9

THE IBIS

A

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY.

EDITED BY

OSBERT SALVIN, M.A., F.R.S.,

STRICKLAND CURATOR IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, &c.

VOL. IV. 1874.

THIRD SERIES.

Ibidis auspicio novus incipit Ibidis ordo l

LONDON:

JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER ROW.

1874.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS.
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

/, i

PREFACE.

The last three numbers of this Journal (including
the Supplement) of the past year, and the first two
of the present, were edited by Mr. P. L. Sclater
whilst I was absent from England for fourteen
months. In relieving me of a duty that I must
otherwise have relinquished, and adding it to his
own manifold engagements, Mr. Sclater has evinced,
were such token necessary, his unflagging zeal for
the welfare of ‘ The Ibis/ for which the Members of
the British Ornithologists’ Union, as well as myself,
owe him our best thanks.

It will be observed that the cc Index to the Orni¬
thological Literature,” appended to each of the pre¬
vious volumes of the Third Series of this Journal,
has been omitted in the present. This has been done
at the generally expressed wish of the Members of
the Union. The change, I regret to say, involves
a considerable hiatus in the record of current orni¬
thological literature between the commencement of
1873 and the present time, which I have not seen
my way to avoid. If what is past cannot be reme¬
died, it remains to me in future numbers to render
as complete as possible in some other form this very
essential portion of our Journal.

OSBEBT S ALVIN,

Editor.

0 Tenterden Street, Hanover Square.

September 1874.

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BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

1874.

[An asterisk indicates an Original Member.]

Date of
Election,

1874, Edward R. Alston, F.Z.S. ; 3 Old Quebec Street, Portman
Square, London, W.

1870. Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S. ; Futtehgurh, North-West Pro¬
vinces, India.

1872. Hanbury Barclay, F.Z.S. ; Middleton Hall, Tam worth.

1873. W. T. Blaneord, F.R.S. &c. ; Geological Survey of India,

Calcutta.

1870. Sir Victor Brooke, Bart. ; Colebrooke, Fermanagh, Ireland.

1871. Arthur Basil Brooke; Cardney, Dunkeld, N.B.

1866. Henry Buckley, F.Z.S. ; Edgbaston, Birmingham.

1868. Thomas Edward Buckley, B.A., E.Z.S. ; Ardullie Lodge,
Eoulis, N. B.

1872. Walter La wry Buller, Sc.D., E.L.S., &c. ; Wanganui, New

Zealand.

1874. John Cordeaux ; Great Cotes, Ulceby, Lincolnshire.

1866. Arthur William Crichton, B.A., E.L.S., E.Z.S. ; Broadward
Hall, Salop.

1874. Charles Daneord, E.Z.S. ; Knowles, Newton, Devon.

1865. Henry Eeles Dresser, E.Z.S. ; 6 Tenterden Street, Hanover

Square, London, W.

*Henry Maurice Drummond -Hay, C.M.Z.S., Lieutenant-Colo¬
nel, Royal Perth Rifles ; Seggieden, Perth.

1870. Daniel Giraud Elliot, E.L.S., E.Z.S., Ac. ; New York.

1866. Henry John Elwes, E.Z.S. ; Miserden House, Cirencester.
*Thomas Campbell Eyton, F.Z.S. ; Eyton Hall, Wellington,

Salop.

vi

Date of
Election.

1873. H. W. Feilden, Captain and Paymaster, Royal Artillery, Malta.

1867. George Gooch Fowler, B.A. ; Gunton Hall, Lowestoft,

Suffolk.

1865. llev. Henry Elliott Fox, B.A. ; Yicar of Christ Church,
Broadway, Westminster.

1873. Alfred Henry Garrod, B.A. , F.Z.S.; 11 Harley Street, London.
^Frederick DtjCane Godman, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; 6 Tenterden

Street, Hanover Square, W.

*Percy Sanden Godman, B.A., C.M.Z.S. ; Nuthurst Lodge,
Horsham, Sussex.

1874. Major H. Godwin- Austen, F.Z.S. ; Chilworth Manor, Guild¬

ford, Surrey.

1871. Robert Gray ; 13 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh.

*John Henry Gurney, F.Z.S. ; Northrepps, Norwich.

1870. John Henry Gurney, Jun., F.Z.S. ; Northrepps, Norwich.
1873. James Fetherstonhaugh Hamilton, F.Z.S. ; 27 Elgin Cres¬
cent, Notting Hill, W.

1868. James Edmund Harting, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; 24 Lincoln’s Inn

Fields, London.

1873. John A. Harvie-Brown ; Dunipace House, Falkirk, N.B.

1868. Rev. Herbert S. Hawkins, M.A. ; Beyton Rectory, Suffolk.

1873. Charles B. Hodgson, F.Z.S. ; 13 Waterloo Street, Bir¬

mingham.

^Wilfrid Hudleston Hudleston, M.A., F.Z.S. ; 23 Cheyne
Walk, Chelsea.

1874. Baron A. von Hugel ; Moorlands, Bournemouth.

1869. Allan Octavian Hume, C.B. ; Secretary to the Government

of India, Calcutta.

1873. Most Hon. Charles, Marquess of Huntly ; 41 Upper Gros-

venor Street, London.

1870. Hon. Hed worth Hylton -Jolliffe ; Charlton, Radstock, Bath.
1870. Col. Leonard Howard Irby, F.Z.S.; Hythe, Southampton.

1874. Alexander W. M. Clarke 'Kennedy, F.Z.S. ; Guards’ Club,

Pall Mall, London.

* Arthur Edavard Knox, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Trotton House,

Petersfield, Sussex.

* Right Hon. Thomas Lyttleton, Lord Lilford, F.L.S., F.Z.S.,

&e. ; Lilford Hall, Oundle, Northants.

1874. Major John Hayes Lloyd, F.Z.S.; East-India Club, St. James’s
Square, London.

YU

Date of
Election.

1870. C. H. T. Marshall, F.Z.S. ; Captain, Bengal Staff Corps.

1870. G. F. L. Marshall, F.Z.S. ; Royal (Bengal) Engineers.

1864. Alexander Goodman More, E.L.S. &c. ; 3 Botanic View,

Glasnevin, Dublin.

1874. Rhodes W. Morgan ; Madras Forest Department, Ootaca-
mund, India.

1872. Francis D’Arcy William Clough Newcome ; Feltwell Hall,

Brandon, Suffolk.

* Alfred Newton, M.A., F.R.S., Y.P.Z.S.; Professor of Zoology
in the University of Cambridge.

*Edward Newton, M.A., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., Colonial Secretary,
Mauritius.

1871. Reginald Carew Pole, Lieutenant, Royal Navy; Yovilton,

llchester.

*John William Powlett-Orde, F.Z.S., late Captain, 42nd
(Royal Highland) Regiment ; Auchnaba House, Loch Gilp
Head, N. B.

1872. R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay, 67th Regiment ; White Hill, Lass-

wade, N. B.

1865. George Dawson Rowley, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Chichester House,

Brighton.

1873. Oliver Beauchamp Coventry St. John, Major R.A., F.Z.S.
^Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.R.S., &c.; 6 Tenterden Street, Han¬
over Square, London.

1870. Howard Saunders, F.Z.S. ; 7 Radnor Place, Hyde Park.
^Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., &c. ; 44 Elvas-

ton Place, Queen’s Gate, London, W.

1873. Henry Seebohm; Oak Lea, Collegiate Crescent, Broomhall

Park, Sheffield.

1871. Richard Bowdler Sharpe, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Senior Assistant,

British Museum.

1870. G. Ernest Shelley, F.Z.S., late Captain, Scots Fusilier Guards ;
Avington, Winchester.

1865. Rev. Charles William Shepherd, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Trotters -
cliffe, Kent.

1864. Rev. Alfred Charles Smith, M.A. ; Yatesbury Rectory,
Wiltshire.

1874. Cecil Smith ; Lydiard House, Taunton, Somersetshire.

1868. IIamon Styleman Le Strange, F.Z.S.; Hunstanton Hall,

Norfolk.

Vlll

Date of
Election.

^Edward Cavendish Taylor, M.A., E.Z.S. ; 74 Jermyn Street,
London.

1864. Georoe Cavendish Taylor, E.Z.S. ; 42 Elvaston Place,
Queen’s Gate, London.

1873. William Bernhard Tegetmeier, E.Z.S. ; Finchley, Mid¬

dlesex.

*Rev. Henry Baker Tristram, M.A., LL.D., E.R.S., &c.,
Canon of Durham.

1864. Henry Morris IJpcher, E.Z.S. ; Sherringham Hall, Norfolk.
1872. Herbert Taylor TJssher, C.M.G., Lieut.-Govemor of the
Island of Tobago, West Indies.

1864. Bight Hon. Arthur Yiseount Walden, E.B.S., E.L.S.,
Pres. Z.S. ; Walden Cottage, Chislehurst, Kent.

1874. Charles Bygrave Wharton, E.Z.S.

1871. E. Percival Wright, M.D., E.L.S., E.Z.S., Professor of Botany

in the University of Dublin.

Extra-Ordinary Member .

1860, Alfred Bussed Wallace, F.Z.S. ; The Dell, Grays, Essex.
Honorary Members.

1860. Professor Spencer E. Baird, Assistant Secretary to the Smith¬
sonian Institution, Washington.

1860. Doctor Eduard Baldamus, Moritzwinger, No. 7, Halle.

1860. Doctor Jean Cabanis, Erster Gustos am koniglichen Museum
der Friedrich- Wilhelm’s Universitat zu Berlin.

1870. Doctor Otto Einsch, Zoological Museum, Bremen.

1860. Edgar Leopold Layard, F.Z.S., H.M. Consul in the Feejee
Islands.

1869. August von Pelzeln, Gustos am k.-k. zoologischen Cabinete
in Wien.

1860. Professor J. Reinhardt, Kongelige Naturhistoriske Museum
i Kjobenhavn.

1862. Robert Swinhoe, E.Z.S., E.R.G.S., H. M. Consul at Chefoo,
China.

Foreign Members.

1872. Prof. J. v. Barboza Du Bocage, Royal Museum, Lisbon.

1872. Prof. J. E. Brandt, Imperial Museum, St. Petersburg .

1873. Robert Collett, Christiania.

\

IX

Date of
Election.

1872. Doctor Elliott Coues, U.S. Army, Smithsonian Institution,
Washington , D. 0.

1872. Doctor Victor Eatio, Geneva.

1872. Doctor Henry Hillyer Giglioli, Royal Superior Institute,

Florence.

1872. Doctor Theodor von Heuglin, Stuttgart.

1872. George N. Lawrence, New York.

1872. Baron De Selys Longchamps, Libge.

1872. Doctor A. J. Malmgren, Helsingfors.

1872. Doctor A. von Middendorff, Dorpat.

1872. Alphonse Milne -Edwards, Jardin des Plantes, Paris.

1872. Prof. Gustav Radde, Tiflis.

1872. Count Tommaso Salvadori, Royal Museum, Turin.

1872. Prof. Herman Schlegel, University Museum, Leyden.

1872. Prof. Carl Johann Sundevall, Stockholm.

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CONTEN TS of VOL. IV.— THIRD SERIES.

(1874.)

Number XIII., January.

Page

I. On the Prionochili of British India. By P. L. Sclater,

M.A., Ph.D., E.R.S. (Plate I.) . . 1

II. On a large Fossil Egg from the neighbourhood of Cher-

son. By Dr. Alexander Brandt . . 4

III. On the Distribution of Birds in the Southern Hill-

region of Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge, Lieut. It. A. ... 7

IV. Notes On certain Birds of New Zealand. By Capt. E. W.

Hutton . 34

V. Notes on the Ornithology of the Gold Coast. By Herbert

Taylor Ussher, C.M.G., C.M.Z.S. (Plate II.) . 43

VI. Notes on the Synonymy of some Indian and Persian
sj Birds, with Descriptions of two new Species from Persia. By

W. T. Blaneord, F.G.S., C.M.Z.S., &c . 75

VII. Bern arks on the Birds of Juan Fernandez and Mas-

a-fuera. By Edwyn C. Peed, of the National Museum of
Santiago . 81

VIII. Notes on some European and Asiatic Eagles. By W.

Edwin Brooks, C.E., Dinapore . 84

IX. Description of an apparently new Species of Bird be¬
longing to the Family Trochilidce , of the Genus Encephala. By

D. G. Elliot, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c . 87

X. Description of a new Timaliine Bird from West Africa.

By Capt. G. E. Shelley . 89

XI. Note on Dryotriorchis , a new Genus of Harrier Eagles

from West Africa. By Capt. G. E. Shelley . 90

Xll

CONTENTS.

XII. Letters, Announcements, &c. : —

Letters from Lord Walden, Mr. W. T. Blanford, Dr. Buller,

Mr. J. H. Gurney, Mr. J. A. Harvie -Brown, and Capt. J. H.
Lloyd ; Note on the correct generic name of Podieeps minor ;
News of Mr. Salvin ; Mr. Jelski’s collections in Western Peru ;

The Yellow-legged Herring-Gull . . . 91

Number XI Y., April.

XIII. Additional List of and Notes on Birds obtained in
the Republic of Trans- Yaal. By Thomas Ayres. (Commu¬
nicated by John Henry Gurney). (Plate III.) . 101

XI Y. Notes on the Avifauna of the Desert of Sinai and of the
Holy Land. Part I. By Alexander W. M. Clark Kennedy,
F.R.G.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., Coldstream Guards ..... 107

XY. Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand. By Walter
L. Buller, Sc.D., F.L.S., &c . 112

XYI. Remarks on Mr. Legge’s Paper on Ceylonese Birds.

By E. W. H. Holdsworth, F.L.S. &c. . . . 122

XYII. On a further Collection of Birds made by Lieut. Robert
Wardlaw Ramsay, F.Z.S., in the Andaman Islands. By Arthur,
Yiscount Walden, P.Z.S., F.R.S. (Plates 1Y.-YI.) .... 127

XYIII. On some Birds from Hakodadi in Northern Japan.

By R. Swinhoe. (Plate YII.) . 150

XIX. Description of a new Species of Pytelia . By Dr. G.

Hartlaub . . 166

XX. Notice of Pere David’s Travels in China. By P. L.

Sclater, Ph.D., M.A., F.R.S . 167

XXI. New and forthcoming Bird-Books. By the Acting

Editor . 172

XXII. Letters, Announcements, &c. : —

Letters from Mr. J. H. Gurney, Mr. R. Swinhoe (two), and
Mr. W. E. Brooks ; Note on Suya super ciliaris, Hume ; Dr.
Kirk’s Grey Parrot ; Proposed new work of Mr. Clark Ken¬
nedy ; Sale of the Collections of Humming-birds of the late M.

CONTENTS.

Xlll

Page

Bourcier and M. E. Yerreaux ; The New Paradise-birds and
their Discoverers ; Corrigenda in the Supplement of 1873 ;
Latest news of Mr. Salvin, and Oreophasis derbianus in Yera Paz 181

Number XY., July.

XXIII. On the Neotropical Species of the Family Pteropto-
chidce. By P. L. Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. (Plate YIII.) 189

XXIY . On Coryllis regulus and O. occipitalis , an apparently
new Species. By 0. Finsch, Ph.D., C.M.Z.S. ...... 206

XX Y. Remarks on the Extinct Birds of New Zealand. By
Junius Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S. . . 209

XXYI. On the Nidifieation of certain Indian Birds.-— Part III.

By Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S . . 220

XXYII. Fifth Appendix to a List of Birds observed in Malta
and Gozo. By Charles A. Weight, C.M.Z.S. ...... 223

XXYIII. On rare or little-known Limicolce. By J. E.
Martino, F.L.S., F.Z.S. (Plate IX.) . 241

XXIX. Remarks on some Typical Specimens of the TrocJii-

lidce , with a Description of one new Genus. By D. G. Elliot,
F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c. . . . 261

XXX. Notice of an apparently undescribed Species of Corvus

from Tangier. By Lieut.-Col. Howard Irby . 264

XXXI. Notes on Chinese Ornithology. By R. Swinhoe.

(Plate X.) ..... . 266

XXXII. A Reply to Mr. Allan Hume’s Review of 4 Die
Papageien ’ of Dr. Otto Finsch. By Arthur, Yiscount Walden,
M.B.O.U . - . 270

XXXIII. Letters, Announcements, &e. : —

Letters from Mr. W. T. Blanford and Mr. A. B. Meyer . . 300

Number XYI., October.

XXXIY. A Yisit to the principal Museums of the United
States, with Notes on some of the Birds contained therein. By
Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.R.S., &c. (Plates XI., XII.) . . . 305

XIV

CONTEXTS.

Page

XXXV. Notes on the Trochilidce. The Genus Heliantkea.

By D. G. Elliot, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &e . . . . . 330

XXXVI. Notes on the Specimens in the Berlin Museum col¬
lected by Hemprich and Ehrenberg. By H. E. Dresser, E.Z.S.

&c., and W. T. Blanford, F.R.S. &c . 335

XXXVII. On the Genus Todus. By B. Bowdler Sharpe,
E.L.S., E.Z.S., &c., Senior Assistant, Zoological Department,
British Museum. (Plate XIII.) . 344

XXXVIII. List of Birds collected or observed during a
journey into the Matabili Country in 1873. By T. E. Buck-
ley, E.Z.S. &c. . . 355

XXXIX. Ornithological Notes on the North- Frisian Islands
and adjacent Coast. By Henry Durnford . 391

XL. On the Arrangement of the Families constituting the
Order Passeres. By Alfred B. Wallace . 400

XLI. Dr. A. B. Meyer’s Ornithological Discoveries in New
Guinea. By P. L. Sclater . 410

XLII. On a new Species of Marsh- Warbler. By H. E.
Dresser, F.Z.S. &c . 420

XLIII. Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo (Province of
Shantung, North China). By It. Swinhoe, H. M. Consul.
(Plate XIV.) . 422

XLIV. Notices of recently published Ornithological Works . 447
XLV. Letters, xlnnouncements, &c. : —

Letters from Mr. W. E. Brooks, Herr A. von Pelzeln, Mr. J.

H. Gurney, and Mr. Swinhoe . 459

XLVI. Obituary: —

Notices of the deaths of Rev. W. H. Hawker, Commander
Boland M. Sperling, Mr. Edward Blyth, Mons. Jules Pierre
Verreaux, Mr. C. F. Tyrwhitt-Drake, Dr. Stoliczka, and Dr. J.
Kaup . 464

Index . 473

PLATES IN YOL. IV.

THIRD SERIES.

Page

j f Figs. 1, 2. Prionochilus vincens . . . 2

{ Fig. 3. Prionochilus melanoxanthus . . 3

II. Picathartes gymnocephalus . 67

III I ^lauda conirostris . . 103

l Fig. 2. Megalophonus erythrochlamys ...... 103

IV. Xinox obscurus . 129

Y. Ninox affinis . . . 129

YI. Dendrocitta bayleii* . . 145

yjj f Fig. 1. Chelidon blakistoni . 151

\ Fig. 2. Chelidon whitelyi . . . . 152

VIII. Rhinocrypta fuscaf . . 198

IX. Recurvirostra andina . . 242

X. Circus melanoleucus . 266

XI, Granatelhis francescse, d $ • . ..... . . 307

XII. Geotrygon veraguensis . 328

XIII I L 2. Todus subulatus . 353

1 Fig. 3. Todus pulcherrimus . 353

XI V. Turdus chrysopleurus . . 444

* Erroneously written D. baylei.
t Erroneously written JR. fulva.

ERRATA ET CORRIGENDA.

Page Line

3, 23, for H. read P.

44, 36, for caudatus read ecavdatus.

99, 18, for northern read southern.

104, 30, for Herodia read Herodias.

145, Plate VI., for Baylei read Bayleii.

„ 23, for 112 read 119.

156, 30, for trivirgatus read trivirgata.

176, 19, for robiginosa read rubiginosa.

1 77, 34, for elhoti read ellioti.

198, Plate VIII., for fulva read fuscav

257, 35, for Recurvirostris read Recurvirostra.

273, 6. for ? ” read ” ?

279, 23, for Finch read Finsch.

288, 9, for Eastern as recud as Eastern.

IHs.1874.Pl.!

JGKeuLemans . lith.

M^HsT-Heunliaurt. imp.

l.PRIONOCHILUS VINCENS. 3. |. $.
3. P. MELANOXANTHUS.

THE IBIS.

THIRD SERIES.

No. XIII. JANUARY 1874.

I. — On the Prionochili of British India .

By P. L. Sclater, M.A., PUD., F.R.S.

(Plate I.)

The genus Prionochilus was established, in 1841*, by the late
Mr. Strickland for the reception of the birds described and
figured in the f Planches Coloriees 9 of Temminck, as Bar da-
lotus percussus (PL Col. 394. fig. 2), Pardalotus thoracicus
(PL Col. 600. figs. 1 & 2), and Pardalotus maculatus. Mr.
Strickland considered the affinities of this group to be with
Calyptomena, “ which it approaches in the structure of the
btak and feet much more nearly than to Pardalotus.” The
name was derived from vrptW, a saw, and yyJAo?, a lip, in
allusion to the minute serrations of the margins of the beak,
which, however, are scarcely visible in some of the species
without the assistance of a magnifying-glass f.

In 1865 Mr. Wallace described and figured]; a beautiful

* P. Z. S. 1841, p. 29.

t Somewhat similar serrations occur in certain Euphonic? (Tanagridse)
and in the Trochilidine genera Grypus and Anclrodon.

f P. Z. S. 1865, p. 477, pi. xxix. fig. 1.

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

B

2

Mr. P. L, Sclater on the

new species of the genus from Northern Celebes under the
name P. aureolimbatus ; and more recently Dr. Salvadori has
characterized another, from Borneo, as P. xanthopygius *.

Thus far Prionochilus had been considered peculiar to the
Malayan subdivision of the Indian Region, Celebes being
debateable ground between that and the Papuan fauna. Last
year, however, Lieut. W. Vincent Legge, R.A., a well-known
worker in ornithology, sent me a pair of birds obtained in
Southern Ceylon, which I at once recognized as belonging to
this genus, and for which, at the Zoological Society^ meet¬
ing on the 18th of June, I proposed the specific name vincens ,
in honour of its discoverer f.

Mr. Legge gave the following description of his bird : —
“Male. Length 4-^"; tail 1*2"; wing 2*3"; tarsus *5"; mid
toe with claw *5", hind toe ; bill to gape at front nearly
*4". Third primary longest, only slightly longer than second.
/<bft> “ Descr. Iris reddish; bill, upper mandible black, lower
mandible lightish at the base ; legs and feet blackish brown ;
entire head (except the chin and throat), hind neck, back,
rump, and lesser wing-coverts dull steel-blue, palest on the
rump, and with the bases of the feathers dark ; quills blackish
brown, the basal portion of inner -webs, with the under wing-
coverts, white ; tertiaries, greater wing-coverts, and tail black,
the former edged with the hue of the upper surface, the latter
with the three outer feathers white towards the tip, the colour
extending a little up the shaft on inner web, the next two
with a small terminal white spot; chin, throat, and chest
white, below which the under surface is saffron-yellow, paling
at the vent ; under tail- coverts white, edged pale yellow. «

“ Female . Length 4* V'; wing tail IT". Bill slightly

lighter in hue than S ; legs, feet, and iris the same as S’, head
and hind neck faded bluish ashen, centres of feathers dark ;
back olivaceous brown ; secondaries and wing- coverts brown,
edged with olivaceous ; quills lighter than in the male ; sides
of neck and chest ashy beneath, paler yellow than the male,
mingled with grey on the flanks ; tail brownish black.”

Hob. Forests of the low hills in the southern province,
* Cf. Ibis, 1872, p. 379. f P. Z. S. 1872, p. 729.

3

Prionochili of British India .

where it affects principally the creepers which entwine the
trunks of the trees ; resorts also to small branches of low trees.

(C Food. Seeds and pollen from the flowers of creepers/'’

When examining Mr. Vincent Legge's skins of this bird it
struck me that a little-known Nepalese type of Hodgson’s,
described by Mr. Blyth in 1843 as Pachyglossa melanoxantha* ,
might have something to do with it. Upon reference to the
British Museum Mr. Sharpe informed me that he had lately
obtained for the national collection a fresh specimen of this rare
species, which had escaped nearly every subsequent collector,
including even Jerdon himself f. On comparing this specimen
with Mr. Vincent Legged skins, there remained no doubt of
their being nearly allied, although distinct species. In all
essentials of structure the two birds are exactly similar ; and
Pachylossa is therefore merely a synonym of Prionochilus , of
which two species must now be attributed to the fauna of
British India, viz. Prionochilus vincens , of Ceylon, and P. me-
lanoocanthus , of Nepaul.

Our illustration (Plate I.) represents both these species,
neither of which has been previously figured, of the size of
life. Figures 1 and 2 represent the male and female of P.
vincens from Mr. Vincent Legge^specimens, and figure 3
the above-mentioned example of if. melanoxanthus , lately ac¬
quired by the British Museum, which is probably a male.

The latter species is readily distinguishable from its Ne¬
palese ally by its smaller size, by the white extending over the
whole of the throat, and by the white rump.

* Journ. As. Soc. Bengal, xii. p. 1010. This name is commonly cre¬
dited to Hodgson. By reference to the original passage, however, it will
he seen that the bird was described by Blyth, although he attributes the
name to Hodgson. The single specimen obtained by the latter appears
to have been lent to Mr. Blyth at Calcutta, and subsequently removed to
the British Museum, where it now is, mounted in the gallery. See Cat.
Hodgson’s Coll, in B. M. (1846), p. 60.

f See Jerdon, B. of India, i. p. 378.

4

Dr. A. Brandt on a large Fossil Egg

II. — On a large Fossil Egg from the neighbourhood of Cher son.

By Dr. Alexander Brandt*.

A short time since, Herr E. Dobrowolsky offered to sell to me
for the zoological museum of the Academy an apparently very
remarkable egg. As regards its purchase the Direction of the
museum could do nothing, since the sum asked (1000 roubles)
was by no means suitable to the very moderate means of the
museum. Herr Dobrowolsky was nevertheless so good as
not only to assist me in describing the egg by permitting me
to make an accurate examination of it and by giving me the
necessary particulars as to its discovery, but also to allow
me to have a plaster cast prepared of it.

The egg is stated to have been found, at least fifteen
years ago, at Malinowka, in the province and district of
Cherson, in an ancient watercourse or so-called “ balka.” In
a small stream traversing the old watercourse below a wear,
the spring floods falling over the latter washed out a channel,
from the bottom of which the egg appeared. Being observed
by some peasants it was taken up and given to Hr. N. S. T. Ma-
linowsky, an uncle of our informant. The soil from which the
egg came was described as a reddish-brown frangible loam,
beneath which lay crystalline gypsum. The egg is at pre¬
sent in the possession of Hr. Ssemen Dobrowolsky, the
father of my informant, a landed proprietor in the province
of Cherson.

I now add a short description of this apparently remark¬
able egg.

The form of the egg is so nearly that of a regular ellipse,
that it is difficult to tell the big end from the little. Yet we
may assume the end recognizable by its somewhat less smooth
shell to be the big end — a conclusion supported by the well-
known ornithologist Herr W. Meves, in whose company I
had the pleasure of examining the egg, inasmuch as he has
frequently noticed that in birds' eggs generally the big end

* Read before the Imperial Academy of Sciences of St. Petersburg on
the 5th of September 1872, and translated from the ‘Bulletin,’ vol. xviii.
no. 2, p. 158, et seg.~~ P.L.S.

5

from the neighbourhood of Cherson.

has a rougher texture. The egg has on the whole most re¬
semblance to certain examples of the Ostrich-egg ( Struthio
camelus), which, however, vary excessively in form. Com¬
pared with the egg of JEpyornis *, of which our museum has
a plaster cast received from Paris, the present egg is some¬
what shorter and more rounded — its short diameter being to
its long as 1 : 1*2, while in ^ 'Epyornis the corresponding pro¬
portion is 1 : 1*3.

In respect of size the fossil egg far exceeds the largest Os¬
trich-egg, without, however, rivalling, except in the most
distant degree, that of the JEpyornis . Its long diameter
measures 18 centimetres, its short 15 cent, (from which the
above-mentioned proportion of 1 : 1*2 or 5 : 6 results). The
longer circumference measures 52 cent., the shorter 46 cent.
The volume was estimated at 2200 cubic centimetres. We
may therefore calculate its contents to equal those of from
40 to 44 hen's eggs of ordinary size. For comparison I
may remark that the largest Ostrich-egg I could find mea¬
sured 16 cent, by 13*5, and gave a volume of 1350 cubic
cent, (equal to from 25 to 27 hen's eggs)f. The volume of
the JEpyornis-egg is said to have been reckoned to be equal
to that of 148 hen's eggs.

The surface of the egg nnder the microscope, particularly
on one side and near one pole, shows a decidedly rough or
bunchy appeaaance, besides in many places irregularly di¬
rected crooked-running shallow scratches, which from their
habitus give the idea of very fine vessels on the inner side of
the shell, as also deep sharply defined pits, as if made by a
blunt needle. These last appearances are especially notice¬
able on the smoother parts of the egg, and represent in a
larger proportion the needle-prick-like pits on the eggs of the
Ostrich.

* Prof. Brandt spells this word Epiornis , as originally written by Isidore
Geoffroy St. -Hilaire, the founder of the genus. But the derivation being
from alnus, there can be no question of JEpyovnis being the correct or¬
thography. — Ed .

t According to Thienemann an Ostrich-egg is (in volume) equivalent
to about 30 hen’s eggs. (‘ F ortpflanzungsgeschichte d, gesamm, Vogel,’
Leipzig, 1849, p. 0.)

6

On a large Fossil Egg from Cher son.

The colour of the egg is a yellowish brown, which is not,
however, equally spread over the whole surface, but in patches
brighter here and darker there, and hardly represents the ori¬
ginal colour. Still less are numbers of blackish dendritic
spots irregularly spread over the egg to be reconciled with
its original colour. These are certainly either really den¬
dritic, or the remnants of a parasitic vegetation which is often
met with in fossil remains.

Of the thickness of the egg-shell nothing definite can be
ascertained, since the egg is quite intact, except as re¬
gards two cracks, of a hair’s breadth, said to have resulted

from an attempt to ascertain the contents. In one place

a hardly perceptible splinter has been taken off; but the

fracture is so thin that it does not extend through the

thickness of the shell, and only shows its hard enamel-like
substance.

The perfect state of the egg when found proves that it
must be empty, and not filled with mineral substance.
This is the cause of its weighing so little as to have been
swimming in the river when discovered. According to
Herr Dobrowolsky’s information it weighs about 200 Rus¬
sian pounds.

According to Eichwald*, fossil remains of birds are very
scarce in Russia, although v. Nordmann has discovered some
in a tertiary loam near Odessa f (that is, not far from where
this egg was found) . But as to what genera these bones be¬
long to we find no information recorded.

The above-described form of this egg-shell, as well as
its dimensions, lead us first to think of a Struthious bird
which in size must have exceeded the Ostrich. This, how¬
ever, is not the first gigantic bird recorded of the Tertiary
epoch of Europe, since fifty years ago remains of such a bird
were found in our quarter of the globe — namely, those of Gas -
tornis parisiensis, of the Eocene of Meudon, near Paris, allied
to the Swimmers and Waders.

* Lethsea Rossica, Stuttgardt, Bd. iii. 1853, p. 325.

t “ Ub. d. Entdeckung reiclihaltiger Lager von fossilen Enoch en in Siid-
Russland,” Jubilseum semiseculare Fischeri de W. (foL Moscau, 1847), p. 9.

On the Distribution of Birds in Southern Ceylon. 7

Since, as is mentioned above, the characters of this egg
appear with great probability to indicate its belonging to the
Struthious group, I propose to call it, with reference to the
unknown gigantic bird, Struthiolithus chersonensis* .

III.- — On the Distribution of Birds in the Southern Hill-region
of Ceylon. By W. Vincent Legge, Lieut. It. A.

The southern province of Ceylon possesses a range of moun¬
tains of its own, quite distinct from the central zone, inas¬
much as it is separated from that region by a long strip of
low’ country extending from the western province, on the south
of Ratnapoora, through, in an easterly direction, to the flat
and jungle-clad plains of the south-east of the island. The
system commences at the eastern boundary of the Morowa
Korlef, at a point thirty miles north of the southernmost
extremity of the island (Dondra Head), and, after shooting
up at once from the plains of Hambantotte and culminating
in its highest point, 4500 feet, stretches away in a westerly
direction to a point some twenty miles from the sea on the
west coast. The river Gindurah rises in the highest portion
of the range, and takes a westerly course, separating it into
two parts by a deep valley, in the north of which numerous
spurs shoot out into the Saflragam district, while on the south
the higher mountains are supplemented by many smaller par¬
allel-lying ridges, which again break into an endless succes¬
sion of smaller hills, dwindling down until they form the un¬
dulating country in the immediate vicinity of Point de Galle.
The south-west corner of Ceylon may therefore be said to be
a perfect labyrinth of hills, clothed in their highest parts with
lofty primeval forest, except where the axe of the mountaineer
has left its mark in the course of hill-grain cultivation, and
covered in the lower districts with secondary or scrubby jungle,
in the composition of which the small bamboo ( Ochlandra

* Subsequently Professor Kessler has informed me that he had this egg
in his hands some years ago, and attempted unfortunately in vain to ac¬
quire it for the zoological collection of the University of Kiew.

t “ Korle” corresponds, as a terrestrial division, to county.

8

Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

stridula) enters largely. On some of the lowlands near the
sea, and on the hanks of the rivers, as also in the valleys of
the lower hills, paddy-fields exist ; but there is but little
land under cultivation compared with other parts of the west
coast, the consequence of which, together with the want of
“ tanks ” and inland waters, is that grallatorial and natatorial
forms are by no means abundant. The climate of these hills
is much cooler than that of corresponding heights in the cen¬
tral province, owing to their propinquity to the sea, and to their
being therefore exposed to the full sweep of both monsoons
across the south of the island. This is especially demonstrated
in the distribution of birds in the main range, where, with some
few exceptions, all the species inhabiting the higher parts of
the central zone are to be found in numbers, while, again,
many that inhabit what may be termed the intermediate hills of
the central province at an average elevation of 2000 feet, affect,
in these parts, the low forest-clad hills down to within 200
feet of the sea-level. This latter fact is due, perhaps, more
to the presence of jungle-clad hills of considerable altitude in
the immediate vicinity of the sea-coast than to the effect of
climate.

As the locality under consideration has never before been
explored by ornithologists (at least so far as the wild interior
is concerned), I propose to notice all the birds found in it,
except a few, which are so universally distributed over the
island that their presence here needs no comment, and to
touch more particularly upon those which have not been noted
previously from this district, and which affect it chiefly owing
to the influence of climate and the above-named features of
the soil.

Commencing, in due order, with Raptorial birds, which, so
far as some species are concerned, are very well represented,
I would note that Neopus malaiensis inhabits the forest-hills
and valleys from within a few miles of the sea up to the
highest parts of the main range. This peculiar form, the
largest of our Raptores, is not common in Ceylon ; and this
district may be considered its head quarters. Layard pro¬
cured it in the vicinity of Adams Peak. It is exclusively a

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

9

hill-forest bird ; at times it may be seen quietly skimming over
the high trees of a mountain-side, while at others it soars in
pairs, nobly, over some deep valley. Spilornis clieela , the com¬
monest of our Aquilinse, is distributed over the whole island,
but in the south is more numerous in the hills than near the
sea. In the lowlands it skulks much about open clearings in
the jungle or along the edge of the swampy flats, and feeds
chiefly on snakes, which it swallows, in some instances, nearly
whole. It appears to average smaller dimensions than in
India, males not measuring more than 23 inches. The lower
plumage is noticeably darker or richer after the moult. Young
birds have the crest-feathers almost entirely white, the tips
only being black and not concealing the main portion of the
feather when the plumage of the head is in its normal state ;
when the crest is erected in anger or surprise the head has
the appearence of being white, mottled or spotted with black.
Limnaetus cristatellus is more plentiful in the low hills than
in the mountains, extending to the neighbourhood of the sea-
coast, where, however, it is very local, confining itself to some
chosen steep forest-side or secluded valley. It breeds within
a few miles of Point de Galle, nesting always in the fork of a
high tree. In the first state the plumage of the lower parts
is not pale brown, as I have read, but almost entirely pure
white, with occasional faint dashes of light sienna-brown On
the thigh and under tail-coverts, which, in conformity with
the coloration of the head and sides of chest and the drop¬
shaped markings of the flanks, become much darker as the
bird grows older. It is a most docile though withal fiery-
tempered bird in confinement ; a fine example, which I reared
from the nest, and which I have still, is on the best of terms
with several Raptores, tenants of the same aviary. The crest,
which was distinctly visible when the bird was a “ chick," in
the shape of three or four little filamentous appendages at¬
tached to the white down of the nape, would not appear to
attain to a greater length than 2\ inches during the first stage
of dress. The well-known scream of this Eagle is exceedingly
weak compared with what it sounds like when heard in the
forest, the reason for its being audible at a distance lying in

10

Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

its shrillness and great clearness. I have seen but one or two
examples of Milvus govinda on the south coast ; but Haliastur
Indus is exceedingly numerous everywhere, breeding on high
trees some distance inland. It is noticeable with what ease
this bird indulges in its favourite habit of eating its food from
the talons when flying about : these members are brought
forward under the breast ; and, with a combined backward and
upward pull from the legs and shoulders respectively, pieces
are torn from the booty with but little exertion. While skim¬
ming along they sometimes pick off a luckless Calotes very
cleverly, which has happened to be indulging in a bask on
the topmost twigs of some low tree. The noble Blagrus leu -
cogaster is sparingly distributed in suitable localities round
the south-west corner of the island ; but the flat shores of the
Kattregam district are its great haunt. Micronisus badius
and Tinnunculus alaudarius are pretty common, the latter, of
course, only a winter visitor in immature plumage, in districts
where there are sea-coast cliffs, in which it always roosts. Astur
trivirgatus I have procured in immature plumage from the
wooded hills on the coast some twenty miles north of Galle,
and, I have no doubt, is to be found during the north-east
monsoon throughout the district. Elanus melanopterus was
an unexpected addition to my good things from the citronella-
grass districts to the north of Galle. I had supposed it was
chiefly a hill-species ; but I also saw it much on the south-east
coast ; it hovers a great deal over long grass, like a Kestrel.
Poliornis teesa, I think, has never been recorded from Ceylon ;
but a fine immature male came into my possession last Oc¬
tober, which was killed on the sea- coast close to Galle. I
have no doubt that when ornithology is more studied in this
island and more birds preserved than at present, many mem¬
bers of Indian Falconidse which have not yet been noticed,
will be found to stray over the island when the prevailing wind
is from the north.

Of Circinse, the only two species that are common are Circus
swainsonii and C. eeruginosus ; both affect by choice swampy
lands and paddy-fields. The latter bird arrives in the south
in the middle of October, and is very numerous close to the

11

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

town of Galle. An exceedingly interesting series thus fell
into my possession, from the white head to the adult grey
wings and black primaries. I have not met with any birds
entirely brown. The next stage of plumage to the buff- white
head is the beautiful buff-marked least wing-coverts, which
are accompanied by the golden iris and yellow cere and feet
of the adult. During the north-east monsoon-rains in De¬
cember these birds feed much on fish in the flooded flat lands
of the south. I have shot them devouring large “ lulu 33
fish more than a pound in weight.

Among the Strigidse inhabiting Ceylon the common species
in the south are Ketupa ceylonensis and Ephialtes lempigi,
the latter being, of course, the most plentiful. I have kept
this bird in confinement ; and when angered it spreads out its
wings, erects its “ ears/' and oscillates its body from side to
side, uttering a low growl. Rufous varieties are very rare in
Ceylon ; but they do exist, a fine example having come into
my possession last year. Ketupa ceylonensis breeds in hollow
trees ; the eggs are white, of a rather rough texture. They
measure, axis 2*28, diameter T72 inches, and are hatched
in the south at the end of February. I am of opinion
that, although in suitable localities they do frequent the bor¬
ders of inland tanks and rivers, and consequently feed much
on fish, reptiles form their usual food. I have taken an entire
snake, which had been swallowed intact, from the stomach of
one of these birds. They are more numerous about the low
hills near Galle than in our mountain- district. In all speci¬
mens that have come under my notice I have found the bill
(contrary to Jerdon's description) to be dusky greenish, with
a dark side-patch near the tip. Athene casianonota is here
and there met with in the wooded regions of our province,
but it is not plentiful. Syrnium indranee is by no means un¬
common, inhabiting the primeval forest (styled in Cingalese
“ Mookalaney ”) at no great distance from Galle. It breeds
in February and March ; and since I have been stationed here
I have been fortunate enough to procure from natives two
nestlings, which are now in my aviary. The older of the two,
which I have had nearly a year, has never once hooted or made

12

Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

any noise which would lead to the belief that it is the author
of the dreaded sounds imputed to it. When hungry its note
is a low screech, resembling the creak of a wheel-barrow
in the distance ; and when annoyed or chased by its com¬
panions in captivity it utters a curious tit -tit -tit -tit. On one
occasion, after feeding at sundown, it gave vent to a low and
somewhat musical noise, which seemed to proceed from the
depths of its chest. There are therefore several inferences that
might be drawn from my experience — that it does not hoot in
captivity, that it is the male that possesses such extraordinary
vocal powers (mine being a female), that it does not utter
these sounds until it is quite mature, or lastly that the bird
and the peculiar notes are wrongly identified.

Batrachostomus moniliger inhabits the low hills which are
covered with thick jungle and bamboo-thickets. It has been
procured at Amblangodde, about twenty miles north of Galle ;
and I have got a specimen in my collection which I shot a
few miles from the town, near the celebrated village of Wack-
welle. It is remarkably blind in the daytime, as are also the
Australian Podargi. My bird was sitting across a horizontal
bamboo, and allowed me to almost touch it before I became
aware of its presence ; it did not attempt to fly, but simply
opened and shut its eyes, turning its head towards me, as I
retired to a convenient distance to shoot it. It measured in
the flesh 9 inches total length, tail 4* I, wing 4^, iris yellow,
bill greenish brown, feet and tarsi fleshy grey, the former the
darkest. Caprimulgus asiaticus and C. atripennis are very
common ; but the latter is the more numerous of the two :
certain wooded localities in the low country, in which it is
most plentiful, swarm with this bird. Just as the sun sets
the first “ kak-o-wa-wa ” is heard ; and this is the signal for
a whole wood to resound with these peculiar notes, the bird
being always seated on a tree at the time ; after having car¬
ried on this concert for five or ten minutes, they sally out and
may be seen alighting on the paths, and allow then a near
approach. The largest males measure 11 inches, females
10*4 inches ; and these, like C. asiaticus , have the tail-spot on
the two outer feathers of a dirty or yellowish white , and less

13

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

in extent than the males. Hirundo hyperythra is very nu¬
merous, and breeds in store-rooms and such places in the Fort
of Galle, the nest being a very large structure with a spout¬
like entrance. Collocalia nidifica is numerous in the north¬
east monsoon about the neighbouring hills of Galle, and also
in the Morowa Korle mountains. Cypselus affinis is a winter
visitor to this region, being generally met with on close rainy
evenings along the sea-shore, darting after the countless in¬
sects with which the atmosphere then swarms. Acanthylis gi-
gantea is an inhabitant of the upper ranges of hills, and is found
there at a much lower elevation than in the central province.
It is numerous in the great hill-forest tract known as the Singha
Raj ah wilderness . In the evenings it appears in great numbers,
descending, probably, from the immense heights where it has
been hunting during the day, and dashes up and down and
across the wild mountain-gorges with an incredible rapidity.
Dendrochelidon coronata is plentiful here, and resident all the
year round, affecting chiefly the sides of rocky wooded hills,
particularly where there are dead trees, on which they pass
much of their time. Harpactes fasciatus is found throughout
the whole southern hills down to the forests of the low country.
Of the three Bee-eaters of Ceylon, Merops philippensis and M.
quinticolor are common, the former arriving here in September
and rapidly spreading itself over the whole country to the
highest parts of the hills, the latter resident on the rivers of the
south-west to within twenty miles inland and breeding in
June and July in the holes in the banks by the water's edge.
These beautiful little Bee-eaters are numerous on the Gin-
durah river, and pass the day perched in the branches of tall
trees near the bank, from which they sally out in quest of
insects. The larger bird comes to this country for the greater
part in young plumage, in most cases with either one long
tail-feather or both the uropygials short. These would ap¬
pear to be moulted one at a time, and one mature attenuated
feather acquired before the second short one is dropped. It
is noteworthy that this bird is more abundant in the extreme
south than in other parts of Ceylon. On a rainy evening,
when the atmosphere is alive with winged ants and other in-

14 Lieut. W. Y. Legge on the Distribution of

sects, these Bee-eaters congregate in large flocks over the Fort
of Galle, uttering their curious notes and wheeling round and
round in circles, out of which they dart every instant into the
hosts of creatures which surround them. Of Kingfishers,
Halcyon capensis , H. smyrnensis, Alcedo bengalensis, and
Ceryle rudis are all that a most diligent search has rewarded
me with. Halcyon capensis affects for the most part river-
banks, generally betraying its whereabouts by its loud dis¬
cordant cries. Ceryle rudis is plentiful on the Gindurah
river and its tributaries, and breeds in February in the clayey
banks, excavating a high vault at the end of the hole, and
laying generally four eggs ; the young, which differ from the
adult in having the black pectoral band complete, remain in
the nest for some time after they are able to fly, and, when
they do come forth from their hiding-place, are often to be
seen sitting huddled together on the grassy bank of the river.

Tockus gingalensis ranges from the highest down to the
lowland forests, frequenting the tallest trees in them, and is
more numerous in the latter than in the mountains or in any
part of Ceylon that I have as yet explored. Palceornis alex -
andrij P. rosa , and P. calthropa are the Parrakeets of this
region ; the former is only a straggler and is found in the
neighbourhood of the sea. P. rosa is numerous from the low
country up to the highest parts of the Morowa Korle, being
found in the greatest numbers in the intermediate hills.
Layard’sParrakeet is more abundant in theMorowa-Korle and
the Leori-King forests than anywhere else in the island, and,
like most of the Ceylon birds, ranges down to a lower ele¬
vation here than in other parts. I found it a few months ago
in great numbers in the intermediate valleys of the Gindurah
river, at a height of only 200 or 300 feet above the sea. They
are very fond of thick groves in the forests, and in the morn¬
ing, when feeding on their favourite fruits and berries, are very
tame; towards evening they become very restless, and are
constantly on the wing, settling in little flocks on the tops of
the highest trees, roaming over the surrounding forests, as P.
rosa does in the coffee-districts, and dashing up and down the
mountain- valleys with amazing rapidity. Our little Lorikeet,

15

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

Loriculus indicus} is exceedingly numerous, extending from
the sea-coast, where it frequents cocoa-nut plantations,
through the populated districts of the interior of the province,
to the mountains, where its numbers diminish considerably.
This is the reverse of what is the case in the central province
and the intervening country between that and the west coast.
It breeds in holes in the trunks of the “ kitool/-’ a sugar-
palm, and feeds much on the toddy ” extracted from the
flower of the tree. It becomes drugged with this substance,
and numbers are caught by the natives, who bring them into
the Fort of Galle for sale.

Yungipicus gymnophthalmus ,Chrysocolaptes stricJclandi,Bra-
chypternus ceylonus, and Chrysophlegma chlorophanes form
my list of Woodpeckers. The first named and Brachypternus
ceylonus may be said to have their head quarters here ; they
are found (the latter in great numbers in the maritime cocoa-
nut districts) throughout the lowlands up to the Morowa-
Korle mountains, where, however, they become scarcer than
at a less elevation. Ch. stricklandi, exclusively a denizen of
gloomy forests, extends from the Singha-Rajah hills down to
the jungles in the vicinity of Baddegamme, the mission- station
near Galle. I have observed it very much on small trees,
searching for its food ; in the distance it would be taken for
Brachypternus ceylonus , were it not for its different note and
peculiar erratic movements while ascending the tree. The lat¬
ter mounts up steadily a foot or two at a time, while Layard^s
Woodpecker is up and down, first to one side and then the
other, with a little short jerky movement, which, to my mind,
is sufficient to distinguish it. Of the Barbets of the south,
Megalaima zeylonica and Xantholcema rubricapilla are numer¬
ous in the lowlands, and extend up to about 1500 feet in the
hills. Cyanops flavifrons is very abundant in the Singha-
Rajah hills and neighbouring districts along the upper Gin-
durah ; it is likewise found in the low country not far from
Galle wherever there is high forest ; and there it frequents
invariably the tops of the tallest trees, uttering its monoto¬
nous notes for hours together. It breeds in August.

Cuckoos are tolerably well represented here. Cuculus son-

16 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

nerati is rare in swampy wooded lands ; C. micropterus is also
rare in forests ; and Centropus chlororhynchus , another denizen
of the woods, has several times come under my notice both in
the lowlands near Kottowe and in the hills of the Morowa
and Kookool korles. The note of this shy bird is most ex¬
traordinary, resembling the dropping of a stone into a deep
well, and is generally the only indication one has of its pre¬
sence; for it is rarely or never seen. Centropus rufipennis
and Eudynamys orient alis are, of course, very common. The
former extends sparingly into the mountains. When uttering
its singular deep- sounding note this bird turns the head on
one side and darts it downwards at each syllable, the mandi¬
bles being opened wide, in order, as it would seem, to send
forth the loud ooop-ooop-ooop with greater ease. Zanclostomus
viridirostris is local, and skulks about the thick scrub growing
on some parts of the sea-shore. It is very shy, and seldom
allows itself to be seen for more than a minute at a time.
The handsome Phcenicophceus pyrrhocephalus inhabits thick
forest both in the low and hill districts. It betakes itself
to the ground at times, though it is thoroughly arboreal in
habits ; when disturbed it proceeds in short flights from
tree to tree with a creaking note like that of the European
Magpie, elevating its tail as it alights on the branches. The
difference in the eye of the male and the female is very
remarkable ; but I think there is no doubt about the matter
(see my notes on the subject in last number of f Stray Fea¬
thers ') . Polyphasia passerina is rare in wooded districts of
the low country, and concludes the list of Cuculinse observed
by myself in this district.

One little Creeper, Dendrophila frontalis , is abundant in the
Morowa-Korle hills, and is at times met with in the neigh¬
bourhood of the sea-coast. Tephrodornis affinis is resident
all the year round in this part of the island ; and Hemipus
picatus is common in wooded districts near Galle, as well as
in the lower hills. Dicrurus leucopygialis is abundant near
the sea-coast, and extends from that up to 500 or 600 feet.
It breeds in the well-known “jack ” tree, fixing its nest, which
is a light cup -shaped structure of fine twigs and grass, in the

Birds in Southern Ceylon .

17

angle of a horizontal fork or on a branch high np from the
ground. The eggs are two in number, of a fleshy white
ground-colour, clouded at the obtuse end with faint lilac and
blotched over that, principally at the same part, with light
brown; axis 11 lines, diameter 8 lines. D. edoliiformis
(Blyth) and Edolius malabaricus (Scop.) are both found in
the district; they are both inhabitants of forest entirely,
extending from the Kottowe hills towards the Morowa-Korle
mountains, the former ranging up to the highest points, and
the latter confined, so far as I have been able to trace it, to
the heavy lowland forests. The song of D. edoliiformis is
powerful and melodious, but not so spirited as that of its
long-tailed congener, and is generally uttered when the bird
is disturbed or flying from tree to tree. It perches mostly on
the upper limbs of trees, and sallies forth at passing coleo¬
pterous insects, very often returning to the same place and
elevating its tail on alighting. On comparing a number of
specimens I find that females are the smallest ; my finest spe¬
cimen measures 12*6 inches, with a tail of 6*7 inches, while
males attain a total length of 13 ’9 inches. Immature birds
have the under tail- coverts barred with white, and the under
wing-coverts white-tipped. Edolius malabaricus is an ex¬
tremely shy bird, and frequents deep tangled nullahs in the
forest, being consequently very hard to procure. One indi¬
vidual in my collection, procured in the Kottowe forest near
Gralle, has the long tail-feathers only 5'2 inches longer than
the rest, the bare portion of the t( stem measuring only 2|
inches ; there is no appearance of these feathers being in the
growing-stage ; but Jerdon gives the length as 11 inches more
than the others. Although this bird and the last mentioned
appear to be sometimes confounded when the tail is not in
the racket-stage, surely the two species ought to be distinguish¬
able at all ages, on account of the crest of E. malabaricus
falling back over the forehead, whilst that of D. edoliiformis
projects forward over the bill ; the long-tailed bird is also of
slenderer frame, its rictal bristles are shorter, and the fea¬
thers of the neck are more hackled.

Of Muscicapidse, the elegant Tckitrea paradisea arrives in
see. hi. — VOL. iv.

c

18

Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

great numbers, in the brown stage , in October, and affects by
choice the banks of rivers. It is very plentiful along the
Gindurah. Myiagra azurea is common in all jungles up to
3000 feet ; but I have have not met with a Cyornis in all my
wanderings, although C. jerdoni * is found throughout the
western province. I have only once met with Leucocerca
albofrontata, procuring it at Baddegamme near Galle. Myio-
lestes cinereocapilla is found in the Morowa-Korle and Lion-
King forests down to 2000 feet, where also Eumyias sordida
is tolerably numerous. The young of this species are plu-
maged like those of Cyornis jerdoni. An individual I pro¬
cured last August in the Lion-King hills has the upper sur¬
face and wing-coverts brown, with buff tips to the feathers ;
the chin is buff, and the lower surface, as in the adult, min¬
gled with yellowish grey feathers.

Pitta brachyura, one of our most widely distributed cold-
weather visitants, is exceedingly abundant, and heard in the
mornings and evenings wherever there is a bit of scrub or
jungle : they affect low " cAeew# jungle 33 in preference to damp
woods ; and on wet days their whistle may be heard at any
hour. Oreocincla spiloptera is distributed through the Mo¬
rowa-Korle jungle ; and I have no doubt that Turdulus wardii
is also an inhabitant of the same part. Alcippe nigrifrons ,
Dumetia albogularis , and Pomatorhinus melanurus , with Lay -
ardia rufescens , are all common birds in the lower hilly coun¬
try, and, with the exception of the little “ Pig-bird,” are nu¬
merous in the hills. This curious little skulking babbler is
chiefly found about bushes at the edge of “ cheena ” jungle,
and darts along in a “ follow- my -leader ” style from one bit
of cover to the other with great perseverance. I have found
it in the central province in the upper parts of Doombera, at
an elevation of 2500 feet. Alcippe nigrifrons is wonderfully
abundant, particularly in bamboo jungles, its favourite abode;
it is frequently found in company with Pomatorhinus mela¬
nurus, which affects the same localities. The curious mas-

* In my note on this bird in J. A. S. (Ceylon branch) ,.1870-71, the
female is stated to be brighter than the male. This is a printer’s error,
it should read lighter.

19

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

sive bamboo or other dead-leaf nests which it constructs in
such numbers are, I believe, made as roosting-places, as I
have found hundreds and never yet saw one with eggs or
young. They are placed in a bramble about three feet from
the ground ; and I have watched the birds, from a hiding-place,
picking up the leaves from the ground just underneath and
sticking them into the structure at the rate of two or three in
a minute. I received a clutch of eggs from one of the head
men of the Galle district, which he said belonged to this bird
(well known to the natives by the name of “ Batitchia ”) ; and
he described the nest as made of grass and not leaves. The
eggs were of a dull white ground-colour, blotched and dap¬
pled round the obtuse end with greyish red, and measured
8^ lines by 6J lines.

Drymocataphus fuscicapillus is one of the commonest and
most widely distributed birds in the southern province ; it ap¬
pears to have escaped much observation hitherto in Ceylon, and
is an instance of how easily a bird of retiring and shy habits
may be overlooked in any district if its note is not known.
Up to the time of my arrival in the southern province, having
only collected in the western and coffee- districts, I was under
the impression that this Babbler was one of the rarest birds
in the island. I had not been long at Galle before my atten¬
tion was drawn, while out shooting in the early mornings, or
on rainy days, to a remarkable three-note whistle like the
words “ to meet you ” proceeding from thickets, bamboo scrub,
or any spot where there was much undergrowth. After many
attempts, owing to the shyness of the bird, I procured it, and
was very pleased to see what my prize consisted of. The note
is very remarkable, continued generally for fully ten minutes
at a time, the bird being some times seated on a twig or bam¬
boo, with its neck stretched out, intent on making itself heard,
or hopping quickly about backwards and forwards in the jun¬
gle ; at this time it is very hard to detect, as its voice seems
to be coming from different diretions — near the ground or
from the tops of the trees. It is particularly noisy in rainy
weather, and has, besides its curious “ to meet you ” whistle,
a pretty warble not easy to syllabize. I procured it near the

c 2

20 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

Singha-Rajah forest on the upper Gindurah, at about 1000 feet
above the sea-level. Now and then it may be seen near the
edges of paths in the jungle or flying across open places ; but
this is quite the exception*. It is always found single or in
pairs, and does not seem to associate in small parties like its
smaller relative, Alcippe nigrifrons. Garrulaoc cinereifrons is
common in the upper forests of the province ; it is found in
parties of a considerable number, and is very shy, the whole
flock taking themselves off quickly, chattering, and following
one after the other, on being disturbed in the slightest degree.
I imagine it is confined to the dark and gloomy jungle of the
hills ; I have generally found it in ravines, where it affects
underwood and feeds much on the ground, scratching up
leaves in search of its food. Hypsipetes neilgheriensis is very
abundant from the Morowa-Korle and Singha-Rajahills down
to the low forests near Galle. It is plentiful also about the
secondary jungles and confined valleys between the forests
and the sea. It is a noisy bird, and does not often escape
observation as it flies to and fro across the narrow ravines,
settling on the extreme tops of trees and uttering its harsh
unmusical notes. Criniger ictericusf is numerous in forests
from the low country up to the coffee-estates; it is always found
about the smaller trees and shrubs in high jungle, and, besides
searching along the branches and among the leaves for larvae,
feeds on various berries and small fruit. Kelaartia penicillata
is a Bulbul which I have not succeeded in procuring from
the southern province ; I have never seen it in the district.
Rubigula melanictera is more numerous here than in any part
of Ceylon, frequenting native gardens, “ Lantana ” thickets,
bamboo jungle, and damp primeval forest. Birds are fre-

* To my surprise I found this bird numerous in the jungle of the north¬
east; specimens from that district are lighter in colour than southern
birds.

t With regard to Mr. Holdsworth’s note on this bird (P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 450), he 'does not seem to be aware that there are large tracts of fine
primeval forest within twenty miles of Colombo. In such I found Cri¬
niger ictericus , and not in districts “ consisting of paddy-Jields and cultivated
land” The face of nature is very changeable in Ceylon, and birds are
extremely local on that account.

21

Birds in Southern Ceylon .

quently shot with hazel-brown eyes (the normal colour being
sombre red) ; and though I have not been able to detect any
signs of immaturity in their plumage, they must necessarily
be the young of the year.

Phyllornis malabaricus is by no means uncommon ; it is
an inhabitant of the forests. I have obtained it from near
Galle up to 3000 feet in the Singha- Rajah hills. This district
was the first in which I found this Bulbul, though I have seen
a specimen from the central province. It has not the clear
whistling notes of the universally distributed P. jerdoni ; and
as its yellow forehead cannot be distinguished well in the dis¬
tance, I believe it has been hitherto passed over in Ceylon by
those who have not paid attention to the voices of the different
species of this family. Iora zeylonica is very numerous
throughout the low country of this province. I have speci¬
mens in winter plumage with the iris grey , others in change
of dress with that, again, darker, and two in full breeding-
plumage (with the black back) which had the eye hazel-brown.
This latter circumstance must be looked upon as an abnormal
state of things, I imagine, unless the eye changes in this
species as it puts on its nuptial clothing. Concerning the
Warblers there is but little to note. Thamnobia fulicat a is
much more numerous here than in the western province, ap¬
pearing as if it increased gradually towards the south-east
coast, where it is so extremely abundant. Pvinia socialis is
found in sugar-cane fields ; and as I have found it on the moun¬
tain patnas of the central province, it doubtless extends into
the hills of this part of the island as well. Kittacincla ma-
crura is rare in bamboo-jungles. Cisticola homalura, Blyth,
said to have been found in this district, has not yet come under
my notice, although the common species is abundant in grassy
deserted paddy-fields, and inhabits likewise the patnas of
the Morowa-Korle and Singha-Rajah forests. Drymoipus
validus is found in open bushy places, especially in clearings
made by the natives in the inland valleys for the purpose of
cultivation; I have it also, identified by Lord Walden, from
near Colombo. My specimens range up to 6-fj' total length.
I have also Drymoipus jerdoni up to 5’9,;. The bill of D.

22 Lieut. W. Y. Legge on the Distribution of

validus is black, with a lightish base, of very small extent, to
the under mandible > and a very noticeable peculiarity or cha¬
racteristic is, that the margin is well curved and the culmen
much hooked, while that of D. jerdoni has a gentle sweep
from base to tip. The larger bird is found in the “ Koora-
kan” ( Mleusine indie a) fields of the Singha-Rajah hills, and
delights in sitting on some stump or fallen tree, from which
it pours forth its loud shrill notes and draws attention to its
existence in these mountain-solitudes ; it is not, however,
peculiar to the southern hills, as I have shot it in the
“ Knuckles”*, where it is always to be seen in “ hill 33 paddy-
fields. Phylloscopus nitidus is a winter visitor to these parts
as well as to the western and central provinces ; and I have
no doubt that P. magnirostris, which I have procured in Dim-
boola and also in forests of the north-east , accompanies its
smaller congener to our hills. Of Motacillinse, we have in
the south Calobates sulphurea , found along the sea-coast, af¬
fecting at times the very rocks in the vicinity of Galle, before
betaking itself in September to the mountain-streams of the
interior, and Budytes viridis , very numerous in grass -lands
and newly ploughed paddy-fields, in one “ square ” of which
I have counted nearly a score. Corydalla rufula is our only
Pipit, the other two species apparently not extending to the
south.

Zoster ops palpebrosus is plentiful both in the low and hill
country ; and HoldswortlPs species, Z. ceylonensis , is very nu¬
merous in the Singha-Rajah forests. I might mention that
this range of hills, lying about forty miles from Galle, attain¬
ing a height of about 3500 feet, and hitherto unexplored by
any European save one f, appears to abound with all the pe¬
culiar Ceylonese birds. I found Z. ceylonensis there, as I did
in the forests of the Knuckles, to the north of Kandy (see note.
Journal R. A. S. (Ceylon), 1871, page 30), in large flocks af¬
fecting the ends of outspreading branches of forest-trees, cling¬
ing to the twigs and leaves thereof, and keeping up an inces¬
sant chirping • after one tree had been well searched, the

* Mountains to the north of Kandy.

t Dr. Th waites, director of the the botanical gardens, Peradeniya.

23

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

whole troop would move off to another/ and so on through
the jungle. A male from the central province measured 4’8W,
and has a wing 2,3", while another from the Singha-Rajah
hills has a total length of 4*7" and a wing of 2'2n ; the females
are smaller and less dark on the forehead, having the wing
up to 2,1// in length. I traced Prionochilus vincens (Legge's
Flower-pecker) up to the same locality at an elevation of about
2500 feet; so that this little novelty must now rank among
our Ai//-species. It was found much about the edges of clear¬
ings in the forest, and affected, wherever it grew, the flowers
of the hill-species of Bowitteya ( Osbeckia virgata ), a very com¬
mon shrub throughout the island. It was evidently breeding
when I was there, in September, as the testes of one I pro¬
cured were very much developed. The iris is more strictly
brownish red than “ reddish,” as I described it in my first
notice of the bird to Dr. Sclater. It is a remarkable fact, as
noticed also by Mr. Hugh Neville (Journ. R. A. S. (Ceylon),
1871, page 33), that Corvus splendens is entirely absent from
the south of Ceylon, where it is replaced abundantly by C.
culminatus in towns and villages as well as in the country.
Parus cinereus and Cissa ornata inhabit our hill-region. The
J ay is local in its distribution, being very numerous in some
forests of the Morowa and Colonna korles and entirely want-
in other tracts. As is the case with all our hill- species, and
which I wish especially to call attention to in this paper, it
descends to lower elevations in the southern than in the cen¬
tral hills. I have seen it along the banks of the Gindurah at
about 1500 feet above the sea.

Among Mynahs the abundance of Eulabes religiosa is some¬
what noteworthy. It replaces Acridotheres tristis at about
ten miles inland, and is very common in forest- and also in
cultivated lands along the rivers of the interior. It ranges
up to about 1000 feet on the Gindurah. Far more remarkable,
however, is the abundance of Temenuchus senex , that most
local of all Ceylon birds, in the Morowa-Korle and Singha-
Rajah ranges. Unlike its nearest ally in Ceylon, Temenuchus
pagodarum (so abundant in the Hambantotta districts), it is
strictly arboreal in its habits. I first met with it in the

24 Lieut. W. Y. Legge on the Distribution of

Morowa-Korle coffee-country in 1871, frequenting the edges
of forests, and hopping actively, Bulbul-like, about among the
leaves of fruit-bearing trees, clinging, Tit-like, to the twigs,
and uttering a single note, which I find jotted down in my
rough memoranda as very Starling-like. I subsequently
found it in numbers in “ cheena 99 clearings in the Singha
forest, which is a continuation of the Morowa-Korle hills,
being simply divided from them by the deep gorges of the
Gindurah. In the mornings it fed, in company with flocks
of Palceornis calthropce, on the seeds or fruit of the Kanda-tree
(. Macaranga tomentosa) growing near the edges of the jungle ;
and in the heat of the day I observed it hopping about the
leaves of Jack-trees searching for insects. On procuring spe¬
cimens the stomachs proved to contain a mixed diet. In the
evenings they became restless, in just the same manner as the
Hill-Mynah, Eulabes ptilogenys , and roamed about the val¬
leys, alighting on the tops of dead trees in small parties of
two and three. Layard got his specimen from Mr. Thwaites,
and believed it -was procured in the Saffragam district, which
is the opposite slope of the central mountains on the north
side of the valley which divides them from the ranges I now
speak of. Males measure in the flesh 8*3"; wing 4*2,/> tail
2‘7n; tarsus nearly 1*1"; bill from gape LI". The iris is
whitish, with a brown inner circle ; bill light glaucous green,
bluish about the base ; legs and feet bluish slate. The female
differs materially from the male in the character of its color¬
ation, in having far more white on the head, and in the neutral
grey of the under surface being much more in extent. These
parts may be described thus : — forehead, front of crown , side
of head just over the eye, face, ear-coverts, chin, and gorge
white ; fore neck and the sides (gradually blending thence into
the ashy black of the hind neck), chest, breast, and flanks
neutral grey or bluish cinereous, the feathers with fine white
shafts ; on the belly the feathers commence to be edged
greyish white until the abdomen and under tail- coverts be¬
come entirely of that colour. In the male the forehead alone
is white, with a buff tinge, ending abruptly at the crown, the
white of the throat descends further to the neck ; and the

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

25

feathers of the breast have the centres greyish white, with
a broad margin only of neutral grey, the white shafts show¬
ing conspicuously on the chest, and not on the lower parts
as in the female. Our Hill-Mynah, Eulahes ptilogenys , is
extraordinarily numerous in the forests of the Kookool Korle,
and in parts of the Morowa Korle, and is found as low as
1500 feet.

There is nothing much to note with regard to the dis¬
tribution of the Fringillidse in our province, except that
Munia rubronigra does not appear to exist here at all.
Layard records it from Galle ; but he surely could not have
mistaken it for M. malacca , which is common in the heart
of the many paddy-districts of the interior and nowhere
else in Ceylon that I have visited. M. malabarica is an Indian
bird in its tastes, liking a dry climate, such as the south-east
coast and northern parts of the island. It is quite absent
from our hill-district. I have now and then seen an isolated
example of Estrelda amandava on the grass-land close to the
Fort ; the bird has in all probability become acclimatized here
as at Colombo, by escaping from cages brought here from
Bengal. Alauda gulgula is rare in this district, preferring,
in company with all the peninsular birds found in the island,
that remarkably Indo-Ceylonese region, the south-east coast.
Of Columbse, the fine Carpophaga sylvatica, with its wonder¬
ful deep note, is plentiful in hill-jungles and forests when its
favourite trees are in fruit. Palumbus torringtonim inhabits
the hills, as it does in the central province. The wing- coverts
in the immature bird are edged rusty. Osmotreron bicincta
is numerous in the maritime districts, extending inland to the
lower hills, where it is replaced from there up to the spurs
of the Singha-Rajah and Morowa-Korle hills by Osmotreron
JlavogulariSj Blyth ; the soft melodious whistle of this species
is one of the most beautiful of all eastern bird-notes. The
under tail- coverts in all specimens I have procured (it is very
numerous also in the eastern province) have not sufficient
green to warrant the feathers being described as such ; those
I have examined are white, the shorter feathers margined with
faint yellow mottled or irregularly patched with greyish green

26 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

to within half an inch of the tip. These markings vary in
extent in different individuals. Turtur risoria is absent from
this district, being replaced by T. suratensis, which is very
numerous. Pigeons, as well as all other frugiverous birds, are
exceedingly fond of the berry of the “ Lantana 33 ( Lantana
mixta), which has overrun the whole island. Chalcophaps in -
dica is perhaps the most plentiful of our Doves, and is widely
distributed throughout the hilly country of the lowlands, fre¬
quenting bamboo-jungles, in which it breeds, making its nest
generally where a tangled mass of the stalks cross each other.
The wooded nature of the south-west is particularly favourable
to the habits of J ungle- and Spur-fowl ; but the latter predo¬
minates much in numbers. Every copse and little piece of
detached jungle, even in the vicinity of the sea, has its pair ;
but notwithstanding their numbers, they evade all attempts
at stalking, and seldom or ever fall to the gun of the Euro¬
pean. The natives shoot them at times by watching near a
favourite haunt at day-break, when they generally show them¬
selves on the edge of the copse for a short interval. Gallo -
perdix bicalcarata breeds in this province during the south¬
west monsoon, from June until September. The nest is a de¬
pression or hole scratched in the ground, lined with a few
dead leaves, under the shelter of a rock or between the pro¬
jecting roots of a large tree. They lay from two to four eggs
of a uniform cream-colour; axis 17 lines, diam. 13^ lines.
One that I took from a nest last J uly has raised white specks
all over the surface, such as are sometimes noticeable on the
eggs of the domestic Fowl. This part of the island is the
head quarters of Excalfactoria chinensis, which frequents
grassy damp fields in numbers, and affords at times fair shoot¬
ing to the sportsman. Turnix taigoor is not so numerous as
in the western province, being principally confined to low
bushy outskirts of jungle and citronella-grass plantations.

It will appear from the description of this part of the
southern province, at the commencement of these notes, that
it can contain but little area suitable to the habits of Waders
and natatorial birds ; and these are therefore, in comparison
with other districts in the island, but poorly represented in

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

27

our list of the avifauna. Many of the Ardeidae are universally
distributed throughout Ceylon, being found wherever there
is the smallest piece of marsh or “ paddy 99 land, and must be
in consequence considered an exception to the well-marked
absence of their congeners from this part. Bordering the
Gindurah river, in the neighbourhood of the villages of
Wackwelle and Boddegamme, and extending thence to a dis¬
tance of some twenty-five miles from the sea, are large tracts
of paddy- and open grass- land, which, of course, harbour a
number of Snipes in the season, and about which large flocks
of Golden Plovers are found in rainy weather. The district
of Matura, the southernmost part of the island, contains much
in common with this division of the province : the Whistling
Teal (Dendrocygna javanica) is numerous there, and breeds
in June and July in marshy deserted “ paddy 99 fields,- and I
am informed that the large Wild Duck [Anas poecilorhyncha)
is found sometimes on the river Niwalle, which flows into the
sea near the town of Matura. There are several large brackish
lagoons connected with the sea and lying some little distance
inland along the coast-line from Bentotte, thirty miles north
of Galle, to Matura, about the same distance to the south¬
east ; but these are singularly devoid of bird-life. The shores,
instead of being flat, are lined with mangrove-thickets ; and
the waters are not tidal ; so that there is almost a total absence
of Totani and Tr ingee ; a few Herons, among which Nycti-
corax griseus predominates in some places, are the sole deni¬
zens of the borders of these lakes. The waters being brackish
harbour scarcely any wild fowl, a stray Cormorant or two,
Graculus javanicus, being about the only form to be seen in
a day^s trip. The Charadriidse of this part of the island are
Ch. fulvus , JEgialites mongolicus , and Lobivanellus goensis.
The first of these is the most abundant, arriving in Sep¬
tember a little before the Snipe, and departing later, as far
into the breeding-season as the first week in May. In the
north of Ceylon, I should say, many birds while passing to high
latitudes ought to be procurable in full summer dress. In
this district, as early as the 29th of April, I have procured
them with the white forehead and neck-bordering, and the

28 Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

whole under surface black, except here and there white patches.
My experience goes towards testifying that the change of
colour takes place in the existing feather, and not by renewal
of it ; and it would appear, furthermore, to be acquired with
wonderful rapidity. It is noticeable first of all on the breast,
on the feathers of which black marginal spots appear near the
tip ; these gradually coalesce until the terminal half is entirely
black ; at this time small black spots appear at the tips of the
fore-neck feathers, and the under tail-coverts become barred
with the same hue. The white markings of the forehead and
neck appear to be the last acquired, as at the above stage
there is no trace of them. JEgialites mongolicus is found
during the winter months on open grass-land, particularly in
wet weather ; its little congener JE. dubius, abundant in the
north of the island and associating generally with it, is absent
from this district. Rhynchcea bengalensis* is tolerably abun¬
dant in large extents of paddy-land, particularly in the Wack-
welle district near Galle, as many as six couple having
fallen on one occasion in a day's shooting last year to the
same gun. They breed to a considerable extent in Ceylon,
about May and June, according to reliable information as
to actual nesting ; but, curiously enough, I have had an egg
taken from a bird in December and another in March, both
ready for laying. Another instance occurred of a bird lay¬
ing an egg in a cage, recorded by Mr. Holdsworth (P. Z. S.
1872, p. 473); and, if I mistake not, that in the possession of
Mr. C. P. Layard, Government Agent for the western province,
was taken from a dead bird in October. They “nest" on a
bank or ridge in the fields out of the way of the water, and
appear to lay two eggs. These are of a stone-yellow ground¬
colour, and vary much in the intensity of markings. Mine
are blotched and washed irregularly all over with rich dark
sepia-brown with a few pencillings of the same hue, a few
bluish grey and light brown blotches appearing towards the

* In the north of Ceylon I have invariably found this bird in the salt
sedgy lands near the foreshore of tidal lagoons, where they feed much on
small univalve shells, four or five of which I have taken whole from the
stomach of one individual.

29

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

obtuse end under the brown markings ; axis 1 inch 4 lines,
diameter 11 lines. Some eggs are magnificently clouded with
sepia and want the pencil-like strokes. With regard to JE,
mongolicus, I forgot to mention above that it sometimes re¬
mains very late in this country, even down here in the south,
before it migrates northwards. I have procured it on the
27th April on the sandy hanks of our chief river, the Gin-
durah, still in the immature plumage in which most of our
visitors of that ilk are clothed, without a sign of moulting to
the adult garb. As may he supposed, our list, in the south, of
Longirostres is not a strong one, the country not being suited
to their habits. There is, as it were, a gap, as far as this class
is concerned, extending from the mud flats of Negombo, to
the north of the capital, to the flat and salt-pan-begirt shores
of the south-east, where Waders of all kinds become so won¬
derfully numerous. Numenius arquata is found in the Ma-
tura-district ; but I doubt if N.phceopus , which seems confined
to the north of the island, ever comes so far south. Tringa
minuta is now and then met with, along with Golden Plover, in
newly ploughed paddy-fields, where they may be seen search¬
ing for the various worms and other insects turned up by the
plough. This species wanders a good deal inland. I have
found them in muddy drains running through swamps in the
northern province ; and it was in such a locality, out of a flock
of three Little Stints, that I obtained, some months ago, T.
temminckii) for the first time recorded from Ceylon. Actitis
glareola is very common in this province, being our first visitor
at the fall of the south-west monsoon — that is, if I except A.
hypoleucus, which I cannot but believe is a resident in the
island to a large extent. These two species frequent the
brackish mangrove-lined lagoons of these parts, being the
only birds of the kind found there. They may be often seen
running along the edges of the loathsome cori-pits , where the
cocoa-nut husks are allowed to rot before being beaten out
into cori yam-spots. But to return to Totaninse, T. stagna-
tilis is the only species I have met with here. While wander¬
ing in the haunts of this and other like species in the north
of the island, watching the movements of happy little parties

30 Lieut. W. Y. Legge on the Distribution of

busily discussing the denizens of the tidal-flats of the great
salt lagoons, I have often thought that this little chap must
be gifted with an exceedingly bad temper. How he screams
and pipes in the most offended of tones when he is disturbed !
How he still gives vent to his rage after he has alighted again,
till he is finally appeased by the glad sight of some hapless
struggling sand- worm and relapses into silence ! I know of
but one instance of a large Stork being seen on the inland
marshes of this district ; and that must have been Ciconia
episcopus , Bodd. Ardea purpurea is numerous in parts, such
as in the vicinity of the large lake at Amblangodde and in
like situations near Matura ; but it is very local in its distri¬
bution. Herodias egrettoides is plentiful in parts, but not H.
garzetta, which is a northern bird. Contrary to Layard's ex¬
perience, I find that Ardeola leucoptera and Buphus coromandus
breed in colonies by themselves, and not in company with
other Egrets. They are both very numerous about the swamps
and saltish lagoons of the hilly district under consideration,
and nest in the months of May and June, A. leucoptera
choosing our island in preference to other localities. In a
large colony which I visited on Kogalle Lake, a sheet of water
some ten miles from Galle, I found most nests to contain two
or three eggs, a few only having four. They were small for
the size of the bird, averaging ln 7,n by 1" 2m; but they vary
very much in dimensions ; they are in some instances exceed¬
ingly round for the eggs of a Heron. The young nestlings
just fledged have the bill fleshy red, the tarsi and feet bright
pea-green, the head and back of neck dark brown, with buff
mesial lines, and the neck buff, with broad brown margins.
They perch and cling to the branches with great cleverness
when only a day or two old. The nests were placed in a low,
bushy, swamp-loving tree, called in the vernacular, “ cadool 33
(Rhizophora mucronata ) , and are very small, resembling large
Pigeons' nests more than those of Herons. Ardetta cinna-
momea is common here ; but A. flavicollis is only now and then
met with in the north-east monsoon. Hydrophasianus chi-
rurgus is numerous in some of our fresh-water inland swamps,
birds being often found in October in what is called in Indian

31

Birds in Southern Ceylon .

works cc winter ” plumage : such a term would be puzzling
here, however ; for this dress, the non-breeding garb, is worn
in Ceylon from May until the latter part of the last-named
month ; so that the breeding- dress is the winter and the oppo¬
site the summer dress. This species is wonderfully numerous
on the northern tanks in the Wanny ” district, their musical
notes resounding all day and all night long through the pic¬
turesque forests on their borders. These sounds are essentially
typical of the wild regions in the northern forests of this
island, and must always associate themselves in the mind of
the naturalist with his wanderings in Ceylon. Porphyrio
poliocephalus is rare on the lagoons of the south ; and now and
then Gallicrex cristata falls to the gun of the sportsman in
the paddy-fields. This latter bird appears to be migrating to
the south of Ceylon, coming down with the north-east mon¬
soon in October, and leaving in April. As yet I have not been
able to meet with it during the remaining portion of the year.
The Rails of Ceylon must either be very rare or very difficult
to find in districts which they do affect. I am inclined to
think they are also very local in their distribution, as it is
somewhat noteworthy that Layard, who looked through the
island so well, only met with the three rarest species ( Porzana
fusca, P.pygmcea , and Rallus indicus) in one locality, near Co¬
lombo. I have not seen any examples of any of these birds
from this part, though one, or all, may yet be found in the
marshy districts of Matura. Anastomus oscitans, the only Ibis
in this corner of the island, is found on Amblangodde Lake,
twenty miles north of Galle, where there is a tolerably large
colony. They breed there, I imagine, as I have seen and
shot them on the lake very soon after the breeding-season.
Who will be the discerning individual destined to settle the
much-vexed question of the peculiar worn space in the bill ?
I do not see how it is to be done while there is such strong
difference of opinion, some asserting that it does not exist in
the young bird and others denying this. My own experience
points decidedly to the former theory. I secured a young
bird, some four or five months old, from the western pro¬
vince, a district which, by the way, it does not affect in

32

Lieut. W. V. Legge on the Distribution of

general ; and I can safely vouch, after a close examination of
the mandibles, that no signs of the space existed, nor was there
any serration of the edges or other indication of a probable
development from natural causes of this peculiar formation.
The edges of the mandibles fitted together as with ordinary
birds. The young of this Ibis, like those of Tantalus leuco-
cephalus , do not reach the full size until some time after they
are fully fledged — in fact, not until the end of the first year.
They are differently clothed miniatures of the adult, so to
speak. Jerdon mentions, c Birds of India/ vol. iii. p. 765,
that he is of opinion that the white birds seen now and then
are not young but old individuals ; his supposition would ap¬
pear to be correct, as my specimen had the interscapular region
and about the shoulders brown instead of grey as in the adult,
the scapulars brownish black, and the head and neck dusky.
The length of the bill and tarsus were 4 inches and 5 \ as
against 6T inches and 6J respectively in the adult. In spite,
however, of the non-existence in the young bird of this cavity
(which I should be sorry to affirm was always the case on the
testimony of one example only), there is but little doubt that
it is developed naturally , and not by wear, at a more advanced
stage than that in which my specimen was ; for the peculiar
decomposed and fibrous-like process extending along the edge
of the “ arch 99 on the margin of the upper mandible militates
against the idea that this is the result of friction in opening
shells. If it were so, this soft formation would soon cease to
exist, and the edge of the upper mandible would be as smooth
and hard as that of the lower. Assuming that this is the cor¬
rect hypothesis, what is the object of this formation in the
economy of the bird ?

Concerning our Laridse there is but little to note, as this
particular part of the coast is poor in variety of species, al¬
though those which do visit us exist in large numbers. The
common Gull of the north, Xema brunneicephalum , Jerdon, so
abundant about Trincomalie and Jaffna, I have only once seen
in this neighbourhood. Croicocephalus ichthyaetus is very rare
in this country so far south. I have butonce noticed it ; and
that was in the rough weather off the coast at Colombo. The

33

Birds in Southern Ceylon.

two Sea-Terns which affect our coasts, viz. Sterna bengalensis,
Lesson, and Sterna bergii, Lichtenstein (or Sterna cristata ,
Stephens, = S.pelecanoides , King, whichever it is), are very nu¬
merous, arriving here in November and leaving again about
the last week in April or first in May, according to the strength
of the south-west monsoon. These Sea-Terns are numerous
wherever there are detached rocks some distance from land,
which they make their head quarters, roosting there during
the heat of the day when they have gorged themselves with
fish. There appears to be some doubt what the larger species
really is. Hume, in c Stray Feathers J (vol. i. p. 283), affirms
that the bird frequenting the coasts of India, and which he
met with in Sindh last year, is S. bergii , Lichtenstein, the
wings of which he gives as varying from 14*2 to 14*8 inches,
and the bills from 2‘6 to 2*75 inches, and says that Sterna
cristata (the bird given by Jerdon as the common species
round India) has a wing of from 13 to less than 14 inches,
and a bill of from 2 to nearly 2*5 inches, and furthermore has
the forehead white at all seasons . My specimens have the
wing 13 and 13*1 inches, and bills barely 2 5 inches — the di¬
mensions given for S. cristata, Stephens. It is extremely
difficult to work the subject out, in the south of Ceylon espe¬
cially, on account of the birds leaving before many of them
acquire any signs of summer plumage. At the end of April
and the first week in May I have seen the larger Sea-Tern
with both black and white foreheads ; but I was not fortunate
enough to procure specimens of either, so that I cannot say
whether they were two species or winter- and summer-
“ headed” examples of the same. $. caspia does not extend
to the south of Ceylon : and Gelochelidon anglica, Montagu,
is not at all common here ; it commences on the south-east
coast and gets more numerous towards the north, where it is
more abundant than any other species. The Marsh-Tern, Hy -
drochelidon indica , Stephens, is abundant about paddy-fields,
and arrives here early in the fall of the year.

I have once seen a Frigate Bird, which I conclude was
Attagen minor ; they do not appear off these shores except
when the wind is blowing strong from the west or south-west,
ser. hi. — vol. iv. x>

34

Capt. F. W. Hutton on certain

Both our species of Cormorants are found sparingly about
the brackish lakes of this district ; Graculus sinensis, the rarer
of the two, frequents the Amblangodde Lake, a large sheet of
water mentioned more than once in this paper.

Note . — Since commencing these notes, which have been
much delayed owing to pressure of work, illness, and two
changes of stations, I have added to my list of Baptores, by
observing Pandion haliaetus as late as the 3rd of May making
its way northward, and by procuring specimens of Accipiter
virgatus in the low country fifteen miles from Galle. This
latter is a rare species in Ceylon ; and the Osprey has only,
so far as I am aware, been seen once before in these parts.

In visiting a large tract of hill-forest, hitherto unexplored,
lying in the subsidiary ranges of the Morowa-Korle group
of mountains, and attaining a height of about 1700 feet, I
found Eulabes ptilogenys as low down as 600 feet above the
sea-level, and Zoster ops ceylonensis as low as 1500 feet.

Galle, 10th May, 1873.

UjS ..27J.

IY. — Notes on certain Birds of New Zealand .

By Capt. F. W. Hutton.

Although fully recognizing the value to ornithologists of Hr.
Butler's handsome work on the birds of New Zealand, espe¬
cially in his determination of Thinornis rossii as the young of
T. novce-zealandiae, and in his identification of Gallinago pusilla
with G. aucklandica, I wish to point out what I consider to be
certain inaccuracies that I have noticed in it, and also to record
my dissent from some of the opinions expressed therein.

I have in these notes followed Hr. BulleFs nomenclature,
but I do not agree with it in all cases.

SCELOGLAUX ALBIFACIES.

I cannot agree with Hr. Butler's remark that “ the extinc¬
tion of the native rat has been followed by the almost total dis¬
appearance of this singular bird,” nor with the conclusion that
he draws from it ; for I have elsewhere pointed out (Trans.
N. Z. Inst. v. p. 230) that there is no evidence that an indi-

Birds of New Zealand, 35

genous rat ever existed in this country ; and supposing even
that there had been a “ native rat/’ it could only have been
exterminated by other rats and mice taking its place. There
is also no evidence to show that the Laughing Owl was for¬
merly “ more plentiful than it now is/3 or that it has now al¬
most totally disappeared. During a short tour of six weeks
through the Nelson province last summer I twice heard it,
once at Fox Hill, and again on the river Conway.

Besides its laugh it has a peculiar note, like two branches
of a tree rubbing together, repeated twice over at considerable
intervals.

Its laugh is very different from that of the bird that I heard
on the Little Barrier Island (Trans. N. Z. Inst. i. p. 162),
which I think must be of another species.

Stringops habroptilus.

Dr. Buber's mistake in supposing that the superficial ana¬
logy of the facial disk of this bird to that of an Owl, as well
as the softness of its plumage, and its nocturnal habits, seem
“ to prove that it supplies in the grand scheme of nature the
connecting link between the Owls and Parrots,” has been al¬
ready pointed out (Ann. Nat. Hist. 1872, p. 477), so that I
have only to record my total dissent from Dr. Buber's
views. Dr. Buber also states that this “ bird is known to be
a ground-feeder with a voracious appetite, and to subsist
chiefly on mosses.” That it may sometimes eat moss is
probable ; but I have tried in vain to induce it to do so in cap¬
tivity, and one that escaped in a garden in Auckland re¬
mained for a fortnight in a clump of pine trees feeding on the
flowers, and was never seen to descend to the ground. He
also states that “ there is no physiological reason why the
Kakapo should not be as good a flier as any other Parrot.”
[ should have thought that the small pectoral muscles, almost
total absence of keel on the sternum, and soft primary fea¬
thers of the wing, were quite sufficient physiological reasons.

Nestor occidentalis.

I agree with Dr. Finsch that this species must be united
with N. meridionalis .

d 2

36

Capt. F. W. Hutton on certain

Heteralocha acutirostris.

The tongue of this bird is not, according to my observations,
“ bifurcate at the tip,” nor is it “furnished with minute barbs,”
but is deeply fringed at the tip, and slightly so down each
side for about a third of its length.

Halcyon vagans.

I have never known an instance of this bird catching fish ;
like the rest of the genus it subsists entirely on insects and
crustaceans.

PrOSTHEMADERA N OViE-ZEALANDIiE .

The bird described* and figured as young must surely be a
variety. I have seen several young specimens, but none of
them had a white crescent on the throat.

Anthornis melanura.

Dr. Buller is certainly in error in saying that this bird is
dying out all over New Zealand ; for it is one of the commonest
of birds in the South Island, and can be seen in almost every
garden. The district in which it is all but exterminated cor¬
responds far better with the district thickly inhabited by
Maoris than with the district thickly inhabited by Mus decu-
manus. I have never observed any bright-coloured feathers
in its nest.

Orthonyx albicilla.

I quite agree with Mr. Potts that this bird is by no means
the representative in the north island of O. ochrocephala. The
structure of its feet shows that it is not an Orthonyx at all ;
and in its habits and song it is quite different from O. ochro¬
cephala. According to my observations it does not prefer
low bush, nor does it climb the boles of trees, but is almost
always seen hopping about in the very topmost boughs of
tall trees.

Dr. Buller is also mistaken in saying that it sings like the
Canary. It is the Bobin (Miro longipes ) that sings like the
Canary, while the song of the White-head (0. (?) albicilla ) is
much like that of the Yellow-hammer (Ember iz a citrinella)}
but without the last note.

37

Birds of Neiv Zealand .

CERTHIPARUS NOVjE-ZEALANDI^.

Dr. Buller says that the egg of this bird is not known ; but
I described it in 1871 in my f Catalogue of the Birds of New
Zealand ' from specimens that had been in the Otago Museum
for several years.

Gerygone plaviventris.

In the figure given of this bird the breast is white, whereas
it should be grey, while in the description of G. albofrontata
the breast is described as grey when it should have been white.

I was in error in saying that this bird never uses spiders'
nests in the construction of its nest. Dr. Powell informs me
that the green spider's nest made use of is that of Epeira
verrucosa. It is remarkable that G. albofrontata in the Chat¬
ham Islands uses the very same species of spider's nest as G.
flaviventris, and neither ever employs the orange-coloured nest
of Epeira antipodiana.

Xenicus longipes.

I cannot accept Dr. Buller's identification of this bird with
X. stokesii without further proof. Dr. Buller obtained speci¬
mens of X. stokesii which he wrongly determined as X. lon¬
gipes ; in fact all the specimens of X. longipes in his collec¬
tion were X. stokesii ; these he compared with X. stokesii
in the British Museum, and naturally found them identical.
But until it is explained how it is that the figure and descrip¬
tion of X. longipes in the f Voyage of the Erebus and Terror '
differ so much from specimens of X. stokesii , I must continue
to regard them as two species.

Dr. Buller also states that this bird is strictly arboreal in
its habits, never being seen on the ground. This is quite in¬
correct of X. stokesii , which is constantly on the ground, and
never ascends into high trees.

Miro traversi.

I am not aware that I ever suggested to Dr. Buller that he
should call this bird after Mr. H. Travers. The facts of the
case are these : — When Mr. Travers's collection of Chatham-
Island birds arrived at the museum. Dr. Hector handed it
over to me, with instructions to make a list of them, describe

38

Capt. F. W. Hutton on certain

the new species, and pick out a set of the novelties to send
to Dr. Buller. This I did, and described this bird as Petroica
tr aver si ; and, with Dr. Hectors consent, the list was sent for
publication in fThe Ibis' (Ibis, 1872, p. 243) in order that
Dr. Buller might avail himself of it in the preparation of his
book. The birds sent to Dr. Buller had also my names at-
tached to each. My list was published in f The Ibis ' in July
1872; and I have a letter from Dr. Buller saying that the
Editor had sent him a proof of my paper before the part of
his book containing M. traversi was published. I do not
think this can be considered as a suggestion to Dr. Buller that
he should name this species after Mr. H. Travers.

Myiomoira macrocephala.

I am still not convinced that this species is identical with
M . dieffenbachiL The bright yellow of the breast which
characterizes the latter is seen in the young before it is fully
fledged ; and the difference cannot, therefore, be due to age
or to season.

ANTHUS NOViE-ZEALANDLE

is not gregarious during the summer, disappearing on the
approach of winter, but, like other Anthi , congregates in the
autumn, after the breeding-season is over, and disperses to
breed in the spring.

Glaucopis cinerea.

Dr. Buller has omitted to notice the habit this bird has of
holding its food in its foot when eating. Mr. W. Travers has
described this in G. cinerea (Trans. N. Z. Inst. iv. p. 212);
and I have myself observed it in G. wilsoni. Porphyrio mela -
notus has the same habit.

CaRPOPHAGA NOVE-ZEALANDIE.

In f The Ibis' for July 1872, p. 246, I described two eggs
supposed to belong to this bird, brought by Mr. H. Travers
from the Chatham Islands. Mr. Travers has since informed
me that he is not sure to what bird these eggs belong, as he
found them on the ground, but supposed them to be those of
the Pigeon, because in each case a Pigeon was sitting in a tree

Birds of New Zealand. 39

above (!). The colour, however, and small size are sufficient
proofs that they cannot belong to C.novce-zealandia ; and when
Mr. Potts saw them he at once recognized them as the eggs
of a Stormy Petrel. Both Mr. H. Travers and myself now
believe that they belong to Thalassidroma fregata.

It is the more necessary that I should correct this mistake
as Dr. Buller in his book (p. 160) states that the egg of C.
novce-zealandice is "1*5 inch in length by 1*1 in breadth ; the
surface is smooth without being glossy, and, as a rule, pure
white, but sometimes marked with obscure purplish spots at
the thicker end,” and, although not given as a quotation, the
measurements and latter part of this description must have
been taken from my paper in f The Ibis/ as they correspond
entirely with it. The egg of this bird is still a desideratum
in collections.

OcYDROMUS EARLI.

It is much to be regretted that Dr. Buller does not produce
better evidence in support of his statement that this bird oc¬
casionally breeds with the Barn-door Fowl. It is certainly
astonishing that a naturalist should see and “ carefully ex¬
amine ” several supposed hybrids, and never preserve speci¬
mens, nor even take an intelligible description of them, nor
ascertain what these supposed hybrids developed into. Dr.
Buller cannot expect that other naturalists will accept as true
a statement made in such a loose and unscientific manner.

OcYDROMUS AUSTRALIS.

The male bird described by Dr. Buller under this name is
O. troglodytes (Gm.), while the female is the true O. aus¬
tralis (Sparrm.) . These two species are quite distinct, as has
been pointed out by Dr. Finsch in the f J ournal fur Ornitho-
logie/ May 1872, p. 174 &c. Another species of this genus
has been lately received at the Colonial museum from Otago,
which I shall shortly describe.

Charadrius fulvus.

Dr. Buller states that this bird “ occurs occasionally on the
New-Zealand coast;” but as both Mr. Gould and Dr. Jerdon

40

Capt. F. W. Hutton on certain

state that it resembles in habits the Golden Plover of Europe,,
this is very unlikely to be the case. He also makes no men¬
tion of the only specimen contained in any New-Zealand col¬
lection, viz. that in the Auckland Museum, which was pre¬
sented by Dr. Buller himself, but without any mention of the
locality.

Anarhynchus frontalis.

I cannot follow Mr. Potts and Dr. Buller in thinking that
the bent bill of this bird is useful in enabling it “ to follow *
up retreating insects by making the circuit of a water-worn
stone with far greater ease than if it had been furnished with,
with a straight beak.” In the first place, unless the bird is
also furnished with some means of seeing round a corner, it
would not be able to see the insect it wanted to catch ; in the
second place, the bird is just as common in the sandy bed of
the Waikato, and on the mud-flats of the Manukam harbour,
where there are no stones, as it is in the shingle beds of the
rivers of the south island ; and, in the third place, I have often
watched the bird feeding and never yet saw it run round a
stone more than any other bird might do.

It seems to me that a bill bent on one side would be very
useful to a bird whose usual food was either minute but nu¬
merous organisms, such as Diatomaceae &c., or small animals
hidden among fine algae &c. ; for by slightly inclining its head
it could lay a considerable part of its bill flat on the ground,
and thus, in the first case, take up a much larger quantity of
those minute organisms at a time, or, in the latter, could
search over a greater extent of algae for creatures that it could
not see, than if it used only the point of the bill. The broad
bill of the Duck performs the same office in a different man¬
ner. I by no means assert, however, that this is the use of
the peculiar shape of the bill ; for I have had no opportunity
of observing one through a telescope when feeding, neither
have I examined the contents of the stomach to ascertain on
what they feed ; but it must be remembered that the curve in
the bill would not prevent the bird from eating insects and
other animals also.

41

Birds of New Zealand .

Nycticorax caledonictjs.

Dr* Buller says that several instances have been reported
of this bird occurring in the south island ; but both Dr. Haast
and Mr. Fuller assure me that they never heard of it. The
only authenticated New-Zealand specimen appears to be the
one mentioned by Dr. Buller as having been shot in the pro*
vince of Wellington sixteen years ago ; but when T came to
the Colonial museum I found two or three specimens, without
labels, among the New-Zealand birds, and 1 somehow got the
idea into my head that they had been obtained in the south
island : this made me state, in my Catalogue of the Birds of
New Zealand/ that the bird was found in both islands, a
mistake which has probably led Dr, Buller astray.

Larus scopulinus.

The young of this bird takes a year and a half to arrive at
the full colours of the adult. When one year old they lose
the brown feathers of the wings and back and assume the
plumage of the adult ; but the red bill and legs are not got
until the second spring.

LaRITS BULLERI.

This bird is, no doubt, identical with L. pomare. It does
not cc deposit its eggs on the bare ground/' but forms a very
good nest,

DlOMEDEA MELANOPHRYS.

Dr. Buller will find more information on the subject of
Petrels fiying at night in fThe Ibis' for 1867, p. 192.

Pelecanoibes urinatrix.

This bird flies very fairly ; and it is quite incorrect to de¬
scribe it as ce a rapid fluttering movement along the surface
of the water."

PuFElNUS BREViCAtJDtrS.

This bird is not by any means abundant on our coasts j
only one specimen has as yet been obtained, which was ex¬
hibited by Dr. Buller in the New-Zealand Exhibition of 1865.
The nesting-places mentioned by Dr. Buller in the Kaima-
nawa ranges and in the Taupopatea country are no doubt
those of Procellaria parkinsoni .

42

On certain Birds of New Zealand .

PlJFFINUS GAVIUS.

Dr. Duller gives P. opisthomelas (Coues) as a synonym of
this species. In this he probably follows me, as he does not
say that he has been able to compare it with any typical spe¬
cimens. But this is another of my mistakes that he has un¬
fortunately adopted without acknowledgment ; for on a fur¬
ther examination I find that our bird always has the under
tail-coverts pure white, while in P. opisthomelas most of them
are fuliginous. P. gavius can hardly be said to “ enjoy a wide
oceanic range,” when it has never yet been found out of sight
of New Zealand.

Thalassidroma fregata.

This species is far more plentiful in New Zealand than T.
melanog aster.

Procellaria parkinsoni

is common all round the New-Zealand coasts, and not by any
means confined to the Hauraki Gulf as Dr. Duller would
seem to imply. It breeds in the Bimutaka mountains near
W ellington.

Daption capensis.

I cannot agree with Dr. Duller that the history of this bird
has been fully recorded when even its breeding-place is not
yet known.

PHALACROCORAX NOVJ3-HOLLANDLE.

This bird differs from European specimens in never getting
so white on the head and neck ; but this is not, in my opinion,
sufficient to entitle it to rank as a distinct species. Dr. Dul¬
ler, in his quotation from my catalogue, omits the first part
of the sentence, in which I say that the change in my opinion
about this bird was owing to my having visited the South
Island.

Phalacrocorax brevirostris.

According to Mr. H. Travers this bird is not found in the
Chatham Islands.

Phalacrocorax punctatus.

The stage of plumage figured and described by Dr. Buffer

rjbis.1874.PHl

M L iT.Ha.nhaT t . imp .

PICATHARTES GYMNOCEPHALITS

43

Notes on the Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

as that of the female is the winter dress of both sexes. The
plumage of the sexes is similar in all Cormorants. This bird
is quite as abundant at Napier and in the Firth of the Thames
as in any part of the South Island.

Apteryx mantelli.

This bird is not so scarce in the North Island as Dr. Buller
imagines. In 1866 I heard it at the Waikato coal-mines;
and a few months previously a surveying party killed five at
Taupiri, on the opposite side of the river. The natives also
told me that it was common on the Piako ranges. In 1868
I heard of four being killed at Howick, and two in the Wai-
takerei ranges, both places being within a few miles of Auck¬
land ; and I have on several occasions had eggs brought me
from Pirongia.

Wellington, New Zealand.

20th June, 1873.

Y. — Notes on the Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

By Herbert Taylor Ussher, C.M.G., C.M.Z.S., &c.

(Plate II.)

The following rough notes have been put together at the
request of my friend Mr. Sharpe, who has described in this
Journal the collections made by me during my residence in
Fantee. I am induced to offer them to the readers of f The
Ibis ' as a supplement to his papers ; and as so little is known
respecting the economy of West- African birds, I trust they
may not be devoid of interest. The nomenclature employed
is that of Mr. Sharpe's papers in this Journal*, or of his cata¬
logue of African birds. Dr. Hartlaub's well-known work being
quoted where the birds are not referred to in the above-men¬
tioned lists.

1. Neophron pileatus (Burch.) : Hartl. Orn. Westafr.

p. 1.

Very plentiful on the Gold Coast, especially in and about
large towns and villages, where it is the common scavenger,
* Ibis, 1869, pp. 186, 381 j 1870, pp. 52, 470; 1872, p. 66.

/* 4

44

Mr. H. T. TJssher on the

and is much protected by the natives on account of its utility
in removing carrion &c. It is in consequence rarely mo¬
lested and is very tame, stalking about houses and kitchens
and picking up the offal. It possesses prodigious capacity
of scent, and it appears to possess an instinct leading it to an¬
ticipate prey. On the occasion of the fight with the natives
in June 1870, on the river Yolta, I observed these birds col¬
lecting and settling in large numbers about the scene of con¬
flict; and although the town of Daffo doubtless contained
considerable numbers before the action, I noticed a great
many coming from long distances and at great heights. On
the next day they could be seen half a dozen together perched
on the same corpse, making their hideous meal, and doubtless
for days afterwards.

2. Gypohiekax angolensis (Gm.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 72.

Yery common on lagoons and rivers on the Gold Coast and

other parts of Western Africa. It is usually observed on some
commanding stand or point of vantage overlooking the water,
not unfrequently with its wings outspread, as if drying them
in the sun (resembling in this respect the ordinary Carrion-
Vulture of the Gold Coast, Neophron pileatus) .

Its flight is slow and heavy, and its habits mostly solitary,
although I have noticed several following in the wake of a
steamer in company with Milvus parasiticus, and disputing
with the latter any refuse thrown overboard from the vessel.
I have also seen this bird stoop at living prey. Having come
across the haunt of a leopard in the vicinity of Lagos, I tied
up a small kid in the middle of the bush and stationed my¬
self in ambush at a small distance from the animal, in the
hope of attracting the leopard. In a short time the kid
showed signs of uneasiness and fear, and with a tremendous
rush and swoop a large bird stooped at the little creature,
twice as heavy as itself. I gave it the contents of one barrel
of buck-shot and killed it, when to my surprise I found it to
be a fine specimen of G. angolensis.
e

3. Helotarsus^caujdatus (Hand.) : Hartl. p. 7.

I have seen one specimen of this bird in confinement at

45

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

Accra ; it was reported to have came from Croboe or Agua-
pim, in the eastern districts of the Gold Coast ; but I cannot
say which of the two. The district of Agnapim consists of
thick forest, and is mostly situated on a mountainous range
running down to the sea, while the Croboe country is more
diversified and contains considerable tracts of open plains.

4. Spizaetus coronatus (L.): Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 387.

I have received specimens of this fine Eagle from the in¬
terior, but am unacquainted with its habits,

5. Milvus parasiticus (Daud.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 58.
Y ery common on all parts of the west coast of Africa. It is

to be found in considerable numbers on the Gold Coast ; and
very frequently several specimens may be observed in company
with the flocks of Neophron pileatus, circling together with
these high in the air and uttering a shrill pipe or whistle. It
is extremely destructive to young birds, especially chickens,
and is not unfrequently killed by the hen in the act of car¬
rying off her young.

6. Elanus ciERULEUs (Desf.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 72.
This Hawk appears to frequent low ground, such as the

plains of Accra, sloping down towards the sea ; and I have ob¬
served it there in considerable numbers. Its favourite time
for hawking is in the evening towards sunset ; and its move¬
ments are rapid and graceful. It generally flies at a few feet
from the ground, and, from its colours and style of flight,
might at times be mistaken for a Gull.

7. Pernis apivorus (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 486.

A fine specimen of the Honey-Buzzard was brought by
Aubinn from Denkera.

8. Ealco cuvieri, Sm. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 486.

Only one specimen of this Falcon was obtained by me up

the Yolta. I observed one flying round the castle at Elmina
on the evening of April 17th, 1872 ; it was far from timid,
but I never saw it again.

9. Accipiter zonarius, Temm. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 59.
I received this bird only from Aubinn, who collected it in

Denkera.

46 Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

10. Astur macrurus, Hartl. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 58,
pi. iii.

I have received specimens of this beautiful Hawk from
Denkera, but know nothing of its habits.

11. Asturinula monogrammica (Temm.) : Finsch u. Hartl.
Yog. Ostafr. p. 59.

I observed this Falcon in considerable numbers on the
Yolta. It is a handsome, bold bird, and is said by the natives
to be very destructive.

12. Polyboroides TYPicus, Sm. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 194.
I have only received this pretty Hawk from the interior,

and am not acquainted with its habits. It does not appear
to be common.

13. Huhua leucosticta (Hartl.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869,
p. 387.

Not very uncommon on the Gold Coast. A fine specimen
was brought me alive from Denkera. It did not thrive,
however, and finally died.

14. Syrnium nuchale, Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 487.

One adult specimen was brought me alive from Denkera
by Aubinn ; and in my last collection I brought home several
young birds.

15. Scotopelia ussheri, Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 101, pi. xii.
This fine Owl was brought to me from Denkera, where it

was stated to be rather rare.

16. Scotornis longicaudus (Y.) : Sharpe, Cat. Afr. B. p. 2.
Not unfrequently found along the roads in Fantee. I take

the present opportunity of observing that the specimens named
by Mr. Sharpe Caprimulgus fossii (Ibis, 1872, p. 66) are really
referable to the present species, which greatly resembles C.
fossii when the tail is imperfectly developed, as was the case
with the ones I shot.

17. Cypselus affinis, Gray : Sharpe, l. c. p. 2.

One of the commonest Swifts on the Gold Coast ; in

47

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

all the towns and villages, especially in the larger ones, it
may be observed flying about houses and large buildings,
whence the nests may be seen depending in great numbers.
The castle of St. George d'Elmina is in many parts covered
with these nests ; and the birds are so familiar as to fly about
the rooms and galleries with the utmost confidence. In the
open they are generally associated with Hirundo puella and Cyp-
selus parvus } but the present species usually by far outnumbers
the others. Their flight is rapid and graceful, but not so
sharp as that of the English Swift ( C . apus ). They occa¬
sionally soar in large flocks to a great height, but more fre¬
quently hawk at a moderate distance above the ground. I
am not aware of the exact number of eggs always laid by
them ; but the nests I had brought to me contained only a
couple.

18. Cypseltjs parvus, Licht. : Sharpe, l. c. p. 2 .

These Swifts are plentiful in the vicinity of Cape Coast and
Accra. On Connor's Hill, near the former town, they are
always to be observed in considerable numbers in company
with other Swifts and Swallows, such as C. affinis , and at
certain seasons of the year with Hirundo puella and H. rustica.
This species appears to be fond of frequenting one or two
Fan Palm-trees on Connor's Hill ; and I have not observed it
to settle on houses, although it makes its appearance in and
about the town. It flies with great rapidity, and is very quick
and eccentric in its movements.

19. ChjETUra ussheri, Sharpe, l. c. p. 2.

This Swift was first observed by Captain Haynes and my¬
self in Fort Victoria, a small fort in the vicinity of Cape
Coast, whither we had gone one evening to try and kill an
Hysena, several of which had been reported in the neighbour¬
hood. Whilst we were sitting at night in the solitary little
room of the fort or redoubt, four of these Swifts flew in, and
we were fortunate enough to secure them all. This happened
in July 1870 ; and I never again observed the bird until the
month of May in the year following, when an officer of the
detachment stationed in the Castle shot one up there one after-

48

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

noon. The birds captured by Captain Haynes and myself
had their nests inside the room ; but these contained neither
eggs nor young birds.

20. Merops albicollis, V. : Sharpe, l. c. p. 3.

Exceedingly common in every part of Fantee and the Gold

Coast. It can always be observed in the vicinity of Cape
Coast, especially about bush-paths and hollow roads towards
evening, when it may occasionally be seen to collect in large
numbers, hawking after insects and occasionally resting on
bushes or low branches of large trees. I have never seen this
Bee-eater alone, and should consider it decidedly gregarious.
It has no especial peculiarity in its habits to distinguish it.

21. Merops malibmicus, Shaw : Sharpe, l. c. p. 3.

I have received two specimens of this bird from Aubinn,
but I do not consider it a common bird in Fantee.

22. Merops pusilltjs (Mull.) : Sharpe, p. 4.

Tolerably common on the plains of Accra, where it is
certainly gregarious, as I have never met with solitary
specimens.

23. Meropiscus gularis (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 4.

This very beautiful little Bee-eater is tolerably common in
Fantee, and is occasionally seen in company with M. albi -
collis ; but whereas the latter species keeps very low, affect¬
ing small bushes or the lower branches of trees, the present
bird invariably selects the highest vantage point it can find,
a naked branch in preference to a leafy one, from which it
makes occasional sallies after its prey. I have never observed
more than three or four together, whereas M. albicollis is
sometimes met with in very large numbers at a time. The
vicinity of water appears to be selected by M. gularis in pre¬
ference to any other situation.

24. Eurystomus aper (Lath.) Sharpe, p. 5.

This bird, unlike its congener, E. gularis , is usually obser¬
vable only on the plains of Accra and in the eastern districts
of the Gold Coast. It is generally found in pairs, and in full
plumage presents a handsome appearance. Its habits appear

Ornithology of the Gold Coast . 49

to be similar to those of the Rollers in general. It is not so
shy as E. gularis, and perhaps not so common.

25. Eurystomus gularis (V.) : Sharpe,, p. 5.

In the breaks and clearings of the Fantee forests, in corn¬
fields, and in sweet-potato patches, the Blue-throated Roller
is generally a prominent object. Perched in solitude upon a
naked twig, in the centre of a clear space, if possible, he will
sit for hours, only quitting his post for an instant to capture
some passing prey. His movements at times resemble those
of a Hawk, as he will occasionally remain suspended in the
air for a short period, hovering about from one bush to
another, but invariably returning to his original post after a
time. He is by no means so handsome a bird as E. afer,
and is much more difficult of approach. He is generally alone,
whereas E. afer appear to be usually in pairs.-

26. Ceryle rudis (L.) : Sharpe, p. 6.

This widely distributed species is very common in Fantee
and pn the Gold Coast generally. Wherever there is water,
fresh or salt, this industrous bird may be seen hovering at a
short distance above the water and making occasional rapid
dashes on its prey. I have frequently watched a pair from
Government House at Accra, hawking over the surf, and pick¬
ing up waifs and strays brought in by the rollers, or now and
then pouncing on an unwary fish. In the river Yolta they
literally swarm, flying in batches out of the bushes as they
become startled. Although not apparently gregarious, they
are generally in such large quantities (in suitable localities)
as to produce the impression of a small flock. I have occa¬
sionally, but rarely, met with a straggler at some distance
from water ; but, as a rule, they are not seen far from a river
or pond of some kind.

27. Ceryle maxima (Pall.) : Sharpe, p. 6.

This bird is met with on most of the rivers of the Gold
Coast, and, indeed, of the Guinea coast generally, nearly al¬
ways in pairs. Their movements are very rapid for so heavy
a bird. I have never seen them far from water, indeed
never away from the overhanging bushes of the river-bank,

ser. hi. — VOL. IV.

E

50

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

except on one occasion, when I shot one near the month of
a creek among the rocks on the sea-shore. They will fight
if only wounded, and can strike hard with their powerful
bills. I have noticed that in old specimens the hills become
blunted and not unfrequently damaged.

28. Corythornis cyanostigma (Rupp.) : Sharpe, p. 6.

Very common on the Gold Coast, in the vicinity of water,

but occasionally met with in forest-land.

29. Ispidina picta (Bodd.) : Sharpe, p. 7.

This pretty Kingfisher is common on the Gold Coast, and
may he seen everywhere busily flitting about, both near
water and in the forests. He is especially fond of frequent¬
ing low palms, where he doubtless finds some favourite food,
and where he occasionally flits like a small jewel across the
gloom, emitting at the same time a curious little cry. This
species was common on the Yolta.

30. Ispidina leucogastra (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 7.

Rare upon the Gold Coast. I have, however, received a
few specimens from Aubinn, who procured them in the in¬
terior, but did not tell me the exact locality.

31. Halcyon badia, Yerr. : Sharpe, p. 7.

A very rare bird on the Gold Coast. I have seen only
two specimens, collected in Denkera by Aubinn, of which one
was immature. Its habits appear to be identical with those
of the other insect-eating King-fishers; and it is evidently
not a water-species.

32. Halcyon dryas, Sharpe, p. 7.

These Kingfishers are pretty commonly distributed over the
wooded districts of Fantee, their favourite habitat being
rather thick jungles or dense palm-forests, where I have been
frequently startled by their chattering cry and bright colours
as they flew across. They have no objection to damp jungle
or bush, but do not appear to show any particular predilec¬
tion for the vicinity of water. I shot several kinds of King¬
fishers, however, up the Yolta near the river itself; but they
did not appear to hawk over the water, but generally affected

51

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

dry ground, perching on a stick or dead bough, and occa¬
sionally sallying forth at any passing prey.

33. Buceros atratus, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 8,

This bird has only reached me from Denkera, whence it
was brought by Aubinn. I have never seen them in confine¬
ment or otherwise ; and they seem to be somewhat rarer than
B. elatus. Doubtless the two species assimilate in habits.

34. Buceros cylindricus, Temm. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872,
p. 67.

This is apparently the rarest of the Hornbills in Fantee,
and I have only succeeded in obtaining a single specimen.

35. Buceros fistulator, Cass. : Sharpe, p. 8.

Not rare in Fantee, where it is sometimes seen in flocks.

36. Buceros elatus, Temm. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 67.

Three specimens were brought by Aubinn from Denkera,

a male and two females. Of their habits personally I know
nothing ; I had, however, the opportunity of observing two
females in confinement in a small garden at Cape Coast.
They appear very sluggish in their disposition, and will readily
accept food of all kinds, which they swallow apparently entire,
remaining motionless as before on their perch. When on the
ground they progress with difficulty, in awkward and ungainly
hops ; on trees, however, they appear to be more active. From
what the natives tell me, they are looked upon as useful
scavengers ; and one species, which I suspect to be Bucorax
abyssinicus , is considered fetish, or sacred, by the inhabitants
of the Accra districts, doubtless from his habit of destroying
noxious reptiles. The bare skin on the front of the neck and
throat is light blue-grey in the living bird.

37. Irrisor castaneiceps, Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 414.

Mr. Sharpe described this species from a specimen which

I sent him. It was brought to me by Aubinn from Denkera,
where he informs me that it is very rare, being not nearly so
plentiful as I. bollei.

38. Turacus cristatus (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 10.

This fine bird is distributed all over the Gold Coast. I

e 2

52

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

never shot but one myself ; and that was in the vicinity of
Accra, when returning from shooting one evening. I have
received it from Denkera and Assim, and it is by no means
rare. It is said to be good food, and is eaten by the natives.

39. Musophaga violacea (Isert) : Hartl. Orn. Westafr.
p. 159.

This magnificent Plantain-eater exists in all the forests of
the Gold Coast, but is very rare and difficult to obtain. I
have occasionally had them brought to me in confinement for
sale ; but they seem to pine, and do not take so kindly to cap¬
tivity as the commoner Green Touraco [Corythaix persa).
I once had a fine opportunity of shooting at a small flock of
them, about eight in number, near Cape Coast, but, most un¬
fortunately, had only a small pea-rifle with me at the time,
which was useless. From the above circumstance I am dis¬
posed to think that they are sociable, although perhaps not
strictly gregarious. Their appearance in the forest is very
fine, their gorgeous colouring contrasting powerfully with
the-deep-toned monotonous green of the tropical vegetation.

40. Schizorhis africana (Lath.): Sharpe, p. 11.

I have not observed this Plantain-eater in Fantee or the
western portions of the Gold Coast ; but in the open plains of
Accra and the eastern Yolta-district it seems to be very com¬
mon. In fact the sportsman or collector cannot fail to be
attracted by it as it flies from bush to bush, though generally
keeping at a respectful distance from the gun. As the natives
assert that it is palatable food, and seem glad to obtain it,
the bird has doubtless become more wary than most other
birds.

41. Cuculus canorus, L. : Sharpe, p. 12.

The only specimen of the common Cuckoo obtained by me
in Fantee was shot on the 2nd of November, 1870, on Con¬
nor's Hill.

42. Coccystes glandarius (L.) : Sharpe, p. 12.

I have never observed this bird elsewhere than on Connor's
Hill, near Cape Coast. I have met with three specimens

53

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

there, one of which was killed by my friend Dr. Hinde, as
mentioned by Mr. Sharpe in ‘The Ibis' (/. c. 1870, p. 485);
I shot another at the same place ; but it fell into very thick
stuff, and I was unable to find it. A third example I started
early one morning from a tamarind-tree on the slope of the
hill ; this bird winged its way in a north-westerly direction
and did not return.

43. Coccystes caffer (Licht.) : Sharpe, p. 13.

I shot a specimen of this bird in March 1872, near Abro-
bonko. He was busily flying from bush to bush across the
road and was easy of approach. I have observed them not
unfrequently near Cape-Coast Castle.

44. Chrysococcyx claasi (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 13.

This species of Shining Cuckoo is exceedingly common.
It cannot fail to be distinguished by its flight, in which all
the African Cuckoos resemble each other very much. It is
extremely fond of frequenting long grass and the vicinity of
reeds, C. cupreus being more common in the neighbourhood
of trees. There appears to be no difference in their habits.

45. Chrysococcyx smaragdineus (Sw.) : Sharpe, p. 13.

The gorgeous tints of this shy bird entitle it to the foremost

place among the many beautiful birds to be found in Fantee
and the Gold Coast. Contrary to the habits of C. claasi and
C. cupreus , he affects high trees, and generally keeps amongst
the topmost branches, where he may occasionally be observed
in the dense forests in company with the more sober-coloured
female. I never killed but one ; and he fell from the summit
of a high tree into the impenetrable jungle at its base, so that
all attempts to recover him were vain. From the compara¬
tive scarcity and retiring habits of the bird, little can be as¬
certained as to its mode of life ; and the natives are too igno¬
rant to be trusted on such subjects.

46. Centropus senegalensis (L.) : Sharpe, p. 14.

The traveller in the Fantee forests or the Accra plains can¬
not proceed far without coming across this familiar bird. It
inhabits the low bushes, whence it is constantly flushed.

54

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

uttering its peculiar cry, hoot-toot-toot , which has earned for
it the name of “ Scotchman ” among the white settlers. Al¬
though I have not seen any in captivity, I have little doubt
that it could he easily domesticated. It is by no means shy,
and is found almost everywhere, usually in pairs. During
the breeding-season they can be heard uttering their loud and
monotonous note for hours together.

47. Centroptjs francisci, Bp.: Sharpe, p. 13.

One or two specimens collected by Aubinn in Denkera.

48. Centropus monachus, Hupp.: Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 68.
Bather rare, but occasionally to be obtained, more especially

in the vicinity of Accra.

49. Ceuthmochares ^ineus (Y.) : Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873,

p. 610.

A common bird in Fantee ; but I have never received spe-
mens from Accra and the eastern districts, nor did I observe
it on the Yolta. It is a very active bird ; and by remaining
quiet for a short time amongst the trees bordering the Sweet
Biver at Abrobonko, the collector will be certain to observe
them hopping from bough to bough. I have not been able
to ascertain their habits or their food.

50. Trichol^ma hirsuta (Sm.): Sharpe, p. 15.

Common in most wooded portions of the Gold Coast. I

have not met with it in the eastern districts, although it is
probably to be obtained in the forests of Aguapim, which join
the wooded districts of Fantee.

51. Pogonorhynchus vieilloti (Leach) : Sharpe, p. 15.

I have myself only obtained a single specimen of this Bar-
bet ; and that I killed on ConnoFs Hill at the same shot as
a White-breasted Glossy Starling ( Pholidauges leucogaster) .
They were both perched on a small tree in this very prolific
locality, where I have obtained some of the best and rarest
specimens in my collections. Aubinn assures me that it is
not common in Fantee.

52. Pogonorhynchus bidentatus (Shaw): Sharpe, p. 15.
I have already noticed this bird (Cf. Marshall, Monogr.

Capit. pi. vi.) and its fondness for thorn-bushes.

55

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

53. Xylobucco scolopacea, Bp. : Sharpe, p. 15.

A plentiful little bird, not differing in its habits from the

other Barbets of the Gold Coast.

54. Xylobucco duchaillui, Cass. : Sharpe, p. 15.

Found in the forests, especially on the palm-trees ( Elais

guineensis)j of the nuts of which they are very fond. They
are not numerous near Cape Coast ; hut this remark may ap¬
ply to many birds, probably driven away by the indiscriminate
manner in which birds of every description are now destroyed
by every semi-educated negro who can purchase a fowling-
piece.

55. Barbatula atroflava (Blumenb.) : Sharpe, 16.
Appears to be a scarce bird in Fantee, the only specimens

I have seen having been brought from Denkera.

56. Barbatula chrysocoma, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 16.
Appears to be extremely rare on the Gold Coast, as during

my long residence there I never saw but one specimen, which
I obtained myself in a swamp near the Yolta.

57. Gymnobucco calvus, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 16.

Very common in gardens and cultivated patches near Cape
Coast, where its harsh cry is frequently to be heard amongst
the fruit-trees, to which it does some damage.

58. Trachyphonus goffini, Schl. : Sharpe, p. 16.

I have only received this Barbet from Denkera.

59. Campethera nivosa (Sw.) : Sharpe, p. 17.

Tolerably common in the Fantee forests, especially near

Abrobonko and in Denkera.

60. Campethera caroli, Malh. : Sharpe, p. 17.

Not uncommon near Cape-Coast Castle. One specimen
was captured alive by a friend of mine in the mess-room of
the castle ; and subsequently another specimen was shot in one
of the batteries overhanging the sea. I have also received it
from Denkera.

61. Dendropicus pyrrhogaster (Malh.): Sharpe, p. 18.
Frequently brought from Denkera, where it appears to be

common.

56

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

62. Psittacus senegalus, L. : Sharpe, p. 19.

Common on the Yolta and in the eastern districts generally.

It is distinctly gregarious, although I have sometimes seen
solitary specimens. It is a shy bird and not easy of approach.

63. Pstttacus ERYTHAcus, L. : Sharpe, p. 19.

The finest specimens of the Grey Parrot are brought down
from the distant forests of Akim in Fantee to the towns of
Cape Coast and Accra, where they meet with a ready sale,
and are purchased in considerable numbers at prices varying
from half a dollar to one dollar a piece by the sailors in mer¬
chant-vessels and mail- steamers. This price only applies to
wild birds (generally young ones), mature and accomplished
Parrots fetching large sums. I have seen them, whilst up
the river Addo, near Lagos, crossing at sunset from their
feeding- grounds to their roos ting-places. They present the
appearance of one continuous flock, passing at a great distance
overhead, their screams and chattering being heard long after
darkness has set in. They do terrible mischief to the maize-
crops, as they waste much more than they consume. They
are occasionally eaten when young, and are considered not
unpalatable food.

64. Agapornis pullaria (L.) : Sharpe, p. 19.

This little bird existed some years since in considerable
numbers near Accra and Cape Coast, and might have been
seen at any time in little flocks of from eight to ten in the
bushes and low vegetation. Now, however, in consequence
of the persecution it suffers for the sake of profit by sale to
the mail-steamers, it is becoming scarcer in the vicinity of the
settlements.

65. Pitta angolensis, V. : Sharpe, p. 20.

The habits of this rather scarce species are difficult to trace.
It frequents grassy and rocky jungle, and, I am informed,
seldom rises on the wing. I never had an opportunity of
seeing one clearly, although once I caught a , glimpse of one
as he ran into some thick stuff, with his head down, like a
Quail.

They are invariably trapped by the natives ; and I have had

57

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

to reject many specimens on account of their legs being badly
broken and of their being otherwise disfigured by this mode
of capture. The majority of specimens by me have come from
Denkera.

66. Alethe maculicauda, Hartl. : Sharpe, p. 20.

This bird comes from the interior : I have received from
Aubinn both adult and young birds collected in Denkera.

67. Illadopsis gularis, Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 474.

One or two specimens have reached me from Denkera. Of
its habits I know nothing.

68. Ixonotus guttatus, Verr. : Sharpe, p. 23.

Aubinn obtained a pair of these birds near the town oi
Kazarako on the 4th and 5th of April, 1871. He gave me
the following note: — “ Native name Anoomah-yah. They
are not common ; and I could only shoot them as they came
to feed upon a tree about a dozen at a time : they were ex¬
ceedingly watchful.”

69. Pycnonotus barbatus (Desf.) : Sharpe, p. 23.

An extremely common bird, found everywhere. It has
rather a pretty note, and is very tame. The natives esteem
it for food.

70. Cossypha cyanocampter, Cab. : Sharpe, p. 25.

From Denkera.

71. Cossypha verticalis, Hartl. : Sharpe, p. 26.

This very graceful little bird forms a prominent object along
the roads and paths of the Gold Coast, especially in bushy and
rocky places. It is a sprightly bird, with a pretty plaintive
note. It is almost always found on the ground, and seems to
avoid perching on branches whenever it can do so.

72. Pratincola rubetra (L.) : Sharpe, p. 27.

I have noticed the Winchat in the vicinity of Accra in con¬
siderable numbers at certain seasons of the year.

73. Melocichla mentalis (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 32.

Frequents low bushes, in pairs, in the immediate vicinity of

58

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

\

Accra. I have not seen it in Fantee, though I was told by
native collectors that it was not rare.

74. Stiphrornis erythrothorax (Temm.) : Sharpe, p. 32.

Only from Denkera.

75. Stiphrornis badiceps (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 32.

Not uncommon on the large trees near Abrobonko, and
also met with in the interior of Fantee. It is a pretty,
active little bird, living on seeds and berries, and is very
nimble in its movements. It is frequently seen in company
with S unbirds and other birds, and is altogether a sociable
little creature.

76. Camaroptera brevicaudata (Rupp.): Sharpe, p. 33.

Obtained by Aubinn on the Y olta during the expedition of

1870.

77. Nectarinia cyanol^ema, Jard. : Sharpe, p. 37.

Not very common in Fantee ; but it is found occasionally in
the vicinity of Cape-Coast Castle.

78. Nectarinia reichenbachii, Hartl. : Sharpe, p. 37.

I have never observed this curious little S unbird elsewhere
than on the river Volta, where I shot two specimens. They fre¬
quented low shrubs near the river-bank, and, I should fancy,
were tolerably plentiful. The habits of most of these Sun-
birds appear to be identical ; and their flight and method of
feeding offered nothing noteworthy to the collector.

79. Nectarinia verticalis, Reich. : Sharpe, p. 37.

This Sunbird is not very common. I have shot it in com¬
pany with N. cyanocephala. Occasionally skins have been
brought from the interior ; and there is no reason to doubt
that its habitat extends over the whole of Fantee.

80. Nectarinia cyanocephala (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 37.

Extremely common, especially in the vicinity of Cape Coast.

I have already referred to this bird under the head of N. splen -
dida, which it resembles very much in its habits.

81. Nectarinia adelberti, Gerv. : Sharpe, p. 37.

This pretty Sunbird is not very common in Fantee, except

59

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

at certain seasons of the year, when it frequents the large
flowering-trees of the forest in company with many other
species.

82. Nectarinia superba, Y. : Sharpe, p. 38.

This species, although not so common as N. splendida and
some other species, is not rare. Its habits appear to corre¬
spond in every degree with those of the above-named bird,
which it excels, if possible, in the beauty of its plumage.

83. Nectarinia joiiann^:, Verr. : Sharpe, p. 38.

This beautiful S unbird is of very rare occurrence on the
Gold Coast, and I do not recollect having seen more than
three specimens during a stay of many years. Those which
I obtained have been from the interior.

84. Nectarinia splendida (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 38.

This beautiful little bird is widely distributed on the Gold
Coast. There are very few places where the active little crea¬
ture cannot be observed sitting on flowering-shrubs and suc¬
culent plants. He generally selects some middling-sized shrub
or bush for his nest, and he appears exceedingly attentive to
the female during incubation.

At certain seasons of the year (about the months of De¬
cember and January) great numbers can be observed flitting
over the huge tulip-shaped scarlet flowers of a species of
Bombay, which is of frequent occurrence in the open spaces
of the forests of Fantee, the trees being at this time entirely
denuded of foliage, so that the birds can easily be obtained by
the collector, although in the upper branches they are almost
invisible from their small size and quick movements. At this
period they appear to associate freely with other birds ; and
from two trees in the neighbourhood of Cape Coast I have ob¬
tained specimens of N. splendida , N. superba , N. adelberti} N.
chloropygia, N. subcollaris, N. cyanocephala, N. cyanolcema ,
and N. cuprea , &c. &c. After each shot they mostly plunged
down en masse into the low bushes, but returned almost im¬
mediately to their feeding-grounds. The beauty of the plu¬
mage of N. splendida and N. superba can only be understood

60

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

by those who have seen them while alive, or immediately after
death, as the colours soon become dull.

85. Nectarinia fuliginosa (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 39.
Moderately common on the Gold Coast. Its habits seem

to be identical with those of other Nectariniidse.

86. Nectarinia chloropygia, Jard. : Sharpe, p. 39.
Widely distributed over the west coast of Africa, and very

common on the Gold Coast.

87. Nectarinia cuprea (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 40.

Common all over the Gold Coast.

88. Nectarinia subcollaris, Reich. : Sharpe, p. 41.

Very plentiful on the Gold Coast, and found almost every¬
where.

89. Pholidornis rushijE (Cass.) : Sharpe, p. 41.

Two examples of this curious little bird were brought to
me by Aubinn from the interior. Its habits are unknown
to me.

90. Butalis grisola (L.) : Sharpe, p. 42.

The English Flycatcher is migratory in Fantee. I shot
one on Connor’s Hill near Cape Coast in February 1871, and
observed other specimens at the same time.

91. Cassinia finschi, Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 53, pi. ii.

I have recieved this from Denkera and from Accra.

92. Artomyias ussheri, Sharpe, Ibis, 1871, p. 416.

First observed by me on the top of a high naked tree on

the Sweet River, near Abrobonko, whence it appeared to be
pursuing insects. It was alone ; and I have never observed
another specimen.

It was shot for me by my friend Dr. Mosse, Staff Surgeon,
and was obtained with some difficulty, as it fell into the water.
Obtained on or about the 31st of January, 1871.

93. Bias musicus (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 43.

From Denkera.

94. Smithornis rufolateralis. Gray : Sharpe, p. 43.
Only from Denkera.

Ornithology of the Gold Coast. 61

95. Diaphorophya castanea (Fras.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1873,
p. 172.

Very common in certain parts of Fantee. It appears to
like the close vicinity of houses, and I have also observed it
along running streams, frequenting the trees overhanging the
water. It is an active, bright little bird and reminded me
of the common English Wren, in its restless movements.
When excited the bright red wattles about the eye appear to
become more erect.

96. Terpsiphone nigriceps, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 44.

This pretty Flycatcher is exceedingly common upon the

Gold Coast. It is an active, sprightly little bird, and quick
in its movements.

The sooty black colour of the head and dull tone of the
bill in the preserved specimen by no means afford an idea of
the brilliancy of its plumage in life. The head is then of a
rich black with deep blue reflections in the light, the legs and
bill being of a most delicate lilac.

It is frequently to be obtained near Cape Coast.

97. Terpsiphone atrochalybea (Thoms.) : Sharpe, p. 44.

Scarce. From Denkera.

98. Psalidoprocne holomeltEna (Sund.) : Sharpe, p. 45.

This little Swallow is to be observed in considerable num¬
bers near Cape Coast, and along the roads towards evening,
when they flit about after insects with inconceivable rapidity.
A flock generally appears to select some large tree as a station
or standing-point ; and thither each bird seems to return and
rest after a successful foray on the insects. '

I have observed them also in considerable numbers in the
morning, collecting in bare gravelly places, and lying on the
ground enjoying the morning sun. After a little time they
flit away, and during the extreme heat of the day appear to
affect the forest or large trees in preference to open and ex¬
posed places.

99. Psalidoprocne nitens, Cass. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872,
p. 70.

62

Mr. H. T, Ussher on the

Not uncommon in the morning on the gravelly slopes of
Fort Victoria and the other eminences round Cape-Coast
Castle, where it appears to bask in the sun, taking short flights
among the surrounding hushes. It is gregarious.

100. Cotyle cincta (Bodd.) : Sharpe, p. 45.

I never met with this Martin hut once, up the river Volta,
where I shot it on a bough overhanging the water ; hut as
great numbers of Swallows appeared skimming the surface
of the water, I do not doubt that C. cincta was among them.

The specimen then collected was one of a pair.

101. Hirundo rustica, L. : Sharpe, p. 45.

Specimens of this bird, not in complete plumage, have been
shot by me on ConnoFs Hill, near Cape Coast, about the
months of February and March. I was unfortunately not at
first aware of its identity with the common Swallow of Europe,
or I would have noticed its movements more particularly. It
appears to leave the coast about April, as I never observed any
after the 1st of May.

102. Hirundo leucosoma, Sw. ; Sharpe, p. 46.

Not very common in Fantee, although occasionally met
with about the small native “ crooms,” or hamlets, in the in¬
terior. The last specimen I collected for Mr. Sharpe was one
of a pair that had selected for their nidification the overhang¬
ing rafters of an empty room in a small country-house belong¬
ing to the Wesleyan Mission, where I happened to be staying.
I have never seen them away from buildings ; nor have I ob¬
served them in large towns. They are generally met with in
pairs, and are graceful and attractive in appearance. They
appear to show great solicitude for their young.

103. Hirundo senegalensis, L. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 71.

This handsome Swallow has only been observed by me on

the plains of Accra, in the eastern districts of the Gold Coast,
I never saw it in the forest.

They are generally to be found in small companies of eight
or ten perched on the tops of high decayed or leafless trees,
and occasionally leave their posts for food, uttering a peculiar

Ornithology of the Gold Coast . 63

and pretty cry. Water-pools attract them much in this
sparsely watered district. Their flight is powerful and grace¬
ful beyond that of other Swallows.

The natives hold them in some veneration, and call them
“ God's children/' and appeared scandalized at my shooting
them, although they were satisfied when I explained the pur¬
pose for which I was collecting their skins, and that I was
not impelled to do so from any wanton or inhumane motive.

104. Hirundo gordoni, Jard. : Sharpe, p. 46.

Tolerably common in the eastern or Accra-district of the

Gold Coast, and now and then met with in the Fantee dis¬
tricts. This is a bold handsome bird, fond of building about
houses, and much resembling H. rustica in its habits, especially
in its low swooping flights over level open ground. It is fre¬
quently to be found basking in the open roads and rolling
itself in the dust, or as the natives express it, “ washing itself."

105. Hirundo puella, Temm. : Sharpe p. 47.

This, the prettiest of all the West- African Swallows, is
tolerably common in and about Cape Coast at certain seasons
of the year. I did not observe it until February or March,
but cannot positively assert that it is a regular migrant. A
pair frequented the grounds of Government House at Cape
Coast during the spring of 1871, building in a large stone
arched tank at the far end of the lawn. They appeared, in
common with many African species, to be fond of sitting on
the grass or gravel in the early morning. I have generally
observed them in pairs, sometimes singly, but never in flocks.

106. Dryoscopus major, Hartl. : Sharpe, p. 47.

Commonly observed in the bushes about the settlements.

It is a powerful bird for its size, and appears to be dreaded
by other small birds.

107. Chaunonotus sabinei (Gray) : Sharpe, p. 48.

Once very common near the settlements, but now not often

to be seen. Its habits resemble those of Lanius smithi ; but
it is not so fond of open spaces as the latter, and keeps more
to the thick forest.

64

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

108. Laniarius barbarus (L.) : Sharpe, p. 48.

This Shrike appears to inhabit the whole range of the west
coast, from Senegambia in the north to some distance below
Lagos, where I have frequently shot it.

It frequents low bushes, and is very active during the whole
day in its pursuit of large insects, beetles, caterpillars, &c.
It very probably attacks nestlings, but is too slow in its move¬
ments to attempt full-grown birds. The male and female
during the breeding-season may be frequently observed pur¬
suing each other over and among the low shrubs, uttering a
short harsh cry.

109. Laniarius hypopyrrhus (Verr.) : Sharpe, p. 49.

This magnificent Shrike is not common upon the Gold

Coast, and I have consequently obtained but few specimens.
I have had a mutilated bird brought to me, which had been
killed in the immediate vicinity of Cape Coast ; but by far
the greater number of specimens came from the Fantee forests,
and were brought by Aubinn.

110. Laniarius sulfureipectus (Less.): Sharpe, p. 49.
From Denkera; occasionally from the vicinity of Cape

Coast.

111. Laniarius multicolor, Gray: Sharpe, p. 48.
Tolerably common near Cape Coast, but more frequent in the

interior. Their habits much resemble those of L . barbarus.

112. Nicator chloris (Yal.): Sharpe, p. 49.

From Denkera.

113. Sigmodus caniceps, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 50.

Received from Aubinn, who procured it in Denkera.

114. Lanius smithi, Fras. : Sharpe, p. 50.

Very numerous in Fantee and on the whole Gold Coast.

It is fond of open places, and hawks after insects, commonly
percfiing on a bare branch or solitary shrub in an open posi-
sition, from which it takes its flights.

It has, unless I much mistake, a pretty bell-like note, which
it utters from time to time, and which is responded to by the
female. I have several times traced this pretty note to a bush

65

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

or shrub, and the only bird that I could discover was this
little Shrike ; and I fancy I am not in error as to its being
the call to the female.

115. Corvinella corvina (Shaw) : Sharpe, p. 51.

I never but once met with this bird on the open plains in
the neighbourhood of Accra ; it was perched on a small tree
in the open, and appeared to be preying on some large insects
which were thickly scattered about the grass.

I merely wounded it in my attempt to kill it ; and I had
great difficulty in finding the specimen, as it had crouched
under a tuft of withered grass, much of its own colour. It
made a desperate resistance when I attempted to handle it,
and bit and scratched with great energy, screaming loudly
and defiantly the while. The native who was with me said
that it was not very common.

116. Lanicterus xanthornithoides. Less. : Sharpe, p. 52.
This rather shy bird is to be obtained in most parts of

Eantee. I never observed more than two together.

I am much inclined to believe that the red-shouldered bird
(L. phceniceus) is the immature or young bird of this species;
and the close resemblance of the females would tend to con¬
firm this supposition.

117. Campephaga azurea, Cass. : Sharpe, p. 52.

I never met with more than one example of this lovely bird.
This specimen was collected in the interior by Aubinn.

118. Oriolus brachyrhynchus, Sw. : Sharpe, p. 54,
Appears common in the forests of the interior, whence

several specimens have reached me through Aubinn.

119. Oriolus nigripennis, Verr. : Sharpe, p. 54,

Inhabits the Fantee forests, and is occasionally found near

Cape Coast.

120. Pholidauges leucogaster (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 54.
This bird is widely distributed over the whole of the Guinea

Coast, and is of very general occurrence on the Gold Coast,
It is usually observed in pairs, and occasionally in some num¬
bers. I have seen the low bushes in the vicinity of the town

SER. III. - VOL. IV. F

66

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

of Lagos (on the Slave Coast) tenanted by them in large
quantities, the brilliant plumage of the male contrasting
markedly with the sober colouring of the female and the pied
tints of the immature birds. They were feeding eagerly on
the berries of a description of “ wait-a-bit 33 thorn, very abun¬
dant in some localities of the Guinea Coast.

The male, in full plumage, seen flying low in the bright
sunlight, is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite birds in
Africa ; and a marked difference in colour is observable among
even full-plumaged males, some having coppery or golden re¬
flections on the rich puce colour of the feathers, whilst others
decidedly incline to a deep violet-blue of equal beauty.

Their habits appear to be similar to the Shining Grackles*
in general, and did not present any thing noteworthy to my
observation.

121. Lamprocolius cupreocaudus (Temm.): Sharpe, p. 55.

Common in most districts of the Gold Coast, but especially

on the plains of Accra. It associates in flocks with L. aura -
tus, and much resembles in its flight and habits our English
Starling.

122. Lamprocolius porphyrurus, Hartl.*

Tolerably common up the Volta, where it is to be observed
in small flocks. I have also received it from Eantee and the
Accra districts.

123. Lamprocolius auratus (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 55.

Large flocks of this brilliantly feathered Grackle are to he

observed on the plains of Accra, especially at certain seasons,
when they assemble to feed on berries and seeds, which are
found in abundance in such localities. They are frequently
in company with a smaller kind, and are generally difficult of
approach.

They are annoying to the sportsman, as they appear to
warn other game ; and I have not unfrequently been dis¬
appointed of a shot at a covey of Francolins by the general
uprising of the noisy Grackles. They appear to resemble

[* This new species will be described by Dr. Hartlaub from specimens
brought by Mr. Ussher. — R. B. S.]

67

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

English Starlings in their habits ; and their flight is also rather
like that of these birds.

124. Corvus sc apulatu s, Band. : Sharpe, p. 57.

This handsome Crow is widely distributed on the Gold
Coast, as well as in all parts of Western Africa between Sene-
gambia and Lagos. He is a very general scavenger, and takes
the place of our common Carrion-Crow, differing from this
latter, however, in that he is frequently seen in large num¬
bers. I have often stood, towards sunset, on the low range
of hillocks bordering the Salt Lake at Accra, and watched them
flying homewards in a continuous but scattered flock until
dark. They are by no means shy, but appear to have an
instinctive knowledge of a gun, like the English Rook. I
have waited sometimes a considerable time endeavouring to
get a shot at them ; but although many have appeared coming
in a straight line towards me, they have invariably diverged
from their course when within a hundred yards, and kept a
safe distance between us. Under ordinary circumstances,
when not alarmed, they will permit of a close approach,
especially if alone.

125. Picathartes gymnocephalus (Temm.) : Sharpe, p. 57.
(Plate II.)

Three of these singular birds were collected by me during
my last sojourn on the Gold Coast. The skins all came from
Denkera, and were in very good preservation. They had not
been before brought to Cape Coast, and are said to be rare.

I could not obtain much information as to their habits.
Aubinn, who brought me the skins, affirms that they are
found in rocky forest-grounds, generally in the neighbourhood
of streams, that they build amongst rocks, and that they
feed on fresh-water shell-fish, snails, and reptiles. This state¬
ment, however, I cannot vouch for personally.

The young bird and the egg here figured along with the
adult (Plate II.) were procured by Mr. Aubinn in Denkera,
and are now in the British Museum.

126. Hyphantornis castaneofusca (Less.) : Sharpe, p. 59.

Very common in Fan tee, especially round Cape Coast,

f 2

68

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

They are invariably found in grassy swampy places, and are
particularly fond of the bamboos or canes, whence their nests
may be seen depending in hundreds. They are very sociable,
and are occasionally captured as cage-birds.

1 27. Hyphantornis brachyptera (Svv.) : Sharpe, p. 59.

Frequently observed on the Yolta and in the eastern dis¬
tricts along with other Weavers.

128. Hyphantornis personata (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 59.

This little Weaverbird was tolerably common on the Yoita,

where I noticed it in flocks.

129. Hyphantornis textor (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 59.

This bird is everywhere common. They are very grega¬
rious, and build their nests in great quantities on cocoa-nut
palms and silk-cotton trees ( Bomb ax ceibo ) . They are very
good eating.

130. Malimbus cristatus (V.) : Sharpe, p. 60.

From Denkera.

131. Malimbus rufovelatus (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 60.

From Denkera.

132. Malimbus nitens (Gray) : Sharpe, p. 60.

I have received this bird mostly from Denkera, but have
shot it myself at Abrobonko, near Cape Coast.

133. Malimbus scutatus (Cass.) : Sharpe, p. 60.

Only from Denkera.

134. Malimbus nigerrimus (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 60.

This species is decidedly scarce in Fantee.

135. Nigrita uropygialis, Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 384,
pi. xi. fig. 2.

Though not absolutely so common as N. emilice , this species
is still not rare, Aubinn having procured me several specimens.

136. Nigrita emille, Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 384, pi. xi.
fig. 1.

Yery common in Fantee, noticed also on the Yolta.

137. Nigrita bicolor, Hartl. : Sharpe, p. 61.

I procured this bird on the Yolta, and have found it in
other parts of Fantee.

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

69

138. Euplectes flammiceps (Sw.) : Sharpe, p. 62.

Widely distributed over the Gold Coast with E.franciscanus.

In the rainy season, from May until August, these birds

assume the full splendour of their plumage, and affect tall
grassy spots near swamps, where they may be seen dotting the
long grass like rubies.

In the dry season they are no longer to be distinguished,
and probably assume a dull plumage, like the female. I have
seen specimens evidently in a state of transition.

E.franciscanus. The above notes also apply to this species.

139. Euplectes afer (Lath.): Sharpe, p. 62.

Seen at times in large flocks, swamps being preferred by
them. The males are very beautiful in their full plumage,
and when rising from the ground present a most brilliant
appearance.

140. Penthetria macrura (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 63.

Extremely common on the Gold Coast and in other parts

of West Africa, Its habits much resemble those of Vidua
principalis ; and it is frequently seen with that bird and other
Finches in grassy places.

141. Vidua principalis (L.) : Sharpe, p. 63.

Very numerous over the whole Guinea Coast. It is not
very sociable as regards its own species, but very fond of at¬
taching itself to the large flocks of small Finches and Bengalis
which abound in the fields of cassava and maize at certain
seasons of the year.

Its long tail-feathers give it a peculiar appearance in flight,

142. Spermestes cucullata, Sw. : Sharpe, p. 64.

Exceedingly common on the west coast, where large flocks

of them, in company with other Bengalis and Finches, rise
when disturbed from the long grass, on the seeds of which
they are very fond of feeding. They are captured in some
quantities by the natives on various parts of the coast, espe¬
cially at the Gambia and in the French settlements in Senegal,
whence they are exported with many other varieties of Finch
to Europe.

70

Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

143. Spermestes bicolor (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 64.

Not quite so common as S. cucullata and others, but of
frequent occurrence on the Gold Coast.

144. Lagonosticta rufopicta (Fras.) : Sharpe, p. 66.

This pretty little Bengali is one of the commonest birds on

the west coast of Africa. It is extremely tame, frequenting
the vicinity of houses, and hopping about the yards with the
confidence of the common House- Sparrow of England. The
males in full plumage are extremely pretty.

They build in low grass, on the seeds of which they also
feed, and are gregarious ; in the bush they will associate in
flocks with other Bengalis.

145. Spermospiza h^matina (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 68.

Scarce. Procured by Aubinn in Denkera.

146. Pyrenestes capitalbus, Temm. : Sharpe, p. 68.

This bird is not common on the Gold Coast, although Au¬
binn obtained it for me once or twice. Captain Haynes also
collected one or two specimens near Cape Coast and Accra.

147. Macronyx croceus (Y.) : Sharpe, p. 73.

This handsome Lark is tolerably common in all parts of the
Gold Coast, and in many other parts of West Africa. It is
always to be obtained in open grassy spaces, and is almost
invariably in pairs.

The male appears very fond of the female ; and while the
latter remains on the ground the male will take short flights
or “ soars 99 above her.

They will frequently perch on bushes, especially if disturbed;
but, as a rule, they prefer marshy or grassy ground.

148. Treron calva (Temm.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 194.

Appears on the Gold Coast in large flocks at certain seasons

of the year ; I have generally observed it from January to
March.

They are very destructive, and are also much shot for food.
I have also seen them in large numbers in the mangrove-
forests bordering the creeks around Sierra Leone and the
Lagos Lagoons.

71

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

149. Turtur senegalensis (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 73.

This Dove is common in the eastern districts of the Gold

Coast, and seems especially fond of the immediate vicinity of
houses or villages. All those shot by me were obtained among
the houses of Christiansborg and in the ruins of the fort,
where they appear to build in some numbers. They are also
to be met with near the little villages of the interior eastern
districts ; but I have not seen them in Eantee.

150. Peristera puella, Schl. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 387-

All the specimens of this Dove which I have received were

brought from Denkera by Aubinn. It appears to be common
in the interior forests of Fantee.

151. Numida meleagris, L. : Hartl. p. 199.

Exists in some numbers in Fantee and the eastern districts
in a wild state, but is difficult to flush ; near the settlements
it is rare. On the Yolta they were more easily obtained. They
present many varieties when domesticated, from pure white
to the normal colour. I have seen a company of seven white
Guinea-fowls at Cape Coast in the yard of a native tenement.

152. Numida cristata, Pall. : Hartl. p. 199.

N. plumifera, Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 73 ( lapsu calami).

This fine Guinea-fowl is not uncommon upon the Gold
Coast, where I have seen several specimens. They are found
in the vicinity of Winebah, and on the interior plains of Accra.

I have had them alive in confinement ; and they appear to
thrive well, and could probably be domesticated. But they
are a great nuisance amongst other birds, especially as regards
their congener N. meleagris , as they are of a pugnacious dis¬
position, and are always vindictively disposed towards the
tamer species.

153. Francolinus lathami, Hartl. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869,
p. 387.

This pretty Francolin appears to be common in the interior
of Fantee ; but I have never seen them alive. All the speci¬
mens collected by me were obtained from Aubinn. They lay
from eight to ten eggs of a light pink colour:

72 Mr. H. T. Ussher on the

154. Francolinus bicalcaratus (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872,
p. 73.

Common all over the Gold Coast. On the plains of Accra
especially they abound, and are found in coveys of from four
or five to a dozen. They frequent cassava- plantations, and
do much damage to the young plants, as also to ground-nuts
and maize.

Towards sunset the loud cry of the male bird is heard, and
he can be observed, generally stationed in a commanding po¬
sition on the top of an ant-hill or low tree, calling together his
family.

They are fine birds, and afford good sport, as well as ex¬
cellent food for the table. Unless killed dead, they generally
manage to drag themselves through the grass, and are almost
impossible to find ; and as they are very strong on the wing,
not more than fifty per cent, of those killed can generally be
brought to bag.

155. Eupodotis melanogastra (Rupp.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872,
p. 73.

This Bustard is distributed widely over the eastern districts
and plains of Accra. It is, like most of its race, an exceed¬
ingly shy bird, and when once aware of the sportsman is im¬
possible to approach. I have marked them down in low short
grass, where it has appeared impossible for them to pitch
without being seen, but have never yet succeeded in getting
the bird to rise, as it will either crouch or run with its head
down with incredible speed, and perhaps regain its original
place of rest. They are frequently surprised, however, in
long grass by approaching them up wind, and when on the
wing present a very easy shot.

They are a most excellent bird for the table, and conse¬
quently much prized ; and the “ Bush-Turkey,” as it is called
by the settlers, is always a welcome present. The meat pos¬
sesses a peculiarity in common, I believe, with some other
game birds, viz. that it is brown on the breast, while the flesh
of the thighs is white, like that of a chicken.

73

Ornithology of the Gold Coast.

156. Glareola pratincola (L.): Hartl. p. 210.

This bird is not uncommon in the salt lakes and lagoons

extending between Accra and the river Volta along the sea-
line. It is gregarious, being generally found in small com¬
panies of from ten to twenty. It is, however, in common
with many other water-birds and wild-fowl, becoming much
rarer, especially in the neighbourhood of the settlements.

157. Glareola cine re a. Eras. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1870, p. 487.

This pretty Pratincole was not uncommon on the Volta.

There were generally two or three together ; but they were

some little distance apart from each other, appearing to select
independent bits of ground for feeding, although they would
rise simultaneously and fly in the same direction.

They run with great rapidity, and almost always affect large
open sandbanks, which makes them difficult of approach.

158. Balearica pavonina (L.) : Hartl. p. 218.

I have observed one or two specimens of this Crane up the
river Volta; but it is by no means common. In other dis¬
tricts, as on the rivers Gambia and Niger, it is of frequent
occurrence, and is easily domesticated, forming a very beau¬
tiful addition to the grounds of the houses of the settlers.

159. Nycticorax griseus (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 74.

Common on Winebah River ; not observed elsewhere.

160. Butorides atricapilla (Afzel.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869,
p. 194.

Exceedingly common along lagoons and about the roots of
the mangrove-trees, where it may be seen at low tide running
along the mud with its crouching gait. It is not a shy bird,
and is rarely molested by the natives. Its food consists of
small crabs and other shell-fish, beetles, and a small fish called
the “jumping fish,” which collects in numbers on the man¬
grove-mud, and propels itself with its fins or flappers at some
pace when disturbed.

161. Platalea tenuirostris, Temm. : Hartl. p. 226.

I have every reason to believe that this bird frequents the
Gold Coast, as natives have described it to me.

74 Notes on the Ornithology of the Gold Coat.

I have shot it near Sierra Leone, in Yawry Bay, at the
mouth of Campbell-Town Creek, where I observed it in con¬
siderable numbers, in company with a large flock of Pelicans.
Both descriptions of birds had their eggs on a large solitary
rock about one mile from the land ; and the islet was abso¬
lutely covered with them.

162. Numenius PHiEOPUs (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 74.

163. Numenius arcuatus (L.) : Sharpe, l. c.

A very common bird along the Gold Coast, and, indeed,
apparently in all parts of West Africa. It differs in no wise
in its habits from the European bird, and is wary and difficult
of approach. N. phceopus is not perhaps so common, how¬
ever, on the Gold Coast as N. arcuatus ; and this remark
applies to the whole coast from the Gambia to Lagos. In
the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone, however, I have noticed
it more frequently.

164. Totanus calidris, Bechst. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 74.

Tolerably common on the Gold Coast and at the mouths of

the rivers in Western Africa.

165. Parra apricana (Gm.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 388.

In inland ponds and wraters this pretty bird can almost

always be observed. It prefers still reaches of river and quiet
waters covered with water-plants, over which it runs with
astonishing rapidity in search of prey.

Its flight is slow and heavy ; and it never flies further than
across the river, or, if disturbed, to the nearest shelter.

They are frequently to be observed in considerable num¬
bers, and appear to be very sociable.

166. Ballus oculeus (Temm.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1869, p. 195.

This bird was brought to me from the interior by Aubinn.

167. Nettapus madagascariensis (Gm.) : Hartl. p. 247.

I believe that this bird is found on the Yolta, as I once

noticed a small flock of very small Duck-like birds which ap¬
peared to answer to its description, in the higher reaches of
the river. In the neighbourhood of Lagos, and in the lagoons

Mr, W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds. 75

near the settlements of Palma and Leckie, they are tolerably
common and frequently shot for food.

168. Procellaria pelagica, L. : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, p. 74.

169. Procellaria oceanica, Kuhl : Id. 1. c. p. 74.

Both these Petrels were brought to me by children, cap¬
tured on the sea-shore near Cape-Coast Castle.

170. Ehynchops flavirostris, V. : Shelley, B. Egypt,
p. 302, pi. xiv.‘

One specimen of this bird was shot by me some years ago
in the lagoons near Lagos. I have also noticed them on the
Yolta.

VI.- — Notes on the Synonymy of some Indian and Persian
Birds , with Descriptions of two new Species from Persia.
By W. T. Blanford, F.G.S., C.M.Z.S., &c.

During a critical examination of the large collections of birds
made by Major St. John and myself in Persia, I have had
occasion to compare together several European, Asiatic, and
African species. Recently I have, in company with Mr.
Dresser, examined all Hemprich and Ehrenberg^s types, and
several of Lichtenstein’s, in the Berlin museum ; and I have
also visited the Senkenbergian museum at Frankfort for the
purpose of comparing some of BuppelPs typical specimens.
The results of our joint examination of Hemprich and Ehren-
berg^s types will appear separately ; but as I have, indepen¬
dently of that examination, been able to identify several In¬
dian and Persian birds with European or African forms, I think
it may be interesting to give some of the principal results,
reserving all details for a fuller account, which I hope here¬
after to be able to publish, of the Persian fauna.

The identifications made are chiefly amongst the Warblers
and their allies ; and the following are the most important.
The oldest specific name is given in larger type in every case.

1. Crateropus salvadorii, De F. 1865 = Malacocercus hut-
toni, Blyth, 184 7 , — Chatorhea caudata (partim), Jerdon. It
is a true Crateropus , as are also Chatorhea (or Malacocercus)

76 Mr. W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds.

caudata, Dum., and C. gularis, Blyth, unless, indeed, the group
containing Crateropus chalybceus , Bp., C. acacia, Rupp., &c.,
be removed from the genus (as is done by Gray in his Hand¬
list), in which case they would form a subgeneric section.
Crateropus huttoni is a well-marked species, fairly distinguish¬
able by both its size and colour from C. caudatus. There is
a specimen of the former from Candahar in the British Mu¬
seum which agrees with skins obtained by Major St. John
near Shiraz, the locality of De Filippos species.

2. Melizophilus striatus, Brooks (P. A. S. B. April 1872,
p. 66), is not a Melizophilus. It has ten tail-feathers only,
and is an aberrant Drymceca, and identical with D. inquieta,
Riipp. RiippelFs figure in the Atlas is so bad that I do not
wonder at the bird not being recognized. The species, how¬
ever, is very well described by v. Heuglin in ‘The Ibis' for
1869, p. 129. The affinities of the bird are shown not only
by the number of its tail-feathers, but also by its nest, which
is domed, as in other species of Drymceca (see Ibis, 1872,

p. 180).

It appears to me that this bird has far better claims to form
the type of a separate genus or subgenus than D. gracilis ,
the type of Burnesia ; and I think we should follow S unde vail
in using for it the term Scotocerca, as he has lately proposed
in his ‘Methodi Naturalis Avium disponendarum Tentamen'
(p. 7). .

By the kindness of Mr. Tristram I have been enabled to
examine his types of Drymceca eremita and D. striaticeps.
The former* is certainly identical with D. inquieta ; and 1
much doubt if the latter be more than a variety. It is rather
paler in colour both above and below ; the striae on the throat
and upper breast are very faint, indeed scarcely to be recog-

* In the measurements given for D. striaticeps and D. eremita in the
original descriptions (Ibis, 1859, p. 58, and 1867, p. 76), the length of the
wing, 2'7o inches, must, I think, be a misprint for T75. I make the wing
in the two specimens of D. eremita lent me by Mr. Tristram measure T8
and T85 inch respectively, tail the same in each case as the wing; and in
the two specimens of D. striaticeps the wing is P82 in both birds, tail 1*87
and 2-02 inches.

Mr. W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds. 77

nized ; and the abdomen and flanks are nearly white or only
pale huff. But all these characters are variable in D. inquieta,
and Mr. Hume describes a specimen from Sind without striae
on the chin and throat (f Stray Feathers/ i. p. 201) .

3. The eastern race of the Orphean W arbler, Sylvia jerdoni,
Blyth (1847), is identical with S. orphea, var. helena, Hempr.
& Ehr. (1828) ; and I am inclined to suspect that the type of
S. crassirostris, Rupp. (1826), is merely an individual variety,
in which case RiippelFs name would have priority. The bird
in the Frankfort museum, however, has a decidedly thicker
bill. The eastern race is rather larger than S. orpliea from
Western Europe, and has a longer bill, the two races passing
into each other and breeding together where they meet in
the Levant, as such closely allied forms generally do.

4. Sylvia rubescens, sp. nov.

Inter S. currucam et S. melanocephalam fere media, ab ilia
capite nigrescente, dorso saturatiore, tarsisque valde pal-
lidioribus, ab hac coloribus omnino dilutioribus, pectore
rubescenti-albo, hand cinereo, distinguenda.

Hab. in Persia, circum Shiraz et Isfahan.

Male in summer plumage. Head above, with the lores and
feathers just below the eye, nearly black; ear-coverts dark
ashy ; mantle dark ashy, with a slight brownish tinge ; quills
brown ; tail blackish brown ; outer pair of rectrices white, ex¬
cept the basal portion of the inner web ; the next two pairs
tipped white, the white diminishing inwards ; but in a newly
moulted specimen there is a narrow white tip on the fourth
pair of rectrices (counting from the side) . Lower parts white,
with a well-marked pink tinge, especially on the breast. The
white of the throat well defined at the edge, and not passing
into the dusky cheeks. Bill dusky above, pale beneath ; legs
brown. Wing 2*38 to 2*45 inches; tail 2T5 to 23; tarsus
0-78 to 08; culmen 0*49 to 0*53 (bill at front about 0*45).
First quill scarcely longer than the greater wing-coverts, 1*8
inch shorter than the third, which is the longest, second quill
OT inch shorter than the third and equal to the sixth.

A specimen from Southern Persia, apparently in winter-
plumage (the label has been lost), resembles S. curruca more

78 Mr. W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds.

nearly in colour, the back being brown and the head only
blackish towards the forehead ; but still the anterior portion
of the head is darker than in S. curruca, and the tarsi, of
course, are quite different in colour.

Young birds are brown above, the tail blackish ; the secon¬
dary quills have pale rufous edges ; and there is a buff tinge
on the lower surface.

It is possible that this may be the bird obtained by Jerdon
in Southern India, and described by him in his “ Catalogue
of the Birds of Southern India ” (Madras Journ. Lit. and
Sci. vol. x. p. 268) as S. cinerea. This bird he assigned,
in his e Birds of India/ to Blythes S. affinis ; but as in the first
description the bill and legs were said to be brown, it may
have belonged to the present species.

5. Sylvia nana, H. & E., has been shown to be identical
with S. delicatula , Hartl. (by Finsch and Hartlaub and by
v. Heuglin), and with S. dories, De Filippi (by Salvadori).
Another synonym I feel satisfied is Salicaria aralensis, Evers-
mann (Journ. f. Ornith. 1853, p. 286).

6. Hypolais upcheri , Tristram, is Curruca languida, H. & E.
I have examined the types of both species, that of the latter
in the Berlin museum, the former kindly lent to me by Mr.
Tristram for the purpose. H. languida is a form which has
been overlooked or confounded with H. elcsica by several
writers *.

7. The various forms described as Salicaria elceica, Linder-
mayer, Curruca pallida, Hempr. & Ehr., Sylvia caligata,
Licht., Sylvia rama, Sykes, and Jerdonia agricolensis , Hume,
all, I believe, belong to one species, varying much in size and
slightly in structure, and belonging to the genus Hypolais .
The western form, H. pallida, H. & E .,—elceica, Linder-

* Injustice to Mr. Tristram and others who have given new names to
species formerly described by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, it is only right
to say that not only is the 1 Symbolae Physicae ’ of the last-named writers
a rare work, but their descriptions are in many cases insufficient, and that
the species can only be identified by comparison with the types preserved
in the Berlin museum.

Mr. W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds. 79

mayer, has a rather broader bill, and is a somewhat larger
form than II. caligata, Licht.,— r<m«, Sykes, whilst H.
agricolensis , Hume, is a still smaller race ; hut all pass, I
think, into each other so thoroughly that I cannot distinguish
the different forms. The type specimen of Sylvia caligata
has, I believe, the bill distorted or altered.

8. Acrocephalus brunnescens , Jerdon, is identical with Cur-
ruca stentorea, H. & E.

9. Erithacus hyrcanus, sp. nov.

E. affinis E. rubeculce, sed pectore rufo saturatiore, supracau-
dalibus ferrugineis, fronte rufa latiore et rostro longiore
distinguendus.

Hab. in provincia Persica hodierna Ghilan dicta (antice Hyr-
canise parte) ad littus meridionale maris Caspii.

Colour above umber-brown, more or less tinged with oli¬
vaceous ; upper tail-coverts dull ferruginous ; tail-feathers
rufous- brown, the outer webs having a strong rusty tinge to¬
wards the base ; quills and wing-coverts umber, the margins
rather paler and more rufous ; forehead, with the anterior
portion of the region above the eyes, sides of neck below the
ear-coverts, throat, and breast rich ferruginous red, deeper
than in E. rubecula ; lower breast and abdomen white ; under
tail-coverts isabelline ; sides of abdomen, flanks, and thigh-
coverts pale rufescent olive.

This is a well-marked race of the Common Redbreast, pe¬
culiar, so far as I know, to the forest country on the southern
shores of the Caspian. E. hyrcanus is easily distinguished
from E, rubecula by its more deeply coloured breast, and es¬
pecially by the upper tail-coverts and edges of the tail-feathers
near their base being deep ferruginous instead of olive.

10. I quite agree with Mr. Hume Stray Feathers/ i.
p. 189) that Ruticilla phoenicuroides, Moore, is identical with
R. rufiventris, Vieill. ; but R. erythroprocta , Gould, which
Mr. Hume also unites with R. rufiventris , appears to be dis¬
tinct, as in the former the black colour comes lower down
the breast, and all the under wing-coverts are black, whilst
in R. rufiventris they are chiefly red. R. semirufa , H, &. E.,
is a small race of R. rufiventris.

80 Mr. W. T. Blanford on Indian and Persian Birds.

11. I believe that R. rufogularis, Moore, is probably the
same as R. ERYTHRONOTA,Eversm. Unfortunately the type spe¬
cimen of the former is inaccessible at present, being amongst
the collection formerly belonging to the East-India Company ;
and I have been unable hitherto to see Eversman's description
of R. erytlironota} there not being a copy of the work in which
it is described (Addenda ad Pall. Zoog. Rosso-As., Ease ii.)
in the British Museum, the Zoological Society's library, or
in any private library to which I have access*.

12. Daulias hafizi (Severtzov).

Luscinia hafizi, Sev., Turkestanskie Jevotnie, p. 120.
“ Bulbul," Persice.

D. a peraffini D. luscinia (vel Luscinia vera ) cauda semi-
pollice longiore atque magis rotundata distinguenda.
Notseum vero plerumque minus rufum et gastraeum pal-
lidius quam in specie Europsea; sed specimina quaedam
ex Persia allata cum Europaeis colore congruunt. Long,
alae maris 3 ’4-3 *5, caudae 2*9-3*05, feminae al. 3*25,
caud. 2*87 poll. Angl.

The Persian Nightingale, the true Bulbul of the Persians
(no connexion of the Pycnonoti, to which the same name is
applied by the natives of India), appears to differ constantly
from the European bird in its longer and more rounded tail.
The plumage is, as a rule, rather less rufous above and paler
below, especially on the throat and breast ; but some Persian
specimens agree fairly in colour with their western repre¬
sentatives. The song of the Persian bird, as Major St. John
pointed out to me, and as had previously been noticed by Mr.
Blyth (Ibis, 1867, p. 18), differs greatly from that of the Eu¬
ropean Nightingale. It is shorter and less varied.

I believe this is the bird which Severtzov has called Lus¬
cinia hafizi , because Herr Meves, of Stockholm, showed me
a Turkestan specimen received from Severtzov. Sever tzov's

* [I possess one livraison of this work (the 3rd), which was given me
by the late Prince Charles Bonaparte. I was told by him that the scarcity
of the book was occasioned by the copies having been destroyed by a fire
shortly after publication. Further information on this point and as to
where a perfect copy may be consulted, would be very acceptable to —
P.L.S.]

On the Birds of Juan Fernandez and Mas-a-fuera. 81

work is entirely in Russian, and abounds in errors of nomen¬
clature, so that I cannot be quite certain. No better name
for the Persian Nightingale could well be selected than that
which commemorates the great poet of Shiraz. A still larger
form of Nightingale from Turkestan has been recently de¬
scribed by Dr. Cabanis as L. golzii (Journ. f. Ornith, 1873,
p. 79).

13. Saxicola kingi , Hume, is apparently identical with S.
chrysopygia, De Filippi. .

14. I agree with Mr. Hume in considering Lanius arena -
rius, Blyth, the same as L. isabellinus, H. & E.

15. Emberiza cerrutii, De Filippi (1865, Yiaggio in Persia,
p. 13, note) is E. huttoni, Blyth (1849). E. shah (Bon.
Consp. Gen. Ay. i. p. 465), to which Gray, in his Hand-list,
refers E. cerrutii , appears to me to be the Persian form of E.
hortulana.

16. The pale Eagle Owl from Kulu, noticed by Mr. Hume
in ‘ Stray Feathers' (vol. i. p. 315), and for which, if con¬
sidered distinct, he proposes the name of Bubo hemachalana,
is very probably the same as B. sibiricus , Eversmann, figured
in Gray's ‘ Genera of Birds' (pi. xiii.) under the name of B.
cinereus. It may probably be separable as a distinct race from
B, maximus , and appears to have a wide range in Asia. I
have a specimen shot by Major St. John near Shiraz, in
Persia. Its occurrence in the Himalayas is mentioned by
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1860, p. 99, and again in the Appendix to Jer-
don's f Birds of India' (vol. ii. p. 870).

VII. — Remarks on the Birds of Juan Fernandez and Mas-a-
fuera . By Edwyn C. Reed, of the National Museum of
Santiago.

I have just read an interesting article by Mr. Sclater in c The
Ibis' for 1871, on the land-birds of Juan Fernandez and
Masa-a-fuera, and wish to make a few observations upon it.

These islands, of volcanic origin, are situated, the former
380, and the latter 450 miles from the coast of Chili.

SER. III. — VOL. IV.

G

82

Mr. E. C. Reed on the Birds of

I first visited Juan Fernandez in September 1870, in a
small steamer chartered by myself and some friends for the
purpose. We remained but three days on the island ; and as
I saw that good work might be done there, I requested the
Chilian government to send me over again in a man-of-war.
This was done in 1872, when I stayed in Juan Fernandez
twenty days, and, being aided by two good assistants, made
as complete investigations as possible into the zoology, botany,
and geology of the island. I intend shortly to publish the
results of this voyage.

I have never been to Mas-a-fuera ; but as I know all the
collectors that have been there during the last ten years, I
have heard all that they have ascertained on the subject.

On Juan Fernandez six species of land-birds occur, viz. : — -

1. Turd us falklandicus.

2. AnjEretes fernandezianus, Phil.

3. Eustephanus galeritus. Mol.

4. Eustephanus fernandensis. King.

5. Tinnunculus sparverius.

6. Otus brachyotus.

Turdus falklandicus is common, and offers no difference in
plumage ; but my collector fancied that its voice was slightly
different from that of Chilian individuals.

As regards A. fernandezianus , I consider the figure of this
species, l.s. c. pi. viii. fig. 1, very bad; the crest is too short
and badly coloured, while the feathers on the back of the neck
are elevated in a very curious and unnatural manner. This
species is moderately common, hopping about the twigs like
a Parus. On two occasions I saw one catch a moth, of the
genus Leucania , on the wing ; but its principal food consists
of larvae and small Diptera, which are very abundant on the
island. I found one hanging dead from a spider's web ; but
how it got there and why it did not escape I cannot say.
This species has not been found, and probably does not occur,
on Mas-a-fuera.

83

Juan Fernandez and Mas-a-fuera .

Eustephanus fernandensis is a very strong bird. It hovers
over flowers, then darts away like an arrow to a distance of
several hundred yards ; I have never seen any other small
bird fly so rapidly. It feeds principally from the beautiful
purple flowers of the Citharexylon . It has a loud shrill cry.
I dissected all the specimens that I shot, and found that in
all cases the red birds were males, and the green females.

Eustephanus galeritus is by no means common. I shot but
some half a dozen specimens, and found that they differed in
no way from specimens living on the continent.

Of Tinnunculus sparverius all specimens that I have seen
from the island are cinnamon- coloured, and must be referred
to the Falco cinnamominus , Swains., a form also common in
Peru^ but rare in Chile.

Of Otus brachyotus a pair had a nest in the face of an in-
accessible cliff, which I discovered by the pellets beneath.
I shot the male, which differed in nothing from specimens
from Chile.

I believe no other species of land-bird occurs on the island,
or I should certainly have seen it. So we have two species
peculiar to the island, and four that are widely distributed on
the mainland.

I found one sea-bird building, or rather excavating, its nest
on the island, viz. Thalassoeca glacialoides . This Petrel had
some hundreds of nests on a slope ; and I was rather astonished
the first time I passed that way to hear a peculiar, short, growl¬
ing bark that appeared to proceed from the bowels of the earth.
On digging up a burrow, I found at some 6 feet from the
surface a pair of birds but no eggs. I dug up some six nests,
found a pair of birds in each, but could not find any eggs.
All the specimens found were adults ; and why they spend the
day in their eggless nests I do not know.

I shot a stray specimen of Spheniscus humboldti ; but I be¬
lieve this species does not breed there.

The birds of Mas-a-fuera, so far as I know them, are the
following : —

1. Turdus falklandicus.

84

Mr. W. E. Brooks on some

2. OXYURUS MASAFUERA5.

3. ClNCLODES FUSCUS.

4. Eustephanus leyboldi, Gould.

5. Buteo erythronotus.

But not having been there I cannot affirm that other species
do not occur.

I believe the Buzzard has been attracted by and feeds on
the domestic cats with which the island swarms. These cats
having been introduced by former settlers, have increased
and multiplied amazingly : they have taken to the hush, eaten
up all the goats, and now live upon fish and young seals, and
in their turn furnish food to the Buteo .

VIII. — Notes on some European and Asiatic Eagles.

By W. Edwin Brooks, C.E., Dinapore.

My friend the Bey. Dr. Tristam has lent me an African ex¬
ample of Aquila ncevioides , Cuv., in characteristic tawny plu¬
mage, upon which I wish to offer a few remarks.

1. It is totally distinct from the Indian species which has
hitherto borne that name. The references to this Indian
species in f The Ibis' are: — July 1868, pp. 351, 352; April
1870, p. 290 ; July 1870, p. 423 ; April 1871, p. 245 ; Octo-
her 1871, p. 479 ; and October 1872, pp. 472, 473. It is also
described in Mr. Hume's f Bough Notes,' p. 168, as the young
of Aquila n&via.

2. Aquila ncevioides is not a round-nostrilled Marsh-Eagle,
like the Indian bird and like the other two Marsh-Eagles,
A. ncevia and A. hastata , hut is a long -nostr Hied Eagle, with
vertical nostrils, like A. vindhiana} A . hifasciata , and A.
mogilnik.

3. Its tail is a greyish barred one, like that of A. vind-
hiana ; and altogether its affinities are with this last-named
species ; but its mode of coloration is distinct, and very much
more handsome in every way. In the tawny stage it has even
a more distinct black eyebrow than the Indian species called

85

European and Asiatic Eagles.

by the same name. The tawny colour, both on head and
whole body, is peculiarly rich and fine ; and out of the num¬
bers of A. vindhiana I have obtained in & pale tawny stage,
not one approached this fine species in coloration. It has its
characteristics, and especially the two- coloured feathers about
the shoulders and wings, the two colours being fine dark
purple-brown and fulvous or tawny. I now see there was
some excuse for Mr. Gurney mistaking a mature A. bifas-
ciata (A. orientalis, Cab.) for a dark A. ncevioides ( vide Ibis,
1870, pp. 67, 68). This fine Eagle (A. ncevioides) is in many
respects like A. vindhiana ; and as that species is subject to
light and dark forms, it is probable that the same variation
exists in A. ncevioides. To separate a large dark A. ncevi-
oides from an undersized dark and mature A. bifasciata
would be no easy task ; but I think no mistake need be made,
the characteristics of each being so wrell defined.

4. The Indian species hitherto called A. ncevioides agrees
well with the plate of Aquila fulvescens in Gray and Hard-
wicke's ‘ Illustrations of Indian Zoology ' (i. pi. 29). So well
is the plate executed, that there is no mistaking the species
it is intended to represent. Our Indian bird should therefore
be henceforth known as Aquila fulvescens, Gray; and I am
glad to have been able to separate it from Aquila ncevioides
vera, with which it has been confounded.

Judging from the example sent me, I do not see that Aquila
ncevioides is a more robust bird or larger on the whole than
our Wokhal (A. vindhiana). Its wing is 20 inches only,
and the talons are not more powerful. The Indian bird
varies excessively in size ; and in Mr. Hume's collection there
are some magnificent examples which it would be hard to
match with African ones of A. ncevioides.

We have thus three very distinct Eagles subject to light
and dark forms : —

1. A. fulvescens , Gray. Characters — round nostril and

plain black unbarred tail.

2. A. vindhiana , Franklin. Characters — vertical long nos¬
tril and well-barred grey tail.

3. A. ncevioides , Cuvier. Characters — vertical long nostril

86

On some European and Asiatic Eagles .

and barred grey tail. From No. 1 it is easily separated by
its structural difference in form of nostril, and by its barred
tail ; and from No. 2 its rich colours and tbe strong tendency
to particoloured feathers sufficiently distinguish it. This
particoloured plumage partakes rather of the character of
the spotting upon the mantle of juvenile Aquila ncevia in the
example sent me. The two-coloured feathers, however, are, I
understand, not constant.

We have no record of the occurrence of the Indian A. ful-
vescens in Europe ; nor have I ever seen an Indian-killed A.
ncevioides. I was much pleased to see the last species and
to observe its affinity to A. vindhiana; and yet its complete
distinctness is most striking.

In our references to A. ncevioides, Mr. Gurney and I have
been playing at cross purposes, he having in view the true
A. ncevioides, while I was thinking of the Indian species so
misnamed.

I recently identified A. orientalis, Cab. (misnamed A. clanga
by dealers) with A t bifasciata, Gray and Hardwick. To
this Mr. Gurney objects, on account of the former’s smaller
average size and darker colour. His series consisted of about
half a dozen of each. 1 have examined again my series of
each most carefully, and with the addition of the measure¬
ments of two A. orientalis in the Norwich museum. I was
able to take three males and three females of each species ;
and I find the average of the wings to be-— A. orientalis
21’5, and A. bifasciata 2T541, or practically no difference as
regards size ; and in respect to colour I find as dark a brown
in some of my mature A. bifasciata as in the very fine old
Bosphorus example of A . orientalis ( vide Ibis, 1870, pp. 67,
68) . But neither size nor colour is a criterion when Eagles
are in question, but characteristics only. They vary exces¬
sively in size ; and the Indian climate affects their colour to
such an extent that I have seen the same species, Aquila ncevia,
nearly black when newly moulted, and a pale sandy bird after
a few months'’ exposure. But it is not always time which
produces paleness : the colour of some examples is fast,
while that of others is the opposite.

87

On an apparently new Species of Eucephala.

The result' of my reexamination was my entire conviction
of the identity of Aquila orientalis and Aquila bifasciata.
There are several peculiarities connected with the lining of
the wing which the younger birds of Aquila orientalis and
Aquila bifasciata have in common. These little coincidences
were striking.

Another identification I made was that of Aquila hastata ,
Lesson, with the North German or Pomeranian small spotted
Eagle. This point Messrs. Gurney and Dresser are endea¬
vouring to work out. I was, however, quite convinced of
the identity of a Danzic-killed mature bird with our Aquila
hastata in the same plumage.

IX. — Description of an apparently new Species of Bird belong¬
ing to the Family Trochilidse, of the Genus Eucephala. By

D. G. Elliot, E.L.S., F.Z.S., &c.

The genus Eucephala is composed of eight or nine species,
excluding the one about to be described ; and as only three
are at all common or usually met with in collections, it is
one of the least known or understood among those comprising
the great family Trochilidse. All the species have a resem¬
blance more or less great to each other, their plumage pre¬
senting the two colours green and blue in different degrees of
brilliancy and extent. With the exception of Eucephala
grayi, E. smaragdo-ccerulea, E. ccerulea , and E. cyanogenys,
the species are as yet represented only by the types, no second
specimens having been procured. The new species I propose
to call Eucephala subccerulea.

Upper part of head and back dark dull green, rest of back
and upper tail-coverts dark green, with a rufous tinge dis¬
persed all over these parts ; throat, breast, and abdomen beau¬
tiful metallic cserulean blue; flanks shining grass-green.

• Lower part of abdomen covered by fluffy white feathers.
U nder tail-coverts metallic green. Wings purple. Tail bluish
black. Maxilla black ; mandible yellow (in life possibly red)
for its entire length, save the tip, which is black. Eeet
brownish black. Thighs buffy white.

88

On an apparently new Species of Encephala.

Length 3-g- inches, bill f, wing 2±, tail 1-1-.

Hob. Brazil?

This species appears to he intermediate between E. ccerulea
and E. hypocyanea , as represented by the type in Mr. Gould's
collection. From the first of these it can be readily distin¬
guished by the rich blue of the underparts, which is metallic
green in E. ccerulea , the blue being confined in that species
to a spot on the chin. To the second of the above-named
species it bears a closer affinity, but differs in the dull green
upper tail-coverts, the metallic green under tail-coverts, and
huffy white thighs, these parts in E. hypocyanea being re¬
spectively reddish bronze, brownish black with bronzy tips,
and brown. Beside these differences, the blue of the under
surface is not of the same colour, and also differently dispersed
over the plumage.

The species of this genus appear to be as follows : —

1. Eucephala grayi (Delattre & Bourc.) .

Hab. Columbia.

Recognizable by its blue head.

2. Eucephala smaragdo-CjERulea, Gould.

Hab. Brazil.

Represented by the type in Mr. Gould's collection and by
one specimen in that of the late M. E. Yerreaux, of Paris.

3. Eucephala chlorocephala (Bourc.).

Hab. Guaranda, in Ecuador, according to Bourcier.

Specimen in Mr. Gould's collection.

4. Eucephala c^eruleo-lavata, Gould.

Hab. Brazil.

Type in the collection of Mr. Gould.

5. Eucephala scapulata.

Hab. Cayenne?

Type unique, in Mr. Gould's collection.

6. Eucephala hypocyanea, Gould.

Hab. Interior of Guiana, Rio Negro.

Type in Mr. Gould's collection. A young specimen in Mr.

89

On a new Timaliine Bird from West Africa.

SclateFs collection was obtained by Mr. Wallace at Cobati,
Rio Negro.

7. EuCEPHALA SUBC.ERULEA, Elliot.

Hab. Brazil?

Type in my own collection.

8. EUCEPHALA CjERULEA.

Hab. Brazil, Guiana, Venezuela, Trinidad, Tobago.

9. Eucephala cyanogenys, Prince Max.

Hab. Brazil.

N.B. In PelzehPs f Ornitbologie Brasiliens 9 (p. 33) we find
mentioned Hylocharis flavifrons (Gm.), of which many speci¬
mens were obtained by Natterer in Brazil. This species is
referred by Gray (Handl. i. p. 148) to Eucephala ; but Herr
von Pelzeln having kindly sent me a specimen for examination,
I find that it is Chlorostilbon prasinus.

X.’ —Description of a new Timaliine Bird from West Africa .

By Captain G. E. Shelley.

A recent collection of birds sent from Fantee by Mr. Aubinn
contained two specimens of a small bird of the family Tima -
liidce apparently new to science.

Its peculiar coloration separates it from all the other mem¬
bers of the genera Alethe and Trichostoma of this part of the
world ; and it belongs to the small eastern group to which the
name Drymocataphus * has been applied. I therefore propose
to call it Drymocataphus clear eri.

I must confess that, structurally, this bird seems to be a
very good Alethe ; but until the much-needed revision of the
family Timaliidce has been accomplished, it will be convenient
to retain it in the above section, affording, as it does, another
remarkable instance of the Malayan element in the avifauna
of Western Africa.

Drymocataphus cleaveri, sp. n.

D. suprk olivascenti-brunneus, supracaudalibus vix rufescente
tinctis, remigibus brunneis extus dorsi colore marginatis,
* A genus founded by Blyth in 1849 (J. A. S. B. xviii. pt. 2, p. 815).
Type Bracliypteryx nigro-capitata , Eyton. Qy, derivation ?

90 On a new Genus of Harrier Eagles from West Africa.

secundariis internis dorso concoloribus : cauda sordide
rufescenti-brunnea : pileo summo nigro, fascia supercil-
liari lata alba : facie laterali reliqua et collo laterali gri-
sescentibus, regione parotica saturatiore, genis albican-
tibus : subtus albus ; corpore laterali toto cum crisso et
subcaudalibus rufescenti-fulvis : subalaribus albidis fulvo
lavatis : rostro corneo, mandibula flavicante, pedibus fla-
vicantibus.

Long. tot. 5 *7, culm. 0*65, al. 2'7, caud. 2, tars. 1.

Forehead, crown, and nape black ; a broad white eyebrow
extending from the base of the beak to above the ear-coverts,
shading into grey behind the latter ; under the eye and the
ear-coverts dusky black, cheeks whitish; upper surface of
body olive-brown, with a slight rufescent shade a little more
distinct on the upper tail-coverts ; quills dark brown, broadly
margined with the same colour as the back ; the inner secon¬
daries uniform with the latter ; tail dark rufous brown ; chin,
throat, and centre of the body white ; sides and under tail-
coverts rufous buff ; under wing-coverts whitish washed with
rufous buff.

I name this bird after Mr. Cleaver, in acknowledgment
of his courtesy to me during my recent visit to Cape-Coast
Castle.

XI. — Note on Dryotriorchis, a new Genus of Harrier Eagles
from West Africa. By Captain G. E. Shelley.

I received in one of my last consignments from the interior
of Fantee an adult specimen of the Astur spectabilis of Schle-
gel, which seems to indicate to me that we have hitherto been
mistaken in referring this bird to the Goshawks, and that it
is in fact an Aquiline form, with tarsi reticulated both before
and behind. Mr. Sharpe has examined the bird with me,
and agrees that it cannot be placed in any existing genus.
I therefore propose to make a new one for its reception as
follows : —

Dryotriorchis, gen. nov.*

Type D. spectabilis (Schl.) : Astur spectabilis, Schl. Ned.
Tijdschr. Dierk. i. p. 13, pi. 6.

* Spvs, quercus, et rpiopxrjs, accipiter.

91

Letters , Announcements, tyc.

This new genus is allied to Circaetus , from which it differs
in its short wing and long tail. The latter is nearly as long
as the wing itself, the difference between them being less than
the length of the tarsus. It differs from Herpetotheres, in
which Prof. Schlegel was inclined to place it, in its oval nos¬
trils, and from Spilornis in its lanceolate crest as well as the
proportions of the wing and tail.

XII.- — Letters , Announcements, §c.

The following letters, addressed es To the Editor of ( The
Ibis/ " have been received : — ■

Chislehurst, October 1873.

Sir, — In the year 1845 Mr. Blyth (J. A. S.B. xiv. p. 589)
described a rare and beautiful species of the genus Troglodytes,
Vieillot, from Darjeeling, and named it T.punctatus. As this
title had been previously bestowed in 1823 by C. L. Brehm
on the common Wren of Europe (Naturgesch. europ. Vogel, i.
p. 318), I propose the name of T. formosus for the Dar¬
jeeling species.

I have the honour to remain,

Yours,

Walden.

Sir, — In Capt. J. Hayes Lloyd's very interesting paper on
the birds of Kattiawar, published in the October number of
fThe Ibis' (p. 399), he -speaks of Palceornis rosa, Buchanga
ccerulescens, Copsychus saularis, Cyornis jerdoni *, Grauculus
macei , Zosterops palpebrosus, and, if 1 understand rightly,
Corvus levaillanti and Crocopus phcenicopterus, as “ Malabar
forms." As I have myself used the term “ Malabar forms"
or “ Malabar fauna " in speaking of birds, will you pardon
my remarking that I have employed it in a different sense
from Captain Hayes Lloyd. I should not have called any of
the birds above mentioned a Malabar form ; nor is there a
* I think tickellice is the name which has priority for this species, having
been given by Blyth in 1843 (J. A. S. B. xii. pt. 2, p. 941), whereas jerdoni
of Gray was not published until 1869 (IIand-1. i. p» 325).

92

Letters , Announcements , §c.

single species in the whole list of Kattiawar birds to which I
should apply the term.

Every one of the species above mentioned has a wide range
in India ; to the best of my belief all of them occur through¬
out a large portion of the peninsula wherever there is forest ;
and some of them, e. g. Copsychus saularis and Crocopusphce-
nicopteruSj are common in gardens and groves of trees even
away from the wilder jungles. The birds to which I think
the expression “ Malabar forms ” should be restricted are
those characteristic of the hills and forests near the Malabar
coast. A few of these are met with on some of the higher hill-
ranges of Southern and Central India, and in the great forest-
country lying west of Orissa and the northern Circars, but
not elsewhere in the Indian peninsula. Thus the peculiarly
Malabar form of Palceornis is not P. rosa , but P. columboides ;
and the following are some of the birds most characteristic of
the Malabar fauna : — Scops malabaricus , Harpactes fasciutus ,
Chrysophlegma chlorophanes , Micropternus gularis and two
or three other Woodpeckers, Megal&ma viridis, Xantholcema
malabarica , Leptocoma minima , Tephrodornis sylvicola, Pericro-
cotus flammeus, Ochromela nigrorufa , Myiophonus horsfieldii ,
Hypsipetes ganeesa} Phyllornis malabarica , peculiar species
of Alcippe, Pomatorhinus , Garrulax , and Trochalopterum,
Dendrocitta leucogastra , &c. &c. It is species such as these,
together with such forms as Presbytes johnii and P.jubatus ,
Platacanthomys , and peculiar species of mungoose and squir¬
rels amongst mammals, Uropeltidce and a host of other marked
types amongst Reptilia, peculiar genera of the Cyclophoridce
amongst land-shells, and such forms as Tanalia stomatodon
among freshwater mollusks, which give a marked character to
the Malabar province, show the close affinity of its fauna to that
of Ceylon, and a more distant but still well-marked alliance
with that of Malayana, and distinguish it at once from that
which is found in the remainder of the Indian peninsula.

W. T. Blanford.

October 1873.

93

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

Sir, — Some months since a letter appeared in ( The Ibis 3
from Captain F. W. Hutton, calling in question my conclu¬
sions as to the distinctness of Hieracidea novce-zeatandice and
H. brunnea. As there was, in point of fact, nothing to answer,
and as the circumstance of my having accidentally, as it seems,
given the symbol $ upside down on some of the labels in my
collection appeared to me a very unworthy quibble for a na¬
turalist, I did not take any notice of that letter ; but wrote
instead to friends in the colony, urging them to help us in
the inquiry by collecting larger series of carefully sexed spe¬
cimens, and by making further and closer observations on the
habits of the species.

The last number, however, of f The Ibis 3 contains two com¬
munications from Capt. Hutton, upon which, with your per¬
mission, I will offer a few observations.

In the first place, as to Tribonyx mortieri. If the facts as
communicated by Mr. Purdie are true, viz. that the bird
brought home by Mr. Bills was obtained at Hobart Town
and kept for a time in the Otago Acclimatization Gardens —
then, in common with every lover of truth, I am much ob¬
liged to Captain Hutton for exposing a wilful deception.

The bird in question was purchased from Mr. Bills by the
Zoological Society as a New-Zealand bird ; and I received a
letter from Hr. Sclater apprising me of the fact and kindly
placing it at my service. Mr. Bills, whom I saw personally
on the subject, declared that it had been obtained on the
shores of Lake Waihora, in the interior of the Otago pro¬
vince, and gave me a circumstantial account of its capture !
As there was nothing improbable in the occurrence of such a
form in New Zealand, or rather (as I have pointed out in my
Introduction, p. xviii) as such a form might naturally be
looked for there, I did not of course discredit the story, and
was only too glad to accept Hr. Sclater's offer to make use
of the Society's woodcut in my notice of the species.

Secondly as regards Rallus modestus , Captain Hutton
combats my judgment in referring his type specimen to
Rallus dieffenbachii , juv. (‘ Birds of New Zealand/ p. 180),
and enters upon a long argument to prove that not only are

94

Letters , Announcements, fyc.

they distinct species, but that they belong to different sub¬
genera. Inasmuch, however, as there is a fatal mistake in
Captain Hutton’s premises, his conclusions go for nothing.

No two species of Rail, I should say, are more easily dis¬
tinguishable than Rallus philippensis and R. dieffenbachii. I
have rejected snbgeneric distinctions altogether in my work,
or I would willingly have referred these forms to different
snbgenera, as was originally proposed by the late Mr. G. 11.
Gray. No naturalist who had actually seen the birds would
attempt to unite them as a species.

The fallacy of Captain Hutton's case is, that he labours to
disprove a proposition of his own making ; for no one ever
asserted what he assumes — that Rallus philippensis and Rallus
dieffenbachii are the same or very nearly allied species.

Captain Hutton affects astonishment at my mention of
{C other competent ornithologists " without giving their names.
I presume that an author who undertakes to write the history
of the birds of any country is at liberty to form his own judg¬
ment as to who are “ competent " authorities in matters of
reference, and to fortify himself with their opinions, especially
when he accepts himself the entire responsibility of the con¬
clusions arrived at. It is neither usual nor necessary in such
cases to “ give the names/-’ But as Captain Hutton thinks
he has discovered “ a very serious error/-’ I may mention that
both Mr. Salvin and Mr. Sharpe, who compared with me the
type of Rallus modesius with the specimen of R. dieffenbachii
in the British Museum, pronounced the one, in their opinion,
the young of the other. It would be superfluous to add other
names ; but all to whom Captain Hutton's bird was shown
took it to be an immature specimen.

I am, &c.,

Walter L. Buller.

November 11, 1873.

Northrepps, Norwich,
October 10, 1873.

Sir, — In my edition of the late Mr. Andersson's 'Notes on
the Birds of Damar aland ' I have included as a Damara species

95

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

Camaroptera olivacea, Sund. ; but I am indebted to my friend
the Rev. Canon Tristram for calling my attention to the fact
that the Damara bird appears to be referable to the more
northern species, Camaroptera brevicaudata (Rupp.), and I
therefore avail myself of the pages of f The Ibis 3 to correct
this error.

It seems clear to me that C. olivacea and C. brevicaudata
are really distinct species, although this has been doubted by
some eminent ornithologists, and equally clear that the Da¬
mara bird is properly referable to C. brevicaudata.

Mr. Tristram possesses two specimens, a male and female,
both obtained by Mr. Andersson at Objimbinque, Damaraland,
on the respective dates of 7th July and 29th June, 1866.

These specimens are almost identical with each other, but
they differ in the following details from a female specimen of
C. olivacea obtained by Mr. Ayres in Natal : —

In the Damara birds the whole of the upper surface of the
wings is of a golden green, except the quill-feathers, which
are only edged with that colour on their anterior margins.

The upper surface of the head and the whole of the back
and tail are dark grey.

The sides of the head are grey tinged with fawn-colour in
the male ; the same tint of fawn pervades the throat, flanks,
and tibial feathers in both sexes.

The chin and central parts of the abdomen are white ; and
the under wing-coverts are tinged with bright saffron-yellow.

The specimen of Camaroptera olivacea from Natal differs
from the above in the following particulars : —

There is no grey on any of the upper parts except the fore¬
head; the whole remainder of the upper surface, including
the wings and tail, is of a dark olive-green, with a tinge of yel¬
low ; but this tinge is much less bright and marked than that
on the wings of the preceding species, and the yellow on the
under wing-coverts is much paler and fainter.

There is no tinge of fawn on any part of the plumage of
the Natal bird ; and all those parts are dark grey which in the
Damara bird are tinged with fawn.

96

Letters , Announcements, fyc.

Lastly tlie Natal bird is smaller than the Damara bird of
the same sex, as will appear by the following measurements : —

Wing from
carpal joint.

Tail.

Tarsus.

Middle
toe s. u.

in. lin.

in. lin.

lin.

lin.

C. brevicaudota <3, Damaraland

2 4

1 11

10

7

C. brevicaudatci 5, Damaraland

2 1

1 9

10

7

C. olivacea Natal . . . .

1 11

1 5

10

5

I am yours, &c.,

J. H. Gurney.

Dunipace House, Falkirk,
October 2nd, 1873.

Sir. — I have lately received the eggs of a few species of
New-Zealand birds collected by my friend Mr. T. It. Cooke
in the province of Canterbury. Possibly the following notes
from the pen of the collector may prove of interest to you.
You may rely on their accuracy.

Casarca variegata. Paradise Duck. Maori name Pu -
tangitangi.

Three eggs. Nest with eight eggs, in schist rock on upper
Waiko, nearly inaccessible in a horizontal fissure some 50
feet from the ground. Nest lined with down. Thirty miles
inland. December 13th, 1872.

Porphyrio melanotus. Swamp-Hen. Pakeko.

Five eggs. Nest in rushes or sedge or tussac in or very
near water, like Waterhen’s. Bird lays five or six eggs.
December 1872.

HiEMATOPUs longirostris. Pied Oyster- catcher. Torea.

Two eggs. Nest on bare shingle of Otaio river-bed, hard
to find. A smaller (?) black variety* breeds, I fancy, on sea-
beach. Skin of this bird also sent.

Himantopus Nov^-zEALANDnE. Pied Stilt. Poaka.

Six eggs. Nest on shingle of Otaio river-bed. Easy to
find. Birds bold and noisy. Nest of drift- weed, fairly built.

* Hcematopus unicolor (Wagler).

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

97

A black variety, which I believe to be the young of this species,
shall be sent next year. Four eggs in nest. Three eggs on
October 14th, 1872*.

Anarhynciius frontalis. Crookbill Plover f.

Two eggs. Nest on sand among shingle in Otaio river¬
bed ; very hard to find though birds were bold. Eggs almost
covered with lichens chopped small, and placed point down.
Nest with three eggs on October 20th, 1872.

Ocydromus australis. Wood or Maori Hen. Weka.

One egg. Nests under snow-grass tussacs and common
tussac ; dogs find them. Found about seven or eight nests
on Upper Waiko on December 13, 1872, all with very hard-
set eggs • from three to four in nests. The one sent was
addled. Nest of grass.

Sterna Antarctica. Common Tern.

Two eggs. Nest with two eggs on Otaio river-bed shingle,
October 20th, 1872.

Anthornis melanura. Bell-bird or Mocking bird. Ko-
ruicoko or Moko-moko.

Three eggs. Nest of grass and twigs in fork of broad-leaf
tree on Otaio river. Birds very bold, but nest well concealed.
Nest with four eggs, January 26th, 1873.

I am yours, &c.,

John A. Harvie Brown.

West House, Aldwick, Bognor,
October 30th, 1873.

Sir, — On looking over my paper on the birds of Kattiawar,
in the last number of f The Ibis/ I observe two errors which
seem sufficiently important to require correction.

At page 405, Hirundo javanica is given as a synonym of
Hirundo rustica, and is said to be common ! In reality the

* These may prove to be eggs of H. leucocephalus (Gould). The Maori
name given by Buffer (vide ‘Birds of New Zealand’) is a Kaki ” for 74
novce-zealandice, and u Tutumata ” for II. leucocephalus .

t Wry-billed Plover of Buffer.

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

H

98

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

word " common ” refers to H. rustica, and should have been
inserted above Hirundo javanic'a, which is the heading of the
succeeding paragraph.

At page 409, under the head of Cyornis jerdoni, sanguineus
is given as a synonym. This is a misprint for banyumas.

Yours, &c.,

J. Hayes Lloyd.

Note on the correct generic name of Podiceps minor.

IrrMr. G. B. Gray^s 'Catalogue of British Birds 3 (1863)
and elsewhere Sylbeocyclus is given as the first generic term
applicable to Podiceps minor. The invention of the name is
assigned (p. 213) to " Bonaparte, 1832/"’ hut no reference is
added.

Upon looking into the matter I find that this curious name*
appears to have been first used by Bonaparte in 1834 in the
supplementary remarks to his ' Saggio di una distribuzione
metodica degli Animali Vertebrati/ p. 144. But the type
given is P. carolinensis ; so that Sylbeocyclus is merely a
synonym of Podilymbus, proposed by Lesson for the same
type in the same year.

In Gray^s first 'List of Genera 3 (1840) P. minor is given
as the type of Sylbeocyclus. In the second edition of the
same work (1841) the name is correctly placed as a synonym
of Podilymbus. In the ' Catalogue of British Birds/ as above
mentioned, and in the ' Hand-list/ the former course is again
adopted. But in the ' Hand-list/ under Podilymbus (iii.
p. 95), is added " Sylbeocyclus , Bp. 1856, nec 1832.” . This
should perhaps be "Bp. 1834 nec 1838;” for in his 'Compa¬
rative List/ published in the latter year, Bonaparte uses Syl¬
beocyclus for both P. minor and P. carolinensis. But it is
clear that he knew that this was an error ; for in his ' Cata-
logo Metodico degli Uccelli Europei/ published in 1842 (p. 83),
Bonaparte reassigns P. minor to Podiceps, and adds " mi-
nime Sylbeocyclus err. typ.”

It is therefore certain that Sylbeocyclus = Podilymbus, and
* Unde derivator P

99

Letters , Announcements, fyc.

cannot be used for P. minor, for which the proper generic ap¬
pellation appears to be Tachyhaptus of Reichenbach.

P. L. Sclater.

News of Mr. Salvin.

Our Editor, at the date of the last communication with
which he has favoured his unworthy substitute (October 12),
was at Antigua, Guatemala. He writes as follows : —

“ I got a prize the other day from the Yolcan de Fuego, in
the shape of two pairs of that beautiful little Pigeon Peristera
mondetoura ! As the species occurs in Mexico and Costa Rica
it was to be expected in Guatemala ; but where to look for it
I had no notion. It proves to be a highland species, as these
birds were shot near Calderas, on the Yolcan de Euego, be¬
tween 7000 and 8000 feet above the sea. The common P.
cinerea is found in the lowlands and in Guatemala on both
sides of the mountains. I am not sure that these Central-
American birds will not prove to be slightly different from
the more northern race. The deep vinous colouring of the
underparts in the former is confined to the pectoral region,
whereas in the latter it appears to spread more over the ab¬
domen. But I hardly know enough of the southern bird to
feel very confident on the subject. There is a specimen in
the gallery of the British Museum (said to be from Columbia)
which has the underparts more overspread with vinous than
a Mexican specimen ( J alapa) which we have. The Columbian
bird agrees with Bonaparte^s plate in the fIcon. des Pig/
The specimens I now have are like the Mexican birds. Any¬
how the difference is slight ; and I should think less of it did
not the bird prove an upland species. The range is curious ;
I can only compare it with that of Bolborhynchus lineolatus.

“ Another new bird to Guatemala I obtained yesterday, in
Vireo huttoni, found in Mexico, but never before here.

“ Yesterday, too, brought me a specimen of our Lophostrix
stricklandi ; an Indian shot it near Escuintla, i. e. in hot
country. From the highlands I have Psaltriparus melanotis
at last, and quite a number of Cardellina rubifrons. Of all

100

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

the aboye I have skins ; but of skeletons I have quite a num¬
ber, and some useful ones among them. Besides birds we
have lately got together a large collection of dried plants ; so
that we have been very busy ; nor have we much chance of
being otherwise.”*

Mr. Jelski’s Collections in Western Peru.

Mr. Constantin Jelski, a correspondent of the Warsaw Mu¬
seum, has lately made some remarkable discoveries in Western
Peru, in the district round Tarma, east of Lima. Some of
his novelties have been submitted to Dr. Cabanis, and are de¬
scribed in the f Journ. f. Orn/ (1873, pts. 1 & 3) ; amongst
them is a very singular new form of Coerebkke (. Xenodacnis
parina). M. Taczanowski has lately brought to London a
number of specimens of M. JelskPs, which we have had the
pleasure of examining. Amongst them are four or five
Humming-birds new to science, and a single skin of a most
interesting new Cotingine form quite distinct from any thing
previously known. It is remarkable that a district already
worked by Tschudi and other collectors should yield such
results. P. L. Sclater.

The Yellow-legged Herring-Gull.

In the last number of the f Birds of Europe 3 Mr. Dresser
figures the Yellow-legged Herring-Gull of the Mediterranean
and Western Asia ( Larus leucophceus) . But this bird does
not, as Mr. E. C. Taylor supposes, give place to Larus fuscus
at Gibraltar. Larus leucophceus is certainly also found outside
the Straits, as in 1867 the Zoological Society received a spe¬
cimen from Mogador*. This was determined by the writer as
Larus fusees cens, being believed to be the Clupeilarus fusces-
cens of Bp. (Consp. ii. p. 220). Since then two other living
specimens have been presented to the Society by Mr. E. Bond.
All three are now alive in the Regent's Park.

P. L. Sclater.

* See P. Z. S. 1867, p. 315, et Rev. Cat. Yert. p. 316.

THE IBIS.

THIRD SERIES.

No. XIV. — APRIL 1874.

XIII. — Additional List of and Notes on Birds obtained in the
Republic of Trans-Vaal. By Thomas Ayres. (Commu¬
nicated by John Henry Gurney.)

(Plate III.)

[Continued from 1 The Ibis/ 1873, p. 286*.]

/

187a. Petrochelidon spilodera (Sund.) ( = Hirundo al-
fredi, Hart. Ibis, 1868, p. 152). Prince Alfred's Swallow.

Two colonies of these birds now visit us regularly at Pot-
chefstroom every year, appearing in August. One takes pos¬
session of tbe Dutch church, building under the eaves ; this
colony consists of about twenty pairs. The other has taken
up its quarters under the eaves of the Dopper, or dissenting
Dutch church, at the other end of the town, and, I think, is
rather more numerous than the first.

The greatest enemies they have are the small boys, who are
continually pelting their nests down, and next to them, the

* [The specimen included in Mr. Ayres’s list, published in ‘ The Ibis ’
for 1871, p. 147, under the name of Drymceca affinis , proves to have been
wrongly identified by me, and to be referable to D.flavicans (No. 17).
The present list, in consequence of this error, commences with No. 187a.
— J. H. G.]

SER. III. - VOL. IV. I

/

/giro

tot

102

Mr. T. Ayres on Trans- Vaal Ornithology v

White-rumped Swifts, which are very numerous, and are
always trying to turn them out of their nests, being too lazy
to build for themselves.

188. Cotyle paludicola (Vieill.) . South- African Sand-
Martin.

This species is found here all the year round.

\_Conf. Ibis, 1868, p. 464.— J. H. G.]

189. Coracias garrula, Linn. European Roller.

The specimen sent is evidently in immature plumage. I
killed it amongst some bushes about three miles from Pot-
chefstroom, in the month of December.

[From the condition of the plumage I should suppose this
specimen to be about six months old. — J. H. G.]

190. Merofs ntjbicoides, Des Murs. Carmine-throated
Bee-eater.

The specimen sent was brought from Pindais River, about
130 miles to the north of Potchefstroom, by Mr. Button, who
states that there were many of them there together.

191. Calamoherpe BABiEcuLA (Vieill.) ( = C. graciliros -
tris, Hart!.: conf. Ibis, 1873, p. 259). Caqueteuse Reed-
warbler.

The specimen sent was shot amongst the reeds by the
river.

192. Myrmecocichla formicivora (Vieill.). Southern
Ant-eating Wheatear.

The specimen sent was shot within a mile of Potchefstroom.

[Conf. Ibis, 1868, p. 44.— J. H. G.]

193. Fiscus collaris (Linn.). Fiskal Shrike.

The specimen sent was shot in the town of Potchefstroom.

194. Etjplectes xanthomelas (Ruppell) . Northern Black -
and-yellow Bishop-bird.

The specimen sent (a male in breeding-dress) is the only
one I have seen in Trans-Vaal. It was shot by a young
Dutchman, and brought to me in the flesh.

(Cf Ibis, 1868, p. 51.— J. H. G.]

Ibis • 1 8 7.4 , PI .. Ill

Mr. T. Ayres on Trans- Vaal Ornithology, 103

195. Amadina eryth rocephala (Linn.). Red-headed
Finch.

These pretty little Sparrows are exceedingly scarce here :
but a single bird or a pair very occasionally appear. The pair
now sent were shot in the town of Potchefstroom.

196. Vidua principalis (Linn.). Dominican Widow bird.

The specimen sent was also shot in the town of Potchef¬
stroom.

197. Alauda conirostris, Sund. Pink-billed Lark. (Plate
III. fig. 1.)

The specimen sent (a female) was shot on the flats about
two miles from Potchefstroom.

198. Megalophonus erythrochlamys (S trick.). (Plate
III. fig. 2.)

I shot the specimen sent (a female) amongst some rocks
and stones in a range of low hills some three or four miles
from Potchefstroom ; it had a peculiar knack of hiding itself
by creeping over and about the bits of rock.

[This species and the preceding one, having, so far as I
know, never been figured ; a plate of the specimens obtained
by Mr. Ayres is here given.

A specimen of M. erythrochlamys which is preserved in the
late Mr. Stricklands collection at the Cambridge museum,
is considerably paler in its tints than Mr. Ayres's Trans- Vaal
specimen ; but this is probably due in part to the latter having
been killed shortly after moulting, and whilst its newly ac¬
quired dress was still unfaded. — J. H. G.]

199. Chrysococcyx cupreus (Bodd.). Didric Cuckoo.

The two specimens sent were shot in the town of Potchef¬
stroom.

[Conf. Ibis, 1868, pp. 163 & 467. — -J.H.G.]

200. Coturnix dactylisonans, Bodd. European Quail.

I think this species is pretty generally distributed ; they are
tolerably plentiful amongst the grass along the banks of the
river about five miles from Potchefstroom.

i 2

104

Mr. T. Ayres on Trans- Vaal Ornithology.

201. GBdicnemus capensis, Lielit. Spotted Thicknee.

The specimen sent was shot within three miles of the town

of Potehefstroom.

202. Sarciophorus albiceps, Gonld. White-crowned W at-
tied Plover (Fraser’s f Zoologia Typica/ pi. 64).

This is the only bird of the kind I have ever met with ; I
shot it in a neighbours garden ; it is a very rare visitant
certainly.

Total length 12 f inches, bill 1|, tarsus 3i, wing 8, tail 4.

Bill yellow at the base, black at the tip ; wattles at the base
of the bill yellow ; iris pearly grey ; tarsi and feet pale yel¬
lowish ; wings heavily spurred, first and second quills equal
and longest ; heel wanting.

Under plumage, rump, basal half of tail and wings, front,
crown, chin, and collar between the back and the neck pure
white ; first three primaries and tail much tipped with glossy
black; wing-coverts glossy black; scapulars, tertials, and
back pale umber-brown; neck and head ash-colour.

[This specimen, together with several others, was unfor¬
tunately stolen in transitu from a box sent to me by Mr.
Ayres ; but the description which he has given of it seems to
me to prove that Mr. Ayreses identification of the bird was
correct. — J, H. G.]

203. Ciconia alba, Linn. White Stork.

This species is a rare visitant ; and though great swarms of
locusts visit us every year, the Storks do not seem to follow
them hither. The specimen sent was a solitary wanderer
stalking about on the open flats a mile out of Potchef-
stroom.

204. Herodiasgarzetta (Linn.). European Lesser Egret.

This Egret is pretty common in this district, as is the case

with the two succeeding species also.

[The specimen sent was in winter plumage, with the bill
yellow —J. H. G.]

205. Nycticorax .egyptius (Hasselq.). European Night-
Pier on.

105

Mr. T. Ayres on Trains - Vaal Ornithology.

206. Peatalea tenuirostris (Temm.). Slender-billed

Spoonbill.

207. Ibis .ethiopica (Lath.). Sacred Ibis.

These birds are plentiful, frequenting the swamps in flocks
of fifty or sixty together ; but I am not aware that they breed
here.

208. Limnocorax niger (Gmel.) . Black Crake.

This species haunts the reeds and rushes on the banks of
the Movi river.

209. Porphyrio smaragnotus, Temm. Green-backed

Porphyrio.

These handsome birds are common in some of the swamps
about Potchefstroom, but generally frequent rather deep parts.

210. Fulica cristata, Gmel. Rufous-knob bed Coot.

This species is common in Trans -Vaal.

[ Conf : Ibis, 1868, p. 470.—J. H. G.]

211. Anas sparsa, Smith. White-spotted Duck.

This species is found on the Movi river, but is not plentiful

212. Anas xanthorhyncha, Forst. Yellow-billed Duck.

This is one of the commonest Ducks in this district.

218. Thalassornis leuconota, Smith. Y ellow-throated
Diving Duck.

This species is very scarce here ; the specimen sent was
shot within a mile of Potchefstroom.

[The following remarks refer to species which have been
already recorded by Mr. Ayres as occurring in Trans-Vaal. —

J. H. G.]

160. Circaetus pectoralis, Smith. Black-breasted Har¬
rier Eagle.

This Eagle makes its appearance at Potchefstroom every
winter, though in no great numbers. The specimen sent (an
adult female) I shot in the town in August from the top of a
willow tree ; its stomach contained lizards and also a large
toad, swallowed whole.

106

Mr. T. Ayres on Trans-Vaal Ornithology .

164. Hirundo albigularis, Strick. Southern White-
throated Swallow.

A pair of these Swallows fixed a nest on the side of a beam
in a deserted building in the town, from which I took three
eggs ; the nest was cup-shaped, or rather like a cup cut per¬
pendicularly down the centre and stuck against the beam ; it
was composed of mud and was open at the top, and lined with
feathers placed loosely in it.

The eggs (which I took in December) were much incubated,
they measured 9J lines in length by 7 in breadth, and were
white spotted more or less throughout, but especially at the
obtuse end, with reddish brown of different shades.

12. Hirundo semirufa, Sund. Rufous-breasted Swallow.

One of the specimens sent had mud in its mouth when shot,
which looked very much as if it were breeding somewhere in
the neighbourhood. I killed it near the river, about two miles
from Potchefstroom.

166. Cotyle cincta (Rodd.) . Brown-collared Martin.

This species is plentiful here during the summer months.

83. Cisticqla cursitans (Frankl.). Pantail Cisticola.

[I have mentioned (Ibis, 1873, p. 257) my view as to the
identity of this species with C. terrestris and C. ayresii, and
now append the measurements of four additional specimens,
sent to me by Mr. Ayres from Trans- Yaal. — J. H. G.]

Middle toe

, _ __Wing. Tarsus. without claw.

inches. lines. lines. lines.

. 1 11| 9 5|

6 1 10 9 5|

$ 2 1 9| 6

$ 1 9 8| 5|

146. Balearica regulorum (Licht.). Southern Crowned
Crane.

The specimen sent is the cock bird of the pair that bred in
a swamp about twenty-four miles from Potchefstroom, and
from whose nest my friend Mr. Bodenstein obtained for me
two eggs in December 1871.

The hen bird this season found another mate and again

107

On the Avifauna of the Sinai Desert 8fc.

bred in the same spot, laying three eggs, which Mr. Boden-
stein has brought me, and Avhich are precisely similar to those
previously obtained.

\Conf. anted, p. 286. — J. H. G.]

186. Rallus casrulescens, Gmel. Caffre Rail.

This Rail is common in Trans-Vaal.

187. Ortygometra pygm^a, Naum. Baillon^s Crake.

One occasionally puts up this Crake whilst Snipe-shooting ;

but it is not common.

152. Gallinula chloropus, Linn. European Waterhen.
This species frequents the reedy banks of the Movi river,
but is not plentiful.

XI Y. — Notes on the Avifauna of the Desert of Sinai and of the

Holy Land. Part I. By Alexander W. M. Clark Ken¬
nedy, F.R.G.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., Coldstream Guards.

I feel that some apology is due to the readers of fThe Ibis*
for troubling them with the following rough notes, — first,
because I fear there will be little value in them, as I was un¬
fortunately obliged to hurry through my journey owing to
the lateness of the season, and therefore had but small time
to make observations on the ornithology of the countries
through which I passed,- and secondly, because the subject
has been treated in an exhaustive manner in these pages by
far abler pens than mine, and by far more accurate observers
and better ornithologists. Among these I need hardly refer
to the Rev. H. B. Tristram and Mr. C. W. Wyatt. My sole
reason for offering them to my brother ornithologists is from
my conviction that there is always some value to be set on
original observations ; and I can only add that these notes
were made upon the spot, so that they may be relied upon
as authentic.

Leaving London on the last day of the year 1869, in com¬
panionship with Mr. Trench Gascoigne, of the Royal Horse
Guards (Blues) , I arrived after a very rough passage through
the Bay of Biscay, with a lovely run over the blue Mediter-

108 Captain Clark Kennedy on the Avifauna

ranean, at Alexandria. Having “ done ” all the lions of that
city, and enjoyed some excellent Snipe-shooting in its vicinity,
we went on to Cairo, and remaining there for a couple of
weeks, ascended the Nile into Nubia, and we spent nearly two
months in collecting specimens of the birds we met with by
the banks of that venerable river. So much, however, has
been written in fThe Ibis' upon Egyptian ornithology al¬
ready, and the subject has been so well treated by my friend
Captain G. E. Shelley in his lately published work on the
birds of that country, that I do not intend to refer to this
portion of my travels. But I will give a brief outline of
our proceedings after the 17tli March, 1870. On that day
we left Cairo for Ismailia, intending to see the Suez Canal,
just then opened, while our dragoman and servants and our
camels, with the impedimenta for our trip through the Sinaitic
Desert, went on ahead to Suez, where the Bedouin Arabs of
the Tor tribe were to furnish our escort and be all ready to
start on our arrival at that place. It was our intention to
leave Cairo upon the 16th of March; but on arriving at
the railway station, at 9.30 a.m., we were disappointed to find
that there was no chance of getting to Ismailia that day, as,
owing to the strong south winds of the previous day, the line
of rails for some six miles to the westward of that place had
been completely buried by drifting sand, which in some spots
was many feet in depth. Thus situated we returned to our
hotel, and took a long donkey-ride into the desert to the east of
Cairo, and beyond the famed petrified forest, where I found
the largest flock I ever saw of the prettily plumaged Ery-
throspiza githaginea , and obtained a specimen of the Bifas-
ciated Lark ( Certhilauda desertorum) , which cannot be said
to be often met with. In a deserted burial-ground, near the
tombs of the Cailliphs, we found, on our return, several pairs
of the Rock-Thrush ( Monticola saxatilis) . In another Arab
cemetery, on the outskirts of the city, I saw Monticola cyanus
in some numbers. I entirely agree with Captain Shelley
Birds of Egypt/ p. 71) that this is a far commoner species
than M. saxatilis : but I have never seen both species so close
together ; for the two burial-grounds were but a few hundred

of the Desert of Sinai and of the Holy Land. 109

yards from each other. I will not dwell on our journey to
Ismai'lia ; but seldom have I seen so many Ducks of all kinds
(but principally Fuligula ferina , F. cristata, and Rhynchaspis
elypeata) as we observed from the railway- carriage, congre¬
gated on some large pieces of water a little way beyond Za-
gazig, while the common Mallard and Anas crecca were there
in vast flocks, and seemed little disturbed by the passing train.
At Ismai'lia, and on the canal itself near that place, and also
in the neighbourhood of the town generally, I was much
struck with the entire absence of any animal life ; for, with the
exception of small sand-lizards and a Kite, we saw nothing
whatever, excepting one bird, which simply swarmed on the
banks of the ee sweet-water canal,” namely Motacilla alba.
Probably they were about to migrate ; for this bird, though
very common throughout the country in winter, lessens its
numbers greatly towards spring. On the following day we
went up the Suez Canal in a small steamer ; and about half¬
way to Port Said a heavy hailstorm came on ; and as flock
after flock of wild fowl scudded away over head as the storm
drove them from their snug quarters on Lake Menzaleh, we
could almost fancy ourselves back in old England on a raw
winter’s day ; for it became very cold, and it was only the oc¬
casional companies of Pelicans or Flamingos that passed by
our boat, that made us remember that we were sojourning
in a foreign land.

On the 19th I found the harbour of Port Said swarming
with the Gulls and Terns. The most noticeable were Sterna
caspia , S. cantiaca in very small numbers, S. media , one ex¬
ample of S. hergii, Larus fuscus , L. leueophceus , and L. ridi-
hundus. I saw several pairs of that splendid Gull, Larus
ichthyaetus , and killed one very good specimen. One of the
Caspian Terns that I shot, soon after daylight, from the break¬
water, very nearly cost me dear. It fell into the sea, but
only about twenty yards from land ; and being a good speci¬
men, I, anxious to secure it, and having no dog or boat, di¬
vested myself quickly of my clothes, and was about to clamber
down the stone piers previously to plunging in for my bird,
when a big black fin appeared for a moment above the surface

110 Captain Clark Kennedy on the Avifauna

close to tlie Tern, and in another second S. caspia fonnd his
last resting-place in the capacious belly of a large shark !

Our camels were all ready for ns on the 21st, when we got
to Suez ; but a strong Khamseer wind blew all day, which
prevented onr starting for the “ wells of Moses ” until the
following day. I noticed a small number of Phalacrocorax
carbo in Suez harbour,, but saw few birds excepting the com¬
moner Gulls, Terns, and Hawks. At half-past ten the next
morning we found ourselves in Asia, having quitted Africa
by crossing the Red Sea near the spot where the children of
Israel went over. Mounting our camels, we set out on the
first stage of our desert journey ; and being now truly in the
peninsula of Sinai, my notes on the birds observed by us
commence.

Our route, after spending a month in the desert, and stay¬
ing some days at Mount Sinai, was via Nukhl, to Jerusalem ;
then, having visited the Dead Sea and valley of the Jordan,
we rode throughout the whole length of the Holy Land to
Damascus, thence to Beyrout, which we left on the 10th
of May for Constantinople. Thus the birds in the following
list were met with between March 22nd and May 10th, 1870.

1. Vultur monachus (Linn.). Black Vulture.

I met with this species very sparingly in the desert, and
found it most abundant close to the convent of Sinai. I also
saw a few of them in Southern Palestine ; but I should call
them rare in that country.

2. Gyps fulvus (Gm.). Griffon Vulture.

When resting upon the summit of Jebel Musa, where God
is said to have given the tables of the law to Moses, we noticed
one pair of the Griffon soaring far above in the blue sky, but
could distinguish them well with an opera-glass. This was
on March 30th, and was the only time I met with this species,
never seeing it in Palestine.

3. Neophron percnopterus (L.). Egyptian Vulture.

One of the commonest of birds in the Sinaitic desert, and

almost as numerous in some places here as in Egypt itself.
Around the convent of Sinai there were a great many of them ;

of the Desert of Sinai and of the Holy Land. Ill

and we met it far north in Palestine ; but it seemed to become
scarcer as we worked northwards from Jerusalem. Where-
ever we pitched our tents in the desert, whether on a sandy
plain or almost hidden among those towering mountains, an
assemblage of Egyptian Vultures were certain to be the very
first living things we saw in the early morning, and the last
birds to take leave of us at night. They would hover around
us all day, but generally took care to keep out of danger. I
verily believe that several individual birds followed us all the
way from the outskirts of Suez until we arrived at the borders
of Hebron, a space of nearly one month. They appeared to
eat any thing, from a defunct camel to the leg-bone of a
chicken ; and they seemed to delight in depredations among
the burial-grounds of the Arabs. A child was buried on
April 7th at a little village called Nukhl, in the very centre
of the desert, and halfway from Jerusalem to the convent at
Sinai; and early the next morning I happened to leave my
tent, which was pitched close to the grave-yard, if such it
could be called, and the sight that met my eyes was truly
sickening. The newly -buried corpse was torn up and exposed
to view, and a whole host of Eagles, Buzzards, and Ravens
were enjoying this horrible feast ; but by far the greatest pro¬
portion of the loathsome partakers of this cannibal meal
were the Egyptian Vultures. This grave-yard was a loath¬
some spectacle — many, indeed most of the graves torn open,
human bones, men’s and women’s skulls, bits of hair, and the
clothes of the dead, scattered about in all directions. All at¬
tempts to scare away the Vultures were utterly ineffectual.
I shot one of them (a very old male bird if one may judge
from its plumage) as it was hovering over the burying-ground ;
and a general scramble of the inhabitants of Nukhl took place
as the bird was seen to fall. I heard from my dragoman that
the fellow that got this bird eat it the same evening.

4. Aquila pennata (Gm.). Booted Eagle.

We met with one single pair in the desert on the 13th of
April, about seventy miles due south of Edh Dohorigeh.
There were more Quail and Sand -Grouse on our line of march

112

Mr. W. L. Buller on the

that day than on any other occasion ; and I attribute the pre¬
sence of A. pennata to this circumstance. They were very
wary, and kept well out of harm’s way.

5. Aquila n^ivia (dm.). Spotted Eagle.

Met with at rare intervals throughout the desert, but must
certainly be called a scarce species, at all events at this time
of the year. W e saw it in Palestine, and notably in the moun¬
tains of Moab and valley of the Jordan.

[To be continued.]

XY. — Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand .

By Walter L. Buller, Sc.D., F.L.S., &c.

When I undertook to write a history of the birds of New
Zealand, I was not insensible to the difficulties of the task.
The field was a comparatively unbroken one ; and, with a few
notable exceptions, the existing literature was confined to
dry lists of names and characters of species. In the prepa¬
ration of my work I had therefore to rely mainly on the re¬
sults of my own observations, extending over a period of many
years. At the same time I freely availed myself of the assis¬
tance of Mr. Potts and other local observers, whose contribu¬
tions were, in every instance, duly acknowledged. Having
produced a royal- quarto volume of some 400 pages, the bulk
of it being purely original matter, it was not to be expected
that my statements on every point would pass unchallenged,
or that naturalists who think for themselves would indorse
all my views. Besides, as I have explained in my preface,
our present knowledge of many of the rarer species is confes¬
sedly imperfect, while in regard to all of them some new fact
is being constantly added to the general stock of information.
The notes and corrections of impartial observers in New Zea¬
land will be very valuable to me, as they will assist in making
a future edition of my work more exhaustive and complete.
The first contribution of this kind is Captain Hutton’s paper,
which appeared in the last number of f The Ibis.’ But in at-

Ornithology of New Zealand. 113

tempting to correct my inaccuracies Captain Hutton has fallen
into some errors himself.

SCELOGLAUX ALBIFACIES.

Captain Hutton states that there is no evidence to show
that the Laughing Owl was formerly more plentiful than
it now is, or that it has almost totally disappeared. Of
the former fact I have abundant evidence in the accounts
given by the Maoris. As to the present scarcity of the bird,
it may be sufficient to state that I have never heard of more
than a dozen specimens, and have never seen but one living
example. Captain Hutton does not state that he has ever
met with this bird outside of a museum ; and the peculiar
sound “ like two branches of a tree rubbing together,” which
he has so often heard in the New-Zealand forest, may, I think,
be accounted for in a very simple manner, "without inventing
an Owl.

Stringops habroptilus.

Captain Hutton ought to have quoted the whole of the sen¬
tence ; for I stated that in all the essential characteristics of
structure it is a true Parrot.” My statement that there is
no physiological reason why the Kakapo should not be as
good a flier as any other Parrot,” must of course be read with
the context. My argument was that disuse , under the usual
operation of the laws of nature, had, in process of time, occa¬
sioned this physical disability of wing. My statement that
this species subsists chiefly on mosses rests on the authority
of Hr. Haast, who has collected and dissected far more spe¬
cimens than any other person in the colony, and whose close
study of the bird in its native haunts is sufficiently manifest
from the paper which appeared in f The Ibis * of 1864 (pp. 340 /
-346) . Captain Hutton does not inform us what particular
kind of moss he offered in vain to his captive bird.

Nestor occidentals.

I am very doubtful myself about this species ; and Hr. Finsch
may therefore be right in uniting it to N. meridionalis (see
my remarks, B. of N. Z. p. 50). I have in my possession^
however, a note from Captain Hutton declaring himself in

114

Mr. W. L. Buller on the

favour of Nestor occidentalis as a species, distinguishable from
N. meridionalis “ by having the upper mandible more com¬
pressed and flat on both sides, with the tooth further out and
the lower mandible not reaching it:” For my own part, I
attach very little importance to these variations in the cha¬
racter of the bill ; for that member is more or less variable in
all the species of Nestor.

Heteralocha acutirostris.

Mr. A. H. Garrod, in his exhaustive account of the anatomy
of this bird (P. Z. S. 1872, pp. 643-647), states that the tongue
is “ slightly bifid at its apex and a little prolonged backwards
at its lateral borders.”

Halcyon vagans.

Captain Hutton is quite mistaken in his remarks on this
bird. I have myself observed it catching fish in the manner
described ; and Mr. Potts, who is known to be a very accurate
observer, states that “fish and Crustacea furnish some portion
of its food supply” (Trans. N. Z. Inst. 1869, ii. p. 53). Nor
do “ the rest of the genus subsist entirely on insects and Crus¬
tacea.” Hr. Jerdon states that Halcyon smyrnensis catches
fish, “ for which it sometimes dives,” and that Halcyon pileat a
“ feeds both on fish and insects,” Halcyon gularis is said to
be a fish-eater ; and Mr. Motley declares that Halcyon coro-
manda “ subsists entirely on fish.” Hr. von Heuglin states
that Halcyon semiccerulea is “ more of a fish-eater than fond
of orthoptera,” and that Halcyofi chloris likewise habitually
fishes. To come nearer home, I may add that Mr. E. P.
Ramsay, of Sydney, records that he has watched Halcyon
sanctus “ catching flies from the surface of the water, and oc¬
casionally a stray fish or two.”

PROSTHEMADERA N OV/E-ZEALAN d IyE.

The young figured in my work is from a specimen in the
British Museum. My artist has somewhat exaggerated the
white on the neck and given it too much of a crescent form.
I must refer the reader to my description of the young (B.
of N. Z. p. 88), where this feature is specially mentioned.

Ornithology of New Zealand. 115

Anthornjs melanura.

The extensive wooded district lying between Wangarei and
the North Cape is not inhabited by Maoris at all ; and Captain
Hutton's argument therefore fails. Dr. Hector, who made a
geological survey of this district in 1868, did not meet with
a single Anthornis , whereas formerly these birds existed there
in thousands. As Captain Hutton has ee never observed any
bright-coloured feathers," he cannot, I think, have collected
many nests. The observations recorded by Mr. Potts (Trans.
N. Z. Inst. 1869, ii. p. 56) fully accord with my own.

Orthonyx albicilla.

I cannot concur in the opinion expressed by Captain Hut¬
ton; for the two birds certainly belong to the same genus. I
confess, however, that the form is somewhat aberrant from the
typical Orthonyx.

As to resemblances of song, that is purely a matter of fancy
and association. I have never considered the song of our
Wood-llobin ( Miro longipes) in the least degree like that of
the Canary.

CeRTHIPARUS NOViE-ZEALANDIiE.

I cannot accept Captain Hutton's identification of the sup¬
posed eggs of this bird in the Otago Museum without further
proof. I have already pointed out (E. of N. Z. p. 105) that
he had confounded this species with the very common Or¬
thonyx albicilla of the North Island. He has since repeated
the error in his f Catalogue' by stating (p. 11) that Certhi-
parus novae- zealandice inhabits “ both islands."

Gerygone flaviventris.

The fact that this species uses spiders' nests in the con¬
struction of its own nest was first mentioned by me in 1870
(Trans. N. Z. Inst. vol. iii. p. 42), and was contradicted by
Captain Hutton, in his usual emphatic manner, in the critical
notes appended to his f Catalogue.'' There is nothing unac¬
countable, as it seems to me, in the use of the green-coloured
nest of Epeira verrucosa , and the rejection of the orange-
coloured nest of E. antipodiana. It is easily explained on the
principle of assimilative or protective colouring.

116

Mr. W. L. Buller on the

My description of G. albofrontata was taken from the type
specimen in the British Museum.

Xenicus longipes.

Captain Hutton is in error in stating that the specimens of
Xenicus longipes in my collection (Colonial Museum) were
wrongly determined. There is no such species as Xenicus
stokesii . The explanation of the strikingly incorrect figure
of X. longipes in the f Voyage of the Erebus and Terror ’ will
be found at page 116 of my f Birds of New Zealand/ I may
mention that in company with the late Mr. G. B. Gray, I ex¬
amined Forster’s original (unfinished) drawing of this bird,
in which the bill is depicted as straight and the eye-circlet
almost wanting. Mr. Gray told me that his artist was re¬
sponsible for the alterations in the published figure (which
represents a bird with an upturned bill like Acanthisitta) , and
that his own description of the species (Voy. Ereb. & Ter.
p. 4) was taken from the latter ! After we had thus sifted
the matter and compared specimens, Mr. Gray readily ad¬
mitted that his Xenicus stokesii (Ibis, 1862, p. 219) would
not stand.

Miro trayersi.

Captain Hutton misquotes me in a very unfair manner.
I never said that he had made any suggestion to me about
naming the bird. The specimen was kindly sent to me by
Hr. Hector without any restriction ; and I might have antici¬
pated Captain Hutton by describing it under any other name.
Knowing how the case stood, however, I stated (p. 123) that
I had “ much pleasure in adopting Captain Hutton’s proposal”
to name the species in honour of the discoverer. At that time
no description of the bird had been published ; nor did I re¬
ceive the proof of Captain Hutton’s paper in the f The Ibis ’
till after my account of Miro traversi had been printed off.
Part ii. of my work, containing this, was published in J une ;
f The Ibis ’ a month later.

Myiomoira macrocephala.

Hr. Finsch agrees with me in opinion that Myiomoira dief -
fenbachii is not separable from M. macrocephala.

117

Ornithology of New Zealand.

Glaucgpis cinerea.

Captain Hutton and Mr. Travers are quite right about the
peculiar feeding-habit of this bird. I frequently observed it
in my captive specimen of G. wilsoni, but somehow omitted
to record it. I have noticed this habit in Porphyrio melanotus
(B. ofN. Z. p. 186).

CaRPOPHAGA NOViE-ZEALANDL/E.

My description of the egg of this species was taken from
one obtained by me in the Upper Manawatu many years ago.
The specimen came into my hands very much broken ; and as
my measurements were consequently uncertain, I adopted
those given by Captain Hutton as from a perfect specimen,
never supposing that he could mistake the egg of a Petrel for
that of a Pigeon ! The addition “sometimes marked with ob¬
scure purplish spots ” was on the same unfortunate authority ;
for my specimen had no spots whatever, and the natives had
always described the egg to me as being perfectly white.

OcYDRQMUS EARLI.

Captain Hutton expresses some astonishment that I did
not preserve Dr. Hewson’s specimen of the hybrid Wood-hen,
or ascertain what it developed into. The bird was promised
to me, but unfortunately was shortly afterwards consigned to
the pot ; and this put an end both to the specimen and its
“ development.” Captain Hutton quotes me incorrectly in
stating that I carefully examined several supposed hybrids.

OcYDROMUS AUSTRALIS.

Dr. Fins eh is probably right in distinguishing a second
species (O. troglodytes ). I have myself stated (B. of N. Z.
p. 171) that “ examples from different localities exhibit so
much variety in size and plumage as to suggest the existence
of another, closely allied species.”

Rallus dieffenbachii.

In my letter which appeared in the last number of f The
Ibis/ I stated that Captain Hutton was entirely wrong in as¬
suming that Rallus dieffenbachii and R. philippensis are the
same, or very nearly allied species (Ibis, 1873, p. 350). The

ser. hi. — VOL. IV. K

118

Mr. W. L. Buller on the

following sketch (by Keulemans) from specimens in the British
Museum will sufficiently illustrate my argument : —

Fig. 1. Rallus philippensis. Fig. 2. Rallus cheffenbachii.

Rallus philippensis.

Captain Hutton is in error in stating (/. c.) that “ R. philip¬
pensis has no claw at the end of the thumb.” The claw is
well developed and very sharp at the point.

Charadrius fulvus.

Captain Hutton is under a wrong impression as to my
having presented the specimen of C. fulvus which exists in
the Auckland Museum. It was there as far back as 1855 ;
and beyond the assurance of the curator that it was a New-
Zealand example, I know nothing whatever about it. The
species (according to Drs. Finseh and Hartlaub) is distributed
over the islands of the South Pacific ; and there is nothing
“ unlikely ” in its occurrence in New Zealand.

Anarhynchus frontalis.

Captain Hutton says he has never seen this bird “ run round
a stone” in the manner described by Mr. Potts. But this is
merely negative evidence. Mr. Potts describes this habit
from actual observation. Captain Hutton's principal argu-

Ornithology of New Zealand. 119

ment against it is, that cc unless the bird is also furnished with
some means of seeing round a corner, it would not be able to
see the insect it wanted to catch ; " but an essential part of
his own theory of the use of the bent bill is that it enables
the bird “ to search over a greater extent of algse for creatures
that it could not see, than if it used only the point of the bill."

Nycticorax caledonicus.

Captain Hutton acknowledges that his only reason for re¬
cording this species as occurring in both islands was that he
“ somehow got the idea into his head." Statements made in
this loose and unscientific manner are not very creditable to
a professed naturalist. My specimen of Nycticorax cale¬
donicus was obtained in the North Island ; and I heard of two
instances of the occurrence of this bird at Hokitika, in the
South Island. This was my authority for including the species
in my work ; and Captain Hutton is therefore mistaken in
supposingThat his ‘ Catalogue 9 had led me astray.

I did not give any particulars of locality &c. when I handed
my collection of New-Zealand birds over to the Colonial Mu¬
seum; but a number was affixed to each specimen corre¬
sponding to that on my list. With Dr. Hector's concurrence,
and for obvious reasons, all further information was reserved
for my own work, then in course of preparation.

Larus bulleri.

Although this bird may sometimes form a rude nest of dried
bents, it usually deposits its eggs on the ground ; so also does
Larus scopulinus.

Diomedea melanophrys.

I had unfortunately overlooked Captain Hutton's paper, or
would certainly have quoted it, especially as it qualifies his
former statement (Ibis, 1865, p. 278) that D. melanophrys is
<( quite diurnal in its habits."

Pelecanoides urinatrix.

I still think that “ a rapid fluttering movement along the
surface of the water " correctly describes the flight of this
bird. Mr. Gould, in his account of this species, says that

k 2

120

Mr. W. L. Buller on the

“ its flight is a curious fluttering motion, performed so close
to the surface that it rarely rises high enough to top the
waves, but upon being met by them makes progress by a direct
course through instead of over them;” and Latham states
that it congregates in flocks “ fluttering upon the surface of
the water or sitting upon it.”

PtJFFINUS BREVICAUDUS.

My specimen was picked up on the sea-beach between
Waikanae and Rangitikei, where this bird is often cast ashore.
The natives on that coast identified it as the same that breeds
in the Kaimanawa and Taupo-patea ranges. I can hardly
think they would confound it with Procellaria parkinsoni,
which is a very different bird.

PuFFINUS GAVIUS.

In giving P. opisthomelas (Coues) as a synonym of this
species, I had no wish to ignore Captain Hutton ; but it is
manifestly impossible in a list of synonyms to do more than
give the leading reference in each case. Captain Hutton
has apparently forgotten that we went into the question to¬
gether before I left the colony, and came to the conclusion
that P. opisthomelas and P. gavius were the same. Dr. Coues
states that the former species is abundant on the south Pa¬
cific coast of North America. Assuming, therefore, their
identity, I was justified in assigning our bird a “ wide oceanic
range .” To Dr. Finsch belongs the credit of having since
put us right on this point. This author says (J. f. O. 1872,
p. 256), “ Hutton's account of this species, which, since
Forster's time has not been examined, appears to be perfectly
correct ; but he is certainly mistaken when he asserts most
positively that P. opisthomelas (Coues) is the same species.
This could only be determined by actually comparing the ty¬
pical specimens ; and this would clearly show a difference be¬
tween the two species. Hutton's description is far too super¬
ficial to allow of any thing approaching to a correct opinion.”

As Captain Hutton is so very sensitive about not being
acknowledged, it is a little surprising that when he wrote to
* The Ibis,' some time ago, stating that he “ had found out

l&n £o(

Ornithology of New Zealand. 121

his mistake " in describing Graucalus melanops as Collu -
ricincla concinna, he did not also state to whom that disco¬
very was due.

Thalassidroma fregata.

My experience differs from Captain Hutton’s ; for I have
always found Thalassidroma melanogaster more plentiful on
our shores than T. fregata .

Procellaria parkinsoni.

When I left the colony all the known examples had been
obtained in the Hauraki Gulf. I am aware that the species
has since been met with in Cook's Strait and on other parts
of our coast.

JDaption capensis.

What I meant, of course, in the words quoted by Captain
Hutton, was the known history of this familiar species ; for I
had nothing to add to it. It is equally common on the At¬
lantic and Pacific Oceans, and many excellent accounts have
been written of it.

Phalacrocorax nov^-hollandi^e.

I cannot see how Captain Hutton's visit to the South Island
in any way affects the argument. The only question is
whether the diffference of plumage (admitting it to be con¬
stant) entitles our bird to rank as a distinct species. I follow
Mr. Gould in believing that it does.

Phalacrocorax brevirostris.

This species certainly does occur in the Chatham Islands; for
I shot a specimen there myself during a short visit in 1855.

Phalacrocorax punctatus.

I stated (B. of N. Z. p. 336) in reference to this figure
that I was by no means certain whether this was not only
a seasonal state of plumage. I cannot, however, accept
Captain Hutton's dictum on this point till he gives some facts
in support of it. Mr. Fuller, who has collected scores of these
birds at all seasons, rejected this view, and assured me that
he had found the crested and the uncrested birds breeding in
separate pairs at one and the same time. Both Dr. Haast

122 Mr. E. W. H. Holdsworth on Ceylonese Birds.

and Mr. Fuller were inclined to consider tlie uncrested bird
a distinct species.

Apteryx mantelli.

The few instances that Captain Hutton records do not suf¬
fice to make Apteryx mantelli a common species in the North
Island. Its practical scarcity may be inferred from the fact
that an offer of £5 for a specimen, which appeared some years
ago in the Maori newspaper, failed to obtain one.

I must here record my total dissent from the opinion ex¬
pressed by Captain Hutton, and based on the structure of the
egg-shell, that Apteryx “ belongs to the Carinate type of birds”
(Trans. N. Z. Inst. iv. p. 167) ; for such a view is entirely op¬
posed to the principles of modern classification.

XVI. — Remarks on Mr. Legge}s Paper on Ceylonese Birds .

By E. W. H. Holdsworth, F.L.S. &c.

The publication of Mr. Legge's observations on the distribu¬
tion of birds in the southern hill-region of Ceylon will doubt¬
less be received with satisfaction by all who are interested in
the somewhat peculiar avifauna of that island; and I espe¬
cially am glad of the information he gives about a district
with which I have had only a slight personal acquaintance.
Mr. Legge is an active worker, and has told us some interest¬
ing ornithological news ; but there are some points in con¬
nexion with particular species mentioned by him about which
more precise information would be desirable, and one or two
others which are perhaps open to criticism. As we are both
anxious to have an accurate account of the manners and
customs of the birds of the island placed on record, some
comments will, I hope, not be considered altogether out of
place.

The particular point of interest to me in Mr. Legge's paper
is the record of the occurrence at 1500 or 2000 feet, in the
south of the island, of birds hitherto supposed to be generally
confined to the upper hills, and especially abundant at an
elevation of about 6000 feet in the central province.

Mr. E. W. H. Holds worth on Ceylonese Birds . 123

In my catalogue of the birds of Ceylon* I called attention
to the migration of many of the resident species from one side
of the island to the other at the times of the change of the
monsoons, and also of some of the birds of the upper hills
being met with periodically as low down as the neighbour¬
hood of Kandy, at an elevation of only 1500 or 1600 feet,
which is about the highest range of the general low-country
species. The hill-birds Mr. Legge mentions as being found
in the lower part of the southern hills, are just the same
species which, at only certain seasons, are met with at corre¬
sponding elevations near Kandy ; and the question is whether
the same rule does not hold good in both cases — namely, that
just at the change of the monsoons, when there is a general
break-up of the weather, followed by a complete reversal of
the direction of the wind, the hill-birds temporarily descend
to lower districts. The most remarkable instance of what
has been hitherto considered a purely hill- species being found
by Mr. Legge very low down on the small ranges near the
sea, is Chrysocolaptes stricklandi. This bird is resident in
the country between 4000 and 8000 feet (the latter being the
highest elevation in the island) ; and I have met with it most
abundantly at about 6000 or 7000 feet, and, more or less, at
all times of the year. Unfortunately, Mr. Legge rarely gives
any hint as to the time of year when he has obtained the hill-
species in the lower districts of which he speaks. A specimen
of this Woodpecker, however, which he sent home for iden¬
tification, and which came under my notice, was labelled as
having been killed in March; and that is just the month,
between the monsoons, when many of the hill-birds are met
with about Kandy. It looks, therefore, in this case, as if the
bird may have been only a visitor.

Among other species resident in the highest parts of the
island, and which Mr. Legge found at only 2000 feet, are
Myialestes cinereocapilla and Eumyias sordida, and Zosterops
ceylonensis as low as 1500. The first is, I believe, a hill-
species in India, but descending to the plains in many places
during winter ; the other two are not known out of Ceylon,
* P. Z. S. 1872.

124 Mr. E. W. H. Holdsworth on Ceylonese Birds.

and it will be interesting to bear whether they remain at all
seasons where Mr. Legge met with them. The occurrence
of Cissa ornata in comparatively low country is not surprising,
as it only visits the upper hills during winter, and at that
time I expect Mr. Legge would not find it in his district.

There is nothing which better shows how much there is to
reward a diligent collector in Ceylon than Mr. Legged dis¬
covery of Drymocataphus fuscicapillus in some abundance
near Galle. Only a few localities for this bird (most of them
in the low country) had been previously recorded ; but the
expression “it appears to have escaped much observation
hitherto in Ceylon ” is likely to mislead those who may not
be aware that the bird is peculiar to that island. The state¬
ment, however, that this species “is one of the commonest
and most widely distributed birds in the southern pro¬
vince” will certainly require some qualification. Here, I
suspect, the question of season will have to be considered ;
if not, it is difficult to understand why other collectors of
considerable experience in looking for birds should not have
met with this one in the south. In 1869 I spent the
whole of the month of August collecting in parts of the
southern province ; during most of the time I was only about
twelve miles inland from Galle, and sometimes making ex¬
cursions to the lower hills near the Morowa Korle. Yet I
♦

never saw or heard Drymocataphus ; and I think I could
hardly have missed it had it been “ one of the commonest
birds ” there, as, in the following month, whilst travelling
across the centre of the island on my way to Trincomalie, I
was attracted by some notes quite new to me, and after a
little difficulty succeeded in shooting this very species whilst
it was in the act of uttering them. It is remarkable also that
Layard never met with this bird in the southern province,
although, as the discoverer of the species, having first obtained
it close to his house at Colombo, and afterwards in the centre
of the island, he would not have been likely to pass it by.
Two other collectors, one English and one native, have also
done good work in the south, but did not meet with this
bird. I think, then, it cannot be a constant resident there ;

Mr. E. W. H. Holdsworth on Ceylonese Birds. 125

and possibly Mr. Legged pen may have run away with him
a little when he described the bird as one of the commonest
in that province. He probably obtained it in several local¬
ities ; bu^ curiously enough; he only mentions one.

Such remarks; also, as that Palceornis calthropce is moje
abundant in two particular localities on the southern hills
“ than anywhere else in the island/' and that Merops philip-
pinus “ is more abundant in the extreme south than in other
parts of Ceylon/' appear to me somewhat rash; considering
Mr. Legge's military duties have prevented his having op¬
portunities for long- continued observations anywhere except
at Colombo; Galle, and Trincomalie. P. calthropce is a great
wanderer ; but I did not meet with it in the south in August;
although P. rosa was abundant near the Morowa Korle. M.
philippinus used to be so abundant at AripO; on the northern
coast; from the end of September to April; that the very
common M. viridis, a resident there, was scarce in compa¬
rison with it.

A matter of more consequence to those interested in the
ornithological relations of Ceylon to other countries is that
Mr. Legge calls the south-east coast of the island (< that re¬
markably Indo-Ceylonese region" where all the peninsular
birds found in the island are met with (p. 25) . It would not
be difficult to make a pretty long list of Indo-Ceylonese species
which have not yet been recorded from there ; but it is well
known that the quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants
of the northern portion of the island are specially Indian in
their character, and that very few of the peculiar Ceylonese
forms are found there. The latter are to be met with only in
the southern half, with a few exceptions ; and the northern
half is undoubtedly the Indo-Ceylonese region.

There are many portions of Mr. Legge's interesting paper
which deserve notice ; but I must keep within the space at
my command. I hope Mr. Legge will be able to clear up the
mystery of the Devil bird ; but he must not trust too much to
the negative evidence afforded by the silence of his Syrnium
indranee, as Owls rarely utter their peculiar cries in captivity.
Remarkable vocal powers might be expected from Batracho -

126 Mr. E. W. H. Holdsworth on Ceylonese Birds.

stomus ; but the known range of that bird in Ceylon is far less
than that in which the Devil- cry has been heard. I am able
to add something to the history of Prionochilus vincens, as
my friend Mr. Bligh has just obtained it on one of the coffee-
eiitates, at about 4000 feet. He has sent me a minutely accu¬
rate description of the bird, and inquired if it were P. vincens ,
of which he had heard, but had not seen a description*. The
birds were feeding on guavas and other fruit. He had also
just shot a specimen of that rare Eagle, Limnaetus kieneri,
which I believe has never before been met with so far south ;
and he adds that Java Sparrows had by some means found
their way to the Ceylon hills ; for he had been for some time
watching a flock on the estate. It is as well to record this,
as there can be little doubt about these strangers having been
introduced.

To return to my subject in a few last lines, I think it
is a pity the demands on Mr. Legged time have prevented
his making many little corrections which would have added
to the value of his paper. He has made several alterations
in specific names in accordance with my catalogue, which he
told me he should do ; but Spilornis cheela and others still ap¬
pear as Ceylonese birds, without just right to the title, and his
Tringa temminckii proved to be T. salina when examined in
this country. He has done good work, however, in the island ;
and, besides the interesting novelty Prionochilus vincens , has
added Poliornis teesa , Phylloscopus magnirostris, and Prinia
hodgsoni to the Ceylonese list. I trust that Mr. Legge may
be able to continue his labours and make many more such
discoveries. At the same time I venture to hope that he will
not think a few more particulars about dates and a little more
precision of expression will detract from the value of his papers
on Ceylonese birds.

* Among the numerous birds brought home more than thirty years ago
from Ceylon by the late Mr. Hugh Cuming is a female of this species, in
the British Museum ; it is in had condition, and has been only recently
identified.

Lord Walden on some Andaman- Island Birds. 127

XVII. — On a further Collection of Birds made by Lieutenant

Robert Wardlaw Ramsay, F.Z.S., in the Andaman Islands.

By Arthur, Viscount Walden, P.Z.S., F.R.S.

(Plates IV.-VL)

Since publishing my notes'* on a collection of birds made in
the Andamans by Lieutenant Wardlaw Ramsay, that gentle¬
man has kindly sent to me a large number of specimens from
the same locality, the fruits of about two months’ indefati¬
gable exertion. They include thirty-nine species additional
to those contained in his first consignment. These I propose
to notice in the following pages, while in a future number of
‘ The Ibis } I hope to be able to lay before its readers a com¬
plete list of the species known to inhabit the Andaman archi¬
pelago, together with some further remarks on some of the
species mentioned in my former paper.

Besides the rich series of specimens collected by Lieutenant
Wardlaw Ramsay, I have had the advantage of being able to
examine a valuable collection made in the same islands by
Captain Wimberley. This gentleman has sent home the first
specimens known in Europe of Ninox affinis, Tytler, an ex¬
cellent species ; and he has also forwarded a numerous series
of Spilornis elgini , which leaves no doubt of the validity
of that species as distinguished from S. bacha — an opinion
in which I believe I am entitled to say that Mr. J. H. Gurney
concurs.

63. Limnaetus andamanensis (Tytler), P. A. S. B. 1865,
p. 112, “ Port Blair, Andamans.”

Spizaetus andamanensis , Tytler : Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 315,
no. 6; Hume, Scrap Book, p. 203 (1869).

“ S. Andaman, April 15 : <$ , bill slaty horn-colour ; cere
greenish ; iris amber ; toes dirty yellow.”

Lower surface from chin to vent pure white, the terminal
portion of most of the feathers being centred with rich brown,

* Ibis, 1873, pp. 296-321.

128 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

imparting a streaked appearance to this portion of the plumage,
a distinct brown line descending from the chin to the breast.
Under tail-coverts and axillaries pale dingy ferruginous brown
irregularly barred with white. The elongated flank-plumes
covering the thighs white terminated and blotched with pale
ferruginous brown. Thigh-coverts pale ferruginous brown,
those of the tarsus white, here and there speckled with brown.
Head and nape clothed with lanceolate feathers, white at their
base, the terminal and exposed portion of each centred with
dark brown and margined with ferruginous. No crest-plumes.
Remainder of upper plumage dark brown, each feather with
more or less of paler marginal shading. Upper surface ofrec-
trices the same. Middle pair with four narrow ill-defined
but very dark brown transverse bars, and a broad terminal
dark brown band fringed with albescent. The rectrices under¬
neath albescent, the brown bands strongly contrasting. Under
wing-coverts white, irregularly but boldly banded with dark
brown. Quills underneath albescent, with three or four dark
brown transverse bands and tipped with the same colour.
Basal half of the quills almost pure white. Quills above, when
closed, dark brown.

Wing 13*24 inches; tarsus 3*6; tail 10*4; bill from gape
1*7; total length 21*8 (in the flesh).

This Eagle is a crestless form of L. ceylonensis (Gm.)* and
of L. cirrhatus (Gm.) . The specimen above described is ab¬
solutely identical in plumage with a Candeish example of L .
cirrhatus. It cannot be confounded with L. alboniger (Blyth)
in any stage of plumage ; for the adolescent plumage in that
species is of a uniform buff, and when older, but before it has
put on its handsome full dress of black and white, the mark¬
ings are ferruginous buff, and not brown. But the best dif¬
ferentiating character of L. alboniger is to be found in the
first joint of the middle toe being feathered for full half its
length, — a character it has in common with the much larger
L. nipalensis , and which is also possessed to a less extent
by the Celebesian representative form of that species, L. lan-
ceolatus.

* Probably = Spizaetus sphinx , Hume, Str. Feath. i. p. 321.

rbis.1874.Pl.lv.

J.&.Ke-uIema-ns . JitR. M.& NJIa oh-art. mp.

TSTINOX OB S OIJRUS.

Ibis. 1874. PFV.

J. G.KeixLexnaiis . litl .

NINOX AFFINJS

M &, JsT.Hajnka-rt. ixnp .

Birds from the Andaman Islands. 129

64. Haliaetus leucogaster (Gm.); S. N. i. p. 257. no. 43
(1788).

“Macpherson Straits, S. Andaman, March 5: bill dark
slate ; legs dirty white ; iris yellowish grey 1 9

A young male in first plumage.

65. Scops modestus, Walden, Ann. N. H. (4) xiii. p. 123,
“Port Blair, S. Andaman^ (Feb. 1874).

Distinguishable from all the other described Asiatic species
of the genus by its sober colours and plain markings, and,
with the exception of Scops mantis , by its diminutive size.

66. Ninox obscurus. (Plate IV.)

Ninox obscurus, Hume, Str. Feath. i. p. 11, “Nicobars,
near Camorta^ (Nov. 1872) ; Ball, tom. cit. p. 55 (Feb.
1873).

Ninox , sp. ? Ball, J. A. S. B. 1870, p. 240, “ Port Mouat.”

“ South Andaman, 6 , March 1 : iris bright yellow ; legs
pale yellow; maxilla dark brown; culmen and mandible
greenish slate/'’

The fourth primary in this example slightly exceeds the
third and is the longest ; the third exceeds the fifth. Dimen¬
sions in the flesh: total length 11*10 inches; wing *9; tail
5*15. The stiff bristles which arm the sides of the toes are
dark brown.

67. Ninox apfinis. (Plate Y.)

Ninox affinis, Tytler : Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 316. no. 10,
“Aberdeen Point, Port Blair Hume, Scrap Book, p. 421
(1869).

? Athene hirsut a (Temm.), v. Pelzeln, Novara Exp. Aves,
p. 26, “Kondul Island, Nicobars” (1865).

? Ninox hirsuta (Temm.), Ball, Str. Feath. i. p. 54. no. 10,
“Nicobars” (Feb. 1873).

“Port Blair, S. Andaman: <$ , May 31, colour of eye pale
blue (?), feet pale yellow; d, July 17; $, Aug. 8.” (Wim-
berley.)

Readily distinguishable from N. hirsutus of Ceylon, India,
and Burma, and the smaller race, N. malaccensis, of the Malay
peninsula by its much inferior dimensions, the more cine-

130 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

reous colouring of the head and nape, by the concealed spots
or bars on the scapulars being pale rufous or fulvous (not pure
white), and by the abdominal feathers being dark-centred and
then bright rufous, with white edges only and not barred
through with white. In N. hirsutus and N. malaccensis the
abdominal feathers are traversed by a broad pure white bar
and terminated by a bold brown (in some a rufous brown), not
bright rufous, drop. N. borneensis resembles N. malaccensis
in general colouring above, and has also the scapulars spotted
with pure white and the abdominal feathers crossed by a white
band ; but the terminal drop of each feather is larger and bright
rufous, not brown. Ninox affinis has five caudal bands. It
has a longer tail and a shorter wing than N. borneensis.

Until examples of the Sumatran Ninox can be compared,
the Malaccan species must retain the title of N. malaccensis
(Eyton) . This last will probably prove to be identical with
the Sumatran, and have to take the title of N. scutulatus
(Raffles) ; or this Andaman species may be the same as the
Sumatran.

A. hirsuta (Temm.), v. Pelzeln (l. c.), is undeterminable,
as neither of the two examples, captured in an island of the
Nicobars, was brought to Europe. Mr. Ball also mentions
(/. c.) an example of a Ninox, received by him from the Ni¬
cobars, which, he says, sufficiently well agrees with Temminck's
plate and description of N. hirsutus ; but he does not absolutely
identify it with that common and well-known species ; nor
does Mr. Hume (Str. Feath. p. 12), to whom the specimen
was sent, speak decidedly. The dimensions given by Mr.
Ball (/. c.) are much too large for N. affinis ; and this, taken
together with the fagt that both that gentleman and Herr v.
Pelzeln identified these Nicobar individuals with N. hirsutus ,
make it possibly probable that another form approaching the
Malayan species does occur in that group of islands ; for the
dimensions stated by Mr. Ball (wing 8, tail 5) are too large
for even N . malaccensis. It may be here repeated that the
title of hirsuta was bestowed by Temminck on the Ceylon
Hawk Owl, and that of scutulata , Raffles, was given to the
Sumatran.

131

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

In N. affinis the fourth quill is the longest, and the fifth
slightly exceeds the third.

Longitudo
Alee. Caudae.

N. affinis, 3 .... 6-62 4*75 Port Blair ; five caudal hands.

„ „ .... 6*62 4’62 „ „ „

„ $ .... 6-75 4-75

N. borneensis* .. 7-12 4*50 Marup, N. Borneo ; four caudal bands.

68. Caprimulgus macrurus, Horsf. Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 142,
“ Java” (1820).

“ S. Andaman : March 10, $ , iris brown, bill black, legs and
feet pinkish brown ; April 22, bill dark brown above, below
carneous, legs dingy vinous. Stewart Sound, Middle Anda¬
man : April 3, bill horny brown, legs pinkish brown, iris dark
brown.”

“Port Blair, S. Andaman, June 17, July 28.” (Wim-
berley.)

These five examples belong to a small race of the Javan
long-winged Goatsucker. Perhaps they may claim to be re¬
garded as belonging to a distinct species; for they are of a
much darker colour above, in hue resembling C. jot oka, their
markings are somewhat different, and the terminal white
spots of the two outer pairs of rectrices are very much less
developed, measuring only 1*37.

Long. alas.

Caudae.

South Andaman, $ .

. . 7*13

5*37

n n $ .

. 7

5*25

Middle Andaman .

. 7

5*25

Port Blair, $ .

. 7*12

5*50

v v $ .

. 7

5*25

Java, 3 .

. 7*37

6*25

Malacca, $ .

. . 3*35

6

» 6 .

. 7*50

6*25

69. Hirundinapus giganteus (v. Hasselt), Temm. PI. Col.
364, “Java” (1825).

Acanthylis giganteus (Temm.), Tytler in Blythes Append.
Mouat, Andaman Isl. p. 358. no. 17 (1863) ; Beavan, Ibis,
1867, p. 317, no. 13, “Boss Isl.”

* For dimensions of N. hirsutus and N. scutulatus (malaccensis) , cf. Ibis
1872, p. 365.

132

Lord Walden on a further Collection of

“ South Andaman : $ , April 15, iris brown, bill dark
brown, legs fleshy purple.”

“ Port Blair, S. Andaman : June 13, 14, 23 ; July 2, 3, 15,
17, 23, 28.” (Wimberley.)

With the exception of three individuals killed respectively
April 15 and July 2 and 23, all the examples obtained have
moulted the first primary, the new quill being developed one
fourth, in others one third of its length only. The second
primary also is not full grown, being somewhat shorter than
the third. The specimens obtained on July 2 and 23, although
having fully developed primaries, are of adolescent birds, the
crown being smoke-brown, hardly suffused with green, the
whole lower surface being fuliginous, without any green gloss,
no white indicated in the chin and throat, and the patch
behind each nostril rather rusty brown than white. These
adolescent examples agree well in all respects with Malaccan
individuals in my collection, in which, however, the frontal
patches are barely indicated. An Andaman bird, killed on
June 23, in full plumage as regards its coloration, has the
nostril-patches and chin almost pure white.

70. Collocalia francica (Gm.), S. N. i. p. 1017. no. 15
(1788), ex Montbeillard.

La petite Hirondelle noire a croupion gris , Montbeillard,
Hist. Nat. Ois. vi. p. 696, “ lie de France” (1779).

Esculent Swallow , Lath. Gen. Synop. Suppl. ii. p. 257. no. 1,
pi. 135, Sumatra” (1802) ; id. Gen. Hist. vii. p. 296. no. 18,
pi. 112, “ Sumatra” (1823).

Esculent Swallow, Stephens, Gen. Zool. x. p. Ill, pi. 12
(1817), ex Latham.

((Hirundo esculeftta , Osbeck”*, Horsf. Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 142,
sp. 1, “ Java” (1820).

Hirundo brevirostris, McClelland, P. Z. S. 1839, p. 155.
no. 10, “ Assam.” Conf. Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1845, p. 548, note;
op. cit . 1847, p. 119.

* There was no such title given by Osbeck; it first appears in the ‘Faunula
Sinensis,’ of G. R. Forster, and was added by him to his English translation
of the German translation by J. G. Georgi of the Swedish original by
Osbeck. Forster merely employed the Linnean title.

133

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

Hirundo unicolor, Jerdon, Madr. J. Sc. xi. p. 238, “Neil-
gherries” (1840).

Cypselus concolor, Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1842, p. 886, ex Jerdon.

Cypselus unicolor , Jerdon, op. cit. xiii. pt. i. p. 173, pt. ii.
p. 144 (1844).

Calbcalia nidifica, G. R. Gray : Gray & Mitch. Genera of
Birds, i. p. 55. no. 1 (1844), ex Latham.

Collocalia unicolor (Jerdon), Blyth, op. cit. 1845, pp. 209,
212, “ Darjeeling, Neilgherries.”

? Hemiprocne salangana , Streubel, Ibis, 1848, p. 368, “ East
Indies.”

Collocalia nidifica (Lath.)*, Blyth, Cat. Calc. Mus. p. 86,
no. 423, “ Nilgiris, Ceylon, Sikim, Assam, Malay countries ”
(1849).

Collocalia nidifica , G. R. Gray : Horsf. & Moore, Cat. E.
I. C. Mns. i. p. 98. no. 122 (1854).

Collocalia fuciphag a (Thunb.), Bp. C. R. xli. p. 977. no. 4
(1855) ; id. R. Z. 1855, p. 581. no. 4.

Collocalia esculenta (Lath.), Bernstein, Nov. Act. Ac. C. L.
C. Nat. Cur. xxvi. p. 15, pi. 2. f. 3, 4 “ Java” (1857).

Collocalia nidifica (Lath.), Bernstein, J. f. O. 1859, p. 118.
no. 2, “ Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Malacca.”

Collocalia nidifica (Lath.), Jerdon, B. of India, i. p. 182.
no. 103 (1862).

Collocalia fuciphaga (Thunb.), Wallace, P. Z. S. 1863,
p. 384. no. 6.

Collocalia nidifica , G. R. Gray, Ann. N. H. (3) xvii. p. 118,
“ Java, Sumatra, and other isl. E. archipel.” (1866).

Collocalia innominata , Hume, Str. Feath. i. p. 294, “ An¬
damans” (Feb. 1873). #

Collocalia spodiopygia , Peale, Hume, tom. cit. p. 296, “ An¬
damans.”

Collocalia inexpectata , Hume, l. c. cc Andamans.”

“ S. Andaman : March 1, iris brown, bill black, legs brown,
feet darker ; March 24, S .”

The large number of Andaman specimens I have been
enabled to examine, collected by both Messrs. Wardlaw Ram-
* No such title was ever used by Latham.

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

L

134 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

say and Wimberley, in no material respect differ from Sikim
and Ceylon individuals ; nor am I enabled to find any impor¬
tant character whereby they can be separated from Seychelles,
Mauritius, or Reunion examples [Hirundo francica, Gm.).

The dorsal feathers in all examples from the above-named
localities have the tips of the basal portion of the webs pure
white. This can only be detected by parting the feathers ; for
the overlapping terminal and exposed part of the dorsal fea¬
thers is uniform smoke-brown. The extent of white on the
edging of the webs increases as the feathers descend the back,
so that those which clothe the uropygium have more of the
edges of their webs, both in length and breadth, coloured
white. The result is that the white sometimes becomes par¬
tially exposed. In some of the shorter of the upper tail-
coverts the white colour of the webs is still more developed,
occasionally forming a conspicuous white edging ; but no
•covert is entirely white, the tip and central part of each being
of a varying shade of mouse-colour. It is thus that the al¬
bescent or pale mouse-coloured band on the rump observable
in many examples of this species is produced ; and it is fre¬
quently made more prominent in the dried skins by the mode
of preparation of the specimens. In three examples of true
C. francica from Mauritius and Reunion, kindly lent to me
by Professor Newton, a pale band is discernible; in another
from the Seychelles it is absent. In a Ceylon individual in
the collection of Mr. Holdsworth it is also entirely wanting.
My Sikim specimens have the band as much developed as in
those from Mauritius ; and Andaman birds are not to be dis¬
tinguished, all of them exhibiting, more or less, a pale band
on the rump. That there is a tendency in this section of the
genus Callocalia to evolve a pure white band on the rump is
shown in C. troglodytes and other more eastern species, in
which we find it a permanent and well-determined character.
But in none of the races of the species under notice does it
appear to be stable, or sufficiently and constantly developed
to make it a trustworthy differential character. In all other
essential respects birds from the localities alluded to are iden¬
tical ; and I therefore adopt GmelhPs title as being the oldest.

135

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

Since writing on Collocalia affinis (Ibis, 1873, p. 302) I have
had an opportunity of comparing it with Horsfield’s type spe¬
cimen of C. linchi, and I find that it in no way differs. Hi-
rundo fuciphaga was described by Thunberg from J avan ex¬
amples ,* and I have no doubt whatever that HorsfiehBs C.
linchi = H. fuciphaga, Thunb. The diagnosis of H. fuciphaga,
ample in its details, applies in every respect to C. linchi ; while
the last phrase, “ differt ab H. esculenta cauda tota atra im-
maculata,” of itself marks the species ; for with the exception
of the white spots on the lateral rectrices, Moluccan C. escu¬
lenta (Linn.) is barely to be distinguished from J avan C. linchi.
The synonymy of C. fuciphaga will therefore be as follows : —

Collocalia (Hirundo) fuciphaga, Thunberg, Act. Holm,
xxxiii. p. 151, pi. iv. u Java” (1772).

Hirundo fuciphaga, Thunb. : Horsf. Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 143,
sp. 2, " Java" (1820).

Linchi Swallow, Latham, Gen. Hist. vii. p. 292 (1823), ex
Horsf. 1. c.

Collocalia fuciphaga (Thunb.) , G. R. Gray & Mitch. Gen.
Birds, i. p. 55, sp.3 (1844) ; List Birds Brit. Mus. (Fissirostres)
p. 21, sp. 2, " Java" (1848).

Collocalia esculenta (Linn.), Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1845, p. 212,
sp. 2, “ Malay coasts, Nicobar islands.”

Collocalia fuciphaga (Thunb.), Blyth, tom. cit. p. 548,
note, “ Nicobars, Java;” op. cit. 1846, pp. 22, 369, "Ni-
cobars ; ” Cat. Calc. Mus. p. 86. no. 429, “ Nicobars, Java ”
(1849).

Hemiprocne fucivora, Streubel, Ibis, 1848, p. 369, " Ost-
indien,” ex Thunberg*.

Collocalia linchi, Horsf. & Moore, Cat. E. I. C. Mus. i.
p. 100. no. 123, “ Java” (1854); Bp. C. R. xli. p. 977. no. 3
(1855); id. R. Z. 1855, p. 581. no. 3.

Collocalia nidifica (Lath.), Bernst. Nov. Act. Ac. C. L. C.
Nat. Cur. xxvi. p. 15, pi. 2, f. 5, 6, 7, 8, “ Java” (1857).

Collocalia fuciphaga (Thunb.), Bernst, J. f. O. 1859, p. 119.
no. 3, “ Java.”

* Streubel altered the name of fuciphaga, Thunb., to fucivora, on account
of its hybrid construction.

L 2

136

Lord Walden on a further Collection of

Collocalia lincki, Horsf. : Bernst. tom. cit. p. 119. no. 4,
“ Nicobars.”

Collocalia linchi, Horsf. & Moore : Wallace, P. Z. S. 1863,
p. 384. no. 3, “ Java, Malacca, Nicobar isl.”

Collocalia linchi , Horsf. & Moore : v. Pelzeln, Reise Novara,
Aves, p. 39, pi. ii. f. 2, pi. vi. f. 2, “Nicobars” (1865).

Collocalia linchi , Horsf. : G. R. Gray, Ann. N. H. (3)
xvii. p. 119, “ Java, Malacca, Nicobar Isl., Mergui archipel.”
(1866).

Collocalia ajfinis, Tytler : Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 318, “Port
Blair.”

Collocalia linchi , Horsf. & Moore : Ball, Str. Featb. i. p. 55.
no. 16.

Collocalia ajfinis, Tytler : Walden, Ibis, 1873, p. 302. no. 15.

71. Alcedo rufigastra, Walden, Ann. N. H. (4) xii. p. 487,
“S. Andamans” (Dec. 1873).

? Alcedo meningting, Horsf. : Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 319.
no. 24.

? Alcedo asiatica, Sw. : Ball, J. A. S. B. 1872, p. 277.
no. 7.

“ S. Andaman: Feb. 26, , iris brown, bill dark brown,

reddish at base, legs bright coral-red ; April 12, 6 .”

These examples are identical with the specimen alluded
to by Mr. Sharpe under A. asiatica (Alcedinidse, p. 24) in
my collection, and labelled by Captain Beavan “A. benga-
lensis, Maunbhoom, Feb. 1863.” The species does not appear
to have been again obtained on the continent ; and it is not
unlikely that the specimen noted from Maunbhoom actually
formed part of Captain Beavan's Andaman collection, and
accidentally became mixed with his Maunbhoom specimens.

72. Pelargopsis burmanica, Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 67 ;
Alcedinidse, p. 109, pi. 35.

Halcyon capensis (Linn.), Walden, P. Z. S. 1866, p. 553,
“ Andamans.”

%

“S. Andaman: S , iris brown, bill vermilion, legs lighter
vermilion ; $ , iris brown, bill, legs, and feet deep red

throughout.”

1 37

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

Four examples were obtained, and perfectly agree with Bur¬
mese individuals.

73. Ceyx tridaotyla (Pallas), Spic. Zool. fasc. vi. p. 10,
pi. 11. f. 1 (1769).

“ S. Andaman, April 21 : bill and legs bright coral-red.”

74. Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus (Horsf.), Tr. L.S. xiii.
p. 179, “ Java ” (1821) ; Zool. Res. in Java, pi. 59 (1824).

“ S. Andaman: May 5, $, iris dark red, bill horn-eolour,
tip yellowish, legs brownish olive.”

“ Port Blair, S. Andaman : July 14, $, 23, S, bill orange,
feet sienna.” ( Wimberley .)

A single immature example of this genus was obtained
by Mr. Ramsay, which I provisionally identify as above.
Wing 4 inches, tail 3, tarsus *55, bill *75. Above brown
washed with cupreous green, parts appearing deep emerald-
green, according to the play of light. Middle pair of rectrices
deep green, with a terminal broad bar or rounded spot of rich
blue-green. Outer pair of rectrices deep ferruginous on inner
webs, white on outer, and barred through with black. Re¬
maining rectrices ferruginous on both webs and with black
bars running through. Entire under surface clothed with
white feathers, each being traversed by two broad brown bars ;
the abdominal feathers displaying most white. With this
the female example obtained by Captain Wimberley is almost
identical ; but the male is passing over into the amethystine
plumage of the adult. It has the chin, throat, head, nape,
interscapular region, some of the wing-coverts and scapulars,
the upper tail-coverts and the middle pair of rectrices and two
laterals of a lovely amethystine colour. Two of the primaries
on one side, one on the other, and one of the secondaries are
partially grown and of the same beautiful hue. The dark
transverse bars of the lower plumage, and notably of the under
tail-coverts are deep amethystine. The remainder of the
wing- and tail-feathers and some of the dorsal plumage are
cupreous green edged or indented with bright rufous.

Some of the feathers in this interesting specimen appear
to have changed from green to amethystine without having

138 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

been moulted. Thus the basal part of one of the median rec-
trices is more or less green, while the remainder is of a mixed
amethystine and greenish hue. Its fellow rectrix, a new fea¬
ther not fully grown, is coming in of a pure amethystine
colour. Several of the upper tail-coverts are green at their
base. It would therefore appear that the old feathers have
the power of changing their colour from green to ame¬
thystine.

75. ? Oriolus melanocephalus, Linn. S. N. i. p. 160. no. 3
(1766).

“S. Andaman: March 23,^, 29, d $, iris carmine, legs
greenish plumbeous, bill carneous ; April 24, d j May 10, $ ”

The five examples in the collection differ from true O. me¬
lanocephalus by being smaller and by wanting the charac¬
teristic broad yellow outer margins of the two innermost ter-
tiaries and feathers. The remaining tertiaries, as well as all
the secondaries, exhibit much less yellow on their edges and
at their tips. The Andaman black-headed Oriole in this
respect resembles true O. ceylonensis ; but in the latter species
the secondaries possess very bold terminal yellow spots. Only
one specimen is of a bird in perfect plumage. If it represents
the normal characters of the race, the Andaman bird may
have to be specifically separated. In their dimensions the
Andaman, Burmese, Ceylonese, and Malabar birds are about
equal, the average length of the wing being five inches. But
the Burmese form only differs from true O. melanocephalus
by being smaller, the average length of wing in that species
from the Himalayas, Bengal, Central India, and Assam being
five and a half inches.

76. Geocichla albogularis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1847, p. 146,
u Nicobars.”

Geocichla innotata , Blyth, op. cit. 1858, p. 270, “ Anda¬
mans Ball, Str. Feath. i. p. 69. no. 61 ; Blyth, Append, to
Mouat, Andaman Isl. p. 360. no. 36 (1863).

“S. Andaman: March, April, May, d $, iris umber-brown,
bill dark brown, lighter at base of mandible, legs pale flesh*,
colour."

139

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

The title adopted above was given by Mr. Blyth to the
Nicobar Geocichla , which he subsequently identified (l. c.)
with that of the Andamans. The specific name innotata,
Blyth, was bestowed (op. cit. 1847; p. 146) on examples from
the Malayan peninsula; from which the Andaman species ap¬
pears to differ by being considerably smaller and by having
the ferruginous-orange colouring of the plumage, especially
on the head, less intense. Mr. Blyth, however, at a later date
regarded them as identical.

Al®.

Candae.

Tarsi.

Rostr.

G. albogularis , 3 ... .

..4

3-25

142

038 S. Andamans.

.. 4

342

142

0*38 „ „

G. innotata. 2 .

, . . 4*62

3*25

1*25

0-50 Malacca.

77. Monticola solitarius (P. L. S. Muller), Syst. Nat.
Suppl. p. 142. no. 46 (1776).

Petrocossyphus cyanus (Linn.), Ball, Str. Feath. i. p. 69
(1873).

“Boss Island: Feb. 18, d1, iris bright brown, bill black,
legs dark brown.”

Lower breast and ventral region deep chestnut, a few fea¬
thers here and there tipped with blue. The single specimen
sent is almost identical in plumage with one obtained at Ma¬
lacca on Dec. 5, 1865.

78. Locustella lanceolata (Temm.), Man. d’Orn. iv.
p. 614, “Mayence” (1840).

Locust ella , allied to L. rati , Swinhoe, Ibis, 1861, p. 412,
te Amoy.”

Locustella minuta , Swinhoe, P. Z. S. 1863, p. 93. “Amoy,
Canton.”

Lusciniola lanceolata (Temm.), G. B. Gray, Hand-1. i.p. 210.
no. 2970 (1869).

Locustella minuta , Swinhoe : G. B. Gray, op. cit. iii. p. 277.
no. 29 76a (1871).

Locustella subsignata , Hume, Str. Feath. i. p. 409, “ Aber¬
deen, Port Blair” (July 1873).

“ S. Andaman : April 9, bill dark homy brown, below pale
fleshy, legs pale fleshy white.”

140 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

79. Phyllopneuste borealis, Blasius, Naumania, 1858,
p. 313, “ Sea of Okhotsk.”

“ S. Andaman : Feb. 21, bill above dark homy, below pale
reddish yellow, legs dirty yellowish white ; Feb. 22, $ , iris
brown, upper mandible dark horny, lower light horny, legs
skin-colour ; March 28, $

80. Ruticilla suecica (Linn.) S. N. i. p. 336 (1766).

“ S. Andaman : March 9, bill at base horny, at gape yel¬
low, iris dark brown, legs pale brown, soles yellowish ; 6 ,
April 14.”

One example has the chin and throat pale blue ; a white
cross band bordering the pale blue throat ; a few of these
white feathers tipped with ferruginous; a dark blue band
below the white, each feather white at its base ; then a broad
brown pectoral band, followed by ferruginous. The male
specimen, obtained a month later, has the chin and throat
pale blue ; a broad ferruginous plastron, then a well-defined
pale blue band, followed by a dark brown band terminated
by ferruginous. This last example is in perfect plumage, un¬
less the paleness of the blue on the throat and breast may be
taken as indicative of non-breeding. I have never met with
a South- Asiatic specimen so perfectly coloured.

81. Limonidromus indicus (Gm.), S. N. i. p. 962. no. 80
(1788), ex Sonnerat, Voy. Indes, ii. p. 207.

La Lavandiere variee , Levaillant, Ois. d'Afr. iv. p. 86,
pi. 179, “Cafiraria” (!), 1805.

Motacilla variegata , Vieill. N. Diet. xiv. p. 599 (1817), ex
Levaill.

Nemoricola indica (Gm.), Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1847, p. 429.

Limonidromus indicus (Gould), B. of As. pt. xiv. pi.
(1862).

“ S. Andaman : March 20, 24, 29, $ , iris dark brown, bill
liorn-colour, light underneath, legs pale flesh-colour.”

82. Corydalla striolata (Blyth J, J. A. S. B. 1847, p. 435,
“ Darjeeling.”

“ South Andaman : 6 , April 14, iris light brown, bill dark
brown above, fleshy below, legs pale flesh-colour.”

141

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

Agrees with Darjeeling examples, but I am disposed to
doubt the propriety of separating this form from C . rufula.

83. Anthus cervinus (Pallas), Zoogr. Rosso-As. i. p. 511.
no. 142 (1831) ; Blytb, Append. Mouat, Andaman Isl. p. 361.
no. 44 (1863).

Anthus rufo-superciliaris, Blytb, J. A. S. B. 1860, p. 105,
“ Andamans.”

“ South Andaman : Feb. 17, 18, <5, iris brown, bill horn-
colour, lighter beneath, legs and feet dusky skin-colour.”

Two examples with vinous chin and throat, and two with
but slight indications of vinous on one or two of the throat-
plumes. Axillaries and shoulder-edge in all four albescent.

84. Hyloterpe grisola (Blytb), J. A.S.B. 1843, p. 180 bis ,
“ Calcutta ; ” op. cit. 1845, p. 573, “Java;” op. cit. 1846,
p. 305, “ Java and Penang;” Cat. Calc. Mus. p. 153. no. 886,
“ Penang, Java, Arakan, very rare in Lower Bengal ; ” op. cit.
1858, p. 270, “Andamans.”

? Hylocharis luscinia, S. Muller, Tidjschrift v. Nat. Geschied.
1835, p. 331, “ Sumatra,” descr. null.

Tephrodornis superciliaris, Sw. var., Blyth, op. cit . 1842,
p. 779, “ Calcutta.”

Hyloterpe philomela (Muller), Cab. Arch. f. Nat. 1847, i.
p. 322; Mus. Hein. i. p. 64. no. 375 (1850-51), descr. nulla.

Hyloterpe philomela (Boie), Bp. Consp. i. p. 329, “Java”
(1854), descr. nulla.

Tephrodornis grisola , Blyth : Jerdon, B. of India, i. p. 411.
no. 266 (1862) ; Blyth, Ibis, 1866, p. 367. no. 266.

Pachycephala grisola (Blyth), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1863, p. 217.
no. 82, “ S.E. Borneo.”

Hyloterpe philomela (Muller), Blyth, Append. Mouat, An¬
daman Isl. p. 360. no. 32 (1863) .

Hylocharis philomela. Boie : G. R. Gray, Hand-1, i. p. 389.
no. 5911 (1869).

“S. Andaman: March 5, $ , bill black, iris brown, legs
dark slaty ; Strait Isl., April 2.”

This species has never been fully described. Messrs.
Blyth and Jerdon are the only authors who have published

142 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

any kind of description ; and their accounts, unsatisfactory
and meagre, relate to the Bengal bird. But Mr. Blyth has
recorded the identity of his T. grisola with Javan, Pinang,
Arakan, and Andaman examples, while Dr. Cabanis, having
compared the S.E. Bornean example alluded to by Mr.
Sclater (/. c.), identified it with Javan examples of Hyloterpe
philomela (Boie), Temm., in the Berlin museum. This Bor¬
nean individual agrees well with several Javan examples, as
well as with one from Malacca in my collection. In it the
entire head above is ashy brown, the rest of the upper sur¬
face of the bird being of a ruddy brown. The throat, cheeks,
flanks, abdominal and ventral region silky white slightly
sullied on the throat and cheeks with the cinereous hue
of the breast, there forming a distinctive band. The bill
is black. A single Javan specimen differs materially from
the remainder by having the head, cheeks, ear-coverts, back,
and uropygium uniform dark ferruginous asji-colour with¬
out a tinge of rufous brown, and by the throat and breast
being almost uniform in their shade of dark smoky ash-colour,
though lighter than above. Neither in structure nor in di¬
mensions can this bird be distinguished from the others;
and I must therefore regard it as a sexual or other stage
of plumage. Three other Javan individuals differ from the
Bornean type by having pale yellowish bills, by the upper
surface of their plumage being of a much redder and lighter
hue, and by the outer edgings of the quills being bright
rufous. These may be young birds. Be that as it may,
three very distinct phases of plumage are represented in my
Javan series.

The three Andaman specimens obtained by Mr. W. Bams ay
have the head above and nape smoky ash- colour, very much
like the single Javan bird described above ; but the cheeks and
ear-coverts are pale grey, nearly white, and not fuliginous.
The dorsal plumage has more an olive than a ruddy tinge,
and is not fuliginous. Underneath, the colouring agrees with
the Bornean bird. These Andaman examples therefore re¬
present a fourth phase of plumage ; for I am disinclined, with¬
out more acquaintance with the group, and after Mr. Blyth's

Birds from the Andaman Islands. 143

identifications, to regard them as belonging to a distinct
species. The structure and dimensions of all are reconcilable
with the suggestion that they belong to one species. Wing
3 ’25 inches; tail 3.

The generic title Hylocharis, as founded on this bird, or at
least on the J avan form, has been by Bonaparte (l. c.) attri¬
buted to Boie, with the date 1827. So also has the specific
title philomela. I have failed to find any proof in sup¬
port of this. Hylocharis appears to have been first used by
Boie, but for a group of the Trochilidse (Isis, 1831, p. 546).
S. Muller (l. c .) seems to be the first who used the generic
title Hylocharis for this Shrike ; and as it had been previously
employed by Boie, Dr. Cabanis (/. c.) altered it to Hyloterpe.
Mr. G. R. Gray (/. c.) retains the title both among the Shrikes
and the Humming-birds, and credits Dr. Cabanis with the
authorship of Hylocharis as well as Hyloterpe , an evident
misreading of the passage in the f Archiv/

85. Zosterops palpebrosa (Temm.), PI. Col. 293. fig. 3,
“ Bengale” (1824).

“ S. Andaman : March 3, 29, $ , iris bright red-brown, bill
above dark horn-colour, below whitish, legs greenish grey ;
April 27, 6 j iris light reddish brown, bill slaty brown, legs
slaty green ; May 5, <S ”

The male obtained in May closely resembles Maunbhoom
examples ; but the upper plumage has not quite so yellow a
tinge, and the frontal feathers are not perhaps as decidedly
bright yellow. The dimensions are alike, save those of the
bill, which considerably exceed in length that of the conti¬
nental species. The other examples are darker above, closely
resembling the Neilgherry race, but as dark as in Z. lateralis.
In them the bill also exceeds in length that of the Maun¬
bhoom and other Indian examples.

86. Emberiza pusilla, Pallas, Beise Russ. Reichs, iii.
p. 697. no. 20, “Dauria” (1776).

Emberiza sordida, Hodgson, J. A. S. B. 1844, p. 958,
“ Nipaul,” $ .

Ocyris oinops , Hodgson, P. Z. S. 1845, p. 35, <$ .

144 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

“S. Andaman: March 28, $, iris dark brown; bill dark
horn- colour, lighter below ; legs flesh-yellow .”

Undistingnishable from Lake Baikal examples.

87. Munia fumigata, Walden, Ann. N. H. (4), xii. p. 488,
“S. Andaman” (Dec. 1873).

Munia leuconota (Temm.), Ball, Str. Feath. i. p. 79. no. 90,
" Andaman” (1873), nec Temm.

“S. Andaman: Feb. 11.”

The following Asiatic species constitute, together with this
Andaman bird, a well-defined subgroup of the genus Munia : —

Uropygium white.

(1.) Loxia striata, Linn.*, S. N. i. p. 306. no. 37 (1766),
ex Briss. Orn. iii. p. 243, “ Isle de Bourbon.”

Loxia albiventris, Herm. Observ. Zool. p. 205, “Tranque-
baria” (1804).

Fringilla leuconota , Temm., PL Col. 500. fig. 2, “ Bengal ”
(1830).

Dorsal plumage pale-shafted ; abdominal region and flanks
pure white.

Ceylon, Peninsular and Central India, Lower Bengal.

(2.) Munia acuticauda, Hodgson, As. Bes. xix. p. 153,
“Nipaul” (1836).

Munia molucca (Linn.)? Blyth, Cat. Calc. Mus. p. 117.
no. 626, nec Linn.

Abdominal plumage white faintly marked with pale brown ;
middle rectrices elongated.

Nipal, Sikim, Himalayas, Assam, Mergui, Burma, Malacca,
Hainan to Shanghai, and westwards to Szechuan, Formosa.

In Malaccan birds the pale brown hastate markings on the
abdomen are better defined and much more pronounced.

* Relying on the short preliminary diagnosis given by Brisson (l. c.),
I referred (Ibis, 1869, p. 211, note) the Javan species, M. leucogastroides ,
Moore, to L. striata , Linn. A renewed study of the Brissonian text has
enforced me to alter this opinion. Unless the Island of Bourbon possesses
a species of Mania , or that of Java a second species, more perfectly agree¬
ing with Brisson’s description, it will be most convenient to retain the
Linnsean title for the Indian-peninsular form, if we do not reject it al¬
together.

I!b is .18 74. PI .VI.

M A ET.lTariIia.rt, imp.

J,Cr.KeTilerixa,n.s. ]itlL

DENDROCJ.TTA BAYLEII.

Birds from the Andaman Islands. 145

(3.) Munia fumigata, Walden, ut supra.

Dorsal plumage unstriated. More nearly allied to M. acu-
ticauda than to M. striata.

Uropygium uniform with the back.

(4.) Munia leucogastra, Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1846, p. 286,
note, “ Malacca.”

Munia melanictera (Gm.) ? Blyth, Cat. Calc. Mus. p. 117.
no. 629, nee Gm.

Dorsal plumage pale-shafted; flanks dark brown; middle
rectrices lustrous yellow.

Malacca.

(5.) Munia leucogastroides, Moore, Cat. E. I. C. Mus. ii.
p. 510. no. 777, “ Java” (1856-58).

Fringilla striata (Linn.), Horsf. Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 161. no. 5,
“ Java” (1820), nec Linn.

Dorsal plumage unstriated ; all the rectrices black ; flanks
white.

Java.

88. Dendrocitta bayleyi. (Plate VI.)

Dendrocitta baylei , Tytler, J. A. S.B. 1863, p. 88, “ An¬
damans.”

Dendrocitta bazlei , Tytler (lapsu cal.), Blyth, Ibis, 1863,

p. II9. ‘

f'S. Andaman: March and April, $, iris bright golden
yellow, bill, feet, and legs black ”

The female seems to be somewhat smaller, while the plu¬
mages are alike.

89. Calornis affinis, A. Hay, J.A. S.B. 1846, p. 36,
aTipperah, Arracan, Nicobars;” v. Pelzeln, Novara Exp.
Aves, p. 87, “Nicobars” (1865).

Calornis panayensis (Scopoli), Ball, op. cit . 1872, p.285.
no. 40, “ Andamans.”

“ South Andaman: Feb. 19, 27, $ > iris brown, bill, legs,
and feet black; March 4, 14; April 10, 24.”

A species fairly distinguishable from C. insidiator by its
greater dimensions and much duller plumage, but identical
with continental examples of C. affinis.

146 Lord Walden on a further Collection of

90. Squatarola Helvetica (Linn.), S. N. i. p. 250. no. 12
(1766).

“ S. Andaman : Feb. 12, legs greenish grey.”

In winter plumage.

91. Glareola orientalis, Leach, Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 132,
pi. 13, “ Java.”

“S. Andaman: March 9, 10, d $ , iris dark brown, bill black,
red at gape, legs greenish horn-colour ; Cocos Isl., April 5.”

92. Dromas ardeola, Paykull, Sv. Ak. Handl. 1805, p. 108,
pi. 8.

“ Macpherson Strait, Andamans : March 4, d , legs pale
bluish slate, bill black. S. Andaman : March 12, d , iris dark
brown, legs pale slaty blue, bill black.”

“Andaman: June 25.” (Wimberley) .

Two examples, shot on March 4, have the feathers of the
occiput and nape brown-centred ; those of the interscapular
region and the primaries dark brown, rather than black, mixed
with grey. The lengthened tertiaries are ashy rather than
white. A third has the head pure white and the black plu¬
mage as in full dress ; but the tertiaries are tinged with ashy.
The birds killed on the 12th are in full black-and-white plu¬
mage. The example, however, obtained on June 25 is in im¬
mature plumage.

93. ? Hypotjenidia striata (Linn.), S. N. i. p. 263 (1766).

Rallus striatus , Linn. (?), Ball, J. A. S. B. 1872, p. 288.

no. 57.

“S. Andaman : April 25, $, bill pinkish plum-colour, tip
and culmen slate-colour, iris red, legs dull pinkish buff ; May
5, d , bill purplish lake, tip and culmen slaty brown, iris red,
legs pinkish buff.”

The crown of the head only is dark chestnut-brown in the
specimen noted as being of a female (conf. Ball, l. c.) .

The type of the Linnsean species was obtained in the Philip¬
pines ; and until Indian and Malayan are compared with Philip¬
pine examples their identity must remain in doubt. These
Andaman individuals differ from the continental and Malayan
form by being of a much darker iron-grey underneath, by the

147

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

olive parts of the upper plumage being darker, and the chest¬
nut of the head and nape of a deeper shade, almost brown on
the crown. It may be that they belong to true H. striata ;
but if it should prove otherwise, I propose for this Andaman
race the title of H. ferrea.

94. Erythra phcenicura (Forster), Zool. Ind. p. 19, pi. 9,
“ Ceylon" (1781).

“S. Andaman : March 10, April 4, 2 , iris reddish brown,
legs greenish yellow, bill pale green, red at base of upper
mandible ; May 7, 2 ”

95. Totanus calidris (Linn.) , S. N. i. p. 252. no. 19 (1766) .

“ S. Andaman : Eeb. 20, $, iris brown, legs and feet dull

orange red, base of lower mandible red.”

“Port Blair, South Andaman: May 31, July 12.” ( Wim -
berley ) .

96. Tringa subarquata (Giildenst.), Nov. Com. Petr. xix.
p. 471, pi. 13 (1775).

“ S. Andaman : March 22, S , legs and feet greenish black.”

97. Tringa crassirostris, Schlegel, Faun. Jap. Aves ,
p. 107, pi. 64, “Japan, Java, Borneo” (1846).

Schceniclus magnus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1848, p. 39, “Aus¬
tralia;” Birds of Australia, vi. pi. 33.

Tringa magna (Gould) , Bp. C. It. xliii. p. 596. no. 21 1 (1856) .

Tringa tenuirostris (Horsf.), Swinhoe, P. Z. S. 1863, p. 315.
no. 298 ; op. cit. 1871, p. 408. n. 560.

Tringa tenuirostris (Horsf.), Gould, Handbook B. of Aus¬
tralia, ii. p. 260, sp. 520 (1865); G. It. Gray, Handbook, iii.
p. 49. no. 10302 (1871),

“ S. Andaman : March 14, 2 , iris dark brown, bill black,
legs greenish brown.”

Both Professor Schlegel (M. Pays-Bas, Scolopaces , p. 28)
and Mr. Harting (in epist.) are of opinion that Totanus tenui¬
rostris , Horsf. Tr. L. S. xiii. p. 192, “Java,” refers to Tota¬
nus stagnatilis, Bechstein, and not to this bird. Mr. Harting
most justly observes that Horsfield (l. c.), having classed the
Javan bird under the genus Totanus , would never have used

148

Lord Walden on a further Collection of

the expression “ the beak is more slender than in the Euro¬
pean species of this genns 99 if he had been describing from an
example of Tringa crassirostris.

98. Ardea purpurea, Linn. S. N. i. p. 23. no. 10 (1766).

“Port Blair, S. Andaman.” ( Wimberley ).

99. Herodias intermedia (Wagler), Isis, 1829, p. 659,
“ Java.”

Ardea egrettoides* , Temm. Man. d'Orn. iv. p. 374, “Sicile,”
errore (1840); Faun. Jap. Aves , p. 115, pi. 69, “Japan,
Java” (184-) ; Jerdon, Birds of India, iii. p, 745. no. 926
(1864).

“ S. Andaman : Feb. 28, 6 , iris yellow, orbital skin bright
yellow, bill dark yellow, legs greenish black.”

The type of this Egret was sent to Leyden by Yon Hasselt
from Java, with the manuscript name of Ardea intermedia.
Wagler, however, was the first to describe the species and
publish the title (l, c.) .

100. Herodias garzetta (Linn.), S. N. i. p. 237. no. 13
(1766).

Ardea nigripes , Temm. Man. d'Ornith. iv. p. 376, “LTnde
et les lies Sondai'ques, la Nouvelle Guinee.”

“ S. Andaman: Dec. 17, S, iris yellow, feet green, legs
and bill black, skin at base of bill yellow.”

This is the true A. nigripes , Temm., and also of Bonaparte
(Consp. ii. p. 119. no. 3), but not A. nigripes , Temm. apud
Bp. tom. cit. p. 116 (conf. Schlegel, Mus. P.-Bas, Ardece ,
pp. 14 & 19).

101. Ardeola grayi (Sykes), P. Z. S. 1832, p. 158. no. 176,
“ Dukhun.”

Ardeola leucopiera (Bodd.), Jerdon, Birds of India, iii.
p. 751. no. 930.

“ S. Andaman : March 10, S , iris pale yellow, bill orange-
yellow, legs pale green ; April 24, $ 99

In non-breeding-plumage. I have adopted the title refer-

* Not of S. G. Gmelin, Reise, ii. p. 193, pi. 25, which is a synonym
of Ardea alba , Linn.

149

Birds from the Andaman Islands.

able to the continental species on the assumption that the
Andaman bird belongs to it, and not to either the Malaccan
form (the true A. leucoptera) or to that of Java (A. speciosa ).

102. Nettapus coromandelianus (Gm.), S. N. i. p. 522.
no.90 (1788).

“ S. Andaman : Feb. 10, iris undistinguishable, apparently
red, upper mandible black, lower yellow horn-colour, legs
and feet greenish plumbeous tinged with yellow.”

“ Port Blair, S. Andaman : July 28, 6 $ .” ( Wimberley ).

The two examples obtained by Capt. Wimberley are adult.
The one shot by Mr. W. Ramsay is an immature bird.

103. Sterna paradise a, Brunnich, Ornith. Borealis, p. 46,
“ Christiania ” (1764) .

“Port Blair : May 20, 24; July 28, 30.” ( Wimberley) .

One example (May 20) in perfect plumage ; lower surface
deeply suffused with a rosy salmon tint ; outer pair of rectrices
exceed the middle pair by 3 \ inches ; the white edging of the
inner margin of the primaries runs round their extremities ;
the bill is black, except at the gape, where it is orange-red.
All the examples shot in May have bills similarly coloured,
excepting one, which has the basal half pale reddish yellow
and the remainder brown. One shot in July has the entire
bill pale yellow.

Mr. Howard Saunders, who has kindly identified this An¬
daman Tern, informs me that it is absolutely identical with
English, American, Spanish, and African specimens.

104. Onychoprion melanauciien (Temm.), PL Col. 247,
“ Celebes ” (1827).

“ S. Andaman : April 9, May 8, 9, 11, d ? , iris hair-brown,
bill black, legs pinkish brown.”

“S. Andaman: May 20, 24; July 30.” ( Wimberley ).

Full series were obtained by both Mr. W. Ramsay and by
Captain Wimberley. They are all in perfect dress, and ex¬
hibit a delicate roseate hue on their lower plumage.

105. Onychoprion anasth^etus (Scopoli), Del. FL Faun.
Insubr. ii. p. 92. no. 72 (1786), ex Sonnerat.

“ S. Andaman : March 12, $ .”

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

M

150

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi .

XVIII. — On some Birds from Hakodadi , in Northern Japan.

By R. Swinhoe.

(Plate VII.)

Mr. Thomas Blakiston, resident in Hakodadi, the port of
Yesso, the most northern island of the Japanese group, with
the help of a Japanese gentleman, Mr. Fukusi Goro, in the
service of the Japanese Government, has again been collecting
the birds of Northern Japan, and has sent me a fine series,
which I have carefully studied and compared, and will now
enumerate, with remarks.

With the Japanese birds are included two skins marked as
coming from G heyinsk, at the head of an inlet in the north
of the Sea of Oehotsk. Of these one is a fine adult of the
Aleutian Islands* Sea Eagle, Haliaetus pelagicus (Pall.), and
the other a male Amoorland Capercailzie, Tetrao urogalloides,
Midd. Both were probably procured from some Russian ves¬
sel from the north ; and that is the only way I can account
for the Dutch “ voyageurs ** of the f Fauna Japonica* find¬
ing the monster Sea-Eagle at Nagasaki,

1. Black-eared Kite. Milvus melanotis , T. & S.

A very rufous male shot in March, and nearly as bright-
coloured as the plate of the adult female in the ‘Fauna Ja-
ponica.* This rufescence is. I presume, accidental — though,
out of a large series from various parts of China, from Canton
to Pekin, I have not one so coloured. In these the occi¬
put and axillaries often show reddish feathers; but in the
Hakodadi specimen the head and neck, back, axillaries, and
breast are all reddish. I was at first disposed to think that
we had in this a distinct species, corresponding to the red
figure in the ‘ Fauna Japonica/ which has long been a stum¬
bling-block to me ; but I cannot find any distinction of form
to warrant such a belief. The other figure in the ‘ Fauna
Japonica/ that of a male, presents the appearance of the bird
that ranges along the China coast. The birds I procured in
Hainan are much smaller and darker, with larger bill, and less
white on the under quills. These I take to be the typical M.

IMs.1874.Pl.VIL

•J.(3-'iCeulem aiis . lith..

1. OHELID OPT BLAEISTOPFI
3 . OHELID ON WHITELYI.

MA-N'.HaJi'h.a.rt.iiap.

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 151

govinda, Sykes. Our ordinary bird will probably be the M.
major of Hume.

2. Small Chimney-Swallow. Hirundo gutturalis, Scop. ;c;/r

Two males, both shot in May. One is evidently an older ^ 0

bird than the other, with the white tail- spots larger, and with
the underparts tinged with pink. They are of precisely the
same species that summers everywhere along the China coast.

3. Black-chinned Martin. Chelidon blakistoni. (Plate
VII. fig. 1.)

Chelidon blakistoni , Swinhoe, P. Z. S. 1862, p. 320; Ibis,

1863, p. 90.

A male specimen, shot at Hakodadi in May, has been sent,
which entirely agrees with the typical male procured before
in July, except as regards the under tail-coverts, which are
brownish at tips in the present skin, instead of black as in
the former one. They may heighten in colour as the bird
gets older.

This Black-chinned Martin has a near ally in the smaller
Delichon nipalensis , Hodgs., of Nepaul, and also, indeed, in the
Hirundo dasypus, Bonap., of Borneo ; but in the description
of the latter (Consp. Av. p. 343) no mention is made of the
black chin.

Blakiston, in his letter to me under date 4 Aug. 1873,
says, “ shot nine specimens yesterday, not yet skinned, mea¬
sure 5 to 5J and 4 to 4J ; builds against overhanging cliffs.”

This bird has not turned up in China on its southward mi¬
gration, and very possibly, with Sturnia pyrrhogenys , and
probably other species, goes direct south to the Philippines
to pass the winter, if, indeed, it does not extend to Borneo,
and prove to be identical with H. dasypus mentioned above*.

To contrast with the bird from Japan the acting editor has

* I wrote and requested Mr. Gustav Sclilegel, of Batavia, who is now
residing with his father, Dr. H. Schlegel, at Leiden, to examine the spe¬
cimens of Hirundo dasypus for me. He reports that the Leiden museum
has two skins from Borneo, which look like those of young birds, that
they both have black on the chins and are dingy on the under parts. This
strengthens my supposition that the Borneo bird may be the same as that
from North Japan.

M 2

152 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi .

kindly consented to figure the species from North China on the
same plate (PL VII. fig. 2). The characters of this are its
small size, and vjhite upper tail-coverts. The latter, which it
has in common with no other species, suffices to convince me
that our bird is not the C. cashmiriensis> Gould, which it re¬
sembles in many respects. As was to be expected, ours proves
to be the Martin that visits Siberia in summer, and is minutely
described by Pallas (Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. p. 533) as Hirundo
lagopoda, in the belief that, from the difference in structure of
its nest, the Siberian bird ought to be thoroughly compared
with the European. I named the Chinese bird C. whitelyi in
P. Z. S. 1862, p. 320; but 1 have only to quote from Pallas's
description of the Daurian bird the following to show that it
is the same as ours : — Subtus avis tota nivei candoris ; sub-
caudales, itemque dorsum posticum, uropygium tectricesque
caudce nivese, rhachibus plumarum tenuissime fuseis, in qui-
busdam vix conspicue."

Mr. Fleming's specimen from near Pekin (figured in the
plate) is the only one of this species from China that I have ever
handled ; and the only time I ever saw the bird alive was on the
8th April, 1869, when, on some hills near the river Yangtsze,
about 1000 miles up its course, a pair of white-rnmped Martins
flew about over the heads of our party, in company with many
Daurian and a few Common Swallows.

4. King of the Shrimps. Alcedo bengalensis , GmeL

A young male, with both mandibles of bill blackish and the
breast-feathers tipped with dull bluish green.

5. European Nuthatch. Sitta europcea , L.

The species with white underparts. A specimen shot in
March.

6. Tree-creeper. Certhia familiaris, L.

The pale race of Amoorland, with a large whitish spot on
each feather of the crown and back. A specimen shot in
February.

7. Japanese Wren. Troglodytes fumigatus} Temm. Man.
d'Orn. vol. iii. p. 161.

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 153

Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, p. 222, puts this species
after T. europeeus, and refers to it as “ coloribus obscurioribus
mx distinctus ! ” He must either have had a bad specimen
to judge from, or he must have made a very hurried compa¬
rison between the two species. Blakiston has sent a male
shot in February ; and I have a mutilated skin, without label,
received from Mr. Collingwood. The species has a compa¬
ratively long tail, and comes nearer to some of the American
Wrens than to the European species^. It is of a rich reddish
brown on the upper parts, wings, and tail, browner on the
head and hind neck; the back, rump, wings, and tail are
banded with blackish brown ; the 2nd to the 5 th quills (re-
miges) having whitish spots on the outer web. The under¬
parts are lighter brown, mottled on the breast and belly with
black, and barred on the under tail-coverts, which are tipped
with white ; under wing-coverts and belly mottled with white.
Total length about 43 inches ; wing 2T, 3rd and 4th quills
equal and longest; tail 1*45, the outer feather *23 shorter
than centrals.

8. Eastern Reed-Thrush. €alamoherpe orientalis (T. &S.) <

A male shot in May, with red rictus, whitish throat, and

indications of streaks on the breast.

9. Kamtschatkan Grasshopper- Lark. Locustella subcer-
thiola, sp. nov.

Blakiston has now sent the same specimen which in 1863
I thought to be a pale L. ochotensis. The bird, however,
was not compared, and my identification was from memory
(see Ibis, 1863, p. 98) . I have recived from Dr. v. Schrenck
at St. Petersburg two skins from Kamtschatka, marked L. cer -
thiola , that tally with BlaldstonJs bird. Von Schrenck found
the true L. certhiola in Amoorland ; for he speaks of it in his

* [Mr. Swinhoe’s skin seems scarcely separable from the Winter-Wren
of North America, Troglodytes hy emails, or at all events from the var. alas-
eensis of Prof. Baird (Trans. Chicago Acad. 1869, p. 315). As this form
of Wren, according to Mr. Dali (Proc. California Acad. March 14, 1871),.
is a resident throughout the Aleutian Isles, and everywhere there u very
abundant and tame,” we can easily understand its occurrence in Japan.—

P.L.S.]

154

Mr. E. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

travels in that country, and notes its resemblance to L. ocho-
tensis, from which, he observes, it differs chiefly in wanting
the golden of the nnderparts. I must not, however, blame
the Eussian ornithologists for misnaming this bird, as I was
myself guilty of a similar mistake. With specimens before
one the mistake could never occur ; for the present bird is
large and pale. I will describe it as the

Locustella subcertii iola, sp. nov.

Form robust ; in colour Calamoherpine, but in respect of
wings, tail, and legs Locustelline ; wing with the 1st quill
spurious, 2nd notched on its inner web within half an inch of
its tip, 3rd the longest; tail much graduated, tipped with
whitish.

Length about 6 inches ; wing 2' 7 ; tail 2*3, outer feather
*68 shorter than centrals.

Above olive- grey, washed with yellowish brown on the back
and margins to feathers of wings, more richly on the rump
and margins of tail-feathers. Feathers of the crown and back
obscurely centred with brown. Wings brown, the 1st quill
white on its outer web for the greater part of its length ; tail
yellower, with faint bars. Throat, belly, and axillaries nearly
white ; sides of neck, breast, flanks, tibials, and under tail-
coverts ochreous olive-grey, deeper on the last and on the
sides of the body beneath the wings. Bill of specimen brown
on upper mandible, yellowish on lower ; legs of ditto light
yellowish brown.

I have not yet met this species in China ; and it is possible
it may migrate through Hakodadi to Kamtschatka, more to
the eastward, coming probably from the Philippines.

10. Black-eyebrowed Eeed-Wren. Calamodyta maackii>
V. Schrenek.

BlakistoiPs collection contains a veritable specimen of my
C. histrigiceps (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 353), which confirms my
suspicions that my bird is no other than Yon Schrenck’s
Salicaria ( Calamodyta ) maackii (Amurland, i. p. 370, pi. xii.
fig. 4-6) . I have only procured it at Amoy ; but Pere David
has it from Peking.

/&)$■

ss;

155

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi .

/r/s

zstr

11. Scaly- head ed Grass- Wren. Tribura squameiceps ,

Swinh. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 292.

A female from Hakodadi shot in May, answering to my
type specimen in colour and form. It has a nearly complete
tail, which is only an inch long, the rectrices narrow and
somewhat pointed, of a reddish olive-brown, the same colour
as the wings ; outer rectrix *15 shorter than centrals ; under
tail-coverts *3 shorter than central rectrices. The short tail
shows this species to be an abnormal Reed- Wren ; but as I
have placed it in the genus Tribura , I shall leave it there until
I find one better adapted. I am by no means confident as
to its position. I described it originally from a tailless spe¬
cimen procured by Captain Blakiston at Canton; I got it
again later in Formosa (Ibis, 1866, p. 397), but also imperfect
about the tail. The Hakodadi bird is the third specimen that I
have seen ; and would prove, I should think, that it is a migra¬
tory species, resorting to the north in summer. I took the
following note on the Japanese bird : — “ Bill *4, to gape *53 ;
tarse '7. Bill blackish brown, greenish yellow at gape and
on the tomia at base. Legs, claws, and nails very pale.”

/

12. Indian Stonechat. Pratincola indica , Blyth.

A pair, both shot in April, agreeing with Chinese speci- ^ 0
mens. The male is very black above, and has the rich breast-
band confined to the breast.

13. Cole-Tit. Parus ater , L.

One shot in March and another in October. These appear
to be the true European bird, though one has some of the
occipital feathers a little lengthened, perhaps not more than
in specimens I have seen from Sweden. The form found near
Peking is recognizable by its lengthened occipital feathers
forming a decided crest over the white nape-spot. Pere
David has named it Parus pekinensis (Ibis, 1870, p. 155).

14. Japanese Mouse-bird. Parus varius, T. & S.

A male, shot in April. The Japanese delight in keeping
this as a cage-bird, two or three together ; each cage supplied
with a small box with a hole in front for entrance. The birds
sleep in the box during the night, and frequently run in and

//;r.

J?7Sr

zsr

156 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

out during the day. The little captives have no song ; but
they amuse by their incessant activity, and by the Tit-like
habit they are fond of exhibiting of holding a seed firmly be¬
tween their feet while they hammer on it with the bill until it
breaks. They are often brought in cages from Japan to China.

15. Lesser Ox-eye. Parus minor , T. & S.

A male, from Hakodadi, of February. This has the second
tail-feather only tipped with white ; but the amount of white
on this feather varies. I have one specimen from China
(Tingchow) in which the second feather on one side of the tail
has very much more white than the corresponding feather on
the other side.

16. Northern Marsh-Tit. Parus borealis, Selys.

Blakiston's specimen was shot in J anuary ; and I have one

of Whitely*s from Hakodadi, shot in December. They both
have the black extending down the hind neck, with a whitish
margin, the light back, and whitish edging to secondary wing-
quills that distinguish the northern form from the true Marsh-
Tit. It is curious, however, that about Peking we get the
true Parus p alus tr is, L., which I carelessly identified before
with P. kamtschatkensis , Bp. (This last I now take to be the
same as my Pcecile baicalensis , Ann. N. H. ser. 4, vol. vii.
p. 257, 1871.) The Russian ornithologists only record P.
borealis from Siberia ; but it is very certain that both forms
must come across the Asiatic continent ; for if we take it
for granted that P. borealis has been developed out of P. pa~
lustris, we could scarcely expect a reversal of the process.

17. Bottle-Tit. Acredula caudata (Linn.).

The white-headed European species, which I have also from
Amoorland, from Yon Schrenck. O. trivirgatm , like our
English form, occurs in South Japan.

18. Japanese Pied Wagtail. Motacilla japonica, Swinh.
zU Mr. Blakiston has sent five of this species, three of which
he has presented to me ; let us mark them for convenience*
sake A, B, C. A is a female shot in April, and at first glance
might easily be taken for the grey -backed M. ocularis of

157

Mr. B. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

China ; but on close examination it is found to have a broader
eye-streak, the black more advanced on the forehead and
extending further down the hind neck, and the back dingier
and daubed with black. B is a male of May ; the back is al¬
most entirely black, and the sides of the neck black in part.
C is a female killed in March, and is in full breeding-plumage.
The head, neck, and back are entirely black, except the fore¬
head, eyebrow, and chin, which are white. It is the fullest
plumage I have yet seen, and quite equals the figure in the
f Fauna Japonica/ This bird I take to be quite adult, and
already in breeding-trim ; while the other two were probably
birds of the previous year, the male (as usual in this class)
having acquired his dress earlier than the female.

19. Eastern Grey Wagtail. Calobates melanops (Pall.).
Two specimens shot in April, and both marked females.
One, however, has the black throat of the male, and must be
of that sex. They are of the bright short-tailed race that pre¬
vails on the coast of China.

J2J8

z7

20. Brown Thrush. Turdus fuscatus, Pall.

A female of the past year, shot in March.

21. Blue and Bed Bock-Thrush. Monticola solitarius /&)§-
(P. L. S. Miill.).

A pair of adult birds, both shot in May, and therefore in
breeding-plumage. The female is like the female of the China
bird ; buff washed grey on the underparts, each feather with
a crescentic bar of blackish ; upper parts blackish grey washed
with blue, which brightens on the scapulars and rump, most
feathers having a crescentic bar of blackish ; wings and tail
blackish brown, the former edged paler. The male has lost
all his mottlings. His upper parts, throat, and breast are of
a fine silvery blue, which also margins the feathers of his
black wings and tail. His axillaries, belly, and vent are of a
rich chestnut-red. In my goodly series from China and For¬
mosa, a few of which were also shot in May and are free from
mottlings, I have not one of such bright tints as the Japanese
bird. I must state that I cannot agree with Messrs. Sharpe
and DresseFs conclusions (see their f Birds of Europe *) as to

158 Mr. R. Swinlioe on Birds from Hakodadi.

the full plumage of either sex of this species. None of my
many females favour the idea of the dress of this sex develop¬
ing eventually into that of the male, though this may occa¬
sionally happen, as with many species of birds. The ordinary
plumage of the female is as described above. There is also
nothing in my series of skins (on which the aforesaid gentle¬
men based their remarks) to convince me that the male loses
with age the red of the underparts. I would rather believe,
with Mr. Blyth, that the South-China bird is intermediate,
like the Burmese bird (M. affinis ), and is inconstant as to
the amount of the red on the underparts. In its upper
plumage the blue is duller tban in the Hakodadi bird, as 1
have already stated. The Formosan bird is nearly as dull in
its blue as the Amoy specimens ; but the underparts are nearly
always red throughout. I would preserve the name M. affinis
for the Chinese bird, and let the Formosan form rank as an
outlier of the true insular M. solitarius, of which I take the
Japanese form to be a typical illustration.

22. Brown-eared Bulbul. Hypsipetes amaurotis (Temm.) .

A female of February. To compare with this I have an

unsexed bird from Nagasaki (South Japan). The Hakodadi
specimen is larger, has a shorter bill, longer wings, and larger
tail, but does not differ in coloration. The describer of this
species found affinity for it in the American Mocking Thrushes ;
but there can be now no doubt that it has its true allies in
the Asiatic Tree-Bulbuls [Hypsipetes) , a conspecies having
turned up lately at Ningpo, in China.

23. Waxwing. Ampelis garrula , L.

Two specimens, date and sex unmarked. One is smaller
than the other, has six wax tips, and a narrow tail-band, and
answers to the figure in YarrelFs f British Birds/ p. 413.
The other is a much finer bird, has seven large wax tips, a
broad golden tail-tip, and white margins to the end of the
inner web of each primary quill, in addition to the terminal
edge of the outer web. This last, in the three main outer
feathers, is white, in the rest that succeed a fine golden. This
seems to be the common species in Japan as in China.

Mr. It. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 159

24. Small Grey Flycatcher. Butalis latirostris (Raffles).

A male shot in May. It is precisely the same as the bird

that passes up and down the China coast on its vernal and
autumnal migrations.

25. Narcissus Flycatcher. Xanthopygia narcissina (T.
&S.).

A male procured in May. This species is very abundant
in South China during its migrations, but passes away in a
few days. The summer visitant at Ningpo and northwards
in China is the white-eyebrowed species, X. tricolor , (Hartl.),
with the yellow-rumped female, which stays and breeds. The
present species with the yellow eyebrow, and the female with
whole-coloured back ( Muscicapa hylocharis, Faun. Japon.),
we know, summers in J apan — I think, in the Corea also.

26. Carrion-Crow. Corvus corone , L.

The specimen shot is a male, shot in May. Its large size
made me at first rather doubtful as to its species ; but Mr.
Sclater, who kindly undertook to compare the specimen, con¬
firms me in the present identification. It measures about
20| inches in length, wing 14 tail 8|, tarse in front 2*2.

Mr. W. Whitely brought home from Hakodadi a female,
shot on the 22nd October, of the same Crow. The occurrence
of this he neglected to insert in the list of birds from North
Japan that he published in 'The Ibis/ I have since pro¬
cured his specimen. It measures only 12J in the wing, with
a tail of 8 inches, the outer rectrix being one inch shorter
than the centrals ; tarse in front 2 inches.

This species has not occurred in China from the island of
Hainan to Peking, except at the small island of Narchow,
near Hainan ; its place in China, Hainan, and Formosa, so
far as yet explored, being found to be occupied by the large¬
billed, green-glossed Corvus sinensis of Gould.

27. Greyish Starling. Sturnus cineraceus, Temm.

A male shot in April, and a female in May. Identical with
the bird found in China.

28. Red-cheeked Small Starling. Sturnia pyrrhogenys
(T. & S.).

Male and female procured in May, and in fine breeding-

160

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

plumage. They are marked, chiefly about the rump and vent,
with the ochreous rufescence that adorns this small group at
this season. I have procured this same species from Manilla
(Calornis albifrons , Blyth) ; and it doubtless winters in the
Philippines. I have never seen it on the China coast.

29. Mountain-Finch. Fringilla montifringilla} L.

A female in February.

30. Japanese Goldenwing. Chlorospiza kawarahiba
(Temm.) .

A full-plumaged male of May, and a young male of Sep¬
tember. I have not seen this species in China. Our allied
C. sinica (L.) is larger in North China than in South. My
Peking specimen is very much larger than those from Amoy ;
but a Ningpo specimen is decidedly intermediate.

31. Japanese Hawfinch. Coccothraustes japonicus, Bp.

A male and female without date.

nn

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ml

32. Mealy Redpole. Aegiothus borealis (Temm.).

Of this species I have received from Hakodadi a male shot
in March, and two females, one shot in J anuary, and the other
in March. They agree with specimens procured in England.
The male has a fine red breast, and some red on its throat,
cheeks, and rump. The January female has the forehead of
a yellower red than the March bird of the same sex. I have
a fine blushing male from Peking, presented by Pere David.

33. Lesser Redpole. AEgiothus linaria (L.).

A male of February, with merely a tinge of pink on the
cheeks, throat, breast, and rump. This species is easily dis¬
tinguished from the last by its smaller size, by having less
white on the rump, and scarcely any edging to its tail-feathers.
The Hakodadi skin agrees with home-shot specimens.

34. Long- tailed Rose Finch. Uragus sanguinolentus
(Temm!) .

A male of March, and a female of February. A fine species,
and very distinct from U. sibiricus of North-East Asia.

35. Eastern Bullfinch. Pyrrhula orient alis.

A male and female without date.

161

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

36. Masked Bunting. Emberiza personata, T. & S.

A male of May. This is the first of this species that I have

handled; and I recognize at once its distinctness from the
common winter Bunting of China. Out of forty-five speci¬
mens of the last in my collection from Shanghai and south¬
wards there is not one that can he assigned to this species.

The Chinese bird is the E. spodocephala, Pall., of North-
Eastern Asia.

37. Painted Bunting. Emberiza fucata, Pall. If]?

A May male. This species is found all over South China

in winter.

38. Japanese Meadow-Bunting. Emberiza ciopsis, Bp.

This is also the first I have seen of this species. It is at

once to he distinguished from the resident form of the northern
half of China hy its larger size and black instead of chestnut
ear-coverts. I named the Chinese bird after Dr. Henry Gi-
glioli (see Ibis, 1867, p. 393) ; but I now find that it agrees
with Pallas's description of E. cia (Zoogr. Rosso- Asiat.), which
name, having been before applied to the European Meadow-
Bunting, Professor Brandt changed to E. cioides. This last,
then, will be the name of the Chinese bird, unless, indeed, Sco-
poli's name, E. barbata, applies to the same species.

39. Country Bunting. Emberiza rustica. Pall. /$'?$'

A fine male of this species in full breeding-plumage.

40. Black-hooded Reed-Bunting. Schoenicola yesso'ensis,
Blakiston, n. sp.

This is decidedly distinct from S. minor, i. e. S. pallasi, or
any other form of Reed-Bunting with which I am acquainted.

It was described by Blakiston originally under the above
name, which would have been published (Ibis, 1863, p. 99)
had I not told him that I recognized S. minor in his much-
worn specimen. The skin he has now sent is that of a male
in fine plumage shot in April, and shows the upper parts tinted
with bright chestnut, and the central rectrices greyish brown.

It answers in other respects to Blakiston's description (l. c.) .

From our winter Chinese visitor it may be at once recognized
by its larger bill, by the black hood being confined to the cir-

162

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

cumference of the head and not descending at all on to the
breast, by the absence of white on the nape, and by the ru-
fescence of the upper parts. Blakiston remarks, “ it arrives
early and inhabits meadows.” Where does this species go
for its winter ? Does it also wander to the Philippines ?

41. Japanese Lark. Alauda japonic a, T. & S.

A male shot in March. This has more the bill of the
Woodlark, A. arbor ea, the gonys of the under mandible de¬
scending near the tip. It is otherwise in appearance like the
Skylark, A. arvensis, but is smaller, with shorter wing, and
with more black on the back, and has the tail-feathers nar¬
rowing towards their tips, the inner web of the 1st rectrix
having a blackish margin for about one half the length of the
feather, the 3rd rectrix having the inner web without any
white at its tip ; and it has a much darker foot. Blakiston
writes of the bird, “ not a Tree-Lark, as you supposed.”

42. Eastern Wryneck. Yunx japonica, Bp.

A male, shot in May, of the same small race that visits
South China in winter.

43. Eastern Turtle Dove. Turtur gelastes (Temm.).

A female shot in April, and precisely identical with the
Dove that breeds in the northern half of China and visits the
south during winter.

44. Eastern Golden Plover. Charadrius fulvus , Lath.

A female procured in May, only in partial summer-

plumage.

45. Harting's Sand-Plover. AEgialites placidus (G. R.
Gray*).

A male and female, both of April. The female is larger
than the male, with less black on the forehead, and a less per¬
fect neck-ring. She is rather smaller, and has a shorter bill
than a female procured by myself on the Yangtze in May ;
but she has more of the summer black about her forehead and
neck. The male is also smaller than a May Yangtze male,
has a shorter back, smaller legs, and a wing *5 less long. It

* Cf. Ibis, 1873, p. 326.

163

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

is also in more mature plumage. The differences between the
Hakodadi and Yangtze birds are conspicuous; but the mark¬
ings and main characters proclaim them of one species.

46. Grey Sandpiper. Totanus incanus, Vieill.

A pair shot in May. The female is rather larger, has a
longer wing, and is less waved across the breast and belly.
They are both in summer-plumage.

47. Wood-Sandpiper. Totanus glareola , L. /syg

A May male.

48. Common Sandpiper. Tringoides hypoleucus ( L.). /gy$

A female shot in April, and a male in May.

49. Australian Great Snipe. Gallinago australis.

A fine male shot in May. It is of large size, and has the eight
central tail-feathers of ordinary scolopaceous form and colour ;
besides these there are five peculiar ones on each side, the two
outer of which are very narrow and whiter. The species only
occurs in Hakodadi in spring and autumn, like the spring
Snipe, G. megala , in China. Blakiston notes that “ spring
specimens are less rufous than those shot in August.” ,

50. Common Snipe. Gallinago scolopacina , Bp.

A male shot in May. Blakiston remarks, “ my measure¬
ments are 10 J to 10f x 5 to 5 J.”

51. Red-breasted Rail. Porzana erythrothorax, T. & S.
A male shot in June.

52. Indian Water- Rail. Rallus indicus, Blyth.

A male and female, shot in May, agree with our Chinese
form with the dark mark through the eye. The male is larger
and has a larger bill than the female.

53. Eared Grebe. Podiceps nigricollis , Gmel.

One in winter plumage, and one marked male, in April, in
full spring dress. This small species is recognizable in any
plumage by its upturned bill.

54. Red-throated Diver. Colymbus septentrionalis, L.
A female in immature plumage, without date.

Hi

164 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi.

55. Yellow-nibbed Wild Duck. Anas zonorhyncha ,
'%% Swinh-

A male specimen, just like the China bird. Blakiston
writes, “ I have another, with broader bill, and more like a
female Mallard. There is no doubt about the species ; but
does it breed with the Mallard ? ''

/£?£ 56. Falcated Teal. Eunetta falcata (Pall.).

A male in full plumage.

57. Common Cormorant. Phalacrocorax carbo (L.).

An adult in spring plumage, and an immature bird ; both
without date and sex.

58. Resplendent Shag. Phalacrocorax pelagicus (Pall.).

Phalacrocorax ceolus} Swinh. Ibis, 1867, p. 395.

Two immature birds without date — one marked a female, the
other unmarked. These specimens, which look very like the
figure of the young Carbo bicristatus in the f Fauna Japonica 3
(t. lxxxiv.B), I recognize, by their straight cylindrical bills and
the proportions of their wing-quills, to belong to the allied
form, my (Bolus , which Pallas long ago separated as G. pela-
gicus (Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. tom. ii. p. 303). In Chefoo I
met with the species in breeding- plumage, and could then easily
distinguish the birds by their bare face-skin being rubro-
papillose, as Pallas describes it. But perhaps a more telling
character is the proportions of the quills in the one species as
compared with those in the other. P. pelagicus has the 2nd,
3rd, and 4th primary quills equal and longest ; while in P.
bicristatus the 3rd alone is the longest. In P. bicristatus
too, the face-skin is smooth and yellowish, and the bill is
slightly inclined to turn up. P. tenuirostris , Temm., from
Japan, given in Mr. G. R. Gray's f Hand-List/ is probably
synonymous with Pallas's P. pelagicus , which, strangely
enough, Mr. G. R. Gray identifies with the better-known
P. bicristatus , Pallas.

Uj

59. Black-tailed Gull. Larus crassirostris , Vieill.

An adult without sex or date marked. Mr. Howard Saun¬
ders, who makes a special study of this group, has examined

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Birds from Hakodadi. 165

and compared these Gulls from Japan, and confirms me in
my identification of them.

60. Larger Common Gull. Larus niveus , Pall. /$p

An adult female without date. Mr. Saunders thinks that
this is only a larger race of the Common Gull, L. canus.

61. Great Black-backed Gull. Larus marinus , L.

A fine male without date. This species is not mentioned in
any of the Russian works that I have access to as occurring
in these seas ; nor do the Americans know it from the Pacific
side of their continent. Pallas notes that he never received
the species from Siberia. He further states that its hill is as
in L. cachinnans, and he wonders whether they are really dis¬
tinct. This, I should think, would imply that the name L.
cachinnans is referable to the large Herring-Gull of these seas,
which we at present call either L. occidental is, And., or L.
borealis , Brandt, and not to the smaller bird like L. argen-
tatuSy but with a darker back, which Schlegel unites with
that species.

62. The Burgomaster. Larus glaucus , L.

An adult female shot in March.

63. Large Grey- winged Gull. Larus glaucescens, Brandt.
An adult male and a male in change from the immature.

Both without date.

7

7

64. Laughing Hooded Gull. Chroicocephalus ridibun-
dus (L.).

There are three specimens of this : — a female shot in May,
with a well-developed hood ; a male shot in April, without
hood ; and a female shot 20th April, with many immature
markings still showing on the upper plumage.

?

65. Flesh-billed Black Albatross. Diomedea derogata,
Swinh. P.Z.S. 1873, p. 786.

A bird of this species marked male, and dated July. A few
of this species occurred at Chefoo, North China, in June. All
1 procured were also males ; and I described the bird in the
P. Z. S. of last December. In the figure of this species in the

IsriT

ftfo

to*}*

/

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

N

166 Dr. G. Hartlaub on a new Species of Pytelia.

‘ Fauna Japonica' (there given as the young of D. brachyura,
t. lxxxvii.) the hill is not coloured sufficiently dingy, nor the
legs sufficiently black.

/$ys 66. Rhinoceros Auk. Ceratorhyncha monocerata (Pall.) .

An adult male without date, and two immature birds, one
shot in March, of the female sex, the other a male shot in
April.

67. Behring's Dovekie. Uria antiqua (Gmel.).

An adult female of this pretty species, shot in April.

68. Guillemot. Uria , sp.

I am not able to refer this bird to any described species.
It is something like Brachyrhamphus marmoratus, but has a
longer bill, and is probably referable to an undescribed species
nVf of Uria.

2,lo

The specimen received is a female shot in May. It is brown
marbled with blackish on the back, has a white band at the
base of the scapulars, and is white below obscurely barred
with black. Blakiston writes, “ I have one nearly black
below, and more Woodcock-coloured above."

c/7

XIX. — Description of a new Species of Pytelia.

By Dr. G. Hartlaub.

Pytelia retchenovii, sp. nov.

Olivaceo-virescens ; macula ante oculum pallide fulva ; dorso,
tergo, uropygio, supracaudalibus longis, tectricum et re-
mi gum cubitalium marginibus externis obscure sanguineo
tinctis ; rectricibus unicoloribus nigris ; subcaudalibus et
subalaribus olivaceis ; mento et gutture dilutius virescen-
tibus ; rostro nigricante ; pedibus, ut videtur, plumbeis.
Iris nigra.

Long. tot. 12 cent. ; rostr, a fr. 9 mil. ; al. 55 mil.; caud. 36
mil. ; tars. 2 cent.

Dr, A. Reichenow collected this interesting new species at
Bondongo (Cameroons) . It is a female, and very probably an
adult one. It is a typical Pytelia. I submitted this bird.

Mr. P. L. Sclater on Pere David’s Travels in China. 1 67

before publishing it as new, to the inspection of Mr. R. B.
Sharpe, who also declares it to be undescribed. Only one
specimen was obtained. Wings and tail very short.

Bremen, March 5, 1874.

XX. — Notice of Pere David’s Travels in China.

By P. L. Sclater.

The recently completed seventh volume of the ‘ Nouvelles
Archives du Museum d^Histoire Naturelle de Paris ' contains
a most interesting report, addressed to the Professors of the
museum by the celebrated traveller, Pere Armand David, on
his travels in the interior of China. So little is generally
known concerning the exact countries in which Pere DavkPs
extraordinary zoological discoveries were made, that we pro¬
pose to give a short abstract of this memoir for the informa¬
tion of our readers.

Pere David started from his residence in the province of
Pekin on the 26th of May, 1868, and returned from his ex¬
pedition, after an absence of twenty-five months, on the 24th
of June, 1870. The first halting-place on his route was at
Ching-kiang, in the province of Kiangsu, in Central China,
where four months were passed in waiting for a favourable
opportunity of continuing his travels westwards . This locality
having been already accessible to Europeans for the last eight
years, and not being very rich in animal life, only thirty species
of birds were obtained there. Amongst these, however, were
the new Nuthatch, described by Yerreaux as Sitta sinensis,
and other species new to the Museum of Paris.

It was not until the 13th November, 1868, that Pere David
succeeded in making arrangements to quit Kiangsu and to
ascend the Yangtze- Kiang, or, as the Chinese call it, the Ta-
Kiang or Great River. He proceeded by steamer as far as
Hankow, and thence in a Chinese junk through a series of
canals and lakes towards the ancient city of Ichang. After
eight or ten days of this slow navigation, the Great River was
rejoined, and the traveller entered a larger junk, which was

n 2

168 Mr. P. L. Sclater on Pere David’s Travels in China.

destined to carry him to Setchuan. From Hankow to Chong-
kin not less than sixty-four days were required to traverse the
numerous rapids which flow through the imposing gorges met
with in this part of the Yangtze. From Chong-kin, leaving
his baggage to follow by water, our traveller took a more
direct route by land, and in twelve days' journey reached
Ching-tou, the capital city of the great province of Setchuan.
The first two months of the year 1869 were passed in making
collections in the environs of this city, and in the mountain-
range which lies two days' journey to the north of it. Ching-
tou lies in the midst of a fertile and well-cultivated plain, tra¬
versed by numerous canals, at an altitude of about 1500 feet
above the sea-level. This part of China is much better wooded
than any of the eastern portion, though no actual forests are
found until the further frontiers are reached. At the end of
February 1869, Pere David left Ching-tou for the principality
of Moupin, where most of his important discoveries were made.
This district, which does not appear to be marked in any of
our maps, is described as belonging to the “ Mantze," or in¬
dependent barbarians, who are neither Chinese nor Thibetans,
but rather more allied to the latter. They form a number of
small autonomous states, having their own laws and, in some
cases, their own languages. The journey thither from Ching-
tou lasted eight days, the second half of which was very ar¬
duous on account of the steep mountain-range it was neces¬
sary to pass, over snow and ice. At the summit of the pass
between China and Moupin the barometer indicated a height
of 3000 metres, or 9843 English feet.

Pere David's ordinary residence in Moupin was near the sum¬
mit of one of the chief valleys of the principality, at an eleva¬
tion of 2129 metres, or a little less than 7000 feet above the sea-
level. Just as he arrived in this strange country a somewhat
serious check was caused to his collecting by the issue of a sove¬
reign edict against hunting of any kind, on account of a me¬
tempsychosis of Buddha that had just taken place. Happily
the hunters of Moupin were not very scrupulous, and this
difficulty was overcome by a slight addition to their pay. The
highest mountain of Moupin, called Hong -chan-tin, was only

Mr. P. L. Sclater on Pere David’s Travels in China. 169

a day's journey from Pere David's habitation ; and he ascended
the principal summit, which he calculated to be at an elevation
of about 5000 metres, or 15000 feet. Thence, on the north
and south-west, large masses of snow-clad mountains were
visible. Although the centre of Moupin lies between the
31st and 32nd degree of latitude north, the winter is severe in
the valley, and the ice and snow lasted for several months.
Besides, all the year round there were showers of rain or snow,
and frequent mists. The mountains are densely wooded up
to an elevation of 9000 or 10,000 feet.’ The forest consists
principally of pines and cedars. Rhododendrons abound, no
less than sixteen different species being found, some of which
attain a considerable size. Magnolias and several sorts of
Laurus are also met with. The flora generally is stated to
be very rich. In these forests the many remarkable species
of mammals were discovered which M. Alphonse Milne-Ed-
wards has lately described from Pere David's collection.
Amongst them the most novel are the Rhinopithecus voxel -
lance , a monkey which is found in the highest forests, and the
extraordinary JEluropus melanoleucus , which inhabits the same
districts. In his report, Pere David gives a list of no less
than 110 species of mammals of which he obtained specimens,
either in Moupin, or in the adjourning districts north of the
Yang-tze. Of these, not less than 40 were new to science.

Of the birds of Moupin, Pere David has given a nominal
list in a previous number of the Bulletin*.

In the report before us he mentions that his list embraces
469 species, of which 50 were new to science, and about 90
others new to the fauna of China. The splendid new Monaul,
Lophophorus I’huysi, frequents the open prairies above the
forest-region at an elevation of 12,000 feet, but is not very
numerous.

Tetraophasis obscurus and Ithaginis geoffroyi do not occur
out of the forests, whilst Pucrasia xanthospila is found in them
and also in the mountains above. The Amherst's Pheasant
( Thaumalea amher slice) inhabits the bamboo-thickets, at an ele-

* “ Catalogue des Oiseaux de Chine observes dans la partie septentri-
onale de l’Empire &c.,” Nouv. Arch. d. Mus. vii. Bull. p. 1.

170 Mr. P. L. Sclater on Pere David’s Travels in China.

vation of from 6000 to 9000 feet ; while Lerwa nivicola keeps to
the rocks, above 12,000 feet in altitude. Similar interesting
details are given respecting the principal discoveries in reptiles,
insects, and other branches of the fauna of Moupin.

At the end of the year 1869 Pere David left Moupin, nearly
worn out by the fatigues and privations he had suffered, and re¬
turned to Ching-tou, the capital of Setchuan, to recruit hinself
under the kind hospitality of Monsignor Pinchon,the Apostolic
Vicar of that district. Before returning homewards, however,
he determined to make a rapid excursion into the basin of the
Kokonoor, and, starting the day after Christmas -day, arrived,
after twelve days' travelling, and crossing a high range of
mountains, in a wooded valley in the eastern corner of this
watershed. After traversing the plain of Setchuan, hills of
small elevation were first met with : thence to arrive at Lon-
ganfou, on the north-west, four days' march were necessary,
and higher elevations were entered upon. The parts of the
basin of the Kokonoor visited by Pere David did not in general
appearance differ much from Moupin ; but a few novelties were
met with. The most remarkable of these was the Crossoptilon
ccerulescens, which is most probably the true Phasianus auritus
of Pallas . Other new species discovered here were lanthocincla
artemisice, Suthora conspicillata , Allotrius pallidus, and locos
xanthorrhoeus.

Pere David returned to Ching-tou again about the end of
March, and after a month's stay, in order to recruit his health
and to put his collections in order, descended the Yangtze to
Shanghai, arriving at that city on the 18th of June, in an
exhausted state of health, and nearly overcome by the fatigue
of his long and wearisome journeyings.

The great interest of Pere David's discoveries consists not
only in the number of strange and startling novelties met with,
but likewise in the fact that he has shown the existence on
the Chinese^ slopes of the great central range of Asia of a fauna
corresponding to that of Nepaul and the Indian face of the
Himalayas. Thus in mammals the AElurus and Budorcas of
the Himalayas are met with, as well as the new form, JElu-
ropus. As regards the ornithology of Moupin, Mr. H. J!

Mr. P. L. Sclater on Pere David3 s Travels in China. 171

Elwes lias so well put forward its leading features in his re¬
cently published article on the geographical distribution of
Asiatic birds *, that I cannot do better than conclude this
short notice of Pere David^s wonderful discoveries by repeat¬
ing what Mr. Elwes has said.

ffWe now see that the Himalayan range is not, as it seemed
to be, an isolated range of mountains, possessing a fauna of
its own, but simply the boundary of a vast tract of mountain¬
ous country extending over the whole of Southern China and
Indo-China, and showing, wherever its elevation exceeds about
4000 feet, the same peculiar forms. It is par excellence a
region of mountains ; for wherever cultivated plains of low
elevation are found, there the birds of the forest and the
mountain disappear, and are poorly replaced, as in India and
Eastern China, by other more wide-spread and well-known
genera.

“This region is the headquarters of the Phasianidse, the
Timaliidae, and Leiotrichinse of Jerdon, and is, compared
with most parts of the world, very poor in Paptores and
Grallatores.

“Out of 170 species of birds obtained in Moupin by Pere
David, only 9, namely Picoides funebris, Coccothraustes
vulgaris , Chlorospiza sinica, Eophona personata, Thaumalea
amher slice, Crossoptilon tibetanum , Tetraophasis obscurus , Cho-
lornis paradox a, and a genus allied to Pnoepyga and Troglo¬
dytes, are of genera not found in the Himalaya ; 61 belong to
genera either peculiar to or highly characteristic of those
mountains; only 21, or about 12 per cent., belong to genera
common to the whole of the Indo-Malay region,-— showing
that, as far as our present knowledge extends, Moupin, though
not so rich in species as Sikim or Nepal, is, from the absence
of a low flat plain like the Terai, a district more characteristic
of the Himalo-Chinese subregion than any part of the Hima¬
laya itself.

“ Among the most curious birds found here may be men¬
tioned Cholornis paradox a, Verr., a bird so like Heteromorpha
unicolor, Hodgs., that if the feet were cut off I do not think
* P. Z. S. 1873, p. 645.

172

Mr. P. L. Sclater on new

it could be distinguished. It has, however, the outer toe
aborted in such a peculiar way that it has been made by its
describer the type of a new genus. This bird seems to have
the same habit of skulking in dense jungle of hill-bamboo
that I have observed in Paradoocornis, Heteromorpha, and
Suthora.

“ Pno’epyga troglodytoides, New., is another curious bird,
doubtfully assigned to that genus by its describer, and very
different in appearance from any Pno'epyga I have seen.

Many species previously only known from the Himalaya
were found in Moupin by M. David — among them Grandala
coelicolor , Hodgs., Cinclus caskmeriensis , Gould, Lerwa nivi-
cola, Hodgs., and Accentor nipalensis, Hodgs., all birds which
I have only seen at elevations above 14,000 feet in Sikim.
Coupling with this the absence of Barbets, Fruit-Pigeons,
Trogons, Hornbills, and the tropical genera of Woodpeckers,
all birds which are found as high as 5000 or 6000 feet in
Sikim, I conclude that the lowest valleys in this part of Thibet
are of a much more alpine nature than in Sikim, and subject
in winter to a more severe climate.”

XXI. — New and forthcoming Bird-Books.

By the Acting Editor.

At no previous period, we believe, has so much ornithological
work been going on as at the present time. In every branch
of our favourite science great activity is now manifested. A
few words, therefore, on the leading events of the day may
not be unacceptable to such of our readers as live away from
the great centres of civilization.

Commencing with the Palaearctic Region, Mr. Gould's
great work on the birds of Great Britain is now complete,
and his numerous subscribers are struggling to get their copies
bound as quickly as possible. No bird-book, it is whispered,
has ever had such a financial success. Every copy of a large
edition is either already disposed of, or likely to be so within
a very short period, and the work will quickly rise to a pre¬
mium. Nor is this any matter for wonder, when we turn over

173

and forthcoming Bird-Books.

the life-like portraits of our feathered favourites with which
Mr. Gould has here presented us, and which cannot fail to
interest a large number of the wealthy and educated class of
the community in the study of British birds.

Mr. Dresser proceeds rapidly with the f Birds of Europe/
of which, since the defection of Mr. Sharpe, he has the sole
control. The 25th part of this work is now before us, and
rivals those that preceded it in the interest of its contents.
There can be no question as to the vast amount of labour
bestowed upon its production, nor as to its great superiority
as regards solid information over every previous work upon
the subject. The minute attention paid to range and varia¬
tion particularly commends it to the scientific naturalist.
We see, however, with some concern that the author has fallen
a victim to the prevailing epidemic for discovering antiquated
names and giving them precedence over those generally in use.
The nomenclature of even the great Linnaeus himself, in our
eyes far too sacred to be tampered with, is in some cases ruth¬
lessly supplanted ; witness the wonderful generic term Mr.
Dresser has adopted for the Spoonbill. Nothing can be more
satisfactory than the way in which Mr. Dresser has worked
out some of the difficult members of the genus Saxicola in
his last number; nothing can be less satisfactory than the
changes he has proposed to introduce into the names of some
of the best-known species.

Prof. Newton's new edition of ‘YarrelPs British Birds ,
likewise moves on, though not so speedily as its quarto
rival. Part vii., just issued, takes us through the Titmice
into the Wagtails. Great difficulties occur in both these
groups, which the author has surmounted in his usual judi¬
cious manner. Parus britannicus is discreetly left among
those forms in which specific differentiation has not been
entirely established,” and our old friend Parus ater put back
into his proper place in the British list. Hurrah for the con¬
servative reaction ! In the case of the W agtails Motacilla yar -
relli is kept distinct from M. alba, but conclusively shown to
be the true M. lugubris of Temminck, which name is adopted
for it.

It might have been supposed that three such books on one

174

Mr. P. L. Sclater on new

subject would be enough to satisfy the British public at the
present time ; but it appears that such is not the case, for we
are told that a new edition of Dr. Breeds f Birds of Europe 9
is called for, and will be commenced forthwith.

Persia, as intervening between the well-known faunas of
Europe and India, is a most interesting country as regards
the geographical aspect of ornithology. We are rejoiced to
hear that there is at last every prospect of our becoming well
acquainted with it. Major St. John and Mr. Blanford are
now in this country preparing a report upon the expedition
which they were engaged in on the eastern frontiers of Persia
last year. The second volume of this work, to which the
Indian Government has accorded considerable assistance,
will be prepared by Mr. Blanford, and will be devoted entirely
to the zoology of Persia. The series of birds is large ; and
Mr. Blan ford’s thorough acquaintance with Indian and Euro¬
pean forms will render his account of the intervening district
of great value to science.

As regards the more central portions of the Palsearctic
Region, we hear that the new Russian expedition under Prshe-
valski has lately returned to St. Petersburg*, having amassed
large zoological treasures in the great desert of Gobi and ad¬
jacent parts of Tibet. The species of birds obtained number
292, among which are said to be new species of Gyps , Turdus ,
Pterorhinus, and Podoces. The first volume of Prshevalski’s
work on the results of this expedition, to be entitled f Mon¬
golia and the country of the Tanguts/ will appear before the
end of the year.

M. Severtzoff has published his researches upon the Fauna
of Turkestan in the f Transactions 9 of the Imperial Society
of Naturalists of Moscow, under the title of “ Turkestanskie
Sevotnie.” Unfortunately the whole book is in Russian, so
that it is not possible for a person unacquainted with that
abnormal language to make much of it. It is, however, an
important work ; and we hope, with Mr. Dresser’s kind aid, to
give some account of it in our next number.

* See Petermann’s e Mittheilungen,’ 1874, p. 41, for some account of this
adventurous expedition ; likewise t The Gtographical Magazine ’ for April
1874, p. 5.

175

and forthcoming Bird- Books.

Still further eastward our friend and fellow worker, Mr.
Swinhoe (whose health has unfortunately compelled him
to return to England), continues to prosecute his inquiries
into the Chinese ornis in the most energetic manner*. Our
present number contains his account of recent collections
formed in Japan by Captain Blakiston ; and for our next issue
he promises us an article on the birds obtained at his last
place of sojourn, Chefoo. The locality is of great interest,
being previously unexplored by naturalists, and lying imme¬
diately opposite the f 1 f great unknown land ” of Corea, whence
Mr. Swinhoe has already obtained several novelties.

In connexion with this part of our subject we must also
call attention to Mr. Elwes's suggestive article on the distri¬
bution of Asiatic birds recently published in the Zoological
Society's f Proceedings/ though this more especially relates to
the fauna of the Indian .Region, which we now proceed to
speak of.

At the time of his lamented death Dr. Jerdon, as we all
know, was engaged in preparing a new edition of his f Birds
of India/ We are glad to be able to state that there is every
prospect of his plans being carried out in a very efficient
manner. The rapid sale of the whole of Dr. Jerdon's original
edition shows that there is a great demand for a second ; and
every one will allow that Lord Walden is the naturalist best
qualified to carry it through the press. In Major Godwin-
Austen, who has lately devoted so much time to the investi¬
gation of Indian ornithology, he will have a most efficient co¬
adjutor.

Of our India \\ pendant, which rejoices in the eccentric title
of f Stray Feathers/ a notice of parts 1 to 4 has already been
given in this Journal f by a writer well qualified to speak of
Indian ornithology and all that pertains to it. Part 5 (dated
July 1873) is the only additional number received in this

* Amongst his most remarkable recent discoveries is the new Stork,
Ciconia boyciano, described and figured P. Z. S. 1873, p. 513, and 1874,
pi. i., of which there is a living example in the Zoological Society’s
Gardens.

t Ibis, 1873, p. 211,

176

Mr. P. L. Sclater on new

country. It contains many papers of interest by the editor
and other Indian ornithologists. But we must protest against
the publication of such articles as that by Capt. Hutton on
the “ Parroquets of India/' in which one species is described
as “ totally distinct '' because it sits still all day, and another
(not yet obtained) because it is said to breed at a different
season. Mr. Stoliczka gives an interesting note on the struc¬
ture of Indicator , in confirmation of its affinity to the Capi-
tonidse.

We believe that no portion of Mr. Hume's new general
work on Indian birds, to be entitled ( A Conspectus of the
Avifauna of India and its dependencies,' has yet made its
appearance.

Major Godwin-Austen's last visit to the Naga Hills and
Munipore has resulted in the discovery of ten new species of
birds, which were described at the Zoological Society's meet¬
ing on the 6th of J anuary last. These were named Sitta na-
gensis, Garrulax galbanus, G. albosuperciliaris , Trochalopteron
cineraceum, T. virgatum, Actinodura waldeni, Layardia r£bi-
ginosa, Prinia rufula, Cisticola munipurensis , and Munia subun-
dulata. An eleventh has since been described in the Annals
of Nat. Hist. (ser. 4, vol. xiii. p. 160) as Sibia pulchella.

Hr. John Anderson, of Calcutta, is in this country on leave,
but by no means idle, as he is engaged in working up the
zoological collections of the “Yunan" Expedition, to which
he was attached as naturalist. After some pressure the Indian
Government have been induced to give liberal aid to this un¬
dertaking ; and the results will shortly be published in the
Linnean Society's f Transactions.' The new species of birds
have, it will be recollected, been already diagnosed in the
P. Z. S. 1871, p. 211 ; but the forthcoming work will give an
account of all the species met with in the terra incognita tra¬
versed by the expedition.

As regards the more eastern parts of the Indian region, we
hear of a work on the birds of Borneo, mainly founded on
Horia's collections in Sarawak, as shortly to be published in
Italy*. Of Lord Walden's valuable article on the birds of the
* See advertisement on cover.

177

and forthcoming Bird-Books .

Philippines, which will fill up a hiatus valde deflendus in our
knowledge of the Indian ornis, an abstract is given in the
Zoological Society's f Proceedings ' for 1873 (p. 519) ; and
the complete memoir will appear before long in the Society's
1 Transactions.' The plates are already on the stone.

We now come to the ^Ethiopian Region. Here Mr. Sharpe
is working away with his usual activity, as several recent con¬
tributions to the f Proceedings ' and f Annals of Natural His¬
tory' testify. We also hear with pleasure of the steady pro¬
gress of his proposed new edition of Layard's f Birds of
South Africa.'

H. von Heuglin's important work on the birds of North-
Eastern Africa has at length come nearly to a close. The
42-43rd “ Lieferung " brings us to the end of the text and
finishes the second volume. But a supplement is promised
of additions and alterations, which, with preface and index,
will complete the work. The text proper contains an account
of no less than 929 species, besides what remain to be added
in the supplement.

New Guinea, situate in the northern portion of the fourth
and last of the regions of the Old World, has lately been the
seat of the researches of several rival naturalists of different
nations. Russia has sent Dr. Miklucho-Maclay, Germany
Dr. A. B. Meyer, and Italy Signor D' Albertis, to reap part
of the rich harvest presented by Papuan nature in every de¬
partment. Of these active explorers D 'Albertis has succeeded
in bringing his results, as regards birds, first before the world.
The firstfruits of his collections, which reached London in
June last year, contained sixteen new species, which have
been described in the Zoological Society's 'Proceedings'*.
Amongst them were two new Birds of Paradise, Paradisea
raggiana and Drepanornis albertisi , besides other remark¬
able novelties. A third new Bird of Paradise (. Epimachus
elioti) has lately been described by Mr. Edwin Ward from a
native skinf. We trust that the other two explorers of the
wilds of Papua will have succeeded in producing other results
equally remarkable.

* P. Z. S. 1873, pp. 557, 690. t See P. Z. S. 1873, p. 742.

178

Mr. P. L. Sclater on new

As regards Australia itself there is not much to he said,
except that Mr. Gould continues to receive occasional novel-
ites from the northern districts.

We cannot, however, help thinking that a collector would
be likely to do well at Port Darwin, the northern terminus of
the Australian telegraph, as we are not aware that any birds
have yet been collected in that district, and the place must
now be readily accessible by sea from Sydney. It is certain
that in other branches of natural history at least, much might
be done in this locality.

Passing to New Zealand, Dr. Bullets valuable work is, as
most of our readers well know, now complete. Though it
has been subjected to some rather severe criticisms by rival
authors, no one can doubt its value, or do otherwise than ap¬
preciate the pains that Dr. Buller has bestowed upon its pro¬
duction. We are glad also to hear that it has met with a
good reception in New Zealand, and is exciting the colonists
to the more complete elaboration of their ornis. The com¬
pletion of this work will not, however, we believe, prevent Dr.
Finsch, who has devoted much time and attention to this
subject, from finishing and giving to the world an account
of the birds of New Zealand, which he has had for some time
in preparation.

Before finally quitting the Old World, a word must be said
upon the ornithology of Oceania, or rather of the numerous
islands which are comprised in it. Our great authority on
this part of our subject is again Dr. Finsch, and his colla¬
borates Dr. Hartlaub, whom we have to thank for several
recent contributions to os knowledge of Pacific ornithology.
The well-known house of Godeffroy, of Hamburg, still con¬
tinues to employ active collectors in this part of the world,
and deserves many thanks from naturalists for amassing the
materials upon which the above-mentioned authors have based
the greater part of their labours.

Crossing over to the northern portion of the New World,
we find our American friends as active as usual. Follow¬
ing hard upon Dr. Coues^s f Key to North- American Birds/
the merits of which were slightly touched upon in our last

and forthcoming Bird-Books. 179

volume*, we find announced as ready the first two volumes of
Professor Baird's long-promised f History of North- American
Birds/ in which he has been assisted by Dr. Thomas M.
Brewer and Mr. Bobert Ridgway. “The object" of this
work, we are informed, is “ to give a complete account of the
birds of the whole of North America, north of Mexico, ar¬
ranged according to the most approved system of modern
classification, and with descriptions which, while embodying
whatever is necessary to the proper definition of the species
and their varieties in as simple a language as possible, ex¬
clude all unnecessary technicalities and irrelevant matter.
On this account it is especially recommended to the beginner.
The descriptions are all prefaced by analytical and synoptical
tables, intended to diminish as much as possible the labour
of identification.

“ The illustrations consist, first of a series of outlines ex¬
hibiting the peculiarities of the wing, tail, bill, and feet of
each genus ; but as these diagrams, however serviceable to
the ornithologist, necessarily fail to give any idea of the form
of the bird, they are supplemented by a second series, in¬
cluding a full-length figure of one species of each genus. In
addition to the above a series of plates is furnished, contain-
one or more figures of the head, in most cases of life-size, of
every species of North- American bird, including the different
sexes, ages, and seasons, where these are necessary for the
proper illustration of the subject."

There can be no doubt that such works as these and Dr.
Coues's f Key ' will render great facilities to future students
of the American ornis.

We now arrive at the sixth and last great ornithological
region of the world, the Neotropical. Here, as many of our
readers are aware, Mr. Salvin and I have been long at work,
in hopes of some day being able to accomplish a task which
I proposed to myself some years ago, the preparation of an
‘ Index Avium Americanarum/ something after the fashion of
the best part of Bonaparte's f Conspectus.' We have got so
far as to have monographed many of the least-known and
* See Ibis, 1873, p. 442.

180 On new and forthcoming Bird-Books .

most difficult groups, and to have worked out a large number
of local collections.

In further progress towards this end we have now prepared
and printed, at our own cost, a f Nomenclator Avium Neo-
tropicalium/ or systematic list of the generic and specific
names of all the species of Neotropical birds which we actually
know from personal examination, the habitat or p atria being
in each case added, so as to show their geographical distri¬
bution. This will form the base of our future operations, and
be also useful, we trust, for the establishment of a more uni¬
form nomenclature. During Mr. Salvin’s absence in Guate¬
mala I have been busily employed getting this work through
the press, and it is now ready for issue. I find, somewhat to
my surprise, that it contains the names of not less than 3565
species, of which about 2000 belong to the great group of
Passeres, and the remaining 1500 to the other Orders. It
must be recollected, moreover, that there are, doubtless, many
good species which we have not met with, and many others
still remaining to be discovered before the neotropical avi¬
fauna can be deemed to be fairly worked out. It is evident,
therefore, that we have no slight task before us.

The collections used for the preparation of the ‘ Nomen¬
clator 9 were my own and that of Messrs. Salvin and Godman.
The former of these contains a series of Passeres and other
higher Orders down to the end of the Psittaci, altogether
about 7000 specimens. The latter is still larger and more
general, embracing the whole series of American birds, and
is particularly complete in Central- American forms, resulting
from Mr. Salvin' s and Mr. Godman's visits to Guatemala and
from the labours of Arce and other collectors whom they have
employed.

During the reexamination of these two collections while
the c Nomenclator ? was being compiled, thirty-one new species
were met with, which are described in the Appendix.

Several energetic collectors are still hard at work in dif¬
ferent parts of the Neotropical Region, and furnish us with
constant additions to our list. Mr. Goering in Venezuela,
Mr. Salmon in Antioquia, Mr. H. Whitely in Peru, and Mr.

181

Letters , Announcements , tyc.

W. H. Hudson of Buenos Ayres, have all recently sent col¬
lections to London, which have come under our examination.
Besides these, M. Taczanowski, of Warsaw, has lately visited
this country for the purpose of comparing some of the speci¬
mens lately collected by M. Jelski in Central Peru with our
named series. The result has been the determination of 23
new species, which were described by M. Taczanowski at a
recent meeting of the Zoological Society. It must be recol¬
lected that these are additional to the new species lately de¬
scribed by Dr. Cabanis from the same collection. It is cer¬
tainly Remarkable that a district already visited by Tschudi
should have yielded such novel results, and gives a good idea
of the richness of the Andean avifauna.

We have now concluded a summary notice of the principal
events in geographical ornithology that have lately taken
place. We hope to be able to continue the subject in the
next number of f The Ibis 9 by the addition of a few remarks
on the monographs and works bearing on the general scope
of ornithology lately published or in preparation.

XXII. — Letters , Announcements , fyc.

The following letters, addressed “ To the Editor of ‘ The
Ibis/ 99 have been received

Northrepps, Norwich,
January 16, 1874.

Sir,— I observe that Lieut. Legge, at p. 9 of his interesting
paper in the present volume of ‘The Ibis/ on the birds of
Southern Ceylon, refers the Spilornis inhabiting that district
to S. cheela , but mentions that it there “ appears to average
smaller dimensions than in India.”

Mr. Holdsworth, on the contrary, in the P. Z. S. for 1872,
at p. 412, refers the Spilornis of Ceylon to S. bacha (Daudin),
of which S. bido (Horsfield) is a synonym.

All the Ceylonese specimens of Spilornis which have come

SER. III. - VOL. 1Y.

o

182

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

under my notice have certainly belonged to the latter species,
which is also an inhabitant of the Malay peninsula, Sumatra,
and Java.

I am yours, &c.,

J. H. Gurney.

83 Carlyle Square, S.W.
February 21, 1874.

Sir,— I should like to make a correction or two to my paper
on Chinese ornithology, sent from Shanghai, and published in
f The Ibis 5 for last October. At page 364 I have reported
that I got in the market a Circus cineraceus. This, on closer
examination, I find to he a male C. melanoleucus in the
light reddish brown immature dress, a state in which the
bird does not appear to have been procured before. This
plumage has neither been described nor figured. I have never
met with Montagu's Harrier myself in China, nor have I any
evidence of its occurrence within our limits.

At page 366 I suggest that JEthyia ferina, or the “ Ferru¬
ginous Duck," should he expunged from the Chinese list of
birds, as it had never occurred to me. Mr. A. Michie, of
Shanghai, writes and describes a Duck which has lately
been brought to him at Shanghai from the Taihoo Lake in
some numbers. His description tallies precisely with that of
this species. So my suggestion falls through.

When passing through Shanghai a few months back, Mr.
Triggs, of Lane, Crawford, & Co., presented me with the skin
of an adult male and of an immature male of Pelecanus crispus
which he had shot a week before on the river close to Shanghai.
I was aware of the existence of this species in China, but
never procured specimens before.

I am, yours truly,

Robert Swinhoe.

33 Carlyle Square, S.W.
March 7, 1874.

Sir, — It will be interesting to some of the readers of f The
Ibis ' to learn that the bird described by Radde in his f Reisen

183

Letter s9 Announcements , tyc.

im Suden von Ost-Sibirien, 1855-59/ Band ii. p. 260, Taf.
ix., as Sylvia ( Phyllopneuste ) schwarzi, is the same as
that named by Prof. Milne-Edwards Abrornis armandi,
Nouv. Arch, dn Mns. iii. Bull. p. 32. In my “ Revised
Catalogue of the Birds of China,” P. Z. S. 1871, no. 132
(p. 355), I proposed a new genus for this species, but entered
it by mistake as A. davidii. It should now stand as Oreo -
pheuste schwarzi (Radde) . I have never met with the bird in
China, but have a specimen collected by Pere David at Pekin,
one of the “ doubles ” received in exchange from the mu¬
seum at the Jardin des Plantes.

It may be as well also to note that my name Calamodyta
histrigiceps, P. Z. S. 1871, p. 353, must give way to von
SchrenclPs Salicaria (Calamodyta) maacki, c Reisen und For-
schungen in Amurland/ Band i. p. 370, Taf. xii. figs. 4-6,
which relates to the same species and has priority. The figure
on the plate gives a good idea of the bird, but, unfortunately,
leaves out its chief characteristic, the black line over the eye¬
brow. Y. Schrenk founded the species on a single specimen
procured by Herr Maack (the astronomer) south of the Amoor
river. Pere David has procured it at Peking ; and I have two
specimens from Amoy. It has lately also been found by
Blakiston at Hakodadi, North Japan.

Yours truly,

Robert Swinhoe.

Dinapore, India,

March 10, 1874.

Sir, — I was glad to see, in ‘The Ibis^ for January 1874,
that the little bird I called Melizophilus striatus had been
identified as Drymceca inquiet a, Rupp.

I was not satisfied with my generic determination of the
bird, on account of the very different nest and eggs. My ex¬
amples of Melizophilus provincialis were very bad ones, with
some of the tail-feathers wanting. The strongly striated
plumage, however, is against the bird being a Melizophilus ;
and this I should have taken more account of.

o 2

184

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

As far as Hippolais elaica, Lindermayer, is concerned, Mr.
Blanford is wrong in considering it identical with the Indian
species known as H. rama, which is identical with H. call -
gat a, Licht.

I have the eggs of both ; and they are widely different. The
habits, notes, and nest of H. elaica are all described as dif¬
ferent from those of the Indian bird. There are many birds
apparently much alike which are quite distinct. I believe that
the bird usually now received as H. rama is not that species,
but that Jerdonia agricolensis , Hume, = Sylvia rama , Sykes.

Mr. Blyth says, “Mr. Jerdon has sent me two very closely
allied races which he thinks have been confounded under Phyl-
lopneuste rama. The one he regards as true rama , which is of
a more rufescent brown colour ; the other has a more greyish
shade. I can hardly, however, bring myself to admit their dis¬
tinctness. The latter variety occurs abundantly in Lower
Bengal, upon the sandy soil above the tideway of the Hoogly,
haunting babool topes and scattered trees near villages, as well
as hedges and low bush-jungle ; and I have recently observed
it in the jungles north and west of Midnapore.” — Journal
of the Asiatic Society , 1847, p. 439.

Again he says, “ Those of S. India have a slight ferruginous
tint throughout; but we can detect no further difference.” —
J. A. S. xiii. p. 483.

Col. Sykes's original description is as follows : —

“ Sylvia rama. Sylv.pallide brunnea, subtus albescens ; caudd
obsolete fasciata. Longitudo corporis 4T7^-, caudce 1^-.”- —
P. Z. S. 1832, p. 89.

The more rufous bird is the smaller one, which Mr. Hume
described as Jerdonia agricolensis, from a large series of each
which I had prepared. The original description of Sylvia rama,
on account of the small size of the bird, will not apply to the
larger and paler bird usually received as H. rama. This will
stand as H. caligata, Lichtenstein ; and the smaller, or Jerdonia
agricolensis, Hume, should, I think, be received in future as
the true H. rama, Sykes.

The geographical distribution of the two birds also favours
this conclusion.

185

Letters , Announcements, fyc.

Of the perfect distinctness of the two species, H. rama and
H. caligata, there can be no possible doubt. Habits vary,
notes perceptibly so to me ; and when freshly moulted, the
warm ruddy rama is a very different bird from the cold grey
caligata. In this remark Messrs. Tristram and Hume can
bear me out. Had I not carefully studied both birds in life,
I might, like Mr. Blanford, have considered faded examples
of each identical ; but knowing the two species as well as I
do, to unite them is, with me, an impossibility.

The closely allied species are the great charm of orni¬
thology, and, unless upon sure grounds, no such thing as
actual connexion or interbreeding should be supposed.

For my own part, I have had as many birds through my
hands as most people, but I have never yet seen the slightest
proof of any connexion between closely allied species ; nor
have I heard of such interbreeding in a wild state.

These fascinating affine species are as distinct creations as
Gyps barbatus and Nitidula hodgsoni ; and in regard to the
most interesting subjects in ornithology let us stick to facts
and avoid speculation.

I am yours, &c.,

W. E. Brooks.

Mr. Gould points out to us that the Suya super ciliaris of Hume,
figured in Henderson and Hume;s f Lahore to Yarkand/ pi.
xviii. p. 218, of which a single imperfect specimen was obtained
on the Yarkand plains, is, as he believes, identical with Rho-
pophilus pekinensis , Swinhoe, figured in the 25th Part of the
f Birds of Asia/ Mr. Gould has examined Dr. Henderson's
type, which, however, it would be well to compare with Mr.
Swinhoe' s series. We may remark that there is another Suya
super ciliaris, of Anderson (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 212) ; so that
Mr. Hume's name would not stand in any case.-— P. L. S.

Dr. Kirk has brought with him on his return from Zanzibar
a Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus) . He informs us that this

186 Letters , Announcements , fyc.

Parrot was brought from the Manyuema country, on the west
of Lake Tangyanika, opposite Ujiji, where, according to Dr.
Livingstone^s information, the chief is called “ Mana-kos,” or
“ King of the Koskos” or Parrots. The existence of Psittacus
erithacus in the Niam-niam country, on the western water¬
shed of the White Nile, was already known*; but the fact of
its occurrence on Lake Tangyanika is, we believe, new. Dr.
Kirk says it is often brought down to Zanzibar by the dealers
in ivory. — P. L. S.

Mr. Clark Kennedy is preparing a volume on the natural
history of the Orkney Islands, which will be published about
the end of June. It will be entitled ‘The Sportsman and
Naturalist among the Isles of Orkney/ and will contain a
complete list of all the birds of those islands, with notes
on their habits and migrations, and descriptions of other
animals and plants met with there. — P. L. S.

M. Bourcier's collection of Humming-birds was, as we are
informed by Mr. D. G. Elliot, sold in Paris in the beginning
of last March. Mr. Elliot bought nearly all the types, and
also the specimens of the rarer species, for his own collection,
where, he requests us to say, they will in future be accessible
to any one desirous of consulting them.

We are also informed that Count Turati, of Milan, has
bought half the collection of Humming-birds belonging to
the late E. Yerreaux. The remaining portion is still undis¬
posed of. — P. L. S.

The New Paradise-birds and their Discoverers. — The con¬
cluding part (iv.) of the ‘Journal fur Ornithologie 3 for 1873
(dated October 1873, but only issued a few days since) con¬
tains the description of a “new Paradise-bird, Epimachus
wilhelmince ,” by Dr. A. B. Meyer. The article is dated
“Andai (New Guinea), 15 March, 1873.” (Did the MS.

* Cf. Heuglin, Ornith. Nordost-Afrika’s, p. 745.

187

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

really travel by post all the way from Andai to Berlin ?) The
supposed new bird is obviously the same as Drepanornis al -
bertisi, discovered by d' Albertis at Atam, in the Arfak moun¬
tains in September 1872, received in London on June 17,
1873, and described the same evening at the Zoological So¬
ciety's meeting*. Now when Dr. A. B. Meyer arrived in
Vienna in October last, he wrote to me for information con¬
cerning this bird, and I immediately sent him a copy of the
article in ‘ Nature ' in which it is described and figured. He
had therefore ample time to have cancelled his redescription
sent to the f Journal fur Ornithologie,' and ought to have done
so. Its appearance at this late date, without reference to
D'Albertis's discovery, requires explanation, failing which it
can only be regarded as an attempt to obtain an unfair
priority.

I also learn from Hr. J. v. Rosenberg, the distinguished
Dutch traveller, that in April 1871 he saw a single female
specimen of this same Paradise-bird in the collection of Mr.
D. van Duivenbode, Jr., at Ternate, and had proposed to call
it Epimachus veithii , in a work on his travels in the Eastern
Archipelago, which is now in preparation. It is singular that
three travellers should have all so nearly at the same time
met with traces of this hitherto unknown species.

Signor L. M. d' Albertis has just passed through London
on his return to Genoa from Sydney, via Levuka, Honolulu, and
San Francisco. He has left his extensive collections here,
and will shortly return to work them out. He tells us that
Orangerie Bayf, where the native skins of the new Paradisea
raggiana were obtained, is not near Salawatty, as I had sup¬
posed, but at the extreme S.W. point of New Guinea, in
the district lately visited by H.M.S. ‘Basilisk.' This point
is of great interest, as showing that each part of Papua has
its peculiar form of Paradisea.

Signor d' Albertis, we are glad to say, gives us a good ac-

* See ‘ Nature,’ viii. p. 306 (August 14th), and P. Z. S. 1873, p. 560,
pi. xlvii.

t Not Arangesia, as misprinted by Mr. Elliot in his Monograph of
tiie Paradise-birds.

188

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

count of the welfare of our colleague, Mr. E. L. Layard,
whom he met with at the capital of our new Feejeean Do¬
minion. — P. L. S.

Corrigenda . An unfortunate misprint has been made in the
Supplementary number of our last volume,, p. 462. Otocaris
should have been printed Otocoris, the name having been
thus written by Messrs. Blanford and Hume, whereas Oto-
corys (rcopvs, alauda) is the correct spelling; we have, un¬
fortunately, given them the credit of a still greater blunder.
Again, at p. 491, Mr. Brooks should have been named as the
author who, according to Lord Walden, had wrongly identi¬
fied specimens of Siphia hyperythra with Erythrosternaparva.
— P. L. S.

Our last letter from Mr. Salvin (dated Guatemala, March
15th) announces his speedy return to England, via New York.
He had lately been into Vera Paz, as far as Coban, staying a
few days at San Geronimo by the way, where he had found
Panyptila sancti-hieronymi engaged in nest-building. Oreo-
phasis derhianus occurs, without doubt, in Vera Paz, several
specimens having been obtained in a high ridge of mountains
on the left bank of the Bio Negro, above the village of Chi-
caman in what was the department of Totonicapam, hut now
Gueguetenango.

THE IBIS.

THIRD SERIES.

No. XV.— JULY 1874.

XXIII. — On the Neotropical Species of the Family Pteropto-
chidse. By P. L. Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.E.S.

(Plate VIII.)

In 1831 the zoological traveller Kittlitz established the genus
Pteroptochus upon three new species of birds which he had
observed in Chili in 1827, during his sojourn there with the
expedition of the ‘’Seniavin/ He distinguished them princi¬
pally by their remarkably short and rounded wings — never
used in flight according to his observations, and their large
feet and strong curved claws. He considered them allied to
the Wrens (Troglodytes) , and referred what is actually another
member of the same group of birds (Triptorhinus paradoxus) ,
which he discovered at the same time, to the genus Tro¬
glodytes.

About the same period this singular group of birds attracted
the attention of the distinguished French explorer AlcideD’Or-
bigny. Besides two of the Chilian species already obtained
by Kittlitz, IPOrbigny discovered a still more remarkable form
in Northern Patagonia, which, on his return home, he de¬
scribed in conjunction with M. Isidore Geoffroy as Rhinomya
lanceolata. M. IPOrbigny more correctly referred the group
ser. hi. — VOL. iv. p

190 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

(of which he constituted an independent family under the name
ec Khinomydsese ”) to the neighbourhood of the Ant-Thrushes
(Formicariidse) , and assigned as their most essential character
“ la forme des narines, toujours recouvertes d'un opercule car-
tilagineux bombe, de sorte que Fouverture est au-dessous,
comme une fente longitudinale

Captain King, who was engaged in the survey of the Ma¬
gellan Straits about the same time, likewise met with one of
these singular birds in Patagonia, and designated it in his
MS. “ Hylactes tarnii,” under which name it was described
in the f Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society for 1830-31.

Besides a few scattered notices and figures, little progress
was made towards the right understanding of these birds until
1847, when J ohann Muller, in his celebrated article upon the
voice-organs of the Passerinse, showed that Scytalopus be¬
longed to the Tracheophonine section of the Order. Muller
likewise pointed out that Scytalopus , and its near ally Ptero-
ptochus, differed from all other Passeres known to him in having
a double fissure in the posterior margin of the sternum f. The
latter fact, as regards Pteroptochus , had been previously re¬
cognized by Eyton J ; but Mr. Eyton has not noticed the pe¬
culiar arrangement of the trachea.

Following up Muller's great discovery, Dr. Cabanis, in his
f Ornithologische Notizen/ published shortly afterwards, ar¬
ranged together all the then known genera of these birds in the
Tracheophonine division of the Passeres. Dr. Cabanis, how¬
ever, did not make a separate family of these birds, but placed
them amongst the Ant-Thrushes, in his family “ Eriodoridse."

Bonaparte, in his f Conspectus' (1850), followed Cabanis' s
classification.

In 1860, in the second part of the * Museum Heineanum,'
Dr. Cabanis adopted the more correct view of assigning higher
rank in classification to these peculiar birds, and instituted
the family “ Pteroptochidse " for their reception. Of his
family Pteroptochidse Dr. Cabanis made two subfamilies,

* Voyage dans l’Amerique Meridionale, Ois. p. 192.

t Op. cit. p. 41.

\ Zool. Voy. Beagle, Birds, p. 150.

191

Species of the Family Pteroptochidm.

“ Pteroptochinse ” and “ Menurinse,” the latter designed for
the peculiar Australian type Menura. But looking to the
very singular osteological characters which Prof. Huxley has
pointed out in Menura *, and to the fact that instead of pos¬
sessing the peculiar laryngeal conformation of the Tracheo-
phonsef it is provided with five pair of singing-muscles,
there seems to be no doubt the Menura represents a distinct
family, “ Menuridae,” quite different from all other Passeres,
and to be referred to the division Oscines. The Pteroptochidse
must remain, therefore, as an independent family of them¬
selves, to be placed, according to my views, at the end of the
Tracheophonine section of the Passeres, and at once distin¬
guishable from all other Passeres by the posterior margin of
the sternum being doubly emarginated, as in the Pici and
many Coccyges J.

Of the Pteroptochidse, as thus limited, I distinguish eight
generic forms, which may be shortly diagnosed as follows, it
being understood that nearly every one of them possesses other
well-marked characters besides, the chief of which are com¬
mented upon under the separate generic heads.

a. mesorhinio compresso, rotundato, lineariformi.
a'. rostro tenui, subulato.

a". cauda Tbrevi : lororum plumis brevibus . . 1. Scytalopus.

b". cauda donga : lororum plumis exstantibus 2. Merulaxis.
b'. rostro robusto.

c". tarsorum scutis obsoletis: rostri culmine

recto . 3. Liosceles.

d". tarsorum scutis divisis : rostri culmine
incurvo.

* P. Z. S. 1867, p. 472.

t See Eyton’s account of the trachea of Menura , Ann. N. H. vii. p. 49
(1841).

X The only other known Passerine form in which two emarginations
are present on each side of the posterior margin of the sternum is the
Australian genus Atrichia. Whether this form certainly belongs to the
Pteroptochidse, cannot be positively ascertained until the structure of its
larynx is known ; but I have little doubt that such is the. case. There is
a sternum of Atrichia rufescens in the Cambridge Museum.

p 2

192 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

a!", ungue postico brevi

j rostro brevi . 4. Pteroptochus.

( rostro elongato . 5. Phinocrypta.

b"’. ungue postico longo curvo . 6. Hylactes.

b. mesorbinio in scutum ovale expanso.

c\ ungue postico longo, recto, acuto . 7. Acropternis.

d\ ungue postico modico, curvo . 8. Triptorhinus.

Genus 1. Scytalopus.

Scytalopus , Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, p. 89: type S.fuscus,
Gould = S. magellanicm.

Sylviaxis , Lesson, Bev. Zool. 1840, p. 274 : type S . magel-
lanicus.

Agatkopus , Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 69 : type A. micro -
pterus, Scl. =$. analis.

The genus Scytalopus embraces a series of small Wren-like
birds, thinly distributed over South America from Patagonia
to Columbia, but in the north keeping to the temperate regions
of the Andes. One species occurs in the wood-region of S.E.
Brazil, and another in the interior, but none, so far as we
know, in Amazonia and Guiana. From the true Wrens the
Scytalopodes may be easily distinguished externally by the
operculum of the nostril and the divided scutes on the planta.

I have six distinct species of Scytalopus in my collection ;
and there are two others known of which I have not yet suc¬
ceeded in getting examples.

The most complete account yet given of the species of this
genus is that of Lafresnaye in Jardine's ‘ Contributions to
Ornithology^ for 1851.

The species of Scytalopus may be arranged as follows : —

a. supra unicolores,

/minor, totus nigroplumbeus . 1. magellanicus .

\ minor : pectore albo-cinereo . . 2. spelimcce.

J major, totus cinereus . 3. senilis.

1 major, ventre obsolete transradiato . 4. obscurus.

b. dorso postico rufo.

hypochondriis rufis . 5. griseicollis.

b'. hypochondriis rufo nigroque undulatis,

{minor : pectore schistaceo . 6. sylvestris.

minor : pectore albo . 7. indigoticus.

major: pectore plurabeo . 8. analis.

193

Species of the Family Pteroptochidae.

1. SCYTALOPUS MAGELLANICUS.

Sylvia magellanica, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. p. 528.

Scytalopus magellanicus, Darwin, Voy. Beagle, Zool. iii.
p. 74; Gray, Faun. Chil. i. p. 307; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1860,
p. 385 ; Scl. et Salv. Ibis, 1868, p. 187, et Nomencl.
p. 76.

Scytalopus fuscus, Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, p. 89; Jard. et
Selb. Ill. Orn. n. s. pi. 12; Jard. Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 116,
pi. 77 ; Bridges, P. Z. S. 1841, p. 94 ; Scl. Cat. A. B.

p. 68.

Platyurus niger , Sw. An. in Menag. p. 323 ; Puch. Yoy. au
Pole Sud, Zool. iii. p. 91, Atlas, pi. 19. fig. 1.

Scytalopus fuscus et S. niger , Bp. Consp. p. 206.
Pteroptochus alhifrons , Landb. Wiegm. Arch. 1857, p. 273.
Scytalopus alhifrons , Pb. et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil. p. 15.
Nigro-plumbeus unicolor : verticis plumis interdum albo ter-
minatis : rostro nigro : pedibus corylinis : long, tota 4*4,
alse 2'2, caudse 1*5.

Hah. Chilia et fr. Magellan. : Valdivia ( Landbeck ); ins.
Cbiloe, Cbonos arch., Port Famine, et ins. Falklandicae
{Darwin) ; Ecuador ( Mus . P. L . S.) .

Mus. P. L. S.

I have three Chilian skins of this bird, and two from
Ecuador which I cannot distinguish except in the legs being
rather darker. One of my Chilian skins was received from
Landbeck as his Pteroptochus alhifrons. But the white ter¬
minations of the head-feathers, which are very slight, are, in
my opinion, only sexual, and perhaps seasonal.

I have not seen the young of this species ; but it probably
has a brown plumage, as in other species of the genus.

2. Scytalopus spelunc^.

Malacorhynchus speluncce , Men. Mem. Acad. St. -Pet. ser. 6,
Sc. Math, et Phys. t. iii. pt. 2, p. 527, pi. 13. fig. 1 ; Lafr.
Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 148.

Suprk cserulescenti-murinus ; subtus pallidior ; gutture, collo
pectoreque albo-cinereis : alis caudaque fusco-nigri-
cantibus; long, tota 4*5, caudae 20, tarsi 09. {Meni-
tries, l.c. ) .

194

Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

Hab. Brasil. merid., prope S. Joao del Bey, prov. Minas
Geraes {Men.).

Mus. Petropolitano.

Obs. Species nobis nondum obvia, sed, ut videtur, certe
distincta.

3. ScYTALOPUS SENILIS.

Scytalopus senilis , Lafr. Bev. Zool. 1840, p. 103; Contr.
Orn. 1851, p. 149.

Cinereus unicolor ; subtus paulo dilutior : rostro fusco : pe-
dibus corylinis : long, tota 4*7, alse 2*3, caudae 2'3. Jr.
rufescente, praecipue in ventre, variegatus.

Hab. Interior of Columbia.

Mus . P. L. S.

I have two “ Bogota 99 skins, which I refer to this species
of Lafresnaye. They do not, however, show any white on
the forehead or wing-coverts, such as Lafresnaye describes.
But my specimens are not quite adult.

4. Scytalopus obscurus.

Sylvia obscura, King, Zool. Journ. iii. p. 429 (1828).
Scytalopus obscurus, Gay, Fauna Chilena, i. p. 308 (1847);
Phil, et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil. p. 15.

Merulaxis fuscoides, Lafr. Contr. Orn. 1851, p! 149.
Scytalopus fuscoides, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1867, p. 325 ; Scl. et
Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Obscure schistaceus, in uropygio hypochondriis et crisso fusco
adumbratus et obsolete nigro transfasciolatus : rostro
fusco : pedibus flavidis : long, tota 4’8, alse 2*0, caudae 1 *6.
Hab. Chili, central provinces ( Ph . et Landb.).

Mus. P. L. S.

I have hitherto called this second Chilian species fuscoides
(see P. Z. S. 1867, p. 325). But it is certainly the bird pre¬
viously described by Gay as S. obscurus, and may probably be,
as Gay supposes, the Sylvia obscura of King.

This species is easily distinguishable from the S. magel-
lanicus by its larger size, more cinereous colour, longer tail,
and the faint bars across the rump and lower belly. Its ver¬
nacular name in Chili is “ Cher can, 33 according to Philippi and
Landbeck, whereas S. magellanicus is called “ Cher can negro. 33

195

Species of the Family Pteroptochidae.

5. ScYTALOPUS GRISEICOLLIS.

Merulaxis griseicollis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 103 ; Contr.

Orn. 1851, p. 149.

Scytalopus griseicollis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1854, p. Ill, et 1855,
p. 142; Cat. A. B. p. 168 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.
Meg along x nanus, Less. R. Z. 1842, p. 135 (?).

Merulaxis squamiger, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 103, et
Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 149 (jr.) ?.

Schistaceus, interscapulio et scapularibus rufo perfnsis : uro¬
pygio lateribns et ventre cnm crisso rufis : alis caudaque
fuscis : rostro corneo, pedibus pallide corylinis : long,
tota 4*5, alse 2*2, caudse 1*7. Junior fusco-rufescens, sub-
tus dilntior, nigro confertim undulatiis.

Hab. Columbia int.

Mus. P. L. S.

I have four “ Bogota ” skins of this bird, two in adult and
two in young plumage. I have never met with it from any
other locality.

Lesson’s “ Megalonyx nanus ” is probably intended for this
species, and the locality “Chiloe” incorrect. Lafresnaye’s
Merulaxis squamiger may be the young bird.

6. Scytalopus sylvestris.

Scytalopus sylvestris, Taczanowski, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 138.

“ Capite collo pectoreque schistaceis ; dorso cauda alisque
fusco-brunneis ; uropygio lateribus et crisso rufo undu-
latis ; rostro nigro ; pedibus brunneis : long, tota 4‘4,
ahe 2*0.”

Hab. Peruv. centr. Pallaypampa et Maraynioc {Jelski) .
Mus. Yarsoviano.

Obs. Similis S. griseicolli, sed uropygio et crisso undulatis
diversus.

7. Scytalopus indigoticus.

Myiothera indigotica, Max. Beitr. iii. p. 1091.
Malacorhynchus albiventris, Menetr. Mem. Acad. Petersb.
1831, p. 525, pi. 13. f. 2, et M. indigoticus , ibid. p. 529.

Scytalopus albogularis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, p. 90; Jard.
et Selb. Ill. Orn. n. s. pi. 20 ; Jard. Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 116,
pi. 78.

196 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

Scytalopus albiventris, Jard. Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 116, pi. 76.

fig- 2.

Scytalopus indigoticus, Bp. Consp. p. 206 ; Cab. et Hein.
Mus. Hein. ii. p. 20 ; Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 168 ; Pelz. Orn. Bras,
p. 48; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Hypocnemis striativentris, Salvad. Att. Sc. It. vii. p. 159.

S. undulatus , Jard. et Selb. II. Orn. n. s. sub. tabb. xix. et
xx., et Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 117, pi. 76. fig. 1 (avis jr.).
Obscure plumbeus, uropygio rufescente : subtus medialiter
albus : lateribus et crisso rufis nigro undulatis : rostro
superiore nigro, inferiore et pedibus flavis : long. tota4'5,
alee 2‘0, caudae 16. Jr. supra fuscus uropygio nigro
undulato : subtiis pectore cinereo, ventre rufo nigroque
undulato.

Hah. Brasil, merid. : Bahia [Max.) ; S. Paulo and Matto-
dentro ( Natt .).

Mus. P. L. S.

This bird occurs occasionally in collections imported from
Bahia. I have two adult and one young specimen, the latter
agreeing well with the figures of the supposed S. undulatus.

8. Scytalopus analis.

Merulaxis analis , Lafr. Bev. Zool. 1840, p. 104 ; Contr.
Orn. 1851, p. 149 (?).

Agathopus micropteruSj Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 69; Cat.
A. B. p. 168.

Scytalopus analis , Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Obscure schistaceus, subtus paulo dilutior : uropygio rufes¬
cente : macula verticali alba : lateribus et ventre imo
cum crisso rufis nigro undulatis : rostro corneo, pedibus
pallide corylinis : long, tota 5-0, alae 2*3, caudae 1*7. Jr.
supra rufescens, nigro obsolete transradiatus ; subtus fus¬
cus ; abdomine rufescente, nigro undulato.

Hah. Columbia int. et iEquatoria, ad ripas fl. Napo.

Mus. P. L. S.

This species is rather divergent in structure from its fel¬
lows, having a stronger bill, longer and thicker tarsi, and a
longer hind toe and claw. When I first obtained specimens
of it in one of Verreaux's Napo collections, I proposed to
refer it to a new genus and species, Agathopus micropterus.

197

Species of the Family Pteroptochidse.

On receiving subsequently a specimen from Bogota, I was
enabled to identify it as being probably tbe Merulaxis analis
of Lafresnaye, although he gives as locality “ Paraguay and
Chili.” I have also examined a “ Bogota ” skin of this species
in Mr. G. N. Lawrence's collection.

Genus 2. Merulaxis.

Merulaxis , Lesson, Cent. Zool. p. 88 (1830).
Malacorhynchus, Menetries, Mon. d. Myiotheres, p. 80(1835) .
Platyurus, Sw. Class. B. ii. p. 319 (1837).

Sarochalinus , Cab. Wiegm. Arch. 1847, i. p. 220.

This genus embraces only a single species, belonging to the
south eastern wood-region of Brazil. It is allied to Scyta-
lopus in general structure, but differs in its longer tail, stronger
form, and in the peculiar elongated feathers of the lores.

1. Merulaxis rhinolophus.

Myiothera rhinolopha, Max. Beitr. iii. p. 1051.

Merulaxis ater3 Less. Cent. Zool. p. 30 ; Lafr. Contr. Orn.
1851, p. 146.

Malacorhynchus cristatellus, Menetr. Mem. Acad. Petersb.
1831, pi. 12.

Platyurus corniculatus , Sw. Orn. Dr. pis. 55, 56.
Sarochalinus ater et S. rhinolophus , Cab. in Wiegm. Arch.
1847, i. p. 220.

Scytalopus ater et S. rhinolophus, Burm. Syst. Ueb. iii.

pp. 61, 62.

Merulaxis rhinolophus , Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 169 ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 76.

Cserulescenti-plumbeus : dorso inferiore alis extus et ventre
cum crisso et lateribus olivacescenti-brunneis : cauda
fusca : lororum plumis elongatis exstantibus : rostro su¬
perior e corneo, inferiore flavicante : pedibus rufis : long,
tota 7*5, alee 2*6, caudse 3*5. Fern, fusco-rufescens ; sub-
tus antice rufo-cinnamomea, postice dorso concolor, cauda
obscura.

Hab. Brazila merid. orient, regione sylvatica, Bio Belmonte
(Max.).

Mus . P. L. S.

198 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

Genus 3. Rhinocrypta.

Rhinomya , Is. Geoffr. et D'Orb. Mag. de Zool. 1832, Ois.
pi. 3.

Rhinocrypta, Gray, List of Gen. 1841, p. 25.

Tins conspicuous form is allied to Pteroptochus , but differs
in its short bill with much-arched culmen, rather shorter and
stronger legs, and in the well-marked divisions of the tarsal
scutes. The tail-feathers are twelve in number : the hind
claw is short and curved.

1. Rhinocrypta lanceolata.

Rhinomya lanceolata , Is. Geoffr. et D’Orb. Mag. de Zool.
1832, Ois. pi. 3 ; D^Orb. Voy. Ois. p. 194, pi. 7. fig. 1 ; Dar¬
win, Zool. Beagle, iii. p. 70.

Rhinocrypta lanceolata , Gray, List, of Gen. 1841, p. 25 ;
Bp. Consp. i. p. 205; Burm. La Plata-Reise, ii. p. 471;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1872, p. 543 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.
Ex olivaceo cinerea ; capite cristato rufo, plumis albo lanceo-
latis : subtus clare cinerea, ventre medio albo, laterali
utrinque castaneo : cauda intus nigra : long, tot a 8*0,
alee 3*2, caudse 3*1.

Hab. La Plata occ., Catamarca et Mendoza (Burm.) ;
Patagonia bor., Rio Negro ( D’Orb ., Darwin , et Hudson ).
Mus. P. L. S.

I have skins of this bird from the neighbourhood of Men¬
doza, collected by Weisshaupt, and from the Rio Negro of
Patagonia by Mr. Hudson. The sexes, as determined by the
latter, are alike.

The native name of this bird is “ Galtito,” or little cock,
from its mode of carrying the tail upright. Mr. Hudson
has given us some good notes on its habits (P. Z. S. 1872,
p. 543).

2. Rhinocrypta fusca. (Plate VIII.)

Rhinocrypta fusca, Sclater et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.
Rhinocrypta fulva, Philippi, MS.

Supra pallide murino-fusca unicolor, alis omnino concolo-
ribus : loris superciliis indistinctis et corpore subtus lac-
tescenti-albis : cauda nigra, rectricibus duabus mediis et
reliquarum marginibus dorso concoloribus : subalaribus

Ibis. 1874. PI.' VIII

199

Species of the Family Pteroptochidse.

et remigum marginibus internis colore cervino parum
tinctis : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 6% alse 3*2,
caudse 25 , tarsi 11.

Hah. Rep. Argentina, in campis Mendozse (Weisshaupt) .

Mus. P.L.S.

Ohs. Rhinocryptee species secunda, colore unicolori prorsus
notabilis.

Of this second species of Rhinocrypta (of which a figure is
herewith given, Plate VIII.) I obtained a single specimen in
1871 from Mr. Weisshaupt, along with a series of birds which
he had collected during an excursion from Santiago into the
pampas of Mendoza. Not being able to find any published
account of it, I wrote to Dr. Philippi, of the Santiago Mu¬
seum, to know whether it had been described. Unfortunately
Dr. Philippics answer did not arrive until after the sheet of
the f Nomenclator 3 containing the description of the bird
under the name now employed had been printed off, or I would
gladly have adopted Dr. Philippics MS. appellation, under
which I find the bird mentioned in LeyboldCs f Excursion a
las Pampas ArjentinasC (8vo, Santiago, 1873, p. 5).

Besides its uniform colour, the present species differs from
R. lanceolata in its smaller size and the absence of the crest,
and the hind claw is shorter and straighter.

Genus 4. Lxosceles.

Liosceles, Scl. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 609.

Upon reconsideration I think that this singular form, for
which I have already suggested a subgeneric appellation, can¬
not be properly associated with Pteroptochus. Besides the

200 Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

straight culmen and up-turned gonys, the almost entire ob¬
literation of the divisions of the tarsal scutes renders it easily
distinguishable.

1. Liosceles thoracicus.

Pteroptochus thoracicus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1864, p. 609,
pi. xxxviii. ; Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 46.

Liosceles thoracicus, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Supra fulvo-brunneus, dorso saturatiore; tergi postici plu-
mis laxis elongatis, pallido fulvo et nigro vix conspicue
transvittatis : alarum tectricibus albo maculatis, fascia
submarginali nigricante : subtus albus ; pectore sulphu-
rascente, plumis mediis pallido rufo terminatis, plagam
pectoralem formantibus : loris, superciliis et lateribus
cervicis albo nigroque variegatis ; pectore laterali cum
ventre toto brunneis, albo nigroque squamulatis : rerni-
gibus et rectricibus fere unicoloribus fuscis ; secundari-
orum externorum marginibus dorso concoloribus ; rostro
superiore nigro, inferiore albo ; pedibus corylinis : long,
tota 6*6, alse 3*0, caudse 3*0, tarsi 1*1, rostri a rictu 0*8.

Hab. Amazonia in ripis fl. Madeira.

Mus. Yindob. et P. L. S.

This bird in general colours approaches most nearly to
Pteroptochus albicollis of Chili, but is readily known by the
pure wrhite breast and mid-belly and the curious pectoral
spot. It is also considerably inferior in size, and rather
smaller than P. rubecula — hitherto the smallest known species
of the genus. The bill (see p. 199) is differently shaped from
that of P. albicollis or any of its allies : it is short and straight,
the culmen being straight nearly to the extremity, and the
gonys curved upwards rather rapidly towards the point. It is
compressed much as in P. albicollis. The tarsi are rather
shorter and by no means so strong as in P. albicollis, and their
anterior surface, as far as I can judge from my single specimen
(the feet of which are not in very good order), nearly smooth,
the divisions of the scutella being almost obsolete, and nearly
imperceptible. The claws are short and curved, as in other
members of the genus. The wings are short and rounded,
the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth primaries being
nearly equal and longest.

201

Species of the Family Pteroptochidsew

Genus 5. Pteroptochus.

Pteroptochos, Kittl. Mem. pres Acad. Sc. St. -Pet. 1831,
p. 178 : type P. rubecula.

The genus embraces two species confined to Chili, where,
however, they are both abundant and well known. The wings
in these birds are exceedingly short, and hardly ever used in
flight. The divisions of the tarsal scutes are well marked.
The hind claw is short and curved. The rectrices are twelve
in number : the tail is much rounded.

1. Pteroptochus rubecula.

Pteroptochus rubecula , Kittl. Mem. pres. Acad. Petersb.
1831, p. 179, pi. 2 ; Bp. Consp. p. 205 ; Cab. et Hein. Mus.
Hein. ii. p. 20 ; Gray, Faun. Chil. i. p. 304 ; Ph. et Landb.
Cat. Av. Chil. p. 15 ; Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 169; P. Z. S. 1867,
p. 325 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Megalonyx rubecula , Lafr. et H’Orb. Syn. Av. i. p. 16.
Leptonyx rubecula , D^Orb. Yoy. Ois. p. 196, et Megalonyx
rufogularis , D^Orb. ibid. pi. 7. f. 3.

Supra fuseus, uropygio rufescentiore : superciliis et pectore
cum gula Isete rufis : ventre albo nigroque transfasciato :
lateribus et crisso rufescentibus : rostro corneo : pedibus
fuscis : long, tota 6*5, alse 2*9, caudse 2*7.

Hab. Chilia merid. et ins. Chiloe ( Darwin ) .

Mus. P. L. S.

This is the “ Cheucau ” of the Chilians. It extends from
Colchagua southwards to Chiloe, frequenting the damp forests.
For an account of its habits see Darwin, Zool. Beagle, iii.
p. 73.

2. Pteroptochus albicollis.

Pteroptochus albicollis , Kittl. Mem. pres. Acad. Petersb.
1831, p. 180, pi. 3; Bp. Consp. p. 205; Darw. Yoy. Beag.
Zool. iii. p. 72; Cab. et Hein. Mus. Hein. ii. p. 21; Gray,
Faun. Chil. i. p. 303 : Burm. La Plata-Beise, ii. p. 471 ; Ph.
et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil. p. 15 ; Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 169 ; P. Z. S.
1867, p. 325 ; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 76.

Megalonyx medias, Less. Ill. de Zool. pi. 60.

Megalonyx albicollis , Lafr. et D’Orb. Syn. Av. i. p. 15.

202

Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

Leptonyx alhicollis , D'Orb. Yoy. Ois. p. 196, pi. 8. f. 2.
Suprk fuscus, uropygio et cauda extus rufescentibus ; super-
ciliis et gula cam pectore et ventre medio albis, his nigro
transfasciatis : lateribus et ventre imo rufescentibus nigro
transfasciatis : rostro et pedibns nigris : long, tota 7*8,
alee 30, caudse 3*3.

Hab. Chilia centralis [Darwin) .

Mus. P. L. S.

The “ Tapacolo ” as this species is called, replaces its con¬
gener in Central and Northern Chili.

The pelvis and abnormal sternum of this bird are figured
in Eytou’s f Osteologia/ pi. xiv. fig. 2 : there are also remarks
on its osteology and soft parts by the same author in Zool.
Yoy. Beagle, iii. p. 151.

Genus 6. Hylactes.

Hy lactes, King, P. Z. S. 1830, p. 15 : type H. tarnii.
Megalonyx, Lesson, Cent. Zool. p. 200 (1830) : type M.
rufus ( — H. megapodius) .

Leptonyx , Sw. Zool. Ill. ser. 2, pi. 117 (1831-32) : type H ’.
megapodius.

In general appearance Hylactes is a strong form of Ptero-
ptochus , differing principally in its larger feet and elongated
hind claw, and in possessing fourteen rectrices. It is likewise
restricted to Chili.

1. Hylactes tarnii.

Hylactes tarnii, King, P. Z. S. 1830-31, p. 15 ; Cab. et Hein.
Mus. Hein. ii. p. 21 ; Scl. et Salv. Ex. Orn. p. 58 ; Ibis, 1869,
p. 283, et Nomencl. p. 76.

Megalonyx ruficeps, Lafr. et D’Orb. Syn. Av. i. p. 16:
D’Orb. Yoy. Ois. pi. 8. f. 1.

Leptonyx tarnii, IP Orb. ibid. p. 198.

Pteroptochus tarnii, Harw. Yoy. Beagle, Zool. iii. p. 70;
Gray, Eaun. Chil. i. p. 304; Phil, et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil.
p. 14.

Obscure schistaceus : pileo summo, dorso postico et ventre cas-
taneis, uropygii laterum et ventris imi plumis nigro trans¬
fasciatis : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 9' 3, alse
4 0, caudse 3 5. Fem. mari similis.

203

Species of the Family Pteroptochidse.

Hah. Chili, from Concepcion to the peninsula of Tres
Montes ( Darwin ) ; Chiloe and Gulf of Penas (King) ; Val¬
divia ( D’Orb .) ; Halt Bay, Western Patagonia ( Cunning¬
ham ) .

Mus. P. L. S.

The Indian name of this species in Chiloe is “ Guid-guid ”
Mr. Darwin has given us an interesting account of its habits
(Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii. p. 71).

The anatomy and osteology of P. tarnii have been described
by Eyton (Voy. Beagle, iii. p. 150, et Ost. Ay. p. 98).

2. Hylactes castaneus.

Pteroptochus castaneus, Phil, et Landb. Wiegm. Arch. f.
Nat. 1865, pp. 56 et 121, et Cat. Av. Chil. p. 14.

Hylactes castaneus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1867, p. 325; Scl. et
Salv. Ex. Orn. p. 58, t. xxix.

Pteroptochus tarnii, Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 170 (err.).

Supra olivaceo-cinerascens, alis extus rufescenti-olivaceis, tec-
tricum majorum et secundariorum apicibus pallidis ; uro-
pygii plumis elongatis, castaneo tinctis, fascia subapicali
nigra, ochraceo terminatis : cauda nigra : fronte, super-
ciliis et corpore subtus ad medium pectus castaneis : ocu-
lorum ambitu sordide albo : abdomine medio cinereo,
castaneo variegato : crisso nigro et castaneo transfasci-
ato : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 9’0, alse c4’2,
caudse 2*6.

Hah. Rep. Chiliana, prov. Colchagua.

Mus. P.L.S.

So far as is known this species is only found in the Andes
of the province of Colchagua, at an elevation of about 5000
feet above the sea-level. It is well figured in f Exotic Orni¬
thology/

3. Hylactes megapodius.

Pteroptochus megapodius, Kittl. Mem. pres. Acad. Petersb.
1831, p. 182, pi. 4 ; Darw. Voy. Beagle, Zool. iii. p. 71 ; Gray,
Faun. Chil. i. p. 302; Ph. et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil. p. 14 ; Scl.
Cat. A. B. p. 169.

Megalonyx rufus , Less. Cent. Zool. pi. 66 ; Lafr. et D’Orb.
Syn. Av. ivp. 16.

204

Mr. P. L. Sclater on the Neotropical

Leptonyx macropus. Sw. Zool. Ill. n. s. pi. 117 : D^Orb.
Voy. Ois. p. 197.

Hylactes megapodius, Gray, Gen. Birds, i. p. 154; Cab. et
Hein. Mns. Hein. ii. p. 21 ; Scl. et Salv. Ex. Orn. p. 56, et
Nomencl. p. 76.

Supra fuscus, in uropygio rufescens : superciliis mento et guise
lateribus albis : gula media cum pectore ferrugineo-rufis :
abdomine albo, lateraliter et in crisso rufescente fusco
transfasciato : long, tota 9*0, alse 3*7, caudse 2*9. Fem.
mari similis.

Hob. Chilia centralis et borealis {Darwin).

Mus. P.L.S.

u This bird is common in the dry country of Central and
Northern Chili, where it replaces H. tarnii of the thickly
wooded southern regions. The H. megapodius is called by
the Chilenos “ el Turco .” [Darwin.)

In general plumage the present species looks like a large
edition of Pteroptochus albicollis.

Genus 7. Acropternis.

Acropternis, Cab. et Hein. Mus. Hein. ii. p. 20.

This very remarkable type is readily known by the extra¬
ordinary flat oval shield into which the culmen is developed,
and the long straight hind claw. Its ocellated plumage is
likewise unique among the Passeres.

1. Acropternis orthonyx.

Merulaxis orthonyx, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 131 ; Mag.
de Zool. 1844, Ois. pi. 93.

Triptorhinus orthonyx, Cab. Wiegm. Arch. 1847, i. p. 220;
Scl. P. Z. S. 1855, p. 142 ; Bp. Consp. p. 206.

Pteroptochus orthonyx, Gray, Gen. Birds, i. p. 155.
Acropternis orthonyx, Cab. et Hein. Mus. Hein. ii. p. 20;
Scl. Cat. A. B. p. 169; Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 77.

Ommatornis orthonyx, Sclater, MS.

Fuscescenti-niger, albo distincte guttatus : capite antico et
laterali cum gula et collo toto necnon dorso postico sa¬
turate rubiginoso-rufis : remigibus et rectricibus fusco-
nigris immaculatis : rostro et pedibus corneis ; mandi-

205

Species of the Family Pteroptochidae.

bula inferiore ad basin flavida : long, tota 8*0, alae 3*8,
caudae 3*2.

Hah. Columbia int. et rep. ^Equator.

Mus. P. L. S.

Genus 8. Triptorhinus.

Triptorhinus, Cab. Wiegm. Arch. Jahrg. x. i. p. 219 (1847).
This type is perhaps more like Scytalopus in general ap¬
pearance, but has, although to a lesser degree, the same curi¬
ous development of the culmen. The hind claw is moderately
long and curved.

1. Triptorhinus paradoxus.

Troglodytes paradoxus, Kittl. Mem. pres. Acad. St. Pet.
1831, p. 184, pi. v.

Malacorhynchus chilensis, Menetr. Mon. des Myiotheres,
p. 85.

Platyurus lepturus, Sw. Class, ii. p. 319.

Leptonyx paradoxus, IPOrb. Voy. Ois. p. 197.

Triptorhinus paradoxus, Cab. Orn. Not. p. 219 : Bp. Consp.
p. 205 ; Cab. et Hein. Mus. Hein. ii. p. 20 ; Scl. et Salv.
Nomencl. p. 77.

Merulaxis paradoxus, Lafr. Contr. Orn. 1851, p. 146.
Pteroptochus paradoxus, Gay, Paun. Chil. p. 305.
Scytalopus magellanicus , Ph. et Landb. Cat. Av. Chil.
p. 14.

Schistaceus, subtus paulo dilutior : uropygio ventre imo et
crisso rufis : rostro nigro, mandibula inferiore ad basin
flavida : pedibus flavicanti-corylinis : long, tota 5‘0, alse
2*4, caudae 1*8. Fem . mari similis. Jun. Fuscus, fasciis
transversis rufescentibus : subtus magis ochraceus nigro
transfasciatus et punctatus.

Hah. Chilia merid., Valdivia (Landbeck).

Appendix of Houbtful Species.

(1.) Sylviaxis guttatus, Lesson, Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 274, is
apparently founded upon the young of some species of Scyta¬
lopus. No locality is given.

(2.) Scytalopus femoralis, Tsch. Faun. Per. Aves, p. 182.

SER. III. - VOL. IV. Q

206

Dr. O. Finsch on an apparently

(3.) S. acutirostris , ibid. p. 183.

Both from Eastern Peru.

These are unknown to me, and not to be recognized cer¬
tainly without examination of the typical specimens.

The subjoined Table shows the distribution of the Ptero-
ptochidse in America.

Colum¬
bia and
Ecuador.

Peru.

Chili
and W.
Patago¬
nia.

Argen¬
tine Re¬
public &
North¬
ern Pa¬
tagonia.

S.E. Madeira
Brazil, valley.

1. Scytalopus magellanicus .

2. - speluncce .

3. - senilis .

4. - obscurus .

5. - griseicollis .

6. - sylvestris .

7. - indig oticus .

8. - analis .

9. Merulaxis rhinolophus. .

10. Rhinocrypta lanceolcita .

11. - fulva .

12. Liosceles thoracicus ....

13. Vteroptochus rubecula . .

14. - albicollis

15. Hylactes tarnii

16. - castaneus

17. - megapodius .

1 8. Acropternis orthonyx . .

19. Triptorhinus paradoxus .

4

1 8

2

3

1

XX IY. — On Coryllis regulus and C. occipitalis, an apparently
new Species. By O. Finsch, Ph.D., C.M.Z.S.

Through the kindness of Count Hercules Turati, of Milan,
I have received for examination a pair of a species of Coryllis ,
from the island of Negros, collected by Dr. A. B. Meyer in
April 1872, which, after a careful examination, I find to be¬
long to C. regulus, Souance, as already stated by Dr. Sclater
(Ibis, 1872, p. 324). In examining these specimens I find
that the true C. regulus, described by Souance (from a male
specimen of unknown locality), differs a good deal from the

new Species of Coryllis. 207

one described by me erroneously under this appellation, from
a specimen in the British Museum, brought by the late Mr.
Cuming from Mindanao. I therefore consider it necessary
to separate the two species as follows : —

1. Coryllis regulus.

Loriculus regulus, Souance, Bev. & Mag. Zool. 1856, p. 222.

Licmetulus regulus, Bp. Naumania, 1856, Heft iv.

Loriculus regulus, Martens, Journ. f. Orn. 1866, p. 21 ;
Sclater, Ibis, 1872, p. 824 (Negros, Panay).

Male. Grass-green, underparts lighter ; front and sinciput
bright cinnabar-red, vertex golden yellow ; at the base of
the nape a spot of dark orange-red ; rump and upper tail-
coverts dark scarlet-red ; a large oblong gular patch bright
cinnabar-red, with yellow base of feathers ; quills black, on
the outer web dark green, beneath ultramarine blue ; under
wing-coverts dark green ; tail-feathers dark green, beneath
dark ultramarine blue ; bill coral-red ; feet flesh-brown, nails
dark.

Female. Like the male; the forehead also red, but the
vertex green, with some yellow edgings of single feathers ;
the feathers on the base of mouth and around the lower man¬
dible at their ends changing into light marine blue ; the
throat-patch not red, but greenish yellow, ill defined. Bill
and feet as in the male.

Long. alas.

caud.

culm.

Alt. rostr. Long. tars.

dig. ext.

in. lin.

lin.

lin.

lin. lin.

lin.

3 4

19

5

6 6

3 3

21

6

6 $

C. regulus differs from its near ally, C. culacissi (Wagl.),
from Luzon, in having the crown bright golden yellow and
a much darker orange-red patch on the nape. The female
(not previously described) resembles very much the female
of C. culacissi, but may be distinguished by the darker nape-
patch, and the narrow light blue line round the mouth and
lower mandible, which in C. culacissi is of a more decided
blue and much broader, covering the whole loral* region arid
chin.

208 On an apparently new Species of Coryllis.

This species inhabits the islands of Negros and Panay, where
it has been collected by Dr. A. B. Meyer, to whom we are
indebted for the knowledge of the exact habitat. Mr. L. C.
Layard seems not to have observed this species during his
stay on the island of Negros, as it is not included in the valu¬
able list of his birds published by Lord Walden ( vide Ibis,
1872, pp. 93-107).

2. Coryllis occipitalis, sp. nov.

Loriculus regulus , Gray (nee Souance), List B. Brit. Mus.
Psitt. 1859, p. 56; Wallace, P. Z. S. 1864, p. 288.

Coryllis regulus , Finsch, Papag. ii. 1868, p. 710 (part).

L. regulus , Gray, Handl. iii. p. 252 (Mindanao).

In every respect like the foregoing species, except that the
bright golden yellow of the vertex extends to the occiput.

Female unknown.

Hob. Mindanao (Cuming).

Having had no opportunity of seeing the type of Souance,
I was, until lately, of opinion that the species in the British
Museum was (as labelled by the late G. B. Gray) the true C.
regulus ; and I considered the differences in the amount of yel¬
low on the head only individual. But, as I have shown
above, we now know the true habitat of C. regulus to be the
islands of Negros and Panay, and, in consequence of the dif¬
ferences, explained above, may regard the Mindanao bird as
of a different species.

I should mention that there is another specimen in the
British Museum labelled L. regulus , and also described by
me (Papag. p. 711), which shows not only the vertex and
occiput yellow, but also the hind neck and nape. In this
respect it comes near to C. chrysonotus , Scl. (Ibis, 1872,
p. 324, t. xi.), from Cebu; but this latter has no orange-red
spot on the nape, so that the specimen in the British Museum,
without exact locality, may possibly turn out to belong to
another undescribed species of this group, as we are still
far from being well acquainted with the avifauna of the various
islands of the Philippine archipelago.

On the Extinct Birds of New Zealand. 209

XXV. — Remarks on the Extinct Birds of New Zealand.

By Julius Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.*

1 have hitherto refrained from publishing any of my notes
on the researches made during a number of years upon the
accumulated treasures obtained in the turbary deposits of
Glenmark, except a list of measurements of leg-bones of dif¬
ferent species in the first volume of our f Transactions/ and
the description of the bones of the remarkable genus Harp a-
gornis, in vol. iv., always expecting that Professor Owen,
whose truly classical labours have laid the foundations of the
edifice to which present and future researches will only form
additions, would himself review the whole subject at length.

Finding, however, that, instead of doing so, that illustrious
comparative anatomist is inclined to unite, as it were, all the
principal species with a struthious character into one genus
under the general term of Dinornis, dropping altogether the
name Palapteryx, I feel that I should not do my duty if I
were to hold back the following notes any longer.

If it were our good fortune that Professor Owen could have
access to the rich material which is exhibited in the Canter¬
bury Museum, I am sure he would never have united under
one genus a number of species which show such a remarkable
diversity of character ; but as his description of single bones
of some species, or at most of portions only of others, were
given during a considerable space of time, ranging over more
than thirty years, I can easily understand that Professor
Owen will find every day, as the material increases, greater
difficulty in making himself acquainted with all the details,
without having access to as complete a series as we possess in
the Canterbury Museum for reference. Such a series would
have afforded him at a glance a confirmation that the new
arrangement which I venture to propose in the following
notes, is not based altogether upon unsound principles.

I am well aware that there are still many naturalists who
think that the division of the bones of our extinct avifauna

* Reprinted from Dr. Haast’s Presidential Address to the Philosophical
Institute of Canterbury, New Zealand, delivered March 5th, 1874.

210 Dr. J. Haast on the Extinct

into so many species is a mistake, and that future researches
will prove that what appeared to Professor Owen as several
well-defined species, were, after all, only various stages of age
and growth of one and the same kind. However, in this re¬
spect the collections of the Canterbury Museum bear a strong
confirmation of the correctness of the great English ana¬
tomist's conclusions. We possess, not only young bones of
each species, from the chick to the full-grown bird, where (to
take only one bone as guide) the tarsal epiphysis of the me¬
tatarsus is not yet quite anchylosed*, but we have of each
species a series of specimens generally showing two distinct
sizes, from which we may conclude that they represent the
male and female bird of each species. In some instances (of
which I shall speak more fully in the sequel) we possess of
each species four distinct sizes, which might represent the two
sexes of two distinct but closely allied species.

Although Professor Owen thinks that the back toe (hallux)
was only a small functionless appendage to the foot and that
thus the existence or non-existence of such bone is of no con¬
sequence, and has therefore felt obliged to abandon this ground
of generic distinction, I am more convinced than ever that it
is of great importance, and that the principal division of our
extinct struthious birds has to be based upon this, as I be¬
lieve, constant character f.

* We possess, amongst others, the leg-bones of a specimen of Di-
nornis maximus which is in size only second to the largest bones we
have, but in which this immature character in the metatarsus is not yet
quite effaced.

t I formerly believed that an impression observed on the back of one
of the first metatarsals of Dinornis ingens I ever obtained was there for
the articulation of the back trochlea ; but since then several more speci¬
mens of that species have passed through my hands which showed that
impression either only faintly or not at all. Dr. Jaeger, of Vienna, arti¬
culated a small back trochlea with the skeleton of Dinornis ingens found
iu the Moa-cave of Nelson : but there is no evidence that the small bone
in question belonged to it. In my first paper of measurements, on p. 85
of the first volume of the ‘ Transactions’ of the New Zealand Institute, I
already pointed to the distinct rough groove which invariably exists at
the back of the metatarsus of a number of species, which I have now
Ventured to unite under the term Palapterygidce. I may add that a num-

Birds of New Zealand. 211

If we add to this all the other distinctive features, which I
shall enumerate in the sequel, such as the existence or non¬
existence of a bony scapulo-coracoid, the shape of the sternum
and of the bill, and many others, the presence or absence of
a hallux becomes of still more importance.

And I might add here another important peculiarity in
these two main divisions, which was first pointed out to me
by Mr. Fuller, and which is of great practical value when
examining even the smallest bones. Mr. Fuller has found
that in the mere handling of the bones a great difference is
at once to be detected amongst those coming from the very
same spot. Thus the remains of Palapteryx are harder, and
have resisted more effectually the influence of time than those
of Dinornis ; the exterior dense crust is far stronger and
thicker, and is less smooth than in the latter. Moreover
the bones of the Palapterygidse are not quite so porous as
those of the Dinornithidse, and consequently are heavier in
proportion.

After these few introductory observations I now proceed
to lay before you the scheme after which I propose grouping
together the different species of our extinct struthious birds,
giving at the same time some of the principal distinctive fea¬
tures of each group : —

A. Family DINORNXTHIBiE.
a. Genus Dinornis.

Metatarsus long, no hallux, pelvis narrow, sternum longer
than broad, convex, with constant and well-marked coracoid
depressions for the scapulo-coracoid bone ; narrow and
straight anterior crest, costal processes slightly developed,
lateral processes standing at a less angle than in the Pala-
pterygidse. Existence of a bony scapulo-coracoid ; beak nar-

ber of back trochleas in the possession of the Canterbury Museum, as to
form and size, agree in a remarkable degree with the form and size of the
bones of the different species belonging to that family. It would be
strange if this striking coincidence, together with the rough grooves pre¬
viously alluded to, should have misled me. '

212

Dr. J. Haast on the Extinct

row and pointed ; three intercostals ; skeleton altogether of
a more slender stature than in any of the Palapterygidse : —

1. Dinornis maximus.

2. Dinornis robustus.

3. Dinornis ingens .

4. Dinornis struthioides .

5. Dinornis gracilis.

b. Genus Meionornis*.

Metatarsus long, no hallux, pelvis narrow, like Dinornis ,
and the whole skeleton altogether more slender than in any of
the Palapterygidse. Sternum convex, longer than broad, with
a broad and well-curved anterior border; costal processes
well developed, no coracoid depressions ; bony scapulo-cora-
coid absent, beak well pointed, and even narrower than in
Dinornis.

1. Meionornis casuarinus.

2. Meionornis didiformis.

B. Family PALAPTERYGIDSE.
a. Genus Palapteryx.

Metatarsus very short and broad, with hallux and hind toe ;
distal trochlese remarkably broad and divergent ; tibia with
both extremities largely developed and standing inward, so as
to give the skeleton a bow-legged appearance. Pelvis very
broad and like the bones of the leg, and the rest of a truly
pachydermal character ; bill very obtuse and rounded at the
tip ; sternum flattened, broader than long, with a strong
costal process, lateral processes standing at a higher angle
than in any of the Dinornithidse ; no coracoid depressions in
aged specimens ; no bony scapulo-coracoid, two intercostals
only.

1. Palapteryx elephantopus .

2. Palapteryx crassus.

b. Genus EuryapteryxI*.

Metatarsus short and broad, but not so pachydermal as the

* From f. ielov , less, and opvis, bird,
t From evpvs broad, and anTepvij without wing.

213

Birds of New Zealand.

former, with a hallux and hind toe ; tibia straighter and with¬
out the extremities so enlarged as in Palapteryx ; sternum
longer than broad, more concave than the former genus, with¬
out coracoid depressions, hut with strong and long costal pro¬
cesses, mesial portion and process comparatively longer than
in all the former subdivisions, no bony scapulo-coracoid, beak
not so obtuse as in the former.

1. Eury apteryx gravis.

2. Euryapteryx rheides.

In the preceding list I have only entered those well-defined
species of which we possess ample material for comparison
and generalization, leaving several others, of which we ob¬
tained only portions, for a future notice ; but amongst them
I may at least allude to one species which appears to ap¬
proach the Emu of Australia in its general characteristics.

I had also formed the intention to add some notes on the
crania of the different genera, but fear that it would make
this address too long were I to give them here.

However, before proceeding, there is one point to which I
wish to draw your attention-— namely, to the existence or ab¬
sence of a bony scapulo-coracoid. In the genus Dinornis we
find deep and well-defined coracoid depressions in the ante¬
rior border of the sternum of each species ; and the excava¬
tions have furnished us with a series of scapulo-coracoids
which fit exactly into these depressions. Moreover these
small and peculiar bones, by their form and size, agree also
in other respects well with the different species enumerated.
However, when we examine the sternums of the genus Pa¬
lapteryx, and principally that of Palapteryx elephantopus , we
meet some with well-marked depressions, others with only
faint ones ; whilst there are others, belonging apparently to
aged birds, where there is not the least appearance of them.
Again, we possess a few sternums in which a depression exists
on the one side, whilst it is missing on the other ; so that we
are compelled to conclude that no bony scapulo-coracoid
could articulate with them.

Moreover we have never found any scapulo-coracoids of a

214

Dr. J. Haast on the Eoctinct

different form from those articulating with the five species of
Dinornis ; and as we have obtained a number of the most mi¬
nute bones of the smallest species, it would be difficult to con¬
ceive that a bone of such considerable size should altogether
have escaped, the more so as so many specimens of Pala-
pteryx were excavated. And, although this is only negative
evidence, it is so strong that there is not the least doubt in
my mind of the non-existence of a bony scapulo-coracoid.
The same might indeed have existed in a cartilaginous form,
attached to the sternum by cartilage ; but of this w'e have no
evidence. I am well aware that on physiological grounds the
presence of that bone seems to be indispensable for the me¬
chanism of respiration in birds, as Professor Owen has shown
from his dissection of Apteryx , and he has lately again called
my attention to the fact (letter to me, dated British Museum,
Aug. 5, 1873) ; but, with the data at present before us, I can¬
not alter my views, the more so as I do not deny that such a
process might have existed as cartilage.

It will be seen from the subdivisions given above that I
have not used the term Dinornis giganteus, as there seems to
be a specific difference between the species of that name from
the Northern island, to which that term was first given by
Professor Owen, and the largest bird of this island. In this
I have followed Professor Owen, who has proposed the specific
term of Dinornis maximus for the latter, which appears to
have been altogether of more gigantic proportions than the
Northern-island bird. I was once under the impression that
a specific difference could be traced between the largest ske¬
letons known, for which the above term, maximus , was first
used by Professor Owen, and the somewhat smaller skeletons
for which for some time the designation giganteus was re¬
tained by me ; but after a careful examination of a number
of skeletons, there remains not the least doubt in my mind
that they belong all to the same species, with a gradual de¬
crease of size and robustness.

And even assuming that the largest skeletons belonged to
the female birds, a similar considerable difference in size being
also constant with the different species of Apteryx , there are

215

Birds of New Zealand.

so many intermediate forms, that even the supposed line of
division between both sexes is exceedingly difficult to draw.
Moreover (and this is peculiar to Dinornis maximus) there are
scarcely two skeletons entirely alike ; there are some which
have a remarkably long metatarsus, whilst the other leg-bones
do not (at least at the same rate) increase in size ; others are
much stouter for their height. Altogether we might trace
the same peculiarity in size and form as in a series of human
skeletons selected at random.

The same is the case with the skeletons of the immature
birds of this species, of which we possess portions from the
chick to the full-grown giant bird, where the tarsal epiphysis
is not yet so closely united with the metatarsus, that the line
of junction is still visible, where also a similar variety of form
can be traced.

The difference in size between Dinornis maximus and Di¬
nornis rohustus , the next in size, is very marked and constant.
Of the latter we obtained a series of two sizes, of which the
largest might be assigned to the female.

Between Dinornis rohustus, ingens , gracilis , and struthioides ,
besides their well-defined specific characters, there are also
distinct breaks, each species possessing at the same time two
constant sizes.

Of Meionornis casuarinus a series of four clearly defined
sizes are in our possession ; so that we might conclude that
we have two closely allied species before us, of which the two
largest sizes represent male and female of the one, and the
two smaller male and female of the other.

A considerable difference in size occurs between the smallest
species of Meionornis casuarinus and the largest species of
Meionornis didiformis. In the latter we can distinguish also
four sizes, with a gradation similar to that observed in the
former ; so that I am led to believe that this species, like Mei¬
onornis casuarinus, consists of two subspecies.

If we compare two skeletons of Apteryx australis, male and
female, and two of Apteryx owenii, male and female, with
each other, a similar distinct gradation is observable.

Palapteryx elephantopus has also four well distinguishable

216

Dr. J. Haast on the Extinct

subdivisions, of which the largest size is the most conspicuous
and best marked ; so that the suggestion ventured concerning
two subspecies belonging to Meionornis casuarinus and didi-
formis applies equally to this remarkable extinct bird.

The division between this and the next species, Patapteryx
crassus, is well marked, consisting, moreover, of two con¬
stantly maintained sizes.

Eury apteryx gravis and E. rheides , which can easily be dis¬
tinguished at a glance from each other, not only by their size,
but by their anatomical characteristics, consist each of two
sizes only, which, as I suppose, is to be attributed likewise to
difference of sex.

Amongst other species of extinct birds of which the Glen-
mark turbary deposits have yielded remains, there is first the
huge diurnal bird of prey which I described under the spe¬
cific term of Harpagornis moorei. Another remarkable species
is a Ralline form of gigantic size, Aptornis, of which we have
obtained sufficient material for articulation, and which is
closely allied to Ocydromus, the Woodhen.

The remains of Cnemiornis (a gigantic goose, as first
pointed out by Dr. Hector) have hitherto been very scarce,
so that we possess only a few bones of it. It is remarkable
that the excavations, undertaken during a number of years,
did not yield a single bone of Notornis , which, therefore, did
either not inhabit this part of the country, or was of extremely
rare occurrence.

Of other species we have obtained bones oi Apteryx, Strigops ,
Ocydromus ,Himantopus , Botaurus , Hcematopus, several species
of Ducks, and of a number of still smaller birds, which can¬
not be distinguished from bones belonging to recent species.
The remarkable fringed lizard, Hatteria punctata, was also
an inhabitant of this island, as several bones belonging to it
were found with the Moa bones.

Professor Owen having described at some length in several
of his memoirs on Dinornis the affinities our struthious birds
bear with those of other countries, pointing out at the same
time the peculiarities through which they vary from them, it
would have been unnecessary for me to add any thing to the

Birds of New Zealand.

21 7

subject^ had not lately the attempt been made by Professor
Alphonse Milne-Edwards, in Paris, to show, from a compa¬
rison of the remains of the extinct ornithic fauna exhumed in
Madagascar, Mauritius, and Rodriguez, that in some distant
ages New Zealand formed portion of a large continent or of
a group of more or less extensive islands in the southern
hemisphere, which at one time were in some way connected
with each other.

He thinks that additional confirmation can be obtained
from the ascertained occurrence of different Ocydromidse,
such as the Aphanapteryx and the Miserythrus leguati , which
latter, he informs me (letter to me, dated “ Jardin des Plantes,
Paris, Aug. 3, 1873 ”), bears close resemblance to our com¬
mon Woodhen ( Ocydromus australis ).

However enticing the tracing of close affinities must be to
the naturalist-philosopher, I believe that it would be rather
rash to conclude the connexion of two such distant insular
groups from a few forms of birds only. Leaving the general
question alone for the present, to which I shall return shortly,
it is impossible for me to conceive that two countries, which
in all other respects have such a dissimilar and distinctive
flora and fauna could have been united in any way without
having left other living proofs of such connexion in their pre¬
sent endemic organic life, not to speak of fossil remains.

We know that Madagascar is a zoological subprovince of
South Africa (Ethiopian region), but having a fauna so pecu¬
liar that, according to Sir Charles Lyell, it must have been
separated from Africa probably since the Upper Miocene era.

New Zealand, on the other hand, although it may have
been formerly of larger extent, has never been more than an
oceanic continental island from a zoological point of view-— a
theory first propounded by Darwin and Wallace, and with
which I fully agree.

It would be rather a difficult task to prove upon such slen¬
der grounds as the presence of a few species of struthious and
ralline birds will afford, that both countries could possibly
have been connected. Moreover the difference in the ana¬
tomical structure of the three Madagascar species of AEpy-

218

Dr. J. Haast on the Extinct

ornis and of the New-Zealand Dinornithidse (using this latter
term in a general sense) is so enormous that I fail to see how
they possibly could prove that connexion in any way.

I cannot agree with Professor Alphonse Milne-Edwards,
that the JEpyornis stands nearer to Dinornis than to the
Ostriches, Casuaries, and Emus; except that the fossil bones
of Madagascar and New Zealand have a more pachy dermal
type than the recent species named. But I may point out
that the fossil Dromornis australis, of Australia, shows similar
characteristics ; and I am sure, if fossil remains of struthious
birds in beds of postpliocene age were discovered in Africa,
America, and Asia, that they would exhibit a similar pachy¬
derm al character.

Judging from Professor Miln e-EdwaixTs own excellent
memoirs on JEpyornis, and the fine casts of the unique fossil
bones in the Paris Museum he was good enough to send to
to the Canterbury Museum, I am unable to trace their rela¬
tionship with our Dinornithidae. It appears to me that the
Madagascar species are separated from the former by many
fundamental differences, such as (to point out only a few) the
pneumatic foramen in the femur and the straightness of the
trochleae of the metatarsus.

And although I am convinced that the struthious character
of JEpyornis has sufficiently been proved by the eminent Paris
comparative anatomist, I can easily understand that there
was at first some show of reason for placing it amongst the
Sarcorhamphous Vultures, as has been done by Professor
Bianconi.

However, speaking of the principle itself, I wish to point
out that, if we were to decide from a few isolated species in two
distant countries which show some or even a close resemblance
to each other that these countries must have once been con¬
nected in some way, we should in many instances form erro¬
neous conclusions. We might as well say that, because there
are struthious birds in Australia, the Malay archipelago,
Africa, America, and Asia, all these countries must have been
connected with New Zealand — or because marsupial remains
have been found in Europe, and several species of opossums

Birds of New Zealand. 219

are Jiving in America, these countries had also been united
with Australia.

Speaking from a general point of view, I wish to add that
the attempts to trace the geographical relations of a fauna
and flora of a country can easily be exaggerated, and thus
a theory he ridden to death which otherwise would be very
useful.

Moreover an unfortunate country, such as New Zealand,
of which a good number of the species of its fauna and flora
show great resemblance to other species from distant coun¬
tries, has to be dipped down and brought up again a great
many times in order to establish connexions in various di¬
rections, so that a bird or fish, a shell, insect, or centipede
might cross from the one to the other, moreover, without al¬
lowing any other species from the same country to pass.

Besides, the geological record of these islands at present at
our disposal does not warrant us to assume such repeated
changes in the level of the land.

Cannot the explanation of such close specific resemblance
be found, in many instances at least, in the adoption of more
simple natural causes, such as the transport by icebergs, or
on floating islands, by birds, &c., of which Sir Charles Lyell,
in his great work, the f Principles of Geology/ gives many
striking instances ?

However, where the theory of land- connexion is not admis¬
sible, and where also others, which have hitherto been applied,
fail, might we not assume that similar climatic and other phy¬
sical conditions could produce similar specific characters under
the great law of evolution ?

It is a most difficult problem to say what constitutes a
species ; and therefore might it not be safer to believe, until
the impossibility of such an hypothesis has been demonstrated
satisfactorily, that there exists a similitude as well as an iden¬
tity of species under certain given conditions ?

In one word, might we not throw out the conjecture that
in two more or less distant countries, which never were di¬
rectly united, some forms of organic life can and do exist
which show what to us appears identical specific characters,

220

Mr. A. Anderson on the Nidification

because the cause or causes of their evolution were identical
or nearly identical ? and thus a considerable number of sup¬
posed changes in the level of many countries, of which we do
not find geological records, can be dispensed with.

It is true that instances to be explained by the migration
or accident theories are of more frequent occurrence and more
easily proved; but I think it would be just as interesting,
where these cannot be admitted, to trace in all its bearings
the similitude of species in - distant countries. This view
would, at least, open up a field of fresh research, and afford a
new illustration and confirmation of the great theory of evo¬
lution.

XXYI. — On the Nidification of certain Indian Birds. —
Part III.* By Andrew Anderson, F.Z.S.

The Nukta or Comb-Duck ( Sarkidiornis melanonotus) , the
Whistling Teal (. Dendrocygna arcuata), and the Cotton-Teal
(Nettapus coromandelianus) are non-migrant, and breed
throughout the plains of India during the “ rains,” viz. from
July to September, according to locality.

These Ducks, according to my experience, nest almost ex¬
clusively on trees ; and they are, so far as nidification is con¬
cerned, essentially perching Ducks. They begin to pair early
in June, and may be seen flying about in search of a suitable
tree almost simultaneously with the first fall of rain, which
generally occurs in the north-western provinces on or about
the 18th of that month.

Sarkidiornis melanonotus.

This curious and handsomely coloured Duck deposits its
eggs in holes of old deciduous trees, and never, I should say,
“in grass by the sides of tanks &c./; as stated by Jerdon.
The male bird (as in fact do all the others) assists the female
in the selection of a site. I have frequently watched both
birds flying into trees together, the male uttering a harsh
grating noise, while his mate is left behind on inspection
duty.

* For Part II. see Ibis, 1873, p. 74.

221

of certain Indian Birds .

Although the Nuktas nest by preference in trees, I have
known their doing so in holes of old ruined forts ; as a general
rule they select localities in close proximity to water.

I have no actual proof of their appropriating old nests, as
is frequently done by the Whistling Teal; but it is worth
mentioning that a nest of Haliaetus leucoryphus, which I had
examined last winter for the eggs of Ascalaphia bengalensis,
and which was at the time tenanted by this Owl, actually con¬
tained seven or eight rotten eggs which are, in my opinion,
referable to this Duck.

The number of eggs seems to vary considerably ; fifteen
and twenty have been brought to me from one nest, the ad¬
vanced state of incubation clearly indicating that in all cases
the full complement had been laid. I was present, however,
at the capture of a female Nukta on her nest, which yielded
the extraordinary number of forty eggs ! Of course it is just
possible, though highly improbable, that this may have been
the joint produce of two birds ; but the emaciated condition
of the one captured, coupled with the fact that one egg was
an abnormally small one, and evidently her last effort, do
not favour such a supposition.

The tree selected was an ancient banyan ( Ficus indica)
which overlooked a large sheet of water, several miles in cir¬
cumference ; the nest-hole was at an elevation of some 20
- feet, 3 feet deep, and 2 in circumference.

The eggs (incubation was barely commenced) were laid
several tiers deep, and those at the bottom were a little soiled
from resting on the damp wood. It is highly probable that
a large proportion of these eggs are never hatched, and that
they all become discoloured as the process of incubation
progresses.

The thirty-nine full-sized eggs average 2f x If inches ;
they are long obtusely pointed ovals ; and in feel, polish, and
texture they resemble a white billiard ball.

The boss or fleshy protuberance of the drake gets greatly
enlarged during the breeding- season, frequently measuring
2*2 x 2*4 inches at the base.

SER. III. — VOL. IV.

R

222 On the Nidification of certain Indian Birds.

Dendrocygna arcuata.

Jerdon could never have found a full clutch of the eggs of
the Whistling Teal, or he would not have limited the number
to ffsix or eight 99 Birds of India/ vol. iii. p. 790). Ordi¬
narily this Duck lays fully a dozen eggs ; but I am indebted
to my friend Mr. Fynes-Clinton for two clutches of twelve
and fourteen respectively, which he took from the same nest ;
whether these were laid by one or two birds must of course
remain an open question.

On the 29th June, 1872, Mr. Clinton flushed a bird from
the top of a low date-palm {Phoenix dactylifera) , and found
the first-mentioned lot (twelve); on the 13th July he happened
to visit the same locality, and to his surprise found the second
clutch in exactly the same situation ; the Duck was on her
eggs. Now the dates are so coincident that, supposing these
twenty-six eggs to be the produce of two birds, the second
one must have laid her first egg the very day after the removal
of the first batch.

As to situation, the choice may be mentioned in the fol¬
lowing order : — first, depression at the fork of the lower
branches of large-limbed trees ; second, old nests, particularly
those belonging to Crows, Herons, &c. ; and, third, thorny
scrub or grass on the edge of swamps.

The eggs measure 1*9 x 1*5 inch, and when fresh are of a
milky white colour ; the inside membrane is a delicate salmon-
pink tint.

Nettapus coromandelianus.

This species nests in holes of trees and old ruins, and
never, according to my experience, in old nests or on the
ground.

I once had an opportunity of watching a pair in the act of
selecting their habitation. They invariably flew into the tree
together ; and while the female used to enter the hole, to re¬
connoitre, as it wrere, the male sat on a bough watching for
her exit. No sooner did she make her appearance than they
both flew away together, giving utterance to a peculiar cack¬
ling sound, which has been pronounced to be like the words

Mr. C. A. Wright on Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 223

“ fixed bayonets/'’ Their visits used to be repeated at in¬
tervals of every fifteen or twenty minutes. The drake never
went into the hole ; and I am therefore inclined to believe
that he does not lend his aid in the performance of the
duties of incubation.

The greatest number of eggs laid by the Goslet, of which I
have a record, is twelve. This nest was taken by Mr. Spry
at Budaon in August last. The hole occupied was at no great
height ; but it was 3J feet deep, and only large enough to
admit of ingress and egress ; the contents had to be removed
by means of an iron spoon something like a soup-ladle with
an extra-long handle.

The eggs are obtusely pointed ovals, and certainly large
for the size of the bird ; they measure 1*7 x 1*3 inch, and in
shape and colour are exactly similar to those of the Whistling

Teal.

XXVII. — Fifth Appendix to a List of Birds observed in Malta
and Gozo*, By Charles A. Wright, C.M.Z.S.

269. Saxicola leucopyga, Brehm ; vel Saxicola leucoce-
phala, Brehm.

At length I am able to add an entirely new bird to the
avifauna of Europe. I allude to Saxicola leucopyga , which,
before the advent of the specimen now under notice, had not
been observed on the European continent or any of its ad¬
jacent islands. It was shot on the 18th of April, 1872, by
Signor Vitali, a public weigher of Her Majesty's Customs,
on some rocky ground, called Tal capucini , on the south side
of the Grand Harbour, in the Cotonnera district. It was set
up by Signor Francesco Ellul, and came into my hands im¬
mediately afterwards. The head, nape, and rump are pure
white ; the tail white, slightly marked with brown towards
the extremities of the feathers, except the two central feathers,
which are dark brown. The rest of the plumage is silky
black or very dark brown. There is no doubt now, I be¬
lieve, of the identity of this bird with Saxicola leucopyga.

* For Fourth, Appendix see Ibis, 1870, p. 488, et seq.

Ti 2

224 Mr. C. A. Wright/ s Fifth Appendix to a

I have specimens from Upper Egypt, both with and without
the white head, and two very interesting examples — one having
the head pure white, with one or two black feathers on the
white ground, and the other having the head black inter¬
mixed with a few straggling white feathers — confirming the
conclusion already arrived at, that S. leucocephala and S. leu-
copy g a are one and the same species.

270. Saxicola melanoleuca (Gfild.). Black-throated
Chat.

A specimen of Wheatear sent by me, some time ago, to Mr.
Dresser, has been determined by that author to be Saxicola
melanoleuca, an eastern form of the Busset Chat, as mentioned
in his ‘ History of the Birds of Europe/ Other specimens,
shot by me, are in my collection. One, a fine adult male, an
exact counterpart of the plate, was shot on the 9th April,
when several others were seen. The description, made at the
time, was : — length 5| inches (15 cm.) ; beak and legs black;
first primary shorter than the third ; base of middle tail-
feathers white. I shot a female in the same field shortly
afterwards. The dimensions are precisely the same as the
male. The top of the head and back are brown, very slightly
tinged with isabelline ; wings darker ; extremity of tail-fea¬
thers and two thirds of central ones blackish brown. The
patch on the throat and sides of the head is of the same shape
and extent as in the male, but rendered indistinct by the fea¬
thers being tipped with grey, giving it a sooty look ; breast
rufescent cream-colour, which extends, more or less mixed
with white, to the under tail-coverts ; upper tail-coverts and
basal ends of tail-feathers pure white ; faint indications of a
light superciliary streak ; beak and legs brown. Another
female, shot on the 18th of the same month and year, had
the head and back much more isabelline, reminding one of
the Desert Chat (S. isahellina ) . A male obtained on the 24th
April, 1868, appears to be still in immature plumage, having
some resemblance to the female, but possessing the jet-black
throat and auriculars, this colour reaching very low down the
gular region and slightly above the eye. Another male, shot

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo . 225

at the Salini on the 30th March, 1871, has the white parts
beautifully tinged with rufous cream-colour. Two others,
sex unfortunately not noted, one of which was taken in Sept.
1861, are in the brown plumage. One of these, probably a
young male in autumn, has the black patch fully developed.
My not having hitherto included Saxlcola melanoleuca in the
Malta list arose from considering it undistinguishable from
S. stapazina , Linn., from which it appear schiefiy to differ
in the extent of black on the throat, and in having a more
eastern range.

271. Calandrella minor (Dresser, Birds of Europe, pt.xxi.
Sept. 1873). Lesser Short-toed Lark.

Calandritis minor , Cab. Mus. Hein. i. p. 123, “N.E. Africa.”

This is another new bird for the European list ; and for a
knowledge of its occurrence we are indebted to the author of
the f Birds of Europe/ who certainly deserves all the credit
of having detected it among some skins of C. brachydactyla
(Ibis, 1864, p. 60) sent to him by me from Malta. The desert
Larks approach so closely to one another that it is quite im¬
possible without a good series to differentiate them. The
specimen which entitles this bird to a place in the avifauna
of Europe was obtained by me in Malta in November, 1862.
Mr. Dresser, in the great work above quoted, says that this
species closely resembles Calandrella pispolett a, Pallas’s Short¬
toed Lark (which, in its turn, had also been confounded by
authors with C. brachydactyla) , but differs from it in being
smaller and much more rufous and less grey in colour. This
“ elegant little bird, the smallest of the group,” is found in
Northern Africa, Palestine, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. Its
habits are said to be similar to those of the Common Short-
toed Lark ( Calandrella brachydactyla) .

272. Emberiza pusilla, Pallas. Little Bunting.

It is with much pleasure that I announce, for the first time,
the presence of this pretty little bird in Malta. A specimen
was brought to me alive by a bird-catcher on the 24th of Oc¬
tober 1873, and continued to live till the 1st of November,
when it was found dead in its cage. It was taken in a net a

226

Mr. C. A. Wright’s Fifth Appendix to a

few days previously, and was so tame as readily to pick up
seed and sip water in the presence of persons looking at it,
but was easily startled and frightened if approached too sud¬
denly. Its note was a single sharp tseet , uttered once, or re¬
peated two or three times at short intervals. On dissection
it proved to be a male, probably a young bird, and very thin,
although its crop was nearly full of hemp-seed ; but this kind
of food probably did not agree with it. In plumage it re¬
sembles exactly the upper figure in Breeds f Birds of Europe,”
who also gives a very accurate description. Like the plumage
attributed to the female, it has no russet on the throat, and
presents a cream-coloured streak extending backwards from
the eye. Its bright russet cheeks and ear-coverts, together
with an irregular black band running over each side of the head,
above the eye, from the base of the beak to the nape, and its
diminutive size will help to distinguish it at a glance. The
beak is straight, or nearly so, very sharp, and pointed, and
slightly reversed at the tip. Upper mandible small. Irides
black, or extremely dark brown ; legs and feet light yellowish
brown. Carefully measured in the flesh, its length was
slightly over 5 inches, from carpal to end of wing 2| inches.

273. Cypselus pallidus, Shelley. Egyptian Swift.

Undoubted examples of this Swift have been taken in
Malta in May of the present year. Capt. Feilden procured
one in the market on the 18th ; and I obtained another at
Salini on the 27th. Both specimens were females and in
good condition. In mine the ovary was beginning to enlarge;
He observed a bird on the 13th, which must have belonged
to this species, in company with common Swifts; and, on the
wing, it reminded him of a large Sand-Martin. I am nearly
certain that I have shot this light-coloured Swift before ;
and one occasion especially recurs to my memory. This
was in August, when I killed several out of a large flock on
Fort-Manoel Island. Unfortunately I did not preserve any,
mistaking them for the young of C. apns. Little doubt now
remains on my mind that Cypselus pallidus visits us, both in
spring and autumn, and is probably a regular migrant to

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 22 7

and from Southern Europe. Considering it is common in
Egypt, and has been obtained in Tangiers by Major Irby
(Ibis, 1870, p. 445, and Shelley's f Birds of Egypt/ 1872,
p. 172), it would be rather curious if we did not find it here;
and a further search may possibly demonstrate the fact of its
breeding in this island. I shot several examples of Cypselus
apus for comparison ; and the subject of the present notice
may be easily distinguished from the common species by its
light colour, smaller dimensions, and greater extent of white
on the throat.

274. Phcenicopterus erythileus (Verreaux) ?

Besides the well-known large kind of European Flamingo
(Ibis, 1864, p. 149, 1870, p. 492), long since recorded as an
accidental visitor, I have to include in the Malta list a small
species or variety, probably the same as that found by Sal-
vadori in the island of Sardinia*, and of which there are also
one or two specimens in the museum at Palermo, taken, I
believe, in Sicily. About this bird there appears to be some
difference of opinion. Without a series of specimens for com-
paiison, I will not increase the confusion by offering an
opinion, further than observing that the great difference in
size would, primd facie , induce one to declare that they are
perfectly distinct. However this may be, I may at once state
that the small individual which forms the subject of the pre¬
sent notice was shot on the 27th or 28th of March, 1869,
at Marsa Scala, on the east coast of the island, by Capt. Az-
zopardi, during a strong north-westerly gale, and that I am
indebted for becoming possessed of it to the liberality of Mr.
Jemison Smith, of this island. There were no others with it
when killed.

The following comparative dimensions are from a spe¬
cimen in my possession of Phcenicopterus roseus , shot by my¬
self at Tunis, and the small example shot in Malta, as stated
above

* ‘ Catalogo degli Uccelli di Sardegna, con note e osservazioni di Tom-
maso Salvadori,’ &c. &c., p. 102: Milano, 1864. Also ( Fauna Jl’Italia,’
parte seconda, “ Uccelli,” by the same author, p. 250: Milano, 1872.

228

Mr. C. A. Wrights Fifth Appendix to a

Ph. roseus.

ft. in.

4 10f
2 1

Ph. erythrceus.

Total length

Legs

Tarsus

Wing-

Beak, tip to margin of frontal feathers . . 0 6

ft. in.
3 6
1 3
0 9|
1 2
0 4f

The plumage of the smaller bird is more generally diffused
with pink, and the red on the wing- coverts is more extended
and brighter. The tail-feathers are white, with a slight tinge
of pink. The form of the beak is precisely the same as in
Ph. roseus , only proportionately smaller.

275. Larus leucophjEus (Lichst.).

This bird appears to be the common representative of Larus
argentatus in the Mediterranean, from which it chiefly differs
in its darker mantle and ochreous-coloured legs ; in L. ar¬
gentatus the legs are livid white. I had often remarked this
difference ; but it was not until my attention was drawn to
the fact of the existence of Larus leucophceus in the Mediter¬
ranean by my friend Mr. Howard Saunders, who has devoted
much attention to the Laridse, that I became aware of it being
the common so-called “ Herring-Gull ” of Malta. I have
since shot several specimens, besides having seen numerous
examples flying about the harbours, close enough to note the
colour of the legs ; and all have proved to be Larus leucophceus.

The presence here, therefore, of its near ally, Larus argen¬
tatus, requires confirmation ; and my observations under this
head (Ibis, 1864, p. 151) should be applied to Larus leu-
cophceus ; for it is very unlikely we should have L. argentatus
here in the breeding- season, though it is not impossible both
species may occur in the winter. Subjoined are the dimen¬
sions, taken in the flesh, of two birds shot at the mouth of the
Grand Harbour on the 21st of February, 1871, — the first
being an undoubted L. leucophceus , the second probably the
same species in immature plumage. Both specimens were
preserved.

Adult ? . Length 1 ft. 11J in. ; carpus to tip 1 ft. 5| in. ;
tarsus 2^ in. ; beak to angle of gape 3 in. ; middle toe same

229

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo.

length as tarsus ; wings extend beyond the tail 2 in. Colour
of mantle darker than in L. argent atas ; margin of eye¬
lids red ; irides light amber. Legs and feet chrome-yellow ;
inside of mouth mixture of red and yellow.

Immature bird , ? . Length 1 ft. 11^ in.; carpus to tipi ft.
5^ in. ; beak to angle of gape 3 in. ; tarsus upwards of 2J in. ;
middle toe rather more than 2\ in. ; wings extend beyond the
tail 2 in. Back brown mixed with bluish grey ; rest of plu¬
mage mottled with brown ; broad band of brown at end of tail.
Beak black, with white horny tip ; legs livid white.

276. Anas clangula. Golden-eye.

In my collection there is a specimen, $ , obtained in De¬
cember 1870, which had escaped notice until Lord Lilford,
going over a drawer of skins with me, drew my attention to it.
This is the first record of its capture in Malta, although
doubtless, it being common in Sicily, it occasionally visits us
on migration.

277. Anas angustirostris (Menetr.). Marbled Duck.

A specimen of this rare European Duck was observed in
the market by Capt. Eeilden and myself on the 11th May
this year (1874) ; and it is possible we are indebted for its
visit to the very boisterous and unseasonable weather that
has lately prevailed. From all accounts it appears that this
southern species is a summer migrant from Africa to Europe ;
and as it has been met with in Sicily and Epirus, it is some¬
what singular that it does not oftener put in an appearance
at Malta. This specimen proved on dissection to be a female,
with the ovary enlarging, stomach empty. It is now in the
collection of Capt. Feilden.

We afterwards traced out the person who shot it — a country
lad named Birtu Samut — and learnt from him the following
particulars : — -

It was first noticed on Saturday, 9th inst., at mid-day, at
the Salini, and an ineffectual attempt made to shoot it. It
returned in the evening, when Samut winged it; but it suc¬
ceeded in escaping for a time by swimming out to sea, not¬
withstanding having also received a severe contusion in the

230 Mr. C. A. Wrights Fifth Appendix to a

head with a stone. On the following day, at about noon, he
saw it swim ashore, in the same part of the Salini, so ex¬
hausted as to allow itself to be taken by the hand. The wind
had been blowing strong from the westward. The species
was quite new to the shooters at the Salini; nor had the
market-man seen any of the kind before.

278. Alca torda.

I have lately had an opportunity of examining the specimen,
taken many years ago, which gave rise to the admittance of
the species Uria troile into the Malta list. It turns out to be
a young Razor-bill, Alca torda, which name should be sub¬
stituted for the erroneous one (Ibis, 1864, p. 152). I may
add that Alca torda has been occasionally observed in Sar¬
dinia ( Salvadori *) and Sicily {Doderlein f).

The following are some additional notes regarding rare and
occasional visitors : —

Aquila chrysaetus. On Sunday, 16th Nov. (1873), Dr.
Gulia drove up to my house at Sliema to say that a very large
Eagle had been shot two or three days ago, that he had closely
examined it and determined it to be a Golden Eagle. He
also told me that the person into whose hands it had fallen
intended to have it preserved. I lost no time in making
further inquiries, and on the following morning crossed over
the two harbours to Cospicua, with the view of obtaining
permission to examine the specimen, and, if possible, securing
it. Judge of my disappointment and, I must add, disgust
on ascertaining that the owner had, on the Saturday morning
previous, consigned it to a passing scavenger ; and all my
efforts, which were not a few, to trace its remains were un¬
availing. From some hasty notes taken by Dr. Gulia when
the bird was left with him for a short time, no doubt exists
in my mind that he was right in his diagnosis ; but it is a
thousand pities that so grand a bird should have been thus
miserably lost, the more so as the species has only once before

Op. cit. Uccelli di Sardegna’)? p- 134.

t ‘ Avifauna del Modenese e della Sicilia,’ per Pietro Doderlein, &c. &c.,
p. 276: Palermo, 1873.

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 231

been recorded as observed here (Ibis, 1869, p. 245), and
no collection in the island, public or private, contains a spe¬
cimen. It was shot on the rocks near the ruins of Crendi,
on Thursday, the 13th inst. It was seen to approach from
the direction of Filfla, at a great height, and, on gaining the
land, descend at one flight to the ground. From the descrip¬
tion given it appears to have been in the dark plumage of the
immature bird, known in that state as the King-tailed Eagle,
on account of the white marking on the tail-feathers.

Falco Eleonoras (Ibis, 1864, p. 48). The first specimen
of this interesting bird that I ever handled in the flesh was
taken alive in Malta on the 4th May, 1864, and is in my col¬
lection. It is an exceedingly fine example of the bird in the
Hobby stage of plumage. I append a description, chiefly
from notes taken at the time : —

Length (in the flesh) 15 inches; wings from carpal to tip
12J ; wings extending beyond the tail 1T72-. Beak bluish.
Cere, margins of eyelids, legs, and feet sulphureous yellow ;
claws black. Irides very dark.

The upper parts are of a schistaceous black, very slightly
marked on the edges of some of the feathers with rufous ; no
rufous on the nape. Underparts rufous, indistinctly streaked
with blackish brown tinged with sooty black ; deeper rufous
towards the vent- and thigh-feathers, which show very few
streaks. Moustaches very apparent ; sides of the neck and
throat white or creamy white. Inner webs of the primaries
unicolor ous, i. e. without any spots, which peculiarity, toge¬
ther with its larger size, is given by Salvadori^, although
hesitatingly, as the chief means of distinguishing it from the
Hobby in this condition of plumage.

The bird-stuffer to whom I sent it to be set up assures me
it was a male. Lord Lilford, who has given much attention
to this species, thinks it is probably in the plumage of the
third year.

I once observed what I am almost certain was a bird of
this species, in summer, flying in the ditch of the fortifi-

* Op. cit. (( Uccelli di Sardegna ’), p. 25.

232

Mr. C. A. Wright's Fifth Appendix to a

cations of the land front of V alletta ; and it is far from im¬
probable that it occasionally breeds here. There is no doubt
of the true Peregrine nesting on the precipitous cliffs of these
islands. Schembri's statement of the Kite ( Milvus r eg alls)
nesting in Gozo is certainly erroneous, this species invariably
selecting trees for nidification.

Pandion haliaetus (Ibis, 1864, p. 45). There was an Os¬
prey, A , in the market on the 1st Sept., 1871, which had
been shot in Gozo. On the 23rd May, this year, I observed
an Osprey at the Salini, close enough to see that it had a
large fish in its talons. The men on the salt-works told me
that it had been there since the morning, fishing in an arm
of the sea that borders one side of the salt-pans, occasionally
alighting to feast on its prey. It had, no doubt, been at¬
tracted by the mullet which abound there at this season.
They said that it paid little attention to the labourers, and
several times came so near that they could have easily shot
it if they had had a gun. Up to the 27th it continued to
be seen about the locality.

Milvus niger (Ibis, 1864, p. 46; 1870, p. 489). I ob¬
tained another of these birds, $, in the market on the 10th
Sept., 1872, and preserved the skin.

Yunx torquilla (Ibis, 1864, p. 50) . As mentioned, a rare
winter visitant. Capt. Feilden obtained a specimen in the
market on the 30th Dec., 1873.

Cuculus glandarius (Ibis, 1864, p. 50) . On looking over
my birds the other day, I found I had one of these Cuckoos,
which had been obtained in the market on the 18th April,
1867. It was a female. This makes the fourth that I have
known to have been taken here in the course of a great many
years.

Parus major (Ibis, 1869, p. 245). A second example of
this species was taken in Malta on the 8th Oct., 1871. A
bird-catcher noticed it on a tree in his garden at the Pietk,
and, laying a net for it, succeeded in effecting its capture.

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 233

It lived for several days. I was fortunate enough in secu¬
ring the specimen.

Emberiza sciigeniclus, 2 (Ibis, 1864, p. 55). One was
taken in a net on the 9th Dec., 1871.

Emberiza nivalis (Ibis, 1864, p. 55 ; 1870, p. 490). Two
other specimens of this northern bird have been taken within
a few days of each other, since the one shot by me in No¬
vember 1869. They were killed about the end of December
of the same year, or beginning of January 1870. Both spe¬
cimens were shown to me ; and I secured one of them for my
collection.

Hirundo daurica, Linn., (Ibis, 1864, p. 57). Another
example of this rare visitor was taken in April 1870.

Hirundo rupestris (Ibis, 1864, pp. 57, 291 ; 1865, p. 464) .
I noticed several of these birds again at Rabuto, Gozo, on two
successive days at Christmas, 1873. They seemed to be quite
at home, hawking for insects on the sheltered sides of the
houses in the most frequented part of the town, and from time
to time resting on the cornices of the Calypso Hotel, where
we were lodging, and other buildings. No other species of
Swallow, as far as I know, passes the winter in these islands.
On revisiting Gozo in the following April, I could find no
traces of it, although the usual Swallows, Martins, and Swifts
were to be seen everywhere on migration.

Caprimulgus europ^eus (Ibis, 1864, p. 58). I have a cu¬
rious variety of this species, labelled “ Female, Gargur, Malta,
April 3, 1868.” It is of a general silvery grey, wing-coverts
almost pure white, the markings shown in the ordinary-
coloured bird being faintly traceable on the light ground. It
was given to me in the flesh by the person in charge of the
government aqueducts. The latest date of the occurrence of
C. europceus in Malta, during the spring migration, that has
come to my notice, was on the 9th June, 1870, when I was
surprised to find one of these birds and a Stilt Plover (Ibis,
1864, p./49) on a stall in the market.

234 Mr. C. A. Wright's Fifth Appendix to a

Lanius minor (Ibis, 1864, p. 59 ; 1870, p. 492). I noticed
one of these rare visitors in the market on the 5th Sept., 1871 ;
and on the 8th I saw another on one of the stalls.

Alauda calandra (Ibis, 1864, p. 61). On the 26th April,
1870, a sportsman shot one of these birds. I saw one on Fort-
Manoel Island on the 8th May, 1874. This species of Lark
appears to be getting rare here.

Anthus pratensis (Ibis, 1864, p. 61). There is in my col¬
lection a specimen of this species of a general isabelline colour,
with the wing-feathers almost pure white ; the feathers of the
tail are darker. Beak and legs very light yellowish brown.

Anthus spinoletta. A piece of good luck befell Capt. Feil-
den in shooting one of these Pipits, on the first occasion when
he and I paid a visit to Fort-Manoel Island, one fine sunny
afternoon in November of 1873, the wind having blown for
three days from the north-west. He very generously gave it
to me ; and it, being little injured by the shot, made a capital
specimen. Length in the flesh 6 inches or 15 centimetres,
quite \ an inch longer than a specimen of Anthus pratensis
killed shortly afterwards for comparison; tarsus J in., A. pra¬
tensis being Colour of legs hair-brown (in pratensis they
are light yellowish brown) ; irides brown. External tail-fea¬
ther, distal half obliquely marked with white. In the specimen
of A. pratensis now before me the end of second tail-feather, be¬
sides the first, is distinctly marked with white. General colour
of the upper parts smoky olivaceous brown, the centre of each
feather being darker. Greater and lesser wing-coverts mar¬
gined with greyish white ; superciliary streak, throat, and ab¬
domen dirty white. Breast and sides thickly marked with
dull indistinct spots, running into one another, especially
about the sides of the neck. Very fat. Contents of stomach
elytra of beetles.

Turdus torquatus (Ibis, 1864, p. 63) . Several of the rarer
species of Thrushes have made their appearance at Malta last
winter (1873-74), possibly impelled by the severe weather.
Capt. Feilden obtained a Binged Ousel in the market on the

235

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo.

4th Nov., and another on the 8th of the same month. A few
others were also taken.

Turdus viscivorus (Ibis, 1864, p. 63). In the last week
of October 1873, one of these Thrushes was brought to the
market, and Capt. Feilden obtained specimens at the game-
stalls on the 18th and 27th Nov.

Turdus pilaris (Ibis, 1864, p. 64) . This Thrush has visited
us earlier and in greater numbers than usual this winter (1873) .
Capt. Feilden first observed it in the market on the 21st Nov.
He afterwards saw it on the following dates : — 25th Nov.
(one specimen) ; 28th ditto (four specimens) ; 11th Dec. (one
specimen) ; 20th Dec. (two specimens) .

Turdus iliacus (Ibis, 1864, p. 64). Two specimens were
seen by the above-mentioned gentleman in the market on the
17th and 30th Dec., 1873.

Accentor modularis (Ibis, 1864, p. 67). Obtained a spe¬
cimen in the market on the 8th Feb., 1870. Another ex¬
ample was shot on the 17th Dec., 1873, by Capt. Feilden when
out shooting with me at the Inquisitor’s Palace. A third was
obtained by him in the market on the 28th Dec., 1873.

Sylvia melanocephala (Ibis, 1864, p. 69) . From its well-
known habits in other parts of the Mediterranean, there is no
doubt this bird would regularly breed here if left undisturbed,
as it is generally to be met with in pairs as the breeding-sea¬
son approaches. Winter, however, is the season when it is
oftenest seen. From the appearance of a female obtained
this year as late as the 7th May, I have little doubt she had
a nest. On the 9th Capt. Feilden shot a fine male, and we
saw or heard two or three others. I noticed it this year as
late as the middle of May. I only once heard it sing while
hovering in the air like S. conspicillata. Its song is rather
singular, flute-like, and melodious, but not very prolonged.
This was in April. Its call and alarm notes are familiar to
most people who have gardens and take notice of their fea¬
thered visitors.

236

Mr. C. A. Wright's Fifth Appendix to a

Aedon galactodes, A'edon rubiginosa (Ibis, 1864, p. 72).
A Rufous Warbler (the intermediate appellation of “ Sedge ”
having been very properly suppressed since its habits have be¬
come better known) was taken alive on the 23rd May, 1873.
It soon became accustomed to its prison-house and familiar
with those who gave it food. It is a very lively bird, con¬
stantly on the move, frequently raising and dropping its tail,
which it spreads out like a lady's fan.

Hypolais icterina (Vieill.), Motacilla hypolais (Linn.),
(Ibis, 1864, p. 71) . This bird, about which there has been
so much confusion amongst authors, is, as I have stated in
the first part of this list, not uncommon in the vernal and
autumnal migrations ; but good specimens are rather diffi¬
cult to get.

The following is a description, confirming my previous ob¬
servations, of a specimen, $ , obtained on the 9th May this
year (1874), amongst some carob trees, on an eminence over¬
looking the upper end of the valley of St. Julian’s : —

Length 5^ inches (140 millimetres) ; wing 3£ in. (80 mm.) ;
tarsus | in. (22 mm.) ; beak \ in. (13 mm.).

First, or bastard wing-feather very short, scarcely reaching
beyond the extremity of the upper primary coverts ; second
primary (reckoning the bastard feather as the first) longer
than the fifth, and about equal to the fourth ; third longest
in the wing, which in repose extends to fully half the length
of the tail. Upper parts green tinged with ash ; wings and
tail brown edged with grey, the tertiaries being most broadly
marked ; superciliary streak, throat, cheeks, and underparts
light yellow ; tail somewhat rounded when spread, but ernar-
ginated when closed. Upper mandible brown; lower man¬
dible tinged with orange. Interior of mouth orange. Tarsus,
toes, and claws slaty brown. Irides hazel. Ovary begin¬
ning to develop. Condition of bird rather fat.

In the third edition of Yarrell, H. polyglotta is given as
having been captured in England ; but from Prof. Newton’s
edition of the same work, now in course of publication, it
would appear that the bird alluded to was really Hypolais
icterina of Yieillot.

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 237

Acrocephalus turdoides ( Calamoherpe turdoides, Ibis,
1864, p. 72). Two of these birds were taken alive, Oct. 1873,
and became very tame in confinement, eating readily from
the hand, and going in and out of their cage, in the open air,
without any fear. Mr. F. Mamo, of this island, who is very
successful in his treatment of soft-billed birds as cage-fa¬
vourites, kept them for some time. None of the pictures I
have seen gives a correct idea of this bird's appearance in life.
Its most natural position is crouching, the neck very thick
and short, with its large head slightly raised and drawn in
close to the shoulders, which are round and broad.

Merops persicus (Ibis, 1864, p. 73). One of these rare
and adventitious wanderers to Europe was shot in Malta since
the publication of my “ Fourth Appendix." It was killed at
the end of May 1871, at the Inquisitor's Palace, by F. Camil-
leri, barber of the Central Hospital, out of a flock ; but whether
of the same or of the common kind (M. apiaster ) he could
not say. He was first attracted by its note, which was dif¬
ferent from any he had heard before. The specimen is in
my collection. It is a male in spring plumage. It is the
only Malta-killed specimen extant, as all trace is lost of the
only other example I know of, said by Schembri to have been
killed in Sept. 1840.

Alcedo ispida (Ibis, 1864, p. 73) . This bird was unusually
abundant in the autumn of 1873. Its Maltese name, Ghasfur
la San Martin , is derived from the time of year it generally
makes its appearance, namely, the Feast of St. Martin. One
bird-stufier preserved about twenty specimens. I noticed
it on the 30th Oct. and 3rd Nov., 1873, and 7th Jan., 1874 —
on the second of these occasions in the Dockyard Creek,
right in amongst the boats and shipping.

Tringa minuta (Ibis, 1864, p. 492). I shot several ex¬
amples on the 27th May, this year; but although they had
almost assumed complete summer plumage, dissection did
not show any signs of approach to the breeding-state. The
stomach of one of them contained small marine shells of the
species Truncatetta truncatula. ; .

s

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

238 Mr. C. A. Wright's Fifth Appendix to a

Tringa temminckii (Ibis, 1864, p. 148; 1869, p. 492).
This bird is doubtless a regular migrant ; and scarcely a spring
passes without my observing it. It also occurs in autumn.
The last time I shot one was on the 5th May, this year, at
Salini, out of a small flock, which had become extremely wild
on account of being frequently fired at and molested.

Strepsilas interpres (Ibis, 1864, p. 148; 1865, p. 466).
One of these birds, which cannot be considered more than an
occasional visitor, was shot in Gozo on the 15th May, this
year, and kindly sent to me by Mr. Arrowsmith. It had
almost attained the full summer plumage, and was of the fe¬
male sex.

Phcenicopterus roseus ? (Ibis, 1864, p. 148 ; 1870, p. 492).
A Flamingo wras seen and shot at on the 22nd August, 1870,
at the Salini ; and footmarks, probably of the same bird, were
afterwards observed in the mud in the outer ditch of the
Marsa. A Flamingo was seen flying over the suburb of Flo-
riana one day in April this year, 1874.

Larus tridactylus (Ibis, 1864, p. 151). My friend Mr.
Medlycott shot one of these birds in the Marsamuscetto Har¬
bour on the 22nd Feb., 1873; and I examined the specimen
before he sent it to be skinned. It is one of our rarest Gulls,
but, I dare say, gets often overlooked in a flock of the Adriatic
Gull, one of which he killed with the other barrel.

Larus canus (Ibis, 1864, p. 151). I have a specimen of
this Gull, which was taken on the 18tli Dec., 1865.

Sterna hybrida (Ibis, 1864, p. 153). I shot a beautiful
specimen of this Tern at the Salini on the 22nd May, of the
present year. It was a male, and assuming the breeding-state.
The breast and belly were prettily mottled with white, the
lead-colour becoming nearly black towards the vent. Legs
orange-red ; beak brownish red.

Sterna fissipes (Ibis, 1864, p. 153). In July 1870 a large
number of Black Terns visited our harbours, and remained
here till about the end of September. I first noticed them

List of Birds observed in Malta and Gozo. 239

on the 29th July, while paying a visit to the ironclad squadron,
which was anchored off the mouth of the Grand Harbour.
I shot one on the 4th August in Sliema Creek. It was stand¬
ing on a fishing-cork, and had been seen in this position for
several hours, regardless of the ferry-boats which repeatedly
passed close to it in the course of the day. As they chiefly
confined themselves to the other harbours, on the 6th I or¬
ganized a regular campaign against them, and found them
in abundance fishing in the New- Harbour extension, which
was at that time pretty free from shipping. I saw none in the
black plumage of summer ; all were more or less marked
with grey and white. I shot six, the average measurement
being from 9^ to 10 inches in length— -the larger specimens
being males, as is always the case with the different species
of the Tern family ; length of wing 8^ inches. It was .ex¬
ceedingly interesting to watch their light and rapid move¬
ments ; now dropping suddenly from their airy altitude,
splashing the water like a falling stone, in pursuit of some
small fish or offal that had attracted their attention, now
coursing through the air, in imitation, as it were, of the
Swallow tribe. In many parts of the new harbour were placed
floating corks to mark certain spots where mines had been
laid to blast the rock at the bottom, in order to deepen the
anchorage. On most of these corks was to be seen a solitary
Tern, quietly watching for some passing fish, to seize it for
its prey. They showed no fear of approaching boats. I
amused myself for some time with one little fellow, by pulling
my skiff to windward and allowing it to drift down towards
him. He never moved until I had almost touched him with
my hand, and then only to mount a few feet in the air over
my head, and alight on the same cork the instant that I had
passed. This experiment I repeated several times, with the
same result. Occasionally, while within a few inches of him,
he would exchange calls with a passing companion. The note
was rather a shrill scream. So close did he allow of my ap¬
proach that I could watch the expression of his little dark
bright eye ; but there was nothing of alarm in it. May be,
one reason for his loathness to abandon this particular cork

s 2

240 Mr. C. A. Wright on Birds observed in Malta and Gozo.

was the presence of a small fish, which he had captured and
laid at his feet, and his not wishing to renounce so good a
chance of a meal. Taking up the fish to examine, and care¬
fully replacing it, I had no sooner done so, than my little
friend immediately resumed his stand on the cork. So much
fearlessness and confidence were enough to touch even a col¬
lector’s heart, and nothing could have induced me to repay
them by injury. Indeed I shot no more specimens that day.
The best way to distinguish the Black Tern from the White¬
winged Black Tern ( Sterna leucoptera) , in all states of plu¬
mage, is by comparing the length of the tarsi, there being a
considerable and constant difference, that of the Black Tern
being shorter.

PlJFFINUS CINEREUS and PuFFINITS ANGLORUM (Ibis, 1864,
p. 153). Although examples of these birds may be seen nearly
throughout the year, it is in March that they approach the
shores of these islands for the purpose of breeding, old and
young taking their departure in October.

Pelecanus onocrotalus (Ibis, 1864, p. 154; 1865, p. 466) .
There was a Pelecan in immature plumage exhibited for sale
in the market on the 27th, 1872, which I ascertained had
been shot in Gozo.

Fuligula cristata (Ibis, 1864, p. 156). One of these rare
Ducks, a fine male, was noticed in the market on the 19th
Nov., 1873, by Capt. Feilden. The winter of 1873-74 has
been remarkable for the large number of Woodcock, Duck,
and Teal that have been taken here during the time of mi¬
gration.

N.B. Stercorarius catarrhactes and Cygnus ferns require
further confirmation before being accepted as accidental visi¬
tors. The statement of the appearance of S. catarrhactes
(Ibis, 1864, p. 151) was based on a very dilapidated specimen ;
and I have reason to fear that I was mistaken in referring it
to that species. The head, wing-bones, and feet are still in
my possession ; so that it may yet be determined by com¬
parison with other specimens. It was shot as long ago as

241

Mr. J. E. Harting on little-known Limicolse.

1849, on the day of the “ Feast of the Conception/'' at the
Salini, by Mr. Ardouino, who still remembers the occurrence* *.
The specimen of Cygnus alluded to (Ibis, 1864, p. 155) was
doubtless the young of C. olor , a species already registered as
visiting Malta (Ibis, 1869, p. 248). It is more than probable
that C. ferns has also occurred here ; but I have no authentic
information of the fact. There is an example of C. olor in
the Malta University Museum nearly pure white, but with
scarcely any appearance of the frontal knob. I think the
occurrence of Alauda cristata (Ibis, 1864, p. 60 ; 1865, p. 464),
even as an accidental visitor, is very doubtful, also Podiceps
cornutus (Ibis, 1864, p. 157), as I have never myself seen a
specimen of either. Whilst on the subject of corrections, I
may state that the alleged specimens of the American Gull
{Larus atricilla) taken in Sicily, and preserved in the Palermo
University Museum (Ibis, 1869, p. 255), do not belong to
that species. During a recent visit to Palermo I had an oppor¬
tunity, through the kindness of the learned professor in charge
of the zoological department, of examining them. They arc
unmistakably examples of the Adriatic (or, as it is better
called, the Mediterranean) Black-headed Gull. It may be
taken for granted that the American species does not occur in
the Mediterranean ; and the allusions of authors to it, Yarrell
among others, doubtless refer to Larus melanocephalus .

XXVIII. — On rare or little-known Limicolse.

By J. E. Harting, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

(Plate IX.)

The Genus Becurvirostra.

So long ago as 1863, in WiegmamEs f Archiv * for that year,
p. 131, Messrs. Philippi and Landbeck described an Avocet
from the Andes, which they named Recurvirostra andina, and

* [Since this paper was sent to the printers Mr. Wright has sent us
the fragments mentioned above. On comparing them with specimens in
Mr-. Dresser’s collection, we are able to state that they belong, without
doubt, to a young individual of S. pomatorhinus. — Ed.]

242

Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

which was said to differ materially from the only species of
the genus then known to inhabit the New World. Their
description and measurements, to which I shall presently
refer, left little to be desired save the acquisition of further
specimens and the information which other observers might
supply as to the geographical range and habits of the bird.
Strange to say, although ten years have elapsed since it was
brought to the notice of ornithologists, no further obser¬
vations, so far as I am aware, have been published in regard
to this interesting species.

An opportunity has just been afforded me, through the
kindness of Mr. Sclater, of examining a carefully finished
coloured drawing by Herr Landbeck of the identical speci¬
men from which the original description was taken. In com¬
pliance with his request that I would examine and report upon
the validity of the species in question, I beg to offer the fol¬
lowing remarks : —

On looking at the plate, which is here faithfully repro¬
duced (Plate IX.), the first thing which attracts attention
is the white head; a second peculiarity is the absence of
any white bar upon the wing, so conspicuous in the well-
known species R. avocetta and R. americana ; and one cannot
fail to notice also that the tail-feathers, instead of being pure
white, like those of its congeners, are of the same colour as
the back and wings.

It is thus particularly described by its discoverers : —

“ Head and neck white ; mantle, wings, and tail black ;
feet bluish grey.

“ Length from bill to end of tail 1 foot 6 inches 9 lines ;
bill 3*2 inches ; tail 4 ; wing from carpus 9*6 ; bare tibia 1*3 ;
tarsus 3*4; middle toe 1*7; outer toe 1*5 ; inner toe 1*2;
hind toe *3.

The wings do not quite reach to the end of the tail. The
tibia is bare for 1*3 inch. The bill is horn-black at the ex¬
tremity, graduating into horn-brown. Iris bright red. Tarsus
bluish grey ; claws black. Head, neck, breast, belly, under
wing- and under tail -coverts, lower part of back and rump,
fianks, and thighs pure snowy white. Upper part of back,

Ibis. 1874. PI. IX

EECURVIROSTBA. ANDINA.

or little-known Limicolse.

243

shoulders, wings, tail, and upper tail-coverts brownish black ;
the greater wing-coverts and primaries with greenish black
reflections, but without any white.”

On reading this description, it seemed just possible that
the bird in question might be immature ; and as I remembered
to have noticed in other species, and in some species of the
allied genus Himantopus, that the tail-feathers are, for the
most part, grey in the young, but become pure white in the
adult, a careful comparison was necessary before any satis¬
factory conclusion could be arrived at.

The result of this comparison has satisfied me that the
bird described by Herren Philippi and Landbeck must be re¬
garded as a valid and highly interesting species.

The genus Recurvirostra is a very restricted one ; and it is
not difficult, therefore, to point out the distinguishing cha¬
racters of the four species of which it is composed, and show
in what respects R. andina differs from its congeners.

Recurvirostra avocetta , which is the most widely distributed
of all (being found, as I shall presently show, throughout the
greater part of Europe, Asia, and Africa), is at once to be
distinguished by its black crown and nape, present at all sea¬
sons, in young as well as in old birds, although of a paler or
browner hue in the case of the former. This peculiarity is
shared by no other species of Avocet. In the distribution of
colour about the back and wings it resembles the New-World
species, R. americana ; that is to say, the scapulars, wing-
coverts, and primaries are black, while the interscapulars
and secondaries are pure white. The closed wing has thus
the appearance of being crossed by two very conspicuous
white bars. This distribution of colour is indicated at a very
early age, even in the young bird incapable of flight, the parts
which in the adult are black being in the young of a mealy
brown hue. The tail and tail-coverts are at all seasons
white.

From this species R. andina differs in having a white head,
an absence of white upon the wing, and the tail and tail-
coverts brownish black.

In R. americana the crown and nape are never at any season

244

Mr. J. E. Harting on r are

black, being* in summer ferruginous or sandy red (which colour
extends to the whole of the neck and the upper part of the
breast), in autumn grey, more especially in birds of the year,
and in winter pure white. In the winter plumage therefore it
resembles R. andina in the colour of the head, but differs from
it in the colour of the wings, which resemble those of R. avo-
cetta , save that the white secondaries are so nearly obscured
by the dark wing-coverts that the closed wing presents the
appearance of being crossed by only one white bar (and
that a narrow one) instead of two. The bill is much less
recurved and less attenuated at the extremity than in any of
the other species. The tarsus is longer than in R . avocetta and
R. andina ; but the latter has a longer wing.

R. novce-hollandice , inhabiting Australia and New Zealand,
may at once be distinguished by the rich chestnut colouring
of the whole of the head and upper portion of the neck, which
is retained, apparently, throughout the year, though of a paler
hue in winter. The coloration of the wings is much the same
as in the last-named species, save that there is much less black
upon the scapulars, and these black feathers do not meet to
form one broad mesial patch in the centre of the back as in R.
avocetta and R. americana.

The legs and feet in all the species are of a delicate bluish
grey, the soles of the feet tinged with buff. By some authors
they have been described as black ; but this was in conse¬
quence of the descriptions having been taken from dried
skins. The bill is of the colour and appearance of whale¬
bone ; the irides bright red or reddish hazel.

In structure Recurvirostra closely resembles Numenius and
Totanus. The tongue is very short in proportion to the
length of the bill, slightly emarginate at the base, with a few
conical papillae, slender, tapering to a point, and flattened
above. On the palate are two longitudinal series of blunt
papillae. The posterior aperture of the nares is linear, nearly
an inch in length, papillate on the edges. The oesophagus is
between seven and eight inches in length, and inclines to the
right side. In diameter it is about half an inch at the upper
part, dilating to about three quarters of an inch at its entrance

or little-known Limicolse.

245

into the thorax. The trachea is about six inches and a half
long, and a quarter of an inch in diameter, its rings very thin
and unossified, and the bronchi short. The proventriculus is an
inch long, and half an inch in diameter; the gizzard of an
oblong shape, about an inch and a half long and nearly an
inch wide, the epithelial lining tolerably thick and hard.
The intestine is between three and four feet long, and about
the third of an inch in diameter ; the rectum two inches
long, and the caeca about two and a half and two and three-
quarter inches respectively.

The gizzard has generally been found to contain small
shells and particles of grit, remains of small crustacea, worms,
beetles, and sometimes vegetable fibre.

Various details have been published from time to time of
what may be termed the better-known species of Avocets ;
but these details are scattered throughout a multitude of dif¬
ferent volumes, and reference to them involves no little time
and trouble.

The species, however, are so few in number that the present
seems a fitting opportunity for bringing together some of the
more important observations which have been published con¬
cerning them.

Linnseus thus describes the genus
“ Recurvirostra. Rostrum depresso -planum, subulatum,
recurvatum, acuminatum, apice flexili. Pedes palmati,
tridactyliV

He was mistaken, however, in writing “ tridactyli,” as in
all the known species there is a hind toe present.

Recurvirostra avocetta, Linnseus.

Recurvirostra avocetta , Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 256 (1766), et
auct. recent.

Recurvirostra europcea, Dumont, Diet, des. Sc. Nat. iii.
p. 339 (1816).

Recurvirostra tephroleuca , Vieillot, Enc. Meth. p. 360
(1823).

Recurvirostra halebi, Brehm, Vogelf. p. 325.

Recurvirostra sinensis, Swinhoe, Ibis, 1867, p. 400.

246

Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

Hab. Europe from 60° N. lat. to the Mediterranean ; Asia
from Siberia to Cochin China and Ceylon; Africa to the
Cape.

Diagn. R. alba ; pileo, collo postico, scapularibus ex parte,
tectricibus alarum, et remigibus primariis nigris ; rostro ni-
gro ; iride rufescenti-fusca ; pedibus cseruleis ; long. tot. circa
17*5 poll., rostr. 3*2-3*5, alse 8*5-9*0, tib. nud. 1*5-1*75,
tars. 3 -3 ’4, dig. med. cum ung. 1*5-1*75.

From what has been said above, it will be seen that this species
has a very extensive geographical range, more so, in fact, than
any other of the genus. In Europe it is pretty generally distri¬
buted but is not found very far north, perhaps not further
than the 60th parallel of N. latitude, although breeding in
Denmark, the Isle of Sylt, Schleswig Holstein, and the north
of Germany and Holland. It was formerly a regular sum¬
mer visitant to England ; but the general cultivation of waste
lands, and the drainage of extensive pieces of water (the
natural consequence of an increasing population and an im¬
proved system of agriculture) , have gradually banished it from
its former haunts. The neighbourhood of Rye, in Sussex,
Romney Marsh, in Kent, Salthouse, in Norfolk, and Foss-
dyke Wash and West Fen, in Lincolnshire, are upon record
as former breeding-places ; and to these might be added Win-
terton and Horsey in Norfolk, the neighbourhood of the
Seven-Mile House, on the river Bure, near Yarmouth, and
the Mere-lands at Thorpe, near Aldeburgh. In Scotland and
Ireland the Avocet is regarded as an extremely rare bird. It
has occurred accidentally as far north as Orkney, and as far
to the south and west as Cork Harbour ; but these must be
considered quite exceptional instances. On the opposite
shores of Holland, where I have had opportunities of seeing
this singular bird alive and watching its graceful movements,
large tracts of unreclaimed marsh and ooze still afford it a
secure retreat, whilst the veto which is placed upon shooting
during the nesting-season in that country enables it to rear
its young in many places with more or less freedom from
molestation.

In some of the marshy plains of Southern Spain the Avocet

or little-known Limicoke.

247

is equally at home during the breeding-time ; but Mr. Howard
Saunders, who has obtained the eggs there, states (Ibis, 1871,
p. 387) that it does not appear to be numerous, since only a
few pairs came under his own observation.

Dr. Cullen, referring to the present species, says the Avocet
is rather a common bird in the Dobrudscha during the breed¬
ing-season. There it never nests in marshes, nor in weeds or
grass, but always on the sand, mud, or shingle left dry, or
nearly so, by the partial drying up or receding of the salt lakes
or ponds. There are several of these in the neighbourhood
of Kustendji, upon the shores of which the Avocet breeds.

The nest is usually a mere hollow lined with stems, straws
and pieces of caked mud, but is frequently without any lining
at all. Dr. Cullen once found some nests made completely of
straws and stems built up to the height of six or eight inches.
When undisturbed the bird invariably lays four eggs. These
are of a warm stone-colour, handsomely blotched or streaked
with black. Notwithstanding that the nestis generally in an
exposed situation, it is not very easy to find ; for the bird never
flies directly to or from it. It always runs crouching] y along
the ground, with head bent low, for some little way before it
takes flight, and in returning it invariably alights first at some
distance, and approaches the nest in the same cautious way
that it left it. It is a shy and restless bird, and betrays great
uneasiness if its nest is approached or its young molested,
often trying to entice the intruder away by feigning lame¬
ness or a broken wing. The young, which run as soon as
they are hatched, are at first covered with white down, but
marked on the head and shoulders like the old birds. Dr.
Cullen says the bill is then quite straight ; but if so, it must
very speedily acquire the characteristic curve ; for Mr. Gould,
in his f Birds of Great Britain 9 has figured the young three
weeks old with unmistakably upturned bills ; and I have be¬
fore me a young bird from Southern Spain, apparently about
the same age, in which the bill is also very decidedly curved.

If the bill, however, were not straight at first, it would fol¬
low that the young must either fee^ immediately they are
hatched, after the manner of their parents, or that the latter

248

Mr. J. E. Halting on rare

must have some peculiar mode of supplying them with food.
Insectivorous birds, as we know, feed their young by thrust¬
ing their own bills into the open mouths of the nestlings,
while with Cormorants, as I have often observed, just the
reverse takes place, the bill, and even the entire head of the
youngster, sometimes disappearing in the capacious maw of
the attentive parent. But in the case of the Avocets, neither
of these modes can be adopted, owing to the peculiar curva¬
ture of the bill, unless, indeed, that of the nestling is straight ;
and it seems equally clear that the extremities of the mandi¬
bles are practically useless, since they are often so weak and
attenuated that they do not even close one upon the other.
I suspect it will be found that Avocets feed their nestlings as
Puffins do ; that is to say, they bring small fish, thin-skinned
Crustacea, and worms crosswise in their bills, and laying the
latter close alongside the open mandibles of the young, allow
them to snatch the food sideways from them.

The mode of feeding as observed in the case of adult birds
is as remarkable as it is different from that of the majority of
the Scolopacidse. Instead of boring into the soil, like the
true Snipes, or feeding from the surface with the extremity
of the bill, like the Sandpipers, the A voce t, resorting to the
soft ooze, upon which it is well supported by its webbed
feet, places the flattened convex mandible upon the surface
of the mud, and by an alternating lateral motion of the
head, scoops its food sideways into the mouth. Some in¬
teresting remarks on this subject, from the pen of Mr. A. E.
Knox, will be found in the f Zoologist/ vol i. p. 225.

Its webbed feet enable the bird to swim well, not only
when wounded, and attempting to escape, but apparently
for diversion ; for a little flock of Avocets have been seen to
alight upon a salt-water pool, where the water was known to be
several feet deep ; and Mr. Swinhoe, when at Amoy, once saw
“ a small group of pied birds floating in a clump ” on the Chang-
chow river, which subsequently proved to be Avocets*. On
the wing they are equally at home, flying well and rapidly, with
outstretched neck, while uttering a loud and tremulous note.

* Ibis, 1867, p. 400.

or little-known Limicolse.

249

I have already referred to the wide geographical range of
the present species ; and but for the above digression upon its
habits, into which I was led from a consideration of Dr. Cul¬
len's remarks upon its mode of nidification in the Dobrudscha,
I should have proceeded to trace its distribution beyond the
European continent. There can be no doubt, from the sea¬
sons at which it has been noted by many observers on both
shores of the Mediterranean, that it passes southwards and
eastwards in the autumn, returning in an opposite direction
in the spring. Thus, according to Mr. C. A. Wright (Ibis,
1864, p. 149), it has been met with in Malta and Gozo in
spring and autumn. Lord Lilford met with it in Epirus in
December. Mr. O. Salvin saw it at Zana and Djendeli in
June; but “ at Chot Saboun, the eastern extremity of the
marsh of Zana, the bird was most numerous/'’ Canon Tris¬
tram found it at Tuggurt, south of the Atlas, in January.
Drs. Finsch and Hartlaub, Mr. E. C. Taylor, Capt. Shelley
(who saw it in February and March), and others bear testi¬
mony to its spending the winter in Egypt and Nubia* ; wdiile
Dr. Kirk and Dr. Hartlaub respectively affirm that it regu¬
larly visits the Zambesi region and Madagascar. Travelling
down the west coast, in the same way, by Senegambia and
Damar aland, where Anders son frequently shot specimens, it
finds its way into Cape Colony, as we know from the obser¬
vations of Dr. Andrew Smith, and the more recent investi¬
gations of Mr. E. L. Layard.

Andersson's note on this species, as furnished by Mr. J.
H. Gurney in the f Birds of Damara Land/ runs as follows : —
“ This handsome and peculiar bird is occasionally found on
the south-west coast of Africa, and also occurs, though less
frequently, inland. In the Cape Colony, however, I have
found the case, as regards its distribution, slightly reversed.
I may mention as inland localities for this species Objim-
binque, where I have seen it once or twice, and Ondonga,
where it was shot by Axel. At certain seasons the Avocet
is not uncommon on the coast at Walvisch Bay, Sandwich

* Dr. Brehm believes that the N.E. African form may be distinguished
a a Recurvirostra halebi ; but in this opinion 1 cannot concur.

250

Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

Harbour, Angra, Pequena, &c. ; but it usually disappears
from Damara Land during the breeding-season, though I have
little doubt that a few pairs remain to nest there, as I
have occasionally met with very young birds during the dry
time of the year." Mr. E. L. Layard, writing in 1867,
included this Avocet in his f Birds of South Africa ’ as oc¬
curring periodically in the colony in small flocks, and men¬
tioned Zeekoe Bay, on the Simon's Town and Wynberg road,
Neks Poort and Beaufort as localities where numerous spe¬
cimens had been procured, among them several in very young
plumage ; but at that date he had not heard of their breeding
there. That they do so, however, there is now no doubt ; for
he has since obtained the eggs there, and one of these, with
which he kindly presented me, is now in my collection*.

Were I to attempt to indicate in detail all the localities
in which the Avocet has been met with in Asia, I might say
as much for that vast continent as has been said for Africa ;
but I should perhaps only weary my readers, and occupy
too much valuable space. Suffice it to say that, according
to Pallas, Badde, and other well-known authorities, the
so-called European Avocet is met with in Siberia, Tartary,
and Mongolia. Mr. Blanford shot a specimen in June at the
Lake of Shiraz, but considers it rather a rare bird in Persia.
Major St. John also procured specimens at the Lake of
Shiraz and at the Lake of Dastarjin. Canon Tristram found
it in Palestine; and the late Mr. J. K. Lord noticed it in
Arabia.

In India there seems to be some difference of opinion as
to its distribution in that country. Jerdon and Blyth both
considered that it is not a common bird there, although the
former naturalist has remarked / Birds of India/ iii. p. 706)
that it is “ met with occasionally throughout the whole country ,

* This is not the only instance of a species breeding in what is generally
termed its “ winter-quarters.” Some interesting notes on this subject, in
which other species are named, by Mr. Layard, Dr. Bree, and the late Mr.
Blyth, will be found in the i Field ’ for 1871. See also Burgess, P. Z. S.
1855, p. 23; P.Z. S. 1863, p. 288; Sharpe and Dresser, P. Z. S. 1870.
p. 244 : and Saunders, Ibis, 1871, p. 38b'

or little-known Limicolse.

251

frequenting the edges of tanks and rivers, generally in small
flocks/"* To this statement, however, exception is taken by
Col. Tiekell, who says that, as far as his experience goes, the
Avocet is a an exceedingly rare bird in India,”' He adds,
“ though I have pretty generally explored the Ganges be¬
tween Sootee and Patna, the Gun duck and Bishennuddee in
Tirhoot, the Bhagiruttee in Bengal, and the Mahanuddee in
Malda, the Koel, Damoodur, Kasaie, and Soobunrekha, in the
wilder tracts of Chota, Nagpoor, and Orissa, never have I met
with this bird except in the tideway of the Hooghly below
Calcutta, or in the mouths of the Roopnarain, near the sea,
and never in any inland jheel, lake, or marsh/'* This last
remark reads strangely ; for Mr. Hume, writing on the orni¬
thology of Sindh (( Stray Feathers/ i. p. 248), states that it
is there very common about the larger inland lakes ; and at
the Muncher Lake especially, he noticed it in large parties,
“ certainly a hundred in a single flock/'* Mr. R. M. Adam,
too, shot several specimens in March and April at the Sam-
bhur Lake, in Central India / Stray Feathers/ i. p. 397).
Hodgson found it in Nepal. Pere David, Mr. Swinhoe, Mr.
Reeves, and others have observed the Avocet in China and
Formosa ; and Mr. Swinhoe regards it as a winter visitant to
South China (P. Z. S. 1863, p. 311). It is included in Mr.
HoldswortlFs “ Catalogue of the Birds of Ceylon ** (P. Z. S.
1872, p. 475) on the authority of Mr. Layard, who, some
years since, noted the occurrence of two specimens at Jaffna
(Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 2nd ser. vol. xiv. p. 265, 1854).

As regards Recurvirostra leucocephala of Yieillot (Nouv.
Diet. d’Hist. Nat. iii. p. 103, and Gal. Ois. iii. p. 181, pi. 272),
I have seen the type specimen in the Paris Museum, and can
state that it is not an Avocet at all, but a young bird, with a
broken bill, of the Australian Banded Stilt, Cladorhynchus
pectoralis (Du Bus). It is easy to see how the mistake arose.
Had the bill been perfect, Yieillot would have seen that it
was not recurved ; but having only the basal half before him,
and, no doubt, observing the extreme vertical compression of
the mandibles, erroneously assigned it a place among the true
Avocets. The foot of Cladorhynchus is very small compared

252

Mr. J. E. Harting- on rare

with that of Recurvirostra ; and although palmated as in that
genus, like Himantopus it has no hind toe.

The identification of Recurvirostra or lent alts, Cuvier, is a
point which, I imagine, Indian ornithologists especially will
he glad to have settled. Cuvier's very brief reference to the
species which he thus named, It eg. An. i. p. 533 and note
(1829), is as follows*: — After referring to R. avocetta and
R. americana, he says, “ II y en a sur les cotes de la mer des
In des une troisieme, toute blanche, a ailes toutes noires, h
pieds rouges, R. or lent alls , nobis;" adding in a foot-note,
“ M. Vieillot a change ce nom en Recurv. leucocephala,
Gal. pi. 272." Now R. leucocephala , Vieillot, as I have al¬
ready pointed out, is the Australian Cladorhynchus pectoralis
(Du Bus) ; and there can be no doubt, from Cuvier's description
and note, that his species was founded on the very same type
in the Paris Museum from which Vieillot had described.
This is confirmed by Guerin's plate in the f Iconographie du
Regne Animal,' tom. i. pi. 56, fig. 10 (1829-1844), where,
allowing for the broken bill, incorrectly restored, the identity
of R. orientalis with the Australian Cladorhynchus is placed be¬
yond all doubt. I need scarcely add that Cuvier was mistaken
in supposing that the bird in question came “ from the shores
of the Indian Ocean." It is confined entirely to Australia ;
and ornithologists may rest pretty well assured that there is
but one species of Avocet in India, viz. R. avocetia-\.

* [The bird is described and named in the edition of 1817. — Ed.]

t [The above identification of Mr. Harting’s has already been antici¬
pated by M. de Selvs-Longchamps, whose views are given in his excellent
‘Note sur la Famille des Recurvirostridees,’ published in the Bulletin of
the Academie Royale de Belgique, xvii. part i. p. 5 (1851).

The proper name of the Australian bird will therefore be

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus (Vieillot).

Recurvirostra leucocephala , Vieill. N. D. iii. p. 103 (1816).

Recurvirostra orientalis , Cuv. R. A. i. p. 496 (1817).

Leptorhynchus pectoralis, Du Bus, Bull. Ac. Roy. Belg. ii. p. 419, t. 7
(1835); Mag. Zool. 1835, t. 45.

Cladorhynchus pectoralis , Gould, Birds Austr. vi. t. 26.

Himantopus palmatus, Gould, Handb. Birds Austr. ii. p. 248.

Cladorhynchus palmatus , G. R. Gray, List Gen. B. p. 69 (1840).— Ed.]

or little-known Limicolse.

253

Mr. Swinhoe's Recurvirostra sinensis from Amoy, I think,
must be referred to the present species. His description (l. c.)
does not, indeed, apply to an adult specimen of R. avocetta,
hut, to my mind, clearly indicates the bird of the year, which
differs chiefly from the adult in having the upper part of the
back and tail light ashy grey, and the scapulars and wing-
coverts edged with the same colour, or with white. He gives
careful measurements of bill, wing, tarsus, &c., and some use¬
ful remarks on the trachea, gizzard, and intestines as noted
by him on the dissection of specimens of both sexes.

Recurvirostra Americana, Gmelin.

Recurvirostra americana, Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 693 (1788) ;
Wilson, Am. Orn. vii. p. 126, pi. 63 (1813) ; Swainson, Faun.
Bor.-Amer. ii. p. 375 (1831) ; Audubon, Orn. Biog. iv. p. 168
(1838) ; id. Birds Amer. vi. p. 24, pi. 353 (1843) ; Baird,
Birds N. Amer. p. 703 (1858) ; Cones, Key N. Amer. Birds,
p. 247 (1872) .

Recurvirostra occidentals, Vigors, Zool. Journ. iv. p. 356
(1829) ; id. Zool. Voy. f Blossom/ p. 28, pi. xii. (1839) ; Cas-
sin, Illustr. B. Californ. & Tex. p. 232, pi. xl. (1856) ; id. U. S.
Expl. Exped. p. 324 (1858) id. Perry's Exped. Japan, ii.
p. 246 (1856).

Hab. Temperate parts of North America, California, Mex¬
ico, Central America.

Diagn. R. alba; capite colloque ferrugineis colore antice
ad pectus producto (ptil. aestiv.), aut albidis, nonnunquam
cinerascentibus (ptil. hiem. & juv.), scapularibus nigris; tec-
tricibus alarum et remigibus primariis nigris cineraceo lim-
batis; rostro nigro ; iride rufescenti-fusca ; pedibus cseruleis.
Long. tot. circa 18 poll., rostr. 3 75, alee 8* 75-9 ’0, tib.
nud. 1‘9, tars. 3*75, dig. med. F75.

The present species appears to be pretty generally distri¬
buted throughout the temperate parts of North America, but
is more abundant on the western coast. In the vicinity of
Hudson's Bay, in the summer season, it was observed to be plen¬
tiful ; and Nuttall found it breeding on the islands of shallow
ponds throughout the Rocky Mountains. It is common on
the Saskachewan plains, where, according to Richardson and

ser. in. — VOL. iv.

T

254

Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

Swainson, it frequents the shallow lakes, feeding on insects
and small freshwater Crustacea. In Oregon, California, and
Texas it is equally numerous, as was ascertained hy the U. S.
Exploring Expedition under Peale and others. I have re¬
ceived several specimens of this bird from Mexico in full sum -
mer plumage ; and Professor Spencer Baird has recorded its
occurrence in Elorida. Occasionally, says Mr. Cassin (< !.c .),
it is noticed on the coast of the Atlantic, sparingly north of
New Jersey, but becoming more numerous southwardly.
Audubon, in his f Birds of America 9 {l. c.), has given an ex¬
tremely interesting account, too long to be quoted here, of
the breeding-habits of this bird as observed by himself be¬
tween Henderson and Vincennes, in the State of Indiana ; and
this account is republished in his * Ornithological Biography 9
(/. c.) . Although R. americana has been met with in some
parts of Central America, e.g. in Guatemala, where, if I mis¬
take not, Mr. Salvin procured specimens*; it would appear to
be somewhat rare there, and probably does not travel much
further south. I know of no instance of its occurrence in
any part of South America, although the Black- winged Stilt,
Himantopus nigricollis, a bird of similar habits and affecting
similar haunts, is found quite as far north and travels down to
Brazil. The latter bird has been met with in Jamaica (Gosse)
and the Galapagos Islands (Habel) ; but the former seems to
be confined entirely to the continent of North America.

Giraud, in his account of the birds of Long Island, p. 269,
says, “ the habits of this bird are very similar to those of the
Stilt, to which in form it has some resemblance. It is less
frequent with us than the latter, and is not generally known
to our gunners. It frequents the shallow pools in the salt
marshes, and, like the Stilt, is sometimes seen wading breast-
deep in pursuit of its favourite fare. A few breed at Egg
Harbour, where they are called 4 f Blue-stocking,” their legs
being of that colour. Its nest is built among the thick tufts
of grass, usually near some favourite pool, making use of
similar materials in its construction as the Stilt. The number

* [ Cy. Salvin, Ibis, 1865, p. 192, et 1867, p. 198, where it is stated that
this species was seen in some numbers at Chiapam on the Pacific coast of
Guatemala. — Ed. ]

or little-known Limicolse.

255

of eggs is also the same (four) , which differ only in having the
ground-colour dull olive, those of the Stilt being of a yellowish-
clay colour blotched with black.” The food of the American
Avocet consists chiefly of insects and small Crustacea. The
stomachs of several specimens examined by Swainson con¬
tained fragments of the latter mixed with gravel. Like the
various species of Totanus, it is a very noisy bird ; and, utter¬
ing cries of distress, it flies towards any one who may invade
its haunts. The females have the colour of the head and neck
in summer much paler than the males, and approaching to a
buff orange, while the scapulars are browner. In winter the
head and neck in both sexes are white ; in the adult, in autumn,
and in birds of the year, the same parts are grey or greyish
white. There can, I think, be little doubt that R. occiden¬
tal is, Vigors, was founded upon examples of the present
species, procured at San Francisco, in the latter plumage.
Prof. Spencer Baird and Dr. Elliott Cones are certainly of
this opinion*, although their views were not shared by the
late Mr. Cassin. Vigors's original description in the f Zoolo¬
gical Journal' runs as follows : — ec Re curv. dorso, corpore in¬
fra, remigumque secundariarum apicibus albis ; capite, collo
supra, caudaque pallidissime griseis ; remigibus nigris. Ros¬
trum pedesque nigri. Longitudo corporis 18, rostri 4, alee a
carpo ad remigem primam 7\, caudse 3J, tarsi 4.”

In the f Zoology of the Voyage of the f Blossom," pub¬
lished ten years later, the same naturalist again described the
bird, adding the remark that it differs from our European
species .... in the absence of the black markings on the
head and nape ; and from the Indian species, R. orientaliSj
by the greyish colouring of the head and upper part of the
neck, as well as by the fascia on the wings, and the black
colour of its legs ”f.

* See also Peale, Expl. Exped. 1. c.

t The colour of the legs, erroneously stated to be black, must have
been so described from dry skins. The delicate pale bluish grey of those
parts fades very rapidly after death. In two specimens of R. avocetta
which I skinned on the 13th April last, this beautiful colour had changed
to black before the end of the month.

t 2

256 Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

Between the date of Mr. Vigors’s description above quoted
(1829) and the publication of Mr. Cassin’ s excellent ‘Illus¬
trations of the Birds of California, &c.’ in 1856, in which the
bird in question is figured (pi. 40), no observations seem to
have been recorded to impugn the validity of the so-called
species, Mr. Cassin remarking that, since the date first men¬
tioned, it had been “ again noticed only by Col. McCall and
l)r. Heermann, both of whom, however, represent it as being
by no means a rare bird.” Dr. Heermann found it in various
parts of California, and procured numerous specimens, which
are now in the National Museum, Washington, and in the
Museum of the Philadelphia Academy. He observed it re¬
sorting to shallow pools, in which it waded breast deep, usually
finding on the soft muddy bottom a plentiful feast of insects
and snails.” “Although partially web-footed,” he adds, “it
does not swim, so far as I have noticed, unless wounded, when
it takes immediately to the deep water, swimming with great
celerity, soon getting beyond range if not at once disabled by
a second shot.” “ I have noticed this bird in abundance,”
he continues, “ on the borders of the reedy swamps which
cover a large portion of the lower part of the Sacramento
valley.”

The observations of Col. McCall upon this species, as pub¬
lished by Mr. Cassin in the work to which I have referred,
are particularly interesting; and, indeed, without reference
to them the present notice would scarcely be complete. He
says : — “ At the village of San Elizario, 22 miles south of
El Paso, on the 16th October, 1851, 1 found small flocks of the
Western Avocet feeding along the banks of the Bio Grande,
and frequenting the sloughs and pools in its vicinity, whilst
moving to the south in the course of their regular autumnal
migration. They were tame and unsuspicious, and evidently
ignorant of the destructive character of the gun ; for its report
seemed to create little alarm, even when the discharge carried
death into their ranks. To illustrate this I need only mention
the fact that the first flock which came immediately under my
observation alighted within twenty yards of the piazza where
I was sitting, on the morning after my arrival. They waded

or little-known Liinicolse.

257

at once into the shoal water of a f cut-off ; from the river,
which passed immediately in front of the house, and began
to feed. I was near enough to see them immerse their bills
into the water, and search the soft mud below for their prey ;
and as they, from time to time, were scattered, and again as¬
sembled in a group, I had ample time and an excellent oppor¬
tunity to note their manner of feeding. I was soon satisfied
that their habits in this respect did not differ from those of R.
americana, which I had previously seen in great numbers,
and closely observed on the borders of the Ozo river, in
southern Texas. After watching them for some time, I took
my gun, and at a single discharge secured five of the dozen
that composed the flock. The remainder flew the distance of
a stone;s throw, and, alighting in shoal water, began to feed
again without appearing to notice the loss of their companions.
I followed them, and in a few minutes procured three more
within one hundred yards of the house. During that day,
and several successive days that I remained at the post, I saw
flocks of from six to ten on their feeding- grounds, both morn¬
ing and afternoon. I shot them, as well as Ducks and Snipe,
daily ; and at no time that I recollect had I any difficulty in
approaching within easy gun-shot.

“ A few days previously I had seen a very large flock of
these birds near Yal Yerde, some 170 miles further up the
river. This flock contained fifty or sixty birds ; they rose
near me as I fired at a flock of Teal, and circled round in very
compact order, presenting the beautiful contrast of their white
and black markings, and at length settled on the opposite
side of the pond, where they were beyond pursuit. The oc¬
casions here mentioned are the only ones on which I have
met with R. Occident alls.

“ On the wing the flocks were usually closely compacted ; the
flight was buoyant, and with little exertion of muscular force.”

A

K,ecurvirqstr|s andina, Philippi & Landbeck.

Recurvirostra andina , Philippi & Landbeck, Wiegm. Arch.
1863, p. 131.

Hab. Paruncota, in the Andes.

258

Mr. J. E. Harting on rare

Diagn. R. alba ; capita, collo, pectore, abdomine, subala-
ribus et crisso, dorso et uropygio pure albis ; scapularibus,
interscapuliis. alis et cauda fuscescenti-nigris ; rostro nigro ;
iride coccinea; pedibus caeruleis : long. tot. circa 18*9 poll.,
rostr. 3*2, alae 9*6, tib. nud. 1*3, tars. 3*4, dig. med. 1*7.

Tbe above diagnosis I have prepared from tbe description
given by Herren Philippi & Landbeck. Translated from
the German, the brief account which they give of the bird is
as follows : —

“Head and neck white; mantle, wings, and tail black;
feet bluish grey.

“ The wings do not quite reach to the end of the tail. The
tibia is bare for 1*3 inch. The bill is horn-black at the ex¬
tremity, graduating into horn-brown. Iris bright red. Tarsus
bluish grey ; claws black. Head, neck, breast, belly under
wing- and under tail-coverts, lower part of back and rump,
flanks and thighs, pure snowy white. Upper part of back,
shoulders, wings, tail, and upper tail-coverts brownish black ;
the greater wing- coverts and primaries with greenish black
reflections, but without any white .”

They add, “ this pretty Avocet, which cannot be mistaken
for any other species, was obtained by the late Herr Frobeen,
of Arica, at a lake at Paruncota, in the Andes, 16,000 feet
above the sea-level, and only one specimen procured in June
1863. The birds were very shy, and the air so cold and thin,
that collecting there was attended with great difficulty."”

As I have already stated at the commencement of the pre¬
sent article the reasons which have led me to regard R. an -
dina as a good species, I need only remark, in addition, how
extremely desirable it is that the attention of ornithologists
in South America should be directed towards its rediscovery,
with a view to ascertain its geographical range and some¬
thing more than its original discoverer has been able to supply
from the acquisition of a single specimen.

RecTJRVI ROSTRA NOViE-HOLLANDIiE, Vieillot.

Recurvirostra novce-hollandice, Vieillot, N. D. dffiist. nat.
iii. p. 103 (1816); Buller, Birds N. Zealand, p. 201 (1872).

or little-known Limicolse.

259

Recurvirostra rubricollis, Temm. Man. cPOrn. ii. p. 592
(1820) ; Lesson, Traite d^Orn. p. 592 (1831) ; Gould,
Synops. B. Anstr. pt. ii. (1837); B. Austr. fol. vi. pi. 27 ;
Handb. B. Austr. ii. p. 249 (1865) ; Schlegel, Mns. Pays
Bas (Scolopac.), p. 104 (1864); Gray, Ibis, 1862, p. 237;
Hand-list, iii. p. 47 (1871) ; Downing, Proc. Boy. Soc. Tas¬
mania, vol. iii. pt. 2 ; Ibis, 1861, p. 119.

Avocetta novae- zealandice , Ell man. Zoologist, 1861, p. 7470.

Hab. Australia, Queensland, New South Wales ; Tasmania
{Rev. T. J. Ewing ) ; Norfolk Island {Downing) ; New Zea¬
land {Duller, Ellman ).

Diagn . R. alba : capite et colli dimidio superior© castaneis,
hoc colore antice ad pectus producto ; scapularibus ex parte,
tectricibus alarum et remigibus primariis nigris ; rostro nigro ;
iride rufescenti-fusca ; pedibus cseruleis : long. tot. circa 18 5
poll. ; rostr. 35 ; al8e8*6-9‘2 ; tib. nud. 1*75 ; tars. 3*2; dig.
med. P5-P8.

The Bed-necked Avocet, which is perhaps the most beau¬
tiful of the four known species, chiefly inhabits Australia, and
is there confined, for the most part, to the western and
southern portions of that country, although I have received
specimens and seen others from Queensland. Mr. Gould did
not meet with it himself during his rambles in New South
Wales, but has now and then seen it in collections from those
parts ; and there is a specimen thence in the Leiden Museum.

Like other species of the genus, “ it frequents,” says Mr.
Gould, “ the shallow parts of lakes, inlets of the sea, and the
muddy banks of the rivers, often wading knee-deep in the
water, and readily swimming when necessity requires it so to
do. Its food consists of minute marine mollusca and insects,
which it gathers from the surface of the mud with its deli¬
cately organized bill, the structure of which is admirably
adapted for the purpose. In Western Australia the favourite
localities of this bird are the lakes in the neighbourhood of
Perth and on Bottnest Island, where it is seen in small flocks
in company with Himantopus leucocephalus. In South Aus¬
tralia the river Murray and the shores of Lake Alexandrina
afford situations equally adapted for its existence.”

260 Mr. J. E. Harting on little-known Limicolse.

“ The sexes,” he continues, “ are alike in plumage, and
differ but little in size;” and to this I may add that, so far
as I have been able to judge from numerous specimens re¬
ceived at different times from various parts of Australia, the
red or, rather, chestnut colour of the head and neck is retained
throughout the year, though it becomes paler in the winter.

We are at present without information as to its breeding-
habits ; but its mode of nesting and the number and colour of
its eggs are no doubt very similar to those of its better-known
congeners.

The Rev. Mr. Ewing, in his “ List of the Birds of Tas¬
mania,” published in the f Proceedings ' of the Royal Society,
Tasmania, includes the Red-necked Avocet amongst the
wading birds found there ; and Dr. Downing, in an article
“ On Norfolk Island,” published in the same ‘ Proceedings/
refers to a single specimen of this bird which had been pro¬
cured at that lonely spot a year or two previously*.

Regarding its occurrence in New Zealand, Mr. Buffer writes
as follows : — “ In the summer of 1859-60, 1 saw a small flock
of them far up the course of the Ashburton River, and again
in a small lagoon near the township of Timara, but not having
a gun with me I was unable to secure any. In the same sea¬
son a specimen was shot by Mr. French on the tidal flats near
the mouth of the Kaiapoi river, and this, unfortunately, was
allowed to perish. Three years later I met with a flock, num¬
bering five or six, on the south-west of the Wellington pro¬
vince. They were very shy, rising high in the air on my at¬
tempting to approach them, and taking their course for the
opposite side of Cookes Strait. Two specimens have been
shot on the ocean-beach near Dunedin ; and Dr. Richardson
received another from the Whakatipu Lake, in the interior
of the Otago province. A solitary one was shot on the mud¬
flats near W hangar ei some years ago, and the skin was pre¬
served by Mr. George Burnett, who forwarded it to Europe.”
The specimen from which Mr. Buffer's description was taken
was killed on the mud-flats near Christchurch, Canterbury
settlement, in 1864, and forwarded to him by Dr. Haast for
* See also Ibis, 1861, p. 119.

On some Typical Specimens of the Trochilidse. 261

determination. Since that date a zealous investigation of the
avifauna by observers in New Zealand has resulted in the ac¬
quisition of further specimens of this very handsome bird.

XXIX. — Remarks on some Typical Specimens of the Trochi-

lidse, with a Description of one new Genus. By D. G.

Elliot, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c.

Having lately received from the Vienna Museum,, through
the kindness of Herr von Pelzeln, several of his types of
various species of the Trochilidse for examination, I thought
it would interest those ornithologists who pay especial atten¬
tion to those beautiful birds, if I should place on record the
results of my investigation, both as regards the specific value
of these specimens, and their proper place in the family.

The first I shall refer to has been described by Herr von
Pelzeln in his fOrnith. Brasil/ p. 57, as Thalurania ioleema.
In our article on this genus, published in f The Ibis 9 for 1873,
p. 361, Mr. Salvin and I placed this bird among those species
which we had not seen, and of whose specific value we could
therefore give no opinion. Having now received the type,
I find it has nothing whatever to do with Thalurania , but
more properly should be placed in a new genus, having its
nearest ally in Smaragdochrysis. I therefore propose for this
bird the generic term of

Ptochoptera.

Bill moderately long, straight, sharply pointed. Wings
extremely short, a little over one third the entire length of
the bird. Tail long, deeply forked, feathers narrow, outer
ones curving slightly inwards.

The extremely short and feeble wing, in comparison with
the size of the bird, is remarkable. The species may be briefly
described as follows : —

Ptochoptera iol^ema.

Top of head and nape dull dark green, entire upper parts
grass-green, only slightly metallic. The tail-coverts are

262

Mr. D. G-. Elliot on some Typical

lighter green than the hack, and reach to the fork of the tail.
The entire throat is a pale metallic grass-green. Rest of
underparts pale smoky brown, with some of the flank-feathers
tipped with grass-green. E nder tail-coverts long, same colour
as the abdomen (smoky brown) , with a slight metallic greenish
lustre in the centre of the feathers. Tail long, deeply forked,
dark purplish brown, feathers very narrow. Wings brown,
with a purple tinge, only reaching down to a little over one
third the length of tail. Bill and feet black.

Entire length 4§ inches, wing If, tail 2, bill along
gape f .

This genus should be placed close to the Smaraydochrysis
iridescens , Gould, and with it represents a group having their
nearest affinities to the members of the genus Selasphorus.

The next typical specimen is Phaethornis abnormis, also
described by Herr von Pelzeln, Orn. Bras. pp. 27, 56. In
our article on the genus Phaethornis, Ibis, 1873, p. 13, this
was referred to P. bourcieri by Mr. Salvin, he having seen
the type in Vienna. Herr Pelzeln, thinking that, not having
the specimen before us when our article was written, there
might possibly have been an error in our conclusions regard¬
ing its specific value, kindly sent the type to me. I find that
Mr. Salvin^s recollection of the specimen was perfectly cor¬
rect ; for the bird agrees precisely with my specimens of P.
bourcieri ; and our determination that P. abnormis must only
rank as a synonym, was an entirely just conclusion.

Cephalepis beskii.

This specimen might easily be taken for a variety of C. de-
lalandii, to which it bears a certain resemblance. It differs
from the common species in having the crest a bluish metallic
green, instead of bright green, in the back and tail being brown
only slightly tinged with green, and having the breast light
blue (in some, light dull brownish black) . I have had for a
long time in my collection a specimen that I have always con¬
sidered to be a variety of C. delalandii, which resembles the
type of C. beskii in every particular save two. The crest, in¬
stead of being a metallic green, is a shiny black, with a kind

Specimens of the Trochilidse.

263

of greenish gloss, and the breast is slightly darker and the
bine more widely dispersed. Otherwise the specimens are
precisely alike. I have still another specimen, which differs
again from all the others. In its back and tail it is like C.
delalandii ; the crest, however, is a dark silvery grey, incli¬
ning to green on the long feathers of the occiput. The under¬
parts are a bright metallic rich greenish blue, very different
from any thing I have ever seen among specimens of the
genus Cephalepis. It is extremely difficult to determine
whether these represent several distinct species of Cephalepis ,
or whether my specimens, as well as the type of C. beskii, are
merely different forms of variation occurring accidentally in
the plumage of individuals belonging to the C. delalandii. I
have never seen any varieties among specimens of C. loddigesi ;
but as this is still a very rare species, it may be that our ex¬
amples have been too few to enable us to learn if individuals
of that species vary or not to any considerable extent. In
order to determine the value of these forms it will be neces¬
sary to await the arrival of more specimens.

Argytria meliphila.

This is a Chlorostilbon, of the style called C. daphne by Bour-
cier, differing from its allies, such as C. atala and C . brevi-
caudata, chiefly by having a deeper wash of blue upon the
throat. It may be a matter of considerable doubt whether
this should be considered sufficient to warrant this form taking
a separate specific rank ; and besides this difference I find no
other by which Yon Pelzehr’s bird may be distinguished. So
long as C. daphne remains as a species, the Argytria meliphila
must be placed as a synonym of it ; but it is most probable
that a large series of specimens would show a gradation be¬
tween several of these little green Humming-birds, and neces¬
sitate their being all classed as one species. Yon Pelzelm’s
specimen was procured at Barcellos by Natterer.

Argytria media.

This is also a Chlorostilbon , and is a very young bird, with
but a few of the metallic feathers of the adult showing upon
the throat. From the fact that it is in such immature plu-

264

Lieut. -Col. H. Irby on an apparently

mage, it is as impossible to state to what species it belongs,
with any certainty, as to accept it as representing some here¬
tofore unknown or undescribed form. The specimen was pro¬
cured also by Natterer, at Matagrosso.

I desire to take this opportunity of thanking Herr von
Pelzeln for his kindness in loaning me these types, and en¬
abling me to make comparisons, and thus to obtain more cor¬
rect ideas of these specimens than is possible from any de¬
scription.

Thalurania lerchi.

Besides the types above described, I have lately succeeded
in adding to my collection the unique type of Thalurania
lerchi, Muls. & Verr. Ann. Linn. Soc. Lyons (1868). This
was also placed, in the review of this genus (Ibis, 1873, p. 360),
among the undetermined species ; and I now find that it is
in no way allied to Thalurania, but constitutes a very distinct
species of the genus Eucephala, differing from all others in
having the upper part of the head a beautiful blue, and must
be hereafter known as Eucephala lerchi . It is stated to have
been obtained in Columbia.

XXX. — Notice of an apparently undescribed Species of Corvus
from Tangier. By Lieut.-Col. Howard Irby.

Corvus tingitanus, n. sp.

C. C. affini, Biipp., similis, sed rostro crassiore et setis ric-
talibus antrorsum directis nec postice recurvatis, necnon
colore alarum extus plus minusve ferrugineo distin-
guendus : long, tota 18’5, alee 14‘5, caudse 8, tarsi 2‘5,
rostri a rictu 2*5.

Hah. prope urbem Tingem in imperio Mauritanico.

During a recent visit to Tangier, it appeared to me that
the small Haven there, hitherto considered to be the European
species, Corvus corax, was quite distinct from that bird, the
note or, rather, croak being quite different. This difference,
difficult to describe, is easily noticed when heard, the note
not being so hoarse ; further, its gregarious habits, as many

undescribed Species of Corvus from Tangier. 265

as a hundred sometimes being seen on the wing at once, are
quite opposed to those of our Common Haven*.

Upon shooting one, it was obviously not that species, which,
by the way, is, as far as I have been able to observe, the only

Haven inhabiting the European side of the Straits of Gibraltar,
including the rock ” itself. As above, this bird, which I pro¬
pose to call tingitanus , closely resembles C. affinis , except that
the bristles which cover the nostrils are placed horizontally in
C. tingitanus, and are upright or vertical in C. affinis. Mr.
Sharpe kindly compared the five skins of the latter bird which
are in the British Museum with those of C. tingitanus ; and
we found the same difference in all the specimens of C. affinis
from various localities, all obtained by separate collectors.
This difference is also shown in HuppelFs plate of the head of
C. affinis (vol. i. pi. 10. fig. 2).

In colour these birds from Tangier vary much in the
amount of the rusty brown, which, in the adult bird, covers
the whole of the upper surface of the wings, particularly the
secondaries ; sometimes the tail is also tinged with brown.
In all of them there is a trace of brown on the wings.

This Haven is excessively abundant around Tangier and in
the low flat country which I have visited in Morocco, but does
not appear so much to frequent high mountainous districts.

* [But see Ibis, 1859, p. 312. The Algerian Raven here referred to
may "be the same as the Tangier bird. — Ed.]

266 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Chinese Ornithology .

Outside Tangier flocks of them may be seen feeding on the
refuse which is carried from the town and thrown down on
the sea-shore. Exceedingly tame to the natives, being viewed
with superstitious awe by the Moors, they are wide awake
to the European, especially if he carries a gun ; and I found
great difficulty in shooting them, except at the nest, which,
constructed of sticks, neatly lined with grass and small roots,
is built in clefts of rocks, on trees and low bushes. One nest
which I saw was fixed in the crook or angle formed by a dead
flowering stalk of the aloe, which had fallen across another
stalk in full flower. The eggs, usually laid about the 20th of
April, vary in number from five to seven, and, like those of
others of the Crow tribe, differ much in the markings.

The following are the measurements of five specimens of
C. tingitanus, shot near Tangier, compared with one specimen
of C. corax, shot near Tarifa, on the Spanish side of the
Straits : —

1, <J. 2, S- 3,<J. 4,?. 5, 9 • C. corax 3-

Total length .... 18 18| 19£ 18£ 20 24£

Wing . 14| 16± 13f 14 15 19|

Tail . 7i 8 8 7f 9 10

Beak . 2f 2f 2| 2± 2| 3

Tarsus . 2f 2f 21 2f 2| 2f

XXXI. — Notes on Chinese Ornithology . By R. Swinhoe.
(Plate X.)

In the last number of fThe Ibis' for 1873 was published a
letter from myself at Shanghai, in which I stated that I had
procured in the market a Circus cineraceus in immature plu¬
mage. On my return to England I reexamined this Hawk,
and made it out to be, with Mr. R. B. Sharpe's assistance,
the immature of

Circus melanoleucus (Gm.),

and wrote to the Editor of f The Ibis,' correcting my mis¬
take (Ibis, 1873, p. 364) . Mr. Gurney agrees in my pre¬
sent identification ; and with the Editor's kind permission,

Bis. 1:874. PliX1

J.&.KeuIemans -litli.

CIRCUS MEL AN 0 LEU C US, jr.

JvfA/lf.Haniiart imp.

Mr. E. Swinlioe on Chinese Ornithology . 267

Mr. Keulem air’s excellent handiwork gives life to the de¬
scription of the specimen I now transcribe from my notes.
Total length 17 inches; wing 13; second quill 2’6 longer
than the first and ‘9 shorter than the third, which is *2 shorter
than the fourth or longest in the wing. First to fifth quills
notched on the edge of the inner web ; the third to fifth on
outer web. Tail 8‘5, of nearly equal feathers ; under tail-
coverts 3 inches short of tail-tip. Tarse 2*7 long, including
the upper feathered portion, which extends *9 from joint
downwards ; middle toe 1*2, its claw *4.

Upper parts light brown, the feathers on the back dark¬
stemmed. Crown, nape, and scapulars blackish brown in
centre of feathers, with broad yellowish red magins. Under¬
parts light buff, with yellowish brown streaks, broad and darker
on breast ; tibials and vent chestnut-buff, with darker stems
to feathers. Quills brown, tipped light, with lightish stems,
and barred across inner webs more obscurely towards their
tips ; axillaries reddish cream, with reddish brown spots ; under
wing whitish cream, with conspicuous bars. Upper tail-
coverts greyish white ; tail whitish brown, with three broad
bars ; a fourth, indistinct bar crosses near base of tail. Tail
viewed from below, outer rectrix brownish white faintly bar¬
red with brown ; the rest of a similar ground-colour, but
with broad blackish brown bars.

Cere, base of bill, rictus, and skin round eye greenish yellow.
Bill bluish black. Iris ochreous yellow. Tarsi and toes
yellow, claws fine bluish black.

Mr. Fleming was the first that got this species in China.
He procured the adult at Tientsin (P. Z. S. 1862, p. 315). I
did not meet the species till October 1873 ; when on the lakes
near Ningpo one morning in that month, I observed one in
immature plumage sitting on a ridge of mud. I did not suc¬
ceed in securing it.

The Shanghai specimen above described is the only other
that I can speak of with certainty.

The plains of China, with their flat wet fields under paddy
cultivation in summer, do not seem to find favour with these
roving birds of prey ; and I have not heard of a- single species

268 Mr. li. Swinlioe on Chinese Ornithology .

of this group passing that season in China, whereas in winter,
when the rice gives place to the corn and vegetables, and
much of the damp ground lies fallow in the shape of marshes,
with the wild fowl return the Harriers, and while on sport
with the former many a species may be noted during the day.
I have never seen the eggs or young of any species brought
about for sale ; and I am pretty sure that most of the species
wander elsewhere to breed. During the winter I have noted
the following species beyond the one referred to above : —

2. Circus spilonotus, Kaup.

Abundant in winter over the marshes at the mouths of
the rivers near Amoy, also in similar places in Formosa.
Procured on the Yangtsze.

3. Circus cyaneus, L.

At Amoy and on the Yangtsze in winter.

4. Circus swainsoni, Smith. C. pallidus, Sykes.

Captain Blakiston procured this species on the Yangtsze;

its head and foot were identified by Mr. J. H. Gurney. It
must have been this species that I saw by the Yangtsze and
mistook for C. cineraceus , Montagu.

5. Circus ^eruginosus, L.

I have seen and procured specimens of this species at Swa-
tow, Amoy, Formosa, and Hainan in the brown dress, some¬
time with whitish head, but never with the mature greyish-
blue wings.

New Horned Owl from China.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a Horned
Owl that has hitherto been confounded with the Lempijius
glabripes, mihi. In my “ Notes on the Ornithology of Hong¬
kong, Canton, and Macao,” I give a Scops (No. 10), which
I then mistook for the Foochow species (since christened gla ¬
bripes). A footnote by the Editor (Ibis, 1861, p. 29) adds,
“ probably Scops lempiji (Horsf.), but rather dark in plu¬
mage.” L. glabripes was very common at Ningpo ; and I had
in 1872 many opportunities of studying the species. I found

Mr. R. Swinhoe on Chinese Ornithology. 269

its iris to be always black. This convinced me that the Can¬
ton bird with the yellow iris must be distinct. It had passed
into the Norwich Museum; but I had with me a rufescent
bird of the same race from South Fokien. Mr. J. H. Gurney
lent me the Norwich specimen ; and after careful comparison
with my series of its Chinese ally, I beg to offer the following
distinctive characters under a name taken from its chestnut-
coloured knee [fcagirr] = fleocus) : —

Lempijius erythrocampe.

This is a smaller bird than typical L. glabripes i mihi. It
is to be distinguished by the patch of brown round the eye
continuing backwards to the ear-tuft. Its collar is not con¬
tinued across the breast. The reddish bands across the wing-
quills are broader, and there is a distinct patch of cinnamon
on its knee-joints (whence its name). I transcribe from the
paper above referred to my notes on the fresh Canton bird.

Length 8*5 inches, wing 7, tail 3 6. Bill pale flesh-grey, with
a pale yellowish rim to the mandibles. Eyes very large, about
•8 inch in diameter; iris golden burnt-sienna, but so narrow,
that this colour is seldom visible, the immense pupil filling
nearly all the space between the lids. Skin round the eye
madder-brown. Ear-coverts very large and oval, nearly f inch
in length by about f in width, the lunar-shaped orifice oc¬
cupying about one third of the oval on the part distant from
the eye ; colour of the conch-rim yellowish, inside light blue-
grey. Legs feathered to the end of tarsus ; toes naked, light
brownish flesh-colour ; claws light brownish grey, with black¬
ish tips. There were numerous eggs in the ovary.

A female L. glabripes was brought to me up country at
Ningpo on the 28th May, together with its five young. In
the old bird the iris was black ; in the young birds deep blue.
About this date, at the same place, the report of a gun fired
at some Crows startled a female of this species from a hollow
in the side of a large tree, which was partly filled up with
debris and rubbish. The bird was shot, and a day or two
after I sent a man to examine the hollow. After much search
he came upon three round white eggs ; their contents all gone,

u

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

270 Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

and a good bit of the shell of each gone also. We distinctly
noticed on them the marks of the front teeth of a squirrel ;
and as the wood was full of the common species, concluded
that it was the work of Sciurus cinereopectus, J. E. Gray.
The note of this Owl may he heard for a great part of the
night in its breeding-localities. It consists of a long cdu,
uttered loudly and with stress. Ephialtes glabripes was de¬
scribed in the Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 1870, vol. vi. p. 152.

XXXII. — A Reply to Mr. Allan Hume’s Review * of ( Die
Papageien’ of Dr. Otto Finsch. By Arthur, Viscount
Walden, M.B.O.U.

Dr. Finsch published the first volume of his famous mono¬
graph of the Psittacidse in 1867 ; the second volume in 1868.
Mr. Hume has (/. c.) reviewed the work in 1874. It is of the
highest importance that the reader of the Review and of the
following remarks should constantly bear the last two dates in
his memory. But the reader will be disappointed if, misled
by the full title of Mr. Hume;s review, “ Die Papageien,” he
expects a comprehensive account of the entire work. For,
though the footfall of Mr. Hume is not usually deterred by
angelic fears, in this critique of a complete work on the Parrots
of the world he has only favoured us with the benefit of his
views on Dr. Finsch' s treatment of eleven species, belonging
to a single genus, Palceornis. Truly but a small portion of
Dr. Finsch's exhaustive monograph of the Order ! Mr. Hume's
critical remarks, though thus narrowed, cannot be described
as either strictly complimentary or enucleate. He assures
us his “ relations " with Dr. Finsch “ have always been most
friendly” ( t . c. p. 28) ; but his first impulse, after grudging
the postage on a second copy, was “ to throw the book into the
fire ” ( t . c. p. 4) ; and in this dignified frame of mind he pro¬
ceeds, by a pitiless bespattering of Dr. Finsch, to still further
cement their “ friendly relations.” Besides many smaller,
two serious charges are brought against Dr. Finsch. He is

* Stray Feathers, ii. pp. 1-28 (1874).

271

Review of Dr. Finsch3 s ‘ Die Papageien.3

accused of treating Jerdon, Blyth, and all Indian ornitholo¬
gists generally with slighting discourtesy ; and, secondly,
of displaying a wanton and perverse ignorance of the species
he has written upon — “ error too, entirely gratuitous " (t. c.
p. 1). It is proposed in the following remarks to examine
into these accusations and to ascertain whether, considering
their gravity when brought against a scientific man, they rest
upon any more solid foundation than Mr. Hume's assertions.
With this object in view each species known in the skin by
Mr. Hume will be treated separately and in its order, while
the remarks of Mr. Hume on the remaining species of the
genus, unknown to him, will be left unnoticed. Some pre¬
liminary and lesser (speaking comparatively) attacks on Dr.
Finsch deserve a cursory review, and may conveniently be at
once referred to.

Before entering into details, Mr. Hume records his “hum¬
ble protest against the presumptuous .... systematic pedantry
which characterizes a certain section (chiefly continental) of
naturalists, and leads them to discard the names given, too
often by better men than themselves, .... for new-fangled
appellations of their own, because, forsooth, their vast clas¬
sical attainments have enabled them to discover that the ori¬
ginal name is not a f classich* gebildetes wort3 f. Dr. Finsch
is a hardened offender in this respect, and cannot possibly be
recommended to mercy " (t. c. p. 2) . And Dr. Finsch is then
fallen upon for his alterations of the specific titles schisticeps ,
Hodgs., and “ Jerdon'sf columboides 33 to hodgsoni and peris-
terodes. “ Let us," Mr. Hume exclaims with an inimitable
humour, “ Let us treat our author as he treats other people's
species. f Finsch 3 § ! contrary to all rules of orthography !
what is that c s ' doing there ? f Finch 3 ! Dr. Fringilla , mihi !
Classich || gebildetes wort % ! ! " (/. c.) . Nor is this dull drollery
permitted to expire. For, once and again, in sentences such as
“now to return to Dr. Fringilla, I mean Finsch" (t. c. p. 4),

* Corrected in errata. t Sic. | Sic.

§ All words in italics throughout this paper, other than titles of species,
are so printed by Mr. Hume.

|| Corrected in errata. *[[ Sic.

u 2

272 Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

and “ regardless of the whole family of Fringillidce ** {t. c.
p. 20), its ghastly echos grate on the tortured senses. It is
not desired to he too hard on these feeble witicisms, nascent
genius deserves encouragement, and their transcription to the
pages of f The Ibis * is a penalty sufficiently severe. More¬
over it may he assured that if indulgence in such dreary
buffoonery amuses Mr. Hume, or assists in promoting in
India, if not the credit, at least the sale, of his periodical.
Dr. Finsch will not grudge him the gratification-. But de¬
serving of passing notice is the fact that even when elabo¬
rating a joke, Mr. Hume cannot avoid being linguistically in¬
accurate. The German proper name f Finsch * and the
English substantive ‘ finch * are not synonymous.

In his concluding page ( t . c. 28) Mr. Hume asks, “ Pray
Dr. Finsch how can it advance our real objects one atom, to
call a bird that every one recognizes as f columboides * by
your truly classical name f peristerodes * ? ** Without pre¬
suming to divine what Mr. Hume's “real objects” may be,
the simple answer is that peristerodes is right and columboides
is wrong. Let the literal meaning of the word columboides
be expressed by a combination of English and French, or of
English and German words, instead of Latin and Greek, and
the grotesque incongruity will become apparent. Thus,
Pigeonsemblable, or Pigeonahnlich, parrakeet. But from a
writer who, when reviewing the masterly scientific work of a
highly educated gentleman, descends to the use of slang terms
and repellent vulgarisms, it may be too much to expect any
appreciative sympathy with the modes of expression of a re¬
fined and cultured intellect.

This assumption is not weakened by the passage now to be
quoted, containing the reply of “ an unsophisticated field-
naturalist here ** to the question put by Mr. Hume of “ what
he thought of these Continental naturalists, with their eternal
new names, and the everlasting (mihi} tagged on after them.”
“ ‘Well* he said ‘I guess the beggars can't discover any new
species of their own, so they have dodged up this classical
jim, to legalize their stealing other people's"' (t. c. p. 2).
May it be asked, not from motives of mere curiosity, but for

273

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien.3

the information of (“ the beggars ”), the benighted naturalists
of Europe, whether this is the style in which Indian field natu¬
ralists converse, or, at the least, those with whom Mr. Hume as¬
sociates ? or are we to take it as being only a sample of that lan¬
guage of the future “ 100 years hence, when English is spoken,
as it then will be, by 500 millions of people ? & ( t.c . p. 4) .

Not content with next gracefully indicating in these choice
lines,

u ‘ Him as prigs vot isn’t his’n,

Ven he’s eotched ’ill go to pris’n,’ ”

the proper abode of Dr. Einsch, Mr. Hume further threatens
him, and authors like him, with the pillory — “and if the
learned authors escape the pillory they so richly deserve (and
it shall be no fault of mine if they do), at any rate we have
the consolation of knowing, that posterity if it cannot ‘ quod ’
them f will quod/ 33 etc. (7. c. p. 3). There is something sub¬
limely comical in this gentleman’s threat to “ pillory 33 those
authors whose principles of nomenclature differ from his
own. That Mr. Hume, single handed, is fully capable
of providing an abundant supply of the appropriate missiles
is not impossible. But who will assist in erecting the
pillory ?

There is also another form of pedantry which greatly exer¬
cises Mr. Hume ; that “ curious custom of parading brief
descriptions in what is supposed to be Latin ; as prefixes or
tags to full, sound, sufficient English or German ones ” (7. c.
p. 3). “The motives that lead authors into this somewhat
meaningless practice ” (7. c.) are then analyzed, all that is
ungenerous being attributed to them, while the self-evident
reason escapes Mr. Hume’s powers of conception. We are
then assured, in solemn, prophetic tones and with a startling
confidence, untempered by even a single, favourite, unctuous,
saving adjuration of “D. V.,” “that 100 years hence, when
English is spoken, as it then will be, by 500 millions of
people, any of their writings that survive, will do so only in
expurgated editions from which all the f Latin ’ has been care¬
fully expunged” (7. c. p. 4) . Then it is seriously suggested that
Latin should be discarded and that all descriptions should be

274

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

written in either English, German, or French— -it being over¬
looked that while naturalists of all nations might and do
agree to employ Latin as a common medium of thought-ex¬
change, it is most improbable that they would consent to
forego using their own language and to adopt that of some
rival nation. The Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Russians,
Dutch, Hungarians, Poles, Czechs, Spaniards, Portuguese, and
Italians have all produced and are producing naturalists.
Why are they to be condemned to write in English, French, or
German? W ould Mr. Hume consider it fair, when desirous of
making known the discovery of a Dissemuroides dicruri-
formis*(\), to be restricted to the use of the Czech, Russian,
or Hungarian tongues ? Is not Latin also that language in
which descriptions can be rendered with the greatest precision
and conciseness? M. SevertzofPs recent work, f Turkes-
tanskie Sevotnie,” is a case in point. It contains descrip¬
tions of many new species, and is entirely in Russian. It
might be argued that M. Severtzoff should have written in
English, French, or German. But perhaps M. Severtzoff
may think that “ 100 years hence 33 Russian will be spoken
by “ 500 millions of people 33 rather than English. Mr.
Hume’s proposal carries its own refutation.

Knowledge of the past and current literature implied, in
natural history, by the term ‘ synonymy 3 meets with as little
favour from Mr. Hume as every other branch of knowledge
in which he is not a proficient. It is even doubtful, judging
from his remarks, whether the meaning involved in the term
is not somewhat beyond his grasp. A good synonymist,
among other things, knows every description of a species, or,
in other words, every species that has been described, and
consequently the correct geographical range of each species.
His statements of facts are therefore more likely to be accurate
than those of the illiterate writer. If Mr. Hume were a
synonymist he would have spared us many stale facts under
the name of “ novelties.” Nor would he, for example, have
recorded (op. cit. i. p. 378. no. 452) that a bird whose range
is restricted to South China, locus chrysorrhoides, Lafr., occurs
* Hume, Str. Feath. i. p. 408.

275

Review of Dr. Finsctis ‘ Die Papageien

in the centre of India. If the author of the excellent paper*
in which this appears {t. c .) had only been allowed to follow
Jerdon this blunder would have been avoided.

All through the Review there runs an endeavour to resus¬
citate fallacies, long since refuted and buried in Europe, con¬
cerning the superiority of one class of naturalists over another.
Mr. Hume has noticed a tendency on the part of the com¬
pilers of other me As observations to exalt themselves above
the observers,” etc. (t. c. p. 26) and a great deal more in the
same imaginative strain, the outcome of but groundless though
honest delusions. Can any one of my readers find among the
past or daily writings of European naturalists a parallel to the
exalted and vaniloquent self-assertion of this “ humble student
of many branches of Natural History ” (t. c. p. 26) ? Some
stray sentiments contained in the concluding paragraphs of his
Review are, though devoid of novelty, unimpeachable. But
from the general drift of Mr. Hume’s criticisms it is to be
gathered that the men whose position, by choice or accident,
enables them to live for a period of years in a country where
certain animals are indigenous, and who, by means of their
native collectors or by their own hands, are able to convert
them into specimens from “ the flesh,” are immeasureably su¬
perior to the man who endeavours to evolve order out of chaos,
and to marshal the disconnected often ill-digested and some¬
times erroneous observations made by them. It is the old
squabble between the belly and the members, and is certainly
unworthy of discussion. But I venture to maintain that
workers in the cause of any science are superior or inferior
according to the amount of knowledge possessed by them of
their special subject. To be a “ trustworthy ” field naturalist,
who is after all only an observer of a single class of pheno¬
mena, he must have acquired, by long and assiduous study, all
that has been recorded as observed by former naturalists.
He must not only have a thorough knowledge of his own
branch of natural history, but he must possess a more than
general acquaintance with every other branch. By this means,
and this only, will he know what to observe and how to ob-
* R. M. Adam, u Notes on the Birds of the Sambhur Lake.”

276

Lord Walden on Mr . Allan Hume’s

serve. Knowing all that has been written, he will know what
species have been described,, what problems demand solution,
and he will not bore the world with repetitions of well-known
facts or records of trivial and useless observations. Another
essential quality is that which gives the power of recording
with precision and terseness, untainted by an inflated, sen¬
tentious, and dogmatic egotism, the results of his observations.
Such was Dr. Jerdon. If asked to illustrate my meaning by
a living standard I would name Mr. Wallace as the highest.

“Let the cabinet naturalist stick to his synonyms . . . .
but let him avoid the presumption of disputing and denying
the facts stated by admittedly trustworthy members of this
latter class ” (field workers) “ because they happen to run
counter to his own theories ” (t. c. p. 27) . It would be easy to
point out the numberless erroneous observations made by field
workers, Indian field workers to boot, even with the objects
of their observations constantly before their eyes. And are
naturalists in Europe (the most of whom, if not all, have been
in their day, and are even now, field workers) to be charged
with presumption when they “dispute” or “deny” such
erroneous observations, or can show an absence of conclusive
evidence ? Why, the healthy progress of science depends on
antagonism ; it is by the flails of disputation that the truth
is threshed out. But it is new to hear that a naturalist is
open to imputations of presumption when he “disputes or
denies ” the accuracy of other men's observations. May we not,
without being chargeable with flattery, venture to assume that
Mr. Hume falls within his own definition of a trustworthy
field naturalist ; and yet was he not the discoverer, describer,
and namer of Niltava leucotis (Ibis, 1870, p. 144) ? An
achievement almost vying in brilliancy with that of the
discoverer of Sparactes cristata. Should a cabinet natu¬
ralist be debarred from disputing such an observation if he
found it “ ran counter to his own theories ” of structure ?
In this instance cabinet naturalists were saved from the dis¬
agreeable duty ; for I believe Mr. Hume subsequently sug¬
gested that he had described from a made-up specimen (Zook
Bee. vii. p. 50) . But ornithologists generally owe a deep debt

2 77

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien.3

of gratitude to Mr. Brooks for having first shown in detail,
through the Editor of f The Ibis* (1871, p. 445, note), the
real nature of this interesting species. Otherwise it might,
for many years, if not for ever, have remained an object of
hopeless longing to the Indian field ornithologist, and a per¬
plexing puzzle to his less fortunate brethren the cabinet natu¬
ralists of the world. But as this useful information has been
“ paraded ” only “in what is supposed to be Latin ” and
without a “ full, sound, sufficient English or German ” de¬
scription, below is given* a translation for the benefit of the
“ 500 millions of people ” by whom “ 100 years hence ”
English will be spoken ; and who will then only possess “ ex¬
purgated editions 33 of f The Ibis/ if it “ survives,” and “ from
which all the f Latin 3 has been carefully expunged.”

As previously stated, one of the most serious accusations
brought against Dr. Finsch is that of slighting discourtesy to
Jerdon, Blyth, and other Indian naturalists. I have carefully
read and reread the whole of Dr. Finsch’ s text, and have been
unable to discover a passage that can, unless twisted, he fairly
said to support the charge. “ Dr. Finsch, a cabinet natu¬
ralist, on the strength, mainly, of some mis-sexed specimens
in museums, takes on himself to disregard and disbelieve the
positive statements of working field naturalists. Most pa¬
thetically does he lament our ignorance, (he should have
spoken for himself, I think, not others !). He says (p. 26);”
and then follows Dr. Finsch’s general remarks commencing
with, “ Unfortunately we lack almost entirely a thorough ob¬
servation of the Parrots” (Papag. i. p. 26) — remarks abso¬
lutely true when Dr. Finsch wrote, even if applied to the
Indian Parrots, and still so of the greater part of the species
to this day. Dr. Finsch in the passage quoted uses the word
(c parrots ” generally and in its widest sense. Mr. Hume, by
restricting its meaning to the half dozen or so of species he
has seen, dexterously turns Dr. Finsch’s general remarks into

* “A manufactured bird, body of the Rufous-bellied Fairy blue-chat ,
head of the Indian grey-tit ” (Ibis, l. c.). Dr. Finsch, although stigmatized
a u pseudo-classicist ” by Mr. Hume (t. c. p. 4), is doubtless competent to
supply a u full, sound, sufficient German ” description, if required.

278

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

a reflection on Jerdon. And yet Mr. Hume's tender and dis¬
interested solicitude for Jerdon' s reputation does not prevent
him thus writing of J erdon “ that owing to his ill health in
later years and his disregard for the literary side of his work"
his “ merits " “ have been greatly underrated ; " and further
on “ I admit that his hook embodies many grave errors 33 (t. c.
p. 5) . His “ merits underrated 33 ! By whom, where ? Not
in Europe, surely not throughout India ! “ Disregard for

the literary side of his work 33 ! to he said of a man whose
extraordinary acquaintance with the literature of his subject is
displayed in all he wrote. Extraordinary in Jerdon, for in
his day communication with Europe was infrequent and the
land was not flooded, as now, with manuals and hand-books
whereby the most shallow can attain with small exertion a
smattering of facts sufficient to babble about under the name
of science. “ Grave errors " ! It may be so. I have not
detected them. But Mr. Hume says so. Dr. Einsch does
not*. Mr. Blyth, with whose conclusions Dr. Finsch is not
always in accord, was, while in India, essentially a cabinet
naturalist. During the many years of his Indian sojourn he
hardly quitted f the four walls of the museum his genius,
knowledge, industry, and indomitable energy raised to the
highest rank. Of the fourteen species of the genus Palceornis
enumerated by Dr. Finsch he knew, previous to 1868, in
the wild state, at the most only four — P. torquatus, P. cyano-
cephalus of Bengal, P. eupatrius, and P. melanorhynchus. As
caged birds he may occasionally have seen two more — P.
schisticeps, and perhaps P. longicaudatus.

Let us now take each of the species of the genus Palceornis
in the sequence followed by Mr. Hume, and examine into the
merits and justness of his criticisms. First comes Palceornis
eupatrius (Linn.) =P. alexandri (Linn.) of Jerdon, Blyth, and
the older Indian writers, subdivided by Mr. Hume in his Re¬
view, and for the first time, into three distinct species. Mr.

* No man, with so long a career, made fewer bad a species ” than Dr,
Jerdon, proof by itself of bis knowledge of bis subject.

t I believe be only made two excursions of any importance — one to the
Midnapur jungles and, much later, on account of illness, one to Burma.

279

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien.’

Hume's arguments in support of this subdivision have there¬
fore no bearing on Dr. Finsch beyond this, that our German
author followed both Blyth and Jerdon and nearly every other
Indian naturalist when keeping the species united, while Mr.
Hume differs from them. Captain Hutton last year, and also
for the first time (Str. Feath. i. pp. 335, 338), had already
subdivided one of Mr. Hume’s three species into four distinct
species ; so that between these two Indian field naturalists the
species, P. eupatrius, which J erdon and Blyth had considered
one and the same, is broken up into six species. “ Dr. Finsch
did not discriminate these three species and perhaps may not
admit them now” (t. c. p. 11). Quite true. Unfortunately
Dr. Finsch had followed Jerdon and Blyth, and had not fore¬
seen in 1868 what Mr. IIumc;s great superiority of perception
was going to discover in 1874. Mr. Hume then proceeds to
quote the greater part of the passage in which Dr. Finsch
states his reasons, in opposition to J erdon and Blyth3 s recorded
opinions, though stated with complete courtesy, for not feel¬
ing convinced that the sexes in P. eupatrius are distinguished
by sexual peculiarities of plumage (Papag. ii. p. 14). After
which Mr. Hume exclaims, “ Please note the modesty and
courtesy of this passage ! Dr. J erdon and Blyth (who have ex¬
amined the fresh birds) state so and so, hut Dr. Finch thinks
it is very probable that it is quite the contrary. Like the
Psalmist of old, Dr. Finsch seems to have ‘said in his heart that
all men are liars 3 33 (/. c.). There is not a word of discourtesy
nor of dogmatism in the whole passage, though made to wear
a semblance of egotism by Mr. Hume omitting, I will not
say intentionally, to quote the concluding sentence. Here is
the omitted final sentence with which the passage, as tran¬
scribed by Mr. Hume (t.c. p. 11), should be read. “Inas¬
much as I must therefore in the meanwhile leave the question
undecided, I commend it to the attention of all ornithologists
(lege ich sie alien Ornithologen an3s Herz)33 (Papag. /. c.).

Jerdon and Blyth state that the large rose-ringed Parrakeets
of Ceylon, the Andamans, and of the continent belong to one
species. Mr. Hume states that they constitute three species.
Mr. Hume may differ. Dr. Finsch may not. We then are

280 Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume's

favoured with the information that Mr. Hume has “ dissected
at the very least fifty specimens of P. sivalensis 33 and that “ Da¬
vison and I have recently sexed eighteen of magnirostris
And all that Mr. Oates and Captain Feilden and Messrs. Legge
and G. Nevill have done and told Mr. Hume, that is, within the
last year or two and with results unpublished until 1874, there¬
fore has no bearing whatever on the conclusions arrived at by
Dr. Finsch from the evidence existing previous to 1868.

And here let us pause to consider how is Dr. Finsch to deal
with P. eupatrius when he is producing “ a second and most
materially revised edition” ( t . c. p. 1), especially if Mr.
Hume’s hope of living to see it is likely to be realized. Cap¬
tain Hutton, “ our oldest Indian naturalist, who knew all
about these Paroquets long before Dr. Finsch was born ” ( t . c.
p. 14) and who “ is quite a Paroquet fancier ” (t.c. p. 12),
says there are, . and has named, four species on the Indian con¬
tinent. Mr. Hume, “ editor of the sole Indian ornithological
journal,” states that there is only one. Both are Indian field
naturalists, who besides “ contradicting f 39 Jerdon and Blyth,
“ contradict ” one another. True, Dr. Finsch in his perplexity
may point out that one species, P. sacer , Hutton (Str. Feath.
i. p. 337), has never been seen by its discoverer, and that “ the
natives cannot distinguish ” it from the common species ; that
another, P. punjabi [!], Hutton (t.c, p. 338), also “regarded by
the natives as identical ” {l. c.) , chiefly differs by “ sometimes
sitting the whole day through without uttering any sound at
aU,” its cry, however, when heard, differentiating the species
by “ being much more feeble and slightly croaking ” (l. c .) .
While of P. vindhiana, Hutton (/. c.), its discoverer, describer,
and denominator had “ seen but one specimen and that was
a half-fledged nestling brought to me for sale at Monghyr
many years ago” (l. c.)3 and he has “ failed to procure a spe¬
cimen since ” (/. c.) . But of what avail these reasons when
urged by a cabinet naturalist “ on the strength of half a dozen

* Titles recently proposed for two of the fragments of P. eupatrius.

t The noble passage commencing u I contradict Dr. Finsch, and would
contradict any one else,” etc. (t. c. p. 8), and others, displaying almost
equal beauties, a lack of space compels reluctant omission.

281

Review of Dr. Finsch’s c Die Papageien.’

wrongly sexed skins in some museum, taking upon himself to
contradict the definite statements of trustworthy field natu¬
ralists like those ” I have “ referred to, in regard to matters
of which he can personally know nothing ” (t. c. p. 2) . Would
it not appear “ to indicate a tone of thought incompatible
with the philosophical investigation of any branch of physical
science” (/. c.) ?

“ ‘ What the young birds are like is unfortunately never
said/ Well, let Dr. Finsch hear what Captain Hutton says ”
( t . c. p. 12) . Dr. Finsch’s remark was absolutely true when
he published it, and the plumage and colouring of the young
birds remained undescribed until 1873, when Captain Hutton
first published his account (t. c. p. 336), to which Mr. Hume
now refers Dr. Finsch in 1874, without, however, indicating
the source or the date, and thereby leaving the reader to infer
that Dr. Finsch ought to have known it.

Mr. Hume then notices a geographical error in this wise
“ As for what Dr. Finsch can prove, about torquatus and cy<
anocephalus , we shall see hereafter, in the mean time in regard
to the present group of species, I would remark, that if Leith
Adams really says he found any one of them common in the
c Forest districts of Ladakh/ I will not contradict him, but I
can only say I have been all over Ladakh, twice*, without
being so fortunate as to meet with any Forest district, and
that I never myself met with the large rose-ringed Paroquet
in Ladakh . . . .” {t. c. pp. 12, 13). What Dr. Finsch does
really make Leith Adams say is ee very common in all the forest
districts of Cashmere and Ladakh ” (Papag. ii. p. 15) . This
is taken from Mr. Adams’s paper The Birds of Cashmere and
Ladakh” (P. Z. S. 1859, p. 169) ; and Dr. Finsch has inad¬
vertently added the words u and Ladakh ” to the phrase
“ wooded slopes of the lesser ranges southward of Cashmere.”
That Dr. Finsch was nodding at the time he made the quota¬
tion is true ; but surely it was a very little nod and easily ex-

* Does not Mr. Hume here rather hide his light under a bushel ?
What, no further than Ladakh P The booksellers have recently enriched
my library with a copy of a work entitled u Lahore to Yarkand, Hen¬
derson and Hume.”

282

Lord W alden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

plained, and Mr. Hume ought to have given the quotation in
full. In his account of the complete range of the species
(t. c. pp. 14, 15) Dr. Einsch correctly excludes Ladakh while
retaining Cashmere.

Mr. Hume then favours us with this criticism : — ffDr. Finsch
says, that eupatrius never frequents gardens or towns, hut I
may mention that the last time (November 9th, 1867), I was
up the minars of the Juma or Badishaiee Musjid at Lahore, a
huge flock of sivalensis were wheeling and screaming round
me,” etc. ( t . c. p. 13) . Dr. Einsclds statement is nevertheless
perfectly accurate and in accordance with the recorded obser¬
vations of all Indian naturalists (conf. Blyth, J. A. S. B. 1850,
p. 232, and Ibis, 1863, p. 3 ; and Jerdon, B. of Ind. i. p. 257).
Anyhow, could Dr. Einsch possibly know, fully admitting the
vast importance of the fact (only published in 1874), that
Mr. Hume {< the last time ” he “ was up the minars of the
Juma or Badishaiee Musjid at Lahore,” namely the 9th of
November, 1867, had made this valuable observation? And
had he known, could Dr. Einsch have stated it without risking
the imputation of “ pooh-poohing contemptuously the re¬
corded experience of men like Jerdon and Blyth” (t. c.
p. 2) ? With a due feeling of awe, and under correction, I
venture to surmise that, after all, the huge flock noticed by
Mr. Hume when he last “ was up the minars of the Juma,”
etc., was one of P. torquatus.

“ Let us now turn to (4) torquatus ” [ Palceornis torquatus
(Boddaert)] , “ and first hear what our learned Dr. has to say ”
(t. c. p. 13) ; and Mr. Hume transcribes the passage wherein
Dr. Einsch endeavours to substantiate his theory that the sexes
in the adult birds wear a similar dress. Dr. Einsch’s reasoning
is not convincing ; but the argument is conducted with perfect
propriety, and his data, such as they are, placed fully before
the reader. But Mr. Hume, by means of a mistranslation of
a German word used by Dr. Finsch, tries to fasten on him the
charge of speaking slightingly of Indian naturalists. “ Dieser
betrifft namlich die angeblich grime Earbung des $ , wie sie
von Blyth, Layard und Jerdon angegeben wird ” (Papag. ii.
p. 25) . This sentence has been separately submitted to two

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien.’ 283

German gentlemen, and, without mentioning any reasons, they
were asked to translate it. One is a gentleman of the highest
scientific distinction, the other an independent gentleman of
education, both understanding, writing, and speaking English
perfectly. By both it was thus rendered: “ This (point),
namely, relates to the alleged (angeblich) green coloration
of the female as stated by Blyth, etc.” By Mr. Hume the
German word “ angeblich” is translated “ pretended;” and
having laid, through this misrendering of its true meaning,
the foundation of a charge of discourtesy against Hr. Finsch, he
observes half a page further on : “ Here then are Dr. Finsch' s
strong proofs ; proofs which in his opinion justify his speaking
of what Jerdon, Layard, Blyth, Hutton, and a dozen other
Indian naturalists have stated as facts, the result of their
personal observations, as ‘pretences’ ” (t. c. p. 14). I am
also assured by my two German friends that there is neither
in the sentence quoted, nor throughout Dr. Finsch's argu¬
ment, a trace of discourtesy to any one, and that by no fair
construction, more especially when judged by the context, can
the word “ angeblich ” be here rendered by the English verb
“ pretend ” in its offensive sense. It will also be observed
that Captain Hutton's name, not to mention the “ dozen other
Indian naturalists,” is introduced by Mr. Hume, although
not alluded to by Dr. Finsch, and moreover although Mr.
Hume must have been well aware that Captain Hutton had
never published any remarks on Parrots previous to 1873
that could reasonably be known to Dr. Finsch'*. Mr. Hume
having, by this skilful introduction of the offensive word
“ pretences ,” created in the superficial reader a prejudice
against Dr. Finsch, proceeds, with many italicized words and
outbursts of infallibility, to discuss Dr. Finsch' s “ proofs,” and
then continues, Nothing, we are again informed, is said of
the young. Well let our oldest Indian naturalist, who knew
all about these Paroquets long before Dr. Finsch was born,
enlighten him ” ( t . c. p. 14) . Captain Hutton's description

* As a matter of fact I believe there were no published remarks on the
subject by Captain Hutton extant when Dr. Finsch wrote, much less by
a “ dozen other Indian naturalists.”

284

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

of the young (Str. Feath. i. p. 339) is then quoted, the refer¬
ence and date 1873 being omitted and the impression left on
the reader's mind that something had been said of the young
when Dr. Fins eh wrote, and that somehow or other he ought
to have known it.

Dr. Finsch, for his account of Palceornis cyanocephalus
(Linn.), is next passed under the harrow. “ Here, according
to my views, Dr. Finsch has combined two distinct species.
In the one, which I will call purpureus, Mull* (Dr. Finsch
will set mef right, doubtless, about the synonymy)/' etc. :
then descriptions of the two species and their differentiating
characters are fully given, wound up with “ I do not enter¬
tain the smallest doubt that Dr. Finsch is in error in uniting
these two forms . . . . " (t. c. pp. 15, 16). From this it
might fairly be presumed that Dr. Finsch in or before 1868
had heard of there being two species, those alluded to by
Mr. Hume, but had declined recognizing them as distinct.
Nothing of the sort. Their existence was known to no one
at the time; and Dr. Finsch adopted the published state¬
ments of Jerdon and Blyth, neither of whom then ever sus¬
pected that two closely allied geographical races were being
confounded under one title. The fact was, however, first dis¬
covered by Mr. Gould, and first made known by Mr. Blyth
in 1870. “ Palceornis rosa. Some time ago Mr. Gould called

my attention to two races confounded under this name, which
are evidently distinct," etc. (Blyth, Ibis, 1870, p. 162). On
Jerdon's return to England I showed to him skins of the two
forms, and he at once admitted that they might fairly be con¬
sidered as belonging to two species ; and in 1872 (Ibis, (3) ii.
p. 6) he published, in a supplementary note to the f Birds of
India,' his concurrence with Blyth's opinion. “ My views "
had therefore been long before held by Gould, Blyth, J erdon,
and other European naturalists ; but they were first promul¬
gated, and by Blyth, two years after the publishing date of
f Die Papageien.' . The two supposed species of the late Mr.

* Sic.

t Or rather the late Mr. G. R. Gray (Hand-list, no. 8054), who in his
turn got the title from Oassin (P. Ac. N. Sc. Philadelphia, 1864, p. 239).

285

Review of Dr. Finsch3 s ‘ Die Papageien3

Gray's list of the Psittacidce (1859, pp. 20, 21), P. hengalensis
and P. rosa , were nothing but phases of the plumage of the
Nipaul bird.

We next come upon another illustration of Mr. Hume's logi¬
cal obliquity. “ W e are told that f Alas ! the Indian ornitholo¬
gists give us no satisfactory answer to many of the most dif¬
ficult questions. Jerdon only says, that the female has a
blue head and that the young are green"' (t. c. p.16). “Alas ! "
is Mr. Hume's rendering of the German word “ leider," and,
with the note of exclamation introduced by Mr. Hume, helps
to give the passage an air of contemptuous pity which is not
in the original German. It is therefore necessary to quote
Hr. Finsch's own words : — u Leider geben uns die indischen
Ornithologen fiber viele derartige schwierige Fragen nicht die
gewfinschte Auskunft " (Papag. ii. p. 47) . “ Unfortunately

the Indian ornithologists do not give us the wished-for infor¬
mation on many of the difficult questions of that class " is a
fair translation of the passage ; and Hr. Finsch's observation,
being strictly accurate when he wrote, can only be met by
Mr. Hume as follows, for he cannot quote the writings
of a single author previous to 1868 “ Hoes he want f a full,

true, and particular account ' from one. who has taken scores
of purpureus from their nest-holes and reared them by dozens ?
Let Captain Hutton speak ; his synonymy is faulty, he is no
cabinet naturalist, but he knows the birds as well as he does
his own children " ( t . c. pp. 16, 17). And then, as usual, fol¬
lows an extract from Captain Hutton's paper (Str. Feath. i.
p. 344) published five years after the publication of Hr. Finsch's
work, but without the date and reference now given being
quoted. Indeed the information the absence of which Hr.
Finsch most justly regretted in 1868, is only supplied in 1873,
and then in 1874 flung in his teeth for having wished for it.

Further notice of Mr. Hume's criticisms in connexion with
this species might be omitted did they not comprise the fol¬
lowing gross personal insult to Hr. Finsch : — “ Orange yellow
wing-spot birds are common enough, and if he will pay the
postage and return the specimen, I will send him one to
look at" ( t.c . p. 17). To the word “return,” printed in

x

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

286

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

italics, is appended this footnote, with which, I much regret,
I must soil these pages by transcribing : — “ This is not a
matter of course, because a naturalist who begins by appro¬
priating his neighbour’s species, may end by annexing their
specimens. As Dr. Finsch would doubtless say f Facile *
descensus, etc.V”

Having delivered himself of this magnanimous sentiment,
with its playful insinuation of a felonious tendency in Dr.
Finsch, a passage which will only escape the indignant repro¬
bation of all high-minded men, when it escapes observation,
Mr. Hume proceeds to discuss Dr. Finsch’s treatment of
Palceornis schisticeps, Hodgson. After another offensive
personality, a wretched joke about ffhis sensitive classical
nerves!” Mr. Hume quotes and criticises thus: — Accord¬
ing to Blyth ’ (and he might have added Hodgson who de¬
scribed the bird, Jerdon, and a dozen others), fthe females
are only distinguished by the absence of the red-brown wing
spot.’ Blyth of course being no authority any more than
other Indian ornithologists. Dr. Finsch continues, f I am
much more inclined to conclude that the red-brown spot
would appear also in the full plumaged female,’ in other words
he through his supreme wisdom without having examined a
single bird in the flesh, is intuitively better acquainted with
the state of the case than skilled practical naturalists who
have dissected scores” (t. c. pp. 17, 18). Then comes in, as a
Deus ex machina, the great, frequent dictatorial Egof, with
ponderous yet impotent effect. “ Let me tell Dr. Finsch, that
I personally must have sexed some thirty specimens of this
species, and that the following is my experience” ( l . c.). Of
the “ experience ” which follows, not having been published
when Dr. Finsch wrote, it is unnecessary to give more than the
first sentence, The female always wants the deep maroon red

* What Dr. Finsch would “doubtless” have said, had he been quoting’
Virgil, is given in the errata.

f It may be here mentioned, as a matter of dry statistical detail, that
apart from copious extracts from Dr. Finsch and Captain Hutton, and
besides a host of “me’s” “we’s” “my’s” and “us’s,” the first personal
pronoun “I ” occurs in the twenty-eight pages of this review at least one
hundred and sixty-six times.

287

Review of Dr. Finsch’s c Die Papageien

wing-spot/' because it relates to the point in dispute and does
not strictly accord with either Jerdon or Blythes account.
J erdon says “amarone wing-spot in the male, barely indicated
in the female” (B. Ind. i. p. 261) ; Blyth, “The adult sexes
differ in the male having a small maronne spot on the wing,
which is wanting or barely indicated in the female ” ( J. A. S. B.
1850, p. 232). So that even according to both Jerdon and
Blyth the small maroon wing-spot of the male, though barely
indicated, does “ appear ” in the female. But Dr. Finsch must
be judged by what he, through a diligent and conscientious
study of their published writings, had gathered that his authors
personally knew, and not by what Mr. Hume, in more than
exaggerated terms, says they did know. And although the
fact may surprise my readers, in the face of Mr. Hume's auda¬
cious assertions just quoted, it is a fact that neither Jerdon,
when he wrote the first volume of the f Birds of India/ nor
Blyth were well acquainted with this species. Nor is there
up to 1868 a tittle of published proof that any “ skilled prac¬
tical naturalist” had dissected a single specimen of this
species, much less “scores.” J erdon writes (t. c. p. 261) “rare
in the south-east, for I never saw it myself, and got but one
young specimen while at Darjeeling ; ” and what Jerdon relates
about the species is derived from Tytler and Adams, both
of whom have no remarks on the diversity of the sexes or
about the plumage. Jerdon only became well acquainted
with the bird when, subsequently to the publication of the
first volume of his book, he visited the north-western Hi¬
malayas, where it is abundant. Blyth' s acquaintance was not
more extensive. It is almost certain that he had never seen
the wild bird ; for he had not been in the regions it inhabits.
He probably may have seen caged specimens occasionally at
Calcutta; but he says that captured specimens are seldom
brought to that town (Ibis, 1863, p. 4). Who the “dozen
others ” are previous to 1868, I confess my total inability to
even offer a conjecture ; and possessing a fair acquaintance
with Indian ornithological literature myself, I cannot blame
Dr. Finsch for not knowing either.

A slight mistake in degree Dr. Finsch has committed, con»

x 2

288

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

cerning the range of P. schisticeps, his impartial critic is “ com¬
pelled to point out” {t. c. p. 18). Dr. Finsch states in gene¬
ral terms that it is found “ in ” (not “ throughout” as Mr.
Hume or his translator of German erroneously renders “ im
grossten Theile”) “the greatest part of the Indian continent ;”
hut he correctly enough gives in detail the range as known at
the time he wrote. Its range is enormous ; for it extends from
Cashmere (Griffiths is said to have observed it at Pushut) ,
along the lower ridges of the Himalayas as farEastern as As¬
sam^ and from Assam down to Pegu. Still, by some., Dr.
Finsch's general statement might hypercritically be termed
erroneous.

Now follows Palaeornis calthropce, Layard ; and the facts
connected with its history up to 1868 are few and simple.
Few, because previous to the publishing date of Dr. Finsch’ s
work only two naturalists had written about the species,
namely Blyth and Layard. Blythes part was confined to the
description, on behalf of Layard, of two skins sent by Layard
to Calcutta (J.A. S.B. 1849, p. 800). One of these, with
“ upper mandible bright coral, with a white tip ; the lower
reddish,” Blyth determined to be a male ; the other, with
“ both the mandibles dull coral with white tips,” he charac¬
terized as belonging to a female or young male. Later (op. c.
1850, p. 234) mention is made by him of the receipt of three
more specimens j but not one word is said about the characters
whereby the sexes are distinguished, nor are they even de¬
scribed ; and I cannot find a passage in any of Blythes writings
previous to 1868 where he defines the distinctions ; and I be¬
lieve. this is all Blyth wrote or knew about this purely Ceylon
species up to that date. Layard, in his “Notes on the Orni¬
thology of Ceylon” (Ann. N. H. (2) xiii. p. 263, no. 1 77), omit¬
ted all description of the bird, and merely gave an account of its
habits. He said nothing whatever about the colouring of the
sexes. This author never published previous to 1868 in any
scientific work or elsewhere another word about P. calthropce.
Nor does Dr. Finsch appear to have been more successful in
his search for information, and he is most particular through¬
out his admirable and exhaustive work in giving all refer-

289

Review of Dr. Finsch’s c Die Papageien *

ences bearing on bis subject. Kelaart, who, besides Layard,
was the only ornithological author who may have seen P. cal -
thropce in “ the flesh/-’ merely includes its bare title in his list
(Prodr. Faun. Zeylan. pp. xxx, 127). This embraces the
sum total of the published facts regarding P. calthropce up to
1868. And it was not until 1872 that it was made known
that the female differed by having a black bill* (Holds worth,
P. Z. S. 1872, p. 426, no. 65). Mr. Hume knows this species
by its skin only. Let me transcribe his remarks When
we turn to calthropce , Layard, it is the same story ; on no
evidence, but his own personal conviction, on the contrary in
the face of all existing evidence, Dr. Finsch calmly says :
f Questions in regard to differences in the adult plumage,
and to whether the male and female are always differently
coloured, still lack in this species an altogether more rigorous
investigation. The numerous phases of plumage which I have
seen, permit me to assert with tolerable certainty an entire
similarity in both sexes. Noteworthy and wonderful how¬
ever, always remains the black colour of the bill in the younger
birds/ But as a matter of fact, no further investigation is
required, because a dozen different observers have cleared up
the main point at issue viz., the colour of the adult female's
bill, but our author absolutely ignores all this because it is
irreconcileable with his theory ! Unlike the other species
with which I have previously dealt, I have never myself shot
or dissected examples of calthropce, but I have more faith
in human testimony than our author apparently has, and
having a large series of specimens carefully sexed by three
different European observers, I can state the fallowing with
c tolerable certainty 3 independently of what far better natu¬
ralists than myself have already recorded to a similar effect ”
(t. c. pp. 18, 19). I have given all the published facts within
the possibility of Dr. Finsch's knowledge in 1868, and Mr.

* Mr. Holdsworth, as lie obligingly has told me in epist., did not arrive
at this conclusion through having dissected a single specimen, hut was
guided by the experience of Mr. Bligh, who had killed many examples.
It is just possible that Dr. Templeton may have published remarks on this
species, but I have never seen any.

290

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

Hume's observations on Dr. FinsclPs account of this species.
Mr. Hume carefully abstains from stating the name of a single
observer with whose investigations Dr. Finsch ought to have
been acquainted, and “ in the face of whose evidence ” Dr.
Finsch “ flies.” Nor does he dare to name one of the “ dozen
different observers ” whom “ our author absolutely ignores,”
nor of the “ naturalists ” who “ have already recorded to a
similar effect.” Since Layard and Kelaart, that is since
1868, the only Ceylon naturalists who have written in any
accessible, even if any, scientific journal on Ceylon ornitho¬
logy are Holdsworth, Vincent Legge, and Hugh Nevill; and
the first is the only one who has touched on the point at
issue, and then only in 1872.

The next Indian species known to Mr. Hume, Pal&ornis
melanorhynchus , Wagler, was divided by Dr. Finsch, guided
by the evidence existing in 1868 (Papag. ii. pp. 66, 70), into
two species — P. lathami, Finsch, with the maxilla red in both
sexes, and P. melanorhynchus, Wagler, with the bill, in both
sexes, black. Subsequent investigations have led to the con¬
clusion that these are sexual differences, and that only the
adult male possesses a red maxilla, while the young birds and
adult females possess black bills (conf. Walden, Ibis, 1873,
p. 297, no. 2). For his conclusion, erroneous though it
may now prove to be, Dr. Finsch is assailed with a volley
of silly invective. Let, then, the facts before Dr. Finsch
the facts recorded up to 1868, be examined. In the first
place both Jerdon and Blyth confounded, by erroneous iden¬
tification, the Indian bird and the Javan and Bornean P. alex-
andri (Birds of Ind. i. p. 263; Ibis, 1866, p. 353), and Dr.
Finsch had therefore good grounds for being uncertain as to
which of the two species they referred. Jerdon further de¬
scribed the bird as having “a large red-* patch on the wing,
formed by most of the lesser and some of the median coverts ”
(/. c.), which is not the case, as Dr. Finsch acutely remarks.
Hodgson regarded the black-billed bird as belonging to a di¬
stinct species and named it P. nigrirostris (Gray, Zool. Misc.
p. 85, 1844), and in the f Calcutta Journal of Natural History J
* I suspect that the word “ red ” is a slip of the pen for yellow.

291

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien .’

for 1847 (p. 560) its specific validity, its claim to rank as distinct
from the red-billed birds, is maintained. Mr. Blyth (J. A. S.
B. 1846, p. 24, note) stated, “ in P. pondicerianus, the upper
mandible of the female is usually black, but often more or less
mingled with red ; that of the male being always bright coral-
red/'’ Writing in 1850 (op. cit. xix. p. 234) the same author
states of this bird, “ In a presumed female observed in captivity,
the upper mandible changed from black to coral-red when the
bird was about 18 months old.'” Later on (Ibis, 1866, pp.
353, 354), the last time Mr. Blyth wrote on the species, he
says, “ From an early age (before leaving the nest) the sexes
differ in the male having the upper mandible coral-red*, while
that of the female is black .... and in many females it per¬
haps remains permanently black, while in others it changes
sooner , or later to red.” And he adds that he is “ tolerably
well acquainted with it, having spent a month in forests ” with
the species. Jerdon (op. cit. p. 263) describes the female in
these words, “The female merely differs from the male by
having a black bill at first, which changes to red in old or fully
adult females.” In the face of these conflicting opinions, is Dr.
Finsch to be blamed for adopting an opinion of his own ? and
anyhow ought he to have been exposed to the insolent and in¬
sulting criticism which Mr. Hume, in relation to this species,
heaps upon him ? “ (poor J erdon and Blyth, always wrong !
Finsch, the clever fellow, always right ! !) ” and then this obser¬
vation on a remark of Dr. Finsch, “ He adds with that de¬
liciously bland assumption of superiority and omniscience
which irradiates his pages ” (t.c. p. 20) . I will quote Dr.
FinsclFs opening words, “ Ohne der Auctoritat eines Blyth
oder Jerdon zu nahe treten zu wollen ” (t. c. p. 68). As
to Jerdon^ s opinion on the moot point, it may be stated that
up to the last he had not arrived at any decided conclusion.
So uncertain was he, that by his advice, and in order to settle
the question, a friend in Burma was written to and asked to
collect and carefully mark the sex of as many specimens as he

* Tins is in direct opposition to wliat Mr. Hume lays down in the
passage beginning “ I too, who have seen thousands, and shot hundreds ”
(t. c. p. 20).

292

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

could obtain. And it may here be added that Jerdon felt
and often expressed the highest admiration for Dr. FinsclPs
work on the Psittacidae and respect for its author.

te Columboides, Jerdon*, disguised under Dr. FinsclFs new
name peristerodes, is the next species ” {t. c. p. 21) . That the
specific title columboides was not bestowed by J erdon is pro¬
bably known to every ornithologist in India, except Mr.
Hume ; for both in his “ Illustrations/'’ where this Parrakeet
was figured, and in his general work, Jerdon, with his ac¬
customed accuracy, attributed the title to the first describer
of the species. The species was first named by the late
Mr. Vigors, a cabinet naturalist, so far as Malabar birds
were concerned. And to it Mr. Hume holds a similar
position, for he has never seen it “ in the flesh.” Hence the
personal knowledge he has acquired during the five years that
have elapsed since Dr. FinsclPs work was published cannot be
flaunted before the enchanted gaze of credulous disciples nor
hurled at the unoffending head of Dr. Finsch. Still faults,
however microscopic, must be' found. “ Really the wonders
disclosed by this work pass human comprehension ! Dr.
Finsch records an adult male, from the Himalayas, in the
Leyden Museum, and an adult female, precisely similar, to
the male, also from the Himalayas ! ! in Heine^s Museum.
What Himalayan female columboides may be like, no mere
Indian ornithologist could presume to say. We leave that
to Dr. Finsch” (/. c .), and so on more suo. From this dis¬
ingenuous passage the trusting reader would gather that
Dr. Finsch had stated that P. columboides occurred in the
Himalayas. He has done nothing of the kind. He has
merely, as is his habit all through the work, and as most ac¬
curate writers do, identified the specimen from which he made
his diagnosis; in this fashion-—1 “Himalaya (Leidener Museum) .
d ad. Kopf, Riicken und, etc. ; $ ad. (Himalaya) im Museum
Heine, ganz wie das d gefarbt” ( t . c. pp. 74, 75). When we
turn to the passage giving the full geographical distribution we
find the complete range stated with a sufficient accuracy in

* Sic. This is not an accidental slip of the pen. At page 2, Mr. Hume
writes “and Jerdon’s columboides .”

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien .’ 293

these words, “ an der Malabarkuste, hei Madras, im Decan, bei
zum 17°nordlich, selten in den Neilgherries, bis anf Hohen yon
5000'” [t. c. p.76). The Himalayas are not included. But even
here, notwithstanding Mr. Hume magniloquently has said that
he has “ not taken in hand to catalogue Dr. Finsch’s errors ”
{t. c. p. 18), the little slip of the pen “ bei Madras ” is not
overlooked. For, big as the beam is which intercepts the
reviewer’s critical vision, he is here able to espy this small
mote in his brother naturalist’s eye, and it is seized upon with
all the charitable avidity compatible with “ friendly relations.”
Cf Finsch tells us that this species is found in Madras ; if he
means the town or district of Madras (Chingleput) then he is
certainly in error — if he means the presidency of Madras, then
since the places he enumerates, the Malabar coast and the
Nilghiris are both in this Presidency, it is, to say the least,
surplusage, calculated to mislead; ” and so on (t. c. p. 23) . To
an old Madrasee, one who has shot along with Jerdon many
a specimen “in the flesh,” to say nothing of Snipe in the paddy-
fields of the Chingleput district, this phrase “ district of Ma¬
dras (Chingleput) ” seems strange thunder. Madras was, and
I believe is, a district by itself, with an area of some 30 square
miles — bounded on the north by the Nellore district, to the
west by the Arcot districts, and on the south by the Chingle¬
put district, from which it is separated by the Adyar river.
But this may be all changed, and the Madras and Chingleput
districts may have been amalgamated*. If so, this local and
parochial erudition in a high Bengal official is to be com¬
mended ; but can it be reasonably expected from a European
naturalist ?

Of this species it may be also asserted that at the time
Dr. Finsch wrote there was no published concurrent and
convincing evidence on the moot point, the colouring of
the bills in the two sexes. In the absence of adequate con¬
clusive proof, Dr. Finsch maintained (l.c.), although with
perfect deference to Dr. J erdon, that the bills in the two sexes

* As a matter of fact I am informed in epist. by Sir Walter Elliot, the
well-known and eminent Indian naturalist, that u Madras is certainly not
included in Chingleput, but is a district by itself.”

294 Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume's

were coloured alike. I have frequently seen, and have shot, this
species, and am inclined to think now, as I did then, that Jer-
doff’s view is correct. Yet Sykes, an Indian ornithologist be
it remembered, one who did not form his opinion from “ half
a dozen wrongly sexed skins in a museum," but from his own
observations in the jungle, regarded the black-billed bird as
specifically distinct from P. columhoides , and bestowed on it
a distinctive title, P. melanorhynchus. “ Found in the ghauts.
Sexes alike. This bird has the aspects of Pal . columhoides , but
differs in the black bill," etc. (Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p. 97) . No
other writer knew the species in the flesh ” previous to 1868.
Mr. Blyth only knew it from a few ee skins in a museum/-’
and Dr. Finsch seems, in spite of Mr. Hume's remark, to make
a fair observation when saying “ Blyth is uncertain and says
of the black-billed birds f female or young ' 33 (/. c.) . But surely
Dr. Finsch, even if shown by more recent investigation to have
been in error, had and has a right to hold, advocate, and express
an independent opinion, without being liable to insult in
terms like these. “ As usual. Dr. Finsch laments our igno¬
rance in regard to all these species. It is really a pity that
he will not be content to speak for himself. That he has
still somewhat to learn is patent in every page, but the Indian
ornithologists whose distinct statements he so unceremoni¬
ously ignores, puts aside, or directly contradicts, unfortu¬
nately for his reputation, are not quite so much “ in tiefes*
Dunkel" as himself" (t. c. p. 23). As I have shown, of the
only three Indian ornithologists who had written, the first
held one opinion, another the exact opposite, and the third,
who only knew the species from a few museum skins, was un¬
certain. And yet Mr. Flume is a vindicator of truth. It
is not, however, for Dr. Finsch I write. Truth must be vin¬
dicated " (t. c. p. 26) . Poor truth !

We now come to P. erythrogenys , Blyth. Dr. Finsch, in
his account of the species, is, with an unaccustomed gene¬
rosity, partly let off by Mr. Flume. For, in this instance. Dr.
Finsch is not held responsible for not knowing in 1868 that
the Andaman Parrakeet differed from the Nicobar P. ery-
* Corrected in the errata.

295

Review of Dr. Finsch1 s ‘ Die Papageien1

throgenys — a fact, if it be a fact, only acquired by Mr. Hume
in 1873. Indeed Dr. Finsch went wrong in consequence of
his adopting the published opinions of Jerdon and Blyth ; yet
for this confidence in their superior authority he receives no
credit from Mr. Hume. Both Dr. Jerdon (B. of Ind. i.
p. 264) and Mr. Blyth on several occasions (Mouat's Anda¬
man^ Append, p. 355 ; Ibis, 1863, p. 5) regarded the Nico¬
bar and Andaman Parrakeets as belonging to one species, As
elsewhere, so here, it is Mr. Hume, and not Dr. Pinsch, who
differs from Jerdon and Blyth ; and he will therefore doubtless
apply to himself the epithets he has so freely bestowed on our
German friend, whenever guilty of a similar heresy. But, we
fear, f that in the Captain 's but a choleric word, which in the
soldier is flat blasphemy/ Nor does Dr. Pinsch receive com¬
plete absolution ; for, relying on the descriptions of the speci¬
mens marked c? and $ , obtained in the Nicobars by the f No¬
vara 3 scientific expedition, that of a female communicated to
him by Herr v. Pelzeln, Dr. Finsch suggested that Blythes de¬
termination of a specimen with a black bill as a female (J. A.
S. B. 1846, p. 23) was erroneous, and that he had described a
young bird. “Unfortunately, for Dr. Finsch, it does nothing of
the kind. Apud Finsch, Blyth is always wrong and Finsch is
always right," etc. etc. “And in every single instance in which
in regard to species of this genus, Dr. Finsch has questioned,
disputed, or denied the correctness of Jerdon, Blyth, and other
Indian ornithologists' statements, it is he and not they who
have erred" (Str. Feath. t.c. p. 25) . Well, is this a fact ? and,
with regard to this species, does Dr. Finsch contradict Jerdon,
Blyth, and other Indian ornithologists ? It has already been
shown that by not contradicting Jerdon and Blyth on several
important points Dr. Finsch is, according to Mr. Hume, wrong.
Blyth, it must be remembered, only described his P. ery thro¬
genys from skins with sexes undetermined brought to him at
Calcutta by Captain Lewis and the Bev. J. Bar be. Neither
he nor Jerdon had “for a long series of years," not even
for a single minute, “observed the free living birds, shot
and dissected them," which, according to Mr. Hume, alone
confers the right of stating an independent opinion. But

296

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume's

what does Colonel Tytler say in 1867? That gentleman
resided for some time in the Andamans as governor. He
was an accurate observer, and discovered and described many
good species. He had all the qualifications insisted on by
Mr. Hume as alone entitling a man to deference; for he
was not only a field naturalist, but something far higher, an
Indian field naturalist. Colonel Tytler described the Anda¬
man Parrakeet, his P. affinis, thus— “ generally like P. ery-
throgenys , the red cheek-mark and coloration of which it
possesses, but differs constantly in having a black bill” (Ibis,
1867, p. 320). Beavan adds, on Colonel Tytler’s authority,
“ P. erythrogenys he ” (Colonel Tytler) “ has seen in all stages,
and it always has a red bill” ( l . c.). Nor is this all; Dr.
Finsch,as above stated, founded his opinion on Herr v. Pelzeln’s
description of a “ sexed specimen ” of a female in the Vienna
Museum, obtained in the Nicobars “in the flesh” by the
‘Novara’ expedition. Three “sexed” as males, five “sexed”
as females, and one specimen, with sex undetermined, came to
the Vienna Museum. By what, then, was Dr. Finsch to be
guided ? Apart from Colonel Tytler’s opinion, the conclusions
of Mr. Blyth drawn from unmarked skins ? or the statement
of Herr v. Pelzeln, who had had the advantage of examining
eight marked skins ? Is it not allowable to assume that the
zoologists attached to any European or American scientific
expedition are capable of correctly determining by dissection
the sexes of the specimens they obtain ? But Mr. Hume
readily disposes of this, I venture to submit, equitable argu¬
ment in these words, “on the strength ‘of an old female in
the Vienna Museum ’ (palpably, to us who know the species,
an old male)” etc. (t. c. p. 24). Unhappily Dr. Finsch, like
most people, at least in Europe, not being gifted with a pro¬
phetic spirit, was unable to foretell in 1868 what “ us who
know the species ” might know in 1874.

The same remarks will apply in the main to Mr. Hume’s
criticisms of the account given by Dr. Finsch of Palceornis
caniceps , Blyth, the last of the nine good species of the genus
within Mr. Hume’s acquaintance. This handsome Parrakeet
w as likewise described from a single skin (much mutilated)

297

Review of Dr. Finsch’s ‘ Die Papageien .'

with a red maxilla, brought to Calcutta by Captain Lewis from
the Nicobars. Mr. Blyth in this instance also never saw the
bird “ in the flesh,” much less dissected it. Indeed the type
specimen was so much mutilated that Blyth introduces his
description with these words, “ This is a very strongly marked
species ; but I can now merely indicate rather than describe
it,” etc. (J. A. S. B. 1846, p. 23, note). As in the case of P.
erythrogenys, Blyth adopted the foregone conclusion, a mere
theory unsupported by a single then existing established fact,
that while the adult male had a red maxilla that of the female
would be black. Shortly afterwards Mr. Blyth (t. c. p. 51,
note) described, as belonging to the female of P. caniceps , a
single skin from Province W ellesley, with a black maxilla, in
Dr. Cantor's possession. These were the only examples of
the species Blyth had seen previous to 1868. One, the type,
remained in the Calcutta Museum ; the other was given by
Dr. Cantor to the E. I. C. Museum, and subsequently passed
to the British Museum, where Dr. Einsch examined it. Be¬
sides these at least two examples were obtained in the Nico¬
bars by the f Novara' expedition, one of which, with a red max¬
illa, was proved by dissection to be a female (Reise Novara,
Zool. i. p. 98) . Herr v. Pelzeln (/. c.) distinctly states this, and
adds, which is significant, for there was no controversy at the
time, “ therefore the colouring of the bill is the same in old
individuals of both sexes.” Dr. Cantor's single specimen and
the specimens obtained by the f Novara' were the only known
examples existing in Europe when Dr. Einsch wrote ; and all
that was known about the species was restricted to the sources
I have indicated. The question therefore again arises, By
what was Dr. Einsch to be guided ? The affirmative evidence
of the s Novara' zoologists, derived from actual examination of
the corpus ? or Mr. Blyth's opinion formed from a couple of
dried skins ? Regardless of possible dangers they had gone
ashore, seen the bird alive, breathed with it the same air,
shot and dissected it ! Blyth only knew it, not even from
te half a dozen wrongly sexed specimens in a museum,” but
from one, a much mutilated skin in a museum and a second
good skin in private hands, but both with sexes undetermined

298

Lord Walden on Mr. Allan Hume’s

by dissection. The inconvenient fact stated by Herr v.
Pelzeln of the Nicobar female having a red maxilla is thus
disposed of by Dr. Finsch’s friendly censor, now growing
“ weary of exposing these ” (Dr. Finsch’s) “ perpetual and
perverse blunders” (t.c. p. 25). This specimen, “ allow me
to inform our author, was unquestionably a male, and had
been, dissection or no dissection, wrongly sexed ! We shot
and sexed 25 adults of this species .... and we know beyond
the possibility of a doubt, that Dr. Cantor and Blyth were
perfectly correct,” etc. etc. (1. &.). It is true that in a note
quoted by Mr. Moore (P. Z. S. 1859, p. 454) Dr. Cantor
states that the female has a black bill, and it was Mr. Blyth’ s
foregone conclusion ; for he says “ the bill wholly black, as I
suggested it would be in this sex” (op. cit. 1846, p. 51,
note) . But Dr. Cantor’s opinion on an ornithological question
could not be accepted as conclusive. An intimate friend of
my own (many a friendly Manilla have we smoked together in
Fort William) , Dr. Cantor was no ornithologist. An excellent
ichthyologist and herpetologist, he knew little, and professed to
know nothing, about birds. What Mr. Hume was going to
“ know beyond the possibility of a doubt ” in 1874 we again
humbly submit, at the risk of being tedious, could not have
been known to Dr. Finsch full five years before.

I have now shown that the major part of Mr. Hume’s cri¬
ticisms of Dr. Finsch’s treatment of these eleven species of
the genus Palceornis are in a less or greater degree mainly
founded on perversions, misstatements, or misrepresentations
of the established facts existing when Dr. Finsch was writing
f Die Papageien,’ or else on trivial inaccuracies of expression.
Also that in no single instance do Dr. Finsch’s references to
Jerdon, Blyth, or other Indian naturalists, when fairly inter¬
preted, exhibit even a breath of discourtesy or absence of de¬
ference, consistent with freedom of judgment, to any opinion
expressed, or facts narrated, by them. And although Dr.
Finsch may, by the light of recent investigations, be shown to
have arrived at some erroneous conclusions, they were mostly
logical inferences to draw from the conflicting evidence on
record at the time he wrote. Towards the close of his article

Review of Dr. Finsch’s e Die Papageien3 299

(t. c. p. 28) Mr. Hume has this passage, “ I should ill fulfil my
duty as editor of the sole Indian ornithological journal, if I
did not rebuke, sans faqons, his slighting treatment of the
men to whom every Indian ornithologist owes so much.-”
As an old Indian field ornithologist, as one of Hr. Jer don’s
oldest friends, one in whom his memory lingers the most
cherished of reminiscences, I protest against Mr. Hume5s ar¬
rogating to himself the right to speak in the name of Indian
ornithologists without better claim than the irresponsible edi¬
torship of a recent Indian ornithological periodical, or to
exalt himself to the post of protector of J erdon’s, Blyth’s, or
any other Indian naturalist’s reputation. The scientific works
and deeds of those men are the common property of the sci¬
entific world, and not of a narrow Calcutta clique ; and their
memories are far safer from reproach under the guardianship of
that great and increasing body of gifted, highly trained, and
generous men, than if left to the patronizing care of a carping,
indiscriminating, illiterate, and noxious advocacy. Mr.
Hume is at liberty to “ rebuke 33 whomsoever he pleases. His
blame or his praise, at least his blame, will prove harmless.
But Mr. Hume cannot evade the responsibilities of a reviewer.
He cannot plead ignorance ; for as a reviewer he is bound to
bring to his task a reasonable amount of knowledge. Mr.
Hume has most mercilessly attacked the scientific reputa¬
tion of Hr. Finsch. I care not for the faint praise accorded
to his minor merits. A reputation built up by many years of
devoted and honourable labour in the cause of zoological
science. A reputation as dear to him as our own is to any
one of us, perhaps more so, perhaps his all. The coarse jokes
or vulgar personalities, standing alone, might have passed un¬
noticed; for a coarse and vulgar style is some men’s mis¬
fortune, and though exciting in supersensitive temperaments
sensations of nausea, is submitted to by the philosophic mind
with a shrug of the shoulder or a smile of resignation. But
the unscrupulous reviewer of the hard conscientious work of
a brother naturalist risks incurring that deserved odium
which, by the common voice, attaches to the judgments of an
unjust judge.

300

Letters, Announcements, fyc.

XXXIII. — Letters, Announcements, fyc.

The following letters, addressed “ To the Editor of f The
Ibis/ ” have been received : —

Sir, — May I be allowed a few remarks on subjects men¬
tioned in the April number of f The Ibis ’ ?

First with regard to Mr. Brooks's letter (pp. 183-185).
Mr. Dresser has shown me that Mr. Brooks is quite correct
in saying that the eggs of Hypolais pallida (H.&E.) ( Sail -
caria elceica, Lindermayer) differ from those of the bird com¬
monly known as Sylvia rama, Sykes. In my notes on Persian
birds, I hope to enter more fully into the relations of these
species ; but I may remark that whilst the bird of Southern
Europe, North-eastern Africa, and Western Asia is always
distinguishable at a glance by its broad bill and larger size
from the Indian form, a large series of skins from Persia
shows every intermediate gradation. Mr. Brooks is also pro¬
bably right, and I was wrong, about the distinction of the
small Indian bird called Jerdonia agricolensis by Mr. Hume ;
for this species appears to have a different geographical dis¬
tribution from its ally outside of India. In Persia I only
obtained Hypolais caligata v. rama, whilst in the Ural Herr
Meves found only H. agricolensis. As to which of these forms
is the true Sylvia rama of Sykes we must suspend our judg¬
ment until the type specimen now buried in a warehouse is
again accessible.

At the same time I cannot agree with Mr. Brooks that
allied species do not interbreed in the wild state. I may
recall a few instances to his recollection ; I can assure him
they are facts and not speculations. First we have the occur¬
rence of intermediate forms between Hypolais pallida and H.
caligata in Persia. Precisely the same passage takes place
betweeen the eastern and western forms of the Orphean War¬
bler, Sylvia orphea and S. jerdoni, which are quite as distinct
as the two species of Hypolais ; indeed Tristram (Ibis, 1867,
p. 86) actually records his shooting a male of one form and a
female of the other from the same nest. Another instance is
in the two forms of Indian Thamnohiee — T.fulicata, which is

301

Letters, Announcements, fyc.

found throughout Southern India, and has constantly a black
back ; and T. cambay ensis, just as common in Northern India,
and having always a brown back. But near Ellose, where
the two races meet, I could only find intermediate forms ; and
Hume has noticed Stray Feathers/ i. p. 182) that precisely
similar birds are found in Sind, Gujerat, and Rajpatana. Other
well-known cases are those of the Indian and Burmese Rollers,
and the black-and-white-crested Kalij Pheasants ; and I could
name some other instances.

Are we to give up the British- Association rules of zoolo¬
gical nomenclature as hopeless ? I am quite willing to admit
that their success amongst zoologists in general, at home and
abroad, has not been remarkable. Still they are the best we
have : if they are objectionable in any way, let them be re¬
formed, but let ornithologists at least abide by them till we
have something better in their place. In the last number of
f The Ibis/ p. 173, Dr. Sclater takes Mr. Dresser to task for
“ falling a victim to the prevailing epidemic for discovering
antiquated names and giving them precedence over those
generally in use/-’ because Mr. Dresser, in accordance with
the British- Association rules, uses the names given by Lin¬
naeus, Pallas, Gulden stadt, and Ehrenberg for various species
of Saocicolce, in place of the later names applied by Vieillot,
Temminck, and others. I dare say the rules might be altered
with advantage; for instance, I think it would be very de¬
sirable to draw up a list of the works which should be recog¬
nized amongst those published prior to some given date, say
1800, and to agree to ignore all others. Thus we should get
rid of pamphlets like that of Boddaert. The difficulty of
course is to induce individuals to agree to any rules.

This, however, is by the way. I only wish to point out
how discouraging it is, to those who wish to render zoological
nomenclature rather less chaotic than it is at present (orni¬
thologists have but a faint idea of the confusion which exists
in some departments, e.g. malacology), to find so eminent a
naturalist as Dr. Sclater, one who has done good work him¬
self in the cause, turning against those who are endeavouring
to uphold law and order. What has possessed our worthy

ser. hi. — VOL. IV. Y

302

Letters, Announcements, fyc.

Acting Editor? Is he carried away by the “ conservative
reaction " of which he so highly approves ?

W. T. Blanford.

June 30th, 1874.

[With regard to Mr. Blanford's question, in the second part
of this letter, relating to the British- Association Buies we may
answer unhesitatingly, of course they are not to be abandoned.
The real question turns upon the legality and, we may add,
the propriety of the changes proposed to be made. It must
be admitted that very great uncertainty hangs over many of
the names in the works of the older authors, arising chiefly
from insufficiency of definition, a great many names being
based upon old drawings and brief descriptions in still older
works to an extent which would not be tolerated at the pre¬
sent time. What we wish to maintain is that it is not con¬
ducive to the advancement of science that imperfect descrip¬
tions, about which grave elements of doubt often hang, should
be made use of to supersede titles in current use. In other
words, it is, in our opinion, wrong to supplant names which
can be clearly attached to the objects to which they belong,
by terms concerning the application of which there is any dis¬
pute. If, however, the case can be made out with perfect
satisfaction, the change must be made. Moreover, if change
of a generally used name can be avoided by placing a par¬
ticular construction on an old author's writings, we think
that such a construction ought to be applied.

But to proceed to the subject of Mr. Sclater's remarks.
The use of the genus Platea of Brisson in place of Platalea
of Linnaeus is clearly in violation of Buie 2 and its explana¬
tion, it being stated that such of Brisson's genera that are
additional to those of the twelfth edition of the f Systema
Naturae' are to be used.

As regards the change made in the application of Linnaeus's
name Motacilla stapazina, we have to suggest that it was un¬
necessary. Mr. Dresser's view is, no doubt, admissible ; but
this difficult case may also be interpreted as follows : — Lin¬
naeus clearly considered that both the figures on Edwards's

303

Letters, Announcements, fyc.

Plate 31 applied to one species, adopting Edwards's view that
they were male and female of the same species. The cha¬
racters given by Linnaeus no doubt apply strictly to the left-
hand figure ; but we may also consider them to represent cha¬
racters common to both, reference to the black throat being
omitted in the one case just as reference to the white throat
is in the other. In fact, Linnaeus's M. stapazina may be
looked on as a composite species ; and it was competent for
the next author to restrict the term and say what bird M.
stapazina meant. This Yieillot did by calling Edwards's left-
hand figure albicollis, and referring the right-hand one to
stapazina of Linnaeus.

Had Mr. Dresser adopted this view of the case he would
not have been under the necessity of changing the application
of a name by which a well-known bird has been recognized
for upwards of 55 years, and thereby rendering it impossible
for future writers to indicate certainly what species they
intend by the name Saocicola stapazina . — O. S.]

Vienna, 21. Opernring,
May 30th, 1874.

Sir, — In ‘The Ibis' for April 1874, Dr. Sclater gives a
notice about “ the new Paradise-birds and their discoverers,"
and says that I “ ought to have cancelled my redescription of
Epimachus wilhelmince in the ‘ Journal fur Ornithologie,' and
that its appearance, without reference toD'Albertis's discovery,
requires explanation, failing which it can only be regarded as
an attempt to obtain an unfair priority."

These remarks, involve a heavy accusation, which honour
compels me to answer ; so I trust you will pardon my laying
before you and your readers the following statement : —

1. When returning from my New Guinea trip I published
at Batavia, in Java, in the ‘ Tijdschr. voor Ned. Ind.,' a short
description of my j Epimachus wilhelmince.

2. On my arrival in Europe I heard of a new Bird of Pa¬
radise, and sent immediately a copy of the description of my
new bird to the editor of the ‘Journal fur Ornithologie,' at

304

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

the same time writing to Dr. Sclater for information con¬
cerning his new bird.

3. Having received a short time afterwards., through Dr.
Sclater's kindness, a copy of his article in ‘Nature/ I learnt
for the first time that his bird was also from the Arfak moun¬
tains in New Guinea, having been discovered by Mr. d* Al¬
bertis, and was immediately struck by the many similar points
of the two descriptions in question. Nevertheless I remained
in some doubt about their identity ; and as many instances
occur of two closely allied but different species living together
in the same locality, I resolved to wait till my collections,
which I expected every day, were in my hands, so as to be
enabled to make rigorous comparison. I therefore had no
reason whatever “ to cancel my redescription ” (as Dr. Sclater
expresses himself), besides it being only a copy of another
notice published some months before.

4. When part of my birds at last arrived, later than I ex¬
pected, and I unpacked some of them in Berlin (January
1874), I compared my Epimachus wilhelmince with the Dre-
panornis alhertisi, Scl., and became quite convinced that they
were identical. I therefore immediately (Jan. 15th) sent a
note to the editor of the e Journal fur Ornithologie/ in which
I stated this fact and withdrew my name, at the same time
transferring the specific name wilhelmince to a new little
Trichoglossus : see * Journal fur Ornithologie/ 1874, Heft i.
and c Zoologischer Garten/ 1874 (a letter to the editor dated
Feb. 7th, Vienna).

As these facts, simple and convincing as they are, speak
for themselves without further comment, and as there now
remains no reason whatever to impute any “ unfair ” acts or
intentions on my part, I know Dr. Sclater himself will be
“ fair ” enough to acknowledge his satisfaction with my “ ex¬
planation,” which he provoked, and to declare that there was
no question of an (< attempt to obtain an unfair priority.”

Yours truly,

Adolf Bernhard Meyer.

THE IBIS.

THIRD SERIES.

No. XVI.— OCTOBER 1874.

XXXIV. — A Visit to the principal Museums of the United

States, with Notes on some of the Birds contained therein .

By Osbert Salvin, M.A., F.B.S., &c.

(Plates XIV XII.)

In the early part of the present year I started from Guate¬
mala with the intention of returning to England via Cali¬
fornia and New York. My intention, so far as California was
concerned, was frustrated by the frequent and chronic changes
made in the times of calling of the steamers of the Pacific
Mail Company at the ports of Central America. I had there¬
fore to go to Panama, and thence by steamer from Colon to
New York, and reached the latter city towards the end of
April.

I spent less than five weeks visiting the chief towns in the
eastern States, a time much too short to do more than ex¬
amine hurriedly the contents of the chief museums, both public
and private. Of course the Museum of the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington occupied the largest share of my
attention, though I employed much time in examining Mr.
Lawrence’s extensive and interesting collection. I also paid

SER. III.— VOL. IV.

z

306

Mr. O. Salvin' s Visit to the

several visits to the American Museum of Natural History-
in New York ; and I spent an afternoon at Vassar College, a
day at Philadelphia, half a day each with Dr. S. Cabot in
Boston and Dr. T. K. Merritt in Flushing, several days in
the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History, and a
morning at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard
College. Everywhere I was treated with the utmost kind¬
ness and courtesy, and the freest access was given me to all
the specimens I wished to examine.

The Collection of the Smithsonian Institution.

The extent of the ornithological collection (unique of its
kind) in this museum is well known. At present the arrange¬
ment is in a transition state, and the specimens are scattered
and cramped for room. When ultimately put in order, with
space enough for its display, this collection will stand quite
alone as illustrating the ornis of the North American continent.
Central America is also largely represented ; and the museum
contains many valuable collections from South America.
In addition to these the mounted series includes the birds col¬
lected during Capt. Wilkes's and Capt. Gilliss's Exploring Ex¬
peditions, the types of the species described by Peale andCassin.

My interest, however, was concentrated upon the Central
and South American skins, and in an examination of the types
of the species described by Prof. Baird and Mr. Lawrence
during the last ten or twelve years. In my search I had the
advantage of Prof. Baird's and Mr. Bidgway's most cordial
assistance. Dr. Elliott Coues, too, helped me. much, espe¬
cially with reference to many North American species, little
known or unknown to me.

The following notes only include a portion of those I
made, but relate to species about which I can write with
confidence

Dendrceca capitalis, Lawr. Proc. Ac. Phil. 1868, p. 359.

Barbadoes. This species is almost as widely separated
from the closely allied forms of D. petechia as is the conti¬
nental D. vieilloti .. The rufous of the crown is very distinctly

Ibis.1874.PLXI

Q .0 . S del .

J. G.Keulemans lith .

Ttf&N -tlanha-rL imp .

GRANATELLUS FRANCESCA.

30 7

Museums of the United States.

defined, and deep, almost dark chestnut, in tint. I examined
the type, and was fortunate enough to obtain a duplicate for
our collection. D. barhadensis , Sundev. G3 fvers. Yetensk. Ak.
Eorh. 1869, p. 608, doubtless refers to the same bird. See
also Baird, Bev. Am. Birds, i. p. 202, and Sclater, P. Z. S.
1874, p. 174, where the species is referred to D . 'petechia.

Geothlypis - ?, Baird, Bev. Am. Birds, i. p. 227.

I took the opportunity of carefully examining with Mr.
Bidgway the specimen named by me G. macgillivrayi , and
referred by Prof. Baird (l. c.) to a doubtful species of the same
genus. We agreed that, after all, my determination should
be adhered to.

Granatellus FRANCESCAS, Baird, Bev. Am. B. p. 232.

Tres Marias Islands. This is a beautiful species of this
group, differing chiefly from G. venustus , Du Bus (of which
there is also a specimen in the same collection from the main¬
land of Mexico) , in the absence of the black pectoral band,
so conspicuous in the latter bird. Mrs. Salvin took sketches
of the types of G. fvancescce , which Mr. Keulemans has here
reproduced on stone (Plate XI.).

Hirundo cyaneoviridis, Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. H. vii.
p. Ill (1859) ; Baird, Bev. Am. B. p. 303.

The Smithsonian specimen is the first I have seen of this
beautiful and distinct species, from the island of Nassau, Ba¬
hamas. It has its nearest ally in H '. euchrysea, Gosse, the
differences being fully described by Baird, l. c.

Stelgidopteryx fulvigula, Baird.

On examining the Costa-Bican specimens of this and allied
species in the Smithsonian collection, I find my views (Ibis,
1870, p. 108) confirmed. S. fulvigula therefore equals S.
uropygialis , juv. The other Central- American species, the
so-called S. fulvipennis, also occurs in Costa Bica. This bird
is hardly separable from S. serripennis.

Buthraupis edwardsi, Elliot, Nouv. Arch, du Mus. i.
p. 77, t. iv.

I saw two specimens of this distinct species whilst in

z 2

808

Mr. O. Salving Visit to the

America — one in the collection of the Smithsonian Institu¬
tion, and one in that of Yassar College, Poughkeepsie. The
former is labelled as having been obtained at Esmeraldas,
Ecuador; the latter was collected by Professor Orton at
Chillo, in the Valley of Quito, on the western slope of the
volcano of Antisana, at an elevation of about 10,000 feet
above the sea.

Chlorospingus axillaris, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 395
(1874).

The type of this species is quite a young bird, and is, I
have no doubt, a young male of Tachyphonus nitidissimus,
Salv., a few black feathers of the adult dress showing amongst
the general green plumage of the young bird.

Chlorospingus brunneus, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 395
(1874).

Through Mr. Lawrence’s kindness I have carefully ex¬
amined the type of this species, and find that it agrees per¬
fectly with a specimen in Mr. Lawrence’s collection ascribed
to the female of Tachyphonus delattrii. This latter deter¬
mination is, I have no doubt, correct, and the bird figured
in r Exotic Ornithology ’ (t. 34) as the female of T. delattrii
belongs to some other species. This skin was obtained by
Eraser, and is that of a young bird, the proper determination
of which I am not at present able to decide.

Buarremon assimilis (Boiss.) ?

I carefully examined the specimen attributed with doubt to
this species by Mr. Lawrence in his list of Costa-Eica birds
(Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix.p.101), and found the differences between
it and a New- Granadan skin to be extremely slight. The
feathers round the bill are rubbed and wanting, giving the bill
the appearance of being larger than that of the southern B.
assimilis, it being in reality of hardly larger dimensions. The
difference in the colour of the cheeks is due to the form of
the skin, the feathers being more compactly set. I think the
query may be removed and the species called B. assimilis.

Arremon rufodorsalis, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1865, p. 170.

It has surprised me that no other specimens of this bird

309

Museums of the United States.

have occurred in the- large collections that have of late
years been made in Costa Rica. In examining the type I
noticed that the colour of the back was irregularly distributed,
and appeared clue to an abnormal amount of colour in this
individual ; and to the same cause I attribute the deep colour
of the campterium. Thus viewed, the bird becomes merely
an individual variety of A. aurantiirostris , a species exces¬
sively common in the same districts where the supposed A.
rufodorsalis is found.

Cyanqspiza rosit^e, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 397 (1874) .

The description given by Mr. Lawrence was communicated
to him by M. Sumichrast. Soon after it was in type the
specimens reached Washington, where I had the pleasure of
examining them. The species is a most beautiful one, and
quite distinct from any previously described, being nearest,
however, to C. ciris. M. Sumichrast also sent the female,
which, no doubt, Mr. Lawrence will describe in a forthcoming
paper on Western Mexican birds.

Elaine a semiplava, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii. p. 177.

Described from a specimen collected by Mr. Hicks at Chi-
riqui, proves, on an examination of the type, to be Capsi-
empis fiaveola (Licht.) . We had already received a specimen
from the same locality, and included it under the latter name
in our f Nomenclator 5 (p. 47). The species appears to have
a very wide range, extending as it does from South-eastern
Brazil, through Guiana, to Veragua; but specimens from these
distant points present no appreciable differences.

Empidonax axillaris, Ridgway, N. Am. B. ii. p. 363.

Mr. Ridgway suggests that this bird may be E. albigularis,
Scl. & Salv. (Ibis, 1859, p. 122) ; and I have no doubt that it
really belongs there. The Smithsonian type is in a wretched
state, the plumage being worn and abraded. E. atbigularis
is a fairly defined species for this intricate genus.

As regards Empidonax brunnescens , Ridgway, N. Am, B.
ii. p. 363, from Parana, Mr. Ridgway adds, in the appendix to
the third volume, p. 519, that there is a second specimen in
the Boston Museum, bearing the name E. olivus, but to which

310

Mr. O. Salvin' s Visit to the

lie could find no reference. The abbreviation here stands
doubtless for the genus Empidochanes, and not for Empidonax.
olivus is Boddaert's name for Buffon's Gobe-mouche olive
de Cayenne (PL Enl. 574. fig. 2) . Mr. Bidgway’s bird should
be compared with E.fuscatus (Max.), from Brazil; or with
Dr. Cabanis's E. argentinus, Journ. f. Orn. 1868, p. 196.

Empidonax fulvipectus, Lawr.

This appears to be a distinct species, having a general re¬
semblance to E . bairdi , but with the outer web of the outer
rectrix whitish as in E. obscurus. The type is in Mr. Law¬
rence's collection. See f North- American Birds,' ii. p. 364.

Contopus lugubris, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii. p. 134.

This species is a southern form of C. pertinax , and differs
from it chiefly in being of smaller size, slightly darker in
general colour, and in having the head of a darker hue. In
f North- American Birds ' C. lugubris is treated as a “ variety "
of C. pertinax . This view may be the correct one ; but it
must be remembered that these birds affect semialpine regions,
and therefore, the range of the stock being broken, the bird
is in all probability unrepresented in the low-lying valley of
the San Juan river and the lakes of Nicaragua.

Thamnophilus hollandi, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii.

p. 180.

The types of this species which I examined in the col¬
lection of the Smithsonian Institution appeared to me to
belong to the common T. melanocrissus , their bills being only
very slightly larger, not nearly enough to justify the suppo¬
sition that T. hollandi is a distinct species.

Eormicivora schisticolor, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii.
p. 172 (1865).

This is identical with the bird I have called Myrmotherula
menetriesi , in my lists of Yeragua birds (P. Z. S. 1867, p. 144,
and 1870, p. 195). The bird has a very wide range; and I
can see no satisfactory differences between Central and South
American examples.

The following five species of this genus are all that have as

Museums of the United States. 311

yet been found in Central America, north of the Isthmus of
Darien : —

1. Myrmotherula PYGMiEA (Gm.)? Cass. Proc. Ac. Phil.
1860, p. 190 ; Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii. p. 325.

Rio Truando (Wood) and Isthmus of Panama (McLeannan) .

2. Myrmothertjla surinamensis (Gm.), Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil.
1860, p. 190; Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii. p. 293 ; Scl. & Salv.
P. Z. S. 1864, p. 356.

Turbo, Darien (Wood) ; Panama (McLeannan) .

3. Myrmothertjla fulviyentris, Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y.
vii. p. 468 ; Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 356 ; Lawr. 1. c. ix.

p. 108.

Myrmotherula ornata , Scl.? Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1860, p. 191,
partim (nee Sclater).

Truando (Wood) ; Panama (McLeannan) ; Costa Rica
(Carmiol).

I examined four specimens from the Truando in the Smith¬
sonian Institution. They are all named gularis , but are, no
doubt, the same specimens Cassin determined finally to call

M. ornata , Scl.? in his list (loc. supra cit.). One of these
belongs to M.fulviventris ; the other three are females or young
of M. melcena.

4. Myrmotherula melcena, Scl., Cass. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1860,
p. 191; Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 356; Lawr. Ann. Lyc.

N. Y. ix. p. 107.

Formicivora melcena , Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii. p. 6.
Myrmotherula ornata , Scl.? Cass. l.c. p. 191 (partim).
Myrmotherula albigula , Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. H. viii. p. 131
(1865), et ix. p. 108.

Truando (Wood) ; Panama (McLeannan) ; Costa Rica
(Carmiol).

5. Myrmotherula menetriesi, D^Orb., Salv. P.Z. S. 1870,
p. 195.

Formicivora Schisticolor , Lawr. ut supra.

Myrmotherula modesta, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N, Y. ix. p. 108
(1868).

312

Mr. O. Salvin' s Visit to the

Veragua and Chiriqui (Arce) ; Costarica (Carmiol); Vera
Paz, Guatemala (Salvin).

Zenaidura graysoni, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 17 (187 1),
is a distinct species, with strongly defined scapular marks
almost as in Zenaida galapagoensis. It is, however, much
larger than that species.

Zenaidura yucatanensis, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 207
(1869).

Appears to be also a good species, having the colours of the
Antillean Zenaida amabilis , but the tail with fourteen rec-
trices as in Zenaidura carolinensis.

Leptoptila riottii, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 137.

Notwithstanding its having a slightly larger beak, the type
specimen of this species is, I am convinced, to he referred to
L. verreauxi , an abundant species in the northern parts of
South America, and in Central America as far north as Costa
Rica.

Leptoptila bonapartii, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 15.

I could not see that this bird really differs from our L.
plumbeiceps, Mr. Lawrence's skin of the latter bird is some¬
what darkened with grease, and has thus misled him as
to the true coloration of the species. The name, L. albifrons,
attached to Mr. Lawrence's type of L. bonapartii is no doubt
wrong ; but Prince Bonaparte could never have seen the skin,
as the date on the label, 1859, shows that it was obtained
at least two years after his death.

Tinamus frantzii, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 140 (1868).

I have lately acquired a skin of this bird from Costa Rica,
and have also seen the type of the description. The species
is undoubtedly the same as Tinamus bonapartii , G. R. Gray,
Nothocercus bonapartii of our f Nomenclator,' p. 152.

Whilst in the United States I had the pleasure of seeing,
for the first time, the new work on the birds of North Ame¬
rica, by Prof. Baird, Dr. Brewer, and Mr. Ridgway; and
during my stay in W ashington I took the opportunity of look¬
ing into several points discussed in its pages upon which I

Museums of the United States. 313

sought more light. The following are a few of the notes I
made : —

The identification of Mr. Gould* s Troglodytes leucogastra
by Prof. Baird in his f Review of American Birds/ and adopted
in the present work (i. p. 141), has been recently reconsidered
by us (Nomencl. p. 7, et App. p. 155), and a new genus pro¬
posed for the species, which is also identified with Mr. Sclater*s
Cyphorhinus pusillus . The bird is quite remotely allied to
the T. bewickii group, and comes nearer Troglodytes .

In a note appended to the synopsis of the genus Contopus
(ii. p. 352), Mr. Ridgway expresses his belief that the species
described by Mr. Sclater and myself as C. ochraceus (P. Z. S.
1869, p. 419) from Costa Rica “ seems to be scarcely different
from C. lugubris ,** and that “ it is probably the same.** I can
only trace a reason for this statement in the fact that, in
a note appended to our description, we mentioned that we did
not know the bird described by Mr. Lawrence as C. lugubris ,
but that, judging from the description, it could hardly be in¬
tended for the bird we were characterizing. I have now seen
and possess C. lugubris , and can state that Mr. Ridgway*s sug¬
gestion is altogether wide of the mark, and that our name and
description were quite sufficient to have saved him from pro¬
nouncing so hasty a judgment upon a bird he had never seen.
In coloration C. ochraceus is not unlike Empidonaoc flavescens
of Lawrence. I have not yet met with a second example.

Pyrocephalus obscurus (ii. p. 387) (by a misprint, E. obscu -
rus) is only a melanism of the common species, P. rubineus ,
or one of its races. These dark varieties occur in various
localities. Besides Peruvian examples I have seen others,
including one from Mexico. (Cf. Sclater, P. Z. S. 1864,
p. 176 ; also Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 175.)

In treating of the genus Chcetura (ii. p. 431), C. poliura,
Temminck, is placed as a “ variety ** of C. pelagica. I have
sought in vain for any grounds to warrant such an arrange¬
ment. In this and in the case of Panyptila cayennensis
(p. 424), have not our authors, in their anxiety to introduce
their novel nomenclature, far outstepped the limits of varia¬
tion indicated by the specimens at their command ?

314

Mr. O. Salvin' s Visit to the

In their note on the so-called Lampornis mango (ii. p. 440),
Mr. Elliot's paper “on the Humming-Birds of the West
Indies " (Ibis, 1872, p. 350) is overlooked. It is there shown
that the Jamaican bird is the true Lampornis mango of Lin¬
naeus, and that the bird commonly and here so called must
bear the name L. violicauda (Bodd.).

Buteo harlani (iii. p. 292). At Mr. Eidgway' s request I
have, since my return to England, examined the specimen in
the British Museum, said to be Audubon's type of this species,
and find that it agrees closely with the specimen he showed me
in Washington. Now that it is shown that neither the dark
melanitic forms of Buteo borealis nor those of Buteo swainsoni
are referable to Buteo harlani , I think the species must be
acknowledged distinct — a conclusion arrived at separately by
both Mr. Eidgway {l. c.) and Mr. Sharpe (Cat. Birds, i. p. 191).
Mr. Sharpe includes Guatemala in the range of this species ;
but this requires confirmation, as the bird so called (Ibis, 1859,
p. 217) in our Guatemalan lists is B. borealis. The young bird
Mr. Sharpe describes from Mexico belongs to Tachytriorchis
albicaudatus , as he and I have since determined.

In a paragraph attached to Scops asio , var. maccalli (iii.
p. 53), I was somewhat surprised to see our assignment of
the name S. trichop sis, W agler, totally dissented from. On
examining the specimens so called in the Smithsonian Insti¬
tution, I found that they really belong to the bird to which
/W wo apply the name Scops brasilianus (Gm.), and have little
to do with Wagler's bird. The toes of S. brasilianus are nude.
Wagler adds to his description of his trichopsis “digiti setis
singulis sordide albis tecti," at once showing that the species
must be considered allied to S. asio and S. macalli, and that Mr.
Eidgway could not have verified the names wrongly attached
to the specimens of S. brasilianus by studying Wagler's origi¬
nal description. Another race or variety of S. asio is described
in the f North- American Birds ' as Scops enano. It only remains
to be seen which of the birds, S. maccalli or S. enano, has to
take Wagler's name S. trichopsis. A specimen in the British
Museum, from Mexico, which belongs, no doubt, to S. mac¬
calli, agrees best with Wagler's description (Isis, 1832, p.276).

315

Museums of the United States.

S. enano, therefore, if a valid species, which I somewhat doubt,
must stand alone, and S. maccalli become a synonym of S.
trichopsis.

Collection of Mr. George N. Lawrence, New York.

Mr. Lawrence, in showing me his extensive collection of
Central and South American birds, most kindly allowed me
carefully to examine the types of the species described by him
in his various papers. With reference to some of these species
I made the following notes and identifications.

Buarremon ocai, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii. p. 126
(1865).

This is undoubtedly Pipilo torquatus , Du Bus (Bull. Ac.
Brux. xiv. pt. 2. p. 105, et Esq. Ornith. t. 36, 1851), Cha-
mceospiza torquata, Scl. (P. Z.S. 1858, p. 304). Specimens
of Pyrgisoma leucote were formerly called Ctiamceospiza tor¬
quata by me, and thus named were sent to the Smithsonian
Institution. This error was long ago corrected (Ibis,
1866, p. 205), but appears to have misled Mr. Lawrence when
redescribing C. torquata, my correction having been over¬
looked.

Serpophaga grisea, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. H. x. p. 139.

I have now seen several specimens, including some from
Costa Rica, of this Serpophaga, and cannot distinguish it from
the South- American S. cinerea. The crown has a concealed
white crest, and the wing-coverts have white tips, in the Cen¬
tral-, just as in the South -American bird.

Elainea macilvaini, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 10 (1871).

Mr. Lawrence kindly allowed me to take his type of this
species to England for comparison. I find we have a speci¬
men exactly agreeing with it from Panama ; and this is the bird
referred by us (Nomencl. p. 48) to Swainsofrs Tyrannula
caniceps (Orn. Dr. t. 49) ; nor do I see, on again examining
the plate, reason for altering this determination. The bird
Mr. Sclater formerly called by Swainsofrs name (Cat. p. 217)
we now consider to belong to Yon PelzehPs E. elegans.

316

Mr. O. Salvin's Visit to the

Empidonax atrxrostris, Lawr. Proc. Ac. Phil. 1871, p. 234.

The type of this species Mr. Lawrence also kindly allowed
me to take away with me for comparison. I find it identical
with our Sublegatus glaher (P. Z. S. 1868, p. 171).

Margarornis guttata, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii. p. 128,
though closely allied to M. brunnescens , Scl., appears to
be sufficiently distinguishable by having the tail and uropy-
gium rufous instead of dark brown. Gray, in his f Hand-list '
(i. p. 180), gives the names of two other species of this genus
as “ gutturalis , Lafr., Bolivia,” and “ certhoides, Lafr., Ar¬
gentine Hep.” I have searched carefully through Lafres-
naye's writings for the descriptions of these birds, but with¬
out success ; nor can I find any other mention of them beyond
what appears in the f Hand-list/ Another valid species of
this genus is M. stellata, Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. p. 67, et App.
p. 160, a second specimen of which I saw in the collection of
the Smithsonian Institution.

Thamnophilus leucopygus, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii.
p. 401.

On examining the type of this species in Mr. Lawrence's
collection, I felt convinced that an error had been made in
assigning the Isthmus of Panama as the origin of the skin.
I now find that the bird really belongs to the common African
species, Dryoscopus cubla (Lath.), Sharpe's Cat. Afr. Birds,
p. 47. In some exchanges I made with McLeannan, I sent
him a number of African skins; doubtless this one was
included by mistake in a collection forwarded to Mr. Law¬
rence from Panama, and thus misled the latter gentleman as
to the origin of the specimen. Thamnophilus leucopygus
must therefore be removed from the list of American birds
altogether, and the name placed as a synonym of Dryo¬
scopus cubla.

Dysithamnus rufiventris, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii.
p. 131 (1865), is described from a’ young male of Cerco-
macra tyrannina} Scl., the underparts having the immature
plumage still unmoulted.

Museums of the United States.

31 7

Myrmotherula albigula, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. viii.
p. 131 (1865), was described from a specimen, which I
take to be a female of M. melcena , Scl. (vide supra , p. 311).

Myrmelastes corvinus, Lawr. Ibis, 1863, p. 182.

This appears to me to be Gymnocichla nudiceps. The sole
difference between the supposed species is that one has the
head feathered where the other is bare ; and it seems to me
most probable that the feathers fall from the head of G. nu¬
diceps as the males advance towards maturity. We have long
had specimens in our collections of M. corvinus , which I had
always believed to be G. nudiceps with the head feathered.
I still consider this the correct view.

Chloronerpes callopterus, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. vii.
p. 476 (1862).

In describing the species of this genus from Veragua which
I called C. simplex (P. Z. S. 1870, p. 212), I stated the differ¬
ences that appeared to exist between it and C. callopterus. I
now find these confirmed, the more so as Mr. Lawrence^s type,
instead of being a male, is a female, the same sex as the spe¬
cimen I described. Moreover, in a collection recently received
in the Smithsonian Institution, there is a skin of a male of C.
simplex , collected by M. Zeledon during Prof. Gab Vs expe¬
dition to Talamanca. I am therefore now able to complete
the description of my species, and record with certainty the
differences which exist between it and C. callopterus.

Chloronerpes simplex.

(Smiths. Inst. No. 64865) . Oleagineo-virescens : gula,
pectore et regione auriculari paulo obscurioribus : fronte, pileo
toto, nucha et macula rictali elongata rubris : pectore ochra-
cescente albido guttato ; abdomine pallide ochracescenti-
albido, fusco transfasciato : alis intus castaneis, extus dorso
concoloribus : primariorum et secundariorum apicibus nigris,
remigibus omnibus nigro transfasciatis : cauda fusco-nigra,
extus dorso concolori : tectricibus subalaribus castaneis :
rostro et pedibus plumbeis : long. tot. 7*0, alee 4*5, caudse 2’6,
rostri a rictu 1*0, tarsi 0-7.

318

Mr. O. Salving Visit to the

2 mare vix minor : capite toto quam dorsum paulo ob-
scuriore, nucha rubra : abdominis plumis (recenter acquisitis)
viridescentioribus : long. tot. circ. 6*7, alse 4*3, caudse 2 *6,
rostri a rictu 095, tarsi 0 *7.

Hah. Chiriqui et Costa Rica in prov. Talamanca.

Ohs. C. calloptero, Lawr., affinis sed stria flava infra oculos
absente, et gula oleaginea nee pallide viridescenti-fulva facile
distinguendus.

Syrnium lineatum, Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii. p.462 (1862).

The species known as Ciccaha virgata (Cass.) varies greatly
in the markings of its plumage; but the tail, being banded with
white, always exhibits a character by which the species may
be distinguished from its more southern allies. Syrnium
lineatum shows perhaps extremes of body-coloration, but is
not, I think, to be separated specifically from C. virgata .

American Museum of Natural History , Central Park ,
New York.

Such of the contents of this rapidly growing museum as I
wished to examine, were kindly shown me by Mr. Albert J.
Bickmore.

At present the, to me, most interesting portion of the birds
is the late Prince Maximilian of Neuwied^s collection, which
was purchased some years ago, and is now exhibited in a tem¬
porary building in the Central Park. A new museum is in
course of construction, which promises to be capable of hold¬
ing and worthily exhibiting this and many more interesting
collections.

Cham^epetes goudoti (Lesson).

A typical specimen of Tschudf’s Penelope rufivevitris is in¬
cluded in Prince Max/s series, a species about which many
doubts have hung. It belongs most certainly to LessoAs
Ortalida goudoti, described from specimens obtained by Gou-
dot in the Quindiu Mountains of New Granada, whence we
have recently received examples from Mr. T. K. Salmon.
The bird also occurs in Ecuador, where Fraser obtained it,
and whence we have also an example. Specimens from Bogota

Museums of the United States .

319

are sometimes of a rather lighter, more bronzy hue than
typical birds ; hut this coloration does not appear to be
constant, as we possess some which are intermediate in this
character. The Peruvian bird agrees with that from the pro¬
vince of Antioqnia.

Anas erythrophthalmus, Max. Beitr. iv. p. 929.

The position of this species has long been in doubt. The
single skin in the Wied collection appears to he that of a female ;
and the species is very closely allied to, if not identical with,
Metopiana peposaca. Unfortunately, I could not find in the
collection a specimen of that species with which to compare it.
From measurements I took it would appear to he somewhat
smaller than M. peposaca ; and the underparts have a rusty
brownish tinge instead of being white. The face, too, is
whitish, a character not shown in the other species. Long,
tot. 19,5, alee 8*0, caudse 2'0, tarsi P6, dig. med. 2*3.

Tringa canutus.

In our “ Notes on the Range of several American Limicolse”
(P. Z. S. 1873, p. 456), Mr. Sclater and I stated that we had
never seen examples of Tringa canutus from the eastern coasts
of South America. Having now seen the bird called T. cinerea
by Max. (Beitr. iv. p. 735), I find that it is undoubtedly a
young specimen of the Knot ( T . canutus ). It was obtained
in Brazil by Prince Maximilian.

Sterna erythrorhyncha, Max. Beitr. iv. p. 857.

This is undoubtedly the same as the bird we referred to S.
maxima , Bodd. (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 567) ; and should any one
share Dr. Coues’s lingering doubts as to our identification,
Maximilian^ name, proposed in 1832, must take precedence
over S. regia , of Gambel, published in 1848.

Sterna superciliaris.

S. argentea , Max. Beitr. iv. p. 871.

The Tern, from Brazil, in the Maximilian collection, called
Sterna argentea, has a black tip to the bill, and therefore
differs in this respect from the usual South- American bird,
to which we have assigned YieilloPs name S. superciliaris.
I am now disposed to doubt the possibility of distinguishing

320

Mr. O. Salving Visit to the

the South from the North American and West-Indian species,
S. antillarum, with absolute certainty. However, the majo¬
rity of individuals, by far, from the southern continent have
a uniformly yellow bill, which is stouter and stronger than
that of northern birds.

Larus poliocephalus, Max.

Is the same as VieilloPs L. cirrhocephalus , as acknowledged
by Max. (Beitr. iv. p. 854), and by the original label on the
specimen in the New York Museum.

Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Unfortunately I had so little time at my disposal at Phila¬
delphia that I could only give a glance at this grand collection.
At present the shelves are densely crowded with specimens,
and in somewhat confused arrangement. This defect will
doubtless be remedied when the Academy moves into the new
building now in course of construction for its reception, where
the birds will, it is to be hoped, be exhibited as they deserve.
Mr. Ogden kindly showed me through the galleries. The
following are a few of the notes I made : —

When examining the specimens of Ballidse in the Paris
Museum, at the time we were working up our monograph
of that family (P. Z. 8. 1868, p. 442 et seq .), Mr. Sclater,
Mr. J. Yerreaux, and I looked everywhere in vain for the birds
named but not described by Prince Bonaparte as Micopygia
verreauxi and M. sclateri in his paper on the Ballidse (C. B.
xliii. p. 599, 1856). These specimens I found in the Mu¬
seum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
M. verreauxi is labelled “ Ortygometra verreauxi , Bp. : type,
Perou the other, “ Ortygometra sclateri , Bp. : type, PerouP
In both cases the specific names and the author’s are in Bona-
parte^s handwriting, the rest in that of Jules Verreaux. The
former bird has since been named Porzana castaneiceps, Scl.
& Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 453, Ex. Orn. t. 78; the latter, P.
hauxwelli, Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 453, Ex. Orn. t. 52.
Both these latter names will have to stand, Bonaparte’s allusion
to them as Micropygia verreauxi (major) and M. sclateri

321

Museums of the United States.

(media) being utterly insufficient for the recognition of the
species, as Schlegel's assignment of them proves (Mus. d.
P.-B. Ralli , p. 37).

I also saw in the gallery of the Philadelphia Academy an
unnamed and unlabelled specimen of Accipiter pect oralis , Bp.
(Astur pect oralis, Sharpe, Cat. Birds, B. M. i. p. 121, 1874).
Of this scarce bird, the only specimens known to exist, be¬
sides the one now referred to, are one in the Antwerp Mu¬
seum (Bonaparte's type) and two in the Derby Museum at
Liverpool (Cf. Sclater, Ibis, 1861, p. 314). Besides these,
Natterer obtained three specimens at Ypanema and Borba, in
Brazil (Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 6), one of which passed in 1862 to
the Leyden Museum (Schl. Mus. des P.-B. Astures, p. 18).
Seven specimens in all.

There is a specimen in the same museum of Accipiter col-
laris , Scl., from Bogota, a bird still rarer than the last named.
Only three specimens appear to exist in collections — the type
in the British Museum, one in the Norwich Museum, and the
one now mentioned as being in Philadelphia.

Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History.

Through Dr. T. M. Brewer's kindness I was enabled to ex¬
amine the fine series of birds in this museum, celebrated as
containing the collection formed by the late Baron de La
Fresnaye, and including most of the types of the many species
described by that author.

Previous to the sale of the Lafresnaye collection a catalogue
of the species it contained was prepared by the late M. J.
Yerreaux. This work was somewhat hurriedly executed ; and
the names were taken, in most instances, from the specimens
without being checked by reference to Lafresnaye's papers.
A very considerable number of the names mentioned in this
catalogue are only MS. titles, descriptions of which have never
been published ; but they have been placed on the specimens in
the galleries, which have been named from Yerreaux's cata¬
logue. It would be of great value to ornithological science
if some competent ornithologist would undertake the verifi¬
cation of the names of this collection with the published

2 A

SEK. III. - VOL. IV.

322

Mr. O. Salving Visit to the

works of Lafresnaye, so as to get rid of a number of names
which are only perplexing to any one studying it.

I spent much time in verifying the names under which I
have been accustomed to mention many species of South and
Central American birds. The few notes I here subjoin do
not represent a tithe of the information, mostly confirmatory
of previous views, I obtained.

Buarremon gutturalis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 98.

On seeing the type of this species I at once recognized the
bird we have been accustomed to call B. chrysopogon (Bp.).
It is true that a specimen collected at Medellin by Mr. T. K.
Salmon is somewhat blacker on the back than our series of
Central American specimens ; but the difference is very slight,
and, in my opinion, not of specific importance. Mr. Sclater,
in his monograph of the Tanagers (P. Z. S. 1856, p. 86), keeps
the two species apart ; so also does Gray (Hand-1, ii. p. 72) ;
but in our f Nomenclator 9 (p. 24) only one species is men¬
tioned, under the name chrysopogon : gutturalis is a much
older title ; and the species should stand as

Buarremon gutturalis.

Arremon gutturalis , Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 98.

Buarremon gutturalis , Bp. Consp. p. 484.

Zonotrichia ? aureigula , Bp. MS.

Chrysopoga typica , Bp. Consp. p. 480.

Buarremon chrysopogon , Scl. P. Z. S. 1856, p. 86.

Synallaxis brachyura, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 290.

There are three specimens thus named in the Lafresnaye
collection, all of which are immature birds. So far as I could
see, they belong to the species subsequently called S. pudica
by Sclater (P. Z. S. 1859, p. 191, pi. 10). As the distinctive
markings are not matured, and the rectrices imperfectly grown
(hence Lafresnaye's name), it would be unsafe to use the
name hr achy ur a in preference to Sclater’s S. pudica , at least
for the present.

Margarornis squamiger, D'Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Av. ii. p. 14.

The Bogota bird usually thus called differs from one of the

323

Museums of the United States.

typical specimens of that species from Bolivia. The Bolivian
bird is pale yellowish where the other is white, the black edges
of the feathers are much narrower, and the upper plumage,
especially the head, is brighter rufous ; the bill, too, is much
smaller. The Bogota bird should bear the name Margarornis
perlata , Less. Echo du Monde Savant, 1844, p. 275, based on
a bird from Columbia.

Picumnus granadensis, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1847, p. 78.

The specimen thus named is undoubtedly the young of the
bird called P. olivaceus , Lafr., in the same collection. The
latter is not Lafresnaye's type, as the species was described
from a specimen in the Massena collection (Cf. Rev. Zool.
1845, p. 7), and should therefore exist in the Museum of the
Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. P. grana¬
densis was obtained from Cali, in the upper waters of the
Cauca ; P. olivaceus came originally from Bogota.

Museum at Vassar College , Poughkeepsie , N. Y.

On my way to Niagara I stayed some hours at Vassar Col¬
lege, Poughkeepsie, in order to see the collection in charge
of Professor Orton, many of the specimens in which were
collected by him during his rambles in tropical America,
and some of them have, at various times, been described by
Mr. Lawrence.

Professor Orton kindly presented me with a specimen of
the bird described by Cassin as Icterus grace-anna (Pr. Ac.
Phil. 1867, p. 52), collected by himself at Machala, near
Guayaquil. The species appears to be a very distinct one,
the white mark on the wings recalling I. pectoralis, the spots
on the breast being absent. The yellow colour, however, is not
so deep in tint. The patria of the skins described by Cassin
was not satisfactorily determined. This point is cleared up
by Professor Orton^s skins. The bird would appear to
be restricted in its range to Western Ecuador and Western
Peru.

I also saw a specimen of Cyanocorax mystacalis , collected
by Professor Orton at Machala, near Guayaquil, Ecuador.

324

Mr. O. Salvin's Visit to the

Myiodynastes atrifrons, Scl.

A specimen of this species, collected by Prof. Orton at
Tumbez, in Peru, also bears the name M. bairdi, Gamb. On
looking up these names I find that Mr. Sclater's bird must
be referred to Saurophagus bairdi , Gambel, Journ. Ac. N. S.
Phil. i. p. 40 (1847), the supposed locality (“ California”)
being, of course, erroneous. The species must therefore stand
as follows : —

Myiodynastes bairdi.

Saurophagus bairdi , Gambel, ut supra.

Tyrannus atrifrons, Scl. P. Z. S. 1857, p. 274.

Myiodynastes atrifrons , Scl. P. Z. S. 1859, p. 43; et Cat.
Am. B. 223 ; Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. p. 50 (1873).

Hab . Puna I., Gulf of Guayaquil [Barclay, in Mus. Brit.) ;
Guayaquil [Mus. P. L. S.) ; Tumbez, Peru [Orton).

Pipreola sclateri, Cornalia.

A specimen of this rare bird, now in this museum, was ob¬
tained by Prof. Orton near Archidona, in Eastern Ecuador,
at an elevation of about 1500 feet above the sea-level.

Synallaxis maculata, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. x. p. 186
(1872).

This bird, the type of which is in the Yassar College col¬
lection, has already been determined by Mr. Sclater to be
Synallaxis stictothorax [Cf. P. Z. S. 1874, p. 12, t. ii. f. 1).
The type, however, is rather whiter beneath than is shown in
the plate.

Brachygalba lugubris, Sw.

The Jacamar in Vassar-College Museum, thus identified by
Mr. Lawrence (Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 274) , is undoubtedly the
bird we described as B. goeringi (Scl. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1869,
p. 253) . It remains to be seen whether Mr. Lawrence was
correct in referring it to Swainson's bird. Swainson distinctly
says that his bird is three-toed, and he says nothing about the
deep rufous patch on the middle of the abdomen. I should be
disposed to place less stress upon Swain son's statement that the
bird he described had three toes, had we not a genus (, Jacamar -

325

Museums of the United States.

alcyon ) of this family which certainly has only three. Swain-
son's bird came from the “ Conocou Mountains of Demerara."
B. goeringi is from Venezuela. On the whole, I think B.
goeringi had better be allowed to stand as the name of the
Venezuelan bird.

Lophostrix cristata (Baud.).

In Vassar College there is a specimen of this Owl, col¬
lected by Professor Orton near Mindo, on the western slope
of the volcano of Pichincha, Ecuador, at an elevation of about
6000 or 7000 feet above the level of the sea. So far as I
can see, the distinctions by which the Central American race
of this genus, L. stricklandi} may be recognized from the more
southern bird are quite stable.

Accipiter nigroplumbeus, Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 270.

I carefully examined the type of this Sparrowhawk in the
Vassar-College Museum. The skin appears to belong to a very
old male, and differs from all the small South- American S p ar¬
row!] awks that I have seen, in the almost entire uniformity of
its dark plumbeous colour. On the lower abdomen, however,
deep rufous feathers are intermingled, which makes me suspect
that in this bird we have a very extreme form of the more
northern A. ventralis. As we possess a skin (that of a male)
from Ecuador which has the underparts deep rufous, I
doubt if the plumbeous colour of the bird described by Mr.
Lawrence represents the normal coloration of the Ecuadorean
bird.

The limits of the variation of colour under which the bird
called A. ventralis presents itself are difficult to trace; and as
yet I have not seen a sufficient number of specimens to be
able to form very decided opinions on the subject. Mr.
Sharpe (Cat. of Birds, i. p. 147) places A. nigroplumbeus as a
synonym of A. ventralis without hesitation. Under our pre¬
sent knowledge of the bird, at least a query is wanted.

Penelope ortoni, sp. n.

A single specimen of a Penelope in the Vassar-College Mu¬
seum is labelled P.greeyi. It appears, however, to be distinct
from that species, and may be characterized as follows : —

326

Mr. O. Salvin' s Visit to the

P. aeneo-brunnescens vix viridi lavata ; pileo obscuriore ;
pectoris plumis albo lateraliter strict e marginatis : long. tot.
32*0 poll., alee 11*0, caudae 9*4, tarsi 2’2, dig. med. c. ung. 2*1,
rostri a rictn 1*4.

Hab . iEquat. occ. [Orton).

Obs. P. marail et P. greeyi affinis sed colore brunnescen-
tiore et cervice postica immaculata sane diversa.

Tbe white markings of the feathers of the chest of this
species are inconspicuous, are confined to the pectoral region,
and do not extend to the back of the neck as in the allied
species, P. marail and P. greeyi. The species will take its
place in our “ Clavis” of the species of the genus (P. Z. S.
1870, p. 522) as follows : —

a'", pileo immaculato unicolori

seneo-olivacea, maxima . purpurascens.

viridescenti-senea media . marail.

„ „ minor . greeyi.

seneo-brunnescens . ortoni .

The single specimen obtained by Prof. Orton was shot near
a place called Mindo, on the western slope of the volcano of
Pichincha, in Ecuador, at an elevation of about 6000 or 7000
feet above the level of the sea. It will be seen, by reference
to the table of the geographical distribution of the Cracidse
(l. c. p. 543), that this is the first species of Penelope that has
been recognized as inhabiting Western Ecuador.

Collection of Dr. S. Cabot , Jr ., Boston , Mass.

Whilst in Boston I had the pleasure of examining the col¬
lection of birds formed by Dr. S. Cabot during his travels in
Yucatan, amongst which I saw the following species which
appeared to me to have especial interest : —

Thryothorus albinucha, Cabot, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. ii.
p. 258.

I have no doubt that the Wren I described from Peten as
T. petenicus (P. Z. S. 1863, p. 107) belongs to this species,
the description of which I had overlooked.

Museums of the United States. 32 7

Certhiola caboti, Baird, Am. Nat. vii. et N. Am. B. i.
p. 427.

Prof. Baird has recently described this species. It is, as he
says, more nearly allied to the bird from the Bahamas, C.
hahamensisj than to any other of the genus. This is most sin¬
gular, for the genus is unrepresented in Cuba ; and yet this
species, from the small island of Cozumel, comes much nearer
to the Bahama bird than it does to the continental C. mexi-
cana , a bird common throughout the lowlands of Eastern
Mexico and Guatemala. Besides the specimen in Dr. Ca¬
bot's collection, there is a second in the Museum of the Bos¬
ton Society of Natural History, presented by Dr. Cabot.

Pyranga roseigularis, Cabot.

Mr. Sclater has recently written an article on this species
(Ibis, 1873, p. 126, pi. 3). When in the neighbourhood
of Peten, in 1862, 1 hoped to secure specimens of this species,
but was disappointed, and at present Dr. Cabot's type specimen
remains unique.

Chrysotis xantholora. G. It. Gray.

Though I included this Parrot in my paper on the Psit-
tacidse of Central America (Ibis, 1871, p. 97) on the faith of
a specimen in the British Museum said to have been collected
in Honduras by the late Mr. Dyson, I always feared this
locality might prove to have been erroneously given to it. I
was therefore glad to find two specimens in Dr. Cabot's Yu¬
catan collection, which leave no doubt as to the true patria of
this little-known species. Dr. Cabot had not noticed the dif-
erences between this bird and C. alhifrons , of which he had
also collected specimens.

Aramides axillaris, Lawr. Pr. Ac. Phil. 1863, p. 107.

Dr. Cabot has a specimen of this species which he collected
at a place called Las Bocas de Silan, situated on the northern
coast of Yucatan, halfway between Cape Catoche and Sisal.
Its range still further north is shown in Mr. Lawrence's re¬
cently published paper on the birds of Western and North¬
western Mexico (Mem. Bost. Soc. N. H. ii. p. 311), where it

328

Mr. O. Salving Visit to the

is included in the birds collected by the late Col. A. J. Grayson
at Mazatlan. At Las Bocas de Silan Dr. Cabot also found
A. albiventris, Lawr.

Crypturus salljei.

The presence of a specimen of this species in Dr. Cabot's
collection is interesting, showing its range to extend into Yu¬
catan. In Guatemala, so far as I know, it is only to be found
on the southern slope of the mountains in the hot country
bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Collection of Dr. T. K. Merritt , Flushing, Long Island.

Whilst staying in New York I visited Dr. Merritt, the dis¬
coverer of Microchera albocoronata, at his house in Flushing,
Long Island. I was especially anxious to see the Pigeon col¬
lected by him in Yeragua, and described by Mr. Lawrence as
Geotrygon veraguensis (Lawr. Ann. Lyc.N.Y. viii. p.349, 1866).
Dr. Merritt kindly allowed Mrs. Salvin to take a sketch of
the type specimen, which is here reproduced (Plate XII.) . The
species is a most distinct one, having no very near ally in this
remarkable genus. It, perhaps, comes nearer to G. costari-
censis, Lawr. (Ann. Lyc. N. Y. ix. p. 136, 1868), than to any
other, but differs from that species in being smaller, and in
having the hind neck and breast reddish purple, the former
tinged with metallic lustre. G. costaricensis has the hind
neck lustrous green, the interscapular region and shoulders
alone being purple, and the breast slaty blue. Dr. Merritt
told me that this Pigeon was quite common in the district in
which he was residing, which was el Mineral de Yeraguas,
situated on the north-eastern slope of the Cordillera, to- the
south-eastward of the Chiriqui Lagoon. This district he de¬
scribed to me as exceedingly humid, and as entirely clothed
with the densest tropical forest. Of G. costaricensis I saw a
beautiful example in Mr. Lawrence's collection ; and I find
that a bird in our collection thus named, though resembling
it in general coloration, differs considerably in having the
wing-coverts, back, and uropygium dark umber-brown, instead
of rich cinnamon. The front, too, is almost pure white, and
not brownish salmon- colour. I have therefore no choice but

BX"id.'tz8i"sTcn

GEOTRYGON VERAGUENSIS

329

Museums of the United States.

to differentiate another of these beautiful Pigeons. In so
doing I am glad to have the opportunity of still further as¬
sociating Mr. Lawrence's name with a genus in which he has
described several notable species.

Geotrygon lawrencii, sp. n.

Geotrygon veraguensis, Salv. P. Z. S. 1867, p. 159 (nec
Lawr.) .

Fronte genis et gula albis,lineis duabus una suboculari, altera
mysticali utrinque nigris : pileo antico et pectore late plumbeis,
hoc obscuriore et seneo tincto, pileo postico, cervice postica et
dorso antico viridescentibus, interscapuliis et humeris purpu-
rascentibus, dorso reliquo, uropygio et alarum tectricibus
obscure fuscis : remigibus primariis fusco-nigris : rectrici-
bus lateralibus griseo-fuscis, fascia indistincta subapicali ni¬
gra, apicibus pallidioribus, duabus mediis dorso concoloribus :
abdomine medio et crisso albis ; hypochondriis fusco-cinnamo-
meis : rostro nigro ; pedibus rubris : long. tot. circ. 10 poll.,
alse 5*6, caudse 3*1, rostri a rictu 1*0, tarsi 1*7.

Hah. Calobre, Yeragua (Arce).

Ohs. G. costaricensi similis sed fronte albo et coloribus
corporis supra obscure fuscis dignoscendus.

The young bird referred by me (P. Z. S. 1867, p. 159) to
G. veraguensis , I think, belongs to this species. Its whole
colour is dark brown ; but there are greenish reflections on the
hind neck, and a purplish patch on the interscapular region,
which seem to show its parentage. This specimen came
from near Santiago de Yeraguas. The adult bird we have
since obtained from Calobre, and also another specimen, ap¬
parently from the same source.

Besides Geotrygon veraguensis , Dr. Merritt had other inter¬
esting birds in his collection, several of which were undescribed
at the time he brought them from Yeragua. Amongst these
I noticed Caica hcematotis , Scl. & Salv., Trogon clathratus ,
Salv., Cassicus microrhynchus , Scl. & Salv., Pteroglossus
frantzii , Cab., Tinamus robustus} Scl., Euphonia anna , Cassin,
and others.

330

Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse.

XXXY. — Notes on the Trochilidae. The Genus Helianthea.

By D. G. Elliot, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c.

The genus Helianthea is composed at the present time of eight
species, two of which, however, should perhaps only rank as geo¬
graphical races. The members of the genus are, with one excep¬
tion, rather large birds, possessing long, straight, very acute
bills, and constitute a well-defined group of the Trochilidse.
From the great rarity of the majority of the species, they are
not well known, hut few collections possessing specimens of
more than three species ; and at present no collection, except
my own, that I am aware of, contains all the species known.
All the males have a luminous mark upon the forehead, and
also one upon the throat, these distinctive characters being
less circumscribed in H. isaacsoni3 which has the throat gene¬
rally luminous.

The group may be divided into three sections as follows : —

Rump and underpart exceedingly luminous.

1. Tail steel- black, rump metallic green . . H. isaacsoni.

2. Tail brownish black, rump metallic blue . II. typica.

3. Tail green, rump metallic golden yellow . II bonapartii.

4. Tail cinnamon tipped with green . H. eos.

Rump not luminous , underparts slightly metallic.

5. Tail greenish brown, yellow patch on secondaries. ... II. lutetice.

Underparts buff.

6. Tail rufous, white band across breast . II. violifera.

7. Tail bright buff tipped with green, breast green .... II. osculans.

8. Tail with a broad terminal band of green . H. dichroura.

All the species are natives of the Andes, dwelling for the
chief part amid their loftier heights, on both sides of the
equator. The locality of H. isaacsoni is unknown, the speci¬
men in my collection, and one in the museum at Liverpool,
being all that have ever been procured. H. lutetice is a native
of Ecuador, but is not found nearer Quito than the valleys of
Lloa and Pelogalli. H. typica is a native of Columbia, very
common about Bogota. H. eos is found in the vicinity of
Merida, in Venezuela, which at present is its only known lo-

Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidge.

331

cality. H. bonapartii is to be met with in Columbia, and is fre¬
quently obtained near Bogota. H. violifera has only been
brought twice to Europe, the first time by Warszewiez, the
discoverer of so many new species of this beautiful family.
He stated that he procured his specimens near Chulimani,
among the mountains, in Bolivia. Lately Mr. Buckley has
rediscovered the species and brought specimens from Undavi,
in the same country. H. osculans was obtained by Mr.
Whitely at Cachupata, in Peru, at an altitude of 11,000
feet; and H. dichroura by M. Jelski at Maraynioc, Peru,
a place among the lofty mountain-ranges behind Lima.

I propose to arrange the species as follows :• —

Helianthea isaacsoni.

Ornysmia isaacsoni , Parz. Rev. Zool. 1845, p. 95.

Eriocnemis isaacsoni, Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. iv. pi. 2 72 ;
Id. Intr. Troch. p. 144, sp. 301.

This bird, first described by M. Parzudaki, as above cited,
has always been included among the members of the genus
Eriocnemis, and as such was figured by Mr. Gould in his
monograph of the family. Its extreme rarity prevented orni¬
thologists generally from forming an opinion as to its proper
position in the Trochilidse ; but on receiving the specimen
now in my collection, I saw that it was not an Eriocnemis,
but more properly belonged to the present genus. It might
be, perhaps, correct to make it the type of a new genus ; but
as I am adverse to the multiplication of these divisions, too
many of which have been already established on insufficient
grounds, I prefer to place the species in Helianthea, with
which it appears to have a very close alliance. It is at once
separated from Eriocnemis by wanting the conspicuous tufts
on the tarsi, so marked a character in all the members of
that genus, and in the form of the bill and general colora¬
tion of its plumage shows its affinity to Helianthea. As it is
so rare a species, a description may not be out of place ; and
I therefore add that of my specimen.

Upper part of head dark metallic green, a small spot of
very luminous metallic light grass-green upon the forehead

332

Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse.

at the base of the maxilla. Back grass-green inclined to
bronze in certain lights. Wings like the back ; primaries
purplish brown. Bump and upper tail-coverts a peculiarly
brilliant metallic grass- green, with bronze reflections in certain
lights. Entire throat brilliant grass-green, like the spot on
the forehead ; upper part of the breast metallic green, lighter
in hue than that of the throat ; rest of lower parts brilliant
metallic light coppery bronze, changing in certain lights to a
deep red upon the abdomen. Under tail- coverts extremely
brilliant light grass-green. Tail brownish black, with a purple
shade. Bill long, slender, acute, black. Tarsi covered partly
with short white feathers. Feet black.

Length 4| inches, wing 2§, tail 2, bill 1.

This is a very beautiful species, and no drawing could do it
justice ; even that of Mr. Gould, although executed with great
care and all the appliances art could suggest, gives no idea of
the brilliancy of the bird's plumage.

Hah. Unknown.

My specimen is from Verreaux, ex Parzudaki?

Helianthea typica.

Ornismya helianthea , Less. Rev. Zool. 1838, p. 314.

Helianthea typica , Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. iv. pi. 235 ; id.
Intr. Troch. p. 130, sp. 260.

The commonest species of the genus, being sent to Europe
from Bogota in hundreds. A slight difference in size is
perceptible among individuals, but not denoting any spe¬
cific value.

I possess the following specimens, 2 <$ , 3 $ , 1 6 juv. from
Columbia.

Helianthea bonapartii.

Ornismya honapartei , Boiss. Rev. Zool. 1840, p. 6.

Helianthea honapartei , Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. iv. pi. 236 ;
id. Intr. Troch. p. 130, sp. 261.

Hah. Columbia.

A very beautiful species, frequently obtained from Bogota,
and constituting, with the preceding species, the common
members of the genus.

I have 3 <£, 2 2 specimens from Columbia.

Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Trochilidse.

333

Helianthea EOS.

Helianthea eos, Gould, P. Z. S. 1848, p. 6; id. Mon. Troch.
vol. iv. pi. 237; id. Intr. Troch. p. 131, sp. 262.

Hah. Vicinity of Merida, Venezuela.

This bird, extremely rare in collections, is closely allied to
the H. bonapartii , hut is even more brilliant than that species.
It differs in having the breast metallic golden yellow, instead
of green, in the larger size of the frontal and gular spots, in
the fiery red of its undersurface, and the cinnamon-coloured
secondaries and tail. It was first described by Gould in the
f Proceedings * of the Zoological Society, as above cited.

The four species thus far enumerated are very luminous
upon the flanks and abdomen ; the succeeding one, H. lutetice ,
is hut slightly metallic upon those parts, and apparently leads
on to H. violifera and its allies, which are entirely destitute
of brilliant colouring.

I have two specimens, 1 (ex Verreaux), 1 $ (Goering),
from Merida, Venezuela.

Helianthea lutetle.

Trochilus lutetice , Delattre & Bourc. Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 307,
sp. 6.

Helianthea lutetice, Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. iv. pi. 238 ;
id. Intr. Troch. p. 131, sp. 263.

Hab. Ecuador and Volcano of Purace, near Popayan.

This species, first described by Delattre and Bourcier, as
above cited, has long been known to ornithologists, and is
one of the commonest species of this genus. It is easily
recognized by its large size and conspicuous yellow patch
upon the secondaries ; and there are but few collections with¬
out examples.

My specimens include 4 <5,1 $ juv. from Ecuador, and
1 ? from the Rio Napo.

Helianthea violifera.

Trochilus violifer , Gould, P. Z. S. 1846, p. 87, sp. 8.

Helianthea violifera, Gould, Mon. Troch. vol. iv. pi. 239 ;
id. Intr. Troch. p. 131, sp. 264.

Hab. Bolivia.

334

Mr. D. G. Elliot on the Troehilidse.

A well-marked but rare species, differing from all those
previously known by its non-luminous buff underparts. It
has only been procured twice, and is a desideratum in most
collections.

I possess three specimens : 1 <3 ( Warszewiez ) from Bolivia ;
1 d, 1 juv. ( Buckley ) from Bolivia.

Helianthea osculans.

Helianthea osculansy Gould, P. Z. S. 1871, p. 503.

Hah. Peru.

It is to Mr. II. Whitely that we are indebted for the discovery
of this fine bird. He procured the few examples he sent to
England at Cachupata, in Peru, at a height of 11,000 feet.
It was probably migrating when he met with it, as he only
saw it for a short time at a certain season. It is very closely
allied to H. violifera, but is destitute of the white band across
the breast, so conspicuous in that species, the upper part of
the breast is a deeper green, and that hue covers a much
larger area. The tail also is conspicuously tipped with
bronzy green ; that of H. violifera shows merely an indication
of that colour.

I have two specimens, 1 1 ,cJ juv. ( Whitely ) from Ca¬

chupata, Peru.

Helianthea dichroura.

Helianthea dichroura , Taczanowski, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 138.

This species was obtained by M. Jelski at Maraynioc, in
the mountains behind Lima, Peru, and three specimens sent
to M. Taczanowski, the Director of the Warsaw Museum of
Natural History, who described it in the f Proceedings 3 of the
Zoological Society, as given above. Its principal difference
from H. osculans is in the tail, where the bronze tips of that
species are extended in the present bird for one third the
length of the tail-feathers, forming a very conspicuous apical
band. Otherwise the birds are very much alike. Whether
this mark is sufficient to constitute a specific difference, with
my present knowledge of the bird (having only seen the three
specimens sent over), I am unable to determine; but many
species of the Trochilid8e have been established on much

335

On Hemprich and Ehrenberg’s Types.

slighter grounds. It looks as if it might prove to be a geo¬
graphical variety of H. osculans.

My specimen, , a type (Jelski), Maraynioc, Peru, was
presented to me by M. Taczanowski.

XXXVI. — Notes on the Specimens in the Berlin Museum col¬
lected by Hemprich and Ehrenberg. By II. E. Dresser,
F.L.S. &e., and W. T. Blanford, E.R.S. &c.

In September 1873 we were working conjointly at the genus
Saxicola, and arranged to spend our holidays on the Conti¬
nent together and utilize our spare hours in examining the
types in several of the continental museums. Most of our
time we spent in Berlin ; and when working in the museum
in that city we thought that a critical examination of the
types of Ehrenberg, being the collection made by Hemprich
and Ehrenberg, which is deposited in the Berlin Museum,
might prove of use ; we therefore carefully examined them.
We may here state that we took with us a large series of
Warblers (Sylviidse) and Chats (Saxicolidse) for comparison ;
amongst the latter were most of Canon Tristram's types. As
almost all ornithologists are doubtless aware, descriptions of
the various species considered to be new were published by
Ehrenberg, after the death of Hemprich, in Hemprich and
Ehrenberg' s f Symbolse Physicse. Aves' (Berlin, 1829), the
descriptions being chiefly given in footnotes to this work.
The pages are not numbered ; thus the following references
are only to the folios : —

Lanius nubicxjs, Licht., Ehr. fol. e. The type agrees
closely with Sharpe and Dresser's plate in the f Birds of
Europe,' part ii.

Lanius isabellinus, Ehr. fol. e. In the collection are
three specimens from Gumfudde and one from Arabia, all in
winter dress, none having the red of the head developed.

Ardea ibis, Hasselquist, Ehr. fol. 1. One specimen,
No. 74, from Nubia, is an immature bird of Ardea bubulcus,
No. 10132 in Gray's f Hand-list.'

336

Messrs. Dresser and Blanford on

Lepterodatis flavirostris syriacas, Ehr. fol. m. One
specimen, No. 92, from Syria, is referable to Ardea alba, Linn.,
Gray, Hand-list, no 10108. It measures — bill from gape 6*0
inches, wing 16*0, tail 6*5, tarsus 70.

Nycticorax breyipes, Ebr. fol. m. One specimen, No. 146,
from Arabia, is an immature bird of Nycticorax griseus , L.,
Gray, Hand-list, no. 10171.

Cuculus pica, Ebr. fol. r = Coccystes jacobinus (Bodd.),
Gray, Hand -list, no. 9082. There is one specimen, No. 81,
from Nubia.

Centropus superciliosus, Ehr. fol. r. Gray, Hand-list,
no. 8949. There are four specimens in the collection — No. 12
from Abyssinia, No. 13 from Arabia, No. 14 from Abyssinia,
and No. 15 from the same locality, but in young plumage,
lacking the stripes on the breast, where it is washed with
rufous, and has imperfect dark transverse markings towards
the ends of the quills.

Picus syriacus, Ehr. fol. r. Gray, Hand-list, no. 8556.
Two specimens from Syria agree closely with Sharpe and
Dresser’s plate (in part ix. ' Birds of Europe ’) of the Syrian
Woodpecker in immature plumage. One is greatly faded.
They are marked by Lichtenstein Picus fuliginosus.

Picus .ethiopicus, Ehr. fol. r = Picus nubicus, Gm., Gray,
Hand-list, no. 8698. There is one specimen only, No. 211,
from Abyssinia.

Picus hemprichii, Ehr. fol. r. Gray, Hand-list, no. 8650.
Two specimens, Nos. 212 and 213, from Abyssinia, both fe¬
males, the former measuring — culmen 0'72 inch, wing 3T, tail
P55, tarsus 0*7 ; and the latter — culmen 0*69, wing 3T, tail
1*55, tarsus 0*69.

Muscicapa grisola. Ehrenberg, fol. r, refers to varieties
of this species ; but after a careful examination of the speci¬
mens we could detect no differences, except such as are found
in our common European species.

Muscicapa lais, Ehr. fol. t — Erythrosterna parva (Bechst.),

Hemprich and Ehrenberg’s Types. 337

Gray, Hand-list, no. 4839. Two specimens. Nos. 8 and 37,
both from Arabia, are young males.

Coracias habessinica, Ehr. fol. z, = Coracias ahyssinica ,
Bodd., Gray, Hand-list, no. 905. Two specimens. Nos. 4
and 15, are from Abyssinia; and one. No. 19, is from Egypt.
Young examples from South Africa in the Berlin Museum
are labelled Coracias loquax , Licht.

Coryus scapularis, var. jethiops, Ehr. fol. z , appears to
be merely a brown-headed variety of Corvus scapulatus , Daud.,
Gray, Hand-list, no. 6224. This variety is also C. phceoce -
phalus , Cab., Gray, Hand-list, no. 6226. There are three
specimens collected by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, all from
Abyssinia. Two of these measure as follows : —

Culmen. Wing. Tail. Tarsus,

in. in. in. in.

No. 29 . 2-4 13-75 7 2-37

94 . 2-45 14-5 7-3 2-55

Picus stridens, Ehr. fol. z , = Garrulus atricapillus , Geoff.
St.-Hil.; and the type agrees closely with the plate of this
species in Dresser's e Birds of Europe/ part xx. (August
1873).

Pyrrhocorax alpinus, var. digitata, Ehr. fol. z. One
specimen from Bischerra measures culmen 1*4 inch, wing 11*0,
tail 7*0, tarsus 185, and otherwise agrees closely with the
ordinary form of P. alpinus.

Oriolus galbula, var. virescens, Ehr. fol. z. One male
and two females from Arabia do not differ from the ordinary
form of Oriolus galbula.

Buceros forskalii, Ehr. fol. z , is scarcely distinguishable
from B. nasutus , but appears to be larger, and has a longer
wing. There are three specimens in the collection, which
measure as follows : —

Culmen. Wing. Tail. Tarsus,
in. in. in. in.

No. 15620 (type). Arabia _ 5-0 9-5 9-0 1-75

18. Abyssinia . 5-0 9-5 9*0 1-65

19. do . 4*75 9-75 8-5 1-6

2 B

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

338

Messrs. Dresser and Blanford on

Buceros erythrorhynchus, var. leucopareus, Ehr. fol. aa.
The type, No. 15618, measures culmen 3*5 inch, wing 7*0,
tail 8*2, tarsus 1*55. It is marked as having been obtained
in Abyssinia. Another specimen of B. erythrorhynchus
(No. 26), collected in Arabia by Hemprich and Ehrenberg,
is labelled B. melanoleucus , Licht.

Buceros hemileucus, Ehr. fol. aa , is, we consider, nothing
but the female of B. forskalii. The type (No. 20) is from
Abyssinia, and measures, culmen 3*8 inches, wing 8*75, tail
7*8, tarsus 1*65.

Buceros hemprichii, Ehr.fol. aa , = Buceros limbatus, Hupp.,
Gray, Hand-list, no. 7899, Ehrenberg^s name having priority
(cf. Blanf. Geol. & Zool. Abyss, p. 326). The type is from
Abyssinia, and is also labelled B. semirufus, Licht.

Turdus musicus, var. planiceps, Ehr. fol. aa , does not dif¬
fer from the ordinary form of Turdus musicus.

Saxicola monacha, Rupp. fol. aa. All the specimens col¬
lected by Hemprich and Ehrenberg are labelled L. gracilis ,
Licht.

Saxicola xanthomeljEna, Ehr. fol. aa, is the eastern form
of Saxicola rufa , and stands as Saxicola melanoleuca. There
are two specimens from Nubia, both of which are labelled S.
albicilla , v. Mull. This species is figured by Dresser in part xxv.
of the f Birds of Europe/

Saxicola morio, Ehr. fol. aa, is a good species, being the
eastern form of Saxicola leucomela, differing in having the
under surface of the wing black and the crissum white.
The specimens are from Upper Egypt and Arabia.

Saxicola hemprichii, Ehr. fol. aa, differs from Pratin-
cola rubicola in having more white on the tail ; but this cha¬
racter is extremely variable, as in some specimens it extends
from the base to within one third of the end of the tail,
whereas in others it is barely visible.

Saxicola aurita, var. libyca, Ehr. fol. aa, — Saxicola sta-
pazina, L. (S. aurita auctt.)*. There are two specimens — a

* [Cf. antea, p. 302, where this view is demurred to. — Ed.]

Hemprich and E hr enter g’s Types. 339

young female from Ghenneh, obtained in October, and a male
obtained at Dongola in April.

Saxicola rostrata, Ehr. fol. aa. The type of this species
is not in the collection ; but Ehrenberg describes it as differ¬
ing from S. cenanthe in having a larger and longer bill.
Amongst the specimens of S. cenanthe there are many speci¬
mens from the localities indicated having bills answering to
Ehrenberg’s description.

Sylvia semirufa, Ehr. fol. bb. Of this species there are
eight specimens from Lebanon and one from Egypt, all of
which agree with Ruticilla rufiventris , Yieill., Gray, Hand¬
list, no. 3161, but are, as a rule, smaller in size.

Curruca stentorea, Ehr. fol. bb , will stand as Acroce-
phalus stentoreus (Ehr.), and is an excellent species. There
are two specimens, both labelled Turdus stentor, H. & Ehr.,
one from Ins-Rasfakil and the other from Arabia, which mea¬
sure as follows : —

Culmen.

Wing.

Tail.

Tarsus.

in.

in.

in.

in.

No. 305. Arabia .

. . . . 0-95

3*15

3

T08

306. Ins-Rasfakil . . ,

. . . . 0-93

3-35

3*15

1*16

Curruca pallida, Ehr., Curruca andromeda, Ehr., and
Curruca maxillaris, Ehr. fol. bb ., are all referable to the
species commonly known as Hypolais elceica , Lind., Gray,
Hand-list, no. 3028, which will stand as Hypolais pallida
(Ehr.). There are two specimens from Egypt, three from
Nubia, three from Dongola, and one from Embukohl, the
measurements of which are — culmen O' 5 to 0*56 inch, wing
2*4 to 2*6, tail 1*9 to 2*06, tarsus 0*82 to 0*88.

Curruca famula, Ehr. fol. bb,~Drymoeca inquieta} Rupp.,
Gray, Hand-list, no. 2751. There are in the collection three
specimens — one from Egypt, and two from Arabia.

Curruca viridula, Ehr. fol. bb. There are five specimens,
three of which have rather longer wings than the others,
which are undistinguishable from the common Willow- Wren
(Phylloscopus trochilus ) ; and we cannot see that any differs

2 b 2 "

340 Messrs. Dresser and Blanford on

specifically from that species. The measurements are as fol¬
lows : —

Wing. Tail. Tarsus,

in. in. in.

No. 231 . 2-64 1-97 0-78

895 . 2-65 2*02 0 84

896 ............ 2-42 1-92 0-78

428 . . 2-75 2-18 0*75

429 . . 2*75 1*97 0*83

Curruca thebaica, Ehr. fol. bb. The type of this species
is missing. Dr. Cabanis informed us that he believed it to
be the female of his Melizophilus nigricapillus.

Curruca momus, Ehr. fol. bb. Differs merely from Sylvia
melanocephala in being somewhat smaller in size, and can
scarcely be considered distinct. Dr. Cabanis's Melizophilus
nigricapillus (Mus. Hein. i. p. 35, no. 231) is founded on these
specimens, collected by Hemprich and Ehrenberg, the mea¬
surements of which are as follows : —

Culmen.

Wing.

Tail,

Tarsus.

in.

ini

in.

in.

No. 252. Nubia . . .

. 0*5

2*1

2*08

253. „

. 0*5

2*22

2*13

435. Syria _ _

. 0*51

2*08

0*72

Ixus xanthopygos, Ehr. fol. bb, is a good species. In the
collection there are three old and one young bird from Arabia.

Merula syriaca, Ehr. fol. bb. We could not find the type
of this species.

Saxicola eurymeljENA, Ehr. fol. bb,= Saocicola melanoleuca,
Giild. There are three specimens, all from Syria.

Saxicola libanotica, Ehr. fol. bb, = Saxicola cenanthe .
There are nine specimens, from Syria, Arabia, and Palestine.

Curruca galactodes, var. syriaca, Ehr. fol. bb. Amongst
the specimens of this bird collected in Syria by Hemprich
and Ehrenberg, three in number (Nos. 667 and 310 from
Beyrout, and No. 487 from Syria), two. Nos. 667 and 310,
are referable to Aedon familiaris, and the third. No. 487,
is referable to Aedon galactodes. Besides these we examined

Hemprich and Ehrenberg’s Types. 341

in the Hemp. & Ehr. collection three specimens from Abys¬
sinia, types of Aedon minor , Cab., and four from Egypt, all
of which we find to agree closely with Aedon galactodes.

Curruca languida, Ehr. fol. cc, is a good species, identical
with Hypolais upcheri , Tristr., and will stand as Hypolais lan¬
guida (Ehr.) . There is only one specimen in the collection,
from Syria, which measures culmen 0*62 inch, wing 2*95,
tail 2*43, tarsus 0*92.

Curruca orphea, var. Helena, Ehr. fol. cc , differs from
onr common European Sylvia orphea in having a longer bill,
and is the eastern form of that species [Sylvia jerdoni) . There
are in the collection three specimens, measuring as follows : —

Culmen. Wing. Tail. Tarsus,

in. in. in. in.

No. 453. Syria . 0*71 3*1 2-6 0*92

454. Arabia . 0*75 3-15 2*75 1*02

455. do . 0*74 3-18 2*67 1*0

Saxicola vittata, Ehr. fol. cc, is an excellent and very dis¬
tinct species. There is but one specimen, from Moileh, which
agrees precisely with the figure of Saxicola leucolcema , Antin.
& Salvad. Att. R. Accad. Sci. Tor. viii. p. 32 & pi. (1872).

Saxicola erythr^ea, Ehr. fol. cc. There is but one speci¬
men in the collection, from Arabia, in immature plumage,
agreeing closely with the type of S. halophila , Tristr. It is
labelled Saxicola lugens, Licht. For full particulars respect¬
ing this species, vide Dresser, f Birds of Europe/ part xxv.

Curruca fusca, Ehr. fol. cc, agrees with ordinary typical
specimens of Acrocephalus streperus (Vieill.).

Curruca nana, Ehr. fol. cc. The types from Tor and
Djeddah agree with Sylvia delicatula, Hartl. (Ibis, 1859,
p. 340, pi. x.), which name will accordingly sink into a syn¬
onym.

Curruca platystoma, Ehr. fol. cc. There is but one spe¬
cimen, from Arabia, in the collection, which is undistinguish-
able from Phylloscopus bonellii , Vieill., Gray, Hand-list,
no. 3033.

342

Messrs. Dresser and Blanford on

Curruca leucomelasna, Ehr. fol. cc, resembles the young
of Sylvia rueppelli, except in the arrangement of the quills,
and may probably be referable to that species. There is but
one specimen, from Arabia, in the collection, in very abraded
plumage and wanting the outer tail-feather on each side. It
measures culmen 0*59 inch, wing 2*75, tail 2*55, tarsus 0*83;
the first long primary measures about 0*8 inch shorter than
the second in one, and 0*85 in the other wing, and is about
0*6 inch longer than the wing-coverts; the third is 025
shorter than the fourth, which is about equal with the fifth
and sixth ; the seventh, eighth, and ninth quills are wanting
in both wings ; the secondaries reach to within about 0*2 of
the end of the wing.

Anthus brachycentrus, Ehr. fol. dd,—Anthus campestris ,
Gray, Hand-list, no. 3635. There is but one specimen (No.
34), from Gumfudde, in the collection, which measures culmen
0*68 inch, wing 3*35, tail 2*78, tarsus 0*95, hind toe with
claw 0*75.

Sphenura squamiceps, Ehr. fol. dd,= Crater opus squami -
ceps, Rupp., Gray, Hand-list, no. 4144. There are in the col¬
lection two specimens, both from Arabia, one having been
obtained near Mecca.

Sphenura erythroptera, Ehr. fol. dd, = Telephonies ery -
thropterus (Shaw), Gray, Hand-list, no. 6052. In the col¬
lection are only two specimens, from Abyssinia, which are la¬
belled Lanius frenatus, Licht.

Saxicola xanthoprymna, Ehr. fol. dd, is a young bird of
Saxicola erythropygia, Taylor (Ibis, 1867, p. 61), which
name will accordingly drop into a synonym. This species
was described by Dresser (B. of Eur. part xvi.) under the
name of Saxicola mcesta, Licht., which latter, however,
we ascertained, on examining the type, to be the species
usually known as S. philothamna , Tristr. There is but one
specimen, from Nubia, in the collection.

Sylvia txtes, /3. campylonyx, Ehr. fol. dd. There is but

• Hemprich and Ehrenberg’s Types. 343

one specimen, from Nubia, in the collection, which is a female
or young male of Ruticilla titys.

Sylvia mesoleuca, Ehr. fol. ee} is a distinct species from
Ruticilla phcenicuruSj differing chiefly in having a white patch
on the wing, and approaches very closely to, if it is not identical
with, Ruticilla ho dgsoni, 'Moore (P. Z. S. 1854, p. 26, pi. Iviii.) .
There is but one specimen, from Djedda, of which it may not
be out of place to give the following description : — Forehead,
lores, ear-coverts, sides of neck, throat, and upper part of the
breast glossy black ; a broad white frontal band behind the
black forehead ; crown, nape, and mantle blackish or dusky
slate ; rump and upper tail-coverts rusty red ; rectrices rather
darker red, the two central ones with the inner web, except
at the base, and the outer web dusky ; quills blackish brown,
all excepting the first edged with white on the central portion
of the outer web, forming a patch about 1J inch in length,
the white margin being largest on the innermost quills ; lower
parts from the throat ferruginous red, deepest on the breast,
and palest on the lower tail-coverts, and whitish in the centre
of the abdomen ; lower wing-coverts rusty red. Culmen 0*51
inch, wing 3T6, tail 2*4, tarsus 0*85.

Of Ruticilla phcenicurus , in the Hemprich and Ehrenberg
collection there are an adult and a young bird from Nubia,
one from Syria, and one from Arabia.

Sylvia lypura, Ehr. fol. ee. The type, a young bird from
Abyssinia, is certainly an immature specimen of Cercomela
melanura (Riipp.), Gray, Hand-list, no. 3242.

In conclusion we must express our extreme appreciation
of the very ready manner in which Dr. Cabanis gave us access
to the collection and rendered us every assistance in his power,
permitting us to enter the museum at all hours, and giving
us duplicate keys to the cases, so that we could take out and
examine the types at our leisure.

344

Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

XXXVII. — On the Genus Todus. By R. Bowdler Sharpe,
F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., Senior Assistant, Zoological Depart¬
ment, British Museum.

(Plate XIII.)

The discovery of an apparently new species of Todus is an
event of some interest; and I am indebted to Mr. Henry
Whitely, of Woolwich, for the specimen which first set me
working on this genus. It is certainly the most beautiful
species yet known, and apparently undescribed. The col¬
lection in which it came to England was said to have been
sent direct from J amaica ; but, although the bulk of the birds
were undoubtedly from that island, it may be doubted whether
there is any corner so little explored as to produce a new
Todus and the curious Phyllomanes iora , lately described by
me from the same collection.

In order to assure myself that the new bird had not received
a name, I set to work to revise the whole genus ; and I com¬
mence by detailing its literary history. Happily the genus
Todus has had a comparatively uneventful career, no worse
luck having befallen it than a constant bandying backwards
and forwards from the Tyrannidse to the neighbourhood of
the Momotidae ; but it seems to have now settled down near
the latter family. Its few species have not been determined
without the greatest confusion as regarded their habitats, the
chief offender being Lesson, who called the Todus from Porto
Rico T. mexicanus, and gave the title of portoricensis to the
Cuban species. This complication I have endeavoured to
unravel in the second portion of this paper.

1760. Brisson first characterizes the genus Todus (Orn.
iv. p. 528), and takes the description of the type from an ex¬
ample in the collection of the Marquis de Reaumur, said to
have been collected in Martinique by M. Thibault de Chan-
valon. The figure given (pi. xli. fig. 2) is by no means good,
not showing the red gorget ; but the description, as far as it
can be interpreted, seems to suit best the San-Domingo bird,
and not the Jamaican species.

1766. Linnaeus in his f Systema Naturae ’ (p. 178) adopts

345

• Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

Brisson's genus Todus , but associates with the type, T. viridis ,
the Tyrannine bird now known as Todirostrum cinereum. The
diagnosis given will suit any member of the genus ; but the
references to Brown, Sloane, and Edwards sufficiently indi¬
cate that the J amaican bird was intended.

1783. BuflFon figures (very badly) the San-Domingo Tody
in the * Planches Enluminees 3 (585. figs. 1, 2) as the Todier
de St.-Domingue.

1805 [?]. Desmarest, in the ‘ Histoire Naturelle des Tan-
garas, des Manakins et des Todiers/ figures and describes
(pi. 67) the Porto-Rico bird as Todus viridis. The date of
this book on the title-page is given as 1805 ; but works are
referred to in the text which were published many years
later — for instance, VieilloPs article next mentioned.

1819. The “ Todier vert 33 published by Vieillot in the
‘ Nouveau Dictionnaire/ xxxiy. p. 184, pi. 29. fig. 4 [fig. mala),
is the San-Domingo bird.

1823. Bonnaterre and Vieillot, in the ‘ Encyclopedic Me-
thodique 3 (i. p. 269), describe T. viridis , but give the habitat
erroneously as N. America. Their description appears to
represent the San-Domingo species.

1825. The Porto-Rico Tody is again figured by Oudart
in VieilloPs f Galerie des Oiseaux 3 (pi. cxxiv.) as Todus
viridis.

1831. Lesson, in the f Traite d'Ornithologie * (p. 250),
mentions Todus viridis , Gm., as an inhabitant of Porto Rico
in the Antilles (Mauge) .

1832-33. Swainson, in the second series of his f Zoological
Illustrations 3 (vol. ii. pi. 66), figures the Jamaican bird as
Todus viridis.

1837. Swainson, in his f Natural History of Flycatchers '
(p. 173), describes the Jamaican bird again, and figures it in
the vignette as a frontispiece to the volume.

1837. Mr. Gould figures in the ‘ leones avium 3 and de¬
scribes Todus multicolor from an unknown locality. He refers
to the P. Z.S. for 1837 for the original description; but it
does not appear to have been communicated to the Zoological
Society. This species is now known to be from Cuba.

346 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

1838. Lesson, in the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles/
vol. ix. p. 166, commences an article on birds with a few re¬
marks “ Snr Les Todiers/' and describes T. viridis , T. meoci-
canus , and T. portoricensis. The last two species were col¬
lected by his brother, M. Adolphe Lesson; and as the former
is circumstantially declared to be found near Tampico, it
would be a puzzle to know what Mexican bird could have
been mistaken for it, had there not been an evident error in
locality.

1839. D'Orbigny describes the bird of Cuba from Ramon
de la Sagra's materials, and figures Todus multicolor (pi. xxii.) .
In the f Hand-list 9 (p. 79) Mr. Gray quotes “ cyanogenus,
Sagra/' as a synonym of T. multicolor ; but I cannot find
another reference to this name.

1840. Mr. G. R. Gray, in his first 'List of Genera of
Birds 9 (p. 9), places the Todinse between the Coracianse and
the Eurylaiminse.

1841. The same author, in a second edition of the above-
mentioned ' List/ preserves the same order.

1847. Mr. G. R. Gray, in his great work the ' Genera of
Birds 9 (i. p. 63, t. 22), recognizes four species, viz. T. viridis ,
T. mexicanus, T. portoricensis , and “ T. subulatus, Gould 99
The latter is the S. -Domingo Tody, and is figured but not de¬
scribed. The name must stand on the authority of the plate.

1847. Lafresnaye (Rev. Zool. 1847, pp. 326-333) gives a
review of the genus Todus , in which he recognizes four species.
T. viridis he considers to be the Jamaican bird; T. domini -
censis he describes as new ; T. portoricensis , of Lesson, he
quotes and correctly identifies with it T. multicolor of Gould ;
and of T. mexicanus he reproduces Lesson's original de¬
scription.

1847. Mr. Gosse gives a figure of Todus viridis in his
' Birds of J amaica 9 (pi. xiv.) , along with a very interesting
account of the species (p. 72). He says that he does not be¬
lieve in the distinctness of T. multicolory “ the slight distinc¬
tions of hue being scarcely more than variations which I have
found in Jamaican specimens ; some of which, in my posses¬
sion, display the pale blue on the sides of the throat and the

347

Mr. E. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

orange on the flanks.” It is certain that there is something
to he elucidated concerning the J amaican Todus as regards
its plumages, as I remark below. All Dr. Sclater's specimens
have the small bill and no blue neck-spot ; yet one of them was
marked a male by the late W. Osburn.

1848. Mr. G. E. Gray, in the f List of Fissirostres in the
British Museum 9 keeps the Todinse as a subfamily of the Co-
raciidse, and mentions three species in the collection — Todus
viridis, from Jamaica, T. multicolor , and T. mexicanus , from
Mexico.

1850. Lembeye, in his ‘ Aves de la Isla de Cuba/ gives no
particular account of the Todus , which he only mentions in
his catalogue of the birds of the island (p. 131).

1850. Prince Bonaparte, in the f Conspectus 3 (i. p. 182),
places the Todinse between the Psarinse and the Tyranninse.
Four species, T. viridis , T. mexicanus, T. multicolor, T. subu-
lalus, are recognized.

1851. Lafresnaye describes as new Todus angustirostris from
S. Domingo, collected by Salle (Eev. Zool. 1851, pp. 477-479).

1856. Dr. Gundlach, in a paper on the birds of Cuba (J.
f. O, 1856, p. 101), describes the young bird of T. multicolor .

1857. M. Salle gives the ornithological results of his
travels in S. Domingo (P. Z. S. 1857, p. 233), and writes an
account of the habits of Todus subulatus, expressing his belief
that T. angustirostris is only sexually distinct from T. subu¬
latus.

1859. Dr. Gundlach (J. f. O. 1859, p. 347) places the
genus Todus between Alcedo and Muscicapa.

1859-60. Messrs. Cabanis and Heine, in the f Museum
Heineanum 9 (Th. ii. p. 49), include the Todinse as a subfamily
of the Tyrannidse, placing Todus close to Platyrhynchus and
Triccus (To dirostrum auct.) .

1861. Gundlach gives a tabular view of the birds of Cuba
in the e J ournal fiir Ornithologie/ and mentions T. multicolor
at p. 334. He describes the nesting of the bird (p. 414).

1861. Dr. Sclater describes Mr. OsbunFs Jamaican col¬
lection, wherein Todus viridis occurred (P. Z. S. 1861, p. 77).

1862. Dr. Sclater has two species in his collection, and
gives some of the synonymy (Cat. Am. B. p. 263).

348 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

1866. In vol. xi. of the f Proceedings 3 of the Boston So¬
ciety of Natural History (pp. 39 & 89), the late Dr. Bryant
gives lists of Porto-Rico and S. -Domingo birds. He calls the
former bird Todus hypochondriacus, the latter T. dominicensis,
and, having examined Lafresnaye’s types of T. angustirostris ,
comes to the conclusion that it is only a narrow-billed
specimen of the ordinary S. -Domingo bird.

1866. In the 1 Journal fur Ornithologie 3 a translation
of Dr. Bryant’s Porto-Bico paper is given (p. 181), containing
an account of Todus hypochondriacus .

1867. Professor Baird, in his well-known article on the
migrations of North- American birds, mentions his belief that
Todus mexicanus , of Lesson, is the Porto-Rican species (Ibis,
1867, p. 260).

1869. The late Mr. G. R. Gray, in his ‘ Hand-list’ (p. 79),
departs so far from his old arrangement of 1840 and 1841 as
to shift the Todidse nearer to the Momotidse, though he keeps
them in the immediate vicinity of the Eurylsemidae. Five
species are admitted, T. mexicanus being considered a good
species, and T. hypochondriacus united to T. multicolor.

1871. In a new review of the birds of Cuba (J. f. O. 1871,
p. 288) a note on T. multicolor and allies is given by Dr.
Gundlach.

1872. Dr. Murie (P. Z. S. 1872, pp. 664-680, pi. ix.) de¬
tails the osteological characters of Todus , and allies it to the
Momo tides and Alcedinidee and other closely allied Picarian
families ; but, at the same time, he allows some relationship to
the Flycatchers ; and in ‘ The Ibis 3 for 1872 (pp. 390, 394)
he further dwells on the close affinities of the Todidse and
M omo t idee, grouping them under Blyth’s name Serratirostres.

1872. Prof. Sundevall, in his f Tentamen/ makes a section,
Exaspidece lysodactylce , of his cohors Exaspidese (p. 57).
In this section he places the Todinte close to the Piprinse,
and not far from the Tyrants, expressing his belief that they
are nearly allied to Triccus.

1872. Mr. Sclater, in a paper on the systematic position
of Pelt ops, Eurylcemus, and Todus (Ibis, 1872, p. 179), considers
that Todus is closely allied to the Kingfishers, and still more
to the Momotidse. The sternum of Todus is figured.

349

Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

1873. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, in their c Nomenclator
Avium Neotropicalium, (p. 103), place the Todidse between
the Alcedinidse and Momotidse. They recognize four species,
viz. 1. T. viridis, 2. T. dominicensis , 3. T. hypochondriacus ,
4. T. multicolor. No mention is made of T. mexicanus , which
is doubtless considered to be identical with T. hypochondriacus .

Family TODIDiE.

Genus Tonus.

Todus , Linn. S. N. i. p. 178 (1766, ex Briss.) : type T.
viridis.

Range . Confined to the Greater Antilles.

Key to the Species.

a. With a pink tuft on the flanks.

a'. Chest uniform, not ocellated with oval spots of
white.

Moustache ending in an ashy grey spot.
a'”. Breast white tinged with green ;

flanks green, with pink tufts .... viridis.
b'". Breast pure white ; flanks entirely

pink, with no green . subulatus [ $ ?].

b". Moustache ending in a bright verditer
spot ; breast white, very slightly tinged

with pink here and there . multicolor .

V. Chest pinkish, ocellated with distinct oval spots
of white.

c". Above bluish green ; moustache and edge

of wing light pink . pulcherrimus.

d". Above bright grass-green ; moustache and

edge of wing whitish . subulatus [ J ?].

b. Flanks yellow, with no pink tuft ; chest ashy grey . . hypochondriacus.

1. Todus viridis.

Todus viridis , Linn. S. N. i. p. 178 (1766) ; Less. Traite,
p. 250 (1831) ; Sw. Zool. Illustr. 2nd ser. pi. 66 (1833) ; id.
Monogr. Flyc. p. 173, vign. (1837) ; Less. Ann. Sc. N. ix.
p. 166 (1838) ; Gray, List of Gen. 1840, p. 9, et 1841,
p. 12; Gosse, B. Jamaica, p. 72, pi. xiv. (1847); Lafr. R. Z.
1847, p. 332 ; Gray, Gen. B. i. p. 63 (1847) ; id. Cat. Fissir.

350

Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

B. M. p. 35 (1848) ; Bp. Consp. i. p. 182 (1850) ; Scl.
P.Z. S. 1861, p. 77; id. Cat. Am. B. p. 263 (1862) ; Gray,
Hand-1. B. i. p. 79 (1869) ; Murie, Ibis, 1872, p. 390 ; Sundev.
Meth. Ay. Tent. p. 61 (1872) ; Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. Ay.
Neotr. p. 103 (1873).

Adult. Entire upper surface bright grass-green, more vivid
on the forehead, eyebrow, and sides of the face ; quills blackish,
margined with the same green as the back ; tail greenish,
duller than the back, but rather brighter on the margins of
the quills ; chin and a narrow moustachial streak white ;
throat crimson, inclining to greyish on the sides of the lower
part ; below the throat a small whitish space ; rest of under¬
surface whitish washed with yellow, especially on the abdo¬
men, flanks, and under tail-coverts ; sides of breast green ;
on the lower flanks a tuft of pink feathers ; under wing-coverts
yellowish, inclining to white on the margin of the wing ;
“ bill above horny red, below pale crimson ; legs and feet
reddish brown, sometimes flesh-coloured or purplish horn ;
iris very pale grey ” ( Gosse ). Total length 3*7 inches, cul-
men O’ 75, wing 1*85, tail 1*5, tarsus 0*55.

Female. “ Sexes exactly alike ” (Gosse).

Young. Some young birds examined by Dr. Bryant (l. c.)
appeared to want the brilliant colours of the adult.

A specimen from Jamaica, presented to the Museum by
Captain Hamilton, differs from other examples from the
same island in having rather a longer beak, in having the
breast suffused with bright yellowish green right across, and
in having a decidedly bluish shade at the terminal end of the
moustache. Another example, received from Mr. Gould,
agrees with this ; and as the white margins to the throat-spot
are nearly obsolete in the former examples, the differences in
the plumage may be due to the breeding-season.

Specimens examined.

E. Mus. Brit. — a , ad. Jamaica. h} c} ad. Moneague,
Jamaica (Dr. Henry Bryant), d, ad. Jamaica (Capt. Ha¬
milton) .

E. Mus. P. L. Sclater. — a, ad. Jamaica (Bryant) . b, <$ .

351

Mr. R. R. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

Jamaica, Jan. 1859 ( Osburn ). c. Jamaica (Lawrence), d.
Jamaica (Chambers').

E. Mus. Salvin and Godman.—a, b} c. Moneague, J amaica
(O. S. fy F. G.). dj S . Metcalf Parish, Jamaica (G. N. Allen). .

2. Todus subulatus. (Plate XIII. figs. 1, 2.)

Le Todier de St.-Domingue, Buff. PI. Enl. 585. figs. 1, 2
(1783).

Todus viridis, Vieill. N. Diet, xxxiv. p. 184, pi. 29. fig. 4
(1819), nec Linn.; Bonn, et Vieill. Enc. Meth. i. p.269 (1823).

Todus subulatus , Gray & Mitch. Gen. B. i. p. 63, pi. 22
(April 1847) ; Bp. Consp. i. p. 182 (1850) ; Gray, Hand-1.

B. i. p. 79 (1869).

Todus dominicensis , Lafr. R. Z. 1847, p. 331 ; Salle, P. Z. S.
1857, p. 233 ; Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. Th. ii. p. 49 (1859-
60) ; Bryant, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. xi. p. 91 (1866) ; Scl.

& Salv. Nomencl. Ay. Neotr. p. 103 (1873).

Todus angustirostrisj Lafr. R. Z. 1851, p. 478 ; Gray,
Hand-1, i. 79.

Adult male. Above deep grass-green, brighter on the head
and sides of face ; quills brownish black, margined with the
same green as the back, rather brighter on the secondaries ;
tail green, rather duller than the back ; chin and a moustachial
streak whitish, the latter shading off into ashy grey ; throat
pale carmine, the feathers bordered with silvery white ; rest
of undersurface white tinged with light yellow, very bright
on the under tail-coverts ; the breast white, with a narrow
pink edging, causing an ocellated appearance ; flanks and
sides of body beautiful pink ; thigh-feathers yellowish, under
wing-coverts light yellow, inclining to white on the outer
margins. Total length 4*4 inches, culmen 0*8, wing 1‘95,
tail 1’ 65, tarsus 0*55.

Another bird is marked a female by Mr. George Gray, though
there is no trace in the register of the bird's sex having been
determined by Mr. Cuming*. This bird differs from the

* [Were not these specimens really collected by M. Salle, of whose
collections Mr. Cuming probably had the disposal P The name of the
person from whom the specimen was acquired, entered in the British-

352

Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

one above described in the colouring of the undersurface,
which is white, tinged with yellow on the middle of the ab¬
domen and under tail-coverts ; the throat is pale carmine-pink,
. very thickly clouded with white margins to the feathers ; and
the pink on the flanks is not nearly so much developed as in
the male. I should not have doubted the sexual determina¬
tion of the female, had it not been for a third specimen, also
procured from Mr. Cuming at the same time as the others.
This bird is pure white underneath, excepting the under wing-
and tail-coverts, which are yellow, and the pink flanks and
throat-spot. It has a very narrow and slender bill, and is the
Todus angustirostris of the f Hand-list/ Beyond this cha¬
racter and the white undersurface, the bird agrees with T.
subulatus ; and my idea is that T. angustirostris is the female,
and that the intermediate Cumingian specimen is the young
male. The bird is a connecting link between the two ex¬
tremes, being intermediate in size of bill and length of wing.
Should my suggestion prove correct, the following measure¬
ments may be compared : —

Breadth of

S. Domingo (Cuming). Tot. length. Wing. bill at nostril.

a. ad. [P] . . 4-4 1*95 0-2

b. 2 ad. [P] . 3-7 1-75 0-18

c. s juv. [?] . 4-1 1-85 0.2

Sexual difference may account for the length of bill in the
Jamaican T. viridis referred to above; the variation of bill is
illustrated in the plate, which represents the two specimens
in the Museum, one of which (fig. 2) I consider to answer to
T. angustirostris of Lafresnaye.

Specimens examined.

E. Mus. Brit. — a, b, c, ad. juv. S. Domingo (H. Cuming).

E. Mus. P. L. Sclater. — a} ad. S. Domingo {Salle).

3. Todus multicolor.

Todus multicolory Gould, Icon. Av. pi. 2 (1837); D'Orb.

Museum Register, according to the custom of that time, would be that
of the collector’s agent and not that of the collector himself. — Ed.]

Ibis. 1874. PL XIII.

J.G.Keulemans del.

1. 2. TODUS ■ SUBULATUS.

3 . „ . PULCHERRIMUS.

Mintem Bros . imp .

353

Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

in Ramon de la Sagra, H. N. Cuba, Ois. p. 132, pi. xxii.
(1839) ; Gray, Cat. Fissir. B. M. p. 36 (1848) ; Bp. Consp. i.
p. 182 (1850) ; Gundl. J. f. O. 1856, p. 101, 1859, p. 347,
1861, pp. 334, 414, 1862, p. 189 ; Gray, Hand-L B. i. p. 79
(1869) ; Gundl. J. f. O. 1871, p. 288.

Todus port or icensis, Less. Ann. Sc. Nat. xi. p. 167 (1838) ;
Lafr. R. Z. 1847, p. 332 ; Gray, Gen. B. i. p. 63 (1847) ;
Lembeye, Ayes d. Cuba, p. 131 (1850).

Adult . Above grass-green, the forehead and lores yellowish,
the eyebrow and sides of face brighter green than the back ;
quills dusky brown, margined with the same green as the
back, rather brighter on the secondaries ; the outer wing-
coverts with a slight tinge of blue ,• tail dull green ; a broad
moustache pure white shading off into verditer bine and form¬
ing a distinct spot ; throat carmine, with very slight margins
of silvery white to some of the feathers ; rest of undersurface
white, margins of some of the breast-feathers slightly washed
with pink ; the flanks pink ; sides of upper breast greyish ;
under tail- and wing-coverts yellowish, the outermost of the
latter white, those on the bend of the wing slightly washed
with blue ; bill and feet coral- red, the upper mandible brown ;
iris greyish blue ; upper eyelid orange. Total length 3*6
inches, culmen 0*75, wing 1*7, tail 1*3, tarsus 0*55.

Hab. Cuba.

The bright blue neck-spot is the chief distinguishing cha¬
racter of this species.

Specimens examined .

E. Mus. Brit . — a , ad. Cuba [Baron Laugier de Chartrouse ) .

E. Mus. Salvin and Godman. — a, 6 ad. Cuba (G. N. Law¬
rence). b} ad. Cuba (G. N. Lawrence).

E. Mus. P. L. Sclater. — a , ad. Cuba (G. N. Lawrence).

4. Todus pulcherrimus, sp. n. (Plate XIII. fig. 3.)

Above bluish-green, rather tinged with olive on the lower
back, the wing-coverts showing a very strongly pronounced
blue shade; quills blackish, bordered narrowly with light
green, shading off into bluish towards the tips of the secon¬
daries; tail dull greenish, with narrow margins of bluish

ser. in. — VOL. iv. 2 c

354 Mr. R. B. Sharpe on the Genus Todus.

green ; forehead lighter and rather more olive-green than the
back, and tinged with orange near the base of the beak ; lores
tinged with orange ; sides of face yellowish green ; sides of
neck dull rufous ; chin white ; throat bright carmine, with
silvery white margins to most of the feathers ; rest of under¬
surface with a light crimson blush, varied on the breast with
white oval spots to the feathers, producing an ocellated appear¬
ance, the crimson colour brightest on the flanks, shading off
into ochraceous buff on the sides of the vent ; on each side of the
upper breast a patch of greenish ; under wing-coverts ochra¬
ceous buff, the outermost smaller coverts washed with pale
carmine ; upper mandible blackish, lower one yellowish ; feet
black. Total length 3*5 inches, culmen 0*85, wing 1*9, tail
1*4, tarsus 0*65.

Hah . Jamaica [?].

This new species comes nearest to T. subulatus of S. Do¬
mingo, having, like that species, the white ocellations on the
breast ; but it differs from that bird and all other members of
the genus by its brilliant coloration below, and by its being
bluish green above.

The type is in the British Museum.

5. Todus hypochondriacus.

Todus viridis , Desm. H. N. Tang. &c. pi. 67 (nec Linn.) ;
Vieill. Gal. Ois. i. pi. cxxiv. (1825).

Todus mexicanus , Less. Ann. Sc. Nat. xi. p. 167 ; Lafr. R.
Z. 1847, p. 333; Gray, Gen. B. i. p. 63 (1847); id. Cat.
Eissir. B. M. p. 36 (1848); Bp. Consp. i. p. 182 (1850) „
Baird, Ibis, 1867, p. 260 ; Gray, Hand-1. B. i. p. 79 (1869).

Todus hypochondriacus, Bryant, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. xi.
p. 39 (1866) ; Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. Av. Neotr. p. 103 (1873).

Adult. Above grass-green, brighter on sides of face and
over the eye ; forehead and lores tinged with yellow ; quills,
blackish, margined with the green of the back, the second¬
aries almost entirely of the latter colour ; tail green, rather
duller than the back ; chin white ; throat very brilliant crim¬
son, with slight silvery white margins ; below the throat a
small line of white ; moustachial streak white, shading off

Birds observed during a journey to the Matabiti Country. 355

into ashy grey on the sides of the neck, which, like the chest,
are entirely ashy grey; rest of undersurface yellow, whitish
in centre of breast ; flanks and under tail- coverts entirely
yellow ; sides of upper breast greenish ; under wing-coverts
yellowish white, the outermost entirely white, with a small
dusky patch near outer margin. Total length 3 ‘7 inches, cul-
men 0*9, wing 1*85, tail 1*3, tarsus 055.

This species is easily recognized by its grey breast and yel¬
low flanks. I do not adopt Lesson's title of mexicanus for
this bird, although the oldest, as it only misleads. The British
Museum contains a specimen, bought at the sale of the col¬
lection of the late Baron Laugier de Chartrouse, said to be
from Mexico, which agrees with Dr. Bryant's specimens from
Porto Eico.

Specimens examined .

E.Mus.Brit. — a, ad. Porto Bico {Bryant), b. “ Mexico."

E. Mus. P. L. Sclater.—a, ad. Porto Rico [Bryant). b,ad .
Porto Rico {Latimer),

E . Mus, Salvin and Godman. — a, ad. Porto Rico {George
Swift).

XXXVIII. — -List of Birds collected or observed during a
journey into the Matabili Country in 1873. By T. E.
Buckley, F.Z.S. &c.

Before proceeding with my list, it may be as well to write
a short account of our journey and the line of country
traversed.

We left Pietermaritzburg with our waggons on the 13th
of May, and arrived at Newcastle, distant 160 miles, about
the end of the month. Newcastle is a small town near the
borders of the colony, and probably derives it name from the
fact of coal being found close by. Except on the coast-line,
Natal is almost wholly open country, patches of bush, some
large, but mostly small, occurring here and there on the slopes
of the valleys. Here our troubles began, as our two natives
had only been hired for that distance, and would go no fur¬
ther ; however, having by this time learnt something of “ in-

2 c 2

356 Mr, T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

spanning” bullocks, we, with our white driver, an Englishman,
pushed on by ourselves. At the foot of the Berg, as the
Drakenberg is generally called, we found a small Kafir boy,
who had run away from a Dutchman ; him we pressed into
our service, crossed the ridge, and soon after entered the
Transvaal. Here we unfortunately lost our bullocks for
eight days ; and as we were out of the game-country, and there
were very few birds indeed, our situation was by no means
enviable; fuel, which consisted of dried bullock-dung, was
scarce, and the nights piercingly cold, accompanied by frost
and ice. During this time we had offered a reward for the
oxen ; and one evening, to our intense delight, they made their
appearance, and we soon left the scene of our misfortunes be¬
hind. In two or three days, during which time we did a
little shooting, we crossed the Vaai river at a place called
Standees Drift, and at length, on the 28th of June, reached
Pretoria, the capital of Transvaal, without further mishap
than the loss of four bullocks, and one stick-fast, when we
had to “ off-load” the waggon.

The part of the Transvaal through which we had travelled,
is what is called the High Veldt ;” it is an undulating plain,,
in the summer covered with grass, but no trees, except a few
that have been planted round the farm-houses; but once having
passed Pretoria you enter the bush. We left that town on
the night of the 30th of J une, crossed the Limpopo, or rather
the Crocodile (as it does not rejoice in the name of Limpopo
until after it is joined by the Marico), and took a north¬
westerly direction across the Pilansberg until we again
joined the Crocodile river ; we soon after crossed the Marico,
a small river with very sloping banks, and altogether an ex¬
tremely bad drift for waggons, followed the Limpopo for
about two more days, and then, leaving the river, steered for
Bamangwato, which we reached towards the end of July..
Here we stayed for a few days, getting fresh bullocks and
laying in some necessary stores, and again set out in the first
week in August for the Matabili country. We had at first
intended to go to Lake hPgami ; but we found at Baman¬
gwato that, on account of the want of water, with our tired

357

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

bullocks and inexperience of the country, it would be madness
to attempt it ; so we agreed to try the Matabili country in¬
stead. At this place we luckily engaged a boy to go with us —
a very necessary precaution, as, although the road in most
places is well defined, yet, unless you have some one who
knows the water-holes, you may often run very short of that
necessary article. All the rivers from here to beyond the
Tatti, which is the supposed boundary between the 13am an -
gwato and Matabili countries, are sand-rivers, and water is
very often only to be had by digging. At a place called
Serule we heard from some Dutchmen there was a short
cut thence to the place we wished to go to ; so we tried it ;
but on arriving at a river called the Mackloetze, we heard
from the natives that we had great danger of getting into the
fly 33 (that is, places infested by the “ tsetsi) , 33 so turned back
and went by the regular route to the Tatti. We met with
the greatest kindness here from Mr. Neilson, the manager of
the Gold-fields, and Mr. Brown, both of whom helped us
with bullocks and gave us every assistance and advice. We
left the Tatti on the 1st of September, and at last arrived at
the Samouqui river, where we made our camp, as this was
our furthest point. We stayed here some three weeks, hunt¬
ing and collecting, and returned early in October, going back
by the same route that we came.

I was very much disappointed as to the birds ; they were
few in number ) and (although I might have got more, espe¬
cially among the Warblers and smaller Finches) yet, I think,
the collection I brought back will be found by any future
traveller over the same ground to be fairly comprehensive.
Want of water is, of course, the chief reason of this paucity
of animal life ; for the same remarks will apply to insects, the
only one that was seen in any great abundance being a species
of beetle.

For the benefit of any member of the British Ornitholo¬
gists^ Union who may intend to visit these parts, I here give
a list of the rivers crossed, and where water may be found
during the end of winter (that is, about August) : — Mahalapse,
water above and below the road, easily got by cleaning out

358 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

the old holes ; Meathly and Towanni, the same, but in the
former the water lies rather deeper ; Lotsani, uncertain, and
not to be got by digging, just before we were there a shower
had filled up one or two holes ; Palatzi, a water-hole below
the road, also uncertain ; Serule, generally water, but at a
great depth, it has a most unpleasant smell, which seems to
go off after a time ; Gooqui, water close to the road ; Lotla-
kani, no water ; Skribe, Mackloetze, and Shashai, water to be
had easily by digging ; Tatti, water some distance down the
river from the road ; Ramaqueban, water near the road, to
be had by digging ; Imquisi, water to be got by digging, but
rather deep ; Dry River, water very deep down, we got ours
out of some holes dug by elephants ; Samouqui, water in plenty.

The nomenclature adopted for the Accipitres is that of
Mr. Sharpe's recently published f Catalogue of Birds in the
British Museum, vol. i. (1874) : that for the other families
is taken from the same gentleman's f Catalogue of African
Birds' (1871), or Mr. Layard's f Birds of South Africa'
(1867), unless stated to the contrary.

Gyps kolbii (Daud.).

Not a very common species, and I never saw more than a
pair together. They frequent wooded districts and breed in
trees. After much difficulty and tearing my cloths and hands,
I took an egg out of a large nest in a mimosa- tree from which
the hen flew off. I fired at her, but, as she went some dis¬
tance before dropping, I did not get her. The egg resembles
that of V. cinereus.

Gyps rueppelli, Brehm.

Extremely common from Natal up to the Matabili country.
On the high veldt of the Transvaal they seem to understand
that the report of a rifle means something to eat ; and while
skinning an animal I have had a cloud of these birds waiting
about one hundred yards off until I finished and left them
the carcass.

Neophron percnopterus (L.).

I saw a few of these birds ; but they were very scarce in
comparison with the Griffons,

during a journey to the Matabili Country .

359

Serpentarius secretaries (Scop.).

I only met with this bird on two or three occasions in the
Transvaal ; and I saw one pair near the Limpopo.

Circus ranivorus (Baud.).

$ . Natal, May 21st, 1873.

$ . Pietermaritzburg, April 22nd, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs yellow ; iris light yellow. The
second female had the beak black; legs yellow; iris hazel.

Common through Natal and the Transvaal in the open
country, frequenting both marsh and high ground. Its flight
and habits resemble those of our Hen-Harrier. There seems
to be no difference in' the plumage of the sexes ; at least I
never saw a white male.

Melierax canorus (Risl.).

a, b, 6 } $. Transvaal, July 10th 1873.

Cere, gape, and base of bill orange-red, the rest of the lat¬
ter black ; feet orange-red ; iris dark hazel.

Very common in the low bushy parts of the Transvaal. I
have seen them hunting quite late in the evening, flying low
over the ground with a dashing sort of flight, when they have
the appearance of a large male Circus cyaneus. One of the
specimens I procured was very tame, allowing me to walk up
and shoot it off a tree.

Melierax garar (Baud.) .

6 , adult. Transvaal, July 5th, 1873.

Cere red, rest of beak black ; legs orange-red ; iris dark
hazel.

6 , young. Transvaal, July 5th, 1873.

Cere red, rest of beak black ; legs orange-red ; iris light

$ , in moult. Transvaal, November 29th, 1873.

A common Hawk throughout the Transvaal after entering
the bush-country. Its flight resembles that of Accipiter nisus.

Melierax Niger (Bonn. & Vieill.) .

This bird I only saw twice — once on the Limpopo, and once
in the Bamangwato district; on both occasions it was fly¬
ing with great swiftness.

jfTir

2.3 C

360

Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.).

This seemed to be the commonest Eagle from the Limpopo
to the Matabili country ; but it was very shy, and I never
could obtain a specimen. Its flight is very graceful, soaring
about without much movement of the wings ; its black body,
with the white underneath the wings, and bright red legs,
make it a very conspicuous object when flying.

Haliaetus vocieer (Baud.).

I saw one or two pairs on the Limpopo, when they appeared
to be breeding ; but they were not common ; they seem to be
much more abundant in the Zulu country.

Milvus migrans (Bodd.) et auctt. recc.

M. korschun (Gm.), Sharpe, Cat. B. i. p. p. 322*.

Very common through the Bamangwato and Matabili
country ; but it is not until the rainy season that they appear
in any numbers. We saw an immense quantity one day in
November, after a heavy shower of rain, together with a few
Buzzards, feeding on the swarms of young locusts which
covered the ground.

Elanus cvEruleus (Desf.).

Fairly common in Natal. I saw several pairs one day along
the banks of the Mooi river ; but they would not allow of an
approach within gun-shot.

Falco biarmicus (Temm.).

By no means common. One specimen was procured in
Natal ; and I saw another pair one morning in the Transvaal.
These latter were remarkably tame ; but as I had only a rifle
with me, I did not fire.

Tinnunculus rupicola (Daud.) .

Cerchneis rupicola, Sharpe, Cat. B. i. p. 429 f.

<3 . Biver Tugela, Natal, May 21st, 1873.

Beak horn- colour ; legs yellow ; iris dark hazel.

* [As J. F. Gmelin’s title korschun cannot with certainty be applied to
this Kite, or any other Hawk, Boddaert’s name, by which the Black Kite
is known to nearly all modern writers, had best be adhered to. — Ed.]

t [Mr. Sharpe states that Falco columbarius is the type of Vieillot's
genus Tinnunculus . This is not necessarily the case, as Falco sparverius
has equal claim. As Vieillot called both birds Cresserelles, and used Lin-

during a journey to the Matahili Country. 361

Common through Natal and the Transvaai. In flight and
habits it resembles the common Kestrel.

Tinnunculus tinnunculoides (Temm.).

Cerchneis naumanni, Sharpe, Cat. B. i. p. 435* *.

$ . Limpopo, November 14, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs dark yellow ; iris dark hazel.

Carine perlata (Vieill.).

Athene perlat a, Gurn. And. B. Damara Land, p. 37.

Athene licua , Licht. ; Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 38.

6 . Tatti, Matabili-land, September 1st, 1873.

Common from the north of Pretoria into the Matabili
country. Their flight resembles that of a Woodpecker.

Otus capensis (Smith) ; Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 43.

a, 6 . Natal, May 25th, 1873.

b , $ . Transvaal, June 8th, 1873.

Beak black ; iris dark hazel.

Quite the commonest Owl in Natal and the Transvaal.
Like our own Short- eared Owl, this species, when disturbed
during the daytime, flies well ; but it is not until just about
dark that it comes forth of its own accord. Almost any even¬
ing it might be seen hunting over ground intersected by a
“ spruit ; ” this it seems to prefer marshy ground. I never
heard it utter any cry. Its flight resembles that of the
common Short-eared Owl. This species was not observed
north of Pretoria.

nseus’s specific name of the Kestrel for the genus, there can he no doubt
the generic name Tinnunculus should he applied to the Kestrels with T.
sparverius as the type. — Ed.]

* [Mr. Sharpe’s sole authority for employing this name rests on a foot¬
note in Naumann’s Naturg. der Vog. Deutschl. i. p. 318, where we find
it said u Cenchris. Emerillon roux. Der kleinste rothe Falke. Frisch
Vogel, t. 89. = Sylvan, v. Laurop und Fischer, Jahrg. 1818. S. unter dem
Nahmen Falco Naumanni v. G. Fleischer.” From this it would appear
that not even Naumann himself had consulted this obscure periodical.

Temminck’s name tinnunculoides (1820) is the oldest certainly appli¬
cable to the Lesser Kestrel. Those who cannot bring themselves to use
this word in connexion with the generic name Tinnunculus can take
Naumann’s title Cenchris. — Ed.].

362 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Strix capensis, Smith.

cf . Transvaal, June 8th, 1873.

Beak ivory-white ; iris dark hazel.

I only procured this one example, which was shot by my
friend in a marsh among some long reeds.

Bubo verreauxi. Bp.

$ . Limpopo, July 22nd, 1873.

Beak ivory-white ; iris dark hazel, with a narrow orange-
red rim round.

This fine Owl is very common from the Transvaal as far
as the Matibili land, haunting the sides of rivers, away from
which localities I never saw it. These Owls generally go in
pairs ; hut I once saw five together, out of which I procured
my specimen : after the first disturbance they get more wary.
I fancy they breed in old nests of other birds, as I once saw
an Owl sitting in one.

Stmx poensis, Fras.j Gurney, in Anderss. B. Damara
Land, p. 36.

3 . Palatzi, Bamangwato, October 20, 1873.

Beak white ; iris dark hazel.

This specimen, which was shot by my companion among
some trees near a water-hole, was the only one seen.

Ephialtes leucotis (Temm.).

$ . Serule, Bamangwato, August 23rd, 1873.

Beak yellowish white ; iris deep orange.

Not a very common species, I imagine, hereabouts, as this
was the only one seen. It was sitting among some small
mimosa trees, and from its very upright position, when at rest,
was very difficult to distinguish from the stump of a branch.

Caprimulgus rufigena. Smith.

<5 . Bamangwato, October 13th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs flesh-colour ; iris dark hazel.

This is the only species of Goatsucker we obtained ; and it
was common from the Limpopo, where we only found it in
the rainy season, far into the Matabili country. It has
a jarring note, like C. europceus , and is fond of settling in
the paths. It roosts on the ground during the day. I once

363

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

found two eggs of this species on the bare ground in an open
space in the bush ; the bird was on the eggs, which were pink,
spotted all over with greyish brown.

Merops apiaster, L.

5 . River Meathly, Bamangwato, October 24, 1873.

Beak black ; legs dark brown ; iris crimson.

This species was only observed on one occasion, when it
appeared to he migrating. On that day I saw several large
flocks hawking about after flies and occasionally settling on
the small bushes. The note of all the Bee-eaters I have met
with seems to he almost exactly the same.

Merops pusillus (Miill.).

6 • Transvaal, November 29th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

I saw one or two pairs of this species on the banks of the
Limpopo on my way up, and another pair or two oh the Sa-
mouqui river, in the Matabili country. They were plentiful
in comparatively open country in the north of the Transvaal
on our way down, and were to he seen sitting, singly or in
pairs, on a small branch of a bush on the look-out for insects,
which they caught on the wing. I once saw a small party of
about eight together.

Merops bullockoides, Smith.

6 . Transvaal, July 1st, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Common through the north of Transvaal. On my return
I found them breeding in the hanks of the Limpopo, perhaps
seven or eight pairs in one colony.

Coracias NiEviA, Daud.

<3 . Matabili, October 6th, 1873.

$ . Transvaal, July 1st, 1873.

Beak black ; Legs yellow ; iris dark hazel.

Fairly common ; generally seen singly or in pairs. It re¬
sembles C. caudata in its habits and flight. I have seen the
young of the latter about the middle of November, evidently
not long out of the nest ; so the Rollers must be amongst the
earliest breeders.

364 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

CoRACIAS CAUDATA, V.

6 . Transvaal, July 7th 1873.

Beak black; legs yellow; iris dark hazel.

First observed a few days north of Pretoria, and found far
up in the Matabili country. This species is extremely shy,
and it was difficult to procure specimens. Just before the
breeding-season they fly high up in the air, rolling about from
side to side, and uttering a harsh note all the time, settling
afterwards on the very top of the nearest high tree. In the
Matabili country this is a royal bird, and no one except the
king is allowed to wear its feathers.

CORYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA (Rfipp.) .

$ . Transvaal, June 19th, 1873.

Beak and legs red ; iris dark hazel.

Common throughout Natal and the Transvaal, frequenting
pools and streams, but always singly ; when wounded they
swim fairly well.

Ceryle rudis (L.).

<$ . Natal, June 1st, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

This bird is pretty common in Natal, but much more so
on the Limpopo, in the north of the Transvaal, where I found
its nest in a hole of the bank, but as the ground was hard, I
was unable to get the eggs. Its absence from the Matabili
country is accounted for by the rivers being mostly sand-
rivers in the part of the country I visited. When hunting,
it hovers over the water with a quick action of the wings.
Its cry is shrill and often repeated.

Halcyon albiventris (Scop.).

Beak and legs red ; iris dark hazel.

Very common along the rivers north of Pretoria, though
seen to wander some distance from water. This species was
breeding along the banks of the Limpopo in November; and
my driver brought me in three eggs which he had dug out of
a bank, having caught the old bird on her nest. Judging
from the mud on the bills of those I shot, they must pick up
their food from the ground as well as off trees.

365

during a journey to the Matahili Country.

Halcyon chelicutensis (Stanl.).

6 . Transvaal, July 13th, 1873.

Beak and legs red ; iris dark hazel.

Halcyon cyanoleuca (V.).

d, $. Limpopo, November 1873.

Upper mandible red, lower mandible black; legs black,
inside of foot reddish ; iris dark hazel.

Yery common during our journey down in the summer,
but not seen in the winter. It is rather a shy bird, and con¬
tinually utters a monotonous whistle. I did not meet with
this species, except on the Limpopo, where these birds are
most conspicuous objects when on the wing.

Toccus NASUTUS (L.).

a, s ad. Limpopo, November 12, 1873.

Beak black, with a white streak on upper mandible ; legs
dark olive brown ; iris dark hazel.

b , $ juv. Bamangwato, August 7th, 1873.

Beak white above, black below, yellowish red at the tip of
both mandibles ; legs black ; iris reddish brown.

Toccus ERYTHRORHYNCHUS (Gm.).

a , $ . Matabili, September 5th, 1873.

Beak red ; legs black ; iris light yellow.

Toccus FLAVIROSTRIS (Rupp.) .

a, b, S $ • Transvaal, July 7th, 1873.

Beak yellow ; legs black ; iris yellowish white.

Hornbills were very common from the north of the Trans¬
vaal through the Bamangwato country. All the three species
above mentioned were shot at random from among the num¬
bers noticed ; and I should say they were all equally plentiful.
My experience agrees with Andersson^s excellent account of
these Hornbills (B. Dam. Ld. p. 207, et seq.).

Upupa minor, Gm.

$ . Transvaal, July 6th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Common in the bush country north of Pretoria ; but I do
not remember seeing it further than Bamangwato. It is

366 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

rather a shy bird, the note and habits being the same as those
of U. epops.

Irrisor cyanomelas, Y.

c? . Bamangwato, August 5th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Fairly common through the Bamangwato and Matabili
countries ; and I fancy I have seen it along the Limpopo river.
A good account of its habits will be found in Andersson's
f Birds of Damara Land/

SCHIZORHIS CONCOLOR (Sw.) .

a, ? . Transvaal, July 1st, 1873.

Beak and legs black; iris dark hazel.

A very common species throughout the Transvaal and up
to the Matabili country. They go about in small flocks ; and
their peculiar cry, something like the mewing of a cat, often
betrays their presence. They often raise and lower the crest,
and are not very easy to see by reason of their colour.

Centropus senegalensis (L.); Sharpe, P.Z.S. 1873, p. 617.

c? . Biver Palatzi, Bamangwato, October 20th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs dark grey ; iris crimson.

First observed on the Crocodile river, but was also found
in all suitable places as far into the Matabili as I went.
Being fond of hiding itself, it is not often seen unless acci¬
dentally flushed ; but its loud note betrays its presence. It
inhabits the thick reeds and bushes wherever there is water,
far from which it is never found.

Centropus superciliosus, H. &E. ; Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873,

p. 620.

S . Transvaal, July 5th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark red.

I confounded this species with C. senegalensis , its note,
and, as far as I know, its habits and localities being the same
as those of that bird.

Cuculus gularis (Steph.) ; Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 585.

(S . Biver Meathly, Bamangwato, October 24th, 1873.

The tip and most of upper mandible black, the rest orange-
yellow ; legs chrome-yellow ; iris dead gold ; cere yellow.

367

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

Only observed in this place, but was probably migrating.
It is shy and restless, continually flying from one tree to
another, generally in the same line of flight. It flies like our
common Cuckoo, but rather more deliberately ; its note, too,
in the same manner, is more slowly uttered, the first syllable
not being in such a high key.

Cuculus clamosus, Lath. ; Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 587.

a , 3 . Bamangwato, November 6th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

A common species through Bamangwato and the Trans¬
vaal. Its note may be heard almost any time of the day or
night.

Cuculus cupreus, Bodd. ; Sharpe, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 591.

3 . Bamangwato, river Towanni, October 23rd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brownish black ; iris dark red.

Very commonly seen during our return journey, from
which it appears the bird is a summer visitant. I found it
throughout the Bamangwato and North Transvaal districts.

Coccystes jacobinus (Bodd.) ; Sharpe, P.Z.S. 1873, p. 597.

a, $ . Limpopo, November 15th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs lead-colour ; iris dark hazel.

b , 3 . Transvaal, November 20th, 1873.

Beak and legs black.

Y ery common, but a summer bird, as we only saw it on our
way down.

Pogonorhynchus leucomelas (Bodd.) j Marshall, Monogr.
Capit. pi. 12.

3 . Transvaal, July 10th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Found from the north of the Transvaal into the Matabili
country. These Barbets were first seen about the trees in
Pretoria.

Pogonorhynchus torquatus (Dumont) ; Marshall, Monogr.
Capit. pi. x.

3 . Transvaal, July 2nd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

368 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

This specimen was shot by my companion close to the Lim¬
popo, near Pretoria ; and as it was the only one obtained, it
must be, there at least, a rare bird.

Trachyphonus cafer (Y.) ; Marshall, Monogr. Capit. pi. lvi.

a, s • Transvaal, July 8th, 1873.

Beak greenish yellow ; legs black ; iris dark red.

b , $ . Limpopo river, November 15th, 1873.

Beak greenish yellow ; legs lead- colour ; iris reddish.

This species is very common north of Pretoria, all along the
Limpopo river ; but I did not observe it beyond Bamangwato.
It creeps along the boughs of the trees like a Woodpecker,
for which I often mistook it ; it is by no means a shy bird.

Indicator sparrmanni, Steph.

«, <$ . Limpopo, November 16th, 1873.

Bill whitish ; legs lead-colour ; iris dark yellow.

Found from the north of the Transvaal to the Matabili
country. Extremely pertinacious in its habit of following
one in order to conduct to a bee's nest, chattering incessantly
until it gains its point or is knocked over with the gun. The
natives, however, strongly object to their being shot.

Dendrobates namaquus (Licht.).

<$ . Transvaal, July 7th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark red.

This was one of a pair that were making their nest ; they
were very tame.

Dendrobates cardinalis (Gm.).

a, $ . Bamangwato, November 5th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs bluish grey ; iris dark red.

b , $ . Transvaal, July 3, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark red.

Dendropicus hartlaubi, Malh.

a , $ . Natal, May 22, 1873.

Beak black ; legs greenish grey ; iris dark red.

Geocolaptes olivaceus (Lath.) .

g . Natal, May 19th, 1873.

$ . Transvaal, July 8th, 1873.

during a journey to the Matabili Country. 369

Beak and legs black ; iris orange. The female has the iris
dark red.

Common in Natal, frequenting the open hills and sitting
among the stones. I never noticed it among trees. These
birds generally go about in parties of six or seven, probably
the old birds and their young.

PsiTTACUS MEYERI (R,iipp.) .

J . Matabili, September 7th 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris brown.

This was the only Parrot seen during the journey. It is
common from the north-west of the Transvaal to the Mata¬
bili country. These birds are seen either in pairs or small
parties, and are not shy. Their cry is a very shrill note,
repeated several times, and generally uttered when flying;
their flight is extremely rapid, during which time the blue
on the rump is very conspicuous.

Turdus LiTSiTsiRUPA, Smith.

? . Transvaal, July 2nd, 1873.

Lower part of under mandible yellowish, the rest dark horn-
colour ; legs light brown ; iris dark hazel.

Not very often seen by me, but, from its retiring ways, may
be commoner than it appeared.

Pycnonotus nigricans (V.).

Transvaal, July 2nd, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark claret.

Common throughout the country. There seem to be two
sorts, one with a flesh-coloured cere round the eye. These
birds generally go in small parties.

Monticola rupestris (Cuv.).

a , ? . Natal, May 18th, 1873.

Bill and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Common throughout Natal, where it may be seen sitting
on stones by the roadsides, in pairs or families. In its flight
and habit of flirting its tail it resembles the Wheatear.

Crateropus bicolor (Jard.).

? . Bamangwato, October 16th, 1873.

SER. III. - VOL. IV. 2 D

370 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Beak and legs black ; iris reddish orange.

Common throughout the north of the Transvaal into the
Matabili country, and first met with at Eland’s river. The
habits of this and of C.jardinii are similar. They go in
flocks from tree to tree, following each other almost in single
file. When one commences its peculiar sort of chuckling
note, it is followed by the others, the noise increasing until it
is almost deafening. They creep about the bushes with won¬
derful care ; and if a wounded one gets into a tree, it is ex¬
tremely difficult to retrieve it. They have a skimming sort
of flight.

Crateropus jardinii, Smith.

? . Transvaal, July 3rd, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris yellow with a black rim.

The description of the habits of C. bicolor will answer
equally for this species. I took a nest of this bird on the
banks of the Limpopo, on the 23rd of November. It con¬
tained but one egg ; but the parent bird was close to the nest,
which was about the size of a Blackbird's, deep and coarsely
lined, and placed in a small but very thorny tree. The eggs
were of a blue colour, like a Thrush's, without spots.

CoSSYPHA CAPPRA (L.).

? . Transvaal, July 2nd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

CoSSYPHA HUMERALIS (Smith) .

Bessonornis humeralis (Smith) : Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 132.

a , £ . Makalapse Biver, Bamangwato, October 25th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brownish black ; iris dark hazel.

I observed a pair of these birds on a small stony hill, and
procured the male. They were not at all shy ; but from the
thickness of the cover it was difficult to get far enough off
to shoot them without spoiling them. They flew and hopped
about the bushes in search of food, but seemed to avoid the
open ground.

Myrmecocichla pormicivora (V.).

J ? . Bushman's River, Natal, May 21st, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

during a journey to the Matabili Country . 371

Common throughout the colony of Natal as well as the
Transvaal, sitting about on the small ant-heaps. It resembles
Saxicola monticola in its habits.

Saxicola monticola, Y.

a , $ . Natal, May 21, 1873.

Bill and feet black.

b, $ . Transvaal, June 16th, 1873.

Bill and feet black ; iris light brown.

Very common throughout the “ High Veldt” portion of
the Transvaal. They sit in pairs on the small ant-hills, and
have a habit, the male more especially, of soaring a short dis¬
tance and then dropping quite suddenly, sometimes on to
the ground, at others to within a short distance, and then
skimming along a considerable way. During the breeding-
season, as well as during summer or winter, the pair were
generally to be seen sitting together.

Saxicola leucomel^ena, Burch.

a , $ . Natal, May 22nd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Saxicola familiaris, Steph.

<J. Natal, May 22nd, 1873.

I believe I observed this bird in the Matabili country,
hopping about our cattle-kraal like a Robin.

Saxicola pileata (Gm.).

Newcastle, Natal, June 5th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

I found a good number of these birds one day, but those I
procured were all males. They have a very pretty song.

Saxicola bifasciata, Temm.

$ . Natal, December 20th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

I saw several pairs of these birds near the foot of the
Drakenberg, where they were breeding. Their habits and
haunts are like our Stonechat, as far as I had the opportunity
of observing them.

2 n 2

372 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Bradyornis mariquensis, Smith.

g . Bamangwato, August 22nd, 1873.

$ . Transvaal, July 4th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

A common bird throughout the north of the Transvaal.
Its habits and appearance resemble those of the Spotted Fly¬
catcher, for which I at first mistook it.

Sigelus silens (Shaw).

$ . Transvaal, July 2nd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Common throughout the north-west of the Transvaal, and
in the Bamangwato district.

Aedon P(ena (Smith).

$ . Transvaal, July 3rd, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

$ . Bamangwato, November 5th, 1873.

Beak brown; legs light brown ; iris hazel.

Common throughout the north of the Transvaal and in the
Bamangwato district, where they may be found along the
banks of the sand-rivers ; they are very tame.

Aedon leucophrys (V.).

<$ . Bamangwato, October 24th, 1873.

Lower part of under mandible yellowish brown, rest black ;
legs dark brown ; iris dark hazel.

This species is one of the commonest Warblers in the Ba¬
mangwato district, and is generally to be seen in pairs. The
male has a very pretty song.

ClSTICOLA TERRESTRIS, Smith.

a, $ . Pietermaritzburg, April 30th, 1873.

Iris hazel.

Extremely common throughout Natal and the Transvaal,
living among the long dead grass in the open veldt ; its flight
is weak and jerky, seldom extended far.

Dryakeca natalensis. Smith : Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 87.

$ . Pietermaritzburg, Natal, May 2nd, 1873.

during a journey to the Matabili Country. 873

Culmen of beak black, the rest yellow ; legs light brown ;
iris dark hazel.

I only observed this one specimen, which I shot among some
reeds by a small stream ; it was rather shy.

Drymceca cheniana, Smith.

a} $ . Bamangwato, October 6th, 1873.

Beak brown ; legs very light brown ; iris light hazel.

This specimen agrees best with a Transvaal example of D.
cheniana in Mr. Sharpens collection, and is accordingly de¬
termined as above. This bird is found in the Matabili country ;
and, from the date at which it is to be met with, it must be
rather independent of water.

Drymceca fasciolata, Smith.

Gooqui, Bamangwato, October 16th, 1873,

Legs light brown.

Camaroptera brevicaudata (Rupp.).

a , $ . Limpopo, November 12th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs light brown ; iris brown.

Shot while flitting about in a tree, much after the manner
of our English Willow-Wren.

Sylvietta rufescens (Y.) .

a, £ • Transvaal, July 1st, 1873.

Beak and legs brown ; iris light hazel.

b. Palatzi, Bamangwato, October 20, 1873.

Parus afer, Gm.

$ . Matabili, September 28th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs lead-colour ; iris dark hazel.

A very common species throughout the Matabili and Ba¬
mangwato districts. It scarcely seems to creep so much about
the trees after food as our English Tits.

Parus niger, Y.

a, $ . Bamangwato, October 18th, 1873.

Beak black; legs lead-colour; iris dark hazel.

COLIUS ERYTHROMELON, Y.

a^b, £ . Transvaal, July 5th, 1873.

374 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Beak red at base, black at tip ; orbital space red ; legs red ;
iris dark hazel.

Very common throughout the Transvaal ; found in flocks
of six or eight or more ; they fly with a rapid and straight
flight, and, when disturbed, generally all go off together.

Nectarinia famosa (L.) .

S . Drakenberg, Natal, December 19th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Only seen in this one place, but most likely a summer visi¬
tant. About here I found several pairs living amongst the
thick patches of bush along the small streams that run down
the side of the Drakenberg. They were restless, but not at
all shy.

Nectarinia bifasciata (Shaw).

a, $ , b , $ . Towanni River, Bamangwato, October 23,
1873.

Bill black ; legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Quite the commonest Sun-bird from north of Pretoria into
the Matabili country. They were generally to be seen in
pairs, or perhaps two cocks chasing a hen. Like all dark-
coloured Sun-birds, the beautiful plumage of the male is only
to be seen on a near approach. From a specimen I have in
my collection it would appear that the male changes from
the sober colours of the female into his own lovely hues in
October. The habits of all the Sun-birds seem to be similar,
very lively and restless, rarely remaining long in one tree,
unless attracted by an abundance of flowers, in which no
doubt their food is to be found. The males are much shyer
than the females. I did not observe this species in Natal.

Nectarinia gutturalis (L.).

$ . Matabili, October 8th, 1873.

I only met with this bird in the Matabili country about the
Imquisi and Samouqui rivers ; and even there they were not
very abundant. The young male gets the scarlet plumage on
the throat first, the feathers of the back being of a light
greyish brown.

375

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

Nectarinia talatajla, Smith.

S $ . Bamangwato, October 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Common in the Bamangwato districts, where they are gene¬
rally to be seen in pairs.

PaRISOMA SUBCiERULEUM (Gm.).

$ . Transvaal, July 3rd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs black ; iris white.

A very common species from Natal to the Matabili land.
It creeps and hops about the bushes, never flying far at a
time.

Batis capensis (L.), Sharpe, Ibis, 1873, p. 161.

S . Natal, May 17th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris orange.

Only seen on this occasion.

Batis molitor (Hahn & Kiist.), Sharpe, l. c. p. 166.

$ . Bamangwato, November 5th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris lemon yellow.

A common species from the Transvaal up to the Matabili
country. They are generally seen in pairs ; and in the stomach
of one I found the remains of locusts.

CoTYLE PALUDICOLA (V.).

? . Pietermaritzburg, Natal, May 3rd, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Obtained out of a flock, near a small stream ; there is no
difference in their appearance from the common Sand Martin.

CoTYLE CINCTA (Bodd.) .

S . Drakenberg, Natal, December 19th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

A summer migrant apparently, as I only saw them on our
return journey ; they were not particularly abundant, a few
pairs only being seen together in this one spot.

Dicrtjrus musicus, V.

S • Transvaal, July 1st, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark red.

Very common from the north of Pretoria into the Matabili

376 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

country. It is a bold bird, driving any Crow or bird of prey
from its vicinity. This species is an early builder, as I found
full-grown young ones in a nest on the 28th of November ;
the nest was placed in the fork of a branch, and seemed very
small for the young birds ; the parents sat in the tree close
to me while I was inspecting the nest. This birds sits on a
branch of a tree, high up, on the look-out for insects, which
it catches on the wing and then returns to its perch. They
are generally found in pairs.

Nilaus brubru (Lath.).
g . Matabili, September 29th, 1873.

$ . Shashai, September 13th, 1873.

Beak and legs horn-colour ; iris hazel.

The Shashai specimen had the beak and legs black ; iris
dark hazel.

A common species in the Matabili country.

Dryoscopus cubla (Lath.).

«, $ • Limpopo, November 15th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris red.

bj $ . Matabili, September 22nd, 1873.

Beak blackish grey.

Prionops talacoma, Smith.

$ . Transvaal, November 30th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brick-red ; iris lemon-yellow ; fringe
round the eye yellow.

A common species north of Pretoria into the Matabili
country. They go in flocks from bush to bush, and feed alike
in the trees and on the ground. They are by no means shy.

Laniarius sulfureipectus (Less.) .

a, $ . Limpopo, November 12th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs lead-colour ; iris dark hazel.

Shot creeping about the bushes on the Limpopo river ;
tolerably common.

Laniarius atrococcineus (Burch.).

a , $ . Bamangwato, August 23rd, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

3 77

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

b, $ . Transvaal^ July 16; 1873.

Yery common in the bush-country north of Pretoria; up to
the Matabili country. Its note and habits were the same as
the West- African L. harbarus.

LANIUS COLLURIO, L.

$ . Limpopo; November 1873.

Common south of Bamangwato on our return journey; it
is probably only a summer migrant.

Lanius collariS; Gm.

a} <S ad. Pietermaritzberg; May 3, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

b ; 6 juv. Transvaal; July 4th; 1873.

Telephonus erythropterus (Shaw).

a , d . Bamangwato; August 21st; 1873.

Beak black ; legs grey ; iris purple.

by $ . Gooqui River; Bamangwato; August 25th; 1873.

Soft parts as above.

Fairly common throughout Bamangwato; in its habits it was
identical with those I met with on the west coast in Fantee.

The female specimen is in the brown-headed plumage de¬
scribed by Smith as Telephonus trivirgatus. She is much
smaller than the male ; but I could not quite determine whether
she belonged to a different species; as I shot both birds in the
same country, and their habits were the same.

Etjrocephaltjs anguitimens, Smith.

$ . Towanni River, Bamangwato, October 23rd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs dark brown ; iris dark hazel.

Found in the Bamangwato and Matabili countries. I only
observed this fine Shrike on two or three occasions ; at one time
there were three or four of them together, hawking after insects
apparently, and returning to the same branch, like a Fly¬
catcher. They were rather shy, and it was some time before
I secured one. Their flight is undulating.

Urolestes cissoides (Licht.).

«, $ . Transvaal, July 7th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

378 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Very common through the Transvaal. I have often seen
as many as ten together in one bush ; when flying they look
exactly like Magpies.

Pholidauges verreauxi, Bocage.

d • Gooqui river, Bamangwato, October 16th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brownish black ; iris lemon-yellow.

This was the only specimen obtained ; and there was only
one more seen.

Amydrus bicolor (Gm.) .

d $ . Newcastle, Natal, June 3rd, 1873.

Beak, gape, and lower part of under mandible yellow, the
rest black ; legs black ; iris yellow.

The yellow in the beak of the female is less bright. These
birds are very common, going about in straggling flocks.
Their movements on the ground are lively, resembling those
of Sturnus vulgaris ; the note is something like the chatter of
a Fieldfare. I do not remember having met with this species
out of Natal.

Lamprocolius phcenicopterus (Sw.).

a , d . Natal, May 22, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris lemon-yellow.

b, d • Limpopo, November 17th, 1873.

c} d • Tatti, October 11th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs dark brown.

Very common from Natal to the Matabili country, but I
never saw them in any very large flocks. They breed in Oc¬
tober in hollow trees, and seem to lay about three eggs.

Lamprotornis australis (Sm.) .

Transvaal, July 8th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Very common in the north of the Transvaal, building under
the eaves of the houses in Pretoria.

Dilophus carunculatus (Gm.).

<$. Serule, Bamangwato, August 28th, 1873.

Beak light brown ; legs dark brown ; iris dark hazel.

I only met with this species on this one occasion, when I
secured three out of a small flock near a water-hole.

379

during a journey to the Matahili Country.

Buphaga africana, L.

$ . Matabili, September 23rd, 1873.

Beak, base yellow, tip red ; legs black ; iris orange-red.

Common in the north of the Transvaal right up into the
Matabili country. This bird is a great nuisance at times to
cattle, from its habit of pecking holes in them ; they run
over a bullock as easily as a Woodpecker on a tree, picking
out the ticks which infest them. Over a bullock's back you
may see three or four of these birds' heads reconnoitering you
on your approach ; so tame are they, that the one in question
was killed by one of our natives, with a stick, from a horse's
back. This species is continually with the Rhinoceros, and
when the animal is disturbed, the birds hover over it as it
runs, keeping up a continual twitter.

Corvus albicollis, Lath. : Layard, p. 167.

Corvus scapulatus, Daud. : Layard, p. 168.

Both equally common, affecting the open plains and neigh¬
bourhood of towns more than the bush-country.

Corvus segetum, Temm.

Not nearly so common as the two preceding species, nor
did I ever observe them in flocks.

Textor erythrorhynchus. Smith.

c 3 . Transvaal : July 16, 1873.

Beak red ; legs red ; iris dark hazel.

Y ery common on the Limpopo, where they are to be found
in winter in flocks, and in summer breeding in the largest
trees along the river-bank. Their nests are very large, and
seem to be composed of sticks; but as the trees in which
they build are very thorny, like nearly every tree in Africa,
I was unable to examine them. These birds breed in small
colonies.

Hyphantornis capitalis (Lath.).

a, b, S . Limpopo, November 22nd & 23rd, 1873.

Bill black ; legs flesh-coloured ; iris dark hazel.

Not observed on my way up the country ; so it perhaps only
comes here to nest. These birds breed in colonies, a tree by

380 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

the river-side being literally covered by their pendulous
nests, which are very slightly constructed of grass. Their
eggs are blue speckled with dark brown.

Hyphantornis nigrifrons, Cab.

a, d . Matabili, September 29th, 1873.

Bill black; legs brown; iris reddish.

b, $ . Tatti, October 10th, 1873.

Bill and legs dark brown ; iris reddish brown.

c, d, S . Bamangwato, October 14th, 1873.

Bill and legs brown ; iris yellowish white.

e,f, d- Bamangwato, October 14, 1873.

Bill black ; legs brown ; iris yellowish white.

These birds were very common through the Bamangwato
district, and when first met with had scarcely got their full
plumage. The difference in the colour of the bill and iris
may be attributed to difference of age.

Hyphantornis capensis (Gm.).

d , Transvaal, December 16th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs light brown ; iris light straw-colour.

Apparently not very common, but generally to be seen
singly about water in the marshes.

Plocepasser mahali, Smith.

d . Matabili land, September 8th, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs brown ; iris dark red.

First met with on the Limpopo. They build large nests of
dried yellow grass in the flat tops of the mimosas, several pairs
occupying the same tree. Most of these nests have a hole
right through, and seem only used for roosting in, as there
is no place for eggs ; it is the older-looking nests that contain
the eggs, which are pink, speckled with light brown ; these
nests have only one entrance. The male has a short but
sweet song.

Sporopipes squamifrons (Smith).

d . Matabili ; September 29th, 1873.

Beak rose-colour ; legs greyish brown ; iris dark brown.

A common bird in the Bamangwato and Matabili countries.

during a journey to the Matabili Country. 381

Euplectes capensis (L.).

6 . Drakenberg, Natal, December 19th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs dark brown ; iris dark hazel.

A common bird from Natal to the Matabili. In the young
male the beak is brown and the legs of a lighter colour ; but
this is most likely the winter colouring as well ; the feathers
are then almost uniformly of a brown colour, the rump and
shoulders of the wing bearing traces of yellow.

Euplectes oryx (L.).

cf . Transvaal, December 16, 1873.

Beak black ; legs light brown ; iris dark hazel.

A very common species in the Transvaal, breeding in large
colonies among the reeds in thea vleys,^ where there was always
water between them and the bank. It was a pretty sight to see
the splendidly coloured males flying in every direction ; on
being disturbed they generally took a long turn over the land
and then returned to their nests. The latter are constructed of
dried grass, domed over, with a hole at the side ; the eggs,
three in number, are blue spotted slightly with brown.

Vidua principalis (L.).

a , . Natal, December 27th, 1873.

Beak crimson ; legs greyish black ; iris dark hazel.

b, $ . Drakenberg, December 20th, 1873.

I do not remember meeting this Whydah bird out of Natal ;
it was common in the latter country.

Vidua regia, L.

a} $ . Limpopo, Nov. 15, 1873.

Beak pink ; legs pinkish brown ; iris dark hazel.

Chera progne (Bodd.).

One of the commonest, and at the same time the most
noticeable Weaverbird in the Transvaal, north of which
country we did not meet with it. Their long tails form an
incumbrance in a high gale of wind, so that they may almost
be run down. We found the males very common during the
breeding-season, but never succeeded in securing a female.
The natives call this bird Sac-a-bula, and prize its long tail-
feathers as an ornament for their hair.

382 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Vidua ardens (BodcL).

a , . Drakenberg, December 20th, 1873.

Bill and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

I only met with this bird on our return journey. It fre¬
quents marshy land on the sides of streams.

Urobachya axillaris (Smith).

This bird I only saw on my way down close to Pietermaritz¬
burg ; but having no gun, I never procured a specimen ; when
flying it resembled C. progne minus the long tail.

Estrelda cyanogastra (Daud.).

£ • Matabili, September 29th, 1873.

Beak purple ; legs light brown ; iris orange-red.

Very common through the Transvaal into the Matabili
country. It is a rather more conspicuous species than some of
the other small Finches.

Estrelda granatina (L.).

$ . Matabili, September 29th, 1873.

Beak red ; legs black ; iris orange-red.

Common in the Matabili country, where they go about in
small flocks.

PyTELIA MELBA (L.) .

$ . Bamangwato, October 26th, 1873.

Beak crimson ; legs brown ; iris red.

Met with, though not very abundantly, throughout the
Bamangwato and Matabili countries. They seem to be very
unobtrusive in their habits.

Passer - , sp.

I once found three or four pairs of Sparrows building in
some old trees near the Limpopo ; I procured one, but it was
too much injured to be of any use. I do not remember
having met with them again. The one I shot resembled P.
simplex , which is the common species on the Gold Coast, and
was most likely P. diffusus.

Fringillaria flaviventris (V.) .

<5 . Transvaal, July 4th, 1873.

during a journey to the Matabili Country. 383

Beak horn-colour above, light brown beneath ; legs light
brown ; iris dark hazel.

Met with sparingly in the bush “ veldt ” north of Pretoria
into the Bamangwato district, but not found in any great
abundance. It seems to be rather solitary in its habits.

Fejngill4Ria tahapisi (Smith).

c J $ . Transvaal, November 29th and 30th, 1873.

Beak horn-colour above, lower mandible yellow ; legs
brownish yellow ; iris dark hazel.

Not observed on my way up, and on my return only seen
in the Transvaal.

Alauda cinerea (Gm.).

6 . Pietermaritzburg, Natal, May 2nd, 1873.

Beak, base brown, tip black ; legs dark brown ; iris dark
hazel.

I only saw these birds here ; there was a scattered flock, of
which I procured these two males and one female ; they run
fast and are extremely difficult to see.

Certhilauda semitorquata. Smith.

a, <$. Transvaal, June 16th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

Not very common, I fancy. This was the only specimen I
obtained ; and I observed only one or two more. This one was
shot on the side of a small hill among some stones ; its flight
was undulating.

Alauda njsvia, Striekl.

«, <$ . Transvaal, July 5th, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs brown ; iris hazel.

b , . Transvaal, July 8th, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs flesh-colour ; iris dark hazel.

c, c? . Transvaal, July 10, 1873.

Legs light brown ; iris hazel.

d, $ . Bamangwato, October 15th 1873.

Beak brown ; Legs light brown ; iris light hazel.

Specimen a is of a rufous tinge all over, from the nature of
the ground on which it was shot. These birds agree with a

384 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Transvaal specimen shot by Mr. Ayres, and now in Mr.
Sharpe's collection.

These birds are very common north of Pretoria, sitting on
bushes quite as much as on the ground ; they are mostly soli¬
tary, even a pair being rarely seen together, except in the
breeding-season. They range as far as the Matabili country.

Alauda African a, Smith.

a , 2 • Natal, May 22nd, 1873.

Bill horn-colour ; legs light brown ; iris hazel.

Anthus pyrrhonotus, Vieill. : Gurney, Ibis, 1871, p. 156 ;
Layard, Ibis, 1871, p. 228.

Anthus erythronotus , Steph. : Sharpe, Cat. p. 72.

<3 . Bushman's Biver, Natal, May 21st, 1873.

Beak black above, brown beneath ; legs brown ; iris hazel.

Anthus caffer, Sund.

a, 2 • Pietermaritzburg, May 2nd, 1873.

Beak blackish brown ; legs light brown ; iris dark hazel.

Common through Natal and the Transvaal. I once found
a nest at Pretoria, which I believe belonged to this species.
The nest itself was the same in appearance as that of the
Meadow Pipit, but the eggs rather more streaked than those
of that bird.

Macronyx capensis (L.).

6 . Transvaal, December 9th, 1873.

Beak horn-colour ; legs brown ; iris dark hazel.

Very common through Natal and the “ High Veldt," part
of the Transvaal. They are found singly or in pairs, and fly
with several very rapid beats of the wing together, uttering
their call note all the time, which is exactly what Layard calls
“ mewing."

Columba phjEonotus, Gray, Hand-1. B. ii. p. 234.

a, <3 . Natal, June 5th, 1873.

Beak black ; iris light brown.

I only procured one ; but in the north of the Transvaal I
saw a large flock. On our return journey I found some
Pigeons, evidently of this species, at the same place, breeding
in a cave.

385

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

(Ena capensis (L.) .

6 . Transvaal, July 3rd, 1873.

Beak orange-red ; legs pink ; iris dark red.

These pretty Doves were first observed a day’s journey from
Pretoria, and, although never in very large flocks, were very
common. I met with them at the Tatti, in the Matabili
country.

Pterocles gutturalis, Smith.

«, b, d . Transvaal, July 11th, 1873.

Beak black ; iris dark brown.

First met with about two days’ journey by bullock- waggon
from the Limpopo, in the north of the Transvaal. They go
about in small flocks in the open country. Their note is very
like the croaking of a Woodcock, but much louder. In the
evening they begin to fly down to their watering-places.

Pterocles bicinctus, Temm.

a, b, $ 2 • Transvaal, July 20th, 1873.

Beak yellow ; iris dark hazel.

Very common from the Limpopo to the Matabili. In the
evening they come down in immense flocks to the water-
holes to drink. During the day they are mostly found in
pairs, or at most three together ; they rise sharply from the
ground, uttering a somewhat creaking note.

EuPODOTIS CiERULESCENS (Y.) .

c? . Transvaal, June 21st, 1873.

Beak, base horn- colour, tip black ; legs yellowish brown ;
iris hazel.

Common throughout the high country of the Transvaal,
but not met with in the bush by me. This bird goes in small
families, three or four being found together; but, from their
habit of running, they rarely all rise on the wing together.

Eupodotxs afroides, Smith.

Common throughout the north of the Transvaal. During
the breeding-season the male flies about making a most
peculiar noise, something like a small drum being beaten
with one stick.

2 E

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

386 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Eupodotis ruficrista (Smith) .

a, $ . Transvaal, July 6th, 1873.

Upper mandible black, lower one yellowish white ; legs
greenish yellow ; iris light stone-colour.

This Bustard is common from the north of the Transvaal to
the Matabili country, and is a bush-loving species. It breeds
about October or November, and lays either one or two eggs.

Numida cornuta, Finsch & Hartl. Vog. O.-Afr. p. 569
(1870).

Very common from the Limpopo to the Bamangwato
district ; and on one occasion I must have seen about two
hundred on the wing together. In the evening they come to
the water-holes to drink, and roost in the trees close by. They
are capital eating.

Francolinus subtorquatus, Smith.

a , Bamangwato, July 29th, 1873.

Beak black, yellow at base of under mandible ; legs yellow ;
iris light brown.

Found in Natal and the Transvaal, and fairly common up
to the Matabili country, but, from the extreme difficulty in
flushing them, not often seen. When once up, however, they
go off as quickly as a Partridge in November.

Francolinus swainsoni, Smith.

First met with two or three days north of Pretoria, and
thence common in all suitable localities into the Matabili
country; this is the bird called “ Pheasant” by the colo¬
nists. In the older males the throat is bare for an inch or
more, and is of a dirty red colour. These birds are gene¬
rally found in coveys ; they are very quick runners, and it
requires a good deal of exertion on one's part to flush them.

Francolinus pileatus, Smith.

a, . Mackloetze river, Bamangwato, August 16th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs light red ; iris dark hazel.

Very common, going about in coveys; in the evening they
may be heard calling in all directions from the trees. Found
from the Limpopo up to the Matabili country.

387

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

Francolinus natalensis, Smith.

a, b} d $ . Transvaal, July 3rd, 1873.

Beak and legs red ; iris dark hazel.

The commonest Francolin throughout the Transvaal up to
the Matabili country.

Turnix lipurana (Smith).

I saw this bird on several occasions in the Matabili country ;
they are generally to be found in pairs.

Chetttjsia lateralis (Smith).

a , d . Transvaal November 27th, 1873.

Beak greenish, black at tip ; legs lemon-yellow ; iris dirty
straw-colour ; upper wattle scarlet, lower one light yellow.

Only seen in this one locality on our way down. From
what I saw of its habits they seem to resemble those of
Hoplopterus coronatus .

Hoplopterus armatus, J. & S.

a, by d 2 • Transvaal, December 8th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris crimson.

Common in suitable localities from the Transvaal to the
Matabili country. Generally to be found either in pairs or
in companies of five or six. Watchful and noisy in their
habits, though not shy. They breed on the banks of rivers or
near marshes.

Hoplopterus coronatus (Temm.).

a3 d . Natal, March 14, 1873.

Beak pink, black at tip ; legs pink ; iris light yellow.

Common throughout Natal and the Transvaal, going about
in flocks in the winter.

Charadrius tricollaris, Y.

a , d . Natal, May 22 nd, 1873.

Beak orange-red at base, black at tip ; legs pink ; iris light
brown.

b} d . Transvaal, December 9th, 1873.

Beak as above ; legs flesh-coloured ; iris dark hazel ; rim
round the eye brick-red.

2 e 2

388 Mr. T. E. Buckley on Birds observed

Common throughout Natal and the Transvaal, frequenting
the hanks of streams, hut never more than two or three seen
together.

(Edicnemus maculosus, Temm.

«, $ . Natal, May 30th, 1873.

Beak black, yellow at base ; legs yellow ; iris light yellow.

Found both in the bush and open country throughout Natal
and the Transvaal.

Glareola nordmanni, Fisch.

«, s • Transvaal, December 8th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brownish black ; iris dark hazel.

Very common on our return journey ; found in large flocks
on the high ground of the Transvaal. They have a very bold
flight, more like that of a Hawk than a Plover.

Numenius arquatus (L.) .

Only once observed by me, and that on the morning when
I took the eggs of Balearica regulorum ; there were about
seven or eight in a small flock.

Totantjs glottis (L.).

Fairly common along the Limpopo, where I have often
seen them and heard their well-known cry.

Philomachus pugnax (L.).

Observed in large flocks on our way down through the Trans¬
vaal, where we obtained several specimens.

GaLLINAGO 2EQUATORIALIS, Bflpp.

a, b, $ . Pietermaritzberg, May 2nd, 1873.

Beak black ; legs brownish green ; iris dark hazel.

Common in suitable places throughout Natal and the Trans¬
vaal. Their note resembles that of the English Snipe.

Crex pratensis, Bechst.

Ortygometra crex , Layard, B. S. Afr. p. 338.

a , cT . Drakenberg, Natal, December 19th, 1873.

Beak and legs flesh-colour ; iris light hazel.

The only specimen met with ; and I never heard its familiar
call in South Africa.

389

during a journey to the Matabili Country.

Fulica cristata, Gm.

Two specimens obtained in the Transvaal, where they are
fairly common.

Balearica regulorum (Licht.).

Pretty common throughout the open country of the Trans¬
vaal, and called by the Dutch “Mahem/' One morning, on
the 12th of November last year, seeing some Black Wildebeests
on the other side of a valley, I set out after them, but found,
to my disgust, that the way was blocked by a channel of water,
on either side of which were tall reeds. As I was walking along
looking in vain for an opening to get across, I flushed one of
these birds from a small open space among the reeds ; going
to the place I found a large floating nest composed of dried
reeds, in the centre of which were two eggs of a white colour
tinged slightly with blue ; these, after some little difficulty in
wading to the nest, I obtained. The nest had no lining what¬
ever.

Tetrapteryx paradisea (Licht.) .

Not uncommon in the open country of the Transvaal, where
it is generally to be seen in pairs. They are so wary that
I never obtained a specimen.

ClCONIA ALBA, L.

On our return journey we found immense flocks of these
birds frequenting the sandbanks and grassy places along the
Limpopo, and procured one specimen.

Scopus umbretta (Gm.).

a , $ . Transvaal, June 8th, 1873.

Beak and legs black ; iris dark hazel.

In the summer I found these birds breeding on the banks of
the Limpopo, making an immense nest in trees, which, being
mostly composed of thorns, is extremely difficult to get into.
One of them, which I managed to storm with great difficulty,
was neatly lined inside with mud, and contained three young
birds covered with white down. In the winter this bird is
found wherever there is a pool of water ; and though generally
alone, it is not at all shy.

390 Birds observed during a journey to the Matabili Country.

Ardea cinerea, L.

Fairly common on the Limpopo, where I observed several
pairs and obtained one specimen, of which, however, I only
preserved the feathers of the neck and the upper wing-
coverts.

Ardea purpurea, L.

Common through the open country of the Transvaal, build¬
ing among the tall reeds of the (c sluits ” that are generally
to be found in the hollows of the undulating ground.

Ardea alba, L.

A few pairs seen along the Limpopo during the summer.

Ardeola comata (Pall.).

a , S . Bamangwato, August 19th, 1873.

Beak yellowish, black towards tip of culmen ; legs greenish
yellow ; iris light yellow.

b , J. Transvaal, July 11th, 1873.

Distributed through the country and found only singly.

CheNALOPEX jEGYPTIACUS (L.) .

Seen in pairs on the sandbanks of the Limpopo ; they are
very wary, and begin to sound the note of alarm long before
one can see them ; one which we obtained was shot from a
nest in a tree, where it was doubtless sitting on its eggs.

Plectropterus gambensis (L.).

We obtained one specimen which, I believe, belonged to
this species. In size it resembled a Goose ; and the general
colour was black. We often used to see birds, I suppose,
of this species in the marshes of the Transvaal. From their
colour they were very conspicuous, but very shy.

Anas plavirostris. Smith.

Mooi River, Natal, May 19, 1873.

Beak black, with a yellow patch down the middle of the
upper mandible ; legs black ; iris light orange.

The commonest Duck throughout Natal and the Transvaal,
and by no means wary. Its flesh is excellent.

Mr. H. Durnford on North- Frisian Ornithology. 391

Anas sparsa, Smith.

Natal, May 15, 1873.

Iris dark hazel.

A common Duck, going about generally in pairs ; they rise
heavily, like a Pochard. I only saw them south of Pretoria.

Sterna leucoptera.

a , $ . Transvaal, December 9th, 1873.

Beak black ; legs orange-yellow ; iris dark hazel.

Seen in the Transvaal, on onr way down, in flocks frequent¬
ing the marshes and lagoons.

Plotus levaillanti ?

I obtained one specimen which I can only refer to this
species, and observed several more ; they frequented the
“ sluits 99 and pools of water of the Transvaal.

Pelecanus — — .

I once or twice saw Pelecans soaring high in the air in
circles. At Bamangwato I saw a skin of one, which I unfor¬
tunately neglected to obtain ; I was told it came from the
lake (Lake N'gami) where it breeds, and was only found
there.

Struthio australis.

Still common, but very much hunted for the feathers,
which, with ivory, are the two principal articles of trade with
the Kaffirs. Ostriches seem to lay from August to October,
as the natives bring in their eggs during all that time. The
stride of an Ostrich is enormous, being equal to about three
steps of a man. They are generally seen in pairs.

XXXIX. — Ornithological Notes on the North-Frisian Islands
and adjacent Coast. By Henry Durnford.

Being desirous last spring of making an egg- collecting expe¬
dition, my brother and I pitched upon the North-Frisian
Islands, lying off the coast of Schleswig, as the scene of our
operations. Several English ornithologists have before visited
them ; but, as far as I am aware, no account of them has

392 Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology.

hitherto been published in this country ; and, indeed, the only
contribution to their ornithology I know of is the short paper
on the birds of Sylt by Pafn, published in 'Naumannia^ for
1857 (pp. 125-128). Owing to a law which came into opera¬
tion this year, no eggs are allowed to be taken (except in a
few islands, where the people chiefly subsist on them) after
the 30th April ; and there is also a law prohibiting the shoot¬
ing of birds on land. Fortunately for us, the first of these
laws is not as yet very strictly enforced, and we accordingly
took little notice of it — but were continually advised to be very
cautious in the matter of taking eggs ; we heard that a few
days previous to our landing on Sylt two men had been fined
20 dollars (about £3) apiece for taking Herring-Gulls^ eggs
from the sandhills. Its existence, however, hindered us, in¬
asmuch as we did not like to hunt over the land in the more
populous districts ; still we always found ourselves fully em¬
ployed wherever we were. I left Hull on the 24th May, and
had a very stormy passage across to Hamburg, where I met
my brother, who had come by train from Paris. Off Spurn
Point I observed a single Sterna nigra amongst a party of S.
fluviatilis or S. hirundo ; about a hundred miles from the
lighthouse an Anthus prat ensis came on board from an easterly
direction, but much exhausted. When about sixty miles from
Heligoland another sought the shelter of our boat ; and before
we reached the island we had four or five on board. They
were all very tame, and if I had desired I could have caught
them in my hands. We passed within about five miles of
Pleligoland ; and when near the island they all left us, flying
in its direction. Just off the mouth of the Elbe a fine pair
of Anas acuta flew in a north-easterly direction close over our
boat. Amongst the scanty vegetation on the banks of the
river I observed JFgialitis minor to be numerous, but saw none
elsewhere.

The country from Hamburg to Husum is flat and uninter¬
esting ) but we passed over some extensive boggy heaths con¬
taining very inviting-looking spots for Plovers, Snipes, & c.
We saw a few pairs of Tring aides hypoleucus near the pools
of water formed in the holes whence peat had been dug, and

Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology . 393

a pair of Buteo vulgaris on the heath near Husum. One had
just caught a bird of some sort, and perched on the telegraph-
wire with it in its claws.

The North-Frisian Islands may be divided into three
classes : — first, those surrounded by an artificial embank¬
ment to resist the encroachments of the sea, and others which
are of precisely the same character but have not this protec¬
tion (these are mostly highly cultivated and pretty thickly
peopled) ; secondly, those which have a natural barrier of
sandhills, which are not so much cultivated as the first, neither
is their population so numerous ; thirdly, the small islands
with about one house on each, standing in the centre, and
raised some twenty or thirty feet above the surrounding level.
These last islands are very low and flat, and are frequently
covered, except the little raised centre, by the sea during high
winter tides. They are inhabited by one or two shepherds,
who have a flock of sheep and perhaps a few cows and oxen
to tend. All communication with the mainland or nearest
island is often cut off for many months together during the
winter. On Sylt, belonging to the second class, the sandhills
or dunes are very extensive, reaching from List, at the north,
to the southernmost point of the island, about twenty miles,
and are in one place as much as three miles across. The
North-Frisian group embraces about twenty islands, large
and small. Our route was from Hamburg to Husum by train,
thence by steamboat to Nordstrand ; from there we crossed
on foot to Sudfall. On leaving Sudfall we returned to Hu¬
sum and took train to Tondern, travelling from there to
Hoyer by diligence, a wretched machine, in which one is
dragged along at the rate of four miles an hour. At Hoyer
we took passage in the steamer plying between that place and
Munkmarsch, Sylt. After spending three days on this island
we took an open boat to the north point of Amrum; and
thence, after travelling through the island, we crossed in a
fishing-boat, half-decked, to Wyk, Fohr, the largest and most
important town on the islands. From Wyk we found a mail-
boat sailing to Dagebiill, on the mainland, about halfway be¬
tween Husum and Hoyer; and we accordingly availed our-

394 Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology .

selves of it. We drove from Dagebull to Husum by road,
and, after collecting our impedimenta, retraced our journey
to Hamburg. We met with invariable kindness and civility
from the natives, whose chief desire is to afford the visitor
every help in their power.

Many of the islands have “ Vogelkojen,” which are in every
respect like our decoy-ponds in England, and in which, during
the winter, large quantities of Ducks are taken. On the only
one we examined closely, on Sylt, some twenty or thirty
pinioned Wild Ducks, Teal, and Wigeon were quietly reposing.
Travelling through the islands generally has to be performed
on foot, as roads only exist between the principal villages,
and they are usually what we should call cart-tracks in Eng¬
land. The horses are powerful, well-fed animals ; but the ve¬
hicles they have to draw are, to the untutored foreigner, veri¬
table instruments of torture. In shape they somewhat re¬
semble our ordinary English hay -waggons, but are very narrow
at the bottom, with sides rapidly sloping outwards. The tra¬
veller takes his seat on a wooden plank placed across the
waggon, while the driver sits on another plank in front. It
is quite impossible to find a comfortable position ; and the
amount of jolting and shaking one has to submit to can
scarcely be imagined, especially as the vehicle has not the
slightest apology for springs. The native boats are usually flat-
bottomed, which, as the coast is extremely flat, and channels
narrow and, owing to the number of sandbanks, difficult of navi¬
gation, is very necessary. This remark does not apply to the
fishing-boats, in which the fishermen are often out at sea three
or four days at a time, but to the boats which are used for con¬
veying farm-produce, stock, &c. from one island to another, or
to the mainland ; all we saw were cutter-rigged. The inha¬
bitants are excellent sailors ; and, as the population is chiefly
composed of men who have spent a greater or less portion of
their lives on the sea, we were seldom at a loss to find some one
who could converse in English. The women do a great deal of
out-door work. While we were at List the farmer took ad¬
vantage of the fine warm weather to shear his sheep, and im¬
pressed many girls from the nearest village into his service.

Mr. H. Durnford on Noi'th- Frisian Ornithology . 395

The fare is coarse, chiefly black bread and eggs, with perhaps
a sole or piece of bacon ; but excellent butter and an almost
unlimited supply of cream make up for a multitude of
defects, and after a hard day’s work one can eat almost
any thing. The charge for board and lodging is extremely
moderate. We were favoured with almost uniformly fine
weather ; and one or two days while we were at List the
sandhills seemed thoroughly baked by the sun, and the heat
almost unbearable.

Arranged in something like scientific order, my notes on
the birds we saw are as follows : —

Circus ^eruginosus.

On Sylt, as we passed a “ Yogelkoje,” about two miles
north of the village of Kampen, a bird rose from the low
bushes surrounding the pond, and we saw another soaring
high in the air. Returning past the place two days after¬
wards we again flushed the bird ; and on going into the en¬
closure I found a nest in a wet place amongst the low shrubs,
formed completely of reeds and heather, and raised about
eighteen inches off the ground. It contained four young, of
which I preserved two ; their stomachs were crammed with
the remains of frogs. On Amrum we observed a few at both
ends of the island beating up the sandhills for rabbits. On
Fohr we saw one or two pairs.

CUCULUS CANORUS.

This we found pretty common everywhere^ especially in the
neighbourhood of dunes.

Cypselus aptjs.

Common on the mainland ; but we did not see it on the
islands.

Hirundo rustica.

Common everywhere, the most numerous of the Hirundinse.

Hirundo urbica.

Common.

HlRUNbO RIPARIA.

Pretty common.

396 Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology .

Saxicola (ENANTIIE.

Numerous on the mainland and islands in suitable localities.

Motacilla alba.

Common on Sylt and Amrum. We saw one pair onNord-
strand and a few on the mainland.

Motacilla flava.

Common on Amrum and on the mainland, where we put
up a small flock roosting in a patch of reeds near Hoyer. A
pair seen on Nordstrand had a nest, I think ; but we were un¬
successful in our search for it.

Anthus pratensis.

A few pairs observed on the north end of Sylt.

Alauda arvensis.

Common everywhere.

Emberiza miliaria.

Common on the mainland. We saw a few on Sylt and a
single bird on Nordstrand.

Emberiza schceniclus.

Common in suitable localities.

Passer domestictjs.

Common everywhere.

Linota cannabina.

Common at the north end of Sylt. We observed a few on
the mainland.

Sturnus vulgaris.

Common everywhere. The natives set up boxes outside
their houses both for Starlings and Sparrows, of which the
birds readily avail themselves.

Turtur auritus.

A pair frequented a field of rye near List, the north end of
Sylt, whilst we were there.

Perdix cinerea.

We heard two or three calling on the mainland near Hoyer,
but we did not observe it on the islands.

Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology . 39 7

Crex pratensis.

A single bird rose at onr feet while hunting over some
sedgy and heathy ground at the south end of Amrum.

ClCONIA ALBA.

Common in every village, and almost every homestead, on
the mainland, but not observed on the islands, except a pair
on the coast of Fohr, which had probably crossed over as
visitors.

ILematopus ostralegus. Frisice “ Canlite.”

Common on the islands and mainland. Has its nest on
the sandhills or shingle of the beach. I observed one swim¬
ming in the sea off Sylt. We reckoned about a hundred
pairs nesting on Sudfall.

K/ECurvirostra avocetta. Frisice Diicker.”

On the 28th May we saw three or four pairs of Avocets
feeding in a marsh on the left bank of the Creek near Husum,
and shot a female bird containing an egg in a forward state, as
she flew from a marsh on the right side of the creek. The nests
were evidently in the latter place, as the two birds feigned lame¬
ness ; but after a long and unsuccessful hunt we gave up the
search. On the 30th we again visited the marsh, but found
labourers engaged in it and no Avocets ; on walking past the
men’s coats, which had been thrown in a heap on the ground,
we saw lying there three Avocet’s eggs among some Tern’s and
Kentish Plover’s. They had found them whilst working on
the marsh, and gave them to us. We watched several birds
on the 7th June, as well as on a previous occasion, for fully
half an hour, through good glasses, feeding on the soft ooze,
and we never detected any lateral motion of the beak ; they
took their food like ordinary surface-feeding Sandpipers. W e
did not see this species on any of the islands or elsewhere on
the mainland.

Yanellus cristatus.

Common everywhere, and a perfect nuisance to us; for
whenever we wanted to watch any bird a screaming Peewit
was sure to be circling overhead.

398 Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology .

SqUATAROLA HELVETICA.

Many observed near Husum feeding on a tidal marsh and
mudbanks of the creek, mostly in pairs. A few seen on
Sylt.

iEGIALITIS HIATICULA.

Common on Sudfall, but not so numerous as the next
species, which is found all over the island, while this only
frequents the sea-beach. On Sylt JEgialitis hiaticula was
more numerous than JE. alexandrina ; and on Amrum the
proportion was about one to three. On the coast at Husum
we reckoned the proportion of AS. hiaticula to JE. alexandrina
at about one to ten. At Hoyer, the most northern point of
the mainland we visited, the former was numerous ; and we
did not see AS. alexandrina there, probably owing to the
nature of the ground, which was clothed with a scanty vege¬
tation. To sum up, JE. hiaticula is found more especially on
shingle and where the vegetation is slight, as it often prefers
nesting amongst a few blades of grass. It is much more de¬
monstrative when its nesting- ground is invaded than AS. alex¬
andrina ; and its note is much stronger than that bird's.

iEGIALITIS ALEXANDRINA.

Many observations on this species would only be a repetition
of those on the preceding. We never saw it where there was
any vegetation, as it prefers the most barren spots. The nests
were generally on fine shingle or gravel in the most exposed
places. On Sudfall we found a nest amongst clods of earth
on the marsh, lined with a few fragments of roots of grass.
Its note is much weaker than that of JE. hiaticula ; and it
never flies round one on approaching its nest, but contents
itself with feigning lameness, or flying a short distance and
then pitching again and running on in front of the observer,
uttering a feeble whistle — twee, twee} twee. It appears a
much more slender bird than JE. hiaticula , and, when flying,
of a lighter colour on the back ; when standing on the ground
and facing one, the two patches of black, one on each side of
the breast, are very conspicuous. The nest seemed to be
somewhat smaller than that of the other species ; it is

Mr. H. Durnford on North- Frisian Ornithology . 399

sometimes lined with a few fragments of shell, hut is often
nothing more than a mere hollow. N ear Husum we frequently
observed it feeding on the mudbanks of the creek.

Tringoides hypoleucus.

Two or three pairs observed near Husum, close to pools,
on the extensive heaths.

Totanus calidris. Frisice “ Tutti.”

Common on Sylt, Amrum, Fohr, and Nordstrand, wherever
there was sufficient cover for the nest, which we always found
well concealed. A few on Sudfall; common on the mainland.

Machetes pugnax.

Common on Sylt, Amrum, and Fohr, having its nest on a
tussock in the wettest places. We observed some noble bat¬
tles amongst the Ruffs, who, unless fighting, stand bolt up¬
right, like Owls. When engaged in combat they stoop and
charge like Gamecocks. The Reeves are silent except when
they have young, then they will fly slowly round one, with a
low guttural note. On Fohr we observed one which, from its
anxiety, betrayed the fact of its having young. We retired
behind the sea-wall, glasses in hand; and after waiting a
few minutes, three young ones ran out from the grass, and
then a fourth. Leaving my brother to watch, I jumped up
and ran to catch them. They all scuttled away ; and I could
only secure one, the others escaping in the long grass. How¬
ever, we again retired to watch behind the bank, and had not
been there half a minute before they ran out again and began
to feed with their mother. I merely mention this incident
to show their bold and fearless nature. We did not observe
this species on the mainland.

NuMENIUS PH.EOPUS.

We saw several feeding on the ooze on the shore of Sylt,
and one rose from some heather on the sandhills at the north
end of the island, but we could find no nest. We observed a
few on the coast near Husum.

Numenius arquata.

A few feeding on the ooze on the east coast of Sylt.

400 Mr. H. Durnford on North- Frisian Ornithology .

Limosa lapponica.

On the 28th May we saw three or four feeding in the marsh
on the left hank of the creek near Husum, and on the mud-
banks of the creek itself, and had a shot at one ; but when we
visited the marsh again on the 30th we saw no Godwits ;
doubtless the birds were only migratory.

Gallinago gallinula.

A single bird rose from a small patch of tall reeds sur¬
rounding a pool of water close to the sea near Husum. There
was no nest.

Tringa subarquata.

A pair observed feeding in the marsh on the left bank of
the creek at Husum on the 30th May ; but when we again
visited the spot on the 7th June they were not there.

Tringa a^pina.

Common on the mainland and on all the islands having
suitable nesting- ground. The nests were on low tussocks in
exposed situations, and also in places where it was very difficult
to find them. When disturbed the birds would alight almost
at our feet, not showing the least fear ; and they then fre¬
quently uttered a low continuous sort of clicking note.

Sterna nigra.

We found two pairs nesting in a very wet, marshy spot on
Nordstrand, and one pair on Fohr. We observed a few pairs
on the mainland, near Husum, and again near Hoyer, in very
wet places. All the nests we found were made of the dead
stems of reeds, and resting, half floating, just at the edge of
pools of water among tall rushes.

Sterna minuta. Frisice <c Klitteet.”

Very common in suitable localities, both on the mainland
and islands, generally breeding in small colonies.

Sterna fluviatilis. Frisice “ Kerr.”

Pretty common on Sudfall, Sylt, Amrum, and the mainland
near Husum.

Sterna hirundo. Frisice “ Kerr.”

On Sudfall more numerous than the preceding, nesting both

Mr. H. Durnford on North- Frisian Ornithology . 401

on the sea-beach and marsh ; common on Amrum and the
mainland. We reckoned about three hundred pairs of Arctic
and Common Terns nesting on the first-named island.

Sterna cantiaca.

We found no nests ; but the pastor of St. Clement's church
on Amrum; who is a bit of a collector, had several eggs taken
on the island, and among them some of this species. We saw
three birds on the west coast of Sylt. It probably breeds
occasionally on the islands. The eggs the pastor had were
taken some years ago at the north end of Amrum, where there
is capital nesting-ground ; but there were no birds when we
were there.

Sterna caspia.

On the 3rd June we walked from List, the most northern
village on Sylt, to the nesting-place of this species on the
north-west coast of the island, halfway between the two light¬
houses. There were two small colonies, some hundred and
fifty yards apart, one consisting of about ten and the other
of about fifteen pairs of birds. They lay their eggs on the
bare sand, between the beach and the dunes, in a slight hollow
about the size of an Oyster-catcher's nest, occasionally lining
it with a few pieces of shell. No nest (and we saw about a
dozen) contained more than two eggs, which is not to be won¬
dered at, as they are robbed by boys from List on every pos¬
sible occasion. There were about ten eggs on the ground,
two nests with two each, others containing a single egg apiece,
and a few empty. We were accompanied by the lighthouse-
keeper, who protects the nests as well as he can for the farmer.
The latter has learnt the value of the eggs, and offered us a
few he had in a box for sale ; but we could not prevail on him
to let us take any for ourselves. W e obtained, however, some
from the boys, which had been taken on the sly. The birds
had not all laid when we were there ; but the farmer told us
the colonies were much diminished of late years. We did not
see this species elsewhere.

The Caspian Tern is an extremely handsome bird, its bright
red bill, when circling over one's head, contrasting well with

ser. hi. — VOL. iv. 2 F

fmr

402 Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology .

its dark lead- coloured legs. Whilst approaching their nesting-
ground we were greeted with harsh and noisy screams. Their
note is not unlike that of S. fluviatilis , but louder and more
powerful. When they have young they are said to be ex¬
tremely bold ; and the farmer told us that when, on one occa¬
sion, he was visiting them with some friends, a bird took from
a lady's hand a pocket-handkerchief which she was waving
over her head.

Lartjs canus.

We saw a few Common Gulls on Sylt amongst the Herring-
Gulls, and also on Amrum, but found no nests, though they
doubtless breed on the dunes.

Larus argentatus. Frisice “Mien.”

Abundant on Sylt, nesting on the dunes, and on Sudfall,
in the marsh surrounding the shepherd's house. A few on
Amrum. Some years ago, before the passing of the law pro¬
hibiting the taking of eggs by any one, the farmer who owns
the northern portion of Sylt made a point of protecting them ;
and he assured us he used then to have from forty to fifty
thousand gathered during the season, always, however, allow¬
ing them to sit after the 14th June ; but now everybody who
cares to run the risk of being fined takes them, and they still
form a large proportion of the food of the natives. The ex¬
traordinary numbers of these birds on Sudfall must be seen
to be appreciated ; their nests are large structures of sea- weed
and coarse grass, and are placed in close proximity to each
other ; they are most numerous at the east end of the island,
but are also found on the north and west shore. Whilst
staying at the shepherd's house their eggs were provided for
us at every meal.

Anser bernicla. Frisice “ Goos,” pi. " Ganz.”

Whilst on Sudfall we saw flocks which must have amounted
to two hundred birds. This island can only be reached by
crossing over at low water from Nordstrand, from which it is
distant about four miles. We started in the afternoon of the
28tli May, during a thick drizzling rain from the north-east.

Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology. 403

with knapsacks and boots slung over our backs, and trousers
tucked up to our knees, and arrived safely at our destination
after about an hour and a half’s hard walking. On leaving
Nordstrand the island appears a mere speck, as nothing but
the raised central portion can be seen ; and I must say we felt
relieved when we stepped from the soft yielding ooze on to
firm ground again. The Geese here were very restless, never
staying to feed long in one place, and were doubtless on their
journey northward. When in a boat on the creek at Husum
I shot a fine adult bird out of a small flock.

Tadorna vulpanser.

Common everywhere, both on the islands and mainland,
breeding on the former in a semi-domesticated state. The
natives make artificial burrows in the sand-hillocks, and cut
a hole in the turf over the passage, covering it with a sod, so
as to disclose the nest when eggs are required. Several
females lay indiscriminately in the same nest. They are very
tame, and suffer themselves to be taken by the hand while
sitting. Each burrow has two openings, and is made circular
in shape. There are sometimes as many as a dozen or fifteen
nests in one hillock within the compass of eight or nine yards.
The eggs are taken up to the 18th June, after which they
allow the birds to incubate ; but they never rob a nest of all
the eggs, leaving one or two to avoid driving away the birds.
Each person in the village generally has a burrow ; and they
are scrupulously honest in not taking each other's eggs. The
female always covers her eggs with down before leaving the
nest.

Anas boschas.

Common on the islands and mainland.

Anas crecca.

The same remark applies to this species as to the preceding.

SoMATERIA MOLLISSIMA.

Very common on Sylt, especially at the north end, furnish¬
ing a large supply of eggs to the people. Pretty common on
Amrum ; not observed on the mainland. We often observed

2 f 2

404 Mr. H. Dnrnford on North-Frisian Ornithology .

Eiders diving off the coast of Sylt, and they stayed under
water for many seconds. These birds, as well as Sheldrakes,
always cover their eggs with down before leaving the nest.

Of the birds included by Rafn in the paper before men¬
tioned, the following were not seen by us : —

Muscicapa grisola.
Erithacus phoenicurus.
Erithacus titys.
Calamoherpe arundinacea.
Alauda crist at a.

Fringilla ccelebs.

Pyrgita montana.
Strepsilas collaris.
Tringa minuta.
Larus glaucus.
Anser cinereus.

The last two, as the editor of fNaumannia'? noticed at
the time, are manifestly introduced in error; the rest are
stated by Rafn to have been but scarce. He also includes
Anthus campestris in his list ; his words are, “ einzelne Paar
briiten.” I believe we observed this species ; but as I could
not satisfactorily identify it, I have thought it better to omit
it from my list of species and mention it here. The facts are
as follows : — On Sudfall, and again on the north end of Sylt,
we noticed Pipits which, from their appearance, could, I think,
only be referable to Anthus campestris ; they were pretty
common on the first-named island, rare on Sylt. Near List,
on Sylt, we took a nest with three eggs amongst the coarse
grass on the dunes, about two hundred yards above high-water
mark, on the east coast of the island ; it was formed of dry
grass, the finer fibres towards the interior, and lined with a
few coarse hairs ; the owners, however, were not satisfactorily
identified. I am sorry I cannot speak decidedly about this
species ; but being unable to shoot on land, we could not secure
any examples, and, not being very well acquainted with the
species of this difficult genus, I am unable to say more. Rafn
does not mention Anthus pratensis. It is quite possible that
his Calamoherpe arundinacea may have been Emberiza schce-
niclus : he says, “ nistet im Rohr bei Keitum ; ich bekam sein
Nest mit zwei Eiern und einem Kukuksei.” We observed
Emberiza schceniclus about six miles north of Keitum amongst
reeds and bushes surrounding a Yogelkoje/5 Some of the

Mr. H. Durnford on North-Frisian Ornithology . 405

other birds may cease to visit the islands, such as Strepsilas and
Anser ; but he was not sure whether the latter was breeding.

It is obvious that many species have decreased in numbers ;
and the making and enforcing of protection laws, however
inconvenient to the collector, must meet the approval of all
real ornithologists. In Rafn's time between three hundred
and four hundred eggs of Sterna caspia were laid ; the state
of things is very different now, as my previous remarks show.
On the other hand he states that ten thousand eggs of Larus
argentatus were yearly gathered from the dunes, while the
farmer who owns the northern portion of Sylt assured us
that some years ago from forty to fifty thousand eggs were
taken during the season. It is difficult to reconcile these
apparently conflicting statements ; but it is possible the pre¬
sent owner of the soil was not in possession of it till after
1857, and doubtless the birds increased yearly in numbers
under his protective hand. At the present day, I can state
decidedly that, taking into consideration the fact of the eggs
being continually gathered by the natives, forty thousand
would be a much more correct estimate of the number laid
during the season than ten thousand ; and I think it very
probable Rafn was in error in his statement. It must be
borne in mind that we did not visit the southern portion
of Sylt, we had only time to cursorily examine the northern
half of the island ; and as that portion entirely consists of
dry sandhills, we probably did not lose any thing by not
doing so.

Mr. John Baker, of Cambridge, who visited these islands in
1861, informs me that he found Alauda brachydactyla and
Emberiza hortulana there, though both were rare. I may
remark that the first is not included in Kjserbolling's work,
f Danmark's Fugle,' nor as belonging to the North-German
district by Borggreve in his ‘ Vogel- Fauna von Norddeutsch-
land ' (p. 70) . I should therefore imagine Mr. Baker to be
in error in this case. He also met with Limosa cegocephala
commonly, which is indeed very likely.

Before concluding these remarks, it affords me great plea¬
sure to express my indebtedness to Professor Newton, who,

406 Mr. A. R. Wallace on the Arrangement of the

at considerable expenditure of time and trouble, gave me much
desirable information concerning the objects of my visit pre¬
viously to my departure from England, and also many valuable
hints and suggestions during the preparation of these notes.
I also owe my thanks to Mr. John Baker for advice which
proved of much assistance to us, and for his communication
mentioned above.

XL. — On the Arrangement of the Families constituting the
Order Passeres. By Alfred R. Wallace.

The Passeres, as now restricted, constitute nearly three fourths
of all known birds. They are wonderfully uniform in all es¬
sential points of structure, while presenting endless modifica¬
tions in external form ; and the points of resemblance and of
difference between the several families are so numerous and
conflicting that their classification still remains an almost in¬
soluble problem. As an example of the wide difference of
opinion on this point, we may contrast the views of two recent
authors. Dr. Carus, in his c Handbuch der Zoologie/ divides
the Passeres into twenty-eight families, while Professor Sun-
devall, in his fMethodi Naturalis Avium Disponendarum
Tentamen/ has no less than 107 ; and there is often the widest
divergence in the succession of the groups in these two sys¬
tems. Eminent authors also differ widely as to the position
of a large number of genera, those which are held by some to
be quite unrelated being united by others in the same family.
Eor a long time the Tyrants of America were united with the
Shrikes of the Old World, while such an acute ornithologist
as the late Prince Charles Bonaparte confused and inter¬
mingled the genera of Timaliidse and Pycnonotidse.

The characters which have been generally used by syste-
matists in defining the families of Passeres are the form of
the bill, the scutellation of the tarsi, and the varying propor¬
tions of the toes and wing- feathers ; but most of these are
subject to great variation in closely allied forms, and, with
the exception perhaps of the second, do not aid much in de¬
termining the affinities of the various families towards each

407

Families constituting the Order Passeres.

other. The form of the sternum has proved to be of the
greatest importance in separating from the Passeres several
groups which did not properly belong to it, and we may now
(since the Humming-birds, the Swifts, and the Todies have
been separated from it) consider the limits of this great Order
to be pretty well determined. But within those limits this
character is of little service, owing to the great uniformity of
structure that prevails throughout the whole series of Pas¬
serine families. An important step was made when it was
observed that a number of South- American groups differed
from their Old-World analogues in wanting certain vocal
muscles ; and when it was found that there were correspond¬
ing external characters in the wings and feet, the separation
of these families as a natural series became generally accepted.
But there are great objections to the use of characters drawn
from the fleshy parts of birds. It is only in comparatively
few instances that they have been accurately observed ; and
they are for this reason of little use to the naturalist who
possesses even the most extensive collection of skins and ske¬
letons. Owing to the paucity of observations, we are also
unable to determine how far the character in question is a
constant one ; and there is reason to believe that the larynx,
the intestines, and the other internal soft parts are liable to
much modification, even in closely allied forms. In order to
be practically useful, the characters on which genera, families,
and groups of families are founded must, whenever possible,
be drawn from those parts which can be examined in every
well-preserved skin, supplemented in critical cases by a re¬
ference to the sternum , the cranium , or other parts of the
skeleton.

Now it is found that the Passeres with imperfect singing
apparatus are also characterized by having wings with 10 pri¬
maries, the first of which is almost always fully developed, or
very little shorter than those which immediately follow it ;
whereas all other Passeres have either 9 primaries only, or, if
10, have the first distinctly reduced below its proportionate
size, and often so small as to be rudimentary and functionless.
But although the character of the first primary quill was thus

408 Mr. A. R. Wallace on the Arrangement of the

found to accord with a striking anatomical feature, and to
mark out an important natural group of families, it was not
applied to the more extensive series of families which remained,
and whose arrangement has continued to this day in a most
unsettled state. Hardly any two ornithologists agree as to
the order in which these families most naturally follow each
other; and even in the most recent classifications the pecu¬
liarities of the first primary are deemed of so little importance
that birds which markedly differ in this respect are sometimes
placed in the same or in adjacent families or, even, genera.
After repeated attempts, during many years, to group natu¬
rally the families of Passeres, I have recently come to the con¬
clusion that variations in the number and development of the
primary quills indicate deep-seated affinities, and furnish the
best, because the most simple and practically convenient,
means for the further subdivision of this extensive Order.
The fact that similar peculiarities of wing- structure run
through whole series of families which are undoubtedly re¬
lated, is a clear indication of the importance of these cha¬
racters ; and we shall, I think, find that if we follow them
out cautiously, and give due weight in doubtful cases to other
proofs of affinity, we shall be led to a grouping of this vast
and complex mass of birds which avoids many of the diffi¬
culties that have hitherto beset their classification, and ac¬
cords in a remarkable manner with the main features of their
geographical distribution.

Four types of wing are distinctly recognizable among the
Passeres. First and most numerous are those with 10 pri¬
mary quills, the first of which is greatly reduced in size ; then
we have the American series, in which the first primary is well
developed; and a small Old-World series, in which it is rudi¬
mentary ; and lastly a series in which the first primary is
aborted, and which thus possesses only 9 primaries. These
differences may be tabulated as follows ; but it is found most
convenient to arrange them in the order of the appended
numerals, as we thus pass most easily from one series to
the other, and that order best accords with existing arrange¬
ments : —

409

Families constituting the Order Passeres.

PASSERES.

{1st primary well developed . (4)

1st primary reduced . (1)

1st primary rudimentary . (3)

9 primaries .... 1st primary being absent . (2)

We commence with the extensive series of families possess¬
ing 10 primaries the first of which is neither rudimentary
nor fully developed, hut is almost always markedly small,
weak, narrowed, or shortened, compared with those which im¬
mediately follow it. Our Thrushes, Warblers, and Crows are
examples of this series, which consists of twenty-one families
of preeminently Old-World birds. Only one of these families
is peculiar to America; and that one (Vireonidse) shows a
transition to the Mniotiltidse in the following series by having
the first primary sometimes rudimentary, or even absent.
Only a few other families of this series occur in South Ame¬
rica ; and only two of them, the Turdidse and Troglodytidse,
are well represented there. The following is a list of these
families : —

Series A. Typical or Turdoid Passeres.

Wing with 10 primaries, the first always more or less markedly reduced

in size.

'97f

Zoo

1. Turdidse.

2. Sylviidse.

3. Timaliidse.

4. Cinclidse (inch Heni-

curus and Eupetes).

5. Troglodytidse.

6. Certhiidse.

7. Paridse.

8. Leiotrichidse.

9. Phyllornithidse.

10. Pycnonotidse.

11. Oriolidse.

12. Campephagidse.

13. Dicruridse.

14. Muscicapidse.

15. Yireonidse.

16. Pachycephalidse.

17. Laniidse.

18. Corvidse.

19. Paradiseidse.

20. Meliphagidse.

21. Nectariniidse.

It will be observed that in this series of families every one
has undoubted affinities with some others placed near it, ac¬
cording to the views of all those naturalists who have freed
themselves from the trammels of the old rostral system. But

410 Mr. A. R. Wallace on the Arrangement of the

when we look to the next series of families, having only 9
primaries, we find that there still exists the greatest diversity
of opinion as to their true position. Every modern ornitho¬
logist, without exception, has attempted to intercalate them
among the families of the first series, in some cases even in¬
corporating them into one or other of those families, owing to
superficial resemblances. In this series the first of the nine
primaries is always fully developed, and often very long ; and
this well-marked character is found to group together a set
of families which have in many cases acknowledged affinities
for each other, but which offer the greatest difficulties when
we attempt to locate them naturally among the families of
the first series. They have also a well-marked geographical
aspect, being as characteristic of the New World as the pre¬
ceding series is of the Old. Four out of the ten families are
exclusively American ; one is peculiar to the Sandwich Islands,
and has strong affinities to an American family ; three others
are as well represented in America as in the Old World;
while the only one totally absent from America (Dicseidse) is
typically Australian — that region which has the most affinity
to the Neotropical. I now give a list of these families, and
will then briefly remark on their affinities : —

Series B. Tanagroid Passeres.

Wing with 9 primaries, the first of which is fully developed and usually

very long.

1. Motacillidse.

2. Mniotiltidae.

3. Coerebidse.

4. Drepanidse.

5. Dicseidse.

6. Ampelidse.

7. Hirundinidse.

8. Tanagridse.

9. Fringillidse.

10. Icteridse.

The Motacillidie do not come well in series A ; and there has
been no general agreement as to their location. The Mnio-
tiltidse and Coerebidse are so closely allied that good ornitho¬
logists differ as to where some of the genera (e. g. Dacnis ,
Certhiota) are to be placed ; yet they cannot be arranged with
their supposed allies in the first series without widely sepa¬
rating them. The Drepanidse of the Sandwich Islands, very

Families constituting the Order Passeres. 411

properly distinguished from the Meliphagidse by Dr. Sclater,
follow naturally here. The Dicseidse, consisting of the genera
Ficceum , Zoster ops, Pardalotus, Prionochilus ?, and one or two
others, has always been a subject of discord, the four genera
above named having been placed in the most diverse families.
Pardalotus , for example, has been placed in the Laniidse by
G. R. Gray, in the Ampelidse by Bonaparte, near the Leio-
trichidse and Paridse by Jerdon, and as a distinct family near
the Mniotiltidse by Sundevall, who, however, puts Prionochilus
far away among the Pycnonotidse. The wing-structure, form,
and habits of the three first-named genera bring them natu¬
rally together in this place ; and Ficceum is certainly very close
to the Tanagrine genus Euphonia. Prionochilus is a great
puzzle. It possesses a minute first primary, which favours
SundevalPs view of its position ; but it agrees so very closely
in the peculiar form of the bill and general appearance with
some species of Ficceum and Pardalotus , that I cannot bring
myself to separate it from them, although I acknowledge it
to be an awkward anomaly in this series of families. I may
here notice that the species which I described as Prionochilus
aureolimbatus y from Celebes (P. Z. S. 1865, p. 4 77), has only
nine primaries, and must thus be placed in Ficceum or Pachy-
glossa, with which latter genus it very closely agrees. I there¬
fore cannot follow Dr. Sclater (antea, p. 3) in making Pachy-
glossa a synonym of Prionochilus. The Dicseidse are typically
Australian, but have spread over the Oriental and even to the
Ethiopian region. We next come to the Ampelidse, which
have also been a source of much confusion, having been placed
next the Laniidse, Pycnonotidse, or Leiotrichidse by various
authors. They have been generally recognized as allied to
Pardalotus ; and indeed that genus might perhaps come into
this family rather than in the last. The colouring of some
of the Pardaloti approximates to that of Ampelis. The Hi-
rundinidse are undoubtedly very isolated ; yet they assort as
well in form and plumage with the Ampelidse’and some genera
of Tanagridse as with any other families that can be named,
while they have the advantage of agreeing with this series in
the essential features of wing- structure. The next family.

412 Mr. A. ft. Wallace on the Arrangement of the

the Tanagers, have affinities both with the Mniotiltidse, Frin¬
gillidse, and Dicseidae, while they have no close resemblance
to any family of either of the other series. The Fringillidse
and the Icteridse naturally follow, and complete the series.
The latter seem to he an extreme development of the Ameri¬
can Fringilline or Tanagrine stock, and to have no imme¬
diate affinity to the Old-World Starlings, which they represent
in a parallel group, just as the Mniotiltidse represent the
Warblers.

The third set of families we are able to separate consists of
four only, characterized by possessing ten primaries, as do the
typical Passeres, but with the first rudimentary and function¬
less. Some species belonging to other series closely resemble
these ; but the character never prevails throughout an entire
family as it does here. This series is not very well marked;
but as it best follows Series B, it is advisable to keep the
families which constitute it apart. These are all Old-World
groups, not possessing a single representative in the Neotro¬
pical, and but a solitary species in the Nearctic region.

Series C. Sturnoid Passeres.

Wing with 10 primaries, the first of which is rudimentary.

1. Ploceidse. 3. Artamidse.

2. Sturnidse. 4. Alaudidse.

The Alaudidse form a transition from the preceding series,
where they wrould perhaps be as well placed, the first primary
being in some genera rudimentary and of varying size, in
others quite absent; and this agrees with their affinity to
some forms of Fringillidse (the Buntings), which has been
pointed out by many ornithologists. The Ploceidse form a
parallel development with the Fringillidse, as do the Sturnidse
with the Icteridse. The Artamidse have been the subject of
much discussion. They have been placed with the Swallows,
the Shrikes, the Drongos, or the Orioles ; but no one has ob¬
served their resemblance to the Starlings. Yet, as regards
general form, the colour and character of the plumage, and
the peculiar bill and nostril, they do certainly resemble some
Starlings, especially the anomalous Scissirostrum. The form

413

Families constituting the Order Passeres.

and structure of the wing is very similar to that of the Stur-
nidse, while it is quite unlike that of most of the other groups
near which they have been placed. We may consider them,
therefore, to he a short-legged Hirundine modification of the
Sturnoid type.

We now come to a final series of ten families, characterized
by possessing ten primaries, of which the first is typically fully
developed and very long, although it is exceptionally so much
reduced as to resemble its condition in some forms of Series A.
But in these cases no difficulty arises, since the majority of
the family to which these birds belong possess the typical
form of the series. This form is highly characteristic of the
New World, to which seven of the families are exclusively
confined. The other three, of small extent, are Australian
and Oriental.

Series D. Formicarioid Passeres.

Wing with 10 primaries, the first well developed and typically long.

1. Menuridse.

2. Pteroptochidse.

3. Dendrocolaptidse.

4. Pormicariidse.

5. Pittidse.

6. Tyrannidse.

7. Cotingkbe.

8. Pipridse.

9. Eurybemidse.

10. Phytotomidse.

About the American members of this series there is now
little difference of opinion; but the three Old-World families
have been the subjects of much discussion. The short- winged
Pteroptochidse would seem, at first sight, to be better placed
near the Troglodytidse, in the Turdoid series, but for their
close affinity to the Formicariidse. Yet although the first
primary is short, it is always broad and about two thirds the
length of the second. In the Wrens, with which these birds
were formerly placed, the first primary is much narrower
as well as shorter. The Australian Menuridse must be kept
close to these, as they have no other near allies. The Pittidse
are still classed near the Thrushes by Professor Sundevall ;
but they seem much better placed near the Formicariidse, with
which their wing-structure more nearly agrees. The Eury-
bemidse have generally been located near Coracias among the

414 Mr. A. R. Wallace on the Arrangement of the

Picariss, which is certainly wrong; while Snndevall unites
them in the same family with Rupicola, near to which genus
they must undoubtedly be placed in a natural arrangement.

Now, taking the four series of Passerine birds as here ar¬
ranged, we find a marked and very curious distinction between
the American, and especially the typical Neotropical, fauna
and that of all the rest of the globe. Of the thirteen families
which are altogether confined to the New World, all but one
have the prevailing character that the first quill in the wing is
well developed in proportion to those which immediately suc¬
ceed it ; and this is the case whether there are nine or ten
primaries in all. In the Old World, on the contrary, we find
the prevailing character of the wing to be, that the first quill
is either distinctly rudimentary, or very much reduced in size
proportionally to the succeeding quills ; so that out of twenty-
nine families which are especially characteristic of the Old
World, no less than twenty-two have this character. It is
further to be noted that the seven Old-World families which
have the first quill fully developed (including those with nine
as well as those with ten primaries) are all of them of com¬
paratively small extent and little varied in structure. These
facts render it almost certain that the characters drawn from
the condition of the first two primaries, here made use of, are
really of great permanence, and therefore of high classificatory
value ; for if they had been less stable, and liable to frequent
change from family to family and from genus to genus, it is
contrary to all probability that they should present them¬
selves with such an approach to uniformity in whole series
of allied families confined to the Old and the New Worlds
respectively.

Another consideration in favour of the correctness of the
divisions here marked out is, that the best modern ornitho¬
logists are nearly in agreement as to the mutual relations of
the families in Series A, C, and D respectively ; but in the
attempt to intercalate the families of Series B among the
others, there has been as marked a diversity of opinion ; and
although the relations of several of these families to each other
have been admitted, no bond of union has been detected among

415

Families constituting the Order Passeres.

the whole series. This bond of union, I maintain, is found
in the total abortion of the first primary quill ; and although
in the case of some of the families we may not see any other
character to unite them, this should not militate against giving
due weight to a structural peculiarity which is found to be
absolutely constant throughout all the species of several ex¬
tensive families, and to confirm, in many cases, the conclu¬
sions which ornithologists have arrived at from other cha¬
racters. It is therefore the separation of the families con¬
stituting the “ Tanagroid Passeres ” as a distinct group which
forms the main feature of my proposed arrangement, and in
which its chief value (if any) is to be found.

As it is not always possible to determine the number of the
primary quills without" injuring the specimen, and not pos¬
sessing duplicates of many of the requisite forms, I have in
general taken the statements of Professor Sundevall to be cor¬
rect. He has devoted himself for many years to the special
study of the details of external form and structure in birds,
and in the work already quoted has, in most cases, given the
number of the primaries and the nature of the first quill.
But (as I think, very unfortunately) he has only occasionally
given weight to this character in his classification, which de¬
pends mainly on the varieties of scutellation of the tarsi.
This latter character can hardly have the high value he gives
it, since it leads to such unnatural combinations as Larks
and Hoopoes, Todus and Pipra , Irrisor and Epimachus—
errors due in great part to his refusal to give any weight to
purely anatomical characters. Yet in many respects his clas¬
sification is a great advance on most of those which have
preceded it, since it defines every group by clear external cha¬
racters, which, if not always of the value he assigns to them,
will be of great service to future workers at the classification
of birds.

The foregoing systematic sketch has been arrived at after
often renewed attempts at a natural arrangement of Passeres,
for the purposes of a work, on the Geographical Distribution
of Animals, on which I have been some time engaged. The
conclusions now set forth seem to me more satisfactory than

416

Mr. P. L. Sclater on Dr. A. B. Meyer’s

any before attained, either by myself or others. They are the
result of following out a simple principle of classification
whose partial application has been long accepted ; and they
possess, I think, the merit of introducing some intelligible
order into the most extensive of all the natural groups of
birds, and the one whose complex and divergent affinities
have always been a source of the greatest perplexity to syste-
matists. I now submit my proposed arrangement to the kind
consideration of ornithologists as one well suited for practical
use until a more generally acceptable one is arrived at. In
passing judgment on it, I beg them to bear in mind that I do
not set up the “ first primary 99 as an infallible guide to be
blindly followed, but only as a clue by means of which we
may sometimes extricate ourselves from the labyrinth of
doubtful Passerine affinities in which we so often lose our
way.

XLI. — Dr. A. B. Meyer’s Ornithological Discoveries in New
Guinea. By P. L. Sclater.

Beginning in February last. Dr. Adolf Bernhard Meyer has
made a series of communications to the Imperial Academy of
Sciences of Vienna up* *on the ornithological results of his
recent expedition to New Guinea. Of these, altogether six in
number, we have lately received the full text, abstracts of
them having previously come to hand. In the first of these*
Dr. Meyer describes seven new species : — (1) JEgotheles dubius,
from the Arfak mountains (perhaps =JE. albertisi , Scl.) ;
(2) Todopsis mysorensis , from Mysore ; (3) Chrysococcyx
splendidus, from the Arfak mountains; (4) Ailurcedus ar-
fakianusf , from Atam; (5) Orthonyx nova-guinece, from the
Arfak mountains ; (6) Talegallus jobiensis, from J obi ; and
(7) Megapodius geelvinkianus , from Mysore. Dr. Meyer also

* “Ueber neue und ungeniigend bekannte Vogel von Neu-Guinea und
den Inseln der Geelvinksbai (erste Mittbeilung) yon Dr. Adolf Bernhard
Meyer,” Sitz. d. k. Akad. der Wiss. vol. xlix. 1. Abth. (Feb. 1874).

t I examined a skin of AZlurcedus, from Atam, in Sign. D’Albertis’s col¬
lection, but could not distinguish it from JBt melanotis.

Ornithological Discoveries in New Guinea. 417

describes the hitherto unknown male of Trichoglossus pul -
chellus of Gray, and gives other interesting remarks on species
allied to those above mentioned.

In his second paper* Dr. Meyer describes Monarcha kor-
densis, from Mysore, Artamus maximus , from the Arfak moun¬
tains, and j Redes jobiensis, from Jobi, and gives remarks on
species of Redes , Myiolestes, Podargus, Megapodius , &c. As
regards the Cassowaries of New Guinea, Dr. Meyer brought
from the vicinity of Havre Dorey one immature and another
very young example of Casuarius, which he cannot certainly
determine. In reference to C. papuanus of Rosenberg, ob¬
tained near the same locality, Dr. Meyer considers it doubt¬
fully distinct from C. uniappendiculatus f.

In his third paper J three new species of Campephaga are
described under the names C. montana , C. maforensis , and
C. incerta , and remarks are given upon other species of the
genus met with. Redes ohscura is characterized as new ; and
different plumages of R. nigrescens of Schlegel, of which four
examples were obtained, are described. Of Pachycephala,
which is next spoken of, two new species (P. haltamensis and
P. affinis ), apparently allied to PucheraAs Pteruthrius spini -
caudus, were collected, besides examples of Pachycephala
senex, Puch., and P. griseiceps , G. R. Gray. Of Monarcha
an interesting new species of the same form as M. telescoph -
thalma was discovered in Jobi, and is named M. insular is.
Of the singular Corvine form, Gymnocorvus senex , three spe¬
cimens were obtained, two on the mainland of New Guinea
and one in Jobi. They present slight differences, which are
duly pointed out. The Strix tenebricosa of Australia is stated
to have been procured in the Arfak mountains, also a single

* With the same title (Zweite Mittheilung) : Site. Ak. Wiss. Ixix.
March 1874.

t Casuarius kaupi, Scl. (nec Rosenb.), is undoubtedly distinct from C,
uniappendiculatus ; and I have now renamed it C. westermanni. See P. Z.
S. 1874, p. 247. Nor can I myself understand how it is possible to con¬
found C. uniappendiculatus with any other species. Even in its imma¬
ture brown plumage, as shown by the living example now in the Zoolo¬
gical Society’s Gardens, this Cassowary has a distinct median wattle.

X Dritte Mittheilung : Sitz. Ak. Wiss. 1874, 1. Abth. (April 16).

SER. III. - VOL. IV. 2 G

418 Mr. P. L. Sclater on Dr. A. B. Meyer’s

example of what is apparently the young of Noctua hoedtii,
Schlegel.

Dr. Meyer next turns to the Parrots, and gives some very
useful remarks upon Platycercus (potius Aprosmictus *) dor¬
salis , of which he collected a series of thirty-three examples
in various parts of New Guinea. Other Psittacidse spoken of
are Trichoglossus placens and T. rubronotatus. The paper is
concluded with some remarks on Macropygia turtur, Schlegel,
and its local forms.

Dr. Meyer’s fourth f memoir commences with the descrip¬
tion of Chcetorhynchus papuensis , a new form allied to Dicrurus ,
from the Arfak mountains. This is followed by characters of
Myiolestes macrorhynchus , from Mysore, Pachycephala flavo-
grisea} Malurus alboscapulatus , and Brachypteryx brunnei-
ventris , from New Guinea, and Myiagra atra, from Mafoor
and Mysore. Amaurodryas albotaniata , from Jobi (perhaps,
as afterwards observed by the author in his fifth memoir, not
different from Leucophantes brachyurus, Sclater), is next de¬
scribed, and remarks are given upon a second species of the
same genus, A. hypoleuca, Gray. These are succeeded by
notices of various Papuan Muscicapidse, of which specimens
were obtained, and notes upon Graucalus papuensis, the Pa¬
puan species of Cracticus and Ptilopus aurantiifrons. The
Cr adieus crassirostris lately described by Dr. Salvadori is
identified with C. quoyi.

In his fifth and last memoir (read June 18, 1874), Dr.
Meyer treats of the Meliphagidse which he met with, and de¬
scribes Melirrhophetes as a new genus, allied to Melidedes,
nobis, with two species, M. leucostephes and M. ocliromelas .
Two other new species are characterized as Xanthotis poikilo-
sternos (lege pcecilosternus) and Tropidorhynchus jobiensis.
A new Zoster ops, from Mysore, is called Z. mysorensis ; and two
species of Gerygone, G. affinis and G. maforensis. Dicaewn
geelvinkianum is a new species obtained in the islands of Ma¬
foor, Mysore, and Jobi, while D.pedorale, Mull, et Schl., was

* Mr. Garrod tells me tliat, as I had always supposed, the group thus
denominated by Mr. Gould is structurally distinct from Platycercus.

t Op. cit. (May 16).

Ornithological Discoveries in New Guinea. 419

met with in New Guinea. Of the Nectariniine form, Chaleo -
stetha aspasia, three insular varieties are recognized (in Schle-
gelian fashion) as stirpes, major ensis , mysorensis, et jobiensis* .
Finally, Dr. Meyer correctly identifies Campephaga aurulenta ,
mihi, with C. sloctii, Schlegel, and (perhaps not so accurately)
Redes hennetti , mihi, with the young of R. nigrescens , Schle¬
gel f, and gives notes on Munia tristissima , Erythrura tri-
chroa , Melanocharis nigra , and Ptilopus rivolii.

It will be evident therefore that Dr. Meyer’s ornithological
discoveries in New Guinea, have been, as was to be expected
from what he had previously done in his former eastern jour¬
ney, neither few nor insignificant. It is to be hoped that
these memoirs are only the preludes to a complete account of
his work. And I venture to express a hope that some means
will be found to effect a comparison of Dr. Meyer’s collec¬
tions with those made in the same country by Signor d* Al¬
bertis. Of a part of these I have lately published an account { ;
but the larger remainder are now, I believe, under examina¬
tion in Italy ; and the result will, I fear, be much confusion,
unless steps be taken to compare the specimens in the two
collections.

Besides these papers already spoken of, Dr. Meyer has de¬
scribed some new Psittacidse in the Journal of the Zoological
and Botanical Society of Vienna for 1873 ( Trichoglossus ar-
faki, T. kordoanus , and Pionias simplex ) §, and in the Journal
of Ornithology || ( Trichoglossus wilhelmince), and has written
an article on Ecledus^ f in the f Zoologischer Garten/ In the
last he endeavours to prove that the red forms of Eclectus
(E. linneei, grandis, cardinalis et cornelice) are the females of
the green forms, and that they all belong to one species ! The
last point is certainly not by any means proved to demon-

* A new species of the same genus from the Sangir Islands, north of
Celebes, is described in a footnote as C. sanyirensis.

t See remarks, P. Z. S. 1874, p. 419.

t Characters of new species discovered in New Guinea by Signor d’ Al¬
bertis. By P. L. Sclater, P. Z. S. 1873, p. 690.

§ Mitth. d. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. zu Wien. 1874 (Feb.).

Journ. f. Orn. 1874, p. 56.

Zoologischer Garten, 1874, p. 161.

2 G 2

420

Mr. H. E. Dresser on a new

stration, although strong evidence is given in favour of the
former. We have quite failed in persuading a red Eclectus
in the Zoological Society^ Gardens to agree to live with a
green one, although it must he allowed that this is sometimes
the case with legitimate man and wife.

XLIL— Ora a new Species of Marsh- War bier.

By H. E. Dresser, F.Z.S. &c.

A short time ago Dr. Otto Finsch, of Bremen, forwarded to
me two birds from the collection of Count Ercole Turati, of
Milan, for determination, one of which was labelled (( Sylvia
magnirostris , Kokand, , No. 9625.” I compared this
specimen carefully with Acrocephalus magnirostris, Lilje-
borg (which species I may here remark is identical with A.
dumetorum, Blyth, from India) , and also made a critical com¬
parison with other allied forms, and came to the conclusion
that it is a distinct and probably hitherto undescribed species.
I informed Dr. Finsch of the result of my investigations, and
proposed to return the specimen to him, in order that he
might describe it ; but he wrote in reply stating that, if I
felt convinced that it is distinct, he would prefer me to do
this ; and I therefore propose to call it Acrocephalus sogdia-
nensis, the country where it was obtained being the Sogdiana
of the ancients.

This bird is more nearly allied to Acrocephalus palustris
(Bechst.) than to A. dumetorum, but differs in having a longer
wing, a very much larger first primary, and being much
greyer in tinge. Upper parts dull olive- brown, with a greyish
tinge, rather darker on the head ; rump and upper tail-coverts
a trifle less grey ; wings and tail dull brown, the quills and
wing-coverts narrowly margined with dirty whitish or pale
whity brown, the tail-feathers (excepting the central rectrices)
indistinctly margined with pale brownish white; the outermost
rectrix, however, has this light border extending almost over
the entire outer web, and this and the next feathers have tole¬
rably broad whitish tips, the next in order having this white

421

Species of Marsh - Warbler .

tip barely indicated ; the tail is much less rounded than in
A. palustrisj the feathers are broader, and on one or two there
are obsolete cross bars as in Locustella luscinoides. Under¬
parts white; on the breast, flanks, crissum, and under tail-
coverts washed with pale brownish buff ; sides of the head
pale brownish ; from the base of the bill over and behind the
eye a narrow dirty buff stripe.

Culmen 0 7 inch, gape 0*74, wing 3’0, tail 2*4, tarsus 0*85,
hind toe with claw 0*45, hind claw 0*22 ; first primary rather
broad, a trifle longer than the primary coverts, and 1*71 less
than the second, which is barely 0*1 shorter than the third
and about equal to the fourth, or, if any thing, a trifle less ;
the third primary is the longest ; secondaries rather gra¬
duated, the longest about 0*72 shorter than the longest
primary.

Compared with Acrocephalus dumetorum , it has a much
longer and less broad wing, and is much greyer in shade of
coloration in the upper surface of the body ; and, besides, it
has a much larger first primary, and differs somewhat in the
arrangement of the quills ; for in A. dumetorum the first pri¬
mary is small and narrow, about equal to or rather shorter
than the primary coverts, and 1*3 less than the second ;
second quill 0*25 shorter than the third, and about equal to
the fifth, the third and the fourth being about equal, the
third, if any thing, being the longest ; secondaries not gra¬
duated, but even, and only 0‘ 5 shorter than the longest
primary.

Severtzoff describes a Warbler in his recently published
work on the Fauna of Turkestan (Turk. Jevotnie, p. 123)
under the name of Sylvia magnirostris, nob., which, I have
little doubt, is the present species, as his description agrees
precisely with the single specimen I have before me. He
states that the iris is blackish brown, the maxilla dark brown,
and the mandible yellowish ; legs dark brown ; and he not
inaptly compares it to the Garden Warbler ( Sylvia horten-
sis) in general tone of colour of plumage. He met with it
frequenting the bush-covered localities at Karatau and in the
western portion of the Thianshan range.

422 Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

The following are the measurements of the present species
compared with those of specimens of Acrocephalus dumetorum
and A palustris in my collection : —

Cul-

men.

Grape.

Wing.

Tail.

Tarsus.

Hind

toe,

with

claw.

Hind

claw.

Acrocephalus sogdianensis.

0*22

Kokand. Type .

0-7

0-74

3c0

2-4

0-85

0*45

Acrocephalus palustris.

0*18

Westphalia, .

0-6

0*62

2*62

2*2

0*85

0*48

Antwerp .

0-62

0-68

2-72

2*32

0-9

0-5

0 22

Halle, Saxony. $ ....

0-6

0-65

2-65

2-2

0*87

0*5

0*22

Piedmont. $ .

0*6

065

2-65

2*18

0-9

0*5

0*22

Acrocephalus dumetorum.

Ekaterinburg .

0-62

0-7

2-41

2*15

0-85

0*46

0*22

)) • . .

0-62

0-7

2-41

2-1

0*9

0-46

0*22

.

0-63

0-68

2-35

2*15

0-9

0*5

0*25

S. Ural. <$ .

0-68

0-7

2-38

2*2

0-9

0*49

0*25

Etawah, India .

Ahmenuggur, India. § •

0-65

07

2-4

2*25

0*88

0-5

0*25

0-65

0-7

2-4

2*25

0-9

0*48

0*22

XLIII. — Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo (. Province of
Shantung , North China). By R. Swinhoe, H.M. Consul.

(Plate XIY.)

I arrived at Chefoo on the 25th April, too late for the game-
market, but in time to catch the inflow of the later migrant
land-birds. Few English readers will probably know where
Chefoo is ; so it will be as well to say something of its position
on the globe before proceeding to give my ornithological ex¬
periences there. The northward coast-line of China ends at
the Shantung promontory ; and the land now bearing west¬
wards discovers at a distance of about sixty-eight miles the
little harbour called Yentai by the Chinese, which was opened
to foreign trade by the Treaty of Tientsin of 1860? as more
accessible to shipping than the port of Tengchow city (named
in the treaty) , which is situate about forty miles further west
on the coast, and within the Prefecture of which this locality
is included. The French Expedition rendezvoused here in
1860, while the British gathered their forces in Tazienwan (of

Mr. 11. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 423

the opposite promontory) , preparatory to their united descent
on the mud-flats of Pehtang and Takoo, at the head of the
Gulf of Pehchelee. The French misnamed this place Chefocn
after the westward headland of the harbour, which is called
Chefoo Head by the Chinese ; but a name once affixed, be
it right or wrong, it is not easy to change ; and to the outer
world Yentai* must for ever be Chefoo. To foreign residents
in China Chefoo is more than a port of trade ; it is the summer
resort of the ladies and their sick lords, and has been hailed as
the “ Scarborough of China.” I owed my incumbency there,
in fact, to the state of my health. The government buildings
are situate on a hill which forms the right side of the small
inner harbour ; on the left you have the long west beach,
on the edge of a broad sand-spit, five miles long, ending in an
island-like headland, named, as I have before stated, Chefoo
Head ; the native town of Yentai clusters in the angle be¬
tween, with the foreign mercantile settlement on its right
side. Below our hill, on the eastward side, stretches the east
beach for two miles, finishing with the spur of a range of hills
not exceeding 800 feet that closes in our valley and sweeps
round to the west beach. The plain to their feet is for the
most part under cultivation, and sprinkled with native villages
and farmhouses. Hotels and summer residences are mostly
at the foot of our hill and on the east beach ; and missionary
establishments lie at long distances apart on the hills at the
back or among villages. The bay that expands in front of
the east beach is protected six miles to seaward by a line of
small islands, on the largest of which is a lighthouse, to mark
the entrance to the harbour. It at once occurred to me
that during the migration-time it would be useful to enlist
the good offices of the keeper of the lighthouse to look out
with a gun. The keeper, Mr. Campbell, an officer of the
Imperial Maritime Customs, goodnaturedly promised his as-

* Sometimes written Yentai (M. T). 12,082. 9,720) or u Swallow-Ter¬
race,” sometimes Yentay (M. D. 12,015. 9,726) or u Smoke-Tower.”

To save the insertion of Chinese characters, which is no easy matter
for an English printer, I have adopted the system used by telegraphers
of Chinese. “M. D.” signifies ‘ Morrison’s Dictionary,’ and the numbers
that follow those of the characters in that well-known work.

424 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

sistance, ancl, as will be seen, has done good service to
science-.

Until the middle of May a few Gulls were about, which I
made out to be Larus niveus and L. crassirostris, a few Ducks
rested about the bays, (Edemia fusca and Glaucion clangula ,
and a pair or two of Cormorants would fly past with out¬
stretched necks.

On the 30th of April the market contained a Woodcock
and a Spring Snipe ( Gallinago meg ala), and on the 2nd May
a live female Bustard ( Otis tarda) ; but the game-season was
past, and it was for fish that I had to visit the market. On the
3rd May three young Eagle Owls {Bubo maximus), just balls
of down, were brought to me. They all belonged to one nest.
They uttered a jingling cry when suddenly laid hold of, and
clicked their bills at you when approached. Eagle Owls
appear to breed throughout the hilly portions of the China
coast. I have procured young birds so far south as Amoy, at
Ningpo, and here again at Chefoo.

Anxious to get a view of the country, I took a sedan to
where the hill-range slopes down to the west beach. The
slope is exposed to the north and covered with trees planted,
park-like, at some distance from each other ; but such is the
strength of the gales that blow, that the soil up the hill and
for miles about is covered many inches deep with sand, and
the trees seem to spring from a desert of sand, while the grass
may be seen in vain struggling through to get a peep at the
daylight. As the wood extends to the rear of the hills vege¬
tation becomes more prominent, and the trees attain finer
proportions and at length yield good timber round about
some farms. This is a pretty park-like locality, and is known
here by the lovers of picnics as the “ Bois de Boulogne.” Buds
were now bursting into leaf, and the sibilant call of the far-tra-
travelling Yellow-browed Warbler (. Reguloides super ciliosus)
was frequently heard, and its tiny form seen springing about
the boughs in pursuit of insects revivified by the returning
warmth. I saw no other Warblers. Tomtits {Par us minor)
were numerous, and noisy with their nuptial call-notes.
Magpies chattered about ; and almost every tall Salisburia

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Ghefoo. 425

adiantifolia, or poplar, showed a large round mass of sticks, in
which the thoughts of the Magpies were for the present concen¬
trated. But in these same uncouth masses another interest
seemed also concerned, that of the Red-legged Falcon (. Erythro -
pus amurensis) , several of which of both sexes were circling
about, now fluttering excitedly with rapid beats of wing, now
sailing steadily in long circles. The Red-legged Falcons had
apparently not long arrived, and had not yet begun to lay ;
but the Magpies had in most cases callow young. I sent a
sedan-coolie up a tree in the hack garden of a man's house in
a village to examine a Magpie's nest. When he reached the
nest I called out from below and asked him what he found
there. He said five red ones. Thinking that he meant red
eggs I was delighted at the prospect of Hawk's eggs, and told
him to bring them down. He brought down one addled
Magpie's egg and five wretched red sprawling young Magpies
with eyes still unopened. The owner of the property remon¬
strated with me for robbing a Magpie's nest. He said we
owed them protection, as they put such confidence in us.
They call the Magpie here Ya-tcheo. Associated with the
Magpie I saw small parties of the Blue Magpie ( Cyanopolius
cyana) . A specimen of the male afterwards brought to me
shows a race much larger, with longer tail, than that found
about Shanghai. It differs, however, only in some trifling
respects in colour and markings. Doves ( Turtur gelastes )
bustled off the branches as we advanced ; a Woodpecker ( Picus
mandarinus ) hammered away quite close to us ; an Owl (. Ninox
japonicus ) flew from tree to tree on our approach ; and a Goat¬
sucker (Caprimulgus jot aka) showed itself lying lengthwise on
a bough. Siskins and Mountain-Finches were twittering about
in small parties ; and Chinese birdcatchers, with their decoys
in cage-traps, were lying in wait for them. From these we
got a live Tree-Pipit ( Pipastes agilis) and a Pintail Snipe
( Gallinago horsfieldi). Common and Daurian Swallows were
about the villages ; and occasionally a White-banded Swift
[Cypselus pacificus) might be seen speeding along overhead.
A few Stonechats ( Pratincola indica ) were about the standing
corn. We met some Quail-catchers and brought home a

426 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

dozen specimens. Quails were arriving in large numbers ; and
many were daily caught and brought to market for sale, both
for food and for fighting-purposes.

On the 9th May Mr. Campbell, of the lighthouse, sent me
a female Oyster- catcher, and a few days after (15th) the male.
In the female the remiges begin to show white on the shaft
of the first quill ; in the male on the shaft of the third.
Neither has any indication of a white collar on the neck.
The characters best to be relied on for a discrimination of this
species from its European ally, H. ostralegus , are the great
length of bill, and the black spots at tips of upper tail-coverts.

The Rev. W. Corbett, an American missionary at Chefoo,
lent me a manuscript work by a Chinese, in four volumes,
containing illustrations by hand of birds, beasts, fishes, in¬
sects, and plants. The work was picked up at an old book¬
stall by the reverend gentleman. It had neither title nor
authors name, no preface, and no date. The drawings are
coloured, and most of them life-size and recognizable, and are
intended apparently to illustrate the natural objects that the
artist has from time to time met with at Chefoo. The author
probably intended to publish the work, but for want of funds
disposed of the manuscript in the unfinished state it came
into our hands. I have found it useful in supplying native
names to many birds. I refer to it in the following notes as
‘MS. Illustrations/

We left Chefoo on the 20th October, as it was advised that
we should fly its winter's cold. Its summer is insufferably
hot, depending on the sea-breezes for refreshment ; its winter,
on the other hand, is extremely cold, and the gales from the
sea very biting. It is true that it is open to shipping, and
that the Pekin mails are landed there for overland carriage
when the Peiho is frozen up ; but now and again it is so cold
that the harbour extending to the islands becomes one sheet
of solid ice.

1. Osprey. Pandion haliaetus (L.).

Mr. A. Michie, of Shanghai, on a visit to me, went out on
the 15th October, and brought back a male of this species.

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 427

It was the ordinary species, which is also found throughout
China. In J apan the smaller bird of the southern hemisphere
is the prevalent species according to Schlegel (Mus. des Pays-
Bas, Aquilce , p. 22).

2. Peregrine falcon. Falco per egrinus, L.

A pair of Peregrines were breeding on the cliffs of, North
Rock, according to Constable Webster. He shot both male
and female on different visits to the islet. They were both
in adult plumage. The male had thin yellowish as car ides,
about 7 inches long, in the fatty tissue between its thighs and
flanks. A countryman brought me an egg, which Mr. A.
Newton, to whom I have shown it, agrees with me in con¬
sidering the faded egg of this species. It was taken from a
nest in a precipitous cliff. The Peregrine appears to be a
resident species the whole length of the Chinese coast. Young-
birds in their white down have been brought to me at Amoy ;
and the species is always to be found throughout winter over
Duck-marshes as far south as Canton.

3. Merlin. Falco cesalon, L.

It blew hard from the south-west for three days up to the
12th May, when, standing in the veranda of our house upon
the hill, I watched a party of Swifts flying past. A pair of
Merlins were with them, and passed quite close enough to
me for easy recognition. This is the only time I noted the
species.

4. Kestrel. Falco tinnunculus, L.

Kestrels are not less common at Chefoo than they are else¬
where along the Chinese coast. I only procured two females,
one shot by Constable Webster in the settlement, and the
other by Mr. Campbell at Lighthouse Island. The first was
procured on the 9th J anuary, and is of the ordinary variety
known as japonicus ; the other dates 12th September, and is of
very much larger size, with the red of the upper parts very
pale, streaked and banded very broadly, has the tail very
broadly barred with a comparatively narrow terminal dark
bar, and very little grey on the rump and base of tail. Under¬
parts whitish with little yellow, dark streaks on breast broad,

428 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

coalescing into splashes ; the tibials with conspicuous heart-
shaped dark spots. Tarse and feet more delicate, the former
with small hexagonal scales.

Length. Wing. Tail.

Small $ . 13 9 6*88

Large $ . 15-25 10-5 8

The unusual appearance of the bird, and its very large size,
made me half believe that I had got a novelty ; but I have
searched in vain for any structural difference, and I am forced
to admit that my single specimen must be merely an extra¬
ordinary individual variety. At least we have not sufficient
material for coming to any other conclusion.

5. Eastern Red-legged Falcon. Erythropus amurensis
(Radde) .

Soon after my arrival at Chefoo, on 4th May, I made an
excursion to the “Bois de Boulogne.” We had not pene¬
trated far along the avenue of tall trees that leads to it from
the road when I recognized the Kestrel-like scream of this
species, and soon saw a male with conspicuous white axillaries
wheeling in circles in the sky above. He was quickly fol¬
lowed by a female. I was glad to see that this little Hawk
was already here on its summer visit; and shortly after, espying
a large Magpie's nest up a high tree, I had my sedan chair
put down, and induced my chair-coolies to attempt climbing
the long smooth pole. While my men were addressing them¬
selves to the task I noticed the birds go several times to the
nest, and my hopes were high that eggs were laid. An ex-
cresence on the bole some way up foiled my men, and they
gave up the ascent. I tried a more accessible Magpie's nest
on the way home. A pair of Red-legged Falcons were hover¬
ing near ; but the parent Magpies were about too. The nest
contained only callow young Magpies. A few days later, in
the garden of a missionary living in the country at some dis¬
tance from the town, I noticed a female Falcon fly from the
top of a Magpie's nest. I sent a man up, but he found the nest
empty. With all my efforts I did not succeed in getting
either an egg or a downy chick.

In a dry watercourse, or “ nullah/' about a mile from the

Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 429

settlement, there were some fine trees, in which there stood
the domed nest of a Magpie and the small open nest appa¬
rently of a Blue Magpie. Both of these appeared to be occu¬
pied by Red-legged Falcons ; and there were some two dozen of
them about. The trees were difficult to climb, and we could
get no native to attempt them ; so we contented ourselves
with shooting a male and female, and a young male in moult.

The old male had very large testes, the young male smaller
ones ; but evidently both were engaged in breeding. The fe¬
male had small eggs containing yelk. Their stomachs were
crammed with bits of grasshoppers saturated with a pink
juice. I must here remark that the food of this Falcon is
by no means restricted to insects. My former experience in
Talien Bay (see Ibis, 1861, p. 253) shows that they are no
strangers to bird-flesh; and even in Chefoo they are reared
and trained for hawking small birds, for which they would
certainly be useless were they purely insectivorous. On the
22nd August I bought from a native two yearlings of this
species that were being so trained. Their ceres and legs were
yellow, the former dull ; their irides black.

6. Black-eared Kite. Milvus melanotis, Temm. & Schleg.
Fauna Japonica.

Kites did not appear abundant about us till July. They
were probably engaged up to then in breeding about the cliffs
of the islands to seaward. I was told that they were always
to be seen at this time over the lighthouse island, Kung-lmng-
tan ; and Mr. Campbell sent me word that nothing bred on
the cliffs of his island but Hawks of this description. On a
visit to our settlement on the 4th October he shot one of
these so-called Hawks, and brought it to me. It was an
adult male, measuring 25 inches in total length ; wing 16^,
falling 5 short of tail- tip ; under tail- coverts also 5 \ short of
same. Tail 1 2 inches, not much forked, the outermost rectrix
1 inch longer than the centrals. Belly and breast ochreous,
with pale streaks ; its iris was brown, and the base of the bill
greener than usual. Feet bluish white, with a very slight
tinge of yellow.

430 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

7. Goshawk. Astur palumb arius (L.).

Mr. Campbell, of the lighthouse, brought me on the 10th
October a yearling of this species which he had shot about his
premises the day before. The Hawk carried off one of his
chickens. He shot it and redeemed his property, but in a
lifeless state. I did not at the time know the undress of the
Goshawk, and was puzzled about the species, thinking that I
had got a large female of our Formosan Astur virgatus. The
specimen before me had a brownish upper dress, with broad
bands to its tail, and a small pointed occipital crest. Its bill
was blackish on the culmen, bluish at the base. Cere and
round eye greenish ; rictus yellow ; iris pale yellow. Legs
and feet greenish yellow ; claws black. When I showed this
Hawk the other day to Mr. R. B. Sharpe, he recognized it
at once as the immature of the Goshawk, and said he had
seen small crests in European specimens. I obtained the
Goshawk before at Pekin in complete plumage (see P. Z. S.
1871, p. 341).

8. Sparrow-Hawk. Accipiter nisus (L.) .

A female Sparrow-Hawk was brought to me on the wrist
by a native. He was training it for hawking.

9. Stevenson's Hawk. Accipiter stevensoni, Gurney.

Throughout May in my country rambles I would fre¬
quently meet natives carrying Hawks on their wrists. This
species was in the greatest request. How the natives caught
these Hawks I do not know; but the birds they were training
were invariably males more or less adult. They did not know
the female. I only once came upon a man actually engaged
in hawking. His Hawk had captured two small birds (Locus-
tella lanceolata) ; and the owner seemed very proud of the feat
accomplished by his “ eleve.” He had a cap for his bird
surmounted by a crest of feathers, much like the “ Falcon's
hood " used in Europe, and a bell on the tail at its base, with
a few strips of red and blue cloth pendent. When the bird
shook or flew the bell tinkled. An adult male measured 10
inches in length. Wing 6 ’6, the tip of the main quills extend¬
ing 1*4 beyond the tips of the tertiaries, and 2T short of the

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Cliefoo. 431

tail- tip ; 1st quill 2^ long, 2nd 135 longer, 3rd '88 longer
again, 4th 3 longer still, 5th *15 shorter than the last, which
is the longest in the wing. Tail 4*5 long, laterals rather
shorter than the centrals ; under tail-coverts 2*4 short of tail-
tip. Tarse 1*6 ; middle toe 1*2, its claw *35 ; claws thick at
base. Bill greyish-blue, black on the apical half. Cere, base
of lower mandible and angle of bill, skin on upper orbit and
round eye, greenish yellow. Iris crimson. Legs greyish-
green on upper surface of tarse, greenish chrome-yellow on
under surface. Feet chrome-yellow, greenish on edges of
scales. Claws rich black.

A younger male measured in length 10*4 ; wing 6“6 ; tail
4*6. Bare tarse 1*6; middle toe 1*2; its claw *3. It was
rather yellower on the toes than the last, and had the upper
orbit dark grey; iris yellowish crimson. A little green
marked the culmen of its bill and the angle of its mouth.
The tarsus in both birds was scarcely broader than the hind
and inner toes.

The last bird got loose in my sitting-room and tore to pieces
the skin of a Quail, thinking to find flesh within instead of
cotton wool and preservative.

I never saw this Hawk in my rambles in the country ; and
as the country-people carried only males, I almost despaired
of getting a female. Here, again, Mr. Campbell, of the Light¬
house, came to my assistance. He sent me one or two speci¬
mens of the bird from his island, and at length on the 10th
October an immature female. In this the iris was plain
yellow, and the upper surface of the legs and feet greyish-green,
the under surface being yellowish, the claws black, brownish
at their bases. The upper plumage is brown, darker on the
head, and lighter on the tail, the feathers edged with brown¬
ish chestnut, the tail tipped with brownish white, and banded
with four broad brown bars, the basal one of which is hidden
by the upper tail-coverts. Its under parts are white washed
in parts with greyish cream-colour. A central line of long
black drops marks the chin to the breast, where the drops get
larger and more extended. The axillaries are more decided
cream-colour, with blackish-brown spots ; the under quills

432 Mr. R. Swinhoe’s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

splashed with reddish cream obscurely barred with brown ; the
sides and belly barred with reddish brown ; the tibials more
closely and narrowly with a greyer hue of same ; the under
tail washed with white and barred with narrow bars of brown ;
the vent a pure white. Total length of skin about 13 inches ;
of wing 7i ; of tail 6*3.

The same good friend sent me a few days before a young
male in the immature plumage. This had the iris also plain
yellow and the legs much greener than in the adult.

I cannot, I am sorry to say, speak with certainty as to
whether this species breeds about Chefoo. I never saw it
so engaged ; the ardent native falconers were never met with
young birds in training ; and the immature birds had plenty of
time to be on their return migration from the Corea, or Mant-
churia. The organs examined of the spring arrivals were well
advanced ; and it is not impossible that a few halt en route to
carry out the golden law, while the majority of their race push
northwards.

10. Brown Hairy-footed Owl. Ninox japonicus (Temm.
& Schleg. Faun. Japon.).

On the 13th May, when rambling through the <( Bois de
Boulogne,” we put up two of this Owl. They flapped to the
cover of neighbouring trees. My Chinese servant went after
them with a gun ; but the birds were too sharp for him. These
Owls were on their northward migration, and on the 21st Mr.
Campbell sent me one from the Lighthouse island. It was a
male and measured 12 inches ; wing 8’3, first quill 1*9 shorter
than the second, which is *6 shorter than the third, which
with the fourth are the longest ; wing-tip falls 1*2 short of
tail and 1*8 longer than the tertiaries. Tail 5*3 long, of 12
nearly equal feathers. Cere and bill greenish. Iris yellow.
Feet yellow, sprinkled on their upper surface with bristles,
and covered on their soles with thickly packed long yellow
papillae. Claws long, sharp and black. Tarse bare only round
the ankle; middle toe 1*2, its claw ’55.

On the 28th Mr. Carles, from the Legation at Pekin, who
was staying with me, went to the Bois de Boulogne ” and

Mr. R. Swinhoe’s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 433

brought back another male Ninos?. This also had some¬
what small testes, as if not ready yet for breeding. Its
stomach contained the remains of insects, together with whole
undigested eggs of Cimicidce.

On the 15th October Mr. Campbell sent me a female. It
is larger than the male; the spots on its underparts more
expanded and running into one another, and its tibials and
belly banded. They were now bound on the southward
migration.

The northern race of Brown Hairy-footed Owl, is certainly
much larger than specimens I procured near Amoy and in
Ningpo and in Hainan. They are deeper-coloured and less
rufescent ; but the differences are too slight to be considered
specific. It is curious that in a migratory species such dif¬
ferences should occur.

11. Great Horned Owl. Bubo maximus.

Three downy young of this fine Owl were brought to me on
the 3rd of May. They all came from the same nest. Their
eyes were much smaller than in the adult, with iris compara¬
tively narrower and pupil larger. Bare tips of toes lemon-
yellow, soles yellowish. I have an adult female from Chefoo.
It is much paler than specimens from Amoy, though otherwise
similar. It breeds also in the neighbourhood of Amoy ; for
many years ago, when domiciled in that southern port, a couple
of downy young were brought to me that had been taken from
a nest somewhere in the neighbourhood.

12. Small Horned Owl. Scops sunia , Hodgs.

The first I saw of this species was a female sent by Mr.
Campbell from Lighthouse Island on the 25th September.
It was 7 § inches long ; wing 5*65, ’7 longer than the tertiaries,
*7 short of tail tip, first quill 1 shorter than the third and
longest, second ’25 shorter than third. Tail soft and hogged,
2*5 long. Iris golden yellow. Bill yellowish grey; inside of
mouth flesh-colour. Bare toes brownish grey, hoary on the
scutes, joints, and soles; claws light yellowish brown. Dis¬
section displayed a small cluster of eggs, and its stomach the
remains of beetles and caterpillars.

2 H

SER. III. - VOL. IV.

434 Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

In the beginning of October I received a male of the same
from M. A. Fauvel, a French gentleman engaged as Assistant
in the Imperial Customs, who had bought the bird from a
native, and kept it alive for some days. This specimen mea¬
sured in total length 6| ; wing 6, extending to end of tail,
1*15 longer than tertiary tips. Tail 3, soft, hogged and
rounded, plumage brown, splashed with rufescence. Bill
yellowish grey. Eyelids light yellowish brown. Iris line
yellow. Feet brown, with whitish edges to scutes, ochreous
on sides ; claws light brown. The female bird before noted
had no rufescence ; and I think, as a rule, males are oftener so
distinguished than females. I have a rufescent specimen from
Hakodadi without such markings, collected by Mr. H. Whitely,
that is of much larger size than any of my examples from
China. The total length of the skin is about 7 § inches, of
its wing 6J. The Hakodadi bird may be the Scops kennicotti,
Elliot, procured before in Alaska (see Trans. Chicago Ac. Sc.
1869, p. 331.

13. Long-eared Owl. Asio otus (L.).

Quite a fall of these occurred in the first week in October
on their southward migration. I got five specimens from
Lighthouse Island of both sexes, all more or less rufescent.
Their wings slightly exceeded the tail in length. The ear-
conch was enormous. Bill and claws blackish brown ; tips
of toes grey. Iris orange-yellow. Inside of mouth flesh-
colour. In Shanghai, on the 1st November, my brother John
shot another in a wood outside the town. All the specimens
are much like home birds.

14. Goatsucker. Caprimulgus jotaka , Temm. & Schleg.
Faun. Jap.

On the 4th May we saw two of this species in the Bois de
Boulogne. The ground was covered with sand; so they roosted
conspicuously along the thick branches of trees. They were
disturbed by our passing under, and flew to adjoining trees.
They must have rested with their eyes open in such exposed
placeso

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 435

15. White-rumped Swift. Cypselus pacificus.

Swifts were at Chefoo before us, and were to be seen every
fine day flying in parties high in the air, and in cloudy weather
darting about near houses and round the summits of hills.
At sundown I noticed they went seawards, and roosted in the
cliffs that bordered the sea. On the 22nd June, Constable
Webster went out collecting for me to the North Rock, a
small rocky islet about fifteen miles to seaward of the harbour.
He found the island girt with rocky cliffs, which he had much
difficulty in scaling by means of the oars of the boat. On the
top, about 100 feet elevation, was a grassy flat. In the clefts
and crannies of the rocks he found many nests, off which he
poked the owners, and brought to me a dozen of them alive
in a cage. They were individuals of the bird under notice
of both sexes (five males and seven females), showing that
both males and females take their turn in incubation. Some
of these had an extraordinary four- winged gad-fly about their
feathers. The nests were small for the size of the bird, shaped
like three-quarters of a saucer, with its broken side adhering to
the rock, and in jsome cases resting its under surface on a pro¬
jecting ledge. One was apparently a nest of the year, con¬
sisting of a shallow saucer, nearly 4 inches in greatest breadth,
thicker behind than in front, and constructed of refuse straw
and a few bits of catkins and feathers, all strongly aggluti¬
nated with a gelatinous matter, doubtless the bird^s saliva.
Another was perhaps the accumulation of six years, consisting
of six nests one placed above another and strongly glued to
it. Fucoids and a little earth formed the foundation of the
lowest of the series. The eggs contained in all were two in
number, the fresh ones pinkish white until blown, when they
became an unpolished white. Many were hard-set, containing
advanced embryos, and then showed externally dull white.
They average in length T2 inch, by *7 in breadth. This
species figures in the MS. Illustrations as the “ Iron-footed
Swallow/"’ Pallas (Zoograph. Rosso-Asiat. i. p. 539) decides
after some hesitation to consider this only a var. /3 of Cypselus
apus , and speaks of its breeding in company with the Black
Swift in abundance on the rocks about Lake Baikal. Had

2 h 2

436 Mr. R. Swinhoe’s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

he compared the nests of the two so-called varieties, he would
not have doubted long as to their specific distinctness. It is
worth noting how closely the nest of our bird resembles that
of the Collocaliee ! The Black Swift of Peking does not appear
to visit Chefoo. It breeds at Pekin, building in the holes of
buildings a loose nest like that of a Sparrow.

16. HlRUNDO GI1TTURALIS, Scop.

Swallows of course had arrived before we did, and were as
familiar and as trustful of man as in the south. On the 4th
May I noticed one out of a party flying over a village that had
a bright red tail. This, I fancy, must have been due to some
prank played on it by native boys. This is figured in the MS.
illustrations as the “ Hill ” or “ Rustic Swallow.”

17. Cecropis japonica, Bp.

The Daurian Swallow was not behind its congener; and
wherever the one was to be seen, the other was not far away.

Their modes of incubation are different, and I have never
seen their nests near together; but their methods of food¬
hunting attract each other, and thus they get associated.
Every afternoon they were to be seen about our hill ; and I
soon observed that they were not of the northern form that
resorts in summer to Peking, my C. arctivitta, but the larger
broad-banded species of the south, as above named. The
acquisition of a male, shot by my friend Mr. Carles, on
the 23rd May, proved that I was right in my surmise. It
measured in total length 6*75 inches ; wing 4*5, first quill
a little shorter than the second and longest, 2*2 longer than
the tertiaries, 1*4 short of tail. Tail 3*7 long, outer rectrix
1*9 longer than centrals. Male on dissection; testes much
enlarged. On the 26tli of the same month the same friend
shot a pair of this species. The female had the red nuchal
collar broken at the back, the sides of the nape less rufous,
the wings shorter, the long rectrices of the tail narrower,
with a faint whitish spot on each of them, thus differing from
the two males.

This form of Daurian Swallow would appear, then, to be the
coast-species. It is figured in the MS. Illustrations as the
“ House,” or “ Domestic Swallow.”

Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 437

18. Alcedo bengalensis (Lath.).

I never met the little King of the Shrimp in my rambles
about Chefoo ; but native birdcatchers occasionally brought
live examples. Figured in the MS. Illustrations as the Tsuy-
cheo (M.D. 11197, 10794), or Turquoise bird. A group of
five of Eurystomus orient alls is figured in the same Illustra¬
tions, but without name.

19. Hoopoe. Upupa epops , L.

I saw a Hoopoe in a cemetery at the foot of the hills, where
it probably had its nest. In flying up to a tree it threw a
summersault. On the 19th May Mr. Crasemann sent me a
female that had died in his aviary. Native name Poo Kuh-
neao (M.D. 8661, 6564, 7946), or Grain-distributing Bird.
He had procured it from a native birdcatclier only a few days
before. A Wren is figured in the MS. Illustrations, but
without Chinese name.

20. Eastern Reed-Thrush. Calamody t a orient alis (T.&S.) .

I know of no reed- abounding marshy places at Chefoo such

as we have at every other port I have been stationed at. Hence
at this place there was no such cover as this summer visitor
loves, and the specimens that disported on Lighthouse Island
were evidently migrants passing over to more suitable loca¬
lities across the Gulf of Pechelee. Mr. Campbell procured
three or four specimens of both sexes in the beginning of May,
and one or two early in June.

21. Moluccan Smoky Reed-Thrush. C alamo dyt a insular is
(Wall.).

Two males and one female of this Reed-Thrush were pro¬
cured by Mr. Campbell on Lighthouse Island on the 3rd
June. They were severally well developed and ready for
breeding, and could not have had very far to go for their sum¬
mer quarters. In my “ Revised Catalogue of the Birds of
China ” (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 352) I mention that this Moluccan
species occurred at Amoy in numbers in May. Twenty days
late! they were passing Chefoo ; and probably many sum¬
mer in the Corea. The allied C. fasciolatus, G. R. Gray,
did not turn up at Chefoo. I stated before (/. c.) that one of

488 Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo .

these last was sent from Lake Baikal. It is odd that these
two allied species should meet to winter in the Moluccas.

I extract from my notes on the fresh bird : — ie The fat that
abounds on the rump of birds in migration had in these
nearly disappeared. The testes of the males were whitish
and much swollen. The female was somewhat smaller than
the males, was less smoked on the underparts, and had a
lighter bill.

£ . Rim round eye yellowish. Bill on upper mandible
blackish brown, with yellowish edge ; inside of mouth, rictus,
and basal half of lower mandible chrome-yellow, the last
brownish towards tip. Legs, toes, and nails light flesh -brown,
darker on the toes.

“ Length 7*1 inches. Wing 3*25, *85 longer than tertiaries,
1*96 short of tail ; first quill diminutive, second *1 shorter
than the third and longest. Tail 3 inches, of twelve much
graduated pointed feathers, outer one shorter than centrals.
Under tail-coverts 1*08 short of tail-tip. Tarse 1*1 ; middle
toe and claw L06; hind toe and claw *68. Bill in front *65,
from gape *95.”

22. Mock Nightingale. Arundinax canturiens , Swinh.

Mr. Campbell brought me a specimen of this on the 15th

October. It was the only one I saw at Chefoo. On the 29th
October I got a male at Shanghai. I would call it a vagrant
rather than a migrant species. I will resort to Blythes generic
name for this group, as I find his type, A. olivaceus ( = Turdus
aedon , Pall.) (c/. P. Z. S. 1871, p. 353) is as much a bush-
lover as any of ours, and not a reed-skulker. His genus has
priority, though the name is any thing but apt.

23. DaviiTs Small Mock Nightingale. Arundinax da -
vidianus, J. Verr.

In my “ Revised Catalogue 33 (P. Z. S. 1871), under Her-
bivocula flemingi , I allude to this species as one of two sizes in
the Paris Museum from Pekin. Mons. J. Yerreaux described
it under the above name with Pere David^s novelties from
Moupin (Chinese Thibet, to the north-west), (Nouv. Arch, du
Museum, t. vi. (1870), p. 37. no. 18). I cannot understand

Mr. It. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 439

the mistake, as Yerreaux showed me the specimen mounted
in the Museum, as also coming from Pekin, and asked me
whether I considered it distinct from the smaller form, an¬
other mounted specimen, which I recognized as my A. fle-
mingi. Yet Yerreaux writes (Bull. p. 4), “ c'est encore du
Moupin que provient Funique sujet male que possede le
Museum, et qui fut tue en avril 1869 par M. A. David.”

On the 22nd May, at Chefoo, native birdcatchers brought
me a small Arundinax , like my A. minutus , but of a rather
larger size, with the throat coloured as the breast, and with
only a very little reddish on the forehead. I took the follow¬
ing note on its appearance when fresh. It was a female
on dissection : —

“ $ . Length 5*4 inches. Wing 2*4 ; fourth and fifth quills
equal and longest, 1*4 short of tail, *5 longer than tertiaries.
Tail 2*4, graduated. Bill *4, to gape *7. Tarse *95. Mid¬
dle toe and claw *68; hind toe and claw *5. Iris deep brown.
Bill brown, pale on tomia , and flesh-coloured at base. Legs
and feet brownish flesh-colour; claws light brown.”

24. Diminutive Grasshopper-Lark. Locustella lanceo-
lata, Temm.

In the last half of May this species arrived in numbers, and
almost every bush and patch of coarse grass on our hills had
its denizens. One perched on the window-sill of my sitting-
room, and hopped along most tamely, throwing up its tail and
twitching its wings, but uttering no note.

On the 31st Mr. Campbell sent me three pairs from Light¬
house Island. Their sexual organs were small and black, and
the fat about the rump was abundant, suety, and hard, show¬
ing that they were still “ on the move.” I took this note on
a fresh female

“ $ . Length 4*7 inches. Wing 2*28; first quill diminutive
(varies in size) ; second rather shorter than the third, which is
the longest, *34 longer than the tertiaries, 1*3 short of tail-
tip. Tail 1*95, much graduated and wedge-shaped, outer *7
short of centrals, and covered by under tail- coverts, which
run *45 short of tip. Tarsus *65 in front ; middle toe and

440 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

claw *75 ; hind toe and claw *62. Bill in front *3 7, from
gape ’GS/’

On a further study of Cassin (Proc. Acad. Sciences, Phil.
1856, p. 194) I feel convinced that his Lusciniopsis hender-
soni refers to this species, and not, as before supposed, to my
L. macropus. Lord Walden has received this little wanderer
from the Andaman Islands.

25. Creeper-coloured Grasshopper-Lark. Locustella
certhiola (Pall.).

The first I got of these was on the 20th May, when some
native birdcatchers brought me a male. It was sexually well
advanced, and, strange to say, had its tibial tendons fleshy
and not osseous, as in all our other Chinese species of Grass¬
hopper Lark. So constant did I find this character that I
began to think it generic. In plumage, it is true, this species
has a tendency towards Cisticola ; but in habits it is neverthe¬
less a true Locustella.

$ . Very flat on the forehead, straight in line with the bill.
Legs and feet flesh-brown. Bill light brown, black on cul-
men and tip. Length 5’5 inches. Wing 2*65, its tip falling
1*6 short of tail-tip, ’55 longer than tertiaries ; first quill -3
shorter than the second, which is the longest, and exceeds the
third by *1. Under tail-coverts *45 short of tail-tip ; upper
tail-coverts 1*1. Tail 2*2 long, the outer feathers being *8
shorter than centrals, of twelve much graduated feathers, five
on each side being mucronate at their tips, the two centrals
pointed. Tarse in front '77 ; middle toe and claw *87. Claws
long. Bill from forehead ’52, from gape *72.

On the 31st May Mr. Campbell sent me three from Light¬
house Island, and on the 25th June I came upon one in my
garden flitting from plant to plant.

26. Wanderer Willow-Wren. Phyllopneuste borealis ,
Bias.

On the 31st May Mr. Campbell sent me a host of these,
no less than twenty-three specimens. When I next saw him
he told me that for a day or two the trees and bushes in his
island literally swarmed with this bird ; and I frequently

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 441

noticed it at the same time in Chefoo. It disappeared as sud¬
denly as it came.

27. Yellow-browed Warbler. Reguloides super ciliosa
(Gmel.) .

On our arrival at Chefoo at the end of April the weather
was still fresh, and the trees only just budding into leaf.
This little winter visitant was still there among the trees, and
soon made its presence known by its loud plaintive call-note.
On the 4th May, while on a ramble in the so-called “ Bois de
Boulogne,” I watched one springing joyfully about among the
slender green-tipped sprigs of a willow, and thought how apt
was its Chinese name Lew-yung (M. D. 7210, 12640), or
“ Exuberance of the Willow.”

28. Robin Bluetail. Ianthia cyanura (T. & S.).

A few of these passed to their more northerly breeding-
stations.

29. Blue-and-white Robin. Larvivora cyane (Pall.).

These passed up plentifully in May, and I got a goodly

series from the birdcatchers. The female is much like in
colour of plumage that of the female Narcissus Flycatcher,
Xanthopygia narcissina (T. & S.), having the upper parts
brownish olive, the wings and tail brown, and the underparts
fulvous, strongly so on the throat and breast, with dark mar¬
gins to the feathers. Males in full plumage were compara¬
tively rare, most of them having brown wings and tail, fulvous
flanks, or some signs of immaturity about them. I procured
one nearly complete albino (a female on dissection) with flesh-
white bill and legs. It was presented to me by Mr. Crase-
mann, who bought it alive a few days before from a bird-
catcher.

The males have a short pleasing song. Native name Lan-
teen-rh or Blue-dyed.

30. Robin Redthroat. Calliope camtschatkensis (Gmel.).

Numbers of these also passed northwards in May; and,

judging from the backward state of their organs, I should say
that they still had a long way to travel. The male has a rich

442 Mr. R. Swinhoe’s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

ruby throat ; in the female this is white. I ascertained the
sex of six with white throats. It is true that at Amoy I found
males with white throats also ; but occasionally the occurrence
of a red feather in its midst proved that the white throat was
also the dress of immaturity. Pallas (Zoograph. Rosso- Asiat.
i. p. 483) states that both sexes have the red throat. An
old female might occasionally possess it.

31. Lesser Ox-eye. Parus minor, Temm. & Schleg.

I both heard and saw this species in the “ Bois de Bologne,^
and subsequently got a specimen, which did not differ from
the birds at Ningpo. It is the only Tit I met with at Chefoo.
Figured in the MS. Illustrations as Tche-tche-kang, a name
without meaning, probably in imitation of its notes.

32. Moluccan Titlark. Anthus gustavi , Swinh.

Imagine my surprise when, on the 31st May, Mr. Camp¬
bell, of Lighthouse Island, sent me fourteen of these Pipits,
amongst them six males and five females. I had found them

/s7* before at Amoy one spring, passing through in large numbers ;
but I had then no clue as to where they went. In a day or two
they had all vanished from Chefoo. Judging from the nearly
equal number of the sexes procured, I should say the two
travelled in company, which is rarely the case among birds,
the males generally preceding the females. Besides, north¬
wards, this species must have another line of route through
China; for since I have been in England this time, Mr.
Sclater sent me a specimen of this Pipit, received from M.
Taczanowski, of the Museum at Warsaw, to whom it was
sent from Lake Baikal by Dr. Dybowski. I took this note
from a fresh Chefoo specimen : —

“ $ Length 5*85. Wing 3' 28 ; first quill the longest,
second and third gradatim slightly shorter, 1T5 short of
tail-tip, *85 longer than tertiaries. Tail 2T8, of twelve fea¬
thers, and a little forked. Tarsi in front *85 ; middle toe and
claw -85 ; hind toe *45, its claw '47. Bill in front *45, from
gape '7.

33. Eastern Tree-Pipit. Anthus agilis , Sykes.

The only specimen I got of this Pipit was taken on the 4th

Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 443

May by a birdcatcher in the “ Bois de Boulogne." A Pied-
Wagtail is figured in the MS. Illustrations as “ Ho Yatcheo ”
(River-Magpie).

34. Pale-eyebrowed Thrush. Turdus obscurus, Gmel.

At Amoy I procured two sizes, large and small, of this
winter- wandering Thrush, which strays at that season as far
south as Malacca. At Chefoo I procured in May a male of
each size. This seems to be the species given by Pallas
(Zoograph. Rosso-Asiat. i. p. 457) as Turdus pattens , and
described by him only in the winter plumage, though he
states positively that it passes the summer in the copses
around the rivers of Dauria, and in the mountain-woods
around Lake Baikal. Temminck identified certain specimens
procured in Europe with Pallas's bird ; then at a later date
he confounded T. p aliens with his T. daulias of Japan. In
Europe, I presume, they have only occurred in their winter
plumage, as they do in Malacca (l7. rufulus , Eyton). In
spring the head and neck become blackish grey, the chin and
upwards to lower eyelid and the superciliary mark being
white, the rest of the plumage unaltered. The present is a
wandering species ; and its occurrence in Europe is what one
might expect; whereas T. daulias is only a local migrant.
There is as much as an inch difference in the comparative
length of the two races of T. obscurus , and sometimes even
more ; but I can find no corresponding difference of plumage
to warrant their separation. The light tips to the greater
wing-coverts, and the white tips to the outer tail-feathers, are
by no means constant. Sometimes both are plainly present ;
at others, one set, or often both, are entirely absent.

35. Siberian Thrush. Turdus sibiricus} Pall.

For some days towards the end of May these Thrushes
were about our hills, apparently bound north. On the 22nd
Mr. Carles shot three males, all sexually well advanced. I
took the following note on a fresh specimen : —

“ d. Length 8*5. Wing 4*76; first quill *75 long, second
*18 shorter than the third and longest, 1*7 short of tail-tip,
1-5 longer than tertiaries. Tail 3-5, of twelve nearly equal

444 Mr. R. Swinhoe^s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

pointed feathers. Bill *9, to gape 1*15 ; blackish yellow
inside of mouth. Legs and toes brownish -yellow, browner
on the scutes and claws. Iris blackish-brown

Mr. Campbell, of the Lighthouse, sent me a female on the
3rd of June

“ $. Length 8*6. Wing 4*5; first quill -78; second *2
shorter than the third, which is the longest, 1*85 shorter
than the tail-tip, 1*5 longer than the tertiaries. Tail 3 4
long; outer rectrix *35 shorter than the central, all mucro-
nate. Tarse 1*05 ; middle toe and claw 1*2 ; ochreous yellow
throughout. Bill *87, from gape 1*05; upper mandible and
apical half of lower blackish brown ; basal half of lower and
inside of mouth yellowish. Plumage olive-green above,
spotted with same below."”

36. Gold-sided Grey Thrush. Turdus chrysopleurus}
sp. nov. (Plate XIY.)

On the 15th May Mr. Campbell sent me, among other
birds, a new Thrush which he had just shot on Lighthouse
Island. It was a good deal battered ; was a male on dissec¬
tion, with enormous testes.

Total length about 9 inches. Wing 4’7; first quill *35
shorter than the second, which, with the third, is the longest
in the wing; fourth T shorter; wing-tip 2*15 short of tail-
tip. Tail 3*4; under tail-coverts P2 short of its tip. Bill
from forehead *82, from gape 1*05. Tarse 1*23; middle toe
*9, its claw '28. Bill, inside of mouth, and skin round eye
orange-yellow. Legs and toes the same.

This is the only specimen that turned up at Chefoo ; and
I was disposed to think that it was a straggler from Corea ;
but I have seen a very tolerable drawing of it among some
sketches of native birds ; so it may be commoner in other
parts of this Province. It is called in the sketch “ Hwuy-ke”
(M.D. 4523, 5315) or Ashy Fowl. The nearest ally among
the Indian Thrushes to this species that I have seen is one
shown me by Lord Walden, Geocichla tricolor , Hume, which
differs from ours in having the upper parts black instead of
grey. The female of G. tricolor resembles closely the female
of Turdus dissimilisj Blyth.

ILis.l874.TI.XIV.

imm

mm

C.O.S.oLel.

J. G.KeRemajis.libh .

M &N HajihaxL imp

TURDUS CHRTSOPLEURUS.

Mr. R. Swinhoe’s Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo. 445

37. White’s Thrush. Oreocincla varia (Pall.).

The only specimen I procured of this Thrush was brought
by Constable Webster on the 6th October from Kung-kung-
tan, or Lighthouse Island, whither he went the day before
for a little outing with his gun. It was a male, and had the
inside of its mouth orange-yellow. Legs and toes flesh-
colour. Tail of fourteen feathers, the outermost m5 shorter
than the centrals.

38. Blue -and -he d Rock-Thrush. Monticola solitaria
(P. L. S. Muller).

These came about the rocks of our hill in the neighbourhood
of our houses in August, when I procured a male, which is
of the size and brightness of the typical bird of northern Japan.
It had apparently finished nidifi cation for the season, but still
bears many marks of juvenility about it. The feathers of the
head and hind neck are margined with blackish and grey,
those of the back, upper wing-coverts, and rump with black
and whitish, of the wings and tail with whitish, and of the
underparts with black and whitish. The ground-colour of
the upper parts and breast is greyish blue, of the axillaries
and remaining underparts dark chestnut. A bird procured
before from Tientsin was of the same typical form and colour.
The young markings seem to be retained till the second
year.

39. Waxwing. Ampelis garrulus, L.

Waxwings had been taken in Chefoo before our arrival ; but
we did not see any flying about during our stay. Many
natives in the place had them in cages. It is figured in the
MS. Illustrations as the Hwai-ke (M.D. 4236, 5315), or

Cedar Fowl.”

40. Chinese Oriole. Oriolus chinensis.

Orioles passed Chefoo, but not in any number. Some
stayed to breed. In May I received a male, in breeding-order
as far as the sexual organs were concerned, but still some¬
what whitish on the underparts, with the the long dark spots of
immaturity, with the upper parts washed with green, the
nuchal black band not fully developed, and the bill brownish.

446 Mr. R. Swinhoe's Ornithological Notes made at Chefoo.

This was probably the offspring of a late last year's nest; but it
goes to show that males as well as females of this species breed
in immature plumage. I procured a nestling on the 12th
July. This has a brownish bill, with light leaden-coloured
legs and claws ; the underparts yellowish white, with black-
spots on the breast and belly. Back and crown green, with
blackish centres to the feathers, a yellowish band stretching
across the occiput. Wing-coverts dark green on outer webs,
black on inner with yellowish tips ; quills black edged whitish,
their coverts with dark green and tipped with yellow ; secon¬
daries black on inner webs, and along inner half of outer webs.
Tail-coverts greenish yellow, rectrices black, with large yellow
terminal spots. On the 15th September I obtained a pair of
adults. The female is rather larger than the male, and can
at once be distinguished by her greenish mantle.

41. Nymph Ground-Thrush. Pitta nympha 3 T. & S. Faun.
J apon.

On the 13th August a Pitta was brought to me in a cage.
It was said to have come from Yeu-chow Foo in this province,
and had evidently been long in a cage, as the lower mandible
had outgrown the upper, and the bird had all the appearance
of a prisoner. It answered fairly to the description of P.
nympha in the f Fauna Japonica,' which was based on a drawing
taken by a Japanese artist at Nagasaki from a bird said to
have been brought from Corea. I announced this discovery
to the Secretary of the Zoological Society; and my note on the
subject was published in P. Z. S. 1873, p. 730. It devoured
grasshoppers greedily, and had a wailing cry like that of a
puppy dog in distress. On the 20th August it died, and
proved to be a male.

That this bird is P. nympha there cannot be a shadow of a
doubt, answering as completely as it does to the figure and
description of that species in the f Fauna Japonica.' Its sole
difference is in the want of the black chin ; but this addition
in the plate is evidently an artistic error. Its nearest ally is
my P. oreas , from Formosa, from which it chiefly differs in
being rather paler in the ground-colour of the underparts, and

Recently published Ornithological Works. 44 7

in having a larger tarse and longer toes. The throat of P.
nymph a is more decidedly white ; the green of its mantle is
somewhat more yellow ; and the sanguineous middle line of
its belly mounts higher. Both want the white crescent on
the black axillaries, but are otherwise closely allied to the P.-
coronatus group of India.

[To be continued.]

XLIY. — Notices of recently published Ornithological Works.

Those who know the bulk and cost of our county-histories
will be thankful to Mr. Mansel-Pleydell for having printed
in a separate form and octavo size his natural-history contri¬
butions to the new edition of Pulteney*s f Dorsetshire/ now
in course of publication. These consist of a Dorset f Flora/
a Dorset f Ornithology/ including a “ List of the rarer birds
of the County/* and a similar treatise on its f Conchology**.
Strictly speakings we have only to do with the second of
them; but the “ Introduction ** to the ‘ Flora * contains a
good account of the physical geography of the district, which
deserves the attention of our readers, since too many local
naturalists are apt to overlook that essential coefficient of all
Faunas. Dorset has hitherto not been favoured by ornitho¬
logists, and no list of its birds has appeared since Pulteney*s
Catalogue* in 1799 (?) ; while it has been also remarkably
deficient in well-placed observers, and thus, doubtless, many
a winged windfall to its coast has escaped enrolment in the
“ British List.** Portland itself, one would think, should be
another Heligoland, attracting storm- tossed stragglers from
afar ; yet Portland makes little figure in our author* s work.
Poole Harbour, with its many bays and backwaters — looking
from the Lytchett heights more like a West-Indian lagoon
than any thing else in this island — has, indeed, long been
famous for the number of rare water-birds which have fallen

* Flora of Dorsetshire &e. By John Clavell Mansel-Pleydell, B.A.,
F.L.S., F.G.S. London and Blandford, 1874, 8vo, pp. 320.

Ornithology and Conchology of the County of Dorset. By the same.

pp. 120.

448 Recently published Ornithological Works.

to the craft of the numerous gunners who once frequented
its shoals ; and one of the valleys which thence stretches
westward has yielded by far the majority of English examples
of Scolopax sabiniij while another furnished the type speci¬
men of Botaurus lentiginosus* . Lord Ilchester’s swannery
on the Fleet is probably unique in the world ; for where else
can be seen on one water upwards of a thousand living
examples of Cygnus olorl Mr. Mansel-Pleydell has un¬
wittingly deprived his county of the distinction of having
produced the sole European specimen of Picus pubescens ; for
the specimen which he records as shot near Whitby was a P.
villosus (cf. Zool. pp. 2496 and 2985). A complete account
of the Birds of Dorsetshire has yet to be written ; but when
that is done the present treatise will give valuable aid to the
author, whoever he may be.

The demand for works on the ornithology of particular
districts seems to be ever on the increase ; and within the last
few years numbers of such books, of more or less merit, have
made their appearance. The scene of Dr. Saxby’s f Birds of
Shetland ’ f is well chosen, as the book treats of the ornithology
of a group of islands situated at a sufficient distance from the
mainland to render easy the question of boundaries, often
perplexing to writers on county or local faunas.

The chief excellence of Dr. Saxby’s book consists in its
field-notes, which bear the stamp .of having been written
almost out of doors. This merit often carries with it a cor¬
responding disadvantage, which we think observable in the
present case. We notice a want of appreciation of the neces¬
sity of acquiring a well-digested knowledge of the external
range of the birds found in the Shetland Islands. This is
shown by the scanty references scattered through the work ;
Gray’s f Birds of the West of Scotland’ is occasionally quoted.
The birds of the Faroes are barely alluded to, still less those
of Iceland or the Scandinavian peninsula. It is in the pages

* Montagu, Orn. Diet. App. pi.

t The Birds of Shetland, with Observations on their Habits, Migration,
and occasional appearance. By the late Henry L. Saxby, M.D. Edited
by his brother, Stephen H. Saxby, M.A. Edinburgh : 1874, 8vo, pp. 398.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 449

of the f Zoologist/ in which journal a large proportion of the
notes in the present volume have appeared, that the author
has sought his chief instruction. At the end of the work
the editor has appended a list of the species observed in
Shetland up to the present year; they are 202 in number, nearly
a third of which were added to the Shetland list by Dr. Saxby.
There are several birds included in the work, upon doubtful
authority, which had better have been omitted altogether,
such as the Cuneate-tailed Gull and Dusky Petrel; their
insertion only gives rise to utterly unprofitable discussions
as to whether the birds really were what the author supposed
them to be.

In a note speculating on the origin of the name Boat¬
swain 33 as applied to the Arctic Skua, the Editor does not
appear to be aware that the same name is applied universally
by sailors to the perfectly (so far as Gulls are concerned)
inoffensive Tropic birds (Phaeton). It is wreil known that the
long tail-feathers of the bird of tropical seas are supposed to
represent a marline spike. Whether the masterful manner of
the Skua gained it the name of the “ Bosen,” and the long tail
feathers were accounted for as being his marline spike, and
the name was thus transferred to a bird which also carried a
long tail, or the possession of a marline spike suggested the
name of “ Bosen” in both cases, it is difficult to decide. We
have not been able to find any authority for the supposed
Scandinavian name “ Bosun,” suggested by Mr. Stephen
Saxby, which, if really in use, may be only an adaptation of
the English word.

Mr. Brockholes^s paper on birds observed in Wirral,
Cheshire, forms No. 1 of the f Proceedings of the Chester
Society of Natural Sciences/ and contains notes on 168 species
which have occurred in the district. Wirral, we believe, is
that part of the county palatine which lies between the estu¬
aries of the Dee and the Mersey. So situated, we should
have thought the number would be larger ; but to make it
up the author has been compelled to enlist the Black Swan
( Cygnus atratus) in his forces, though he admits that he is
u not certain that the bird referred to was really a wild one.”

SER. III. - YOL. IV. 2 I

450 Recently published Ornithological Works.

The notes do not seem to include any thing of novelty, the
most remarkable facts mentioned (the breeding of Tringa
cinclus and Mareca penelope in the district) having been
before recorded on the author’s authority in our pages (Ibis,
1865, pp. 438, 444).

On the completion of each of his great works, Mr. Gould
has published the f Introductions ’ in an octavo volume. This
plan has been of great assistance to working ornithologists
making references to such large books. The volume* now
before us contains the introductory matter accompanying
‘ The Birds of Great Britain/ on the completion of which
we have recently had occasion to congratulate Mr. Gould.

Since our last notice of Mr. Dresser’s f Birds of Europe’ f,
four more numbers have been issued.

A number of Sylviidse are figured and treated of in these
parts, including some Saxicolinse, an intricate group which
Mr. Dresser and Mr. Blanford have carefully worked out in
a recently published part of the Zoological Society’s c Pro¬
ceedings 9 (1874, p. 213 et seqq.) . Progress is also made with
the genus Lag opus ; and interesting notes, illustrated by a
plate, are given of the shedding and growth of the claws and
the assumption of the feathers on the toes at certain seasons
by Lagopus albus. The Corvidae, Certhiidse, Glareolidse,
Cuculidse, Hirundinidse, Accipitres, Sturnidse, Cypselidse,
Anatidse, Laridse, and Procellariidse, all come in for a share of
attention. In the double number the profuse synonymy of
that unfortunate bird, the Yellow-browed Warbler of Latham,
Phylloscopus super ciliosus (Gmelin) is very fully worked out
by Lord Walden. The extent to which this poor bird has
been misnamed can be realized by glancing at its list of
synonyms, which occupy nearly two quarto pages of Mr.
Dresser’s work !

As we have frequently spoken in terms of praise of this
admirable work, suffice it to say that the present numbers

* Introduction to the Birds of Great Britain. By John Gould. Lon¬
don : 1873. 8vo, pp. 135.

t A History of the Birds of Europe. By H. E. Dresser. Parts
xxviii., xxix. & xxx. (double part), xxxi. May, July, and August, 1874.

Recently published Ornithological Works . 451

evince the same unflagging zeal and care on the part of the
author which has characterized the earlier portion of the
book.

Signor Adolfo Savi has published the first volume of an
f Ornitologia Italian a ' * by his celebrated father, which on the
latter's death was almost ready for the press, and shows that he
laboured to the last with unabated energy in the field which
saw some of his earliest successes more than fifty years ago \
for his Catalogue of the Birds of Pisa appeared in 1823.
The force of habit may naturally account for the old-fashioned
arrangement of the Class continued in the present work. We
have Coracias following the Laniida, and itself followed by
the Corrida ; next to them comes the “ Tribu Corticicoli,,s
made up of Nucifraga and Silt a — an odd conjunction ; and the
Hirundinida are placed between Caprimulgus and Cypselus ;
while the whole volume shows an almost unquestioning faith
in the gospel according to Temminck's f Manuel '—one of the
most dangerous errors in which an ornithologist can indulge.
But there is little use in criticising the adherence of veterans
to their ancient ways. Almost all naturalists have but to live
long enough to fall somewhat behind the age ; and the vener¬
able professor of Pisa was no exception. Still we should be
misleading our readers if we were to induce the belief that
the book is entirely antiquated. Very much is it otherwise,
and we rejoice to see the adoption in it of many new ideas,
not the least of which is that since Italy ceased to be the
“ geographical expression " it used to be termed, the author
bethought him of extending his old ‘ Ornitologia Toscana ' to
an ornithology of the whole country ; and the result is not
unworthy of the regenerated nation. In his introduction
Savi treats at some length on the method of dividing Birds
into two great groups, Altrices and Prcecoces , first instituted
by Prof. Sundevall in 1836, and in 1840 adopted by Bona¬
parte f. Much is unquestionably to be urged in favour of

* Ornitologia Italiana, opera postuma del Prof. Comm. Paolo Savi,
Senatore del Regno. Volume Primo. Firenze : 1873. 8vo, pp. 478.

t Mr. Newman has lately intimated (Zool. 1874, p. 4095) that this
notion originated with him, and was propounded to the Zoological Society

2 i 2

452 Recently published Ornithological Works.

such a separation of the Carinate Birds; but it is not easily
carried out. Where are the Caprimulgidae to be lodged ? and
what is to become of the Steganopodes ? Doubtless one of
these days such difficulties may be got over; but that happy
time seems as yet far off, and for the present we are content
to prefer the “ anatomical ” (which we trust we shall offend
none by declaring to be the true “ zoological ”) method to the
so-called “ physiological.” In the hope that this notice may
meet the eye of Signor Savi, though our pages seem to have
been unknown to his father, we may suggest his inserting in
page 435, line 20, the words “ Savi* *s Warbler” — that being
the name given by British ornithologists to one of their most
valued treasures, to the history of which they have contributed
not a little ; and we can assure him on our own testimony that
there is no doubt as to the parasitic habits of Oxylophus glan-
darius ( cf . Ibis, 1859, p. 316). Apropos of Prof. Savi and
Italian ornithology, we may remark that there seems to have
been an error, which was first pointed out by Dr. Salvadori
(Fauna dHtalia : Uccelli, p. 76), in M. de Selys-Longchamp*s
paper in this Journal some years ago : for “ Merle maritime”
(Ibis, 1870, p. 452) we ought to read “Merlo montano.”

Mr. Hume has recently published all the information he
could rake together concerning the eggs and nests of Indian
birds*. The object of the volume is to give information to
his numerous correspondents as to the extent of his know¬
ledge on these subjects, in order that they may supplement it
by further observations and discoveries.

‘The Birds of Great Britain * being now completed, Mr.
Gould is turning his strength on to ‘ The Birds of Asia*

on the 12th of March, 1850. There can be no doubt of the inventor of
of the names “ Hesthogenous ” (!) and “ Gymnogenous ” having then
conferred them on the two groups of birds, unconscious that his u First
Thoughts on the Physiological Classification of Birds ” had already oc¬
curred to the eminent Swedish naturalist above mentioned.

* Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds. By Allan Hume. Rough Draft.
Part I. Calcutta : 1873. 8vo, pp. 236.

t The Birds of Asia. By John Gould. Part xxvi. Folio. London :
Aug. 1st, 1874.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 453

a work of indefinite dimensions, which, having now reached
its twenty-sixth part, bids fair to be the most comprehensive,
though not the most homogeneous, of all the colossal works
of the author. One new species is described in this part and
called Paradoocornis austeni, after Major Godwin- Austen, who
discovered the species in the Naga Hills, near Kuchai, and
at Shillong, in the Khasi Hills.

In 1865 M. Mulsant, in conjunction with the brothers
Verreaux, published a small volume entitled ‘Essai d’une
Classification Methodique des Trochilides ou Oiseaux-Mou-
ches^ (cf. Ibis, 1867, p. 126) . In their introduction the authors
referred to a forthcoming Monograph of these birds, the pub¬
lication of which M. Mulsant, the sole survivor of the three,
has now courageously commenced*.

It is contemplated that the whole work will comprise four
volumes, each containing four livraisons. Each of the latter
will be illustrated with four or five coloured plates containing
figures of the chief genera ; the total number of plates will
therefore be about 72. Should, however, a sufficient number
of subscribers be forthcoming, plates figuring all of the
remaining species will be issued.

Though the f Essai * contained some serious errors, it had
the decided merit of being an attempt to give differential
characters for the various genera and higher groups of Tro-
chilidse.

The new work does the same ; but the primary divisions,
as well as the genera, are defined by emphasizing characters
not brought into the same prominence in the former essay.
The feathering of the base of the beak was first used to form
two tribes, “ Trochiliens ” and “ Ornis miens ; ” now the shape
of the tail-feathers is employed to indicate three such groups,
called “ Trochiliens,” “ Lophorniens,” and “ Ornismiens.”
The minor divisions are also defined from different characters,
but still the method of treatment employed in their analysis

* Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-Mouckes on Colibris constituent la
famille des Trochilides. Par E. Mulsant et feu Edouard Verreaux,
Ouvra'ge publie par la Society Linn6enne de Lyon. 4to Livraisons 1, 2.
Paris: 1873-4.

454 Recently published Ornithological Works.

is the same. M. Mulsant adheres to his terms “machoire”
for what we prefer to call the mandible of the beak, and
“ mandibnle ” for the upper mandible or maxilla, which is to
be regretted, as ornithologists are not likely to adopt his no¬
menclature. A Latin description is given of each species as
well as a French one. Minute measurements and full synonymy
with references make this part of the work very complete.
The geographical distribution of each species is also given ;
this is of course much more ample than in the former work,
and, we are happy to add, more accurate ; still we see room
for improvement. We can hardly accept Guatemala as com¬
prised within the range of Euiosceres aquila without good
authority ; nor can we credit the statement that Phaethornis
eurynome occurs in Chili ; nor do we believe that Campylo-
pterus pampa inhabits New Granada, it having not hitherto
been found southward of the limits of Guatemala.

M. Mulsant does not follow Mr. Gould in his excessive
multiplication of species, but goes further than any one has
yet done in uniting birds hitherto supposed to be specifically
distinct. We are not disposed to demur to this treatment,
especially as all the so-called races or varieties are mentioned
separately in the text attached to the species to which they
are said to belong. Having thus briefly noticed the chief
features of M. Mulsant’s work, which will, when finished, be
of great use to those studying this fascinating group of birds,
we wish him all success in his undertaking.

After a long interval Professor Schlegel has resumed the
issue of his well-known work, the f Museum d'Histoire Na-
turelle des Pays-Bas the 10th livraison of which was pub¬
lished last year. The contents include the Aves Struthiones,
the Columbse, and a review of the Rapaces.

In continuing to place the Dodo and its allies with the
Struthiones, Prof. Schlegel occupies what must, we believe,
be now considered an isolated position — all who have recently
studied the remains of these remarkable birds, with one accord

* Museum d’Histoire Naturelle des Pays-Bas. Par H. Schlegel. Con-
tenu de la 10me Livraison : 1. Aves Struthiones, pp. 14; 2. Aves Columbse,
pp. 180: 3. Aves Rapaces (Revue), pp. 156. 8vo: Leyden, 1873.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 455

placing them with or near the Columbse. The position
assigned to Didus with regard to the Struthiones is still more
singular, as the two genera Didus and Pezophaps are placed
between Rhea and Dromceus.

Nor is this all; the genus Pezophaps is made to include
Aphanapteryx broeckii (A. imperialis, v. Frauenfeld [cf. Ibis,
1869, p. 265, et seq.~\), clearly a Ralline bird, and Misery thrus
leguati , Alph. Milne-Edw. (P. herberti , Schl.), a species of
the same affinities.

The richness of the Leyden Museum is well exemplified in
the fact that the Columbse are represented by no less than
2309 mounted specimens, skeletons, and crania. In treating
this group. Professor Schlegel has followed the plan adopted
in the previous portions of his work. In reading through
the pages of the present part, we noticed the following points
which appear worthy of comment : —

lanthcenas griseogularis , described in this Journal (Walden
and Layard, Ibis, 1872, p. 104, t. 6) from the island of Negros,
is here (p. 75) renamed I. luzoniensis. The reason for this
proposed change is not very apparent ; but we suppose that
the specimen, having been acquired in 1862, had a MS. name
bestowed upon it, which is now (1873) published for the first
time. The title must, of course, be consigned from its birth
to the limbo of synonyms.

A single specimen of Chlorcenas nigrirostris from Guate¬
mala is said to be one of the types of the species. This can
hardly be the case,, seeing that the bird from which Mr.
Sclater took his description was obtained by M. Salle in
Mexico !

Peristera lansbergi (p. 139) is evidently Peristera monde¬
tour a, Bp., a rare but widely distributed species, being found
from Mexico to Bolivia (cf. antea, p. 99) .

Peristera pentheria, Bp., is kept separate from P. ruficauda
of the same author. Having seen the types in Paris, we
believe them to be the sexes of one species, which should be
referred to the genus Zenaida and stand as Z. ruficauda.

Melopelia meloda is united with M. leucoptera ; but we
believe they are quite distinct though congeneric species.

456 Recently published Ornithological Works.

In his treatment of the species of the genus Leptoptila
(p. 158 et seqq .) Prof. Schlegel has fallen into great confu¬
sion. The bird called L.jamaicensis is probably L. verreauxi -
The true L. jamaicensis, probably the bird here called L.
albifrons, is purely Antillean, whereas L. verreauxi is found
in the northern portions of South America and as far north
as Costa Pica, being replaced in Guatemala by L. albifrons
(not the bird here so called) . The bird called L. cassini, from
Mexico (Guatemala?), is L. cerviniventris, as Prof. Schlegel
would at once have seen had he possessed specimens from
Panama. The genus Geotrygon is suppressed, and the species
usually included in it are placed in Starnoenas , a name solely
applicable to S. cyanocephala. This species alone, amongst
American Pigeons, has reticulated tarsi, like Goura !

The last portion of this livraison contains a review of the
Birds of Prey. We notice (p. 14) that WaglePs name Scops
trichopsis is placed as a synonym of S. flammeola ! this is quite
wrong (cf. antea , p. 314). The Kestrel of the Island of St.
Vincent, of the Cape-Verd group, is characterized under the
name of Falco neglectus ; this Mr. Sharpe (Cat. B. i. p. 428)
considers to be only a dark race of F. tinnunculus.

Circus poliopter us (p. 49), treated as a separate species, is
the female of C. cinereus. Astur hensti (p. 62) is described
as a new species from Madagascar ; its nearest ally appears
to be A. palumbarius.

The Sparrow-hawk from Bogota, called (p. 70) Nisus ery-
throcnemius, must surely be A. ventralis. This, too, would
have been apparent to Prof. Schlegel had he possessed Bra¬
zilian specimens.

All the North- American Buzzards except B. lineatus and
B. pennsylvanicus are united to B. borealis (p. 107) . These
birds have been carefully worked out by Mr. Bidgway (N. Am.
B. iii. p. 244 et seq.), whose views, by far the most correct, we
believe, that have yet been published, differ widely from
those of Professor Schlegel.

The appendix to Mr. Brenchley's f Cruise of the Curajoa’*

* Jottings during the Cruise of II.M.S. ( Cura$oa ’ among the South-
Sea Islands in 1865. By Julius Brenchley, M.A. Large 8vo, pp. 474.
London : 1873.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 457

contains, amongst other articles, one by the late Mr. G. R. Gray
on some of the birds collected during the voyage. Mr. Gray
did not live to see his contribution through the press ; but
all of the new species seem to have been previously described
in the f Annals and Magazine of Natural History J for 1870.
These, as well as some others, are now illustrated on 21
excellent plates by Smit. The species figured are : — Accipiter
albogularis , Gray, from San Christoval I.; Collocalia hypoleuca,
Gray, from Uji or Gulf I., and C. uropygialis , Gray, from New
Hebrides; Eurystomus crassirostris , S cl., from Uji ; Glyciphila
caledonica, Gray, from New Caledonia, and G. flavotincta,
Gray, from Eramanga I.; Philemon sclateri , Gray, from San
Christoval ; Anthochera aubryana , J. Verr. & Desm., from
New Caledonia; Zoster ops flavifrons , Gmelin, from New
Hebrides, and Z. ooanthochroa , Gray, from New Caledonia;
Myiagra melanura , Gray, from Yanua Lava, Banks^s group,
and M. caledonica, Bp., from New Caledonia; Rhipidura
spilodera, Gray, from Yanua Lava; Lalage banksiana,
Gray, from Vanua Lava ; Pachycephala chlorurus, Gray,
from New Hebrides; P. moriariensis , Yerr. & Desm., from
New Caledonia, and P. ocanthetraa, Forster, from New Cale¬
donia; Eopsaltria caledonica, Lath., from New Caledonia,
and E. cucullata, Gray, from New Hebrides ; Lorius hypoeno-
chrous, Gray, from the Solomon Is. ; Trichoglossus massena,
Bp., from San Christoval and New Hebrides, and T. palma-
rum, Gmel., from New Hebrides; Cuculus bronzinus, Gray,
from New Caledonia ; Carpophaga brenchleyi, Gray, from
San Christoval; Macropygia crassirostris, Gould, from the I.
of Guadalcanal’, Solomon Group; Megapodius brenchleyi,
Gray, from Tanna and Sandwich* or Yate I., New He¬
brides ; and Eulabeornis lafresnayanus, Yerr. & Desm., from
New Caledonia.

We believe that many of the specimens collected by Mr.
Brenchley are in the British Museum ; the rest are to be
seen in the museum at Maidstone, in Kent, of which Mr.
Edward Bartlett is now Curator.

* Not the Sandwich Islands, as stated, Ibis, 1871, p. 440.

458 Recently published Ornithological Works .

Dr. Elliott Coues5s * Field Ornithology5* is an admirable
manual, teaching the whole duty of an ornithologist in pursuit
6f his craft. Though the work professes to teach beginners,
there are in its pages many suggestions of sound sense from
which even practised hands may take some hints. The
instructions laid down are excellent, as a whole ; but at the
risk of being called addicted to the use of a “ nasty greasy
substance/5 we must say we do not share the author’s dislike
to arsenical soap. Skins of tropical birds dressed with
arsenical soap are certainly more pliant and less liable to
crack than those treated with dry arsenic. Both preparations
are probably equally efficacious in preventing the subsequent
attacks of insects.

As regards these pests, we must say that our ornitho¬
logical brethren in America are to be pitied, judging from
a whole paragraph (p. 106) devoted to a description of the
ravages committed by Tineidse and Dermestidse ( Dermestes
and Anthrenus ) upon their bird- skins. Taking the destruc¬
tiveness of insects as his text. Dr. Coues draws, in the final
words of this part of his book, an admirable moral. The con¬
stant study of skins “ is the best preventive,55 he says, “against
f bugs.5 55 “ The very bugs/5 he adds, “ urge on our work.55

The second portion of f Field Ornithology 5 contains a
check-list of the birds found in North America. 635 species
and “ varieties55 are included in the ornis of North America,
amongst which are many of the latter. It may be remarked
that in this list the new Transatlantic system of nomenclature
is here carried to its full extent. Alas for the binominal
system of Linnaeus, when we find that the Latin equivalent
of the Californian Jay has to be expressed as “ Aphelocoma
floridana , Bartram, Cabanis, variety californica, Vigors,
Coues 55 ! A return to the nomenclature of the days of Ray
would be a relief to this.

Another work by the same prolific author is an account of
the ornithology of the Prybilov Islands -j*. We believe that

* Field Ornithology, &c. By Dr. Elliott Coues, U. S. A. 8vo, pp. 116
& 137. Salem, Mass. : 1874.

t Ornithology of the Prybilov Islands. By Dr. Elliott Coues, U. S. A.
Oblong 4to. 1873.

Letters, Announcements, fyc.

459

only an extremely limited number of copies of this pamphlet
have been printed The one before us is is made up of printer’s
proofs sent by the author to Mr. Dresser. This is to be
regretted, as the chief portion of the paper consists of notes
of birds observed and collected by Mr. W. H. Elliott, many
of which are interesting, especially those on the singular
Alcidse of the North Pacific. In this paper, too, Tringa
ptilocnemis is described for the first time by Dr. Coues. This
species has already to carry a synonym, it having been
described by Mr. Harting, from Mr. Elliott’s specimens sent
to him by the Smithsonian Institution, as Tringa gracilis
(P. Z. S. 1874, p. 242, Aug. 1st) .

XLV.- — Letters, Announcements, fyc.

The following letters, addressed “ To the Editor of ‘ The
Ibis,’ ” have been received : —

Dear Sir, — Allow me to make a few observations upon
some of the birds referred to in f The Ibis ’ for April 1874.

Phyllopneuste borealis, Blasius, p. 140.

Lord Walden of course knows that P. magnirostris, Blyth,
is exceedingly like P. borealis — so much so, that Mr. Hume
(f Stray Feathers,’ i. p. 495) confounded the two. I am
anxious to know if Lord Walden is certain in this identifica¬
tion of No. 79 as P. borealis.

I examined a few of Mr. Swinhoe’s Chinese examples of
P. borealis (P. sylvicultrix , Swinhoe) in the Indian Museum ;
and although of the same size and colour, between the two
birds I found the following differences : —

1. The first primary of P. borealis is very minute, and
almost Acrocephalus-YikQ, as in P. sibilatrix ; while in P.
magnirostris it is of tolerable size and Hypolais- like, as in
H. polyglotta and H. rama.

2, The 2nd quill of P. borealis is equal in length to mid¬
way between 5th and 6th, as in P. trochilus ; while in P.
magnirostris the 2nd quill is about equal to the 9th, the
latter bird’s wing being more rounded.

460

Letters , Announcements, tyc.

P. magnirostris, Blyth, is the bird, I believe, hitherto
procured from the Andamans. Will Lord Walden kindly
inform us, with the points of difference I have noted before
him, whether he still considers the birds procured by Lieut.
Ramsay to be P. borealis ?

Anthus cervinus (Pallas), p. 141.

I am surprised that the axillaries should be white. Our
Indian Anthus rosaceus, Hodgson, whicli I take to be Anthus
cervinus, Pallas, as a rule, has the axillaries strongly tinged
with sulphur-yellow. I must say I should much like to see
one of these Andamanese Pipits. I have failed to obtain the
loan of one from Mr. Hume, who informs me he has a distinct
Andamanese Pipit ; but until I see it myself I shall not be

convinced.

\ '

CORYDALLA STRIOLATA (Blyth), p. 140.

Lord W alden says he is “ disposed to doubt the propriety
of separating this form from C. rufula33 I have large series
of each, and know them well in life. A small C. striolata
much resembles a good-sized C. rufula ; but I can, I think,
always distinguish them.

1. C. rufula has, as a rule, a proportionally longer hind
claw and a larger bill.

2. The two voices are utterly different.

3. C. striolata is a migrant, appearing very numerously in
the plains of India in September ; but C. rufula is non-migra-
tory, and breeds over India generally.

Lord Walden may rest assured that there are no two
species more distinct than these two Pipits. Perhaps the
Andaman birds are C. rufula, and have been misnamed
“ C. striolata ; 33 I should much like to see one. Even if
there were absolutely no visible difference, the utterly differ¬
ent notes and habits must not be lost sight of. C. richardi ,
C. striolata, C. rufula, and Anthus campestris can all be recog¬
nized with one^s eyes shut, merely by hearing them, and this
with the greatest certainty.

Wre must not suppress a good species, if it can be avoided.

461

Letters , Announcements, fyc.

Milvus melanotts (J. & S.), p. 150.

I have also a very fine large rufous bird. The excess
of rufescence is, as Mr. Swinhoe observes, accidental.

I regard M. govinda (Sykes) , on account of the great size
noted in the original description (P. Z. S. 1832, part ii.
pp. 80-81), as identical with M. melanotis (J. & S.). No
common Indian Kite is 26 inches long.

That M. major , Hume, ~M. melanotis (J. & S.), I have on
Mr. Gurney’s authority, who informs me that Mr. Sharpe
compared examples of M. major with the types of M. melanotis
in the Leyden Museum, and found them absolutely identical.
That M. melanotis (T. & S.) —M. govinda (Sykes) I think,
judging from the original description, there is but little doubt.
I propose dropping the use of the synonyms melanotis and
major , and reverting to Sykes’s original term.

Our common Indian Kite, so long erroneously called
“ M. govinda ” is M. affinis (Gould), and identical with the
Australian bird. Mr. Gurney returned me one of our common
village Kites as typical M. affinis.

Certhia familiaris (L.), p. 152.

Is certainly not that species, but probably my C. hodgsoni,
which I obtained in Cashmere (J. A. S. 1872, p. 74).

Phyllopneuste schwarzi (Radde), p. 183.

This bird was identified with P. viridanus (Blyth) by
Canon Tristram (Ibis, 1871, p. 109). If the identification
was correct, why does Mr. Swinhoe not adopt the prior term
for the bird ?

Yours &c.,

W. E. Brooks.

Mogul Serai,

24th July, 1874.

1/

]-&7S~

'VP

Vienna, 29th August, 1874.

Sir,— -In my paper “On the Birds in the Imperial Collec¬
tion at Vienna obtained from the Leverian Museum” (Ibis,
1873, p. 113), Pithy s rufigula (Bodd.) is mentioned, with the
remark that the specimen is no longer in the collection.

462

Letters , Announcements , fyc.

This determination was founded on the inventory, in which
the bird is named Turdus pectoralis} which synonym really
belongs to Pithy s rufigula.

Since I wrote this I have found in the collection the speci¬
men in question, labelled (( Turdus modestus , Natterer," which
designation was also added in the inventory. In the old
catalogue and on the label of the specimen was also written :
— “ Von H. Ficlitel, 1806, N. 200, Auction N. 1413, foemina,
Christian's Isle under the Line."

On examination, the bird proved to be Phceornis obscura
(Gmel.). It agrees, though marked as female, very well with
Cassin's description of the male (Unit. Stat. Expl. Exp. p. 155,
t. 9. f. 3) ; and I scarcely doubt that it is the type of Latham's
Dusky Flycatcher (Gen, Syn. iii. p. 344), which was contained
in the Leverian Museum, and therefore also of Muscicapa
obscura , Gmel. The only difficulty which could arise would
be the habitat. Christian's Isle I cannot find ; and its
situation under the Line would be in discordance with that
of the Sandwich Islands.

Phceornis is decidedly a Pachycephaline bird, whereas I am
of opinion that Chasiempis sandwichensis belongs to the
Muscicapidse. The latter shows highly developed rictal
bristles, some of which reach as far as, or even surpass the
middle of the bill.

Our Museum is in possession of a pair of Chasiempis sand¬
wichensis from Enero, Ohan, 1837, bought by Natterer, 1840,
at Berlin, from H. Deppe.

Latham's description is in tolerable accordance with our
female ; but in the latter the bill is not yellowish at the base,
the wing-coverts are edged with white, not with pale rust-
colour, the quills not white-tipped (probably a misprint in
Latham's book); on the sides of the neck there is no admix¬
ture of white ; and on the chin dusky streaks are wanting or
almost imperceptible ; of the white uropygium no mention is
made.

I am, very truly yours,

Pelzeln.

Letters, Announcements, fyc. 463

Northrepps, 8 September, 1874.

Sir, — I regret to find that I appended a wrong name to an
Egret sent by Mr. Ayres from Trans Yaal, in f The Ibis ' for
the present year, p. 104, and No. 204 in Mr. Ayres's list.

The species there referred to under the head of Herodias
garzetta should have been inserted as H. intermedia, Wagl.

I am yours, &c.,

J. H. Gurney.

83 Carlyle Square, London, S.W.

18th September, 1874.

Sir, — In my paper “ On Birds from Hakodadi," published
in f The Ibis' for April 1874, under “ 35. Eastern Bullfinch,
Pyrrhula orient alls,” I note that I received from Mr. Blakiston
“ a male and female without date." On reexamining these
specimens lately, I observed that the male was typical both in
size and colour, whereas the female was large and has a wash
of white along the web on each side of the stem of each outer
tail-feather. From this last character I argued that I had
from Hakodadi a female P. cassini, Baird.

From the Kurile Islands I have a pair of P. orientalis,
sent me by Yon Schrenck. The male is typically coloured ;
the female has an indistinct white patch on the underside of
the outer rectrix. Of another pair from Hakodadi, collected
by Mr. H. Whitely, both have more or less white on the part
indicated, and the male has a rosy blush over the grey under¬
parts. At this juncture, Mr. Taczanowski, of Warsaw, sent
me a male of the larger size, marked P. coccinea, from Ussuri.
This has a distinct white tail-patch. To compare with this,
Mr. Dresser kindly lent me a maleP. coccinea from Moscow.
The latter had the red mixed with yellow, as in our common
Bullfinch, and no signs of the white on the tail. I asked to
borrow a female. He sent one received from Greece ; and on
the tail of this occurred a white patch, though small. This
certainly shakes my confidence in P. cassini ; and until we
get adult males from Hakodadi, it will be impossible to say
for certain whether my present specimen is P. cassini or a
phase of P. coccinea, which we have evidence to show extends

464 Letters , Announcements, H$c.

east as far at least as Russian Mantcliuria. M. Taczanowski
sent also a pair of the fine grey Bullfinch — the male from
the Ussuri, the female from the River Onon. The former
has a clear tail, the female has the white patch strongly pro¬
nounced. The white tail-patch, therefore, can scarcely be
accepted as a fixed character; and I should be rather inclined
to suggest that P. cassini be a hybrid (strongly as I object to
the idea in face of the Development theory) between two spe¬
cies, say P. coccinea and P. cineracea. Temminck, I see,
says (Manuel, iii. p. 249, under “ Pyrrhula vulgaris ”) : — aOn
la trouve en Siberie, et jusqu’au Japon;” but in those days
they had not, I believe, recognized the larger form to which
De Selys-Longchamps subsequently gave the name P. coc¬
cinea.

Yours, &c.,

Robert Swtniioe.

XLYI. — Obituary.

W e regret to have to record the premature death, during the
past year, of one of the original founders of our association.
The Rev. William Henry Hawker, of Ashford Lodge, near
Petersfield, vicar of the parish of Steep, in which his property'
was situated, although not an actual contributor to these
pages, was a personal friend of many of us, and an ardent
supporter of natural science.

Mr. Hawker was the fifth son of the late Admiral Hawker,
and was born in Dec. 1827. He was educated at Rugby and
Trinity College, Cambridge, and, after taking his degree,
studied for the church at Wells. After taking Orders, he
was for some years curate of Idsworth, near Horndean, in the
south of Hampshire, and removed to Ashford on succeeding
to that property in 1860. Mr. Hawker was owner of a con¬
siderable collection of British birds and insects ; he was an
ardent entomologist, and an excellent botanical collector.
He made frequent excursions in various parts of Europe, par¬
ticularly in Norway, Switzerland, the Maritime Alps of Sa¬
voy, and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. He was an

Obituary . 465

active member of the Alpine Club, and contributed several
valuable papers to the r Alpine Journal/ among which we
may mention an account of his travels in Corsica in the
spring of I860, as containing much interesting matter to
naturalists. Mr. Hawker died, after a short illness, on the
26th of May last, at the early age of forty-six years.

Commander Rowland Money Sperling, of the Royal
Navy, became a Member of the British Ornithologists'
Union in 1807. Being a keen ornithologist, he availed
himself of the scanty opportunities afforded him. by his
official duties, of collecting and observing the birds that
came under his notice during his cruises in different parts
of the world. The results were communicated to this
Journal. In 1864 he published a paper entitled “ Some
account of an Ornithologist's Cruise in the Mediterranean."
This contains some good notes on the migration and habits of
many European birds. When acting- commander of H.M.S.
f Racoon/ he gathered the materials for another paper, which
was published in our volume for 1868. His cruising- ground
on this occasion was the south-eastern shores of Africa, from
the Cape of Good Hope to Zanzibar, and included also a visit
to the “ wide-awake fair," on the island of Ascension. In
this paper the Procellariidse of those seas came in for a con¬
siderable share of attention. Sperling's last communication
was published in the form of a letter in 1872. A visit to the
island of Tristan d'Acunha is here related, and also a few
notes made during an excursion on the Rio de la Plata.

These papers show that the routine of a sailor's life admits
of much useful ornithological work being accomplished. We
wish we could number more followers in a service where many
officers enjoy equal, if not greater, opportunities for pursuing
our favourite science.

Edward Blyth, who died in London in December 1873,
at the age of sixty-three, was a naturalist of no ordinary
type. Though to the readers of f The Ibis' his name will
be chiefly known in its connexion with ornithology, birds by

ser. hi. — VOL, iv. 2 K

466 Obituary.

no means formed the only zoological subject of which he
possessed very ample knowledge. From 1833 to the time
of his death, Blyth worked incessantly ; and memoirs were
contributed by him to different scientific publications, chiefly
to the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, The An¬
nals and Magazine of Natural History, The Proceedings of
the Zoological Society, and to this Journal. For twenty-two
years prior to the year 1864 he held the position of Curator
in the Calcutta Museum, an institution which profited largely
by his energy and ability. It was here that Blyth devoted
himself to the study of the natural history of British India
and its dependencies, the results of which have connected his
name so intimately with the zoology of those countries. After
his return to England Blyth continued his favourite work with
unabated industry, and was at times almost daily to be seen
consulting the library of the Zoological Society. At the So¬
ciety's meetings, too, he was a frequent attendant.

Bly til's connexion with the British Ornithologists' Union
commenced in 1860, when he was elected one of our original
Honorary Members. After his return to England he was made
an Extraordinary Member, and so continued to the day of his
death.

All who knew Blyth were struck with his powers of memory,
and the readiness with which names and references found ex¬
pression. His suggestions on such points, though not always
accurate, were seldom wide of the mark.

Some of the earlier writings of Blyth, before he took up his
residence in Calcutta, were communicated to Bennie's ‘ Field
Naturalist.' It is curious now to look back to them and see
how he leant himself to the prevailing epidemic of that period
for changing names of birds supposed to be unsuitably applied.
Even our most familiar species, such as the Robin, did not
escape. It was the mistaken zeal for the fitness and unifor¬
mity of names, regardless of the consequences, so manifested
at this time, which provoked Strickland so energetically and
successfully to protest. But the spirit of change which
prompted Blyth and others in those days is not wholly laid ;
for ever and anon it reappears in some new form to disturb

Obituary. 467

the peace of ornithological nomenclature. In his later writ¬
ings Blyth adhered loyally to the “ rules of nomenclature ”

It will be a matter of regret if the works of so diligent a
writer should be allowed to remain diffused,, as they are, through
so many zoological journals — the more so as the works of
our most laborious compilers omit all references to original
descriptions, nor do they furnish any clew to where they are
to be found, beyond the name of a species and its author. Is
there not here a field of activity for some member of our
Union ? who, by making even an index to the generic and
specific names scattered through Blythes works, would not
only honour a great ornithologist’s memory, but also, by
saving hours of too often fruitless search to his fellow-workers,
confer a great boon upon ornithological science generally.

Jules Pierre Yerreaux was born on the 24th of August,
1807. At the early age of twelve years he accompanied his
uncle, the well-known “ naturaliste-voyageur/’ Delalande, to
the Cape of Good Hope, where he remained for two years,
assisting in preparing the collections which were ultimately
sent to the Paris Museum. On his return to Paris he studied
in the laboratories of that institution under G. Cuvier and
Isidore St.-Hilaire. After the death of his uncle, Jules Yer¬
reaux started alone for the Cape of Good Hope in 1825, where,
partly in company with Sir Andrew Smith, he worked for
five years with such success that he had to send for his
brother Edouard to help him to arrange and pack his large
collections, and take charge of them to Paris, where, on their
arrival, they were arranged for exhibition in the galleries of
the Baron B. Delessert.

In 1832 Jules Verreaux again summoned his brother to
join him, and till 1837 they travelled together, making expe¬
ditions to the Philippine Islands and Cochin-China. In 1838,
having amassed large collections, the brothers shipped their
treasures on board the trading-vessel f Lucullus/ they them¬
selves embarking in another ship bound for France. Most
unfortunately the f Lucullus 3 was totally lost; and the labours
of several years, uninsured, perished with her. Undaunted

2 k 2

468 Obituary.

by this heavy loss, Verreaux at the age of thirty-five, again
started on his travels, this time selecting New Holland and
Tasmania as the scene of his operations. Here, too, success
rewarded his toil, and he amassed large collections of insects,
birds, and mammals . This was the last of Y erreaux’s j ourney s .
On his return to Paris he worked for many years in his
brother’s establishment in the Place Roy ale, where he under¬
took to name all the birds that were sent out for sale to the
different museums and collections of the world. The tickets
attached to the birds sent from the Maison Yerreaux are well
known to ornithologists ; and the names, often coupled with
copious synonyms, broe the evidence of having been written
by a man possessed of a wide general knowledge of his
subject. It may perhaps be said that, though the published
works that have been left by Jules Yerreaux are few, no man’s
handwriting is better known than his amongst the ornitho¬
logists of the present day.

About the time of the death of his brother Edouard, Jules
became one of the “ aide-naturalistes ” in the museum of the
J ardin des Plantes, where he remained until his death, busily
employed naming and arranging the ornithological collections
of that vast establishment.

After settling in Paris Verreaux devoted the greater part
of his time to working at ornithological synonyms and col¬
lecting materials for a monograph of the Nectariniidse, or
Sun-birds. On neither subject was he spared to publish the
results of his labour. Were Verreaux’s contributions to the
science of ornithology to be measured by the amount of his
published work, the sum could not be considered large ; but
who can measure his influence upon the progress of ornitho¬
logy during his time ? Being absolutely unselfish as regards
any knowledge he might possess^ he ever placed it at the dis¬
posal of any one who was likely to make good use of it. It
may truly be said he sowed freely for others to reap.

In 1860 Jules Yerreaux was elected one of our original
Honorary Members, and always took a lively interest in the
welfare of ‘ The Ibis.’ He contributed several papers to our
Journal. Other articles of his are to be found in the f Nou-

Obituary. 469

velles Archives du Museum/ chiefly relating to Pere Armand
David's discoveries in China, in the * Revue Zoologique/ the
f Proceedings 3 of the Zoological Society of London, of which
Society he was a Corresponding Member, and the f Bul¬
letin 3 of the Acclimatization Society of Paris.

We understand that the whole of Verreaux's collection of
Nectariniidae, as well as his manuscripts and a considerable
portion of his library, have passed into the Paris Museum,
than which no fitter destination could be wished.

By the death of Mr. C. F. Tyrwhitt-Drake, at the early
age of thirty, we have lost another contributor to the pages of
this Journal. Though Mr. Tyrwhitt-Drake wrote two very
useful papers on the ornithology of Morocco*, his name will
ever be best known from his connexion with the Palestine-
Exploration Society, with whose aims and objects he worked
with the greatest sympathy and zeal. Mr. Drake was for
some time a member of Trinity College, Cambridge; but, owing
to his health compelling him to pass each winter in a southern
climate, he did not take his degree. The winter of several
years he spent in Morocco, where he made the collections of
birds already spoken of. In 1868 he visited Egypt, and in
the following spring he went to Sinai with the surveying party
appointed to make the exploration of the Sinaitic peninsula.
The following year, assisted by a grant from the University
of Cambridge, he accompanied Prof. Palmer in his exploration
of the Badiet el Tih, or the “ Wilderness of the Wanderings."
This was his first connexion with the Palestine Exploration
Society. After spending some months in this district, Edom
and Moab, and other places to the eastward of Arabah, were
traversed. After visiting Palestine, Syria, Greece, and Turkey,
Mr. Drake returned to England for a short time. He soon,
however, undertook, under the auspices of the Palestine-Ex-
ploration Society, the investigation of the inscribed stones of
Hamath, which have since proved so perplexing to paleogra¬
phers. Having accomplished this task he joined Captain
Burton, then Consul at Damascus, in an expedition to the vol-

* “ Birds of Tangier and Eastern Morocco,” Ibis, 1867, p. 421, and
“Further Notes on the Birds of Morocco,” Ibis, 1869, p. 147.

470 Obituary.

canic districts east of Damascus, and to the highlands of Syria.
The materials gathered were published in f Unexplored Syria/
the joint production of Captain Burton and himself. From
this time he devoted his energies to the service of the Pales-
tine-Exploration Society, until, worn with overwork and ex¬
posure to a trying climate, he was seized at Jerusalem with
an attack of typhoid fever, which proved fatal on the 23rd of
June last.

Ferdinand Stoliczka, who died on the 19th June, 1874,
at Shayak, between the Karakorum Pass and Leh, in Ladak,
was in his thirty-sixth year. Though not an ornithologist
in any special sense, he was evidently possessed of more than
a superficial knowledge of the birds of the country which was
the scene of his labours. As palaeontologist to the Geolo¬
gical Survey of India, he seems to have availed himself of
every opportunity of increasing our acquaintance with living
zoology, thereby adding to the completeness of his own know¬
ledge of his speciality, palaeontology. Though Dr. Stoliczka
did not contribute to this Journal, a paper of his upon the
birds of Province Wellesley (J. A. S. B. 1870, p. 277) formed
the subject of an article by Lord Walden, which appeared in
f The Ibis' for 1871, p. 158. Collections of birds made by
Stoliczka in the Himalayas and Thibet were described in
a paper by our Honorary Member, Herr A. von Pelzeln, which
was published in the f Journal fur Ornithologie ' for 1868,
and was translated by Lord Walden into this Journal in the
volume for the same year (Ibis, 1868, p. 302).

Stoliczka also contributed papers on ornithology to the
Journal of the Zoological and Botanical Society of Vienna*,
and to the f Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal' — the most
valuable containing his notes on the birds of the Sutlij Val¬
ley, and his notice of the mammals and birds inhabiting
Kachh. He was also a contributor to f Stray Feathers.'

For five years he held the position of Honorary Secretary to
the Asiatic Society, and was thus enabled to improve mate¬
rially the natural -history portion of the Society's f Journal.'

* Verb. k.-k. zool.-bot. Gesellscli. Wien, 1866, p. 848.

Obituary.

471

At the time of his death Stoliczka was returning laden with
natural-history spoils from Kashgar and Yarkand, with the
mission dispatched by the Government of India under Sir
Douglas Forsyth to those distant regions.

His enthusiasm had led him to join this expedition, though
strongly urged not to do so on account of the state of his
health. His name must be added to the honourable roll of
those who, reckoning no risks where science is to be served,
have died in the advancement of her cause.

Dr. J. J. Kaup, for many years Director of the Museum in
Darmstadt, at one period of his career paid considerable at¬
tention to ornithology. Unfortunately his ornithological
work was warped and biased by his adherence to a peculiar
artificial system much in vogue about forty or fifty years
ago, but which has now happily given place to more rational
views.

Dr. Kaup's chief ornithological publications are his f Skiz-
zirte Entwickelungs-Geschichte u. natiirl. System der europ.
Thierwelt (Darmstadt: 1829), “ Monographie der Genera der
Falconidse" (published in the f Isis' for 1847, and illus¬
trated by two admirable plates by Wolf), and his f Classifi¬
cation der Saugethiere und Vogel' (Darmstadt: 1844). In
these a vast number of new generic names are proposed,
some of which have been adopted.

Besides these, Dr. Kaup described a number of species in
Sir W. Jardine's f Contributions to Ornithology,' in the
f Isis,' the f Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society, in f Wieg-
man's Archiv,' and in the f Journal fur Ornithologie.' His
descriptions are, unfortunately, exceedingly brief and difficult
to make out ; so that at the present time some of the names
he proposed run the risk of falling altogether into abeyance
through the insufficiency of the characters accompanying their
introduction.

The zoological collection in the Darmstadt Museum, long
under Dr. Kaup's charge, though not extensive, has the merit
of being in good order, the specimens being very well mounted.
In this respect it, and several other collections in Germany,

472 Obituary.

are far in advance of any thing we in this country can show.
It seems strange that, though we have for years past attracted
the best available foreign zoological artists, our efforts to ob¬
tain the best stuffers of birds and other animals appear to have
been of the feeblest description. The result is that in our great
museums, where alone this, the aesthetic branch of the sub¬
ject, can and ought to be cultivated on an extensive scale, it
is treated with indifference, and thus our galleries rendered
far less attractive than they otherwise might be.

INDEX,

Abrornis armandi, 183.

- - davidi, 183.

Acanthylis gigantea, 13,
131.

Accentor modularis, 235.

- nepalensis, 172.

Accipiter albogularis, 457.

- collaris, 321.

- nigroplumbeus, 328.

- nisus, 359, 430.

— — pectoralis, 321.

— — stevensoni, 430.

- - ventralis, 325, 456.

- virgatus, 34.

— - zonarius, 45.

Acredula caudata, 156.

- trivirgata, 156.

Acridotheres tristis, 23.
Acrocephalus brunnes-
cens, 79.

- dumetorum, 420.

- magnirostris, 420.

- - palustris, 420.

- sogdianensis, 420.

- stentoreus, 339.

- - streperus, 341.

- turdoides, 237.

Acropternis orthonyx,
204, 206.

Actinodura waldeni, 176.
Actitis glareola, 29.

- hypoleuca, 29.

Aedon familiaris, 340.

- galactodes, 236, 340.

- leucophrys, 372.

- minor, 341.

- - poena, 372.

- mbiginosa, 236.

iEgialitis alexandrina,
398.

- dubius, 28.

— — kiaticula, 398.

- minor, 392.

- mongolicus, 27, 28,

29.

- placidus, 162.

SEE. III. — YOL. IV.

iEgiothus borealis, 160.

- linaria, 160.

ASgotheles albertisi, 416.

- dubius, 416.

.ZEIurcedus arfakianus, 416.

- melanotis, 416.

iEpyornis, 5.
iEthyia ferina, 182.
Agapornis pullaria, 56.
Agathopus micropterus,
192, 196.

Alauda africana, 384.

- arborea, 162.

- arvensis, 162, 396.

■ - brachydactyla, 405.

- calandra, 234.

— — cinerea, 383.

- - conirostris, 103.

- cristata, 241, 404.

— — guigula, 25.

- japonica, 162.

- nsevia, 383.

Alca torda, 230.

Alcedo asiatica, 136.

- bengalensis, 14, 134,

152, 437.

- ispida, 237.

- meningting, 136.

- rufigastra, 136.

Alcippe nigrifrons, 18, 20.
Alethe maculicauda, 57.
Allotrius pallidus, 170.
Amadina erythrocephala,
102.

Amaurodryas albotseniata,
418.

— — hypoleuca, 418.
Ampelis garrula, 158,
445.

Amydrus bicolor, 378.
Anaeretes farnandezianus,
82.

Anarhynchus frontalis,

40, 97, 118.

Anas acuta, 392.

- angustirostris, 229. j

Anas boschas, 403.

- clangula, 229.

- crecea, 109, 403.

- erythrophthalmus,

319.

- - flavirostris, 390.

- poecilorhynchus, 27.

- sparsa, 105, 391.

- xanthorhyncha, 105.

— — zonorhynchus, 164.
Anastomus oscitans, 31.
Anser bernicla, 402.

- - einereus, 404.

Anthochera aubryanus,

457.

Anthornis melanura, 36,
97, 115.

Anthus agilis, 442.

- brackycentrus, 342.

- caffer, 384.

- campestris, 342, 404,

460.

- cervinus, 141, 460.

- gustavi, 442.

- pratensis, 234, 332,

396, 404.

- pyrrhonotus, 384.

- - noyse zealandiae, 38.

- - rosaceus, 460.

- rufo-superciliaris,

141.

- spinoletta, 234.

Aphanapteryx broeckii,
455.

- imperialis, 455.

Aphelocoma californica,

458.

- floridana, 458.

Apteryx australis, 215.

- mantelli, 43, 122.

- oweni, 215.

Aquila bifasciata, 84, S'),
86, 87.

— - — chrysaetus, 230.

- - clanga, 86.

- fulyescens, 85, 86.

2 L

474

INDEX.

Aquila hastata, 84, 87.

- mogilnik, 84.

- naevia, 84, 86, 112.

■ - naevioides, 84, 85,

86.

- orientalis, 85, 86, 87.

- pennata, 111.

- - vindhana, 84, 85, 86.

Aramides albiventris, 328.

- axillaris, 327.

Ardea alba, 148, 336, 390.

- bubulcus, 335.

- cinerea, 390,

- egrettoides, 148.

- ibis, 335.

- intermedia, 148.

- leucoptera, 149.

- nigripes, 148.

- purpurea, 30, 148,

390.

- speciosa, 149.

Ardeola comata, 390.

- grayi, 148.

- leucoptera, 30, 148.

Ardetta cinnamomea, 30.

■ - flavicollis, 30.

Argytria media, 263.

- melipliila, 263.

Arremon aurantiirostris,
309.

- gutturalis, 322.

- rufodorsalis, 308.

Artamus maximus, 417.
Artomyias ussheri, 60.
Arundinax canturiens,
438.

- - davidianus, 438.

- olivaceus, 438.

- minutus, 439.

Ascalapliia bengalensis,

221.

Asio otus, 434.

Astur hensti, 456.

- macrurus, 46.

- palumbarius, 430,

356.

- pectoralis, 321.

- spectabilis, 90.

- triyirgatus, 10.

- virgatus, 430.

Asturinula monogram-
mica, 46.

Athene castanonota, 1 1 .

- hirsuta, 129.

- licua, 361.

- perlata, 361.

Atrichia rufescens, 191.
Attagen minor, 33.
Avocetta novas zealandise,

259.

Balearica pavonina, 73.

— — regulorum, 106, 388,
389.

Barbatula atroflava, 55.

- chrysocoma, 55.

Batis capensis, 375.

- molitor, 375.

Batrachostomus moni-
liger, 12.

Bessonornis humeralis,
370.

Bias musicus, 60.

Blagrus leucogaster, 10.
Bolborhynchus lineolatus,
99.

Botaurus lentiginosus,
448.

Brachygalba goeringi, 324.

- lugubris, 324

Brachypternus ceylonus,
i5.

Brachypteryx brunnei-
ventris, 418.

- nigrocapitata, 89.

Brachyrhamphus marmo-
ratus, 166.

Bradyornis mariquensis,
372.

Buarremon assimilis, 308.

- chrysopogon, 322.

- gutturalis, 322.

- - ocai, 315.

Bubo cinereus, 81.

- hemachalana, 81.

- maximus, 81, 424,

433.

- sibiricus, 81.

- verreauxi, 362.

Buceros atratus, 51.

- cylindricus, 51.

- elatus, 51.

- erythrorhynchus,

338.

- fistulator, 51.

- forskalii, 337, 338.

- hemileucus, 338.

- hemprichii, 338.

- leucopareus, 338.

- limbatus, 338.

- - melanoleucus, 338.

- semirufus, 338.

Buchanga casrulescens, 91.
Bucorax abyssinicus, 51.
Budytes viridis, 22.
Buphaga africana, 379.
Buphus coromandus, 30.
Butalis grisola, 60.

- latirostris, 159.

Buteo borealis, 314, 456.

- crythronotus, 84.

! - - harlani, 314.

Buteo lineatus, 456.

- pennsylvanicus, 456.

■ - swainsoni, 314.

■ - vulgaris, 392.

Buthraupis edwardsi, 307.
Butorides atricapilla, 73.

Caica heematotis, 329.
Calamodyta bistrigiceps,
154, 183.

- fasciolatus, 437.

- insularis, 437.

- maackii, 154, 183.

- orientalis, 437.

Calam oherpe ar undinacea,
404.

- babascula, 102.

- gracilirostris, 102.

- orientalis, 153.

- turdoides, 237.

Calandrella brachydac-
tyla, 225.

Calandritis minor, 225.
Calliope camtschatkensis,
441.

Calobates melanops, 157.

- sulphurea, 22.

Calornis afiinis, 145.

- albifrons, 160.

- insidiator, 145.

- panayensis, 145.

Camaroptera brevicau-
data, 58, 95, 373. a

- olivacea, 95.

Campephaga aurulenta,
419.

- azurea, 65.

- incerta, 417.

- maforensis, 417.

- montana, 417.

- sloctii, 419.

Campethera caroli, 55.

- nivosa, 55.

Campylopterus pampa,
454.

Caprimulgus asiaticus, 12.

- atripennis, 12.

- europaeus, 233, 362.

- fossii, 46.

— — jotaka, 425, 434.

- macrurus, 131.

- rufigena, 362.

Capsiempis flaveola, 309.
Carbo bicristatus, 164.
Cardellina rubrifrons, 99.
Carine perlata, 361.
Carpophaga brenchley i ,
457.

- novas zealandiae, 38,

117.

- sylvatica, 25.

INDEX.

475

Casarca variegata, 96.
Cassicus microrhynchus,
329.

Cassinia finschi, 60.
Casuarius kaupi, 417.

— — papuanus, 417.

- uniappendiculatus,

417.

- westermanni, 417.

Cecropis arctivitta, 436.

- japonica, 436.

Centropus chlororhyn-
chus, 16.

- francisci, 54.

- monachus, 54.

- rufipennis, 16.

- senegalensis, 53, 866.

- superciliosus, 336,

366.

Cephalepis beskii, 262.

- delalandi, 262.

- — loddigesi, 263.
Ceratorhynoha mono-
cerata, 166.

Cerchneis naumanni, 861.

- rupicola, 360.

Cercomacra tyrannina,
316.

Cercomela melanura, 343.
Certhia familiaris, 152,
461.

- hodgsoni, 461.

Certhilauda desertorum,
108.

- semitorquata, 383.

Certhiola bahamensis,
327.

- caboti, 327.

- mexicana, 327.

Oerthiparus novas zealan-

di ae, 37, 115.

Ceryle maxima, 49.

- rudi8, 14, 49, 364.

Ceuthmocbares seneus,
54.

Ceyx tridactyla, 137.
Chsetorhynchus papuen-
sis, 418.

Chaetura pelagica, 313.

- poliura, 313.

- - ussheri, 47.

Chalcophaps indica, 26.
Chalcostetka aspasia, 419.

- jobiensis, 419.

- maforensis, 419.

- mysorensis, 419.

- sangirensis, 419.

Chamaeospiza torquata,
315.

Chamsepetes goudoti,
318.

Charadrius fulvus, 27, 39,
118, 162.

- tricollaris, 387.

Chasiempis sandwichen-
sis, 462.

Chatorbea cauda ta, 75.

- - gularis, 76.

Chaunonotus sabinii, 63.
Ckelidon blakistoni, 151.

- cashmiriensis, 152.

- whitelyi, 152.

Chenalopex aegyptiacus,
390.

Chera progne, 881.
Ckettusia lateralis, 387.
Chloroenas nigrirostris,
455.

Chlorophanes calopterus,
317.

- simplex, 317.

Chlorornis paradoxa,

m.

Chlorospingus axillaris,
308.

- brunneus, 308.

Chlorospiza kawarabiba,
160.

- sinica, 160, 171.

Chlorostilbon atala, 263.

- brevicaudata, 263.

- daphne, 263.

• - prasinus, 89.

Chroicocephalus ichtky-
aetus, 32.

- ridibundus, 165.

Chrysococcyx classi, 53.

- - cupreus, 53, 103.

- smaragdineus, 53.

- splendidus, 416.

- xanthorhynchus,

157.

Chrysocolaptes strick-
landi, 15, 123.
Chrysophlegma chloro¬
phanes, 15, 92.
Chrysopoga typica, 322.
Chrysotis albifrons, 327.

- xantholora, 327.

Ciconia alba, 104, 389,
397.

- boyciana, 175.

- episcopus, 30.

Cinclodds fuscus, 84.
Cinclus cashmeriensis,
172.

Circus aeruginosas, 10,
268, 395.

- cineraceus, 182, 266,

268.

- cinereus, 456.

- cyaneus, 268.

Circus melanoleucus, 182,
266.

- pallidus, 268.

- pectoralis, 105.

- poliopterus, 456.

- ranivorus, 359.

- spilonotus, 268.

- swainsoni, 10, 268.

Cissa ornata, 23, 124.
Cisticola ayresi, 106.

- cursitans, 106.

- homalura, 21.

- munipurensis, 176.

- terrestris, 106, 372.

Cladorhynchus leucoce-
phalus, 252.

- palmatus, 252.

- pectoralis, 251, 252.

Clupeilarus fuscescens,

100.

Coccothraustes japonicus,

160.

— — vulgaris, 171.
Coccystes afer, 53.

- glandarius, 52.

- jacobinus, 336, 367.

Colius erythromelon, 373.
Collocalia affinis, 135,
136.

— — esculenta, 133, 134.

- francica, 132, 134.

- fusiphaga, 133.

- hypoleuca, 457.

- inexpectata, 133.

- innominata, 133.

- linchi, 135, 136.

- nidifica, 13, 133.

- - spodiopygia, 133.

- troglodytes, 134.

- unicolor, 133.

- uropygialis, 457.

Colluricincla concinna,

121.

Columba phsconotus, 384.
Colymbus septentrionalis,
163.

Contopus lugubris, 310,
313.

- ochraceus, 313.

- pertinax, 310.

Copsychus saularis, 91,
92.

Coracias abyssinica, 337.

- caudata, 363, 364.

- - garrula, 102.

- habessinica, 337.

- naevia, 363.

Corvinella corvina, 65.
Corvus afhnis, 265.

- albicollis, 379.

— — corax, 264, 265.

476

Corvus corone, 159.

- culminatus, 23.

- - levaillanti, 91.

- phseoeepkalus, 337.

- scapularis, 337.

- scapulatus, 67, 337,

379.

— — segetmn, 379.

- - sinensis, 159.

- - splendens, 23.

- tingitanus, 264,

265.

Corydalla rufula, 22, 140,
460.

- - striolata, 140, 460.

Coryllis chrysonotus, 208.

- - culacissi, 207.

- occipitalis, 206, 208.

- regulus, 206, 208.

Corythaix persa, 52.
Corythornis cyanostigma,
50, 364.

Cossypha caffra, 370.

- cyanocampter, 57.

- humeralis, 370.

— — verticalis, 57.
Coturnix dactylisonans,
103.

Cotyle cincta, 62, 106,
375.

- paludicola, 102, 375.

Cracticus crassirostris,
418.

- quoyi, 418.

Crateropus acacise, 76.

- bicolor, 369.

- cbalybseus, 76.

- huttoni, 76.

- - jardinii, 370.

- salvadorii, 75.

- squamiceps, 342.

Crex pratensis, 388, 397.
Criniger ictericus, 20.
Crocopus phoenicopterus,
91, 92.

Crossoptilon cserulescens,
170.

- - tibitanum, 171.

Crypturus sallaei, 328.
Cuculus bronzinus, 457.

- - canorus, 52, 395.

- clamosus, 367.

— — cupreus, 367.

- - glandarius, 232.

- gularis, 366.

- - micropterus, 16.

- pica, 336.

- - sonnerati, 15.

Curruca andromeda, 339.
- — - famula, 339.

■■ ■ - fusca, 341.

INDEX.

Curruca galactodes, 340.

- helena, 341.

- - languida, 78, 341.

- - leucomelsena, 342.

- momus, 340.

— — nana, 341.

— — orphea, 341.

- pallida, 78, 339.

- platysoma, 341.

- stentorea, 79, 339.

- syriaca, 340.

- thebaica, 340.

- viridula, 339.

Cyanocorax mysticalis,
323.

Cyanopolius cyanus, 425.
Cyanops flavifrons, 15.
Cyanospiza ciris,' 309.

- rositse, 309.

Cygnus atratus, 449.

- ferus, 240.

- olor, 241, 448.

Cyomis jerdoni, 18, 91.

- tickellise, 91.

Cypborhinus pusillus,
313.

Cypselus affinis, 13, 46.

- - apus, 47, 226, 395,

435.

- concolor, 133.

- pacificus, 425, 435.

- pallidus, 226.

- parvus, 47.

- unicolor, 133.

Daption capensis, 42,

121.

Daulias hafizi, 80.

- luscinia, 80.

Delichon nipalensis, 151.
Dendrobates cardinalis,
368.

- namaquus, 368.

Dendrochelidon coronata,
13.

Dendrocitta baylei, 145.

- bayleyi, 145.

- bazlei, 145.

- leucogastra, 92.

Dendrocygna areuata,

220, 222.

- javanica, 27.

Dendroeca barbadensis,
307.

capitalis, 306.

- petechia, 306, 307.

- vieilloti, 306.

Dendrophila frontalis, 16.
Dendropicus hartlaubi,
368.

- - pyrrhogaster, 55.

Diaphorophya castanea,
61.

Dicseum geelvinkianum,
418.

- pectorale, 418.

Dicrurus edoliiformis, 17.
— — leucopygialis, 16.

— — musicus, 375.
Dilopbus earunculatus,
378.

Dinornis giganteus, 214.

- - gracilis, 212, 215.

- ingens, 210, 212,

215

— — maximus, 210, 212,

214.

— — robustus, 212, 215.

— — - struthioides, 212,

215.

Diomedea brachyura,
166.

- derogata, 165.

- melanophrys, 41,

119.

Dissemuroides dicruri-
formis, 274.
Drepanornis albertisi,
177, 187, 304.

Dromas ardeola, 146.
Dromornis australis, 218.
Drymocataphus cleaveri,

89.

- fuscicapillus, 19,

i24.

Drymoeca affinis, 101.

- cheniana, 373.

- eremita, 76.

- fasciolata, 373.

- flavicans, 101.

- gracilis, 76.

- inquieta, 76, 183,

339.

- natalensis, 372.

- striaticeps, 76.

Drymoipus jerdoni, 21,

22.

- validus, 21.

Dryoscopus cubla, 316,
376.

— — major, 63.
Dryotriorchis spectabilis,

90.

Dumetia albogularis, 18.
Dysithamnus rufiventris,
316.

Ecleetus cardinalis, 419.

- - - cornelige, 419.

- grandis, 419.

- linnsei, 419.

Edolius malabaricus, 17.

INDEX,

477

Elainea elegans, 315.

- macilvaini, 315.

- semiflava, 309.

Elanus cseruleus, 45, 360.

- melanopterus, 10.

Emberiza barbata, 161.

- cerrutii, 81.

- cia, 161.

- cioides, 161.

- ciopsis, 161 .

- hortulana, 81, 405.

- huttoni, 81.

- miliaria, 396.

- nivalis, 233.

- personata, 161.

- pusilla, 143, 225.

- rustica, 161.

- schoeniclus, 233, 396,

404.

— — shah, 81.

- sordida, 143.

- spodocephala, 161.

Empidochanes argen-
tinus, 310.

- fuscatus, 31 0.

- olivus, 310.

Empidonax albigularis,
309.

— — atrirostris, 316.

- axillaris, 309.

- bairdi, 310.

- brunnescens, 309.

- flavescens, 313.

- fulvipectus, 310.

— — - obscurus, 310.
Eophona personata, 171.
Eopsaltria caledonica,
457.

- cucullata, 457.

Ephialtes glabripes, 270.

- lempigii, 11.

- leucotis, 362.

Epimachns ellioti, 177.

— — wilhelminee, 186,
303.

— - — veithii, 187.
Eriocnemis isaacsoni, 331.
Erithacus phcenicurus,
404.

- titys, 404.

Erythacus hyrcanus, 79.

- rubecula, 79.

Erythra phcenicura, 147.
Erythropus amurensis,
425, 428.

Erythrospiza githaginea,
108.

Erythrosterna parva, 188,
336.

Erythrura trichroa, 419.
Estrelda amandava, 25.

Estrelda cyanogastra, 382.

- granatina, 382.

Eucephala cserulea, 87,
88, 89.

- caeruleo-larvata, 88.

- chlorocephala, 88.

- cyanogenys, 87, 89.

- - grayi, 87, 88.

- hypocyanea, 88.

- lerchi, 264.

- - scapulata, 88.

— — smaragdo-eaerulea,
87, 88.

- subcaerulea, 87, 89.

Eudynamys orientalis,

16.

- - sordida, 18.

Eulabeornis lafresnay-
anus, 457.

Eulabes ptilogenys, 24,

25, 34.

- religiosa, 23.

Eumyias sordida, 123.
Eunetta falcata, 164.
Euphonia annse, 329.
Eupleetes afer, 69.

- capensis, 381.

- flammiceps, 69.

- franciscanus, 69.

- oryx, 381.

- - - xanthome las, 102.

Eupodotis afroides, 385.

- cgerulescens, 385.

- melanogastra, 72.

- - - ruficrista, 386.

Eurocephalus anguiti-
mens, 377.

gravis, 213,

- rheides, 213, 216.

Eurystomus afer, 48, 49.

- crassirostris, 457.

- gularis, 49.

- orientalis, 437.

Eustephanus fernanden-
sis, 82, 83.

- - galeritus, 82, 83.

- leyboldi, 84.

Eutoxeris aquila, 454.
Excalfactoria chinensis,
26.

Falco aesalon, 427.

- biarmicus, 360.

- columbarius, 360.

— - cuvieri, 45.

- eleonorae, 231.

- - japonicus, 427.

- - neglectus, 456.

- peregrinus, 427.

— — sparverius, 360.

Falco tinnunculus, 427,
456.

Fiscus collaris, 102.
Formicivora schisticolor,
310.

Francolinus bicalcaratus,
72.

- lathami, 71.

- natalensis, 387.

— — pileatus, 386.

- subtorquatus, 386.

- swainsoni, 386.

Fringilla coelebs, 404.

- leuconota, 144.

- montifringilla, 160.

• - striata, 145.

Fringillaria flaviventris,
382.

- tahapisi, 383.

Fulica cristata, 105, 389.
Fuligula cristata, 109,
240.

- - ferina, 109.

Gallicrex cristata, 31.
Gallinago sequatorialis,
388.

- aucklandica, 34.

- australis, 163.

- gallinula, 400.

- horsfieldi, 425.

- megala, 163, 424.

- pusilla, 34.

- scolopacina, 163.

Gallinula chloropus, 107.
Galloperdix bicalcarata,
26.

Garrulax albosupercilia-
ris, 176.

- - cinereifrons, 20.

- galbanus, 176.

Garrulus atricapillus,
337.

Gelochelidon anglica, 33.
Geocichla albogularis,
138, 139.

- - innotata, 138, 139.

— — ■ tricolor, 444.
Geocolaptes olivaceus,
368.

Geothlypis - - ?, 307.

- macgillivrayi, 307.

Geotrygon costaricensis,
328.

- lawrencii, 329.

- veraguensis, 328.

Gerygone affinis, 418.

- albofrontata, 37,1 16.

- flaviventris, 37, 1 15.

- maforensis, 418.

I Glareola cinerea, 78.

478

INDEX.

Glareola nordmanni, 388.

- - orientalis, 146.

- pratincola, 73.

Glaucion clangula, 424.
Glaucopis cinerea, 38,
117.

* - wilsoni, 38, 117.

Glyciphila caledonica,
457.

- flavotincta, 457.

Graculus javanicus, 27.

- macaei, 91.

— melanops, 121.

- papuensis, 418.

- sinensis, 34.

Granatellus francescae,
307.

- venustus, 307.

Grandala coelicolor, 172.
Gymnobucco calyus, 55.
Gymnocichla nudiceps,
317.

Gymnocorvus senex, 417.
Gypohierax angolensis,
44.

Gyps barbatus, 185.

- fulvus, 110.

- kolbii, 358.

- rueppelli, 358.

Hasmatopus longirostris,
96.

- ostralegus, 397,

426.

Halcyon albiventris, 364.

- badia, 50.

- capensis, 14, 136.

— — chelicutensis, 365.

- chloris, 114.

- coromanda, 114.

- cyanoleuca, 365.

- dryas, 50.

■ - gularis, 114.

- pileata, 114.

- sanctus, 114.

- semicasrulea, 114.

- smyrnensis, 14, 114.

- yagans, 36, 114.

Haliaetus leucogaster,
129.

- leucoryphus, 221.

- pelagicus, 150.

- - vocifer, 360.

Haliastur indus, 10.
Harpactes fasciatus, 13,

Harpagornis moorii, 216.
Heliantbea bonapartii,
330, 332.

- dichroura, 330, 334.

- eos, 330, 333.

Heliantbea isaacsoni, 330,

331.

- lutetiae, 330, 333.

- osculans, 330, 334.

- typica, 330, 332.

- violifera, 333.

Helotarsus ecaudatus, 44,
360.

Hemiprocne fuciphaga,
135.

- fucivora, 135.

- salangana, 133.

Hemipus picatus, 16.
Herbivocula flemingi,
438.

Herodias egretta, 104.

- egrettoides, 30.

■ - garzetta, 30, 148,

463.

- intermedia, 148,

463.

Heteralocha acutirostris,
36, 114.

Heteromorpha unicolor,
171.

Hieracidea brunnea, 93.

- novas zealandiae, 93.

Himantopus leucoce-
phalus, 259, 97.

- nigricollis, 254.

- novae zealandiae, 96.

- palmatus, 252.

Hirundinapus giganteus,
131.

Hirundo albigularis, 106.

- alfredi, 101.

- brevirostris, 132.

- cyaneoviridis, 307.

- dasypus, 151.

- daurica, 233.

- esculenta, 132, 135.

- euchrysea, 307.

- fuciphaga, 135.

- gordoni, 63.

- gutturalis, 151, 436.

- hyperythra, 13.

‘avanica, 97.
agopoda, 152.

- leucosoma, 62.

- puella, 47, 63.

- riparia, 395.

- rupestris, 233.

- rustica, 47, 62, 63,

97, 395.

- semirufa, 106.

- senegalensis, 62.

- unicolor, 133.

- urbica, 395.

Hoplopterus armatus,
387.

- - coronatus, 387.

Huhua leucosticta, 46.
Hydrochelidon indica, 33.
Hydrophasianus chirur-
gus, 30.

Hylactes castaneus, 203,
206.

- megapodius, 203,

204, 206.

- tarnii, 190, 202,

204, 206.

Hylocharis flavifrons, 89.

- luscinia, 141.

- philomela, 141.

Hyloterpe grisola, 141.

- philomela, 141, 142,

Hyphantornis brachy-
ptera, 68.

- capensis, 380.

- capitalis, 379.

- castaneofusca, 67.

- nigrifrons, 380.

- personata, 68.

- textor, 68.

Hypocnemis striativen-
tris, 196.

Hypolais agricolensis,
300.

- caligata, 79, 184,

185, 300.

- elaeica, 78, 184, 339.

- icterina, 226.

- languida, 341.

- pallida, 78,300, 339.

- polyglotta, 236, 459.

- rama, 184, 185, 300,

459.

- upcheri, 78, 341.

Hypotaenidia ferrea, 147.

- striata, 146, 147.

Hypsipetes amaurotis,
158.

- ganeesa, 92.

- neilgheriensis, 20.

Ianthia cyanura, 441.
Ianthocincla artemisiae,
170.

Ianthoenas griseogularis,
455.

- luzoniensis, 455.

Ibis asthiopica, 105.
Icterus grace-annae, 323,

- pectoralis, 323.

Hladopsis gularis, 57.
Indicator sparmanni,
368.

Iora zeylonica, 21.

Irrisor bollii, 51.

- castaneiceps, 51.

- cyanomelas, 366.

Ispidina leucogastra, 50.

INDEX.

479

Ispidina picta, 50.
Itkaginis geoffroyi, 169.
Ixonotus guttatus, 57.
Ixus chrysorrhoides, 274.

- xanthopygos, 340.

- xantkorrhoeus, 170.

Jerdonia agricolensis, 78,
184, 300.

Kelaartia penicillata, 20.
Ketupa ceylonensis, 11.
Kittacincla macrura, 21.

Lagonosticta rufopicta,
70.

Lalage banksiana, 457.
Lampornis mango, 314.

- violicauda, 314.

Lamprocolius auratus,

66.

- cupreocaudus, 66.

- phoenicopterus, 378.

- porphyrurus, 66.

Lamprotornis australis,
378.

Laniarius atrococcineus,
376.

- barbarus, 64, 377.

- hypopyrrhus, 64.

- multicolor, 64.

- sulfureipeetus, 64,

376.

Lanicterus phceniceus, 65.
— — xanthornithoides,
65.

Lanius arenarius, 81.

- collario, 377.

- frenatus, 342.

- isabellinus, 81, 335.

- minor, 234.

- nubicus, 335.

- - smithi, 63, 64.

Larus argentatus, 165,
228, 402, 405.

- atricilla, 241.

- borealis, 165.

- bulleri, 41, 119.

- cachinnans, 165.

- canus, 165, 238,

402.

- cirrhocephalus, 320.

- crassirostris, 164,

424.

- fuscescens, 100.

- fuscus, 100, 109.

- glaucescens, 165.

— — glaucus, 165, 404.
— — ichthyaetus, 109.

- leucophasus, 100,

109, 228.

Larus marinus, 165.

- melanoeephalus,

241.

- niveus, 165, 424.

- Occident alis, 165.

- poliocephalus, 320.

- pomare, 41.

- ridibundus, 109.

- scopulinus, 41, 119.

— — tridactylus, 238.
Layardia rubiginosa, 176.

- - rufescens, 18.

Lempigius erythrocampe,
269.

- glabripes, 268, 269.

Lepterodatis flavirostris,
336.

Leptocoma minima, 92.
Leptonyx albicollis, 201.

- macropus, 204.

- paradoxus, 205.

- rubecula, 201.

• - - tarnii, 202.

Leptoptila albifrons, 312,

456.

- bonapartii, 312.

- - cassini, 456.

- cerviniventris, 456.

- jamaicensis, 456.

- — plumbeiceps, 312.

- riottii, 312.

- verreauxi, 312, 456.

Leptorhynchus pectora-
lis, 252.

Lerwa niyicola, 1 72.
Leucocerca albofrontata,
18.

Leucophantes bracbyurus,
418.

Licmetulus regulus, 207.
Limnaetus alboniger, 128.

- andamanensis, 127.

- - ceylonensis, 128.

- cirrbatus, 128.

- cristatellus, 9.

- kieneri, 126.

- lanceolatus, 128.

• - nipalensis, 128.

Limnocorax niger, 105.
Limonidromus indicus,

140.

Limosa segocepbala, 405.

- lapponica, 400.

Linota cannabina, 396.
Liosceles thoracicus, 200,
206.

Lobivanellus goensis, 27.
Locustella certhiola, 153,
440.

- lanceolata, 139, 430,

439.

Locustella luscinoides,
421.

- - rninuta, 139.

- ochotensis, 153,

154.

- raii, 139.

- subcerthiola, 153.

- subsignata, 139.

Lophophorus 1’huysi,
169.

Lopbostrix cristata, 325.

- stricklandi, 99, 325.

Loriculus indicus, 15.

- - regulus, 207, 208.

Lorius hypoenochrous,
457.

Loxia albiyentris, 144.

- striata, 144.

Luscinia golzii, 81.

- hafizi, 80.

Lusciniola lanceolata, 139.
Lusciniopsis hendersoni,
440.

- macropus, 440.

Machetes pugnax, 399.
Macronyx capensis, 384.

- croceus, 70.

Macropygia crassirostris,
457.

— — turtur, 418.
Malacocercus huttoni,

75.

Malacorhynehus albi¬
yentris, 195.

- chilensis, 205.

- - cristatellus, 197.

- speluncae, 193.

Malimbus cristatus, 68.

- nigerrimus, 68.

— - nitens, 68.

- rufovelatus, 68.

- scutatus, 68.

Malurus alboscapulatus,
418.

Mareca penelope, 450.
Margarornis brunnescens,
316.

- - certhoides, 316.

- guttata, 316.

- gutturalis, 316.

— - — ■ perlata, 323.

- squamiger, 322.

— - — stellata, 316.
Megaleema viridis, 92.

- zeylonica, 15.

Megalonyx albicollis, 201.

- medius, 201.

- - nanus, 195.

— — rubecula, 201.

- ruficeps, 202.

480

INDEX.

Megalonyx rufogularis,

201.

- rufus, 203.

Megalophonus erytkro-
cklamys, 103.
Megapodius brenchleyi,
457.

- geelvinkianus, 416.

Meionornis casuarinus,
212, 215.

- - didiformis, 212,

215.

Melanocharis nigra, 419.
Melierax canorus, 359.

- gabar, 359.

- niger, 359.

Melirrkopketes leuco-
stiphes, 418.

- ochromelas, 418.

Melizopkilus nigrica-
pillus, 340.

- proyincialis, 183.

- striatus, 76, 183.

Melocickla mentalis, 57.
Melopelia leucoptera, 455.

- meloda, 455.

Meropiscus gularis, 48.
Merops albicollis, 48.

- apiaster, 237, 363.

- bullockoides, 363.

- malimbicus, 48.

- nubicoides, 102.

- persicus, 237.

- philippensis,13, 125.

- pusillus, 48, 363.

- quinticolor, 13.

— — viridis, 125.

Merula syriaca, 340.
Merulaxis analis, 196.

- ater, 197.

- fuscoides, 194.

- griseicollis, 195.

- orthonyx, 204,

- paradoxus, 205.

- rhinolophus, 197,

206.

- squamiger, 195.

Metopiana peposaca, 319.
Microchera albocoronata,
328.

Micronisus badius, 10.
Micropternus gularis, 92.
Micropygia sclateri, 320.

- verreauxi, 320.

Milvus affinis, 461.

- govinda, 10, 150,

451.

- korschun, 360.

- major, 151, 461.

- melanotis, 150, 429,

461.

j Milvu9 migrans, 360.

I - niger, 232.

- parasiticus, 44, 45.

Miro longipes, 36, 115.

- traversi, 37, 116.

Miserytkrus leguati, 217,
455.

Monarcha insularis, 417.

- - kordensis, 417.

- telescophthalma,

417.

Monticola affinis, 158.

- cyanus, 108.

- rupestris, 369.

- saxatilis, 108.

- solitarius, 139, 157,

445.

M'otacilla alba, 109, 173,
396.

- albicollis, 303.

- hypolais, 236.

- - japonica, 156.

- lugubris, 173.

- ocularis, 156.

- stapazina, 302.

- variegata, 140.

- yarrelli, 173.

Munia acuticauda, 144,
145.

- fumigata, 144, 145.

- leucogastra, 145.

- leucogastroides, 144,

145.

- leuconota, 144.

- malabarica, 25.

- malacca, 25.

- melanictera, 145.

- molucca, 144.

- rubronigra, 25.

- striata, 145.

- subundulata, 176.

- tristissima, 419.

Muscicapa griseola, 336,
404.

- hylocharis, 159.

- lais, 336.

Musopkaga violacea, 52.
Myiagra atra, 418.

- azurea, 18.

- caledonica, 457.

- melanura, 457.

Myialestes cinereocapilla,
18, 123.

- macrorkynckus,

418.

Myiodynastes atrifrons,
324.

Myiomoira dieffenbacki,
38, 116.

- macrocepkala, 38,

116.

Myiopkanus korsfieldi,
92.

Myiotkera indigotica,
195.

- rkinolopka, 197.

Myrmecociclila formici-
vora, 102, 370.
Myrmelastes corvinus,
317.

Myrmotkerula albigula,
311,317.

- fulviventris, 311.

- melsena, 311, 317.

- m6netriesi, 310.

- modesta, 311.

- ornata, 311.

- pygmaaa, 311.

- surinamensis, 311.

Nectarinia adalberti, 58,
59.

- bifasciata, 374,

- chloropygia, 60.

- cuprea, 60.

- cyanocepkala, 58,

59.

- cyanolaema, 58.

- famosa, 374.

- fuliginosa, 60.

- gutturalis, 374.

- jokannae, 59.

- reickenbacki, 58.

- splendida, 58, 59.

- subcollaris, 60.

- superba, 59.

- talatala, 375.

- - yerticalis, 58.

Nemoricola indica, 140.
Neopkron percnopterus,
110,358.

- pileatus, 43, 44, 45.

Neopus malaiensis, 8.
Nestor meridionalis, 35,
113.

- occidentalis, 35, 113.

Nettapus coromandelia-
nus, 149, 220, 222.

- madagascariensis

74.

Nicator ckloris, 64.
Nigrita bicolor, 68.

- emilise, 68.

- uropygialis, 68.

Nilaus brubru, 376.
Niltava leucotis, 276.
Ninox affinis, 127, 129,
130, 131.

- borneensis, 130, 131.

- kirsuta, 129, 130.

- japonicus, 425, 432.

- malaccensis, 129.

INDEX.

481

Ninox obscurus, 129.

• - scutulatus, 130.

iSTisus erytkrocnemius,
456.

Nitidula hodgsoni, 185.
Noctua koedtii, 418.
Notkocercus bonapartii,
312.

Numenius arquata, 29,
74, 388, 399.

- pkaeopus, 29, 74,

399.

Numida cornu ta, 386.

- cristata, 71.

- meleagris, 71.

- plumifera, 71.

Nycticorax aegyptius, 104.

- brevipes, 336.

■ - caledonicus, 41, 119.

- griseus, 27, 73, 336.

Ockromela nigrorufa, 92.
Ocydromus australis, 39,
97, 117, 217.

- earli, 39, 117.

- troglodytes, 39, 117.

Ocyris oenops,143.
CEdemia fusca, 424.
CEdicnemus capensis, 104.

- maculosus, 388.

CEna capensis, 385.
Ommatornis orthonyx,
204.

Onyckoprion anasthsetus,
149.

- melanauchen, 149.

Oreocincla spiloptera, 18.

- varia, 445.

Oreopkasis derbianus,
188.

Oreopneuste sckwartzi,
183.

Oriolus brackyrkynckus,
65.

- ceylonensis, 138.

- ckinensis, 445.

- galbula, 337.

- melanocepkalus,

138.

- nigripennis, 65.

- virescens, 337.

Ornismya bonapartei,
332.

- keliantkea, 332.

- isaacsoni, 331.

Ortalida goudoti, 318.
Ortkonyx albicilla, 36,
115.

- novae guineas, 416.

- ockrocepkala, 36.

Ortygometra crex, 388.
SER. JII. - VOL. IV.

Ortygometra pygmaea,
107.

- sclateri, 320.

- verreauxi, 320.

Osmotreron bicincta, 25.

- flavogularis, 25.

Otis tarda, 424.

Otus brackyotus, 82, 83.

- capensis, 361.

Oxylopkus glandarius,
452.

Oxyurus masafuerae, 84.

Packycepkala affinis, 417.

- cklorurus, 457.

- flavogrisea, 418.

- griseiceps, 417.

- grisola, 141.

- kaltamensis, 417.

- moriariensis, 457.

- senex, 417.

- - xantketraea, 457.

Packyglossa melano-
xantka, 3.

Palaeornis affinis, 296,
297.

- alexandri, 14, 278,

290.

- bengalensis, 285.

- caltkropae, 14, 24,

125, 288.

- caniceps, 296, 297.

- columboides, 92,

271, 292, 294.

- cyanocephalus, 278,

281, 284.

- - erythrogenys, 294,

296.

- eupatrius, 278, 280,

282.

- kodgsoni, 271.

- latkami, 290.

— — longicaudatus, 278.

- magnirostris, 280.

- melanorkynckus,

278, 290, 294.

- nigrirostris, 290.

- peristerodes, 271,

292.

- pondicerianns, 291.

- punjabi, 280.

- purpureus, 284, 285.

- rosa, 14, 91,92, 125,

284.

- sacer, 280.

- scliisticeps, 278, 286.

- sivalensis, 280, 282.

- torquatus, 278, 281 .

- vindkiana, 280.

Palapteryx crassus, 212,
216.

Palapteryx elepkantopus,
212, 215.

Pal ambus torringtoniae,
25.

Pandion kaliaetus, 34,
232, 426.

Panyptila cayennensis,
313.

• - - sancti-kieronymi,

188.

Paradisea raggiana, 177,
187.

Paradoxornis austeni,453.
Pardalotus aureolimba-
tus, 2.

- maculatus, 1.

- percussus, 1.

- tkoracicus, 1.

- xanthopygius, 2.

Parisoma subceeruleum,
375.

Parra africana, 74.

Par us afer, 373.

- ater, 155, 173.

- borealis, 156.

- britannicus, 173.

- cinereus, 23.

— — ■ kamtsckatkensis,
156.

- major, 232.

- minor, 156, 424,

442.

— — niger, 373.

- palustris, 156.

- pekinensis, 155.

- varius, 155.

Passer, sp., 382.

- diffusus, 382.

- domesticus, 396.

- simplex, 382.

Pelargopsis burmanica,
136.

Pelecanoides urinatrix,
41, 119.

Pelecanus - , 391.

- crispus, 182.

- onocrotalus, 240.

Penelope greeyi, 325, 326.

- marail, 326.

- ortoni, 325, 326.

— — purpurascens, 326.

- rufiventris, 318.

Pentheria macrura, 69.
Perdix cinerea, 396.
Pericrocotus flammeus,
92.

Peristera cinerea, 99.

- lansbergi, 455.

- mondetoura, 99,

455.

- - pentkeria, 455.

2 M

482

INDEX.

Peristera puella, 71

- ruficauda, 455.

Pernis apivorus, 45.
Petrochelidon spilodera,
101.

Petrocossyphus cyanus,

139.

Petroica tr aver si, 38.
Pezophaps herberti, 455.
Phseornis obscura, 462.
Phaethornis abnormis,
262.

- bourcieri, 262.

- eurynome, 454.

Phalacrocorax aeolus, 164.

- brevirostris, 42, 121.

- carbo, 110, 164.

- novse-bollandise, 42,

121.

- - pelagicus, 164.

- punctatus, 42, 121.

- tenuirostris, 164.

Phasianus auritus, 170.
Philemon sclateri, 457.
Philomaclms pugnax,
388.

Phoenicophaeus pyrrho-
cephalus, 16.
Pboenicopterus erythrasus,
227.

- roseus, 227, 238.

Pholidauges leucogaster,
54, 65.

- verreauxi, 378.

Pholidornis rushias, 60.
Phyllopneuste borealis,

140, 440, 459.

- magnirostris, 459.

- - rama, 184.

- schwartzi, 183, 461.

- svlvicultrix, 459,

- trochilus, 459.

- viridanus, 461.

Phyllornis jerdoni, 21,

- malabaricus, 21, 92.

Phylloscopus bonellii,
341.

- magnirostris, 22,

126.

— — nitidus, 22.

- superciliosus, 450.

- trochilus, 339.

Picathartes gymnocepha-
lus, 67.

Picoides funebris, 171.
Picumnus granadensis,
323.

- olivaceus, 323.

Picus sethiopicus, 336.

- fuliginosus. 336.

- hemprichii, 336.

Picus mandarinus, 425.

- nubicus, 336.

- pubescens, 448.

- syriacus, 336.

— — stridens, 337.

- villosus, 448.

Pionias simplex, 419.
Pipastes agilis, 425.
Pipilo torquatus, 315.
Pipreola sclateri, 324.
Pithys rufigula, 461.

Pitta angolensis, 56.

- brachyura, 18.

— — coronata, 447.

- nympha, 446.

- oreas, 446.

Platalea tenuirostris, 73,
105.

Platycercus corniculatus,
197.

- dorsalis, 418.

- lepturus, 205.

Platyurus niger, 193.
Plectropterus gambensis,
390.

Plocepasser mahali, 380.
Plotus levaillanti, 391.
Pnoepyga troglodytoides,
172.

Podiceps carolinensis, 98.

- cornutus, 241.

- minor, 98.

- nigricollis, 163.

Poecile baikalensis, 156.
Pogonorhynchus biden-
tatus, 54.

- leucomelas, 361.

- torquatus, 361.

- vieilloti, 54.

Poliornis teesa, 10, 126.
Polyborus typicus, 46.
Polyphasia passerina, 16.
Pomatorhinus melanurus,
18.

Porphyrio melanotus, 38,
96, 117.

- poliocephalus, 31.

- smaragnotus, 105.

Porzana castaneiceps, 320.

- erythrothorax, 163.

- fusca, 31.

- hauxwelli, 320.

- pygmaea, 31.

Pratincola indica, 155,
425.

- rubicola, 338.

- rubetra, 57.

Presbytes johnii, 92.

- jubatus, 92.

Prinia hodgsoni, 126.
- rufula, 176.

Prinia socialis, 21.
Prionochilus aurolimba-
tus, 411.

- - melanoxanthus, 3.

— — — vincens, 3, 126.
Prionops talacoma, 376.
Procellaria oceanica, 76.
— — parkinsoni, 41, 42,
120, 121.

- pelagica, 75.

- - novae zealandiae, 36.

Prosthemadera novae-zea-
landiae, 114.

Psalidoprogne homorne-
laena, 61.

- nitens, 61.

Psaltriparus melanotis,
99.

Psittacus erythacus, 56,

185.

- meyeri, 369.

— : — senegalus, 56.

Pterocles bicinctus, 385.

- gutturalis, 385.

Pteroglossus frantzii, 329.
Pteroptochus albicollis,
200, 204, 206.

- albifrons, 193.

- castaneus, 203.

- megapodius, 203.

— — orthonyx, 204.

- paradoxus, 205.

- rubecula, 200, 201,

206.

- tarnii, 202, 203.

- - thoracicus, 200.

Pteruthrius spinicaudus,

417.

Ptilopus aurantiifrons,

418.

- rivolii, 419.

Ptochoptera iolaema, 261.
Pucrasia xanthospila,
169.

Puffinus anglorum, 240.
- brevicaudus, 41,

120.

- einereus, 240.

■ - - gavius, 42, 120.

- opisthomelas, 42,

120.

Pycnonotus barbatus, 57.

- nigricans, 369.

Pyranga roseigularis,
327.

Pyrenestes capitalbus, 70.
Pyrgisoma leucote, 315.
Pyrgita montana, 404.
Pyrocephalus rubineus,
313.

— — obscurus, 313.

INDEX.

483

Pyrrkocorax alpinus, 337. j

- digitatus, 337.

Pyrrkula cassini, 463.

- cineracea, 464.

- coccinea, 463.

- orientalis, 160, 463.

- vulgaris, 464.

Pytelia melba, 382.

- reichenovii, 166.

Rallus cserulescens, 107.

- dieffenbacki, 93, 94,

117.

- indicus, 31, 163.

- modestus, 93.

- oculeus, 74.

- philippensis, 94,

117, 118.

- striatus, 146.

Rectes bennetti, 419.

- jobiensis, 417.

- nigrescens, 417, 419.

- obscura, 417.

Recurvirostra americana,
242, 243, 244, 252, 253,
257.

- - andina, 241, 243,

257

- avocetta, 242, 243,

244, 245, 252, 253, 255,
397.

- europsea, 245.

- halebi, 245, 249.

- leucocepkala, 251,

252.

- novse-hollandige,

244, 258.

- occidentalis, 253,

255.

- orientalis, 252.

- rubricollis, 259.

- sinensis, 245, 253.

- tephroleuea, 245.

Reguloides superciliosus,
424,441.

Rkinocrypta fulva, 198,
206.

- fusca, 198.

- lanceolata, 198, 206.

Rhinomya lanceolata,
189, 198, 199.
Rliipidura spilodera, 457.
Rhopophilus pekinensis,
185.

Rkynckaea bengalensis,
28.

Rkynckaspis clypeata,
109.

Rhynckops flavirostris,
75.

Rubigula melanictera, 20.

Ruticilla erytkronota, 80.

- erytkroprocta, 79.

- kodgsoni, 343.

- pkoenicuroides, 79.

- pkoenicurus, 343.

- rufiventris, 79, 339.

- rufogularis, 80.

- - semirufa, 79.

- suecica, 140.

- ? titys, 343.

Salicaria aralensis, 78.

- elaeica, 78, 300.

Sarciopkorus albiceps,
104.

Sarkidiornis melanono-
tus, 220.

Saroekalinus ater, 197.

- rkinolopkus, 197.

Sauropkagus bairdi, 324.
Saxicola albicilla, 338.

* — - aurita, 338.

- bifasciata, 371.

- ckrysopygia, 81.

- erytkrsea, 341.

— erytkropygia, 342.
— — eurymelsena, 340.

- familiaris, 371.

- kalophila, 341.

- kemprickii, 338.

- isabellina, 224.

- kingi, 81.

- - leucocepkala, 223.

- leucoleema, 341.

— — leucomela, 338.

- leueoinelsena, 371.

- leucopyga, 223.

- libyca, 338.

- lugens, 341.

- riielanoleuca, 224,

225, 338.

- mcesta, 342.

— — monacka, 338.

- monticola, 371.

- morio, 338.

- oenantke, 339, 340,

396.

- — - pkilotkamna, 342.

- pileata, 371.

- rostrata, 339.

- rufa, 338.

- stapazina, 225, 338.

- vittata, 341.

- xantkomelsena, 338.

- xantkoprymna, 342.

Sceloglaux albifacies, 34,
113.

Sckizorkis africana, 52.

- concolor, 366.

Sckceniclus magnus, 147.
- minor, 161.

Sckceniclus pallasi, 161.

- yessoensis, 161.

Scolopax sabinii, 448.
Scops asio, 314.

- brasilianus, 314.

- enano, 314.

- flammeola, 456.

- kennicotti, 434.

- lempigi, 268.

- maecalli, 314.

- malabaricus, 92.

- mantis, 129.

- modestus, 129.

- - sunia, 433.

- trichopsis, 314, 456.

Scopus umbretta, 389.
Scotopelia ussheri, 46.
Scotornis longicaudatus,
46.

Scytalopus acutirostris,
206.

- albifrons, 193.

- albiventris, 196.

- albogularis, 195.

- - analis, 192, 196.

- femoralis, 205.

- fuscoides, 194.

- fuscus, 192, 193.

- griseicollis, 192,

195, 206.

- - indigoticus, 192,

195, 196, 206.

- magellanicus, 192,

193, 194, 205, 206.

- niger, 193.

— — obscurus, 192, 194,
206.

- senilis, 192, 194,

206.

— — - speluncas, 192, 193,
206.

- sylvestris, 192, 195,

206.

- undulatus, 196.

Serpentarius secretarius,
359.

Serpopkaga einerea, 315.

- grisea, 315.

Sibia pulckella, 176.
Sigelus silens, 372.
Sigmodus caniceps, 64.
Sipkia kyperytkra, 188.
Sitta europasa, 152.

- nagensis, 176.

- sinensis, 167.

Smaragdockryses iri-
descens, 262.
Smitkornis rufolateralis,
60.

Somateria mollissima,
403.

484

INDEX.

Sparactes cristata, 276.
Spermestes bicolor, 70.

- cucullata, 69, 70.

Spermospiza hsematina,
70. .

Spheniscus humboldti,
83.

Sphenura erythroptera,
342.

- squamiceps, 342.

Spilornis bacha, 181.

- bido, 181.

- ■ cheela, 9, 126, 181.

- elgini, 127.

Spizaetus andamanensis,
127.

- coronatus, 45.

- sphinx, 128.

Sporopipes squamifrons,
380.

Squatarola lielvetica, 146,
398.

Starncenas cyanocephala,
456.

Stelgidopteryx fulyigula,
307.

- fulvipennis, 307.

- serripennis, 307.

- nropygialis, 307.

Stercorarius catarrhactes,
240.

- pomatorhinus, 241.

Sterna antarctica, 97.

- antillarum, 320.

- - argentea, 319.

- bengalensis, 33.

• - bergii, 33, 109.

- cantiaca, 109, 401.

- caspia, 33, 109, 401,

405.

- cristata, 33.

- erythrorhyncha,

319.

- fissipes, 238.

- fluviatilis, 392, 400.

- hirundo, 392, 400.

— » — hybrida, 238.

- leucoptera, 240, 391.

- maxima, 319.

- media, 109.

- minuta, 400.

- - nigra, 392, 400.

— - — paradisea, 149.

— — pelecanoides, 33.

- - regia, 319.

- superciliaris, 319.

Stiphrornis badiceps,

58.

- erythrothorax, 58.

Strepsilas interpres, 238,
404.

Stringops habroptilus, 35,
113.

Strix capensis, 362.

- poensis, 362.

- tenebricosa, 417.

Struthio australis, 391.

- camel us, 5.

Struthiolithus chersonen-
sis, 7.

Sturnia pyrrhogenys, 151,
159.

Sturnus cineraceus,

159.

- vulgaris, 378, 396.

Sublegatus glaber, 316.
Suthora conspicillata,
170.

Suya superciliaris, 185.
Sylvia affinis, 78.

- caligata, 78, 79.

- campylonyx, 342.

- cinerea, 78.

- conspicillata, 235.

- crassirostris, 77.

- curruca, 77.

- - delicatula, 78, 341.

- dome, 78.

- hortensis, 421.

- jerdoni, 77, 300,

341.

- lypura, 343.

- magellanica, 193.

- magnirostris, 420.

■ - melanocepliala, 235,

340.

- mesoleuca, 343.

- nana, 78.

- obscura, 194.

- orphea, 77, 300.

- rama, 78, 79, 184’

300.

— ■ — rubescens, 77.

- rueppelli, 342.

- semirufa, 339.

- tites, 342.

Sylviaxis guttatus, 205.

- magellanicus, 192.

Sylvietta rufescens, 373.
Synallaxis brachyura,
322.

- maculata, 324.

- pudica, 322.

- stictothorax, 324.

Syrnium indranee, 11,
125.

- lineatum, 318.

- — nuchale, 46.

- - virgatum, 318.

' Tachypkonus delattrii,
308.

Tachyphonus nitidissi-
mus, 308.

Tachytriorchis albicauda-
tus, 314.

Tadorna vulpanser, 403.
Tantalus leucocephalus,
32.

Tchitrea paradisea, 17.
Telegallus jobiensis, 416.
Telephonus erythropte-
rus, 342, 377.
Temenuchu s pagodarum ,
23.

- senex, 23.

Tephrodornis affinis, 16.

- grisola, 141, 142.

- superciliaris, 141.

— — sylvicola, 92.

Terpsi phone atrochaly-
bea, 61.

- nigriceps, 61.

Tetrao urogalloides, 150.
Tetraophasis obscurus,
169, 171.

Tetrapteryx paradisea,
389.

Textor erythrorhynchus,
379.

Thalassidroma fregata,
39, 42, 121.

- melanogaster, 42,

121.

Thalassoeca glacial oides,
83.

Thalassornis leuconota,
105.

Thalurania lerchi, 264.

— — iolaema, 261.
Thamnobia cambay ensis,
301.

- fulicata, 21, 300.

Thamnophilus hollandi,
310.

- leueopygus, 316.

— — melanocrissus, 310.
Thaumalea amherstiae,

169, 171.

Thinornis novse-zealan-
dise, 34.

— — rossii, 34.
Thryothorus albinucha,
326.

- petenicus, 326/

Tinamus bonapartii, 312.
— — frantzii, 312.

- robustus, 329.

Tinnunculus alaudarius,

i0.

- rupicola, 360.

■ - sparverius, 82, 83.

— — ■ tinnunculoides, 361.

INDEX.

485

Toccus erytkrorkynckus,
365.

- flavirostris, 365.

- * gingalensis, 14.

- nasutus, 365.

Todopsis mysorensis, 416.
Todus angustirostris, 348,
350, 352.

- cyanogenys, 346.

- dominicensis, 348,

349, 350.

— — hypockondriacus,

348, 349, 354.

- mexicanus, 344, 346,

347, 348, 354.

- multicolor, 345, 346,

347, 348, 349, 352.

- portoricensis, 344,

346, 353.

- pulckerrimus, 349,

353.

- subulatus, 346, 347,

349, 350, 354.

- viridis, 345, 346,

347, 349, 350, 354.
Totanus calidris, 74, 147,

399.

- glareola, 163.

- glottis, 388.

- incanus, 163.

- - stagnatilis, 29, 147.

- tenuirostris, 147.

Trackypkonus caffer, 368.

- goffini, 55.

Treron calva, 70.

Tribonyx mortieri, 93.
Tribura squamiceps, 155.
Trickoglossus arfaki, 419.

- kordoanus, 419.

- massena, 457.

- palmar um, 457.

- placens, 418.

- pulckellus, 417.

- rubronotatus, 418.

- - wilkelminte, 304,

419.

Trickolaema kirsuta, 54.
Tringa alpina, 400.

- canutus, 319.

- cinclus, 450.

- cinerea, 319.

- - crassirostris, 147,

148.

- gracilis, 459.

- magna, 147.

- minuta, 29, 237,404.

- ptiloenemis, 459.

- - salina, 126.

- subarquata, 147,

400.

SER. III. - YQL. IV.

Tringa temminckii, 29,
126, 238.

- tenuirostris, 147.

Tringoides kypoleuca,
163, 392, 399.
Triptorkinus ortkonyx,
204.

- paradoxus, 189, 205,

206.

Trockalopteron cinera-
ceum, 176.

- virgatum, 176.

Trockilus lutetias, 333.

- violifera, 333.

Troglodytes alascensis,
153.

- bewickii, 313.

- europgeus, 153.

- - formosus, 91.

- fumigatus, 152.

- kyemalis, 153.

- leucogastra, 313.

- paradoxus, 205.

- punctatus, 91.

Trogon clatkratus, 329.
Tropidorkynckus jobien-
sis, 418.

Turacus cristatus, 51.
Turdulus wardi, 18.
Turdus aedon, 438.

- ckrysopleurus, 444.

- daulias, 443.

- dissimilis, 444.

- falklandicus, 82, 83.

- fuscatus, 157.

- iliacus, 235.

- litsitsirupa, 369.

- modestus, 462.

- - musicus, 338.

- obscurus, 443.

- pallens, 443.

- pectoralis, 462.

— — pilaris, 235.

— — planiceps, 338.

- rufulus, 443.

- sibiricus, 443.

- stentor, 339.

- torquatus, 234.

- viscivorus, 235.

Turnix lipurana, 387.

— - — taigoor, 26.

Turtur auritus, 396.

- gelastes, 162, 425.

- risoria, 26.

- senegalensis, 71.

- suratensis, 26.

Tyrannula caniceps, 315.
Tyrannus atrifrons, 324.

Upupa epops, 366, 437.

Upupa minor, 365.
Uragus sanginolentus,
160.

- - sibiricus, 160.

Uria, sp., 166.

— — anti qua, 166.

- - troile, 230.

Urobrackya axillaris, 382.
Urolestes cissoides, 377.

Yanellus cristatus, 397.
Vidua ardens, 382.

• - principaks, 69, 103,

381.

- regia, 381.

Vireo kuttoni, 99.

Vultur monackus, 110.

Xantkokema malabarica,
92.

- rubricapilla, 15.

Xantkopygia narcissina,
159, 441.

- tricolor, 159.

Xantkotis poecilosternus,
418.

Xema brunneicepkalum,
32.

Xenicus longipes, 37,
116.

- stokesi, 37, 116.

Xenodacnis parina, 100.
Xylobucco duckallui, 55.
- scolopacea, 55.

Yungipicus gymnopk-
tkaknus, 15.

Yunx japonica, 162.

- torquilla, 232.

Zanclostomus viridiros-
tris, 16.

Zenaida amabilis, 312.

- galapagoensis, 312.

- ruficauda, 455.

Zenaidura carolinensis,
312.

- - graysoni, 312.

- yucatanensis, 312.

Zonotrickia aureigula,
322.

Zosterops ceylonensis, 22,
34, 123.

- flayifrons, 457.

- lateralis, 143.

- mysorensis, 418.

- palpebrosus, 22, 91,

143.

- xantkOckroa, 457.

2 N

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.