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THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA,

INCLUDING

CEYLON AND BURMA.
as Ar ole at Vn) am

g¥s
PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF
STATE FOR INDIA IN COUNCIL.

EDITED BY SIR ARTHUR E. SHIPLEY, G.B.E., M.A., Sc.D.Cantab.,
HON. D.Se. Princeton ‘HON, LL.D. Michigan, F.R.S.

BIRDS.—VOL. L.

(Second Eprrion.)

BY

B.C. STUART BAKWDHR, ue EZ. re:

LONI econ mss

TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

CALCUTTA : | BOMBAY:
THACKER, SPINK, & CO. THACKER & CO., LIMITED.

July, 1922.

ALERE TFLAMMAM.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,

RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET,

PREFACE.

ARRAAR Aw ae

Tue first volume by Mr. Oates on the Birds of British
India was pnblished in 1889 under the editorship of Dr.
W. T. Blanford and it was then estimated that in this
and the three succeeding volumes the number of species
dealt with would exceed those enumerated in Jerdon’s
classical ‘* Birds of India” by more than one half. Mr.
Oates had been able to come to England on furlough and
was thus able to utilize the collection of Indian birds in
the British Museum, which included amongst other large
collections Mr. Hume’s collection of 60,000 skins. The
second of the volumes written by Mr. Oates appeared the
following year but as he was unable to obtain an extension
of his two years’ furlough he had to be content with issuing
a somewhat smaller volume than usual. Still, he sueceeded
in covering the whole of the Passerine birds, the largest
and most difficult of all the great orders.

The two remaining volumes on Birds were written by
Dr. W. T. Blantord and published respectively in 1895 and
1895.

These volumes on Birds have been for many years out of
print, and there has been a constant demand for a re-issue of
them. It is therefore with great pleasure that with the
sanction of the authorities of the India Office I have been
able to secure the services of Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker in
preparing this much needed new edition.

a a

1V PREFACE.

Dr. Blanford died in 1905. For twenty-seven years he
had been a member of the Indian Geological Society and
had acquired a wide and deep knowledge of the geology of
that great Empire. But he was a man of the utmost width
of scientific interest. During his many journeys he kept a
keen eye on the fauna of British India and it was this first-
hand knowledge that enabled him so successfully to complete
the great work begun by Mr. Oates. Dr. Blanford was an
indefatigable worker and everything that he wrote was of
the highest order of merit, marked by thoroughness and

accuracy.

Mr. Oates survived his editor by six years. He had spent
thirty-two years in the Public Works Department of India
and had devoted all his spare time to the ornithology of
British India. He was chiefly stationed in Burma and was
undoubtedly the world’s authority on the birds of that
country. His “ Birds of British Burma” in two volumes is
still a standard work, though it has perhaps been to some
extent replaced by his later work in “The Fauna of British
India.”

He is described by those who knew him as being a lovable
but at times hot-tempered man ; but officia's who have spent
a large part of their lives in the tropics are apt to be a little
hot-tempered. The fact that Mr. A. O. Hume made over to
Oates the whole of his notes and correspondence when the
latter was preparing his work on “The Nests and Eggs of
Indian Birds” testifies to the high regard he inspired in his
contemporaries. On his retirement he was requested by the
Trustees of the British Museum to catalogue their large
collection of British eggs, and he prepared a manuscript
of four volumes, covering about 50,000 specimens. The
first two volumes of this catalogue were issued during his
lifetime.

3oth he and Dr. Blanford are splendid examples of men
carrying on thorough scientific work in the rare and sporadic

intervals of exacting, official duties.

PREFACSH, Vi

Those who are responsible for issuing these volumes may
well congratulate themselves on having secured the services
of Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker. Mr. Baker is well known to
all those in India who take an interest in ornithology and
big game shooting. He is equally known to Ornithologists
all over the world as a regular contributor for more than
thirty years to the “Ibis” and ‘ Bombay Natural History
Society’s Journal.” His volumes on Indian Game Birds are
standard works and all who read these pages will recog-
nise in his vivid descriptions of the habits and song of birds
the work of a first-hand authority.

The author has produced a work which combines the
highest scientific standard with a system which readily
enables the sportsman or amateur to identify the various
birds of British India. He has himself drawn attention to
the imperative need of the trinominal system of nomen-
clature and he has modernised the generic and_ specific
names in accordance with the rules of the International
Congress.

In some cases it will be noticed that there is no name
following the words “vernacular names.” In these cases
none have been recorded, but it is hoped that sportsmen and
naturalists in India may in time be able to fill up these
blanks. The extremely accurate and living drawings for the
plates are the work of the author. They have been
admirably reproduced by Messrs. Bale & Danielsson.

7th July, 1922. AH SET URN:

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Te peeve 0G (0) Teak 7a Ba rec ee eran ar
HM CROMEMC OT VAISS ICON. = nan gutier haus 3 skola os d's Ht Pas
1S, (Coy soc 7007) ne i A RE Sm
ly COraxs LAUNONCel (WHE) crass 3 = eae sree ayes
2 coraxstibetanus (Hodgs.)<..+ oh. .85 wei.
Sa COrax;ulicollign(Lessam)) ah... undo) = as
8 (BONO) HEY OG) Mestre SRE Pees RPA EN Eu dee ae a
4. corone orientalis (Hversm.) ...........-
See COLONOI es GOuldi a. ake aye ral arose ot 8 is myetorren.
5. coronoides levaillanti (Less.) ..........
6. coronoides culminatus (Sykes)..........
. coronoides intermedius (Adams)........
8. coronoides andamanensis (Tytler) ......
ZING cath eee ULy"at hy 6h eae ee cae PR Are ate RPC Mor See
OF frugilegus tschusit Hartert 72). .45 02.45
bye: CORD UENGMEC Tne ee Ee Saale par. Gass = Seana
LOMecorix shania (Oates) ares. |05i,-:00)< gee
Ga splendensey7e0ll 6 2. crete ras oe .ciese i Se are
11. splendens splendens (Vieill.) ..........
12. splendens zugmayeri (Laubm.) ........
13. splendens isolens (Hume) .........-..

14. splendens protegatus Madar. ...
PR THOMCOIU AA We ceneraee <5 arte =< evap lite ore Veen a ator ava.staane
15. monedula scemmeringii (Fischer)........
eG INIT CASE ESSOTUE tans fa retate ed ans see spithe, ose .o “Ee were s
Sls UGE (LAPT OR) RS Once har gene Os ADS ony ace ee
NGw pica, bactriatta,Donwp. 22... as. sae
li7ae pica sericea (GOW) i Be. s./ie eo os eins
18. pica bottanensis (Delessert) ..........--
3. GenliemUnOeIssal CQ0GNISen ane = voc ens eee
9. melanocephialian(Lath.) 20% 0 3 S52 ee ee os
19. melanocephala melanocephala (Lath.)....

20. melanocephala occipitalis (Blyth)

21. melanocephala magnirostris (Blyth)

NOs HavabasGris (Blythe eae. cata te ee wn oes
22. flavirostris flavirostris (Blyth)..........
23. flavirostris cucullata (Gould) ..........

“J

~I

yul

SYSTEMATIC INDEX,

J. Family Corvin & (cont.).
4; Genus Cissa Borer... dk. oss eee 1. sie Oe

1 chinensis (Bodden craic. . oe Deere
24, chinensis chinensis (Bodd.)............

12. ormatan(@Waglor)) jee as eee Ss oe ee

my, (Creme IDysinclnoentten, Gmldh ssson5005 oodnoccnuoas

Wed. rule, (Caen) ee eeepc tte ence) ise oomeneete
25. Tilia Roba hatha) aaier. cs > <l\si- ie ae
Y6. rufa vacdounda (Latham) ~~... ree
D7 TokaSclaveniesWlSpaMOVers «= oc sae ke ne
23. Tula kennean, subsp. MOV. 2%... eee
29. ruta saturatior (7 veehurst)) 535. . .2. oe
if leucomastrasGauldin wc Woes ses: soc) > <n ae
aa SUMensisy (GLE) pe mise chee ae ai ce Sl rete
30. sinensis himalayensis (Blyth) ..........
31. sinensis assimilis (Hwme)..............
LGastronbalise We Glell ens Seeteve roy sci cecnsi nya! ae eget
Me tbalyl ey eley cl citiaay. tee, atentee cmttetaieearaianc ess maci'~ ete gene

6:eGenus/Crypsirhingl Vag.) asa «eas se acs a oe

Ic mas yvnotenatsyn Utd iai tence Warts cy AcAeeo o Ge gee ORAS c 3
UOSecucullata rey Crore scat were ree tence: sce «Jere

feeGonus Platvemurus Wweicla oe See sean. oe

20 Sleucepremuss (“Heninia)iac was ares ater ae age

S Gams Garant Begs 64005cuuoaovasceuruconcawc

SIE

10.

tele

Di. Hlanceolatwsay2gons Mae, «eee <a erel eeee
92) Veucohis sume zees.s © ge ees ee ayo PE
Dae eleucouIs LEUCOtS (HeUnRe) ica. asic eae ele
33. leucotis oatesi (Sharpe)
23. ADIspecularis Wagons mea. huae eelaeae «ys = esa
34. bispecularis bispecularis (Vigors) ......
35. bispecularis interstinetus Hartert ......
36. bispecularis persaturatus “artert ......
37. bispecularis haringtoni (2téppon) ......
Genus Nucifraga Briss. ..... OOP ee ee sc
Debt CARY OCAUACLES W220 es needy raeete eatin ah eee
38. caryocatactes hemispila (Vagors)........
2o..mulippunetata Goulds pene tee Oe 5 an a cee
Genus Pyrrhoconax cull gee ae as ie cee
2O.e Py LEMOC ON aKa COIs \egeee eles eae. teers, alas '= silo opera
Zhe Sracliise (Lanta rare so tee eee Ses eiays = ev eee
Genus Podoceshischera a 5) = BAS 6 este eee
2.8; alumna Sw 12ate Reaper ye ee ce. nce a

WE aE a tailly. Bea i) at 2s tec center cee, C2 ob Auitve as ae
iO aGenus ans 1717 ea a

29 Ta OP Lt etn aR iene 02,5) os Cee
3d. major cinereusi\(Pacwl:)), \. 2.2. ae eee
40. major intermedius (Sarudny) ..........
41, major kaschmiriensis Hartert ..........

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. 1x

Il. Family Pa rip @ (cont.).

12. Genus Parus (cont.). Page
42, major planorum VERN rt a eek eR fT

43. major mahrattarum Hartert .......+-- vi

44, major tibetanus //artert ...........+-- 78

45, major commixtus (Swinhoe)........-+-. 78

SMMC MAlRPIeTOON. roc 2 bnfadsuld atv les ecaeate ss, Ube
Seenomacols47gGrs oe ee he ee ee See 80

46. monticolus monticolus (Vigors) ........ 80

Soy reyanus PAllas:.. 2. .6ee - eee eee eon

47. cyanus tianschanicus Meshes ab Soe 81

33. palustris VT ORR, hs Joico Pe Pe 2

48. palustris korejewi (Zarud. § Harms).... 82

49. palustris poecilopsis (Sharpe) .......... 82

iS) Genus LophophanesiMaup «42a 8 it eect ae 88
Semelanolophus (V2gors):s 24.8 5.2 BSR veers 83
VOMMOUON: (LU1UM. Pe fens vee) faye, ace se HP oe hae en eras Wes
50. ater eemodius (Hodgs.). get ebb ast decrdan 84
Semernbiduvenbmss (byte) hos Nek ashe ieee © teen 84
Srecutonuchalis (Blyth). i. <.isils e e 85

51. rufonuchalis rufonuchalis (Blyth) ...... 89

52. rufonuchalis beavani (Blyth) .........- 86

See dichrous (HGdgs.) iq... 20- eta n one ee oe rs 86

5S. diehrous dichrous (Hodgs.) 3-2 ......-- = 87

54. dichrous wellsi Stuart Baker ... ...... 87

14. Genus Sylviparus Burton........ bt AOD a cee cena 88
89. modestus Burton ..... in eee kOe

55. modestus modestus (Burton) Gp Seg Say Brols)

56. modestus simlaensis Stuart Baker ...... 88

57. modestus saturatior (Jtippon) ......-.-- 89

152.Genus Machlolophus Cabanis' jogs 00%. 2.2 se. <= 59
AG Mspulomotus (lath. Gaakis seit te cake ae hee 89

58. spilonotus spilonotus (Blyth) tis See eel

59. spilonotus subviridis (Z%ckell).......... wk

a xanthogenys (Vigors)i..i. 9 oc. 2 st Peal

60. xanthogenys xanthogenys (Vigors)...... 91

€1. xanthogenys aplonotus (Blyth) .......: 92

16. Genus Aicithaliscus Cabants .........6...02 2550 93
42. concinnus Gould ...... han Pe eee VO

62. concinnus iredalei Stuart nae ee 9:

63. concinnus manipurensis (//ume)........ 94

64. concinnus pulchellus (ippon)........+.- vd

65. coucinnus talifuens's (Rippon) .......- 95

43. bonvallote Oustaléts jon doo ec ts. Sane es se 96

66. bonvaloti bonvaloti (Oustalet) ...... ae 90

67. bonvaloti sharpei (Rippon) ............ 94

44, leucogenys (Moore) 222 bs 2). ee ee ee oi

45. Miveogtilamsy( Moore)! 005 1. eae ee clee s 98

AG. 1OSCHISHUSNPEIODIS) hg. na oo Cee ene so 99

x SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Il. Family Pa rip & (cont.).

Page

iy Genus Remiz Sten: oss an ee ae 7 8 2 LOO
Ay. COLonatusy (Suerte) Le Gee ae ak ov aos 100

18: ‘Genus Melanochlora Lesson 2.452 4)... ose 101
48. sultamea(odgs.)) nila) = ia Sine <n, <2: ee 101

68. sultanea sultanea (Hodgs.) ............ 101

69. sultanea favocristata (Lafres.) ........ 102

HWA. amily: 2 sig Mayo x. Ott Na HDI cae 2/0. ss oe ee 103
HO GenussComostomavelodgs., 2. = telietsiet as: sober 1038
AD Heo UMOM UUM: LODGE sys vee dss «a talewekecfaie oho. iene = gree 104

20; (Genus) Paradoxorpis) Gould 202.055 bo dss eke 2s alQa
HO SaeMLTOS IIS (GOUWld) 9. fe aq 4 eeeo ata ck-ne «2 eee 105

ole veuttaticollissVawd = ase canias ees = Salas 106

Pie Gens nsuthona: HOGdss))-1 240 Ake ase Seas 2h e cece 107
DT RUNNCOLOPa(HOMOS in. <4 ta paneer itae 2 1) oe eaten 108

Doe Me Palensisy OCG Sie ays a ea eerae clans Sm Gene ee 109

54, pohotis Blyth ...... Sais <3 GE . 109

70. poliotis poliotis (Blyth) PNG Gusts wire sega LOY

7A. poliotis humin (Sharpe) sca). ans... see 110

72. paliotis fee (Salvador?) 000. e.c8 os oe oe

73. poliotismuppont (Sharpe )ve 5.2.52 eee Habit

do. gu laris (Horsf.). . ha. | Solel

74. gularis craddocki (Bingham) Lash) Le ota:

bom wepoianaisiiier™ ik eee ct ee eee ]12

75. webbiana hrunnea Ceca Koa eta eae 112

pi. tulvitrons Hodge... % a. ape ere cilis)

76. fulvifrons fulvifrous (Hodg s 3) Oh i ee 113

DOr sTUMCE DS, (PSUEID) eee wee ONS, eit oe eee 114

if. TULCEps mUnee ps (CBlytv)er = am. eee 114

78. ruficeps atrosuperciliaris Godw.-Aust..... 114

22. Genus Neosuthora Hellmayr
59. davidiana (Gray)

79. davidiana thompsoni (Bingham) ........ 115

23. Genus Psittiparus Hellmayr
GUPwTueeps (Blech) ee ace ae

60) ruficeps rnticeps (Blyth) © ....+....2seen 116

Sl. -ruficeps baker (Hartert) .. 2.2.0.2 een Ly
61. gularis (Gray) BAGS Sepa ae eak bial 8 D” hase 118
62: (gulanisigulamrs (Gua) ec... he. u chee 118
83. gularis transfluvialis (Hartert) ........ qlalts

ive stamily: Sagnrnyay eee eine oe eye
24. Genus Sitta Linn. ... Rs 55.) LT
62. himalayensis Jard. ¢ cS high,

63. victorise Rippon PP chek 3)

64. castaneiventris Mrank........ ]

)
84. castaneiventris ¢: ost meneuere (Frank.) .. 123

SYSTEMATIC INDEX,

IV. Family Srvvrip & (cont.).
24, Genus Sitta (cont.).

85. castaneiventris cinnamoventris Rese) a
86. castaneiventris neglecta ( Wald.).
Gog CMMO pas aye UmIUsh oa 8 iF eile PP ido si acd eaiNllatw een a)
87. europa nagaensis (Godw.-Aust.) ......
66. Kashmirlensis Drools 46 0a ees Ao Boe ens
Samaemam Word: AMSEY fice hu. 2 sas ce ole ae ote
GSo neumayer Michahelles 0. 6.0 caive hate cae eee
8& neumayer tephronota (Sharpe) ........
OOMMGMCOPSIEAG CLUE rx hea het yee watlaea esky el acs loner ou ane
89. leucopsis leucopsis (Gowld) ..... ...:.-;
UMERROGIOSAN S010; = cite digs fa dale ows 2 tae Ae efor
(elas in onus MELOT afi 28 ais fooegs AO, Mh Sotgs tats whoteaec et
90: trontalis: frontalis (Horsf) 2... .5 +:

Wee sloenyariliny U0 30 ec 0 oh Re ees RCE
Seren ig MIAN TDN A foi a eh lois a thao wee Se le emeel a Gee
Zoom Gems TY ONAStES SNAPE | 15 o2 oss ss ie se eis wee

26.

72. ruficollis (Jard. & Pe Dif eaO eusmene soak
73. nuchalis (Godw.-Aust.). erat eee
(Aaschinensisi(@Scops) \. 4o273n< ae a Seah ponte
91 chinensis lewcogenys (Bigih): 05.76. 5-
WICHOLULACUS EONS.) Leccnete se oh.ee neva cne sh thr 5/5 neon
92. cerulatus cerulatus (Hodgs.)'..........
93. certlatus subcerulatus a Pat ee
94. cxerulatus kaurensis (/ippon) . .
AGM SATNILO: (SUMS byes hats Scams eset poll oto. ll: bey nue) ewan
Rien e alas (Godt 2A Usta ys e ir ceeisnakss: tice em
Genus-Garrulauxe Uesson Sevan suis obs See eee
(om LOUColOp NUS (ATAU: ans a. deiastass 4 oe See ees
95. leucolophus leucolophus (Hardw.) ......
96. leucolophus belangeri ( Less.)
Oi= leucolophus diardy (esss)). 22-5
79. delesserti (Jerd.) . ae Pai chom eto bier
eOmpectoralisn(Gowlay 22h. 2' ke seis sete te’ whsietemta
98. pectoralis pectoralis (Gould) ...... a
99, pectoralis semitorquata (Ogilute-Gr ant) es
Suemmonmioens(CHodgs:)e ous crak st Jeheeae ca satel
100. moniliger moniliger (Hodgqs.) ..........
101. momiliger fuscata Stuart Baker ........
OL OMMNEMBOZEC LLL tin MAB k ote lets Lic aie Al Pes leks stoke
Sonal bomolamiss (Gall) sien ee Sts ene Boned scees no aha
102. albogularis albogularis (Gould) ........
103. albogularis whistleri Stuart Baker ......
OAs SULOMMGMMA RSL LID RD) 2 1s Ale) Pea en ces oes 20's 3

~~

©

. Genus Lanthocincla Gould

85, ocellatam@Vagars\ie tie ost eee week.
104. ocellata ocellata (Vigors)..............

Xl

V. Family Tr1maLrip a (cont.).

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

27. Genus Tanthocinela (cont.). Page
86. ‘cineraceai(Godin—Aust) \ 228. oe ee 156
105. cineracea cineracea (Godw.-Aust.) ...... 156

1106. scineracea styaml (Oustald) . ..)0. ame 157

87... rubogullanicuGowl die awe e eke keeles. oo ee oe 158
107. rufogularis rufogularis (Gould) ........ 158

108. rufogularis assamensis Hartert ........ 159

109. rufogularis occidentalis Hartert ........ 159

SS, .austenin(God wad ust. )at wish etaks cs Soe 160
110. austeni austeni (Godw.-Aust.) ..... ss os 60

111. austeni victorie (Rippon) ............ 161

28. Genus Urochalopterum Hodgs.. (5.2.2.2 5<.. 5. ee Kou
89° eryohrocephalum (Vigors) 2. . 2... aa 162
112. erythrocephalum erythrocephalum( Vigor 8) 165

113. erythrocephalum erythrolema (Hume) .. 164

114. erythrocephalum nigrimentum (Oates) .. 164

115. erythrocephalum godwini //arington .... 165

116. erythrocephalum woodi Stuart Baker.... 166

117. erythrocephalum chrysopterum (Gould) .. 166

118. erythrocephalum melanostigma (Bluth) .. 167

119. erythrocephalum ramsayi (Ogilvie Grant) 168

90: sphonicetim: (Goulds wees Wok deer ee 168
120. phoeniceum phoeniceum (Gould) ........ 168

121. phooniceem: baker Hartent. 0.0256 sie ee 169

122. phoeniceum ripponi (Oates) ............ 170

OTs mat ne Dave Hees. max cnet Smee ae Rien erie)
123. milnei sharpei (Azppon) .............. 170

D2, SWOUMICOLOEs CLOdGSa)). oe ihe vant cent lou” eye ee ala
124. subunicolor subunicolor (Hodys.) ...... 171

Daeg ate OU GRIN pitas to stese aes ote alt here ae eee 172
Zo waimnelatnMenCHotgs.)\ie 2k ag. ees aoe 172

OA Vancabunn, (VgOrs)\ tek cbr ee Mer 2G: Deke, ee eee 173
126. variegatum variegatum (Vigors)........ 173

127. variegatum simile (Hume) ............ 174

Jo. squamatum (Gould )\ieoe 12 208 3.26 solemn eee 174
DG. scaehinneine: Hends.< sae gems aa x also ois eee 176
128. cachinnans cinnamomeum Davison...... 177

Die JCECONI (COL Cle) een ener eee An aS: Via
129. jerdoni jerdoni (Blyth)..... ..... Bree) a1 7

130. jerdoni fairbanki (Blanf.) ............ 178

131. jerdoni meridionale (Blanf.) .......... 178

98. virgatumaGodwiAusta =. S4.- 6) 2 ae ss. eee 179
OO. ne animi ay agons) mare mew see os | eta wes kell)
132. lineatum lineatum (Vigors)............ 180

133, lineatum griseicentior (Hartert) ... .... 181

15+ lineahumecilent (Hartert) . 2. eee 182

135, lineatum ziaratensis (Ticehurst) ........ 182

136. lineatum imbricatum (Blyth) .......... 183

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

VY. Family TIMALIID z& (cont.).
28. Genus Trochalopterum (cont.).
ROO: rename nein O reiliciee sri 205! saps, ecg: a bless oink Bia oa mee

29. Genus Grammatoptila Reichend. .......

34.

DE

LOT Sbiaba gOS iy. Poke wie.) ba as aunts as oye

. Genus Stactocicha Sharpe ...........

137. striata striata (Vigors )
138. striata austeni (Oates)

LOA aveslana; Wala) so chi. Be saad sls we

104.
. Genus Turdoides Cretzschmar .. .
105.

106.

107.
LOS snmbescens: CBigih)\. aps s 0 oe
109.
3. Genus Argya Lesson...
PLO;
1

112.
118.
114.
115.
Genus Aca nthoptila Blyth
116. nipalensis (//odgs.) ....
Genus Pomatorhinus //orsf.

La:

118.
119:

ih

(

. Genus Babax David
103. lanceolatus ( Verr.)

UE

139. merulina merulina (Blyth)

140. lanceolatus lanceolatus (Verr.)..........
141. lanceolatus victorive (2t/ppon)
waddelli Dresser ay

Sie je, bpie) @) sy! 8) «

HEMI COMOE OM GSAy "£9 je Fahd nd oo cidPan A eA wh He
142. terricolor terricolor (fodqs.)
148. terricolor malabaricus (./erd.)
144. terricolor sindianus 7%cehuirst

griseus (Gimel.). . gee Sse Li ohare S
145. griseus griseus (Gmel.).. Sp ee lar cash
[AOP omsSeUs suriawus, (Swasa) oe eee eo eee

somervillei (Sykes)

cinereifrons (Blyth) .. .

earli (Llyth) Eee A RRR R a nite) ckccets GUM
Caundentras (707) age earaee nl etsy cos kiana ae
147. caudata caudata (Dumont) ..
148. caudata huttoni ee) am
gularis (Blyth) .. ae patter:
maleolmi (Syke re
SEINE Keays ((eEVCLO MO Nine aera ae nlone «Bast Seven gales a genet
longirostris (//odqs.)

ei te fay mit 6; ss' 6) © le! ge) wv) «fe ee) «) sei ve

RELI USL) ofS) 2 (a Ra a es ea
149. schisticeps schisticeps (//odqs. )
150. schisticeps cryptanthus Hartert ........
151. schisticeps mearsi (Ogilvie-Grant) ......
152. schisticeps pinwilli (Sharpe)............

nuchalis Tweeddale .....

olivaceus Blyth sah Le ak ey par
153. olivaceus pligaceus (Blyth) eee ey
154. olivaceus ripponi (Harington) ..........

HOTSIMOL GIRS aiacsM AN ents by feo clacgAl adee < bkty shies

155. orstieldishorstieldi,(Sykes) ............

x1

Page
183
184
184
184
185
186
186
186
187
187
187
188
189
190
19]

19]

192
193
1938
193
194
194
195
196
196
197
198
198
199
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
205
206
207
207
208
208
209
209
210
210
210

X1y SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

V. Family Tim AaLiry 2 (cont.).

35. Genus Pomatorhinus (cont.). Page
156. horstieldi obscurus (Hume) ............ 211

157. hersfieldi travancoriensis Harington .... 211

158. horsfieldi melanurus (Blyth) .......... 212

121. ferrugimosns Blyth 2s os « Jose poke
159. ferruginosus ferruginosus (Blyth) a ee 213

160. ferruginosus phayren(Biyth) ...2 | ane 214

161. ferruginosus albigularis (Blyth) ........ 215

162. ferruginosus marie (Walden) ......... 215

122 wuteollisvModUss Feiss. eee oe 3s, <-aks 2h el a 216
163. ruficollis ruficollis (Hodys.) ............ 216

164. ruficollis bakeri Harington ............ Zs,

23 yochracerceps) Walder, <0 i222 2 scenes eas een 217
165. ochraceiceps ochraceiceps (Walden)...... 217

166. ochraceiceps austeni (Hume) .......... 218

167. ochraceiceps stenorhynchus (Blyth) .... 219

OA ay i UROL 25 0 Wo} 100) che ae 219
168. erythrogenys erythrogenys (Vigors) .... 220

169. erythrogenys haringtoni (Stuart Baker) . 220

170. erythrogenys macclellandi (Jerdon)...... 221

171. erythrogenys gravivox (David) ....... 221

172. erythrogenys imberbis (Salvad.) ........ 222

Meredt aNVTIOLE CUS fe/L1NE/ tis teres Ree ca el nk cele io ce he ieee 222
173. hypoleucus hypoleucus (Blyth) ........ 222

174. hypoleucus tickelli (Blyth) ........-... 223

36, Genus Mipliramphus Blyth, . 5225. .5- skies a. 2a eee 224
2G; SSpELCIaNIS 2 30y lense aa <2 ee 8 ote Ae eee 224
Sis ree Rviialie SONS Acc Ois sod el Te mere 225
12 . puleata TENORS foe a. Gnas ie Sere Sine Se en ee 225
175. pileata bengalensis (Goro. AIST) fee 226

176. pileata jerdoni (.Walden) .............. 227

38. Genus Dumetia Blyth .......... or ere oo 228
128 Thy pervbohratlranciyy rs oe eed eel, cake oh le cee 228
129, albigularis (CETL) ee ie dca OE 229
177. albigularis albigularis (Blyth) . 5 el agate eae 229

liffer albicularis abuensis Harington .. ..... 230

39. Genus Gampsorhynchus DUD irs As Messe = ele on le eee 230
PSO ruts Dai ee oe RE a! Gee lain ie eee 231
179. rutulus rufulus: (Blyth) 2.02.2... .2ae 2el

180. rufulus torquatus (Hume) ............ DB2
4OV>Genus Pyetoriiseleddsontar.. Oe ac...) bss eee me Sees
HiSlesimensine (Guieiay Weekes we. Sn ok 233
18. sinensis sinensis (Gmel.).....2.. 0.824. 233

182. sinensis saturatior Ticehurst .......... 234

183. sinensis nasalis (2egge) . hate Days)

NOs, AlitrOstNISelends)) mae kek) 2. <0) ee eee 235
184. altirostris altirostris ena) PS deren 235

188. altirostris griseigularis (Hume) ........ 256

SYSLEMATIC INDEX.

V. Family TrmaLirp & (cont.).
40. Genus Pyctorhis (cont.).

41. Genus Pellorneum Swainson

43.

44,

133.

154.
135.

136.

137.
138.

. Genus Cursonia Skinner ....

139.

186. altirostris scindicus Harangton

29 = 2 a = © =

BELICOUSPSRUMINS ccs ven 8 «toe ee onl as
187. ruficeps ruficeps (Swams.) ..........--
188. ruficeps subochraceum (Swinh.)
S92 muhiceps' grantii Haringion....22......%-
190. ruficeps mandellii (Blanf.) ............
191. ruficeps jonesi Stuart Baker
192. ruficeps minus (Hume)

HVS RRC OMR PEN kh de anks Ao aaeie =) accel ore

ACINOMAE AAI’, Ay. soca Svsvoee som AAG. he nego de
193. 1enotum 1enotum (ame) 2: <2 23 -
194. ignotum cinnamomeum Ltippon ........

Pmscicapilinins (Lleptle)) = oo. Ge hls ch paeteng diss as
195. fuscicapillum fuscicapillum (Blyth)......
196. fuscicapillum babaulti (Wells)..........

MVS TIC AM ICAU: (HCO tke. aint acet aus txtedayel sha <n oi

TLC (SUR Nets x, tea sanpatetil er czas ake oe Weinae ahs
19%. tickellt tickella (Blyth).c i...
198. tickelli assamensis (Sharpe)

erispifrons (Blyth)

f ce ge) Rival stisuiss se) 14! *s|. wl fepieyie’: «italia; @

(Verran, Suuanehnelns JFihie 5) 72-2 5e esc ococonoaucus

140. brevicaudatus (Blyth) shsbcncente

141.
142. epilepidotus (Ogilvie: Grant)

Genus Rimator Blyth
lAoe malacopuilus Blyth). 2.) eis. ely de oe ane
. Genus Horizillas Oberholser
144. magna (Hyton)

11445).
. Genus Erythrocichla Sharpe
146. bicolor (TESS eee
. Genus Aithostoma Sharpe

147.

. Genus Malacocincla Biittik
148. sepiaria (Blyth)

. Genus Thringorhina Oates

199. brevicaudatus brevicaudatus (Blyth)

200. brevicaudatus striatus (Blyth)..........

201. brevicaudatus venningi Harington ......
TOPE (Gadwi- AUS.) Dove wise aa oe ais 2 ous eee we

202. roberti roberti (Godw.-Aust.) ........-.

203. roberti guttaticollis (Ogilvie-Gr ant)

204. epilepidotus davisoni (Ogilvie-Grant) ....
205. epilepidotus bakeri Harington .

206. magna magna (Hytonw)...............-
Macninostre;( M007)... 5... s 4-2.

TOSUTARA (CUED). Wace oe meee cee oS
207. sepiaria abboti (Blyth).............-.

OE

XVl SYSTEMATIC INDPX,

V. Family Timaii1ip & (coni.).

49. Genus hringorhina (cont.). Page
TAG: .ogleriG odancsAnest ral 5 een eet. < slut eee 262
150, muthates (BUY GR) ny: Sie NAME OLe Sesto. eo, Se ena 262

50. Genus’ StachyrisHodgs. fos: Wee B28 e501. acb. lake meen 263
LS] .migniceps Ehodgs yet) iy) © cbs shee ke 264

208. nigriceps nigriceps (Hodys.)............ 264
209. nigriceps coltarti Harington. .......245 265
210. nigriceps davisoni (Sharpe)............ 265
1 GD>: Chir yisecares ay iis Gels ei Bile wo ole he Sieger 265
211. chrysea, chryswa(Bhjth).......-.-.0e- 265
212. chrysea binghami (Rippon) .......... 266
213. chrysea assimilis (Walden)............ 267
214. chrysea chrysops Michmond .......... 267
ole Genus Stachyridopsis Sharpe: sc% 0 uo. es soe 267
Nae ONCE PS) BUG mwa aes Ost aco och =o tho he noone 268
Zl5. ruicepsiruticeps (Blyth) cn... ec a se ake 268
216. ruficeps bhamoensis Hartington ........ 269
SES Seer UME OMUS A LIC) neve emit sete ep ent so) ces onc Rees)
217. rufifrons rufifrons (Hume) ....... Bie neeAa9)
218. rufifrons ambigua Harington .......... 270
Rojee pycEMops (WS) i Kester 9 cite ciewe ls cle s.5 mos. Senejeye 271

oo); Genus Cyanoderma: Salyadoia.% <6 oa. «ce als 2 ee 271

156. -erythropteca (CBI) Wax. <a eetis. tote yal oe 271
219. erythroptera erythroptera (Blyth) ...... 271
Woe CONUS MIXOLMIS OUGS.0 Wr, c/ccd Peso eee Rie 4 eae a sear oe
seer carills eileen soon cc cke es een ieee Aas eee 272
220. rubricapilla rubricapilla (Z%ekell) 2.2... 273
221. rubricapilla minor (Gyldenstolpe) ...... 274
292. rubricapilla pileata (Blyth) ............ 274
Sala WG onus AlCinpe Duyth, Ws ese ee <etie lw oo Siege one 275
les tepalensis\(Hodges) A). we way ee 6 crs eas ee 275
223. nepalensis nepalensis (Hodgs.) ........ 27D
224. nepalensis fratercula (Aippon) ........ 277
159: spoioicepliale (derd: yew ee ee aes- ne 5 ot nee
225. poioicephala poioicephala (Jerd.)........ 277
226. poioicephala brucei (Hume).......... 278
227. poioicephala phayrei (Blyth) .......... 278
228. poioicephala davisoni (Harington) ...... 279
229, poioicephala haringtonie (Hariert) .... 280
230. poioicephala magnirostris (Walden) .... 280
a aneCrenussunopociehla iOGscemirs matic a -h ch- «01-5 ene 28]
GO atriceps (/erdon)) Cae ce vate eis oc mn ee 281
231... atriceps.aceuceps (Oates)” .. A. is cick ede 481
232. atriceps bourdilloni (Hwme)............ 282
233. atriceps nigrifrons (Blyth) ............ 282

EG Glenis SCHOSMIparus sa 20: Sei... «hep. si eustne erteaeeen 283

liGd+ adubmusi(Heome\ eee ct aeiee cers sls ree Ne anne 283

934. dubiussdubims: (2wme) . 2.1. see 283

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. XVli

. Family Trwanrip » (cont.).
56. Genus Scheeniparus (cont.).

Page

235, dubius mandelli (Godw.-Aust.) ........ 284

236, dubius genestieri (Oustalet) ...... ..... 285

162. rufigularis (Mandelli) .............. 2. Seis s) 200
57. Genus Pseudominla Oates ..................... 286
DG So peimeneaCEIUC a, ety et 287
164. castaneiceps (Hodgs.) ...................... 288
237. castaneiceps castaneiceps (OUI Ree 288

238. castaneiceps brunneicauda (Sharpe) 289

58. Genus Fulvetta David d Oust. .2................ 289
LGorvimpecta(Zodgs.) 132.2). ee 290
239. vinipecta vinipecta (Hodgs.) 290

240. vinipecta austeni (O-GT ante oc. 291

241. vinipecta ripponi (Harington) 291

166. manipurensis (0.-Grant) .................._. 292
167. ruficapilla (Verreaux) ...................... 292
242. ruficapilla sordidior (Rippon) .......... 292

59. Genus Lioparus Outes sinha ueliuotee ey Saye ene a OOD
HOS wchrysos (Hodge) 7) BMY eine eyo ASB}

SU DMMY SS UETIN AL ro A. Pee etna ak 294
60. Genus Sibia Hodgson s/ SBGSTa. Se eNetatlah oat chlak sts ra, age OOS
teem picaoides Hodge, 0 ie ne, SP Ne 295
243. picaoides picaoides (Hadas) a ete ane 295

Gir Genus Letoptila Blyth...) eh ee 296
N70; capistrata (Vigors) 23.0... i 296
244, capistrata capistrata (Vigors) .. .. 296

245. capistrata pallida Hartert .......... 298

Gh gracilis: GUCCI) Jac a eee 298
172. melanoleuca (Fickell) .........200.......... 299
246. melanoleuca melanoleuca (Mickey. oo. 299

247. melanoleuca radcliffei, ? subsp. nov. .... 300

173. castanoptera (Salvadori) .................... 300
hides sumectens (hlyth) 2.1) ie eee 300
248. annectens annectens (Blyth) .......... 300

249. annectens saturata CWalden)an = ae. 301

250. annectens davisoni (Hume) ............ 302

175. pulchella (Godw.-Aust.) ................,.. 302
251. pulchella pulchella (Godw.- Aust.) ....., 302

62. Genus Actinodura Gould........................ 303
PiGlrégentonme ould ieee es a 303
252. egertoni egertoni (Gould) ............ 303

253. egertoni khasiana (Godw.-Aust.)........ 304

254, egertoni ripponi (OL GrOnt) re 305

Lif. TeWsay Pe enw 2 3 ke PY ee 305
255. ramsayi ramsayi (ACU) recon A 305

256. ramsayi radcliffei Harington .......... 306
Gomaenus) Lops Aaggsie ye toss t. os 307

XVill SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

V. Family TrimALiip & (cont.).

63. Genus Lxops (cont.). Page
257. nipalensis nipalensis (Hodgs.).......... 307

258. nipalensis waldeni (Godw.-Aust.) ...... 308

259. nipalensis poliotis (Rippon)............ 309

260. nipalensis daflaensis (Godw.-Aust.) .... 309

64; Genus StaphidiawSwihoe ss 22 Bae os A. wus ee 2 ee 309
179: ccastamercepsi( Mooney, Serene. 2,..5scde sacs eee 310
PSOJCStrlata (evi), cepecans sedtyeusi ators cs << et = k e 311
2oL. siriava striata (Blyth) .....+s...cc es pou

262. striata rufigenis (Hume) :............. 311

Ga: (Gemustoiva Hodge: 954.2 en chk Llpcdansimne A ee 312
Gly ebrigula Od gsi au ie seeiinte ou. cieteieiers <u walt
263. strigula strigula (Hodgs.) ............ 313

264. strigula castaneicauda (Hume) ........ 314

182. cyanouropters {Hodgs: Ae Hess t-te eee 314
2-5. cyanouroptera cyanouroptera (Hodgs.)... 314

266. cyanouroptera wingatei (O0.-Grant) .... 315

267. cyanouroptera sordida (Hume) ........ 316

268. cyanouroptera oatesi Harington ........ 316
SOseGenus Yulin ie/700 gst men) seis emis aco en oe ie eee 316
TSO onl anisyi OWgss Ntect: ear eee ee ace Oh eines 317
269. “ecularisysularis (iodgss)i i. 0. okie eee 317

270. gularis yangpiensis (Sharpe) .......... 318

164) diademata ( Verreqius)), oc asi ters eo ie eee 318
271. diademata ampelina (Rippon).......... 318

185: -otcipitaliseHadaerar: a1 meena. Stee 319
272. occipitalis occipitalis (Hodgs.).......... 319

1860 nigrimentunny (Hodges)rem sae ce = aaa ee 320
273. nigrimentum nigrimentum (Hodgs.) .... 320

672 (Genusolxnluswtogge- wee eine ae ware See wa he ne 321
187 cocvipitalis (Blyth iy: PN mae chats shih oe eee 321
1SSe tlavacollis (God gs oes. tale Asien mance ee 322
274. flavicollis flavicollis (Hodgs.) .......... 322

275. flavicollis baileyi Stuart Baker ...... . 323

276, flavicollis harterti Harington .......... 323

189.* rumulis Wane Aare et eee eh pote). en, 324
277; dumilis, humilis (Hume) 2.10.5. oases

278. humiliscclarikan(Oates) =... .0se ee eet

68: Genus Rrpormis, (Hodge) eis. n:tis.. 2.1.2. et eee ... 324
190. xantholeuca Hodgs') 2. oes. Pre rs, - 325
279. xantholeuca xantholeuca (Hodgs.) ...... 325

Sobfamily (hrormmromUNem 2a sc. 464s. - pos ce eee 326
69.’ GenuswWitothrix Swansea. 5.0422 Ae os tO eee 327
19 Tysluteni(Scop:) sso ke oO eee 327
280. lutea callipyga (Hodgs.) ......:....:.. 328

281. lutea yunnanensis Rothschild .......... 329

70. (Genus; CutiatHodge.. sic... os oe ok Ao ee Deen 329

192, nipslensis Hodge: .-.0-/...... 2 3) egeeaeenee ene 329

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. x1x

. Family Tim aLirp & (cont.).

70, Genus Cutia (cont.). Page
282. nipalensis nipalensis (fodys.) .......... 329

el. (Gents Pteratiimst Swans 2h 66 Pose ka eck ewes 330
195. exythropuerns(P2gors) oo os 0 k wk be ee ce es 351
LO; yosvallatnan Mecvrello ees. HS eh cas w we me ea 300d
283. wralatus zwralatus (Zickell) ............ 333

195 mmaelamotismblodge: a2 0 (UR hs fe es oe cd 333
284. melanotis melanotis (Hodgs.) .......... 333

285. melanotis intermedius (Hume).......... 303d

IGG. xan puecnlorisrnudgsy With se. sates ase 3: 335
286. xanthochloris xanthochloris (Hodgs.).... 335

287. xanthochloris occidentalis Harington .... 336

(2) Genus Holarocichly Oates. 20. ... 2s his as Bees 5). 336
to Pe Giemien Ge DIYth 2s). aN Nile lee NE eA 337
73. Genus Aetborhynchus Sundevall.................. 337
OS ee lenimesm ay IM elartle os ak ol Ae eee 2 ists a ei 338
(PaGenuseneotthina Vell: 6 ack ee Rk. Se ote 339
IE) UE DLN 02 ie ge a ree ge ee Pg 339
288. tiphia tiphia:(linn:) 9 vessesi as 28a e's: 340

Zoue tpiia,zeylonicar(Gmel.)) aos 2a. a4 aes 342

290. tiphia, humel,, subsp. nove: Js $252. 0 e321. 342

20 Oe vitetgiSS1 A) CHOTA.) lew cae tees SMS ake = Gale 343
201. migrolutea; (Marshall) 4) .e 0) So, ee es ees 344
Go. emus MyzorniscHodgss "elie Jcele aid sole ee 344
DO Ze PYEENOUNAMHORGS Ate spe) bts a ht aeake a GAMES =e Socoee 345
moa Genus Chioropsis Jard: g- Selbys.2th60i2 ice. +265. 346
Ada OURMTONS CMC) EL Me.cls pecan ads, 45435 06 hdr 3 346
291. aurifrons aurifrons (Zemm.) .......... 346

292. aurifrons davidsoni Stuart Baker ...... 348

20d4 AULMrOns mornabaAlOss P50" i.4. ous. 349
ZOebardwickia Jard. g Selby. ei ass oe el. 08 68 349
294. hardwickii hardwickii (Jard. § Selby) .. 349
PARIGUBLOLEP MALAY. cute oe sh sts Sete bad bs TRE lore nates 350
295. icterocephala chlorocephala (Wald.) .... 350

ZUG AVIBILIN CH Orefield hn Bsh!as AIR Bina ale ac 301
296. viridis zosterops ( Vigors)......... Barack

AVP EEMGMINOD ER) EG not Shits SUI Moss ss lea wis ales Bd2
203: cyanoposon (Vem) 28. 23 8s we eA he weds 393
iid > Giemitiie Mestimilod sean ale" POI Te earls os te ys whe 303
2095 ercenbanmise odgsi le aa et NS 2a S es hon. see SOF
297. argentauris argentauris (Hodgs.)........ 3o4

(3) Genus Mimsy ond gssmr wt. aa vislare oe cid. sols 5 be ae 355
210;, JenobinehapAOnys de les false e ee 3 er eS
fos Genus HypocohuseBonape 0.) koe aes ss see es 356

Zl), ampelinnsesonape | <2. 22s else eos e : Jaw OOF

boxe

(6)
co

84.

85.

88.

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Page

Vi. Bamily 2 yo No Noma mia eek) 2). 2S Tee eee 309
80. Genus Crimiger Zemm.y a. 0. ac nthe Je Pa ee 361
212. tepbrazenys (lard. iGuselby)ies 2. ss 2 eee 362
298. tephrogenys tephrogenys (Jard. g Selly) . 362

299. tephrogenys flaveolus (Gould) .......... 363

300. tephrogenys burmanicus (Oates) ........ 364

301. tephrogenys griseiceps (Hume) ........ 365

302. tephrogenys grandis (Stuart Baker) 365

« Genus Uricholestes|Salwadore, wal. /4). ss ae os ae 366
Alo. CUMIberaCBiith), msenueton Mune: cies aie eee 366
oe. criniger criniger(Blyth) <2 5. ..22- eee 366

. Genus *Alophoims Oates 05.0 si. 2. ss... bo eee eae 367
214. pheeceephalus) Haril. ') 6e2cs 2.5 sae ee 3638
) Genus Mictoscelis Gray. 7 meut..: iisl-ce oes ease 368
Zio. psaroides:( Vzgors), >. S.euaewsl nen cee ae ee 369
304, psaroides psaroides (Viyors) .......... 369

305. psaroides nigrescens (Stuart Baker) 371

306. psaroides concolor (Blyth) ............ 372

307. psaroides ganeesa (Sykes).............. 372

Genus Cerasophila Bigham, so: . 2-4 ee a ee 373
2G. EROMIPSONL GRAM maneewck ie Sk Sah ee be eee 373
Genus: HemixuspHodgss i. 2s 4 Ae. bist nie one 374
Dye Tavale Pod gsc tea aes ate ee ket ha, ss See 374
308. flavala flavala,(Hodgs))" 22 1055. oe 374

309: Hlavala davisoni (Hume) 1.2005. on) ee ee 376

210. flavala hildebrandi (Hume) ............ 376

218. macclellandi (Garsf.)) o-oo eee se eee 377
3J1. macclellandi macclellandi (/orsf.) ... .. 377

312. macclellandi tickelli (Blyth) .......... 378

313, macclellandi binghami (//artert)........ 379

, WGenus eA leurs edge. issih © 6th oink oleae cise 379
DOS striabus(Dilye). Veet oe wc eee estore etme eae 379
= Genus’ Mol pastes Hummer a) nia see's 6: cay Po lsnats ees ans 351
22(). sncemorrhous, (Gi2elayins ee okt ols oe een. 383
314. hemorrhous hemorrhous (Gimel.) ...... 383

315, hemorrhous pallidus Stuart Baker... ... 389

316. hemorrhous burmanicus (Sharpe) ...... 385

317. hemorrhous nigripileus (Blyth) ........ 386

318. hemorrhous chrysorrhoides (Lafr.)...... 387

319. hremorrhous bengalensis (Blyth)........ 387

320. hemorrhous intermedius (Jerdon) ...... 389

221; leucogenys (G@ray)iney: vee s 2 ont. oe eee 339
321. leucogenys leucogenys (Gray).......... 389

322. leucogenys leucotis (Gould)............ 390

320. leucogenys humii (Oates)... 22 1.5 2. es 391

Genus) Xanthixuss@ates! 2). flac. so 5a eee 392
DID. MAVESCONS. (BLUE es ee a, 6 cetera iets fete ee ene 392
324. flavescens flavescens (Blyth) .......... 392

325. flavescens viridus Stuart Baker

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Xxl

VI. Family Pycnonovrip & (cont.). Page
89. Genus Ofocompsay Cabanas, sst0t. ceo wens bo. 2 OOF
2235 CMCLA LMNs) ae Ik Gig. 9 i Seen Soo ass OOS
WUMBeMerINemenan(Lait.)i..dkcvwe tlds et ss s.: 394

327. emeria fuscicaudata (Gould)............ 396

328. emeria peguensis, subsp. nov. .......... 396

DO 4 AACS (CLOCK: was! okt ase ic8-crsic Sealed oes eee 397
829. flaviventris flaviventris (Vick.) ........ 397

go0. flaviventris minor Aloss. |. sc is aats = viels « 398
90-Genusseimarocichla Sharpes .0 cs vet nse sel o 399
Dab eutulota (hard. G Selby) chic cisen loess Sere aes 399
91. Genus Spizixus RLOPELE ses: 20S eas She SBS ci 2 hig icc uate yay & 400
DG GAMTET OMS LYELL «2S ox5, ia, save Salsas je evan eens tae @ 25.8 400
331. canifrons canifrons CBI 58 estates 400

99) Genusmirachycomus Cabanis 6.0. i32aifeteb ones. 402
27 sochrocephalus: (Ginel: ir awimt Aaicjetoinetss <8 .. 402
GoeiGenusmalecBlay thie. . 22% 4 5. esc naa naeitens ee se ses 403
PDE ea ALACCENSIS. (Left) is << s1s Ria mists eisitesi ders See a oie 404
332. malaccensis malaccensis (Blyth) ........ 404

DO DR ICHETICA US UETCHLs) ys later ueies = dat awisisialets 0 biel eroeee oe 405
POOOUVACED (OLYth) sate y soein reer ori sts ama 405

94.

99.

333. olivacea virescens (Blyth).............. 406
334. olivacea cinnamomeoventris Stuart Baker. 407

335. olivacea lénbergi (Gyldenstolpe) ........ 408
QSL. micobariensis, (onsy. & Mooney... gst: oan tae 408
Genus Rubigala lyd)s, 5 so cielo pepe te aie bese eo teks 409
232, squamatas(Lenmuncie) ioc. cs opeeee as ots a 409
336, squamata Ww ebberi (Hume) RA ee ane. oe 409
Genus; Pycnonotus A whl. ied aac tee isto ais © see =e 410
Poe Omer (SCOPs)o as kts aa eee tas ccs Naeics ares Gece 410
dol. golavier analis (Horsy.) ote. 1. as apie +10
Pe AUTICAStEr ( VoLeLll. wens aie says vene wy encod eiiig he atoeees 411
338. aurigaster xanthorrhous (Anderson) .... 411
235. finlaysoni Strickl eter, okrancs gis yo etal Bates, 412
339. finlaysoni finlaysoni (Strickl.).......... 412
340. finlaysoni davisoni (Hwme)...........- 413
Daowmelanickerus:(Guels), 7a iti picts sehen a alee sts 414
2a Rane no emus (GOUld)). + Sie ctsns nw Sot es 2 oat a. 415
2S ae id laa Ok) isms (ane my EPL ats a ses bbs eh c Bs Dees 8 © 00s oe 415
QS9e) CyAMISMLEIS ED hylih m aichaki (take SS hs ojo ee se os 416
341. cyaniventris cyaniventris (Blyth) ...... 416
AY Miuteoliaa Wess. Waele is haterPe Om 1G kayie)- ohn koe <= 417
PAN SG PEM OSTISE TR IUIe «ares ye aie Stately delle ls oly «ok = 418
342. plumosus plumosus (Blyth) ..........-. 419
343. plumosus robinsoni (0.-Grant).......... 420
344. plumosus blandfordi (Jerdon) .......... 420
DAD) cimiplexaeiessae esc. ities «bata joie SS ial cles «sss 421

s4oe, Simplex simplex (Less.)ijic cc. oe oe eos 421

Xxll SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

VI. Family Pycnonorrp & (cont.).

95. Genus Pycnonotus (cont. ). Page
243. erybhrophtihalmus:(dwme)) 52.2... ee eee A22

346. erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus( Hume). 422

26. ‘Genus Microtarsns Hayton ce...) ms ce eames 422
244, melanocephalus (Gimel.) ........... 5. 428
347. melanocephalus melanocephalus (Gmel. ye 423

348. melanocephalus fusciflavescens (Hume) .. 425

240. poiocephalus (Serdon) j.. 5250. 02 .e2 ns swe ae 425
ZAG; \eimerelyentrisy( Blyth). 2. eee ene sors lnc ae 426

fz sGenusWelaartiansslyciy) a. efaois cede honey es che ee 426
2+ penteillata(Blgyth)) sse4en soe) | ee ee 427
Vie amily eC xen rea tat et ect es oe viet cade Soave Reno eee 428
Je Genns Coruna dns! Ma cn detec ay) 2 ec. oat wre teens 428
Doe mmiMmalaynn eV CGOnS. gap hie cen aint 27st he ohh decueaeas 429
349. himalayana himalayana (Vigors) ...... 430

300. himalayana tenura (Severiz.) .......... 431

351. himalayana yunnanensis (Sharpe) ...... 432

352. himalayana intermedia Kinnear ........ 432

DAO Mtavanlitaris ie sets a sae eM eet ses oe ee 432
303. familiaris nepalensis (Blyth) .......... 433

304, familiaris khamensis (Bianchi) ........ 434

355. familiaris hodgsoni (Brooks) .......... 434

250 GISCOlON 1 CBUSCHN Ms. oenac eee ere dete tee ses, eek eee 435
306. discolor discolor (Bijth) 2a)... nace eee 435

357. discolor manipurensis (Hume).......... 437

358. discolor victorie (Ittippon) ............ 437

359. discolor fuliginosa, subsp. nov. ........ 438

Boley StOMeZ kt TOONS (oa. dcve vee os cts oe he See eee 438

99s Genus, Sal porns: Grae oun Maem ac 4 fos bs ager 439
DO LES UON GUUS TMI n oe ras alee Giese Be 439
M0SGenusMichodroma, Mleger 252% 2 acas sontan aoe 441
Oe MULATION (SUVA) © s5/olenne oidie.s eis Sela k. uals kere 441
Vili geamuily. “Dsrso.G mom ever imp a ioe EE EA xs. Sos io eee 444
HOleeGenus Troclodytes. Veewll. Go oi. fe. swale 444
ZOA sHLTORLOd NCES (Lins) o* Se bit)... aces ... 445
360. troglodytes nipalensis (Hodgs.) ........ 445

361. troglodytes talifuensis (Sharpe) ........ 446

362. troglodytes neglectus (Brooks).......... 446

363. troglodytes tibetanus (Walton) ~ eee 448

102, Genus Elachura Oates eens sateen ey eiehelane, «ie eae Seem 448
PAR Sea a) MANO IZEN CLKCL2) e nt en en eR RIM 55) 449
ZoG. haplonota Stuart sbaker i... = <2 wins oe ae 450
HOS: sGenus Speleornisusharpey oc. 6. 6 o-s. eee 451
Zoi. dlohsicandatuss(Moore)\eu.....5 2... see 451
364. longicaudatus longicaudatus (Moore) .... 452

365. longicaudatus chocolatinus (Godw.-Aust.). 453

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. Xxlli

VIII. Family TRogLropytip & (cont.).

103. Genus Spelornis (cont.). Page
366. longicaudatus sinlumensis (Harington) .. 453

38€7,. longicaudatus kauriensis (Harington) .... 454

368. longicaudatus reptatus (Bingham)........ 455

369. longicaudata oatesi (Rippon)............ 455

AIO wm CAMOALISTCBEYE) wise duis sai baw sin Seow ees 456
V04> Genus EnoepysaHodgs. os ieee lea wae wave. 457
269 Sqmamatan(Gould): Vo sects. Pon Hewes as bo ke 458
370. squamata squamata (Gould) . i. Rl AOS

DOO me praia ODGS. 5. 2, h daw a tek Midhel s cea < 9 Seal uate 459
al pusilla, pusilla; Hodge... ae nes. a oe ee 459

105. Genus Sphenocichla Godwin-Austen § Walden ...... 460
Zoleehume(Mandelli\ts oc. cmcs fs a «2 50 s-a ale te ne 46]
262. roberti Godw.-Austen § Walden .............. 461
HOG mGeuus estat Todgei... tex. oot. oles ogee Bos tie ah 462
2G SECMAMIVENILET SM ODGSs Mattes ies ois pts uaecake 46! Sp aha cs 463
372. cyaniventer cyaniventer (Hodys.)........ 463

204, castaneocoronats (Burton) <. 0.6: 5esce oss .<e. 465

373. castaneocoronata castaneocoronata (Burton) 465

INTRODUCTION.

Tre present volume is the first of the series of the new edition
of the ‘Avifauna of British India,’ and, funds permitting, it is
proposed to bring out about one volume every two years until
the work is completed.

It has been my endeavour in writing this volume to disturb as
little as possible the classification adopted by Oates in the first
edition but during the thirty-two years that have elapsed since
his first volume was published, much scientific work has been done
and many discoveries made which have rendered alterations
imperative ; some of these, unfortunately, are of a drastic nature.

In the first place, the trinomial system has been adopted—a de-
cision which has added very greatly to the number of birds to be
described, t.¢. to the total number of species and subspecies,
though, on the other hand, it has reduced the number of species,
for it has relegated to their proper positions as subspecies or
geographical races many forms which have hitherto improperiy
held the status of species.

In using the trinomial system I have adhered to the follow-
ing rules :—

Forms, or groups of forms, have been named as specific when
there are no forms known which directly connect them with other
forms or groups of forms.

Subspecies or geographical forms have been recognized when
they differ in degree either in size, colour or some other
characteristic from the forms with which they are most closely
connected, yet, though linked with these forms by others which
are intermediate, are themselves constant within some given area.

VOL. I. B

2 INTRODUCTION.

It is true that a few island forms may not come very exactly
under this definition, but in these cases the differences are such
as are obviously parallel to those obtaining in non-isolated areas
on the mainland. Where evolution and isolation have evolved
forms which are definitely divided from all others by some
characteristic which is not one merely of degree, I have treated
thei as distinct species.

In India we are constantly meeting with the most intricate
cases of subspecific variation, and a study of birds which admits
the recognition of these geographical races and the wisdom of
naming them affords infinitely greater interest both to the field
and to the scientifie worker than does the easier method of
lumping them all together. For instance, to take two of our
most common birds, the Indian House-Crow and the Red-vented
Bulbul. Two species of the former aud many of the latter have
been recognized and given specific names, although the differ-
ences between them are in no way specific and are not any
greater than the differences which exist in many other forms
which have been left undivided.

The second point to which reference must be made is the
unfortunate necessity which has arisen for very numerous
corrections in Oates’ nomenclature. Such corrections cannot but
be a source of some difficulty to the older race of field naturalists,
and students who have learnt these names will now have to learn
those which replace them. The younger generation will, how-
ever, have the satisfaction of knowing that they are learning
names which, with few exceptions, will be permanent; for, with
strict adherence to the laws of priority, a time will soon come
when we shall really have arrived at the bed-rock of nomen-
clatorial research. It should ve mentioned here that I have had
the unstinted help of Mr. Tom Iredale in this particular branch
of the work, and his unrivalled knowledge of bibliography and
nomenclature has been of inestimable help to me.

Another difference between this and the preceding edition will
also be noted. With the approval of the editor, Sir Arthur E.
Shipley, the synonymy has been reduced to references to the
original description and to the Blanford and Oates’ edition of
this work, in the former case the type-locality being given in
brackets after the reference.. The saving of space thus obtained
and the use of briefer descriptions has given additional room for

INTRODUCTION, 3)

field notes, which it is hoped will add to the value of the work
both for field naturalists and the non-scientific lover of birds, for
whom they are principally written.

As regards the classification, this is founded mainly on
Gadow’s work, but I have also had the valuable assistance of
W. P. Pyeraft, and the results.of his personal work will be found
in almost every order, family and genus. I must, however, take
upon my own shoulders any criticisms which may be made on the
minor divisions in the Passeres, though, here again, my constant
object has been to disturb as little as possible the careful work of
Blanford and Oates.

Ornithological work in India has hitherto been divisible into
very definite periods. The first period was that prior to the
publication of Jerdon’s ‘ Birds of India’ in 1862 and the sub-
sequent eight or ten years when the leading figures were Jerdon
himself, Hodgson and Blyth, who may be considered the fathers
of Indian Ornithology.

An account of the chief writers on Indian birds up to 1862
was given by Jerdon in the Introduction to the first volume of
the ‘ Birds of India.’ ‘The principal authors mentioned were
Franklin, Tickell, Sykes, McClelland, Burgess, Adams, Tytler,
Kelaart, Layard and Hutton, in addition to the three already
mentioned.

The next period, from about 1872 to 1898, may be termed
Hume's period, the other most notable workers being Tweeddale,
Wardlaw-Ramsay, Biddulph, Anderson, Elwes, Beavan, Scully,
Sharpe, Stoliczka, Godwin-Austen, Brooks, Ball, King, Vidal,
McMaster, Blanford, Legge, Oates and Barnes, with many other
minor writers.

The third period is that of Blanford and Oates, both leading
Ornithologists in the preceding period but completely dominating
the position on the publication of the ‘ Avifauna of British
India.’ Since these volumes saw the light no big work has been
published on Indian birds but Harington’s ‘Birds of Burma,’
Oates’ ‘Game-Birds of India,’ many popular works by Dewar,
Finn and others, and the present writer’s different works on Indian
Ducks, Pigeous and Game-Birds have appeared. In addition to
these the ‘Journalof the Bombay Naturai History Society ’ contains
amass of details on field ornithology by Harington, Osmaston,
Davidson, Bell, Barnes, Inglis, Bailey, Whistler, Jones, Hopwood,

»”)

I=

4 INTRODUCTION.

Mackenzie, Ticehurst, Donald and others. There are many local
catalogues, and, finally, Harington’s work on the Yimaliide, in
which the writer had the pleasure of co-operating.

Anatomy has not been treated at the length it deserves, but
those who intend to take up this much neglected but most im-
portant branch of ornithology should refer to the well-known
works of Dr. Hans Gadow, Huxley, Garrod, Bronn, Fiirbringer,
Forbes, Nitzsch and Parker, and to the more recent writers such
as Pyeraft, Beddard and Lueas.

The would-be Ornithologist in India must also remember that
it is not only the dry skins of birds which are required by the
systematist who, thcugh he may have the good fortune to work
in big museums and other centres where masses of material are
available for comparison and where good libraries are at hand for
reference, yet urgently needs specimens, especially of the rarer
forms in spirit, not only for anatomical purposes but for the
study of Pterylosis ete. Again, poor skins of moulting birds are
often more valuable than those in the finest condition of plumage,
while the nestlings and young of many of the most common birds
are still desiderata in the British Museum and other institutions.

As regards nidification, it will be seen that I have devoted con-
siderable space and detail to this portion of a bird’s life-history.
It is true that birds cannot be classified according to the eggs
they produce, but at the same time it is equally true that a bird’s
egg may be a valuable clue to show us where we should expect to
find its nearest allies or, on the other hand, may cause us to
suspect that it should be removed from amongst those with which
it is now placed.

E. C. STUART BAKER.
4th February, 1922.

DIAGRAM OF A Birp, to illustrate the terminology of the plumage and limbs.
ile

y= 0) bo

aI oo Ot

cS ©

10.

. Commissure or line of junction of

Forehead.

. Crown.
. Nape or occiput.

Lores (space in front of eye).
Supercilium.

Cheeks.

Ear-coverts.

Upper mandible or maxilla.
Lower mandible.

Culmen or upper profile of maxilla,

the two mandibles.

2. Rictal bristles or vibrisse.
. Chin.

. Throat.

5. Breast.

6. Abdomen.

17. Back.

Rump.

. Scapulars.

|
|

20. Primaries (the earlier or outer-

most 9 or 10 quills of the
wing).
21. Outer secondaries (wing-quills

springing from the radius and
wna).

22. Inner secondaries.

23. Lesser wing-coverts.

Median wing-coverts.

. Greater wing-coverts.

5. Primary wing-coverts.

. Winglet or bastard-wing.

. Upper tail-coverts.

. Tail-feathers or rectrices.

. Under tail-coverts.

. Tarsus.

32. Hind toe or first toe or hallux.

3. Inner or second toe.

Middle or third toe.

Outer or fourth toe.

6 TERMINOLOGY.
Flanks or sides of body are the parts approximately covered by
the closed wing.

Axillaries are the lengthened feathers springing from the axilla
or region beneath the base of the wing.

Supplementary bristles or hairs are those springing from the side
of the forehead in front of the rictal bristles.

Nasal bristles or hairs are those springing from the front of the
forehead and covering the nostrils.

The measurements in this work are invariably in millimetres, and
are taken thus :—

Length.—The distance from the tip of the bill to the tip of the
Jongest tail-feather, unless otherwise stated.

Lail.—The distance from the root of the tail, generally indicated
both in the fresh and dried state by the presence of a
piece of flesh on the underside, to the tip of the longest
feather.

Wing.—The greatest distance from the bend of the wing to
the tip of the longest primary, measured straight. When
the wing is curved, it is flattened out for the purpose of
ineasurement.

Tarsus.—The distance from the centre of articulation of the
tarsus with the tibia to the base of the middle toe.

Culmen.--~The distance in a straight line from the feathering
of the forehead to the extreme tip of the beak.

AVES

Birps are distinguished from all other vertebrates by their
covering of feathers s. Though related to the Reptiles, they differ
in being warm-blooded—a feature which is correlated with a four-
chambered heart, in which the chambers are completely separated,
thus preventing the intermixture of arterial and venous blood
which obtains among the lower vertebrates. Of the right and
left aortic arches present in the Reptiles, only the right persists
in Birds and the left in Mammals. The skull, which presents no
sutures in the adult, possesses but a single occipital condyle and
the jaws are produced into a beak ensheathed in horn, whilst in
more primitive, extinct species, they were armed with teeth.
The lower jaw is a complex of several bones, but the right and ,
left rami are never separable as in Reptiles and many Mammals.
Proximally tne mandible articulates with the skull, after the
reptilian fashion, by means of a quadrate bone. The fore-limb
has become transformed into a ‘‘ wing,” and the sternum, in
accordance with the requirements of flight, has taken on the form
of a broad, oblong plate, usually provided with a median keel for the
attachment of the pectoral muscles, which have become excessively
developed. In the hip-girdle the three elements of the pelvis
have become fused. ‘lhe ilium has become greatly elongated, and
is closely applied to the vertebral column, preventing “all move-
ment between the vertebre within its grip. As a consequence,
these vertebrae, which include more or fewer of the lumbar, the
sacral and a variable number of post-sacrals, have become welded
together to form a synsacrum. In the hind-limb the proximal
row of tarsa!s have become fused with the shaft of the tibia to
form a ‘‘ tibio-tarsus,” while the distal row have fused with the
metatarsals to form a tarso-metatarsus. On this account the
ankle-joint is “ intertarsal” as in many reptiles. Three of the
four surviving metatarsals have fused to form a solid, cylindrical
shaft or i eres bone” as in Dinosaurs, while the fourth has
become reduced to a mere nodule of bone supperting the hallux.
Jn many species the hallux has become reduced to a mere vestige,
and, in some, it has disappeared altogether, whilst in the Ostrich
(Struthio) but two toes remain. With the reptiles on the one
hand, and the primitive mammals Eehidna and Ornithorhynchus
on the other, birds agree in being oviparous.

Hitherto most systems of classification have been founded on
living birds only, and have therefore to some extent failed in their
purpose. Birds have been commonly divided into two great
groups or sub-classes, Ratite and Carinate, according to the

8 AVES.

presence or absence of a median keel to the sternum. But these
groups, though accepted by Blanford and Oates, are very un-
satisfactory, since in some flightless Cwrinate the sternum has
become reduced to the Ratite condition.

Taking into consideration birds both living and extinct, we have
two well-defined sub-classes, the Archwornithes and Neornithes.

NXP
sph PLA

Under view of the skull of a Raven. vo, vomer; sxp, maxillo-palatine
process ; pa, palatine ; ptg, pterygoid; g, quadrate; b.sph, basi-sphenoid ;
sph.r, sphenoidal rostrum.

The first is reserved for the Archwopteryx with an elongated
reptilian chain of caudal vertebre, each bearing a pair of rectrices
and having the jaws armed with teeth. The sub-class Neornithes

AVES. 9)

neludes all living birds in which ihe vertebra supporting the
rectrices have become so abbreviated that the tail-feathers have
to be arranged fan-wise on either side of a fused mass of bones
known as the ‘“ pygostyle.”

As regards the Neornithes, the palate affords a much more satis-
factory basis of division than the sternum. According to this,
living birds are divisible into two further groups, the Paleognathe
and Neoynathe, the former in substitution for the Ratite and the
latter for the Carinate.

In the Paleognuthe the vomer is large, and articulates by
squamous suture with the pterygoid, while the palatine is applied
to the outer margin of the vomero-pterygoid articulation,

In the Ne ognathee the palatines have shifted inwards, under
the vomero-pterygoid articulation, to meet one another in the
median line. The pterygoids, in early post-embryonic life, undergo
a striking process of segmentation, inasmuch as that portion of
their shafts which rests upon the proximal end of the palatine snaps
off, as it were from the main shaft, and fuses with the palatine.
Later, at the point of fracture a cup-and-ball joint is formed,
affording the strongest possible contrast with the squamous
suture found in the Palwognathe.

Where the vomer still retains some semblance of its former
size, its proximal bifurcated end may just reach the extreme tip
of the anterior end of the pterygoid, but it now depends for its
support not upon the pterygoid, but upon the palatine, as, for
example, in the Penguins. But among the Neognathe the vomer
displays a striking series of stages in degeneration, becoming more
and more divorced from the pterygoid, until it finally assumes
the form of a minute nodule of bone, andat last, in the Galline,
it becomes a mere spicule of bone held by a few tendinous fibres

to the anterior border of the expanded ends of the palatines, and

in some, as in the Falconide for example, vanishes altogether. If
nothing were known of the early post-embryonic developmental
stages of the Neognathine vomer, it would have been impossible
to divine that the Neognathine was a direct derivative from the
Palwoguathine palate.

These two orders, the Palwognathe and Neognathe, must be
divided further, for the Class Aves, in the course of its evolution,
has split up into a vast number of different forms. The genetic
relation of these forms or types to one another, and the precise
affinities of the individual members of the various groups, should
as far as possible find expression in any system of classification.
These divisions may be known as Orders, which are again divided
into Sub-Orders, Families, Genera and Species.

Order 1. PASSERES.

This edition of the Fauna follows its predecessor in beginning
with the Passeres. The classification and further division of this
Group presents more difficulties than all the rest put together.

Briefly, the Passeres may be defined as follows :—Skull
egithognathous (vomer truncated in front). Sternum with a
large spina externa,and no spina interna. Clavicle with expanded
free ends. Hypotarsus complex.

Wing lacking the biceps and expansor secondariorum muscles.
Thigh muscles having no accessory femorocaudal or abiens
muscles present. *>

Only one carotid—the left—is present. Ceca are vestigial.
Oil-gland nude. Wing eutaxic.

The arrangement of the Sub-Orders adopted here is that of
Gadow (Bronn’s Thier-reichs, Bd. vi., ii. Syst. Theil, 1893).
But the subdivision of the <Anisomyodi is based on that of
Pyceratft (P. ZS. 1905-G6-7), his Oligomyodi answering in part to
that of Huxley (P. Z. 8. 1867).

Sus-ORDER. GROUP. FAMILY. SuB-Fami.y.
is ; Eurylemidee.
: Cotingide
Clamatores Fir nl a
. Philepittidx.
Pipridee.

| Tyrannide.
- | | Oligomyodi pees
ee lay Pe Se ie | Phytotomide.
i 3 a. J . Oxyrhampide.
ce | Anisomyodi ... 1%
= ( Formicariide.
wn Dendrocolaptide.
= Furnariide ... .. Furnariine.
aly Sclerurinz.
a | Synallaxine.
= , Margarornithine.
Bi Tracheophone... + ; :
A Phylidorhine.
ao rn . - .
2 Conopophagide... Conopophagine.

Pteroptochine.
Hylactine.

Jf Menuridee.

IDVaACr OM VOCIeten sen. eee bere Bes
: | Oscines.

| ; Xenicide.
Having regard to the fact that the main divisions of the
Passeres are based on the structure of the syrinx, a brief summary

,

PASSHRES, Hal

of the essential features of this organ, in so far as they concern
the systematist, nay be welcome.

The syrinx is the term applied to the lower end of the wind-
pipe and the adjacent ends of the bronchi in birds, wherein these
portions have become variously modified to form the organ of
voice, which, in Mammals, is formed by the larynx—the upper
end of the windpipe. But while in the Mammals the larynx is a
comparatively stable structure, in the birds the syrinx presents a
very remarkable range of differences both in regard to its funda-
mental structural characters, as well as of musculature.

Tor the present it must suffice to give a brief survey of the
essential features of the syrinx in the Passeres and, for systematic
purposes, the musculature is the dominant factor.

The syrinx, then, in this Group presents wide contrasts,
even among Genera of the same Family, but nevertheless it
conforms in its essential characters with that of the Aves as a
whole. That is to say, it is formed of a number of bony or
cartilaginous rings and semi-rings—some of which may be com-
pletely or partially welded—held together by thin membranes
which serve not merely to support the framework, but also in the
production of the ‘ voice.”

In the Anisomyodi the syringeal muscles are inserted either in
the middle or on to the dorsal or ventral ends of the semi-rings.

Syrinx of Pitta angolensis (after Garrod, P.Z.S. 1876, pl. hii), showing the
Anisomyodian attachment of the intrinsic muscles at the middle of the bronchial
semi-rings. There is also a single pair of bronchial muscles, continued down
from the sides of the windpipe, insignificant in size, quite lateral, and termi-
nating by being inserted into the middle of the outer surface of the second
bronchial semi-ring,

In the Diacromyodi these muscles are inserted into both ends
of the semi-rings. They may be limited always to one pair as
in Clamatores, to two as in Oligomyodi and some Tracheophone
or there may be as many as seven pairs as in the Oscimes.
But the structure of the syrinx itself, as apart from its
musculature, has been, and still is, a feature of importance in

1 PASSERES.

the classification of the Passeres—as witness the 7% a ee
Briefly three types of syrinx are recognized—the Tracheo-
bronchial, the Tracheal and the Prandival: the last two being
derivatives of the first.. The tracheo- bronchial i is the type found
in the Oscines and Sub-Oscines. Herein the lower end of the
trachea has the last four or five rings welded to form a little dice-
shaped box communicating below with the bronchi. The
bronchial rings I and II are closely attached to this box,
while III forms a strong arcuate bar supporting a delicate
sheet of membrane stretched between rings I and II on the
one hand and 1V.on the other. The bronchial rings are in-
complete on their inner aspects, their free ends supporting a
“tympanic membrane,” which plays an important part in voice

Syrinx of a Magpie, showing the Diacromyodian attachment of the intrinsic
muscles at the ends of the bronchial semi-rings. ‘The left-hand figure is a side
view and the right-hand figure a dorsal view of the syrinx. ‘The membranous
parts between the bronchial semi-rings and the internal tympaniform membrane
are dotted ; II, II are the Second and third bronchial semi-rings; 7.7, the
internal tympaniform membrane ; s¢, the muscle from the side of the trachea
to the upper end of the clavicle: 1, 2, 5, 4, 5, 6, the syringeal muscles ; there
isa 7th, which is hidden by the 6th; the 4th is hidden below and between the
Ist, 2nd, and 3rd.

production, At the junction of the bronchi with the trachea is a
bony bar—the “ pessulus.” This supports a thin fold of mem-
brane whose free edge cuts across the bottom of the dice-shaped
box of the tracheal tube. By its vibrations it acts like the “ free
reed” of an organ-pipe. Muscular lips extending from the
inner surfaces of bronchial semi- ring IIT narrow the aperture on
either side of the “reed” during the production of the * voice’
or song, and thus complete the mechanism of voice production.
In the Tracheal syrinx a’ variable number of the lower tracheal

PASSERES. 13

rings are reduced in thickness, leaving wide spaces filled by mem-
brane. The range of sounds produced by this modification is
much more limited than in the Tracheo-bronchial syrinx.

In the Bronchial syrinx the voice is produced by modification
of the bronchi. But as this type does not occur among the
Passeres, its description may be deferred. ;

It is not the purpose of this survey to pass in review all the
anatomical characters which have been used as aids to the elassifi-
cation of this difficult Group, but rather to afford a concise summary
of such as are regarded to-day as of importance. ‘

tarso-metatarsus,

Hratlltisesete- ss 2 eee

digitst...--

Sketch showing the arrangement of the deep"plantar tendons in a
passerine bird. (From P. Z. 8. 1875, p. 347.)

After the syrinx, systematists seem to have relied most upon
the plantar tendons of the foot. Sometimes, indeed, too much
reliance seems to have been placed upon these ; that is to say, a
tvo arbitrary use has been made of the evidence they afford.

Of these tendons two only are specially recognized in this con-
nexion. These are the Flexor profundus digitorum and the Fleaor
longus hallucis. ‘The first named arises from the greater part of
the hinder face of the fibula and tibia, beneath all the other
flexors, and at the intertarsal joint passes into a tendon, which,
running through a perforation in the metatarsal tubercle, divides

f=)
just above the distal end of the tarso-metatarsus, sending a slip

14 PASSERES.

to each front toe. The Flevor longus hallucis arises from the
outer condyle of the femur and from the intercondylar region.
It accompanies, and is closely associated with, the /l. profundus
throughout its whole length. Passing also isto the tendinous
condition at the tyitieneel joint, it crosses the £7. profundus
tendon near its middle, from behind and from without inwards
to be inserted on the terminal phalanx of the hind toe.
This, at least, is what obtains in all the Passeres save the
Kurylemide, where the hallucis tendon anchors itself to the
profundus tendon at the point where the two tendons cross,
by a number of tendinous fibres, to form what is known as a
“vinculum.” No less than eight different modes of anchorage
between these two tendons are recognized. The typical Passeri-
form type is No. VII. of this series; that of the Lurylemide is
INo. I. ,

Nitzsch, in laying the foundations of the study of the pterylosis,
opened up a field of great promise, which, so far, has only very
partially been explored by systematists. The attempt to use the
number of the remiges as a factor in the subdivision of the Passeres
has only resulted in the formulation of a test which is based on
error. Thus, in the previous edition of this work an attempt
was made to form two Groups of Passeres, the one displaving 9,
the other 10 primaries. This was unfortunate, since all the
so-called ‘‘ 9-primaried” Passeres possess 10 remiges, while many
of the so-called ‘ 10-primaried” Passeres possess 11 remiges.
The error has arisen from a failure to distinguish vestigial quills
and their coverts. In the ‘‘9-primaried ” Passeres the 10th may
be reduced to the vanishing point. Where the 10th primary is
conspicuously long, as in fhe Corvide, the 11th will be found as
a ‘“remicle,” 1 cni. or more in length. Bearing these facts in
mind, there can be no objection, for the sake of convenience,
to the continued use of the division into 9-primaried and 10-pri-
maried wings, the remicle being in both cases a negligible
quantity.

So tar, unfortunately, Ornithologists have made no more use of

pterylosis than this numbering ot the wing and _tail-feathers.
A vast ainount of work has yet to be done, in investigating
the ptery losis of the trunk, for the sake of the evidence it will
unquestionably furnish as to the relationship of forms whose
affinities can at the present’ be no more than guessed at. The
Parida, Aimpelide, Oriolide afford cases in point. True, we
cannot discover this evidence by a study of the pterylosis alone—
the osteology and myology of these puzzles must also be taken
into account—but we shall have made ereat strides when this
pteryological work has been thoroughly done. It is to be hoped
that those who use these volumes will ‘endeavour to take up this
much neglected work,

The juvenile or “nestling” plumage of the Passeres Ae very
valuable data to the systematist. In the last edition of this

PASSERES. 15

work if was pointed out that the juvenile plumage of the
‘‘10-primaried ” Passeres seemed to consist of five types. ‘ In
the first the nestling resembles the adult female; in the second
the nestling resembles the adult female but is more brightly
coloured and generally suffused with yellow; in the third the
nestling is cross-barred ; in the fourth it is stre aked; in the fifth
and last mottled or squamated.”

These divisions of the Passeres seem to be of great importance
and have been adopted in this edition with but very minor
modifications.

‘The whole system of classification here accepted is merely pro-
visional and does not, and cannot, pretend to be final, but it is
hoped that it will provide a sound basis upon which future
Ornithologists can work. No classification will be found upon
which there is universal agreement. Many Ornithologists hold
that, whilst it is sound science to split species ad infinitum, it is
equally unscientific to use the same arguments for splitting
genera and families. I have considered classification purely as a
means to an end—. ¢. to enable the student to recognize any bird
whose name and position he desires to ascertain. It ‘lumping’
will assist him in this, I have amalgamated genera and families ;
but if lumping, by creating huge, unwieldy families, will lead to
his confusion, I have split “them so as to render his work easier
and quicker. Each Order will be dealt with in turn as it is
reached in the succeeding volumes.

Scheme of Indian Passerine Families.

A. (Diacromyopt1.) Syringial muscles of the syrinx
coats on the ends of ‘the bronchial semi-rings.
. The edges of the mandibles never serrated though
_ Sometimes notched.
Tongue non-tubuiar and not bifid or tufted.
ee The hinder part of the tarsus longitudinally

laminated. ,

«*, Wing with ten primaries, the 11th too
minute to be seen.

a*, Nostrils clear of the line of the fore-
head and nearer the commissure than
the culmen.

a. Plumage of the nestling like that of
the adult female, but duller and
sometimes darker.

a, Nostrils completely hidden by
feathers or bristles.

a. First primary exceeding half

the second in length; plumage

LOSS eA IITA, 2 shies =e cle = 2 Corvide.
bo’. First primary less than half
RECOM Oye yet acl s, Pale eee 4 eeay os Paride.

ce’. First primary exceeding half
second ; plumage lax and soft. Paradoxorni-
thidz.

16 PASSERES.

b°. Nostrils bare or merely over-
hung by hairs or plumelets.
d". Rictal bristles always present.
, Inner and hind toe very un-
CTD] DORAL. . doe nee ana Sittidee.
rae and hind toe equal.
. Wing rounded, tarsus long
and. SONOUG Poe: tia falaikeor> as Timaliide.
b°. Wing more > pointed, tarsus
less strong and long .... Pycnonotide.
e. Rictal bristles absent.
ce, Tail-feathersstiffand pointed. Certhiidee.
d*, 'Tail-featherssottandrounded. Troglodytide.
Plumage of nestling mottled or
squamated.
c°, Nostrils not covered by any hairs.
us Rictal bristles absent ........ Cinclide.
Rictal bristles present .... , Turdide.
a. ee more or less covered by
NVSUES Moeta eee te eee Meroe Lec oe Muscicapide.
Pearce of nestling cross- barred.
aa olded wings not ‘reaching beyond
middle of tail.
kh’, Shafts of rump-feathers soft .. Laniide.
a, Shafts of rump-feathers spinous. Campephagide.,
f°. Folded wings reaching to tip of

Teta ae racy tens eaters ate cactehe acieions Artamide.
d5, Plumage of nestling spotted with
WANTS iusres, suciremecne eae: Me oneute seaune re Dicruride.
e. Plumage of nestling like the adults,
but brighter RAV Mit reaeie sities Sylviide.
. Plumage of nestling like the adults,
but p: BlGne ete te ead on Regulide.

y . Plumage of nestling streaked.
g°. Rictal bristles present.
7’, Nostrils covered with hairs ., Irenide.
k*, Nostrils quite exposed.
e*. First primary at least half

length of second ........ Oriolide.
f°. First primary less than half
SECOMG. toe. te cat ean toes : Bulabetide.
h®, Without rictal bristles ........ Sturnide.

14, Nostrils pierced, partly within line of

forehead and nearer culmen than

COUMUNSSUTOM oer et emery teeta eis) os Ploceide.

b*, Wing with nine primaries, the 10th
obsolete.

ct, Bill conical, pointed and entire, the

longest secondaries reaching to a

point midway between the middle

nd COM Ol GWAN Se ry cae astueateises is. Ses Fringillide.
d*, Bill long, slender and notched, the

longest secondaries reaching almost

to tip OF MIN? sae ee . Motacillide.
e', Billflat, broad and notched, the longest

secondaries reaching to the middle

OVS ALT ale Aas cera eRe eee ae Hirundinidz,

PASSERES.

b°, The hinder ase of the tarsus transversely
scutellateden sae <5 40: 3 rao ee ee hes
. Tongue fabulan OTP Pee oe

Tong ue bifid, with small brushes at tip.
Plumage Hot Mictalllickeee ses es eh et heeatts
2. Plumage more or less metallic . Ra nae
b. The edges of the mandibles finely serr mated on
the terminal third of their edges. .

B. (Antsomyopt.) Syringial muscles inserted either
in the middle, or on the dorsal or ventral ends of
the bronchial semi-rings.

ce. Flexor longus hallucis and Flexor profundus
digitorum not united with a vinculum ......

d. Flexor longus hallucis and Flexor profundus
digitorum joined near the centre with a vin-
Gale a hod geo tas fe

ee

VOL, I.

17

Alaudide.
Nectariniide.

Zosteropide.
Chalcopariide.

Diceide.

Pittidz.

Eurylemidez.

18 CORVID.

Fig. 1.— Urocissa m. occipitalis.

Family CORVID.

The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the
bronchial semi-rings. The edges of both mandibles smooth, or
the upper one simply notched; hinder aspect of tarsus smooth,
composed of two entire longitudinal lamine ; wing with ten
primaries; tongue non-tubular; nostrils clear of the line of
forehead, the lower edge of the nostril generally nearer to the
commissure than the upper edge is to the culmen; plumage of
the nestling like that of the adult but paler; nostrils hidden by
feathers and bristles; rectrices twelve; sexes absolutely alike ;
an autumn moult only.

In this family the first primary is long, exceeding half the
length of the second, whilst the bill exceeds its depth in length.
It contains the Crows, Magpies, Jays, Nutcrackers, and

CORVIDA, 19

Choughs. All species are resident within the limits of this work
except the Rook and the Hooded Crow, which are winter visitors
to the North and North-West. Their summer quarters are, how-
ever, not far off and their migrations are only partial and local
The members of the genera Corvus, or the true Crows, Pica,
the Magpies, Nucifraga, the Nutcrackers, and Pyrrhocorax, the
Choughs, are birds of wide distribution but the members of the
other genera are nearly all restricted to small areas.

The Corvide vary a good deal inter se in structure and habit.
In one or two genera ‘the nostrils are not so completely hidden
by bristles as in the typical Crow. The majority feed completely
on the ground, others are strictly arboreal. They all agree in
laying four or five spotted eggs except certain species of the
genus Podoces, which lay white eges in burrows. The mode of
nidification of the remaining genera varies greatly, some
species breeding in holes of trees and cliffs, alae aflnene the
majority, constructing large nests of sticks and twigs. Most of
them are omnivorous, but some of the smaller tropical species
appear to confine their diet to insects.

The Corvide, as a family, have few characters in common, and
yet there is no group of birds which is more easily recognized.

Key to Genera.

A. Nostrils distant from forehead about one-
third length of bill; narial bristles rigid and
straight, “reaching tu about middle of bill ;
or Hee bristles and feathers of face need.

@. Vail much shorter than wine............ Corvus, pv. 20.
6. Tail much longer than wing ............ PICA, ps oi;

B. Nostrils distant from forehead less than one-
quarter length of bill; narial bristles or
plumes short, never reaching to middle of
bill.

. Tail greatly graduated, outer feathers less

than half lene th of taal!

a’. Middle tail-feathers uniformly wide
throughout or widening gradually to-
Pas tip.

. Bill red or yellow.
a". Tail more than twice leneth of

SNE Cae tes cnc or iete oS bois) a3 . Urocissa, p. 40.
g'", Tail less than twice “Jeneth of
CUNO regan ones e's Rete Cissa, p. 45.
UNS STINE VEO er oe bam cleace Cee vg eee DENDROCITTA, p. 47.
b’. Middle tail-feathers suddenly broadening
TO WORM SHEN meee eet siatsies <al sic «5 CrYPSIRHINA, p. 56.

d. Tail not much graduated, outer feathers
more than half length of tail.

ce’. Graduation of closed tail less than length

of tarsus; rictal bristles extremely

LONG ce casiccsteuetae S010 OES Ob Oe Oe PLATYSMURUTS, p. £

GZ

or
92)

20 CORVID®.

d’. Graduation of tail more than length of
tarsus; rictal bristles moderate or
obsolete.

ec’, Nostrils nearer edge of culmen than
to lower edge of upper mandible.

ce", Bill about half length ot head,

deep andimotched © 120%... GARRULLUS, p. 59.
d'', Bill about same length as head,

slender and not notched PO aA ee NucIFRAGA, p. 66.

d'', Nostrils nearer lower edge of upper
mandible than to culmen.

e’, Wings long, falling short of the tip

of the tail ‘by less than length of

FALSUSHio See ions Oe eieeecin ccs PyRRHOCORAX, p. 69,
. Wings short, falling short of the

tip of the tail by more than length
OWN CATISTES es, crode eh wie grate mekeTe emalmeals Popocss, p. 71.

Genus CORVUS Linn., 1766.

The genus Corvus contains the Ravens, Crows, Rooks and
Jackdaws. Seven species are found in India, several of which are
divisible into well-marked geographical races, some of which were
ranked by Oates as species w ‘hilst others equally easily differen-
tiated were altogether ignored. Of the seven species some are
widely distributed and well known to all, and others are confined
to the Himalayas and the north-west portion of the Empire.

Corvus has the plumage black throughout or nearly through-
out, and may be recognized by tie position of the nostrils, which
are plac ed far forward, about one-third the length of the bill from
the forehead, and are entirely concealed from view by a multitude
of very stiff, straight bristles that reach the middle of the bill.
In these span tuees this genus agrees with the Magpies; but
the latter may be separated by the length of the tail, which is
very much longer than the wing, and “the shape of the first
primary, w hich i is figured on p. 37.

The Crows are with two exceptions resident, the other two
being only winter visitors.

The Rook forms a partial exception to the general characters
given above for determining Corvus. Up to nine months of age
it has the ordinary stiff bristles over the nostrils, but at that age
it casts them all off, as well as the feathers on the front part 4k

the head. Its appearance in this state is well depicted in the
figure of the head given on p. 31.

Key to Species.

A. Size large, wing always over 880 mm. ...... C. coraa,p. 21,
B. Size smaller, wing alw ays under 580 mm.
a. Crow n and neck concolorous or nearly so.
a’. Lower plumage with little gloss, and this
blue or green; bill stout, face feathered
in adults,

CORVUS. Di.

a. Plumage intensely black, feathers of
hind neck firm and glossy with
@listemime shafts. . 6. asc oes. ee ees C. corone, p. 24.
b''. Plumage not so black, feathers of hind
neck soft and decomposed with in-
conspicuous shafts ............-... C. coronotdes, p. 25.
b'. Lower plunsage intensely glossed with
blue and purple, bill slender, face of
SGU ROM cca craves cf exeys i che a ae ® «ie 6 C. frugilegus, p. 50.
b. Hind neck grey or ashy, contrasting with :
black crown.
c’. Wing exceeding 300 mm.............+. C. cornia, p. 32.
d’. Wing never as much as 300 mm.
ec", Chin and throat deep black contrasting
SOE EI OTE fine ey ef dao) =. ebay as ace ays. am v6 ». C. splendens, p. 32.
d'’, Chin and throat grey like breast .... ©. monedula, p. 36.

Corvus corax.
Key to Subspectes.
A. Plumage glossy black, the brown tint if

present almost imperceptible.
a. Wing averaging about 426 mm. Bill about

71mm. Throat-hackles short.......... C. c. laurencet, p. 21.

b. Wing averaging about 500 mm, Bill about
81mm. Throat-hackles long .......... C.c. tibetanus, p. 23.

B. Plumage very brown on neck, upper back and
BUCA UATE uewios slayer Wiehe elise en eerca 5 C.c. ruficollis, p. 23.

(1) Corvus corax laurencei.
Tue Punsgasp Raven.

Corvus laurenceti Hume, Lah. to Yark., p. 285 (1878) (Punjab).
Corvus corav. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 14 (1889).

Vernacular names. Zhe European Raven; Domkak, Doda
(Hind. in the N.W.); Kargh (Candahar).

Description. Entirely black, glossed with steel-blue, purple
and lilac; the throat-hackles short and not very conspicuous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill and legs shining black.

Measurements. Length from about 600 to 620 mm.; wing
from 400 to 440 mm.; tail about 240 mm.; tarsus about 60 mm. ;
eulmen about 64mm. to 75mm.

Distribution. Punjab, Bombay, United Provinces and N.W.
Provinces, and a rare straggler into Kashmir and Central India.
It occurs also in Sind, but in the N.E. of that province the
Brown-necked Raven takes its place.

Gutside of India the Punjab Raven is found through Baluchis-
tan, S. Persia, Mesopotamia, Southern Asia Minor and Northern

22 CORVID#.

Palestine. It is not easy to separate the breeding ranges of
ruficollis and laurencei, but the former appears to be essentially a
bird of deserts and bare hills whilst the Panjab Raven is more
a bird of wooded country, though both are great wanderers and
overlap ove another constantly in their non-breeding haunts.

Nidification. This Raven makesa large nest of sticks, sometimes
lined with a little wool, leaves or smaller, softer twigs and places
it near the top of a tree either in the open or in thin forest. The
eggs number from four to six, generally four or five and are a
pale blue-green marked with deep brown and with underlying
marks of pale grey and neutral tint. The markings are usually
thickly distributed over the whole surface but are sometimes
bolder and blacker and more sparse, making the eggs very hand-
some in appearance. They are typically rather long « ovals. They
average about 50°7x33°6 mm. The breeding season is from

the end of December to early March.

a

Fig. 2.—A throat-hackle of the Raven of Sikkim (a) and of the
Raven of the Punjab (2).

Habits. ‘he Punjab Raven is a very bold, confiding bird and
has all the habits of the Common Crow, attending camps and
villages and going about without fear but with the wariness of
his tribe. Hume has noticed how a large number of Ravens die
annually in the autumn on their first arrival in Sind from no
apparent cause. This form of Raven will not be found far
from trees in the breeding season, nor does it haunt hills and
mountains of any great elevation, though it has been found at
about 6,000 feet in the Simla Hills by Mr. P. Dodsworth.

CORVUS. Oe

> (2) Corvus corax tibetanus.
THe Trper Raven.
Corvus tibetanus Hodgs., Ann. Mag. N. EL, (2) iii, p. 203 (1849)
(Tibet).
Corvus corax. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 14.

Vernacular names. V'he Tibet Raven, Jerd.; Neka-wak (Tibetan),

Description. A much bigger, more powerful bird than the
Punjab Raven, with a bigger bill and the lanceolate hackles of the
throat much longer and more pointed than in that bird.

Measurements. Wing from about 480 to 530 mm., nearly
always between 490 and 510 mm. Culmen about 80 mm. and
running up to 85 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Kashmir to Eastern Tibet,
including Sikkim, Bhutan and the hills north of the Brahmaputra
in Assam.

Nidification. The breeding season of this fine Raven appears to
be from early March to the middie of April and the eggs are
generally laid whilst the whole country is still under snow. It
appears to nest both in cliffs and in stunted trees and is not un-
common on the great Gyantse Plateau at 12,000 to 14,000 feet,
nesting on the willows and thorn-trees. Mandelli also took its
nest in Sikkim. ‘The eggs number three to five in a clutch and
taken as a series are very different from those of either lawrencei or
ruficollis. In general colour they are very dull, brown eggs; the
ground-colour is much less blue or green-blue and the markings
are more numerous, yet smaller and less bold in character.

Twenty eggs average 49°0 x 35°6mm. A broader, bigger egg
than that laid by either of our other Indian Ravens, though we
have but few to judge from.

Habits. The Tibet Raven is a bird of lofty regions, being met
with up to 18,000 feet in the summer and seldom below 9,000 feet
even in mid-winter. Its note is said to bea harsher, deeper croak
than that of the Punjab Raven, and over most of its range it is a
much shyer, wilder bird, though it is said to haunt the vicinity of
villages in Tibet. It was also reported as common all along the
route taken by the Military Expedition to Lhassa, frequenting
the camps, feeding on the animals that died on the march and
acting as regular scavengers.

(5) Corvus corax ruficollis.
THE BROWN-NECKED RAVEN.
Corvus ruficollis Lesson, Traité d’Orn., p. 329 (1831) (Africa).
Corvus umbrinus. Blantf. & Oates, i, p. 15.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from other Indian forms of Rayen in

24 CORVID &.

being a much browner bird in general coloration, more especially
so on the neck and shoulders. The neck-hackles are even shorter
than in daurencet and it is rather smaller also than either of the
previous forms.

Measurements. Wing about 400 mm. and ranging between
380 and 420mm. The bill in the Indian form is also more
slender than it is in either the Tibet or Punjab Raven.

Distribution. Sind, Baluchistan, S. Persia, Palestine and
N. Africa to Abyssinia.

AYN d=

WN
SSS

Fig. 3.—A throat-hackle of C.c. ruficollis.

Nidification. The Brown-necked Raven builds in cliffs or river
banks throughout its whole area. In Baluchistan it apparently
occasionally breeds in the rocky sides of the steeper and more
broken gorges and cliffs. In South Palestine it breeds in great
numbers in the river banks or in the many precipitous ravines
in that country and the little that is on record concerning its
breeding elsewhere agrees with this. It usually lays four eggs,
often three only and sometimes five. Col. R. Meinertzhagen
took a fine series of the eggs near Jerusalem. They are very
small and can hardly be distinguished from those of a Carrion-
Crow but they are rather poorly marked on the whole, less brown
than those of the Tibet Raven but much less richly coloured than
those of the Punjab Raven. They measure about 45:0 x 315mm.
The breeding season in Palestine seems to commence in early
March, but in Baluchistan they lay in December and January.

Habits. This is essentially a bird of the desert or of rocky
barren coasts and hills and wherever such are intersected by cul-
tivated or better forested areas the Punjab Raven or some other
form takes its place. It is a more companionable bird than either
of its Indian relations and where it is most numerous several pairs
may be seen consorting together.

Meinertzhagen, who has recently examined a mass of material,
is unable to detect any characters by which wmbrinus of India
to Palestine can be separated from ruficollis of Africa.

— (4) Corvus corone orientalis.
Tur Eastern Carrion-Crow.

Corvus orientalis Fversm., Add. Pall. Zoogyr., ii, p. 7 (1841)
(Buchtarma),
Corvus corone. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 16.

bo
wt

CORVUS.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole plumage very glossy black, the feathers
of the hind neck firm and with glistening shafts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; legs and bill shining black.

Measurements. Length about 500 mm.; wing about 330 to
350 mm.; tail about 190 mm.; culmen about 58 to 60 mm.;
tarsus about the same.

The Eastern Carrion-Crow differs from the Common Carrion-
Crow in being decidedly bigger, a more glossy blwe-biack in colour
and in having the outer tail-feathers more graduated.

Distribution. Siberia from the Yenesei to Japan, south to
Central Asia, Afghanistan, Eastern Persia, Kashmir, Tibet and
N. China. Whitehead found it common in the Upper Kurram
Valley.

Nidification. The Eastern Carrion-Crow is resident where
found, but within Indian limits very little has been recorded
about its history. It nests in the Kurram Valley, whence W hite-
head sent me eggs, and also in Kashmir, from which State I have
received others. It builds in trees and very often near villages
or buildings, laying three to five eggs, which cannot be dis-
tinguished from those of the Common Carrion-Crow.

Habits. The Carrion-Crow is found up to 1,400 feet and higher
during the hot weather but certainly breeds as low as 5,000 feet.
In the winter it descends much lower and it was obtained by
Magrath at Bannu. From its superficial resemblance to the
Common Jungle-Crow it is possibly often overlooked and it may
prove to be not uncommon in the plains in the extreme north-
west of India. In Kashmir it is not rare but haunts the wilder
parts of the country, thoagh on the Afghanistan and Baluchistan
frontier 1t is, according to Whitehead, generally found in the
neighbourhood of villages and mankind.

Its voice is the usual croak of its tribe and its food is as
omnivorous as that of the western bird.

Corvus coronoides.
THE JUNGLE-CROW.

Our Indian Jungle-Crows have hitherto been known by the
name of macrorhynchus, a name which really applies to their
Javan cousin, but they are merely races of the Australian J ungle-
Crow, and must therefore be known specifically by the name
coronoides, though they form several well-defined subspecies.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Wing about 305mm., billabout GOmm.. C. e. levaillanti, p. 27.
x Wing about 290mm., bill about 56mm. . C. e. eulminatus, p. 28.
. Wing about 530mm.
x ill about 60 mm., more slender...... 7. c. intermedius, p. 28.

h Bill about 65 mm, more massive .... C.c. andamanensis, p. 29.

26 CORVID®.

A feature which is also of some use in distinguishing geo-
graphical races is the colour of the bases of the feathers, In
southern birds these are nearly always very dark, in Central Indian
birds they vary a great deal from pale dirty white to dark, whilst
in the northern mountain birds when fully adult they are
generally pale and often pure white. Andaman birds seem
invariably to have the bases to their feathers a very pure white,
and differ in this respect from their nearest allies in Assam and

EE

Pio. 4.—Head of C. coronoides.

Fig. 5.—Foot of C. coronoides,

Burma, from which it may be found necessary to separate them ;
they agree with these, however, in their very heavy bills.

As so much of the material for examination in museums is
unsexed, it has been very difficult to draw conclusions from
measurements. It must be remembered, however, that females
on the whole run smaller than males and certainly have smaller,
slighter bills. Although non-migratory birds and in their wilder

CORVUS. Oi

haunts keeping to very restricted areas, the races which have
taken to scavenging cities and villages for food probably travel
over very wide areas in the non-breeding season and the result of
this habit is that we are often faced with conflicting mexsurements
from the same locality.

It is most noticeable in the geographical races of this Crow that
the eges are more easily differentiated than the birds themselves.

(5) Corvus coronoides levaillanti.
Tuer Inptian JtnGLE-Crow.

Corvus levaillanti Less., Traité d’Grn., p. 528 (1851) (Bengal).
Corvus macrorhynchus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 17.

Vernacular names. The Indian Corby, the Slender-billed Crow,
Jerdon; Dhar or Dhal-Kawa (Hindiin the North); Aarrial (Hind);
Dad-Kawa, Jungli-Kawa (Bengal).

Description. Upper plumage glossy black, except the hind
neck and sides of neck, which are almost glossless, and of which
the feathers are disintegrated and silky, not of the intense black
of the other parts, and with the shafts not conspicuously different
from the webs.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, or very dark almost black-
brown ; legs, feet and bill black.

Measurements. Length from about 430 to 510 mm. (about
17 to 20 inches); tail about 170 to 200 inm.; wing about
304 mm., but. varying from about 290 to 330 mm.; culimen
about 60 mm,

Distribution. The Common Indian Jungle-Crow extends over
the whole of India south of the Himalayas, as far South as the
Deecean and on the East to about the latitude of the Madras
Presidency. To the North-east it is found up to the Bay of
Bengal, but east of the Brahmaputra its place is taken by the
Burmese form. 2

Nidification. The breeding season of this race of Jungle-
Crow oyer the greater portion of its habitat is from the middle of
December to the middle of January but in the north-eastern
portion of its range, such as Behar, Oudh, etc., it appears to lay
in March and April. The nest is a very well-made neat cup of
smali and pliant twigs, ee and compactly intermixed with
leaves, moss, ete., and well lined with hair, grass or wool. It is
generally placed high up in some tree away from villages and
towns but may occasionally also be found building right inside the
streets of big ‘cities.

The eggs number four or five, rarely six, and are quite typical
Crows’ eggs, but, compared with those of the lull races, are much
smaller and much paler in general tint. In shape also they
average longer in proportion. One hundred eggs average 39°6 x
28:9 mm.

28 CORVIDE.

Habits. Normally the Jungle-Crow is, as its name implies, a
bird of the forests and jungles rather than of cities and civiliza-
tion : at the same time this particular race has taken to emulating
the Indian House-Crow in haunting the abodes of men and, even
where it still keeps to the jungles, generally selects places within

easy distance of some village, possibly for the sake of the food it
is able to scavenge from it. It is not nearly so gregarious as
the House-Crow, and, except in the towns, each pair has its own
special territory, from which it excludes all others of its own kind.

6) Corvus coronoides culminatus.
Tuer Sourwrern JuNGLE-CRow.

Corvus culminatus Sykes, P. Z. S., 1832 2, p- 96 (Deeean),
Corvus macrorhynchus. Blant. & Oates, ellie

Vernacular names. Dheri-kawa (Hind. South); Aaki (Telegu) ;
Kadu-Kaka (Tel. Travancore) ; Kaka (Tamil); Goyeganma Kaka
(Ceylon).

Description. Only differs from the previous bird in being
smaller, with generally a smaller, more slender bill and in having
the bases to the feathers nearly always dark in the adult as in the
young.

Colours of soft parts as in /evaillanti.

Measurements. Wing from 272 to 305 mm., in one case
only 319 (possibly a wanderer), and averaging about 291 mm.
Culmen about 55 to 56 mm.

Distribution. India in the Madras Presidency southwards,
the Deccan and south through Malabar and Travancore to the
south of Ceylon.

Nidification. In the northern portion of its habitat this Crow
breeds in December to February, but in Ceylon it breeds in June
and July, though possibly in other months also. The nest is
similar to that of the Common Indian Jungle-Crow, but the
60 eggs available for measurement average only 38:0 x 281 mm.
in colour they seem to be richer and darker than those of the
northern bird and to be of a stouter, shorter oval.
~. Habits. Similar to those of the other races, but it is perhaps
more really a jungle bird than is levailianti. In Ceylon it is said
(Wait) to keep much to the coastal areas, which are well forested.

(7) Corvus coronoides intermedius.
Tur HIMALAYAN JUNGLE-CROW.

Corvus intermedius Adams, P. Z. S., 1859, p. 171 (Kashmir).

Corvus macrorhynchus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 17.
Vernacular names. Ulakpho (Lepcha); Ulak (Bhutea).
Description. A very large bird with a bill little if anything

CORVUS. 29

larger than that of the Northern Indian race. In adults the
bases of the feathers are generally pale and in some pure white.

Colours of soft parts as in levaillanti.

Measurements. Wing averaging over 330 im. and running
up to as much as 368 in two birds, one from Simla and one from
Sikkim.

If birds from only the higher portions of their habitat were
taken, the wing average would probably be well over 340 mm., but
the average is gre atly decreased by late summer birds, w eke may
well be visitors from the plains wandering into the hills after
breeding. ‘Thus both in Murree and Mussoorie individuals oecur
with wings of about 290 mm. and there is a specimen in the
British Museum from Gilgit with a wing of only 285 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan to Bhutan
and ? Dafla Hills.

Nidification. This form is essentially a jungle-breeder, though
it may place its nest in forest not far from habitations. Round
about Simla the deodar is a favourite nesting site, the nest being
placed very high up and even better and more compactly built than
that of the plains’ birds. The clutch is bigger also, five being not
uncommon and six sometimes met with. The eges average
44-8 x 30°0 min. and are much more richly and brightly coloured
than are the eggs of the plains’ birds. The breeding season lasts
from the middle of March to the end of May.

Habits. The Himalayan Jungle-Crow is found from the foot-
hills up to at least 10,000 feet, though it may not be common at
this elevation. Birds from the hot country below 1,000 or even
2,000 feet elevation are intermediate between the plains and the
mountain forms and cannot be correctly assigned to either.
This is, of course, the case in intermediate areas between
geographical races of all species.

The Ee peee bird is not so much addicted to haunting the
vicinity of human habitations as is the Common Jungle-Crow and
pairs may be found inhabiting stretches of forest far from any
camp or village. Its voice is notably louder and deeper than
that of the plains’ bird.

(8) Corvus coronoides andamanensis.
Tur AND AMAN J UNGLE-CRow.

Corvus andamanensis Ty tler, Beavan, Ibis, 1866, p. 420 (Pt. Blair,

Andamans).
Corvus macrorhynchus. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 17.

Vernacular names. Aak-sorai, Jungla Kak-sorai (Assamese) ;
Hagrani Dao-ka (Cachari); Inrw-kak (Kacha Naga); Vo-hak
(Kuki); Zaw-chegan (Burmese) ; Awal: (Siamese).

T a“ 4
x
IT AS

30 CORVID2.

Description. This race is distinguished from the Himalayan
bird by its long, very stout bill and from the other races by its
greater size.

Measurements. Wing about 325 mm.; the males run from
304 to 345 mm. and the females from about 290 to 321 mm,
The bill is very long, never under 58, generally well over 60 and
running up to 70 mm., the average being about 65 mm. In
addition to its length it is stouter and heavier than in any other
form.

Distribution. Andamans, Assam, Burma, and North and
West Siam. I cannot find any satisfactory character which
suffices to separate the Andaman birds from the others. In all
the island adults the bases to the feathers are very pure white,
whereas in the Assam and Burmese birds they range from almost
pure black to more than equally pure white. Northern birds
have more white than southern, but even this is only a question
of degree in average.

Nidification. In Assam and N. Burma almost entirely a
jungle bird; in Central and Lower Burma it frequents the neigh-
bourhood of human habitations more freely, occasionally building its
nest in towns and villages. The nest is the neatest and best built
of any made by Crows, and | have seen specimens made entirely
of moss and moss roots and so neatly lined with hair and fur that
they would have been a credit to any bird architect. The eggs
number four to six and differ from those of intermedius in being
duller, browner and darker in their general tint and being some-
what broader in proportion to their length. They average
43:1x31°6 mm. In Assam and Upper Burma the breeding
season is during April and May but in Lower Burma and Siam
January and February are the laying months.

Habits. These do not differ from those of the other Jungle-
Crows, but over a considerable portion of their northern range
they are shy, retiring birds, generally frequenting heavy forest
and never scavenging round about villages. Each pair has its
own territory over w hich it hunts and in the breeding season it
is most destructive to other birds’ eggs and young. ‘It ascends
the hills up to some 6,000 feet but is not common above this
height, though it wan ders up to 8,000 or even 9,000 feet. It occurs
all over the plains except, perhaps, in the driest portions of
Central Burma.

(9) Corvus frugilegus tschusii.
Tur Hasrern Rook.

Corvus frugilegus Ischusit Hartert, Voe. Pal.,i, p. 14 (1903) (Gilgit).
Corvus frugiegus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 18.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

CORVUS. 3

Description. The whole plumage black; the head, neck and
lower plumage richly glossed with purplish blue, the upper
plumage with violet-purple ; the base of the bill and face without
any feathers and showing up white.

The Eastern race differs from the typical bird in being smaller
and especially in having a smaller, more slender bill.

Colours of soft parts. Bill and feet black; iris deep brown;
facial skin white.

Measurements. Total length about 480 mm. or less; wing
about 3800 mm.; tail about 160 mm.; culmen 52 to 60 mm.

The Nestling is without any gloss at first, but quickly assumes
it. Until about 10 to 12 months old the face is fully feathered ;
the nasal bristles are then cast,and by the time the bird is a year
old the face is entirely denuded of feathers. Whitehead says
that the Eastern form does not shed its facial feathers until
April or until it is practically a year old.

Fig. 6.—Head of C. f. tschusii.

Nidification. The Eastern Rook breeds in Persia, Turkestan
and North-West Siberia, and probably Ladakh. A nest taken for
me by a native collecter was built on a small tree aud contained
three eggs, similar to those of the Common Rook and measuring
34:0 x 26:0; 33°6x 25°9; and 34-1x 25:0 mm. The female was
shot on the nest.

Habits. The Eastern Rook is a very common winter visitor to
the North-West Himalayas and occasionally wanders into the
plains, having been killed at Abbottabad. Whitehead and
Magrath report it as visiting Kohat in enormous numbers. ‘The
Rook frequents the better cultivated parts of the country and
feeds in ploughed and grass-covered lands on worms, snails, grubs
and grasshoppers, ete. In Europe the Western form breeds in
large societies but there is little on record about the Eastern
form.

32 CORVID.

-++ (10) Corvus cornix sharpii.
Tue Eastern Hooprp Crow.

Corvus sharp Oates, Avifauna of B. I., 1, p. 20 (1889) (Siberia).
Corvus cornie. Blanf. & Oates, i. p. 19.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Entire head and neck, the central part of the
upper breast, the wings, tail and thighs glossy black ; remainder of
the plumage drab-grey ; the shafts of the upper parts black, those
of the lower brown.

The light parts in the Common Hooded Crow are ashy-grey of
quite a different tint and the races are easily separable.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and bill black: irides dark brown.

Measurements. Total length about 480 mm.; wing about
320 to 340 mm.; tail about 200 mm.; culmen 47 to 54 mm.;
tarsus about 55 mm.

Distribution. Breeding in West Siberia, Turkestan and
Afghanistan, and migrating south to the extreme north-west of
India, Punjab, Gilgit and the North-West Frontier. Rare visitor
to Kashmir, where Mr. T. &. Livesey records seeing it; this was
on Jan. 10th near the Hokra Jheel. The birds of S.E. Persia
seem to be nearer to this race than to C. ¢. capellanus.

Nidification. Mr. A. J. Currie obtained what he considered
to be this form of Hooded Crow breeding in great numbers in
and about Kerman, S.E. Persia, at considerable elevations. The
nests were of sticks, twigs, roots, ete., lined with somewhat finer
material and placed in trees both evergreen and deciduous. The
eggs number four or five and are laid in early April. They are
quite indistinguishable from those of the Common Hooded Crow
and measure about 42°2x29°6 mm. They vary in coloration
to the same extent as all Crows’ eggs do.

Habits. The Hooded Crow has much the same habits as the
Carrion-Crow, being shy and frequenting the more barren parts
of the countries it inhabits. In addition to eating the usual food
of its ally, it is said to feed on grain and to be found in fields
searching the ground like the Rook.

A common winter visitor to the extreme North-west of India.

This form of Hooded Crow as well as the European form
seems to interbreed freely over part of their northern habitat with
the Carrion-Crow.

Corvus splendens.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Difference between grey and black portion

of plumage WO ll NGletine Csestepanaie siete eyes cele e C. s, splendens, p. 33.
B. Pale portions of plumage very pale contrast-

ing strongly with dark .............. .. C.s8. sugmayert, p. 34.

CORVUS. 33

C, Contrast between pale and dark plumage

very slight and, ill-defined ....:........, C. s. insolens, p. 34,
D. Contrast between pale and dark plumage
slight, yet easy1odefine .... 2.0.5.6. C. s. protegatus, p. 35.

(11) Corvus splendens splendens.
THE Common Inptan Hovusz-Crow.

Corvus splendens Vieill., Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., viii, p. 44 (1817)
(Bengal) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 20.

Vernacular names. Aawu, Pati-kawa, Desi-kawar (Hindi in
various districts); Aag or Kak (Bengali) ; Myen-Kwak (Manipur) ;
Kak-sorai (Assam) ; Noni Das-kak (Cachari) ; Manchi Kaki (Vel.) ;
Nalla Kaka (Tamil).

Description. Forehead, crown, lores, cheeks, chin and throat
deep glossy black; nape, ear-coverts, the whole head, upper back
and breast light ashy brown; wings, tail and remainder of upper
plumage glossy black; lower plumage from the breast dull brown-
ish black; the feathers of the throat are laneeolate and the whole
of the black portions of the plumage are highly resplendent with
purple-blue and greenish reflections.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; legs and bill black.

Measurements. Length about 420 to 440 mm.; wing from about
250 to 275mm.; tail about 170 mm,; tarsus about 50 mm. and
culmen 45 mm.

Distribution. The whole of India, except Sind and perhaps the
extreme north-west, to the extreme south, Assam, Manipur,
Lushai and the north of Arrakan and the Chin Hills.

Nidification. The breeding season varies very greatly according
to locality. In the greater part of Bengal and its eastern range
it breeds in March and April, but in Dacca I found it breeding in
December, January and again in April and May; in its north-
western range 1t breeds in May, June and July; and in Assam,
Manipur and N. Burmain Apriland May. The nest is a rough
affair of sticks lined with smaller twigs and other miscellaneous
softer material, and is placed at all heights in trees, growing in
and round about cities, towns and villages.

The eggs number four or five or sometimes six, very rarely
seven. ‘hey are typical Crows’ eggs and run through the same
range of variations as do those of all the Corvide. The ground is
any shade of blue-green, and the markings are of dull reddish and
brown with secondary markings of grey and neutral tint, usually
they are small and irregular in shape and are scattered profusely
over the whole egg. The average of 100 eggs is 37:2 x 27 mm.

Habits. The Indian House-Crow is one of the most familiar
birds throughout its habitat, whatever race it may belong to.
It haunts human habitations and follows human beings as civiliza-
tion gradually usurps the place of jungle or forest and wherever

VOL. I. D

34 CORVID®.

man is, there, sooner or later, it will surely be found. Probably
originally purely a plains’ bird it has followed rail and road
routes into the hills almost everywhere, being now found in hill
stations at elevations of 6,000 and 7,000 feet or even higher.
Whitehead says that in the Kurram (this is probably zugmayert)
it remains in the hills all the year round except in very severe
weather but in most of the higher haunts it is a winter visitor
only. It is one of the boldest, yet one of the most astute of birds,
and whilst on the one hand it will snatch food from the very
hands of the Indian servants, a very few shots will keep every
crow in the neighbourhood out of shot wnti the gun is put away,
In many cities and towns they are so numerous as to become an
actual pest and measures have to be taken to suppress them.

(12) Corvus splendens zugmayeri.
Tue Srnp Hovsse-Crow.

Corvus zugmayert Laubm., Orn. Monatsb., xxi, p. 93 (1919) (Las
Bela, S.E. Balughistan).
Corvus splendens. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 20.

Vernacular names. Pat-Aawar (Hind.).

Description. Like C. s. splendens, but with the pale parts
almost white and showing in sharp contrast to the black.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Common
House-Crow.

Distribution. Baluchistan, Afghanistan, Sind, Mekran coast
and S.E. Persia as far north as Fao. It is common in Kashmir,
where it breeds, and wanders into the Punjab.

Nidification. The breeding season of the Sind House-Crow
appears to commence in the latter half of June as soon as the
monsoon breaks. It breeds in immense numbers all round and in
Karachi and as nesting sites are here not too common, for trees
are comparatively few, many eggs are thrown out of the nest
during squabbles betweeu the owner of the nest and other crows.
Nest and eggs are like those of the other races but the nest is often
placed on quite low bushes, especially if they are thorny ones.

Sixty eggs collected for me by General R, Betham average
37°5 x 25°8 mm.

Habits. These do not differ from those of the other races.

(13) Corvus splendens insolens.
Tue Burmese Hovuse-Crow.

Corvus insolens Hume, 8. F., ii, p. 480 (1874) (Tenasserim) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 21.

Vernacular names. Ayeegan, Chegan (Burmese).

CORVUS. 3y9

Description. Similar to the Indian House-Crow, but with the
dark parts shading into the lighter, which are ill-defined and a
blackish grey.

Distribution. Burma, Siam, Yunnan, Cochin China and the
north of the Malay Peninsula. Its southern limit is not known,
but it extends to villages some way south of Mergui.

Birds from Assam, N. Chin Hills and N. Arrakan are somewhat
intermediate as would be expected, but are nearer splendens than
imsolens. Wickham reports that he found the Common Crow at
Sandoway to be splendens and not the Burmese form.

Nidification. Indistinguishable from that of splendens. One
hundred eggs average 35:1 x 26-1 mm.

Habits. In Burma this race takes the place of the Indian bird
in every way, and is its equal in familiar insolence and erafty care
for its own safety.

(14) Corvus splendens protegatus.
Tue Creyton Housn-Crow.

orvus splendens protegatus Madar., Oin. Monatsb., xii, p. 195

(1904) (Colombo).
Corvus splendens. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 20.

Vernacular names. Manchi Kaki (Tel.); Nalla Kaki (Tam.) ;
Karari-Kaki, Kakum (Ceylon); Graya (Portuguese in Ceylon).

Description. Very similar to insolens, but the light parts are
not quite so dark as in that race and are more easily defined from
the black.-

Colours of soft parts as in splendens.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than splendens ; wing
generally between 220 and 250mm. ; other parts in proportion.

Distribution. Ceylon only. Specimens from the extreme south

of ‘Travancore are very dark compared with Northern Indian birds,
but are nearer to those than to the small dark Ceylon subspecies.

Nidification. One hundred eggs collected by Messrs. W. EB. Wait
and W. W. A. Phillips average 34:8 x 25-6 mm., and are not dis-
tinguishable in colour from those of other races.

Habits. Though neither so numerous nor so ubiquitous in
Ceylon as its confreres in other parts, there is no difference to be
recorded in their habits.*

* Corvus splendens maledevicus Rehw. (Wiss. Erg. D. Tiefsee-Exp., p. 356,
1904) appears to be described from some form of House-Crow imported
into the Maldives. Only a single specimen was obtained. It is impossible
to say what race this bird is, and the name cannot be maintained.

D2

36 CORVID®.

~ (15) Corvus monedula seemmeringii.
THE Eastern JACKDAW.

Corvus scemmeringit Fischer, Mém. Soc. Imp. Natur. Moscou, 1, p. 3
(1811) (Moscow).
Corvus monedula. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 22. ¢

a

Vernacular names. Paya (Tibetan).

Description. Forehead and crown glossy black; nape and hind
neck dusky grey; sides of the head and neck light grey, almost
white, and forming a half-collar on the posterior portion of the
side of the neck; lores blackish ; upper plumage, wings and tail
bluish black with a considerable amount of gloss; chin and cheeks
black with grey shaft-streaks ; throat and fore neck entirely black ;
remainder of lower plumage slaty black with very little gloss.

Fig. 7.—Head of C. m. semmeringii.

Colours of soft parts. Iris nearly white; legs, feet and_ bill
black.

Measurements. Length about 320 to 340 mm.; wing 230 to
250 mm.; tail about 135 mm.; tarsus about 44 mm.; culmen
32 to 34 mm.

Distribution. Breeding from Eastern Russia, Macedonia, Bul-

garia, Turkey, through Asia as far east as the Meneae and south
to Persia, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Ladakh and Eastern Tibet. In
winter it waiders into the plains, being numerous close to the
Himalayas and having been found as far south as Ferozepore,
Jhelum and Kalabagh, and as far east as Umballa.

Nidification. The Eastern Jackdaw breeds in great numbers in
Kashmir, West Ladakh, Gilgit, ete., making its nest of all kinds of
rubbish in old buildings, hollow trees and holes in cliffs. It lays
four to seven eges—of a very pale sea-green colour, sparsely marked
with spots and specks of dark brown and purple. They average
about 34:2 x 24:9 mm. in size but vary very much both in length
and breadth, even in the same clutch. The breeding season com-
mences in April but eggs may be found until the end of June.

PICA. Si

Habits. This Jackdaw is in habits much the same as its western
cousin but in the wilder parts of its habitat it is essentially a
cliff bird. It is very fond of company, and numerous birds are
often seen together, though it can hardly be called gregarious like
the Rook. Tis food corsicts of all kinds of grain, seeds, fruit and
insects. It will also kill and eat mice, ards inl nestlings of
other species, though not nearly to the same extent as the Girone
Crow or Raven.

Our Indian and Central Asian bird has been again separated
by Kleinschmidt as having the under parts darker and the wing
longer than in Russian fide but the fine series in the British
Niiscur does not endorse this diagnosis,

Genus PICA Brisson, 1760.

There is but one species of Pica in India containing three sub-
species which grade into one another in the areas where they
meet, but which are well differentiated over large tracts of country
in which their characteristics are quite constant.

Fig. 9.—First primary of P. pica bactriana.

Pica differs from Corvus in having a very long graduated tail
and in having a first primary of very peculiar shape. The
Magpies are, however, more addicted to well-wooded districts ;
they are equally wary and they are almost omnivorous.

38 CORVID®.

Pica pica.
Key to Subspecies.

A. A white rump, sometimes reduced to a
dull grey band.

:(Gloss"on' wingstgrepin sansi= 5) esis P. p. bactriana, p. 88.
b. Gloss on wings Bliest ea eee ocicrchs P, p. serica, p. 39.
B. Rump wholly incl es Met t. P. p. bottanensis, p. 39.

(16) Pica pica bactriana.
THe Kasumirn MaGpin.

Pica bactriana Bonap., Conspect., i, p. 383 (1850) (Kandahar).
Pica rustica. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 24.

Vernacular names. Axkha (Cabul); Ag aq (Mesop.).

Description. The entire head and neck, the upper plumage,
breast, thighs, vent and under tail-coverts black, the rump with a
broad white band across it; scapulars, abdomen, and the greater
portion of the primaries white; wings brilliantly glossed with
blue, and the tail with green, lilac and purple.

Differs from the British "Magpie in having a broader white
rump band. It is said also to be larger; aaron gives the
European bird a wing of 155 to 193mm. and bactriana a wing of
210mm. and over. I find, however, that whilst many English
birds have a wing of over 210 mm., many Indian specimens have
it under 190 mm.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill and legs black.

Measurements. Wing 182 to 227mm., generally well over
200mm.; tail anything from 200 to 270 mm., usually about
240 mm.; culmen 30 to 82mm.; tarsus from 40 to 45mm.

Distribution. Throughout Northern Asia to Kamschatka and
South to South. Persia, Afghanistan and Kashmir. It is found
also in Kumaun, the Simla Hills and Garhwal, but not apparently
in Nepal.

Nidification. The Kashmir Magpie seems to be resident and
to breed wherever found. It is very common in Kashmir, breeding
in great numbers between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, making a nest
like that of others of its tribe—a cup of twigs, bents and roots with
a dome of twigs, often with moss, thorns, and lined with roots or
wool. It is ‘usually placed w ell up in a fairly high tree but
sometimes comparatively low down in thorny bushes. The eggs
number four to seven and are indistinguishable from those of the
Common Magpie. ‘The ground-colour is a pale sea-blue green
and the markings consist of small blotches, freckles and spots of
dull reddish brown, scattered profusely all over the ege but more
numerous at the larger end. They average 35:7 x 24-4 mm.

The breeding season is from early April to late May, according
to elevation.

PICA. 39

Habits. The Magpie is found in well-wooded parts of the
country and near cultivation. Two or more pairs may often be
seen in company, and in parts of Kashmir where they are very
common several birds may be found together. They do not come
very low down the hills in winter, and are seldom found below
5,000 feet. They are very conspicuous birds on the wing, their
black and white plumage, long waving tail and undulating flight
quickly attracting the eye. They eat insects, fruit and grain,
and their voice is typically harsh and Corvine in character.

May ee 5 10d
- (17) Pica pica sericx,
Tur CuHInesh Macpte.
Pica serica Gould, P. Z. 8., 1845, p. 2 (Amoy, China).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. “Closely allied to the Common Magpie but
differs in the wings being blue instead of green, in the rather less
extent of the white” (Gould). Gould also says that this form has
a larger bill and a much longer tarsus.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in bactriana.

Distribution. Upper Burmese Hills, through China to South
Japan, north to Korea and south to Hainan and Formosa.

Nidification. ‘This Magpie breeds freely in the Chin and Kachin
Hills and in Shan States in February, March and early April, and
eggs were also taken by Styan in Foochow in the latter month.
In N.E. Chibli, La Touche found it breeding in May and June.
Nest and eggs are similar to those of P. p. bactriana, torty of the
eges averaging 39°d x 24°3 mm.

In the Chin Hills this bird is often victimized by the Koel, and
Col. Harington found many Koels’ eggs in Magpies’ nests.

Habits. Similar to those of other members of the genus.
According to La Touche it is migratory in China, assembling in
large flocks prior to commencing its journey southwards. In
Burma it is resident.

4. (18) Pica pica bottaneusis.

Tur BuACK-RUMPED Magpie.

Pica bottanensis Delessert, Rey. Zool., 1840, p. 100 (Butan); Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 25.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to the Common Magpie, but with the
rump entirely black. It is much larger, with a shorter tail.
Colours of soft parts as in P. p. bactriana.
Measurements. Length about 525 mm.; wing from 225 to

40 CORVIDA.

270 mm., generally over 250 mm.; tail from 250 to 300 mm. ;
tarsus 56 mm.; culmen about 80 to 85 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and East Tibet to Kansu.

Nidification. This fine Magpie breeds both in Sikkim and
South and East Tibet at heights over 10,000 feet and up to nearly
15,000 feet The nest is similar to that of the Common Magpie
but is often placed comparatively low down in thorn-bushes.
The eggs number from four to six in a full clutch, and are rather
dark as a series but otherwise like those of other species of Pica.
They are very big and forty-eight eggs average 38-7 x 26°7 mm.

The birds breed from early April, when there is still snow about,
through May and rarely, possibly a second time, in June.

Habits. Similar to those of other birds of the genus.

Genus UROCISSA Cabanis, 1850.

The genus Urocissa contains a few brightly plumaged Magpies
which are found in India and China. They differ from the true

Fig. 10.—Head of U. im. occipitalis.

Magpies in having the nostrils, which are covered by rather soft
plumes, not by stiff bristles, situated near the base of the bill; in
having a longer tail and a bill which is red or yellow but never
black.

Key to Species.

A. Bill red. Nuchal white patch large,
reaching to the end of the black on the

ind neck 5:5. sete eee oe .... U.melanocephala, p. 40.
B. Bill yellow. Nuchal patch small, not
reaching to the end of the black ...... U. flavirostris, p. 48.

Urocissa melanocephala.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Patch on the head pale blue .......... U. m. melanocephala,
B. Patch on the head pure white. __ [p. 41.
a. Bill smaller, under 33 mm. .......... UT. m. occiyntalis, p. 41.

b. Bill larger, over dd mm." 6032 thes U. m. magnirostris, p. 42

UROCISSA, 41

+ (19) * Urocissa melanocephala melanocephala.
THE CHINESE RED-BILLED Magprn.
Coracias melanocephalus Lath., Ind. Orn., i, p. 170 (1790) (China).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Head, neck and breast black; a large patch on
the nape, continued down the back lavender- or pale blue-grey,
and feathers of the fore crown tipped with the same colour ;
lower plumage greyish white with a bluish sheen; under tail-
coverts the same, but bluer and with a black band at the tips of
the feathers with a greyish-white subterminal band; tail azure-
blue, broadly tipped with white and all but the central pair of
feathers with a broad subterminal band of black ; wings dull blue-
brown, the primaries edged with brighter blue and brown on the
inner webs; the inner secondaries blue on both webs.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown; bill and feet
coral-red to crimson, claws horny.

Measurements. Total length about 550 mm.; wing 180 to
200 mm.; tail 375 to 425 mm.; tarsus about 45 mm.; culmen
about 32 to 33 mm.

Distribution. China and Yunnan. A _ bird from the South
Shan States, perhaps from the extreme East, seems referable to
this subspecies.

Nidification. In Chihli, La Touche took its nests and eggs in
May. He describes them as having a clayey-brown ground-colour,
very heavily marked. Two clutches sent to me are green eggs,
very small, about 29 x 24 mm., and just like Koels’ eggs. There
may possibly be some mistake about them. The breeding season
seems to be May.

Habits. These appear to be similar to those of our Indian
birds.

_ (20) Urocissa melanocephala occipitalis.
THE RED-BILLED Biue Macpin,

Psilorhinus occipitalis Blyth, J. A.S8.B., xv, p. 27 (1846) (N.W.
Himalayas).
Urocissa occipitals, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 26.

Vernacular names. Nilkhant (at Mussoorie); Digg-Dal (Simla).

Description. Similar to U. m. melanocephala, but can be
distinguished at a glance by its white nape-patch. The back is
more purple, with a blue sheen rather than lavender-brown.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements much the same as
in the preceding bird.

* Corvus erythrorhynchus Gmel., Syst. Nat., i, p. 872 (1788) is preoccupied
by Boddaert, Tabl. Pl. Enlum., p. 38, 17838.

42 CORVIDE.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas through Nepal and Sikkim to
Tibet.

Nidification. This bird breeds commonly over a great portion
of the Himalayas in the north-west at elevations between 5,000
and 10,000 feet. The nest is a roughly made cup of twigs and
coarse roots lined with finer roots and fern rachides, and generally
placed some 10 to 20 feet from the ground in a small tree in
evergreen forest. The eggs, which number three to six, vary
very much in colour. The ground ranges from a very pale
yellowish stone-colour to a darkish, rather reddish stone-colour ;
rarely there is a faint green tinge but this is quite exceptional.
The markings consist of small specks and blotches, or all small
irregular blotches, of various shades of brown, sienna or reddish
brown, with a few underlying ones of pale sienna and purple. As
2 rule they are richly marked handsome eges but are not, as they
have often been described, like those of Magpies except in general
character. They measure about 33-9 x 23-9 mm.

Habits. This Blue Magpie is found in small parties, probably
consisting of the parent birds and their last brood. They keep
much to evergreen forest at elevations between 5,000 and 12,000
feet, descending lower in the winter but never to the plains as
does the next bird. Their flight is slow and undulating and they
are rather noisy birds, especially during the breeding season.
According to Col. Rattray, they are much given to feeding on the
eround. “Like all Magpies they are said to be addicted to ‘stealing
eggs and young of other birds.

(<1) Urocissa melanocephala magnirostris.
Tur BurMESE Rep-BILLED BLuE Maaprer.
Psilorhinus magnirostris Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xv, p. 27 (1846) (Ya Ma

Ding Mt.).
Urocissa oecipitalis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 26.

Vernacular name. Hnet-daw-pya (Burmese).

Description. Diifers from occipitalis in having a darker back,
more suffused with purple-blue, and it also differs both trom that
bird and from melanocephala in having no white tips to the
primaries.

Colours of soft parts as in melanocephala.

Measurements. This is a slightly larger bird than occipitalis,
with a wing of about 200 to 210 mm. and a much larger bill,
36 to 37 mm.

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and
Burma to Siam. It is very rare in the Khasia, N. Cachar and
Manipur Hills, but more common in the Naga Hills and compara-

tively common in the Chin and Kachin Hills, West Shan States
and North Siam.

UROCISSA, 43

Nidification. Similar to that of oceipitalis, but the eggs are
quite different. The ground-colour seems always to be a very
pale salmon or pink stone-colour and the marks consist of light
reddish blotches and freckles over the whole surface, with
numerous others underlying them of pale neutral tint. Eggs
taken by Col. Bingham and by Messrs. Hopwood, Mackenzie and
Harington were all of this description and I have seen none ot
oceipitalis anything like them. The full clutch numbers three to
Six.

The breeding season is March to April in Lower Burma, April
and May in Upper Burma.

Habits. This bird is said to come right down into the plains
in winter and even to breed at very low elevations. In Assam
and Northern Burma it keeps to the higher ranges and is seldom
found below 5,000 feet.

They are said to keep much to the deciduous forests in Burma,
but in Assam haunt rhododendron, oak and mixed evergreen
forests.

Urocissa flavirostris.
hey to Subspecies.

A. Under parts a rather dark lilac.......... U. t. flavirostris, p. 43.
B. Under parts almost pure white .......... U. f. cucullata, p. 44.

22) Urocissa flavirostris flavirostris.
THe YELLOW-BILLED MAGpPIt.

Psilorhinus flavirosiris Blyth, J. A.S. B., xv, p. 28 (1846) (Darjeeling).
Uroeissa flavirostris. .Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 27.

Vernacular names. Zying-jongriny (Lepcha); Pianging-jabring |
(Bhutea).

Description. Head, neck and breast black, the nape white and
the feathers of the crown tipped white; back, scapulars, rump
and upper tail-coverts purplish ashy, the last tipped black and
with a narrow pale band in front of the black ; wing-coverts, the
outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries and the whole
of the inner secondaries purplish blue; all the quills tipped
white, the earlier primaries whitish on the terminal half of the
outer web; tail blue with a broad white tip and all but the
central pair of feathers with a subterminal black band; lower
plumage from the breast downwards lilac tinged with purple.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow; bill pale wax-
yellow to a strong wax-yellow; legs and feet bright orange-yellow.

Measurements. Length about 630 to 650 mm.; wing from
178 to 190 mm.; tail up to 470 mm.; culmen about 65 mm.

‘The female is similar to the male but generally smaller, wing
170 to 180 mm. and the iris is a dull blue-brown.

44 CORVID#.

Distribution. Bhutan, Sikkim and hills N. of the Brahma-
putra, probably Eastern Nepal. Chin Hills.

Nidification. I have one egg of this race from Chambi, north
of Sikkim, taken from the usual twig nest at an elevation of some
9,000 or 10,000 feet. The egg is erythristic and almost certainly
abnormal. The ground-colour is a very pale cream and the
markings are bright reddish brown with others underlying of
pale neutral tint. It measures 32-0 x 22-9 mm. and was taken
on the 7th May.

Habits. These probably do not differ from those of the better
known Western form but it may be a bird of higher elevations, as
my collectors assured me they met with it in Chambi in Tibet at
about 11,000 feet. It is found at 6,000 to 8,000 feet round about
Darjeeling and keeps much to the evergreen forests.

A form of this Magpie extends well into Burma, but the only
skin I have seen thence differed in many respects from the normal
type, and further material may prove it to be a new subspecies.

(23) Urocissa flavirostris cucullata.
THE WESTERN YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE.

Uroeissa cucullata Gould, B. of A., v, pl. 51 (1861) (Kulu Valley).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last but altogether a paler bird,
and more especially so in the lower parts, which are almost pure
white with scarce a tinge of lilac.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas and W. Nepal.

Nidification. This Magpie breeds wherever found above
5,000 feet. It is common at Simla and again in the galis in the
Murree Hills, where Rattray, Buchanan and others have taken
many nests. The breeding season appears to be May but
Major Lindsay Smith took one nest as late as the 15th July.
It lays three or four eggs and both these and the nests are much
like those of the Red-billed Magpie. As a whole, however, the
eggs are duller and not so boldly marked. They measure 33:8 x
23:1 mm, (60 eggs) and do not differ in shape or texture from
those of occipitalis.

Habits. This Magpie, like the red-billed bird, haunts prin-
cipally evergreen forests and heavy jungle. It is equally
omnivorous and equally an enemy to small mammals, unfledged
young of other birds, and to insects of all kinds. It eats fruit
greedily in captivity and probably also in a wild state. It is a
shy and rather retiring bird and is never found in the vicinity
of villages and cultivation. The call is very harsh and penetrating,
and during the breeding season is freely indulged in.

CISSA. 45

a

Genus CISSA®Boie, 1826.

The genus Cissa contains, among others, two Indian Magpies
of very beautiful plumage. They differ from the Magpies of the
genus Urocissa in having a much shorter tail and the eyelids
wattled at the edges, a feature which is very distinct in life and
generally visible in some degree in dry skins.

Jerdon, very properly, placed this bird between Urocissa and
Dendrocitta, but wrongly called it a Jay. Oates, in view of its
long tail and bright coloration, more correctly termed it a Magpie,
a name which is now generally accepted.

The Magpies of this genus are forest birds of shy habits, feeding
both on trees and low bushes and sometimes on the ground. In
the construction of their nests they resemble Urocissa and not
Pica. They have red bills.

Davison has mentioned (S. F. vi, p. 385) that the habits of these
birds closely accord with those of Garrulax but the resemblance
is not very striking, although it is a curious fact that in structure
these two genera also possess certain aftinities.

Key to Species.

er ileadeANOLHee ks ROEM geicicia die cd syeisters's oes 0s C. ¢. chinensis, p. 45.
BerHcadcandineck chestmut 5.5. ....+-...---.- C. ornata, p. 46.

(24) Cissa chinensis chinensis.
THe GrReEN Macprr.

Coracias chinensis Bodd., Tabl. Pl, Enl., p. 88 (1783) (China).
Cissa chinensis. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 28.

Vernacular names. The Green Jay, Jerdon; Sirgang (Beng.);
Chap-ling-pho (Lepcha) ; 2ab-ling-chapa (Bhutea) ; Pilitel (Datla
Hills); Lal Sorat (Assamese) ; Dao-gatang-lili (Cachari).

Description. Head and neck greenish yellow; general body
plumage green; lores and a band through each eye meeting on the
nape, black ; cheeks, sides of neck and whole lower plumage paler
green; tail green, the central feathers tipped with white, the
others tipped with white and with a subterminal black band ;
lesser wing-coverts green, the other coverts red; quills brown on
the inner webs, red on the outer; the inner secondaries tipped
with pale blue and with a band of black in front of the tips.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red, pale blue-brown in young
birds; bill deep coral-red; legs coral-red; claws horny red;
eyelids yellowish brown, the edges red.

Measurements. Total length about 370 to 380 mm. ; wing about
150 mm.; tail about 200 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen
about 37 mm.

The plumage of this bird in ill-health, in captivity and after
death changes greatly ; the yellow pigment all evaporates, leaving

46 CORVID.

the bright green a dull blue whilst the red also fades greatly,
young birds. occasionally have the whole lower parts almost white
and in some adults the green is partially replaced by bright azure-
blue.

Distribution. Himalayas from the Jamna Valley to the extreme
east of Assam, North and South of the Bramaputra, Eastern
Bengal, Burma, Shan States and Northern Siam.

Nidification. The breeding season in the Himalayas commences

in the last few days of March and continues through April and May,
a few birds laying in June and even in July but. these latter may
be second broods. They build cup-shaped nests of twigs, leaves,
grass, roots and bamboo-leaves, lined with roots and placed on a
high bush, small sapling or a clump of bamboos. The eggs number
from four to six, in Burma often only three and are very magpie-
like in their seneral appearance, but more grey and not green in
general tone. Here and there a rather reddish clutch may be
found and even more rare, a clutch that is almost white. They
ineasure on an average for 200 eggs 30-2 x 22:9 mm.

This Jay breeds at all elevations from the foot-hills to nearly
4,000 feet, but is not common above 2,500 feet.

Habits. This beautiful Magpie is an inhabitant of low-
level, evergreen forests and heavy jungle, but may also be found
in bamboo-jungle and the more dry, deciduous forests, such as

oak, etc. In Burma they seem to ‘be more often found in dry
open parts than in the heavier evergreen cover. Their name
“ Hunting Jay,” or ‘* Hunting Magpie,” is well applied, as they
are determined hinders of big insect life and of small unfledged
birds, etc., and for their quarry they will regularly quarter the
country they work over. ‘hey feed alike on high trees, serub-
jungle and actually on the ground itself. Their notes are very
harsh and strident and they. are rather noisy birds although shy
and wild.

(25) Cissa ornata.
THE CEYLONESE MaGPIn.

Pica ornata Wager, Isis, 1829, p. 749 (India Orientali),
Cissa ornata. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 29.

Vernacular names. Aahibella (Ceylon).

Description. Whole head, neck, upper back and upper breast
rich chestnut ; remainder of the body plumage bright blue, suffused
with cobalt next the chestnut of the neck; tail “blue tipped with
white and subterminally with black ; wing-coverts brown, more or
less margined and suffused with blue ; “quills chestnut on the
outer webs, black on the inner, changing to blue on the inner
secondaries ; thighs dusky purple.

i" Colours of soft parts. Iris light brown to dark brown; eyelid
deep red; orbital skin somewhat paler; bill, legs and feet coral-
red, claws more horny and yellowish at their bases.

DENDROCITTA. A7

Measurements. Total length about 400 to 420 mm.; tail about
235 to 255 mm.; wing about 155 to 170 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.;
culmen about 37 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only. The type-locality must be restricted
to Ceylon.

Nidification. According to Legge, the breeding season of the
Cevlon Magpie is December to February but eges collected for me
by Mr. J. E. Jenkins were taken in February and March and two
clutches purchased with the skins of the old birds from Lazarus,
a small dealer in Slave Island, were both taken in April.

The nest is said to be like that of the preceding bird and to be
in tall bushes in evergreen jungle. The eggs are large replicas of
those of Cissa chinensis, measuring about 32-2 x 23°2 mm.

Habits. Apparently similar to those of the Indian Green
Magpie ; Legge describes it as haunting evergreen forest up to
at least 7,000 feet but also found it in similar forest in the
foot-hills. It is a noisy bird, uttering its discordant notes both
when perching and flying, so that but for its keeping to very dense
cover its voice weuld have led long ago to its extermination bv
the plume-hunter.

Genus DENDROCITTA Gould, 1833.

In the Tree-pies we have a collection of birds which are closer
to Pica than to either Urocissa or Cissa, inasmuch as they have
black bills and very numerous stiff, but Some Hat short, bristles
completely concealing the nostrils. The bill, however, is short,
with the commissure greatly curved and in one species, D. bayleyi,
the tail approaches the next genus in structure, the central tail-
feathers being gradually enlarged throughout their length, not
suddenly at the tip as in Cr ypsirhina.

The Tree-pies are sociable, associating in small flocks and they
are arboreal, seldom descending to the ground. They have a series
of clear metallic notes, which sound very pleasantly in the jungle.
They construct large nests, generally in trees, and lay eges which
are less Corvine in appearance than those of the true Magpies.
Their food consists of both fruit and insects.

Key to Species.
A. ‘Tail ashy with black on terminal half,

a. Crown brown, abdomen rufous ........ D. rufa, p. 48.
b. Crown black, abdomen and hind neck :
WHEN societies tata ats !s D, leucogastra, p. 51.
c. Crown black, abdomen and hind “neck
BLD itn Blec: cane chest) Se ee ae D. sinensis, p. 52.
B. Tail entir ely black.
d, No white spot on wing............ -.. LU. frontals, p. 54.

e. With a white wing-spot SEI eae ae D. bayleyi, p. 55.

48 CORVIDA.

Dendrocitta rufa.

This species extends over a very wide area and, as might be
expected, varies greatly in different portions of its range, though
their variations have until now been almost entirely ov erlooked..

Lanius rufus of Linné*, the name which has generally been
accepted as applicable to this bird, cannot be used as it is pre-
occupied by him in an earlier page of the same work. Curiously
enough, however, Latham * independently named it Corvus rufus
a few years later from a bird obtained on the Malabar coast, so
the name rufus will, therefore, still hold good.

Fig. 11.—Head of D. rufa rufa.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Colours of head and back contrasting
strongly.
a. Lighter both above and below and not
nearly so richly coloured ......,..... D. rufa rufa, p. 48.
6. Darker and more richly coloured above and
DELOW | Mi wainoues sre mlets implies nantes D. r. vagabunda, p. 50.
B. Colours of head and back blending with one
another.
e. Tail 195 to 241 mm.; dark dull plumage.
a’. Darker, more brown................ D. 7. saturatior, p. 51.
Paleriand med der sense D. 7. kinneart, p. ol.
d. Tail 242 to 287 mm.; pale dull plumage D. 1. sclateri, p. 50.

(26) Dendrocitta rufa rufa.
THe Inptan TREE-PIE.

Corvus rufus Latham, Ind. Orn., p. 161 (1790) (Malabar Coast).
Dendrocitta rufa. Blanf..& Oates, i, p. 30.

* Lanius rufus Linné, Syst. Nat., i, 1766.

Corvus rufus Lath. Ind. Oru., p. 161, 1790.

The description given is very poor, but it is founded on Sonnerat’s plate,
vol. ii, p. 161,‘ Voyage de Sonnerat,’ and cannot be mistaken. Although called
“de Chine” it was apparently obtained on the Malabar Coast. On p. 171
Latham describes C. vagabunda and here lays stress on the black head and red
back, evidently having obtained a N.E. Indian bird, possibly from the vicinity

of Caleutta.

DENDROCITIA. 49

Vernacular names. Vahtwh and Chand (Sind); Gokurayi,
Konda-kati-gada (Tel.); Mootri (Lucknow) ; Jaha-lat (Hindi).

Description. The whole head and neck with the upper breast,
sooty-brown; remainder of the plumage fulvous or reddish
fulvous, darker on the back and scapulars; wing-coverts greyish-
white; wing-quills dark brown, the outer webs of the inner
secondaries grey; tail pale ashy-grey, darkest at the base, broadly
tipped with black.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown; bill dark slaty
horn-colour, albescent at the base ; mouth flesh- “colour: eyelids
plumbeous ; legs dark brown, claws horn-colour.

Measurements. Length from 365 to 450mm., according to
leneth of tail which varies from 193 to 257 mm., in one case
actually 305 mm.; wing from 137 to 159 mm., and in the
one case 177 mm.; tarsus about 33 mra.; culmen about 28 mm.

The young are duller in colour than the adults, the head is
lighter brown and the lateral tail-feathers are tipped with white
or bufty-white.

Distribution. The whole of Southern India, North to, and
including, Orissa; West to Sind, Punjab and Afghanistan and
thence East to the South of Kashmir, Simla Hills and Garhwal.

Nidification. In the southern part of their range these Magpies
breed in February and March, whilst further north they breed
principally in May and June. As, however, with so many common
birds, their breeding extends over a prolonged period and eggs are
laid both later and earlier than the above months. ‘The nest is a
rather untidy, but not very bulky, affair of twigs, roots and other
material, carelessly interwoven and lined with roots and sometimes
a scrap or two of wool. Generally they are placed well up in
trees of some size, but often in thorn hedges, Bér bushes or cactus
clumps.

In the north the birds lay three to five eggs, most often four,
but in the seuth they lay fewer and generally only two or three.
The majority are of two distinet types: : one pale greenish in
eround-colour with blotches and spots of light and dace grey-
brown; the other pale reddish white or Simon: colour with
blotches of reddish and dark brown and others, underlying, of
lilac and neutral tint.

150 eggs average 29-2 x 21:7 mm.

Habits. This Magpie is more of a plains than a mountain
bird, but in some parts of the Himalayas it is said to wander up to
as high as 7,000 feet and to breed at this height. It is a sociable,
noisy bird but many of its notes are very “musical, though it can
give vent to most unmusical discords at times. Its aretial call is an
oft- repeated ‘‘bob-a-link bob-a-link ” as it flies from one bush to
another, the cry being repeated by each member of the flock in
turn. They are prac tically omnivorous and are arrant egg and
nestling thieves during the breeding seasons of the smaller birds.

Olas E

=

50 CORVID.

Their flight is dipping and consists of alternative flappings of the
wings with short spells of sailings with the wings stiffly outspread.

This Magpie is everywhere one of the most familiar of birds,
frequenting gardens and the outskirts of towns and villages and
not penetrating into the wilder parts.

The type locality of rufa was certainly somewhere in South
India, probably Malabar and therefore that place may be now
designated.

(27) Dendrocitta rufa vagabunda.

THe BenGat TREE-PIE.
Coracias vagabunda Lath., Ind. Orn., p. 171 (1790) (India).

Vernacular names. Bobalink (Europeans Bengal); Aotr
(Hindi in Beng.); Yakka-chor, Handi-chacha (Bengali) ; Kash-
kurshi(N.Cachar); Khola-Khoa( Assam.) ; Dao-ka-link (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the last in being more richly coloured ;
the head is blackish and the red of the back is almost chestnut
and the fulvous red below also much richer.

Colours of soft parts as in rufa.

Measurements. Wing 145 to 172 wm.; tail 209 to 253 mm.

Distribution. Northern India from Garhwal to Eastern Assam,
Behar, U. Provinces, Bengal and Manipur.

The type locality may be restricted to Calcutta.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird and neither nest
nor egg can be distinguished.

Habits. An equally confiding, common: bird, being found in
flocks in gardens and parks in the centre of Calcutta and haunting
the immediate vicinity of every town and village.

(28) Dendrocitta rufa sclateri, subsp. nov.
THe Cain Hivis TREE-PIE.

Description. Similar to D. rufa rufa but with the whole
plumage very pale and washed out and the dark grey of the head
gradually merging with the pale dull rufous-brown or rufous-grey
of the back.

Colours of soft parts as in the rest of the subspecies.

Measurements. Wing 142 to 161 mm.; tail 242 to 287 mm.,
generally well over 260 mm.

Distribution. Chin and Kachin Hills,

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Type. No. 1905—9. 10.6. Brit. Mus. Coll., Mt. Victoria,
1,600 feet.

DENDROCILTA. yal

+ (29) Dendrocitta rufa kinneari, subsp. nov.
Tue BurMEsE TREE-PIE.

Description. Similar to the last but much darker both above
and below, the colour of the head and back blending with one
another, the red of the back dull and brownish.

Measurements. Wing 137 to 151 mm.; tail 195 to 241 mm.

Distribution. The whole of Burma south of the Chin and
Kachin Hills down to N. Tenasserim and east into Yunnan,
Shan States and West Siam.

Nidification. Similar to that of D. rufa rufa.

Habits. The Burmese Tree-pie, though equally tame and
confiding in its ways, is not so exclusively confined to open
country in civilization as is the Indian Tree-pie and it may also
be found in thin forest and the more open parts of evergreen
forest.

Type. 2, No. 87—11. 20. 213 Brit. Mus. Coli, Toungoo.

(30) Dendrocitta rufa saturatior.
THE TENASSERIM TRUEE-PTE,

Dendrocitta vagabunda saturatior Ticehurst, Bull, B. O. C., xliu, p,56
(1922) (Kaukareyet, Amherst).

Description. Similar to that of the Burmese Tree-pie but still
darker and browner, the back having the red hardly visible at all.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in tlie Burmese
race.

Distribution. Peninsular Siam and Burma but how far its
limits extend cannot at present be defined.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(31) Dendrocitta leucogastra,
THE SOUTHERN TREE-PIE.

Dendrocitta leucogastra Gould, P. Z.'5., 1833, p. 57 (Malabar Coast) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 31.

Vernacular names. Neela val Kaka (Vel.).

Description. Forehead, anterior half of crown, sides of the head,
chin, throat, upper breast and thighs black; posterior crown to
hind neck, lower breast to vent and upper tail-coverts white ;
back, scapulars and rump chestnut-bay ; under tail-coverts chest-
nut; wings black, the primaries with a large patch of white at
their base; central tail-feathers grey, broadly tipped black; the
next pair half grey and half black and the others nearly entirely

black.
/c tn 2

or

CORVIDA.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black, legs and feet duller black ; iris
brown to red-brown.

Measurements. Length about 475mm.; tail 250 to 300 mm.;

wing about 140 to 155 mm.; tarsus about 30mm. and culmen
about 25mm.

Distribution. Southern India from South Travancore to the
Wynaad. McMaster records a specimen from Chikalda in the
Gawilgarh Hills, apparently a strageler only. It keeps principally
to the: western coast.

Nidification. Nest and eggs of this bird were taken by Bour-
dillon in March and by Mr. J. Stewart from February to May and
again in August, and the latter gentleman informs me that they
breed twice in the year. The nest is similar to that of the preceding
bird and is placed in small trees and high bushes but it is always
built in heavy forest and never near villages. Three eges only
are most often laid but four is not uncommon and sometimes two
only are incubated. In general appearance they cannot be
separated from those of himalayensis, described below.

Fifty eggs average 28-2 x 20°5 mm.

Habits. Found from the foot of the hills up to about 5,000 feet,
generally below 3,000 feet. The flight, voice and general babe
are like those of the Common Indian Tree- pie but this bird is
essentially an inhabitant of heavy forest and shuns the immediate
vicinity of mankind.

Dendrocitta sinensis.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Central tail-feathers pale grey, with no
blacle ip: biG: aiceothe cheater eeeice D, s. sinensis.
B. Central tail-feathers darker grey, with a
black tip.
a. Paler and brighter in colour; vent
and centre of abdomen almost w hite. D.s. himalayensis, p. 52.
}, Darker and duller in colour; vent
and centre of abdomen ashy ...... D.s, assimilis, p. 53.

(32) Dendrocitta sinensis himalayensis.
Tur Himanayan TREE-FIE.

Dendrocitta himalayensis Blyth, Cat., p. 92 (1865) (Himalayas) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 82.

Vernacular names. Mokia-Kak (at Mussoorie); Karrio -pho
(Lepeha); Aarriah-ban (Bhutea); Kok-long-ah (Assam) ; Dao-ka-
line (Cachari); Inrui-ko-kink (Naga).

Description. Forehead, lores and feathers above the eye black ;
sides of the head, chin and throat dark sooty-brown, fading and
spreading over the sides of the neck and breast : crown of the
head, nape and upper back ashy; back and scapulars clear brown-
ish buff; rump and upper tail-coverts ashy ; wings and their coverts

DENDROCITYA. 9)

black, all the primaries but the first two with a patch of white at
their base, forming a conspicuous spot; central pair of tail-feathers
ashy for two-thirds of their length, then black; the others all black
except their extreme bases, which are ashy ; abdomen and flanks
cinereous ; thighs brown; vent and under tail-coverts chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; irides reddish brown; feet
brownish black, claws horny black.

Measurements. ‘l'otal length about 400 mm.; tail from 200 to
210 mm.; wing from 1382 to 140 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm. ;
culmen about 32 mm.

The young are paler and duller, the feathers of the upper part
are tipped with buff, the under tail-coverts and vent are reddish
brown and the legs are dill leaden black and the iris blue-brown.

Distribution. Throughout the Himalayas from the Sutlej
Valley, through Assam and throughout the Burmese hills as far
as, but not including, Tenasserim.

Nidification. The Himalayan Tree-pie breeds during April,
May and June at all heights from the level of the plains to at
least 7,000 feet. It makes a nest like that of D. rufu rufa and
builds it in similar situations, but selects forest, either light or
heavy, well away from habitations for this purpose. The nest is
often much smaller and more fragile than that of the Common
Tree-pié and I have known it placed in quite low bushes. The
eges number from three to five, the latter number being excep-
tional. The ground-colour may be any tint of pale stone, very
pale cream or pale reddish,and more rarely pale greenish white. The
markings are of pale sienna and grey-brown, darker richer brown,
or dark reddish brown; typically the markings are richer and
bolder than they are on the eggs of the Common Tree-pie and
are often confined to the larger end in a ring or cup. Very few
of its eggs could be confounded with those of that bird.

Two hundred eggs average 28°8 x 20°1 mm.

Habits. The Himalayan Tree-pie is found all over the plains of
Assam and also in the plains close to the foot-hills of the Dooars
and Nepal Terai and ascends everywhere up to 5,000 feet and
often considerably higher. They are forest birds and de not care
for the vicinity of villages and houses but otherwise they are
much like +. rufa in their ways. They are equally noisy but
not, I think, so musical, and like the rest of the family, are great
persecutors oi small birds during the breeding season.

(33) Dendrocitta sinensis assimilis.
Tue Burmese Hint, TREE-PIE.

Dendrocitta assimilis Hume, 8. F., v, p. 117 (1877) (Muleyit):
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 32.

Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. This subspecies is a rather darker, duller bird

54 CORVIDA.

than the last; the under parts are more uniform in colour and the
centre of the abdomen less white. The cheeks, ear-coverts and
throat are a paler brown.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in D. s. himalay-
ensis but the bill more massive.

Distribution. Burina as far north as the Chin Hills and Shan
States and to the west the Pegu and Arrakan Yomas.

Nidification similar to that of D. s. himalayensis. —

Habits. A hill bird confined to elevations principally between
1,000 and 4,000 feet, but descending to the foot-hills in the winter.
In the summer it is found at least up to 6,000 feet, probably
higher.

(34) Dendrocitta frontalis.
THE BLACK-BROWED TREE-PIE.

Dendrocitta frontalis McClell., P. Z.8., 1839, p. 163 (Assam) ; Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 33.
Vernacular names. Hamshi-bon (Lepcha); Kolio-Ko (Bhutea) ;
Dao-ka-link gaschim (Cachari).

Fi

12.—Head of D. frontalis.

oO,
5

Description. Forehead, the greater part of the crown, sides of
the head, chin, throat, fore neck, tail, wing-quills and the primary-
coverts black; the remainder of the wing ash-grey ; nape, hind
neck, upper back, sides of the neck, breast and upper abdomen
pale grey ; lower back, scapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, lower
abdomen, thighs and under tail-coverts chestuut, the thighs
tinged with brown.

Colours of soft parts. Bill and legs black: irides red-brown,
often very bright.

Measurements. Total length about 370 to 380 mm.; tail 245 to
255 mm.; wing 120 to 126 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 25 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Eastern Nepal to the extreme
east and south of Assam into the higher hills of Manipur, but
apparently not into Lushai or Chin Hills.

DENDROCIITA. 79)

Nidification. This bird breeds freely in the N. Cachar, Khasia
and Naga Hills east as far as Lakhimpur but it seems to be
much rarer north of the Brahmaputra. I have not personally
found it breeding much below 4,000 feet but the Nagas brought
in nests and eges to Dr. Coltart from much lower elevations in
Lakhimpur. ‘The nest is a small, neat replica of that of the
Himalayan Tree-pie but is much more compact and well put
together. They are often built quite low down in scrub-jungle,
undergrowth and even in high weeds and small bushes. The
breeding season lasts from the end of April into July.

The eggs also are similar to those of the last bird but are
more handsome and nearly always much more profusely marked.
They measure about 27-0 x 19°9 mm.

Habits. The Black-browed Tree-pie is essentially a bird of
heavy evergreen forest, though it affects the more open glades on
the outskirts of these. It goes about in small parties of half-a-
dozen or so, and has a very musical note rather like, yet easily
distinguishable from, the call of its plains’ cousins. Like these
birds also it has many discordant notes, though it is not nearly as
noisy a bird. It does not appear to be a regular egg and young-
bird thief, but doubtless despises neither if fate throws them in
its way. It eats fruits, seeds and insects but chiefly the last.
It is common between 4,000 and 7,000 feet and descends in the
winter still lower, coming into the plains themselves in Hastern
Assam but not elsewhere.

(35) Dendrocitta bayleyi.
Tue ANDAMAN TREE-PIE.
Dendrocitta bayleyi Tytler, J. A. 5S. B., xxxil, p. 88 (1863) (Anda-
mans) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 34.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The feathers round the base of the bill black ; the
remainder of the head, neck, upper back and upper breast
dark bluish ashy ; lower back, scapulars and rump pale rufous-
olive; upper tail-coverts bluish ashy; lower breast rutescent
ashy ; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts chestnut ; tail and
wing black, the latter with a large white patch on the primaries
and outer secondaries.

Colours of soft parts. Bill, legs, feet and claws black, the sides
plumbeous grey; iris bright yellow, in some rich golden yellow.
(Hume.)

Measurements. Total length about 35V to 560 mmn.; wing
120 to 126 mm. ; tail from 180 to 230 mm., generally about ZNO
tarsus and bill from about 25 mm.

Distribution. Andamans only.

Nidification. Nothing on record, but I have 13 eggs collected
for me by a Pathan convict which can all be matched by eggs of

56 CORVID®.

himalayensis. They average about 28°5x21-9mm and were
taken in April and March near Port Blair.

Habits. Davison obtained this bird near Port Blair and more
commonly at Mount Harriet and Aberdeen. He observes that it
is a forest bird and never ventures away from the cover of large
trees; also that it never descends to the ground. Oates did not
obtain it either on the Great Cocos or on Table Island.

Genus CRYPSIRHINA Vieill., 1816

With this genus we come to the end of the true Magpies or
Long-tailed Crows. The members of the present genus are sinall
and are characterized by a tail of peculiar structure, the central
pair of feathers being spatulate at the ends. The bill is small and
the nostrils are concealed by a mass of fine velvety plumes, which
also surround the base of the bill.

The Racket-tailed Magpies are quite arboreal and in the course
of many years’ observation Oates never saw one of them on the
ground.

Key to Species.
AG ew Allletanl=feathiens; bl aclausere epee sence ee C. varians, p. 56.
B. Central tail-feathers black, outer feathers grey. C.cucullata, p. 57.

Fig. 13.—Head of C. varians.

(36) Crypsirhina varians.
THe Buack RaAckKET-TAILED MaGPinr.

Corvus varians Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl., xxvi, (1801) (Java) ; Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 85

Vernacular names. Ami-whine (Burmese).

Description. The whole plumage metallic bronze-green, tinged
with bluish on the head; wings brown, the outer webs of the
primaries greenish, the other quills nore or less entirely tinged
with greenish ; tail black, with the same tinge but with more
sheen ; forehead. round the eye and about the gape dull black,
the feathers of a velvety texture.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blue; bill black, mouth flesh-colour ;
legs and claws black.

Measurements. Length about 310 to 330 mm.; wing about 110

to 116 mm.; tail from about 175 to 200 mm. ; tarsus about 30 mm. ;
culmen about 23 mm.

CRYPSIRHINA. 57

Distribution. This fine little Magpie has its headquarters in
Pegu, extending up the valleys of the Irrawaddy and Sittaung to
some way north of Thavetmyo and Toungoo. To the west it
extends to Bassein, south to Mergui and into Sumatra, Borneo
and Java. To the east it extends to Siam, where it is very
common in the south, and to Cochin China.

Nidification. The breeding season lasts from April, in which
month Hopwood took eggs in Tavoy, through May and June to Juiy,
in which latter month Nurse took eggs in Pegu and Herbert found
them breeding in Siam. The nest is a typical Magpie’s nest,
though without a dome. It is a shallow cup of fine twigs, roots
and tendrils with a diameter of about 5” to 6” by 1" deep intern-
ally and some 9” in external diameter. It is generally placed in a
thorny bush or tree 8 to 12 feet from the ground.

The eggs are two to four in number, typically Corvine in
appearance, and average 24:8 x 18-3 mm.

Habits. The Racket-tailed Magpies are birds of comparatively
open forest and light bush, tree, or bamboo-jungle. They eat both
fruit and insects, and may be seen clinging to the outer branches of
trees as they search the leaves and flowers for the latter. They
are not gregarious, though sometimes two or three may be seen in
company ; their usual note is a not unpleasant metallic call, and
they do not appear to possess the harsh notes so common to this

group.

(37) Crypsirhina cucullata.
Tuer Hooprep RacKeT-TAILED MaAGPte.

Crypsirhina cucullata Jerdon, Ibis, 1862, p. 20 (Lhayetmyo);
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 35.

Vernacular name. Ami-whine (Burmese).

Description. Whole head, chin and throat black; round the
neck, next to the black, a ring of ashy white; the whole upper
plumage, wing-coverts and inner secondaries vinaceous grey ;
lower plumage the same but rather more rufous; central tail-
feathers black, the others the same colour as the back; primaries
and their coverts black ; outer secondaries black with ashy-white
edges.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blue ; eyelids plumbeous; bill black ;
legs and claws dark brown; inside of the mouth flesh-colour.

Measurements. Total length 300 to 315 mm.; tail 180 to
200mm.; wing 102 to 108mm.; tarsus about 26 to 27 mm.;
culmen about 20 mm.

The young have the head brown; the central tail-feathers and
wings are blackish brown and the general colour of the body
plumage is less ashy and more vinaceous; the bill is black, with
an orange gape and inside tothe mouth; the eyelids are pale blue
with orange edges.

58 CORVID®.

This Magpie has the central tail-feathers narrower than in
C. varians and more abruptly spatulate at their ends.

Distribution. Central and South Burma, Siam and N. Malay
Peninsula. Harington obtained it as tar North as Monywa and
Pymmana on the Chindwin, and it extends East into West Central
Siam. Wickham obtained it as far North as the foot of Mt. Vic-
toria in the Chin Hills.

Nidification. Similar to that of C. varians, though the nests
appear to be smaller and neater. The eggs are small replicas of
those of that bird and measure 23:0x18-0 mm. Harington
obtained its eggs in May.

Habits. Differ in no way from those of the Black Racket-tailed
Magpie, but it seeins to keep more exclusively to bambvo-jungle
and scrub. It is a bird of the dry zone, and will not be found in
those parts of Burma where the rainfall is very heavy.

4

Genus PLATYSMURUS Reich., 1760.

The genus Platysmurus contains two species, one of which is
resident in Tenasserim whilst the other inhabits Borneo. In
many ways this genus connects the typical Magpies and the
typical Jays.

The bill is very much curved and shorter than the head and the
bristles covering the nostrils are numerous and stiff but short.
The feathers of the crown of the head are very harsh. The tail
is of no great length but well graduated. Thesexes are alike and
the young resemble the adults.

(38) Platysmurus leucopterus.
THE WHITE-WINGED JAY.

Glaucopis leucopterus Temm., Pl. Col., No. 265 (1824) (Sumatra).
Platysmurus leucopterus. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 37.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole plumage black; the terminal halves of
the larger upper wing-coverts and a large patch on the exterior
webs of some of the outer secondaries white; the forehead
crested and the feathers stiff.

In some specimens the smaller wing-coverts are narrowly mar-
gined with white, and this probably means immaturity.

Colours of sofc parts. Bill, legs, feet and claws black; irides
lake-red to crimson. (Davison.)

Measurements. Length about 400 to 410 mm.; wing about 199
to 200 mm.; tail about 200 to 220 mm.; tarsus 35 to 38 mm ;
culmen about 35 mm.

GARRULUS. 59

Distribution. Tenasserim, S.W. Siam, Malay Peninsula and
Sumatra.

Nidification. The nests were first obtained by Davison and again
quite recently by Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenzie in Tenasserim.
They are rough, heavy affairs of twigs, roots, etc., cup-shaped with
a shallow internal hollow. They are placed in tall bushes, small
trees or palms some 6 to 8 feet from the ground. The eggs
number two or three and are exactly like big eggs of Cissa chi-
nensis. They measure about 33°5 x 23-1 min.

The breeding season appears to be March and April.

Fig. 14.—Head of P. leucopterus.

Habits. According to Davison ‘this species keeps entirely to
the forests, going about usually in parties of from four to six.
They have a deep, rolling, metallic note, which they continually
utter as they move from tree to tree. I have never seen them on
the ground; they probably get their food, which consists of
insects, and, occasionally at any rate, of fruit, amongst the trees.
They are excessively restless and always on the move, flying from
tree to tree, generally at a considerable height and continually
uttering their harsh, metallic call. They restrict themselves to the
evergreen forests, never, that | am aware, coming into the gardens
or open ground.”

Hopwood says they arecommon about Tavoy and that they are
not shy.

Genus GARRULUS Briss., 1760.

The genus Garrulus contains the True Jays, of which there are
numerous species in Europe and Asia, three species and several
subspecies being found within the limits of the Indian Empire.
These Indian Jays are resident species but may be partially
migratory to the extent of moving up and down the slopes of the
mountains according to season.

The Jays are birds of bright plumage, the wing especially
being marked with vivid blue. They are not exactly gregarious
but often three or four are found together.

50 CORVIDA.

In the Jays the bill is strong, about three-quarters the length
of the head and the commissure is straight. The nasal bristles
are short and numerous, completely covering the nostrils. The
tailis of medium length and slightly graduated.

G, lanceolatus has been separated generically under the name
Laletris on account of its crested crown and more stiffened
feathers of the throat. These characters are, however, only
questions of degree and I see no reason to accept them as generic
in the Jays when we discard far greater differences as of no value
specifically in other birds.

Key to Species.
A: Tail blue barred with black sJaeseeees +e: G. lanceolatus, p. 60,
B. Tail all black.
a. Forehead white, crown black or black and

WHILE 2... 0 2 acnaine ae Seen eee G. leucotis, p. 61.
. Forehead and crown vinaceous like the back G. bispecularis, p. 62.

(39) Garrulus lanceolatus.
THE BILACK-PHROATED JAY.

Garrulus lanceolatus Vigors, P. Z.8., 1830, p. 7 (Himalayas) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 88.

Vernacular names. Ban-sarrah (of the Simla hillmen).

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, crest and sides of the head
black ; remainder of upper jena vinous grey, brighter on the
rump and upper tail-coverts ; tail blue, barred with black, tipped
with white and with a broad subterminal band of black ; primaries
and secondaries black, barred with blue on the outer web; the
primaries narrowly, the outer secondaries broadly tipped white ;
the inner secondaries grey, with a subterminal black band and a
white tip; lesser coverts vinous, the median and greater black ;
primary coverts almost entirely white ; ; winglet barred with blue
and tipped with white.

Chin, throat and foreneck black with white shaft-streaks, the
black terminating in a patch of iron grey on the upper breast ;
remainder of the lower plumage and sides of the neck vinous
grey, brighter than the back.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet livid flesh or slaty pink ;
claws more horny; bill slaty pink at base, yellowish at tip; iris
red-brown, red or deep red-lake. The colour ot the iris probably
changes with age.

Measurements. Length about 225 to 235 mm.; wing 150 to
155 mm. ; tail about 160 to 175 mm.; tarsus 32 to 34 mm.;
culmen about 27 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Chitral aud Hazara to Nepal
and the whole of Garhwal and Kashmir up to some 8,000 feet.

GARRULUS. 61

Nidification. Breeds from the middle of April to early June at
heights between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, making a shallow cup-shaped
nest of twigs and roots, more rarely of grass, lined with moss,
fern rachides, or fine roots. It is generally placed in a small oak
or other tree, 10 to 30 feet from the ground in thin forest.
The eggs vary from three to six, generally four or five. In colour
they vary from pale yellowish stone to pale greenish, finely stippled
every Where with olive-brown and, more seldom, with a few hair-
lines of black. They measure about 28°6 x 22-6 mm.

Habits. The Black-throated Jay is a bird of forests but of the
thinner more open parts, venturing often into comparatively un-
wooded tracts. ° Like the European Jay its voice is loud, harsh
and penetrating, and it is a noisy bird, more especially in the
mornings and evenings in the breeding season. Itis omnivorous,
eating fruit and insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles and
other birds’ eggs. Its flight is like that of its European cousin
and it indulges in the same flappings and contortions when on the
wing.

Garrulus leucotis.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Crown all black ...... PSEA OCk Rae Cea G. 1. leucotis, p. 61.
B. Crown white, narrowly streaked with black .. G. J. cates?, p. 62.

(40) Garrulus leucotis leucotis.
Tue BurMeEsr JAY.

Garrulus leucotis Hume, P. A. 8. B., 1874, p. 106 (Kaukaryit) ;
Blant. & Oates, i, p. 39.

Vernacular names. None recoried.

Description. Forehead and front of crown white, with brown
shaft-streaks ; anterior crown and crest black; lores, feathers
under the eves, ear-coverts, chin, throat and front of neck white :
a broad moustachial streak black; back, rump and scapulars
vinous brown, paler on the rump; breast the same as the back ;
abdomen and flanks paler vinous brown; upper and under tail-
coverts and vent white; tail black, barred with ashy towards the
base; lesser and median wing-coverts like the back; winglet,
primary-coverts, the outer greater coverts and the outer webs of
most of the secondaries on their basal halves, bright blue banded
with black ; remainder of greater coverts and quills black, the
primaries with some portions of the outer web grey; the inner-
most secondary partially chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel-brown to dark brown or wood-
brown ; bill almost black with pale or whitish tip; legs horny
white to dull tlesh-colour, claws a little darker.

Measurements, Total length about 300 to 325 mm.; wing 165
to 177 mm.; tail about 130 mm.; tarsus about 45 mm.; culmen
about 26 mm.

62 CORVID#.

Distribution. The hills of Burma from the Kachin Hills in the
north-east, through the Shan States, Karen Hills to:Tenasserim.

Nidification. This bird breeds in great numbers all round about
Maymyo, and its nests and eggs have been taken by many collec-
tors. The nests are wide, untidy cups of twigs, grass and roots,
and the eggs are like those of G. lanceolatus but very much
larger, averaging about 33-0 x 23-0inm. It appears to nest in com-
munities. The breeding season commences in the end of March
and lasts up to the end of May. Three to five eggs are laid,
generally four.

Fig. 15.—Head of G. /. leucotis.

Habits. Found principally between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, and
keeping much to pine and drv deciduous rather than to evergreen
forest; there is little otherwise in the habits of this Jay which
calls for remark. Harington found it very common in the oak
forests near Maymyo, and obtained six or seven nests close to
one another in quite small patches of forest.

(41) Garrulus leucotis oatesi.
SHARPE'S JAY.

Garrulus oatesi Sharpe, Bull. B. O. C., v, p. 44, 1896 (Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Like the Burmese Jay but has the anterior crown
and crest white, broadly streaked with black instead of wholly
black.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in G. J. lewcotis.

Distribution. Upper and lower Chin Hills right up to the
borders of Manipur and Looshai and probably inside these
countries also, though the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers may
prove to be its west and eastern boundaries.

GARRULUS, 63

Nidification. This Jay breeds in the Chin Hills in April and
probably May between 3,500 and 5,000 feet. Mr. J. M. D. Mac-
kenzie describes a nest as “a shallow cup in a low tree in scrub
jungle on a steep hillside. It was placed about 10 feet up and
made entirely of roots with a few scraps of moss outside. It
measured externally 6” x 23", inside 42" x 2"'.”

The eggs are like those of the Burmese Jay but the few I have
seen average smaller, being about 29°5 x 23:1 mm.

The hen sits very close and has literally to be driven from the
nest.

Habits. Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenzie found this Jay fairly
common in the Chin Hills, keeping to hillsides with oak and scrub
forest. Voice, flight and habits generally are in no way dis-
tinguishable from other species of the same genus. They report
this Jay as moving about fairly widely in the spring and autumn,
visiting comparatively low valleys in the winter but always
breeding at over +,000 feet.

Garrulus bispecularis
Key to Subspecies.

A. The palest of all the forms. Throat vinaceous

Wile dhea dhgewecc. sis! stows sae Kits Sees vn eee ees 6 G. b. bispecularis, p. 63.
Bb. Darker and browner and less vinaceous;

throat and lower breast about the same

GOGGIN COE ee ee acre neti S hase tee G. b. interstinctus, p. 64.
C. Still darker and browner; throat and breast
ROMCOLOLOUS GF gaat arayctere volnsn o> egal Renenatans G.b. persaturatus, p. 65.

D. Above very rich red-vinaceous; throat and

sides of head much paler; forehead faintly

Sirea wedi tenon nie eae ee outa ste chatatels G. b. haringtoni, p. 65.
E. Above rich red-vinaceous; throat almost

pure white and sides of head paler; fore-

head faintly streaked... 26.6 e506 ac wees G. b. rufescens, p. 65.

It is very doubtful whether the whole of the Garruli should not
be treated as subspecies of the same species in so far as leucotis
and bispecularis are concerned. Haringtont in many ways links
up the white-eared forms with the dark-eared ones but the
breeding areas still require to be carefully worked out and, until
this is done, it seems desirable to keep them apart.

The above key is a far from satisfactory one but may suflice to
enable students who know whence their specimens come to
identity them.

(42) Garrulus bispecularis bispecularis,
THe Himanayan Jay.

Garrulus bispecularis Vigors, P. Z.8., 1831, p. 7 (Himalayas) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 39.
I restrict the type-locality to Murree, Punjab.

64 CORVID2®.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A broad black moustachial band ; lower part of
rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, vent and thighs white; with
these exceptions the whole plumage of the head, neck and body is
a rich vinaceous fawn-colour ; tail black, with some interrupted
ashy bars near the base of the central pair of feathers: wings as
in leucotis.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky; margins of eyelids dull
brick-red ; iris reddish brown; tarsi and toes pale pinkish fleshy ;
claws livid. (Scwlly.)

Measurements. Length about 300 mm.; wing 160 to 178 mm. :
tail about 180 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about
26 mm.

Distribution. Western Himalayas from Cashmere to Nepal and
Garhwal.

Nidification. Breeds in April, May and June, making a nest of
twigs and roots, lined either with grass or with finer roots and
sometimes having a little moss on the exterior. In shape it varies
from a shallow to a deep cup some 6” to 8” in diameter and
it is placed in a fork of some small tree, near the top. Chestnuts
and oaks seem to be specially favoured. It breeds up to
7,000 feet or higher and sometimes as low as 3,000 feet.

The eggs number four or five and are like those of lanceolatus
but more boldly speckled and often more reddish in the ground-
colour and markings. They measure 27°59 x 21'4 mm.

Habits. The Himalayan Jay is a resident bird throughout the
range between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, perhaps moving up and down
a little in summer and winter. It haunts forest of all kinds,
both evergreen and deciduous, and in general habits it closely
resembles the Black-throated Jay.

(43) Garrulus bispecularis interstinctus.
: THe SIKKIM JAY.

Garrulus bispecularis interstinctus Hartert, Nov. Zoologice, xxv,
p- 430 (1918) (Darjeeling).

Vernacular names. Lho-Karrio-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Similar to the Himalayan Jay with the upper
parts darker and more reddish brown. The throat is concolorous
with the lower breast and upper abdomen.

Measurements. Wing 150 to 170 mm. (/fartert).

Distribution. Sikkim and probably all the hills north of the
Brahmahputra as far as the Mishmi and Dafla Hills, where
Dr. J. Falkiner obtained it.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

GARRULUS. 65

(44) Garrulus bispecularis persaturatus.
THe Kwasta Hits Jay.

Garrulus bispecularis persaturatus Hartert, Nov. Zoologice, xxv,
p. 480 (1918) (Shillong).

Vernacular names. Dao-flampu (Cachari).
Description. The darkest and brownest of all the races.

Measurements. Wing 162 to 176 mm,

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, but the limits
still undefined. South of Manipur it is not found in the Chin Hills
and east of the Naga Hills the country is still utterly unknown.

Nidification. Breeds in the Khasia Hills in May, during which
month two nests were brought in to me with the parent birds.
They were made of twigs, roots and tendrils and lined with finer
roots and fern rachides; in shape broad cups about 10” x 42”,
Both nests were placed in rhododendron trees 15 to 20 feet
from the ground in mixed oak and rhododendron forest at about
6,000 feet.

The eggs are like those of the Himalayan Jay and average
about 29-0 x 22-5 mm.

Habits. | found this bird more than once in N. Cachar in
stunted oak forest at 5,000 to 6,000 feet but it was very rare; in
the Khasia Hills it was generally to be found either in the pine-
foresis or in the patches of oak-forest just above the pines. In
habits and manner it was very like the common European Jay,
but much more shy and not so noisy.

(45) Garrulus bispecularis haringtoni.
Rippon’s Jay.
Garrulus haringtont Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xv, p. 97 (1905) (Mt.
Victoria, S. Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Sikkim Jay, but throat whitish and
sides of head and ear-coverts much paler. The crown is also
distinctly, sometimes strongly, streaked with blackish.

Measurements. This is a large bird, the wing-measurements
being 170 to 178 mm., so that in size as well as in colour it
approaches the Burmese Jay.

Distribution. South Chin Hills and South Kachin Hills, where
they seem to overlap with the Burmese Jay. A Jay which is
found in the N. Shan States may be this or lewcotis.

Nidification. The nest and eggs of this Jay were taken on
Mt. Victoria but no details recorded.

Habits. Similar to those of the other Jays. It is said to keep

Shan States and may be distinguished by the characters given in the key.
VOL. L. FE

66 CORVID#%.

Genus NUCIFRAGA Briss., 1760.

The genus Nucifraga contains the Nutcrackers, birds of well-
marked form and colour, two of which are found within Indian
limits, inhabiting the higher part of the Himalayas where they
are resident.
¢ In the Nuterackers the plumage is more or less spotted with
white ; the bill is straight, pointed and about as long as the head ;
the nasal bristles are short and stiff and completely cover the
nostrils; but the tail is short and very little rounded.

Key to Species.

A. Rump and upper tail-coverts not

marked with white .......... N.caryocatacteshemispila, p. 66.
B. Rump and_ upper _ tail-coverts
marked with white .......... N. multipunctata, p. 67.

+ (46) Nucifraga caryocatactes hemispila.
Tue Himatayan NUTCRACKER.

Nucifraga hemispila Vigors, P.Z.8., 1830, p. 8 (Himalayas) ; Blanf. &
Oates, i, p. 41.

Vernacular names. Lho-kariyo-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Narial bristles black and white; forehead, crown,
nape, hind neck and upper tail-coverts chocolate-brown ; with these
exceptions the whole of the plumage is umber-brown, the sides of
the head and neck streaked with white; chin and throat with a
few small white shaft-streaks ; the back, breast and upper abdomen
with oval white drops ; under tail-coverts pure white; wings glossy
black, the lesser and median coverts with triangular white tips ;
afew of the inner primaries with a large oval white mark on the
inner webs, probably disappearing with age, as it is absent in some
birds ; central tail-feathers black, the others broadly tipped white,
the amount of white increasing outwardly.

Some birds have the breast-spots pale rufescent instead of white,
a feature which seems to have nothing to do with age.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet black; iris reddish brown
to hazel or deep brown ; bill brown with paler tips.

Measurements. Total length about 370 mm.; tail about 150 to
160 mm.; wing 205 to 225 mm., averaging about 210 or rather
more; bill 40 to45 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.

The young are pale brown, with rufescent drops everywhere
instead of white. These, however, turn white at the first moult,
when the head also acquires the white colour.

This bird is merely a local race of the European Nutcracker,
from which it differs in having a far darker head, the centre of
the throat and neck unspotted with white and the outer tail-
feathers almost entirely white instead of merely tipped with white.

NUCIFRAGA, 67

Distribution. The Himalayas from the extreme N.W., Nepal,
Sikkim, Bhutan into Tibet. Its distribution still requires a
considerable amount of consideration as it seems to overlap in
many places with the next.

Nidification. Hume took its nest with young in May near
Simla, 6,500 feet, and Mr. A. E. Jones found a nest with young
and one addled egg in April in the same district, whilst Whymper
took nest and eggs in Garhwal 16.5,06 at 10,500 feet. The
nests are described as being like neat Crows’ nests but with a
thick lining of fir-needles and grass. ‘T'wo clutches of eggs were
ebtained for me in Tibet on 30.4.20, both of which were second
layings after the first had been destroyed. The two clutches con-
tained three and four eggs, but all were unfortunately broken except
one. This, and the eggs taken by Messrs. Jones and Whymper are
similar in character to those of the European bird, except that
they are duller pale sea-green in colour and have much larger
blotches of clive-sienna and neutral tint.

My egg measures 35:0 x 26-0 mm.

Habits. This bird keeps much to forests of pine, cedar and fir
between 3,000 and 12,000 feet, and subsists largely on the seeds
of these trees ; but they also eat other seeds and fruits as well as
insects. Though not regularly gregarious, they are said sometimes
to collect in small parties. Their notes are harsh and loud.

Fig. 16.—Head of \V. multipunctata.

* (47) Nucifraga multipunctata.
Tie Larcer-seorrep NurcrackeEr.
Nucifraga multipunctata Gould, P.Z.S., 1849, p. 23 (N.W. Hima-
layas); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 41.

Vernacular names. Ahak-kharra (Pushtu); Yong-she-sha-ga
(Tibetan).

Description. Differs from the Himalayan Nutcracker in being
darker, a chocolate rather than an umber-brown, and in being much
more profusely marked with white. The lores and narial bristles
are white or black and white; the rump and upper tail-coverts
have a white spot on each feather; the wing-coverts and quills are

F2

68 CORVIDA.

more profusely spotted with white, and the white on the lower
plumage is so extensive as to sometimes make this look almost
wholly white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown ; bill horny brown; legs
and feet black.

Measurements. Length about 350 mm.; wing 190 to 210 mm.,
average about 200 or rather less; tail 160 to 170 mm.; tarsus about
40 mm.; bill about 50 mm. and decidedly more slender than in
hemispila and its subspecies,

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas from Afghanistan, Gilgit,
Kashmir, Ladakh to S.E. Tibet, whence I have had specimens
sent me. Chambi Valley in Tibet and Sikkim,

Nidification. Ezgs sent me by Mr. D. Macdonald with the
parent birds from the Chambi Valley are exactly like those of
the European Nutcracker, very pale blue-green speckled with dark
brown sparsely everywhere and a little more numerous at the
larger end. They measure about 33°6 x 24°6 mm.

The nests were said to be neat facsimiles of those of the Indian
House-Crow, but neater and with a lining of pine-needles.

Habits. These differ in no way from those of the last bird.
Osmaston says that it feeds principally on the seeds of the Blue
Pine (Pinus excelsa) and of the Spruce (Picea morinda).

Genus PYRRHOCORAX Vieill., 1816.

The genus Pyrrhocorax contains the Choughs, of which there
are two species—P. pyrrhocorav, the Red-billed Chough, and
P. graculus, the Yellow-billed Chough, which occur unchanged
over a great area of three continents. Both are found within
Indian limits.

They resemble the true Crows in colour, but differ from them
all in having the bill and feet brilliantly coloured.

The bill is long and slender and gently curved throughout its
length ; the narial plumes are very short and dense, The tarsus
is quite smooth, differing markedly from the true Crows in this
respect.

(48) Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax.
Tre Rup-BILLED CHoucH.
Upupa pyrrhocorax Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. x, p. 118 (1758) (England).
Graculus eremita. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 45.
Vernacular names. Vsayh (Kandahar).
Description. The whole pluinage glossy black.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; legs and feet vermilion-red,
claws black ; bill vermilion-red.
Measurements. Total length about 450 mm.; wing 270 to
315 mm.; tail 150 to 170 mm.; culmen 45 to 60 mm.; tarsus
45 to 53 mm.

PYRRHOCORAX. 69

The Indian bird seems to average much larger than the English
though not larger than the Continental bird.
Distribution. Northern Africa, Europe and N. Asia. In India

it is found throughout the Himalayas to Eastern Tibet.

Fig. 18.—Foot of P. pyrrhocorax.

Nidification. The Red-billed Chough breeds freely in Tibet,
Ladakh and Northern Kashmir, breeding generally in cliffs, but, in
Tibet, frequently in the Tibetan houses and buildings whether
occupied or not. They are early breeders, laying in the end of
March and April and often having a second brood. The eggs are
like those of the English bird, but much duller and more brownish
in tint and they average much bigger, 41:7 x 28-4 mm. against
40°7 x 27-9 mm. Whymper took its eggs at the end of April in
Garhwal at,9,000 and 12,400 feet. The nests were of sticks
with wool lining, placed in clefts of rocks.

70 CORVIDZ.

Habits. The Red-billed Chough is found in summer up to
16,000 feet and over, descending in winter to 5,000 feet or
even lower. It is a gregarious sociable bird feeding together on
the ground much like Rooks. They are noisy birds and baunt
ani habitations and camps as w ell as wilder tracts.

7? (49) Pyrrhocorax graculus.
Tue YELLOW-BILLED CHOUGH.

Corvus graculus Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. xii, p. 158 (1766) (Swiss Alps}.
Pyrrhocorax alpinus. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 44.

Fig. 19.—Head of P. graculus.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole plumage black with a slight gloss,
more developed on wings and tail.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown ; bill yellow;
feet vermilion, the claws horny brown or black.

Measurements. Total length about 420 mm.; wing 262 to
287 mm.; tail about 180 mm.; culmen 25 to 30 mm.; tarsus 45
to 48 mm.

Distribution. South Europe and Central Asia. In India
throughout the Himalayas from Kohat to Central Tibet and
South-East Tibet.

Nidification. Eggs have been taken in the Liddar Valley and in
S.E. Tibet in April and May from nests placed in steep rocky
cliffs, either in holes or in crevices in rocks. As a rule the
breeding places are almost or quite inaccessible. The eggs differ
in no way from those of the European bird. The ground-colour
is avery pale yellowish grey, rarely with a cream tint, and the
spots are of light brown and neutral tint, rather sparse as a rule
but more numerous at the larger end.

Habits. In summer it is found between 10,090 and 15,000 feet,
coming down to 5,000 feet in winter. According to Stoliczka this
species is very social and frec juently visits the camp of the
traveller in Spiti and Ladakh, as it does also in Tibet. It is as
familiar and noisy in the neighbourhood of villages and camping-
anand as the common House-Crow is in India. In the breec ding
season it to some extent deserts human habitations for the wilder

cliffs.

PODOCES. 71

Genus PODOCES Fischer, 1823.

In this most remarkable genus are found certain species of
birds which appear to be most nearly related to the Choughs but
should possibly be placed in a family by themselves.

The bill is slender and very long and the nostrils completely
concealed under stiff plumes; the wing is short and rounded and
the legs long and strong.

These curious birds, to which the name of Ground Choughs has
been given, differ from all other forms of Corvide in their
very weak flight. In habits they are strictly ground-birds
spending practically their whole time upon it. They are found
only on the high plateaus of Central Asia, a single specimen of
one species having straggled into India.

(50) Podoces humilis.
Humet’s Grounp CuHovuaH.
Podoces humilis Hume, Ibis, 1871, p. 408 (Saryu Pass, Yarkand).
Vernacular names. Day-day (Tibetan).

Description. Above sandy brown with whitish collar around
neck ; wing-coverts like the back with faint terminal brown bars ;
quills brown with pale edges; below pale isabelline with centre
of abdomen almost white; central tail-feathers blackish brown
paling to isabelline-white on the outermost.

Colours of soft parts. Bill and feet black; iris brown.

Measurements. Wing 90 to 93 mm.; tail about 65 mm.,; tarsus
28 mm.; bill about 23 mm.

The female is a trifle smaller, wing 88 to 90 mm.

Distribution. Yarkand to Tibet, Koko Nur and Kansu. A
single specimen has been sent me from the Chambi Valley in the
extreme north of Native Sikkim.

Nidification. This bird breeds freely in Tibet between 11,000
and 15.000 feet, making its nest, a sott pad of grass and fur, in
burrows of the Mouse-hares, or self-made. According to Dresser
the nest is sometimes placed at the end of a tunnel as much as
12 feet long, such as one would hardly expect the bird to excavate
for itself. The eggs, either three or four in number, are pure
white and measure about 22°9x 16-4 mm, The breeding season
is May, June and July.

Habits. They inhabit the same uplands as those inhabited by
the Mouse-hares but are sometimes seen away from them. Their
flight is very low aud feeble and they are essentially ground-birds,
spending their whole time thereon and never perching on trees or
bushes. ‘They are insect feeders.

TD, PARID.

Family PARID/.
THe TITMOUSES,

Oates included the Titmouses in the same family as the Crows
and the group of birds he called Crow-Tits. Whilst, however,
they show certain affinities with both of these groups, the three
seem to be much easier to separate than are many others, such as
the Thrushes, Flycatchers and Warblers, the true Shrikes, ete.,
and it, therefore, seems to be more consistent to keep these
separate also.

The Titmouses, Paride, differ from the Corvide in having the
first primary equal to or less than half the length of the second,
whereas the latter have this always more than half as long as the
second.

Like the Corvide, the Paride have the nostrils concealed by
feathers or bristles, though in the genus Melanochlora the soft
feathers which lie over the nostrils do not wholly cover them.
The bill is short and conical, varying considerably in depth and
stoutness ; the rictal bristles are short, the tarsus well developed
and the surface scutulated; the wing is generally weak and
rounded but is longer and more pointed in Melanochlora.

Hellmayr has divided the Titmouses into several subfamilies, and
includes amongst them the Paradoxornithide. ‘These latter birds,
however, seem to me to constitute a good family, showing in some
respects an affinity to the Titmouses, but in others a still closer
connection with the 7imeliide. The genus Panurus, the Bearded
Tits, should probably also be placed w ith the Paradowornithide.

As regards the Indian Titmouses, I see no reason to divide them
into subfamilies, and I include them all in the same. Since,
however, the ‘ Fauna of India’* was published, we have had to add
other genera and species to our list, the principal being Remiz
(Anthoscopus) coronatus and Parus (Cyanistes) cyanus.

The key to the genera given below applies only to our Indian
species. “Hellmayr includes Lophophanes, Sylviparus, Machlolo-
phus and Cyanistes in the genus Parus, but though Cyanistes
cannot be divided from that genus, the other three appear to me
to be generically distinct and are therefore retained. Lopho-
phanes, “it is true, is not always crested. Our Indian Lophophanes
ater wmodius has a well-developed crest, although it is only a sub-
species of L. ater ater which has none and the two extremes are
linked up by geographical races which have crests in varying
degree. On the other hand, the shape of the tail in this genus
quite suffices to keep it distinct from Parus.

Cyanistes is a true Parus in everything but colour.

The young are like the adult but paler, and in some species the
grey or black in the adult is strongly suffused with green in the
young.

PARUS. 73

Key to Genera.

A. Tail slightly rounded.
a, Head not crested.
a’, Outermost tail-feathers falling short
of ,the tip of the tail by length of
nin @velawe Onlvan as tee ccs cvere.c' ole dnc 16:0 « PARUS, p. 73.
bv’. Outermost tail-feathers falling short
of the tip by length of hind toe and

Clay nrthspts oa Sein antelc ese dwlets LEGITHALISCUS, p. 93.

6. Head crested.

ce’. Wing never as much as 90mm....... MACHLOLOPHUS, p. 89.

d'. Wing never as short as 100 mm..... MrtLanocutora, p. 101.

B. Tail square or very slightly forked.

ef Headlcresteds tats cs occ os cc cs anie tes LoPpHOPHANES, p. 83.
d. Head not crested.

e’. Plumage above yellowish green...... SYLVIPARUS, p. 88.
J'. No green on upper plumage ........ Remiz, p. 100,

Genus PARUS Linn., 1766. / / ©

The genus Parus, of which the Great Tit of England may be
considered the type, contains those Tits which are not crested
and in which the tail is slightly rounded. ‘They have a broad,
black, ventral band and in this character agree with Machlolophus,
which, however, possesses a long pointed crest.

The true Tits are found over a considerable portion of the
world. Five species inhabit the Indian Empire, two being found
over the greater part of Europe and Asia, i.e. major and palustris ;
two, nuchalis and monticolus, being local; and the fifth, cyanus, a
very rare visitor.

In Parus the feathers of the crown are rather long, but do not
form a crest; the tail is considerably shorter than the wing, and
the outer feathers are shorter than the central ones by about the
length of the hind claw.

Key to Species.

A. Plumage not blue and white.
a, Lower plumage whitish buff, or fawn, but
not bright yellow.

a’, Back and rump ashy or greenish ...... P. major, p. 73.
OG wbuckamdenumip, black es). aeverciecis 0s P. nuchalis, p. 79.
ce’. Back and rump olive-brown .......... P. palustris, p. 81.
6. Lower plumage bright yellow............ P. monticolus, p. 80.
B. Plumage all blue and white above ........ P. cyanus, p. 81.

Parus major.

The Great-Tits or Grey-Tits may be divided into two groups—
the first group with green backs and yellow under parts, the
second with grey backs and the under parts ranging from
practically pure white to fawn or buff. ;

The first group, that of the true Parus mujor, ranges over the
whole of Europe, extrenie Northern Africa and Northern Asia to

74 PARID.

Japan. Southwards it extends to Palestine, Asia Minor and
Northern Persia.

The second group, which we may call the Indian cinereus
group, is to be found through Southern Persia and North Arabia,
throughout India and in a loop working North, including Afghan-
istan, Syr Daria and Amu Daria in Turkestan, Tianschan and
Kashmir. East it is found through Burma and Southern China
and the countries South of them. Between these two distinct
groups we have more or less intermediate forms found in Tibet,
Northern Shan States, and Central Asia.

Within Indian limits we have no form approaching the
European Parus major major group, all our geographical races
belonging to the grey cinereus group.

Key to Subspecies.

A. No green on back.
Upper and lower plumage darker; tail
black on inner web with grey edge, and
all grey on outer web. Wing 60 to
68 mm., tathos Gor6) mm. wai. bes..- P. m. cinereus, p. 74.
b. Paler; upper parts a pale clear blue-grey,
under parts almost white, nuchal patch

distinct and nearly white. Wing 68 to [p. 76,
fomm,, tailvo2)to 63mm... ... 2.6: a P. m. tntermedius,

ce. Upper and lower parts darker, nuchal
patch greyer and inconspicuous.

a’, Larger; wing 70 to 79 mm., tail 60 [p. 76.
to 70 1620s ete ae RRR LO Oe CI ore P.m. kaschmir tensis,

6. Smaller; wing 63 to 70 mm., tail 52 (pad?
toGS rami... esse Siig pomeeien ee P. m. planorum,

d. Upper plumage as dark as cinereus; tail
black on both webs with narrow

grey edges. Wing 65 to 74 mm., tail [p. 77
MOM AMI, Soy goubonoondcoon adobe P. m. mahrattarum,

B. Some green on upper plumage.
Upper parts and scapulars all olive-green ;

wing 66 to 79 mm., tail 66 to 74 mm. P. m, tibetanus, p. 78
lord

7. Green confined to extreme upper back ; [p. 78.
wing 61 to 68 mm., tail 53 to 61 mm. P. m. commiztus,

(51) Parus major cinereus.
THE Indian Grey Tir.

Parus cinereus Vieill., Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., xx, p. 316 (1818)
(Java). :
Parus atriceps. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 46.

Vernacular names. fain-gangra (Beng.). '

Description. Forehead, lores, crown, nape, chin, throat, breast,
a band on either side the neck connecting the nape with the
breast, and a band down the middle of the abdomen, black; cheeks

PARUS. ue

and ear-coverts white ; the upper part of the back next the nape
white; remainder of back, rump, scapulars, lower and median
coverts ashy grey ; winglet and greater coverts black, edged with
ashy grey and the latter broadly tipped with white ; quills dark
brown, the earlier primaries and inner secondaries edged with white,
the other quills with ashy grey; upper tail-coverts deep ashy
blue: tail black, the four median pairs of feathers ashy grey on the
outer webs and all but the middle two pairs tipped with white ;
fifth pair white, with the shaft black and a band of black on the
inner web; outer pair nearly entirely white with black shafts ;
sides of the breast and abdomen vinaceous ; under tail-coverts
black in the centre, white at the sides.

Fig. 20.—Head of P. m. cinereus.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; iris brown ; legs and feet
plumbeous.

Measurements. Total length about 140 mm.; wing 60 to 65 mm. ;
tail 53 to 61 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culmen about 10 min.

The young of this and all the allied grey forms have a tinge of
yellow on the lower parts and generally a good deal of green on
the upper.

Distribution. Northern India, Assam, Western Burma to
Sunda Island and Java.

Nidification. Breeds throughout its range but at different
times in different localities from March to June. The nest is
placed in a hole of a tree, wall or, more rarely, in a bank and
consists of a pad of moss, hair, wool or fur: occasionally with
some vegetable cotton and feathers. Wickham reports that it
took readily to nest-boxes placed Jow down on trunks of trees in
his garden at Maymyo. The eggs, four to six in number in
India, three or four only in Burma, are white or very pale pink
with spots and specks of reddish brown. ‘They average about
17:0 x 13°3 mm.

Habits. Though not gregarious in the strict sense of the term,
these little birds are very sociable and may often bé seen con-
sorting in small parties in favourite feeding-haunts. They are
restless, active little birds, clambering about branches and twigs
in their search for insects, now hanging head downmost to reach
some tempting morsel below, now standing on tip-toe to get to
one above them and then once more seuttling round to catch
some quickly moving ant or spider. They feed on all kinds o

76 PARIDE.

insects, many seeds and fruits and in times of stress practically
anything that comes to hand. A meaty bone is a tempting bait
to them as is a split cocoa-nut hung in a tree near their haunts.
They are essentially arboreal in their habits but occasionally
descend to the ground after insects. Their note is a rather shrill
whistle and their flight rather feeble and dipping. They are
resident birds almost wherever found, moving about to some
extent according to the seasons.

(52) Parus major intermedius.
THe AFGHAN Grey-TIT.

Parus bocharensis var, intermedius Sarudny, Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat.
Moscow, (No. 3), vol. iii, p. 789 (1890) (S.W. Transcaspia).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A very pale race, the upper parts a clear blue-
grey, the under parts almost pure white with very little tinge of
vinaceous; the nuchal patch is white and conspicuous and the
grey of the tail pale and extensive.

Colours of soft parts as in cinereus, but the legs are pale slaty
grey.

Measurements. A rather large bird with a comparatively short
tail. Wing 68 to 75 mm.; tail 52 to 63 mm.

Distribution. Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Chitral, East Persia
and S.W. 'l'ranscaspia.

Nidification and Habits as in cinereus; the eggs average
about 17:5 13°6 mm. Its nest and eggs were taken by White-
head at Kalhutty, Baluchistan, and by Harington in the Khagan
Valley. Fulton found it up to 12,000 feet in Chitral, where it was
very common, and took two nests from holes in Walnut-trees.

c
(53) Parus major Kaschmiriensis.
THe Kasumir Gruy-Ti7.
Parus major kaschmiriensis Hartert, Vig. Pal., 1, p. 345 (1905)
(Gilgit).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A dark bird distinguishable from all others of the
dark forms by its greater size; both upper and lower parts are
not as dark, however, as in cinereus, but the nuchal patch is grey
and very inconspicuous.

Colours of soft parts as in cinereus.

Measurements. Wing 70 to 79 min.; tail 60 to 70 mm.

Distribution. Kashmir, Garhwal, Simla, and Hills of the North-
West.

PARUS. Tdi

Nidification. Breeds freely in Kashmir and elsewhere, from
3,500 feet up to 9,000 feet or higher. The eggs four to six, or
even seven, are more richly coloured than are those of the Indian
Grey-Tit and measure about 185x135 mm. The breeding
season is from the end of April to early June.

Habits as in the other Grey-Tits.

(54) Parus major planorum.
Tuer Punsas Grey-Tir.
Parus major planorum Hartert, Nov. Zool., 1905, p.499 (S. Punjab).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This bird is a small replica of the Kashmir Grey-
Tit, much the same size as cinereus but decidedly paler.

Colours of soft parts as in cinereus.

Measurements. Wing 63 to 70 mm.; tail 52 to 63 mm.

Distribution. Plains of N.W. India and Punjab.

Nidification. Nothing recorded. Eggs of a clutch sent me, and
said to have been taken at Lahore, average about 17-5 x 13-4 mm.

Habits as usual, but according to Hartert this is purely a plains

form though there is very little material available for study in the
shape of breeding specimens.

(55) Parus major mahrattarum.
THe SourHern Grey-Tirr,
Parus major mahrattarum Hartert, Noy. Zool., 1905, p. 499 (Ceylon).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Indian Grey-Tit or even darker,
the nuchal patch hardly noticeable and the tail-feathers wholly
black on both webs, with only narrow grey edges to the outer
webs. The black central streak on the abdomen is generally very
wide. ;

Measurements. Wing 63 to 74 mm.; tail 51 to 62 mm,

Distribution. The whole of Central and South India and
Ceylon. It is found as far north as Northern Bombay across to
Chota Nagpore and E. Bengal.

Nidification. Breeds throughout its range in the more hilly
parts which are well wooded. In the northern drier countries it
lays in February, March, and early April; in South India in
March and April and in the higher hills in April to June, whilst in
Poona Betham took eggs as late as August, possibly second
broods. The eggs are more richly coloured, as a rule, than
those of cinereus and the average size of 30 eggs is 17-4 x 13°6 mm.

78 PARID®,

Habits. Similar to those of cinereus. This little Titmouse is
really more of a hills than a plains bird, though in the winter it
wanders over a very wide extent of country. It prefers hills and
broken country, more especially such as are fairly well covered
with trees and forest, and it is found in the hills of Southern
India practically up to their summits.

(56) Parus major tibetanus.
Tue Trpetan GReEatT-TIt.

Parus major tibetanus Hartert, Vog. Pal., p. 8346 (1905) (Chaksam),

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Back decidedly green and the lower parts suffused
with yellow. Its size alone at once distinguishes it from com-
mivtus and minor, and it has more white on the tail than either
of these races.

Colours of soft parts as in cinereus, but tarsi apparently paler
and brighter slate-blue.

Measurements. Wing 66 to 79 mm., generally over 70; tail
66 to 74 mm.

Distribution. S.E. Tibet, Yunnan and N.E. Kauri Kachin
Hills. Chumba Valley, Sikkim.

Nidification. A common breeder in the Gyantse Plain, Tibet,
breeding both in holes in trees and in walls aud banks. Eggs of
a clutch, taken from a small natural hole in a willow, measure
about 18-8 x 13:5 mm., and are richly marked for Great-Tit’s eggs.
The nest was of wool and Mouse-hare (Lagomys) fur. It was
taken on 18.5.17.

Habits. Those of the species.

(57) Parus major commixtus. -
THE Burmise Grueatr-Tir.

Parus commiztus Swinhoe, Ibis, p. 63 (1868) (8. China).
Parus minor. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 48.

Vernacular names. Buinwm memka (Burmese).

Description. Differs from tébetanus in having the green con-
fined to the upper back and scapulars, the yellow below is
obsolete or very slight, and the white on the outer tail-feathers
is less extensive. From the true minor of Japan and N. China
it differs in being much less green above, and more buff or
vinaceous rather than yellow below.

Colours of soft parts as in cinereus.

Measurements. Wing 61 to 68 mm., generally under 66; tail
535 to 61 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim, Eastern Burma, Siam, Shan States
and S. China.

PARUS. 19

Nidification. Breeds in April and May and possibly sometimes
earlier, as a clutch in the Waterstradt collection was taken on
the 20th February. The nest is made of fur, wool, or hair,
sometimes with a base of soft moss and sometimes mixed moss
and other materials, but nearly always lined with wool, hair, or
fur. It is generally placed in some hole in a tree or dead stump
but Harington took it from a hole in a bank. The eggs, four to
six in number, are like those of cinereus and measure about
16:2 x 12°8 (16°80 x 13:05 mm. Mackenzie).

Habits. Much the same as those of cinereus in India. A
sociable, lively little bird frequenting, preferably, broken hilly
country and ascending the hills to at least 6,000 feet but also
being found in the low country, perhaps, however, more frequently
in the winter than in the summer.

(58) Parus nuchalis.
THE WHITE-WINGED BuLacKk-TTr.

Parus nuchalis Jerdon, Madr. Journ., xiii, p. 151 (1844) (Hastern
Ghats); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 49.

Vernacular names. Valla paisa jitta (Tel.).

Description. ‘The whole upper plumage, wing-coverts, lores,
sides of the crown, chin, throat, centre of the breast and a broad
ventral band black; a latge nape-patch, the cheeks, ear-coverts
and those parts of the plumage not already mentioned white ;
the under tail-coverts streaked with black; quills with the outer
webs white at base and a partial narrow edging of white elsewhere ;
the later secondaries broadly edged white and the innermost one
or two wholly white. The two outer tail-feathers white, the next
with the outer web white, the inner web black with a white tip,
the other feathers black with white tips. The amount of white on
the tail varies considerably in different individuals.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill black; legs and
feet slaty-plumbeous (Butler).

Measurements. Total length about 140 mm. ; wing 61 to 71 mm.;
tail 51 to 57 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
10 mm.

Distribution. From the country round the Sambhar Lake
through Ajmere to Deesa and on to Cutch; Jerdon first obtained
it on the Eastern Ghats west of Nellore and Dr. Stewart obtained
it at Bangalore. The specimen in the British Museum from
the Gadow collection is labelled Bhutan, but this assuredly is
a mistake.

Nidification. Nothing on record.

Habits. Apparently a resident bird wherever found, but very
little is known about it. Jerdon records it as keeping to the tops
of heavily wooded hills on the Eastern Ghats.

80 PARID ®.

(59) Parus monticolus monticolus.
THE GREEN-BACKED ‘IIT,

Parus monticolus Vigors, P. Z. 8., 1831, p. 22 (Himalayas, Simla) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 49.

Vernacular names. Sarak-chak-pho (Lepcha); Daosi-whet
(Cachari).

Description. Cheeks and ear-coverts white; the whole head,
nape, breast and a broad band down the middle of the abdomen
black ; a whitish patch on the nape; back and scapulars greenish
yellow ; rump slaty ; upper tail-coverts black ; tail black, the outer
webs suffused with blue, all the feathers tipped with white, the
outer web of the outermost feather entirely white; lesser wing-
coverts black, edged with slaty ; the other coverts and the winglet
black, edged with blue and tipped with white, forming two wing-
bars ; the earlier primaries edged with white at base and below
the emarginations; the others, with the outer secondaries, edged
with blue and tipped with white; innermost secondaries black
edged and tipped with white; abdomen, sides of breast and
axillaries bright deep yellow ; under tail-coverts black, tipped with
white.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; iris brown; legs dark slate or
plumbeous, claws hcrny-brown to blackish.

Measurements. Total length about 130mm.; wing 64 to 69mm. ;
tail 54 to 60 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 20 mm.; culmen about
10 mm.

The female is a little smaller with a wing of 60 to 65 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from the extreme N.W. to
Manipur, Chittagong and the N.E. of the Chin Hills.

Nidification. This little Tit breeds throughout its range at
altitudes between 4,000 and 9,000 feet in April, May and June.
It makes a nest of moss, fur, wool and hair, sometimes of one,
sometimes of two or more of these materials, and often with a
dense lining of feathers. Any convenient hole will suffice whether
it be in a tree, a wall, part of a building or occasionally a bank.
In Shillong it has been found in a hole in the thatch of a house
but, for nesting purposes, this bird does not frequent houses and
buildings as often as do the Grey-Tits.

The eggs number from four to six and even eight and are white,
boldly and freely blotched with red and reddish brown, 100 eggs
average 17:1 x 12°8.

Habits. A high-level bird, this little Tit is seldom found much
below 5,000 feet, whilst it may be seen in the Western Himalayas
up to and over 10,000 feet. It is a sociable, familiar little bird,
haunting gardens and the vicinity of human habitations, keeping
much to the trees and taller shrubs, on which it keeps up an
ever-restless hunt for its insect food. It also eats many fruits

PARUS. 8)

but is not a seed-eater, nor does it seem to enjoy a stray meat-
bone from the kitchen as cinereus does. Its note is a very
loud four syllabic whistle, which may be written ti-ti-tee-ct, the
third syllable much prolonged. In Shillong, where it is very
common, this call is the first bird-note to be heard in the early
dawn when it is most persistent and shrill though quite musical.

(60) Parus cyanus tianschanicus.
THE TranscHan Buive-T11,

Cyanistes cyanus var. tanschanicus Menzbier, Bull. Soc. Zool. France,
ix, p. 276 (1884) (Mountains of Central Asia).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A thin line of deep blue running through the
eye and over the ear-coverts in a narrow collar round the nape ;
remainder of head pale vinous blue or blue-grey; back pale
blue-grey ; upper tail-coverts bright dark blue, tipped with white ;
outermost tail-feathers white, with the basal third of the inner
web black; on each succeeding pair the white decreases and
the black increases and becomes more blue, especially on the
outer web, until the central rectrices are all dark blue, except for
broad white tips. Visible portion of closed wing deep blue, the
quills edged with white on their terminal halves and the inner
secondaries with bold white tips also; greater coverts with similat
tips making a broad bar of white across the wing.

Below pale vinous blue-grey with a broad patch of black on the
abdomen forming an interrupted black median line on these parts.

Colours of soft parts. Bill slaty horn; irides brown; legs and
feet plumbeous.

Measurements. Wing about 75 mm., tail about 65 mm. ; culmen
about 7 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm,

Distribution. ‘TManschan, Turkestan, Afghanistan, Chitral.

Nidification. It is said to breed in May, laying 10 or 11 typical
Blue-Tits’ eggs, white spotted with red, in a nest of hair and
grass in a hole. In size they seem to vary between 18°5x 12:5
(Dybowskz) and 14°8 x 11°5 mm. (Ley).

Habits. Those of the genus. They are found at considerable
elevations, certainly up to 12,000 feet, descending lower in winter,
especially in the most northern parts of their habitat where they
may be found at the level of the Plains. Fulton obtained five
young birds in Chitral, at 10,000 feet in July 1902; he reports
that this Tit was common there in the river-bed, where they were
frequenting dense scrub of willow, juniper and birch.

VOL. I, G

oa)
bo

PARID#,

Parus palustris.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Back grey, tinged with olive-green ...... P. p. korejewi, p. 82.
B. Back olive-brown, much darker.......... P. p. pecilopsis p. 82.

+ (61) Parus palustris korejewi.
Tue TURKESTAN Marsu-Trr,

Parus communis korejewt Zarud, & Hirms, Orn. Monatsb., x, p. 54
(1902) (Karatau, Turkestan).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Head, nape and extreme upper back, chin and
upper throat black; back grey, tinged with olive-rufous ; next
to black of head on nape pure white, fading into smoky fulvous ou
neck; below white tinged with fulvous on flanks and abdomen ;
wing-quills brown, with silver-grey edges; coverts broadly edged
erey.

Measurements. Wing about 65 mm.; tail about 56-2 mm.;
tarsus about 16 mm.; culmen about 10 mm.

Distribution. Turkestan, Afghanistan, Baluchistan. <A rare
straggler into extreme N.W. India.

Nidification. A clutch of eggs taken at Sarsen, Turkestan and
given to me by Herr M. Kuschel are indistinguishable from those
of the British Marsh-Tit. They average about 16:0 x12°5 mm.
and were taken on the 10th May, 1896.

Habits. Similar to those of other races of the Marsh-Tit.

(62) Parus palustris peecilopsis.
THe Yunnan Marsu-Tir, .
Lophophunes pacilopsis Sharpe, Bull. B. O. C., xiii, p. 11 (1902)
(Chatung, W. Yunnan).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last, but much darker olive-brown
above and darker, duller fulvous below.

Colours of soft parts. Not given, but appear to be the same as
in the British bird.

Measurements. Total length about 120 mm.; culmen about
10 mm.; wing about 65 mm. ; tail about 52 mm.; tarsus about
14 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan. A specimen obtained by Col. H. H.
Harington near Maymyo in the Kachin Hills is referable to this
race.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

LOPHOPHANES, 83

Genus LOPHOPHANES Kaup, 1829.

This genus is very similar to Parus, but can be distinguished by
the shape of its tail which is square or slightly forked. Our
Indian species are crested but others are not and even
in the same species the crest may be absent, moderate or well
developed as in Lophophanes ater ater which has no crest, and in
L. a. emodius which has a long one.

Key to Species.
A. With a double row of spots on the wing-

coverts,
@ APAOnIeM ITOR-PREVE Vea a. 5 visisie e's L. melanolophus, p. 83.
6b. Abdomen ferruginous ......... «ees. L. ater emodius, p. 84.

B. With no spots on wing-coverts.
e. Chin and throat black or blackish.

a', Breast and abdomen ferruginous.... LZ. rudidiventris, p. 84.
Si tBrenst black © Fis ovis cat ans bo L. rufonuchalis, p. 83.
d, Chin and throat fulvous grey ........ LL. dichrous, p. 86.

(63) Lophophanes melanolophus.
Tur Crested Bracx-Trv.

Parus melanolophus Vigors, P. Z.8., i, p. 28 (1831) (Timalayas).
Lophophanes melanolophus. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 57.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, crest, hind neck, lores, chin,
throat and crest deep black; a large patch on the nape white ;
the ear-coverts extending down the sides of the neck, the cheeks
and under the eye white; upper plumage iron-grey, the exposed
parts of the wing and tail paler; the middle and lower series of
the wing-coverts, the inner and some of the outer secondaries
tipped with white, the tips of the coverts more or less tinged with
rufous; lower plumage from the breast downwards iron-grey;
the under wing-coverts, axillaries and a portion of the flanks
chestnut ; under tail-coverts nearly all chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; legs, feet and claws dark
bluish grey ; iris brown (Davison).

Measurements. Length about 110 mm.; wing 60 to 63 mm.; tail
about 37 to 38 mm.; tarsus about 16 mm.; culmen about 6 mm.

The young have the head brown; the upper plumage greyish-
brown; the wing spots very rufous; the chin, throat, and crest
brown; the remainder of the lower plumage fulvous-brown with
the axillaries pale chestnut.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan to Garhwal,
between 6,000 and 12,000 feet.

Nidification. Breeds at all heights from the end of March to the
middle of June, most eggs being laid in May. The nest may be
placed in any convenient hole, in tree, wall, bank or rock. It has
generally a substantial basis of moss, sometimes several inches

G2

“=

84 PARID®.

thick, over which is placed a mass of fur, hair or wool. The eggs
number from four to ten and are white with spots of bright
brownish red. Typically they are longer ovals than are the eggs
of the genus Parus and one hundred eggs average 15:7 x 11-7 mm,
They are said to generally rear two broods.

Habits. This little Tit is extremely common over the Western
Himalayas, being found up to 12,000 feet in summer and down to
2,000 feet in winter, perhaps even lower. It goes about in flocks
of some dozen or more birds and is very partial to oak forest when
not too thick. It is said by Adams often to associate with
Cephalopyrus flammiceps.

(64) Lophophanes ater emodius.
THe HimaLayan Corz-Tr.

Parus emodius Hodgs., Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiii, p. 948 (1844) (Nepal).
Lophophanes emodius. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 58.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, crest, lores, sides cf the head
and nape, chin, throat and sides of the neck black; cheeks, ear-
coverts and a nape-patch white; upper plumage and exposed parts
of wings and tail bluish ashy ; the rump tinged with ferruginous ;
the median and greater coverts tipped with white, forming two
wing-bars ; the inner and a few of the outer secondaries minutely
tipped with white; lower plumage, axillaries and under wing-
coverts ferruginous,

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; legs leaden grey ; bill
black (Blanford).

Measurements. Total length about 105 mm., wing 69 to 61 mm. ;
tail about 40 mm.; tarsus about 17 mm.; culmen about 6 mm.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim. 1t extends into the South of
Tibet as I have had a skin sent me of a bird caught on the nest in
the Chambi Valley.

Nidification. A bird sent me with some eggs was caught on its
nest in a hole of an oak-tree at between 10,000 and 11,000 feet
elevation. The nest was all of rat fur, a well matted pad fitting
into the bottom of the hollow. The eggs are indistinguishable
from those of the European Cole-Tit and measure about 17-9 x
12-9mm. The nest was taken on the 13th June.

Habits. Thisis a bird of high elevation from 6,000 feet upwards,
ascending as high as 12,000 feet at least.

(65) Lophophanes rubidiventris.
Tuer RvUFoUs-BELLIED CRESTED Trt.

Parus rubidiventris Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 445 (1847) (Nepal).
Lophophanes rubidiventris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 58.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

LOPHOPHANES, 85

Description. Cheeks, ear-covers, sides of the neck and a large
nuchal spot white, remainder of head and neck dark brown or
blackish, but more the deep black of melanolophus ; upper plumage
olive-brown; the wings and tail brown, with bluish-ashy edges
and the upper tail-coverts tipped with fulvous; lower plumage
and under wing-coverts ferruginous,

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill black; legs and
feet plumbeous-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 115 mm. ; wing 60 to63 mm. ;
tail about 42 to 43 mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 8 mm.

Distribution. Nepal and ‘“‘N.W. Himalayas.” The latter
locality is given for some specimens in the Pinwill Collection,
and may refer to Kumaon.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Lophophanes rufonuchalis,

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper and lower breast black and abdomen [nuchalis, p. 85.
SIR EO IMO e fore oo) siacS ofete hele reueeiancee cichel 2) os. L. rufonuchalis rufo-
B. Upper breast black ; lower breast and abdo-
VAG EASY OMVEN, oa, shay eis apa. = 4 nse ein oh oo. LL. beavant, p. 86.

~ (66) Lophophanes rufonuchalis rufonuchalis.
THe Simyia Buack-Trr.

Parus rufonuchalis Blyth, J. A. S. B., xviii, p. 810 (1849) (Simla).
Lophophanes rufonuchalis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 58,

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Ear-coverts, under the eye and a stripe down the
neck white; remainder of head and neck, breast and a broad band
down the abdomen black; uuchal spot white, tinged with ferru-
ginous next the back; upper plumage olive-green ; lower abdomen
and sides of the body ashy-olive; under tail-coverts and axillaries
chestnut ; under wing-coverts pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; legs, feet and bill black.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 73 to 77 mmn.; tail
about 55 mm.; tarsus nearly 20 mm.; culmen about 10 mm.

The young have the black replaced with brown and the chestnut
with pale rufous.

Distribution. Turkestan and Afghanistan and N.W. Himalayas
to Garhwal.

Nidification. Mr. L. L. Whymper is the only collector who has
ever found this bird’s nest. He writes :—

“T found this bird fairly common at 10,000 feet and upwards
in the Bhaghirattie Valley, where Brooks got a nest with young

o)

6 PARIDA.

and I was lucky enough to find six nests. These were all in the
ground, either under stones or in actual holes such as rat-holes,
and all were found between the 8th and 22nd of May.

‘Speaking generally it is impossible to find them except when
the birds are building, for they are in the most unlikely places
that show no sign whatever of a nest. Four eggs seem to form
the full clutch. The nest is the ordinary pad of wool and hair
with a little moss below and around.

“The male has an aggravating habit of carrying in wool after
the eggs have been laid.”

Three eggs given me by Mr. Whymper measure about
18:0 x 13-0 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of the Crested Hill-Tit, with which it
sometimes consorts.

(67) Lophophanes rufonuchalis beavani.

THE Sikkim Bracx-Tr7.

Lophophanes beavant Blyth, Jerd. B. L, ii, p. 275 (1863) (Mt.
Teringloo, Sikkim); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 59.

Vernacular names. Liho Tasso (Lepcha).

Description. The colour of the back is blue-grey, instead of
greenish, the light parts on the face are yellowish or yellow ; below
a greenish grey with no traces of a black band.

Colours of soft parts and measurements much the same as in
the last.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Western China,

Nidification. Nothing recorded. Two eggs sent by Mr. St. J.
Hickley were taken at about 10,000 feet elevation from a hole in
the roots of a small tree. The nest was a pad of hair and wool,
and the eggs only differ from those of the last in being rather
larger, measuring about 18:5 x 13°7 mm.

Habits. This is a bird of great elevations, and has so far not
been recorded much below 8000 feet.

The Sikkim Black-Tit does not seem to intergrade anywhere
with the Simla Black-Tit, but until more material is available
from the intervening country it appears better to treat them as
geographical races of the same bird.

Lopbophanes dichrous.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Paler above, more rufescent below ........ L. d. dichrous, p. 87.
B. Darker above, more buff below .......... L. d. wellsi, p. 87.

land

LOPHOPHANES. 87

(68) Lophophanes dichrous dichrous.
Toe Brown Crestep Tir.

Parus dichrous Hodgs., Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiii, p. 495 (1844) (Nepal).
Lophophanes dichrous. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 59.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage brownish grey ; the wing-feathers
‘very narrowly edged with hoary grey; forehead and sides of
the head fulvous mottled with brown; a half collar round the
hind-neck, interrupted at the nape, cream-colour; chin and
throat fulvous grey ; lower plumage ochraceous.

Colour of soft parts. Bill dusky bluish; feet plumbeous; iris
brick-red (Jerdon).

Measurements. Length about 115 mm.; wing about 65 to
71mm.; tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
11 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas; South Kashmir, Garhwal, Nepal and
Sikkim.

Nidification. The nest of this Tit was taken by Mr. B. B.
Osmaston in the Tons Valley first with the young in 1894 and
finally with eggs in 1899. The nests are described as pads otf
moss with a lining of fur placed in small holes in pear and other
trees. They were taken at an elevation between 8,000 and
10,000 feet in April and May. The eggs are described as ‘‘ white,
spotted and blotched fairly thickly all over with chestnut markings.”
They measured *67 x°51 in. (=17:0 X 13:0 mm.).

The nest with eggs was placed in a natural hole in a rotten
branch of a pear-tree beside the Chakrata—Simla road and in 1917
a second nest with five eggs was taken near Chakrata similar to
the other but lined with hair. This too contained five eggs
measuring *69 x ‘50 in. (=20°0 x 12-7 mm.).

Habits. Those of the genus.

+. (69) Lophophanes dichrous welisi.
Tue Yunnan Brown CreEstep Tit.
Lophophanes dichrous wellsi Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxxviii,
p. 8 (1917) (W. Yunnan, Yangtse big bend).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This form differs from both L. d. dichrous and
L. d. dichroides in being much darker above and paler below, more
buff than rufous. The head and back are practically concolorous
and do not contrast, a distinctive feature in the latter race.

Dimensions and colours of soft parts as in L. d. dichrous.
Distribution. Yunnan and N. Shan States.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

88 PARIDE.

Genus SYLVIPARUS Burton, 1835.

This genus closely resembles Parus but differs in having a
proportionately shorter, smaller bill and a square or very slightly
forked tail; plumage greenish with no ventral band. There is
only one species.

Sylviparus modestus.

Key to Subspecies.

.88.

A. Above olive-green, below ochraceous yellow .... 8. m. Meare
B. Above darker and duller, below dull yellowish [p. 88.
MMO odo ceo b4odbcopadtoo 46 toe oR ON amo Onoe S. m. saturatior,
C. Above paler and brighter, below brighter and [p. 89.
palerand morecyellow o. . sec aee- ce see sss. S. m. simlaensis,

(70) Sylviparus modestus modestus.
THE YELLOW-BROWED Tit.
Sylviparus modestus Burton, P. Z.S., p. 154 (1835) (Nepal); Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 53.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage, sides of the neck, the wings and
tail olive-green, the feathers of the crown centred with brown ;
sides of the head yellowish green slightly mottled with brown; a
ring of feathers round the eye and a short eye-brow yellow;
lower plumage yellow tinged with ochraceous ; edge of wing and
under wing-coverts bright yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dark plumbeous, palest along the
commissure and at base of the lower mandible; legs and feet
plumbeous ; iris very dark brown (Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 100 mm.; tail about
35 mm.; wing 60 to 64 mm. ; tarsus about 15 mm. ; culmen about
o mm.

Distribution. Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and hills N. of
the Brahmaputra at least as far East as the Abor Hills.

Nidification. Nothing known.

Habits. A bird of the hills above 6,000 feet. In winter it

apparently comes much lower, possibly on rare occasions into the
plains.

(71) Sylviparus modestus simlaensis.

THE Stmua YELLOW-BROWED Tr.

Sylviparus modestus simlaensis Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxxviii,
p- 8 (1917) (Simla).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from the true modestus in being a much

brighter yellower green above and in being paler and purer
yellow below.

MACHLOLOPHUS. 89

Colour of soft parts and measurements as in the Nepal bird.

Distribution. Simla Hills, northwards. The division between
the Garhwal and Simla birds is curious and unusual but is very
marked.

(72) Sylviparus modestus saturatior.
Tue CHINESE YELLOW-BROWED Ti1.

Sylviparus saturatior Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xvi, p. 87 (1900)
(Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Like the Nepal Yellow-browed Tit but much
darker and duller both above and below. The under plumage is
also more grey and less yellow.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, N. Burma,
East into China.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Very little recorded. A bird of high elevations like
the other races.

Genus MACHLOLOPHUS Cabanis, 1850.

This genus contains a group of rather large Titmouses with black
and yellow plumage, structurally close to the genus Parus but
with long pointed crests. Like Parus, however, the birds of this
genus have a broad ventral band and graduated tails.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Forehead bright yellow.
a. Paler and brighter, green of back
more yellow and less olive .... MM. spilonotus spilonotus, p. 89.
6. Darker, green of back more olive,
less yellow and with more black

IM PROPOELIOW! (ap thes. wu «oe oe ei0's M. s. subviridis, p. 90.
B. Forehead black.
c. Paler and brighter, tips of wing- [p. 90.
COVOLES: VOUO Wate ays) « xi spaiais< > <i M. wxanthogenys xanthogenys,
d. Darker and duller, tips of wing-
COVEREE WRITERS asic sce ces « M. x. aplonotus, p. 91.

(73) Machlolophus spilonotus spilonotus.
THe NorrHerN Brack-sporrep YELLOw-Tir.

Parus spilonotus Blyth, Cat. B. M. A.S., xvi, p. 445 (1849) (Hima-
layas, N. Cachar).
Machlolophus spilonotus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 54.

Vernacular names. Muchetink-pho (Lepcha).

90 PARID®.

Description. Forehead, lores, a broad supercilium, a nape-
patch, sides of the head and neck bright yellow; crown, crest, a
patch on either side the nape, chin, throat and a broad mesial line
down to the vent black; the longer feathers of the crest tipped
with yellow ; sides of the breast yellow; remainder of the lower
plumage olive-yellow, purer next the black band; under tail-
coverts mixed grey and white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries
yellowish white; back and scapulars yellow, each feather laterally
margined with yellow; rump yellowish green ; upper tail-coverts
dark bluish grey; tail black, broadly edged with bluish grey and
tipped with white, the outer web of the outermost feather entirely
white; lesser wing-coverts black, tipped with bluish grey; median
and greater coverts and inner secondaries black with broad white
tips; primaries white at base, the outer ones edged with white,
the others and the outer secondaries edged with bluish grey and
the latter narrowly tipped white.

Colours of soft parts. Irides brown or red-brown; legs and
feet bluish plumbeous or dark blue-slate ; bill black.

Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 72 to 78 mm.
tail about 58 mm.; tarsus about 22 mm.; culmen about 10 to
11 mm.

The young have no black margins to the feathers of the back
and the throat, breast and ventral band are tinged with green.

Distribution. Nepal to Miri Hills north of the Brahmaputra,
hills south of Brahmaputra to Looshai and Lakhimpur and
? Chin Hills.

Nidification. Breeds very commonly in the Khasia Hills in
April, May and June, a few birds nesting both earlier and later.
The eggs are laid in holes of trees, stone walls and, very rarely,
banks. The nest is a pad of moss, grass and bits of bracken
mixed with fur, wool or hair and with a layer entirely composed
of the three latter on the top. The eggs number from four to six
and are white boldly spotted, blotched and speckled with hght
reddish brown with a few underlying of pale neutral tint or grey.

The average of 100 eggs is 17°6X14:1 mm. Like most Tits
these birds are very close and fearless sitters, often allowing
themselves to be caught on the nest rather than leave their eggs
or young.

Habits. North of the Brahmaputra this fine Tit is confined
to elevations of 5,000 feet upwards but in the Khasia Hills,
Manipur, etc., it is common at 4,000 feet and descends in winter
even lower. It may be found either in small parties of halt-a-
dozen or so, or in pairs. It is a bold familiar bird entering
compounds freely and with little fear of watchers. Less restless
than the Grey-Tits it is still an active, energetic bird and when
hunting for insects assumes the same curious attitudes. It is a
much stronger flier than the Grey-Tits and keeps more exclusively
to the higher trees but I have seen it hunting low down in
Mimosa trees when they are in flower.

MACHLOLOPHUS. 9]

It is an early riser and its loud “ Did-he-do-it Did-he-do-it
No, he didn’t” may be heard soon after dawn breaks. This call
is generally uttered from the top of some tree, especially the first
thing in the morning.

(74) Machlolophus spilonotus subviridis.

Tus Burmese Bracx-spotrep YELLow Tir.

Parus subviridis Vickell (Blyth), J. A.S.B., vol. xxiv, p. 265 (1855)
(Tenasserim ).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This is a darker bird than the last, the green of
the back and flanks more olive and the extent of the black greater
both above and on the median ventral line.

Measurements etc. as in the last bird.

Distribution. Burma, Siam, Shan States and south to Tenas-
serim, where it was obtained on Mt. Muleyit.

Nidification. Similar to the last. The eggs measure about
18°5 x 18°5 mm. (Mackenzie).

Habits. Is apparently found down as low as 3,000 feet but
generally keeps more or less to the pine forest region of about
4,500 to 6,000 feet.

(75) Machlolophus xanthogenys xanthogenys.
Tue Norrtern YELLOW-CHEEKED Tir.

Parus xanthogenys Vigors, P.Z.S., i, p. 23 (1831) (Himalayas).
Machlolophus vanthogenys. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 59.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Lores, forehead, crown, crest, sides of the nape,
a bar on the side of the neck, a broad streak behind the eye, chin,
throat, centre of the breast anda broad band down the middle of
the abdomen black, the longer feathers of the crest tipped with
yellow ; a distinct supercilium over the eye anc ear-coverts, a nape-
patch, the cheeks, ear-coverts, sides of the breast and of the upper
abdomen bright yellow; remainder of the lower surface olive-
yellow: under tail-coverts white; back and rump olive-green,
upper tail-coverts slaty; scapulars and lesser wing-coverts black,
broadly edged with olive-green; the other coverts black tipped
yellow ; primary coverts dark brown; primaries white at base,
and the outer ones edged with white below the emarginations ;
outer secondaries edged with bluish and tipped with white, the
inner secondaries with still broader white tips; tail dark brown
suffused with ashy-blue on the outer webs, all the feathers tipped
with white and the outer web of the outermost pair entirely white.

92 PARIDE.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep brown; bill black; legs and
feet clear light slaty blue or lavender-blue.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 69 to 73 mm. ;
tail about 58 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 10 mm.

The young differ from the adult in having the black mostly

replaced with greenish brown and the crown the same colour as
the back.

Distribution. Murree to Nepal and Sikkim. The many birds
recorded as wanthogenys from various places south of the
Himalayas are all the next bird as far as can be now ascertained.

Nidification. Similar to that of JL s. spilonotus. The average
of thirty eggs is 17°7 x 13:1 mm.

Habits. This Tit is found between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in~
summer and does not seem to work much lower in winter. In
its habits generally it differs little from the Black-spotted Yellow-
Tits. Its call, flight and feeding-habits are all described as
similar,

(76) Machlolophus xanthogenys aplonotus.
THE SourHERN YELLOW-CHEEKED Tr,

Parus aplonotus Blyth, J.A.S.B., xvi, p. 444 (1847) (Mts. of
Central India).
Machlolophus haplonotus. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 56.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the northern bird in having the
wing-coverts tipped with white instead of yellow and in having
the green and yellow portions of the plumage dull instead of
bright. In this bird also the line over the ear-coverts only
extends to the corner of the eye and not over it.

Colours of soft parts and measurements as in the Northern
Yellow-cheeked Tit. A careful examination of the big series in
the British Museum does not show that there is any difference in
size between the Northern and Southern races in spite of Oates’s
opinion to the contrary.

Distribution. Throughout the Peninsula of India South of a
line drawn from Abu to Paresnath in Chota Nagpur, up to
elevations of about 6,000 feet. This Tit does not appear to be
found East of Paresnath or West of Abu.

Nidification. Similar to that of the Northern race. The
average of thirty eggs is about 17-4x13°9 mm. They are not
distinguishable from those of the last bird. It is said to breed
from May to September.

Habits. Is found during the breeding season between 2,000
and 6,000 feet, wandering higher than this in the Nilgiris and
coming down to the level of the plains, especially in winter.
There is nothing special recorded about its habits.

EGITHALISCUS. 93

Genus AGITHALISCUS Cabanis, 1850.

The genus Ayithaliscus contains a group of very small Titmouses
with tails longer in proportion and more graduated than in Parus.
There is no crest but the feathers of the crown are very long and
full. There is no ventral band.

Key to Species.

A. Chin-white;throst black .5 0:2 .3s.28-... AE. concinnus, p. 98.
B. Chin and upper throat black ina <-shape 4’. bonvaloti, p. 96.
C. Chin and thruat broadly black .......... A, leucogenys, p. 97.
1), Chinvand throat all white >. 32. ..s25-.: AE. nivergularis, p. 98.
FE. Chin and throat with silver-white centre

and) mutescent SIGeS. = si. a2 sales -oeraee © M, cosehistos, p. 99.

Zgithaliscus concinnus Gould, 1855.

Our little Indian Tits hitherto known as erythrocephalus are
only a geographical race of the Chinese concinnus, moreover the
name itself cannot be used for this Tit as it is invalidated by
Linné’s Parus erythrocephalus, x. ed. p. 191 (1758), and I have
therefore had to give it a new subspecific name.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Broad supercilium white .,.......... .. 4. ¢. iredalet, p. 93.
B. Supercilium mixed black and white ..... . LL manipurensis,
C. Supercilium all black [p. 94.
a. Crown ochre; pectoral band dark and
wollideveloped! 2.0 5.)p.eeusewrs esses ME. c. talifuensis, p. 95.

b. Crown brownish buff; pectoral band paler 4, c. puichellus, p. 95.

(77) Mgithaliscus concinnus iredalei.
THe Rup-HEADED TIr,
Aygithaliscus coneinnus tredalet Stuart Baker, Bull. B.O.C., xli, p. 2
(1920) (Simla).
Aigithaliscus erythrocephalus. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 50.

Vernacular names. Pyiong-Samy? (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape chestnut ; a broad eye-
brow from the eye to the nape white; lores, round the eye, ear-
coverts, a band under the eyebrow and a large round patch on the
throat black; chin and a moustachial streak white ; remainder of
the lower plumage ferruginous, with a paler band across the
breast next to the black of the throat ; upper plumage and wing-
coverts bluish grey; primary wing-coverts and winglet dark
brown; quills brown, narrowly edged with bluish grey ; tail dark
brown suffused with bluish grey, the outer web of the outermost
feather white, the inner tipped with white ; the next two feathers
tipped with white.

94 PARIDE,

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; gape fleshy ; iris pale yellow
or creamy yellow; legs buffy yellow ; claws livid (Scully).

Measurements. Length about 110 mm.; wing about 48 to
52 mm.; tarsus about 13 mm.; culmen 6 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Chitral to the Mishmi Hills
over 5,000 feet, and in the Miri Hills, according to Stevens, over
4,000 feet.

Nidification. The breeding season of this little Tit commences
about the middle of March and continues throughout April and
May. The nest is a lovely little ball of moss, mixed with cob-
webs, lichen and seed-down and is thickly lined with soft feathers
or with feathers and seed-down mixed. About Simla it is often
placed at the end of a branch of a déodar, at other times in small
oaks and even in bushes and tangles of creeper. The eggs are a
very pale pink with aring of faint red freckles round the larger
end, but they vary from almost pure unmarked white to a
pink with a dense dark ring of reddish brown. 100 eggs average
13°88 x 10°57 mm. The clutch is from three to eight eggs. They
breed at heights from 6,000 to 10,000 feet or more.

Habits. The Red-headed Tit associates in small flocks, probably
merely family parties, frequenting both lofty trees and low bushes
and shrubs when hunting for food, which consists almost entirely
of insects. It is said, however, to also eat certain fruit and nuts.
It isas restless and energetic as the rest of the family, and keeps up
a constant rather shrill ** tweet” as it flits or scrambles from one
branch to another.

It appears to be a resident wherever found, moving up and
down very little with the change of seasons,

(78) Aigithaliscus concinnus manipurensis.
Hume’s Rep-Heapep Tir.

Agithaliscus manipurensis Hume, 8. F., xi, p. 254 (1888) (Manipur) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 51.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from tredalet in haying the eyebrow white
and black, instead of pure white ; the pale pectoral band next the
black throat very white and distinct and the lower plumage
chestnut, the portion next the pectoral band being brighter than
elsewhere.

Colours of soft parts. Male.—Legs and feet warm reddish
mahogany brown; claws darker; bill black; irides bright yel-
lowish white.

Female.—Legs and feet very pale orange-brown ; Dill black;
irides creamy white.

Measurements as in tredalei, perhaps averaging a trifle smaller;
several birds have the wing under 48 mm.

ZEGITHALISCUS. 95

Distribution. Hill ranges South of the Brahmaputra, Ma-
nipur, Looshai and the extreme northern ranges of the Chin
Hills.

Nidification. Its eggs have been taken by myself in Shillong,
and by Messrs. Hopwood, Mackenzie and others in the northern
Chin Hills, and many by Col. Tytler in the Naga Hills where it
is quite common.

Mr. Mackenzie describes the nest as like a small and beautiful
specimen of the Long-tailed Tit’s and remarks on its predilection
for brilliant feathers for use as a lining. The eggs are like those
of the Common Red-headed Tit and are nearly always three only
in number. They measure about 13:0 x 10°3 mm.

The breeding season seems to be May.

Habits. Similar to those of others of the genus. In the
Khasia Hills and Cachar it is found as low as 5,000 feet, but over
most of its range it keeps above 6,000 feet and ascends at least as
high as 9,000 feet.

(79) Aigithaliscus concinnus pulchellus.
THE Suan Rep-HEADED Ti7.

hyithaliscus pulchellus Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xi, p. 2 (1900)(Nanoi,
S. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Can be separated at once from Hume’s Red-headed
Tit by the wholly black supercilium, whilst from the next bird it
can be differentiated by the colour of the crown, which is brownish
buff rather than ochre.

Colours of soft parts and measurements as in manipurensis,

Distribution. Southern Shan States, Karenni. The limits of
the range of this subspecies are not yet known.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. Wardlaw Rainsay
got it in Karenni at 3,000 feet.

(80) Aigithaliscus concinnus talifuensis.*
Rippon’s Rep-HEADED T11.

Agithaliscus talifuensis Rippon, Bull. B. 0. C., xiv, p. 18 (1903)
(Gvi-dzin, N. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded,
Description. Similar to Hume’s Red-headed Tit but has the
crown ochraceous rather than chestnut ; the supercilium is black,

the plumage below is whiter, and the pectoral band darker,
though not so dark as in the Shan bird.

* This form is very doubtfully distinct from Ayithaliscus concinnus con-
cinnus, from China and Yunnan.

96 PARIDA,

The race is nearest to true 4. c. concinnus of China but is dis-
tinguished from that bird by the more chestnut flanks and sides.

Colour of soft parts as in zredalei.

Measurements. A rather bigger bird than the Common Red-
headed Tit. Total length about 115 mm.; wing 53 mm.; tail
53 mm.; tarsus about 14 mm.

Distribution. Mt. Talifu, W. Yunnan, 8.W. China and N. Shan
States as far west as the Irrawaddy.

Nidification. Harington, who took this Tit’s nest in the Shan
States, describes it as like that of the Long-tailed Tit—a ball of
moss lined with feathers and with an inner lining of seed-down,
placed ina raspberry bush within two feet of the ground. The
full clutch of eggs seems to be three only and they measure
about 13°5 x 10-9 mm.

Harington took the above nest in the end of April but Mr. F.
Grant found it breeding in March and early April.

Habits. This Tit seems to be obtained principally between 5,000
and 7,000 feet. Little has been so far recorded of its habits,
which doubtless do not differ from those of others of the genus.

AXgithaliscus bonvaloti.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Below white with ferruginous pectoral band.

Wing 56-61 mm -. ja. eines pie os bipse LE. b. bonvaloti, p. 96.
B. Below rufescent with brownish band. Wing
OO Ab ouminy Vi- ches arched iabeaerseriteia eee en rs oe AL. b. sharpet, p. 97.

~ (81) Aégithaliscus bonvaloti bonvaloti.
THE CHINESE BLACK-HEADED Tr.

githaliscus bonvaloti Oustalet, Ann. Sci. Nat. Zool., (7) Vol. 12,
p- 286 (1891) (Ta-tsien-lu).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Head black, a coronal streak white on the fore-
head and becoming chestnut-buff posteriorly; upper back dull
chestnut, fading into dull olive on back andrump; feathers of the
latter tipped with dull chestnut; chin and upper throat black,
somewhat mottled in the centre with white edges to the feathers ;
below white; a broken pectoral band, flanks, vent and under tail-
coverts sandy chestnut ; tail blackish brown, the outermost three
pairs of rectrices with terminal broad streaks of white; wings
brown, quills pale-edged and coverts tipped with olive.

Colours of soft parts. Not recorded.

Measurements. Total length about 110 mm.; wing 56 to 61 mm.;
tail 51 to 60 mm.

MGITHALISCUS, 97

Distribution. Western China, Yunnan and N.E. Shan States.
There are several specimens from the last place in the British
Museum Collection.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(52) Aigithaliscus bonvaloti sharpei.
THe Mr. Vicroria Buack-HEADED Trr.

Aygithaliscus sharpet Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xiv, p. 84 (1904) (Mt.
Victoria, Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the preceding bird, but is wholly rufés-
cept on breast and belly. The pectoral band is brownish and the
black on chin and on the throat is V-shaped.

Measurements. Wing 50 to 55 mm.; tail 48 to 51 mm.; “culmen
0-3", tarsus 0°65" ” (Sharpe).

Distribution. Higher mountains of the Chin Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond the fact
that it is found in forests on the mountains of the Mt. Victoria
chain at 5,000 feet and upwards.

(83) Aigithaliscus leucogenys.
Tan WHITE-CHEEKED Tir,

Orites leucogenys Moore, P. Z. 8., xxii, p. 139 (1855) (Afghanistan).
A:githaliscus leucogenys. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 51.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape pale reddish brown ;
lores, a very broad band through the eye to the nape, chin and
throat black; cheeks and ear-coverts white; upper plumage, a
band over the ear-coverts, wing-coverts and the edges of the wing-
feathers olive-grey ; winglet and primary-coverts dark brown;
tail brown, the outermost feather with the outer web white and
the inner tipped with white, the next feather obliquely, and the
one next to this again very narrowly tipped with white; lower
plumage reddish fawn, the portion immediately next the black
throat deep rusty red.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; iris pale creamy or white ;
feet pale orange, claws dusky or brown (Scully).

Measurements. Total length about 130 mm.; tail about
55 mm.; wing about 55 mm.; tarsus about 17 mm.; culmen
about 8 mm.

The young have the black chin and throat of the adult faintly
indicated only and the colours duller.

WOlLs Ls H

98 PARIDA,

Distribution. Garhwal, Simla Hills, into Kashmir and thence
into Afghanistan.

Nidification: Whitehead (Ibis, Jan. 1909) describes the nesting
of this species in the Kurram Valley, where it breeds freely in the
ilex scrub between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. The nest is like that of
the British Long-tailed Tit but smaller and less neat. It is made
of moss and cobwebs externally, then a little green grass and
finally a thick lining of feathers. The eggs seem to number from
five to eight and to be very like those of the Red-headed Tit and
measure 14-7 x 9°56 mm.

‘hey breed from the end of March to early May.

Habits. In summer the White-cheeked Tit is found between
5,000 or 6,000 and 12,000 feet, but in winter descends much lower
and down to some 2,000 feet. Whitehead obtained a specimen,
presumably after it had bred, at Safed Koh at 1,800 feet on the
20th July.

It goes about in parties of eight or nine in scrub-jungle, con-
tinually uttering its call-note, which Whitehead syllabifies as
‘‘ prit-t-t.” It is sometimes found in company with Grey Tits.

(84) Aigithaliscus niveogularis,
Tur WHIVE-THROATED TITY.

Orites niveogularis Moore, P.Z.S., xxii, p. 140 (1855) (North India).
Agithaliscus niveogularis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 52.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and front of crown, cheeks, chin, throat
and sides of neck white; lores and a very broad eye-band black ;
the two bands partially blending on the nape; ear-coverts hair-
brown slightly streaked with whitish ; hind crown and nape butfy
brown; upper plumage, wing-coverts and edges of the wing-
feathers ashy grey, all but the latter tinged with isabelline ; tail
brown, the outermost feather with the outer web white, the next
two white along the shaft and at the tip; lower plumage pinkish
buff, divided from the white of the throat by a broad brown
band.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dark slaty; legs reddish; irides pale
yellowish.

Measurements. Total length about 110 mm.; wing about
64 mm.; tail about 56 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen
about 8 mm.

Distribution. From Garhwal and Simla to Gilgit, Chitral and
Baluchistan, between 6,000 and 14,000 feet.

Nidification. The eggs of this bird were first taken by
Whymper in June 1905 at Dumdar, Garhwal and more recently
other nests by Messrs. B. B. Osmaston and P. Dodsworth. The

JEGITHALISCUS: 99

nests are described as being like that of the Red-headed Tit but
larger and densely lined with feathers. That first found by
Whymper was placed in the fork of a willow about 6 feet from
the ground and others as much as 30 feet from it, whilst
Osmaston’s was in the fork of a cherry-tree, both nest and tree
being covered with lichen. The eges appear to be four in number
and are like those of the Red-headed Tit’s but more spotted and
less zoned with the markings.

They breed from May to June at elevations of 11,000 feet
upwards.

Eggs sent me by Dodsworth from above Simla measure about
14:0 10°5 mm. These were taken from nests in small oaks.

Habits. Osmaston found this bird common in the Tons Valley,
and Whymper equally so in Garhwal at elevations of some 11,000
or 12,000 feet. It seems to haunt both thick and sparse forest
equally, and to go about in little parties like the rest of its tribe.

Whitehead likens its note to the “ Wi” of the Goldfinch.

(89) Aégithaliscus ioschistos.
Tue RvrFous-rRonrep Trt.

Parus woschistos Todgs., J. A. 8. B., xiii, p. 943 (1844) (Nepal),
Agithaliscus toschistus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 52.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, a broad band on the middle of the head,
the sides of the neck and a broad collar on the upper back fawn-
colour; lores, under the eye, and a broad band on the side of the
crown extending to the upper back and there blending with the
band on the other side, black; ear-coverts blackish in front,
rufous behind; upper plumage, wing-coverts and the edges to
the wings and tail ashy olive; primary-coverts and winglet dark
brown ; tail brown, the outer web of the outermost feather white,
the next two with some white at the tip; chin and throat silvery
white, with the black bases of the feathers showing through ; the
chin and a stripe under the cheek blacker than the other parts ;
cheeks and entire lower plumage dark ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; legs yellow-brown +a Ins
brown (Jerdon); iris yellow (Blanford).

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; tail about 55 mm.;
wing about 60 mm.; culmen about 7 nm.; tarsus about 17 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Nidification and Habits. Very little on record. Blanford
found it in Sikkim at 9,000 feet and upwards, and believed that
it kept only to the pine-forests.

rw.

100 PARID®.

Genus REMIZ Stejn., 1886.

This genus contains a group of small birds generally known as
Penduline Tits, extending from South and East Europe to China.

They are all small in size, have square tails, no erests, and have
no green on the upper plumage.

They are more or less migratory in their habits and only enter
India as rather rare winter visitors.

(86) Remiz coronatus.
Tur Penputine Tr,

Agithalus coronatus Severtz., Izv. Obsck. Moskov, viii, p. 136 (1873)
(Chodynt, Syr Daria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Crown white, varying considerably in extent and
the hinder part much marked with black; forehead, lores, sides
of crown, cheeks and ear-coverts black, running round the nape as
a broad band ; chin, throat and neck white, forming a collar below
the black band; back dark rufous, paling to dull fulvous on the
lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts; tail blackish brown,
most of the outer webs and edges of inner webs white; lesser and
median wing-coverts like the back but duller; greater coverts
blackish suffused with deep chestnut and with broad tips of pale
rufous-cream ; quills blackish brown edged with white. Below
white, suffused with vinous or rufous on breast and flanks ; under
tail-coverts white.

Measurements. Length about 105 mm.; wing 52 to 55 mm. ; tail
about 42 to 45 mm.; culmen 5 to 6mm.; tarsus about 12 mm.

Distribution. Transcaspia, West Turkestan, to East Persia,
Baluchistan and extreme N.W. India. It has been recorded from
Sukkur in Sind (7. R&R. Bell), Lachi and Kohat (Whitchead &
Magrath) and Jhelum (H. Whistler).

Nidification. This little Tit makes a wonderful retort-shaped
nest of vegetable wool and down lined with the softest seed-down
and with an entrance near the top. It is fastened to the end of
a branch of a tree.

The eggs, four or five in number, are white faintly marked
with reddish specks. Four eggs in my collection measure about
14:3x11-0mm. The birds are said to breed during Mavand June.

Habits. Apparently very similar to those of the Long-tailed
Tit. In Sukkur, Bell found them in small parties in well-watered,
dense tamarisk-acacia jungles but in Kohat they were noticed
in flocks numbering as many as forty. Here they were seen
frequenting Shisham-trees and also orchards and ecamel-thorn
scrub. The call-note is said to resemble that of the White-eye
(Zosterops) and to be constantly uttered as they hunt about for
insects, their principal food, though they will also eat seeds and
fruit, as do most other Tits.

MBELANOCHLORA. 101

Genus MELANOCHLORA Lesson, 1839.

This genus was placed by Oates amongst his Liotrichine, with
which, however, it appears to have nothing in common. It is
undoubtedly, a very aberrant form of Titmouse and might possibly
be well placed in a Family or Sub-family by itself. The wing is
long and pointed and the nostrils are slightly exposed, both
features unlike any other of the Paridw. .On the other hand
bill, feet, habits and nidification all point strongly to its affinity
with these birds.

There is only one species extending from Nepal to the Malay
Peninsula.

Melanochlora sultanea.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Yellow very brilliant and strong; rather

TREO CTamIOME TIN oe No och, S ce tee ose ahs M. s. sultanea, p. 101.
B. Yellow paler and less bright; rather
Siig Were geist. Oy ha yidenesns M., s. flavocristata, p. 102.

+ (87) Melanochlora sultanea sultanea.
THe Inpran Sutran Tir,

Parus sultaneus Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1836, p. 31 (Nepal).
Melanochlora sultanea. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 241.

Vernacular names. Bon-tylia-pho (Lepcha) ; Dao-rajah-gatang-
lili (Cachar1).

Description. Adult male——Forehead, crown and crest brilliant
yellow; the rest of the head, whole upper plumage, wings and
breast deep black, with a metallic lustre on wings and back; tail
the same with outermost feathers tipped with white; remainder
of lower plumage deep bright yellow, the thighs mixed with some
white. :

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; mouth dark fleshy ; eyelids
plumbeous; irides dark brown or red-brown; legs dark slaty,
claws dark horny.

Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 110-5 to

115mm.; tail about 85 to95mm.; tarsus about 24 mm.; culmen
about 17 mm.

Adult female and young. The black of the male is replaced
with greenish brown, the yellow is paler and duller, and the chin
and throat are yellowish brown.

Distribution. The Lower Himalayas from Nepal, through Assam,
North and South of the Brahmaputra to the Kachin and Shan
Hills and to Arrakan. Birds from Karenni and North Siam
are of this race.

102 PARIDE.

Nidification. A nest taken by me in N. Cachar on the
17th May, 1890, was similar to that of a Titmouse, a pad of moss
with dense lining of cotton-down, placed in a crevice in a big
bough of an oak. The eggs, seven in number, are like those of a
Machlolophus and measure about 19°2x15°3 mm. They were
on the point of hatching.

Habits. The Sultan Tit goes about in small flocks of half-a-
dozen or so very much like the birds of the genus Machlolophus
and have the same manner of searching for insects in the branches
of trees, but their actions are somewhat slower and more deliberate.
They eat both insects and fruit and seeds, principally the first-
named, and their call is a loud, rather shrill note bearing a
resemblance to the note of the Great Tit.

They are low-level birds, being found principally at and below
2,000 feet, though they ascend sometimes as high as 4,000 feet.
They may be found both in evergreen and deciduous forest,
preferring the former, and they also frequent bamboo-jungle and
scrub and secondary growth. They are not shy birds.

(88) Melanochlora sultanea flavocristata.
Tse Matay Surtran Trt.

Parus flavocristatus Lafres., Mag. de Zool., Cl. 2, p. 80 (1837) (Iles
de la Sonde).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last but with the yellow paler and
less rich.

Measurements. Rather smaller than true swlianea with a wing
under 110 mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Siam and Burma to Sumatra.

Nidification unknown.

PARADOXORNITHID#. 103

Family PARADOXORNITHID.

When Blanford and Oates wrote the ‘Avifauna of British
India’ very little had been recorded about the habits and nidifi-
cation of this group of birds and it was, perhaps, on account of
this that they were placed by them as a Sub-family of the Corvide.
When Harington in 1914 wrote his “ Zimeliides” in the Journal
of the Bombay Natural History Society, he incorporated the
Paradoxornithide in this so-called Order. I can, however, see no
reason for raising the Zimaliide to the rank of an Order, and
though it appears that in many respects these curious birds do
form alink between the Titmouses and Babblers, it appears prefer-
able to give them the rank of a family between the two.

The genus Panurus is undoubtedly a close relation of some of
our Indian Parrot-Bills, and will have to be incorporated in the
same family.

The Paradowornithide differ from the Paride in having a much
longer first primary, the plumage very soft and lax, and in having
a thici, soft crest of feathers arising from the whole crown.
From the Timaliide they differ in having the nostrils completely
covered with bristles.

They are very gregarious in their habits and build cup-shaped
nests in reeds, bushes, ete., whilst their eggs are of several types.
The bill is very deep, being greater in depth than length in all
but Conostoma. The culmen is very rounded transversely and the
margins of the mandible in most species are curiously sinuate.

Key to Genera.
A. Tail longer than the wing.
a. Tail less graduated ; utero pair of
feathers fully 3 4 length OE TAU sig eae Conostoma, p. 1035.
6. Tail more oraduated ; outermost pair of
feathers not more hee! 2 length of tail.
a’. Height of bill more haat length.

Commissure ereatly curved ........ PARADOXORNIS, p. 105.
6’. Height of bill less than length.
Commissure ver y slightly curved . SurHora, p. 107.
B. Tail no longer, or shorter, “than wing.
ce. Wing well over 3 inches or 76mm. -..... PSITTIPARUS, p. 116,
d. Wing well under 3 inches or76mm..... NrosurHora, p. 115,

Genus CONOSTOMA Hodgson, 1841.

The genus Conostoma contains only one species, the largest
member of the family. Itis characterized by a tail ionger than the
wing, but with the feathers considerably Jess graduated than in
the following genera. The bill is proportionately much longer.

104 PARADOXORNITHID®.

(89) Conostoma semodium.
Tur Great Parrot-Bitu.

Conostoma emodius Hodgs., J. A.S. B., x, p. 857 (1841) (Nepal).
Conostoma emodium. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 61.

Vernacular names. The Red-billed Jay-Thrush (Jerdon); The
Red-tilled Crow-Trt (Oates); Lho-ranaio-pho (Lepeha).

Description. Lores and feathers in front of the eye dark
brown; forehead greyish white ; upper plumage olive-brown with
a rufous tinge; outer edges of primaries ashy ; of the secondaries
rufous, their tips and the whole of the innermost secondaries
ashy; tail ashy grey, more or less washed-.with rufous along the
middle of the feathers; chin, throat, and sides of the head brown, .
with a vinous tinge, becoming paler on the rest of the lower
plumage.

Fig. 21.—Head of C. emodium.

Colours of soft parts. Bill horny or dull orange; legs pale to
plumbeous or slate-grey ; iris brown.

Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing about 130 to
133 1nm.; tailabout 140 mm.; tarsus about 37 mm.; culmen about
20 mm. and from gape 25 mm.

Distribution. From Nepal, through Sikkim and the higher
ranges of hills of North Assam into Tibet and W. China.

Nidification. Breeds in Sikkim in May. Hume describes the
nests as shallow, almost hemispheral cups very compactly made of
grass and lined with the finest grass-stems. A nest sent to me
was similar but deeper in shape, measuring about 130mm. in
breadth and about 105mm. in external depth. All the nests
were placed in clumps of ringal bamboo at elevations of over
10,000 feet, except one sent me which had been built in high
reeds.

The egg is a dull white sparsely spotted, speckled and smudged
with yellowish brown and inky purple. The only two eggs known
both measure about 27°8 x 20-4 mm.

Habits. The Great Parrot-Bill is a bird of very high elevations
breeding between 10,000 and 12,000 and descending in winter

PARADOXORNIS. 105

some 4,000 feet lower. It is found in small companies, scrambling
and climbing about bamboos, reeds and high grass, hunting for
insects, on which it chiefly feeds. Its flight is weak and fluttering
and its call is a loud bleat.

Genus PARADOXORNIS Gould, 1836.

The genus Paradoxornis, as restricted by Oates, contains only
three species, two of which are found in India and Burma and
a third heudet in Eastern China. Paradowornis differs from
Conostoma in having the feathers of the tail more graduated and
the bill shorter and much deeper. The cutting-edge of the upper
mandible has a deep sigmoid curve with a corresponding sinuation
in the lower. The plumage is very lax and full, the wing short
and rounded, the 4th, 5th, and 6th quills being subequal.

Key to Species.
A. Throat barred black and white, bordered

belowewathia black band ...3¢5...2:4.-- P. flavirostris, p. 105.
5B. Throat pale fulvous with black arrow-head
marines andno band i: .........5.22.: P. guttaticollis, p. 106.

Fig. 22.—Head of P. flavirostris.

(90) Paradoxornis flavirostris.
Goutp’s Parrot-BiLh

Paradoxornis flavivostris Gould, P.Z.8., iv, p. 17 (1836) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 62.

Vernacular names. Dao mougasha gadeba (Cachari); But-but
Sorat (Plains Miri).

Description. Forehead, nape, sides of neck and hinder parts of
ear-coverts dull chestnut ; lores black; feathers round the eye
and a patch under it w hite, the bases of the feathers more or less
black ; anterior two-thirds of ear-coverts and the point of the chin
black ; cheeks and chin white barred with black; throat black;
upper plumage fulvous-brown, rufous on the tail and visible por-
tion of wings ; lower plumage fulvous.

106 PARA DOXORNITHID &.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red or red-brown; bill wax-
yellow to bright yellow ; legs clear slate or plumbeous grey.

Measurements. Length about 180mm.; wing about 85to 90 mm.;.

tail about 100 to 110 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about
12 mm.

Distribution. From Nepal to the Chin Hills and the hills south

of the Brahmaputra from the foothills up to 5,000 or even
7,000 feet.

Nidification. This Parrot-Bill breeds in April and May and the
early part of June, making a very compact, deep nest of soft
grasses, a few shreds of bamboo-leaves and the bark of reeds, well
coated over with cobwebs and lined with fine egrass-stems. It is
placed either in reeds, bamboo clumps or in bushes, low down and
generally well concealed but sometimes quite exposed. The eggs
are normally only two in number, sometimes three. They are
pure white in ground-colour, very sparsely speckled and spotted
with tiny pinky-brown marks. Occasionally eggs are found which
are more like those of Psittiparus, but such are very rare.
Thirty-five eges average 21:9 x 16°2 mm.

Habits. Gould’s Parrot-Bill is found from the level of the plains
of North Assain up to 7,500 feet in the Naga Hills, at whieh eleva-
tion Col. Tytler repeatedly took its nest. It is a shy, retiring
bird, the flocks in the cold weather skulking about in grass and
reeds, clirnbing with considerable agility but very loath fo fly and
then usually only fluttering away into thicker cover a few yards
distant. When unaware that they are being watched they are in
the habit of fluttering a few feet into the air above the reeds or
bushes uttering a loud chirrup as they rise. They have the same
bleating or mewing ery which seems to be common to the family.
Although principally insect-feeders they also eat seeds and berries.
Stevens refers to the curious snapping sounds made by these birds
with their bills when feeding.

(91) Paradoxornis gcuttaticollis.

AvstEen’s Parrot-Bitt.

Paradoxornis guttaticollis David, Nouv. Arch. Mus., vii, p. 14 (1871)
(Szechuen, W. China); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 62.

Vernacular names. Dao mougasha gadeba (Cachari).

Description. Differs from flavirostris in having the cheeks, chin,
throat and upper part of the breast pale fulvous w hite, with
numerous delicate arrowhead-shaped marks of black, and the
remainder of the lower plumage of the same colour but without
the marks; the head and crest of a paler chestnut; the bill about
half the size and the legs much feebler.

>

SUTHORA. 107

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown ;_ bill wax-
yellow; legs and feet slaty-grey or plumbeous tinted with blue or
green ; ‘legs and claws green” (Cockburn).

Measurements. Rather smaller than the last; tail about
100 mm. ; wing 80 to 85 mm.; culmen about 8 to9 mm.; tarsus
about 26 mm.

Distribution. Hills south of Brahmaputra, N. Lakhimpur,
hills of N. Burma, Shan States into western China.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but probably never
breeds below 3,000 feet and seldom under 4,000 feet. The eggs
also are indistinguishable and the average of 34 is 22°2 x 16-4 mm.

Habits. Tne same as those of flavirostris, but whereas that
bird is most common at low levels this is found at much higher
levels and never, so far as has been recorded, in the plains or
foot-hills.

Genus SUTHORA Hodgson, 1838.

The genus Suthora is one which has been much split up
by some Ornithologists. Harington accepted Heteromorpha,
Chleuasicus, Suthora and Neosuthora as good genera. Whilst,
however, the last named is sh arply divided from “the others by its
very short tail, I can find no generic differences between the three
first and retain them all under Suthora.

The characteristics of the genus are the short, thick bill, a trifle
longer than deep, the culmen strongly curved but with the com-
missure almost straight. The nostrils are very small, circular,
and completely concealed by plumules. The sixth primary is a
little longer than the fifth and seventh or subequal. he tail-
feathers are long and narrow and greatly graduated, the outer
being about half the length of the central. The plumage is soft
and full and there is a short thick crest.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. A well-defined supercilium of black
or brown.
a. Whele upper plumage olive-brown. SS. wnicolor, p. 108.
4, Crown ashy-brown, remaining upper
plumage orange-brown ........ S. nepalensis, p. 109.
ce. Crown and upper parts all orange-
brown.
a’, Kar-coyerts slaty blue-grey.
a'', Breast and abdomen pale grey 8S. poldotis poliotis, p. 109.
6. Breast and abdomen orange-
fulvOUs) ee ae e oem ss fe S. p. rippont, p. 111.
b', Ear-coverts orange-chestnut .. S. p. hum, p. 110.

108 PARADOXORNITHIDE.

B. Supercilium obsolete or entirely ab-

sent.
d. Crown and upper plumage orange-
brown.
ce’. Ear-coverts slaty grey, breast
fulViOus i. pam ey eran aire S.p. fee, p: TV:
d', Kar-coverts brown, breast orange-
fol VOUS Pevsner kee eee oheet S. gularis craddocki, p. 111.
e. Crown chestnut-brown, back olive-
DROW) aeicreicts cin <ts craneeeeens S. webliana brunnea, p. 112.
Ff. Centre of crown fulvous, back olive-
WellOW ceria tao <i ee Noe Se S. fulvifrons, p. 113.
g. Crown bright chestnut, back rufous-
brown.
e'’. No supercilium at all ........ S. ruficeps ruficeps, p. 114.
f'. A short black — supercilium
directly: over eye..... 20.0.6 S. 1. atrisuperciliarts, p, 114.

(92) Suthora unicolor.
Tue Brown SutTHoRA.

Heteromorpha unicolor Hodgs., Ind. Rev., ii, p. 52 (1858) (Nepal).
Suthoraunicolor. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 64.
Vernacular names. Lho-rammnio-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest brown tinged with rufous:
lores and supercilia reaching to the nape black; chin and sides of

Fig. 23.—Head of S. wnicolor.

the head vinous brown; throat and sides of the neck greyish
brown; upper plumage olive-brown, strongly tinged with rufous
on the tail and visible portions of wings; breast and lower
plumage dull fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hoary grey to brown (? juy.); bill
fleshy yellow to orange-yellow; legs and feet pale slaty tinged with
erey or green.

Measurements. Total length about 200mm.; wing 80 to 85mm. ;
tail about 102 to 107 mm.; culmen 10 mm.; tarsus about 30mm.

SUTHORA. 109:

Distribution. The higher regions of Nepal and Sikkim ; Jerdon
obtained it at 10,000 feet near Darjeeling and Blanford in the
Lachung Valley between 7,000 and 8,000 feet elevation. It extends
‘to the mountains which lie between China and Tibet.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(93) Suthora nepalensis,
Tur ASHY-EARED SuTHORA.

Suthora nepalensis Hodgs., Ind. Rev., ii, p. 82 (1838) (Nepal); Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 65.

Vernacular names. Suthora (Nepal).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape smoky grey; a very
broad black supercilium from forehead to nape; lores, round the
eye, and a short broad eyebrow white; remainder of the side of
the head slaty blue; upper plumage and wing-coverts orange-
brown; primary-coverts black ; primaries with hoary outer webs,
tinged with chestnut at base; the outer quills chiefly chestnut on the
outer webs and tipped with white on both webs; tail chestnut
broadly tipped with blackish ; point of the chin black ; throat rusty,
with black bars showing through ; lower plumage orange-fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Not recorded.

Measurements. Total length about 110mm.; wing 47 to 49mm.;
tail about 55 to 58 mm.; tarsus about 16 to 16°5 mm.; culmen
about 5 mm.

Distribution. Nepal only.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing known.

(94) Suthora poliotis poliotis.
Buyta’s SurwHora.

Suthora polotis Blyth, J. A.S.B., xx, p. 522 (1851) (Cherrapanji,
Khasia Hills); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 65.

Vernacular names. Dao mougasha kashiba (Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage bright orange-brown; a broad
black supercilium extending to the nape and a narrow white line
below it; lores, cheeks and under the eye white ; ear-coverts and
sides of the neck slaty-blue ; a streak of fulvous behind the eye
and over the front part of the ear-coverts; chin and throat
black; lower plumage bluish grey, becoming whitish on the
abdomen and under tail-coverts ; primary-coverts black ; primaries
with hoary outer webs, tinged with chestnut at the base; the
outer quills chiefly chestnut on the outer webs and tipped with
white; tail chestnut broadly tipped with blackish.

110 PARA DOXORNITHID#.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; legs slate-grey or bluish
slaty ; bill fleshy yellow.

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; wing 44 to 46 mm.; °
tail about 52 mm.; culmen about 5 mm.

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra from the Khasia
Hills to the Eastern Naga Hills.

Nidification. This little bird breeds in the Khasia and
N. Cachar Hills in May and June, making a very neat little,
cup-shaped nest of fine grasses and shreds of bamboo-leaves
well fastened together with cobwebs and lined with the finest
grass-stems. It is placed low down in thick bushes or tangles of
creepers, both in scrub jungle and evergreen forest. The eggs
are generally three in number and are of a rather deep hedge-
sparrow’s egg-blue, unspotted. In shape they are rather broad
ovals with the smaller end broad and blunt. Twenty eggs average
1a: 7 x19 mm.

Habits. Blyth’s Suthora seems to be found at elevations
between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, wandering about in small flocks
in the denser undergrowth in evergreen forest or, less often, in
scrub and secondary growth. They are great skulkers and very
hard to get a shot at as they climb and scramble through the
lower parts of the bushes, only showing themselves for a second
or two as they feebly flit from one bush to another. Their call-
note is a very plaintive little bleat, constantly uttered by each
member of the flock, and they also have a variety of low cheeps
and ‘‘chirrs.” They feed both on insects and grass-seeds, etc.

Helimayr (‘Genera Avium,’ p. 73) considers daflaensis separable
from true poliotis in that it has the feathers of the chin and
throat with longer white fringes than has the latter bird. I
cannot separate the two races with the material available.

(95) Suthora poliotis humii.
Tun BLACK-FRONTED SuTHORA.
Suthora humit Sharpe, Cat. B. M., vii, p. 487 (1883) (Darjeeling) ;
DBlanf. & Oates, i, p. 64.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to S. p. poliotis, but has the ear-coverts
orange-chestnut and the flanks and vent orange-fulvous.

Colours of soft parts as in poliotis.

Measurements. Wing trom 46 to 48 mm.

Distribution. Native Sikkim extending to the hills about
Darjeeling.

Nidification unknown.

Habits similar to those of poltotis.

SUTHORA, bhatt

(96) Suthora poliotis fee.

SALVADORI’S SUTHORA. 2
Suthora fee Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civic. Genova, vii, p. 364 (1889)
(Karenni) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 66 (footnote).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to S. p. poliotis, but with flanks and vent
bright pale fulvous and no black supercilium.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in Blyth’s Suthora.

Distribution. So far only obtained in Karenni and Fort
Stedman.

Nidification. A nest sent to me from near Fort Stedman, with
both parents, was made entirely of shreds of fine grass, coated
with cobwebs and lined with fine grass-stems. It was cup-shaped
and had been placed low down in matted reeds and grass. ‘Uhe
two blue eggs measure 15°3 x 12°5 and 16-0 x 12°5 mm.

Habits. Nothing recorded, and the only known specimens are
Salvadori’s type and those sent me from Fort Stedman by Col.
H. H. Harington.

(97) Suthora poliotis ripponi,
Ktipron’s Suruora.
Suthora rippont Sharpe, Bull. B.O.C., xv, p. 96 (1905) (Mt. Victoria,
Chin Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to S. p. poliotis, but has the breast and
abdomen orange-grey and the ear-coverts a distinctly paler grey.

Colours of soft parts as in poliotis.

Measurements. Total length about 110 mm.; wing about
48 mim.; tail about 56 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.

Distribution. Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(98) Suthora gularis craddocki.
BineHam’s Surmonra.

Suthora craddocki Bingham, Bull. B.O.C., xiii, p- 04 (1903) (Loi-
Pang-Nan, Shan States).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. ‘‘ Forehead, crown, nape, back, rump, and upper
tail-coverts orange-brown, shaded on the back and nape with

112 PARA DOXORNITHID &%.

olive-brown; the primaries edged externally with white, the
secondaries and tertiaries broadly edged with bright orange-
brown; the primary-coverts brown, forming a conspicuous patch
on the upper portion of the wing; tail brown, the outer edges of
the feathers bright rufous-brown for three-fourths of their length
from the base; lores, cheeks and a long supercilium white; the
white of the cheeks extending on to the sides of the neck; ear-
coverts brown ; chin and throat black, shading into grey on the
upper breast; abdomen and under tail-coverts bright orange-
brown.

‘‘Upper mandible horny, lower fleshy-yellow ; legs and feet
fleshy-brown. Length about 4’ (100 mm.), wing 1:8” (45 mm.),
tail 1-9 (48 mm.), bill 0°3” (7 mm.), tarsus 0-9” (22°8 mm.).”
(Bingham. )

Bingham’s Suthora is only a race of gularis (verreauai Sharpe,
Cat. B.M.), differing from that bird in having the abdomen and
under tail-coverts orange-brown instead of white.

Distribution. Mekong water-shed, Kentung State, Shan Hills.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Mhis little Suthora is evidently a bird of very high
elevations, only having been found by Bingham at 8,500 feet.

(99) Suthora webbiana brunnea.
ANDERSON’S SUTHORA.

Suthora brunnea Anderson, P.Z.8., 1871, p. 211 (Yunnan); Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 68, footnote.

Vernacular names. None recorded,

Description. The whole head and neck all round with the
breast chestnut-brown, suffused with vinaceous below: the upper
plumage, wing-coverts, tail and exposed parts of closed wing
olive-brown ; lower plumage yellowish brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red; bill yellow horny, pale
except on the culmen ; legs greenish plumbeous or slaty brown.

Measurements. Total length about 125 to 130mm.; wing 51 to
54 mm.; tail about 60 to 65 mm.; tarsus about 20mm.; culmen
about 7 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan and the Kachin Hills from Bhamo east-
wards.

Nidification. This bird has been found breeding commonly in
Sinlum-Kaba, Bhamo District, at an elevation of some 6,000 feet.
Harington describes the nest as “a rather deep cup-shaped
structure composed of bamboo-leaves and coarse blades of grass,

SUTHORA. Niles

lined with finer grass and a few horse-hairs; measuring about
4" x 33" outside and 2x 2” inside.’ The nests were all
extremely well concealed and were only discovered by carefully
watching the birds. They were placed in clumps of reeds or
grass, or in thick bushes and tangles of creepers, in each case
quite low down, less than three feet from the ground.

The eggs number 2 to 4, the former number having been taken
much incubated, but 3 is the usual full clutch. In colour they
are a ratherdeep, unspotted hedge-sparrows’ egg-blue and in shape
broad ovals, very little compressed at the smaller end. Twenty-
four eggs average 16°3 x 12:8 mm.

The breeding season is from the end of April to early June.

Habits. Anderson’s Suthora keeps principally to reed and
grass cover, where they creep about but seldom fly. As they
hunt for insects they keep up a continuous twittering, and they
are more often heard than seen.

(100) Suthora fulvifrons fulvifrons.
THe FULYOUS-FRONTED SUTHORA.

Temnoris fulvifrons Hodgs., P, Z.S., xiii, p. 31 (1845) (Nepal).
Suthora fulvifrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 66.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. }'orehead, middle portion of the crown,a very short
supercilium, cheeks, chin, throat, breast, sides of the neck and the
under tail-coverts bright fulvous; a broad band from the lores
over the eye to the nape, the back, ramp and lesser wing-coverts
olive-yellow; upper tail-coverts fuivous; greater wing-coverts
edged with chestnut ; quills with the outer webs chestnut, hoary
on the basal halves of the primaries ; tail blackish, the outer webs
more or less bright chestnut except at the tips; abdomen deep
orey.

Colours of soft parts. Irides brown; bill pale fleshy yellow,
horny above; legs fleshy brown.

Measurements. Total Jength about 150 mm.; wing about
54 to56 mm.; tail about 66 mm.; culmen about 5mm.; tarsus
about 20 to 22 mm.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim.

Nidification and Habits. Practically nothing known. Masson
found it breeding on the Singlo Ridge about 8,500 feet, but failed
to find the nest. This was in May. It probably keeps to high
elevations and dense forest in which it is not easily observed.

VOL. I. I

114 PARADOXORNITHID®,

(101) Suthora ruficeps ruficeps.
THe Rep-HEADED SUTHORA.

Chieuasicus ruficeps Blyth, J. A.S.B., xiv, p. 578 (1845) (Sikkim).
Suthora ruficeps. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 67.

Vernacular names. Chongto-phep-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest to hind neck bright chestnut ;
sides of the head and neck paler; lower plumage white, tinged
with pink on the breast ; upper plumage rufous-brown, deeper on
the tail and exposed parts of the wings; shafts of chin-feathers
distinctly black.

Colours of soft parts. Bill creamy or fleshy white or pale
horny; legs greenish plumbeous ; iris bright red-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 150 mm.; wing 75 to78 mm. ;
tail about 80 mm.; tarsus about 23°5 mm.; culmen about 7°5 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim only.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. A very rare bird found in Sikkim at 7,000 feet upwards.
The habits are probably much the same as those of the next bird.

(102) Suthora ruficeps atrosuperciliaris.
Tur BLack-BROWED SUTHORA.
Chleuasicus ruficeps var. atrosuperciharis Godw.-Aust., P. A.S. Beng.,

1877, p. 147 (Sadiya, Assam).
Suthora atrisuperciliaris, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 67.

Vernacular names. Dao-mougasha (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the last bird in being darker and more
richly coloured everywhere and in having a well-defined black
eyebrow.

Colours of soft parts. Maxilla fleshy, the culmen and base a
little darker and becoming bluish next the forehead, lower mandible
pale fleshy, the gonys almost white; irides hght bright brown;
legs pale, clear bluish plumbeous, claws paler still.

Measurements. Total length 145 tol50mm.; wing 57to59mm.;
tail about 99 mm.; culmen about 10 mm. and from gape about
12 mm.

Distribution. From Cachar té Lakhimpur in Assam, sonth of
the Brahmaputra and east of the Dibong in the Abor and Miri
Hills, north of the same river and thence eastwards to Yunnan
through the Shan States. Godwin-Austen’s birds trom Baladhan
were undoubtedly of this and not the iast race.

Nidification. The only nest I have seen of this bird was an
exact miniature of those of Puradowornis and Psittiparus. Out-
wardly it measured 2°5" x 3” deep and inwardly 2" x2". It was
composed of fine shreds of grass and reed-bark with a lining of

PLATE I:

BIRDS. VOL.I.

SUTHORA R. ATROSUPERCILIARIS.

The Black—browed Suthora.

3 life size.

NEOSUTHORA. IAS

the finest grasses but, under these, were a few scraps of bamboo
leaves. It was bound together with cobwebs and placed in a
bamboo clump growing on a grass-covered hillside.

The single egg contained in the nest was a pale hedge-sparrow
blue and measured 19-5152 mm. A nest with three eges taken
by a Naga were similar but the latter measured only about
18°4 x 13°6 mm.

Habits. An inveterate little skulker in long grass and scrub-
jungle, never taking to flight unless actually forced, but creeping
in and out low down and out of sight, though its constant
twittering may be heard the whole time. They go about in large
parties emberins a dozen or more and, when ‘they think they
are not being watched, every now and then one climbs to a tall
erass, chirps ‘loudly and immediately descends again. They con-
sort frequently with both Psittiparus ruficeps and Paradoxornis
and it is very curious to watch these three Red-heads in company.

The Black-browed Suthora is found in winter practically in
the plains and in summer breeds between 2,000 and 4,500 feet.
I found in the stomachs of those examined by me small grass-
hoppers, Coleoptera, and a few hard seeds.

Genus NEOSUTHORA Hellmayr, 1911.

This genus differs from Suthora in having the tail less graduated
and much shorter, not more than three-fourths the length of the
wing ; the bill is larger and much deeper in proportion ; ‘he wing is
still more rounded, ae 4th to the 7th being subequal. It cua
but one species, Neasaihor a davidiana, of.which a ‘subspecies, IMO
thompsont, comes within our limits.

(103) Neosuthora davidiana thompsoni.
THOMPSON’S SUTHORA.

Suthora thompsont Bingham, Buil. B. O. C., xiii, p. 68 (1903) (Kyat-
pyin, Shan States).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Top and sides of the head bright cinnamon-rufous ;
hind neck, back and rump pale slate-grey, more or less washed
with olive ; wings and tail grey-brown, the quills edged with bright
rufescent brown : chin and throat black ; breast grey tinged with
buff, more especially on the centre ; flanks, abdomen and lower
tail-coverts clear brownish ochraceous:
Colours of soft parts. Bill fleshy horny; irides hazel; legs
plumbeous grey.
Measurements. Total length about 95 to 100 mm.; wing
50 to 52 mm.; tail 36 to 88 mm.
Distribution. Southern Shan States.
Nidification and Habits. Not recorded.

TZ

116 PARA DOXORNITHID®.

Genus PSITTIPARUS Hellmayr, 1903.

Blanford’s name of Seworhynchus being preoccupied, Hellmayr’s
name of Psittiparus must be used for this genus. It differs from
Neosuthora in having the tail longer, about equal to the wing and
still less graduated, the outermost feather, being nearly or quite
five-sixths the length of the central ones. ‘The bill is larger and
longer in proportion. The Ist primary is a little more than half
the length of the 5th, 6th and 7th, which are longest and
subequal. The legs are exceptionally strong.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Crown of head rufous; chin white.
a. Wing under 90 mm. ; bill from front to

tips am i oie eee ee eine P. ruficeps ruficeps, p. 116.
b. Wing 90 mm. or over; bill from front
GO RAD AUG TAIT ee ene P, r. bakert, p. 117.

B. Crown of head grey ; chin black.
c. Wing over 90 mm.; under parts white. P. gularis gularis, p. 118.
d. Wing under 90 mm. ; under parts suf-
fusedswith falyOus <6. e's muerte teeter P. g. transflurialis, p. 118.

(104) Psittiparus ruficeps ruficeps.

Tire Rep-HEADED Parrot-BILu.

Paradoxornis ruficeps Blyth, J. A.S. B., (1) 11, p. 177 (1842) (Bootan).
Sceorhynchus ruficeps. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 63.

Vernacular names. Chongto-phep-pho (Lepeha).

Description. Head, nape, upper back, lores, cheeks and ear-
coverts chestuut ; upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings
olive-brown, tinged with rufous; the whole lower plumage white,
tinged with brown on the sides of the body, vent, thighs and
under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red-brown; upper mandible
horny brown, lower fleshy-brown ; eyelids and mouth slate-blue ;
legs dark plumbeous blue ; claws horn-brown,

Measurements. Total length about 180 mm.; wing 84 to
86 mm. ; tail about 85 mm.; bill “from forehead to tip in a
straight line 14 mm.” (Hurtert) ; tarsus about 28 mm.

Distribution. Hills north of the Brahmaputra east to Sadiya.
Nepal and Sikkim.

Nidification and Habits. Not distinguishable from those of the
next subspecies. Seven eggs in my collection average 22°8 x
16°7 mm.

PSITTIPARUS. a7

(105) Psittiparus ruficeps bakeri.
Baker’s Parror- Bin.

Sceorhynchus ruficeps bakert Wartert, Noy. Zool., vii, p. 548 (1900)
(Hungrum, N. Cachar).

Vernacular names. Daomcogasha gajao (Cachari); Jido-riw
Ingaoria (Naga); Vohtéra (Mikir).

Description. Differs from the Red-headed Parrot-Billin having
the under parts tinged everywhere with buff and in being a little
larger.

Measurements. Wing 90 to 95 mm.; tail about 95 mm.; bill
from forehead to tip in a straight hne 16 mm., and about 14 mm.
deep as against 12 mm. in rvficeps.

Colours of soft parts as in ruficeps, but the bill is a darker
horny-brown, more especially above, and the legs are generally
quite a dark slate-blue.

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills,
Shan States through the hills of Central Burma to Tenasserin.

Nidification. This Parrot-Bill breeds ay in late May
and early June, but eggs have been taken from the 15th April to
the 24th July. The nest is composed of shreds of grass, shreds of

bamboo leaves and the bark of reeds and bamboos, lined with
finer grasses and strips of bark and bound together with cobw: ebs.
In shape it 1s a deep, very well-built cup, externally about 3 to
4 inches broad and deep, whilst intern ally it is nearly an inch less
each way. It may sometimes be plac ‘ed in reeds and high oTrass,
more often in bamboo clumps, but most nests will be taken
from small saplings and high or low bushes. The height from the
ground may be anything from 2 to 8 feet.

The eggs, either two or three in number, rarely four, remind
one very much of those of the Garden-Warbler. The ground-
colour is white tinged with green, grey or yellowish, sometimes
reddish. The markings consist of spots, irregular blotches and
cloudings of pale sienna-brown, reddish brown and neutral tint ;
these, never very numerous, are scattered indefinitely over most
of the larger half of the egg; sometimes they are quite sparse
and confined to the big end. Forty-five eggs average 21°6 x
16°7 mm.

Habits. Baker’s Parrot-Bill is found at all heights between
2,000 and 5,000 feet, ascending some 1,000 feet higher than
this in the summer and perhaps 1,000 feet lower in the winter.
They wander about in parties of a dozen or so, seldom showing
themselves except momentarily as they clamber through the grass
or undergrowth. Occasionally they will visit the higher bushes
and small trees in searching for insects but these they leave at
once when disturbed. When feeding they utter a constant
“ chee-chirrup,” but when separated from one another their call is

118 PARADOXORNITHID &,

the typical bleat of the family. So curiously like is it to the
plaintive bleat of a small kid in distress that I have more than
once been deceived by it.

Whilst almostas active as the Titmouses in climbing about, they
are much less so on the wing, for their flight is fluttering, ill-
sustained and weak, nor do they ever take to wing unless. com-
pelled.

Their food is principally insectivorous, but they also eat a
certain amount of seeds and even grain.

(106) Psittiparus gularis gularis,
THe GREY-HEADED Parrot-BILt.

Paradoxornis gularis Gray, Gen. Birds, ii, p. 889 (1845) (Sikkim).
Sceorhynchus gularis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 69.

Vernacular names. Chongto-phep-pho (Lepeba).

Description. Forehead, nasal plumes, a supercilium from the
forehead to the nape and the chin black ; loresand round the eye,
cheeks and lower plumage white; flanks and sides of breast only
slightly suffused with buff; ear-coverts pale grey ; crown and nape
Hoek grey ; upper plumage, tail and mele portions of closed
wing rufous-brown.

Gaia of soft parts. Iris deep red-brown ; bill chrome-yellow
to an almost orange horny yellow; legs and feet slaty-brown,
occasionally with a bluish tinge.

Measurements. Total length about 150 to 155 mm.; wing
90 to 95 mm.; tailabout 80 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen
about 12 to 13 mm. long and about 10 toll deep.

Distribution. Sikkim and Bhutan and hills North of the
Brahmaputra.

Nidification. Similar to that of P. ruficeps bakert. The eggs
measure about 21:0 x 15°2 mm.

Habits. Similar to the last.

(107) Psittiparus guiaris transfluvialis.

Harrerr’s Parrot-Bitt.

Seworhynchus gularis transfluvialis Hartert, Nov. Zool., vii, p. 548
(1900) (Guilang, N. Cachar).

Vernacular names. Daomougasha gophu (Cachari); Jndoo-rui
gahahbale (KKacha Naga).
Description. Differs from the Grey-headed Parrot-Bill in having

the whole of the under parts suffused with fulvous and in being
rather smaller.

PSITTIPARUS. 119

Measurements. Wing 86 to 89°5 mm.; tail about 78 mm.; cul-
men 12 to 13 mm. long but only 9 to 9°5 nm. deep at the base ;
tarsus about 25 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin, Kachin
Hills and hills of Central Burma.

Nidification. Cannot be distinguished from that of the Red-
headed Parrot-Bill in any way. 38 eggs average 20°7 x 16-2 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of P. r. bakeri, but is perhaps not
found at such low elevations. It occurred in the low hills round
Margharita in Assam, but here the close proximity of the snow-
line gives an avitauna and flora at 700 to 1,000 feet which obtains
elsewhere at more than twice this height. It is curious that
though all the Red-headed forms of Parrot-Bill consort together
when feeding, none of the red-headed birds are ever found mixing
with those of the grey-headed races.

120 SITTID®,

Fig. 24.--Sitta himalayensis.

Family SITTID.

The family of Sittide, or Nuthatches, is one which it is not
easy to place in any system of arrangement of the Order Passeres.
Oates placed them between the Bulbuls (Pycnonotide) and the
Drongos (Dicruride), with neither of which can they have any
possible connection. Hartert places them between the Certhide
and Paride, an excellent position, but making these three families
form a group entirely by themselves having no close connexion
with those which come before or after. In the present work
the preceding family, the Paradoxornithide, is an obvious link
between the Paride and the 7imaliide, and a position between
these families seems, perhaps, the best for the Szttidw. In many
ways they are closely allied to the Tits, especially anatomically,
and though they have not such close affinities with the Timalude,
they may well be an offshoot from the Paride, the other end of

SITTA, UPA

which has no visible link with any of the other families of Passeres
in the area we cover, whilst the Z¢maltidw are another development
in a different direction.

In this family the edges of the upper mandible are smooth, or
the upper one simply notched; the hinder aspect of the tarsus
smooth, composed of two entire longitudinal lamine and other
features as already given in the key to the Families. The nostrils
are overhung by some hairs and the rictal bristles are present; the
feet are very strongly developed for the purpose of climbing, the
hind toe and claw are very powerful and the inner toe and claw
dwarfed ; the bill is about as long as the head, fairly stout and
straight. The wing is long and pointed and the first primary is
always less than half the second. The tail is short and square
or very slightly rounded. The sexes are dissimilar.

Only one genns of Nuthatch, Sitta, is found within our limits.
The little Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is sometimes separated under
the name Dendrophila but without any very apparent reason or~
necessity. 1 follow Oates in uniting them all under one name.

Genus SITTA Linn., 1766.

The characters of the genus are those of the family.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. pee plumage uniform bluish grey.
Ane pair of tail-feathers white at base.
, Sides of neck and lower plumage chest-
TCD 5 00656 Oe ch Glo RRC TOIRCNe Cia DOO S. himalayensis, p. 122.
U'. Sides of neck white, maid with
golden chestnut; chin, throat and
uppembreast White .......0.020. 60. S. victoria, p. 128.
4. Middle pair of tail-feathers uniform, with
no white.
ce’. Lateral tail-feathers with white spots.
«a, Under tail-coverts chestnut, centred

ashy.
a’, Lower plumage paler; wing over
0 TTI Pare at ov aussie eachis oye tanstieiios S. kashnuriensis, p. 128.
“, Lower plumage ‘darker; wing
under 80 mm..... SAG Ud oe Cen S. custaneiventris casta-
Under tail-coverts white, tipped neiventris, p. 123.
chestnut.
ce", Lower plumage chestnut.
t', Chestnut of lower plumage [p. 125.

uniform from throat to vent.. SS. c¢. eirnamoventris,
Throat and breast paler than

rest of lower plumage ...... S. ce. neglecta, p. 126.
pe Lower plumage grey .......... S. europea MAYUENSIS,
. Under tail-coverts chestnut, tipped [p. 127.
WALUCGM aw ong uses totet yokes sasl ess aleve iui’ S. magna, p. 128.
. Lateral tail-feathers without white |p. 129.

SPOUSHS jay cecctsnentioush oes olen ikon suche. wis S. newmayer tephronota,

22 SITTID#.

B. Upper plumage slaty-blue; crown black .. S. lewcopsis leucopsis,

C. Upper plumage black, streaked with bril- [p. 150.
lant blu YS Cet eee ee cena ce ae S. formosa, p. 131.
D. Upper plumage uniform purplish blue;
forehead black ....... RAIN Ga nycates see S. frontalis frontalis,
[p. 182.

(108) Sitta himalayensis.
Tar WHtIre-TaIrep NuUTHATCH.

Sitta himalayensis Jard. & Selby, Ill. Ind. Orn., iii, pl. 144 (1835) ;
Blant. & Oates, i, p. 300.

Vernacular names. Siddyi-phip (Lepcha).

Description.—Adult male. The forehead, lores, a streak behind
the eye, produced down the side of the neck to the shoulders,
black; an indistinct eyebrow fulvous white; upper plumage,
wing-coverts and inner secondaries dark slaty-blue, somewhat
paler on the ends; primaries and outer secondaries dark brown
edged with slaty- blue: ; middle pair of tail-feathers slaty-blue, the
basal half of the inner web and a band next the shaft on the outer
web white ; the next two pairs wholly black; the next pair black
with an ashy tip; the next black with an oblique white band and
an ashy tip, the outermost the same but with more white; sides
of the face and chin pale fulvous ; lower plumage chestnut, richer
and deeper on the flanks and under tail-coverts ; aden wing-
coverts black, a white patch on the base of the primaries showing
from below only.

Adult female. Resembles the male, but is rather duller and
paler.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale brown; bill black, the gape and
base of lower mandible bluish white to pale slaty; legs and feet
yellowish or olive-brown.

Measurements. Length about 120 mm.; wing.71 to 76 mm. ;
tail about 37 to 41 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.; culmen about
14 to 15 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Kangra to Assam North of
the Brahmaputra River, but in over twenty years’ collecting we
never found it South of the river, and there may be some mistake
in Godwin-Austen’s record from Aimul in Manipur.

Nidification. The White-tailed Nuthatch breeds in the
Himalayas from 5,000 feet to at least 11,000, at which height
Blanford procured it in Sikkim. It is a very early breeder, com-
mencing to lay in the first few days of April or even in the end
of March. ‘The eggs are laid in some natural hollow in a tree or
stump, the entrance being filled in neatly with mud so as to leave
only a small, quite circular entrance, little over an inch in diameter.
The nest is a pad of moss, or moss and moss-roots with a depression
in the centre for the eges. These number from four to six and are
white with numerous specks and spots of reddish, sometimes more

: SITTA, 123
sparse and confined to the larger end. They measure about
18°3 x 14:0 mm.

Both parents, according to Hodgson, assist in incubation and in
looking after the young.

Habits. The habits of most Nuthatches are very similar. In
the non-breeding season they are to be found in family parties,
sometimes in greater numbers, hunting all over the trunks and
branches of trees for insects ; scuttling about upwards and down-
wards, now under, now over, peering into every cranny and every
broken bit of bark as they restlessly work their way from the
trunk of the tree to the highest branches, whence they take flight
to the nearest tree likely to prove a profitable hunting-ground.
They also feed on nuts, including the hardest, boring holes
into them and extracting their contents, and they sometimes eat
seeds and fruits. Their note when feeding is singularly like the
cheep of a mouse and is frequently uttered. The flight is fairly
strong and direct.

(109) Sitta victorie.

Tar Chin Hints NorHatron.

Sitta victorie Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xiv, p. 84 (1904) (Mt.
Victoria).

Vernacular names. Hiet-pya-chouk (Burmese).

Description. Similar to the last bird, but has the chin, throat,
upper breast and centre of the abdomen white; the sides of the
face and neck pure white, the latter marked with golden chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. [ris red-brown ; bill slaty-grey, black at
the tip; legs dull yellowish brown.

Measurements. Wing 68 to72 mm.; tail about 40 mm. ; culmen
14 mm.
Female is apparently similar to the male.

Distribution. Chin Hills. Mt. Victoria.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded, found at 9,060 feet.
This bird should probably be placed as a subspecies of S.
himalayensis, but until some connecting forms are discovered
it must rank as a species.

(110) Sitta castaneiventris castaneiventris.
THE CHESTNUT-BELLIED NUTHATCH.

Sittu castanejventris Frank., P. Z. S., 1831, p. 121 (Vindhyan Hills)
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 304.

Vernacular names. Siri (Hind.); Chor-parki (Beng.).
Description.—Adult male. A black streak from the nostril

124 SITTID®. -

through the eye to the shoulder; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts and
chin white; the whole upper plumage and ‘Visible portions of
closed wing slaty-blue ; middle tail-feathers ashy-blue ; the next
two black, edged and tipped with ashy-blue; the others with a
subterminal white patch on the inner webs and generally with
a white band on the outer web of the outermost feathers ; whole
lower plumage uniform dark chestnut-bay ; under tail-coverts
chestnut, centred with ashy; under wing-coverts black; a white
patch on the base of the primaries visible from below.

Female is a paler chestnut below and the white on the face
is ill-defined.

Colours of soft parts. [ris dark brown; bill greenish or bluish
plumbeous, the terminal half black and lower mandible and base

paler; legs and feet greenish plumbeous. In some specimens
nearly the whole bill is black.

Measurements. Length about 1380 mm.; wing 74 to 76 mm.;

tail about 37 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.; eculmen about
15 to 17 mm.

Distribution. The whole of the northern plains of India as far
south as the Wynaad, as far west as Umballa and Khandesh and
as far east as Calcutta. I obtained it both in Nadia and the
24th Parganas, where however it is very rare. In Behar it is
extremely common to the east.

Nidification. This little Nuthatch breeds principally in
February and March throughout its range, making its nest in
small holes in trees at any height from 10 to 30 feet from the
ground. A very favourite nesting-site is in mango-trees in
branches between 8 and 12 feet from the ground, and the
natural hollow is always cemented round with clay to reduce the
entrance to about 30 mm. ‘This masonry work is also often
continued well down inside the hollow and on the bark outside
the tree as well and, even when the natural entrance to the hole
is in no way too big, it is nearly always made neat and tidy with
a clay finish. The nest is generally nothing but chips of dried
bark and soft tinder-wood with a few leaves and rarely a little
dried moss. The eggs number anything from two to six, most
often five and are rather fragile, broad oval in shape and of the
usual white ground with red specks. They average about
17-0 13-2 mm. Many birds must breed twice in the year, as
nests may be taken in May and June and even as late as
September.

Habits. The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch is entirely a plains’ bird
and is very common in all well-wooded parts, though it is not a
forest bird. Mango-topes both in the vicinity of, as well as away
from, villages are very favourite resorts and two or more pairs
may often be found in the same orchard. They have the usual
restless habits of the genus and feed on the same kind of food.

BIRDS. VOL.|}.

SITTA C. CINNAMOVENTRIS.
The Cinnamon-bellied Nuthatch.

“3 life size.

SITTA. Us

(111) Sitta castaneiventris cinnamoventris.
THe CINNAMON-BELLIED NUTHATCH.

Sitta cinnamoventris Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xi, p. 439 (1842) (Darjeeling).
Sitta cinnamomeoveniris. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 501.

Vernacular names. Siri (Hind.); Sidhyi-phip (Lepcha); Dao-
mojo-gajao (Cachari).

Description — Adult male. Like the last but the white parts of
the face are delicately barred with brown; the upper plumage is
more an ashy-blue, the under parts are a deep cinnamon-chestnut
and the under tail-coverts are white with ashy bases and narrow
chestnut tips.

Female. Differs from the male in being a pale dull chestnut
below.

Fig. 25.—Head of 8. ¢. cinnamoventris.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to lake ; bill slaty-blue,
black at the tip and paler on base and lower mandible ; legs and
feet dull blue-grey or bluish plumbeous.

Measurements. Total length about 150 mm.; wing 78 to 81 mm.;
tail about 45 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 20 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Eastern Assan,
both North and South of the Brahmaputra, Mamipur, Lushai and
Chittagong hill-tracts, but not further East. Oates’s specimens
from Bhamo are much nearer neglecta and should be assigned
to that bird.

Nidification. Gammie obtained the nest in Sikkim at 2,000
feet in a decayed bamboo, and I found many nests in the Khasia
Hills in April and May at elevations between 4,500 and 6,000
feet. In these hills, although a nest might now and een be
found in some old stump, the great majority are built in the
retaining walls of roads or in ‘walls of fields and compounds.
These walls are built of mud and stones and form favougite
preeding places for Tits, Nuthatches, Flycatchers and many other
birds. The Nuthatches select some hollow, generally only a few
inches from the ground, and then fill the whole entrance in with
mud, leaving only a circular hole about 40 mm. across. ‘he
hollow inside, however big it may be, is filled to a depth of some
inches with scraps of dead wood, ‘park and odds and ends of
vegetable matter, over which is placed a bed of moss and then a
fe thick layer of fur, or fur and wool. They are very persistent

126 SITTID®.

little birds, and will often repair and again Jay ina nest which has
been pillaged. In North Cachar I found them breeding in trees,
and in these the nests were often very flimsy and = scanty,
consisting of leaves and rubbish and perhaps a little moss and a
few feathers or scraps of fur. They lay in Apml and May, but
an occasional nest may be seen as early as March or as late as
June. The normal full complement of eggs is six, but sometimes
only four or five are laid and sometimes as many as eight. They
are of the usual white ground with red specks, but are more
strongly and numerously marked than those of the last bird and
in shape are much longer, narrower ovals. Sixty eggs average
19°8x14:1 mm. The maximaare 21:0 x 14-4and 20-6 x 15 mm.,
and the minima are 17°3 x 13:6 and 18°8 x 13°2 mm.

Habits. This Nuthatch is most common between 4,000 and
7,000 feet and is not often found below 3,000 feet. Jt has much
the same habits as the rest of the genus, but I have often noticed
it on the ground feeding on ants and termites, and it seems very
partial to hunting walls, cliffs and banks as the Rock-Nuthatches
do. Its note is a continual cheep, very much like the squeak of a
mouse. It is a very sociable bird, and I have seen flocks of this
bird and Sttta frontalis hunting together in perfect amity.

(112) Sitta castaneiventris neglecta.
THe Burmese NUTHATCH.

Sttta neglecta Wald., A. M. N. H., (4) v, p. 218 (1870) (karen Hills) ;
3lanf. & Oates, 1, p. 301.

Vernacular names. Pan-che-lip (Iachin).

Description Differs from the preceding in being smaller and in
having the throat and breast much paler than the abdomen and
flanks, whilst the white of the sides of the head blends with the
rufous’ of the throat. The female differs in the same way from
the female of the Cinnamon-bellied Nuthatch.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; upper mandible bluish,
iipped black; legs and feet dark plumbeous, claws horn-colour.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 75 to 75 mm.;
tail about 38 to 42 mm.; tarsus aboué 18 mm.; culmen about
17 mm.

Distribution. From Muleyit Mountain in South Tenasserim,
through the eastern hill-ranges of Burma to the Bhamo Hills,
N. and N.W. Siam.

Nidification. Similar to that of S. c. eastaneiventris, but this is
a forest bird and its nest is found in the natural hollows of trees
on the outskirts of forest or in dead trees in deserted clearings.
The eggs are of the usual short, blunt type and measure from
16°2 x 13:4 to 18°3 x 14:2 mm.

They are apparently early breeders ; Bingham found the young

SITTA. 127/

hatched in the end of March, and eggs sent me by Col. Harington,
taken on the 22nd of that month, were on the point of hatching.

Habits. Those of the genus, and there seems to be nothing
calling for notice. They are found between 2,000 and 5,000 feet,
never in the plains, and are forest birds, though like most
Nuthatches they keep to the more open parts, the outskirts, or
to partially cleared or deserted cultivation clearings in which the
dead trees are still standing.

(118) Sitta europea nazaensis.
Austen’s NuTHATCH.

Sitta nagaensis Godw.-Aust., P.Z.S., 1874, p. 44 (Sopremak, Naga
Hills) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 502. }

Vernacular names. Daomojo-gophu (Cachari); Hnet-pya-chouk
(Burmese).

Description. Upper plumage, closed wings and central tail-
feathers slaty-blue-grey ; a black line from the bill, through the
eye to the nape; primaries and secondaries black on the inner
webs ; outer tail-feathers black, the three or four outer pairs with
a white subterminal spot on the inner web and the outermost
pair with an oblique white band on the outer edge; sides of the
head and neck and lower plumage grey; sides of the body rich
chestnut ; lower tail-coverts white tipped and edged with chestnut ;
the usual white patch on base of quills.

The female only differs in being a trifle duller.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown, bill slaty-grey, the
terminal halt blackish; legs and feet greenish brown.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 74 to 78 mm.;
tail about 40 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and
Kachin Hills. Kinnear’s Sitta e. griseiventris (Bull. B. O. C.

x! x7 p. 142, 1920) seems to be the same as this bird. It is possibly
a purer grey, but as all the specimens of Austen’s Nuthatch in the
British Museum are very poor specimens and some of the Chin
Hills birds taken elsewhere are quite indistinguishable, I consider
this name to be merely a synonym of nagaensis,

Nidification. This Nuthatch breeds in the Kachin Hills in
April and probably also March and May. .Eges taken by
Col. Harington were placed in the usual kind of holes in trees and
were plastered up with clay masonry, reducing the entrance to a
size just sufficient to allow ingress and egress to the parents.
The nests were of moss with a lining of fur, and contained two to
four eggs just like those of S. ¢. castaneiventris and measuring
about 18°9 x 14:1 mm.

Habits. This is a forest form found up to the highest hills,
9,000 or 10,000 feet and apparently down to about 5,000 feet,
below which S. ¢. neglecta takes its place.

128 SITTID®,

(114) Sitta kashmiriensis.
Brooks’s NUTHATCH.
Sitta kashmiriensis Brooks, P, A. 8. B., 1871, p. 279 (MXashmir) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 505.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage and wings slaty-blue; the usual
black band through the eye; chin and sides of the face dull white
tinged with fulvous; throat more fulvous, the lower plumage
gradually becoming deeper and turning to deep chestnut on the
abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts ; middle tail-feathers ashy-
blue, the next two pairs black edged and tipped with ashy; the
next two black with a subterminal white spot on the inner web ;
the outermost feather black, with a white patch on each web and
a brown tip; under wing-coverts blackish with the usual white
primary patch; under tail-coverts chestnut with traces of ashy
centres. ,

Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown; bill slaty-grey
with black tip and paler base ; legs greenish brown, yellowish
brown or dull grey-brown. :

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.: wing 81 to 85 mm.;
tail about 40 to 44 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
18 to 19 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas, Afghanistan to Garhwal.

Nidification. This bird breeds in some numbers throughout
Kashmir and in the Murree Galis. It selects holes in forest-trees
at all heights from the ground, plastering up the entrance with
the usual hard clay masonry and laying its eggs in April and May,
These number four to seven and are quite typical. Titty eges
average about 19°7 x 16-4 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. This is a forest bird, haunting
rather deep forest at heights between 6,000 and 9,000 feet,
straggling both lower in the cold and higher in the hot weather.
Whitehead found it fairly common in the Safed Koh between
7,500 and 10,000 feet.

(115) Sitta magna.
THE Giant NUTHATCH.
Sitta magna Wardl.-Ramsay, P. Z.5., 1876, p. 677 (Karennee) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 305,

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage, wings and central pair of tail-
feathers slaty-blue; two broad bands of black from the base of the
bill through the eyes to the shoulders ; two pairs of tail-feathers
next the central pair black with a slaty-blue tip, the next two the
same with a subterminal white patch and the outermost the same
but with a white bar on the outer web; lores, sides of the

SITTA. 129

“

head, chin and throat greyish white changing to darker grey on
breast and to dull chestnut on lower flanks, thighs, vent and under
tail-coverts, the latter broadly tipped with white; under wing-
coverts black and the under surface of the primaries with the
typical white patch.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel-brown; bill slaty-
blue, darker on terminal half; legs and feet pale yellowish brown.

Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 114 to 119 mm. ;
tail about 68 to 70 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen about
25 to 28 mm.

The female is like the male but has a more decided tinge of
buff or chestuut-buff on the breast, the chestnut of the flanks,
thighs, ete., may not be quite so deep and the head also is greyer
in some individuals.

Distribution. Hills of Central Burma, Shan States and Yunnan,
apparently from about 3,000 feet upwards.

Nidification and Habits. There is nothing on record about this
fine Nuthatch, now represented by good series from Rippon,
Thompson and Craddock in the British Museum. It has been
found so far between 4,000 and 6,000 feet and seems to be a forest

bird.

(116) Sitta neumayer tephronota.
THe TuRKESTAN Rockx-NorHatTcu.

Sitta tephronota Sharpe, A. M.N. H., (4) x, p. 450 (1872) (Ferghana,
Turkestan) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 305.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage, wing-coverts and second-
aries ashy-blue ; the usual black eye-band; primaries pale brown ;
cetral tail-feathers pale ashy-blue, the others brown broadly edged
with pale ashy on the outer webs, this colour gradually changing
to pale fulvous, the outermost feather having the inner web brown
with a fulvous tip and the outer web fulvous with a brown tip;
sides of the head and lower plumage fulvous, darker and becoming
strongly tinged with pink on the flanks, lower abdomen, vent and
under tail-coverts, these last having ashy centres.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill horny-brown or slaty-
brown, darker at the tip ; legs clay-slate.

Measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 75 to

90 mm.; tail about 50 to 60 mm. ; tarsus 71 to 24 mm.; culmen
20 to 23 mm.

Distribution. Baluchistan and Afghanistan to Ferghana in
Turkestan and the Tianschan. Birds from the Tianschan seem to
have more of a dull rufous tinge on the breast and lower throat as
well as being rather bigger, and should possibly be kept separate;
I cannot, however, distinguish , ». obscura from North and East
Persia.

VOL. I. K

130 SITTID®.

Nidification. This bird breeds both in Afghanistan and
Baluchistan trom early March to the end of April or early May.
The nest-hole may be either in a tree or in a rock but in the very
great majority of cases it will be in the latter. The hole is lined,
sometimes partially, sometimes throughout, with a clay which
becomes very hard when set, and this lining is continued until it
projects in acone beyond the entrance for from 6 to 9 or J 0 inches.
In addition to this, however, the bird decorates the face of the
rock or the bark of the tree all round the entrance for some
distance with feathers stuck in the crevices of the rock or bark.
The lining to the nest is generally fur or hair, sometimes with a
few feathers, but underneath this is often a bed of leaves, chips of
bark, touch-wood or similar material. The eggs vary from four to
six or rarely seven in number; the ground is a white of a purer,
harder tint than that of most Nuthatches and the spots of brown
are sparser and more definite. They are generally rather scanty
in number but more numerous at the larger end than elsewhere.
The normal shape is a broad, blunt oval, and twenty-four Indian
eggs average about 21°2x 16-0 mm. These were all taken by
General Betham at Quetta.

Habits. This bird is common in Baluchistan, where Betham took
inany nests, and extends in some numbers along the frontier in
suitable localities between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, ascending yet
higher than this in the northern portion of its range. In general
habits, flight, voice and food it is a typical Nuthatch, but rocks
form its principal hunting-ground rather than trees, though it
does resort to these also on occasions. It is never, however, a
forest bird and frequents bare hillsides with but little cover of
any sort just as often as it does those a little less bare which have
a tew scattered trees and an odd ravine or so with bush or tree
forest. It is said not to be a shy bird or to shun observation.

(117) Sitta leucopsis leucopsis.
THe WHITE-CHEEKED NUTHATCH.

Sitta leucopsis Gould, P. Z. S., 1840, p. 113 (Himalayas); Blanf. &
Oates, 1, p. 306.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape and a part of the sides of
neck glossy black; upper plumage, closed wings and central tail-
feathers slaty-blue ; other tail-feathers black. tipped with slaty-
blue, the three outer pairs with a subterminal white patch on
the inner web and the outermost pair with a white band also on
the outer web; sides of the head and lower plumage white, more
or less tinged with pale fulvous; flanks and under tail-coverts
rich chestnut. Sexes alike.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel-brown to dark brown; bill
black, the base of the lower mandible whitish-horny or pale grey-
horny; legs yellowish- or greenish-brown.

SITTA, Lipa

Measurements. Total length about 140 mm.; wing 74to79 mm.;
tail about 42 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. The whole of the North-West Himalayas from
the Baluchistan boundaries where well forested, Afghanistan,
N. Kashmir to the hills next the plains as far us the pines
‘continue and as far east as Garhwal.

Nidification. This Nuthatch breeds freely throughout its range.
Rattray took many nests in the Murree Hills in June, and says
that a favourite site is high up in a tall fir-tree that has been
struck by hghtning and cracked down the centre, a convenient
place in this crack being selected for the nest. They lay from
four to eight egys, which are just like those of the various forms
of Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches and measure on an average for
50 eges about 18°2 x 13°77 mm. The nest is difficult to find,
both from its position and the cautious habits of the birds.

Habits. This is a bird of high elevations, being found princi-
pally between 7,000 and 12,000 feet and, according to Rattray and
others, seldom below 8,000 feet. Its range, however, seems to
be decided by the forest growth and it will not frequently be
found outside the regions of firs, pines and other coniferous
trees. Stoliczka says that it feeds principally on the seeds of
Pinus girardiana and that its voice is a loud, uniform, melan-
choly call, uttered while it is busily engaged in securing a pine-
seed in the bark of a large tree. Whitehead likens its call to the
French word “ pain,” and he and Davidson both say that the
monotonous, wailing cry is to be heard in the forests all day
long.

(118) Sitta formosa.

Tue Beavutirut NurHatcu.

Sitta formosa Blyth, J. A-S. B., xii, p. 938 (1843) (Darjiling);
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 3806.

Vernacular names. Dao-mojo-gadeba (Cachari); Tishe Kuyt
gumbo (Lepcha).

Description. Upper plumage black, streaked with pale blue on
the upper back and the sides of the neck and with brilliant
cobalt-blue elsewhere; sides of the head and chin fulvous white,
the feathers round the eye and over the ear-coverts blackish at
their bases; lesser wing-coverts, primary-coverts, primaries and
secondaries bright blue; edges of the median and greater coverts
and of the inner secondaries white; remainder of wing blue;
scapulars, lover back and rump verdigris-blue; central tail-
feathers blue with black bases and black next the shafts; the next
two pairs black edged with blue; the others black with pro-
gressively larger white tips, blue-edged on the exterior margins ;
lower plumage dull chestnut.

K2

ey SITTIDA.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown or dark brown; bill black
with base and gonys black; legs greenish horny (Jerdon) or
yellowish brown.

Measurements. Length about 185 mm.; wing 114to118mm.;
tail about 58 to 60 mm.; tarsus about 21 mm.; culmen about
17 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Sikkim to the Miri and Arbor
Hills in Eastern Assam. Also hill-ranges in South Assam as
far East as Lakhimpur. The Salween-Mekong watershed in the
N.E. Shan States.

Nidification. The few nests found by me in the Khasia and North
Cachar Hills were all on the highest ranges from 56,000 feet
upwards. They were placed in trees at considerable heights from
the ground and contained from four to six eggs or young. The
eggs only vary from those of S. ¢. ctnnamoventris in being larger
and broader ovals. Sixteen eggs average 20°6 x 15-2 mm. and
vary between 18:0 x 14:7 and 22°6 x 15:8 mm.

Habits. The Beautiful Nuthatch, well named from its lovely
colouring, seems to be a rare bird everywhere. I never saw it
but in pairs or in family parties after the young had hatched, and
it is the most shy and elusive of all the Nuthatches found in
Assam. Its actions when on trees, rather slow and deliberate for
this genus, reminded one of Woodpeckers and its note also
differed from all other Nuthatches in its low, rather sweet tone.
On the wing it was exceptionally swift, and its beauty when the
sun caught it in flight could only be likened to that of the Ruddy
Kingfisher under similar circumstances.

(119) Sitta frontalis frontalis.
Tur VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH.

Sitta frontalis Horsf., Trans. Linn. Soc., xiii, p. 162 (1821) (Java);
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 307. ae ;

Vernacular names. Dao-mojo-buku-gajao (Cachari).

Description. Forehead and supercilium black; whole upper
plumage and exposed parts of wings and tail purplish blue; inner
webs of all primaries, outer webs of the first two and concealed
portions of rectrices blackish brown; ear-coverts lilac; chin and
throat whitish; lower plumage greyish, more or less suffused with.
dull lilae. :

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow, brown in the young and
sometimes in the adult female; eyelids plumbeous; bill coral-red,,
black in the quite young with a pinkish gape and base; legs
fleshy-brown or reddish brown, never red.

Measurements. Total length about 125 to 130 mm.; wing
70 to 75 mm.; tail about 40 mm.; tarsus 17 to 18 mm.; culmen
12 to 13 mm.

BIRDS. VOL.|I. PLATE Ill.

SITTA F. FRONTALIS.
The Velvet—fronted Blue Nuthatch.

27a life size.

SITTA. | 183

Female differs from the male in having no black supercilium
and, like the rest of the genus, in being a trifle smaller.

Distribution. cen ie whole of India west of Bombay,
Gwalior and Kumaon ;~“Assam, practically the whole of Burma .in-
suitable localities, Siam, Malay Peninsula to Java, = Ceo

Nidification. This little Nuthatch breeds all over its habia,
chiefly between 1,000 and 4,000 feet elevation. In the southern
portions of both Burma and India it lays in February and March,
but in the northern districts it does not lay until Apri], continu-
ing through May and even into June. It seiects some natural
hollow or one made and deserted by a Barbet or Woodpecker.
Though it very seldom uses clay to reduce the size of the
entrance, it does, on the other hand, often enlarge crevices suftici-
ently to allow it to make its nest in some enviable hollow. The
nest itself is made of moss, generally green and fresh, worked into
a solid pad, and above this may be fur, fur and feathers or, very

rarely, feathers alone. This lining or superstructure is always
soft and plentiful, almost hiding the eg eggs which number from
three to six. These are typical Nuthatches’ eggs, but are rather
more densely and uniformly covered with blotches than is usual
and they are also longer ovals in shape than are those of most
Nuthatches. Fifty eggs average 17-2 x 13:2 mm. and the extremes
are: maxima 18:0 x 13-4 and 17-9 x 138 mm., minima 16:0 x
12°3 mm.

Habits. The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is a bird of the plains
and lower hills where there are forests and woods, but it is not
found in quite open tracts and sparsely wooded areas. It
frequents both the higher and smaller trees in flocks of half-a-
dozen to a dozen or more, and is the quickest and most active of
all the Nuthatches in its ways. Its note is a constant mouse-
like cheep.

134 TIMALIID A.

Fig. 26.—Garrulox 1. leucolophus.

Family TIMALIID.

The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the
bronchial semi-rings; the edges of both mandibles smooth or
the upper one with a notch; hinder aspect of tarsus smooth,
bilaminated ; wing with ten primaries; tongue non-tubular ;
nostrils clear of the line of forehead, the lower edge of the nostril
nearer to the commissure than the upper edge is to the culmen;
plumage of the nestling like that of the adult female but paler ;
-nostrils never entirely concealed from view although frequently
covered by hairs or bristles; rictal bristles present; rectrices
twelve ; inner and hind toes equal in length.

The Family 7imaliide contains a very large number of birds,
nearly all tropical and subtropical, which Oates called Crateropo-
dide and which Harington raised to the rank of a suborder
which he ealled Zimeliides. There are, of course, no grounds
for this, as the 7imaliide are so close to other families that some
ornithologists include with them such groups as the Thrushes
and others. From these, however, they seem to me to be

—

TIMALILD ®. 1385

sufficiently differentiated by the plumage of the young. As
regards the name for the family, we cannot use Crateropodide tor
Crateropus, the name used by Oates tor a genus of Babblers, is
preoccupied, and we must therefore discard this also for the
family. Zimaliide from the genus Yimalia of Horstield 1821
may therefore be taken as the family name.

Since the first volume of the ‘ Avifauna of British India’ was
published, our knowledge of the Timaliine birds has advanced
considerably, and many alterations and eliminations, with a few
additions, are imperative.

In the first place, the subfamily Brachypterygine must be
removed to a place near the Thrushes, the spotted plumage in the
young birds making it impossible to retain them in the present
group. The genus Zosterops, again, appears to have no close
connection with the Babblers and must form a family of its own,
more properly placed near the Dicwidew. The Bulbuls differ from
the true Babblers in their shorter tarsi and longer wings, and
would seein also to form a fairly well-marked family already
frequently differentiated as the Pycnonotide. Other genera and
species which must be removed are Melanochlora to the Titmouses,
Paride, Leptopecile and Cephalopyrus to the Regulide and
Psaraglossa to the Starlings.

There are, however, other birds of which the position is still
very doubtful. Thus the genera T'urdinulus and Rimator are
wee like in many respects though they possess very small
rictal bristles. Mgithina and <Aethorhynchus have a summer
and winter plumage, differing in this respect from all other
Babblers ; Chloropsis is perhaps nearer the Pycnonotide than the
Timaliide, whilst Chalcoparia is undoubtedly a Sun-bird, though
an aberrant one. So also the long-winged, thrush-like Zrena can
have no connection with this family and Oberholser seems right
in placing it in a family by itself.

When we come to dividing the Timaliide into subfamilies in
order to facilitate students’ work, we are met with many difficulties.
The differences relied on by Oates and Harington are often purely
individual, varying greatly in degree in different genera. It cannot
be either useful or scientific to depend on noisiness and similar
characteristics as guides to classification and, though the coloration
of birds’ eggs may help greatly in giving us hints as to their
position in the Avifauna, we cannot rely on this exclusively as a
sufficient ground for differentiation.

The only three subfamilies I now retain may be diagnosed as
follows :—

Key to Subfamilies.
A. Sexes alike.
a. Legs and feet very powerful; wings short

and rounded ; habits mainly terrestrial .. Timaliine, p. 136.
b. Legs and feet less powerful; wings short and
rounded; habits principally arboreal .... Stbiine, p. 294.

B. Sexes dissimilar ...... c\GibIG Olivo Bo aeene item Liotrichine, p. 326.

136 TIMALIID®.

Subfamily TIMALIIN.

This subfamily, as now constituted, contains Oates’s Crateropo-
dine and the 7imaline, which I find quite impossible to differ-
entiate by any satisfactory character one from the other.

The great majority of the Zimaliine are very gregarious and
go about in flocks of considerable size, a few consort in small
flocks, whilst fewer still are only found singly or in pairs. ‘They
feed principally on the ground or in bushes and long grass close
to it, but some of them also haunt trees in their quest for the
insects which form their main diet. Some of the genera comprise
birds as noisy as any known, whilst others are birds with
sweet notes or are silent. The most prominent characteristics
are the very powerful legs and the weak, rounded wings. - The
head is frequently fully crested, and is generally covered with
somewhat erectile feathers even where there is no definite
crest. The bill is of almost every conceivable shape. In
habits they are non-migratory, though some of the hill forms
move up and down the hills under climatic stress and, whilst
some species are very bold and haunt freely the vicinity of
villages, others are among the most shy.

In the following key an attempt has been made to discriminate
between the genera in a way which will be easy for the field
naturalist to work out; size and plainly visible features in con-
struction being made use of.

Key to Genera.
A. Tail more than 88 mm. long,
a, Bill not so long as head,

a'. Nostrils almost hidden by bristles .... Dryonasres, p. 158.
b'. Nostrils visible and only partly concealed
by ibristlesic....< zice.. teri eerie cho GARRULAX, p. 145.
,

ce’. Nostrils not hidden by bristles but some-
times with a few long hairs.
a’. Billnot toothed at the extremity.
a". Tail tipped with white or brown . [anrHocrncia,p.155.
i’. Tail with no white or brown tip.
a‘. Bill long and slender.
a>. Wing longer than tail,....... STACTOCICHLA, p.186.
b>. Wing shorter than tail.
a°. Shafts of feathers of forehead
short and not glistening .. TurporpEs, p. 190.
U8, Shafts of feathers of forehead
long and glistening.
a’. Upper parts uniform, not

streaked.
a. Feathers of breast not
SPIMOUSINe eye © e-cne <0 ArG@yYA, p. 196.
bo. Feathers of breast spin-
OUST Butete wie chs ACANTHOPTILA, p. 203.
b°. Upper parts striated .... Babax, p. 187.

O22 bill short andéthiclwme ere. er .. GRAMMATOPTILA,

(p. 184.

TIMALIIN A, 137

b", Bill toothed at the extremity.

ce". Bristles at gape stiff; under parts [p. 230.
WHIGISD Galea ia. aoe. . GAMPSORAYNCHUS,
d'’, Bristles at gape hair-like ; under [p. 161.
parts parti-coloured ,......... TROCHALOPTERUM,
6. Bill longer than head and much compressed. [p. 205.
as Bill less than 50 mm. long .......... POMATORHINUS,
Bill more than 50 mm. long Ses vctay noi .. XIPHIRAMPHTS,
B. Tail less than 88 mm. long, more than 45 mm. [p. 224.

e. Wings short and rounded and fitting in
close to the body.
J’. Shafts of feathers of forehead stiff.
ce". Tail longer than wing.
e'”. Shafts of feathers of crown not

SMSEEMINGR IS cnc. og.bisyale elas 53hs.00s PycToruis, p. 233.
Jina Shafts of feathers of crown glistening.
A Billeblack andstout ....2...... Timaxia, p. 2256.

d‘, Bill pale-coloured and more slender DumeErta, p. 228.
Oe. Wi ing longer than tail.
Gs Nostrils rounded and exposed.
Fi Crown dark brown or blackish .. RwopocrcHua, p. 281.

Crown rufous or rufous-brown .. Muixornis, p. 272.
vi Nostrils protected by overhanging
membrane. Lp. 261.
Whntevomer 7Qsmmi,. <.5/2 s.').an as THRINGORHINA,

hi, Wing under 65 mm.
ce. Culmen curved throughout its

length.
c®, Space round the eye feathered STacuyris, p. 268.
d’, Space round the eye naked. . CYANopDERMA, p- 271.
ad’. Culmen straight and. bill wedge-
Shaped et osGam jase statins STACHYRIDOPSIS, -
qg'. Shafts of feathers of forehead not stiff- [p. 267.

shafted.
e', Bill stout and straight, deeper at the
centre than at the nostrils.
, Rictal bristles well developed.
?', Nostrils long, protected by an over-

hanging membrane .......... CURSONTA, p. 248.
j'. Nostrils oval and exposed ...... MALACOCINCLA,
, Rictal bristles obsolete or only [ p. 260.
feebly developed ......... ...... PELLORNEUM, p. 237.

Jf’. Bill stout, generally curved thr ough-
out and deeper at the nostrils than
in the middle.
k''", Outer edges of primaries uniform.
i, Nostrils long and overhung by a
membrane,
e’, Small bristles overhanging the
nostrils; outer tail-feathers
less than 12 mm. shorter than
MIG GHE NPAT Ses eae <5 See, QSECEPPE, ‘p. 270;
J’. No bristles over nostrils ; outer
tail-feathers more than 12 mm.
shorter than middle pair.... ScH@NIPARUS, p. 283.

138 TIMALIID #.

l'", Outer edges of primaries conspi-
cuously parti-coloured.
'. Nostrils overhung by hairs....... PSEUpOMINLA, p. 286.
m4, Nostrils overhung by numerous
small hairs; tail strongly

oraduated,
2°. Bill narrow ; hind toe and claw
CUTE 3, 5/3) 5 Gee tec FULVETTA, p. 289.
j» Bill broad; hind claw shorter
than himd Woes. ca. 2%. ack Lroparus, p. 298.

d. Wings longer, not so rounded and not fitting
close to the body.
’. Wing more than three times length of

CATSUS, 6.5.4.2 ae AO es o's 3 SL HoRIzIuuas, p. 257.
v’. Wing less than three times length of tarsus.
g'. Tail more than three times length of [p. 258.
CATSUSRIS A 4c Le TIE ee Seeks kas ERyTHROCICHLA,
h". Tail equal to twice length of tarsus.. A’ rHOSTOMA, p. 259.

C. Tail under 45mm,
e. Lill as long as the head; curved downwards. RimaTor, p. 255.
J. Bill half as long as the head; straight.... TurDINULUS, p. 250.

Genus DRYONASTES Sharpe, 1883.

The genus Dryonastes, of which D. ruficollis is the type,
contains those Laughing-lThrushes which have the nostrils almost
completely hidden by bristles, and in many respects show a
similarity to the Corvide, from which, however, in others they
are as widely divided as they are in their habits and nidification.

They are all noisy, gregarious birds, feeding principally on the
ground but also on bushes, and they eat both insects, seeds and
fruit.

Harington proposed to divide the birds of this genus into two
genera on account of the varying degree of density in the plumes
and bristles at the base of the bill and by the differences in the
shape of the bill itself. To be consistent, however, one would
have to make yet further genera, for if rujicollis differs in degree
from cerulatus, so also galbanus differs to an equal extent from
ruficollis. Under the circumstances it would seem wiser to keep:
them together, and this I do.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Chin and throat black.

a. Ear-coverts black ............ D. ruficollis, p. 139.
6. Ear-coverts white.
aeback chestnut os oe-eiecee eee D. nuchalis, p. 140.
6'. Back olive-brown .......... D, chinensis, p. 141.
B. Chin and throat white.
c; Mailiwith no pale tip. ..)..09 D. cerulatus cerulatus, p. 141.
d. Tail with pale tip.
ce’. Ear-coverts white .......... D. c. subcerulatus, p. 142.
d'. Ear-coverts brown .......... D. c, kaurensis, p. 148.
C. Chin and throat chestnut-brown .. DD. sannio, p. 144.

D. Chin black, throat yellow ........ D. galbanus, p. 145.

DRYONASTES. 139:

(120) Dryonastes ruficollis.
Tue Rurous-NECKED LavGHING-THRUSH.

Tanthocincla ruficollis Jard. & Selby, Hl. Orn., 2nd series, pl. 21
(Himalayas).
Dryonastes ruficollis, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 78.

Vernacular names. Pobduya, Hath Gurri-qurri( Beng.) ; Rapchen-
pho (Lepeha); Doopooleeka (Assam); Dao-popalika (Cachari).

Description. Crown and nape slaty-grey ; remainder of head,
throat and centre of upper breast black; sides of neck to ear-
coverts bright chestnut; upper plumage and wings olive-brown ;
the outer webs of the primaries ashy ; tail black, the base suffused
with olive-green; breast, upper abdomen, sides of the body and
thighs olive-brown; centre of lower abdomen and under tail-coverts
bright chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red ; legs, feet and bill black-

Measurements. Total length about 250 mm.; wing 100 to
105 mm.; tail about 115 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Nepal, through Assam, North and South
of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Tippera and Chittagong
Hill tracts, and Bhamo and the Upper Chindwin.

Nidification. The Rutous-necked Laughing -Thrush breeds
principally in April and May, but nests may be found containing
eggs almost any time from March to August, and I have had them
brought to me once in September. The nests are deep, rather
untidy structures of grass, leaves, roots and tendrils lined with
roots, fern-rachides or coarse fibre. They are cup-shaped and are
generally placed in high bushes or small trees in scrub-jungle or
the secondary growth in deserted cultivation. The eggs number
three or four and are an intensely glossy pale skim-milk blue, pale
blne or practically white, the latter being rare. 200 eggs average
25°7 x 20'°0 mm. They breed generally below 2,000 feet.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is a very gregarious, very noisy
bird, haunting the outskirts of villages, scrub- and bamboo-
jungle, reeds or Jong grass. It is very partial to the dense
matted growth which at once springs up in deserted culti-
vation but it is not a forest bird, and when seen in the forest
it will be only on the fringe of it. The parties, which may number
anything from half-a-dozen to twenty or more, feed both on the
ground and in amongst the lower cover, clambering freely about
in a very energetic manner and keeping up a continual noisy
chatter, which every now and then bursts into a perfect babel of
shrieks, laughs and expostulations. They are not shy birds and
do not resent observation, though from their habits they may some-
times be difficult to see but in the vicinity of villages the flocks are

140 TIMALIID ®,

very tame and confiding. They keep generally below 2,000 feet
and are most common in the low foot-hills and adjoiming plains,
but they are also found up to 4,000 feet.

(121) Dryonastes nuchalis. .
Ociy’s Laveuine-THrusH.
Garrulax nuchalis Godw.-Aust., A. M. N. H., (4) xviii, p. 411 (1876)

(Dibrugarh, Assam).
Dryonastes nuchalis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 74.

Vernacular names. Pak-chi-loka (Trans-Dikku Nagas).

Description. Forehead, upper portion of cheeks and round the
eye black; crown and nape slate-grey; a few pointed white
feathers in front of the crown; hind neck and upper back
chestnut ; remaining upper plumage olive-brown, the outer webs
of the quills tinged with paler grey and tips of tail-feathers broadly
black ; lower parts of cheeks, ear-coverts and sides of neck white ;
chin and throat black; breast light ashy; remainder of lower
plumage olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red to brick-red; bill black ;
legs and feet pale fleshy or fleshy-grey, toes the same or a shade
darker.

Measurements. Total length about 135 mm.; wing 106 to
112 mm.; tail about 110 mm.; culmen about 26 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmapntra from Naogang
to the extreme east of Lakhimpur from the foot-hills up to some
3,000 feet. This Laughing-Thrush probably does not occur in
Manipur, certainly not in the Cachar Hills adjoining.

Nidification. Ogle’s Laughing-Thrush has so far only been
found breeding by Dr. Coltart and later by myself round about
Margherita in the extreme east of the Assam Valley. It is a com-
mon bird in the higher foot-hills from about 500 feet up to about
3,000 feet during the breeding season, which is from April to
June. The nest is like that of the Rufous-necked Laughing-
Thrush but bigger and more massive. It is generally placed in
serub-jungle in ravines or broken country. The eggs number two
or three and are a rather darker blue than the eggs of the last
bird and not so glossy as a rule, though one set of pure white
eges taken by Dr. Coltart are very highly glossed. Forty eggs
average about 28°5 x 20°7 mm.

Habits. At present there is nothing recorded about this bird,
but from what we saw of it at Margherita it differs little from
the rest of the genus. Perhaps not quite so noisy as ruficollis, 14
indulges in much the same games of follow-my-leader through
scrub- and bamboo-jungle, each bird every now and then clambering
up to the top of a bush and shouting loudly to the others, who
in turn emulate both his climbing feats and his cackling laugh,

DRYONASTES. 14f

a chorus from the rest urging each to do his best. They are not
very shy, but from their habit of feeding on the ground in thick
scrub are more often heard than seen. ‘They appear never to be
found in the plains and probably never over about 3,000 feet.

(122) Dryonastes chinensis leucogenys.
THE Brack-THROoATED LAauGHine-THrRUuUSH.
Crateropus leucogenys Blyth, J. A.S.B., xi, p. 180 (1842) (Upper
Bengal, in errore),
Dryonastes chinensis. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 74.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Crown and nape slaty-blue, the anterior portion of
the crown streaked with white; cheeks and ear-coverts white ;
remainder of head to upper breast black; upper plumage and
exposed parts of the wings rich olive-brown, outer webs of first
primaries silvery-grey; tail olive-brown, the terminal quarter
black; breast, sides of neck and upper abdomen ashy-grey ;
remainder of lower surface olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red; bill black; mouth and eyelids
plumbeous ; legs fleshy-brown ; claws horn-colour.

Measurements. Total length about 280 to 290 mm.; wing 110
to 115 mm.; tail about 115 to 120 mm.; culmen about 22 mm.

Distribution. The Southern Shan States, Tounghoo to the.
southern half of Pegu, Yunnan, ? South-West China.

Nidification unknown. Harington’s eggs are very doubtful.

Habits. Harington says that this is a very common bird at
Tounghoo. It has a series of fine notes which can hardly be
called a song as well as many of the harsher notes of the genus.
In general its habits are much those of the rest of the family.
It is a favourite cage-bird in China.

The bird from 8.W. China is probably Robinson and Kloss’s
new subspecies germaint.

I designate the type locality of lewcogenys as Meetan, Pegu.

(123) Dryonastes cerulatus cerulatus.

Tur GReEY-sIDED LAuGHING-THRUSH.

Cinclosoma cerulatus Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 147 (1836) (Nepal).
Dryonastes cerulatus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 75.

Vernacular names. V’arma-pho (Lepcha); Piang-kam (Bhut.).

Description. Forehead, the upper part of the cheeks and round
the eye black; ear-coverts black above, whitish tipped with rufous
below ; upper plumage and sides of neck rufous-brown, brighter
on the greater coverts, the outer webs of the quills and on the
head, the feathers of which have narrow edges of black; rump

142 TIMALIIDZ.

tinged with ashy; tail chestnut-brown; lower parts of cheeks
rufous-brown ; extreme point of chin black; remainder of chin,
throat, the middle of the breast and abdomen and under tail-coverts
white; sides of breast and abdomen ashy.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown ; bill horny-black,
paler and greyer at the base; legs pale fleshy. - “* Orbital skin
livid” (Jerdon).

Measurements. Length about 280 mm.; wing 103 to 108mm. ;
tail about 120 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen about 20 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, hills North of the Brahmaputra
-and hill-ranges of North Manipur, Naga Hills to Dibrugarh,

Fig. 27.—Head of D. c. cerulatus.

Nidification. Breeds in Sikkim in May and June and occasion-
ally as early as April at between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, making a
bulky, cup-shaped nest of twigs, bamboo leaves, grass, roots and
stems of plants, lined with finer roots and fern-rachides and placed
in small trees or high bushes at any height between 5 and 15 feet.
The eggs, two or three in number, are pale blue-green, very like
those of Garrulaw moniliger, but the texture is smoother and closer
though not nearly so hard or glossy as those of the ruficollis group.
Fifteen eges average 30°5 x 22°] mm.

Habits. Similar to those of the rest of the genus. This bird,
however, is one of high altitudes, being found principally between
-3,000 and 5,000 feet, and ascending up to 6,000 feet in summer
and descending to about 2,000 in winter.

(124) Dryonastes cerulatus subcerulatus.
Tun Suintone LavGHING-THRUSH.

Garrulax subcerulatus Hume, S. F., vii, p. 140 (1878) (Shillong).
Dryonastes subcerulatus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 76.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last, but has the ear-coverts and
-cheeks above and below them white, just tipped here and there
with black; the three outermost pairs of tail-feathers are broadly
tipped with white and the upper parts are rather paler.

DRYONASTES, 143

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in D. ¢. cerulatus.
Distribution. Khasia Hills only.

Nidification. The Shillong Laughing-Thrush breeds in May and
June in the pine-forests between 4,0U0 and 6,000 feet. The nest
is like that of the last bird, but seldom has bamboo leaves in the
materials of which it is composed and, on the other hand, often
has pine needles. It is generally placed in a high, thin bush in
one of the numerous bush- and fern-covered nullahs or ravines
running through the pine-forests but it may also be found in
tangles of raspberry or blackberry vines within a couple of feet
of the ground. The eggs number two or three, very rarely four,
and are like those of cerulatus, perhaps a little more highly
polished, yet never like the eggs of the Rufous-necked Laughing-
Thrush. Forty eggs average 29:3 x 20°8 mm., but vary very greatly
in size.

Habits. This is not so noisy a bird as most others of the genus
Dryonastes, but it has the same habit of wandering about in floeks
of half-a-dozen to a dozen in undergrowth and scrub-jungle, all
the while keeping up constant conversation which now and then
breaks out into violent abuse or argument. Many of its notes are
very full, soft and pleasant, but others are equally harsh and
discordant. It feeds much on the ground or in low bushes, but
I have seen it working at some height on the rhododendron trees
near the Shillong Peak. It never seems to descend below 3,000
feet and is found up to 6,200 feet on the highest peaks.

(125) Dryonastes cerulatus kaurensis.
THe Kacuin Httrs Laveuine-Turusu.

Dryonastes kaurensis Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xii, p- 18 (1901)
(Bhamo).

Vernacular names. Wo-krang-krang-frong (Kachin).

Description. Differs from D. ¢. subcerulatus in having rufeseent-
brown ear-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. “ Orbital skin and naked patch round the
eye slaty-blue ” (Harington).

Measurements. Total length about 287 mm.; culmen 26-6 mm.;
wing 104-6 mm.; tail 115°3 mm.; tarsus 40:6 mm. (Ltippon).

Distribution. North and Central Kachin Hills.

Nidification. Harington and Grant found it breeding in the
Bhamo district in April, May and June. The nest, which is
generally composed of bamboo leaves and lined with roots, was
placed either in clumps of hill-bamboo or in high bushes. The
eggs, two in number, are like those of cerulatus but perhaps
rather darker. Ten eggs average 30-5 x 21°5 nm.

144 TIMALIID®.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is found between 5,000 and
7,000 feet in the Bhamo Hills; it is said to have a ‘very fine,
almost human whistle which can easily be imitated and by which
it can be called up. It generally keeps to very dense forest.”

(126) Dryonastes sannio.

Tue Wurrn-BRowED LiavGHine-THRUSH.

Garrulax sannio Swinh., Ibis, 1867, p. 403 (China).
Dryonastes sannio. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 76.

Vernacular names. Shong-shay, Wo-frow (Kachin).

Description. Lores, cheeks, lower part of the ear-coverts and a
supercilium to the nape yellowish white; remainder of head, neck,
chin and throat chestnut-brown ; upper plumage and exposed parts
of wings olive-brown; tail rufous-brown ; centre of breast and
abdomen pale ochraceous; sides of same rufous olive-brown ;
under tail-coverts bright ochraceous.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pale brown with a faint
purplish-fleshy tinge; claws darker; bill blackish; orbital skin
pale fleshy-grey ; iris dull brownish maroon, liver-brown, or light
brown (Hume).

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 95 to 99

mm.; tail about 100 to 105 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen
about 18 to 19 mm.

Distribution. The extreme east of Cachar Hills, Manipur, Chin
and Kachin Hills, Shan States into 8.W. China, Fohkien (La
Touche).

Nidification. The breeding season commences in February, but
most eggs are laid in April and May and from then onwards to
the middle of June. The nest is like that of rajicollis but with
more grass in its construction, and is generally placed low down
in brambles, bushes or thick grass, but in the Shan States it
appears to select small trees and saplings for nesting purposes.
The eggs vary from two to four in number and in colour from
pure white to pale blue. They have the extremely hard, glossy
texture of the eggs of the Rufous-necked Laughing-Thrush,
from which they cannot be distinguished.
26:0 x 19°6 mm.

Habits. A very rare bird in Cachar and Manipur, this Laughing-
Thrush becomes extremely common in the Kachin and Chin Hills
between 3,000 and 5,500 feet. In its habits it is the same noisy,
gregarious bird as is rujicollis, and, though a skulker in low jungle,
is not shy or intolerant of observation. According to Harington
they collect together in the evenings and are then often very
noisy, but their notes are more complaining and less hilarious than
those of the White-crested Laughing-Thrushes.

Eighty eggs average

GARRULAX. 145

(127) Dryonastes galbanus.
Auvstren’s LauGuine-THRUSH.

Garrulax galbanus Godw.-Aust., P.Z.8., 1874, p. 44 (Manipur).
Dryonastes galbanus, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 68.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A narrow ashy-white supercilium ; crown and nape
ashy-brown; rest of head and chin black; upper plumage, wing-
coverts and outer webs of secondaries ochraceous brown; the
outer webs of primaries ashy-olive; inner webs of all quills
brown ; tail greenish-ashy, the four middle feathers broadly tipped
with black and sub-tipped whitish, the others broadly tipped with
white preceded by blackish; lower plumage yellow washed with
olive on the sides ; under tail-coverts white.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; legs ash-grey; -iris red.
brown (Godw.-Austen).

Measurements. Length about 240 to 250 mm.; wing 92 to 96
mm.; tail about 105 to 110 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen
about 20 to 22 mm.

Distribution. Manipur and Chin Hills.

Nidification. In all respects like that of the last bird. Thirty
eggs average 24°3 x 18°5 mm. and cannot be distinguished from
those of that Laughing-Thrush, except that they area trifle smaller
and perhaps rather less glossy.

Habits. Similar to those of ruficollis, but found principally
between 2,500 and 5,000 feet. It is said also to be more of a
forest bird in the Chin Hills and less restricted to serub and
bush-jungle, though Hume found it frequenting grass-lands in
very large flocks, 50 to 80 in number, in Manipur.

Genus GARRULAX Lesson, 1831.

The genus Garrulax differs from Dryonastes in having fewer
bristles and hairs covering the nostrils, which are clearly visible.
The feathers of the head are in most species long and ample, and
in some are developed into long crests.

At first sight the White-headed Laughing-Thrushes appear to
be divided trom the rest of the genus by their fine crests and by the
fact that they lay eggs of a totally different character to those of tlie
other genera. Now, however, that Mr. J. Stewart has taken many
nests of G. delesserti in Travancore, it is found that this bird,
though in other respects like the species which lay blue eggs, lays
round white eggs, exact miniatures of those of G. leucolophus.
All the species within Indian Jimits lay unspotted eggs, either
blue or white.

VOL. I. L

146 TIMALIID ©.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Crown and crest white.
a. Upper breast white, distinctly defined
from rufous of lower breast and

abdomen ameieile tec os feelers G, 1. leucolophus, p. 146.
b. Breast white, merging into rufous of

AVAOMEM oe ees esi c's oe) omens G. l. belangeri, p. 148.
c. Breast and entire abdomen white...... G. 1. diardi, p. 148.

B. Crest not present, crown not white.
d. A well-marked black pectoral band.
a’. A black cheek-stripe.

Gio LAPS LOUbadleWIILe.., 5)... aicte pilin G. p. pectoralis, p. 150.
G15 MUGS aba IO UTILS, ie. -io oc iere eee G. p. semitorquata, p. 151.
b'. No black cheek-stripe.
Gln Tips to hall wit 250i.) ssc G. m. moniliger, p. 151.
Gi ea pSaLOvallDUE (co. %. Gs patetele eee G. m. fuscata, p. 152.
e. No pectoral band.
ce’. Chin and throat yellow .......... G. gularis, p. 102.
d', Chin and throat white.
el sRanentirely. black.) cjaeeneeler G. delesserti, p. 149.
f'. Tail tipped with white.
Pr oky d UEy oc) dae aM RR PERS erence 3 G. a. albogularis, p. 153.
Bee aller... tot, sch eek octane G. a. whistleri, p. 154.
e’. Shin and throat chocolate-brown .. G. strepitans, p. 154.

(128) Garrulax leucolophus leucolophus.
Tue HIMALAYAN WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Corvus leucolophus Hardw., Trans. Linn. Soc., xi, p. 208 (1815)
(Mt. above Hardwar).
Garrulax leucolophus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 77.
Vernacular names. Rawil-Kahy (Hindi in N.W.P.); Karrio-pho
(Lepcha) ; Karria-goka (Bhutan) ; Naga-dhaopooleka (Assam) ;
Dao-flantu (Cachari).

Description. Lores, ear-coverts and round the eye black; the
rest of the head to nape and to lower breast pure white, the
longest feathers of the crest dark ashy-grey ; a ferruginous collar
below upper breast merging into the olive-brown of the rest of
upper and lower plumage; wings brown, the outer webs of the
feathers like the back; tail brown washed with olive-brown ;
flanks, lower breast and abdomen like the back, but with a tinge of
rufous throughout.

Colours of soft parts. Ivis red or red-brown; bill horny-black
to black; legs and feet slate to fleshy-grey, the soles paler and
claws darker; orbital skin dull slate.

Measurements. Length about 300 mm.; wing 132 to 137 mm. ;
tail about 130 to 135 mm.; tarsus about 45 mm.; culmen about
28 to 30 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Simla to North Chin Hills,
Kachin Hills and North and Central Burma.

>

GARRULAX. 147

Nidification. As with so many of the common birds, the
breeding season of this Laughing-Thrush is very extended, eggs
being laid from the end of March to the beginning of August, the
latter being second broods. They breed from practically the level
of the plains up to 5,000 feet, but between 1,000 and 2,500 feet is
the favourite altitude. The nests are broad, but shallow, cups,
rather loosely put together and are generally composed for the
main part of grass and bamboo leaves, bound together with stems
of plants, tendrils, roots and fern-rachides and mixed more or less
with dead leaves, dried moss, etc. The lining is of coarse roots,
fern-rachides and tendrils. They may be placed in almost any
position from low down in scrub and brambles to 20 feet up in
small saplings, but a common site is some thorny, and not too
dense, bush in hight undergrowth.

Fig. 28.—Head of G. /. /eucolophus.

The eggs number from three to five, two or six only very rarely.
They are a pure china-white in colour, hard and glossy with
numerous pits, a feature shown in no other egg of this family. In
shape they are very spherical, and but for their stoutness and the
pits might easily be mistaken for Kingfishers’ eggs. 200 eggs
average 281 x 22°8 mm., and the extremes in length and breadth
are 30°0 x 23:4 mm., 28:7 x 24:1 mm. and 25:0 x 21:0 mm.

Habits. The White-crested Laughing-Thrush is extremely
abundant in the lower hills in the North and South of the Brahma-
putra. It is one of the noisiest of birds, always calling to one
another in notes of varying degrees of harshness, the big flocks in
which it congregates every few minutes indulging in an outburst
of cackling and laughing calls in which each member tries to out-
shout the rest. These outbursts are often accompanied by
dancing and flapping of wings as the birds clamber about the
undergrowth or work along the ground underneath. They are
not shy birds, and if one keeps quiet they show far more interest
in each other and in their food than they do in the intruder.
Moreover, they are most inquisitive birds and must investigate
carefully everything they cannot understand. They may be found

in flocks even in the breeding season, and a bird seated on her
L2

148 TIMALIID&.

nest has been heard joining in the chorus of a number engaged in
the cackling and clambering round about her.

(129) Garrulax leucolophus belangeri.

Tue BurMEsSE Wurve-crRested LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Garrulaa belangert Less., Traité VOrn., p. 648 (1831); Blanf. &
Oates, 1, p. 79.
Vernacular names. Wa-youn-hiet, Way-owng-hnet-goung byw
(Burmese).
Description. Differs from the preceding in having the white of
the breast running into the abdomen instead of being sharply

defined by the rufous colour. The colour of the upper parts is a
light ferruginous- rather than an olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts as in lewcolophus.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than the last, with a wing
of about 125 to 130 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan, North and South Shan States, Annam,
Lower Chin and Kachin Hills, Pegu and Tenasserim.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird, twelve eggs
averaging 28°3 x 22-7 mm.

Habits differ in no way from those of the last or the next bird,

+ (130) @arrulax leucolophus diardi.
THe StamMEsE WHITE-cRESTED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Turdus diardi Less., Traité d’Orn., p. 408 (1831) (Siam).
Garrulax diardt. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 79.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the other two races by the grey of
the erest merging into the rufous back instead of contrasting
therewith. The whole of the abdomen is white.

Colours of soft parts as in the other races.

Measurements. The largest of the three races with a wing
between 135 and 140 mm.

Distribution. Extreme South Yunnan, Siam, Cambodia, Annan,
Cochin China, rarely extending into South-East Tenasserim, and
then in a somewhat intermediate form approaching belangert.
The specimens in the British Museum from the Shan States and
Annam labelled ‘ diardi” should all be referred to the last race,
belangest.

Nidification. Similar to that of the other races. Twelve eggs
average 27°4 x 22-4 mm., but a larger series would probably
average bigger.

Habits. Like those of the other races but this form appears to
be found well into the plains.

GARRULAX. 149

(151) Garrulax delesserti.
THe Wynaap Laveutne-Turvusn.

Crateropus delesserti Jerd., Madr. Jour. UL. S., x, p. 256 (1839)
(Wynaad, 8. India).
Garrulax delesserti. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 82.

Vernacular names. Poong Karwvi (Tel.).

Description. Lores, ear-coverts and round the eye black; fore-
head, crown, mantle and sides of neck deep slaty-grey, the forehead
mottled with lighter grey; back, rump and visible portions of
wing chestnut-brown, except the outer webs of the first few
primaries which are duller; upper tail-coverts brighter chestnut ;
tail black, tinged with rufous at the base: extreme point of chin
black ; remainder of chin, cheeks and throat white; breast and
upper part of abdomen ashy-grey; lower part of abdomen, vent,
thighs and under tail-coverts deep chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson; upper mandible blackish
brown, lower mandible pale fleshy ; legs, feet and claws fleshy-
white.

Measurements. ‘Total length about 250 to 260 mm. ; wing
100 to 105 mm. ; tail 98 to 102 mm, ; tarsus about 38 mm. ; culmen
about 24 mm.

Distribution. The hills of 8. India from the Wynaad to the south
of Travancore.

Nidification. Mr. J. Stewart describes the nest as varying
greatly in character. In some it is a rather bulky, deep cup,
almost semi-domed, in others it is a cup hardly bigger than that
of Molpastes. It is composed of grass, leaves, weed stems, etc.
lined with roots and placed either in a bush or in a tangle of
creepers and briars. The breeding season is March to May, but
Mr. Stewart has taken eggs in February and again in August,
the latter possibly a second laying.

The eggs are generally two or three in number, very rarely
four. They are in appearance a link between those of the G. leuco-
lophus group and those of the other Laughing-Thrushes. Pure
white and very round in shape like the eges of the former they
are a little less hard-shelled and have no pits; on the other hand.
they are harder shelled and different in texture to the eggs of the,
Jatter. 50 eggs average 27°5 x 20°5 mm.

The birds appear to breed at all heights up to 4,000 feet, but
principally between 1,500 and 2,500 feet.

Habits. Apparently found from the level of the plains up to
the highest hills, haunting thick underwood and having the same
noisy and gregarious habits as others of the genus.

150 TIMALILDD.

(132) Garrulax pectoralis pectoralis.
THe InpIaAN Brack-Gorceren LaucHine-THrusH.

Lanthocincla pectoralis Gould, P.Z.S., 1855, p. 186 (Nepal).
Garrulax pectoralis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 80.

Vernacular names. Ol-pho (Lepcha); Bura Penga (Bengal).

Description. Forehead to tail and wing-coverts fulvous olive-
brown; a broad collar on the hind neck brighter fulvous; tail like
the back, the outer feathers broadly tipped with white and with
subterminal bands of black: the middle tail-feathers uni-coloured
and the next two pairs with black bands only; primary-coverts
biack edged with hoary ; exposed parts of quills olive-brown, the
earlier primaries edged with hoary ; lores and a narrow super cilium
white ; ear-coverts “black and white or almost entirely white or
entirely black ; a cheek-stripe from the gape, continued round the
ear-coverts to the upper part of the eye, and a broad pectoral band,
black; chin and throat whitish ; the remainder of the under parts
fulvous, albescent on the abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Upper mandible dark horn-colour;
the lower bluish-horn at the base and tip, dark brown in the
middle; mouth bluish; iris yellow, orange-yellow or orange-
brown ; eyelids and orbital skin dusky blue, edges of the eyelids
orange- ‘yellow ; ; legs light to dark slaty-grey, claws pale horn.

pee Une meEe: Total length about 330 to 340 mm.; wing 142 to
150 mm.; tail about 180 mm.; tarsus about 49 mm.; culmen
about 30 mm.

Distribution. Nepal to E. Assam, North and South of the Brah-
maputra, N. Burma and N. Shan States.

Nidification. Breeds from the end of March to early June,
many birds having second broods in July and August. The nests
are large, loosely-built cups of leaves, bamboo leaves, grass, roots
and stems of weeds, sometimes with moss added, and lined with
finer roots, tendrils and fern stems. They may be placed in any
thick bush, sapling or clump of bamboos, sometimes quite close to
the ground, at other times 20 feet from it. The eggs are generally
four in number, sometimes three and rarely five. In colour they
are a rather deep blue-green, but quite pale ones are not un-
common; rather long in shape, the texture is smooth and there
is very little gloss. 200 eggs average 31:4 x 22°7 mm. ‘The
extremes of size are 33°8x 227 + 29°2 x 24:1; 28:7x21°6 and
30°2 x 20°9 mm.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is a bird of low elevations; it 1s
common in the plains near the hills and breeds principally below
2,500 though it may be found up to 4,500 feet. It is very gre-
garious, anil may often be seen associating with other Laughing-
Thrushes, especially with the Necklaced Taughing- Thrush. They
are not shy, but from their habit of keeping “much to dense

GARRULAX. 151

undergrowth they are less often seen than heard, for they are
as noisy as the rest of their family. They indulge in the same
dances during the early part of the season and not infrequently at
other times also, hopping about the ground, flirting and spreading
their wings, bowing and performing like circus contortionists, all
the time loudly applauding their own performances.

(133) Garrulax pectoralis semitorquata.
Tur BurMesp Brack-GorGetep LAuGHING-THRUSH.

Garrulax semitorquata Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. O. C., x, p. 49 (1900)
(Five-finger Mt., Hainan).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the tips to the
tail-feathers buff instead of white and the pectoral band fre-
quently interrupted in the centre.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. S. Burma, S. Shan States, Yunnan, Siam and
Hainan.

Nidification and Habits as in pectoralis pectoralis. 50 eggs
average 30°7 x 22:0 mm.

(134) Garrulax moniliger moniliger.
Tue Inpian Necxktacep Laucuine-THRUSH.

Cinclosoma moniligera Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 147 (1836) (Nepal).
Garrulax moniliger. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 81.

Vernacular names. Ol-pho(Lepcha); Piang-kam (Bhut.); Porera
or Purirhi (Daphla) ; Chota penga (Bengali).

Description. Differs from pectoralis in wanting the black cheek-
stripe and in having the primary-coverts the same as the others,
not black. The ear-coverts are black and white, varying much
individually.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale yellow to bright yellow ; eyelids
dull purple ; bill dark horn-colour, the tip and edges paler; legs
light plumbeous, claws pale horn-colour. In young birds the eyes
are greenish yellow or a pale washed-out blue.

Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing 128 to
128mm_; tail about 120 to 125 mm. ; tarsus about 43 mm.; culmen
about 28 mm.

Distribution. Practically the same as that of G. pectoralis
pectoralis.

Nidification. This Laughing-Thrush has breeding habits, season,
elevation, etc., all identical with its larger cousin, pectoralis ; the
nests are indistinguishable, but the eggs can be told by their smaller
size. 200 eggs average about 28-4 x 21:3 mm., but the largest of

152 TIM ALIID®.

these exceed in size the smallest of those of the Black-gorgeted
Laughing-Thrush.

The extremes are maxima, 30-3 x 21:0 and 27:9 x 23°5 mm. ;
minima 27:0 x 21°6 and 27:2 x 19°8 mm.

Habits exactly the same as those of pectoralis, with in it
frequently consorts.

(135) Garrulax moniliger fuscata.
Tur BurmMesn NEecKLACED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Garrulax moniliger fuscata Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxxvii,
p. 64 (1918) (Tavoy).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from G. m. moniliger in having the tips to
the tail-feathers buff instead of white and in, generally, having
more white and less black on the ear-coverts.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last, but
South Burmese birds are rather smaller.

Distribution. South Central Burma and Siam to the south of
Tenasserim.

Nidification and Habits differ in no way from those ot the last
bird. 60 eggs average 27°8 x 21°3 mm.

(136) Garrulax gularis,
McCLeLLAND’s LaucHine-THRuSH.

Tanthocincla gularis McClell., P. Z.S., 1839, p. 150 (Cachar). .
Garrulaxv gularis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 81.

Vernacular names. Dao-ria phang (Cachari).

Description. Lores, ear-coverts and under the eyes black ; fore-
head, crown, nape, mantle and sides of the neck slaty-grey ; back,
rump and visible portions of the wing deep chestrut-brown, except
the outer webs of the first primaries, which are duller ; upper tail-
coverts deeper chestnut; the four central tail-feathers rufous-
brown on the basal two-thirds of their length, then black; the
others all pale chestnut, the fourth pair from the outside partially
black on the inner web; extreme point of chin black ; remainder
of chin, cheeks, throat, fore neck, centre of breast and abdomen
yellow ; sides of breast and upper abdomen dark ashy-grey ; lower
part of flanks, thighs, vent and under tail-coverts deep chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; irides crimson or bright red.

Measurements. Length about 250mm; wing about 95to 100mm. ;
tail about the same; tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen about 28 mm.

Distribution. The hills South of the Brahmaputra, from Cachar
to Lakhimpur and the Dafla Hills.

Nidification. McClelland’s Laughing-Thrush is resident and
breeds throughout its range, the great majority of eggs being laid

GARRULAX. 5

in May but others also in late April and throughout June. The
nest isa typical Laughing-Thrush’s nest, a large, shallow and rather
untidy cup, but more tendrils are used in its construction than 1
have noticed in the nests of others of the genus. It is generally
built in dense forest, and may be placed in bushes or in saplings
between 3 and 20 feet from the ground. The eggs are two or three
in number, rather long ovals, more smooth and glossy than the
eges of most of its genus, but less so than those of Dryonastes
ruficollis ete. They vary in colour from pure white to pale blue-
green, and 100 eggs average 29°2x 20°5 mm. The extremes in
measurement are 31°0x19°8; 29:0x21'7; 25°5x19°6 and 27°8
19:2 mm.

Habits. This is a Laughing-Thrush of rather high elevations,
seldom under 3,500 and hardly ever below 2,000 feet, even in winter,
though a straggler was obtained at Lakhimpur in Cachar, practically
in the plains. It is a less noisy, less gregarious bird than many
of its nearest relations and keeps much to dense forest rather than
to scrub. It has a loud, rather sweet whistle in addition to the
usual cackling notes of its kind.

(137) Garrulax albogularis albogularis.
THe WHITE-rHROATED LavGHING-THRUSH.

Tanthocinela albcgularis Gould, P. Z.S., 1885, p. 187 (Nepal).
Garrulax albigularis. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 82.

Vernacular names. Karriam-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead fulvous: lores and feathers above and
below eye black; cheeks, chin and throat white; upper plumage
rich olive-brown, tinged with fulvous on the crown and ear-coverts
and rusty on the upper tail-coverts ; wings brown, edged with the
colour of the back; tail olive-brown, the four outer puirs of
feathers very broadly tipped with white: sides of neck and a broad
pectoral band olive-brown ; remainder of lower plumage bright
ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black or dull black, inside of mouth
yellow; legs, feet and claws pale fleshy piumbeous to darker livid
plumbeoys ; iris greyish blue.

Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing 123 to
133 mm., average 128 mm.; tail 140 to 145 mm.; tarsus about
43 mm.; culmen about 25 mm.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim, but not in Bhutan or Assam,
except twice in the Barail Range in N. Cachar.

Nidification. The only nest recorded is one taken by myself in
N. Cachar. Neither nest nor eggs differ in any way from those of
the next and better known form.

Habits. Similar to those of the next bird.

154 TIMALIID ®.

(133) Garrulax albogularis whistleri.

THE WESTERN WHITE-THROATED LAUGHING-THRUSH,

Garrulax albogularis whistlert Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xlii,
p- 29 (1921) (Simla).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from true alboyularis in having the upper
parts paler, more grey and less red, in having the red of the under
parts paler and duller, and in being distinctly bigger.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Wing 132 (very abraded) to 144, average 139
mim. ; other measurements in proportion.

Distribution. Himalayas from the Hazara country to Garhwal.

Nidification. Breeds at all ranges between 4,000 and 9,000 feet
in May and June, making a cup-shaped nest of grass, leaves, roots,
tendrils, etc., rather loosely put together and generally bound with
reed stems. Sometimes there is no lining, at other times it is well
lined with moss and fern roots. They are usually built in small,
fairly thick bushes in dense forest, less often in small trees and
rarely in scrub or secondary growth. The eggs number three,
seldom two and even more seldom four, and are of a beautiful
glossy dark blue, darker than that of any other egg except
Hodgsonius phonicuroides. In shape they are fairly long ovals, and
the average of 50 eggs is 29:0 x 21-1 mm.

Habits. These birds are as gregarious and almost as noisy as
the White-crested Laughing-Thrushes, remaining in flocks even
during the breeding season. They are birds of high elevations
and do not seem to wander down much below 3,000 feet, though
they may be found a little lower in winter. They keep much to
forest, feeding on the ground and on low undergrowth. Though
from their habits difficult to watch, they are not shy birds.

(139) Garrulax strepitans.
TIcKELL’s LaucuHine-THRUSH.

Garrulax strepitans Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxiv, p. 268 (1858) (Mt.
Muleyit, Tenasserim) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, v. 83.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape reddish brown ; face
black ; hinder portion of ear-coverts ferruginous ; a spot on either
side of the neck white ; hind neck, sides of neck and upper back
ashy, paler and whiter in front, darker behind, and blending with
the olive-brown of the upper plumage and wings; tail blackish,
marked with olive-brown on the outer webs; throat and breast
chocolate-brown, the latter bordered by ashy blending with the
olive-brown of the remainder of the plumage.

IANTHOCINCLA, 155

Colours of soft parts. [ris red, lake-red or crimson; legs and
feet very dark brown to almost black, claws horny-brown ; bill
black.

Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing 132 to
135 mm. ; tailabout 135 mm. ; tarsus about 45 to 47 mm. ; culmen
about 27 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim and North and South-West Siam,
where specimens have been obtained at Koon Tan and Si-sa-wad.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Davison says that it is a noisy but shy bird, avoiding
observation. ‘ Not by any means uncommon, occurring in small
flocks of twenty or more, and keeping entirely, so far as I have
observed, to the forest, especially to the ravines where this is
densest.”

Genus IANTHOCINCLA Gould, 1835.

Oates applied the generic term Janthocincla to those Laughing-
Thrushes which have no bristles at the base of the forehead, but
in which the nostrils are overhung by a few long hairs. The
genus differs in no other respect from Garrulax, and the division
is perhaps hardly necessary, but it is convenient for students and
may therefore be retained. All the species are remarkable for
having the secondaries tipped with white and the bill is rather
narrow.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Crown and nape black.

a. Upper plumage spotted with white.... JZ. ocedlata ocellata, p. 155.
b. Upper plumage barred with black. [p. 158.
Gi. Mar=coverts DIACk: «<i. «ioe. «sales L.rufogularis rufogularis,
b'. Har-coverts rusty-orange .......... I. r. occidentalis, p. 159.
ce. Har-coverts brOWD. 2... -.5..2 005+ I, 1. assamensis, p. 159.
ce. Upper plumage neither barred nor [p- 156.
SPOLLCCRR Erne asic patties) 5 eee late oy I. cineracea cineracea,
B. Crown and nape ashy. .3. .e5 ccs: = Lvexsiyant.p. Li.
C. Crown and nape reddish brown with pale
shafts.
d. Lower plumagerufous-brown with white
lbgctitaod o.cd'on d Gidido On ae eae ee I. austeni austeni, p. 160.
e. Lower plumage much paler, each feather
with broad white edges ............ I. a, victoria, p. 161.

(140) Tanthocincla ocellata ocellata.
Tor WuHitk-spotrep LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Cinclosoma ocellatum Vigors, P.Z.S., 1831, p. 15 (Himalayas).
Lanthocinela ocellata. Blanf, & Oates, i, Ds 8d.

Vernacular names. Lho-karreum-pho (Lepcha).
Description. Forehead, crown and nape brownish black: face

156 TIMALIID A.

and supercilia bright fulvous ; ear-coverts chestnut; upper back
and sides of neck fulvous, the feathers with broad black sub-
terminal marks and fulvous tips; scapulars and wing-coverts to
tail reddish brown with white spots preceded by black marks ;
quills tipped white, the earlier primaries black on the outer webs,
becoming progressively ashy and then chestnut; middle tail-
feathers chestnut, tipped with white; the others rufous at base,
then ashy and finally black with white tips ; centre of throat black,
the feathers with narrow rufous edges; sides of throat rufous
barred with black ; below fulvous buff, the breast barred with black
and the flanks more olivaceous with a few paler fulvous bars.

Colours of soft parts. Bill yellowish, dusky above and on tip;
legs dull yellow ; iris yellow-brown.

Measurements. Length about 310 to 320 mm.; wing 130 to
135 mm.; tail about 180 mm.; tarsus about 48 mm.; culmen
about 30 to 32 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, from which latter
place [ have received typical specimens. The type-locality may be
restricted to Darjeeling.

Nidification. Hume received a nest from Sikkim with one of
the parent birds. ‘The nest is principally composed of these”
(fern and grass) “intermingled with moss and roots and is a large,
loose structure some 7 inches in diameter.” It was placed close
to the ground in a thick clump of fern and grass, and contained
two eggs which are not described.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is a bird of high elevations. It
occurs about Darjeeling from some 6,000 or 7,000 feet up to at least
10,000 feet. It keeps much to heavy forest, and appears to be less
gregarious and not so noisy as the species of the two preceding
genera.

(141) Ianthocincla cineracea cineracea.
THE AsHy Lauquinc-Turuvusn.

Trochalopterum cineraceum Godw.-Aust., P.Z.S., 1874, p. 15 (Naga
Hills).
Lanthocincla cineracea. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 85.

Vernacular names, Lehw (Angami Naga).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape black; lores, a broad
supercilium, ear-coverts and under the eye dull white, a narrow
line over the ear-coverts and a broad moustachial streak black, the
latter ending in streaks on the sides of the upper neck; upper
plumage and wing-coverts olivaceous-ashy, tinged with rufous on
the upper tail-coverts ; secondaries and the tail like the back, each
feather with a subterminal black band and a white tip; primaries
ashy on the outer web; primary-coverts black; winglet ashy on
the outer webs, dusky on the inner; chin and throat pale fulvous,
with the shafts black; whole remaining lower plumage fulvous,
tinged with olive on the flanks and albescent on the abdomen.

IANTHOCINCLA. 1537/

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale buffish yellow to orange-yellow ;
lids pale lavender, edged dusky ; bill horny-brown, tipped paler
and with whole lower mandible pale horny-yellow ; legs and feet
pale dull fleshy.

Measurements. Total length 225 to 235 mm.; wing 86 to
89 mm.; tail about 100 mm. ; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about
20 min.

Distribution. Naga Hills, Khasiaand N. Cachar Hills, Manipur,
Lushai and Chin Hills. Does not apparently extend eastwards
to Lakhimpur.

Nidification. Numerous nests were taken by Col. Tytler in the
Naga Hills in May and June and by Messrs. Mackenzie, Hopwood
and others in the Chin Hills in March and April. They are com-
posed of ferns, leaves, roots and grass, lined with finer roots and
often bound round with tendrils and stems of plants; they are
rather more compact than most nests of this group and are placed
in bushes or small saplings in forest. The eges are generally
two only in number, sometimes three; the texture is very fine
and close and the surface smooth and silky to the touch, not hard
and glossy as in D. ruficollis. In colour they are pure unspotted
blue-green. 150 eggs average 25°3 x 18°6 mm.

Habits. This is not a very gregarious bird, and though it may
sometimes be found in small tamily parties, it ore often wanders
about in pairs, scratching on the ground amongst the fallen
rubbish for insects or clambering through the undergrowth and
bracken. It constantly utters conversational notes, some sweet
and some harsh, but never breaks out into a paroxysm of sound
like some of the other Laughing-Thrushes do. It haunts
elevations of 6,000 feet upwards and is rare below 5,000 feet.

\ (142) Tanthocincla cineracea styani.
Styan’s Lauguine-Turvusu.
Trochalopterum styanit Oustalet, Bull. Mus. Par., 6, p. 226 (1898)
(Ta-tsien-lu),
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This race differs from the preceding in having
the head dark ashy instead of black and the ear-coverts rufous
instead of black and white. The upper plumage is browner and
the breast is tinged with vinous.

Colours of soft parts as in J. ¢. cineracea.

Measurements. Wing 94 to 98 mm.; tail 106 to 118 mm.:;
tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen 22 to 25 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan and the E. Shan States.

Nidification. A single egg from the Styan collection measures
28°1 x 19°38 mm.

Habits. Not reeorded.

158 TIMALIID®.

(143) Ianthocincla rufogularis rufogularis.
Tur Rurous-cHtynep LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Lanthocinela rufogularis Gould, P.Z.S8., 1835, p. 48 (Himalayas,
Sikkim); Blant. & Oates, i, p. 86.

Vernacular names. Narbigivan-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Lores pure white; a large ring of grey round the
eye; ear-coverts wholly black or tinged with rufous posteriorly ;
forehead and crown black; cheeks and a large patch under the
eye and ear-coverts mingled black and white ; a broad supercilium
reaching to the nape, the sides of the neck and the whole upper
plumage olive-green, tinged with fulvous and each feather of the
hind neck, back and upper rump tipped with a lunate black bar ;
wing-coverts olive-brown, the larger series broadly tipped with
black ; primary-coverts dark brown margined with black; winglet
ashy, tipped black ; earlier primaries hoary on the outer webs, the
others with a black patch, increasing in extent whilst the basal
portions change to olivaceous; outer secondaries with the outer
webs olive-brown, broadly tipped with black and with a sub-tip
white line ; inner secondaries olive-brown on both webs and tipped
with black and white; tail rufescent, with deep rufous tips and
black subterminal bands; poimt of chin rufous, throat white ;
under tail-coverts deep chestnut ; remaining lower plumage ashy-
brown, albescent on the abdomen and each feather, except on the
last, spotted with black.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown ; bill pale yellow-
horny, darker at tip; legs dull fleshy-brown ; eyelids and orbital
skin bluish.

Measurements. Length about 225 to 235 mm.; wing about
94 to 97 mm.; tail about 120mm.; tarsus about 34 mm.; culmen
about 24mm.

The young have the crown olive-brown, tipped with black; the
whole chin white, and the black bars and spots above and below
smaller.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and the hills North of the
Brahmaputra at least as far East as the Miri Hills North of
Lakhimpur.

Nidification. This bird breeds very commonly in Sikkim and
round about Darjeeling in May, Juue and July, making a nest of
small twigs, many tendrils, a few roots and sometimes a leaf
or two, lined with fine roots. In some cases nothing but tendrils
are used for the outer part of the nest. It is placed as a rule
in a high bush or small tree, less often in a low bush. The eggs
number two to four, generally three, and are pure white, not
highly glossed, though very smooth and very fragile for their
size. In shape they are long ovals and fifteen eggs average
26°2 x 19°4 mm.

A second brood is sometimes brought up as late as September.

IANTHOCINCLA. 159

Habits. The Rufous-chinned Laughing-Thrush is found in
pairs or in small parties of four and five and, like the rest of its
relatives, haunts undergrowth, scrub and secondary growth, but
always in forest or in its immediate vicinity. It is not a noisy
bird, but has a large variety of notes, some of which are harsh
and loud and some are soft and mellow ; its flight, when it can be
forced to take to wing, is feeble and ill-sustained, but in clambering
about bushes and reeds it is very active and equally so on the
ground, where it seeks much of its food, both insect and seed.
It is found as low as 2,500 feet, but is most common between
4,000 and 6,000 feet, ascending as high as 8,000 feet.

(144) Ianthocincla rufogularis assamensis.
Harrert’s LaveHine-THRUSH.

Lanthoemela rufogularis assamensis Hartert, Vig. Pal., i, p. 635
(i910) (Margherita, Assam),

Vernacular names. M-pa-pita (Trans-Diku Nagas).

Description. Differs from typical rufogularis in having the
whole chin and throat rufous and the ear-coverts almost all, or
nearly all, rufous.

Colours of soft parts as in rufogularis.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than rufogularis with
wing about 91 to 94mm.

Distribution. The whole of Assam south of the Brahmaputra as
far South as the Lushai and Chittagong Hills and as far Bast
as Lakhimpur and thence into the Chin Hills.

Nidification. Breeds from 3,500 feet upwards throughout its
habitat in May and June, with an oecasional second laying in
August and September. The site selected is almost invariably
a bush in heavy forest, though the part selected is always near an
opening of some kind, river, road or a natural open glade. Nest
and eggs like those of the preceding birds. 40 eggs average
26-5 x 18°9 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of rufogularis.

(145) Tanthocincla rufogularis occidentalis,
THE Kasumir Lavcuine-Turvsu.
Lanthocincla rufogularis occidentalis Hartert, Vig. Pal. i, p. 635
(1910) (Dehra Doon),
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Rufous-chinned Laughing-Thrush,
but has the ear-coverts rusty-orange and the upper parts pale,
more olive and less rufous.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements the same as in the last.

160 TIMALIID ®.

Distribution. From Kumaon westwards through Kashmir and
the N.W. Himalayas.

Nidification. Breeds in Garhwal and the Simla Hills in May
and June between 6,000 and 8,000 feet elevation. Nest and eggs
are like those of the Sikkim bird, but the former are made more
of twigs, and tendrils are not so invariably or plentifully used.
Six eggs average 26°3 x 18°7 mm.

Habits. Like those of the other subspecies. Hutton found in
the stomach of a bird he examined “‘ sand, seeds and the remains
of wasps.”

(146) Ianthocincla austeni austeni.
Tun CacHar LAavGHine-THRUSH.

Trochalopteron austent Godw.-Aust., J. A.S.B., xxxix, il, p. 105
(1870) (Hengdang Peak, N. Cachar Hills).
Tanthocincla austent. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 87.

Vernacular names. Dao-gajao-i-ba (Cachar1).

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, hind neck and sides, and
the whole neck reddish brown with pale streaks; rump paler,
without pale shafts; upper tail-coverts and middle pair of tail-
feathers rufous ; other feathers black with white tips and with the
bases suffused with rufous on the outer webs ; wing-coverts and
inner secondaries reddish brown, the latter and the longer coverts
tipped with white and with subterminal dusky marks; outer webs
ot the earlier primaries grey, those of the other quills reddish
brown; lores dusky; ear-coverts dark rufous-brown with pale
shafts ; chin, throat and breast rufous-brown, indistinetly barred
with dusky and whitish; remainder of lower plumage rufous-
brown, with broad and distinct white bars preceded by a dusky
line; under tail-coverts narrowly tipped with white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or lake-brown; bill dark horny,
blackish at the tip, paler on lower mandible; legs dull fleshy- or
livid-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 250 mm.; wing 100 to
105 mm.; tail about 120 mm.; tarsus about 385 mm,; culmen
20 mm.

Distribution. Khasia, Cachar and Naga Hills. Hengdang Peak
is on the watershed between the Cachar Hills and Manipur, and
doubtless it will be found also in the higher hills of the latter
state.

Nidification. This rare Laughing-Thrush breeds throughout its
range between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, principally about 6,000 feet,
but it is not very uncommon on the higher hills about Cherrapunji
in the breeding season at little over 4,000 feet. It breeds in the
end of April and May, and possibly sometimes has a second laying
as I have a nest taken in August with fresh eggs. The nest is

TROCHALOPTERUM. 161

like that of J. rufogularis, but seems to be generally placed
in a low bush, or a tangle of canes or raspberry bushes quite
close to the ground. The eggs, two or three in number, are
pure white, fragile, with a very slight gloss, and 48 average about
26°3 x 19:0 mm.

Habits. I found the bird in the Khasia and Cachar Hills in
rhododendron and stunted oak forest, going about in pairs or
small family parties in the dense undergrowth. They were just
as loath to take to wing as other members of this subfamily, and
when forced to do so fluttered and sailed alternately to the next
bit of cover, into which they tumbled headlong rather than
settled. They kept up a continuous chatter, but were not particu-
larly noisy. Those examined by me had eaten both insects and
seeds, several containing masses of a small red ant, a most vicious

biter.

(147) Ianthocincla austeni victorie.

T pre Coin Hitts Laveuine-TarusH.

Lanthocincla victorie Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xvi, p. 47 (1906)
(Mt. Victoria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Cachar bird in being more olive
and less red above and in having the lower parts much paler and
whiter, each feather being edged with white.

Colours of soft parts as in the last.
Measurements. Total length 244 mm.; wing 94mm. (/ppon).

Distribution. South Chin Hills.

Nidification unknown.
Habits. A bird of high elevations, only found between 7,000

and 10,000 feet.

Genus TROCHALOPTERUM Hodgson, 1845.

The genus T'rochalopterum differs from the preceding genera in
having the base of the bill quite devoid of all bristles and hairs,
the nostrils and their membranes being free and exposed. In _
other respects it is quite typical of the subfamily.

The bill varies a good deal in length and stoutness, and the
nostrils in some are oval and exposed, whilst in others they are long
and narrow and partly covered by a membrane. Oates and
Harington point out that those birds with short, stout bills lay
unspotted eggs, whilst those with slender bills and long linear
nostrils lay spotted eggs. This is true, but, on the other hand,
birds of the group of Laughing-Thrushes with the curious wing-
speculum, probably an older feature than bill and nostril, all lay

VOL. I. M

162 TIMALIID®.

spotted eggs with the one exception of 7. squamatum, which lays
them plain blue. Even the shape of the bills and nostrils,
however, varies only in degree, more or less intergrading with one
another.

If Harington and Oates, and before them Gray, thought
it desirable to split up the genus, we have Hartert on the contrary
lumping under the one name (Janthocincla), Oates’s genera Lantho-
cincla, Babax and T'rochalopterum. It must be remembered, how-
ever, that in the Palearctic region Hartert has to deal with only
29 species and subspecies, whereas in the Oriental region the
number is much greater, no less than 40 species and subspecies
being found in India in this genus alone.

Oates’s genera, as given in the first edition of the ‘ Avifauna,’
seem reasonable and are easy for the student to understand, and
I retain them in,the present edition.

In the first edition, however, many geographical races were
quite wrongly given the status of full species, and these are now
relegated to their proper position. A few new species and sub-
species have been added to our list, and we have recognized in this
genus 12 species and 17 subspecies.

Key to Species.

A. Chestnut on crown or nape, or both ...... 7. erythrocephalum,
B. No chestnut on crown or nape. [p. 162.
a. Wings brightly coloured.
a’. Wings chiefly crimson.
Gi, lea blac koy ver cG suena tubers oe ie T. pheniceum, p. 168.
Bie Morlverim sonic eieecee cae ee T. milnet, p. 170.
b'. Wings chiefly bright yellow.
ce’. Primary-coverts brown
ad, Primary-coverts black.

mr

Sh
Ale

a, Tail without white tips ........ T. affine, p. 172.
Te

. subunicolor, p. 171.

|gatum, p. 178.
variegatum varie-
[p. 174.
c'. Wings chiefly slaty-blue variegatum simile,

d'. Wings with patch of bright blue .... Z! sgwamatum, p. 174.
6. Wings dull coloured with no bright patch.
e'. Upper plumage not striped.

6'"", Tail with white tips Of:

é, BYeasGUUlOUS eo. 5 teeter erat: T. cachinnans, p. 176.
J". Breast whitish, streaked ashy...... T. gerdont, p. 177.
g''. Breast olive grey-brown .......... T’. henrict, p. 183.
J'. Upper plumage striped.
kh", With a white supercilium ........ T. virgatum, p. 179.
2’, With no white supercilium ...... T. lineatum, p. 180.

Trochalopterum erythrocephalum.

This species is a very widely extended one, ranging from the
Western Himalayas to the south of Tenasserim. As might be
expected, its geographical variations are great, and it is therefore
divided into 8 subspecies.

TROCHALOPTERUM. 163

Key to Subspecies.

A. Back and breast with large black round

spots.
a. No conspicuous grey supercilium.
a’, Ear-coverts chestnut, tipped black Ip. 163.
and -wihite eeu amen eu atts T. e. erythrocephalum,
b'. Kar-coverts black, edged pinkish
Whitest achat ee Sake chs dk Sees T.. e. nigrimentum, p. 164.

c'. Ear-coverts chestnut like the crown. Te. erythrolema, p. 164,
6. A conspicuons grey supercilium.

a’. Har-covertschesinut. 20. .0.. 5... T. e. godwini, p. 165.
e’. Ear-coverts grey with black shaft-
Siripese ls werden o 5% Marhiateiae. T. e. woodt, p. 166,
B. Back and breast with brown oval spots.. Te. chryscpterum, p. 166.
‘C. No spots on back or breast.
e. Chin and throat only rufous.......... T. e. melanostigma, p. 167.
d, Chin, throat and breast rufous ...... T. e. ramsayt, p. 168.

(148) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum erythrocephalum,
THe Rep-HEADED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Cinclosoma erythrocephalum Vigors, P.Z.S., 1831, p. 171 (Hima-
layas, Chamba).
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 89.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape chestnut ; ear-coverts
chestnut, each feather blackish near the tip and edged with white ;
Jores, chin and upper throat black, with a chocolate tinge; cheeks
mingled chestnut and black ; mantle and sides of neck olive-brown,
each feather with a semicircular black mark near the end, lower
back plain olive-brown; rump and upper tail-coverts slaty-grey ; tail
ashy, suffused with golden yellow on the outer webs; wing-
coverts olive-brown, the greater broadly tipped with deep ferru-
ginous; primary-coverts and winglet yellow on the outer webs,
‘ashy on the inner; outer webs of primaries and outer secondaries
bright golden yellow; inner secondaries and tips of outer ashy-
blue; the base of the outer webs of the outer secondaries golden
red; lower plumage pale fulvous, washed with olivaceous on the
‘sides of the body and under tail-coverts, each feather of the throat
and breast with a narrow crescentic black bar near the end and
tipped with fulvous white. :

Colours of soft parts. Iris grey-brown or yellow-brown; Dill
black ; legs and feet pale yellowish- or fleshy-brown or light
brown.

Measurements. Length about 280mm. ; wing 102 to 105mm.:
tail about 120 to 125 mm. ; tarsus 37 to 38 mm. ; culmen about 20 to
22 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Chamba to Nepal.

Nidification. This Laughing-Thrush breeds in May and June at
heights from 4,000 to 7,000 feet or more, making the usual cup-
M 2

164 TIMALIID®.

shaped nests of leaves, bracken, ferns and grass with a thin
lining of roots and fine grass. Outwardly the nests measure
about 6 inches in diameter by 3 inches in depth, and are placed
low down in thick bushes or tangled undergrowth in forests.
The eggs, two or three in number, are pale bright Thrush-egg
blue-green in colour, dotted and blotched sparsely at the larger
end with dark brownish red. In shape they are rather long ovals
and in texture smooth and fine with but little gloss. Fourteen
eggs average 29°2 x 21°3 mm,

Habits. This bird, and indeed most of this genus, is much less
noisy than those of the genus Garrulax, and though sometimes
found in small flocks, is not so invariably gregarious, often wander-
ing about in pairs. They keep up a continuous conversational
chatter, interrupted with louder calls, some of which are quite
mellow andsweet. They feed almost entirely on the ground itself
or in the lower undergrowth in forests, and take to wing only
when forced to do so. They are both insectivorous and eat small
seeds.

(149) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum erythrolema.
Humes Rep-HEapED LavuGuHine-THRUSH.
Trochalopterum erythrolema Hume, 8. F., x, p. 153 (1881) (Matchi,
S. Manipur) ; Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 90.
Trochalopterum holerythrops Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xiv,p. 85 (1904)
(Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last in having the lores and point
of chin dusky brown; the chin aud throat chestnut like the
crown ; the breast chestnut and the centre of the abdomen ferru-
ginous. The forehead is tinged with grey.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. ; wing about 91 to.
95 mm.; tail about 110 to 115mm. ; culmen 19 to 21 mm. ; tarsus
27 mm.

Distribution. East Manipur and Chin Hills.

Nidification. The nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from

755
those of the last bird. Twenty-two eggs average 29:9 x 20°5 mm.

(150) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum nigrimentum.
Tue Sikkim Rep-HEADED LAUGHING-THRUSH.
Trochalopterum nigrimentum Oates, Blanf. & Oates, Avifauna B. I.,
i, p. 91 (1889) (Nepal) (ex Hodgson MS.).= $1} K Ki-m
Vernacular names. Zarphom-pho (Lepcha); Paniong (Bhutea).

Description. Similar to 7. erythrocephalum, but the forehead is
rufous with black shafts and the anterior portion of the crown
deep grey, each feather black in the centre; the ear-coverts are

TROCHALOPTERUM. 165

black with pinkish-white edges and the lores, cheeks, chin and
upper throat are black. The upper tail-coverts are olive-green.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dark horny-brown or blackish brown;
legs dark fleshy or yellowish brown; iris grey-brown; “red”
(Jerdon).

Measurements. Total length about 260 to 270 mm.; wing 100
to 105 mm.; tail 112 to 115mm.; tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen
about 21 to 22mm. oy kK jam

Distribution. Eastern—Nepat to the Daphla and Mikir Hills in

Assam.

Nidification. Breeds throughout its nee in the months of
April, May and early June at elevations of 5,500 feet upwards.
The nest is a massive deep cup made of leaces grass and a large
proportion of moss, bound together with tendrils and roots. The
lining generally consists of “fine roots with an inner lining of

Fig. 29.—Head of 7) e. nigrimentui.

matted dead leaves, but this latter is not always present. Most
nests are placed in thick bushes, but others may be found on small
saplings, and the site selected is either the fringe of forest and
heavy jungle or scrub-jungle and secondary growth. The eggs
number two or three and are like those of the rest of the genus,
but are generally very sparsely marked. Seventeen eggs average
about 28°7 x 21:1 mm.

Habits. This is a bird of high elevations from 5,000 up to
9,000 feet or more. It has the usual habits of the genus and is
quite common in the woods round about Darjeeling, where in the

early morning and evening it may often be surprised on the roads
and jungle paths, hunting in small parties for insects in the cattle
droppings, but scuttling off promptly into cover when disturbed.

(151) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum godwini.
Gopwin-AvstTen’s RED-HEADED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Trochalopterum erythrocephalum godwint Harington, Bull. B.O. C
xxxii, p. 92 (i914) (Hengdan, N. Cachar Hills).

Vernacular names. Dao-qua-lok (Cachari).

166 TIMALIID &.

Description. Similar to 7’. e. erythrolema, but has a conspicuous
grey supercilium and the forehead also much greyer.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in erythrolema.

Distribution. The high ranges between Cachar, the Naga Hills
and N.W. Manipur.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(152) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum woodi.
Woonp’s Rep-Hnaprp LauGHine-THRUSH.

Trochalopterum erythrocephalum woodi Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C.,
xxxv, p. 17 (1914) (Loi-Sing, N. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from 7. e. godwinit in having the upper
back unmarked with black as in melanostigma. The chin and
throat are blackish instead of rufcus and the ear-coverts are grey.
From erythrolema it differs in having grey ear-coverts and a
broad grey supercilium. From chrysopterum it differs in having
black not rutous-brown edges to the breast-feathers, and the
upper parts are rufous-brown rather than olive-green.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dark horny-brown; legs apparently
dark fleshy-brown.

Measurements. “ Wing 107 mm.; tail 122 mm.;
20 mm.; tarsus 87 mm.” (Harington).

Distribution. Shan States,

Nidification and Habits not recorded.

culmen

(153) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum chrysopterum.

Tur SHILLONG YELLOW-WINGED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Tanthocincla chrysoptera Gould, P. Z.8., 1835, p. 48 (Khasia Hills).
Trochalopterwm chrysopterum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 90.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from all the other races in having brown
oval spots instead of black round spots on back and breast. It
has a broad grey supercilium and the ear-coverts are rufous more
or less tinged with grey. The chin and throat are dark chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellowish or greyish brown, some-
times quite grey; legs fleshy or yellowish brown; bill dark horny-
brown.

Measurements. Total length about 260 to 270 mm.; wing 101 to

106 mm.; tail about 110 to 115 mm.; culmen about 20 to 21 mm. ;
tarsus about 38 mm.

TROCHALOPTERUM. 167

Distribution. Khasia Hills ouly.

Nidification. The breeding season of this subspecies commences
in the end of April and ceases in the first week in June, though an
odd nest or so, perhaps a‘second brood, may be found as late as
August. The nest is a wide, shallow cup of moss, roots, grasses
and dead leaves, bound together with roots, tendrils and stems of
reeds and is lined with roots, fern-rachides or, rarely, fine grass.
It is a fairly well-built nest, and often looks much lke that of
some of the true Thrushes. No attempt seems to be made at
concealment, and it is usually placed in some tall, thinly foliaged
bush, about 6 feet from the ground, in pine- or evergreen-forest.

The eggs are generally two only in number, sometimes three
and very rarely four. In type of coloration they are like those of
erythrocephalum, but are more boldly marked with a few black or
deep purply-red blotches, spots or lines. In a few eggs these
markings are very scanty, but in some are more numerous than
in the eggs of other races of this Laughing-Thrush. The average
of 50 eggs is 30°6 x 21°6 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. A bird of the pine-forests from
4,000 feet upwards.

(154) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum melanostigma.

Briyru’s Rep-HpapeD LavGHInG-THRuUSH.

Garrulax melanostiyma Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxiv, p. 268 (1859)
(Mt. Muleyit).
Trochalopterum melanostigma. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 92.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, lores and cheeks black, the black of
the lores extending to over the eye and merging in a short grey
supercilium ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck silvery-grey
streaked with black; throat and upper breast ferruginous, paling
on lower breast and abdomen and becoming olive-grey on flanks
and under tail-coverts. No spots on either back or breast.

Colours of soft parts. Legs, feet and claws very pale brown
to reddish ; bill black ; iris brown or hazel-brown (Hume & Davis.).

Distribution. Muleyit Mount, Tenasserim, and thence north-
wards into the Shan States.

Nidification. Nests and eggs taken by Mr. C. Hopwood
resemble those of 7. e. chrysopterum, his eggs measure 30°5 x
20°4 mm.

Habits. According to Davison these birds keep in parties of six
or eight, feeding chiefly on the ground and keeping much in the
brush-wood. They are neither very noisy nor very silent, uttering
from time to time a fine whistling call in addition to other
numerous conversational notes. They appear to feed exclusively
on insects.

168 TIMALIID A.

(155) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum ramsayi.

Toe Karennt Rep-HEApDED LAvuGHING-THRUSH. 92.
Trochalopterum ramsayi Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. O. C., xiv, p. +9
(1904) (KKarennee).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the chestnut
of the chin and throat continued over the entire breast and belly.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris deep chocolate; bill black; legs
pinkish brown.”

Measurements. Total length about 254 mm.; wing 101 to
104 mm.; tail about 114 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

Distribution. Karenni, extending to the pine-forests in the
Salween District.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Trochalopterum pheniceum
Key to Subspecies.

A. Tail broadly tipped with orange.

a. General- plumage darker .............. T. p. pheeniceum, p. 168.
b General plumage paler: . 2. samc e eo T. p. bakeri, p. 169.
B. Tail narrowly edged with ochraceous .... 7. p. rippont, p. 170.
Waco pponr,

(156) Trochalopterum pheniceum pheniceum.
Tue ASSAM CRIMSON-WINGED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Lanthocincla phenicea Gould, Icon. Av., pl. 8 (1837) (Nepal).
Trochalopterum pheniceum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 93.

Vernacular names. Z%/ji-pho (Lepcha); Repcha (Bhut.).

Description. Lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, round the eye and a
patch on the side of the neck crimson ; a short supercilium black ;
upper plumage olive-brown, the feathers of the crown with
partially concealed black margins; tail black, broadly tipped with
orange and outermost feathers washed with orange throughout ;
wing-coverts olive-brown; primary-coverts dusky edged with
olive-brown; winglet suffused with crimson on the outer webs
and outermost coverts edged with the same; outer. webs of
primaries edged with crimson and yellow, the former increasing
and latter decreasing in extent inwards; secondaries with centre
of outer webs edged blue, the terminal portions suffused with
crimson, the bases with olive-green; the whole lower plumage
fulvous olive-brown, tinged with ashy on the abdomen; under
tail-coverts black, broadly tipped with crimson.

TROCHALOPTERUM. 169

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet brown with a purplish
tinge; bill horny dark brown to practically black; iris brown
(juv.) to deep crimson or lac-red ; orbital skin dull leaden-dusky.

Measurements. Total length about 280 mm.; wing 81 to 93mm. ;
tail about 100 mm. ; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Nepal to the extreme east of Assam, North of the
Brahmaputra.

Nidification. Breeds between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and some-
times rather higher in the months of April to June, making a
compact, deep cup of grass, leaves, roots and moss, lined with
the latter and measuring about 43 inches to 53 inches in dia-
meter by nearly as much in depth. It is generally placed in
bushes in rather dense and moist forest, sometimes fairly high
up but more often at 3 or 4 feet from the ground. The eggs
number 2 or 8, very rarely 4, and are very beautiful, the ground-
colour being a deep Thrush-egg blue with dark maroon and red-
black lines, blotches and dots, the first being most numerous.
Fifty eggs average 25:9 x 18°5 min.

Habits. This species haunts forests and secondary growth rather
than scrub-jungle, at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet,
wandering as low down as 2,000 feet in winter. They are some-
times found singly or in pairs, but more often in small parties of
four or five, keeping much to the undergrowth and lower trees
and also hopping about and feeding on the ground, eating insects
of all kinds and also certain seeds. Their flight is feeble and their
notes consist of a great variety of conversational calls both harsh
and sweet, with an occasional louder call when the birds get
separated.

(157) Trochalopterum pheniceum bakeri.
Tre AssSaAM CRIMSON-WINGED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Trochalopteron pheniceum bakeri Hartert, Bull. B. O. C., XXXlll,
p. 10 (1909) (Laisung, N. Cachar).

Vernacular names. Dao-yao-gajao (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in being paler both
above and below and in having the ashy-grey wash on the abdomen
much more pronounced.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements slightly smaller than the last, the wing averag-
ing about 85 mm. as against 90 mm. in that bird.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and
Lushai Hills.

Nidification. Breeds in May and June between 3,500 and
5,000 feet. The nest is a well-made cup, similar to that of the
last bird but more often placed quite close to the ground, Eggs

KO TIMALIUDA.

indistinguishable from those of the last; 100 measure on an
average 26°1 x 18°5 mm.

Habits. A comparatively common bird between 3,000 and
6,000 feet, nearly always found in cool, moist tree-forest in which
there is a fair amount of undergrowth. Voice, food, flight, etc.
as 7’. p. pheeniceum.

(158) Trochalopterum pheeniceum ripponi.
Tue Burmusn Crimson-wincrp LavuGuine-THRusH.
Trochalopterum rippont Oates, Bull. B. O. C., xi, p. 10 (1900).
(Kengtung State).

Vernacular names. Avrang-shong-maling (Kachin).

Description. Similar to the preceding, but has the crimson of
the head extending on to the sides of the neck, throat and super-
cium. The lower plumage is greyish yellow instead of fulvous
or olive-brown and the tail is narrowly tipped with ochre instead
of broadly with orange.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in 7. p. pheniceum.

Distribution. Kachin Hills, N. Shan States.

Nidification. The few eggs I have seen of this race seem to be
rather darker than those of the other races. Twenty-one average
about 25:8 x 18°6 mm.

Habits as in the other races, but according to Harington
they frequent bamboo-jungle as well as forest, placing their nest

sometimes in clumps of bamboo. They keep generally above
5,000 feet and are found at least up to 7,000 feet.

(159) Trochalopterum milnéi sharpel.
Tur Burmese Rep-rainep Lauguine-THrvusH.

Trochalopterum sharper icget ae Ba} -: Xt, p. Ls. OOn)
(Kengtung States /Waunu-Katlon pack, Lact of Ta howe

Vernacular names. oe abr (Kachin).

Description. Crown and upper parts of head and neck buffy-
rufous; ear-coverts pale grey; throat and lores black ; back and
wing-coverts olive, each feather of the back with dark edge;
rump and upper tail-coverts golden olive; below ashy-olive, more
green towards the neck; tail hore bright red, below lnckigh
wing-quills above brilliant and glossy red, the inner webs of the
innermost secondaries pure white.

Colours of soft parts. ‘Bill and feet black; iris brown”
(David & Oust.).

Measurements. Length about 280 mm.; wing about 106 mm. ;
tail about 120 mm.; tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen about 30 mm.

Distribution. Kachin Hills and N. Shan States.

TROCHALOPTERUM. aE

Nidification. Breeds in the Kachin Hills in Apri and May,
making a typical Laughing-Thrush’s nest of bamboo Jeaves and
grass, mixed with a few roots and other leaves and lined with the
former. They are, as usual, cup-shaped, and are placed either in
bushes or low down against trees in the dense undergrowth of
ravines in forest growing in valleys over 6,000 feet elevation. The
eggs are unlike any others of this family and have a pure white
ground sparingly spotted and blotched with reddish-brown ornearly
black spots; they are in fact exactly like Golden Orioles’ eggs.
Fifteen eges average 28°7 x 20°7 mm.

Habits. This very handsome Y'rochalopterum is only found at
heights from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, frequenting the most dense
of undergrowth, in which it skulks about in small parties or pairs,
being heard much more often than seen; at the same time,
according to Harington, they are as inquisitive as noisy, and if
one remains hidden, the birds soon show themselves in the
attempt to make out the intruder.

(160) Trochalopterum subunicolor subunicolor.
Tur Prain-cotourepD LavGHinG-THRUSH.

Trochalopterum subunicolor (Hodgs.), Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xii, p. 952
(1843) (Nepal) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 94.

Vernacular names. Varmal-pho (Lepeha) ; Nabom (Bhut.).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark ashy-brown, the
forehead tinged with fulvous; sides of neck and whole upper
plumage olive-brown, each feather margined with brown; middle
tail-feathers olive-brown, the others black suffused with olive-
yellow on the outer webs and tipped with white; wing-coverts
olive-brown ; primary-coverts dark brown ; visible winglet ashy-
yellow; primaries brown with the outer webs grey; outer
secondaries with an increasing amount of yellow ; inner secondaries
olive-brown tinged with yellow and tipped with white; cheeks,
chin and throat like the back, but darker and with a few white
tips to the feathers of the face; under plumage olive-brown,
tinged with fulvous on the abdomen and all the feathers margined |
with black, except on under tail-coverts and thighs.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky; legs reddish brown ; iris
red-brown (Jerdon) ; iris yellowish grey (Blanf.).

Measurements. Length about 230 mm.; wing 90 to 95 mm. ;
tail about 100 to 105 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen about
18 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and hills North of the
Brahmaputra as far as the Dibang.

Nidification. According to Hodgson this Laughing-Thrush
preeds in Nepal in the months of April, May and June, making a
cup-shaped nest of grass and moss lined with bamboo leaves,
which it builds in bushes and trees, close to the ground, in cpen

172 TIMALIID.

forests and groves. It lays three or four spotless blue eggs which
measure about 26°1 x 17:7 mm.

Habits. This is a bird of very high elevations, being found as
high as 11,000 and not below 6,000 feet.

(161) Trochalopterum affine affine.
THe Brack-raceD LavuGHING-THRUSH.
Garrulax affins (Hodgs.), Blyth, J. A. S. B., xii, p. 950 (1843)
(Nepal).
Trochalopterum affine. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 94.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark brown tinged with
rufous, paler on the forehead; lores and sides of head black:
cheeks and a large patch behind the ear-coverts white, extending
to, and becoming pale rufous on, the sides of the neck; hind neck
rufous-brown blending with the darker brown of the head ; back
and scapulars rufous-brown, each rather broadly terminated with
pale grey ; rump olive-brown ; upper tail-coverts ferruginous ; tail
slaty-blue, three-quarters of the central feathers and the outer webs
of the others overlaid with bright golden yellow; wing-coverts
rufous; primary-coverts black; winglet and inner secondaries
slaty-blue ; outer webs of outer secondaries and primaries bright
golden yellow, slaty-blue at tips and bases; chin black, throat
rufous-brown ; breast paler and each feather edged with grey ;
remainder of lower plumage rufous-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black; feet reddish brown; iris from
olive-grey (Blanf.) to brown (Jerdon).
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 102 to 116

mm.; tail about 125 mm.; culmen about 21 to 22 mm.; tarsus
about 40 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Nepal to Bhutan.

Nidification. Osmaston took nests in May and June in Sikkim
at altitudes between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. ‘*The nests were
rather massive but neat cups, about 8 inches in external diameter
and were composed of moss, thin twigs and dried grass stems,
lined copiously with black rhizomorph of a fungus mixed with
some birch-bark ‘ paper’.” The nests were placed in rhodo-
dendron and viburnum bushes, 5 to 8 feet from the ground. The
eges generally number two only, but three were in one nest
taken by Mr. W. P. Masson. In ground-colour they are Thrush-
egg blue with a few spots and blotches of purplish black at the
larger end. Twelve eggs average 28°5 x 21:2 mm.

Habits. This is a common bird in Sikkim between 8,000 and
13,000 feet, haunting both rhododendron, fir and mixed forest
right up to the snow-line. It is apparently generally found in
pairs and not in flocks, but otherwise its habits resemble those of
the genus.

TROCHALOPTERUM. ee.

Trochalopterum variegatum.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Outer webs of primaries and part of tail

VOULOW iter ected: recited cre a8 <<! Son] T.v. varvegatum, p. 175.
B. Outer webs of primaries and part of tail
SIE VELNUE) Aig 4 Ae on eb Os Ob CO OOO T. v. simile, p. 174.

(162) Trochalopterum variegatum variegatum.
THe Eastern VARIEGATED LAUGHING-THRUSH.
Cinclosoma variegatum Vigors, P. Z. 8., 1831, p. 56 (Himalayas,.
Ki. Nepal).
Trochalopterum variegatum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 95.
Vernacular names. Ganza (Nepalese).

Description. Forehead fulvous; crown and nape ashy-brown ;
feathers of eyelid and a spot behind the eye white; lores and a
line over and below the eye to the ear-coverts black ; ear-coverts
white with a black patch; chin and upper throat black; cheeks
fulvous, meeting round the black throat; sides of neck and whole
upper plumage olive-brown ; wing-coverts the same, the greater
broadly edged with rufous; winglet and primary-coverts black ;
the inner webs of the inner secondaries black, the outer grey
tipped with white; outer webs of other quills bright golden-
yellow tinged with rufous and tipped with white; a large black
patch on the outer secondaries ; the middle four pairs of tail-
teathers black on three parts of their length, then ashy-yellow
and tipped with white, the other feathers ashy-yellow on the inner
webs, olive-yellow on the outer and tipped white; breast and
sides of the body fulvescent ashy-brown; remainder of lower
plumage bright tawny-buff.

Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; legs and feet pale reddish
orange-brown; iris pale yellow-green, brown, raw sienna-brown,
pale yellowish brown (Hume),

Measurements. Length about 280 to 290 mm.; wing 102 to
1i2 mm.; tail about 130 mm.: tarsus about 88 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Chamba to Nepal.

Nidification. This Laughing-Thrush breeds from Simla to.
Nepal in April, May and June at elevations between 4,000 and
8,000 feet. The nest is a bulky cup made principally of grass
with a few roots, dead leaves, etc., mingled with it. Sometimes
there is no lining, but at other times there are a few roots and
grass stems. It is placed in low bushes and small trees at any
height above the ground from a few inches to 10 feet. The eggs
generally number three, sometimes four and very rarely tive.
They are a pale, rather dull blue in colour, freckled and spotted
with different shades of reddish brown, and are not nearly such.

EE TIMALIID &.

handsome eggs as those of the erythrocephalum group. Eight eggs
average 28°5 x 20°D mm.

Habits. Similar to those of other Laughing-Thrushes, but
perhaps they are rather more often seen frequenting low trees as
well as undergrowth. It is found between 4,000 and 8,000 feet.

(163) Trochalopterum variegatum simile.
THE WESTERN VARIEGATED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Trochalopteron simile ne, Ibis, 1871, p. 408 (Far N.W. Gilgit) ;
Blant. & Oates, i, p. £

Vernacular names. None sf eciere

Description. Differs from the Hastern form in having the outer
webs of the wing-feathers slaty blue and in having the yellow on
the tail replaced with the same slaty-blue.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet flesh-colour; bill black ;
iris brown (Dr. G. Hendersou).

Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. The Western portion of Kashmir and_ the
Hazara country. Very common in the galis round about Murree
and Naini-l'al, extends up the Gilgit Valley above Gilgit and up
to the frontier of Afghanistan.

Nidification. Breeds very commonly from Murree south-west-
wards, being found up to some 10,000 feet and down to 5,000 feet.
The nest is a big cup with very thick walls composed of grass,
leaves, fine twigs and roots, lined with the latter, and measuring
anything from 5 to 9 inches in diameter by 5 or 6 deep. The
internal cup is about 4 by 22 inches deep. It is usually
placed well up in a fir, deodar or other tree, sometimes as high
as 25 feet and seldom low down in bushes. The eggs number
three or four, rarely five, and are like those of the last bird, but
generally more blotched or spotted and less freckled. Fifty eggs
average 27°8 x 21:0 mm.

The breeding season is from the beginning of May to the end
of June.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush, like the last,is much more of a
tree bird than most others of the genus, and will be found quite
-as often hunting for insects well up in the trees as low down
in the undergrowth and bushes. It is found up to at least
10,000 feet, and possibly higher, and in winter descends to

about 4,000 feet.

(164) Trochalopterum squamatum.
Tur BLUE-WINGED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Ianthocincla squamata Gould, P. Z.S., 1835, p. 48 (Himalayas,
Sikkim).
Trochalopterum squamatum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 96.
Vernacular names. Z'armal-pho (Lepcha); Nabom (Bhut.);
Wo-kvrang-krang-mut (Kachin).

TROCHALOPTERUM. 175

Description. A black streak over the eye from lores to nape;
lores grey or fulvous-brown ; sides of head olivaceous or rufous ;
upper tail-coverts chestnut, remaining upper plumage rufescent
olive-brown, each feather with a terminal lunate black tip ; in
birds which have the lores and sides of the head olivaceous the
crown is ashy ; wing-coverts chestnut, dusky internally ; primary-
coverts dusky edged with black; outer web of outer primaries
pale blue, inner primaries black; secondaries chestnut at the
base; remainder of wing black, the later quills minutely tipped
white ; lower plumage fulvous, each feather with a terminal black
bar; under tail-coverts and thighs castaneous.

Birds with grey crowns have the tail deep black, the others
have it bronze-colour with a chestnut tip.

The variations in colour seem due to neither sex nor age. I
have found all in both sexes and in pairs breeding together, and
they appear to form one of those curious dimorphic colorations,
the necessity for the evolution of which naturalists have not yet
been able to detect.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pale flesh to fleshy-brown ;
bill horny black, paler and greyer at tip and on base of lower
mandible; iris pale greenish or bluisk white ; glaucous-brown or
dull brown, these latter probably only in young.

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 93 to
99mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 37 mm.; culmen
abeut 20 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to the Kachin Hilis ;
hill-ranges North of the Brahmaputra to N. Arrakan, and Chin
Hills and Shan States.

Nidification. The bird breeds at all heights between 3,000 and
6,000 feet and in Nepal (vide Hodgson) as low as 2,000. The nest is
the usual bulky cup in shape, fairly compact, and made principally
of dead leaves intermixed with roots, tendrils and grass, and lined
with roots. It is alwavs placed low down in some thick bush or
tangle of creepers, often within a foot or two of the ground. The
eggs, two or three in number, are s otless blue-green, the texture
very smooth and fine but soft and Palmost glossless. Fifty eges
average 29°4 x 20°7 mm. f

Habits. The Blue-winged Laughing-Thrush is a bird of humid
forests at a comparatively low level. In the hills South of the
Brahmaputra it is most common between 3,000 and 5,000 feet,
and seems to haunt the banks of streams and rivers far more than
the other species of this genus do. It goes about both in pairs
and in small family parties, and is conversational rather than
noisy, many of its notes being very rich and full. Its flight is
very weak and ill-sustained, but it is as strong and clever on its
feet as the rest of the family.

176 TIMALIID®.

Trochalopterum cachinnans.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Lores, chin and a line through the eye

black 2 31\- deca absentee ee cine . T.c. cachinnans, p. 176.
B. Lores rusty brown; chin dark brown ;
no, dime throus breve see 6 66 wpe eye T. c. cinnamomeum, p. 177.

(165) Trockalopterum cachinnans cachinnans.
Tur Ninrerrr Lavenre-Taruse.

Crateropus cachinnans Jerd., Madr. Jour. x, p. 255, pl. 7 (1889)
(Nilgiris).
Trochalopterum cachinnans. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 97.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Point of forehead black; sides of the forehead
and broad supercilium white; crown and nape slaty-brown, the
feathers very narrowly margined with black; the lateral feathers
of the forehead and crown black on their inner, white on the
outer, webs, forming a black line above the supercilium ; lores,
chin and a streak behind the eye black; feathers of the eyelid
white; ear-coverts pale rufous ; sides of the nape ashy at the end
of the supercilia, this colour suffusing the whole of the nape ;
upper plumage, sides of neek, wings and tail olive-brown; throat
and breast bright rufous; abdomen a duller rutous; thighs, vent,
under tail-coverts and sides of the body rufescent olive-brown ;
under wing-coverts rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to crimson; legs, feet
and bill black.

Measurements. Length about 225 to 235mm.: wing 92 to
96 mmm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus 30 to 32mm.; culinen about
16 to 18 mm.

Distribution. Nilgiris, from 4,500 feet upwards.

Nidification. Breeds from February to the end of June
throughout its range. The nest is made of grass, leaves, moss,
small twigs and other miscellaneous bits, and is lined with roots
and fibre and frequently with fur, cotton-wool or feathers. In
shape it is a very deep cup, rather bulky but compact, and it is
placed in an upright fork of some bush or small tree in forest.
The eggs are nearly always two in number, sometimes three but
never more. In ground-colour they are a pale, rather washed-
out blue and are speckled and blotched with reddish or pinkish
brown, a few eggs having also one or two darker spots or hair-
lines. They average about 25°0 x 18°8 mm.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is extremely common all over
the Nilgiris above 4,000 feet wherever there is sufficient cover.
It is always found in parties, sometimes consisting of a dozen or
more birds, and is one of the noisiest of the family, though its

TROCHALOPTERUM. 177

notes are not so discordant as those of Garrulax leucolophus, ete.
It keeps much to the ground and to dense undergrowth, and
though its diet is partly insectivorous, Jerdon remarks that it
feeds principally on the imported Peruvian cherry (Physalis
peruviana). It is said to be a shy bird except in the breeding
season, when it sits very close and becomes much bolder.

(166) Trochalopterum cachinnans cinnamomeum.
Davison’s Lauauine-THRUSH.

Trochalopterum cinnamomeum Davison, Ibis, 1886, p, 204; Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 98.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Nilgiri Laughing-Thrush in
entirely wanting the black markings of the head and face; the
lower parts are deep cinnamon-brown rather than rufous and the
crown is hair-brown instead of slaty-brown.

Colours of soft parts not recorded.

Measurements. ‘‘ Length 203 mm.; wing 59 mm.; tail 94 mm. ;
tarsus 74 mm.; bill from gape 22°8 mm.” (Davison).

Distribution. Unknown; probably Palghat Hills in Southern
India.

Nidification and Habits unknown.

Trochalopterum jerdoni.
Key to Subspecies.
At, @ him nels ee aaa tie oe wid sie! itt wiaddels et ste 4 T. j. jerdont, p. 177.
B, Chin grey.
a. Conspicuous white supercilium extending
UOITIE,. 24. Sean e Omen Cn OOD ener Smee T. 7. fairbanki, p. 178.
b. Short supercilium not passing behind eye.. 7. 7. meridionale, p. 178.

(167) Trochalopterum jerdoni jerdoni.
Tur Banasore LavuGuine-THrusu.

Garrulax jerdoni Blyth, J. A. S. B., xx, p. 522 (1851) (Banasore Peak).
Trochalopterum jerdont. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 99.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Point of forehead black; crown and nape slaty-
brown, the feathers edged darker; a broad white supercilium,
witli a narrow black line above; lores and a line through the eye
black ; ear-coverts greyish white; sides of the neck ashy-brown,
continued back and meeting round the neck; upper plumage,
wings and tail olive-brown, tinged with rufous on the tail; chin
and cheeks black; throat and breast streaked ashy and white ;

VOL. I. N

178 TIMALIID ©.

abdomen rufous; sides, thighs and under tail-coverts olivaceous
brown, under wing-coverts rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Bill horny black; legs, feet and claws
light brown or slaty-brown ; iris crimson.

Measurements. Length about 215 to 230mm.; wing 80 to
83mm.; tail about 90 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about
18mm.

Distribution. The Coorg and Wynaad Hills above 4,000 feet.
Mr. Morgan gives the Palghat Hills and the Chinna Coonoor
Ghat as a part of its range, but these have not been confirmed.

Nidification. Not recorded.

Habits. Similar to those of 7. c. cachinnans.

(168) Trochalopterum jerdoni fairbanki.
Tun Travancore LavuGuine-THRUSH.
Trochalopterum fairbanki Blanf. J. A.S. B., xxxvii, 2, p. 175 (1868)
(Palni Hills); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 99.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Banasore Laughing-Thrush in
having the forehead, crown and nape black or nearly so; the chin
and cheeks ashy-grey instead of black and the lower parts a much
brighter rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark red or red-brown (Fairbank).

Measurements. Length about 225 to 230 mm. ; wing about 87 to
90 mm.; tail about 92 to 95 mm.; tarsus about 32mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

Distribution. The Palni and Annamulli Hills in 8S. Travancore.

Nidification. Fairbank took the nest of this bird at Kodai-
kanal in the Palni Hills in May, and I have received three clutches
from the collection of the late Rev. Howard Campbell as cachinnans,
taken at the same place and evidently those of fairbanki. They
were taken in February, April and May, and are indistinguishable
from those of the former Laughing-Thrush. They measure about
25°8 x 19°3 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of cachinnans. This Laughing-Thrush
is found from 3,000 up to 7,000 feet or rather higher.

(169) Trochalopterum jerdoni meridionale.
Buanrory’s LaveHine-Turvsu.

Trochalpteron meridionale Blanf., Hume, 8. F., vii, p. 86 (1878)
(Travancore) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 100.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Banasore Laughing-Thrush in
having a much shorter white supercilium with no black lines

TROCHALOPTERUM. 179

above it. The lores and whole crown to nape are dusky brown;
the chin is nearly white and the centre of the abdomen also is

white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark red; bill black; legs dusky
{ Bourdillon),

Measurements about the same as fairbanki,

Distribution. North Travancore; there are specimens in the
British Museum from Chinnipanni, the Patnas, Mynall and the
Tinnevally boundary, and Mr. J. Stewart obtained it at the

pean kayel? on the Ghats,
Actodyra Rove le :
idification. Mr. J. Stewart appears to be the only collector

who has seen the nest of this bird. He describes it as just like
most nests of cachinnans; it was taken at about 3,000 feet. The
eggs are more Thrush-like than are those of any other of the South
Indian Laughing-Thrushes, and might be matched in colour by
many eggs of Merula sinullima, The ground-colour is a very pale
blue-green, and the markings consist of rather numerous blotches,
smears and spots of reddish brown, mostly on the larger end,
where in one egg they form a dense ring. The three eggs average
about 25-5 x 19'lmm. Lexpect these eggs are somewhat abnormal

in coloration.

Habits. Those of the preceding bird.

(170) Trovhalopterum virgatum.
Tue Manipur STREAKED LauGHINnG-THRUSH.

Trochalopteron virgatum Godw.-Aust., P. Z.S., 1874, p. 46 (Razami,
Naga Hills); Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 100.

Vernacular names. Dao-phéré (Cachari).

Description. Point of the forehead and a long supercilium
extending to the nape white; lores ferruginous; cheeks, lower
part of ear-coverts and under the eye fulvous-white ; upper part
of ear-coverts ferruginous, with pale shaft-streaks ; crown, nape,
mantle, lesser wing-coverts and sides of the neck reddish brown,
with very white shafts; lower back, scapulars, rump and upper
tail-coverts ashy-brown, with white shafts ; tail olive-brown, dis-
tinctly cross-rayed ; the outer feathers tipped with white; greater
wing-coverts chestnut, with white shafts and tips ; primary-coverts
pale rufous, with white shafts and brown tips; winglet deep ashy,
with the outer webs white along the shafts; wings ashy; the
middle feathers washed with chestnut and the inner secondaries
edged with paler ashy; chin and throat deep chestnut, shading
off into yellowish-buff on the remainder of the lower plumage, all
the feathers with white shafts.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pale horny or fleshy, the
soles paler and more yellow ; bill dark brown, paler at the gape;
iris hazel-prown ; orbital skin dusky plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 250 mm.; wing 85 to 89 mm. ;
N2

180 TIMALIID ®.

tail about 110 to 115mm.; tarsus about 31 mm.; culmen about
17mm.

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, Manipur,
Lushai and Chin Hills.

Nidification. This Laughing-Thrush breeds throughout its
range between 3,000 and 8,000 feet, making a deep, compact,
cup-shaped nest of leaves, roots, bamboo leaves and grass, and
always with more or fewer tendrils and a little moss. The lining
is of roots and moss roots or fern-rachides, and the inner cup
usually measures about 4in. x 2°75 in. or less and the outer about
6in.x5in. Most nests are placed close to the ground in dense
tangles of creepers and vines or thick bushes, but they sometimes
select higher bushes or small saplings for nesting purposes. Eggs
may be found from May to July. These are either two or three in
number and are a pale unspotted blue with a soft satiny texture,
almost glossless though intensely smooth. 100 eggs average
26°0 x 19°2 mm.

Habits. This is not a gregarious bird and I have generally seen
it in pairs only, nor is it as noisy as most of its relations though
it has some quite sweet conversational and call-notes. It keeps
almost entirely to thick undergrowth of forests or to the ground
itself in bracken and brambles. Those I examined had ted on
insects only, chiefly a small grasshopper and a very odoriferous
little bug, but doubtless they also eat seeds. They are found
up to 8,000 feet or over and never descend below some 3,000 feet.

Trochalopterum lineatum.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Head and mantle ashy with dusky streaks.
a. Lower plumage rufescent.

a’. Grey margins to feathers narrow .. 7’. /. lineatum, p. 180.
b'. Grey margins to feathers broad .... 7. d. griseicentior, p. 181.
b. Lower plumage paler and more grey.
ce’. Ear-coverts chestnut.......... soe. Lt. Gtlgatp. 182:
d', Ear-coverts pale rusty ..... Rene daes T. l. xiaratensis, p. 182.
B. Head and mantle reddish brown with
elistening black shaft-stripes ........ T. l. imbricatum, p. 183.

(171) Trochalopterum lineatum lineatum.
THe NEPALESE STREAKED LAuGHING-THRUSH,

Cinclosoma lineatum Vigors, P. Z.S., 1831, p. 56 (Nepal).
Trochalopterum lineatum. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 101.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Forehead, crown, nape and mantle dark ashy
streaked with dusky, the shafts black; lower back and wing-
coverts reddish brown, the shafts white; rump and upper tail-

TROCHALOPTERUM. 181

coverts plain ashy; tail marked with rufous, cross-rayed, with a
subterminal black band and grey tips: wings chiefly rufous on
the outer webs, the inner secondaries edged with grey; lores and
a ring round the eye mingled white and grey ; cheeks, ear-coverts
and an indistinct supercilium ecastaneous ; chin, throat, breast and
upper abdomen chestnut, all the feathers with ashy margins and
those of the breast with glistening white shafts ; lower abdomen,
flanks and under tail-coverts ashy-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky, the base of the lower
mandible greyish or brownish-horny ; iris brown or reddish brown ;
feet fleshy-brown, claws livid horny.

Measurements. Length about 200 to 210 mm.; wing 74 to
77 mm.; tail about 90 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen 18°5
to 20:8 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the better known
form, next described. Eggs taken in Native Sikkim and Darjeeling
average about 26-0 x 18°8 mm.

S
(172) Trochalopterum lineatum grisejcentior.

THe SIMLA HEE aD Lavueuine-THRUSH.

Lanthocincla lineatum grisefeentior Hartert, Vie. Pal., i, p. 686
(1910) (Simla).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A paler bird than the preceding, both above and
below, with much broader grey edges to the feathers of the under-
parts.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in 7’. /. /ineatunt.
Distribution. Garhwal, Kumaon, Simla and 8. Kashmir.

Nidification. The Simla Streaked Laughing-Thrush breeds in
great numbers throughout its range between 5,000 and 8,000 feet.
The breeding season is very extended and eggs have been taken in
every month from March to September, though probably those
laid in July to September are second broods. The nests are made of
dry grass, leaves, small pliant twigs and stems of plants, scraps of
bracken and roots and they are lined with either roots or grass
stems, generally the latter. They are bulky nests measuring
roughly anything from 6" to 10” in outward diameter by some
3" to 5” in depth, the ege-cavity being about 3” x23" or rather
more. It is placed either in some thick bush in undergrowth or
ona branch low down in a big tree, the Deodar being a special
favourite and, though so big a nest, is always well concealed. The
normal full clutch of eggs is three, rarely four and not seldom two
only. They are unspotted blue-green in colour and have a
smooth satiny surface with but little gloss. 100 eggs average
25°6 x 184 mm.

182 TIMALIID A.

Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is one of the most common
birds about nearly all our North-West hill-stations in every kind
of forest and jungle where there is sufficient undergrowth. It
wanders about in pairs or small parties of four or five, constantly
chattering and calling but, though not shy or wild, keeping much
out of view in the thick undergrowth, where it hunts for seeds and
insects. It is loth to take to flight but when forced to do so, the
flock takes wing one by one, fluttering feebly to the next piece of
cover much in the same way as do the birds of the genera Argya
and T'urdoides,

(173) Trochalopterum lineatum gilgit.
THE Ginerr StrREAKED LavGaiInc-THRUSH.
Tanthocincla lineatum gilgit Hartert, Vig. Pal., i, p. 636 (1910)
(Gilgit).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description, This race is still paler than the last and more grey,
less rufous, in tint both on the upper and lower plumage.

Distribution. Gilgit, Chitral and N. Kashmir.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the last bird. Two
clutches of eggs average 24°9 x 18°5 mm.

(17+) Trochalopterum lineatum ziaratensis.
Tue BaALUCHISTAN STREAKED LAUGHING-THRUSH.

Lanthocincla lineatum ziaratensis Ticehurst, Bull. B. O. C., xli,
p. 55 (1920) (Ziarat).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from “JZ. 1. gilgit in having much paler rusty,
not chestnut, ear-coverts; grey, not olive-brown, rump and tail-
coverts, and grey, not grey-brown, belly; the markings on the
breast paler and yellower, not red-brown; the golden-brown
edges to the wings and tail are also somewhat paler. It lacks the
white-ticked throat which J. 1. gilgit has.”

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in 7. J. lineatum.

Nidification. ‘I'wo eggs from Quetta measure 26-1 x18°7 mm.
The nest was said to have been placed in scrub growing in a
rayine on an otherwise bare and stony hill.

Habits. Apparently is often found in the low scrub-jungle
which grows here and there in the ravines in the hills, as well as
in the better wooded paris.

TROCHALOPTERUM. 183

(175) Trochalopterum lineatum imbricatum.
THe Buutran STREAKED Laua@HinGc-THRUSH.

Farrulax imbricatus Blyth, J. A.S. B., xii, p. 951 (1848) (Bhutan).
Trochalopterum imbricatum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 102.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the other three races in having the
head, neck and mantle concolorous with the rest of the body,
the shafts black and glistening ; the lores, supercilium and sides
of the head greyish-brown with white shafts.

Colours of soft parts not recorded.
Measurements as in 7’. 1. lineatum.
Distribution. Bhutan only.

Nidification and Habits unknown.

~ (176) Trochalopterum henrici.
Prince Henry’s LAUGHING-|THRUSH.

Trochalopterum henrict Oustalet, Ann. Sci. Nat., (7) xii, p. 274
(1891) (Tibet).

Vernacular names. Jorno = the lady (Tibet).

Description. Upper parts and wing-coverts dark olive-brown,
the crown slightly darker ; lores and a line through the eye and
ear-coverts dark chocolate ; quills blackish edged with lavender-
grey ; tail blackish brown, broadly tipped with white; a broad
white stripe through the cheeks; a small white supercilium ; below
the same colour as above, but paler and the flanks and under. tail-
coverts chestnut-red.

Colours of soft parts. Bill and legs dark plumbeous; iris
crimson.

Measurements. Total length about 270 to 280 mm.; wing 110
to 115 mm.; tail about 150 mm. ; culmen about 22 mm.; tarsus
about 37 mm.

Distribution. Tibet, and it has been obtained by ee F. Hue aaa
at Shoaka, 9,000 feet, t2-the-Mashmi-Hilts: = Drow matt

Nidification unknown.

Habits. “It is found in the same poplar and alder bushes as
the Babax, but also comes up quite close to the villages. It has
the characteristic habits of a Babbler to a marked degree, roves
about in parties of eight or more individuals, chatters most noisily,
uttering its fluty eall of ‘ Whoh-hee Whoh-hee,’ is always on the
move, scampering along the branches, seldom showing itself, and
flying very low across a clearance to the next cover.’ (Wadidell).

184 TIMALIID &.

Genus GRAMMATOPTILA Reichnb., 1850,

The genus Grammatoptila contains but one species, which may
be recognized by its stout, deep and short bill, striated plumage and
by the long frontal hairs which reach over the nostrils. It is in
habits and nidification near Zrochalopterum, and seems to form a
link between the true Laughing-Thrushes and the birds of the
genera Turdoides and Argya. There are two geographical races.

Grammatoptila striata.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Feathers of crest not streaked with white ;

no brown bands on sides of crown .... G. striata striata, p. 184.
B. Feathers of crest streaked with white; a

brown band on either side of crown.... G. s. austend, p. 185.

(177) Grammatoptila striata striata.
THe SrrrateD Laueuine-THRUSH.
Garrulus striatus Vigors, P. Z.S., 1830, p. 7 (Himalayas, Naini-Tal).
Grammatoptila striata. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 103.
Vernacular names. Nampiok-pho (Lepcha) ; Kopiam (Bhut.).

Description. Whole upper plumage, sides of head and neck,
chin and throat umber-brown, darkest on the crown, shading off

Fig. 30.—Head of G. s. striata.

into pale brown on the lower plumage; every feather of the whole
plumage including inner secondaries but not other quills, with a
long median white streak, the streaks larger but less defined on
the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; quills dark brown, the outer
webs of the first few primaries hoary, of the others pale chestnut ;
tail chestnut, the outer feathers with a minute white tip,

Colours of soft parts. Iris Jake or reddish brown: bill black;
legs dull slate or slaty-brown.

Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing about 140
to 150 mm.; tail about 182 to 136 mm.; tarsus about 42 mm. ;
culmen about 25 mm,

Distribution. Himalayas from the Sutlej] Valley to Bhutan.

GRAMMATOPTILA, 185

Nidification. The Striated Laughing-Thrush breeds throughout
its range at heights varying between 3,500 and 7,000 feet, but is
not often found nesting below 4,500 feet. The nest is a large, rather
deep cup, about 9 to 10 inches in diameter by some 4 to 5 deep
and is composed largely of moss with grass, leaves, roots and
tendrils mixed and a compact lining of roots. It is generally
placed some 6 to 12 feet up in small saplings and other trees.
The eggs are almost invariably two in number and are long ovals
of pale blue, in nearly every case spotless, but rarely with a
few tiny specks of blackish or reddish. They average about
33°8 x 23°2 mm.

This is a very favourite fosterer for the Red-winged Cuckoo
(C. coromandus). The breeding season lasts from April to July.

Habits. This bird is a true Laughing-Thrush in its habits but is
more arboreal than most, frequenting both bush and the lower
trees alike. It is found in pairs and small parties and is very
loquacious, some of its notes being hkened by Jerdon to those of
a hen which has laid an egg. It feeds on insects and fruit and
seeds, the latter to a greater extent than most of the family.

(178) Grammatoptila striata austeni.
AuSstTrEN’s SrriarTeD LAvuaGHinG-THRUSH.

Grammatoptila austent Oates, Avifauna B, [., 1, p. 104 (1889)
(Dafla Hills).
Vernacular names, Daopa (Cachari).
Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having two

broad dark coronal bands meeting on the nape; no shaft-stripes
on the crown, and those elsewhere narrower but better defined.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to dark red; legs and
feet pale slaty-grey, soles yellowish; bill dark slaty-brown or
*‘bluish-horny ” (Stevens).

Measurements as in G. striata striata.

Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra as far east as
Margherita. Stevens procured this form on the eastern water-
shed of the Sabansiri River, and Falkiner and Kemp both procured
it on the Mishmi Expedition, so that it appears to work round the
head-waters of the Brahmaputra, Dibong and Dihong as far
west as this river.

Nidification. I found this bird breeding freely above 4,500 feet in
the IChasia Hills and more rarely so in the N.Cachar Hills. Nest
and eggs like those of the last bird, but I have never seen any
egg marked at all. Twenty eggs average about 31°5 x 23°5 mm.

Habits. Frequents pine-woods as well as other forest, provided
there is any undergrowth; otherwise its habits are like those of
G. s. striata,

186 TIMALIIDA.

Genus STACTOCICHLA Sharpe, 1883.

This genus contains a single species, a brown bird with a spotted.
breast extremely Thrush-like in appearance. The bill is long and
slender, the tail and wing about equal in length, the latter short
and rounded as usual. A new form of this species has recently
been described from Annam *.

(179) Stactocichla merulina merulina.
Tur SporreD-BREASTED LAauGHING-THRUSH.

Garrulax merulinus Blyth, J. A. S.B., xx, p. 521 (1851) (Manipur).
Stactocichla merulina. Blanford & Oates, i, p. 104.

Vernacular names. Moh mepeh (Angami Naga).

Description. A narrow white streak above the ear-coverts ;
forehead mottled with grey; remainder of upper plumage, exposed
parts of wings and tail rutescent olive-brown ; chin, throat and
breast yellowish buff, broadly streaked with oval black stripes ;
centre of abdomen the same colour unstriped; flanks rufescent
olive-brown ; under tail-coverts bright ochraceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale yellowish or pinkish, brown in
young birds ; legs and feet pale to dark brown, the soles paler and
claws darker; bill dark horny-brown, black at tip and on culmen,
greyish on lower mandible.

Measurements. Length about 260 to 270 mm.; wing 93 to
99 mm.; tail about 96 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm. ; culmen about
24 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra South to Manipur
and Lushai, East to Lakhimpur.

Nidification. Breeds above 3,500 feet from April to July, but
principally in the end of June, both in bamboo-jungle and in
forest. In the former the nest is made almost entirely of bamboo
leaves, mixed with grass, moss, roots, etc., and lined with roots ;
when placed in forest the major part of the materials is moss
mixed with dead leaves, roots, tendrils, ete., and lined with moss
and fern roots. In shape a hemispherical cup, it is generally
placed close to the ground either in a bamboo clump or a dense
bush, more seldom in a high bush or small sapling.

The eggs, two or three in number, are large replicas of those of
Trochalopterum virgatum, a shade darker, perhaps, but of the same
shapeand texture. 50 eggs average 28°7 x 21-7 min.

Habits. Although so aberrant in appearance, this is a true
Laughing-Thrush in its habits; very gregarious, it is found in
flocks of ten to twenty individuals; very noisy, it possesses a wide
range of very beautiful notes as well as many others less pleasing ;
a terrible skulker, it is one of the hardest birds to watch or procure.

* Robinson & Kloss, Ibis, 1919, p. 577 (S. Annam).

BABAX, 187

In Manipur Hume found them frequenting secondary growth in
deserted clearings, but in N.Cachar they preferred deep, wet forest
with an undergrowth of bracken, caladiums, jasmine and rasp-
berries, which grew in dense matted profusion everywhere. In
bamboo-jungle they were easier to watch, and | often saw them
hopping about feeding among the fallen leaves, but any movement
drove them off at once and they took to wing and flew better
than most of their nearest relations.

Genus BABAX David, 1876.

The Babblers of this genus form a connecting-link between
Trochalopterum and the genera already dealt with and Argy« and
Turdoides, being on the whole nearer the latter than the
former group. ‘The wing is short and rounded, the tail long and
much graduated. The bill is rather slender, slightly curved, and
in length about equal to, or longer than, hind toe and claw to-
gether. The rictal bristles are strong and of considerable length,
and the oval, exposed nostrils are overhung by numerous hairs.

There are several species of this genus found on the borders of
the Indian Empire, of which three enter our limits, whilst others
may possibly be found to do so in extreme Northern Burma when
the ornithology of that country is better known.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Plumage boldly striped above and below.

a. Wing under 110 mm. ; plumage rufescent. eatisvic
a’, Throat immaculate buffy white ...... B. 1. lanceolatus,
b’. Throat white with black shafts to the
HO DUROUS Petes acta. tihs, o aYccel ober Sleusias steie sis B, 1. victoria, p. 188.
#°b. Wing over 110 mm.; plumage grey...... B. waddelli, p. 189.
B. Plumage rufous above and _ below, stripes
AHSEMHOWOPSOLELO rw sicarosies ose shares cclss B. koslowt, p. 189.

~ (180) Babax lanceolatus lanceolatus.
Tur CHINESE BABAX.

Pterorhinus lanceolatus Verr., Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, vi, p. 36
(1871) (Chinese Tibet).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Crown bright rufous-brown with dark centres to
the feathers; remainder of upper plumage and wing-coverts
darker rufescent brown, each feather broadly edged with pale
fulvous grey, white on sides of neck, almost so on nape and
darkest on rump ; upper tail-coverts grey with obsolete concealed
dark centres; tail rufous-brown, duller than crown; lores and
forehead fulvous, the latter merging into the crown; ear-coverts
striped white and brown; a broad moustachial streak varying
from chestnut to almost black; chin, throat and upper breast

188 TIMALIID 2.

fulvous white, a few indistinct dark striz on the latter ; sides of
breast and amis pale fulvous with broad brown and ‘eheetni
streaks, disappearing on the abdomen and centre of breast ; under
tail-coverts and thighs earthy-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white to bright orange ; bill horn-
coloured; legs paler horny-brown.

Meas Guenie: Wing 93 to115 mm.; tail 125 to 140 mm.; tarsus
about 388 mm. eullicon 2 7to 283mm. The largest and smallest
birds come om the same place. Hartert gives the wing up to
110 mm.

Distribution. I cannot distinguish between Jlanceolatus, yun-
nanensis and bonvaloti; the range therefore of this Babax is

E. Tibet, W. China, Tana. echin Hills and N. Shan States.

Nidification. This bird was found breeding by Harington,
Pershouse and others in the Bhamo Hills between 5,000 and 6,000
feet, making a cup-shaped nest of dead leaves, grass, bits of
bracken, etc., lined with roots and placed in low bushes in thin
scrub- jungle or mixed bracken and bush. The breeding season
appears to be April to June. The eggs number from two to four,
generally three, and are rather long, pointed ovals in shape,
rather dark se blue in colour, and with a fine, close
texture and surface but no gloss. 15 eggs average about 27°3 x
20°3 mm.

Habits. This Babax is said to haunt thin scattered forest or
“the more open hillsides, which are covered with bracken and
bramble bushes, and never enters the dense secondary growth
which springs up after cultivation ” (/arington). They go about
either in pairs or small parties and keep up a continuous flow of
soft and musical notes, varied occasionally by a harsher outburst.
They are no better fliers than the rest of the family, and are
equally strong and active on their legs.

(181) Babax lanceolatus victoria.
Tas Mounr Victoria BaBax.

Babaz victoria Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xv, p. 97 (1905) (Mt. Victoria,
Chin Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from Janceolatus in having the throat and
upper breast a purer white and the black shaft-stripes extending
right up to the chin, whereas in typical lanceolatus there are no
stripes on chin or throat and often not on the upper breast. In
this bird also the moustachial stripe is very black and broad.

Colours of soft parts. ‘ Irides yellow; bill dark horny; legs
and feet lighter ” (/27ppon).

Measurements. Wing 100 mm.; tail 140 mm.; tarsus 35 mm. ;
culmen 25 mm.

BABAX. 189

Distribution. Chin Hills.

Nidification. Nests taken by Venning and Grant in the Chin
Hills are described as open cups made of dead leaves and coarse
grass stems lined with roots and placed in low thorny bushes on
open hillsides or near swamps. They were found in April and
May, and contained from two to three eggs similar to those of
the preceding subspecies and measuring about 2775 x 20-4 mm.

Habits. This Babax is found from 5,000 to at least 9,000 feet,
haunting the same kind of country as the last bird, which it
closely resembles in all its habits.

+ (182) Babax waddelli.
Tne Grant Trpet BaBax.

Babax waddelli Dresser, P. Z. S., 1905, i, p. 54 (Tsang po, Tibet).

Vernacular names. Sorio, T'eh-teh (Tibet); Ayu-mo (Gyantse,
Tibet).

Description. Whole plumage ashy-grey; above with broad
streaks of blackish brown edged with dull chestnut ; below with
narrower streaks but with the chestnut brighter; centre of belly,
vent, under tail-coverts and thighs cinereous ashy without
stripes; on the ear-coverts the central marks are obsolete, but on
the cheeks form a broad, black moustachial stripe.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow; bill black; legs dark brown.

Measurements. Wing 132 to 140 mm.; tail 148 to 160 mm. ;
tarsus 40 to 43 mm.; culmen 33 to 37 mmm.

Distribution. South Tibet and the extreme north-east of
Sikkim *.

Nidification. The Giant Babax breeds freely in South Tibet
from 11,000 to 14,000 feet, or higher, during May, June and
July, a few odd birds breeding both earlier and later. The nest
is a large, rather rough cup of grass, dead leaves, fern fronds,
roots, wool, etc., lined with finer roots and fern stems or fine
grass. It measures externally some 7 inches in diameter by 3 to 4
deep, and has an internal cup of about 4’ by 2” or rather less.
It is placed low down in the small thorny bushes which cover
parts of the Tibetan plateaus or in willow-trees and small
saplings. The eggs are two or three in number and similar to
those of the last but averaging about 33:1 x 21:6 mm.

Habits. This is a very common Babax over the greater portion
of South Tibet, going about in small parties of five or six birds
and having all the habits of the true Laughing-Thrushes. They
are great skulkers, keeping much to the ground or to the lower
bushes and scrub, and though they come close to dwelling-houses,

* Babax koslowi, an all rufous bird with obsolete streaks only, is found on
the Mekong watershed and is sure to enter parts of N. Burma,

190 TIMALIIDE.

they seldom show themselves. Their food is chiefly, perhaps
wholly, insectivorous, and their call is said to consist of two
harsh notes, rapidly repeated.

Genus TURDOIDES Cretzschmar, 1826.

This genus contains the well-known Babblers called ‘ The
Seven Sisters” over so great a part of India. Unfortunately
we cannot employ either Crateropus or Malacocercus as a name for
the genus, and it must now be known as T'urdoides.

It differs from the True Laughing-Thrushes of the preceding
genera in having the covering membrane of the nostrils more or
less covered by plumes, though they have no overhanging hairs.
The rictal bristles are short and stout and the feathers of the
forehead short, firm and close. The tail is about the same in
length as the wing and well graduated, the outermost pair being
about two-thirds the length of the central feathers. The wing is
short and rounded, the third or fourth primary being the longest.

There are two species which call for remark in this genus,
Turdoides rufescens and Turdoides cinereifrons. The former, the
Ceylon Babbler, is supposed to differ in having the feathers of
the forehead bare at the tips and spinous; it has accordingly been
generically separated with Argya subrufa as Layardia. The differ-
ence seems to me very minute, sometimes hardly visible, and does
not constitute sufficient cause for removal to another genus.
The other characteristic, referred to by Harington, is the more
slender, wholly black bill, but the difference between this and the
shorter yellow bill of others is bridged over by the intermediate
yellow and black bill of Argya subrufa.

The second bird, the Ashy-headed Babbler, differs only from
typical Zurdoides in having a longer bill, coloured black instead
of pale yellow or white as in the other species. There does not
appear to be any other difference, and though when first seen the
bird appears to be nearer Garrulax or Dryonastes than Turdoides,
I can see no sufticient reason for instituting a new genus for it.
Its habits and nidification may assist when these are known.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Throat ashy, mottled with pale brown ;
breast ashy-fulvous.
a. Upper plumage paler with very in-

distinct shaft-streaks .......... T. terricolor terricolor, p. 191.
6. Upper plumage darker and browner
with distinct shaft-streaks ...... T. t. malabaricus, p. 192.

c. Paler and more grey everywhere,
with shaft-streaks chsolete...... Z'. ¢. stndianus, p. 198.
B. Throat and breast dark brown or
black with ashy margins.
d. Tail ashy and brown; primaries
edged paler.

TURDOIDES. 191

a’, Ear-coverts blackish and darker

than the rest of the head...... T. griseus griseus, p. 193.

b'. Kar-coverts same as the rest of
theead sects. canta T. g. striatus, p. 194.

e. Tail rufous; primaries without pale

edges.

c'. Throat and breast mottled with
brown..... cin bop eC eO On ere T. somerville?, p. 194.
C. Throat and breast uniformly rufous.. 7. rwfescens, p. 195.

D. Throat pale rufous, breast darkrufous. 7". cinereifrons, p. 196.

(183) Turdoides terricolor terricolor.
Tun BencaLt JUNGLE-BABBLER.

Pastor terricolor Hodgs., J. A. 8. B., v, p. 771 (1836) (Nepal).
Crateropus canorus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 110.

Vernacular names. Chatarhia (Beng.); Pengya-maina (Hind. in
the U.P.) ; Sat Bhat, Jangli-khyr, Ghonghai (Hind.); Pedda-Sida
(Tel.) ; Autch-batchia (Behar).

Description. Upper plumage, coverts and inner secondaries
pale brown, cinereous on the head and rump, slightly fulvous on

Fig. 31.—Head of T, ¢. terricolor.

the upper tail-coverts, the back with dark brown streaks and
whitish shaft-stripes; tail brown, paler towards the base and
darker towards the end, which is tipped with white and cross-rayed ;
wings dark brown, edged with ashy on the outer webs; lores
whitish with a narrow black line above them; sides of the head
like the crown; chin and throat cinereous, faintly cross-barred
darker; breast fulvous ashy with whitish shafts; abdomen, vent
and under tail-coverts fulvous ; the sides tinged with brown and
with faint white shafts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white, yellowish white or creamy
white; orbital skin pale yellow ; legs and claws yellow, chrome-
yellow, fleshy-yellow or yellowish white; bill chrome-yellow,
vellowish white, dirty whitish or, rarely, pale horny-yellow.

Measurements. Length 250 to 260 mm.; wing 103 to 110 mm. ;
tail 108 to 115 mm.; tarsus about 32 to 34 mm.; culmen about
25 to 26 mm.

Distribution. Northern India from the U.P., Eastern Rajpu-

192 TIMALIID A.

tana to Bengal, south to Orissa, across to about the latitude of
Bombay.

Nidification. The Jungle-Babbler breeds principally in June
and July after the break of the monsoon, but odd nests with eggs
may be found any time from March to September. They are
built of grass, leaves, roots, etc., carelessly bound together with
weeds, twigs and tendrils, and lined with erass or roots, and they
may be placed in any kind of bush or tree at heights of a few
inches only to 30 feet from the ground. The usual number
of eggs is tour, but Inglis has taken seven from the same nest, all
apparently Z'urdoides eggs, and not those of the Common Hawk-
Cuckoo or Pied Cuckoo, both of which victimize this Babbler very
freely. It is sometimes difficult to tell the Cuckoos’ eggs from
those of their fosterers, but as a rule they are much less glossy,
a softer, more satiny texture and more elliptical in shape. ‘The
Babblers’ eggs are typically a deep Hedge-sparrow blue, intensely
glossy, and 100 eggs average about 25-2 x 19°6 mm.

Habits. The “ Seven Sisters” have obtained this name from
the fact that they go about in flocks of six to a dozen, but very
frequently numbering exactly seven, and their sisterhood or
brotherhood they show by the manner in which each individual
resents any interference from outside to any of the party yet
retains full liberty to argue, disagree and fight with any one or
all of the other six. They are noisy, hysterical and active birds
so long as they are not forced to fly, and anything out of the
common at once attracts their attention and calls forth a babel of
comment and assertion which rises crescendo until something else
diverts them. Their excitement seems to be equally intense and
voluble whether caused by some mere insect or by the murder of
one of their party by a Hawk. They may be scattered at the
moment, but within a second or two all have taken a few pro-
digious hops and have collected together either to discuss the
object of interest or to defend the member in danger. They are
very brave birds, and when attacked throw themselves on their
back and ficht with bill and claws, whilst their comrades throw
themselves with fury on the assailant, whether cat, hawk or some
smaller vermin. They seem to prefer the vicinity of humanity to
the wilds, but are found over their whole range where the country
is sufficiently, yet not too, densely wooded.

(184) Turdoides terricolor malabaricus.
Tuer SouTHERN JUNGLE-BABBLER.
Malacocercus malabaricus Jerd., B. of L., ii, p. 62 (1877) (Malabar).

Vernacular names. Pedda sida (Tel.).
Description. Differs from the northern bird in being very
much darker both above and below, most noticeably so on the

TURDOIDLS. 193

chin, throat, breast and flanks. The darker edging to the feathers
also show up the central pale streaks more vividly.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.
Distribution. India South of the habitat of 7. t. terricolor.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the Northern
Babbler. Twenty eggs average about 23:8 x 18°6 mm.

(185) Turdoides terricolor sindianus.
Tue Sinp JUNGLE-BABBLER.
Turdoides terricolor sindianus Ticehurst, Bull. B. O. C., xl, p. 156
(1920) (Karachi, Sind).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to terricolor but paler, upper parts greyer
and with the dark streaks ill-defined or obsolete; throat paler
dusky grey; belly paler cream-colour.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the other two
races.

Distribution. Sind, Western Rajputana (Mt. Aboo) and Punjab.

Nidification. Breeds in Sind in July and in the Punjab in
April, May and June and apparently again in September.
Twenty-one eges average 24:1 x 17-9 mm.

Habits. Those of the species.

(186) Turdoides griseus griseus.
Tue WHITE-HEADED BABBLER.

Turdus griseus Gmel., Syst. Nat., i, p. 824 (1785) .(Carnatic).
Crateropus griseus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p: 19.

Vernacular names. Ahyr (Hindi) ; Chinda or Sida and Kalli-
Karavi (Vel.).

Description. Whole upper part al head dingy greyish white ;
cheeks and ear-coverts brown; upper plumage ashy -brown, the
feathers of the back with white shaft-stripes and a black streak
on either web; quills black, narrowly edged on the outer webs
with ashy; tail ashy-brown on the basal and dark brown on the
terminal half, which is tipped with whitish; tail and inner
secondaries cross-rayed with blackish; chin, throat and breast
dull blackish, the feathers edged ashy; middle of abdomen
fulvous; remainder of lower plumage brown.

The colour of the head varies greatly ; in some specimens,
obviously young, the head hardly differs from the back, and it
varies from this colour to a dirty or creamy white.

Here and there very pale individuals are met with which have
a strong erythristic teadency both above and below, two such from
‘Travancore having bright rust-red patches on the back and breast ;

VOL. I. ce)

194 TIMALIIDA.

a third from Mysore and yet another from the Wynaad show
similar but less red markings.
Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy or yellowish white; orbital
skin, bill, legs and feet yellowish white to almost chrome-yellow.
Measurements. Length about 230 to 235 mm.; wing about
98 to 104 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm. ; culmen
about 17 mm.

Distribution. Southern India up to a line from Ellore, Secun-
derabad and Belgaum.

Nidification. Breeds all over South India in the plains and
lower hills up to some 2,000 feet, having two broods, the first in
April to June and the second in September to November, odd
birds laying at other times throughout the year. Nest and eggs
are typical of the genus, the latter numbering three or four, whilst
sixty eggs average 24-0 x 18°8 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus.

(187) Turdoides griseus striatus.
Tur Cryton BaBBLeEr.
Malacocercus striatus Swains., Zool. Il., p. 127 (1851) (Ceylon).
Crateropus griseus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 112.
Vernacular names. Demelitcha (Ceylon); Punil (Tam.).
Description. The Ceylon Babbler differs from 7’. g. griseus in
having the head concolorous with the back; the dark and light
streaks to the back are less well-defined.
Colours of soft parts as in the White-headed Babbler.
Measurements. Wing about 110 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only. Individuals are obtained in South
India which approach this race in colour, but they are all, possibly,
young birds and should be referred to the former rather than to
the present race.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds in great numbers in parts of
Ceylon, laying normally three eggs, often only two and very
rarely four. Neither nest nor eggs can be distinguished from those
of 7. g. griseus, and a fine series of fifty eges collected for me by
Messrs. W. E. Wait and W. W. A. Phillips average 23°8 x
18-4 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus.

(188) Turdoides somervillei.
Tut Bombay BapBBuer.

Timalia somervillei Sykes, P. Z.S., 1852, p. 88 (Bombay).
Crateropus somervilliz. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 118.

Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark brown, the feathers

TURDOIDES. 195

‘with narrow pale edges ; lores white; sides of the head and neck,
back, wing-coverts and inner secondaries paler brown tinged with
rufous, the feathers of the back with white shafts; rump and
upper tail-coverts ferruginous; tail reddish brown, both tail and
inner secondaries cross-rayed with blackish ; primaries and outer
secondaries black; chin and throat dark brown, each feather with
a broad ashy margin; breast brown with broad white shaft-
streaks ; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts deep ferruginous ;
tail tipped paler below.

Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy or yellowish white; orbital
skin pale yellow ; bill, legs and feet pale yellow or fleshy-yellow.

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 97 to
105 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen
about 20 to 21 mm.

This species is easily distinguished from all others by its rufous
rump and tail and deep ferruginous lower parts.

Distribution. Travancore to Bombay along the West Coast.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds throughout its range in
practically every month of the year. The nest is made of grass,
occasionally mixed with grass-roots, fine twigs, etc., and lined
with fine roots or grass-stems. It is placed in a bush or small
tree, very often in date-palms. The eggs which number two or
three, very rarely four, are of the usual glossy deep blue and
thirty-six average about 24:2 x 19°5 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus.

(189) Turdoides rufescens.
Tur CEYLONESE BABBLER.

Malacocercus rufescens Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvi, p. 458 (1847) (Ceylon).
Crateropus rufescens. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 114.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage and exposed parts of wings
rufous-brown; lower plumage ferruginous, browner on flanks,
vent and under tail-coverts ; tail faintly cross-rayed.

Measurements. Length abot 250 to 260 mm.; wing about
96 to 104 mm.; tailabout 115 to 120 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm. ;
culmen about 19 to 20 mm.

Colours of soft parts. Jris white, yellowish white or greenish
white ; bill orange-yellow, deepest on the basal half ; legs and feet
dull chrome- -yellow, claws yellowish-horn ; orbital skin and
eyelid pale greenish yellow (Legge).

Distribution. Ceylon, throughout the damper portions.

Nidification. According to Legge this Babbler breeds in March,
April and May, making a ‘nest similar to that of striatus but very

carefully concealed. Two eggs taken by Mr. MacVicar at
02

196 TIMALIID ©.

Bolgodole measure 241 18-0 mm. and 23°3x17-9 mm. Two
taken for me by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow measure 24:2 x 18-1 mm.
and 24:0x17°3 mm. They cannot be distinguished from those
of striatus.

Habits. The Ceylonese Babbler seems to be a bird of the forest
and jungle rather than a frequenter of village scrub and open
country. Mr. W. Phillips informs me thatit is not uncommon in.
the Matagama district but that it keeps much to forest.

Cramne| ox
(190) Purdoides. cinereifrons.
Tur ASHY-HEADED BABBLER.

Garrulax cinereifrons Blyth, J. A. S. B., xx, p. 176 (1851) (Ceylon).
Crateropus cinereifrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 114.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and sides of the head cinereous,
shading off on the nape into the bright reddish brown which is the
colour of the whole upper plumage, tail and visible portions of the
wings, except the outer webs of the first few primaries which are
paler ; chin whitish ; remainder of lower plumage rufous-brown,
darker on the flanks and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white; eyelid plumbeous; bill black ;
inside of mouth greenish yellow ; legs and feet plumbeous brown ;
claws dusky-horny (Legge).

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 121 to
128 mm.; tail about 105 to 110 mm.; tarsus 38 mm.; culmen
about 20 to 22 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only, up to about 2,500 feet.

Nidification. Unknown.

Habits. This bird is a typical Babbler in its noisy, gregarious
habits, but it is contined to dense forests where it is always damp
and gloomy.

Genus ARGYA Lesson, 1831.

This genus differs from Zurdoides in its longer tail and in its
longer, more slender bill. The wing also is not so rounded, the
third quill being longest or subequal with the fourth. The tail is
longer and more graduated, the outermost feathers being about
half the leneth of the central ones. Argya longirostris has a bill
longer than the other species but is otherwise congeneric,

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A, Head and back distinctly streaked with’
blackish or very dark brown.
a. Chin and throat rufous with dark shaft-
SIPeSmmaty eiensccss 218 eats wee isis 6 ote el AL ATI emlOie

ARGYA. 197

6. Chin and throat immaculate white or
pale fulvous.

a’. Lower plumage pale fulvous. ipulgs:
a’, Above reddish brown .......... A. caudata caudata,
6’. Above more grey-brown ........ A. ¢. huttoni, p. 199.
b’, Lower plumage ferruginous........ A, gularis, p. 199.
B. Head not streaked, back with oval brown
BDOUS aire cy cateteatntathe ter teil Cole bs. © ok oe 0 A, malcolmi, p. 200.
‘C. No streaks or spots on head or upper
plumage.
ce. Chin and throat rufous, lores dark .... A. subrufa, p. 201.
d. Chin, upper throat and lores white.... A. longirostris, p. 202.
wf (191) Argya earlii.

Tue Striated BappiEr.
Malacocercus eari Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvii, p. 369 (1844) (Caleutta).
Argya earl. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 105.
Vernacular names. Barra-phenga (Hindi).

Description. Upper plumage brown tinged with rufous, the
feathers of the crown largely centred with very dark brown, those

Fig. 32.—Head of A. carliz.

of the back with very dark shaft-stripes; upper tail-coverts obso-
letely dark-shafted; tail brown, the shafts darker and the feathers
cross-rayed ; wings brown, the lesser coverts dark-centred; lores
grey; cheeks and ear-coverts plain rufescent; chin, throat and
breast the same, the dark stripes increasing in size downwards;
remainder of lower plumage pale buffy-brown, albescent in the
middle of the abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow; eyelid plumbeous ;
bill fleshy-yellow, the culmen, nostril and tip darker horn-colour ;
mouth yellow; legs plumbeous or fleshy-plumbeous, claws
pinkish.

Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 85 to 93 mm.;
tail about 120 to 130 mm.; culmen about 20 mm.; tarsus about
32 mm. Ronn

Distribution. rom Sind to the Kun of Cutch, along the base
of the Himalayas to Behar, all over Behar and Bengal, East
through Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, through
Chittagong, Chin Hills and Arrakan to Pegu.

198 TIMALIID®.

Nidification. Breeds principally during the rains but at
different places at different times and in some, as in Assam and
Bengal, at almost any time of the year. It prefers marshy land,
anes it makes its nest in the reeds, like that of a large Reed-
Warbler, or it makes a larger, more untidy nest of grasses and
reed-blades in a low bush or thicket of grass. The eggs are either
three or four in number, of the usual bright, rather deep blue-green
typical of the genus, in shape a rather broad oval with fine texture
and considerable gloss. Sixty eggs average 22°8 x 17°6 mm.

Habits. This Babbler is a eal of wide grass-plains, marshy
tracts and sub-montane grass-covered hills; wherever conditions
are suitable it is sure to be abundant. It is very gregarious,
according to Marshall, being found in flocks even in the breeding
season. They are very noisy birds and have the same follow-my-
leader style of clambering through grass and bushes and fluttering
from one patch of cover to another as have the better-known
species. On the other hand, probably on account of their semi-
aquatic habits, they do not descend as much to the ground as do
the other birds. They are chiefly insect feeders.

(192) Argya caudata caudata.
Tue Common BABBLER.

Cossyphus caudatus Dumont, Dict. Sci. Nat., xxix, p. 266 (1823).
Argyacaudata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. LOG.

Vernacular names. Dumri (Hind! in the South); Hun? (Tam.);
Heddo and Lailo (Sind); Chil-chil (Hind. in the N.W.P.); Peng
or Chota-penga (Hindi); Sor (in the N.W.); Chinna sida (Tel.).

Description. Whole upper plumage fulvous-brown, each feather
with a dark brown shaft-streak ; wing and tail- coyerts with only
the shafts dark; quills brown, lighter on the outer webs; tail olive-
brown, cross-rayed and the shafts very dark; chin and throat
fulvous-white; lores brown; ear- -coverts rufescent; lower plumage

ale fulvous, albescent on the abdomen and the sides of the breast
faintly streaked.

Colours of soft parts. Bill light brown, yellow at base below ;
legs and feet yellow; claws fleshy-brown; iris brown or yellow
(Bingham) ; iris red-brown (Jerdon).

Measurements. Total length about 230 mm.; wing 78 to 84
mm. ; tail about 120 to 125 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm.; culmen
about 19 to 20 mm.

Distribution. Every portion of India proper, from Sind to
E. Bengal and Calcutta; from the foot of the Himalayas to the
Palni Hills: the Laeccadives and in Rameswaram Island. Not
Burma.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds practically throughout the
year, certainly having two broods and sometimes possibly three.

oO.

ARGYA. 199

The principal months are March to May before the rains break
and again in July to Septeinber. The nest is a fairly neat cup
made of grass, with roots, grass, bark and other fibrous material
to a lesser extent mixed with it. There is either no lining or a
very slight one of fine grass stems. It may be placed in almost any
position low down; generally in a thorny bush, but also in cactus
hedges, orange-trees, babools, tufts of grass, tangles of canes or
vines, creepers over trellis-work or any similar site. It measures
roughly about 5” x 24” externally by about 3” x 2’, or rather
less, inside. The eggs number three or four, in South India
sometimes only two. They are of the typical dark glossy-blue
colour common to the genus, in shape broad, blunt ovals, whilst
the average of 200 eggs is 21:2 x 16-1 mm.

Habits. In the North of India this is one of the most common
and familiar of birds, entering and breeding in compounds and all
round about villages, but it is found wherever there is open
country with sufficient cover in the way of bushes, hedges and
scrub. It does not haunt forests, but 1s often found in high erass-
covered plains when they are dry. In the South of India it is said
to be less confiding in its habits and rather to shun the vicinity of
human beings. Its flight and manners generally are similar to
those of the last bird, but it is less noisy. Its voice is described
by Jerdon as a “low, undertoned warbling whistle” and it also
has a constant soft chattering.

(193) Argya caudata huttoni.
THe AFGHAN BABBLER.
Malacocercus huttoni Blyth, J. A. 8S. B., xvi, p. 476 (1847) (Candahar).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last bird but much paler and greyer,
the central marks less defined and not so dark. It is also a
trifle larger.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Wing 83 to 95 mmm.; tail 125 to 135 mm.

Distribution. Afghanistan, Baluchistan and $.E. Persia. A
specimen from “the Jay River Hills,’ Sind, is a very typical
example of this race, but other specimens from the plains of Sind
are true caudata, I cannot separate Hume’s eclipes.

Nidification and Habits do not appear to differ from those
of the Indian bird.

(194) Argya gularis.
Tne WHITE-THROATED BABBLER.

Chatarrhea gularis, Blyth, J. A.S. B., xxiv, p. 478 (1855) (EE. side
ot Bay of Bengal).
Argya guaris. ‘Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 107.

Vernacular names. Zay-we (Burmese).

f

200 TIMALIID®.

Description. Forehead and short line to the eye grey with
black streaks ; crown to back and scapulars ruddy brown, with
dark shaft- stripes ; rump and upper tail-coverts olive- Browae
the latter with faint stripes; tail olive-brown, cross-rayed; exposed
parts of wing olive-brown, some of the greater coverts indistinetly
dark-shafted ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck ruddy brown ;
lores black ; ‘chin, throat, cheeks aud upper breast w hite; re-
mainder of lower plumage ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow or reddish brown; legs and
feet dark yellow; bill pale yellow-horny, culmen and tip dark
horny-brown.

Measurements. Length about 260 mm.; wing 78 to 83 mm.;
tail about 140 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen about 19 to
20 min.

Distribution. The dry zone of Central, North and South Burma.

Nidification. That of the rest of the genus. The full clutch
seems to be four though often only three eggs are laid. Mr.
Mackenzie gives me the measurements of 60 exgs as follows :—
average 22:6 x 17:1 mm. : maxima 247 x 17-2 and 23°5 x 18:2 mm.;
minima 20°6x17:0 and 22:0x160mm. ‘The breeding season
is from early April to late May.

Habits. “The Zay-we is one of the most familiar birds of
Mandalay and the dry zone generally, haunting both compounds
and jungle, and goes by the names of the ‘seven sisters’ or
‘rat-birds.” There is no mistaking them with their untidy dress,
dirty white shirt fronts and long, ragged tails. They cannot be
exactly called ‘Laughing-Thrushes’ as they seem never happy, but
always complaining with their harsh, grating voices. They go
about together in parties, and generally seem very busy as they
hop about with tails held at different angles, hunting and turning
over the fallen leaves. When they have to fly, which they always
seen loth to do, they go in for a regular rocketing flight, with
their small, round wings extended and their tails spread out in
fans.” (H. H. Harington.)

(195) Argya malcolmi.

Tur Larce Grey BABBLER.

Timalia malcolmi Sykes, P.Z.S., 1852 ” P: 88 (Dukhun).
Argya malcolmi. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 108.

Vernacular names. Ghogoi (Hind.); Gangai (Hind. in N.W.P.);
Gongya (Can.); Nokatti (Mahr.); Verri-chinda and Gowa-sida
(Tel.); Bhatna (Lucknow).

Description. Upper plumage dull brown, the feathers of the
mantle with dark centres; forehead bluish grey with fine white
shaft-streaks ; lores dusky; e ear-coverts brow n with pale shafts ;
the three outer pairs of tail-feathers white, the fourth pair with

ARGYA, 201

the outer webs whitish, the others pale brown, the central one
ross-rayed; wings dark brown, the earlier primaries horny-
brown on the outer webs, the others edged with the colours of
the back; entire lower plumage, cheeks and sides of neck
fulvescent, the throat and breast darker and washed with
glaucous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow; upper mandible dark
brown; lower mandible, legs and feet fleshy or fleshy-yellow,
sometimes tinged with bluish.

Measurements. Length about 280 mm.; wing about 112 to
119 mm.; tail about 135 to 145 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm. ;
culmen about 19 mm.

Distribution. The greater portion of the peninsula of India,
South to the Nilgiris and Mysore, common in Central West India
and rare in the North-West. To the East it 1s found as far as
Allahabad, and further South I have had specimens sent me
from Surguja.

Nidification. hese birds breed more or less throughout the
year, but possibly more regularly in the early rains. The nest
cannot be distinguished from that of Z’wrdoides terricolor and may
be placed in a bush, cactus hedge or mango-tree, often at con-
siderable heights from the ground. The eggs are usually four in
number, of the usual shape, colour and texture and one hundred
average 25:2 x 19-4 mm.

Habits. Like the Common Babbler this bird frequents both the
wilder and more jungly tracts, where it is a wild, shy bird, and
the vicinity of towns, villages and houses, where it is as tame and
confiding as it is possible to be. It is very gregarious, keeping in
parties even during the breeding season and whatever is the
business of one bird is the interest of the whole party. If one
member is attacked by hawk, snake or other enemy the rest of the
flock combine to attack and not infrequently will succeed in
driving it off. It is very noisy and very excitable like the Jungle-
Babbler and, like that bird, active on its legs, feeble on its
wings. They eat both insects, seeds and fruit but principally the
first.

(196) Argya subrufa.

Ture Rurous BABBLER.

Timalia subrufa Jerdon, Madr. Journ. L.5., p. 259 (1844) (Wynaad).
Argya subrufa. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 109.
Vernacular names. Jungli-Khur (Hind.).
Description. Foreliead deep grey with black shatts ; whole
upper plumage, tail and exposed portions of the wings olive-
brown with a rufous tinge, especially strong on the outer edge ot

202 TIMALIID.

the quills, the tail and upper tail-coverts; lores brown ; cheeks,
sides of head and neck olive-brown tinged with rufous; lower
plumage bright rufous, paler on the abdomen and suffused with
brown on the thighs and under tail-coverts; under wing-coverts
and edge of wing rufous; tail slightly cross-rayed.

Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy-white to bright yellow; bill
yellow or pale yellowish-horny, the culmen and tip dark brown;
legs and feet dark fleshy-yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown
and yellowish grey.

Measurements. Length 250 to 260 mm.; wing 87 to 90 mm. ;
tail about 110 to 115 mm.; tarsus about 33 mm.; culmen about
18 to 19 mm.

Distribution. The Western Ghats from Coonoor and Kotagiri
on the Nilgiris to Khandala near Bombay.

Nidification. The Rufous Babbler makes a nest of leaves, grass
and creeper stems lined with fine grass stems, which it places in a
bush or tree standing in forest. The eggs seem to be usually
three in number, sometimes only two, sometimes four. They are
of the typical glossy, rather dark blue and measure about 24:2 x
185 mm. The breeding season is February and March.

Habits. Except that it keeps much to jungle and bamboo cover
away from the haunts of men, the habits of this bird are quite
typical of the genus. Its voice is said to be softer and more
musical than that of the common forms, but it is almost equally
noisy and active.

(197) Argya longirostris.
Tur SLENDER-BILLED BABBLER.

Pyctorhis longirostris (Hodgs.), Moore, P. Z.8., 1854, p. 104 (Nepal).
Argya longirostris, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 108.

Vernacular names. Duao-ling titri (Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings
deep reddish brown; lores, cheeks, chin and upper throat white ;
the whole lower plumage and the ear-coverts ferruginous,
becoming albescent on the abdomen ; tail cross-rayed.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white or biuish white; bill black ;
legs and feet dark brown.

Measurements. Length about 240 mm.; wing 76 to 79 mm.;
tail about 115 to 120 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about
18 to 19 wim.

At first sight this bird with its more slender, curved, black Dill
looks as if it should be put in a genus separate from the Common
Babbler with its shorter bill of almost bright yellow. Its some-
what spiny-shafted feathers of the forehead are also a feature

ACANTHOPTILA. 203

which differentiates it from caudata; but their differences are
bridged over by the Large Rufous Babbler, which has an inter-
mediate shaped bill which is partly black and has the feathers of
the forehead with the shafts distinctly stiff and bare at the tips.
Blyth placed both subrufa and longirostris in a separate genus,
Layardia, but i view ot the gradation in degree in the character-
istics defining them, I keep them altogether under Argya.

Distribution. The Nepal Terai, Bhutan and Buxa Duars, the
Terai at the foot of the Himalayas, North of the Brahmaputra to
Sadiya and the grass plateaus of the ‘hills South of that river to
Manipur and Chittagong.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds not uncommonly on the grass
plateaus in the Khasia Hills during May and June, inaking a cup-
shaped nest of grass, lined with grass stems and placed in amongst
grass or reeds, a bush or tangle of brambles, or even on an old
stump or a broken-down wall or bank. The eggs number three
or four, but are a rather paler blue than are the eggs of most of
those of the genera Argya or Turdoides thoveh quite similar in
shape and texture. ‘Twenty-one eggs average about 21°5x
16-7 mm.

Habits. These are of the gregarious, noisy and restless nature
of the rest of the group. Hume, in Manipur, and myself, in the
Khasia Hills, found them nearly always in the long grass covering
wide extents of hill and valley, where they fed both on the ground
and on the grass and reeds. Several of their notes were quite
pleasant, but the majority were of the discordant character common
to all these Babblers.

Genus ACANTHOPTILA Blyth, 1855.

The genus Acanthoptila was instituted by Blyth for a remark-
able bird discovered many years previously, characterized by its
spinous plumage and long, graduated tail. Sharpe originally placed
this genus in his Crateropodine but Oates, in the Avifauna,
removed it to the Syluiidew. It has two phases of coloration, in
one of which the lower part of the head becomes partially white.
Oates considered the change to be a seasonal one, but there is
nothing in the British Museum series to show this and I consider
it is the plumage of the older bird. This acquisition of white is
found in other Vimaliine birds such as Gampsorhynchus and Gyp-
sophila. In its general appearance it is very close to Babax and
Argya. The feathers of the upper plumage and breast have stiff
shafts which become very spinous when worn; the bill is nearly
as long as the head and gently curved; the nostrils are long,
lunar-shaped slits ; the rictal bristles short and weak; the wing
rounded and 4th primary longest ; tail graduated and much longer
than wing, and the tarsus very strong and about one-third the
length of wing.

204 TIMALIID 2.

(198) Acanthoptila nipalensis.
Tur Spryy BABBLER.

Timalia nipalensis Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 182 (1836) (Nepal).
Acanthoptila nepalensis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p, 386.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole upper plumage, tail and visible portions
of the wings rich olive-brown, the feathers of the head and back
with stiff, black shafts; tail cross-rayed darker; lores and the
feathers behind aud below the eyes whitish; ear-coverts brown,
mixed with white ; lower plumage rufescent, each feather with a
dark brown shaft-stripe, these increasing in size on breast and
abdomen; under tail-coverts and flanks plain rufescent brown.

Some birds, including specimens killed in summer, have the
lower part of head, chin and throat white with glistening shafts,
and the lower plumage is paler. According to Oates this is the
summer plumage, but there is too little evidence at present either
to confirm or refute this suggestion.

Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky brown; legs dull fleshy-
brown; iris smoky-brown (//odgson, MS.).

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; tail about 125
to 130 mm.; wing 85 to 90 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 18 to 19 min.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim and ? N.W. Himalayas.

Nidification. According to Hodgson this Babbler makes a loose,
shallow grass nest, about 5’ in diameter by about 2” deep, which
it places in a fork of a tree. The eggs are said to be verditer-blue
and to measure about 23x 16°5 mm. Eggs in my own collection
reputed to be of this bird are quite different and in type more
like those of Megalurus. The ground is white and they are pro-
fusely speckled and spotted with brown and underlying spots of
pale neutral tint on purplish lavender. They measure about
22x17 mm. Their identification is not satisfactory and more
information is very badly required about the bird and its life-
history.

Habits. Hodgson says that this bird is solitary, tenants low

POMATORHINUS. 205»

bushes, flies very badly and unwillingly, and that it feeds entirely
on the ground. He also says that it is found by bushy mills and
is a shy, skulking bird. On the label of a Pinwill specimen is a
remark that this bird is a fine songster.

Genus POMATORHINUS Horsf., 1821.

In this genus the principal distinguishing feature is the long,.
slender bill, either as long as, or longer than, the head, much
curved downwards and always compressed. The nostril is bare
and exposed, whilst the feathers of the forehead are short,
rounded and close. ‘The tail is longer than the wing and much
graduated, the outer feathers never exceeding three-quarters the
length of the central pair.

The young of the genus generally have more rufous or dark
colour on the breast and abdomen than the adults. The bill is
not fully grown for some months.

Key to Species.

A. With a white supercilium.
a. Bill comparatively short, about equal to
head.
a’. Breast, throat and abdomen white.

a’, Sides of neck chestnut, contrasting

with upper plumage.
a’, Chestnut of neck produced as a

band down flanlss.
a‘. Chestnut band streaked with

VAISS Oe a in gp pOt ed bp oer P. schisticeps, p. 205.
Gs Band notrstreaked 32.2: 2.04.1 - P. nuchalis, p. 208.
6’, Chestnut confined to neck ...... P. olivaceus, p. 209.
b", Sides of neck not chestnut ........ P. horsfieldi, p. 210.
b'. Throat white; breast ferruginous, not
SEEUP COs yet sa elcre oi-ie wiki eis eheias t+ P. ferruginosus, p.215.
ce’. Throat white; breast striped with olive-
PGOnWa MER cero uvaqa stele nar sone she nen . PL. ruficollis, p. 216.
b. Bill more slender and about half as long
AOAMMpas MSM Icke es ee ele ie P. ochraceiceps, p. 217.
B. No white supercilium.
c. Bill not longer than head and slender .... P.erythrogenys,p. 219.
d. Bill longer than head and very coarse.... P. hypoleucus, p. 222.

Pomatorhinus schisticeps.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Chestnut band deep maroon-chestnnt.
a. Wing over 4 inches.

a’. Darker and more olivaceous above .. P. s. schisticeps, p. 206._
b'. Paler and more rufous above ........ P.s. cryptanthus, p. 207.
b., Wine, under inches: cia saes. oe aces © P. s. pinwilli, p. 208.
B. Chestnut band much paler .............. P. s. mearst, p. 207.

206 TIMALILD.

(199) Pomatorhinus schisticeps schisticeps.
Tue SLATY-HEADED SCIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus schisticeps Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 181 (1886) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 116.

Vernacular names. Pabdoa(Beng.); Phoyeum-pho or Phurreeam-
pho (Lepcha); Bhiakuroh (Parbuttiah).

Description. Forehead to nape dark slate, the shafts darker ;
upper plumage and wing-coverts rufescent olive-brown; a bold
supercilium from nostrils to nape white; lores and ear-coverts
black; a large patch on the sides of the neck extending to sides
of breast and abdomen rich maroon-chestnut, streaked with white
except on the neck; flanks, vent and under tail-coverts dusky
olive-brown ; remainder of under parts from chin white.

Fig. 34.—Head of P. s. schisticeps.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale yellow, pale reddish yellow or
pale creamy ; pale glaucous-brown in young birds; bill pale dull
yellow, the base of the upper mandible blackish; legs slaty, claws
horny and soles yellowish.

Measurements. Length about 270 mm.; wing about 98 to
106 mm. tail about 115 to120 mm.; tarsus about 32 min.; culmen

about 27 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and hills North of the Brahma-
putra; how far East is not known exactly at present, but Stevens
found it common in N. Lakhimpur.

Nidification. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds freely from the foot-
hills of the Himalayas up to at least 5,000 feet, but is most
-eommon between 1,500 and 2,500 feet. It makes a nest of grass,
leaves and fibrous material, either cup-shaped or with the
materials produced so as to make it domed though the top is so
fragile that it often collapses and appears to be only part of an
ill-made shallow saucer. The eggs are three or four in number,
pure white, as with all Scimitar-Babblers, fragile for their size,
sometimes highly glossed, sometimes almost or quite lossless,
cenerally a distinctly pointed oval, and they measure about 26°4 x
18:0 mm. The breeding season is April, May and June.

Habits. The Slaty-headed Scimitar-Babbler is a sociable, noisy
bird but its notes when disturbed or alarmed are very mellow
and musical and during the breeding season, when the flocks
break up into pairs, it has a low, musical * hoot-hoot,” which the

POMATORHINUS. 207

two birds constantly utter as they wander about hunting for food.
They keep much to low jungle, secondary growth and bamboo-
jungle and also feed on the ground, turning over the leaves and
rubbish just as the true Laughing-Thrushes do.

(200) Pomatorhinus schisticeps cryptanthus.
CoLrart’s ScIMITAR- DABBLER.

Pomatorhinus schisticeps cryptanthus Hartert, Bull. B. O. C., xxxvi,
p- 85 (1915) (Margherita, Assam).

Vernacular names. Dao buleu-galao (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the last in having the upper parts
less olive and more rufescent, the red of the neck and flanks a
brighter, lighter chestnut and, according to Hartert, it is a trifle
smaller.

Colours of soft parts. Asin the last bird; the iris is often a
golden yellow.

Measurements. A. little smaller than schisticeps; wing 94 to
102 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra from the Mikir
Hills and Cachar to Margherita.

Nidification similar to that of P. s. schisticeps, breeding from
about 2,000 feet upwards to at least 5,000 feet but principally
about 4,000 feet. It builds its nest often in bamboo-jungle and
also in scrub, edges of cultivation and in forest, especially when
there are open glades and streams with grassy banks. The
eggs number three or four, very rarely five and sixty eggs average
about 26°619°2 mm. The breeding season lasts from the end
of April to late July.

Habits. Those of the last bird; this race, however, is not a
noisy bird and, unless alarmed or excited over some special find,
one seldom hears more than a secret low, chuckling note and the
usual call of ‘ hoot-hoot-hoot.” It is, of course, a poor flyer like
all the Scimitar-Babblers but I should not call it a skulker as it
often feeds practically in the open bamboo-jungles, where it is very
easy to watch it. It can hop at a great pace, proceeding in long
bounds and when so engaged might easily be mistaken for a
frightened rat. Its food is principally insectivorous, but possibly
it also eats grain and seeds.

(201) Pomatorhinus schisticeps mearsi,
GRANT’s SLATY-HEADED Scrmirar-BaBBLER.

Pomatorhinus mearst Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. O. C., xv, p. 35 (1905)
(Taungdwin),

Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. This race has the chestnut still paler than in

208 TIMALIID ©.

cruptanthus, and the edges to the primaries are also paler than they
are in that bird. The rufous collar is often very pronounced in
this race.

Colours of soft parts as in the other races.

Measurements. The largest of the Slaty-headed Scimitar-
Babblers ; wing from 100 to 110mm. and other measurements in
proportion.

Distribution. Western Burma, Chin Hills and Arrakan.

Nidification. Like that of the last two birds. ‘Two eggs taken
by Mr. J. M. D. Mackenzie in the Chin Hills and four sent me
from Arrakan measure about 26 x 19°7 mm.

Habits. Those of the species. Appears to be found from the
lowest hills up to about 4,000 feet.

(202) Pomatorhinus schisticeps pinwilli.
SHARph’s SLATY-HEADED ScrmiTar-BaBeLer. —
Pomatorhinus pinwilli Sharpe, Cat. B. M., vii, p. 418 (1883):
(Simla).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. A small race of schisticeps, similar in colour but
with the chestnut a trifle less deep in colour and with the rufous.
collar on the nape more pronounced.

Colours of soft parts as in P. s. schisticeps.

Measurements. A small bird; wing from 85 to 95 mm., generally
about 90 to 91 mm.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas to Garhwal.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the other races.

(203) Pomatorhinus nuchalis,
TWEEDDALE’S SCIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus nuchalis Tweeddale, A. M. N. H., (4) xx, p- 535 (1877 }
(Thayetmyo); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 117.

Z

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Resembles a small P. schisticeps, but has the rufous.
of the neck and sides unstreaked with white. The rufous nuchal
collar is also more developed.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale to golden yellow; eyelid and
ocular region pale lavender ; bill orange-yellow, only the base and
gape dusky ; inside of mouth flesh-colour; legs dusky plumbeous ;
claws horny-brown.

Measurements. Length about 225 to 235mm.; wing 87 to.
91 mm. 5 tail about 210 to 220 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 25 mm.

POMATORHINUS. 209

Distribution. Eastern Burma, east of the Sittaung from Papun
in the South to the Northern Shan States. Mackencie found it
not rare at Prome.

Nidification. The nest, which has been taken by Col. Harington
and J. P. Cook, is anal to that of other Scimitar “Babbler.
The eggs aE pees to number two or three only. Twelve eggs
measure about 25:0 x 18-2 mm.

Habits. According to Harington the bird haunts the thickest
of cover, whether bamboo or other. It is found from some 2,000
to 6,500 feet or higher.

Pomatorhinus olivaceus.
Key to Subspecies,

A. Upper parts rufous-brown ..... Pepe maak hae P. o. olivaceus, p. 209.
B. Upper parts olive-brown......... ee ava oe P. 0. ripponi, p. 210.

(204) Pomatorhinus olivaceus olivaceus.
Tue TENASSERIM SCcIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus olivaceus Blyth, J. A.S.B., xvi, p. 451 (1847)
(Tenasserim) ; Blanf. & Oates. i, p. 118.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Ditfers from the schisticeps group in having no
chestnut band down the sides of the breast and flanks, the chestnut
being confined to the sides of the neck. The rufous collar on the

nape is not very pronounced.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow ; bill deep yellow, dusky-
green at base above; legs and feet plumbeous ; claws horny (Hume
& Davison).

Measurements. Length about 230 mm.; wing 90 to 96 mm.;
tail about 100 to 106 mm.; tarsus about 80 mm.; culmen about
27 to 28 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim, from Moulmein down to its extreme
southern point and thence extending into the Malay Peninsula.

Nidification. Breeds in T'enasserim from January to March,
making the usual Scimitar-Babbler’s nest, either globular or cup-
shaped, on the ground in thick jupele: The eges, either two or
three in number, average about 25-4 x 18°5 mm.

Habits. Oates writes: ‘They live on the ground or in shrubs
very close to the ground, only very ocecasionaily mounting trees.
They conceal themselves so well that they are very seldom seen,
but when seen they perform fantastic motions, spreading out the
tail and drooping the wings. They have a variety of calls which
resolve themselves, however, into variations of the words ‘ hoot-
hoot-hoot’ constantly repeated. They frequent the very thickest
pieces of jungle, not only where the bushes themselves are thick,
but where the iow undergrowth is entangled and intricate.”

VOL. I. P

210 TIMALIID,

(205) Pomatorhinus olivaceus ripponi.

Harineron’s SHAN SciMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus rippont Harington, Bull, B. O. C.xxvii, p. 9 (1910)
(Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Tenasserim Scimitar-Babbler in
having the colour of the upper parts olive-brown instead of
rufous-brown; the tail is concolorous with, instead of darker
than, the back; the chestnut neck-patch is paler and the bill is
perhaps more slender.

Colours of soft parts as in LP. 0. olivaceus.

Measurements. Total length about 210 mm.; wing 85 to 88
mm.; tail about 95 to 98 mm.; tarsus 25 mm.; culmen about
27 to 28 mm.

Distribution. Shan States and Kachin Hills.

Nidification similar to that of the last bird. Eggs taken by
Messrs. J. P. Cook and Mackenzie average about 25:0 x 17-9 mm.

Habits. This bird was found by Mr. Cook frequenting grass
lands rather than forest or jungle, and he even obtained it breeding

in such places. It is found at all elevations between 2,500 and
5,000 feet.

Pomatorhinus horsfieldi.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Sides of neck and breast blackish brown.. P. h. horsfieldi, p. 210.

B. Sides of neck and breast brown........ P.h. obsewus, p. 211.

©, Sides of neck rufescent like the back P.h. melanurus, p. 212.

DP. Sides of neck and breast broadly deep [p. 211.
NEG SS amomno a itmarcua svoscosacodad P. A. travancoriensis,

(206) Pomatorhinus horsfieldi horsfieldii

Tar Deccan ScCIMITAR- BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus horsfielditSykes, P. Z. 8. 1882, p. 89 (Deccan) ; Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 119.

Vernacular names. Namala Pitta or Dasari Pitta (Tel.).

Description. Upper plumage dark earthy-brown with a tinge of
rufous, the head slightly darker; a white supercilium from the
nostril to the nape, edged with black above; chin, throat, breast
and abdomen white; lores, under the eye, the ear-coverts, the
sides of the neck and a band bordering the breast and abdomen
blackish brown; sides of the body, vent and under tail-coverts
slaty-brown ; tail and wings dark brown, washed on the outer webs
with the colour of the back.

POMATORHINUS. PALL

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, maroon-brown or crimson;
legs and feet greenish plumbeous ; bill yellow, dusky at. base of
lower mandible.

Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing about
100 to 105 mm.; tail about 105 to 108 min.; tarsus about 32 mm. ;
eulmen about 25 mm.

Distribution. Bombay, Mahabaleshwar, Khandalla, Kanara and
the plains of Mysore, Madras and the Deccan.

Nidification. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds from January to
May in broken country and low hills up to about 2,060 feet as
well as in the actual plains, making the usual grass, domed nest,
which it places on the ground in grass and bushes, or in forest.
The eggs apparently sometimes number as many as five, but two
or three are the normal clutch. Twenty-four eggs average 26°6 x
18°3 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. This is a subspecies of the low
country, it being represented by other races in the higher hills.

(207) Pomatorhinus horsfieldi obscurus.
Hume’s Scrmrrar-BaBpBsiLERr.

Pomatorhinus obsenrus Hume, 8. F., i, p. 7 (1873) (Mt. Abu) ; Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 120.

Vernacular names. Namala Pitta or Dasari Pitta (Tel.).

Description. A much paler bird than the last, with no black
band separating the white of the breast from the upper plumage,
the sides of the neck and breast being practically the same colour
as the back.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in true horsfieldi.

Distribution. So far only recorded from Mt. Abu and Seoni.

Nidification. Similar to that of the other races. Five eggs sent
me from Mt, Abu measure about 23-0 x 17-5 min.

Habits as in the last, but perhaps does not frequent such dense
jungles. Its range of elevation still requires to be carefully
worked out together with its full distribution. Butler says that
it is not gregarious, but goes about either singly or in pairs.

(208) Pomatorhinus horsfieldi travancoriensis.
THe SoutHeRN InpIAN Scrurrar-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus horsfieldi_ travancoriensis Harington, J. B. N. H.S.,

299

xxii, p. 335 (1914) (Travancore).

Vernacular names. Namala pitta (Tel.).
Description. Much darker than typical horsfieldi; back a rich
-olive-brown, head decidedly darker than back and often blotched

with black. White of breast and abdomen divided from brown of
PQ

212 TIMALIIDA.

upper parts by a broad black band. Tail often nearly black at
the end.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in horsfieldr.

Distribution. Practically the whole of S. India, South of the
range of P. h. horsfieldi, wherever there are hills and mountains.

Nidification. This bird breeds in great numbers in the Nilgiris
and commonly in many other places between 2,000 and 8,000 feet.
It makes the usual globular nest of grass, more or less mixed with
leaves, bracken and roots, very flimsily put together and placed
either on the ground or low down in some bush. Many authors
deseribe the full clutch as four or five, but over the greater part
of its range two or three is probably the normal number. They
are, of course, the usual pure white, and ten eggs average about
26°5x19°7 mm. They breed in December to March on the West
Coast but during March, April and May in the Nilgiris and higher
hills.

Habits. A gregarious bird, going about in pane from half-a-
dozen toa dozen or more, working through the low bushes, or on
the ground under them, for insects. They employ a variety of
soft, rather musical notes, bursting into a chorus of abuse and
loud language when frightened or annoved. Their call-note is the
usual hoot hoot of the family.

(209) Pomatorhinus horsfieldi melanurus.
Tur Cryton Scrmitar-BaBBLEr.

Pomatcrhinus melanwus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvi, p. 481 (1847)
(Ceylon) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 118.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to horsfieldi horsfieldi but with no demar-
cations between the plumage of the upper parts and the sides of
the breast and neck, the latter being of the same ferruginous
brown as the former; the tail is very dark marked with ‘ferru-
ginous at the base.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish brown to dull red; orbital
skin and eyelid dull blue; bill pale to dark yellow, blackish
on the base; legs and feet slaty or greenish plumbeous ; feet
generally more bluish than tarsi, claws dusky-horny.

Measurements. Length about 210 to 215 mm.; wing about
86 to 94 mm.; tailabout 95 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 25 to 26 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only.

The description given above is for the individuals obtained in
the South, where heat and humidity are at their greatest. Birds
obtained on the Horton Plains and at the highest altitudes are
more olive than rufous and paler, less rich, in coloration through-
out. Ll cannot, however, on the material available define the
habitat of either form, and therefore refrain from naming another:
new race.

POMATORHINUS, 213

Nidification. Breeds in the months November to March, making
a typical Scimitar-Babbler’s nest and laying two or three pure
white eggs, indistineuishable from those of other species. It is
noticeable that the eges of Southern Scimitar-Babblers are more
regularly elliptical and less pointed oval in shape than are those
of Northern birds, but every variation is to be found in both.
Two eges of the present bird measure 23-0 x 17-8 mm.

Habits. These Babblers associate either in pairs or small flocks,
haunting any class of thick cover and working both the ground,
bushes and the lower branches of trees for food. Legge describes
their habit of indulging in dances and gesticulations, if such a
term may be applied to birds. ‘Vheir voice, flight and general
habits are similar to those of the Indian species.

Pomatorhinus ferruginosus,

Key to Subspecies.

A. Crown of head nearly black, much darker
tian baie lneey Set es cred vent Ol P. f. ferruginosus, p.218,

a. Breast bright ferruginous ............ P. f. phayrei, p. 214.
6. Breast pale ferruginous buff ......, oo. Puft albigularis, p. 215.

c. Breast butty white or very pale buff. ... P. f. marie, p. 215.

(410) Pomatorhinus ferruginosus ferruginosus.
THE CoRAL-BILLED Scrmirar-BaBBuer,

Pomatorhinus ferruginosus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiv, p. 597 (1845)
(Darjeeling) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 120.

Vernacular names. Piong-/ohut or Poniong-hut (Lepcha) ;
Lhotetet (Bhut.) ; Peet-gongor (Daphla).

Description. Forehead rufous ; crown, nape, lores, upper
cheeks and ear-coverts black; a broad supercilium to the nape,
chin and lower cheeks white ; upper plumage, tail and visible
portions of closed wing olive-brown, tinged with rufous; chinand
throat white; breast and centre of abdomen bright ferruginous ;
remainder of plumage olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow or golden yellow ; bill deep
coral-red ; legs light yellowish brown, sometimes with a greenish
or leaden tint.

Measurements. Length about 220 mm.; wing 90 to 95 mm.;
tail about 110 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about 27 to
28 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Nepal to the extreme east of
Assam, North of the Brahmaputra.

214 TIMALIID ©.

Nidification. Breeds in Sikkim from the end of April to the end
of June, making a globular nest of grass and bamboo leaves, some-
times lined with finer grass, but generally unlined. The nest is
placed either on, or quite close to, the ground, generally in dense
undergrowth, less often in bamboo or thinner jungle. The eggs,
either three or four in number, according to Hodgson sometimes
five, are the usual pure white, and twenty eggs average about
23°5 x 17°7 mm.

Habits. This bird is generaliy found at considerable heights
from 4,000 feet up to at least 6,000 feet, seldom breeding below
the former. Its habits differ in no way from those of the better
known phayrei.

(211) Pomatorhinus ferruginosus phayrei.
PHAYRE’S CORAL-BILLED SCIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus phayret Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 462 (1847) (Arrakan);:
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 121.

Vernacular names. Dao-buku-gajao(Cachari); Zniui-gojo(Kacha
Naga).

Description. Similar to the last, but the upper plumage olive-
brown with no rufous tinge; above the white supercilium there is
a trace of a black line; the under parts are much more rufous.
The crown is practically concolorous with the back.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in ferruginosus.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and
Arrakan Yomas.

Nidification. Breeds in considerable numbers in the Khasia
and N. Cachar Hills between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, most commonly
at 3,000 to 3,500 feet. The nest is the usual football-shaped affair,
lying on its side, very loosely and untidily made, principally of
bamboo leaves and bracken, more or less mixed with grass, roots
and a few leaves. In most nests there is no true lining but, in
a tew, fine grass is used for this purpose. The entrance, which
may be anything up to 4” wide, is at one end low down and the
ends of the materials stick out all round, half biding it from sight.
The nest is sometimes placed on the ground, but far more often
in bushes some feet above it, and I have taken one nest which lay
on the top of a bush about 7 feet up, easily visible from the hill-
path above but looking like a mass of rubbish blown together by the
wind against a jutting branch. Three is the number of eggs most
often laid, sometimes four, frequently two only. Fifty eggs
average 27-1 19:1 mm. The breeding season lasts from May to
July but I have seen nests with eggs both in April and late August.

Habits. Phayre’s Scimitar-Babbler is a bird of thick forest and
dense undergrowth, found but little in bamboo-jungle and still less
in the grass-covered hills, except in the mornings and evenings

BIRDS. VOL.|I. PLATE lv.

POMATORHINUS F PHAYRII.

Phayre’s Scimitar Babbler.
2/3 life size.

POMATORIINUS. 215

when feeding. It is to be met with both in pairs and in small parties,
silent as a rule but occasionally bursting into a chorus of rather
sweet, full notes when anything of special interest is seen or if
suddenly disturbed. They slink about in a very rat-like manner
on the ground under the bushes but move from one piece of cover
to another in big bounds, only taking to wing when actually foreed
to do so. They fly much like the Laughing-Thrushes, alternate
sailings and furious flappings, tail bent up or down and wide-
spread and legs carried well forward and down unless the flight is
prolonged. They are not shy birds and are very inquisitive and
cannot resist a closer acquaintance with any novel sight or sound.
I have seen these birds mobbing a civet cat much as the birds of
the genera Turdoides and Argya will mob a village cat which
invades their territory.

(212) Pomatorhinus ferruginosus albigularis.
Buyry’s SCIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus aligularis Blyth, J. A. 8S. B., xxiv, p. 274 (1855)
(Muleyit Mt.) ; Blanf. & Oates, 1. p. 121.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, but
the crown is very little darker than the back. A black line extends
above the white supercilium. The breast and abdomen are a very
pale ferruginous, or pale buff with a faint rufous tinge.

Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy-white to bright yellow ; legs
and feet pale greenish or yellowish brown ; bill deep vermilion or
coral-red.

Measurements. A rather larger bird than phayrei, with shorter
bill; wing about 95 to 100 inm.; bill about 24 to 25 mm.

Distribution. Mountains of Tenasserim South to Tavoy and
North to Karen Hills.

Nidification. Mr. KX. Macdonald found it breeding on the Taok
plateau 60 miles east of Prome. The nest was of the usual type,
and the eggs, two or three in number, measured about 24°6 x
18-4 mm.

Habits similar to those of the other races.

(213) Pomatorhinus ferruginosus marie.
Watpen’s Sctmrrar-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus marie Walden, A. M. N. H., xv, p. 403 (1875)
(Tounghoo Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This is a pale form of albigularis, and the under
parts are very pale buff with no tinge of rufous.

216 TIMALIID A.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Toungoo and Karen Hills, Yamethen, Upper
Burma.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

This and the Jast bird are undoubtedly only races of P. ferrugi-
nosus, although the extremes of difference between birds from
Nepal and birds from the Karen Hills are very great.

Pomatorhinus ruficollis.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage ruddy brown........ P. rv. rvuficollis, p. 216.
B. Upper plumage olive-brown ........ P. r. bakeri, p. 217.

(214) Pomatorkinus ruficollis ruficollis.
Tart NepaL RUFOUS-NECKED ScrImMrraR-BsaBBLER.

Pomatorhinus ruficollis Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 182 (1836) (Nepal);
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 122.

Vernacular names. Bhiakuroh (Parbuttiahs).

Description. Upper plumage, tail and closed wing ruddy
brown; a broad white supercilium from the nostrils to the nape ;
lores, under the eyes and ear-coverts black; sides of the neck
bright ferruginons, extending to the hind neck and forming a
collar; chin, cheeks and throat white; lower throat, breast and
centre of abdomen white streaked with olive-brown; sides of
abdomen and breast, vent and under tail-coverts olive-brown.,

Colours of soft parts. Bill yellow, pale at the fip and with
three-quarters of the culmen nearly black ; iris pale red to crim-
son; eyelid plumbeous; feet pale brownish plumbeous, pale
greyish or greenish plumbeous ; claws brownish horny.

Measurements. Length about 195 to 205 mm.; wing 78 to
84mm.; tail about 83 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen about
20 mm.

Young nestlings have the whole breast rusty red. The bill is
entirely yellow.

Distribution. Himalayas, Nepal to Eastern Assam, North of
the Brahmaputra.

Nidification. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds from the end of
April to June from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, making the usual ball-
shaped nest of grass, bracken and fern fronds, ete., placed on the
cround in grass, w eeds or bush undergrowth. The eggs vary from
three to five and are white like all other Scimitar-Babblers but
have very little gloss. Fifty eggs average about 23°6 x 18-0 mm.

Habits. The Rufous-necked Scimitar-Babbler frequents eleva-
tions between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, being found still lower in
winter and higher in summer. It ‘keeps much to forest with
plentiful undergrowth, but also may be sometimes found on hill-

sides covered mainly with long grass and bushes.

“J

POMATORHINUS. 21

(215) Pomatorhinus ruficollis bakeri.
Baker’s RuFOUS-NECKED SCIMITAR-BAaBBLER.

Pomatorhinus ruficollis bakert Harington, J.B. N. H.S., xxii, p. 386
(1914) (Shillong).

Vernacular names. Moh- Mera (Angami Naga).

Description. Similar to the last bird, but paler and olive-brown
above rather than rufous-brown; below it is more fulvous and
white instead of olive-brown and white.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in rv/icollis, but
the bill is rather more slender.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra in Assam,
Manipur, Lushai, Chin Hills, Kachin Hills.

Nidification. Breeds in the Khasia and N. Cachar Hil's in May
and June, and in the Eastern Hills in April also. Later nests
taken in July and August are certainly second broods. They
nest everywhere between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, and though they
seem to prefer humid forests, also sometimes build in recently
deserted patches of cultivation where the grass and scrub is still
scanty and low. The nests are the typical domed ovals of grass,
bamboo and bracken leaves, but they are, perhaps, rather more
tidy and smaller than most, measuring about 8" long by 6” wide
and high. They lay three to five eggs which average (50 eggs)
23°4 x 17-4 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. It keeps much to evergreen forest
but may also be found in open bamboo jungle where it scratches
about amongst the fallen leaves for a small bug-like insect on
which it feeds.

Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps.

Key to Subspecies.
A. Throat and breast white.

a. Upper plumage bright ochraceous .... P. 0. ochraceiceps, p. 217.
b. Upper plumage olive-brown.......... P. 0. austent, p, 218.
ml . =
B. Throat white, breast pale ochraceous .. P. v.stenorhynchus,p. 219.

(216) Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps ochraceiceps.
Luoyp’s Scrmrrar-BaBBLer.
Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps Walden, A. M. N. H., xii, p. 487 (1878)
(Shan States) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 128.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage bright ochraceous, the inner webs
of the quills pale brown; tail paler ochraceous, the terminal
halves of the feathers suffused with brown; lores and feathers at
the base of the upper mandible black ; a narrow white supercilium
from nostrils to nape; ear-coverts rich hair-brown; chin, throat,

218 TIMALIID®.

breast and centre of abdomen pure white; flanks, vent and under
tail-coverts ochraceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale brown—probably young birds—
to yellowish red and bright yellow; bill vermilion with a dusky
patch next forehead ; legs and feet yellowish or greenish brown.

Fig. 35.—Head of P. 0. ochraceiceps.

Measurements. Length about 220 mm.; wing 86 to 92mm. ;
tail about 105 to 110 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about
30 to 32 mm.

Distribution. The Karen Hills and Karenni,. Mts. of
Tenasserim.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Those of the genus, but Davison says that he sometimes.
found them in comparatively open spaces and also that he saw
them moving about moderately high up in the branches of trees.
They keep above 3,000 feet and are found in pairs, not flocks.

(217) Pomatorhiuus ochraceiceps austeni.
Hume’s Scrmirar-Bapsier.

Pomatorhinus austent Hume, 8. F., x, p. 152 (1881) (i. Manipur) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 128.

Vernacular names. /arui-gna (Kacha Naga).

Description. Differs from the last in having the upper plumage
pale olive-brown, merely tinged with ochre on the head and neck.
The flanks, vent and nnder tail-coverts are also olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts as in P. 0. ochraceiceps.

Measurements as in P. 0. ochraceiceps, but the bill measures up.
to 36 mim.

Distribution. Hitherto only obtained in the Eastern Manipur
Hills and once, for certain, in Eastern Cachar.

Nidification. Like the other species of this genus, Hume's
Scimitar-Babbler makes an oval domed nest of grass and bamboo
leaves. A nest taken by myself at about 5,000 feet contained
four eges measuring about 27°8x19°3 mm. It was taken on the
19th of June.

Habits. This bird seems to be found between 5,000 and 6,000:
feet and upwards in the more humid forests with ample under-

POMATORHINUS. a

growth. Little is known about it, and even its distribution east-
wards is still a matter of doubt.

(218) Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps stenorhynchus.
Avsten’s Scrmrrar- BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus stenorhynchus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xlvi, p. 48 (1877)
(Sadiya) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 125.

Vernacular names. Jnrui-gna (Kacha Naga).

Description. Differs from P. 0. ochraceiceps in being much paler
and less richly coloured throughout. The flanks avd abdomen
are tinged with rufous-buff.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra from N.E.Cachar
and Naga Hills to extreme East Assam and Sadiya North of the
Brabmaputra.

Nidification. Similar to that of other Scimitar-Babblers. Of
the few nests taken in N. Cachar some were placed on the ground
and some on bushes or tangles of vines and creepers a few feet
above it. The eggs numbered three or four, generally the latter,
and rarely five, and Ww ere, like those of P. 0. austeni, longer in
proportion to théir size that those of most of the genus, thirty
eggs averaging 25:2 x 18-3 mm. They are also rather more fragile
in texture. All the nests were found in forest, but generally close
to a jungle-path, stream or open glade. The breeding season
appears to be from the middle of May to early July.

Habits. | found this Scimitar-Babbler in pairs only, haunting
wet, ccol forests with a fair amount of undergrowth, but not the
dense scrub and grass so beloved by some of its nearest relations.
It was, comparatively speaking, a very quiet bird, each of the pair
uttering from time to time its soft, full “ hoot hoot” or a pleasant
whistling chuckle. Like the rest of their tribe, they spend most
of the time on the ground turning over the leaves and debris
in search of food but, according to. the Nagas, when the various
figs are ripe they w ork high up into these trees in quest of the
insects which infest the fruit. It is a bird of high levels, from
9,000 feet upwards to at least 9,000 feet in the Naga Hills.

Pomatorhinus erythrogenys.
Key to Subspecies.
A. Flanks deep rufous.
a. Breast almost pure white.

a. Winevover S9immny sis. os. 4.5 P.e. erythrogenys, p. 220.
me Wing, under SOumm ss... sa... 5. P, e. emberbis, p. 222.

. Breast pale ¢ grey, streaked with white. P. e. harington, p. 220,
Breast white, streaked with black .. P. e. gravivox, p. 221.

B. tanks OlVACEOTISHS terete a ce. JER. macclellandi, p: 221.

220 TIMALIID A.

(219) Pomatorhinus erythrogenys erythrogenys.
Vicors’s RUSYTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus erythrogonys Vigors, P. Z.8., 1831, p. 173 (W. Nepal)
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 124.

Vernacular names. Ban-bukra (Mussoorie).

Description. Upper plumage, closed witgs and tail olive-
brown; lores white, streaked with grey ; some white feathers on
the eyelids; a moustachial stripe, red near the bill and then
black ; forehead, ear-coverts, sides of the neck, thighs and under
tail-coverts chestnut; sides of breast and body chestnut washed
with olivaceous; chin, throat, centre of breast and abdomen
white. There are only the faintest indications of grey strize on
the breast.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light greenish white, yellowish white
or pale bright yellow; legs and feet fleshy or fleshy-brown; bill
yellowish-horny.

Measurements. Length about 280 to 290mm.; wing 95 to
105 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen
about 33 to 35 mm.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas to Simla.

Nidification. These birds breed in May and June, making the
same kind of large oval nest as the other birds of this genus. They
ascend at least as highas $,000 feet and possibly to 1U, 000 but are
most often found in summer between 3,000 and 5,000. They build
on grass-covered hills and in open serub-jungle more frequently
than the other species do and nests may often be found some little
distance from heavy cover. Hodgson says they lay three or four
eges but two will be found hard-set far more often than four.
AW "hirty eggs average about 27°9x20°3 mm. They are rather
broad ovals in shape.

Habits. The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babblers haunt both
underwood in dense forest, grass-covered sides of hills and
deserted patches of cultivation where the vegetation is still sparse.
They feed like the rest of the genus on grubs, beetles, earth-
worms and insects of all kinds, and their voice is the typical
triple “hoot.” They consort in small parties of three or four to
a dozen individuals, are secretive in their habits, though not
really shy, and they indulge in the same coneeeeticn al outbursts
and quaint dances that their relations delight in.

(220) Pomatorhinus erythrogenys haringtoni.
Baknr’s RuSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAR-BAaBBLER.

Pomatorhinus haringtont Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxxiii, p. 128
(1914) (Darjiling).

Vernacular names. YVongo-hut-pho (Lepcha).

POMATORHINUS. 2901

Description. This race differs from the last in having the whole
chin, throat and upper breast dark ashy, the feathers of the chin
and throat having white bases and those of the breast white
central streaks.

Colours of soft parts as in P. e. erythrogenys.

Measurements. This form is a little smaller than the last,
wing 92 to 102mm.

Distribution. Himalayas, Garhwal to Sikkim.

Nidification. Breeds in May and June at all elevations between

2,000 and 8,000 feet. The nests and eggs cannot be distinguished
from those of the last.

Habits do not differ from those of P. e. erythrogenys.

221) Pomatorhinus erythrogenys macclellandi.
McCie.iuann’s Scrumitar-BaBsier.
Pomatorhinus macclellandi Jerdon, B. of f., 11, p. 32 (1863) (Khasia
Hills); Blanf. & Oates,.i, p. 125.

Vernacular names. Dao-gurrum-buku (Cachari).

Description. In this race the flanks are olivaceous instead of
rufous, and the breast is white streaked with dark ashy brown.

Colours of soft parts as in erythrogenys.

Measurements. This is a smaller bird than the last two, with a
wing of about 87 to 931mm. In this, as in all the Scimitar-
Babblers, the female is decidedly smaller than the male, and the
smaller dimensions given refer to that sex. The bill is only about
30 to 32 mm. and more slender than in the previous two races,

Distribution. Assam, South of the Brahmaputra and Chin
Hills.

Nidification similar to that of the last two birds. Forty eggs
average 26°5X19°3 m. The breeding season lasts from early
April to late June, and nests may be found at all elevations
between 2,500 and 6,000 feet.

Habits. These do not differ from those of other birds of the
same genus, but this race wanders down very low in winter, for
Stevens obtained it in the Lakhimpur plains in January to March,

222) Pomatorhinus erythrogenys gravivox,.
Davip’s Scrmirar-BaBBLER,
Pomatorhinus gravivor David, Ann. Sci. Nat., xviil, p. 2 (1873) (South
Shensi).
Vernacular names. Chi-ba-wo-graw (Kachin).
Description. Differs from P. ve. macelellandi in having the flanks
rufous and the breast streaked with black,

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in J’. e. macclellandt.

22? TIMALIID®,

Distribution. Bhamo Hills, Yunnan into China.

Nidification. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds in some numbers in
the Bhamo Hills from 5,000 feet upwards and Harington took
several nests at 5,500, which he describes as domed and placed on,’
or close to, the ground. The eggs are laid from the middle of
March to early May and usually three form the full clutch,
sometimes two only. They are rather broad ovals and measure
about 27:0 x 21:0 mm.

Habits. Harington records that this bird is very noisy in the
mornings and evenings, having a fine Blackbird-like song, which
it often repeats.

(223) Pomatorhinus erythrogenys imberbis.
SALVADORI’s ScIMITAR- BABBLER.
Pomatorhinus tmberbis Salvad., Ann. Mus, Civ. Gen., (2) vii, p. 410
(1889) (Yado, N.E. Leito).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Practically the same in coloration as Vigors’s
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler but much smaller.

Colours of soft parts as in Vigors’s Scimitar-Babbler.

Measurements. Wing about 84 to 88 mm.; tailabout the same ;
tarsus about 37 mm.; culmen about 30 to 31 mm.

Distribution. Hills of Eastern Burma from the Ruby Mines to
Tenasserim.

Nidification. Mr. J.P. Cook found this bird breeding at Kalaw
in some numbers in thin grass and scattered scrub-jungle at an
elevation of about 3,200 feet. The nest he describes as like that
of other Secimitar-Babblers and on the 13th April he took a single
egg, hard-set, measuring 26-0 x 20°3 mmm.

Habits. Frequents grass-land and thin scrub rather than forest
er heavy jungle.

Pomatorhinus hypoleucus.

Key to Subspecies.

a. Sides of head not streaked with white........ Ph. hypoleucus, p.222.
&, Sides of head streaked with white ........ Ph, tickeili, p. 228.

(224) Pomatorhinus hypoleucus hypoleucus.
THe ARRAKAN Scrmrrar-BABBLER.
Othorhinus hypoleucus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxiv, p. 273 (1875)
(Arraican).
Pomatorhinus hypoleucus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 126.

Vernacular names. Dao-hoot (Cachar1).
Description. Upper plumage olive-brown, deeply tinged with

POMATORHINUS. 223

rufous on the tail and exposed parts of closed wing ; ear-coverts
and cheeks greyish brown ; lores grey; a line commencing above
the eye, passing over the ear- -coverts and terminiting in a broad
patch behind them bright rusty; chin, throat, breast, ‘and abdomen
white ; sides of breast deep slaty streaked with w hite, the breast
with a few small spots of slaty-grey; sides of body and thighs
rufous-ashy ; under tail-coverts ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to deep red-brown ; the
naked patch behind the eye is a dull livid, or bluish flesh-colour ;
bill pale horny with a yeliow, grey or green tinge in it; legs and
feet pale plumbeous or slaty-grey.

Measurements. Length about 300 mm.; wing 105 to 112 mm.;
tail about 110 to 120 mm.; tarsus about 388 mm.; culmen about
40 nm.

Fig. 36.—Head of P. h. hypoleucus.

Distribution. Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra,
Chittagong, Manipur, Lushai, Arrakan and the Chin Hills.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds principally at quite low
levels throughout its range, but may be found nearly up to
4,000 feet. It breeds in the end of March to early May, making
a huge oval nest about a foot or more in length by nearly as
much in breadth. It is composed of leaves, grass and bamboo
spathes very roughiy and loosely put together, nearly always on
the ground, rarely on a bush or tangle of creepers. Twelve
eggs average 30°6 x 22:1 mm. .

Habits. The Arrakan Scimitar-Babbler is always found in
pairs, hopping about on the ground in the thickest of under-
growth, and it is particularly partial to the most impenetrable
cane-brakes im swampy places. Its voice is the triple ‘ hoot” of
the genus, but can be distinguished from that of the previous
birds by its deep mellowness, Inglis says that the male has a
deeper hoot than the female. This species eats small shells,
snails, ete., as well as the usual insect food of the other species.

(225) Pomatorhinus hypoleucus tickelli.
TICKELL’S SCIMITAR- BABBLER.

Pomatorhinus tickelli Blyth, J. A.S. B., xxiv, p. 273 (1875) (Tenas-
serim); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 127

Vernacular names. None recorded.

.

224 TIMALIID A.

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in being a richer
olive-brown above and in having the rufous head- patch streaked
with white, the streaks increasing in size and extending on to the
rufous of the neck and shoulders.

Colours of soft parts. The legs and feet vary a good deal, being
pale bluish green, very pale brow n, or pale w hitish blue ; the
upper mandible pale brown, the lower mandible pale whitish blue ;
iris pale to dark brown and brownish red; naked patch behind
the eye flesh-colour, more or less strongly tinged blue (Hume &
Davison).

Measurements as in P. h. hypoleucus.

Distribution. Tenasserim.

Nidification. Mr. C. Hopwood describes its nest as like that of
the Arrakan Scimitar-Babbler, but placed in clumps of bamboo
and made of tendrils, twigs and roots. It breeds apparently
from January to March, and lays two or three white eggs
measuring about 30'2 x 22-7 mm.

Habits. Davison remarks that this Babbler keeps much to
thick undergrowth, either in pairs or small parties, keeping to the
ground more exclusively than any of the other Scimitar-Babblers
known by him.

Genus XIPHIRAMPHUS Blyth, 1843

The genus Xiphiramphus differs only from Pomatorhinus in
having a much longer, more slender and still nore curved bill. It
contains but one species.

Fig. 37.—Head of . superciliaris.

(226) Xiphiramphus superciliaris.

THe SLENDER-BILLED ScIMITAR-BABBLER.
Xiphiramphus superciliaris Blyth, J. A. 8S. B., xi, p. 175 (1842)
(Sikkim); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 128.
Vernacular names. Aarriok-tamveep (Lepcha).
Description. Lores black; chin and throat white streaked with

ashy ; a white supercilium, the rest of the head slaty-grey ; upper
plumage bright rufous-brown ; tail dark brown or blackish, the

TIMALIA. 225

outer webs tinged with rufous at the base; wings dark brown,
the outer webs olive-brown and the inner secondaries rutous-
brown; breast and abdomen ferruginous; flanks, vent and
under tail-coverts rufous-brown ; thighs plumbeous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to almost vermilion ; bill
black, paler at tip; legs dull grey, horny-grey, or plumbeous
brown.

Measurements. Length about 210 to 220 mm.; wing about
72to 77 mm.; tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 55 to 60 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and hills South of the Brahma-
putra. I obtained it in both the Khasia and Cachar Hills, and
have had it sent me from the Naga Hills.

Nidification. This bird breeds from April to July between
4,500 and 8,000 feet, but as a rule over 5,000 feet. It makes the
usual grass-ball nest, rather more tidy and neat than most
Scimitar-Babblers and measuring roughly about 6" in diameter.
The eggs, three to five in number, are like those of the genus
Pomatorhinus, and measure about 23°8 x 18:1 mm.

Habits. These are typically those of the Scimitar-Babblers, but
as far as I saw they were always in pairs, not flocks. Their voice
is a high-pitched replica of the triple “ hoot,’ a quite sweet note
and not often uttered. They were seen frequently in bracken
and fern cover and are also sometimes found in Pine forests in
which the undergrowth is very scanty and confined to the ravines
and hollows.

Genus TIMALIA Horsf., 1831.

The genus 7%imalia consists of a single species, which is charac-
terized by the peculiar rigid shafts of the feathers of the forehead
and crown and by its deep black bill. The tail is longer than the
wing and much graduated, the outer feather being about half
the length of the central ones.

Fig. 88.—Head of 7. p. bengalensis.

Timalia pileata.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Abdomen tulvous; upper plumage darker.. 7. p. bengalensis, p. 226.
B, Abdomen rusty-buff; upper plumage paler. 7. p. jerdoni, p. 227.
VOL, I. Q

226 TIMALIID®.

AG SS
HINA
van

iN
I
Ny

'

Fig. 39.—Timalia p. bengalensis,

(227) Timalia pileata bengalensis.
Tur Bencat Rep-caPPpED BaBBLER.

Timalia bengalensis, Godw.-Aust., J. A. 8. B., xli, 2, p. 148 (1872)
(Khasia Hills).
Timelia pileata. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 132.

Vernacular names. Dao-maogasha gashim (Cachari); Jngéto
(Kacha Naga); Vongnavi (Mikir).

Description. Iorehead and short supercilium white; crown
deep rufous ; ear-coverts white in front and ashy behind; upper
plumage and exposed part of wings olive-brown tinged with
fulvous, the mantle suffused with ashy and with blackish shafts;
tail brown, strongly cross-rayed ; cheeks, chin and throat white ;
breast white with black shaft-lines; sides of neck deep grey,
running on to sides of breast ; remainder of lower parts fulvous

or dull buff.

TIMALIA, 227

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep, bright red ; eyelids blue-grey ;
legs dark blackish or purplish brown, claws horn-colour; bill
black.

Measurements. Total length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing 55 to
64 mm. ; tail about 80mm.; eculmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Lower hills and sub-montane tracts from Nepal
to Eastern Assam.

Nidification. These little Babblers breed from April to July,
probably often having two broods. They build either on the
ground, or very close to it, in grass-land, cane-jungle and in low
scrub and mixed jungle. The nest is domed and measures about
7x4" with an entrance near the top about 2” in diameter ; it is
composed of bamboo leaves or grass, according to whichever is the
most easily obtained and is lined with grass or, occasionally, a
few fine roots. The eggs, which number either three or four,
rarely five, in a clutch, are broad, obtuse ovals in shape and with
stout, glossy texture. The ground-colour is generally a pure
china-white, rarely pinkish, and they are densely covered all over
with spots and blotches of umber and reddish brown. Forty
egas average 18°3 x 13:2 um.

Habits. The Red-capped Babbler frequents plains and low hills
of grass, reeds or bush-jungle, rarely, if ever, entering forest-land.
It goes about in pairs, creeping about the lower cover and every
now and then taking little flutters to the top branches or longest
grasses, and then dropping down again after uttering a few sweet
notes. They call constantly to one another but are not noisy
birds. They are found from the plains up to about 3,000 feet,
but more often below 1,000 feet than over.

+ (228) Timalia pileata jerdoni. =
Tue BurMEsE Rep-caprpeD BABBLER.
Timalia jerdoni Walden, A. M.N.H., (4) x, p. 61 (1872) (Pegu).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole plumage more ferruginous than in
T. p. bengalensis; the sides of the breast and flanks are more
olive, but there is more white in the centre.

Colours of soft parts as in the preceding race.

Measurements. On an average this is a larger bird than the
Bengal form, the wing measuring from 60 to 68 mm. and the other
parts in proportion.

Distribution. Practically the whole of Burma in suitable
localities from the plains up to some 2,000 or even 3,000 feet ;
Siam to 8S. China.

Nidification. Breeds from May to July, making a nest similar
to that of the last bird, placed in the same kind of situation. The

Q2Z

‘

228 ‘ TIMALIID A.

eggs also resemble those of the western form, but measure about
18° 7<14°9 mm.

Habits. Do not differ from those of the last bird. Harington
states that he only found the bird in damp low-lying places in
Upper Burma, whilst Oates speaks of its frequenting gardens
in Lower Burma. | .

Genus DUMETIA Blyth, 1849.

This genus, which contains two common species, resembles
Timalia very closely in structure, especially in the stiffness of
the feathers of the forehead and crown. ‘The essential difference
between the two genera is that in Dumetia the bill is much
smaller, more slender and of a pale colour, whereas in Z%imalia
it is larger, deeper and black.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

Ae (Chin and throat rufoug..../6eG = D. hyperythra, p. 228.
3. Chin and throat white. [p. 229.
a. Forehead only pale rufous .......... D. albigularis albigularis,

6. Whole crown rufous with pale shafts. D. a. abuensis, p. 230.

(229) Dumetia hyperythra.
Tur Rurous-BELLIED BABBLER.

Timalia hyperythra Frankl., P. Z.S., 1831, p. 118 (Ganges near
Benares).

Dumetia hyperythra, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. i383.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and anterior half of crown reddish
brown, the feathers of the former rigid and pointed, with large
fulvous streaks and with the shafts black when viewed in certain
lights; feathers round the eye white; upper plumage, tail and
exposed wing olive-brown, the tail cross-rayed; cheeks fulvous
with pale shafts; ear-coverts like the upper plumage but paler
and with still paler shafts; entire lower plumage pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Lris light to dark brown; bill pale horny
or pale livid brown; legs pale fleshy-white to fleshy-grey.

Measurements. ‘T'otal length about 135 to 145 mm. ; wing 53 to
56 mm.: tail about 65 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 20 mm.; culmen
about 12 to 13 mm.

Distribution. This little Babbler is found South as far as
Khandala on the West and the Godaveri Valley on the East.
Thence it is found throughout the Central Provinces, Central
India, Chota Nagpur, the dry western portions of Bengal, Orissa
and Behar, and thence to the Lower Himal: ayas from ‘Sikkim to
Kumaon. To the West it occurs as far as longitude 75°.

DUMETIA, 229

Nidification. The Itufous-bellied Babbler breeds from early

June to the end of August and early September, making a ball-
shaped nest of grass and bamboo leaves, lined with finer grass or

a little hair, sometimes with no lining at all; in size it varies
in diameter from 5 to 6 inches. Often the nest is placed in, or
at the foot of, a clump of bamboos, at other times in grass,
bushes or cactus hedges. The eggs number three or four, and
are in shape short, blunt ovals with a smooth and rather glossy
texture. The sround is white varying occasionally to pink, and
they are rather profusely marked all over with specks and blotches
of light reddish to dark brown, generally more numerous at the
larger end. Fifty eggs average 17-3 x 13°8 mm.

Habits. This little bird is a typical Babbler in all its ways.
Though much more shy than the “ Seven-Sisters ” group, it has
the same gregarious, cheerful habits, the same follow-my-leader
stvle of clambering along from one tuft of grass or one bush to
another and, like those birds, is very conversational and argumenta-
tive, though it indulges in softer notes and fewer quarrels. It
prefers mixed scrub and grass, or grass alone, to other haunts,
but may also be found in bhamboo-jungle and thin forest or
secondary growth.

Fig. 40.—Head of D. a. alhigularis.

(230) Dumetia albigularis albigularis.
THE OMALE WHITE-THROATED BABBLER.

Malacocereus i GOA Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvi, p. 453 (1847)
(Mysore).
Dumetia albigularis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 154.

Vernacular names. Pandi-jitta (Tel.) ; Batitchia (Ceylon).

Description. Similar to the last, but with a pure white throat.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white to pale grey; bill fleshy,
horny-brown on culmen; legs and feet pale fleshy or livid fleshy :
claws horny.

Measurements. otal length about 150 to 155 mm.; wing 52 to
56 wm.; tail about 57 to 64 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen
about 12 to 13 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon and South-West India as far North as
Belgaum.

Nidification. In Ceylon this little Babbler has two breeding
seasons, and Mr. Wait has taken eggs from November to March

230 TIMALIID ©,

and again in June and July, but in S. India it appears to breed
principally in the two latter months. It is found from the level
of the plains up to at least 3,000 feet, making a little ball-shaped
nest of grass about 4 to 5 inches in diameter and without any
lining. It may be placed on any kind of grass, weed or scrub-
jungle, the first being the favourite and either on the ground or,
more often, wedged in amongst thorns and grass. The full
clutch is either three or four and the eggs are miniatures of those
of Zimalia and hardly distinguishable from those of the last bird.
Fifty eggs average 17:8 x 13°5 mm.

Habits. The White-throated Babbler may be found in almost
any kind of cover other than actual forest. Like the last bird, it
associates in small parties, which feed either on the ground or
low down in the bushes and grass, skulking about much in the
same way as Z'urdoides and Argya, constantly uttering a low
chattering call with an occasional louder whistle or chirp. Like
the others of the genus, they are almost entirely insectivorons,
and are peculiarly fond of ants and termites. ‘Cheir flight is weak
and ill-controlled.

(231) Dumetia albigularis abuensis.
THE Mount Apu BABBrer.

Dumetia albigularis abuensis Harington, J. B. N. H.S., xxiii, p. 429
(1915) (Mt. Abu).

Vernacular names. Pundi jitta (Tel.).

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the whole
crown chestnut and the under parts much darker.

Colours of soft parts as in the last, but the iris dark brown.

Measurements the same as in the last.

Distribution. The country round Mt. Abu, Deesa, and down to
Mahabaleshwar.

Nidification and Habits as in Dumetia a, albigularis. Three
eggs taken by Lieut. H. E. Barnes in Deesa measure about
17°6 x 14:0 mm.

Genus GAMPSORHYNCHUS Blyth, 1844.

This genus contains but one species, races of which are found
from Sikkim to the Malay Peninsula.

They are birds of rufous or golden-brown plumage with white
heads and breasts, but the young differ from the adults in having
the white replaced with the colour of the upper parts, a feature in
which they differ from nearly all the other Zimaliide.

The tail is longer than the wing and much graduated, the outer
feathers being less than two-thirds the length of the central pairs.
The bill is about half the length of the head and very Shrike-lke in
appearance ; the rictal bristles are very long. The tarsus is typi-
eally stout, but rather short in comparison to the size of the bird.

GAMPSORHYNCHUS, 231

The habits, which are now well known, agree well with those
of the more arboreal Timaliide, but their nidification would seem
to link them with the genus Volvocivora and its allies. Its
position is extremely doubtful, but for the present I retain the
genus in the position given it by Oates.

Fig. 41.— Head of G. 7. rufulus.

Gampsorhynchus rufulus.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage golden-brown............ G.r. rufulus, p. 231.
B. Upper plumage rnfous-brown ............ G. r. torquatus, p. 232.

(232) Gampsorhynchus rufulus rufulus.

THE WHITE-HEADED SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Gampsorhynchus rufulus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiii, p. 871 (1844) (Dar-
jiling); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 135.

Vernacular names. Chongto-phep-pho (Lepcha); Daophlantu-
tiba (Cachar1).

Description. The whole head, neck and breast white; rictal
‘bristles black and white in front, pure white behind; upper
plumage, tail and wings golden brown; lower and median coverts
and edge of wing white; quills dark brown; tail edged interiorly
and tipped with yellowish buff; lower plumage pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale lemon-white to deep golden
yellow ; bill pale fleshy-horny, darker at base and on culmen;
legs reddish brown.

Measurements. Total length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 90 to
100 mm. ; tail 110 to 120 mm. ; tarsus about 26 to 28 mm.; culmen
about 20 to 21 mm.

The young bird has the white of the head and breast replaced
with light chestnut, the fulvous of the abdomen extending on to
the lower breast ; there is no white on the wing and the upper
parts are more rufous.

The adult plumage probably takes two years for completion, as
the male has been found breeding in semi-mature dress.

Distribution. The lower hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, Assam
North and South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and Arrakan.

932 e TIMALIID®.

Nidification. Breeds in forest, making a shallow cup-shaped
nest of dead leaves, a scrap or two of moss, one or two tiny twigs,
all carelessly and untidily bound together with cobwebs and lined
with fine roots and tendrils. The whole structure reminds one
more of a Cuckoo-Sbrike’s nest rather than that of a Babbler.
One found by myself was built in a small fork of a straggly bush,
quite unconcealed and easily reached by hand. It contained four
eges with a pale yellowish ground-colour well covered with
freckles, specks and blotches of reddish brown, numerous every-
where but more so at the larger end. They were much like large,
dully coloured and brown eggs of Copsychus. They measured
23:1 x 17:1 mm., and were taken, very hard-set, on the 9th August.

Habits. This curious Babbler is found during the cold weather
principally between 1,000 and 2,500 feet, frequenting bamboo-,
bush- and grass-jungle and, less often, secondary growth. In the
breeding season it is found nearly up to 4,000 feet, and then
deserts the lighter form of cover for the densest and dampest
forests. It is like the birds of the genera Garrulaw and Trockalo-
pterum in being very gregarious and very noisy, but, unlike
them, keeps entirely to trees and bamboos and never works
on the ground for its food. They are intensely curious and
by no means shy, and will allow close observation without
resentment. They fly fairly well and are much more active on
the wing than most of the Timaliude.

(2833) Gampsorhynchus rufulus torquatus.
Tue RING-NECKED SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Gampsorhynchus torquatus Hume, P. A.S. B., 1874, p. 107 (Yqung-
zalin River); Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 186.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from G. +. rufulus in having the upper
plumage rufous-brown; the outer webs of the first primaries and
the tips of all horny-grey; the tail is edged and tipped with
white instead of buff and the sides of the neck are marked with
rufous and black.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird, but the legs are described
as ‘“‘ greyish white, slaty white or fleshy white with a blue tinge.”

Measurements as in White-headed Shrike-Babbler.

Distribution. he Toungoo Hills and Karenni to Tenas-
serim,

Nidification unknown.

Habits do not seem to differ from those of the White-headed

-Shrike-Babbler. Davison procured them both in bamboo and
evergreen forest.

BIRDS. VOL.|. PLATE V.

PYCTORHIS S. SINENSIS.

> The Yellow—eyed Babbler
®/3 life size.

PYCTORHIS. ZOO

Genus PYCTORHIS Hodgson, 1844.

This genus is peculiar to India, Burma and Siam and, if one
includes Moupinia pecilotis Verreaux, to China.

It is characterized by a very short, deep bill without a notch
and with oval and exposed nostrils; the tail is long and well
graduated, the outermost feathers being about half the length of
the central ones.

This genus was very well worked out by Harington, with whose
conclusions I am in complete accord, but yet another geographical
race named by Ticehurst must be added to the number.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A, Bill black; forehead plain rufous.
a. Nostrils yellow.

as Wpper parts paler .. 25.5... 5+: P. sinensis sinensis, p. 235.
b'. Upper parts darker andricher...... P. s. saturatior, p. 254.
b. Nostrils black...... HAD nee pe ten ean te P. s. nasalis, p. 255.
d

B. Bill yellowish brown ; forehead blackish
with grey margins.
ce. Upper plumage reddish brown. [p. 235.
ce’, Chin, throat and upper breast whitish P. altirostris altirostris,
d'. Chin, throat and upper breast grey... P. a. grisergularis, p. 236.
d. Upper plumage earthy-brown, chin and
throat white ...... «avait erseke yee P. a, scindicus, p. 257.

Fig. 42.—Head of P. s. sinensis.

+ (234) Pyctorhis sinensis sinensis.
THe Inpran YELLOW-EYED BABBLER.

5 5 ~™ . = Z roc > ce ~ .
Parus sinensis, Gmel., 8. N., i, p. 1012 (1788) (Sina) (China).
Pyctorhis sinensis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 137.

Vernacular names. Gal-chasm or Bulal-chasm (Hind., South);
Bara-podna (Hind., N.W.P.); Yerra Kali-vitta (Vel.).

Description. Whole upper plumage, ear-coverts and sides of
the neck rufescent brown, changing to cinnamon on the exposed
parts of the wing-quills; lores, a short eyebrow, the eyelids, chin,
throat, cheeks and breast pure white; abdomen, vent, flanks
and under tail-coverts pale fulvous ; tail faintly cross-rayed.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale lemon-yellow to brightest golden ;

934 TIMALIID®.

bill black, yellowish at the nostrils; legs pale orange-yellow ;
claws pinkish ; mouth yellow in winter, black in summer.
Measurements. Length about 170 to 180mm.; wing 65 to

70 mm.; tail about 85 to 90 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen
about 12 mm.

Distribution. Whole of Indiaand Burma, except those portions
noted as the habitat of the next form, South to Tenasserim and
extending into Siam and Annam.

Nidification. In Assam this Babbler breeds principally between
the 15ti May and 15th July, but in India, further south, they
breed trom June to September, whilst Col. Sparrow took them
in Trimulgherry in October. The nest is a beautifully built cup
or inverted cone of fine soft grass and fibre lined with the same
and well bound with cobwebs. It may be placed in a bush,
a weed, a clump of grass or in sugar-cane or crops. In Assam
they build in the centre of the great seas of sun-grass which run
for miles over the undulating plateaus between 1,000 and 3,000
feet and are never found elsewhere, but in other parts of India
they build in all kinds of scrub- and grass-land and even in
gardens. The eggs number three to five and vary greatly in
colour. The most common type is pale yellowish or pink
in ground-colour, rather densely marked all over with light red
speckles and spots or more rarely blotches. Another type has
bold smears and blotches of pale pinky-red, reddish brown or
deep purple-brown, sometimes with a few irregular streaks and
lines and generally with some underlying marks of a dull neutral
tint. <A third type has a pure white ground with bold blotches
of deep purple-brown at the larger end. 100 eggs average 17-9 x
14:9 mm.; the maxima are 20°3x 16:5 and 20-1 x16°6 mm., and
the minima 16°8 x 15:0 and 17:0 x 13°6 mm.

Habits. Found at all elevations from the plains up to nearly
6,000 feet, but is most common under 2,500 feet. It is not a
gregarious bird, but keeps in pairs, wandering about in grass,
scrub, secondary growth and even in gardens and the bushes
surrounding villages, but never in forest. It clambers about
much as the typical Babblers do in the lower growths, but does
not feed on the ground and flies better and more freely than
they do. It has a sweet note, almost a song, in the breeding
season, which it frequently utters from the top of some high
piece of grass or other perch elevated above its surroundings.

(235) Pyctorhis sinensis saturatior.
Tur Baouran YELLOW-EYED BABBLER.

Pyctorhis sinensis saturatior Ticehurst, Bull. B. O. C., xlii, p. 57
(1922) (Bhutan Doars).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

PYCTORHIS. D5)

Description. “ Upper parts, especially head, saturated ; very
dark brown, paling only on the rump. Chestnut colour of wings
darker ” (Ticehurst). .

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

Distribution. “ Bhutan and Buxa Dooars, Sikkim” (Ticehurst).
I cannot distinguish this bird from those obtained in Nepal and
the whole of West Assam, North of the Brahmaputra. Birds from
the South of this river and from Bengal and the Chin Hills are
nearer the typical form.

Nidification similar to that of the typical race and 12 eggs in
my collection average exactly the same as those of that bird.

Habits. This is a common bird in all the wide grass-covered
areas from the foot-hills up to at least 6,000 feet. It has, of
course, exactly the same habits as the last bird, from which it is
only very slightly distinguished in colour.

(236) Pyctorhis sinensis nasalis.
Tur Cryton YELLOW-EYED BABBLER.

Pyctorhis nasalis Legge, A. M.N.H., (5) iii, p. 169 (1879) (Ceylon) ;
Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 138.

Vernacular names. Verra-Kali-jitta (Tel.).

Description. Differs from P. s. sinensis in having the exposed
portions of the wing-quills concolorous with the back, and in
having more white on the sides of the head.

Colours of soft parts similar to the typical form, but with very
little or no yellow about the nostrils.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than the Indian form ;
wing 59 to 63 mm. and other measurements in proportion.

Distribution. Ceylon only.

Nidification. Breeds from December (W. W. A. Phillips) to
May (Legge), making a nest similar to that of P. s. sinensis but
laying only two or three eggs. The few eggs I have seen resemble
the most common type of egg described above for P. s. sinensis,
but they only measure 17-5 x 13°8 mm. (19:4 14-4 mm., Hume).

Habits. The same as those of the preceding subspecies.

(237) Pyctorhis altirostris altirostris.
JERDON’s BABBLER.

Chrysomma altirostris Jerd., Ibis, 1862, p. 22 (Thayetmyo).
a

Pyctorhis altirostris, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 139.

Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Forehead and a broad stripe to the eye hoxry grey

236 TIMALIIDA.

with black centres to the feathers ; sides of head and neck rufous-
grey-brown; whole upper plumage reddish brown, darkest on the
wings and tail; chin, throat and upper breast whitish ; remainder
of lower plumage pale fulvous,

Colours of soft parts. ‘“‘ Upper mandible pale horn-colour, lower
pinkish flesh-colour ; iris hazel-brown ; eyelid and orbital skin
greenish yellow ; legs and feet pinkish brown ” (Oates).

Measurements. ‘Total length about 165 mm.; wing 57 to
62 mm.; tail about 80 mm.; tarsus about 22 mm.; culmen about
12 mm.

Distribution. The plains of Lower Burma.

Nidification. A nest and eggs sent to me as belonging to ie
bird do not differ from those of the Yellow-eyed Babbler the
eggs being of the boldly marked cream-coloured type. The five
eges measure 17:0 x 14° 1 mm.

Habits. ‘This Babbler seems to be confined to swampy, low-
lying plains, covered with ekra or elephant-grass where it is very
abundant. It is, however, such an inveterate skulker and flies so
seldom that it is very hard to watch or to shoot unless high
floods practically cover its hiding places. It lives in great part
on grasshoppers, large and small, and its note is said to be quite
different from that ae stnensis but has not been more minutely
described.

(238) Pyctorhis altirostris griseigularis.
Hume’s Baperer.
Pyctorhis griseigularis Hume, 8. F., v, p. 116 (1877) (Assam).

Vernacular names. Z'iri-sorai (Assamese).

Description. Differs from Jerdon’s Babbler in having the chin,
throat and upper breast grey instead of white, and the tower
breast, abdomen and flanks dull rufous instead of ‘pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. ‘“‘ Bill pale horny, nearly white towards
base of lower mandible; legs pale fleshy or orange-brown ; feet
darker” (/Zume); iris brown or golden brown, eyelid and orbital
skin yellowish green.

Measurements. Wing 62 to 64 mm.

Distribution. The sub-Himalayan plains from the Bhutan
Duars to the extreme east of Assam; Cachar and Sylhet Plains.

Nidification. I found this little Babbler very common and
breeding in great numbers in the ekra and elephant-grass plains
in N. Lakhimpur, where I took several nests. ‘hese are facsimiles
of the neat, compact cups of the Yellow-eyed Babbler, but are
less often shaped like inverted cones, having the bottom rounded
off. The nests found were always spotted by the bird being seen
to quit, otherwise in these vast seas of grass they would never be

PELLORNEUM, 237

seen, for though they will sit on the nest until an elephant or
buifalo almost touches them, they slink away amongst the grass
long before a man on foot can get near them. ! obtained nests
in the months of April and July, but presume they are principally
“ Rains” breeders: when their food—grasshoppers—are most
numerous. The few eggs I have seen are very beautiful, having
a pale or bright pink ground-colour, with handsome blotches and
smears of reddish brown. or light. red. with secondary markings
of neutral tint. Fourteen eggs average about 18:1 x 14°6 mm.

Habits. his little Babbler seems to be found only in the
plains or in the rolling stretches of “sun-grass” lands on the
foot-hills of the Himalayas. It is found always in pairs and
always in grass of some kind though this may be anything from
two to twenty feet high. It hasa sweet little song of some dozen
notes or so which it sings from the highest piece of grass near its
nest.

(239) Pyctorhis altirostris scindicus.
THe Sinp BaBBLer.

Pyctorhis altirostris scindicus Harington, Jour. B.N.H.S., xxiii,
p. 424 (1918) (Sukkur im Scind).

Vernacular names. Mullala (Sind).

Description. Differs from Jerdon’s Babbler in having the upper
plumage fulvous, chin and throat white, breast and remainder of
lower plumage ochraceous.

Colours of soft parts as in P. a. altirostris.

Measurements. Wing 65 mm.; culmen 12 mm.

Distribution. Sind only.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Genus PELLORNEUM Swainson, 1831.

In this genus I include Harington’s three genera—Pellornewm,
Scotocichla and Drymocataphus, the last and first only of which
Oates recognized in the Avifauna. These genera have generally
been divided on account of the alleged difference in the compara-
tive length of wing and tail, but a glance at the measurements of
the various species suffices to show that this does not form a
sufficient ground for their separation. Thus Pellornewm palustre
has always been accepted as a typical Pellorneum, yet this is the
only species or race in the three genera in which the tail exceeds
tne wing in length. In all the other species the tail is always
shorter than the wing, and the three genera only differ in this
respect in degree.

In Pellorneum, as now accepted, the tail is shorter than the wing,
with the one exception of P. palustre, but is equal to or longer

than twice the length of the tarsus; the bill is about equal to, or

238 TIMALIID®,

a little more than, three quarters the length of the head, straight
and notched at the tip; the nostrils are not overhung by hairs
and the rictal bristles are very short.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Breast boldly streaked with dark brown,
a. Mantle not streaked.

a’, Crown rufous...... pccccsereceess Lb. ruficeps rujicens, p.20e,
6’. Crown pale chestnut ...... eveseees L.1, subochraceum, p. 239.
e'. Crown dark chestnut, .....: <0: .. Pr. granti, p. 240.

6. Mantle streaked with dark brown.
d'. Upper back streaked with dark brown.

a'', Less olive, more rufous ........ P. r. mandellii, p. 240,
b’. Less rufous, more olive ........ Pay jonesy peas
e'. Upper back with no definite streaks. P. 7. minal, p. 242.
B. Breast streaked brown and greyish buff.. P. palustre, p. 242.

©. Breast either not streaked at all or only
obsoletely so.
ec. Crown concolorous with back ; forehead
without pale shafts.
f'. Above fulvous olive-brown ..,.,... P. tickelli tickellt, p. 247.
g'. Above rufescent olive-brown ...... P. t. assamensis, p. 248.
d. Crown concolorous with back but fore-
head pale shafted.

h’. Breast tinged brownish .......... P.ignotum ignotum, p.245.

i’. Breast tinged bright rufous........ P.t. cinnamomeum, p. 244.
e. Crown darker than back. [capillum, p. 245.

j'. Cap nearly chocolate-brown....,... P. fuscicapillum fusei-

ie. Cap Oltve-DrOwm Go. ie ici ete oleds P. f. babaulti, p. 245.

Ene C@apyblachs a. S80-i.)onse uetin trite ine P. nigricapitatum, p. 246.

(240) Pellorneum ruficeps ruficeps.

Tub Sporrep BaBBLER.

Pellorneum ruficeps Swains., F. Bor-Am., Birds, p. 487 (1831)
(Nilgiris); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 141.

Vernacular names. Adavi-lika-jittu (Tel.).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape dull rufous; whole
upper plumage and exposed parts of wings, sides of neck and tail
olive-brown, the latter tipped with white; lores and an indistinet
supercilium creamy-white; sides of the head rufous, paler than
the crown and mottled with black round the eye, and the ear-
coverts streaked with brown; chin, throat and cheeks white;
lower plumage white or pale fulvous white boldly streaked with
black on the breast and flanks and suffused with olivaceous on
the latter and thighs; under tail-coverts olive-brown edged with
white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red to crimson-lake, but cinnamon-
brown in the young; upper mandible dark brown, lower white to
fleshy-white; legs, feet and claws fleshy-white.

PELLORNEUM. 239

Measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 72 to

76 mm.; tail 64 to 67 mm.; tarsus about 26 mm. ; culmen about
17 to 18 mm.

Distribution. The Indian Peninsula south of Khandesh and the
hills of Chota Nagpur. Cachar birds formerly identified for me
as ruficeps are nearer minus, but the normal birds of this part of
Assam are mandellii, Birds of S.W. India from Coorg, Wynaad,
S.W. Mysore and Travancore belong to the race called grant.

Nidification. This bird breeds in March, April and May,
making a very rough globe-shaped nest of leaves and grass, very
flimsy and fragile and, according to Miss Cockburn, often a mere
canopy for the eggs, which rest on fallen leaves and rubbish. Tt
is invariably placed on the ground and generally under shelter of
a stone or bush. The eggs are either two or three in number
and in shape broad, regular oyals. The general colour is a very
pale greenish or yellowish white, profusely speckled and freckled
all over with reddish brown and underlying spots of pale grey
and neutral tint. They average about 21°1 x 16-3 mm.

Habits. The Spotted Babbler is found from about 2,000 feet up
to some 6,000 feet or higher, descending iower in the winter but
not apparently breeding. According to Miss Cockburn and
Jerdon it goes about in small flocks when not nesting, but other
observers record it as being found in pairs or singly. It haunts
scrub-jungle and secondary growth and also undergrowth in tree-
forest, not ascending into trees but, on the other hand, often
hopping about on the ground in search of its insect food. It
keeps up a constant chatter and has a wide variety of notes,
occasionally loud and discordant but for the most part soft and
often sweet and pleasing. It is a shy bird and shuns observation.

(241) Pellorneum ruficeps subochraceum.
THe Matay Sporren Baperer.

Pellorneum subochraceum Swinh., A. M.N, H., (4) vii, p. 259 (1871)
(Rangoon) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 142.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Very close to the last bird, but has the crown
chestnut and is smaller,

Colours of soft parts. “Iris red ; upper mandible dark brown,
lower yellow at the base, changing to light brown at the tip ;
Jegs light brownish yellow ” (Oates).

Measurements. Wing 62 to 68 mm., average about 64 mm.

Distribution. Lower Burma from Toungoo and the Karen
Hills to the Malay Peninsula, Annam and Cochin China.

Nidification. Apparently exactly like that of P. r. mandellii,
described hereafter. Breeds from March to August, probably

240 TIMALIID A.

having two broods. The eggs only differ from those of P. r.
mandelli in averaging rather smaller ; 20 measure about 21°6 x
16-4 mm.

Habits. Those of Mandelli’s Babbler.

(242) Pellorneum ruficeps granti.
Tur TRAVANCORE SporreD BABBLER.

Pellorneum ruficeps granti Harington, Bull. B. O. C., xxxiii, p. 381
(1913) (Travancore).

Vernacular names. Adavi-liku-jittu (Tel.).

Description. Similar to P. rv. ruficeps but altogether a darker,
more richly coloured form. The head is dark chestnut rather than
rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Irides dark red-brown to crimson; bill
above black, below horny-white ; legs, feet and claws pale fleshy.

Measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 74 to
78mm.; culmen 18 mm.; tarsus 28 mm.

Distribution. S8.W. India, Travancore, Wynaad, Coorg and
S.W. Mysore.

Nidification. Nothing recorded. Eggs sent me by Messrs. J.
Stewart and T. F. Bourdillon are not.separable from those of the
Spotted Babbler and measure almost 21:8 x 16-3 mm.

Habits. Is found throughout its range between 1,500 and
4,000 feet, but principally about 2,000 feer.

(243) Pellorneum ruficeps mandellii.
ManDELLI’s SPOTTED BABBLER. ,o99

Pellorneum mandellit Blanf., J. A. S. B, xli, p. 165 (1341) (Sikkim) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 140. Foe. Ac S-B., P7/

“es a

Vernacular names. Dao-priti-pit (Cachar).

Description. Differs from all preceding forms in having the
feathers of the hind neck and sides of the neck blackish on the
outer web, creamy-buff on the inner, forming broad streaks on
the sides of the mantle. The lower plumage is more fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel to deep crimson, dull pale brown
in the young; upper mandible dark horny-brown, lower pale
yellowish or horny-white ; legs and feet pale fleshy or fleshy-white.

Measurements. Length about 165 to 175 mm.; wing 66 to
73 mm., average 70 mm. ; tail about 66 to 68 mm.; tarsus about
25 to 26 mm.; culmen about 16 to 17 mm.

Distribution. From Nepal eastwards through the Himalayas,
North and South of the Brahmaputra in Assam, Manipur, extreme
North of Chin and Kachin Hills, and Bhamo.

PHLLORNEUM. 241

Nidification. Mandelli’s Babbler breeds from March to May, a
second brood being very often found from May to July or even
August. Their favourite elevation is between 2,000 and 3,000 feet
and their favourite country bamboo-jungle, the lightest of grass or
scrub undergrowth, or poor secondary growth in deserted culti-
vation ; more rarely their nests may be found in undergrowth of
forests. Wherever found the nests are always on the ground

Fig. 43.—Head of P. 7. mandellii.

unless in bamboo clumps a few inches to 2 or 3 feet above
it. They are made of grass and bamboo leaves, or of the latter
alone merely lined with grass and in shape are large oval balls.
Sometimes, when the fallen leaves lie so thick as to completely
hide the nest, this is merely a deep cup or semi-domed affair and
I have seen such buried deep in piles of bamboo leaves and dead
grass. They are very fond of placing their nests at the edge of
elephant or gaur tracks, where it seems a wonder they can escape
being trampled on. The eggs, three or four in number, are like
those of P. 7, ruficeps, but are perhaps rather more richly marked
on the whole. 200 eggs average 22-4x16°3mm.; maxima
24:19 x 17-1 and 21'7 xX 18°8 mm. ; minima 20°5 x 16°1 and 20°6 x
15:3 mm.

Habits. During the winter this little Babbler goes about either
in pairs or family parties of five or six, frequenting the kind of
cover described above. They are very restless, energetic birds,
constantly on the move and keeping up a never-ending chatter
amongst themselves. They feed both on the ground and on
bushes and grass, and from their partiality to thin cover are easy
to watch as long as one keeps perfectly still, but a movement of
hand or foot sends them scuttling off into denser cover, whence
they loudly expostulate against the disturber. They have many
sweet notes as well as harsh ones, but their prevailing note is that
of the genus, a constantly repeated “ pretty-dear, pretty-dear.”

(244) Pellorneum ruficeps jonesi.
Toe Western Sporren BaBBier.
Pellorneum ruficeps jonest Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C. xli, p. 9
(1920) (Kalka),
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from Mandelli’s Babbler in having the
general tone of plumage more brown and less olive; the cap is

VOL, I, R

242 TIMALIID A.

more brown and the black markings on the nape even more highly
developed.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in mandellu ; wing
74 mm.

Distribution. Kalka, Bhagat State, N.W. Himalayas ; Garhwal.
Nidification unknown.

Habits. Shot by Mr. A. E. Jones in thick undergrowth of
forest.

+- (245) Pellorneum ruficeps minus.

SHapen’s Sporrrp BABBLER.
_ or Fee] ;
Pellorneum minus Hime, 8. F., i, p. 298 (1873) (Thayetmyo) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 141.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Intermediate between mandellit and subochraceum,
having the hind neck streaked but no dark markings on the back
as in the former.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in mandellit.

Distribution. Constant in character in the Chindwin, Chin
Hills, Myingyan, Meiktila districts, and Central Burma to
Thayetmyo. Individuals quite inseparable from this form occur
threughout the range of P. r. mandelli, and are quite common in
Assam, south of the Brahmaputra. The distribution is most
puzzling, the more so as now and then specimens of this form
are also met with in the area occupied by subochraceum. It is
rather doubtful whether it should be given the status of a sub-
species.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of mandellit. Forty
eges average about 21°5 x 16-4 mm.

(246) Pellorneum palustre.
Tur Marsu Srorrep BABBLER.

Pellorneum palustre Jerdon, Ibis, 1872, p. 800 (Cherrapunji, Assam) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 143. 4

Vernacular names. Dao-priti-pit kashiba (Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage olive-brown, the forehead and a
line over the lores bright rufous ; tail and exposed parts of wing
rufous ; lores white ; cheeks white barred with brown ; ear-coverts
rufous mottled with brown and with pale shafts; chin, throat
and centre of breast and abdomen white; the remainder of the
lower plumage rich ochraceous buff; the whole breast and sides
of the body with heavy, dark brown streaks.

Colours of soft parts. ‘‘ Iris bright brown; bill horny-brown;

base of lower mandible tinged blue; tarsus pale horny-blue”
(H. Stevens).

PELLORNEUM. 243

Measurements. Total length about 160 mm.; wing 62 to
68 min.; tail about 64 to 69 mm.; tarsus about 26 mm.; culmen
about 15 mm. |

Distribution. Assam, South of the Brahmaputra and N. Lak-
himpur, North of that river.

Nidification. I found the bird breeding in the North of
N. Cachar in the wide stretches of upland grass. In the hollows
water stood for the greater part of the year, but the nests were
built on the higher lands, tucked in amongst the roots of grass or
under the protection of some small shrub or weed. Later I found
them breeding in Cachar and Sylhet Plains and again in Lakhim-
pur where the nests were all built in reeds and grass on the
banks of rivers and edges of swamps. April to June appear
to be the breeding months, and the nest and eggs are similar
to those of P. r. mandellti, but the latter measure only about
20°6 x 15°7 mm.

Habits. The Marsh Spotted Babbler is found principally in the
plains, but wanders up to at least 2,500 feet. Jerdon obtained it
both in long grass and reeds and in *‘ bushes and low tree-jungle,”
but I have never seen it in cover other than grass and reeds,
though this may vary from short sun-grass in N. Cachar, not
2 feet high, to the dense elephant-grass of the plains, over 12 teet
high. The note isa sharp double chirp, syllabefized by Stevens as
‘‘chi-chew,” constantly repeated. They are rather noisy but very
skulking little birds, and one seldom sees them under ordinary
circumstances, but when beating for game they may often be seen
flitting in a rather lop-sided manner from one patch of grass to
another.

(247) Pellorneum ignotum ignotum.
THE ASSAMESE BABBLER.

Pellorneum ignotum Hume, 8. F., v, p. 839 (1877) (Sadiya, Assam) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 144.

Vernacular names. Dao-chiki (Cachari).

Description. Whole upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of
the wing rufescent olive-brown; wings and tail rather more
rufescent than the back; lores and over the eyes greyish brown ;
ear-coverts brown with paler shafts ; sides of neck like the back ;
chin, throat, centre of breast and abdomen dull white, very
slightly mottled with rufescent brown; remainder of lower
plumage rusty-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill pale bluish-horny,
paler still on lower mandible; legs and feet light sienna-grey to
fleshy.

Measurements. Length about 150 mm.; wing 56 to 59 mm.;
tail 51 to 55 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen about 12 to
13 mm.

»
ty

244 - TIMALIID A.

Distribution. Assam south of the Brahmaputra and in the
extreme north-east, where it has been observedin Sadiya. Stevens
also obtained it in N. Lakhimpur, west of the Subansiri, so it may
extend a good deal further west than hitherto recorded.

Nidification. The Assamese Babbler breeds from 3,000 feet up
to at least 5,500, and possibly much higher, the breeding season
commencing in May and lasting until the end of July. The nest
is made of grasses and bamboo leaves, lined with the former. It
is smaller, better and more compactly made than most nests of
this genus and very often is a deep cup in shape, rather than
domed. It also differs from the nest of other species of Pellorneum
in being placed well above the ground, in bamboo clumps, tangles of
vines or in bushes, and never on hs) eround. The eggs number
three or four, sometimes two only, aud are pale pink im ground-
colour, say. freckles of rather dark brownish red profusely
scattered over the whole surface, but sometimes even more
numerous at the larger end, where they may form a cap or ill-
defined zone. In shape they are regular ovals and the texture
is fairly close and smooth, there is but little gloss and the shell is
rather fragile in comparison with the size. Two hundred eggs
average 20°0 x 15°1 mm. ; maxima 22°8 X 15°5 and 21:1X15°9 mm. ;
minima 18°2x14:1 mm.

Habits. This is a shy, quiet little bird, found either in small
flocks or in pairs. Its notes are low and soft, and its alarm and
eall-note is a low, rippling whistle. It is most common between
3,000 and 5,000 feet, but wanders much higher in summer and
descends practically to the plains in winter. In this latter
season if shows a marked fondness for bamboo-jungle, especially
such as has a little undergrowth, but in summer it keeps more to
thin serub and brushw ood and even to thicker forest. It is an
extraordinarily close sitter and will remain blinking at one from
its nest until almost touched.

(248) Pellorneum ignotum cinnamomeum.
Rippon’s Bapeier.
Drymocataphus cinnamomeus Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xi, p. 12 (1900)
(Loi Mai, 8. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in having, the upper
parts olive-brown and not rufescent, the breast more rufous and
the chin and throat whitish with arrow-shaped tips.

Colours of soft parts. Iris orange-red; bill dark horn, the
lower mandible paler ; legs pale horn eruason),

Measurements. Wing 51 to 57 mmn.; tail about 50 to 55 mm.
tarsus about 24 mm.; camer about 1? mm.

Distribution, Shan States and Bhamo Hills above 5,000 feet
to S. Annam.

Nidification. Similar to that of the Assamese Babbler but the

PHLLORNEUM. PAD

nest is more often placed in grass nearer the ground. The eggs,
generally two only in number, sometimes three, are like these of
that bird, but are pinker or more terra-cotta in tint. Fifty eggs
average 20°4x 15:0 mm.

Habits. Those of the last bird. Robinson and Kloss record it
from 3,000 feet, Dran, S. Annam.

6)
(249) Pellorneum fuscicapillum fuscicapillum.
Tur Brown-caprrep BAaBpier.
Drymocataphus fusgheapillus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxiii, p. 815 (1849)
(S.W. Ceylon).
Pellorneum fuscicapillum, Blant. & Oates, i, p. 143.

Vernacular names. Datitchia (Ceylon).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark chocolate-brown,
the shafts fulvous; upper plumage dark olive-brown, the tail
tipped narrowly with ochraceous, the feathers of the wing-coverts
and back with pale shafts, and the edges of the primaries tinged
with rufous; lores, sides of the head and neek and whole lower
plumage sienna-brown, the sides of the neck and breast with
obscure striations on some of the feathers, the striations some-
times obsolete.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light to deep red; eyelid olivaceous ;
upper mandible deep brown with a pale margin, lower flesh-
colour ; legs and feet brownish-fleshy ; claws pale brownish (Legge).

Measurements, ‘Total length about 160 to 170 mm. ; wing 66 to
72 mm.; tail about 56 to 61 mm.; tarsus about 26 to 28mm.:
culnen about 16 mm.

Distribution. Soutin and South-West Ceylon.

Nidification. Mr. W. E. Wait describes the nest as similar to
that of Pellorneum ruficeps, and the eggs also are exactly like
rather weakly-marked specimens of that bird’s and measure
about 225x163 mm. In one clutch there were three eggs, in
the others two only. The breeding season appears to be from
November to February.

Habits. Legge describes the habits of this Babbler as much
like those of the rest of the family. A shy skulker, frequenting
thick cover and feeding on or near the ground. Its note he
turns into the syllables ‘ to-meet-you.”

7 8)
(250) Pellorneum fuscicapillum babaulti.
Wents’s BaBBier.
Scotocichla fuseicapillum babaulti Wells, Bull. B. O. C., xxxix, p. 69
(1919) (Lrincomalee).
Vernacular names. Batitchia (Ceylon).

Description. Similar to the last but much paler, especially on
the lower parts which are brownish buff rather than chestnut.
The top of the head is olive-brown instead of blackish.

246 TIMALIID®.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brownish red; bill brownish flesh ;
legs and feet flesh-grey (Babault).

Measurements. Wing 68 to 74 mm.; tail 57 to 62 mm.; tarsus
28 mm. (Wells).

Distribution. North Ceylon.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. This form is purely a dry district form, whereas the
last bird inhabits the wet portions of the island.

(251) Pellorneum nigricapitatum.
THE Bnack-CaPPED BABBLER.

Brachypteryx mgricapitata Eyton, P. Z. 8., 1839, p. 103 (Malaya).
Dr ymocataphus nigricapitatus. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 145.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The lores, a broad supercilium reaching to the
nape and the cheeks grey, each feather with a white shaft-stripe ;
ear-coverts ashy-rufous with whitish shafts; a very narrow
moustachial stripe black ; forehead, crown Aan nape black ; the
whole upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of the wing deep
ferruginous brown; chin and throat white; sides of neck ad the
whole lower plumage ferruginous, brightest on the breast and
tinged with brown on the flanks, lower abdomen, vent and under
tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris rhubarb-red ; upper mandible black,
lower fleshy-white; legs and feet fleshy-white, slightly tinged
with brown or reddish-horny.

Measurements. Total length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing 69 to
72 mm.; tail about 52 to 54 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm.; culmen
about 17 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim and S8.W. Siam, down the Malay
Peninsula to Sumatra.

Nidification. Davison describes the nest as being built on the
cround, of coarse fern roots on a foundation of twigs and leaves.
It was placed at the base of a small clump of ferns and contained
two eggs. They are described as creamy-white, densely speckled
all over with inky-purple and purplish brown. They measure
20°8X15°7 mm.

Habits. I'he Black-capped Babbler appears to be more essen-
tially a ground bird than any of its relations. Davison says that
he never found it off the ground, and even when pressed to flight
it always alighted again on the ground. It has the same shy,
skulking habits of the birds of thisand the last genus, and inhabits
dense cover, most often in heavy forest. Its note is said to be a
one loud call na it 1s ae Loe alone or in Dea ae

2 ID i ee ee Walden, A. M.N. H. xy, p.402 (1875) (Karennee)
are so aia but voung Pomatorhini of some kind.

PELLORNEUM. 247

(252) Pellorneum tickelli tickelli.
TIcKELL’s BABBLER.
Pellorneum tickelli Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxviii, p. 414 (1859) (Tenas-

serim).
Drymocataphus tickelli. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 146,
Vernacular names. Dao-busha (Cachari).
Description. Whole upper plumage olive-brown ; the fore-
head more fulvous; the feathers of the crown pale-shafted ;
tail rather more rufous than the back; lores, eyebrow and

Fig. 44.—Head of P. ¢. tickelli.

feathers round the eye pale fulvous ; ear-coverts fulvous-brown
with pale shafts; sides of the neck similar to the back but paler ;
cheeks and entire lower plumage fulvous, with indications of
stripes on throat and breast; centre of abdomen and sometimes
chin and throat albescent.

Colours of soft parts. Bill bluish or dusky-horny above, paler
below and more fleshy ; iris reddish brown to Indian red; eyelids
livid or dull greenish flesh-colour; legs, feet and claws fleshy-
white.

Measurements. Total length about 150 to 160 mm.; wing 60 to
66mm.; tail 52 to55 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen 17 to
18 mm.

Distribution. Assam South of the Brahmaputra, but not East
of the Naga Hills, through West Burma and Karenni to Ten-
asserim and Malay Peninsula, Siam to Annam. S

Nidification. Tickell’s Babbler breeds from early April to the
end of May and also, possibly a second brood, in late June and
July. It may be found at this season at all heights between 3,000
and 7,000 feet, more often over 4,0UV0 feet than under that height.
The nest is sometimes globular, frequently a deep cup made
principally of fine grasses but with a few leaves, bamboo-spathes
or even a scrap or two of dried moss or bracken leaves added to
the outer fabric. The lining is always of fine grasses only. It
is never placed actually on the ground though often within a
few inches of it but is built in some low bush, tangle of creepers
or raspberry-vines, or occasionally, in a bamboo clump. Scrub
near to openings forms the favourite site, but 1 have taken nests
in fairly deep forest.

248 TIMALIID®.

The eggs, either three or four in number, are perfect miniatures
of the dull-coloured eggs of the Dayal or Magpie-Robin. The
‘ ground-colour is a pale “greenish grey, and the markings consist
of numerous freckles and small blotches of pale reddish brown
and secondary markings of lavender and purplish grey, scattered
over the whole surface. The texture is fine and close, faintly
glossed and the shape is a broad, blunt oval. Two hundred eggs
average 20°3 x 15-7 mm.

Habits. Tickell’s Babbler is a timid, skulking bird, haunting
low brushwood or practically any efficient cover. As a rule all
one sees is a small brown object squatting on the ground, which
suddenly dives into the nearest bush. They feed much on the
ground and are so loath to fly that even trapped birds, when
released, flew on to the ground and then made off in long,
bounding leaps. The only note I have heard is a soft, rippling
“* chir-chir.”

(253) Pellorneum tickelli assamensis.
AvustEen’s BABBLER.

Drymocataphus assamensis Sharpe, Cat. B, M., vil, p. 557 (1883)
(Dikrang) ; Blanf, & Oates, 1, p. 147.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from Tickell’s Babbler in being a rufescent
olive-brown above, the crown and mantle more conspicuously
white-shafted.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Much the same as in the last. Wing 64 to
67 mm.; tail 50 to 55 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Assam, North and South of the Brahma-
putra.

Nidification similar to that of teckelli, but a larger assortment
of materials are to be found in the nests. The favourite building-
sites are in rocky ravines with bush-covered sides, and the nests
are often placed actually on the ground. One hundred eggs average
199X157 mm. In colour they are much like those ‘of the last
bird but are duller and a series shows a much more olive-grev tint.

Habits. Common all the year round from about 700 feet
upwards, otherwise its habits, haunts and food all agree well
with those of the last bird. Godwin-Austen records this little
Babbler as being very fearless, but those seen by Dr. H. N.
Coltart and myself were very shy.

Genus CURSONIA Skinner, 1898.

Oates’s name Gypsophila being preoceupied. Cussonia is the
next available and must be used in its place. The genus contains
one species only which is in many ways one of the most aberrant

CURSONIA. QAO

birds in the Vimaliide In general appearance it is much like
Pellorneum, differing from that genus in having a stronger bill
with longer rictal bristles. The upper plumage is squamated,
each feather being margined with black. Unlike nearly all the
other members of the family, but like Gampsorhynchus, the adults
in this genus differ from the young in becoming much more white
on the head and lower plumage.

In spite of this peculiarity Oates appears to have properly
placed it in the Zimaliine,in which I retain it. The wing and
tail are about equal in length, the former being short and
rounded. The feathers of the forehead are soft and the rictal
bristles highly developed; the bill is straight and about as long
as hind toe and claw together; the nostrils are exposed and
without overhanging hairs.

Fig. 45.—Head of C. erispifrons.

(254) Cursonia crispifrons.
THe Limr-rock BABBLER.

Turdinus crispifrons Blyth, J. A.S. B., xxiv, p. 269 (1855) (Tenas-
serim).
Gypsophila crispifrons. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 149.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description —Adult. Whole head, neck and lower plumage
pure white; upper plumage olive-brown, the feathers of the back
margined witb black; each inner secondary of the wing-quills
minutely tipped with white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale red, red, light red, deep red-
brown ; upper mandible dark brown, lower pale plumbeous ; legs,
feet and claws dark purplish green (Hume Coll.).

Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing about
78 to 83 mm.; tail about 74 to 77 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm. ;
culmen about 17 to 19 mm.

Birds of the first year have the forehead to back olive-brown, each
feather margined with black; the rump, upper tail-coverts, tail
and exposed portions of wing olive-brown; the sides of the fore-
head and a short supercilium are greyish white with black specks ;
chin, throat and upper breast white, streaked with dark brown,
especially on the breast ; remainder of lower plumage ochraceous
olive-brown.

250 TIMALIID A.

Birds in intermediate plumage have the forehead and a varying
amount of the sides of the head white; the chin and throat
become pure white, and even the pes breast loses many of the
streaks.

The adult plumage seems to take some time to acquire, and
probably, as in Gampsorhynchus, the wholly pure white head and
under parts are not acquired until the bird is two years old.

Distribution. The limestone ranges of ‘Tenasserim, such as
those at Wimpong, the Toungsha Gyne River and Momenzeik.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Davison says that they wander about the lmestone
rocks in pairs, singly or in small parties. They are excessively
lively, sprightly birds, keeping up a continuous twittering,
chattering note, and occasionally one will perch itself on some
point of a rock and, with lowered wings and erected tail, pour
forth a fine and powerful song. They feed principally on insects
and land-shells, but also in part on seeds. ‘They are not shy and
are easy to watch and procure. He observes that this bird is
‘really a little Thrush.”

Genus TURDINULUS Hume, 1878.

The genus 7urdinulus of Hume, with which I unite Corytho-
cichla, contains a small group of Babblers which are extraordi-
narily Wren-like in appearance, habits and even nidification, and
at one time I felt convinced that they should be removed en bloc
to the Troglodytide. Closely connected, however, with this
genus are the birds of the genus /timator, which seems to serve
as a connecting link with other forms of Timalide. Robinson
and Kioss’s recently-described Rimator danjoui seems to still
further strengthen these links and, though with some reluctance,
I leave them in this sub-family. |

They are all birds with tails very much shorter than the wing ;
the plumage is soft, lax and squamated; the bill like that of
Drymocataphus but with longer rictal bristles. The nostrils are
exposed and are mere slits with no overhanging membrane.
The tarsus is very stout and long and the feet large.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Tail more than half length of wing.
a. ae of wing-feathers ‘white.

. Sides of breast and flanks chestaut. [caudatus, p. 251,
a’. Wing 65 mm. orunder ~ .4./.3 60. . TT. brevicaudatus brevi-
BY Wins over 6b mamapine. .f. telcos T. b. venningi, p. 252.
b'. Sides of breast and flanks reddish
BLOW) chs siaiats os oisihe ts cuerater ieee naNe le T. b. striatus, p. 251.

B. Tail less than half the length of wing.
b, Feathers of the throat spotted with black.
ec’. Colour brown washed with rufous, [p- 208.
especially on flanks...... essaclcaes | Lemobentemovertt,

TURDINULUS. Pail!

d'. Colour dark brown, flanks dark olive-
Dr OWWIN secre’: rehire eR ekoier« T.r. guttaticollis, p. 254.
C. Feathers of the throat unspotted. [p. 264.
e'. Sides of breast and flanks rufous-brown 7’ epilepidotusdavisoni,
J. Sides of breast and flanks dark olive-
browat. rst tee sk Bitte teuecistata ete = T. e. bakert, p. 255

255) Turdinulus brevicaudatus brevicaudatus.
Tur SHORT-TAILED, WREN-BABBLER.

Turdinus brevicaudatus Blytlt, J. A.S. B., xxiv, p. 272 (1855) (Mule-
yit Mt.).
Corythocichla brevicaudata, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 148.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage and sides of the neck olive-
brown, the feathers everywhere mareined with black except on
the rump and upper tail-coverts; tail rufescent; wings olive-
brown, the coverts and all the quills, except the earlier primaries,
tipped with a small white spot; lores, a short supercilium, cheeks
and under the eye deep ashy ; ear-coverts the same, tinged rufes-
cent; chin and throat ashy-white, streaked with dark brown ;
breast and lower plumage ferruginous, paler on the breast and
centre of the abdomen, darker on the flanks, vent and under tail-
coverts, the latter tipped paler; centre of abdomen a somewhat
creamy tint.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red or cinnamon-red to dark brown ;
bill above very dark brown, lower mandible paler and more plum-
beous; legs, feet and claws pale brown, more or less tinged fleshy.

Measurements. esau about 140 mm,; wing 60 to 65 mm.;

tail 42 to 45 mm. anor about 25 mm.; culmen about 16 to
17 mm.

Distribution. The oantaine of Tenasserim above 5,000 feet.
Nidification unknown.

Habits. This Babbler appears to be found only in the wooded
slopes of the higher hills where there are innumerable rocks and
boulders. It may be found either singly or in small parties, is
essentially a ground bird, loath to fly, quick on its legs and a
great skulker. Davison records its call as a prolonged ‘ kir-r-r.”

(256) Turdinulus brevicaudatus striatus.
THE STREAKED WreEN-BABBLER.

Turdinus striatus Blyth, J. A. 8S. B., xxxix, p. 269 (1870) (Khasia
Hills).
Corythocichla striata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 148.
Vernacular names. Dao-pufli (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the Short-tailed Wren-Babbler in

Boe TIMALIID A.

having the sides of the head brown, instead of deep ashy; the
breast and lower plumage are brown merely tinged with rufous,
and the wing-spots are less conspicuous and fulvous instead of
white.

Colours of soft parts. Irides dark. red; upper. mandible dark
brown, lower plumbeous, darkish at the base, paler elsewhere ;
mouth creainy-slate colour; legs and feet pale fleshy- -brown.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 56 to 61 mm.;
tail about 44 to 46 mm.; tarsus about 24 mm.; culmen about 16 mm.

Distribution. Assam and Manipur. Probably not North of the
Brahmaputra.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds in May and June at all
heights above 4,000 feet, invariably in very rocky ground on steep
well- forested hill-sides. In the Khasia Hills it frequents rhodo-
dendron forest fer breeding purposes, making its deep, cup-shaped
or semi-domed nest of dead leaves, fern fronds, grass and moss
bound tegether with roots and tendrils and lined with dead leaves.
Although fairly well put together the materials are very rotten
and the nest falls to pieces when handled. It is always placed on
the ground, generally in some damp situation at the foot of a tree,
rock or other cover and so closely resembles the rest of the decay-
ing vegetation round it that is very hard to find.

The egos number 2 to 4 and are a glossy china-white with
rather sparse specks and spots, or small blotches, of reddish and
pale pinkish purple. Thirty eggs average 21°35 x 16-0 mm.

Habits. This is one of the most shy birds and though not un-
common in suitable Jocalities is seldom seen and still less often
possible to watch. At the slightest sound or movement it slinks
away at a great pace on foot and at once becomes invisible, though
its low, chirring note may be continued close by until the intruder
leaves. It is generally found in pairs. but occasionally small
family parties may be met with in the cold weather. It is a
purely tree-forest bird and never seems to haunt the low serub-
jungle or secondary growth so beloved by many Babblers and,
even the forest, to suit it, must be damp and shady and much
broken up into rocky ravines and steep slopes. It is found up to
the top of the highest hills in 8S. Assam but in the cold weather
may be found down as low as 3 ,000 feet.

(257) Turdinulus brevicaudatus venningi.
VENNING’s WREN- BABBLER.

Turdinulus brevicaudatus venningt Warington, Bull, B, O. C., xxxix,
p. 269 (1870) (Shan States).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to 7’. 6. brevicaudatus but has the upper
plumage greyer, the breast and abdomen dark rufous and the
flanks dark brown

TURDINULUS. 253

Colours of soft parts. Irides red; bill dark brownish-horn, paler
beneath ; legs and feet fleshy-brown (Venning).

Measurements. A larger bird than either of the two other
races; wing 65 to 74 mm., average 15 specimens 68 mm.

Distribution. Southern Shan States, Burma and Yunnan.

Nidification. Nothing recorded but I have in my collection
egos of a Zurdinulus from the S. Shan States which must be of
this race. They are exactly like those of 7. 6. striatus already
described and measure 21:6 x 16°9 mm.

Habits. Nothing recorded but Rippon obtained it in the Sal-
ween Valley between 2,800 and 3,000 feet, a lower elevation than
this species usually hauuts.

(258) Turdinulus roberti roberti.
AUSTEN’S WReEN-BABBLER.

Pnoepyga roberti Godw.-Aust, & Wald., Ibis, 1875, p. 252 (Chaka,
Manipur),

Vernacular names. Dao-mojo gashim, Dao-pufli-kashiba(Cachari).

Description. Above rich brown, more rufescent on upper tail-
coverts; the feathers of head, back and scapulars edged with
blackish and with pale greyish centres; lores grey; ear-coyerts
brown with grey centres ; supercilium and patch under ear-coverts
rufous, the teathers of the latter with specks at the tips; chin and
throat white with black specks forming three distinet lines from
chin to breast; breast rather rutous-brown with broad white
centres; flanks more rufous with still paler shaft-stripes; centre
of abdomen almost white with faint rufous edgings; under tail-
coverts the sane but darker; wing brown, the outer webs of the
quills suttused with dark rufous, greater and median coverts and
secondaries with distinct white tips,

Colours of soft parts. Irides red; upper mandible dark plum-
beous, tip and lower mandible paler aud tipped almost white; legs
fleshy-brown, claws paler.

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; wing 50 to 55 mm.;
tail about 18 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 12 to 13 mm.

Distribution. Cachar, Manipur, Naga Hills and Khasia Hills.

Nidification. This little Wren-Babbler breeds freely both in the
N. Cachar and Khasia Hills from 4,000 feet upwards trom the end
of April to the end of June, making a nest an absolute miniature
in every way of that of the Short- tailed Babbler. It also places
it precisely the same sort of position and in the same forests.

The eggs number three or four, more often the former, and are
like those of 7. 6. brevicaudatus but smaller, not so glossy a white
and with more numerous but smaller specks and spots. Forty eggs
average 19°3 x 14°38 mm.

Habits. “ Wren-Babb‘er” describes this bird exactly and in all

254 TIMALIID A.

its ways it is more Wren than Babbler. They haunt dense,
dark forest wherever there are openings for streams, pools or
natural small glades and they specially affect places strewn
with mossy boulders, fallen trees covered with ferns and orchids,
old stumps etc. and over these they dodge about and scramble
hither and thither just as does our little Wren at home. Some-
times, however, they hop more sedately about amongst the fallen
leaves, turning them over for the hidden insects, or they creep
through the bracken and scrub more in the manner of a genuine
Babbler. Fly they will not, but however hard pressed seek safety
on their legs, scuttling away into the undergrowth where they
speedily become non est. They are, so far as I know, always
found in pairs and not in flocks but, as I have seen them princi-
pally in the breeding season it may be that they collect in flocks
in the winter. Their cry is a rather shrill “ chir-r-r” but they have
also a rather pleasant but low set of whistling notes. They are
«xtraordinarily tame and, if quiet, one can watch them for a long
time without disturbing them.

(259) Turdinulus roberti guttaticollis,
Grants WREN-BABBLER.
Turdinulus guttaticollis Ogilvie-Grant, Ibis, 1895, p. 432 (Miri Hills,
Assam).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from Austen’s Wren-Babbler in being
darker and browner above; the rufous on the sides of the breast
and flanks is wanting and there is but little of this colour on the
cheeks.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last race.

Distribution. Hill-ranges of Eastern Assam North end—Seuth
of the Brahmaputra.

Nidification. Dr. H. N. Coltart and I found Grant’s Wren-
Babbler breeding in some numbers in the hills and broken ground
round about Margherita. It nests from some few hundred feet, or
even in the plains (vide Stevens), up to 5,000 feet and is an early
breeder, most of Dr. Coltart’s and my eggs being taken in March
aud April. Nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from those of
T. v. roberti.. The latter (40) average 19-3 x 14°83 mm.

Habits. Except that this is a bird of lower levels the description
of the last bird’s habits would suflice for this also.

(260) Turdinulus epilepidotus davisoni.
Davison’s WReEN-BABBLER.
Turdinulus davisoni O.-Grant, Bull. B.0.C., xxv, p. 97 (1909)
(Thoungyah).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from either of the two preceding birds in

RIMATOR. Io

having no black spots on the throat; the under parts are olive-
brown, the flanks and sides of the breast more rufous,

Measurements. Wing about 55 to 57 mm,
Distribution. Tenasserim and N. Malay States.

Nidification like that of the last species. Four eggs taken
near Perak by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow measure 18:2 x 14°8 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus,

(261) Turdinulus epilepidotus bakeri.
Baker’s WReEN-BABBLER,

% Turdinulus epilepidotus bakeri Harington, Bull. B. O. Cx xxx
Vi yy p._ 9f (1918) (Na Noi, 8. Shan States).
/ Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last in having the upper parts
much darker and the under parts more olive-brown with no rufous
on the flanks.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in Austen’s Wren-
Babbler.

Distribution. The Southern Shan States and Karenni, Burma.

Nidification similar to that of others of the genus. Three eggs
sent me from the 8. Shan States measure about 20°5 x 16°83 mm.
and are probably greatly above the average in size.

Habits. Those of the genus.

Genus RIMATOR Blyth, 1847.

The genus Rimator appears to connect to some extent the more
Wren-like Zurdinulus with the true Babblers, both in appearance
and habits. It is very like the former in its lax plumage and
mottled colouring but its long bill, long in our bird but much
longer in others of the genus, seems to link it with the Scimitar-
Babblers. It is also much like these birds in its habits.

It differs from Z'wrdinulus in its ‘ong, slender bill, equal in
length to, or much longer than, the head; the culmen is curved
downward and the tip only slightly notched. he rictal bristles
are short and the nostrils open ovals. The tail is very short
and the tarsi and feet very strong and powerful.

(262) Rimator malacoptilus.
Tue LONG-BILLED WREN-BABBLER.

Rimator malacoptilus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 155 (1847) (Darjee-
ling); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 175,

Vernacular names. Aarriak-tungbrek-pho (Lepcha) ; Dao-nojo-
buku-galao (Cachari).

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, sides of the neck and mantle

256 TIMALITD A.

dark rufescent brown, with very distinct fulvous shaft-stripes ;
the feathers of the back with the inner webs black and the outer
webs brown and with pale fulvous shafts; rump, upper tail-coverts
and tail plain rufescent; wing-coverts and the outer webs of the
quills rufous-brown, the former with pale shafts; lores fulvous ;
ear-coyerts rufous-ashy with paler shafts; cheeks mixed black and
fulvous, with a black line above; chin fulvous-white; throat,
breast and abdomen rufescent brown, with large pale fulvous shaft-
streaks ; sides of body and thighs plain rufescent brown; vent
and under tail-coverts ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light red-brown; upper mandible
very dark horny, blackish at the base, paler at the tip; gape and
edge of lower mandible blackish, remainder pale horny ; legs pale
livid fleshy with no tinge of red but the tarsi tinted brown, the
soles, claw and joints very pale.

OR pi \\

Fig. 46.—Head of 2, malacoptilus.

Measurements. Total length about 125 to 130 mm.; wing 57
to 60 mm.; tail about 25 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm,; culmen
about 21 to 24 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim to E. Assam North and South of the
Brahmaputra; Manipur and Looshai.

Nidification. This Babbler breeds in the hills both North and
South of the Brahmaputra throughout Assam from 4,000 feet up-
wards, and in the extreme East, nearer the snowy mountains, down to
3,000 feet. It breeds in much the same sort of country as Z’urdin-
ulus but affects more open forest and nests may be found, though
rarely, in serub-jungle or deserted, overgrown, cultivation. The
nest is a large domed affair, measuring 8 or 9 inches in height by
53 to 6 in breadth, the entrance, which is near the top, measuring
about 2 inches across. It is made of dead leaves, bracken fronds,
grass, sometimes a little moss, and lined with dead leaves only.
It is always placed on the ground and nearly always amongst the
roots of bushes or at the foot of some tree. The breeding season
lasts from the end of April to July. The eggs are three or four in
number, rarely five, pinkish white to pale salmon-pink in ground-
colour and marked with spots and small blotches of reddish brown
and paler smears of the same with here and there lines and scriggles
of deep red-brown. The texture is fragile and practically gloss-
less, the shape an obtuse oval and thirty eggs average in size
21:2 x 15°5 mm.

Habits. In habits this little bird is more of a Babbler and less of

HORIZILLAS. 257

a Wren than those of the preceding genus; it frequents the same
kind of forest as Zurdinu!us but may also be found in scrub and
deserted clearings. It keeps much to the ground, on which it
feeds in the same manner as the Seimitar-Babblers, turning over
the leaves and scratching in the mould for insects. It has a
sweet, chirping whistle which it utters as a call or when frightened
or disturbed. It keeps in pairs, not in flocks, and is wholly
insectivorous in its diet.

Genus HORIZILLAS Oberholser, 1905.

The genus Horizillas is remarkable for its lengthened wings
and, in consequence, its comparatively short tail; the plumage is
soft and silky. The two Indian species of the genus appear to
be more arboreal than any of the preceding genera and to have
somewhat the deportment of Bulbuls, The rictal bristles are very
conspicuous on account of their length and the bill is short and
straight. The legs and feet are weak for Zimaliune birds. The
name Malacopterum Eyton is preoccupied as is Setaria Blyth *.

Key to Species.

A. Crown bright ferruginous ..... mln eee . H. magna magna, p. 257.
B. Crown olive-brown .....-.-. Hale RAL alee H, magnirostre, p. 258.

(263) Horizillas magna magna.
THe ReD-HEADED Tree-BABBLER.

Malacopterum magnum Eyton, P. Z.8., 1839, p. 103 (Malaya) ; Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 151.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and crown bright ferruginous, the an-
terior feathers black-shafted and the posterior ones faintly edged
with black ; lores and a broad supercilium grey, the middle of the
feathers whitish; the whole nape black; ear-coverts fulvons-
brown with pale shafts; the whole upper plumage fulvous-brown,
tinged with ferruginous on the rump, upper tail-coverts and outer
webs of the tail-feathers ; cheeks mottled grey and white; chin,
throat and upper breast white, streaked with grey ; remainder of
lower plumage grevish white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris sienna-brown (young) to carmine or
orange-red; bill dark horny-brown above, lower mandible pale
plumbeous white; legs, feet and claws pale plumbeous blue to
pale smalt-blue.

Measurements. Length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing about
84 to94 mm.; tail about 75 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

* See Oberholser, Smiths. Misc. Coll. 48, p. 64, 1905.
VOL. I. 8s

258 TIMALIIDE,

Distribution. Peninsular Purma and Siam and N. Malay Penin-
sula.

Nidification. Nothing recorded.

Habits. According to Davison this Babbler is almost en-
tirely arboreal, hunting about in trees and bushes in small parties
or in pairs and never descending to the ground. It is said to be
a purely forest bird and to be entirely insectivorous in its diet.

(264) Horizillas magnirostre.
Tur BROWN-HEADED TRkE-BABBLER.

On

Alcippe magnirostre Moore, P. Z.S., 1854, p. 277 (Malacca).
Malacopterum magnirostre. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 151.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape and back olive-brown, the
feathers of the forehead with black shafts; wing-coverts and ex-
posed parts of guills rufescent olive; upper tail-coverts and tail
bright chestnut-brown; feathers round the eye white; lores and
an obsolete stripe over the eye grey; cheeks and ear-coverts deep
ashy, the latter with paler shafts ; entire lower plumage dull white,
washed with ashy on breast, flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. [ris cinnabar-red to lake; bill, legs and
feet as in the last bird but less blue.

Measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 80 to
85 mm.; tail about 55 to 57 mm.; tarsus about 21 mm.; culmen
about 15 to 16 mm.

Distribution. Extreme South of Tenasserim, extending South
down the Malay Peninsula and East to Cochin China.

Nidification. Nothing recorded. Two eggs from the Water-
stradt collection, said to have been taken on 14. 2.1901 in East
Malacea, are very pale yellow-creamy white with a few specks of
light red principally in the centre of the egg-shell. In shape they
are almost ellipses, with fine, close texture but almost glossless.
They measure 21°8 x 16:0 and 21°3 x 15:5.

Habits. As far as js known similar to those of the last bird.

Genus ERYTHROCICHLA Sharpe, 1883.

This genus is very close to the last but differs in its shorter
wing and it is apparently a ground bird.

(265) Erythrocichla bicolor.
Tue FerruGinous BABBLER.

Brachypterya bicolor Less., Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 1388 (Sumatra).
Erythrocichla bicolor, Blantf, & Oates, i, p. 152.

Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Whoie upper plumage ferruginous, the crown and

ZETHOSTOMA. 259

sides of the head brighter ; upper tail-coverts and tail chestnut ;
lores dull white or pale fulvous; lower plumage white suffused
with brownish on the breast and less so on the sides of the body.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale wood-brown ; upper mandible
dirty white, lower mandible dark brown; legs and feet fleshy~
white,

Fig. 47.—Head of E. bicolor.

Measurements. Total length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 72
to 82 mm.; tail about 60 to 63 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm. ;
culmen 18 to 20 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim South through the Malay Peninsula
to Borneo and Sumatra.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Said by Davison to be entirely a ground bird, only
flying up into the bushes and trees when disturbed.

Genus HATHOSTOMA Sharpe, 1902.

The name Zrichostoma being already occupied, Sharpe’s dvtho-
stoma is the earliest available for this genus. It differs from the
last genus in having remarkably long rictal bristles and a very
short tail.

(266) Athostoma rostrata.
Bryrn’s BABBLER.

Trichostoma rostrata Blyth, J. A.S. B., xi, p. 795 (1842) (Malaya) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 153. i

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage and wings rufescent olive-
brown, tinged with rufescent on the upper tail-coverts and outer
webs of tall-feathers; lores whitish mottled with black; ear-coverts
and round the eye rufescent, the former with whitish shafts ;
cheeks white with black shafts and tips; entire lower plumage
white, washed with pale grey across the breast and suffused with
ashy-brown on the sides of the breast and abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale red-brown; upper mandible
dark horn-brown, lower pale plumbeous blue; legs and feet rather
dark pinkish-fleshy ; claws pale horny-brown (Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 70
to 75 mm.; tail about 52 to 54 mm.; tarsus about 26 mm. ;

culmen about 18 to 20 mm.
Siz

260 PIMALIID A.

Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim, extending
down the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond the fact that
Hume asserts it is arboreal.

Genus MALACOCINCLA Biittik., 1895.

The genus Malacocincla differs from all the other genera of this
subfamily with stout straight bills in having the nostrils oval and
exposed, with no protecting membrane. The rictal bristles are
well developed but there are no hairs overhanging the nostrils.
The tail is shorter than the wing. The name 7wrdinus being
preoccupied, the above takes its place.

Fig. 48.—Head of MV. s. abbottz.

(267) Malacocincla sepiaria abbotti.
Apport’s BABBLER.

Malacocincla abbott: Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiv, p. 601 (1845) (Ramree,
Arralkan ).
Turdinus abbotti. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 154.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage rich olive-brown, the fore-
head with fulvous streaks, the other feathers with pale shafts ;
exposed parts of wing-quills like the back; upper tail-coverts and
tail deep rufous; lores round the eye and a short supercilium
dark grey; ear—coverts rufous with fulvous shafts ; chin, throat
and cheeks pale grey; sides of neck, breast and body earthy
ferruginous, centre of breast and abdomen whitish; under tail-
coverts bright ferruginous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light reddish brown to red; eyelids
plumbeous ; upper mandible dark horny-brown, tip and lower
mandible pale horny or bluish-horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy,
claws pale horny.

Measurements. Total length about 1S0mm.; wing 74 to 77 mm.;
tail about 50 to 52 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen about
18 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, E. Bengal, Assam, Burma to the
Malay Peninsula, and Siam.

BIRDS. VOL.1. PLATE VI.

MALACOCINCLA ABBOTTI.
Abbotts Babbler.
Th life size

THRINGORHINA. 261

Nidification. In India this bird breeds in April and May and
sometimes in June, whilst in Burma its nest has been found from
February to May.’ It breeds only in deep, wet tree-forest with
ample undergrowth and preferably near some stream, making a
massive nest of dead leaves, weeds and grass with an inner cup of
leaves, roots and weeds compactly bound together and lined with
roots. It may be placed in a clump of weeds, a low bush or in
some fern-palm near the ground. The egos number three to five
and are very beautiful ; the ground-colour varies from a very pale
to a rich pale salmon- _pink, whilst the markings consist of spots,
blotches and lines of deep red-brown with paler spots of light red
and neutral tint. In shape they are normal ovals and the texture
is fine with a good gloss. They measure about 22-2 16°5 mm,
but vary greatly in size.

Habits. Abbott’s Babbler is a bird of the plains and the foot-
hills, rarely being found much over 2,000 feet. It haunts deep forest
where it is always humid and green and where the trees have an
ample undergrowth of plants, weeds and bushes. In N. Cachar
it was always to be found near rivers and streams and it is
very partial to places where palm-ferns grow in great luxuriance.
They have a pleasant whistling note but are very silent birds,
creeping about in the dense undergrowth very quietly and
stealthily. They are apparently entirely insectivorous.

Genus THRINGORHINA Oates, 1889.

The genus Thringorhina contains four species of peculiar
coloration characterized by the very large operculum over the
nostrils. The bill is very strong, with the culmen curved gently

Fig. 49.—Head of 7. guttata.

throughout, and the rictal bristles are weak. The feathers of the
forehead are harsh to the touch and those of the crown ample and
erectile, possibly forming a short crest in life. This genus is very
close to Stachyris avd like that genus the birds contained in it a!l
lay pure white eggs.

Key to Spesies.

A. Wings and tail barred with brown........ T. oglet, p. 262.
B. Wines and, tail plaim. 1.507. Fi jenstcan ot T. guttata, p. 262.

262 TIMALIID®.

(268) Thringorhina oglei.
AvstEn’s Sporrep BABBLER.

Actinura oglei Godw.-Aust., J. A. S. B., xlvi(2) p.42 (1877) (Sadiya).
Thringorhina oglit. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 156.

Vernacular names. Chiem-pitti (Trans-Dikku Nagas).

Description. Crown, nape and hind neck rich golden-brown ;
back, rump and upper tail-coverts the same but duller and
obsoletely cross-rayed; wing and tail umber-brown, narrowly and
closely cross-barred with a darker shade of the same ; forehead
and broad supercilium white, the former with black shafts; on the
sides of the neck the supercilium breaks up into white spots
bordered with black ; forehead and supercilium also bordered above
with black; lores and ear-coverts black ; cheeks, chin and throat
white; breast grey; remainder of lower plumage dull umber-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson-lake; bill black above, grey
on lower mandible ; legs and feet umber-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 180: mm.; wing 68 to
761mm. ; tail about 53 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen about
16°5 to 17°5 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Assam North and South of the Brahma-
putra.

Nidification. This bird, together with its nest and eggs, were
brought in by Nagas on several occasions to Dr. H. N. Coltart
and myself at Margherita. The remains of the nest seemed to be
those of large globular affairs made of bamboo leaves and grass with
a mixture of roots, small twigs and dead leaves and according to
the Nagas was always placed on the ground in ravines in heavy
forest with plenty of undergrowth. The eggs, three or four in
number, are pure white and very like those of Scimitar-Babblers
but more fragile and without gloss. They measure about 22°5 x
17-0 mm.

The breeding season is May and June.

Habits. Beyond the fact that this Babbler haunts thick, moist
forests at elevations from 6,000 feet npwards, we know little of
their habits. According to the Nagas they keep much to the
heaviest undergrowth and are silent, skulking birds. Those we
examined had eaten insects only.

(269) Thringorhina guttata.
TickELL’s SporreD BABBLER.

Turdinus guttatus Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxvii, p. 414 (1859) (Muleyit
Mt.).
Thringorhina gutiata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 155.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Lores and forehead white with black streaks ;

STACHYRIS. 263

round the eye black; a large patch of white below the eye;
bounded by a black moustachial streak ; ear-coverts ashy-brown ;
a white supercilium to the nape bordered above by black; sides
of neck and terminal portions of the mantle feathers black with
long, white, oval drops; remaining upper plumage rich golden-
brown, the rump, tail and the outer webs of the wing-quills tinged
with deep rufous; chin and upper throat white ; remainder of
lower parts ruddy ferruginous, the flanks and under tail-coverts
tinged with olivaceous, the breast with very narrow white margins
to the feathers, which, with those of the abdomen, have also
whitish shafts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson-lake ; bill black, lower
mandible and commissure plumbeous; legs and feet pale dingy
green (Hume § Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 180 mm.; wing 66 to 69mm.;
tail about 56 to 58 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen about 17
to 18 mm.

Distribution. The mountains of Peninsular Burma and Siam.
Tt has been obtained on Muleyit, on the Thaungyin River, at
Malewun in the extreme south of ‘T'enasserim and in Kao
Nawng and Trang in Siam.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. According to Davison, Tickell’s Spotted Babbler is found
in small parties haunting jungle, both forest- and more open
bamboo-jungle, in the lower hills. For the most part it keeps to
the undergrowth but he never saw it actually on the ground,
whereas the Nagas describe the last bird as frequenty hunting for
food amongst the fallen leaves.

Genus STACHYRIS Hodgson, 1544.

This genus is very close indeed to the last, differing principally
in its smaller, more pointed, bill, which has, however, the culmen
gently curved throughout in the same manner.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Crown black streaked with white.
a. Throat blackish grey, mottled white 8. nigriceps nigriceps, p. 264.

b. Throat deep grey or black ........ S.n. coltarti, p. 265.
co, TWhroatiashiy-ov ey) cee ness S. 2. davisont, p. 265.
B. Crown golden-yellow streaked with
black.
d. A black streak through eye.
a'. Upper parts olive-yellow ...... S. chrysea chrusea, p. 265.
b'. Upper parts dark olive-green.
a’. Under parts bright yellow .. S. ¢. assimilis, p. 267.
6’. Under parts dull yellow .... S. 4. chrysops, p. 267.
e. No black streak through eye ..... . S.e. binghami, p. 266.

264 TIMALIID.

(270) Stachyris nigriceps nigriceps.
THe BrLack-THROATED BABBLER.

Stachyris nigriceps Hodgs., Blyth, J. A.S. B., xiii, p. 878 (1884)
(Nepal) ; Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 162.

Vernacular names. Sangriam-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape black; the feathers
edged with white, giving a streaked appearance to these parts ;
round the eye white; ear-coverts goiden-brown; cheeks white; a
conspicuous deep brown or black supercilium; chin and throat
deep blackish grey, the feathers edged with white; whole upper
plumage rich olive-brown, the quills of wings and tail edged
rufous; lower plumage bright fulvous, the flanks, abdomen and
under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous,

Fig. 50.—Head of S. n. nigriceps.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish- or orange-brown ; eyelids
slaty ; bill horny-brown, the lower mandible fleshy-horny in winter ;
in summer the bill becomes much darker, blackish-horny above
and slaty below; legs and feet fleshy-brown, greenish brown or
more rarely yellowish.

Measurements. T'otal length about, 140 mm.; wing 58 to 62mm.;
tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 21 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and hills North of the Brahma-
putra to the Miri Hills.

Nidification. The Black-throated Babbler breeds in May and
June at all elevations from a few hundred feet up to at least
10,000, making a cup-shaped or domed nest of bamboo leaves and
pieces of bracken, mixed and lined with grass. It measures 6’ to
8" in height by some 4” to 6” in breadth and is always placed on
the ground but generally on a bank so that it keeps well drained.
It may be situated in almost any kind of cover. The eggs are
pure white, broad, blunt ovals, they are stout in texture and have
a fair gloss and number four or, more rarely, three. Fifty eggs
average 19-2 x 14:7 mm.

Habits. This is a typical little Babbler in its habits, skulking
about in thick undergrowth, in bamboo-jungle or mixed scrub and
grass. It is found in small parties in winter which keep close
together, seldom uttering any call beyond an occasional sweet, low

STACHYRIS. 265

whistle. It is purely insectivorous, finding its food in the lower
cover and but seldom descending to the ground.

(271) Stachyris nigriceps coltarti.
Tue Assam Brnack-THROATED BABBLER.
Stachyris nigriceps coltarti Harington, Bull. B.O.C., xxxiii, p. 61
(1913) (Margherita).
Vernacular names. Dao-riaphong (Cachari).
Description. Differs from S. n. nigriceps in having no white
edges to the feathers of the chin and throat.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in that bird.
Distribution. Assam south of the Brahmaputra, Western
Burma and Bhamo Hills, South to Tenasserim but not including
that state. Birds from the Southern Shan States are intermediate
between this and the next form but nearer the latter.
Nidification and Habits as in the Sikkim bird but keeping to

lower levels. It is more common below 3,000 feet than above
this height. Two hundred eggs average 19-1 x 14-7 mm.

(272) Stachyris nigriceps davisoni.
Tor Matay GRey-THROATED BaBBLER.
Stachyris davisoni Sharpe, Bnll. B. O.C., i, p. 7 (1892) (Pahang).

=
NI

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the two preceding forms in having the
throat ashy-grey; the ear-coverts are hair-brown and the upper
plumage is suffused with rufous.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in S. 2. nigriceps.

Distribution. S. Tenasserim, Peninsular Siam and Malay Penin-
sula. Birds from the Eastern Burmese hills as far North as
Karenni are also of this race as are those from the Shan States,

Nidification and Habits differ in no way from those of the
preceding forms. The eggs average about 19-2 x 14:3 mm.

(273) Stachyris chrysea chrysxa.
Tue Nepan GoLpEN-HEADED BABBLER.

Stachyris chrysea Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiii, p. 879 (1844) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 163.

Vernacular names. Syak-birang-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead golden-yellow ; crown and nape the
same streaked with black; lores and a short moustachial streak
black ; ear-coverts oil-yellow ; upper parts, sides of neck and ex-
posed parts of wings bright olive-yellow ;. tail brown washed with
yellow on the outer webs; entire lower plumage bright yellow.

266 TIMALIIDA.

Colours of soft parts. Iris golden-brown or light brown; bill
dark slaty-horn above, paler below ; legs and feet pale yellowish-
brown to greenish-brown.

Measurements. ‘Total length about 112 to 115 mm.; wing
about 48 to 51 mm.; tail about 50 mm. ; tarsus about 18 tol19 mm. ;
culmen about 12 mm. '

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim to Assam, N. Chin Hills and
Manipur to Kachin Hills.

Nidification. This pretty little Babbler makes a nest which is a
small, neat facsimile of that of the last species but which is some-
times placed in bushes or, more often, bamboo clumps a few inches
to a couple of feet from the ground. It is generally domed but
cup-shaped nests may be found when placed in positions where
there is cover overhead as in a thick clump of bamboo. It breeds
principally above 3,000 feet during May, June and July, laying
four eggs which are normally pure white but rarely a faintly
spotted egg may be found somewhat like those of the next genus.
The surface is close and has a fair gloss and the shell is compara-
tively harder than that of the Black-throated Babbler. Sixty eggs
average 15-4 x 12:1 mm.

Habits. The Golden-headed Babbler collects in the winter in
quite large flocks numbering sometimes as many as 40. They keep
to the bushes and undergrowth in damp tree-forest, seldom if
ever descending to the ground but perpetually on the move on
wing or feet as they scramble or flit from one twig to another in
search of their insect food. The entire time the whole flock keeps
up a constant soft, low twittering which rises to shriller and louder
notes of expostulation when disturbed. They do not mind being
watched and I have often sat for some minutes within a few feet
of a flock before they took their departure. In the breeding
season the flocks break up and the birds frequent bamboo and
secondary jungle as well as forest. It is found up to at least
6,000 feet.

(274) Stachyris chrysea binghami.
Tue Cuty Hints GoLrpEN-HEADED BABBLER.
Stachyris binghami Rippon, Bull. B. O.C., xiv, p. 84 (1904) (Mt.
Victoria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the upper
parts ashy olive-green; the lower parts dull orange-yellow and
the ear-coverts slaty-green.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Central and 8. Chin Hills and N. Arrakan.

Nidification unknown.

Habits not recorded.

STACHYRIDOPSIS. 267

(275) Stachyris chrysza assimilis.
THe BuRMESE GOLDEN-HEADED BABBLER.

Stachyris assimilis Walden, Blyth’s B, of B., p. 116 (1895) (Karen-
nee); Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 163.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last bird but without any black eye-
streak ; both upper and lower plumage rather duller, below more
yellow, less orange.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red-brown or lake; bill lav-
ender-grey, pinker at the base and on lower mandible; in some
specimens dark horny-brown, probably in breeding season ; legs
yellowish brown to greenish brown. Wardlaw-Ramsay records
one male as having black irides.

Measurements «is in the others.

Distribution. 8. Shan States and Karenni and probably all
the hill-ranges of East Central Burma.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the Assam bird.
Three eggs sent me from the South Shan States measure about
15°3 x 12:0 mm.

(276) Stachyris chrysea chrysops.
‘THe Mabayan GOLDEN-HEADED BABBLER.

Stachyris chrysea chrysops Richmond, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., xv,.
p. 157 (1902) (Trang, Lower Siam).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This race has a black eye-streak like the Northern
Indian form and has the under parts fairly bright yellow but
rather less so than in the typical bird; the upper parts are the
same as in assimilis.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as.in assimilis.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Assam and Malay Penin-
sula. ‘The specimens in the British Museum collection from.
Tenasserim seem referable to this race.

Nidification and Habits not recorded.

Genus STACHYRIDOPSIS Sharpe, 1883.

This genus differs from the last in having the culmen perfectly
straight. It seems to be a form intermediate between Stachyris
and Mivornis and then leading into Alcippe. In the genus Mix-
ornis, however, the nostrils are oval and exposed whereas in
Stachyridopsis they are covered with a membrane somewhat as in
the two preceding genera.

268 TIMALIID®.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Fore crown rufous to chestnut ; bill not red.

a. Throat yellowish. [p- 268.
a’. Rufous of crown extending to nape .. S.ruficeps ruficeps,
b'. Rufous of crown confined to that
PBEU Tso ese wm chore Meiers os Rat he ee ene S.r, bhamoensis, p. 269,

6. Throat whitish.
c’. Lores almost white: fore crown dull

TULOUS sb see CM Pent = fae at eat ' Sir. rufifrons, p. 269.
a’. Lores yellow; fore crown bright
LULOUS= «7 eRe cs ots ... S27. ambigua, p. 270.
B, Fore crown fulvyous; bill red ............ S. pyrrhops, p. 271.

(277) Stachyridopsis ruficeps ruficeps.
Tue Rep-HeaDED BABBLER.
Stachyridopsis ruficeps Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvi, p. 452 (1847) (Darjee-
ling); Blanf. & Oates, 1. p. 164.

Vernacular names. Syak-birang-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape bright chestnut, the
forehead with obsolete dark shaft-stripes; lores bright yellow;
upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings olive-brown, tinged
rufous ; chin and upper throat pale yellow with conspicuous black
shafts; sides of the head and neck and entire lower plumage
fulvous yellow; the sides of the body, thighs, vent and under
tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris golden-brown, red-brown or crimson ;
bill bluish plumbeous, darker above, paler and rather fleshy below ;
legs pale yellowish- or fleshy-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 120 to 125 mm.; wing 54
to 58 mm.; tail about 50 to 52 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.;
culmen about 10 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim and hills North of the Brahmaputra.
Khasia and N. Cachar Hills. Annam (Robinson & Kloss). It
must also occur in the intervening countries in extreme N. Burma
but so far has not been recorded thence.

Nidification. This little Babbler breeds in Sikkim from 3,000
feet upwards and in the Assam Hills from 2,500 feet, commencing
in early April and continuing until the end of June. The nest is a
small, rather neatly made egg-shaped structure with the entrance
at the top, or small end; outwardly it is composed of dead bamboo
leaves but inside is more or less mixed with roots and fibrous
material and generally lined with fine roots. The site selected is
either a mass of twigs low down in a bamboo clump or some thick
bush; rarely it is placed actually on the ground. The eggs, four
in number, have a pearly white ground with faint specks and small
blotches, generally disposed as a ring round the larger end and
sparse or absent elsewhere. A few eggs may be found which are
pure white and equally seldom a clutch comparatively boldly
marked. The shape is a short, broad, oval, the texture stout and
glossy. Thirty eggs average about 15°8 x 12°4 mm.

STACHYRIDOPSIS, 269:

Habits. In winter the Red-headed Babbler may be found
anywhere between the foot-hills and 6,000 feet or even higher, fre-
quenting fairly thick undergrowth, serub- or bamboo-jungle. It
consorts in small flocks and feeds low down in whatever cover it
may happen to be in, but does not descend to the ground. Its
note is a soft, low whistle, seldom used, and a little chattering
twitter occasionally uttered as the birds tlit about the bushes.

(278) Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis.
Tur BHamMo Rep-HEADED BABBLER.

Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis Harington, A. M.N. H., ii, p. 245
(1908) (Bhamo Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last in having the light chestnut
of the head confined to the crown; the throat and lower parts are
a more greyish-yellow. From WS. +. sinensis, the Chinese form, it
differs in having black streaks to the feathers of the forehead and
a much more massive bill.

Colours of soft parts like those of the last bird.

Measurements. A trifle smaller than S. 7. ruficeps, wing about
52 to 56 mm.

Distribution. The Bhamo Hill Tracts and S. Shan States.

Nidification. ‘A very noisy little bird in the breeding season,
drawing attention to itself if anyone invades its particular bit of
jungle. It builds an untidy, retort-shaped nest entirely of bam-
boo leaves, which it places in clumps of long, overhanging grass.
It is always.well concealed and can only be found by seeing the
bird fly out.” (Harington.)

The eggs, three or four in number, are indistinguishable from
those of the last bird. Thirty eggs average 16°3%12-7 mm. A
good many odd eggs of this bird are pure unspotted white and
two clutches taken by Mr. F. Grant are all without any markings.

Habits similar to those of tl-e last bird.

(279) Stachyridopsis rufifrons rufifrons
Hume’s BaBsrer.

Stachyris rufifrons Hume, 8. F., 1, p. 479 (1873) (Pee).
Stachyrhidopsis rufifrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 165.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This species differs from the last in having the
rufous of the head much duller and confined to the anterior crown ;
the upper plumage is more grey. In S. r. rufifrons the strize both
on head and throat are inconspicuous or obsolete and the chin
itself is white ; the lower plumage is a tawny buff.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red; bill bluish plumbeous-
black (Harington) ; legs and feet pale fleshy-horn.

270 TIMALIID,

Measurements. Total length about 115 to 120mm.; wing 50
to 53 mm.; tail about 48 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen
about 10 mm.

Distribution. Shan States to Tenasserim, Burma, North-East
Siam *.

Nidification not recorded.

Habits. Apparently those of the next race. <A low-level bird
found from the plains up to 3,000 feet or so and haunting both
dense forest and the more open bamboo-, grass- and scrub-jungles.

(280) Stachyridopsis rufifrons ambigua.
Harineton’s RED-FRONTED BABBLER.
Stachyrhidopsis rufifrons ambigua Harington, J. B. N. H.S., xxiii,
p- 631 (1915) (Gunjong, N. Cachar),

Vernacular names. Dao-pere-gajao (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the white of
the throat grading into the fulvous of the lower plumage. The
black shaft-stripes on the crown and nape are very conspicuous and
the upper plumage is less grey and more olive-green; the flanks
and thighs are strongly washed with olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Irides reddish brown; bill slaty-blue ;
lees and feet pale yellowish brown, claws darker.

Measurements. Total length 115 to 120 mm.; wing 48 to
53 mm.; tail 46 to 48 min.; tarsus about 17 tol8 mm.; culmen
9 to 10 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim, Assam North and South of the Brahma-

putra, Manipur.

Nidification. The breeding season of Harington’s Red-fronted
Babbler commences in the end of March in the plains to the end
of June or even July in the hills. It breeds everywhere up to
2,000 feet and occasionally higher than this and nests of both
ruficeps and ambigua may be found in the same jungle. Nest
and eggs are quite indistiguishable from those of the Red-
headed Babbler and, as with that bird’s eggs, pure white ones may
sometimes be taken of this bird. One hundred eggs average 16-1 x
12-4 min.

Habits. This species differs from the last in being a bird of much
lower levels. It extends well into the plains and is more plentiful
below 2,000 feet than over this height, though it wanders frequently
as high as 3,000 feet or a little over. It is more a bird of com-
paratively open bamboo- and scrub-jungle, grass-lands and thin
deciduous forest than of the deep evergreen forests, though it will
be. found in these also. It is a companionable, cheery little bird,
collecting in quite big flocks and having much the same manners,
voice and diet as the Golden-headed Babblers.

* Specimens from S.W. Siam have been separated by me under the name
S.r. obscura and this form may possibly be found in extreme 8.E. Tenasserim.

CYANODERMA, 271

(281) Stachyridopsis pyrrhops.
Tur ReEp-BILLED BABBLER.

Stachyris pyrrhops Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiii, p. 379 (1844) (Nepal).
Stachyrhidopsis pyrrhops. Blanf, & Oates, 1, p. 165.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and anterior half of crown fulvous, blend-
ing into the olive-brown of the upper plumage ; the feathers of the
forehead, crown and mantle dark-shafted; lores and chin blaek,
the lower portion of the latter barred with white ; sides of the head
fulvous ; lower plumage rather brighter fulvous; the sides of the
body, flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red to blood-red; upper mandible
brown, sometimes, probably in the breeding season, tinged with
red, lower mandible fleshy-pink, reddish-fleshy or fleshy tinged
with slate; legs, feet and claws pale brownish-fleshy.

Measurements. Total lengthabout 120 mm.; wing 50 to 53 mm. ;
tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 10 te
11 mn.

Distribution. Himalayas, from Murree to Nepal.

Nidification. The Red-billed Babbler breeds from 3,000 to 6,000
feet or higher in Kashmir, making a nest of grass and reed leaves,
either cup-shaped, semi-domed or completely covered in. It is
nearly always placed low down in bushes in scrub-land or more or
less open forest. The eggs are like those of the rest of the genus,
three or four in number and measure on an average about
16°5X13:0mm. The breeding season is from the middle of April
to the end of June.

Habits. These appear to be much the same as those of the last
bird but they are never found below 8,000 feet and between,
4,000 and 6,000 feet is their more usual elevation. They are said
in winter to mix much with flocks of other birds and to have “a
clear aud musical note like the ringing of a tiny bell.”

Genus CYANODERMA Salvadori, 1874. -
This genus differs from the two preceding in having the orbits
naked and of a bright colour in life. The bill has the cuhmen
straight on the basal half and slightly curved on its terminal half.

(282) Cyanoderma erythroptera erythroptera.
THe Rep-wiIncEp BaBBLEr.
Timalia erythroptera Blyth, J. A. S. B., xi, p. 794 (1842) (Malay).
Cyanoderma erythropterum, Blant. & Oates, i, p. 166, :

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, supercilium, ear-coverts, sides of the
head and neck, chin, throat and breast clear plumbeous ; abdomen,
flanks, vent and under tail-coverts fulvous-brown ; upper plumage
rufescent brown ; wings and tail bright ferruginous.

22 TIMALIID.®.

Colours of soft parts. Iris madder-red to deep brown ; orbital
skin light to dull smalt blue; bill dark plumbeous or brownish blue,
lower mandible paler; legs, feet and claws very pale greenish or
yellowish white.

Measurements. Total length about 140 mm.; wing 56 to 60 mm;
tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 13 to 14 mm.

Distribution. From the extreme South of Tenasserim down
the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra.

Nidification. Nests taken by Davison and others in March and
April are described as balls of grass or reed-leaves about 6 inches in
diameter and placed in bushes. The eggs, two or three in number,
are glossy china-white spotted with reddish all over but most
numerously at the larger end. In shape they are obtuse ovals.
Five eggs in my collection average about 16°9 x 13°6 mm.

Eggs taken by Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenzie are described
as unspotted white with a bluish tinge.

Habits. Said to be very common in the evergreen parts of
Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula, haunting brushwood, small
trees and cane-brakes in parties, working the foliage for insects
much like a Titmouse and uttering a “sharp, metallic roiling
sound, which it utters chiefly when alarmed, but also at other

times ” (Davison).

Genus MIXORNIS Hodgson, 1842.

The genus J/iworns differs from all other genera of slender-
billed 7imaliine in having the nostrils oval, exposed and not
covered by a membrane, or scale, as in the others. Within Indian
and Burmese limits we have but one species which varies con-
siderably in different countries, forming subspecies or geographical
races which are not always easy to define.

Mixornis rubricapilla.
Key to Subspecies.
A. Crown pale fecruginous, stripes on fore-
neck and breast fairly well developed .. M.r.rubricapilla, p. 273.
B. Crown more pale brown, less ferruginous,
stripes on fore-neck and breast very fine. MW. r. minor, p.£ 274.

C. Crown more chestnut-rufous, stripes on
fore-neck and breast decidedly heavier... MM. 7. pileata, p.. 274.

Having examined several hundred specimens of this little bird
in the British Museum and Tring Museum as well as those in the
Indian Museum and my own collection, I have come to the con-
clusion that we cannot recognize more than three races of Mivornis
as coming within the limits of this work. Rippon’s sulphurea is an
exact replica of many Assam and Bengal birds and the Southern
Shan States appears to be about the limit of this form. Northern
Siam specimens, from which Gyldenstolpe names his M. minor, are
certainly nearer South and Central Siam forms, as also are specimens.
from East Central Burma, so all these birds must bear his name.

MIXORNIS. 273

Kloss’s connectens I cannot separate from pileata the South Malay
form and his name therefore becomes a synonym of that bird.
Variation inter sz is so great in the birds of this species that it is
quite unsafe to found geographical races on anything but very
large series.

Fig. 51.—Head of M. r. rubricapilla.

(283) Mixornis rubricapilla rubricapilla.
Tue YELLOW-BREASTED BABBLER.

Motacilla rubricapilla Tickell, J. A. S. B. li, p. 576 (1835)
(Manbhum).
Mixornis ruficapilla. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 167.

Vernacular names. Dao-péré gatang-lili (Cachari).

Description. Crown pale ferruginous blending on the neck into
the olive-green of the upper plumage and sides of neck; supercilium,
lores and front of forehead yellow, the two latter with black shatts;
ear-coverts dull yellow with pale shafts; cheek, chin, throat and
upper breast yellow with black shaft-lmes; centre of breast and
abdomen plain yellow; remainder of lower plumage dull ashy-
yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris white or pale yellow to yellow-oehre ;
eyelids pale slate-colour; bill horny-brown or slate-brown, the
culmen almost black and the lower mandible paler ; legs olive-or
brownish-fleshy, the claws yellower.

Measurements. Total length about 125 mm.; wing 53 to 58 mm. ;
tail about 52 to 54 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 10 toll mm,

Distribution. Sikkim and Eastern Bengal to Assam and Hast
to Chin, Kachin and Shan States; South to Arrakan and N. Ten-
asserim.

Nidification. The Yellow-breasted Babbler breeds during April,
May and June and sometimes into July at heights up to 2,500 feet
or more ond also in the plains. In Burma it begins to breed in
March. It makes a rough domed nest of grass and bamboo leaves,
with a meagre lining of finer grass, which it places either in a
bamboo clump or a bush close to, but not on the ground ;
occasionally 4 or even 5 feet above it. The eggs, generally
three, sometimes two only or four, are china-white with numerous
specks and small blotches of red and reddish brown distributed all
over but, as a rule, more thickly at the larger end. The texture

VOL. I. T

274 TIMALIID®.

is glossy and stout and the shape a broad oval. One hundred eggs
average 16°6 x 12°6 mm.

Habits. The birds of this genus are typically plains’ birds, seldom
ascending the hills to any height. They keep to bushes, lower
trees and bamboo when hunting for food, never resorting to the
ground for this purpose and almost equally seldom visiting the
higher trees. In their attitudes and manners they are more
thoroughly Timaliine and less Tit-like than birds of the genera
Stachyris aud Stachyridopsis, for though they keep in good-sized
flocks they creep and clamber about in a quiet, unobtrusive
manner instead of fluttering or moving restlessly from one twig to
another. They are very partial to bamboo-jungle, whether with
or without undergrowth and are also found in scrub and grass
and in deserted cultivation patches. Harington describes their
note as a monotonous * chuk” constantly repeated.

(284) Mixornis rubricapilla minor.
GYLDENSTOLPE’S BABBLER.
Mixornis gularis minor Gyldenstolpe, Kungl. Sv. Vet.-Akad. Handl.,
lvi, 1916, p. 60 (Lat Bua Kao).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the crown less
ferrugineus, more brown; the stripes on the throat and breast
finer and fewer ; the upper parts a less pure olive-green.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

Distribution. Siam and Eastern Central Burma.

Nidification. Eggs obtained by Messrs. W. J. F. Williamson
and E.G. Herbert near Bangkok in May and June measure about
16°9x 13:0 mm. The nest seems to be almost invariably placed in
Pine-apple plants.

Habits. This race seems to favour the haunts of mankind far
more than the other races do. It is not only to be found round
about villages and human habitation but actually enters gardens
and orchards and breeds there.

(285) Mixornis rubricapilla pileata.

THe Matay YELLOW-BREASTED BABBLER,
Prinia pileata Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xi, 1842, p. 204 (Malay).
Mixornis guaris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 168.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last two in having the stripes on
the under parts much more developed ; the crown more rufous and
the upper parts also tinged with rufous and the exposed parts
of the wing more castaneous.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements. The bill may be a
trifle heavier and longer than in the last but the difference is quite
insignificant. Davison records the iris as brown, otherwise both
in size and colours of soft parts pileata agrees with the other races.

ALCIPPE. 275

Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim and through-
out the Malay Peninsula.

Nidification and Habits asin the other subspecies. Eggs sent
me by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow measure about 17*1 x 12-7 mm.

The name Motacilla gularis Raftles, Trans. L.S., xii, p. 312, 1820,
which is the oldest name for this species, cannot be used as it is
preoccupied by Motacilla gularis Gmelin (1788).

Genus ALCIPPE Blyth, 1844.

In this genus the bill is stout and slightly curved and is over-
hung by long hairs; the nostril is protected by a membrane; the
wing is short and rounded, the first four primaries being eraduated ;
the tail is about equal in length to the wing, the feathers being
slightly graduated.

The genus contains but two species within our limits but these
form numerous well-marked geographical races. The two species
are very similar in colour but in habits differ considerably.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Bill small; a conspicuous ring of white
feathers round the eye.
a. Chin and throat white, flanks tinged [p. 275.
A. nepalensis nepalensis,

GUVACEOUS., . 0. 5 os nar geste cs es
6. Chin and throat ochraceous like abdo-
THOM SC eo late ee ero ees te A, n. fratercula, p. 277.
B. Bill large; no ring of white feathers
round eye
c. Head not striped or only obso etely so. | cephala, p. 277.

a’. Lower back and rump tinged rufous. A. povorcephala _ poror-
b’. Lower back and rump erey like back.
a’. Under parts tinged rufous ...... A, p. phayret, p. 278.
''b, No rufous on under parts.
a''', Grey of head well defined from

LRRYCIE, aE omnes esotcre A, p. davisoni, p. 279.
b’'. Grey of head blending into
Colour of back =. .0/5. 0 532%. A, p. brucei, p. 278.
d. Head and neck conspiculously striped.
c’. Stripes sooty-brown ....--.-. ..... Aap. magnirostris, p. 280.
d', Stripes deep black ........+--45- A, p. haringtonie, p. 280.

(286) Alcippe nepalensis nepalensis.
Tur Nepat BapBier.

Siva nepalensis Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1888, p. 89 (Nepal).
Alcippe nepalensis. Blanf. & Oates, iy p. Lor.

Vernacular names. Duo-péré-kashiba (Cachar').
Description. A conspicuous ring of white feathers round the
eye; head, neck and upper back ashy-brown with a vinaceous

tinge; a dark sooty-brown stripe on either side of the crown ex-
qT 2

276 TIMALIUID.

tending down the neck to the back ; ear-coverts grey ; back olive-
brown ; exposed portions of the wings and tail yellowish brown ;
chin whitish ; under parts pale fulvous, washed with olivaceous on
the flanks and thighs.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light to deep hazel-brown; bill
plumbeous or livid brown, black on the culmen and base of the
upper mandible, lower paler; legs and feet pale fleshy or livid
white.

Measurements. Total lengthabout 125mm.; wing 56to60 mm. ;
tail about 60 mm.; tarsus ahaa 20 mm.; culmen 10-5 toll‘5 mm.

Distribution. The lower hills of Nepal, Sikkim, Assam both

North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, hills of Eastern
Bengal, Chin Hills and Arrakan.

Nidification. This little bird breeds principally between 1,500
and 3,000 feet, making a small cup-shaped nest of grass and
bamboo leaves lined with finer grasses. In some cases a little
other material may be mixed with the rest, such as dead leaves, a
little dry moss, or chips of bracken frond. It is placed either

Fig. 52.--Head of A. 2. nepalensis.

in a bush some 12 inches to 4 feet from the ground or in a bamboo
clump. The eggs number two to four and vary in the most extra-
ordinary manner. The following are common types:—(1) Pure
white with sparse but bold dots and specks of deep purple; (2)
white with innumerable specks of lilac-red ; (3) white to pale pink
with blotches and small spots of light red; (4) pale to salmon-
pink with clouds and smears all over of reddish ; (5) pure white
with a ring or cap of deep purple lines and hieroglyphics. The
first three are the most common. ‘Two hundred eggs average
18:4 x 14:0 mm.

The breeding season lasts from April to July, May being the
month when most birds lay.

Habits. The Nepal Babbler may be found at all heights from
afew hundred feet up to 4,000 feet but its favourite elevations are
about half-way between the two. It gathers into small flocks in
the winter, sometimes however keeping in pairs, and it hunts all
kinds of cover, thick and thin, forest or bamboo, keeping to the
bushes and lower trees and showing a most restless energetic
disposition. At one moment if may be seen twisting backwards
and forwards, over and under the branches, in its search for
insects, at another fluttering into the air in pursuit of a gnat or
fly, whilst, yet again, it may be seen racing along some bough
after a quickly travelling beetle or other prey. Itis by no means
shy and keeps uttering continually a httle chattering call of several

277

ALCIPPE. a

notes, which would soon betray its whereabouts if its actions had

not previously done so,

(287) Alcippe nepalensis fratercula.
THE SHAN Srares Basser.

Aleippe fratercula Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xi, p. 11 (1900) (Shan
States).

Vernacular names. Chin-ting-wo-lee (Kachin).

Description. The ring of white feathers round the eye less
conspicuous than in the Nepal Babbler ; there is no vinaceous tinge
on the upper plumage and the under parts are rich ochraceous,
the chin being of the same colour as the rest.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris crimson, the legs and bill horn-
colour” (Rippon).

Measurements. Wing 58 to 66 mm., the southern birds measur-
ing a trifle less than the northern ; culmen 11 mm.

Distribution. The Bhamo Hills, Shan States and hills of
Eastern Burma to Tenasserim.

Nidification similar to that of the last. Thirty eggs average
18:9 x 13°8 mm. and go through as great a variation in colour as
do those of that bird.

Habits. Rippon and Harington both describe the habits of the
Shan States birds as being as vivacious and free from shyness as
those of the preceding bird. or

‘ a
J

“6

4

i. be 4 (388) Alcippe poioicephala poiocicephala.

Tus Nriieirt QuaKker-BaBBLER.

Thimalia potoicephala Jerd., Madr. Jour. L.8., xiii, p. 169 (1844)
(Nilgiris). t
Alcippe pheocephala. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 158.

Vernacular names, None recorded.

Description. Head and neck brownish ashy-grey ; ear-coverts
hair-brown; back and upper parts brown, tinged grey on upper
back, olive on lower back and rufous on rump and upper tail-
coverts; outer webs of primaries and visible portions of tail
chestnut ; chin and throat greyish buff; breast, abdomen, flanks
and under tail-coverts ochraceous buff.

Colours of soft parts. Iris slaty-grey ; bill horny-brown; legs
and feet greyish-fleshy.

Measurements. ‘l'otal length about 150 mm.; wing 66 to 70 mm. ;
tail about 65 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.; culmen 13 mm.

Distribution. Hills of Southern India, Nilgiris, Coonoor,
Wynaad ete. and Travancore.

278 TIMALIID A.

Nidification. The Nilgiri Quaker-Babbler is said to breed from
January to June, generally 11 May and June, in the hilly country
from the lowest toot-hills upwards. The nest is a cup of leaves,
grass and a little moss or lichen and lined with black roots. It
is usually placed in a bush, 2 to 8 feet from the ground,
standing in either dense forest or in scrub-jungle. The eggs
are nearly always two only in number and vary in colour very
greatly but the majority are of the clouded pink type described
as one of the types of the Nepal Babbler. Thirty-eight eggs
average 20°0 x 15°] inm.

Habits. This Babbler is found from the level of the plains in
broken country up to some 6,000 feet. In habits it appears to
agree well with A. p. phayrei described further on.

(289) Alcippe poioicephala brucei.
Tur Bombay QuAKER-BABBLER.

Alcippe brucei Hume, J.A.S.B., xxxix, p. 122 (1870) (Mahaba-
leshwar).

Vernacular names. Chit Karuvi (Tel.).

Description. A larger and much greyer bird than the last ; the
head and neck paler than in that bird and grading into, not con-
trasting with, the colour of the back; there is no rufous tinge on
the rump and upper tail-coverts and the quills and tail-feathers are
hight brown rather than chestnut.

Colours of soft parts as in the last.

Measurements. Wing 72 to 75 mm.; bill 14 to 15 mm.

Distribution. ‘“* Mahbaleshwar, Western Ghats from Rajkot in
Khathiawar to Belgaum ; the Central Provinces ; Pachmarhi and
the Paresnath Hill, Lower Bengal” (Harington).

Nidification as in the last. Nearly all the eggs I have seen of this
race have the ground-colour pale salmon, whilst the markings
consist of smears and blotches of light red and reddish brown, often
covering the greater part of the surface of the whole egg. Ten
eggs measure about 19°1 x 14°6 mm.

Habits do not differ from those of the Nilgiri and the Arrakan
Quaker-Babblers.

(£90) Alcippe poioicephala phayrei.
THE ARRAKAN QUAKER-BABBLER.
Alecippe phayret Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiv, p. 601 (1845) (Arrakan ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 158.
Vernacular names. Dao-pere-gadeba (Cachari).

Description, The head and neck in this ferm are brownish grey
gradually changing into the olive-brown of the back; the chin and
throat are greyish and the rest of the under parts are rufescent

ALCIPPE. 279

ochraceous. The exposed portions of primaries and tail are
yellowish brewn.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pearly-white to grey ; eyelids slaty ;
upper mandible brownish-horny, darker at base and on culmen,
lower paler and yellowish; legs and feet pale dull fleshy, or
fleshy-white.

Measurements. Wing 66 to 72 mm.; culmen 12 to 13 mm.

Distribution, Assam and Western Burma from the Chin Hills
to the South of Arrakan.

Birds from Assam and others from W. Burma differ in some
respects, more especially in the tint of the grey on the head and
again in the amount of rufous on the lower plumage. However,
though material from Assam is plentiful, from Burma it is very
scanty and more must be obtained before the value of the
differences can be estimated.

Nidification. The nest of this bird is merely a rather larger
edition of that of the Nepal Babbler and is placed in quite similar
positions. It breeds in great numbers in all the hills South of the
Brahmaputra, not only at elevations up to 2,000 feet but also
freely in the plains themselves. I have myself taken eggs as
early as March and as late as September but May and early June
is the principal breeding time. he eggs only differ from those of
the Nepal Babbler in being larger, but the great majority are in
colour of the clouded and smudged type described as No. 4 in
that bird. One hundred and fifty eggs average 19°6 x 15°0 mm.

Habits. The larger Quaker-Babblers of this group (potorcey hala)
are rather more Vimaliine in their habits than those of the
previous (nepalensis) group. More shy and retiring, they are also
less quick and active in their movements. They use their legs
more, yet are not so Tit-like in their actions and though they
take readily to flight, they do not make the constant little sallies
into the air, both in play and for food, like the Nepal Babblers
do. I do not think they ever actually descend on to the ground
to feed except for a second or two.

(291) Alcippe poioicephala davisoni.
THe TENASSBRIM QUAKER-BABBLER.
Aleippe pheocephala davisoni Harington, B. N. H.8. J., xxlil, p. 453
(1915) (Tavoy).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Very similar to A. p. brucei from S. India but much
darker. The head and neck are brownish-ashy well defined from
the back; in some specimens there are faint indications of the
coronal stripes but in most these are quite absent.

Colours of soft parts. Iris slaty-grey to slaty-yellow ; bill, upper
mandible horny-brown, lower yellowish.

Measurements. Wing 68 to 73 mm.; culmen 13 to 14 mm.

230 TIMALIID®,

Distribution. Tavoy, Mergui South to about the latitude of
Moulmein.

Nidification. Apparently similar to that of others of this group
but the eggs obtained so far are all of the pink blotchy type except
two clutches sent me from Tenasserim by one of my collectors,
which are white with deep purple specks and spots. They were
taken on the 19th January and the Ist June respectively and
measure 19°5 x 14°38 mm.

Habits. Davison says that this Quaker-Babbler ‘‘is found only in
the low hills and at their bases where the country is well wooded.
It avoids the dry, deciduous forests. In habits, voice ete. it
exactly resembles the preceding species ” (the Nepal Babbler).

(292) Alcippe poioicephala haringtoniz.
THe Uprer Burma QvakER-BaBBLER.
Alcippe pheocephala haringtonie Hartert, Bull. B,O.C., xxv, p. 10
(1909) (Bhamo).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from all but the next bird in having coronal
bands of black on either side of the head extending down to
the upper back. The under parts from the chin to vent are
ochraceous buff tinged with olivaceous on the flanks.

Measurements. Wing 65 to 70 mm.; culmen 12 to 135 mm.

Distribution. N.E. Upper Burma and N. Shan States.

Nidification. Not recorded but sixteen eggs taken by Har-
ington, Mackenzie and Grant average about 18°7 x 14°8 mm.

Habits. Harington only found this form in the plains near
Bhamo itself and not in the hills.

(293) Alcippe poioicephala magnirostris.
THe Lower BurMa QUAKER-BABBLER.
Alcippe magnirostris Walden, Blyth’s B. of B., p. 115 (1875)
(KXarennee).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last race in having the coronal
stripes sooty-brown instead of black; the chin and throat are
whitish and the head is more brownish grey and well defined from
the back ; the ear-coverts also are greyish brown and the olive-
brown of the back is tinged with grey.

Measurements. Wing 69 to 73 mm.; culmen 13 mm.

Distribution. Siam, S. Shan States, Karenni and 8.E. Burma
to just north of Moulmein.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded, but fifteen eggs
taken by Mr. J. M. D. Mackenzie average 19:2 x 14:7 mm.

In coloration, shape and markings they are like those of the last

bird.

RHOPOCICHLA. 281

Genus RHOPOCICHLA Oates, 1889.

This genus differs from Alcippe in having the nostrils rounder,
exposed and pierced in the anterior part of the membrane, and in
having a shorter tail when compared with the wing. The bill is
curved throughout ; there are no hairs overhanging the nostrils
but the rictal bristles are well developed. There is only one species
in the genus confined to S. India and Ceylon, where it is repre-
sented by three races.

Rhopocichla atriceps.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Grown and sides of the head black .. R. a. atriceps, p. 281.
B. Forehead and ear-coverts only black.. R. a. nigrifrons, p. 282.
C. Ear-coverts only blackish .......... R. a. bourdilloni, p. 282.

(294) Rhopocichla atriceps atriceps.
Tur BLACK-HEADED BABBLER.
Brachypteryx atriceps Jerdon, Madr. Jour. L. S., x, p. 250 (1839)
(Trichoor).
Rhopocichla atriceps. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 160.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, ear-coverts and under the
eye black; the whole upper plumage, wings and tail fulvous
brown ; lower plumage dull white, changing to olivaceous on the
flanks and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow, pale orange or buff;
pill dull black, commissure and lower mandible fleshy-pink ; legs
and feet pale plumbeous shaded in varying: degree with fleshy-
pink or dull purple.

Measurements. Total leneth about 140 mm.; wing 54 to 60mm.;
tailabout 50 mm.; tarsus about 23mm.; culmen abont 13 to 14mm.

Distribution. The Nilgiris and hills of S.W. India, not
Travancore.

Nidification. The Black-headed Babbler appears to breed in
almost every month of the year from December to August and
probably in the other three also, It makes an oval nest of grass
lined with softer bits of the same which it places in bamboos,
grass and reeds by roadsides through jungle, in reed-beds or scrub-
jungle. It is found during the breeding season from the lower
hills up to 6,000 feet.

The eggs, two in number, are pure white with numerous small
spots and dots of dark purple-red scattered over the whole surface
but generally more numerous at the larger end. The texture is
hard and glossy. Twenty eggs average about 19-2 x 13-9 mm.

Habits. The birds of this genus are said to have much the same
habits as those of Pellorneum, i. e. they are shy, rather skulking

282 TIMALIID®.

birds, shunning observation and haunting thick cover. Jerdon
says: ‘It frequents the thickest underwood in dense and lofty
jungles; lives in small flocks of five or six, and is constantly
hopping about the thick bushes with an incessant loud, twittering
note. It lives on various insects.”

(295) Rhopocichla atriceps bourdilloni.
BourpbiLton’s BABBLER.

Alcippe bourdillont Hume, 8. F., iv, p. 899 (1876) (Mynall).
Rhopocichla bourdillont. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 161.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The black of the crown, nape, lores and cheeks of
R. a. atriceps is replaced with brown and the lower parts from
lower breast to under tail-coverts are ferruginous.

Distribution. Travancore, froni North to South.

Colours of soft parts and Habits as in the last bird. Mr. T. F.
Bourdillon describes the nest as being made of soft blades of reed-
grass lined witt fine roots. The eggs, which are always two,
measure 19°1 x J4°3 mm.

The principal breeding season lasts from March to May but
there seems to be a second brood very often in July and August.

(296) Rhopocichla atriceps nigrifrons,
Tor Buack-FRoNrTED BABBLER.

Alcippe ngrifons Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xviii, p. 815 (1849) (Ceylon).
Rhopocichla nigrifrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 160.

Vernacular names. Butitchia (Ceylon).

Description. Differs from 2. a. atriceps in having the black of
the crown replaced by rutous-brown, a little darker than the rest
of the upper plumage; the white feathers of the cheeks have
lengthened black shatts and the vent, thighs and under tail-coverts
are rufous-brown,

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the two preceding
forms.

Distribution. Ceylon only.

Nidification. There are apparently two breeding seasons, one in
May and Juve and the second in December and January. The
nest is a ball of dead leaves with an inner lining of twigs and is
usually placed in some bramble or straggling bush near a jungle
pathway, 2 to 5 feet from the ground. The eggs, two only,
are exactly like those of the other races and measure about
19-2 x 14:2 mm.

Habits. According to Legge this race is much bolder and more
lively than either of the others and he describes it as a very
inquisitive, cheerful little bird fluttering about the bushes and

ollowing one another in true Babbler style.

SCH@NIPARUS. 283

Genus SCH(ENIPARUS Hume, 1874.

With the genus Scheniparus we enter on a group of small
birds essentially Zimaliine both in characteristics and in habits.
They possess the typical short, rounded wing and strong tarsi and
feet but differ from all the rest in having short, blunt bills very
Tit-like in their superficial appearance. In nidification and habits
they resemble many other genera, building ball-shaped nests placed
on the ground, whilst they seek their food at least as much on the
ground as on the lower bushes.

The nostrils are covered by a membrane and net overhung by
hairs and the rictal bristles are small; the wings and tail.are
about equal in length and the latter is well graduated.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. No chestnut band across breast. LA rat,
a, Sides of neck not striped or only

obsoletely so.
a’, Above olive-brown tinged ochra-

COWS eather analy e olscsie- a .ckecayskeu sia ere S. dubius dubius, p. 23
b'. Above olive-brown with no ochra-
ROGWSEEINO Ce pcg: = acca ss seie's « S. d. genestiert, p. 285.
b. Sides of neck boldly striped ........ S.d. mandelliz, p. 284.
B. A chestnut band across breast ........ S. rufigularis, p. 286.

(297) Scheniparus dubius dubius.
Tur TENASSERIM Tir-BABBLER.

Proparus dubius Hume, P. A. S. B., 1874, p. 109 (Muleyit).
Scheniparus dubius. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 168.

Vernacular names. Prep-dor (Kachin).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape reddish brown, each
feather obsoletely margined darker and the forehead tinged with
chestnut ; lores and a band on each side of the crown, blending on
the back, black; a white supercilium from the eye to the nape ;
ear-coverts and sides of neck pale fulvous-brown ; upper plumage
olive-brown, tinged with rutous on exposed parts of wings and
tail: lower plumage pale fulvous, whitish on the chin and throat
and olivaceous on the flanks and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellowish red, pale yellow to slaty-
pink ; bill dark brown to dull black ; legs and feet fleshy.

Measurements. Total length about 185 mm.; wing 53 to 58mm.;
tail about 60 mm.; tarsus 25 mm.; culmen 12.mm.

Distribution. Northern and Central Tenasserim. -

Nidification. The Tenasserim Tit-Babbler makes a domed
nest of bamboo leaves and grass, which it places either on the
ground or close to it. The lining, always very slight, is of roots
and fibres and occasionally these are made use of in the body of the
nest. The sites selected seem to be generally in forests with amp

984 TIMALILD®:

undergrowth and, less often, bamboo-jungle. ‘The eggs number
from two to four. In colour they are white or creamy-white,
smudged and blotched with yellowish brown and with a few darker,
almost black, spots and lines. The breeding season is from
February to May. Thirty eggs average 20-5 x 15°9 mm.

Habits. The birds of this genus are more typically Zimaliine in
their habits than Alcippe, less so than Rhopocichla. They collect
in small flocks of tive to ten birds, haunt brushwood and low
forest and feed wholly on insects which they obtain principally on
the ground. Davison says that their note is like ‘“ chir-chit-chit-
chit,” constantly repeated.

(298) Scheniparus dubius mandellii.
Tue Assam Trt-BABBLER.

Scheniparus mandella Godw.-Aust., A. M.N.H., (4) xviii, p. 38
(1876) (Naga Hills) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 169.
Vernacular names. Dao-chitter (Cachari).
Description. Differs from the last in having the upper plumage
more olive and the chin and throat buff like the centre of the

Fig. 53.— Head of S. d. mandellii.

breast ; the black supercilium and black markings of the head aud
upper back more pronounced; and the sides of the neck are
distinctly striped with black and buff.

Colours of soft parts as in S.d. dubius.

Measurements. Wing 56 to 64 mm.; tail about 62 mm.; tarsus
25 mm.; culmen 12 mm.

Distribution. Assam, Chin Hills and W. Burma.

Nidification. This handsome little Babbler breeds in great
numbers during April, May and June at all elevations above 3,000
and fully up to 6,000 feet. It may be found in almost any
kind of cover but prefers forest with an undergrowth of bushes,
bracken and raspberry vines. The nest is practically invariably
placed on the ground, generally under the protection of some
thick patch of cover and always on a more or less sloping bank.
The materials used are dead leaves mixed with bracken, grass,
roots etc. and the shape is either a deep, semi-domed cup or a

SCH@®NIPARUS. 285

completely domed, egg-shaped affair measuring about 7 to 8 inches
high by about 5 to 6 inches broad. The full complement of eggs
is three or four but sometimes two only are laid. The. eggs are
like those of the last bird and two hundred average 20°8 x
15°6 mm.; the maxima are 22°0x 16°0 and 195x161 mm., and
minima 19°4x 15°3 and 20°7 x 15:0 mm.

Habits. During the winter the Assam Tit-Babbler collects in
small flocks of half-a-dozen to a dozen individuals, haunting forest
with ample undergrowth and to a Jess extent bamboo- jungle and
scrub. It is most common from 3,000 feet upwards and is found
up to at least 6,000 feet and possibly a good deal higher. It is a
restless, energetic little bird feeding partly on the ground, partly
on the low bushes and trees, constantly changing its position and
now and then fluttering from one perch to another as well as
scrambling and hopping through the cover. Whilst engaged in
feeding they utter a constant “ chir-r-r-r” alternating with a sharp
“chit.” In the breeding season their habits alter greatly and they
become shy, retiring little birds, and instead of being able to watch
them minutes at a time all one sees of them is a small brown
object slipping out of sight into cover when disturbed.

(299) Scheniparus dubius genestieri.
Rivpon’s Trr-BaBerer.

Alcippe genestiert Oustalet, Bull. Mus, d’Hist. Nat., Paris, iii, p. 210
(1897) (T'sékao).

Vernacular names. Prep-dor (Kachin).

Description. Differs from S. d. dubius in having the forehead
pale rufous ; the crown is golden-brown with very faint dark edges
to the feathers ; the upper plumage is olive-brown and the sides
of the neck are not streaked.

Colours of soft parts as in S. d. dubius.

Measurements. Wing 58 to 61 mm.; tailabout 60 mm.; tarsus
24 mm.; culmen 11 mm.

Distribution. Kachin and Bhamo Hills, Yunnan, Shan States
and S.W. China.

Rothschild has shown (Noy. Zool. xxvii, p. 3@) that intermedius
is not separable from genestier zand with ane Lagree, but the former
sometimes has quite plain indications of the neck- -stripes as in
mandellii and as we should expect in that part of its range nearest
that race.

Nidification. Resembles that of the last bird. Harington,
Grant and others took many nests in March, April and “May
between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. The eges are indistinguishable
from those ot the last two birds and measure about 19:9 x 15°5 mm.

Habits differ in no way from those of the Assam Tit-Babbler

286 TIMALIID®.

(300) Scheniparus rufigularis.
THe Rep-THROATED T1T- BABBLER.

Minla rufigularis Mandelli, 8. F., i, p. 416 (1878) (Bhutan Duars),
Scheniparus rufigularis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 170.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead; crown and nape chestnut, bounded on
each side by a black band, the two meeting on the nape; lores and
supercilia white ; upper part of ear-coverts and a patch below the
eye blackish ; lower part of ear-coverts rufous, connected together
by a broad chestnut band across the throat ; upper piumage, wings
and tail olive-green, the outer webs of the feathers of wings and
tail suffused with fulvous; chin, throat and centre of breast
and abdomen white; remainder of the lower plumage olivaceous,
tinged with rufous on the under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish brown to lake-brown; bill
black; legs and feet yellowish brown, fleshy-brown or fleshy-livid.

Measurements. Total length about 140 mm.; wine’ 51 to
55mm.; tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 21 to 22 mm.; culmen
about 10 to 1i mm.

Distribution. Bhutan Duars; Assam North and South of the
Brahmaputra, Manipur and Eastern Bengal Hill tracts.

Nidification. This little Tit-Babbler breeds in great numbers all
round the toot-hills of Margherita in E. Assam and probably up
to some 3,500 feet. Dr. H. N. Coltart and L took many nests and
had many brought to us, with the birds, from the central ranges.
The nest is like that of the dubius group but perhaps more moss,
roots, fern and bracken are used in its construction. It is always
placed on the ground and quite as often in small serub- and bamboo-
jungle as in forest whilst occasionally we found it in small ravines
running through tea cultivation. The eggs are similar to those of
other birds of the genus but are decidedly greyer and less bold in
coloration asa whole. One hundred eggs average 19°5 x 14:7 mm.,
the extremes being 21:1 15-7 mm. and 17°3 x 13-9 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus, put I think this bird feeds less on
the ground than the other species and flies more freely and often
without being frightened into doing so.

Genus PSEUDOMINLA Oates, 1894.

The generic name Sittiparus being preoccupied Oates renamed
his genus as above. ‘This genus contains two species within
Indian limits which differ from Schaniparus in having the tail
much shorter than the wing, whilst from Croparus it differs in
having no hairs overhanging the nostrils.

PSEUDOMINLA. 287

Key to Species and Subspecies,

A. Head grey ; a long black supercilium. P. cinerea, p. 287.
B. Head chestnut; no black super-

cilium. [p. 288.
a, Crown dark chestnut............ P. castaneiceps castaneiceps,
6. Crown light chestnut.......... .. P.c. brunneicaudata, p. 289.

(301) Pseudominla cinerea,
THe Dusky-GREEN Trr-BaBBLER. 4

Minla cinerea Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xvi, p. 449 (1849) (Darjeeling).
Sittiparus cinereus. Blanf. & Oates, ieee 71.

Vernacular names. Dao-péré kashiba (Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage greyish green, the feathers of the
forehead, crown and nape margined with black; a broad black
band on either side of the crown from the forehead to the nape,
terminating in a number of streaks on the upper back ; a broad

Fig. 54.—Head of P. cinerea.

pale yellow supercilium from the back to the nape; a line through
the eye black ; ear-coverts mixed grey and black ; cheeks yellow,
tipped with black; wing and tail-feathers suffused on the outer
webs with the colour of the back; whole lower plumage yellow,
the sides of neck, breast and abdomen olivaceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown; bill dark
horny-brown to nearly black; legs fleshy- or reddish-brown ; ;
“ fleshy yellow ” (Jerdon).

Measurements. Total length about 110 to 115 mm.; wing 53 to
-58 mm.; tail about 42 to 44 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen
10 nm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Assam North and South of
the Brahmaputra.

Nidification. The Dusky-green Tit-Babbler breeds from 2,500
up to at least 6,000 feet but not often below some 3,500 feet.
The nesting season commences early in April and continues up to
the latter partof July. The nest is either a deep cup, semi-domed
cup or a complete oval and is placed either low down in bushes,
bamboo clumps, vines and creepers or, more rarely, very low down
in amongst the roots of the same. The principal materials in all
cases where bainboos are handy are bamboo leaves ; elsewhere soft

288 TIMALIID ©.

blades of grass but with these are mixed a certain amount of dead
leaves, fern- and bracken-fronds and weeds; tendrils and roots are
used to bind the materials together. The lining is of roots or
bamboo leaves and sometimes a little moss is used inside and
outside the nest. The sites selected may be either in bamboo
and scrub orin deep forest. The eggs number two, three or four
and have the ground-colour aiuything from pure white to pale
sienna and the markings consist of tiny specks of dark sienna-
brown, often forming a ring or cap but profusely scattered else-
where also. A few eggs with white ground have the specks still
darker and finer. The shape is generally a short oval; pyriform
eggs not being rare. They are very fragile and have no gloss.
Sixty eggs average 18:3 x 14°35 mm.

Habits. This is a still more cheerful, lively little bird than
those of the genus Scheniparus and when fluttering about a bush
on which insects are plentiful remind one of Warblers of the
genus Phylloscopus. They do not, I think, ever feed on the
ground nor on the other hand do they ascend any height into
trees but I have seen them in grass and scrub occasionally and
in bamboos often; when in deep forest, which they most affect,
they prefer places where there are glades or breaks such as are
made by streams, jungle-tracks etc. rather than the denser,
darker portions. They keep up a soft twittering the whole time
they are feeding.

(302) Pseudominla castaneiceps castaneiceps.
THE CHESTNUT-HEADED BABBLER.

Minla castaneiceps Hodgs., Ind. Rey., 1838, p. 88 (Nepal).
Stttiparus castaneiceps. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 172.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape chestnut-brown, the
feathers of the forehead with broad white streaks, those of the
crown and nape with pale rufous streaks; a broad line through
the eye and a narrow moustachial streak black; remainder of
sides of head white; back, scapulars, rump and smaller wing-
coverts olive-green tinged with fulvous ; greater wing-coverts and
primary-coverts black; winglet black on the outer webs, white on
the inner; quills olive-green, the earlier primaries edged with
hoary-grey, the latter and the secondaries edged with chestnut at
the base; innermost secondaries broadly edged with olive-green
on both webs; below from chin to under tail-coverts pale fulvous-
white, the sides of breast and body ochraceous; under wing-
coverts white.

Colours of soft parts. iris red-brown to crimson; bill, above
dark horny, the lower mandible dull fleshy, sometimes yellowish,
especially at base ; legs and feet dingy greenish yellow or yellowish-
horn.

FULVETITA,. 289

Measurements. Total length about 115 to 120 mm.; wing 535
(Harington) to 67 mm.; tail about 45 mm.; tarsus about 22 to
23 mm.; culmen 9 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim, Nepal, Assam North of the Brahma-
putra, Lakhimpur, Chin and Kachin Hills, Shan States and hills
of Central East Burma to Tenasserim.

Specimens from N. Assam are perhaps a little more rufous or
fulvous than those from the Shan States South to Tenasserim,
but the average difference is so little that it seems hardly enough
for the purposes of subspecific rank. Individual specimens
vary greatly.

Nidification. The nests, though similar in shape and site to
those of the last, differ in construction in having a great deal of
moss mixed with the other material. Davison describes nests as
made wholly of this material and worked beautifully into the
living moss growing on trees. The eggs are very like those of
the last bird and twenty measure on an average 18:1 x 13°6 nm.

Habits. Those of the genus, but Stevens says that this bird is
more arboreal in its habits than the last. It is found from almost
the level of the plains up to 7,000 feet.

(303) Pseudominla castaneiceps brunneicauda.
THe SHittone CHESTNUT-HEADED BABBLER,
Minla brunnetcauda Sharpe, Cat. B. M., vii, p. 609 (1883) (Shillong).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last in having the head much
paler and more rufous, the chestnut on the wings paler; the tail
brownish.

Colours of soft parts as in the last.

Measurements. Wing 58 to 62 mm.; tail about 45 mm.; tarsus
22 mm.; culmen 9 to 10 mm.

Distribution. Khasia Hills, Cachar Hills and probably Manipur.

Nidification. Nests in the Khasia Hills in April, May and
June. The nest is like that of the last but with less moss and
more grass and bamboo leaves both in the lining and the outer
part. Forty eggs average 17-9 x 13-4 mm.

Habits similar to those of the last two.

Genus FULVETTA David & Oust., 1877.

The name Proparus having been first applied to a species of
Minla is only a synonym of that genus and cannot be used for
this. David and Oustalet’s name, originally given to a Chinese
species, is therefore available. In fulvetta the nostrils are .
covered by a membrane and are overhung by numerous hairs but
the rictal bristles are short. The hind claw is very long and
thick, equal in length to the hind toe. The wing and tail are

VOL, I. U

290 . ~ TIMALIID 2.

about equal in length and the latter is graduated. The plumage
is soft and dense.

Three species are found within Indian limits and these again
divide into numerous races extending to China and Formosa.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. A white supercilium commencing at

the eye.

a. Crown reddish - brown, bordered
on the sides of the occiput with [p. 290.
Grd Girone ago dein ae toad ab F’. vinipecta vinipecta,

b. Crown dull chestnut, bordered
on the sides of the occiput with

TOCGISM DLOWAls ferrets. ciel «<= orale F.. v. austeni, p. 291.
B. White supercilium commencing at
the ibasetofhthebill ey Acs so. sok ciate F. v. rippont, p. 291,
C. No white supercilium. [p. 292.
2. Orown ChestHut pisyiis cee 6s copes F. ruficapilla sordidior,
d. (Crown PTOWM | cchi ces ose ose eels F.. manipurensis, p. 292.

(304) Fulvetta vinipecta vinipecta.
Hopeson’s FULVETTA.

Siva vinipectus Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1838, p. 89 (Nepal).
Proparus vinipectus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 173.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Lores dusky ; forehead, crown, ear-coyerts, cheeks
and nape reddish-brown: a broad white supercilium from the
eye to the nape, bordered above by a black line, the two on either
side of the head converging on the back; back brown with a
vincus tinge; rump, wing and upper tail-coverts ferruginous ;
tail brown, washed with rusty-red on the outer webs; primary-
coverts chestnut; the earlier primaries edged with bluish grey,
the others edged with black; secondaries ferruginous on the
outer webs; chin, throat aud upper breast whitish with dusky
streaks ; sides of the breast like the back but paler; abdomen and
under tail-coverts dark fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale ochre (Godw.-Aust.), dark brown
(Hume) or reddish-brown ; bill dark fleshy- or horny-brown
above, paler livid-fleshy below; legs and feet fleshy-brown or dull
purplish-fleshy.

Measurements. Total length about 120 mm.; wing 57 to60mm.;
tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 24 mm.; culmen 10 mm.

Distribution. Simla, Nepal, Sikkim and Assam North of the
Brahmaputra.

As Harington has pointed out, birds west of Nepal have the
head somewhat brighter and have fewer markings on the throat,
but more material is required to show whether the differences are
individual or subspecific.

FULVETTA, 291

Nidification. This Fulvetta breeds in the Himalayas in May and
June between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, making a deep, compact cup
of grass and bamboo leaves completely covered with moss outside,
except at the base, and densely lined with fine grass and roots and
an inner lining of hair or fur. It appears to be generally placed
low down in bushes in thick scrub. The eges number two or
three and are like no other eggs known to me, the ground-colour
is a French grey, or grey-blue with markings at the larger end of
sepia and dark brown with a few underlying blotches of pale
neutral tint; all the markings are bold in character but sparse
and confined almost entirely to the larger end. They measure
about 18:2 x 13-7 mm.

Habits. The habits of the Fulvettas seem to be much ee same
as those of Pseudominla, though very little has been recorded. They
are found up to at least 12,000 feet. :

(305) Fulvetta vinipecta austeni.
GopwIn-AUSTEN’S FULVETTA.
Proparus austent O.-Grant, Bull. B. O.C., v, p. 3 (1895) (Manipur).

Vernacular names. Dao-peré-gajao (Cachatri).

Description. Differs from the last in having the head duller
chestnut and the black head-stripes replaced by deep reddish-
brown; chin white and throat white with reddish-brown spots.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish-brown; bill dark brownish-
black ; legs and feet dull fleshy-brown.

Measurements about the same as in Hodgson’s Fulvetta.
Wing 57 to 60 mm.; culmen 9 to 9°56 mm.

Distribution. Naga Hills, Manipur, Cachar Hills and probably
all the hill-ranges South of the Brahmaputra over 5,000 feet,

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. In Cachar it was
a winter visitor only to the highest peaks on the Barail Range,
where I found it in small flocks in the stunted oak forest at
5,000 to 6,000 feet. It is an active, cheerful little bird, restlessly
moving about the bushes and lower trees, both by feet and wings,
uttering continually a soft “ chip, chip.”

(306) Fulvetta vinipecta ripponi.
Tur Cuin Hitis FuLrverta,
Proparus rippont Warington, Bull. B,O.C., xxxiii, p. 59 (1913)
(Mt. Victoria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to F. v. austeni but differs in having the
white supercilium commencing from the base of the bill; the ear-
eoverts are chocolate-brown, almost the same colour as the head
instead of very dark brown contrasting with it.

Colours of soft parts as in austent.

292 TIMALIID A,

Measurements. Total length about 110 mm.; wing 51 to55mm.;
tail about 54mm.; tarsus about 22mm.; culmen 9mm.

Distribution. Mt. Victoria and highest peaks of Chin Hills.

Nidification. Nests taken by Mr. F. Grant on Mt. Victoria
were similar to those of FP. v. vinipecta, being made of grass and
leaves thickly bound together with green moss, the leaves only
showing through in small patches here and there; the lining was
of fine roots and in shape the nests were rather deep, w ell-made
cups. They were placed in low bushes in forest. Two eggs sent
me by Mr. Grant are like those of Hodgson’s Fulvetta but
measure only 16°3 x 13:0 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. It is found on Mt. Victoria up
to 9,000 feet.

(307) Fulvetta manipurensis.
Tue Manipur Funverta. SFO
Proparus manipurensis O.-Grant, Bull, B.O.C., xvi, p. 128
(Manipur). /\

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to F’. v, vinipecta but differs in wanting
the white supercilia and in having the flanks and sides bright
tawny-rufous; the coronal stripes are chocolate, not black, and
the lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts are dull ochraceous
orange.

Colours of soft parts. The legs in the dried skin are light
brownish-yellow.

Measurements. Wing 50 to 56 mm.; tail about 47 mm. ; tarsus
about 22 mm.; culmen 8mm.

Distribution. Obtained by Godwin-Austen on the Owen-khulno
Peak, Manipur, and not again by anyone else.

Nidification and Habits. Unknown; found at 8,000 feet.

(308) Fulvetta ruficapilla sordidior.
Rirron’s Futverra.
Proparus sordidior Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xiii, p. 60 (1903) (Talifu).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Lores and in front of the eye greyish; a white
ring round the eye; forehead, crown and nape dull chestnut ;
a faint grey supercilium and over that a black stripe; ear-coverts
greyish brown; back and wings olive-grey; outer edge of first
primaries bluish grey, inner black; lower back, rump and upper
tail-coverts and tail fulvous; chin and throat grey, obsoletely
striped ; breast vinous grey; flanks and abdomen pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris dark brown; bill black-brown,

lower mandible yellow-brown; legs and feet dark olive-brown ”
(Rothschild, Novy. Gool., xxvii, p. 27),

LIOPARUS., 293

Measurements. Wing 53 to 57 mm.; tail about 54mm.; tarsus
about 22imm.; culmen about 9mm.

Distribution. Yunnan and W. China and ? Shan States.

Eggs of a Fulvetta sent me from the Eastern Shan States
probably belonged to this race.

Nidification and Habits. Frequents mountains between 7,000
and 11,000 feet elevation.

Genus LIOPARUS Oates, 1889.

As pointed out by Oates this genus differs from Pulvetta in
having the hairs over the nostrils longer and the rictal bristles
much longer; a shorter, broader bill and, especially, by its much
shorter hind claw. The genus contains but one very little-known
species which Hodgson first called chrysotis and then later altered
to chryseus. The former name, however, must stand.

(309) Lioparus chrysotis.
THe GOLDEN-BREASTED FULvErTa.
Proparus chrysotis (Hodgs.), Blyth, J. A.S. B., xiii, p. 938 (1884)
(Sikkim).
Lioparus chryseus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 174.

v

Vernacular names. Prong-sainyer-pho (Lepeha).

Description. Forehead, crown, nape and lores soft blackish-
ashy ; ear-coverts, cheeks and a ring round the eye silvery-white,
the first streaked with ashy; back and scapulars ashy-olive ; rump
and upper tail-coverts olive-green; tail brown, the basal two-
thirds of all the feathers margined with orange-yellow ; wing-
coverts black; wings dark brown, the first five primaries edged
with orange-yellow; the outer secondaries all broadly margined with
the same and tipped with white; the inner secondaries broadly
margined with white on the inner webs ; chin and throat silvery-
ashy-brown ; remainder of lower plumage bright orange-yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown ; bill plumbeous, paler below ;
legs pale fleshy.

Measurements. Total length about 110 mm.; wing 50to54 mm.;
tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 23mm.; culmen about 8 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Assam in the higher ranges
both North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur.

Nidification. Hodgson describes the nests as oval, measuring
about 6x45", made almost entirely of bamboo leaves and
grass and lined with grass and moss roots. Nests taken by
H. Stevens in Nepal agree well with the above but are smaller
and are very deep cups, not domed, densely lined with feathers.
They were placed in clumps of bamboo as were Hodgson’s. The
eggs, three in number, are white, deeply tinged with pink before
being blown, with blotches and spots of sienna-brown and pale

294 TIMALIID®.

neutral tint, principally disposed as a ring round the larger end.
They measure about 17'-4x133mm. Mr. Stevens’s nests were
taken on the 29th May and 3rd June at about 9,000 feet.

Habits. Stevens found them in pairs haunting shrubs in dense
forest between 6,000 and 9,000 feet elevation.

Subfamily SIBIIN Ai*.

This subfamily differs trom the Zimaliine in having longer
wings and comparatively shorter, weaker tarsi and feet. Together
with these features they have different habits, as one would have
expected. They are strictly arboreal, seldom, if ever, feeding on
the ground, nor do they scramble and climb about the under-
growth but hop from one branch to another, take easily to flight,
and are not nearly so noisy as the last group of birds.

The sexes are alike in plumage and often brightly coloured.

This subfamily remains much as in Blanford and Oates, but the
genus Zosterops is removed en bloc to a family by itself, Zosteropide
of Sharpe.

The genus Actinodura I retain in this subfamily with some
doubt, as in many ways it approaches the previous subfamily,
especially in its nidification, but on the whole it appears to be
properly placed where it is.

Key to Genera.

A. Tail nearly twice the length of wing........ Srpia, p. 295.
B. Tail and wing not differing much in length.
a. Tail-feathers graduated.
a. All the tail-feathers graduated.
a’. Tail longer than wing; the outer
tail-feathers falling short of tip of
tail by a distance equal to length
of tarsus.

a’, Wings not barred .......... .... LEIopTiua, p. 296.
Oe Wangs barred ace, 302 ote oat ACTINODURA, p. 8035.

b". Tail not longer than wing; the outer
tail-feathers falling short of the tip of
tail by less than the length of tarsus.

vr

ce". Nostrils not overhung by hairs;

wanes barred: tem see). of. cee Txops, p. 307.
d'". Nostrils overhung by hairs and
wings not barred ........... ... STAPHIDIA, p. 309.

* The subfamily Brachypterygine does not belong to the Timaliide at all.
Oates realized their close connection with the Turdide but placed thein in his
Crateropodide on the ground that the plumage of the young was like that of
the parent, whereas it has been proved that in Larvivora, Brachypteryx and
Drymochares all have spotted young. The genera Myiophoneus and Arrenga
are true Thrushes; Klaphrornis appears to be a Warbler somewhere near
Tribura ; Tesia and Oligura are Wrens, Troglodytide ; and the other genera
short-winged Chats which may be retained in a subfamily, Brachypterygine,
in the Zurdide. All these genera will be found in their appropriate places
in future volumes,

SIBIA. 295

b'. The two outer pairs only of tail-feathers

graduated (2 ise oiinsae =e tock ae aen Siva, p. 312.
a. Tail square and not graduated.

c’. Bill slender, gently curved and both
mandibles of the same length ........ Yuuina, p. 316.

d’. Bill stout and straight, the upper man-
dible longer than the lower one, with
the tip bent down.

e. Depth of bill at nostrils less than

NRO yonooooad) oonpboogoemono” IxuLvs, p. 321.
d'', Depth of bill at nostrils more than
Drea Cte rete te ts ecrarsierere= sisrs' «+ 8 ERpornis, p. 324.

Genus SIBIA Hodgson, 1836. /

The genus Stbia contains but one species, which is remarkable
for the extraordinary length of its tail, which is twice as long as
the wing and greatly graduated.

The bill is shorter than the head, slender and curved, and the
nostrils are covered by a large membrane. The rictal bristles are
moderate in length. The bill is similar to that of Letoptila, figured
below.

(310) Sibia picaoides picaoides.
Tur LONG-TAILED S1BIA.

Sibia picaoides Hodgs., J.A.S.B., viii, p. 58 (1839) (Nepal) ; Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 195.

Vernacular names. J/atcheo-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Whole upper plumage, wings and tail deep slaty-
brown, the tail tipped with white and the wings with a white patch
formed by a spot on each outer web of four of the secondaries ;
forehead and lores blackish; throat and breast slaty-brown ;
remainder of lower plumage ashy-grey, becoming albescent on the
abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red or crimson, occasionally brown ;
bill black or horny-black ; legs dusky grey, claws horny-black.

Measurements. I'otal length about 340 mm.; wing 120 to
125mm. ; tail about 210 to 220 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.;
culmen about 24mm.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim to Assam North and South
of the Brahmaputra; Chin Hills, Kachin Hills, Shan States and
Karenni to Tenasserim.

Nidification. A nest taken by Mr. H. Stevens in Sikkim at
about 8,000 feet elevation, where this Sibia was common and no
others were present, was assuredly of this bird though the owner
of it was not shot. It was a compact nest made entirely of moss,
lined with moss roots and was placed at the end of the branch of
a pine-tree. The one egg it. contained measured 245x183 mm.
and is exactly like those of Letoptila gracilis, described further on.

296 TIMALIID®.

Habits. This beautiful Sibia is not uncommon from 38,000 to
8,000 feet, frequenting forests in small parties or in pairs and
feeding largely on the insects which are found in flowering trees,
such as the cotton-tree etc. They are not noisy birds but
frequently utter a note which Jerdon terms “a sort of whistling
eall,” shrill but not unpleasant. According to Stevens it is found
in the foot-hills in Lakhimpur in January and February in flocks
numbering as many as twenty.

Genus LEIOPTILA Blyth, 1847.

Differs chiefly from Siééa in its much shorter tail; this is longer
than the wing and well graduated, the outermost feather reaching
a little beyond the middie of the tail. The rictal bristles are a
little longer than in Sibia and there is a full crest in all the
species.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Crown of head black or brown.

a, Median pair of tail-feathers with a
subterminal black band.

a’. Rumpandupper tail-covertsrufous. [p. 296.
a’. Darker ; breast rufous........ LL. capistrata capistrata,
6". Paler; breast pale pinkish-
PULOUS 2yeiote Soe ore eels Lc. pallida, p. 298.

6’. Rump and upper tail-coverts ashy. ZL. gracilis, p. 298.
b. Median pair of tail-feathers uniform
brown or black with a white tip.
c'. Rump and upper tail-coverts choco-
late-brown.
c'', Inner secondaries black.
a”, Upper plumage brownish
Dlaeliv ss stashed pecreaetye aes fe LL. m. melanoleuca, p. 299.
b'’. Upper plumage deeper black. LZ. m. radcliffe’, p. 300.
d", Inner secondaries chiefly chest-
PVE raetey a ehveueNe ie tep ates eee es ctw L. eastanoptera, p. 300.
d'. Rump chestnut.
e'’". Wing-coverts margined with
ashy and chestnut. [p. 500.
ce’. Chestnut of back paler .... LZ. annectens annectens,
d'’. Chestnut of back darker.... Z. a. saturata, p. 801.
J'. Wing-coverts entirely black .. LZ. a. davisoni, p. 302.
B. Crown of head bluish-grey like the
mpper back o/s; . cc sweeieeeinens as « L.. pulchella pulchella, p. 302.

(311) Leioptila capistrata capistrata.
THE BLACK-HEADED SIBIA.

Cinclosoma capistratum Vigors, P.Z.S8., 1831, p. 56 (Himalayas)
(Darjiling).
Lioptila capistrata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 196.

Vernacular names. Sambriak-pho (Lepcha) ; Sesigona (Bhut.);
Sibya (Nep.).

LEIOPTILA. 297

Description. Forehead, crown, crest, nape and sides of the
head black, the ear-coverts sometimes dark brown; the whole
lower plumage, rump and upper tail-coverts and a broad collar
round the neck deep bright rufous; back and scapulars greyish-
brown: median tail-feathers rufous for three-quarters of their
length, then with a dark band and a bluish tip; in the other feathers
the rufous portion rapidly diminishes and the black increases ;
lower wing-coverts rufous ; primary-coverts black ; greater coverts
white at base, forming a broad band, the exterior feathers blue
tipped with black, the others tipped with rufous ; inner secondaries
chestnut edged with blue; the other quills dark brown, the
primaries with the outer webs pale blue, the outer secondaries
dark blue.

Fig. 55.—Head of ZL. c. capistrata.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish-brown to brilliant crimson,
perhaps according to age; bill black; legs fleshy-grey to purplish-
brown, claws horny-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 220 to 230 mm.; wing 91 to

96mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about
20 mm.

Distribution. Eastern Himalayas, Naini-tal to Datla Hills.

Nidification. The Black-headed Sibia breeds during May and
June at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, making a very
compact, deep cup of moss, sometimes mixed more or less with scraps
of dead leaf, lichen, ete. Between the outer nest and the true
lining of fine roots and fern-rachides is an inner lining of soft grass
and shreds of fibre and leaves. The nest is very hard to locate, as
it is generally high up in pine-, fir-, or deodar-trees in the bushy
extremities of the outer branches. The eggs are generally two,
more rarely three, and are pale blue in ground-colour with
splashes, smears and blotches of pale and dark brownish-red with
a few spots and hair-lines of very dark red-black. The shell is
fine but not glossed, they are fragile eggs for their size and in
shape they are rather broad blunt ovals. They measure about
24-1 X19°1 mm.

Habits. This Sibia is found in flocks, often of some size, in
tree-forest between 5,000 and 8,000 feet elevation, wandering a
good deal lower in the cold weather. They are entirely arboreal

298 TIMALIID %.

and keep much to the higher branches of firs, spruce and similar
trees, using their wings far more and their feet tar less than birds
of the preceding sub-family; at the same time their flight is dipping
and slow, nothing like that of the Zurdide. They are rather
noisy birds, but their notes are very pleasing and Hutton says
their “lond, ringing call titterce, titteree, tuecyo quickly repeated
may be constantly heard on wooded banks during summer.”

(312) Leioptila capistrata pallida.
THE Pan SIBIA.

Tioptila capistrata pallida Hartert, Kat. Vig. Senckenb, Mus., p. 21
(1891) (Simla).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from ZL. c. capistrata in being paler every-
where and in having the lower parts a pale, almost pinkish
rufous.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas, Hazara to Garhwal.

Nidification. The nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from
the last but Mr. A. E. Jones has taken some very beautiful
erythristic clutches in Simla. Twenty-four eggs average about
5:0x18:1mm.

Habits. Found from 5,000 to 9,000 feet elevation in the same
kind of haunts as the last bird.

(313) Leioptila gracilis.
THE GReEY SIBIA.

Hypsipetes gracilis MeClell., P. Z,S., 1839, p. 159 (Assam).
Lioptila gracilis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 197.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown and lores black, paling on the
nape and ear-coverts and blending with the rich slaty-brown of
the hind neck, back and scapulars; rump and upper tail-coverts
ashy-grey ; lesser, median and primary coverts, and outer feathers
of the greater coverts black ; remaining greater coverts and inner-
most secondaries bluish-ashy, edged with black, and the basal
portions more or less white; quills black, the earlier primaries
edged with hoary-grey on the outer webs; central tail-feathers
bluish-grey with subterminal black bands, the black bands and
grey tips increasing in extent until the outermost feathers are
entirely black with grey tips; chin, throat and cheeks white,
becoming fulvous on the breast and abdomen, the sides of which
are washed with lilae; vent and under tail-coverts buff.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red to bright crimson, reddish-brown
in voung birds; bill black; legs and feet brown to brownish-black,
the feet and claws darker still.

LELOPTILA. 299

Measurements. Total length about 235 to 245 mm.; wing 92 to
97 mm.; tail about 130 to 140 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

Distribution. Hills South of-the Brahmaputra, Manipur and
Chin Hiils.

Nidification. This bird breeds freely in the Khasia Hills, where
it is common between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. In the early sixties
Godwin-Austen took its nest in the Umiam Valley and the next
nest was taken by myself in 1905 in the same spot; since then
many nests have been taken, all in pine-trees and all built in the
thick tufts at the ends of branches. They are made of green moss
and lined with roots and are rather massive and well-built cups.
The eggs are generally two only in number, sometimes three and
very rarely four. la appearance they are very like weakly coloured
Blackbirds’ eggs, pale greyish or greenish blue, lightly freckled and
blotched all over with pale reddish; a few eggs appreach the
Actinodura type of egg with bolder markings and spots. Sixty
eges average 23°9X17-7mm. The breeding season lasts from the
middle of May to July and the birds may be found during these
months anywhere between 4,000 feet and the bighest peaks.

Habits. The Grey Sibia is essentially a bird of pine-forests,
outside of which it is but rarely met with except in the cold
weather months, when it wanders down to about 3,000 feet in any
kind of tree-forest. It flies fairly well, haunting the tops of the
pines in small flocks or pairs, working the branches for insects as
assiduously as other species of this family. Its call is a fine, clear
treble note but if has many others of a conversational character
though it is not a noisy bird.

(314) Leioptila melanoleuca melanoleuca.
TICKELL’S SIBIA.
Sibia melanoleuca Tickell, Blyth, J. A.S.B., xxviii, p. 415 (1859)

(Muleyit Mt.).
Lioptila melanoleuca. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 198.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Ear-coverts very dark brown; forehead, crown,
nape and rest of the sides of the head black; back, scapulars,
lesser and median wing-coverts, rump and upper tail-coverts
chocolate-brown, tinged with ashy on the two latter parts ; wing-
quills and greater coverts black; tail dark brown, the outer webs
edged black and all the feathers tipped with white; entire lower
plumage white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris lake; bill black: legs and feet dark
reddish-brown to dark purplish-brown or brownish black (ume
& Dav.).

Measurements. Length about 220 mm. ; wing 87 to90 mm.; tail
about 120 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm.; culmen about 17 mm.

——

300 TIMALIID.

Distribution. From Mulai-yit Mountain in Tenasserim, possibly
through Siam to the Shan States and Ruby Mines district.

Nidification. Davison obtained a nest of this bird on Mulai-yit
made of bamboo leaves, grass, moss and other materials and placed
in a small branch of a high tree growing inaravine. It was taken
on the 21st February and contained three eggs, pale spotless blue
and measuring about 29°3X17'0 mm.

Habits similar to those of the last bird. Davison describes
its note as a single, long-drawn, clear-sounding whistle.

- (315) Leioptila melanoleuca radcliffei, ” subsp. nov.
RavdcLiFFe’s SIBLA.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from L. m. melanoleuca in having the
whole upper parts glossy black with no trace of brown.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. There are only three specimens from N.E. Central
Burma in the British Museum and one in the Bombay Natural
History Societv’s Museum from Taunghoo. These are marked
Lioptila radecliffei, but there is nothing to show by whom the name
was written or where it has been published, if at all.

Nidification and Habits. Not recorded.

(316) Leioptila castanoptera.

Fera’s Sis,
Malacias castanoptera Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen., (2) vil,
p- 363 (1889) (Monte Carin). _
Lioptila castanoptera. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 199.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Resembles Tickell’s Sibia but is a darker bird
and has the greater part of the inner secondaries and greater
coverts chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson; bill and Jegs black.

Measurements. A rather larger bird than the last; wing 89 to
95mm.

Distribution. Karenni and Western Shan States.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(317) Leioptila annectens annectens.
Buiytn’s SIpia.
Letoptila annectens Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 450 (1847) (Darjeeling).
Lioptila annectens. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 199.
Vernacular names. Rubnun-pho (Lepcha).
Description. Upper part of head and hind neck black, the

LEIOPTILA. 301

latter streaked with white; sides of the back black; scapulars pale
rufous ; middle of back, rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut,
the latter with a few black streaks; lesser and median wing-
coverts black edged with ashy ; greater coverts black tipped with
chestnut ; primaries black, edged on the outer webs of all but the
last two or three with bluish-white, secondaries the same but with
broader edges and the innermost tipped with white and with some
chestnut on the outer web; tail black, edged with still deeper black
on the basal half and tipped with white, the white increasing in
extent outwardly ; lower plumage white, except the vent, flanks
and under tail-coy erts which are chestnut.

Colours of soft parts. Iris grey-brown in the young to choco-
late-brown and deep crimson in the adult; bill black; the extreme
base of the lower mandible yellow; legs and feet wax- or chrome-
yellow, claws brownish.

Measurements. Total length about 190mm.; wing 75 to80 mm.;
tail about 85 to 87 min.; tarsus about 24 mm. ; culmen about
15 to i6 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim, Assam North and South of the Brahma-
putra, Manipur and Chin Hills.

Nidification. This graceful Sibia breeds from 4,000 feet to the
top of the highest hills South of the Brahmaputra, placing its nest
on the small outer branches of trees, sometimes at great heights,
sometimes in quite small saplings not 20 feet from the greund.
In shape it is a deep cup of moss, mixed with a few pone and
roots with an inner lining of grass and reed-stems anda true
lining of fine roots and porneerchiles It is placed without anv
attempt at concealment and even if not spotted at once the excited
actions of the birds soon draw one’s attention to it. The eggs,
which number either two or three, are pale blue with blots,
blotches and specks of pale reddish-brown and a few hair-lines
of the same or darker. ‘I'wenty-five eggs average 22:0 X 15-5 mm.
The breeding season is May and vitae

Habits. Blyth’s Sibia is a bird of the evergreen forests above
4,000 feet, descending but little lower even in the cold season. It
climbs, creeps and flutters amongst the higher branches of the
trees in hunting for food and is generally found in small parties
of five or six individuals. Their note is a clear, single whistle but
they are quite unobtrusive birds, though not very shy.

(318) Leioptila annectens saturata.
WaALDEN’s Srpta.
Lioptila saturata Walden, Ibis, 1875, p. 352 (Karennee).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last but differs in having the back
a richer, deeper chestnut.

362 TIMALIID ®.

Distribution. The eastern hills of Burma, Kachin Hills and

han States to Karenni.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(319) Leioptila annectens davisoni.
Davison’s SIBIA.
Lioptila davisoni Hume, 8. F., v, p. 110 (1877) (Muleyit Mt.) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 200.

Vernacular names. None recorded,

Description. Differs from LZ. a. annectens in having the back and
wing-coverts black and the rump and upper tail-coverts mingled
black and deep ferruginous maroon.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson; bill black; legs horny-
brown.

Measurements about the same as in the other races or a
trifle smaller ; wing about 75 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Davison says: “I only found this bird at Mulevit,
quite near the top, usually in pairs, sometimes singly. I found it
generally about the large trees surrounding the ‘Sakans’ or
camping-grounds, strange to say, climbing about the trunk and
branches much after the manner of a Nuthatch. I have also
seen if hunting about the leaves and smaller branches of the
tree-tops. Those I killed had eaten only insects.”

(320) Leioptila pulchella pulchella.
THE BEAUTIFUL SIBIA.
Sibia pulchella Godw.-Aust., A.M. N.H., (4) xiii, p. 160 (1874)
(Kunho, Naga Hills).
Lioptila pulchella, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 200.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole upper plumage and smaller wing-coverts
bluish-grey, brighter on the head; median tail-feathers umber-
brown, with a subterminal black band and a dark grey tip; the
black gradually increasing in extent until the outermost feathers
are nearly all black with grey tips; greater coverts next the back
entirely chocolate-brown changing to black on the outer coverts,
winglet and primary-coverts; primaries black broadly edged with
bluish-grey ; outer secondaries with darker grey edges and inner
secondaries umber-brown, edged with black on the outer webs;
lores and round the eye black ; ear-coverts mixed bluish-grey and
black ; lower plumage ashy-blue, tinged with vinous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson ; bill black ; legs horny-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 230 mm.; wing 100 to
105 inm.; tail about 120 mm.; tarsus about 33 mm.; culmen
about 20 mm.

ACTINODURA,. 303

Distribution. The Hills South of the Brahmaputra above 5,000
feet, Toropatu Peak, Dafla Hills.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. This Sibia frequents only the higher ranges. In some
parts of the Naga Hills at about 7,000 to 9,000 feet it is not rare
and it wanders, probably only in winter, into Cachar and the
Khasia Hills on the peaks and ridges between 5,000 and 6,000 feet.
Godwin-Austen says that it is found in companies of about half-a-
dozen, haunting the tops of rhododendron-trees, the flowers of
which it searches busily for insects. The only call I heard was a
very loud, shrill whistle, less musical than the notes of this genus
generally are. They are extremely active birds like all the others.

Genus ACTINODURA Gould, 1836.

The genus Actinodura only differs from Letoptila in its shorter,
less slender bill and in life they have a stouter, rather stronger
tarsus, though this is not visible in dried skins.

The bill is about half the length of the head, the rictal bristles
are long and the tail is considerably longer than the wing and well
graduated as in Leioptila.

There are in India and Burma two species which vary con-
siderably in different geographical areas.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. No white ring round eye.
a, Forehead and fore crown chestnut ; back

TEGUISH=“OlUVGING well echo secede lela as.d 4 A, egertoni egertoni, p.303.
6. Forehead rufous ; crown like the back.
Ge backwochraceousis emcees .... Ae. khasiana, p. 304.
6'; Backvoreyish-Olivel <i clere ses poten A, e. rippont, p. 305,
B. A conspicuous ring of white feathers
round the eye. [ p. 805.

ec. Crown and back ashy olive-brown .... A. ramsayi ramsayi,
d. Crown tinged with rufous; back more

OQEHFACEOMS Pater aatliheielectn ptr a8 > A,r, radcliffer, p. 306,

(321) Actinodura egertoni egertoni.
THe Nepat Bar-wine,

Actinodura egertont Gould, P. Z,S., 1836, p. 18 (Sikkim); Blanf. & ~
Oates, i, p. 201.

Vernacular names. Ramnio-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Crest rich ashy-brown ; forehead, lores, round the
eye, cheeks and chin rufous; ear-coverts, sides of the neck and
mantle brown, paler than the crest; smaller wing-coverts, rump,
back and upper tail-coverts reddish brown ; primary-coverts almost
entirely black; greater coverts chestnut; inner webs of primaries
and outer secondaries brown, the outer webs ashy with chestnut

304 TIMALIIDA.

bases and black bars; inner secondaries silky-brown, narrowly
barred with black; outer tail-feathers brown, barred with black
and tipped with white ; the middle pair reddish brown, obsoletely
barred and the intervening ones gradually changing from the
one to the other; throat and upper breast pinkish-fulvous ;
remainder of lower plumage fulvous, the centre of the abdomen
whitish and the under tail-coverts tipped with white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown; biil pale
horny-brown, darker on culmen, paler on gonys; legs and feet
pale sienna or pale brown.

Measurements. Total length about 220 to 230 mm.; wing 80 to
85 mm.; tail about 105 to 115 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm.; culmen
abont 15mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Dafla Hills.

Nidification. The Nepal Bar-wing breeds between 4,000 and
8,000 feet in May and June, making a compact cup-shaped nest of
grass, leaves and bamboo leaves mixed with roots and tendrils and
lined with finer roots and rhizomorph. Outside there is always
a certain amount of moss and often a great deal, whilst in some
instances this material is largely used in the nest itself. It
measures between 4 and 6 inches in diameter and is almost
as deep as wide, though occasionally a more shallow-shaped nest
may be taken. It is placed in saplings, small trees or high
bushes 10 to 25 feet from the ground and most often in fairly
dense forest. The eggs number two or three, very rarely four,
and are a pale blue-green in colour with rather smeary lines,
blotches and smudges of reddish brown with secondary markings
of pale lilac-grey. The texture is fine but not very glossy, the
shape an obtuse oval and twenty-five eggs average 22: ‘8X 17-5 mm.
in measurement.

Habits. In habits these birds differ little from those of the genus
Leioptila. Hume remarks that they go about in small parties
and are quite tree-birds, clambering about and poking into every
hole and cranny and foraging about much like Tits in the huge
bunches of orchids and other parasites. They are rather noisy
birds but most of their notes are mellow and pleasant. They are
mainly insectivorous in their diet, perhaps wholly so.

(322) Actinodura egertoni khasiana.
Tae SHittone Bar-wina,
Actinodura khasiana Godw.-Aust., J. A. 8. B., xv, pt. ii, p. 76 (1876)
(Shillong).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in the lighter crown, the.
rufous of the forehead is paler and does not extend on to the
crown as it does in that bird; the back, rump and upper tail-

ACTINODURA. 305

coverts are much more ochraceous and the central tail-feathers
are mnch more distinctly barred.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra in Assam to
Manipur.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but breeds at a
lower elevation, 7.e. between 3,500 and 6,000 feet. The eggs
cannot be distinguished from those of the last bird and are like
poorly coloured, weakly marked specimens of those of T’rochalo-
pterum pheniceum. One hundred eggs average 23:4 17-7 mm., and
the extremes are 25°0X18°4, 21:7 17-4 and 22:0x17'0 mm.

Habits. This is a very common bird over all the Western Hills
South of the Brahmaputra but much more rare to the East. It
wanders about in parties of half-a-dozen to a dozen or so, keeping
principally to the tree-tops and bigger trees, as described by Hume
when referring to the last bird but sometimes haunting the lower
cover when there is any special attraction. In N. Cachar they
were found occasionally feeding on the ground amongst straw-
berries, which were infested with a little black fly. In these latter
cases we found the stomachs contained a mass cf crushed straw-
berries and flies, the birds evidently swallowing them together.
They were not shy birds and allowed quite close observation
without moving away but they were always most restless and
quick in their motions.

(323) Actinodura egertoni ripponi.
Rippon’s BaR-wIinea.

Actinodura rippont Ogilvie-Grant, Ibis, 1907, p. 166 (Mt. Victoria).

Vernacular names. Pong-prap (Kachin).

Description. Similar to A. e. khasiana but with the crown dark
erey as in A. e. egertont and the back, rump and upper tail-coverts
olive-green.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the other races.

Distribution. Chin and Kachin Hills.

Nidification and Habits differ in no way from those of the two
other birds. ‘Ten eggs taken by Harington, Mackenzie, Grant
and others average 23:0X17°5 mm. Harington obtained their
nests from bamboo clumps.

(324) Actinodura ramsayi ramsayi.
RaMSAyY’s Bar-wInc.

Actinodura ramsayi Walden, A. M. N. H., (4) xv, p. 402 (1875)
(Karennee) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 202.

Vernacular names. None recorded.
VOL. I. x

305 TIMALIIDA.

Description. Upper plumage ashy olive-brown, tinged with
ferruginous on the head and more so on the forehead, the feathers
of the back, rump and upper tail-coverts faintly cross- barred with
black ; lores dusky ; a conspicuous ring of white round the eye;
sides of head ashy ; primary-ceverts black ; inner secondaries and
other wing-coverts olive-brown, distinctly barred with black :
outer webs of primaries and outer secondaries chestnut on the
basal, ashy on the terminal halves, barred with black ; tail olive-
brown, distinctly barred with numerous narrow black bars, the
bars increasing in width on the outer feathers; all the tail-
feathers tipped with white ; whole lower plumage ochraceous buff,
becoming browner on the under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light hair-brown ; bill horny-brown ;
legs slaty-brown ( Wardlaw-Ramsay).

Measurements. Total length 230 to 240 mm.; wing 86 to
90 mm.; tail about 120 to 180 mm.; tarsus about 28mm. ; culmen
about 18 mm.

Distribution. The Southern Shan States and Karenni.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Rippon records of this bird in the Shan States: ‘* The
habits of this bird are very like those of Letoptila castanoptera ;
it hops rapidly from branch to branch, frequently uttering its
eall. The call of LZ. castanoptera is three notes in the minor in a
descending scale, preceded by a flourish; that of 4. ramsayi is
the same without the flourish.” It is found in heavy forest or
brushwood between 3,000 and 5,000 feet elevation.

(325) Actinodura ramsayi radcliffei.
Tur Rupy Mines BaRr-wine.

Actinodura ramsayi radcliffec Harington, Bull. B. O. C., xiii, p. 9
(1910) (Ruby Mines).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. ‘ Differs from A. ramsayi in having the fore part
of the head and crest darker ferruginous, the general colour of
the upper parts ochraceous ; the abdomen is conspicuously white,
and the feathers of the throat have rather conspicuous shaft-
streaks.”

Colours of soft parts. “Iris brown ; bill dark brown ; legs pale
brown.”

Measurements. ‘“ Total length about 246 mm.; culmen 20 mm. ;
wing 91:4 mm. ; tail 127 mm.; tarsus 30°5 mm.”

Distribution. ‘‘ The type, the only specimen obtained, was shot
by Col. H. Delmé-Radcliffe in the Ruby Mines District, Upper
Burma.” :

Nidification and Habits unknown.

IXOPS. 307

Genus IXOPS Hodgson, 1844.

The genus /wops is very close to Actinodura, differing only in
having a comparatively shorter tail and the tail-feathers less
graduated. Species of this genus extend from Nepal eastwards to
Formosa. In the case of this genus it is not easy to decide
whether the different forms should be treated as species or sub-
species. There are four quite distinct birds in which the
material at present available shows no intergrading. These are
two rufous-breasted birds, one striped and one unstriped, a
third striped grey bird and a fourth with a grey breast with
brown centres. There seems, however, to be no intervening area
in which a half-way form occurs. At the same time no two of
these forms are found breeding in the same area and, therefore,
for the present, I keep them as geographical races, or subspecies,
only.

Txops nipalensis.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Chin, throat and breast not striped; [p. 307.

head with pale streaks .............. Ivops nipalensis nipalensis,
B. Chin, throat and breast — streaked ;

feathers of head with pale edges.

a. Chin, throat and breast rufous with
darker centres.
«'. Upper parts rufcus; ear-coverts sil-

VOLVO rie hago oe aid = obey sus) = 2 Ivops n. waldeni, p. 308.
b'. Upper parts deep rufous er maroon-
brown; ear-coverts dark grey .... Lvops n. poliotis, p. 809.
). Chin, throat and breast grey with
HLOWMNGENMESE Get sisia syed le eho = Ixops n. daflaensis, p. 509.

Fig. 56.—Head of J. 2. nipalensis,

(326) Ixops nipalensis nipalensis.
Tus Hoary Bar-wine.

Cinclosoma nipalensis Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 145 (1836) (Nepal).
Ixops nepalensis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 208.

Vernacular names. /annio-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest coffee-brown, with long pale
-

308 TIMALIID ©.

rufous shaft-streaks; sides of neck, mantle, back and lesser wing-
coverts rufescent brown, with indistinct pale shaft-lines; rump
and upper tail-coverts more rufous and unstreaked ; primary-
coverts black ; greater coverts rufous tipped with hoary; quills
chestnut, barred with black on the onter webs; innermost
nesqeens and barred on both webs; the outer oe of the first
few primaries more or less ashy ; basal portion of tail castaneous,
barred with black, the chestnut decreasing in extent on the outer
feathers, the other portions black, tipped with white; ear-coverts
and lores pale grey; cheeks black, the black continuing back
below the ear-coverts; chin, throat and breast fulvous-ashy,
turning to ferruginous on the flanks, lower abdomen and under
tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, eyelid bluish grey; bill
brownish black; feet brownish-fleshy, claws livid (Scully).

Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 84 to 91 mm. ;
tail about 80 to 8omin.; tarsus about 830mm.; culmen 17 to 18mm,
As usual with the 7imaliide, the female is decidedly smaller than
the male.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Nidification. Hodgson notes that this Bar-wing breeds between
4,000 and 6,000 feet in Sikkim and Nepal but the nest and eggs
he describes in no way resemble any other birds of this group, and
judging from the very close connection of this genus with the
genus Actinodura there is possibly some mistake. Other observers

say that in the breeding season they haunt mountains nearer the
8,000-foot levels.

Habits. Jerdon says that it is more arboreal than birds of the
last genus and that it feeds chiefly on insects which it obtains from
the higher parts of moderate-sized trees, especially those with
insect-infested flowers such as rhododendrons. He gives _its
habitat as from about 7,000 to 10,000 feet upwards.

(327) Ixops nipalensis ‘waldeni.
Watpen’s Bar-wine.
Actinodura waldeni Godw.-Aust., P. Z.8., 1874, p. 46 (Japvo Peak,
Naga Hills).
Ivops waldeni. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 204.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. eathers of head darker than in the last bird and
unstreaked but with pale edges; the upper plumage is ee
also unstreaked; the whole lower plumage is rufous, the feather
of the chin, throat and breast with pale edges, giving a pe ee
appearance ; ear-coverts silvery-grey with fine dark centres.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale grey; bill grey; legs and feet
fleshy-brown (Godw.-Aust.).

Measurements as in the preceding race.

Distribution. Naga Hills and Manipur.

STAPHIDIA. 309

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond the fact that
it is found up to 9,000 feet and frequents the tops of trees.

(328) Ixops nipalensis poliotis.
Tue Coin Hitis Bar-wine.
Ivops poliotis Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xv, p. 97 (1905) (Mt. Victoria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to 7. ». waldent but much darker above,
almost a maroon-brown; the ear-coverts are darker grey with
broader brown centres.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Chin Hills, Mt. Victoria.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(329) Ixops nipalensis daflaensis.
AUSTEN’S BAR-WING.
Actinodura daflaensis Godw.-Aust., A. M.N. H., (4) xvi, p. 840 (1875)
(Dafla Hills).
Txrops daflaensis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 204.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to J. n. waldent but a darker, duller
chestnut above and the chin, throat and breast-feathers grey with
reddish-brown central streaks, the whole effect being grey, not
rufous ; ear-coverts a rather darker grey.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Hoary Bar-
wing.

Distribution. Dafla and Miri Hills.

Habits. ‘There is nothing on record beyond the fact that Godwin-
Austen shot it in high forest on Shengorh Peak at about 7,000 feet.

Genus STAPHIDIA Swinhoe, 1871.

The members of the genus Staphidia are found in the hilly
regions of North-Eastern India, Burma and China and again in
Borneo. ‘Two species are found within our limits, one of which
is represented by two geographical races.

In Staphidia the bill is short and thick and resembles that of
Txulus, figured below ; the nostrils are overhung by a few long
hairs ; the rictal bristles are short and the head is crested. The
tail is comparatively long and much graduated. Some species of
this genus have been wrongly retained in Jeulus by Indian
authors, the square tail of Zvulus at once separating it from the
rounded tail of Staphidia.

In this genus the first three primaries are graduated, the third
and fourth being subequal.

310 TIMALIID®.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Crown chestnut-rufous ..,........ ... WS. castaneiceps, p. 310.
B. Crown dark brown, no supercilium .... 8. striata striata, p. 311.
C. Crown dark grey with white supercilium.. 8. s. rufigenis, p. 311.

(330) Staphidia castaneiceps.
Tun CHESTNUL-HEADED STAPHIDIA.

Ivulus castaneiceps Moore, P.Z.S., 1854, p. 141 (Afghanistan im
ervore) (Cachar).
Staphidia castaneiceps. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 205.

Vernacular names. Dao-tisha-magini (Cachar1).

Description. Forehead chestnut-brown, the feathers margined
with grey ; crown and erest chestnut ; upper plumage and visible
portions of wines and tail greenish brow n, the back and scapulars
with white shafts ; middle tail- feathers and concealed webs
blackish brown, outer feathers broadly tipped white, the tips
decreasing in extent until they disappear in the central ones ;
lores grey; a short supercilium from above the eye white; ear-
coverts chestnut with whitish shalts; lower plumage and under
wing-coverts pale fulvous white; under tail-coverts brown tipped
with white.

Colours of soft parts. Irides pale hazel; bill rather light
reddish-horny, gape and base of both mandibles purplish ; legs
dull reddish or flesh-colour, claws dusky fiesh-colour.

Measurements. Length aot 135 mm. ; wing 66 to 70 mm.; tail
about 58 mm.; tarsus about 14 mm.; culmen about 7°5 to 8 mm.

Distribution. Assam Hills South of the Brahmaputra as far
East as the Naga Hills and Soutn to Lushai. According to
Godwin-Austen ee bird has also been found in the Dafla Ele

Nidification. This pretty little Babbler breeds all over its range
between 2,000 and 5,000 feet, principally about 5,000 feet. The
breeding season begins in the middle of April and ends in the
middle of July and the nest is nearly always placed in holes in
small perpendicular banks, those beside paths cut through the
jungle being a very favourite site. They are placed only just
inside the Hole often very indifferently concealed, and are made
of some very soft fibrous material like tow, the surrounding
portion of the nest being of weed stems, moss and leaves, more
or less mixed with shreds of grass. The eges number three or
four and are broad, obtuse ovals, pure glossy white with fairly
numerous specks and spots of vandyke-brown or reddish-brown,
sometimes scattered over the whole surface, sometimes confined
for the most part to the larger end, where they may form a rough
ring orcap. 150 eggs ay oe 16-6 x 135 mm., the extremes being

18:0x 14:0; 16°2x14:2 mm.; 15:0x15°0 Anal 5-2 Sollee

Habits. It is found ne the non-breeding season in smal)
flocks, the individuals keeping very near to one another. They
keep closely to the tops of the higher bushes and smaller saplings,

STAPHIDIA. Bill

neither ascending to any height in the bigger trees nor frequent-
ing the lower shrubs unless frightened, when they dive into the
undergrowth and escape by clambering and flitting from one perch
to another until they are out of sight. It is not a shy bird and
may be watched at leisure. from a few paces, scrambling about in
very Tit-like postures and constantly uttering a low “ chir-chit, chir-
chit.” It is a very poor flyer and seldom uses its wings for more
than a few yards. Those birds examined had fed on aphidee,
locust larve and other insects and also on small hard seeds like
mustard seed.

‘ (831) Staphidia striata striata.
TICKELL’S SrAPHIDIA.

Ivulus striatus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxviii, p. 418 (1859) (Tenasserim ).
Staphidia striata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 206.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. General colour above dull olive-brown, the head
darker with a greyish tinge, in some specimens a sooty-brown ;
the feathers of the head, mantle and back with grey shatt-stripes ;
ear-coverts dull chestnut and sides of the neck suffused with the
same; wings and tail the same colour as the back but darker ;
the three or four outer pairs of tail-feathers broadly tipped with
white; under parts dull greyish white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red brown; bill dark horn-
colour; legs reddish-horn.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 69 to 63 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim northwards through the hills of
Eastern Burma to Bhamo in the Chin Hills.

Nidification. Very similar to that of the last bird and Mr. 8.
M. Robinson records that this species like that form is also much
given to nesting in holes in the roadside banks. The nest is like
that of the Chestnut-headed Staphidia but more moss is used in
its outer walls. The few eggs I have seen are not distinguishable
from those of that bird. They measure about 17-7 x 13°7 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of the preceding species.

(332) Staphidia striata rufigenis.
Humn’s STAPHIDIA.
Taulus rufiyenis Hume, 8. F., v, p. 198 (1877) (Himalayas, Darjeeling).
Staphidia rufigents. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 206.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to the last but with the head lighter and
more grey and with a distinet white supercilium from eye to back
of ear-coverts, above which there is a rufous band.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird.

v . ro
POCYLE MN

ole TIMALIID®.

Distribution. Sikkim to Assam North and East of the Brahma-
putra, Abor and Miri Hills. The eastern limits are not yet
known, but Harington obtained it in the Kachin Hills.

Nidification. Similar to that of the previous two birds. Round
about Margherita we found its nests on banks and sides of
cuttings through the jungle, made of soft tow-like material mixed
with moss, leaves and rubbish, more or less filling the base of the
hole in which it was placed. The eggs were generally three only,
rarely four and they differed from those of the Chestnut-headed
Staphidia only in being a little more richly marked. One hundred
eges measured on an average 16°6 x 13-3 mm. and the extremes
were 18:0 x 13°2 mm., 16-2 x 13°7 mm. and 14°7 x 12°4 mm.

The breeding season lasts from March to June.

Habits. This little Staphidia is found in parties throughout
the cold weather, according to Stevens sometimes numbering as
many as thirty individuals. It haunts trees and brushwood alike
both in forest and in the secondary growth and has the usual
restless habits of its tribe. It is not a shy bird. It probably
ascends as high as 4,000 feet in summer but is more a low-level
bird, keeping for the most part from the foot-hills up to about
2,000 feet.

Genus SIVA Hodgson, 183%.

The genus Siva contains two species which occur within our limits,
these being divided into several well differentiated geographical
races. They are distinguishable at a glance from other genera by
their peculiar tail-feathers, the ends of which are obliquely truncated.
The four central pairs are of equal length and the two outer pairs
graduated.

The bill is about half the length of the head, gently curved and
notched ; the rictal bristles are long and the nostrils are covered
by a membrane ; the head is crested and they are birds of hand-
some plumage.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Primaries edged with orange.
a. Central tail-feathers red on only half

their lengthy (epee eee ees « S. strigula strigua, p. 315.
b. Central tail-feathers red on five-sixths
oftheir length®, (7 ecmeperies sires S.s. castaneicauda, p. 314.

B. Primaries edged with blue.
c. Under plumage vinous-grey.

a’. Upper plumage light ochraceous ; [p. 314.
secondaries tipped with white .... S. cyan. cyanouroptera,

b'. Upper plumage fulvous olive-brown ;
no white tips to secondaries ...... S.c. wingatet, p, 315.

d. Under plumage white.
ce’. Forehead blue, indistinctly striped.
a’, Upper plumage fulvous olive-
ONO ie Caytcis Ma aeee to omaGn eS S. ¢. oatest, p. 316.
b". Upper plumage dusky olive-brown. SS. c. sordida, p. 316.

SIVA. iltay

(333) Siva strigula strigula.
Tue SrrRIPE-THROATED SIVA.

Siva strigula Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1838, p. 89 (Nepal) ; Blanf. & Oates,
Les 20S:

Vernacular names. Megblim (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape bright orange-brown ;
a ring of yellowish feathers round the eye; sides of head grey,
mottled with whitish and dusky; upper plumage slaty-green ;
middle pair of tail-feathers chestnut-red on half the inner and
one-third the outer webs at the base, the remaining two-thirds
black tipped with white; the next pair black with a trace of red
at the base and tipped yellow; the other feathers black with
increasingly broad yellow tips, the outermost pair being all of
this colour: wing-coverts and winglet like the back; primary-
coverts black; primaries and outer secondaries black, the outer

_—Head of 8. s. sfrigula.

webs edged with orange, changing to yellow near the tips, inner
secondaries chiefly slaty-grey on the outer webs and black on the
inner and tipped with white; chin orange-yellow ; throat pale
yellow, with narrow erescentic black cross-bars; a narrow
moustachial stripe and a patch on the side of the neck black ;
remaining lower plumage bright yellow, tinged with olivaceous on
the sides of the breast and abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark reddish-brown; upper mandible
dark brown, lower mandible light greyish-brown, tip white; legs
and feet grey, claws light brown.

Measurements. Total length about 165 mm.; wing 64 to 69 mm.;
tail about 70 to 72 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen 12 to 138 mm.

“The young appear to have the crown light golden yellow inter-
mingled with grey, and to have the bars on the throat less
developed ” (Oates).

Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutle] Valley to Eastern
Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra Valley.

Nidification. The Stripe-throated Siva breeds in May and June
at heights between 4,000 and 9,000 feet or higher, making a
neat cup-shaped nest of moss, roots and bamboo leaves, sometimes
with a few other dead leaves and reed-stems and lined with roots.

314 TIMALIID®.

It is placed either in a high bush ora small sapling in forest, either
pine, fir or other kinds. The eggs vary from two to four and are
a bright pale blue in colour with a few specks or spots of black, or
reddish, or reddish brown. They measure according to Hodgson
between 20-0 to 22°8 in length and between 15:2 to 16°5 in breadth
but nine eggs in my own collection measure only 19°6 x 14:9 mm.

Habits. This bird, like others of the genus, goes about in small
flocks, haunting both the higher trees and scrub- and bush-jungle,
though it keeps more to the former than the latter.

(334) Siva strigula castaneicauda.
Hume’s Siva.
Siva castaneicauda Hume, 8. I., v. p. 100 (1877) (Muleyit); Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 209.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last bird in the much greater
extent of red on the tail; the sides of the head are blackish and
the ring of yellow round the eye brighter and more conspicuous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris deep brown; upper mandible brown,
lower fleshy ; legs and feet dingy glaucous-blue.

Measurements as in the last. I cannot find that the average
size of the bill is any bigger. Oates says that the bill is much
larger but gives no details.

Distribution. The whole of Burma, throughout the hills from
Tenasserim to the Chin and Kachin Hills and Siam.

It is extremely difficult to define the limits of these two races.
Birds from the extreme South and East of Burma are quite different
from those of the Western Himalayas to Sikkim, but birds from
Assam to W. Central Burma are intermediate, having the sides of
the head little darker than in typical strigula, yet with nearly as
much red on the tail as casteneicauda; the Chin Hills birds are a
step nearer the latter, whilst those from Yunnan, the Shan States
and all Eastern and Southern Burma are practically identical with
that form.

Nidification and Habits as far as is known like those of the last
bird. A single egg taken by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow measures
18-4 x 15:6 mm.

\ (335) Siva cyanouroptera cyanouroptera.
Hopeson’s BLUE-WINGED SIVA.
Stra cyanouroptera Hodgs., Ind, Rev.,1838, p. 88 (Nepal) ; Blanf.
& Oates, 1, p. 209.
Vernacular names. Megblim adum (Lepcha).
Description. Forehead, crown, nape and hind neck pale blue,
the sides of the crown deeper blue, the forehead and anterior part of
the crown streaked with brown ; lores, round the eyes and a broad

SIVA. 3

streak behind the oe white; back, scapulars, wing-coverts, rump
and upper tail-coverts bright ochraceous ; the median pair of tail-
feathers wholly blue with a subterminal black patch and white tip ;

the next four pairs with the outer webs blue, the inner brown
margined with white, with the black patch and white tip; the
outermost feather black on the outer, white on the inner web;

primary-coverts black; winglet cobalt-blue, tipped white; primaries
cobalt-blue on the outer webs ; ; outer Rccondaniss margined with
pale blue and tipped white ; inner secondaries blackish on the
inner and bluish-grey on the outer webs, tipped white; ear-coverts,
cheeks, sides of the neck, chin and throat, breast and sides of the
body delicate vinous-grey ; middle of abdomen pale yellowish buff ;
vent and under tail-coverts white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill horny-grey, brownish
about the nostrils and with the base of the lower mandible
yellowish ; feet fleshy-brown or flesh-colour.

Measurements. Total length about 150 to 155 mm,; wing
62 to 70 mm.; tail 63 to 70 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen
12to13 mm. Birds from the Himalayas are rather larger than
those South of the Brahmaputra, having wings 65 to 70 mm. as
against 62 to 64mm, in the southern birds.

Distribution. Himalayas from Naini-Tal to E. Assam, North and
South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Chittagong Hill
tracts and Chin Hills.

Nidification. The Blue-winged Siva builds’a nest which is a
small, neat edition of that of Letothria lutea; i.e. it is a small cup
made of leaves, grasses, moss and roots, lined with very fine roots
and fine grasses, usually of a very dark colour. The majority of
nests are found low down in bushes only a few feet from the ground
but others may be taken higher up in trees. Wherever it is plac ‘ed,
however, it 1s sure to be well hidden, unlike that of Leiothrix w hich
is well exposed to view. The eggs vary from two to four, often
two only, and are like those of Siva strigu/a; im shape they are
very regular ovals and 24 eggs measure on an average 18°4 x 141mm.
The breeding season 1s May and June.

Habits. This Siva may be found anywhere between 3,000 and
8,000 feet but is most common and breeds freely between 4,000
and 6,000 feet. They consort in flocks and feed both on the
higher trees and in amongst the brushwood and seem particularly
fond of the tangles of raspberr: y and blackberry vines so common
throughout their haunts. They fly well and fairly quickly.

* (336) Siva cyanouroptera wingatei.
THe Yunnan BLUE-WINGED Siva.

Stva wingater Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. O. C., x, p. 38 (1906)
( E. Yunnan).

Vernacular names. Ching-tong-wu-lee (Kachin).

316 TIMALIID ©.

Description. Differs from Hodgson’s Blue-winged Siva in having
the upper plumage more olive-brown and in having no white tips
to the wing-quills.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird,
the culmen averaging a little larger.

Distribution. Kachin Hills to Yunnan and the Shan States.

Nidification. Nothing recorded but a nest and egg sent me from
the Shan States are exactly like those of the last bird.

Habits those of the genus,

(337) Siva cyanouroptera sordida.
Tue Dur Siva.

Stva sordida Hume, 8. F., v, p. 104 (1877) (Muleyit); Blanf. &
Oates, 1, p. 210.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from Hodgson’s Blue-winged Siva in having
the upper parts earthy-brown, the under parts entirely white and
no white tips to the wing-quills.

Colours of soft parts. ‘‘ Lower mandible, legs, feet and claws
whitey-brown ; upper mandible darker but still pale brown; iris
creamy-white ” (Oates).

Measurements. Wing 62 mm.; tail 68 mm.; culmen 14 mm.

Distribution. Mt. Muleyit in Tenasserim.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(335) Siva cyanouroptera oatesi.
Oates’s Siva.
Siva cyanouroptera oatest Harington, Bull. B. O. C., xxxiii, p. 62
(1918) (Byingyi Mountain).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Intermediate between wingatei and sordida. Above
olive-brown tinged with ochre on the rump but the head almost
entirely dull blue, showing only faint indications of the stripes
which are conspicuous in wingate’. Below white.

Distribution. Mt. Byingyi, borders of Shan States.

Nidification and Habits unknown.

Genus YUHINA Hodgson, 1836.

The genus )uhina contains four species which are found within
the limits of this work, extending from the Western Himalayas
to Assam, Burma and China.

In Yuhina the bill is about two-thirds the length of the head,
greatly curved and sharply pointed; the frontal hairs and rictal

YUHINA. iy;

co

bristles are well developed and the nostrils are covered with a long
membrane. The head is fully crested. The tail is rather short
and quite square.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Throat streaked with black.
a. Upper plumage fulvous brown.... ¥. gularis gularis, p. 317.
6. Upper plumage olive-brown ..... . Lg. yangpiensis, p. 318.
B. Throat not streaked.
ce, Throat brown.
a’. Ring round the occiput white ;
shafts to tail-feathers white .. Y.diademata ampelina,p.518.
b'. Ring round the occiput orange-
rufous; shafts to tail-feathers

JRO seo dani ee biorcn Gna Y. occipitalis oecipitahs, p. 319.
d. Throat white with black spot on [p. 320.
HNN bene Soe man ee aol ackers Y. nigrimentum ngrimentum,

(339) Yuhina gularis gularis.
Tue StRIPE-THROATED YUHINA,

Yuhina gularis Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 166 (1836) (Nepal) ; Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 631.

Vernacular names. /ugi-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Foreheadand crest rich hair-brown; upper plumage,
wing-coverts, inner secondaries and tail fulvous brown, more
fulvous on the rump ; lores, cheeks and ear-coverts grey ; chin and
throat pale rufescent steaked with black; breast plain rufescent ;
remainder of lower plumage dull orange-brown, duller on the
sides ; primary-coverts and winglet black; wings blackish, the
third to sixth primaries edged with pale grey on the terminal portion
of the outer webs and all the secondaries except the first edged
throughout their entire length with orange-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark hazel-brown; Dill black, the
lower mandible horny-brown ; legs and feet yellow-buff or orange-
buff, claws dusky.

Measurements. Total length about 150 to 155 mm.; wing 68 to

72 mm.; tail about 60 mm.; tarsus 20 mm; culmen about 12 to
13 mm.

Distribution. Nepal to Eastern Assam North of the Brahma-
putra.

Nidification. Hodgson describes the nest as a massive globular
affair of moss wedged into a fork of a tree or between rocks, and
the eggs as buff or café-au-lait, thickly spotted with reddish brown.
Nests taken for me by Messrs. W. P. Masson and sent with the
birds are cradles of fern and moss roots, lined with finer moss
roots and attached to the pendent roots under an overhanging
bank. The eggs are pale sea-green, profusely but not boldly,

318 TIMALIID 2.

speckled all over with light red. They measure 17:4 12-6 mm.
All the nests were taken in May.
Habits. Very little on record but it is found from 3,000 feet
upwards and principally between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. A gre-
garious bird and haunting trees in forest i in preference to the low er
bushes and smaller cover.

(340) Yuhina gularis yangpiensis.

SHARPE'S YUHINA.
Vuhina yangpiensis Sharpe, Bull. B. O. C., xiii, p. f i909) (Yangp 2/2/

Yunnan).

Vernacular names. Chee-chaw-pum-frong, Chee-chaw, Pum-chee-
chaw (Kachin).

Description. Very similar to the last but is more olive-brown
und less fulvous-brown above and the crest is fulvous-brown in-
stead of a rich hair-brown.

Colours of soft parts. lris brown; upper mandible black, the
lower horny ; legs and feet orange.

Measurements as in Y. g. qularis.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills,
Shan States and Yunnan.

Nidification and Habits unrecorded.

(541) Yuhina diademata ampelina.
21PPON’S YUHINA.

Vuhina ampelina Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xi, p. 12 (1900) (Warabum,
Bhamo Hills).

Vernacular names. Chee-chaw-pum-frong, Chee-chaw, Pum-
chee-chaw (Kachin).

Description. Crest, wing-coverts and upper parts dark earth-
brown; a line of silky “white feathers from each eye meeting
between the occiput and nape; crest with lighter shaft-streaks ;
bastard wing and primary-coverts dark prow? n; quills black, the
shatts brown, changing to white at the tips and the primaries
edged with white at the ends; tail-feathers brown, dusky on the
inner webs and at the tips and with white shafts; lores black ;
eyelid white; sides of face and ear-coverts greyish brown, the
latter with pale shaft-stripes; the anterior part of the cheeks
darker brown; under parts earthy-brown, darker on chin and
throat, greyish on the breast and paler on flanks: centre of
spdonicus and tail-coverts white. Avxillaries and under wing-
coverts white with brown patch.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris clear chestnut; bill and feet
yellow ” (David). .

YUHINA. 3ol9

Measurements. Total length about 165 mm.; wing about 74 to
77 mm.; tail about 74 mm.; tarsus about 24 mm.; culmen about
16 to 17 mm.

This bird only differs from Y. d. diademata in being darker
throughout and im having the breast and sides of the head more
grey.

Distribution. Yunnan and Kachin Hills.

Nidification. Breeds in the Bhamo Hills in April and May,
making a flimsy, almost transparent cup of black roots with a few
scraps of bracken, well plastered with cobwebs and lined with fine
black roots and fern-rachides. They are invariably placed low down
in brambles, bracken or coarse grass and measure outwardly about
4" by 22" deep. The eggs are two in number, very rarely three,
and are long ovals in shape, the ground-colour a dull greenish blue
with profuse blotches and specks all over of umber-brown.
Twenty-two eggs average 20°5 X 14:9 mm.

Habits. A common bird in the Bhamo Hills, going about in small
flocks in higher saplings and trees. Harington says “They are
very Tit-like in their habits and notes, continually raising the crest
and so revealing the conspicuous white patch at the back of the
head.” They seem to be found between 4,500 and 7,000 feet.

Fig. 58.—Head of Y. o. occipitalis.

(342) Yuhina occipitalis occipitalis.

Yuhina oceipitais Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 166 (1836) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 212.

Vernacular names. T'wringing-pho (Lepcha).

Description. I’orehead and crest slaty-grey with whitish shaft-
streaks, posterior feathers of crest and nape chestnut; hind neck
ashy ; upper plumage rufous-brown; the wings and tail brown,
the outer webs of the feathers suffused and margined with rufous-
brown ; a circle of white feathers round the eye; ear-coverts and
the region of the eye slaty-grey, streaked whitish; a narrow
interrupted black moustachial streak; chin, throat, breast and
sides of neck vinous ; sides of the abdomen rusty-grey, centre pale
chestnut; thighs, vent and under tail-coverts bright chestnut ;
under wing-coverts and edge of wing white.

320 TIMALIID A.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown; bill reddish brown;
feet orange-buff, claws horny-brown (Scully).

Measurements. ‘otal length about 125 mm.; wing 59 to
62 mm.; tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 11
to 12 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. It is a bird of
high levels, not being found below 6,000 feet and ascending up to
10,000.

(343) Yuhina nigrimentum nigrimentum.
Tue Buack-CHINNED YUHINA

Polyodon nigrimentum Hodgs., Gray's Zool. Mise., p. 82 (1844)
(Nepal).
Vuhinu nigrimentum. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 212.

Vernacular names. Z'urringing-pho (Lepcha).

Description. lorehead and crest black, each feather margined
with grey; uape and sides of head grey; lores and chin black ;
upper - plumage: and tail dull olive-green ; primaries and secondaries
brown, narrowly margined with olive-green ; throat white; re-
mainder of lower plumage fulvous, tinged with rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel; bill dusky above, the lower
mandible pale and reddish ; feet and legs reddish yellow.

Measurements. Total length about 115 mm.; wing 54 to 57 mm.;
tail about 58 to 40 mm.; tarsus about 16 to17mm.; culmen about
10 to 11 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to Assam North and
South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Chin Hills and N, Arrakan.

Nidification. This little Yuhina breeds from 4,000 feet upwards
throughout its range in the months of May, June and July. It
makes a beautiful cradle-shaped nest of moss roots, a tiny scrap
or two of moss and a lining of the finest grass stems. It is placed
either in amongst the pendent roots of overhanging banks or in
amongst the lichen on the lower side of dead branches, in nearly
all cases well concealed and difficult to find. They measure only
about 80 to 90 mm. in diameter by about 65 mm. in depth. The
eggs number three or four and are pale sea-green in colour,
lightly marked all over with freckles of reddish, and they measure
about 16°5 x 12°2 mm.

Habits. This ttle Yuhina keeps ouch to the higher branches
of medium-sized and high trees, hunting about for insects in
the manner of ‘Titmouses, as often hanging head downwards from
the under side as scurrying along the upper, or even clinging,
Tree-creeper lke, to the ‘bark of the trunk itself. They collect in
flocks of some size and keep up a constant “ chip, chip ” the whole

time, occasionally breaking out into a louder, shriller call.

IXULUS, 321

Genus IXULUS Hodgson, 1844,

The genus Jaulus resembles Yuhina very closely but has the
pill shorter, deeper and more curved at the tip ; the rictal bristles
and hairs over the bill are weaker and less developed.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A; Nape white Giavrass series. s ayes .... JL, oceipitalis, p. 321,
B. Nape without any white.
a. A distinct collar round neck.
a’, A rusty-yellow collar on hind neck.

a", Striz confined to scapulars and [p. 322.
upper back; darker............ I. flavicollis flavicollis,
b", Strive over the whole back to rump ;
PakeDe ys ats as SAetr Sapo ON Oe I. fl. baileyi, p. 323.
b'. A bright chestnut collar on hind
BIG CHM ey emete crete sacle 1s, ccevaberttn ss cnin eis I. fl. harterti, p. 323.
b. No collar on hind neck. [p. 324.
c'. Crown and back brown .........+.. I. humilis humilis,
da’. Crown brown, back greyish ........ I. h. clarkit, p. 824.

(344) Ixulus occipitalis.
Tue CHESTNUT-HEADED IXULUS.

Siva occipitalis Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiii, p. 937 (1844) (Nepal).
Tvulus occipitalis, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 217.
Vernacular names. Z'emgyeng-pho or T'vrring-ng-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest ferruginous brown; tips of
the occipital crest and a bold nuchal patch white; lores and

Fig. 59.—Head of J, occipitalis,

round the eye dusky ; ear-coverts white streaked with rufous ;
the rest of the sides of head and neck ferruginous brown ; back,
rump and closed surface of wing dull olive-green, the shafts of
the feathers of the upper back and scapulars whitish and the
outer webs of the earlier primaries hoary-grey ; upper tail-coverts
and tail fulvous-brown; chin and throat white; breast pinkish
brown, streaked with brown ; abdomen and flanks olivaceous, the
middle of the former paler; under tail-coverts ferruginous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown, bill black ;
legs pale yellowish, fleshy-brown or “dull olivaceous ” (Stevens).

VOL. I. Mi

one TIMALIIDA.

Measurements. Total length about 130mm.; wing 64 to 68mm. ;
tail about 50 to 52 mm.,; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about
10 mm,

Distribution. Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan to the
extreme east of Assam, Manipur and the Chittagong Hiil tracts.

Nidification. This Ixulus breeds between 4,000 and 7,000 feet
in May and June, the nest varying very greatly in character,
shape and position. Normally it is domed and placed either on
or close to the ground, but sometimes it is semi-domed or merely
deep cup-shaped and may be built in a branch of a tree or shrub,
in amongst the lichen and moss hanging from a trunk or bough,
or it may even be placed in a niche in a rock. The material used
is always chiefly moss but this may be mixed to a lesser or
greater extent with roots and chips of leaves or bracken, the lining
being of roots alone. The eggs number three or four and are in
every respect just like those of our English Swallow but the
markings are more numerous as well as bolder and_ larger.
Sixty eggs average 19°3 x 14-2 mm. and the extremes are 21°3 x
14:0 mm., 20-1 x 15:0 mm. and 17°3 x 14:0 mm.

Habits. These are just like those of Yuhina. They fly well,
and their note is a rather sweet, soft chatter. They are very
arboreal and may sometimes be seen on the highest trees. They
keep almost exclusively to evergreen forest.

(345) Ixulus flavicollis flavicollis.
THE YELLOW-HEADED IXULUS.

Vuhina flavicollis Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 167 (1856) (Nepal).
Ivulus flavicellis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 218.

Vernacular names. Srip-chong-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest rich brown; hinder part of
crown, nape and sides of the head mouse-grey, the lower part of
the ear-coverts bronze-grey ; lores and moustachial streak black ;
a white ring round eye; a broad rusty-yellow collar round the
hind neck; upper plumage olive-brown, the shafts of the feathers
of the back pale; upper tail-coverts tinged with fulvous ; tail and
wings like the back but less olive, the primaries narrowly edged
with white; chin and cheeks white; throat white with a few
narrow ochraceous streaks and with dark shafts ; middle of breast
and abdomen pale fulvous; vent and under tail-coverts deep
fulvous; flanks and sides of breast ochraceous, streaked with
white ; under wing-coverts white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish brown or hazel; bill dark
horny, the lower mandible paler and rather fleshy; legs and feet
fleshy-brown or yellowish brown.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 62 to 67 mm.;

tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 10 to
:
11 mm.

IXULUS. S20

Distribution. Himalayas, Sutle] to Bhutan.

Nidification. Similar to that of the preceding bird but, whereas
the Chestnut-headed Ixulus generally places its nest on or almost
on the ground, this bird seems to prefer to build it amongst the
moss growing on the branches and twigs. The eggs cannot be dis-
tinguished from those of the last and 28 average 19°81 x 14°2 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. This Ixulus is found between
4,000 and 8,000 feet and keeps almost entirely to the greenest and
most humid forests though it frequents the more open parts of
these.

(346) Ixulus flavicollis baileyi.
THe Misumi Ixvvs,

Ieulus flavicollis baileyi Stuart Baker, Bull, B, O.C., xxxv, p. 17
(1914) (Mishmi Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. General plumage paler than in J. f. favicollis and
the white shaft-lines extending over the whole of the upper
parts: the ear-coverts have none of the bronze tint showing in
that bird.

Colours of soft parts. “ Iris red-brown; bill horny; tarsus dull
yellow ” (Stevens).

Measurements as in the preceding bird.

Distribution. Mishmi Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Not recorded. It is apparently this
form which Stevens found in the foot-hills of N. Lakhimpur and
the Abor Miri Hills. The birds from the N. Chin Hills are,
perhaps, also nearest this form.

(347) Ixulus flavicollis harterti. ~ 2°<%-
Tur CHESTNUT-NAPED IXULUS.

Ivulus flavicollis harterti Harington, Bull. B.O. C., xxxiii, p. 62
(1918) (Sinlum, Bhamo Hills),

Vernacular names. Chee-chaw (Kachin).

Description. Similar to /. f. flavicollis but differs in having the
crest a darker and richer brown: the collar a deeper and brighter
chestnut and the back a darker olive-brown.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in J. f. flavicollis.

Distribution. The Bhamo (Kachin) Hills and Trans-Salween
Shan States, Burma. Birds from 8S. Assam, Manipur and 8. Chin
Hills are also of this form though not so dark as more Hastern
specimens,

Nidification. This bird may commonly be found breeding
throughout 8S. Assam and also in the Bhamo Hills. Neither nest
nor eggs can be distinguished from those of the Himalayan forms.
Forty-eight eggs average 19°3X 14-2 mm.

x2

324 TIMALIIDA.

Habits. hose of the species. Stevens found that this bird fed
on berries as well as insects.

(348) Ixulus humilis humilis.
Davison’s Ixvus.
Invulus humilis Hume, 8. F., v, p. 106 (1877) (Muleyit); Blanf. &
Oates, i, p. 218.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage, visible portions of wings
and tail and sides of head plain brown; lores and moustachial
streaks darker brown; sides of neck and whole lower plumage
white, the chin, throat and breast with very narrow brown shaft-
streaks, broadening on the flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts;
under wing-coverts white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown; Dill, upper mandible
black, under one pale brown; legs and feet fleshy-brown.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing about 60 to
62 mm.; tail about 48 to 45 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm. ;
culmen 10 to 11 mm,

Distribution. Tenasserim only.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. Frequents the
higher portion of Muleyit Mountain.

($49) Ixulus humilis clarkii.
Oates’s IxuLus.
Taulus clarki Oates, Bull. B. O.C., iii, p. 41 (1894) (Byingyi) ; Blanf.
& Oates, iv, p. 481.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the last in having a much greyer back,
well defined from the brown head, the shafts on the back are also
paler, showing up as better-defined streaks,

Measurements. ‘‘ Wing 66 mm.; tail 50 mm.; tarsus 19 mm.;
bill from gape 12°7 mm.”

Distribution. At present only known from Byingyi, a moun-
tain on the borders of the Shan States.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Oates records that he “ found this bird very common
on Byingyi, in small parties, searching the blossoms of small trees
for insects.” Byingyi is at about 6,200 feet elevation,

Genus ERPORNIS Hodgson, 1844.

The genus /rpornis is represented by one species only, which
extends from the Himalayas to China and the Malay islands, where
it is represented by geographical races or subspecies. In Erpornis

ERPORNIS. 3825

the bill is slender and about as long as the head, with the tip well
bent down ; the nostrils are covered by a few long hairs and the
rictal bristles are strong; the head is crested, the wing rather long
and pointed and the tail perfectly square. The plumage is green.

(350) Erpornis xantholeuca xantholeuca.
THE WHITE-BELLIED HuErRPoRNIs.

Erpornis vantholeuca Hodgs., J. A. 8. B., xiii, p. 380 (1844) (Nepal).
Herpornis vantholeuca. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 219.

Vernacular names. Dung-pu-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Whole upper plumage, visible wings and tail clear
greenish yellow; lores, cheeks and lower plumage white, slightly
tinged with grey; ear-coverts ashy-white; under wing-coverts
pale yellow ; under tail-coverts bright yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown; Dill pale fleshy
horn-colour, the edges of the commissure, lower bill and gape
brighter, paler fleshy ; mouth and extreme corner of gape yellow;

5
legs and feet flesh-colour or yellowish flesh-colour.

Fig. 60.—Head of EF. x. xantholeuca.

Measurements. Length about 120 mm.; wing 638 to 70 mm.;
tail about 45 mm.; tarsus about 16 mm.; culmen 10 to 10°5 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Assam, both North
and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and practically the whole
of Burma, Siam and N. Malay Peninsula.

Nidification. The White-bellied Herpornis breeds from practi-
cally the level of the plains up to some 3,000 feet but more often
below 1,500 feet than over. The nest is a cradle of fine roots,
mixed with fibres and fine grass stems and lined with the latter.
It may be pendent in a horizontal fork or just hanging from a few
twigs either of bamboo or some shrub within a few feet of the
ground. Hopwood took its nest in Burma in March but in India
it breeds in April and May. Its nest is built either in evergreen
forest, mixed bamboo and scrub or in bushes in thin cover. The
eggs are two or three in number, the ground-colour white or,
rarely, creamy-white and the markings consist of sparse blotches
of pale reddish, generally confined to the largerend. The texture
is faintly glossy and is stout for the size of the eggs; in shape they
are rather long ovals and twenty eggs average 16°7 x 12-6 mm,,

the extremes being 18°8 14:0 and 15°2x12°0 mm. In each of

326 TIMALIID2,

these cases the same individual egg gives the extremes in breadth
and length.

Habits very like those of Jwulus but Hrpornis seems to keep
much to the tops of very high trees. In the non-breeding season
it is not usually found in heavy forest but prefers the ‘aer out-
skirts of big forests or the smaller forests which generally fill the

ravines and pockets in the grass-lands. It was common in
the thin deciduous forest in the North of the N. Cachar Hills,
where we found it in small parties diligently hunting the smaller
branches and twigs for insects. It is a very silent bird and I have
not heard its note.

Subfamily LIOTRICHINA.

This subfamily contains a number of genera the placing of
many of which is a matter of no little difficulty. Since Oates
wrote the first volume of the first edition of the Avifauna we
have learnt a good deal which has enabled us to eliminate several
genera which are obviously non-Timaliine, but further examination
of material anatomically may assist us to place yet others in more
suitable positions than ‘the present.

Of the 16 genera included by Oates in his Liotrichine, the
following five have been removed to other families. Jrena is now
placed in Oberholser’s new Family Zrentde ; Melanochlora has been
transferred to the ‘Titmouses, Paride ; Leptopecile and Cephalo-
pyrus have been included in the Legulide, whilst Psaraglossa is
a true Starling and will be found in the Sturnide.

Of the remaining genera there are still some whose position is
especially doubtful. Cutia and Pteruthius have, it has been sug-
gested, many aflinities with the Campephagide and Harington
claims that their nidification also proves this ; to me, however, stke
nidification seems to point strongly to a position somewhere near
Fuhina, Ivulus ete. and, for the present, the reasons for their
retention in the subfamily seem greater than for their rejection.

The position of Myzornis. is problematical, and careful
examination of pterylosis and anatomy and a correct knowledge
of its breeding habits are urgently required. Chloropsis is in the
same group as Aethorhynchus and dAtgithina and seems to be in
many ways intermediate between the Vimaliide and Pyenonotide,
the fact that the sexes differ seeming to determine their position
in the former rather than the latter. Aypocolius is a very curious
bird with a very short first primary and may eventually have
to be placed in a “family by itselr.

The subfamily as now restricted differs from the previous sub-
families of the Vimaliide and from the Pycnonotide in having the
sexes differing in coloration; the young are very like the adults
but rather duller ; the wing and tail are generally not greatly
different in length ; the tet primary, w ith the exception of
Hypocolius, is about half the length of the second; the wing is

fairly rounded but longer and more pointed than in the precedine

LIOTHRIX.

327

subfamilies; the tarsus is strong, though more fitted for arboreal
than terrestrial habits and the bill is usually short.

Key to Genera.

A. First primary about half the length of the second.
a. Tail considerably shorter than wing.
a’. Tail-feathers curved outwards
b'. Tail-feathers straight.
a''. Upper tail-coverts falling short of tip of
tail by less than the length of hind toe.
b''. Upper tail-coverts falling short of tip of
tail by about the length of tarsus.
a”. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
a, Bill stout, strongly notched and
hooked at tip.
a. Bill about half the length of head ;
culmenswell carved... 05.50 02
6°. Billas long as head; culmen nearly
SUR CHM Lie Wer ayy c's in cy steles Siar a oe
b*, Bill slender and very little deflected
at tip. ,
c’. Plumage principally black and
ereenisht YEMOW) «466s. ss es,c0 0
d°. Plumage green and red..........
b'’. Tarsus shorterthan middle toe and claw
6, Tail and wing about equal in length.
ec’. Outer tail-feather falling short of tip of tail
by a distance equal to length of tarsus
d', Outer tail-feather falling short of tip of tail
by a distance less than length of tarsus.
ce’, Closed bill deeper than wide at nostril . .

ee

LIoTHRIX, p. 527.

Curia, p. 329.

[p. 330.
PTERUTHIUS,

AX¥THORHYNCHUS,
[p. 337.

JAGITHINA, p. 359.
MyzornIs, p. 344.
CHLOROPSIS,

[p. 346.

HILAROCICHtA.
[p. 336.

Mest, p. 353.

ad". Closed bill equal in width and depth at

TORLH OU ies Bec pied Cares oO Ee ae Mint, p. 355.
B. First primary about a sixth the length of the |p. 396.
second? 2795.5. ne eee ema ies cst F HyPoco.ius,

Genus LIOTHRIX Swains., 1831.

The genus Ziothria contains one remarkable species of hill-bird,
which is characterized by a slightly forked tail, the feathers of
which are gently curved outwards; the bill is about half the
length of the head, stout and with the culmen curved. It resembles
very closely the bill of Mesia, tigured below (p. 354). ‘The tail is
quite square at the tip and the upper tail-coverts are long. The
species extends from Simla in the Western Himalayas, East into
China and South into 8. Burma and Siam. It is divisible into
several geographical races.

Liothrix lutea.

Key to Subspecies.
A. Smaller; wing, male 65 to 71 mm., female

GE fonGSmms ah Pag ho oe aga seen eee ks L. lutea callipyga, p. 328.
B. Larger; wing, male 72 to 76, female 66mm. ZL. l. yunnanensis, p. 329,

328 TIMALIIDE.

o™
(351) Liothrix lutea callipyga.
THE INDIAN ReED-BILLED LIOTHRIX.

Bahila calkipyga Hodgs., Ind. Rey., 1838, p. 88 (Nepal).
Liothriz lutea. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 221.

Vernacular names. Nanachura (Dehra Doon); Rapchil-pho
(Lepeha); Daotisha-buku-gajao (Cachari).

Description.—Adult male. The whole upper plumage and sides
of the neck olive-green, the forehead and crown tinged with
yellow ; middle pair of tail-feathers and the outer webs of the
others black, inner webs brown and all tipped white ; the primaries
edged with yellow and later on with crimson; outer secondaries
black, witha patch of orange-yellow at the bases of the outer webs ;
inner secondaries olive-green tinged with rufous; lores orange-
yellow ; a ring round the eye yellow; ear-coverts silvery-grey ;
a narrow moustachial streak dusky green ; chin and throat bright
yellow, turning to deep orange-yellow on the lower throat ; centre
of breast and abdomen, the vent and under tail-coverts yellow;
sides of breast and abdomen slaty-green.

Female differs from the male in having the crimson on the wing
replaced by yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown; bill brilliant
orange-red throughout in summer, blackish at the base in winter ;
legs and feet yellowish brown to dark brown.

Measurements. Total length about 145 to 155 mm.; wing:
males 65 to 71 mm., females 61 to 65 mm.; tail 55 to 60 mm.;
tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen 10 to 11 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Simla to Eastern Assam, the
Khasia Hills, Chin Hills and N. Arrakan.

Nidification. The Red-billed Liothrix breeds throughout. its
range between 3,000 and 8,000 feet in almost any kind of forest,
pine, evergreen, deciduous, or in secondary growth and heavy scrub-
jungle, but it certainly prefers forest of pine or fir with under-
growth. Its nest is a neat cup of grass, bamboo and other leaves
and moss; the latter material often forming nearly the whole nest,
whilst the lining is of fine roots and tendrils. It is generally placed
in a fork, upright or horizontal, orin amongst a few twigs of a bush
or bramble, at some height between 2 and 10 feet. It is seldom
well hidden and is often very conspicuous. 200 eggs average
21:°9x16'1 mm. and the extremes are 23:2x17-0, »3:0x171,
18°9 x 15:2 and 21:4x15:0mm. In colour they vary from almost
pure white to pale blue and the markings consist of sparse spots
and blotches of reddish brown with others, underlying these, of
neutral tint, generally confined to the larger end and often forming
an ill-defined zone. The shape is a blunt, broad oval and the
texture is close, hard and glossy, often very highly so.

The breeding season lasts from early April to September but
most eggs are laid in May and June.

CULIA. 329

Habits. This bird is found in the cold weather in small parties
of half-a-dozen or so wandering about in the lower growth in
forests and scrub but not frequenting the higher trees unless
frightened into them. They are cheerful little birds, constantly
chatting to one another and, in the Khasia Hills, very bold and
confiding, though they are said elsewhere to be shy birds. In the
breeding season, however, when they break up into pairs they are
much shyer and quieter, though the male may often be seen
perched on some bramble, quivering his wings and fluffing out his
teathers as he trills his pretty little love-song to his mate near by.

~ (852) Liothrix lutea yunnanensis.
Tope Yunnan ReEp-pintep Liornrix.
Liothrix lutea yunnanensis Rothschild, Nov. Zool., xxviii, p.86(1921)
(Shweli-Salwin Divide).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. ‘‘ Differs from Z. /. calipyqus in its larger size, more
sharply defined yellowish head and in the fact that of eight speci-
mens six have the red or yellow on the 7th, 8th and 9th primaries
broadly interrupted, while the whole eight have this colour on the
first secondary interrupted or entirely absent, while in the other
two species it is never broken or it is entirely black.”

Colours of soft parts. “Iris brown: bill orange-red summer,
scarlet with black base winter; legs and feet dark brown.”

Measurements. “ Wing ¢ 72to 76 mm.; 2 66 mm.” (Rothschild).

Distribution. Yunnan west to the Kachin Hills. Birds ob-
tained in Bhamo by Harington seem referable to this race.

Nidification and Habits. Similar to those of the last bird.

Genus CUTIA Hodgson, 1836,

The genus Cutia contains but one species, a very handsome bird
remarkable for the great development of the upper tail-coverts,
which reach nearly to the tip of the tail. In Cutia the bill is rather
slender, curved, notched and pointed and slightly longer than half
the length of the head; the rictal bristles are very short; the nostrils
longitudinal and covered by a membrane and the frontal bristles
are short and firm. The tail is about two-thirds the length of the
wing and slightly rounded.

(353) Cutia nipalensis nipalensis.

THe Nepat Curt,

Vernacular names. Khatya (Nepal); Rapnoon or Rapnun-pho
(Lepcha).

330 TIMALIID®.

Description.—Male. The lores, sides of forehead and a broad
band passing through the eyes and ear-coverts round the nape
black: the whole crown deep slaty; back, scapulars, rump and
upper tail-coverts chestnut; wing-coverts black ; quills black, all
but the first two with a patch of slaty near the base, increasing in
extent inwards and the 3rd to the 6th or 7th primary with a narrow
edging of the same about the middle of the outer web; most of the
later quills minutely tipped with white; tail black; lower plumage
white, the sides of the body boldly barred with black; vent and
under tail-coverts pale buff.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill black, pale leaden-blue
at gape and base of lower mandible ; legs and feet rich wax-yellow ;
claws pale yellowish-horny.

Fig. 61.—Head of C. n. nipalensis.

Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 90 to 96 mm. ;
tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 80 mm.; culmen about 17 mm.

Female. The crown paler and the band surrounding it choco-
late-brown instead of black; the back and scapulars reddish brown
with large oval black spots ; otherwise as in the male.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Eastern Assam,
North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Karenni.

Nidification. Unknown.

Habits. ound in flocks, above 6,000 feet, in summer, in forest
where it frequents the higher trees only. In winter it certainly
wanders down a good deal lower, for I saw it on two or three
occasions in the north-west of N. Cachar at about 3,000 feet
during December and January. They were then frequenting the
higher branches of oak-trees and the huge cotton-trees which
were scattered about amongst them. They feed both on insects
and berries and seeds.

Genus PTERUTHIUS Swains., 1831.

The genus Pteruthius contains four species and many subspecies
of a very curious group of birds rather Shrike-like in general out-
ward appearance but quite unlike any Shrikes in habits and nidifi-
cation and also in the sexes being dissimilar. Harington (Journal
B. N. H.S. xxiii, p. 655, 1915) suggests that the proper position
of this and the preceding genus is somewhere near the Campe-

PTERUTHIUS. 331

phagide but, though they may in some respects approach this
family, they seem to me to be nearer the Timaliide, in which
I retain them.

The bill is about one-half the length of the head, strongly hooked
at the tip and with the margins sinuate ; the rictal bristles are
weak. ‘The nostrils are the same as in Liothriv lutea as are also
the wing and tail but the upper tail-coverts only reach to the
middle of the tail. The feathers of the crown are ample but do
not form a crest, the tarsus is strong and quite Timaliine.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Inner secondaries chestnut.

@. Crown black 2s. 5.32: <5<0-s BiReay ss Shi « P. erythropterus, 3, p. 331.
b. Crown bluish grey ........-.-- .... LP. erythropterus, 2, p. 332.
[p. 833,

B. Inner secondaries golden yellow...... P. eralatus eralatus, ¢,

C. Inner secondaries tipped with chestnut P. @. eralatus, QO, p. 333.
D. Inner secondaries bluish grey or green .
c. Crown greenish yellow. ¥*
a’. Nape bluish-ashy. [p- 383.
a’, Tips of wing-coverts white .... P. melanotis melanotis, d ,
6''. Tips of wing-coveits salmon-pink P. m. melanotis, Q, p. B54.
b'. Nape greenish yellow.

c''. Tips of wing-coverts white .... P.m. intermedius, 3, p. 839.
d'’. Tips of wing-coverts salmon-pink P.m. intermedius, 2 , p. 335.
d. Crown blackish. [chloris, 3, p- 339.
ce’. No white ring round eye.......- P. xanthochloris xantho-
ad’. A white ring round eye......-- P. x. pallida, 3.
e. Crown dark grey.
e’. No white ring round eye ...... P. x. xanthochloris, 2 , p.836.
f'. Awhite ringroundeye ........ Px. pathda, 2.
f. Crown pale ash-grey..........---- P. x. occidentalis, 3, p. 336.
g. Crown pale greenish grey ........ P.x. occidentalis, 2, p. 336.

P. «x. pallida (David, Yunnan) is very likely to be found in
the N. Shan States, so is included in the key.

(354) Pteruthius erythropterus.
Tus Rep-winerd SuRIKE-BABBLER.
Lanius erythropterus Vigors, P. Z. 8., p. 22 (1831) (Himalaya Mt.)
(Murree, Punjab).
Pteruthius erythropterus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 224.

Vernacular names. Dao-kranji (Cachari).

Description.—Adult male. Forehead to nape, lores, under the eye
and ear-coverts black ; a broad white supercilium ; upper plumage
bluish grey, some of the upper tail-coverts tipped with black ; tail
and wing-coverts black; primaries and outer secondaries dark brown,
edged with glossy black and tipped with white ; inner secondaries
chestnut, lower plumage very pale greyish white, the sides of the
throat, centre of the abdomen, vent and under wing- and tail-
coverts pure white ; lower parts of the flanks pale rusty.

So TIMALIID®,

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale greenish or greyish white to deep
lavender-, green-, or blue-grey of almost every conceivable tint
and sometimes (Godwin-Austen) amber ; bill pale plumbeous, the
base of mandible and most of the culmen black ; legs and feet pale
fleshy-white to pale fleshy-brown, claws horny-brown and soles
more yellowish.

Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.;

tail about 60 to65mm.; tarsus about 28 to 29 mm.; culmen about
17 mm.

Female and Young. The upper part of the head bluish grey
instead of black and supercilium very indistinct; upper plumage
olive-grey ; smaller wing-coverts black edged with yellowish; greater
coverts black with yellow outer webs ; primary-coverts and winglet
black ; the earlier primaries edged with hoary-grey, the others
with vellow; inner secondaries chestnut; the central tail-feathers
green, the others black with broad green margins to the outer webs
and tipped with yellow; lower plumage entirely pale buff.

Measurements a little smaller than the male; wing 78 to 81 mm,

Z
Lo
Fig. 62.—Head of P. erythropterus.

The young male assumes the adult plumage in the first autumn.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Hazara to E. Assam, Mani-
pur and the Chin Hills.

Nidification. This Shrike-Babbler breeds between 3,500 and
9,000 feet in June. Col. R. H. Rattray describes its nest as one
of the most difficult to find, being always built in the smaller twigs
very high up in high trees in forest. The nest is a strong, neat
cradle of fine roots, built, like an Oriole’s, pendent from a small
fork. ‘Three eggs taken on the 11th of June were a pale lilac-
white with numerous fine specks and spots of deep purple, forming
deep rings round the extreme larger end and finely peppered
over the rest of the surface. ‘They are broad ovals in shape, of a
rather fragile, glossless texture and measure about 21:8 x 16-2mm.
A nest taken by myself on the Khasia Hills in May contained
two abnormal, addled eggs. Neither nest nor eggs bear any
resemblance to those of the Laniide or Campephagide.

Habits. In the Himalayas from West to East this bird seems to
be found from 5,000 feet upwards but in the hills South of the
Brahmaputra they descend to 3,500 feet and are common, even
in summer, at 4,000 feet. They consort either in pairs or in small

PTERUTHIUS. 333

parties and keep much to the fringe of forests, the sides of roads
and streams and open glades, and when perched on the topmost
twig of some tall bush they do look extremely Shrike-like but
directly they move the resemblance disappears. They are sedate
and rather slow in their actions as they hop about or clamber
through the bushes and scrub and their flight is jerky, dipping and
rather feeble. They are not shy birds and keep up a continuous
grating ‘‘ chirr”’ when being watched but they also have some loud
musical call-notes. They feed both on insects and berries and seeds.

(355) Pteruthius eralatus eralatus.
TricknLy’s SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Pteruthius @ralatus Tickell, J. A. 8S. B., xxiv, p. 267 (1855)
(Tenasserim, 3,500-4,500 ft.) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 225.

Wernacular names. None recorded.

Description.— Male. Differs from the last in having the inner
secondaries golden yellow on the outer webs and edged with black
on the inner webs and tipped with black. The lower plumage is
also more grey.

Colours of soft parts. ‘‘ Legs and feet fleshy white ; claws pale
brown to black ; lower mandible and basal edges of upper mandible
along commissure pale blue, rest of the bill black; iris varied con-
siderably, slaty grey, pale greenish grey and deep brown ” (Hume
& Davison),

Measurements a little smaller than the last; wing 75 to 81 mm.

The female differs in having the inner secondaries green, tipped
with chestnut and the back grey.

Distribution. The Kachin Hills, East of Bhamo, the hills of
Central Hast Burma, Muleyit and probably other ranges in Ten-
asserim and the North of the Malay Peninsula.

Nidification. Unknown.

Habits. On Muleyit, Davison found this bird in pairs or singly,
frequenting the tops of the highest trees, hunting the smaller
branches and foliage for insects. Its note he syllabifizes as
“too weech.” He also says that if one of a pair is shot, the other
at once commences calling and hunting for its companion. This
trait is also seen in the last bird.

Probably all the forms of e@ralatus should be treated as geo-
graphical races of erythropterus, but in the series available for
examination I have seen no intermediate forms.

(356) Pteruthius melanotis melanotis.
Tur CHESTNUT-THROATED SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Pteruthius melanotis Hodgs., J. A. 5S, B., xxiv, p. 267 (1855) (Terai,
ii. Himalayas); Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 226.

Vernacular names. Au-er-pho (Lepcha).

3a4 TIMALIID&.

Description—Male. Upper plumage greenish yellow; tail,
central tail-feathers green, tipped vlack, next four pairs black
tipped white, these white tips increasing in size outwardly until
the outermost are wholly white ; a white ring round the eye; ear-
coverts yeliow; a black spot behind the ear-coverts ; a broad
supercilium bluish white ; nape bluish-ashy ; lores and lines above
and below the eye meeting behind it black; chin, throat and
upper breast deep chestnut ; remaining lower plumage bright yeilow.
Wings brown, the feathers edged with bluish grey and the inner
secondaries wholly of this colour and all the quills but a few of the
first primaries tipped with white; lesser wing-coverts black edged
with grey; greater coverts black, broadly tipped with white ;
primary-coverts and winglet black.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel or hight brown; bill plumbecus ;
legs and feet fleshy-white.

Measurements. Length about 120 mm.; wing 60 to 63 mm.;
tail about 45 to 46 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about
7 to 8 mm,

Female. Differs from the male in having salmon-pink tips to
the wing instead of white, the chestnut of the throat not reaching
the breast, and in having the lores and lines through the eyes brown
and not black.

The young are like the female but the upper plumage is olive-
brown and the lower plumage is yellowish white; the nape is con-
colorous with the back and there are no black lines through the eyes.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to E. Assam both
North and South of the Brahmaputra; Manipur.

Nidification, This beautiful little Babbler breeds from 4,000 feet
upwards in the hills of 8S, Assam and according to Hodgson at
6,000 or 7,000 feet in Nepal. It makes a lovely little cradle-like
nest of fine roots, a little moss and lichen, occasionally an odd twig
or leaf or two, scantily lined with rhizomorph from a fungus or
very fine moss roots. It may be placed either in a horizontal fork
or pendent between two or more small twigs and at any height
from the ground from 5 to 16 feet, in bush or small sapling.
They breed from the middle of April to the middle of June, laying
four or five, or even six eggs. ‘These are of two types—a delicate
pinky-lilae with fine specks and tiny blotches of dark purple, mostly
confined to the larger end,or a pale pink with similar marks of
pale reddish brown with others underlying of pale lilac and neutral
tint. The shape is a regular or rather broad oval and the texture
soft and fine, glossless and rather fragile. Thirty-four eggs
average 17°9X13°5 mm. and the extremes are 19°1 x 14°4 mm. and
16°8 x 13:0 mm, and 17:4 12°6 mm.

Habits. This little bird seems to be invariably found in pairs
only, frequenting both lofty trees and the higher bushes and
brushwood. It is essentially a forest bird but at the same time
keeps to the more open parts and to the vicinity of jungle-tracks,

PTERUTHIUS, 335

streams and natural glades. It has the Tit-like habits of many of
the smaller Babblers but is very deliberate in its movements both on
wing or on foot. Its call is a pleasant double note—‘“ too-weet, too-
weet,” not often uttered unless the birds are separated.

(357) Pteruthius melanotis intermedius.
Humer’s SHRIKE- BABBLER.

Allotrius intermedius Hume, 8. F., v, p. 112 (1877) (Tenasserim).
Pteruthius intermedius. Blanf. & Qates, i, p. 227.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description—Male. Differs from the last in having the forehead
deep chestnut, followed bya yellow band; the grey nape and black
neck-patches are absent; the outermost tail-feathers have a streak
of black near the tips of the outer webs; the Ist and 2nd primaries
are entirely black, the next four black on the base and white on
the rest of the outer webs.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

The female has the forehead rufous and the lower plumage pale
yellow. The wings are edged with green except the earlier
primaries which are edged with pale yellow.

Distribution. he eastern hills of Burma from Bhamo to
Tenasserim.,

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

ak AL
(358) Pteruthius xanthochloris xanthochloris.
Tre Grpen SurikE-BaBprer.

Pteruthius vanthochlor#s Hodgs., J. A. 8. B., xv, p. 448 (1847)
(Nepal) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 227.

Vernacular names. None recorded,

Description.—Male. The forehead, lores, sides of the crown and
round the eye dark grey ; crown and nape blackish with traces of
grey; ear-coverts and upper parts green; lesser wing-coverts
brown edged with green; greater coverts the same tipped with
yellowish ; primary-coverts black ; wings dark brown edged with
green exteriorly ; tail brown suffused with green on the outer
webs, tipped with white and the outer web of the outermost
feather whitish; chin, throat and breast pale ashy, suffused in
places with yellow ; remaining lower plumage, under wing-coverts
and axillaries bright yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris grey, dark grey or grey-brown; bill
black, the lower mandible and commissure pale blue-grey; legs
and feet fleshy or fleshy-grey.

Measurements. Length about 125 mm.; wing 62 to 65 mm.;

?

tail about 48 to 50 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen 8 mm.

336 TIMALIID®,

The female has the crown the same grey as the forehead, and
there are no traces of black or blackish on the face.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Hills North of the Brahma-
putra.

Nidification. Nests and eggs sent me by Mr. D. Macdonald and
Mr. W. P. Masson with the parent birds are exactly like those of
the next form, nor can the eggs be distinguished from those
of that bird. They measure about 19°3 x 14°8 mm.

Habits. This is a quiet, rather retiring bird, but cannot be called
shy as it does not mind being watched. It keeps to the tops of
the higher trees in deep forest and is so slow and unobtrusive in
its habits that it does not attract attention and its low, rather
pleasant, call-notes cannot be heard at any distance. It is not
gregarious, being generally found in pairs, and feeds on small
insects and small berries and seeds.

(359) Pteruthius xanthochloris occidentalis.
Tur Srmta GREEN SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Pteruthius vanthochloris occidentalis Harington, Bull. B, O. C., xxxiii,
p. 82 (1913) (Dehra Dun).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Male. Differs from the last in having the crown
and nape ash-grey instead of blackish and the whole plumage is
somewhat paler and less vivid. The female differs in having the
head greenish with a wash of grey.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

Distribution. N.W. Himalayas from the Sutlej} Valley to
Garhwal and, possibly, W. Nepal.

Nidification. Nests taken by Osmaston and Rattray are
described as deep cradles of root-fibres and lichen, bound together
with cobwebs, lined with the gs black roots and rhizomorph of
a fungus and attached to smal! forks in the outer branches of
spruce or deodar. They apparently breed from April to July at
elevations between 5 4000 and 9,000 feet and lay two to four eggs,
These are meinen of those of P. erythropterus and ten eggs
average about 19-4 x 14°6 mm.

Habits. Practically nothing recorded. It keeps much to heavy
tree-forest in pairs or solitary, frequenting the higher branches,
where it attraets no attention either by voice or its quiet
movements.

Genus HILAROCICHLA Oates, 1889.

The genus Hilarocichla was created by Oates for a species very
close to Pteruthius but differing in its much longer tail. This is
equal to the wing in length and is greatly oraduated, the outer-
most feather being about one-third less than the central ones, In
other respects Ailarocichla and Pteruthius are alike.

AETHORHYNCHUS. 337

(360) Hilarocichla rufiventer.
Tur RUFOUS-BELLIED SHRIKE-BABBLER.

Pteruthius rufiventer Biyth, J. A.S. B., xi, p. 18 (1845) (Darjiling).
Ihilarocichla rufiventris. Blantf. & Oates, i, p. 243.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description.—Male. The forehead, crown, nape, hind neck and
sides of the head black; upper plumage chestnut; wings black, the
secondaries tipped chestnut, a few of the primaries margined with
grey below the emarginations ; chin, throat and upper breast ashy,
divided by a white line from the black of the head; a patch of
golden yellow on each side ot the breast; remainder of lower
plumage soft vinous-brown, paler on the abdomen and lower tail-
coverts ; under wing-coverts pale vinous; edge of wing white.

Colours of soft parts. In the dry state the bill is black, bluish
on the lower mandible; legs fleshy-brown.

Measurements, Length about 200 mm.; wing 85 to 88 mm.;
tail about 85 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about 15 to
16 mm.

Female. Forehead grey tipped with black; crown and nape
black ; sides of head grey, with a black patch at the end of the
ear-coverts ; back, scapulars and upper part of rump bright green,
irregularly barred with black; lower rump and upper tail-coverts
chestnut ; central tail-feathers green with black shafts, black sub-
terminal bar and white tips; the others black with a portion of
the outer webs green and all tipped with chestnut; smaller wing-
coverts black, broadly tipped with green; greater wing-coverts
black on the inner webs and green on the outer webs; winglet and
primary-coverts black; quills black, the earlier primaries edged with
hoary-grey, all the other quills with green, the innermost having
the whole of the outer webs green; chin, throat and breast grey ;
lower plumage dark vinous-brown, with a yellowish patch on either
side of the breast.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and the Naga Hills but its limits
are not yet known.

Nidification and Habits. Beyond the fact that it is a bird of
high elevations, nothing is known about it.

Genus AETHORHYNCHUS Sundeyall, 1872.

In this genus the bill is very strong, nearly as long as the head,
very nearly straight and with the tip strongly notched and hooked ;
the nostrils are long ovals and the rictal bristles are weak.
The tail is almost square at the end. The lst primary is about
half the length of the 2nd and the 3rd and 4th are longest
and not equal. The legs are not so strong as is usual in the
Timalide.

VOL, I. Z.

338 TIMALIID®,

The position of this genus, of githina which is very closely
allied to it, and of Chloropsisis very doubtful. In all three the sexes
are dissimilar and in the first two the summerand winter plumages
of the males are different. They have frequently been placed in
a family with the Bulbuls and one or two others but they appear
to me to be even less closely connected with them than with the
truly Timaliine birds. Probably they should: be placed in a family
by themselves leading from the Timalude to the Pycnonotide but
for the present I leave them as they are. Specimens in spirit are
wanted for examination.

(361) Aethorhynchus lafresnayi.
THE Great Jora.
Tora lafresnayi Hartl., Rev. Zool., 1844, p, 401 (Malacca).
Aethorhynchus lafresnayt. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 228.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description Breeding male. Upper plumage dull green, the
feathers fringed with black: wings, tail and upper tail-coverts
deep black, the primaries and outer secondaries very narrowly

Fig. 63.—Head of Ae. lafresnayi.

edged with greenish on the outer and more broadly with white on
the inner webs; lores, cheeks, a ring round the eye and the whole
lower plumage bright yellow.

Non-breeding male and female. Upper plumage without the
black fringes; the tail dull greenish yellow; primaries and second-
aries brown instead of black.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel-brown; bill plum-
beous, leaden blue or bluish slate, the culmen darker; legs and
feet clear slate or plumbeous blue, the claws horny-brown.

Measurements. Length about 165 mm.; wing 67 to 72 mm.;
tail about 55 to 57 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about
17 mm.

Distribution. From South Arrakan down West Burma to
Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula, Siam and ? Annam.

Nidification. ‘T'wo nests taken by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow near
Perak are. small, rather deep cups of the softest grasses, lined
with the same and well bound round and about with spiders’ webs,
often mixed with their egg-bags. Both were placed in high
bushes in evergreen-jungle. They were taken on 4th January and

ZEGITHINA. 339

27th March and contained one and three eggs respectively. In
ground-colour these area greyish white and they are marked longi-
tudinally with grey streaks and here and there with one more
reddish. They measure between 17:3 x 1471 mm. and 20:2 x
15°3 mm.; the former is presumably abnormally small.

Habits. The Great Lora is more of a forest than a garden bird,
at the same time in Mergui and other places it is known to enter
compounds and orchards. It is said to keep to the higher trees
in preference to scrub- and bush-jungle, to have a fine whistling
call and to be entirely insectivorous in its diet.

Genus AGITHINA Vieill., 1816.

The birds of this genus are very closely allied to the last but have
a smaller bill. Like the last they have two moults in the year,
the inale assuming a breeding plumage at the early moult.

Key to Species.

= ae black or green throughout.
z. Upper plumage either eveenish yellow, or

black, or a mixture of apathy erin ane, A. tiphia, p. 339.
b. Upper plumage entirely dark green...... A, viridissima, p. 345.
Be tailetipped swath. white se. oi. eles +o « 4. nigrolutea, p. 544.

AXgithina tiphia.

This species is found over a very wide range of country from
Ceylon, almost throughout India, ‘Burma, Sesh, the Malay “Penin-
sula, Java and Borneo and, as might be expected, shows a very
great variation in plumage, especially in the breeding season.
Birds from the South of India and Ceylon are very like those
from the extreme South of Burma and from the Malay Peninsula,
as is so often the case with species which extend from one end ot
the Indo- Burmese horseshoe to the other. Gradations from North
to South are, however, very gradual and it is difficult to define
where the meeting lines of the various races are to be found and
on this account it is only possible to divide the species into very
few well-defined geographical races.

We have, however, the following subspecies which seem
worthy of attention :—

(1) A very black-backed bird from Ceylon and South Travancore,
possibly reappearing in South Malaya

(2) A bird with a much greener and less black back, which occurs
over the whole South-East, East and Werth East India,
arma, ete. ; and

(3) A third form in which the male has xo black in the non-
Grecune season and in which the female is duller and paler

than those from elsewhere.
Z2

340 VIMALIIDA,

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper parts greenish, more or less

marked with black from crown to

rump, the bases of the feathers [p. 340.

showing through as greenish .... 2’. tiphia tiphia, 3 breeding,
B. Whole upper plumage from crown

to rump black, bases showing [p. 342.

through as bright yellow ........ ME. t. zeylonica, 3 breeding,
C. Upper parts mostly black but with

a great deal of yellow showing

through, especially on nape...... ME. t. humei, $ breeding, p. 342.
D. Above rather dark yellowish green, [p. 341.
tail black. ...scssasacescracees Al, tthe, g non-breeding,
E. Above a still darker shade, tail [p. 342.
place Teen pine eee etored cea AL. t. zeylonica, § non-breeding,
I. Above paler, more yellowish, tail [p. 343.
STOOD ie eae vee Pigs eae Sees AL, t. humet, 3 non-breeding,
+. Above greenish yellow .......... 46. t. tuphia, 2, p. 341.
H. Above darker greenish .,........ A, t. zeylonica, 2, p. 342.
I. Above very pale dull greenish
yellow yschir eno Dente oh ieee fi 44. t. humei, 2, p. 342.

A. t. scapularis is the Javan form which is probably the same
as those from Sumatra, Borneo and South Malaya. Birds from
Siam, Cochin China and further east are very richly coloured
and orange below, whilst those from Annam are again somewhat
difterent, the females being very grey on the breast and flanks.

Fig, 64.—Head of 2. ¢. tiphia.

(362) Aigithina tiphia tiphia.
Tur Common Iora.

Motacilla tiphia Linn., 8. N., p. 186 (1758) (Bengal).
Lygithina tiphia. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 230.

Vernacular names. Shoubiga or Shoubigi (Hind.); Patsu-jitta
(Tel.); Pachapora (Tam.); Cha-tuk, Taphika, Fatickja-tonfik
(Beng.); Barsat-Sorat (Assamese); Daotisha gurrmo gadeba
(Cachari); Jnga-ruina (Kacha Naga); Vohjong pong (Mikir);
Shwe-pi-so (Burmese),

Description.—Male breeding. Lores, forehead, crown, back,
upper tail-coverts and tail black, the bases of the feathers yellow-
green and showing through on the back; rump green; wings
black with two wide bars of white, formed by the median coverts
and tips of greater; edges of inner secondaries white; outer

JEGITHINA. d41

secondaries and primaries very narrowly edged with white; ear-
coverts, sides of head and whole lower plumage yellow, washed
with green on the flanks, vent and under tail-coverts, brightest
on throat and upper breast.

Colours of soft parts. Iris yellowish white to bright pale yellow ;
bill slaty-blue, the culmen blackish ; legs and feet clear slaty- -blue
to dull plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 59 to 68 mm.;
tail about 50 min.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.; culmen about
12 to 13 mm.

Female. Above green or yellowish green, the tail rather
darker and faintly edged with yellowish white, the black of the
wings in the male replaced by brown; entire under plumage
yellow, tinged with greyish green on flanks.

Male in winter plumage is similar to the female but has the tail
black and the undersides rather brighter.

The description of the male given above is quite exceptional,
more green and much less black being the rule and many breeding
males have practically no black oa the upper parts other than
the wings and tail.

Distribution. All India, except 8. Travancore, Hast of a line,
roughly speaking, drawn from the head of the Gulf of Cambay
through Abu to Simla and See that portion of South,
Central India occupied by 4’. ¢. humei. It extends through
Assam, Burma, certainly to the north of the Malay Peninsula,
east to Western Siam, Annam (Robinson d: Kloss) and the
Kachin Hills. There is a specimen in the British Museum
collection received from Khorasan in Persia.

Nidification, The Common Iora breeds from April to July,
making a very neat, cup-shaped nest of fine, soft grasses lined
with the same and well matted outside with cobwebs and spiders’
ege-bags. It measures about 24” (62°3 mm.) in diameter by
about 2 2" (50 mm.) deep, the w alls” being very thin, only some 8 or
4 mm. thick. It may be placed in either a horizontal or vertical
fork of any bush or small tree at any height from 2 to 380 feet
from the ground. The eggs number two to four, most often
three, and are very unusual in coloration; they are of two ty pes—
one with a pale creamy or greyish-white ground-colour, with a few
irrecular longitudinal raat of grey and underlying ones of
neutral tint. The second type has the ground-colour a beautiful
pink and the markings are reddish. Eggs from Siam are much
more speckly in their character. 60 eggs average 17°6 x 13'°9 mm.,
the greatest and least length and breadth being 19:0 x 14°35;
18:1 15:0; 16:2 x 14:0 and 18:2 x 13:2 mm.

Habits. The lora is a bird of the plains and lower hills, seldom
being found much over 2,000 feet, though stragglers may rarely
wander up as high as 8, 000 feet (Simla). It is a familiar little
bird, haunting gardens, ‘orchards and the outskirts of villages as

342 TIMALIID ®.

well as the fringe of forests and serub-jungle. In the breeding
season it performs wonderful acrobatic feats, darting up into the
air and then with all its feathers, especially those of the rump,
puffed out, it comes spinning down in a spiral to the perch it has
left. Arrived there it spreads and flirts its tail like a little Pea-
cock, drooping its wings and uttering all the time a protracted,
sibilant whistle or chirrup. It has a great variety of notes, the
most striking of which is a prolonged “ we-e-e-e-tu,” a long, drawn-
out wail with the last note dropping suddenly. This seems never
to be uttered except in the rains, and when constantly repeated to
the accompaniment of the splash of rain and the sough of the
wind, is one of the saddest little bird-notes imaginable. It is
generally found in pairs and is not gregarious, though, where it is
common, three or four may be seen together on the same tree,
hunting actively for the insects which form its food.

(363) Aggithina tiphia zeylonica.
THE Cryton [ora.
Motacilla zeylonica Gmel., 8. N., i, p. 964 (1788) (Ceylon).

Vernacular names. Patra jitta (Tel.).

Description.—Male breeding. Above from crown to ramp much
blacker than in the last bird and where the bases of the feathers
show through these are much narrower, especially on the extreme
upper back.

The non-breeding male and female are a much darker green
above than 2. t. tiphia.

The other differences which have often been dwelt upon, such
as the absence of white on the wing, the depth of yellow below,
ete. are of little help in distinguishing one race from another,
but the dark tint at once suffices to separate Ceylon and S. Travan-
core birds from all but those of the Malay Peninsula, which
undoubtedly come extraordinarily close to them.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the other races.

Distribution. Ceylon and 8. Travancore only.

Nidification and Habits as in the last.

free! (3864) Aigithina tiphia humei, subsp. noy.

Tue Cenrrat InpIAN JoRa.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description.—Adult male breeding. Varies littie from the last ;
there may be rather more yellow showing on the nape as a rule
and the lower parts are perhaps brighter.

Female is much paler and duller than either of the other races,
the yellow-green of the back having a faint grey tinge whilst the

EGITHINA, 343

underparts are also paler and duller. The pale edges to the tail-
feathers are more conspicuous.

Non-breeding male. Paler and duller than the other races and
with the tail green, not blackish.

Distribution. South Central India. There are specimens in
the British Museum, chiefly from the Hume collection, from the
following places :—Saugor, Jhansi, Jubbulpore, Raipur, Seoni,
Mhow, etce., roughly embracing S. and W. Rajputana, the
Central Provinces and the United Provinces south of the Ganges.

Nidification and Habits in no way different from those of the
other races. I have named this bird after Allan O. Hume, who
pointed out the differences at considerable length in ‘ Stray
Feathers,’ vi, p. 437.

The type is 2, No. 86.9.1.145, British Museum Coll., dated
12.5.70, Raipur.

(365) AMgithina viridissima.
Ture GREEN JORA,

Lora viridissima Bonap., Consp. Av., i, p. 379 (1850) (Sumatra).
Aigithina viridissima. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 281.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description.—Adult male. The whole plumage dark green,
becoming yellow on the abdomen and vent; lores blackish ;
feathers above and below the eye bright yellow; under tail-
coverts pure yellow ; under wing-coverts white; tail glossy black ;
wing-coverts black with white tips forming two wing-bars; quills
black, narrowly edged with green and the inner secondaries
broadly edged on both webs with white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown ;_ bill slaty
or plumbeous blue, the culmen and tip black; legs and feet
plumbeous blue.

Measurements. Total length about 130 mm.; wing 60 to 65 mm.;
tail about 45 to 46 mm.; tarsus about 17 to18 mm.; culmen about
12 to 13 mm.

Female and young male. Above paler than the adult male and
the tail edged with yellow; the wing-coverts are brown, instead
of black, with yellowish wing-bars ; the quills are dark brown
and the whole lower plumage is pale greenish yellow.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam, down the Malay
Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra.

Nidification. Nest and eggs sent me by Mr. W. A. T. Keliow
from the foot-hills beyond Perak are indistinguishable from those
of £yithina tiphia. The nests were taken in thin scrub-jungle
and were placed in vertical forks of bushes. The eggs measure
17°8x13°9 mm. They were taken in May.

Habits. Similar to those of the Common Tora, though this is
apparently more of a jungle, and less of a village, bird than that is.

344 TIMALIID A.

(366) ABgithina nigrolutea.
MarsHati’s Jona.

Lora nigrolutea Marshall, 8. F., iv, p. 410 (1876) (Meerut).
Aigithina nigrolutea. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 232.

Vernacular names. The same as for digithina t. tiphia.

Description.—Male breeding. Upper back bright golden yellow,
delicately fringed: or stippled with black; remaining upper parts
black, the yellow showing through more or less on the lower
back ; tail broadly tipped with white; scapulars, lesser coverts and
greater coverts black, the latter tipped with white and the median
coverts wholly white; quills black, narrowly margined with
greenish, the outer secondaries tipped with white and the inner
tipped and margined with white; sides of head and neck and
whole lower plumage bright vellow ; under wing-coverts white.

Male in non-breeding plumage loses all or nearly all the black
on the upper parts which become dull greenish yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill horny plumbeous,
the culmen darker ; legs and feet light plumbeous.

Measurements. Total length about 130 to 140 mm.; wing 60 to
66 mm.; tail about 44 to 50 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.;
culmen 10 to 11 mm.

Female. Whole upper plumage greenish yellow ; the upper tail-
coverts black, frmged with green; tail ashy-green, the central
pair of rectrices nearly all white and the remainder broadly edged
with white, yellowish-white or greyish-white; rest of plumage
like that of the male but the black of the wings replaced by
blackish brown.

Distribution. Takes the place of . t. tiphia and @. t. humei
to the north-west of India. It is found in Cutch, Rajputana
where it overlaps the range of 4. ¢. humei for some distance,
Southern and South-Western Punjab, North-West Provinces ;
occasional in the north of the Central Provinces and north of the
Ganges as far as Behar and the Santal Parganas, much over-
lapping the range of . t. tiphia. Some authors consider both
this bird and the last to be merely geographical races of Algithina
tiphia, but their actual breeding ranges overlap so constantly
without a corresponding intergrading of form that it seems
imperative to give them the status of full species.

Nidification. Exactly like that of githina tiphia. Twenty-
four eggs taken by Barnes, Kemp and General Betham measure
17-0 xa5 mm.

Habits. Those of all the rest of the genus.

Genus MYZORNIS Hodgson, 1843.

The genus Myzornis contains one species of brilliant green
plumage, an inhabitant of the higher portions of the Himalayas.

MYZORNIS. 345

In Myzornis the bill is slender and nearly as long as the head,
distinctly notched, with the culmen gently curved ; the nostrils
are longitudinal and covered by a membrane ; the rictal bristles
are weak; the head is not crested, but the feathers of the crown
are somewhat lengthened; the wing is rounded; the tail about
two-thirds the length of the wing and slightly graduated and the
tarsus is long and slender.

The sexes are dissimilar.

(367) Myzornis pyrrhoura.
Tue Frre-TAILED MyzoRNIS.

Myzornis pyrrhoura Hodgs., J. A. S. B., xii, p. 984 (1848) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 233.

Vernacular names. Lho-sagvit-pho (Lepcha).

Fig. 65.—Head of W. pyrrhoura.

Description.—Male. Lores and a patch behind the eye black ;
rest of the head and body bright green, the feathers of the fore-
head with black centres and a streak above and below the eye
still brighter green; throat and upper breast suffused with red
and the lower breast and abdomen tinged with the same; vent
and under tail-coverts chestnut-red ; wing-coverts and inner second-
aries bright green; winglet tipped with white; primary-coverts
black, edged with green and tipped with yellow; primaries brown,
the first eight tipped with white, the outer webs of all deep black,
more or less edged with red; outer secondaries with the outer
webs red and tipped with pinkish; inner secondaries black with
some green on the inner webs; tail-feathers red on the outer
webs, green on the inner, broadly tipped with dusky.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown; bill dusky-brown ;
legs fleshy.

Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing 59 to 63 mm. ;
tail about 70 to 75 mm.; tarsus about 22 to 28 mm.; culmen
about 13 mm.

Female has the primary-coverts green, tipped with white; the

terminal spots on the secondaries pure white and the red on under
parts, tail and wings duller.

Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim from 6,000 feet upwards.
Nidification. No authentic record.

Habits. A bird of high-level forests, from 6,000 to 10,000 feet
or more.

346 TIMALIIDA.

Genus CHLOROPSIS Jard. & Selby, 1826.

1 have already referred to this genus when dealing with
Aigithina.

It contains a large number of species of bright plumage, princi-
pally green, w hich extend from Ceylon, through India, Burma,
Siam etc. to Western China and through the “Malay Peninsula
to the islands.

It is represented in India by six species, some of whicn have
numerous geographical races and are spread over a very wide area.

In this genus the bill is slender and curved and about as long
as the head, the tip is notched and the nostrils are oval; the
rictal bristles are weak ; ; the frontal feathers are advanced up to
the nostrils ; the wings are rounded, but are less so and longer
than in the more typically Timaliine birds; the tarsi are very short,
resembling in this respect the Pycnonotide.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Forehead rich yellow-orange,

a. Chin and throat bright blue. [p. 346.
a’. A yellow collar round blue throat .... C. aurifrons aurifrons,
6’. Yellow collar absent or obsolete... ... C. a. nornata, p. 349.

b..Chinvand throabl black Gee = cieas vac ete ears C. a. davidsoni, p. 348.

B. pe greenish or yellowish.
, Abdomen OFANGSH. 25 giknds wanes oe C. hardwickii, ». 349,
men green.
Outer webs of primaries blue ........ C. wterocephala chloro-
dl. Outer webs of primaries green, [cephala, p. 350.
a’, A bright patch of colour on wing-
coverts.
a’. Moustachial streak a mere short,
Harrow UMe? Scene ok nso s ete C. viridis zosterops,
. Moustachial streak broad and [p. 851.
occupying the whole cheek .... C. jerdoni, p. 352.
. No bright patch of colour on wing-
CoveulSe rater bs Mam tiie ees C. cyanopogon, p, 353.

(368) Chloropsis aurifrons aurifrons.
THe GOLD-FRONTED CHLOROPSIS.

Phyliornis aurvfrons Temm., Pl. Col., 484 ( poe! (Cachar).
Chloropsis aurifrons. Blanf, & Oates, 1, p. 235,

Vernacular names. Swhz-harewa (Nepal); Hurriba (Beng.);
Skalem-pho (epeha).

Description. Forehead and fore-crown golden-orange ; chin,
cheeks and extreme upper throat brilliant purplish blue ; remainder
of throat, ear-coverts, round the eye, lores and a narrow line up
tu the nostrils black ; an indistinct supercilinm and a broad band
surrounding the black of chin and throat golden-yellow, a patch

CILLOROPSIS. 347

on the wings including most of the lesser coverts, bright pale
blue; edge of wing rather darker blue; concealed portions of
wing-quills dark brown; lower aspect of tail plumbeous; remainder
of plumage bright grass-green, lighter below and sometimes inclined
to an emerald tint.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light to dark brown; bill black,
gape and base of lower mandible horny ; mouth bluish; legs
clear pale to dark plumbeous, the younger the bird the brighter
and clearer the colour.

Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing 94 to 98 mm.;
tail about 70 to 75 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
17 to 18 mm.

Female has the gold forehead less developed and the crown
duller, the gold collar is obsolete ; the blue of the throat is some-
times mixed with black.

Measurements. A smaller bird than the male; wing 90 to 94 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal and Simla to
Eastern Assam; the hilly country of North and North-East
India from Chota Nagpur, Rajmahal, Santal Parganas ete.;
the whole of Burma to South Tenasserim where it meets C. a.
inornata ; Shan States, North and Central Siam.

Nidification. The nest is a rather shallow cup, made of very
fine twigs, moss roots, the tendrils of climbing plants, outwardly
bound together and also interwoven with scraps of moss, grass
and a tow-like material which seems to be the inner bark of a
tree. The lining, if any, is of finest grass stems or moss roots.
The nests are generally placed in horizontal forks at the extremity
of a small outer branch near the top of a high tree in forest. As
the nest is a small one, roughly about 3:7" (93 mm.) by under
2" (50 mm.) deep, it is very hard to find.

They breed from the middle of May to the end of July or even
into August at all heights from 3,000 to 6,000 feet and probably
much lower, as a nest of a Chloropsis, probably of this species,
was taken by natives in the foot-hills of Cachar at a few hundred
feet elevation only and in Margherita, Assam, at about 700 feet
this bird was quite common throughout the summer.

The normal clutch of eggs is two, three only rarely and in
appearance they are very like long dull-coloured eggs of the
Niltavas. The ground is cream or reddish cream and they are
covered, usually profusely, with faint pale reddish-brown markings,
equally numerous over the whole surface. They are long, often
pointed, ovals in shape and the texture is glossless and fairly fine.
‘Ten eggs average 23°5 x 15°09 mm.

Habits. The Golden-fronted Chloropsis is found in small parties,
four to a dozen or so, throughout the non-breeding season,
frequenting open but well-wooded country, and keeping much to
the tops of the highest trees, especially the Cotton-tree (Bonbav
malabarica) when in flower. At other times it may be found in

348 TIMALIID A&A.

the lower growths and it roosts for preference in dense secondary
scrub or even in long sun- or elephant-grass. It indulges in the
quaintest of attitudes when feeding and is a very active and
restless bird. At one moment it will hover like a Sun-bird in
front of a flower, at anothér it clambers along the lower surface
of a thin branch and sometimes it will swing itself round and
round in somersaults, a trick it carries with it into captivity.
It is a most charming cage-bird, very easily tamed and a sweet
songster. Its note, most often used in the cold weather when
feeding in company, is a low “ cheep,” like that of a chicken calling
for iis mother, but it has an immense number of notes and is an
excellent mimic. It feeds on insects, seeds and fruit and I have
seen it feeding on bananas, oranges and peaches which had
burst over-ripe on the trees. They are extremely quarrelsome
birds and will allow no others to feed near them.

(369) Chloropsis aurifrons davidsoni.*
THe MALABar CHLOROPSIS.

Chloropsis aurifrons davidsoni, Stuart Baker, Bull. B.O.C , xh, p. 8
(1920) (Malabar).
Chloropsis malabarica. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 235.

Vernacular names. Chota Harrial (Hind.).

HH
Fig. 66.—Head of C. a. davidsoni.

-Description.— Adult male. Differs from C. a. aurifrons in having
the chin and throat black instead of blue without the surrounding
gold collar. The moustachial streak remains blue.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last.

The female has but little signs of the golden forehead or blue
moustachial streak and has the chin and throat pale green.

The young bird, as in the last, is all green.

Distribution. West coast of India, Khandala to Ceylon.

Nidification. A nest with eggs sent me from Ratnapura,
Ceylon, is exactly like that of the Gold-fronted Chloropsis and
was placed in an outer small branch of a tree abont 20 feet from

* Turdus malabaricus Gmel., 8. N., p. 837, is preoccupied by the same
author, p. 816, and cannot therefore be used.

CHLOROPSIS. 349

the ground. ‘The two eggs are also just like that of the last bird
and measure 21:0 x 15:0 and 21:0 x 15:1 mm. They were taken
on the 25th January.

Habits. This bird is found at all heights up to 6,000 feet, more
often between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. It inhabits forests or open
country as long as it is well wooded and appears to keep almost
entirely to trees in its search for food,. which consists of both
insects and fruit.

(370) Chloropsis aurifrons inornata.

Tue Stam CHBLOROPSIS,

Chloropsis aurifrons inornatus Kloss, This, 1918, p. 198 (Lat au
Kao, Siam).

Vernacular names. None recoided.

Description, Differs from C. a. awrifrons in having less orange
on the forehead and practically no golden collar.

Colours of soft parts. ‘Iris dark ; bill black; feet plumbeous”
(Kloss).

Measurements. Wing 85 to 88 mm.; tail 60 to 65 mm.

Distribution. West and South Siam, straggling into the extreme
East of Peninsular Burma; Annam and Cochin China.

Nidification. Not recorded.

Habits. Apparently differ in no way from those of the other
races.

(371) Chloropsis hardwickii hardwickii.
THe ORANGE-BELLIED CHLORCPSIS.

Chloropsis hardwickw Jard. & Seiby, Ill. Orn. Add., p. 1 (1829)
(Nepal); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 236,
Vernacular names. Dao-gurruii-ho-gatang (Cachari).
Description. Whole upper plumage and inner secondaries
bright green; forehead, above the eye and down the neck,
strongly tinged with yellow; lores, ear-coverts and a patch
behind them black ; chin, throat and upper breast velvety black,
glossed with purplish blue; moustachial streak bright cobalt ;
tail above purplish blue, the inner webs dusky-black; lesser wing-
coverts verdigris-blue ; other coverts black edged with purple;
flanks green ; remainder of lower plumage bright, deep orange.
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red-brown to black—brown:
bill black; legs plumbeous blue, dull and dark in old birds, bright
and clear in the young.
Measurements. Total length about 188 mm.; wing 93. to
99 mm.; tail about 75 te 78 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen
17 mm.

350 TIMALIID®,

Female. A moustachial streak pale cobalt; primaries and outer
secondaries brown, the former narrowly, the Jatter broadly, edged
with green ; centre of breast and abdomen and under tail-coverts
orange, paler than in the male.

The young are wholly green and take over the year to acquire
their full plumage.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Simla and Mussoorie to
Eastern Assam, South through Manipur, Lushai Hills to ‘Tenas-
serim, East to the Shan States and North and Western Siam.
It also oceurs in the Malay Peninsula.

Nidification. The Orange-bellied Chloropsis breeds throughout
its range during the rains, occasionally in May, making a nest
quite indistinguishable from that of aurifrons but which is some-
times placed lower, rarely within 8 or 10 feet of the ground. It
breeds more exclusively in forest and less in the more open parts
than does the previous species. The eggs cannot be separated
from those ot the awrifrons group. ‘Twenty eggs average 22:8 x
15-9 mm.

Habits. The Orange-bellied Chloropsis is found from the foot-
hills and the plains adjoining up te about 6,000 feet; it is much
more a forest bird than most members of the genus, but haunts
the thinner parts near rivers, glades and openings rather than the
deeper parts. It may be seen “either in pairs or small parties, and
is very active and quick on its legs and flies well. It is a really
beautiful songster and has a w onderful range of notes in addition
to great powers of mimicry. It is a very favourite eage-bird in
Assain and is easily taught tricks and becomes very tame. In a
wild state it lives principally on insects, though it also eats some
seeds and most fruit; in captivity, however, it is almost exclu-
sively frugivorous.

Cochinchinensis Cochinchinens/s (Crue/ri1)
(372) Chloropsis ietereeephata ehlerecephata.

Tue BurRMESE CHLOROPSIS.

Phyllornis chlorocephalus Wald., A. M.N. H., (4) vii, p. 241 (1871)
(Tounghoo).
Chloropsis chlorocephala. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 237.

Vernacular names. Dao-bulip gurrimo (Cachari).

Description.—Male. Lores, feathers under and in front of the
eye, cheeks, chin and throat black; forehead and bread band
from eye to eye passing round and encircling the throat pale
yellowish green; front of the crown above the forehead and a
broad streak passing over the eyes and ear-coverts pale green ;
a very short moustachial streak cobalt; crown of the head and
nape golden green ; back, rump, upper tail-coverts and scapulars
deep green; tail blue; primaries and their coverts black, edged
with blue; outer secondaries black on the inner, blue on the
outer webs edged with green; inner secondaries and greater

CHLOROPSIS. 351

coverts green tinged with blue: lesser coverts glistening cobalt-
blue; median and greater coverts green tinged with blue at the
base ; under plumage bright green tinged with blue on the breast.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill black; legs plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.;
tail about 67 to 7O1nm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; eculmen 16 to
17 mm.

Female. The black on the head is replaced by bluish green,
there is no yellow band round the black; the moustachial streak
is pale and the general tint duller.

Distribution, Hills South of the Brahmaputra to the extreme
East of Assam, Manipur, Burma, the whole of Siam, East to
Cochin China and ¥emnan,;and South to Tenasserim.

Nidification. Similar to that of the other species of this genus.
I found it breeding in N. Cachar and the Khasia Hills in April
and May and again, perhaps a second brood, in July and August.
They kept for breeding purposes to dense, humid forests between
2,000 and 6,000 feet. Sixteen eggs average 22°3 x 15°5 mm., the
extremes being 23:°2x15-4mm.; 22°3x16:0 mm. and 21:0x
14:4 mm.

Habits. In the non-breeding season the Burmese Chloropsis is
found from the plains up to at least 6,000 feet, but during the
breeding time seems to leave the plains and keep to the higher
hills. Jt has the usual habits of the genus and a very sweet song,
though not as fine as that of the Orange-bellied Chloropsis.

(373) Chloropsis viridis zosterops.
Tun MALACHITE-SHOULDERED CHLOROPSIS.

Chloropsis zosterops Vigors, App. Mem. Life Rafil., p. 674 (1830)
(Tenasserim) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 238.

4 ~
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description.—Male. The whole upper plumage, wing-coverts,
inner secondaries and tail bright green, the inner webs of all but
the central tail-feathers edged with brown; a patch on the lesser
wing-coverts malachite-green ; other wing-quills dark brown,
broadly edged with bright green; feathers above the nostrils,
lores and a narrow line over the eye, cheeks, chin and throat
black ; ear-coverts and next the black throat a paler green than
the back; a short blue moustachial streak ; lower plumage bright
green, a little paler than above.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light brown, dark brown to crimson ;
bill black ; legs and feet pale to dark plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 220 to 230 mm.; wing 87 to

90 mm. ; tail about 75 mm.; tarsus about 19 mm.; culmen about
20 mn.

perp

352 TIMALILDA,

The female and young have no black on the head ; the chin,
throat and a ring round the eye are bright yellow and the
moustachial streak is pale and ill-defined.

Distribution. Tenasserim, South of Ye, near Moulmein, Malay
Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra, South-West Siam.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Davison records the habits of this bird as being the
same as those of chlorocephala but that it is even more exclusively
a forest bird. This bird is only a race of Chloropsis viridis of
Java, from which it differs in the tint of the shoulder-patch.

(374) Chloropsis jerdoni.
JERDON’S CHLOROPSIS.

Phyllornis jerdoni Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiii, p. 892 (1844) (Madras).
Chloropsis jerdont. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 238.

Vernacular names. Harrewa (Hind.); Wanna bojanum (Tel.).

Description.—Male. A moustachial streak bright purplish blue ;
lores, chin, throat and a line from the lores over the moustachial
streak black ; forehead and a band surrounding the black greenish
yellow; lesser wing-coverts very bright malachite-green; remainder
of the plumage with the visible portions of wings and tail green.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown; bill black ;
legs and feet lavender or pale slaty.

Measurements. Length about 190 to 200 mm.; wing 86 to
89 mm.; tail about 75 mm.; tarsus 17 to 18 mm.; culmen about
17 mm.

Female. The black of the male is replaced by bluish green and
the cheek-stripe is bright greenish blue.

The young are like the female but have no moustachial streak.

Distribution. The Peninsula of India, from Sitapur, Fyzabad
and Barti on the North; Baroda and Panch Mahals on the West ;
the Rajmahal Hills and Midnapore on the East down to and into
Ceylon.

Nidification. This Chloropsis makes a nest like the nest of the
genus, 2 small cradle of soft, tow-lke material interwoven with
small pieces of grass and other stems, fine roots and lichen and
lined, if at all, with a sparse lining of grass. This it places in a
fork of an outer branch of some tree, generally between 15 and 26
feet from the ground. They breed from April to August, laying
two or, very rarely, three eggs. These are quite unlike those of the
other known eggs of the members of the genus. The ground-
colour is a white to a very pale creamy or pink sparingly marked
with spots, specks, small blotches and short hair-lines of blackish,
purplish or reddish brown, chiefly disposed about the larger end.
The surface is glossless but smooth, the texture fragile and the

MBESIA. 393

shape a rather long obtuse oval. Thirty eggs average 21-1 x
15:1 mm.; the extremes are 23-1 x 18-4 mm. and 19°3 x 14:3 mm.

Habits. Jerdon’s Chloropsis is found either in pairs or small
parties frequenting trees in fairly open country, gardens, orchards,
small spinneys and light forest. It apparently is not found
in heavy forest such as is common in sub-Himalayan plains and
in parts of Southern India also. It is as active in its habits as
the rest of its relations, a sweet songster with an endless répertoire
ot notes, both of its own and copied from other birds. Many of
its notes are very like those of the common King-Crow, though
softer and sweeter. It is a favourite cage-bird, feeding, ‘both in
captivity and when wild, on fruit, seeds and insects. It is very
fond of small grasshoppers.

(375) Chloropsis cyanopogon.
Tue BLUE-WHISKERED CHLOROPSIS.

Phyllornis cyanopogon Temm., P).Col., 512, fig. i (1829) (Sumatra).
Chloropsis eyanopogon. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 239,

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description — Male. he upper plumage, tail, wing-coverts and
sides of the neck bright green, the forehead tinged with yellow
and inner webs of tail- Pedthers brown ; wing- quills dark brown
edged with green ; lores, cheeks, chin and throat black; a line
over the lores and eye brighter green than elsewhere; a short
moustachial streak blue; a line round the black throat greenish
yellow; lower plumage ight green.

Colours of soft parts. Ivis dark brown; bill black; legs and
feet dark plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 81 to 85 mm.;
tail about 30 to 33 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
15 mm.

Female. Chin and throat green, the moustachial streak pale
dull blue and feathers round eye yellowish.

Distribution. The South of Tenasserim down the Malay
Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. South-West Siam.

Nidification. Unknown.

Habits. According to Davison the habits of this bird closely
resemble those of the Burmese Chloropsis. ‘

Genus MESIA Hodgson, 1838.

The genus Mesta is very closely allied to Liothrix, differing
principally in the shape of the tail, which is rounded and a little
graduated. The bill is exactly like that of Ziothriv but the
nostril is covered by a peculiarly shaped membrane.

VON J Qa

=p! TIMALIID 2.

(876) Mesia argentauris argentauris.
THE SILVER-EARED Mesta.

Mesia argentauris Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1838, p. 88 (Nepal) ; Blanf. &
Oates, i, p. 244.

Vernacular names. Chi-ro-chi-rit (Kachin); Dang-rap-chil-pho
(Lepcha).

Description.— Male. Forehead golden-yellow ; crown, nape,
lores, cheeks black, produced as a stripe under the ear-coverts ;
ear-coyverts silvery-white ; upper back and sides of neck fulvous
yellow; lower back, scapulars, inner secondaries and wing-coverts
slaty, some of the outermost of the latter edged with green;

Fig. 67.—Head of

=|

f. a. argentauris.

rump ‘slaty-green ; upper tail-coverts crimson: tail blackish
brown, the three outer pairs of feathers edged with yellowish ;
wings brown, the first three primaries edged with yellow, the other
quills with crimson near their bases and yellow elsewhere ; chin
and throat deep orange-yellow; lower plumage olive-yellow,
brighter on the breast and abdomen, the former of which is
obsoletely streaked darker; under tail-coverts crimson.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to brown; bill yellow-
ochre, tinged with greenish or brown at the base; legs and feet
fleshy-yellow.

Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 74 to 78 mm.;
tail about 45 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen 12 to 13 mm.

The female and young have the upper and lower tail-coverts
orange-buft and the latter also has the crown yellowish.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to East Assam
North and South of the Brabmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Chin,
Kachin Hills, mountains of Central and S. Burma, Shan States,
Siam. East of this it is replaced by a nearly allied race, M. a.
cunhacei (Kloss).

Nidification. Every word written on the nidification of Liothrix
lutea would do equally well for this bird also and it is quite
impossible to tell nests and eggs of the one from the other. ‘his
bird, however, breeds a little lower down than does the Liothrix.
Whilst the latter breeds principally between 4,500 and 7,000 teet
this bird breeds for the most part between 3,000 and 5,000 feet
aud whereas the former prefers pine-forests, the present one likes

MINLA. 355

low scrub and evergreen forest. T'wo hundred eggs average 20-9 x
16:1 mm. and the extremes are 23°4x16:0; 22°8x17-0 and
19°4x 16:0; 21:0x15:0 mm.

Habits. The Mesias gather together in the cold weather in
flocks of considerable size, sometimes as many as twenty, or even
thirty, forming a flock. They are not shy birds and will allow
very close observation, flitting about the bushes and lower trees
within a few yards of the watcher, constantly uttering a chirrup-
ing ery with occasional clear, loud, whistling notes every now and
then. They are restless, active little birds and form a wonderful
spectacle of bright colour in front of heavy green bushes and
undergrowth.

Genus MINLA Hodgson, 1838.

The genus Minla, as restricted by Oates and adopted here,
contains one Indian bird of pleasing plumage, found on the
Himalayas and hill-ranges of Assam. In Minla the bill is
slender, curved, notched and pointed and about half the length
of the head; the tail is as long as the wing and slightly graduated.
The head, as in practically all the birds of this Subtamily, is not
actually crested but the feathers of the crown are very full and
more or less erectile.

(377) Minla ignotincta.
Tue Rep-TAILED MINLA.

Minla ignotincta Hodgs., Ind. Rey., 1888, p. 33 (Nepal); Blanf. &
Oates, i, p. 245.

Vernacular names. MJinla (Nepal); Megblim-ayene (Lepcha).

Description.— Male. Lhe forehead, crown, nape and middle of
the upper neck black; a very broad, long supercilium white,
meeting the opposite one on the upper back; lores, ear-coverts
and a band extending nearly to the end of the supercilium black ;
back, rump and secapulars deep vinaceous; upper tail-coverts
black; tail black, tipped and edged on the outer webs with
crimson, the two middle tail-feathers with a white streak at the
base of the inner webs, the outer feathers suffused with red on
the inner webs ; wing-coverts and inner secondaries red, edged with
white, the latter also broadly tipped with white; primaries and
outer secondaries black, edged with crimson on the greater part
of the outer webs; the earlier primaries margined with white
near the tips, the outer secondaries tipped with white; chin
yellowish white; entire lower plumage yellow, sparingly and
narrowly streaked with brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris greyish or brownish white ; bill,
upper mandible and tip of lower blackish-horny ; rest of lower
mandible horny-grey or bluish-greenish-horny; legs and feet

2Aa2

356 TIMALIID2.

grey-brown to greenish-leaden, with a wax-yellow tinge on toes,
more decided in males than foeee soles wax-yellow (Hume).

Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 62 to 65 mm. ;
tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 21 mm.; culmen about 10 toll mm.

Female and young male differ from the adult male in having the
back, rump, scapulars and upper t tail-coverts vinaceous brow n;
the crimson on the wing is replaced by pinkish white and on the
tail by pale red.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Eastern Assam in
the Miri Hills, South to Manipur, Cachar, Naga Hills, ete.

Nidification, The Red-tailed Minla breeds throughout its
range between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, making a most lovely little
pendent cup or deep purse of fine green moss, lined plentifully
with wool, hair or vegetable down, sometimes hair and down
being mixed. They are placed in small forks of bushes 4 to
10 feet from the ground in evergreen forest. The eggs are two
or three in number—Hodgson says four—and in colour just like
the eggs of Propasser or Siva, that is to sav. deep Hedge-
Sparrow’s ego-blue with a few spots and specks of black or
reddish. Fifteen eggs average 19°3 x 14°6 mm.

The breeding season is May and June.

Habits. The Minla is found up to at least 10,000 feet and
possibly still higher in the upper forested portions ‘of the Chambi
Valley and Native Sikkim. It is said to go about in small parties,
having much the habits of the Sivas, but in the Assam Hills it
was very rare and I only saw it in pairs. In these hills it keeps
much to the oak and rhododendron forest at about 6,000 feet.

Genus HYPOCOLIUS Bonap., 1850.

Since Blanford and Oates’s first edition of the Avifauna was
published, Mr. W. D. Cumming has written in the Bombay
Natural History Society’s Journal (vol. xil, pp. 760-765, 1900)
some most interesting notes on this curious bird, whici tend
rather to confirm than to disprove its position in the Liotrichine.
The young are practically the same as the female in plumage and
show no signs of barring, so that they cannot be placed in the
Laniide or Campephagide. It has two moults but the plumage
does not seem to differ, except that it is said to be brighter and
clearer in the summer than in the winter.

The sexes are dissimilar.

In Hypocotius the bill is stout and broad at the base and about
half the length of the head; the nostrils are small exposed ovals;
the rictal bristles are weak but always clearly visible; the wing is
short but pointed, the first primary being minute and the second
reaching to the tip of the wing. The tail is long and slightly
eraduated. The tarsus is very short and stout, shorter than the
middie toe and claw and is coarsely scutellated,

WY POCOLIUS. 387

(378) Hypocolius ampelinus.
THE Grey Hypocorius.

Hypocolius ampelinus Bonap., Consp. Av., i, p. 886 (1850) (N.E.
Africa) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p, 250.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description.__Male. From the lores, through the eye widening
to a broad band on the nape black; forehead, crown, chin, cheeks,
throat, the middle of the abdomen, vent, thighs and under tail-
coverts pinkish cream-colour; remainder of the body plumage,
wing-coverts and inner secondaries drab-grey; winglet and
primary-coverts blackish, shaded with ashy and partially margined
with grey; primaries black, with broad white tips shaded with
erey on the first two or three; outer secondaries black, broadly
edged and tipped with ashy, the black diminishing in amount on
the later quills and occupying only a portion of the inner web-
tail drab-grey, broadly tipped black.

Fig. 68.—Head of H, ampelinus.

Colours of soft parts. Irides brown; bill black in the breeding
season ; flesh-coloured with a black tip in non-breeding season
and in the young; legs, feet and claws flesh-colour.

Measurements. Length about 250 mm.; wing 100 to 110 mm.;
tail about 115 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen 15 to 16 mm.

Female. The upper plumage and the whole wing greyish isabel-
line, the quills shaded with brown interiorly and edged and tipped
with light grey; the tail is merely brown towards the end and
tipped paler; the lower plumage pinkish cream-colour, suffused
with drab-grey across the breast; there is no black on head or
nape.

Nestling. “ A fortnight to three weeks old the first primary is
almost entirely sooty, all the others being graded with the same”
(Cumming).

Young male like the female but has the white wing-patch from
the earliest stages of plumage.

Immature female has the secondaries tipped with white.

Distribution. Persia, working South in March to Bushire and a
little later to Fao and other places on the shores of the Persian
Gulf. A rare straggler down the Mekran coast and into Sind
and Khelat. First recorded from North-East Africa.

358 TIMALIID®.

Nidification. Breeds at Fao from the last few days of May to
the end of July, making a cup-shaped nest of roots, palm fibre
and grass, lined with grass, wool or hair. It is placed generally
on a leaf of a date-palm at any height from 3 to 10 feet from
the ground; it has also been found in cactus-hedges and, very
rarely, in thorny bushes. The eggs number either four or five,
occasionally only three, and are a dull white with pale grey
blotches and spots of grey. The texture is fine and close but
almost glossless and, in shape, they are fairly broad ovals with
the smaller end distinctly compressed. The eggs measure about.
26°2 x 18°7 mm.

According to Cumming “the male assists the female in building
the nest and sitting on the eggs.

‘The nest is completed in three to four days; one egg is laid
daily till the full number is completed, 7. ¢., four or five and about
14 days are taken in incubating.”

Habits. Apparently the Hypocolius is locally migratory, leaving
the hilly country during the breeding season and taking to the
date-gardens and semi-cultivated country.

“The cal] of these birds is a very pleasing liquid note, nothing
like the harsh cry of the Shrikes. The female has only the one
call; the male has a different call, but often imitates the female,
especially when alarmed; he has also the habit of erecting the
feathers of his head when excited. They are more arboreal, at
least in Fao, than the Shrikes. ‘They live chiefly on fruit, but
also indulge in a little inseet diet, as several stomachs I have
examined contained legs and wings of beetles ete,

“They become very tame if reared from the nest ” (Cumming.)

PYCNONOTIDA, 259)

Grtttirenee

“te

Fig. 69.—Molpastes leucotis.

Family PYCNONOTIDZ.

Oates in the first edition of the Avifauna retained the Bulbuls
as a Subfamily, Brachypodine, of the Timaliide but they seem to
me to be sufficiently well differentiated to warrant them being
treated as a separate family. They form a very numerous group
of birds, which are found throughout Southern Asia, practically
the whole of Africa, and also the extreme South-West of Europe.

The two principal features by which the Pycnonotide can be
distinguished from the Timaliide are the comparatively short
tarsus and the presence of some hairs which grow from the
nape. These hairs are often long, fairly numerous and con-
spicuous, sometimes short, few and inconspicuous but never
entirely absent. It is this latter character which separates them
from the Timaltide, which have short tarsi, such as Chloropsis,
Hgithina ete., in addition to which the sexes are alike in the
Bulbuls but different in those genera.

In the Bulbuls the young are practically like the adults but
sometimes paler and duller and sometimes darker and duller as in
Hemivus.

360 PYCNONOTID®.

The wing is more pointed and longer than in the typical
Timahide and the bill varies from the short Finch-like bill of
Spizivus to the long, slender bill of Microscelis.

.

Fig. 70.—Foot of Microscelis p. psaroides.

Many Bulbuls are amongst the most common and familiar birds
‘in the gardens and towns of India, whilst others are purely forest
birds.

It would be difficult to improve on Oates’s key to the genera of
Bulbuls, which is given below, practically unaltered.

Key to Genera.

A. Hairs from nape numerous and at least as
long as tarsus.
Crest long and pointed ................ CRINIGER, p. 361.
b. Me absent or inconspicuous.
. Long hairs springing from back and nape. TrrcHoLtsrEs, p. 366.
i Long hairs springing from nape only .. ALOPHOIXUS, p. 367.
B. Hairs springing from nape short and few,
sometimes almost hidden.
c. Feathers of crown and over ear-coverts all
similar in shape.
c'. a distinct crest.
Ss not covered by plumelets.
. Wing pointed ; ; secondaries falling
short of tip of wing by not less
than length of tarsus.
c*, Tail forked; the outer feathers
curved outwards.
a’. Plumage all black, grey and
white or some combination of
theses Sereeeeirstesck ... Murcroscu tis, p. 368.
b>. Plumage of several colours .. CERASOPHILA, p. 373.
b* Tail square or rounded; outer
feathers not curved Rihana)
ce. Crest-feathers shorter than tar-

sus and pointed...... oe aces, JLEMORUS) poe
. Crest-feathers longer than tar-
sus and rounded .......... ALCURUS, p. 379.

6’, Wing more rounded; secondaries
falling short of tip of wing by less
than length of tarsus.

CRINIGER. 361

ct, Crest ample and covering whole
crown.
e°. Tail very slightly rounded, the
outer feather falling short of
the tip of the tail by less than ,
the leneth of the hind toe .. Morpasrrs, p. 381.

hl 5, Tail oveatly roumdedos...+..- XANTHIXUS, p. 392.
. Crest thin and confined to centre
of crown.

gy’. Feathers of back with soft shafts Orocompsa, P- BO4.

he Feathers of back with rigid, [p. 399.

SPUMOUS) SHALES s Vs aeera el wet clet PINAROCICHLA,
6", Nostrils nearly concealed by thick
plumeletsi ess: sc. ee gaa Bh oe . Spizrxus, p. 400.

d', Crest inconspicuous or entirely absent.
ce’, Upper tail-coverts not reaching to
middle of tail.
. Feathers of crown and forehead
shontram@ustithe + opis ese eels ; Tracuycomus, p.402.
d'’, Feathers of crown and forehead
longer and soft.
e'. Bill about # length of head, com-
pressed and sharply carinate .. [oxn, p. 403.
fj‘. Billabout3 length of head, neither
much compressed nor carinate.
g Plumage not squamated .... Pycnonortvs, p. 410.

A’. Plumage squamated ...... .. Rusrieura, p. 409.
Upper tail-coverts reaching nearly to
ONC OR LAT Ss cube ne wader e athe te MicroTARSUS, p. 422.

d, Feathers on sides of crown and over ear-
coverts long and pointed, contrasting with
the rounded feathers of forehead ...... KELAARTIA, p. 426.

Genus CRINIGER Temm., 1820.

The genus Criniger may be kuown from all the other Bulbuls
by the presence of a long pointed crest and numerous very long
hairs springing from the nape and hind neck. ‘Che tails of all the
Indian and Burmese species are, moreover, rufous, a character
shared by few other Bulbuls.

=
SS
SS

Fig. 71.—Head of C. ¢. flaveolus.

In Cringer the bill is strong and about half the length of the
head and the culmen is curved throughout ; the rictal bristles are
well developed. The wing is blunt; the tail short and-rounded
and the tarsus short but very strong. The plumage is very soft.

362 PYCNONOTID#.

The earliest name for any form of Criniger is tephrogenys of
Jardine and Selby and the description undoubtedly applies to
one of the southern forms, though no locality is given. In the
Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society [ designated the
type-locality as South Tenasserim (vol. xxvii, p. 466, 1921).

The female is a good deal smaller thau the male.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Lower plumage yellow.

a. Chin and upper throat white; crest [p. 363.
ereenish syelloweyscrenst ve ce aoe C. tephrogenys flaveolus,
b. Chin, throat and upper breast white ;
Crest Previshe Wj. vtoe eure cee oo atkee ees C. t. burmanicus, p. 364.
B. Lower plumage darker and more ochra-
ceous.

e. Wing under 105 mm.
a’. Chin and throat white; crest rufes-

cent Olive-brOowil 42.021. ss C. t. tephrogenys, p. 362.
b’. Chin, throat and upper breast white ;
CKESE OlIVE-2TCYs chee ous, arcs at ose C. t. griseiceps, p. 365,
a. Wansxoyeral lOhmm., | ccsecach cece C. t. grandis, p. 365.

(379) Criniger tephrogenys tephrogenys.
Tue Maayan WHITE-THROATED BULBUL.

Tricophorus tephrogenys Jard, & Selby, TL Ind. Orn., pl. xxvii (1833)
(no locality) (Tenasserim).
Criniger gutturalis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 256.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage olive-brown with an
ochraceous tinge, rufescent on the head, crest and upper tail-
coverts ; tail rufous-brown tipped paler ; wings brown, the outer
webs of the feathers rufescent ; lores and a ring round the eye
grevish; ear-coverts brown with pale shafts; chin and throat
white; lower plumage fulvous-brown tinged with ochre and
ochraceous yellow on the centre of the abdomen; under tail-
coverts buff.

Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown; upper mandible dark
horny-brown, lower mandible plumbeous ; legs and feet pinkish
brown (Hume & Davison).

Measurements. Length about 230 mm.; wing 96 to 102 mm.;
tail about 100 mm.; tarsus 17°5 to 18°5 mm.; culmen about
18 mm.

Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim and S.W.
Siam down the Malay Peninsula. The true gutturalis from
Borneo is a darker, browner bird below.

Nidification. Nest and eggs sent me by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow,
from near Taiping, Federated Malay States, were all found in
March, April and May, some of these taken in the first month

CRINIGER. 363

were already hard-set. The nests, which were taken in dense forest
in amongst the heaviest undergrowth, were placed in low bushes on
the banks of, or close to, forest streams. They were bulky cups
of leaves, roots, twigs, moss etc. with a thick lining of bamboos,
inside which again there was a true lining of roots both fine and
coarse. The eggs, two’in number in each case except once when
there were three, are very beautiful. The ground-colour varies
from a pale wine-coloured pink to the deepest salmon and the
whole surface is more or less covered with blotches, smudges and
a few spots and scrawls of deep bright red. The surface is
intensely glossy, the shell hard and fine and in shape they are
rather long ovals, generally well pointed at the smaller end.
Nine eggs average 25:2 x 18°5 mm.

Habits. Similar to those of the better-known C. t. flaveolus
from the Sub-Himalayas. They are birds of dense evergreen
forests at low levels, go about in small flocks in the non-breeding
season and are very noisy birds. They keep much to the lower
trees and undergrowth.

(380) Criniger tephrogenys flaveolus.
Tun Inpian Wurrn-THroarep BULBUL.

Trichophorus flaveolus Gould, P.Z.S., 1836, p. 6 (India) (Cachar).
Criniger flaveolus. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 255.

Vernacular names. Kussap-cechiop-pho (Lepcha); Dao-balip-
gurrmo-didi (Cachar1).

Description. Differs from the last in having the upper plumage
more green, the edges of the feathers being distinctly olive-green;
the lower surface is a bright yellow, the chin and upper throat
alone being white; there is a white supercilium always present
. and sometimes quite conspicuous.

Colours of soft parts. Irides deep red; bill pale greyish blue,
gape and mouth still paler; legs greyish-horny, pale bluish-horny
or fleshy-grey.

Measurements. Total length about 210 to 220 mm.; wing 88 to
96 mm.; tail about 83mm.; tarsus about 18 to 20 mm.; culmen
17 to 18 mm.

Distribution. The Sub-Himalayas from Garhwal and Nepal,
where it is apparently very rare, to the Hast of Assam, North and
South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Tippera.

Nidification. This fine Bulbul breeds in some numbers in all
the ranges of hills south of Assam from 1,000 feet, or even lower,
to above 5,000 feet. At first 1 took most of my nests at higher
elevations but later, when I knew the bird’s habits better, I found
it extremely common below 2,000 feet and many nests were
taken in the ever-wet, deep forests of the lower valleys. They
were almost always placed near running water and a favourite

364 PYCNONOTID®.

site was low down in some thick tangle of canes and bushes
growing amongst palm-ferns. The nests are very heavily made,
hemispherical cups of leaves, bamboo- spathes ete., wound round
with roots, grass and stems of weeds; the inner lining is generally
of bamboo leaves but there is alw ays also a true lining of coarse,
red roots of ferns and bracken. Roughly the nests average
about 5" x 23” externally and 33! x13” internally. Oates men-
tions ace ‘these nests 10 feet up in small trees but nearly all
mine were less than 4 feet from it. The birds lay in May and
June and often during the early rains of July and August, and in
North Assam and Sikkim, where the rains do not break 1 until June,
few nests will be found before that month. The normal clutch
of eggs is two only, sometimes three and very rarely four. They
are extremely beautiful eggs ; the ground-colour is a deep salmon,
rarely with a lilac tinge, and the. markings consist of irregular
lines, specks and blotches of different shades of blood- red and
maroon with secondary markings, sometimes absent, of grey and
neutral tint. The markings are generally rather profuse every-
where, but in some are confined to the larger end and the lines
are generally on this part of the egg. The surface is hard, fine
and intensely glossy and the shape is a long oval, distinctly
pointed at the smaller end.

One hundred eggs average 26°9x18°6 mm. and the extremes
are 27°5 x 186 mm.; 26°1 x 20:0 mm.; 23°3 x 18:3 mm. and 24°8 x
18:0 mm.

Habits. Though this Bulbul may be found up to 6,000 feet, it
is typically a bird of the humid forests of valleys between 1 000
and 3,000 feet. On rare occasions it may wander into bamboo-
jungle but it is essentially a resident of tree-forest with the most
thickly grown underwood. It is, unlike most Bulbuls, really
gregarious, wandering about the bushes, cane-brakes and scrub in
small parties of half-a-dozen to a dozen, creeping and clambering
about them very much in the same manner as do the Laughing-
Thrushes. It is, however, a good flyer when forced to take wing,
though it prefers pedestrian work when possible. It feeds on
both insects and seeds and fruit, and in North Cachar was very
partial to the berries of a babool-like tree (Phyllanthus emlica),
swallowing them whole although they were as big as marbles.
They are noisy birds with a few sweet calls and many dis-
cordant ones.

(381) Criniger tephrogenys burmanicus.
Tue Burmese WHITE-THROATED BULBUL.
Criniger burmanicus Oates, Fauna B. I., Birds, i, p. 256 (1889)
(Tounghoo).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Similar to C. ¢. faveolus but with the upper parts
less olive-green and more greyish, especially on the head and
crest; the upper breast is white as well as the chin and throat.

CRINIGER. 355

Colours of soft parts as in the last.

Measurements. A rather larger bird than flaveolus ; wing 95
to 102 mm.

Distribution. Hills East of the Salwin from Yamethin to
Moulmein.

Nidification. Nest and eggs sent me from near Moulmein are
quite indistinguishable from those of the last bird. They were
taken in March and May, the nests being placed in low bushes on
the outskirts of heavy forest. Nine eggs average 25°1 x 18°4min.

Habits. According to Oates this is more of a tree bird than
either of the two previous races. Davison also remarks that it
never descends to the ground as the Indian bird often does but
otherwise he describes it as being the same energetic, noisy bird
as that race is. Their song, he writes, is a feeble ‘‘ twee, twee,
twee.”

(382) Criniger tephrogenys griseiceps.
Humn’s WHITE-THROATED BuLBUL.
Criniger griseiceps Hume, 8. F., 1, p. 478 (1873) (Upper Pegu) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 257.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This form is close to typical tephrogenys but has
the upper parts olive-grey rather than rufescent brown and the
upper breast, as well as the throat and chin, is white; the rest of
the under parts are ochraceous as in that bird.

Colours of soft parts as in the last.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than gutturalis, with a
wing between 90 and 98 mm., according to sex, and other
measurements In proportion.

Distribution. Central West Burma, South to North Tenasserim.

Nidification. Not recorded.

Habits. Those of the genus.

(383) Criniger tephrogenys grandis,
Tae YUNNAN WaHtte-rHroatEeD BuULBUL. 2%

Criniger pallida grandis Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxx¥i, p. 15
(1917) (Yunnan). <4

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper parts olive-brown, the head browner ;
lower parts pale olive-yellow, the flanks olive-green and the
under tail-coverts buff; the yellow is deeper and more olive than
in pallida. Nearest to the Hainan form, C. ¢. pallida but much
bigger, with a wing 114 to 119 mm. as against 100 to 115 in that
bird, according to Oustalet, or 98 to 105, according to the British
Museum series.

366 PYCNONOTID.

C’. t. henrici is intermediate in size but yvellower on the under
parts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red; bill bluish grey, darker on tip
and culmen ; legs fleshy-grey.

Measurements. The largest of all the forms of White-throated
Bulbuls, with a wing 114 to 119 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan and N.E. Shan States. Siam birds seem.
referable to C. t, henrici,a smaller form in the South from Annam,
Cochin China ete. Oustalet’s larger birds from Yunnan should
probably all be grandis.

Nidification and Habits not recorded.

Genus TRICHOLESTES Salvadori, 1874.

The genus T'richolestes is remarkable for the numerous long
hurs which spring from the back; these hairs lie close to the
feathers and are not distinctly visible until they are lifted up.

In Tricholestes the bill is very strong for the size of the bird.
The culmen is straight for half its length and the tip of the upper
mandible is strongly tipped and notched. The frontal and rictal
bristles are long. The head is not crested. The wing is blunt,
the tail slightly rounded and the feet are exceedingly small and
weak.

Fig. 72.— Head and back of T. ¢. criniger.

(384) Tricholestes criniger criniger.
THE HatrY-BACKED BULBUL.
Brachypodius (?) eriniger Blyth, J. A.S.B., xiv, p. 577 (1845)
(Malacea).
Tricholestes crniger. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 258.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and crown olive-brown; hind neck,
back and rump dull olive-green; wing-coverts browner; quills

ALOPHOIXUS. 367

brown, the inner secondaries and the outer webs of the cthers
rufescent; tail rufescent, the outer webs tinged with greenish
and the outer feathers tipped with whitish ; lores and sides of the
head yellow, the latter feathers tipped with dusky ; chin and throat
whitish; lower plumage yellow, the breast and sides of the body
tinged with ashy ; under tail- and wing-coverts yellow.

Colours of soft parts. ‘Legs and feet pale bluish or pinkish
brown or salmon-fleshy ; claws pale plumbeous blue; lower
mandible and edge of the upper pale plumbeous ; ridge of culmen
and tip of upper mandible black ; rest of the upper mandible dark
plumbeous, sometimes horny brown; iris pale umber or snuffy-
brown to dark brown” (Hume § Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 180 mm.; wing 70 to
77mm.; tail about 70 to 75 mm.; tarsus 15mm.; culmen about
15 mm.

Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim and S.E. Siam
to the South of the Malay Peninsula. The Sumatran and Bornean
form has been separated as T'richolestes c, viridis,

Nidification. I'wo eggs of the form viridis in the collection of
Mr. J. Davidson and taken by a correspondent of Herr M. Kuschel
in W. Java are very like the eggs of ole ictericu. The ground-
colour is a pronounced pink, thickly mottled all over with a
darker brownish pink, the mottling only a little darker than the
ground-colour, so that at a short distance they look uniform. In
shape they are long ovals and they measure about 23-2 x 16-0 mm.

Habits. Davison records that ‘This little Bulbul goes about in
small parties of five or six, keeping to the brushwood and follow-
ing each other about from bush to bush, uttering all the while
a soft twittering note. In its habits it approaches much nearer
the Timaline birds than the Bulbuls, like them hunting system-
atically the foliage and branches of the brushwood and smaller
trees.... One specimen I shot was quite alone and was perched
on a dead twig, where it kept expanding and closing its tail
spasmodically and bobbing about exactly like a Flycatcher. Their
food consists almost exclusively of insects, though they do
occasionally eat a few small berries. They are very tame birds
and their plumage apparently never in good condition, so that it
is impossible ever to make up a really good specimen.”

Genus ALOPHOIXUS Oates, 1839.

This genus was created by Oates for a species previously placed
in the genus Cringer. It differs from that genus in having no
crest and from Tricholestes in not having such long back-hairs.
Bill, wings and tail are very similar to those of Criniger.

There is but one species at present referred to this genus.

368 PYCNONOTID®.

(385) Alophoixus pheocephalus.

Tuu CRESTLESS WHITE-THROATED BULBUL.

Ixos pheocephalus Hartl., Rev. Zool,, p. 401 (1844) (Malacca).
Alophoivus pheocephalus. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 259.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Crown of head and nape blackish, each feather
edged with bluish-grey; lores whitish; back, rump and upper
wing-coverts olive-green, the lateral feathers of the rump washed
with yellow at the tips; upper tail-coverts and tail rufous-brown ;
wings dark brown, the feathers rufescent on the outer webs; sides
of the head and neck and a narrow half-collar on the hind-neck
ashy-grey, darker posteriorly ; chin and throat white; remaining
lower plumage bright yellow washed with olive on the sides of
the body ; under wing-coverts yellow.

Colours of soft parts. “The legs, feet and claws vary from
fleshy white (sometimes with a pinky tinge) to fleshy yellow; the
upper mandible from dark plumbeous to dark horny brown ; lower
mandible and edges of upper mandible pale plumbeous; irides
snuff-brown, burnt sienna-brown or reddish brown” (//ume &
Davison).

Measurements. Length about 200 to 210 mm.; wing 86 to
95 mm., the female averaging some 5 mm. less than the male;
tail about 70 to 90 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen 14 to
17 mm.

Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim to Sumatra,
Java and Borneo.

Nidification. Nothing recorded.

Habits. Davison found this bird either singly or in pairs in
thick forest or thin tree-jungle and, though common, never in
gardens or clearings. In its general habits it closely resembles
birds of the genus Criniger. It is never found on the ground.

Genus MICROSCELIS Gray, 1840.

The name Hypsipetes by which this genus of Bulbuls has
hitherto been known is unfortunately preoccupied by Vypsipetes
(Stephens, Syst. Brit. Ins., ii, p. 188, 1829) and the next name
applicable is Microscelis of Gray (List Gen. Birds, 1840, p. 28),
created for M. amaurotis, a Japanese Black Bulbul which cannot,
I think, be separated generically from our Indian and Burmese
forms. Haringtonia of Mathews and Iredale seems to me to be
unnecessary.

The genus contains a group of Bulbuls characterized by grey
and blackish plumage, red bills and long, forked tails. The bill is
slender and about as long as the head, which is furnished with a
long crest of pointed feathers. The rictal bristles are very short,
not exceeding a third of the length of the culmen. The wing is

MICROSCELIS. 369

pointed, the secondaries falling short of the tip by a considerable
distance. The tail is distinctly forked and the outer feathers
curved outwards, The tarsus is smooth and very short (see fig. 70,
p. 360), being between a sixth and a seventh of the length of the
wing. There is only one species found within our limits but that
is represented by numerous geographical races. The genus
extends from India to Japan.

Microscelis psaroides.,
Key to Subspecies.

A. Crownof head black, contrasting with paler
grey of back and clearly detined from it.
a. A black streak behind and under the ear-
coverts. [p. 369.
a’. Paler grey both above and below..., M. psaroides psaroides,
b'. Darker bluish grey above and below. M. p. nigrescens, p. 871.
6. No black streak behind or under the ear-
COV CLUS IE Py eter sieyei sare is! tld si'sie Aas ats M. p. ganeesa, p. 372.
B. Crown of head black, gradually merging
into the blackish grey of back and upper

parts M. p. concolor, p. 872.

Fig. 73.—Tail of M. p. psaroides.

(386) Microscelis psaroides psaroides.
THE Himanayan Buacx Bupuu.

Hypsipetes psaroides Vigors, P. Z.S., 1831, p. 48 (Himalayas, Simla) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 260.

Vernacular names. Ban Bakra (at Mussoorie); Phaki-pho
(Lepcha); Durkal (Chamba).

Description. Crown from forehead to nape, lores, a” spot at
the base of the lower mandible, another at the angle of the chin
and a broad stripe round the ear-coverts black: a spot above the
lores grey ; upper plumage and wing-coverts dark grey ; remainder

VOL. I. 2B

370 PYCNONOTID®.

of wings and tail black; ear-coverts, chin, throat, breast and
flanks grey ; abdomen and vent paler, the feathers being grey with
white edges ; under tail-coverts grey with broad white margins.

Fig. 74.—Head of M. p. psaroides.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark or hazel-brown ; bill and legs
bright coral-red, the claws horny-brown.

Measurements. Length about 250 mm.; wing 120 to 130 mm.;
the females, as usual, being decidedly the smaller; tail about 112 to
120 mm.; tarsus about 18°5 to 19°5 mm.; culmen about 21 mm.

Distribution. Western Himalayas to Bhutan. How far this
bird extends East in Assam is not yet known, A specimen
obtained by Dr. Falkiner in the Abor Hills is nearer the next
form; one of the big tributaries of the Brahmaputra such as the
Subansiri or the Dihang will probably be the dividing line
between the two.

Nidification. The Himalayan Black Bulbul breeds in con-
siderable numbers at all heights between 2,000 and 7,000 feet,
occasionally even higher than this. The principal breeding
months are May and June but eggs are laid both earlier and later
by at least a month. The nest is generally a rather shallow cup,
made of almost any vegetable material but for the main part of
fine elastic twigs, lichen, roots and a few leaves well plastered
with cobwebs where it is attached to the horizontal fork in which
it is cradled. Often it is placed at very great heights from the
eround, 50 or 60 feet up on the outer branches of some great
forest tree; at other times it is placed in a small sapling and
yet again, though but very rarely, ina tall bush. It is usually a
very difficult nest to find and an even harder one to obtain when
found. ‘The site selected is most often in thin forest on the out-
skirts of heavier forest but it does now and then build well inside
the interior of very dense forest.

The eggs number two or three or, according to Hodgson, four
and are very like the eggs of the common forms of Jolpastes
though so much bigger. The ground varies from pure white to
pale pink or even a fairly warm salmon-pink and are covered,
generally densely, sometimes only sparingly, with specks, spots
and small blotches of various shades of red, reddish brown or
umber-brown with others underlying these of neutral tint and

_MICROSCELIS. orl

grey. The texture is neither very fine nor very close; the gloss
is but slight or even altogether absent and the normal shape is a
rather long, well-pointed oval. Fifty eggs average 26:2 x 19°1 mm.
and the extremes are 28°2x20°0, 23°3x18-7 and 25°2x
18:3 mm. The longest egg is also the broadest.

Habits. The Himalayan Black Bulbul is the exact opposite of
the White-throated Bulbul in most of its ways. It is equally
noisy and equally discordant in its notes but it is essentially a
bird of high tree-tops, a percher and not a climber, a free and
fairly easy flyer and largely vegetarian in its diet. The nectar of
flowers, which Oates says it takes, is probably swallowed together
with the numerous small insects which frequent these same
flowers and upon which the Bulbuls feed. It goes about regularly
in flocks all through the winter, sometimes two flocks combining
where food is plentiful, and they have a curious follow-my-leader
style when flying from one tree to another. It is a very bold bird
and has no objection to being watched but it is naturally restless
and unless on some tree, such as a Bombax in flower, which offers
particularly fascinating food, soon flits away out of sight.

It is never found except in really well-forested hills and
mountains which it ascends to about 9,000 feet elevation.

387) Microscelis psaroides nigrescens.
Tue Assam Brack BULBUL.
Hypsipetes psaroides nigrescens Stuart Baker, Bull. B.O. C., xxxviii,
p. 15 (1917) (Upper Chindwin).

Vernacular names. Dao-bulip gashim (Cachari).

Description. Differs from M. p. psaroides in being very much
darker both above and below; at the same time it is a paler bird
than M. p. concolor and bas the black crown and the head dis-
tinctly defined from the paler, blackish grey of the back.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements much as in the last,
though they average a little bigger.

Distribution. South Assam, Manipur, Arrakan and_ the
Northern Chin Hills apparently as far Hast as the Chindwin, but
not to the Irrawaddy. It is also found in North-East Assam and
the Abor Hills.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but moss seems to
be far more used in the construction of the nest and in some cases
this material forms practically the whole of the nest. Like
the last bird this also is one of the very few that employ pine-
needles asa lining to their nests. The eggs cannot be distin-
euished from those of the Himalayan race. 100 average 27°1 x
19:7 mnm., with extremes of 29°0x 19-2, 27:0 x 20°5, 24:7 x 19°3
and 25:8 x 18:0 mm.

Habits. Those of the genus. It is found up to 0,000 or 7,000
feet and descends almost to the plains. It was common in Mar-
gherita at about 700 feet and in the winter in N. Lakhimpur
extends well into the plains.

Nm

2B

372 PYCNONOTIDA.

(388) Microscelis psaroides concolor.
THE Burmese Brack BuLBut.

Hypsipetes concolor Blyth, J. A. S.B., xviii, p. 816 (1849) (Tenas-
serim); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 261.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from 1. p. psaroides in having the grey
very dark, darker even than in nigrescens and in having the black
of the head merge into the slightly paler back without any defi-
nition between the two.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Himalayan
form.

Distribution. Eastern Burma, Shan States, Yunnan, Siam and
South Burma to Muleyit Mountain. Anderson’s yunnanensis
cannot be separated from this form.

Nidification. Similar to that of the other birds of this genus.
Twelve eggs average 27°219:-4 mm., these few varying very
little either in size or shape.

Habits. This is a forest bird, according to Davison keeping
more to the outskirts of jungle, clearings and more open forest
than the other races do. It is found from the level of the plains
in winter to at least 7,000 feet in the Kachin Hills in summer.

(389) Microscelis psaroides ganeesa.
THe SourHern Inpian Buack Buwect.
Hypsipetes ganeesa Sykes, P.Z.S., 1832, p. 86 (Deccan); Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 262.
Vernacular names. Aele Kondiya (Ceylon).
Description. Differs from all the other races in having no black
line round the ear-coverts; the grey is darker than in the

Himalayan form but the head is sharply defined from the back.
There is little or no white on the abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris hazel dyed with lake-red; bill
orange-vermilion ; feet erange-yellow” (Fairbank).

Measurements. This is the smallest of all the races except for
some specimens from theextreme South of Burma. Wing 112 to
120 mm., tail about 100 to 105 mm.

Distribution. India South from Matheran and Ceylon,
McMaster obtained it at Chikaldar on the Garwilgurgh Hills in
Berar. .

Nidification. The Southern Black Bulbul seems normally to
frequent higher elevations for breeding purposes than do the other
races and will not often be found breeding below 4,000 feet. It
builds a nest similar to those of its relations elsewhere but makes
a greater use of dead leaves in its construction. It is often placed
at very great heights and seldom on saplings or bushes. The eggs
are almost invariably two only and differ from those of the

CERASOPHILA. 373

Himalayan form in being more weakly marked, less handsome
eggs and also in being generally a shorter, blunter oval. Thirty
eggs average 26°6 x 19°5 mm. and vary in length between 28:3 x
19-3 mm. and 25:0 x 19:2 mm. and in breadth between 27-0 x 20°6
and 26°3x19°0 mm. They breed from February to July.

Habits. Those of the genus. They are never found in the
plains and seldom below 2,000 feet, even in winter. Mr. Rhodes
Morgan records having seen these Bulbuls ‘‘ migrating in vast
flights, numbering several thousands, in the Bolumputty Valley
in July. They were flying westwards towards Malabar.”

They frequent both the outskirts of forests and heavily-wooded
districts and also small spinneys and sholas standing in the
hollows of grass-covered hills.

Genus CERASOPHILA Bingham, 1900.

This genus was created by Bingham for the reception of a very
remarkable Bulbul, probably nearest to the genus Microscelis
(Hypsipetes auct.). Like that genus the tarsi are short and non-
scutellate and the tail is rather long and forked. The culmen
is more curved than in Microscelts but it differs principally from
that genus in having a bare unfeathered patch of skin round the
eye. The under tail-coverts are brightly coloured as in MJolpastes
and Otocomps«.

(390) Cerasophila thompsoni.
BINGHAM’s WHITE-HEADED BULBUL.

Cerasophila thompson? Bingham, A. M.N.H., (7) v, p. 358 (1900)
(Loi-San-Pa, 6,500 feet, 8. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. ‘‘The whole head and neck snow-white, the white
of these parts abruptly defined from the back and breast, and
extending further down on the upper back than on the sides of
the neck and breast; the back, rump, upper tail-coverts, wing-
coverts, scapulars, the outer webs of the two inner tertiaries, the
breast, sides, and stomach a clear ash-grey; the primary wing-
feathers, the secondaries, the tertiaries, with the exception noted
above, and the tail hair-brown; vent and under tail-coverts light
bright chestnut ; the under wing-coverts and axillaries, the lower
portion of the stomach, and some of the lower feathers on the
thighs pale grey with a wash of light chestnut.”

Colours of soft parts. ‘ Bill, legs and feet coral-red, claws horny :
a bare patch of skin round the eyes, conspicuously wider below
the eyes than above it, greyish tinged with yellow, the eyelids
with a rim of bright vermilion-red. Iris whitish-yellow to pale
yellow.”

The sexes are alike in plumage and differ only very slightly in size.

Measurements. ““¢. Length 7:8 inches, wing 3°8, tail 3°8,
tarsus 0°7, bill from gape 0°85. ©. Length 7:8 inches, wing 3°7,

374 PYCNONOTID®.

tail 3°85, tarsus 0-7, bill from gape 0°85. These measurements
were taken in the flesh.” (Bingham.)

Distribution. Southern Shan States, North-West Siam and
East Central Burma. Wickham reports it as not uncommon at
Taung-gyl.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. According to Wickham this is a Bulbul of high
elevations during the breeding season, when it is found from
6,000 feet upwards, In the non-breeding season it comes down
to lower elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, going about in
small flocks. Their note is harsh but quite typical of the family.

Genus HEMIXUS Hodgson, 1844.= ~

The genus Henivus, of which H. flavala is the type, contains
two Indian species and many subspecies. It differs from
Mieroscelis in having the tail square or slightly rounded and its
outer feathers straight. The crest consists of a great number of
short but sharply-pointed feathers. The nuchal hairs are short
and indistinct, but the rictal bristles are strong. The wing is
pointed, the secondaries falling well short of the longest primaries.

The bill is like that of Microscelis but the tarsus is slightly shorter,
though this is not noticeable in dry skins.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Tail dark brown.
a. Head and back practically con-
COLOTOUS Aieis i ccst Shi auameaeo ten. Heroes H, flavala flavala, p. 374.
6, Head much darker and contrasting
with the back.
a’, Back brown, though lighter than
Heads. e tus twat oe i tetoeiencs & eae H, fl. davisoni, p. 376.
Dis GCRUETON: |. cava ets camenrnt tis 6 .. LH. fl. hildebrandi, p. 376.
B. Tail green.
c. Back green.
ce’, Breast and sides of neck strongly [p. 377.
rufous; throat nearly pure white H.macclellandi macelellandi,
d', Breast and sides of neck merely

tinged rufous ; throat grey...... Hm. tickelli, p. 378.
deeDack brow. cau. hha Ueteee lente rs HH, m. binghana, p. 379.

(391) Hemixus flavala flavala.
THe HimatayaN BROWN-EARED BULBUL.
Hemixus flavala Hodgs., J.A.S.B., xiv, p. 572 (1845) (Nepal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 265.
Vernacular names. Nalli-pindi (Lepcha), Dao bulip-gadeba
(Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage and smaller wing-coverts dark
ashy, the feathers of the crown edged paler and the upper tail-
coverts tinged with olive-green; tail brown, tinged with olive-

HEMIXUS. 37)

green on the basal half of the outer webs; greater coverts brown
on the inner and olive-yellow on the outer webs ; quills brown,
the earlier primaries edged with grey below the emarginations ;
all the other quills margined with olive-yellow, very narrow on
the outermost and increasing until it covers the whole of the
outer webs of the innermost secondaries; lores and cheeks
blackish ; ear-coverts bronze-grey; chin, throat, centre of the
abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts white; breast, sides of
neck and flanks grey.

Fig. 75.—Head of Hemirus fl. favala,

Colours of soft parts. [rides dull crimson or reddish brown ;
bill black; the legs vary much between horny-brown and dark
plumbeous, in a few specimens being almost black.

Measurements. Length about 210 mm.; wing 94 to 99 mm.;
tail about 86 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

The female is, as usual, a little smaller ; wing about 90 to 96 mm.

In the young the crown is very dark, showing up as a distinct
cap. ,

Distribution. Himalayas from Mussoorie to Eastern Assam,
N. Chin Hills, Kachin Hills to Yunnan. South Assam, Manipur,
Chittagong Hill tracts and Arrakan.

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds at elevations between 3,000
and 6,000 feet in scrub-jungle and the dense secondary growth on
deserted cultivation, or occasionally in the undergrowth of forests.
It is very partial to the banks of tiny streams such as are dry
during the winter but form rapid little water-courses during the
rains. The nest is a rather deep cup, composed outwardly of. grass
stems only. Sometimes a few bamboo leaves, a twig or ot and
some roots may be added to the other materials, but it is curious
that whatever the article chosen it is nearly always yellow, tan,
or pale brown in colour. Externally the nests roughly average
about 3:5" x 2°5"' and they are nearly always placed close to
the ground, somewhere between % and 5 feet from it, and w ell
hidden in a thick bush or dense mass of brambles or creepers.
Nests may be found any time from early May to late July.

The eggs are either two or three in number, rarely four, and
vary in ground- -colour from pearly-white to pale salmon. They
are profusely covered all over with specks and spots of light
pinkish red to a reddish brown. In shape they are rather long,

376 PYCNONOTID®.

often pointed, ovals. Fifty eggs average 23°617-3 mm., the
extremes being 25°5x18°0 mm., 22:117:6 mm. and 24:°0x
163mm. The greatest length and breadth occurs in the same
ege.

Habits. The Brown-eared Bulbuls come well into the plains
in winter but in summer keep above 2,000 feet and ascend
to 6,000 or perhaps 7,000 feet. They collect in very large flocks
containing 20 to 30 individuals and haunt both the higher trees
and low scrub and brushwood. They are noisy birds and have
many harsh notes but they also have a rather pretty, jerky little
song which they sing at all seasons. They keep much to the more
open wooded parts until the breeding season commences, when
they retire to the deeper forests. They havea curious habit of
swinging themselves on the pliant ends of the small bamboo,
Bambusa vulgaris, several birds often perching on the same
hanging end and evidently enjoying themselves as they sway in
the breeze.

(392) Hemixus flavala davisoni.
Davison’s BROWN-EARED BULBUL.

Hemixus davisoni Hume, 8. F., v, p. 111 (1877) (Tenasserim) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 264.

Vernacular names. Nyen-boh-ka-lone (Burmese).

Description. Differs from H. fl. flavala iv having the entire
crown and nape a rich dark brown, the upper parts a paler
brown and the yellow on the wings less in extent; the breast is
ashy rather than grey.

Colours of soft parts as in the last.

Measurements. This race seems to average a trifle larger than
the last, the wing being between 97 and 102 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim, Meetan and Thoungvah.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond Davison’s
statement that it is confined to the hill-forests of the southern
half of Tenasserim.

(393) Hemixus flavala hildebrandi.
HInpDEBRAND’s BROWN-EARED BULBUL.

Hemivus hildebrandi Hume, S. F., ii, p. 508 (1874) (Salween Dist.) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 264.
Vernacular names. Nyen-boh-ka-lone ( Burmese.)

Description. Differs from Davison’s Brown-eared Bulbul in
having the head still darker, almost a blackish brown and the
upper parts more grey and less brown.

Colours of soft parts similar to those of the other races.

HEMIXUS. 377

Measurements. This is the largest race of the three, having a
wing between 106 and 105 mm.

Distribution. Salween and Karen Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. Three eggs sent
me with the bird from Karen Hills measure 2271 x17-°0mm. The
nest is in appearance just like that of Z/. fl. flavala and was said
to have been placed in a thick bush in scrub-jungle.

(394) Hemixus macclellandi macclellandi.
Tur RuFous-BELLIED BULBUL.

Hypsipetes macclellandi Horsf., P. Z.S., 1889, p. 59 (Assam).
Hemixus macelellandi. Blanf, & Oates, 1, ps 260.

Vernacular names. Chinchiok-pho(Lepcha); Chichiam(Lepcha) ;
Dao-bulip-gadeba (Cachari).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape bright vandyke-brown,
the shafts pale reddish white, giving a streaky appearance ;
remainder of upper plumage, wing-coverts and inner secondaries
olive-green, brightest and sometimes more yellow on the upper
tail-coverts ; tail bright olive-green ; quills brown edged with
olive-green ; lores sind cheeks grey or grey and white ; ear-coverts,
sides of neck, breast. and flanks chestnut ; Abdomen! white, more
or less suffused with rufous ; under tail-coverts yellowish rufous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel, red-brown to red; bill, upper
mandible dark blue-grey, culmen, tip and base of lower mandible
dusky, remainder fleshy-white ; legs dull yellowish- to purplish-
brown.

Measurements. Total length about 240 mm.; wing 106 to
110 mm.; tail about 110 mm.; tarsus about 19 mm.; culmen
20 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Mussoorie to E. Assam both
North and South of the Brahmaputra River, Chin Hills,
Manipur, Lushai and Arrakan.

Nidification. The Rufous-bellied Bulbul breeds between 3,000
and 7,000 feet, from the end of May to the beginning of August.
The nest is a large, rather shallow cup of grass, camnoe leaves,
shreds of bark and long roots which are wound round the
branches of the horizontal fork from which it is always suspended.
It is generally an untidy, loosely-built nest but very strong.
The lining is of fine grasses only, very rarely a few roots being
added. The site selected is the outer branch of a tree at some
height between 20 and 40 feet from the ground, the chosen tree
standing either on the outskirts of forest, in scattered tree and
bamboo jungle or sometimes in dense forest when this is broken
by a stream or some natural clear space.

The eggs are generally two only in number and are very like
those of the genus Microscelis but on the whole are duller, less

378 PYCNONOTID#.

richly coloured eggs and the texture is distinctly more fragile and
coarser, the surface seldom having any gloss. Fifty eggs average
26-2 18-2 mm. and the extremes are 28°1X19-0 mm., 27°3X
19°3 and 22°0X16°0. The last is both the shortest aud most
narrow.

Habits. This Bulbul is not gregarious though, where food is
plentiful, two or three pairs may “be found in company. They
frequent lighter forest, bush and scrub in preference to heavy
forest, rarely entering these to any depth except in the breed-
ing season. They are quiet birds but have a few musical
notes and a loud mellow call, a whistle with three ascending
notes. It is found up to about 7,000 feet and in winter descends
to 2,000 feet. It is a most amiable bird and will allow much
smaller birds to drive it away from food without making any
protest.

(395) Hemixus macclellandi tickelli.
TICKELL’S BULBUL.

Hypsipetes tickelli Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xxiv, p. 275 (1855) (Interior of
Tenasserim).
Hemizus tickelli. Blant. & Oates, i, p. 265.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the Rufous-bellied Bulbul in having
the lower plumage grey tending to white on the abdomen and
the breast streaked ‘with whitish shaft-stripes; the ear-coverts
and the sides of the neck are pale rusty, which colour also tinges
the breast ; the shaft-stripes of the crest-feathers are broader and
whiter ; the throat is grey instead of white.

Colours of soft parts. ‘“‘ Legs and feet fleshy-pink, light
purplish brown, pale pinkish brown or pale reddish brown ; bill
black, hoary black or dark hoary brown; iris wood-brow ny deep
red-brown, light red or crimson” (Hume and Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 230 to 240 mm.; wing
97 to 102 mm.; tail about 106 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; enlmen
about 23 min.

Distribution. Karenni and the hills of East Central Burma
to Muleyit in Tenasserim.
Nidification. Unknown.

Habits. This race seems to be found in much the same kind of
forest as that frequented by the last bird but it is also found in
pine-forests, in which H. m. macclellandi does not seem to enter.
It occurs from 2,500 up to 4,000 feet.

There is a form of Hemixus macclellandi found in the Kachin
Hills (Harington) but I have not seen any specimens. Pre-
sumably it is typical macclellandi with which Harington placed it
but it may be this Karen Hills form, tiedelli, and specimens are
badly wanted to confirm or disprove this.

ALCURUS:, 379

(396) Hemixus maccleliandi binghami.

HARTERT SSH se
Tole holti binghami Hartert, Yer oe 1x, p. 558 (1902) (Loi-San-Pa,
S. Shan States).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This form differs from the Himalayan and
Davison’s Brown-eared Bulbuls in having the upper plumage
brown, not green. It is nearest to H. m. holti, from Southern
China, in its abdomen being paler and whitish rather than rusty
rufous and in its paler upper parts.

Measurements. “ Wing 108 mmn.; tail 115 mm.” (Hartert).

Distribution. South Shan States.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Within a comparatively small area we have many forms of this
Bulbul—H. m. holtt from S. China, H. m. similis Rothschild
from Yunnan, H. m. tickelli from the Karen Hills, H. m. macclel-
landt from the Chin and Kachin Hills. Apparently these are all
good forms. From Annam, Messrs. Robinson and Kloss describe
yet another formas H, tickelli grisciventer (Ibis, 1919, p. 508).

Genus ALCURUS Hodgson, 1843.

The only species in this genus is a conspicuous and easily
recognized bird with ample crest and striped plumage. The crest
springs from every ee of the crown and is of considerable
length when erected, the feathers being narrow but of the same
width throughout and not shar ply pointed. The bill is smali and
only half the length of the head; the tarsus is scutellated but in
young birds is almost smooth throughout. The tail is slightly
rounded and the wing rather pointed.

Wi

Fig. 76.—Head of Alcurus striatus.

_~

(897) Alcurus striatus.

THE Srriarep GREEN BULBUL.
Trichophorus striatus Blyth, J. A.S.B., xi, p. 184 (1842) (Nepal).
Alcurus striatus. Blanf. & Oates, ia pis 266.

Vernacular names. Senim-plek-pho(Lepcha); Chichiam(Bhutea).

380 PYCNONOTIDE.

Description. Whole upper plumage and closed wings and tail
olive-green, brownish on the crest, which in some specimens is
almost a hair- brown; the feathers of the crown have white striz
which are broadest and often yellowish on the forehead, narrowest
on the longer crest-feathers, where they become little more than
shaft-stripes; nape, upper back and scapulars broadly striated
white, the striations becoming narrower towards the rump and
ceasing altogether on the upper tail-coverts ; lores and chin yellow
or orange- -yellow ; throat paler and duller yellow, the feathers
tipped with dusky-brown ; ear-coverts dark brown narrowly
streaked with yellowish white; breast, sides of neck and flanks
dark grey-brown broadly striated with yellow towards the
abdomen, which is wholly of this colour; under tail-coverts
yellow; under surface of the tail yellowish green; the greater wing-
coverts are broadly margined with yellowish on the outer webs.

Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish brown to Indian-red or
bright brick-red ; bill dark horny, almost black; legs dark clear
plumbeous, according to Davison sometimes dark brown.

Measurements. Length about 220 mm.; wing 102 to 112 mm.;
tail 96 to 108 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 15 to
16 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas, Nepal to Assam both North and
South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills, Kachin Hills to Yunnan,
Manipur and hills of Central Burma to Tenasserim.

Rothschild has recently shown that Aleurus striatus paulus*
described from Yunnan cannot stand as it is no smaller than
those from Sikkim and elsewhere. The birds from Tenasserim
possibly average 1 or 2 mm. less in wing measurement but the
extremes are much the same, and as I can trace no difference in
plumage there seems to be no sufficient ground for separating
them. Birds of this species in abraded plumage differ from
freshly plumaged birds far more than is generally the case and
this must always be borne in mind when comparing specimens
from different areas.

Nidification. The Striated Green Bulbul breeds between 4,000
and 8,000 feet, perhaps higher still, over the greater part of its
known range, building a cup-shaped nest of roots and fine elastic
twigs with a lining of fine grass stems. In some cases a few
scraps of moss, spiders’ egg-bags and a cobweb or two may be
added but in all roots and twigs form the main materials. The
site selected is a thick bush or clump of the small bamboo which
grows in amongst other trees and scrub and in all cases the nests
are very well hidden, generally 3 or 4 feet only from the ground.

The tew eggs which have been found are of two types—the one
like very exceptionally brown eggs of the Common Bengal
Bulbul, the other with a white ground marked with numerous
small freckles and blotches of pinkish red, more sparse towards
the smaller end. They measure about 22-4 x 16-3 mm. It

* Alcurus striatus paulus Bangs & Phillips, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., lviii,
p. 284. :

MOLPASTES, 381

appears to be a late breeder, no eggs having been taken earlier
than June except one by Mandelli in May.

Habits. The Striated Green Bulbul is a bird of high elevations
only, not descending below 4,000 feet even in the celd weather.
Jerdon says that it keeps much to the tops of high trees but in
N. Cachar we found it frequenting smaller trees and scrub-
jungle. Here it was restlessly moving about from one bush to
another and when disturbed made its way into safety by short
flights of a few yards at a time, although they are good flyers
when really forced to take wing into the open, with a faster,
more direct flight than most Bulbuls. Their principal note is
‘a loud, mellow whistle,” as referred to by Jerdon but they are
really rather silent birds on the whole. ‘They consort in small
flocks in the non-breeding season and eat fruits, seeds and insects,

Genus MOLPASTES Hume, 1873.

The genus Molpastes comprises some Bulbuls which are amongst
the most familiar of Indian and Burmese garden birds. They are
very widely distributed and though there are but few species
these are represented by very numerous geographical races.

In Molpastes the crest is thick and of considerable length, the
feathers growing from every portion of the crown and nape.
The nuchal hairs are extremely short and difficult to detect. The
wing is blunt and the tail very slightly rounded. All the birds of
this genus are remarkable for the bright colour of the under tail-
coverts and are further to be recognized by the broad white tips
to the tail-feathers.

Fig. 77.— Head of M. l. humit.

One of the species or races hitherto recognized cannot be
maintained. This is Molpastes magrathi (Whitehead, Bull.
B. O. C., xxi, p. 48) which is only a rather common hybrid between
M. h. intermedius and M. leucotis, partaking of the characters of
these two birds in varying degree, some individuals showing
more of the former and some more of the latter.

The question of the status of the Chinese birds chrysorrhoides
is one of some doubt. Robinson and Kloss consider that there
are two good species, chrysorrhoides and hemorrhous, both con-
taining one or more races. ‘To me it seems that we have but one
species, extending from Ceylon to China, for there is no real
break in the continuity of gradation from the dark western forms

382 PYCNONOTID”,

with black ear-coverts to the pale eastern forms with almost
white ear-coverts. At the same time, all along the joining line of
Molpastes h. burmanicus, M. h. vigripileus and M. h. bengalensis
on the West with JZ. h. chrysorrhoides on the East we have not
only many intermediate birds, which might equally well be
assigned to either form, but there are many birds, the majority in
fact, which can quite definitely be credited to one or the other.
Thus there are in the British Museum Collection specimens from
the Shan States, Yunnan, Siam, Karenni, Tenasserim, etce.,
some of which are labelled chrysorrhoides, some nigripileus, some
atricapillus and some klosst but of the birds so labelled there are
many of which it is impossible to say to which race they belong.
Davison, Armstrong and others obtained birds at the same place
about the same date which they had no difficulty in calling
chrysorrhoides or wgripileus, yet others again are referable to
either. It appears to me that all along the Siam—Burmese
boundaries there is a narrow region in which there is no stable
form found and where, evidently, there are such conflicting
conditions in the environment that Nature has not yet had time
to evolve one definite form. It is, of course, true that in all lines
of demarcation between geographical races intermediate forms
are the rule but in this intervening territory intermediate
individuals are less common than such as can be definitely assigned
to one or the other of the races in the adjoining area.

In view of the many individuals which are exactly half-way
between chrysorrhoides and their next-door neighbours, I propose
in this werk to treat all the forms as geographical races of
hemorrhous.

Molpastes chrysorrhoides klossi Robinson, Bull. B.O.C., xli,
p- 12 (1921) does not seem to be maintainable; the Museum
series varies In wing measurements between 87 and 104 mm.,
whilst the very large series of Chinese birds range from 90 to
107 mm., one huge bird from Amoy having a wing of 111 mm.
On the other hand, it is quite possible that the birds of West
Siam may be separable as somewhat smaller and darker on an
average. ‘The series in the British Museum from that country is
insufficient to determine this point.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Under tail-coverts red.
a. The black of crown sharply de-
tined and not extending to the
hind-neck.
a’. Ear-coverts black and not dis-
tinguishable from the crown.
a. Back dark brown, feathers [p. 383.
narrowly edged with white. M. hemorrhous hemorrhous,
6". Back paler brown, feathers
broadly edged with white . M. h, pallidus, p. 385.
b'. Ear-coverts brown, contrasting
with black of crown.

MOLPASTES. 383

ce’, Chin, throat and upper

breast deep black........ M., h, burmanicus, p. 885.
d'', Chin and upper throat only
IMG “4eosndnondqagocugoe M. h. nigripileus, p. 386.

ec’, Ear-coverts whitish like the
lower plumage ; point of chin
only bincle (cesses ace se M. h. chrysorrhoides, p. 387.
d. Black of crown extending into hind-
neck and back and not sharply
defined from brown of latter.
d'. Black extending far on to back
ANG DLCASG: 1.) levers ius opr sis suet * M.h. bengalensis, p. 387.
e'. Black extending only on to hind-
neck and shading into brown on
PRCAG UMM Nees teres rsericts foasuenos M. h. intermedius, p. 389.
A, Under tail-coverts yellow.
c. Forehead and long crest hair-

brown, each feather edged with [p. 589.
greyish white ............+..+ M., leucogenys leucogenys,
d. Forehead and crown black; no
OREM ghooocood odo FOOD ae RODOr M. |. lewcotis, p. 390.
e. Forehead and crown with short
full, Grek doliveale “Gy ococésusouc Mz, 1. humnii, p. 891.

(398) Molpastes hemorrhous hemorrhous.
Tue Cryton Rep-vENTED BULBUL.

Muscicapa hemorrhous Gmel., 8. N., i, p. 941 (1789) (Ceylon).
Molpastes hemorrhous. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 268.

Vernacular names. Bulbul or Bulbuli (Hind.); Pigh-prtta
(Tel.) ; Konda-late (Tam.).

Description. The whole head, chin and throat deep black,
sharply defined at the back of the head; neck, back, wing-coverts,
scapulars and breast brown, each feather narrowly margined with
whitish ; rump plain brown ; upper tail-coverts white ; tail brown
at base, darkening and becoming black towards the end, tipped
white; wing-quills brown, very narrowly margined with whitish ;
sides of body and flanks brown fading to almost white on abdomen;
under tail-coverts crimson; shafts of tail-feathers whitish beneath.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel to dark brown; bill black;
legs and feet dark brown to black.

Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 89 to
95 mm.; tarsus about 21 mm.; culmen about 15mm.

Distribution. Ceylon and South India, Travancore and Mysore.
North about up to 18° on the East and to about 20° on the West.

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds over the whole of its area in
the plains and the foot-hills of the various ranges up to about
2,000 feet, ascending much higher than this in any hills where big
towns, cultivation and big open plains have usurped the plave of
jungles and forests. In Ceylon they are commonly found up to

384 PYCNONOTID #,

3,000 feet and on the Nilgiri Hills up to about 8,000 feet above
Ootacamund. They breed in Ceylon principally in March and
April but eggs may be taken in almost any month; in India May
and June are, perhaps, the favourite months but there also the
breeding season is very extended, many second broods are hatched
and there is practically no season in which an odd nest or two may
not be seen. The nest is a cup made of dead leaves, grass, twigs,
creeper stems and odd scraps of dried moss, lichen ete., fairly
compactly put together but rather untidy. The lining is of fine roots
and green stems. No nests are ever taken in forest or really
heavy jungle and no nest is built very high up in big trees
or, on the other hand, placed quite on the ground. Within these
limits, however, they may be built in almest any situation. A
shrub or small tree within a few teet of a frequented path, a trellis
over a verandah, a bush in scrub surrounding a village, a thick
patch of high grass in an orchard—all in turn may serve the pur-
pose and, failing these, any other kind of bush, tree or stump will
suffice. The number of eggs laid is two or three but in the north
a clutch of four may occasionally be seen. In ground-colour the
egos vary from pure white to a pale or deep salmon-pink, a few
having rather a lilac tint. Normally the markings consist of
numerous small blotches, spots and freckies of various shades of red,
reddish brown or pinkish brown with others, less numerous, under-
lying them of pale neutral tint and grey. Ina few eggs the marks
may be mere freckles or stipplings, in others again somewhat
bolder and more blotchy but the range of variation does not seem
as great as it is in MW. h, bengalensis and M.h. burmanicus. In
texture the eggs are smooth but not very fine grained, there is
little or no gloss and they are rather fragile for their size.
100 eggs average 21:1x 15°5 mm. and vary in length between
24°3 x 16°5 and 19-0 x 15°1 mm. and in breadth between 20-2 x
16°9 and 21-415 mm.

Habits. The various races of Red-vented Bulbuls are amongst
the most common birds of India, sharing with the Myna, the Crow
and the Kite an attachment to the vicinity of civilization and the
haunts of man. They are not gregarious in the true sense of the
word but they are so plentiful that in any spot which offers any
inducements in the way of food large numbers may be seen feeding
together. They feed on almost any kind of fruit, seed or insect
and are often most destructive, picking off oranges when about
the size of a pill, destroying peas in the hill gardens and also
pulling to pieces young shoots and buds. They are rather quarrel-
some and extremely plucky and the natives in many parts of India
keep them for fighting purposes and the males will sometimes
fight to the death unless parted. Their voice cannot be called
beautiful but many of the notes are pleasant and they are
extremely cheerful birds, always in an optimistic frame of mind
and any garden is the richer for their lively, restless presence
and constant gay notes. Their flight is quick and strong.

MOLPASTES. 385,

(399) Molpastes hemorrhous pallidus.
THe Centra Inpran ReEeD-vENTED BuLRUL.

Molpastes hemorrhous pallidus Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C., xxxvii,
p. 15 (1917) (Deesa).

Vernacular names. Bulbul and Bulbuli (Hind.); Vonki-Bulbut
(Western Bengal).

Description. This bird only differs from typical hemorrhous in
being paler both above and below and having much broader white
or greyish-white edges to the feathers, these greatly increasing the
general paleness of the whole plumage.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Much the same as in the Ceylon Red-vented
Bulbul; wing about 87 to 97 mm.

Distribution. Continental India roughly North of a line running:
from 18° on the East to about 20° on the West. It is found as
far North as Behar and Western Bengal on the East and through:
Bundelkhand and the Rewah States to the southern portions of
Rajputana, Cutch and Kathiawar.

Nidification in no way different to that of the last bird except
that clutches of four eggs are not uncommon in the north-east of
the range, whilst clutches of two are exceptional anywhere but in
the south-west. Forty eggs average 22°3 x 16°1 mm., the extremes
being practically the same as in the preceding subspecies.

Habits. Those of the genus.

(400) Molpastes hemorrhous burmanicus.
THE BurMESE RED-VENTED BULBUL.

Molpastes burmanicus Sharpe, Cat. B. M., vi, p. 125 (1881) (Pegu) ;
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 269.
Vernacular names. Popin-ni-ta, Bopin-ni (Burmese); Boh-ha-
lone (Burmese for all Bulbuls).
Description. Differs from the last two in having the ear-coverts
glossy hair-brown. The black of the crown is sharply defined from
the brown back as in these birds but the black below extends to.

well on to the breast.
Colours of soft parts. Those of the genus; the legs are more
completely black.
Measurements. Wing about 91 to 106 mm. Birds from the
extreme south average a little smaller than those from the north.
Distribution. Manipur, Chin Hills, Arrakan South to Rangoon
and East to the Sittang River.
As Oates observes, it is not easy to define the limits of this race
but no specimens ever occur North of the Brahmaputra. In

VOL. Ts 9 Cc

386 PYCNONOTID&.

Manipur it may be said to be the constant form as it is in Lushai ;
in the Eastern Cachar Hills birds are nearer this form than
bengalens?s but in Western Cachar and the Khasia Hills the Bengal
bird is the normal one, though some few approach the Burmese
birds. This is, however, only what we expect to find in geograph-
ical races and on the div iding lines between all the races of this
Bulbul the birds inhabiting hee will themselves be more or less
intermediate.

Nidification. Similar to that of the birds already described but
the nest is often placed in bushes on the outskirts of forest and
sometimes even inside light forest, bambeo- or scrub-jungle. It is
not so persistent an adherent to civilization and though it prefers
the vicinity of towns and villages, will often be found in open
country some distance from them. 100 eggs average 22:0 x 16°2
mm. and the extremes are 23°8 x 16:7; DD: 2X AGS 5 a 205
15:05 24-2 < 15:0 mm.

In the northern portion of its habitat four is the normal clutch
ior this bird, further south three only, whilst round about Rangoon
it often lays but two. The breeding season lasts from April to
July, earlier in the south, later still in the north.

-

(401) Molpastes hemorrhous nigripileus.
THe TENASSERIM Rep-venreD BULBUL.

Pycnonotus nigripileus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 472 (1847)
(Tenasserim).
Molpastes nigripileus. Bianf. & Oates, i, p. 270.

Vernacular names. Doh-la-lone (Burmese).
Colours of soft parts as usual. Legs and feet black.
Measurements. Wing about 85 to 99 mm.

Distribution. Burma, East of the Sittang River, as far South as
Tenasserim and North to Karenni. The range of this bird and
that of the next has been very much confused. It appears that
the whole of the South Burmese race East of the Sittang and
Peninsular Siam must be placed under the name nigripileus. Oates
in allowing two races to occur in the same area has been misled
by the fact that here and there among birds from North-East
'enasserim one meets with individuals which have rather light
ear-coverts, thus showing some approach to the next race.

Nidification. Darling found a nest of this bird containing three
eggs on the 16th March in Tenasserim. ‘This is recorded as that
of the Chinese Red-vented Bulbul. Nest and eggs are in no way
distinguishable from those of others of the genus. The few eggs
[ have seen average about 24°1x17-:0 mm. but a larger series
would assuredly decrease these figures.

Habits. This bird is said to be even more of a forest and jungle
bird than the last, otherwise there is nothing to note about it.

MOLPASTES, 387

/

~ (402) Molpastes hemorrhous chrysorrhoides, *
THE CHINESE RED-VENTED BULBUL.

Hematornis chrysorrhoides Lafr., Rev. Zool., p. 367 (1845) (China).
Molpastes atricapillus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 270.

Vernacular names. Aator-tor-mang (Kachin); Ko-kai-kwun
(Chinese).

Description. This form is distinguished from all others by its
almost white ear-coverts ; the general plumage is paler and the
black of the lower parts confined to the chin. The black of the
crown is sharply defined from the rather pale brown hind neck and
back.

Colours of soft parts as usual.

Measurements. Wing about 85 to 111 mm. Chinese birds vary
between 90 and 111 mm. ard two very doubtful birds from
Tenasserim have wings of only 87 mm.

Distribution. From the North of Karenni through the Kachin
Hills, Shan States and Yunnan to South-West China. Birds from
North and Central Siam are also of this race. Birds from South-
West Siam and East Tenasserim are doubtfully referable to this
race.

Nidification. ‘The nest and eggs are described as similar to those
of the Bengal bird and a series of the latter obtained by Staff-
Surgeon Jones at Hongkong might stand almost equally well for
any of the other races. They average 21°8 x 16°7 mm.; the longest
and shortest are 22°9x17°3 and 20°6 x 16-4 mm. ; the longest is
also the broadest, and the most narrow is 21:5 x 16-1 mm.

Staff-Surgeon Jones says that the eggs number from two to six
in a clutch and that the nest is often placed in a fir-tree at a con-
siderable height from the ground.

Habits. The Chinese Red-vented Bulbul is the same familar bird
in China and the Burmo-Chinese countries that the Indian Red-
vented Bulbul is in India but over a great part of its range it is a
bird of the semi-jungle and forest land as well as of villages and
towns. Otherwise in all its habits it differs in no way from the
other geographical races.

(403) Molpastes hemorrhous bengalensis.
THe Benga Rup-ventnp Bureut.
Molpastes bengalensis Blyth, J. A. S.B., xiv, p. 566 (1845) (Bengal) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 271.
Vernacular names. Bulbul, Bulbulli (Hind.); Aala Bulbul
(Beng.); Bulbul-sorai (Assam); Dao-bullip (Cachari) ; Jnrur
bullip (Naga); Paklom(Bhut.); Mancleph-pho (Lepceha).

* Muscicapa atricapilla of Vieill., Nouv. Dict. d’Hist. Nat., xxi, p. 489 (1818)

is preoccupied by Linné, 1768, and cannot be used.
269

~ C Cl

388 PYCNONOTID2.

Description. Differs from MJ. h. hemorrhous in having the black
of the head gradually shading into the blackish brown of the lower
back und the lower breast. ‘The ear-coverts are dark chocolate-
brown and the whole plumage is much darker than in M. h.
hemorrhous and a fortiort than that of M. h. pallidus.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel or dark brown ; bill and legs
black, the latter rarely with a brownish tinge.

Measurements. This is the largest of the Indian races and larger
than any of the other races except chrysorrhoides. Wing 103 to
111 im.

Distribution. The Himalayas and Sub-Himalayan terai and ad-
joining plains from Kumaon to East Assam; Oudh, Northern
Behar ; East Bengal from about Chota Nagpur; : leprae Hills and
Naga Hills East. to Lakhimpur; N.W. Cachar. In Manipur
and in East Cachar the common type is burmanicus, though here,
as one would expect, many birds are halt-way between the two.
In Central Cachar the birds are quite intermediate but here and
there. even as far West as the Khasia Hills, birds of the Burmese
type are not uncommon.

Nidification. The Bengal Red-vented Bulbul breeds freely
throughout its range from “the level of the plains to at least 7,000
feet. In the plains it begins in March and continues until May,
many birds having a second brood after the rains break in aaunie
and July. Inthe Hills May seems to be the great breeding month
but eggs have been taken in practically every month of the year.
The nest is the usual cup-shaped affair made by all Bulbuls but is
possibly rather bigger and bulkier than those made by its more
southern cousins. It is placed in bushes or trees in gardens,
roadsides, orchards ete. and also in the scrub round villages. In
the Khasia and Cachar Hills it also breeds in thin jungle and the
extreme outskirts of forest.

The normal full clutch is three or four eggs and rarely even five
may be laid. ‘Typically they are rather broad obtuse ovals but they
vary considerably in shape. In colour again typical eggs are white
to strong pink or lilac-pink profusely spotted, s speckled ame blotched
with various shades of brown or fedairens brown with sparser
secondary markings of pale lavender and neutral tint. They,
however, vary enormously and many eggs are extremely richly and
handsomely “marked, whilst others are not. 200 eggs average
22-9 x 16-9 mm. and the extremes are 25:0 x 17-0; 24-0 XK 1iso
and 20:9 17-5; 21-8<15:3 nm.

Habits. The Benoa Red-vented Bulbul is not gregarious in the
true sense of the word but it is so common that it will be seen in
numbers wherever the country is at all suitable and there is no
garden of any size which does not have several resident pairs as well
as innumerable casual visitors. They are charming and sprightly
birds in their ways and actions and most of their notes are very
pleasant. Like many other Bulbuls they are very pugnacious and
during the breeding season no other Bulbul is allowed within the

MOLPASTES. B89

immediate vicinity of the nest, though there may be nests of other
genera within a very few feet of it. They get extraordinarily
tame and I have frequently had pairs of wild birds, with nests in
my garden, who would take white ants from within a few inches
of ny fingers and who never thought of leaving their nests when
I took tit-bits of food to them or their chicks,

(404) Molpastes hemorrhous intermedius.
THe PunsaB RED-VENTED BULBUL.

Pycnonotus intermedius Jerdon, B. of L., ii, p. 95 (1867) (Murree).
Molpastes intermedius, Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 272.

Vernacular names. Aala painja (Chamba).

Description. Only differs from the last race in having the black
of the head not extending to the back or upper breast. The ear-
coverts are chocolate-brown as in the Bengal bird but the general
appearance is decidedly paler.

Measurements. Wing 92 to 105 mm. It isa decidedly smaller
bird than Lengalensis, very few birds having the wing as much as
100 mm.

Distribution. The lower ranges of the Himalayas from the
extreme North-West to about Murree, the Simla Hills, Kashmir
and the North of the Punjab. Birds from Western Oudh and West
Bengal are intermediate between this and the last race.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last race but it lays three eggs
more often than four and the eggs themselves do 1iot seem to go
through nearly as wide a variation. The birds breed from May to
July at all heights up to about 5,000 feet or higher. Forty eggs
average 22°2 x 16°3 mm.

Habits similar to those of J. h, bengalensis.

(405) Molpastes leucogenys leucogenys.
THe WHITE-CHEEKED BULBUL.
Brachypus leucogenys Gray, Hardw. Ill. Ind. Zool., ii, p. 35 (1850)
(Darjiling).
Molpastes leucogenys. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 272.

Vernacular names. Manglio-kur or Mankliph-hkur (Lepcha) ;
Kundghara (Beng.) ; Painju (Chamba).

Description. Forehead and crest bair-brown, each feather
narrowly edged with greyish white; lores black, with a white line
above them; cheeks, round the eye, chin and throat black ; ear-
coverts white, with a black patch behind them and another patch
below them striped white and brown; upper plumage olive-brown,
the hinder part and sides of the neck barred with blackish, and
the centres of the feathers brown; wings brown, the feathers
edged with olive-brown ; tail brown on the basal half, black on the
terminal half and all the feathers except the two middle ones tipped

390 FYCNONOTID 2.

with white; lower plumage pale earthy-brown, whitish on the ab-
domen ; lower tail-coverts bright sul phur-yellow ; edge of wing white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel; bill black; legs and
feet brown to blackish brown, occasionally with a plumbeous shade.

Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 80 to 93 mm.; tail
about 85 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 14 to 16 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan and the extreme
North-West to Bhutan and the hills of Assam, North of the
Brahmaputra as far East as the Dihang River, whence I have had
specimens sent me for identification.

Nidification. The White-cheeked Bulbul breeds from May to
July at all heights from 2,500 to 7,000 feet, making a nest very
similar to that of the Red-vented birds but generally less solid and
well-built and decidedly smaller. It is made of the usual materials,
grass, leaves, fine twigs and stems of plants mixed with odd scraps
of moss, lichen and roots and lined either with fine roots or grass,
It is placed low down in a bush or small tree, seldom more than
5 or 6 feet above the ground and sometimes within a foot of
it. The site selected may be either in a garden or a compound or
in light jungle and low scrub.

The eggs are similar to those of the last species but, perhaps,
average longer in shape and duller in tint and markings. 100
average 21°6 x 16-1 min. and the extremes in length and breadth
are 24°6 x 16°8, 24:0 x 18°0 and 19°0x15:°2 mm. The full clutch
is either three or four eggs, more often the former.

Habits. Though found constantly wherever there are villages
and cultivation, this Bulbul is oceasionally found haunting nullahs
and ravines which are comparatively well-wooded. This is
especially the case round about Mussoorie. It is found at all
heights from 2,500 up to 7,500 feet and even higher than this
near Simla, w here Mr. iP: Dodsw orth took many nests.

Fig. 78.—Head of M. 7. leucotis.

(406) Molpastes leucogenys leucotis.
Toe WHiItr-KARED BULBOL.

Ivos leucotis Gould, P. Z.S., 1836, p. 6 (India orientali) (restricted
to Punjab).
Molpastes leucotis, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 273.
Vernacular names. Aangdhara (Beng.); Kushandra or Kun-
shanbra (Punjab) ; Bhooroo (Sind).

MOLPASTES. 391

This bird is a black-headed crestless form of the last bird; the
general colour above is also decidedly paler.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill and legs black.

Measurements. Just about the same size as the White-cheeked
Bulbul, the wing running from 86 to 93 mm.; the bill, however, is
much smaller than in either the preceding or the following bird,
measuring only about 12 to 13mm. In shape it is rather stout
and blunt instead of slender as in leucoyenys or very stout and
heavy as in humo.

Distribution. Sind; Cuteh; Guvzerat; Rajputana; Punjab;
the N.W. Provinces South to Etawa and Central India as far
East as Jhansi, Saugor and Hoshangabad.

Nidification. This differs in no way from that of the White-
cheeked Bulbul but the eggs average about 21:0 x 15°9 mm.

Habits. This bird is merely a plains form of M, 1. lewcogenys,
which is a hill Bulbul. It is also more exclusively a bird of
civilization, breeding round about villages, gardens and orchards
and frequenting liehtly- wooded and cultivated country rather
than those parts w here the woods are at all extensive.

(407) Molpastes leucogenys humii.
Humer’s WHIrE-EARED BULBUL.
Moipastes humit Oates, Fauna B.1., Birds, i, p. 274 (Jalalpur,Jhelum),

Vernacular names. Not distinguished from the last.

Description. Differs from the White-eared Bulbul in having a
short, full crest and in having both forehead and crest practically
black, with only very faint ‘pale edgings. There is no white
eyebrow ; the upper ‘plumage is a grey-brown, with no trace of
the olive tinge so often present in MW, J. leucogenys.

Colours of soft parts as in leucogenys but the bill is always
deep black.

Measurements as in the other races but the culmen measures
about 15 mm. and is blunt and very stout and heavy. The wing
varies from 82 to 93 mm.

Distribution. Oates named this bird from a specimen in the
British Museum series which he said differed from all the rest,
but a more careful examination shows that in this series there are
about twenty other specimens in every respect identical with the
type. These birds are all from a small area in the country round
Jhelum, Attock, Bannu and Kohat, on the extreme N.W. Frontier.

Nidification. Similar to that of the other subspecies.

Habits. ‘his appears to be a bird of the lower hills of the
N.W. Frontier intermediate between the range of VW. l. lewcogenys
on the higher hills and J, U. lvwcotis in the better-wooded plains.
It is a resident bird, of course, frequenting and. breeding in
the gardens and in the scanty vegetation and hedges round about
cultivated areas.

392 PYCNONOTID A.

Genus XANTHIXUS Oates, 1889.

This genus was created by Oates for the reception of Yanthivus
flavescens, a species differing from all its nearest allies in having
the tail-feathers strongly craduated. The outermost tail-feather
falls short of the longest by a distance equal in length to the
tarsus; the crest resembles that of Hemixus flavala and the wing
that of Jolpastes.

There is only one species, which I divided into two races in 1917,
one of which was again renamed by Kloss in 1919 on the grounds
that I had renamed the original race from Arrakan instead of the
new race. I have again compared the fine series in the British
Museum and find that my original distribution is quite correct.
Kloss’s name sordidus therefore becomes a synonym of my vividus.
The types of flavescens from Arrakan, which are in the Indian
Museum and were inspected by Kloss, are probably discoloured
by age, as fresh specimens from ‘Arrakan and the Chin Hills show
beyond all doubt that they belong to the same form as that from
Assam and not to the more yellow form from Eastern Burma.

Kloss’s birds from Annam may quite possibly be yet another
form, though I cannot distinguish any differences, in which case
they would retain the name sordidus.

Xanthixus flavescens.
Key to Subspecies.

A. Below paler, grey ofabdomen slightly suffused [cens, p. 892,
with yellow” not extending to breast ...... AX. flavescens flaves-
B. Below darker on breast and flanks and ‘pepe
extending to breast or even to throat ...... X. fl. vividus, p. 393.

(408) Xanthixus flavescens flavescens.
Briyvra’s BRENT

Pycnonotus flavescens Blyth, J. A.S. B. ) XIV, p. 568 (1845) (Arrakan),
Xanthivus flavescens. Blant. & One i, p. 275.

Vernacular names. Dao bulip-gurrmo (Cachari).

Description. Forehead and crown dark brown, the feathers of
the front half of the crown edged with grey, those of the hinder
half with olive-green ; upper plumage olive- brown tinged with
flavescent on the rump ; wings olive-brown; edges of quill-feathers

elive-green ; tail olive-brown, shafts rather ‘darker brown, the three
outer pairs “of tail- feathers faintly tipped with yellow ish w hite ;
lores black; a short supercilium from base of upper mandible
yellowish white ; cheeks and ear-coverts greenish grey ; chin pale
grey; throat, breast and flanks grey, slightly suffused with yellow
on the owen breast ; abdomen dull yellowish ; vent and under
tail-coverts bright yellow ; ; edge of wing and salen wing-coverts
fulvous yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill, legs and feet black.

XANTHIXUS. 393

Measurements. Total length about 205 mm.; wing 81 to
87 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen
about 10 min,

Distribution. Assam, South of the Brahmaputra as far East as
the Naga Hills, Manipur, Lushai, Chin Hills and Arrakan.

Nidification. In Assam and the Chin Hills Blyth’s Bulbul
breeds between 3,500 and 7,000 feet in April, May and June,
but nests and birds sent me from the Arrakan Yomas were taken
at about 3,000 feet in February and March.

They are forest birds, their nests being generally placed in
quite low bushes and carefully concealed and as the bird slips out
very silently when disturbed, the nests are hard to find. In
shape they are shallow cups very neatly made of grass, fine twigs,
weed stems, an odd leaf, scraps of moss or lichen and a few
coarse roots. The lining is nearly always the flowering end of a
coarse grass, bright tan in colour. The bush selected is always
one in forest or thick scrub, the rare exceptions being in mixed
scrub- and bamboo-jungle.

They lay either two or three eggs, most often the former.
These are typical Bulbul’s eggs but very finely freckled or stippled
instead of blotched, and, “whilst the markings are generally
very profuse everywhere, they are often much paler and
pinker than they are in Molpastes. There are sometimes about
the larger end a few short lines of darker reddish brown or
purplish black. In shape they are long, rather blunt ovals
with fragile, glossless shells. 100 eggs average 23°8 x 16-4 mm.,
the greatest and least lengths being 268x174 and 187x
152mm. and the broadest and most narrow 26°8x17°4 and
21°8x 15:0 mm. respectively.

Habits. Blyth’s Bulbul may rarely be found in valleys of the
higher ranges as low down as 1,500 feet but normally they are
pirds of tlie higher hills horween 3,500 and 7,500 feet. In
winter they frequent more open country, ae as patches of
cultivation, light forest, bamboo- and scrub-jungle round cultiva-
tion, open glades and light forest near streams and tracks but in
the breeding season they retire to the deeper forests. They may
be found in flocks of anything from half-a-dozen to over thirty and
resent other birds feeding w ith or near them, often quarrelling
even amongst themselves over food and other matters of interest.
They are not noisy birds and seem to have no song, most of their
conversational notes being much like those of the last genus.
They feed on both insects and fruit and frequent bushes, low
trees and high trees alike in their quest for them.

(409) Xanthixus flavescens vividus.
THe Muteryir BULBUL.

Xanthizus flavescens vividus (misprint vivida) Stuart Baker, Bull.
B. O. C., xxxvill, p. 16 (1917) (Muleyit Mt.).

Vernacular names. Cheng-ma-kator (Kachin).

394 PYCNONOTID®.

Description. Differs from the last bird in being darker, especi-
ally in the grey cf the breast and the vellow, which is confined to
the lower breast in flavescens, extends well on to the upper breast
and even to the throat. In tint also, perhaps in contrast with
the darker grey, it is brighter and more vivid.

Colours of soft parts. The legs are more tinged with brown
than in the last bird.

Measurements. Wing measurements 80 to 89 min. (79 Kloss,
Anna).

Distribution. Kachin Hills, Shan States, Karenni and S.B.
Burma into the Malay States.

Nidification differs in no way from that of the last bird. In
the Kachin Hills it breeds between 4,000 and 6,000 feet in
forests, generally on the outskirts. Ten eggs measure about
23°1x 16-0 mm. Hopwood and Grant took its eggs in March,
April and May.

Habits. Those of the last bird.

Genus OTOCOMPSA Cabanis, 1851. =

The Bulbuls of this genus are very close indeed to Molpastes
but the feathers forming the crest spring from the centre of the
crown, the feathers of the hind crown being short and of the usual
character. In our Indian forms the crest is very long but in the
Burmese forms less conspicuously so and in O. flaviventris johnstone
from East Siam it is quite short.

From the next genus, Pinarocichla, it is easily distinguished by
its soft plumage on the lower back and rump.

Key to Species and Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage brown, no green or yellow
in plumage.
a. Upper plumage arich ruddy-brown.... O. emerva emeria, p. 394.
6. Upper plumage dull brown.
a’. Tail-feathers with no white tips .... O.e. fuscicaudata, p. 396.

b’. Tail-feathers with white tips ...... O. e. peguensis, p. 396,
B. Plumage nearly all green and yellow except
head. {p. d97:
Larger, wing average about 85 mm..... O. flaviventris flaviventris,
Z Smaller, wing average about 81 mm..... O. fl. minor, p. 098,

* (410) Otocompsa emeria emeria.

) , Pre BENGAL RED-WHISKERED BULBUL.
yea emerta Linn., 8. N., 1, p. 137 (1766) aes
Otocompsa emeria, Blantf. & ome p. 27

Vernacular names. Aumera Bulbul (Hind.) Kara Bulbul and
Sipahi Bulbul (Beng.); Dao-bullip gajao-bé (Cachari); Inrut bullip-
guhérba (Racha Naga); Boh-ka-lone (Burmese). Ko-kat-kwun
(Chinese).

OTOCOMPSA. 395

Description. Forehead, crown and lores black ; hinder parts of
cheeks and ear-coverts white surrounded with black; a tuft
of ecrimson-scarlet feathers under the eye and extending over the
lower ear-coverts; whole upper plumage, wings and tail ruddy-
brown, the feathers of the wing margined paler and the tail
having all but the central, or two central, pairs tipped with fulvous-
white, purest on the outermost feathers; lower plumage white,
pure on the chin and throat and suffused with fulvous-brown on
the flanks and thighs ; a broad band across the breast dark brown,
more or less broken in the centre ; under tail-coverts crimson.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel-brown or crimson-brown ;
bill, legs and feet black.

Measurements. ‘Total length about 200 mm.; wing 88 to
95 mm.; tail 80 to 85 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about
14 mm.

The nestling has no red ear-tufts and the under tail-coverts
are pink,

Distribution. Himalayas, Simla to East Assam, North and
South of the Brahmaputra, Bengal, Oudh, North of Orissa; North
Chin and Kachin Hills, North Yunnan. ‘he birds from China
are very doubtfully separable but if separated would be known
as O. emeria jocosa.

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds from early March to late
September but most birds build in April, May and June. They
are found during the breeding season from the level of the plains
up to at least 7,000 feet, perhaps up to 8,000. They make a com-
pact, cup-shaped nest of twigs, roots, bents, leaves and grasses,
lined with fine roots or grasses. Generally it is placed on low
shrubs but sometimes in small trees, cactus hedges or trellises of
verandahs. I once found a nest in a grass field quite on the
ground amongst the roots of the grass. They are birds cf civiliza-
tion, selecting gardens and cultivation for their abodes and even
when they breed away from human haunts they select the thinnest
scrub or fringes of heavier forest. Their eggs number three or four
and are like those of the genus Molpastes but rather less variable.
200 eggs average 22-2x16'2 mm., the extremes being 241 x
NG30523:0 <1 7-15 19-056: 0 and*21 ex 13°OAnm?

Habits. The Red-whiskered Bulbul is just as familiar and
friendly a little bird as his Red-vented cousin and is even more
cheerful and lively in his actions. They are less quarrelsome
than the birds of the previous genus but are equally good fighters
when roused, the males fighting fiercely in the breeding season 1
their special ground is invaded. Their notes are much the same
as those of Molpastes but much more musical. They fly well,
though at no great rate. Their diet is both insectivorous and
vegetarian and they can do a good deal of mischief in frait and
veget: able gardens, destroying oranges, plums etc. when only just
formed and raspberries, straw berries ete. when ripe.

396 PYCNONOTID®.

(411) Otocompsa emeria fuscicaudata.
A :
THE SOUTHERN RED-WHISKERED BULBUL.

Olocompsa fuscicaudata Gould, P.Z.8., 1865, p. 664 (Madras) ;
Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 277.

Vernacular names. Phari-bulbul (Hind.); Zuraka pigli-pitta
(Tel.) ; Konda-Klotti-Kurari (Travancore).

Description. Differs from the Bengal bird in being much duller
brown above, in having the necklace complete on the breast or
only very slightly interrupted and in having no white tips to the
tail-feathers.

Colours of soft parts. tris brown; bill, legs and feet black.

Measurements. A rather smaller bird than the northern; wing
83 to 90 mm. and other measuremeuts in proportion.

Distribution. South India, meeting the last form in South
Orissa and Western Bengal; the whole of the Western Ghats to

Rajputana and in Central India to the Central Provinces and
Behar.

Nidification. Similar to that of O. e. emeria but it lays only
two or three eggs in a clutch and more often two than three.
Fifty eggs average 22°3 x 16°lmm. and the extremes are 24°6 x
16-4, 22°6 x 18-0 and 19°9x15°0 mm. They are like those of the
last bird, but vary even less than they do. The breeding season is
chietly in March and April but many nests may be found from
February to August and odd ones in almost any month of the
year. hey breed up to at least 7,000 feet and are more entirely
restricted to gardens and cultivation than the Bengal bird. They
are extremely confiding and frequently breed in creepers on
verandahs and house walls.

Habits. The Southern Red-whiskered Bulbul is in the South
the same as its Bengal cousin is in the North. Cheerful, energetic,
confiding and ubiquitous, it is almost as common as the Sparrow
at home in England and infinitely more pleasing.

(412) Otocompsa emeria peguensis, subsp. nov.

Tur BurmMese Rep-wHISKERED BurBUL.

Vernacular names. Boh-ka-lone (Burmese).

Description. Similar to the Southern Red-whiskered Bulbul
but with broad fulvous-white tips to the tail-feathers as in emeria.
In O. e. fuscicaudata the brown of the back is perhaps not quite
so dull as it is in this form, a faint tinge of ochre-red showing
in some lights.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel; legs, feet and bill black.

Measurements. This is the smallest of the three races; wing
75 to 85 mm., in one case 88 mm.; tail 77 to 81 mm.

OTOCOMPSA. 397

Distribution. South Chin Hills and South Kachin Hills to
Tenasserim, Arrakan and the whole of the Central Hills of
Burma, Siam and Shan States. Andamans and Nicobars.

This form is another of the interesting cases in which birds
from the two extremities of a range are nearer than they are to
those in the centre. In India we have a horseshoe of which
Assam and the Chin Hills may be said to form the centre, whilst
Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula form the two extremities.
Evolution has evidently gone on on similar lines with very similar
results in the two latter places, though we need not inter from
this that these extremities were ever linked together.

Nidification. Though there is little on record in regard to
this form, its nests and eggs, habits of breeding, ete. seem to
differ in no way from those of the Indian birds. {fn the South
it lays two or three eggs, in the North three and more rarely four.
A large series sent me by one of my collectors from Pegu
are exactly like a series from Madras and measure on an average
for forty eggs 20:0 x 15°9 mmm.

The breeding season seems to be February to April but doubt-
less extends over a much longer period than this.

Habits. Takes the place in Burmese gardens, villages and
towns of O. e. emeria in Northern India etc. and of the Madras
bird in Southern India. It is not found in forest or any kind of

heavy jungle.

(413) Otocompsa flaviventris flaviventris.
Tin BLACK-CRESTED YELLOW BULBUL,

Vanga flaviventris Vick., J.A.S.B., ii, p. 578 (1833) (Dholbhum).
Otocompsa flaviventris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 278.

Vernacular names. Puhariya kangdhara (Gorakpur); Mandiph-
hur (Lepcha) ; Hagrani Dao-bulip (Cachari).

Description. Head, with long crest, chin and throat glossy
black ; upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-yel.ow, brighter on
the rump and upper tail-coverts; quill-feathers of wing brown,
primaries and outer secondaries edged with olive-yellow and inner
secondaries with all, or nearly all, the outer webs of this colour ;
tail brown, the feathers edged with olive-yellow for nine-tenths
of their length ; whole plumage below and sides of neck bright
King’s yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Irides bright pale yellow; bill dark
horny, culmen and tip almost black and the gape dull yellowish ;
legs brown or grey-brown.

Measurements. Total length 180 to 190 mm.; wing 78 (Q)
to 90 (6) mm.; tail about 81 mm.; tarsus about 16 mm.;
culmen about 13 mm,

Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej Valley to East
Assam ; the forests of the Central Provinces ; Orissa, South of the

398 PYCNONOTID &.

Mahanadi, Hastern Bengal, hills and plains South of the Brahma-
putra, Burma, Siam, Shan States, Yunnan. In Peninsular Siam
and Burma it 1s replaced by the next form.

Nidification. This Yellow Buibul makes a nest much like that
of the two genera last described, but deeper and better built and
nearly always made of tan-coloured materials amongst which
dead leaves are always prominent. The lining is of fine grass-
stems, occasionally of fine moss roots or similar material, whilst
one nest was lined with mithna (Bos frontalis) hair. They breed
most numerously in May and June but eggs are laid almost any time
between early March and late August or even early September.
The full clutch numbers two to four and the eggs differ from
those of the other species of Otocompsa in being more profusely
stippled and speckled all over with very fine markings varying in
colour from reddish- or creamy-pink to deep purple-red or red-
brown. 100 eggs average 22°3x 165 mm. and vary in length
between 24°2 x 16-4 and 20°5 x 16°S mm. and in breadth between
21-9 x17°2 and 23:1 x 15°3 mm.

Habits. In its actions, flight and food this bird is a true
Otocompsa but it is often found in light serub- and bamboo-jungle
and sometimes on the outskirts of deep forest. In Assam it
frequents the vicinity of the hiil villages, cover of any kind in and
around patches of cultivation and open places near roads and
streams. It collects in the cold weather in flocks of half-a-dozen
to a score or more individuals and frequents indifferently scrub,
bushes, bamboos and high trees. ‘They eat both insects and fruit
and I have seen them on the ground eating wild strawberries and
also feeding on termites as they came up from the ground. They
are, for Bulbuls, not noisy birds and their song, which may be
written ‘* Weet-tre-trippy-wit,” with the last three syllables
repeated twice or more, forms a rather sweet though jerky little
song. They are found commonly up to 3,500 feet and tarely up
to 5,000.

(414) Otocompsa flaviventris minor.
Kuoss’s BuacK-HEADED YELLOW BULBUL.
Otocompsa flaviventris minor Kloss, Ibis, 1918, p. 200 UXoh Lak,
S.W. Siam).
Description. ‘‘ Smaller than 0. fl. flaviventris (Tickell) of Chota
Nagpur; wing 83mm. or less ” (A’/oss).
Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam and throughout the
Malay Peninsula.
[t is only after some hesitation that I have accepted this form.
It certainly averages smaller, but the sinallest Malay bird and the
smallest bird from Assam both have a wing of 77mm. On the
other hand, Kloss’s minor seems also to be a trifle darker and to
have a decidedly shorter crest.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

PINAROCICHLA. 399

Genus PINAROCICHLA Sharpe, 1881.

This genus contains a single species very closely allied to
Otocompsa but different in having the feathers of the back and
rump with rigid and spinous shafts. If the fingers are passed
along the back from the tail towards the head, the prickly character
of the feathers can easily be felt.

The crest of Pinarocichla is shorter than it is in our Indian
species of Otecompsa but not shorter than in the Siamese
Otocompsa flaviventris johnsoni and very little shorter than in
O. fl. minor.

(415) Pinarocichla eutilota.

Tur CresteD Brown BULBUL.
Brachypus eutilotus Jard. & Selby, Il. Orn., iv, pl. ii (1836)

(Singapore).
Pinarocichla euptilosa. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 279.
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Crown greyish brown, with blackish shaft-stripes ;
lores, cheeks, ear-coverts and sides of neck paler, without stripes ;
back, rump and scapulars ochraceous olive, the feathers of the

. Fig. 79.—Head of P. eutilota.

rump banded with black showing up in places as black patches ;
upper tail-coverts and tail ferruginous, the outer three pairs of
tail-feathers tipped with white ; wing-coverts and inner secondaries
brighter and more ochraceous than the back; primaries and outer
secondaries dark brown, the outer webs ochraceous ; the whole
lower plumage whitish, suffused with grey on the breast and with

yellow elsewhere.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson in the male, wood-brown to
litharge-red in the female; bill black; legs and feet dark grey- or
plumbeous-brown to black (Hume & Davison).

Measurements. Total length about 225 to 230 mm.; wing 84
to 99mm.; tail about 95mm.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.;
culmen about 13mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Burmaand Siam to Sumatra, Java and
Borneo.

Nidification. Unknown.

400 PYCNONOTID &.

Habits. According to Davison this is a bird of open or culti-
vated country. Its habits are like those of the genus Otocompsa,
its note is whistled ‘kick pettigrew ” and its food consists princi-
pally of small berries but also to some extent of insects.

Genus SPIZIXOS Blyth, 1845.

The genus Spizivus contains species and subspecies ranging
from Assam to China. They differ from all other Bulbuls in their
very curious Finch-like bill and in having the nostrils partially
concealed by overhanging plumelets.

It is a typical Bulbul in habits, nidification and voice and does
not seem to have any connexion with the Sibiine as suggested by

Oates.

Fig. 80.—Head of 8S. ¢. canifrons.

In Spizivus the crest is thick and long but not much pointed.
The bill is very short and deep, the culmen being gently curved
throughout ; the edges of the mandibles are slightly sinuated and
notched near the tips. The tail is perfectly square and the tarsus

short and weak.
The crest as shown in the woodcut is too bushy and not

sufficiently pointed.

+ (416) Spizixus canifrons canifrons.
Tur FINCH-BILLED BULBUL.

Spizivos canifrons Blyth, J.A.S. B., xiv, p. 571 (1845) (Khasia
Hills); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 280.

Vernacular names. Aator-sit( Kachin); Daobulip-buku(Cachari).
Description. Forehead running up in a point into the crown,
erey ; lores, chin and cheeks mixed grey and black ; crown and
round the eye black; ear-coverts grey, tinged with hair-brown on
the upper parts ; nape and sides of neck grey; chin dark brownish
erey : whole upper plumage bright green tinged with olive, lightest
on the rump and upper tail-coverts, darkest on the scapulars and
upper back ; wing-coverts the same, tinged with brown on the
inner webs of the greater coverts : primaries and outer secondaries

BIRDS. VOL.|I.

SPIZIXUS C. CANIPONS.

The Finch—billed Bulbul.

2/3 life size.

PLATE Vil.

a

SPIZIXUS, 401

brown on the inner webs green on the outer, the inner secondaries
green on both webs but more or less tinged with brown on the
inner ; tail yellowish green, with an inch-wide band of dark brown
near the tips; lower plumage dull greenish yellow, brightening to
yellow on the beily and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to pure vandyke-brown ;
bill very pale straw-white or ivory-white; legs and feet dull deep
flesh-colour to grey-brown,

Measurements. Total length about 210 mm.; wing 79 to
89 mm.; tail about 90mm.; tarsus about 18 to 19mm.; culmen
about 13mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brabmaputra, Arrakan, Chin
and Kachin Hills to Yunnan,

Rothschild (Nov. Zool., xxvii, p. 50, 1921) points out quite
correctly that Bangs and Phillips’s S. ¢. ingrami is merely the
immature S. c. canifrons which has the throat grey instead of
brown and the under parts rather dull olive-green instead of
greenish yellow.

Nidification. The Finch-billed Bulbul breeds from the end of
April to the end of July from about 3,500 feet np to the highest
peaks in the North Cachar, Khasia and Naga Hills and up to
6,000 or even 7,000 feet in the Kachin and Yunnan Hills. The
nest can be told at a glance from any other Bulbul’s nest, for it is
made entirely of tendrils, some stout, some fine and rarely they may
be mixed with a few tiny twigs or scraps of bracken, but these
are so scanty that they are not noticeable. The lining, as a rule,
consists merely of tendrils finer than the rest but I have seen
seraps of dried bracken also used for this purpose. he internal
shallow cup measures something under 3 inches (75 mm.) in
diameter by under | inch (25 mm.) deep but the outer measure-
ments are difficult to ascertain as the ends of the tendrils stick
out in all directions. The nests are extremely well put together and
stand very rough handling. The site selected is usually in a tall,
scraggy bush or a small sapling, some 5 to 10 feet from the
ground, standing in dense evergreen forests or in thick scrub-
jungle.

The eggs number two or three only, four being quite excep-
tional, and are like very large examples of those of Xanthicus
flavescens. The ground-colour is anything from the palest pink
to a rather deep brick-red pink but they are so completely covered
with innumerable freckles and tiny blotches of light red, deep red
or dark brownish red, that little of the ground-colour is visible.
Many eggs, indeed, look almost unicoloured at a short distance.
In shape they are long, blunt ovals and the texture is fine,
practically glossless and very fragile. 100 eggs average 25°7 x
17-6 mm.; the greatest length and breadth 28°1x18-0 and
26-0 x 19°3 mm. and the least each way 24'0 x 16°1 mm.

Habits. The Finch-billed Bulbul is a bird of fairly high
altitudes and is not found below 3,000 feet even in the cold

VOU. I. 2D

402 PYCNONOTID A,

season, whilst in the breeding season it keeps to heights between
4,000 and 7,000 feet. They collect in flocks of a dozen or more
individuals in winter, feeding both on the higher trees and in the
bushes and undergrowth, ‘Their food consists of insects of all
kinds, but largely small beetles, seeds and some soft fruits such as
the various Fc, In the stomachs of some specimens killed in
N. Cachar were numerous tiny fragments of quartz. In the
breeding season they seem to desert the higher trees and to keep
to the lower jungle. Their notes are those of the family but full,
soft and sweet and easily distinguishable from those of their
nearest relations, They fly well but are not very active or quick
on their feet,

Genus TRACHYCOMUS Cabanis, 1851,

This genus is represented by a single species of large size,
striated plumage and peculiar structure. It has no crest but the
crown is covered with dense, bristly, decomposed feathers of a
yellow colour. The tarsus is remarkably strong, with a few
scutellations in front and sometimes quite smooth. The bill is
short, being about half the length of the head, the rictal bristles
are strong and the nuchal hairs short. The wing is comparatively
short and rounded and the tail-feathers well graduated.

The peculiar structure of the feathers of the crown and its large
size will suffice to separate this Bulbul from all others.

Fig. 81,-—Head of 7, ochrocephalus,

(417) Trachycomus ochrocephalus.
Tun YELLOW-CROWNED BULBUL.

Turdus ocrocephalus Gmel., 8. N., i, p.821 (1788) (Ceylon and Java).
Trachycomus ochrocephalus, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 281.

Vernacular names. Burong-baran-baran (Malay).

Description. Forehead, crown, a patch under the eye, branching
out into two streaks, one extending partially over the ear-coverts
and one under, straw-yellow; ear-coverts brown with white
shafts; lores and cheeks black, divided by a yellowish streak ;
upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts ashy-brown dashed with
ereen, all the feathers, except those of the rump, with conspicuous

IOLE, 403

white shafts; the upper tail-coverts are margined with olive-
green; greater coverts, wings and tail dark how the wing-
quills edged with olive-green, the tail-feathers edged with greenish
and tipped below with pale ochraceous; chin and throat w hite ;
breast and sides of the neck ashy-brown, with white shaft-streaks ;
sides of the body brown, with fainter shaft-streaks ; abdomen and
vent brownish white ; thighs and under tail-coverts ochraceous ;
under wing-coverts and axillaries ochraceous brown,

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet dark horny-brown or
black ; bill black; iris pale or litharge-red (Hume g° Davison),

Measurements. Total length 265 to 275mm.; wing 115 to
123 mm.; tail about 95 to 100 mm.; tarsus about 25 to 28mm.;
culmen about 18 to 19 mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam throughout the Malay
Peninsula to Sumatra, Java and Borneo... This bird does not
occur in Cey!on and its typical locality must therefore be restricted
to Java (Stuart Baker, Journal B. N. H.S8., xxvii, p. 470, 1921).

Nidification. Mr. J. Darling took the nest of this Bulbul at
Kossum on the 2nd July. In appearance it was ‘of the
ordinary Bulbul type but much bigger.” It was made of fern,
grass and moss roots and a long piece of a trailing orchid, about
3 feet long, wound round and round. It was placed in a high
bush, 10 feet from the ground and in a very exposed position,
The eggs, two in number, are much lke those of J/eroscelis and
measure about 26°0 x 18: 5 mm.

Habits, This Bulbul is a bird of the plains, being found in open
country and not in forest or heavy jungle. Davison records that
it is found in small parties of four or five to eight or nine birds.
“Tt is very garrulous and keeps up a continuous chatter but it
also has a sone which is particularly rich and powerful.” In
Mergui he found the Yellow-crowned Bulbul frequenting gardens.
Its food consists of perries and insects and it may often be seen
hopping about on the ground in search of the latter.

Genus IOLE Blyth, 1844.

The genus /ole is not marked by any very striking characteristic
beyond the sharp carination of the upper mandible. In many
respects it is intermediate between Hemiavus and Pycnonotus but
differs from both in the point above noted.

In Jole the feathers of the crown are slightly lengthened but
they do not form a crest. The bill is about three-quarters the
Jength of the head and when viewed laterally is of much the same
shape as that of Hemixus (fig. 75, p. 875). The nuchal hairs
are short. In Jole there are generally numerous hairs springing
from the back but in Jole nicobariensis these hairs are very incon-
spicuous and on this account Blyth proposed the generic name
Ivocincla for this species, and if it is retained the specific name

would then be virescens Blyth. If, however, a careful examination
2p2

404 PYCNONOTIDA,

is made these hairs will be found, though they are short and not
numerous. Although, therefore, somewhat aberrant, I retain it
in the genus /ole. Sharpe retained the name Jzvocincla for the
other species of /ole and placed [vocinela virescens of Blyth in the
genus Hypsipetes (Microscelis) but in making both these changes
he was, of course, quite incorrect.

Key to Species.

A. Lower plumage streaked .............:% Tole malaccensis, p. 404.
B. Lower plumage not strealied.
a. Crown and upper plumage uniform in

colour.
a’, Entire lower plumage bright yellow. ole zcterica, p. 405.
b'. Lower plumage dull yellow........ Tole olivacea, p. 406,
b. Crown distinctly darker and browner
than ihe back’. sc me cioeuere s ae ote .. ole nicobariensis, p. 408.

(418) Iole malacceusis malaccensis.
Tut STREAKED BULBUL.

Hypsipetes malaccensis Blyth, J. A.S.B., xvi, p. 574 (1845)
(Malacca).
Tole malaccensis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 288,

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage, with lesser wing-coverts, brownish
green; greater coverts, wings and tail dark brown, the feathers
edged with the colour of the back; ear-coverts brownish green
with pale shafts; lores ashy-grey ; cheeks, chin, throat, breast
and sides of the body ashy with broad greyish-white shaft-streaks,
fainter on the last-named; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts
white; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pinkish brown to reddish
brown; bill horny-brownor very dark horny-brown ; iris mahogany-
brown to litharge-red (Hume § Davison).

Measurements. Length about 230mm.; wing 109 to 115 mm.;

tail about 90 to 95mm.; tarsus about 18mm.; culmen about
18 to 20mm,

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam and Malay Peninsula.
Birds from Cochin China seem identical, whilst those from the
Southern Islands are perhaps separable.

Nidification. Eggs and nest obtained by Mr. W. A. 'T. Kellow
on the 17th June were like those of the next bird. The nest is a
small cradle of twigs, leaves and grasses bound by cobwebs to,
and interlaced around the twigs of a small forked branch of a bush.
The two eggs are white with innumerable freckles of light yellowish-
and ninkish-red and measure 2371 x 16°9 and 22°1 x 16-5 mm.

Habits. Beyond Davison’s remarks to the effect that this
Bulbul’s habits are similar to those of Hemivus m. tickelli, nothing
has been recorded.

TOLE. 405

(419) Tole icterica.
Tur YELLOW-BROWED BULBUL.

Criniger ictericus Strickl., A. M.N.H., xiii, p. 411 (1844) (Maha-
baleshwar).
Tole icterica. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 285.

Vernacular names. /Huldi Bulbul (Mysore).

Description. Whole upper plumage bright olive-yellow; wings
dark brown, the outer webs of the feathers olive-yellow and the
inner edged with the same ; tail-feathers olive-yellow, with brighter
edges and the inner edges and shafts yellow below ; a streak from
the nostril to the eye and a circle round it, sides of the head and
whole lower plumage and under wing-coverts bright yellow, washed
with olive-green on the flanks,

Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown; legs and feet pale
blue, claws bluish-horny ; upper mandible brownish black, lower
pale brown, darkest along the edges and tips (Davison) ; iris blood-
red, dark red (Butler); iris blood-red (Jerdoi).

Measurements. ‘otal length about 200mm.; wing 94 to
98 mm.; tailabout 94mm. ; tarsus about 19 mm.; culmen about
15mm.

Distribution. The West side of Southern India from about
Mahabaleshwar to Cape Comorin and Ceylon.

Nidification. The Yellow-browed Bulbul breeds principally in
February and March from Kanara to Travancore but eggs have
been taken as late as 15th May (Davidson); in the Nilgiris and
higher hills it breeds from April to the end of May or early June.
In Ceylon it apparently breeds in July and August. The nest is
like a small neat edition of those of IJicroscelis, a cradle in a hori-
zontal fork or between two twigs, made of leaves, soft, phant
twigs and grasses, firmly wound round the supporting twigs and
well plastered with cobwebs. ‘he lining is of fine grasses only.
The site selected is on a small sapling or high bush, 5 to 10 feet
from the ground, which may be either in dense forest, thin
scattered tree- or bush-jungle, or evenin a small spinney or clump
of bushes.

The eggs are nearly always two only and are very different from
those of any other genus, except Aelaartia, approaching nearest
to very bright pale eggs of Yanthixus and Spizivus. The ground
is a very pale pink, almost white in many cases, and they are
profusely speckled, more or less, all over with pale bright reddish-
or pinkish-brown. Ina few eggs the markings are most numerous
at, the large end, where they form an ill-defined cap or ring.
Thirty eggs average 23:1 x 16-6 mm, and the extremes are : maxima
25:0 x 17:2 mm. and minima 21°3 x 16°3 and 22°0 x 15°5 mm.

Habits. This Bulbul is found at all heights from 2,000 to about
6,500 feet, frequenting forest, both light and dense, more open
country and even sometimes venturing into gardens and orchards.

406 PYCNONOTID®.

It is said to have a soft, mellow whistle and to feed on insects,
seeds and certain fruit. It is found in small flocks in the non-
breeding season.

Tole olivacea.

Tole olivacea olivacea is an inhabitant of Singapore but there are
several geographical races found within the limits of the present
work, one of which, virescens, has been accorded the status of a
species and the other two until recently ignored entirely.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Under tail-coverts yellow ........ JZ. olivacea virescens, p. 406.
B. Under tail-coverts cinnamon.
a, Wing ander 82 mmr)... we ie I. 0. cinnamomeoventris, p, 407..
bit Wing over 82'mim: aoe seit os I. 0. lénnbergi, p. 408.

(420) Iole olivacea virescens.

Tur Ontve BULBUL.

ePro

Iole virescens Blyth, J. A. 8. B., xiv, p. 578 (1845) (Arrakan) =
Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 284.

Vernacular names. Daobulip-gurrmo (Cachari).

Description. Lores and short eyebrow olive-yellow; ear-coverts
dark olive ; remainder of upper plumage from forehead to rump
olive-green ; upper tail-coverts and tail rather bright rufous-
brown; sides of the neck olive-brown; whole under-surface from
chin to vent yellow, more or less suffused with olive-yellow ;
wings dark brown, the coverts and inner secondaries bro oadly, the
remaining feathers narrowly, edged with rufescent olive-brown.

Colours of sofc parts. Iris brown or red-brown; eyelids grey ;
bill bluish-horn, the mouth flesh-colour; legs and claws pinkish
brown.

Measurements. Length about 185 to 190 mm.; wing 76 to
82 mm.; tail about 85 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about
15 mm.

Distribution. Cachar, Sylhet, Tippera and the plains and lower
hills of Western Burma as far South as Pegu.

Nidification. There is apparently nothing recorded about the
nesting of this Bulbul beyond my own notes in ‘The Ibis’ and
Bombay Natural History Society’s Journal (1892, p.6). The nests
are compact, well-made cups composed of a few dead leaves and
tiny elastic twigs well interwoven with and bound together by
long strips of w ‘hat looks like the inner bark of some tree. They
were all, with one exception, in horizontal forks, the branches of
which were incorporated in the sides of the nest about two-thirds
up. ‘The lining was in each case of black fern reots and the long
red tendrils of a small yellow ground-convolvulus. All my nests.

—-

IOLE. 407

were taken in May well inside thin jungle of mixed bamboo and
secondary growth, thin forest or deserted cultivation patches
inside deep forest and all were placed over or close to game-
tracks.

The eggs are in type like those of ictertca but darker and more
handsome, some closely approaching speckled eggs of Molpastes in
general appearance. ‘They measure about 22°6 x 16°3 mm.

Habits. This Bulbul seems to be nowhere common; I never
saw it but in pairs or singly, a rather secretive, quiet bird, feeding
on the higher bushes and thin tree-tops but not, apparently,
frequenting the more dense and humid tree-forest. It is said to
be more often met with in flocks in Pegu, where it does some-
times enter quite heavy forest. Beyond the j jarring “ chir” made
by the birds caught in nooses, I have not heard it utter any call.

It is found ane the level of the plains up to some 2,000 feet.

(421) Jole olivacea cinnamomeoventris.
Tur Trenassprim OLive-BuLBuUtL.

Tole virescens cinnamomeoventris Stuart Baker, Bull, B. O.C., xxxvu,

p. 16 (1917) (Tenasserim).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This race differs from the last in being darker and
more ruddy and less green above; it is also duller and less yellow
below, the throat and fore-neck being grey, only faintly tinged with
yellow ; the under tail-coverts are cinnamon, this colour often
extending on to the belly.

Colours of soft parts. ‘Iris dark; maxilla blackish, mandible
grey; feet fleshy-brown” (ZH. G. Herbert). ‘‘Ivides clear grey,

‘dark slaty, salmon-pink or golden-brown” (Davison).

Measurements. About the same as in the last; wing 73 to
80 mm., in one 82 mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam extending as far
North as Karenni and Central West Siam. Robinson and Kloss
identify birds from Cochin China and Annam as belonging to this
subspecies. One of their specimens, a male from Annam, is as
much as 84 mm. in wing measurement.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. According to Davison “This is a forest bird but oceur-
ring also in thin tree-jungle and even entering well-wooded
cardens. It is met with singly or in pairs, foraging about the
trees and living chiefly on berries, and never, I believe, descending
to the ground. They are mither lively birds, moving about a
reat deal and having a pleasant soft whistling note, something
like that of Ja os finlaysoni, but distinguishable at once.”

408 PYCNONOTID &.

* (422) Tole olivacea lonnbergi. = pr ph imgua
THe Sram BuLBut. Ou s

Criniger lonnbergi Gyldenstolpe, Kung. Sven. Vetensk. Handl., 50,
No. 8, p. 24 (1918) (Bang-hue-hom, N. Siam).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This race differs from J. 0. virescens in having the
under tail-coverts cinnamon instead of yellow and from cinnamo-
meoventris in being more yellow below and more green above.
From both of fess: subspecies it differs in being much larger with
a wing of 83 to 89 mm.

Measurements. Wing 83 to 89 mm.; culmen 15 to 15°5mm.;
tarsus 15°5 to 16-0 mm.; tail 76 to 83-5 mm. (Gyldenstolpe).

Distribution. This is a Northern form of the last bird but the
limits of neither are as yet definable. Gyldenstolpe found it in
N. Siam and specimens from the Shan States and Yunnan are
also referable to this form. It will probably also be found in the
S.E. Kachin States.

Nidification. Unknown.
Habits. Gyldenstolpe records that he found it shy but not un-

common in some places in North Siam, frequenting dense primeval
forests in small flocks.

(423) Tole nicobariensis.
THe Nicopar BULBUL.

Hypsipetes nicobariensis Horsf. & Moore, Cat., i, p. 257 (1854)
(Nicobars).
Lole nicobariensis, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 285.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Head and nape dark brown; sides of the head
grey ; upper plumage olive-green ; wings and tail hair-brown, the
feathers all edged with olive- -ereen externally ; ; chin, throat and
upper breast white, faintly streaked with pale brow n, grey or
yellowish ; remaining lower parts and under wing-coverts pale
primrose-y yellow, slightly mottled with white; the under tail-
coverts yellow with brown centres.

Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet dark horny, greenish
brown or greenish plumbeous ; bill deep horny-brown, lower
mandible and edge of upper dull yellow ; iris brown (Hume).

Measurements, Length about 200 mm.; wing 96 to 103 mm. ;
tail about 95 mim.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.; culmen about
20 mm.

Distribution. The Nicobar Islands of Teressa, Bompoka, Tillan-
chong, Camorta, Nancoury, Trinkat, Katchall and Pilu Milu.

Nidification. Unknown but as Davison shot very young birds
in Febru uary, they presumably lay about November to Wecepes

va /e z

RUBIGULA. 409

Habits. Davison remarks :— Occurs only at the Nicobars,
where it is comparatively common; it keeps to the forest gener-
ally, but is also found in gardens, in the secondary jungle, and not
infrequently in places where there are only a few scattered
bushes; it is usually seen singly, in pairs, or in sinall parties of
five or six; but I have seen them on several ovcasions in flocks
of nearly a hundred. They have a chattering note, very similar
to the other ypsipetes, and when they are in flocks they make
nearly as much noise as a flock of Mynas settling down for
the night.”

e

Genus RUBIGULA Blyth, 1515." Veg yg, p28, vor

ee eae ne, Bae Ea i)
he genus [ubigula contains species of small Bulbuls of hand- ; s. Ww

some appearance with squamated piumage. The bill is broader /p¢ 5
than high and shorter than the tarsus; the rictal bristles are
strongly developed and the nostrils are exposed and not hidden
by bristles. The tail is well graduated.

The only member of the genus found within our limits is a
geographical race of Rubigula squamata of Java.

<a -e

(424) Rubigula squamata webberi.
Wesser’s BuLBut.
Ixidia webbert Hume, S. F., viii, p. 40 (1879) (Tonka).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Head and neck black ; back golden olive, shading
into golden yellow on the upper tail-coverts ; tail black with a
broad diagonal white band on the end of the outer tail-feathers,
decreasing in extent inwardly on each succeeding pair; visible
portions of the wing like the back but greater coverts edged with
brighter yellow; quills and bastard wing black ; below, throat and
sides of neck white, with tiny black striz ; breast and flanks
black with white edges, giving a beautiful squamated appearance
to these parts; centre of abdomen white; under tail-coverts deep
bright yellow.

Colours of soft parts. [rides deep red ; bill brownish black ;
legs and feet plumbeous brown.

Measurements. Total length about 150 mm.; wing 73 to
76 mm.; tail about 60 to 65 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culmen
about 14 mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam, throughout Malay
Peninsula to Sumatra.

Nidification and Habits. Practically nothing recorded.

410 PYCNONOTID#.

Genus PYCNONOTUS Kuhl, 1826.

With the exception of the genus Molpastes, the present genus
contains a far greater number of species and subspecies than any
other and of these there are representatives found from Ceylon
to Central India and from Arrakan to the Malayan Islands and
again East through the Kachin Hills to China. .The genus is,
however, not represented in Northern India or North-West
Burma.

In Pycnonotus the bill is of small size and the nuchal hairs are
obsolete or small. Many of the species are of dull colour but a
few are ct brilliant plumage.

Key to Species.

A. Throat white. [p. 410.
a. Forehead and crown dark brown.... P. govavier analis, [p. 411.
b. Forehead and crown black ........ P. aurigaster vanthorrhous,

B. Throat grey streaked with bright yellow LP. finlaysoni, p. 412.
C. Throat yellow.

CrGnowiibluck: «tiie ye eee amione P. melanicterus, p. 414.

da. Crown ‘yellow ig 5 itive ean nx 9s. P. xantholemus, p. 415.
DD. Whroatruby-ted | samp + ucrme ale melstons P. gularis, p. 415.
Howhhroatislaty=blwe: cow aaron sie ae eee P. cyaniventris, p. 416.
I’. Throat brown or grey.

e. Under tail-coverts yellow .......... P. luteolus, p. 417.

Jj. Under tail-coverts brown or buff.
a’. Ear-coverts silvery-white or with

silvery-white shafts............ P. plumosus, p. 418.
6'. War-coverts like the crown.
Gl, (NWWine over fo MMs aa. s eee P. simplex, p. 421.
bY. Wine under 7omm. | ..4 2%. P. erythropthalmus, p. 422.

(425) Pycnonotus goiavier analis.
THe YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL.

Turdus analis Horsf., Trans. L. 8., xiii, p. 147 (1820) (Java).
Pycnonotus analis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 287.

Vernacular names. J/érébah (Malay).

Description. The whole upper plumage brown tinged with olive,
darker on the head and the feathers with faint pale edges; wings
and tail dark brown edged with olive-brown; a broad supercilium
white ; lores and feathers on the eyelids black; ear-coverts pale
brown; cheeks, chin and throat whitish; breast brown, the
feathers with pale edges; abdomen white suffused with brown
and flanks darker brown; under tail-coverts sulphur-yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown or chocolate; legs, feet,
claws and bill black.

Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing about 83 to
91 mm.; tail about 80 to 85 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen
about 15 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim and Malay Peninsula, Sumatra,
Java, Borneo, Siam, Cochin China.

PYCNONOTUS. 4y}

Nidification. The Yellow-vented Bulbul apparently breeds
twice in the year, as a good series of nests and eggs were obtained -
by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow round about Perak and Taiping in
February and early March and again in May. The nests are
exactly like those of Otocompsa and are placed in bushes and small
trees in scrub-jungle and thin forest. The eggs also are indis-
tinguishable from those of that genus and are normally only two
or three in number. They average (20 eggs) 22°4 x 15°9 mm. and
the extremes are 23°6X 15:1 mm.; 21:0x168mm. The longest
ege is also the most narrow and the shortest is also the broadest.

Habits. Davison describes this bird in Mergui, where it is very
abundant, as being just Jike Otocompsa in habits, food and the
country it frequents. He says:—‘‘I have repeatedly seen it on
the ground hopping about. It feeds largely on insects, such as
grasshoppers ete., but also on berries and fruit, and I have seen
it clinging to mangoes and pecking away at the fruit. Its note is
extremely like that of Otocompsa emeria, ‘kick, kick, pettigrew,’
repeated several times. It is usually found singly or in pairs,
though often half-a-dozen or more may be seen seated about the
bushes near each other, but I do not think they act in concert or
ever go in flocks; they are not shy.”

~ (426) Pycnonotus aurigaster xanthorrhous.
ANDERSON’s YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL.

Pycnonotus xanthorrhous Anderson, P. A. S. B., 1869, p. 265 (Kalk-
hyen Hills); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 286, footnote.

Vernacular names. Aator-tor-prong (Kachin).

Description. Forehead, crown, lores, a ring round the eye and
a narrow cheek-stripe extending to the end of the ear-coverts,
black; a small spot of deep red at the base of the lower mandible
near the gape; ear-coverts glossy hair-brown, the feathers with
obsolete pale margins; wings and tail darker brown, the former
margined with the colour of the back, the latter narrowly tipped
with white; sides of the neck brown, meeting in a crescentic band
across the breast; abdomen and vent whitish; sides of body and
thighs brown; under tail-coverts deep golden yellow; under side
of shafts of tail-feathers white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or brownish red; bill, iegs and
feet black.

Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing about 85
to 93 mm.; tail about 95 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen
about 15 mm.

Distribution. The hills of Eastern Burma from Karenni to
the Kachin (Kakhyen) Hills, Shan States, Yunnan to China.

Nidification. Col. H. H. Harington writes (Journal B.N.H.S.,
xix, p. 121):—“ It always seems to build its nest, which 1s of the
usual Bulbul type, within 2 or 3 feet of the ground, generally
placing it in a bramble-bush amongst long grass and weeds, and

412 PYCNONOTID ©.

almost invariably lays three eggs, only on one or two occasions 1 -
have taken two incubated eggs.” The eggs are exactly like those
of Molpastes h. bengalensis but do not go through nearly as wide a
range of variations. The average of thirty eggs is 21°7 x 16-2 mm.
and the extremes are 23°5 x 16-5 mm.; 21°3x16'8 mm.; 21:0x
16°0 and 21:1 x 15-8 mm.

Habits. A common and familiar bird throughout its range and
found from 2,000 to 6,000 feet, frequenting both lighter jungle,
scrub, bamboo-jungle, ete. and the quite open country round

villages. It does not apparently actually enter gardens and
compounds.

Pycnonotus finlaysoni.

The species finlaysoni extends from Tenasserim to the extreme
South of the Malay Peninsula, North to Karenni, Kachin Hills,
Siam, Annam, Cochin China. Two races are found within the
limits of this work.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Anterior half of crown of a different colour [p. 412.
to the hinder half and nape ............ P. finlaysoni finlaysont,
B. The whole crown and nape of the same
COLOUT eCsHON hii: 41.i een Wee eIe Ss CR P. fi. davisont, p. 413.

> (427) Pycnonotus finlaysoni finlaysoni.
FINLAYSON’S S’TRIPE-THROATED BULBUL.

Pycnonotus finlaysont Strickl., A. M. N. H., (1) xiii, p. 411 (1844)
(Malacca, Hartert) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 287.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. lorehead as far back as the eyes bright yellow,
the feathers edged with ashy-brown ; lores black, narrowly edged
above with orange; cheeks, ear-coverts, throat, chin and upper
neck grey with bright yellow streaks; crown and nape deep grey,
the centres of the feathers paler; upper plumage and wing-coverts
olive-green, the back washed with ashy ; wing-quills dark brown
edged with olive-green; tail olive-green, the outer webs brightest ;
breast, upper abdomen and flanks dark ashy, the shafts paler;
lower abdomen yellowish grey ; vent and under tail-coverts bright
yellow; edge of wing, under wing-coverts and axillaries yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale to~deep—brown; bill bluish
black to black, paler at the base, mouth dark flesh-colour; legs
dusky plumbeous to almost black.

Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing 75 to
87 mm.; tail about 85 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about
15 mm.

Distribution. Tenasserim East of the Sittaung River from
Toungoo South through the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java

PYCNONOTUS. 413

and Borneo; East throughout Siam to Cochin China, Annam and
Yunnan,

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds in the plains and lower hills
up to some 1,500 feet, making the usual Bulbul’s cup-shaped nest
of leaves, grass and fern roots, fine twigs, etc., lined with fine
grass and fern roots. It is generally strongly but rather slightly
made and is placed in bushes or saplings at any height from 3 to
15 feet from the ground. It is built in small jungle or scrub,
occasionally in denser forest and sometimes quite close to villages
and human habitations. The eggs are either two or three in
number and most of them resemble richly-marked eggs of
Otocompsa, though they vary a good deal znter se. Fifteen eggs
average 22-4x16-1 mm.; the extremes are 231165 and
21:4 )5°2 mm.

The breeding season is from February to June,

Habits. Davison remarks that this is the most common form
of Bulbul in the plains’ portion of Tenasserim. “It does not
affect forests but is found on the outskirts of it, in scrub-jungle,
in cleared land and in gardens, giving perhaps the preference to
the latter. They do not go in flocks but there are generally so
many about that it is difficult to say whether they are in pairs or
single. The note isa rather pleasant, feeble whistling chirrup,
continually uttered whether the bird is sitting or flying. It is a
very lively bird, always on the move.” It feeds both on berries
and insects, which it takes on the ground as well as on trees and
bushes.

(428) Pycnonotus finlaysoni davisoni.
Davison’s STRIPE-THROATED BuLBUL,
Ivus davisoni Hume, 8. F., iii, p. 301 (1875) ¢Arrakan)}>) / = 9

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having the
forehead and crown concolorous except for a narrow yellow
line just above the lores; the yellow on the throat and chin is
much less in extent ; the whole head and nape is dull olive with
faint golden centres to the feathers.

Colours of soft parts as in P. fi. finlayson?,

Measurements. A slightly bigger bird than Finlayson’s Bulbul,
the wing running from 76 mm. to 90 mm.

Distribution. Arrakan, Chin Hills to Tenasserim West of
Sittaung River.

Nidification. Oates obtained two nests in Pegu—cups made of
stems of weeds, lined with grass and placed low down, one in a
bush, the other in a creeper about 4 feet. from the ground. In
both cases there were two eggs, typical Bulbul’s eggs, in every.way,

414 PYCNONOTID®.

and measuring between 23°3x16°5 mm. and 20:8 x 15:5 mm.
They breed in June.

Habits. These do not differ in any way from those of the last
bird.

(429) Pycnonotus melanicterus.
THe Briack-capPpED BULBUL.

Muscicapa melanictera Gmel., S. N., 1, p. 941 (1789) (Ceylon).
Pycnonotus melanicterus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 288.

Vernacular names. Aa-/arulla (Ceylon).

Description. Head to neck above black; remaining upper
plumage aud wing-coverts olive-green; quills brown, their outer
webs olive-green ; tail dark brown, the central pair suffused with
olive-green on the base and the others all tipped with white ;
whole lower plumage bright yellow, the sides of the breast and
flanks washed with olive; under wing-coverts and edge of wing
yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright to dull red; bill black; legs
and feet dark blackish brown to practically black. In the female
the iris is brown and the “legs and feet deep plumbeous or
blackish blue ’’ (Legge).

Measurements. Total length about 160 to 165 mm.; wing 68
to 74 mm.; tail about 60 to 65 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.;
culmen about 13 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only.

Nidification. The nest is a small cup of dead leaves, fine twigs
and grasses, stems of plants and roots firmly bound together and
lined with fine dead grass. It is placed in a bush, creeper or
other cover at from 3 to 10 feet from the ground, generally,
however, within 4 or 5 feet. Legge records its nest from
April to September and eggs have been taken by Messrs. Stewart,
Phillips and Sykes between January and May, so that it probably
breeds in almost any month of the year. The nest is nearly
always placed in forest, that which is rather thin being preferred
to that which is very dense.

The eggs, of which there are either two or three, have a reddish-
white ground-colour and are profusely covered with small blotches
of various shades of reds and red-browns underlying whieh are
sparser secondary markings of neutral tint ana lavender-grey.
Six eggs average 21:2 15-6 mm.. The texture is not nearly so
smooth as in most Bulbuls’ eggs and is very dull and glossless.

Habits. This beautiful little Bulbul is found from the plains
up to about 5,000 feet, wherever there is forest or the country is
well-wooded and wet. It is not found in the dry zone and
prefers above all lightly forested valleys along which streams run.
It feeds on insects and seeds which it seeks in the lower bushes
and trees, seldom wandering into the higher ones. It consorts in

PYCNONOTUS, Ald

small parties of four or five and is said to be very sociable with
other birds. Legge describes its note as “ whee-whee, whee-
whee.”

(430) Pycnonotus xantholemus,
Tue YELLOW-THROATED BULBUL,

Brachypus vantholemus Goutd,P.Z-S., 1835, p. 186 (Belgaum).
Pycnonotus xantholemus. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 289.

Vernacular names. Kondapoda-pigl (Tel.).

Description. Forehead, crown and sides of the head yellowish
green, the feathers near the nostrils dusky; chin and throat
bright yellow; upper plumage grey, the upper tail-coverts tinged
with green ; wings and tail brown, the outer webs washed with
yellowish green and the tail-feathers tipped with yellowish
white; breast and sides of neck and body grey, turning to whitish
on the abdomen; under tail-coverts and edge of wing bright
yellow; thighs dull yellow ; under wing-coverts pale yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red; bill and legs black.

Measurements. Length about 185 to 190 mm.; wing about 81
to 88 mm.; tail about 88 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen
about 14 to 15 mm.

Distribution. Travancore, Mysore and Eastern Ghats.

Nidification. Mr. P. Roscoe Allen (Journal B. N. H.8., xvi,
p. 905) obtained several nests of this rare Bulbul on a peak called
Horsely Konda, south of the Cuddapah District in Madras,
where he found it not uncommon. The nests are described as
typical Bulbuls’ nests and the eggs as of the ordinary type of
Bulbuls’ eggs, ‘‘ white marked with purple and brick-red” and
measuring 21-1x 17-0 mm. Of the nests one was placed actually
on the ground between two boulders and a second on a dwarf
date-palm. Another nest, taken by Mr. C. L. Wilson at Bellary,
is described as unusually bulky and heavy for a Bulbul’s nest.
‘The breeding season appears to be May, June and July.

Habits. The Yellow-throated Bulbul is found from the foot-
hills up to nearly 5,000 feet but very little is known of its habits.
lt apparently visits the higher ranges at about 4,000 feet for
breeding purposes and is said to be a shy, active bird, very rest-
less and, when disturbed, flying a considerable distance before
again settling.

(451) Pycnonotus gularis.
Tue Rupy-THROATED BULBUL.

Brachypus gularis Gould, P. Z.8., 1835, p. 186 (Belgaum).
Pycnonotus gularis. Blanf. & Oates, 1, p. 289.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

416 PYCNONOTID®.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, sides of head and extreme
point of chin black ; throat ruby-red, the feathers long and rather
bristly ; upper plumage yellowish green ; wings brown, the outer
webs of the feathers yellowish green; tail the same; lower
plumage bright yellow; under wing-coverts and edge of wing
yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris pale cream to bright yellow; bill
black; legs and feet dark plumbeous to almost black, claws black.

Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 71 to 78 mm. ;
tail about 66 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culmen about 11:5 to
12:0 mm,

Distribution. Western India from Kanara to South Travancore.

Nidification. Nests taken by Mr, J. Davidson are described
as ‘“‘small cups, outwardly composed of a mass of large, red
dead leaves, slightly bound with one or two roots and spiders’
web, and lined inside with a few roots and grass stems of
a coarse description.” The nests were taken from low bushes,
only a foot or two above the ground, higher bushes and small
saplings as high as 10 feet up. The nests are all placed in
forest, generally dense, sometimes thinner but never in open
country.

“The eggs are two in number, very small for the size of the
bird; they are quite devoid of gloss and of a pink colour, mottled
thickly all over with the smallest possible dark reddish-brown and
purple spots.” Eggs sent me by Messrs. J. Davidson and T. R..
Bell measure about 20-9 15°2 mm. They are very like those of
the last bird.

Habits. This is said to be a shy Bulbul, keeping to forested
areas in the plains, sometimes going about in small flocks and
sometimes in pairs or singly. Davidson says that it is common
in Siddapur and in the wooded parts of Honwar and Kumta
and to a less extent in the denser forests of Karawar, Ankola and

Yellapur.

(432) Pycnonotus cyaniventris cyaniventris.
Tur BLUE-BELLIED BULBUL.

Pycnonotus cyaniventris Blyth, J. A.S. B., xi, p. 792 (1841) (Malay
Peninsula) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 290.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole head and lower plumage deep slaty-
blue; lores black; forehead and a streak over the lores paler
blue; upper plumage and wing-coverts bright greenish yellow;
tail dark brown, the outer webs greenish yellow nearly up to the
tips; wing-quills dark brown, all but the first two primaries
edged with greenish yellow; under wing-coverts and edge of
wing pale yellow; under tail-coverts bright yellow.

PYCNONOTUS. 417

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown, dark plumbeous slate
and grey-brown ; bill black; legs and feet very dark plumbeous,

’
claws horny-brown, sometimes almost black.

Measurements. ‘l'otal length about 165 mm.; wing 68 to
78 mm.; tail about 66 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culmen 12
to 13 mm.

Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam to Sumatra.

Nidification. Nest and eggs collected by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow
near Taiping in the Federated Malay States are just like small
ones of Otocompsa. The nests were all in low bushes and con-
tained two or three eggs which measured about 20-4 x 15:4 mm.

They seem to breed in April, May and June.

Habits. Davison found them either singly or in pairs on the
outskirts of forest or in deserted clearings. He remarks :—‘‘ They
live, so far as have been observed, entirely upon small berries of
various sorts. They are rather shy, and on being alarmed beat a
hasty retreat to the forest and other dense cover. Their note is
a sharp, lively chirrup.” Mr. Kellow found them very common
about Taiping and apparently took many nests there.

(433) Pycnonotus luteolus.
Toe Wuirt-BrowEep BULBUL.

Hematornis luteolus Less., Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 354 (India, Bombay).
Pycnonotus luteolus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 290.

Vernacular names. Poda-pigli (Tel.); Guluguluwa (Ceylon).

Description. Upper plumage dull olive-green, tinged with ashy
on the head and with fulvous on the rump and upper tail-coverts ;
wings and tail brown, washed with green on the outer webs of the
feathers ; front of forehead, a broad streak from the nostril over
the eye and partly over the ear-coverts and an indistinct ring
round the eye, white; lores mingled black and white; a stripe
from the base of the lower mandible and the point of the chin
yellow ; lower plumage ashy, tinged and faintly striped with
pale yellow, the breast washed with brown; vent and under tail-
coverts pale yellow; under wing-coverts and edge of wing yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red; bill blackish or horny-
black ; legs dark plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 72 to 89 mm.;
tail about 80 to 85 mm.; tarsus about 22 mm.; culmen 15 to
17 mm.

Ceylon birds are certainly smaller than those from India; the
wings run from 72 to 83, rarely to 85 mm., those from Travyan-
core northwards measure from 85 to 8¥ mm. I can see no
corresponding variation in colour and as they overlap in measure-
ments, these alone seem hardly well-defined enough to constitute
a separate subspecies.

ViOlis le ZE

418 PYCNONOTID A.

Distribution. The Peninsula of India, from Baroda on the
West and Midnapore on the East down to Cape Comorin;
Ceylon. Rare or absent on the Deccan table-land and throughout
the Central Provinces.

Nidification. This bird breeds very commonly in Ceylon, the
West coast of South India and again in West Bengal and parts
of Orissa. The nest is not, I think, distinguishable from that
of Otecompsa but is on the average more untidy, flimsy and
unfinished. ‘The sites selected are low, thick bushes in scrub-
jungle, the outskirts of forest and partly cultivated country and
the nest is seldom more than 4 feet from the ground. Hume
says the eggs are wnlike those of Molpastes or Otocompsa. Whilst,
however, richly marked, handsome eggs such as are so often
obtained of MWolpastes are very rare in this species, the eggs as
a series are like weakly marked, rather long-shaped eggs of that
bird. Normally: only two eggs are laid, sometimes three, and
the average of sixty eggs is 22°9x 15°8 mm., the extremes being
25°5 x 15°6, 24°6 x 17:0, 19:0 x 15°6 and 23-8 x 15:0 mm.

The birds lay in almest every month of the year in Ceylon but
chiefly in February and March, whilst in Bombay they lay from
April to July.

Habits. The White-browed Bulbul is a bird neither of actual
forest nor of compounds and gardens. It prefers scrub- and bush-
jungle, thin rather than dense, the outskirts of forest and country
which is partly cultivated and partly wooded. It does not enter
gardens but may be seen in the vicinity of villages. It is found
only in the plains and Joewer hills.

Pycnonotus plumosus.

The birds of this species are spread over a very wide area
through East and South Burma, the Malay Peninsula and many
of the islands and again East through Siam, Yunnan, Annam,
ete. There are three races separable but they do not occupy
very well-defined areas and it is not easy to say exactly where
P. p. blanfordi and P, p. plumosus meet. Between P. p. robinsoni
and P. p. plumosus I cannot fix anything definite but throughout
the Northern Peninsula they probably represent Eastern and

Western races. They may eventually have to be treated as
species.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Ear-coverts brown with silvery-white stripes. P. plumosus plumosus,
B. Ear-coverts entirely silvery-white. [p. 419.
a. Paler both above and below ..,......... P.p. blanfordi, p. 420.
b. Darker both above and below .......... P. p. robinsoni, p. 420.

PYCNONOTUS., 419

(434) Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus.
Tus Lare@x Onive Bursun.

Pycnonotus plumosus Blyth, J. A.S. B., Xlv, p. 567 (1845) (Singa-
pore); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 292.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead and crown dark greyish brown, each
feather margined with olive-green; wings and tail dark brown,
the outer webs of the feathers washed with bright olive-green ;
lores dark brown; cheeks and chin dull w hity-brown ; ear-coverts
dark brown with silvery-white shafts; lower plumage ashy-
brown, slightly mottled and streaked ‘with dull ochraceous ;
under wing- and tail-coverts and edge of wing brighter ochra-
ceous.

Colours of soft parts. [ris burnt sienna-brown to dark cinnabar-
red; bill almost black; legs and feet reddish brown, darker in
some, paler in others (4Zume).

Measurements. Length about 190 to 200 mm.:; wing 78 to
89 mm.; tail about 84 mm.; tarsus about 19 to 20 mm.; culmen
about 15 to 16 mm.

Distribution. It is extremely difficult to define the boundaries
between this bird and the next, P. p. robinsoni. It appears that
the present bird is found in the South of the Malay Peninsula in
Johore, Pahang, Perak, Keda and thence up the West coast of
Tenasserim as far North as Tenasserim Town and also in Sumatra
and Borneo, whilst Robinson’s Bulbul works North from Patani
up the East coast.

Nidification. Nests taken by Davison, Kellow and Waterstradt
were of the ordinary Bulbul type built low down in bushes generally
in thin forest, sometimes in fairly dense forest but not, apparently ;
in cultivated and village areas. ‘The eggs are two or three in
number, most often the former, and one clutch in the Waterstradt
collection was a five, but this must be quite exceptional. The
eges are like those of the rest of the genus and it is doubtful it
any of these can be distinguished from one another except,
perhaps, by size. Ten eggs average about 22°0x 17-7 mm. but
Davison’s eggs seem to be abnormally big. Six of my own only
measure 21°8 x 16-1 mm.

This speci.s breeds in February, March and April.

Habits. This Bulbul is a bird of forests rather than of open
country and Mr. Kellow informed me that he took the nests in
almost impenetrable cane-brakes along streams in virgin forest.
They are quite unobtrusive birds, keeping to the lower trees and
bushes and having a chirping chatter, according to Davison, like
that of Criniger. They feed chiefly on berries.

232

420 PYCNONOTIDA.

(435) Pycnonotus plumosus robinsoni.
Rogiynson’s OLive BuLBUL.

Pycnonotus robinsoni Ogilvie-Grant, Fasciculi Malay., p. 85 (1905)
(Patani, Malay Pen.).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from P. plumosus ‘by having more dis-
tinct white shaft-streaks to the feathers of the cheeks and ear-
coverts ; the outer edges to the quills dull greenish, not olive-green,
and the middle of the breast and belly pale yellowish white.”

This form is nearest to P. p. blanfordi, from which it is
separable by its much darker plumage above and below.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; bill brownish-horn ; legs
and feet blackish-lead.

Measurements. Much the same as those of P. p. plumosus.
Wing 83 to 89 mm.: culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. From Patani in the extreme South of Peninsular
Siam, up the East Coast, perhaps entering the borders of Tenas-
serim near ‘Tavoy, as far North as Ayuthia, Natrang and
Kraven. ‘There are also specimens in the British Museum col-
lection from Annam.

Nidification. Messrs. Williamson and Herbert collected and
examined vast numbers of nests and eggs of this Bulbul round
Bangkok, where it is exceedingly common. They are quite
indistunguishable from others of this genus but when considered
as a whole are very poorly marked, pale eggs with none of the
rich variations seen in so many Bulbuls’ eggs. 100 eggs average
21:6 15:6 mm., the extremes being 23:0 x 16:2, 22: 2 x16 and
20°71 x 151 mm.

The birds breed in hight and heavy forest and also in serub and
bushes round about cultivation and villages. Out of 76 clutches
examined by Mr. W. Williamson only four nests contained three
eggs, tne rest only two each. The breeding season is trom
January to July.

Habits. They are very familiar birds, far more so than the
Large Olive Bulbul, and freely enter gardens, orchards and
cultivated country. In winter they are found in small flocks and
are restless, energetic birds, constantly flying from one tree to
another in sei arch of their food, which consists of berries and insects.

(436) Pycnonotus plumosus blanfordi.
Buianroryd’s Onive BuLBUL.
Pycnonotus blanfordi Jerdon, Ibis, 1862, p. 20 (Pegu); Blanf. &
Oates, i, p. 291.
Vernacular names. Byw, Bo-sa-mwe (Burmese); Bo-sa-mwe
(Kachin).
Description. Differs from Robinson’s Olive Bulbul in being

PYCNONOTUS. AL QL

much paler and with ear-coverts wholly silvery-white. It is
much less green both on upper plumage and on wings and tail
than plumosus.

Colours of soft parts. Iris varies from yellowish brewn to red ;
eyelids plumbeous ; bill brown, paler at base of lower mandible and
gape; mouth flesh-colour; legs plumbeous, claws horn-colour.

Measurements as in the other races. Wing 85 to 89 mm.;
culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Practically the whole of Burma, North of Ran-
goon, the Kachin Hills, North and Central Siam, Shan States
and Annam.

Nidification. Similar in every way to that of the last bird.
Eggs and nests are indistinguishable and the clutches are the same
in number, ¢.e. two or three. As a series they are even more
poorly marked than those of Robinsou’s Olive Bulbul. Forty eggs
average 20°6 x lo*7 mm.

The breeding season must be very extended, as eggs have been
sent me taken from early March to late August and, probably,
like most of the common Bulbuls, they breed more or less through-
out the year.

Habits. Those of the last bird. They are said to have a very
harsh note when disturbed and like all Bulbuls under these cir-
cumstances, erect their crests as they make the eall.

(437) Pycnonotus simplex simplex.
Moore’s Oxive BurBon.
Pycnonotus simplex Less., Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 167 (Sumatra) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 292.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage brown with a greenish tinge,
slightly fulvous on the rump and upper tail-coverts; wings and
tail brown, the outer webs washed with greenish; whole lower
plumage buffy-brown, slightly streaked in places with darker
ochraceous ; under tail-coverts dark ochraceous with paler edges ;
under wing-coverts and edge of wing pale cchraceous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris orange-red, pale red, whity-pink ;
upper mandible dark horny-brown, lower mandible paler; legs and
feet fleshy- or reddish-brown.

Measurements. About the same as plumosus. Wing 80 to
88 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. ‘'enasserim, from Mergui, South through the
Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. The Javan form has been separated
by Hartert (Nov. Zool. ix, 1902, p. 561) as P. prillwitzi and the
Bornean form also seems different from the Malay bird.

Nidification. Nests aud eggs taken by Mr. Kellow at Simpang
in the Malay States were, like those deseribed by Davison, taken
in thick jungle in high bushes. They are rather more richly

A PYCNONOTID#.

coloured than those of the two preceding species and they measure —
about 21:0x15-‘9mm. Mr, Kellow’s eggs were taken in January,
February and April.

Habits. Those of the genus but this species is a bird of thin
forests and does not haunt cultivated or inhabited areas.

(138) Pycnonotus erythropthalmus erythropthalmus.*
THe SMALL Onive Bubpur.
Ivos erythropthalmus Hume, 8. F., vi, p. 314 (1878) (Pakchan,
S. Tenasserim’.
Pycnonotus pusillus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 293.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. The whole upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-
brown, tinged with rufescent on the rump and upper tail-coverts ;
tail rufescent-brown ; wings brown, the visible portions suffused
with olive; lores aud sides of the head ashy-brown; chin and
throat ashy-white; breast and sides of the body ashy-brown
washed with fulvous; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts dusky
yellow ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ochraceous yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson, an ophthalmic ring vivid
orange-yellow but this withers away in skins and is not discernible ;
bill black, gape and base of lower mandible and nostrils orange-
yellow ; legs, feet and claws pale reddish-horny.

Measurements. Length about 165 mm.; wing 70 to 78 mm. ;
tail about 75 mm.; tarsus about 15 to 16 mm.; culmen about
13 to 14 mm.

Nidification and Habits. According to Davison this Bulbul
differs in no way from the various races of P. plumosus.

The few eggs of which measurements have been obtainable
measure about 21-0 x 15°9 mm., but a larger series would certainly
give a smaller average for the eggs of this small bird.

Genus MICROTARSUS Eyton, 1839.

The genus Microtarsus may be recognized by its very ample and
lengthened tail-coverts, rounded tail and the extraordinary
development of the feathers of the lower back and rump, which
are moreover barred with black; in this respeet MJicrotarsus
shows great affinities to Pinarocichla.

In this genus the feathers of the head, though erectile, are
exceedingly short and glossy. The bill is about half the length of
the head, and the rictal bristles are well-developed. The tarsus
is very short but fairly stout. The plumage of all the known
species is very pleasing.

* Sharpe shows that P. pusi//us of Salvadori, 1874, is preoccupied by
Gray, Genera Birds, i, p. 237, and cannot be used. He therefore proposes
(Cat. B. M., 1881, Appendix, p. 401), P. salvadorii, but though this stands as
the name for the Sumatran race, erythropthalmus of Hume has priority as the
specific name.

MICROLARSUS. 423

Of the three species found within our limits it is extremely
difficult to decide what relationship JZ. m. melanocephalus and
M. cinereoventris bear to one another. It is true the former is
often found in flocks with no individual of the latter but neither
Mr. H. A. Hole, who knew this bird very weli, nor I myself have
ever seen a flock of the latter without some of the former. ‘The
plumage of the Grey-breasted Bulbul is merely that of the Black-
headed Bulbul with the yellow eliminated on some portions and
this in varying degree. One of Lord Tweeddale’s birds is
described by him as being ‘‘in a stage of transition from yellow
to grey.” A specimen in the collection of Mr. Hole showed traces
of green on the hind-neck but was otherwise of purely cimereco-
ventris type; a third, a young male shot by myself, appears also
to be ina transition stage between the two forms. IL expect, when
the necessary evidence is obtainable, the two wi!! be found to be
one and the same bird. Age and sex have nothing to do with
the matter, but no one has yet been able to prove that they breed
together, however closely they may accompany one another in the
non-breeding season.

Key to Species and Subspecies.
A. Lower plumage yellow or olive-

yellow. (cephalus, p. 425.
@, ‘lead entirely black. «2.7.4.5. « M. melanocephalus melano-
b. Head above bluish grey.
a’. Upper tail-coverts yellow .... JL m. fuserflavescens, p. 425.
b'. Upper tail-coverts bluish grey . MM. povocephalus, p. 425.
B. Lower plumage bluish grey ...... M. cinereoventris, p. 426.

(439) Microtarsus melanocephalus melanocephalus.
THE BLACK-HEADED BULBUL,

Lanius melanocephalus Gmel., S. N., i, p. 809 (1788) (Sandwich in
mares australis).
Micropus melanocephalus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 294.
Vernacular names. Duo-bulip-garasha (Cachari).

Description. Whole head, threat and upper breast black, glossed
with blue and purple; remainder of upper plumage olive-yellow,
brighter on the rump and yellow on the upper tail-coverts ; breast
and flanks the same, shading into bright yellow on the abdomen
and under tail-coverts; tail olive-yellow for half its length, then
black and tipped with yellow, narrowly on the centre feathers and
increasingly broadly on the others; primary-coverts dull black,
narrowly edged with olive-yellow, other coverts wholly of this
colour on the outer webs; primaries and outer secondaries black,
the first obsoletely, the latter broadly, edged with olive-yellow ;
the visible inner secondaries all olive-yellow; the feathers of the
rump and upper tail-coverts are very dark grey at the base and
then black, the tips alone being broadly yellow so that the rump
nearly always appears barred with black, though in a perfect
specimen the rump looks almost immaculate vellow.

424 PYCNONOTID &.

Colours of soft parts. Irides various shades of pale blue; bill
very dark plumbeons, nearly black ; mouth and gape bluish, some-
times tinged fleshy; legs dark plumbeous, claws black.

Measurements. Length about 175 mm.; wing 80 to 86mm.;
tail about 84 mm.; tarsus about 13 mm.; culmen about 13 to
14 mm.

Distribution. Assam, South of the Brahmaputra and Eastern
Bengal hill-traets, Arrakan, Chin Hills, practically the whole of
Burma, Shan States, Siam and the whole Malay Peninsula to
Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Philippines.

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds round Amherst from February
to April and in North Cachar in May, making a very strongly-
built cup-shaped nest, which it places in low bushes in evergreen,
humid forests from the level of the plains up to 2,000 or
3,000 feet. The materials of the nests I have personally seen
have consisted principally of the tough but fine stems of a wild
bean. With these are twigs, dead leaves and grass blades and the
whole is securely wound round the supporting twigs. The lining
is of skeleton leaves and grass stems. The eggs number two or
three and, like all those of this genus, are easily distinguished from
other Bulbuls’ eggs. The ground-colour is a pale fleshy-pink to a
hilae-pink and the primary markings consist of freckles, specks
and small blotches of pale reddish, whilst the secondary, or
underlying, markings are of pale grey or pale lilac neutral tint.
The latter markings are generally more numerous than the
former and give the dominant tint to the egg. Some eggs have
the marks so fine and so numerous that they look unicoloured
but most eggs have them more numerous at the big end than
elsewhere, forming a pronounced ring or cap. The average of seven
of my own eggs and six of Mr. J. M. D. Mackenzie’s is 20°5x
15°5 mm. and the extremes are 23°0x16°6, 19°70 15:5, and
20'°5X15'0 mm. The surface is fine and glossy and the shell
fragile. In shape they vary as much as the eggs of Otocompsa and
Molpastes.

Habits. This is a purely forest Bulbul, though in the cold
weather it may be found in small or big flocks feeding on trees
well away from forest, especially when these are in flower and
attracting many insects. It prefers scattered forest or light
jungle and was most common in the ravines running from the
foot-hills into the plains of Cachar and Sylhet. These ravines
were heavily forested, running between grass-covered hills
and light forest where the birds came out to feed in the morn-
ings and evenings. It keeps almost entirely to the tops of
high trees in the cold weather but in the breeding season descends
to the smaller trees and undergrowth. Their ordinary note is a
musical chirp but they also have a very mournful double whistle
like the rainy-weather call of the Iora, but deeper and softer.
They feed principally on berries and fruit but also eat small

MICROTARSUS. 495

insects and I have shot specimens feeding on the cotton-trees
over-full of such obtained from their great red flowers.

In most flocks of this birds one or more specimens will be
found of the Grey-bellied Bulbul.

(440) Microtarsus melanocephalus fusciflavescens.

Tur ANDAMAN BLACK-HEADED BULBUL.
Brachypodius fusciflavescens Hume, §.F.,i, p. 297 (1875)( Andamans).
Micropus fusciflavescens. Blant. & Oates, 1, p. 295.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having the
whole head dusky olive-green; the black on chin and throat is
confined to the centre of the latter; the black bars are narrower
and the abdomen and under tail-coverts are a still brighter yellow.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bluish-white to pale blue; bill bluish-
slate to slaty-black ; legs and feet plumbeous.

Measurements as in the preceding bird.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Davison found it singly or in pairs on the outskirts of
forest, edges of jungle-tracts and natural openings.

(441) Microtarsus poiocephalus.
THE GREY-HEADED BULBUL.
Brachypus povocephalus Jerdon, Madr. J.L.8., x, p. 246 (1880)
(Travancore).
Micropus pheocephalus. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 296.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead olive-yellow; chin blackish; cheeks
greyish yellow; remainder of head clear bluish grey; upper side
of neck, back and scapulars olive-green ; rump-feathers black
with broad yellow tips; upper tail-coverts and four middle tail-
feathers bluish grey with dark shafts, the others black, broadly
edged on both webs and tipped with bluish grey, the basal two-
thirds of all suffused with olive-green; wings black, all the
feathers edged with olive-green, the outer webs of the innermost
secondaries being wholly of this colour; breast, abdomen and
flanks oil-yellow; under tail-coverts bluish grey.

Colours of soft parts. Iris almost white to blue; Dill paie slate,
“pale green” (Davison); legs and feet fleshy tinged with orange
(Davison).

Measurements. Rather smaller than IM. melanocephalus ; wing
about 73 to 78 mm.

Distribution. Malabar coast ; from Belgaum to South Travan-
core; Coonoor and Wynaad Hills.

Nidification. The Grey-headed Bulbul makes a small, compact
cup-shaped nest, which it places in low bushes in fairly dense
jungle. The eggs are like those of J. m. melanocephalus and ten

426 PYCNONOTID.

eges taken by Stewart and Bourdillon in Travancore and by
Bell in Kanara average 21:9 15°6 mm. and vary in length
between 21:0 15-9 and 22°3x16mm. and in breadth between
21°2 15:0 and 22°3x16 mm.

The birds of this species often lay one egg only, single eggs
quite hard-set having been taken by Mr. J. Stewart in Travancore.

Habits. ‘hose of the genus. It is found from the level of the
plains up to some 2,000 feet.

(442) Microtarsus cinereoventris.
THE GREY-BELLIED BULBUL.
Brachypodius cinereoventris Blyth, J. A.S.B., xiv, p. 576 (1845)
(Tippera).
Micropus cinereiventris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 295.

Vernacular names. Dao-bulip-garaju (Cachari).

Description. This bird differs from M. m. melanocephalus in
having the breast, upper part of the abdomen, hind-neck and
sometimes the upper back bluish grey instead of yellow or green.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in that bird.

Distribution. The same also as in that bird but apparently not
extending to Siam, Annam, or Sumatra and the other islands.

Nidification and Habits exactly the same as those of the Black-
headed Bulbul. It is generally found in company with flocks of
the Black-headed birds and, as far as my experience goes, never
by itself, though every fiock of the former may not necessarily
contain any of these with grey abdomens. The Cachari names
for M. melanocephalus and M. cinereoventris mean male and female
of the same species but, as I have already shown, the difference
is not one of sexes though the two birds are probably dimorphic
forms of the same species. ‘Two pairs of eggs in my collection
measure 21°4X15:4; 21°0X15-1 and 23°4X16°1 ; 22:4xX17-0 mm.
The latter appear very large for the size of the bird.

Genus KELAARTIA Blyth (fide Jerdon), 1863,

The single species of Aelaartia is peculiar to Ceylon. It is
characterized by the curious pointed feathers constituting the
supercilium and by the rounded feathers of the crown, the two
forming a striking contrast.

The tarsus in this genus is rather longer than is usual in the
Bulbuls, but it does not exceed in length the middle toe and claw.

(443) Kelaartia penicillata.
Tun YrLLOW-EARED BULBUL.

Pycnonotus penicillatus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xx, p. 178 (1851)
(Ceylon).
Kelaartia penicillata Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 297.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

KELAARTIA. 427

Description. Forehead and crown dark brown or blackish, each
feather very narrowly edged with ashy ; a narrow white line from
the nostril to the upper part of the eye and a broad yellow streak
from that point to the nape; chin and upper part of cheeks white ;
lores, ear-coverts and lower part of cheeks black, the ear-coverts
with a streak of yellow down the middle; a large slaty-blue spot
on the neck next the ear-coverts; upper plumage olive-green ;
wings and tail dark brown, the outer webs of the feathers washed
w ith olive-green ; the whole lower plumage, except the chin, deep
yellow, washed with olive on the breast and flanks ; under wing-
coverts and edge of wing yellow.

Fig. 82.—Head of K. penicillata.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red, reddish brown or carmine;
bill black ; legs and feet dark plumbeous or dark bluish plumbeous.

Measurements. Length about 190 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.;
tail about the same; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.

Distribution. Ceylon only.

Nidification. This bird breeds in March and April, perhaps
also in other months, between the foot-hills and about 4,000 feet.
It makes a cup-shaped nest, rather shallow and flimsy, of dead
leaves, twigs and grass, which it suspends between a vertical fork
of an outer branch of some small sapling or hign bush in the forest.
The eggs, which are always two in number, are like richly-coloured
eggs of Jole icterica, that is to say the ground-colour is pale pink
and they are profusely covered all over with tiny longitudinal
specks of pale pinkish red with a few underlying ones of pale
lavender. Six eggs measure 22°3x16°8; 21°8x17:0; 24:-2x
Ges 3223-6 5G)16°3 - 24-0 x 161; 23-2 16-0 mm.

Habits. The Yellow-eared Bulbul is found principally in forests,
ascending as high as 7,000 feet but being most numerous between
2,000 and 4,000 feet. According to Legge it keeps to low jungle
and underwood rather than to the higher trees, is restless and
shy, yet inquisitive and has a note which he describes as ‘ whee
whee, whee,” quickly repeated. It is more a fruit- and seed-eater
than insectivorous but indulges sometimes in the latter diet.

428 CERTHIID®.

Family CERTHIID.

The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the
bronchial semi-rings; the edges of both mandibles smooth or
with a simple notch on the upper one; hinder aspect of the tarsus
bilaminated, the lamin entire and smooth; wing with ten pri-
maries and tail with twelve rectrices; tongue non-tubular; nostrils
clear of the line of forehead, the space between the nostril and
the edge of the mandibles less than the space between the nostril
and the culmen ; plumage of the young like the adult female, but
paler; nostrils bare ; rictal bristles absent ; the wing is generally
Jong or rather long and pointed and the tarsus is very short, the
feet being unusually large and strong with long powerful toes
and claws.

Whereas most authors have given the Certhiide, or Tree-
Creepers, a definite family by themselves, others have united them
with the Troglodytide or Wrens, whilst others again have united
the latter with the Vimaliide or Turdide.

Undoubtedly the Wrens and the Certhiide are very closely
allied, their strong feet and the entire absence of rictal bristles
being the most conspicuous characters held in common. On the
other hand, the longer wings of the Certhizde together with their
short tarsi seem to separate them sufficiently distinctly from the
short, rounded winged Yroglodytide with their much longer tarsi.

The Certhide are found over a considerable portion of the
world and are represented in India by three genera; of these
one possesses the typical stiff, pointed tail-feathers and two have
soft, rounded tail-feathers as in the Wrens.

Key to Genera.

A. Tail composed of stiff, pointed feathers .... CERTHTIA, p. 428.
B. Tail composed of soft, rounded feathers.
a. First primary not more than a quarter the

length: of the second: (5 (147 ramen ery. of ye: SALPORNIS, p. 489.
b, First primary about half the length of the
SECON ocars os aiese ss aie Ole ates oe Ae rae Oe TicHopnoma, p. 44].

Genus CERTHIA Linn., 1766.

The genus Certhia contains four Indian species which are,
however, divisible into many geographical races. They are
resident in the Himalayas and higher hills of Burma, moving
vertically to some extent under varying conditions of temperature.

Certhia has only a single moult, in the autumn, Biddulph’s
opinion that C. himalayana had both a spring and autumn moult
being undoubtedly incorrect.

CERTHIA. 429

The young are coloured like the adult but have signs of cross-
bars on the lower plumage, especially on the sides of the breast
and flanks, and are somewhat paler and duller.

In Certhia the bill is as long, or nearly as long, as the head,
slender and curved downwards. The nostrils are long, narrow
slits. The tarsus is scutellated and the toes and claws are
extremely long.

Fig. 83.—Ffoot of Certhia.

The wing is rounded, the first primary being about half the
length of the second, and the third a little shorter than the second.
The tail and wing about equal in length and the former is com-
posed of twelve very stiff pointed feathers and greatly graduated.

Key to Species.

we Parl distinctly cross-barred 0.0.5. ccees 3 C. himalayana, p. 429.
Bb. Tail without bars or with only faint ones.
a. Chin, throat and breast white; under tail-

COWES THINOWE 6 606055 cannons oO bin em. C. familiaris, p. 432.
b. Whole lower plumage earthy-brown .... C. discolor, p. 435.
c. Chin and throat white, remainder of lower

plumage deep ferruginous .......... .. C. stoliezka, p. 438.

Certhia himalayana.

Certhia himalayana is represented in India by four well-marked
races, and is found from Baluchistan and Afghanistan to Yunnan
and the Shan States. It is easily distinguished from all other
forms of Tree-Creeper by its boldly barred tail.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage blackish brown, strongly
suffused with ferruginous on the rump
and upper tail-coverts.
a, Darker above ; abdomen and flanks pale
smoky-brown tinged with fulvous .. C.h. himalayana, p. 430.
6. Paler above; abdomen and flanks pale
smoly-brown with no tinge of fulvous. C.h. teniura, p. 431.
B. Upper plumage very dark, slightly tinged
WLM BULGES! OM! FUT soa alerts ane oes C. h. intermedia, p. 432.
C. Upper plumage with no tinge of rufous.. C. h. yunnanensis, p. 432.

430 CERTHIIDA.

(444) Certhia himalayana himalayana.

THe Himanayan TrEE-CREDPER.
Certhia himalayana Vigors, P. Z 8., 1831, p. 174 (Himalaya); Blanf.
& Oates, i, p. 329.

Vernacular names. Chwa-sorai (Assamese).

Description. Upper plumage and wing-coverts blackish brown,
the feathers broadly centred fulvous; lower back, rump, and
upper tail-coverts strongly tinged with ferruginous: tail pale
reddish brown, regularly barred with black; a well-developed
supercilium pale fulvous; ear-coverts black; wings dark brown,
all the quills except the first three or four with a broad oblique
fulvous band bordered with black; chin and throat pure white ;
remainder of under plumage pale smoky-brown tinged strongly
with fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; upper mandible dark
horny-brewn or blackish, the lower mandible fleshy-horny ; legs
and feet fleshy, claws a little darker.

Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 65 to 71 mm.;
tail 59 to 67 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 15 to 22 mm.
The bill varies very greatly, males generally vary between 19 and
21 mm. and females between 17 and 20 mm., but other birds of
both sexes, possibly young birds though in adult plumage, have
bills of 15 and 16 mm.

The young in this, as in all other Certhcas, have the lower
plumage mottled and with indications of bars.

Distribution. South Kashmir, most of the North-West Hima-
layas, Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan to W. Assam.

Nidification. The Himalayan Tree-Creeper breeds throughout
its range between 5,000 and 9,000 feet or even higher. It is an
early breeder. Dodsworth took several nests at Simla in April
and few birds breed later than May, during which month Rattray,
Buchanan and others found many nests round about the Murree
Hills. It builds, like most Tree-Creepers, either in a crevice of a
tree or in between a loose bit of bark and the trunk, the latter
being the favourite position. The nest is made of a little grass or
moss, often with a foundation of dead leaves, chips of wood, ete.
and always with a lining of fur, wool or feathers. It nay be
placed at any height from the ground, from 10 to 50 feet.

The eggs number four to six and have a white ground, generally
tinged with pink and are profusely spotted all over with light to
dark brownish-red or pinkish-red. A few eggs have the ground
pure white and the marks of dark reddish-brown in a ring round
the larger end. Fifty eggs average 15°8 x 12°2mm. The maxima
are 17:6 12°4 and 16°3x12°9 mm. and the minima 14:7 x 11-9
and 149x11'8 mm. ‘The shape is a fairly broad oval and the
texture is fine but glossless.

Habits. This Creeper may be rarely found as low as 4,000 feet
in winter and in summer ascends to some 10,000 feet. It is, of

CERTHIA. 431

course, only found in heavilv-forested areas but it does not keep
entirely to the interior of forest, wandering freely into the more
open country wherever there are large trees forming suitable
hunting-grounds. They are intensely active, restless little birds,
never still for a minute, scuttling hither and thither, now racing
over the trank of the tree, now scrambling along the under
surface of one of the smaller boughs. They, unlike the Wood-
peckers and Barbets, are just as fond of running down as running
up the trunks of trees, but their general method is to work a tree
upwards before taking flight to the next. Their ordinary note is
a very feeble little squeak, which develops into a louder, fuller
series of notes in the breeding season.
They are entirely insectivorous.

(445) Certhia himalayana teniura.*
Tur TuRKESTAN TREE-CREEPER.
Certhia teniura Severtz., Turk. Jevotn., p. 138 (1873) (Turkestan),

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. ‘This race differs from the preceding bird in being
much paler, more brown, less black ; the under parts, except the
chin and throat, are all smoky-brown with no tinge of fulvous.

Colours of soft parts as in the Himalayan Tree-Creeper.

Measurements. Wing 65 to 73 mm.; tail about 52 to 65 mm. :
tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 18 to 21 mm. Blanford
remarks that tentura has a much longer bill than h imalayana; the
British Museum series does not confirm this.

Distribution. Turkestan, Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Gilgit,
North and Central Kashmir, Chitral, Karam Valley, ete.

Nidification. The Turkestan Tree-Creeper is found breeding
between 5,000 and 12,000 feet over all the mountains of extreme
North-West India. Whitehead found it breeding in some numbers
in the Safed Koh up to 9,000 feet and in North Kashmir it
breeds in great numbers up to 10,000 feet. The nest differs in
no way from that of the Himalayan Tree-Creeper and the eggs
cannot be distinguished from those of that bird. Torty eggs
average 15°9 x 11-‘9 mm. and the extremes of length and breadth
are 17°5 x 12°3 mm. and 14:9 x 11:3 mm.

It breeds later than the preceding bird, most eges being laid

oD

during the first week in June or the last few days of May.

* Meinertzhagen has recently separated another form as intermediate
between iimalayana and teniura under the name of miles (Bull. B. O. C. xii,
June, 1922). It is true that the birds from Central Kashmir and N.W. India
are somewhat intermediate between the two but the great Inajority seem to me
to be easily referable to one or the other race and a third race appears to be
unnecessary, for on the dividing lines of all subspecies intermediate birds must
occur. Meinertzhagen is wrong in crediting ¢eniura with a longer culmen
than himalayana.

432 CERTHIID®.

Habits. Those of the genus. Whitehead says :—‘“ The call
note is a faint squeak, rarely heard in winter. In summer its
loud but rather monotonous song is constantly uttered. It does
not by any means restrict itself to trees. I have often noticed
it climbing up walls.”

This Tree-Creeper is found up to 12,000 feet in summer but,
on the other hand, in winter descends to 4,000 feet or lower still
in the Afghanistan and Baluchistan Hills.

+ (446) Certhia himalayana yunnanensis.
Tue Yunnan Tren-CREEPER.
Certhia yunnanensis Sharpe, Bull. B.O.C., xiii, p.11 (1902) (Yunnan).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to C.h. himalayana but with the whole
upper plumage very black without any ferruginous tint. Below
it is dull smoky-grey, albescent on the chin and throat.

Colours of soft parts not recorded. In the dry skin they do
not differ from the same parts in typical himalayana.

Measurements. Wing 68 to 71 mm.; tail 58 mm.; tarsus 17 to
18 mm.; culmen 19 to 20 mm.

Distribution. Yunnan and Northern Shan States.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. This bird was found by Rippon to be fairly numerous
at heights varying between 7,000 and 9,000 feet in Yunnan.

(447) Certhia himalayana intermedia.
Tue Cuin Hints Tree-CreEePer.

Certhiu himalayana intermedia Kinnear, Bull. B.O.C., xh, p. 159
(1921) (Mt. Victoria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Yunnan Tree-Creeper but with a
distinct rufous tinge on the rump and lower back. It is closer to
this last Tree-Creeper than to the Himalayan bird.

Colours of soft parts are apparently the same as in himalayana.

Measurements. Wing 65 to 73 mm.; tail 55 to 72 mm.; tarsus
16 to 17 mm.; culmen 17 to 19 mm.

Distribution. Chin Hills only so far as is known at present.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

Certhia familiaris.
In India we have three races representative of the Common
European Tree-Creeper which are found from North-West India
to South-East Tibet and North-East Kachin Hills.

CERTHIA, 433

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage dark brown ; lower back and

TUNE) HORN SIN GUS 5a ie esate tage tn ets arapol e oser 2 C. f. nipalensis, p. 433.
B. Darker above; with very little ferruginous

on; bathe or TOUNp 82 aaitye ses ya e> acs .. Cf. khamensis, p. 434.
C. Paler above; only a tinge of fulvous on the

lower back and rump .°3 2 1)eye (= chore eye's cis’ 5s C. f. hodgsont, p, 434.

(448) Certhia familiaris nipalensis.
Tue Nepat Tres-CRreeEper.

Certhia npalensis Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiv, 2, p. 581 (1845) (Nepal) ;
Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 380,

Vernacular names. Dao-mojo (Cachari); Inrui-m-jet (Naga).

Description. Upper plumage and wing-coverts very dark brown,
streaked with bright rufous and with a few additional streaks of
blackish and fulvous-white; lower back and rump ferruginous;
tail brown faintly tinged with reddish; a fulvous. white super-
cilium frem the nostrils to the nape ; lores and ear-coverts mixed
brown and rufous; wings brown, the primaries with an oblique
band of fulvous edged with black; chin and throat pure white ;
abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts fulvous-white.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; upper mandible horny
brown, lower mandible fleshy horny ; legs and feet flesh-colour.

Measurements. Wing 67 to71mm.; tail 57 to 76 mm.; tarsus
about 18 mm.; culmen 13 to 15 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and hills North and South
of the Brahmaputra above 6,000 feet.

Nidification. A nest taken by myself in N. Cachar was com-
posed entirely of scraps of soft green moss, forming a pad fitting
into a hollow between a projecting piece of bark and the trunk of
a tree at about 25 feet from the ground. ‘There were only three
eggs which were taken as I had to leave the place, or doubtless
more would have been laid. In colour they are a pure white with
tiny spots of reddish, principally in a ring about the larger end.
They were taken on the 11th April, 1890 (recorded in error 16th
May, Journal B. N. H.S. and ‘ Jbis’), and measure 17-7 x 13°1 mm.
They will possibly eventually prove to be abnormally large, pale
eggs but [ watched the parent birds for hours previously and am
certain of their identity.

Habits. These are in no way different from those of the
Himalayan T'ree-Creeper. It is found principally between 7,000
and 10,000 feet North of the Brahmaputra and certainly ascends
to 12,000 and 13,000 feet during the summer. South of the
Brahmaputra it was not very rare either in North Cachar or
the Khasia Hills at 6,000 feet, being found as low as 5,000 feet.
It is essentially a bird of pine and fir forests but I found it also

AAO, 15 oF

434 CERTHIID®.

in mixed oak and rhododendron and, though J failed to find its
nest, it certainly bred in the latter in the Khasia Hills. Its voice
is a very Bat-like little squeak but I have never heard its song,

(449) Certhia familiaris khamensis.
THE TIBETAN TREE-CREEPER.

Certhia khamensis Bianchi, Sharpe, Hand-l. B., iv, p. 855, descrip-
tion p. 3860 (1893).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This race is near to the preceding but the upper
plumage is still darker and has less rufous ; on the under parts the
breast is more white and the abdomeny flanks and under tail-
coverts are pale smoky-brown instead of fulvous.

Colours of soft parts as in the preceding bird.

Measurements. Wing about 69 to 70 mm.; tail 65 to 68 mm. ;
tarsus 18 mm.; culmen considerably longer than in nzpalensis,
measuring about 17 to 18 mm.

Distribution. South-East Tibet. Eggs of a Creeper sent me
from the Chambi Valley, South ‘Tibet, may be either of this or the
preceding form. The record of the Nepal Tree-Creeper from
the extreme North-East of the Kachin Hills (Harington) is almost
sure to refer to this bird.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing known.

(450) Certhia familiaris hodgsoni.
Hopeson’s TREE-CREEPER.

Certhia hodgsoni Brooks, J. A.8.B., xli, p. 74 (1872) (Kashmir) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 329.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. This Tree-Creeper differs from both the other
Indian races of this species in being much paler above; the
rufous tinge is absent but the rump and upper tail-coverts have a
wash of fulvous; below it is almost entirely white, with merely
a tinge of fulvous on the posterior flanks and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts as in the preceding races.

Measurements. This is decidedly the smallest of the three
races. Wing 63 to 66 min.; tail 60 to 61 mm.; tarsus about
17 mm.; culmen about 16 to 18 mm.

Distribution. Garhwal to North-West Kashmir.

Nidification. The nest of this bird was first taken by Captain
Cock at Gulmurg in Kashmir and it hag also been taken by Rattray,
Buchanan and Galen in Danga Gali and Changla Gali in the
Murree Hills. The birds are late breeders; Capt. Cock’ s nests were

CERTHIA. 435

taken in early June and the others between the 18th and the end
of that month. The nest is like those of the rest of the genus, a
pad of moss, lined with a few feathers and placed high up in
a crevice or in between the tree and some projecting piece of
bark. The eggs are like those of himalayana but apparently vary
greatly in size; twenty-five eggs average 15°8x 11-9 mm. and
the greatest length and breadth are 16°8x12°6 mm. and the
least 14°8 x 11:1 and 15-0 11:0 mm.

Habits. This Tree-Creeper seems to be a bird of rather higher
elevations than most, never descending below about 7,500 feet in
the breeding season and ascending up to 10,000 feet. With this
exception there is nothing special calling for remark about it.

Certhia discolor Blyth.

Four races of this species are found within the limits of this
work, ranging from Nepal to the extreme east of Burma and the
Shan States; these four include one hitherto undescribed but
referred to by Oates as being found in Karenni and as being
inseparable from the Sikkim bird. Further material, however,
shows that when series from the two places are compared one
with the other they differ very greatly and can be easily distin-
guished from one another.

Key to Subspecies.
Y »/

A. Lower plumage earthy-brown, fulvescent

on posterior flanks and abdomen .... (C. d. discolor, p. 435.
B. Lower plumage more fulvous, especially

GIRO e bn See ee C. d. manipurensis, p. 437.
C. Much darker above; chin, throat and

bveasticddishstul vous) 4s tose! sees C. d. victoria, p. 487.
D. Very dull, with little ferruginous above

and no fulvous tint below .......... C. d. fuliginosa, p. 438.

CO. d. fuliginosa is not unlike C. d. meridionalis Rob. & Kloss,
Ibis, 1919, p. 609, but can be distinguished by its paler lower
plumage which is more a smoky grey than dark grey and without
any tinge of rufous on the belly.

(451) Certhia discolor discolor.
THe SrkKim TREE-CREEPER.

Certhia discolor Blyth, J. A. 8S. B., xiv, p. 580° (1845) (Darjeeling) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 331.

Vernacular names. Saddyer-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Upper plumage dark brown, streaked with fulvous ;
rump and upper tail-coverts bright ferruginous ; tail bright reddish-
brown with red shafts and obsoletely cross-rayed; wings dark

ARQ

436 CERTHIID A.

brown with the usual fulvous, black-edged band across all but the
first four primaries ; most of the quills tipped with white and the
later ones with a fulvous streak near the end of the outer web;
lower plumage earthy-brown, paler and fulvescent on the posterior
flanks and abdomen; under tail-coverts ferruginous ; a. cheek-
stripe rufous or fulvous-rufous ; under wing-coverts and axillaries
white.

Fio. 84.—Head of C. d. discolor.

ct

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown to red-brown; bill
above dark horny-brown, almost black on culmen, below pale
horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy-brown or pale brown.

Measurements. Wing 67 to 71 mm.; tail 75 to 77 mm.; tarsus
about 18 mm.; culmen 13 to 15 mm.

Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to E. Assam, both
North and South of the Brahmaputra.

Nidification. The only nests and eggs of this bird recorded
appear to be those taken by inyself in North Cachar and the
Khasia Hills. In these hills I found the bird very rare and
breeding only in the stunted oak forest in the former district and
in pine-woods in the latter. In neither case did they breed below
5,000 feet. The nests are the usual pads of moss inside a broken
piece of bark but in the few T saw all had fairly thick linings of
fur either of the Bamboo-rat or of a shrew. They were placed
between 12 and 30 feet from the ground and they contained from
3 to deges. These are typical Tree-Creepers’ eggs and some are
not separable from brightly coloured pink eggs of himalayana and
familiaris but as a whole they are much redder eggs, the spots
being almost a pure red or pinky-red. Twenty-four eggs average
16°3 x 12°5 mm., and the extremes are 17°5 x 12:9 and 17°4 x 13:0
mm. and 15°2x 12°38 and 154x110 mm. The birds are early
breeders, commencing in early April and continuing until the
second week in May.

Habits. The Sikkim Tree-Creeper is found north of the
Brahmaputra between 6,000 and 10,000 feet but on the south of
that river between.5,000 and 8,000 feet or a little higher tian this
in the Naga Hills. In its habits generally it is like all other Tree-
Creepers but it seems to keep much to the interior of forests
whether of pine or other trees and it is a very shy, quiet little
bird, resenting observation more than most of the other members
of the genus.

CERTHIA, 437

(452) Certhia discolor manipurensis.
Hume’s Tret-Crrenprr,

Certhia manipurensis Hume, S. F., x, p. 151 (1881) (Manipur);
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 331.

Vernacular names. Voh-ti-ti-ling (Manipuri).

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having the
upper parts darker and the throat more fulvous.

Colours of soft parts as in C. d. discolor.

Measurements. Wing 66 to 71 mmn.; tail 65 to 68 mm.: tarsus
17 to 18 mm.; culmen 15 to 16°5 mm.

Distribution. Manipur and the Chin Hills South and East of
that State. The bird to the East of the Irrawaddy is not known
and may be either the Manipur bird or some other form.

Nidification. Nests and eggs taken by Mackenzie in the Chin
Hills, not far from the Manipur border, are just like those of the
Sikkim Tree-Creeper but the former were placed in small holes in
trees. Mackenzie describes them as little pads of moss lined
with a few feathers and a little “ fluff.” An egg sent me, one of
a clutch of four, measures 16°5 x 12°9 mm. but others in Mr. Mac-
kenzie’s own collection are longer, measuring 17-2 to 17°5 mm.
This clutch was taken, hard set, on the 7th of May, but young
birds were seen on the wing and shot on this date. Two other
eves taken by Mr. I’. Grant measure 16°5 x 12-4 and 15°9 x 13 mm.

Habits. Quite similar to that of the Sikkim Tree-Creeper.

(453) Certhia discolor victorie.
THe Cuty Hints Tree-Crerprr.
Certhia victorié Rippon, Bull. B. Q. C., xvi, p. 87 (1906) (Mt. Vic-
toria).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the Sikkim Tree-Creeper but much
darker above, a blackish brown, with less fulvous; the throat,
chin and breast are a dark reddish-fulvous and the abdomen and
flanks are also darker and more tinged with fulvous.

Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.

Measurements. Wing 63 to 72 min. ; tail 65 to 70 mw.; tarsus
17 to 18 mm.; culmen 15 to 17°5 mm.

Distribution. So far obtained only in the high peaks round
about Mt. Victoria in the South Chin Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

438 CERTHIID ®.

eae (454) Certhia discolor fuliginosa, subsp. nov.

Tar KARENNI TREE-CREEPER.

Description. This little Creeper has hitherto been accepted as
the same as the Sikkim Tree-Creeper, from which, however, it
is very different. It is both darker and duller on the upper
plumage, the brown blacker and the fulvous duller and less in
extent; below, the whole plumage is a smoky brown with no tint
of fulvous anywhere.

Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in C. d. discolor.

Type. No. 1903.12.24.363, not sexed. Loi-pang Nan, Mekong,
7,000 feet. April 1902. H. M. Thompson & Craddock Coll.
British Museum.

Distribution. Shan States to Karenni.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(455) Certhia stoliczke.
StrouiczKa’s TREE-CREEPER.

Certhia stoliczske Brooks, J. A. 8S. B., xlii, 2, p. 256 (Sikkim) ;
Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 332.

Vernacular names. Dao-mojo-gajao (Cachari).

Description. Upper plumage black streaked with fulvous; the
wing-coverts black with fulvous tips ; rump and upper tail-coverts
ferruginous; tail brown, the shafts reddish and the outer webs
tinged with reddish ; quills dark brown, all but the first four with
the usual oblique fulvous and black band; the quills tipped with
buff and with a subterminal band of buff on the outer webs; chin
aud throat whitish; feathers round the eye, supercilium and cheeks
buff; centre of breast and abdomen pale fulvous; sides of these
parts, vent and under tail-coverts deep ferruginous ; under wing-
coverts and axillaries pale fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown; upper mandible dark
horny-brown; base of upper and whole lower mandible pale
horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy horny.

Measurements. Wing 67 to 74mm.; tail 64 to 71 mm.; tarsus
about 18 mm.; culmen 13 to 18 mm., generally about 16 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim and Bhutan to E. Assam. I found it
in the North Cachar Hills at 5,000 feet in winter and it possibly
extends to the Naga Hills and Manipur.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Those of the genus. In N. Cachar it haunted the
stunted oak forests between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, scrambling in
and out of the long moss which covered every tree and hunting
for insects in the masses of orchids and long streamers of moss
as well as in the crevices inthe bark. I never heard it utter any-
thing but a very low squeak and it seemed a very silent bird.

SALPORNIS. 439

Genus SALPORNIS Gray, 1847.

The genus Salpornis contains two species, one Indian and the
other African. It differs from Certhia in many remarkable
respects, although bearing a great general resemblance to it. It
has an extremely long, pointed wing, witha minute first primary,
whilst the second primary reaches to the end of the wing. The
foot, also, is differently shaped.

\l
AN

Fig. 85.— Foot of Salpornis.

Salpornis has a typical Certhia’s bill, though it is longer than it
is in most birds of that genus; the tarsus is short and the hind
claw is much shorter than the hind toe. The tail is composed of
12 soft, rounded feathers and is nearly square.

The sexes are alike and the young are similar to the adult.
There is apparently no spring moult.

(456) Salpornis spilonotus.
Tur Sporred-Grey CREEPER.

Certhia spilonota Frankl., P. Z. 8., 1831, p. 121 (Ganges between
Calcutta and Benares).
Salpornis spilonota. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 833,

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Fig. 86.—Head of S. spilonotus,

Description. Whole upper plumage, wings and tail black, spotted
and barred with white ; forehead and crown brownish ; a broad
white supercilium ; lores and a line through the eye unspotted
black ; chin and throat white, the sides of the latter sometimes
speckled with black ; lower plumage pale cinnamon-fulvous barred
with black and with white tips to some of the feathers.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown; bill above dark blackish
horny, below pale horny ; legs and feet dark plumbeous.

440 CERTHIID®.

Measurements. Length about 150 mm.; wing 84 to 91 mm.;
tail 45 to 52 mm.; tarsus about 17 mm.; culmen 21 to 24 mm.

Distribution. Nothing has been added to our knowledge of this
bird’s distribution since 1889. Throughout a considerable portion
of the plains of India, from the foot of the Himalayas South to
the Kistna River. On the West the limits of this species appear
to be Gurgaon, Sambhar, Ajmer and Abu. Further South it has
been met with at Dhulia in Khandesh and Blanford records it
from Chanda, Sirancha and the Godavari Valley. Ball obtained
it at Sambulpar and at various localities in Chutia Nagpore and I
have seen a specimen colleeted somewhere in Behar.

Nidification. The nest of this bird was first taken by Cleveland
at Gurgaon on the 16th of April and subsequently Mr. T. R. Bell
took a good many nests during March and April at Khandesh.
The nests are extraordinary and bear no resemblance to those of
Tree-Creepers of the genus Certhia. They are shallow cup-shaped
affairs made of a matted mass of scraps of leaf-stalks and leaves,
bits of bark and lichen bound together with spiders’ webs and
decorated externally with lichen, spiders’ egg-bags, and caterpillar
excreta. The position selected is the horizontal branch of a tree,
generally at some point where a vertical twig or shoot can be used
as a support to one of the sides. The nests are always placed in
leafless trees on the bare branches and are practically invisible
from below, so that the birds must be watched on to the nests
before they can be found. Sometimes, however, the sitting hen
gives away her position by answering her mate as he sits singing
in the vicinity of the nest. The number of eggs seem to be
nearly always two and very rarely three and these, too, are quite
unlike what we should have expected. The ground-colour is a
erey, or greenish-white according to Cleveland, and the markings
consist of very dark brown tiny spots and specks sparsely scattered
over the greater part of the egg but sometimes more numerous in
an ill-defined cap or ring at the larger end. Cleveland’s egg
measured 17°3x13-4 mm. and those given me by Mr. Bell
average about 16°9x 13-0 mm. The surface is smooth and fine
but dull and not very hard.

Habits. This Creeper is a bird of the plains, being found in
small flocks in winter and in pairs as soon as the breeding season
commences. Davidson found it not uncommon in Khandesh,
common in the northern end of the Western Ghats along the
Tapti River. The country here is hot and low-lying, mostly flat but
containing small wooded hills. They haunt the larger trees for
preference, but are also sometimes found on smaller ones and they
frequent both forest and more open well-wooded country. Their
actions on a tree are much the same as those of birds of the genus
Certhia and they are equally active and quick in their movements.
Blanford records their flight as rather swift and their call as a
whistling note.

TICHODROMA. 44]

Genus TICHODROMA Illiger, 1811.

The genus Tichodroma contains the one species, the well-known
Wall-Creeper, which breeds throughout the higher Himalayas,
descending lower in the winter,

The Wall-Creeper, in addition to a complete autumn moult, has

a partial one in the spring by which the colour of the chin and
Aiea is changed. The sexes differ slightly from one another in
summer. ‘The young birds resemble the adults in winter plumage
very closely, but they have more spots on the wings and these
rufous instead of white. They also have less crimson on the
wing.

Tichodroma has a very long, slender and almost straight bill,
longer than the head, with long, narrow slits for nostrils. The
wing is extremely large, but rounded, not pointed, the first
primary being about half the length of the second and the second
and third also shorter than the tip of the wing. The tail is com-
posed of twelve soft feathers, about half as long as the wing and
very slightly rounded. The tarsus is smooth and the hind claw
longer than its toe.

Fig, 87.—-Head of T. muraria.

4, (457) Tichodroma muraria.
Tur Wa.Lt-CREEPER,

Certhia muraria Linn., 8. N., i, p. 184 (1766) (S. Europe).
Tichodroma muraria. ’ Blant. & latent) p- 38 ri

Vernacular names. Dewal Gaiyuk (Pushtu) ; Sag-gorsa-lamdong-
pho (Lepcha) ; Swppurotsu (Chamba).

Description. In winter plumage the forehead, crown, nape and
‘ear-coverts are brown; a ring round the eye and a short super-
cilium white ; lores mixed ashy and brown; hind neck, back and
scapulars ashy grey; rump. and upper tail-coverts iron-grey ;
lesser wing-coverts bright crimson; the outer greater cov erts and
primary-coverts brown on the inner and dull crimson on the outer
webs; the inner greater coverts and inner secondaries brown
tinged with ashy; winglet brown; quills black tipped with
Ww Hihihi: ; the outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries,
except the first three, with the basal halves crimson ; the first four
primaries each with two large white spots on the inner webs ; tail

449 CERTHIID#.

black tipped with ashy, which gradually changes to white and
increases in extent towards the outer tail-feathers ; chin and
throat pure white; remainder of lower plumage ashy slate, the
under tail-coverts fringed with white ; axillaries crimson.

Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; bill, legs and feet black-

Measurements. Total length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing 94
to 102 mm.; tail about 50 to 54 mm.; tarsus 25 to 27 mm.;
culmen 27 to 82 mm.

In summer the crown of the head becomes grey and the chin
and throat black. The female has generally rather less black on
the throat than the male.

The young resemble the adult in winter plumage but there is
less crimson on the wing and all the quills have each two rufous
spots on the inner web. These spots gradually disappear, except
on the first four large primaries, where they eventually turn white.

Distribution. The mountains of Europe and Asia, breeding
throughout the Himalayas at suitable elevations and descending
lower in winter, occasionally venturing actually into the plains in
exceptionally cold weather.

Nidification. The Wall-Creeper breeds throughout the Hima-
layas between 14,000 and 16,000 feet, in some cases as low as
12,000 feet. Whitehead found it breeding in Chitral and the
Kurram Valley and Whymper actually found its nest with young in
June in the Lidar Valley in Garhwal. The young were old enough
to leave the nest on the 27th of that month. In Tibet it breeds in
some numbers just above the Gyantse Plains at little over 12,000 feet,
laying in the early part of May onwards. Owing to the inacces-
sible places in which it builds and to its habit of placing its nest
deep down in crevices of unbreakable rock, few nests have been
taken in India, though the Tibetans know well many places in
which it breeds. The nest is just a pad of moss and grass, more
or less mixed and lined with wool, fur or hair, wedged
into the bottom of some deep but narrow crevice of the rock-face
of a precipitous cliff. The eggs number four to six and are
pure, but rather dull, white with a few specks and spots of black
or deep red-brown at the larger end. In shape they are broad
ovals, decidedly compressed and pointed at the smaller end. The
measurements of 26 eggs, including 15 mentioned by Hartert,
are:—average 21°3x 14-9 mm.; maxima 22°7x15°7 and 20°8 x
16:0 mm., minima 20:0 x 14:0 mm.

Habits. This beautiful little bird haunts the face of precipitous
cliffs aud great rocks, scuttling about over their surface just as the
Tree-Creepers do over the trunks of great trees. Unlike the
Tree-Creepers, however, they have a habit of constantly fluttering
about the holes and crevices as they search for their insect food
and, when so employed, they are singularly like large and beautiful
butterflies. This curious habit has earned them the name of

TICHODROMA. 443

Butterfly-birds in many languages and in countries as far apart
as Switzerland and Eastern Tibet. Their trivial name of Wall-
Creeper is given them on account of their resorting to the walls
of buildings and retaining walls of roads etc, when they leave
their wilder, uninhabited summer forests and visit the lower hills
and plains of Europe. It is a not uncommon cage-bird in
Switzerland and will lay freely in captivity, though no instances
are recorded of their rearing any young under these conditions.

444 TROGLODYTID®.

Family TROGLODYTID.

The birds of this family are very close to those of the last but
seem to be sutticiently divided by the short, rounded wings of the
Wrens as compared with the longer, pointed wings of the Tree-
Creepers; the tarsi also are longer and the bill, though varying
in shape from the curious wedge-shaped bill of Sphenocichla to the
thin, narrow bill of Zvoglodytes, is never like the long, slight bill
of Certhia with the culmen curved downwards practically from
its base.

In the TZroglodytide the tail is composed of soft feathers
numbering from 6 in Pnoepyga and 10 in Spelwornis to 12 in
others; the tarsi and feet are very strong; there are no rictal
bristles except in the rather aberr ant genus Jesta. The young of
the spotted forms are much less barred or spotted than the adults,
whilst the young of Zesia have quite a different coloration to that
of either parent. In some of the genera the sexes are alike,
whilst in others they differ greatly.

Key to Genera.

A. Without any rictal bristles.
a. Tail much shorter than wing.
a’. Tail of twelve feathers.
a''. Tail not greatly graduated, the outer-
most feathers about three-quarters
length ofcentral. Genin... es to ee TROGLODYTES, p. 444.
6". Tail much graduated, outermost
feathers only half length of central. ELAcHuRa, p. 448.

Dy Lailiot fem feathers <.. cea eicinctes ae SPELZORNIS, p. 461.
cl. el all Of isix feathers. Geta. sien: PNorPYGA, p. 467.
b. Tail and wing about the same in length . SpHENocrIcHLA, p. 460.
B. With well-developed rictal bristles ...... Tesi, p. 462.

Genus TROGLODYTES Vieill., 1807.

The name 7’roglodytes has been rejected as it was first applied
to an American Wren; as this species, however, is quite con-
generic with the English Wren, of which the Indian forms are
but loeal races, it should be retained.

In Troglodytes the sexes are alike and the young bird is similar
to theadult. The bill is very slender and feeble and about half the
length of the head; the wing is extremely short and rounded,
the first primary being about two-thirds the length of the second ;
the tail, of 12 feathers, is shorter than the wing and not very
much graduated, the outer feathers being about three-quarters
the length of the central ones; the tarsi and claws are long and
slender.

TROGLODYTES. 445

Troglodytes troglodytes.

Key to Subspecies.

A. Upper plumage very dark rufous-brown .. 7, ¢. nipalensis, p. 445.
B. Upper plumage rufous-brown, not very dark. 77 t. talifuensis, p.446.
C. Upper plumage a much paler rufous-brown.

a. Wing 47 to 51 mm.; culmen 11 to

NEO Matra Sea ciaisiesSiei<tS- <1! vic Wsshss os a's 2 T. t. neglectus, p. 446.
6. Wing 53 to 56 mm.; culmen about
Np TATA Ney atc sia rah G's: < aa ee Biers apdisktcls wee Tt, tibetanus, p. 448.

Fig. 88.—Head of T. t. nipalensis.

(458) Trogolodytes troglodytes nipalensis.
THe NEPAL WReEN.

Troglodytes nipalensis Hodgs., Blyth, J. A. S, B., xiv, p. 589
(1845) (Nepal).
Anorthura nipalensis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 387.

Vernacular names. JMarchek-pho (Lepeba).

Description. Upper plumage dark rufous-brown, the lower
back, wings and tail closely barred with black; sides of the head,
lores and an indistinct supercilium brown with tiny rufous-ashy
spots; lower plumage rutous-brown, almost immaculate on the
chin, throat and upper breast in old birds, elsewhere closely
barred with black, often with some albescent on the belly and
with some white spots on the under tail-coverts.

Some birds have a few small white spots on the lesser and
median wing-coverts, a feature found occasionally in all the races
of this species. In the same way the barring on the sides of the
throat and neck varies very much in extent.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel; bill dark brown, fleshy at the
base; legs fleshy-brown to horny-brown.

Measurements. ‘T'otal length about 95 mm.; wing 48 to 53 mm.;
tail 27 to 30 m.; tarsus 19 to 20 mm.; culmen 11 to 12mm.

Distribution. Sikkim and Nepal to Bhutan. Specimens from
Garhwal appear to be of this race, whilst those from Simla are
nearer to neglectus. Specimens collected by Whymper are un-
doubtedly nipalensis but Osmaston records two specimens of
neglectus taken by him in the Northern parts of Garhwal. Very
possibly Garhwal forms the connecting area between the two sub-
species.

446 TROGLODYTID&.

Nidification. The only collector who has seen the nest and
eggs of this Wren is Mr. 8. L. Whymper, who describes them as
follows:—‘*Two nests were found with eggs and three with
young birds, all in crevices in birch-trees, from 20 to 30 feet up,
a decidedly different situation to all the nests of the Kashmir
Wren I have seen or heard of. The nests were large and domed,
made of moss, grass and leaves and very thickly lined with
feathers. The eggs were white with a few red specks.” An egg
subsequently sent me by Mr. Whymper measures 16°6 x 12°6 mm.
and is not distinguishable from those of 7’. t. neglectus. It was
taken on the 29th of June.

Habits. There is not much on record about this Wren but the
habits are not likely to differ from those of neglectus. Whymper
found it in Tehri-Garhwal between 11,000 and 13,000 feet. In
Sikkim, Blanford found it hunting over loose, moss-covered stones,
constantly entering the crevices between the blocks and emerging
again at a considerable distance. He usually saw the birds in
small families, three or four together, hunting on the ground and
low bushes and with the same predilection for exploring hollows
under stones.

~ (459) Troglodytes troglodytes talifuensis.
THe Yunnan WREN.

Troglodytes talifuensis Sharpe, Bull, B. O. C., xii, p. 77 (1902)
(Talifu, Yunnan).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the preceding race but not so dark
either above or below.

Colours of soft parts as in 7. t. nipalensis.

Measurements. Wing 47 to 52 mm.; tail 29 mm.; tarsus
about 17 to 18 mm.; culmen 11 to 11°56 mm.

The spotting on the wing-coyerts is very conspicuous on the
type-specimen but in others is no more developed than in many
specimens of the other subspecies, and this appears to be purely
an individual characteristic.

Distribution. Yunnan, Shan States and Northern Siam.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Nothing recorded.

(460) Troglodytes troglodytes neglectus.
THe KasumMir WReEN,

Troglodytes neglectus Brooks, J. A. S. B., xli, p. 328 (1872) (Kasimir),
Anorthwra neglecta. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 338.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

TROGLODYTES. 447

Description. Like 7’. t. nipalensis but very much paler all over.
The brown is not nearly so deep, less rufous and in some cases
with almost a grey tint.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel-brown; bill horny-
brown or fleshy-brown.

Measurements. I cannot make out this bird to be smaller than
T. t. nipalensis or to have visibly smaller or weaker feet and legs
than that bird. Wing 47 to 51 mm.; tail 26 to 30 mm.; tarsus
19 to 20 mm.; culmen 11 to 11:5 mm.

Troglodytes magratht (Whitehead, Bull. B. O. C., xxi, p. 19,
1907: Safed Koh) cannot be separated from neglectus.

Distribution. From the border hills of Afghanistan and Balu-
chistan throughout the whole of Kashmir to the Simla Hills.

Nidification. Whitehead found the Kashmir Wren breeding on
the Sated Koh between 8,500 and 12,000 feet and it breeds
freely throughout Kashmir between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. The
most usual form of nest is a large domed affair, constructed prin-
cipally of moss and densely lined with feathers, which is placed
on the ground on a bank between the roots of a pine or under a
boulder ; more rarely they may be placed among creepers on a
tree or ina specially dense bunch of foliage. Davidson, however,
also took eggs from holes both in banks and trees in which the
nests consisted merely of a few feathers and a few odd scraps of
other materials. The eggs number four or five and are a pure
white in ground-colour with a few specks and spots of pale red,
never numerous and sometimes altogether wanting. The shell is
frail and the texture fine but glossless. In shape they are ovals,
often inclined lo be pointed at the smaller end. Fifty eges
average 16°8x12°3 mm. and the extremes are: maxima 18:1 x
12-1 and 17°6 x 13:2 mm.; minima 14°6 x 10°3 mm.

The breeding season is from the end of May to the end of June
or early July.

Habits. The habits of the Kashmir Wren differ but little from
those of its European relation but it is more of a forest bird than
a haunter of the immediate neigbourhood of man. It is the same
restless but secretive little bird, hopping about the undergrowth
or hunting rocks and boulders for spiders and other insects. Some-
times it may be seen scrambling among the creepers, moss and
orchids on some fallen tree or mass ot boulders, sometimes it flits
in little jerky flights from one tangle of bushes to another,
whilst yet again it may be noticed making occasional visits to the
lower branches of trees with ample foliage cover. Its note and
song are said to very closely resemble those of the English Wren
and, like that bird, it subsists almost entirely on an insect diet.

448 TROGLODYTID ®.

~ (461) Troglodytes troglodytes tibetanus.
THE TrBETan WREN.

Anorthura tibetana Walton, Bull. B. O. C., xv, p. 93 (1905) (Khamba
Jong, Tibet).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Exactly like 7’. t. neglectus except that it is de-
cidedly bigger.

Colours of soft parts. None noted.

Measurements. Wing 53 and 56 mm.; tail 33 mm.; tarsus 17
and 18 mm.; culmen 13 mm.

Distribution. Khamba Jong, Tibet.

Nidification unknown.

Habits. Walton records (Ibis, 1906, p. 74) that he shot several
of these Wrens at Khamba Jong in the autumn: “ They occurred
there during very cold weather, when all the streams were frozen
hard, except one that was supplied by a clear warm spring.”

Genus ELACHURA Oates, 1889.

This genus was created by Oates for the little Wren Zvroglodytes
formosus ( punctatus), which differs from the typical birds of the
genus Z'roglodytes in’ having a much stouter bill and a more
graduated tail, The plumage in Elachura is spotted and not
barred.

In Llachura the sexes are alike and the young are probably
similar to the adult. The bill is stout and almost half the length
of the head. The wing is very short and rounded and the first
primary is about two-thirds the length of the second. The tail is
well graduated, the outer feathers reaching to about the middle
of the central ones. The tarsi, toes and claws are long and.
strong. There are only two species known and one of these,
Elachura haplonota, is represented by a single specimen.

Key to Species.

A. Upper plumage spotted.............. Elachura formosa,* p. 449.
B. Upper plumage unspotted............ Elachura haplonota, p. 450.

* The name punctata cannot be used for this little Wren as Troglodytes
punctatus is already preoccupied by Brehm. Troglodytes formosus of Walden
is therefore the next available.

ELACHURA. 449

(462) Elachura formosa.
Tur Sporrep WReEN.

Troglodytes formosus Walden, Ibis, 1874, p. 91 (Darjeeling).
Elachura punctata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 339.

Vernacular names. Marchek-pho (Lepcha).

Description. The upper plumage and wing-coverts dark brown,
tinged with rufous on the lower rump and upper tail-coverts,
each feather with a small, subterminal white spot bordered above
and below with black; inner webs of quills brown, the outer
barred with chestnut and black; tail reddish-brown, eross-barred
with black; lower plumage pale fulvous, inclining to rufous on
the abdomen and flanks, each feather with a triangular white
spot, above which is a smaller black one; all the feathers delicately
vermiculated with white.

Fig. 89.—Head of E. formosa.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; legs horny-brown; bill
horny-brown.

Measurements. Total length about 110 to 115 mm.; wing 49
to 60 mm.; tail 39 mm.; tarsus 18 to 19 mm.; culmen 11 to
12 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim to Eastern Assam. Stevens records
obtaining his specimens at Panchnoi, Dafla Hills, at quite low
elevations.

Nidification. Several clutches of this Wren’s eggs were obtained!
by Mr. W. P. Masson and Mr. K. Maedonald in Sikkim round
about Darjeeling and in Native Sikkim. The former reported
them as very common on the Singa-lila Ridge above 9,000 feet.
The nest was described as a deep, semi-domed cup made of dead
leaves, grass, roots, etc., densely lined with feathers and placed
on the ground on a bank, half hidden in fallen rubbish or well
concealed by the undergrowth. The eges seem to number 3 or 4
only and are rather glossy, with a fine hard surface. In colour:
they are pure white with a few specks of reddish-brown. The
few eges I have seen measured about 16°5 x 12°5 mm.

Habits. Mr. Masson informed me that these birds were typical
httle Wrens in their behaviour, keeping much to their legs and
apparently loth to take wing unless very hard pressed. As
they live principally in deep forest with plentiful undergrowtl
and much broken with moss-covered boulders and rocks, it is not
often one can force them to flight.

VOL. I. 2G

450 TROGLODYTID®.

(463) Elachura haplonota.= ¥*: Ch. chocolatinus
THe Prain Brown WReEN.
Elachura haplonota Stuart Baker, Ibis, 1892, p. 62 (Hungrum,
N. Cachar).

Vernacular names. Zinglin-rui-gajeba (Kacha Naga).

Description. Whole upper plumage and wing-coverts dark
umber-brown, rather lighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts,
the feathers obsoletely edged with rather pale sienna-brown ;
wings dark cinnamon-brown on the exposed parts and dark brown
where unexposed in the closed wing; tail brown, tinged with
cinnamon-red but not so strongly as are the wing-quills; lores
fulvous-brown, dusky next the eyes; chin and throat white
tinged with fulvous and tne feathers, except in the centre, tipped
with dusky; breast and sides of the neck fulvous-brown, the
feathers tipped brown and subtipped white, the white being
most prominent in the centre of the breast ; centre of abdomen
white; flanks and under tail-coverts tulvous-brown, some ot the
feathers of the former tipped white; thighs greyish-brown, the
shafts of the feathers paler; under wing-coverts grey; axillaries
dark fulvous-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris light red; bill dark horny, slightly
paler on commissure and tip; gape black, mouth bluish-fleshy ;
legs sanguineous-fleshy, the claws still paler.

Measurements. Length in the flesh 104 mm.; wing 50 mm.;
tail 40 mm.; tarsus 15 mm.; culmen 10 mm.

Distribution. The only specimen known was obtained on the
Hungrum Peak, N. Cachar Hills, at 6,400 feet.

Nidification. The nest, upon which the above bird was trapped,
was made of skeleton leaves, dead leaves, roots, tiny twigs and
grass bents fairly well bound together, covered outside with
loose dead leaves and compactly lined with skeleton leaves. In
shape it was a very deep cup about 81 mm. across its broadest
part by about 135 mm. deep and it was placed under a fallen
tree, supported by fallen branches and rubbish, the fallen tree
itself forming the top of the nest.

The eggs, three in number, were pure glossy white, one faintly
speckled and the others more strongly marked with pale reddish-
brown. They measure about 17:2 x 13-1 mm,

The nest was taken on the 11th May in very dense secondary
growth in which many dead trees were left lying.

Habits. The two birds seen when watching the above nest
were just like birds of the genus Pnoepyga in habits, very active
and restless, quick on their legs but slow and feeble in their
flight. Other birds seen but not procured, with a nest similar to
that above described, were Just as shy and restless. The call-note
is a loud, clear whistle and there is also a constantly-uttered soft
“chir.” The bird, trapped on its nest, had fed on ants and a
species of tiny bright blue beetle.

SPELEORNIS, 451

Genus SPELHORNIS Sharpe, 1881.

The name Urocichla is pre-occupied but the birds placed by
Sharpe in that genus are congeneric with those which he placed
in his following new genus Spelewornis in the Catalogue of Birds.
This name is therefore applicable.

The birds of this genus have short, rounded tails of 10 feathers
only; the plumage is soft and full and the feathers squamated ;
the bill is like that of Elachura and Vroglodytes but stouter than
either; the tarsi are long and strong and the feet the same. The
sexes are alike but the young differ from the adults in being
unmarked above and, generally, in having redder wing-quills.

Key to Species.

A. Lower plumage without any black and [p. 451.
STIL OMI RTS ae Nane fe 2) 2 esd 2 e's) sis tes eo aise S. longicaudatus,

B. Lower plumage barred with black and
SYA ease ayia eras. cs). ofecgin w cawialone crak S. caudatus, p. 456.

Spelzornis longicaudatus,
Key to Subspecies.

A. Under parts fulvous-rufous, neither barred [p. 452,
MUON SOLO lene teres eh aeei tv wie sisisyeieiwiel <oaveue's + S. 1, longicaudatus,

B, Under parts rufous with black terminal
SDIDUS. 5 pict SES OG Soe SRO Orne eee S.1, chocolatinus, p. 453.

€. Under parts principally grey, more or less
tinged with rufous on flanks.
«a. No distinct spots on lower plumage .... S.J. reptatus, p. 455.
6. Lower plumage conspicuously marked
with dark brown terminal and dull
white subterminal spots.............. S. 1. stnlumensis, p. 453,
ce. Sides of breast more strongly tinged with
rufous and spotting on lower plumage

HEBSICOBSPICUGUS) cic c<14 dns see saree eee S. 1, kauriensis, p. 454,
D. Whole lower plumage practically white
with triangular black tips ........0.050. S. 1, oatest, p. 455.

At present there is so little material available for examination
that it is difficult to say whether or not some of the hitherto
so-called species are even good subspecies and with better series
some may have to be done away with. Speleornis l. kauriensis,
for instance, is very probabiy nothing more than feebly marked
specimens of S. l, sinlumensis, both occurring in the Bhamo Hills
at about the same elevation. On the other hand, more material
might possibly show that in Spelawornis longicaudatus, Speleornis
sinlumensis and Spelceornis oatesi we have three quite good species.
For the present it seems safer to retain them all as geographical
races of longicaudatus, dealing with them more definitely when
we have more specimens for examination.

452 TROGLODYTID A.

(464) Speleornis longicaudatus longicaudatus.

Tue Assam LONG-TAILED WREN.
Pnoepyga longicaudata, Moore, P. Z. S., 1854, p. 7 (N. India, Khasia

Hills).
Urocichla longicaudata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 340.

Vernacular names. 7%n-lin-rui (Kacha Naga).

Description. Forehead to hind neck olive-brown, each feather
with a narrow dark brown or blackish margin ; rump, upper tail-
coverts and tail olive-brown with a rufous tinge; coverts and
wing brown, with the greater part of the outer webs of the
feathers chestnut-brown; lores, cheeks and ear-coverts deep
ashy; the whole lower plumage ferruginous, the feathers of the
throat and breast with numerous small brown specks, most
conspicuous in newly moulted birds ; middle of the abdomen white.

Fig. 90.—Head of 8S. 1. longicaudatus.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red in adults, brown in the young ;
bill dark horny-brown to blackish ; legs and feet light brown.

Measurements. Length about 115 mm.; wing 49 to 60 mm.;
tail 45 to48 mm.; tarsus about 19 to 20 mm.; culmen about 12mm.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, apparently not
Manipur and not the extreme Eastern Naga Hills.

Nidification. This curious little Wren breeds in considerable
numbers in the Khasia Hills but is much more rare in the
adjoining Cachar and Naga Hills. It cominences breeding in
early April and eggs may be found to the end of June. The
nests of this Wren and all others of the genus are sui generis and
cannot be confounded with those of any other bird. The outer part
consists of dead leaves, withered grass, a few roots and sometimes
a few bamboo spathes, but all the materials are ef a very damp
and rotten description, falling to pieces directly the nest is moved
from its original position. The lining, however, is quite water-
proof and consists of a material exactly resembling papier mdché,
apparently made of skeleton leaves and some soft fibrous stuff
worked into a pulp and then spread over the whole interior of
the nest in a very neat cup. ‘The nest itself is a long oval,
generally completely domed, sometimes only partially so, Pand is
placed on the ground on some sloping bank among weeds or
scrub in damp, evergreen forest. The eggs number two to four
and are pure, but dull white, sparsely speckled, chiefly at the
larger end, with reddish-brown. The texture is fine and close
and the shell fairly stout. In shape they are broad, obtuse ovals.

SPELMORNIS, 453

Fifty eggs average 18-4 x 14-9 mm. and the extremes of length
and breadth are 19°9x 15:0; 186159; 18:0x15:0 and
18°4 x 19°5 mm.

Habits. The Long-tailed Wren is found between about 3,500
and 6,500 feet, resident and breeding wherever found. It haunts
principally dense, evergreen forest with lots of weed and fern
undergrowth and especially those places where the ground is
rough “and broken with big boulders. Among these “it creeps
and. climbs just ae the Common Wren does, But it is even less
inclined to fly than that bird and seeks safety by dodging into
crevices and holes between the boulders. Even when disturbed
from the nest, which it will not leave until the hand almost
touches it, it merely flies a foot or two and then drops into the
undergrowth and scurries away on foot. It is a very silent
bird but I have heard it give a loud, clear whistle much like the
eall of Proepyga and after being disturbed it will continue to
utter its soft chirring note for some minutes. It is entirely
insectivorous. ,

(465) Speleornis longicaudatus chocolatinus.
GopWIN-AUSTEN’s WREN.
Pnoepyga chocolatina Godw.-Aust., [bis, 1875, p. 252 (Kedimai,
Manipur).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage and wings fulvous-brown, more
rufous on lower back, rump and tail; feathers of head and back
obsoletely fringed with darker brown; lores and line through eye
grey ; chin albescent ; centre of belly and breast white, splashed
with rufous ; throat, upper breast, sides of lower breast and flanks

rufous, the feathers with black terminal edges and subtipped with
white; under tail-coverts darker rufous.

Colours of soft parts. ‘“ Bill dark brown. Legs pale flesh-
colour” (G.-A.).

Measurements. Wing 47 and 50 mm.; tail 36 and 40 mm.;
tarsus 20 mm.; culmen 10 and 11 mm.

Distribution. The only two specimens known were obtained by
Godwin-Austen at Kedimai, Manipur, about 4,000 feet altitude.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

(466) Speleornis longicaudatus sinlumensis.
THE SINLUM WREN.
Urocichla sinlumensis Harington, A. M. N. H., ser. 8, li, p. 246
(1908) (Sinlum, Bhamo Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Above like S./. longicaudatus but more fulvous,
less orange and with the dark bars better defined, below ashy-

454 TROGLODYTID2.

grey, the feathers with black terminal bars and conspicuous sub-
terminal white spots; centre of throat and upper breast whitish ;
under tail-coverts rufous-brown.

Colours of soft parts. ‘Iris reddish-brown; bill black; legs
brownish ” (Harington).

Measurements. Wing 48 and 51 mm.; tail 36 to 37 mm.;
tarsus 21 mm.; culmen 12 mm. ‘Total length about 4:1”
(= 104 mm.) (Harington).

Distribution. Sinlum, Bhamo Hills.

Nidification. Nests of this Wren taken by Col. Harington and
Mr. F. Grant were just like those of S. /. longicaudatus, that is to
say oval-shaped, domed nests made principally with dead leaves
and lined with the same papier mdché substance which appears to
be used by all the birds of tnis genus. They were placed on the
ground in forest, on banks in dense undergrowth. ‘he five eggs
sent to me are all quite like those of S. U. longicaudatus, white
egos well speckled with dark red, but of three eggs in one clutch
taken by Col. Harington two were pure white and the third very
faintly freckled. Hight eggs average 19:0 x 14°6 mm. and the
extremes are 20°7 x 15°6 and 18-1 x 14:1 mm.

May and June seem to be the breeding season and apparently
the nests were all found at about 6,000 feet elevation.

Habits. Harington describes this Wren as an inveterate skulker
and very hard to obtain though its loud, powerful song may often
be heard. It keeps almost entirely to dense forest with thick
andergrowth betweer 5,000 and 8,000 feet.

(467) Speleornis longicaudatus kauriensis.

Harineron’s LONG-TAILED WREN.

Urocichla kauriensis Harington, A. M. N. HL, ser. 8, ii, p. 246 (1908)
(Watan, Bhamo Hills).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Very close indeed to S. 1. sinlumensis but the
throat and breast a shade more fulvous-grey, a little redder
perhaps on the flanks and with the markings on the under
plumage less distinct.

Colours of soft parts. “‘ Iris dark red; bill dark horn-colour ;
legs light brown” (Harington).

Measurements. Wing 47 to 48 mm.; tail about 30 mm.
(damaged); tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 12°5 mm.

Distribution. The only two specimens known were both taken
at Watan, Bhamo Hills, at about 7,000 feet.

I retain this race with very great doubt and am convinced that
with a better series of this and the previous form the S, J. stnlu-
mensis will have to be suppressed. Aauriensis, it should be

SPELAZORNIS. 455

noted, will be retained because it appears earlier on the same page
than that of sinlumensis.

Nidification. The two specimens sent by Col. Harington to the
British Museum were shot when building their nest in low scrub-
jungle at the edge of dense forest.

Habits. Jn epistola Col. Harington says that they are the same
determined little skulkers as the Sinlum Wren, with similar
haunts, habits and voice.

~~ (468) Speleornis longicaudatus reptatus.
BryeHam’s LONG-TalLeD WReEN.

Urocichla reptata Bingham, Bull. B. O. C., xiii, p. 5A (1903) (Loi-
pang-Nan, Mekong Valley).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to stnlumensis but with wings more cinna-
mon-chestnut, below all grey with no white on throat and breast
and with the dark bars and paler spots obsolete; the sides of
breast and flanks are more rufous.

Colours of soft parts. “Iris crimson; bill dark brown; le
and feet brown” (Forrest).

Measurements. Wing 47 mm.; tail damaged ; tarsus 20 mm.;
culmen 13 mm.

Distribution. East of Kengtung on the Mekong Valley at about
7,000 feet and on the Shweli-Salwin Divide in Yunnan.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded and only one speci-
men obtained by Harington and a second by Forrest in Yunnan
at about 8,000 feet in December 1919 in a thicket. Nests and
eggs sent me by a collector from Thoungyi, Southern Shan States,
are probably of this race but the birds’ skins sent are too frag-
mentary to distinguish with any certainty. The nests are exactly
like those of the Assam Long-tailed Wren, as are the eggs which
measure 18°5 x 14°9 mm.

The two clutches, each of three slightly incubated eggs, were
taken on the 16th and 28th April respectively.

gs

(469) Speleornis longicaudatus oatesi.
Ripron’s Lone-Tartep WREN.

Urociehla oatest Rippon, Bull. B. O. C., xiv, p. 85 (1904) (Mt. Vic-
torla).

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Upper plumage and wings fulvous-brown, with
faint dark margins to the feathers and slightly more rufous on the
rump and tail; lores, sides of forehead and cheeks grey; ear-
coverts greyish-fulvous to golden-brown; below white with

456 TROGLODYTID®.

triangular terminal spots of* blackish brown; in some cases the
lower plumage is faintly tinged with fulvous, especially on the
sides ; flanks brown obscurely barred with blackish ; under tail-
coverts rufous The white colour of the lower parts at once
distinguishes this race from all the others.

Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown ; bill dark horny-brown ;
legs brownish-fleshy.

Measurements. Wing 47 to 49 mm.; tail 37 to 39 mm.;
tarsus 21 mm.; culmen 12 to 13 mm.

Distribution. Chin Hills above 5,000 feet.

Nidification. Major Venning and Mr. F. Grant found this
Wren breeding in the Chin Hills between 5,000 and 9,000 feet in
March, April and May, eggs being found between the 12th
March and the 24th May, two fresh eggs having been taken on
the latter date. The nest is typical of that of the genus.
Venning describes one taken by him as “a large, oval, domed-shaped
structure, composed of an outer layer of dead leaves, canna
leaves, coarse grass, etc., inside which was a layer of grass stems,
fibres and a little moss, the cup being lined up to the Jevel of the
entrance witha plaster about 51, inch thick, composed, as far as I
could determine, of a substance which looked like chewed thistle
stem or chewed grass. The dimensions were: exterior height
6 in., diameters 5 in. and 4 in.” Other nests taken were exactly
like the one described ; they were all placed on damp ground in
undergrowth ov grass in fcrest.

The eggs, which number two to four ina full clutch, are not
distinguishable from those of the Assam race. Fifteen eggs
average about 18:2 x 14°6 mm.

Habits. There is practically nothing on record about this bird,
but it is not likely that its habits differ in any way from those of
the other races. It, however, seems occasionally to be found in
rather more open country.

(470) Spelzornis caudatus.
THe TarInep WREN.

Tesia caudata Blyth, J. A.S. B., xiv, p. 589 (1845) (Darjiling).
Urocichla caudata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 541.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Lores and sides of the head grey ; the whole upper
plumage olive-brown, the feathers with terminal black edges and
faint shaft-streaks ; wings and their coverts chestnut-brown ; tail
rufous-brown; chin and throat bright chestnut; breast paler
chestnut, each feather with a black centre and tip; sides of the
body the same; abdomen black, each feather with a white shaft-
streak, in most cases hidden, and alarge subterminal square white
spot.

PNOEPYGA. 457

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown ; bill blackish ; legs brown.

Measurements. Total length about 100mm.; wing 47 to 51 mm.;
tail 31 to 35 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 11 to
12 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim only as far as is known at present.

Nidification. Nothing recorded beyond Hume’s note to the
effect that it builds ‘‘a deep cup-shaped nest about the roots of
trees or in a hole in fallen timber; the nest is a dense mass of
moss and moss roots, lined with the latter. The eggs are spotless
white.” A nest and four clutches of eggs taken in Sikkim at about
8,900 feet and sent to me do not agree with this description. The
nest sent has evidently been egg-shaped and is made of dead leaves,
fine twigs, bracken and grass, all very decayed and well matted
together. The lining is very much lke that of the Long-tailed
Wrens’ but is brown in colour instead of whitish and not quite so
firmly stuck together. The eggs, two clutches of four and two of
three, are just like those of Spel@ornis 1. longicaudatus, i. e. pure
but rather dull white, feebly speckled with reddish-brown and deep
purple-brown, They measure on an average for twenty eggs 18-1 x
14:1 mm., and the extremes are 19°9x 14:2 and 18°6x14°5 mm.
maxima and 17°3 x 14:2 and 17-9 x 13-8 mm. minima.

These nests were all found in heavy, damp forest and were
placed on the ground on banks amongst weeds, moss and caladiums.
They were taken between the 17th May and the 28th June, at
an elevation of 8,000 feet and over.

Habits. Nothing recorded. Mr. Masson, who sent me the nest
and eggs, could only say that they belonged to a small Wren which
he could never catch on the nest or see quickly enough to shoot
as it left it. The birds apparently were not common, though they
were in fair numbers along the ridges above Darjeeling between
8,000 and 10,000 feet. They were never seen outside the dense,
damp, evergreen forest.

Genus PNOEPYGA Hodgson, 1845.

The genus Pnoepyga contains two species of Wren which are
characterized by an extremely short tail of six soft feathers, com-
pletely concealed from view by long and ample rump feathers.
The wing, bill and feet are very much the same as in Speleornis,

The sexes differ in the female having the white on the under
parts replaced by bright fulvous. The young are very dull coloured
without any of the conspicuous barring and spotting of the adults.

Key to Species.

A. Wing well over 55 mm. ............ Pnoepyga squamata, p. 458.
#B. Wing well under 55 mm............. Pnoepyga pusilla, p. 4

458 TROGLODYTID2.

(471) Pnoepyga squamata squamata.

THE SCALY-BREASTED WREN,

Microura squamata Gould, Icon. Aves, pl. v (1837) (Cachar). VWU%
Pnoepyga squamata. Blanf, & Oates, 1, p. 342.

Vernacular names. JMarchok-bong (Lepcha) ; Lnrui-ba gadiba
(Kacha Naga).

Description.—Adult male. Whole upper plumage and lesser
wing-coverts rich golden-brown, the forehead, feathers above the
eve and sides of neck with fulvous shaft-stripes, the remaining upper
plumage with fulvous subterminal drops and with black edges, the
latter becoming bolder on the rump where the drops often become
bars; median and greater coverts brown, broadly edged with
chestnut-brown and often with terminal fulvous spots ; primaries
and secondaries chestnut-brown on the visible portions and the
innermost secondaries often tipped with fulvous; chin and throat
white with brown edges to the feathers; breast and centre of the
abdomen white, the feathers with Dreads black centres and edges 3
sides of the brenee and flanks fulvous-brown with similar dark:
centres and margins ; under tail-coverts and vent fulvous.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright hazel to deep brown; Dill
horny-brown above, pale fleshy-horny on lower mandible, gape and
commissure ; legs fleshy-brown to light brown.

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; wing 59 to 64 mm. ;
tail about 14mm.; tarsus 21 to 23 mm.; culmen 11 to 12 mm.

Adult female. Similar to the male but with the whole lower
plumage fulvous instead of white, every part marked as in the
male, though in some specimens the chin and throat are almost
immaculate.

Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej] Valley to Eastern
Assam. both North and South of the Brahmaputra; Chin Hills
and West and South-West Burma to Tenasserim.

Nidification. The Scaly-breasted Wren breeds from the end of
April to the middle of June between 3,500 and 7,000 feet. It
makes two very distinct types of nest, either of which is among
the most beautiful specimens of birds’ architecture. That most
commonly made is built in and of the long strands of brilliant
green moss which clothes the trunks and branches of so many trees
in the more humid forests. The inner strands are compactly and
firmly woven together to form a tiny cup, well lined with black
moss roots, over all of which the outer green strands fall in natural
profusion so that the tiny entrance, little more than an inch across,
can never be found without most careful search. The second type
of nest is a tiny ball of the same brillant green moss, tightly
wedged in amongst the masses of orchids, ferns and creepers.
growing over breés: dead and alive, or aller logs. <A third type
6 nest, a cup-shaped one of moss, was found by Mandelli ina bush,

PNOEPYGA. 459

but this sort of nest must be quite abnormal. The height selected
may be anything between a foot and six feet from the ground.

The eggs vary from three to five, but four is the full number
normally laid. They are pure white, glossless and very fragile,
regular ovals, sometimes a little pointed at the smaller end.
Highty eggs average 18°6X13:7 mm. and the extremes are:
maxima, ‘19° 3x 14:4 and 19°0X14.6 mm.; minima, 16°913°9
and 17°1X13-1 mm.

Habits. This quaint little tailless bird is a typical Wren in all
its habits but is even more of a pedestrian and less of a flyer than
the birds of the genus Troglodytes. It is an inhabitant of wet, ever-
green forest, loving the vicinity of jungle-streams where it scrambles
over the mossy boulders, the fallen trees and decaying vegetation.
In and out of the hollows and crevices, under and through the
luxuriant moss and climbing plants, ever on the move yet never
on the wing, at the first hint of danger it dodges out of sight, only
to reappear once again when quiet is restored. It is inseetivorous
in its diet and seems especially fond of the smaller spiders and ants,
pursuing these with great activity and restless energy. Its ordinary
note is a loud, rather shrill whistle but it attempts a little song
in the breeding season which rather reminds one of the English
Wren.

This Wren is found up to at least 9,000 feet and possibly a good
deal higher in Sikkim. In winter it occasionally may be found as
low as 3,000 feet but it does not descend much below its ordinary
breeding range, even in the coldest weather.

Pnoepyga pusilla.

This species has been spht up into numerous races on rather
slender reasons, for the variations are, for the most part, indi-
vidual ratherthan geographical. The two points most usually dwelt
upon are the amount of spotting and barring, more especially on
wing-coverts and innermost secondaries, and the rufous or brown
colouring on the sides of the head. The extremes of both these
features are to be found in birds obtained in Nepal and Sikkim,
now in the British Museum Collection, and the greatest care
should be exercised when naming subspecies that not only the
series named is a full one but that ample material for comparison
is available. With more material it is possible that some of the
subspecies at present accepted will have to be suppressed.

(472) Pnoepyga pusilla pusilla.

Tur Brown WREN.

Pnoepyga pusilla Hodgs., P. Z.8., 1845, p. 25 (Nepal); Blanf. & Oates,
1, p. 343.

Vernacular names. Jnrui-ba gajeba (Kacha Naga).

460 TROGLODYTID2.

Description. Differs from P. s. sgwamata, sex for sex, in being
decidedly smaller and in having the upper plumage less marked
with fulvous spots, these being both fewer and less distinct. On
the other hand the median and greater coverts and innermost
secondaries are more plentifully and more regularly spotted than
they are in that bird.

The young are like those of P. s. squamata ; the whole upper parts
and wings unspotted rich rufous-brown and the lower parts dusky
brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel to deep brown; bill dark,
blackish-horny above, fleshy-horny below; legs fleshy-brown or
pale horny-brown.

Measurements. Wing 40 to 52 mm.; tailabout 12 mm.; tarsus
18 to 20 mm.; culmen 10 to 11 mm.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Assam North and South of the
Brahmaputra to the extreme Hast ; Chin Hills, Kachin Hills, Burma
East through the Shan States to Karenni. Geographical races have
been described from Sumatra (depida), South Annam (annamensis),
Malay Peninsula (hartert) and West Java (rufa).

Nidification. Except that the nests, whether of the ball type or
built in amongst the moss on trees, average rather smaller than
do those of the Scaly-breasted Wren, there is nothing one can add
to the descriptions already given for the nests of that bird. The
two breed together over much the same range at the same elevations
and at the same time of year.

The eggs are exactly like those of the last bird in colour, shape
and texture but fifty average smaller, 17-1X13:1 mm., whilst the
extremes are as follows: maxima, 18°9 x 13:0 and 18°3 x 14:0 mm.;
minima, 15°4 x 12-6 and 17:9 12:1 mm.

Habits. The same as those of P. s. squamata. Stevens found
this Wren plentiful in the Plains during winter, obtaining it both
North and South of the Brahmaputra in the undergrowth of forest.

He observes that it is by no means difticult of approach at this
season,

Genus SPHENOCICHLA Godwin-Austen & Walden, 1875.

The genus Sphenocichla contains two remarkable and but little-
known birds. They are in appearance stout, rather squat and
heavy-looking birds with very powerful feet and legs. The bill is
perfectly conical and sharp-pointed when viewed laterally and is
about the length of the head or a little shorter ; there are no rictal
bristles; the wing is short and rounded; the tail is of twelve
feathers and greatly rounded, the outer feathers being about two-
thirds the length of the central. The sexes are alike but the young
are still unknown.

SPH BNOCICHLA. 461

Key to Species.
A. Feathers of the throat and breast black

Webepale shetbs oar. eae pene S. humet, p. 461.
B. Feathers of breast ashy-brown with

black margins and white submargins. S, roderti, p. 461.

(473) Sphenocichla humei.
Hume’s WedGE-BILLED WREN.

Hleterorhynchus humet Mandelli, 8. F., i, p. 415 (1873) (Native
Sikkim).

Sphenocichla humii. Blant, & Oates, i, p. 336.

Vernacular names. None recorded.

Description. Whole upper plumage rich golden-brown, the
feathers edged with black and all but those of the crown and nape
narrowly anne with blackish; feathers of head, neck and inter-
scapulars with white shafts, most conspicuous on the forehead ; a

Fig. 91.—Head of 8. humei.

broad white supercilium from the back of the eye breaking up
into white spots on the sides of the neck ; wings blackish- eon
the visible parts barred with dark golden- heer n; chin, throat,
breast and flanks dark brown with w tite shafts anal the narrowest
of white edges; belly ashy-grey ; posterior flanks and under tail-
eoverts golden-brown.

Colours of soft parts. Irides dark brown ; bill slate-colour, the
culinen darker ; legs dark brown.

Measurements. Wing 70 to 74mm. ; tail 64 to 71 mm
26 to 27 mm.; culmen 22 to 24 mm.

Distribution. Sikkim to the Abor Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.

.5 tarsus

(474) Sphenocichla roberti.
Ropert’s WEDGE-BILLED WREN.

Sphenocichla roberti Godw.-Aust. oe . Lbis, 1875, p. 251 (Hemeo,
N. Cachar); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 35¢
Vernacular names. 7%ng-linrui adie (Kacha Naga).

Description. Above dark reddish golden-brown, the feathers
of the head and mantle with darker margins and abaclete ashy

462 TROGLODYTID&.

terminal spots; wings and tail the same barred with darker brown
or blackish and the coverts with indistinct ashy tips; the wing-
quills and rectrices are sometimes slightly reddish on the outer
webs; ear-coverts brown with darker streaks ; a short indistinct
black and white supercilium ; below from chin to abdomen golden-
brown, edged with blackish and with broad white sub-edges
disappearing on posterior flanks, abdomen and under tail-coverts.

Colours of soft parts. Iris rich brown; bill very pale bluish-
slaty, the base of maxilla and culmen much darker; legs dark
brown, the soles, claws and edges of scutellations pale slaty.

Measurements. Wing 71 to 74mm.; tail 58 to 64 mm.; tarsus
26 to 27 mm.; culmen 25 mm.

Distribution. Assam, Hil!s South of the Brahmaputra. Godwin-
Austen procured this Wren in North Cachar and Manipur ; it
was also obtained by me in the North Cachar and Khasia Hills, by
Tytler in the Naga Hills, and Coltart had it brought in to him
by the Trans-Dikku Nagas from somewhere near Margherita.

Nidification. On the 24th May, 1898, a bird of this species
was brought to me by a Naga with nest and four eggs. The
former was merely a mass of fine grasses, tendrils and bents
with no lining, placed at the bottom of a long crevice in a large
oak-tree, about 20 feet from the ground. The site selected,
which I afterwards saw, was just such a one as would be used by
a Tree-Creeper. The eggs are pure white, broad, rather pointed
ovals; the shells are very fragile, partly owing to their being very
bard set and had only the faintest gloss. Other eggs brought to
me were quite similar and seven specimens vary between 20-7 x
17-0 and 22°3 x 17-4 mm.

Habits. The little I saw of the habits of this bird showed an
approach both to the Wrens and Tree-Creepers. It was a very
active climber about the rough bark of the bigger trees, though
I never saw it on the higher branches ; on the other hand, it hunted
about in the undergrowths much as the Wrens do. It flew quite
well with a direct, quick flight from tree to tree or bush to bush
but seemed to prefer legs to wings as means of progression.
I never heard its note and the contents of the stomach was
entirely insectivorous, mostly wood-lice and small boring beetles.
The Naga name Ting-linrui is applied to all the Wrens and
Creepers with some qualifying adjective following. These natives,
who are extraordinarily close observers, say that this bird is a
true Tree-Creeper in all its actions.

Genus TESIA Hodgson, 1837.

It is with some diftidence I include this genus in the Z'roglo-
dytide. Its bill, short rounded wing, long legs and large feet all
point to a position in this family, whilst the character of its
habits and nidification confirms the classification. On the other

TESLA. 463

hand, the presence of rictal bristles might induce some ornitho-
logists to place the genus in a family by itself, leading from the
Troglodytide to the Short-winged Chats, Brachypterygine.

In Zesia the bill is equal to or rather more than half the length
of the head, broad at the base and compressed at the tip. The
wings are very short and rounded, the tail so short as to be
invisible and the tarsi and feet very long. The ma'e and female
are alike but the young differ considerably from the adult though
they are not spotted or barred as in the Shortwings or paler than
the adult as in 7imaliide.

Key to Species.

A. Crown golden-brown................ T. cyaniventer, p. 463.
B. Crown bright chestnut T. castaneocoronata, p. 465.

Fig. 92.—Head of T, c. cyaniventer.

(475) Tesia cyaniventer cyaniventer.
‘THE SLATY-BELLIED WREN.

Tesia cyaniventer Hodgson, J. A. S. B., vi, p. 101 (1837) (Nepal).
Tesia cyaniventris, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 192.

Vernacular names. 7%si (Nepal); Samdit-tammong (Lepcha) ;
Ting-linrui bermai-ga (Kacha Naga).

Description. The forehead, chin and nape glistening golden
olive-brown, the yellow more pronounced at the sides of the
crown where it forms a fairly definite supercilium; the rest of
the upper plumage and the visible portions of the closed wings
and tail olive-green; lores and a broad stripe from the lores to
the nape black; sides of the head and whole lower plumage slaty-
blue.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, sometimes, according to
Cockburn, vermilion; bill above and on the tip of the lower
mandible dark brown, the remainder pale horny, often yellowish
or tinged with orange; legs and feet pale fleshy to pale dull
fleshy-brown.

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; wing about 44 to
mm.; tail about 20 mm.; tarsus 24 mm.; culmen 11 to
nm.

The adult female is similar to the male and does noé differ as
described by Oates.

The young bird has the whole upper plumage rather rufescent-
green and the lower parts dull, dark olive-green. The black line

bon

4
1

464 TROGLODYTID®.

through the eye is acquired during the summer with the com-
pletion of the first plumage, but the full brightness of the adult
plumage not until the following moult.

Distribution. Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim, the whole of Assam
North and South of the Brahmaputra, Chin, Kachin Hills and pos-
sibly Annam. McClelland’s olivea, a name given to Assam birds,
cannot stand, as the Assam birds differ in no way from the Nepal ©
and Sikkim birds and I have seen specimens from the Kachin
Hills every bit as bright above and as dark below as any specimen
from those countries. They vary very greatly individually and large
series are necessary for comparison.

Nidification. The Slaty-bellied Wren breeds in April, May and
June South of the Brahmaputra and in June and July North of it,
at all heights between 2,000 and 10,000 feet. The nest is a
beautiful ball of bright green moss lined with moss roots and
measuring some 5 inches in diameter, or, according to Hodgson,
more oval in shape, measuring about 7x5 inches. It may be
placed either ina tangle of creepers or in dense, Jong moss against
a tree or stump, or may be built in amongst the numerous
branches of a thick, low bush, whilst. very rarely, it may be
placed on a steep bank or against a rock or heap of boulders.

The eggs number three or four, very rarely five and vary con-
siderably in appearance. ‘The ground-colour is a very pale pink,
often with a yellowish-salmon tint; the markings consist of
reddish-pink specks and spots, sometimes so fine and so numerous
as to make the eggs look an almost uniform terra-cotta, at other
times sparser and much bolder, showing up well against the
ground-colour and more numerous at the larger end than else-
where. In shape they are normally rather long but blunt
ovals. Fifty eggs average 17-4 x 12°9 mm. and the extremes are:
maxima, 19°1x 13:1 and 17°9x13°6 mm.; minima, 16:8 x 13:2
and 18-0 x 12:0 mm.

Habits. This Wren is found over a greater range of altitude
than any ot the others with the exception of the next bird. It is
certainly found up to at least 10,000 feet in Sikkim in summer,
whilst, on the other hand, Stevens found it right down amongst
the foothills and broken ground on the North bank of the Brah-
maputra, but it must be remembered that in temperature the
plains of North and North-East Assam are equivalent to an
altitude of at least 2,000 feet South of the river and in Burma.
It is a purely forest bird, preferring forests which have an ample
undergrowth in which it can skulk about without showing itself.
It is very loth to take flight and if one can mark it into a dense
isolated bush it can easily be caught with a butterfly net. It
much affects the vicinity of tiny w ater- -courses through boulders
and dense evergreen forest, and its high, shrill note may be heard
mornings and evenings above the ripple of the water. It is
exclusiv ely insectivorous.

TESLA. 465.

(476) Tesia castaneocoronata castaneocoronata.
THe CHESTNUT-HEADED WREN.

Sylvia castaneocoronata Burton, P. Z. 8., 1835, p. 152 (152).
Oligura castaneicoronata, Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 193.

Vernacular names. isi (Nepal); Sanitit-pho (Lecha).

Fig. 93.—Head of 7. c. castaneocoronata.

Description. I’orehead, crown, nape, lores, ear-coverts and a
line under the eyes bright chestnut; a small patch of white
feathers at the posterior corner of the eye; cheeks, chin, throat,
breast and abdomen bright yellow, the breast suffused with oliva-
ceous and mottled with a few indistinct brown bars; sides of
breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts olivaceous ; upper plumage,
wings and tail dark olive-green.

Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red; bill yellowish-horny
or brownish-yellow ; legs fleshy-yellow. ;

Measurements. Length about 100 mm.; wing 43 to 48 mm.;
tail about 15 mm.; tarsus 23 mm.; culmen about 10 to 11 mm.

Distribution. Himalayas from Garhwal to the extreme East of
Assam; the Khasia, Naga and Cachar Hills South of the Brah-
inaputra but not recorded from Manipur or farther South and

Kast.

Nidification. The Chestnut-headed Wren breeds between 6,000
and 8,000 feet in the months of June and July, building a nest
much like that of the last bird but less well put together and
lined with feathers instead of roots. During the breeding season
it haunts oak and other forests where there is ample under-
growth and where the moss and parasitic plants are Juxuriant.
The nest is placed either in a bush or low branch of a treeand no
attempt seems to be made at concealment, though in appearance itis
so like the numerous clumps of moss which are to be seen in every
direction that it would never attract attention. Occasionally a
nest may befound in amongst the moss ona tree-trunk or hanging
from a branch and in such cases they are very difficult to detect.
The eggs number three or, less often, four and are like those of
the Slaty-bellied Wren but usually much darker and richer in
colouring. Fifteen eggs average 17°4x12-9 mm. and the ex-
tremes are: maxima, 18°3 x 13°41nm. and minima, 16°8 x 12'4 mm.
A larger series would probably give a smaller average.

VOL. I. 2H

466 TROGLODYTID®.

Habits. The Chestnut-headed Wren has been found as high
as 11,000 feet in Sikkim and, on the other hand, Stevens has found
them in the low foot-hills of the Assam Himalayas. In their
haunts and actions they very closely resemble Tesia cyaniventer.
Osmaston says :—‘ This pretty little bird, like Zesta, has the
habits of a Wren and frequents brushwood under high forest,
rarely ascending more than a few feet above the ground. It is
common in the neighbourhood of Darjeeling at all elevations up
to 8,000 feet, according to season.

“Tt has a shrill eall of four notes resembling that of Culicicapa
ceylonensis which it utters as it moves restlessly about in thick
cover.”

It is entirely insectiverous in its diet and just as averse to
taking flight as is the Slaty-bellied Wren.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

[Synonyms in italies. |

abbotti (Malacocincla), 260.

abbotti ( Turdinus), 260,

Acanthoptila, 203.

Actinodura, 303.

JEgithaliscus, 93.

githina, 339.

zemodium (Conostoma), 104.

emodium (Conostoma), 104.

e@mnodius (Conostoma), 104.

emodius (Lophophanes), 84.

emodius (Parus), 84,

eralatus ( Pteruthius), 333.

veralatus eralatus (Pteruthius), 333.

Aethorbynchus, 337,

/Ethostoma, 259.

affine ( Trochalopterum), 172.

affine affine (Trochalopterum), 172.

affinis (Garrulax), 172.

albigularis (Dumetia), 229.

albigularis ( Malacocercus), 229.

atbigularis (Pomatorhinus), 215,

albigularis abuensis (Dumetia), 230.

albigularis abuensis (Dumetia), 230.

albigularis albigularis (Dumetia), 229.

alhogularis (Garrulax), 153.

albogularis (Ianthocinela), 153.

albogularis albogularis (Garrulax),
153.

albogularis whistleri (Garrulax), 154,

albogularis whistleri (Garrulax), 154.

Aleippe, 275.

Aleurus, 379.

Alophoixus, 367.

alpinus (Pyrrhocorax), 70.

altirostris (Chrysomma), 235.

altirostris (Pyctorhis), 235.

altirostris altirostris (Pyctorhis), 255.

altirostris griseigularis (Pyctorhis),
236.

altirostris scindicus (Pyctorhis), 237.

altirostris scindicus (Pyctorhis), 237.

ampelina (Yuhina), 318.

ampelinus (Hypocolius), 357.

ampelinus (Hypocolius), 357.

analis (Pycnonotus), 410.

analis (Turdus), 410.

andamanensis (Corvus), 29.

annectens (Leioptila), 300.

annectens (Livptila), 300.

annectens annectens (Leioptila), 300.

annectens davisoni (Leioptila), 302.

annectens saturata (Leioptila), 301.

aplonotus (Parus), 92.

argentauris (Mesia), 354.

argentauris argentauris (Mesia}, 354.

Argya, 196.

assamensis (Drymocataphus), 248.

assimilis (Dendrocitta), 53.

assimilis (Stachyris), 267.

ater zmodius (Lophophanes), 84.

atricapillus (Molpastes), 387.

atriceps (Brachypteryx), 281.

atriceps (Parus), 74.

atriceps (Rhopocichla), 281.

atriceps (Rhopocichla), 281.

atriceps atriceps (Rhopocichla), 281.

atriceps bourdilloni (Rhopocichla),
282.

atriceps
282.

atrosuperciliaris (Suthora), 114.

aurifrons ( Chloropsis), 346.

aurifrons (Phyllornis), 346.

aurifrons aurifrons (Chloropsis), 546.

aurifrons davidsoni (Chloropsis), 348.

aurifrons davidsoni (Chloropsis), 348.

aurifrons inornata (Chloropsis), 349.

aurifrons inornatus ( Chioropsis), 349.

aurigasterxanthorrhous(Pycnonotus),

411.

(Rhopocichla),

nigrifrons

2H 2

468

austent (Grammatoptila), 185.
austent (lanthocinela), 160.

austeni (Pomatorhinus). 218.

austent (Proparus), 291.

austent ( Trochalopteron), 160.
austeni austeni (lanthocincla), 160.
austeni victoriz (Ianthocincla), 161.

Babax, 187.

bactriana (Pica), 38.

bayleyi (Dendrocitta), 55.

hayleyt (Dendrocitta), 55.

beavani (Lophophanes), 86.

belangeri (Garrulax), 148.

hengalensis (Molpastes), 387.

bengalensis ( Timalia), 226.

hicolor (Brachypteryx), 258.

bicolor (Erythrocichla), 258.

hicolor (Erythrocichla), 258.

hinghami (Stachyris), 266.

bispecularis (Garrulus), 63.

bispecularis (Garrulus), 63.

bispecularis bispecularis (Garrulus),
63.

bispecularis haringtoni
65.

ee interstinectus (Garrulus),

4.

hispecularis interstinctus (Garrulus),
64

bispecularis persaturatus (Garrulus),
65.

bispecularis persaturatus (Garrulus),
65.

blanfordi (Pycnonotus), 420.

bocharensis var. intermedius (Parus),
76.

bonvaloti (Agiihaliscus), 96.

bonvaloti (Atgithaliscus), 96.

bonvaloti bonvaloti (Aigithaliscus),
96.

bonvaloti sharpei (Agithaliscus), 97.

bottanensis (Pica), 39.

hourdilloni (Alcippe), 282.

bourdilioni (Rhopocichla), 282.

brevicaudata ( Corythocichla}, 251.

brevicaudatus (Turdinus). 251.

brevicaudatus brevicaudatus (Lurdi-
nulus), 251.

brevicandatus striatus (Turdinulus),
Dole

brevicaudatus venningi (Turdinulus),
252.

brevicaudatus venningt (Turdinulus),
252.

brucei (Alcippe), 278.

brunvea (Suthora), 112.

brunnercauda (Minla), 289.

burmanicus (Criniger), 364.

burmanicus (Molpastes), 315.

(Garrulus),

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

cachinnans (Crateropus), 176.

cachinnans (Trochalopterum), 176.

cachinnans ( Trochalopterum), 176.

cachinnans cachinnans (Trochalo-
pteruin), 176.

cachinnans cinnamomeum (‘Trochalo-
pterum), 177.

cerulatus (Cinclosoma), 141.

cerulatas (Dryonastes), 141.

cerulatus ceerulatus (Dryonastes),
141.

ceerulatus kaurensis (Dryonastes), 143.

cerulatus subcerulatus (Dryonastes),
142.

callipyga (Bahila), 328.

canifrons (Spizixus,, 400.

canifrons canifrons (Spizixus), 400.

canorus (Crateropus), 191.

capistrata (Lioptila), 296.

capistrata capistrata (Leioptila), 296.

capistrata pallida (Leioptila), 298.

capistrata pallida (Lioptila), 298.

capistratum (Cinclosoma), 296.

castaneicauda (Siva), 314.

castaneiceps (Ixulus), 310.

castaneiceps (Minla), 288.

castaneiceps ( Sittiparus), 288.

castaneiceps (Staphidia), 310.

castaneiceps (Staphidia), 310.

castaneiceps brunneicauda (Pseudo-
minla), 289.

castaneiceps
minla), 288,

castanetcoronata (Oligura), 465.

castanetventris ( Sitta), 128.

castaneiventris castaneiventris (Sitta),
128.

castaneiventris cinnamoventris (Sitta),
125.

castaneiventris neglecta (Sitta), 126.

castaneocoronata (Sylvia), 465.

castaneocoronata — castaneocoronata
(Lesia), 465.

castanoptera (Leioptila), 300.

castanoptera (Lioptila), 300.

castanoptera (Malacias), 300.

caryocatactes hemispila (Nucifraga),
66.

caudata (Argya), 198.

caudata (Tesia), 456.

caudata ( Urocichla), 456.

caudata caudata (Argya), 198.

caudata huttoni (Argya), 199.

caudatus ( Cossyphus), 198.

caudatus (Spel:eornis), 456.

Cerasophila, ono

Certhia, 428.

Certhiidae, 428.

chinensis (Cissa), 45.

chinensis ( Coracias), 49.

chinensis (Drysnastes), 141.

castaneiceps (Pseudo-

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

chinensis chinensis (Cissa), 45.

chinensis leucogenys (Dryonastes),
141.

chlorocephala ( Chloropsis), 350.

chlorocephalus (Phyllornis), 350.

Chloropsis, 346.

chocolatina (Pnoepyga), 453.

chrysea ( Stachyris), 265.

chrysiea assimilis (Stacbyvis), 267.

chrysxa binghami (Stachyris), 266.

chrysa chrysea (Stachyris), 265.

chrysea chrysops (Stachyris), 267.

chrysea chrysops (Stachyris), 267,

chryseus (Lioparus), 293.

chrysoptera (Lanthocincla), 166.

chrysopterum ( Trochalopterum), 166.

chrysorrhoides (Hematornis), 387.

_ chrysotis (Lioparus), 295.

chrysotis (Proparus), 293.

cineracea (Lanthoct tncla), 1d

cineracea cineracea Gee anes
156.

cineracea styani (Lanthoeinela), 157.

cineraceum ( Trochalopterum), 156.

cinerea (Minla), 28

cinerea (Pseudominla), 287.

cinereifrons (Crateropus), 196.

c inerei fr ons (Garrulawx). 196,

cinerelfrons (‘Turdoides), 196.

cinereiventris (Brachypodius), 426.

cinereiventris (Micropus), 426

cinereiventris (Microtarsus), 426.

cinereus (Parus), 74.

cinereus (Sittiparus), 287.

ciunamomeoventris (Sitta), 125,

cinnamomeum ( Trochalopterum), 177.

cinnamomeus (Drymocataphus), 24+

cirnamoventris (Sitti), 125.

Cissa, +45,

clarkit (Ixulus), 324.

comniatus ( Parus), 78.

communis korejewit (Parus), 82.

concolor (Hypsipetes), 372.

conecinnus (Agithaliscus), 93.

concinnus iredalei (Aigithaliscus), 93.

concinnus tredalei {Aigithaliscus), 93.

concinnus magnipurensis (A¢githalis-
cus), 94.

concinnus pulchellus (Aigithaliscus),

iz

concinnus talifuensis (Zgithaliseus),
95.

Conostoma, 103.

corax (Corvus), 21

corax (Corvus), 21, 28.

eorax lawrencei (Corvus), 21.

corax tibetanus (Corvus), 23.

cormx (corvus), 32.

cornix sharpii (Corvus), 32.

coronatus (Atgithalus), 100.

coronatus (Remiz), 100.

469

corone (Corvus), 24.
corone orientalis (Corvus), 24.
coronoides (Corvus), 25.
coronoides andamanensis
29.
coronoides culminatus (Corvus), 28.
coronoides intermedius (Coryt tS), Zot
coronoides levaillanti (Corvus), 27.
Corvide, 18.
Corvus, 20.
corvus ruficollis (Corvus), 28
eraddocki (Suthora), 11.
Criniger, 361.
eriniger (Brachypodius (?)), 366.
cr wnger ( Tricholestes), 366.
criniger criniger (Tricholestes), 356.
crispifrons (Ci ursonia), 249.
crispifrons (Gypsophila) 2A.
crispifrons (Turdinus), 249.
Crypsirhina, 56.
eucullata (Crypsirbina), 57.
cuculiata <Crypsirhina), 5
cucullata ( Urocissa), +4.
culminatus (Corvus), 28.
Cursonia, 248,
Cutia, 329.
cyaniventer (Tesia., 463.
cyaniventer cyaniventer (Tesia), 463.
cyaniventris (Pycnonotus), 416.
cyaniventris (lesia), 463.
cyaniventris cyaniventris
notus), +16.
Cyanoderina, 271.
cyanopogon (Chloropsis), 353.
cyanopoyon ( Chloropsis), 353.
cyanopogon (Phyllornis), 353.
ceyanouroptera (Siva), 314
cyanouroptera cyanouroptera (Siva),
314.
cyanouroptera oatesi (Siva), 316.
cyanouroptera oatest (Siva), 316.
cyanouroptera sordida (Siva), 316.
cyanouroptera wingatei (Siva), 515.
cyanus tianschanicus (Parus), 81.
cyanus var, tianschanicus (Cyanistes),
Sl.

(Corvus),

Y

fle

(Pyeno-

daflaensis (Actinodura), 309.
daflaensis (Ixvops), 309.
davidiana thompsoni
115.
davisont (Hemixus), 376.
davisoni (Ixus), 413.
davisont ( Lioptila), 302.
davisoni (Stachyris), 265.
davisoné (Turdinulus), 254.
delesserti ( Crateropus), 149.
delesserti (Garrulax), 149.
delesserti (Garrulax), 149.
Dendrocitta, 47.

(Neosuthora),

470 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

diademata ampelina (Yubina), 518.
diardi (Garrulax), 148.

diardi (Turdus), 148).

dichrous (Lophophanes), 86.

dichrous (Lophophanes), 87.

dichrous (Parus), 87.

dichrous dichrous (Lophophanes), 87.
dichrous wellsi (Lophophanes), 87.
dichrous wellsi (Lophophanes), 87.
discolor (Certhia), 435.

discolor ( Certhia), 435.

discolor discolor (Certhia), 435.
discolor fuliginosa (Certhia), 488.
discolor manipurensis (Certhia), 457.
discolor victorize (Certhia), 487.
Dryonastes, 138.

dubius (Proparus), 283

dubius (Scheniparus), I83,

dubius dubius (Schceniparus), 2 283.

dubius genestieri (Schaeniparus), 285.
dubius inandellii (Scheeniparus), 284.

Dumetia, 228.

earlii (Argya), 197.

earlit (Argya), 197.

earlii (Malacocercus), 197.

eger oe (Actinodura), 305.

egertoni egertoni (Actinodura), 303.

egertoni khasiana (Actinodura), 304.

egertoni ripponi (Actinodura), 305.

Elachura, 448.

emeria (Lanius), 894.

emerta (Otocompsa), 394.

emeria emeria (Otocompsa), 394.

emeria fuscicaudata (Otocompsa),
396.

emeria peguensis (Otocompsa), 396.

epilepidotus bakeri (Turdinulus), 255.

eptlepidotus bakeri arundel, Pod:

epilepidotus davisoni (‘Turdinulus),
254.

eremita (Graculus), 68.

Erpornis, 524.

erythrocephalum (Cinclosoma), 163.

erythrocephalum (Lrochalopterum),
1162.

erythrocephaluim
165.

erythrocephalum chrysopterum (‘Tro-
chalopteruim), 166.

erythrocephalunm — erythrocephalum
(Trochalopterum), 163,

erythrocephalum erythrolema (‘Tro-
chalopterum), 164.

erythrocephalum godwinit (Trochalo-
pterum), 165.

erythrocephalum godwini (Trochalo-
plerum), 165.

erythrocephalum melanostigma (Tro-
chalopterum), 167. ;

( Trochalopterum),

erythrocephalum nigrimentum (Lro-
chalopterum), 164.

erythrocephalum ramsayi (Trochalo-
pteruw), 168.

erythrocephalum woodi (Truchalo-
pterum), 166.

erythrocephalum woodi (Trechalo-
pterum), 166.

eruthrocephalus (Atgithuliscus), 99.

Erythrocichla, 258.

erythrogenys (Pomatorhinus), 219.

erythrogenys (Pomatorhinus). 220.

erythrogenys erythrogenys (Pomato-
rhinus), 220.

erythrogenys gravivex (Pomato-
rhinus), 221.

erythrogenys vue (Pomato-
rhinus), 220

erythrogenys imberbis (Pomato-
rhinus), 222.

erythrogenys macclellandi (Pomato-
rhinus), 221.

eythrolema (Trochulopterum), 164.

erythrophthalmus (Lvos). 422.

erythrophthalmus erythrophtbalimus
(Pyenonotus), 422.

erythroptera (Timalia), 271.

eS Rh (Cyano-
derma), 2

Hie "( Cyanoder ma), 271.

erythropterus (Lanius), 331.

erythropterus (Pteruthius), 551,

erythropterus (Pteruthius), 331,

euptilosa (Pinarocichia), 399.

europea nagaensis (Sitta), 127.

eutilota (Pinarocichla), 399.

cutilotus (Braehypus), 399.

Jairhanki (Trochalopterum), 178.

familiaris (Certhia), 452.

familiaris hodgsoni (Certhia), 4384.

familiaris khamensis (Certhia), 454.

familiaris nepalensis (Certhia), 488.

fee (Suthora), 111.

ferruginosus (Pomatorhinus), 28

Jerruginosus (Pomatorhinus), 21 oe

ferruginosus albigularis (Pomato-
rhinus), 215.

ferruginosus ferruginosus (Pomato-
rhinus), 213.

ferruginosus maria (Pomatorhinus),
215:

ferruginosus phayrei(Pomatorhinus),
214.

finlaysoni (Pyenonotus), 512.

Jinlaysont (Pyenonotus), 412.

finlaysoni davisoni (Pyenonotus), 413.

finlaysoni finlaysoni (Pycnonotus),
412:

jlavala (Henvivus), 374.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

flavala davisoni (Hemixus), 376.

flavala flavala (Hemixus), 374.

flavala hildebrandi (Hemixus), 376.

jlaveolus ( Criniger), 368.

Haveolus (Trichophorus), 363.

flavescens (Pycnonotus), 392.

Jlavescens (Xanthixus), 392.

flavescens flavescens (Xanthixus),
392.

flavescens vividus (Xanthixus), 393.

flavescens vividus (Xanthixus), 398.

Havicollis (Ixvulus), 322.

Havicollis (Yuhina), 322.

flavicollis baileyi (Ixulus), 325,

Havicollis baileyi (Lrulus), 325.

flavicollis flavicollis (Ixulus), 323.

flavicollis harterti (Ixulus), 323.

flavicollis harterti (Ivulus), 328.

flavirostris (Paradoxornis), 105.

Havirostris (Paradowxornis), 105.

flavirvostris (Psilorhinus), 48.

flavirostris (Urocissa), 43.

jflavirostris (Urocissa), 48.

flavirostris cucullata (Urocissa), 44.

flavirostris flavirostris (Urocissa), 43.

Haviventris (Olocompsa), 397.

Haviventris (Vanga), 597.

flaviventris flaviventris (Otocompsa),
397.

flaviventris minor (Otocompsa), 598.

flaviventris minor ( Otocompsa), 398.

flavocristatus (Parus), 102.

formosa (Hlachura), 449,

formosa (Sitta), 181.

Jormeosa (Sitta), 131.

JSormosus (Troglodytes), 449.

Jratercula (Alcippe), 277.

frontalis (Dendrocitta), 54.

frontalis (Dendrocitta), 54.

Jrontalis (Sitta), 182.

frontalis frontalis (Sitta), 132.

Srugilegus (Corvus), 30.

frugilegus tschusii (Corvus), 30.

Sruyilegus tchusii (Corvus), 80.

Fulvetta, 289.

Sulvifrons (Suthora), 1138.

Sulvifrons (Temnoris), 113.

fulvifrons fulvifrons (Suthora), 113.

fuscicapilluim (Pellorneum), 245.

fuscicapillum babaulti (Pellorneum),
245.

fuscicapillum babaulti (Scotocichla),
245,

fuscicapillum fascicapillum (Pellor-
neum), 245.

Suscicapillus (Drymocataphus), 245.

Juscicaudata (Otocompsa), 396.

JSusciflavescens (Brachypodius), 4265.

Susciflavescens <Micropus), 425.

galbanus (Dryonastes), 145.

galbanus (Dryonastes), 145.

galbanus (Garrulax), 145.

Gampsorhynchus, 280.

ganeesa (Hypsipetes), 372.

Garrulax, 145.

Garrulus, 59.

genestiert (Alcippe), 285.

goiavier analis (Pynconotus), 410.

gracilis ( Hypsipetes), 298.

gracilis (Leioptila), 298.

gracilis (Lioptila), 298.

gracilus (Corvus), 70.

graculus (Pyrrhocorax), 70.

Gramimatoptila, 184.

gravivex (Pomatorhinus), 221.

grisciceps (Criniger), 365.

griseigularis (Pyctorhis), 236.

griseus (Crateropus). 193, 194.

griseus (Turdus), 193.

griseus griseus (Turdoides), 193.

griseus striatus (Turdoides), 194.

gularis (Argya), 199.

gularis (Argya), 199.

gularis (Brachypus), 415.

guiaris (Chatarrhea), 199.

gularis (Garrulax), 152.

gularis (Garrulax), 152.

gularis (Ianthocinela), 152.

gularis (Mixornis), 274.

gularis (Paradoxornis), 118.

gularis (Pyenonotus), 415.

gularis (Pycnonotus), 415.

gularis (Sceeorhynchus), 118.

gularis (Yuhina), 317.

gularis craddocki (Suthora), 111.

gularis gularis (Psittiparus), 118.

gularis gularis (Yubina), 317.

gularis minor (Mixornis), 274.

gularis transfluyialis (Psittiparus),
118.

gularis transfluvialus (Sce@orhynchus),
118.

gularis yangpiensis (Yuhina), 318.

guttata (Thringorhina), 262.

guttata (Thringorhina), 262.

guttaticollis (Paradoxornis), 106.

quttaticollis (Paradoxornis), 106.

guttaticollis (Turdinulus), 254.

guttatus (Turdinus), 262.

gutturalis (Criniger), 362.

hemorrhous (Molpastes), 388.

hemorrhous (Muscicapa), 383.

hemorrhous bengalensis (Molpastes),
3ST.

hemorrhous burmanicus (Molpastes),
385.

hemorrhous chrysorrhoides (Mol-
pastes), 387.

hemorrhous

pastes), 383.

(Mol-

hemorrhous

A472 ALPHABELICAL INDEX.

hemorrhous intermedius (Molpastes),
389.

hemorrhous nigripileus (Molpastes),
O86. b

hemorrhous pallidus (Molpastes),
385.

hemorrhous pallidus (Molpastes), 385.

hardwickii (Chloropsis), 349.

hardwickii hardwickii (Chloropsis),
349.

haplonota (Elachura), 450.

haplonotu (Elachura), 450.

haplonotus (Machlolophus), 92.

haringtoni (Garrulus), 65.

haringtoni (Pomatorhinus), 220.

hemispila (Nucifraga), 66.

Hemixus, 374.

henrici (Trochalopterum), 183.

henrict ( Trochatopterum), 183.

Hilarociechla, 356.

hildebrandi (Hemixus), 376.

himalayana (Certhia), 428.

himalayana (Certhia), 480.

himalayana hbimalayana (Certhia),
430.

himalayana intermedia (Certhia),
432.

himalayana intermedia (Certhia),
432.

himalayana teniura (Certhia), 451.

himalayana yunnanensis (Certhia),
432.

himalayensis (Dendrocitta), 52.

himalayensis (Sitta), 122.

himalayensis (Sitta), 122.

hodgsont ( Certhia), 434.

holerythrops (Lrochalopterum), 164.

holtt binghami (Lole), 379.

Horizillas, 257.

horsfieldi (Pomatorhinus), 210.

horsfieldi (Pomatorhinus), 210.

horsfieldi horsfieldi (Pomato-
rhinus), 210.

horsfieldi melanurus (Pomato-
rhinus), 212.

horsfieldi obscurus (Pomatorhinus),
211.

horsfieldi travancoriensis (Pomato-
rhinus), 2U1.

horsfieldi travancoriensis (Pomato-
rhinus), 21).

humei (Heterorhynchus), 461.

humei (Sphenocichla), 461.

humei (Sphenocichla), 461.

humii (Mo/pastes), 391.

humii (Suthora), 110.

humilis (Irulus), 324.

humilis (Podoces), 71.

humilis (Podoces), 71.

humilis clarkii (1xulus), 324.

humilis humilis (Ixulus), 324.

huttont (Malacocercus), 199.
hyperythra (Dumetia), 228.
hyperythra (Dumetia), 228.
hyperythra (Timalia), 228.
Hypocolius, 356.
hypoleucus (Othorhinus), 222.
hypoleucus (Pomatorhinus), 222.
hypoleucus (Pomatorhinus), 222.
hypoleucus hypoleucus (Pomato-
rhinus), 222.
hypoleucas tickelli (Pomatorhinus),

yo
“=

Tanthocinela, 155.

icterica (Iole), 405.

actericu, (ole), 408.

iclericus (Criniger), 405.

icterocephala chlorocephala (Chlorop-
sis), 390.

ignotineta (Minla), 355.

ignotineta (Minla), 359.

ignotun (Pellorneum), 243.

ignotum cinnamomeum (Pellorneum),
244.

ignotum ignotum (Pellorneum), 243.

imberbis (Pomatorhinus), 222.

imbricatum (Trochalopterum), 183.

imbricatus (Garrulaz), 183.

insolens \ Corvus), 34.

intermedius (Allotrius), 335.

intermedius (Corvus), 23.

intermedius (Molpastes), 389.

intermedius (Pieruthius), 335.

intermedius (Pycnonotus), 289.

Tole, 405.

ioschistus (githaliscus), 99.

ioschistos ( Afgithaliseus), 99.

toschistos (Parus), 99.

Ixops, 307.

Txulus, 321.

jerdoni (Chloropsis), 582.

jerdoni (Chloropsis), 352.

jerdoni (Garrulax), 177.

jerdoni (Phyllornis), 352.

jerdont (Tinalia), 227.

jerdoni (Trochalopterum), 177.

jerdoni ( Lrochalopterum), 177.

jerdoni fairbanki (Trochalopterum),
178.

jerdoni jerdoni (Trochalopterum),
WE Uc

jerdoni meridionale (Trochalo-
pterum), 178.

kashmiriensis (Sitta), 128.
kashmniriensis (Sitta), 128.
kaurensis (Dryonastes), 143.

—

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

kauriensis ( Vrocichla}, 454.
Kelaartia, 426.

khamensis (Certhia), 434.
khasiana ( Actinodura), 304.

lafresnayi (Aethorhynechus), 338.

lafresnayi (Aethorhynchus), 338.

lafresnayt (Lora), 338.

lanceolatus (Garrulus), 60.

lanceolatus (Garrulus), 60.

Zancevlatus (Pterorhinus), 187.

lanceolatus lanceolatus (Babax), 187.

lanceolatus victoriz (Babax), 188.

laurencii (Corvus), 21.

Leioptila, 296.

leucogastra (Dendrocitta), 51.

leucogastra (Dendrocitta), 51.

leucogenys (Kgithaliscus), 97.

leucogenys (Aigithaliscus), 97.

teucogenys (Brachypus), 389.

leucogenys ( Crateropus), 141.

Jeucogenys (Molpastes), 389.

Leucogenys ( Orites), 97.

leucogenys humii (Molpastes), 591.

leucogenys leucogenys (Molpastes),
389.

leucogenys leucotis (Molpastes), 399,

Zeucolophus (Corvus), 146.

leucolophus (Garrulax), 146,

leucolophus belangeri (Garrulax),
148.

leucolophus diardi (Garrulax), 148.

leucolophus leucolophus (Garrulax),
146.

leucopsis (Sitta), 130.

leucopsis leucopsis (Sitta), 130.

leucopterus ( Glaucopsis), 58.

leucopterus (Platysmurus), 58,

leucopterus (Platysmurus), 58.

leucotis (Garrulus), 61.

leucotis (Garrulus), 61.

leucotis (Ixos), 390.

Leucotis (Molpastes), 390.

leucotis leucotis (Garrulus), 61,

leucotis oatesi (Garrulus), 62.

Levaillanti (Corvus), 27.

lineatwin (Cinclosoma), 180.

lineatum (Trochalopterum), 180.

lineatuin (Trochalopterum), 180.

lineatum gilgit (Ianthocincla), 182.

lineatum gilgit (Lrochalopterum),
182.

lineatum griseicentior (LIanthocincla),

181.

lineatum griseicentior (Trochalo-
pterum), 181.
lineatum — imbricatum (Trochalo-

pterum), 183.
lineatum lineatum (Trochalopterum),
180.

473

lineatum ziaratensis (Trochalopte-
rum), 182.

lineatum ziaratensis (Ianthocinela),
182. ;

Lioparus, 293.

Liothrix, 327.

Liotrichine, 326.

longicaudata (Pnoepyga), 452.

longicaudata ( Urocichla), 452.

longicaudatus (Spelornis), 451.

longicaudatus chocolatinus (Spelee-
ornis), 403.

longicaudatus kauriensis (Speleornis),
454.

longicaudatus

tus longicaudatus (Spele-
ornis), 452.

longicaudatus oatesi (Spelaornis),
455.
longicaudatus reptatus (Speleornis),
455.
longicaudatus sinlumensis (Spele-

ornis), 453.
longirostris (Argya), 202.
longirostris (Argya), 202.
longtrostris ( Pyctorhis), 202.
lonnbergi (Craniger), 408.
Lophophanes, 85.
_lutea (Liothrix), 327.
lutea (Liothrix), 328.
lutea callipyga (Liothrix), 528.
lutea yunnanensis (Liothrix), 529.
lutea yunnanensis (Liothrix), 329.
lutcolus (Hematornis), 417.
luteolus (Pyenonotus), 417.
luteolus (Pycnonotus), 417.

macclellandi (Hemixus), 377.

macclellandi (Hypsipetes), 377.

macclellandi (Pomatorhinus), 221.

macclellandi binghami (Hemixus),
379.

macclellandi macclellandi (Hemixus),
377.

macclellandi tickellii (Hemixus), 378.

Machlolophus, 89.

macrorhynchus (Corvus), 27, 28, 29.

magna (Sitta), 128.

magna (Sitta), 128.

magna magna (Horizillas), 257.

magnirostre (Alcippe), 258.

magnirostre (Horiziilas), 258.

magnirostre (Malacopterum), 258.

magnirostris (Alcippe), 280.

magnirostris (Psilorhinus), 42.

magnum (Malacopterum), 257.

major (Parus), 73.

major cinereus (Parus), 74.

major commixtus (Parus), 78.

major intermedius (Parus), 76.

major kaschmiriensis (Parus), 76.

474 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

major haschmiriensis (Parus), 76.

major mahrattarum (Parus), 77.

major mahrattarum (Parus), 77.

major planorum (Parus), 77.

major planorum (Parus), 77.

major tibetanus (Parus), 77.

mayor tibetanus (Parus), 78.

malabarica (Chloropsis), 348.

malabaricus (Malacocercus), 192.

malaccensis ( Hypsipetes), 404.

malaceensis (Lole), 404.

malaccensis malaccensis (Lole), 404.

Malacocincela, 260.

malacoptilus (Rimator), 255.

malacoptilus (Rimator), 25d.

malcolmi (Argya), 200.

malcolmi (Argya), 200.

malcolmi (Ttmatia), 200.

mandellit (Pellorneum), 240.

mandellit (Scheniparus), 284.

manipurensis (Aigithaliscus), 94.

manipurensis ( Certhia), 437.

manipurensis (Fulvetta), 292.

manipurensis (Proparus), 292,

marie (Ponatorhinus), 215.

mearsi (Pomatorhinus), 207.

melanicterus (Muscicapa), 414.

melanicterus (Pyenonotus), 414.

melanicterus (Pycnonotus), 414.

melanocephala (Urocissa), 40.

melanocephala magnirostris (Uro-
cissa), 42.

melanocephala melanocephala (Uro-
cissa), 41.

melanocephala occipitalis (Urocissa),
41.

melanocephalus ( Coracius), +1.

melanocephalus (Lanius), 423.

melanocephatus (Micropus), 423.

melanocephaius fusciflavescens (Mi-
crotarsus), 425.

melanocephalus —melanocephalus
(Microtarsus), 428.

Melanchlora, 101.

melanoleuca (Lioptila), 299.

melanoleuca (Sibia), 299.

melanoleuca melanoleuca (Leioptila),
299.

melanoleuca radeliffei (Leioptila),
300.

melanolophus (Lophophanes), 83.

melanolophus (Lophophanes), 83.

melanolophus ( Parus). 83.

melanostigma (Garrulax), 167.

melanostigma ( Trochalopterum), 167.

melanotis (Pteruthius), 333.

melanotis intermedius (Pterutbius),
330,

melanotis melanotis (Pteruthius),
SR

melanurus (Potmatorhinus), 212.

meridionale (Trovkalopteron), 178.

merulina (Stactocichla), 186.

meruiina merulina (Stactocichla),
186.

merulinus (Garrulex), 186.

Mesia, 353.

Microscelis, 568.

Microtarsus, 422.

milnei sharpei (Trochalopterum),
170.

Minla, 355.

minor (Parus), 78.

minus (Pellorneum), 242.

Mixornis, 272.

modestus (Sylviparus), 88.

modestus (Sylviparus), 8.

modestus modestus (Sylviparus), 88.

modestus saturatior (Sylviparus), 89.

modestus simlaensis (Sylviparus), 88.

modestus stintaensis (Sylviparus), 88.

Molpastes, 381.

monedula (Corvus), 36.

monedula scemmeringii (Corvus), 36.

moniliger (Cinclosoma), 15}.

moniliger (Garrulax), 151.

moniliger fuscata (Garrulax), 152.

moniliger fuscata (Garrulax), 1h.

moniliger moniliger (Garrulax), 151.

monticolus (Parus), 80.

monticolus monticolus (Parus), 80.

multipunctata (Nucifraga), 67,

multipunctata (Nucifraga), 67.

muraria ( Certhia), 441.

muraria (Tichodroma), 441.

muraria (Tichodroma), 441,

Myzornis, 544.

nagaensis (Sitta), 127.

nasalis (Pyctorhis), 235.

neglecta (Anothura), 446.

neglecta (Sitta), 126.

neglectus (Troglodytes), 446.
Neosuthora, 115.

nepaiensis (Acanthophila), 204.
nepalensis (Alcippe), 275.
nepalensis (Ixops), 307.

nepalensis (Siva), 278.

nepalensis (Suthora), 109.
nepalensis (Suthora), 109.
nepalensis fratercula (Alcippe), 27
nepalensis nepalensis (Alcippe), 27
neumayer tephroncta (Sitta), 129,
nicobariensis ( Hypsipetes), 408.
nieobariensis (Tule), 408.
nicobariensis (Iole), 408.
nigricapitata (Brachypteryx), 246.
nigricapitatum (Pellorneum), 246.
nigricapitatus (Drymocataphus), 246.
nigriceps (Stachyris), 264.

nigriceps coltarti (Stachyris), 265.

(fe

3.

ae

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

nigriceps coltarti (Stachyris), 265.
nigriceps davisoni (Stachyris), 265.
nigYiceps nigriceps (Stachyris), 264.
nigrifrous (Alcippe), 282-
nigrifrons (Rhopocichla), 282.
nigrimentunr (Polyodon), 820.
nigrimentum (L'rochalopterwir), 164.
nigrimentum (Yuhina), 320.
nigrimentum nigrimentum (Yuhina),
320.
nigripileus (Molpastes), 386.
nigripileus (Pycnonotus), 386.
nigrolutea (Aigithina), 544,
nigrolutea { Atgithina), 344.
nigrolutea (Lora), 344.
nipalensis (Acanthoptila), 204.
nipalensis (Anothura), 445.
nipalensis ( Certhia), 453.
nipalensis (Cinclosoma). 307.
nipalensis (Curia), 329.
nipalensis (Ixops), 307.
nipalensis (Timalia), 204.
nipalensis ( Troglodytes), 445.
nipalensis daflaensis (Ixops), 309.
nipalensis nipalensis (Cutia), 329.
nipalensis nipalensis (Ixops), 507.
nipalensis poliotis (Ixops), 309.
nipalensis waldeni (Ixops), 508.
niveogularis (Aigithaliscus), 98.
niveogularis (Aigithaliscus), 98.
niveogularis ( Orites), 98.
nuchalis (Dryonastes), 140.
nuchalis (Dryonastes), 140.
nuchalis Garrulax), 140.
nuchalis (Parus), 79.
nuchalis ( Parus), 79.
nuchelis (Pomaiorhinus), 208.
wuchalis (Pomatorhinus), 208.
Nucifraga, 65,

vatest (Garrulus), 62.

oatest ( Urochichla), 455.

obscurus (Pomatorhinus), 211.

occipitalis (Ixulus), 321.

occipitalis (Trulus), 321.

oecipitalis (Psilorhinus), 41.

oceipitalis (Siva), 321.

ocetpitalis ( Urocissa), 41, 42.

occipitalis (Yuhina), 319.

occipitalis occipitalis (Yuhina), 319.

ocellata (Lanthocincla), 155.

ocellata ocellata (Lanthocincla), 155.

ocellatum (Cinclosoma), 155.

ochraceiceps (Pomatorhinus), 217.

ochraceiceps (Pomatorhinus), 217.

ochraceiceps austeni (Pomatorhinus),
218.

ochraceiceps ochraceiceps (Pomato-
rhinus), 217.

ochraceiceps stenorhynchus (Pomato-
rhinus), 219.

475

ochrocephalus (Trachycomus), 402.

ochrocephalus ( Trachycomus), 402.

ochrocephalus (Turdus), 402.

oglei (Actinura), 262.

oglei (Thringorhina), 262.

oglii (Thringorhina), 262.

clivacea (Tole), 406.

olivacea cinnamomeoyentris (Lole),
407.

olivacea loénnbergi (Iole), 408.

olivacea virescens (Lola), 406.

olivaceus (Pomatorbinus), 209.

olivaceus (Pomatorhinus), 209.

olivaceus olivaceus (Pomatorhinus),
209.

olivaceus ripponi (Pomatorhinus),
210.

orientalis (Corvus), 24.

ornata (Cissa), 46.

ornata (Cissa), 46.

ornata ( Pica), 46.

Otocompsa, 394.

pallida grandis ( Criniger), 365.

palustre (Pellorneuim), 242.

palustre (Pellorneum), 242.

palustris (Parus), 82.

palustris korejewi (Parus), 82.

palustris peecilopsis (Parus), 82.

Paradoxornis, 105,

Paiavoxornitnips, 103.

Pariva, 72.

Parus, 79.

Passeres, 10.

pectoralis (Garrulax), 150.

pectoralis (Lanthocincla), 150.

pectoralis pectoralis (Garrulax), 150.

pectoralis semitorquata (Garrulax),
151.

Pellorneum, 287.

penicillata (Kelaartia), 426,

penicillata (axelaartia), 426.

penicillatus (Pycnonotus), 426.

pheocephala (Alctppe), 277.

pheocephala davisoni (Alcippe), 279.

pheocephala haringtonie (Alcippe),
280.

phxocephalus (Alophoixus), 368.

pheocephalus (Alophoixus), 368.

pheocephalus (Ixos), 368.

pheocephalus (Micropus), 425.

phayrei (Alcippe), 278.

phayrei (Pomatorhinus), 214.

phenicea (Lanthocincla), 168.

pheeniceum (Trochalopterum), 168.

pheniceum (Trochalopterum), 168.

pheeniceum bakeri (Trochalopterum),
169.

pheniceum bakeri (Trochalopteron),

169.

476 ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

phoeniceum pheeniceum (Trocha-
lopterum), 168.

pheeniceum ripponi (Trochalo-
pterum), 170.

Pica on.

pica (Pica), 38.

pica bactriana (Pica), 38.

pica bottanensis (Pia), 39.

pica serica (Pica), 39.

picaoides (Sibia), 295.

picaoides picavides (Sibia), 295.

pueatu (Prinia), 274.

pileata (Timalia), 225.

puleata (Timelia), 226.

pileata bengalensis (Limalia), 226.

pileata jerdoni (‘Timalia), 227.

Pinarocichla, 399.

pinwili (Pomatorhinus), 208.

Platysmurus, 58.

plumosus (Pycnonotus), 418.

plumosus (Pyncnonetus), 419.

plumosus blaudfordi (Pycnonotus),
420.

plumosus) plumosus (Pycnonotus),
419.

plumosus robinsoni (Pyenonotus),
420.

Pnoepyga, 457.

Podoces, 71.

pecilopsis (Lophophanes), 82.

potocephalus (Brachypus), 425.

poivcepbalus (Microtarsus), 425,

potoicephala (Thimalia), 277.

poioicephala brucei (Alcippe), 278.

peloicephala davisoni (Alcippe), 280.

poloicephala haringtonize (Alcippe),
280.

poloicephala magnirostris (Alcippe),
230

poioicephala phayrei (Alcippe), 278.

poioicephala poioicephala (Alcippe),
277.

poliotis (Lxops), 309.

poliotis (Suthora), 109.

poliotis fez (Suthora), 111.

poliotis humii (Suthora), 110.

poliotis poliotis (Suthora), 109.

pollotis ripponi (Suthora), 111.

Pomatorhinus, 205.

psaroides (Hypsipetes), 369.

psaroides (Microscelis), 369.

psaroides concolor (Microscelis), 372.

psaroides ganeesa (Microsvelis), 372.

psaroides nigrescens (Microscelis),
371.

psaroides nigrescens (Hypstipetes), 371.

psaroides psaroides (Microscelis),
369.

Pseudominla, 285.

Psittiparus, 116.

Pteruthius, 330.

pulchella (Lioptila), 302.
pulchella (Sibia), 302.
pulchella pulchella (Leioptila), 302.
pulchellus (Aigithaliscus), 95.
punctata (Klachura), 449.
pusilla (Pnoepyga), 459.
pusilla (Pnoepyya), 459.

pusilla pusilla (Pnoepyga), 459.
pusillus (Pycnonotus), 422.
Pycnonotide, 359.

Pycnonotus, 410.

Pyctorhis, 233.

Pyrrhocorax, 68.

pytrhocorax (Pyrrhocorax), 68.
pyrrhocorax ( Upupa), 68.
pyrrhops (Stachyridopsis), 271.
pyrrhops (Stachyridopsis), 271.
pyrrhops (Stachyris), 271.
pyrrhoura (Myzornis), 345,
pyrrhoura (Myzornis), 345,

ramsayt (Actinodura), 305.

ramsayi (Trochalopterum), 168.

ram-ayi radclittei (Actinodura), 306.

ramsayi radcliffe (Actinodura), 306.

ramsayl ramsayi (Actinodura), 303,

Remiz, 100.

reptata ( Urocichla), 445.

Rbopocichla, 281.

Rimator, 255.

rippont (Actinodura), 305.

rippont (Pomatorhinus), 210.

rippont (Proparus), 291.

rippont (Suthora}, 111.

rippont ( Trochalopterum), 170.

roberti ( Pnoepyga), 258.

roberti (Sphenocicnla), 461.

roberti (Sphenocichla), 461.

roberti guttaticollis (Turdinulus),
254.

roberti roberti (Turdinulus), 253.

robinsoni (Pycnonotus), 420.

rostrata (Af thostoma), 259.

rostrata (Trichostoma), 259.

rubidiventris (Lophophanes), 84.

rubidiventris (Lophophanes), 84.

rubidiventris (Parus), 84.

Rubigula, 409.

rubricapilla (Mixornis), 272.

rubricapilla ‘ Motacilla), 273.

rubricapilla minor (Mixornis), 274.

rubricapilla pileata (Mixornis), 274.

rubricapilla rubricapilla (Mixornis),
278.

rufa (Dendrocitta), 48.

rufa (Dendrocitta), 48.

rufa kinneari (Dendrocitia), 51.

rufa rufa (Dendrocitta), 48.

rufa saturatior (Dendrocitta), 51.

rufa sclateri (Dendrocitta), 50.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. ATi

rufa vagabunda (Derdrocitta), 50.

rufescens (Crateropus), 198.

rufescens (Malacocercus), 1993.

rufescens (Turdoides), 195.

ruficapilla (Mixornis), 273.

ruficapilla sordidior (Fulvetta), 292.

ruficeps ( Chlewasicus), 114.

ruficeps (Paradoxornis), 116.

ruficeps ( Pellorneum), 238.

ruficeps (Seeorhynchus), 116.

ruficeps ( Stachyridopsis), 268.

ruficeps (Suthora), 114.

ruficeps atrosuperciliaris (Suthora),
114.

ruficeps bakeri (Psittiparus), 117.

ruficeps bakeri (Sceorhynchus), 117.

ruficeps bhamoensis (Stachyridopsis),
269.

rujiceps bhamoensis (Stachyridopsis),
269.

ruficeps granti (Pellorneum), 240.

riujficeps granti (Pellorneum), 240.

ruficeps jonesi (Pellornenm), 241.

ruficeps jonesi (Pellornenm), 241.

ruficeps mandellii (Pellorneum), 240.

ruficeps minus (Pellorneum), 242

ruficeps ruficeps (Pellorneum), 238.

ruficeps ruficeps (Psittiparus), 116.

ruficeps ruficeps (Stachyridopsis),
268.

ruficeps ruficeps (Suthora), 114.

ruficeps subochraceuin (Pellorneum),
239.

ruficeps var. atrosuperciliaris ( Chleua-
sicus), 114.

ruficollis (Corvus), 23.

ruficollis (Dryonastes), 139.

ruficollis (Dryonastes), 139.

ruficollis (Ianthocincla), 139.

ruficollis (Pomatorhinus), 216,

ruficollis (Pomatorhinus), 216

ruficollis bakeri (Pomatorhinus), 217,

ruficollis bakeri (Pomatorhinus), 217.

ruficollis ruficollis (Pomatorhbinus),
216.

rufifrons (Stachyridopsis), 269.

rufifrons (Stachyris), 269.

rufifrons ambigua (Stachyridopsis),
270.

rufifrons ambigqua
270.

rufifrons rufifrons (Stachyridopsis),
269.

rufigens (Ieulus), 511.

rufigents (Staphidia), 311.

rufigularis (Minla), 286

rufigularis (Schceniparus), 286.

rufiqularis (Scheniparus), 286.

rufiventer (Hilarocichla), 337.

rufiventer (Pteruthius), 397.

rufiventris (Hilarocichla), 337

(Stachyridopsis),

rufogularis (Ianthocinela), 158.

rufogularis assamensis (lanthocinela),
159.

rufogularis assamensis (Ianthocinela),
159.

rufogularis occidentalis (Iantho-
cincla), 159.

rufogularis occidentalis (Ianthocinela),
159!

rufogularis rufogularis
einela), 158.

rufonuchalis (Lophohanes), &

rufonuchalis (Lophophanes), a

rufonuchalis beavani (Lophophanes),
86.

rufonuchalis rufonuchalis (Lopho-
phanes), 85.

rufonuchas (Parus), 85

rufulus (Gampsorhynehus), 231.

rufuius (Gampsorhynchus), 231.

rufulus rufulus (Gampsorhynchus),
23l.

rufulus torquatus (Gampsorhynchus),
232.

rufus (Corvus), 48.

rustica (Pica), 38.

(lantho-

Salpornis, 439.

sannio (Dryonastes), 144.

sannio (Dryonastes), 144.

sannio (Garrulax), 144.

saturata (Lioptila), 301.

saturatior (Sylviparus), 89.

schisticeps (Pomatorhinus), 205.

schisticeps (Pometorhinus), 206.

schisticeps cryptanthus (Pomato-
rhinus), 207.

schisticeps cryptanthus( Pomatorhinus),
207.

schisticeps
207.

schisticeps pinwilli (Pomatorhinus),
208.

schisticeps schisticeps
rhinus, 206.

Schceniparus, 283.

semitorquata (Garrulax), 151.

sepiaria abbotti (Malacocinela), 260.

serica (Pica), 39.

sharper (Aigithalise us), 97.

sharpei (Trochalopterum), 170.

sharpit (Corvus), 32.

Sibia, 295.

Sibiinze, 294.

simile (Trochalopteron), 174.

simplex (Pycnonotus). 421,

simplex simplex (Pyenonotus), 421.

sinensis (Dendrocitta), 52

sinensis (Purus), 233.

sinensis (Pyctorhis), 233.

mearsi (Pomatorhinus),

(Pomato-

478

sinensis assimilis (Dendrocitta), 53.

sinensis himalayensis (Dendrocitta),
52.

sinensis nasalis (Pyctorhis), 235.

sinensis saturatior (Pyctorhis), 234.

smensis saturatior (Pyctorhis), 254.

sineusis sinensis (Pyctorhis), 233.

sinlumensis ( Urocichla), 458.

Sitta, 121.

Sittide, 120.

Siva, 312.

semmeringti (Corvus), 36.

somerviller (Timalia), 194.

somervillei (Lurdoides), 194.

somervillii (Crateropus), 194.

sordida (Siva), 316.

sordidior (Proparus), 292.

Spelzornis, 451.

Sphenocichla, 460.

spilonota ( Certhia), 439.

spilonota (Salpornis), 459.

spilonotus (Machlolophus), 89.

spilonotus (Parus), 89.

spilonotus (Salpornis), 439.

spilonotus spilonotus (Machlolophus),
89.

spilonotus subviridis (Machlolophus),
91.

Spizixus, 400.

splendens (Corvus), 32.

splendens (Corvus), 3, 34, 39.

splendens insolens (Corvus), 34.

splendens protegatus (Corvus), 35.

splendens protegatus (Corvus), 3d.

splendens splendens (Corvus), 39.

splendens zugmayeri (Corvus), 54.

squamata (Ianthocinela), \74.

squamata (Microura), 458.

squamata (Pnoepyga), 458.

squamata squamata (Pnoepyga), 458.

squamata webberi (Rubigula), 409.

squamatum (‘Trochalopterum), 174.

sguanuatum ( Trochalopterum), 174.

Stachyridopsis, 267.

Stachyris, 263.

Stactocichla, 186.

Staphidia, 309.

stenorhynchus (Pomatorhinus), 219,

stoliezkee (Certhia), 438.

stoliczhe (Certhia), 438.

strepitans (Garrulax), 154.

strepitans (Garrulax), 154.

striata ( Corythocichla), 251.

striata (Grammatoptila), 184.

striata (Grammatoptila), 184.

striata (Ivulus), 311.

striata (Staphidia), 311.

striata austeni (Grammatoptila), 185.

striata rufigenis (Staphidia), 311.

striata striata (Grammatoptila), 184,

striata striata (Staphidia), 311.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

striatus (Alcurus), 379.

striatus (Alcurus), 379.

striatus (Garrular), 184.

striatus (Malacocercus), 194.

striatus (Trichophorus), 379.

striatus (Turdinus), 251.

strigula (Siva), 313.

strigula castaneicauda (Siva), 314.

strigula strigula (Siva), 3165.

styant (Trochalopterum), 157.

subcerulatus (Dryonastes), 142.

subcerulatus (Garrulax), 142,

subochracewm (Pellornewm), 239

subrufa (Argya), 201.

subrufa (Argya), 201.

subrufa (Timatia), 201.

subunicolor (Trochalopterum), 171.

subunicolor subunicolor (Trochalo-
pterum), 171.

subviridis (Parus), 91.

sultanea (Melanochlora), 101.

sultanea (Me'ancehlora), 101.

sultanea flavocristata (Melanochlora),
102.

sultanea
LO.

sultaneus (Parus), 101.

superciliaris (Xiphiramphus), 224.

superciliaris (Xiphiramphus), 224.

Suthora, 107.

Sylviparus, 88,

sultanea (Melanochlora),

teniura (Certhia), 481.

talifuensis (Troglodytes), 446.

talifuensis (Agithaliscus), 95.

tephrogenys (Trichophorus), 362.

tephrogenys burmanicus (Criniger),
364.

tephrogenys flaveolus (Criniger), 363.

tephrogenys grandis (Criniger), 560.

tephrogenys griseiceps (Criniger), 365.

tephrogenys tephrogenys (Criniger),
362.

tephronota (Sitta), 129.

terricolor (Pastor), 191.

terricolor malabaricus
192.

terricolor sindianus (Turdoides), 193.

terricolor sindianus (Turdotdes), 193.

terricolor terricolor (Turdoides), 191.

Tesia, 462.

thompsoni (Cerasophila), 373.

thompsont ( Cerasophila), 373.

thompsont (Suthora), 115.

Thringorhina, 261.

tibetana (Anothura), 448.

tihetanus (Corvus), 28.

Tichodroma, 441.

tickelli (Drymocataphus), 247.

tickelli (Hemixus), 378.

(Turdoides),

ALPHABETICAL

tickelli (Hypsipetes), 378.
tickelli ( Pellorneum), 247.
tichelli (Pomatorhinus), 223.

tickelli assamensis (Pellorneum), 248.

tickelli tickelli (Pellorneum), 247.
Vimalia, 225.

Timatups, 134.

Tovariina, 136.

tiphia (AXgithina), 339.

tiphia (Afgithina), 340.

tiphia (Motacilla), 340,

tiphia humei (Augithina), 342.
tiphia tiphia (42githina), 340.
tiphia zeylonica (Adgithina), 342.
torquatus (Gampsorhynchus), 232.
Trachycomus, 402.

‘richolestes, 366.
Trochalopterum, 161.
Troglodytes, 444.

tr oglodytes (Troglodytes), 445.

troglodytes neglects (Vroglodytes),

446.

troglodytes nepalensis (‘Troglodytes),

445.

troglodytes talifuensis (Troglodytes),

446.

troglodytes tibetanus (Troglodytes),

448,
TrogLopytTip®, 444,
Turdinulus, 250.
Purdoides, 190.

wmbrinus (Corvus), 25.
unicolor (Heteromorpha), 108.
unicolor (Suthora), 108.
unicolor (Suthora), 108.
Urocissa, 40.

vagabunda (Coracias), 50.

vagabunda saturatior (Dendrocitta),
ol.

varians (Corvus), 56.

varians (Crypsirhina), 56.

variegatum (Cinclosoma), 173.

variegatum (Trochalopterum), 173.

variegatum ( Trochalopterum), 173

variegatum simile (Troc halopter um),
174.

variegatum variegatuin
pterum), 173

vietorie (Babaa), 188

victorie (Certhia), 437.

victoria (Lanthocincla), 161.

victorie (Sitta), 125.

victori@ (Sitta), 128.

(Trochalo-

INDEX. 479
Vv inipecta austeni (Fulvetta), 291.
vinipecti 1 ripponi (Fulvetta), 291
vinipecta vinipecta (Fulvetta), 390.
vinipectus (Proparus), 290.

vinepectus (Siva), 290.

virgatum (Lrochalopteron), 179.
virgatum (‘Trochalopterum), 179.
viridis zosterops (Chloropsis), 351.
viridissima (Adgithina), 343.
viridissima (Atgithina), 343.
viridissima (Lora), 348.

virescens cinnamomeoventris (Tole), 407.
virescens (ole), 406.

waddelli (Babax), 189.

waddelli (Babax), 189.

waldeni (Actinodura), 308.
waldent (Ixops), 302.

webbiana brunnea (Suthora), 112.
webberi (Ixidia), 409.

wingater (Siva), 315,

Xanthixus, 392.

wanthochloris (Pteruthius), 335.

xanthochloris occidentalis (Pteru-
thius), 336.

wvanthochloris occidentalis (Pieruthius),
336.

xanthochloris xanthochloris (Pteru-
thins), 335,

wvanthogenys (Machlolophus), 91.

wvanthogenys (Parus), 91.

xanthogenys aplonotus (Machio-
lophus), 92
xanthogenys xanthogenys (Machlo-

lophus), 91
wvantholemus (Brachypus), 415.
xantholzemus (Pycnonotus), 415.
avantholemus (Pycnonotus), 415.
wvantholeuca (Erpornis), 325.
wvantholewca (Herpornis), 325.
xantholeaca xantholeuca (Erpornis),
O20:
vanthorrhous (Pyenonotus), 411.
Xiphiramphus, 224.

yangpiensis (Yuhina), 318.

Yuhbina, 516.

yunnanensis ( Certhia),

432.

zeylonica (Motacilla), 342.
zosterops (Chloropsis), 351.
zugmayeri (Corvus), o4.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
- RED LION COURT, FLERT STREET,

Se 8
te).

See
os