c FORTHE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY A f^ ^y THE BIRDS OF INDIA. THE BIRDS OF INDIA; BEIXG A NATIRAL USTI8SY OF ALL THE BIRDS KNOWN TO INHABIT CONTINENTAL INDIA: Descriptions of the Species, Genera, Families, Tribes, and Orders, and a Brief Notice of such Families as are not found in India, MAKING IT A MA^yAL. OF OBf^lTHOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR INDIA. T. C. JERDON, SURGEON MAJOR, MADRAS ARMY, Author of " Illustrations of Indian Ornithology." VOL. II.-PART I. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY THE MILITARY ORPHAN PRESS, 6, BANKSHALL STREET. 1863. JUL 2 5 1957 PREFACE. In consequence of the time that the careful compila- tion of an Index will take, and other circumstances, the Author has been induced to issue the Second Volume in two parts. This will be attended with great additional ex- pense to the Author ; but, in consideration of the numerous observers, now fortunately scattered over the country, who are anxious for the early appearance of the Work, the Author has not grudged it. The concluding part will, he hopes, be issued in a few months. CONTENTS OF VOL II., PART I. PAGE. Oed. INSESSOEES, (Continued J . Fam. JVIerulidje, Continued, . Timalina;, 1 Fam. BKACHYPODIDiE, . 75 PycnonotinEC, . 76 Phyllornithina;; . 96 Ireninas, . 104 Oriolina), . 106 Fam. Sylviad^, . 113 Saxicolinas, . 114 Euticillina^, . 135 Calamolierpinse, . 153 DrymoicinaB, . 164 Phylloscopinaj, . . 187 Sylvianas, . 207 Motacillinas, . 210 Fam. Ampelid^, . 240 Leiotrichinas, ' .. 241 Paring, . 269 Accentoringe, .. 283 Tribe Conikostres, . 291 Fam. CoKViD^, .. 292 Corvinse, . 292 Garrtilinaj, .. 306 Dendrocittinas, . 313 Fregilinas, • .. 318 CONTENTS PAGE. Fam. Stuknid^, SturninsB, Lamprotorninas, Fam. Fringillid^, Ploceinae, Estreldma3, Passerinae, ... Emberizina3, Fringillinge, Alaudinffi, 320 321 331 341 342 351 362 369 383 415 TUE BIRDS OF INDIA. Sub-fain. TniALiN-i:, Babbling Thrushes. Syn. Ci'(iteropo(lu)(e, Swains. — Thnalida', Bonap. — Li'otrichidce, Caban., and Van llocven (in part). Legs and feet stout and hxrge ; bill various in form and leng-h, almost always compressed, usually notched ; wings short and rounded ; tail largish, graduated ; plumage often lax. This family presents a large assemblage of birds of diverse and varied aspect ; some with short and thick bills ; a few with long and curved beaks; otlicrs with this organ moderate and Thru?h-like. In fact, we have represented here, as far as the beak is concerned, Thrushes, Shrikes, Jays, Finches, Titmice, and Tree-creepers. Their most characteristic features are their strong legs and feet^ combined with a short rounded wing, and a compressed bill. Their colors are usually plain and sombre, in one uroup varied with some richer tints. Their habits correspond with their struc- tural details. They are mostly social, or even gregarious ; they arc a good deal on the ground, on which they hop vigorously, or climb with facility through tangled thickets or reeds ; and their food is both insects, fruits, and grain. The majority of those, Avith whose habits we are familiar, lay blue eggs. The sexes rarely differ, if at all, and the young are clothed much as the parent birds, only somewhat duller. The greater number of the species, as at present recognized, are Asiatic, chiefly from India and Malay ana ; and it is only of late years that most of them have been made known to science. They extend through the Eastern Isles to Australia and New Zealand ; several are African ; and possibly many birds of the New Continent may be found to associate naturally with the birds of this group. Swainson was the first naturalist who seized on their peculi- arities of structure, and named them CrateropodincB, a name which perhaps ought to be retained. Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, A 2 BIRDS OF INDIA. separated them, some of them being placed as a sub-family, Timalijue, o^\)\s Maluridce ; and others in the l-'tilorJu/uchhice. a sub-family of the Gm'ruliiUe, or Jays. Latterlj^ however, lie fully recognized the extent of the group, so far as to locate in his family, Timalidce, most of the birds now usually placed here ; but he included in it many of the short-legged Thrushes, BracliypodbKS ; and, with more justice, I consider, the group of Mocking-birds, or American short-winged Thrushes, Blyth, in his Catalogue, also classed them much as the Prince formerly did ; but now nearly adopts the group as deHned by Gray and Horsfield, with some additions. This naturalist also is inclined to place the diminutive, short-winged warblers, such as -Dri/moica, Prinia, &c., with the Babblers ; but I prefer class- ing them as a type of the Sylviadcs. Taking all their characters and habits into consideration, I fully agree with Gray and Horsfield in their views as to the extent of this fam.ily ; but I believe that many other forms, not itsually associated with this family, also belong here, some of which will be pointed out in the proper place. As we approach the limits of the group on either side, there are of course a few forms whose place is not so clear or marked ; and one or more have been placed in the next family, the Brachypodidce ; and tliis we can easily under- stand (as the two groups approach each other, if they do not actu- ally unite,) without agreeing with the Prince of Canino, and placing the short-legged Thrushes, of strict arboreal habits, with these strong-legged and active clamberers, and ground birds. A few of this family also approach the MyiotherincB, and several of the smaller members of the Timalta section were classed hy Temminck under his somewhat heterogeneous Myiothera. Some of the forms of this family also approach the Leiotrichwce ; they are classed together by certain foreign Ornithologists ; aud one, or more genera have been bandied between the two groups by otlier writers. Bonaparte divides the I'iinalidce (excluding the Bulbuls) into Liofruddiue, Garrulacina^ CrateropodincB, Mimina', and Tunalince. I shall divide them, without bestowing any distinct name, or defining the limits of each very closely, into the following sections: Isi, the thick billed, or Finch-thrudies ; 2nd, the Jay -thrushes TIMALIN^. 3 and Shrike-babblers; 3n/, the Quaker and Wren-babblers; 4^A, the Creeper-thrushes ; 5th, the Launhing-thrushes ; Gth, the true Babblers ; and lastly, the Reed-thrushes. Ahhoui^dr the series, as here given, is not unbroken, I think that it presents the allinities, inter se, of the various sections pretty closely ; and the two most abnormal groups are here placed each on the confines of the family. With regard to their external relations, I til ink, that whilst they perhaps join the Tits, and Liotrichince ^ through Suthora and the Alcippe group, on the other side they are undoubtedly connected to the Warblers through some of the Eeed- thrushes, such as Eurycercus and Schccnicola, and they join the true Thrushes by the IMocking Thrushes of America. Ist. The thick -billed, or Finch-thrushes, (Paradoxornithinee, Gray.) There has been considerable difference of opinion as to the affinities of these very curious birds. IVIr. Gould, who founded the typical genus, contents himself with calling it a paradoxical binl. Gray places the smaller forms with the Parina;, and the larger in the Fringillidce, next Phytotoma. Bonaparte, likewise, in his Conspectus, classed them among the Finches, but subsequently admitted their alliance witli the Timalince, associating them with Leiothruc, and thus formed the sub-family, LiotrichincE, in which, moreover, he placed Conostoma. Hodgson considered the larger ones nearly allied to Conostoma, an undoubted member of this family ; and Blyth, whilst placing them in the Paridce (as does Horsfield), also admitted the relationship to Conostoma ; and he is now inclined to class them near the Timalince. Tickell does not allow their affinities for this family, and calls them Fringillideous. Putting aside the bill, the structure in every other respect is quite Crateropodine. The strong legs and feet, the rounded wing, the long graduated tail, the lax plumage, all agree with the characters of this family ; whilst the bill, (on which so much stress is laid by some, to the exclusion of every other feature,) as already noticed, varies greatly in this family ; and here it is reduced to a minimum in shortness, and a maximum in depth and width. Conostoma, Pydoris, and some other genera, foreign to India, approach it in these points, and make an easy transition to the more ordinary form of beak. BIKDS OF INDIA. (!cn. Paraduxoknis, Gould. Syn. BofJn/rJiptcJnis, McLell. — Ileteromorpha , Hodgson (partly). Chur. — Bill short, stout, as high at the base as long ; culinen much curved, compressed on the sides, blunt, sinuated on the mannn ; nostrils small, round, concealed by setaceous feathers ; rictus with a few slender bristles ; wings feeble, rounded, the 6th quill longest, the lour first graduated ; tail long, firm, graduated ; leo-s and feet very stout ; tarsus nearly entire ; lateral toes equal ; hind toe and claw large; claws all/ freely curved; the middle toe not much elongated ; plumage soft and lax. The birds composing this curious genus differ somewhat in the form of the bill and wing, and one of them has been classed separately by Gray ; but I think that, with the exception perha})S of HeteroinorjjJia, they range better together than if each ])eculiarity is made to constitute a sub-genus. The present genus is characterized by the deep sinuation of the tomioe of the mandibles. 373. Paradoxornis flavirostris, Gould. p. Z. S., IsaC), 17— HoRSF., Cat. 609— Gould, Icones, pi. 1,— Birds of Asia, Part VI., pi 8.— Bathyrhynchus brevirostris, ]\IcLelland. The Yellow-billed Finch-thrush. Descr. — Above, the head and hind neck pale rufous ; back, wings, and tail, dull olive-brown ; cheeks and throat white, with small black spots ; ear-coverts and a gular band, black ; beneath, |)ale earthy rufescent. One (female) specimen wants the black gular band, and has the white of the lower parts rufescent-white, with some brown spots on the throat and breast. Bill bright yellow ; legs plumbeous ; irides red brown. Length Sh inches ; wing 3;^ ; tail 3| ; bill at front i, nearly as deep at the base; tarsus ly{y. I have only procured this very interesting bird on the Khasia hills, at au elevation of above 5,000 feet, in a pine wood, and found that it had partaken of various seeds. There were two or three young birds in company with the parents, one of which I also shot, and found that it closely resembled the old birds in plumage. They were rather shy, though they did not conceal TIMALIX.^:. 5 themselves in the manner of tlie Gdvvalax group, but flew from tree to tree. McLelland obtained his only specimen in Assam, very probably on the Khasia hills ; and Hodgson has also procured it in the Sikhim Terai, and Nepal. 374. Paradoxornis gularis, Hoesfield. HoRSFiELD, MSS. — Gray, Genera of birds, pi. 94, f. 2 — Gould, Birds of Asia, Part VI., pi. 10. — P. caniceps, Blyth — Heteromorpha, apud Blytii, Cat. 528— HousF,, Cat. 612 — Chongto-pliep-pho, Lepcli. The hoary-headed Finch-thrush. Descr. — Above rufescent brown ; head pure grey, with a black superciliary line, commencing with the nostrils ; beneath white, ■with the chin black. Bill yellow; legs and feet plumbeous ; the claws pale; irides light brown. Length 6 inches ; wing 3^ ; tail 3 ; bill at front ^ inch nearly ; tarsus 1. The wing in this species is proportionally longer, and the hind toe is very large. 1 JDrocured this bird at Darjeeling, where, however, it is rare, and it is found at from 3,000 to 6,000 feet of elevation. It has also been sent from Bootan. 375. Paradoxornis ruficeps, Blyth. J. A. S., XL, 177, and XIL, 1010, with a figure— Horsf., Cat. 611 — Heteromorpha, apud Blyth, Cat. 527 — Gray Genera of Birds, ph 94, f. 1— Gould, Birds of Asia, Part VL, pi. 11.— Chongto-phep-pJio, Lepch. The red-headed Finch-thrush. Head, cheeks, ear-coverts, nape, and sides of neck, bright rufous ; the rest of the upper plumage olive-brown, darker, and tinged with rufous on the wings ; beneath, white, a little sullied with fulvescent on the neck and flanks. Bill, with the upper mandible, horny brown, the lower one pale yellowish; legs plumbeous; irides red brown; orbitar skin pale blue. Length about 7|^ inches; wing3|; tail 3^; bill at front |- inch, fth deep ; tarsus above 1 inch. BIRDS OF INDIA. This species differs somewhat from the two hist by its less com- pressed bill, which is also less sinuated at the margin ; and Blyth, at one time, classed it as a Heteromorplui. Gray, moreover, sepa- rates it from Paraduxornis, appropriating for it McLelland's name of Bathyc/n/nchus. It is found in the hilly regions of Nepal, Sikhim, Bootan, the Ivhasia hills, extending into Arrakan. I have procured it both at Darjeellng, and on the Khasia hills, and found it in dense bamboo iungle, feeding on the seeds which ripened this year (1862) over a hxrge extent of the hills. AVhllst feeding on the bamboos, in small parties, it did not shun observation, but on being followed soon concealed itself. Tickell saw this bird at Ging, near Darjeel- ing, and found it feeding on grain, maize, rice, and buck-wheat. "It perches," says that naturalist, " on the top of high trees, as well as bushes, when off its feed, and in fact shows nothing, in its maii- ners, of the thicket-loving, skidking habit of the Crateropodines.''^ In the few opportunities I had of observing it, I saw nothing opposed to the view of its being placed in this family, and several undoubt- ed members of the Timalince, vi~., the Malacocerci, are great grain- eaters. Gen. Heteromorpha, Hodgson. C/mr.— Similar to the last, but the bill with the margin straight; the head crested. This sub-genus, applied by Hodgson also to the other species of Paradoxornis, is retained as distinct by Gray for this species ; and from its form, and the mode of coloration, I am inclined to accept it. 376. Heteromorpha unicolor, Hodgson. J. A. S., XH., 448, with figure— Horsf., Cat. 610— Gould, Birds of Asia, Part YI., pi. 9 — Lho-ramnio-pho, Lepch., i. e., the Mountain Actinodura. The Brown Finch-thrush. J)escr. — Throughout of an ashy olive-brown, brightest on the head, wings, and tail ; head with full but short crest. TIMALIN.E. 7 Bill orange-yellow ; Ictrs slaty-grey ; iriJes brown. Length 7J inches ; Aving 3/-^ ; tail 4 ; bill at front j-'^ ; tarsus 1|. This plainly-coloured Finch-thrush is not distantly allied to Coitos- toina oeinodlum. The Leuchas call both birds by the same name, and both are peculiar to the more elevated regions of the Hima- layas, and have not been procured elsewhere. Hodfrson states that it is found in the luLiher rerrions of Nepal, dwelling in thick bi-ushwood, frequently alighting on the ground, but also feeding on trees, on bugs and other insects, in small flocks, and not noisy. I procured a single specimen from j\Iount Tongloo, near Darjceling, 10,000 feet high. Gen. CiiLKUASiCUS, Blyth. Char. — Bill much as in Paradoxornis, but shorter, wider, and more tumid on the sides. This o-enus is now included bv Blvth and Ilorilield in SulJiora ; but 1 think that it is more allied to the last group than to the 'iii-like mcm!)ers of that genus, and the sole sj)ecies has very much the colors of P. mjlceps. 377. Chleii?«sicus ruficeps, Blyth. J. A., S. XIA^., 178 — Blytii, Cat. 529 — Cliongto-ijlwp-plio, Lepch. The Eed-headed Tit-Thrush. Head and neck bright ferruginous ; the rest of the upper plumage olive-brown, inore or less inclining towards ferruoinous, specially on the shoulder of the wing ; entire under parts white. Bill whitish horny ; legs greenish plumbeous; irides red-brown. Length 5|- inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2| ; bill at front | ; 'tarsus |. This bird has only yet been procured in Sikhim. I got it at Darjeeling, but had no opportunity of observing its habits. Gen. SuTHOUA, Hodgson, Syn. — Temnoris and Ileinirhijjiclias, Hodgson (postea). Cliar. — Bill very short and stout, as high and nearly as wide as long ; ridge much curved ; the sides slightly tumid ; rictus smooth ; nostrils concealed by plumes ; wings short, rounded, 6th quill 8 BIRDS OF INDIA. longest ; tail rather long, graduated, feeble ; tarsus long, smooth ; toes short ; nails compressed and acute, hind toe stout ; outer toe slightly longer than the inner. This remarkable group of small birds cannot, I think, be sepa- rated from the last series, as is done by Gray and others, for they are distinctly connected to Faradoxurnis by Chleuasicus. Gray, Horsfield, and BWth, however, agree in placing them among the Parince, near the long-tailed Tit-mouse and Panuras biarmicus, as does Hodgson, though he asserts their relationship with Heteromor- j)ha, &c. But it appears to me questionable if the bearded Tit-mouse really belongs to the ParincE, for it differs from them by its short wings, large legs and feet, short tumid bill, and dense plumage ; and, in these points, certainly agrees with Sathora. Bonaparte, indeed, in his Conspectus, placed ISuthora among his Leiotricliince, with Paradoxornis and Conostoma. 378. Buthora nipalensis, Hodgson. Ind. Rev. 2, p. 32— Blyth, Cat. 530— Horsf., Cat. 613.— Temnoris atrifrons, Hodgs., P. Z. S., 1845 — Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. upper figure — Suthora, Nipal. The Black-fronted Tit-Thrush. Descr. — Crown bright fulvous, passing to duller fulvous on the back ; forehead, and a broad streak over the eyes to the nape, black ; lores and sides of the face, with the plumes growing from the base of the low^er mandible, pure white ; ear-coverts, and a spot behind the eye, below the black streak, bright fulvous ; below the ear-coverts, and the sides of the neck, pure ash, paler on the breast, and passing to white on tlie abdomen ; chin and throat black, with whitish margins ; wings dark brown, the first two or three quills edged with Avhite, the next two or three with rufous, and the remainder edged throughout their entire length with the same colour, but of a deeper hue ; tail bright ciianamon brown, edged externally Avith rufous ; the inner webs dusky. Bill black, bluish at the base ; legs fleshy white ; irides brown. Length 4;^ inches; Aving 2 ; tail 2;^; bill :^ •, tarsus |. TIMALIN2E. 9 Gould has figured two varieties, one witli ashy crovm and white cheeks, the other with rufous crown and ear-coverts. Are these the different sexes ? Tiiis bird inhabits the Central and Northern regions of Nepal and Sikim. It associates, says Hodgson, in small flocks; frequenting the brushwood and tall grass, and has the manners and food of Farus. I only obtained one specimen near Darjceling. 379. Suthora poliotis, Blyth. J. A. S., XX., 122— IIoRSF., Cat. 615— S. Nipalensis, apud Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. (the two lower figures). The Asii-eared Tit-thrush. Descr. — Crown of head, and back of neck, brownish grey ; the ear-coverts and sides of the neck grey ; face, and superciliary stripe, white, bounded above by a broad black line ; rest of the upper plumage rusty red ; wings as in the last ; beneath, the chin barred with black and rust colour, the rest of the lower plumage uniform rusty. Bill blackish ; legs fleshy. Dimensions of the last. The Ash-eaxcd Tit-thrusli has been found in Nepal, and also in the Khasia hills. 380. Suthora fulvifrons, Hodgson. J. A.S., XV., 579— Blyth, Cat. 531— House., Cat. 614— Tern- noris Nipalensis, Hodgson, J. A. S., XIII., 450, with figure — Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. 61. The Fulvous-fronted Tit-thrush. Upper parts light rufescent brown, inclining to fulvous on the forehead, throat, and breast ; a pale dusky streak on each sin- ciput; secondaries, and the base of the caudals, broadly margined with bright chesnut- fulvous; the belly and flanks albescent greyish. Bill pale ; legs light brown. Length 5 inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 2^ ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus |. This bird has hitherto only been sent from Nepal. In it the bill is reduced to its minimum iu this group, and it might easily be B lO BIRDS OF INDIA. mistaken for a tliick-billed Tit-mouse. Another species of this genus from China has lately been figured by Gould in his Birds of Asia, as S^ithora Wehhiana. I agree with Mr. Blyth in considering that Strutkidea of Austra- lia belongs to this family, and probably to this group ; as perhaps also Sphenostoma, and XeropJdla of Gould, which, indeed, I see Bonaparte includes in his Timaliyice, placing them after the Para- doxornis group, in a sub-family with Psophodes and Melanochlora, which latter, however, I look on as a true Tit. Near this group perhaps should come the genus Pi/ctorliis, but as its affinities for the Alcippe and Timalia section, are perhaps stronger, I shall bring it into the system along with the latter series, and go on to the Jay-thrushes. Gen. CoNOSTOMA, Hodgson. Char. — Bill short, stout, compressed, arched, with the culmen broad and rounded ; nostrils round, concealed ; rictus with a few short bristles ; wings short, feeble, much rounded, 6th, 7th, and 8th quills being about equal and longest ; tail moderately lengthened, rounded, broad ; feet large and strong ; tarsus long, nearly smooth ; the outer toe longer than the inner ; hind toe very large ; nails long, slender, and moderately curved. This genus, of which there is only one representative, was con- sidered by its founder to belong to the Glancopince, or Tree-crows of Swainson, with analogies for the TimaUna;, and Crateropi, of the lower regions; and Gray agrees with this view of its affinities. Blyth classes it with the Paradoxornis group, as do Bonaparte and Horsfield, who had previously placed it near the Gcirrulax series. Taking into consideration its short wing, strong legs, and lax plumage, I have no hesitation in placing it near IJeteromorpha, at the same time leading, through the next form, towards Garrulax and its aifines. 381. Conostoma cemodium, Hodgson. J. A. S., X., 857, with figure.-— Blyth, Cat. 526— Horsf., Cat. 309, and 612 bis— Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. 84. — Lho-ramnio-pho, Lepcli. TIMALIN^. 1 1 The Red-billed Jay-thrush. Descr. — Head, neck, and body above, dull olive-brown, clearest on the secondaries, and most rufcscent on tlic wings ; the outer edge of the first three primaries pale rufcscent or vinous; beneath paler, and passing into dusky slaty blue, all tlie feathers at their base being of that tint. Bill dull orange; legs slaty grey; iridesbrown. Length 1\\ inches; wing 5 ; tail 4|; tarsus l-f^ ; bill 'at front |th, nearly \ itieh deep. This bird has hitherto been only procured in Nepal and Sikhim. I got one specimen from Mt. Tongloo, close to the Nepal frontier. Hodgson says that its habits are terrene and rasorial. " It is," says he, " a sliy forester, adhering to the wilds, and tenanting the skirts of forests, where brush-wood as well as trees abound. Five or six of these birds are usually found together, chattering, hopping and feeding on the ground, and resorting to the trees and shrubs for shelter. Their food is principally insects in summer, but in winter, doubtless, they take some vegetable food. They inhabit the northern region of Nepal, close to the snows." The next genus, though somewhat allied in form, difl'ers in its longer and less deep bill, in the apert nostrils, and shorter claws. Like the last, it is composed but of a single species, which was by some considered congeneric with a New Zealand bird, but has lately been separated from it.* Gen. Grammatoptila, Reich, Syn. Turnagra, apud Blyth — Keropia, Gray. Char. — Bill short, stout, moderately compressed, gently curving from the base, slightly hooked and notched; nostrils obliquely oval, exposed ; a few thin rictal bristles ; wings short, rounded, 5th and 6th quills longest ; tarsus strong ; feet stout ; lateral toes slightly unequal, claws moderate, broad. Crested. 382. Grammatoptila striata, Vigors. Garrulus, apud A^igoks, P. Z. S., 1830— Gould, Century, pi. 37 — Blytii, Cat. 480 — Horsf. Cat. 301 — Naminok-j)hOj Lepch — Kojiiam, Bhot. * The New Zealand bird, Keropia crassirostris, appears to me related to the Bower-birds of Australia. 12 birds of india. The Striated Jay-tiirusii. Vescr. — Above light wood-brown, tinged with umber brown on the head, and rufescent on the wings; the tail almost chesnut brown ; the outer edge of the outermost primaries tinged with hoary ; beneath, brown slightly paler than above ; all the body feathers, both above and below, striated longitudinally with yellowish white ; the streaks on the abdomen wide, and longer than those on tlie back. Bill black ; legs dusky plumbeous ; irides red brown. Length 12 inches J wing 5 5 ; tail 5|; bill at front nearly 1, fth deep; tarsus 1^. This bird has a remarkably strong aud Jay-like bill, and was originally described as a Jay by Vigors. In its mode of coloration it approaches some of the Garrulax series, viz. Troclialovteron lineatum, and T. imhricatiiin. The striated Jay-thrush is a very common bird about Darjeeling, from about 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet, but is more often heard than seen. It frequents the densest thickets, in pairs, or in small and scattered parties. It has some very peculiar calls, one of them not unlike the clucking of a hen which has just laid an egg. I found both fruit and insects in the stomach of those which I examined, chiefly the latter. It extends from Bootan to Nepal, but I am not aware if it is found further to the west. We next come to the Shrike-thrushes. These are disguised so completely as Shrikes that they have usually been classed as such; but, after a full consideration of all their characters, and noting their apparent affinities for some of the next group, many of which have strong Shrike-like bills, I think that their true place is in this family. Gen. Thamnocataphus, Tickell. Cliar. — Bill lengthened, compressed, high at the base, well hooked at the tip, and strongly notched ; rictal vibrissze small and few ; wings short, much rounded, the 3rd to the 7tli primaries about equal aud longest ; tail moderately long, nearly even ; the outermost feathers slightly shorter ; tarsus long ; lateral toes un- equal ; feet strong ; plumage soft, full, and puffy. TIMALIN^. 13 383. Thamnocataphus picatus, Tickell. J. A. S., XVIII.— Blytu, Cat. 866. The White-winged SiiKiKE-TnRusn. Descr. — Above dull greyish-black, deeper on the crowiij and blackest on the lores and ear-coverts ; a narrow white bar on the wing-coverts, continued along the margin of two of the first row; beneath, uniform rufesccnt-white, tinged with ferruginous on the flanks and lower tail-coverts. Bill dusky; legs apparently plumbeous. Length 9 inches; wing 3|; tail 3f ; tarsus 1;^; bill at front |th, depth at the base f . This remarkable form differs from all the other members of this family (except Sihia and Gampsorhynchus) by its white wing-spot, assimilating it still further to the Shrikes, and indeed it is very similar, in its mode of coloration, to some of the African Shrikes. The general character of its plumage, however, combined with its elevated and strong tarsi and feet, its habitat in a region rich in varied forms of this family, and its near affinity for Gampsorliijn- chus, have influenced me in placing it here. It has only been procured near Darjeeling by Major Tickell, and the specimen in the Museum of the Asiatic Society at Calcutta is, I believe, unique. Nothing is recorded of its habits. Gen. Gampsorhynchus, Blyth. Char. — Bill of moderate length, nearly equal to the head, rather wide at the base, deep, moderately compressed ; cuhnen curved, strongly hooked at the tip, and notched ; gape conspicuously armed with straight vibrissoe ; nostrils oval, pierced in the front of the membrane; wings moderate, much rounded, 5th, 6th, and 7th quills about equal and longest ; tail rather long, graduated ; tarsus moderately long, strong ; claws tolerably curved. Major Tickell considered this form congeneric with the last, from which it differs chiefly by its shorter bill, graduated tall, and colours. Its mode of coloration allies it to some of the next group, and the Lepchas give it the same name as they apply to the species of Paradoxornis and ChUuasicus, 14 BIRDS OF INDIA. 384. Gampsorhynchus rufulus, Blyth. J. A. S., XII., 370— Garrulax, apud Gray— Blyth, Cat. 865— HoRSF., Cat. 225 — Tharanocataphus senilis, Tickell — Choncjto- phep-pho, Lepch. The White headed Shrike-thrush. Descr. — Above uniform olive-brown ; head in adults wliitc, in tlie young bright ferruginous ; beneath, white in adults, and more or less ferruginous in younger specimens ; shoulder of the wings more or less white ; under surface of the wings pale fulvescent ; the tail-feathers narrowly tipped with pale fulvescent or whitish. Bill dusky horny above, pale beneath ; legs reddish horny ; irides orange yellow in some, straw yellow in others. Length 9 inches ; extent 11^ ; wing 3^ ; tail 4f ; tarsus ly^- This curious bird is found from Nepal through Sikhim and the Khasia hills to Arrakan. In Sikhim it frequents the warmer valleys up to 3,000 feet of elevation. I had not an opportunity of observ- ing it myself, though I procured several specimens ; but the Shikarees assured me that it was found in small flocks in thick bushy places. Those which I have examined had eaten grass- hoppers and other insects. The next group consists of the Quaker-thrushes and Wren- babblers : a great many of them are clad in grey and russet plumage, with more or less of white, and many of them resemble each other so closely that they are only distinguished specifically by the form of the bill, and the size. It is more deve- loped in Malayana than in India, and appears to correspond to a certain extent with the section Cacopittcce of Bonaparte. Some of this series approach the Paradoxornis group ; others the Shrike- thrushes ; and a few are close to the Timalice, with which, indeed, most of them are usually placed; but I think that they form a peculiar section, distinguished as well structurally, as by a parti- cular mode of coloration. I shall begin with one formerly alluded to, which is, however, by no means a typical member of the group. TIMALINiE. 15 Gen. Pyctorhis, Hodgson. Syn. Chrysomma, Hodgs. Char. — Bill rather short, strong, deep, arched, entire ; rictus strongly bristled ; orbit nude ; wings rather short and feeble, 4th and 5th quills longest; tail long, graduated; legs and feet stout and large ; claws large, moderately curved. 385. Pyctorhis sinensis, Gmelin. Parus, apud Gmelin— Blytii, Cat. 8G0 — IIorsf., Cat. 339— ^ Tlmalia hypoleuca, Franklin— J erdon. Cat. 95 — T. Ilorsfieldii, Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn., pi. Ill— Tim. bicolor, Lafresn., ;Mag. Zool, pi. 39 — Gal-chasm or Bulal-chasm, II. in the south. — Bara-podna, H. In the N. W. P.— Yena kali-jUla Td.—Mullala, Sindh. The Yellow-eyed Babbler. Descr. — Above clear red brown, rufous or cinnamon color on the wings, and the tail obsoletely banded with dusky ; lores, and all the lower plumage, white ; lower surface of wings and tall dusky cinereous. Bill black, with the nostrils deep yellow ; legs orpiment yellow ; irldes dark brown, with an outer circle of buff; orbits brio-ht orange. Length 6^ Inches; wing 2^-^; tail 3| ; bill at front not quite ^ ; tarsus ly\j. This species of Babbler is universally spread throughout India, extending to Burmah, and, from the name, perhaps to China. It has been sent from Nepal by Hodgson ; is not rare in Bengal and the N. W. P. ; is said to be common in Sindh, and I have seen it in every part of the South of India. It is also found in Ceylon, and it is very common in Upper Burmah. It frequents low juno-les, or the skirts of forests, long grass, hedge-rows, and even comes occasionally into gardens. Though sometimes to be met with singly, it is generally seen in small parties of five or six, flyino- from bush to bush before you, and trying to conceal itself in some thick clump. It has a low chattering note when at rest, and when flying from bush to bush, a loud sibilant whistle. I have, on several occasions, heard one, perched conspicuously on a high bush or 16 BIRDS OF INDIA. hedge-row, pour forth a remarkably sweet song. It feeds mostly on insects, often on ants and small coleoptera. Mr. Blytli remarks, that he possessed some of these birds alive, and noticed that they frequently placed one foot upon their food, while they ^pecked with the bill. Mr. Philipps states that, in the N. W. Provinces, this is the bird said by the natives " to support the heavens by its legs, lest they fall." In Southern India this is related of the common Plover, Pluirlanus Goernsis. The same observer also says, that it generally builds on Banyan trees. I wish that he had described the eggs, which I have never been able to procure. 386. Pictorhis longirostris, Hodgson. P. Z. S., 1854— HoRSF., Cat. 669. The larger Yellow-eyed Babbler. Descr. — Above, rufous-brown, darkest on the crown, wings and tall, the last distinctly rayed ; chin, throat, the middle of the belly, and vent, white ; ear-coverts, sides of neck, and breast, pale rufes- cent, brighteninij; on the flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts. Bill black, yellowish at the base beneath ; legs pale horny. Length 85 inches; wing 2|; tail 3^; bill at front f ; tarsus 1. This bird has been only recently described from specimens sent home from Nepal by Hodgson. It is probably the species noticed by Mr. Frith (J. A. S., XIII., 370), as being found in Bengal, which he states to differ from the common species, in being about half larger. I discovered a third species of this genus at Thayet-myo in Upper Burmah, which I have described in the 4th vol. of the 'Ibis,' as Chrysomma altirostre. Its short deep bill approximates it to the I'aradoxornis series. Gen. Triciiastoma, Blyth. Syn. Malacocincia, Blyth. Cha7\ — Bill about equal to the head, straight, stout, high, much compressed; the tip hooked; nostrils large; wings moderate, 4th quill longest ; tail somewhat short, weak, nearly even ; tarsus moderate ; feet large, the lateral toes slightly unequal ; claws moderately curved, the middle and hind claw very long. TIMALTNiE. 17 Plumage full and lax, Avith tlic coronal feathers slightly elongated. This genus appears to have some affinities for ryctorhls, but differs in its longer bill, shorter, nearly-even tail, and shorter tarsus. 387. Trichastoma Abbotti, Blytii. Malacocincla, apud 13lytii, J. A. S., XIV., (501 — Blyth, Cat. 838 — IIoiiSF., Cat. G(J2 — Malacopteron, apud Gray. The Brown-backed Tit-babbler. Descr. — Above, plain olive-brown, tinged with rufous on the rump and tail ; under parts paler ; the throat and the middle of the belly Avhite ; ear-coverts, sides of breast, and Hanks, rufescent ; lower tail-covcrts pale ferruginous. Bill horny, pale beneath. Length 6 inches ; wing 3 ; tail 2§- ; bill at front jA. This bird has been sent from Nepal by Hogdson, from Dacca by Tytler, and also from Arrakan. I have not had an opportunity of observing it. Other recorded species of Trichastoma are T. hicolor, Less. {ferrugiiiosum, Bl.) ; T. rostratum, Blyth ; and T. olimceum, Strickland, all from Malacca. Gen. Alcippe, Blyth. Syn. — Setaria, Blyth — Siva, postea loropus, Hodgs. Char. — Bill short, moderately stout and compressed ; culmen slightly curved, hooked and notched ; nostrils slightly impended by some setaa ; rictal bristles moderate ; wings moderate, rounded, 4th and 5th quills equal ; tail moderate or rather short, very slightly rounded ; tarsus stout, moderate ; lateral toes unequal ; claws tolerably curved. The birds of this genus are of small size, with plain colors, and, mostly, undefined markings ; and, in their habit are less social, perhaps, and more silent, than most of the Timalioe, with which however, they have undoubted affinities ; and they exhibit distant relationship to some of the Letotrichincs ; more than one species, now referred to this genus, having been described as Brachypteryx. c 18 15TT?T>S OF INDIA. 388. Alcippe nipalensis, Hodgson. Siva, apud Hodgson, Ind. Mcv., 1838— loropus, Hodgs., J. A. S., Xlir, 937— Blyth, Cat. 848— Horsf., Cat. 330— -Sa^n- dayal-pho, Lepch. The Nepal Quaker-thrush Descr. — Above, tho head ashy brown ; lores, ears, and sides of neck also ashy ; back, wings, and tail, olivaceous brown ; an in- conspicuous dark brown line over the eyes, extending to the nape ; beneat]), the chin white, the rest of the lower parts albescent, mixed with earthy brown. Bill horny yellow ; feet pale fleshy brown ; irides whitey brown. Length 5h inches; wing 2§; tail 2^; bill at front barely f ; tarsus |. This bird has been fuund in Nepal, Sikliim. the Khasia hills, and Burmah, as far as Tenasserim. It is very common about Darjeel- ing, frequenting trees, singly, or in small parties, and feeding chiefly on insects. 1 had the nest and eggs brought me by the Lepchas ; the nest was loosely made with grass and bamboo leaves, and the eggs were white with a few reddish-brown spots. 389. Alcippe poiocephala, Jerdon. TimaUa, apud Jerdon, Suppl. Cat. 95 bis — Blyth, Cat. 850. The Neilgherry Quaker-thrush. Descr. — Head and nape dusky cinereous ; back and rump green- ish olive, inclining to rufous on the rump, darker and more ferruo-inous on the wings and tail; beneath, pale rufescent or fulvous, lightest and albescent on the chin and throat. Bill horny, yellow at the gape and edges ; legs pale fleshy ; irides greenish-white ; the very narrow orbits yellow. Length nearly 6 inches ; wing 2/^y ; tail 2y«^j ; bill at front rf^ ; tarsus ^. This is very similar to the last, but differs structurally in having the rictal bristles less elongated, and the feet shorter, with a more robust hind toe. It is found in all the forests of IMalabar, as high as North Canava, in Coorg, AVynaad, and the slopes of the Neilgherries, up about 5,000 feet, but it is not a common bird. It goes singly or TIMALIN.i:. 19 in small flocks, flying from branch to branch of low trees ; is silent, and lives chiefly on various insects. 390. Alcippe atriceps, Jerdon. Brachypteryx, apud Jeudon, Cat. 78 — Blytu, Cat. 8G1. The Black-headed Wren-babbler. Descr. — Head, cheeka, and nape, black ; wings, tail, and luider tail-coverts brownish oHvc, darkest on the tail and wings ; beneath, white, with a tinge of olive-brown on the sides and towards the vent. Bill horny -brown; legs plumbeous; irides pale orange or biifl'. Length 5i inches ; wing 2-^^ ; tall 2 ; bill at front j'j ; tarsus ^'^^ ; extent 7. Tiic Black-headed Wren-babbler is found in the same localities as the last, but not ascending so high on the slopes of the hills, and being most abundant in the lower forests, contrary to the habits of the previous species. It frequents the thickest underwood in dense and lofty jungles ; lives in small flocks of five or six, and is continually hopping about the thick bushes with an incessant loud twitterin"- note. It lives on various insects, small mantidce, grass-hoppers, and the like. In my Catalogue I placed it imder Brachypteryx from its like- ness to BZ.Sej)iaria of Horsficld, which, I see, is now considered by some to be also an Aicljijje, though Blyth says it is interme- diate to this and j\[alacopteron. Perhaps this has led Gray to associate this genus with Brachypteryx in his Myotherincc. A very closely allied species is A. nigrlfrons, Blyth, from Ceylon ; and Bracliypt. idyro-capitata, Eyton, Is probably another. Though so similar In structure, I am by no means certain that . these last-named species, viz., A. atricejys, nigrifrons, nigro-capitata, and sepiaria, sliould not be classed apart from the more dingy- colored species first noticed. The habits of xl. atriceps, as observ- ed by myself, are more those of Timulia, or, at all events, of Durnetia and Fellorneum, than the more staid and quiet demeanour of ^1. poioccphala and Nipalensis. Next to Alcippe, perhaps, should be placed the pre-eminently ^lalayan group of the Quaker-thrushes, named MalctcDpteron by 20 BIRDS OF INDIA. Eyton, and to which belong Turdinus, Turdirostris, Macronovs Trichixos, and Naputliera. Among the recorded species are Malacoptcron magnum, Eyton ; M. major, Blyth ; JSlacronoiis ptllosus, J. and S. ; Turdinus macrodacfylus, Strickland, Turdirostris siiperciliaris, Hay, &c. &c., from ]\Ialayana : Turdinus crispifrons, Bl., T. brevicaudatus, Bl., T. fjuttatus., Tickell, are from Tenasserim; and there is a new species of that genus from the Khasia hills. Cacopitta, Bonap., with a few species from the Islands, apparently belongs to this section of the Timalin(B. Some of the birds, however, described under these names are more nearly allied to the true Timalice. Although several species have been lately de- scribed, yet from their plain and sombre plumage, many are perhaps overlooked ; and Wallace states that he got some new species from Malacca, quite common there, but neglected by the bird-dealers. They vary a good deal in the form of their bill, some having this organ large, and much hooked ; and others comparatively slender and slightly hooked. The last-named observer found that they feed chiefly on fruit, but also on insects. It appears to me (judging from the figures only, and the account of their habits) tliat Pltyllastrephus, an African genus, belongs rather to this family than to the Bulbuls, or Warblers, and if so, it should be located in this section ; and Aletlie, Cassin, also from Africa, is said to be near Napothera. Close to the black-headed species of Alclppe sliould be placed the following group witli wlilch I would commence the series of Wren-babblers, and these nearly agree with Bonaparte's section TimaletXi of his Timalince. Gen. Staciitris, Hodgson. Char. — Bill somewhat long, high at the base, straight, com- pressed, tapering or conic, the tip very slightly bent downwards, and faintly notched ; nostrils nearly concealed ; rictus almost smooth; wings short, rounded, 5th, 6tli and 7th quills equal and longest ; tail rather short, slightly graduated ; tarsus moderately long, stout ; lateral J;oes nearly equal, claws moderately curved ; middle toe not elongated; hind toe and claws very large. The head is usually crested or aub-crcstcd, the feathers being semi- erect and diverijent. TIMALINiE. 21 Blyth, Horsficlcl, and Gray locate this genus near Pyctorhis and Tviialla, the latter, indeed, ranking tlicni as Thnalia. Bonaparte puts it among Ijiotrichi/ue, and Hodgson considered it to have alllnities for the BvacJujpodinco, but leading to the Crateropodans, and with a tendency to pass into the LeiotrichiiKB. lie further compares its habits with those of Zosterops. It appears to me that there are two types of form in this genus, and that, whilst the more common species belong to this family, others, especially S. chrysoea, appear to have relations to Mi/zortiis, Erpomis, Zostei'ops^ and lora, which in fact are the vie^vs of the founders of the genus. 391. Stachyris nigriceps, Hodgson. J. A. S., Xllf., 378— Blytii, Cat. 861— Horsf., Cat. 340.— Sangriam-plio, Lepcli. The liLACK-TiiROATF.D Wren-caebler. Descr. — Above olive-brown ; beneath paler and tinged rufcs- cent; the crown, face, and throat, dusky black ; the feathers of the crown edged with whitish grey ; a white supercilium, and also a white moustache from the base of the lower mandible, and some ■white on the chin and throat. Bill dusky horny above, paler beneath ; legs pale horny green ; irides pale yellow. Length 5^ inches ; extent 7 ; wing 2§ ; tail 2 ; bill at front -^^ ; tarsus |. This bird inhabits the S. E. Himalayas and the Khasia hills. It is very common about Darjeeling, from 5,000 feet to nearly 10,000 in summer ; is quite arboreal, hunting among the upper foliage and flowers of trees, singly, or in small parties, and feeding chiefly on insects. Hodgson says that it builds a large globular nest, and lays four or five eggs of a pale fawn color, unspotted. A nest and eggs were brought to me at Darjeeling, said to be of this species ; the nest was rather large, very loosely made of bamboo leaves and fibres, and the eggs were pale salmon color, with some faint darker spots. 392. Stacliyris pyrrhops, Hodgson. J. A. S., XIIL, 378— Blyth, Cat. 862— Hoksf., Cat. 341. 22 BIUDS OF INDIA. The ItED-iJiLLED Wren-babbler. Descr. — Above olivacoous-brown, with a tlnifc of rufous on the head; lores and chin black; a pale line impending the latter; below rufescent, more or less brown on the belly and flanks. Bill sordid sanguine ; legs pale fleshy-brown ; irides blood-red. Length 4^ to 5 inches ; Aving 2 ; tail 2 ; bill at front /„ ; tarsus '^. I did not procure this bird in Sikhim. It has been sent from Nepal, IMussooree, and Kussowlee, and it is probably the Prin/a, No. 132, of Adams' List of Birds, said to be common on Apricot trees in the lower Himalayan ranges, in the N. W. Provinces. 393. Stachyris ruficeps, Blyth. J. A. S., XVI., 452— Blytii, Cat. 8G3— Hoiisr., Cat. G70— Syak-birang-pho, Lepch. The Red-headed Ween-babblek. Descr. — Crown of the head light ferruginous, the rest of the upper plumage plain olive ; chin and the middle of the throat white, with faint black streaks ; the rest of the lower parts Avhitish, with a fulvous tinge on the sides of the neck and breast, or, throughout of dull oil-yellow or pale ferruginous, darkest on the breast, and fading, and becoming dusky towards the vent. Bill plumbeous above, reddish beneath ; legs pale yellow brown ; irides light brown. Length 4f inches ; wing 2;^ ; tail 2^ ; bill at front /fy ; tarsus |. This bird, which, says Mr. Blyth, is allied in form and size to the last, is found in Nepal, Sikhim, and the Khasia hills. It is common at Darjeeling, frequenting high trees in small parties, searching the foliage for minute insects. A nest and eggs, said to be of this species, were brought to me at Durjeeliug. The nest Avas a loose structure of grass and fibres, and contained two eggs of a greenish white color, with some rusty spots. 304. Stacliyris ciirysaj?«, Hodgson. J. A. S., Xlll., ^79— Blytu, Cat. 8G4— noK,Si'\, Cat. 342— Si/ak-Oim/Kj-pho, Lepch. TIMALINiT',. 23 The Golden-headed Wjien-batu'.lee. Descr. — Above yellow olivaceous ; forehead and crown yellow, the latter Avith black streaks ; lores black ; wings and tail dusky, margined with olive ; beneath bright yellow. Bill plumbeous ; legs pale brownish ycdlow ; irides light brown- Length 4^ inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 2 ; bill at front nearly ^; tarsus ji. The Golden-headed Sl'icJn/ris is found in the S. K. Himalayas, the Khasia hills, and Arrakan, generally at a lower level than the last, from 3,000 to 5,000 feet or so. It frequents high trees gene- rally, feeding on the minute insects that infest flowers and buds, and often has its forehead powdered with the pollen of flowers, as we sec in Zosterops and other birds. This species difTer from its congeners in its mode of coloration, more pointed bill, and other points, and perhaps should be removed to a distinct genus near Zosterops or Mi/zomis. Very ])robably some of the smaller Tbnarua of the Malayan Fauna should be placed in Stacliyvis. Tim. poliocephala, Temm., judging from the figure, has much of the character and plumao-e of Stachi/ris. Gen. Mixor.Nis, Hodgson. Char. — Bill rather long, conipressed, with a tendency to arch ; tip blunt, barely notched ; nostrds ovoid, advanced ; wings moder- ate, rounded, the first four graduated, 0th and Gtli sub-equal and longest ; tail moderate or rather short ; tarsus strong ; toes rather short, laterals very unequal; hind toe large; nails well curved. This genus is very closely allied to the last, inclining more to- wards Timalia. Hodgson says that it ' resembles lura, but the bill is more meruline, inclining to the Crateropodincs.'' 395. Mixornis rubicapillus, Tickell. Motacilla, apud TiCKELL, J. A. S., II., 575 — Blytii, Cat. 855 — IIORSF., Cat. 338.— M. chloris, Hodgs.— M. ruiiceps, IIodgs.— M. gularis, IIoRSF.? The Yellow-breasted Wren-babbler. Descr. — Above dull olive-green, inclining to rufescent or brown ; wings and tail rufcscent brown ; part of the forehead; supercilium, 24 BIRDS OF INDIA. ears, and sides of the neck, yellowish-green, with some dusky streaks; crown of the head dull ferruginous ; beneath pale yellow, fading to whitish on the lower abdomen, and olivaceous on the flanks and vent ; the throat and upper part of the breast with some blackish streaks. Bill horny ; legs pale horny brown ; irides reddish-hazel. Length 5f inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2 ; bill at front f ; tarsus jj. This bird, very similar in color to Stachyris ruficeps, has been found at the foot of the Nepal and Bootan Himalayas, and in part of Central India ; but it appears to be rare, for I have never met with it. It will probably occur in the Sikhim Terai, at the foot of the Khasia hills, and in various parts of lower Bengal. Tickell says that it is found in thick under-wood, hollows, ravines, &c., and is lively and agile, with a frequent piping note, and occasional chatter. M. gularis of Java looks like a faded specimen of this bird ; but is put as distinct by Horsfield. In this genus are placed several species from Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. Gen. TiMALiA, Horsfield. Cliar. — Bill strong, deep, much compressed, very gently arching throughout ; nostrils oval, apert ; strong rictal bristles ; wings short, much rounded, 5th and 6th quills longest ; tail moderate, rounded ; tarsus stout ; lateral toes unequal ; hind toe, and especially the claw, large. This genus, founded on the only species occurring in our pro- vince, was one of the first of this family separated from the old Linnajan Tardus, and, perhaps, on this account lias been selected for the family name, though I da not consider it as one of the most typical forms. 396. Timalia pileata, Horsfield. Lix., Trans. XIII., 151— HoRSF., Zool. Kes. Java, pi. — HoRSF., Cat. 332— Blyth, Cat. 856. The Eed-capped Wrex-babbler. Descr. — Forehead and ears white ; top of the head briglit rusty- red ; the rest of the upper plumage olivaceous-brown, tinged with ashy on the sides of the neck and nape ; wings and tail tinged TIMALIN.E. 25 with rusty bro-\vn ; beneath, the chin, throat, neck, and part of the breast, pure white ; the lower part of the neck with narrow black streaks, the shafts of each feather being shining black and pro- longed; abdomen and vent pale ferruginous, tinged with olivaceous on the flanks, and the lower tail-coverts olive-brown. Bill black; legs fleshy brown; irides dusky red. Length 6| inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2^-^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus nearly |. The Red-capped Babbler has been procured in Nepal, the Bengal Sunderbuns, Assam, and Arrakan, extending through Burmah and the Malayan peninsula to Java. It has thus the most extensive geographical distribution of any of tliis family. I have seen it in the grass jungles of Purneah, Eajmahal, Sylhet, and Cachar, as well as in Upper Burmah, where it is much more abundant than in Bengal, and less shy, affecting hedge-rows near villages, instead of the unfrequented grass jungles and thickets in which alone it is seen in Bengal. Horsfield says that it is common (in Java) in groves and woods; approaches villages, constructs its nest in hedges, and is one of the social birds whicli delight to dwell in the neighbourhood of cultivation. It has, he says, a pleasant note, which consists of a slow repetition of the five tones of the diatonic scale (G. D. E. F. G.), with perfect regularity, and at small intervals of time. There are many other species of Timalia in IMalayana, viz., T. nigricollis, T. — T. erythroptera, Bl. — T. maculata, T. Cpectoralis, Bl.), from Malacca ; and others from the islands. Gen. DuMETiA, Blyth. Syn. Thvalia, apud Franklin. Char. — Bill moderate, or rather short, compressed, pointed; culmen slightly curving from the base, and the commissure also slightly curved ; a few small rictal bristles ; wings short, rounded, 4th, 5th, and 6th quills nearly equal; tail moderate, rounded; tarsus stout ; middle toe not elongate ; lateral toes about equal, hind toe and claw moderately large. This genus, instituted by Mr. Blyth for two small species confined to continental India, is barely separable from Pellorneum, with which at one time Mr. Blyth classed them ; but it differs D 26 BIRDS OF INDIA. in the bill being somewhat shorter, the middle toe less elongate, and in its distribution. The species have all the wandering habits of the Malacocerci and Chatarhcea, and in this they certainly differ from the Drymoicoe and Prinice, which are only a little smaller than these birds. 397. Dumetia hyperythra, Franklin. Thiimalia, apud Franklin — Blyth, Cat. 787. The Eufous-bellied Babbler. Descr. — x\bove brownish olive, the tail obsoletely barred with dusky ; forehead and whole body beneath rufous. Bill horny; legs fleshy yellow; irides pale yellow-brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 2y'^ ; tail 2^?^ ; tarsus y|. This bird is found in low jungle and brushwood, from Nagpoor northwards to Central India and Midnapore, but has not been ob- tained in Lower Bengal. It has similar habits to the next, with which I formerly confounded it ; and Mr. Blyth remarks that its note is like that of Chatarhoea caudata, but proportionally weaker. 398. Dumetia albogularis, Blyth. Pellorneum, apud Blyth, J. A. S., XXI.— Blyth, Cat 788 — HoRSF., Cat. 660 — T. hyperythra, apud Jerdon, Cat. 69 — Pandi- jitta, Tel, i. e., Pig-bird. The White-throated Wren-Babbler. Descr. — Like the last, but with the chin and throat pure white. Length 5^ inches ; wing 2y% ; tail 2^ ; bill at front y\j ; tarsus J. 7. 20' This little Babbler is found throughout Southern India in suit- able localities, in bushy jimgle, ravines, thick hedge-rows, &c., but it is entirely absent in the forest districts of Malabar. It always occurs in small parties, skulking along one after the other, under bushes or through them, rarely showing itself on the top ; hence the Telugu name of Pig-bird given it by the Yana- dees of Nellore. It feeds almost exclusively on small insects, and has a low chattering call. TIMALIlN^E. 27 Gen. Pellorneum, Swainson. Syn. CvicUdia, Gould — Hemipteron^ Hodgs. Char. — Bill moderate, straight, compressed, very gently curving throughout, slightly hooked at the tip, and notched ; rictal bristles feeble ; wings much rounded, 5th, 6th, and 7th quills nearly equal ; tail moderate, rounded ; tarsus moderate ; feet large ; middle toe lengthened ; laterals barely unequal ; hind toe long ; claws tolerably curved. 399. Pellorneum ruficeps, Swainson. Bltth, Cat. 823 — Horsf., Cat. 323 — ]\Iegaluru3 ruficeps, Sykes, Cat. 87 — ^lotac. dumeticola, Tickell — Cinclidia punctata, Gould — P. olivaceum, Jekdon, Cat. 86 — Adavi liku-jittu^ Tel. The Spotted Wre,n-babbler. Descr. — Above olive-brown ; crown and nape deep rusty color- ed, with a more or less marked white eye-brow from the forehead to the nape ; ears dusky-white, or mixed brown and w^hite, or en- tirely brown ; beneath, white or fulvous white, with spots of dark olive on the sides of the breast and belly, olivaceous on the flanks and under tail-coverts. Bill horny above, yellowish fleshy beneath ; legs fleshy yellow ; irides brick-red. Length 7 inches ; extent 9 ; wing 3 ; tail 3 ; bill at front y^jj ; tarsus, ly"^. This bird has a wide geographical distribution, only inferior, in this family, to that of Tim. pileata. It is found throughout South- ern India, both on the east and west coasts ; in Central India ; in the South East Himalayas ; the Khasia hills ; and through Burmah to Tenasserim. It associates in small flocks, frequenting underwood and thickets in forest jungle, often descending to the ground, where it hops about in search of various insects, or climbing up the small branches of shrubs ; it keeps up a continual chattering, and, occa- sionally, one of them, perched on a bough, elevating his head and neck, gives utterance to a sort of crowing laugh, not unlike that of Trochalopteron cachinnans. Col. Sykes's observation that it frequents the plains like a Lark, must have arisen from some mistaken identity. 28 , BIRDS OF INDIA. Besides the affinity of Pellorneum for some of the last noticed group, there is also considerable similarity to at least one of the next birds mentioned, the Pomatorhini. Other species of Pellorneum recorded are P. fuscocnpilhan, Blyth, from Ceylon, formerly classed as Drymocataphus ; P. Tickelli, Blyth, from Tenas- serim ; and a closely allied species from the Khasia hills. At the end of this Section, Bonaparte places two Oceanic types, Clitonyx^ Reich, and Certhiparus, Lafresn., with what justice I cannot say. The next group is one which shows the extreme form from the species of this family first noticed ; for while in Paradoxornis and Suthora, the bill was reduced to its minimum in length and maxi- mum depth, here it is extremely elongated, slender, and curved, varying of course In the different species. Gen. PoMATOEHiNUS, Horsf. Char. — Bill long, compressed, pointed, much curved throughout, entire at the tip; nostrils barely apert, lengthened; a few very small rictal bristles; wing short, rounded; 5th and 6th quills longest; tail long or moderate, rounded ; tarsi and feet long and stout ; anterior toes not much elongate ; hind toe large ; claws large, moderately curved, somewhat blunt. Bonaparte ranges this genus with the Babblers, his Crateropodincs ; but it is certainly more nearly allied both in plumage and habits to the Gari'ulax series. It is found in India and Malayana, extend- ing to Australia, but of a somewhat different type. They hunt in pairs, and less in parties than many of this family, and their diet is exclusively insects, in seeking for which on the ground they are said to use their bills freely like Upupa, but I have not had an opportunity of observing them thus employed; and from the thick brushwood and tangled brakes they usually fre- quent, it is difficult to Avatch them closely. Though not habi- tually frequenting the open forests, they are never found away from a forest country. They nidificate in banks generally, and the eggs of those that are known are white. The first species in our list is a slightly aberrant form ; its bill being shorter and less arched, and it has much resemblance to Pellurneum ruftccps. TIMALIN.E. 29 400. Pomatorhinus ruficollis, Hodgson. As. Res., XIX— Blytu, Cat. «34— IIousf., Cat. 350. The Rufous-necked Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above olive-green ; head and nape dusky ; back and sides of neck deep rusty ; lores and ear-coverts blackish ; a white supercilium from the brow to the nape ; beneath, as above, but paler, and shaded with white on the breast and belly, merging into pure wliite on the chin and throat. Bill yellow, dusky above ; legs plumbeous ; irides red or red- brown, (or sometimes hoary according to Hodgson). Length 8 inches; extent 9| ; wing 3 ; tail 3^; bill at front f ; tarsus ^. This species is found in the S. E. Himalayas and the Khasia hills. 401. Pomatorhinus ferruginosus, Blyth. J. A. S., XIV., o97— Blyth, Cat. 833~Horsf. Cat. 351— Pion//-ko/iut, or Poniong-htit, Lepch. — Bhotetef, Bhot. The Coral-billed Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above greenish-olive brown, the cap black (in the males) ; lores and ears black ; a long white supercilium, tinged with rufous in front (in the male); beneath, the throat white, and the rest of the under-parts deep ferruginous, fading on the belly, and olivaceous on the flanks. Bill coral-red ; legs greenish brown ; irides red-brown. !Length 8^ inches ; extent 11 ; wing 3^ ; tail 4 ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus, Ij. The Coral-billed Babbler has been found in the S. E. Himalayas, Nepal, and Sikhim, at from 3,000 to 6,000 feet of elevation. I pro- cured it near Darjeeling, but know of nothing peculiar in its habits. A very nearly allied race, P. Phayrei, Blyth, is found in the hill regions of Assam and Arrakan, differing only in the crown being of the same color as the back ; and P. ulhogularis, Bl., also closely allied, is from the Tenasserim province of Burmah. 402. Pomatorhinus schisticeps, Hodgson. As. Res., XIX.— Blyth, Cat. 828— Horsf., Cat. 345— P. mon- tanus, apud McLelland — Puhdoa Beng. 30 BIRDS OF INDIA. Phoyeum-pho, or Pharreeum-pho., Lepch. The Slaty-headed Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above dark olive-green ; crown, nape, and ear-coverts, dark slaty ; a long white supercilium from the base of the bill to the shoulder ; lores black ; sides of the neck and body intense ochreous red ; beneath, the chin, breast, and belly, pure white ; lower part of abdomen, with the flanks, vent, thigh-coverts, and under tail-coverts, olive-green ; tail faintly cross barred. Bill orange-yellow, with the ridge dusky ; legs fleshy-brown ; irides hoary; orbitar skin slaty. Length 11 inches; extent 12^ ; wing 4 ; tail 4^ ; bill at front If ; tarsus 1^. This species of Pomatorhinus extends from Nepal, through Sikhim and Bootan, to Assam, Sylhet, and Arrakan. It is not rare near Darjeeling, at about 5,000 feet high, and goes generally in pairs, the male uttering a loud iiooting call, answered by the female in a different tone. A nest made of moss and some fibres, and with four pure white eggs, was brought to me at Darjeeling as belonging to this bird. 403. Pomatorhinus lencogaster, Gould. Blyth, Cat. 829 — Horsf., Cat. 346 — P. olivaceus, Blyth. Gould's Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above uniform dull olive ; the head tinged with dusky- cinereous, and a faint rufescent tinge on the na[)e ; lores and ear- coverts black; a long white supercilium, and a deep ferruginous spot behind the ear, continued on the sides of the neck and flanks ; beneath, the throat, breast, middle of abdomen, white ; flanks and lower tail-coverts olivaceous. Bill yellow, dusky above ; feet leaden brown. Length 9 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 4 ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus 1;^. This appears like a somewhat diminutive race of the last (schisticeps), and is widely sjiread from the N. W. Himalayas, through Nepal, to Assam, and as low as Tenasserim. I did not procure it at Darjeeling. It appears not to ascend the hills to any height. TIMALIN-S. 31 404. Pomatorhinus Horsfieldii, Sykes. Cat. 73— Jekdon, Cat. 89— Blyth, Cat. 831 — Horsf., Cat. 347 — Namala-pitta^ or Dasari-pitta, Tel. The Southern SciMiTAR-BAiiBLER. Descr. — Above deep olive-brown ; a white superciliary stripe ; neck in front, breast, and middle of abdomen, white ; the Hanks, vent, and under tail-coverts olive-brown. Bill yellow, dusky, above ; legs dusky green ; irides dark -red. Length 9^ inches; wing 3^*^^ ; tail 4; bill at front ly'^; tarsus If'jy. This is the only species of Pomatorhinus we possess in the south of India, or indeed in any part of India except the Himalayas. It is found in all the forests and hill ranges of Southern India, espe- cially in the more elevated districts such as Wynaad, Coorg, and the Neilgherries, up to above 6,000 feet; also in the Eastern Ghats, Goomsoor, &c. ; and in the heavy jungles of Central India. It frequents tangled under-wood, in forests, especially in swampy places, and bamboo jungles ; and it makes its way through the most dense and tangled bushes with great facility. It is very shy and wary, and speedily evades observation. It is usually in pairs, the male calling out, as well expressed by Col. Sykes, hoot, hoot^ hoot, while the females answer hooee. Occasion- ally it is met in parties, keeping up a continual chattering call. It feeds entirely on insects. I procured its nest near Nediwuttum on the Neilgherries, on a bank on the road side, made with moss and roots, and containing four white eggs of a very elongated form. A nearly allied species, F. melanurus, Bl., occurs in Ceylon ; and this, with the two last species, and P. montanus, Horsf., from Java, may be considered representative species. 405. Pomatorhinus erythrogenys, Gould. P. Z. S., 1831— Gould, Cent. H. B., pi. 55— Blyth, Cat. 827 — Horsf., Cat. 345 — P. ferrugilatus, HoDGS. — Ban-bukra, at Mussooree — Yongohut-pho, Lepch. 32 BIIiDS OF INDIA. The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above light olive-brown ; the forehead and sides of the head rusty ; a hoary spot just before the eye, and a short faint dusky moustache ; beneath, white, dashed on the top of the breast with dusky ; and the sides of the body, the lining of the wings, thighs, and under tail -coverts, bright rusty. Bill liorny ; legs fleshy-yellow ; irides pale yellow (hoary accord- ing to Hodgson) ; orbitar skin slaty. Length 10^ inches ; extent 11-^ ; wing 3| ; tail 4^ ; bill at front 1^^ ; tarsus 1^. The female is said to differ from the male in wanting the dark moustache. This Pomatorhinus is found throughout the whole extent of the Himalayas, from Simla to Sikhim and Bootan. It is not rare at Darjeeling. Hutton says that it is "common in the N. W. Himalayas, from 3,000 to 10,000, and even 12,000 feet ; always in pairs, turning up the dead leaves on copsewood-covered banks, uttering a loud whistle, answering and calling each other ; it breeds in April, constructing a nest on the ground, of dry grasses and leaf stalks of walnut trees, and is covered with a dome-shaped roof, so nicely blended with the fallen leaves and withered grasses, among which it is placed, as to be almost undistinguish- able from them. The eggs are three in number, and white, of ordinary oval shape. When disturbed the bird sprung along the ground with long bounding hops, so quickly, that from its motions and the appearance of the nest, I was led to believe it was a species of rat." Somewhat allied in appearance and structure to this last species is P. hi/polencos of Blyth, from Arrakan, and a new species, lately found by me on the Khasia hills. Pom. McLellandi. The former species, originally described by Blyth from a young specimen, under the generic name of OrthorJdnus, is still considered generically dis- tinct by Tickell, who says that "the bill is soft in textiu'c, and sub- cylindric in form, the sinciput flat, and the tail broad and fan-like. Other Pomatorhini not previously noticed are P. Isidorei, Lesson, from New Guinea; P. horneensisy Cab., from Borneo ; P. musicus and P. stridulus, Swinhoe, froni China. The Australian TIMALIN^. 33 PomatorUni have been recently separated as Pomaiosiomus ; their habits appear very similar, but the nidijScation difFera. Gen. XiPHORAMPHUS, Blyth. Syn. Xiphorhynchus, Blyth, olim. Char. — Bill still more curved and more slender than in Pomator- hinus, much compressed ; wings and tail as in that genus ; claws longer, more slender, and very slightly curved. This is simply an exaggerated form of Pomatorliinus. 406. Xiphoramphus superciliaris, Blyth. J. A. S., XL, 175— Blyth, Cat. 856— Horsf., Cat. 353— Jerdon, 111. lud. Orn., PI. 49 — Karriok-tamveep, Lepch. The Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler. Descr. — Above vmiform reddish brown ; quills and tail dusky ; crown, occiput, and sides of head, dark cinereous, with a narrow superciliary white line ; under-parts dull rufo-ferruginous ; throat whitish, streaked with dusky grey ; the breast fainter rufous than the belly, and obscurely spotted with dusky ; shoulders of wings and tibial feathers dark cinereous. Bill dusky black, plumbeous at the tip ; legs leaden brown ; irides red-brown. Length 9 inches ; wing 3 ; tail 4^ ; bill at front 1| ; tarsus 1^. This very curious bird has hitherto been only procured in Sikhim. It is rare, and is found from 7,000 to 10,000 feet, and upwards. I know nothing of its habits, but I doubt its being known to any one as a pleasing songster, as Mr. Blyth was informed. The next group, that of the Laughing Thrushes, Garrulacince, Bonaparte, is peculiarly a Himalayan and mountain tribe, only three having been found in Southern India ; one or two in Ceylon ; and a few more on the Khasia hills, and the upland forests of Burmah, extending northwards to China, but sparingly into Malayana. They have received several names. Swainson formed of them his genus Crateropus, which was formerly used by myself, but that name is now restricted to a peculiar African type ; and Gould formed his lanthocincla for some. Garrnlax of Lesson is now generally adopted, but it has been sub-divided. 34 BIRDS OF INDIA. All the species of this group have a more or less Thrush-like bill, short rounded wings, a long and broad, graduated or rounded tail, and strong legs and feet. As introductory to this division of the Timalince, I extract some excellent general remarks by Hodgson, when describing several new species : " They frequent deep and dark forests and groves exclusively, feed chiefly on the ground, eat insects, berries, and caterpillars, and are incapable of a sustained flight. They are frequently met with on the roads and pathways in the forests, attracted by the dung of cattle, for the grain, larvae, and insects it affords them. On the whole they are more insectivorous than frugivorous or graminivorous, yet they are more capable of a graminivorous diet than the true Thrushes.* They scrape the earth with their bill, and sometimes with their feet ; many of them are caged and tamed with facility, and in Nepal are often kept in walled gardens, when they are very useful, destroying larvse and insects." To these remarks I can only add that they are almost exclusively monticolous, one (or two perhaps) frequenting forests in the plains. All are very social, and have loud voices, some harsh, others mellow and pleasing ; a few lay white eggs, the majority blue. Gen. Garrulax. Syn. Crateropiis, Swainson, apud Jerdon — lanthocincla (partly) Gould. — Cinclosoma, Vigors and Hodgson. Char. — Bill rather long, moderately stout, nearly straight ; the culmen gently curved towards the tip, which is slightly hooked and notched ; nostrils advanced, more or less impended by nareal tufts ; rictal bristles rather long ; wings moderate, 5th and 6th quills longest ; tail long, much rounded ; legs and feet very strong ; lateral toes nearly equal ; claws long. The birds composing this genus are of rather large size, with longer bills than the next; the plumage plain, in masses, and with fewer marks and variegations. In their habits they are the most gregarious and noisy of their tribe. There are several sections, distinguished chiefly by the mode of coloration. * I presume that Mr. Hodgson had here partly in view the Malacocirci, or Babblers, which are much greater grain-eaters than the Laughing-thrushes. TIMALTXiK. 35 The first have the head crested, that and the breast white, and a black eav-s tripe ; and the only species known to the older authors is the first on our list. The bill is furnished with tufts of bristly feathers advancing to the base of the nostrils ; the tarsus is very strong ; the middle toe elongated, and the outer toe distinctly longer than the inner. 407. Garrulax leucolophus, IIardwicke. Corvus, apud IIardwicke, Lin. Tr. XI. — Blytii, Cat. 482 — IIoitSF., Cat. 284 — Gould, Cent. H. Birds, pi. 18 — Rawil-kahy, IL in the N. W. P. — Karrio-pho, Lepch. — Karria ffoka, Bhot. — Laughing Crow of Europeans in the N. W. Himalayas. The White-crested Laughing-thrush. Descr. — The whole head with the crest, nape, sides of neck, throat, and breast, pure white, tinged with cinereous on the nape and back of the neck ; a black streak from the nostrils through the eye to the ear-coverts ; the rest of the plumage rich olive rufcscent brown, tinged with chesnut where it joins the white, and darker on the tail ; quills and tail dusky on their inner webs. Bill black ; legs plumbeous ; irides red-brown (or brownish yellow in some). Length 12 inches ; extent 15^ ; wing 5 ; tail 5 ; bill at front y| ; tarsus 1|. The White-crested Laughing-thrush is found throughout the whole extent of the Himalayas from the far north-west to Bootau, and thence through the Khasia hills to Arrakan. It assembles in large flocks of twenty or more, every now and then bursting out into a chorus of most discordant laughter, quite startling at first, and screaming and chattering for some time. They feed on the ground a good deal, turning over dead leaves for insects, but also eat various berries. They frequent the hill zone from about 2,000 to 6,000 feet of elevation (rarely higher), but are most numerous between 3,000 and 4,500 feet. - I have had the nest and eggs brought me more than once when at Darjecling ; the former being a large mass of roots, moss, and grass, with a few pure white eggs. 36 BIRDS OF INDIA. A nearly allied species is found in Burmali, G. Belangeri, Lesson. Another sub-division, very similar in form, is exemplified by G. strepitans of Tickell, and this extends into China, where represent- ed by G. perspicillatus, and G. cliinensis (which last also occurs in the Tenasserim Provinces) ; indeed, it is doubtful if it really do occur in China. G. bicolor and G. mitrafus, Miiller, from Sumatra, perhaps belong to this section. An interesting account of the habits of G. cldnensis in confinement is recorded by Blyth, from Mr. Frith, which, as throwing light on the manners of the group, I shall here transcribe: "The bird was excessively tame and familiar, and delighted in being caressed and tickled by the hand, when it would spread its wing, and assume very singular attitudes. It was naturally a fine songster, and a most universal imitator. Whenever chopped meat, or other food, was put into its cage, it always evinced the propensity to deposit the bits one by one between the wires ; and when a bee or wasp was offered, the bird would seize it instantly, and invariably turn its tail round and make the insect sting it several times successively before eating it. A large beetle it would ■ place on the ground and pierce it with a violent downward stroke of its bill ; a small snake (about a foot long) it treated in like manner, transfixing the centre of the head ; it afterwards devoured about half the snake, holding it by one foot, while it picked with the bill, as was its common mode of feeding." Swinhoe relates that he has more than once found the remains of small birds in the gizzard of G. perspicillatus, and he states that it also pilfers eggs. The two next birds, with two others found out of our limits, form a small group of allied species, of similar habits to those of the last section, but with a particular coloration ; the bill is a trifle more curved- and the nareal bristles almost conceal the nostrils. 408. Garrulax cserulatus, Hodgson. Cinclosoma, apud HoDGS., As. Kes. XIX. — Blyth, Cat. 487 — HoRSF., Cat. 291 — Tarmol-plio, Lepch. — Piang-him, Bhot. The Grey-sided Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above rich olive-brown, tinged with chesnut ; the head darker, with some black marks, each feather being narrowly tipped TIMALIN/E. 37 black ; a black frontal zone reaching through the lores to the ears; wings and tibial feathers dull blue or ashy grey. Bill dusky, livid at the base ; legs fleshy white ; irides red brown; orbitar skin livid. Length 11 inches; extent 13 ; wing 4^ ; tail 5 ; bill at front | ; tarsus If. This LauKhinrr-thrush is found in the S, E. Himalayas, It is not rare in Sikhim, from about 2,000 to 4.000 feet or so. A nest and eggs, said to be of this bird, were brought to me at Darjecling, the nest loosely made with roots and grass, and containing two pale-blue eggs. 409. Garrulax Delesserti, Jerdon. Crateropus, apud Jekdon, Cat. 88 — Jerdon, III. Ind. Orn., pi. 13 — C. griseiceps, Delessert. The AVynaad Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Head and nape dusky blackish grey ; the rest of the plumage above dark brownish rufous, lighter and ferruginous on the rump and tail-coverts, and darker on the wings and tail; chin, throat, neck, and breast, white ; the sides of the breast shaded with dull cinereous, belly and vent light reddish brown. Bill dusk}^, yellow at the base beneath ; legs fleshy ; irides dull red. Length 11 inches; wing ^f^', tail 4f ; tarsus 1^. This is a somewhat rare bird. I first saw it in possession of M. Delessert, who got it in the slopes of the Neilgherries ; and I afterwards procvired it in the same locality, at about 3,000 feet of elevation. I also saw it several times in the Wynaad, associating in larsfe flocks, wanderino; about among the under-wood and bamboos, and occasionally bringing out a chorus of peculiar, but clear, chattering notes. A nearly allied species is found in Ceylon, G. cinereifrons, Blyth ; another in Assam, G. gularis, McLelland, which last I lately procured in the Khasia hills. The next bird noticed differs in some points : the bill is shorter and more arched, the frontal plumes are bristly ; the tarsus is distinctly scutated, and the coloration is peculiar. 38 BIRDS OF INDIA. 410. Garrulax ruficollis, Jard. and Selby. lanthocincla, apud Jardine and Selby, 111, Orn., 2nd Series, p]. 21 — Blyth, Cat. 496 — Horsf. Cat. 293 — lanthoc. lunaris, McLelland — Pohduya, Beng. — Rapchen-flio, Lepcli. The Kufous-necked Laughing-thrush. Descr. — General plumage olive-brown, darker on the tail, which is almost black at the tip, and passing into deep ashy on the crown and occiput ; forehead, orbitar region, ear-coverts, throat, and fore- neck, deep black ; a crescent-like patch of deep rufous on the sides of the neck ; middle of the lower abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts, rufous. Bill black ; legs livid brown ; irides dull red. Length 9^ inches ; extent 12^ ; wing 4 ; tail 5^ ; bill at front |; tarsus 1-^. This Garrulax is found at the foot of the Himalayas, extending up the slopes of the hills, to perhaps 2,000 feet ; and is also com- mon in the forests of Assam, Sylhet, and Cachar, and the eastern frontier of Bengal. I first observed it in the Sikhim Terai, where I was absolutely startled by a large troop of them, twenty or thirty at least, suddenly breaking out into a most extraordinary cack- lincr, chattering, crowing chorus, some of the notes being clear, others harsh. The birds were in some bamboo jungle on the road side, some feeding on the ground, others perched on the bamboos and trees around ; and they did not leave the spot, nor cease their calling, till I had shot two or three of them. I found that they had been feeding chiefly on insects, also on seeds. Buchanan Hamilton says that this bird is easily tamed, sings with a fine full mellow note, like a Blackbird, and lives on insects and plantains, &c. The next group is distinguished by their dull plumage, by the tail feathers tipped with white, and by a tendency of the outer web of the primaries to be lighter colored, as in the next genus. The bill is stron- crex than in the last, the nostrils more apert, the rictal bristles feeble, the tarsus strongly scutated, and the middle toe less lengthened. 411. Garrulax albogularis, Gould. lanthocincla, apud GouLD, P. Z. S., 1835 — Blyth, Cat. 484 — Horsf., Cat. 286 — Cinclos. albigula, IIoj}QS>qt^— Karreum-pho, Lepch. TIMALIN^. 39 The WniTE-THROATED Laughing-thkush. Descr. — Above dull olive-brown, with some fulvous on tlie fore- head and near the eyes; lores, and under the eyes, black ; termi- nal third of the lateral tail feathers white ; beneath, the chin and throat white ; breast the same colour as the back ; abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, rusty, darker on the flanks and under tail- coverts. Bill dusky ; legs plumbeous grey ; irides glaucous ; orbitar skin greenish. Length 12 inches; extent 15; wing 5;^ ; tail of ; bill at front nearly 1 ; tarsus 1^. The White-throated Laughing-thrush is found throughout the Himalayas, from Bootan to Simla, more common in the North-west, than in the eastern portion of the range. It prefers rather high elevations, from 6,000 to 9,000 feet and upwards ; lives in large flocks, feeding mostly on the ground, among bamboos and brush- wood, and every now and then scream- ing and chattering, but not so loudly or discordantly as some of the others. Hutton, who says that it is very common at Mussooree, found the nest "about seven or eight feet from the ground, of woody tendrils, twigs, fibres, or at times of grass and leaves, and with three beautiful shining green eggs." It is not very common at Darjeeling, and is not found below 6,000 or 7,000 feet. 412. Garrulax pectoralis, Gould. lanthocincla, apud Gould, P. Z. S., 1835 — Blyth, Cat. 485 — HoRsr., Cat. 288 — Cinclos. grisaure, Hodgson — G. melanotis, Blyth — G. uropygialis, Cabanis — -Ol-pho, Lepch. The Black-goegeted Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Plumage above light olivaceous brown, with a rusty tinge on the back and rump, and the nape and hind neck bright rusty ; quills edged whitish, or pale cinereous, and the terminal third of all the lateral tail-feathers with a double band of black and white ; a narrow white supercilium ; cheeks, lores, and ear-coverts , silvery grey or white (in some, however, pure black), enclosed by two narrow black lines, which originate at the base of the bill, and circling round the eyes and ears, unite into a broad band, which descends on the sides of the neck, and thence form a gorget 40 BIRDS OF INDIA. on the top of the breast ; beneath, the chin is white ; the neck, throat, breast, and sides of the abdomen, very pale fulvous, in some bright rusty throughout, except on the middle of the lower abdomen, sometimes white on the throat and breast ; the rest of the body beneath, Avhite. Bill bluish horny, dusky above ; legs greenish plumbeous ; irides brown; orbitar skin dusky leaden. Length 13 inches; extent 16^; wing 5|; tail 5^; bill at front 1|-; tarsus 1^. This species varies a good deal (according to the locality) in the markings on the ear-coverts, which in some are black, in others white mixed with black ; and in some the pectoral band is obsolete. Specimens from the Himalayas have usually the ears silver-grey, whilst those from Arrakan have them black and grey in every gradation. It is found in the Himalayas, extending through Assam into Burmah. Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, gives G. uropygialis, Cabanis, from Assam, as distinct from this, * the wings of a duller shade, and the rump rufescent, not concolorous with the body. ' It does not appear to me to differ. 413. Garrulax moniliger, Hodgson. Cinclosoma, apud Hodgson, As. Res. XIX. — Blyth, Cat. 486 — HoRSF., Cat. 289 — lanthoc. pectoralis, apud McLellanD— Garr. McLellandi, Blyth — Ol-pho, LcTpch.—Piang-kani, Bhot. The Neck-laced Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Very like the last ; above pale olive-brown ; the whole neck and throat rusty ; the lateral tail feathers with a double band of black and white, but the white much less broad than in the last; the rest of the body beneath white, more or less tinged with rusty on the breast. Hanks, and middle of the abdomen ; a white supercilium from the bill to the occiput ; below it a black line proceeding from the bill, through the eyes and ear-coverts (which are black, more or less mixed with white or grey), and sweeping round the bottom of the breast like a necklace. Bill dusky horny ; legs fleshy grey ; irides yellow, or pale brownish, or orange ; orbitar skin evanescent. Length 1 1 i inches ; wing 5^ ; tail 5 ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus 1 h. TIMALINiE. 41 This species differs from the last in its smaller size, shorter wing, the less development of the pectoral band, less white on the tail feathers, and in the ear-coverts seldom having any white, or, it is only seen in the lower part ; the legs and irides, too, differ in color. It is found in the S. E. Himalayas, also ex- tending into Assam, Arrakan, and the Tenass erim Provinces. I procured both this and the last at Darjeeling, and have also seen one, or both, in Sylhct, Cacliar, and Upper Burmah. They both associate in large Hocks, and frequent more open forests than most of the previous species. The eggs are greenish blue. Other species of Garrulax, which, without being very closely allied, may yet be classed near this section, are G. meruUnus, Blyth, from the Khasia liills, remarkable for its Thrush-like appearance, and perhaps G. rufifrons, Swains, and Lesson, from Java, The former I found to be rare near Chcrra Poonjee, at least during the rainy season. The next species differs somewhat from those previously noticed by its shorter wing, lengthened tail, and coloration. In its habits it is intermediate between the species of Garrulax and Trochalopteron, having the loud call and numerous flocks of the former, whilst the members keep individually more apart, as in the succeeding birds. Gray separates it geneiically, retaining for it Gould's name, lanthocincla, but, with Horsfield, I shall still keep it as Garrulax. 414. Garrulax ocellatus, Vigors. Cinclosoma, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1831— Gould, Cent. H. B., pi 15— Blyth, Cat. 488 — Hoksf., Cat. 2d2—Lho-Jcarreum- pho, Lepch. The White-spotted Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Forehead, sides of the head, and body above, reddish brown ; top of the head, and neck in front, blackish brown ; the nape, back, wings, and upper tail-coverts, marked with white ocelli, black anteriorly ; quills, and lateral tail-feathers, greenish dusky, with white tips ; outer webs of the middle quills grey, showing a 42 BIRDS OF INDIA. grey alar band ; the lower wlng-coverts variegated with red, black, and white ; beneath, the breast whitish rufous with black bands; abdomen pale rufous. Bill yellowish, dusky on the ridge and tip ; legs dull yellow ; irides yellow-brown. Length 14 inches; wing 5; tail 7 ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus 1/^. I have seen no record of this handsome bird having been procured elsewhere than in Nepal and Sikhim. About Darjeeling it is not found below 8,000 feet, and is most abundant between that elevation and 10,000 feet. I saw it between Darjeeling and Tongloo in large flocks, with a fine loud clear call, which, when begun by one, was immediately answered on all sides. It was feeding on various fruit and seeds. Crocias guttatus, Temm., P. C. 592, from Java, judging from the figure, appears to me allied to this species ; and Bonaparte places near these birds Timalia palliata and T. liiyuhris, Miiller, both from Sumatra. The following birds differ considerably from Garrulax, as restrict- ed, in their smaller size, more variegated plumage, more rounded wings, and also in habits ; for, though still associating in flocks, they do not keep so close together, but scatter through the brushwood. They have all peculiar calls, which, however, in general, they do not utter in such full chorus as Garrulasb. They have of late been divided into two genera, which, however, differ but very slightly from each other, and chiefly in the more complete rounding of the wings. I shall not separate them, but class them, both under Hodgson's genus Trochalopteron ; Pterocyclos, in which Gray places them, being pre-occupied in Malacology. Gen. Trochalopteron, Hodgson. Syn. Garrulax (in part) Auct. — Pterocyclos, Gray. Char. — Bill moderate or short, nearly straight, very slightly hooked at the tip, distinctly notched ; nostrils impended at their base by the frontal plumes ; wings short, much rounded, the tertiaries being as long as the primaries; tail moderately long, broad ; tarsus and feet moderately strong; hind claw large. TIMALINiE. 43 The birds of this genus are pleasingly varied in their plumage, and the outer webs of the first primaries of many are colored yellow, or bluish, or red. 415 Trochalopteron erythrocephalum, Vigors. Cinclosoma, apud ViGOiiS, P. Z. S., 1831~GouLD, Cent. H. B., pi. 17— Blytii, Cat. 495— IIorsf., Cat. 294. The Rkd-headed Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Head and nape deep rich chcsnut ; lores, chin, and throat black ; ear-coverts mixed rufous and dark browiv, neck posteriorly olivaceous, with black marks ; tlie rest of the upper plumage ashy olive ; shoulders of the wings and lesser coverts deep ferru- ginous or chesnut ; primaries olivaceous, tinged, more or less, with ferruginous, and with black spots on the breast, especially on the sides ; these vary in number and size, ])robably accordingto age; the flanks, lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, olivaceous. Bill horny brown ; legs dull yellow. Length 11^ inclu-s ; wing 4^; tail 5^ ; bill at front I ; tarsus 1^ The Red-headed Laughing-thrush appears to be confined to the N. W. Himalayas and the western districts of Nepal. It is un- known in Sikhim, where it is represented by a very closely allied species. Shore, as quoted by Gould in his " Century," says that " it is by no means uncommon in Kumaon, where it frequents shady ravines, building in hollows and their precipitous sides, and makino; its nest of small sticks and "-rasses, the e^-c^s bein"; five in nun\ber, of a sky-blue colour." 416. Trochalopteron chrysopterum, Gould. lanthocincla, apud Gould, P. Z. S., 1835— Blyth, Cat. 494 — HOKSF., Cat. 294 — Turphom-pho, Lepch. — Faniong, Bhot. The Yellow- winged Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Forehead dark rufous ; sinciput dusky grey, continuing behind the eyes as a darky band ; occiput dark chesnut ; back of neck reddish, with large black spots ; back, rump, and upper tail- coverts, olivaceous, tinged rufescent on the interscapulars ; shoul- der of wings and lesser coverts deep chesnut ; primaries olivaceous, 44 BIRDS OF INDIA. edged with bright yellow ; tertiarles dull cinereous, black tipped ; beneath, the chin and throat are black, ear-coverts black, edged with white ; the rest rufous, with black crescentic spots on the neck and breast; olivaceous on the flanks, vent, and under-tail- coverts. Bill dusky brown ; legs horny yellow brown ; irides red. Length 10 inches; wing 4 ; tail 4^; bill at front | ; tarsus If. This is perhaps the most common and abundant species about Darjeeling. It is often seen on the road, picking up insects or grain among the dung of cattle, but rapidly hopping oiF, and diving into the nearest thicket on being approached. If one utter its call, it is answered in all directions, though not very noisily. The eggs are greenish bkie, in a nest neatly made with roots and moss. It extends from Sikhira and Bootan to Nepal, and is very closely allied to the last, which it replaces in the S. E. Himalayas. T. rujicapillum, Bl., from the Khasia hills, and T. melanostigma, BI., from Tenasserim, are also representative species in their respec- tive localities. 417. Trochalopteron subunicolor, Hodgson. J. A. S., XII., 952— Blyth, Cat. 491— Horsf., Cat. 306— Tarmnl-pho, Lepch. — Nahom, Bhot. The Plain-colored Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above olive-brown, with black marks ; the crown dashed with dusky cinereous, and the feathers slightly edged dark ; lores blackish; ear-coverts, and the feathers beneath them, margined with silvery ash ; the outer primaries, and the emarginate portion of the others, edged wnth bright yellow ; the central tail-feathers golden olive-green ; lateral tail feathers blackish, olivaceous at their base, with narrow white tips; the under parts, like those above, viz., olive-brown with dark marks, but paler, and with the dark markings less defined. Bill dusky; legs reddish brown; irides red-brown. Length 10 inches ; wing 3^ ; tail 4^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus If. This bird is classed as a Trochalopteron in Horsfield's Catalogue, whilst the two former are placed in Pteroci/clos, but there is no TIMALIN^. 45 essential distinction. The bill is a little shorter in this species, and the wing a trifle more rounded. It is nearly as abundant as the last In the vicinity of Darjeeling, and its habits do not differ. 418. Trochalopteron variegatum, Vigors. Cinclosoma, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1831 — Gould, Cent. H. B., pi. 16— Blyth, Cat. 493— HoKSF, Cat. 296— Ganza, Nepal. The Variegated Laughing-thrusii. Descr. — Plumage above brownish grey, rusty on the forehead, and cinereous on the head and neck ; a stripe from the nape through the eyes black, surmounted by a narrow white line behind the eye ; ear-coverts dark brown ; wings with a black spot on the primary coverts, and another on the middle of the wings ; the greater coverts rufous ; outer webs of the primaries pale ashy- white, tinged yellowish (probably bright yellow in the fresh bird) ; the last of the primaries and all the secondaries tipped white ; tail, with the tips of four middle feathers, ashy grey, the four outer feathers on each side edged with olive-yellow, and white tipped, and all, except the outer ones, black at the base ; beneath, the chin, throat, and middle of the neck, are black ; the sides of the neck pale rusty whitieh, olivaceous on the breast and flanks ; and the abdomen and vent rufous. Bill black; legs reddish; irides brown. Length 10 inches; wing 4 ; tail 4i ; bill at front \\ ; tarsus 1 \. This species has been sent from Nepal, Kuraaon, and Simla, but it does not appear to extend into SIkhlm. 419. Trochalopteron affine, Hodgson. Garrulax, apud Hodgson, J. A. S., XII., 950 — Blyth, Cat. 492— HoRSF., Cat. 297. The Black-paced Laughing-thrush. Descr, — Above rufescent olive-brown, more or less mottled with paler on the back ; rump dingy greenish, and the upper tail- coverts rufous ; sides of head, lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts, black, occasionally this hue even suffusing the crown ; shoulder of 46 BIRDS OF INDIA. wings and wing-coverts like the back ; a jet black spot on the piiraaiy coverts ; winglet, aaJ the outer margin of the quills, pearl grey ; those of the secondaries and some of the tertiaries greenish yellow ; the rest of the tertiaries and tips of the secondaries slaty grey ; a broad white moustachial spot, and one behind the ears also white ; beneath, the chin is black ; the breast rufous brown, the feathers edged laterally with grey ; the belly uniform faint rufous brown ; lower tail-coverts the same, but darker. Bill black ; feet reddish brown ; irides brown. Length 10;^ inches ; wing 4 ; tail 4i ; bill at front nearly | ; tarsus 1^. This rare species of Laughiug-thrush may be said in some measure to take the place, in the S. E. Himalayas, of the last. It has been sent from Bootan, Sikhim, and Nepal. I saw it in thick bamboo jungle between 8,000 and 9,000 feet of elevation, on the road from Darjeeling to Tongloo, and I imagine that it only fre- quents the higher mountains. 420. Trochalopteron squamatum, Gould. lanthocincla, apud Gould, P. Z. S., 1835 — Blyth, Cat. 492 ■ — HoRSF., Cat. 305 — Jard. and Sklby, HI. Orn. 2, pL 4 — • Cinclos. melanura, Hodgson — Tarmal-pho, Lepch. — Nahum, Bhot. The Blue-wingkd Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Head, neck, and body above, olive-brown, with black lunules ; rump unspotted dark chesnut ; brows black ; wings black internally, visible as such on the tertiaries, but the edges of the first primaries blue ; margins of the other quills, and the coverts, dark castaneous ; tail black, overlaid with glossy green, and obsoletely barred with a terminal band of rusty ; beneath, the chin is black, aird the rest of the lower plumage olivaceous in some, in others inclined to rufous or chesnut ; vent and under tail-coverts rufescent or chesnut. Bill black ; legs shining fleshy brown; irides red-brown (glaucous according to Hodgson). Length 10^ inches; extent 12; wing 3| ; tail 4^ ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1 ^q. This is a common bird in the neighbourhood of Darjeeling, and has similar habits with the others. It has very short and highly TIMALIX^. 47 rounded winj^s, and was placed by Horsfieid as a restricted Trodia- lopteron. It has hitherto only been found in Nepal and Sikhini, but I quite recently obtained it in the Khasia hills, where not un- common. 421. Trochalopteron rufogulare, Gould. Tanthocincla, apud GoL'ld, P. Z. S., 18H1 — Blytit, Cat. 482 — HoKSF., Cat. 303 — Cinclos. rufimenta, Wo'DG^O'H —Narbigivan- pho, Lepch. The Rufous-chinned Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above olive-brown, broadly lunated with black ; the entire cap black ; tail dark rufcscent olivaceous, unspotted, but with a doul)le baud of black and rusty at the tip ; winolet, and outer edges of the primaries, bluish, the last white tipped ; the long coverts of the wings tipped with black, barwise ; a pale white roundish spot before the eyes, and a broad lonixitudinal black patch behind the gape, extending under and behind the ear-coverts, which are olive rufcscent; beneath, the chin is rusty; the throat white (rusty in some individuals, the females?) ; breast and belly pale smoky grey, with black drops ; vent and under tail-coverts rusty ; the lower part of the flanks and thighs olive-brown. Bill horny yellow ; legs fleshy brown ; orbitar skin blue. Length 10 inches; extent 10|; wing 3^; tail 4|- ; bill at front not | ; tarsus If. The bill is somewhat straighter than in the others, and very indistinctly notched. This bird is found throughout the whulc extent of the Hima- layas, from Bootan to Cashmere, and also in the Khasia hills. It is not common at Darjeeling, and I found it at from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Ilutton obtained the nest and eggs at Mussooree in May. The eggs are white ; a color rare, but not unknown, in this group, vide p. 35. Adams states that it is common in the dense jungles of the lower Himalayan ranges in the N. W., and around the vale of Cashmere. It is generally seen in flocks, and its call is loud and harsh. The next bird stands alone in its coloration, and is perhaps the richest colored in the family. 48 BIRDS OF INDIA. 422. Trochalopteron phceniceum, Gould. lanthocincla, apud Gould, Icon. Av., pi. 3 — Blyth, Cat. 497 — HoRSF., Cat 302 — Crateropus puniceus, Blyth — Tilji- ■pho, Lepch. — Repcha, Bhot. The Crimson-winged Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above, plumage rich olive-brown, rufous on the vpings ; tail dusky black above, each feather tipped with bright orange, the lateral ones most broadly so ; the feathers on the sides of the crown, and over the eye, margined laterally with black, form- ing a superciliary streak ; eye-streak, ear-coverts, sides of the neck, outer edge of primaries, of the terminal portions of the secondaries, and of the longest tertiaries, crimson ; the secondaries black internally, and partially margined with light grey ; beneath, as the upper plumage, but paler, and tinged with ruddy ; tail beneath almost entirely dull-orange. Bill black ; legs livid brown ; irides red-brown. Length 8^ inches ; extent 10^ ; wing 3^ ; tail A^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus ly-^y. This richly-plumaged Laughing-thrush is found in the S. E. Himalayas, and also in the Khasia hills. It is tolerably abundant in Sikhim, and frequents the zone from 4,000 to 6,000 feet or so. A nest and eggs, said to be of this bird, were brought to me at Darjeel'ing, the nest made of roots and grass, and the eggs, three in number, pale blue, with a few narrow and wavy dusky streaks. The two next birds belong to a peculiar type, and are the only representatives of the genus found in Southern India, where they, as was to be expected, are confined to the summits of the highest mountain ransres. 423. Trochalopteron cachinnans, Jerdon. Crateropus, apud Jerdon, Cat. 87, with figure — Blyth, Cat. 598 — HoRSF., Cat. 298 — Crat. Lafresnayii, Delessert — C. Dele- serti, Lafrksnaye. The Neilgherry Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above olive-brown ; the head dusky black ; eye-brows, lores, and eyelids, white ; ear-coverts rufous j beneath, the chin TIMALlNiB. 49 white ; the rest of the bodv briii;ht rufous, olivaceous on the flanks and lower tall-coverts. Bill black ; legs dusky greenish ; irides fine red. Length 9^ inches ; wing oj^j ; tail 4 ; bill at front ~ ; tarsus 1§. This noisy bird is abundant in all the woods on the summit of the Neilgherries, and its loud laughing call is often heard when the bird itself remains unseen. I have found it nowhere else than on the Neilgherries, but it very probably will be found on the top of the Pulneys, Animalies, and other high ranges of Southern India. Like others of the genus, it lives in small scattered Hocks, forag- ing about the thick brushwood. It often wanders apparently alone, though at no great distance from tlie flock, with whom it keeps up a communication as a signal of the direction it is going, or, perhaps, of the abundance of food obtained. On being watched they hop and climb up tlie stems and thick branches of the nearest tree, never however ascending to the tops of trees. They feed partly on the ground, and partly on bushes ; and their chief food appears to be fruit, especially that of the Physalis peruviana, so perfectly acclimatized on the Neilgherries ; but they occasionally eat caterpillars and other insects. The nest is made of roots and moss, and the eggs are blue, with a few brownish spots. I was in error in stating in my Illustrations of Indian Ornithology that the eggs were white, for, on the occasion alluded to, I mistook the bird (of which I had only a hurried glance) ; it was the Pomatorhinus Horsjieldii whose nest I then obtained, as I had afterwards several opportunities of confirming. 424. Trochalopteron Jerdoni, Blyth. Garrulax, apud Blyth, J. A S., XX. 522. The Banasore Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above olivaceous ; the head bluish, passing to dull ashy on the nape ; white supercilia ; lores black, less developed tlian in cacliinnans ; fore-neck and breast pale ashy, passing to whitish on the ear-coverts ; middle of the abdomen rufous ; flanks and under tail-coverts olivaceous. Bill black; legs horny; irides red. Length 8| inches; wing 3-"jj ; tail 3| ; tarsus l^j^. G 50 BIRDS or INDIA. This Lauglilng-thrush is very closely allied to the last, diiTering chiefly by the ashy breast, and some few other particulars. I procured it near the top of the Banasore peak, a high hill at the edge of the Ghats separating Malabar from the Wynaad, at an elevation of from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Its voice is very like that of its Neilgherry congener, but more subdued. I did not hear it in Coorg, nor in any other part of the Wynaad, but 1 have no doubt that it will be found on some of the higher elevations alonej the range of Western Ghats. The two next species also differ from all in tlieir mode of colora- tion, and, to a small extent, structurally, and they exhibit some affinity for Actmodura, and also, though more distantly, to the Malacocircus group. 425. Trochalopteron lineatum, Vigors. Cinclosoma, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1831 — Blytii, Cat. 599 — HoRSF., Cat. 300. The Streaked Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Head and back olivaceous ashy, the feathers of the head and neck centred with reddish brown ; wings chesnut ; tail the same, more or less olivaceous, and with a broad ashy-white tip, preceded by a narrow dark band, and obsoletely barred (most dis- tinctly seen beneath) ; ear-coverts rufescent ; lores, and over the eyes, whitish ; beneath the plumage is mixed ashy and rufescent, lia'hter and more ashv on the chin and throat ; lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, olivaceous ; the feathers of tlie back and of the neck and breast white-shafted ; and the feathers of the breast and lower parts are all edged with olive ashy. Length 8^ inches ; wing 3;^ ; tail of ; bill at front -^^ ; tarsus 1^. This specie^ has not been found in the Sikhim Himalayas, but exten^^ ; from Nepal to Cashmere, where Adams says that it is not rare. He found it living in flocks, very tame, and with a low chattering note. Hutton says that it is seen in pairs, or four or five together. He found the nest, cither in a low bush, or the sides of a bank, loosely constructed of grass, stalks, and roots, and with usually three eggs, whose color he does not mention. TIMALIN^. 51 42G. Trochalopteron setafer, Hodgson. Cinclosoma, apud Hodgson, As. Res. XIX. — Garr. imbricatus, Blytii, J. A. S., XII., O:)!*— Blyth, Cat. 500— Horsf., Cat. 299. The Bristly Laughing-thrush. Descr. — Above nifescent brown, darker on tlie head, and more rufous on the wings and tail ; rump and flanks olive-green ; tail rufescent, its feathers broadly subterminated with dull black, and the extreme tip Avhitish ; feathers of the crown, nape, and neck, slightly margined Avith dull olive-green, and with shining black shafts, and these feathers and those of the back slightly rigid to the feel ; lores albescent ; beneath, rufescent olive-brown, more in- clining to rufous than the upper parts, and the ear-coverts, sides of neck, and all the under parts are more or less white-shafted, chiefly towards the tips of the feathers ; the primaries are inconspicuously margined with grey, and the secondaries with yellowish olive. Bill and feet brown. Length 8J inches ; wing 3 ; tail 4 ; bill at front I ; tarsus 1^. This curious species shows some affinities for AcantJiojJtila, placed by Hodgson in the Malacucircus series, both by its more lengthened bill and the spinous character of the plumage. It has only as yet been sent from Nepal and Bootan, but it will probably be found in Sikhim. Hodgson states that the stomach of this bird is very thick, almost like a gizzard. No other species of this genus appear to be recorded, except one from China, said by Blyth to be very Malacocircus-Yike. Psophodes of Australia appears to belong to this family, near the present series, and indeed has been placed in it by Bonaparte ; and this Ornithologist also classes next to it the peculiar Malayan genus Lophocitfa, Vanga cristata of Griffith's Cuvier, which appears to have some affinity for Thamnocataphus. The European Dysornitliia infansta, usually placed among the Jays, perhaps beloi?gs to this family and section, but most of the African Crateropi come nearer the Malacocircus group. * Blyth's imbricatus agrees with the description of setafer, hut Hodgson appears to have mixed ixp specimens of both species, for he sent specimens of the last bird as setafer, as I am informed by Mr. Blyth. 52 BIRDS OF INDIA. We have next in order two genera which differ somewhat, both in structure and habits, from the others of this family, but which, nevertheless, appear to belong to it. They are more arbo- real in their habits, less social and noisy, and they appear to have some affinities for the Leiotrichina', and analogies for the Jays. Gen. AcTiNODURA, Gould, Syn. Ixops, Hodgs. — Leiochicla, Bl. Char. — Bill moderately long and compressed, rather slender, slightly curved ; nostrils linear, basal ; rictal bristles few and weak ; wings short, rounded, 5th, 6th, and 7th quills about equal ; tail long, graduated ; tarsus moderate, stout ; lateral toes unequal ; anterior claws long, moderately curved ; hind toe with the claw strong and well curved. Plumage copious, dense, and silky; wings barred ; tail obscurely banded ; head crested. This genus was considered by Hodgson to be a link between Sibia and Cinclosoma. Bonaparte in his Conspectus placed it next to Malacocircus, but afterwards removed it to the Garrulax series. Blyth, Horsfield, and Gray all recognise its affinity to this family, and I think it may be considered to lead from Trochalopteron to Malacocircus. There are only two species known. 427. Actinodura Egertoni, Gould. P. Z. S., 1836— Bltth, Cat. 501— Horsf., Cat. 307— Ixops rufifrons, HoDGSON — Leiocincla plumosa, Blyth— Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. — Ram7iio-p7io, Lepch. The Kufous Bar-wing. Descr. — Crown and nape soft brown, passing into ashy pink on the crest ; forehead deep red-brown ; ear-coverts silky ashy brown ; back, rump, shoulder of wing, and coverts, red-brown ; primaries, except the first three, barred with black on a reddish ash ground; the secondaries and tertiaries with narrow dark bars on a more rufous ground ; tail dark ruddy brown, faintly barred with dusky (except the two central tail-feathers), and white tipped ; beneath pale rufescent, tinged Avith ashy on the neck and breast, and with red-brown on the throat. TIMALIN^. 53 Bill light homy ; legs pale brown ; irides brown. Length 9 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 5 ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1. The rufous Bar-wing is found from Nepal, to the hill ranges of Assam and Sylhet. It is very common near Darjceling, from 3,000 to 6,000 feet or so, associates in small flocks, wandering from tree to tree, and carefully examining the foliage and branches, never descending to the ground, and feeding botli on fruit and (especially) on insects. Horsfield gives Afghanistan as a locality, but I have no doubt that Griffith's specimens were from the Khasia hills, where I found it far from rare. 428. Actinodura nipalensis, Hodgson. Cinclosoma, apud Hodgson, As. Res. XIX., subsequently Ixops, — Blyth, Cat. 502 — Horsf., Cat. 308 — Eamnio-pho, Lepch. The Hoary Bar-wing. Descr. — Plumage above rufescent brown, with an olivaceous tinge ; head and nape, with the full soft crest, pure brown, the centre of each feather, hoary ; ear-coverts and cheeks dark grey ; a black moustache from the lower mandible, bounding the ear- coverts beneath ; the greater coverts black ; the wings castaneous, with numerous cross bars of black, and the quills externally and at tip black ; tail also castaneous, with numerous black bands, except the two middle tail-feathers ; the inner web quite black, and the tip white, broadly ended with pure black ; beneath, rufescent ashy with a yellow tint ; the flanks, thighs, vent, and under tail- coverts, of the same color as the back. Bill dusky horny ; legs pale fleshy brown ; irides brown. Length 8 inches ; extent 10 ; wing 3f ; tail 3^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus ly^Q. The Hoary Bar-wing replaces the last species at higher elevations, being found from about 7,000 to 10,000 feet and upwards. It has only been procured in the S. E. Himalayas, in Nepal, Sikhim, and Bootan. It may be said to be still more arboreal than the last, for it is frequently seen perched on the very tops of moderate-sized trees. It feeds chiefly on insects, and I found it, on Mt. Tongloo, feeding on the various insects that infest the flowers of the 54 BIRDS OF INDIA. Rhododendrons. As I did not obtain the nest, either of tliis or of the last species, I presume that they build on high trees. 'Gen. SiBiA, Hodgson. Syn. Alcopus, Hodgson — Heterophosia, Blyth, partly. Char. — Bill rather long, slender, gently curved, barely hooked at the tip, and almost entire ; nares lateral, lengthened ; wings moderate, rounded ; tarsi stout, moderately long ; toes moderate, lateral toes unequal, hind toe broad and large ; nails acute, mo- derately curved. The form of the birds of this genus is slender, and the bill Is more lengthened and attenuated than in most of the members of this family. The tongue, moreover, is forked and slightly brushed, somewhat as in Phyllornis. Gray includes it in the Pycnonotince, or Bulbuls, as Bonaparte formerly did, near to Hypsipetes (the most slender billed of the Bulbuls) ; and McLelland, indeed, described one species as a Hypsipetes. Blyth, however, described this very species as an Actinodura ; and, taking their strong legs and feet as the most important character, I quite agree with Hodgson, Blyth, and Horsfield, in placing Sihia next io Actinodura in this family, of which it may be considered a tenuirostral or Melliphagous type, as Hodgson asserts. There are two forms in this genus, to one of which Cabanis, and Gray, follovp'ing him, have given the generic name Malacias, but I shall not adopt it here ; and, moreover, if the genus is to be divided, I would retain Sibia for the species classed by Cabanis as Malacias, and apply Blyth's prior name of Heterophasia for the long-tailed species. 429. Sibia capistrata, Vigors. Cinclosoma, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1831 — Blyth, Cat. 514 — HoRSF., Cat, 314 — S. nigriceps, Hodgson — Cinclos. melanoce- phalum, EoYLE, List of Birds — Sarnhriak-pho, Lepch. — Sesiyona, Bhot. — Sibya, Nepal. The Black-headed Sibia. Descr. — Head above, cheeks, and ear-coverts, black; nape pale rufous ; back brownish grey in the middle, deep rufous posteriorly TIMALIN^. $5 and on the upper tall-coverts ; tail rufous, black nt the base (except the central feathers, -wliich arc rufous grey), with a subterminal broad band of black, tipped grey ; the inner webs rufous ; neck in front, breast, and upper part of the abdomen, pale rufous ; the rest deep rufous. Bill black ; legs yellowish brown ; irides brown. Length 9 to 10 inches ; extent 11 ; wing 4 ; tail 5 ; bill at front j^ ; tarsus 1^. The black-headed Sihia is found throughout the whole Hima- layas, from Simla to Bootan, and is one of the most abundant birds about Darjeeling. It is found from 4,000 feet to 8,000 feet, but most common about 7,000 feet. It frequents the highest trees, climbing up the larger branches, and clinging round and below the smaller branches, almost like a Wood-pecker, or Nuthatch. It is often seen alone, or in pairs, but occasionally in small parties ; and is constantly uttering its twittering call, wliich Iluttou syllabizes as titteeree, titteree, tu-eei/o, often answered by one at some little distance. It is very fond of concealing itself in the thick masses of Epiphytic plants found on all lofty trees in Sikhim, and its favorite food is the fruit of the Epiphytic Andro- meda3 so abundant about Darjeeling; it occasionally, however, picks insects from moss, or crevices of the bark. I on one occasion saw it at Kursion, 4,500 feet high, in winter, climbing up and down the thatched roof of a buno-alow. Hutton procured the nest at Mussooree, made of coarse grass, moss, wool, and roots ; and the one egg he got was pale bluish- white, with rufous freckles. 430. Sibia picaoides, Hodgson. J. A. S., YIII., 38— Blyth, Cat. 508— Horsf., Cat. 312— Heterophasia cuculopsis, Blyth — Malcheo-pho, Lepch. The Long-tailed Sibia. Descr. — Above greenish fuscous, slightly darker on the fore- head ; lores black ; wings dusky, with a large white wing-spot formed by the middle third of the outer webs of four of the secondaries ; tail dusky, with broad white tip ; beneath dark ashy, paler on the belly. 56 BIRDS OF INDIA. Bill and legs blackish ; irides red-brown. Length 14 inches ; extent 14 ; wing 4f ; tail 8| ; bill at front | ; tarsus ly^j. This curious looking bird is the type of Blyth's Heteropkasia, which, as he says, has a very cuculideous appearance altogether. It differs from the more common species in its longer bill, longer wino"s, and gently lengthened tail, as well as in its mode of colora- tion ; and, if other species are discovered resembling it, will deserve separation. It bears towards S. capistrata much the same relation as Volvocivora silens does towards V. Sykesii. It has only been found in Nepal, Sikhim, and Bootan. I found it not uncommon near Darjeeling at about 4,000 feet of elevation, associating in flocks of six or seven, and flying from tree to tree, feedino- both on fruit and insects, and keeping up a continual whistling sort of caU. Two other species of Sihia are on record ; one from Assam, oricntalis. This race, however, has not been considered distinct from Malabaricus, and I have accordingly for the present merged it in that species, Malabar specimens appeared to me to have more rufous ; those from the Eastern ghats more grey. 435. Malacocircus Somerviilei, Sykes. Cat. 68. The Rufous-tailed Babbler. Descr. — Above ashy brown, the feathers of the back barely lighter shafted, passing into rufescent on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; quills dark brown on both webs ; tail rufous brown, obsoletely banded ; beneath, the chin, and throat are mixed dark brown and ashy as in griseus ; the upper part of the breast pale whitey -brown, the feathers dark at their base ; the lower breast, belly, vent, and under tail-coverts, rufescent. Bill horny yellow ; legs dirty yellow ; irides pale yellow. Length 9^ inches ; wing A:\ ; tail 4 ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1^. This is a very distinct species, and, if it be not Sykes' M. Somerviilei, is new, and may have the name of M. Sykesii; but I feel certain that Sykes had this species in view when he de- scribed M. Somerviilei, and I append a translation of his description for reference : — " Reddish brown ; abdomen, vent, lower back, and tail, pale rufous; the tall obsoletely banded with darker ; quills brown ; feathers of the throat and breast bluish in the middle. Bill and feet yellow. Length 9^ inches ; tail 4|." 64 BIRDS or INDIA I found this to be the common species of Babbler in Bombay, entering compounds and gardens ; and I also saw it above the ghats, though less common there. A specimen obtained at Bombay by myself is now in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Calcutta. It is possible that some of the races alluded to by me in the " Illustrations" may turn out to be distinct ; but I have not had an opportunity of verifying them since those remarks were penned. The next bird is of a slightly different type, and has been separat- ed by Mr. Blyth as distinct, under the name of Malcolmia, but the distinctive marks are not prominent, and I shall not adopt it here. It differs from restricted Malacocircus by its larger size, more iniiform color, the tail longer and more narrow; the frontal feathers are stiff and pointed, the bill is a trifle shorter, and the wings are somewhat longer and more pointed. It associates usually in still larger flocks. ^ 436. Malacocircus Malcolmi, Sykes. Timalia, apud Sykes, Cat. 67 — Blyth, Cat. 794 — HoRsr., Cat. 316 — Jerdon, Cat. 90 — Garrulus albifrons, Gray, Hard- wiCKE, 111. Ind. Zool. 2, pi. 36, f. 1 — Ghof/oi, H. — Gangai, H^ in the N. W. Provinces — Gongya, Can. — Kokatti, Malir. — Verri- chinda, i. e. Mad-babbler, Tel. — also Goioa sida, Tel. The Large Grey Babbler. Descr. — Above of a pale brownish grey, lighter and more cinere- ous on the rump ; quills and middle rectrices darker, the latter with some faint cross bands, and the lateral feathers whitish ; forehead pale bluish, the feathers with Avhite shafts ; the first three quills with the outer webs pale yellowish ; beneath uniform whitish grey, with a tinge of fulvescent or rufescent, most distinct on the breast and upper part of the abdomen. Bill horny; legs dirty yellow ; iridcs light yelloAV. Length 11 inches ; wing 4y^^ ; tail 5| ; bill at front j% ; tarsus ly'^jj. This large Babbler has a peculiar distribution. In the south of India it is found, though not very common, only in jungly and hilly ground, apart from cultivation. I have seen it near Nellore, on the slopes of the Shervaroy and Neilgherry Hills, in Mysore, TIMALTNJE. 65 always in jungly places ; but as wc go north on the tabic land, it leaves the jungles and wilds, and becomes the familiar and iinscarcd representative of the Kinjr or Sat hkai. It is particularly abundant at Janlna in the Deccan, and the country round about. From thig it extends north and north-west to the valley of the Ganges, as at Cawnpore, barely extending eastwards, for it is rare at Mhow, and unknown at Saugor in Central India. About Jaulna it frequents fields, hedges, orchards, and the vicinity of villages, generally asso- ciating in large flocks, more numerous than those of Malacocircus fjriseus, or Malaharicus. It feeds chiefly on the ground, and espe- cially round the trunks of large trees, and near hedge-rows, turnino- over the fallen leaves with their bills and sometimes with their claws, and picking up various insects, beetles, cockroaches, grass- hoppers, &c., and also seeds and grain. I once saw one in vain attempt to capture a grass-hopper on the wing. The flock keep up a continued chattering, occasionally changed to a more sono- rous call, resembling " quey, quei/, quey, quo, quo^^ pronounced gutturally. Their flight is feeble and straggling. If tlic Shikra sparrow-hawk be thrown at them, .they defend each other with great courage, mobbing the hawk, and endeavouring to release the one she has seized. I think that Mr. Philipps must have had this species in view, and not M. terricolor, when he writes of the latter attacking a hawk and severely handling it. I have no doubt that this bird extends through most of the N. "W. Provinces, whilst M. terricolor, so far as we know, is not found there ; and the name he gives is nearly that applied to the former bird in other districts. I have frequently found the nest and eggs, the former a loose structure of roots, twigs, and grass, with usually four verditer blue eggs. Burgess says that he found the nest of this bird in a tuf^ of grass in some boggy ground. This is a very unusual spot for them to select, and, from the small size of the eggs, I suspect that he must have got the nest and eggs of Chatarrhcea caudata, or, it may be, of Megalurus pahistris. Mr. Blyth considers that some African birds may perhaps be found to range in Makolmia, especially Malums squamiceps and M. acacits of Rilppell, the former from Eastern Africa, and the latter from Arabia Petrsea, which belongs to the African Fauna. I 66 BIRDS OF INDIA. If this is found to be the case, I would then accord the generic rank proposed by Blyth. Tlie following bird has also been lately separated from Mala- cocircus by Blyth, and as its distinguishing features are more pro- minent, I shall adopt it. Gen. Layardia, Blyth. Similar to Malacocircus, but of more decided colors, the bill shorter and deeper, the wings shorter and more rounded ; the frontal plumes hispid, but of open texture, and monticolous in its habits. In its coloration, as in its habitat, it makes an approach to the Garrulax series. But two species are known, one from Southern India, the other, a somewhat aberrant species, from Ceylon ; but Blyth thinks it probable that Crateropus rubiginosus, Riippell, of E. Africa, may belong to it. 437. Layardia subrufa, Jerdon. Timalia, apud Jerdon, Cat. 93 — Blyth, Cat. 795 — Horsf., Cat. 315 — Tim. poecilorhyncha, Lafresnaye — Jungli khyr, H. The Rufous Babbler. Descr. — Above darkish brown olive ; forehead pale bluish ash, the frontal feathers somewhat rigid ; beneath deep rufous, paler on the chin. Bill dusky above, yellow beneath ; legs dull yellow ; irides light yellow. Length 9^ inches ; wing 3/^ ; tail 4;^ ; bill at front -^^j^ tarsus ly^^j. The Rufous Babbler is found in the higher wooded regions of Malabar, the Wynaad, Coorg, and all along the crest of the Western Ghats, as far as the Southern Mahratta country. I have seen it, though rarely, below the Ghats in JMalabar. It always freqvients thick jungles, more especially bamboos ; has similar habits to the Malacocirci, feeding chiefly on the ground in parties of eight or ten ; and, on being disturbed, retreating through the thick clumps of Bamboos, and concealing themselves from view, chattering all the time. Their note, though similar in character to that of the Malacocirci, is quite distinct, clearer, and less harsh. • TIMALINA. 1)7 An allied species, L. rufescens, Blyth, is found in Ceylon, some- what darker, the head tinged with ashy, and the whole bill yellow. We now come to a group which differs in the more slender body, lengthened and narrow tail, and striated plumage. Gen. Chataukucea, Blyth. Syn. Timnlia and Malicocircus (in part). Auct. Char. — Bill longer than in Malacocircus, more slender, and very gently curved, both on the commissure and culnien ; tail long, narrow ; lateral toes about equal ; hind toe very long ; claws slightly curved. 438. ChatarrhcBa caudata, Dumeril. Copyphus, apud Dujmeril — Blyth, Cat. 797 — Horsf., Cat. 322 — Tim. chatarrhoea, Franklin— -Sykes, Cat. 69 — Jkrdon, Cat. 94 — M. Huttoni, Blytii — Megalurus isabellinus, Swainson — Dumri, H. in the South — Hutu, Tam. — Iledo and La'do, Sindh — ChilchilH. in the N. W. P. (IIoyle) — Peng or Ckota-pJienga, Hindi — Soi' in the N. W. (Theobald) — Chinna sida, Tel. The Striated Bush-babbler. Descr. — Above pale ashy brown, with numerous dusky stria?, eacii feather being centred brown ; tail pale olive-brown, obsoletely barred with dusky ; beneath, the chin white, the rest of the plu- mage rufescent ashy, darkest on the flanks. Bill pale brownish horny ; legs dull yellow ; irides red brown. Length 9 inches ; wing 3 ; tail 4^ ; bill at front -| ; tarsus 1. This Babbler is the most extensively spread of all the Indian members of this group, being found throughout the whole country from Assam to Sindh, and from the N. W. Provinces and Afghan- istan to Cape Comorin. The only district in which I have not seen it, is Malabar. In the south of India it is usually found away from houses and villages, in the open plains, that are clad with a few low and scattered bushes, and indeed it is to be met with in low jungle throughout India ; but, towards the north, in Central India, and in some of the Gangetic provinces, it frequents cultivated 68 BIRDS OF JNDIA. grounds, entering gardens and compounds, and sheltering itself in hedge-rows. In the south it is a shy bird, flying before you from bush to bush with a sibilant sort of whistle, or, as Mr. Philij^ps says "a low under-toned warbling whistle," which it often repeats. It runs or rather hops along the ground at a great rate, and with its long tail held straight out and drooping on the ground, it looks more like a rat than a bird. This likeness is so striking, that it has occurred to more than one observer. It flies low, from bush to bush, with a few rapid beats of the wing alternating with a sailing motion, and outstretched wings ; and though, from the nature of the ground it frequents, it is obliged to take longer flights than the Malacocerci, yet its ppwers of wing are very feeble, and a person on horseback can easily overtake the flock. In such case they take refuge in the nearest bush, and are with great difficulty dis- lodged. I have frequently seen the nest and eggs, the former almost always in a thorny bush, at no height, made of roots and grasses loosely put together, and with three or four verditer blue eggs. IMr. Philipps says that " they bear confinement Avell, feeding on grain, and that all day long they are jumping from side to side of the aviary, responding to each other." 439. ChatarrhceaEarlei, Blyth. Malacocircus, apud Blyth, J. A. S., XIII. , 369 — Blyth. Cat. 796 — HoRSF. Cat. 321 — Burra-phenga, Hindi. The Striated Eeed-babbler. Descr. — Above pale ashy brown, with dark brown streaks on the head and back, fading on the upper tail-coverts ; tail con- colorous with the back, still paler perhaps, and with no trace of stria2; chin, throat, and upper part of the breast dull reddish fulvous, edged paler, and with faint dark central lines ; the rest of the under-parts dingy fulvous or albescent brown. Bill pale greenish yellow, dusky above and at the tip ; legs dirty greenish horn ; irides bright yellow. Length not quite 10 inches; extent 11 ; wing 3^ ; tail 5| ; bill at front f ; tarsus 1§ ; extent of foot H. TIMALINJJ. 69 This species is very similar to the last, but differs in being a little larger, in the frontal feathers being less rufescent, and more distinctly streaked, in the tail being barely striated, and the chin not being white, &c. &c. •It is found throughout Lower Bengal and the Nepal Terai, extending along the valley of Assam and southwards to Burmah, where it is very abundant ; but has not yet been noticed in Southern or Central India, nor in the N. W. Provinces. It frequents heavy grass and reed jungle, exclusively, especially near water, and is a most common bird along all the rivers of Eastern Bengal, and its note, which is something like that of its congener, but clearer and louder, is often the only sound heard whilst tracking along the river banks. It associates in large flocks, and a sentinel is ge- nerally posted on some high perch to warn the rest of any danger. They feed more exclusively on insects perhaps than the last species. C. gularisy Blyth, from Burmah, is the familiar Garden-babbler of Thyetmyo, and is still more abundant and familiar higher up the river Irrawaddy, as ]\Ir. W. Blanford informs me. Other species belonging to the group of Babblers are fourvd in Africa, such as Crateropus Jardinii, A. Smith» and perhaps some ranked under Lvos, viz., /. plebeius, I. leucocevhalos, and /. leucojri/gius of Iliippell. The former*of these, indeed, is very like a true Malacocircus. Some of the other African Crateropi appear immediate between this group and Garrulax ; but their habits, as described by Tristram, are very similar to those of Malacocircus or Chatarrhoea. CAteifo/?5, Swainson, perhaps should also be placed in this group. Next the Babblers I place a small series of Keed and Grass birds, some of them striated, others of plain plumage ; they are somewhat aberrant members of this family, and their location here is not adopted by all. Gray and Horsfield place them among the Warblers, and Bonaparte makes of them a section, Sphenursw, of his Calamoherpince, including most of our birds, and others greatly affined to them from other regions ; but he places them next the TimalidcD. Blyth, too, classes them near Chatarrhcea, to which the larger species are certainly nearly related, whilst the smaller 70 BIRDS OF INDIA. members approacli tlie Locustclhv and Drymoicoe of our Sylviadce. Hocl!i;son, too, had, I suspect, similar views of their affinities, for he ranges Acrocephalus (which, though allied to our birds, I yet consider more strictly a Sylviadean type) as Malacocircus abnoi^mis; and Swainson placed Chatarrkcea caudata as a Megalurns. Those whose nidification is known lay blue eggs, and altl)ough they are less social in their habits than the Babblers, they are perhaps nearer to this group than to any other. They may be said to beau the same relation to the restricted Babblers that Sihia and Aciinodara do to the Garrulax group, or Alcippe to the IHmalice. Gen. Megalurus, Horsfield. Char. — Bill slender, compressed, of moderate length, gently hooked at the tip and notched ; nostrils apert ; rictal bristles few, strong ; wing somewhat lengthened, tliird quill longest, 4th and 5tli nearly equal to it ; tail long, graduated ; tarsus long, with large scutre ; middle toe very long ; lateral toes unequal ; hind toe long ; all the claws long, slender, acute, moderately curved ; hind claw large. Sexes differ in size. This genus, of which there is one species in India and the Malayan isles, com])rises several others from Australia and the oceanic province. 440. Megalurus palustris, Horsf. Lin. Trans., XIII., 159— Blyth, Cat 781— Horsf., Cat. 512— Malurus marginalis, Reinwardt, pi, col. 6b, f. 2 — Takko, Beng. — Jal-uggin, II. i. e. Water-lark. The Striated Marsh-babbler. Descr. — Upper parts bright olive-brown, with a mesial broad black stripe to each feather of the back and the scapulars; the edges of the wing-feathers also brown ; tail pale dusky-brown, with light edges to the feathers ; crown rufescent, with mesial dark Hues, obsolete towards the front, and the feathers small, rigid, and oppressed; a pale whitish streak over the eye; beneath, the chill and tliruat are white, the rest whitish, tinged with earthy bruwu ; the breast and Hanks slightly speckled with brown. TIMALTN.E. 71 Bill horny brown above, paler bcnoatli ; legs dull purplish or greenish-brown; iiides pale brown. Length of male 9i to 10 inches; ext. 12; wing 3f ; tail 5 ; bill at front f ; tarsus If . The female is only 8;^ inches lon^;. This bird has an extensive geographical distribution, beino" found in Bengal and Central India, extending to Assam, Burmah, the Malayan peninsula, and Java. I have seen it on the banks of the AVein-Ganga and Indrawatty, tributaries of the Godavery ; also on the Nerbudda, where it frequents tlie grass and reeds on the banks, or on the islets. But it is most abundant in Lower Benoral, where the countrv is intersected bv rivers, and where lonjr arass and reeds cover miles of country. It does not appear to associate in flocks, but hunts about the reeds and grass for various insects, chiefly grasshoppers and coleoptera, and, as ^Ir. Blyth remarks, it has a remarkable freedom of the action of its legs enabling it to sprawl widely as it clambers among the reeds and grass stems. Every now and then one rises to the air with a fine song, which Blyth calls a fine flute-like voice, and after fluttering slowly along for a few seconds, warbling all the time, descends again. The song is not confined to the breeding season, for I have heard it at all times. Its nest and eggs have not been observed yet, abundant though it be in many districts. In the breeding season the bill becomes livid blackish, and the whole inside of the mouth wholly black. Gen. Cn^TORNis, Gray. Cliar. — Bill very short, strong, high, compressed, curved on the culmen, strongly hooked at the tip, and notched ; five remarkably strong bristles between the gape and the eyes, forming an almost vertical range curved stiffly outwards ; wings somewhat long, 3rd quill longest, 4th and 5th nearly equal to it ; 2nd equal to the 7th ; feet and legs strong ; tarsus moderately long, the middle toe elongate, laterals unequal, inner toe very versatile, hind toe long, all the claws slightly curved. This genus chiefly differs from Megalurns by the very remarka- ble bill, which, from its compression, is quite Timaline in character. 72 BIRDS OF INDIA. 441. Chaetornis striatus, Jerdon. Megalurus, apud Jerdon, Suppl. Cat. 88 bis — Blyth, Cat. 782 — HoRSF., Cat. 513— Dasyornis locustelloides, Blyth — Genta- pitta, Tel, i. e., Grass-bird. The Grass-babbler. Descr. — Above olive or yellowish brown, the feathers all centred with deep brown ; tail brownish, banded w4th dusky externally, and dusky along the centre of each feather, which is tipped fulvous white, and the outer feathers have further a dark brown subterrainal band ; beneath, the color is white, tinged with earthy- brown on the breast, and with a few dark specks. Bill dusky-brown above, fleshy-brown beneath ; legs brownish fleshy ; irides yellow-brown or dull grey in some. Length of male 8:^ inches ; extent 11 ; wing 3^; tail 3| ; bill at front not quite ^ ; tarsus Ij'y ; extent of the foot If. The female is 7 inches long and the wing 3. I first obtained this bird on the Neilgherries in swampy ground, but afterwards found it not rare at Nellore, during the cold season, in lono- grass and rice fields ; and I ao-ain found it in Central India, during the rains, in grass meadows. It is also abundant all over Lower Bengal in hitdi grass, though not frequenting such dense thickets of reeds as Megahirus, or Chatarrlicca Earlei.. It most probably will be found in all suitable localities through the greater part of India. It has similar habits to Megalunis, soaring into the air like a lark, with a fine clear song. I have not procured the nest, but Mr. Blyth mentions that it nearly accords with that of Malncocir- ciis, and that the eggs are blue. It feeds chiefly, if not entirely, on insects. The great difTerence of size between the sexes at one time led Mr. Blyth to believe them to be distinct species. Mr. Frith suggests that the very remarkable outer orbital bristles of this bird are admirably adapted to protect its eyes ■when it is forcing its way through dense tufts of grass and reeds. Near these two birds probably should be placed the African genera Spheneeacus oxifiSplicnura; and the Australian Cincloramphus, TIMALIN^. 73 two of the species of which latter have been considered to belong to Megaluriis. From these Reed and Grass-babblers there is an evident transi- tion to the Reed- warblers, such as Locustella, AcrocepJialus, and Arundinax, in all of whicli, however, the characters of this family are lost, or nearly so. But it will, pcrliaps, be advisable to class here two small Grass or Reed birds, which, by their strongly compressed bill, apparently belong to this group, leading to the Warblers. They belong to two distinct forms, and both are rare, and but little kno^vn. Mr. Blyth also places them in this family, between Chcetornis and Dumetia. Gen. SCHJ5NIC0LA, Blyth. CAar.-^Bill moderate, rather deep, much compressed, slightly curved on the culmen ; a few strong rictal bristles, but less developed than in CliCBtornis ; wings moderate, slightly rounded, 4th quill longest, 3rd equal to 5th ; tail moderate, very broad, soft ; tarsus long; toes grasping; plumage somewhat lax. 442. Schsenicola platyura, Jerdon. Timalia, apud Jeedon, Suppl. Cat. 96 bis. The Broad-tailed Reed-bird. Descr. — Above dark olive-brown ; the feathers of the tail obsoletely barred ; beneath ochrey yellowish. Bill horny yellow ; legs fleshy yellow ; irides yellowish brown. Length 5\ inches ; w^ng 2^ ; tail 2| ; bill at front -^^^, tarsus -f^. I only once observed this curious bird among some reeds in swampy ground close to Goodaloor in the Wynaad, at the foot af the Neilgherries. It took short flights, and endeavoured to conceal itself among the thick herbage. Its food had consisted wholly of small insects. I only procured one specimen, which is now lost, but Mr. Blyth had previously seen it, and recognising its peculi- arities, had given it the above generic appellation. Gen. EuRTCERCUs, Blyth. Syn. Laticilla olim, Blyth — Spheneeacus, Strickland. Char, — Bill of moderate length, compressed, slender, nearly straight; culmen gently curved, barely hooked at the tip ; a few distant K 74 BIRDS OF INDIA. short rictal setee ; wings short, rounded ; 4th and 5th quills longest ; tall long, graduated, the feathers very broad and soft ; tarsus long ; middle toe elongated, lateral toes unequal, hind toe rather short. This curious bird has so much the aspect of a Drymoica that it would by some be placed in that genus, but its more compressed bill, broad tail, and, to a certain extent, its coloration, all evince a tendency to this present family. It differs from the last type by its lengthened tail and streaked plumage. Blyth notices its affinity for Chatornis, of which says he "it has the general form, but a weaker and more compressed bill, feebler vibrissa, shorter feet, and the tail much broader." 443. Eurycercus Burnesii, Blyth. J. A. S., XIII., 374— Blytu, Cat. ISQ—Hidela, Sindh. The Long-tailed Reed-bird. Descr. — Above brownish grey, with dark central streaks, mostly on the scapulars and back ; tail faintly barred; under parts whitish, tinoed with fulvescent on the flanks, and a shade of the same on to the sides of the neck, where also a few mesial streaks are distinct; under tail-coverts ferruginous. Bill liorny above, yel!ov»4sh beneath ; legs yellow-brown ; irides brownish yellow. Length Q^ inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 3| ; bill at front f ; tarsus i%. This bird was originally sent from Sindh by Sir A. Burnes, and a drawing of it is also among his collection in the Asiatic Society's Library. Quite recently I found it at Monghyr on the Ganges in March, frequenting grass mixed Avith Jhow bushes. When flushed, it flew close to the ground, and endeavoured to escape observation, hiding itself in the grass, and with more of the aspect of a Chat- arrhcsa than of a Drymoica. It will probably be found in suitable spots all along the Gangetic valley. In its rufous under tail-coverts, and slightly spotted breast, it recalls the coloring of the African genus Parisoma* The MimiiKB or Mocking Thrushes of America are the only group, not Asiatic, included by Bonaparte in this family, Toxostoma, * Salicaria leucoptera, lluppell, appears to me to belong to this division of the Timalince. BRACHYPODID^. 75 by its lontT and curved beak representing Pomatorhinus. Turdus xndptmis, Hartlaub, one of the Miinince, figured in P. Z. S. 1850, could not, by the Indian ornithologist, be mistaken for ought but a Timaline form. Fara. BRAcnypoDiD.E — Short-Icfr2;ed Thrushes. DO Legs and feet very short, only suited for perching ; wings moderate or rather long ; bill various, long and Thrush-like in some, short and somewhat depressed in others. In this family I include both the Bulbuls and Orioles, which agree in their short legs and feet, food, and arboreal habits. As in the last sub-family we found that the strong logs and feet afforded the most certain cuidc to their classification, to the exclu- sion of the bill, so, in these, the short feet are the most character- istic feature. It has not been usual to class the Bulbuls and Orioles together, but they are, in most systems, placed near each other ; the green Bulbuls are by some arranged with the Orioles, and by others with the Bulbuls ; and I see no essential diflerence between them, more than warranting a sectional separation. I was at one time inclined to place them in the family Mendidce, as Gray and Horsfield do, but, on full consideration, have now considered them distinct. The Short-legged Thrushes arc peculiar to the old world, being most abundant in India and Malayana, not rare in Africa, one or two species extending to the south of Europe, and one or two to Australia. The bill varies from somewhat long and slender, as in Hijpsipetes, to thick and Finch-like in Spizixos. It is generally more or less wide and depressed at the base, and usually slightly notched at the tip. The wings are moderate, rather long in a few, and somewhat pointed. The tail is usually short or moderate, even or slightly rounded. The tongue of several is slightly pen- cilled or brushed, and, in consequence, some of them have been classified as a division of the Melliphagidce, or Honey-eaters of Australia ; but the structure and habits of these last, with their geo- graphic distribution, forbid the association, though there is a good deal of mutual resemblance between some of the species of each group, and they perhaps pass into each other. Mr.- Blyth re- 76 BIRDS OF INDIA. rriarks that the affinity of the family for that of the Melliphagidee is, I think, undeniable. With regard to other external relations, they appear to have affinities with the AmpelidcB, and particularly perhaps for some of the Leioinchin(s, as will be pointed out hereafter. They live both on fruit and insects, more particularly on the former food. Only a few species ever descend to the ground. Most of them construct neat nests, and the eggs are either pale reddish, or pinkish white, more or less spotted with red. The Brachypodidm may be sub-divided into — 1st — Pycnonotince, true Bulbuls. 2«£Z. — PhyllornithincB, Green Bulbuls. Srd. — IrenincBy Blue-birds. Aiih. — OriolincB, Orioles. Sub-fam. Pycnonotin^. The true Bulbuls are distinguished from the members of the other sub-families by the bill being generally shorter, straighter, and more depressed at the base, with the rictal bristles more developed. The tongue is more simple, though bifid in some, and slightly pencilled in a few. Their plumage is usually full, sometimes puffy, and, in very many instances, there are various hairs or bristles (undeveloped feathers) conspicuous, especially on the head and nape ; so much so, that some have received generic names (Trichophorus, Criniger,) from that character. The sexes are in most cases exactly alike in colour. They are birds of rather small size, and, as a general rule, of plain, though, in many instances, pleasing plumage, green, brown, and yellow being the predominant tints. They are mostly denizens of the forests and jungles, a very few only frequenting gardens or groves. They feed both on fruit and insects. Their wings enable them to fly with ease, and some have a tolerably swift flight. They make a rather neat nest, and the eggs of most are pale reddish or pink, with numerous darker red specks. They are tolerably numerous in India, Burmah, and Malayana; and many species are found in Africa ; one occurs in Spain. They are active and sprightly in their movements, and usually have a PYCNONOTIN^. 77 chirruping call or warble, which seldom could be called a song ; and the name of Bulbul, by which the most connnon species are known in India, being the Persian name for the Nigiitingale, has led to many misconceptions about their powers of voice and son"-. The few known to the older authors were classed in Linmts, Muscicapa, and Turdus. Gen. Hypsipetes, Vigors. Char. — Bill moderately strong, lengthened, nearly straight ; cul- men very slightly arched ; nostrils long, with some short tufts and a few hairs at their base ; wings long, 4th and 5th longest, 3rd nearly as long ; tail rather long, square or emarginate ; feet and legs very short. The head is sub-crested, the feathers being lanceolate, and the rictal bristles are very few and weak. This is one of the best marked forms in this division, and comprises two types, the one with red bills, more or less black plumage, and the tail distinctly emarginate ; the other, with more normal family colouring, the bill dark, and the tail square. With red bill. 444. Hypsipetes psaroides, Vigors. P. Z. S., 1831— Gould, Cent. II. Birds, pi. 10— Blytii, Cat. 1246 — HoKSF., Cat. 388 — Ban hahra, at Mussooree, i. e., Junfde Goat — Fhakki-pho, Lepch. The Himalayan Black Bulbul/ Descr. — Head subcrested, black ; body and wings dark ashy or iron grey ; tips of the quills and the tail black ; beneath dull grey, as above, the lower part of the abdomen and vent paler ; under tail-coverts edged white. Bill bright red ; irides red-brown ; legs red. Length 11 inches ; wing 5 ; tail 4;^ ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus f . This bird is found throughout the whole extent of the Hima- layas, from Simla to Bootan. It is not common about Darjeeling, and I have found it usually at from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation. Like the others, it is gregarious generally, and its flight strong and rapid. Dr. Adams says that it is very noisy, and imitates the songs of other birds. Hutton says " that it is exceedingly 78 BIRDS OF INDIA. common at Mussooree, in large flocks, during winter and spring ; in the latter season, when the Rhododendron nrhoreum is covered with its branches of deep crimson flowers, these birds may be seen thrusting their beaks into every flower in search of insects and nectar, and the forehead is, in consequence, then generally covered with the pollen derived from the flowers. It is fond of wild mulberries and cherries. They make a rather neat cup- shaped nest of leaves, grass stalks, and spider-web, lined with grasses, lichens and wood-shavings, and placed on a tall tree. The e£r""3 are usually three, rosy or purplish white, sprinkled over rather numerously with deep claret or rufescent-purple specks and spots, but very variable in colour and distribution." I obtained the nest and eggs once only, agreeing very well with Hutton's description. 445. Hypsipetes NeilgherriensiS; Jeudon. Jerdon, Cat. 68— BLYTir, Cat. 1247. The Neilgherry Black Bulbul, Descr. — Head, with crest of lanceolate feathers, glossy black; wings and tail black, rest of the body dark blackish grey ; under tail-coverts more or less edged with white. Bill deep red; legs orange-red ; irides brownish red. Length 10 inches ; extent 14 ; wing 5 ; tail Af^ ; bill at front nearly ^^ ; tarsus -^Q. This species difiers from the last in its somewhat smaller size, and the prevalent darkness of the body plumage. It abounds on the summit of the Neilgherries from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. I have seen it also in Coorg. It lives in small flocks, in the dense woods, feed- ing on various fruits and berries, usually on the tops of trees. It keeps up a lively and agreeable warbling, Avhich it often continues during its occasional flight from one tree, or patch of wood, to another. Its flight is undvJating, easy, and rapid. It has also been found in Ceylon. 446. Hypsipetes Ganeesa, Sykes. Sykes, Cat. 49— HoRSF., Cat. 389. rYCNONOTIN^E. 79 The Ghat Black Bulbul. Descr. — Above grey -brown, paler beneath ; wings and tall brown ; liead slightly crested, metallic black ; irides deep brown. Length 10 inches ; tail 4. Such is Col. Sykes' description ; but the figure in Jardine and Selby's Illustration represents the upper plumage as more blackish ashy. This species has only as yet been procured by Col. Sj-kes, who says that it inhabits the Western ghats. It is most probably found on the Mahableshwar Hills. Col. Sykes remarks, "stony fruit found in its stomach ; llight rapid." Dr. Horsfield in his Catalogue gives Assam also as a locality. This would be a very remarkable distribution, and more probably he has not thoroughly compared them, and the Assam bird will prove to be Blyth's H. concolor, from Assam, the Khasia Hills, &c., which he states to be very closely allied to the two last species. The wing and tail of Ganeesa, described as being brown, had probably faded, as indeed the whole colours of the birds of this section appear to do, more or less. Turdas oiirovang, from Madagascar, figured P. E. 557, f. 2, appears to belong to this genus and section ; and H. olivacea, Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn. 1, pi. 148, from Mauritius, is another species. The next group are coloured more or less green, with dusky bills. 447. Hypsipetes McLellandi, Horsfield. P. Z. S., 1839— Blyth, Cat. 1249— Horsf., Cat. 390— H. viridis, HODGS. — Chinchiok-pho, Lepch. — Chichiam, Bhot. The Refous-bellted Bulbul. Descr. — Head brown, sub-crested, the feathers with pale centres; the rest of the upper plumage olive-green ; ear coverts brownish ; chin and throat white, the feathers edged dusky ; sides of neck, breast, and belly, light reddish brown, with pale centres to the feathers, albescent on the lower part of the abdomen ; under tail- coverts yellowish. Bill dusky olive, horny fleshy beneath ; legs yellowish brown. Irides light brown. Length 9 inches; extent 13; wing 4^; tail 4 ; bill at front | ; tarsus |. 80 BIRDS OF INDIA. This species of Hypsipetes is found from Nepal to Bootan ; also in the hill ranges of Assam and Arrakan. In Sikhim it occurs from 2,000 feet or so ; frequents high trees, lives chiefly on fruit, and has a loud cheerful note. Other species of Hypsipetes^ more or less allied to the above, are H. virescens, from the Nicobars ; H. Malaccensis, from Malacca ; H. Philippensis, from the Philippines ; and U. Tickelli, Bl., from Tenasserira. Near Hypsipetes, perhaps between it and Hemixos, should be placed Blyth's genus lole, with one species from the Khasia Hills and Arrakan, 1. virescens, and two others from Malacca ; and the Turd us amaurotis, Temm., from Japan, should either be placed here, or in Hypsipetes. Gen. Hemixos, Hodgson. Bill moderately slender, inclining to arch on the culmen, nareal and rictal bristles distinct and strong ; wings with the 5th and 6th quills longest ; tail moderately long, even, almost emarginate ; tarsus strong, smooth ; toes short, unequal, depressed ; nails acute, much curved ; tongue bifid ; feathers of the head lanceolate, lengthened. 448. Hemixos flavala, Hodgson. J. A. S., XIV., 572— Blyth, Cat. 1254— Horsf., Cat. 378— Nalli-pindi, Lepch. The Brown-eared Bulbul. Descr. — Crown dusky greyish, the coronal feathers lengthened and pointed ; rest of the plumage above ashy ; wings and tail dusky ; the feathers of the greater coverts and the outer webs of the secondaries margined with bright greenish yellow ; lores, and a streak from the lower mandible, black ; ear coverts silky brown » throat and lower tail-coverts white ; breast pale ashy ; belly greyish white. Bill black ; legs dark plumbeous ; irides dark brown. Length 8| inches, extent 12 ; wing Sy^jj ; tail 3^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus ||. The Brown-eared Bulbul is found in the Eastern Himalayas, from Nepal to Bootan, also in the Khasia hills. It is not very rare near PTCNONOTINiE. 81 Darjccling, at elevations I'loni 3,0()(J to «j,000 feet. It associates in small parties, feeds both on berries and insects, and has a loud >varbling note. The pointed feathers of its crest, and its long square tail, show its af Unity to IJiipsipetes. Gen. Alcurus, Hodgson. Char. — Bill slightly stronger than in the preceding genera, and somewhat wider at the base ; rictal bristles weak ; tail almost even* the outermost feathers barely shorter ; head sub-crested. This form appears to be immediate between Ilemiros and its allies, and Criniger, from which last it is distinguished by the much feebler bill. In its habits too it is more allied to Hypsipetes. The peculiar striation of the plumage is faintly shadowed forth in //. McLellamU, but is more marked in Pycnonotus Finlaysonii, Blyth, a veiy beautiful species from Arracan, which appears to belong to this type ; as does, perhaps, Ixos tigus, Miill., from Sumatra. 449. Alcurus striatus, Blyth. Tricophorus, apud Blytii, J. A. S., XL, 184 — Blyth, Cat. 125() — IIoRSF., Cat. 384 — Alcurus Nipalensis, Hodgson — Senim- j)lek-pho, Lepch. — CJiichiam, Bhot. The Striated Green-bulbul. JDescr. — Above olive-green, brightest on the rump and wings ; feathers of the occiput lengthened and somewhat pointed; crown of the head and back darker green, with a slight tinge of cinereous on the back, and the feathers of botli the head and back narrowly streaked with white ; tail dusky, with the outer Aveb greenish, obsoletely barred above, and tinged with yellow beneath ; the two outer rectrices, and the third partially, tipped with yellow- ish white ; part of throat, chin, and under tail-coverts pale canary yellow ; a yellow streak from the nostril to near the eye ; throat, fore- neck, and belly, pale yellowish, albescent on the breast, the feathers all edged with dusky greenish, most broadly so on the breast, giving a generally striated aspect to the under parts ; ear-coverts black. Bill horny black ; legs greenish brown ; irides brown-red. Length 8| inches; wing 4| ; tail 4 ; bill at front | ; tarsus not |. l 82 BIRDS OF INDIA. This bird is exceedingly abundant about Darjceling, and is most common from 7,000 feet and upwards. It in general keeps to the tops of high trees, going in small parties, and having a loud mellow warble, which it is continually repeating, both Avhen feeding and on the wing. It feeds chiefly on fruit, sometimes on insects. This bird, like Heniiocos Jlavala, has also aflTmities for Hypsipdes, shewn, as well in the structure, as in its habits of ilying higli, and the frequent repetition of its call. Gen. Criniger, Temm. Syn. Tricoplionis, Temm. — Alcurzis, pais, Hodgson. Char. — Bill of moderate length, strong and deep ; the culmen well curved ; rictal bristles distinct, long ; tail nearly even, with the outermost feathers distinctly shorter. Head more or less crested. Tlie first species noticed has the bill somewhat less strong than the second and more typical one, and has been placed under Hemixos, but its colours and general characters are more those of the present genus. 450. Criniger ictericus, Stricland. Ann. Nat. Hist., XIII.— Blyth, Cat. 1255— Horsf., Cat. 379— Tricophorus Indicus, Jerdon, Cat. 75. The Yellow-browed Bulbul. Descr. — Plumage above bright olive-green ; superciliary streak extending to the forehead, and the whole plumage beneath, bright yellow ; quills dusky on their inner webs ; the shafts of tlie tail feathers beneath yellow. Bill black ; legs dark plumbeous ; irides blood-red. Length 8 inches; wing Sy^ ; tail 3| ; bill at front j^^ ; tarsus y^^. This species has only been found in the IMalabar forests and Ceylon. It prefers mountainous regions, at from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation, being very abundant on the slopes of the Xeilgherries at that elevation ; but it is also found occasionally down to a few hundred feet above the sea level. It lives in small ilocks, flying from tree to tree, and keeping up a continual and pleasing mellow bulbul-likc warble. I have chiefly found PYCN0N0T1N.E. 83 it to have partaken of fruit ; but I dare say at times, insects are captured. I first described this bird, considering that it might be the Ttirdus indicus of the older authors. I am not aware what species is now supposed to have been described under that name, or whetlier it has been identified at all. This bird has the crest only moderately developed, and the tail more even than tlie next bird. The next species has the bill proportionally stronger, the crest more developed, and the tail with the outer feathers distinctly shorter. 451. Criniger flaveolus, Gould. Tricophorus, apud Gould, P. Z. S., 183») — Blytu, Cat. 1257. — llousF., Cat. 382 — Tr. xanthogaster, Hcjdgs. — Kussop eechiop-pho, Lepch. TUE WlIITE-TUROATED BULBUL. Descr. — Head crested, the feathers progressively lengthened, and mixed with hairs ; plumage above dull yellow olive, \vith a tinge of reddish brown on the wings and tail ; cheeks and throat ashy white ; the rest beneath bright yellow. Bill light plumbeous ; legs pale fleshy yellow ; irides brown-red. Length 8^ inches ; extent 13 ; wing 4^ ; tail 3| ; bill* at front f ; tarsus |. This bird in its plumage much resembles the last. It is an inhabitant of the Himalayas from Nepal to Bootan, extending to the hill ranges of Assam, Sylhet, and Arrakan. It is chiefly found at from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. I got several specimens from the vicinity of Darjeeling, but did not myself observe it. The name which the Lepchas give it is taken from its call. Near here should be placed several species of Bulbul, viz. C. ochrocephalus, Grael., {cnspiceps, Blyth,) the giant of the family; Fyc. inornatus and P. simplex, Kuhl, from Sumatra; Pycriy rufocaudatus, Eyton, (TricopJiorus gularis, Horsf.) from Java and Malacca; with Trie, gutturalis, and sulphurata, Miill., from Borneo ; and jiavicaudus, Bon., from Araboyna ; also Sttor- nis crini(jer, Blyth, from Malacca ; all which tend to grade into lole, previously mentioned. Not far from these birds should be placed Spizixos, Blyth, with a short thick conical bill. The best known specieg, S. canifrons, 84 BIRDS OF INDIA. Blyth, from the Khasia hills, lives in small flocks, has a pleasant call, keeps to the top of trees, and lives entirely on fruit. Another has lately been sent from China. The next division only includes two birds belonging to our province, but several Burmese and INIalayan species. The colors are not so vivid as in the last, the form is larger and more plump, and it is somewhat related to Hemixos. As I imagine that Muse, psidii, of the older authors, belongs to this group, I shall put it as Ixos, under wliich genus that bird is classed by Gray, Gen. Ixos, Temm. (restricted). Char. — Bill rather short, slightly arching on the culmen ; the tip bent over, distinctly notched ; commissure nearly straight ; a few rictal bristles, mixed with some smaller tufts ; hairs on the nape distinct, and some of the feathers of the throat bristle-ended ; lateral toes nearly equal ; hind toe shorter than middle toe ; 4th, 5th, and 6th quills sub-equal and longest, 7tli barely shorter ; tail slightly rounded in some, almost even in others, with the outer feathers slightly shorter. 452. Ixos luteolus, Less. Hocmatornis, apud Lesson, Rev. Zool., 1840 — Horsf., Cat. 3G2 — Pycnonotus flavirictus, Srickland — Blyth, Cat. 1270 — Ixos virescens, apud Tickell, andjERDON, Cat. 74 — CrinigerTickelli, Blyth — Foda-pigli, Tel. The White-browed Bush Bulbul. Descr. — Above dull brownish olive-green, palest on the head, where it is slightly ashy, and yellowish on the rump ; quills and coverts edged with brighter green ; over the eye to the ear-coverts, and from the base of the upper mandible extending below the eye, obscure white ; chin, and base of lower mandible, pale clear yellow ; lower parts whitish ashy, tinged with pale yellow ; the breast dashed with brownish grey, and the vent and under tail- coverts pale yellow. Bill blackish ; legs dark plumbeous ; irldcs blood-red. Length 1\ inches ; wing 3^ ; tail oh ; bill at front [\^ ; tarsus y"^. PYCNONOTIN.E. 85 This is a tolerably common bird in many parts of tlic South of India ; rare in others. It is not found in tlie forests of ^lalabar, but in low jungle in that province it is common, and on the skirts of forests occasionally. In the Carnatic it is tolerably conunon in bushy jungle, and even in gardens, in wooded districts; also throughout the Northern Circars to Goomsoor ; and Tickell found it in Central India. It is not however known at Jubbulpore, Saugor, Nagpore, nor Mhow, nor in the bare table land of the Deccan. It associates less in flocks than most of this family, being usually seen alone, but it avoids observation, and keeps to the thickets. It flies about from bush to bush with a fine loud, clear, thrush-like warble, and feeds entirely on fruit of various kinds, I found the nest in my garden at Xellorc. It was rather loosely made with roots, grass, and hair, placed in a hedge ; and the eggs, four in number, were reddish-white, with darker lake-red spots, exceed- ingly like those of the common Bulbul. I see that the Ixos virescens of Teraminck, which in my Cata- logue I considered the same as this bird, now ranks as an Ilyp- slpeies. 453. Ixos xantholaemus, Jeedon. Brachypus xanthohicmus, Jerdox, 2nd Suppl., Cat. (59 bis — 111. Ind. Orn., pi. 35— Blyth, Cat. 1269 — HoKSF., Cat. Wd—Konda- jioda-pigli, Tel. The Yellow-throated Bush Bulbul. Descr. — Head and face yellowish green ; upper plumage grey, tinged with green, especially on the upper tail-coverts ; wings dusky, edged with yellow green ; tail dusky, the feathers edged with yellow green, and, except the central ones, all the feathers tipped with yellowish white, most broadly on the outermost ones ; chin, throat, and forehead pure canary yellow ; breast grey, paling to whitish on the abdomen ; under tail-coverts pure yellow. Bill and legs black, irides red. Length nearly 8 inches ; wing 3/o ■' *^^^ ^To ' ^^^ ^^ front ^y ; tarsus y^^. This bird is one of exceedingly limited geographical distri- bution. I have only met with it from the Eastern Ghats, west of Nellore, whence it was brought me by some Shikarees. It 8() BIKDS OF INDIA. probably may extend along this range South to Royacottah, and Northwards [along the hills towards Goomsoor, but, as yet, I believe, specimens have not been obtained from any other locality. Bonaparte in his Conspectus states that it very closely resembles 1. leucogrammicus, IMliller, from Sumatra, but is larger, and has the throat yellow, which the other has not. Other species apparently belonging to the present group are / Jlavescens, Blyth, from the Khasia hills and Arrakan, very close to fiaveolus ; I. iristis, Blyth, from Arracan ; 7. Blanfordi, Jerdon, (familiaris^ Blyth) very abundant at Thayetmyo ; I piumosus, Brand; I. hrunneus, BL, from Malacca; / tigus, Miill., from Sumatra, and other species from the Islands of Malayana. Gen. Kelaartia, Blyth. Char. — Bill short, wide, tolerably curved, strongly notched ; ric- tal bristles feeble ; tarsus somewhat long. This form is distinguished by having a longer tarsus than any member of the family. It at present consists of but a single species ; but Fyc. Sinensis is very closely allied to, if indeed it does not belong to it, chiefly differing in its shorter tarsus. 454. Kelaartia penicillata, Blyth. Jerdon, Suppl. Cat. 70 bis. The Yellow-eared Bulbul. Descr. — Head above brown ; the feathers scale-like ; a white spot at the base of the upper mandible, not extending over the eyes ; lores, under the eye, and the ear-coverts dusky blackish, pahng posteriorly ; behind the eye a tuft of lengthened, lanceolate, bright yellow feathers ; upper plumage olive-green, with the inner webs of the quills and tail feathers dusky brown ; beneath, the chin white, the rest of the lower parts olivaceous yellow, clearer on the abdomen and under tail-coverts, and olivaceous on the sides of the breast and flanks. Length 7 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 3 ; bill at front y^^ ; tarsus |. I believe that this Ceylon bird is identical with one procured by me from the Mysore country, bejow the Neilgherries, which was accidentally destroyed before I had taken a description ; but PYCNONOTlNyE. 87 I liiul a coloured sketch drawn, from which I briefly described it in my SupplcMncnt Cat. Birds. The succeeding group of Bulbuls diflfor somewhat from the pro- ceding ones in their generally smaller size, more slender bills, somewhat more rounded tails, and also in a more marked form of coloration. They are mostly Malayan forms, 8outh(>rn India possessing two, representing dillerent types ; and Northern India, including Assam and Burmali, three. The first genua comprises two species from India, one from Northern India, the other from the South. Blyth named one of these Ruhigula ; Cabanis subsequently Sphagias: ; and Hodgson classed the northern one under his genus Alcunis ; but it does not correspond with the type of that genus, and both forms I think may safely be classed together. Genus. RuBiGULA, Blyth. Syn. SpJiogias, Cab. Char. — Bill rather short, moderately stout; rictal bristles small or moderate ; tail slightly rounded, or almost even ; head bhick, more or less crested; the feather of the back loose and decomposed ; irides yellow. 455. Rubigula gularis, Gould. Brachypus. apud Gould, P. Z. S., 1835 — Blyth, Cat. 1277 — HoKSF., Cat. 368 — Brachypus rubineus, Jerdon, Cat. 69, and 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 37. The Ruby-throated Bulbul. Vescr. — Head and cheeks pure glossy black ; plumage above yellowish olive-green ; a small chin spot black ; throat beautiful shining ruby-red, the feathers much divided and somewhat bristly ; the rest of the plumage beneath bright yellow ; quills with a tinge of dusky on the inner webs. Bill black ; legs greenish dusky ; irides light yellow. Length 6^ inches ; wing 3 ; tail 2| ; tarsus rather more than ^ inch ; bill at front f . This pretty species is found only in the forests of Malabar, extending from Travancore to North Canara. It is found from 88 BIRDS OF INDIA. the level of the sea nearly to about 2,000 feet of elevation. It is not common, frequents the more open spots and glades in thick jungle, and is usually found in the neighbourhood of water. It lives in small families, is sprightly and active, hopping about the smaller branches of trees, and uttering now and then its pleasant twitter, much in the manner of the crested Bulbuls. Its food consists chiefly of fruits and berries. A very closely allied species is the Ixos dispar of Horsfield, Temm., PI. col. 137 ; and another has lately been procured in Ceylon, R. aherrans, Blyth. The next species has the head conspicuously crested, and the bill is shorter than in the foregoing ; but it has a general similarity of character and plumage, and the irides of both (which is unusual in this family) are pale yellow. 456. Rubigula flaviventris, Tickell. Vanga, apud Tickell, J. A. S., 2— Blyth, Cat. 1275— Horsf., Cat. 371 — Brachypus melanocephalus, GiiAY, Hardw., ill. Ind. Zool. 2, pi. 35, f. 1. — Br. plumifera, Gould — Zurd hulbul, H. — Pahariya havgdhara, at Goruckpore — Manclipli-kur, Lepch. The Black-crested Yellow-bulbul. Descr. — Above olive-green, beneath yellow, with a greenish tinge, strongest on the breast ; head ( with a long slender erectile crest ), cheeks, and throat, glossy black ; primaries within dusky black ; the tail brown, the feathers edged with green on the outer webs. Bill black ; legs dark horn ; irides pale yellow. Length nearly 8 inches ; wing 3f ; tail 3^ ; bill at front \ ; tarsus y^^. This Bulbul is found in the Himalayas from Nepal to Bootan, extending into Assam, Arrakan, and Burmah ; also in the forests of Central India, Avhere it Avas procured by Tickell. I found it in Sikhim in the warm valleys from 1,200 feet to 3,000, most abundant in the lower elevations, as on the banks of the Rungeet. It associates in small flocks, is lively and active, and has the usual twittering notes of this family. It feeds chiefly on fruits. An allied species is /. bimacidatus, Lesson, from Java, with the cheeks orange-red. PYCNONOTINiE. 89 It is in this group that we find an approach to tlie color of the common Bulbuls of India, Ilamatornis and Fi/cnonotus, as in no other genus is there any red tint. Gen. Bbaciiypodius, Blyth. Char. — Bill somewhat as in Ruhuiula, short, rather deep at the base, but the rictal bristles more feeble ; tail more or less rounded. This form is chiefly developed in Malayana, only one species from Southern India, and one from Tippcrab, occurring else- where. 457. Brachypodius poiocephalus, Jerdon. Brachypus, apud Jerdon, Cat. 70 — ill. Ind. Orn., pi. 31 — Blyth, Cat. 1282. The Gray-headed Bulbul. Descr. — Crown of head, occiput and throat, bluish gray ; fore- head siskin green ; back, wings, and plumage beneath, oil-green, lighter towards the vent ; feathers of the rump light yellowish green, broadly streaked with black ; tail with the centre feathers greenish, broadly edged with gray, lateral feathers black, also gray- edged ; under tail-coverts light gray. Bill greenish horn ; legs reddish yellow ; irides bluish white. Length about 7 inches ; extent 9 ; wing 3 ; tail 2y|j ; tarsus ^ inch ; bill at front /g. The Gray-headed Bulbul is confined to the forests of the !Malabar Coast, extending from Travancore to Houore. It is found from near the sea level to about 2,000 feet or so of elevation, living in small families, and feeding chiefly on stony fruit. The plumage of the back and rump is very copious and puffy, recalling the structure of lora, and, like that bird, the present has whitish irides, which are rare in this, or indeed in any group. A species with very similar markings, Brachypus eutilotusy from Malacca, is figured by Jardine and Selby ; and of this Gray makes his sub-genus, Euptilotm, to which perhaps the present species would appertain. M 90 BIRDS OF TNDIA. Other species of Brnchypodius are found in the Malay countries and Burmah, viz., D. melanocephalus, Gmelln, from Burmah, and another allied species from Malacca, probably Ixos mctallicus of Eyton (which two have much the coloration of the Orioles) ; Ixos squamatus Temm., and /. chalcocephaliis, Temm., from Java and Malacca ; B. cinereoventris, Blyth, from the Tipperah hills ; Ixidia cyaniventer, Blyth, from IMalacca, and /. poliopsis, of Bonaparte's Conspectus. Near here branches off Microtarsin, with black plu- mage, a long and slender bill, and well rounded tail, comprising two species from Malacca. We have next two forms, the most common of all the Bulbuls, and also with extensive distribution, one or more being found in every part of India Proper, Assam, and Burmah. Both forms have the under tail-coverts bright red in most, yellow in a few, and one group has in addition a crimson cheek stripe. The first group has been named Otocompsa by Cabanis. It was founded apparently on P. jocosus, and includes the two yellow- vented crested Bulbuls, whose markings are similar to the first named species. Gen. Otocompsa, Cabanis. Char. — Bill short or moderate, slightly curved ; rictus bristled ; the head black, with an erectile pointed crest ; the upper plumage brown and the under tail-coverts yellow or red. 1st. with the lower tail-coverts yellow. 458. Otocompsa leucogenys, Gray. Brachypus, apud Gray, Hardav. 111. Ind. Zool. 2, pi. 35, f. 3— Blyth, Cat. 1266— Horsf., Cat. 360— Ix. plumigerus, Lafresn. — Manglio-kur or Mancliph-kur, Lepch. — Kangdhara, Beng. The White-cheeked Crested-Bulbul. Descr. — ^Top of head and nape hair brown, the feathers long and forming an erectile occipital crest ; a faint white superciliura, only reaching the middle of the eye ; lores, and round the eyes, black ; ear-coverts white ; plumage above pale earthy-brown, the PTCNONOTIN.f:. 91 quills somewhat darker brown ; tail brown at the base, black for the terminal half, with a Avhite tip ; chin and throat blackish brown, this colour extending round to the back of the cars ; breast and lower parts pale whity-brown, more albescent on the middle of the abdomen ; under tail-coverts bright yellow. Bill black; legs plumbeous; irides brown. Length nearly 8 inches ; extent 11 ; wing 3f ; tail 3^ ; bill at front I ; tarsus -f"^. The "White -cheeked Bulbul is found throughout the wliole extent of the Himalayas, from Cashmere to Bootan. It is most abundant, in Sikhim, from about 2,500 to 5,000 feet of elevation. It feeds both on seeds, fruits, and insects. Hutton found the nest neatly made with stalks and grass, and containing three or four eggs, rosy or purplish white, with specks and spots of dark purple or claret. 459. Otocompsa leucotis, Gould. Ixos, apud Gould, P. Z. S., 1836— Blytii, Cat. 12G5— IIorsf., Cat. 359 — Kangdliara, Beng. — Kushandray or Kushanbra of the Punjab — Bhooroo of Sindh. The WiriTE-EARED Crested-Bulbul. Descr. — Whole head and neck black, passing into rich brown on the neck; ear-coverts, and a patch below them, white, edg- ed black ; upper plumage earthy brown; tail brown at the base, the terminal half blackish brown, with the edges white, most broadly so on the outer feathers ; beneath, from the breast, whity-brown ; the under tail-coverts rich saffron-yellow. Length 7 inches ; -wing 3^ ; tail 3|- ; bill at front -^-^^ ; tarsus |. This species has the tail slightly rounded, the bill is rather short, deep, and strong, and in these points it makes approach to Pyc. sinensis, V., p. 86. This Bulbul is found in the Punjab, extending down the Indus and Sutlej, through Ferozepore and Bhawulpore, into Sindh and Guzrat. Nothing is recorded of its habits. Ixos tympunistrigus, Miill., of Bonaparte's Conspect., may perhaps belong to the present group ; as does certainly chrysor- h(£us, Latham, from Java, figured in Brown's 111. Zool. 92 BIRDS OF INDIA. 460. Otocompsa jocosa, Lin. Lanius, apud Linnaeus — L. Emerla, Shaw — Bltth, Cat. 1260 — HoRSF., Cat. 354— Jerdon, Cat. 77 — Sykes, Cat. 70— Ix. monticolus, McLell., P. Z. S., 1839—1. pyrrhotis, UoDOS.—Kanera bulbul, H. in the north— Fhari-bulbul, H. in the south — Kara bulbul, and SipaJd bulbul, Beng. — Twaka pigli-pittUi Tel. The Eed- Whiskered Bulbul. Descr. — Head, with crest, black ; ear-coverts white, with a tuft of glossy hair-like crimson feathers over the ears, and reaching beyond them ; a narrow line of black borders the ear-coverts beneath ; plumage above light hair-brown, darker on the quills and on the tail, especially towards the tip, which is white on all, except the central feathers, but only on the inner web, except on the outermost pair ; beneath, from the chin, white, the sides of the breast dark-brown, forming an interrupted gorget. Length 8 inches; extent 11 ; wing 3^; tail 3y^jj ; tarsus j% . bill at front ^. The Red-whiskered or Hill-bulbul is found throughout India, but often affects particular localities. As a general rule it is most common in jungly and well-wooded districts. In the Carnatic it is rare, found now and then in low jungle, and periodically visiting Madras and other wooded towns in large flocks. On the western coast it is more generally spread, but even there you may pass over considerable tracts of ground without seeinor it. On the Neilgherries it is very abundant. It is rare in the central table land, tolerably common on the Northern Circars, in Lower Bengal, and here and there throughout the Upper Provinces, extending to the Sub-Himalayan range ; but not apparently ascending the hills to any height, as it does in the South. Out of our province it is found in Assam and Arrakan. It is a most Kvely and active bird, always on the move, and warbling its pleasant chirruping notes, which are more agreeable than those of the next species. Its flight is steady, but not very rapid, and its crest is always raised the moment it alights. I have frequently had its nest and eggs brought me on the Neilgherries. The nest was very neatly made, deep, cup- PYCNONOTINiE. 93 shaped, of moss, lichens, and small roots, lined with hair and down. The eggs are barely distinguishable from tlio.sc of the next bird, being reddish white with spots of purplish or lake-red all over, larger at the thick end. It lives chiefly on fruit and seeds, on the Neil- gherries, robbing the gardens of peas, strawberries, &c. ; now and then it takes insects ; and I have seen it come to the ground to secure them. An affined race or species is found in Burmah and jMalay ana, which dillers in having the rod whiskers shorter, truncated, and of a much deeper crimson colour. It only reaches the basal third of the white ear-coverts, whilst, in the Indian bird, it measures | of an inch or more, and passes beyond the ear-covcrts. Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, applies the name of Linnaeus to the race of Burmah and China ; and to the Indian species Ilod"- son's name pyrrhotis ; he has also a third species, erythrotis, Bonap., from Java. McLelland's Ix. vionticolns, which I procured from the Khasia hills, does not appear to me to dilier from tlie Indian race. Gen. Pycnonotus, Kuhl. Syn. Hcematoniis partly, Swainson. Char. — Bill moderately long, strong, tolerably curved, with strongish rictal bristles ; legs and feet stout ; tail barely rounded, almost square ; under tail-coverts red. With Gray, I have kept the genus Pycnonotus for the common Bulbuls of India. These differ from the last in their darker plu- mage, and in the want of the pointed crest. One of the following species is to be seen in every part of India, and a nearly allied race in Burmah, and the Malayan provinces. 461. Pycnonotus pygseus, Hodgson. HoRSF., Cat. 239— P. Bengalensis, Blyth, Cat. 1261— P. cafer of India, auctorum — Bulhul, Hind. — Kala bulbul, Beng. — Mancliph-pho, Lepch. — PaJclom, Bhot. The Common Bengal Bulbul. Descr. — Head, nape, hind neck, chin, throat, and breast, glossy black ; ear-coverts glossy hair brown ; from the hind neck dark 94 BIRDS OF INDIA. smoky brown, edged with ashy, which is the colour of the rump ; the upper tail-coverts white ; tail brownish-black, tipped with white, except the central pair ; wings as the back ; the shoulders and wing-coverts, edged with whitish ; below, from the breast, dark brown, edged with ashy, passing to ashy on the lower abdomen ; vent, and under tail-coverts rich crimson. Length 8| inches; extent 12^; wing 3| ; tail 3;^; bill at front f ; tarsus f . Bill black ; legs dark brown ; irides deep brown. The Bengral Bulbul is found throughout Lower Bengal, and the Upper Provinces, extending to the Himalayas on the north, and south to Midnapore, and the jungles stretching thence to Central India, north of the Nerbudda river. It is doubtful if it is found in Rajpootana and the Punjab. It is also found in Assam ; but in Southern Burmah it is replaced by a nearly affined race, P, nir/ropileus, Blyth. This bird, whose habits and manners precisely resemble those of the next, ascends the Himalayas, at Darjeeling, to 7,000 feet, at least, being common in the station ; whilst our Southern species is not found beyond Kotagherry and Coonoor, 6,000 feet high, on the Neilgherries. 462. Pycnonotus haemorhous, Gmelin. Muscicapa, apud Gmelin — Blyth, Cat. 1262 — Horsf., Cat. 356 — Ixos Cafer, apud Sykes, Cat. 71 — Hamatornis cafer, Jerd., Cat. 76 — H. pusillus, and psendo-cafer, Blyth (olim) — Brown, 111. Zool., pi. 31, f. 1— Bulbul, Hind— TonA-i bulbul, Beng. — Phjli-pitta, Tel. — Konda-lati, Tarn. The Common Madras Bulbdl. Descr. — Head, chin and throat, black ; nape and back smoky brown, more or less edged paler, and the pale edging often extends to the darker feathers of the hind head and nape, giving it a speckled appearance ; rump somewhat cinerascent ; upper tail- coverts white ; beneath, from the top of the breast, brown, edged with ash, paling posteriorly, and becoming albescent on the lower abdomen and vent ; under tail-coverts crimson ; wings and tail as in tlie lust. TYCNONOTIN^. 95 Bill black ; legs greenish slaty ; irides deep brown. Length about 8 inches ; extetit 1 1 ; wing 3/q ; tail 3/ij ; tarsus y^j ; bill at front l\^. It dilTcrs from the Bengal Bulbul in only having the head black, the nape being of the same colour as the back ; also in the black of the lower parts only reaching the upper j)art of the breast, wliilst in the Bengal one the whole breast is black. It is also decidedly a smaller bird. This is one the of most common and generally spread birds in the South of India. It extends throughout the southern part of the Peninsula to the Nerbudda river, and beyond it, apparently, in the North-west. A specimen from Wuzeerabad, in the Punjab, resembles this species in having only a black cap, but the wing is longer ; it is altogether a larger bird, and the ear-coverts are shining dark brown, not so conspicuous as in the Bengal bird, more so than in the Madras species. The plumage, too, is generally lighter, and more deeply edged pale. This may be a hybrid between tiie two races, but it is probably a distinct race, and will perhaps be found to be the common species throughout the Punjab and other parts of the North- Western Provinces, but I do not like to give it a distinct specific rank at present on the faith of one speci- man. I see, however, that Lord A. Ilay considered it distinct, and suggested for it the name of P. intermedius. Mr. Blyth moreover states that our present bird is also found in Arrakan, and one specimen from thence, in the iVsiatic Society's Museum, certainly very closely resembles the species from Southern India ; but two others, one from Arrakan and another from Tonghoo, have the decidedly brown cars of the Bengal species, and are more probably a peculiar race, replaced in the South of Burmah l)y P. nigropileus. It frequents gardens and cultivated ground, and low bushy jungle, but is never found in forests, and it ascends the Neilgherries to about 6,000 feet only. It is usually seen in pairs, or In small families, flying briskly about, restless and inquisitive, feeding chiefly on fruits, but occasionally descending to the ground, and even hopping a step or two and picking up insects. It destroys various buds and blossoms also, and is very destructive to peas, 96 BIRDS OF INDIA. Strawberries, brazil cherries (Physalis pernvlana), and other soft fruit. Its note, which it is frequently uttering, is an unmusical rather harsh chirrup. It has at times, however, a sweeter note, and it is said to be able to imitate the notes of other birds when caged. Its flight is direct, perfoi'med by a continued quick flap- ping of the wings. It breeds from June to September accord- ing to the locality. The nest is rather neat cup-shaped, made of roots and grass, lined with hair, fibres, and spiders' webs, placed at no great height in a shrub or hedge. The eggs are pale-pinkish, with spots of darker lake-red, most crowded at the thick end. Burgess describes them as rich madder colour, spotted and blotched with gray and madder-brown ; La^/^ard, as pale cream, with darker markings. The Bulbul is ver}'- commonly caged in various parts of the country, and in the Carnatic it is kept for fighting, being held on the finger with a cord attached. They fight sometimes with great spirit, often, I am assured, seizing their antagonist by the red fea- thers, and endeavouring to pull them out. When excited they often spread out tliese feathers laterally, so as to be seen even from above. Besides P. nigropileiis, and the races already alluded to, there is one, P. atricapillus from China. Two species of Bulbul placed by Pr. Bonaparte under Tricophorus, viz., T. pulverulentus, and T. striolat?iSj S. Miiller, both from Sumatra, appear, by their dingy coloration, either to belong to the present genus, or to be links uniting it to some of the other forms. Of non- Asiatic Brachypodince, we have Andropadus with three or four species, and Tricophorus and Ixos, with many species from Africa. Of the last genus there are several from Northern Africa, one of which, /. ohscurus, has been killed in Spain ; and /. arsinoe and /. vallumhrosm have been procured, respectively, in Arabia and Palestine. Sub-Fam. PHYLLORNITniNyE. Bill slightly lengthened, more or less curved, of variable strength ; wings moderate ; tail short ; tarsus and feet short, stout. Of a beautiful grass green colour, more or less adorned with various glistening blue patches on the throat and shoulder of the wings. \ THYLLORNITHIN.E. 97 This is a small group of very pretty birds found in India, Burraah, and Malayana, tlie species being, as usual, rather locally distributed. Bonaparte places this sub-family among the ^felUpha- gidee. Gray also places Phiillornis at the end of the MclUphagiiUe, and Blyth considers that it is allied to that family (though not so nearly as are the Orioles) ; but, in his Catalogue, places it and lora in his sub-family riu/llornince of the Pycnonot'uUe, with which views I entirely agree. Tlieir general structure and habits are quite like those of the short-footed 'I'hrushes in general, and their geographic distribution coincides with that of the present family. The birds, however, as a rule, are more insectivorous than the true Bulbuls. Gen. PnYLLORNis, Boie. Syn. CIdoropsis, Jard. and Selby. Char. — Bill moderate or rather long ; culmcn keeled, and more or less curved ; tip bent down and notched ; nostrils basal, leng- thened; wings moderately long, with the 4th and 5th quills sub- equal, but the 4th longest ; tail moderate or rather short, even ; tarsus short, smooth. The bill in this genus is of very variable strength and curvature. The plumage of all is bright grass-green, varied with blue and yellow markings about the head and neck. In one or more species the wings arc fine blue, showing an approximation towards Irena. There are four species found in our province, two in Southern, and two in Northern India. 463. Phyllornis Jerdoni, Blyth. J. A. S., XII., 392— Blyth, Cat. 1287— Horsf., Cat. 396— Jerdon, 111. lud. Orn., pi. 43 — Chloropsis cocsmarhynchos, apud TiCKELL — Chi. cochinsmensis, apud Jerdon, Cat. 72 — Harreioa, H. — JFanna bojaniim, Tel. i. e., Ornament of the forest. The Coinimon Green Bulbul. Descr. — IMale, pale grass-green, shoulder patch pale shining blue, quills dusky internally ; chin, throat and gorge, deep black, surround- ed by a greenish yellow band, which extends through the eyes to the forehead ; maxillary streak hyacinth blue, short. The female N 98 BIRDS OF INDIA. has the parts that are black in the male light bluish green, surround- ed by the yellowish band, and the maxillary streak li^iht azure. Bill dusky ; legs plumbeous ; irides light brown. Length 7^ inches ; wing 3^ ; tail 2| ; bill at front barely y^ ; tarsus not quite -j^y. P. cochinchinensis, with which this species was for long con- founded, differs in being a smaller bird; in having more yellow on the forehead and breast ; in the maxillary streak being still shorter, &c., &c. This Green Bulbul, is spread over great part of the continent of India, not extending however to Lower Bengal, or to the sub- llimalayan forests. It is extremely common in all the Western provinces, and in the jungles of the Eastern Ghats ; but is more rare in the open country of the Carnatic, Mysore, and Hydrabad. It is found in Central India at Mhow, Saugor. &c., and through the vast jungles of Chota Nagpore up to Midnapore. It is usually met with in pairs, sometimes in small parties, flitting about the extreme branches of trees, examining the leaves for various insects, in pursuit of which it occasionally takes a short flight of a foot or two, or searching for some suitable fruit. It has various notes ; its usual call being, as Mr. Blyth remarks, not unlike that of the King-crow {Dicrurus "inacrocercus), though softened down and mellowed ; and, at times, it has a very pretty song. Tickell says " it is an excellent mocker, and imitates the notes of almost every small bird of the country." I have seen the nest only once. It was neatly but slightly made, cup-shaped, composed chiefly of fine grass, Avith some hairs, and was placed near the extremity of a branch, one or two of the nearest leaves being brought- down, and loosely fixed to it. It contained two eggs, white, with a few claret-coloured blotches. Layard also found the nest in Ceylon *' with four eggs, white, thickly mottled at the obtuse end with purplish spots." 464. Phyllornis Malabaricus, Latham. Turdus, apud Latham — Blytii, Cat. 1286 — Chi. aurifrons, apud Sykes, Cat. 131 — Jerdon, Cat. 71— Chlor. Malabaricus, Jerdon, 2nd Suppl. Cat., page 124. phyllornithin^'e. 99 The Mala bah Green Bulbul. Descr. — Male bright grass-green ; forehead golden-yellow ; chin and throat black, with a small blue moustachial streak ; flexure of the wins: verdij::ris blue. The female wants the golden forehead of the male, and has the black gorget and blue maxillary streak somewhat smaller. Bill dusky blackish ; legs plumbeous ; irides light yellowish- brown. Length nearly 8 inches; extent 11 ; wing 3,] ; tail 3; bill at front | ; tarsus -^-^. Female a little smaller. This species is found most abundantly in the forests of Mala- bar, in Wynaad, Coorg, and on the sides of the Neilgherries, up to about 4,000 feet of elevation. It is also found, though rarely, on the Eastern Ghats, and in some of tlie forests of Central India. Like the last it is seen in pairs, or small parties, hopping and flying actively about the branches of trees, and lives botli on fruits and insects, chiefly the latter. 465. Phyllornis aurifrons, Temm. PI. col. 484, f. 1— Blyth, Cat. 1285— Horsf., Cat. 395— Chi. Malabaricus, apud Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn., pi. 5 — Suhz- harewa, Nepal — Hurriha, Beng. — Skalem-pho, Lepch. The Gold-fronted Green Bulbul. Descr. — Male, green, paler beneath, with the flexure of the wings verdigris blue ; forehead and front of crown, brilliant golden orange, tlie feathers rigid and glistening; the throat wholly shining smalt-blue ; fore-neck black, surrounded by a yellow zone ; wings and tail beneath dusky-gray. The female has the black of the neck of smaller extent, and wants the golden forehead. Bill black ; legs greenish plumbeous ; feet dusky blue ; irides brown. Length 8 inches ; extent 12 ; wing 3| ; tail 2| ; bill at front I ; tarsus |. This species is found in all the sub-Himalayan region, from Dehra Doon into Sikhlm ; also in Lower Bengal and Midnnpore, and it extends into Assam, Arrakan, and Burmah. It is often cao-ed in Calcutta, many being brought to Monghyr from the Nepal 100 BIRDS or INDIA. Teral. I procured it in Sikhim up to 4,000 feet or so. It has a sweot song, and, like the others, when caged, is quite a mocking bird. 466. Phyllornis Hardwickii, Jard. and Selby. Chloropsis, apud Jard. and Selby — BLYTH,Cat.l284 — Horsp., Cat. 394—0. curvirostris, S WAINS.— C. chrysogaster, McLell., P. Z. S., 1839—0. auriventris, Guerin, Mag. Zool. 1840, pi. 17— C. cyanopterus, Hodgs. — Sahlem-pho, Lepch. The Blue-winged Green Bulbul. Descr. — Male above green ; the head and neck tinged with yellowish, and a brilliant smalt-blue moustachial streak ; shoulder of the wings verdigris blue ; wings and tail fine violet or purple ; throat and fore-neck black, passing into glossy dark-purple on the breast ; abdomen rich orange saffron. Females want the black neck and throat ; the moustachial streak is less vivid, and the lower parts are more mixed with green. Bill black ; legs plumbeous ; irides light brown. Length 8 inches ; extent 12 ; wing 3f ; tail 3 ; bill at front \^ ; tarsus f . This beautif id bird is found in the South-East Himalayas, from Nepal to Bootan, spreading south to the hill ranges of Assam, Sylhet, and Arrakan. In Sikhim I found it from 2,000 feet upwards, most common about 4,000 feet. It has a fine song, and the usual habits of its genus. Several other species of Phyllornis are found in Malayana and the eastern island, viz, P. CocJmisinensis, already alluded to ; ictero- cephalus, Temm., P. C. 512, 2, very closely allied to the last, and both having, like Hardwickii, blue wings and tail ; cyanopogon of Malacca; and Sonneratii, J. and S., also from Malacca and the islands, the largest of the group, and with the bill proportionally strong and curved. Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, gives two ad- ditional species, media, Mlill., like Sonneratii, but with the bill smaller ; and venusta, Temm., both from Sumatra. The next genus, loro, has been considered rather an isolated form, although its relationship to the Bulbuls had been allowed by many ; but the discovery of a fine and large species of this genus, with undoubted affinities for Phyllornis, has settled conclusively PHYLLORNITHINJE. 101 its place along with that genus as a group of the Brachypodine Thrushes. lora is one of those forms that has certain afllnities both of structure and habits for'some of the Pariue and Leiotri- chine groups. Bonaparte classes it along with Plti/lloniis, but as- sociates with them Vuhiiia and Zosterops, which I prefer placing with the Leiotrichina, albeit there is a con.siderablc resemblance to those genera, and more especially to Erpornis, another member of the same family. But the still closer allinities for IViijUurnisy shewn in Io7a Lnfresnayii, the nest and the color of the eggs, which are those of the Bulbuls, have determined me to place it here. Gen. loiu, Ilorsf. Syn. CE — 0. cliinensis, Jeiidox, Cat. 99 — and of other authors. The Black-naped Indian Oriole. Descr. — Brioht yellow, fjreenish on the buck and coverts ; a black horse-shoe mark extending from the base of the bill through the eyes to the nape ; tall black, the central feathers barely tipped yelloAv, the others tipped broadly, the outermost feathers for 1^ inches or so ; wings black, the secondaries, broadly margined with pale yellow; the tertiaries with the whole outer web, and part of the inner web, greenish yellow ; primaries also tipped with the same ; a bright yellow wing-spot formed by the tips of the coverts of the primaries. Females only differ in being slightly greenish above, and in the yellow generally being not quite so vivid. The young arc yellowish green above, with little or no trace of the occipital crescent, whitish beneath, with dark central lines; bill infuscated. In a further stage the under-parts are weaker yellow, with black shafts to the brca.-:^t feathers more or less developed. Bill of adult pinky-red ; feet plumbeous ; irides rich blood-reJ. Length 10 inches ; wing 6 ; tail oi ; bill at front 1 ~ ; tarsus ^. This species, which I first characterized in my Illustrations as distinct from O. chinensis (acrorh?/ncJius, Vigors), differs from that species and from another nearly allied one from the Nicobars {(). macroin-us, Ijlyth), by its much smaller bill, the smaller black crescent on the nape, and in the much greater extent of the yellow upon the Avings, whilst the tail has less yellow. The present species however appears also to be found in China, and, it is possi- ble, may have been the original chinensis, instead of acrorhi/nclius. This Black-naped Oriole is spread more or less through India, but rare everywhere, and it has not been observed in the Hima- layas. I have procured it from the Malabar jungles ; JVIr. Elliot obtained it at Dharwar, and it is found near Calcutta. It appears however to be much more common in the countries to the east of 110 BIRDS OF INDIA. the Bay of Bengal, Arrakan, Pegu, and Tenasserim, extending to Malacca, and it is more confined to the forest regions than the other Indian Orioles. Besides the two allied species mentioned above, a fourth has been found in the Burmese countries, and named 0- tejiuhvstris, by Blyth ; and another exists in Java, 0. hippocrepis, Wagler, probably coronatus of Swainson. Bonaparte also gives O. Hors- Jieldii from Java {galbula of Horsfield) ; and 0. Broderipi, from Surabava, figured in the 111. P. Z. S. for 1850. 3rd, Black -headed Orioles (Oriulus of Bonaparte for the Indian species, and BarnJJins, Bon., for the African ones). There are two races of Black-headed Orioles in India ; and, as they are well marked apart, and, constantly, as it would appear, I shall follow Prince Bonaparte in separating them. 472. Oriolus melanocephalus, Linn^us. Blttii, Cat. 1297 (in part)— Horsf., Cat. 411 (in part) — O. maderaspatanus, Franklin (the young) — 0. McCoshii, Tickkll, (the young) — Pil'th, and Zurdak, H — Pirola, at Goruckpore. The Bengal Black-headed Oriole. Descr. — Whole head, neck and breast in front, deep black ; rest of the plumage rich dark yellow above, slightly paler beneath, on the lower abdomen and under tail-coverts ; wings black, with a small yellow band formed by the primary coverts ; tertiaries with the tips and outer webs pale yellow ; the secondaries also broadly tipped with yellow, gradually diminishing in extent to the last primaries, some of which are tipped and edged with yellow ; tail pale yellow, the two central feathers with a broad black band about half inch, tipped with yellow, the next pair with barely one inch of black, and the j'ellow tip nearly -^ inch ; the next pair with a narrow and sometimes interrupted black band about the terminal third, and the three outer pair on each side nearly wholly yellow ; the outer pair with an occasional smear of black on the outer margin ; all the tail feathers with black shafts diminishing in intensity towards the outermost feathers. Bill pale lake-red ; legs plumbeous ; irides rich red. Length 9^ inches ; extent IG ; wing 5| ; tail 3^ ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus J. ORIOLINiE. HI The young bird has the forehead yellow, the head more or less blackish, the neck white with blackish streaks, the belly yellow with longitudinally dark streaks, and tlie yellow duller in tint. This black-headed Oriole is found throughout Bengal and North- ern India generally, extending into Central India, and spreading to all the countries to the eastward, Assam, Bunnah, and the Malay peninsula. In the south of India and Ceylon it is replaced by the next bird. It frequents both forests, and gardens and groves; is a lively and noisy bird, constantly flying from tree to tree, and uttering its loud mellow whistle, which Sundevall has put into musical form. It feeiis chiefly on fruit, especially on the figs of the Banian, Peepal, and other Fici, and it is said also to eat blossoms and buds. Buchanan Hamilton states that he found the nest, made of bamboo leaves and the fibres that invest the top of the Cocoanut and other palms, in March, with the young unfledged. 473. Oriolus ceylonensis, Bonaparte O. melanocephalus, Blyth, Cat. 1297 (in part; Jerdon, Cat. 98 — Sykes, Cat. 59 — Konda-vanga jxaidu, Tel. The Southern Black-headed Oriole. Descr. — Head and neck deep black ; rest of the plumage rich yellow ; wings black ; the wing-spot formed by the tips of the primary coverts smaller than in tlie last ; the tertiaries only tipped with yellow ; and the black on the tail of greater extent especially on the central feathers. Bill, legs, and irides as in the last. This species is found in Southern India and Ceylon, but how far it extends towards Central India, I am not aware. Its note, as might have been expected, is very similar to that of its Northern congener. It is very common in the ]\Ialabar Coast, more so indeed than 0. Kundoo, but is comparatively rare in the Carnatic, and almost unknown in the bare Deccan. Other black-headed Orioles from the East are O. xanthonotus, Ilorsfield, from Malacca and Java, the smallest of the "enus, placed as a separate division by Bonaparte, under the sub-generic 112 BIUDS OF INDIA. name of Xanthonotus ; and 0. Philippensis, Gray : and there are several similarly colored Orioles in Africa. 4th, Marroon Orioles, Psaroloplius^ J. and S. The only bird of this division is a remarkably plumaged species, and has been considered to belong to a different type, but it is essentially an Oriole. The glistening maronne color recals that of some of the American /I /npeZute {Cot'uKja powpadoura) ; and this remarkable variation of color, from the usual yellow tints of most of the group, serves, in some manner, to show us that the glistening blue of the Irena is not an nnique anomaly in the coloration of this family. 474. Orioius Traillii, Vigors. Pastor, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1831 — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 35 — Blyth., Cat. 1296 — Housf., Cat. 419 — Psarolophus Traillii, Jard. and Selby, 111. Orn. 2nd Ser., pi. 26 — Melambok, Lepch. — Tania-pia, Bhot. The IMaronne Oriole. Desc7\ — Whole head, neck, and wings, glossy black ; the rest of the plumage, both above and below, glistening maroon red ; tail dull Indian red. The young bird is brown above, darker on tlie head, and the tail red ; beneath sullied white, with numerous longitudinal brownstreaks. Bill bluish ; legs dark plumbeous ; irides pale yellow. Length 11-^ inches; Aving 6; tail 4^; bill at front 1 ; tarsus Ij'tj. This curiously plumaged Oriole is found in the eastern part of the Himalayas, Nepal, nnd Sikhim, extending into Assam, Arrakan, and Tenasserim. It is found from 2,000 feet, or so, to at least 7,000 feet, generally in small flocks, keeping to high trees, and has a fine loud mellow call. I found those I examined to have partaken of caterpillars only. In the ycung bird the iris is yellow-brown. Other (genera placed in this sub-family are Mimeta and Sphe- cotheres, horn Australiii, and the Oceanic region. Some species, formerly ranked under tlu' former (icnus, are now considered to be true Orioles. Sericuhis is classed by some among the Orioles, but is more generally considered to belong to the Birds of Paradise. SYLVIAD.E. 11;] OvioUa, from ]\radagascar, probably belongs also to this family, and shows some affinity in its coloring to 0. TralU'd. Fam. Sylviadje. Of small size mostly ; bill slender ; win;:^ usually somewhat lengthened, and tail moderate or short ; tarsus long ; feet moderate. The family of Warblers comprise several distinct groups which I have classed together, partly in accordance witli Gray and Hors- field, and partly because I consider that the birds tluis arranged form a parallel series of equal value with the Thrushes, SJirikes, and the other dentirostral families, in all of which there are certain marked differences of type. They agree in being mostly of small size, some very minute, and none equalling a Thrush ; the winn-s of most are moderate or somewhat long, short and rounded in one sub-family ; the tail is usually moderate or rather short, lengthened in a few ; the tarsus of all is moderately long and stout, and the feet moderate, suited in some for perching, in others for terrestrial habits. The majority feed solely on insects, a very few on flower- buds, and even on fruit. They may be divided into the following sub-families : — 1. — Saxicolincc, Stone-chats and Wheat-ears. 2.- — RuticilUnoe, Redstarts and Busli-chats. 3. — Calamolierpince, Grass Warblers. 4. — Drymoicino', Wren AA'^arblers. 5. — Pliylloscopincc, Tree Warblers. 6. — Si/lvii/ice, Grey Warblers. 7. — MotacillincB, Wagtails and Pipits. Prince Bonaparte divides them into Saxicolina, including our two first sub-families ; Calamoherpinai, comprising our two next ; Si/lviince, with our 5th and 6th ; and Motacillince. Although the chain of affinities is not uninterrupted in this grouping, yet it appears, upon the whole, that this is not far from the natural order of succession. The Stone-chats and Wagtails jDcrhaps ought to be placed next each other, as they have various affinities of color and habits. Some of the larger species appear to grade into the Rock-thrushes ; a few have affinities for the Timaline Thrushes ; several approach the Saxicoline Fly-catchers ; others p 114 BIllDS OF INDIA. perhaps join tlie Titmice in the next family ; and lastly the Pipits are barely separable from the Larks, a conirostral group. Sub-fam. Saxicolin^. Bill stouter, more depressed at the base than in the other sub-families ; wings moderate or somewhat long ; tail moderate in most, sliort in some, long in a very few ; tarsus moderately long, stout ; feet moderate, fitted for terrestrial habits ; claws slightly curved. The SaxicolincB are a group of ground birds, of solitary habits, frequenting in general open and rocky ground, and affecting the neighbourhood of man ; a few however being more sylvan, and courting concealment. The song of most is pleasing, very fine in a few, and they are exceedingly pugnacious. They nestle on banks, or rocks, or holes in buildings, occasionally in a hole of a tree ; and the eggs of most are bluish white, with a few dark spots. The plumage of many is pied, and the sexes usually differ more or less in colour. The young are usually spotted like the young of Thrushes. They comprise some of the largest birds of the present family, and Bonaparte unites with them some of the Rock-thrushes of the Old World. They are chiefly inhabitants of the Old World, many of them being migratory ; but there is a peculiar group in Australia, and another in America. They approach the Wagtails on one side, and certainly grade into the next svib-iomWy^RuticillincB. Gen. COPSYCHUS, "Wagler. Syn. GrylUvora, Sw. — Daldla, Tlodgs. Char. — Bill moderately long and strong, straight, tip slightly bent, distinctly notched; rictal bristles almost absent; nostrils large, exposed, basal; wings moderate, 4th and 5th quills lono-est, 3rd nearly equal to them ; tail rather long, graduated, or Avith the six central feathers equal, the outer ones graduated ; tarsus moderately long, stout, nearly entire ; feet moderate, middle toe long, hind toe and claw moderate ; claws slightly curved. 475. Copsychus saularis, Linn. Gracula, apud Linn^us— Blyth, Cat. 970— Hoesf., Cat. 422 — STKES,Cat. G2—Gryllivora intermedia, SwAiNSON, and Jeedon SAXICOLIN.'E. 115 Cat. 101 — Dahlia docllls, Hodgs. — Dai/ar, or Dai/al, H. and Beng. — Pedda nalanchi, Tel., also Sarela-gada, i. c.y the Piet — Zannid- pho, Lepch. The Magpie-robin. Descr. — Head, neck, breast, body above, and wings, black, glossed blue on all parts except the wings ; abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts white, the four outer tail-feathers on each side, white. The female is duller black than the male, and somwhat ashy on the breast. The young birds have the breast dusky with ruddy spots, the upper surface olive-brown turning to slaty. Bill and legs black ; irides brown. Length 8^ inches ; wing 4 ; tail 3j'^j ; extent 11^; bill at front j^ ; tarsus 1^. The Magpie-robin is found throughout all India, from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin and Ceylon ; and eastwards to Arrakan and Tenasserim. Ilutton says that at Mussooree it occurs up to 5,000 feet. It is rare near Darjecling, and I never saw it above 3,000 feet. It affects chiefly wooded districts, but does not inhabit the deep jungles. Towards the South of India it is less familiar than it is in the North, for in Central India, Bengal &c., it is often seen feeding close to houses. It is generally seen alone or in pairs, usually seeks its prey on the ground from a low perch, often hopping a few steps to pick up an insect. When it returns to its perch, it generally elevates its tail and often utters a pleasing warble. Though it frequently raises and depresses its tail, both when perched and on the ground, I cannot say that I have observed the Wagtail-like flirtation of its tail noted by Hodgson, or that it throws its tail back till it nearly touches its head, as Layard has seen. Towards the evening it may often be seen near the top of some tolerably large tree, or other elevated perch, pouring forth its song. I have always found its food to consist of insects of various kinds, small grasshoppers, beetles, worms, &c. Hodgson asserts that in winter they like unripe vetches, and such like ; but this is quite opposed to the usual habits of this group. It breeds generally in thick bushes, or hedges ; some- times in a hole in a bank or tree, and occasionally in a hole in a wall, or on the rafter of a house. The nest is made of roots and grass ; and the eggs, four in number, are bluish white, or pale 116 BIRDS OF INDIA. bluisli, with pale brown spots and blotches. Layard says that the eggs arc bright blue, and Hutton that they are carneous cream color, but these observers must, I think, have been mistaken in the identity of the owner of the nest. The Dayal is often caged, as well for its song, as for its pugna- cious qualities, which, according to Hodgson, are made use of to capture others. " Fighting these tame birds," says Hodgson, " is a favorite amusement Avith the rich (in Nepal), nor can any race of game-cocks combat with more energy and resolution than do these birds. Latham called it the Dial bird from its native name, and Linnaeus, apparently thinking that it had some connection with a sun- dial, called it Solaris, by lapsus pennce, saularis. I may here state that in my Catalogue published in 1839, I called it the Magpie-robin, by whicli name Mr. Layard says it is now known in Ceylon. A nearly allied race is found in Ceylon, C. ceylonensis, Sclater, P. Z. S., 1861, p. 186 [brevirostris, apud Blyth) ; C. mindanensis, in Malacca, Siam and China ; and C. amccnus, Llorsf. {hrevirostiis, Swains.) in Java ; and these are all representatives of our Indian species ; besides which there are C. Inzoniensis, Kittlitz, in the Philippines, and C. pluto, Temm., in Borneo. Gen. KiTTACiNCLA, Gould. Cha7\ — Bill more slender than in the last ; tail very long, graduated ; wings slightly more rounded ; tarsus slender, pale ; lateral toes very short. This form is considered by some not to be distinct from the last, but the few structural points noted above, its more slender form, retired habits, and the fact of there being several species, exhibiting all these characters, from various parts of the Indian region, lead me to keep it distinct. 47G. Kittacincla macroura, Gmel. Turdus, apud Gmelin — Blytii, Cat. 968— -Hoesf., Cat. 425 — Sykes, Cat. 61 — Gryllivora longicauda, SwAiNSON — Jerdon, Cat. 102 — Sha7na, II. — PoJa nalancld, Tel., also Tonka nalanclii. The Sham a. Descr. — Head, neck, back, wing-coverts, breast, and tail, glossy black ; rump Avhite ; wings dull black ; outer tail feathers broadly SAXTCOLIN.=E. 117 tipped with Avliitc ; breast, belly, aiul under tall-coverts deep chcsnut. Bill black ; lcg3 pale fleshy ; irides deep brown. Length 12 inches ; wing 3| ; tail nearly 8 ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1. The female has the colors less pure and duller than the male. This most charming songster is found over all Indiii where there are sulHciently dense or lofty junjiles, and it; never affects cultivated countrv, however well wooded.* It is common in all Malabar, especially in the upland districts, as in the "Wynaad ; more rare in tlie Eastern Ghats ; and not unfrequent in all the jungles of Central India to Midnapore and Cuttack. It also frequents all the sub-IIimulayan forests, and extends to the hill tracts of Assam, Sylhet, Burmah, and ^Malacca, as also to Ceylon. The Sharaa frequents the densest thickets, and is very partial to thick bamboo jungles. It is almost always solitary, perches on low branches, and hops to the ground to secure a small grasshopper or other insect. When alarmed, it flies before you from tree to tree at no great height. Its song is chiefly lieard in the evening, just before and after sunset. It is a most gushing melody, of great power, surpassed by no Indian bird. In confinement it imitates the notes of other birds, and of various animals, with ease and accuracy. It is caught in great number and caged for its song. ]\Iany are brought from the Nepal Terai to Monghyr, chiefly young birds. It is the practice throughout India to cover the cages of singing birds with cloth, and in some places a fresh piece of cloth is added every year. The birds certainly sing away readily when thus caged, but not more so perhaps, than others free- ly exposed. The Shama is usually fed on a paste made of parched chenna mixed with the yolk of hard-boiled eggs, and it appears to thrive well on this diet, if a few maggots or insects are given occasionally. It will also eat pieces of raw meat in lieu of insects. A new species has lately been discovered in the Andaman Islands, K. alhiventris, Blyth ; there is another from Labuan, K. StricMa7idi, Mottl. and Dillwyn ; and a fourth species has quite * I can scarcely believe that this is Mr. Philipps' Shama, which, says he, in the N. W. r.j may be seen perched on wails, and building in houses. 118 BIRDS OF INDIA. recently been described by Sclater, P. Z. S., 18G1, p. 187, Copsy- chus suavis from Borneo, which has the tail of a Copsy cJms, and the colours and form of Kittacincla. Gen. Myiomela, Hodgson. Syn. Muscisylvia, Hodgs. — Notodela, Lesson, apud Blyth. Char. — Bill short, tolerably slender, compressed, slightly bend- ing at the tip and notched ; rictus very feebly bristled ; wings rather long, ample, reaching half way down the tail ; 5th quill longest ; tail moderate, broad, very slightly rounded ; tarsi rather long, smooth ; toes moderate, slender ; claws gracile, longish. This genus has the general structure of Copsychus, but less robust in form, with a more even tail, a smaller bill, and larger feet. Blyth considers this form barely distinct from Ruticilla, to which it certainly has affinities ; but its general structure, coloration, and sylvan habits, induce me to consider it as more nearly allied to the present group. 477. Myiomela leucura, Hodgson. Muscisylvia, apud Hodgson, Ann. Nat. Hist., 1845 — J. A. S., XHI.,138 — Blyth, Cat. 971 — HoRSF.,Cat.426 — Mangshia,Lepch. The White-tailed Blue-chat. Descr. — General color dark blackish indigo-blue ; forehead, over the eyes, and shoulder, bright smalt-blue ; alars and caudals dull black, with the base of the outer web of the three tail feathers on each side, next the outer ones, white, this white increasing out- wardly ; a concealed Avhite spot on the sides of the neck, formed by part of the outer webs of some of the feathers. The female is rufescent brown, paler beneath ; the quills dusky, edged with deep ferruginous ; tail the same ; the base of the feathers white, as in the male. Bill black ; feet brown-black ; irides dark brown. Length 7^ inches ; extent 12 ; wing 3| ; tail 3^ ; bill at front j^^ ; tarsus 1^. The wingsreach to within 1;^ inches or so from the end of the tail. The White-tailed Blue chat is found throughout the Himalayas, from Mussoorce to Sikhim, and also in the Khasia hills. It aifects high altitudes, being found from 5,000 to nearly 9,000 feet. It 8AXIC0L1N.E. 11 "J frequents dense underwood, or very thick forest, perching; low, and seeking its food chiefly on the ground. I have found only insects of A-arious kinds in its stomach. Hodgson, indeed, says that it feeds equally on pulpy berries. It is very shy, and from the density of the cover it frequents, it is difficult to observe closely. From its tone of coloring, the white neck spot, and especially the mode of coloration of the female, it appears to me to be somewhat allied to Niltava, and the Lcpchas brought me a nest and eoro-s, alleged to belong to this bird, exactly resembling those of Niltava sundara, but they may have been mistaken in the identity of the bird, the females being so like each other. A somewhat allied species is found in Pegu, Notodela diana, of Lesson, in Belanger's voyage, and Eupetes ccerulescenSy Teram., P. C. 574, from New Guinea, appears to me also related. The next bird noticed is a somewhat anomalous form, albeit having some distant affinities for the last species. Gen. Grandala, Hodgson. Char. — Bill moderate, slender, straight, phoenicuran, but slightly depressed at the base ; nostrils oval, free, in the front of a large fossa; gape perfectly smooth; wings long, ample and firm, 1st quill spurious, 2nd longest; the tertials only half the length of the primaries ; tail moderate, firm, slightly emarginate ; tarsus longish, entire ; toes long, slender, suitable for progression on the ground ; hind toe rather short. This is a very peculiar genus. Hodgson says that " it has the general structure of a Thrush with the wings greatly enlarged, and a sylvian bill." Blyth says that it is allied to the Wheat-ears. It differs from all the other members of this family by its excessively long wings. I was at one time inclined to class it not far from Ilartlauhius, Bonaparte, an African genus of Sturnidcc, judgino- from the brief characters given by the Prince, and the long wings and sturnideous habits of the only species, as noticed by some observers. 478. Grandala coelicolor, Hodgson. J. A. S., XII., 447, with fig.— Blyth, Cat. 972— HoRsr., Cat. 427 — G. schistacea, Hodgson, the young female. 120 birds of india. The Long-winged Blue chat. JDescr. — Whole head and body gllstenhig externally with brilliant dark smalt-blue, but the feathers black internally ; \vings and tail black. The female is sordid slaty, or blue-black, with a brown smear ; alars and caudals darker, and a white bar through the wing; the feathers of the lower parts striped down the sliafts with luteous white. Bill and feet jet black ; iridcs dark brown. Length of male 9 inches; wing 6; tail 3j ; bill at front y^^ ; tarsus 1|-. The female is considerably smaller than the male. This magnificent bird inhabits the Northern region of Nepal, or the Cachar, in under spots near the snows. It is stated by Hodgson to be solitary in its habits, and that insects and gravel were found in its stomach. It has also been found in the North- west Himalayas, near the snowy region, and Mr. Blyth was in- formed by Lieutenant Speke, that he observed it in flocks, with a rapid flight like that of the Starlings. 'i'he next group, from its slender, and slightly curved beak, was formerly classed under the heterogeneous Lcos of Temminck ; but its place in this family is now universally conceded. Gen. TuAMNOiUA, Swainson. Char. — Bill slender, very slightly widened at the base, the sides compressed, slightly arched throughout ; tip deflected, not notched ; gape smooth ; wings short, rounded, the 4th and 5th quills longest, the primaries hardly exceeding the terti- aries and secondaries, which are broad ; tail moderate, broad, much rounded ; tarsus long, the feet moderate, inner toe much shorter than the outer ; hind toe short, all tlie claws slightly curved. I have no doubt myself of the propriety of placing this genus among the Stone-chats or llol)ins. Blyth, at one time, from observation of a caged specimen, held that it was a Wren. Swain- son was the first naturalist who, from specimens alone, with great acumen fixed its true position ; Avhicli subsequent observations of its habits have certainly confirmed. The Telingas, it will be observed, call both Copsychus and Thamnobia by the same name, with a specific prefix. There are two species known in India, one from the south, the other from the north. SAXICOLINJE. 121 479. Thamnobia fulicata, Linn. Motacilla, apud Linna'us — Jerdon, Cat. 103 — Blyth, Cat. 0G7— IIoESF., Cat. 428— Ixos, apud Sykes, Cat. 72— Tham. Icucoptcra, Swains. — Kalchuri, H. — Nalanchi, Tel. — IVannati- kuravi, Tarn., i. e., Washerman-bird. The Indian Black Robin. Descr. — Male, shining deep black, -with a wliite wing spot ; the middle of the abdomen and the under tail-covcrt3 deep chcsnut. The female is dull sooty-brown, darkened on the wings and tail, the under tail-coverts chesnut. Length 6 inches; wing 2^"^ to 3; tall 2| ; tarsus lyV ; bill at front barely ^ inch. Bill black ; iridcs dark brown. This well known bird is found throughout Southern India as far north as the Taptee on the West, but only extending to the Godavery on the East. Nortli of tliis it is replaced by the next species. Its familiar habits well entitle it to the name of Indian Robin. It is mostly found about villages, pagodas, old buildings, and mud walls, often perching on the roofs of houses and tops of walls, and feeding in verandahs, or occasionally even entering houses. It is, however, not confined to the vicinity of houses or villages, but is very common on rocky and stony hills, and in groves of palmyra or date palms. It is generally seen single, or in pairs, feeds on the ground, on which it hops with great agility, frequently pursuing and capturing several insects before it re-seats itself on its perch either on a house or on a neighbouring tree or bush. At all times, but especially when feeding, it has the habit of jerk- ing wp its tail by successive efiPorts, so as almost to overshadow its head. The male has a very sweet little song, which it warWcs forth from the top of a wall or low tree, and it is occasionally caged. It builds among rocks, on holes in houses or mud walls ; also low down on the stem of palm trees, where the broken stalk of the frond juts out from the trunk : Burgess says, ' under tussocks of grass.' On one occasion a pair built their nest, at Jalnah, among a heap of stones raised from a well. It was being deep- ened, and they made their nest during the time the rock was being Q 122 BIRDS OF INDIA. blasted, and continued the incubation till the young ones were hatched, when it was accidentally destroyed. The nest is made with grass, roots, and hairs ; and the eggs, four or five in number, are bluish white, spotted with purplish brown. 480. Thamnobia Cambaiensis, Lath. Sylvia, apud Latham — Blyth, Cat. 966 — Horsf., Cat. 429 — M. fulicata, apud Tickell — Th. scapularis, Hodgs. — Saxicoloi- des erythrurus, Lesson (the female), and Cinnyricinclus mela- soma, Lesson (male.) The Brown-backed Indian Robin. Descr. — The male has the back, wings, and upper tail-coverts, dusky olive-brown ; the Avings and the tail black ; the lores, ear- coverts, and lower plumage also black ; a white wing spot as in the last ; the vent and centre of belly deep chesnut. The female is sooty-brown throughout, except the chesnut beneath. Dimension of the last nearly, or a trifle smaller. The Brown- backed Robin is found throughout all Central and Northern India, up to the base of the Himalayas, and as far as the Punjab. It is found at Nagpore, Mhow, Saugor, Chota Nagpore, and Midnapore, and thence throughout northwards. It differs in nowise in its habits from the last. Theobald found the nest in holes of trees and banks, made of grass, and almost invariably with cast snake- skins ; and the eggs were greenish-white, ringed and spotted with pale reddish. To this series of the Shama, Dayal, and Robins, belong several African forms, but it does not appear to be developed further in Malayana. Tha7nnol(ea, Cercotrichas, and Dromolcea of Cabania are African groups, a few of them coloured like the Shamas, others like the Dayals, and some more like Thamnobia, to which last genus several African birds are referred. Turdus Madagascari- ensis, figd. PI. Enl. 557, 1, appears very like a Copsychus. The next group, that of the Chats, have the bill short and stout, a short tail, and wings of mean length. They frequent bushy places and cultivated land, occasionally seize insects on the wing, and sometimes sing while hovcrin"; in the air. SAxicoLiN.ii:. 123 Gen. Pratincola, Koch. Syn. JRuhetra, Gray. Char. — Bill short, straight, somewhat wide at base, strongly curving at tip, which is faintly notched ; nostrils concealed by tufts of hairs and plumes ; strong rictal bristles ; wings moderate, 4th, 5th, and 6th quills nearly equal and longest ; tail moderate, nearly even ; tarsus moderate, longish ; feet moderate ; claws slightly curved, slender. This cenus has been instituted for the "Whin-chat and some allied birds, which are usually smaller than the true Sa.vicohUf and differ in some other points, and they more affect wooded and cultivated country. It includes two or three minor divisions. The first and third peculiar to India, the second common to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and containing several representative species. 481. Pratincola caprata, Linn. Motacilla, apud LinN/EUS — Mot-sylvatica, Tickell — Sax. fruti- cola, IIoiiSF. — S. bicolor (male), and S. erythropygia (female), Sykes, Cat. 90 and 92 — Jerdon, Cat. 105 (in part) — Blyth, Cat. 995 — HoRSF., Cat. 433 — Sax-melaleuca, Hodgson — Pidhay and Kala pidha, H. — Kumpa nalanchi, Tel., i. e.. Bush Robin. The White-winged Black Robin. JJescr. — Male black ; a longitudinal band on the wings, the rump and the upper tail-coverts, and the middle of the lower part of the abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, white. When newly moulted, the black is fringed with brown edgings, which gradually get worn away. Eemale dusky brown, the feathers edged paler, with a rufous rump and upper tail- coverts ; beneath pale reddish brown, albescent on the throat and vent ; abdomen slightly streaked ; vent and under tail-coverts tinged with rufous. Length about 5 inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2^% ; bill at front f ; tarsus f. Bill black ; legs brown-black, irides deep brown. This Bush-chat is common over all India, frequenting bushy ground, hedges, gardens, and the like, but not found in forests or 124 BIRDS OF INDIA. jungle. It extends to Burmah and the Malayan countries, and even to the Philippines. It has the usual habits of the tribe, dart- ing down to the ground from its perch, xisually on the top of a bush or branch of a tree, and, having secured an insect, returning to its seat. It has a pleasant song, v\rhich Blyth compares to that of the English Robin, but more uniformly plaintive. It is rather a favorite cage-bird in Bengal. Tickcll got the nest in a bush, made of grass, with three pale greenish white eggs, sprinkled equally throughout, with brown spots. 482. Pratincola atrata, Blyth. J. A. S. XX., 177— Jerdon, Cat. 105 (in part). The Neilgherry Black Robin. Descr. — Very similar to the last, larger. No gradation of size has been observed between this and the last species. Length G^ inches; wing 3:|^; tail 2;^ ; tarsus -j%. In my Catalogue I did not distinguish this specifically from the last, but called attention to the difference of size between it and the low country one, P. caprata. This species is very common on the Neilgherries as well as the upland hilly regions of Ceylon, frequenting the skirts of woods, bushes, and gardens ; and it gets the name of Hill-robin from its familiar habits. I have seen the nest of this bird several times, always on banks, on the road side, neatly made of moss, roots, and hairs, and with usually three or four eggs, bluish-white, with brown specks and spots. The next group comprises the Whin-chat of Europe and several allied species. 483. Pratincola Indica, Blyth. J. A. S. XVI., 129— Blyth, Cat. 997— Horsf., Cat. 434— Sax. rubicola, Sykes, Cat. 89— Jerdon, Cat. 104 — P. saturatior, Hodgson — Adavi hampa nalancU, Tel., i. e., Jungle Bush-robin and Adavi-kampa-jitta, i. e., Jungle Bramble-bird. The Indian Bush-chat. Descr. — The male, in summer plumage, has the whole head and neck, back, wings, and tail, black ; the back and wmgs edged with saxicolinjt:. 1-Jj pale rufous ; wing spot, rump, and upper tail-covcrts, wliito ; lireast and lower parts, bright ferruginous, deep on the breast, pnler on the Hanks and belly, and albescent on tlic vent and under tail-coverts ; a demi-collar of white almost meets on tlic nape, dividing the black of the head and neck. In winter plumage the black is almost replaced by earthy brown ; the rump and ujiper tail-coverts are ferruginous brown; the lores, ear-coverts, and chin, however, are always more or less black ; the white wing spot is less prominent ; the whole lower parts are dull ferruginous, albescent on the under tail-coverts ; and the demi-collar is deli- cit-nt or rusty. The female resembles the male in winter dress, being brown above, margined with paler brown, and rufescent tt)\vards the tail ; but the chin and throat are white, and there is a white supercilium. The wing spot too is a little sullied. Length 5^ inches; wing 2f ; tail 1| ; tarsus J^^-^ ; bill at front -^. Bill and legs black ; irides deep brown. This species, which was first discriminated by I\Ir. Blj'tli, dilFers from the English bird chielly by the paler tint of the lower I)luraage, the deeper hue being confined to the breast, by the white demi-collar extending further backwards, in the black of the throat not descending so low in the breast, and in the female having the cliin and throat white, instead of pale brown. The wing, too, is somewhat longer than in the European bird. Strick- land once considered the Indian bird identical with his P. pastor from Africa, but Horsfield in his Catalogue places the two as distinct. The Indian Whin-chat is only a winter visitant to India, coming in about the end of September or beginning of October. It is found throughout all India, extending to Assam, Burmah, and Tenasserim, but has not yet been noticed in Ceylon. Buchanan Hamilton in his MSS. Kotes, says that in the Bhagulpore and Gya districts it remains all the year, building in thickets of reeds, but he has doubtless not discriminated it from the next species, which I found a resident in those districts. It is probably Pallas' Mot. ruhicola, of Central Asia, which breeds, he says, in deserted rat-holes, laying its eggs on the bare ground, or under fallen trees. It frequents bushes in the plains, hedges, and cultivated fields, but 126 BIRDS OF INDIA avoids the vicinity of villages ; lience called the Jungle BrambJe- rohin by the Telingas, in centra-distinction to the familiar P. caprata. It feeds on various insects, taking them on the ground from a low perch. ]\Iany of the males have assumed their summer plumage before they leave the North of India. I have seen it in every part of the country except the more wooded parts of the Malabar Coast, and it is never seen in thick or lofty jungle. 484. Pratincola leucura, Blyth. J. A. S. XVI., 474— Blyth, Cat. ^dS—Khar-pidda, H., at Monghyr. The White-tailed Bush-chat. Descr. — Male, above black with the usual white wing patch ; the breast bright rufous in the centre ; sides of neck, breast, and lower parts, pure white ; the four outer tail-feathers wholly white on their inner webs, except the tip of the two outermost ; and the pair next the centrals (which are Avholly black) have the (greater portion of the inner web also Avhite. The female is brown above, the feathers edged paler, with a smaller white wing-spot, but no white on the tail ; beneath earthy white, tinged rufous on the breast. In winter the dorsal feathers are more or less edged with brown. Length 5 inches; wing 2^ ; tail 2 ; bill at front /j ; tarsus ||. This White-tailed Bush-chat, till lately, had only been procured in Sindh, whence it was sent by Sir A. Burnes to the Museum of the Asiatic Society, and it is figured in his drawings. I found it far from rare at Thyet-myo in Upper Burmah, frequenting grassy churrs on the Irrawaddy, but never the low jungles that lined the banks. Somewhat to my surprise I found it most abundant in the Gangetic valley, from Rajmehal to Monghyr, frequentino" fields and long grasses. It is a permanent resident, and breeds here ; for I found the young birds just flown in April, but did not succeed in procuring the nest. On referring to r>uchanan Hamilton's MSB. Notes I find that he has confounded it with the last, for, writing of rubicola, he says that he found SAXICOLIN-E. 127 them brecdinf!^ in the Bhagxilpore and Gya districts, making their nests among thick tufts of grass, but whether attached to the grass, or on tlie ground, he does not state, lie gives the native name as Kat-piddu. 485. Pratincola insignis, Hodgson. J. A. S. XVI., 1L>9. TuE Large Bush-chat. Dcscr. — ^lale (in summer dress) above black ; tliroat, sides of tlie neck, ujijjer tail-coverts, a large patch on the wings, the base of tlie primaries, and most of tlie large coverts, white ; the breast bright ferruginous ; belly white, slightly tinged with ferruginous. Bill and feet black. Length 6^ inches; wing 3^ ; tail 2;} ; tarsus 1^ It is very similar to P. ruhicola, but larger, differs in having a white throat, and also in the much larger wing spot. 'J'his species of Pratincola has only as yet been found in Nepal, and probably comes from the most Northern districts, perhaps, as Mr. Blyth hints, from Tibet. 1 did not observe it at Darjccling. Besides the Pratincola rubicola, and P. rubetra of Europe, 1^. pastor, of Africa (placed as syhilla, Gmelin, in Bonaparte's Con- spectus,) P. Hemprichii, Ehrenb., and P. salax, Verreaiix, also from Africa, belong to this genus and section. The next species differs slightly in its mode of coloration, longer tail, which is slightly rounded, stronger bill, and sliort tarsi. 486. Pratincola ferrea, Hodgson. J. A. S. XVI., 129— Blyth, Cat. 1000— Horsf., Cat. 43G— Sarrak-chaJc-pho, Lepch. The Dark Gray Bush-chat. Descr. — ^Male, above darkish ashy grey ; the feathers centred ■with blackish, lighter and less streaked on the rump ; lores and ear-coverts black, and a white supercilium ; tail black, with a narrow edging of white externally, and the outer pair of feathers (which are \ inch shorter than the centre ones) are partially albesceut ; wings blackish; with white wing-spot usuaDy concealed ; 128 BIRDS OF INDIA. secondaries slipjlitly edged with whitish; beneath white, tinged with earthy rufescent on the breast and abdomen. The female is wholly brown above, passing to ferruginous on the upper tail- coverts, and partially on the tail-feathers ; beneath, paler earthy brown, rufescent on the flanks and lower tail-covcrts, and whitish on the throat. Bill black ; feet brown-black ; irides brown. Length 5f inches ; wing 2f ; tail 2^ ; bill at front /^^ ; tarsus nearly 1. The Grey Bush-chat is found throughout the whole extent of the Himalayas, and is tolerably common about Darjecling. It frequents the skirts of forests and brushwood, perches on shrubs or low trees, and descends to the ground to pick up insects. It also occasionally takes one from a leaf. It has a very pleasing song ; breeds in holes in banks, making a nest of moss, leaves, or grass and roots ; and lays 3 or 4 eggs, pale blue, with numerous pale brownish spots. The next bird is somewhat related in form to Pr. ferrea, but differs in some points, and especially in its mode of coloration, so that I have thought it necessary to give it separate generic rank. Gen. Ehodophila, Jerdon. Char. — ]\Iuch as in Pratincola, but the bill longer, deeper, barely depressed at the base ; nostrils longitudinal, slightly im- pended by some nareal tufts ; rictus strongly bristled; wing mode- rate or rather short, rounded ; 1st quill short, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graduated, 4th longest, 5th and 6th nearly equal to it ; tail moderate, distinctly rounded; tarsus moderate", feet moderately long, toes slender ; hind toe and claw lengthened. This form approaches that of Prat, ferrea, but the bill is still less depressed, and the tail more distinctly rounded. The colora- tion, too, is peculiar, as are its thicket-loving habits ; and the sexes, moreover, are presumed to be alike. 487. Ehodophila melanoleuca, Jerdon. The black and White Bush-chat. Above, with lores, and checks pure glossy black ; beneath pure white. SAXICOLIN^. 129 Bill and legs black ; Irides dark brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 2g ; tail 2^ ; bill at front /tt ; tarsus not quite |. 1 first procured this bird in dense swampy rose-thickets in Purneah, near the banks of the Ganges, ^hen beating for game ; and subsequently observed it along the icedy edge of some of the rivers in Eastern Bengal and Cachar. Mr. W. Blanford obtained it in Burmah, in long Elephant grass, and I doubt not it will be found in similar situations throucrhout Lower Benjral and the coun- tries to the Eastward. It is with diiliculty dislodged from the thick coverts it frequents ; and quickly returns to its shelter. It is probably, from the structure of its feet, a ground feeder, like the rest of this family. It is possible that some of the Oceanic Sa.vicohe of Prince Bonaparte, which he named Oreicola, may belong to the same type. One of these is Sax. vielaiiolenca, IMiill., black above and white beneath, but this has a white wing-spot, and ear-spot. Another is S. luctuosa, ^Miill., black above and white beneath, but the wings varied with white ; and S. pyrrJumota, Miill., has the back rufous. All three are from Timor. Lanius silens, Shaw, of which Bona- parte makes his genus Sigelus, perhaps should come near this last form, which appears to have some affinities for Curriica. The next group are rather larger birds than the Chats, with longer and more slender bills, longer wings, and a somewhat square tail. They chiefly belong to the more barren regions of Asia and Africa, frequenting the open plains, and most of them are migratory in India, breeding probably in Central Asia. They breed on the ground in some convenient nook, laying four or five eggs, bluish white, with ferruginous speckles. Gen. Saxicola, Bechstein. Bill moderate, slender, straight and compressed, very slightly inflected, with a blunt notch ; nostrils apert; rictal bristles feeble or wanting; wings moderately long, pointed; the 1st short, 2nd half an inch shorter than the 3rd, 4th, and 5th, Avhich are equal and longest ; tail moderate, even, or very slightly rounded ; tarsus long, strong ; feet moderate. This genus, as here restricted, comprises two groups ; one, with pied plumage, of which S. leucura of Southern Europe may be R 130 BIRDS OF INDIA. considered the type ; and the Wheat-ears. Some of the first group are placed by Bonaparte under DromolcRa of Cabanis. 488. Saxicola leucuroides, Guerin. Mag. de Zool. 1843 — S. opistholeuca, Strickland — S. leiicura, apud Blytii, J. A. S. XVI., 137— Blyth, Cat. 974— figd., Jardine, Contrib. to Ornithology. The Indian White-tailed Stone-chat. Descr. — Sooty black ; the thigh coverts, lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, white; the upper tail -coverts and the greater part of the tail also white, the lateral feathers tipped with black for not quite half an inch, the middle feathers for about \ inch. The female is said to be of a duller and browner hue. An immature bird described by IMyth formerly as the supposed female, has the head, neck, breast, wings, and two centre tail- feathers, dusky brownish black ; a patch of deep black on each jaw ; breast, belly, rump, and tail-coverts white, except for about half an inch at the end. Bill and legs black ; Iricles dark brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 3J ; tail 2^ ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus 1. This species diiFers from true S. leucura (S. cacJiinnnns, Temm.), with Avhich it was at first confounded, in being less robust, and the bill and feet smaller ; in the lateral tail-feathers being all black tipped, and in the white being less pure. This fine Stone-chat is not uncommon about Mhow in Central India, in the cold weather, and I have seen it on the banks of the Nerbudda, near Mundleysur, but nowhere else. It frequents bushes on the plains, but also comes into Cantonments, and may be seen seated on the hedges or on the low trees bordering the roads. It descends to the ground to feed on insects, returning to its perch. I saw a plain brown-plumaged bird in company with it, on more than one occasion, but I did not procure it. This species probably extends throughout the North-West Fro- vinces, having becm killed near Agra, and in Sindh. In summer it doubtless migrates to 'J'ibet and Central Asia. SAXICOLIN.F-. 131 489. Saxicola picata, Blyth. J. A. S. XVI., i;U— Blytii, Cat. 75— Hoksf., Cat. 439. The Pied Stone-chat. Dcscr. — AVhole head, neck, and upper breast, back, and winn-.s, black ; the rump, upper tail-coverts, and all the lower parts from the breast, white; tail white, except the terminal two- thirds of the two central fe;ithers, and the tips of the others, which are black. Length 6^ to 6i inches ; wing 3| ; tail 2| ; bill at front \ ; tarsus 1. Bill and legs black. This species has the black somewhat deeper, and the white purer than in the last, of which it has much the size and proportion. The pied Stone-chat has only been found in the Upper Provinces of India, and in Sindh; also in Afghanistan. Adams observed it in Sindh, frequenting gardens, and also in the Punjab. It is probably only a winter visitant. The next bird is very similar, but difters in having the head white instead of black. 490. Saxicola leucomela, Pallas. Motacilla, apud Pallas — Blyth, Cat 976 — IIorsf., Cat. 438. The white-headed Stone-chat. Descr. — Crown of the head greyish white ; the rump and upper tail-coverts, and all the lower parts, fi'om the top of the breast* white ; rest of the upper part, neck, and breast, black ; tail black, Avith the base of the central feathers, and all the lateral ones, white ; the outer-most tipped Avith black, and part of tlie outer-web also black. Young birds have the white cap more or less tinged with dingy greyish brown. Bill and legs black ; irldes dark brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 3f ; tail 2| ; bill at front barely ^ ; tarsus 1^. This bird differs somewhat from Temminck's S. leucomela, (S. lugeris of Lichtenstein), found in the South of Europe and North Africa, which, is said to have the lower abdomen and under tail- coverts rufous. Our bird has been found iu the Upper Provinces 132 BIUDS OF INDIA. of Hindostan, during the cold weather only, and is common in Afghanistan. S. au/ila, Temm., is another European species. The next group is that of the Wheat-ears, by some separated as (Enanthe. 491. Saxicola cenanthe, Linn. Motacilla, apud LiNNiEUS — Blyth, Cat. 980 — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 90. The Wheat-ear. Descr. — Male, above asliy, with a brown tinge ; the rump and upper tail-coverts white, and a white supercilium ; lores and eye streak black ; wings dusky, edged with brown ; tail with the two central feathers black for the terminal two thirds, the rest white; the outer feathers black tipped ; under surface pale rusty brown, albescent on the belly and under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts blackish with white edgings. Tlie female is ashy -brown above, wings dusky brown, tail black tipped. In winter the feathers are broadly edged with rufous, most conspicuous on the wing-coverts and tertiaries. Length nearly 7 inches, extent 1 1 ; wing 4 ; tail 2| ; bill at front not quite half; tarsus more than 1. The Wheat-ear is found, according to the season, over Europe, Korthern Africa, and part of Asia. I got a specimen near Mhow, in the cold whether, and it is known to be found, though rarely, in the Upper Provinces. It is a larger bird than the black-throated Wheat-ear, which it otherwise somewhat resembles, and has a much stronger bill and legs.* 492. Saxicola deserti, Ruppell. Temminck, pi. Col. 359— S. atrogularis, Blyth, J. A. S. XVI., 130— Blyth, Cat. 977— Horsf., Cat. 440. The Black-throated Wheat-ear. Bescr. — Above pale isabelline, greyish on the crown and nape, and a whitish eyebrbw ; rump and upper tail-coverts buffy white ; * The name of Wheat-ear is supposed to be an imitation of its call wlieet-jur ,• -but Mr. Blyih considers that the P:nglis]i names of Stout-cliat and Wheat-ear iiave been transposed. saxicolin^t:. i;)3 tall white at base, the rest black ; cliiii, throat, h)rcs, and ears, pure bhu-k, extendint^ down the sides of the neck to the sliouldcr ; winiT black, with a white patch on the bend of the wing ; beneath, jiale isabelline, the lower tail-coverts buffy white. Bill and legs black ; irides brown. Length nearly 7 inches ; wing 4 ; tall 2| ; tarsus \j\ ; bill at front ^. The Black-throated Wheat-ear is nearly aflined to S. stapazina of Arabia,[S. Europe, and Africa, from which it differs in having the upper parts less rufous, and in the greater extent of the Ijluck of the neck. It is common at !Mhow, in the cold weather, frequenting' stones and bushes in the open plains. It is also tolerably common in the Upper Provinces of India, in Sindh, the Punjab, and Afghan- istan. A nearly allied species is S. pJnlotIiam?ia, Tristram, finrured In tlic Ibis for 1859. Various other species of this group are found in Africa, some of them extending to the South of Europe, and Western Asia. One, S. lugubrts, has the wliite head and black body of leucomela, and the tall rufous, like a Riiticilla. The two last species of this series are remarkable for having no white at the base of the tall. Gen. Cercomela, Bon, Char. — Bill moderate, slender, straight, tolerably curving at the tip, and barely notched ; rictal bristles small but distinct ; wings as in Saxicola, 2nd quill a trifle longer ; tall somewhat lengthened ; feet stout, middle toe not elongated, hind toe rather long. This form of Stone-chat differs from Saxicola in its more sober and dull tints, and in the tail not being partly white. 493. Cercomela melanura, Rupp. Saxicola, apud Ruppell — Temm., PL col. 257, f. 2 — Blyth, J. A. S. XVI., 131. The Black-tailed Rock-chat. Descr. — Of an uniform ashy brown tint above, paler on the throat and breast, and passing to whitish below ; under tail-coverts white ; the tail and upper coverts black. 134 BIRDS OF INDIA. Length G inclies ; wing 3^; tail 2|; tarsus |. Bill blackish ; legs black. Among the drawings of Sir A. Burnes is one of a Saxicoline bird, procured, in Sindh, which Mr. Blyth identifies with liiippell's bird, which is a native of N. E. Africa and Arabia. 494. Cercomela fusca, Blyth. Saxicola, apud Blyth, J. A. S. XX., 523, and XXIV., 188 — Blyth, Cat. 1907. The Brown Eock-chat. JDescr. — Above light fuscous brown or rufous olive, tinged with fawn color on the back ; tail dark sepia brown, obsoleteiy banded, as seen in a strong light ; beneath rufescent fawn or dull ferruginous. Bill and legs black, irides deep brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 3y^^ ; tail S^^^y ; tarsus ly'^y ; bill at front nearly ^ inch. This plain-colored Stone-chat, colored somewhat similarly to Mirafra phanicura, is found at Saugor, Bhopal, and Bundlecund, extending towards Gwalior and the N. W. Provinces. It is a permanent resident at Saugor, and I have always found it on the sandstone hills there, among the rocks, cliffs, and loose stones, never coming to the cultivated ground below, and rarely found on the trap-hills that occur in close proximity to the others. It feeds on the ground, on various coleopterous insects, ants, &c. Mr, Blyth remarks that it approaches in color Saxicola infuscata of S. Africa. It forms an easy transition to the Redstarts, the next group. Pr. Bonaparte gives two other species of this nenus from Palestine and Arabia, S. bjpura, Ehr., and S. asthenia, Bonap. S. erythrcBa, Ehr., from Palestine, should also, perhaps, be classed here. S. infuscata and S. baroica, Smith, from S. Africa, appear allied, though the Prince makes of tliem a separate division, Agricola. If Bradornis of A. Smith belongs to the ^'axicolince, it probably should be placed not far from these last birds. Two other African genera of Saxicoline birds are recorded by Bonaparte, viz. Campicola, and Pugonociclda. Sialia, containing the Blue liobins of America, and the Australian genera, Fetrolca and Enjtluvdrijas, appear to appertain to this sub-family, or at la'TiriLLiN.T:, 1:55 all events to represent tlieni respectively in N. America and Australia. We next pass to birds more sylvan iu their habit, viz., the Ivedstaris and Rubins, most of which perch more freely on trees tlian the Stone-chats. Still many arc partial to rocks and buildings, and nidificate in their crevices. Certain among them of still more retired habits, Larvh-orbtcp, Blyth (in lit.), are peculiar, or nearly so, to the Himalayas and part of Central Asia ; and these have sometimes been classed ajjart, but they are placed together by Gray and Bonaparte, and cannot, 1 think, be well separated. The Avell known Kobin and lledstart of Europe are the types of this sub-family. Sub-fam. RUTTCILLIN^. They are distinguished from the true Stone-chats by a more slender beak, somewhat longer tarsi and feet ; and their coloration is pecidiar. jNIost have more or less rufous on the tail, (hence the name of P/i(C7iicura,) also on the lower parts, and the prevalent hue of the upper plumage is ashy grey, dull black-blue in a few. Their tail is somewhat longer than in most of the Chats, and many have the habit of shaking and llirtiu'T it continually, hence the names given it in several languages, both Kative and European. The sexes ordinaril}' differ in plumage, though the female sometimes is said to assume the phmiaiie of the male. They have a pleasing song, usually delivered from the top of a building or rock, or tree. They nestle in holes in trees, or buildings, or on the ground, and the eggs of most known are blue; of one, at least, pure white. They are found chiefly in the temperate parts of the Old World ; and the Himalayan district, and adjoining part of Tibet, is peculiarly rich in species. Gen. EuTiciLLA, Brehm. Syn. Phcsnicura, Swains. Char. — Bill rather short, straight, slender, slightly notched; rictus nearly smooth ; wings moderately long, pointed ; 1st primary about one-third the length of the 4th ; 5th and 6th equal and longest; tail moderate, even, or slightly rounded; tarsus Ion o-, slender, nearly smooth ; feet moderate ; lateral toes nearly ecjual, hind toe not much lengthened ; claw^s slender, moderately curved. 136 BIRDS OF INDIA. The Kedstarts form a very natural group of birds, chiefly found in the northern and temperate parts of the Old World, and a few miorating to the tropics in winter. Only one species is found in the plains of India, but a considerable number occur in the Himalayas, chiefly as winter visitants perhaps ; and others occur in Western Asia and Africa. 495. Ruticilla phsenicura, Linn. MotacIUa, apud Linn^us — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 95— R. tithys, apud Hutton, J. A. S. XV., 780— Blyth, Cat. 984— HoKSF., Cat. 467. The European Eedstart. Descr. — Narrow frontal band black, behind this a broad white patch, continued as a line over the eyes ; lores, ear-coverts, throat, and upper part of breast, black ; the rest of the body above brown- ish-ashy ; wings dark brown ; beneath, the rump, and upper and under tail-coverts, and tall (except the two centre feathers which are dark brown), bright ferruginous, albescent on the middle of the belly. The female is olive-brown above, paler below, and with a rufous tinge on the abdomen ; rump and tail, as in the male, but less bright. She is said, however, sometimes to assume the full male plumage. In the newly-moulted bird the white of the head is more or less concealed by dark terminal edgings to the feathers, and the black of the throat and breast has whitish edgings. Bin black ; legs dark brown ; hides brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 3|- ; tall 2|- ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus ly'g. The European Redstart has been found, but rarely, in the N. W. Provinces and Afghanistan. One was sent from Saha- runpore to the Museum at the India House by Dr. Jameson. It is a summer visitant to Euroj)e, where It breeds In holes of trees and buildings, and its eggs are beautiful vcrditcr-blue ; it retires to Northern Africa in winter. 49 G. Ruticilla pheenicuroides, Moore. P. Z. S. 1854, pi. 57— lioRSF., Cat. 4GS— Blytii, Cat. 984— (In part). ultk'illin'.t:. 137 Tjie allied Redstart. Descr. — A narrow band on the forehead, lores, car-coverts, throat and head, black ; crown, neck, back, and upper Aving- coverts, ashy, with a rufous tint, the ash palest on the crown; wings brown, with the edges of the exterior webs paler ; from breast to vent, under •wing-coverts, rump, upper and lower tuil-covcrts, and the tail (except the two middle feathers which arc brown) rufous red. Bill and legs black. Length nearly G inches ; -wing 3^ ; tail 2^ ; bill at front f ^y ; tarsus f . This species is exceedingly close to 7?. ■phfenicxira, but differs in wanting the white on the forehead, in the black color of the breast extending lower down, in the 1st primary being longer, and the 2nd shorter than in that species, and the 6th is nearly as long as the 5th, whilst, in phpnicura, it is fully \ inch shorter. It has only been found in the extreme N. W. Provinces of India, Sindh, and Afghanistan. 497. Ruticilla rufiventris, Vieillot. CEnanthc, apud ViElLLOT— lu indica, Blytii, Cat. 98G— TJ. nipalensis, Hodgs., apud Moore, Horsf., Cat. 470— Phajnicura atrata, apud Jard. and Selry, 111. Orn., pi. 86, -f. 3 — Sykks, Cat. 00 — Jerdon, Cat. 108 — Thlr-thira, li. i. e., Quaker or trembler — Thirtir-hampa, in N. W. Provinces — Phir-ira and Lal-girdi, Beng. —Nuni-budi-gadu, Tel., i. e., Oil-bottle bird. The Indian Redstart. Descr. — Crown dark ashy -grey ; lores, ear-coverts, neck, throat, breast, back and upper wing-coverts, black, with greyish edges to the feathers; -wings dusky brown; the primaries margined with pale rufous, the secondaries with dull grey, forming an inconspi- cuous patch ; under wing-coverts, flanks, belly, rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail (except half the inner and a little of the outer webs of the two middle tail feathers near the tip, which are brown), bright cinnamon rufous. The female is brown above, with the edges of the wings, the abdomen, and under tail-coverts, pale rufous ; below, dusky on the throat and breast, changing tu clear S 138 BIRDS or INDIA. light rufous on the abdomen, and under tall-coverts ; rump and tail, as in the male. Bill black ; legs brown black ; irides brown. Length 6 inches ; extent 10|; wing 3^; tail 2^^^ ; bill at front ^]j; tarsus nearly 1. The Indian Redstart is very regular in its appearance in the plains of India, from the end of September to the first week or so of October, according to the locality. It is generally spread throughout the country, to the extreme south of the peninsula, but has not been observed in Ceylon ; frequenting groves of trees, orchards, gardens, and the vicinity of old buildings, walls, and houses, and it Is often seen perched on the roof of a house. It feeds on the ground, on various insects. It has a most peculiar quivering motion of Its tail, especially when seating Itself on Its perch after feedino- • hence some of the native names. I never heard of its breeding In this countrjr, and 1 cannot help thinking that Col. Sykes must have been mistaken when he mentions that '' a pair built their nest in an out-house constantly frequented by my ser- vants, and within reach of the hand." It was more probably a Thamnobia. 498. Ruticilla Eodgsonii, Moore. P. Z. S., 1854, pi. 58— HoRSF., Cat. 471— Pha?n. Reevesli, apud Blyth, J. A. S., XII., 963 — R. ery throgastra, apud Blytu, Cat. 983 (in part) — Thar-ca'pni^ Nep. Hodgson's Redstart. X)gscr. — A narrow band on the forehead, lores, ear-coverts, throat, and breast, black ; the fore-part of the crown clear white, much narrower than in R. pheenicura ; hind part of crown, neck, back, and upper wing-coverts, fine ash, lightest on the crown ; wings dusky brown ; the outer half of the basal half of the secondaries white, forming a wing patch ; from the breast to vent, under wing- coverts, rump, upper and lower tall-coverts, and tall (except the inner and outer margins of the two middle feathers, which are dusky brown), bright rufous red. The female has the usual colors of this genus, like the female of the last ; but may be distinguished by a general puffy appear- liUTiriLLIN\E. loU anco, by the relative length of wing, aiid by the under parts being more grey and less riifescent. Bill and legs black. Length G\ inches ; wing 3§ ; tail 2| ; tarsus § ; bill at front j^j. This Redstart has been found in Nepal, Bootan, and other parts of tlie Himalayas, but only, I suspect, in winter. It probably breeds in some parts of Central Asia. I only procured one female of this species when at Darjecling, and this was during the Avinter. 499. Ruticilla erythrogastra, Guldenstadt. Motacilla, apud Guldenstadt — Mot. ceraunia, Pallas — Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. 50 — llousr., Cat. 472^11. grandis, Gould, P. Z. S., 1849— Blytu, Cat. 983 (in part)— li. A'igorsii, Moore (the female). The "Wiiite-wtxged Redstart. Descr. — Male with a narrow band on the forehead, the lores, ear-coverts, throat, fore-part of breast, back, wing-coverts, and apical portion of the primaries and secondaries, deep black ; crown of head, back of neck, and basal portion of the primaries and secondaries, white, the white on the head being tinged with silvery grey ; breast, belly, vent, rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail, rich dark rufous. Bill and legs black. Length 7 inches ; wing 4|- ; tail 3 ; tarsus 1 ; bill at front y'^ : the 4th primary is equal to the 5th and a little longer than the 6th. This large Redstart has been found in Bootan, Nepal, Kumaon, and Cashmere, chiefly in the higher regions of the Himalayas, rarely lower than 10,000 feet. It is found in summer in the Caucasian hills, frequenting the gravelly hollows of torrents, and breeding in bushes. One pair was seen by Dr. SteAvart, near Landour, by the side of a stream, and it is said to frequent mountain streams only, like Chcemorrornis leucocephala. 500. Ruticilla aurorea, Pallas. Motacilla, apud Pallas — Horsf., Cat. 474 — Bltth, Cat. 983 (in part) — ScHLEGEL, Faun. Japon, pi. 21 — Phoen. Reevesii, Gray, and McLelland, P. Z. S., 1839 — il. leucoptera, BLYin. 1-10 birds of india. Reeves' Redstart. Descr. — A narroAv band on the forelieatl, lores, ear-coverts, throat, fore-part of breast, back, upper wing -coverts, apical and basal portion of the secondaries and tertiaries, and the two middle tail feathers, black ; the latter changing to dusky brown; exterior margin of the outer tail feathers, and apical margin of the rest dusky brown black ; medial portion of both webs of the secondaries and ter- tiaries, white ; crown of head and back of neck slaty ash, rather Avhitish above the ear-coverts, and on the nape ; breast, abdo- men, under wing-coverts, upper and lower tail-coverts, and the tail, deep rvifous. The female is brown above, the wing patch rufescent white ; beneath rufescent, upper and lower tail-coverts and the tail (except the medial feathers which are dusky brown), rufous. Bill and legs black. Length 5f inches; wing 2|; tail 2^; bill at front f ; tarsus rather more than |. This Redstart has only been found in the more eastern por- tion of the Himalayas, in Bootan, coming south into the hill ranges of Assam, during the cold season. In the summer it is found in Siberia, Japan, and probably through great part of China. 501. Euticilla scliisticeps, Hodgson. Gray, Cat., Birds of Nepal, App. p. 153 — Horsf., Cat., note to p. 307. The Slaty-headed Redstart. Descr. — Side of head and neck, black ; wings and tail, black ; top of head pale slaty blue ; throat, and a large patch on each wlno-, white ; lower part of breast and abdomen rufous cliesnut. Length 6 inches ; wing 3^^ ; tarsus ^ ; bill at front \^. From Nepal. Rare. 502. Ruticilla nigrogularis, Hodgson. Moore, P. Z. S., 1854— Horsf., Cat. 477. The Black-throated Redstart. Descr. — Crown of head slaty blue, lightest on the forehead ; lores, ear-coverts, throat, back of neck, back, upper wing-coverts, two middle tail feathers entirely, and the rest (except the basal RUTICILLIN.E Ml portion) black; wings blackish brown ; the scapulars, ontcr edges of the secondaries, and \uider -wing-coverts, -white ; breast, belly, flanks, rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, and base of tail (except the two middle feathers) bright chesnut ; vent and under tail-coverts mixed with wliite. Bill and legs black. Length G inches ; wing 3§ ; tail 2f . From Nepal. This species is nearly allied to the last, but dillcrs in having the throat black instead of wliite. 503. Ruticilla frontalis, Vigors. Phcenicura, apud Vigors — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 2(), f. 1— Blyth, Cat. 982— IIoKSF., Cat. 478— Ph. tricolor, Hodg- son.— R. mclanura. Lesson — Tah-tirriri-pho, Lepch. The Blue-fronted Kedstart. Descr. — Top of head, back, throat and breast, dusky c^'aneous, Avlth terminal brown edgings ; forehead, and above the eves, lazulinc blue ; wings dusky blackish ; rump, upper tail-coverts, and under parts, bright rufous ; tail feathers rufous, with black tips, except the two middle ones, which are wholly black. The female is brown above, paler below, and rufescent on the lower belly and flanks ; the rest as in the male. Bill black; legs brown ; irides brown. Lengtli 6|- inches; ex- tent 11 ; wing 3^ ; tail 3 ; bill at front g ; tarsus 1. This species, as well in its coloration, as in its habits and haunts, approximates somewhat to the next group, that of the Blue Robins of India. This pretty Redstart is found throughout the Himalayas, and also in the Khasia hills. It is very common at Darjeeling, in the Avlnter only, extending from 4,000 feet to 8,000 feet. It is found on roads in the more open parts of the forest, and in cleared ground. When alarmed it flies into the thick under-wood. It feeds on the ground on various insects. 504. Euticilla coeruleocephala, Vigors. Phasnicura, apud A^iGORS, P. Z. S., 1830 — Gould, Cent. H. Birds, pi 25, f. 2— Blyth, Cat. 988— Horsf., Cat. 476, 142 birds of india. Tee Blue-headed Redstart. Descr. — Top of the head pale whitisli blue ; lores, ear-coverts, throat, breast, back, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail, black ; wings dark brown, the scapulars, and outer edges of the second- aries, white ; the under wing-coverts, belly, and vent, whitish. Bill and legs black. Length 6 to 65 inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 2| ; bill at front -^^ ; tarsus about 1 ; 4th, oth, and 6th quills about equal. The female is probably similarly colored to the male. In this species the typical rufous tail is entirely absent, some of the feathers of the rump, in winter only, having a rufous tinge. Bonaparte makes of it the genus Adelura, but strangely joins with it certain Fly-catchers. This prettily-colored Redstart is found throughout the whole extent of the Himalayas, from the N. W. Provinces to Bootan, but appears more common in the N. W. Himalayas, and I did not procure it at Darjeeling, nor has it been yet observed there ; but it will probably be found in the interior of Sikhim, at higher eleva- tions. 505. Euticilla fuliginosa, Vigors. P. Z. S., 1831— Blyth, Cat. 989— Horsp., Cat. 479— Ph. plumbea, Gould — Rut. simplex, Lesson — Ph. rubrlcauda and P. lineoventris (the female), HoDGSON — Suradiim parho-pho, Lepch. -—Chuhia nakki, Bhot. The Plumbeous Water-eobin. Descr. — Male uniform dusky cyancous ; wings dusky blackish, margined with cyaneous; vent, upper and lower tail-coverts, and tail, dark ferruginous. The female is much paler ashy above, and still paler below ; from the throat to the vent, each feather spotted with white, and margined with dusky, and then pale ash ; wings brown, spotted with white on the coverts ; tail wliite at its base, extending to near the tip on the outermost tail feathers ; the rest brown ; upper and lower tall-coverts also white. Bill black ; legs vinaceous brown ; irides dark brown. Length 5^ inches ; extent 9 ; wing nearly 3 ; tail 2 ; bill at front j^^ ; tarsus |. KUTICILLIN.E. 1-13 The coloration of tills bird, especially tliat of the female, is very peculiar, and indeed unif|ue in this group, and the sexes would hardly be recognised as belonging to the same species. It probably ought to form a distinct type. IIodgs6n classed it with Chcemorroniisy with Avhich it agrees in the shorter and somewhat rounded tail, as also in its habits ; but the wings arc proportionally longer, and the bill shorter. This plumbeous Redstart is found tbroughout tbe Himalayas, the Khasia hills, and, according to Griffiths, all the hill ranges between Assam and Burmah. In Sikhim it is common from l,oOO feet to 5,000 feet or so, and is a permanent resident there. It lives entirely along rivers and mountain torrents, and may often be seen on a wet and slippery rock, just above a boiling rapid ; it climbs up the wet rocks Avith great facility, and every now tlien alighting on a rock, it spreads its tail, but does not vibrate it like some of the Redstarts. It is a pugnacious little fellow, and often gives battle to the little Enicurus Scouleri, which delights in similar spots, and it generally drives its antagonist away. Its Hight is rapid and direct. It feeds on various aquatic insects and larva;, some kinds of which are always found just at the edge of the water, and which a wave often leaves behind it on the rock. Griffiths in his private journal states that he observed and shot it in Kaffiristan, while it was "examining a wall for insects, and lluttering about the holes in it." Gen. Ch^morrornis, Hodgson. Differs from true Ruticilla by its more rounded wings and tail, and by the intense ruddy hue. Sexes alike. 506. Chsemorrornis leucocephala, Vigors. Phrenicura, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1830 — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 26, f. 2— Blyth, Cat. 99.— Horsf., Cat. 480— Gir-chaondia, Hind. — Kali-pholia at ]\Iohun Ghat — Mati-tap-pho, Lepch, — Chubia-niati, Bhot. The White-capped Redstart. Descr. — Frontal band, lores, ear-coverts, throat, neck, breast back, wings, and tips of the tail feathers, black ; abdomen, rump. 144 BIRDS OF INDIA. upper and lower tail-coverts, and more tlian two-thirds of the tail, deep rich chesnut ; crown of head and nape, pure white. Bill black; legs vinaceous brown; irides dark brown. Length 7^ inches ; extent 12 ; wing 4 ; tail 3 ; bill at front ^ ; tar- sus \^. This very handsome Redstart is found throughout the Hima- layas, from the extreme N. W., AfFghanistan and KafFiristan. to the Khasia Hills in the south east; and, according to Griffiths, still further towards Burmah. In Sikhim it occurs from a level of 1,000 feet, to 5,000 feet, but it is only a winter resident, going northwards to breed. It is found on the banks of rivers and streams, but does not affect the rapids of torrents so much as the last bird, preferring the more level and shingly rivers, and picking up insects at the brink of the water. I did not observe it flirting or spreading its tail so much as Hutton represents it to do. Its flight is moderately strong, but more wavy than that of the last. Among other recorded species of Eedstart are R. titlnjs, of Europe; R. erytliroprocta, Gould, from Western Asia, and i?. rufo- (jiilaris, iNIoore, figd. in P. Z. S., 1854, pi. 59, found in AfFghanis- tan, and which, perhaps, may occur in our North-western limits. The following birds differ somewhat from the Redstarts both In coloration and structure, but are too intimately connected with them to be separable, some of the group, viz, the Blue-breasts, \Cyaneculd) having the tail of Ruticilla. The group comprises several distinct forms, some of them peculiar, or nearly so, to the Himalayas and adjoining parts of Asia ; others spread over Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. The Robin belongs to this group, and is the best known European form. They agree among them- selves in having a rather slender, straight bill, of mean length, more or less compressed, very feebly notched at the tip, and slightly deflected, with the ridge of the upper mandible very slightly elevated between the nostrils, and the gape very feebly bristled. The logs and feet are lengthened, and rather slender, and the claws are elongated and very slightly curved. The wings vary somewhat in structure, some having these organs more rounded than others, and the tail is either square or very shglitly rounded. r.lTICILLIX.E. 145 They are mostly gvound birds, feeding on insects, but fond of shelter ; some frequenting thickets, others, long grass ; a few being more arboreal. They usually nidificate on the ground. Gen. Lahvivoua, Hodgson. Bill as noticed above ; wings moderate, strong, 1st quill short, 3rd, 4tli, and 5th quills about equal and longest ; tail ratlier short, and the featliers slightly niucronate at the tip, even, or nearly so ; tarsus long, slender, nearly smooth ; toes long slender ; claws long, mudcrately curved, mtich compressed. 507. Larvivora cyana, Hodgson. J. A. S., VI., 102— Blvth, Cat. 993— Horsf., Cat. 481 — Phoenicura superciliaris, Jekdox, Cat. Sup[>l. I'.KJ — L. bruunca, IloDGS. (the female) — Manzhil-jjho, Lc])ch. TuE Blue Wood-chat. Descr. — Above dusky indigo-blue, with a white superciliary streak; lores and ears black ; beneath bright rufous (the feathers all dusky blue at their base), albescent towards the vent and under tail-coverts ; thigh coverts cross-barred with blue and white. The female, according to Hodgson, is brown above ; white be- neath ; cheeks, breast, and flanks rusty. Bill dusky; legs pale fleshy ; irides brown. Length G inches; extent 10 ; wing 3 ; tail 2 ; tarsus 1^ ; bill at front \. This bird is nearly related both to lanthia and Calliope, witli which genus Mr. Blyth formerly classed it, and I described it as a Fhcenicura. Its shorter tail, lengthened legs, as well as partly the coloring, tend towards Bracliypteryx in the Myiotherine group. The blue Wood-chat is found in the Himalayas, from Cashmere to Sikhim, and in the cold weather extending, but in very small numbers, to the plains, for it has been procured near Calcutta. It is also an inhabitant of the Neilgherries and Ceylon ; and I once killed it among some brush-wood in a large mangoe-grove at Nellore. Whether this bird had come from the Himalayas, or the Neilgher- ries, it is impossible to say, but from the season at which I procured it, viz., the end of March, it was probably migrating northwards, T 146 BIRDS OF INDIA. I do not know if it is a permanent resident on the Nellgherries, but rather think that it is. It frequents open forests in the hills, perching low, and descend- ino- to the ground to pickup insects. Hodgson says, that "from the number of insects' nests and larvae he found in its stomach, lie has o'iven the jreneric name." Dr. Adams found it in the forests of Caslunere, and remarked that it had the habits of a Redstart. Some specimens have the white superciliary mark very short, stopping at the eye ; in others it extends far beyond it. Hodo-son at first stated that the sexes were alike, but he afterwards described the female as differing in her plumage. A second species of Larvivora has been noticed by Mr. Swinhoe from China. Gen. Ianthia, Blyth. Syn. Nemura, Hodgson. Char. — Bill short, slender, straight, rictal bristles rather long ; wings rather long ; 4th and 5th quills equal and longest ; 3rd and 6th nearly equal ; tail almost even, moderate, slightly mucronate ; tarsus long, slender ; toes and claws long and slender. This genus comprises a few birds, the males of which are blue above, and more or less rufous beneath ; the plumage soft, silky and lax, but copious. They are very nearly allied to the true Robins, Erythaca^h\xi differ in their more delicate make, longer wings, longer toes and claws ; and the sexes dilFcr in coloring. They are all foresters and shy, and, as far as 1 have observed, insectivorous ; but Mr. Hodgson states that they sometimes eat pulpy berries. 508. lanthia cyanura, Pallas. Motacllla, apud Pallas — Nemura rufilata, and N. cyanura, Hodgson — Jardtne, Contrib. Ornith. PI. — Blyth, Cat. 1002 — HoKSF., Cat. 464 — Erythaca Tytleri, Jameson — Alanr/zhil-pho, Lepch. The White-breasted Blue Wood-chat. Descr. — IVIale above prussian-blue, brightening and inclining to ultramarine on the forehead, over the eyes, on the shoulder and rump ; the lower parts are white, confined to a narrow streak KIJTICILLIN.E. 147 on the tliroat anJ foreneck ; tlic breast more or less brown, and the flanks bri<;ht fcrnif^lnous. Tke female is pale brown, with a trace of blue on the shoulder, a greyish blue supercilium ; margins to the tertiaries, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail, blue, as in the male, but much lighter ; sides of the neck and breast pale olive-brown ; the mid- dle of the belly, lower tail-coverts, and the middle line of the throat white ; the flanks ferruginous as in the male. Bill dusky ; legs brown ; irides dark brown. Length 5 j inches ; extent 10 ; wing 3^ ; tail 2y ; bill at front f ; tarsus 1. This very prettily plumaged bird is found throughout the Himalayas from the N. W. to Sikliim. It is only a winter resident in Sikhim, however, and I suspect throughout the hills also. It is said to be common in China, Central and Northern Asia, and in Japan. It is very numerous about Darjeeling in the cold weather, from 4,000 feet upwards. It keeps to the forests, perches low on small trees and brushwood, and descends to the ground to feed on insects of various kinds. It is not unfrcquently seen feeding on the bridle paths and roads. The name Manzliil-pho is properly applied to this species, which is a well known bird, but it is given indiscriminately to other species of this genus, to Lar- vivora, and even to the blue Fly-catchers, Cyornis and Muscicapula. 509. lanthia hyperythra, Blytil J. A. S., XVI., 1.32— Bltth, Cat. 1001— Hoksf., Cat. 465. The Kusty-throated Blue Wood-chat. Descr. — Male, upper parts deep indigo-blue, brightening to ultramarine above the eyes and on the shoulder ; wings and tail black, the feathers outwardly edged blue ; beneath dark yellowish ferruginous, confined to a narrow streak on the middle of the throat and foreneck ; lower tail-coverts, and centre of the lower parts of the belly, white. The female is a rich brown olive ; the tail blue as in the male ; the rump lighter and more greyish ; there is also a little blue on the shoulder, and a greyish blue supercilium ; the lower parts are tawny brown, or subdued fulvous; the lower tail-coverts white. 148 BIRDS OF IN1>IA. Bin dusky ; legs brown. Length 5| inches, wing 3| ; tail 2^ ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1. This bird, which differs from the last by the deep ferruginous on the lower plumage, as also by tlie deeper blue of the upper parts, and in the shorter tail, has only been procured from Nepal and Sikhim. It appears to be very rare, and is probably a migratory species also. oio. lanthia superciliaris, Hodgson. Moore, P. Z. S., 1854— Horsf., Cat. 483—1. flavolivacea, Hodgson (the female) — Erythaca, apud Blyth, Cat. 1003. The PiUFOUS-BELLiED Bush-chat. Descr. — Male, above deep indigo or cyaneous ; wings dusky black or brown, the outer edges margined with cyaneous, and rufous on the shoulder; the primaries also faintly margined with rufous, and the secondaries with cyaneous ; lores and cheeks black ; a white superciliary streak extending from the nares to the buck of the neck ; beneath rufous ; middle of the belly white. The female is olive-brown above ; wings and tail brown, the former margined with rusty olive ; white superciliary streak not so clear as in male ; beneath dull pale rufous, inclining to oil yellow, the middle of the lower belly and vent partially white. Bill black ; legs pale horny-brown ; irides brown. Length nearly 6 inches ; wing 3 j% ; tail 2| ; tarsus 1^ ; bill at front -/g. This species has been classed as a 'Jarsiger, but its coloration is quite that of the present genus. Blyth at one time made it a true Robin {Erythaca) , but he has since located it here. It is remarka- ble for the great length of its liind claw. This bird greatly resembles in its mode of coloration Larvivora cyana. It is rare in Nepal and Sikhim. I got two or three specimens at Darjeeling, but did not observe it myself. It has hitherto been only pro- cured in the S. E. Himalayas. Gen. Tarsiger, Hodgson. Syn. Sevicornis, Blyth. Char. — Bill straight, slender ; gape rather wide, distinctly ciliated ; wings moderate ; 5th quill longest, 4th and Gth sub-equal to it ,• nrTTCILLTN^.. 110 tail modornto, linroly ronndcd, cons[iicnmi?lv mucrnnnto ; tfirsuji lonu, very slender, smooth ; feet rather lartre, middle toe elonirate, hind toe rather large ; claws lonn^, slender, moderately curved. This f^enns differs from tlie two last by its more slender bill and less rounded tail. TJio coloration, too, is peculiar and unique. 311. Tarsiger chrsyseus, Hodgson. P. Z. S., 1845, 28— Jaiidine, Contrib. Orn. pi.— Blyth, Cat. 994— HoRSF., Cat. AS'I—Mans/iil-pho, Lepch. TiiK Golden Busn-cnAT. Dcscr. — Male, head, nape, sides of neck above, and back, olive- green ; a stripe through the eyes, widening at the ears, black ; superciliary streak, rump, tail, and wliole lower surface, deep golden yellow ; tail with a broad black tip and the two centre feathers black; wings dusky, edged with olivaceous, some of the greater wing-coverts deeper black, edged with yellowish. The female is olivaceous above, the orbits whitish ; beneath oil yellow ; supercilium dull yellow ; wings dusky, edged with olive, and the tail olive-brown ; the inner webs of all, except the centre pair, dull golden yellow ; two central feathers dusky, and part of the inner web of the next pair also dusky. Bill dusky above, deep fleshy yellow beneath ; irides dark brown. Length S^th inches; extent 9; wing 2^ ; tail 2^; bill at front f ; tarsus 1 ^ nearly. This very beautiful bird has only been procured in Nepal and Sikhira. It is not uncommon near Darjeeling, and is a permanent resident, I believe. It is found in the valleys, from 3,000 to 5,000 feet chiefly, keeps to the forest amongst thick underwood, and feeds on the ground on insects. Hodgson says : " It is shy, solitary, and bush-loving. It breeds on the ground, making a compact saucer-like nest of moss, under the roots of a tree or a stone, and the eggs are verditer-blue." Gen. Calliope, Gould. Char. — Bill of moderate length and strength ; wings moderate, 1st quill very short, 2nd equal to 7th; tail very slightly rounded. 150 BIRDS OF INDIA. the outer feathers being a little shorter than the penultimate pair ; tarsus moderately long, stout, the feet large, hind toe long ; claws long, not much curved. This form is closely allied to Larvivora, but differs by its longer and more rounded tail. 512. Calliope Kamtschatkensis, Gmel. Turdns, apud Gmicltn — Blytii, Cat. 992 — Horsf., Cat. 485 — Mot. calliope, Pallas and Tickell — C. Lathami, Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 118 — Gunpiyora, Beng. — Gangiila, in Nepal. The common Ruby-throat. Descr. — Above olive-brown ; beneath dull whitish ; a band above and below the eyes, whitish ; intermediate space black ; feathers of the throat somewhat scaly and stiff, light scarlet or ruby red, with silvery edges, more or less surrounded with black ; the breast ashy, flanks bright olive-brown, and belly whitish ; axillaries slightly rufescent. The female has in general no trace of the ruby tliroat, which is whitish, and the lores brown ; but some old females have a tinge of the ruby colour. Bill horny brown ; iiides dark brown ; legs livid or purplish. Length 6 inches; wing 3 ; tail 2^ ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus 1^. This pretty bird is found chiefly in Northern and Central India. I never saw it south of the Nerbudda, except once, on boardship, a little south of Bombay, where one took refuge in the month of November. It is most common in Bengal and the Eastern side of India, and is a cold weather visitant only. It extends through- out Central and Northern Asia as far as Kamtschatka, whence it was first brought ; and it has been occasionally killed in Europe. In its manners it is shy, solitary, and silent; haunts thickets and underwood, and feeds on the ground on various insects. It is said especially to frequent the covered plantations of the Betel-vine. 513. Calliope pectoralis, Gould. Icones Avium, pi. — Blyth, Cat. 991 — Hoksf., Cat. 486 — Bradybates, apud Gray, Genera of Birds. rutic1llin7e. 151 The White-tailkd Ruby Throat. Descr. — General color dark brownish ashy, with a wliite super- ciliura ; lores black, and a small moustachial s[)ot white ; the breast and sides of the throat black, and the chin and the middle of the throat and upper part of the neck brij^ht glistening crimson ; the belly, vent, and under tail-coverts, white, ashy on the flanks and mixed with dusky on the under tail-coverts ; tail white on the basal half, except the centre pair, and white tipped ; also some white on the outer-web of the outermost feathers. In winter the black of the breast is broadly edged with grey, and tlie red of the throat is less intense ; the back too is not so dark. The female is plain olive-brown, paler on the breast, and whitish on the throat and belly ; supercilia pale rufcscent, there is much less white at the base of the tail, and the terminal spots are light rufcscent. Bill dusky ; legs pale reddish brown ; iridcs dark brown. Length 6 inches ; Aving barely 3 ; tail 2| ; bill at front nearly ^ ; tarsus 1|-. The tail is more graduated than in the last species, and the wings are more rounded. It is found throughout the Himalayas, from Cashmere to Sikhim. I saw it at Darjeeling, where not common, frequenting thick brush-wood, and coming to the road to feed on insects. Adams found it at high elevations, among rocks and preci- pices, in the N. W. Himalayas. I quite recently procured one specimen, and saw others, frequenting long grass jungle, not far from the banks of the Ganges at Caragola Ghat. It came to the small foot paths, especially near the edge of water, to feed. It is only a cold weather visitor at Darjeeling, but may probably breed in the interior. Gen. Cyanecdla, Brehm. C/iar.— Bill rather short, slightly conic, straight ; wings mode- rate, 3rd and 4th quills equal and longest, 5th a little shorter, 2nd equal to 6th, tail rather short, nearly even ; tarsus mode- rately long ; claws very slightly curved. The Blue-throats differ from the other members of this section by their firmer wings, and plumage generally,the wings being somewhat more pointed, and the tail is sub-even, and somewhat fan-shaped, the feathers scarcely, if at all, mucronate, and bright rufous at 152 BIRDS OF INDIA. its base, thus reverting towards the ReJsturtd. The throat has more or less briirht azure blue in tJie males. There appear to be four or five nearly allied races or species inhabiting Europe, Asia, and the North of Africa ; and there is some doubt as to which of the races the Indian bird belongs. It is generally allowed that the birds that visit India during the cold weather, most closely resemble tliose of Northern Europe, as dis- tinguished from the race of Middle and Southern Europe, which visit England occasionally. Bonaparte, however, made it distinct, as indeed Blyth formerly did. 514, Cyaneula suecica, Linn. Motacilla,apudLiNN^us— Blyth, Cat. 981 — HoKsr., Cat. 484 — Sykes, Cat. 94 — Jkudon, Cat. 109 — C. suecicoides, Hodg- son— Motac. coerulecula, Pallas — C. indica, Bonap. — Ihiseni- pidda, H. — also iVi7 hunthi, H. in the North. — Gunpigcra and Gur- pedra, Beng. — Dumhak, Sindh. The Indian Blue-throat. Descr. — /Vbove pale olive-brown, the feathers of the crown sli!on by Bonaparte), even approximate Eurycercus In tlieir mode of coloration. The next group comprises the Grasshopper Warblers, and some aflined forms, corresponding to the section Locustellece of Bonaparte. Their j)lumage is striped or lark-like above, and they frequent reeds and grass. The European species make their nests among reeds. Gen. LocusTELLA, Gould. Cliar. — Bill of moderate length, slender, straight, compressed, barely deflected at the tip, which is slightlj' notched ; wings long, with the 1st quill minute ; 2nd nearly equal to the third, which is longest ; tail moderate, rounded or graduated ; hind claw very long, much curved. 520. Locustella certhiola, Pallas. Tardus, apud Pallas — Locustella Raii, Gould, apud Blyth. The Lesser Re l.d- warbler. Descr. — Above pale olive-brown, all the feathers centred dark brown ; tail uniform brown, tipped pale, especially as seen from be- low; beneath white, tinged with earthy brown on the neck, breast, and flanks ; lower tail-coverts fulvescent white, with narrow longi- tudinal striae. In the spring moult the lower plumage is at first a somewhat rich yellow. Bill dusky above, pale beneath ; irides hazel ; legs fleshy brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2^ ; bill at front 11 mill. I first found this bird in longr grass in the neio-hbourhood of Mhow, in Central India, during the rains, and Mr. Blyth then considered it to be identical with the European Locustella Rail. He subsequently procured it from Lower Bengal, not far from Calcutta ; and I quite recently obtained it near Monghyr, and also observed it in other places along the Ganges, and it probably will be found in suitable localities throughout India. From the specimens then procured, towards the end of March and beginning of April, Mr. Blyth was led to doubt their identity with the English bird. On comparing it with Temminck's description of L. certhiola, it 160 BIRDS OF INDIA. appears to me to correspond sufficiently well, the pale tip to the tail, one of the distinguishing points of the latter from aS. locus- tella, being distinctly present, in wliich however it agrees with the next bird. It is, possibly, a distinct species, and in tliat case I would propose the name of LoCUSTELLA TEMPORALIS. This bird frequents long grass and grain, and is with some diffi- culty procured, as it always tries to conceal itself among the long grass ; and, when flushed, takes but a very short flight, again hides itself, and is with difficulty dislodged. It probably breeds in this country. It feeds entirely on insects. 521. Locustella rubescens, Blyth. J. A. S. XIV., 582— Blyth, Cat. 1084 The Ruddy Reed-warbler. Descr. — Back ruddy-brown, with blackish centres to the fea- thers ; crown dusky olive ; sides of neck and breast olivaceous ; throat and belly white, fulvescent brown on the sides of the neck, flanks, and under tail-coverts ; some of the latter brown, tipped white ; rump and tail dark ruddy-brown, all the outer feathers tipped with grey and obsoletely barred ; wing-coverts edged with olivaceous, and the quills with ruddy-brown; tips of tertiaries slightly albescent ; a narrow whitish line from bill to occiput. Bill dusky horn, pale beneath ; legs light brown ; irides hazel. Length 6^ inches ; wing 2^ ; extent 7| ; tail 2 ; tarsus | ; bill at front 12 mill. This interesting bird has been found frequenting reeds and long grass in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, in the cold weather only. It probably extends into other parts of Lower Bengal, Assam, and the Burmese countries. I got one specimen in a reedy tank near Jounpore, in March 1848. Mr. Blyth suggested that this species may be the Sylvia certhiola of Pallas, from Northern Asia ; but Temminck's description, I think, applies better to the previous species. Some Australian forms appear to belong to this section, which is not very distinct from the last. Tiie three following genera differ from the pi'evious ones by tlieir shorter and more rounded wings, and thus lead to the next OALAMOHERPINiE. 161 sub-family, DrymoicincE. They are mountain forms, peculiar to the Himalayas, and some of them are classed by Gray and Bonaparte with the latter group. In their habits they resemble Acrocephalua and Locustella. Gen. Tribura, Hodgson. Syn. Pseudoluscinia, apud Blyth. Char. — Bill straight, moderately compressed, culmen distinctly raised, acute at the base antl notched ; gape smooth ; -wing short, rounded and feeble, 3rd, 4th and 5th quills about equal ; tail lengthened, graduated ; tarsus stout and smooth ; hind toe short. Blyth considers that this form is nearly allied to Locustella. Salicaria cinnamomea, Riippell, is considered to belong to it. 522- Tribura luteoventris, Hodgson. p. Z. S., 1815, p. 30, and J. A. S., XI 7., 583— Blyth, Cat. 1086— HoRSF., Cat. 521. The plain brown Reed-Warbler. Descr. — Above uniform olive-brown ; beneath paler, except the flanks, which are slightly rufescent ; throat, and middle of the breast and belly, yellowish, inclining to whitish. Bill dark horny above, pale below ; legs light brown. Length 5\ inches ; wing 2 ; tail 2^ ; bill at front 11 mill ; tarsus f inch. Gray in his Genera places this bird as a Calamod^ta, From the Cachar of Nepal. Gen. Horornis, Hodgs. Char. — Bill feeble, slender, compressed, with rictal hairs scarcely perceptible, distinct in some ; wings moderately short, the 4th and 5th quills equal and longest; tail short, broad, much graduated, tarsus long and strong ; feet moderate. This genus was considered, by its founder, to have the general form of Tribura, (with some of the characters of Horeites) and indeed was placed as a sub -genus of the former. Gray, in his Genera, placed the species under Regulus, and Dr. Gray, in his last list of Genera, and Bonaparte, place it next Abrornis. Their habits are not recorded, and, in their mode of coloration they are allied to Tribura, but with a tendency towards the Tree-warblers, 3; 162 BIRDS OF INDIA. 523. Horornis fulviventris, Hodgson. P. Z. S., 1845, p. 32. The fulvous-bellied Hill-Waebleii. Descr. — Above olive-brown, below sordid luteous, the flanks shaded with olive; chin, und line over the eye, albescent. Bill dusky brown ; legs iiesh}'' grey. Length 4| inches ; wing not 2 ; tail If : tarsus jf ths. From the Cachar of Nepal. 524. Horornis flaviventris, Hodgson. p. Z. S., 1845, p. The Yellow-bellied Hill-Warblek. Above olive-green, beneath pale yellow ; chin, and line over the eye albescent. Bill dusky-broAvn ; legs fleshy. Length 4| ; wing not quite 2 ; tail If ; tarsus |§. From the Cachar region of the hills of Nepal. 525. Horornis fuliginiventer, Hodgson. P. Z. S., 1845, p. 3L The Smoky Hill-Warbler. Descr. — Above dusky olive-brown, diluted into a dusky greenish cast below. Bill and legs dark. Length 5 inches ; wing 2j ; tail 2; tarsus |. Hodgson says " perhaps more probably a Tribvray From Nepal. 526. Horornis fortipes, Hodgson. J. A. S., XIV., 584. The Strong-footed IliLL-VfARBLER. Descr. — Above olive-brown, below pale ocliraceous brown, approaching to albescent. Length 4f inches; wing 2yij ; tail 1|; tarsus nearly 1 inch. From Nepal. All these species appear to be rare, and only found in the higher regions of the Himalayas. I was not fortunate enough to procure any specimens when at Darjeehng. CALAMOHEUPINiE. 163 Gen. HoKEiTES, Hodgson. Syn.—Nivicola, Hodgs., J. A. S., XIV., 586. Char. — Bill slender, short, straight, barely bent down at tip, slightly notched ; wings as in Prinia ; tail moderate, rounded, broad and soft ; tarsus long ; toes moderate ; middle toe longer than in Prinia ; nails slender, less curved. This genus appears to be the hill representative of the Piinia of the plains, from which they chiefly difler in their more ambulant toes, and broader and shorter tail, but, at the same time, are more nearly allied in colours and habits to the grass warblers. Blytli at one time considered that they had some of the characters of Tesia, which Bonaparte also latterly classed with the Dri/moicincB. 527. Horeites brunneifrons, Hodgson. J. A. S., KIV., 585— Blyth, Cat. 819— Hoksf., Cat. 499— Nivicola schistilata, Hodgs.? — Liklik-pho, Lcpch. The Rufous-capped Hill-Warbler. Descr. — Above olive-brown, slightly redder on the wings and tail; cap red-brown; below, pale ashy, with a white central streak. Bill dusky above, pale fleshy beneath ; legs light-brown ; irides brown. Length 4| inches ; wing If ; extent Q^ ; tail 7| ; bill at front I ; tarsus f . Hodgson says these birds are only found, in Nepal, in the Northern region, near the snows, living among brushwood, and feeding on the ground. I observed it only on the top of Tonglo, 10,000 feet high, among brushwood. 528. Horeites poilicaris, Hodgson. J. A. S., XIV., 585. The Strong-clawed Hill- Warbler. Descr. — Above dark olive, beneath and eye-brow yellowish; legs and bill fleshy grey. Length 3^ inches; wing 1| ; tail If; bill \ ; tarsus if 164 BIRDS OF INDIA. This species is said to have a large hind claw, and a slender Regulus-Wka bill. Blyth suggests that it may be the young oi H. hrunneifrons. From the same locality as the last. 529. Horeites major, Hodgson. Moore, P. Z. S., 1854. The Large Hill-Warbler. Descr. — Above olive-brown reddish, on the wings ; tail rounded, and of a dusky brown, the outer webs fringed with olive-brown ; cap red-brown ; a yellowish ferruginous superciliary streak extend- ing over the ear-coverts, which are ruddy brown above, ashy beneath ; throat, sides of neck, centre of breast, and abdomen, ashy white ; sides of the breast and flanks olive-brown. Bill dark horny, fleshy at the base beneath ; feet yellowish. Length 5 Inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 2,4y ; bill at front f ; tarsus ^q. This species has a comparatively larger bill, and longer wing than the others of the genus, and also stronger feet. From Nepal. I obtained two species, apparently of this genus, on the Khasia hills, from 5,000 to 6,000 feet of elevation. They frequent the grassy hills, hiding themselves with celerity, and in their habits closely resemble Locustella. Sub-fam. Drymoicin^, Wren- Warblers. Bill moderately long and compressed ; wings short, rounded ; tail long, more or less graduated ; legs and feet moderately strong. This group comprises a considerable series of birds, highly char- acteristic of the Indian region, but found throughout the warmer portions of the old world, and very abundant in Africa, a few species only extending to the South of Europe, and several to Australia. They are mostly of diminutive size; and, except in a remarkable Australian group, of dull plumage. They chiefly frequent bushy ground, hedge-rows and the like, a few only being found in tree jungle, and a few in long grass. They are active and sprightly in their habits, and are somewhat garrulous, but few of them capable of what could be called a song. They feed exclusively on insects, which they pick off leaves or branches DRYMOlCINiE. 6 5 occasionally from the ground. Thu nests of some are remarkable for the ingenuity -with wliich they are made ; and the eggs are red in some, white ^Yith red spots in others, and in many blue, pure, or with blotches. The Drymoicinee form part of the Malurincs of Gray, and the section Drymoicince of Bonaparte's CalamoherpincB. Blytli, at one time, classed them as portion of the great Timaline series ; but their less social habits, and other points, tend, in our opinion, to keep them distinct, but with strong analogies for that group. They appear to grade into the Grass- warblers by Horeites, and into the Tree-warblers by Neornls. Gen. Orthotomus, Horsfield. Char. — Bill long, slender, rather wide at the base, nearly entire, straight, very slightly deflexcd at the tip ; a few weak rictal bristles ; wing short, feeble, much rounded, 5th and 6th quills equal and longest ; tail narrow, feeble, typically sliort and rounded, or graduated, the two centre feathers elongated in some ; tarsus moderately long, stout ; feet short ; hind toe short ; claws moder- ately curved, compressed. This genus comprises the Tailor-birds, which sew leaves together to form their nest. They are natives of India, and the Malayan peninsula is especially rich in species. They form a gi-oup of small species, generally green above, with more or less ferruginous on the head, and with somewhat the manners of the Wrens. They have a remarkably loud chirp. 530. Orthotomus longicauda, Gmelin, Motacilla, apud Gmelix — Blyth, Cat. 815 — Hoesf., Cat. 492 — Orth. Bennettii, Stkes, Cat. 80 — and Jerdon, Cat. 114 — O. lingoo, Sykes, (the young) — O. sphenurus, SWAINSON — Sylvia ruficapilla, HuTTON— S. guzurata, Latham — 0. sutoria and 0, patia, Hodgson — Phutki, H. — Tuntuni, Beng.—Patia, Nepal. — Likku-jitta, Tel. The Indian Tailor-Bird. Descr. — CroM'n rufous ; nape somewhat cinereous, with a tinge of rufous ; back, scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts, yellowish 166 BIRDS OF INDIA. olive-green ; wings brown, edged with green ; tail narrow, light brown with a green tinge, and the outer feathers on each side with a narrow white tip ; beneath white, with a concealed black, spot on each side of the throat, formed by the bases of some of the feathers, and only seen at times. Bill dark horny above, pale fleshy beneath ; legs fleshy ; irides reddish-yellow. Length, male 6i inches ; wing nearly 2 ; tail 3^ ; bill at front i ; tarsus nearly -fj^. Thei-e are four dark brown hairs arising from the nape, two on each side. In the male the two centre tail feathers are much elongated, 1^ inches or so longer than the next pair, and the rest are rounded and slightly graduated. The female is barely 5 inches lonf ; tail 2. In some specimens (especially in those from Ceylon) the ashy nape is inconspicuous, being nearly overlaid Avith rufous, and passing into the green of the back ; and Ceylon birds appear to have the bill also somewhat longer than those of continental India. The well known Tailor-bird is found throughout all India, from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin and Ceylon, and extending into the Burmese countries. It is most common in well-wooded dis- tricts, frequenting gardens, hedge-rows, orchards, low jungle, and even now and then the more open parts of high tree jungles. It is usually in pairs, at times in small flocks, incessantly hopping about the branches of trees, shrtibs, pea-rows and the like, with a loud reiterated call ; and picking various insects, chiefly ants, cicadella;, and various small larvse, off the bark and leaves, and not unfrequent- ly seeking them on the ground. It has the habit of raising its tail whilst feeding and hopping about, and at times, especially when calling, it raises the feathers and displays the concealed black stripe on its neck. The ordinary note of the Tailor is to-icee-to-ioee-to- ivee; or as syllabized by Layard pretty-pretty-pretty; when alarmed or angry, it has a different call. It is a familiar bird, venturing close to houses, but when aware that it is being watched, it becomes wary and shy. The Tailor-bird makes its nest with cotton, wool, and various other soft materials, sometimes also lined with hair, and draws to- gether one leaf or more, generally two leaves, on each side of the nest, and stitches them together with cotton, either woven by itself, DRYM0IC1N.E. 167 or cotton thread picked up ; and after passing the thread ihrough the leaf, it makes a knot at the end to fix it. I have seen a Tailor- bird at Saugor watch till the Dirzee (native tailor) had left the verandah where he had been working, fly in, seize some pieces of thread that were laying about, and go ofi' in triumph with them ; this was repeated in my presence several days running. I have known many diflferent trees selected to build in ; in gardens very often a Guava tree. The nest is generally built at from two to four feet above the ground. The eggs are two, three, or four in number, and in every case which I have seen, Avere white, spotted with reddish brown, and chiefly at the large end. Col. Sykes says that the eggs are crimson, but he has probably mistaken the nest and eggs of Prinia socialis, which last are sometimes brick-red throughout. Hodgson suspects that there are two species confounded under one name, as he has on several occasions got unspotted blue eo-fs from a Tailor-bird's nest. These were probably those of Prinia gracilis, the eggs of Avhich are blue. Layard describes one nest made of cocoanut fibre entirely, with a dozen leaves of Oleander drawn and stretched together. I cannot call to recollection ever having seen a nest made with more than two leaves. The bird and its nest are A'-ery well figured in Guerin, JMagasin de Zoolooie, for 1839. Pennant, in his Indian Zoology, gives the earliest, though some- what erroneous, account of the nest of the Tailor-bird. He savs. " The bird picks up a dead leaf, and, surprising to relate, sews it to the side of a living one." Hutton gave the first authentic account of the bird and nest in the J. A. S., H., 504. The Tailor-bird described and figured by Forbes, in his Oriental Memoirs, appears to be a species of Nectarinia. Nicholson's supposed new species (P. Z. S., 1851), 0. agilis, which, he says, often selects the Brinjal (Solanum esculeufum) to build in, is of course the same as our bird. A very closely allied species exists in the 0. ■phyllorapheus of Swinhoe from China. This species is said to drop" its lengthened central tail feathers at the antumnal moult, when they are suc- ceeded by others of the usual length. 108 BIJIDS OP INDIA. 53 L Orthotomus coronatus, Jerdon and Blyth. P. Z. S., 1861, p. 200 — Sing-kaneel, Lepch. The Gold-headed Tailor-bird. Descr. — Forehead and top of head golden fulvous ; lores, eai' coverts, occiput and nape ashy ; a narrow pale yellow stripe over the eye ; back and wings pale olive-green ; chin, throat, breast, and narrow stripe down the middle of the abdomen, milky white ; flanks, lower part of abdomen, under tail-coverts, and lining of the wings, pale canary yellow ; quills internally, and tail dusky, edged with greenish ; the two outer tail-feathers with the inner web white. Bill horny brown, darker above ; legs pale fleshy yellow ; irides light yellow brown. Length 4^ inches ; extent of ; wing If ; tail If ; bill at front h ; tarsus |. The bill in this species is somewhat depressed throughout, and flat on the culmen. I procured specimens of this new species of Tailor-bird from the vicinity of Darjecling, where it occurs in the warmer valleys. A nest and eggs were brought to me, said to be those of this bird, similar to that of the last, but not so carefully made ; the leaves were loosely attached and with fewer stitches. The eggs were two in number, white with rusty spots. It exceedingly resembles the description of 0. cucullains, Temminck, from Sumatra, but there are points of difference, viz. the presence of a yellowish superciliary streak, and the white on the tail, in our bird ; and the locality alone would warrant the probability of the two being distinct. Moore has published a monograph of this genus in the Proceed- ings Zoological Society for 1854. Other species on record are as follows: O. edela,Temm., P. C. 599, . 2, {sepium, RafiSes) from Malacca and Sumatra ; 0. riificeps Lesson, and O. atrogularis Temm., from Malacca and Borneo ; 0. Jluvo-viridis, Moore (edela, apud Blyth), very common at Malacca; 0. cineraceus, Blyth, {sepium, Lafresnaye), also from Malacca; O. longirostris, Swainson ; O. Derbianus, Moore, the giant of the group ; and others. DRTMOTCINJE. 1$9 Gen. Prinia, Horsfield. CJiar.—B\\\ moderately long, very slender, straight, entire; rictal bristles distinct ; tail much graduated, rather long, of ten or twelve feathers ; feet much as in Ortlwtomus. This genus differs from Orthotomus by its shorter and more slender bill, more lengthened and graduated tail, and coloration. In habits it differs but little, and some of them are quite Tailor- birds as regards the nest. With ten tail-feathers. The first species differs from the others in its longer toes and claws, especially the posterior one ; also in its mode of coloration. 532. Prinia flaviventris, Delesseet. Orthotomus, apud Delessert — Blyth, Cat. 813 — HoRSF., Cat. 494. The Yellow-bellied Wren-Warbler. Descr. — Head, with lores and ear-coverts, dark ashy ; back, wings, and tail, dull olive-green; the quills dusky brown ; chin, throat, and breast, white ; the abdomen, vent, and under tail- coverts, bright canary yellow. Bill black, fleshy at the base beneath ; legs deep yellow ; irides reddish yellow. Length 5^ inches; wing 1|; tail nearly 3 ; tarsus j| ; bill at front ^. This pretty little bird is found, within our province, in the Nepal lerai, and thence through Bengal to the Sunderbuns, extending into .Assam, Sylhet, all the Burmese countries, and the Malayan Peninsula. It is abundant in the high grass jungles throughout Lower Bengal, especially near the Ganges, where I have frequently seen it, when beating for game. It is not found, that I am aware of, in forest or tree jungle. It makes its way through the thick grass and ret-ds, with great facility, and is generally seen in small parties. It is certainly not found in the Neilgheiries, as stated by Delessert, nor, I believe, in Southern India; but an allied species has been lately noticed in Western India. Tickell describes the nest to be " pensile," but quite open, being a hemisphere with one side prolonged, by which it is suspended from a twig. The eggs are bright brick-red, without spot. T 170 BIRDS OF INDIA. 533. Prinia Adamsi, Jerdon. Prinia, No. 127— Adams, List of Birds, P. Z. S., 1858. The whie-bellied Wren-Warbler. JJescr. — " Above greenish, the tail tipped with white ; cheeks, throat and breast, whitish yellow ; belly and vent white, tinged with yellow ; tail long, graduated. " Bill black ; legs long, yellow. " Found at Poonah in cornfields." This is evidently a nearly allied species to the last, but apparently distinct, wanting the ashy head and the pure white breast of the last bird ; its haunts also appear to be similar. As Dr. Adams appears to be a faithful ob- server, I have ventured to include this bird on his authority alone. A nearly allied species to the two last, Pr. soniians, Swinhoe, occurs in China, and of this the eggs are described as 'strangely red.' 534. Prinia socialis, Sykes. Sykes, Cat. 78--JERDON, Cat. 116— Blyth, Cat. 811— HoRSF., Cat. 493— P/iud-j, n.—Eelu-jitta Te\.~Pit-pitta, H. in the South. The dark-ashy Wren- Warbler. Descr. — Head and back dark-ashy ; quills and tail reddish brown, the latter with a dusky band near the tip, and the outer feathers with a small white tip ; beneath, rufescent whitish, the flanks rufous. Bill black ; legs deep yellow ; irides orange buff. Length 5;^ inches ; wing 2^'^ ; tail 2y% ; bill at front not quite h ; tarsus nearly ,%. This bird is found throughout Southern India only, and Ceylon, and I have not seen it to the north of the Godavery. It frequents lono- grass and reeds, sugar-cane fields, and occasionally low jungle mixed with grass. It is found oh the Neilgherries, to about 6,000 feet or so, very abundant in bushy ground mixed with grass. It is active and restless, making its way adroitly through the reeds or bushes, with a loud reiterated note, something like that of the Tailor-bird, but louder. Col. Sykes remarks " has the same in- genious nest, the same habits and note, and feeds In the same DRYMOICINiE. 171 manner as Orthotamus longicaucia." I have found the nest on several occasions, and verified Col. Sykes' observations, but it is not so neatly sewn together as the nest of the true Tailor-bird, and there is generally more grass and other vegetable fibres used in the construction. The eggs are usually reddish white, with nu- merous darker red dots at the large end, often coalescing, and sometimes the eg2;s are uniform brick-red throughout. 535. Prinia Stewarti, Blyth. J. A. S., XIY., 455— Blyth, Cat. Hl2—Kala-p7iut/ii, H. Steav art's Wren- Warbler. Descr. — Above dark ashy, brown on the wings, and rufescent on the tail, with a faint subterminal dark band (as seen from above) ; tliroat white ; the rest of the body beneath pale rufescent, darker on the flanks, and rusty on the vent and under tail-coverts. Bill black ; legs deep yellow ; irides buff. Length 5y|y inches ; wing ly^jj ; tail 2| ; bill at front not \jr ; tarsus |-. jMr. Blyth got some specimens of this bird from Agra, and at first considered them distinct from P. socialis, to which it is certainly vciy closely allied. He has since been inclined to consider them the same, but having observed this bird, and obtained specimens at Mhow, in Central India, I am fully convinced of its specific difference. It has a considerably smaller and lighter body, when seen fresh, than socialis, and probably would not weigh much more than half of the latter bird ; the tail is proportionally longer, the dark tip more diffused and less de- fined, and the vent and imder tail-coverts are decidedly darker than in the other, as indeed are the whole colors of the bird ; the bill is smaller and feebler, and the feet are smaller. Its geographi- cal distribution too is against the identity. This species ranges from the Kerbudda northwards through Central India to Agra and the N. ~\Y. Provinces ; but does not extend far eastwards, I think, as I did not see it at Saugor. At Mhow I found it frequenting gardens and hedges, hunting among peas and other vegetables ; and, like the rest of the tribe, occasionally descending to the ground for its food, which consisted of ants and other small insects. 172 BIRDS OF INDIA. Prinia familiarise Horsfield, the type of the genus, belongs to this section. With twelve tail-feathers. 536. Prinia gracilis, Franklin. P. Z. S., 1831— Blyth, Cat. 809— Orthot. lingoo, Sykes, according to Blyth. Franklin's Wren-Warbler. Descr. — Slightly rufescent olive above, tinged greyer on the head and neek ; the wing feathers dusky, edged externally with rufous brown ; under parts silky white, tinged with yellowish fulvous on the flanks, and faintly on the sides of the neck ; tail brown, albescent greyish beneath, with a subterminal dark band, and whitish tips, most conspicuous on the under surface. Bill black ; legs fleshy yellow ; irides deep amber ; orbits fleshy red. Length 4^ inches; extent 5| ; wing 1^; tail 2; bill at front j'^o ; tarsus -}|. This little Warbler is found in Central and Northern India. It was first procured and described by Franklin ; and I found it abundant on the Vindhian Mountains near ]\Ihow, and in jungles close to Saugor. It frequents tree forest, and has the usual habits of the genus. It often has its forehead colored yellow by the pollen of flowers which it has been searching for minute insects. I found its nest, at Saugor, very like that of the Tailor-bird, but smaller, made of cotton, wool, and various soft vegetable fibres, and occa- sionally bits of cloth, and I invariably found it sewn to one leaf of the Kydia, so common in the jungles there. The eggs were pale blue with some brown or reddish spots, often barely visible. This is perhaps the Tailor-bird described by Lieut. Gifibrd, J. A. S., II., 648 "light brown above, dirty white below, 4 inches long, called Phutkiy Hodgson's blue Tailor-bird's eggs may have been of this species, or the next one. 537. Prinia cinereo-capilla, Hodgson. Moore, P. Z. S., 1854. t Hodgson's Wren-Warblee. Descr. —Qrovrn of head grey, the shaft and margins of the f«athers being darker, uareal and frontal plumes, a streak over and DRTMOICINiE. 173 beyond the eye, and the whole under parts rufescent, brightest on the flanks and thii^hs ; lores and upper part of the ears, greyish; nape, back, rump and wings bright rufous brown, the tips of the latter dusky ; tail the same as the back, paler beneath, with a ter- minal dusky band, and rufescent-white tips. Bill black ; legs pale honiy ; irides buff. Length 4^ inches ; wing ly^y ; tail 2 ; bill at front f ; tarsus |. This species is closely related to P. gracilis, but appears to differ by the deeper rufous brown of the upper plumnge, by the more rufescent lower plumage, and by the presence of a superciliary stripe. It is an inhabitant of the Nepal Terai and lower hills, and is probably Hodgson's Taiior-bird, with blue eggs; it may be also Lieut. Gitford's, alluded to under tlie last species. 538. Prinia Hodgsoni, Blyth. J. A. S., XIIL, 376— Blyth, Cat .808— HousF., Cat. 496— P. gracilis, apud Jerdon, Cat. 117. The Malabar Wren- Warbler. Descr. — Above dark ashy grey, brownish on the wings and tail, the latter with a subterminal dark band, tipped white on the outer feathers ; beneath white, slightly tinged with f ulvescent, greyish on the edge of the neck and breast. Bill black ; legs yellow ; irides buff. Length 4 inches ; wing ly^y ; tail 1^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus j-^. This is the smallest species of the group. It is found in Southern India, and also, it is said, in Nepal and Bootan, but perhaps, at that time, not discriminated from the last species. It frequents tree jungle. I have seen it all through the Malabar Coast, the Wynaad, the slopes of the Neilgherries, and more rare on the Eastern Ghats, and in wooded valleys at the Northern termination of the Table Land. Pr. rufescens, Blyth, from Burmah, is a nearly allied species. Several other Prinioe are recorded from Malay ana, but whether belonging to this genus as now restricted, 1 know not. Among these are P. olivacea, Raffles, P. icteria, Strickland, and P. Strick- landi, Bonap., from Java and Sumatra. 174 BIRDS OF INDIA. Gen. CiSTicoLA, Lesson. Char. — Bill rather short, slender, gently curving from the middle, entire at tip; wings short, ample ; 1st quill small, 3rd, 4th, and 5th equal and longest, 2nd equal to 7th, shorter than the 6th ; tail of twelve feathers, somewhat rounded, short; tarsus long; feet rather large with the lateral toes nearly equal and the hind toe long, the claws lengthened, especially the hind one, only slightly curved. This genus differs from Prinia by its shorter, deeper bill, shorter tail, and less curved claws. It is a small group, of very nearly allied species, from the south of Europe, Asia, and Africa, extend- ing to Australia. They are tiny birds, with a streaked plumage, and frequent chiefly grass and reeds. 539. Cisticola schaenicola, Bonaparte. Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 113 — Prinia cursitans, Franklin, P. Z. S , 1831--BLYTH, Cat. 821— HoRSF., Cat. 503--Jerdon, Cat. 122 — and Jerdon, 111. Ind. Orn., pi. 6~C. sub-himalayana, Hodgson — Ghas ka^phiitki, or Ghas ka-pit-pitti, Hind., i e., Grass Prinia — Yedru-jitta, Tel. — Kher-cjlmsa H. at Bhagulpore — Tiin- tunia at Monghyr. The Rufous Grass-Warbler. Descr. — Above rufous brown, all the feathers broadly centred dark brown ; rump plain rufous ; quills dusky, narrowly edged with brown ; tail with the two central feathers pale brown, darker in the middle, and pale tipped ; the others all dark brown, deeper towards the end, and with a broad whitish tip ; plumage beneath rufescent white, nearly pure white on the chin and throat, and more rufescent on the flanks ; tail beneath cinereous at the base, then pale rufous with a black bar, and a broad white tip, in some uniform dusky cinereous. Bill dusky brown above, fleshy beneath ; irides pale olive- brown; legs fleshy. Length 4^ inches ; wing 2^ ; tail If to nearly 2 ; bill at front not quite 9 mill. ; tarsus f . DRYMOICINif:. 175 This bird is now considered identical with the European one, and is also spread over the greater part of Africa. It is found in every part of India, frequenting long grass, corn, and rice fields. It makes its way adroitly through the grass or corn, and often descends to the ground to pick up insects ; but I do not think that it habitually runs along, as the name given by Franklin would imply, but it rather makes its way through the grass, or reeds, partly hopping and partly flying.. When put up, it takes a short jerking flight for a few yards and then drops down into the grass again. It feeds on ants, larva; of grasshoppers, and various other small insects. As BIyth remarks, " it may commonly be observed to rise a little way into the air, as is the habit of so many birds that inhabit similar situations, repeating at intervals a single note, jik, jik. During the breeding season the male bird may be seen seated on a tall blade of grass pouring forth a feeble little song. The nest is made of delicate vegetable down, woven into the stems of a thick clump of grass, and forming a compact and very beautiful fabric, with a small entrance near the top ; and the eggs are four or five in number, translucent white, with reddish spots. It has been noticed that whilst the hen is layin"-, the male bird builds the nest higher. 540. Cisticola erythrocephala, Jekdon. Blyth, J. A. S., XX., 523— Bltth, Cat. 1935. The Red-headed Grass-Warbler. Descr. — General hue rufous or ferruginous, deepest on the crown, darker on the rump, and brightest on all the lower parts ; back olive-brown with black medial streaks to the feathers and wings and tail dusky brown, the former margined with olive-brown, and the latter very slightly tipped or margined round the extre- mity of the feathers with pale brown. Bill dusky, fleshy beneath ; legs fleshy yello-w ; irides pale brown. Length 4 inches ; wing 2 ; tail If ; tarsus -f-^; bill at front 9 mill. This species differs from the last in its shorter and less graduated tail. I have only procured this interesting species of Cisticola in one locality, viz., in some open grassy ground, interspersed with 176 BIRDS OF INDIA. bushes, close ^_to the head of the Carcoor Pass, leading from "Wynaad into lower Malabar ; but I have no doubt that it will be found in suitable localities all through the Wynaad, Coorg, and the Western Ghats. It has a most peculiar loud chuckling, ventrilo- quising note, sometimes uttered on the wing, or from a bush, and it frequently completely deceives you as to its whereabouts. It is so loud as to draw your attention at once. The next species appears to have somewhat similar habits. 541. Cisticola Tytleri, Blyth. J. A. s. The Cream-colored Grass- Warbler. Descr. — The whole head, face and lower parts fulvous white ; superciliary line, nape, and back, rusty ; wings earthy brown, the feathers edged pale ; rump uniform pale brown ; tail dark brown, both above and below, very narrowly tipped with white. Such is the coloration of specimens presented to the Asiatic Society by Colonel Tytler. One I procured at Dacca, differs a good deal ; it has the head and upper parts pale rufous throughout, but not nearly so pale as the specimen described ; the face and lower parts whitish, tinged with brown yellow. Bill fleshy brown ; legs fleshy yellow ; irides buff. Length 4^ inches ; extent 5^ ; wing 1| ; tail 1^ ; bill at front y^g ; tarsus |. Tytler first obtained this species at Dacca, and noticed its dis- tinctness from the common one. He states that he found it in lono- grass jungle, excessively wild in its habits, and difficult to approach. I observed it in the same locality, but in bushy ground, and I did not hear its note. I think that Blyth is right in con- sidering Tytler's specimens as young ; but iiom the observations I made, and the only good specimen I secured, I am inclined with Tytler to consider it distinct from C. erythrocephila of the Wynaad, thouo-h allied, both in coloration and habits. A nearly allied species appears to exist in China, Cist, finnin- abulans, Swinhoe, which is described as 'jerking about high in the air, whilst uttering its strange tinkling notes.' The next bird is one whose generic location is somewhat doubt- ful. It exactly resembles Cisticula in its coloration and habits, but is a much larger bird, and I propose to give it distinct DRYMOICINiE. 177 generic rank. Many of the so-called African Drr/moiccB, figured bj Riippell, appear to approximate it very closely, and are probably co-generic with it. Such are D. robusta, D. bif/iibris, and D. ery- lhro(jenijs, Kuppcll ; also A. Smith's D. natalensis, and perhaps others from the same country, and also from Australia. Gen. Graminicola, Jerdon. Char. — Bill moderate, Vather stout, compressed ; culmen curved ; some rather stout rictal bristles curving outwards ; wings very short and much rounded ; tail of twelve featliers, much graduated and broad ; tarsi stout, of moderate length ; hind toe not length- ened ; claws long, slender, very slightly curved. This form differs from Cisiicula in the less elongated hind toe, and the more strongly curved beak, with prominent rictal bristles. 542. Graminicola Bengalensis, Jerdon. The large Grass- Warbler. Descr. — Above, the head and back deep brown, the feathers edged with tawny fulvous ; rump dark fulvous ; wings with brio;ht fulvous edgings to the feathers of the winof-coverts ; the quills edged with yellowish brown ; tail deep brown, with indis- tinct brown edging, obsoletely barred and broadly white-tipped, this being continued a short distance along the outer edge of the outermost feathers ; beneath white, tinged with fulvous on the neck, breast, and flanks ; under-tail-coverts slightly olivaceous. Bill reddish horny ; irides yellow brown ; legs fleshy yellow. Length 6^ inches ; wing 2^ ; tall 3 ; bill at front i ; tarsus 1. Some specimens have the upper parts almost black, mixed with white over the eye and on the nape, but whether this is seasonal, or the effects of age, I am not aware. I first observed this bird in high grass on the banks of the Ganges, but did not procure specimens. I shot several, however, in Cachar, where it appeared to be tolerably abundant. It frequents high grass, in pairs, occa- sionally three or four togetlicr ; now and then taking a short flight, and rapidly concealing itself when it alights. z 178 BIRDS OF INDIA. Gen. Dkymoipus, Bonap, Char. — Bill short or of moderate length, nearly entire, ratlier deep at the base ; culmen moderately curving ; rictus bristled ; wings very short and rounded, the first three quills nearly equally graduated, 4th and 5th longest; tail graduated, long, of ten feathers, the feathers obtuse ; tarsus long ; feet moderate ; claws moderately curved. The genus Drymoipus was instituted by Bonaparte for the Asiatic Drymoiccs. It differs from Prinia in its shorter, deeper, less slender bill, more developed rictal bristles ; and they usually frequent low bush cover rather than tree jungle. The species have usually been classed under Dnjmoica, but Bonaparte has separated the Indian species from the African ones, and though unaware in what points they differ, I shall follow Mr. Blyth's example, and keep them distinct. 543. Drymoipus inornatus, Sykes. Sykes, Cat.79— Jerdon, Cat. 118— Bltth, Cat. 804— Horsf., Cat. 510 — P. macroura, Franklin — P. Franklinii, Bltth, Cat. 805 (in part) — Prinia fusca, Hodgson — Lota-kun-jitta, Tel. — Niong-'pho. Lepch. The Common Wren-Warbler. Descr. — Head and back gi-eyish brown, with :m olivaceous tinoe on the head and hind neck; wings l»rown, edged pale rufous; tail rufous or brownish, with a terminal dark spot, and the centre tail feathers obsoletely banded; a whitish supercilium, and whitish lores and chin ; beneath whitish with a faint fulvescent tinge ; thiiihs pale ferruginous brown. Bill (luyky brown above, yellowish or fleshy at the base beneath ; legs fleshy yellow; irides brownish yellow. Length 5 to 5i inches ; wing If to \-^^ ; tail 2f ; bill at front |, tarsus -,"j,. Horstield, in his Catalogue, has joined Sykes and Franklin's species, which last Mr. Blyth had already united to Hodgson's fnsca. Under his number 510 he has placed specimens from Col. Sykes, from ^Ir. Hodgson and from Bengal; and I have no doubf^ has carefully compared tlicm together. On examining my notes, DKYMOTOIN^.. 179 I find specimens described rrom Southern India, from the Hima- layas, and Ghazeepore, which, on the whole, afjree very well with each other; and the few slight differences apparent may depend on age, or on the more or less abrasion the feathers have under- gone. Blyth, who at one time considered them distinct, in the J. A. S., XVIII., 1.2, note, declared his belief that tht- two were identical, and that inornota was the worn and abnaded plumage of maci oiira. On a previous occasion, when contrasting the supposed two species, (J. A. S. XVI.) 1 imaS. criniger^ in having a more robust bill which is entirely black, the feathers of the breast being dusky black, with rufescent-white shafts and tips. The legs are also shorter. This species has only been sent from Nepal ; it is intermediate to the last and the following species : and, as the next species, v/hich is common about Darjeeling, is not included in Hodgson's list of Nepal birds, it is possible that an imperfect specimen of atrogularis was so named by Hodgson. 549. Suya atrogularis, Moore. p. Z. S., 1854— HoKSF., Cat. 50Q—Pnm-pho. Lepch.—Shik- shillik, Bhot. Descr. — Above dusky olive-brown, or dusky b own, distinctly darker and cinereous on the head and neck ; edge of wing at the shoulder, and under- wing coverts buflf ; primaries margined with butfish, and secondaries with rufescent brown ; a whitish streak extending from the base of the lower mandible to the end of, and under, the ear-coverts ; chin, throat, sides of neck and breast, black ; the feather of the latter centred with white ; the flanks and sides of abdomen mixed grey-brown and rufescent ; vent olivaceous buff; thiglis bufFy rufous ; tail paler than the back, without perceptible terminal band ; the feathers narrow. Bill horny brown ; legs pale fleshy brown ; irides yellow brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 1| to 2 ; tail 4 ; bill at fi'ont ■^^ ; tarsus 1 . This black-breasted Wren-Warbler is not uncommon about Darjeeling, frequenting brushwood, among which it generally conceals itself, now and then coming out, and, seated on the top of some shrub, uttering a harsh grating note. It makes its nest of fine grass and withered stalks, large, very loosely put together, globular, with a hole near the top, and lays three or four eggs, entirely dull Indian red color. It has been sent from Nepal as well as from Sikhim, and I lately procured on the Khasia hills. The next bird has been separated by Mr. Blyth as the type of another ns[)icuous in this family for the beautil'ul se;isun;d plumage of tlic male, Avhich is richly adorned with shining blue or red. Their habits do nor ap- pear to differ much from those of our Indian birds, but the eggs are desciibed as being fleshy white, with red-brown spots. Amytis and Slipitw'us, the latter with only six tail feathers, appear to belong to the same group. Sub. fam. PHYLLOSConx^, Tree-Warblcrs. Mostly of very small size ; plumage more or less green above ; bill in some sligluly widened and depressed ; wings moderate, or rather long; tail moderate or short; tarsus moderate; feet ar- boreal. This group comprises a series of birds tolerably abundant throughout India during the cold season, only one, and that not a typical member of the group having been recorded to breed in the plains. Many of them do not appear to leave the Himalayas, where they are probably permanent residents, though wandering to dif- ferent levels according t'> the season. They are exclusively in- sectivorous, feeding on minute insects, flies, cicadellje, &c., &c., which they pick off the leaves, or occasionally capture on the wing. They are mostly social in the cold season, going about in small, somewhat scattered flocks, and they have a pleasant chirping note. Compared with the other Warblers, they are more strictly arboreal, most of them frequenting high trees ; the bill is wider and more flattened on the culmen, and the rictal bristles more developed. A considerable number of species ai e found as summer residents in Europe and Western Asia, migrating to the North of Africa 188 BIRDS OF INDIA. ' in winter; others are found in South Africa. Gray, in liis List of Genera, places these birds, along with our Calamahei'jiiiKB and Si/l- viiiicE, in hl^ sub-fam. Si/lciiii(S. I shall commence the series Avith two birds, each Icadino: to a former group, and tlie iiist of which is, by some, classed :ip:irt from this sub-family; but us it has, in my oijinion, stron<:er alHni- tles for the blids of the present group, I have preferred keeping it here. Gen. Neounis, Hodgson. Bill much as in P/i//Uosc»p/is, i. e. straight, moderately slender, not compressed, with some long hair-like rictal setae ; wings short, much rounded ; tail ratlier short or moderate, rounded ; tarsus long ; feet moderate, arKoreah Coloring as in Hit/lloscojnis. This name, at first applied by Hodgson to Blvth's CniinjK'ta, was afterwards bestowed by him on the present genus as an aberi'ant representative of tlie same form, which clearly showed iliat he considered it to belong to the pre>ent sub-family ; and Blyth also places it here, althoagii he at one time classed it under Drymoica. 552. Neornis flavolivacea, Hodgson. Cat. Birds Nepal, App. p. 152— Blytii, J. A. S., XIV., 590-- N. cacharensis, HoDGS. (the young) — Drymoica brevicaudata, Blyth — Blyth, Cat, 814 — HoKSF., Cat. 5U2. The Aberrant Tree-Warbler. Descr. — Above olive-green ; beneath, and eyebrow, dull greenish yellow ; quills and tail dusky internally. The young bird is duller green above, beneath l.uffv yellow. Bill dusky ; legs pale brown ; irides light brown. Length about 5 inclics ; wing 2^^^ ; tail 2| ; bill at front nearly h ; tarsus \^. This Tree-Waibler has been found in Nepal and Sikliim. The few specimens I procured were shot at a considerable elevation. Tlie next bird, though cleaily related to some of the JhyU loscopi, is also connected with the Aa-ocephuli of the previous group. PHTLLOSCOPINiE. 189 Gen. PriYLLOPNiiUSTK, Meyor. Clwr. — Bill straiLjlit, moderately slender, slightly widened ut the base, entire; a few small rictal lirisiles ; winus moderate, pointed, the Isf. quill small, 2nd very little sliortcr llum th.- third and 4th, which are L»n::cst, 5th nearly equal to it; tail moderate, even, or slightly rounded ; feet moderate ; claws long ; hind toe short. 'J'his genus, as restricted, barclv diders from PhyUnscopus by its somewhat thicker bill, stouter foiin, and shorter 1st primary. 553. Phyllopneuste rama, Sykks. Sylvia, apud Sykes, Cut. 77 — Jkudox. (\it. 124— Blytm, Cat. 1088— HoRSF., Cat. 524— Adams, \\ Z. S., 1858, p. 487, No. 126 — Chijuia-humpu-jilifi, Til. SvKr.s' AVAnr.LEi;. Descr. — Above unifoim liLiht gro\i.--h brown ; below pale or albes- cent, passing into white on the ciiin, middle of the belly and vent; lores, contiiuied as a slight streak passing over the eye, and the orbital feathers, pale. Bill dusky above, fleshy below at base ; legs light brown ; irides dark. Length 5 inches; extent 7i ; wing 2| ; tail 2 ; bill .-it front j*-^ ; tarsus | ; 1st primary about ^ inch ; 2nd equal to 7th ; ord, 4th and 5th nearly equal and longest. The coloring of this bird, as Mr. Clyth says, approxiinates it to the Acrocephalns group, but the form of the wings and tail differ. I follow INIr. Blyth in referring the present bird to tlnjllopnenste of Meyer, the type of wdiicli is given by Gr;iy as the Sylvia Iiipj)oluis oi E\\ro]^e ; but it appears to me to differ somewhut. The former Naturalist remarks that " there appear to be two races of this bird, differing a litile in siiade of color, but in no other particulars that we can discern." Those from 8o:itluu-n India are more rufous, those fiou» the North n)ure grey in their tints. Svkes' Waibler is found all through Jnuia, frequenting low jun'des, groves, hedg s, gardens and trees near villages, and also amonor fields. It is lively arrd active, hopping about the branches, and capturing vnrious insects, occasionally on the wing, but gene- rally on the leaves or branches. It has a rather harsh chuckling 190 BIRDS OF INDIA. note, which it incessantly utters on being approached, and it usually endeavours to hide itself, creeping to the further side of the tree. I have obtained the nest and eg^^s of this species on one occasion only, at Jaulnah in the Dcccan ; the nest was cup-shaped, made of roots, and grass, and contained four pure white eggs. Gen. Phylloscopus, Boie. Char. — Bill very slender, small, straight, shallow, barely deflected at the 'tip, entire; a few small l)ut distinct rictal bristles ; wings as in the last, but the first primary more developed, and the wing somewhat shorter ; tail moderate, even or slightly emarginate in some ; tarsus and feet moderate ; claws slender. This genus, formed for the Motacilla trochilus of Europe, and allied species, comprises a considerable number of birds found in vavlous parts of India during the cold senson only. The plumage is generally green above, inclining to brown in a few, whitish green or yellow beneath, and, in general, without any paler markings on the occiput, or bars on the wings. 554. Phylloscopus tristis, Blyth. J. A.. S., XII., 9GG— Blyth, Cat. 1 104— IIorsf., Cat. 525— Sylvia trochilus apud Jerdon, Cat. 125. The Brown Tree-Warbler. Descr. — Above uniform dull brown, below albescent, with a faint tinge of ruddy on the pale supercilia, sides of neck, breast and flanks ; axillaries, and fore part of the wing underneath, pure light-yellow. Bill blackish, yellow beneath and at gape ; legs brownish black ; irides brown. Length 5 inches ; extent 7 ; wing 2| ; tail 2 ; tarsus 3 . 4 J bill at front nearly 9 mill. Tliis species appears generally spread through India, during the cold weather. Blyth says that it is abundant in Lower Bengal in flwarapy places with bushes, or occasionally in groves of trees. I have seen it perched among some reeds on the banks of a stream, now and then alighting on a stone in the water, and making short sallies after insects in the air, or scizinij one in the sand of the rivulet. PHTLLOSCOPIN^. Idl 555. Phylloscopus fuscatus, Blyth. J. A. S., XI., 113— Blytii, Cat. 1111— P. brunneus, Blyth, Cat. II 10 (the young). The dusky Tree- Warbler. Descr. — Uniform dnsky greenish brown above, somewhat darker (jn the crown ; primaries slightly margined with rufescent ; be- neath albescent, whitish on the throat and middle of the belly, and tiniied with ferruginous or earthy brown on the sides of the neck, flanks, lower tail-coverts and breast ; shoulders of the wings be- neath fulvous ; a pale streak over the eye from the nostril, and the ear-coverts also fulvous. Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath ; legs greenish brown ; irides dark hazel. Length of inches ; extent 7f ; wing 2^ to 2| ; tall 21 ; bill at front /-i^ ; tarsus not quite | ; the 1st primary is about 1 inch long; tlie 2iid j\ shorter than the 3rd, Avhich is a trifle shorter than the 4th and 5th. The outer tail-feathers are about -^^ shorter than the medial ones. This Warbler is not rare near Calcutta in the cold season, but appears to be more common in the countries to the eastward, especially in Arrakan. 1 dii not procure it in Southern India. 556. Phylloscopus magnirostris, Blyth. J. A. S., XII., 966— Phyllopneuste indica, Blyth, Cat. 1089 — HoRSF., Cat. 526 — Phvll., javanicus, Horsf., apud Blyth, Cat 1109 — P. trochilus, apud HoDGSON. The Large Billed Tree-Waeblee. Descr. — Above duslvV olive-green, with a faint tino-e of tawnv on the Avings and tail; medial wing-coverts tipped with greenish white; a pale yellow supercilium, and the lower ear-covert» partly yellow ; beneath, pale, the breast tinged with ashy, mingled with faint yellowish, and the rest of the lower parts more or less pure yellowish white. Bill dusky plumbeous above, fleshy at base beneath; legs pale plumbeous ; irides dusky. Length 5 to 5^ inches ; extent 8^ ; wing 2§ to 2| ; tail 2^ ; tardus I ; bill at front ^. 192 BIKDS OF INDIA. Tliis bird, says Mr. Blvtli, is something like P. ti-or/nlus o( Europe, but is larger, and has a pioportionally larger bill. The tawny hue of the wings and tail icseinbles that of P. rufas of Europe. It appears to be spread, but rare, over all India. I obtained it at Ki'lloie, in the cold weather, and it has been procured near Calcutta, in Nepal, in Arrakan, and in Cliina. 557. Phylloscopus trocMlus, Linn. I\rotacilla, apud Linn.eus. — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 131, f. 1— Blytu, Cat. 1102. The Willow-Warbler. Descr. — Very similar to the last, but somewhat smaller, and with the lower parts distinctly olive-yellow on the neck, breast, and flanks; abdomen albescent; under wing-coverts yellow, tinging the edge of the wing. Length about 5 inches ; wing 2\. This species is said to have been obtained by Mr. Gould from Western India, though quite possibly not discriminated from some of the allied species. Adams also records it from Western India, P. Z. S., 1858, p. 693. The nest of this European species is said to be built on the ground, aud the eggs arc white with small red spots, in some cases pure unsullied white. 558. Phylloscopus lugubris, Blyth. J. A. S., XII., 96s— Blyth, Cat. llOS-HousF., Cat. 527— Sylvia hippolais, JerdoN, Cat. 126 (in part) — Phyllopneuste flaveolus, Guav, Ai)peud. Cat. Nepal Birds. — Abrornis xantho- gastcr, HoDGSOx, Cat. Birds Nepal. Thk Dull-ghei;x Tree-Waublkr. Descr. — Above dusky olive-green, witii a })ale yellowish super- cillum, and yellowi.-h tips to the medial wing-coverts; beneath albescent, faintly tinged with yellow medially, and the flanks greenish yellow. Bill dusky above, amber colored beneath ; legs greenish dusky ; irides dusky brown. Lengtli 4| inches ; extent 7^ ; wing 2^ ; tail 1| ; tarsus | ; bill at front 10 mill. 'Ihe 1st primary is jf long, the 2nd -^^^ shorter than the 3rd, which is very little sltorter than the 4th and 5th, Avliich are longest; tall nearly even. PHTLLOSCOPINJE. 193 This species is also spread throughout India. I procured it in the Neilgherrics, in the Wynaad, and also at Nellore ; and it is common near Calcutta, and in Nepal and Sikhim. 559. Phylloscopus nitidus, Latham. Muscicapa, apud LatHx\m, and Franklin — Blyth, J. A. S., XII., 965— Bltth, Cat. 1100— Sylvia hippolais, Jerdon, Cat. 126 (in part) — Hippolais Swainsoni, Hodgson — probably S. sibilatrix of ROYLE. The Bright-green Tree-AYarbler. Descr. — Above lively green, below unsullied pale yellowish, brightest about the breast ; a pale wing-band formed by the tips of the larger coverts of the secondaries. Bill duskv a' ove, fleshv beneath ajid at ihe base: l-fs lio-ht brown; irides dark. Lengtli 4| inclies : extent T-} ; wing 2| ; bill at front 10 mill. ; tall 1 § to 2 ; rarsiis | ; the ord primary equals the 4th and slight Iv exceeds the 5th. This pretty species is generally distrihuted over India durinor tlie cold weatlier, and is by no me .ns rare. I have got it frequently in Southern India, e.'^pecia.lly in the hill regions; but it is somewhat rare about Calcutta. 5 GO. Phylloscopus viridanus, Blyth. J. A. S., XII., 967— Blyth, Cat. 1106— Horsf., Cat. 528 — Phyllopneuste affinis, and P. rui'a, Blyth, olim — Abrornis tenuiceps, Hodgson. The Greenish Tree-Warbler. Descr. — Above light dull olive-green ; beneath greenish albes- cent, darker on the flanks ; a pale yellow supercilium, and an indication of a slight whitish bar on the wings, the coverts being tipped pale. Length 4| to 5 inches; extent 7^; wing 2;|- to 2^ ; bill at front 10 milL ; tail If to 2 ; tarsus |^ to |. The 1st primary is I inch ; the 2nd ^ shorter than the 3rd, which is nearly equal to the 4th and 5 th. 2 8 194 BIRDS OF INDIA. " This species," says Mr. Blyth, " is very common in Lower Bengal in the cold weather, and likewise in Nepal. The note of the bird is weak, and is expressible by the sound tiss-yip, tiss-yip, frequently uttered." I procured it in various parts of Southern India, and also at Darjeeling. It is possibly the P. trochilus, apud Gould and Adams. (Vide page 192.) 561. Phylloscopus afi&nis, Tickell. Motacilla, apud Tickell — Blyth, Cat. 1107 — and J. A. S., XVI., 442. Tickell's Tree-Warbler. Descr. — Above fuscous olive-green, with an extremely faint tawny tinge ; no pale tips to the medial wing-coverts ; supercilia, cheeks, and under parts, pale sullied greenish or oil yellow, brightest on the middle of the belly, with a slight tawny tinge in some, and the breast and flanks a little infuscated. Bill dusky above, amber colored beneath ; legs pale brownish dusky, tinged with yellow. Length 4^ inches ; extent 7 ; wing 2| ; tail If ; bill at front 9 mill. ; tarsus nearly |. The 3rd primary is equal to the 4th and 5th. The outer tail-feathers are slightly graduated. This species appears to be spread over all India, and is said by Blyth to be very common about Calcutta. It very closely resembles the next bird in coloration, but is a good deal smaller, and the yellow beneath is somewhat brighter. Mr. Atkinson lately procured a specimen in Sikhim, not far from the snows. 562. Phylloscopus indicus, Jerdon. Sylvia, apud Jeudon, Cat. 127 — Ph. griseolus, Blyth, J. A. S., XVI., 443. The Olivaceous Tree-Warbler. Descr. — Above uniform olive-grey, beneath olivaceous yellow, purest on the middle of the belly ; a clear pale yellow super- cilium. PHYLL08C0PIN.E. 195 Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath ; legs greenish brown, yellow internally and on the soles; irides dark brown. Length 5^ inches; extent 7^ ; whig 2f to 2^ ; tail 2 ; bill at front 10 mill. ; tarsus |. This Warbler is not common, but I have seen it in many parts of the country. I got it in Central India near Jaulnah, on the Northern Ghats, at Saugor, and at j\lhow. It sometimes frequents trees, but is more common in bushes and shrubs near rocks, and especially on rocky clifls, which it appears to affect much. It is by no means rare on the cliffs of the Vindhlan Mountains near i\Ihow ; and at Sauo-or, I saw and watched it for some time amonfj some low brush-wood at the foot of a high wall adjoining my house. It appears to be very rare at Calcutta, and I did not obtain it at Darjeeling. Chloropeta^ A. Smith, of S. Africa, appears nearly related to Phylloscnpus. The next group differs very slightly from Phj/Uoscopiis, but can, in general, be readily recognised by a peculiar mode of colora- tion. Gen. Reguloides, Blyth. Syn. Phyllohasileus, Caban. Bill much as in Phylloscopus, or a trifle shorter compai'atively ; wings moderately long and more pointed, the 2nd primary being very little shorter than the 4th ; tarsus and feet rather small. The birds placed under this genus, which was founded on the Regiilus modestus of Gould, are very similar in appearance and structure to the Phylloscopus group, from which they may, in general, be distinguished by a smaller size, and the head and wing- coverts being usually variegated with some light markings. They are mostly hill birds, migrating to the plains in the cold weather. The first on the list is much the largest of the group, and, but for the light marking on the head, might have been classed under Phylloscojms ; and, indeed, Mr. Blyth at one time observed that the remarkable firmness of its wings and tail is peculiar, and prohibi- tory of its association with either Reguloides or Abrornis, but he now, I believe, places it under Reguloides. 196 BIRDS OP INDIA. 563. Reguloides occipitalis, Jekdon. Pliyllopneuste, Jerdon, apud Blyth, J. A. S., XIV., 593. The Large Crowned Warbler. Descr. — Above mingled green and ashj, the latter prevailing on the back, the former on the rump, wings, and tail ; crown dusky, with whitish supercilia, and a conspicuous pale mesial line, broader and tinged with yellow at the occiput ; a very pale yellowish wing band ; the fore part of the wing brightish green, and its margin, and the axillaries pure light yellow ; lower parts albescent, mingled with yellowish, and very faintly tinged Avith ruddy ; inner webs of the three outer tail-feathers, on each side, narrowly bordered with white. Bill dusky above, yellow beneath ; legs pale brownish ; irides hazel. Length 4| inches ; wing 2f ; tail 2 ; bill at front 10 mill. ; tarsus y^. The 3rd primary is nearly as long as the 4th and 5th, and -^-^ longer than the 2nd. This, the largest species of the group, has been found rarely in different parts of the country. I got it at Nellore ; and Mr. Blyth has seen it from Dehra Dhoon, 564. Reguloides trochiloides, Sundevall. Acanthiza, apud SuNDEVALL — HoRsr., Cat. 539 — Blyth, Cat. 1096 — Pliyllopneuste reguloides, Blyth, olim. The MEDIAN Crowned Warbler. Descr. — Above dull green, yellowish on the rump and upper tail-coverts, with two conspicuous yellowish-white bars on the wings ; below albescent greenish, a little tinged with yellow ; a broad pale yellow supercilium, and above this a broad dusky band, leaving the middle line of the crown dull green, paling at the occi- put ; axillaries, and front of the wing beneath, yellow ; outer and penultimate tail-feathers with a narrow whitish margin to their inner webs. Bill dusky above, yellow beneath ; legs yellow brown ; irides dark. Length 4f to 4^ inches ; extent 1^ ; wing 2^ ; bill at front 9 mill. ; tail 1^ ; tarsus [i. PHTLLOSCOPIN^. 197 This bird inhabits the Himalayas, migrating to the plains in the cold weather. It does not appear to extend to the south of India, at least I never procured it myself, but it is said to be very common about Calcutta. 565. Reguloides proregulus, Pallas. Motacilla, apud Pallas — Horsf., Cat. 538 — Rcgulas modestus, Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 149 — R. inornatus, Blyth — Phyl- lopneuste reguloides, and P. nitidus, Hodgson. The Crowned Tree- Warbler. Descr. — Above olive-green, brightest on the rump, wings, and tail ; crown dusky, with a pale mesial line, not always very dis- tinct ; two conspicuous yellowish- white bars on the wings, the hind one the broader of the two ; and behind this is a dark patch ; ter- tiaries conspicuously margined with whitish ; secondaries and some of the primaries slightly tipped with the same ; axillaries, with the fore-part of the wing underneath, pale yellow ; supercilia and plumage beneath greenish albescent. Bill dusky above, yellow beneath ; legs pale brown ; irides dark. Length 4^ inches ; extent 6^ ; wing 2|- to 2^ ; tail 1^ to If ; bill at front 8 mill. ; tarsus |-^. This little Warl)ler, so rare in Europe, is tolerably common in most parts of India during the cold weather, and at all times on the Himalayas. I have got it at Nellore, on the Malabar Coast, in Central India, and at Darjeeling, and it also appears to be common about Calcutta. Mr. Blyth observes : — "This bird is solitary, and its song note is nearly similar to that of Phylloscopus sihilatrix of Europe, but considerably weaker." He also describes a nest which was broudit to him as that of this bird, but I cannot help thinking that the person who brought the nest was mistaken, or wished to deceive. It is very like the nest of a Nectarinia, and it is certainly unusual for this bird, or any of the tribe, to remain in the plains to breed. 566. Reguloides chloronotus, Hodgson, Abrornis, apud Hodgson, Cat. Birds Nepal, Appendix 152*- Bltyh, Cat. 1098— Horsf., Cat. 540. 198 birds of india. The Yellow-rumped Warbler. Descr. — Above dull olive-green, rump canary yellow ; a con- spicuous mesial coronal pale yellowish line; superciliary streak, extending back to nape and cheeks, also pale yellowish ; beneath, pale yellow-greenish ; the coverts distinctly tipped, and the tertiaries margined with whitish-yellow ; tail dusky, olive externally. Bill blackish above, pale at the base beneath ; legs pale brown. Length 3| inches ; Aving 1| ; bill at front 7 to 8 mill. ; tail If ; tarsus f . This species of Warbler appears to have been found in the Himalayas from Mussooree to Bootan; also in Burmah, China, and the Dehra Dhoon. I got specimens at Darjeeling. 567. Reguloides viridipennis, Blyth. J. A, S., XXIV., 278. The Green-winged Warbler. Descr. — Upper parts vivid olive-green, brightest on the margins of the wings and tail-feathers ; lower parts albescent, tinged with yellow ; crown dusky, mixed with green, with bright yellowish- white supercilia, and coronal streak continued over the occiput, the supercilia more yellowish anteriorly ; a broad pale yellow wing band, formed by the tips of the great-coverts of the secondaries ; and the smaller range of wing-coverts slightly tipped with yellowish ; tibial plumes bright yellowish ; the margin of the wing pure canary yellow. Bill dusky olive, yellow beneath ; irides brown ; legs dark brown. Length 4 inches ; wing 2 ; tail If ; tarsus f ; bill at front 8 mill. This species most nearly resembles R. chloronotus, but is readily distinguished by the ruinp being concolorous with the back. From R. proregulns, it differs by being smaller, and brighter coloured. It was originally described from the Tenasserim Hills, but I ob- tained it at Darjeeling, so it probably inhabits all the intervening Hill ranees. PHTLLOSCOPINiE. 199 568. Reguloides erochroa, Hodgson. Abromis, apud Hodgson, Gray, Cat. Birds of Nepal, Append, p. 152— A. pulchra, Hodgson, (young bird)— Blyth, Cat. 1091 — HOKSF., Cat. 533. The Bar-winged Warbler. Descr. — Above dull olive-green, Avith a trace of a light streak on the centre of the crown, and a darker greyish streak on each side of the head ; supercilia pale j'-ellowish ; orbitar feathers yellow ; the cheeks mixed yellowish and dusky green ; the lower parts of the back yellowish white, brightest on the rump and vent ; tips of the greater wing-coverts with a broad bar of yellow rufous ; quills brownish black, narrowly margined with greenish yellow ; tail slaty brown, margined with yellow-green, the three outer tail feathers wholly white, except the terminal half of the outer webs, together with the tip of the inner web of the antepenul- timate, and slightly of the penultimate feathers ; entire under parts pale greenish yellow, or albescent yellow, greenish on the flanks. Length 4 inches; wing 2^; tail IJ ; bill at front 9 mill., tarsus 1^. This well-marked species has been found in Nipal and Sikhim. I procured specimens from the neighbourhood of Darjeeling. The next group contains two Indian species, which differ from Reguloides by having the markings on the head more pronounced, and darker, and the colours more vivid. The bill too is consider- ably wider and more Fly-catcher like. Gen. CuLiciPETA, Blyth. Char. — Bill depressed, rather wide, but evenly attenuating, moderately slender, ridge of the culmen well marked; rictal bristles Avell developed ; claws longer and less curved ; otherwise as in Phylloscopus, or Reguloides. 569. Culicipeta Burkii, Burton. Sylvia, apud Burton — Blyth, Cat. 1095— Horsf., Cat. 537 — Cryptolopha auri-capilla, Swainson — Muscicapa biiineata, Lesson 200 BIRDS OF INDIA. — Neornis strigiceps, Hodgson — Acanthiza arrogans, Sundevall — Rhipidura, apud Gray, Genera of Birds, Appendix. The Black-browed Warbler. Descr. — Above briglit yellowish olive-green ; below full siskin yellow throughout ; cheeks and sides of neck yellow-green ; over each eye a broad black streak, reaching to the occiput, leaving the middle of the head greenish ; tail dusky, its middle feathers mar- gined oreen, and the inner web of the outermost feather nearly all white, also the terminal half of the next ; some have a slight yellowish wing band, others not a trace of it. Bill dusky above, beneath amber ; legs brownish yellow ; irides dark. Lengtii 4| inches ; extent G^; wing 2^-, tail If; bill at front 10 mill. ; tarsus \^. " This pretty little bird is not imcommon in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, during the cold season, and. like the rest of its tribe," says Blyth, " retires to the sub-Himalayan region to breed." Its bill, as seen above, is more decidedly of the Fly-catclier form than in any of the tribe, and Gray even classed it as a Fly-catcher. I have only procured this species near Darjeehiig. 570. Oulicipeta cantator, Tickell. Motacilla, apud Tickell — HoRSF.,Cat. 530 — BLYTHjCat. :092. The Lesser Black-browed Warbler. Descr. — Bright olive-green above, yellower on the wings and tail ; throat, cheeks, supercilia, loAver tail-coverts, and margin of the wing, bright yellow ; belly and flanks greyish white ; a very narrow yellow bar on the wing ; on each side of the crown a broad black band, and an intermediate and narrower greenish one, , becoming yellower on the occiput ; upper tertiaries slightly mar- gined at the tips with yellowish white, and the tail feathers have a very narrow yellowish white internal border. Bill light dusky above, amber beneath ; legs fleshy yellow; irides hazel Length 4^ inches; extent 6;^; wing 2^; tail If; tarsus I ; bill at front 8 or 9 mill. This very pretty Warbler is found in Nepal, Central India, Bengal, and Assam. It is rare near Calcutta. PHYLLOSCOPINiE. 201 Tickell says that it froq^ients trees in the thickest parts of the jangle, and has a loud and incessant note, ^ pin-pio.^ I did not pro- cure eitlier of the lust two species in Southern India. A nearly affined species exist in Plnjlluscopns trivii-gatus, Strick- land, from Java, figured in Jardlne's Contribution to Ornithology for 1849. Gen. Abrornis, IIodgson. Bill wider than in PhyUnscopns or Regiiloides, depressed, moderately deflected, and distinctly notched ; nostrils concealed ; a few fine rictal seta?; otherwise as in Phylloscopus. The bir>ls of this r^roup only differ structurally from the two last forms by their wider and more depressed bill ; but they have a peculiar mode of coloration, and, in this respect, divide into two lesser groups, the one with the head more or less grey, the other with the head chesnut. It is chiefly a Himalayan genus, but extends through Burmah to jMalayana. 571. Abrornis schisticeps, Hodgson. Gray, Zool. Misc. — Culicipeta, Cat. Nep. Birds, App. p. 153 — Blyth, Cat. 1093 — Horsf., Cat. 231 — A. melanotis, JjiUDON and Blyth, P. Z. S., 18G1, p. 200. The Black-eared TVarbler. Descr. — Crown, occiput and ear-coverts, greyish slate, tino-ed greenish on the head, and passing to olive-green on the shoulders and back; yellowish on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; win^s and tail dusky, margined with olive-green; the inner webs of the outer tail feathers white ; abdomen white ; a broad streak from the front above each eye, the throat, breast, and vent, brio-ht yellow ; lores, base of lower mandible, under and over the eye, and a streak below the ear-coverts, black. Bill and feet horny. Length o| inches; wing I^q', tail If; bill at front 7 mill. ; tarsus f . This species has been found in Nepal, at Mussoorie, and I pro- cured it in Sikhim, but there rare. Hutton says that it is common at Mussoorie, and breeds at about n,000 feet. It makes a round ball-like nest, with a lateral entrance, of grass, moss, wool, cotton, 2 c 202 BIRDS OF INDIA. feathers, thread, and hair, and the eggs, three in number, are pure white. 572. Abrornis xanthoschistos, Hodgson. Phyllopneuste, apud Hodgson, Cat. Nep. Birds, App. p. 151 — A. schisticeps apud Blyth, J. A. S., XIV., 592 — Blyth, Cat. 1093— HoRSF., Cat. 532. The Guky-headed Warbler. Descr. — Head, nape and upper back uniform ash-grey ; the rest of the upper pkimage bright yellow green ; the entire under parts deep yellow ; the two outer tail-feathers white on their inner web ; a whitish grey supercilium ; an ill-defined central pale streak on the middle of the head ; and two ill-defined lateral broad streaks, more dusky than the head. Length 3| ; wing 2 ; t.»il li; tarsus \\. Hodgsoii's measure- ments are rather larger. Length 4 ; wing 2~ ; tarsus f . This species has been found in Nepal, Sikhim, and Bootan, and I obtained it at Darjeeling. 573. Abrornis albo-superciliaris, Blyth. Adams' List of Birds of Cashmere, No. 113— P. Z. S., 1859, p. 182. The Whitk-browed "VVarblf.r. Descr. — 'Head, neck, and back, leaden ash, a white line over the e3'e ; rump and sides tinged with yellow ; tail olive; lower parts lively yellow ; wings brownish black, Avith the edges of the quills tinged with yellow. Bill dusk\ ; legs light hrown. Size of P. trochihts. Approxi- mates A. xanthoschUtos. Common in the woods and thickets of the lesser ranges.' Adams' description corresponds nearly witli a specimen 1 procvued at Darjeeling, and which I liad confounded witli .vantho- schistos, but the ashy hue of the head and uj^per back is much overlaid with green. It differs from what I take to be xantliosclds- tos by its larger size. Length 4^ ; wing 2\ ; tail 1| ; tarsus |. PHYLLOSCOPIN^. 203 I may remark that Gray's descv'iption oi xanthoscJiistos does not quite agree with either, as the lower part of the back is said to be rich yellow. An allied species is A. siiperciUaris, Tlckell, from Burmah. 574. Abrornis flaviventris, Jerdon. A albi^ularis, Jeiidon and Blyth, P. Z. S., 1861, p. 200. The Yellow-bei>lied Warbler. JDescr. — Ahovc yelKnvish grccii, with a nifescent tinfje on the tail leathers ; head greyi>=h, with a white superciliinn from the base of the upper mandible; lores black ; ear-covens mingled whitish and greenish ; throat and fore-neck white ; rest of lower j)arts bright }»ellow ; no trace of a band on the win-grecn on the back r^nd shoulders, the rump being tinged yellov.'ish ; wings dusky black, margined with yellow-green ; t;iil pale dusky greenisli, edged exteriorly throughout with yellowish green ; chin and throat white, the feathers of the latter black at the base ; breast bright yellow ; abdomen white ; vent yellowish. PHYLLOSCOPINiE. 205 Length 3|- inches ; whig 1| ; tail 1^ ; bill at front j\ ^^ "^ ^'^^- 5 tarsus not quit6 -f^. Eictal bristles black, strong, nearly half as long as the bill ; and the hind toe and claw long and strong. This pretty bird has been found in Nepal and Sikhim, -where I procured one or two specimens only. 578. Abrornis castaneoceps, Hodgson. Gray, Cat. Nep. Birds, App. p. 152— Blyth, J. A.S., XIV., 593— HoKsF., Cat. 541. The CnESNUT-HEADED Waubler. Descr. — Top of the head chesnut, edged by black at the sides posteriorly ; cheeks and nape cinereous ; above vernal green ; wings and coverts edged pale yellow ; greater coverts and quills dusky, edged green ; outer tail-feathers white ; chin to belly bluish white ; belly, vent, and sides of the rump, pale canary-yellow. Bill and legs pale. Length 4 inches ; wing nearly 2 ; tail -| ; bill at front 7 miU. ; tarsus f . This species has only as yet been procured in Nepal, and Sikhira, in which district I procured one or two specimens, near Darjeeling. A nearly allied species is figured in Jardine's Contributions to Ornithology, as Pycnosphrys grammicepSf Strickland, from Java. Gen. TiCKELLTA, Jerdon and Blyth. Char. — Bill flat, depressed, broad throughout, ending in a blunt point, laterally very slender and shallow ; culmen very slightly curved, faintly notched ; nostrils apert, at the anterior end of a large hollow ; rictal bristles long, slender ; wing short, rounded, the first quill graduated, 4th and 5th about equal ; tail moderate, even, or slightly rounded ; tarsus lengthened ; feet rather large ; middle and hind claws long. The sole member of this genus, whilst clearly related to the last- named species of Abrornis, has, at the same time, considerable affinity for Ort/wtomus, and more especially for O. coronatus, which it very closely resembles in coloration. 206 BIRDS OF INDIA. 579. Tickellia Hodgsoni, Moore. Abroruis. apud Moork, Hoi:sf., Cat. 679. Tnii Bkoad-billed Warbler. Descr. — Above olive-green, yellowish on the rmnp, and upper tail-covcrts ; forehead and crown deep ferruginous ; the infraorbital plumes blackish, tipped white; above and below the eyes, ear- coverts, and sides of neck, grey ; throat and breast greyish white; abdomen yellow ; wings dusky, margined with ferruginous olive- green ; tail dusky, the two outer feathers, with the whole of the inner web, white, the rest margined with olive-green. Bill liorny, yellowish at base beneath ; legs yellowish. Length 3| to 4 inches ; wing 1| to 2 ; tail If ; bill at front Z^, or 10 mill. ; tarsus \^. I procured one specimen only of this rare bird from the neigh- bourhood of Darjet-ling, and I think that Hodgson's specimens were al>o probably from Sikhim, and not from Nepal, as given by Moore. Gen. Regulus. Citar. — Bill short, straight, somewhat conic; nares protected by one or two rigid plumes ; tail of ten feathers ; otherwise as in Re(]iiloides. This genus, comprising two species from Europe, the well-known golden-crested Wrens, and other from North America, Japan, and Madeira, approximates Reguloides in the coloration of the head, which, however, is much more highly developed. The bill more- over is more conic. It is clearly related to ^Egithalus, which is usually located among* the Tits ; and these two forms may be said to join the Warblers and the Pai-ince, to which sub-family the Gold-crests perhaps more strictly belong. 580. Regulus Himalayensis, Blyth. Reg. cristatus, apud Blyth, Cat. 1113. — Gould, B. Asia, pi. The Himalayan Fire-crest. Descr. — Plumage dingy green, yellowish on the rump ; head with a central jjatch of flame color, edged with pale yellow, and tinged with a dark streak from the base of the upper mandible ; lores, supercilia, and ear-coverts, greenish grey ; wing-coverts PHTLLOSCOriN^. 207 dingy, with a few pale spots, and tipped pale ; quills dusky, yellowish externally, and with a dark spot near the middle of the wings, formed by the outer webs of the last pi imaries and secondaries ; tail dusky, edged with yellow green ; plumage beneath dingy or green- isii white. Length 4 inches ; wing 2^ to 2| ; tail If ; bill at front 8 mill. ; tarsus f . Very like lieaulns cristatus of Europe, but larger, and the flame- colored interior of the crest is more developed. The Himalayan Fire-crested Wren has only been found in the N. W. Himalayas, and, even there, apparently not very common. Sub-fam. Sylviin.e, Grey- Warblers. These are a small series of birds, with mostly grey plumage, and frequently marked with black on the head or throat ; their bill is moderately slender ; the wings rather lengthened ; the tarsus and the feet short, but strong, and with moderately curved claws. They are less insectivorous than most of the previous groups of Warblers, most of them eating freely both buds of flowers, and fruit, and hence some of them are named Becca- ficos or Fig-eaters in Italy {Ficednla, Brisson). They are mostly inhabitants of Northern Africa, the South of Europe, and Western (and perhaps Central) Asia, a few only, from the latter region, migrating, in winter, to the tropical regions of India. They are very arboreal in their habits, and in some degree, approxi- mate the Tits (PariiKe) in their habits, as in their colours. Many of them sing very sweetly. It appears undecided among Ornithologists under what generic name to rank these birds. Some call them Curruai after Bi-isson; Horsliekl, whom I shall follow hei'e, in his Catalogue places them under Stjlcin. Gray, in his List of Genera, ignores both Sylvia and Curnua, and places them under six distinct sub-genera. Gen. Sylvia, Latham. Svn. Currvca, Brisson. Ch'ir. — Bill moderate or slijj;htly lengthened and slender, with the rictal bristles almost obsolete ; wings lengthened and some- what pointed ; 1st quill minute, 2nd a little shorter than the 3rd 208 BIRDS OF INDIA. and 4tb, which are about equal ; secondaries broad ; tail slightly rounded ; tarsus moderate or short, stout and scutate ; feet strong, short; lateral toes unequal, hind toe moderate ; claws moderately curved. These birds are in some parts of the country called Pliularia, i. e., quasi ' Flower-peckers.' TJie first noticed is placed by Gray under Adophoneus, Kaup., and is distinguished by its somewhat large size, and stronger bill, but Bonaparte ranks it under Adopho- neus, and gives S. nisoria as the type. 581. Sylvia orphea, Temminck. Philomela, apud Jerdon, Cat. HO — Blyth, Cat. 1121 and 1122— Curruca Jerdoni, Blyth, J. A. S., XVI., 439— Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 119 — Pedda nulla hampa-jitta, Tel. The Large Black-capped Warblee. Descr. — Above brownish ashy, tolerably pure ashy on the nape and rump ; cap, lores, and ear-coverts, black in the male, dusky or blackish grey in the female ; beneath whitish, pure white on the throat and middle of the belly, tinged albescent on the breast ; tail blackish, the outer feathers externally wliite, for the basal two- thirds, and the next four successively less broadly tipped white ; quills dusky brown, with pale edgings. Bill blackish horny ; legs reddish brown ; irides dull greenish yellow. Length 7 inches ; wing 3 j% ; tail 2| ; bill at front j'^^ ; tarsus y^. This bird was at first thought by Blyth to be distinct from S. orphea of Southern Europe, with which I had identified it, but he has lately united them. It is not rare in Southern India during the cold weather. I have seen it at Trichinopoly, i\radras, and Nellore ; also at Jaulnah, and Mhow in Central India, whence it appears to extend tlirough the Upper Provinces, for Blyth has received it from Delhi ; but it docs not extend far to tlie Eastwards, for 1 did not see it at Saugor, and it is unknown in Bengal. It frequents groves, gardens, hedges, single trees, and even low buslies on the plains; is very active and restless, incessantly moving about from branch to branch, clinging to the twigs and SYLVIIN^. 209 feeding on various insects, grubs, and caterpillars, and ulso on flower-buds. It is sometimes seen alone, at other times two or three together. The next bird is, I presume, classed by Gray under Epilais Kaup. ; but Bonaparte places it in his genus Pymphthalma, along with S. melanocephala and S. sarda of Southern Europe. 582. Sylvia afi&nis, Blytii. J. A. S., XIV., 564, Note — Curruca cinerea, apud Jerdon, Cat. Ill — Blyth, Cat. 1124 — Nella kumpa-jitta, Tel. The Allikd Grey-warbler. Descr. — Head and neck cinereous; ears dusky; the rest of the plumage above reddish cinereous ; wings and tail brownish; outer tail feathers nearly all white, the others only tipped with white; throat white, rest of the plumage beneath white with a tinge of reddish. Bill and legs brown; irides brownish yellow. Length 6 inches ; wing 2f ; tail 2^ ; bill at front 11 mill. ; tarsus f . This species, which in my Catalogue I considered to be the White-throat of England, has been separated by Mr. Blyth. It is however nearly allied to the European bird. Like the last it is migratory, being only a cold weather visitant. It frequents similar situations and has similar habits and food, and it feeds miich on flower buds. On one occasion I found it ver}' numerous in a hedgerow in the Carnatic, and observed it feeding on the pupa? of some ants which were swarming about, to seize which it descended to the ground. I have found it in the Carnatic, at Jaulnah, and other parts of the Deccan, and also at Mhow, but no further east ; it does not appear to extend into Bengal, but probably will be found in the N. TV. Provinces. It has also been obtained in Ceylon. The following species would, I imagine, be classed by Gray under Sterparola, of which Mot. sijlvia of Linnaeus is given as the type. 583. Sylvia curruca, Gmelin. MotaclUa curruca and M. sylvlolla, Gmel. — Curruca garrula, Brisson — Jerdon, Cat. 112 — Blyth, Cat. 1125 — Horsf., Cat. 2 D 210 BIRDS OF INDIA. 543— Sykes, Cat. 76— Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 125, f. 2— Cheea in Sindli — Chinna nalla Jaimpa jitta, Tel. The LiiSSEii White-throat. Descr. — Plumage above pale reddish cinereous, chiefly ashy on the head and nape ; lores and ears dusky ash ; a faint white line from the base of the bill to the eye ; beneath white, tinged with rufescent on the neck and breast ; tail as in the last. Bill blackish, palebeneath; legs dark slaty; iridesbrownishyellow. Length 5 J inches ; wing 2| ; tail 2 ; bill at front 9 mill. ; tarsus |. The Lesser White-throat is found over the greater part of India durinsr the cold weather, and it is much more common than either of the two last species. It frequents similar localities, and has the same habits and food, feeding both on insects and flower buds, and incessantly moving about the upper and extreme branches of trees. Mr. Blyth, who observed it in Bengal, noticed that it frequent- ed Mimosa trees in small parties, and that it kept chiefly to trees. Other species of this sub-family are S. cinerea, S. leucopogon, and S. conspicillata, Europe. S. atricapilla, that well known Warbler, the Blackcap, is placed under Curruca by Bonaparte, along with S. hortenis, and 8. Ruppellii of N. E. Africa and the Greek Archi- pelago ; and there are two or three more belonging to the African Fauna. Other Sylviadean forms not alluded to previously are Cettia and Melizophilus, of Southern Europe, wdiich appear to belong to the short-winged Warblers, at all events, the latter. The Warblers may be said to be represented in the New World by the Midotiltince, but, from their colours and structure, these birds appear more allied to tlie Titmice than to the true Warblers. In Australia and Oceanica, Gerygone appears to take their place, but it is located by Bonaparte among his Acanthizece. Sub-fara. AloTAClLLiNiE, Wagtails and Pipits. Bill generally of moderate length, slender, straight, barely deflect- ed at the tip, and indistinctly nott'hed ; rictal vibrissaj minute or wanting ; wings typically long and pointed, and tlie tertiaries lengthened ; tail long ; tarsus moderately long and slender; toes mo- derate ; claws slightly curved ; the hind claw often long and straight. MOTACILLINJE. 21 1 The MotaciUiiicB comprise three groups of birds, the species of each group greatly resembling one another ; antl, in most, there is more or less -white on the outer tail-feathers. SoniH live by the sides of rivers or lakes, others in damp ground, or even marshes and irrigated fields ; others in grass meadows, and many on bare and stony plains ; a few only affect woodland situations, and perch on trees, 'i'liey live almost entirely on the ground, on which ihey run with tolerable speed, always moving by alter- nate steps, and not hopping ; and they feed chiefly on insects (which they are very dexterous in catching^ even on the wing) ; a few only, at times, partaking of seeds or grain. Their flight is graceful, strong, undulating, and tolerably rapid ; and many are highly gregarious in winter. They breed mostly on the ground, rarely on the ledge of a rock or building, and lay whitish or pale clayey-coloured eggs witli brown speckles. Some of them have a sweet song and are occasionally caged ; and many have the habit of jerking their tails up and down, which has procured for some the familiar name of Wagtails. A considerable number of the known species are migratory, visiting India and other hot countries in w^inter. They are found in all countries, but most abundant in the Old World, a few only being found in America, and still fewer in Australia and Oceanica. They may be said to approach the i^axicolina, and perhaps Accentor in ce, in this family : and their external affinities appear to lie with the 'I'hrushes on one side through the Fork-tails ; and, on the other side, with the Larks through the Pipits. The MotacillincB may be divided into — 1st. — Hill Wagtails, or Forktails, with rounded wings, and the tertials not lengthened. 2nd. — Wagtails, with lengthened tertials and unstreaked plu- mage. 3rd. — Titlarks, with streaked plumage. 1st.— Hill Wagtails. Gen. Enicurus, Temminck. Char. — Bill moderate, or lou'j, straight, stout; the culmen strongly keeled; gonys well marked, and inclining upwards; nostrils lateral, 212 BIRDS or INDIA. apert ; two or three rigid bristles at the gape ; wings moderate, rounded, with tlie 1st quill small, the 4th and 5tli sub-equal and longest; tail ftypically) long and forked; tarsus long and entire; feet moderate, ambulatory, tlae middle toe lengthened, the hind toe short; claws moderately curved. This genus is a very aberrant one, tending towards the Myiothe- rincBi and especially towards Hydrobata, and Grallina ; but also, perhiips, with affinities for Turdulus. It differs from the typical Wagtails by the stronger and more cincline bill, shorter and more rounded wings, with the tertials of the usual length, and by the strono-er tarsus and feet. Blyth and others class them with Hydro- hata and Eupetes ; but whilst allowing their affinities with those genera, on a comparison of all their characters, their more slender body, long tail, more lengthend wings, colours, mode of flight, and progression on the ground, I agree with Gray and Horsfield that they should be brought, within the limits of this sub-family, as the most aberrant group. Their plumage i"s uniformly black and white, and they all have very pale fleshy-Avhite legs. They frequent mountain streams in the forests only, and are found, v\athin our limits, in the Himalayas only, extending through the hill ranges of Assam and Burmah to the Malayan Archipelago. 584. Enicurus maculatus, Vigoes. Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi 27— Blyth, Cat. 921— Horsf., Cat. 548 — E. fuliginosus, Hodgs. (^the young) — Khanjan in the N. W. Himalayas — Oong-sam chhiy-pho, Lepch. — Chuhia leka, Bhot. The Spottkd Fork-tail. Uescr. — Broad frontal band white, the rest of the upper plumage black with white spots ; secondaries and tail black, without spots ; rump white ; the greater wing-coverts white, forming a large oblique white band, and the secondaries and tertials also white at the base, and tipped white ; primaries dusky brown, lateral tail- feathers, and the tip of the central ones, white ; neck and breast black ; abdomen and under tail-coverts white. Bill black ; feet and legs fleshy white ; irides dark brown. ienfTth 10 inches ; extent 12^ ; wing 4 ; tail 5^ to 6 ; bill at front MOTACILLINiE. 213 nearly | ; tarsus || ; the tail is very deeply forked. The young bird has the black dull and sooty, and without spots. The spotted-backed Fork-tail is found throughout the whole extent of the Himalayas, as far as Simla in the North-west, at all events, and extends into the hilly regions of Assam, Arracau, and Burraah. This beautiful AVagtail may be said to be one of the characteristic adjuncts of Himalayan scenery ; if you come suddenly on a mountain stream crossing the road or path, and still more certainly if there be a waterfall, you are sure to see one of these birds, either on the road, or on a rock in the stream. If on the road, it will at times liy before you to the next stream that crosses the path, and so on for a dozen times in succession ; but, more generally, it flies rapidly into the jungle, as you approach, and disappears up the stream, but not going far owing to the density of the jungle. I cannot say that 1 have seen them perch, but on one or two occasions, thought they did. In the larger streams they may be seen running on the shingle, at the edge of the river, but still more frequently on rocks, especially on those in the rapids that are washed over by the spray. There they pick up various small insects and larvse, which constitute their chief food. In general it is a solitary bird; occasionally two or three may be seen near each other, and, in that case, one will usually drive away the other. The nest and eggs of this bird have been brought to me, more than once, made of roots, fibres, and a little moss, with three or four eggs, greenish white, with a few rusty brown spots. The Hindustani name, Khanjan, is that usually given to the common black and white Wagtail of the plains. 585. Enicurus immaculatus, Hodgson. As. Res. XIX., 190— Blytii, Cat. 823— Hoesf,, Cat., 547. The Black-backed Fork-tail. Form as in maculatus ; colors similar, but the breast is white instead of being black, and the mantle is not spotted. Length about 8 inches, of which the tail is 4| ; wing 3| ; bill at f ront j|- ; tarsus ly^. 214 BIRDS OF INDIA. Mr. Hodgson found this species very rarely in Nepal ; and it appears to be more common in the hill ranges to the South- east, Colonel Phayre having sent specimens to the Calcutta Museum from Arracun. Horsfield gives AfFghanistan as a lo- cality, but this is probably a mistake, many of Grifiith's specimens, iindoubtedly from Assam and the Khasia Hills, being mixed up with his collections from AfFghanistan. I did not procure it at Darjeeling. 586. Enicurus schistaceus, Hodgson. As. Res. XIX., 189— Blyth, Cat. 922— HoiiSF., Cat., 546. The SlatY'Backed Fork-tail. Descr. — Head, neck, back, and flanks, dark slaty blue ; cheeks, throat, and a very narrow band round the bill, jet black ; a white frontal band above the last, from eye to eye, partially surrounding the eyes behind ; beneath, the whole body from the neck, with the rump and upper tail-coverts, white ; wings and tail as in maculatiis, but the white at the base of the quills is more extended, and shows itself as a speculum on the primaries. Bill black ; legs fleshy-white ; irides brown. Length about 10 inches by 12 in extent ; wing 3| ; tail 5^ ; tarsus 1^ ; bill at front, y^. The Slaty Enicurus is chiefly found on the larger streams, not ascending so high as E. macuhtus. I procured it both from the little and great Rungeet, but it is much rarer than the spotted- backed and the short-tailed species. It extends from Xepal to Bootan, and is also found in the Khasia hills and Burmah ; but has not been sent from the N. W. Himalayas. 587. Enicurus Scouleri, Vigors. Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 28— E. heterurus, Hodgs. — Blyth, Cat. 925 — Horsf., Cat. 550 — Oong-sumhrek-pho, Lepch. The Short-tailed Fork-tail. Descr. — Frontal band white, the rest of the head, back, and wings, black ; rump and upper tail-coverts white ; tail, with the MOTACILLIN-E. 215 central feathers black, except at the base ; the outermost white with a black tip, and the intermediate ones with the black gradually increasing to the central feathers ; a large white wing band ; chin, throat, and upper part of breast, black, the rest below white. Bill and legs black ; irides brown. Length 5^ inches ; extent 9^ ; wing 2| ; tail 2-^ ; bill at front -/^ ; tarsus 1. This little Eiiicurus, aberrant as regards the shortness of its tail, appears to be found throughout the whole extent of the Hima- layas, though nrore common in their eastern portion, for Jameson says that it is rare in the N. W. ; and Adams, who observed it in Cashmere, states that it is not nearly so common as maculatus. About Darjeeling it is far from rare, but it does not ascend the streams so high as the spotted Fork-tail, being most abundant between 2,000 and 5,000 feet of elevation. It does not affect the smaller brooks, but chiefly good sized rapid streams, and it may often be seen seated on a rock in the midst of a boiling torrent, which is now and then almost submerged by a wave ; and it feeds, almost exclusively, on rocks that are so washed over, following the retreating wave, or climbing up a slippery rock with great ease. It often contends with the plumbeous water Redstart, as already mentioned (page 143J for a choice piece of rock, and is generally vanquished by its more spirited antagonist. It feeds on various water Insects, chiefly on the larvae of various Neurop- tera that frequent the wet rockg and the edges of rapids. A nest was brought to me, said to be that of this bird, found on a ledge of rock near a stream, with three eggs, very similar to those of E, maculatus, but smaller. 588. Enicurus nigrifrons, Hodgson. Gould, P, Z. S. 1859, p. 102. The Black-fronted Foek-tail. Descr. — Above black, with the upper tail-coverts, wing-band, base of the central, and the two outer tail-feathers, entirely white ; beneath white ; the throat and breast mottled with black and white. Length 6 inches ; wing 2 j-i ; tarsus 1. 216 BIRDS OF INDIA. This species has been lately described from specimens transmit- ted from Sikliira by Mr. Hodgson, but we are ignorant of its par- ticular haunts. It differs from the last species, which it otherwise greatly resembles in size and coloration, by the forehead being black, and the throat and breast being mottled instead of pure black. This latter character however is rather a mark of nonage. Other recorded species of this genus are E. Leschenaultii, T., E. velaius, T., and E. frontalis, Bl., from Malacca and Java. E. rvfica- pillus, T., by its coloration and stronger bill, appears to belong to a distinct type, leading to the Thrushes. 2nd.— Wagtails. ' We next come to the true Wagtails, which differ from the Pipits bv their more lengthened tail which they flirt or wag up and down. Tiiey never rise singing into the air, as the last-mentioned birds do sometimes. They have a double moult. The Wagtails comprise four groups, distinguished by their mode of coloration, and the length and curvature of the hind claw. 1st. — Water Wagtails. Gen. MOTACILLA, Lin. (as restricted). Chn7\ — Bill moderate, straight, slender, compressed nt the tip which is very slightly notched ; nostrils apert ; rictus almost smooth ; wings long, pointed, with nine primary quills, the first tw^o subequal and longest; tertiaries lengthened, equal to the primaries; tail long, slender, nearly even ; tarsus moderately long, slender, obscurely scutulate; feet moderate ; hind toe short ; claws slightly curved ; hind claw small, more curved. The Water Wagtails are usually colored black and white, more or less mixed with grey, and their tails are much lengthened. Their summer plumage is usually very distinct from that of the winter, showing much more black. They are in the iiabit of frequenting the neighbourhood of water, but they also affect towns and villages. They are pretty and lively birds, and some have a sweet song. They are found throughout the Old World, and most of them are migrator}'-, one only being a permanent resident in India. BIOTACILLIN^. 217 589. Motacilla Maderaspatana, Brisson. Blytii, Cat. 7GG— HoRSF., Cat. 551— Jeiidon, Cat. 138— Gould, Birds of Asia, pi. — M. picata, Fkanklin — M. varieeneath, from the breast, white. 1 he leniale lias the bl.ick less pure. In winter the cliin, u]>per part of the throat, and some feathers just below the eye, are white. Bill and legs iihuk; iridcs dark brown. Length 8| to 9 inches; wing nearly 4 ; tail 4; bill at front f; tarsus fully 1. This is the hirgest of the group in Indi^, and it changes Its plumage in suinmer only in a trifling degree. In its mode of coloration it comes neaiest to the hnicuri, audit is not uidike M. liigiibi'is of Europe and Northern Asia. Tlie Pied Wagtail is found throughout tlio whole of India (except in lower Bengal), and in ('eylon ; but it does not appear to extend to theenst of the Bay of liengal It also occurs within the llimulayas, for I found it in Sikhim. It is most tiuly a Water-Wagtail, being rarely found excfj)t on ilie baidcs of rivers. It is usually solitary or in pairs, and it is a permanent resident in India, breeding in a hole in a pebbly bank, or under a shelf of rock, or even under a large stone in the dry lied of a rivt-r. I have seen it on the top of Government House, Madras, and had reason to believe that a pair built their nest there, as others of this group are known to do some- times in similar situations. The eir^Ts are three or four in number, pale greenish-white, with numerous light brown spots. The male has a very sweet song, and is occasionally caged at Madras and elsewhere. 2 K 218 BIRDS OF INDIA. 590. Motacilla luzoniensis, Scopoli. Blyth, Cat. 770— lIoKSF., C:.t. 553— M. alboldes Hodgs.— M. leucoiisis, Gould — Dhobin, li., i.e. washer-woinan. — Tanyzhen- fleu, Lepch. The AYhite-fackd Wagtail. Desc7\ — Tn summer plumaLre, the occiput, nape, and upper parts generally, deep black, also a large patch on the breast; a broad frontal band, sides of head (inchiding the eye), and neck, large wing-patch, the two outermost tail-feathers on each side, and the lower parts, white. In winter plumage, the back, shoulder, and rump are ashy grey, the occiput, nape, and lireast-band alone being black. The female is a trifle smaller than the male, and the black perhups not quite so deep. Bill and legs black; irides brown. Length nearly 8 inches; extent 11^; wing 3f , tail of; bill at front | : tarsus |. This and the next Wagtail may be considered the representa- tives of M. ulha, and if! Y/rrrfllioi liluro[)e. The present species is found in Noi thern India chiefly, and most abundant to the Eastward, extending to Assam, Burniah, China, and the Philippines. It is very common in Bengal, and extends north and west to Nepal, and piirt of Central Indi >, but is replaced in the >outh and west bv the next species. Adams, indeed, gives it from Cashmere and {..'-idakli, but he may not have correctly distingu shed it fiom the next bird. It affects the vicinity of houses, huts, and gardens, and rims about picking up various small insects. Its arri\-al in India, which takes place about the end of September, is looked on as the first intimation of the ensuing cold weather. ]\lost of the birds, in the north of India, have assumed their summer plumage before qiiitiing the coimtry. Swinhoe s'atos that a few pairs breed in China, but that most of them go siill further north. 591. Motacilla dukhunensis, Sykrs. Cat. 86— M. :dba, Jkrdon, Cat. l-iO— Blyth, Cat. 769— IIuitSF., Cat. yo^—Uhobin, H. MOTACILLINiE. JJ19 The Black-facild Wagtail. Def^fr. — In suminer pliiiuane, the back and sca[)uldrs pale grey ; occiput, nape, wings, and tail, lilack ; a supercilium, wing-patch, and oiiterniost tail-feathers, white; beneath, the throat, neck, and breast, black, the re>t w hite ; primaries are dusky, edged with white, and the upper tail-c<>verts a>hy, edged with black. Jn winter dress, the chin, throat, and beneath the eye, are white, leaving only a small patch of black on the breast; the occiput and nape also are grey, the white w ing-patch smaller ; the coverts and secondaries also grey, edged paler. Hill and legs black; iiides brown. Length 7^ to 8 inches ; wing 8| ; tail 4| ; bid at front rather nioie thm f-; tarsus nearly 1. This species is the veprepcntati^e in Southern and Western India, of the whit e-f. iced Wagtail, from whicli, in its winter dreout the enonaparte has separated the bird froui Java under the name of Pallenuva javensis ; Blyth, however, states that those which he has examined from all parts of Asia, Atrica, and Australia, were perfectly identical. 3rd. — Field Wagtails. Gen. BuDYTES, Cuvier. Char. — As in Motacilla, but the tertials barely so long, the tail shorter; tarsus longer and stouter ; hind toe and claw lengthened, the latter very much so, and but slightly curved. The Field Wagtails have the form of the Pipits, along tarsus, and a long, nearly straight, hind claw ; and they all have more or less yellow on their under surface. They are found in fields and pastuie lands, often in hirge flocks attending cattle whilst grazing. They are migratory, breeding in JNorthern countries, on the ground like the Pipits ; and they are said to lay similarly coloured eggs. Several species are known in the Old World, each apparently inhabiting a particular zone of longitude, and migrating South- wards in winter. They have no s-aig like Motucil/a, only a double chiirup. There are. it is believed, onl}'' two species that visit India, although the clianges of plumage of one of them arc so great, 222 BIRDS OF INDIA. that several have been recorded ; and even now there appears to be some uncertainty aliout the .changes of these and of others that visit South-eastern Europe. 59o. Budytes viridis, Gmelin. Motacilhi,apu(l Gmelin— B. beema, Sykks, Cat. 83— B.nenlecta and B. flava, JeudoN, Cat. 135 and 136 bis— B. nielanoceiihala Sykes, Cat. 84, and Jerdon, Cat. 136 -Brown, lib Zooh pi 33— Blytii, Cat. 775 and 776— Horsf., Cat 556 and 557 — B dubins, fulviventer, and schisticeps, HoDGS. — B. melanocephala, LiCHT.— RuPP. ¥. Ab. pi 33 f. 6—Pllhja, H. The Indian Field-wagtail. Descr.— The usual plumage of adult birds, in winter, is olive- green above, with a white, or oci-asionally yellow, superciliary m.irk ; beneath, the chin and thioat whitish, the rest yellow, more or less pure; wings (Uisk\ , with two dull whitish yt-Uiw cross bands, formed by the tips of ihe coverts, and the t<-rtials broadly margined wiih yellowish ; tail blark, slightly mainlined with greenish, and the two outermost feathers on each side chiefly white. At the spi'ing moult, the whole cat', lores and ear-coverts change to a bluish ash- grey, with, or without, a white or yellow sujjercilium. which how- ever is not always present, and di.-appears eventually by the change of color which takes place in the feathers themselves at a later period. The lower parts, too, become more pure and bright yellow ; the chin is white, ami the throat yelh)w, with its lateral border white, A little later in the season, the loies and ear-coverts become dariser by a change in the feathers themselves ; and finally change to deep black : and, in full breeding jtlumage, the whole cap, lores, and ear-coverts, ate dt ep black. It is not certain if the females ever assume the bhuk cap, but it is probabh- that th -y do, and the only difference between tlie sexes is stated to be the slightly duller plumage of the female. Young birds of the year are light brownish grey, purer on tlie nape and tump; wings aid tail du.^ky, the'fuiincr with two w^.ili:^h CF'SS bands; the tail darker than the wings, witii the two outermost feathers on each side nearly white ; beneath white, sometimes with MOTACILLIN^. 223 a yellowish tinge, and a few brown marks on the breast ; a white supeiciliuin always present. Bill bl .ck ; legs i.lack ; irides dusky brown. Length about 6^ inches; extent 9^; wingo^; tail-jf; bill at front /^j tarsus nearly |. Some naturalists consider that the Black-headt-d Wagtails of India i.re a distinct species from the common one, and Hursfield yet retains Sykcs' me/unurei'/ui/a, as Mr. Blyth and myself formerly did. j\Iost late writers on the ornithological Fauna of South-eastern Europe maintain ?ng^/«f;cr/>//^//a as di-iinctfrom the other European species, not, however, stating its identity with the Indi.m bird, but recordinu it to be much more rare than the grey-headed species. The distinctiims between the various closely allied races are not very exactly laid down. The species usually recognised are, J>. Riyi of Western Europe only ; />. flavtt, L. {ne. cinereo-cajiillu, Savi, from Souih-eastfrn Europe ; and the socalhd B. iDelniioccplKiln, of Lichtenstein and Riippell, from .Africa and S. Europe. Bonaparte has also B. nicfiicti/Alla {})iel(tiic(:f'/-/i(il(i, ^ ,\\), i'rojn various parts of luiiope; and M. /■elJnu/i is recorded, said to be intermediate between ciuereo-copilld, and rnr/aiinceji/tala, probably riiulis in a state of change. Of these, />. /''///«, at the bi ceding season, has the head lores, ear-coverts, pale olive, with a yellow superciliuin, chin a so yellow. B.JldVd ha.s in the bi ceiling phiiuage, the head, lores, and ear-coverts alway> grey, with a white supen-ilium, and a white chin, the throat being yellow, bordered by a white line ex- tending from the gape to beh'W the ear-coverts ; B. cinereo-capilla appears by the description n)erely to differ fromj^(/i?« by havino- no superciliary maik, and the chin and throat being always udiite ; wliilst /). ineltnocephala is stated to hstve the head black without any supercilium, and ihe tliroat yellow. B. nigricapillii is not desci ib- ed by Bona])arte. but is stateil to occur in Italy, Dalmatia, Scan- dinavia, and Lapland. Temminck states that B. fiava, of Europe, is also fouiid in Japan, in India, and the Moluccas, not, however, distinguishing it specifically from cineveo-cajiilla and melanocephala, which he gives as rac- s of fl'iva. From the description of melanocphahi of Southern Europe, there is very little doubt that it is our Indian bird, which thus appears also 224 BIRDS or INDIA. to inhabit N. Africa, South-eastern Europe, and Western Asia. "When, with the grey head, a white superciUutn be present, I do not see how it can be discriminated from fiava, but the ear- coverts and lores always appear to be a httle darker. Is it possible that those found in India with the white eyebrow may be hybrids between it •:m(\fl\ to 3| ; tail 31 ; bill at front nearly \ ; tarsus 1 ; long hind claw sometimes f of an inch. 2 r 226 BIRDS OF INDIA. This species is remarkable for tlie great length of the hind claw. It is found all over India in the cold weather, being migratory, and probably breeding in North-Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is not very abundant, and is never found in dry places like the last, but on the banks of rivers and lakes^ and more particularly in swampy ground, or in inundated rice fields, apparently affecting concealment more than the others of this group. It has been obtained in breeding plumage at Mussooree, and is then a very beautiful bird. Besides the species of Budytes already alluded to, B, oplithal- mica from N. Africa, and B. Jlaveseens, Shaw, from the Moluccas, are recorded. Does this last differ from viridis? 4th. — Garden Wagtails. Gen. Nemoricola, Blyth. Char. — General form that of Budytes, but with the short hind claw of Motacilla, and a peculiar mode of coloration. This form appears intermediate between the Wagtails and the Pipits, both in structure, coloration, and habits, in which Mr. Blyth states that it approximates the latter group, but that it does not rise singing in the air, nor indeed is it known to have a song at all. It does not appear to wag its tail. It was founded on a single species. 595. Nemoricola, indica Gmelin. Motacilla, apud Gmelin — Blyth, Cat. 765— Horsf., Cat. 560— M. variegata, Vieillot— Jekdon, Cat. 139 — Uzhalla-jitta, Tel The Black-breasted Wagtail. Descr. — Plumage above greenish olive brown ; beneath yellowish white ; supercilium white ; a double black band on the breast; the lower one not complete in the centre, which unites laterally with the upper one ; wings blackish, with two broad white bands, and a third at the base of the primaries, a fourth near the tips of tlie secondaries, continued along the edge of the longest tertiary ; tail with the middle feathers brown, the next dusky ; the outermost white, with generally a brown outer margin, and blackish base ; MOTACTLLIN.E. 227 the penultimate with white only on its terminal half. Sexes alike. Bill dusky above, lower mandible whitish ; legs whitish, tinged with purple-brown. Length 65- inches ; extent 10 ; Aving 3§- ; tail 2f ; tarsus |; hind claw not ^ inch; bill -^-(j. The black-breasted Wagtail is found throughout the whole peninsula of India, and Ceylon, but is common nowhere, and indeed rare in the South of India, in the bare table-land of Central India, and it is not recorded from the N. W. Provinces,* nor the Himalayas. It extends to Arracan, Burmah, Malacca, and some of the Malayan Islands, where it is much more common than in Conti- nental India. I have only procured it myself at Nellore, in my own garden, and on the Malabar Coast. It appears not very un- common about Calcutta, and, according to Blytli, at all seasons. It is quite a wood-loving species, never being found in the open plains, nor, that I have seen, about rivers ; being chiefly found in shady gardens and orchards, and on roads in the forests. It is usually solitary, and feeds on various insects. Layard relates of its habits in Ceylon, that it scratches among the dung of cattle in search of the larvae of insects, and hence it gets its Cinghalese name Gomarita, or dung-spreader. It has no seasonal change of color- ing, and appears to be found here, at all events in the more Northern parts of India, all the year round. The next group comprises the Pipits or Titlarks, distinguished by their lark-like plumage and habits, but with a more slender form, and much less breadth of wing. The Pipits are closely connected with the Wagtails in their general structure, elongated tertials, &c., but, in color, are nearer to the Larks, among which some of them have been placed by Swainson and others. They may, indeed, be considered as a link uniting the two tribes of Denfirostres and Conirostres. In habits they are as much like one as the other, frequenting grass meadows, fields, and open sandy plains, but not so familiar in their habits as the Wagtails. A few perch habitually on trees. They rise into the air singing, but do not ascend to any height, or sing nearly so long as the Larks ; * I cannot think that i\Ir. Pbilipps has rightly identified this bird, for he states that it frequents open fields in flocks of six or eight. 228 BIRDS OF INDIA. and their notes are feeble and monotonous. They moult in spring, but hardly change their coloring at this time, or very slightly so ; and the young of most are colored like their parents, though, in a few, the pale edgings to the feathers assimilate them to the larks. A few are migratory, others stationary. They are mostly inhabi- tants of the Old World, only one or two true Pipits being found in Australia, and in America, but there are two or three genera in the latter country, which perhaps belong to this group. The bill is thicker than in the Wagtails, elevated at the base. They live chiefly on insects, but also eat grass seeds and other small grain. There are at least three or four distant types now recognised among the Pipits. 1st. — The Tree-Pipits. Gen. PiPASTES, Kaup. Syn. Dendronantlius, Blyth. Char. — Bill short, stout ; tarsus short ; hind claw short and moderately curved. Plumage much spotted beneath. The Tree-Pipits frequent groves of trees, under which they feed ; they perch readily, and when seated, have a peculiar motion of their tail up and down. Mr. Blyth remarks that in confinement their gait and manners are very different from those of the other Pipits, being more deliberate. They are migratory, and social in the winter. 596. Pipastes agilis, Sykes. Anthus, apud Sykes, Cat. No. 88 — A maculatus, Hodgson — A. arboreus, Jerdon, Cat. 141 — Blyth, Cat. 753 — Horsf., Cat. 562 — Musarichi, Hind. — Khorasani cJmri, of some Falconers — Liku-jitta, Tel. i. e. Blind bird. The Indian Tree-Pipit. Descr. — In winter plumage, above fine greenish olive, with strongly marked dusky streaks on the crown, and some slight dark centres to the dorsal feathers ; beneath white, with a faint fulvous tinge, with large dark spots on the throat, breast, and flanks ; wing-coverts dark brown ; the median, with yellowish white tips ; MOTACILLINJE, 229 the greater coverts broadly edged with olive; the quills brown, edged with olive ; tail with the outermost feathers white terminally, and for the greater part of both webs ; the penultimate with a Avhite tip ; central feathers olive-brown ; the intermediate ones brown, with olive edgings. In summer plumage, the upper parts are more brown, and less olive, more broadly streaked with dusky centres, and the under parts always pale fulvescent, passing to white on the abdomen and lower tail-coverts. Bill dusky above, dull fleshy beneath ; legs pale fleshy brown ; irides dark brown. Length 6.7 inches; extent 11; wing 3^; tail 2| ; tarsus f\j ; bill at front /g. The Indian Tree-Pipit is very similar to its European congener, but appears to differ slightly. It is found over all India in the cold season, for it is a winter visitant only, coming early in October, and departing about the end of April. It frequents gardens, groves, thin tree-jungle ; also occasionally grain fields, beds of woody streams, &c. It is social in its habits, many being generally found together. They usually feed on the ground on various insects, and also on seeds ; but, on being disturbed, fly up at once to the nearest tree. They now and then feed on trees, hopping about the upper brandies, and occasionally snapping at an insect on the wing. It is said by the natives to kill many mosquitoes, hence some of the native names. Mr. Blyth says he has seen small parties of them flying over their haunts, in a restless unsettled way, now and then alighting on a tree, and uttering a slight chirp, and continuing this till nearly dark. Its flesh is used by Falconers as a restorative to the Bhyri, and is said to be very delicate. It is taken in numbers for the table at Calcutta, and elsewhere in Bengal, and sold as Ortolan. Colonel Sykes' remark (which must have arisen from a mistake), " Found on open stony lands," is of course, not at all applicable to this bird, and misled many in identifying this species with his description. 597. Pipastes arboreus, Bechstein. Anthus, apud Bechstein — A. trivialis, L. — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 139— Blyth, Cat. 752— Horsf., Cat. 561. 230 birds of india. The European Tree-Pipit. Descr. — Very similar to the last, but the tone of color less deep, it is less distinctly striated on the body, and more tinged with fulvescent on the throat, breast, and under parts generally. It is also somewhat smaller, the wing only measuring 3;^ ; the bill is stronger, and the hind claw slightly more curved. This species has been killed in the N. W. Provinces at Feroze- pore, Mussooree, and even in Nepal. Adams (distinguishing it from the last) says, "very common in the Lower Himalayan ranges." It is found in Europe (vdiere it breeds) ; wintering in Africa; also in all Asia, Japan, &c. It is a fine songster, and lives well in captivity. Gray, List of Birds from Molucca, P. Z. S. 1860, has A. arboreus, var., from Batchian. Is this agilis or arboreus ? 598. Pipastes montanus, Jerdon. Anthus, apud Jerdon, J. A. S., XVI., 435 — Blyth, Cat. 759— A rufescens, Jerdon, Cat. 19 L The Hill Tree-Pjpit, Descr. — Plumage olive-yellow, the feathers centered with dark brown ; beneath, and supercilium, of a light rufous or tawny tinge, darkest on the breast, which, with the flanks and abdomen, are streaked with blackish brown ; tail with the outer feathers dull fawn-white for the terminal two-thirds ; the penultimate one has the terminal third of the same hue, and both, with the antepenul- timate, have their tips white. Bill blackish ; legs pale broAvn ; irides dark brown. Length about 6|- inches ; wing 3^ ; tail 2g ; tarsus not quite 1 inch ; bill at front j*-^. Bill strong, short ; hind claw well curved, nearly -^- lono". The Hill Pipit has hitherto only been found on the top of the Neilgheiries, where it is a permanent resident, and tolerably abun- dant. It frequents grassy hills there, being very commonly found near the woods, and, on being disturbed, flying up and perching on trees. It feeds chiefly on various insects and grass seeds. I can hardly imagine that it is restricted to the limited hill plateaus of MOTACILLINiE. 231 Southern India, most of this tribe having a wide geographical dis- tribution, and I have little doubt that it will hereafter be found more widely dispersed. 2nd.— Titlarks. The next group may be specially designated as the Titlarks, in which the plumage of the young birds resembles that of young Larks, the feathers being more on less pale edged. Gen. CoRYDALLA, Vigors. Char. — Bill stout ; rictal vibrissas occasionally present ; tarsi moderately long. In these birds the spring moult scarcely causes any change of colour from the hues of winter. There are two very distinct types in this genus, the first with streaked plumage and long hind claw ; the other, with the plumage but little streaked, and a short hind claw. The first species is remarkable for its very elongated hind claw, approximating it to Macronyx of Africa. 599. Corydalia Richardi, Vieillot. Anthus, apud Vieillot— Jerdon, Cat. 142 — Blyth, Cat. 755 — HoRSF., Cat. 563 — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 135. The Large Marsh-Pjpit. Descr. — Dusky brown above, the feathers edged pale olive- brown; beneath, and supercilium, fulvous white, deeper on the breast and flanks, paler on the belly and throat, and marked on the breast and sides of the throat with a few lengthened dusky spots ; tail with the terminal two-thirds of the outermost, and nearly as much of the next, dull white, obliquely separated from the dusky colour of the base. The summer plumage is darker, the edgings more distinct. Bill dusky above, yellow at base of lower mandible, and more or less to the tip ; legs yellowish brown ; soles bright yellow ; inside of mouth also bright yellow ; irides brown. Length 7^ to 8 inches ; extent 121 ; wing of-^ ; tail 3^ ; tarsus 1;^ ; bill at front ^-^ ; hind claw -^^^ to |. The young bird has the feathers edged whitish, and is of the same tint beneatli, with very faint spots. Mr. Blyth remarks that it 232 BIRDS OF INDIA. closely resembles the only Titlark of Australia, A. australis, which however has shorter toes and claws ; but the same naturalist has procured specimens from the vicinity of Calcutta, that make an exceedingly near approach to the Australian bird, which therefore perhaps may be found in the Eastern portion of Northern and Central Asia. Bonaparte, however, I see, has C. sinensis, * like Richardi, but smaller and more rufous beneath.' This large Pipit occurs throughout the greater part of India, being only found in the cold weather, up to about the end of April. It is found from Nepal and the Himalayas to the extreme South ; more rare in Southern India, especially in the Carnatic ; but tolerably common, indeed abundant, in Lower Bengal. It is also found in Ceylon, in Burmah, aud other countries to the eastward. It always affects swampy or wet ground, grassy beds of rivers, edges of tanks, and especially wet rice fields, either singly or in small parties. Its flight is strong, elegant, and undulating, and it Hies some distance in general before it alights again. Swinhoe says that it is very ochreous on arrival in China, but that this wears off; perhaps he here alludes to the race alluded to above as Sinensis, Bonap. Out of India, it occurs in Europe, Africa and Asia generally, rare in Britain. It is brought in large numbers to the Calcutta market, aud sold as Ortolan. 600. Corydalla rufula Vieillot. Anthus, apud Vieillot — Blyth, Cat. 757 — Horsf., Cat. 566 — A. agilis, apud Jerdon, Cat. 190 —A. malaiensis, Eyton — Cichlops ubiquitarius, HoDGSON — Eugel, H., — Chacharij H., at Monghyr. Gurapa-madi jitta, Tel. The Indian Titlark. Descr. — Plumage above pale olive-brown, the feathers centered with dusky brown ; beneath earthy or fulvous white, the fulvous most developed on the breast ; chin white ; breast and sides of throat marked with dusky brown strias ; supercilium fulvous white ; outermost tail-feathers almost all white ; the penultimate white on the whole outer-web, and also a considerable portion, obliquely, of the inner web. MOTACILLINJS. 233 Bill dusky above, yellowish at base of lower mandible ; irides brown; legs lleshy yellow with a tinge of brown. Length 6^ to 6| inches ; wing 3 to 3^ ; tail 2^ to 2| ; tarsus about 1 ; bill at front f'jj. This species varies a good deal in size and proportion. Blyth says that it is almost an exact miniature of A. Rlcliardi, except in its proportionally short tail, and rather smaller feet It was generally considered the same bird as A. Malaiensis of Eyton, and to be diffused through the Malayan provinces ; but Horsfield, in his Catalogue, puts that species as distinct. Its breeding plumage does not appear to differ from the winter- dress. This is one of the most common, abundant, and generally spread birds in India, being found in every part of the country, except on the highest elevations ; and throughout most parts of Assam and Burmah. It frequents fields, compounds, and open grass plains, the sandy beds of rivers, edges of tanks, &c. It runs rapidly on the ground, and when raised, does not fly far. It feeds on insects and grass seeds. It makes its nest on the ground in April and May, under a slight prominence, or in a tuft of grass, or at the edge of a bush ; and lays three or four eggs of a greenish ground color, with numerous small brown specks, chiefly on the larger end. Its song is a mere repetition of one note, during its descent from a short flight of a few feet from the ground. 601. Corydalla striolata, Blyth. Anthus, apud Blyth, J. A. S., XVI., 435— Blyth, Cat. 758— Jerdon, 2nd Suppl. Cat. 190 bis — A. thermophjlus, Hodgson, (name only) — HoRSF., Cat. 565. The Large Titlakk. Bescr. — Very similar to A. rufulus, but larger, the markings more distinct, and the breast much more spotted, the general tinge at the same time being more fulvous. Length about 1\ inches ; wing 3| ; tail 3 ; tarsus 1^ ; hind claw \ ; bill at front nearly ^. 2 G 234 BIRDS OF INDIA. "We are not tlioroughly acquainted yet with tlie geographical distribution of this species, which might be sometimes overlooked as a Large specimen of the last. Mr. Hodgson sent it from Nepal. Blyth hrst procured it from Darjeeling, where I found it tolerably common about the Station, and in stubble fields. I also procured it in the Nellore District, in the South of India, generally near low bushy hills, not approaching houses like the last ; it is not rare at Sauo-or, in Central India, in similar localities ; and it probably will be found more or less, throughout India, durmg the cold weather. It does not breed, that 1 am aware of, in India, even at Darjeeling, coming in towards the end of September. Swinhoe records that it visits China during the winter. I know nothing further of its habits, but that it has a stronger flight than A. rufula, and frequently takes shelter imder trees or shrubs. C. Hassehi, Brehm, from Java, is recorded, perhaps the same as malayensis,\i that species be reall}^ distinct from rufula;(in^A. euonyx, Caban., may be another synonym. Blyth has also Cory- dalla infuscata, from the Philippines. 3rd Stone-pipits, or Lark Pipits. Gen. Agrodroma, Swainson. Hind claw comparatively short ; bill moderately strong ; plumage more imiform and less streaked. The Lark Pipits habitually frequent more bare, rocky, and stony ground than any of the preceding groups, and some affect chiefly mountainous or hilly regions. Besides the obsolete character of the markings of the plumage noted above, the outer tail feathers have less white, and more sullied in its tint. None of the three species inhabiting India are peculiar to it. 602. Agrodroma campestris, Lin. Alauda, apud LiNN^EUS — Blyth, Cat. 760 — A rufulus, apud Jerdon, Cat. 192 — Arufesccns, Temm. — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. m—Chillu, H. The SxoNE-ririT. Dcscr. — General tone of plumage pale rufous grey, some of the feathers, especially of the head, centred with dusky, those on the MOTACILLIN^, 235 back scarcely so at all ; beneath, and superciliary stripe, pale fawn color, whitening on the throat and vent ; breast very faintly marked with brown streaks ; a brown stripe from the gape below the ears, and another from the lower edge of the under maiidiblej down the throat of each side ; wing-coverts brown, broadly edged with pale fawn color ; the two centre feathers of the tail brown, edged with fawn, the outermost nearly all of that color ; tlie licnultimatc tipped and edged only, and the remainder deep brown. Bill horny above, pale lleshy-yellow beneath ; legs fleshy yellow, irides brown. Length nearly 7 inches ; extent 10| ; wing 3y"^ ; tail 2:]- to nearly 3 ; tarsus j| ; bill at front y^ ; hind toe and claw /jj ; the latter mucli more curved, and shorter than in C. rufula. The Stone -pipit is found in suitable places throughout India. I have found it most abundant in the Deccan, at Mhow in Central India, and on the Eastern ghauts ; it is rare in the Carnatic ; Blyth lias it from Midnapore, and the N, W. Provinces. It frequents barren, open, stony land ; and is never found in rich pastures or meadows, like C. rufula, from which it otherwise differs but little in its manners. Out of India, it occurs in parts of Eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It breeds in this country. In Palestine it is recorded as frequenting the higher plains and hills. The next two birds belong to a slightly different type. They are of large size, with plainer and less spotted plumage ; the bill is somewhat more curved towards the tip, and the hind claw is well curved. Moreover they possess a minute 1st primary, as was ascertained by Blyth, which is not present in any other of this sub-family, except in the aberrant Enicuri. I was the first to notice these birds in India, though I did not at the time consider them distinct ; but Mr. Blyth identified them with the African birds described by Riippell. 603. Agrodroma cinnamomea,, Ruppell, Anthus, apud PttiPPELL— A. similis, Jerdon, Cat. 193 (m part)— Blyth, Cat. 754 (in part;~ J liRDON, 111. Ind. Orn., pi. 45, birds of india. The Rufols Rock-pipit. Descr, — Upper parts dusky olive-brown, the feathers more or less edged with pale ferruginous, deepest on the margins of the wing-feathers ; beneath, and superciliary stripe, ferruginous, with narrow brown streaks on the foreneck and breast ; chin and throat dull white ; tail, with its outermost feathers dark, obliquely tipped for its terminal third with ruddy whitish, which extends up the narrow outer web to near its base ; and the penultimate feather is tipped, for about ^ of an inch only, with the same. Bill dusky, pale at the base of lower mandible ; legs fleshy ; irides brown. Length 8^ inches ; wing S-p^ ; tail 3^% ; tarsus ly\j ; hind toe j*^ ; hind claw y^^, considerably curved. I procured this fine Pipit on the Segoor Pass of the Neilgherries, seated on rocks by the road side, and occasionally descending to the road to feed on various insects. I believe that it breeds on the hills, for I procured one specimen in nestling plumage. It has hitherto I believe not been noticed by any other observer in this country. Out of India it is only hitherto recorded from Abyssinia, but it will probably be found in various parts of Western Asia. 604. Agrodroma sordida; Ruppell. Anthus, apud RiiPPELL, N. W. pi. 39, f. 9 — A. similis, apud Jerdon, Cat. 193 (in part) ; and Blyth, Cat. 754 (in part). The Brown Hock-pipit. Descr.— Vevy similar to the last ; colors duller, and not so ru- fous, being of a dull earthy brown, darker on the wings and tail, the feathers edged })aler ; a fawn coloured superciliary stripe, and a faint brown mandibular stripe ; beneath, the chin and throat whitish, and the rest of the body rufescent-vinous or fawn color, with a few indistinct brown blotches ; central tail-feathers dark brown ; outer ditto rufescent. Length 7^ to 8 inches ; wing nearly 4 ; tail 3^ ; bill at front f ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe and claw ^n. I procured specimens of this large Pipit at Jalna in the Dcccan, on rocky ground, and at the edge of stony ravines ; also on stony I MOTACILLINiE. 237 plains. I noticed at the time that, in their flight, they appeared to flap their winfjs more frequently than Pipits usually do. Blyth has obtained it from the N. W. Himalayas, and Hovsfield's specimens are from Shikarporc, and Kumaon. It appears to be common in the Alpine Punjab, whence specimens were sent by Mr. Theobald ; and it also inhabits Africa. Several other Tit-larks are recorded by authors from Africa, most of which appear to belong to this genus. Bonaparte has A. australis, Swainson, from Oceanica, and two other species from the same region. 4th. — True-Pipits. Gen. Anthus (as restricted). Bill and tarsus slender, and the latter short ; form lighter and more like Budytes, to which it is nearly allied ; hind claw mode- rately long, slightly curved. The True-Pipits have a greater change of plumage at the vernal moult than any of the Tit-larks, and the young resemble their parents. There are two slightly differing forms in this genus ; one typified by A. pratensis of Europe, to which the generic name Spipola, Leach, is applied by Gray ; the other, with aquaticus for its type, restricted Anthus of Gray ; but they are barely separable, the winter plumage of both being very similar. The only Indian member of this group belongs to the last. 605. Anthus cervinus, Pallas. Motacilla, apud Pallas— Blyth, Cat. 764 — A. rosaceus, Hodg- son— HoRSF., Cat. 568 — A. aquaticus, apud Blyth, olim — A. rufo-superciliaris, Blyth, J. A. S., XXIX., 105 — A. pratensis, apud Gould? and Blyth --A.japonicus, Temm. and Schlegel? The Vinous-throated Pipit. Descr. — In winter plumage, tawny brown above, with dark centres to the feathers, and two indistinct pale wing bands ; lores, face, and superciliary streak, dull ferruginous ; beneath, the chin and throat, white, bordered by a dark line ; the rest of the pluiiiage white tinged more or less with fulvous, especially on the flanks, 238 BIRDS OF INDIA. and with large oblong dark spots or blotches on the breast, upper abdomen, and flanks, disappearing on the lower bell}', vent and under tail-coverts ; the outermost tail-feather nearly half of a sullied- white color, the next with only a white spot near the tip. In summer, the chin, neck, throat, and breast become of a faint vinous or dull roseate tint, and the spots on the breast disappear, or become very faint ; the lores, supercilium, and round the eyes, partake of the same vinous tinge ; the upper plumage becomes a richer olive-brown, with dusky blotches, and the wing-bands are more conspicuous, broader, and paler ; the bend of the wing and margins of the secondaries are somewhat yellowish green, not always observable ; the axillaries, and inner margins of the wings beneath, incline to sulphur yellow. Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath ; legs brown ; irides brown. Length about 6 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 2^ ; bill at front -^q ; tarsus y| ; hind claw |, thin, and very slightly curved. In the yellowish tints on part of this bird, and its slender form there is a marked approach to Budytes. From the synonyms adopted, it will be seen that I consider Hodgson's species, adopted by Horsfield, to be the same as Pallas' bird ; and moreover, that the p7'aciates in small parties of five or six, frequenting the dense thickets and underwood that springs up wherever the forest is partially cleared. It is a shy bird, and avoids observation in general. Its food consists of berries, fruits, seeds, and insects. Now and then, duriug the winter, I have seen a party of them alirrht on a load for a few seconds, apparently pick up some gravel, and tlien hurry off into the jungle again. Its usual note is a chattering call, but in the spring the male has a very pleasing song. I got the nest and eggs repeatedly ; the nest made chiefly of grass, with roots, fibres, and fragments of moss, and usually containing three or four eggs, bluish white, with a few purple and red blotches. It is generally placed in a leafy bush, at no great height fro*m the ground. Gould, quoting from Mr. Shore's notes, says that the eggs are black spotted with yellow. This is ()f course erroneous. I have taken the nest myself on several occasions, and killed the bird; and, in every case, the eggs were colored as above. This species appears to spread over all the Himalayas ; is found from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, and higher. It is common on the Khasia Hills, and other hill ranges to the south- east ; and is said to occur also in China. I have seen it caged, and it is a lively and amusing pet. The next species differs so slightly in structure, and in its mode of coloration, that I think it barely separable. Hodgson makes it the type of his genus Mesia, subsequently Fhilocalyx and Frin- gilliparus. It has the bill a trifle longer and less curved, the tail more lengthened and even, with the outermost feathers slightly shorter. 615. Leiothrix argentauris, Hodgson. Mesia, apud Hodgsox, — Dang rapchil-pho, Lepch. The Silver-eared Hill-tit. Descr. — Top of the head black, also the lores, and a streak from the lower mandible ; back slaty, strongly tinged with green, and a 252 BIRDS OF INDIA. golden fulvous bar round the nape ; some feathers at the base of the bill golden yellow ; outer edge of the prunaries, and of the lateral tail-feathers, yellow ; upper and lower tail-coverts, and a large patch at the base of the primaries (except on the first two) and secondaries, sangineous-red ; throat and breast bright gamboge- yellow, with a red tinge, and the rest of the under parts are slaty- green, tinged with yellow. The colours fade to slaty, with a faint tinge of green, and paler beneath. Bill yellow ; legs fleshy-yellow ; irides brown. Length 7 inches ; wing 3yq ; tail 3; bill at front ^ ; tarsus 1. The female is said by flodgson to differ in the tail-coverts being fulvous yellow instead of red, but 1 found them precisely similar, the young only having those parts coloured as above. This Hill-tit is not so common at Darjeeling .is the last species, and inhabits a lower zone, from 3,000 to 6,000 feet, occasionally ascending higher. Its manners are very similar, and the nest has been brought to me, with the eggs very like those of the last, but with the spots less numerous. It is found chiefly in the S. E. Himalayas, from Nepal to Bootan, and I also found it on the Khasia Hills. Gen. Siva, Hodgson. Syn. Hennparus and loropus, Hodgson. Cha7\ — Bill more Parian, short, somewhat conic, compressed, gently curved, tip entire ; some weak rictal setse ; wings and tail less firm than in the preceding ; the tail longish, with the four central feathers square, the others graduated, all broad ; feet short, hind toe rather long ; claws vvell curved. This form is very distinct from the last, and is marked by its longer, broad tail, and Parian bill ; the head too is somewhat crested. 61G. Siva strigula, Hodgson. Blyth, Cat. 510— HoRSF., Cat. 587— Musclcapa variegata, Delessert, i\Iag. Zool. 18-46, pi. 19 — and Souv. d'un Voyage, pi. 8 — Leiothrix chrysocephala, J A PESO'S —Ile^b Urn, Lepch. The Stripe-throated Hill-tit. Desrr. — Head fully crested, dull orange ; lores and cheeks whitish or yellowish ; the body above slaty, smeared with green ; win^rs LEIOTRICHINiE. 253 black, the quill> ccli>;cpiiorii^\js'ES, Kaup. Head crested ; bill rather slender ; tail moderate ; plumage black, grey, and white. Tliis genus is founded on the P. a-istahts of Europe, and P. hicolor of N. America, which last however is now separatsd as Baolophus. The Indian species probably differ in tvpe, but I have no means of ascertaining to what extent they do so. The first species diU'ers considerably from the others, and perhaps forms a distinct group, tending towards some of the I.videa'. 637. Lophophanes dichrous, Hodgson. J. A. S. XHI. 943— HoESF., Cat. 600— Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. XL, pi. 13. The Brown-crested Tit. Descr. — Above uniform brownish grey ; occiput with a somewhat recurved long crest ; forehead and cheeks dirty white ; beneath ochreous white, passing to rufescent brown. Bill dusky bluish ; feet plumbeous ; irides brick red. Length 4^ to 5 inches; wing 2| ; tail If; bill at front not quite f ; tarsus |. This appears a rare bird in Nepal. Adams obtained, apparently, the same bird at Simla, No. 77 of his List of Birds of India, and 61 of the Birds of Cashmere. This last he shot on ' the oak-covered slopes of one of the lesser ranges near the valley of Cashmere.' 638. Lophophanes meianolophos, Vigors. Parus, apud Vigors — Gould, Cat. Llim. Birds, pi. 30, f. 2 — Blyth, Cat. 542— HoRSF., Cat. 599— Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. XL, pi 16. 2 M 274 birds of india. The Chested Black-Tit. Descr. — Above dark iron grey ; head (with a long recurved crest) black ; a large white spot on the cheeks, from the base of the lower mandible, and including the eur-coverts ; a spot on the nape also white, and the wing-coverts spotted with white ; quills and tail dusky ; chin and throat black ; the rest beneath grey, with a slight rufous tinge ; axillaries and under tail-coverts rusty. Bill blackish; legs plumbeous. Length 4;^ inches; wing 2| ; tail 1| ; bill at front 10 mill. This pretty little Tit is found chiefly in the N. W. Himalayas; it is coram.on at Simla and Mussooree, and spreads into AfFghanistan. It is not found in the S. E. Himalayas, where it is replaced by the following very closely allied species. Adams states that in Cashmere it is seen in flocks, in the forests of the valley, and the lesser ranges towards the South, and that it sometimes associates with x'Egithalus Jfammtceps. 639. Lophophanes rubidiventris, Blyth. Parus, apud Blyth, J. A. S. XVI. 445 — Blyth, Cat. 543 — HoRSF., Cat. 600 — P. melanolophos, apud Hodgson — Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. XL, pi. 14. The Kufous-bellied Crested-Tit. Descr. — Above pale rufescent grey, with a strong tinge of ferruginous on the rump ; head and crest black ; cheek spot as in the last ; wings not spotted with white ; the black on the throat is of less extent than in melanolophos, which it closely resembles in size ; but it is a somewhat larger bird, the wings measuring 2§; the feet also are stronger ; the black on the breast is of less extent ; and the bill is conspicuously larger, being 12 mill, long, and much thicker. This species has hitherto only been found in Nepal, and I did not procure it in Sikhim. The next two birds are very similar in coloring, but are distinctly larger. 640. Lophophanes rufonuchalis, Blyth. J. A. S. XVHL 810— Blyth, Cat. 541— Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. XL, pi. 15. PARINJE. 275 The Simla Black-tit. J)escr. — Daik grey, witli a rufous tinge on tlie back and belly ; the nape white, ferruginous in some ; crown of liead, (with crest) chin, throat and breast, black ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck white ; axillaries and lower tail-coverts ferruginous. Bill bhick ; legs and feet plumbeous ; irides brown. Length T)^ inches ; wing 3 ; tail 2| ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus §. This species of Tit was procured by Ilutton, near Simla, high up towards the snow line. 641. Lophophanes Beavani, Blytii. Parus, apud Blytii, in Mus. As. Soc. — IJio (asso, Lepch. The Stkhim Black-Tit. Descr. — Very similar to the last ; the grey on tlie upper parts purer, and less mixed with rufous ; the black on the throat is of much less extent, the bill is shorter and more slender, and there is no trace of rufous on the white nuchal spot; axillaries and lower tail-coverts rufous, as in all the group. Length 5 inches; wing 2^; tail 2^- ; bill at front 10 mill. This is so close to the last that I did not myself discriminate it. I procured it on Mount Tonglo, in Sikhim, at 10,000 feet elevation, where I observed it on bushy ground, in small scattered flocks. Lt. Beavan procured it in the same locality, and ]\Ir. Blyth, on seeing his specimens, considered it to be distinct fro)n the previous bird. These last four species, it may be observed, closely resemble each other in coLjrs, and chiefly differ" in the extent of the black on the throat, and the strength of the bill ; the two former species being moreover much smaller than the two last ; and, strange to say, with a corresponding difference in the size of the bill in both cases. Under the next genus, restricted Parus, I have placed all the non-crested Tits, except those classed under yEgiiliuHscus. This arrangement appears to bring together all the nearly related species, and the first two on the list closely resemble, in colora- tion, the species of Lophophanes. 276 BIRDS OF INDIA. Gen. Parus, L., (restricted). Form typical ; liead not crested ; bill usually stout and moderately short ; tail rather short. There are two or three types in this genus, even as now res- tricted, each of which is represented in India. The first is that Parus oter of Europe ; the second that of P. major ; and the third, without a representative in Europe, that of my P. nuckalis, is allied, apparently, to the African group Melaniparus. 642. Parus cemodius, Hodgson. J. A. S. XIII. 943. The Himalayan Cole-Tit. Descr. — ' Very closely allied to P. ater of Europe, but the bill decidedly more slender and compressed ; the black also descends more upon the breast, and spreads laterally, circumscribing the sides of the neck ; and the back is less tinged with olivaceous, while the belly would appear to be more rufescent than its European representative. Nepal.' Such is the description given. There is no specimen of this bird in the Museum of the Asiatic Society, nor in that of the India House. P. ater has the head, chin, and throat, black, with abroad white cheek spot, and a nuchal spot of the same color ; the back and wing-coverts bluish grey, the latter with white spots, forming two bars ; wings and tail brownish grey, the former edged with green ; the breast dull white ; belly, flanks, and under tail coverts fawn colour, tinged with green; the upper tail-coverts also greenish fawn. Bill and feet black. Leno-th 4i inches, wino" 2#. 643. Parus Atkinsoni, Jerdon. The Sikhim Cole-Tit. Descr. — Whole head, chin, and throat, black,' with the white nuchal spot and white cheek band as in ater ; upper parts dark leaden-grey, darker on the wings and tail, the former of -which is totally without white spots; beneath, from the throat, dull grey, slightly tinged with rufescent ; under tail-coverts ferruginous. PARTNJE. 277 Bill black ; legs dark plumbeous. Length 4^ inches ; wing 2f ; tail 1| ; bill at front 9 mill. ; tarsus j^j. This apparently new species differs from P. ater in the black of the throat only descending a short distance, not beyond the white neck spot, and, in this point, differs still more from amodius. It also wants the greenish tinge of ater, the lower parts are much darker; and the white bars on the wings, and tips of the tertiaries are totally wanting. This Tit was procured by jMr. Atkinson, Secretary to the Asiatic Society, in the interior of Sikhim, at a considerable elevation, not far from the snows. The next bird is somewhat of the type of P. major, of Europe. 644. Parus monticolus, Vigors. P. Z. S. 1831, 22— Gould, Cent. H. B., pi. 29. f. 2— Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. X. pi. 5 — Blyth, Cat. 536 — Hoksf., Cat. 595 — Sarak-chak-pho, Lepch. The Green-backed Tit. Descr. — Above, the head black ; checks, and a nuchal mark, white; back and rump olive-green ; wings with the lesser coverts grey, the median and greater coverts black, edged blue, and tipped with white, forming two wing bars ; quills black, edged with blue at the base, and with white terminally, and the secondaries and tertials broadly tipped with white ; tail black, bluish externally and tipped white ; neck, throat, breast, and middle of the abdomen, black ; rest of the lower parts yellow. Bill black ; legs dark plumbeous ; irides brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 2f ; tail 2^ ; bill at front 8 mill. ; tarsus j^. This is the most common species of Tit in the Himalayas, not descending lower than about 5,000 feet, and it extends to the hill ranges of Assam, being common on the top of the Khasia Hills, though not found near the station of Cherra Poonjee. It is a common and familiar bird about Darjeeling, coming into gardens ; is active and sprightly, hunting over trees, bushes, and hedges, and carefully searching the foliage, buds, and flowers, and occasionally the bark of trees, for various small insects and larvse. I have had the nest brought me, from a hole in a tree, a loose mass of feathers 278 BIRDS OF INDIA. and moss, containing five eggs, white, with numerous small red spots. P. viridesce7is, Swinhoe, from China, and l\ minor, (rould, appear to belong to the crestlcss Asiatic Tits. The next two Tits, with one of the succeeding group, are the only species found apart from the Himalayas. The first one, as far as general form and the abdominal black stripe, is much of the same type as the last bird, but diiiers in its plainer coloration. 645. Parus cinereus, Vieillot. Bltth, Cat. 537 — Horsf., Cat. 596 — P. atriceps, Horsf., L. T. XIII— Temm., pi. Col. 287, f. 2— Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. X., pi. 3 — Stkes, Cat. 95 — Jerdon, Cat. 129 — P. nipalensis, HoDGSON — P. cgesius, Tickell — Mam gangra, Beng. (B. Hamilton.) The Indian Grey-Tit. Descr. — Head, chin, throat and breast, and a line along the abdomen, black ; large cheek spot white ; plumage above bluish cinereous ; greater coverts white-tipped, forming a conspicuous wing-band ; quills dusky black, edged with pale blue, and the secondaries and tertials edged white ; beneath albescent, with a tinge of rufescent ashy, purer white on the under tail-coverts. Length nearly 6 inches ; wing 2y^^ ; tail '2-^% ; bill at front /jj ; tarsus f . This Tit extends throughout the Himalayas, from Nepal to Bootan, Assam, and through Central India, to the Neilgherries and Ceylon ; also to Java, and other Malayan isles. I have procured it on the Neilgherries, and it extends all along the ranfi^e of Western Ghats north to Candeish. I have also obtained it in the hilly regions of Nagpore, and at Sanger, and 'J'ickell got it at Chaibassa in Central India, but it does not occur in Bengal, nor to the eastward. It is a very familiar and abundant bird on the Neilgherries, with the usual habits of the tribe, entering gardens, and feeding on various small insects, and also on seeds. I once found its nest in tlie deserted Bungalow at Rallia, in the corner of the house. It was made chiefly of the down of hares I'AKix.i:. 279 {Lepiis nigricollis)., mixed with feathers, aud contained six eggs, white spotted with rusty red. Tlic next species differs remarkably in its mode of coloration, and in this respect approaches the African black Tits, formed into the genus Melaniparus, Bonap. 646. Par US nuchalis, Jkrdon. 2nd. Suppl. Cat. 129 bis— Jerdon, 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 46— Nulla patsa jitta, Tel. The White-winged Black Tit. Descr. — Above black, with a white nuchal mark; a white band across the wing, and the tertiaries broadly margined and tipped with white ; tail with the outer feathers nearly white, the next with the outer web only, and the third Avith the outer web Avhite only at its base and tip ; cheeks, sides of neck, sides of breast, and belly, and under tail-coverts, white, with a black mesial stripe from the throat to vent. Bill black; legs plumbeous; irides red brown. Length 5 inches; wing 2/^j ; tail 2 ; tarsus y^^ ; bill at front y^j. I obtained this Avell-marked species of Tit from the Eastern Ghats, west of Nellore. The Shikarees who brought it to me said that it Avas very rare. It has since been obtained by Dr. Stewart from a tope of trees near Bangalore, so that it probably will here- after be found in suitable localities on the Southern portion of the great Table-land. We lastly arrive at a group of black and yellow crested Tits. Three species from India have been determined, which were all formerly referred to P. xantltogcnys ; and there is another in Burmah. Gen. IMachlolophus, Cabanis. Char. — Structure typical; plumage much mixed with yellow and green ; head crested. Peculiar to the Indian region. 647. Machlolophus xanthogenys, Vigors. Parus, apud Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831 — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds pi. 29 f. 1 — Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. IX pi. 14 — Blyth, Cat. 538— HoRSF., Cat. 597— P. aplonotus, Bltth,J. A. S. XVI. 444. 280 birds of jndia. The Yellow-cheeked Tit, Descr. — Head, fully crested, wings and tail black, the latter tipped white, and the tertiaries laterally edged throughout with white ; nape, posterior part of crest, and a small superciliary stripe, bright yellow ; back, scapulars, and rump, light olive-green, the scapulars with a few black marks ; wing-coverts tipped with pale yellow ; the outer primaries white-edged, and with a white bar near their base, the others bluish externally ; tail dusky grey, white-tipped ; cheeks, sides of neck, sides of breast and abdomen, and under tail-coverts yellow, passing to greenish on the flanks and under tail-coverts ; lores, a stripe on each side of the neck from the eye, chin, throat, and middle of breast and abdomen, black. Bill black ; legs plumbeous ; irides light brown. Length 5;j inclies ; wing 2| ; tail 2|- ; bill at front 11 mill. ; tarsus |. This handsome species extends from the North-western Hima- layas to Nepal, but not further east, being replaced in Sikhim by the next species. Hutton says that "it is common at Mussooree throughout the year. It breeds in April ; the nest was constructed of moss, hair, and feathers, and placed at the bottom of a deep hole in the stump of an oak tree," 648. Machlolophus Jerdoni, Blyth. Parus, apud Blyth, J. A. S. XXV., p. 445 — Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. IX. pi. 16 — P. xanthogenys, apud Sykes, Cat. 96 — Jeudon, Cat. 130. The Southern yellow-Tit. Descr. — Very similar to the last (xanthogenys), but conspi- cuously larger ; has the back less tinged with yellow, being dull green wdth a slaty tinge ; the yellow portion of the plumage not so intense in hue, and the yellow sincipital streak short, and not continued forward over the eye. Bill black; legs plumbeous; irides light brown. Length 6 inches; wing 3 ; tail 2-^ ; extent 10 ; tarsus \^ ; bill at front 9 mill. , This, the southern representative of the Yellow-cheeked Tits of the Himalayas, is found on the Neilgherries, at a lower elevation than P. cinereus, never exceeding 6,000 feet ; also in Coorg, PAP.INi?^. 281 Wynaad, and all along the range of Ghats ; also in the Saugor territories, in tlie Mndhyan range of mountains near Mhow, and in the jungles South-east of Nagpore. It usually frequents open forest, and has the usual manners of its tribe. 649. Machlolophus spilinotus, Bltth. Parus, apud Blyth, J. A. S. XVIII.— Blyth, Cat. 539— HORSF., Cat. 598 — Jard., Contrib. Orn. p. 49, Avith figure — Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. IX. pi. 15. — P. xanthogenys, apud Blyth, J. A. S. XVI. 445 — Muclietink-plw^ Lepch. The Black-spotted Yellow Tit. Descr. — Very similar to P. xanthogenys^ but the back with broad, black, longitudinal spots, the yellow generally more vivid, and the posterior feathers of the crest broadly tipped with yellow ; a well marked yellow supercilium over the eye, extend- ing to the base of the bill ; lores yellow ; black neck stripe not so broad ; the black of the throat and front of the neck also not so broad, nor extending to the gape, as in the other species ; the white edging to the tertiaries less conspicuous, and white tips of the tail also are narrower. Bill black ; legs plumbeous ; irides light brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 3; tail 2^; bill at front 11 mill. ; tarsus f. This species of Tit is found in Eastern Nepal, Sikhim, and the Khasia Hills of Assam. It is not very common about Darjeeling, and is chiefly found from 4,000 to 5,500 feet ; I observed nothing peculiar in its habits. An allied species of this group occurs in Burmah, Parus suh- virich's, Tickell. The last species to be noticed is perhaps the finest of all, and is the giant of the group. It associates very naturally with the last species, but has been separated, on account of its large size, different plumage of the sexes, and slightly different style of coloring. Gen. i\lELAN0CHL0RA, Lesson. Syn. Crataionyx, Eyton. Char. — Of large size ; highly crested ; bill somewdiat length- ened ; sexes differ considerably in colours, 2 N 282 BIRDS OF INDIA. 650. Melanochlora sultanea, Hodgson. Parus, apud Hodgson, Ind. Rev. 1836— Horsf., Cat. 594— P. flavocristatus, LAFRiiSN., Mag. Zool. 1837, pi. 80— Blyth, Cat. 534 — Melanochlora Sumatrana, Lesson, Eev. Zool. — Crataiouyx flava, Eyton. — Bon ti/Ua-pho, Lepch. The Sultan Yellow-Tit. Descr. — Head above (with a long and pointed crested) yellow ; rest of the npper parts, with the throat, neck, and breast, glossy green-black ; abdomen- bright yellow, paling on the under tail- coverts. The female has the parts black that are in the male, blackish or rifle-green, and the yellow less vivid. Bill black ; legs slaty ; irides dark brown. Length 8 inches ; extent 13i ; wing 4 ; tail 3^ ; bill at front -| ; tarsus f . This magnificent Tit is only found in the warmer valleys, of the Himalayas, extending into Assam, and through Burmah to the Malayan peninsula, and even to Sumatra. It has not, I believe, been found in the N. W. Himalayas. Near Darjeeling it is com- mon in the valley of the great Rungeet, about 1,200 feet, and thence extends to about 4,000 or so. It frequents the tops of high trees, in small flocks, feeding on insects chiefly, and has a rather load note. The Lepchas told me that it bred in holes in high trees, but did not brino- the nest or esffjs. Hodgson says " it is found in the Central and Northern region of the hills, passing into the Southern in winter ; is exceedingly fond of caterpillars, and occ-asionally takes pulpy berries. There are several other Pari from Asia, chiefly from Japan and China. Numerous species of Titmice occur in Europe and Africa. The Blue-Tits have been separated as Cf/anistes, Kaup ; they are the prettiest of the tribe. The Marsh-Tit, P. palustiis, is the type of Kaup's genus Poscila, in which Bonaparte classes my P. nuchalis, Proparus vinipectiii^, and the species placed by me under ^Ei/s, founded on Si/lvia minuta, Shaw, perhaps belongs to the slender-billod 'iits, or Flower-peckers, in the last sub- family, near S(/lviparus. Sub-fam. AcCENTORlXiE. Bill straight, stout, somewhat conic, high at the base, entire, or slightly notched at the tip, which is barely bent down ; nostrils exposed ; wings moderate, more or less rounded ; tail moderate or somewhat short ; legs and feet stout, fitted both for walking and perching. The birds composing this group offer a most perplexing task to the systematic Ornithologist, both as to the position they should occupy in the natural system, and as to the extent of the division. I have placed it here as the last group of the Dentirostral tribe, and as a sub-family of the most aberrant and quasi-Conirostral family of the tooth-billed Perchers, partly because it really appears to have affinities for some of this series ; and partly because I know not where else to locate it satisfactorily. Vigors and Hors- field class it as a sub-family of the Warblers, between the Pipits and their Pipridce, our Ampelidce. Swainson places it among the Tits, with the Mniotiltinoe. Gray locates it between the SdxicolincB and Parince. Bonaparte formerly, in his Conspectus, placed it between the Pratincolce and the Si/lvicolince, but, latterly, considered it to be a sub-family of the Thrushes. Blyth in his Catalogue located it between the Buntings and the Larks; and others also look upon its nearest allies as being the Finches. It will thus be seen that most systematists have allowed it to have some near relations with the Tits, or their allies of the Ampelidee, with a tendency towards some Saxicoline and Motacilline forms. Bonaparte and Blyth may be said to represent the extreme view*, on each side. 284 BIRDS OF INDIA. The Accentors may be ?aid to have somewhat the bill of a Tit-lark, but straighter and stouter ; and the plumage of the re- stricted Accentors is much that of certain Finches ; in others it is various shades of rufous brown, either plain, or streaked above, and, almost in all cases, with some decided marking on the throat. They are chiefly terrestrial, a few climbing well on rocks ; they nidificate both in bushes or hedgerows, and on the ground ; and the eggs, of some, at least, are unspotted blue. They feed on various insects, worms, and seeds. They frequent bushy ground, hedgerows, and the like, or rocky mountains. They are sedentary, occasionally familiar, and some of them sing nicely. On the whole, their habits may be said to be a sort of mixture of that of the Finches, with certain Warblers and Tits. Of the extent of the group, there is great diversity of opinion. Gray includes in it Seiiunts, Acanthiza, Sericornis, Gerygone, and Pyrrholcemus, all Australian forms. Bona- parte (with whom Blyth is in accord on this point) considers that Cinclosoma of the same region is its nearest ally ; and also that Origma is another typical form, these composing his section AecentorecE of this sub-family; whilst his Acanthizea comprise the above last named four genera, with which he has badly associated Smicrornis, {vide vol. I. p. 376). Swainson also considers that Seiurus of America, and some of its allies, grade with the Accentors ; this form being usually considered to belong to the MotacilliiicE. Orthonyx spinicaudus, of Australia, appears nearly allied to Cinclosoma, and is probably another Accentorine type, showing, by the structure of its tail, an affinity for the Certhice. I am not sufficiently acquainted with many of these forms to enable me to form a decided opinion, but, judging from what I do know of them, I consider that the Australian Cinclosoma is very nearly related to Accentor, and that Orthonyx, Origma, Pyrrholcemus, Clithonicola, and perhaps other Australian forms, do form part of the same group ; but that some of the others such as Gerygone belong to the Acanthizece, a division of the Mniotiltince, some of which, it may be remarked, exhibit the markings of the neck and throat, which appear to be conspicuous in most members of this family. Origma Avas formerly considered [vide vol. I. page 508) to belong to the Dippers, and, indeed, there is an ACCENTORINA. 285 apparent leaning towards that family among the Accentors, as shewn in the bill of Accentor and Cinclosoma. Seiuriis of America also, and its immediate allies, perhaps ought also to enter this as a sub-division, rather than the Motacillinee. On the whole, taking into consideration the several groups of birds believed to associate naturally with it, we may look on this family as an aberrant group of birds having affinities with certain Thrushes, Saxicolines, and Wagtails on the one side, with more distant analogies for Cerfhia; and, on the other side, with the Mniotiltin(E\ and, like other of the Arnpelidce, showing a marked tendency towards some of the conirostral families. With such varied forms, and numerous affinities and ana- logies, perhaps the present place is about as appropriate as any other ; but, from these very circumstances, it probably ought to form a distinct family, placed between MotaciUina and JMniotil/incE. The only Indian member of this family is Accentor, the type of which is tlie Hedge-sparrow of Britain, A. modularis. In this country they are entirely confined to the Himalayas, and several species have been lately described. Most of them frequent the higher elevations, one species only, In winter, descending to a level of 5,000 feet, in the vicinity of Darjeeling. Gen. Accentor, Bechstein. Char. — Bill straight, conic, sharp, of moderate length, hi raliiin birds tieuerally jilaced here by Giay and others, Giaucofiis and Stiuf/iii/eu {vide page lU). Gen. Denduocitta, Gould, Char. — I)ill short or moderate, compressed, well curved from the base; nostrils small, liasal, concealed by short incumbent feaMiers; win-s short, rounded, 5th and 6th qu'lls longest, 4th, sub-equal ; secondaries nearly as long as the primaries; tail elongate, wedge- shiiped, with the two central feathers produced ; feet moderate or short, arboreal ; middle toe short, lateral toes unequal, hind toe and claw rather large. This is a peculiarly Indian tiroup, one or two species only extending into the Malayan countries. 2 R 314 BIRDS OF INDIA. 674. Dendrocitta rufa, Scopoll Corvus, apud Scopoli — Blyth, Cat. 463— Horsf., Cat. 848 — Pica vagabunda, Vieillot — Gray and Hardw., 111. Ind. Zool. 1, pi. 25 — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 42 — Jerdon, Cat. 159 — P. rufiventris, Vieillot — Maha-lat, H. i. e., Large Shrike — Kotri, H. in Bengal — Takka-chor, Beng,, i. e., Rupee thief — also HancU- cJiacha, Beng., i. e,, Pan-scraper, imitative of its cry — Malitah and Chand, Sindh — Gokurayi, Tel., vulgo, Konda-Jcati-gadu, Tel. The Common Indian Magpie. Descr. Whole head, neck, and breast, sooty brown, or blackish, deepest on the forehead, chin, and throat, and passing into dusky cinereous ; scapulars, back, and upper tail-coverts dark ferruginous; wing-coverts, and the outer web of the secondaries, light grey, almost whitish in some ; rest of the quills black ; tail ashy-grey, the feathers all broadly tipped with black, least so on the centre feathers ; beneath, from the breast, ferruginous or fulvous. Bill black ; irides blood-red ; legs dark slaty. Length 16 inches ; wing 6 ; tail 10 ; bill at front through the frontal bristles 1 ^, height ^ inch ; tarsus 1^^. The Indian Magpie is found throughout all India, from the ex- treme south to the foot of the Himalayas on the east ; but in the North-west ascending apparently to some height. It extends to Assam and even to China. Adams says that it is found in Cashmere, and that it is common on all the lesser ranges of the North-western Himalayas.* In the plains it is most common in well-wooded districts ; and, in the Carnatic, and bare table land, it is only found occasionally about the larger towns, and in hilly jungles ; but, as you go further north, it is to be seen in every grove and garden, and about every village. It occurs singly oc- casionally, very frequently in pairs, and now and then in small parties. It flies from tree to tree with a slow undulating flight. At tim€s it feeds almost exclusively upon fruit, but at other times on insects, grasshoppers, locusts, mantides, and caterpillars. The natives always assert that it destroys young birds and eggs, and * But these birds should be compared with Z>. pallida. DENDROCITTIN^. 315 consider it of the Shrike genus. j\Ir. Smith says, *' he has known this bird enter a covered verandah of a house, and nip off half a dozen young geraniums, visit a cage of small birds, begin by stealing the grain, and end by killing and eating the birds, and repeating these visits daily till destroyed." Mr. Buckland informs me that he has known it enter a verandah and catch bats. It has a variety of notes ; the usual harsh cry of the j\Iagpie ; a clear whistling, somewhat metallic call, which Suudevall syllabizes into Kohlee-oh-koor, or Kohlee-oh ; the Bengalees into '■Kotree' ; and it has also a feeble indistinct note at the pairing season, which the male utters, and the female responds to in a sort of chuckle. AVhen several pairs are together, they have a curious guttural call, which the Revd. Mr. Philipps, as quoted by Ilorsfield, says, * sounds like kakuli or keke-kak, repeated several times. ' It builds a large nest of sticks, generally on lofty trees, and lays three or four eggs of a light greenish fawn colour, sometimes with a few indistinct pale brown blotches. Buch. Hamilton says : — " The Bengalese women imagine when- ever tlicy hear this bird calling, that it forebodes the approac'n of religious mendicants, who, by partaking of the fare prepared for the family, will clean the pots used in cooking ; from which circumstance, its native name is derived" (Pan-scraper) ; hence he called it Corvus mendicarttium, or the Be^flrar's Crow. 675. Dendrocitta pallida, Blyth. J. A. S. XV. 30— Blyth, Cat. p. 336— Horsf., Cat. 849. The Pale Magpie. Descr. — Plvimage as in D. rufa, but altogether much paler ; the back and scapularics isabelline, with a shade of dusky, but devoid of any decided rufous tinge ; rump paler ; the belly, and lower tail- coverts pure isabelline, or buffy cream colour. "The hue of the lov;er parts," says Blyth, *' approaches that of the young of D. rufa, but the much firmer structure of the plumage, indicative of matiu'ity, at once distinguishes it from that species." Length 15 inches ; wing 5^ ; tail 8| ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus 1|-. This species, if really distinct from the last, has only been found in the extreme North-west Himalayas, bordering on 316 BIRDS OF INDIA. Affghanistan. It is perhaps Adams' species referred to D. rufa, as found in Cashmere. 676. Dendrocitta Sinensis, Latham. Corvus, apud Latham — Gray andHARDW., 111. Ind. Zool. 1, pi. 26— Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 43— Blyth, Cat. 464— HoRSF., Cat. 850 — Jerdon, Cat. 461 — Kokia-kak at Mussooree— Karrio-pho, Leprh — Karria/i-ban, Bhot. Thk Himalayan Magpie. Descr.— Forehead, lores, and pali;h over the eye, black ; chin, throat, and ear-coverts sooty-brown ; top of head, nape, and hind neck, bluish ashy ; mantle and scapulars earthy brown ; rump and upper tail-coverts cinereous ; wings (with their coverts) black, with a white spot, formed by a bar across the base of the pri- maries ; tail with the two centre feathers cinereous, passing into black at the tip, all the others black ; lower parts, from the throat, reddish cinereous, paling on the lower abdomen and thigh-coverts ; under tail-coverts rich chesnut. Bill horny black ; legs dusky black ; irides red brown. Length 16 inches; wing 5^; tail 8^; tarsus 1|- ; bill at front 1^, less strongly curved and hooked than in the last two. This Magpie is found throughout the Himalayas, and occurs very rarely on the hills of Southern India. 1 got a specimen, said to have been killed on the Eastern Ghats, and fancied that I saw it on the Segoor pass of the Neilgherries. Horsfield also has one specimen from Madras. On the Himalayas it is very abundant from 2,000 feet up to 7,000 feet, mostly so perhaps from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. It is found in the more open parts of the forest, -and near cultivation and villages. Like its congeners it is a noisy bird, and has a variety of notes, similar in character to those of D. rufa. It usually feeds on trees, on insects and fruit. I have, however, seen it on the ground eating grain. I have had the nest and eggs brought me at Darjeeling frequently. The nest is made of sticks and roots, and the eggs, three or four in number, are of a pale dull greenish fawn colour, with a few pale reddish brown spots and blotches, sometimes very indistinct. Hutton, wlio got the eggs at Mussooree, describes them as dull liTeenish. ash, with DENDROCITTINJi:. 317 brown blotches and spots, somcwliat thickly clustered at the larger end. It is doubtful if it is also an inhabitant of China, as its name would imply. 677. Dendrocitta frontalis, McLelland. P. Z. S. 1839— D. altirostris, Blyth, Cat. 465— HoRSF., Cat. 851 — JIamshi-bon, Lepch. — Kolio-ko, iJhot. The Black -browkd Magpie. Descr. — Forehead, top of head, ear-coverts, throat and foreneck, deep black ; wings and tail also black ; wing-coverts (except tliose of the primaries) pure ash grey; the occiput, rest of the neck, breast and belly, whitish grey ; the back, scapulars, upper and lower tail-coverts, vent and flanks, bright ferruginous or cliesnut ; the tibial feathers mixed grey and rufous. Bill and feet black; irides brown red. Length 15 inches; winy; 5^ ; tail 9^ ; bill at front I, f deep ; tarsus 1. The bill is some- what shorter, and much deeper than in the other species ; the claws too are longer. This Magpie is found only, in our province, in the vSouth-eastern Himalayas, in the east of Nepal, and in Sikhim ; it also occurs in Assam, where the original specimens were obtained. I found it near Darjeeling at from 3,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation. It is somewhat rare, though well known to the natives, and the Bhotia name, which is intended to represent the call, is curiously similar to the call of the D. riifa, as syllabized by Sundevall. It lives both on fruit, and on insects of various kinds. 678. Dendrocitta leucogastra, Gould. Trans. Zool. Soc, vol. 1., p. 89., pi. 12— Bltth, Cat. 462— HoKSF., Cat. 852 — Jekdon, Cat. 160. The Long-tailed Magpie. Descr. — Forehead, face, ears, sinciput, throat, neck^ and breast, black ; back of head and neck, white ; wings black, with a white bar in the middle, formed by a band on the primaries ,• scapulars, back, and rump, bright chcsnut bay ; upper tail-coverts whitish ; tail black, with the two outer feathers asliy grey, broadly tipped 31b BIRDS or INDIA. black, as is the half of the 5th pair, and the base of the 4th ; belly white ; lower tail-coverts pale chesnut ; bill short, not so deep as in the last ; tail very long. Bill black ; legs and feet dark plumbeous ; irides blood red. Length 19 inches ; wing 5| ; tail 12 ; bill at front 1 ; tarsus 1^^. This long»tailed Magpie, the handsomest of the tribe, is only found in some of the jungles of the Malabar Coast. I have seen it most abundant in the Wynaad ; on the slopes of the Xeilgherries up to 5,000 feet and upwards ; also in Coorg and Travancore. Those which I killed had eaten fruit only. It has a loud call like others of the genus. Another species, D. rufigastra, has lately been described by Gould from Southern Asia ; and D. occipitalis, MiilL, from Sumatra, is recorded in Bonaparte's Conspectus. Others of this/amily are 7'emia variatis, from Burmah, with ten tail feathers, the central pair enlarged at the tip, and somewhat curled up as in the Drongos ; also a new species of the same genus found by myself in Upper Pegu, Temia cucullata. Glancopis leucopterus, PI. Col. 265 ; Gl. temmirus PI. Col. 337, both from Malacca; and G. aterrinms, Temm., from Borneo, are nearly related. Ptilostomiis, from Africa, with two species, is referred here by Gray and others. Sub-fam. Fregilin^e, Swainson. Syn. Pyrrl 10 cor acinar, Gray. Bill more or less lengthened, slender and arched, slightly notched at the tip in some, and brightly coloured ; nares covered with dense silky plumes ; wings long and pointed ; tail moderately long ; tarsi stout, and lateral toes equal. This sub -family contains only two genera, both of which are European, but are also found in the higher slopes of the Hima- layas. In their habits they closely resemble Crows and Jackdaws, arc more or less gregarious, and nidificate in rocks, or on high buildings. They are nearly related to the Crows, into which they appear to grade, and should properly have followed them. Gen. Fregilus, Cuvier. Char. — Bill long, slender, arched, compressed ; the tip entire ; nostrils covered with setaceous plumes ; wings long, somewhat pointed ; 4th and oth quills longest ; tar^i strong, robust ; tail square. FREGILIN^. 319 679. Fregilus Himalayanus, Gould. p. Z. S. 1862— F. graculus, apud Blyth, Cat. 458— HoRSF.j Cat. 822. The Himalayan Chough. Descr. — Black, finely glossed with purple and green; wings and tail black. Bill and feet coral red. Length loi inches ; wing 12| ; tail 6| ; tarsus 2^ ; bill at front 2^. It differs from the European species in its larger size and longer bill. It is found on the nimala3'as in flocks, near the snows ; some of them migrating, (with the Jackdaws) to the plains of the Punjab in winter. Its call is rough and harsh. Adams found it on the mountains of Cashmere ; and it has also been sent from Nepal. Its wild excited flight, and still wilder cry, says Adams, attract the sportsman's attention. Gen. Pyruhocorax, Yieillot. Char. — Bill moderate or rather short, stronger than in Fregilus, and less curved, subulate ; the tip of the upper mandible toothed ; feet robust ; claws strong, well curved. This genus, with Glancopis and those very peculiar New Zealand birds, Creadion and Neomorpha, once referred by Bonaparte to this sub-family, are now separated by him as a distinct group of his Curvirostres, leading to the Crows. 680. Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Vieillot, Corvus pyrrhocorax, Linn. — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 218 —Blyth, Cat. 457— Horsf., Cat. 823. The Alpine Chough. Descr. — Brilliant black with iridescent tints ; wings long, nearly reaching to the end of the tail. Bill yellow; legs bright red. Length 16^ inches; wingll^; tail 7 ; bill at front If ; tarsus If. The Alpine Chough is found in the higher ranges of the Himalayas. It lives in flocks, feeds on various fruits, especially on the mulberry ; and it breeds in holes in rocks. In Europe it 320 BIRDS or INDIA. is found on the Alps and Apennines ; and it is noted by Powys as ' a ciirious, fearless, cliattering bird.' One allied species, Fregilus leucopterus, Vigors and Horsfield, is found in Australia, since separated generically as Corcorax. Podoces Pa7ideri, a remarkable bird of Northern Asia, is placed by Bonaparte in this sub-family, but by Gray in his Gorridina, and it appears to have decided affinities or analogies for the Timalincv. The only sub-family of Corvidce, not represented in India, is the Streperin^ or Piping Crows, from New Holland, NeAv Guinea, and adjacent islands. Their bill is straight, long, compressed, broadish at base and advancing on the forehead ; the tip sometimes notched, and the nostrils are linear, quite exposed, pierced in the bill. They are noisy birds, with lively manners and omnivorous habits. By their bill they appear to lead the way to the next family, the SturnincB ; and, at the same time, some of them have the habits of the Shrikes, whose place indeed, they partly take in Australia ; most of them are coloured black, or black and Avhite. Fam. Sturnid^, Starlings. Bill straight, or very slightly curved, longish, compressed, subu- late, often angulated at the base, slightly notched at the tip or entire ; wings long, rather pointed; tail moderate or short; tarsi stout, moderate ; lateral toes about equal. The Starlings are, typically, birds of moderate size, with straight pointed bills, generally dividing the feathers at the base of the bill, which advance to the nostrils on each side. They have long pointed wings, fly well, and mostly walk on the ground, like Crows, which they much resemble in habits, being often gn-oarious, and feeding alike on grain, fruit, and insects. They nidificate in holes of trees or in buildings, a few constructing large nests in trees. In captivity they are docile and intelligent and can be taught to imitate the human voice well h\ most there is little or no differ- ence between the sexes. They are divided into Stiirnince, Starlings and l^I^'-nas ; Lam- protornince, glossy Mynas, or Grakles ; Biipliagmce, Ox-peckers ; QuisculirKE, Boat-tails; Icterina, Hang-nests; and Agelaina, Maizers. The first three are peculiar to the Old World; the last three to America. STURNINJi:. 321 The Starlings may be i^aid to grade from the Crows through the Australian Piping-crows, some of which much resemble large Star- lings. On the other side they pass into tlie Finches, through the shorter-billed Agelaiii(e, or ^luizers of America, such as Dotlchouyx and others. Sub-fam. Sturnin^. Bill moderately long, compressed, straight, or slightly curved, entire in most ; commissure usually angulated, or bent down towards the base; frontal plumes soft, dense, covering the base of the bill, which is prolonged backwards between the plumes ; wings with the 2nd primary usually longest; the tail short, even, or slightly rounded; tarsus moderately long, stout. Tins family comprises the Starlings of the Old Continent, and the Mynas of India, a group considerably developed throughout the Indian region. They are all more or le, which is composed of but a single species, witli somewhat the form of Temenuchus, has the gregarious habits of the true Starlincrs and JNIynas, and is more a grain and fruit eater perhaps than others of this family. 690. Pastor roseus, LiNNiEus. Turdus, apud Linn^us — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 212 — Sykes, Cat. 115 — Jerdon, Cat. 167 — Blyth, Cat. 593 — Horsf., Cat. 811 — T. suratensis, Gmel. — Golabi maina, H. in the North — Tihjer, H. in the South — Pariki-pitta, Tel., — Palisa, Tel., of some Sura kuravi, Tarn. — f^ya, in Sindh — Cholum bird of Europeans in Madras. The Rose-golored Starling. Descr.' — Whole head, with crest, neck, and breast, fine glossy black, with purple reflections ; wings and tail black with a green gloss ; rest of the plumage pale salmon or light rose color. Young birds have the rose color much dashed with pale brown and fuscous, and the head not so glossy ; and the young of the year are more or less earthy brown, paler beneath, and without a crest. Bill orange yellow at the base, then pinkish, and brown at the tip ; irides deep brown ; legs dusky reddish. Length 9^ inches ; wing 5\', tail 3 ; bill at front ^^; tarsus If-^. The tongue is bifid at the end and somewhat fringed. The Rose-colored Starling is found throughout the greater part of India, most abundant in the South and South-west, rare towards the North and North-east, and, apparently, not known in Assam and Burmah, unless P. Peguanus, Lesson, be the immature state of this bird. It usually makes its appearance in the Deccan and Carnatic about November, associating in vast flocks, and committing great devastations on the grain fields, more especially on those of the Cholum or Jowaree (Andropogon sorc/hus), whence its familiar name in the South. Mr. Elliot, in his MSS. Notes, quoted in my Catalogue, says: "Is very voracious and injurious to the crops of white Jowaree, in the fields of which the farmer is obliged to station r»34 BXUDS OF INDIA. numerous watchers, who, with slings and a long rope or thong, which they crack dexterously, making a loud report^ endeavour to drive the depredators away. The moment the sun appear above the horizon they are on the wing, and at the same instant, shouts, cries, and the cracking of the long Avhips, resound from every side. The Tillyers, however, are so active that if thej are able to alight on the stalks for an instant, they can pick out several srains. About 9 or 10 o'clock A. m., the exertions of the watch- men cease, and the Tillyers do not renew their plundering till evenino-. After sunset they are seen in flocks of many thousands retiring to tlie trees and jungles for the night. They prefer the half ripe Jowaree whilst the farinaceous matter is still soft and milky." When they can no longer get grain, they feed on various grass and other seeds, flower-buds, fruit, and also on insects, seek- ing them on the ground, but rarely seen with cattle in India. Their Teluo-u name is derived from the name of a plant whose fruit they are particularly fond of. Mr. Blyth remarks that " they visit the neighbourhood of Calcutta only at the end of the cool season, when flocks of them are not unfrequeaily observed upon the arboreal cotton tree then in bloom." Burgess states that he has seen them busily feeding on the flowers of the leafless Caper, a shrub very common in the Deccan on the banks of the larger rivers. Dr. Adams says that " it is very abundant in the Punjab, committinggreat havoc on the grain there." In tlic North-west of India, and in Aifghanistan, they devour large quantities of Mulberries in spring, hence called the ^Mulberry-bird' in the North-west, disappearing afterwards. They at times, how- ever, feed much on insects, and are called the ' locust-eater' in Persia, according to Chesney. They do not breed in this country, quitting the South of India in March, but lingering in the North a month or so longer. It is ascertained that they breed in vast numbers in Syria, and other parts of Western Asia, in rocky cliffs. Buropess states his belief that thev breed in India somewhere, and was informed by a native that they do breed in tlie Ghats. This however is, doubtless, totally without foundation. Mr. Layard states that one year he saw large flocks of these birds in July, that they remained only a week and then disappeared. Ihey were entirely STURNINyE. 335 unknown to the Natives. Burgess also states that in 1850, towards the end of August, he saw a large flock of the Rose-color- ed Starlings feeding on insects in an open field. These intances of their appearing so early are very unusual, and more especially their occurrence in Ceylon in July, by which time the young could only have been just fairly fledged. Most of the birds met with in India are, of course, young birds in imperfect plumage. Suh-fam. Lampuotornin!^, Grakles or Hill Mynas. Syn. Ptilinorhynchin<2, Gray and Horsfield — JEulabetinee^ Horsf. — Graciilince, apud Gray. Bill somewhat stout, the ridge more or less curved and hooked, and the tip notched; nostrils more or less hidden by the close set frontal plumes ; wings long or moderate, and p'ointed ; tarsus short and stout. The Grakles are birds of usually glossy plumage, found in the warm regions of the Old Continent. Many arc found in Africa, a few in India and Malay ana. They are more or less gregarious, live chiefly on fruit, and nestle, in general, in holes of trees or in rocks. Many feed habitually on the ground, associating with cattle ; others are more arboreal. The glossy Mynas of India comprise two very distinct forms, one with rather slender bill, of delicate conformation, consistino- of a single species ; the other of robust make, with strong beaks, and furnished with prominent wattles, the Hill .Mynas. They are both strictly arboreal in their habits, living, in forests, on fruit, and nidifi- cating in holes of trees. In his List of Genera, Gray places these birds respectively under Jiddinm and Eulabetince, the first includino- Sai-aglossa, Calornis, and some other Eastern forms, and all the African Mynas ; the second our Hill Mynas and one or two allied genera. G. R. Gray in his Genera included the former ftocrether "with the Bower birds of Australia), under his Ptilinorhynchinci', and the latter under Eulabetince. The Indian members of this group do not appear to associate very well with the African ones, in spite of some resemblance of plumage, and perhaps ought to form a distinct division. They evidently grade to the true Mynas through Calornis, 336 BIRDS OF INDIA. Gen. Saraglossa, Hodgson. Char. — Bill rather long, straight at the base and depressed, com- pressed at the tip; culmen ridged, curved, and slightly hooked; gonys nearly straight; nostrils apert, but the frontal plumes descending over the base of the bill, which does not divide the frontal plumes; wings pointed, the first three nearly ec^ual ; tail firm, short, sub-furcate or nearly even ; legs and feet strong and arboreal ; nails acute and well curved. The founder of this genus states that he considered it to be a ' Sturnideous bird with Melliphagous adaptations,' and compares its bill with that of Phyllornis. It is generally classed among the Lamprotorn'uKB, but appears to be a somewhat anomalous form of this sub-family. 691. Saraglossa spiloptera; Vigors. Lamprotornis, apud Vigors, P. Z. S. 1831 — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 34— Blyth, Cat. 582— Horsf., Cat. 816— Pm/i at Mussooree. The Spotted-winged Stare. Descr. — Above pale plumbeous, the feathers tipped with dusky, giving it a speckled and Stare-like appearance ; upper tail-coverts tinged with rufescent brown ; quills and primary coverts glossy green black, with a white spot at the base of the primaries ; tail deep brown ; beneath, the chin and throat, deep chesnut rufous ; some of the feathers tipped with glossy grey, the rest white, deeply tinged with rufous on the abdomen and flanks. Bill dusky horny ; legs brown ; irides white. Length 8 inches, wing 4| ; tail 2\ ; bill at front | ; tarsus |. This bird is found only in the Western and Central Himalayas. It is not known in Sikhim. It frequents the valleys about Simla and Mussooree, up to 6,000 feet, lives in small flocks of five or six ; its note and flight, says Hutton, " are very much like those of Sturnus vulgaris, and it delights to perch on the very summit of the forest trees. I have never seen it on the ground, and its food appears to consist of berries. It nidificates in the holes of trees, lining the cavity with bits of leaves cut by itself; the eggs are usually three LAMPKOTORNINiE. 337 to five, of a delicate pale sea green, speckled with blood-like stains, which sometimes tend to form a ring near the larger end. Dr. Adams says that it frequents rice fields, or the sides of mountain streams, and that it is shy and timid. Turdus madagascaviensis, Gmel., figd. P. E. 557-1, is referred here by Gray, but evidently belongs to a very diflPerent family {vide page 79). The next birds are the glos^^y or Hill Mynas of India, compris- inor four distinct races, one from the south of India, another from Ceylon, a third from the Himalayas and Burmah, and the last from Malay ana. Gen. EuLABES, Cuvier. Syn. Gracula, L. (in part), and Swainson — Mainatus, Lesson — Maina, Hodgson. Char. — Bill short or moderate, stout, compressed ; culmen gradu- ally curved ; tip notched ; nostrils basal, lateral, placed in a plumed fossa; under mandible Avith the base broad and dilated ; frontal feathers short, velvety, advancing on base of bill ; head with naked wattles ; wings long, 4th quill longest, 1st short; tail short, even ; feet strong ; tarsus equal to the middle toe ; outer toe slightly longer than inner one ; claws well curved ; hind toe and claw large. The Hill INIynas are well known birds of fine glossy plumage, and with prominent yellow wattles. They are readily tamed, and can be taught to repeat words very distinctly. They are entirely frugivorous in their habits. They progress on the ground by hopping only, not by alternate steps as the true Mynas. 692. Eulabes religiosa, LiNNiEus. Gracula, apud Linn^ds — Jerdon, Cat. 168 — Blyth, Cat. 571 — HoRSF., Cat. 796 — Edwards, Birds, ph 17 (the upper figure) — Eul. indicus, CuviER — Gracula minor, Jerdon, 2nd Supph Cat. IQ'^^Kohd maina, H. in the South — Konda (jorinka, Tel. Thf, Southern Hill Myna. Descr. — General plumage glossy purplish black, with green reflections on the lower back and upper tail-coverts ; beneath less 2 u 338 BIRDS OF INDIA. brio'htly glossed ; wings and tiiil coal black without reflections ; a white spot on the first seven primaries, forming a conspicuous wing-spot. The wattles on the head commence below each eye, are crossed at the lower posterior angle of the eye by a triangular patch of minute feathers, pass bej'ond the ear, where they form a rather large loose flap, or lappet, and then return in a narrow stripe to the top of the head. There is also a small nude patch below the eye. Bill orange ; wattles deep yellow ; irides dark brown ; legs deep yellow. Length 10 inches; extent 18^ ; wing 5j\; tall 2j5y : bill at front 1 ; height f ; tarsus ly-^^. The Hill Myna of Southern India is found in the forests of Malabar from Travancore up to North Lat. 16° or 17°, most abundant parhaps on the Ghats, and especially in the Wynaad, Coorg, and other elevated districts, up to 3,000 feet or so. It also occurs in the thick forests of the Northern Circars, as far as Goomsoor, extending west into the wooded portion of the Nagpore territories. It is stated also to be found in Ceylon, where, however, another species occurs. It is somewhat locally distributed, the birds appearing to congregate in certain spots. It is found at times in small parties of five or six or more, sometimes in large flocks; and, during the cold weather, at all events, they appear to roost in company, in great numbers, especially on bamboos along the edges of mountain streams. It appears, as far as I have observed, in a wild state, to feed exclusively on fruit and berries of various kinds. The song of this bird is very rich, varied and pleasing ; but it has some harsh notes also. It breeds in holes of trees, but I never saw the eggs, though I have had the young brought to me in the Wynaad. It is occasionally taken when young and caged, but less frequently than would be the case were it a denizen of Northern India, the birds in confinement being usually those of the next species brought from the North. It was most probably by confounding it with Acridotlieres tristis, that Linnajus was led to call this bird religiosa, for I never heard of its being held at all sacred. LAMPROTORNINJ!. 339 693. Eulabes intermedia, A. Hay. Gracula, apud Hay, Madras Journal, XUI. ]56, and J. A. S. XV. 32. — G. religiosa, apud Sundevall — Blyth, Cat. 570 — HoKSF., Cat. 797. — Paharia-maina, H. The Nepal Hill Myna. Descr. — Larger than the last, but the colors similar. The bill is larger, deeper, and stronger, and much wider at tlie base, and less flattened ; the naked skin is broader where it begins below the eye, and the patch of feathers is differently shaped ; the loose flap too is smaller, and it is not continued back to the top of the head. Bill deep orange ; wattles bright yellow ; irides dark brown ; legs dusky yellow. Length 10| inches ; wing 6^; tail not quite 3; tarsus 1^ ; bill at front 1 ; height ^. The Hill j\Iyna of Northern India is found all along the lower ranges of the Himalayas, extending into Assam and Burmah, as far as Tenasserim certainly. It does not ascend to an}- height on the Himalayas, keeping to the Terai, and the warmer valleys. Its habits and manners do not differ from those of the last. It is taken, when young, in large numbers, in the Nepal Terai, and other parts, and sold at IMonghyr and elsewhere. It is easily tamed, and learns to speak with great facility and accuracy. E. ijtilogenys, Blyth, from Ceylon, differs in only having the loose flap of skin, the rest of the cheeks being feathered. E. javanensis is found in the Nicobars, Malacca, and the islands. It is still larger than the Nepal bird, and has a stronger bill, about — inch deep, with the wattles less developed, but the lappets larger. Bonaparte has Grac venerafa, Temm., from Sumbava, with a lengthened and slender bill. An interesting form, nearly rela- ted, is found in Burmah, Ampeliceps coronatus, Blyth. It has the top of the head and throat yellow, as well as the wing-spot. Other allied forms are Mhw, from New Guinea, barely distinct from Eulabes ; and Gymnops, from the Philij)pines ; and those very remarkable birds, Eiwdes erythroplirys^ and perhaps Scissirostrum 340 BIRDS OF INDIA. Poqei, the former from Java, and the latter from Celebes, appear to belong to this sub-family. Basilnmis, or the crested IVlynas, from Malayana, are usually placed near the Hill Mynas. Calornis may be said to be the Malayan representative of the African Lamprotornis. One S()ecies, L. cantor, Gmel. {chalybceus Horsf. — ajfinis, Hay) is recorded, from Tipperah, Burmah, and Malacca. Another species, Calornis dauricus, Pallas, is quite interme- diate, both in color and structure, between the glossy Mynas and the grey Mynas ( Temenuchus) ; it extends from Malayana into China and (Jentral Asia ; and Heterornis pyrrhogenys, Miill., and Pastor rnficolUs, Wagler, are nearly allied species from Borneo, Japan, and the Philippines. Several others allied to cantor are recorded from the Malayan isles and Oceanica. The rest of this sub-family are chiefly African. They are showy birds, with rich glossy plumage, of moderate size, and often with leno-thened tails. They live in flocks, eat both fruit and insects, and often perch on the backs of cattle. One of these birds, Amydus Tristrami, figured by Gould, Birds of Asia, XI. pi. 9, occurs in Palestine. Bupliagince, or the Oxpeckers, are a purely African tribe, whose position has been a subject of much doubt. They are a singular group, comprising only two species, with short, stout, somewhat curved bills, short but stout feet, with strongly curved claws. They are of plain and sombre plumage, and perch a good deal on the backs of cattle, camels, and rhinoceros, &c.; and are said to extract the larvnj of botflies and ticks from the skins of those animals. The remaining families of the Sturnince are strictly American. Some, Quiscalince, have long graduated tails, with the sides curved upwards, whence called Boat-tails. Their bill is long, straight, with the nostrils placed in triangular grooves, pointed wings, and a long hind toe, with curved claw ; their plumage is usually glossy black, mixed Avith chesnut. They live in troops, feeding alike on grain and insects, and nestle in society, forming nests of mud, lined with grass and hair. The Icterince, or Hang-nests, chiefly differ from the last in want- ing their boat-like tail; they are often adorned with yellow FRINGILLID^. 341 and black colors, and build long pendulous nests, open lU the top, in company. Another group, the Agelaiance, or Maize-birds, are usually clad with orange or scarlet and black. They are of smaller size, have shorter bills than the last family, are very destructive to grain, and evidently grade into the FringilliJa. Among them is the celebrated Cow-bird of the United States, the only bird besides the Cuckoos that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. It is the Molothrus pecoris, Auct. Certain birds of New Zealand and Oceanica, Aplonis, Gould, and Creadion, Vieillot, are generally considered, and, perhaps correctly, to belong to the Starling family ; but the Bower-birds of Australia, PtilinorliynchincB, placed here by some, are very doubtful members of this division, and, perhaps, belong to a particular section of the Birds of Paradise, as suggested by Blyth, which, as already noticed, used to be placed among the Conirostres, and are so still by many. These Bower-birds and Satin-birds, Chlamydera and Plilino- rhyiichus, are birds about the size of a Myna, and are noted for the remarkable bower-like structure they make, and adorn with shells, pebbles, small bones, and feathers ; and which does not appear to serve for nidification, but simply for amusement, or a place of resort for both sexes, which run through and around the bower in a sportive and plaintive manner. Fara. Fringillid^. Bill short, thick, and conic ; wings usually long, pointed ; tail moderate, even, forked in most; tarsus moderate or short; feet suited both for perching and terrestrial habits ; of small size. The Finches comprise a very large number of small birds, with thick conical bills, which live for the most part on seeds, and many are well known and familiar birds. They exhibit a great variety of structure, varying much in the strength and thickness of the bill. The tongue is somewhat more fleshy than in most Insessores (except Parrots), but horny at the tip. The bill is u?ually entire, more or less notched in one sub-family. The oesopha- o-us is dilated into a craw or crop, in which the food is allowed 342 BIRDS OF INDIA. to remain awhile, and undergo maceration, before passing into the powerful and muscular gizzard, required in these birds that live so much on hard grain. They are usually very active on the win. I have generally found that the Baya lays only two eggs, which are long, cylindrical, and pure white, but other observers record a larger number. Sundcvall states that he found three in one nest. Layard says from two to four ; Burgess six to eight ; TicUell six to ten. Blyth thinks that four or five is the most usual number. From many observations, I consider two to be the usual number, but have found three occasionally. In those exceptional instances, wliere six or more eggs have been found, I imagine they must have been the produce of more than one bird. The Baya, is stated not to use the same nest for two years consecu- tively, and this I can quite understand, without having actually observed it. The Baya is frequently taken wlien young, tamed, and tauo-ht to pick up rings, or such like aiticles, dropped down a well ; or to snatch the Ticca mark off the forehead of a person point-d out. It is also taught occasionally to carry a note to a particular place,, on a given signal. jNIr. Blyth, in an unpublished paper, has the following interesting account of some of this bird's perfor- mances : " The truth is that the feats performed by trained Bayas are really very wonderful, and must be witnessed to be fully credited. Exhibitors carry them about, we believe, to all parts of the country ; and the usual procedure is, when ladies are present, for the bird, on a sign from its master, to take a cardamom or sweetmeat, in its bill, and deposit it between a lady's lips, and repeat this offering to every lady present; the bird followino- the look and gesture of its master. A miniature cannon is then brought, which the bird loads with coarse grains of powder one by one, or more conrmonly with small balls of powder made up for the purpose; it next seizes and skilfully uses a small ramrod; and then takes a lighted match from its master which it applies 'MS P.IPvDS OF INDIA. to the touch-hole. All this we have personally witnessed in common with most persons who have resided in or even visited India; and \ve have seen the little bird apply the match five or six times successively before the powder ignited, which it finally did with a report loud enough to alarm all the crows in the neio'hbourhood, while the little Baya remained perched on the gun, apparently quite elated with its performance." Captain Tytler mentions also " the twirling of a stick with a ball of fire at each end. This the bird turns in several ways round its head, making luminous circlets in imitation of a native practice ; the stick being held by the beak in the middle." In an ordinary cage or aviary, they will employ themselves constantly, if allowed the chance, in intertwining thread or fibres with the wires of their prison, merely gratifying the constructive propensit}', with apparently no further object ; unless, indeed, the sexes are matched, when they breed very readily in captivity ; of course, provided they are allowed sufficient room, as in a spacious aviary. This bird has currently passed as P. pJiilippinus, Auct., but on a reference to the figure in the PI. Enl. of Buflfon, the type of that species, I am convinced that it refers to the species named hypoxantha by Daudin. 695. Ploceus manyar, Horsfield. Fringilla, apud Horsfield — BLYTH,Cat. 615 — HoRSF.,Cat. 783 — Jerdon, 2nd Suppl. Cat. 170 — Euplectes flaviceps, Swainsox — E. striatus, Bltth, — E. bengalensis, Jerdon, Cat. 170 — Bamani baya, H. in the Deccan — Telia haya, Beng. — Batoovi, in Rungpore. The Striated Weaver-bird. Descr. — The male in full breeding dress has the crown of the head intense yellow ; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, chin, throat, and neck, brownish black ; back, Avings, and tail, brown ; the feathers of the back with a mesial dark streak, those of the pri- maries and tail edged with yellowish ; rump streaked like the back ; upper tail-coverts rufescent ; beneath, from the throat PLOCKiN.i:. o49 whitish, tinged witli I'ulvou^, and streaked on the breast and flanks with dusky black. Bill black ; irides light brown ; legs fleshy. Length about 5-^^ inches ; extent 9 ; wing 2f ; tail If ; bill at front -^-^ ; tarsus | ; stretch of foot 1|. The male in winter dress is clad like the female, and has the head brown, streaked like the back, a pale yellow supercilium, and a small yellow spot behind the ear-coverts ; the chin and throat arc whitish, and the streaks on the lower surface less developed. The bill is pale horny fleshy. This species of Weaver-bird is found in suitable localities, throughout all Northern India, spreading into Central India, and more rarely to the Dcccan. It does not appear to occur in the N. W. Provinces. It is also found, and perhaps more abundantly, in Assam, Burmah, Malacca, and some of the Islands. It chiefly frequents long grass and reeds on the banks of rivers and jheels, and was hence named by Buchanan Hamilton Loxia typliina. It invariably breeds among high reeds, and usually in places liable to be inundated ; and, as the breeding season is during the rains, the nest is thus unassailable except from the water. The nest is fixed to two or three reeds, not far from their summit, and the upper leaves are occasionally turned down and used in the con- struction of the nest, which is, in all eases that I have seen, made of grass only. The nest is non-pensile, that is to say, it is fixed directly to the reeds, without the upper pensile support that the nest of the last species has ; and, in some cases, the eggs are laid before any tubular entrance is made, a hole at the side near the top forming the entrance. This, however, is often, but not always, completed during the incubation of the female ; and, in other cases, a short tubular entrance is made at first, in a very few, prolonged to a foot or more. I have found the eggs in this case, as in the last, to be generally two in number, three in a few ; and in one nest I found five. 696. Ploceus Bengalensis, Linn^us. Loxia, apud Linn^ds— Blyth, Cat. 616— Hoesf., Cat. 784 — Euplectes flavigula, Hodgson — E. albirostris, Swainson — P. 350 BIUDS OF INDIA. aureus, Lesson— /Sa?'5o baya, H. — Shor baya, and Kantaioala baya in Bengal. The Black-throated Wiiayer-bird. Descr. — The male in breeding plumage has the crown brilliant golden yellow, with, in some instances, a slight inclination to flame color ; back dusky brown ; rump dingy grey brown ; wings and tail dark brown, the former with very slight pale margins to some of the feathers ; the throat white ; the cheeks, ear-coverts, and sides of the neck white, more or less suffused Avith dusky on the ear- coverts and tliroat ; a broad, brownish black pectoral band ; the rest of the lower plumage sullied or fulvous white, brownish on the flanks. In some the pectoral band is broad and entire, in others narrower, and divided along the middle. The female has the head streakless dusky brown, the feathers of the back edged with pale rufous brown ; a pale yellow super- cilium, and a spot of the same colour behind the ear; also a narrow moustachial stripe ; throat white, yellowish in some, and usually separated from the yellow moustache by a narrow black line ; pectoral band less dL-veloped. Males, after the autumn moult, resemble the females, but the breast and flanks are more rufescent; the pectoral band is frequently wanting, or rather concealed by pale fulvous deciduary edgings. Bill always pearly white ; iriJes light brown ; legs dusky carneous. Length 5^ inclies ; extent 9;^ ; wing 2f ; tail If. Tliis very pretty Weaver-bird is more locally distributed than either of the preceding. It is found in vaiious parts of Lower Bengal, extending into Assam, Tipperali, and pjirts of Burmah. It appears unknown in Central Indi i and the N. W. Provinces. I found it abundant near Puineah, also in Dacca, buildino- in low bushes, in a grassy churr overflown during tiie rains. The nest was non-pensile, and had either no tubular entrance or a xGvy sliort one, made of grass, and more slightly interwoven than either of the others. Though a good many pairs were breeding in the neighbourhood, the nests were, in no instance, close to each other, rarely indeed two on the same bush. ESTRELDINyE. 351 The figure in PI. Enl. o*Jo, f. 2, usuall}^ quoted for this species, appears to me more applicable to mamjar, but, in either case, is barely recognisable. The only other eastern species of Ploceus is P. philippimis, (IiypoxanJius, Daudin)tvV^g p. 348, recorded from Java, and various parts of Malayana, perhaps extending to the Phili|)pines. 1 found this very pretty Weaver-bird at Thayet-myo in U|)per Burmah, rare ; in Rangoon, where observed also by Mr. Blyth ; and frequent in swampy ground near the mouth of Eangnon river, where I also found its nest, solitary, in a thick thorny bush, very similar to that of P. bengaleiisis. Africa js the head quarters of this tribe, and there are many species very similar to our Indian birds ; others are clad in black and red, or flame color. Most of them build pensile nests of grass, but the eggs are described as being bluish-white, or greenish-blue, in some instances speckled. They are referred to several "-cncra. One remarkable species, Phiketerus socius, builds in societv, con- structing a common roof or shed, beneath which their nests arc placed contiguously. The Whidah birds, Vidiiia, durincr the breeding season, develop tails of extraordinary length and form, and, in one instance, a ruff. It is supposed by some that these birds are polygamous. Sub-fam. ESTRELDINiE. Of small size ; bills large in many and bulged, more slender in others ; wings short, rounded ; feet large ; tail rounded or cuneiform. The Munias or Amadavads closely resemble the Weaver- birds in many particulars, and perhaps, with these, should form one group. They inhabit Africa, India, Malayana, and Australia, in which country they are the sole representatives of the FringilUdcB. The first primary is minute, as in Plocein(B, and, like them, they are often social, even during the breeding season, but they do not construct such elaborate nests. The eggs of all known are pure white, as in our Indian Weavers; many are very pleasingly colored, and some of them are very beautiful. In general they do not sing, but one of the Indian species has a rather pleasing song 352 BIKDS OF INDIA. The sexes arc usually alike ; in a few that moult in spring, the male is more richly colored than the female. They inhabit grassy or reedy (ground, bushy jungle, and open spaces in forests, occasionally being found in immense flocks. There are two forms found in India, one the IMunias, Avith a thick tumid bill ; the other the Amadavads, {Esirelda), with a more slender, conic, and waxy red bill. Gen. MuNiA, Hodgson. Syn. Lonchura, Sykes — Spermestes, in part, Swainson. Cha?'. — Bill very thick and at the base as deep as long, com- pressed at the tip ; culmen arched, flattened, prolonged backward to a point on the forehead ; gape strongly angulated ; nares round, sunk and free ; wings short ; 1st primar}'- minute, the three next nearly equal ; tail moderate or short, rounded or wedged ; tarsus stout, moderate ; toes long, slender ; claws long. The birds appertaining to this genus are found in India, JMalay- ana, and Australia, and almost all have the large beak of a pale glaucous lead color. They are of small size, but larger than the next group ; and build large, loosely-constructed nests of grass. They feed much on rice, as well as on grass seeds ; are readily domesticated; and the young of most are light brown. 697. Munia Malacca, Linn^us. Loxia, apud Linnaeus — Edwards, Birds, pi. 355, f. 2 — Blyth, Cat. 623— IIoiiSF., Cat. 773~Jekdon, Cat. 174— iVa/ta/- iiu7' H. Nalla jinaicayi, Tel. The Black-headed Munia. Descr. — Whole head, neck, and breast, rich black ; back, wino-s, and tail, pure rich cinnamon red ; upper tail-coverts brif^hter tinged, and with a glistening lustre; beneath, from the breast, white, with the middle of the abdomen and vent black. Bill bluish, yellowish at tlie tip; irides dark brown; legs plumbeous. Length Ah inches ; wing 2-iiy ; tail U. The young bird is pale cinnamon brown above, whitish below, dusky about the head and neck. ESTRELDIN^. 353 The Black-headed Munia is chiefly found in Southern India and Ceylon, a few stragglers occurring in Central India, and even in Bengal occasionally. It is very abundant in parts of Southern India, especially on the Malabar coast, frequenting long grass by the sides of rivers and tanks, occasionally dry grain fields, and very commonly sugar-cane fields. It often associates in very large flocks. The nest in usually placed among reeds, in tanks, or in the beds of rivers ; occasionally in long grass in the bunds of paddy-fields. It is a rather large, nearly round or oval nest, neatly but loosely made of grass, with the hole at one side, this in general being very artfully concealed by the interlacing of the fibres of grass, so that I have been puszled for a tew moments to discover the entrance; and the eggs, four to six in number, are pure white. 698. Munia rubronigra, Hodgson. As. Res. XIX. 153— Blyth, Cat. 622— HousF., Cat, 774 — Lox. malacca, var., Latham — Lonchura melanocephala, McLelland. The Chesnut-bellied Munia. Descr. — Head, neck, and breast, black ; rest of the plumage deep chesnut or cinnamon, passing to glistening maronne on the upper tail-coverts, and tinged with fulvous on the tail ; a stripe down the middle of the belly, vent, and under tail-coverts, black. Bill and feet plumbeous ; irides dark brown. Length 4^ inches; wing 2^ ; tail li ; bill at front ^ ; tarsus j^^-. The young are brown above, paler brown below ; head and breast somewhat infuscated. This very closely allied species, which differs from the last only in having the belly chesnut in place of white, replaces it in the north of India, being found throughout Lower Bengal, and all along the foot of the Himalayas as far as the Dehra Doon ; and also in some of the more wooded adjacent districts, but it would appear to be rare in the open country of the N. W. Provinces. I have seen specimens from the Easte^rn coast north of Madras, and Mr. Layard procured it in Ceylon, but it is certainly rare in Southern 2 Y 5M BIRDS OF INDIA. India. It is much more common in the countries to the eastward, Assam, and Burmah as far as the Tenasserim provinces, south- wards of which it is rephiced hy M. sinensis, which wants the black abdominal stripe altogether. According to Mr. Frith the nest is ordinarily placed in a Banbul tree in Lower Bengal, solitarily, and is composed of a large ball of the tufts of Saccharum spontane/tm. I have always found its nest fixed to reeds or long grass, and suspect that Mr. Frith must have been mistaken in the identity of the owner of the nest above noticed, the more so because that is exactly the character, both as to materials and site, of the nest of the next species noticed. 699. Munia undulata, Latham. Loxia, apud Latham — Blyth, Cat. 624 — Horsf., Cat. 772 — M. lineoventer, Hodgson — Amadina punctularia, apud Peakson — Lonchura nisoria, apud Sykes, Cat. 109 — Jkudon, Cat. 172 — Edwards, Birds, pi. 40 — 'J'elia munia, H. in the North — Sing-baz or Shin-haz, H. in the Deccan, and at Mussooree — Shuts munia, Beng. — Kakkara jinuwayi, Tel. The Spotted Munia. Descr. — Above ruddy brown, deeper on the head and neck, inclining to whitish on the rump, and the upper tail-coverts and margins of the lateral tail-feathers, glistening fulvous ; quills chesnut externally, dusky within ; beneath, the chin and throat, with the face and ear-coverts, rich chesnut ; breast and flanks white, with numerous zig-zag cross bars of black; lower abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts, whitish, unmarked. Bill and legs plumbeous ; irides brown. Length 4^ inches ; wing 2y^,y ; tail 1^; bill at front j^^j ; tarsus ^^. The two central tail-feathers are very slightly elongated. The young are rufous brown above, paler below. The Spotted or Barred Munia is found throughout India and Ceylon, somewhat rare in the extreme south, common in the north, and spreading into Assam, and Burmah as far as Tenasserim. It is ESTRELDINiE. 355 somewhat local in its distribution, but, where met with, is there tolerably abundant. I have seen it on the edges of the Neil- gherries, and in various parts of tlie Carnatic and Central India, as well as in Rental, but it does not occur in the ]\Ialabar Coast. It is occasionally found in grassy or bushy ground, and Buchanan Hamilton states it to live in thickets of Hugla grass ( Typha elephantina)^ near villa<:es where small grains are sown ; but more frequently it occurs near cultivated ground, affecting mangoe groves, or patches of tree jungle. It builds in thorny bushes, chiefly about fields, and makes a large nest of very fine grass, or not unfrequently of the flowering tufts of some Saccharum, which I have often seen it conveying to its nest ; and I have always found the nest solitJiry, contrary to Mr. Layard's observations, who states that he has seen thirty or forty nests m one tree, and that in one instance he found one structure containing several nests. The eggs, of course, are pure fleshy white, usually four to six in number. At Thayet-myo I found it building in a hole in the thatch of my bungalow. Blyth states that this bird, which is very commonly caged, is known in Bengal as the Nutmeg-bird from the peculiar mottling of its breast. The nearly allied M. punctularia (nisoria of Temminck), occurs in the Malayan provinces. 700. Munia pectoralis, Jerdon. SpermesteSj Jerdon, Suppl. Cat. 173 bis. The IIufods-bellii':d INIunia. Descr. — Head, neck, and back, brown, the shafts of the feathers pale ; upper tail-coverts dark brown, the feathers tipped with glistening yellow ; Avings and tail dark brown ; face, forehead, throat, and breast, dark brovn, strongly contrasting with the sides of the neck ; lower parts from the breast, reddish-fawn colour ; under tail-coverts dark brown with pale shafts. Bill pluiabeous; legs plumbeous lirown; irides dark brown ; Length 4^ inches ; wing 'Jf^ ; tail l^-^ ; tarsus y^^. 'J'he central tail feathers are barely longer than the next pair. 356 BIRDS or INDIA. This species occurs only, that I have observed, in Wynaad and Coorg ; but most probably may be found all along the crest of the Western Ghats. I found it associating in small flocks, in bushy and jungly ground near rice fields. A nearly allied species M. Kehiarti Blyth, occurs in Ceylon, with the lower parts, from the breast, mottled' black and dull white. The three next species have the tail feathers successively more elongated. 701. Munia striata, LiNNiEus. Loxia, apud Linn^us — Blyth, Cat. G28 — Horsf., Cat. 779 — Fringilla leuconota, Temm. PI. Col. 500, f. 1 — Sykes, Cat. Ill — Jerdon, Cat, 173 — ShaJmri muniti, Beng. The Whit lob acked Munia. Descr. — Plumage above rich dark brown, deepest on the head, and the feathers white shafted ; rump white ; tail almost black ; beneath from chin to breast uniform deep blackish brown ; belly, flanks and vent white ; under tail-coverts and thigh-coverts brown. Bill bluish ; legs dark slaty ; irides brown. Length 4^ inches ; wing 2y^; tail 1|. The middle tail feathers exceed the outermost by nearly half an inch. This species is most abundant in the Malabar coast, where it is occasionally to be seen in vast flocks feeding in the rice fields. It also occurs sparingly in other parts of India, in the Northern Circars, in lower Bengal, Arrakan, and Ceylon ; but Is replaced in the lower Himalayas, and throughout the Burmese province, by the next species. It is also stated to occur in Java. In Malabar it is a familiar bird, being constantly seen on the road side, about houses, and in stable yards ; and it builds in gardens and orchards, solitarily, mnking a large loosely constructed nest of grass, and laying four or five white eggs during the rains. 702. Munia acuticauda, Hodgson. As. Kes. XIX. 153 — Horsf., Cat, 778 — M. molucca, apud Blyth, Cat. 626 — Sampj^ek-pho, Lepch. yamprek, Bhot. ESTRELDINiE. 357 The Himalayan Mdnia. Descr. — Above deep brown, blackish on the forehead and sMes of the face, all the feathers white shafted ; rump white ; upper tftll-coverts hhick, tipied brown; tail deep black; throat and breast brown black, the throat almost black, the feathers of the breast pale-sliafted, and vith whitish edges (more or less) ; belly dull white, with narrow hastate marks of dusky brown ; under tail- coverts and thigh-coverts brown; the lining of the wings bufi: Bill and legs slaty blue ; irides dark brown. Length 4^ inches ; extent 6^ ; wipg 2 ; tail If ; the medial tail feathers are much elongated, exceeding the outermost by f inch. This species, which differs chiefly from the last in the lower parts being lineolated, in |>l;ice of pure white, is found, within our province, only in the Himalayas; but extends into Assam, parts of Burmah and Malayana ; and is perhaps identical with the birds said to be from the Moluccas, named L. moluccj, Lin., and figured PL Enl 139 f. 2. In the Sikhim Himalayas it ascends to at least 5,000 feet, and is tolerably abundant near cultivated lands. Its nest is of the usual structure, large and loosely made of fine grass, and there are generally five or six white eggs, I found it far from rare on the Khasia Hills, whence it hud not been jjreviou.'-ly sent, and it probably will be found all through the intervening country to Mergui (where Blyth ohtained it), in suitable localities. The next species has the central tail feathers still more lengthen- ed, and Sykes made it the type of his genus Lonchura, but, as already seen, t'nere is a regular gradation in this respect. 703. Munia Malabarica, Linnaeus. Loxia, apud Linn.icus — Blyth, Cat. 030 — Horsf., Cat. 776 — Jard and Selby, III Orn. 2nd ser. pi. 34 — Lox. bicoloi-, Tjckkll, — Lonchura cheet, Sykes, Cat. 110 — Jerdon, Cat. 174 — Chorda, H. in the North — Charchara, in the N. W. P. — Piddarim Southern and Central India — Sar-munia, Beng. — Jinuwayi, Tel. 358 birds of india. The plain bkown Munia. Descr. — Upper plumage p;»le earthy brown, slightly ruf ascent on the heail, and darker towards the forehead; wings and tail blackish ; the tertiaiies slightly bordered with whitish at their truncated tips ; upper tail-covei ts wliite, edged with black exter- nally ; clieeks and lower parts white, tinged with pale earthy brown on the flanks, which sometimes have some faint cross rays. Bill plumbeous; legs livid carneous ; irides deep brown. Length 5 inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 2. The central tail-feathers are much elongated, being f inch longer than the outermost pair. This plain coloured Munia is found throughout India, not entering the hills, nor extending to the countries towards the east, but very abundant in Sindh and the Punjab. It also occurs in C)ey Ion. It frequents bushy jungles, hedgerows, thickets near cultivation, and groves of trees, often entering gardens, and is to be met with, in the south and in Central India, near every village ; it is more rare in Malabar and other well-wooded dis- tricts, and generally so indeed in forest country. Like all the others it associates in small flocks, and feeds on grass seeds and grains. The nest is a large, loosely constructed fabric, of fine grass, with an opening at one side, which, says Theobald is "some- times prolonged into a short deflected neck, partially closed by the elasticity of the long spikes of grass forming it." The eggs are numerous, small and white. Sykes took ten from one nest; Burgess never more than six ; I have usually found from five to eight. Theobald on one occasion took " twenty-five in different stages of incubation from one nest, but he has satisfactorily accounted for this by showing that two pairs of birds" (if not more) "are frequently, if not usually, employed in the construction of one nest, and the two hens lay consecutively in it." The same observer states that "sometimes the nest is a simple platform of grass, open at each end, but the grass ends curved over to meet at the top. It is much to be doubted if the eggs found occa- sionally in October and Deeembei' are often hatched." With Mr. Blyth, I consider that the nest last described was not intended for incubation. CoL. Sykes states that they " frequently take ESTRELDINiE. 359 possession of deserted nests of the Weaver-bird ; and that the cry of this bird is " cheet, cheet, cheet,'" uttered simultaneously by flocks in lliglit." " Tiiis bird is very commonly tamed, and a pair," says Buchanan Hamilton, '• always being kept in the same cage, each bird has a small cord fastened round its body, and the owner, holding one bird by the cord, throws up the other, which always returns and sits by its companion." Besides the Asiatic species already referred to, there are several others from Malayana. M. rnaja, L., from Malacca and the isles; M. ferriiginosa, Latham, from Java, both with -svhite heads, but otherwise like M. ruhronigra ; and M. leucogastra, Blyth, from Malacca, is another species. Donacola, an Australian group, is very close to Mania in structure and mode of coloration. The well known Java sparrow, Oryzivora leucotis, Blyth, PI. Enl. 388, has the bill more lengthened than in Miinia, but still very thick, and bright cherry red, thus leading to the next group. So many birds of this species have escaped from cages at Madras, that, I am in- formed it is to be seen wild in the neighbourhood. The next birds have the bill more slender, and waxy red. Gen. EsTRELDA, Swainson. Char. — Bill much more slender than in Munia ; the culmcn less arched and flattened at the base, more compressed throughout, deep red color ; tail soft and graduated ; feet moderate. Of still smaller size, and more delicate conformation. In the form of their beak the Wax-bills, as Blyth calls them, devinte towards the Finches and Linnets, as the Munias do towards the (Grosbeaks. There are two Indian species, one or two in Australia, and many in Africa. 704. Estrelda amandava, Linnjsus. Fringilla, apud Linnjlus— Sykes, Cat. 105— Jeiidon, Cat. 175 — Blyth, Cat. 637 — Horsk., Cat. 7o6 — Amaduvade Finch, Edwards, Birds, PI. 355, f. 1 — Lai (the male), Munia{i\\Q female,) H.— o-enerally called Lai munia — Yorrajinuwayi, Tel. — Amaduvad of Europeans. 360 birds of india. The Red Wax-bill. Descr. — The male in full summer plumage is more or less crimson, darkest on the throat, breast, supercilia, cheeks, and upper tall coverts ; tail black, the outer feathers more or less white tipped ; wings brown ; a range of minute white feathers beneath the eye, and the wing, flanks and sides of breast, with numerous round white spots, and a few smaller specks on the back ; abdominal region infuscated ; loAver tail-coverts black. Bill deep red, tl.e upper mandible black above ; irides crimson ; feet fleshy. Length about 4 inches; wing 1| ; tail 1^. The female is olive-brown above, with the lores blackish, bounded by a whitish semi-circle below the eye ; a few white specks occasionally on the back ; rump and upper tail-coverts tinged with crimson ; beneath jialer bi own, the abdomen strongly tinged with fulvous yellow ; the lower tail-coverts dull white. The young is brown above, paler beneath, whitisli on the throat and belly, tail Mackish, and a few small white specks on the wings. After breeding the males assume, by moulting, a plumage similar to that of the female. The Amaduvad ( par excellence ) is found throughout all India, more rare in the South, abundant in the North. In the south of India, I have seen it tolerably frequent on the lower hills of the Neilgherries, in Mysore, here and there throughout the Carnatic, but rare in the Deccan and the bare table-land generally. It is more common in Central India, and abundant in Oudh and in Lower Bengal, extendini: into the lower ranges of the Himalayas, as well as to Assam and Burmah. It frequents bushy ground, gardens, and especially sugar-cane fields, and long grass, associating in large flocks, except towards the end of the rains, at which season it breeds. The nest is large, made of grass, and placed in a thick bush, or occasionally in long grass or reeds, and the eggs, six to eight in number, are very small, round, and white. This species moults twice a year, the male after breeding assuming the plumage of the female. Large numbers are tal beneath, the chin and throat are albescent, with a few ill- defined dusky spots on the chin, and becoming fulvescent on the throat ; the rest of the lower parts pale earthy brown, passing to rusty on the middle of the belly, vent and under tail-coverts. Bill horny brown ; legs pale brown. Length 6 inches ; wing 3 ; tail 21. This bird was said to have been procured somewhere in the Gwalior territories, but if so, must have been a straggler from the Himalayas, It appears to differ from the females of the other known species, sufficiently to warrant its being considered distinct. I am inclined to think that the Pyrgita ? .concolor of my Cata- logue No. 178, might have belonged to the present group, and in its coloration it much resembles the females of F. githaginea and P. slnaitlca ; but, as it was founded on a single specimen, shot in the Dcccan along with a lot of the so-called Ortolan, I shall not record it separately. It was of a nearly uniform light brown colour, palest beneath, and albescent on the chin and vent. Length 6 inches ; wing 3| ; tail 2^. Other species of this genus are P. rosea, Pallas, from Northern Asia, occasionally visiting Europe ; P. sinaitica, Licht. {synoica, Temm.,) from Arabia and Eastern Africa ; P. githaginea, Licht., from Northern Africa and the South of Europe. The latter is placed by Bonaparte in his genus Erylhrospiza, but its colors appear to be quite those of this group. Two other species placed under the same genus, viz., Fr. obsoleta, and F. rhodoptera, of Lichtenstein, from Central and Western Asia, perhaps belong rather to Carpodacus. Whether the remarkable, long-tailed, small Red- finches of North-eastern Asia, forming the genus Uragus, FRINGILLINiE. 405 should be placed with these Kose-finches, as Bonaparte has done, or elsewhere, I have no means of decidino:. The next two birds have the bill more Finch-like, and may be said to grade into the true Finches. Gen. Peocarduelts, Hodgson. Syn. Pijvrha^ Caban. Char. — Bill longer and more slender than in Fropasser, but less acutely pointed and compressed at the tip than in the Gold- finches ; wings rather long, with the 2nd, ord, and 4th primaries sub-equal, the 1st a little shorter; general form elongated; colours as in Propasser, but deeper. 746. Procarduelis nipalensis, Hodgson. J. A. S., XII, 955 — As. Res. XIX, 157— Blyth, Cat. 657— HoRSF., Cat. 749 — Linota saturata, Blyth, J. A. S., XI. 192— (the male) — L. fusca, Bl., (the female) — Ka-hit/a, Lepch. The dark Rose-finch. Descr. — Male, above, neck and breast sooty or dusky, strongly tinted with dark sanguineous blossom- red ; forehead, a line over the eye to the occiput, chin, throat, breast, and belly, pure blossom red ; quills and tail-feathers sooty brown, more or less tinged on the outer margin with the red hue of tlie upper surface. Bill brown ; irides red brown ; legs fleshy brown. Length 6^, to 7 inches ; extent 10^ ; wing 3| ; tail 2|. The female is olive-brown above ; below, from the chin to the breast, dirty yellowish ; from breast to tail white ; wings and tail dusky brown ; wing-coverts and tertiaries externally margined and tipped with dirty yellowish. This fine Finch is found in Nepal and Sikim. Hodgson says that it inhabits the Central and Northern hills of Nepal. It is common at Darjeeling, in the cold weather only, in moderately large flocks, feed- ing on the roads sometimes, or among the ferns and brush-wood. The next bird is a somewhat remarkable form, and is slightly allied, in its coloration, to Hamatospiza sipahi, but its more Finch- like bill, and feet fitted for terrene habits, have inllueuced me in 406 BIRDS OF INDIA. placing it here as a connecting link between the Rose-finches and the true Finches. Gen. Ptrehospiza, Hodgson. Char. — Bill conical, elongate, with slightly curved outline both above and below, somewhat compressed, and tapering to the tip as viewed from above ; gonys arched ; wings long, reaching to more than half the length of the tail, Avhich is also moderately long ; first four primaries sub-equal, 2nd and 3rd rather the longest ; feet adapted for ground habits ; toes rather long, with large and arched claws. 747. Pyrrhospiza punicea, Hodgson. J. A. S., XIII., 953— Blyth, Cat. 656— Horsf., Cat. 694— Propyrrhula rubeculoides, Hodgs., P. Z. S., 1845. The Large red-breasted Finch. Descr. — Male, aJbove nearly uniform dusky brown, the feathers margined with paler ; forehead and rump, with the cheeks, ear- coverts, and under parts, except the abdominal region, roseate in winter, brightening to rich crimson in the breeding season, and varying to orange saffron ; flanks and abdomen colored like the back. Bill dark horny ; feet dusky black. Length 7i to 8 inches ; wing 4^ to 4f ; tail 3^. The female is devoid of the red, having the forehead, cheeks, fore-neck, and breast, more or less fulvcscent, each feather marked with a blackish mesial streak, widening at the tip ; belly and lower tail-coverts, dingy brown. This fine Finch has hitherto only been found in the higher regions of the Himalayas, bordering the Snows. I did not procure it in Sikim. It is probable, however, that this and others of the cold- weather visitants to Nepal and other parts of the Himalayas, are to be met with in the interior of Sikim, towards the Snows, my researches having been limited to British Sikim. 5th. True Finches. The next bird, though somewhat allied to the preceding, is sufficiently marked to warrant its generic separation. It has been FRINGlLLINiE. 407 classed as a true Fringilla, and as a Carduelis. Its colors approxi- mate it to the Rose-finches as well as to the Gold-fmches ; and Blyth indeed notes that " it is a true FrinffiUa, allied to the Gold- finches, with affinities for the Eed-finches." Gen. Callacanthis, Reichen. Bill Finch-like, i. e. as in Fringilla, but somewhat more robust and broader, much shorter and stouter than in Carduelis ; otherwise as in Fringilla, but with a peculiar coloration. Bonaparte who adopts this genus, says " scarcely a Fringilla, by no means a Carduelis." 748. Callacanthis Burtoni, Gould. Carduelis, apud Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 90 — Gould, Birds of Asia, pt. I., pi. 15 — Fringilla erytbrophrys, Blyth, J. A. S. XV, 38— Blyth, Cat. p. 337. (App., No. G). The Red-browed Finch. Descr. — The male has the crown, ear-coverts, Avings, and tail, brownish black ; the forehead, a broad supercilium, chin, and throat, crimson ; the upper plumage ruddy brown, deepest on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; wings marked with white, chiefly on the primary and greater coverts, and on the secondary quills ; the outer tail-feathers mostly white towards the tip ; all the others except the middle pair, white tipped. In summer the whole under parts appear to become more or less crimson. Bill yellow; legs light brown. Length 7 inches; wing 3| ; tail 2f . The female is plain brown above, darker on the crown, with a bright saffron eye streak, and the forehead ochreous ; the back is yellowish brown, and there is less white on the wings than in the male ; beneath pale brown, tinged with fulvous. This remarkable Finch has only hitherto been found in the North-west Himalayas, chiefly in the mountains beyond Simla. Gen. Carduelis. Char. — Bill lengthened, conic, compressed ; the tip attenuated and acute ; the gonys straight, ascending ; the commissure slightly sinuated ; wing lengthened, pointed ; the first three quills nearly 408 BIRDS OF INDIA. equal ; tail moderate, slightly forked ; feet short ; hind claw rather long. The Gold-finches are a very limited group of small birds, distinguished by a bright and variegated coloration ; some red about the head and a golden yellow bar on the wings. They sing well, make remarkably neat nests, and the eggs are pale bluish-white, spotted with purple and brown. 749. Carduelis caniceps, Vigors. P. Z. S. 1831— Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 32, f. 1— Royle, 111. of Bot. Himal., pi. 8, f. 2— Blyth, Cat. 675— Horsf., Cat. 751 — Shira, H. — Saira in Cashmere. The Himala-kan Golb-finch. Descr. — General color above pale whity bro^\Ti ; the rump and upper tail-coverts white ; a narrow band on the forehead, continu- ing round the base of the bill to the chin, scarlet ; wings black, with a golden yellow band, and a few white spots on the secon- daries ; tail black, with the inner webs of the two outer tail-feathers with a large white patch, and the four medial feathers tipped with white ; beneath whitish, tinged with brownish ashy on the breast and flanks. Bill carneous with a dusky tip ; legs pale brown ; irides brown. Length 5^ inches ; wing 3^ ; tail 2^ ; bill at front ^. The Himalayan Gold-finch differs from the European species, in wanting the black and white of the head behind the scarlet band, and in being a somewhat smaller bird. It is only found in the N. W. Himalayas, near Simla and Mussooree, extending into Affghanistan and other parts of Central Asia. Adams says that it is common in Cashmere in winter, and that it visits the rano-es nest the plains. It is perhaps Pallas' variety of the common Gold- finch, figured pi. 38 of his Zooh As. Ross., found in summer on the Jenisei river. Caged specimens are occasionally brought to Calcutta for sale, and its song is said by Adams to be exactly similar to that of its European congener. Besides the Himalayan and European Gold-finch, there is only one other species, C. orientalis, from Siberia and Northern Asia. Next the Gold-finches come the Siskins. FRINGILLIN^. 409 Gen. Chrysomitris, Boic. Char. — Bill very short, broadish at the base, compressed at the tip and acute ; the culmen flat ; tail forked ; otherwise as in Car- duelis. The Siskins are a small group, nearly allied to the Gold-finches, but with a peculiar style of coloration and a shorter bill. Their form is short, and their plumage is black or brown and yellow. The only Indian species of the genus has been separated by Cabanis as Hypacanthis ; but apparently without much reason. This genus is remarkable for including in it several species from South America, whicli, however, arc separated by certain Orni- thologists. 750 Chrysomitris spinoides, Vigors. Carduelis, apud Vigors — Gould, Cent. Him. Birds, pi. 32, f . 2 — Blyth, Cat. 673. — Horsf., Cat. 752 — Saira in Cashmere — FliuzldpJio, Lepch. The Himalayan Siskin. Descr. — Male, forehead, occiput, and back of neck yellow; the rest of the body above olivaceous brown ; wings dusky black, with some yellowish spots on the wing-coverts, and a pale but bright yellow band on the primaries ; tail dusky, the lateral tail-feathers yellow, except on the shaft and tip, this color dimi- nishing in quantity towards the central feathers ; beneath yellow, dashed witli olivaceous on the sides of the breast and the flanks. The female has merely the colours less deep, and both the back and abdomen are striated with dusky olive. Bill fleshy ; legs fleshy brown ; irides light brown. Length 5^ inches ; extent 9f ; wing 3|- ; tail not quite 2. This pretty little Siskin is found throughout the Himalayas. It is a somewhat larger and more brightly coloured bird than the European Siskin, and the bill is proportionally much stronger. At Darjeeling it is only a winter visitant, but then, by no means rare. It keeps to the woods, occasionally entering gardens in small parties. Adams says that it is common in the wooded 3 r 410 BIRDS OF INDIA, districts in the North-west, and that its song is very like that of the English Siskin, Hodgson says it is more common in the Central region than in the northern. Besides the common Siskin of Europe, C. sphius, another species from Siberia, Ch. pistacina, Eversman, is recorded by Bonaparte. The South American Siskins are numerous, and one with a red tone of color has been separated by Bonaparte as Pyrrlioiidtns. The smallest member of this sub-family, perhaps should be placed next the Siskins. Gen. Metoponia, Bonap. Char. — Bill short, thick, nearly regularly conic, slightly bulging ; the culmen very gently curved ; gonys almost straight ; wings lono- ; tarsus moderate ; middle toe lonsr laterals short. This unique little Finch in some measure recalls the coloring of the Weaver-birds, and, it represents the Pyrrhuline Pyrrko-plectes among the True Finches, as also, says Bonaparte, a remarkable American bird, Catamhiyrhynclais diadema. 751. Metoponia pusilla, Pallas. Passer, apud Pallas, Zool, Ross. As,, 2nd vol. pi. — Hoksf., Cat. 754— Fringilla rubrifrons, Hay, J. A. S. XV. 38— Serinus aurifrons, Bltth, Cat. 681. The Gold-headed Finch. Descr. — Forehead and top of head bright golden yellow ; occiput, cheeks, throat, and forencck, black, passing to dusky on the nape and sides of the neck ; back dusky, with yellowish lateral margins to the feathers; rump, towards the tail, deep canary yellow ; shoulder of wing golden fulvous ; margins of quills and tail feathers saffron yellow ; under tail-coverts pale canary yellow ; the rest of the lower parts albescent yellow, with dusky central streaks; axillarles pure white ; a pale bar on the wing, formed by the tips of the greater coverts, and the outer webs of the secondaries near their base. PRINGILLINili:. 411 The female, or perhaps the young only, has the forehead narroAvly reddish, wants the black of the head and throat, and is altogether less brightly colored. Bill and feet dark. Length 4| to 5 inches ; w'mcr 3 ; tail 2^. The Gold-headed Finch has been found occasionally in the N. W. Himalayas, not, it appears, as a regular visitor, for Hutton says, he "observed this bird in 1854-5, at Mussooree, after an interval of many years. It appeared to be always in pairs, and, like our Siskin and Gold-finch, is very fond of alighting upon the tall coarse nettles which abound there." It was found by Speke in Spiti and Ladakh, in summer ; and in Affohanistan by Griffith, who observed it '' in flocks about cultivation, rather shy ; feeds on thistles on which they cling." Adams found it very common in Ladakh, in flocks, Avith the habits and call note like those of the European Eedpole. According to Pallas it is common on the Caucasus, and near the Caspian Sea ; and it occurs in Eastern Europe. Pallas' figure is unrecognisable. Next should come the Linnets and Canary birds. The former comprise a number of small Finches with slender conical bills, which, during the breeding season, acquire more or less a red color on the head and breast, and thus evince an affinity for the Rose-finches. One species, Linota brevh'ostris, Gould, P. Z. S. 1855, has been found in Ladakh, and may occur within our limits. The Canary birds, Serinus, with somewhat thick bills, are chiefly from Africa, and the neighbouring islands ; and the Lutinos (as Blyth calls them) of S. canaria, are the well known soncr birds. The Canary bird, as is well known, will inter-breed both with the Gold-finch and Siskin. Some other African Finches are placed in the genera Alario, Auripasser, Citrinella and Buserinus. Crithagra, a South American group, with somewhat thick bills, and more or less yellow plumage, ought also to be placed along with the Serins. The true Finches are chiefly Northern birds, two species occur- ring in the most Northern portion of our province, belonging to difierent genera. 412 BIRDS or INDIA. Gen. Fringilla, Linn, (as restricted.) Char. — Bill forming a perfect and somewhat lengthened cone, both mandibles being of nearly equal thickness, the upper one sli'ditly notched near the tip ; commissure about straight ; wings lengthened, pointed, with the first four primaries sub-equal, the first rather shorter; tail niolcrate, forked; legs slender; feet adapted for perching. The common Chaffinch of Britain, Fr. Calebs, L., is the type of this form. 752. Fringilla montifringilla, Linn.eus. Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 188— Blyth, Cat. 653-Horsf., Cat. 746. The Mountain Finch. Descr. — In summer, the male has the head, lores, cheeks, sides of neck, back, and rump, blackish, with pale white edges to the feathers of the rump; the shoulders and lesser-coverts rufous, edged with white ; secondary coverts also margined with whitish, and a white spot on some of the quills ; these and the tail black, edged with brownish yellow ; the outer tail-feathers margined at their base with white ; beneath, from the chin to the breast, and the flanks, rufous, passing into pale cinereous on the belly. In winter the upper parts are black, the head and back edged with rufous, and the rump pure white ; the sides of the head and the nape much tinged with grey. The female differs, in having the head grey, and less rufous on the breast. Length 6 inches ; wing of ; tail 2^. Tins Finch, chiefly an inhabitant of the temperate and northern parts of Europe and Asia, has been occasionally found in the N. AV. Himala3:as during the cold weather. It was sent from Afighanistan by Griffith, and Blyth has seen specimens from Simla and Cashmere. At Mussooree, Ilutton observed it as " a rare winter visitant, though it may be common higher up. I have only seen it in the flocks of Propasser rliodochrousy Besides the well-known Chaffinch of Europe, there are two or three alhed species from the north of Africa and adjacent isles. FRINGTLLINiE. 413 The Green-finches, Ligurinus, Koch, (Chlorospiza, Bonap.) include, beside the^well known Green-finch of Britain, two or three species common in China andXortliern Asia, F7\ sinica, and Fr. kaioariha^ Temm., which, by their colours, may be said to connect the Siskins and their allies with the plainer coloured Finches. Two species of Montifringilla are found in Ladakli, and may stray within our limits. The type of the genus is the M. nivalis, and it is distinguished from Fringilla by its slightly curved and lengthened claws, and the 3rd primary is shorter than the first two. It is somewhat related to Plectrophanes, which indeed Blyth places here rather than with the Buntings. Montifringilla hcematopygia, Gould, P. Z. S., 1851, and figured in his Birds of Asia, pt. III. pi. 15, has the upper plumage light, with the lower back and rump tinged with crimson. Adams found it common on the mountains surrounding the Chimouraree lake, in small flocks, feeding on the seeds of a worm-wood. M. Adamsi, INIoore, said to be very like M. Gehleri, is ashy above, white below and on the upper tail-coverts, with the wings black, with w^hlte-coverts. Adams found it " a native of the barren wastes and mountains of Ladakh, in small flocks, terrestrial in its habits ; and, in its call note, and mode of progression on the ground, very similar to the true Larks. The nest is composed of dried grass, and usually placed in dykes and stony places by the way side." Other species are M. brunneinucha, Brandt., from North-eastern Asia ; 31. griseinucha, Br., from North America ; M. arctous, and M. Gehleri, from Northern Asia, probably extending in winter into Central Asia. The next form is a somewhat anomalous one, though related to the last by the long hind claw. Gen. Fringillauda, Hodgson. Char. — Bill short, conic, somewhat tumid ; commissure gently curved ; wings very long, pointed ; the first three primaries longest and sub-equal ; tarsus somewhat lengthened, slender ; feet formed for ground habits ; claws slender, hind claw long, slightly curved. 414 BIRDS OF TNDTA. This remarkable genus has some affinities for the Larks, both by its coloration and structure. Blyth latterly referred* it to the genus Leucosticte, Sw., which is usually considered the same as Montifringilla. Bonaparte considers that it has analogies for tlie Sparrows. 753. Fringillauda nemoricola, Hodgson. As. Res, XIX. 158 — Fr. longipennis, BoNAr. MSS. — Bonap. andScHLEG., Mon. Lox, pi. 47 — Horsf., Cat. 748 — Montifringilla, apud Blyth, Cat. 652. The Himalayan Laek-finch. Descr. — Above dusky brown, edged with rufous on the back and scapulars, as in the Larks ; quills and tail dusky with pale edgings ; the long wing-coverts and tertiaries have a broad edging of pale rufous or whitish ; upper tail-coverts blackish with white tips ; beneath, the plumage is light earthy grey, pale and albescent on the vent and lower tail-coverts, which are white with dusky centres. Bill and legs fleshy-brown ; irides red brown. Length 6J inches ; extent 11^ ; wing 3| ; tail 2|. This curious Lark-like Finch is found throughout the Hima- layas, most common towards the North-west. Hodgson states that its habits are very like those of the arboreal Larks ; and that it feeds on the skirts of the forests. Adams says that they are seen in large flocks feeding round the margin of the melted snow, and coming to the lower ranges in winter. "Their stomach," says Hodgson, " is a powerful gizzard, and their food consists of kernels and hard seeds, which they digest by means of trituration with gravel." I did not obtain this bird in Sikim, but it is noted iu Horsfield's Catalogue as having been procured at Darjeeling by Dr. Pearson. Those remarkable birds, the Plant-cutters of South America, Phytotoma, are placed among the Finches by Gray and others as a separate sub-family, but they perhaps belong to the great group of the Tanagers. They have the margins of the bill serrated. ALAUDINiE. 415 Sub-fam. Alaudin^, Larks. Bill typically longer and more slender than in most Fri/Kjillidce, short and thick in many ; wings broad ; tertiaries elongated, pointed ; claws slightly curved ; hind toe and claw typically long ; plumage brown, more or less striated. The Larks form a very distinct group of small ground-birds, chiefly frequenting open lands, and which rise singing into the air. Their form is robust, their wings arc large and very broad, to sustain them in their hovering flight, whilst singing ; and the tertiaries are usually much developed, as in the Motacillidce, and in some other tribes, viz., the Plovers and Snipes, among the Waders. The bill varies much in thickness, from that of a stout, short and Finch-like bill, to a long, slender, and slightly curved beak ; the culmen is generally more or less curved, and the tip blunt, not notched. Their feet are fitted for running on the e;round, which they do with alternate steps, not hopping, and they rarely perch on trees. In some, the hind claw is very greatly elongated and nearly straight. The tail is short or moderate, nearly even, or very slightly forked. The plumage is plain colored, usually brown, with medial dark streaks more or less developed ; and the sexes, in most, resemble each other. In a few there is some black on the lower surface. The young have pale margins to the feathers of the upper surface. Most have the coronal feathers more or less lengthened, and some are crested. They moult once a year, but the general tone of colour alters somewhat according to season, by the abrasion of the feathers ; in some, by a natural shedding of the tips of the feathers. The Larks do not wash, but dust them- selves, like the Gallinaceous birds. They feed partly on grains, and much on grasshoppers and insects ; nidificate on the ground, and their eggs are dusky greenish with numerous speckles. Many sino- well, and are highly imitative. They are almost confined to the Old World, one form only occurring in North America, and they are very sparingly represented in Malay ana and Australia. The Larks may be said to grade to the Finches on the one hand, through Montijringilla and Plectrophanes ; and, on the other, into the Pipits through Corydalla. 4l(j BIRDS OF INDIA. The Larks may be sub-divided into the Bush-larks, the true Larks, and the long-billed or Desert-larks. 1st. Bush-Larks. These have the bill stout, with the nostrils not concealed by feathers; the wings more or less rounded, and the tail short. They are squat, heavy looking birds, which prefer more bushy places than the true Larks, and seek concealment. Gen. MiRAFRA, Horsfield. Cliar. — Bill stout, thick, compressed ; the culmcn curved and convex ; the tip slightly deflected ; commissure gently curving ; wings rather short, 1st quill short, 2nd shorter than the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, which are nearly equal ; tail very short, even ; legs rather long ; hind claw moderately long. The Bush-larks, as they may be called, are distinguished by their rounded wings, short tail, and they have usually more or less ferruginous on their wings. The edges of the mandibles are often worn away about or beyond the middle. They are found in India, including Malayana, Australia, and in Africa. 754. Mirafra assamica, McLelland. P. Z. S. 1839— Blyth, Cat. 746— Horsf., Cat. 720— Ploce- alauda typica, HoDGS. — Aggia H. — {Bliatal at M ultra ?) — Bhiriri at Bhagulpore. The Bengal Bush-lark. Descr. — Above ashy brown, with an olive tinge; feathers of the crown, interscapulars, and scapulars, with dusky brown centres ; wings and tail dusky, the outer webs of the primaries, and the edges of the secondaries, with the whole under surface, bright ferruginous, fainter beneath ; under-parts fulvescent white, whiter on the throat, and spotted on the breast ; a light superciliary streak, and the ear-coverts speckled with dusky ; outer tail-feather, with the exterior web, ferruginous, the others edged with the same. Bill dusky above, fleshy whitish beneath; legs pale licshy brown ; irides hazel brown. Length 5^ to 5| inches ; extent 10^; wing o{ ; tail 1| ; bill at front -^■^^ ; tarsus not quite L A LAUDING. 417 This species, which may be at once distinguished from the others by the prevalent ashy hue, has a very thick, stout form ; the bill is very thick, and is often much worn away at the edges ; the 2nd primary is about equal to the 6th ; and the tail is very short. The Benojal Bush-lark is found +hrou2[hout all Northern India to the Ncrbudda, extending eastwards into Assam. It is stated also to occur in the N. W. Provinces, and in the Deyra Doon, but I tliink that doubtful. Gray states this to be the same as Javanica of Horsfield, but the description of that bird is very diiFerent, and more like that of another Indian species, M. erythroptera. It is a tolerably familiar bird, feeding in gardens and bushy places, squatting when watched, and then taking a short flight ; and it appears to have the propensity to hide itself more than any of the other Indian species. It frequently perches on bushes. Mr. Philipps, as quoted by Horsfield, says that '* in the morning and evening, it may be observed, perched on a naked bank, and there pouring out its song, which consists of about eight notes, the first six quickly repeated, the last two slowly ; " but, as before stated, I am inclined to doubt if this bird really occurs in the N. W. Provinces, and I imagine that Philipps' re- marks apply to another species. Mr. Blyth says that ' in captivity it is a heavy inactive bird, prone to hide itself from observation, and that its song is pleasing, but of no power.' It appears to be more common in long grass than in bushy ground ; and I have only observed it myself in lower Bengal, Dacca, and Sylhet. The nest is described by Tickell as like that of Ammomanes j)h(enicura ; but one which I obtained in Dacca in June, was distinctly domed, or covered in by turning the stems of grass over, and was very artfully concealed. The eggs are dull greenish Avhite, with numerous grey and brown spots. 755. Mirafra affinis, Jerdon. 111. Ind. Orn. (under M. erythroptera, PI. 38)— 2nd Suppl. Cat. 189— Blyth, Cat. 743— Horsf., Cat. 7 IS— Eeli-jltta, Tel— Leepee in Central India-— CVaVcA^ra, H. 3 G 418 bikds of india. The Madras Bush-lark. Descr. — Plumage above dusky brown, with pale rufous edges to the feathers, and a pale supercilium ; ear-coverts pale rufous, tipped with dusky ; beneath white, faintly tinged with fulvous, and with the breast marked with large oval brown drops ; ([uills dusky brown, rufous on the outer web of all (except the first two) to near the tip, and with the inner webs rufous at the base, that color obliquely margining them to near the tip ; the four central feathers of the tail pale brown, the others darkish brown, the two outermost edged with yellowish white on their outer webs. Bill dusky, fleshy beneath ; legs fleshy ; irides brown. Length 5f to 6 inches ; wing 3j ; tail 1| ; bill at front y^j ; tarsus y^^ ; hind toe and claw |. 1st quill above 1 inch long, 2nd about ^j^ shorter than the next three ; tail very short ; bill moderately thick. This Busii-lark is found on the Malabar Coast, in the Carnatic, in ]\Iysore, and the southern part of the table-land, extending North to Goomsoor and Midnapore. Col. Tytler states that it occurs at Barrackpore, but it is certainly very rare in Bengal. It is also found in Ceylon, and I lately found it abundant at Thayet-myo in Upper Burmah. It is a tolerably familiar bird, entering gardens, and coming close to houses, and docs not care so much, as some others of the genus, to conceal itself from observation, for it simply squats, in general, close to the ground, and does not hide itself. It frequent- ly perches on shrubs or even on trees, and takes short flights in the air, descending again with outspread wings. It breeds on the ground, making a loose nest of grass, under the shelter of a bush or tuft of grass, and lays three or four eggs, greenish grey, with spots and stains of brown and dusky. It has a pleasant little song which it utters during its short flights, or occasionally from the ground. Specimens from the Carnatic have a redder tinge than others from Midnapore and Ceylon. 756. Mirafra erythroptera, Jerdon. Jerdon, 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 3S— Blytii, Cat. 744— HoRSF., Cat. 717 — ]\I. Javanica, apud Jerdon, Cat. ISd- Jungli ctf/gia, II. — Chinna eeli-jitta, TeL ALAUDIN^. 419 The Red-winged Bush-lark. Descr. — Upper parts streaked, the centres of the feathers being dusky brown, and the edges light fulvous brown, rufescent on the head ; coronal feathers lengthened ; a whitish eyestreak ; ear feathers rufescent-brown ; beneath, the tliroat is pure white, and the rest of the plumage pale f ulvescent-whitish ; the breast marked with large oval blackish spots ; primaries and secondaries ferrugi- nous on both webs, except towards the tip, the dusky portion gradually increasing to the outermost feather ; tail blackish, the four middle feathers brown and the outermost only whitish on its outer web. Bill horny fleshy ; feet fleshy ; irides dark brown, Length 5^ inches ; wing 3f^ ; tail 2 ; bill at front y'^ ; tarsus |^ ; hind claw ■^^ ; the bill is thick ; the 1st quill | inch long ; the 2nd ^ of an inch shorter than the 3rd, 4th, and 5th, which are about equal. This species, though very similar to tlie last, is readily distin- guished from it by its smaller size, and by the rufous colour extend- ing over the Avhole of the primary quills ; also by the longer tail. The Red-winged Bush-lark is found in the table-land of the Deccan, extending south to the edges of the Carnatic, and it is found also in the hilly district of Monghyr, where I lately procured it, but I did not observe it in the intermediate Sanger district, nor at Mhow in Central India. Buch. Hamilton appears to have observed it, for it is figured among his drawings. It is very common about Jaulnah, in low jungle. I saw it once only in tb© Carnatic, at the foot of the Eastern Ghats, inland from Nellore ; and here I found it within a mile or so of the preceding species, M. offinis, but neither encroaching on the other's ground. It never frequents the open plains, nor does it enter gardens and enclosures like the last one, but it keeps almost exclusively to low scattered jungle. It frequently perches on shrubs, whence it occasionally rises a short distance in the air, and descends again with outspread wings, its bright rufous quills glittering in the sun. Like the others, it is found single or in pairs, never congre- gating ; is a shy and wary bird, and, when observed, hides itself behind a bush ; and, if followed, soon contrives to conceal itself. 420 BIRDS OF INDIA. 757. Mirafra cantillans, Jerdon. J. A. S. XIII. 960, and 2nd Suppl. Cat. 185— Blyth, Cat. 745 — HoESF., Cat. 719 — Alauda chendoola, apud Jerdon, Cat. 185 — AfjJiun or Acjldn, H. — Burutta ^ji^^a, Tel., also Aghiix pitta, Tel. The Singing Bush-lark. Descr. — Above dusky brown, the feathers laterally margined with rufescent brown ; wings and their coverts strongly margined with rufous brown ; a pale eyestreak ; throat and below the ear- coverts white, and the rest of the under parts pale rufescent, darker on the breast, with a few indistinct small breast spots ; outer tail feathers nearly all white, the penultimate white on the outer web only. Bill dusky horny, fleshy beneath ; legs fleshy brown ; irides dark brown. Length 5^ inches; extent 10; wing 2|; tail 2 ; biU at front, y'^-; 1st primary | inch ; the four next equal, or the 2nd and 5th a trifle shorter ; bill not very thick ; feathers of head elongated. This species is distinguished from the other Bush-larks by the less amount of rufous on the wings, and this, with its more slender bill, led me, from seeing a caged specimen, to consider it a true Lark. It is very closely allied to M. Horsjieldi, Gould, from New South Wales. The Aggun Bush-lark is generally spread throughout India, but not very common, except in some localities. It is most abundant in the Carnatic, the Northern Circars, and in some parts of IMysore ; more rare in the table-land. It is found in Bengal also, but rare ; common in Bchar, according to Buch. Hamilton, and iii Central India, according to Tickell. It chiefly frequents meadows and grass land near cultivation ; and it is said to rise higher in the air than other MirafrcB ; thus, in its colours, habits, haunts, and song, it is more Lark-like than any other Mirafra. It is often caged, and much prized by the natives for its pleasant little song, which is very sweet. It also imitates the notes of other birds, though perhaps not so well as the Chandul, Galerida cristata. ALAUBTNiE. 421 M. Javanica is found in Java, and in some of the other islands of Malayana, and appears to be the only species of this group known throughout the Malayan Archipelago. 31. Ilorsjieldi, Gould, from Australia, has been ah'eady alluded to. There are, perhaps, several of this genus found in Africa, but some that are referred to it by Dr. Smith, appear to belong to the genus Mega- lophonus of Gray (Braclionyx, Swains), as well as some of the Alancla of Smith. This merely differs from il/ira/ra in having weaker bills. 2nd The True Larks. These have the nostrils covered with a tuft of incumbent bristle-like feathers. They frequent more open ground than the Bush-larks, and do not endeavour to conceal themselves further than by squatting close to the ground. Tliere are several forms among the true Larks, some of them having their bills nearly as strong as in Mirafra. The first two genera have their plumage nearly uniform, and, scarcely, if at all, striated ; their bills are thick and Finch-like, and Avere it not for their tufted nostrils, they might be ranked with the Mirafra; and, indeed, two of them were described under that generic appellation. Gen. Ammomanes, Cabanis. Char. — Bill short, thick, compressed, arched at culmen, acute at the tip, which is slightly bent over ; gonys ascending ; wings long, straight, 1st quill minute, 2nd not so long as the 3rd and 4th, which are the longest, and 5th is nearly equal ; tertiaries not elonga- ted beyond the secondaries ; tail rather long, slightly emarginate ; tarsus and feet moderate ; hind claw large. These birds have a remarkable rufous coloration on the back, tail, and under parts ; frequent open bare fields and plains, and do not congregate. 758. Ammomanes plieenicura, Franklin. Mirafra, apud Franklin, P. Z. S. 1831— Sykes, Cat. 100— Jerdon, Cat. 188 — Bltth, Cat. 747 — Horsf., Cat. 122~Aggiya, H. — lieytal, XL, of some — Amhali-jori-gadu, Tel., sometimes Dowa- pitta, i. e. Road bird. 422 BIRDS OF INDIA. Tuii KUFOUS-TAILED FlNCH-LAUK. Descr. — Plumage above ashy brown with a rufescent tinge ; rump, base of tail, the innev webs of the quills, and the tail-feathers, dark rufous or didl ferruginous ; the quills and tip of the tail dark brown ; lower parts the same ferruginous hue, but paler on the throat and lower tail-coverts, and with a few dusky streaks on the breast ; extremity of the lower tail-coverts with a dusky spot. Bill horny brown above, fleshy at the base beneath ; legs fleshy ; irides brown. Lengtli 6^ inches ; wing 4^^^ ; tail 2^^^ ; bill nt front -f\j ; tarsus -{'^ ; hind toe and claw y^. The Rufous-tailed Lark is found tln-oughout the southern part of India, as far North, at all events, as the Nerbudda on the West, more rare however towards the North. I have seen it North of the Ner- budda, at Mhow and Saugor, but rare ; and Tickell appears to have met with it in Central India. It is unknown on the Malabar Coast, in Bengal and in the N. W. Provinces. It is most abun- dant in the bare table-land of the Deccan, frequenting open plains, ploughed lands, stubble fields, and dry beds of rivers. It frequent- ly ascends suddenly in the air by a few interrupted strokes of its wings, and uttering at the same time a pleasant loud whistling note, something like too-whee ; it then descends with a sudden fall, changing its note to a low lark-like warbling ; wdien close to the ground, it again repeats this, and so on for several times. It occasionally, though very rarely, perches on low trees or bushes. It feeds on seeds of various kinds, and hard insects ; and it makes its nest on the ground, of grass and other light material, generally under the shelter of a clod of earth, or tuft of grass, laying three or four eggs, dirty greenish-white, with numerous small brown spots. It breeds about Jaulnah in February and March. Tickell found it breedino- In Central India in June. 759. Ammomanes lusitanica, Gmelin. Alauda, apud Gmelin — A. deserti, Lighten. — A, isabcllina, Temm, pi. Col. 244. f. 2.--^ Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 1G3— Mirafra phaenicuroides, Blytii. — Horsf., Cat. 723. ALAUDINiE. 423 The Pale-rufous Finch-lark. Descr. — Alilned to A. phceubcura, but the general luie is less rufescent ; upper parts dull sandy grey-brown ; the wing-coverts dark-shfd'ted ; the under parts fulvous grey, or isabelline, albescent on the throat, and with a few faint dusky streaks on the breast; tail brown, faintly rufescent at its extreme base, and on the outer Meb of the outermost feather; broad margins to the inner webs of the primaries and secondaries, with the axillaries, also pale rufescent. Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath; feet pale yellow-brown. Length about 6 inches ; wing 4 ; tail 2| ; tarsus | ; hind claw above ■^^. This species inhabits Affghanistan and Central Asia, but spreads into Cashmere and the Punjab Salt range, Avhere procured by Mr. Theobald. Griffith states that it frequents rocks and stony places, and that the claws are usually much worn. It is chiefly an inhabitant of Arabia, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe, especially in the south of Spain and Portugal. It is much paler and less rufous than the last; of which it may be supposed to have the habits. Tristram found its nest in xVfrica, and describes the eggs as cream colour, blotched Avith red and brown. Other species of this Finch-lark are A. cinnamoDiea, Bonap., and A. jyallkla 0^ Ehrenberg. It does not seem that the Indian examples have been accurately compared with lusitanica, and Horsfield, in his Catalogue, gives both these last species with a query, as perhaps the same as our bird. The next genus is chiefly developed in Africa, one species only occurring in India. Gen. Pyrrhulauda, A. Smith. Char. — Bill short, very stout, sides compressed ; tip entire ; culmen strongly arched ; commissure straight ; wings moderately long, broad, and well developed, and the tertiaries lengthened ; first quill very small, the four next equal and longest; tail moderate, slightly forked ; tarsus short ; toes small ; hind claw slightly length- ened and curved. 424 BIRDS OP^ INDIA. This genus of small Larks was formerly classed among the Finches by some naturalists. With much of the structure of the true Larks, it dilFers remarkably by its short stout bill ; and the sexes differ in colour, the males having some large patches of black on their under parts. 760. Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scopoli. Alauda, apud ScopoLi— Blytii, Cat. 748— HoRSF., Cat. 724— P. crucigera, Temm. PI. Col. 269-1— Stkes, Cat. 108— Jerdon, Cat. 194 — Alauda gingica, GaiEL. — Diyora, H. Duri, H. of some, commonly called Dabhak churi, i. e., Squat Sparrow — Jothauli, of Hindu bird-dealers (Buch. Ham.) — Chat-bharai, and Dhula chata, Ben Of. — Potl-pichihe or Piyada picldke, Tel., i. e., Short Sparrow or Ground Sparrow. Ortolan of some Europeans in the south of India. The Black-bellied Finch-lark. Descr. — Male, above pale brownish grey, the feathers slightly centred darker, somewhat rufescent on the back ; forehead and cheeks whitish; wings and tail brown, the feathers all pale edged; and a deep brown or black band from the base of bill through the eyes, continued to the occiput ; chin and throat, sides of neck (extending at right angles behind the ear-coverts, and thus taking the form of a cross, whence Temminck's specific name), breast, and lower parts deep chocolate brown or black ; sides of breast, of abdomen, and the flanks, whitish, bordering the dark colour. Bill pale; legs fleshy ; irides dark brown. Length about 5 inches ; extent 10 ; wing 3 ; tail nearly 2 ; bill at front not f . The female wants the black on the lower parts, the plumage is darker, and more rufescent above ; the breast faintly streaked with brown, and earthy on the flanks, sides of breast, and neck. She is a smaller bird, measuring about 4 J inches This curious little bird is common throughout all India, from Ceylon to the foot of the Himalayas, except on the Malabar Coast, and it does not ascend the Himalayas at all. It is especially abundant in Western India, in Sindh, and the Pun- jab, and extends thence to Arabia. It frequents the open plains, and ploughed or fallow lields, and prefers the barest spots, ALAUDIN^. 425 and especially roads, where it may often be seen dusting itself, it is remarkblc for the sudden ascents and descents of its flight, mounting up some height by a few flappings of its wings, and then descending almost perpendicularly, till it nearly reaches the ground, when it again rises a? before, and repeats this several times. In general, it takes but a short flight, and, on alighting, squats close to the ground, and will almost allow itself to be ridden over before it rises. It occasionally may be seen seated on the house-top, but I never saw it perch on a tree except on one occasion, when I observed about twelve or fifteen of them perched on a low tree close to cantonment in the hot weather. It makes its nest, from January to xMarch, in the Deccan, later further north, on the ground in a slight hollow, with grass, thread, pieces of cloth, &c., and lays two or three eggs of a light greenish grey tint, with small brown spots, chiefly at the larger end. The young birds are plumaged like the true larks. Sundevall says that he heard it singing in the air like a lark, with expanded wings. This I have not witnessed. It remains the whole year in India, and, in the cold season, sometimes collects in large flocks, and is then often shot for table as the ' Ortolun.'' Layard says, that it visits Ceylon in flocks, in the cold weather, but does not breed there. Several species of this genus occur in Africa, and have been figured in Dr. Smith's Zoology of South Africa. In the next group, the vrings are much lengthened, the 1st primary rudimentary, or even wanting in some. To this belongs the Calandra Larks, and Calandrella, in which the bill is still thick and short, and the plumage plain, not strongly streaked ; and, in Calandra there is a patch of black on the breast, assimilating them to the preceding birds. Gen. Calandkella, Kaup. Syn. CorypMdea, Blyth. Char. — Bill short, sub-conic, moderately compressed ; wings long, straight ; first primary minute, the next three primaries about equal ; tertiaries elongated ; feet small, with shortish toes, and moderately short, but straight hind claw. This form has more the aspect of a Bunting than a Lark, 3 H 426 BIRDS OF INDIA. 761. Calandrella brachydactyla; Temminck. Alauda, apud Tejiminck— IIousF., Cat. 714 — Al. calandrella, BoNELLi — Blfth, Cat. 736 — Alauda dukhunensis, Sykes, Cat. 99 — Jerdon, Cat, 187— A. arcnaria, Stephens — Emberiza bag- haira, Franklin — E. olivacea, Tickell — Baghaira, or Bag- hcyri or Baghoda, H. — Ortolan of Europeans in India. The Short-toed or Social Lark. Descr. — Upper parts pale rufescent sandy, streaked with dusky; a stripe over the eye, and the whole under parts, fulvous-white, tinged with earthy brown on the breast, which is spotless in some, in a few slightly spotted ; wings dusky brown, with fulvous edg- ings, broader and deeper-colored on the tertiaries, and on the tips of the coverts, and with a whitish edge to the first developed primary ; tail dusky, the penultimate feather having the outer web white-edged, and the outermost feather with the outer web wholly white to near the base, and also some of the inner web. In old or worn plumage the dusky tinge prevails on the back> the breast has some narrow dusky streaks, and a patch of the same appears on each side of the lower part of the foreneck ; this is also slightly observable in newly moulted specimens. Bill whitish horny, dusky on the ridge of upper raauJILle ; legs brownish, darker at the joints ; irides dark brown. Length 6^ inches ; wing 4 ; tall 2^ ; tarsus -f\^ ; hind toe with claw about y^^j. This species is widely distributed throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa, and has even been once killed in Britain. It is found throughout India, more rare to the extreme south, and it has not been observed in Ceylon, but numerous in the Deccan, and thence northwards to the foot of the Himalayas, but not in the countries to the eastward. The short-toed Lark appears in India in October and November, in flocks, frequenting the bare grass downs, frequently damp spots near tanks, also grain fields and ploughed land, and it almost always retires to cornfields or grass for shelter during the heat of tlie day, whence it does not in general issue again till next morn- ing, for they are seldom seen Hying about or feeding in the afternoon or evening. It feeds almost entirelv on seeds ; both ALAUDINiE. 427 runs and hops on the ground, and has a call note like that of the real Larks. Towards the end of ]\Iarch in the south, April in the north of India, different flocks often unite into vast troops, con- tainmg many thousand birds, and quite darkening the air, so close do they keep together, even when flying. Great numbers are netted in some parts of the country, or taken by bird-lime, or shot ; for when feeding, they keep close to each other. On one occasion, on the cavalry parade-ground at Kamptee, I bao-o-ed twelve dozen birds after discharging both barrels, and many wound- ed birds escaped. They get quite fat about this time, and are really very excellent eating, and they are always called Ortolan by Europeans in India. They leave the north of India about the end of April, or beginning of ]\Iay, and they breed in the steppes of Central Asia, Eastern ilussia, and also in Northern Africa, placing their nest on the ground at the edge of a scrub or bush, and laying four to six eggs, usually marked with grey and rufous spots, but sometimes, it is said, unspotted yellow brown. Alauda leucopfera, Pallas, from North Asia, is placed as a Calan- drella by Bonaparte. The Calandre Larks {Melanocorypha, Boie) are large species, with very thick convex bills ; wings with the first primary very minute or wanting, and the tertiaries not elongated. The hind claw is straight and of moderate length. They are chiefly inhabitants of Northern and Central Asia, the South and East of Europe, and of Africa. Their habits are said to be that of the last bird, and of Alauda, but that they keep aloof from cultivation. One species, M. torguata, Blyth, 31. bimaculata of Menetries, is the Bokhara Lark of some Europeans in the North-west, the J^lll of the natives. It is a favorite song bird of the Affghans, and is often brought to the Punjab, Cashmere, and even to Calcutta. It is very like 31. calandra, but is considered generically distinct by Blyth, and named Calandrina, having a longer and less robust bill. Its general color is much as in Cal. hracliydactiila, but with a large blackish patch on each side of the breast above, tending to meet across ; beneath whitish, upper parts dusky, with pale sandy edgings. Length about 7^ inches ; wing 4^ ; tail 2\. It is quite possible that this Lark may yet be found in the extreme North-west Provinces, it being 428 BIRDS OP INDIA. common in A£fghanistan. To this genus also belong Al. tartarica, Pallas, of North Asia, almost entirely black in summer dress, (occasionally killed in Europe) ; and A. moyigolica, Pallas, AL clot-hey, Temminck and Bonaparte, belongs to the same group ; but, from its very thick and deeply notched bill, has been separated as HampJiocoris, Bonap, The next form is not unlike the preceding one, but smaller, and less social in its habits. Gen. Alaudala, Blyth. Char. — Bill more lengthened and slender than in the preceding genera, but still rather short and thick, and slightly curved ; wings moderate, with no rudimentary first primary, and the first three quills longest ; tail even ; feet very small ; hind claw about the length of the toe, nearly straight. Of small size. This genus may be said to combine the general form (including the bill) of Alauda, with the feet and plumage of Calandrella. There is only one species known, the smallest of all the Indian Larks. 762. Alaudala raytal, Buch. Hamilton. Alauda, apud B. Hamilton — Hoesp., Cat. 773 — Cal. raytal, Blyth, Cat. 737— Al. pispolctta, Pallas ?—'Iietal, H., i. e. Sand- bird. The Indian Sand-lark. Descr. — General hue of the upper parts light brownish-ashy, with narrow dark centres to the feathers ; lower parts white, faintly tino'cd with fulvous on the breast, where obscurely marked with small spots; Aving -coverts and tertiaries margined with^pale fulvescent or whitish; the outermost tail-feathers white, except the inner half of the inner web, and the next one is white along the marginal half of its outer web only ; a whitish line through the eyes. Bill pale horny ; legs fleshy yellowish ; irides brown. Length 5^ inches; extent 8 ; wing 3 ; tail If to 2 ; tarsus -{'^ ; hind toe and claw not \ ; bill at front § ; spread of foot 1. ALAUDIN^. 429 This little Sand-lark is found on the banks of the Hooghly, Gan- ges, Indus, and Bramapootra; also, as I lately had the opportunity of observing, abundant on the banks of the Irrawaddy in Upper Burmah. It frequents the sand dunes, the colour of which its own plumage strongly approximates. During the height of the flood of the Irrawaddy, I observed it feeding- on the roads and plains in the station at Thayct-myo in small parties. " It occasion- ally," says Biyth, "ventures short snatches of song, frequently without rising from the ground, and I never saw it mount high." It is also found in Central Asia, and has been considered the same as A. pispoletta of Pallas, which name will stand, if it be identified with that bird. The description applies pretty fairly, but the measurements given do not correspond, the wing being given as 3.8^ inches, and the tail as 2*3. Blyth has seen specimens from Ladakh. The birds next noticed comprise a very distinct form, and it is the only one which has been observed in the American Continent. They are easily recognised by their sincipital crests, and a peculiar coloration. They are mostly inhabitants of cold or temperate regions, and the following species are probably confined, in India, to the Himalayas. Gen. Otocoeis, Bonap. — Crested-Larks. Syn. Phileremos. Brehm. Char. — Bill moderately short, slender, somewhat conical ; the culmen distinctly arched ; wings moderately long ; no minute primary, and the first three sub-equal and longest ; tail long, even ; toes short ; claws rather long and nearly straight ; head with a double, erectile, sincipital crest. The crested Larks differ from the two last forms, in their shorter wings and longer tail, as well as in the double crest, and there is always some black on the head and breast. 763. Otocoris penicillata, Gould. Alauda, apud Gould, P. Z. S. 1837 — Blyth, Cat. Appendix, p. 337 — HoRSr., Cat. 709 — 0. scriba, Bon.—Gray. Gen. Birds, pi. 92. 430 birds of india. The Horned-lark. Bescr. — Head, neck, and back, streakless vinaceous ashy, passing to purer grey on the wings ; narrow frontal band, lores, car-coverts, and the sides of the neck, meeting as a gorget across the breast, purple black; the crown and the pointed sincipital tufts also black ; forehead, supercilia, continued round the ear-coverts posteriorly, throat, and below the breast, white, the latter tinged with yellow ; primaries fuscous-ashy, the first, externally, white ; the tail blackish, except the medial feathers, which are colored like the back, and the outermost and penultimate, which have white margins. Bill and feet black. Length about 8 inches ; wing 4| ; tail 3 ; bill at gape |; tarsus 1. This is the description of the summer dress ; in winter, probably, judging from the analogy of 0. alpestris, the colors would be much concealed by deciduary grey edgings, and the black would be less intense and not so deep. The males differ from the females in being of a brighter colour, and in having the black feathers on the top of the head much more distinctly marked. The yellow gorget in winter is bright, and in summer remarkably faint, while the black on the nape is vice versa. The Horned-lark is an inhabitant of the cold regions of Northern Asia, in winter descending to the plains, and coming South. It has been found in Nepal, Kumaon, and other parts of the Hima- layas ; also in Cashmere. Either this, or the next species, was observed by Adams on the lower Himalayan range (Birds of India, under No. 111). Messrs. Dickson and Ross, who observed it in Western Asia, say, that they are driven to the plains in winter in search of food, which consists of the grain found in the dung of cattle. They fly in companies of from three to twelve birds ; are very familiar, especially in winter, when they may be killed easily with an ordinary whip. They run on the snow with surprising rapidity, and, as soon as the snow has melted on the plains, they return to the mountains. This Lark is said to sing well, mounting into the air, like a true Alauda, ALAUDINiE. 431 764. Otocoris longirostris, Gould. Moore, P. Z. S., 1855, with figure— Horsf., Cat. 710. The Long-billed Horned-lark. Descr. — Allied in colour and in the black markings of the head and breast to 0. penicillata, but differs in its larger size, considerably more lengthened bill, wings, and tail, in the thicker toes, and in the feathers of the back being broadly centred with brown. Length 7| inches ; wing 5 ; tail 3| ; bill at front y^^ ; tarsus y| ; hind toe and claw y^^ . This species has lately been described, and is said to have been procured in the neighbourhood of Agra, but most probably was from the Himalayas. Judging solely from the figure in the P. Z. S., it appears very close to the last, of which perhaps it is only a large specimen. The black on the neck is not continuous with the band from the eye, as in penicillata, but the resemblance is very close. Nevertheless, as Mr. Gould is familiar with the previous one, I shall, for the present, give it a place as a distinct species. Otocoris alpestris is found in Europe, frequenting the sea shores, and has been killed on the English coast ; and O. bilopha, Temm., PI. Col. 241, f. 1, much smaller than the preceding, is found in North Africa, and Arabia Petraaa, and may occur in the extreme west of Sindh and the Punjab. Several species occur in America, being the only Larks found in the New Continent, and some of these have been separated by Sclater as Neocorys. Gen. Spizalauda. Blyth. J. A. S. XIV. 258. Char. — Bill as in Alauda, i. e., with the nostrils protected by bristles, but thicker and Mirafra-Ynke in its form ; wings long, with the 1st quill minute, the next four about equal and longest, as in the true Larks ; tertiaries lengthened ; hind toe and claw moderately developed ; claws longer than in Mirafra ; coronal feathers length- ened, and forming a pointed crest. This is simply a thick-billed and highly crested Alauda. 432 BIRDS OF INDIA. 765. Spizalauda deva, Sykes. Alauda, apud Sykes, Cat. 98— Mivafra llayi, Jerdon, 2nd Suppl. Cat. 188 bis.— J. A. S. XIII. 959— Blytii, Cat. 742— tloKSF., Cat. 721 — Chinna chandid, Tel. TiiK Small Crested Lark. Descr. — Upper part, including the crest, isabelline or rufous brown, with black mesial streaks ; upper tail-coverts rufescent without streaks; the first long primary broadly edged with rufes- cent, and the outermost tail-feather and most of the penultimate of the same hue ; superciliary streak continued round the back of the head, and lower parts of a similar or isabelline hue, with a few dusky strise on the breast, and paling on the throat. Bill horny brown, yellowish below ; feet fleshy brown ; iridcs dark-brown. Length 5-^ to of inches ; wing 3f ; tail about 2, a trifle longer ; bill at front y'^ ; tarsus | ; hind toe and claw y^. The short first primary is about ^ an inch long ; the crest has its longest feathers about f inch long ; and the mesial dark streak of each is stronjT and contrastino-. This small crested Lark is found throughout Southern India, chiefly on the table-land, rare in the Carnatic. Sykes procured it in the Deccan, where also I observed it, at Jaulnali, and I obtained examples from the top of the Eastern Ghats, and from Mysore. It frequents grass-land, and has quite the habits of a true Lark, and not at all those of a Alirafra, with which, from its thicker bill, I at first classed it. It is frequently caged in the Deccan and in the south of India, sings well, and is an excellent mocking bird. We next come to the restricted Larks, with a comparatively slender bill. Gen. Alauda, Linnaeus (as restricted.) Char. — Bill moderate, nearly straight, conical or subulate, slender ; wings long, the first primary exceedingly minute, and the next four sub-equal, the fifth in some decidedly shorter ; tips of the lesser quills emargiuated ; tail short or moderate, forked ; ALAUDINiE. 433 tarsus somewhat lengthened ; feet large ; hind claw - very long ; coronal feathers elongated, forming a full crest. 76 G. Alauda triborhyncha, Hodgson. Gray, Zool. Misc. p. 84 — -Alauda dulcivox, Hodgson, apud Blyth, MSS. jMus. As. Soc. —A. arvensis, Auct.. apud Blyth, Cat. 732 — HoRSF., Cat. 705— A. coelipeta, Pallas ? — A. japonica, Temm., and ScHL. F. J. pi. 47 ? The Himalayan Sky-lark. Descr. — Above deep brown, the feathers edged with rufous, broadly so on back of neck ; beneath, and eye-brow, pale fulves- cent, or earthy white, rufescent on the breast, and with a few brown streaks ; tail with the outer feathers nearly all white, and the penidtlmate with the outer web also-white. Length 7 inches ; wing 4 to 4^ ; tail 2f ; bill at front not i ; tarsus I; hind toe and claAv lyjj. This Sky-lark has been found in Nepal by Hodgson. Blyth was latterly induced to separate the Himalayan birds, under Hodgson's name dulcivox (under whicii name he states that he received specimens from Mr. Hodgson), from the European bird, with which he formerly classed dulcivox, on the grounds that the form of the wing was distinct, the fourth developed primary in sup- posed didcivox being barely y^. inch shorter than the third, whereas in. arvensis, it is at least ^ shorter. The wing of the European Lark is given as 4-^ inches, which is longer than in any Indian examples of the present bird. Moreover, the colors of dulcivox are said to be brighter, and the contrast more marked. In other respects the two birds are alike, except that the throat and ear-coverts are less spotted in the Himalayan l)ird, and there is a stronger rufous tino-e on the wings. It is certainly the A. triborhyndia of Hodgson, in Horsfield's Catalogue, No. 705, where it is described as follows :—" Very like A.gulgida; differs in being somewhat larger, and the bill smi^er ; the ferruginous colors brighter, especially on the wings. L^gth 6^ inches ; wing 4y% ; tail 2| ; tarsus | ; hind toe and claw 1^. This Himalayan Lark has been sent from Nepal by Mr. Hodgson, and from Bootan by Mr. Pemberton." 3 I 434 BIRDS OF INDIA. It is most likely the A. leiopns oH Hodgson, apiid Blyth, dim J. A. S., where it is said to be distinguished from A. gulgula by its superior size, smaller bill, and longer tail ; and from arvensis by the shape of its wing. That name however is now given as a synonym of gulgula. It is probably also the trihorhyncha of Gray's Catalogue of the Birds of Nepal, rather than his dulcivoxy of which no specimens Avere sent to tlie British Museum, nor to the JMuseum of the India House. TJie name triborhyncha should be adopted for this species, under which name it appears to have been sent to the European Museums, and it probably inhabits the higher regions of the Himalayas throughout. A. didcivox, Hodgson, apud Gray, may, I think with Horsfield, be considered as A. arvensis of Europe and Asia, which we know to be common in Affghanistan, and in the country bordering the Himalaj^as, and wliieh Hodgson probably saw onh'- as a cage-bird, not having sent any specimens to England. 767. Alauda gulgula, Franklin. P. Z. S., 1831— HoRSF., Cat. 706— Jerdon, Cat. 184— Blyth, Cat. 733 — A. gracilis, and A. gangetica, Blyth — A. leiopus, Hodgson (in part). — A. coelivox, Sayinhoe? — A. Malabarica, apud Bly'tu, Cat. 734 — A. arvensis, apud Sundevall — Buruta-pitta, Tel., vulgo Ni.ala picJiike, or Ground Sparrow — Maiiam-hadi Tam., i. e., Sk3'-bird — Bhin-ut, H. The Indian Sky-lark. Descr. — Above, the feathers are dark brown, with fulvous margins ; beneath fuh'escent white, deeper on the breast, and spotted or streaked with dusky ; ear-coverts spotted and tipped dusky; a pale cycstreak ; the erectile feathers of the head moder- ately elongated. Some specimens have a rufous tinge on the upper tail-coverts, and also margining the large quills, more especially the secondaries, while the coverts are edged with grey ; the tail has the outermost feather almost wholly fuh-escent-white, and the penultimate one has its outer web, and sometimes the tip of the inner web of the same tint. II ALAUUIN^. 435 Bill horny brown, pale beneath ; legs Ileshy brown ; irides dark brown; length (3 to 6^ mchcs ; wing 3^ to 3f; tail 2 to 2^; tarsus 1 ; bill at front -h ; hind toe and claw 1~. This species has much the plumage of the Sky -lark of Europe, but is a good deal smaller ; the under parts are generally more rufescent, and there is a stronger tinge of this hue botli on the upper and under surface of the wings ; the outer tail-feathers too are generally tinged with the same. The wing has the fourth laro-e primary barely shorter than the third, and the first three are nearly equal, as in trihorhyncha. Hill examples appear to be brighter, and witli more strongly contrasting colours than those usually killed in the plains, and these Hodgson sent* as A. leioptts, but he also appears to have applied this name to the previous species (V. Gray, Cat. Birds of Nepal). Swinhoe has Al. cojUvox, which liiay be tlie same. He compares it with .1. japonica, stating it to be a much smaller species than the Japanese bird. Blyth doubtfully puts it as guhjula. The Indian Sky -lark is found throughout the whole of India, frequenting grassy hills, meadows, and fields ; the grassy edges of tanks are favorite spots, and also the bunds of rice fields, in which they often breed. It rises into the air singing, but does not perhaps soar so high as the Lavrock of England. It breeds from March to June, making its nest of grass and hair, on the ground under a tuft of grass ; and laying three or four greenish-grey eggs, Avith numerous brown and dusky streaks and spots. In the cold weather they associate more or less in flocks, and are taken in great numbers for the table. It is particularly abimdant on the Neilgherries, and also in Wynaad, and in Lower Bengal. I did not procure it at Darjeeling. " The son"-," says Mr. Blyth, " very closely resembles that of the British Sky-lark." Comparatively few residents in India are aware that a Sky -lark is common in almost every part of India, and when they go to a hill station, observe this bird, perhaps for the first time, with equal surprise and delight. About February many are brought to the Calcutta market, and sold as Ortolan. 436 BIRDS OF INDIA. A. cantarella, Bonap., a supposed distinct species that has been killed occasionally in tlie South of Europe, and said to be smaller and duller in colour than ca^ve^isis, ou^'ht to be compared with A. gulgula. 768. Alauda malabarica. Scopoli. SONNERAT, Voy. aux Indes Or., 2, pi. 113, f. 1— Blytu, J. A. S. XXIX., p. 96, not of his Catalogue. The Crested Malabar Lark. Descr. — ^Very similar to A. guhjula, but has a well developed pointed frontal crest. It is somewhat smaller, and the general tone of coloring much more rufous. It is found in various parts of Southern India, but I am not able at present to define its geogra- phical distribution. It is however, a very distinct species, and follows Spizalauda deva very closely. The wood Larks have been separated by Kaup as Lullida, in which the 1st primary is somewhat larger than in Alauda arvensis, and the 2nd also conspicuously shorter than the next three. Several African species of Alauda are recorded, but some of them differ slightly from the typical form, and have been named Calendulauda by Blyth, having stouter bills. The next form differs from the true Larks in its somewhat longer bill, crested head (to which, however, we are led by the last bird), and in the shorter hind claw. Gen. Galerida, Boie. Cltar. — Bill lengthened, slightly curved ; wings, with the first primary moderately developed, the next four sub-equal, the second slightly shorter ; toes and hind claw less elongated than in Alauda ; an erectile, lengthened and pointed crest on the top of the head. 769. Galerida cristata, Linnaeus. Alauda, apud Linn.eus — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 165 — HoRSF., Cat. 703 — A. chendula, Franklin, — Gal chendula, Blyth, Cat. 740— A. gulgula, apud Sykes, Cat. 97— x\. deva, apud Jerdon, Cat. 186— Certhilauda Boysii, Blyth (caged specimen) — A. galerita, Pallas — Chendul, H. also in Tel., but sometimes called Jutu-pitla, i. e., the Crested bird. ALAUDINiE. 437 The Lakge Crested Lark. Descr. — Paic earthy or sandy brown, rufescent on the feathers of the upper parts, with pale dusky mesial streaks ; the feathers of the crest alone, with dark brown centres; wings somewhat rufescent ; iipper tail-coverts the same, as are the lower surface of the wings and tail ; outermost tail-feather rufescent white, the next with a border of the same on its outer web, the four middle feathers colored like the back, and the rest of the tail blackish ; supercilia and lower parts sullied white, with a few brown streaks on the breast. Bill yellowish ; feet pale brown ; irides dark brown. Length 1^ to 7^ inches ; wing 4 to 4^ ; tail 2^ to 2| ; bill at front | ; tarsus 1. The crested Lark is widely spread over all the South of Europe, North Africa, and a great part of Asia ; and it is found throughout all India, most abundant in the North and North-west. It is rare in tlie Carnatic, not found in Malabar, more common in the Deccan, and thence spreading from Behar in the East, to Sindh and the Punjab, where very common. It is not known in Bengal, nor in the Himalayas, nor in the countries to the eastwards. It prefers dry open sandy plains, or ploughed land, to grass, wet meadows, or cultivation. It rises in the air singing, tiiough not so high as A. f/ulr/ula, nor is its song so fine. In winter, it may be seen in small parties, or sometimes in considerable flocks, occasionally on roads and barren places. Theobald found the nest and eggs, the former, a little grass, in a hole in the ground, the eo-gs four, yellowish-white, uniformly freckled with greyish-yellow and neutral-tint. It is frequently caged in all parts of the country, and the bird is kept in darkness by several layers of cloth wrapped round the cage ; the custom being to wrap an additional cover round the cage every year. In this state it sings very sweetly, and learns to imitate most exactly the notes of various other birds, and of animals, such as the yelping of a dog, the mewing of a cat, the call of a hen to her chickens, &c., &c. Examples from different parts of the country differ somewhat in the depth of colour, some being lighter than others ; and Mr. Blyth, from a small and caged specimen. 438 JUKDS OF INDIA. considered that there was a second and smaller race in India, Avhicli lie named G. JJoijsii. Two or three African species are recorded by Bonaparte and Tristram. 3rd.— ^Desert Larks. These have the light aspect and the naked nostrils of the Pipits ; typically inhabit desert and sandy places, and are numerous in Africa. Gen. Cekthilauda, Swainson. Char. — Bill slender, lengthened, more or less curved ; nostrils round and naked; wings very long, the 1st quill short, the second a little shorter than the next three, which are nearly equal ; tail moderate or rather long, even ; tarsus lengthened ; toes short ; hinder claw variable, typically short and straight. The only species occuring in India has been separated from Cer- tldlauda by several Ornithologists under the name xilwmon, Keys and Bl., on account of its peculiar, plain, almost unstreaked colora- tion, and slightly curved bill. A closely allied race is C. Salvinl, Tristram, from North Africa; and C. Dupontl, Vieill., is another of the same group. 770. Certhilauda desert orum, Stanley. Alauda, apud Stanley — Blyth, Cat. 738 — Horsf., Cat. 702 — Al. bifasclata, Light. — Temm. PL, Col. 393 — Ruppell, F. Abyss., pi. 5--Saxicola pallida, Blyth, J. A. S. XVI. 130. The Desert-lark. Descr. — Light Isabella grey above, more fulvescent on the scapulars, tertiaries, and. two middle tail-feathers, Avhich arc shaded with pale dusky along the middle ; lores, superciliary stripe, throat and belly, white ; the breast feathers dusky, with broad whitish maroins concealino; the dark colour within; ear-coverts blackish at the tip; wings deep dusky black; primaries and secondaries pure white at base ; the shorter primaries also white tipped, and the small wing-coverts margined with pale fulvescent ; tail, except the two middle feathers, deep dusky black, the outermost feathers having its narrow outer web almost wholly white, and the ALAUDINiT:. 439 penultimate with a narrow white edge on tl\e outer weh. The colours of the female arc duller. Length 9 inches •, wing 5^; tail 4^; tarsus If. This Desert-lark of Africa and Arabia, and a rare stragf^ler to the South of Europe, has been found in India only in Sindh, where observed by the late Dr. Gould ; but it will probably hereafter be found throughout the great desert tracts of the N. W. Provinces. It is said to run fast, to live on seeds, and to be a fine songster. An Indian example is much darker than the figure in Rixppell, generally considered the same bird. Tristram has an interesting account of this species (Ibis, vol. 1., p. 427.) '' At first sight it reminded me much of a Plover, in the manner in which it rose and scudded away. Indeed, there is nothing of the Lark in its flight, except in early morning, when I have watched it rise perpendicularly to some elevation, and then suddenly drop, repeating these gambols uninterruptedly over exactly the same spot for nearly an hour, accompanying itself by a loud whistling song. It runs with great rapidity."' Alauda leauf.auwjensis, Swinhoe, from the plains of the Peihn, by its long and somewhat curved bill, may be a Certliilauda, but, being crested, perhaps is more properly a Galerida. Some of the African species are said to inhabit desert, sandy places, interspersed with brushwood, or wild grassy plains ; and, when not seeking their food, are commonly seen resting upon small hillocks, or even perched on a low shrub, occasionally utter- ing a few whistling notes. Several are colored quite as the typical Larks, striated above and spotted on the breast, and these are said to affect grassy situations. END OF PAET I., VOL. IL 1. rrinted at the Jlilitary Onilian Press, G, Ilaiik.shall Street. / fV\ /ti /5 v/ 7