142. albinigra (Saxicola), 70. albiventris (Cittocincla), 120, albof'rontata, (Leuco- cerca), 52. albogularis (Dimorpha), 17. albogularis (Geocichla), 142. alboides (Motacilla), 291. alboniger (Saxicola), 70. albosuperciliaris (Pra- tincola), 61. alpestris (Himndo), 282. alpestris japonicji (Hirun- do), 281. alpicola (Passer), 244. Alseonax, 34. altaicus (Accentor), 168. amandava (Estrekla\ 1(.»L>. 193. amandava (Sporn-^in- thllt), 192. ambiguus (Propasser), 215. ammodendri (Passer), 243. Ammomanes, 339. andamanensis (Geo- cichla), 142. . andamanensis (Hirundo), 277. andamanica (Arach- nechthra), 363. andamauicus (Ciunyris), 363. andersoni 349. Anthipes, 31. Anthocincla, 387. antlioides (Budytes), 296. Anthothreptes, 365. Anthreptes, 365. Anthus, 301. aquaticus (Anthus), 312. Arachnechthra, 357. Arachnothera, 368. Arachnotherinae, 368. arboreus (Anthus), 302. arboreus (Pipastes), 303. arctivitta (Cecropis), 282. arcuata (Emberiza), 252. arvensis (Alauda). 324. asiatica (Arachnechthni), 359. asiaticus (Oinclus), 163. nsiaticus (Cinnyris), 359. assamensis (Mirafra), 334. assamica (Mirafra), 334. assirailis (Passer), 241. astigraa (Cyornis), 19. atr.it. i (Pratincola), 60. 398 ALPHABETICAL IXDEX. atricapilla (Munia), 183. atrigula (Ploceus), 176. atrigularis (Accentor), 170. atrigularis (Merula), 131. atrigularis (Tharrhaleus), 170. atrogularis (Saxicola), 78. atrogularis (Turdus), 131. aurantiaca (Pyrrhula), 204. aurata (Arachnothera), 370. aureola (Emberiza), 259. aureola (Euspiza), 259. aureola (Rhipidura), 52. aurifroiis (Serinus), 230. aurorea (Ruticilla), 93. australis (Alauda), 326. avensis (Greocichla), 138. azurea (Hypothymis), 49. azurea (Myiagra), 49. baghaira (Eraberiza), 328. baicalensis (Motacilla), 288. banyumas (Cyornis), 25. barnesi (Saxicola), 75. baya (Ploceus), 175. beema (Budytes), 295. beema (Motacilla), 296. bengalensis (Brachyurus), 393. bengalensis (Pitta), 393. bengalensis (Ploceus), 177. bicolor (Pratincola), 60. bicolor (Saxicola), 59. birnaculata (Melano- corypba), 323. Blackbirds, 121. blakistoni (An thus), 312. blanfbrdi (Montifrin- gilla), 245. Blue-throats, 99. blythi (Propasser), 214. boarula (Calobates), 293. boarula (Motacilla), 293. boetouensis (Haemato- spiza), 209. boreal! s (Motacilla), 294. boulboul (Merula), 130. bourdilloni (Merula), 125. brachydactyla (Calan- drella), 327, 328, 329. brachyura (Pitta), 393. Brachyurus, 389. B rambling, 233. brandti (Fringillauda), 248. brandti (Leucosticte), 248. brasiliana (Cinnyris), 360. brasiliana (Leptocoma), 360. brerirostris (Acanthis), 229. brevirostris (Nectarinia), 359. Bucanetes githaginea, 221. buchanani (Emberiza), 258. Budytes, 294. Buntings, 249. burmanica (Estrilda), 193. burmanica (Leucocerca), 52. burton i (Callacanthis), 226. burtoni (Fringilla), 226. Butalis grisola, 4. Butalis terricolor, 35. cacbarensis (Accentor), 166. cacharensis (Siphia), 33. caerulea (Gigantipitta), 390. eaerulea (Myiagra), 49. casrulea (Pitta), 390. caerulecula(Motacilla), 99. cagruleicephala (Adelura), 108. caeruleocephala (Ruti- cilla), 109. casruleus (Brachyurus), 390. Calandra Larks, 322. Calandrella, 327. calandrella (Coryphidea), 328. calcarata (Budytes), 298. calcaratus (Budytes), 299. Callacanthis, 226. Callene, 113. Calliope, 101. calliope (Motacilla), 102. Calobates, 293. cambaiensis (Thamno- bia), 1 14. campbelli (Nitidula), 27. campestris (Agrodroma), 309. campestris (Anthus), 309. campestris (Motacilla), 297. camtschatkensis (Cal- liope), 102. caniceps (Carduelis), 225. cannabina (Linaria), 228. can I ]llans (Mirafra), 333. capistrata (Saxicola), 72. caprata (Pratincola), 59, 60. cara (JEthopyga), 349. cardis (Turdulus), 133. Carduelis, 225. carneipes (Pycno- rhamphus), 200. Carpodacus, 219. cashmiriensis, vide kash- miriensis. cashmiriensis (Hydro- bata), 162. cashmiriensis(Motacilla), 290. castanea (Merula), 128. castaneocollis (Petro- cincla), 143. Cercomela, 79. Cercotrichas macrurus, 119. Certhilauda desertorum, 318. cervina (Motacilla), 310. cerviniventris (Digerea), 16. cervinus (Anthus), 310. ceylonensis (Culicicapa), 38. ceylonensis (Hypo- thymis), 49. Chaemorrornis, 89. Chaitaris grandis, 40. Chalcoparia, 373. Chalcostetha, 345. Chats, 57. Chelidon, 268. Chelidorhynx, 51. chendoola (Galerida), 337. Chimarrhornis, 89. chinensis (Hirundo), 273. chrysasus (Tarsiger), 104. chryseus (Ploceus), 180. chrysochlore 378. chrysogen.ys (Araelmo- thera), 371. chrysolaus (Turdus), 135. Chrygomitris, 232. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 399 chrysopygia (Saxicola), 79. chrysorrhceum (Dicacum), 378. cia (Emberiza), 257. cia (Euspiza), 257. Cichlops therraophilus, 308. Cichloselys wardii, 137. ciliaris (Muscicapa), 17. Cinclidium frontale, 113. Cinclinas, 101. cinclorhyncha (Petro- phila), 144. Cinclus, 162. cinerea (Muscitrea), 31. cinereo-alba (Muscicapa), 35. cinereocapilla (Budytes), 294. cinereocapilla (Crypto- lopha), 38. cingalensis (Chalcoparia), 373. chmamoruea (Agro- droma), 305. cinnainorneus (Anthus), 309. cinnaraomeus (Passer), 240. Cinnyris, 348, 357. citreola (Budytes), 298, 299 citreola (Motacilla), 298. citreoloides (Budytes), 299. citreoloides (Motacilla), 299. citrina (Geocichla), 140. Citrinella, LV>2. citrinus (Turdus), 140. Cittocincla, 118. coccinea (Eucichla), 394. coccinea (Pitta), 394. coccineum (Dicaeum), 370. Coecothraustes, 196. Coccothraustinae, 196. Cochoa, 158. cockburniffi (Anthus), 305. ccelicolor (Grandala), 111. collaris (Accentor), 167. coucolor (Dicaeum), 379. concolor (Hirundo), 27."). coiu'olor (Ptyonoprogne), 276, Copsychua, 111). Coraphites melanauchen, 343. coronata (Pitta), 393. Corydalla, 306. Ooryphidea calandrella, 328. Corytbus sipahi, 209. Corytbus subhiniacbalus, 210. Cotile, 271. Cotyle, 271. crassirostris (Arachno- tbera), 372. cristata (Eraberiza), 20."). cristata (Galerita), 337. cruentatum (Dicaeum), 376. Cryptolopha cinereo- capilla, 38. cucullata (Melanopitta), 395. cucullata (Pitta), 395. cucullatus (Brachyurus), 395. Culicicapa, 38. curvirostra (Loxia), 208. cyanea (Eucicbla), 391. cyanea (Pitta), 391. Cyanecula, 99. cyanecula (Sylvia), 100. cyaneus (Brachyurus), 391. cyaneus (Cyoruis), 13. Cyanocincla, 145. cyanonotus (Geocichla), 139. cyanopolius (Cyornis), aa, cyanoptera (Pitta), 392. cyanopterus (Brachy- urus), 392. cyanotus (Turdus), 139. cyanura (lanthia), 106. cyanus (Petrophila), 146. Cyornis, 11. Cyrtostomus, 361. dabryi (^Ethopyga), 353. Daulias, 100. dauma (Oreocincla), 152. daurica (Hirundo), 282. daurica (Lillia), 282. davidianus (Carpodacus), 215. davisoni (Bracbyurus), 390. davisoni (Turdulus), 138. debrii (yEthopyga), 353. Delicbon nepalensis, '21 1 . Dendronanthus, 302. deserti (Atnmomanes), 340. deserti (Saxicola), 78. desertorum (Alaemon), 318. deserter urn (Certhilauda), 318. deva (Galerita), 338. deva (Spizalauda), 338. dialilaema (Cyornis), 23. Dicaeidae, 374. Dicseum, 375. Digenea moniliger, 32. Digenea subinoniliger, Digenea superciliaris, 15. Dimorpha uionileger, 32 Dimorpha superciliaris, 15. Dippers, 161. dissimilis (Geocicbla), 132, 133, 134. dissimilis (Turdus), 133. dixoni (Oreocincla), 155. domesticus (Passer), 236. domicola (Hirundo), 279. domicola (Hypurolepsis), 279. Dromolsea, 69. Dryinopbila velata, 43. dubius (Budytes), 296. dubius (Carpodacus), 214. dubius (Turdus), 129. dukhunensis (Calan- drella), 328. dukhunensis (Motacilla), 287, 290. dulcivox (Alauda), 325. edeni (Arachnechthra), 359. edwardsi (Propasser), 218. elegans (Cyornis), 25. elwesi (Otocorys), 321. Emberiza, 250. Emberizinaa, 249. Enicnrus, 82. epauletta (Pyrrho- plectes), 207. epaulette (Pyrrhuloides), 207. Erithacus, 99. erithacus (Pyrrbula), 206. erythaca (Pyrrhula), 2( >< J. erythacus (Siphia), 14. erythraja (Saxicola), 75. erythrinus (Carpodacu> . 219. erythrocephala (Pyr- rhula), 205. erythrogaster (Buticilla), 400 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. erythrogastra (Hirundo), 279. erythrogastra (Petro- phila), 143. erythrogastra (Euticilla), 95, 97. erythronota (Euticilla), 94. erythroprocta (Euticilla), 91. erythroptera (Mirafra). 334. erythropygia (Hirundo), 283. erytbropvgia (Lillia), 283. erythropygius (Accentor), 167. " erythrorhynchus (Di- cseum), 381. Erythrospiza, 221. Erythrosterna, 7. erythrotis (Merula), 120. Erythrura, 190. Estrelda amandava, 192. Estrelda formosa, 191. Eucichla, 391. Eumyias albicaudata, 30. Eumyias melaiiops, 28. Euspiza, 252. feaj (Merula), 135. feldeggi (Motacilla), 297. felix (Motacilla), 288. ferrea (Oreicola), 66. ferrea (Pratincola), 66. ferruginea (Heniiche- lidon), 6. ferrugineus (Alseonax), 6. Fieldfare, 150. filifera (Hirundo), 280. filiferus (Uromitrus), 280. Finches, 194. finschii (Saxicola), 75. flammaxillaris (Arach- nechthra), 362. flammaxiilaris (Cinny ris), 362. flava (Budytes), 295, 296. flava (Motacilla), 295. flava borealis (Motacilla), 294. flaveolus (Passer), 242. flavicollis (Gymnorhis), 235 flavicollis (Mirafra), 259. flavicollis (Passer), 235. flavicollis (Petronia), 235. flavidiventris (Estrelda), 193. flavidiventris (Sporae- ginthus), 193. flavigastra (Arachno- thera), 372. flavipes (Alseonax), 36. flavogularis (Euspiza), 259. flavo-olivacea (Nemura), 107. fluvicola (Hirundo), 280. fluvicola (Lagenoplastes), 280. fluvicola (Petrochelidon), 280. Flycatchers, 1. formosa (Estrelda), 191. formosa (Stictospiza), 191. frenata (Arachnechthra), 363. Fringilla, 233. Fringillaria striolata, 264. Fringillauda, 247. Frmgillidte, 194. Eringillinsc, 202. fringillirostris (Acanthis), 228. frontalis (Callene), 1 13. frontalis (Henicurus), 87. frontalis (Hydrocichla), 87. frontalis (Propasser), 213. frontalis (Euticilla), 91. fucata (Citrinella), 252. fucata (Emberiza), 252. fucata, (Euspiza), 252. fulicata (Tharnnobia), 115. fuliginosa (Hemiche- lidon), 5. fuliginosa (Euticilla), 98. fuliginosus (Ehyacornis), 98. fulvescens (Accentor), 171. fulvescens (Tharrhaleus), 171. fumigata (Amadina), 186. fumigata (Munia), 186. funiigata (Uroloncha), 186. fusca (Cercomela), 80. fuscata (Merula), 129. fuscoventris (Ehipidura), 53. Galerida, 336. Galerita, 336. Geocicbla, 136. Gigantipitta carulea, 390. gigathinea (Bucanetes), githaginea (Erythro- spiza), 221. Glaucomyias sordida, 29. goalpariensis (JEtho- pyga), 348. goalpariensis (Certhia), 348. Goldfinches, 225. golzi (Daulias), 101. gouldiro (^Ethopyga), 352. gouldioc (Cinnyris), 352. granatinus (Brachyurus), 394. Grandala, 110. grandis (Niltava), 40. grandis (Propasser), 216. gregoriana (Oreocincla), 154. grisea (Pyrrhulauda), 341. griseorufescens (Cory- dalla), 306. grisola (Butalis), 4. grisola (Muscicapa), 4. grisola (Muscitrea), 31. grisola (Tephrodornis), 31. gularis (Anthipes), 32. gulgula (Alauda), 326. gurneyi (Eucichla). 395. gurneyi (Pitta), 395. guttata (Alauda), 325. guttatus (Henicurus), 84. gutturalis (Hirundo), 277. Gymnorhis, 235. hamatopygia (Leuco- sticte), 248. Hnematospiza, 209. hafizi (Luscinia), 101. hasselti (Arachnechthra). 360. hasselti (Cinnyris), 360. hasseltii (Leptocoraa), 360. hayii (Mirafra), 338. Hemichelidon, 5. hemileucura (Muscicapa), 17. hendersoni (Saxicola), 73. Henicurus, 82. Heturura sylvana, 313. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 401 himalayaua (Loxiat. 2. nepalensis (Accentor), 166. nepalensis (JEthopyea), 355, 356. nepalensis (Chelidon) 271. nepalensis (Delichon), 271. nepalensis (Hirundo), 282. nepalensis (Pitta), 389. nepalensis (Procardue- lis), 223. nepalensis (Pyrrhula), 206. nicobarica (./Ethopyga), 350. nicobarica (Terpsiphone), 48. Nightingales, 100. nigrifrons (Enicurus), 88. nigripileus (Merula), 126. nierirufa (Ochromela), 37. nigrogularis (Euticilla), 92. nigrorufa (Ochromela), 37. nigrorufa (Saxicola), 37. nilgiriensis (Anthus), 305. nilgiriensis (Oreocincla), 153. Niltava, 39. nipalensis,i'?Vfe nepalensis. nipalensis (Bracnyurus), 389. nipalensis (Cinnyris), 355. nipalensis (Hydrornis), nipalensis (Lillia), 282. nipiili-nsis (Euticilla), Nitidula,27. nivicollis (Merula), 127. nonstriata (Munia), 186. Notodela, 111. Nymphaeus fuliginosus, J8. oatesi (Cyornis), 20. oatesi (Hydrornis), 390. oatesi (Pitta), 390. obscura (Merula), 134. obsoleta (Cotile), 27.'). obsoleta (Ptyonoprogne), 275, obsoleta (Rhodospiza), 223. occipitalis (Hylocharis), 31. occinitalis (Hypothymis), Ochromela, 37. ocularis (Motacilla), 289. Ocyris oinopus, 254. oeuanthe (Saxicola), 76, 77. oinopus (Ocyris), 254. olivacea (Cyornis), 34. olivaceum (Dicseum), 380. olivaceus (Anthipes), 34. opistholeuca (Saxicola), 73. Oreicola, 66. Oreocincla, 151. Oreocorys, 313. orientalis (Alauda), 325. Orocetes erythrogastra, 143. oryziyora (Muuia), 182. Otocorys, 319. Ouzels, 127. Pachycephala cyanea, 13. Pachyglossa, 385. pallasi (Cinclus), 164. pallens (Turdulus), 135. pallens (Turdus), l::i. pallida (Ptyonoprogne), •27."). pallidipes (Cyornis), 22. pnllidus (Turdus), 135. pallipes (Cyornis)u22. 404 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Paludicola nipalensis. 389. panayana (Hirundo), 277. pandoo (Petrocincla), 146. paradisea (Muscipeta), 45. paradisi (Tchitrea), 45, 47. paradisi (Terpsiphone), 45. parva (Erythrosterna), 9,10. parva (Siphia), 9. Passer, 236. passerinus (Ploceus), 177. pectoralis (Amadina), 187. pectoralis (Arachnech- thra), 361. pectoralis (Calliope), 103. 104. pectoralis (Chalcostetha), 345. pectoralis (Oinnyris), 361. pectoralis (Munia), 187. pectoralis (Oreocincla), 137. pectoralis (Ehipidura), 55. pectoralis (Serinus), 233. pectoralis (Uroloncha), 187. peguensis (Alauda), 326. penicillata (Otocorys). 319. percussus (Prionochilus), 384. persica (Alaudula), 331. persica (Motacilla), 288. persica (Saxicola), 69. personata ( Motacilla) , 290. Petrochelidon fluvicola, 280. Petrocossyphus cyanus, 146. Petronia, 243. petronia (Fringilla), 243. petronia (Petronia), 243. Petrophila, 142. phayrei (Nectarinia), 360, phayrii (Anthocincla), 387. Philentoma, 42. philippina (Loxia), 175. philippinus (Ploceus), 175, 176. philouiela (Daulias), 101. philomela (Hylocharis), 31. phoenicotis (Anthothrep- tes), 373. phoenicotis (Anthreptes), 373. phcenicotis (Chalco- paria), 373. phoenicotis (Nectarinia), 373. Phcenicura rubeculoides, 23. phcenicura (Ammo- manes), 339. phcenicura (Ruticilla), 90. phoenicuroides (Ammo- manes), 340. phoenicuroides (Euticil- la), 95. picata (Saxicola), 71. pilaris (Turdus), 150. Pipastes, 303. Pipits, 301. pipra (Prionochilus), 383. Piprisoma, 382. pispoletta (Alaudula), 331. pithyornis (Emberiza), 254. Pitta, 388. Pittidse, 386. Planesticus, 129. Planesticus pilaris, 150. Platy rhynchus ceylon en - sis, 38. pleschanka (Saxicola), 73. Ploceella, 179. Ploceidie, 173. Ploceinae, 174. Ploceus, 174. plumatus (Pipastes), 303. pcecilopterus (Turdus), 130. poliogenys (Anthipes), 33. poliogenys (Cyornis), 33. Poliomyias hodgsoni, 14. prasina (Erythrina), 190. prasina (Erythrura), 190. pratensis (Anthus), 304. pratensis japouicus (An- thus), 312. Pratincola, 58. Priouochilus, 384. Procarcluelis, 223. Propasser, 212. Propyrrkula, 210. protomomelsena (Meru- la), 133. Ptyonoprogne, 273. pulcherriuius (Propas- ser), 215. punctulata (Amadina), 189. punctulata (Munia), 189. punctulata (Uroloncha), 189. punicea (Estrilda), 193. punicea (Fringilla), 192. punicea (Pyrrhospiza), 211. purpurea (Cochoa), 159. pusilla (Arachnothera), 371. pusilla (Emberiza), 254. pusilla (Erythrosterna), 18. pusilla (Euspiza), 254. pusilla (Metoponia), 230. pusillus (Serinus), 230. Pycnorhamphus, 198. pygma3a (Linota), 202. pyrrhonotus (Passer), 238. Pyrrhoplectes, 207. pyrrhoptera (Fringilla), 202. pyrrhopterum (Philen- toma), 43. pyrrhopterus (Passer), 243. Pyrrhospiza, 211. Pyrrhula, 204. Pyrrhulauda, 341. Pyrrhuloides epaulettii, 207. rayi (Budytes), 297- raytal (Alaudula), 330. Eedstarts, 90. Eedwing, 150. Ehipidura, 52. rhodochlamys (Pro- passer), 216. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 405 rhodochroa (Fringilla), 217. rhodochrous (Propasser), 217, rhodolaema, (Antho- threptes), 367. Rhodopechys sanguinea, 223. rhodopepla (Fringilla), 217. rbodopeplus (Propasser \ 217 Rhodophila, 66. Ehodospiza obsoleta, 223. Rbyacornis, 97. richardi (An thus), 307. riclmrdi (Corydalla), 307. riparia (Cotile). 27-. riparia (Hirundo), 272. Robins, Indian, 114. robusta (Pratincola), 58. robustior (Pratincola), 64. Rock-Thrushes, 142. rosaceus (An thus), 311. rubecula (Muscicapula), 15. rubeculoides (Accentor). 169. rubeculoides (Cyornis), 23. rubeculoides (Thar- rhaleus), 16',). rubescens (Procarduelis), 234. rubetroides (Saxicola), 63. rubicilla (Carpodacus), 220. rubicola (Pratincola), 61. rubroniger (Munia), 183. rubronigra (Amadina), - 183. Ruby-throats, 101. rufescens (Anthus), 305. ruficapilla (Hydrocichla), 87. ruficapillus (Henicurus), 87. rulicauda (Cyornis), 36. ruficaudus (Alseonax), 36. ruficollis (Merula), 130. ruficollis (Monti- fringilla), 245. rufigularis (Sipuia), 8. rufilata (lanthia), 106. rufilatus (Accentor), 167. rufiyentris (Ruticilla), 95. rufogularis (Anthus), 311. rufogularis (Ruticilla), 94. rufula (Corydalla), 309. rufula (Hirundo), 284. rufulus (Anthus), 308. rufulus (Turdus), 134. rupestris (Hirundo), 274. rupestris (Ptyono- progne), 274. rustica (Hirundo), 277. Ruticilla, 90. Ruticilliiire, 81. rutila (Emberiza), 263. rutilii (Euspiza), 263. rutilans (Passer), 241. salicaria (Passer), 239. salicaria (Pyrgita), 239. salicicola (Passer), 239. Sand-Martins, 271. sanguinea (Rhodo- pecbys), 223. sanguinipectus (J£tbo- pyga), 354. sapphira (Cyornis), 20. saturata (Jftthopyga), 354. saturatior (Saxicola), 61. saturatus (Cinnyris), 354. saturatus (Propasser), 218. saularis (Copsychus), 116. saxatilis (Monticola), 147. Saxicola, 67. Saxicolinae, 57. schistacea (Grandala), 111. schistaceus (Henicurus), 84. schisticeps (Ruticilla), 92. schceniclus (Eraberiza), 251. scouleri (Henicurus), 88. scouleri (Microcichla), 88. scullii (Hirundo), 284. seheriae (JSthopyga), 348. semistriata (Amadina), 186. semistriata (Munia), 186. seinistriata (Uroloncha), 186. Serinus pectoralis, 233. srvortzovi (Carpodacus), shah (Emberiza), 259. Shamas, 118. Sialia ccolicolor, 111. sibirica (Geocichla), 138. sibirica (Hemicbelidon), 5. sibiricus (Turdus), 138. similaris (Munia), 188. similis (Agrodroma), 305, 306. similis (Anthus), 306. simillima (Alauda), 338. simillima (Euspiza), 261. simillima (Merula), 124. simillima (Spizalauda), 338. simplex (Anthothreptes), 367. sinensis (Cotile), 273. sinensis (Henicurus), 86. sinensis (Hirundo), 273. singalensis (Anthreptes), 373. singalensis (Chalcoparia), 070 o/o. sipahi (Haematospiza), 209. Siphia, 7. Siskins, 232. Skylark, 324. smithii (Hirundo), 280. solitaria (Petrophila), 145. sordida (Agrodroma), 306. sordida (Erythrosterna), 14. sordida (Fringillauda), 248. sordida (Stoparola), 29. sordidus (Anthus), .".""'. sordidus (Cinclus). Hi."). Sparrows, 236. spilonota (Stoparola), 2S. spiloptera (Oreocincla), 155. spinoides (Chrysomitris), 231. spinoides (Hypacantliis\ 231. spinoletta (Antlms), 312. spipoletta (Autlnis). .'ill*. Spi/:ilaiid:i dova, 338. spodocephala riza), 260. 406 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Sporgeginthus, 192. squalidum (Piprisoma), 382. squalidus (Prionochilus), 383. stewarti (Citrinella), 256. stewarti (Emberiza), 256. Stictospiza, 190. stoliczkge (Carpodacus), 221. Stoparola, 27. stracheyi (Emberiza), 257. striata (Amadina), 185. striata (Munia), 185, 186. striata (Uroloncha), 185. striolata (Corydalla), 308. striolata (Emberiza), 264. striolata (Fringillaria), 264. striolata (Hirundo), 281. striolatus (Anthus), 308. stropbiata (Siphia), 8. strophiatus (Accentor), 171. stropbiatus (Thar- rhaleus), 171. stulta (Petronia), 243. subbemacbalaiia (Propyr- rbula), 210. subbimacbala (Propyr- rhula), 210. subhimalayensis (Propyr- rhula), 211. submoniliger (Anthipes), 33. subobscura (Merula), 135. subpallidus (Turd us), 135. subsoccata (Cotyle), 273. subsoccata (Hirundo), 273. substriolata (Hirundo), 281. substriolata (Lillia), 281. subundulata (Aniadina), 189. subundulata (Munia), 189. suecica (Cyanecula), 99. sulpburea (Calobates), 293. sulphurea (Motacilla), 293. Sun-birds, 343. sundara (Niltava), 41. superciliaris (Cyornis), 17. superciliaris (lanthia), 107. superciliaris (Musci- capula), 17, 19. superciliaris (Sipbia), 15, 20. superciliaris (Tarsiger), 107. superstriata (Amadina), 189. superstriata (Munia), 189. Swallows, 267. sybilla (Motacilla), 59. sylvana (Heterura), 313. sylvanus (Oreocorys), 313. taivana (Motacilla), 296. Tarsiger, 104. Tarsiger bodgsoni, 27. Tcbitrea affinis, 47. Tchitrea paradisi, 45, 47. Tephrodornis grisola, 31. Terpsiphone, 44. terricolor (Alseonax), 35. terricolor (Butalis). 35. Thamnobia, 113. Tbarrbaleus, 168. thermophilus (Anthus), 308. tbermopbilus (Cichlops), 308. Thrushes, 120. thura (Propasser), 213. tibetana (Calandrella), 329. tibetana (Chrysomitris), 232. tickelli (Cyornis), 25. tickellise (Cyornis), 25. tickellige (Dictum), 381. torquata (Melano- corypba), 323. triborbyncba (Alauda), 325, 326. Tricbastoma leuco- proctura, 13. tricolor (Cittocincla), 119. tricolor (Geocicbla), 133. tricolor (Sipbia), 16. trigonostigma (Dicasum), 377. triostegus (Pitta), 393. trivialis (Antbus), 302. trivialis (Dendronn- tbus), 302. trivialis (Pipastes), 303. tscbebaiewi (Calliope), 104. Turdidre, 56. Turdinre, 120. Turdulus cardis, 133. Turdtis, 148. tytleri (Hirundo), 278. tytleri (Hypothymis), 50. ubiquitaria (Corydalla), 309. undulata (Munia), 189. unicolor (Cyornis), 22. unicolor (Geocicbla), 132. unicolor (Merula), 132. unicolor (Turdus), 132. urbica (Cbelidon), 269. urbica (Hirundo), 269. Uroloncha, 183. Uromitrus filiferus, 280. varia (Oreocincla), 153. variegatus (Accentor), 168. velatum (Philentoma), Viduin^e, 181. vigorsi (^Ethopyga), 350. vigorsi (Euticilla), 97. vigorsii (Cinnyris), 350. vincens (Acmonorhyn- cbus), 382. vincens (Pachyglossa), _382. vincens (Prionocbilus), 382. vireoides (Parisoma), _382. virescens (Dicseum), 380. viridis (Budytes), 294. viridis (Cochoa), 160. viscivorus (Turdus), 148. vittata (Saxicola), 75. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 407 vivida (Cyornis), 20. wardii (Turclus), 137. yeatmani (Calliope), vivida (Niltava), 21. Weaver-birds, 174. 102. vul^ari8(Cojcothraustes), whiteleyi (Chelidon), 196. 270. zeylonica (Arachnech- vulgaris (Merula), 123. wolfi (Oyanecula), 100. thra), 364. zeylonica (Oinnyris), \V;iu'luils, 285. xanthocblora (Au- 364. waldeni (.Ethopyga), threptes), 367. zeylonica (Leptoooma), 354. Xanthopygia fuliginosa, 364. wurdi (Oeocichla), 137. 98. Zoothera, 156. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. 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