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THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
Vol. FE. a
—qgonlan Institg>s
Comprising Five Parts and containing Sixteen s : 7
Plates and Two Maps. (im JUL 20 1917
ASOT RS
, »
Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5 Edited by \ an wa
Malcolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
No. 4 Edited by
Malcolm Smith and E. G. Herbert.
No. 1. ( Pages 1 to 66) ... February, 1914
2. ( Pages 67 to 130 ) .. August, 1914
, 3. € Pages 131 to 220 ) ». March, 1915
», 4. ( Pages 221 to 259 ) ... December, 1915
.. ». (Table of Contents, Index of Species, etc.) May, 1916
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
No.1;
i pITORIAL he ea Soe
Tae SNAKES OF BaNGKox. Part I., with Plates. By
Malcolm Smith ane nen
NOTES ON THE RACES OF SEROW, OR Goat Hues
FOUND IN Siam. By A. J. Irwin
Nores ON THE Fauna AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND
PetTcuaBuri Disrricrs. By K. G. Gairdner
A PRELIMINARY List oF THE Brrps OF BaNGkKoK. By
W. J.-F. Williamson ... a see
A New SPECIES OF BaT FROM Sram. By Oldfield
Thomas aoe ae rs
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :-—
I.—Migration of Rats. By J.S. Butler...
Il.—Sore Neck in Sambar. By P. R Kemp
I1I.—A Case of Triplets in an Elephant. By
D. F. Macfie ...
1V.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam.
By K. G. Gairdner ee
V.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe. By E. G.
Herbert ane
VI.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe in Siam.
By C. H. Forty
VII.—The Hroultine of Snipe. By BE. G. Herbert
VIII.—Distribution of the Indian Pied Kingfisher
( Ceryle varia) and Spotted Owlet
( Athene brama ) in Siam. By E, G.
Herbert be se
JX.—Distribution of Ancistrodon rhodostoma,
the Malayan Viper, in Siam. By
Malcolm Smith a
X.—Large Banded Krait. By Malcolm Smith
XII.—Note on an Inland Cave at Muang Pran.
By S. W. Masterman we
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 1913
List or MEMBERS
List oF WORKS RELATING TO THE NATURAL History oF
Sram iss ar ie
No. 2.
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW REPTILES FROM Sram. With
a Plate. By G. A. Boulenger, L.L.D., D.SC., PH.D.,
F.R.S, With notes by Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P. areas seh eae aire
PAGE.
THE Birps or BanGKox. Part I, with 2 Plates. By
W. J. F. Williamson fohs ix
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK Part-II, with 3 Plates.
By Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,
A sHortT List OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG Disrricr.
By C. 8. Barton
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
I.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam.
A Reply. By G. F. Weston Elwes
I1.—Seasonal oily secretion in Gaur or Sela-
dang. With a Plate. By K. G. Gairdner
I1l.—Distribution of the “ Lamang” Deer
(Merrus eldi platyceros). By A. J. Irwin,
IV.—Note on two rare Mammals, Berdmore’s
Rat (Hapalomys longicaudatus), and Fea’s
Muntjac (Cervulus feae). By K. G.
Gairdner : if
V.—Note on Langur Monkeys. By K, G.
Gairdner ! Ae
VI.—Large horns of Malay 8S Sambar ( Cervus
unicolor equinus ). With a Plate. By
Kk. G. Gairdner
V11.—Occurrence of the Indian T hree-toed King-
fisher (Ceyx tridactyla) in Bangkok. By
HK. G. Herbert ah
VII[.—Note on the Red-breasted Paroquet
( Palaeor nis fasciatus). By EH. G. Herbert
( Pericrocotus perigrinus )
ere in Bangkok. By E. G. Herbert
X.—Occurrence of the Chinese Francolin
(Francolinus chinensis) in Bangkok. — By
AD dlr want, Vase
XI.—Some interesting Birds found near the
Western Boundary. By J. F. Keddie
XII.—Occurrence of the Krait ( Bungarus
cundidus), and the Small-spotted Coral
Snake (Callophis maculiceps) in Siam. A
new color varie y of the latter. By
Malcolm Smith
XIiI1.—Slnuggishness of a Python. By K. G.
Gairdner ;
X1IV.—On the breeding ues of the Tentacle.
Snake ( Herpeton tentaculatum ) and
Hypsirhina enhydris. By Malcolm Smith
XV.—Note on a rare Lizard ( Lygosoma
isodactylum). With a Plate. By Malcolm
Smith : bis bis
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS ...
EX
PAGE:
123
125
126
127
129
No. 3.
NoTes on THE Fauna AND FLora or RatpurI AND
PErcHaBuRI Districrs. Part Il, with a Map
By KK G.Garrdnex: ¢ 2: wal sas
List oF THE MamMats, Birps, ReEpTiLes AND
BATRACHIANS OBTAINED IN THE RatTBURI AND
PercHaBurt Districts. By K.G Gairdner and
Malcolm Smith. a de
On Two NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE GULF OF SIAM.
By C. Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. Ee a3
List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr Emin EISENHOFER
IN NORTHERN SiAM. Part I. By Count Nils
Gyldenstolpe, B.A. ne od
THE SNAKES OF BaNGKoK. Part III, with 4 Plates.
By Malcolm Smith, M.R.¢.S., L.R.C.P. ty
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR Licur. By
K. G. Blair. B.Sc., F.ES. phyA i
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO PRELIMINARY LIST OF
BANGKOK Birps. By W. J. F. Williamson. ...
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. Part I]. By.W. J. F.
Williamson a ae was
LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT KNOWN TO INHABIT?
Siam. By Malcolm Smith, MRGS., L.RCP.
AN AppEAL For LAnaurs. By Guy Dollman.
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914.
List oF MEMBERS ON 318sT DECEMBER 1914.
No. 4:
On Two New Rats FROM THE INNER GULF OF SIAM.
By C. Boden Kloss, F.z 8 aa
Some Notes oN Sciurus FINLAYSONI, AND OTHER
SQUIRRELS OF S1AM. By C. Boden Kloss, F.z s.
List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr. Emin HISENHOFER
IN NORTHERN Siam. Part Il. By Count Nils
Gyldenstoloe, R.A. A
On REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM THE Coast
AND IsLanps oF Sours-East Siam. By Mal-
colm Smith, MRCS, LR.c.P., and C. Boden
Kloss, F.Z S. ey a i
Zoo-GEOGRAPHICAL Divistons vor Siam. With a
Map. By C. Boden Kloss, F.R.G.8., F.Z.s.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
].—Additions to the Mammalian Fauna of
Ratburi. By K. G. Gairdner
If.—Note on Sambar ( Cervus unicolor )
shedding its Horns. By P. A. R.
Rarron. AS 6
[11.—A ‘ew Snake for Bangkok. By Malcolm
Smith.
PAGE.
200
211
216
217
219
220
IV.—On the Breeding Habits and Co!lour
Changes in the Lizard, Calotes
mystaceus. By Malcolm Smith.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED... fe ly
A FurtTHEerR List oF PUBLICATIONS RELATING 'TO
THe NATURAL HISTORY OF SIAM. ... i
LIST OF PLATES AND MAPS.
VOLUME I.
No. lL.
Head of Zanenis mucosus. Body of Bungarus fasciatus.
Under-surface of Chrysopelia ornata.
The Hlephant’s Trunk Snake, Acrochordus javanicus.
Heads of Typhlops braminus, Xenopeltis wnicolor, Psam-
mophis condanarus and Tropidonotus piscator.
None
Heads of Simotes txornatus and Hypsirhina Sivithic. ...
Diagram of Bird. = a a
Wings of Acrocephalus orientalis and Arundinas
aédoen. oe =a slat ar
Coluber radiatus. . te ae. Ss
Heads of Zumenis mucosus, Herpeton fentaculatum and
Simotes cyclurus.
Head of Hypsirkina hecourti. fh, ie
Head and Horns of Gaur ( Bos gaurus). MS
Head of Malay Sambar (Cervus unicolor equinus).
Lygosoma isodactylian. a. aus
No. 3.
Sketch Map to illustrate the Paper on the Fauna and
Flora of Ratburi and Petchaburi. ...
The Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus). re
The Cobra (Nava tripudians). Fe
Cobras. yt ae
Russel’s Viper ( Vipera Russelli ) and The Common
Green Tree Viper ( Lachesis qramineus). re
No 4.
Map to illustrate the Paper on Zoo-Geographical
Divisions for Siam. oes a8 koe
PAGE
131
baa
RS.
18d
182
250
ADDENDA
10, line 4 from bottom.
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AND CORRIGENDA.
For ‘ Oylindrophus” read “ Cylindrophis.”
For ‘‘ glow” read *‘ grow.”
For “ “tradigradus” read “ tardigradus.”
For “griggled” read ‘‘ grizzled.”
For ‘* Pericrotus” read “ Pericrocotus.”
For ** Pericrotus” read ‘* Pericrocotus.”
For ‘ Sacroqrammus” read ‘ Sarcogram-
mus.”
For “ maller” read ‘ smaller.”
For ‘* Rhodostroma” read ** Rhodostoma.”
For “ limnocaris” read “ limnocharis.”
For “enteaulatum” read “Tentaculatum.”
For “ marmoratus” read “ pequensis.”
For “ eynomoloqus” read “ cynomolgus.”
For ‘ Prionadon” read “ Prionodon.”
For “ Rutous” read ‘‘ Rufous.”
For “‘ Marmoratus, Fitz” read “ Pequensis,
Bler.”
After ‘‘ specimen” insert ‘‘( D.formosus).”
For “ Copeychus” read * Copsychus.”
For “ moellendorfii” read ** moellendorifi.”
For “ smemoricola” read ‘ nemoricola.”
For “ memoricola” read ** nemoricola.”
For “ memoricola” read “ nemoricolu.”
For “ Irish” read ‘ Iris.”
For “ Mollendorfii” read ‘Moellendor ffi.”
For “ ignipictus” read “ ignipectus.”
For “ Hpimus” read “ Hpimys.”
For ‘f Mpimus” read “ Bpimys ”
For “ Hpimy” read “ Hpinys.”
For * Verticellatus”’ read “ Verticillutus.”
ve
JOU K NAL
re
Natural History Society of Siam.
WO ae IN Ge CE.
A RSOIIS In sz,
A |
co
ts
SF x
“fo
Issued February, 1914. {2 JUL 95 1917 a
Bie Cet Ga
Wi a Bemus eigh
~~. CHal Muse?
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
ReGen Boe NON MONITORS: = (8 ye eo ee a Peg 3 AQ:
CONTENTS.
Kditorial ae Ae Sas : ‘a
The Snakes of Bangkok, Part [., with Plates. By Malcolm Smith
Notes on the Races of Serow, or Goat Antelope, found in Siam.
By A. J. Irwin : . :
Notes on the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi and Petechaburi
Districts. By Kk. G. Gairdner Bee
A Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok. By W. J. EF.
Williamson as ua ewe re
A New Species of Bat from Siam. = By Oldfield Thomas
Miscellaneons Notes :—
[.—Mivration of Rats. By T. S. Butler
[l-—Sore Neck in Sambar. By P. R. Kemp eae
I1f.—A Case of Triplets in an Elephant. By D. F.
Macfie ,
[V.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. By
KK. G. Gairdner
V.—Breeling of the Painted Snipe. BY wes. G:
Herbert zi ae |
V1.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe in Siam. By C. H.
Forty ee see sas
V1il.—The Moulting of Snipe. By E.G. Herbert oe
Vitt.—Distribution of the Indian Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle
varia) and Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) in
Siam. By E. G. Herbert oe
LX.——Distribution of Ancistrodon rhodostoma, the Ma-
layan Viper, in Siam. By Malcolm Smith
X.—Large Banded Krait. By Maleolm Smith
XIi.—Note on an Inland Cave at Muang Pran. — P
S. W, Masterman
Proceedings of General Meetings
Statement of Account for 1913 ...
List of Members oa ae wa
List of Works relating to the Natural History of Siam
3a
.
PAGE.
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural THistory Society of Siam,
s*
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‘s sorta WEE RGA A
JUL 20
Tt is with great pleasure that we issue this, the first number of
the Journal of the Natural History Society of Siam. That some such
publication would be forthcoming was obvious from the commencement
of the Society, both as a record of what was being accomplished,
and as a means of binding our scattered members more closely together.
It is hoped that we shall be able to issue the Journal at
least three times a year, but this will depend upon the material in
hand and on the funds available. We do not propose to bind ourselves
down to any fixed dates of production, as we should probably be unable
to adhere to them. The difficulties to be overcome in editing such a
publication as this are considerable, particularly in the matter of
illustrations, most of which have to be reproduced in Europe.
The Society has now been in existence for one year, and at the
time of going to press its membership numbers 64 This is many
more than was anticipated in the beginning, and we moy congratulate
ourselves upon the rapid strides we have made, and upon the large
amount of interest which we have managed to arouse in so small a
community. We hope that each member will do lis or her best to
assist the Journal with contributions. Those who do not feel qualified
with a sufficient knowledge of their subject to send in papers, can
at least forward notes upon the habits of animals and plants, or
local lists of collections made in different parts of the country. The
2 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f.
latter will be of use in working out the geographical distribution of
species. :
An immense amount of work in every branch of Natural
History is waiting to be done in Siam—work which possesses all the
pleasure and fascination attaching to any form of pioneer research.
Hitherto it has been an almost untouched field. Few expert natur-
alists have visited the country, still fewer have lived in it, and the
records of both its fauna and flora are meagre. It is not to be expected
that any large number of species will be added to Science, at least among
the vertebrates, but it is in the distribution of those species already
known, and in the life-histories of the little-known ones, that so much
remains to be accomplished.
Siam, as would naturally be expected, has species in common
with those of each country which she adjoins, and although the great
majority of them are found over the whole area, the limit of distribution
of many lies through her own terrritory. Of the fauna of Burma and of
the Malay Peninsula we have a fairly extensive knowledge, and the
literature upon the subject relating to those countries is considerable,
and is indispensable to anyone working in Siam. The same, unfor-
tunately, cannot be said of Indo-China, in regard to which no publica-
tion of any great value has yet appeared, to which reference can be
made for information concerning the many species peculiar to that
country and Siam.
The two regions of which we probably know the least are,
the large tract of country to the east and north of Korat, borderin s
upon Indo-China, and the mountanous district west of Petchaburi,
adjoining the Burmese frontier. Both offer a rich field of new
material and will well repay any naturalist who ean find the time and
money to visit them.
It is to be hoped that within a year or two the Society will be
in a position to publish certain hand-lists relating to the fauna and
flora of this country. These will be published separately from the
Journal. They will naturally be far from complete, but they will form
a basis for future work and should be valuable as a reference
to anyone studying the particular subjects dealt with. A circular
letter relating to this matter has already been issued, and it is hoped
that every member will assist the Society in its undertaking. The
Committee will be only tco pleased to help members in every way
EDITORIAT. 3
with the identification of specimens, and, where this cannot be done in
Bangkok, to see that they are forwarded to others who have a greater
knowledge of the subject.
It is believed that enough material is already in hand to issue
the lists relating to the Mammals, Birds and Reptiles, and these will
no doubt be the first to appear. The lists published by Capt. S.
Flower in 1900 in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society wpon the
Mammals ana Keptiles are both very valuable, but a considerable
amount of information has been gained since then, and the identity of
certain species at that time obscure, has been now cleared up.
With regard to the Birds, if we except such standard works as
Oates’ Birds of British Burma, 1883, and Oates’ and Blanford’s
volumes on Birds, in the Fauna of British India, 1889-1898, no pub-
lication in any way pretending to be complete has yet been issued.
Both the works just mentioned naturally include a great number of
the species inhabiting Siam, but in the majority of cases no record has
been made of their having been found here. Of local lists, the most
comprehensive is that published by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss in
1911, cn Birds jrom the Northern portion of the Malay Peninsula
(mainly obtained in the Muang of Trang ), while Count Gyldenstolpe,
again, as recently as 1912-13 made a short expedition to this country,
and published last year a list of the birds he obtained.
As regards the Fishes and Insects of this country, practically
nothing has been published, so far as we are aware, though several
collections of Butterflies have been made—notably one by Mr. E. J.
Godfrey. It is hoped that a list of the species comprised in this
collection will be issued before long.
Tn connection with the Flora, a very extensive subject, the
most prominent worker is Dr. A. IF. G. Kerr, who has published some
papers in the Journal of the Siam Society, as well as in one or two
British scientife journals. Much valuable work is also being done by
the officers of the Forest Department, who have tor some time past
been making systematic collections of the plants of Siam, and for-
warding them to Kew (the Botanical headquarters of Great Britain ),
where they are being investigated, and the results published from time
to time.
We include elsewhere in this number a Catalogue of the works
4 JOURNAL, NATURAL' HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
upon Natural History relating to Siam. It is, we believe, with the
possible exception of short articles that may have appeared in scientific
journals, a complete list of all the literature which has so far appeared
in the English language.
We would conclude by repeating once more our sincere request
that every member will endeavour to contribute something towards
the welfare of the Society and its Journal. Weare still in our in-
fancy and upon our trial. It will depend very largely upon the results
of the next year or two whether the Society is to retain its place or not.
as one of the useful and permanent institutions of this country.
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JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE.
Head of Zumenis imucosus.
A. Side view. B. Upper surface. C. Under surface.
R. Rostral. N. Nasal. Lut. Internasal.
Lor. Loreal. Prf. Praetrontal. Pro. Preeocular.
S. Supraocular. Po. Postocular. | Pa. Parietal.
Sbo. Subecular, T. ‘Temporal. | Ef. Frontal.
A.S. Anterior sublinguals. P. S. Posterior sublinguals.
Arabic numerals—Supralabials. | Roman numerals—Infralabials.
1 Body of Bungarus fusciatus ( Banded WKrait ) showing
enlarged vertebral scales, and method cf counting the costal scales.
Ventral shields shown on either side.
K. Under surface of Chrysopelea ornate showing Ventral (V )
and Subcaudal (S. C.) shields with the lateral keel and a notch on
5
each side corresponding to the keel. Costal scales shown on either
side,
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK.
>
+
By MALCOLM SMITH.
The following articles are the outcome of a paper which was
_ read before the Society in June last. At that time only the common
species were dea't with, but the matter has since been enlarged to in-
elude all the species at present known to have been found in Bangkok
and its immediate neighbourhood.
A full technical description of each snake will not be attempted
here, but sufficient will be given, it is hoped, to enable anyene te
identify all the species likely to be met with. The descriptions as
regards coloration apply only to those found in Bangkok, and do not
necessarily hold good for the same species in other parts of Siam, al-
though all those that [ have so far been able to examine from various
districts show, practically, no variation. [tf should be rernembered
however, that some snakes differ considerably in markings, especially,
when they come from other countries, and to distinguish them by this
means alone, cannot always be relied upon. The character and dis-
position of the scales upon the head and bedy must be taken into
consideration, for they remain almost constant, and form the only
trustworthy guide to identification.
The accompanying plate shows the conformation and relation-
ship of the various scales which are used for this purpose, and at the
conclusion of these articles will be found a very simple key, by which
anyone can readily distinguish all the species which have been
described.
In 1900 Captain Stanley Flower after spending some two years in
this country, published an article* in the Pracecdinys of the Zoological
* «& Notes on a Seeond Collection of Reptiles made in the Malay Penin-
sula and Siam.” Only those portions dealing with Siam haye been referred
to in the present articles.
6 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
Sovety upon the reptiles of Siam. It included notes upon those he
had met with himself together with a list of all the species that had
been found in the country up to that date. It is needless to say that
with such a valuable work to refer to, the task of drawing up the
present list has been much simplified.
The number of snakes recorded by him from Siam was not great.
Tt comprised only 56 different species, of which 26 had been met with
in Bangkok. Vo this latter number 12 more may now be added,
making a total of 38, a fair nember for a tropical locality. It
is interesting to compare his list made fourteen years ago with the
present one, and to note how certain kinds, at that time apparently
rare, have since become common. These particular ones will be referred
to in due course.
Bangkok is fortunate in being peculiarly free from poisonous
snakes. By the Siamese who might be expected to kuow something
about the matter, the majority are considered poisonous. This is not
so. Only four species are to ba met with, and of these but two, Nava
tripudians, the Cobra, and Bungarus fusiatus, the Banded Krait, need
be reckoned with. The third, Viperw russellz, Russell’s Viper, has
so far only once been recorded,* while the fourth, Lashesis gramineus,
the Green Tree Viper, although plentiful everywhere, does not possess
2 poison which is fatal to human beings.
Authentic records of bites from poisonous snakes in Bangkok
are, in fact, if we except the last mamed, extremely rare, and fatal
records almost unknown. In eleven years of medical practice I have
not seen a single case resulting in death, neither after enquiry among
my fellow practitioners have I been able to gather more than one.
This immunity is possibly due to two causes, partly to the reason that
the two species already mentioned are far from common, but also
because both of them are well known for their marked disinclination
to bite, even under provocation. Jn this latter respect the Banded
Krait is remarkable.
The inhabitants of the country districts are not quite so fortunate
as those in Bangkok, but Siam as a whole compares extremely favorably
* It is more common in the North.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 7
in the matter of poisonous snakes with both India and Burma. If we
except the sea snakes, only three other species, namely, Naia bunqarus,
the Hamadryad or King Cobra, Ancistrodon rhodostoma and Ancistrodon
blomhofi, have yet been recorded from this country, although others
will no doubt be ultimately discovered.*
To attempt to attach Siamese names to the various species
of snakes is a difficult task. In going through the list that I
have I can find only about a dozen which may be confidently
relied upon to be always given to the same snake, by those who
know anything about the subject. The rest of the names are
so loosely and indiscriminately applied that it is impossible to
F é A ;
affix them to any particular species. The term 4 (939 (ngu khieo )
rT
is applied to any snake of a green color, au (vgn din ) to the
earth snakes, whilst 9707 (ngu pla) includes the whole tribe of
rT
of fresh water snakes. Sometimes the same name will be used for
different species in different localities, or the young, if differing in
color from their parents as they often do, will be looked upon as a
different kind and accorded a different title. After all it is not to be
wondered at. The Siamese have not yet taken up the study of Natu-
ral History, and the country people from whom the names originate,
have as a rule not much interest in any creature that does not enter
into their dietary.
For those who wish to take up the study of snakes more
thoroughly, there are several text-books in existence, the two most
valuable for this country being Boulenger’s recently published volume
upon the Reptiles and Batrachia of the Malay Peninsula and his older
work upon the Reptiles and Batrachia of British India. These
two volumes include all the known species which Siam shares with
those countries.
The classification adopted in the present articles is according to
the first of the two works just mentioned.
* The following poisonous species will most probably, judging from their
present known distribution, be found in Siam. Bungarus candidus, flaviceps,
and multicinctus, Lachesis monticola aud purpureomaculatus, Doliophis bi-
virgatus and intestinalis, Calliophis maculiceps and macclellandi. Vhe four last,
on account of the small size ef the mouth, can be hardly considered dangerous
to mankind.
8 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Suborder OPHIDIA.
Family TyPHLOPIDAE.
These small worm-like snakes lead an almost entirely subterranean
existence, and are therefore not often met with by the casual observer.
They feed largely on worms. In general aspect many of the species
bear a close resemblance to each other and cannot be identified with-
out a close and detailed examination. There are no ventral shields as
with the majority of snakes and the body is covered with smooth
scales of uniform size. The tail is blunt, extremely short and it is
often difficult at a glance to distinguish it from the head. The eyes
are very small and covered by shields. Three species have so far been
found here,
1. Typhlops braminus.
Siamese. aay (ngu din), the term being applied indiscri-
minately to many of the earth snakes.
Not very common in Bangkok although it is by far the
commonest and most widely distributed of all the burrowing snakes in
Southern Asia. Possibly the inundations to which we are annually
subject and which often last a considerable time, prevent this species
from becoming more prevalent. Found inthe earth of gardens, or
in hiding beneath logs of wood or among heaps of old leaves. By
the Siamese it is considered highly poisonous, but apart from its
lacking poison glands, the mouth is so extremely small that it can
hardly he capable ot biting even in self defence. I have never yet
known one attempt to do so. Length 175 mm. (7 inches ).
Colour and markings. Black or dark brown above, lighter
beneath, snout, anal region and end of tail usually whitish.
Habitat. Southern Asia and the islands of the Indian Arehi-
pelago. Also South Africa and Mexico.
2. Typhlops schneideri.
Habitut. Siam.
3. T'yphlops albiceps. Both these species are extremely rare.
They are recorded in Flower’s list, but have not been met with since
in Siam, although the latter has been found in the Larut Hills,
Perak.
Habitat. Siam and Malay Peninsula.
THE SNAKES OF BANGRKOK. 9
Family Borpar.
4, Python reticulatus. The Reticulated Python.
A
Siamese. JYOQIN or YIMGON (neu lam or neu leuam), the
eT rT
former name commonly used in Bangkok, the latter outside, but con-
siderable difference of opinion prevails, and the Siamese will always
affirm that they are different species. 1] have seen many specimens
but have so far been unable to confirm this.
It is not uncommon in Bangkok, frequenting chiefly the
gardens in the neighbourhood of habitations, the outhouses of which it
often enters in search of food. The ease with which it can procure a
meal near human dwellings no doubt attracts it there, but it is certain-
ly remarkable that a snake which attains such large dimensions, which
has such conspicuous markings and which on account of its sluggish
disposition is so easily killed, should be able to survive in the very midst
of a thickly populated town. Their nocturnal habits and the fact that
they are very prolific no doubt account for this.
During the day they usually seek some elevated position, often
lying in the most exposed situation and making little effort to conceal
themselves. They are good climbers and can ascend the trunks of
trees with great ease, even when there is no assistance to be obtained
from branches. This they do by throwing the middle of the. body into
two or more loops which partly encircle the stem, and by holding on in
this way they are then free to push up the fore part of the body, and
take a similar purchase at a higher level. They are seldom found far
from water and take to mt readily to avoid capture.
Food. Small mammals and birds which they kill by con-
striction. Young pythons appear to consume chiefly rats, probably
because they are more plentiful than other ‘orms of food. Whether or
no larger ones eat cats for the same reason I cannot say, but the num-
ber of times I have known them taken is quite out of proportion to
other creatures such as fowls, ducks or dogs. In captivity my own
feed largely upon rats and the way in which a coil of the body is
thrown over the head of the animal so as to press the muzzle
tightly into the chest, is very clever. This serves a double
purpose. It aids suffocation and at the same time prevents the rat
from biting its captor, but whether both are intentional I am unable
10 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
to say. No bones are broken as it is commonly believed, and the
animal dies of asphyxia.
Pythons grow to a great size, like the rest of the Boa family.
Specimens are said to have been killed 30 feet in length, but such
dimensions are naturally never reached in Bangkok. Flower mentions
one killed in 1897 that was 20 feet long. The largest I know of my-
self measured 164 feet. Specimens of 10 to 12 feet are fairly common
and are often hawked in the streets where they realize a few ticals for
the sake of their gall-bladder and skin. ‘he former is accounted a
a valuable remedy for colic as well as for various other complaints.
A python that has newly cast its skin is one of the most hand-
some of snakes. No description can give any idea of the beautiful
sheen and the play of metallic tinis of blue and green which sparkle
from every part of the body, colours which, alas, it is impossible to
preserve after death.
Color and markings (in life). Above, light brown with a
dorsal series of large darker colored spots, circular, oval, or rhomboidal
in shape, sometimes confluent. Hach one is edged with black and
outside again with yellow, these two colors descending upon the
sides in a regular series of V shaped marks each of which encloses a
white spot. Below, whitish or yellowish, dappled with brown at the
sides. A black streak along the middle of the head, and one on each
side, from the eye to the corner of the mouth: Python reticulatus has
the rostral shield and the first four upper labials deeply pitted, This
will serve at once to distinguish it from the other two species of
python, P. molwrus and P. curtus which are found in this part of the
world and have only the first two labials pitted. P. molurus, the com-
mon Indian python, has been recently found at Lopburi. P. curtus
has not yet been discovered but it probably exists in the Peninsula.
Habitat. Burma and Indo-China to the Malay Peninsula and
Archipelago.
Family ILysipar.
5. Cylindrophus rufus.
. 24 .
Siamese. 3NW9U (ngu kon khop). Very common in Bang-
rT
kok. Found beneath logs of wood or in heaps of earth or dead leaves,
or in holes in the ground. Frequently to be met with crossing the roads
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. ll
on wet nights, It has a curious habit when molested of coiling itself up
with the head hidden beneath a fold of the body and the tail curled,
up over its back, somewhat after the manner of a scorpion. This
attitude to one who does not know it, is highly intimidating, and has
given rise to its vernacular name, ‘‘ngu kon khop,” the snake that
bites with both ends. The tail is extremely short and blunt, and the
body being of almost uniform diameter throughout, it is easy for a
casual observer to mistake one end for the other. To the Malays it is
known as the ‘“ ular dua kepala,” the two-headed snake. It is con-
sidered highly poisonous, but is, as a matter of fact, a most inoffensive
creature. I have never yet known one to bite—even when newly
caught.
Food. Hels and other snakes. Its appetite is gargantuan.
It seems to prefer a meal at least as large as itself, if not larger, and
the manner in which it can pack its food away and appear but little
bigger afterwards is extraordinary. One I had in captivity, itself 400
millimetres in length, overcame and devoured a Keel-back (Tropi-
donotus piscator) of 500 mm. (20 inches), the latter snake being well
known for its activity and aggressiveness. Another was found having
just swallowed a water-snake (Homalopsis buccata), the former 780 mm.
long and the latter 925 mm. Two other specimens were caught in
the water in the act of swallowing eels, their prey on each occasion
being several inches longer than themselves. 1 could quote many
other instances only a little less voracious.
In captivity it is an uninteresting creature, burrowing at once
into the soil of its cage, and never re-appearing except under cover of
darkness. At the same time it would appear to be by no means
nocturnal in its habits, as the records of its appetite show, all of which
events took place in broad daylight.
Length. Boulenger gives it up to 825mm. The largest speci-
men I have seen measured 865 mm. (34 inches) in total length, the
tail contributing 15 mm. only.
Colour (in life). Irridescent black to dark purple-brown, the
latter colour being found only in adults. The belly is marked with
a series of dull white or pinkish cross-bands, about as broad as their
corresponding inter-spaces, and interrupted at the mid-line. In the
young, another series of narrower bands travels upwards on to the
*-
12 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY Ol SIAM. Vol. I.
back, but become gradually obscured in later life, although by careful
examination traces of them can usually be found. The tail has a
reddish or orange mark, and there is often a collar of the same
colour.
Family XENOPELTIDAE.
6. Xenopeltis unicolor.
eae :
Siamese. 9 WAI BINMY (ngu saang athit), The largest of
rT
all the burrowing snakes that inhabit Bangkok, where it is fairly
common. It is found frequently in the saw-mills, hiding away in the
stacks of wood or beneath the squares. It is found also in the gardens
when turning up the ground, and beneath heaps of leaves and rubbish.
In loose soil it can burrow rapidly and easily, and in capitivity, like
the preceding species, usvally disappears immediately into the earth
of its cage. It appears to be entirely nocturnal in its habits. It is
an active powerful snake and when first caught, although it will make
violent efforts to escape, and wrap itself round one’s hand and fingers
with great constricting force, does not attempt to bite. It has the
curious habit when excited of vibrating the tip of its tail with great
speed. The habit is by no means confined to this species, but with
X. unieolor it is so strongly and rapidly performed that I have at times
thought I could actually hear the vibrations.
The Siamese name, ‘“‘ ngu saang athit,” the sunbeam snake, is
well deserved. The high polish of every scale in its body, and the
beautiful tints, chiefly of sapphire blue and emerald green, which flash
forth from the upper surface (although the actual colour is uniform
black or dark brown), make it a very striking creature in appearance.
Food. Rats, mice, frogs and other snakes.
Dimensions. Grows to a length of 1200 mm. (4 ft.). The tail
is very short, measuring only about one-tenth of the body length.
The largest Bangkok specimen I have seen measured from snout to
vent 860 mm., tail 75 mm.
Colour (in life). Above, from black or an intense bluish black
to chocolate brown, uniform, the last 3 rows of costal scales being
edged with white. Beneath, white, immaculate, except for the suk
caudal scales which are edged with dark grey. The young are black
above with a white or yellowish collar extending on to the occiput.
‘(ayeug yuniy s jueydajy ou L) snoiueAe{ snpJsoyooIoVy
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THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 13
This collar entirely disappears as the snake grows up. The change to
brown takes place later in life, and is confined to adult age. Whether
it occurs in all specimens I cannot say. My own experience in Bang-
kok is that it does so.
Family CoLuBRIDAE
Subfamily ACROCHORDINAE
nw
” Acroshordus javanicus. The Elephant’s Trunk Snake.
J ]
w
Siamese, 939 (ngu nguang chang). Fairly common
in Bangkok, inhabiting the river and klongs. Often caught in the
mud left by the receding tide. Occasionally to be found crossing a
road, but on land it is quite out of its element and its movements are
slow and clumsy, progressing as much like a gigantic worm as like a
snake. As with many of the fresh water snakes, it has an extremely
sluggish disposition, at any rate during the day time. In captivity it
hardly ever moves except under cover of darkness. If handled quietly
it makes no attempt to bite, but if roughly seized will turn swiftly
upon one, and with its large teeth can inflict severe wounds.
Food. “his consists chiefly of fish, but it is possible that this
species is also vegetarian in its diet. In the stomach of one caught
in Java,* a quantity of undigested fruit was found, and in one caught
in Bangkok I discovered a curious conglomeration of small hard nuts,
small stones, a large piece of string, as well as a quantity of fish bones.
Such things could only have been swallowed accidentally, or more
probably were in the stomach of some creature eaten by the snake.
1 am not sure that it will not eat carrion. [Further observations upon
its diet will be interesting,
It is a prolific snake. Cantor mentions one in his possession
which brought forth 27 young ones, and two others which I examined
towards the end of May contained respectively 27 and 32. well
developed embryos.
Dimensions. Up to 2500 mm. (Boulenger). The largest speci-
men | have seen measured 1835 mm. (6 feet). For its length this
snake has enormous girth, greater than that of any other snake
1 know, This point is well brought ont in the very excellent
slate, reproduced from a photograph taken while the creature was alive
} g
* Vide Boulenger’s Aeptilia and Batrachia of the Malay Peninsula,
14 JOURN AT, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. £.
Color (in life). When first caught it is usually not sufficient-
ly clean to make out any definite markings, but the actual coloration
(after washing ) will be found fo be as follows. Above, dull brown
or greyish brown, paler below, and with a line of dark, circular or
or oblong blotches on either flank, These markings, the great girth,
and the loose, baggy skin covered with tubercles, instead of scales,
serve to distinguish this species quite easily from all others. Its title
of the Klephant’s Trunk Snake is a very appropriate one.
Habitat. Siam and the Malay Peninsula, Java and New
(Guinea.
8. Chersydrus granulatus. Closely allied to the preceding, but
much smaller. Flower in his list mentions a specimen which was in the
Museum during his time and was labelled ‘ Bangkok.” 'This snake
is an inhabitant of river mouths and the adjacent sea-coasts. It is
common at Tacheen where it is often ecanght with the fish at the
stakes. It is not unlikely therefore that one may occasionally be
carried up here by some unusually high tide or upon some fishing
boat. It can, however, only be looked upon as an accidental visitor.
Subfamily CoLuBRipak.
9. Treyidonotus piscator.
Siamese 2 018 GH (ngu lai saw). Very common in Bangkok,
being plentiful everywhere, especial'y in the padi-fields during the wet
weather. It is far and away the commonest snake that is met with
when out snipe shooting. During the hot weather it is not much in
evidence, confining itself to the banks of klongs and pools; but with
the advent of the rains and consequent flooding of the fields it roams
about all over the country, finding everywhere abundance of its favour-
ite food—frovs and fish. It makes no attempt to kill its prey, but
proceeds at once to swallow it alive, and the pitiful cries of the trog
as it is slowly engulphed must be well known to everyone who has
spent much time in the fields. Fish it will devour with great
voracity, and in the small puddles that form as the ground dries up
and where the fish get herded together, it may be found making huge
* This procedure may seem extren ely cruel, but. afier all, Nature
has not provided the snake with any other means of disposing of its prey.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 15
meals. It is a good swimmer and is never found far away from water.
It appears to be entirely diurnal in its habits.
In disposition this snake is bold and aggressive, striking and
biting fiercely when molested, and with its sharp teeth being able to
inflict quite severe wounds, even through gloves. In captivity, how-
ever, 1t quickly grows accustomed to being handled, and after a short
time makes no attempt to injure one.
Length. Up to 1200 mm. (4 feet), the tail forming one third
or one quarter of the whcle. ‘The largest Bangkok specimen | have
seen measured, snout to vent, 960 mm., tail 240 mm.
Color and markings. In coloration this species, which is
widely spread over the Hast, shows great variation, so much so that if
they were to be judged by their markings alone, they would be [re-
quently considered as different species. Major Wall* in an article
upon this snake endeavours to arrange them into ten different varieties.
Many of these however merge so gradually into each other that it is
impossible to draw any definite line between them. The following
description applies to Bangkok, and as far as Iam aware to the rest
of Siam.
Above, olive brown or green, with black spots arranged quin-
euncially, those upon the sides being longer than the others, forming
a series of short transverse bars. ‘The spots vary considerably in
different individuals. They may be so indistinct as to be almost
absent, or so large as to almost obscure the ground color, or they may
be linked together forming a network. Bright scarlet markings often
exist upon the sides. Beneath, whitish or yellowish, each ventral and
subcaudal scale being edged with black. An oblique black streak
below the eye, another behind it. A chevron-shaped mark, more or
less apparent upon the neck. Interstitial skin usually arranged in
black and yellow reticulations, the yellow often extending on to the
adjacent scales.
Halitat. India, Burmah and 8. China to the Malay Peninsula
and Archipelago.
10. Tropidonotus sub-miniatus.
Siamese. 43 ANULAY (ngu khaw daang). Quite as common as
| ,
* Journal, Bombay Nat. Hist Society, Vol XVII, No. 4.
16 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM, Vol. I.
the preceding, but more an inhabitant of gardens and garden
land. Very similar also in habits but less aggressive. This snake
has to a marked extent the power of flattening its body, which it
does when caught or excited in any way. It feeds chiefly upon
frogs and in captivity quickly beccmes tame.
Length. Up to 1000 nm.
Color (in life). Above, brown, uniform or with small black
spots arranged across the vertebral line in pairs, or connected form-
ing short cross-bars. Head, olive green, with a black streak below
the eye. For about 5 centimetres upon the neck there is a patch
of bright vermillion. The interstitial skin of this snake is extreme-
ly handsome, being arranged for the most part in a network pattern
with the meshes alternately black and yellow. This shows up
strongly when the snake expands its body. The young have an
olive-grey lead, witha black patch across the nape and a yellow
collar behind it. Identification is easy, in life, the red colour upon
the neck serving to distinguish it at once. In spirit this mark
disappears very rapidly.
Habitat. Eastern Himalayas, Burma and S8. China to the
Malay Archipelago.
11. Vropidonotus stolatus.
Not previously recorded from Bangkok. Dr. Robert has a
specimen which is said to have been caught here. ‘This little snake
has a wide distribution in the East and is possibly more common in
the North of Siam.
12. Lycodon aulicus.
Not very common. Found generally in the neighbourhood of
houses and often inside them, hiding itself away during the daytime
in any available hole or crevice. It is a good climber and appears
to prefer the roof to the floor. In disposition it is an active,
excitable creature and has a most vicious temper, striking and biting
freely whenever caught, but being quite unable, on account of its
small size to do any damage.
Food. Chiefly geckoes, but also other species of lizards.
Léngth. Boulenger in his Fuune of the Malay Peninsula gives
the total length as 510 mm. Wall states that they glow up to 750
mm. in length, but remarks that specimens over 600 mm. are rare.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 17
His measurements refer to speciinens in India. The largest one
that I have seen, taped 600 mm. in total length the tail forming
105 mm. This snake is very variable in its markings, but I have
up to the present seen only one variety in Siam, although [ hive
examined specimens from widely separated parts of the country—
Chiengmai, Den Chai, Lopburi, Bangtaphan and Siracha. It ac-
cords precisely with Koulenger’s description of the one found in the
Peninsula, It would appear therefore that the variety found in
this region does not grow as large as the oues found in India.
Color (in life). Above, greyish brown, with fine pale yeilow
(in spirits, white) reticulaticns, sometimes arranged upon the back
as distinct cross bars. A tritngular y-lHowish bloteh on either side
of the occiput, which may be fusel into a collar. Upper labials
white or yellowish, each seale with a dark spot. Beneath, greyish
or whitish.
Habitat. India, Ceylon, Purma and indo-Chini to the Malay
Archipelago.
13. Psammoyhis condunarus.
Major Wall calls it the Indo-Burmese Sand-snake* but in no
way can the title be considered particulariy- appropriate to this
locality. This handsome snake has not previously been recorded
from Siam, its nearest known habitit being Pegu and Basset in
Burma. It is not commou in Bangkok. At Sala Deng, on the
waste land commonly known as “the Ditches,” there is a sail
eolony, and | have seer specimens from other pirts of the
town. My acquaintance with this snake alive is coufined to the
colony just mentioned, and to a certain time of the day when,
after heavy rain, the sky clears for an hour or two before sunset.
Then, as if seeking to dry and warm themselves, they climb to the
topmost boughs of the bushes amongst which they live, and bask
in the depirting rays. They are very shy aml untess approached
with great caution dive tike a flash into the aidergrowth below sand
are lost to sight. I have only once met one on the ground. ‘This
was by the side of a K'ong, in the heat of the day. and it took
without hesitation to ihe water and escaped. When caught first
* Journal. Bombay Nat. Hist, Society, Vol. XX, No. 3
18 JOURNAN, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM ~ Vol. J.
they bite fiercely, and although they always retain a certain amount
of their shyness in captivity, do not attempt to bite afterwards.
Those I have kept lived invariably upon a branch or bough placed in
their cage, and seldom descended to the earth.
Food. Further observations on this point are wanted. Major
Wall says he knew of a frog taken once, and lizards ( Mabuiu,
Calotes) twice. I have found a small mouse in the stomach of one.
At “the Ditches” lizards of any kind are seldom met with. Frogs
abound, except in the driest months. The undergrowth there is
extremely thick for the greater part of the year, and during the’
December floods the whole place 1s usually under water. In cap-
tivity mine refused all food.
Length. ‘The largest specimen I have seen measured 945 mm.
in total length, the tail being 225 min.
Color (in life). Above, baff, with four well defined dark
brown stripes, each 14 scales wide and edged with black, passing
down the entire length of the body and tail. The two median
lines commence at the internasal shields, the two outer pass
through the eye and along the flank. In some specimens the
inner margins of the median stripes beccme obliterated, and in a
large female in my possession these bands are fused into a single
broad one. Below, yellowish white, with a fine black line at the
margins of the vential shields. Upper labials, whitish. The whole
snake has a fine polished appearance, and the body is particularly
solid and compaet. Interstitial sk n in life, is never visible.
Habitat. (ndia, Burma and Stam.
(‘To be continued, ) a
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam.
No.
Ite
Vol. 1.
Xenopeltis unicolor.
g
fs)
5
Boe
-
= 8
S|)
oO
—
Oo a
72)
oa,
uO Vers
Te!
(ey =
cay a)
eB x
Y
ma
Tropidonotus piscator,
Psammophis_ condanarus
NOTES ON THE RACES OF SEROW, OR
— GOAT-ANTELOPE, FOUND IN SIAM.
OSE
BY A. J. IRWIN.
At the Meeting in June last the skin of a very fine specimen of
the Serow or Goat-Antelop2 was exhibited, which had been shot at
Koh Hlak by Mr. Butler, and I neticed then that the colouration
‘differed somewhat from that of other specimens I had seen. I had
previously been ef the opinion that more species or sub=species than on3
of this animal are to be found in Siam, and 1 am now sure that this 4s
so. As the matter is of considerable interest, | have prepared the
following notes in the hope that they may be of use in identifying
these species or sub-species.
Briefly, it may be stated that the Serows belong toa group of
ruminants including the Serows, Gorals and Takins, which inhabit
the hilly and mountainous districts of northern and eastern Asia, and
are popularly known as the Goat-Antelopes. The two latter genera do
not concern this paper, but it may be mentioned that the Serows
differ frem the Gorals, their mearest relations, in their larger size,
their greater length ef limb but shorter tail,and in the presence of a
special gland on the face, in front of the eye. This gland, although
not very noticeable en the outside, is sufficiently large to form a deep
impression on the bone beneath, and can be readily distmeguished in
the skull of any Serow, just in front of the orbit. The ears are long,
the bedy cevered with sparse, coarse hairs, almost amounting to
bristles, and there may or may not be a wild bristly-looking mane.
In colouration the Serow is very variable and it is owing to this
fact, and to the lack of a sufficient number of specimens fer examina-
tion, that confusion has arisen between the various authorities who
have attempted to describe the animal. The latest authority to
write upon this subject is Mr. R. IL. Pocock, Superintendent of the
Zoolcgical Gardens in London, who has described * no less than 8
* Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Vol. XIX, No, 4
and Vol. XXII, No 2.
20 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Wol. £
races, ranging from Sumatra to China and the Himalayas. He declines
to recognise them as different species and remarks, ‘‘ I have a strong
“ suspicion that when the Serows are better known, that is to say
‘‘ when more material has been collected, gradations will be traced anc
“thus justify the view I now hold that all the Serows ranging from
‘ Kashmir to Burma belong to one locally variable species. But,” he
continues, “I am not sure that futare discoveries will not show that
“the Serows of the Straits Settlements should rank together with the
“ Sumatran animal, as specifically distinct. ”
I propose, in this article, to confine myself to those races of
Serows which have been already described from this region, that is to
say from: the countries adjacent to Siam, and to show afterwards how
they differ from the ones I have met with myself.
it may be as well to remark at this point that Mr. Pocock has
re-introduced the generic title of Cupricornis for the Serows in the
place of Nenorhaedus, which has been used by Blanford, Lydekker and
other authorities for many years, and gives his reasons for so doing on
the grounds of priority It remains to ba s3en whether or not his
new tern will be finally accepted.
Jn the following descriptions I have not hesitated to quote freely
from all the authorities at my disposal. The last variety to be des-
eribed, although stated to be found in countries far removed from Siam,
his been included here as, in colouration, if approximates very closely to
specimens that have been found in this country.
1. Capricorivis sumatrensis robinsont. Pocock.
Prevailing colour black, with a thick grey crest-like mane on
the neck and withers, consyposed of a mixture of black and white hairs.
Areas of the leg below the knees and hocks black, turning to brown only
on the fetlocks.
Distribution. Selangor and (? ) Perak.
2. Nemorhaedus sumatrensis swettenhami. Lydelker.
Capricoriis swnatrensis swettenhamt. Pocock.
General colour black, the back strongly and the sides slightly
grizzled with grey, the bases of the hairs being whitish. Along the
lips whitish grey: the posterior portion of the upper lips, a part om
each side of the lower jaw and one on the throat rusty red. Hars
black, grizzled with rusty at the base, and lined and edged with greyish
THE SEROW IN SIAM. PA
white hairs. Mane black, mixed with whitish hairs on the fore part of
the neck and with reddish hairs towards the withers. Insides of the
thighs rusty red. Remainder of head, neck, chest, belly, and legs
black. Tail black.
Distribution. Perak.
3. Nemorhaedus sumatrensis. Blanford.
Nemorhaedus sumatrensis rubidus. Lydekker.
Capricornis rulidus. Blyth and Pocock.
Prevailing colour red all over, paler beneath, a blackish spinal
stripe, extending to the tip of the tail. Chin, lower jaw and upper
end of throat white. Whitish on the fetlocks and sometimes on the
knees.
Distribution. Assam to Salween.
4, Nemorhaedus sumutrensis. Blanford.
Caprizornis milne-edwardsi. David and Pocock.
Brownish black or blackish, sometimes hoary, some reddish
hairs intermixed on the outer side of the thighs, the legs below the
knees rusty red throughout.
Distribution. Kastern Thibet, Burma ( Moulmein, Pegu).
b] b>]
Or
Nemorhaedus buhalinus. Blanford.
Nemorhaedus sumutrensis bubalinus. Lydekker.
Capricornis thar. Ogilby.
Capricornis sumatrensis thar. Pocock.
Prevailing colour coal-black with the hairs basally white, legs
whitish or grey-white below the knees and hocks, the belly dirty
greyish brown or not clear white.
Distribution. Nepal, Sikhim and Chumbi.
This species is very far removed from Siam, but is introduced
here for the reason already mentioned.
The description of the animal shot at Koh Hlak by Mr. Butler,
which appears to be an unusually large specimen, is as follows :—
Prevailing colour above black, much grizzled on the dorsum
owing to the basal half of the hairs being white, less grizzled on
the flanks. Belly and upper part of the limbs and buttocks brownish
black, the legs from the knees and hocks downwards rusty brown. The
mane is grey, being composed of black and white hairs, the white
22. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
markedly predominating, and with the longer hairs tipped with light
brown. It is mat-like and of great length, some of the hairs being as
much as 12 inches long. There is a jet-black, dorsal crest reaching
to the tail. Sides of neck and face black, upper surface of head the
same, but with some reddish hairs intermixed. Throat reddish grey,
lower lips, chin and inside of ears whitish.
I have hunted Serow at various places in Siam from Lat. 15°
N. above Lopburi to Lat. 11° 48’ N. below Koh Hlak in the Peninsula.
Except in the case of one Serow, which I shot near Koh Hlak, the
colouration of all the specimens seen by me was black on the upper
parts of the body, interspersed with white hairs on the back—these
becoming more numerous on the breast between the forelegs, along
the belly and under the edges of the tail, which is thus sometimes
fringed with white; from the knees and hocks downwards very light
grey, or dirty white shading into grey on the front of the forelegs;
the muzzle not noticeably grey; no fawn or red hairs at all anywhere
on the body or legs. The animal shot by me near Koh Hlak was
coloured as above described, with the exception that the legs from
midway between the elbow and knee joints, and midway between the
stifle and hock joints downwards, were a reddish grey owing to the
mixture of a preponderating number of red hairs with the white.
From the descriptions I have given above I submit that there
can be no doubt whatever that at least two distinct races of Serow
inhabit Siam, the distinguishing marks being that one race has no
rufous colouration at all, while the other has a considerable amount of
such colouration. J have never heard of the rufous variety occurring
in Siam north of Latitude 12° 40’ N.; all the specimens I have seen or
heard of from the north of that line have had only black and white
hairs in their pelts. The information at my disposal leads me to think
that the Serow without any rufous colouration at all, being simply
black and grey or white, with dirty white or grey legs, may be a
sub-species which has not yet been described by anyone as a distinct
race. From the description already given of tar, it appears to be
most closely allied to that animal, although the known habitat of thar
is very far removed from Siam.
The measurements of a fullgrown female Serow which I shot
near Na Yang, about Lat. 12° 45’ N., Long. 99° 55' E., in Petcha-
buri district in 1910, were, from tip of nose—not much stretched
THE SEROW IN SIAM. 23
out—to end of tail 60 inches, and height at shoulder 36 inches. I
should say the weight would have been about 140 Ibs. The horns
of a male and of a female shot by me measured 8} inches and 8? inches,
respectively, in length along the outer front curve. The depth of the
curve, which is but shght, would be only about an inch between the
inner side of the curve and a straight line drawn from tip to base. I
should say that any horns over 9 inches in length would be quite
exceptional in Siam.
I can see no great difference in the size, weight of body and
length of horns of the male and the female Serow. In both sexes the
tail is very short, not longer than 6 inches as a rule, while the ears are
large, about two-thirds as long as the horns. The neck is short, and
carries a short dark grey mane of coarse, straight hair, as a rule erect
and about 6 inches long, which extends to between the shoulder blades,
where it shortens in length to a ridge of longish hairs along the back-
bone. The hair of the body generally is coarse, and does not form a
very thick coat in this climate, but probably it is longer and thicker
in a colder one. On Mr. Butler’s specimen the hair seems to me to be
longer than is usual. Possibly this is because the other pelts I have
seen were those of animals shot in the hot season, and his specimen
was shot in November towards the end of the rains. The hair may
grow longer in the wet and cold season, and may be moulted in the
dry season. ‘The young Serow are darker than the old ones, which
become somewhat grey owing to the increase of white hairs among
the black. J have never seen a Serow with a beard like a goat, air
animal which, on a large scale, it resembles. The legs are remarkable
for the thickness and strength of their bones compared with the size
of the animal, appearing to measure more below the knees than those
of a Sambur deer. ‘lhe feet are not big in proportion, but are small
and compact, not splayed. The bones of the legs gave me the impres-
sion of being extra hard and close-grained in texture. The iris of
the eye is a very dark blue.
In Siam the Serow inhabits steep and, in many cases, precipi-
tous hills and low mountains, not, in my experience, exceeding 1500
feet, and generally much lower. Personally I have never seen or
heard of it on any except those of limestone formation. It is not very
markedly nocturnal in its habits, though said to be as much so as the
Sambur deer, but moves about, to some small extent at all events, in
24° JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM, Vol. I.
the day time. According to the general account of the natives, st
hardly ever goes off the hills except when moving from a hill to a
neighbouring one. Iam inclined to doubt this as I have found: its
tracks in a clearing near the Prasak river a few miles north of Saraburi
about half way between the hills and the river, which are there some
two miles apart. | have also found its tvaeks in the paddi fields about
half a mile from the hills near Na Yang in Petchaburi, and I have
always been of the opinion that it only makes such expeditions at
night, and then probably in search of water. I have been informed
by Dr. Smith, however, that the Serow at Koh Hlak, when he was
there in November 1912, regularly came off the hill in the early
morning, and again in the afternoon as early as 4 p. m., and fed ina
clearing at its base, with a couple of Chinamen often at work within
200 yards of them. One was shot feeding in a plantation by the sea-
shore, at least, 400 yards from the hill and within 100 yards of Mr.
Butler’s bungalow. The particular hill referred to is fairly thickly
covered with vegetation at its base, much tess so near the summit.
In every place where I have heard of Serow, except in the
neighbourhood of Koh Hlak. there was at all events some possibility
of their finding water in order to get an occasional drink. They cer-
tainly cannot need much water, however, and must be able to do with-
out it for considerable periods. At Koh Hlak, for instance, I must
say I do not understand how they can get anything to drink in the dry
season, but the natives there have settled the question to their own
satisfaction ; they say the animals drink seawater.
I consider the flesh of the Serow very palatable ; it is dark
eoloured and tastes not unlike good. tender beef.
The Serow moves fairly fast on hills, bat carefully as a rule, and
going down hill often appears to be getting along slower than it really
is, owing to its habit of looking before it leaps. The article in the
Badminton Library on this animal says that ‘‘the Serow’s chief accom-
“plishment is the way he can gallop down a steep hill, and as he
“invariably takes that course when disturbed, he can be easily driven,
“provided the groumd is well known.” My experience is almost
entirely the opposite of this, as | have found that it always seeks the
high tops of the hills when driven. Going up hill it does not seem to
bound or jump or gallop, but goes rapidly upwards in a sort of even
running scramble, dodging obstacles and giving one the impressiom
THE SEROW IN SIAM. 25
that it is being rolled rapidly on wheels. It is said to have the habit
of depositing its dung in some particular spot, like the Rhinoceros. [
think this is true, in the neighbourhood of their lairs at all events.
Il have found the lair of a Serow with a very large accumulation of
droppings heaped vp about 10 yards away from it, with a well beaten
track from the Jair to the heap.
The most remarkable thing I have noticed in connection with
these animals is the quite extraordinary roar which they can emit when
wounded, or possibly when angry. When hunting near Khao Wiou,
west of Potaram, in Muang Ratburi, one of my beaters shot a nearly
fullgrown male Serow. It was so badly wounded as to be unable to
move, and died in a few minutes. After being hit it emitted two or
three long roars which conveyed a great volume of sound and quite an
appalling idea of ferocity and rage; so much so that until [ actually
saw the animal I could not believe such a noise could be made by a
Serow, and thought that the shot must have wounde.! a tiger. I was
less than two hundred yards from it at the time an] went at once in
the direction of the sound; it was dead when I reached it. <A native
of the district who was standing near me when it roared assured me,
without hesitation, that the noise was made by a Serow, so presumably
he had heard it on previous occasions. ‘The author of the article on
Serow in the Badminton Library mentions ‘‘the discordant scream
‘of the Serow heard after dark.” Colonel Kinloch quoted by Blantord
says, “when disturbed the Serow utters a singular sound between
‘a snort and a screaming whistle, and I have heard them screaming
“loudly when they had apparently not been alarmed.”
The Serow is accounted by natives, and | believe generally. a
somewhat difficult animal to bag. In some places that 1 know of the
natives have given up hunting if as they find it so hard to kill. It
is a common tale that when wounded it licks the wound which at once
heals, even if it is a broken leg!
1 should say from what I know of hunting them near Koh Hak
that they were not diffienlt to bag in that neighbourhood, the hills
they frequent there being small so that the animals can easily be
driven fiom one to another, an! shots thus obtained at short range,
From the experiences of Mr. Butler and Dr. Smith, it also seems to be
fairly easy to stalk them there wien they are feeding at the base
o: the hill, On larger hills it needs a certain amount o. knowledge
26 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f£.
of the game, and well arranged driving, to get a shot at one at
all. If seen moving on a hill they can be stalked; the difficulty is
to see them.
In districts where they have not been much hunted | believe
they are quite capable of charging persons blocking their line of retreat
from danger. The Badminton Library states that ‘all writers agree
“that a wounded one will charge.” ‘inioch says “the Serow is a
“fierce and dangerous brute when wounded and brought to bay.” I
have known of one breaking back through a line of beaters placed
close together.
In Muangs Petchaburi and Pran the natives commonly refer to
the Serow as “ Khoram ” Qa 7) which reminds one of the name
‘Gooral” given in India to the Nemorhaedus goral, a smaller animal
ef the Serow tribe. There may be some connection between the
mames. The ordinary Siamese name for the Nerow is “ Liang Pa ”
a an = ee : ,
(igus tn). The Laos near Kok Katiem, north of Lopburi, whose
ancestors came from Chiengrai, call it in their language ‘“Yuang.”
27
+ NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF
RATBURI AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS.
BY K. G. GAIRDNER.
INTRODUCTORY.
The subject of this paper is the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi
and Petchaburi, in which districts I have been working for the past
few years; but unfortunately, from the zoological standpoint, have
only been taking notes of specimens obtained during the past two
years ; viz., 1912-1913.
The area in question lies between N. "at. 12° 40' and 14° 10°
and E. Long. 99°-100°. It is, of course, within the Oriental region
bordering on the Indo-Malayan sub-region, and the Fauna is practically
the same as that found in the adjoining Province of Tenasserim.
The country under review may be roughly divided into five
fairly distinct classes, namely :—
1. The coast line in the N. W. corner of the Gulf of Siam,
about the mouths of the Ratburi and Petchaburi rivers, with a belt
of tidal mangrove swamps varying in width, but at no point more
than 7 miles wide.
2. The alluvial paddy plains, with a soil generally lighter than
that around Bangkok; and with abrupt limestone crags standing up
from the plains.
3. The slightly undulating country with isolated hills and
small ranges; and covered with various classes of jungle, chiefly
deciduous.
4. The foothills covered with mixed jungle, deciduous and
evergreen, and .
5. The continuous mountains running up to the watershed
dividing Siam and Tenasserim, covered with dense evergreen jungle.
The varying classes of country have each their fairly distinct
populations. Along the coast are Siamese and Mons, with a number
ot Chinese in the larger centres engaged in fishing and cutting of fire-
wood and attap.
28 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. © Vol. I.
In the paddy plains are chiefly Siamese, with colonies of Lao
Puan and Lao Wiang intermixed ; and, usually on the outskirts of the
true plains, are found colonies of Lao Song, easily recognised by their
distinctive dress and dwellings.
The third class of country is sparsely populated and is chiefly
used by the inhabitants of the plains for the extraction of building
material and fish stakes for export to the coast. :
In the fourth class are found a few scattered Kariang hamlets ;
while in the dense evergreen forest, comprising the fifth class, are
found the Karangs, who are really primitive Kariangs, using a some-
what different dialect and who, as a rule, cannot speak Siamese and
sometimes fly from their dwellings on the approach of strangers.
THe Coast Live.
In March 1909 I made a trip of some two weeks duration from
Samut Song Kram to Petchaburi in small open boats, the coast line
about there being only defined by the outer verge of mangroves, which
are extending steadily seawards, and at Jow tide the mud flats are
exposed for upwards a kilometre in breadth. At such times the fisher
people go mud-sledging for shell fish, the sledge being composed of
a box nailed to a plank, and the fisher, kneeling on the plank, uses one
foot as a propeller.
South of Lat. 138° 10’ N. the character of the coast changes,
until in Lat. 12° 40’ the limestone crags, which follow a general trend
S. 8. E., form seacliffs and islets.. Between these points the coast is
slowly eroding, judging from the Sugar-Palm trees ] found -either
destroyed or growing on the verge of the sandy beaches. Having
been warned that nothing lived on the mud coast, except mosquitoes,
I foolishly took no gun.
At the mouth of the Meklong or Ratburi river I saw large
families of Otters (species unknown ) playing on the mud banks and
among the mangroves at low tide; and along the coast, and principal-
ly in the creeks in the extreme N. W. corner of the Gulf, found the
Crab-eating Macaque (M. cynomolgus) acting up to its.trivial name—
eating crabs and other small denizens of the mud flats, and general-
ly enjoying itself swimming snd diving in the brackish creeks. The
fisher people complain that these monkeys frequently steal rice and
other edibles from their houses. Whether they also steal drinking
water, which the inhabitants have to bring from a considerable dis-
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 29
tance, I cannot say; if they do not, it would be interesting to find out
whether they do drink, or find sufficient liquid in the fruits and leaves
of the trees in which they live. Inland, the same species comes down
daily to fresh water to bathe, and presumably to drink; and in
captivity this Macaque drinks daily. This long-tailed olive-brown
monkey is probably well known to all members, being the one most
commonly seen in captivity.
The mangrove and other trees growing in the tideway were
during the day-time black with Fruit Bats (probably Pteropus edulis)
—the largest colony I saw extending for 300 or 400 yards along the
coast. These creatures get restless towards evening, and before dark
are on their way to the fruit gardens several miles inland, around
the town of Meklong. If disturbed during tue day, they rise in a cloud
and take some considerable time to settle down again in the same spot.
The Whistling Teal ( Dendrocycna javanica ), associating in
flocks of some thousands, lay idly on the open water and, having no gun
with me, they never seemed less disposed to take alarm. As the tide
receded, and the mud flats were exposed, waders and shore birds ap-
peared in vast numbers, but I was unable to obtain or identify any of
these. Stranded one day on the mud, I was much amused watching
the numerous small crabs hurriedly feeding with their “hands,” from
behind their one enormous claw, raised in an attitude of defence. This
species has but the one nipper, which extends right across the body ;
and he watches the enemy (all are apparently enemies) the while
he tucks in from behind this defence, occasionally stopping for a
second to remove an indigestible pellet of mud—also with his lesser
left hand.
To members interested in the Fauna of the tideway, I can
recommend that corner of the Gulf which is quieter and more secluded
than any other part of the Coast, nor are the mosquitoes troublesome
during the month of March.
THE Pappy PLarns.
In the years 1908 and 1909 my work lay chiefly in the populous
paddy plains. North-east of Ratburi are found the wide plains
with scarcely a tree in sight—jungle and gardens only occurring in
isolated patches or on the higher ground of the river banks. With
the exception of a few Fishing Cats ( Fels viverrina ), Palm Civets
( Paradovurus hermaphroditus ) and a species of Mongoose not yet
+ :
30 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
identified, large mammals do not exist, but I was told that wild pig
are found in an isolated patch of low dense scrub on the borders of
Ratburi and Nakon Chaisi.
The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus tradigradus) is generally dis-
tributed (though not common), but is rarely seen owing to its noc-
turnal habits. In four years I have seen but two. It is the only
representative in Siam of the primitive Lemur family. Various
writers state that this monkey is carried aboard Chinese vessels to raise
a wind by whistling, and the Siamese name, ‘“ Ling lom” ( Wind
Monkey), leads one to suppose that the practice is recognised in Siam.
The Malay Tree Shrew (Tupaia ferruginea), commonly met with
in Bangkok gardens, is generally distributed, and though included in
the Natural Order Insectivora, is omnivorous and has, I hear, recently
troubled coconut planters by attacking the heads of young plants.
A feature of the broad plains N. W. of Patburi are the huge
flocks of a species of stork which, from the peculiar “ misfit” in the
upper and lower mandibles, can only be the bird known as the Open-
bill ( Anastomus oscitans ).
The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone, or ‘Nok karian”) is not
common. I have seen but two pairs of this graceful bird stalking
about the plains. During the present year I have seen the same pair
several times in a big swamp west of Ratburi, where they probably
breed, the nest being placed on the ground. It is an unmistakable
bird and probably well known to members, there being several in
captivity in Bangkok. The general colour is dove-grey, with a brick-
red head. It stands some 4 feet or more high, and is the only crane
so far recorded trom Siam.
Adjutant birds ( Leptoptilus dubius ), the Black-necked Stork
> ( Xenorhynchus asiaticus ) and the White-necked Stork ( Dissura epis-
copus) are generally distributed in suitable localities—the White-
necked Stork showing a preference for the small glades and open
jungle of the third class of country rather than for the plains.
In 1909 I obtained 3 nestlings of the Black-necked Stork, and
the survivor of these now acts as a watchman for Mr. W. G. Johnson
in Bangkok. Mr, Nunn informs me that this bird feeds largely on
snakes. ‘The nest was placed in the top of a tree some 100 metres up
the side of Khao Chao Lai
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 51
To-the west of Nakon Chum station and the river are several
big perennial swamps—probably an old course of the river—and
in these are found many species of waterfowl, notably the Purple
+ Moorhen ( Porphyrio poliocephalus,) easily r cognised by the hard red
shield on the forehead. The Whistling Teal ( Dendrocycna javanica)
‘and the Cotton Teal ( Nettopus coromandelianus ) are tound from
January to July and are probably permanent residents, and I obtained
the Garganey Teal ( Querquedula ciycia) in February. The Bronze-
winged Jacana and the Pheasant-tailed Jacana ( Metonidius indicus and
Hydrophasianus chirurgus) also occur—the latter 1 found in flocks
during February and March. Beth are knewn to the Siamese .as
: a
+* Nok, Prik ” (unwin).
in June I saw a brown Pelican, and since Blanford states that
the Eastern White Pelican is only a winter visitor, this bird could
only have been the Spotted-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis ).
They are said to be common in Ratburi during the rains.
Flocks of the Large Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo ) appeared
in February ; the smaller species I have only observed in the higher
and more secluded reaches of the Petchaburi river.
Of the Heron tribe, the Pond Heron and Cattle Egret. ( Ardeola
gruyt and! Bubulcus coromandus ) are found everywhere—the latter
chiefly ‘in the open plains, but the Pond Heron even in the more
densely wooded districts.
The Common Heron ( Ardea cinerea) appears to be confined
to the brackish swamps and may usually be seen from the train, north
of Petchaburi.
Of the Cclumbae, the Malay Spotted Dove ( Turtur tigrinus ) is
widely distributed, occurring in all classes of country except the dense
evergreen forests. Practically every clump of bamboos contains a pair.
The Red Turtle-Dove ( Oenopopelia tranquebarica) occurs in large
flocks and is also very common.
Among the Accipitrine birds two species of Vulture occur—the
Black Vulture ( Otogyps calvus), with red head, and the Indian White-
backed Vulture (Pseudegyps bengalensis). The former is known as
td wu 5 7 .
U9 [V1 W287 by the Siamese, who say that the common grey bird
is the servant of the black one. ‘The WKites are those seen around
ie aes
Bangkok, viz., the Common Paitah Isite ( Milvus govinda) and the -
32, JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f.
* Brahminy Kite ( Haliastur indus). The tiny Black-legged Falconet-
+ ( Mterohierax fringillarius ) is fairly distributed, and the massive
+ Crested Serpent-Eacle ( Spilornis cheela) may be found in the more
isolated patches of cultivation.
Camping ec: the big river the most noticeable bird by day is:
+ the Pied Kingfisher ( Ceryle varia ) which is most common ; and at
night and early morning the Crow Pheasants ( Centropus sinensis,
Siamese wn ium) betray their presence by hooting in unison. The
Bl)
country people state that they call the time, or ‘‘ watches,” regularly
throughout the night or when the tide rises. The Indian Koel
+ ( Hudynamis honorata, Siamese YAN N91) is another common bird
trequently heard. Among Passerine birds, the gorgeous Black-headed
Oriole ( Oriolus melanosephalus ) is one of the most noticeable, both on
acvount of its brilliant yellow plumage and its fine whistling note.
The Magpie-Robin ( Copsychus saularis ) and the Shama ( Cittocinela.
macrura ) occur everywhere—the latter most frequently in bamboo
jungle bordering on cultivation.
Snakes [ took little note of, beyond the fact that the black
Cobra is not nearly so common as I had found it in the swamps south
of Prachin. When sheltering one day in a farmer’s house, he showed
me the dried fat and various other internal parts of cobras, some for
use as external and others as internal remedies for cobra bite. This
is interesting, in that the people of the New Forest in England believe
that, for the bite of a viper, the best remedy is to split the
creature open and apply its fat. Speaking of remedies for cobra
bite, reminds me that the country people place faith in another remedy,
viz., human excrement, no matter whose, mixed with the leaves of
. . . , a LY
some herb, the Siamese name of whieh is “ Phak bung” (WNUd). Part
4
of the mess is taken internally, presumably as an emetic, and the re-
mainder placed on the wound, when “ perhaps the patient will survive.”
In 1909 my work lay south of Petchaburi. The paddy plains are
of less extent, and frequently the bunds are planted thickly with Sugar-
Palm trees. <A great deal of jungle is intermixed with the cultivation,
and the fruit gardens are tangled and’ densely overgrown, the ground:
beneath being frequently carpeted with pineapple plants. Such
country is, of course, most suitable for the smaller birds, which abound,
and in addition to those already mentioned, the Siamese Laughing-
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATRURI, PETCHABURI. 33
t Thrush ( Garrulax diardi ) is most plentiful. The Mynas are well re-
presented as, in addition to the two species of Pied Myna found com-
+ monly in Bangkok (Graculipica nigricollis and Sturnopastor superciliaris),
there are also the Siamese Myna (Aethiopsar grandis), with short
crest and a white patch on either wing—the dun coloured house
+ Myna ( Acridotheres tristis), whose Siamese name, aiam, closely re-
sembles the Burmese name for the Talking Mynas; the migratory
# Chinese Myna ( Siwrnia sinensis )—a light grey and white bird seen in
Bangkok during the winter months; and the Grackle or Talking
Myna (Lulabes sp., Siamese yn Du NO3)—a handsome black bird,
with yellow wattles.
Hares are plentiful on the higher ground and presumably belong
to the same species as that founded on Mr. Lyle’s specimens, which
have been classified as Lepus siamensis. They are snared, driven, and
also shot at night by the aid of a lantern.
In this second class of country occur the abrupt, jagged-topped
limestone hills. These are the home of the Goat-Antelope (Nemor-
haedus or Capricornis sp.) or ‘‘ Lieng pa;” and having only seen one
adult and one dead calf, I will not attempt to describe a very variable
species. I have found the droppings on nearly all the limestone
hills in Ratburi and Petchaburi, and I have always regarded the animal
as a very alert one—quite unlike the apparently rather tame creature
which has several times been shot at Koh Lak in Muang Pran. The
dead kid was probably Jess than two months old, and was well
covered with soft black hair, with a pure white patch at the base of
the neck between the fore legs.
On these hills, also, may be found a Langur, one of the leaf
eating monkeys ( Semnopiihecus sp.), black in colour, with poll and tail
French grey. It has also bare rings around the eyes, of a pinkish
white.
It is a curious fact that tortoises abound on even the steepest of
of these abrupt hills. Seen in captivity in Europe, the tortoise is a
sluggish animal, feeding on succulent vegetables and grasses, and
apparently a creature best fitted for a life on the flat. Hills of 100-
300 metres elevation, both in the second and third classes of country,
have seldom been visited without several tortoises having been found
and brought into camp for food, and the coolies call them ‘“ Tao
34 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Whaie” or “Tao Pek.” These rocky and stony hills are as a rule
sparsely covered with a small Bamboo (Siamese, “ Mai Ruak”) and
trees of the Shorea obtusa and robusta species, with scattered clumps
of coarse grass and a few deciduous trees and shrubs. But in the dry
season the vegetation on these hills is baked brown; and generally
jungle fires sweep over them annually. Live tortoises have been
found with their shells scorched, and except for the dead leaves, fallen
from the trees, it is hard to find what they feed on during the dry
months of February, March and April. Two small ones brought into
camp, and tethered by the hinder edges of the shells, died in 36 hours
though not exposed to greater heat than they experienced on the
hills, but death was probably due to exhaustion from tugging at
their tethers.
The Flora of the more precipitous limestone crags is peculiar
and mostly deciduous—the yellowish brown appearance of the hills in
the dry season being strikingly different to the bright green of the
rains. Many of the trees flower in the dry months and have acquired
a bulbous trunk, presumably for the storage of moisture.
A species of cactus grows up to an elevation of 400 metres—the
branches being triangular in section, and both this and the flat oval-
branched species occur on the wastes near the coast. Brandis, in his
work on Indian trees, only mentions the branched species ( O. dilleni )
or Prickly Pear. Whether or no the three-sided species has been more
recently introduced, and not yet run wild in India, I cannot say.
A third species, observed only near habitations, has branches up to 1
metre in length, and in section the branch is six-winged, the flutings
being about 5 cms. in depth.
Ground orchids, and the tree orchids which occur, are not
conspicuous. Small maiden hair ferns, either deciduous or annual,
spring up as the rains commence.
THE SuigatLy UnpuLating Country AND THE FOoorTuILLs.
The third and fourth classes of country insensibly merge one
with the other, and since the Fauna are the same or migrate from one
to the other according to season, I will take both together.
Continuing with the Flora. The magnificient ‘Ton yang” or
Wood-oil tree, growing on the river banks or near underground water,
as a rule does not occur below the 6 metre line, and rarely extends
above the 80 metre line from sea level, where it is replaced by H.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI PETCHABURLI. 35
odorata (“Ton takien”) of the same Natural Order. This lines the river
banks up to a considerable elevation, usually springing from the bank
at summer level, and is used by the Kariangs for making their
dug- out canoes.
Of the Dipterocarpae or ‘Ton yang” family, [I only identi-
. 1 v
fied one (D. alatus), but I remember hearing the name Titans,
so probably D. tuberculatus also occurs.
Large areas occur of the gregarious “Ton teng” and ‘Ton
rang” (Shorea obtusa and siamensis ) and from these areas have been
cut most of the sleepers for the Southern Railway. Growing on light
rocky or stony soil, the ground beneath these trees is usually clear of
undergrowth, except short tufts of grass and a peculiar tree fern with
atrunk from 2-3 feet high. Notwithstanding annual jungle fires,
these tree ferns burst into leaf, and a species of lily flowers, im-
mediately after the first few rains at the end of April.
Another noticeable tree is the Xylia dolabriformis which
24
produces the ty uAg and which, in common with some other
Mimosas, has a sweetly-scented flower in March, and a big seed
pod, which is frequently heard in January and February suddenly
bursting open with a_pistol-like report.
In the same Natural Order is another timber tree—the A va2A,
( Plerocarpus indicus ), which I have found at elevations of, 390-400
metres
The Teak tree ( Te-tona grandis) does not occur, in a natural
state, this side of Siam, south of 14° 20’ N. Lat., where | found it
gregarious ; but it is frequently planted in the area under review,
noticeably at Potaram.
At Khao Pah Lai, south-west of Petchaburi, I found a species
of true Pine ( Pinus merhrusii ) at an elevation of 400 metres, growing
on bare exposed ridges. This species is recorded by Brandis from the
Shan States of Burma and also from Sumatra. It is an unmistakable
tree, being the only pine in which the leaves occur in clusters of two ;
but the trees were stunted and poor—having a diameter of only one-
third that given by Brandis.
In these two classes of country ave found the great majority of
the mammals occuring in this area.
86 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF ‘STAM. Vol. I.
Among the Primates, the Agile Gibbon (JTylobates agilis) I
believe occurs, keing replaced in the mountains by J. lar. The
Crab-eating Macaque is found, generally not far from running water,
and also the Pig-tailed Macaque (M/. nemestrinus) of the same olive-
brown colour as the last, but with a tail of some 7-8 in. only; it has
not yet been observed at any considerable elevation.
The Northern limit of the Langur already referred to on
page 33 seems to be N. Lat. 13° 20° and it is generally distributed
in the plains and the highest mountains. The animals obtained in the
plains appeared sinaller and darker in colour. North of Lat. 13° 20’
I have never seen it, but its place is taken by a grigeled black species,
with silvery grey whiskers so long that the ears are almost concealed.
1 have not yet been able to identify this species, but it was very
common in the Me Pachi valley and I had considerable opportu-
nities for observing it during this year. The very young ones are
light reddish fawn, with blue eyes, and the dark colour of the adult
first appears on the crowa of the head. The young were, on 11th
April, about 7 in. long and were able to leave their mother and play
among the bamboos. This and the previous species have a large
vocabulary, ranging from a loud hoarse indescribable bark to a nasal
“hum on,” which is repeated with emphasis if the young do not
‘“ceome on,” but they differ from the former species in that they
frequently hoot at night. The young are never still, and while their
elders are having a midday siesta in the denser tree tops, the young
play in the lower branches, and on one occasion an adult came down
to stop the uproar below. Both these species will endeavour to mictu-
vate on passers-by, whether out of contempt or for other reasons [
cannot say, but it is not done through fear in most cases.
Frequently the Langurs and Macaques were feeding together
and at such times the Macaques discovered me before the Langurs ;
more frequently a squirrel gave me away, starting a squittering note
of alarm.
The Carnivora are well represented. Tigers, leopards, fishing
cats and civets (Viverra zibetha) all occur—the Palm Civet (Ainw)
being particularly common; anda Jungle Cat (felis chaus) was shot
close to camp while devouring a hare, and which it showed no inclina-
tion to give up or leave. This is a long legged and short tailed cat—
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURTI. 37
the tail being less than the cat’s height at the shoulder and less than
half its body length.
Some years ago Mr. Irwin obtained a fair-sized cat of uniform
colour in the jungle north of the railway lime east of Ban Pong,
and which was probably the Golden or Bay Cat ( Felis temminch ).
A Palm Civet ( Paradowurus herimaparoditus ) came to my camp
kitchen three times within an hour and a half one night, | lying in a
chair within 10 yards. On the first two occasions it was chased away
by a dog, and on the third it was shot. The object of its visit was a
Chinese Francolin.
The jackal is more frequently heard than seen; personally |
have only seen young aniinals, but a fairly good skin of what appears
to be an adult was shot by Mr. Butler in the Pran district.
The red Hunting Dog (Cyon rutilans ) oecurs over the whole
district and appears to come down to the open country in the rains,
probably following the Sambar. [t is curious to note that the Siam-
ese have a similar theory to that held by the natives of India as to the
hunting methods of this species and, to quote Blanford, “It is be-
“lieved that the urine of these animals is excessively acrid, that they
“sprinkle with it the bushes through which they drive their prey,
“and then rush upon the latter when blinded by the pungent fluid.
“ Another version is that they jerk the urine into their victim’s eyes
“with their tails.”
The child-like footprint of the Malay bear I have frequently
seen on the hills, as also his wood-boring operations in search of honey.
The big Bamboo Rat (Rh. sumatrensis), 19 im. long, digs a
burrow on the hill sides but probably is not common, as I have seen
only two; andthe biggest of the rodents—the Porcupine ( /lystrix
hengalensis )—is generally distributed.
Of the Ungulates, a herd of wild elephants were found this year,
in August, only one day’s march west of Ratburi, and they are
generally distributed, moving about according to season. ‘They feed
Y
largely on the hig leaved bambco (luwn) and break down two or
three culms together—the bambcos snapping with loud reports.
Rhinoceros and Tapir occasionally visit this class of jungle during the
rains; but the Sladang (nziis) remains in the more open jungle
ea | 5
throughont the year, as does the 9Q 7, which | have not yet seen but
38 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. 1.
but which is probably Bos sondaicus
At present, two Cervidae only are known from this district, the
Barking Deer (Cervulus muntjac) and the Sambar (Cervus unicolor ).
It is worthy of note that [have not yet found a young Barking Deer
with spots, though Blanford states that the young are spotted. It is
more generally distributed than the Sambar in this area and stays on
in the drier jungle, which the Sambar forsakes in the hot season ; and
I also heard it calling one wet gusty might when camped on the
watershed in the height of the monsoon at an elevation of 1000
metres. The rutting season is epparently January-February, but
is not well defined if the gestatory periol of 6 months given by
Blanford is correct; for on the 12th February I obtained a young
Barking Deer less than 2 weeks old, found in its form at an elevation
of 440 metres on a hill side and still rather unsteady on its legs;
and also, on the 28th March, my coolie shot a female with well
developed foetus, and on the 29th March obtained a female in milk.
It is reasonable to suppose that the young should be born when
there is plenty of tender herbage, rather than in the hot months when
the female would have to travel considerable distance to and from
water in the drier areas; and the fact that some young are dropped
in the wet months appears to be recognised by native hunters, fur I
well remember in Pachin, in the latter part of September, carefully
stalking a native hunter who was imitating the bleat of a young Bark-
ing Deer.
From this district I have only one skin of a young Sambar
about one-third grown, anl this has a few indistinct spots on either
flank. I also, on the Ist January, in Lat. 14° 10’ N., saw the skin of a
young Sambar pegged out to dry and this also showed indistinct flank
spots, the general colour of the “skin” being a soft smoky fawn with
avery dark back line. Thus, presumably, the form of Sambar found
here belongs to the Malayan variety, C. wnicolor equinus.
Blanford is probably correct in stating that Sambar horns of
more than 35 in. long are seldom if ever obtained out of India. The
heaviest horn of which I have any record measured 30.4 1n. The cir-
cumference below the brow tine was 8.6 in. and above that tine 7 in.
and above the 2nd or bey tine 5 in. This single horn was purchased
by an official for 12 ticals, its enhanced value being due to a small
swelling which the vendor asserted was still growing ; and the belief is
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI, 39
that as the horn grows so do the fortunes of the possessor. Horns in
the velvet also command a large price, being used as a strengthening
medicine.
The Mouse Deer (probably Traqulus javanicus ) is generally
distributed in the denser jungle bordering on streams and was never
obtained on the hill sides.
Of the primitive Scaly Ant-eater (Manis sp.) I have seen only
one skin, the specimen being obtained on a hill 8. W. of Petchaburi.
Of birds, the Paradise Flycatcher ( Verpsiphone affinis) was
obtained in adult breeding plumage in mixed jungle in April; and
around the camp the Black-and-red Broadbill (Cumborhynchus nvacror-—¢
hynchus) was very common. ‘The dead specimen gives a poor idea of the
true colours—the brilliant azure blue of the beak fading one day after
death. This species was never observed in the southern area, where
the Dusky Broadbill (C. sumatranus) was obtained. Both species +
are usually sluggish and always absurdly tame.
The Blue-winged Pitta (P. cyanoptera) was observed around +
camp from April to July, in the belt of fairly heavy jungle bordering
on the stream. The Gieat Pied Hornbill and smaller Wreathed Horn-
bill bred in the Wood-oil trees around the camp.
Of the big Ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea ) I procured one speci-
men, of which Mr. Healey has made an excellent coloured drawing, and
this is probably only the fourth specimen obtained up to the present
time. It is a peculiar bird, being differently proportioned to the
other species of the family, all of which appear to be tall or up-
right birds, with the tarsus usually one quarter to one half the length
of the wing; whereas this is a “long” bird, and the proportion of
of tarsus to wing is only one-fifth. Also, the habits are different—this
species being seen in small open spaces surrounded by jungle, whereas
the rest ot the family prefer the large swamps and wider plains.
It is rare and very locally distributed. In 1910 I saw one south-
west of Petchaburi and this year have seen five altogether. Mr.
Irwin also reports having observed the bird south of this area in
Muang Pran.
The Purple Wood Pigeon (A. puniceus) was not obtained north
of Lat. 18°. The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon (0. lacincta ) was
plentiful in the northern area and the Green Imperial Pigeon (CU. aenea )
was generally distributed and frequently fed on some species of Ficus
/
40 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. — Vol. I.
in camp. One of these was shot and borne off, as it fell, by a Sparrow
Hawk. The Hawk could not rise with the weight cf the bird, but
elided with it to a perch.
In the open forests of Shorea, the Chinese Francolin is most
common and, during the rains, very noisy. One I shot this year was
perched in a tree upwards of 30 feet from the ground.
= Jungle Fow! ( Gullus ferrugineus ) are very common, and the
‘Silver Pheasant ( Gennweus lineatus ) 1s generally distributed. I found
on April 3rd a nest of this with 8 eggs, the nest being situated some
2 kilometres from water, so far as I know, but it was cavernous lime-
stone country and there may have been some underground pool
accessible.
Peacocks ( Pavo muticus ) were abundant, and a number of eggs
were hatched out. Except for the morning and evening call at roost,
the Peacock is a very silent bird; but these hand-reared chicks were
cheeping and calling throughout the day and never happy if left alone.
They became a nuisance in office. It was amusing to watch chicks
of 3 weeks old erecting stumpy tails and lowering wings to intimidate
a young Macacque, or a ground lizard ( Siamese, “ Yaa” uel); or
when a little older, trying te frighten a Woodpecker which had excited
their wrath by tapping on dry bamboo poles.
The Yaa” (Liolepis belliana) are found everywhere in light,
warm, dry soils, and in the cleared area.of my camp there were a
number of them. The big ones seemed to stay below ground during
bad weather—stopping up the entrance hole from beneath. They
run very fast and have the habit of sitting up to observe anything it
a clistance. The female, I believe, tends the young when hatched
oat; as I remember seeing one dug out with a number cf quite young
lizards in the same burrow.
The brown lizard, common in Bangkok gardens, was found at
all elevations and I shot a Monitor (Vurunus nebulosus, Siamese,
AzngaM ‘Takuat ) at some 900 metres elevation on the boundary,
which had in its mouth one of these lizards. They ( V. ne’u'osus )
were breeding in July, and | found the eges lightly covered with
loose earth.
[To be continued. |
“A PRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS
OF BANGKOK.
FSO
BY W. J. F. WILLIAMSON.
The following list, comprising 127 species, is the result of obser-
vations made, and specimens procured, during several years of desultory
study of the bird-life of Bangkok, followed by a year of more syste-
matic collecting since the formation of the Society.
The numbers marked with an asterisk (*) relate to species of
which either no specimens have been obtained (although the occur-
rence of the birds is believed to be tolerably certain ) or of which
the identification has not yet been definitely established. These birds
are eight in number and it is hoped that members will endeavour to
assist in clearing up the doubts regarding them by procuring and
examining specimens. I shall be very glad to undertake the examina-
tion of these or any other birds which mav be sent to me, as to the
identity of which members may be uncertain.
The numbers in brackets are those of the same birds in Oates’
and Blanford’s volumes in the Fauna of British India, and both the
classification and the nomenclature are also taken from that work.
The list is, doubtless, still far from complete, as a number of
additions have been made to it even during the last few weeks, almost
up to the date of going to press. Any new birds which members may
be able to procure will be duly acknowledged and incorporated in
the serial paper, which [ hope to commence in the next number of the
Journal, giving some account of the appearance, habits, &e., of.the
birds of this locality.
1 cannot conclude without expressing my obligations to Mr.
H. C. Robinson, of Kuala Lumpur, tor much helpful advice and for his
kindness in determining the species of a number of the more difficult
birds. My sincere thanks are also due to Mr. EK. G. Herbert for his
unfailing encouragement and co-operation in the study of our birds,
and for his invaluable aid in the identification of many of the speci-
mens obtained,
42. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
bo
ioe)
<1
10
1]
12
(4)
(21)
ORDER—PANSSERES.
FAMILY (lorv7dae—CROWS.
Corvus macrorhynchus. The Jungle Crow.
Crypsithina varians. The Black Racket-tailed
Magpie.
FAMILY Crateropodidae—LAUGHING THRUSHES,
(176)
BABBLERS, BULBULS, &c.
Mixornis rubricapillus. The Yellow-breasted
Babbler.
Aegithina tiphia. The Common Tora.
Otocompsa emeria. The Bengal Red-whiskered
Bulbul.
Pyenonotus analis. The Yellow-vented Bulbul.
Pycnonotus plumosus. The Large Olive Bulbul.
FAMILY J/creevidae. DRONGOS OR KING-CROWS.
(381)
(393)
(410)
(417)
Dicrurus ater. The Black Drongo.
Dicrurus leucogenys. The White-cheeked Drongo.
Dissemurus paradiseus. The Larger Racket-
tailed Drongo.
FAMILY Svlv//cdac—WARBLERS.
Aerocephalus stentoreus. The Indian Great
Reed-Warbler.
Acrocephalus orientalis. The Eastern Great Reed-
Warbler.
Orthotomus sutorius. The Indian Tailor-bird.
Orthotomus atrigularis. The Black-throated
Tailor-bird.
Cistieola cursitans. The Rufous Fantail-Warbler.
Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed Warbler.
Phylloscopus fuscatus. The Dusky Willow-
Warbler.
Phylloseopus superciliosus. The Crowned Willow-
Warbler.
20
21
RIRDS,OF BANGKOK. 45
(420) Acanthopneuste borealis. The Arctic Willow
Warbler.
(423) Acanthopneuste plumbeitarsus. Middenorff’s
Willow-Warbler.
(468) Prinia blanfordi. The Burmese Wren-Warbler.
FAMILY Jan77dae—SHRIKES.
(475) Lanius nigriceps. The Black-headed Shrike.
(481) Lanius cristatus. The Brown Shrike.
(500) Pericrotus peregrinus. The Small Minivet.
(£03) Pericrotus cinereus. The Ashy Minivet.
(512) Artamus fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-Shrike.
FAMILY (Ovrzolidae—_ORIOLES.
(514) Oriolus indicus. The Black-naped Oriole.
(521) Oriolus melanocephalus. The Indian Black-
headed Oriole.
FAMILY Stwinidae—STARLINGS AND MYNAS.
(536) Sturnia sinensis. The Chinese Myna.
(546) Graculipica nigricollis. The Black-necked Myna.
(553) Aethiopsar grandis. The Siamese Myna.
(556) Sturnopastor superciliaris. The Burmese Pied
Myna.
FAMILY J/uscccapidae—FLYCATCHERS.
(562) Siphia albicilla. The Eastern Red-breasted Vly-
catcher,
(579) Stoparola melanops. The Verditer Flycatcher.
(588) Alseonax latirostris. The Brown Flycatcher.
(599) Tersiphone affinis. The Burmese Paradise Fly-
catcher.
(601) Hypothymis azurea. The Indian Black-naped Fly-
catcher.
(606) Rhipidura javanica. The Java Fantail Ilycatcher.
44 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. JI.
39
(826)
(833)
(839)
(84.5)
(847)
(869)
(898)
FAMILY 7’urdidue—THRUSHES.
Pratineola maura. The Indian Bush-Chat.
Pratineola leucura. The White-tailed Bush-Chat.
Calliope eamtschatkensis. The Common Ruby-
throat.
Copsychus saularis. The Magpie-Robin.
Petrophila solitaria. The Eastern Blue Rock-
Thrush.
Petrophila cyanus. The Western Blue Rock-
Thrush.
FAMILY Ploce7dae—WEAVER BIRDS.
Ploceus megarhynchus. The Eastern Baya.
Ploceus manyar. ‘he Striated Weaver-bird.
Uroloncha acuticauda. Hodgson’s Munia.
Uroloncha punctulata. The Spotted Munia.
FAMILY f° r¢ngellid ae—- FINCHES
Passer montanus. The Tree-Sparrow.
Passer flaveolus. The Pegu House-Sparrow.
FAMILY /77rendinidac—SWALLOWS.
Hirundo gutteralis. The Eastern Swallow.
FAMILY Motaci(lidiiae—WAGTAILS.
Motacilla alba. The White Wagtail.
Motacilla borealis. |The Grey-headed Wagtail.
Limonidromus indicus. The Forest-Wagtail.
Anthus riehardi. Richard’s Pipit.
Anthus rufulus. The Indian Pipit.
FAMILY Alaucdidlae——LARKS.
Mirafra cantillans. The Singing Bush-Lark.
FAMILY Nectardni7ddae—SUN-BIRDS.
Arachnechthra flammaxillaris. The Burmese
Yellow-breasted Sun-bird.
59
60
61
63
64
65
66
a7 SI
| 2 i
(903)
(SEN)
(912)
(950)
(970)
(1019)
(1023)
(1027)
(1033)
(1035)
(1043)
(1044)
(1045)
(1047)
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 4D
Anthothreptes malaccensis. The Brown-throated
Sun-bird,
Chalcoparia phoenicotis. The Ruby-Cheek.
FAMILY J¢cae7zdae—FLOWER PECKERS.
Dicaeum ecruentatum. The Scarlet-backed
Flower- pecker.
ORDER PICI.
FAMILY /2c¢dae— WOODPECKERS.
Gecinus occipitalis. The Black-naped Green
Woodpecker.
Dendrocopus pectoralis. The Spotted-breasted
Pied Woodpecker.
ORDER—ZYGODACTYLI.
FAMILY Capitontdae—BARBETS.
Xantholaema haematocephala. The Crimson-
breasted Barbet.
ORDER—ANISODAOTYLI.
FAMILY Coraciadae—ROLLERS.
Coracias affinis. ‘he Burmese Roller.
FAMILY J/e10)1clac —BEE-EATERS.
Merops philippinus. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
FAMILY -Alcedi?nidae—KINGFISHERS.
Ceryle varia. The Indian Pied Kingfisher.
Alecedo ispida. The Common Kinefisher.
Pelargopsis gurial. The Brown-headed Stork-
billed Kingfisher.
Haleyon smyrnensis. The White-breasted King-
fisher.
Haleyon pileata. The Black-capped Kingfisher.
Sauropatis chloris. The White-collared King-
fisher.
46 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
(1071)
(1081)
(1091)
(1093)
(1108)
(1113)
(1114)
(1116)
(1119)
(1120)
(1130)
(1133)
(1138)
ORDER—MACROCHIRES.
FAMILY Cypselidlac—swiFTS.
Cypselus pacificus. The Large White-rumped
Swift.
Collocalia fuciphaga. The Indian Edible-nest
Swiftlet.
FAMILY Caprimulgidae—niGHTJARS.
Caprimulgus asiaticus. The Common Indian
Nightjar.
Caprimulgus macrurus. Horsfield’s Nightjar.
ORDER—COCOYGES.
FAMILY Cuculzdae—cuckoos.
Hierococcyx sparverioides. The Large Hawk-
Cuckoo.
Cacomantis merulinus. The Rufous-bellied
Cuckoo.
Penthoceryx sonnerati. The Banded Bay
Cuckoo.
Chrysococcyx maculatus. The Emerald Cuckoo.
Coccystes coromandus. The Red-winged Crest-
ed Cuckoo.
Eudynamis honorata. The Indian Koel.
Centropus sinensis. The Commen Coucal or
Crow-Pheasant.
Centropus bengalensis. The Lesser Coucal.
ORDER—PSITTACT.
FAMILY Ps7ttaccdae—PARROTS.
Palaeornis torquatus. The Rose-ringed Paroquet.
ORDER—STRIGES.
FAMILY Str/gedae— OWLS.
Strix flammea. The Screech Owl.
FAMILY Aszoni/ae—OWLS.
Scops giu. The Scops Owl.
Scops bakkamoena. The Collared Scops Owl.
89
*90
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 47
(1187) Ninox scutulata. The Brown Hawk-Owl.
ORDER-—ACCIPITRES.
FAMILY 1! wltwiidae— VULTURES.
(1191) Otogyps calvus. The Black Vulture.
(1196) Pseudogyps bengalensis. The Indian White-
backed Vulture.
FAMILY /’alconidae—EAGLES, KITES, FALCONS, ETC.,
(1228) Hahastur indus. The Brahminy Kite.
(1229) Milvus govinda. The Common Pariah Kite.
(1230) Milvus melanotis. The Large Indian Kite.
(1232) Elanus caeruleus. The Black-winged Kite.
(1236) Circus melanoleucus. ‘The Pied Harrier.
(1237) Circus aeruginosus. The Marsh-Harrier.
(1244) Astur badius. The Shikra.
ORDER—COLUMBAE.
FAMILY Columbidae—PIGEONS AND DOVES.
(1279) Csmotreron vernans. The Pink-necked Green
Pigeon.
(1308) Turtur tigrinus. The Malay Spotted Dove.
(1311) Oenopopelia tranquebarica. The Red ‘Turtle-
Dove.
(1315) Geopelia striata. The Barred Ground-Dove.
ORDER—GALLINAE.
FAMILY /?husianidae—PHEASANTS.
(1354) Exealfactoria chinensis. The Blue-breasted
Quail.
(1374) Francolinus chinensis. The Eastern or Chinese
Francolin.
ORDER—GRALLAE.
FAMILY /?a/l7dae—RAILs.
(1389) Hypotaenidia striata. The Blue-breasted Banded
Rail.
(1398) Amaurornis fuscus. The Ruddy Crake.
48 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. 2.
107 (1401) Amaurornis phoenicurus. The White-breasted
Water-hen.
108 (1403) Gallicrex cinerea. The Water-Cock.
OKDER— LIMICOLA E.
COURSERS AND PRATINCOLES.
FAMiLy Glareolidae
109 (1425) Glareola orientalis. The large indian Pratincole
or Swallow-Plover.
FAMILY Charadr7ii/ae—PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES.
110 (1432) Sacrogrammus atrinuchalis. Tne Burmese Wat-
tled Lapwing.
111 (1439) Charadrius fulvus. The Eastern Golden Plover.
112 (1447) Aegialitis dubia. The Little Ringed Plover.
113 (1460) Totanus hypoleucus. The Common Sandpiper.
114 (1461) Totanus glareola. The Wood Sandpiper.
115 (1462) Totanus ochropus. The Green Sandpiper.
116 (1484) Gallinago coelestis. The Fantail Snipe.
117 (1485) Gallinago stenura. The Pintail Snipe.
118 (1488) Rostratula capensis. The Painted Snipe.
ORDER—GAVIAE.
FAMILY Jarédae—GULLS AND TERNS.
119 (1496) Hydrochelidon hybrida. The Whiskered Tern.
ORDER—HERODIONES.
FAMILY Ardevdac—HERONS.
120 (1562) Bubuleus coromandus. The Cattle Egret.
121 (1565) Ardeola grayi. The Pond Heron.
122 (1568) Nycticorax griseus. The Night Heron.
123 (1571) Ardetta sinensis. The Yellow Bittern,
124 (1572) Ardettacinnamomea. The Chestnut Bittern.
125 (1573) Dupetor flavicollis. The Black Bittern.
ORDER—ANSERES.
FAMILY Anatidac-——SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS.
126 (1589) Dendrocyena javanica. The Whistling Teal.
*127 (1601) Querquedula circia. The Garganey or Blne-
winged Teal.
A NEW SPECIES OF BAT FROM SIAM.
( Hipposideros lylei )
a eee Oia pues
BY OLDFIELD THOMAS.
Hipposideros lylei, sp. n.
A large species related to H. pratt, Thos.
Size rather less than in H. pratti. General characters of the
H. armiger group, including the long feet, development of a posterior
transverse crest behind the normal nose-leaf, and the uninflated fore-
head of the skull. Nose-leaf similar on the whole to that of H. pratti,
but the supplementary transverse posterior crest higher, attaining 5
mum. at its highest point on each side of its median cleft, and less
heavily haired, but the increase in height may perhaps be due to sex ;
normal transverse crest similarly high in the centre, sloping down
laterally, its front surface divided by a prominent median and two
indistinct lateral ridges ; anterior horseshoe much more deeply notched
in front, the median notch nearly 2 mm. in depth, the horseshoe
on each side of it forming two forwardly projecting lappets, outside
which again there are two shallower notches, unknown elsewhere in
the genus. Kars rather narrower than in pratt. Tibize and feet very
long and slender.
General colour dull buffy or clay-colour, washed with brown.
Skull similar in its general characters to that of H. pratti
as opposed to those of H. diadema and armiyer; but it is smaller
throughout, the sagittal crest (though of a male as compared with a
female ) less developed and less abruptly rising above the the forehead ;
area of forehead smaller and not quite so flat, the median part above
the anterior nares slightly elevated, while its postero-lateral portion is
somewhat concave internal to the well marked supraorbital edges.
Posterior palate more deeply excavated mesially. Teeth similar in
general characters, but smaller throughout.
Dimensions of the type :—
Forearm 78 mm.
00 JUURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Kar 27 x 21 ; third finger, metacarpal 54, first phalanx 25 ; lower
Jeg and hind foot (c. u.) 51.
Skull: greatest length to front of canine 29 ; basi-sinual length
18:7 ; zygomatic breadth 16 ; interorbital breadth 9-6 ; mastoid breadth
14; front of canine to back of m* 11.2; three upper molars together
6:4; three lower molars 10°6.
Hab. N. Siam. Type from the Chiengdao Cave, 50 miles north of
Chiengmai. Alt. 850 m.
Type. Adult male (skin in spirit). B.M. no. 18. 4. 18. 38.
Collected January 1913. Presented by Th. H. Lyle, Esq., H.B.M.
Consul at Chiengmai.
The Sze-chwan Hipposideros prattt being as yet only known
from the type specimen, a female, and the present example being a
male, it at first sight seemed possible that we had here the unknown
male of that species. But further examination shows such differences
as to render this impossible, notably the smaller general size, the much
maller teeth (this in a male as compared with a female), and the
development of the pendant lappets at the front edge of the horseshoe,
not at all likely to be a sexual character.
The type-specimen was obtained in a cave in company with
examples of H. armiger, as also happened curiously enough with the
type of HH. pratt.
This adds another to the many new Siamese mammals discover-
ed by Mr. Lyle, and I have had great pleasure in connecting his name
with it.
(The above was published by permission of the Trustees of the
British Museum, in the ANNALS AND MaGazIne oF Natural History,
Ser. 8, vol. XII., July 1913.)
51
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. 1—MIGRATION OF RATS.
The migration of rats from one part of the country to another is
not unknown, and I was fortunate enough, quite recently, to witness
another instance of this interesting habit of theirs. It was all the more
extraordinary as it led them to their own destruction. The occur-
rence took place in September last, when I was stationed at Koh Lak,
and lasted for nearly a week. My section-hounse lies close to the beach,
and the first intimation I received of anything unusual, was in discover-
ing one evening that my abode seemed to be full of rats. They
swarmed everywhere, running along the beams and rafters, and over
and under the floors. I could see also, from my verandah, many more
upon the beach, running across the sands and making straight for the
sea. Their one idea appeared to be to leave the land. None turned
back except when attacked by hawks or crows, of which they had
attvacted a good number. The following day, when going out to meet
the steamer in Koh Lak bay, I noticed several rats well away from
the shore, still swimming straight cut to sea, and for days afterwards
1 found their dead bodies on the be each, washed up by the tides. This
1 observed throughout the whole length of my section, a distance of
of 50 kilometres.
I am unable to give any explanation to account for this migra-
tion. The only thing which I noticed at the time was an unusually
large number of jungle fowl about. This | look upon as a coincidence,
as [ cannot see in any way what relation the one creature could bear
to the other.
I did not, unfortunately, keep any specimen so that the animals
could be positively identified, but they appeared to me to be the
ordinary house rat which is common everywhere,
tT. 5. BUTLER.
December, 19] 3
No. IL—SORE NECK IN SAMBAR.
From 1910 to 1913 I was engaged on Survey work in the
district lying approximately between Lat. 14°.00’ and 16°.00’ N. and
Long. 98°.30’ and 100°.00’ E. Most of this area is in the valleys of the
Me Klawng river or its tributaries, the remainder being on the edge
of the watershed of the Menam Chao Praya. During those years,
between the months of December and June, L shot several Sambar in
this district, all of which were affected by a peculiar sore upon the
52 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM.” Volt. *
neck situated in the mid-line in front and about half way down. The
actual sore was round, about an inch and a half in diameter, and the
skin around it devoid of hair, which had apparently been rubbed off
ever an area about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide in adult animals,
the sore being in the middle of this bare patch. The sore seemed to be
5S
merely a superficial affection of the skin, and did not extend deeply,
or indeed penetrate the skin or affect the flesh at all, but it seemed to
be accompanied by considerable itching. The hair round the sore
appeared to be worn off by rubbing to allay the irritation. Animals
of all ages and both sexes suffered from this sore.
Mr. A. J. Irwin, of the Survey Department, has also observed
the same affection in Sambar shot by him in the present year, and
has given me the following information.
The disease is called ‘ Khi ruen kwang” or ‘“ the leprosy of the
Sambar” by the Siamese, and the ‘* Ma-kawk season sore” by the
Kariangs. A Siamese hunter who has lived for years on the edge
of the jungle, and has killed many Sambar, considered it a disease
to which Sambar were subject permanently, being born with it,
and he was much surprised to hear that they did not suffer from
it everywhere. An old Kariang intormed him that the Sambar
suffered trom it only during the “ Ma-kawk ” season, when even
the young in the womb nee the mark, and not during the rest
of the year. The Ma-kawk tree is a kind of wild plum tree, bear-
ing fruit having a sourish sweet taste. It is generally called in
Hueglish the “Wild Olive,” but the fruit is about three times the
size of a large olive, and the taste is different. The fruit ripens,
according to the class of jangle and country, at different times through
the dry season. Deer are very fond of this fruit. The Kariang gave
Mr. Irwin the following legendary account of the origin of the sore.
Phra Sian (Buddha) gave the Sambar the fruit of the Ma-kawk tree
to eat. The Sambar tasted it, and then refused it, saying if was sour.
Phra Sian said, “ Very well, then the Ma-kawk fruit shall not be
considered food for the Sambar.” Afterwards the Sambar again
tasted the fruit, and finding it sweet on this occasion, came to Phra
Sian and begged permission to eat it in fature. Phra Sian granted per-
mission, but as a punishment, for fickleness condemned all Sambar to
suffer from the sore on the neck during the Ma-kawk season.
I have shot Sambar further South than the district referred gs
in the Ma-kawk season, and so has Mr. Irwin, and neither of
has noticed any sore on the animals there. It does not seem 's
affect the Sambar in the Pitsanulok jungles, or in the Siamese
portion of the Malay Peninsula, where I have also shot Sambar, and
where the Ma-kawk fruit is eaten by them. Where they suffer
from the disease, the animals may be only affected during the Ma-
kawk season, but I do not think that eating that fruit causes the
sore. The district in which I have noticed them suffering from it,
is one abounding in mineral springs, called * Pong Nam” in Siamese.
Animals frequent these to drink the water. ‘This water may possibly
cause the sore in Sambar, but not in other animals. It will be inter-
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, 53
esting to learn if any readers of this Journal have noticed the occurrence
of the sore, in any other locality and can give information as to its
cause.
P. R: KEMP.
January, 1914.
This curious sore upon the necks of Sambar is not unknown. Major
Evans in his book, Big Game Shooting in Upper Burma (1910) speaks of it,
and states positively that it occurs in all Sambar and at all times (presumably
in Burma and India). He considers it to be of parasitic origin. It does not
appear to be found upon animals in captivity.—Eds. ]
No. III.—A CASE OF TRIPLETS IN AN ELEPHANT.
The case of an elephant giving birth to triplets, has, I believe,
never yet been known, so I think the following instance shoutd be
recorded.
There is no note of the date of impregnation. The elephant
was first reported in calf in October 1912, when she would be evidently
well on in pregnancy, and on October 27th of the following year gave
birth to three male calves, of which one was still-born and the other
two only survived until November 8th and 9th, respectively. Hvery-
thing was done to bring them up, but the mother would not look after
them and kicked them off whenever they came to suckle. If let loose
she would run away from them.
Of the calves born alive, one was normal and one very small.
Me Heean, the mother, is 7ft 4 ins. in height and is a young ele-
phant probably about 25 years old. She has never to my ‘know! ledge
calved before.
Triplets are entirely unknown in the writer’s experience and
Lt. Col. Evans, the Indian Government expert, quotes no ‘instance
of even twins in his standard work Elephants and their Diseases.
I believe, however, the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation had a case
of twins in Muang Prae district a year or two ago.
D. F. MACFIE.
CHIENGMAI, December 18th, 1913.
IV. DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS IN SIAM.
I should like to ask through your columns for information on
the following points, some of which I feel sure must be known to
members of the Society up-country.
1. What is the eastern range of the Gaur or Sladang. (Bos
qaurus) the Gayal (B. frontalis) and the Banting (B. sondaicus) ?
. w il
To which of the two last does the Siamese name 4941 refer, as there
seems to be some doubt on the matter.
2. Blanford, in-the Mwuna of British India, states that the
young of Sambar are never spotted at any time of their existence,
54 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
whereas the young of Barking Deer are spotted. My own experience
reverses this entirely, and I believe, in the Malay Sambar, it is now
recognised that the young are spotted, though at what age they lose
their spots is uncertain.
3. Has the Brow-Antlered Deer a spotted coat at certain
seasons? Have any heads been obtained with a greater antler measure-
ment than 54 inches, the biggest given by Blanford? As regards
Sambar heads, the skull of the Siamese form is as big as, or perhaps
bigger than, the Indian, but the horns of the Siamese are much
aren though the preummenenee at the butt or above the first tine
is frequently as great as the Indian.
4. Messrs Yates and Rogers, of the Bombay Burma Trading
Jorporation, have reported a black species of Wild Dog. Has any-
one else ever met with this animal, and have specimens ever been
obtained? Where do the (red) Wild Dog (Cyon rutilans) go in the
dry season? | have observed that they chase the Sambar down to the
cultivation at the beginning of the rains in May and June; at other
seasons I never see them.
5. Nothing is generally known as to whether the two species
of Rhinoceros occur east of the Menam Chow Phraya, and the nor-
thern limit of the Tapir ( Tapurus indicus, Siamese ‘“ Samset”) is
uneertain.
kK. G. GAIRDNER.
February, 1914.
+ No. V.-BREEDING OF THE PAINTED SNIPE.
It is not surprising to find that the Painted Snipe (fostratu!«
capensis) or “ Painter” breeds within the limits of the ordinary
Bangkok shooting grounds, as it has been recorded from Calcutta and
also from Burma, but as far as I am aware it has not been recorded
from Siam, and more particularly from Bangkok. During the last
rains I have had two clutches of eggs and two young birds be ought to
me. ‘The first clutch of four eggs was found on the 6th July, and had
been laid about a week. The Secon nest, also of four eggs, was found
on the 11th August, and these eggs had been laid fully ten days. The
first young fia? was caught by Mr. Me.Beth and sent to me on the
18th “September ; ; it was “nearly fully fledged and could rise about two
feet from the oround but could not fly. The other young bird was
caught about fen miles below Paknampho on the 3rd October, and was
fully fledged.
It was interesting to note, in these young birds, the curious dis-
play by which this species seeks to terrorize an enemy, and which has
heen described by Finn in How to know the Indian Waders. When
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 5d
slightly alarmed the bird would raise the wing farthest from the in-
truder, but when “cornered”, both wings would be extended and
brought forward until they reached beyond the tip of the beak, and
the tail spread, so that the beautiful spotted markings were fully
shown. The hissing, as described by Finn, was very noticeable in the
older bird, but in the younger one it was replaced by a low plaintive
whistle, so it possibly only occurs with the more fully developed
birds.
The “Painter” is reported as breeding two or three times
during the season, and it is likely that the breeding season in Bangkok
extends over the greater part of the rains. The nest is the usual
hollow, often with a pad of grass, and the eggs are four in number,
slightly pyriform in shape, yellowish stone colour with large markings
ot very dark brown or black. The eggs measure 1.4 by 1 inches.
Should anyone be so fortunate as to come across a sitting bird, it
would be interesting to note whether it is a male or female, as the male
is the inferior bird and there is reason to believe that it sits on the
nest.
E. G. HERBERT.
October, 19158.
+- No. VI. BREEDING OF PAINTED SNIPE IN SIAM.
The point as to whether the Painted Snipe breeds around
Bangkok has been discussed and doubted so often that it will interest
sportsmen and naturalists, I feel sure, to know that while shooting this
season at Sala Yah, I came across a mother with four chicks. This
was on September 22nd. My man caught one of the chicks. | It was
quite small and unable to fly, being covered only with down, and had
therefore obviously been hatched out only a few days. I did not keep
the chick or make any special note of its coloration, but the parent bird,
which I saw at quite close quarters, was clearly a “ Painter.”
CH. SOnRL™®,.
November, 1913.
*~ No. VII.—THE MOULTING OF SNIPE.
I noticed this season that the “ Pintails,” or, at any rate, the
early arrivals, were already in moult when they reached Bangkok. In
the case of four of the first birds shot (Sept. 14th), one had complet-
ed the moult of the primaries but the new feathers were mot quite
fully developed ; the second had only the two outer primaries of the
old feathers remaining and the new ones were in varying states of
developement ; the third had lost six of the old primaries, and the
fourth bird had only lost four. In the latter two instances the new
56 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
feathers were little more than stumps. Jt is true this was an excep-
tionally late season in starting, and may have had something to do
with the particular stave of moult in which the birds arrived, but that
rather adds to the interest of the subject than otherwise.
The moult of the primaries appeared to start from about the
centre of the wing, usually about the 7th and &th, followed by the
next outer pair and then an inner pair, so by the time the outer pair
of primaries were dropped the new centre feathers had put on a fair
anrount of growth. This was about the weakest stage of the moult,
when only the outer pair of old primaries remain.
Another noticeable feature of the moult was the dropping of
the “ pin” feathers from the tail, which occurred about a month later.
E. G. HERBERT.
November, 1918.
bd
No. VIIL—DISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIAN PIED KINGFISHER
(CERYLE VARIA) AND SPOTTED OWLET
(ATHENE BRAMA) IN SIAM.
I have been endeavouring to trace recently the southern limit
of the Indian Pied Kingfisher ( Cer yle varia. F. 1032) and should be
glad if your readers would help me. This bird abounds on the Me
Ping and Me Yome, and rivers further North, and is very plentiful
on the Menam above and below Bangkok, but is unknown in the
Malay States. Jt is common in India, Ceylon, and Burma in the
plains, except south of Amherst, and it extends east into China, but
apparently does not g» much south of Bangkok. It should not be
difficult to trace, as it is a noisy bird and can be readily recognised by
its peculiar fishing habits. Unlike other Kingfishers it never plunges
from a fixed perch, but flies over the water end hovers with its beak
pointed downwards, at a height of frequently 15 or 20 feet above the
surface, when it suspects the presence of a fish. It dives for its prey
after hovering, hence the Siamese name “Nok kra ten pak lak,”
which likens the long straight plunge to the driving of a stake.
Another species which occurs in Siam, though as far as I am
aware it has not previously been recorded, is the Spotted Owlet
( Athene brama. F. 1150). It is quite common some 40 miles north
of -Bangkok, but I believe it does not oceurin Bangkok or further
south in Siam—the exact distribution of it is therefore of interest.
Blanford gives it as occurring throughout India, but notin
Ceylon, and as common in the Irrawaddy valley from Prome upwards,
the latitude of Prome being about 18’. The latitude at which it is
found in Siam is known to be as far south as 14".
The Spotted Owlet is a noisy little bird (8” long) which comes
out before sunset and pours forth a volley of chuckles and squeaks.
Usually two of these individuals sit shouting together, as if trying
which can finish its chatter first. The entire upper plumage is an
ashy brown copiously spotted with white, and the tail is barred with
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. a7
four to six bars. The lower plumage is whitish with broken brown
cross bars or spots. The legs are feathered down to the feet, and the
toes covered with long bristles on the upper side. This owlet has no
so called “ ears”, and must not be confused with the Scops Owl, which
is a quiet little owl and only utters a monotonous “ toop ” at regular
intervals of about ten seconds.
EK, G. HERBERT.
January, 1914.
No. IX. DISTRIBUTION OF ANCISTRODON RHODOSTROMA,
THE MALAYAN VIPER, IN SIAM.
The only record of this snake in Siam up to the present has
been from the island of Puket. North of this latitude it had not been
known at all. Recent collections have shown, however, that it has
a mnuch wider distribution. It is not uncommon at Bangtaphan, near
the sea coast, and Mr. P. A. RB. Barron has found it at Nong Kai Ploi,
just E. of Srimaharicha, elevation 150 metres, where it appears to be
equally plentiful. One was recently caught at Lopburi, and Dr. Sprater
procured last year a very young specimen at Kumpawapi, 250 km.
N. of Korat, Lat. 17° 10° N., Long. 102° 50’ KE. it will thus be seen
to have a wide distribution in this country, and its northern range of
habitat greatly increased,
Speaking of its poison, Boulenger says, “This snake was long
known from Java only, where it is “regarded as one of the most
dangerous poisonous snakes, cases being known of men dying five
minutes after being bitten. In the neighbourhood of Biserat and
Kuala Jalar ( Malay States) where it was discovered by Messrs
Annandale and Robinson, the natives do not believe its bite to be
fatal.” The people of Bangtaphan and Nong Kai Ploi, who appear
to know this snake quite well, also agree that its bite is not parti-
cularly dangerous, and as natives on the subject of snake-bite are apt
to exaggerate rather than otherwise, one is inclined to accept these
statements as correct.
IT have recently acquired 4 living specimens. They are ex-
tremely sluggish creatures, remaining motionless throughout the
entire day, usually coiled up in a circle with the head projecting fron
the middle, and the body comfortably bedded down into the sand of
their cage. Even a stick will hardly rouse them, and when taken wp
they move off in a leisurely fashion. At night they become more
active and wander about. I have never yet heard them hiss, but
when thoroughly excited will “rattle” the tip of the tail at great
speed. They feed freely upon mice, frogs and toads.
58 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. T.
Details of 7 specimens as follows :—
CosTALs
r : s 4 3
be tp o3 ie aoa =
2 Sg 9 ee P
4 gee sfie\|2| &
= ress} ut
ae 4022 &
a fe
Bangtaphan 2o., 2h. 17. 4,160) 38) Zande
” 23. 21. 17. |160| 37 | 7and8
23. 21. 17. |159] 37 | 8 and 8
” 21 21 Wee 150 48 7 and 8
Nong Kai Ploi : 22. 21. 17. |154|) 40 | 7 and 8
” 21 ail 19. 160 35 vf and 7
Kumpawapi Zi. 21. 17. 160.) 37 | S7 and 8
Their markings show but little variation. Above, they are
light or dark brown in color, with a faint pinkish tinge, and mottled
and clouded in varying degrees with darker. The vertebral line, and
the large triangular spots on either side of it, so characteristic of this
snake are, in the majority, jet black (instead of dark brown) and
have, when the snake has just cast its skin, a handsome, velvet-like
appearance.
At Bangtaphan this snake is known as ‘‘ngu maaw sao,” and at
Nong Kai Ploi as “ngu k#ba.” The former title may, however, be
given toany snake with large prominent spots upon the body.
MALCOLM SMITH.
January 31, 1914.
No X.—LARGE BANDED KRAIT.
An unusually large specimen of the Banded Krait (Bungarus
fasciatus) was recently killed in the compound of the Bangkok Nursing
Home. It was trodden upon by the house coolie when going out to
fetch water after dark, and was promptly dispatched by the remainder
of the staff, who came to his assistance. The enlarged tip of the tail
was unfortunately missing, but allowing 20 mm. for this, it measured,
without stretching, 2,020 mm. (6 ft. 74 in.) in total length, the tail
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 59
being 150 mm. Ventrals 212, sub-costals (allowing 6 for the missing
portion ) 35.
The only instance I can find of a Banded Krait larger than the
above was recorded in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History
Society, 31st October, 1911. It was killed at Koderma, E. I. Ry., by
Mr. Hayes, a Mine Manager, and measured 7 ft. in length.
MALCOLM SMITH.
September, 1913.
No. XI—NOTE ON AN INLAND SEA CAVE IN MUANG PRAN.
In a country where such excessive upheavals of the earth’s
crust took place in early geological times, and where we have now
comparatively recent deposits lying close to the very oldest igneous
rocks, it is not surprising that some evidences have been discovered of
present day land movement.
IT have for some time held the opinion that the whole of this
Peninsula is gradually tilting from East to West, and the following
note gives, I think, further strength to my theory.
At Muang Pran, where | was surveying last season, there is a
hill known as Sam Roi Yot (300 Points ). It is an isolated mass of
limestone, rising vertically from the plain, at a distance of two miles
from the coast, Seen from a distance, it has all the appearance of an
island, the surrounding plain lying very low. On the seaward side
there are springs of fresh water, and the land is taken up with gardens.
On the land side is a large swamp, which dries up in the hot season,
leaving a winding steam of brackish water. The soil is salt and only
suitable for growing coconuts and long grass. At the southern end of
the mass, on the landward side, I found a cave and the general over-
hanging appearance of sea erosion on the rock. The cave is at present
well above the high water sea level, but was reached by the fresh
water flood of 1912. Viewed from the top of the hill, the ground
shows the distinct form of an old sea beach which is not now reached
by the high water spring tides.
On the whole I conclude that Sam Roi Yot was at some not
very distant date surrounded by the sea, and what I observed tends to
show that the hill has risen. My conclusion is further strengthened
by the general silting up which is found upon the shore of this coast,
whilst the opposite coast in Trang does not show the same effect, but
appears rather to be sinking—thus showing a tilt of the Peninsula
towards the West.
S. W. MASTERMAN.
November, 30, 1913.
[Since we naturally expect to find stream-erosion caves in limestone, it
should be carefully ascertained whether there are any traces of an old eave
stream. It would be interesting also to learn if any other evidence is forth-
coming to support Mr. Masterman’s theory of this land movement,—ds. |
60 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS.
INAUGURAL MERTING.
The Society was founded at a meeting held at Mr. W. J. F.
Williamson’s house on the 4th February 1915, attended by Messrs.
S. H. Cole, E. J. Godfrey, C. L. Groundwater, EH. A. Laydeker, J. J.
McBeth, J.G. Raggi, Dr. A. C. Rankin, Mr. H. Rieschick, Dr. M.
Smith, Capt. W. Sprater, and Messrs. EH. W. Trotter, W. G. Weeks,
and W. J. F. Williamson.
At that meeting resolutions were passed defining the objects
of the Society and providing for the drawing up of rules, and a sub-
committee, consisting of Messrs. Williamson, Raggi and Cole, was ap-
pointed for the latter purpose.
The next meeting was held at Mr. Trotter’s house on the 4th
March 1913, when the provisional rules drafted by the sub-committee
were submitted and approved. The following office bearers for the
year 1913 were then elected, viz., President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson ;
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer pro tem., Mr. J. G. Raggi; and a com-
mittee including Capt. W. Sprater, Dr. M. Smith and Mr. W. G.
Weeks.
The duties of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer were handed over
to Mr. W. G. Weeks shortly after this meeting.
Ist ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at Mr. J. G. Raggi’s house on the 19th March
1913, when Mr. E. J. Godfrey exhibited his collection of Siamese but-
terflies and gave some explanatory remarks thereon.
2np ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This meeting took place at Dr. M. Smith’s house on 25th
June 19138, when Dr. Smith read a paper on ‘Some common
species of snakes found in Bangkok.” About 15 kinds were
dealt with and a number of specimens shown, both alive and in spirits.
Dr. Smith also exhibited the skin of a Serow or Goat-Antelope shot
at Koh Lak by Mr. T. 8. Butler, and four skulls of animals of the
same genus were shown by Dr. Smith and Mr. A. H. Duke. Mr. J. J.
McBeth exhibited the skin of a Fire-backed Pheasant obtained at Pak
Chong.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING.
A special meeting was held on the 22nd July 1915 at Mr. E.
A. Laydeker’s house to witness a demonstration of bird skinning by
Mr. Laydeker.
3rd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This took place at Mr. W. J. F. Williamson’s house on the 17th
September 19138, when there were present 22 members and 2 guests,
to hear a paper read by Mr. Williamson on ‘The Common Birds of
Bangkok.” Specimens of 55 species of the commoner birds were
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 61
exhibited during the course of the paper. Mr. E. A. Laydeker exhi-
bited the skins of some bats, and Dr. Smith some specimens of a rare
frog (Glyphoglossus molossus) and a rare skink (Lygosoma isodactylum ).
Subsequent to this meeting, the duties of Hon. Secretary and
Treasurer were handed over by Mr. Weeks to Mr. K. G. Gairdner.
4th ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 4th Decem-
ber 1913, when 24 members and 1 guest were present. The first
business was the consideration of a revised and amplified draft of the
rules of the Society, submitted by the Committee. These were passed
after some discussion and amendment-—the most important alteration
being the raising of the subscription from Tes. 5 to Tes. 25 per annum
in order to meet the cost of publishing a Journal by the Society. Mr.
W. J. F. Williamson and Dr. M. Smith were appointed Editors of the
Journal.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner then read a paper entitled “Notes on the
Fauna and Flora of the Ratburi and Petchaburi Districts”. A coloured
chart of the districts was shown and also a coloured drawing made by
Mr. E Healey of a rare Ibis, of which a specimen had been obtained
by Mr. Gairdner. At the conclusion of the paper Dr. M. Smith
exhibited some species of snakes not previously recorded from Siam.
Mr. J. J. McBeth showed the skin of a Marbled Cat.
Mr. S. H. Cole attended this meeting in the capacity of Hon.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Society, having taken over the duties
of that office from Mr. Gairdner who was shortly proceeding on duty
up-country.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1913.
INCOME. EXPENDITURE.
Les: Ves:
Subscriptions for 1913 0... 275.00 |) Postage .., as ten, LOLG6
Subscriptions for 1914 Stationery and account
paid in advance... 15.00 books: x. swears Ok ee
7 | Printing ... SOC jase | 4-00
a Mots C: Wes. 40.81" WG. AG
egy
Balanee in hand on 31st
ae Deer U9TS.9 Lesh oasis
Total ies 73... 280.00 Votal se, Tess! 224 290100
Bangkok, (Sd) 8. 4s: COLK,
21st February, 1914 Hon. Secretary and Treasurer.
62 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Bailey, J. Manaud, Dr. A.
Barron, P. A. R. : Mannsfeldt, M.
Bazton, ©. 5. Massey, H. K.
Bonnafous, H. McBeth, J. J.
Brewitt-Taylor, bL. Mohr, A.
Butler, T. 8S.
Nesbitt, P.
Canbiaso, Marquis F. Nunn, W.
Carthew, Dr. M.
Cole, S. H. Ornstein, Dr. med. O.
Couper-Johnston. D.
Craig, R. D. Paget, F.
Palmer, W. L.
Dietrich, G.
Due-Petersen, Dr. Raggi, J. G.
Duke, A. H. Rankin, Dr. A. C.
Remy, Dr. jar. EH.
Hisenhofer, E. Rieschick, H.
Elwes, G. F. W. Robert, Dr. hs.
Rogers, B. H.
Forty, C. H. Ross, D.
Gairdner, K. G. Schaefer, Dr. med. F.
Gilmore, W. M. Slack, T. A.
Godfrey, E. J. Smith, E. Wyon.
Groundwater, C. L. Smith, Dr, M.
Groves, Mrs. 8. P. Spigno, A. B.
Sprater, Major W.
Harrop, F. S.
Healey, E. Thong Thicayu, Capt. Mom Chao
Hepburn, Dr. H. H.
Herbert, E. G. Ward, To. Js, ai. Bs Me. V5.0.
Webb, G. E.
Irwin, A. J. Weeks, W. G.
Williamson, W. J. F.
Kemp, P. RB. Volt, or:
Lambert, S. G. Wates, “Hf. Cy St.-d%
Laydeker, KE. A.
Lucius, Dr. R.
Tupsa, I.
lyons, J. R. C,
63
LIST OF WORKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
RELATING TO SIAM.
S99 TS
Author. Title of Work. | Price. | Publisher.
ZOOLOG ¥.
GENERAL.
| Cambridge Natural| 17s. per
History, 10 vols, vol,
MamMMALS.
W. T. Blanford Fauna of British India. | £1-0-0 | Taylor and Francis,
vol: -11891- Red Lion Court,
Fleet Street, Lon-
don.
Capt. S. S. Flower | On the Mammalia of Proceedings of Zco-
Siam and the Malay logical Society of
Peninsula. 1900. London.
Birps.
I. W. Oates A Handbook to the 15s. R. H. Porter, 6 Ten-
Birds of British Bur- terden Street, Loa-
ma. 2 vols. 1883 (out don, W
of print).
i. W. Oates and Fauna of British India. 65s. Taylor and Francis,
W. T. Blanford 4 vols 1889-1898, Red Lion Cour,
Fleet Street, Lon-
don.
Douglas Dewar Indian Birds. A Key] Rs. 5-4-0 | John Lane, The Bod-
to the Common Birds ley Head, Vigo
of the Plains of India. Street, London.
Companion volume to
the Bird volumes of
the Fauna of British
India.
H, C. Robinson and) On Birds from the Nor- “The Ibis,’ October,
C. B. Kloss thern Portion of the 1910 and January
Malay Peninsula. 1911.
64
a
Author.
K. C. Stuart Baker
Do. Do
Col. A. Le Mes-
surier
Hume and Mar-
shall.
Frank Finn
Do. Do:
‘Do: Do.
Dos peo:
KX. G. Gairdner
Court Nils
Gyldenstolpe
E. Oustalet
Title of Work.
Indian Ducks and their
Allies. (out of print)
Indian Pigeons and
Doves. 19138.
Game, Shore and
Water Birds of
India. 1904.
Game Birds of India.
1899, (out of print).
How to know the Indian
Waders. 1906.
The Waterfowl of India
and Asia. 1909.
The Game
India and
Oe
Birds of
Asia.
The Birds of Caleutta.
1904.
List of the Commoner
Birds found in Siam.
1912.
birds collected by the
Swedish Zoological
Expedition to Siam,
1911-12.
Les Oiseaux de Cam-
bodge, Laos et I’ Indo-
Chine.* 2 parts. 1898
& 1904.
|
Rs.
Rs.
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Publisher.
Witherby and Co.,
London.
W. Thacker and Co.,
2 Creed Lane,
London.
Thacker, Spink and
Co., Calcutta.
Do. Do.
Do. Do.
Do. Do.
Journal of the Siam
Society, Vol. IX,
Part I.
R. Friedlander und
Sohn, 11 Carls-
trasse, Berlin.
Wim. Wessley & Son,
28 Essex Street,
Strand, London.
Librairie C. Klinck-
_sieck, 11 Rue de
Lille, Paris.
Arch. Mus. Paris.
{ * This work was unknown to us at the time of writing the Editorial.
Unfortunately the author died before the 3rd part cquld be written —Lds. |
LIST OF WORKS ON NATURAL HISTORY.
or)
or
Author |
Title of Work.
. Boulenger
. Boulenger
Major F. Wall
Do. Do.
=
M. F. Mocquard
Capt. 8S. S. Flower
Do
Do.
G. A. Boulenger
Rerrin1A AND Batra- |
CHIA.
Fauna of British India. |
1 vol. 1890. |
i
Fauna of the Malay
Peninsula. 1 vol. 1913. |
The Poisonous Terres- |
tial Snakes of our |
British Indian Domi- |
nions (including Cey-
lon) and how to re-
cognize them, 1913.
Monograph of Sea-
Snakes.
Les Reptiles de I’ Indo-
Chine. 1907.
Second collection — of
Reptiles made in the
Malay Peninsnla and
Siam, 1899.
Second collection of
Batrachians made in
the Malay Peninsula
and Siam, 1899.
Catalogue of Reptiles
inthe British Museum.
1884-1896.
7 vols. Chelonians, 1 vol.
Lizards, 3 vols.
Snakes, 3 vols.
FIsHEs.
Fauna of British India,
2 vols.
Price.
£1-0-0
£2-0-0
| Publisher.
Taylor and Francis,
Red Lion Court,
Fleet Street, Lon-
don.
Taylor and Francis,
Red Lion Court,
Fleet Street, Lon-
don.
Bombay Natural His-
tory Society.
The Asiatic Society.
Librairie Maritime et
Coloniale, 17 Rue
| Jacob, Paris.
Proceedings of Zoo-
logical Society of
| London. ©
|
|
Do. De.
Taylor and Francis,
Red Lion ~ Court,
Fleet Street, Lon-
don.
66 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Author.
Title of Work.
Distant
Marshall and Nice-
ville
Mocre
Mor re
LEPIDOPTERA.
Rhopalocera Malayana.
Description of the
Butterflies of the Ma-
lay Peninsula, 46 co-
loured plates. 1882-86.
The Butterflies of India,
Burma aud Ceylon,
5 vols
Vol I. 1886.
Vol II. 1888.
Vol IIT. 1890.
Lepidoptera Indica,
480 coloured plates.
5 vols. 1890-1902.
| The Lepidoptera of Cey-
| lon, 215 coloured
| plates. 3 vols. 1880-87.
Dr. Adalbert Seitz | The Macrolepidoptera
Sir J. D. Hooker
S. Kurz
Sir Dietrich
Brandis
W. G. Cruaib.
of the World ( Issued
in Parts. In publica-
tion).
|
| FLORA.
|
The Flora of British In-
dia, 7 vols. 1875-1897.
Forest Flora of British
Burma. 2 vols. 1877.
Indian Trees. 1907.
| Contributions to the
Flora of Siam.
| Dicotyledones. 1912.
Monocotyledones, 1913.
BANGKOK TIMES IMP.
7
Price. Publisher.
Is. 6d. per
Part,
L. Reeve & Co., 6
Henrietta Street,
London.
Superintendent — of
Government Print-
ing, Calcutta.
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and Co., 10, Orange
Street, Leicester
Square, London.
University of Aber-
deen, Scotland.
THE
JOURNAL
Natural History Society of Siam.
NOL ly INO. 2.
ew LISS
Py JUL 25 1917 st
4 eZ
onal muse
Issued August, 1914.
EDITED BY
~ Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
~ Price to Non-Members, Re eee oe Peg 4:00
AGENTS:
‘LONDON: =. LEIPZIG:
LUZAC & Co. OTTO HARRASSOWITZ.
THE
OU RN ACL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
Neen. ING. 2.
ncontan ’ nstity»
Se ‘, .
& JUL 25 1917 =
Kh,
‘ten al M ysor™
Issued August, 1914.
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members, : | Tes. 4.00
AGENTS:
LONDON: LEIPZIG:
LUZAC & Co. OTTO HARRASSOWITZ.
CONTENTS.
—EEE 7
Descriptions OF NEW REPTILES FROM S14M. With a plate.
By G. A. Boulenger, L.L.D., D.Sc., PH.D., F.R.S. With
notes by Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., ee
THe Birps oF Ban@Kox. Part I, with 2 plates. By
W. J. F. Williamson A adc ie
THE SNAKES OF BanGkox. Part II, with 3 plates. By
Maleolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., - see
A sHort List or BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG Deieee By
C. S. Barton
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
1.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. A
Reply. By G. F. Weston Elwes .. Are
I].—Seasonal oily secretion in Gaur or Seladang.
With a plate. By K. G. Gairdner
IiI.—Distribution of the “‘ Lamang” Deer (Cervus old
platyceros). By A. J. Irwin. “oh
1V.—Note on two rare Mammals, Berdmore’s Rat
(Hapalomys longicaudatus), and Fea’s Muntjac
‘Cervulus feae). By K. G. Gairdner PY
V.—Note on Langur Monkeys, By K. G. Gairdner
VI.—Large horns of Malay Sambar (Cervus unicolor
equinus). Witha plate. By K. G. Gairdner
Vil.—Occurrence of the Indian Three-toed Kingfisher
(Ceyx tridactyla) in Bangkok. By E. G.
Herbert :
VIII.—Note on the Red-breasted Paine Gu
fasciatus), By E. G. Herbert
{X.—Small Minivet (Pericrocotus perigrinus) breeding
in Bangkok. By E.G, Herbert ... se
X.—Occurrence of the Chinese Francolin (Francolinus
chinensis) in Bangkok. By A.J. Irwin ...
X1I.—Some interesting Birds found near the Western
Boundary. By J. F. Keddie
PAGE.
105
17
118
118
Ul)
120
121
PAGE.
X11.--Occurrence of the Krait ( Bungarus candidus ),
and the Small-spottea Coral Snake ( Callophis
maculiceps ) in Siam. A new color variety
of the latter. By Malcolm Smith was
XIII.—Sluggishness of a Python. By K.G. Gairdner... 125
X1IV.—On the breeding habits of the Tentacle Snake
( Herpeton tentaculatum ) and Hypsirhina
enhydris. By Malcolm Smith ... ats SO
XV.—Note on a rare Lizard ( Lygosoma isodactylum ).
With a plate. By Malcolm Smith san ET
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS ... as wee pn, elie
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
August 1914. Vou i No, 2.
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW REPTILES
FROM SIAM.
By G. A. BOULENGER, LL.D., pD.sc., PH.p., F.R.S.
WITH NOTES.
By MALCOLM SMITH, m.r.c.s., L.R.c.P.
T am indebted to Dr. Malcolm Smith for examples of the follow-
ing species of Reptiles which he suspected to be new to Science, and
which he has requested me to describe.
LYGOSOMA ANGUINOIDES.*
Section Lygosoma. Limbless. Snout short, rounded, project-
ing feebly beyond the mouth. Nostril pierced in the anterior part of
a large nasal, which is narrowly separated from its fellow: rostral
produced between the nasals: frontonasal nearly twice as broad as
long, forming a narrow suture with the rostral, and a broad one with
the frontal: praefrontals very small and widely separated: frontal as
long as broad, in contact with the first (largest) supraciliary and with
the first supraccular: three supraoculars, first largest: five supra-
ciliaries: frontoparietals distinct, about as large as the interparietal :
parietals narrow, forming a suture behind the interparietal, followed by
a pair of nuchals: six upper labials, first largest : symphysial very
* [The illustration of this new lizard is not yet completed and will appear
in the next number of the Journal. Eds. ]
68 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 1.
large : ear completely hidden. 22 smooth scales round the middle
of the body, dorsals a little larger than laterals and ventrals. A pair
of enlarged praeanals. Tail thick. Pale greyish brown, with a pair
of dark brown streaks along the riddle of the back and a_ broader
dorso-lateral pair; below the latter and on the belly, brown lines
run between the series of scales.
Total length 95 mm.: tail ( reproduced ) 35 mm.
The single specimen described was found benéath a log at
Bangtaphan.
This species is very closely related to the Australian [. ophio-
scincus, Blgr. (Ophioscincus australis, Peters), which differs in the
rostral forming a broader suture with the fron‘onasal and in the
broader frontal and parietals.
SIMOTES INORNATUS.
Nasal divided; portion of rostral seen from above, as long as
its distance from the frontal; suture between the internasals longer
than that between the praefrontals ; frontal as long as its distance from
the end of the snout, as long as the parietals ; loreal a little longer
than deep; one praeocular and two postoculars; no suboculars ;
temporais 142; eight upper labials, fourth and fifth entering the eye ;
four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields, which are
nearly twice as long as the posterior. Scales in 15 rows. Ventrals
171; and entire; subcaudals 42. Uniform pale brown above, yellowish
white beneath.
Total length 580 mm.; tail 90 mm.
A single male specimen from Nong Kai Pioi, KE. of Sriracha,
The number of rows of scales easily distinguishes this species
from S. violaceus, Cantor, to which it is most nearly related.
[This snake was collected and kindly forwarded to me by Mr.
Pp. A. R. Barron, of the Borneo Company, to whom I am also indebted
for a second specimen, which differs from the type description in the
following particulars. Portion of rostral seen from above, shorter than
its distance from the frontal: suture between the internasals equal to
to suture between the praefrontals. Loreal as long as deep. Ventrals
375. Subcaudals 40. Color. Above, dull, salmon-red (much brighter,
I am informed, in life) and with very faintly marked dark greyish
narrow cross-bars. Below, with indistinct, small, squarish spots, placed
laterally, in the posterior half of the body and tail. This specimen has _
been in my possession for some months, ye the handsome red coloring
has eradually faded until now it is nearly of the brown hue described
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siem WUo2 Vol.
SIMOTES INORNATUS. Xe.
FIY PSIARHINA SMITH. NAT. SIZE.
A 2s ; eae, = * , it) f
. gc seas, SH) RAREST A 7 Oe te alt Thar 4
7
}
DESCRIBTIONS OF NEW REPTILES FROM SIAM. 69
by Mr. Boulenger. Mr. Barron who saw both specimens when
fresh informs me, however, that the first one never showed any red
coloration. The drawing of the head, by Mr. C. L. Groundwater,
is from the second specimen, which will be also presented to the British
Museum.—M. SB. |
HYPSIRHINA SMITHII.
Rostral twice as broad as deep; internasal single, a little more
than twice as broad as long ; frontal scarcely broader than the supra-
ocular, twice as long as broad, as long as its distance from the end of
the snout, a little shorter than the parietals ; loreal as long as deep, in
contact with the internasal ; one praeocular, the lower part, on one side,
separated off as a subocular, two postoculars; temporals 1+2—38;
eight upper labials, fourth entering the eye; five lower labials in
contact with the anterior chin-shields ; posterior chin-shields hardly
distinguishable from the surrounding scales. Scales in 21 rows
Ventrals 121; anal divided ; subcaudals 56. Head and anterior part
of the body grey above, with a zigzag vertebral band formed of
confluent large black spots, and black on the sides and beneath,
the black being interrupted by light pinkish bars which are continued
as irregular series of yellow spots across the belly ; posterior part of
body irridescent black, with incomplete narrow annuli, which are
pinkish. above and yellow beneath; upper surface of head spotted
with black, with a black U-shaped mark from the angle of the mouth
to the parietal. Tongue whitish (in life).
Total length 400 mm. ; tail 80 mm. .
A single female specimen from the river Menam at Bangkok.
This species, named after Dr. Malcolm Smith, is very closely
allied to H. jagorii, Peters, from which it differs in the narrower
frontal shield and, very strikingly, in the coloration.
[This snake was canght by a small boy whilst shrimping off
Messrs. L.T Leonowens, Ltd., and kindly sent me by Mr. Miller.
I kept it alive for four months. It had the sluggish disposition that
is found in so many of the fresh-water snakes, and never male any
attempt to bite when handled. It was not strictly aquatic, and lived
quite as much on the land as in the water. On one occasion it ate
a fish, but afterwards refused all food.—M.S.]
Dr. Malcolm Smith has pointed out to me that two distinct
forms have been confounded by Giinther and by myself under the name
of Simotes taeniatus.. One, with 17 rows of scales and a blackish spot
70, JOURNAL, NATURAL AUST. SOCTHTY OnrTs iis: ay ol, a:
at the base of the tail and another at the end, has been figured by
Giinther (Rept. Brit. Ind., pl. XX. fig. A). The other, with 19
rows of scales and without the spots on the tail has been described and
figured by Janas S. quadrilineatus. Unfortunately, the latter name
is a strict synonym of S. taeniatus, Giinther’s original description
(P. Z. S. 1861, p. 189) having been drawn up from a single specimen
of the same form; so that | am compelled to propose a new name,
var. Mouhoti, for the snake figured in the Reptiles of British India,
I should have regarded these two forms as species, as Dr. Malcolm
Snsith, who has examined many specimens, finds them always quite
distinct from each other, but for the fact that a specimen from Laos in
the British Museum combines the number of scales of S. taeniatus
with the coloration of S. Mouhoti. Dr, Malcolm Smith further points
out a difference in the colour of the tongue, which is entirely reddish
in the former, and black at the base and at the tips in the latter.
[I have now examined altogether some 40 specimens of these
two forms from various parts of the country, and the fact that I had
so far always found them distinct from each other, led me to think
that they should be ranked as species. Both are equally common in
Bangkok, but the form with 19 rows of scales is rare outside. The
following are the various points of difference, drawn up from notes of
Iny Own specimens.
S. Mouhoti.
(Drawn up from 25 specimens.)
S taeniatus.
(Drawn up from 15 specimens.)
19 rows of scales.
Tongue red.
Posterior
shaped,
No tail-bars or collar.
Subocular rarely present.
Ventrals 155—167.
Temporals 2+ 2, rarely 1+2.
head-mark arrow
17 rows of scales.
Tongue black at the base and
tips.
Posterior
shaped.
1 or 2 tail-bars and a more or
less complete collar. (Any or
all occasionally absent).
Subocular generally present.
Ventrals 144—163.
Temporals 142, rarely 242.
head-mark heart
I should be grateful to any member of the Society who will
forward me further sjecimens ior examination. A description of the
two forms will be feund in the article on the Snakes-of Bangkok, in
this number.— M. S.]
71
>THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON,
xe
INTRODUCTION.
In the last number of the Journal, I published a Preliminary
List of the Birds of Bangkok, and stated that, with the present
number, I hoped to commence a serial paper giving some account of
the appearance, habits, etc., of the birds of this locality.
Comparatively little has been done, up to the present, in the
way of a systematic study of the birds of Siam. A few local collections
have been made and some papers issued, the earliest, of which I have
any record, being Capt. Stanley S. Flower’s Birds of a Bangkok Garden,
published in The Ibis in the late nineties of the last century. This
includes 28 birds only, and is of very slight value. The same may be
said of the list of Siamese birds, numbering 75 species (some of them
unidentified), given in an appendix to Mr. H. Warington Smyth's
Five Years in Siam, published in 1898. The only part of the country
which has been worked with any degree of thoroughness is the western
portion of Siamese Malaya, from Trang southward. In 1908 and 1909,
this district was visited by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, of the
Federated Malay States Museums, who published in The Ibis, in
1910-11, a paper giving a complete list of all the birds obtained or
observed by them or their collectors.* The paper in question, which
enumerates some 270 species, is the most important contribution yet
made to our knowledge of Siamese avifauna. It is to be remarked,
however, that the area covered by these contributors includes, not only
Trang, but also the adjacent Langkawi group of Islands, together with
Perlis and the northern portion of the State of Kedah as far south as
the mouth of the Kedah river. These places were all Siamese territory
at the time they were visited, but, before the paper was issued, a large
part of the area mentioned had passed under British protection by
*As stated by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, Trang had been previously
visited in 1896, 1897 and 1899, by Dr. W. L. Abbott, the well-known
American naturalist, who formed a magnificent collection of bird-skins. Unfor-
tunately, however, no full account of this has ever been issued, though a few
species have been described.
72 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vel. T.
virtue of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. As localities are not
always stated by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, it is possible that some
of the birds given in this paper were not found in what is now
Siamese territory.
Next in chronological order is Mr. K. G. Gairdner’s List of the
Commoner Birds found in Siam, which was published in 1912 in the
Journal of the Siam Society, and comprises some 140 species, for the
most part personally obtained or observed by Mr, Gairdner in
different parts of the country, including 26 in Bangkok. An interest-
ing feature of the list is the attempt which has been made to give the
Siamese names of a number of the birds mentioned.
Finally, we have the paper published in 1913 by Count Nils
Gyldenstolpe, the Swedish naturalist who spent nearly six months in
Siam between November 1911 and May 1912. This contains a list of
191 birds collected or observed in various localities ranging from
Sriracha and Koh-si-chang in the south, to about as far as Dene-chai
in the north. It is a notable addition to the published lists of our
avifauna,
The descriptions in this paper will be as full as is considered
necessary to enable the various species to be readily identified, but no
attempt will be made to render them technically complete. Further,
in order to avoid undue detail, one measurement only will usually be
given, viz., the total length of the bird, but collectors are recommended
to take and record the following measurements :—
Length, From tip of bill to tip of longest tail feather, with the
bird laid flat. .
Tail. From root of tail to tip of longest tail feather.
Wingy. From bend of wing to tip of longest primary.
Tarsus. From centre of joint connecting tarsus with tibia, to
basal joint of middle toe.
Bill. From tip of bill to angle of gape.
No remarks will be made on the nesting habits of the species
dealt with. The reason for this omission is two-fold. In the first
place, any notes on the subject, however slight, would unduly increase
the length of this paper, and so retard its completion. Secondly, one
of the members of the Society is making a special study of the nests
and eggs of Siamese birds, and it is hoped that he may be in a position
before very long to give us the benefit of his observations on this most
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
|
Co
interesting feature of bird-life. It has, accordingly, been deemed
advisable, at this juncture, to refrain from dealing with the subject in
what would necessarily (owing to lack of adequate material) have been
an incomplete manner.
As was the case with the Preliminary List published in the
last number of the Journal, the classification and nomenclature of the
birds here described are taken from the Fuuna of British India—Birds,
by Oates and Blanford, and the numbers in brackets are those of that
work, Species described in this paper, which were not included in the
Preliminary List, are marked with an asterisk. (*)
The area within which the birds dealt with have been obtained,
is that comprised by the City and its suburbs, together with the
surrounding country within easy walking distance thereof. This
limitation of area has been adopted with a view to rendering the paper
of particular use to those residents of the Capital (and they are
doubtless many) whose opportunities for observation are confined to
Bangkok and its immediate neighbourhood.
The following is a list of the principal books and papers to which
references will be made, but the names of the authors only will be
quoted, in order to avoid repetition of the titles of the works :—
leiitordiss: eae: coon cater ces W. T. Blanford. The Fauna of British
india=—Birdss ~ Vols» Tl and TVs
1895 and 1898.
Gyldenstolpe,cosc2..8<.0: Count Nils Gyldenstolpe. Swedish
Zoological Expedition to Siam. 1913.
Gree aN phe aR Kugene W. Oates. The Fauna of
British India—Birds. Vols. I and
Il. 1889 and 1890.
| B:(@) 9707 109 0 aa ne ae Herbert C. Robinson. <A Hand-List
of the Birds of the Malay Peninsula,
south of the Isthmus of Kra. 1910.
Robinson and Kloss...Herbert C. Robinson and C. B. Kloss.
On Birds from the Northern Portion
of the Malay Peninsula, including the
Islands of Langkawi and Terutau.
The Ibis. 1910-11.
74 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 1.
It may be appropriate to make a few remarks’ here on the
subject of the Siamese names for, birds. In Siamese, the word for
Bird is yn (Nok), and this is usually prefixed to the particular
A
species to be described—thus, yn mnia (Nok ti t’hong, literally,
the Goldbeater-bird, 7.e., the Coppersmith or Barbet ), in much the
same way as we say Weaver-bird or Tailor-bird. In English,
however, these descriptive names are the exception, whereas
in Siamese they are the rule—only a very few birds not having
the syllable Nok prefixed to their names, such as 17 (Ka, Crow),
una (Reng, Vulture), etc. Domestic poultry, again, and other allied
species, have special names of their own, as In (Kai, Fowl), with
its derivatives In 199 (Kai-nguang, Turkey), In Wi (Kai-fa, Pheasant),
{nan (Kai-pa, Jungle Fowl), {ny (Kai-na, literally, Field Chicken,
a name properly applicable to the large Grey Quail) ; (ym (Ped,* Duck),
with its derivatives «Jf 1 (Ped-nam, Teal), ete. ; wi (Ian, Goose) ;
and voy (Hongs,f Swan).
The term wn ny ay (Nok Ikrachib) is a general one applied to
small birds of more or less inconspicuous plumage, and is also used, with
. . , . . sd
descriptive affixes, to denote particular species—thus yn nts Vu Nyy sr
( Nok hrachib kvasat ), i.e., the common ailor-bird. It has also to be
; a j ;
remarked that, colloquially, the prefix @ (J),§| denoting a female of
. . . , . 4 mi ean
low rank, is often applied to a number of birds, e. g., ani ( I-ka,
Crow); AUT ( l-réng, Vulture ) ; un uy ( Nok i-@n, Swallow ),
&e. It is, however, usually omitted both in polite conversation and in
writing.
Needless to say, Siamese names vary according to locality, as do
popular names in most countries, and even in the same locality
different names will often be given to the same bird—probably owing
to want of exact knowledge of the bird itself. I have endeavoured to
*The d of Ped is pronounced more like a t.
+ The » of /Zongs is silent,
{ ‘To be pronounced like the {nglish yowel /.
Journal’ Nat. Hist. Soc, Siam. No.2. Vol.1.
EAR COVERTS
UPPER TAIL-COVERTS fog VOSE
ES
(VE
PR)
Diagram of Bird.
fa)
<
Ww
2
w
i
fe)
re
UPPER
MANO! BLE
CHIN
LOWER MANOIBLE
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 75
sift these variations, and the Siamese names given in this paper are,
it is believed, those by which the birds concerned are generally known
in Bangkok. In this matter, and in the orthography of the words,
I have received most valuable aid from H.R. H. Prince Chandaburi
and H. H. Prince Bidyalankarana, to whom my grateful thanks are
tendered.
In transtiterating Siamese names, for the purposes of this paper,
aspirated consonants are represented by the corresponding unaspirated
letters, followed by an /,—thus the aspirated i is written kh, the
aspirated ch is written chk, and soon. In the case, however, of the
aspirated p and ¢, an apostrophe (” ) is introduced between the letter
concerned and the accompanying h —as ph and th, to avoid
the possibility of the ph or th being pronounced like an f, as in the
English word pheasant, or like th, asin the English words then, thin,
&c. All vowels are to be pronounced as in Italian, and long ones are
marked with a stroke over them—thus a. For the transliteration of
the names, [ alone am responsible.
The accompanying plate shows the diagram of a bird, with the
names of the various parts ot its body and plumage. Most of the
terms need no explanation, but the following definitions may be
useful :—
Lores. Space in front of the eye.
Primaries. Outermost 9 or 10 quills of the wing.
Secondaries. Quills springing from the radius and ulna.
Superciliwm. Space between the eye and the crown.
I have again to express my great obligations to Mr. H.C.
Robinson, Director of Museums, Federated Malay States, for his
kindness in identifying, or confirming the identification of, the birds
mentioned in this paper.
CSS |
S3
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. “Vol. I
ORDER-PASSERES.
Family CORVIDA—Crows, Magpies, &c.
> 4 (4). Cervus macrorhynchus. The Jungle—Crow.
Siamese, m (Ka).
Deseri ition. Length up to 208 rm. 20 in, 3 ( Jolour black
lL to} ? 5
th roughout
all the feathers, except those of the neck, having a
decided gloss.
Bill and legs, black. Iris, dark brown. In young _ birds
which [ have examined, the base of the bill and the gular skin
are pale pinkish flesh-colour, while the iris is bluish grey, changing
gradually to dark grey, and thence te dark brown, as the bird gets
older.
Habits, &. This bird is exceedingly abundant in Bangkok,
and is a regular frequenter of our gardens all the year round.
The majority of the crows of Bangkok appear to roost on the
west side of the river, though the high trees round some of the Wats
and other old buildings on the east side are also favourite roosting
places. Towards sunset, crows from all parts of Bangkok may be seen
Happing their leisurely way (always ina westerly direction ) to the
places where they are to spend the night,
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang (Robinson and Kloss ),
and astern, Central and Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe ). Probably
to be tound almost everywhere throughout the country.
[Note. Gyldenstolpe states that @. tasolens (The Burmese
House-Crow ) is ‘“‘ very common in Bangkok and its neighbour-
hood’? (. iusolens is smaller than the present species, and has a
conspicuous dull brown neck. I have never seen any such bird here.]
P2121 ). Crypsirhina variaus. Tne Black Racket-tatled
Magpie.
Siamese, nau (Ka wen).
oo
Description, Length, 330 mm. (138 in.), of which the tail
measures nearly 203 mm. ( 8 in. ). Whole plumage black, with
a bronze-green metallic gloss, except on the forehead and round the
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 77
eye, where the feathers are of a dull velvety black. The centre pair
of tail feathers are noticeably spatulate in form.
Bill and legs, black. Ivris, pale blue.
Habits, &e., This “fine little Magpie”, as it is called by
Oates, occurs sparingly in the suburbs of Bangkok, and though it
usually keeps away from the neighbourhood of houses, | have seen it
in my compound in Sathon Road several times. It appears to be
resident here, as my specimens, though not numerous, were obtained
at intervals throughout the year.
This bird is strictly arboreal in its habits, and I have always
observed it either in pairs, or three or four together (perhaps a family),
searching the tips ef branches of trees, including bamboos, for
insects—the while uttering its not unmusical single note, Ah.
Distribution. The only other recorded lecality is Northern Siam
( Gyldenstolpe ), but I have met with it also at Ayuthia and Koh Lak,
Family CRATEROPODIDA—Laughing Thrushes,
Babblers, Ete.
+*3 (160). Turdinus abbotti. Adlsott’s Babbler.
Deseription. Taength, 182 mm. (6 in.). Upper plumage, olive
brown, with a rufous tinge on the back, the rufous becoming brighter
on the upper tail-coverts. Chin and throat, whitish, shading into
rufous on the breast and abdomen, the lower portion of the abdomen.
and especially the under tail-coverts, being brighter rufous.
Distribution. With the exception of Trang, where it is reported
as “rather scarce” (Robinson and Kloss), there appears to be no other
record of its occurrence in Siam. My single specimen (a male) was
obtained in February 1914, near Wat Insri, to the south of Bangkok.
+4 (176). Mbxornis rubricapillus. The Yellow-bireasted
Babbler.
Description. Length, 127 mm. (5in.). Forehead and crown,
dull ferruginous ; vest of upper plumage, olive green. Chin, throat
and breast, pale yellow with black shaft-stripes ; centre of abdomen,
plain yellow ; remainder of lower plumage, ashy with yellow tinge.
Tris, dull white, Bill, brown. Legs, fleshy horn-colour.
ml
[o.0)
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. £-
Flabits, ete. In Bangkok I have only met with this bird on the
west side of the river. It is fairly common there in the fruit and
betel-nut gardens which abound in that neighbourhood, and is pro-
bably also to be found in other similar localities round Bangkok.
The bird hops and ffits about bushes and low trees, searching
tor insects, and is somewhat of a skulker, having the habit of taking
refuge in the recesses of a thick bush or bamboo-clump, when alarmed,
and is then very difficult to dislodge. Its note is a trisyllabic one,
or-r chee chee.
Distribution. Gyldenstolpe records this bird from Northern
Siam, and I have procured it both at Ayuthia and at Koh Lak, in
scrub jungle. Oates states that it is found in Tenasserim to a little
south of Tavoy, where it is replaced by an allied species, M. gularis,
which occurs in Southern Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula to
Sumatra. As Koh Lak is about 260 km. (160 nules) south of Tavoy,
it would appear that M. rubricajillus extends lower down in this
country than it does in Burma, and it will be interesting to see what
is 1ts southerly limit in Siam.
4.5 (243). Aegithina tiphia. The Common Iora.
aaa ets ee : = Mee
Siamese, wnnarsaudna (Nok krachib si t huat).
Description. Length, 137 mm. (5.4 in.), Male. Upper plu-
mage, more or less black in summer, yellowish green in winter, except
the wings and tail which are always black —the former with two white
bars and with the quills narrowly edged with yellow. Lower plumage,
bright yellow from: chin to breast, shading into greenish yellow from
the abdomen to the under tail-coverts. Female. Entire upper
plumage, greenish at all seasons, the tail duskier, and the quills
blackish brown with yellowish edges—the two white bars being present,
asin the male. Lower plumage, greenish yellow.
Tris, yellowish white. Bill, bluish black. Legs, plumbeous.
Habits, ets. This pretty little bird is a resident species, and is
generally found singly or in pairs, searching for its insect food among
the leaves of trees. While so engaged, it utters its various melodious
t The 6 of krachtb, in this and other places where it occurs, is pro-
nounced more like ap. The werds s¢ fiua mean ‘ bean-coloured ”’.
THE BILDS OF BANGKOK.
SSI
Jen)
notes. One of these is a soft and rather long drawn-out trill, and
another is a quick whistling call of whee-o whee-o. Its most remark-
able note, however, which it not unfrequently utters, is a long, slow
whistle of two syllables, corresponding to the musical notes e and g
sharp.
This bird may be looked for in every Bangkok garden, but
it is more often heard than seen, owing to its small size, its strictly
arboreal habits, and the manner in which its colouration blends with
that of the foliage among which it is always found.
Distribution. Also recorded from Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe),
and Trang (Robinson and Kloss).
* 6 (288). Otocompsa emeria. The Bengal Red-whiskered
Bulbul.
Siamese, ynalanva lau (Nok parod hua khonf).
Description. Length, 190 mm (7.4 in.). Forehead and crown,
black—the feathers of the Jatter being elongated into a conspicuous
crest 19 mm. (.75 in.) long; a small crimson patch below and
behind the eye; upper neck, back and wings, brown; tail, dark
brown—the outer four or five feathers on each side, tipped with white.
Lower plumage, white, except the under tail-coverts, which are
ermson.
Distribution. Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ); Phrae ( Gyldens-
tolpe). Mr. E.G. Herbert informs me that it is common at Paknampo.
i obtaimed one specimen of this handsome bird in my garden in
October 1913, and there is another. in the Museum here marked
“ Bangkok” in, | am told, Flowers handwriting.
+ 7 (298). Pycnonotus analis. The Yellow-vented Bulbul.
~—Siamese, yn Uren wud ugu (Nok parod na nuanf).
Description. Length, 203 mm. (8in.). The whole upper
plumage, brown, darker on the head; a broad supercilium, white ;
t The d of parod, in the names of this and the next two birds, 1s
pronounced more like a t. he words hua khon mean “ mask-headed.”
t The words na nuan mean “ powdered-faced”’.
80: JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCLETY -OF STAM. ~~ Vol.
lores, black; cheeks, chin and throat, whitish. Breast, brown ;
abdomen, whitish brown, the sides darker ; under tail-coverts, sulphur
yellow.
Iris, brown. Bill and legs, blac.
Habits, dc. This is a resident bird, and is regularly met with
in our gardens, though on the whole it occurs somewhat sparingly,
being very much less common than the next species. From the latter
it may be distinguished by the amount of white on the sides of its
head, the brighter yellow of its under tail-coverts, and its more melo-
dious liquid notes. It is generally to be seen in pairs, and is a some-
what shy bird.
Distribution. Robinson and Kloss only came across two or
three specimens of the Yellow-vented Bulbul in Trang. I can find no
other record of its occurrence in this country.
+8 (306). Pycnonotus blanfordi. Blanford’s Bulbul.
Siamese, wnalzan day (Nok parod suan. )
Description. Length, 203 mm. (8in.). The whole upper
plumage, olive brown, darker on the head and paler on the rump; ear
coverts, white. Chin, dull whitish brown; rest of lower plumage,
ashy brown, paling off to yellowish brown on the under wing-coverts
and tail-coverts.
Iris, dark grey. Bill, brown, darker at tip and pale flesh-
colour at base of lower mandible. Legs, dark pinkish or pluinbeous
brown, sometimes with a bronzy tinge.
Habits, de. This is one of the most abundant birds in Bang-
kok and isa resident of our gardens all the year round—sometimes
entering houses also. Despite its plain and inconspicuous plumage, it
is always in evidence, by reason both of its numbers and its harsh
notes. It hasa variety of these—among the commonest being a noisy
and guttural cha-cha-cha or chak-chak-chak, as well as a chaka-chika-
chika. These are repeated several times in rapid succession, after
which there isa lull. The bird also has an alarm cry ot er-7-ch, er-r-ch.
Blanford’s Bulbul appears to live on truit and berries, as well as
on insects, as I have observed the parent birds carrying both kinds of
food to the young ones in their nest.
In the Siamese name, the word swan means “ garden,” andis a
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
w
a
not inappropriate descriptive term. The bird is, however, commonly
known as Nok parod only.
Distribution. So far. only reported from Northern Siam
( Gyldenstolpe ), but probably occurs over a large part of the country
I have met with it as far south as Koh Lak.
Family DICRURIDA—Drongos.
+9 (327). Dicrurus ater. The Black Drongo.
Siamese, whustsutaunau ( Nok seng seo klebf).
Description. Length, about 279 mm. (11 in.). In very old
birds, the whole plumage is black, glossed with steel-blue, younger
birds having the under tail-coverts tipped with white. In those still
younger, the colour is brownish black, the feathers of the lower
plumage having white tips. The tail is forked to a depth of about
38 mm. (1.5 in.)
Iris, dark brown to reddish brown and deep lake-red. Bull,
black. Mouth, blackish. Legs, blackish brown to black.
Habits, ete. This is the common little black bird with the
forked tail which is seen everywhere in Bangkok from the beginning
of October to the end of March—a few specimens lingering on almost
throughout April.
The Black Drongo (or King-Crow, as it is usually called by
Kuropeans in India) feeds entirely on insects, which it usually
takes on the wing by swooping on them from some exposed point of
vantage, though it sometimes descends to the ground for the purpose.
Its notes are cheerful, with a soft, metallic quality, and almost
approach the beginnings ot a song at times.
In the Siamese name of this bird, the word fleb signifies
“lesser”, and serves to distinguish it from the Racket-tailed Drongo,
which is larger. In common parlance, however, this bird is merely the
Nok séng seo.
Distribution. Also recorded from Fastern, Central and Northern
Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
+ The 6 of the word kled is pronounced more like a p.
82. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 7.
+10 (332). Dicrurus leucogenys. The White-cheeked
Drongo.
4 i Rigas ror
Siamese, woustausadim (Nok s@ng seo si t’hao).
Description, Length, nearly 279 mm. (11 in. ). Whole upper
plumage grey, except the forehead, the ends of the first 5 or 6
primaries, and the shafts of the wing and tail feathers, which
are black. Lores, and sides of head, white. Lower plumage, pale
grey, the under tail-coverts whitish. The tail is forked to the
extent of about 88 mm. (14 in.). In young birds, the grey of
the plumage is darker, and the white of the cheeks duller and
smaller in extent.
Tris, reddish brown to crimson lake. Bill and legs, black.
In the Siamese name, the words si thao mean ‘“ash-
coloured ”—a quite appropriate term.
Habits, ete. Very similar to those of the preceding species.
I have only found this bird here from October to February, and it
appears to occur rather sparingly.
Distribution. Occurs also in Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ).
This bird is not recorded by Gyldenstolpe, so its northern limits are
unknown.
+11 (340). Dissemurus paradiseus. The Larger Racket-
tailed Drongo.
Siamese, ynutautaniuda ( Nok seng seo hang buang. )
Description. Length, about 482 mm. (19in. ), t of which the
outer tail-feathers account for 305 mm. (12 in. ). Whole plumage
black, largely glossed with blue. The under tail-coverts, as well as the
under wing-coverts, are frequently tipped with white.
Iris, red in adults, brown in the young (Oates). Bill. and
legs, black.
The outer pair of tail-feathers of this bird are very striking—
being produced beyond the end of the tail for about 152 mm. (6 in.), of
which the basal half is practically nothing but shaft, while the termi-
t This is the length of one of my birds. The longer of Gyldenstolpe’s
two specimens measured only 425 mm. or about 16.76 in.
Journal, Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam. No. 2. Vol. 1.
Wings (natural size) of
A. Acrocephalus orientalis. The Eastern Great Reed-Warbler.
B. Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed Warbler.
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK,
(9 8)
Go
nal portion is webbed on the outer edge only, except at the very tip,
for about 76mm. (3in.). This webbed portion has a tendency to
eur! or loop inwards: hence the Siamese name—the words hang buany
meaning “ loop-tailed.” The forehead has a short tuft of feather
eurling backwards.
Habits, etc. This bird appears to be of strictly arboreal habit,
and captures its insect food on the wing—swooping on it from a perch.
It has a variety of rich, metallic notes. In Bangkok it is a resident
species, and is found throughout the suburbs, but more abundantly in
the well-wooded ones, such as on the west side of the river,
Insiribution. Robinson and Kloss also record it as occurring
throughout the (Malay) Peninsula—and_ therefore, presumably, ih
Trang—while Gyldenstolpe met with it in Eastern, Central and
Northern Siam.
family SYLVI7DA—Warblers.
f+ 12 (364). Acrocephalus orientalis. V’he Hastern Great
Reed- Warbler.
Description. laength, about 190 mm. (7.5 in.). Upper
plumage, olive-brown, paler and with a fulvous tinge on the rump and
upper tail-coverts. Wings and tail, brown, the feathers edged with
fulvous brown. Chin and throat, whitish, shading into fulvous on
the breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts. The throat and breast
are generally faintly streaked with brown.
Iris, yellowish brown. Bill, dark horny above, dusky flesh-
colour or dusky yellow below. Mouth, orange or orange yellow.
Legs, yellowish plambeous.
This bird is very similar in size, colouration and general
appearance to Arundinax aédon (The Thick-billed Warbler ) which is
described below, theugh the bill of the latter is smaller and somewhat
differently shaped. The main point of difference, however, is in the
comparative length of the first primary, as will be seen by reference to
the accompanying Plate, for the drawing of which I am_ indebted
to Mr. E. Healey. In Acrocephalus orientalis the first yrimary is
very minute, while in Arundinuy aéden it is about 25 mm. (1 im. )
long.
84. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. F-
Hulits, etc. This bird is a winter visitor to Bangkok, and is te:
be found here from October to nearly the middle of May—being one
of the last of our cold weather visitants to depart. | have generally
observed it on trees and bushes near our rush-grown canals and road-
side ditches, but it is apparently not entirely arboreal in its habits, as:
1 have severai times seen it hopping about on the ground. It is,
I believe, strictly insectivorous in its diet.
The note of this bird isa loud and haysh chik-clik (not unlike
the sound produzed by a pair of gardener’s shears), interspersed with a
harsh kr-r-r or chi-r-r.
Distribution. his bird does: not appear to have been previously
recorded from Siam, and | have only met with it, in Bangkok, in the
neighbourhood of Khlong Sathon and Khlong Te-i, thoagh it is
doubtless to be found in suitable localities in other parts of the
suburbs.
p18 (374). Orthotomus sutorius. Phe Indian Tatlor-
bird.
a = oT ‘ 2
WAMESE. Mi Nss A has ‘ley ( Nok krachib krasal ).
Description. Length, about 120 mm. (4.75 m.), except in
summer, which is the breeding season, when the male is found with
the centre pair of tail feathers longer than at other times of the year
by 51 mm. (2 in.), or more. Forehead and up to the middle of the
crown, rufous—shading off on the remainder of the crown and nape
into the yellowish-green of the rest of the upper plumage. Lower
plumage, dull white, dusky on the sides of the body, and with a faint
rufous tinge on the abdomen; thighs, deeper rufous.
Iris and eyelid, yellowish brown to reddish yellow. Bill,
dark horny above, pale fesh-colour below. Legs, reddish flesh-
colour.
Habits, ete. ‘he Indian Tailor-bird is one of our permanent
residents, and is to be found in every garden in Bangkok. It isa
familiar and active little bird, continually on the move, hopping about
low trees, bushes, etc., searching for the small insects on which it feeds,
and it frequently enters the verandahs of houses for the same purpose.
Its note, which is a surprisingly loud one for so small a bird, is a
vibrant and penetrating chiu-chiu-chiu repeated times without number,
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
os)
Cr
especially during the breeding season. When so calling, a con-
spicuous black mark is noticeable on each side of the neck, owing to
the feathers opening out and showing their black bases.
Distribution. With the exception of Oates’ statement that this
bird “ extends into Siam,” and the reference to it in Flower’s short list
of Bangkok birds mentioned in the introduction to this paper, I can
find no other record of its occurrence in this country.
414 (375). Orthotomus atrigularis. Zhe Black-throated
Tatlor-bird.
Siamese, unniz4y at: [stag aa (Nok krachib krasai
kho dam ).
Description. Very similar in size and colouration to the preced-
ing species, from which it differs mainly in having the whole of the
crown rufous or chestnut, the throat (in the adult male), black, and the
edge of the wing, the under wing-coverts and the under tail-coverts,
yellow.
Iris, pale reddish brown. Bill, brown above, flesh-colour below.
Legs, fesh-colour.
Habits, ete. This bird has much the same habits as the previous
species, but keeps to well-wooded tracts, with a good deal of under-
growth. ‘The only locality in which I have met with it here is on the
west side of the river, among the fruit and betel-nut gardens in the
Bansaikai district, though it is doubtless to be found in other suitable
places in the outskirts of Bangkok. It is common in the district
mentioned. The notes of this bird consist of a short but pleasant trill,
ker-r-rui, kr-r-rui, as well as a longer and more liquid chr-r-r-r-r.
Distribution. Also occurs in Eastern and Northern Siam
(Gyldenstolpe).
Tilo (381). Cisticola cursitans. Zhe Rufous lantail-
Warbler.
Deseription. Length, about 101 mm. (4 in.). Upper plumage,
dark brown, with rufous margins to the feathers, giving the bird a
streaked appearance ; rump, plain rufous; tail feathers, tipped with
white. Lower plumage, buffy white, except flanks and thighs, which
are rufous,
86 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 7.
Inis, light yellowish brown. Bill, brown above, flesh-coloured
below. Legs, pinkish flesh. In the breeding season the mouth is
black.
Habits, ete. This small bird is common in the fields round
Bangkok, especially those which are fallow. It is fond of soaring
in the air, with rather a jerky flight, caused by the momentary closing
of its wings after every few beats, and, while so doing, it utters at
regular intervals its sharp little staccato note of chi-chi. It dives to
the ground from a height, with a sudden and almost vertical
SWoOop.
Distribution. 1 have been unable to trace any previous record
of the occurrence of this bird in Siam.
+16 (393). Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed
Warbler,
Description. Length, about 197 mm. (7.75 in.). Upper plum-
age, fulvous olive-brown, brightest on the rump; lores, whitish. Chin
and throat, buffish white; remainder of lower plumage, yellowish
brown, paler on the centre of the abdomen.
Iris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, flesh-colour below.
Mouth, salmon-colour. Legs, plumbeous.
As already mentioned, this bird is very similar in appearance
to Acrocephalus orientalis, from which, however, it is readily distin-
guished by its comparatively long first primary, vide Plate,
page 83.
Habits, ete. ‘This is a cold weather visitor, though apparently
not very common. I have obtained it from October to April.
Distribution, Gyidenstolpe also records this bird ( under the
name of Lusciniola aédon) from Den Chai, in Northern Siam, where
he obtained a single specimen.
+17 (410). Phyloscopus fuseatus. The Dusky Willow-
Warbler,
Description. Length, 133 mm. (5.25 in. ). Upper plumage,
earthy brown, with a yellowish tinge on the rump ; a distinct whitish
supercilium from the forehead to the nape. Lower plumage, yellowish
brown, whiter on the chin, throat and centre of abdomen.
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK
8)
I
Tris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, dusky yellcw_ below.
Mouth, yellow. Legs, dusky flesh-colour to greenish yellow.
Habits, etc. This bird is only found here in the cold weather,
and is fairly common in our gardens during that period. My speci-
mens were obtained from November to April. It flits and hops about
bushes and low trees, searching for small insects, and has a sharp little
note of chik, repeated at intervals.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of the
occurrence of this bird in Siam.
+18 (417). Phylloscopus superciliosus. The Crowned
Wellow- Warbler.
Description. Length, about 101 mm. (4 in. ). Upper plumage,
olive-green, darker on the crown; a distinct greenish yellow super-
ciliam from the forehead to the nape; two pale yellow bars on the
wings, most of the quills of which have narrow whitish tips. Lower
plumage, whitish to yellowish white.
The crown has an irregular and indistinct longitudinal streak of
greenish grey (which, however, is not always visible), from which
the bird derives its English name.
Iris, brown. Bill, brown above, yellowish white below. Mouth,
yellow. Legs, brownish flesh-colour.
Habits, etc. This small bird is a cold weather visitor, ‘from
October to about January, and is fairly common in our gardens during
those months. It appears to frequent trees more than bushes, and
is always on the move, hunting for its small insect prey, which it
occasionally takes on the wing by a sudden dart of a few inches from
its perch. It continually jerks its wings, while flitting about the
branches, and has a pretty little note of tweet, tweet, repeated several
times.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang (Robinson and Kloss),
and Eastern and Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
19 (420). Acanthopneuste borealis. 7’he Arctic
Wiilow- Warbler.
Description. Length, 122 mm. (4.8 in.). Upper p'umag»,
dark olive-green, lighter on the rump; a well-defined yellowish white
supercilium reaching from the forehead to the nape; two yellowish
88 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
white wing-bars. Lower plumage, yellowish white, dusky brown on
the flanks.
lris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, yellowish horn-colour
below, dusky at the tip. Mouth, yellow. Legs, yellowish brown.
Habits, ete. This bird also is a winter visitor, and has much the
same habits and note as Piylloscopus fuscatus ( page 86 ), to which it
also bears a close general resemblance. The present species may,
however, be distinguished by its very minute first primary (that of
P. fuscatus being fully one-third the length of the wing), by the
greenish tinge on its upper plumage, the yellowish tinge on its lower
parts, and the presence of the yellowish white bars on the wings.
These bars, however, are sometimes indistinct, or almost wanting,
owing to the wearing away of the feathers.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss
under the name of Phylloscopus borealis.
+20 (468). Prinia blanfordi. The Burmese Wren-
Warbler.
Siamese, wnnys qua iTu9 ( Nok krachib hang rio )
Description. Length, from 132 mm. (9.2 in.) to 152 mm.
(Gin. ), according to season—the tail being longer in the winter.
Upper plumage, earthy brown, darker on the head and paler on the
rump, which has a fulvous tinge; a whitish supercilium reaching to
just behind the eye. Lower plumage, whitish, with buff tinge ; thighs,
deeper buff; under side of tail feathers, with black bands near the tips.
Iris, clear brownish yellow. Bill, brown, except base of lower
mandible, which is pale flesh-colour. Legs, pale reddish yellow.
Habits, etc. A resident species, and common along our subur-
ban khlongs and other similar places with rushes and high grass grow-
ing by the waterside. Itis a slender little brown bird; with rather a
long tail (hence the words hang rio, in the Siamese name, meaning
“tapering-tailed ” ), and has a sibilant, almost insect-like, note of
chree-chree-chree-chree repeated a great many times.
Distribution. Reported also from Eastern and Northern Siam
( Gyldenstolpe ).
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 89
Family LANITDA—Shrikes.
+421 (475). Lanius nigriceps. The Black-headed
Shrike.
2
Siamese, wnungn 1 (Nok keo-ta wai).
Description. Length, up to 279 mm. (11 in.). Tail, 157 mm.
(6.2 in.).f Upper portion of head from forehead to hind neck,
black ; back, rump and upper tail-coverts, chestnut; wing-coverts,
black; quills, dark brown, tipped with rufous; a white patch at the
base of the primaries ;_ tail-feathers, black, most of them tipped with
rufous. Chin, throat and breast, white, the last with a rufous tinge ;
middle of abdomen, whitish; remainder of lower plumage, rather
bright rufous.
In the young the upper parts are grey, with a_ rufous
tinge, barred with brown—+the bars also appearing on the lower
plumage.
Iris, dark brown. Bill, black, except base of lower mandible,
which is fleshy plumbeous. Legs, dark brown.
Habits, &e. This is a resident species, and is not uncommon in
the more open parts of the suburbs. It is somewhat solitary in its
habits, and is usually to be seen perched on a fence, post, or bare
branch of a bush or low tree, watching for insects, which it captures
on the ground and carries back to its perch to devour. Its flight is
rather weak, and is usually confined to a straight course, a few feet
above the ground, from one perch to another. While generally rather
silent, this bird occasionally utters a harsh single note, repeated three
or four times.
The Siamese name signifies ‘“‘ Sharp-eyed Bird”.
Distribution. Also recorded from Central Siam ( Gyiden-
stolpe ).
t+ These are the measurements of one of my birds. The form found
in Siam is distinguished from the corresponding Indian bird principally by its
greater dimensions—the tail, for instance, measuring about 6.25 in. against
5 in.—and is recorded by Gyldenstolpe, in conformity with the new trinommial
system, under the name of Lantus nigriceps longicau latus.
90 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. “al I,
+22 (481). Lanius cristatus. The Brown Shrike.
Siamese, unnszawvaln ( Nok krachab hua to )
Description. Length, about 197 mm. (7.75 in.). Forehead,
whitish ; superciliuin, white ; a broad black band through and beneath
the eye ; upper plumage, reddish brown, paler and redder on the ramp
and upper tail-coverts ; wing-coverts and quills, dark brown, edged
with pale rufous; tail, reddish brown with pale tips. Cheeks, chin
and throat, “whitish ; remainder of lower plumage, fulvous. Birds not
fully adult have the eye-streak dark brown and the lower parts more
or less barred, according to age—still younger ones also showing traces
of bars above. Adult birds are rare.
Iris, dark brown. Bill, dark horn-colour, except basal portion,
which is pale plumbeous. Legs, dark plumbeous.
Habits, ete. This is @ common cold weather visitor, its period
of occurrence being from September to April. It has much the same
habits as the preceding species, but is a more familiar bird, nearly
always to be found in our gardens, while here, and making its
presence known by its harsh notes. It has a variety of these, which it
frequently utters.
The words hua to, in the Siamese name for this bird, signify
‘“ big-headed”. This is a not inappropriate term, as the head is, pro-
portionately, rather large.
Distribution. Reported also from Trang (Robinson and Kloss),
and Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
+23 (500). Pericrocotus peregrinus. J’he Small
Minivet.
ui 4 ctr heagaiee:
Siamese, un@aNnag (Nok si eho hom-phu dong ).
v
Description. Length, 152 mm. (6 in.). fale. Upper parts,
dark grey, except the rump and upper tail-coverts, which are orange-
scarlet ; wings, blackish, all the quills, with the exception of the first
four or five primaries, with a median patch varying from pale red to
scarlet ; tail, blackish, most of the feathers with the terminal portions
pale scarlet. Chin, throat and fore neck, blackish grey ; breast, scarlet,
passing into the saffron of the remainder of the lower plumage.
Female. Upper plumage, paler grey than in the male ; wings, brown,
THE BIRDS OF RANGKOK. on
with the wing-patch, pale orange. Chin, throat and breast, greyish
white ; remainder of lower plumage, pale yellow.
ris, not recorded. Bill and legs, black.
Habits, etc. This beautiful little bird is a resident species, and
is not uncommon in the well-wooded parts of the suburbs, such as
those with extensive areas of betel-nut and fruit gardens. It is of
strictly arboreal habit, and goes about in small flocks searching for
insects among the leaves and branches of the trees,
The Siamese name for this species means the “Jungle Pink-
bird ”.
Distribution. The only other recorded locality which I can
trace is Hastern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ), but I have had specimens sent
to me from Hua Hin.
+ 24 (503). Pericrocotus cinereus. The Ashy Minivet.
Description Length, 203 mm. (8 in. ). Forehead, whitish ;
lores, a band through the eye, the posterior half of the crown and
the nape, black ; remainder of upper plumage, dark grey ; wings, brown
to blackish, with a white wing-bar; tail, black, all the feathers
more or less white at the tip with the exception of the two middle
pairs. Lower plumage, ashy white, darker on the flanks
Iris, brown. Bill and legs, black,
Habits, ete. Apparently a cold weather visitor and not very
common. I have only two specimens of this bird, shot on the east side
of the river in January, but Mr. i. G. Herbert informs me that he has
seen it in March, on the west side. Neither of my birds is in full
adult plumage.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of the
occurrence of this species in Siam.
~25 (512). Artamus fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-
Shrike.
Siamese, ynuauwa ( Nok én phong ).
Description. Length, 185 mm. (7.3 in.). Lores, black; head
and neck all round, deep grey; back, rump and shorter upper tail-
92 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. Tf.
coverts, grey-brown with a vinaceous tinge; longer upper tail-coverts,
whitish ; wings, deep grey; tail, dark grey, tipped with whitish.
Breast and abdomen, greyish brown, paler on the breast; under tail-
coverts, brownish white.
Iris, dark brown (Oates ), Bill, plumbeous blue, except tip,
which is blackish. Legs, slate-colour ( Oates ).
Habits, ete. This is probably a resident species, though I have
only obtained specimens in July and August. Its flight is strong and
eraceful, and it spends a consideiable part of its time in the air,
hawking for insects, but when at rest it usually takes up its position on
an exposed branch of a tree. While on the wing, it has a swallow-
like appearance ; hence its English and Siamese names—the latter
meaning ‘ Jungle-Swallow ”.
Distribution. Tie only previous record I can find of its
occurrence in this country is Oates’ statement that it “ extends into
Siam.”
( To be continued, )
ite)
je)
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK.
By
MALCOLM SMITH, M.R.c.s., L.R.c.P.
14. Dryocalamus davisonii.
Hydrophobus davisonti. Blgr. Faun. Ind., Rept.
I have seen two specimens of this slender and very handsome
snake, both from Sapatoom. One of them was found climbing up the
wall of Dr. Frankfurter’s house, and the other was killed in an adjoining
garden.
Dr. Frankfurter’s specimen, caught in July, contained 4 eggs,
without signs of any embryo. They were narrow and of great length.
One, shrunk by spirit, measured 19 x 7 mm.
Oolor (in life). White, with large elongated black spots, each
one extending over the back and on to the sides. Posteriorly these
spots become much smaller and are broken up.
Length. 700 mm.
Distribution. Tenasserim, Siam and Indo-China.
15. *Zamenis mucosus. The Common Rat Snake.
Siamese, 31% AAW (gu hao talan).
3
A fairly common snake and may be found almost anywhere ;
frequenting the padi-tields, the compounds in close proximity to the
town, and occasionally entering go-downs and out-houses. It may be
seen moving about at all hours of the day, and is, I believe, chiefly
diurnal in its habits.
Amongst those who have but a slight knowledge of snakes,
this species, and less often the succeeding one, are not infrequently
confounded with the Cobra. There is some justification for this
— = —_ ea el ae —
* Major Wall, in the last number of the Journal of the Bombay Natural
History Society, brings forward strong evidence to show that this snake should
in future be placed in the geuus Zaocys.
94. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. Tf.
mistake, as the characteristic feature of the Cobra, its hood, is by no
means always apparent, whilst in point of size and in general colora-
tion, there is a considerable superficial resemblance between them.
After the python, the Common Rat Snake grows toa greater
size than any other species found here, frequently attaining a length of
seven or eight feet. The largest specimen that I have seen was killed
one afternoon on the lawn of the Sports Club, where it had taken up
its position beneath a chair, in broad daylight and with people about.
It measured 2110 mm. (6,11 in.), and had just eaten three large toads,
a fact which probably accounted for its incautious behaviour on this
oceasion. Another has been recorded ( Journ. B. N. H. S.) measuring
11.6 in., but such a length is quite unusual.
In dispositon [ have found it a wild and excitable creature,
seeking refuge in rapid flight when encountered, but defending itself
vigorously if attacked. Although named the Rat Snake, its diet con-
sists chiefly of frogs and toads. It is one of the few snakes which is
eaten by the country people.
Color (in life). Above, from light or dark olive-brown to olive-
green, with well defined but irregular black cross-bars on the posterior
half of the body and tail. The young have, in addition, a series of
light, dark-edged bars across the anterior part of the body. These
disappear with age and after adult life are confined to the interstitial
skin. Below, pale yellowish, the posterior ventral and sub-caudal
shields edged with black. Labials yellow, edged with black.
Distribution. From India to §. China and the Malay
Archipelago.
16. Zamenis korros.
Siamese, QimMMgiw (nyu hao talan).
Bl]
[t is strange that Flower did not meet with this snake in
Bangkok and only records two specimens from the country during his
stay. | have found it quite as common as the preceding species, but
not so universally distributed, confining itself chiefly to the patches of
open brush-wood about the edges of the padi-fields. It has strong
arboreal tendencies and is far more often to be seen coiled on a branch
in some high bush, than on the ground. At the ‘ Ditches” it is quite
common, where it keeps company with Psammophis condanarus ( already
described ), and on one particular afternoon, after heavy rain, I caught
‘SUIVIPVA AIG N70~)
my, tea
TA “GON “MwIg “905 “StH “WN [wusnofl
G
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 95
or saw no less than twelve in about an hour. Where these two species
live during the dry months I have not yet been able to discover, but
they disappear from this haunt after November and do not reappear
until the rains have again set in.
Length, 2000 mm. ( Boulenger), but I have never seen any
specimen from Bangkok of such dimensions. A very large skin in
my possession, however, which I think may be undoubtedly referred
to this species, was recently killed by Mr. Keddie in the valley of the
Meklong. It measured in life, 8 ft. (2440 mm.). The dried skin
( of which a considerable portion of the tail is missing ) measures
2260 mm.
Celor (in life). Above, olive-brown, olive-green or olive-grey,
the scales on the posterior part of the body and tail, edged and
tipped with black. Below, rich yellow in the anterior part, fading to
pale yellowish or whitish behind.
Distribution. From the EK, Himalayas to S. China and the
Malay Archipelago.
17. Coluber radiatus.
LL
Siamese, gnrgns wir (yw tang maprao).
u
“Tang maprao,’ meaning the mid-rib of the coconut palm
leaf, refers to the broad black bands which this snake bears upon its
sides. The name, however, is not confined te this species, but may be
used to designate any species that has a conspicuous lateral stripe.
It is not a common snake in Bangkok, although it is more
plentiful in the country districts outside. It prefers the open country
or the plantations and gardens adjacent thereto, although in search of
food it will enter human habitatiens. Its habits and disposition are
much like these of the Common Rat Snake.
This snake possesses in a marked degree the power of expanding,
in a vertical direction, its throat and the anterior part of its body.
The point is well brought out in the photograph, which shows also the
menacing attitude adopted by this creature when cornered, with the
fore-part of its body thrown into a series of loops and the mouth widely
agape, ready to dash at anything. Under these conditions it 1s
extremely handsome, the jet black bars with which it is mirked at this
part showing up vividly against the pale fawn of the rest of the bocly.
The illustration shown is of a fine specimen which was caught crossing
96 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST..SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
the road one morning at Samsen. It never grew accustomed to being
handled, and the photograph was taken after it had beem tour months
in capitivity, when it was nearly as wild and fierce as on the day it
was captured. Young ones I have kept were more gentle and soon
became tame.
The largest specimen J] know of measured 1710: mm. but was
incomplete. ‘The tail was 300 mm. long, and the lost tip would
probably have added another 30 mm. to it.
Volor (in life )} Above, yellowish-brown, fawn or fawn-grey,
with a distinct reddish tinge posteriorly. Along each side of the fore~
part of the body are three black stripes, the upper, broad and
conspicuous, the second, half the width and shorter, the third, very thin
and much broken up, or occasionally absent altogether. Below,
yellowish white in front, pale pearly grey behind. Subcaudals,
whitish. A black line across the occiput and three more radiating
trom the eye.
Distribution. From the E. Himalayas to 8. China and the
Malay Archipelago.
18. Dendrophis pictus. The Painted Tree Snake.
A fairly common snake, and widely distributed everywhere,
frequenting the open brush-wood in the fields, the betel-nut and fruit
gardens, and the compounds in the very heart of the town; loving the
sunshine and on the move at all hours of the day. In dull weather it is
much less active. It is thoroughly. arboreal in its habits, and
although it may be seen upon the ground, it is, [ believe, only when
in search of food. The speed at which it can travel when disturbed is
amazing, and is almost lightning-hke in its rapidity.
Curiously enough, for a creature of such marked arboreal
tendencies, its diet appears to consist entirely of frogs, not only
tree-frogs, which are comparatively rare, but the common frogs of the
padi-fields. I have never found anything else in the stomachs of
specimens I have examined, and those I have kept in captivity lived
entirely upon this diet, refusing all other kinds of food. The com-
monest field frog here is Rana limnocaris, and these constitute their
main diet, but they are by no means particular. Oxyglossis lima
they refused, but there must be something very distasteful about this
little frog, for I have never known any snake to eat it.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 97
Although the Painted Tree Snake is not vicious or prone to bite
in captivity, its shy disposition never seems to leave it, and it always
resents being handled. That it has the power of springing or
planing from one tree to another, a habit which has given rise to the
stories of flying snakes, has been well established.
Length. 1200 mm., the tail forming from 4 to
measurement.
of the total
tol-
Color (in life). Above, bronze-brown. A creamy yellow stripe
runs down each flank to the vent, bordered below by a blak one of equal
width which passes along the costo-ventral junction, and usually by a
narrower one above in its posterior two-thirds. Below pearly white.
Head with a black band passing through the eye on to the neck.
Upper labials white. Tongue pinkish. The interstitial skin of this
snake is very handsome, and shows up strongly when the creature, under
excitement, dilates its body. Upon the neck and anterior part of the
body it is pale blue, behind, pale green.
Distribution. From India te Indo-China and the Malay Archi-
pelago.
19. Simotes cyclurus.
: rete
Siamese. QiWIVUNA C ngu hao pr kaa-o.)
el]
A fairly common and widely distributed species. It is nocturnal
in its habits, but may be found by day hiding itself away in dark nooks
and crannies in all sorts of situations. |
This snake is credited by the Siamese with giving utterance to
that peculiar, high-pitched, drawn-out whistling note, which is hear so
frequently by Bangkok residents after dark. Its Siamese title of
‘pi kaa-o.”, meaning literally ‘a crystal flute”, is given to it in
recognition of this call, and is very appropriate. { have kept no
records, but believe it can be heard during any month in the year,
although it is most frequent during the hot, dry weather. I have
often endeavoured to discover the author of this sound, but have so far
been unsuccessful, although i have strong reasons for thinking it is
some kind of bat. Mr. Gairdner, on the other hand, tells me he
feels sure it 18 a species of cricket. The point upon which we both
agree is that it is not caused by this snake, or indeed any snake
at all, although the idea that it is so is widely believed throughout
the country.
98 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY QF SIAM. Vol. f.
Simotes cyclurus 1s a sluggish snake, and if encountered, as it
may be, in the early morning or at dusk, will often make no attempt to
move out of the way. In disposition, however, it is fierce and vicious,
and captivity does not improve its temper.
Length. 700 mm. ( Boulenger, Fawna Malay Peninsula, and
Oat. Snakes, Brit. Museum). I have seen many specimens longer
than this, the biggest one measuring 865 mm. The largest 1 know of
trom Bangkok measured 790 mm.
Color. Very variable, but the changes in Bangkok specimens
are largely due to age, the markings in old ones being very indistinct
and often broken wp. The Cutalogue gives six varieties of this snake,
none of which quite accord with the one that is found here.
Above, light brown, with a series of narrow, ill-defined, black
cross-bars, every fourth one of which has a large dark brown, black -
edged dorsal spot or blotch, of which there are from 11-16 on the body
and 3-4 on the tail. The coloring of the cross-bars is confined chiefly
to the edges of the scales, and the dorsal spots are variable in shape,
but are usually mesially indented. Below, pearly white, uniform.
Head with markings as in the illustration. Sometimes a handsome
pink color tinges the flanks and belly.
This description applies to Bangkok specimens only, and
although variations from it will be met with in other parts of the
country, it will be found sufficient to identify the snake all over Siam.
Distribution. From H. India and 8. China to the Malay
Archipelago.
20. Simotes teniatus.
Siamese. d IDA (ngu ngort ).
Quite as common as the preceding and found in similar
situations. It is less aggressive in disposition. By the Siamese it is
accounted particularly venomous, but apart from its lack of poison
apparatus, its small size renders it incapable of inflicting anything
more than a scratch. It feeds chiefly upon small frogs.
Color (in life). Above, hght brown with 4 dark brown
longitudinal lines running down the body. The two median, border
the vertebral row of scales and are continued to the tip of the tail,
the two lateral, end at the vent. These lines are more or less
strongly punctuated with black dots ; in the young more so than in the
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam. No, 2. Vol. 1.
Zaments mucosus.
Herpeton tentaculatum.
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Head of Stmotes cyclurus, showing the characteristic
Family markings.
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THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. ek
adult. Below, bright coral-red upon a white ground, and with
rectancular black spots laterally placed. They are most thickly
distributed on the posterior part of the body, but vary considerably
in number and may be almost entirely absent. Head with the
characteristic family markings, but differing slightly from S. eyclwrus
(vide illustration). Interstitial skin over the vertebral region, light
yellow.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen measured 475 mm.
in length, the tail forming 60 mm. This, however, isan unusual length,
and specimens over 400 mm. are rare.
Another distinct form of this snake exists in Bangkok, to which
Mr. Boulenger has now accorded the title of Mouhoti, in memory of
the famous French naturalist and traveller who discovered it. It is
most easily distinguished from the preceding one by the presence of
two black splotches upon the tail above, one at the base and another
near the tip. For the full differential diagnosis of these two, the reader
is referred to page 70 of this Journal.
Distribution. Siam and Indo-China.
Subfamily HOMALOPSINA.—The Fresh-water
Snakes.
Siamese, 9 Yar (ngwu pla).
2
Bangkok, as might be expected from its low-lying position, is
rich in fresh-water snakes. Out of some 15 species now known
from this region ( Burma and Indo-China to the Malay Peninsula ), no
less than 9 have been found here. They are not all strictly confined to
fresh water localities, some of them being found along the sea coast,
although never far from the mouths of rivers. Fresh-water snakes (the
term is used as opposed to sea-snakes ) in Bangkok are mostly in evid-
ence at the end of the rains and during the early floods of the dry weather.
The whole country at this time being more or less covered with water,
they are able to make their way into the multitude of small ponds and
ditches from which at other times of the year they are cut off. During
the dry months they retire to the river and main canals and are much
less often met with. The majority are of a sluggish disposition and
are easily caught. On land their movements are clumsy. As far as
is known at present, all of them are viviparous.
100 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
21. Hypsirhina enhydris,
A common snake in Bangkok, and with the exception of
Homalopsis buccata, the most plentiful of the whole family found here.
It may be met with in almost any of the water-ways which intersect
the country, usually lying quietly among the weeds, with its snout
projecting from the surface of the water. It is not strictly aquatic,
and after stormy nights, in particular, may often be seen on land. It
is never, however, found far from water. It isa very gentle snake, and
I have never yet known one attempt to bite when handled.
It appears to subsist chiefly on fish, but Mr. Herbert informs
me that he once caught one which disgorged a skink (Mabuia), a very
unusual meal, I should think, for this snake.
Length. 680 mm.
Color (in life). Above, olive-brown, olive-grey or olive-green,
with two or three more or less distinct light longitudinal bands. The
last 3 rows of costal scales are alternately lemon-yellow, pale pinkish,
and again yellow. Below, pale yellowish, with a black line along
each side of the ventrals, and usually a thin median one, formed by a
series of dots. The handsome coloring of the last 3 costal rows of
scales is, I believe, peculiar to Siam, and, sometimes, Burma.
Distribution. From India and 8. China to the Malay
Archipelago,
22. Hypsirhina bocourti.
A rare snake in Bangkok, but more plentiful in the country
districts round about. In the fields by Ayuthia and also at Ban Hua
Takhé, it is not uncommon, and as the country and the canals dry up
with the advance of the hot weather, and its places of habitat become
limited, it can almost invariably be met with.
Like H. enhydris it is not strictly aquatic in its habits. Its
temper is uncertain, and it is not a snake to handle carelessly, although
if lifted quietly it will usually make no attempt to bite. Those I have
kept fed freely upon frogs.
This snake, for its length, has great girth, particularly in adult
life, while the sinister expression upon its face, together with the thick,
bloated appearance of its body, combine to make it the most ungraceful
and repulsive looking snake that I know of.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam. No. 2. Vol. 1.
Hypsirhina bocourtt, natural size.
a ene
e
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK, 101
Length. Uptol120 mm. The tail is short, measuring about
one-seventh of the total length.
Color Gn life). Above, very dark olive-green, sometimes almost
black, with regular cross-bars formed by chains of yellow or brown
spots, and less well-defined longitudinal lines produced by a median
spot in each scale. The dark ground-color tapers on the sides into a
series of transverse bars, which are prolonged to the mid-line on the
belly, but are continuous beneath the tail. The notches thus formed
are deep yellow in color, the ventrals, pale yellowish or whitish,
Head brown, labials and chin-shields yellow, the scales edged with
black.
This description applies to the young and young adults, but as
age advances the dorsal bars and lines tend to increase in size and
obscure the ground color, so that in old specimens the pattern is
seldom apparent.
The drawing of the head is by Mr. C. L. Groundwater, to whom
I am also indebted for all the other drawings in connection with this
article.
Distribution. Siam, Indo-China aud the Malay Peninsula.
23. Hypsirhina jagorii,
Flower, in his list, mentions three specimens of this snake which
he obtained in Bangkok.
Distribution. Siam and Indo-China.
24. Hypsirhina smithii.
This snake, of which only one specimen has so far been ob-
tained, is described for the first time on page 69 of this Jowrnul.
25. Hypsirhina chinensis.
Boulenger, in his Catalogue of Snakes, mentions a specimen from
Bangkok which is in the Christiania Museum.
Distribution. Siam, Indo-China and China.
26. Homalopsis buccata.
The commonest of all the family of fresh water snakes in
Bangkok, and as regards length, the largest. It is frequently met with
102 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
by those working in the saw-mills, owing to its fondness for sheltering
in the large holes that are found in the interior of teak logs. Here,
where it can lie undisturbed, half-submerged, and in almost complete
darkness, it no doubt finds an ideal retreat during the hours of, day-
light. In captivity it quickly becomes tame. Its food consists of
frogs and fish. [lower credits it with more intelligence than most
snakes and writes that the ones he kept could distinguish him from
strangers. A female in my possession recently gave birth (Aug. 7th)
to 9 young ones. They were extremely lively and strongly resented
my handling them. They were born in the water and were thorough-
ly at home in it, but the mother sought the land as soon as her
operations were completed.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen was a female, which
measured 1310 mm., the tail forming 275 mm. Length of the young
just born, taken from the above brood, 325-360 mm.
Color (in life). Above, dark brown or p!um-colored, the color
ending abruptly on the sides, and with pale, yellowish, dark-edged
cross-bars, alternately complete and incomplete. Sides yellow, fading
to pale yellowish or white upon the ventrals, which have a series of
black dots, placed laterally. Under surface of tail thickly covered
with black. Head brown, with ill-defined markings, the most pronounc-
ed being a pale wing-shaped mark on the occiput, a dark V on the snout
and a dark band passing backwards from in front of the eye.
In the young the ground color above is quite black, and the
markings are white and clearly defined. In the old ones they become
indistinct and may be almost absent, so that the dorsum presents an
almost uniform brown color.
Distribution. From Burma and Indo-China to the Malay
Archipelago.
27. Cerberus rhynchops.
T know of a single specimen which was caught at Samrae. It
is an inhabitant of river mouths and the adjoining sea coasts. I have
also examined specimens from the sea coast at Bangtaphan and from
the Inland Sea at Singgora. I do not know of any other records of
this snake from Siam.
Distriution. From India and Indo-China to the Malay <Ar-
chiy elago.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 103
28. Hipistes hydrinus.
Boulenger’s Catalogue of Snakes mentions a specimen from
Bangkok.
Distribution. Mouths of rivers and coasts of Pegu, Siam and the
Malay Peninsula.
29. Herpeton tantaculatum. TJhe Tentacle Snake.
Siamese, 4 nyTz ang ( ngu kra-dang ):
BT
This curious looking snake, although not common in Bangkok
itself, is more numerous in some of the water-ways in the neighbour-
hood. At Bang-pa-in it is not uncommon, and also at Petriu, and pro-
bably many other places, but being strictly aquatic in its habits, is not
often met with unless carefully hunted for. The strange antennae-like
appendages which protrude from the snout, serve to distinguish it at
once fromall other snakes. Speaking of these appendages Flower states:
“Tn life the tentacles of the snout are soft, capable of expansion and
retraction, and apparently very sensitive; the snake constantly
moves them about, as if they performed the function of the antennae
on Arthropods. 7.0.4... When the specimen is placed in spirits the
tentacles retract and are not so conspicuous as in life.”
I am unable to agree with this at all, and as Flower was a most
careful observer, I cannot help thinking that, as he wrote his article
after he had left the’ country, he must, in this case, have been relying
on his memory. I have often kept these suakes in captivity and have
paid much attention to the “tentacles,” and-Major Sprater, who has
also kept them, entirely agrees with me.
The rostral appendages (as they are technically termed ) of this
snake are not soft, but are covered with hard scales akin to those upon
the other parts of the body. In the process of sloughing they are
thrown off as a complete cast with the rest of the skin. They are not
capable of expansion and retraction, although they have a wide range
of movemeut as regards approximation and divergation. When the
snake lies beneath the water, they are pointed in a forward direction ;
with the snout protruding above the surface, a common position for this
snake to assume, they are laid flat back on either side against the
upper lips. They are seldom moved, but are generally allowed to flop
104. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM, Vot.T.
about in an inert manner, more like useless appendages than organs
with any function. They are not sensitive, and may be examined freely
without any resentment on the part of their owner. Their use is still
unknown. The photograph of the head shows them very well.
I have never known this snake to bite when handled, or make
any attempt to escape. It feeds, | believe, entirely upon fish. Its
Siamese name, ‘“‘ngu kradang”, is given to it on account of the stiff,
unbending attitude which it assumes when caught. I have been in-
formed by a high authority in the language that the word ‘“ kradang ”
cannot properly be used in this sense; it is, however, the explanation
commonly given by the country people, though one would certainly
have expected, knowing their aptitude for picking out salient features,
that they would have chosen the ‘‘ tentacles” on this occasion.
Length. 770 mm.
Color (in life). Above, reddish brown, with a dark, irregu-
lar, longitudinal stripe on either side of the vertebral line, and a
broader lateral one commencing at the nose and passing through
the eye. Below, pale yellowish, with very similar stripes, the two me-
dian of which border the ventral scales. Anteriorly, some dark dorsal
cross-bars, and a series of white, dark-edged, ventral spots.
Distribution. Stam and Indo-China.
( To be concluded ).
105
+A SHORT LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE
RAHENG DISTRICT.
By C. 8. BARTON.
The majority of the 57 birds shown in this list are from the Me
Taw (an 9) forest, due east of Raheng Town, but I have included
a few from further south and west.
Me Taw is a fair sized forest, drained by the Me Taw creek
which rises in the hills between the Me Ping and Toungyin
valleys. The altitude varies from 400 feet near the Me Ping to 4,000
feet in the higher hiils. There are several types of forest, including
evergreen, fir, pure bamboo, ordinary mixed tree jungle, and “ paa”
or laterite jungle (ain UWS )-
I have identified the birds from the Fauna of British India,
Birds. A great many of the species have already been recorded from
Tenasserim and the Thoungyin valley, The numbers in brachets are
those of the Fauna of British India.
OrpdER PASSERES.
+-( 4) Corvus macrornyncaus.—The Jungle-Ororr.
This appears to be the ordinary crow at Rahene.
“ (71) GarruLax piarpI.— The Siamese White-crested Laughiny-
Thrush.
Very common in Me Taw, always in cool jungle near water.
+ (250) CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA.—The Burmese Chloropsis.
+. (254) Irena puELLa.—The Fairy Blue-bird.
+ (264) CrriniGeR BURMANICUS.—The Burmese White-throated Bulbul.
Shot on April 5th in heavy, cold, damp jungle. The tail and outer
webs of the wing feathers were rufous, with a decided orange tinge.
+ (290). QOrocompsa FLAVIVENTRIS.—The Black-crested — Yellow
Bulbul.
Shot on 29th March. Altitude 1,100 feet.
4(827). Dicrurus atTER.— The Bluck Drongo or ** King Crow.”
Very plentiful everywhere.
106° JOURNAL, NATURAL HISY. SOCLETY- OF SIAM. (ol. Ff.
(335). CHIBIA HOTTENTOTTA.—The Hair-crested Dronqgo.
‘esting i April in a small exposed nest on an absolutely bare
tree. Altitude 1,100 feet. A Khamoo caught this bird off the
nest while I was away.
(340). DisseMURUS PaRADISESS.—The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo.
‘Common in Me Taw.
(500). Prricrocorus PEREGRINUS.—The Small Minivet.
Small flocks were flying about in ‘‘ paa” jungle in January.
—+ GRAUCALUS SUMATRENSIS.—The Sumatran Cuckoo-Shrike.
This bird agreed closely with G. dodsont (511) but had not the
black on the face, though the ashy blue is a shade darker. The birds:
evidently arrived early in November, as [ did not notice them
before. They fly about the tops of trees and do not appear to come
to the ground.
(521). ORIOLUS M&LANOCEPHALUS.—The Indian Black-headed
Oriole.
Common,
+ (524). HuLases ivreRMEDIA.—The Indian Grashle.
Very plentiful in Me Taw, where it is a purely forest bird.
+ (546). GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS.—The Black-necked Myna.
Common around Raheng.
(549). ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS.—The Common Myna.
7 (553). AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS.—The Siamese Mynu.
Both the last are very common round Raheng and the neighbouring
villages.
7 (663). CoPpsyCHUS SAULARIS.—The Magpie-Robin.
Common
+ (779). Passer Monranus.—The Tree-Sparrow.
The sparrow of Raheng. I did not see P. domesticus.
ORDER PIOT.
7 (91). GECINUS CHLOROLOPHUS.—The Smull Himalayan Yellow-
napel Woodpecker.
A988 ). TiGA JAVANENSIS.—The Common Golden-backed Three-toed
\h “Ol d pecker.
OrpER ANISODACTYLI.
(1023) Coractas AFFINIS.—The Burmese Roller or “ Blue Jay.”
Y
LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG DISTRICT. 107
Orrer MACROCHIRES.
+(1086). Macropreryx coronata.—Uhe Indian Crested Surft.
Common in “ Pav” jungle.
+(1090). CaprimuLGus MontTicoLa.—Franklin’s Nightjar.
Great numbers were hawking flies at sunset in November and
December.
OrveR TROGONES.
(1101). Harpacres rryTHROCEPHALUS.—The Red-headed Trogon.
OrvER COCCYGES.
F (1119). CoccysTEs corcmanpus.—The Red-winged Crested Cuckoo
+(1129). Kupynamis HonoraTa.—The Indian Koel.
+(i123). Ruopopyres tristis.—The Large Green-billed Malkoha,
Very common in the jungle, where they skulk about in thick foliage.
+ (1124). Raopopytes piarpi.—Diard’s Green-billed Malkoha.
A much darker bird than Blanford’s description leads one to expect.
The back and rump were a dark bluish grey with a greenish wash.
4-(1130). CENTROPUS SINENSIS.—The Common Coucal or “ Crow-
Pheasant.”
Very common all over Me Taw by the banks of the creek.
OrverR PSITTACI.
{- (1145), Panarornis rascratus.—The [ed-breasted Paroquet.
Seems very common in Me Taw. Also kept caged in Raheng.
OrvER ACC/PITRES.
(1212). Spizakrus Limnakrus.—The Changeable Hawk-Hagle.
(1228). HaLiastur tnpus.— The Brakminy Kite.
Very common everywhere.
(1251). Baza LoPHOTES.— The Black-cresied Baza.
Shot by Mr. J. F. Keddie in Me Taw.
+-(1267). Micronrerax EUTOLMUS.—The Red-leqged Falconet.
OrDER COLUMB.
+ (1271). Crocopus PHoENicopTERus.—The Bengal Green Pigeon.
~t-(1273). OSMOTRERON PHAYREI.—The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon.
+ (1278). OsMmorrERoN BICINCTA.—TZhe Orange-breasted Green
Pigeon.
108 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
} (1287). DucuLa GRISEICAPILLA.—The Grey-headed — Imperial
Pigeon.
Large numbers at Me Tah Quaa (ua mM AQ) in Me Taw, where they
frequent mineral springs.
+ (1292). CoLUMBA INTERMEDIA.—The Indian Blue Rock-Pigeon.
Kept by priests in Raheng Wats. I have not seen them wild,
but they must be found in suitable localities.
OrpDER GALLINA.
+ (1825). Pavo muticus. The Burmese or Javan Pea-fowl.
Mr. Keddie has kindly given me the following note on their breed-
ing season in the Me Wong crcek (Lat 16°): “On April 9th 1912
found a pea-hen’s nest with three eggs, chicks half-formed. On 18th
March 1915 heard a pea-hen and chicks on an island. Maung Hpo
lioke said he saw them, and they were about a fortnight old; he
did not know how many there were, but he saw two”.
+ (1828). GALLUS FERRUGINEUS.—The Ted Jungle-fowl.
T found a nest with six eggs in an old stump on the 11th March at
an altitude of 2.000 feet. The hen was sitting. ‘The average size was
1.791n. by I-3i an. In the Fauna of British India, Blanford says
they breed in the Himalayas from the end of March to July.
+ GENNAEUS SHARPEI.—Sharpe’s Silver Pheasant.
Identified by the British Museum. This is the common pheasant
of these parts.
+ (1867). ARBORICOLA BRUNNEIPECIUS.—The Rrown-breasted Hill-
Partridge.
Identified by the British Museum. Plentiful in the Upper Me
Taw. This bird, the pheasants, and the Jungle fowl, are largely shot
and trapped by Karens.
OrpER HEMIPODII.
+ (1882). Turnix pugnax.—The Bustard-Quail.
Found in the grass round the ‘Nong’ at Raheng. Shot, 25th De-
cember.
OrbDER GRALLAE.
+ (1401). AmauRoRNIS PHOENICURUS.—The White-breasted Water-
hen.
Common along the banks of Me Taw creek.
LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG DISTRICT. 109
OrpveR LIMIJCOLZ.
+ (1428). Merroprpius 1npicus.—The Bronze-winged Jacana.
(1429). Hypropaasianus cuHiruRGUS.—The Pheasant-tailed
Jacana.
Both these birds were shot by Mr. F. G. Weston Elwes in the
Raheng ‘Nong’, and were identified from Finn’s Indian Waders.
+ (1432). SaRcoGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALIS.—The Burmese Wattled
Lapwing or “ Did’ e do it.”
Common everywhere.
+ (1462). Toranus ocHRopus.—The Green Sandpiper.
(1464). Toranus caLipris.—The Redshank.
Both of these occur in Raheng ‘ Nong.’
+ (1482). ScoLopax RUSTICULA.—The Woodcock.
Shot by Mr. Keddie at Raheng and by Mr. Elwes in the Me Wong
(Lat. 16°). Lalso saw them in Me Taw.
(1484). GaLtivaco corLestis.—Zhe Fantail Snipe.
(1485). GaLLinaGo sTeNuRA —The Pintual Snipe.
This is much commoner than G. coelestis. [have not seen a single
specimen of Swinhoe’s Snipe (G. megala), though I believe they
ought to occur in the Me Ping valley.
4-(1488). RosTRATULA CAPENSIS.
Very common at Raheng.
The Painted Snipe.
OrpeR ANSERES.
+ (1585). ASARCORNIS SCUTULATUS.— The White-winged Wood-Duek.
Shot by Mr. Keddie in Me Wong in March 1912 and identified
by The Bombay Natural History Society. Ihave also seen a large
grey duck alighting on the Me Ping river. It would be interesting
to know if this is the Spotted-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha),
or the Chinese Grey Duck (A. zonorhyncha), or the Eurmese Grey Duck
(A. haringtone).
+(1589). DenpRocycna Javanica.—The Whistling Teal.
On Raheng ‘Nong’, where 1 think the Large Whistling Teal
( D. fulva, 1590) is also found.
+ (1591). NeErropus COROMANDELIANUS.—The Cotton Teal.
Seen on Me Ping river, and shot on Raheng ‘ Nong’.
1T0
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. I.—DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS IN SIAM.
A Repury.
Referring to a number of queries which appeared on page 53
of the last Journal, | see you ask for information om the following
points :-—
Bos sondaicus. Hastern limit. They are reported in Annam
near the coast between Nah Trang aud Phan Rang. I saw three,
apparently all bulls, on 5th June 1913, im about E. Long. 107°, N.
Lat. 12°—18°, in Cambodia. I also saw a fine head of B. sondaicus
owned by Mons. Rauffman at Ban Methuot in Annam about 106° E.
Long.
It is interesting to note that what may prove to be a variety
of B. sondaicus has been provisionally named B. sondaicus porteri by
Lydekker in his “ Ox and its Kindred.” Iwas with Mr. Porter when
he shot the animal. It was very dark coloured and spotted closely with
small, pure white spots about } inch in diameter, more especially on
the neck, and the horns appeared to drop lower on each side of the
head than those of the ordinary ‘“tsine.” I have since shot a bull with
the same characteristics.
The skull and part of the skin of Mr. Porter’s animal were sent
to the British Museum.
Does Bos frontalis exist in Siam? I have not yet seen a head.
Bos bubalus. In Cambodia I saw the tracks of buffalo about E.
Long. 105°, and the guides with me stated that these were wild animals.
Bos gaurus. The Comte de Honditot of Phan Rang told me
that the Gaur was found in the Annamite mountains.
Cyon rutilans. 1 have shot three of these in the Meh Woong
and one this year (1914) on the right bank of the Meh Khong between
Luang Prabang and Pak Lay. I sent the skull and skin of the latter
to the Bombay Natural History Society as they had asked for one.
The Secretary informed me that it does not differ from the Burmese
variety.
Canis aureus. 1 should like to know if the jackal is found in
Siam; and if so, if it has the same distinctive cry as the Indian animal,
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. TPL
with which I am familiar. My brother and I saw an animal in the
Klong Suan Mak which we both felt sure was a jackal. However |
have never heard the cry of a jackal, which cannot be mistaken,
during 15 years residence in Siam.
G. F. WESTON ELWES.
March, 1914.
There appears to be no doubt that the jackal is widely, although locally,
distributed throughout this country. Hds.]
No. I1—SEHASONAL OILY SECRETION IN GAUR
OR SELADANG.
On entering a narrow valley in January, 1914, the Karen guide
informed me that it was the habitat of a bull Gaur (Bos gaurus)—
notorious for some 10 years past, and which never ran away but
frequently chased man. While on the march I was fortunate enough
to meet the animal and shoot him, and he certainly bore out what
the Karen had said in not running away, though, possibly owing
to the disadvantage of position, he made no attempt to come up the
steep bank at us.
The animal had ample warning of my approach, as two coolies,
having got ahead of me, dropped their loads and ran back on seeing
the great beast standing in the stream and staring up at them. 1
was followed by some 30 coolies in pretty close order and all were
conversing fairly loudly. The 8-bore was brought up from the
rear of the line and I went forward to where the men had dropped
their loads, but from that point ceuld only get a head shot, so went
on some 8 metres and had an easy shot at the flank at 20 metres
distance.
The 2 oz. ball, entering high on the right side, passed through
the heart and out on the other side, missing all bones | believe, though
I did not wait to see the animal cut up.
On being hit he crashed through the elephant grass on the far
bank, and died some 20 metres only from the spot at which he had
previously stood.
The whole neck and shoulders were covered with an oily
secretion, making the black hair of the neck giisten, and the scrotum
and inguinal region were dirty orange yellow, and also very greasy.
112 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
The whole body skin was greasy, but not markedly so,as were the neck
and parts just referred to.
The Karen guide stated this was the period of “ musth ” ; but
I was not previously aware, nor have I anywhere read, that any Bovine
has a “musth” period, and should be glad to know whether any
members have shot Gaur in this state, and also, whether January is the
breeding season. Both the domestic buffalo and cattle of the country
breed in March.
Since the skull of this animal is bigger than that recorded by
Blanford (Fauna B. I.) and the horns are flatter and less curved, and
also have a greater tip to tip splay, than any recorded by Rowland
Ward (Records of Big Game, 1907), it may be of interest to give a full
description of this animal, more especially as Lydekker (Game Animals
of India, 1907), speaks of Burmese and Malayan varieties which
differ in some respects from the typical Bos gaurus of India.
Height. At the shoulder 174.2 cm. (69 in.)
Length. Nose to root of tail 265 cm. (102 in. ); Tail 100 cm.
(39 in.); the total length thus being 141 in. against 148 in. recorded
by Ward. Girth 277 cm. (109 in.). Other measurements taken
were: Frontal ridge to tip of nose 60 cm. (23.6in.). Har 32 cm.
(13 in.). Knee to tip of hoof 55 cm. Hock to tip of hoof 66 cm.
Colour. Wace and cheeks black and thickly covered with short
hair, intermixed on the central line beneath lower jaw with hairs
up to 2.5 in. long. Poll, frontal ridge and forehead to upper level
of eyes, light sandy or dirty white, the hair being upwards of 2 in.
in length on the forehead. This colour graded into dark brown and
merged with the black below the eyes. There was no band of tawny
above the naked muzzle, nor did I notice the long hair on the throat
figured by Lydekker for the Burmese variety, or the presence of a
dewlap. ‘The lips were fringed with hair of creamy-white, brownish-
yellow being intermixed beneath lower lip. The upper inners of ears
were fringed with long hairs of dirty white and golden yellow.
Remainder of body, thinly haired, very dark brown. ‘Tail black with
long reddish-grey hairs intermixed. The legs from above the knees
and hocks downwards, greyish-white, the creases behind the joints
being reddish-white.
Dimensions of Skull. Basallength 19.3 in. Zygomatic breadth
9.95 in.
Vol. 1
»”
No.
SiOGasmmaIUCLIT Oe
Hist.
Nat.
Journal
Head and Horns of Gaur
(Bos Gaurus)
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 113
Dimensions of the horns, in inches, together with some others,
which I quote for comparison :-—
eer ee eet Fs eearny
span at base P span eects
1. 42.95 — 16.4 38.1 38.8 25.4 Siam N. Lat. 14° 25’.
2. 41.— 20.— 34.5 386.5 27.- Siam.
oe oly 18.5 13.45 24.3 28.3 Siam, Ratburi.
4, — Lido '28.0 39.0 29.0 Siam.
No. 1 is the upper one in the illustration, and is the one
described in this article. It was obtained within 10 miles of the Tenas-
serim boundary. No. 3, the lower one illustrated, is in the possession
of Dr. Malcolm Smith and was obtained in the same Province of
Ratburi though probably south of where I shot No. 1.
Nos. 2 and 4 are the only heads which Rowland Ward records
from Siam:—No. 2 in the possession of Mr. J. H. Thurston and
No. 4 in that of Mr. A. Waley.
K. G. GAIRDNER.
June, 1914,
No. III.—DISTRIBUTION OF THE “ LAMANG” DEER
(CHRVUS ELDI PLATYCERONS. )
In his paper on the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi and Petchburi,
which appeared in Vol. L. No. I. of this Journal, Mr. K. G. Gairdner
writes: ‘“‘ At present two Cervidae only are known from this district,
the Barking Deer (Cervulus muntjuc) and the Sambar (Cervus wnico-
lor).” To these must be added Cervus eldi, known in Siam as the
“Jamang” and in Burmaas the “thamin,” which Mr. Gairdner has
apparently not come across in the district referred to. ‘The Siamese
variety of this deer is a distinct race, known as C. eldi platyceros. it
undoubtedly occurs, or was found until recently, in Ratburi Province.
On the 29th March 1908, in the neighbourhood of Chawm Bung, a
swampy plain having an area of about three square miles, approx-
imate Lat. 13° 40,’ Long. 99° 35,' in the Muang of Ratburi, I came
across a herd of six, including a fawn. ‘The latter was about the size
of a three-quarter grown Barking Deer. It separated at first from
the herd, which when first seen was about 200 yards off, and came
114 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
galloping back quite close to us, so that my coolies thought of trying
to catch it, but it soon made off after its mother, going at a great
pace. An hour or two later, we saw what I believed to be the same
_ herd, or part of it, at a distance of about 150 yards. They were then
four in number and I did not notice the fawn, so possibly the mother
and fawn were resting elsewhere. They were all does. On the 24th
February 1907, a few miles north of Nawng Pla Duk station on the
Southern Railway, in approximate Lat. 13° 55,’ Long. 99° 55,’ also in
Ratburi Muang, I saw a female “ lamang.”
These deer frequent grassy plains, and at that time considerable
areas in the district last mentioned were covered with coarse grass
from 6 to 10 feet high, which afforded excellent cover and shade, more
especially as there was a fair proportion of trees growing in the
grass jungle. I fancy that most of this area has since been brought
under cultivation. It was being rapidly settled at that time. The
district around Chawm Bung does not seem very suitable for these deer,
as it is more or less closely covered with tree-jungle, and the grass in
the glades is short and sparse in the dry season. These deer cannot
live far from water. In recent years the plain of Chawm Bung itself
has been largely brought under cultivation. Formerly it would have
furnished an ideal haunt for these deer. There has also heen an
enormous increase in the number of people who enler this district in
the dry season for the purpose of cutting timber. This is taken out in
bullock carts and used for building purposes, railway sleepers, fish traps
in the gulf, &. The wood-cutters do a certain amount of game
shooting by sitting up over waterholes, and as the ‘“ lamang” cannot
go long without water, or travel far in the hot season to get it, it
seems to me probable that this deer may have been almost, if not quite,
exterminated by now on the west side of the Meklawng River by this
method of shooting.
I was informed in the present year that, in the district of
Choraké Sampan in the Province of Nakawn Chaisi, which is just north
of Muang Kanburi, in Ratburi Province, the “lamang” occasionally
enter and feed on the rice crops during the wet season.
I have heard it stated that no ‘‘ lamang” are found west cf the
Menam Chao Praya. From what I have stated this is evidently not so.
Apart from that, these deer were found until recent years in patches of
high grass-jungle between the railway and the river, north of Lopburi
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 115
in Krung Kao Province, approximate Lat. 14°55’, where I saw them
on more than one occasion in the year 1906. Since then some of this
jungle has been brought under cultivation, possibly all of it. I was
told that, in the dry season of the year 1906, a “lamang” stag,
impelled by thirst, actually ran down in the day time into the water in
a railway borrow pit close to Ban Mi station and market, on the
railway above Lopburi, and was mobbed by the local people and killed
by knives and sticks. I see no reason why ‘“ lamang” should not be
found on the west of the Menam Chao Praya in this latitude, as I
believe there is country on that side suitable for their existence.
A. J. IRWIN.
Bangkok,
15th July, 1914.
No. IV.-NOTE ON TWO RARE MAMMALS, BERDMORE’S
RAT (HAPALOMYS LONGICAUDATUS ) AND
FEA’S MUNTJAC (CEHERVULUS FEZ ).
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat. In January when
clearing bamboo jungle to form a camp, a specimen of this rat was
paralyzed by a blow on the back, and drowned in spirit in order to
preserve all vermin. Dr. Rankin took it home, and Mr. Oldfield
Thomas has identified the rat as H. longicaudatus, previously only
known by specimens from Burma and Tavoy. This rat may be
known by the flat nail on the hallux, which appears to be partly
opposable, and by the teeth which, to quote Blanford, ‘ differ all from
other Muridae in having the tubercles of the anterior lower molar
triserially arranged.”
The dimensions of the living specimen were: Length 6.4 in.
Tail 8.4 in. Hind foot 1 in. Ear from orifice 55 in. Vibrissae black,
1.5 in. long. -
The fur was dense and soft, of a warm brown colour, lighter on
nose and cheeks and with blackish hairs intermixed on forehead and
back. Tail, thinly haired with white at the tip. All lower surfaces
white from chin to vent. Feet, dirty pink. Found in uninhabited
bamboo and teak jungle on the Quaa Noi river, N. Lat. 14° 22’,
116 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I
Cervulus feae. Fea’s Muntjac. My coolies when searching for
food came across the dead body of a deer which they did not recognize.
The deer had been killed by a leopard while drinking in the Menam
Lor, a tributary of the Quaa Noi, and at that point about 4 miles from
Kow Pra on the Tenasserim boundary in N. Lat. 14° 23’. On that
day I also was searching for food, and returned to camp in the late
evening to find that the hungry men, having found the deer, had eaten
all of it and had roasted the head and mashed it up. The horns,
similar to those of a Barking Deer, had been turned into knife handles,
and the skin had been twisted up into pack ropes. All that I recovered
of this rare deer was a piece of the skin with the tail attached ; and
this, taken in conjunction with the horns and locality, I consider places
the question of identification beyond doubt. So far as I know, this
is the second specimen so far recorded, the first having been obtained
many years ago in Tenasserim.
Colour. The hair of the back, dark brown, each hair either
tipped or annulated with golden yellow. A few white hairs intermixed,
and these also are tipped golden yellow. ‘Tail, pure white, with a
narrow black line down the centre. Length of tail in dried skin
(probably stretched) 6 in. and the white hairs project for 1.3 in.
beyond this.
The Karen guide informed me that this was the ‘‘ ee-kung ” and
that it took place of the “ ee-keng ” or Barking Deer in the evergreen
jungle, and that the call of the two species was similar.
kK. G. GAIRDNER.
June, 1914.
No. V.-NOTE ON LANGUR MONKEYS.
On pages 33 and 36 of Vol. I. No. 1 of the Journal, I referred
to two species of Semnopithecus (now Presbytis ) which I was unable to
identify.
I have now heard from the British Museum authorities that the
species described on p. 33 as “‘black in colour, with poll and tail french-
grey, and with bare rings around the eyes of a pinkish white colour”,
is Presbytis obscwrus. This species extends down the Malay Peninsula,
the northern limit in Siam apparently being N. Lat. 13° 20’.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 117
On p. 36 I referred to another species as occurring North of
Lat. 13° 20', which was grizzled black in colour, with long silvery grey
whiskers. This has been identified as P. germaini. This species was
first described from Cochin China, though Flower in 1900 recorded it
from Siam.
Of this species two adults measured :—
Nose to aoe a
root of tail Tail ee middle ss Hand
to feet ea
20 in. 29 in. 12 in. 6 in. 10 in. 3.5 in.
19.5in, = 330.5 in. = 18.5 in. 6 in. 11 in. 4.5 in.
In both sexes the bare skin of face, hands and feet is black;
the inguinal region, in the male, is dark brown. Two females had
a conspicuous white streak running from the anus down the inside
of either thigh for 2in., this mark being wanting in all males examin-
ed. Callosities, dirty yellow. Body skin, dirty light ash. Colour
of the body hair, dark grizzled grey running to black on uppers of
hands and feet and extremity of tail. Whiskers, silvery grey up to
24in. long and almost concealing the ears. Specimens obtained
during January and February had the tail hair short and_ bristly,
while specimens obtained in July, had the tail much more thickly
haired. Two males obtained in July weighed each 19 Ibs. and the
chest circumference was 19.5 in. The mating season is, I believe,
July or August.
It appears to be only locally distributed in Ratburi and enly
in the lew country ; but will probably be found commen in Hastern
Siam.
k. G. GAIRDNER.
June 1914,
No. VI.—LARGE HORNS OF MALAY SAMBAR (CHRVUS
UNICOLOR EQUINUS).
The accompanying illustration shows the head of a Sambar in
the possession of Mr. R. Aaey Moore.
The horns are probably a record for Siam, and are longer than
any recorded by Rowland Ward for the species, though a specimen
is now recorded from Burma (vide Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Journal,
Vol. XXI p. 248,) with a length of 38 in and girth of 10 in,
118 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
The horns shown are particularly heavy and measure :—
Left 38.6 in, Right 33.5 in. to outer bases of coronets.
30,0 It. ,, 04.6 im. to front bases of coronets.
39
Ld
Circumferences. Above coronet 9 in. ; above brow tine 7 in.;
four and a half inches below the bifurcation 7.2 in. and two inches
above the same 5.5 in. Length of brow tine 10.7 in.
This head was obtained near Nakon Lampang, 65 miles 8. E. of
Chiengmai, by Mr. G. K. Spittel.
K. G. GAIRDNER.
June, 1914.
4 No. VII.— OCCURRENCE OF THE INDIAN THREE-TOED
KINGFISHER (CHYX TRIDACTYLA) IN BANGKOK.
Ceyx tridactyla. 1040. Fauna British India. A fully adult
specimen of this rare little kingfisher was caught by some boys in
a garden near Bush Lane on April 7th, and brought to me alive.
When the boys saw it, they mistook it for a young bird of another
genus which also has a red back, and gave chase; the bird was
evidently very frightened, as it flew into the trunk of a tree and
was picked up stunned. I let it loose in the aviary, where it fed
on small prawns and was apparently doing very well, but two months
later it was killed in a heavy rain storm. it is a bird of very feeble
flight, and its small wings, with such tiny quills, strike one as very
inadequate to maintain its balance with such a large beak and an
extremely short tail. The colours are remarkable for the violet gloss
on the hind neck and rump, with purplish blue on the back and wings
and bright orange on the breast; the bill and feet are red. Blanford,
in the Fauna of British India, describes this bird as found all over
India, but far from common, and rare in Ceylon and parts of Southern
India. As far as I know, the only other specimen recorded from Siam
is the one which was preserved in spirit by Mr. P. A. R. Barron at—
Koh $i Chang and mentioned by Count Gyldenstolpe.
H. G. HERBERT.
July, 1914.
+ No. VIIIL—NOTE ON THE RED-BREASTED PAROQUET
(PALAHORNIS FASCIATUS).
Palaeornis fasciatus. 1145. Fauna British India. This
Paroquet has been recorded as very common in the North by
Head of Malay Sambar
(Cervus unicolor equinus.)
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MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 119
Count Gyldenstolpe, but he did net find it south of Prae, or near
Bangkok.
Mr. Barton writes of it ia the same way from Raheng, and
Mr. Gairdner reports the same from the Western boundary, but I am
not aware that it has been recorded from anywhere near Bangkok.
On the 20th June last, I found this bird in large numbers between the
river and Chiengrak Station, and obtained specimens of both male and
female. The distinctive mark between these two is the colour of the
’ beak, which is red on the male and black on the female, and I found
the Siamese call them by different names. Blanford, in the Fauna of
British India, after giving the distribution of this bird in fadia, says
it is found throughout the whole of Burma, the Andaman Islands
(not the Nicobars), Cambodia, Cochin China, and parts of Southern
China, so one would naturally expect to find it throughout the whole
of Siam at certain seasons of the year, and this is probably the case.
E. G. HERBERT.
August, 1914.
+ No. IX.—SMALL MINIVET (PERICROCOTUS PEREGRINUS )
BREEDING IN BANGKOK.
> Pericrocotus peregrinus. 500. Fauna Brit. India. The
occurrence of this pretty bird in Bangkok seems to be little known,
though it may be seen in the fruit gardens on the West side of the
river, and more frequently on the mangrove trees along the banks
of the river at the lower end of the Harbour. The bright scarlet
of the breast and rump are very conspicuous as the birds ‘fits around
the outer branches of the trees in search of insects. The Siamese
name is ‘“‘ Nok si champoo talay ”—the pink bird from the sea, and
it is said that they migrate South for breeding in the spring, and then
return here for the remainder of the year. Whether any of the birds
actually do this I cannot say, but many of them certainly breed in
Bangkok during April, May and June.
In April, I often saw them in pairs, and occasionally in May,
and from early June I several times saw old and young out together,
and watched the young being fed by the female. Jt then appeared
fairly conclusive that these birds were breeding here, and after con-
siderable search, and watching the birds, a nest of fully fledged young
120 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. ¥-
was found on June the 11th. Another with well fledged birds was
found on the following day. The first nest was on one of the outer
branches near the top of a high durian tree. It was built of fine
fibre which was stuck on to the upper side of a branch, and then
coated with lichen, so that it resembled a knot or excrescenze on the
branch. It was a flat cup-shaped nest measuring 3} in. diameter
outside, by #1. deep, and it was only with the greatest difficulty
that it could be made out, even with glasses. The other nest was stuck
on to the leaf-stem of a high betel palm, and was almost as difficult
to see. In both cases the nests were only found by watching the
parent birds carrying food to the young, and it would be practically
impossible to find a nest without watching the birds either building
or feeding the young.
E. G. HERBERT.
August, 1914.
No. X —OCCURRENCE OF THE CHINESE FRANCOLIN
+-( FRANCOLINUS CHINENSIS ) IN BANGKOK.
In the Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok by Mr. W.J.F.
Williamson, published in Vol. I No. 1, of this Journal, the number
opposite the name Chinese Francolin, is marked with an asterisk to
indicate that no specimens have been obtained, although the occurrence
of the bird is believed to be tolerably certain. I believe the occurrence
is quite certain, but I consider that the birds in question have either
escaped from captivity, or been freed for the purpose of making merit,
or are the offspring of such birds. I do not know that it would be
correct to describe birds bred in this way as “of Bangkok,” except in
a very limited sense. I have had occasion to move about a good deal
in Krungtep (Bangkok) Province, both in the wet and dry seasons,
and I have never seen any of these birds, or heard of them as
indigenous or likely to be found. They are birds of the higher dry
lands, preferably with some bush-jungle about for cover, and there I
have found them, but such country does not exist in Bangkok
Province. Several years ago I was in the northern part of the
Province, in Klawng Rangsit district, where the land had not yet been
taken up for cultivation, and was covered with grass jungle. There, if
anywhere—the jungle being more or less undisturbed—one would have
expected to hear of them, but I never either saw or heard them. Some
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 121
years ago one of these birds took up its abode in the N. KE. corner of
the compound of what was the Survey school (now the Civil Service
College ) at Sapatum, when I lived there. It was there for some three
months at least in the wet season, and never moved from the same
position within a radius, say, of 60 yards. I believe it kept on the
high banks of the roadside and boundary cuttings. I never saw it, but
it called so constantly, presumably in the search foi a mate, that attention
could not fail to be attracted to it. The call is unmistakable, being a
flat somewhat hoarse crow, like that of an ordinary domestic cock
with a cold in its throat, and may be nearly rendered by the syllables
Kak, Kak-Kak, Ka-Kah. These birds are often kept in captivity in
cages in Bankok, and I never had any doubt that this was one which
had escaped. Its call attracted the attention of passers-by on the
public road, and more than once | had to warn off persons with guns
who entered the compound in pursuit of it. Possibly one of them got
it in the end, for after a time its call was heard no more. I see no
reason why these birds should not be able to live in patches of grass
or bush-jungle on raised ground near Bangkok. I understand they
have been found in one or two such spots. There is hardly any such
ground in Bangkok or neighbourhood which has not been artificially
raised. The generality of the country about is low-lying, and is more
or less flooded during the rains, and is thus quite unsuited to these
birds and dissimilar to their ordinary habitat. 1 should say that, even
if they bred to some extent, they would be liable, on account of the
damp, to disease similar to grouse disease in England, and would soon
die out.
A. J. IRWIN.
Bangkok, 15th July, 1914.
[As the Chinese Francolin is a Siamese bird, and is admittedly found at
large in the environs of Bangkok, it ix, we think, properly included in Mr.
Williamson’s list, though Mr. Irwin’s explanation of its presence here may be
correct. Kds.}
No. XI.—SOME INTERESTING BIRDS FOUND NEAR
THE WESTERN BOUNDARY.
The following notes on birds, shot on my recent trip from
Raheng down the Me Klong river, may be of interest to members
id
122 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
of the Society. I am indebted to Mr. Herbert for assisting me to
identify my specimens.
Cissa chinensis (F. 14). The Green Magpie. Shot March
20th at Huey Nam Ron on the Upper Thoungyin watershed, in
bamboo jungle. It is the only one I saw, and I do not recollect
having seen one elsewhere.
Oates, in the Fauna of British India, writes as follows :—
“The plumage of this bird changes after death and also in captivity
from green to dull blue; and the red on the wings also undergoes
a change under the same circumstances, becoming much duller.”
In the case of the present specimen the crown is distinctly blue over
the yellow of the under webs instead of green, the back and scapulars
are tipped with blue, and the central tail feathers are blue. Un-
fortunately I was not aware of this change of colour after death, and
did not note the colours when the bird was shot, but it is to be
hoped that anyone who obtains a specimen in the future will take
very careful note of all the green parts immediately the bird is killed.
A description of this bird, taken from the Fauna of British India,
is given for the guidance of those interested. ‘‘ Head and neck
greenish yellow ; general body plumage green ; the lores and a band
through each eye, the two meeting behind on the nape, black ; the
cheeks, sides of neck, and lower plumage paler green ; tail green, the
central feathers tipped with white, the others tipped with white
and with a subterminal band of black; lesser wing coverts green,
the other coverts red; wings brown on the inner webs, red on the
outer ones. Bill red; legs coral red; inside of mouth reddish flesh-
colour.”
Urocissa occipitalis (F. 12). The Red-billed Blue Magpie.
About a week later I obtained a specimen of this bird, which is very
handsome with the purplish blue of its back, wings and tail showing
up from a ground-work of black and white. This species has, however,
been recorded from other parts of Siam, and a closer description here
is unnecessary.
Cyanops davisoni ( F. 1013). Davison’s Blue-throated Barbet.
On April 20th, at a place about eight miles south-west of Pak Me
Chan, I saw two of these birds sitting on a low stunted tree in open
country, and shot one of them. Later on I saw several more, but did
not obtain another specimen.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 123
In Hume’s Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds, this Barbet is
described as common in the Thoungyin Valley, and in the Fauna of
British India as found in Tenasserim only, so the area in which it
occurs appears to be very restricted. The distinctive mark is the
verditer blue band across the vertex, instead of black as in C. asiatica,
with the forehead and rest of the crown crimson.
I also obtained specimens of Baza lophotes (F. 1251), the
Black-crested Baza; Terpsiphone affinis ( F. 599), the Burmese
Paradise Flycatcher, and saw Peacock-Pheasants, Silver Pheasants
Francolin, Partridges, Jungle-Fow! and Bustard Quail at various places
on the route.
Mr. Gairdner, I am told, obtained specimens of Cissa chinensis
and Cyanops davisont in 1912 from near the Tenasserim boundary.
There appears to be a little doubt as to what the note of Cyanops
davisont is, and it will be interesting to know whether the monotonous
trisyllabic note, so well known by those who have camped near the
Tenasserim boundary, belongs to this bird.
J. F. KEDDIE.
July, 1914.
No. XIJ.—OCCURRENCE OF THE KRAIT (BUNGARUS
CANDIDUS) AND THE SMALL-SPOTTED CORAL SNAKE
(CALLOPHIS MACULICEPS) IN SIAM. A NEW COLOR
VARIETY OF THE LATTER.
I mentioned in the last number of the Journal (p. 7), that
certain species of poisonous snakes, would, on account of their known
distribution, be no doubt ultimately found in Siam. Two of that list
have since been shown to exist here.
Bungarus candidus. I am indebted to Mrs. Collins for this
snake, caught in one of the bungalows at Sriracha. Male. Total
length, 850 mm., tail 100. Ventrals 220. Subcaudals 47. Color.
Twenty broad white bands upon the body and seven upon the tail,
each one with a fair amount of black mottling occupying the middle
two-fourths. Tail below mottled with grey. The stomach contained
an earth snake ( Typhlops braminus).
Callophis maculiceps. I have examined no less than 8 speci-
mens from various parts of Siam, as the appended list will show, so
124 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol I.
that it would appear to be not uncommon and widely distributed, at
any rate in Central Siam, This species is known to extend into Burma
and Indo-China and southwards into the Malay Peninsula. In the
latter region it is extremely rare ( Boulenger ), whilst in Burma it is
uncommon ( Wall).
es 4 3
b oO 6 | S|
=; Sa ST oe Ni fie ess 3 5
‘S seis alte bo) & | g
SR eee Ss) Sie Sis
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4 ~
1. | Koh Si 263 |23|) 18 |180\24] 4 infralabials touch anterior chin-
Chang shields. ail below thickly
spotted with black.
2. | Sriracha 825/35] ,, |187|30]| 5 infralabials touch anterior chin-
shields.
3. a 288 | 23] ,, |186|23] Tail immaculate below, except for
the usual bands.
4. | Pak Jong | 465/35] ,, |198)24] Alt. 800 ft. R. side, 8 upper la-
bials, due to division of 8rd,
5 infralabials touch anterior
chin-shields on R. side, 4 on L.
side. Had eaten an earth
snake T'yphlops nigroalbus.
infralabials touca anterior chin-
shields. Tail thickly spotted
below.
bo
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Or
5. | Kanburi 21ST BH es sa:
6. | Lopburi 285/25} ,, |189] 22] 4 infralabials touch anterior chin-
shields.
as
Nong Kai | 260/25) ,, |173 |25] 5 infralabials touch anterior chin-
Ploi shields,
8. | Paknampo | 220/20] ,, | 175) 24] R. side 6 upper labials, due to
fusion of 6 and 7. 5 infralabials
touch anterior chin-shields.
SS
Nos. 1—5 have the usual series of small black dots down the
back and do not differ from the recognized description, except that
they have in addition a very faint, dark, vertebral line.
Nos. 7—8 constitute a new color variety, similar to the var. wnt-
virgatus of the allied Callophis macelellandi (Macclelland’s Coral Snake).
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 12
[ne
Color. Above, light yellowish-brown, without dorsal spots, but
with a conspicuous black vertebrai line running the whole length of
the body and tail, as well as the usual tail bands. Head and neck
black, with a pale yellowish line along each upper lip, interrupted
below the eye. Belly coral pink. Tail below, more or less thickly
spotted with black.
No. 6 is intermediate between the two forms. The usual dorsal
dots are present as well as the conspicuous vertebral line.
Mr. Boulenger (Cat. Snakes, and Fauna Malay Pen.) gives the
number of ventrals shields as varying from 205-247. The difference
in the number in the Siamese specimens is noteworthy.
Major Wall ( Poison. Terrest. Sn. Brit. Ind.) in his supplement-
ary characters of identification says:—Anterior sublinguals touch 4
infra-labials. The difference in the Siamese specimens will again
be noted.
Typhlops nigroalbus found in the stomach of No. 4 has not yet
been recorded from Siam, although I have seen specimens from other
parts of the country.
I am indebted to Mr. Boulenger for identifying this species.
MALCOLM SMITH.
July, 1914.
No. XIII.—SLUGGISHNESS OF A PYTHON.
While working on a hilltop of some 250 metres elevation
recently, the ccolies discovered a python curled up in a small cavity
formed by big, loose boulders. The cavity was too small for a man to
enter and since the gall bladder was required to make medicine, they
finally decided to build a fire of glowing embers in the cavity and
roast him out. The snake, however, preferred to roast vather than
face his enemies, who were waiting round the entrance with boulders
and axes. After some half hour’s time he was so stupefied with
smoke that a noose was cast over his head and he was ignominiously
hauled out—offering little resistance.
It was found that the body was burnt in several places and
the skin blistered. The python measured just over 4 metres and was
126 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST: SOCTETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
as thick as a man’s thigh, though it did not appear to have fed
recently.
K. G. GAIRDNER.
March, 1914.
[From the description of this snake given us by Mr. Gairdner, it was
no doubt Python reticulatus. Eds. |
No. XIV.—ON THE BREEDING HABITS OF HYPSIRHINA
HNHYDEIS AND HERPETON TENTCAULATUM
(THE TENTACLE SNAKE).
Hypsirhina enhydris. The following observations confirm and
supplement what is already known about the breeding habits of this
species.
I obtained a female in the month of December showing enlarged
ovarian follicles, in which the embryos, 10 in number, could be just
discerned. I received another gravid female in April, containing 18
young ones, their development in this case being well advanced. The
mother was a very large specimen measuring 680 mm. in length. A
third was caught in July, which gave birth to a single still-born young
one, probably the last of her brood. The other records, quoted by Major
Wall in his article on this snake in the Journal of the Bombay Natural
History Society, are as follows :—‘ Colonel Evans came across a pair in
copula in Lower Burma on October 16th. * * * * Another was
taken by Theobald near Rangoon in a gravid condition in March.”
By piecing all this evidence together, it would appear, therefore,
that intercourse takes place at the end of the rainy season, about
October, and that the young are born when the rains have again set
in, about June or July.
The single young one, referred to above, measured 180 mm. in
length, and resembled the parent in every way except that, as is usually
the case, the coloration and markings were more vivid.
Herpeton tentaculatum. In the Catalogue of Snakes in the British
Museum, the number of scales across mid-body in this snake is given
as 37. An examination of a number of specimens has shown me
that this is not always the case, but that they may vary from 35 to 39.
I have recently been able to examine a brood of 13 young ones, which
shows this variation very fully. Unfortunately they did not come to
"MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 127
maturity, owing to the death of the mother. This happened in June,
and judging from the state of their development, they would not, 1
think, have been born for some weeks. They were quite white, but in
every way perfectly tormed, including the “ tentacles.” The genital
organs of all the males were extruded, rendering the differentiation of
sex an easy matter. In the process of examination, some of them were
allowed to become dry so that a count at that point could not be made.
Leneth of the mother, 770 mm.
The costals are counted two heads’ lengths behind the head,
at mid-body and two heads’ lengths before the vent.
MorHer. Costa.s, 37. 39. 35. VENTRALS, 122.
MALES. FEMALES.
Costals. Ventrals, Costals. Ventrals,
de GA. OD. 90. 107 10. 34, 37. 33. 114
2. BOs Os Os 122 Lk. 36. 38. 35. Es
3. 33. 36. 36. 118 12. — 37. — ae
A. |, 84. 350135. oe Lae OAs oS f. 0d. 116
D. 33. 86. — 122
6. |) 84.537. — 103
3 — 37. — -—
Gist Shs a6. | 1 Le
9, 30. 30. do. LF,
From the above list it will be seen that the number of scales in
this species is by no means regular, and in this particular it resembles
the true sea-snakes. The ventral shields also are extremely small,
being not more than twice the breadth of the adjacent costals. They
are sometimes missing entirely, and anteriorly are indistinguishable
from the costals, making a true count difficult.
MALCOLM SMITH.
July, 1914.
No. XV._NOTE ON A RARE LIZARD, (LYGOSOMA
ISODACTYLUM.)
During the past year I have received or collected nine speci-
mens of this rare lizard, previously known only from a single one
128 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
discovered by M. Mouhot in Cambodia during his travels in 1858-60.
The first two were caught in the stone quarries at Sanam
Cheng (N. of Lopburi) but were so badly preserved as to be useless.
A third was sent me by Mr. Greene, the station-master at Lopburi,
having been caught in the station, and two more were shortly after-
wards dug up in a garden at Sam Kok. In July, at Chong Kae,
I caught four specimens alive, having found them beneath the stacks
of fire-wood in the station yard. I kept them for some time, until
one night a horde of ants invaded their cage and devoured them.
These lizards, as might be expected from the rudimentary
condition of their limbs, are chiefly subterranean in their habits,
They move about with a sinuous snake-like action. the fore-legs being
in frequent use, the hind ones not at all, but pressed closely back
along the sides of the body. In pushing their way about through
small cracks and crevices and in burrowing in the earth, the fore-limbs
also remain idle, and the creature becomes entirely snake-like in its
movements. They can, however, be extremely active, and elude
capture with great agility.
In lepidosis my specimens differed in no way from the type
description, except in the number of scales round the body. This is
given in the Catalogue of Lizards in the British Museum as 30. In
mine they varied from 30 to 34.
Their color also varied slightly and was (in life) as follows :—
Above, dark yellowish, thickly powdered with very dark brown, this
color often confluent and forming patches. In one of them these
patches were so extensive as to practically obscure the ground color.
Sides, with a dark edge to each scale, forming oblique lines upwards
and backwards. Below, pale yellow or yellowish white, speckled
irregularly with brown. In the only half-grown specimen I obtained,
the belly was of a uniform pale yellowish color. Labials, 1st excepted,
barred with yellow and brown alternately.
The drawing, by Mrs. Stephen Groves, is from a specimen in
which the tail had been reproduced. This appendage, therefore, is not
shown in its full length. Normally it is nearly the length of the head
and body.
MALCOLM SMITH.
May, 1914.
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PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. 129
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS.
lst ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 6th March, at
which 24 members were present—the President, Mr. W. J. F.
Williamson, being in the chair. The meeting was attended by Count
Nils Gyldenstolpe, an Honorary Member of the Society.
The accounts for the year 1913, showing a balance of Tes.
213.55 in hand, were presented and approved.
The election of officers for the year 1914 resulted as follows :—
President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson; Vice-President, Dr. Malcolm
Smith ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S H. Cole; together with
Major W. Sprater, Mr. E. G. Herbert and Mr. E. J. Godfrey, Members
of Committee.
As the result of a discussion on the subject of the annual
subscription, initiated by Mr. W. G. Weeks, it was agreed, on the
proposition of Dr. Malcolm Smith, that the amount of the annual
subscription be reduced to Tes, 20 with effect from the current year.
An exhibition of specimens was made by Members.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner exhibited the skin, head, horns and tail of a
Sladang ( Bos gawrus ).
Messrs. W. J. F. Williamson and KH. G. Herbert showed the
nests, eggs and skins of the Black-necked Myna ( Graculipica nigri-
collis ), the Java Fantail-Flycatcher (Rhipidura javanica), the Burmese
Yellow-breasted Sunbird: ( Arachnechthra jflammazillaris) and the
Brown-throated Sunbird ( Anthothreptes malaccensis ).
Dr. Malcolm Smith showed the following snakes :—Callophis
maculiceps and Dendrophis suhocularis, neither of which had _ been
previously recorded from Siam.
Mr. E. J. Godfrey exhibited some specimens of butterflies
and moths.
The first number of the Jowrnal was distributed to members at
this meeting.
2nd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 16th June
—Mr. W. J. F. Williamson, the President, being in the chair, and 16
members and 2 guests att nding.
130 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
The business of the meeting was an exhibition of mammals,
birds and reptilos recently collected on the Tenasserim boundary.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner showed the mammals and birds collected by
himself—amongst the former being the tail and a piece of the adjacent
skin of the rare Fea’s Muntjac ( Cervulus jeae ). The birds, of which
a fair number had been obtained, included the following which, so far
as is known, have not previously been recorded from Siam :—Black-
throated Laughing Thrush ( Dryonastes chinensis); Dusky Broadbill
(Corydon sumatranus); Red-bearled Bee-eater ( Nyctiornis amictus );
a Frogmouth ( Batrachostomus sp.) and a specimen of the rare
Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle ( Lophotriorchis kieneri ).
Dr. Malcolm Smith exhibited specimens of the reptiles obtained
by his collector. The total number of species which had been brought
in was 381, amongst which were Coluber oxycephalus, Alabes scriptus,
Simotes violaceus, Tropidonotus chrysargus, Polyodontophis collaris,
Acanthosaura crucigera, Calotes cristatellus, Draco blanfordi, Gymno-
dactylus marmoratus, Lygosoma olivaceum, L. vittigerum, Bufo asper
and ana macrodon, none of which had been previously recorded in
Siam north of the Isthmus of Kra.
Dr. Smith also showed a second specimen of a skink ( Lygosoma
anguinoides ) and of a snake ( Simotes inornatus) both of which were
new to Science and which would be described by Mr. Boulenger in the
forthcoming number of the Journal.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following members have been elected since the 1st Janu-
ary, 1914.:—
Honorary Members. H. R. H. Prince Chumpon ; Count Nils
Gyldenstolpe.
Members. C. J. Aagaard; W. Bain; EH. B. Boyce; T. B.
Chatteris; Mrs. D. J. Collins; J. EH. Dalgleish; S. W. Eyton ;
H. Gardner; .W. I: Grut; J.-F. Keddie; 8, C. Keynes; i.
H. Nisbet; A. W. Ogilvie; A. Osann; A. A. Porter; A. L. Queripel ;
G Rexhausen; G. C. Smyth; Mom Luang Thong; F. Zabel,
THE
JOURNAL
|
‘Natural IListory Society of Siam.
INE OE A. VINOe dis
Issued Mareh, 1915.
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. I. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members)... rCcameitalent et Tes. 4.00.
London, Luzac & Co,
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
Norra iaiNroe 3.
Issued March, 1915.
WV,
Cong Muse™™
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members. neem Tes, 4:00:
London, Luzae & Co.
Nb
ier, 7 4
#
CONTENTS.
PAGE,
NOTES ON THE Fauna AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND PETCHABURI
Districts. By K.G. Gairdner. Part II, with a Map... 131
List OF THE MamMALS, Birps, REPTILES AND BaTRACHIANS
OBTAINED IN THE RaTRURI AND PetrcHABURI DISTRICTS.
By K. G. Gairdner and Malcolm Smith. es aoe g Mls
On two NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE GULF oF Siam. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. a as oe rks V7
Lisr or Birps COLLECTED BY Mr. Emin KISENHOFER IN
NorrHerN S14M. By Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, B.A. ... 165
THe SNAKES OF BaNnG@KoK. Part III, with 4 Plates. By
Malcolay Smith) M.R:G.S8:, D.R.O:Po 3: re) rt 173
I TREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR Ligut. By K. G.
Blair, B.SC., F.E.S. oe mae Ayes oR 188
a] " r r To - a) ~ + r wy ~
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO PRELIMINARY LIST OF
BANGKOK Birps. By W. J. F. Williamson. ... ee wee
THE Brrps oF BaNnGKok. Part Il. By W. J. F. Williamson. 200
LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT Known ‘ro INHABIT SIAM.
By Malcolm Smith, M.R.c.s., EcBeGee: ee a pa lat
AN AppraL For Lancurs. By Guy Dollman. _... tema Le
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS. ... ae rae
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914. ee - 219
List of Members on 3lst December 1914.
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THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam
March 1915. Vou. dT: No. &
+ NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FLORA
OF RATBURI AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS.
(Continued )
ips sites Ca We SE
By K. G. GAIRDNER.
MountTAins ENTIRELY CuAD IN EVERGREEN FOREST.
Oates in his preface to “The Birds of British Burmah” speaks
of the interior of Tennasserim bordering on Siam as being ‘“ almost
impracticable to a European.” The Petchaburi hinterland was, until
four years ago, practically unknown both to Siamese and Europeans,
being deservedly unpopular both on account of its inaccessibility and
the deadly nature of the malaria only too easily contracted in the dark
chasm-like valleys.
The boundary, or watershed is, however, probably more easily
approached from the Tennasserim side than from the Siamese, owing to
the fact of the Tennasserim river flowing due South parallel to the
boundary for some 140 miles, and distant from it only some 7 to 15
miles. This river is, I believe, navigable by “ dug outs” for the greater
part of its length.
Expeditions in wild mountain country, practically uninl abited,
are entirely dependent on coolie labour for the transport of goods and
necessaries, and since a healthy Lao coolie consumes 35 to 40 Ibs of
rice per month (or the equivalent of one man’s heavy load in such
132. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
country) it appears that trips of more than two weeks duration neces-
sitate a considerable force engaged in bringing up supplies from a base.
As no description of this part of the country, so far as I am
aware, has ever been given, it may be of interest if I shortly describe it.
The Petchaburi river, as it trickles beneath the bridge at the
town of Petchaburi in the dry season, is an insignificant looking
stream, and gives little indication of the fact that its course is upwards
of 80 miles in length, draining an area of 1200 square miles, 600 of
which are mountains of considerable elevation in the direct line of the
S. W. monsoon.
The source of this river is in N. Lat. 12° 40,’ E. Long. 99° 20,”
this point being the birthplace of two other big streams :—the Huey
Sat Yai (Big Beast river) which flows East into the Pran river, and
the Cha-ra-wah flowing West into the Tennasserim river. From it§
source the Petchaburi river flows due North for 20 miles to the
Klephant’s Tusk rapid, where it is joined by the Menam Bang Kloi,
which latter has its source some 17 miles to the N. W. The ground
level at the junction is 145 metres above sea level and the boundary is
distant westwards some 10 miles or four days’ march.
The Elephant’s Tusk is an impassable rapid for dug outs,—the
banks being precipitous there is no opportunity, as at other bad rapids,
of dragging the canoes through overgrown shallows at the sides of the
main stream,
From this point the river flows some 18 miles due East when
the first Kariang hamlet is reached, viz:—Ta Ling Lom (Wind monkey
landing) and a further 12 miles E. S. E. carries one to Sarahett. Here
the river makes a sharp bend and flows due N. E. to Petchaburi town.
The northern portion of this area is drained by the Meh Pachee
river which rises with the Bang Kloi in N. Lat. 18° 10’ and flows due
North some 50 miles where it joins the Quaa Noi.
The area to the south of the Petchaburi watershed is drained by
the Pran river, the source of which lies some 10 miles N. H. of the
source of the Petchaburi river and about 10 miles on the Hastern or
Siamese side of the boundary range.
All these three rivers for the first 20 miles of their courses lie
in deep gorges, together with their hundreds of tributaries. Only
occasionally dosmall flats occur in the bottoms, and these are seldom
of any extent. The greatest altitude found was 1505 metres (5000 ft.)
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 133
on the boundary in N. Lat 12° 54’, and asarule in that district the
boundary is over 1100 metres in height, rarely fajling below 800
metres. There is an entire absence of plateau-like or undulating
ground, the mountains being steep sided, and the ridges or summits,
seldom more than 10 to 30 metres in breadth, falling away on either
side to the valleys at slopes varying from 25 to 60 degrees. Generally
speaking the summits of ranges or ridges are from 300 to 500 metres
higher than the valleys directly beneath them.
There is, thus, very little deep humus or water holding soil,
the greater part of the rainfall finding its way immediately to the
rivers, and accounting for the sudden floods to which these streams are
subject, it being no uncommon occurence for the Petchaburi river in
the rainy season to rise 20 feet in 12 hours, and 30 feet has been known
in the same period. The formation is granite with a few small and
isolated limestone outcrops.
With the exception of H. odorata, which is mainly confined to
the banks of running streams, and a species of Salix growing both on
the banks and in the shallows, the jungle is very varied, but the
greater portion is dark and gloomy—the undergrowth varying in
intensity according as the overhead foliage is light or heavy. Once off
the main game tracks it is usually necessary to cut one’s way
when ascending to mountain tops for work. As previously
stated, the ridges slope away sharply on either side of the crest, but
no view is obtainable until extensive clearing has been done. In the
same way in the valleys, if one required sunlight in camp ‘to dry
clothes or dry up the land leeches, it was always necessary to spend
some hours felling the timber and jungle, and then frequently, owing
to the depth of the ravine, it was only possible to obtain 3 or 4 hours
sunshine.
The Karangs make a few paths in the vicinity of their houses
and clearings, but otherwise the only paths available are those made by
the wild elephants. These cross and recross the streams every 50 or
100 yards but are otherwise frequently quite good. A few main tracks
were found leading over the less steep ranges—paths used by the ele-
phants during the rains when in search of bamboo shoots, and leading
over dividing ranges from one valley to another.
I propose to deseribe a couple of trips in that country which
will indicate its nature away from the main stream.
134 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol Tf.
On the 15th March 1912 I left my headquarters camp with
20 coolies and, crossing a low ridge, slept that night at a big rock pool
in the Huey Ma Rew, a favourite haunt of langurs, and attracted by
the excrement of these, or some other cause, numberless flies kept up a
humming as of swarms of bees till nightfall and started again at
dawn. In the previous year a herd of sladang haunted this pool for
some months : and on one occasion while we were improving the game
track to make it serviceable for mail transport, a sladang waited at the
side of the path watching me till I approached within 10 yards. The
first intimation I had of its presenes was when, whirling round, it
dashed up the hillside. At other times I have found them lying down
during the heat of the day on the more open knolls of a hillside, and
on such occasions they go crashing down to the valleys before one gets
near them; and the fact of this beast waiting is probably attributable
to the haphazard and ‘‘doing nothing in particular” manner of my
approach.
Following the stream to its source, the path ascends steeply and
crosses the rather flat watershed between the Ma Rew and Maa La
liang valleys at an elevation of some 450 metres. I found the bed of
a small dry stream crossing the path to be much encrusted with a
deposit of lime several inches in thickness, and more especially of
course where the water had trickled down small declivities. In the
previous year I saw on this path a large family of the big muscular
Stump-tailed Macacques—never found outside the evergreen jungle
and usually at some elevation. In 1911 I obtained a young one
dropped by his mother in her flight, and this I kept till it died of sun-
stroke during the present year.
Continuing along the well defined game track, the path descends
at an easy slope to the Huey Maa La Liang. This stream has its
source at the base of a mountain range surmounted by a grass covered
peak some 1250 metres in height, and is the only mountain within a
radius of ten miles with aname toit (Kao Pa Nern Toong). In the
previous year the valley was inhabited by a Karang and his family, but
in April the wife and daughter fell ill with cholera, and the husband
fled leaving them to die and their bodies to dry in the sun. In cases
of cholera and small pox, Kariangs and Karangs immediately flee,
forming new settlements elsewhere, but I believe as a rule bury their
dead. In 1912, small pox broke out in my headquarters camp, and
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 135
some few Kariangs did temporarily quit their homes near by, but a
Government official arriving, tied new 5 cent pieces round the necks of
all and sundry and so averted disaster.
Following the game track, we were attracted by the smell of
some dead beast, and found, some 10 yards from the path, a black
leopard lying flat on its back with its neck or its back apparently
broken. The ground at that point was flat and covered with very tall
trees, the nearest branches being not less than 80 feet from the ground.
It appeared to me that the leopard had been chasing langurs in the
branches overhead and, missing its footing, fell from a great height and
was killed. here was no wound on the body apparently, though I did
not long pursue investigations on account of the stench,
Though shut in by mountains on all sides this valley is more
open than most, and contains a good deal of secondary growth.
The Grey Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron thibetanum) was ex-
ceptionally common, and the call when heard from a great height
above the valley resembles that of a hoarse goat. Near at hand it is
“* qua-qua-qua,” repeated with lessening intervals until the bird appa-
rently becomes apoplectic and can only screech, I have been told by
trustworthy men that the Peacock-pheasant is the “‘ kaw kaw ” bird,
and that on a sudden clap of thunder a captive bird was actually seen
uttering this sound. On the crash caused by falling trees or on a clap
of thunder, this “kaw kaw” is instantly heard, together with the
barking of any langurs within hearing, and I have only heard this
“kaw kaw” in jungle inhabited by the Peacock-pheasant. In the
higher and darker portions of this valley I first saw the Pittas, and
also an Orange-headed Ground-Thrush, snared by the feet. Wood
Partridges also were common and were snared by the coolies, who
imitate the call with a reed.
At this point I turned South, ascended to about 600 metres and
dropped down into the head waters of the Pran river, and following
down this, arrived at a Karang settlement of four houses. Here I
obtained the Bronze-winged Dove (Chalcophaps indica) which is by no
means common in Petchaburi though generally distributed, and I have
only met them singly, never in small flocks as, according to Oates, they
are found in Burmah.
I obtained also the White-breasted Water-hen. The only mammal
shot was the big black squirrel (Ratufa melanopepla), much more
136 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
sluggish than the common squirrel, and which has the habit of lying
spread flat on big horizontal branches for some time when observed,
with perhaps the end of the tail appearing over the side only.
From here I followed down the Pran valley to the next Karang
hamlet, and ascending a range of 600 metres to the South Hast, crossed
over into the Huey Sat Yai, a stream considerably bigger than the
parent Pran river.
On the march we found old evidences of rhinoceros, and the cook
collected all the dried excrement he could find, the Chinese having great
faith in anything connected with the rhinoceros as medicine.
The game track up the Sat Yai is excellent going in the dry
season, and the track must have been used without change for
generations by pachyderms, judging by the gnarled tree roots and rocks
polished and worn smooth occurring in the path. On the 2nd day’s
journey up this stream, at about nine o’clock, we found ourselves on the
brink of a dry gully, which extended in an almost straight line far up
the hill side, and showed up clearly against the deep green jungle on
either side. A pair of Malay bears were observed feeding and _ leisurely
turning over stones up the gully some 200 yards away. These I stalked
and missed, but I came back at 6 p.m. when another bear appeared in
the same spot, and this I also missed, misjudging the distance in the
failing light. The Malay bear was frequently observed in that valley
and took little heed of the coolies going to and fro for rice and supplies.
Two days later, continuing the march upstream, the fresh tracks
of rhinoceros were found. I have not yet seen one, but from the fact of
native hunters recognizing the “raadt” or one-horned species and the
‘“l-pa-soo” with two horns, it is almost certain that both R. sondaicus
and R. sumatrensis exist in that area, I have found their tracks up to
and above 4000 feet. In 1911, a female with young attacked a Survey
party in the Yang Choom valley, and savagely bit a coolie in the arm.
It was found necessary to camp on a ridge of some 1200 metres
on the boundary, water being brought up daily by the coolies from the
valley 700 metres below. The trees at that elevation are entirely clothed
with mosses, tree ferns and orchids, and many of the outer trees are
stunted, there being no high ranges on the Tenasserim side at that
point to lessen the force of the S. W. monsoon,
The Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon (Carpophuga griseieapilla) was
obtained here. The call is a peculiarly deep “‘er-woob-woom” and I have
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 137
only heard it at elevations of 1000 metres or more. A Davison’s Barbet
t (Cyanops davisoni) was obtained with three young, in a hole at the top
of a dead stump. All the barbets are bad sleepers, and throughout the
night in jungle country, whether camping in valley or mountain top,
one hears their monotonous call.
At this high elevation a brilliantly coloured snake was found,
possibly Doliophis bivirgatus. The snake, some 4 feet long, was azure-
blue covered with small white spots, the whole head and last 6 inches
of the tail being a brilliant red, glistening as though painted with
enamel. In July my coolies met and described to me a similar snake,
fuund at some 800 metres elevation.
Working on this 1200 metre ridge, two species of Horse Fly
(Tabanus rubidus and T. striatus) were very troublesome, in addition
to hundreds and thousands of thirsty bees of five different sizes which,
during the hot season, are always attracted to freshly felled spots, and
hinder one’s work by entering eyes, ears, and nose, swarming on the
hands and exploring up one’s sleeves in their search for moisture. Fre-
quently they become so bad as to necessitate smoke fires. Fortunately
only two of the larger species of bee sting. The largest, with a buff
band round the body, constructs big half-circular nests beneath the
horizontal limbs of a smooth backed species of Ficus, or beneath an
overhanging rock on a cliff face. This species is widely distributed
and I saw a nest in course of making beneath an arch at the Colombo
Museum.
While on the subject of thirsty insects, it may be of interest to
mention that certain Skipper and Fritillary butterflies have the
power of exuding drops of water to moisten surfaces on which they
wish to feed, and I think this must be a peculiarity of tropical butter-
flies, as I certainly never noticed or heard of it in Hurope. On one
occasion a Skipper exuded five drops of water within the space
of two minutes on the back of my hand, dabbling his trunk in the
drop between his hind legs until finished, when he repeated the process.
The drops were of large size and the five together would apparently
equal the bulk of the insect’s body. I have seen them do the same
thing on a chair or table in camp,
When ascending to this camp on the 28th March, we experienced
torrential rain, and on the 81st the camp was enveloped in cloud.
Descending on the lst April, we found the rains and floods had brought
1388 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
out the land leeches, and the coolies, who are as a rule rather leisurely
on the march, fairly raced through the valleys, halting only on rocks in
mid-stream to pull or scrape the leeches off. Later in the season the
coolies became more expert, and on the march carried a stick apiece, to
the end of which they tied on a tiny bag containing tobacco, pounded
chilies, and red lime. This dabbed on a leech had the effect of instantly
shrivelling it up. From observation I think these worms are very
sensitive to, and hunt or are attracted by, vibration, making no use
of their rudimentary eye spots. Keeping quite still, and with ten
or more leeches in sight standing erect, slowly waving their heads
about, I stamped my foot, when they would all advance towards me, but
would then stop in doubt, unless the stamp were repeated. The young
appear in May or June and are a great nuisance in July, being then
only the size of needles, and can get through lace holes in boots and
crevices in putties with ease.
The camp in the valley was some 400 metres above sea level,
shut in on all sides by mountains of 1200 to 1300 metres elevation, and
two hours after arrival in camp the Huey Sat Yai rose some five feet
and became quite impassable. I obtained here a Rail which I believe
to be Rallina superciliaris, and which seemed to me quite out of place
in dense forest, nor have I met the bird elsewhere.
On the return journey heavy rain fell on the 4th April. On the
5th my dogs picked up the scent of a tiger off the shrubs aud bushes
bordering on the path, and, as the scent got hotter, off the path itself ;
this was 9 a.m. and it became apparent that the tiger was going down
for a morning drink at a rock pool just ahead. I crawled round the last
bend hoping to see the beast drinking, but found two Karangs having
breakfast there, and they informed me that on sight of them the beast
had bolted up the hillside. Tigers have recently been giving some
trouble in the coast districts of Ratburi, but I do not know of any
authentic case of molestation by tigers among the hundreds of coolies
who have been employed by the Survey Department in the wild parts
of Ratburi. They have taken an inquisitive interest in our doings and
eaten our transport mules; and on one occasion a tiger walked all
round and between a party of four coolies sleeping out on a sand bank,
but they knew nothing of its presence till morning.
On the 15th April I left headquarters camp for a trip to the
head waters of the Bang Kloi river, and on the 3rd day out arrived
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 139
at a surveyor’s camp situated in a deep gorge at the head of the Hue
Maa Pradohn. The surveyor had a live larder containing peacock-
pheasants and hill partridges. He had also the skin of a very rare cat,
Prionodon maculosus (the Burmese Linsang), which had been trapped
after several raids on the penned birds. The skin was subsequently
lost in the floods. The following night I slept at a Trig. station above
the camp, elevation 1150 metres. Heavy rain fell that night, and the
following morning the view was exquisite—the whole valley of the
Bang Kloi being a sea of white cloud with the higher ridges and peaks
showing up as dark green islands. To the East the Gulf of Siam was
Just visible. Descending Westwards from here was very bad going,
and a couple of days were spent in searching the numerous ravines for
anything like a human track leading up to the ‘“‘ House at the Heart of
the World” (Ban Chai Paan Din). We arrived there on the 24th
April, very curious to see this solitary Karang household and eager to
buy rice, of which the Trig. party had reported there was a large sup-
ply. The husband was away, and neither the wife nor a dirty youth
{alleged to be an ‘angel’ with a knowledge of all languages) could
speak Siamese. The place certainly surprised me, being situated on a
slight spur jutting out from a small flat-topped range of some 800
metres elevation. On a cleared space was a “ bawt ” or temple, and
near it a small “wihan,” together with a couple of buildings not usually
to the North of the “bawt”
a small rectangular building for the male ‘ chao” or spirit and to the
found in Buddhist places of worship, viz:
South, one for the female—the latter being some 8 feet square and
perched on the top of a 6 feet pole, access being had by a ladder.
Around these buildings the ground was perfectly cleared of weeds, and
flowering trees and shrubs had been planted and clipped for ornament.
From this point a splendid view of the mountain ranges to the East
was Obtainee. The following day the owner, Palloogaw, returned, a
tall Karang with a heavy moustache. He could speak a little Siamese,
and sold me a quantity of rice and chickens—the only Karang in the
whole of Petchaburi who had rice for sale. On my asking him how he
had found this spot for his abode, Palloogaw replied that the “chao”
had told him of the spot in a dream ; but I afterwards found out that
he himself was reared at Lum Sai on the Qnaa Noi River, and had lived
here with his wife for the past 22 years, her parents having migrated
from Tennasserim, the boundary being only two miles distant. The
140 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
man was apparently his own head priest, and on movolight nights
entered his temple anl slowly beat a smalldrum. My coolies were
afraid to trespass near the temple, and when my assistant asked per-
mission to worship there, the old man said he must first anoint him.
The household was unusually large, the parents and eleven
children, all alive and sturdy, owing their health presumably to the
high elevation, and having been settled there for many years past, the
primeval forest had been felled each year in small patches for some
distance around. Karang families asa rule are very small, one man this
year telling me that his wife had had twenty children, of whom three
survived, and they are, too, very improvident, seldom having sufficient
rice to last for the whole year. In 1912, the Karangs at the head
waters of the Petchaburi, were living on a species of a big potato m
July, and would have to subsist on roots and tubers until the rice crop
matured in December. Being laid up here for a week with a poisoned
foot, I was able to study the ‘‘angel” previously referred to. He
appeared to be a youth more weakly and therefore more indulged than
the others, and could speak neither Siamese nor Burmese, though he
was an excellent shot with a cross bow.
Travelling North and crossing the head waters of the Bang
Kloi, we crossed the watershed at 1000 metres elevation and followed
down the Meh Pachee river, and on the second day arrived at the
Karang hamlet nearest to “‘ Chai Paan Din,” arriving at Sooan Peung
on the 8rd day. Here mules were obtained, and when nearing Ratbur?
on the 6th May a heavy storm burst, lightning striking the parched
fields and raising huge clouds of dust. Hail falling in large lamps
whitened the ground, and within half an hour the paddy fields were
flooded.
I was laid up in Bangkok some three weeks, but left again at
the end of May with 74 Lao coohes and 10 Chinese. Of these latter,
four succumbed to malaria and privation—the Chinese appearing to be
useless for any kind of pioneer work. Arriving at headquarters camp,
1 found a number of men down with malaria, so on 9th June started oft
to complete the Topo. detail survey on the boundary. The water had
risen considerably but the dug outs all reached the rice depot at the
Klephant’s Tusk rapid without mishap on the 12th June.
On the way up we met the Kariang head man from Tah Ling
Lom with five others, returning from a fruitless search for Ban Chai
FAUNA AND. FLORA, RATBURI PETCHABURI. 141
Paan Din, he having received orders to bring in the reported “ angel.”
With the water rising steadily, the old route for supplies along
the bed of the Petchaburi river became impossible, and a new route
had to be cut over the mountains. In three days we progressed two
miles and regained the East bank of the Petchaburi river again. I
ascended two hills here to get the lie of the country and find a possible
route tu the boundary, and while camped here an emaciated party
rafted down in search of food.
We endeavoured to bridge the flooded river by felling trees, but
finally had to cross on a pontoon raft of bamboos, hauling it to and fro
with giant rattans. Hven thus it was a perilous journey, and all
valuables had bamboo floats tied to them before being put aboard.
Arrived at the far bank, further path cutting was necessary, and
while we were doing this a pair of porcupines ran out of their burrow
and, gazing for a second, ran off. The burrow was situated some 100
metres up the hillside, and later on, endeavouring to smoke them out,
the half-gnawed lower jaw of a pig was discovered in the burrow. No
records were kept of porcupines obtained, but [ presume they are of the
same species as those obtained at Hua Hin, viz, Hystrix grotet.
Crossing a ridge, we descended into a tributary stream flowing
from the West, and ascending this for a day’s march, made camp at a
spot showing fresh tracks of tapir, and the bed place of one of them
was found some 150 metres up the hillside. Tapirs appear to have the
habit, in common with the great cats, of scratching up the ground with
the hind feet, and frequently deposit their excrement at the bases of
trees. They are never, | believe, intentionally shot by jungle folk, who
look upon these rather defenceless creatures as peculiar, They allege
that the Creator, having devised all other beasts to his entire
satisfaction, had left over numerous remnants of clay. Taking
these in his hands, he rolled them all up together, exclaiming
“‘p’som-sett”.* Hence the tapir, with four toes in front, and three on
the hind feet as in the rhinoceros, and in other parts superficially
resembling some other animals.
On the return of the coolies sent back to the depot for rice,
camp was again shifted up on to a ridge of 900 metres elevation.
NN
* Literally, “the mixing is finished.”
142 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Being July, the S. W. Monsoon was at its height and my werk was
greatly hindered by mist. Heavy rain fell daily, but fortunately the
leaves of a broad-leaved palm were available for roofing.
At this time, of my 32 coolies, only 10 were available for work,
12 went to and fro to the ““Elephant’s Tusk” depot for rice, and one-
third were always down with malaria. Of the gang sent back for rice,
three men preferred the excitement of rafting down the rapids (on a
few bamboo poles strung together) to the drudgery of scrambling along
the cut path on the banks, and in consequence were laid up for several
weeks with bad wounds. Added to the climatic discomforts was the fact
that we were constantly short of rice, owing to the ferry raft breaking
away on one trip, when a considerable amount of rice was lost.
On this ridge I met a species of black langur (Presbytis
femoralis) not previously observed elsewhere.
This species is less robust in form than the other species
inhabiting Petchaburi, viz. P. obscuwrus, and was not observed at
elevations below 800 metres. The fur is woollier than in other species,
and the young appear to be black or dark-coloured in early life. The call,
which may be rendered ‘‘oo-00-terruk”, is entirely different from that of
P. obscurus or germaini, and it lacks the hoarse bark of these two species.
The Northern limit of P. femoralis appears to be N. Lat 13% 50’, where
the boundary range drops to 350 metres elevation and is crossed by a
belt of deciduous dry jungle, which would appear to be unsuitable for
the species. From here it ranges down to Singapore, though the
Malayan type has considerably more white on the belly and underparts
than any specimens obtained by me.
The White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) was. also obtained
here, and was found to have a good deal of fat on the shoulders and
back, possibly affording it some protection against the awful weather.
The hill men (Karangs) have also observed that the gibbon is very fat
during the rains. ‘The species is most variable, ranging from a dirty
straw colour to black, but the hair on hands and feet is invariably
white, as also is a ring round the face.
On this ridge was found a very big herd of Stump-tailed
Macacques (probably M. rufescens), and hearing them before seeing
them I thought the sound was that of a pack of wild dogs quarrelling
over a carcase. The adults galloped off leaving the youngsters to
make their way to the tree tops. Following the game track on top of the
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 143
ridge, a solitary boar was bagged, not apparently in the least perturbed
by the explosion of the gun in shooting a hornbill only 70 yards away.
A flying lemur (Galeopithecus volans) was observed clinging to the
side of a tree, hanging at the full extent of its fore legs with the tail
tucked away out of sight, and certainly not head downwards as reported
by Blanford. This specimen was a beautiful soft grey in colour, and
when disturbed the parachute was seen to be adark brown. It floated
away to the base of a tree, and flopped up the trunk in a most ungainly
way. When hanging on the trunk of a tree it has the appearance of a
pear-shaped excrescence, and finding itself observed would impercep-
tibly sidle round the trunk. At 900 metres a monitor (Varanus
nebulosus) was shot while eating a lizard of the genus Calotes, and
afforded a pleasant change in a daily diet of dried pig, the flesh having
the appearance of fish and a taste resembling chicken.
Work on this ridge being completed, on the 18th July camp
was shifted down to the stream, the sick men being pushed and rolled
down, and the treatment apparently did them good for none died.
Making these men as comfortable as possible and putting the cons
valescents in charge, the following day | climbed a ridge of 1,000 metre-
to the North, taking with me 4 days rice, and water for one night. The
first day on the ridge was fine and a considerable amount of work was
completed, but on the following day, shifting camp again northwards
along the ridge, the clouds never lifted for more than three or four
minutes at a time, several hours being wasted searching for a Trig.
point near which | wished tocamp. During the search, an immense
solitary boar was shot, standing 33 inches at the shoulder. This beast
was very fat and estimated to weigh about 300 Ibs. Only one testicle
had dropped. The tusks were fair, being about 9 inches in length.
This ridge was broader than usual, and running water was
obtained only 50 metres below the summit. During the next twelve
days the climatic conditions were not pleasant, The mountains on the
Tennasserim side, to the West, being of low elevation, the full force of
the monsoon whistled through the trees, driving clouds and mist
through the camp, and the tree tops were usually invisible. Mosses
and orchis flourished on the firewood, and did not wither till actually
licked by the flames. Land leeches paraded about the kitchen, and a
small blood-sucking fly left peculiar blood spots beneath the skin on
exposed parts of the body. The fly attacked the bare legs of the coolies,
144 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
and on scratching, mud or dirt penetrated, poisoning the blood and in-
capacitating them.
On the day of arrival we found the fresh tracks of elephant,
rhinoceros and tapir; but it was surprising to find the black langur
(P. femoralis) staying on the exposed ridges during such weather, when
even the gibbons were silenced, and also numerous small passerine
birds including flower-peckers, fantail-flycatchers and babblers. A big
flock of hill partridges haunted the camp, and on the 2nd August a green
jay (Cissa chinensis) was obtained, one of a party of five. On one
occasion when going to the Trig. station, for the daily dreary wait for
a break in the clouds, a large herd of pig were observed feeding within
20 yards of the ridge summit, all unconscious of our presence ; and_ so
they remained, for the guns had been sent in another direction to
secure langur meat.
It may be of interest to mention that wild pigs make nests, and
when first I struck one of these I took it to be the nest of some archaic
bird, but the coolies recognised it immediately as a pig’s nest. Several
have been observed, entirely composed of sticks ranging from the size
of a finger to an inch in diameter, all having been bitten off from the
jungle around the nest. The pile is rather less than 3 metres broad
by 1 high, and the pig tunnels beneath the pile. Blanford mentions
that in India pigs make nests of grass, but in the evergreen jungle
there is little or no grass.
During this year I came across another nest or shelter
which puzzled me considerably. At an elevation of 850 metres on the
boundary, I found a rough shelter formed of leafy branches, thick end
uppermost and supported by a thin clump of small bamboos. The
branches appeared to have been arranged methodically, and looking for
the mark of a knife, [ found that the branches had been bitten and torn
off from the tree overhead, which was stripped of its smaller branches,
some of which had not fallen to the ground but lay withered in the forks
above. <A bear's claw marks were visible on the tree, so it is a point
for investigation as to whether bears form some sort of shelter during
the rains.
On the 15th day of our sojourn in this inhospitable region the
clouds lifted for short periods, and on the 4th August the sun broke
through for 3 hours, enabling me to complete the work on the bound-
ary. The following day the return journey was commenced in the
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 145
pouring rain, the descent to the valley not being easy on the slippery
clay, and the flooded stream down which our path lay was barely
negotiable. On arrival at the big river, one of a very noisy flock of
Tickell’s Hornbill ( Anorrhinus Tickelli) was obtained, the species
apparently having a much wider range than supposed by Oates, who
records this bird only from one valley near Moulmein, about 200 miles
to the North of this point.
On arrival at Elephant’s Tusk depot, I was relieved to find that
all other parties had completed and returned to headquarters camp
some time previously. ‘Tae canoe men on rice transport told me that
50°/, of the bamboo rafts starting from Elephan’ts Tusk had smashed
up in the rapids, and I therefore decided to cut my way out, using the
canoes for the sick. The canoe men picked up four starving and raft-
wrecked Chinese coolies on the way down, two of whom died after
arrival at headquarters camp.
Of the 400 men engaged on the work in the Petchaburi hinter-
land, 7°/, died of malaria in the district, and 3°/, from other causes,
cholera, small pox, suicide and drowning; and looking back on the
awful difficulties experienced in that country during the monsoon, [
am surprised that the percentage was not greater. Of my own coolies
none died of malaria, and this [ attribute to their having plenty of pig
and monkey meat when the rice failed, and to a daily dose of 5 grains
of quinine,
146
LIST OF MAMMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES AND
BATRACHIANS OBTAINED IN THE RATBURI
AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS.
OOS
The nomenclature as in Iauna of British India has been
followed except in such cases where the British Museum or other
authority has reverted to an earlier name or split ip species. In such
eases the newer name is used, those in the Fauna beiug given in
brackets.
Species identified by the authorities of the British Museum
are shown in heavy type, thus :—Hylobates lar.
Species of which no specimens have been retained or which
were only observed are marked with an asterisk.
MAMMALS.
ORDER PRIMATES.
Hylobates lar. The White-handed Gibbon.
Macacus arcrompes. The Brown Stump-tailed Macacque.
M. ruFESCENS. The Rufous Stwmp-tailed Macacque.
Of Nos. 2 and 3 no adult specimens have yet been obtained,
and it is impossible to tell whether the young are arctoides or rufeseens.
The young of the species obtained by me (I believe rufescens) has a
very fetid scent, whereas adult captive specimens of what I think are
arctoides from N. Lat. 10° have no scent.
M. Nemestrinus. The Pig-tailed Macacque.
M. cynomoLoGcus. The Crab-eating Macacque.
Presbytis Barbel. Barbe’s Lanqur.
P. obscurus. Vhe Dusky Langur.
P. Germaini. Germain’s Lanqur.
P. femoralis. The Banded Lanqur.
Presbytis is the Semnopithecus of Blanford. P. Germaini occurs
only as an isolated colony west of Ratburi and separates obscurus
to the South from Barbet to the North.
NYCTICEBUS TARDIGRADUS. * The Slow Loris.
¥YAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURT.
ORDER CARNIVORA.
FeLis Tigris. * The Tiger.
I. parpus. * The Leopard or Panther.
F. TEMMINCKI. * The Golden Cat.
i. VIVERRINA. * The Hishing Cat.
F. bengalensis. The Leopard Cat.
F. chaus. The Jungle Cat.
Viverra zibetha. The Large Indian Oivet.
PRIONADON MACULOSUS. * The Burmese Tiger-Civet.
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Uhe Mulayan Palin-Orret,
Canis aureus. The Jackal.
Cyon rutilans. The Malay Wild Doy.
Ursus rorquatus. * The Himalayan Black Bear.
Ursus Matayanus. The Malay or Honey Bear.
ORDER INSECTIVORA.
‘TUPAIA FERRUGINEA. The Malay Tree Shrew.
Galeopterus (GALEorITHECUS) volans. The Hlying Lemur.
ORDER CHIROPTERA.
PTEROPUS SP. * (probably EDULIS. The Hlying Vox).
RHINOLOPHUsS LucTUS. The Great Eastern Horse-shoe Bat.
ORDER RODENTIA,
147
Ratufa melanopepla (Sc. sicotor). Whe lurye » Maloy
Squirrel,
Sciurus caniceps. The Golden-backed Squirrel.
S. atrodorsalis. The Black-backed Squirrel.
S. epomophorus.
S. Maccvetianpt Barset. Whe Striped Himalayan Squirrel.
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat.
RHIZOMYS SUMATRENSIS. The Large Bamboo Rut.
RHIZOMYS sp. * (probably Bapius. The Bay Bainhoo Rut).
Hystrix grotei. The Malay Porcupine.
LEPUS SIAMENSIS (PEGUENSIS.) The Siumese Hure.
ORDER UNGULATA.
MLEPHAS MAXIMUS. * The Indian Elephant.
RHINOCEROS SONDAICUS. * The Small One-horned Rhinoceros.
148
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
RHINOGCEROS SUMATRENSIS. * The Asiatic Two-horned Rhinoceros.
TAPIRUS INDICUS. * The Malay Tapir.
Bos Gaurus. * The Gaur or Indian Bison.
B. sonpaicus. * The Banting.
CAPRICORNIS (NEMORHAEDUS ) SUMATRENSIS MiLNE-EDWARDSI.
The Goat Antelope.
CERVULUS MUNTJAC CURVOSTYLIS. The Barking Deer.
CeRvuLUS FEAE. he Black Barking Deer.
CERVUS UNICOLOR EQUINUS. The Malay Sambar.
TRAGULUS SP. * (probably Javanicus. The Mouse Deer).
Sus cristatus. The Indian Wild Pig.
EDENTATA.
Manis sp. * (probably Javanica. The Malay Pangolin).
BIRDS.
I regret that this list is in no way representative of the avifauna
of the Petchaburi—Ratburi district, but my collecting has been done
with a 12 bore gun, which is not suitable for small Passerine birds.
Other classes | have inexcusably neglected—noticeably the Wood-
peckers which abound in this area.
13:
The numbers are those of the Fauna of British India-— Birds.
ORDER PASSERES.
+4. CORVUS MACRORHYNCHUS. The Jungle-Crow.
¢il4. Cissa CHINENSIS. The Green Macy
+t4. DRYONASTES CHINENSIS. The Blac
k-throated lLaughing-
Thrush.
t71. GarRuLAxX Diarpi. The Siamese White-crested Laughing-
Thrush.
POMATORHINUS OLIVACEUS. The Tenasserim Scimitar Babbler.
+476. M1xornis RUBRICAPILLUS. The Yellow-breasted Babbler.
+250. CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA. The Burmese Chloropsis.
1255.
+290.
MELANOCHLORA SULTANEA. ‘The Sultan-bird.
OTOCOMPSA FLAVIVENTRIS. The Black-crested Yellow Bulbul.
+299. Pycnonorus FinLaysoni. Finlayson’s Stripe-throated Bulbul.
+327. Dicrurus ATER. The Black Drongo.
+340. DISSEMURUS PARADISEUS. The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 149
475. Lantus nigRicers. The Black-headed Shrike.
+191. PERICROCOTUS FRATERCULUS. The Burmese Scarlet Minivet.
+512. ArtTamus Fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-Shrike.
4.514. OrtoLus inpicus. The Black-naped Oriole.
+521. ORIoLUS MELANOCEPHALUS. The Indian Black-headed Oriole.
+524. HULABES INTERMEDIA. The Indian Grackle.
536. Srurnria SINENSIS. The Chinese Myna.
+546. GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS. The Black-necked Myna.
549. ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS. The Common Myna.
4553. AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS. The Siamese Myna.
+556. STURNOPASTOR SUPERCILIARIS. The Burmese Pied Myna.
+ 575. CyYORNIS RUBECULOIDES. The Blue-throated Flycatcher.
£599, TERSIPHONE AFFINIS. The Burmese Paradise Flycatcher.
*601. HyporHymis azurREA. The Indian Black-naped Flycatcher.
+606. RurpipuRA JAVANICA. The Java Fantail Flycatcher.
563. CopsycHus sauLaRIs. The Magpie-Robin.
+664. Cittocincla macrura. The Shama.
+686. GkrocicHLa ciTRina. The Orange-headed Ground-Thrush.
+721. PLoceus MEGARHYNCHUS. The Hastern Baya.
~ 301. EMBERIZA RUTILA. The Chestnut Bunting.
*341. ANTHUS MACULALUS. The Indian Tree-Pipit.
*884. AxerHopyGa CARA. The Tenasserim Yeilow-backed Sun-bird.
+912. Dicarum cruentatum. The Scarlet-backed Flower-pecker.
7-930. Prrra cyanea, The Blue Pitta. |
#931. Prrra cyaNnopreRa. The Lesser Blue-winged Pitta.
+935. Pitta cucullata. The Green-breasted Pitta.
ORDER EURYLAEMI.
+939. Corypon sumaTRANUS. ‘The Dusky Broadbill.
+940. CYMBORHYNCHUS MACRORHYNCHUS. The Black-and-red
Broadbill.
ORDER PICT.
+984. Micropternus brachyurus. The Malay Rutous Woodpecker.
ORDER ZYGODACTYLI.
41009. THEREICERYX LINEATUS. The Lineated Barbet.
+1013. Oyanors Davisoni. Davison’s Blue-throated Barbet.
41019, XANTHOLAEMA HAEMATOCEPHALA. ‘The Crimson-breasted
Barbet.
150 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
71023.
+ 1027.
+1032.
+1033.
1035.
+ 1043.
+1050.
#1051.
41055.
~1055.
+1059.
+ 1067.
ye
1091.
+1096.
#1098.
71103.
+1120.
1150,
41133.
#1140.
31145,
+1152.
+1170.
+1178.
71183.
1.1187.
71189.
ORDER ANISODACTYLI.
Coracias AFFINIS. The Burmese Roller. |
MERopPS PHILIPPINUS. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater.
Nycrrornis amictus. The Red-beaded Bee-eater.
CERYLE VARIA. The Indian Pied Kingfisher.
ALCEDO SP. * (probably 1spipa. The Common Kingfisher).
PELARGOPSIS GURIAL. The Brown-headed — Stork-billed
Kingfisher.
CARCINEUTES PULCHELLUS. The Banded Kingfisher.
DICHOCEROS BICORNIS. The Great Hornbill.
ANTHRACOCEROS ALBIROSTRIS. ‘The Indo-Burmese Pied
Hornbill.
Rhytidoceros subruficollis. Blyth’s Wreathed Hornbill.
PriLOLAEMUS TICKELLI. Tickell’s Hornbill.
Upurpa tnpica. The Indian Hoopoe.
ORDER MACROCHIRES.
CaPRIMULGUS asiatTicus. The Common Indian Nightjar.
LYNCORNIS CERVINICEPS. The Great Hared Nightjar.
Batrachostomus affinis. Blyth’s Frogmouth.
ORDER TROGONES.
Harpactes oreEscius. The Yellow-breasted Trogon.
HUDYNAMIS HONORATA. The Indian Koel.
CENTROPUS SINENSIS. The Common Coucal or Crow-Pheasant
CENTROPUS BENGALENSIS. The Lesser Coucal.
ORDER PSITTACI.
PaLAEoRNIS ROSA. The Eastern Blossom-headed Paroquet.
PALAEORNIS FASCIATUS. The Red-breasted Paroquet.
ORDER STRIGES.
STRIX FLAMMEA. The Barn-Owl or Screech-Owl.
Hunua NEPALENSIS. * The Forest Hagle-Owl.
Scops BAKKAMOENA. The Collared Scops Owl.
GLAUCIDIUM CUCULOIDES. The Large Barred Owlet.
Nivox scuruLata. The Brown Hawk-Owl.
ORDER ACCIPITRES.
PANDION HALIAETUS. The Osprey.
FAUNA AND FLORA, KATBURI, PETCHABURL. 15]
FLIOL.
(~1 196.
#1209.
+ 1287.
+-1291.
#1302.
+1308.
+1311.
pe
41369.
#1374.
41386.
Orocyrs catvus. The Black Vulture.
PsEuDOGYPS BENGALENSIS. The Indian White-backed Vulture.
Lophotriorchis kieneri. The Rufous-bellied Hawk-Hagle.
SPrLORNIS CHEELA. The Crested Serpent-Hagle.
PoroaETus IcHTHyAETUS. The Large Grey-headed Mishing-
Kagle.
Haxrastur inpus. The Brahminy Kite.
Mu.vus govinpa. The Common Pariah Kite.
Minvus mevanotis. The Large Indian Kite.
AccIPiTeR sp. * (probably vrrcarus. The Besra Sparrow-
Hawk).
Baza LopHotes. * The Black-crested Baza.
*
MICROHIERAX FRINGILLARIUS. * The Red-legged Falconet.
ORDER COLUMBAE.
OsmoTRERON Puayrer. The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon.
OsMoTRERON BIcINCTA. The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon.
TRERON NEPALENSIS. ‘Che Thick-billed Green Pigeon.
CaRPOPHAGA AENEA. ‘lhe Green Imperial Pigeon,
Ducuna e@risercapinna. ‘The Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon.
CHALCOPHAPS INDICA. ‘lhe Bronze-winged Dove.
ALsocomus PuNIcEUS. ‘The Purple Wood-Pigeon.
Turtur TierINus. ‘The Malay Spotted Dove.
OENOPOPELIA TRANQUEBARICA. The Red-Turtle Dove.
Macropyera sp. * (probably vusanra. ‘The Bar-tailed
Cuckoo- Dove).
ORDER GALLINAL.,
Pavo muticus. The Burmese or Javan Peafowl.
PoLyPLEcTRUM cHINQUIS. The Grey Peacock-Pheasant.
GALLUS FERRUGINEUS. The Red Jungle-fowl.
GENNAEUS SP. (probably Suarpi, Sharpe’s Silver Pheasant).
Ro.tuLus RouLROvL. The Green Wood-Quail.
Arboricola chloropus. (A species of Hill-Patridge).
CALOPERDIX ocuLEA. The Ferruginous Wood-Partridge.
I'RANCOLINUS CHINENSIS. ‘The Kastern or Chinese Irancolin.
ORDER HEMIPODTI.
TurNIx Buanrorpi. * The Burmese Button-Quail,
152 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
ORDER GRALLAL.
+1401. AMAURORNIS PHOENICURUS. The White-breasted Water-
hen.
+-1408. GALLICREX CINEREA. The Water-cock.
+1404. PorpHyRio POLIOCEPHALUS. The Purple Moorhen.
+1410. Grus SHarpi. The Burmese Sarus Crane.
ORDER LIMICOLAE
+1428. Merroprpius 1npicus. The Bronze-winged Jacana.
+-1429. HyproPHASIANus cHrruRGUS. The Pheasant-tailed Jacana.
4+- 1432. SaRcoGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALIS. The Burmese Wattled
Lapwing.
+1435. HopLoprerus vENTRALIS. The Indian Spur-winged Plover.
+1439. CHaRraprivus FuLVus. The Eastern Golden Plover.
+1447, Axeratitis puB1A. The Little Ringed Plover.
1484. GALLINAGO COELESTIS. The Fantail Snipe.
+1485. GaALLinaco sTENURA. The Pintail Snipe.
ORDER STEGANOPODES.
+1523. PELECANUS PHILIPPENSIS. * The Spotted-billed Pelican.
41526. PHatacrocorax carBo. The Large Cormorant.
14528. PHALAcRocorax JAavanicus. The Little Cormorant.
~-1529. Piorus MELANOGASTER. ‘The Indian Darter or Snake-
bird.
ORDER HHERODIONES.
+1541. Isis mMELANocEPHALA. * The White Ibis.
~ Thaumatibis gigantea. The Giant Ibis.
+1548. Dissura Episcopus. The White-necked Stork.
+1549. XNENORHYNCHUS astaTIcus. The Black-necked Stork.
+1550, Lxepropritus pusius. The Adjutant.
44552. PsEuporaNTaLus LEUcocEPHALUS. The Painted Stork.
+1553. Anastomus oscitans. * The Open-bill.
+1554. ARDEA MANILLENSIS. Th Eastern Purple Heron.
+1555. ARDEA CINEREA. The Common Heron.
+1562. Busunicus coromanpus. The Cattle Kegret,
41565. Arproua Grayr. The Pond Heron.
+1572. Arperra cinnaMomMEA. The Chestnut Bittern.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 158
ORDER ANSERES.
+4589. Denprocyena savanica. The Whistling Teal.
41591. Nerrrorus cornoMANDELIANUs. ‘The Cotton Teal.
+1601. Querquedula querquedula (circia). The Garganey or Blue-
winged Teal.
REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS.
By MaALcoLm SMITH.
The following species were obtained by my collector during a
trip with Mr. Gairdner’s party in January, February and March, 1914.
‘hey were all obtained in the Sai Yoke district, West of Long. 99°
and between Lats. 14° and 14° 30’
REPTILES.
CHELONTIA.
‘Tustupo ELONGATA, Blyth.
Trstupo Emys, Schley. & Mill.
GEOEMYDA GRANDIS, (Gray.
PLATYSTERNUM MEGACEPHALUM, Gra.
A single specimen of this rare tortoise Was obtained. Mr.
Gairdner’s Karen guide told him that it sometimes climbed the trees
overhanging the streams, and that when disturbed would drop off into
the water below and so escape.
LACERTILIA.
PEGVENSIS Blae.
GYMNODACTYLUS 3 de wy
The only previous record of this gecko in Siam is by Messrs.
Annandale and Robinson, from Patani.
Draco VOLANS, Linn.
Draco Bianrorpt, blyr.
Previously recorded in Siam from Patani and Trang. found in
the Malay States, but according to Boulenger, not below 2500 feet in
the more southern portions of the Eeninsula. Some of my specimens
were caught at an elevation of 400 feet.
My man brought in five males and six females, and could have
got many more as they appeared to be plentiful throughout the
district. The wing membrane was distinctly paler in the males than
1 Ld
wa hee
Wy
154 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. ae OF SIAM Vol. I.
(7 fp
in the females. A young specimen ‘had black bars upon the mem-
branes. Gular pouch in the males considerably longer than the head,
in the females a short tag.
Mr. Gairdner tells me these lizards were found chieHy upon trees
of the genus Shorea, with the bark of which their coloration harmon-
ized very closely. The male would frequently be seen to puff out his
gular pouch, which then extended forwards beneath and beyond the
chin, parallel with the head.
One female specimen contained two eggs.
ACANTHOSAURA CRUCIGERA, Bilgr.
our specimens of this somewhat rare lizard were obtained in
dense evergreen jungle. It has not previously been recorded from
Siam.
CALOTES VERSICOLOR, Daud.
CALOTES EMMA, Gray.
CALOTES CRISTATELLUS, Auhl.
This lizard, the common ‘“ chameleon” of the Peninsula, has not
heen previously recorded from Siam.
CALOTES MystTAcEus, Duin & Bibr.
LIOLEPIS BELLIANA, Gray.
VARANUS NEBULOSUS, Gray.
LYGOSOMA OLIVACEUM, (Gray.
I have received specimens of this lizard also from Bangtaphan,
but it has not previously been recorded from the country.
LYGOSOMA VITTIGERUM, Blqr.
Two specimens of this very handsome skink were caught on trees
in the Bong Tee Valley. It has not been previously recorded from
Siam. One specimen had 28 scales round the body, the other 50.
Coloration (in spirits) :—A greenish white vertebral stripe bordered
on either side by a black one. <A less distinct and narrower dorso-
lateral stripe starting from behind the eye. Sides pale greenish,
thickly powdered with dark grey. Below greenish white. Digits with
alternate light and dark bars, tail hght brown.
LyGosOMA MACULATUM, Dblyth,
This widely distributed lizard does not yet appear to have been
recorded from Siam. I have since seen other specimens from various
parts of the country.
LYGOSOMA BOWRINGL, Gitnther.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABUORI. lo:
Ot
OPHIDIA.
PyTHON RETICULATUS, Schneid.
PoLYODONTOPHIS COLLARIS, (7'd//.
This snake, not previously recorded from Siam, appears to be
fairly widely distributed throughout the country.
TRIRHINOPOLIS NUCHALIS, Blgr.
Two specimens of this rare snake were obtained near the border
at an elevation of 700 m. Details are as follows :—
No. 1. (sex undermined, owing to damage). Total length,
158 mm., tail 53. Costals 15 throughout, the median scales faintly
keeled on the posterior part of the body. Ventrals 141. Sub-
caudals 24.
Colour (uw spirits). Above purplish brown, most of the scales
edged with black so arranged across the back as to present a series
of fairly well-defined circular or oval rings. Below whitish, freely
speckled with black, and with large, black rectangular spots, placed
laterally. A black arrowheaded mark upon the nape, beginning at
the frontal shield, and a pale chevron behind it. Most of the head
scales edged with black. Chin and throat white.
No. 2. Male. Total length 458 mm, tail 47. Dorsal keels more
stronly marked than in No. 1. Ventrals 182. Subcaudals 24.
Colour (in spirits). Light pinkish-brown above, the black edging
to the scales forming posteriorly, tairly well defined crossbars. Belly
only sparely sprinkled with black. The rectangular spots become
crescentic in shape in the pesterior half.
The infralabials in this species are unusual, in that the first pair
are not in contact with each other, but are separated by the chin-
shields which are in contact with the mental.
TRopiponotus piscaTor, Kuhl.
TROPIDONOTUS CHRYSARGUS, Schleq.
This species does not yet appear to have been recorded from the
country except from Patani. It is fairly common in the jungle east
of Sriracha.
CoLUBER RADIATUS, Schleq.
CoLUBER OXYCEPHALUS, Boze.
A large specimen of this handsome snake was found in the B
Tee valley. It has not previously been recorded from Siam.
SIMOTES VIOLACEUS, Cantor.
Ong
.
156 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. [.
Two specimens of this snake, not previously recorded from Siam,
were taken. They belong to var. A (Boulenger, Cat, Snakes Brit. Museum).
HypsigHiINA PLUMBEA, Bove.
PSAMMODYNASTES PULVERULENTUS, Boie.
BATRACHIANS.
Rana Macropon, Dum. & Bibr.
A specimen of this frog, one of the largest species known, was
heard calling one stormy night in the Huey* Maw Tee Maw by my man,
who immediately sallied forth and captured it. Its loud cry of “ jong
hong,” repeated at intervals of a minute, could be heard at a great
distance.
[t has not elsewhere been recorded in the country except from Patani.
RHACOPHORUS LEUCOMYSTAX. Gravenh.
Buro AasPER, Gravenh.
One specimen of this giant toad was caught in the Huey Bong
‘Tee at an elevation of 740 m, It has not been previously recorded in
Siam north of the Isthmus of Kra.
* Huey =stream,
—"
or
J
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE
INNER GULF OF SIAM.
~ oem
By C. Bopen Ktoss, F.Z.8.
In January 1915 I paid a short visit to Koh Si Chang * in the
Inner Gulf of Siam and at its conelusion (having ro time to go on
myself to the next island) sent my collectors to Koh Phai.
Koh Si Chang has been regarded of late as the type locality of
Sciurus finlaysoni, but in looking through the history of that name it
becomes evident that this is a mistaken view and that it applies to the
white squirrel of the Siamese mainland.
Sciurus finlaysoni was described by Horsfield in 1824 (Zoological
Researches in Java) trom specimens collected by Dr. George Finlayson,
the naturalist who accompanied Crawford in his mission to Siam and
Cambodia. It is evident that Horsfield, when erecting the species, had
in mind the mainland animal, for he says that it is Buffon’s ‘“ Ecuriel
blanc de Siam” which was seen at Lonpeen, a village situated in the
extensive forests of Siam, by P. Tachard in his travels. The account
of the species closes with an extract from Finlayson’s manuscript
describing the white squirrel which ends “one of the specimens was
shot by Lieut. Rutherford on the Islands called Sichang in the Gulf ot
Siam.” It is ence more obvious that Finlayson, too, was dealing with
the mainland animal and that this reference to the island example was
merely a detail as to extent of range.
Further Horsfield, in the Catalogue of the Mammalia in the Musewn
of the East India Company, 1851, again gives the locality of a specimen
of S. finlaysoni as Siam, while Anderson who personally studied all the
types of what he regarded as varieties of Scirus ferrugineus states
(Zoological Researeh in Yunnan, p. 244) that “ the type of S. finlaysont
was obtained in Siam by Dr. Finlayson and another was procured by
the same traveller in Sichange Id.”
oD
* Koh ( Siamese )= Island.
158 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
This view of the case is much more satisfactory than the opinion
held by recent workers, for the type of the jinlaysoni group will then
be one of the mainland animals and not a degenerate island form,
which on account of its small size and rather yellower colour, requires
a separate name and may be known as :—
Sciurus finlaysoni portus.
Seiurus jfinlaysoni, Anderson, loc. cit. supra; Flower (partim)
P.Z.S. 1900, p. 355; Wroughton, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8,
vol. I, p. 398 (1908) ; Gyldenstolpe (partim) Arkiv for Zoologi, Band
8, no. 23, p. 11 (1914).
Type. Adult male (skin and skull) No. 1938/CBK. Collected on
toh Si Chang, Inner Gulf of Siam, 26th January, 1916.
Characters. Like S. finlaysoni jinlaysoni of the Siamese mainland
but smaller and rather yellower,
Colour. Ivory yellow throughout, most intense on the upper
surface and tail; but paler, almost white, on sides of head, chin and
forelimbs. Skins of nostrils, lip, ears, soles of both feet, genitals black.
Kyes black. Vibrissae black,
Measurements. Kar 17.5* Skull: basilar length 36.5, braincase
breadth 21.7, proximal breadth of nasals 3.3, dista! breadth of nasals
6.6. For other measurements see table p. 161. ars of the series
17—19 mm.
Specimens examined. ‘Twenty-seven ; fifteen males and twelve
females, all from the type locality.
Remarks. 1 found 8. f. portus very common on IXoh Si Chang
and very fearless. Its small size is due to its insular habitat and to
the poverty of the vegetation, large scrub rather than forest, with
which the island is covered. It runs busily about the stems and
branches, often almost descending to the ground, in its search for food.
The pelage of many of the animals obtained is considerably abraded
and in every cake has a sticky feeling very different from the smooth
glossy hair of other squirrels, while both as skins and in the flesh a
peculiar characteristic odour attaches to them,
In the series a number of animals have black yibrissae like the
type, in an equal number the vibrissae are pure white, while some have
* All measurements in millimetres.
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM SIAM. 159
them black and white mixed. In about half the series the hairs of the
distal half of the tail are black tipped.
S. jfinlaysow jfinlaysont has been recorded by Anderson from the
mainland, by Flower from the Banpakong River, by Bonhote from the
Menam at an altitude of 75 metres, by Wroughton from the Menam
and Cambodia, and by Gyldenstope from the Korat Plateau.
Sciurus finlaysoni folletti.
Type. Adult female (skin and skull) No. 1991/CBk. Collected
on Koh Phai, Inner Gulf of Siam, 2nd February, 1915.
Characters. Pelage generally greyish yellow ; size small.
Colour. Hairs of pelage above deep neutral grey at base, at tips
ivory yellow, top of head slightly deeper yellow ; the sides of head, fore
and hind limbs greyer owing to decrease in the yellow element, pro-
bably due to wear. Below, the base of the fur is light grey and the
yellow tips are less distinct. Axillae and groin slightly washed with
tawny. ‘Toes of fore and hind feet blackish, the hairs only slightly
tipped with yellow. Tail above rather paler than back, below slightly
yellower, the distal half obscurely banded grey and ivory yellow: the
tip blackish. Vibrissae black.
Skull and Teeth. Do not differ the from the Koh Si Chang race of
S. jinlaysoni either in size or characters.
Measurements. Ear 21, Skull: basilar length 36.6, braincase
breadth 22, proximal breadth of nasals 3.4, distal breadth of nasals 6.
For other measurements see table p. 162. lars of the series * 19—
23 mm.
Specimens exanined. Thirty-eight ; seventeen males and twenty-
one females, all from the type locality.
Remarks. This squirrel is subject to a certain amount of varia-
tion. When the pelage is abraded, as is frequently the case, the dorsal
region is considerably darker and greyer than as givenabove. In some
animals there is no tawny wash on axillae and groin, in others these
areas are pale chesnut and the lower abdomen is also suffused with this
colour.
One example has the tail ivory white throughout as in S. jinlaysoni
portus from the neighbouring island, two or three have the tip only
darkened, while in a number of the specimens the tail is throughout
* Measured by native collector.
160 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
obscurely and coarsely banded dark and light. There is also a tendency
to a slight darkening along the median line of the under-surface which
is, though very indistinctly, margined from the colour of the sides.
In size this race most nearly approximates among mainland
animals to Sciwrus jloweri, Bonhote (Ann and May. Nat. Ilist., ser. 7,
vol. VII. p. 455, 1901), but, as Mr. Bonhote himself has noted, the
affinities of that species are not very clear so that for the present I
prefer to treat the Koh Phai animal as a race of S. jinlaysont. In colour
there is a partial resemblance to certain phases of 8. bocowrti, Milne
Edwards (Wroughton, loc. cit. supra), but the presence of a white tail
in several examples indicates a connection with the Koh $i Chang
squirrel.
I have named this island race after Mr. C. B. Follett, Superinten-
dent of Police in charge of Koh Si Chang and Koh Phai, whose assistance
rendered it possible for me to send collectors to the latter island from
Koh Si Chang after | returned to Bangkok.
161
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM STAM.
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~-LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY MR. EMIL
EISENHOFER IN NORTHERN SIAM.
By NILS GYLDENSTOLPE, B. A.
The following list is based upon a collection of birds made
in Northern Siam by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer, Divisional Engineer of
the Northern Railway. The birds were collected chiefly at Pa Hing,
Bang Buei and Koon Tan—all these places being situated along the
line to Chiengmai. There are many interesting and very rare species
in the collection, as will be seen from the list, and a number are
quite new to the Siamese fauna. Most of the species have, however,
been previously recorded from Burma, the Shan States and the adjoin-
ing parts of French Indo-China,
Owing to lack of literature with me in Siam, I have been
unable to go deeply into the question of subspecies. I have, therefore,
followed closely the classification given by Oates and Blanford in the
Fauna of British India, except in the case of the Coluimbidae, where I have
adhered to the nomenclature adopted by Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker in
his recently published Indian. Pigeons and Doves, which is the latest
work on that Family. .
For the convenience of readers possessing the Fauna of British
India, 1 have given the numbers in that work in brackets for each bird
recorded therein.
In 1913 Mr. Eisenhofer sent a large collection to the Museum
at Hannover. By the courtesy of its Director, Professor Doctor A.
lritze, all the birds were handed over to me for identification and a list
of these has been published in the Proceedings of the Museum, The
species recorded in that paper are marked with an asterisk in the
following list.
Nearly all Mr. Hisenhofer’s specimens are in very good condi-
tion and it is to be hoped that he will further add to his fine
collection,
164. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Fam. OCORVIDZE.
1, (4). Corvus MACRORHYNCHUS, TI “agl. (*) The Jungle-
Crow.
2. (12). URrocissa occiriTaLis, Blyth. (*) The Red-billed
Blue Magpie.
3. (14). CrISSA CHINENSIS, Bodd. (*) The Green Magpie.
4, (16). Denprocirra rura, [Tartl. (*) The Indian Tree-pie.
+5. (18). DENDROCITTA HIMALAYENSIS, Blyth. The Himalayan
Tree-pie.
There is only a single specimen of this bird, collected at Koon
Tan on the 27th of May, 1914. It does not quite agree with the des-
cription given by Oates, who says that all the primaries but the first
two have a patch of white at their base. In the Koon Tan specimen
all the primaries but the first have a white patch near the base.
Measurements :—wing = 155 mm.; tail = 195 mm.; culmen
== 26 mm.
6. (21). CrypsirHINa VARIANS, Lath. (*) The Black Racket-
tailed Magpie.
7. (25). GARRULUS LEUCOTIS, Hume. (*) The Burmese Jay.
Fam. CRATEROPODIDA.
8. (64). DRYONASTES CHINENSIS, Scop. (*) The Black-throated
Laughing-Thrush.
One specimen shows the following measurements :—wing= 115
mm: ; tail = 124 mm.; culmen = 20 mm. ; tarsus = 35 mm.
9. (71). GarRRULAX DIARDI, Less. (*) The Siamese White-
crested Laughing-Thrush. ,
10. (72). GARRULAX PECTORALIS, Gould. (*) The Black-gorgeted
Laughing-Thrush.
4-11. (73). GARRULAX MONILIGER, Ilodys. The Necklaced Laugh-
ing-Thrush.
(12. (77). GarruLax srrepirans, Blyth. Tickeil’s Laughing-
Thrush.
Of this rare bird, which is only to be found at rather high
elevations, there are some specimens from Koon ‘lan. Oates gives
the throat and breast chocolate-brown, but I should say it is of a
brownish black colour.
BIEDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM, 165
Measurements of four specimens :—
Wing = 140 mm.; tail = 140mm.; culmen = 23mm.
Seto eees: ys eee ea! pa
oof | See, a ae ae? ree
inhi seoe: 2 5, 3 = 180, dh sarod | 5
+138. (126). PomMaToRHINUS OCHRACEICEPS. Wald Lloyd's
Scimitar Babbler.
Seems to be rather rare. Only two specimens were obtained,
both of them at Koon Tan.
Measurements :
wing = 95 mm.; tail = 115 mm.; culmen
= 33 mm.
+ 14. (132). PomaTorHINus TICKELLI, Blyth. Tickell’s Scimitar
Babbler.
Like the preceding species, this Babbler also seems to be rather
rare, and there are only two specimens in the collection, one from Hue
Pu and one from Koon Tan.
The specimen from Hue Pu, a female, was shot on the 27th
May, 1912, and has the following measurements :—wing = 103 mm. ;
tail = 1035 mm.; culmen = 38 mm.; tarsus = 37 mm.
+15. (138). Gamrsoruyncnus Torquatus, Hume. The Ring-
necked Shrike-Babbler.
This species has only been procured in dense bamboo jungle
near Koon Tan, and also seems to be rather rare. One specimen
measures as follows:—-wing = 98 mm,; tail = 120 mm.; culmen
= 18 mm.
16. (145). PELLORNEUM SUBOCHRACEUM, Swink, (*) The Bur-
mese Spotted Babbler.
17. (176). Mrxornis rupRIcAPILLUS, Jick. (*) The Yellow-
breasted Babbler.
18. (187). MytopHoneus TtemMinckt, Vig. (*) The Himalayan
Whistling-Thrush.
Measurements :—wing = 165 mm.; tail = 115 mm.; culmen
= 25 mm.
In this species the bill is entirely blackish brown.
19. (188). MyiorHoneus EvGENI, Hume. (*) The Burmese
Whistling-Thrush.
Measurements :—wing = 193 mm.; tail = 147 mm.; culmen
= 26 mm:
166 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
20. AETHORHYNCHUS XANTHOTIS, Sharpe. (*) The Siamese Great
Tora. Allied to A. lafresnayii, Hartl., vide F. B. I., No. 242.
Only a single specimen—female.
1. (248), AdEGriTHINA TIPHIA, Linn. The Common Iora.
22. (247). CHLOROPSIS AURIFRONS, Temi. (*) The Gold-fronted
Chloropsis.
23. (250). CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA, Wald. (*) The Burmese
Chloropsis.
24, (254). TreNA PUELLA, Lath. (*) The Fairy Blue-bird.
25. MELANOCHLORA SULTANA FLAVOCRISTATA, Lafr. (*) The Sultan-
bird. A sub-species of A. sultanea, Hodgs., Ff. B. I,
No. 255.
+26. (265). CriniGErR GurruraLis, Mill. The Malayan White-
throated Bulbul.
+27, (270). HypsirerEs concoLor, Blyth. The Burmese Black
Bulbul.
The black patch under the ear-coverts is very small and in some
species not clearly visible.
Measurements :—wing = 132 mm.; tail = 111 mm.; culmen
= 23 mm.
28. (288). Orocompsa EMERIA, Linn. (*) The Bengal Red-
whiskered Bulbul.
29. (290). Orocompsa FLAVIVENTRIS, Tick. (*) The Black-crested
Yellow Bulbul.
+80. Ione onrvacea, Blyth.. Allied to J. virescens, Blyth, The
Olive Bulbul, vide F. B. I., No. 296.
One specimen measures as follows :—wing = 86 mm. ; tail
= 86 mm.;culmen = 15 mm.
31. PYCNONOTUS ATRICAPILLUS, Vieill. (*) The Chinese Red-
vented Bulbul. Synonymous with Molpastes atricapillus,
Vieill., F. B. I., No. 281.
(299). PycnonoTus FINLAYSONI, Strichl. (*) Finlayson’s
Stripe-throated Bulbul.
33. (306). Pycnonorus BLANFoRDI, Jerd. (*) Blanford’s Bulbul.
Fam, SITTIDH
t+ 34. Srrra CINNAMOVENTRIS, Blyth. The Cinnamon-bellied
Nuthatch. Synonymous with S. cinnamomeiventris, Blyth,
ff. 8. 7 No, a6.
joy)
bo
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN STAM. 167
+35. (317). Sirra NEGLEcTA, Wald. The Burmese Nuthatch.
36. (325). Sirra FRONTALIS, Horsf. (*) The Velvet-fronted Blue
Nuthatch.
Fam. DICRURIDA.
37. (327). Dicrurus aTER, Herm. (*) The Black Drongo.
— +38. (333). DicruRUS CINERACEUS, Horsf. The Grey Drongo.
39. (334). CHapTia 2NEA, Vieill. (*) The Bronzed Drongo.
40. (335), CHipia HOTTENTOTTA, Linn. (*) The Hair-crested
Drongo.
41. (340). Dissemurus parapiseus, Linn. (*) The Larger
Racket-tailed Drongo.
Fam. SYLVIIDA.
$42. (361). LocUSTELLA LANCEOLATA, Temm. The Streaked
Grasshopper-Wavbler.
A single specimen, measuring as follows :—wing = 952 mm. ;
tail = 47 mm. ; culmen = 9 mm.
43. LuscrnioLa aEpon, Pall. (*) The Thick-billed Warbler.
Synonymous with Arundinax aédon, Pall., F. B. I., No. 398.
— 44. CRYPTOLOPHA BURKI TEPHROCEPHALA, Anders. Anderson’s
Flycatcher-Warbler. Corresponds to C. tepkrocephala,
Anders., Ff. B. I., No. 432.
+45. (440). ABRORNIS SUPERCILIARIS, Tick. The Yellow-bellied
F lycatcher-Warbler. |
Fam. DLANITDA.
hh 46. (474), Lanius COLLURIOIDES, Less. The Burmese Shrike.
The crown and nape dark ashy, with some feathers earthy
brown. Forehead and lores almost white, with some small black spots.
Measurements:—wing = 84+mm.; tail = 94 mm.; culmen
== 12 mm.
47, (481). Lanius cristatus, Linn. (*) The Brown Shrike.
48. (482). Lanrus Lucionensis, Linn. The Philippine Shrike.
A single specimen. Some of the upper tail-coverts have black
centres to the feathers.
Measurements :—wing = 89 mm.; tail 90 mm.
+49, (484). Hemipus picatus, Sykes. The Black-backed Pied
Shrike.
168 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
+50.
$51.
(486). TEPHRODORNES PELVICUS, Hodgs. The Nepal Wood-
Shrike.
(488). TEPHRODORNIS PONDICERIANUS, Gm. The Common
Wood-Shrike.
Fam. CAMPHEPHAGID.
52. (491). PERICROCOTUS FRATERCULUS, Swinh. (*) The Burmese
Scarlet Minivet.
+53. (500). PrRICROCOTUS PEREGRINUS, Linn. The Small Minivet.
54. (506). CAMPOPHAGA MELANOPTERA, [iipp. (*) The Pale-grey
Cuckoo-Shrike.
Measurements :—wing = 113 mm.; tail = 68 mm.; culmen
ze iliy SUTIN
+55. (507). CampopHaGa NEGLECTA, Hume. The Small Cuckoo-
Shrike.
+56. GraucaLus acer, Less, The Large Cuckoo-Shrike.
Or
~]
Ot
ioe)
Synonymous with G. macii, Less., F. B. I., No. 510.
Fam. ORIOLIDA.
(514). OrtoLus inpIcus, Jerd. (*) The Black-naked Oriole.
(521). ORIoLUS MELANOCEPHALUS, Linn. (*) The Indian
Black-headed Oriole.
Fam. HULABETID2.
GRACULA JAVANA INTERMEDIA, Cuv. (*) The Indian Grackle.
Synonymous with Hulabes intermedia, A. Hay, F. B. I., No.
524,
Fam. STURNID.
(538). STURNIA MALABARICA, Gm. The Grey-headed Myna.
(543). AMPELICEPS CoRoNa'TUS, Blyth. (*) The Gold-crest
Myna.
(546). GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS, Payk. (*) The Black-
necked Myna.
(549). ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS, Linn. The Common Myna.
(553). AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS, Moore. (*) The Siamese
Myna.
(556). STURNOPASTOR SUPERCILIARIS, Blyth. The Burmese
Pied Myna.
One specimen only. From the neighbourhood of Bangkok Dr.
Bowdler Sharpe has described a bird closely allied to Sturnopastor super-
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 169
ciliaris and has named it after Capt. Stanley S. Flower. This bird,
S. jflowert, Sharpe, has the upper parts of a blackish color, while those
in S. swperciliaris are brownish black. The specimen in Mr. Hisenho-
fer’s collection agrees better with the description of S. swperciliaris,
and I have therefore referred it to that species, as I have at present no
material for comparison.
Its measurements were as follows :—wing = 122 mm.; tail=77
mm.; culmen =27 mm.; tarsus=30 mm.
Fam. MUSCICAPID.
166. (562). SrpHta atpicryna, Pall. The Eastern Red-breasted
Flycatcher.
467. (572). Cyoryis oatesrt, Salv. The Rufous-bellied Blue
Flycatcher.
Of this rare bird there is only a fine male specimen in the
collection, with the following measurements :—wing=86 mm tail
=63 mm.; culmen=10 mm.; tarsus=20 mm.
68. Cyornis piaLibama, Salv. (*) The Blue-throated Fly-
catcher. Synonymous with C. rubeculoides, Vig., F. B. 1.,
No. 575.
+69. (579). SvopaRoLa MELANoPS, Vig. The Verditer Fly-
catcher.
+70. (588). ALSEONAX LatTrRostRis, Ral. The Brown Fly-
catcher. . 7
v1. (8592). Cunrcicapa crYLoNnENSIS, Swains. (*) The Grey-
headed Flycatcher.
72. (599). TrerpstPHoNE arrinis, Hay. (*) The Burmese Para-
dise Flycatcher.
73. (601). Hyporaymis azurea, Bodd. (*) The Black-naped
Flycatcher.
Stresemann has recently published a paper (Nov. Zool., Vol. 20,
No. 2, 1913) on the subject of the different subspecies of this widely
distributed bird, and he believes that the race inhabiting Siam ought
to be referred to Hypothymis azurea styani, Hartl. The range of
distribution of this subspecies is given as Hainan, Siam, Cochin-
China, Tenasserim, Burma, Assam, Bengal, Himalayas and Northern
India as far south as the Deccan. Owing to lack of material for
comparision it is impossible for me to make out if the birds in
170 JOURNAL, NATURAL.HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Mr. Hisenhofer’s collection are Hypothymis azwrea styani, Hartl., or
one of the other closely allied forms. For such an enquiry large series
are necessary, and up to the present very little has been done to
investigate the avifauna of Siam. In a later paper I hope to be able
to solve the question whether this subspecies occurs in Northern Siam
or not.
Fam. TURDIDA.
74. PRATINCOLA CAPRATA BICOLOR, Sykes. (*) The Common Pied
Bush-Chat. Synonymous with P. caprata, Limn., F. B. 1.,
No. 608.
#75. (615). OREICGOLA FERREA, fHTodgs. The Dark-grey Bush-
Chat
76. (632). HeENICURUS SCHISTACEUS, Hodgs. (*) The Slaty-
backed Forktail.
+77. (634). HENICURUS LESCHENAULTI, Vieill. Leschenault’s
Forktail.
One specimen from Koon Tan with the following measure-
ments :—wing = 108 mm.; tail = 137 mm.; culmen = 2) mm.;
tarsus = 29 mm.
78. (663). CopcycHuS saULARIS, Linn. (*) The Magpie-
Robin.
79. (664). CriTrocINCLA MACRURA, Gm. (*) The Shama.
80. MOoNTICOLA SOLITARIA PHILIPPENSIS, P L. S. Mill. (*) The
Eastern Blue Rock-Thrush. Synonymous with Petrophila
solitaria, Miull., #. B. I, No. 692.
#81. MonTICOLA CYANEA, Linn. The Western Blue Rock-
Thrush. Synonymous with Petrophila cyanus, Liun., F.B.L,,
No. 693.
+82. (698). OREOCINCLA DAUMA, Lath. The Small-billed
Mountain-Thrush.
Fam. PLOCEHID.A.
+ 83. (726). MuNIA ATRICAPILLA, Vieill. The Chestnut-bellied
Munia.
+84. (727). URotoncua acuticaupa, Hodgs. Hodgson’s Munia.
Fam. FRINGILLIDA.
485. (761). CaRropacus’ERYTHRINUS, Pall. The Common Rose-
Finch.
86.
+ 95.
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 171
(797). EMBeRIZA AUREOLA, Pall. (*) The Yellow-breasted
Bunting
Fam. MOTACILIIDA.
MoTACILLA ALBA LEUCOPSIS, Gould. The White-faced Wag-
tail. Synonymous with M. leucopsis, Gould, F. B. I., No.
827.
MOTACILLA BOARULA MELANOPE, Pall, (*) The Grey Wagtail.
Synonymous with AM. melanope. Pall., 7. B. I., No. 832.
(833). MoraciLLA BOREALIS, Sundev. The Grey-headed
Wagtail.
(839). LimonipRomus InpIcus, Gm. The Forest-Wagtail.
ANTHUS TRIVIALIS MACULATUS, Jerd. (*) The Indian
Tree-Pipit. Synonymous with <A. maculatus, Hodgs.,
Hb: 1T., No. 841.
ANTHUS RICHARDI STRIOLATUS, Blyth. Richard’s Pipit.
Synonymous with A. richardi, Vieill., FP. B. £., No. 845.
(847). ANTHUS RUFULUS, Vieill. The Indian Pipit.
Fam. ALAUDID/.
(873). MIRAFRA MICROPTERA, Hume, (*) The Burmese
Bush-Lark.
Fam. NHCTARINIDA.
(884). ArTHopYGA caRA, Hume. (*) The Tenasserim
Yellow-backed Sun-bird.
There is only a single (male) specimen in the collection.
+ 96.
97.
93:
99.
100.
(898). ARACHNECHTHRA FLAMMAXILLARIS, Blyth. The Bur-
mese Yellow-breasted Sun-bird.
(909). ARACHNOTHERA LONGIROSTRIS. Lath. (*) The Little
Spider-hunter.
Fam... DICAWIDA.
(912). Drcamum cruentatuM, Linn. (*) The Scarlet-
backed Flower-pecker.
(914). DicmuMm cHRYSORH@UM, Temm. (*) The Yellow-
vented Flower-pecker.
(921). Prprisoma squaLipum, Burt. (*) The Thick-billed
Flower-pecker.
172 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Fam. PITTID A.
+101. ANTHOCINCLA PHAYREI, Blyth. Phayre’s Pitta. Synonymous
with A. phayrii, Blyth, F. B. I., No. 926.
4102. (928). Prrra oates!, Hume. The Fulvous Pitta.
There is only a single specimen of this rare bird in the collec-
tion. Its measurements are, as follows:—wing = 115 mm.; tail
= 72 mm.; culmen = 25 mm.; tarsus = 52 mm.
+ 103. (930). Prrra cyanra, Blyth. (*) The Blue Pitta.
. Sparingly distributed in suitable localities in Loi Koon Tan.
104. (981). Prrra cyanoprEra, Temm. (*) The Lesser Blue-
winged Pitta.
(To be continued.)
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK.
BY
MALCOLM SMITH, M.k.c.s., L.R.¢.P.
Subfamily. DIPSADOMORPHIN A.
30. Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus.
Sianvese 1 (ngu sing) ?
A rare snake in Bangkok. Mr. Tatner tells me that several
years ago, when the grass was being cut at the Sports Club, a small
patch remained which the men were afraid to enter owing to some
very fierce snakes which they said were in it. He went out with the
men, and as the cutting was completed and the snakes driven forth,
killed no less than 13 of this species. I have never seen any other
specimens from Bangkok.
This snake bears a superficial resemblance to Russell’s Viper,
and at a casual glance might be mistaken for it. Russell’s Viper,
however, is a much heavier snake, and the spots are larger, more
distinct, and somewhat differently arranged. In lepidosis the two
species are entirely different.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen came from Sanam
Cheng and measured 890 mm. in total length. It appears to be longer
than any previously recorded.
Color. Light brown or greyish brown above, with two series of
roundish dark brown dorso-lateral spots, and a series of smaller spots
or short cross bands on either flank. These spots are usually paler in
the centre, and are edged with white. Below, whitish or yellowish,
spotted and speckled with pale brown. Head with a blunt A- shaped
mark above, and with a dark band from the eye to the angle of the
mouth.
Distribution. From Southern China and Burma to the Malay
Peninsula and Archipelago.
174. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
31. Psammodynastes pulverulentus. Vhe Mock Viper.
I have seen two specimens of this little snake, both from Dusit
Park. It is fairly common in some parts of the country. One which I
kept alive for some time was shy and very active, but made no attempt
to bite when handled. It fed upon frogs.
Distribution. From the Eastern Himalayas and Southern China
to the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago.
32. Dryophis mycterizans. Zhe Connon Green Whip
Snake.
Common in Bangkok. This snake is entirely arboreal in its
habits, living among the bushes and hedges about the gardens and
plantations. I have hardly ever seen one on the ground, nor do I
think they ascend trees to any great height. It is ofa gentle and placid
disposition. Individuals that have only just been caught show hardly
any fear of one, and will, after a few hours, allow themselves to be
handled quietly and without protest. As an instance of the placid
nature of this snake, a half grown specimen was once found in
my garden and brought in at tiffin time. It was placed among the
flowers on the table, and remained there calmly throughout the entire
meal, watching me, but making no effort to get away. Old ones are
sometimes bad tempered, and cannot always be trusted. Unlike most
snakes, that bite at your hands, they have a nasty habit of watch-
ing your face, and especially your eyes, and then suddenly making a
dart at you. Fortunately the teeth in the front of the jaws are ex-
tremely small, and they are unable to inflict any damage. It is the
only snake I know of that the Siamese are not afraid to handle, and
boys may be sometimes seen carrying one along, fastened with a noose
of thread or string.
The Green Whip Snake appears to take more interest in its
surroundings than most snakes. Captive specimens may be frequently
seen to observe one, following with both head and eyes whatever is
taking place before them. The rest of the body is kept absolutely
still. They hardly ever move about their cage, and will remain ex-
tended upon a branch in almost the same position for days together.
I should imagine that these snakes in a wild state seldom go in search of
their food, but rather wait for their prey to come to them. For this
purpose their protective coloring, harmonizing so perfectly with the
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 175
foliage among which they live, must be of the greatest value. They feed
chiefly upon lizards and small birds, killing the latter by constriction.
Length. The largest specimen | have seen measured 1670 mm.
Color (in life). Verdant green, paler below than above. A
yellow or white line at the outer border of the ventral shields. Throat
white. Interstitial skin in the fore part of the body, alternately white
and black. Tris golden yellow with horizontal pupil. The young have
generally two fairly distinct whitish lines down the middle of the belly.
The identification of this snake is easy, the coloration, the
elongated head with the curious tip to the snout, and the horizontal
pupil, serving to distinguish it easily from the Green Pit Viper, the
only other entirely green snake that is found in Bangkok.
Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma, Siam. This species does
not extend into the Malay Peninsula and it would be interesting to
find out its most southern habitat in this country.
33. Chrysopelea ornata. The Green and Black Tree
Snake.
. 4
Siamese J (HQ (ngqu khieo).
Very common in Bangkok, and, owing to its partiality for
living in houses, is the snake which is brought more into contact with
the residents of the town than any other kind. There is probably
hardly a house or office where it has not been met with at some time,
and one might safely say, that of every ten snakes encountered inside
dwelling places, eight of them would prove to be of this species. This
partiality for living in habitations is by no means universal, but
appears more especially to be a trait of Bangkok individuals. Its
climbing powers are extraordinary and are shown at their best amongst
masonry. The special formation of its ventral shields greatly assists it
in these performances, and by taking advantage of every projection,
erack and corner available, it is enabled to scale perpendicular walls
and to reach positions apparently quite inaccessible.
Chrysopelea ornata is a bold and courageous snake, and, for its size,
extremely powerful. Its habits are diurnal. It isa voracious feeder and
will, I believe, devour anything that it can overcome. Mice, birds, lizards
and frogs have all been recorded as forming part of its diet, but I do
not think that other snakes have yet been mentioned, In the stomach
176 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
of one sent me last year, I found the head and fore part of the body of
a young tree-snake (Dendrophis pictus). Even the great ‘ tuk-kaa”
(Gecko verticillatus) is not secure against this rapacious creature, and |
know of several occasions on which it has been tackled. It is not
always that the snake comes out of these combats unharmed, and
considering the tremendous bite which this lizard can give, it is not
surprising. In one encounter at least that I know of, the gecko had
got a firm hold immediately behind the head of its opponent, and
although the snake ultimately proved the victor, it was so badly
damaged as to be only just able to crawl away, leaving its victim
uneaten.
I have seen this snake, also, catch a full grown mouse, crush
it to death in its coils, and swallow it, the whole operation being
accomplished in mid-air, the snake suspended by its tail only from a
small branch.
Flower calls it the fiercest snake he has ever met, and says that
individuals which he tried to keep in captivity showed uo signs of
becoming tamer, and were also an annoyance to other inmates of the
cage. I have not found this so. Those I have kept became moderately
tame, and soon allowed themselves to be handled.
Length. 1400 mm.
Color. Very variable, but only one form (var. D. Blgr. Cat.
Snakes) is found in Bangkok, and as far as I am aware, throughout the
whole of Siam. It is as follows :—Above pale green, each scale edged
with black and with a median black line, giving the whole the ap-
pearance of fine longitudinal lines drawn down the body, with finer
diagonal cross-lines. Below, a paler green, with a series of black dots
at the lateral keel. Subcaudals edged with dark grey. Head yellowish,
extensively marked with black, which takes the form of transverse
bars.
In the young, the black lines mentioned above, coalesce and
form a regular series of dorsal cross-bars. In some specimens this is
so marked that the snake appears to be black, with narrow green
cross-bars.
Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma and Southern China to the
Malay Archipelago.
No. 3.
Vol. I.
fournal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam.
), poisonous.
\
The Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 1
“JI
oo |
Subfamily. JZYDROPILIINA). he Sea Snakes.
Siamese ING (ngqu talay).
‘ Me
34. Enhydrina valakadien.
35. Enhydris Hardwickii.
Both the above species have been occasionally recorded from
Bangkok, having been caught in the river Menam. The true Sea
Snakes are, however, strictly inhabitants of the salt water and their
occurrence here can only be regarded as accidental, carried up proba-
bly upon some unusually heavy tide.
As far as is known at present, all the Sea Snakes are extremely
poisonous.
Subfamily. HDLAPIN A.
36. Bungarus fasciatus. The Banded Kratit.
E a
Siamese. QIN IGQUN (xgu sam liem).
a
The Siamese name refers to the marked triangular shape which
the body of this snake has in section, and whicn is produced chiefly
by the prominence of the vertebral region.
It is curious that Flower did not record this snake from
Bangkok, or indeed meet with it himself in any part of the country.
Its vivid and striking coloration make it unusually conspicuous, whilst
its sluggish movements render it an easy victim whenever encounter-
ed by man. Its strictly nocturnal habits have probably saved it on
many occasions.
The Banded Krait, whilst by no means common in Bangkok,
is not infrequently met with. It prefers, | believe, the open country,
but has been found in many parts of the town. One of the finest
specimens I ever caught, was in hiding beneath a box beside the
Chancery at the British Legation, whilst a young one was once sent
me, having been killed in the dining room of the mess at the Borneo
Company. In disposition it is an extremely quiet and inoffensive
creature, and I have never seen one attempt to bite, even under
strong provocation. Its strange behaviour and the attitude which it
often assumes when captured is well illustrated in the accompanying
photograph. Instead of endeavouring to escape, it throws its body
into a loose coil or two, and hides its head away beneath some part of
178 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
it. Perhaps like the ostrich of fable, with its head concealed, it
thinks itself entirely hidden from view. If provoked with a stick it
will give a convulsive jerk or two, and hide its head again beneath
some other part of the body. If left undisturbed, it will remain in
this position for a long time. The photograph was taken the day
after the snake had been caught, and although it gives no idea of the
brilliant contrasts in colouring, shows very clearly the strong verte-
bral prominence, and the blunt, enlarged ending to the tail which is
characteristic of this snake.
The Banded Krait feeds almost entirely wpon other snakes.
Length. This snake grows to a great size in Bangkok. I
have seen seven specimens over 6 feet in length. One of the largest
ever recorded was mentioned previously in this Juwrnal (No. 1, Vol. I.
p. 58), and I have since seen another almost as long. It was killed at
Klong Rangsit and measured 1955 mm. in length.
Poisou. No authentic case of a bite from this snake in man
has yet been recorded, but the poison appears from experimental
evidence to be considerably less toxic than Cobra venom, and is
possibly not fatal to human beings.
Color. The coloration of the Banded Krait is so distinctive
that it is quite impossible to mistake it for any other snake in
Bangkok. It is commonly described as being marked with alternate
broad bands of black and yellow, which completely encircle the body.
In the majority of Bangkok specimens, however, except in very large
ones, this yellow color is buff or dirty buff above, pale yellow below,
the two shades meeting with a distinct line of demarcation at the
costo-ventral junction. These yellow bands number from17 to 23 on the
body and from 3 to 40n the tail, Many Siamese specimens have in
addition a variable patch of black upon the belly in some of the
ventral bands. Wall mentions this as occurring in a specimen which
he examined in Hongkong, but it does not appear to occur elsewhere.
There is a black mark upon the top of the head, beginning between the
eyes and widening and extending backwards into a saddle-shaped
mark upon the neck. The blunt and enlarged tip to the tail which is
characteristic of this snake in adult life, I have not found in the
young. The whole snake has a fine polished appearance.
Distriution. India, Burma, and South China to the, Malay
Archipelago,
j
per
Vol. I.
Siam.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc.,
» poisonous.
—~
n
=
e
aS]
)
—
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UO
o
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be
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 179
37. Naia tripudians. Ve Cobra.
Siwmese 4 im (nyu hac).
i
,
Various other names are also used, such as 2. WIA (ngu hao
’ ’ ' we a
dong ), aa WO (ngu hao maw), 49 WWIAAN Auny (ngu_ hao
FT
dork chan), according to markings and coloration. The last named
term, meaning the sandal-wood flower, but also used to designate any
small round mark, is applied generally to those specimens that have
a well-defined circular mark upon the hood.
The name “‘ngu hao”, or the snake that barks, has no doubt
been given to it on account of the characteristic spitting or explosive
hiss which it makes when angered.
The Cobra, fortunately for Bangkok residents, cannot be
considered a common snake, although it is by no means rare.
In the country round it is more plentiful, and in some localities,
(notably at Klong Rangsit and Pachim, and probably also at
many others) is very plentiful. In Bangkok it may _ be
found almost anywhere, being more abundant upon the West
side of the river than upon the East. The many old and
disused buildings there harbour a considerable number of them,
among the foundations of which they find easy and convenient
hiding places. [In the country districts, away from habi-
tations, they live upon the open grass-lands and in the paddy fields,
finding shelter in holes in thé earth, chiefly those that have been made
by rats. In those places, as the country is completely under water for
several months in'the year, they must be flooded out of their homes,
and forced, for the time, to lead a semi-aquatic existence.
- Itis astonishing how few Europeans in Bangkok, with the
exception of those who have come from India, where they have
been treated to displays by snake charmers, have ever seen
a cobra alive. Under ordinary circumstances, when moving
about in search of food, or when lying in repose, the so-called
“hood” is not expanded at all, but lies as a loose fold of skin
on either side of the neck, adding but little to its thickness, and
hardly noticeable. It is only in the presence of danger, when
suddenly encountered and confronted, that the characteristic pose is
assumed, with the fore part of the body perpendicularly erect and the
180 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIHTY OF SIAM Vol. I.
“hood” spread out. This menacing attitude however, threatening
as it may appear, usually goes no further, and the snake if left
undisturbed, will soon quieten down and glide away. I have never
seen a cobra take the offensive, and it will not, I believe, attempt
to bite one, unless thoroughly angered or actually seized. The
accompanying illustrations, of specimens that had been recently
caught, were taken upon an open lawn. They were photographed at a
distance of from 3 to 4 feet, and are a further testimony, [ am sure the
photographer will not object to my saying so, more to the non-
aggressive disposition of the creature, than to his own courage. Adult
cobras when met with in their native haunts, generally seek refuge
in immediate flight, and disappear into the nearest shelter available.
Young ones are more aggressive. They are very alert, inclined to bite
readily, and undoubtedly more dangerous.
Cobras live well in captivity and are voracious feeders. Their
natural food is small mammals, (chiefly rats), frogs, toads, and some-
times other snakes. My own experience with them in captivity is
unusual, in that they feed almost entirely upon toads. The reason of
this is not one of preference, as they will readily devour dead rats and
frogs if placed before them, but simply because they are not sufficient_
ly quick to catch anything else. Even the slow-hopping toad is not
caught with any ease and certainty. I have watched them when
feeding on numberless occasions, and also when angered and _ fighting
with each other in their cage, and so often do they miss and go
wide of the object at which they strike, that they given one the im-
pression of having defective sight. Or else they are particularly
clumsy. In dealing with toads they do not attempt’ to make any use
of their poison, but proceed at once to swallow the creature alive.
Poison. Upon the rare occurrence of cases of cobra bite in
Bangkok, I have already remarked (No. 1, Vol. I, p. 6). They occur
more frequently in the outlying districts, as the records of the Pasteur
Institute, during the short time in which it has been opened, will
show. Dr. Robert who is in charge, told me that all that he had seen
had occurred at night, and were due to the snake having been acci-
dentally trodden upon in the dark. Dr, Yai Sanitwongse also in-
forms me, that since the decree has been issued for the destruction of
Java weed in this country, quite a number of people have been bitten
at Klong Rangsit. The snakes, it would appear, during the hot and.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam. Vol. I. No. 3.
Cobras.
a en
te
carne meee AS a
ee re rere ee arpttcinn
se
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 181
dry months of the year, retire to the canals, for cobras drink freely
and do not like to be long without water. Here they find excellent
shelter, and can lie entirely concealed among the dense packs of this
weed, and the people in dragging it out to destroy it, accidentally
seize the snakes and so get bitten.
The treatment of cobra bite is not within the scope of this
article, but [ may mention briefly, that the permanganate of potash
cure, so strongly boomed a few years ago, has shown itself to be
of much less value than was originally claimed for it. The only
antidote at present known of any real benefit, is antivenene, a large
stock of which is now always on hand at the Pasteur Institute.
Ligature above. and deep incisions at the seat of, the bite, should of
course always be performed at once.
Length. 1830 mm.
Color (in life). Above.—From darkish olive-brown to black.
Hood usually adorned with a clear, pale yellow or whitish circle or
oval. It may be incomplete and indistinct, but is seldom entirely
absent. Across the back, just behind the hood, usually a pale chevron
or oval mark or only a plain bar, and sometimes one or two or more
similar marks farther down the body. Below.—Throat and com-
mencement of body yellow, rest of belly and tail grey or pale brown.
Hood usually with a black spot on either side, and a dark trans-
verse bar behind. The transverse markings across the back, may be
continued as yellowish bars across the belly. The young when first
born are black, usually with a high polish like a well polished boot.
As they grow up they become lighter. The markings upon the hood
are even more variable than | have mentioned, and it would be un-
necessary to describe them all. This description applies to Bangkok
and the neighbouring country only.
Distribution. Southern Asia, from Transcaspia to China and
the Malay Archipelago.
Family. AMBLYCEPHALIDA:.
38. Amblycephalus moellendorfii.
Count Gyldenstolpe records a specimen of this little snake from
Bangkok, and another was recently found in a garden in the Suri-
wongse Road.
Distribution. S. China, Indo-China, Siam, Tenasserim,
182 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
Family. VIPERID.
39. Vipera Russellii. /ussedl’s Viper.
Siamese J tN vB (ug macaw sao).
b
The origin of the words “ maaw sao,” meaning “ sleepy cat,” is
obscure, but may refer to the lethargic disposition of this creature.
As tar as I am aware, the only specimen of this poisonous snake
that has been found in Bangkok was one killed on the grounds of the
Sports Club several years ago. It has been met with in several
localities near Bangkok, but appears to be nowhere common. My
collector once caught one in the roof of an attap shelter upon a raft at
Sam Kok, an unusual position to find this snake in, as its corpulent
build does not at all fit it for climbing, Itis no doubt in this way,
namely drifting down the river upon some log or floating structure,
that most of them find their way to us from the North. Russell’s
Viper is not usually accounted a lover of the water, and the wet paddy
plains of this part of the country, are probably not to its liking.
In disposition it is sluggish in the extreme, and will usually
not attempt to move out of the way when met with. The three occa-
sions that I know of, when snipe shooters have encountered it, all
confirm this, the snake making no attempt to escape and allowing
itself to be shot at close quarters.
The only specimen [ ever kept alive, fed readily upon mice.
Poison. The poison of Russell’s Viper, although less toxic than
cobra venom, is fatal to man, death occurring in the cases which have
been recorded, in about 24 hours or longer.
Length. 1600 mm.
Color (in life) Light brown above, with three longitudinal
chains of large dark brown oval spots, the dorsal row somewhat larger
than the two lateral ones. The spots have a black periphery and
are edged with white. Between them are two other series of spots,
considerably smaller and much elongated, and others adorn the flanks
lower down. Belly white, with dark semi-lunar spots. Head with
dark symmetrical markings, including a lozenge shaped patch upon
the forehead, another patch below the eye, and a streak from the eye
to the angle of the mouth. The photograph is excellent. Upon the
superficial resemblance of this snake to the harmless Dipsadomorphus
multimaculatus 1 have already remarked,
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc,, Siam. Vol. I. No. 3.
Russell’s Viper (Vipera Russelli), poisonous.
The Common Green Tree Viper (Lachesis Gramineus), poisonous.
ae
“
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 185
Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma, Siam.
40. Lachesis gramineus. The Common Green Pit Viper.
Siamese q (BHA W9 law or AW UM (wy khieo hang mai or
a
hang daanq).
“Hang mai,” meaning literally “burnt tail”, refers to the
rusty coloration upon the tail of this snake.
It is by far the most common poisonous snake that is to be
found in Bangkok, frequenting the gardens and plantations everywhere,
usually arboreal in its habits, but seldom found at any great elevation
above the ground. One at least, is generally to be seen in the large
bamboo clump in my compound, and I have had many opportunities of
watching the habits of these snakes. The same one seldom remains
there for any length of time ; a few days perhaps, or sometimes a few
weeks, and then it is gone and another one takes its place.
They are very sluggish creatures. When discovered they seldom
endeavour to escape, or even show any signs of alarm, but remain quietly
in their position, eyeing one steadily. Sometimes one will lift its head
fiercely, as if protesting at the disturbance. Even when actually dis-
lodged from their post, they preserve the same calm demeanour, and
move away in a quiet and leisurely manner. They can, however, be
extremely fierce, and when once roused will bite furiously. Their
habits are strictly nocturnal, and they do not move about until
it is quite dark. On the other hand, they are not particular
where they lie up during the day, and any shady bough or nook, pro-
vided it is not actually exposed to the sun, seems to satisfy them.
After feeding they remain completely at rest until their meal is
digested, and this may occupy many days One, I remember, remained
in exactly the same position for 15 days, apparently without moving at
all. Another one that I watched, lived in a hole in a tree, and when
hungry and in need of food, could be seen each night outside its home.
How far afield it went in search of prey I do not know, but I never saw
it very far away, and in the morning it was back again in the hole. It
remained in this spot for ten weeks, and then disappeared.
In captivity these vipers live well, feeding upon mice, frogs and
lizards, particularly tne house gecko. In catching mice, they seize the
animal if possible across the middle of the back, burying their long
fangs deeply into the vital parts of the body, | use the word seize,
184 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
for they do not strike and let go, but continue to hold on, and
do not relax their grip, until the victim is quite dead. A mouse
caught in this way dies with extreme rapidity, generally in two
or three minutes, and beyond a few faint convulsive kicks does not
struggle at all. The actual paralysing factor in this case is no doubt
shock. If perchance, from the snake not being sufficiently quick,
some other part of the animal is caught, such as a limb or the head,
death is by no means so rapid, and the mouse usually manages to shake
itself free and escape. The snake then goes off in search of it, but
appears to have no sense of direction, and in a wild state, if the
animal had been abla to travel any distance before collapsing, would
certainly not be found.
Poison. The ‘poison of this snake is almost entirely local in its
action. It is fatal to small mammals, but can hardly be considered
dangerons to human beings. Iseea fair number of patients who have
been bitten by this snake every year, and their symptoms vary in inten-
sity from those with slight swelling round the bitten part and practically
no pain, to others with considerable swelling and very severe pain.
General symptoms are entirely absent, except for some occasional
slight feeling of giddiness, which may be due to a very natural trepida-
tion on the part of the patient. In my own case, which may be looked
upon as a severe one, I was bitten in the terminal joint of the right
thumb whilst incautiously handling the snake. I had seized the it too
far down the neck, and it was able to turn its head round and bite me.
Fortunately it could only reach me with one fang, but that one
went deeply in. The pain was intense and immediate, as if a red hot
needle had been thrust into me, and it continued with great severity
for 24 hours. Sleep was impossible without opium. The whole hand
as far as the wrist swelled rapidly up, and at the actual seat of the
bite, a small area, as big as a pea, became necrotic and ultimately
sloughed away. The swelling of the hand subsided within a week,
but in the thumb itself it persisted much longer, and it was six
weeks before the wound had healed and I had recovered the full
use of my hand. Treatment in this case consisted in applying a
ligature to the base of the thumb until the pain from the con-
striction became unbearable, and in scarifying the wound and
rubbing "in crystals of permanganate of potash. Owing to the >
difficulty,} however, of operating upon myself with my left hand,
-_——
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 185
this part of the treatment was not sufficiently deep to be of any
value.
Length. Up to 870 mm.
Color (in life). Above verdant green, below pale green, yellow-
ish green, bluish green or light blue. There is usually a well-marked
flank line, upon the last row of the costal scales beginning at the neck
and running the entire length of the body and tail. It may be white,
yellowish or pale blue in colour. Dorsum of tail and tip, reddish brown.
Interstitial skin blackish, the colour often extending on to the adjacent
scales and forming indistinct dark cross bars. Iris golden yellow with
vertical pupil.
This snake is well known to the Siamese, and its local name
may be relied upon.
Distribution. From India to China and the Malay Archipelago.
This concludes the Snakes of Bangkok. Three other species
will probably have to be recorded, namely, Dryophis prasinus, Hyp-
sirhina plumbea, and Typhlops siamensis. The two former are fairly com-
mon in the country districts outside the city, and there appears no reason
why they should not be found in Bangkok. Of the earth snake, 7’.
siamensis, only one specimen is so far known, obtained by M. Mouhot
many years ago. Last year, however, Major Sprater was given a snake,
caught at Bangsue, which I considered to be this species, in spite of
some slight differences in lepidosis. He took it home with him to
compare with the type specimen in the British Museum. but unfortun-
ately the War broke out before he was able to do so.
186 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
KEY TO THE SPECIES DESCRIBED.
The accompanying key will enable anyone, with a little care and
trouble, to identify all the species described in the previous articles.
It is entirely an arbitrary key, and is of no value elsewhere.
Method of using the key. Count the number of costal scales
across the middle of the body, as shown in the diagram opposite p.
5 of this volume, and compare it with the color description given. Note
that the middle of the body is mid-way between the head and the vent,
and not the head and the tip of the tail. The characters of the scales
given, although not essential to this list, will be of further assistance.
The “keel” is a more or less pronounced ridge down the centre of a
costal scale, and is an important feature in identification.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK, 137
‘ 7 5 ey =
Costal Character | Name at Species Page in
scales. of scales. Journal.
| Ventral shields enlarged
|
13 | Smooth Dryocalamus Davisonii 93
o | Smooth Xenopeltis unicolor 12
Fr a | Zamenis korros 94.
\ ertebrals Dendrophis pictus 96
enlarged
be ie | Dryophis mycterizans U7
x s | Bungarus fasciatus 177
16-17 | Partly keeled | Zamenis mucosus 93
17 | Smooth Chrysopelea ornata 175
% _ Psammophis condanarus Wa
33 /, Lycodon aulicus 16
fe i Simotes Mouhoti 99
19 | Smooth Simotes taeniatus 98
» | Partly keeled | Coluber radiatus 95
aden oes “ _Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus 173
enlarged J |
» | Keeled | Tropidonotus piscator 14
fe A | Tropidonotus subminiatus 15
19-21 | Smooth _ Naia tripudians 178
21 | Smooth | Simotes eyelurus 97
5 el ae Hypsirhina enhydris 100
» | Keeledor not | Lachesis gramineus 182
27 | Smooth Hypsirhina bocourti 100
29-31 | Keeled Vipera Russelli 181
30-39 “ Herpeton tentaculatum 103
45-47 o Homalopsis buccata 101
70-80 | Smooth Python reticulatus 9
|
| Ventral shields not enlarged
| |
20 | Smooth Typhlops braminus 8
oe | A Cylindrophis rufus 10
— | Tubercular Acrochordus javanicus 13
188
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND
THEIR LIGHT.
By KK. Ge Bust, (BSC. 32E:St
(Assistant ENTOMOLOGIST AT THE BritisH Museum,
NATURAL Hisrory).
There is perhaps no more striking phenomenon in the insect
world, than the brilliant and frequently flashing lights exhibited at
night by the insects popularly known as Fireflies and Glow-worms,
yet at first sight it is astonishing how little is known to scientists at
home of the habits of these insects, and of the part played by this
luminosity in their life history. But when we consider that our
knowledge of these creatures is almost entirely based on the dried
specimens of our collections, which are practically never accompanied
by detailed or in any way critical notes on their habits as observed by
the collectors, this deficiency in our intormation on the subject be-
comes more readily intelligible.
The lack of co-operation between the systematic student at
home and the actual collector in the field, whether a trained entomo-
logist or not, was particularly brought home to me in conversation on
this subject with my friend Mr. Kk. G. Gairdner on the occasion of his
present visit to this country, and it is at his request that these notes
are written with the express purpose of interesting the members of the
Natural History Society of Siam in the study of these fascinating
creatures, and of helping to elucidate the life histories of some of the
Siamese species.
With few exceptions, luminous insects throughout the world be-
long, broadly speaking, to one family of Beetles, the Lampyridae, or
to give them their popular name, the Fireflies and Glow-worms. The
most important exception to this statement is afforded by the Fire-
flies of the West Indies and Central America, locally known as ‘‘ Cucujos,”
which, though still Beeties, belong to quite a different family, the
Llateridue or Skipjacks,
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 189
With the Lampyridae are associated a few, small, closely allied
families at present very insufficiently known and imperfectly charact-
erised, but which from our point of view are of peculiar interest, since
it is to this systematically doubtful position that some of the Siamese
species belong.
In the Zumpyridae, the luminous organs are situated in the
terminal or subterminal segments of the abdomen, and the light is
shown from the under surface. In dead as well as in living specimens,
these luminous areas are usually evident by their whitish, opaque,
almost waxy appearance, in strong contrast with the generally dark
colour of the underside. ‘Though usually present to a greater or lesser
degree in both sexes, the luminous property is generally developed
much more highly in one sex than in the other. When it is the male
beetle that possesses it in the greater degree, the light is shown when
the insect is on the wing, and is generally of an intermittent or
flashing character, and gives to the insects their popular name of
Fireflies.
On the other hand, when the power of luminosity is the more
highly developed in the female beetle, the character is usually associ-
ated with a more or less complete absence of wings, and the insect be-
comes merely a crawling, unpleasant-looking, worm-like creature,
generally known in fact as a Glow-worm, which nobody who is not an
entomologist would ever dream of calling a Beetle. The males of
these insects are winged, in form closely resembling the Fireflies, and
are totally unlike their spouses. The consequence of this utter dis-
similarity between the two sexes of one species is, that it is not easy
to co-relate them properly in our collections. Very often we have
large numbers of the males of a species, even of whole groups of
species or genera, and yet not asingle female that we can say definite-
ly belongs to this species or to that. On the other hand we have a
considerable number of females of many different species which we are
unable at present to assign to their respective males. Some females,
for example, that Mr. Gairdner brought home are of great interest as
being differently constructed from femaies of normal Lampyridae :
evidently they belong to one of the small closely allied families refer-
red to above, but to which species or even genus they should be as-
signed cannot be determined without a knowledge of the male. We
have also in the British Museum collection some larvae from Siam,
190 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM Vol. I.
also undetermined, which belong apparently to the same species, hence
it is very desirable that the male be ascertained and the identity of the
species established.
In this case the requisite information may be obtained in
various ways, either by rearing the larva and breeding the male beetles
from them, or by catching the male beetle when it comes to pair with
the living female and forwarding both insects for identification.*
Both these methods may require a little patience, but in neither case
are the difficulties likely to be insuperable.
As regards the first method, the first step is to be able to dis-
tinguish the larva from the perfect female, for the resemblance between
the two is very close.
The most ready means of distinction lies perhaps in the legs ;
in the larva these are short and pointed, almost conical, terminating
in a single stout claw, while in the female beetle they are rather
longer and more slender, the different sections being articulated
at an angle, and the last section, the foot or tarsus, being composed of
five (or perhaps only four or three ) minute joints, the last of which
terminates in two slender claws.
If the specimen found prove to ke a larva, it should feed, judg-
ing from the analogy of the better known species of this group, on
small snails and slugs, and if kept moist with a plentiful supply of
food, should complete its transformations without much trouble.
A small tin box with a tightly fitting lid, half filled with fine
earth, makes a convenient breeding cage, and is easily cleaned
and kept free from mould. When full grown the larva will remain
quiescent for a few days, lying on its side and taking no food ; it will
then cast its skin and become a pupa; this is at first white, but
gradually becomes darker, the change showing most quickly and most
completely in the eyes. Ifthe pupa is to produce a male beetle, the
rudiments of wings will now be visible at the sides of the body, but if
it is to produce a female beetle there will be hardly any noticeable
change from the form of of the larva, except in the limbs which now
are fixed and motionless. A few days in this state should be sufficient,
then the pupa will in turn cast its skin and the perfect beetle
emerge.
* In the case of specimens captured én cop. particular care should be taken
that the pairs are kept together and confusion with other specimens avoided.
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THETR LIGHT. 191
If the female beetle has been secured, she should be kept alive
and placed in a likely situation, and a watch kept for the males
coming to visit her. Atthe same time it is essential that careful
notes should be made of the behaviour of the female and of the arrival
of the male. As an indication of what may be expected a brief ac-
count of the habits of some of our better known species may not be
out of place.
Many members of the Natural History Society of Siam will no
doubt be familiar with the common Glow-worm of our English lanes
and hedges. The pale greenish lights may sometimes be observed in
numbers in the grass by the roadside in June and July. At Lugano
this summer they were noticed to be particularly partial to the walls,
sitting sometimes 10 or 12 feet from the ground, and in this situation
their light would be visible from a long distance. If more closely
observed, whether sitting on the ground amongst low vegetation, or
hanging vertically on some stem a few inches above it, the light will
be seen streaming from the organ on the underside of the tail; the
body is twisted first to one side then to the other, in order to expose
the light more fully. Often I have carefully noted the position of one
of these lights and visited the spot from time to time; at one visit the
light has been found to have disappeared, but a careful search of the
spot where it should be, has revealed the female beetle with one or
more males in close attendince. Unfortunately I have never been
able to witness the actual arrival of the male, which in this species is
not or but very feebly luminous.
Mr. E. G. Green (*) has published notes on the use of the light
of two species of Glow-worm from Ceylon. In one of these, Lampro-
phorus tenebrosus, the apterous female exhibits her light much as does
our Glow-worm; the male, though normally brilliant, approaches a
“calling” female with the light shut off, its advent being heralded
only by the partial extinction of the light of the female. In the
other, Dioptoma adamsi, the larviform female was observed to recurve
the body over the back so as to exhibit the ventral subterminal light
organ. On the approach of the male, the light was partially eclipsed
and the tail turned down. The male at the time was not known to be
luminous, but under the stimulus of sexual excitement it was ob-
served to exhibit luminous spots along the sides of the abdomen
(1 ) Trans, nt. Soc. 1912, p. Fi Wie
192 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
and on the thorax. This is an unusual type of illumination for
the Lampyridae, but the genus Dioptoma is one of those of
rather doubtful systematic position to which reference has been
made above. Tothis genus may possibly belong the undetermin-
ed Siamese female mentioned earlier, which, Mr. Gairdner informs
me, behaved in a very similar manner.
The Fireflies of Southern Europe have been critically observed
by Emery (2) and others, and only this summer my friend Mr. Hugh
Main and I spent several evenings at Lugano watching the behaviour
of Luciola italica. In this species and its allies, both sexes are winged,
but all the specimens caught on the wing are found to be males. The
females closely resemble them, but are rather smaller and less parallel,
with the eyes very much smaller in proportion. They are of a more
sluggish disposition, and are found lurking in the grass and .low her-
bage. Very soon after sunset the lights of the flying males may be
observed sparkling over the grass; as it becomes darker a careful search
will probably detect the fainter more continuous light of the female
close to the ground. If one of these be ‘kept under observation, the
light will be found to disappear at intervals, then to shine again, some-
times continuously, sometimes with a flushing periodicity much slower
than that of the male. Wuile the light is shining, a passing male perceiv-
ing it will alter his course and fly down, alighting near the female; he
then approaches flashing vigorously, as if not quite sure of her exact
whereabouts, until he finds her, when the lights of both are extingui-
shed. Hven when one male is in attendance the female may start
flashing again to attract another, and it. is not uncommon to find a
small group of males gathered round one female. Though often ob-
served quite early in the evening we frequently noticed that the lights
of the females were more numerous and brighter about 10 or 1L p.m.
when the lights of the males were becoming scarcer, as though the
females, despairing of attracting a mate, were becoming bolder in their
efforts. In this species as observed by us, there was no suggestion of
the synchronous flashing in concert of large numbers of males that is
recorded of another Huropean species as well as of numerous tropical
species both of the Old and New Worlds, and which is mentioned by
Mr. Gairdner as being very striking in the case of certain Siamese
species.
(2) Bull. Soe. Ent. Ital, 1886, p. 406.
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 198
Of late years much important work has been done by Mr. A.
MeDermott (*) upon North American species of Fireflies. These in-
sects, popularly known as Lightning—bugs, resemble the Fireflies of
Southern Europe mentioned above in that the male beetle flies about
flashing his light, while the femle lurks in the grass below. But.
whereas in the case for example of the European L. italica the female
would seem to shew her light on her own initiative to attract the
attention of passing males, in the American Lightning-bugs (and also
in the Huropean species observed by Emery } the female is more
modest, and shews her light only in reply to the “ calling ” flash of the
male. Inthe United States the number of species is very considerable,
and in many cases two or more of them have been found flying to-
gether over the same ground, so that specific differences in the light
exhibited have been evolved to a high degree. A female of one species
will, as a rule, only reply to the flash of a male of her own species, and
a searching male will only respond to the answering flash of a female
of his own species. Specific differences are found to exist in the
periodicity of the flash, in its colour, its duration or in its direction,
some species rising and falling with a kind of dancing motion and
omitting the flash on the dip or onthe rise, ete. Mr. McDermott’s
investigations were assisted by an ingenious series of experiments with
small electric bulbs, which could be operated to simulate the flash of
the particular species under observation. A brief summary of some of
his results may serve as a guide to similar enquires in other parts of
the world,
Photinus pyralis. The flash of the female is given 3 or 4
seconds after that of the male, and is of the same colour but of longer
duration and less intense.
Females would answer in numbers to the flash of a match
swung in an arc to simulate the flash of a male, though as a rule not
more than one female would reply to a flashing male.
A particular female would not reply to the flash of a male of
another species ( P. consanguiieus ) though she would to that ofa
match.
The male could also be deceived by a bulb placed in the grass
and flashed 3 or 5 seconds after his own flash. When the bulb was
flashed without the pause it was not so effective.
(3) Canad. Ent, 1910-11-12.
194 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIHTY OF SIAM Vol. I.
No male was observed to reply to the flash of a creeping
male.
P. consanguineus, The male gives a double flash in quick
succession followed by a pause, then another flash, and so on; the
female replies within a second to the second flash of the male. <A
particular female would not reply to the flash of a match, but would
answer the double flash of a bulb when 20 or 30 feet away; ona
nearer approach she seemed to recognise something unusual and would
not reply.
P. scintillans. The male gives a short single flash, and the female
a longer single flash.
A female would reply tothe first flash of a male of P. con-
sanguineus but the latter takes no notice. The female of this species
is apterous.
P. marginellus. The male gives a single short sharp flash yellower
than that of P. scintillans: the female replies with a double flash, the
first sharper and brighter than the second and followed at once by the
second. The reply is given very quickly after the flash of the male.
P. castus. The male gives a single flash not so short and sudden
as that of P. marginellus; the female gives a single flash very much
like that of P. scintillans but delivered immediately after the flash of
the male ; there is no distinct pause asin P. pyralis and no indication
of doubling as in P. marginellus. These last two species are very
similar, and indeed by some authorities they have been considered to be
merely forms of the same, Mr McDermott admits that he can find no
structural difference between them, but their flash is so distinct that
he considers them good species. They are frequently found flying to-
gether but no case of interbreeding has been observed though specially
watched for.
Careful observations of this nature, not only upon Fireflies but
upon insects of any sort are very badly wanted. Too often such habits
are regarded as merely everyday events of no particular interest, yet out-
side the particular region in which the species occur very little is known
about them. At the same time it is very necessary that the species of
which such habits are recorded should be correctly determined; notes on
the habits of any animal only vaguely or loosely specified are of little
use, hence it is essential, if any observations are to be of scientific value,
that specimens should be collected and their identity definitely establi-
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 195
shed. It is to be hoped that before long the Society will have its own
reference collection of the Siamese fauna, which will greatly facilitate
such identifications, but until then specimens may be forwarded for
comparison to the National Collection at the Natural History Museum,
South Kensington. If at any time [ can render any assistance, either
in making the necessary comparisons or in other ways, I shall be most
happy to place my services at the disposal of the Society, and any
material or notes concerning the subject of this paper will be most
welcome.
oe
196
~ CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO
PRELIMINARY LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS.
a ——
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON.
Since the publication of the Preliminary List*, I have obtained
a number of new species, and have also had the opportunity of sub-
mitting to Mr. H. C. Robinson, Director of Museums, Federated
Malay States, for identification, specimens of all the birds in my
collection with the exception of the Vultures mentioned on p. 47 of
the List. Asa result a few errors have been discovered, which are
set forth below, together with the names of the new species. Of these
latter, birds which do not appear to have been previously recorded
from Siam are given in heavy type—thus :—Cisticola volitans. The
figures in brackets are those of the Hawna of British India, quoted in
the Preliminary List.
DELETIONS.
(363) Acrocephalus stentoreus. ‘The Indian Great Reed-
Warbler.
(423) Acanthopneuste plumbeitarsus. Middenorft’s
Willow-Warbler.
(611) Pratincola leuecura. The White-tailed Bush-Chat.
In these three cases the birds proved to be identical with other
species already in the List.
CORRECTIONS.
For (307; Pyenonotus plumosus, The Large Olive Bulbul,
read, (806) Pycnonotus blanfordi, Blanford’s Bulbul.
For (599) Tersiphone affiinis, The Burmese Paradise
Flycatcher, read, Tersiphone incii, ‘The Chinese Paradise Flycatcher.
For (826) Motacilla alba, The White Wagtail, read, (827)
Motacilla leucopsis, The White-faced Wagtail.
* A Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok, Journal, Nat. Hest.
Society of Siam, Vol. I., No. 1., pp. 41-48.
”
CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS, LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS. 197
For (869) Mirafra cantillans, The Singing Bush-Lark, read,
Mirafra sp.
Mr. H. C. Robinson, to whom I have submitted a number of
specimens of this bird, is in some doubt as to the species to which it is
referable, and advises me, pending the examination of a series by the
authorities of the British Museum, to refrain from assigning to it any
definite specific name.
For (250) Gecinus occipitalis, The Black-naped Green
Woodpecker, read, (949) Gecinus viridanus, The Burmese Scaly-
bellied Green Woodpecker.
For (1081) Colloealia fuciphaga, The Indian Edible-nest
Swiftlet, read, (1076) Tachornis infumatus, The Eastern Palm-
Swift.
For (1138) Palaeornis torquatus, The Rose-ringed
Paroquet, read, (1145) Palaeornis fasciatus, The Red-breasted
Paroquet.
Por 1354. Execalfactoria chinensis, The Blue-breasted
Quail, read, (1386) Turnix blanfordi, The Burmese Button-Quail.*
ADDITIONS.
ORDER-—PASSERES.
FAMILY Cvrateropodidae—LAUGHING THRUSHES,
BABBLERS, BULBULS, ETC.
(160) Turdinus abpvotti. Abbott’s Babbler.
= Molpastes germaini, Germain’s Indo-Chinese Bulbul.
FAMILY Szlv7iddae—WARBLERS.
- (360) Locustella certhiola. Pallas’s Grasshopper-Warbler.
(365) Acrocephalus bistrigiceps. Schrenck’s Reed-Warbler.
-+ (380) Cisticola volitans ( exilis ) The Golden-headed
Fantail-Warbler.
FAMILY Sturnedae
STARLINGS AND MYNAS.
4.(539) Sturnia memoricola. The White-winged Myna.
(549) Acridotheres tristis. The Common Myna.
* Turnix blanford? belongs, of course, to a different Order to that under
which E.ccalfactoria chinensis is placed, viz , Hemipodii —Family, Vurndcidae.
198 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCLETY OF SIAM Vol. L.
FAMILY /’locezdae—WEAVER BIRDS AND MUNIAS.
(726) Munia atricapilla. The Chestnut-bellied M unia.
FAMILY J’r7ngzllidae— FINCHES.
(797) Emberiza aureola. The Yellow-breasted Bunting.
FAMILY J/otacdllidae—WAGTAILS AND PIPITS.
(846) Anthus striolatus. Blyth’s Pipit.
».(849) Anthus cervinus. The Red-throated Pipit.
FAMILY Dicaezvdae—FLOWER-PECKERS.
(922) Piprisoma modestum. Hume’s Flower-pecker.
ORDER—PICIT.
FAMILY /?7c7dae—-WOODPECKERS.
(983) Micropternus phaeoceps. The Northern Rufous
Woodpecker.
(988) Tiga javanensis. The Common Golden-backed Three-
toed Woodpecker.
ORDER—ANISODACTYLI.
FAMILY Alcedinidae—KINGFISHERS.
(1040) Ceyx tridactyla. The Indian Three-toed King fisher.
FAMILY Ujwpzdae—HOOPOES
(1067) Upupa indica. The Indian Hoopoe.
ORDER.—COCCYGES.
FAMILY Cuculzdae—Cuckoos.
(1107) Cuculus micropterus. The Indian Cuckoo.
ORDER—STRIGES.
FAMILY Aszon7dae—OwLs.
“™(1157) Asio accipitrinus. The Short-eared Owl.
ORDER—ACCIPITRES,
FAMILY /alcontdae—EAGLES, KITES, FALCONS, ETC.
-(1261) Falco severus. ‘The Indian Hobby.
(1265) Tinnuneulus alaudarius. The Kestrel.
COLLECTIONS & ADDITIONS, LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS. 199
ORDER—GRALLA.
FAMILY /?al/idae—RrAILs.
-++- (1402) Gallinula chloropus. The Moorhen.
ORDER—UIMICOLA.
FAMILY /a7i7dae—JACANAS.
(1428) Metopidius indicus. The Bronze-winged Jacana.
FAMILY Chavadi7idae—PLOVERS. SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES.
(1466) Totanus glottis. The Greenshank.
~(1473) Tringa subminuta. The Long-toed Stint.
_, (1474) Tringa temmincki. Temminck’s Stint.
ORDER—HERODIONES.
FAMILY Aidec¢dae—HERONS.
(1566) Ardeola baczhus. The Chinese Pond-Heron.
The second, third, fourth and fifth birds mentioned in the above
Additions belong to Families which have already been dealt with in
the Paper on Bangkok Birds which is being published in this Journal
in parts. These, and any other birds which may similarly be added
to the List too late to be taken up in their proper places, will be
described at the end of the Paper.
200
+ THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
Seo =—
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON.
(Continued from Vol. L., No. 2, p. 92).
%
In the Introduction to the first part of this Paper, which ap-
peared in the previous number of the Journal, I gave a list of books
and papers to which references would be made. Since then several
lists of Birds from Siam (some of them important ones) have made
their appearance or are in course of publication, and our knowledge
of the geographical distribution of species has, in consequence, been
much increased. The following are the lists in question, in chrono-
logical order of publication, with the names of their authors :—
Barton sss... csveserees ...O. 8. Barton. A short List of Birds from
the Raheng District. Vol. I, No. 2,
pp. 105-109 of this Journal.
Robinson......+ Be Pe Sa H. C. Robinson. On a collection of
Birds from the Siamese Province of
Bandon, N. KH. Malay Peninsula.
Journal of the Fed. Malay States
Museums. Vol. V, No. 8, pp. 83-110.
RGOINEON Gees seceeeeee ss H. C. Robinson. The Zoology of Koh
Samui and Koh Pennan—Birds.
Journal of the Fed. Malay States
Museums. Vol. V, No. 3, pp. 139-152.
Gairdner... j2.%:t..csecarees K. G. Gairdner. List of Mammals and
Birds, obtained in the Ratburi and
Petchaburi Districts. Present number
of this Jowrnal, pp. 148-153.
Gyldenstolpe............6 Count Nils Gyldenstolpe. List of birds
collected by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer in
Northern Siam. Part 1, Order Pas-
seres, present number of this Journal,
pp. 163-172. Remaining Orders to
follow in Vol. I, No. 4.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 201
In order to distinguish the last-named List from that of
Gyldenstolpe’s own collection, previously quoted in the Introduction
to this Paper, Mr. Hisenhofer’s name will be given, in conjunction
with that of Count Gyldenstolpe, for each species referred to. In all
other cases the names of the authors alone will be quoted.
Family QRIOLIDA'—Oyioles,
+ 26 (614). Oriolus indicus. Zhe Black-naped Oriole.
. Ke ’
Siamese, yo aNw nana any (Nok khamin liiang-on).
Description. Length about 267 mm. (10.5 in). Male. Whole
head and body bright yellow, except the lores and a band through each
eye broadening and meeting across the nape, which are black; primaries
and secondaries black, tipped and edged with yellowish white; outer
webs of tertiaries yellow; inner webs black; primary coverts black
tipped with yellow ; middle pair of tail feathers black narrowly tipped
with yellow, the others progressively more yellow at the ends. Female.
Similar colouration, except that the back is slightly greenish.
Iris pink (Oates). Bill pinkish white. Legs plumbeous.
Young birds are yellowish green above, paler on the rump;
throat, breast and centre of abdomen whitish streaked with’ brown ;
flanks, under wing-coverts and under tail-coverts yellow with greenish
tinge. Quills and tail feathers brownish where the adults have black.
Iris brown, Bill dark horny to pinkish brown—the basal half of the
lower mandible being paler. Legs as in adults.
Habits, etc. This beautiful and striking bird is a fairly common
cold weather visitor, occurring (as far as my observation goes) from
October to April. Adults have rich flute-like note, but young birds
(which are the more plentiful) utter a harsh call of che-eh. Orioles are
of strictly arboreal habit, and feed on fruit as well as the insects to be
found on trees.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss,
who state that they found it “fairly abundant” during December
and January ; from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons by Gairdner ;
and from Northern Siam by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe).
202, JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
+ .27(521).- Oriolus melanocephalus. The Indian Black-
headed Oriole.
, +4 A ’ x Sc
Siamese, yn aNw wwaas fou (Nok khamin liiang-on).
Description. Length, up to 241 mm. (9.5. in.). Male. Head,
neck, chin and throat black ; remainder of body rich yellow; primary
coverts black with yellow tips; quills black, all but the first primary
with yellowish tips which become successively larger on the secondaries
and tertiaries ; tail yellow, except the middle pair of feathers which are
black on their terminal half, with a yellow tipping, and the next two
pairs which are partly black. Female.. As above, but the yellow of
the breast and back is duller, with sometimes a greenish tinge.
Iris crimson. Bill pinkish. Mouth flesh-colour. Legs plumbeous.
In young birds the yellow parts are greenish, and the black
parts brownish to brownish black, except the chin and throat which
are whitish with dark brown stripes—traces of the stripes being also
visible on the breast. The iris is brown to reddish brown, and the
bill blackish brown.
Habits etc. Similar to those of the last species.
Distribution. So far as Bangkok is concerned this appears to
be a rare bird, as I have only obtained a single specimen, an immature
male, which I shot in my garden in February 1914. It appears, how-
ever, to be common almost throughout the country, as it is recorded
by Gyldenstolpe from Eastern, Central and Northern Siam, while
Robinson and Kloss state that they obtained a pair in Pulau Lankawi
(an island off the coast of Kedah, at that time under Siamese protec-
tion), but apparently did not meet with it on the mainland, in Trang,
It is also reported from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons by
Gairdner, and I have obtained it both at Koh Lak and at Sriracha in
November and December.
Family. STURNIDAE—Starlings and Mynas.
+ 28 (536), Sturnia sinensis. 7’he Chinese Myna.
Description, Length, up to 203 mm. (8 in.). Forehead
whitish with a ferruginous tinge ; chin whitish; rest of body grey,
darkest on back and paling almost to white on lower part of abdo-
men, the flanks and upper tail-coverts sometimes with a ferru-
ginons tinge; wing-coverts white, slightly tinged with ferrugi-
————= fe
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 203
nous ; quills black, the tertiaries and tips of the other feathers suffused
with metallic blue and lilac ; tail black with metallic blue gloss, the
middle pair of feathers narrowly, the others more broadly, tipped
sullied ferruginous white.
Iris greyish white to white. Bill slatey blue. Legs plumbeous.
Immature birds are darker grey on the body, and lack the conr
spicuous patch formed by the white wing-coverts of adults.
Habits, ete. A common cold weather visitor, occurring here in
great numbers from September to February, after which the majority
of the birds depart, though some linger on until April. They invariably
go about in flocks numbering from three or four up to thirty or forty,
and are a familiar and striking object, with their distinctive grey and
white plumage, as they fly past rapidly in company, or settle on some
tree to search for their food, This consists of insects and the nectar
from flowers.
Oates states that the few specimens of this bird which he pro-
cured in Pegu were feeding on the ground, but in Bangkok, where
they occur in large numbers, I have always found them strictly arbore-
al, and while searching for their food they move along the branches
and twigs with a peculiar creeping motion. The note of this bird is
a harsh, but not loud, double chich-chich.
T have been unable to get any satisfactory Siamese name for
this bird, though it appears to bear several. |
Distribution. Also recorded from the Monthons of Ratburi and
Petchaburi (Gairdner).
+ *29 (539). Sturnia memoricola. The White-winged
Myna.
Description. Length about 203 mm. (8in.) Upper plumage
grey, darker on the back—the feathers of the head and neck having
whitish shafts and those of the rump and upper tail-coverts being
tinged with ferruginous ; quills blackish, all the feathers being tipped
and edged with grey, the edging becoming broader on the ‘secondaries
and tertiaries ; edge of wing white; middle pair of tail-feathers grey
with black shafts, the others dark brown at the base and tipped with
ferruginous. Chin, throat and upper breast greyish white to ferrugin-
ous grey, the breast feathers with white shafts; remainder of lower
plumage ferrnginous white to deep ferruginous,
204 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Iris dull white. Bill, anterior half yellow, basal half plum-
beous—the culmen greenish. Legs pinkish flesh-colour.
Distribution. I obtained a pair of these birds from a Siamese
bird-catcher in Bangkok in December 1914. He assured me he had
trapped them here, and that in the course of a season he gets as
many as 40 or 50. Ihave no reason to doubt this statement, as the
man appears to devote himself to the business of catching birds in
Bangkok and selling them either to private individuals or to the pro- |
prietors of the numerous bird shops here.
I can trace no other record of this bird in Siam. Mr. Emil
Kisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe) records S. malabarica from Northern Siam,
and though the two species are very similar in appearance, S. me-
moricola can be distinguished by the white edge to its wing which is :
entirely lacking in S. malabarica. The identification of my specimens
has been confirmed by Mr. H. C. Robinson.
30 (546). Graculipica nigricollis. Zhe Dlack-necked
Myna. 3
Siamese, un iaua az lng ( Nok iang-khring yai ).*
Description. Length, up to 304 mm. (12 in). Whole head and
neck white, bordered all round by a black collar; behind this, on the
back, is an indistinct band of feathers with whitish tips, while the re-
mainder of the back is dark brown, the feathers with paler tips; rump
and shorter tail-coverts white, primary wing coverts white; remaining
wing-coverts and quills dark brown with white tips—-minute on the pri-
maries. Lower plumage, with the exception of the black collar, white.
Tris rich dark brown, surrounded by a narrow ring dull white.
Bill dark horny. Mouth dark slate to blackish. Legs dull fleshy
white. Bare skin round the eyes pale to deep yellow. Young birds
have the head and neck brown.
Habits, ete. One of our commonest resident birds, usually
going about in pairs or small flocks, and frequently to be seen walking
about on the ground searching for insects, of which its food appears
chiefly to consist. This Myna is a very noisy bird and has a number
of loud and cheerful but not unmusical notes. Being of a gregarious
nature, it usually roosts, out of the breeding season, in considerable
companies, selecting some leafy tree or bamboo clump for the purpose.
* Colloquially known as Vok hing-khrong yat.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 20
or
The noise the birds then make, for half an hour or so before dark, is
almost deafening.
Distribution. Probably to be found over the greater part of the
country, as it is also recorded by Gyldenstolpe from Hastern, Northern
and Central Siam, and by Gairdner from the Provinces of Ratburi and
Petchaburi. I have found it common both at Koh Lak and at various
places on the east coast of the Gulf of Siam.
+*31 (549). Acridotheres tristis. Zhe Common Myna.
Siamese. wndian) (Nok salika ).
Description. Length 254 mm. (10 in). Upper portion of head
and neck glossy black, succeeded by a.band of dull greyish black,
fading into the vinous brown of the back and the paler brown of the
rump and upper tail-coverts ; primary wing-coverts white ; other wing-
coverts and tertiaries vinous brown ; primaries black with white bases ;
tail feathers blackish, tipped with white. Lower neck and breast dul!
black, passing into the vinous brown of the abdomen and flanks ; under
tail-coverts white.
Iris reddish brown. Bill, bare facial skin and legs yellow.
Mouth blackish purple.
Habits, ete. Largely a ground-bird feeding on insects, and
of a gregarious and sociable character.
Distribution. So far as regards Bangkok, this bird appears to
be somewhat of a rarity as [ have only obtained specimens on three
occasions, in February, March and October. Mr. E. W. Trotter,
however, informs me that he found it common in December at
Klong Rangsit (only 12 miles due north of Bangkok) whence he sent
mea specimen. Outside Bangkok I have obtained the bird at Koh
Lak, and also observed it at Paknampo, while Gairdner records it from
the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi, and Barton from Raheng in
Northern Siam.
7-82 (553). AMthiopsar grandis. The Siamese Myna.
ood & ° rs
Siamese, wniiieAi ( Nok iang dam ).
Description. Length up to 254 mm.(10in). Body plumage
black—the lower parts with a brownish tinge and the under tail-coverts
206 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
white ; primaries black, with a large white patch near their bases, and
all the wing feathers more or less glossed with bronze; tail black,
broadly tipped with white.
Iris reddish brown. Bill orange yellow, paler at tip. Legs pale
orange-yellow to dusky yellow.
Habits, ete. A fairly common resident species, occurring in
pairs or small flocks, and easily recognised by its narrow frontal plumes,
18 mm. (‘75 in.) long, rising from the forehead and curling backwards.
It is frequently to be seen perched on the backs of Water Buffaloes,
picking off and eating the ticks on those animals.
Distribution. Also recorded from Hastern and Northern Siam
by Gyldenstolpe who describes it as “‘ very common everywhere in
favourable localities.” Outside Bangkok I have obtained it at Koh
Lak, while Gairdner records it from the Provinces of Ratburi and
Petchaburi.
‘. 33 (556). Sturnopastor superciliaris. Z'he Burmese Pied
Myna.
ta * d : ‘@
Siamese, WH thes Jara van (Nok iang-khrong lek).*
Description. Length, up to 24I mm. (9.5 in). Forehead and
crown black, closely streaked with white; patch behind eye white;
chin, throat, upper breast, neck (all round) and back glossy black ;
lower rump white; edge of wing, lesser wing-coverts and edges of
inner median wing-coverts white. Lower plumage from middle breast
downwards white, with pale vinaceous tinge ; under wing-coverts white,
Iris pale yellow to yellowish buff. Bill, basal half deep orange
to orange-red, remainder dull white. Mouth black. Orbital skin
orange-yellow to orange. Legs, dull whitish to dusky flesh.
Young birds have the bill and legs more or less dusky brown.
Habits, etc. This is alsoa common and familiar resident spe-
cies. Like other Mynas it feeds mainly on the ground, on insects,
and possesses a variety of loud, vivacious notes. It is generally to be
seen in pairs or small flocks, but sometimes large numbers congregate
together.
Distribution. Also recorded from Kastern and Central Siam by
Gyldenstolpe under the name of 8. flower’, which appears to be a
* Colloquially known as Nok king-khrong Ick.
eee
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 207
geographical race of S. superciliaris; from Northern Siam by Mr.
Hmil Eisenhofer (Gyldenstope); and fromthe Ratburi and Petcha-
puri Monthons by Gairdner. I have likewise met with the bird at
Koh Lak and at various places on the East coast of the Gulf of Siam
as far south as Chantabun.
Family MISCICAPID.—Flycatchers.
+ 34 (562). Siphia albicilla. Zhe Hastern Red-breasted
Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 127 mm. (Sin). General colour
of upper parts fulvous brown, darker on the head, and with upper tail-
coverts black ; quills brown, the primaries very narrowly, the other
wing-feathers more broadly, edged paler; the two middle pair of tail-
feathers wholly blackish, the others with the basal half or more white.
Chin and throat chestnut in the male, ashy white in the female; re-
mainder of lower plumage ashy white.
Iris dark brown. Bill dark brown, except base of lower mandible
which is brownish flesh. Mouth dull yellow. Legs and feet dark
brown to blackish.
Habits, etc. This bird is a cold weather visitor to Siam and
occurs in Bangkok from October to February, though not, I think, in
any large numbers. It is of an active and wary disposition, and
usually flits away as one approaches, the while uttering its grating
little note, chr-r-r, which is unmistakable. It usually keeps to low
trees and bushes, hunting for small insects, but I have observed it des-
cend tothe ground for that purpose—flitting back again to a convenient
perch near by, as soon as the insect has been captured,
Mistributien. Also recorded from Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe),
while I have likewise obtained it at Sriracha in December.
-35 579). Stoparola melanops. The Verditer F. lycatcher,
Description. Length up to 165 mm. (6.5 in). Male. Whole
plumage verditer-blue, with the exception of the lores, feathers in front
.of the eye and those at the base of the lower mandible, which are black :
all wing-feathers black on inner webs; tail blue, the shafts black and
the inner webs edged with blackish brown. Under tail-coverts fringed
with white. Female. Very similar to male, but the blue of the body-
plumage is duller. the lores are brown, and the chin and throat are
whitish.
908 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM Vol. I.
Iris dark brown. Bill and legs black. Mouth flesh-colour to
dusky flesh.
Habits, etc. A cold weather visitor to Bangkok, occurring here
somewhat sparingly from October or November to February. As far
as my observations go, it usually keeps well up in trees, preferably
large ones, though I have on two occasions shot the bird while perch-
ed on the top of a small tree ina clearing. It takes its prey (small
insects ) in the true flycatcher manner, by darting on it in the air from
its perch, to which it returns to devour its capture. I have never
seen one on the ground.
Distribution. Outside Bangkok I have obtained this bird at
Sriracha in December, while Gyldenstolpe also records it from Northern
Siam where he found it ‘‘ rather rare.”
{ 36. (588). Alseonax latirostris. The Brown Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 127 mm (6 in.). Upper plumage
ashy brown, darker on the head and paler on the ramp and upper tail-
coverts ; tail dark brown, the outer feathers very narrowly tipped with
whitish ; quills dark brown, all but the primaries edged with ashy
white, more broadly on those nearer the body ; lores and a ring round
the eye whitish. Lower plumage ashy white.
Irish brown. Bill very dark brown, except base of lower
mandible which is dull yellow. Mouth yellow. Legs blackish.
Habits, etc. This is also a seasonal visitor to Bangkok, occurring .
from August to February or later. It has the usual flycatcher habits,
and takes its prey in the air by a short dart from a perch. I have not
found the bird at all common here.
Distribution. Appears to be widely distributed, as it is also
recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss, and from Northern Siam
by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe), while [ obtained a specimen
at Sriracha in October.
+ *37 (—). Tersiphone incii. T’he Chinese Paradise
Flycatcher.
Deseription.t Male. Length 222 mm. (8.75 in). Head and
neck all round black, richly glossed with blue; remainder of upper
plumage rich chestnut, the tail paler chestnut ; primaries and second-
{ The description here given is taken from the two specimens in my
collection, and is not necessarily of general application.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 208
aries brown, edged with chestnut; tertiaries wholly chestnut, with
black shafts. Lower plumage, from breast to middle of abdomen, grey,
paling to whitish on lower abdomen ; lower tail-coverts white, with
rufous tinge. Female. Somewhat similar to male, but smaller in size
(190 mm, or 7.5 in.), the chestnut of the upper plumage paler and the
grey of the lower plumage darker.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of this
species in Siam. I obtained two specimens in my garden, one in 1913
(2? July or Ssptember) and other in September 1914, and both have
been identified by Mr. H. C. Robinson. 1. incit is a Chinese form
which extends into the Malay Peninsula as a winter visitor (Robinson,
A Handlist of the Birds of the Malay Peninsula, South of the Isthmus
of Kra, 1910, p. 18), so it would appear that the birds procured here by
me were on migration. If this be the case, individuals ought also to
be obtained at the end of the cold weather, on their return journey
eastwards.
+ 38 (601). Hypothymis azurea. The Indian Black-
naped Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 165 mm. (6.5 in.), Male. Head and
neck all round azure blue, except a patch on the nape, the extreme
edge of the forehead and a narrow cresentic bar across the base of the
neck below, which are black; remainder of upper plumage duller blue;
wings dark brown, edged with blue; tail brown, suffused with blue on
the median pair of feathers and on the outer webs of the others.
Breast blue, shading off into white on abdomen and under tail-coverts.
Female. Head and neck all round dull blue; back, wings, rump,
upper tail-coverts and tail brown, the outer webs of the quills
and the middle tail-feathers faintly washed with blue. Breast ashy
blue; abdomen and under tail-coverts dull white, the flanks grey.
Iris dark brown. Bill very dark blue. Mouth greenish yellow.
Legs bluish plumbeous to dark blue.
Habits, etc. A cold weather visitor to Bangkok, where it ap-
pears to occur from October to February, though it is not common.
Its habits are similar to those of the other flycatchers, ¢. e., it feeds on
small insects which it takes in the air by a sudden dart from a_ perch.
As far as my experience goes, the bird is a frequenter of dark under-
growth in well-wooded tracts, and avoids open country and high trees.
210 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
It is consequently only to be met with, as a rule, in a few suitable
localities in the outskirts of Bangkok.
Distribution. Apparently widely distributed, as it is also record-
ed from Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ); from Northern Siam (Gyldens-
tolpe); and from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons (Gairdner); while
I have obtained it on the Kast coast of the Galf of Siam in October.
+ 39 (606). Rhipidura javanica. The Java Fantail Fly-
catcher.
Siamese, wnvwiwy ( Nok hang phen ).
Description. Length up to 190 mm. (7.5. in). Mule. Forehead,
crown and sides of head sooty brown ; the remainder of the upper plum-
age (including wings) brown, suffused with rufous ; tail dark brown,
the four outer pairs of tail-feathers broadly, the pair next to then nar-
rowly, tipped with white ; a short and half-concealed supercilium pure
white. Chin, a band across the breast, and the sides of the breast
blackish brown; remainder of lower plumage white, tinged with buff.
Female. Somewhat smaller, upper plumage rather duller, and lower
plumage more buff than the male.
Iris dark brown. Bill black, base of lower mandible dusky flesh-
colour. Legs blackish brown to black, the soles dusky greenish flesh-
colour.
_ Habits, ete. A permanent resident in Bangkok, and one of the
commonest birds in our gardens, where its liveliness and its habit of
flirting and dancing about with outspread tail (hence its name of Fan-
tail Flycatcher) and half-opened wings, make it a most noticeable and
attractive little blrd. Its note is a joyous one, usually of five rather
slowly drawn-out syllables, cheech che-weech che-weech.
The food of this bird consists, of course, of insects, which it pur-
sues and seizes in the air, in the usual flycatcher manner, by darting at
it from a branch, but the Java Fantail Flycatcher is also frequently to
be seen on the ground dancing along with outstretched tail and wings
in the manner above described.
Distribution. Apart from Bangkok, this bird appears, so far,
to have been recorded only by Gairdner from the Provinces of Ratburi
and Petchaburi, but | have met with it at Sriracha, Ayuthia and Koh
Lak, at both of which last-named places I found it common.
( To be continued ).
LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT KNOWN
TO INHABIT SIAM.
By MALCOLM SMITH, m.r.c.s., t.R.c.P.
Since Captain Flower published his paper upon the Reptiles
of the Malay Peninsula and Siam, (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1899,
pp. 600—696) no work of any kind has appeared dealing with the
snakes of this country. His paper, moreover, as far as Siam is con-
cerned, is obscured by the fact that the two regions to which he refers
are taken together instead of separately, and without going through it
in detail it is impossible to see what actually belongs to each country.
A great many species have been added since that time, partic-
ularly in the last two years by the members of our Society, and |
therefore take this opportunity of publishing a new list, complete, as
far as possible, up to date.
The recently issued volume upon the Reptiles and Batrachians
of the Malay Peninsula, sets the northern limit of that region
at the Isthmus of Kra, thus including a portion of Siam. <A certain
amount of overlapping in the lists of the species of the two countries
is therefore inevitable, and in order to avoid confusion I have adhered
to that boundary, and have noted, with regard to all species added
since Flower’s time, whether they were obtained North or South of that
line.
Flower’s original paper contained 57 species from Siam. In
the present list they have no mark attached to them.
Various expeditions to the Siamese Malay States, particularly
one by Messrs. Robinson and Annandale to Patani in 1903 (Faseteuli
Malayenses, Zoology, Vol. 1, pp. 131-176), have added another 16 to
that number. These are marked with a f
25 more may now be included, bringing the total number of
species up to 98. Those obtained North of the Isthmus of Kra are
marked witha *, those South of it witha §
212. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
I should like here to express my sincere thanks to the following
lady and gentlemen who have kindly collected for me in various parts
of the country, and to whom I am indebted for many valuable
specimens :—Mrs. Collins, Messrs. C. J. Aagaard, P. A, R. Barron,
C. S. Barton, T. S.-Butler, T. B. Chatteris, W. N. Dunn, G. Weston
Elwes, K. G. Gairdner, S. H. Greene, E. G. Herbert, J. I. Keddie,
T. H. Lyle, H. Lover, J. Miller, T. A. Slack, Sorabjee, and H. C.
St. J. Yates.
.
10.
LY,
12.
13.
Famity TYPHLOPIDA.
TYPHLOPS BRAMINUS, Daud.
. SIAMENSIS, Guthr.
. SCHNEIDERI, Jan.
. FLowert, Blqr.
. ALBICEPS, Blqr.
. NIGROALBUS, Dum. and Bibr.
. LINEATUS, Bove.
> a lr I ce
Famity BOIDA.
PYTHON RETICULATUS, Schneid.
P. MoLurus, Linn.
Famity /LYSIIDA#
CYLINDROPHIS RUFUS, Laur.
FamMiLy XHNOPELTID.
XENOPELTIS UNICOLOR, Feinw.
Famity COLUBRID.
ACROCHORDINA.
ACROCHORDUS JAVANICUS, Horistedt.
CHERSYDRUS GRANULATUS, Selineid.
CoLUBRIN&.
POLYODONTOPHIS GEMINATUS, Boze.
P. COLLARIS, Gray.
PRYMNOMIODON CHALCEUS, Cope.
MACROPISTODON RHODOMELOS, Bove.
TROPIDONOTUS PISCATOR, Schneid,
we
* kk OK
+ *
19%
1D DO bo Oo DO DS BD WY oo
Fe I RE ee el ees pee
3D.
36.
38.
50.
ol.
52.
53.
a4.
50d.
LIST OF SNAKES OF SIAM.
T. TIGRINUS, Bove.
T. sToLatus, Linn.
T. SUBMINIATUS, Schleg.
T. CHRYSARGUS, Sckleq.
T. nigrocinctus, Blyth.
Lycopon avticus, Linn.
L. LAOENSIS, Guthr.
L. FASCIATUS, Anders.
L. suscinctus, Bove.
TRIRHINOPOLIS NUCHALIS, Blyr.
PSAMMOPHIS CONDANARUS, Merr.
DryocaLaMus DaVISONU, Blan/.
ZAMENIS Mucosus, Linn.
ZAMENIS KORROS, Schleg.
Z. SPINALIS, Peters.
COLUBER TAENIURUS, Cope.
C. rapiatus, Schleg.
C. OXYCEPHALUS, Bote.
DENDROPHIS PICTUS, Gmel,
D. FrorMosus, Bote.
DENDRALAPHIS SUBOCULARIS, Blyr.
D. CAUDOLINEATUS, Gray.
SIMOTES PURPURASCENS, Schley.
S. cycLurus, Cantor.
S. TAENIATUS, Gnthr.
S. VIOLACEuS, Cant.
S. INorNaTus, Blgr.
ALABES SCRIPTUS, T'heob,
CALAMARIA PAVIMENTATA, Duin. and Bohr:
HOMALOPSINA.
HYPSIRHINA PLUMBEA, Boze.
H. JaGoril, Peters,
H. Smiruu, Blgr.
H. ENHYDRIS, Schneid.
H. Bocourtl, Jan.
H. CHINENSIS, Gray.
HoMALopsis BuccaTa, Lini.
CERBERUS RHYNCHOPS, Schneid.
914. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol.
+
*
=r)
—
*
<I
“J
* <b
aj
Sa
* 85.
86.
87.
* 88.
HIPISTES HYDRINUS, Cantor.
HERPETON TENTACULATUM, Lacép.
DIpSADOMORPHINA.
DIPSADOMORPHUS MULTIMACULATUS, Bore.
D. HExAGONATUS, Blyth.
D. cyaneus, Dum. and Bibr.
D. cynopon, Bove.
D. DENDROPHILUS, Bove.
D. nigricers, Gnthr.
PSAMMODYNASTES PULVERULENTUS, Bove.
DRYOPHIS MYCTERIZANS, Linn.
D. prasinus, Bove.
DRYOPHIOPS RUBESCENS, Gray.
CHRYSOPELEA ORNATA, ‘Shaw.
HYDROPHINA.
Hyprus puaturus, Linn.
HyYDROPHIS ORNATUS, Gira.
H. JERpoNU, Gray.
H. virertna, Schmidt.
H. nigrocinctus, Daud.
H. DIADEMA, Gathr.
H. rasciatus, Schneid.
H. CAERULESCENS, Shai’.
H. TUBERCULATUS, Anders.
H. GRACcILIS, Shaw.
H. Kuoss1, Bigr.
ENuHYpDRIS HarpDWICKII, Gray.
ENHYDRINA VALAKADIEN, Bore.
THALASSOPHIS ANNANDALII Laidlaw.
PLATURUS LATICAUDATUS, Linn.
ELAPINA.
BUNGARUS FASCIATUS, Schneid.
B. canpipus, Linn.
NAIA TRIPUDIANS, Merv.
N. sunaarus, Schleg.
CALLOPHIS MACULICEPS, Guthr,
Lu,
ate
ag:
90.
91.
92,
93.
94.
LIST OF SNAKES OF SIAM.
DOLIOPHIS BIVIRGATUS, Boze.
D. INTESTINALIS, Laur.
Famity AMBLYCEPHALIDA.
HAPLOPELTURA BOA, Bore.
AMBLYCEPHALUS MOLLENDORFII, Boettq.
A. CARINATUS, Bove.
A. MARGARITOPHORUS, Jan.
Maminy VIPHRIDA.
Vipera RUSSELLII, Shaw.
ANCISTRODON RHODOS'TTOMA, Boze.
A. BLOMHOFFIIL, Bove.
LLACHESIS GRAMINEUs, Shaw.
bo
or
AN APPEAL FOR LANGURS.
The following appeal is made to all those interested in the
Mammalian fauna of Siam, for specimens, and notes on the habits, of
the Langur Monkeys. The Siamese Langurs are very little known
and the material at present to hand is not sufficient to permit of a
thorough understanding of the relations existing between the various
forms.
In the preparation of skins it should be remembered that the
measurements and sex of each animal should be recorded on the label.
The usual body measurements are (1) from the tip of the nose to the
base of the tail ; (2) from the base of the tail to the tip of same—not
including any terminal tuft of hairs; and (3) the length of the hind
foot.
The skulls of the various specimens should all be labelled so
that they can be identified with the skins that belong to them ; for this
purpose the collector will find it easiest to number his specimens and
never to repeat the same numbers in any subsequent collection. The
skulls are best if sent home with the dried meat still on, as this
prevents damage and loss of teeth. The localities of the specimens
should be recorded on the label in such a manner that those less
intimately acquainted with the local geography may be able to locate
the various places. The altitude and date of capture are also items
of considerable importance which should be entered upon the skin
label.
As far as possible specimens of both sexes should be obtained,
together with young individuals—so that any sexual or juvenile
pelage-differences may be observed.
It is hoped shortly to publish an extensive monograph on the
subject of the Langur Monkeys.
The Indian groups are now, thanks to the Bombay Natural
History Society’s mamma! survey, well worked out; to bring our
knowledge concerning the Siamese forms up to the same standard we
require a much more complete series than is now available for
examination.
GUY DOLLMAN,
British Museum ( Natural History ).
October 25, 1914.
bo
—
J
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS.
3kRD ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This meeting was held at Mr W. L. Grut’s house on the 12th
November, 1914, and was attended by 14 members and 2 guests. Mr.
W. J. F. Williamson presided.
A large and interesting collection of birds and mammals made
by Count Gyldenstolpe during the months of March to November 1914,
in the North of Siam, was exhibited by him. During this period some
790 birds (comprisiug 259 species) and 100 mammals, besides a num-
ber of reptiles, fishes, intestinal worms, beetles and spiders were
collected.
Among the birds were the following which had not previously
been recorded from Siam :—
Pomatorrhinus tickelli, Gampsorhynchus torquatus, Drymocatha-
pes (Drymcataphus) tickelli, Corythocichla brevicaudata, Stachyrhidopsis
rufifrons, Herpornis wantholeuca, Chloropsis hardwickii, Rhipidura
albicollis, Aethopyga dabryi, Dicueum ignipictus, Pyrrhopicus pyrrhotis,
Picumnus innomitatus, Sasia ochracea, Meqalaema marshallorum, Mega-
laema virens, Cyanops davisoni, Cyanops asiatica, Cyanops ramsaiyi.
Huhua nepalensis, Photodilus badius, Polioaétus ichthyaétus, Sphenocerus
apicauda and Macropygia tusalia.
At the conclusion of the exhibition Mr T. H. Lyle, in con-
gratulating Count Gyldenstolpe on his collection, made some interest-
ing remarks on the difficulties to be experienced while collecting spe-
cimens in the country through which Count Gyldenstolpe had
travelled.
A hearty vote of thanks to Count Gyldenstolpe, proposed by
Mr. Williamson, terminated the proceedings.
Isr ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1915.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 2Ist
January, 1915, Dr. Malcolm Smith, the Vice-President, being in the
chair.
Mr. C. Boden Kloss, Assistant Director of Museums. Federated
MalJay States, exhibited specimens of mammals and birds collected by
him on a few weeks’ trip, during December 1914 and January 1915,
on the islands off the Hast coast of the Gulf of Siam and the adjacent
mainland. The collection consisted of nearly 500 mammals and some
218 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
400 birds, a large part of the former being rodents. A feature of the
display was the fine condion of the specimens and the excellent
manner in which they had been preserved.
The method of wrapping up the birds and pinning out the
mammals was shown, and Mr. Kloss also exhibited some of his collec-
ting guns and traps. He further made some interesting observations
on the differences in colouration and markings of specimens from the
mainland as compared with those obtained on the adjacent islands.
Mr. Kloss also showed photographs of the various camps and other
places visited.
A very interesting meeting was brought toa close by a vote
of thanks which was heartily accorded to Mr. Kloss, on the proposi-
tion of Dr. Maleolm Smith.
2nD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The Second Annual General Meeting of the Society was held at
at the office of the Bangkok Times on the 26th February 1915. There
were present 12 members and 3 guests, with the President, Mr. W.
J. F. Williamson, in the chair.
The President stated that during the past year 20 new mem- -
bers had joinedand 2 honorary members had been elected. There
were 10 resignations during the year, leaving a membership of 75 at
the end of 1914, against 63 twelve months previously.
A list of the meetings held during the year and of the public-
ations that had been presented to the Society, as well as a list of the
other Societies and Institutions to which the Journal was being sent,
was also read out by Mr. Williamsom.
The Honorary Secretary having read a statement otf accounts
for the year, showing a balance in hand at the end of 1914 of
Tes. 660.94, a proposal to adopt them, made by Mr. Williamson, was
carried. A proposition moved by Mr. J. J. McBeth and seconded by Mr.
W. L. Grut, that the officers and Committee of 1914 be elected en bloc
tor 1915, was carried.
The Committee thus re-elected was comprised as follows :—
President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson; Vice-President, Dr. Malcolm
Smith ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S. H. Cole; and Messrs.
KH. J. Godfrey, EH. G. Herbert and H. Rieschick.
It was next proposed by Mr, J. R. C. Lyons and seconded by
Mr. W. Nunn that Dr. Malcolm Smith and Mr. W. J. F. Wilhamson
be re-elected Editors of the Journal. This was carried, and on the
proposal of Mr W. L. Grut, seconded by Mr, HK. G, Herbert, a vote of
thanks was accorded to the Editors tor their work in getting out the
Society’s Journal
This closing the business in connection with the Annual Gen-
ral Meeting, the minutes of the last Ordinary General Meeting were
vead and approved. Dr. Malcolm Smith then proceeded to exhibit
specimens of some of the reptiles collected by Mr. C. Boden Kloss
during his recent trip to the East Coast of the Gulf of Siam, and stated
that a full account of this collection would be published in the Jowrneal.
a i
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. 219
Mr. Williamson exhibited a fine specimen of the Spotted-billed
Pelican (Pelicanus philippensis) shot at Singora by Mr. C.J. Aagaard,
while Mr, J. J. McBeth showed some specimens of a species of leaf
insect obtained near Korat. Mr. W. Nunn also exhibited the bills of
an adult male and a younger female of the Indo-Burmese Pied Horn-
bill ( Anthracoceros albirostris) shot on the South-Hast Coast by a
non-member of the Society.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914.
INCOME.
Ticals.
Balance brought over
from 1913 213.55
Subscriptions for 1914 14.20.00
Arrears subscriptions
for 1913 paid in 1914 20.00
Subscriptions for 1915
paid in 1914 115.00
Interest on balance
at Bank sae * 7.58
Tes. 1776.13
Bangkok,
24th February 1915.
EXPENDITURE.
Ticals.
Postage 40.89
Stationery and Account
Books ... 10.00
Almirah for storing
publications 40.00
Printing & other ex-
penses in connec-
tion with the issue
of the lst Number
of the Journal 4.22.59
Ditto, ditto, for the
2nd Number ... 559.26
Printing Rules,
Notices, etc. 46.45
Balance at Bank at
end of 1914 656.94
Tes. .1776.%3
(Sd) S. H. COLE.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer.
99 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
LIST OF MEMBERS ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1914.
Aagaard, ©. J.
Bain, W.
Barron, P. A. R.
Barton, C. 8.
Bonnafous, H.
Boyce, E. B.
Brewitt-Taylor, L.
Butler, T. 8S.
Cambiaso, Count FP.
Carthew, Dr. M.
Chatteris, T. B.
Cole, S. H.
Collins, Mrs. D. J.
Couper-Johnston, D.
Dalgliesh, J. E.
Dietrich, G.
Due-Petersen, Dr.
Duke, A. H.
Kisenhofer, E.
Elwes, G. F. W.
Kyton, S. W.
Forty, C. H.
(tairdner, K. G.
Gilmore, W. M.
Godfrey, EK. J.
Groundwater, C. L.
Groves, Mrs. S. P.
Grut, W. L.
Harrop, ae
Healey, K.
Herbert, E.G.
Irwin, A. J.
Keddie, J. FP.
Kemp, P. R.
Keynes, 8. C.
Lambert, S. G.
Laydeker, HK. A.
a
Lucius, Dr. R.
Lupsa, I.
Lyons, J. R. C.
Mannsfeldt, M.
Massey, H. K.
McBeth, J, 4J.
Mohr, A.
Nesbitt, P.
Nisbet, R. H.
Nunn, W.
Ogilvie, A. W.
Ornstein, Dr. med. ‘D.
Palmer, W. L.
Phongse Sanitwongse, Mom Luang
Porter, A. A.
Queripel, A. L.
Raggi, J. G.
Soha)eed
Rankin, Dr. A. C.
Remy, Dr. jur. KE,
Rieschick, H.
Robert, Dr. L.
Rogers, B. H.
Ross, D.
Slack, T. A.
Smith, EH. Wyon
Smith, Dr. M.
Smyth, G. C.
Spigno, A. B.
Sprater, Major W.
Ward, T. BR. J., C.1.E., M.¥-01
Webb, G. E.
Weeks, W. .G.
Williamson, W. J. F.
Wolf, G.
Yates, HC. St: J.
“Zabel, F.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
H.R.E. Prince Chumporn. Count Nils Gyldenstolpe.
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
Vol. I., No. 4.
congonian Ingie
fs Uys
ss KL 85 19u7 ax)
NV,
December, 1915.
EDITED BY
Malcolm Smith and E. G. Herbert.
Price to Non-Members, BS eee Sa Ar ce ORs NOON
CONTENTS.
On Two New Rats From THE INNER GULF OF SiAM. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. ee i swe ae
Some Nores on Scrurus FINLAYSONI, AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF
Siam. By C. Boden Kloss, F Zs. ... ae
List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr. Emit EISENHOFER IN
NorTHERN S1aM. By Nils Gyldenstolpe, B. A. ( Continued
from Vol. I, No. 3, p. 172) ee Ae
On REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM THE COAST AND ISLANDS
or SourH-Hast Sram. By Malcolm Smith, M.R.c.s.,
©ho.P., ana ©. Boden Kloss F.z8. .., soe
Zoo-GEOGRAPHICAL Divisions FoR Siam. With a Map. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.R.G.8., F.Z 8.
‘
MISCELLANEOUS NoTES:—
1.—Additions to the Mammalian Fauna of Ratburi.
By K. G, Gairdner oe aan f6
If.—Note on Sambar ( Cervus unicolor ) shedding its
Hors. By P. A: R. Barron.
Iif—A New Snake for Bangkok. By Malcolm Smith...
IV.—On the Breeding Habits and Colour Changes
in the Lizard, Calotes mystaceus. By Malcolm
Smith.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE Society.
General Meetings ...
Publications received oe
A FurtHer List oF PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO THE NATURAL
HISTORY oF SIAM. iz
PAGE.
221
225
229
237
250
252
255
200
206
258
258
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THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam
December 1915. Vou 1, No. 4.
ON TWO NEW RATS FROM THE |
GULF OF SIAM.
> e-~4
Peaponian Institg~
4
%
Gy
» JUL 251917
ationgy Muse?S
Br CC. Bonen Kioss. §..Z.'S:
During a short visit to Koh Si Chang and Koh Phai, I obtained
a number of specimens of Mpinwus rattus, which appears to be the only
species of terrestrial mammal inhabiting the two islands other than the
squirrels that I have already dealt with in the Journal of this Society.
These rats differ sufficiently from each other and from any
named form of H. rattus from South-Hast Asia to make it necessary
to describe them. From Flower’s notes on the common rats of Bang-
kok (P. Z. S. 1900, p. 861) it would seem that the animals of that
locality are in part of somewhat similar type.
Epimus rattus portus, subsp. nov.
Type. Aged male (skin and skull ) No. 1941/C B. Ix. -Collect-
ed on Koh Si Chang, Inner Gulf of Siam, 27th January, 1916.
Characters. A long-tailed race of EH. rattus of notably yellow
and bright colouration.
Colour. Above light ochraceous-tawny becoming paler on
the sides and limbs and striped (coarsely grizzled) on the dorsal
region by the dark tips of flexible pale-based spines and longer
dark piles, the latter being most conspicuous on the rump. Base of
fur grey.
922 =JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Under-surface to the bases of the hairs, white, fairly clearly
margined, and continuous down the thighs to the hind-feet which are
conspicuously pale. Tail dark throughout.
Skull and Teeth. Uardly differ from those of mainland animal
except that the cranium seems to be rather narrower or more pear-
shaped, owing to the closer approximation of the parietal ridges while
the sides of the cranium are less vertical.
Measurements. Wars of type, 24, of the series, 22-24 mm.
Wor other measurements see table p. 223.
Specimens examined. Thirteen, all from Koh Si Chang.
Remarks. The light upper surface closely resembling in colour
the back of some races of surifer rats markedly separates this form
from the much darker, duller mainland animals. This bright back
and the pure white under surface seem further to be present at all
ages, as young individuals do not differ from adults.
Epimys rattus poenitentiarii, subsp. nov.
Type. Adult male (skin and skull) No. 1966/C. B, Kk. Collect-
ed on Koh Phai, Inner Gulf of Siam, Ist February, 1915.
Diagnosis. Colour like H. 7. portus but size rather smaller.
Skull like that 7.7. portus but with bullae markedly smaller and less
dilated than is the case both with it and with the mainland animal.
Measurements. Kar of type 23, of series 21-23 mm.
For other measurements see table p. 224.
Specimens examined, Fifteen all from Koh Phai.
Remarls. Besides being a rather less robust animal the cons-
picuous difference in size and form of bullae compel separation of this
animal from that of Koh Si Chang and the mainland.
223
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SOME NOTES ON SCIURUS FINLAYSONI, AND
OTHER SQUIRRELS OF SIAM.
a eed
By ©. Bopren Kuoss, F. Z. S.
Through the kindness of Dr. Malcolm Smith I have recently
received from Lopburi, two fresh spirit specimens of the ‘ white”
squirrel of Siam (Seiurus finlaysoni finlaysont, Horsfield).
As our knowledge of this species is very slight and is based
mainly on old and badly-prepared specimens I have taken the following
measurements of these two examples and, in order that the difference
in size between them and my recently described Sciwrus jinlaysoni
portus from Koh Si Chang may be seen at a glance, have placed in a
third column the mazimwm dimensions from the table of measurements
accompanying my account of that small island race.!
S. f. jinlaysoni S. f. portus
Lopburi Ko Si Chang
—_—_— @#{[T-___—"~.
Male Female Maximum, both sexes.
Head and body 210 207 202
Tail 207 218 193
Hind foot 48 49 AA.5
Skull :-—
Greatest length Perel 53.0 AT .7
Condylo-basilar length 43.0 44.0 41.0
Palatilar length ee gree 21.2 20.0
Diastema Ao deli 11.4 1057
Upper molar row sae DOD 10 4 9.5
Interorbital breadth ... 19.9 196 17.0
Zygomatic breadth ... 32.3 31.6 28
Median nasal length .... 14.7 4.0 15
A large series of the mainland animal would doubtless show
much greater differences than are evident here, but even with the
present material these are sufficiently distinct.
1. antea, p: L772
to
bo
6 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
In the account of S. /. portus it was stated that that race was
rather yellower than the mainland form, but the fresh material shows
that the contrary is the case especially about the rump and base of
tail. In both races the base of the fur of the upper side is pale grey ;
the large series of S. f. portus (26 examples) is very variable in that
respect ; many are as grey as the mainland pair but again many have
the grey very pale and confined to the extreme roots of the hair.
There are no other differences between the two: both have
black eye and soles.
Dr. Anderson when discussing the squirrels of this type? classed
them all as forms of Sciurus ferrugineus, F. Cuv., but, jinlaysoni, dating
from 1824, is the older name in the group if we admit the 1elatedness
of many of the squirrels of Burma and Siam as Anderson maintained,
The latest review of them is that of Mr. R. C. Wroughton in the
Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 under the title “ On the
forms of Squirrel hitherto classed under Sé. finlaysoni, Horsf.”
Therein S. ferrugineus of Burma and S. cinnamomeus, Temm.,
of Siam are given rank as distinct species on the ground that the
former has black feet while the latter has not, but the reason seems
inadequate for regarding these as other than subspecies of ferrugineus.
Further it seems to me possible to arrange the forms dealt with
by Mr. Wroughton in such a way that their affinities are more clearly
shown than is the case in his valuable paper. The present notes,
however, are only of a tentative nature for I have had no opportunity
to see the whole of the material of which they treat.
First then come the red ferrugineus with the subspecies cinna-
momeus (and possibly other races to be distinuished from the main-
land ), together with frandsent, mihi, from Koh Chang: these are large
squirrels with a greatest length of skull of about 56 mm. and appear
to be quite distinct from those mentioned below.
Next, on account of similar size, may be placed harmandi
M-Edw., of Phu Quoe and albivewilli, mihi, of Koh Kut, both of which,
being island forms, we may for the present regard as species though
perhaps related to those following.
Of the remaining animals the white jinlaysoni, Horsf. is re-
corded from the course of the Menam south of Pichit, the Korat
2. Anat. and Zool. Researches p. 243 (1878).
3. Series 8, vol. ii, p. 393, Noy, 1908,
Dec. 1915. SOME-NOTEHES ON SCIURUS FINLAYSONT, 227
AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF STAM.
Piateau and east to Chantabun. Over much of the same country
occurs a form (skull length about 50 mm.) to which the name bocourle
was applied by Milne-Hdwards (type from Ayuthia}, but this is such
an unstable squirrel and so many of the examples are nearly white
(Anderson records specimens ‘white marked by great brown spots”),
that it is possible the name is invalid, being applied to aberrations
of finlaysoni with which it closely agrees in size as do the geographical
races sinistralis (skull length about 49 mm ) from the Upper Menam
above Pichit, dextralis (skull length about 52 mm.) from the Meping
below Raheng, lylei (skull length about 54 mm.) from Chiengmai, and
now (skull length about 53.5 mm.) from Siracha S. E. of Bangkok, all
described by Wroughton in the paper mentioned.
The insular forms portus and folletti, mihi, from Koh Si Chang
and Koh Phai, with germaini, M-Edw., from Poulo Condorve are natu-
rally smaller (skull lengths about 47 mm.) having regard to the kind
of island they occupy. The two former are subspecies of jinlaysont,
but the black. germaini is so fixed and its locality so isolated and re-
mote that it may now well be regarded as a distinct species though in
appearance but a miniature nov, or albivewilli. From the white
jinlaysoni to the black now there is, one way or another through the
other forms, a complete gradation of colour.
These conclusions may be tabulated somewhat after this
fashion,
Mainland Islands
sp. ferrugineus subsp. frandseni
subsp. cinnamomeus
sp. harmandi
sp. albivenilli
sp. finlaysoni subsp. portus
subsp. folletti
?sp. bocourti
subsp. sinistralis
subsp. dextralis
subsp. lylei
subsp. nox
sp. germaini
228 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. ~ Vol. T.
There remains one more squirrel, S. flower’, Bonhote,t known
from a single specimen from Klong Morn near Bangkok. Though the
author states that it is adult, the skull is smaller ( greatest length
44. mm.) than the island races of jin/Jaysoni: in colour, however, the
specimen appears to resemble animals which have been classed as
bocourti. Until we know more about it, it is impossible to say whether
it is a good form and, if so, what its relationships are.®
RI
4. Ann. and May. Nat. Hist., Series 7, Vol. VII, p. 455 (1901).
5. Ifany member of the Society would help to clear up this question
by collecting squirrels in the neigbourhood of Bangkok I should welcome the
opportunity of examining them. | Specimens are most easily preserved in
methylated spirits or a five per cent. solution of formalin. They should be
opened up along the underside of the body, gutted and washed before
immersion.
229
+LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY MR. EMIL
EISENHOFER IN NORTHERN SIAM.
By Nits GYLDENSTOLPE, B. A.
( Continued from Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 172).
Fam. EFURYLAMIDH
105. (987). EuryLamus Javanicus, Horsf. (*) Horsfield’s
Broadbill.
106. (939). Corypon sumatranvus, Raff. (*) The Dusky Broad-
bill.
The most common Broadbill at Koon Tan.
“107. SERILOPHUS LUNATUS LUNATUS, Gould. (*) Gould’s Broad-
bill. Synonymous with S. lunatus, Gould, F. Beale, NG.
942.
One specimen only, shot near Kao Plyng.
4108. PSaRISOMUS DALHOUSIE DALHOUSIZ, Jameson. (*) The
Long-tailed Broadbill. Synonymous with P. dalhousia.
Jameson, F. B. I., No. 944.
Of this brilliantly coloured bird there are only two specimens,
both obtained at Pa Hing.
Fam. PICID.
+109, (948). Gecinus sTRIoLaTUs, Blyth. The Little Scaly-
bellied Green Woodpecker.
110. (954). Ggcinus NiaRIGENIS, Hume. (*) The Red-rumped
Green Woodpecker.
111. Prcus canus occrprratis, Vig. (*) The Black-naped Green
Woodpecker. Synonymous with Gecinus occipitalis, Vig.,
¥. BOL, No. 950.
112.. Picus CHLOROLOPHUS CHLOROLOPHUS, Vieill. (*) The Smail
Himalayan Yellow-naped Woodpecker. Synonymous with
Gecinus chlorolophus, Vieill., F. B. I., No. 951.
113. (955). CHRYSOPHLEGMA FLAVINUCHA, Gould. (*) The Large
Yellow-naped Woodpecker.
+414. (959). GecinuLus viripis, Blyth. The Southern Pale-
headed Woodpecker.
230 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
115,
123.
(975). IyNGIPICUS CANICAPILLUS, Blyth. (*) The Burmese
Pigmy Woodpecker.
(982). MiIGLYPTES JuGULARIS, Blyth. (*) The Black-and-
Buff Woodpecker.
MICROPTERNUS PHAZOCEPS PHHOCEPS, Blyth. (*) The Northern
Rufous Woodpecker. Synonymous with M. phceoceps, Blyth,
FOB ds No 983.
(988). TiGa JAVANENSIS, Ljung. (*) The Common Golden-
backed Three-toed Woodpecker.
CHRYSOCOLAPTES GUTTACRISTATUS INDO-MALAYICUS, Hesse. (*)
The Golden-backed Woodpecker. A geographical race of
C. gutticristatus, Tickell, F. B. I., No. 992.
(995). HEMICERCUS CANENTE, Less. (*) The Heart-spotted
Woodpecker
MULLERIPICUS PULVERULENTUS HARTERTI, Hesse. (*) The
Great Slaty Woodpecker. Synonymous with Hemilophus
pulverulentus, Temm., F. B. I., No. 996.
THRIPONAX JAVENSIS FEDDENI, Blanf. (*) The Burmese Great
Black Woodpecker. A subspecies of 7’. feddeni, Blanf.,
TBA. NO. 998.
(1003). Iynx TorQuILLa, Linn. The Common Wryneck.
Fam. CAPITONIDA.
(1007). MeGaLa@ma vireNSs, Bodd. The Great Chinese
Barbet.
THEREICERYX LINEATA HODGSONI, Bp.(*) The Lineated Barbet,
Synonymous with 7’ lineatus, Vieill, F.B. I., No. 1009.
‘THEREICERYX PHAOSTRICTA SAIGONENSIS, Newm.(*)
(1013). Cyanops Davisoni, Hume. Davison’s Blue-throated
Barbet.
(1016). Cyanops cyanortis, Blyth.(*) The Blue-eared Barbet.
(1019). XANTHOLEMA HAMATOCEPHALA, P. L. S. ,Miill.
The Crimson-breasted Barbet.
Fam. CORACTAD.
(1023). Coractas arrinis, McClell. (*) The Burmese Roller.
HURYSTOMUS ORIENTALIS CALONYX, Sharpe.(*) The Broad-
billed Roller,
Dec. 1915. BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. — 231
This subspecies of Hurystomus orientalis ( F. B. I., No. 1025 )
is characterized by having, among other points of difference, the outer
webs of the rectrices blue, while those in the typical form are black
without any bluish shade. The average length of the wing in EF.
o. calonyx is 180-203 mm., against 172-194 mm. in E. orventalis
orientalis.
Fam. MEHEROPID A.
+132. MERoPS ORIENTALIS BIRMANUS, Vewm. Synonymous with M.
viridis, The Common Indian Bee-eater. Linn., F. B. L.,
No. 1026.
133. MELITTOPHAGUS SWINHOEI, Hume. (*) ‘The Chestnut-headed
Bee-eater. Synonymous with M. swinhoti, Hume, F. B I.,
No. 1030,
184. (1031). NycriorNIs ATHERTONI, Jard. & Selby. (*) The
Blue-bearded Bee-eater.
Fam. ALCEDINIDA.
135. ALCEDO ISPIDA BENGALENSIS, Gm. (*) The Common Indian
Kingfisher. Synonymous with A. ispida, Linn., F. B. I.
No. 1035.
+136. Cryx TRripactyLus, Pall. The Indian Three-toed Kingfisher.
Synonymous with C. tridactyla, Pall., FP. B. J., No. 1040.
137. PELARGOPSIS GURIAL BURMANICA, Sharpe. (*) The Burmese
Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher. A geographical
race of P qgurial, Pearson, F. B. I., No. 1048.
138. HaLcyon SMYRNENSIS FuscA, Bodd. (*) The White-breasted
Kingfisher. A subspecies of H. smyrnensis, Linn., F. B. I.
~ No, 1044.
139. (1045). Hatcyon piteata, Bodd. (*) The Black-capped
Kingfisher.
+140. (1046). CaLLraLcyon LiLactna, Swains. The Ruddy King-
fisher.
141. (1050). CarciNEUTES PULCHELLUS, Horsf. \*) The Banded
Kingfisher,
Fam. BUCHROTIDE.
142. (1051). Dicsoceros sicornis, Linn. (*) The Great Horn-
bill.
232 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. J.
“143. (1053). ANTHRACOCEROS ALBIROSTRIS, Shaw. & Nodd. (*)
The Indo-Burmese Pied Hornbill.
144, (1054). RxytTipoceros uNDULATUS, Shaw. (*) The Malayan
Wreathed Hornbill.
Fam. UPUPIDA.
145. Upupa Epors inpica, Reichenb. (*) The Indian Hoopoe.
Synonymous with // indica, Reich., F. B. J., No. 1067.
Fam. CAPRIMULGIDA.
+146. (1090). CaprimuLaus mMontTicoLa, Franklin. Franklin’:
Nightjar.
Appears to be rare, as there is only a single specimen in the
collection.
147. CapRIMULGUS MACRURUS AMBIGUUS, Hart. Horsfield’s Night-
jar. Synonymous with ©. macrurus, Horsf., F. B. I.
No. 1093.
The most common Nightjar in this part of Siam.
+148. (1096). LyNcorNIS CERVINICEPS, Gould. The Great Eared
Nightjar.
Of this fine species there are two specimens, both obtained in
the neighbourhood of Koon Tan. One of these is an immature bird,
with the following measurements :—Wing=265 mm. ; tal=170 mm.
The wing of the adult specimen measures 320 mm., and the tail
2235 mm.
Fam. TROGONIDA.
149. (1101). Harpacres ERYTHROCEPHALUS, Gould. (*) The Red-
headed Trogon.
150. HARPACTES ORESKIOS, Temm.(*) The Yellow-breasted Tro-
gon. Synonymous with H. orescius, Temm., I’. B.D, No. 1105.
Fam. CUCULIDM.
151. (1107). CucuLus microrTerus, Gould. The Indian Cuckoo.
+152. (1108). Hrerococcyx sparvertoipes, Vig. The Large Hawk-
Cuckoo.
4.153. CACOMANTIS MERULINUS QUERULUS, Heine. The Rufous-bellied
Cuckoo. Synonymous with C. merulinus, Scop., FP. B. L.,
No. 1118.
+154, (1117). SurnicuLus LuGusrts, Horsf. The Drongo Cuckoo.
Dec, 1915. - BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 235
155.
+166.
(1119). CoccysTes coromannus, Linn. (*) The Red-winged
Crested Cuckoo.
(1120). Evupynamis nonorata, Linn. (*) The Indian Koel.
RHOPODYTES TRISTIS HAINANUS, Hart.(*) The Large Green-
billed Malkoha. A geographical race of R. tristis, Less..
F. B. I., No. 1128.
CENTROPUS SINENSIS INTERMEDIUS, Hume.(*) The Common
Coucal. A subspecies of C. sinensis, Steph., F. B. I., No.1130.
CENTROPUS BENGALENSIS BENGALENSIS, Gm. The Lesser Coucal.
Synonymous with C. bengalensis, Gm., F. B. I., No 1183.
Fam. PSITTACIDA.
(1136). PaL#orNIS INDoBURMANICUS, Hume. The Large
Burmese Paroquet.
(1140). Pata#ornis rosa, Bodd. (*) The Eastern Blossom-
headed Paroquet.
(1141). PaLaornis scuisticErs, Hodgs. The Slaty-headed
Paroquet.
(1142). Pata#ornis rinscal, Hume. (*) The Burmese
Slaty-headed Paroquet.
PaL@ornis FASCIATA, Mill. (*) The Red-breasted Paroquet.
Synonymous with P. fasciatus, Miill., F.B 1., No. 1140.
(1150). Loricunus vernaLis, Sparrm. The Indian Loriquet.
Fam, ASIONID A.
(1164). Kerupa zEYLONENSIS, Gm. The Brown Fish-Owl.
One specimen measured has a wing of 390 mm. and tail
of 190 mm.
#167.
a ad 7B
Scops BaccaMa:Na LEMPISI, Horsf. The Coilared Scops Owl.
Synonymous with S. bakkamena, Pennant, &. B. 1., No. 1178.
(1183). GLauctpium cucuLoripEs, Vig. (*) The Large
Barred Owlet.
(1186). Gtaucipium sropiet, Burton, The Collared Pigmy
Owlet.
Seems. to be fairly common at Koon Tan.
(1187). Ninox scurunata, Faff. (*) ‘Mire Brown Hawk-
Owl.
Kam. FALCONIDAS.
(1212). Seizakrus Liwnabrus, Horsf. The Changeable
Hawk-Hagle. .
2354
eye:
bird.
+173.
184.
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. T.
SPILORNIS CHEELA RUTHERFORDI, Flume. The Crested Serpent
Eagle. A subspecies of S. cheela, Lath., F. B. J., No. 1217.
A fine series, showing the different plumages of this variable
(1221). BurasTur LIVENTER. Temm. The Rufous-wingect
Buzzard-Eagle.
(1222). Burastur inpicus, Gm. (*) The Grey-faced Buz-
zard-Hagle.
(1227). Powtoaisrus HuMILIs, Mill. & Schl. Hodgson’s Fish-
ing-Eagle.
(1236). Crrcus MELANOLEUCUS, Forster. The Pied Harrier.
ASTUR BADIUS POLIoPsIS, Hume. ™) The Shikra. Synony-
mous with A. badius, Gm., F. B. 1., No. 1244.
Very common everywhere at Koon Tan.
(1246:. LopHospizias TRIVIRGATUS, Temm. (*) The Crested
Goshawk.
(1248). AccrPITER virGatus, Reinw. The Besra Sparrow-
Hawk.
(1251). Baza LopHores, Temm.(*) The Black-crested Baza.
(1267). Micronierax EuToLMuS, Hodgs. The Red-legged
Falconet.
(1270). PoLton1ERax insicnis, Wald. Feilden’s Hawk.
Fam. COLUMBID.
CROCOPUS PHGINICOPTERUS VIRIDIFRONS, Blyth. (*) The
Burmese Green Pigeon. A geographical race of UC. pheenicop-
terus, Lath., F. B. I., No. 1271.
OSMOTRERON POMPADORA PHAYREI, Blyth. (*) The Ashy-headed
Green Pigeon. A subspecies of O. phayrer, Blyth, FB. I.,
No. 1273.
(1281). TreRoN NepALeNsIs, Hodgs. (*) The Thick-billed
Green Pigeon.
CARPGPHAGA NEA NEA, Linn. (*) The Green Imperial
Pigeon. Synonymous with C. wnea, Linn., I’. B. I, No. 1284.
DuCULA INSIGNIS GRISEICAPILLA, Blyth. (*) The Grey-headed
Imperial Pigeon. Synonymous with D. griseicapilla, Wald.,
EF. Beds, INO. 2257.
(1291). Cuancorpmaps inpica, Linn.(*) The Bronze-winged
Dove.
Pec. JOS. BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 235
4-189,
iol.
200,
201.
STREPTOPELIA TURTUR MEENA, Sykes. The Indian Rufous
Turtle Dove. Synonymous with Zurtur orientalis, Lath.,
F B. I, No. 13804.
STREPTOPELIA SURATENSIS TIGRINA, Temm.(*) The Malay
Spotted Dove. Synonymous with J'urtur tigrinus, Temm.,
Bb I. Noc 1308.
CENOPOPELIA TRANQUEBARICA HUMILIS, Temm.(*) The Burmese
Red Turtle-Dove. Synonymous with @., tranquebarica, Herm.,
Baie No4roli:
(1314). MacropyGia RUFICEPS, Temm.(*) The Little Malay
Cuckoo-Dove.
Fam. PHASIANID.-£. -
(1328). GALLUS FERRUGINEUS, Gi.(*) The Red Jungle-fow!.
LopHURA DIARDI, Bp. (*} The Siamese Iire-backed Pheasant.
(1368). TrRopicopERDIx CHLOROPUS, Tick. (*) The Green-
legged Hill-Partridge.
(1374), FRANCOLINUS CHINENSIS, Osbech. (*) The Eastern
or Chinese Francolin.
Fam. TURNICIDA.
(1386). Turnix BLANForDI, Blyth, The Burmese Button
Quail,
Fam. RALLIDA.
(1396). Ratuina rascrata, afl. The Malayan Banded
Crake.
AMAURORNIS PHENICURUS CHINENSIS, Bodd, (*) Tae White-
breasted Water-hen. A geographical race of A. phrenicurus
Renn. 0) Gb. L.. No. 1401.
Pam. CHARA DRITDA’.
(1432). SARCOGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALTS, Blyth. (*) The Burmese
Wattled Lapwing.
(1430). HopLoprerus venrratis, Wagl. (*) The Indian
Spur-winged Plover.
ANGIALITES puBIA, Scop. (*) The Little Ringed Plover.
Synonymous with dgialitis dubia, Scop., I’. B. I., No. 1447.
JKWGIALITES PLACIDA, Gray. The Long-billed Ringed Plover,
Synonymous with @gialitis placida, Gray, I’. BL, No. 1449
236 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
204. (1461). ToTanus GLAREOLA, Gm. The Wood Sandpiper.
205. (1462). Toranus ocHropus, Linn. (*) The Green Sand-
piper.
206. TRINGOIDES HYPOLEUCOS, Linn. (*) The Common Sandpiper.
Synonymous with Totanus hypoleucus, Linn., I. Bb. TL,
No. 1460.
207. GALLINAGO GALLINAGO, Linn. (*) The Fantail Snipe. Syno-
nymous with @. celestis, Frenzel, F. B. I., No. 1484,
208. (1485). GaLLrnaGo sTENURA, Kuhl. (*) The Pintai] Snipe.
- 209. (1488). KosTRaTULA caPENsIs, Linn. The Painted Snipe.
Fam. ARDEID.
210. (1566). ARDEoLa BaccHus, Bp. (*) The Chinese Pond-
Heron.
211. (1567). Burortpes, savanica, Horsf. The Little Green
Heron,
“212. (1572). ARDETTA CINNAMOMEA, Gi. The Chestnut Bittern.
One specimen only, obtained near Koon Tan. Wing=145
mim ; tall=47 mm; culmen=52 mm ; tarsus=46 mm.
ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF
SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
SO +
By MALCOLM SMITH, M.R.C.S., L R.C.P., AND C. BoDENS KLOSS, F.Z.S.
[During December and January, 1914-5, I spent six weeks on
the east side of the Gulf collecting vertebrates of all kinds. I was
accompanied by three Dyak assistants and, at my suggestion, Dr.
Smith sent his reptile-collector with my party.
On Koh! Chang and Koh Kut, at each of which we spent
over a week, we obtained a fair number of reptiles, but on several of
the smaller islands between these, on which we passed only a night or
two, we were entirely unsuccessful. We had of course better fortune
on the mainland, between Ok Yam at the southern extremity of the
Franco-Siamese boundary, and Lem Ngop opposite Koh Chang, partly
because at all the places where we camped there were villages where,
encouraged by small presents, the inhabitants brought us such speci-
mens of reptiles and batrachians as were easily found in the vicinity,
and partly because the fauna was naturally much richer.
There is but little to remark about many of the species ob-
tained, but an endeavour has been made to give as full a set of local
references as the literature available will permit; until lately no serious
study of the reptiles of Siam, as a zoo-geographical district, has been
undertaken, and so it has remained for a beginning to be made in the
compilation of a synonomy. ‘The well known: works of Mr. Boulenger,
namely, the British Musewm Catalogues and the Faunas of India and
the Malay Peninsula with the synonomy in those volumes have not
been quoted, but all other references of any value that we have been
able to gather, have been inserted. The collection consisted of about
250 specimens, and we have given the first set to the British Museum
of Natural History; to Mr. G. A. Boulenger, of that institution, we are
much indebted for putting us right on two or three points of identifi-
cation, and confirming the correctness of the whole.
1 Koh—Island.
238 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
For localities, the names of the British Admiralty Chart (2721 )
have been followed, except that instead of ‘Ile du Pic”, “ Le
Chameau” and “ Koh Loi” I have used respectively Koh Mehsi Yai,
Koh Mehsi Lek and Koh Rang—names current locally. Klong
Menao, unmarked, is about 15 miles north of Klong Yai.—C.B.K.]
CHELONIA.
1. CYCLEMYS DHOR, Gray.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 10 (1907) ; Robinson and
Kloss, Journ. F.M 8. Mus., v, p. 193 (1915).
Three adult and two young individuals from Koh Chang.
The carapace of the largest example measures 220 by 158 mm.
Tn the young animals the tail is relatively of much greater length than
in the adult and is actually nearly as long as inthe latter. The
species was apparently common on Koh Chang and was obtained from
the rocky stream above which the camp was placed, but was met with
nowhere else during the excursion. It has been found also upon
the mainland at Hup Bon, E. of Sriracha, where it appears to be
fairly common. It is an active and voracious creature, devouring
greedily animal as well as vegetable food. Its habits are chiefly
aquatic.
2. CHELONE IMBRICATA, Linn.
Caretta squamata, Tirant, Mocquard, Mission Pavie, Indo-Chine, Ktudes
Diverses, III., p, 492 (1904).
Chelone imbricata, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo-Chine, p 15
(1907).
One example was obtained at Koh Chang and another observed
at Koh Mak. The Hawksbill Turtle is not uncommon in the Gulf of
Siam. The shields of the head and limbs in the specimen obtained,
were black instead of dark brown.
LACERTILIA.
3. HEMIDACTYLUS FRENATUS, D. and B.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 29 (1907).
At Klong Yai this species was caught in numbers by the
village children, but not so extensively as the next. One specimen is
entirely without tubercles on the tail owing to reproduction of that
part.
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 239
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
4. HeEMIDACTYLUS PLATYURUS, Schneid.
Laidlaw, P.Z.S.,1901, p. 305; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo-
Chine, p. 28 (1907).
Exceedingly common in the village of Klong Yai.
5. LeEprmpoDACTYLUS CEYLONENSIS, Blgr.
A single example from Klong Menao. The species does not
appear to have been recorded hitherto from Siam or eastern Indo-
China, though known from Burma and the Malay Peninsula.
6. GECKO VERTICELLATUS, Laur.
Laidlaw, P.Z.S. 1901, part I., p, 306 : Mocquard, Mission Pavie, Indo-
Chine, Etudes Diverses, III, p. 485 (1904). Mocquard, Les Reptiles
de l’Indo-Chine, p 29 (1907). Robinson and Kloss, Journ, F.M.S.
Mas., V., p. 153’ (1915).
4 specimens. Koh Chang, and Klong Yai, 8.E. Siam; Ok Yam,
Franco-Siamese boundary on coast.
Common throughout Siam; besides those preserved, others were
rejected, and the loud cry was heard from trees at many of the
collecting stations.
=
7. DRACO TAENIOPTERUS, Giinth.
Boettger, Zool. Anz, 1893, p. 433 ; Flower, P Z.S. 1899, p. 637.
2 males Klong Yai, 2 males 1 female Klong Menao, 12 males
2 females Koh Kut.
Colour of male. Upper surface; body, greenish-brown, mem-
brane greenish-yellow with 5 irregular black bands. Under surface ;
body pale greenish-yellow, membrane dirty yellow, pouch dull yellow,
throat and gular flaps deep crimson.
Females like the males but with the small gular pouch like the
abdomen and the red of the throat and flaps much paler.
8. DRACO MACULATUS HAASII.
Draco haasii, Boettger, Zool. Anz., 1893, p. 424.
Two examples from Lem Ngop and a pair from Koh Kut.
The original types of D. haasii were founded upon two speci-
mens obtained at Chantaboon by Dr. Erick Haase, one of which is in
the British Museum, and the other in the Frankfort Museum. Mr.
Boulenger does not consider them to be specifically distinct from
D. maculatus, and of the specimens from Lem Ngop and Koh Kut he
240 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
thinks the same for he writes, “the Draco I must regard as a variety
of D. maculatus, identical with D. haasiti, of which we have one of the
types from Siam.”
: We have therefore here accorded it subspecific rank, as it
differs distinctly, both by its smaller size and by its colouration from
A further series of 11
specimens, obtained since at Muak Lek and Pak Jong in the Dong
the usual form of D. maculatus met with.
Rek Mountains, confirm our ideas.
Colour in
specimens).
Male.
Above. Brown with pale reddish
and black markings.
Sides of body. Plumbeous blue.
Centre of abdomen, chest, thighs.
Bluish white.
Membrane above. Reddish orange
with a few black spots near the
life (taken from
the Lem Ngop and Koh Kut
Female.
Umber brown with darker mark- ~
ings.
Dirty white.
Dull yellow.
Gamboge, plentifully spotted with
irregular blackish-brown mark-
body.
Membrane below. Pale lemon.
ings.
As above.
Gular pouch. Brown with orange | Pale orange.
base
Indian yellow.
Gular flaps. Indian yellow.
Length, Male, snout to vent 68 mm, tail 115.
108.
> Female, ,, BR Cie aoa at
9. ACANTHOSAURA CRUCIGERA, Boulenger.
A single female of this slightly differentiated race of A. armata
was obtained on Koh Chang.
The close connection between the two races as defined, is shown
in this example by the presence of twelve labials, and a tail only one
and one half times as long as head and body. A slight, though dis-
tinct gular fold is present.
Head and body 105, tail 153 mm.
10. CaLorgs vERSICOLOR, Daud.
Annandale, J, & P.A.S. Bengal, I., p. 83, 1905.
Ok Yam, Klong Yai, Klong Menao.
Common everywhere in 8, E. Siam, but not met with on any
of the adjacent islands visited,
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 241
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
11. Catores EMMA, Gray.
Flower, P.Z.S8., 1899, p. 641; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-
Chine, p. 26 (1907) ; Robinson and Kloss, Journ. F.M.S Mus., V.,
p. 154 (1915).
5 specimens. Koh Chang and Klong Yai, 8. EH. Siam; Ok Yam,
Franco-Siamese Boundary on coast. A marked white lateral band
is present in an adult and an immature specimen.
12. PHYSIGNATHUS MENTAGER, Giinth.
Flower, P.Z.S., 1899, p 641. ; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine,
p. 27 (.907).
A large individual of this species was obtained at Klong
Menao.
Total length 896 mm., snout to vent 231. In an example of
about half the size found on Koh Kut the colouration was much more
brilliant than in the older one. General colour above, brownish green,
darkest on the head ; body with 3 broad diagonal bars of paler blue-
green edged with brown; tail pale isabelline with brown bands ; hind
legs above greenish brown. Underside of body, tail and forelimbs white,
with a bright blue tinge in places ; chest, patches on sides, under sur-
face of legs, bright emerald-green ; upper labial scales rose-pink washed
with green, lower labials and sub-labial row of scales rose-pink, the
latter edged with black; throat reddish yellow. Iris brown with an
inner golden ring round the pupil.
This species, which is known from Siam, differs mainly from
P. cochinchinensis of Cochin-China, in the possession of a lesser
number of lateral or molar teeth, and in the presence of eleven large
sub-labial scales instead of only six or seven.
The individual referred to above from Koh Kut, was kept alive
for some time. It was a very sluggish creature, sitting about on the
ground or in a tree, quite motionless, for most of the day. It never
attempted to bite when handled. It was fed upon fish, meat, worms
and insects. It was never seen to take food of its own accord, but on
scratching its jaws would open its mouth and then take whatever was
given it. Its power of changing colour was very slight, and varied
only from light to dark. When running fast over ground, its action
was bipedal, the fore limbs being folded back along the flanks. <A
young specimen of this lizard has been recently taken at Muak Lek,
242 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
in the Dong Rek Mountains. It does not differ in colouration from
the adult.
13. LiOLEPIS BELLIANA, Gray.
Eight examples. Koh Chang and Klong Yai, S. E. Siam; Ok
Yam, Franco-Siamese Boundary on Coast.
This well-known and beautiful ground-lizard was common every-
where in open country where grass and sandy soil would permit it
to burrow. Such being the surroundings of most villages, it was
brought in numbers by small boys for trifling rewards.
These lizards are much sought after by the country people as
an article of diet, and are caught usually by means of a cleverly
constructed spring noose placed across the entrance of the bur-.
row they inhabit. They are also hunted for by gangs of youths, who
beat up their haunts with sticks, killing them if possible as they dash
away, or, if they succeeded in reaching their holes, digging them out
and then despatching them.
These creatures must be very fertile, as in spite of constant perse-
cution, their numbers never seem to diminish.
14. VARANUS NEBULOSUS, Gray.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 33 (1907).
A young example from Koh Chang. Total length 590 mm. Top
and sides of head as far as the eyes still retaining the juvenile red-
dish yellow colouration, but no traces of black chevrons on the nape.
Common in Siam in ever-green jungle.
This lizard, like the preceding one, is also hunted for the sake of
Its flesh.
15. MAsBura MACULARIA, Blyth.
Twenty examples from Koh Kut and five from Ok Yam and
Klong Yai, 8S. E. Siam.
Head and shoulders rusty brown; rest of upper surface, limbs
and tail, earthy ; upper labials and spots on sides, yellow ; chin, throat,
chest and sides of neck, red.
The largest specimen measures:—Snout to vent 67, tail 110
mm. The series from the mainland has 28-32 scales round the body,
that from Koh Kut, 30-34.
16. MABUIA MULTIFASCIATA, Kuhl.
Laidlaw, P.Z.S., 1901, part 1, p. 310; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de
VY Inde-Chine, p. 38 (1907).
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 243
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF S:)UTH-EAST SIAM.
Koh Kra, Koh Mak, Koh Kut, Klong Menao, Klong Yai, S. E.
Siam ; Ok Yam, Franco-Siamese boundary on coast.
A very common lizard wherever it occurs and always frequent-
ly met with, owing to its boldness and conspicuous habits.
Apart from the orange or red wash on the shoulders and flanks
which is probably assumed in the breeding period and thus is not
constant, three colour phases occur in the present series. In the
first the back and sides are unmarked, except for a black dorso-
lateral line. In the second, the back is marked by five black
lines running between the rows of scales, which become in-
distinct posteriorly; between the outer of these lines and the dark
line defining the back from the sides, two rows of scales occur. In the
third the shoulders and sides are irregularly spotted with white, and
the dorsal region may be either striped or plain.
i7. LyGosoMA MACULATUM, Blyth.
Flower, P.Z.S., 1899, p. 648; Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 38
(1907).
Many specimens from Koh Kut, and examples from Koh Chang,
Koh Mak and Klong Yai.
Upper surface bronze brown spotted with black and yellowish ;
labials and sides of neck, red. Sides of body :—first a black stripe
spotted with yellowish, below this a row of yellowish spots and beneath
silver spotted black. Under surface white, belly yellow.
Snout to vent of largest individual (tail missing) 65 mm ; of
another 60, tail 123 mm. Most of the specimens have 42 scales round
the body.
18. LyGosoMA BOWRINGII, Giinth.
12 specimens. 9 from Klong Yai, 1 example Koh Klum,
2 Koh Kra.
Above, brown becoming reddish towards and on the tail. Below,
throat greenish-white, entire abdomen, yellow; tail and limbs, sides of
neck and shoulders red, this narrowing over the forelimbs and widen-
ing to enclose the hindlimbs. Some black and white spots behind
the forelimb, and a black line running from the eye to the mid-body.
This little skink is widely distributed throughout the country, in
many places being exceedingly common. It is an extremely active
creature in spite of the shortness of its legs.
944 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
OPHIDIA.
19. PyTHON gkETICULATUS, Schneid.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo-Chine, p 42 (1907 ); Smith,
Journ Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, 1, p. 9 (1914).
One small example was obtained on Koh Chang where it was
said to be common. The Reticulated Python has been found on most
of the islands at the head of the Gulf, and is not uncommon on the
mainland.
20, .CHERSYDRUS GRANULATUS, Schneid.
Wall, Jour. Bombay. N. H Soe. XXIII, p 372. Barbour, Memoirs
M.C.Z., Nov. 1912, XLLV, No. 1, p. 106.
One example from Koh Chang; this species is fairly common
in the Gulf.
21. PoLyoponToPHIs COLLARIS, Gray.
One example from Koh Chang. This species, only recently
recorded from Siam, appears to be widely, though sparingly distri-
buted throughout the country.
22. TRoPIDONOTUS PISCATOR, Schneid.
Tropidonotus piscator Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 47
(1907). Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, 1, p. 14, (1914).
Natriz piscator, Barbour, Memoirs M.C.Z., Nov. 1912, XLIV, No. 1
p. 109.
Two examples from Koh Chang ; common wherever it occurs.
23. TRopIDONOTUS CHRYSARGUS, Schleg.
Fascic. Malay. Zool., 1, p. 16% (1905).
Four examples from Klong Menao: the longest, 723 mm in
length, appears to be greater than any yet recorded.
24. 'TROPIDONOTUS NIGROCINOTUS, Blyth.
Two examples from Klong Yai. The species has also lately
been obtained in Northern Siam, and at Hup Bon, E. of Sriracha.
One of the two from Klong Yai was kept alive for some
months. It was an active, graceful snake, diurnal in its habits. It
fed greedily upon frogs and fish, picking the latter out of the water
and bolting them with great rapidity.
Colour (in life). Above, olive-green anteriorly, olive-brown
posteriorly, with faint, narrow blackish cross-bars. Head copper
coloured, paling on the sides. An oblique black band below the eye,
another behind it anda third upon the neck. Belly white, beneath
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILHS AND BATRACHTIANS FROM 245
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST STAM.
the tail, pinkish mottled with dark grey. ‘Throat white, iris and
tongue, dark brown.
The young individual referred to from Hup Bon, was, as is fre-
quent with many snakes, much more vividly coloured than the adult,
with strongly marked cross-bars anda broad black chevron upon the
nape, pointing forwards.
25. TROPIDONOTUS SUBMINIATUS, Schleg.
Amphiesma subminiatum, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de L’Indo-Chine, p.
47, (1907).
Natrle subminiata, Barbour, Memoirs M.C,Z., Nov. 1912, XLIV,
Mont, px Mt
Tropidonotus subminiatus, Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soe. Siam, I, p. 15
(1914).
Two specimens from Ok Yam; apparently common everywhere
in Siam.
26. CoLUBER RADIATUS, Cantor.
Blgr, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p. 163 (1903); Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist.
Soc Siam, I, p. 95 (1914) ; Wall, Journ. Bombay N.H.8., XXIII,
p. 206 (1915)
One specimen was taken on Koh Chang; it appears to be a
common snake in most parts.of the country.
27. SIMOTES cycLuRuS, Cantor.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ?Indo-Chine, p. 46 (1907); Smith, Journ.
Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, p. 97 (1914);
Two specimens from Koh Chang and Klong Yai: a very com-
mon snake in Siam. ‘To this form which has 21 rows of scales and no
longitudinal streaks the names of fusciolatus and cochinchinensis have
been attached.
28. SrimorEs 1norNatous, Bler.
Boulenger, Journ, Nat Hist Soc. Siam, Vol. 1, p. 68 (1914).
One example from Koh Kut, an anomalous individual with the
Ath and 5th upper labials fused, As it appears to differ somewhat in
other respects from the two specimens already known, we give a
description of it here.
Nasal divided, portion of rostral seen from above as long as
its distance from the frontal ; suture between the internasals about
one-third that between the prae-frontals: frontal one and one-third
longer than broad, nearly one-fourth longer than its distance from end
246 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
of snout, equal to the parietals ; loreal longer than deep; one prae-
and two post-oculars ; temporals 1 + 2; seven upper labials, fourth
entering the eye; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-
shields, which are about twice as long as the posterior.
Scales in 15 rows, smooth throughout. Ventrals 172; anal
entire ; subcaudals 32.
Colour in life:—dull sealing-wax red above with numerous ill-
defined blackish cross-bars, the colour of which is chiefly confined to
the edges of the scales. Upper side of head brownish with a darker cross
band passing through the eye to the fourth and fifth labials, a dark ,
spot on the frontal, an oblique dark bar from the parietals to the side
of the neck, and a large A shaped marking from the frontal shield to
the nape. Labials and lower parts pink, with a series of dark quad-
rangular spots on each side of the ventrals. Colour in spirits—light
brown above, white below, with markings as described.
Total length 345 mm., tail 45.
29. CERBERUS RHYNCHOPS, Schneid.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p, 51 (1907).
Hurria rynchops, Barbour, Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool ( Harvard ),
XLIV, No. 1, p. 123 (Nov. 1912).
Six specimens from Koh Chang, one individual being of a pale
pinkish-fawn colour.
30. DrIPSADOMORPHUS CYANEuS, D. &. B.
Dipsas cyanea, Boulenger, Faun, Brit. Ind., Rept., p. 561 (1890)
Dipsadomorphus cyaneus, Moequard, Les Reptiles de ]’Indo-Chine,
p- 50 (1907).
A male and female from Klong Menao.
The male, 1260 mm. long, contained when caught a freshly
swallowed female, 1350 mm. in length.
The anterior palatine teeth are considerably larger than the
posterior.
Emerald-green above, with the skin between the scales purplish .
black; yellowish-green below; chin and throat sky-blue; inside of
mouth purplish black. Hye large and brownish grey.
This snake, until recently not known from Siam, has been
found also upon Koh Phai, where it is not uncommon, and upon the
adjoining mainland, H. of Sriracha. It is nocturnal in its habits,
remaining by day coiled up among the branches of some bush or tree.
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 247
THH COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
It is of sluggish disposition, but will bite viciously when caught. It
feeds upon small mammals and other snakes.
31. DRyorHis PRASINUS, Boie.
Blgr, Fascic. Malay. Zool., J., p. 165 (1903) ; Mocquard, Les Reptiles
de l’Indo-Chine, p. 49 (1907) ; Smith, Jour. Bombay N.H.S., XXIIT.,
p. 785 (1915)
One example from Koh Chang and another from Koh Kut, both
stone-grey in colour. The one from Koh Chang, a male, was an un-
usually large specimen. It measured 1985 mm. in total length, the tail
forming 725 mm.
32. CHRYSOPELEA ORNATA, Shaw.
Blgr, Fascic Malay. Zool., I, p 166 (1903); Mocquard, Les Reptiles
de l’Indo-Chine, p. 49 (1907) ; Smith, Jour, Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, I,
p- 175 (1915).
Two examples of this beautiful snake were obtained at Klong
Yai, and a third on Koh Chang.
30. HYDROPHIS TUBERCULATUS, Anders.
Distira tuberculata, Boulenger, Cat. Snakes, Brit. Mus, Vol. I,
p. 293 (1896).
Distira cyanocincta. Wall, Mem. Asiat. Soe., II, No. 8, p. 220 (1909).
One example from Klong Yai, for the identification of which
we are indebted to Mr Boulenger. As only a very few specimens of
this snake are yet known toscience, we append a description of our
specimen.
Head small; eye less than its distance to the mouth; rostral broader
than deep ; nostril connects by suture to 2nd labial; frontal a little
longer than broad, much shorter than the parietals; 1 prae- and 1 post-
ocular ; a large anterior temporal; 7 and 8 supralabials, the 3rd and 4th
entering the eye, 1 to 4 entire, the remainder divided horizontally; 4 large
infralabials, the first 3 in contact with the chin-shields ; 2 pairs of well
developed chin-shields, in contact with each other. Marginals after the
2nd infra-labial. Costals 32 anteriorly, 38 at the greatest diameter of
the body, sub-imbricate, with a short, faint keel, sometimes broken in
two. Diameter of neck about half the diameter of greatest thickness of
body. Ventrals 308, small,"equal to or less than two adjacent costals,
faintly bicarinate, the keels sometimes broken in two.
Colour: Greenish white, with 55 broad black bands, which are
broader than their interspaces. Head black with yellow markings.
248 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol
34. ENHYDRIS HARDWICKII, Gray.
Hanitsch, Rept. Raffles Mus, 1897, p. 10; Wall, Mem. Asiat. Soc.
Bengal, Vol. II, No 8, p 247 (1909). Mocquard, Les Reptiles de
VIndo- Chine, p. 52 (1907) ; Smith, J. Bombay N. H. Soc, XXIII,
p, 785 (1918).
Four examples from Klong Yai, two adults and two young
extracted from one of the former. Length ot the young, 255 mm. This
species is very common towards the head of the Gulf, but these examples
are of unusually dark colouration; in the young the dark ventral
markings form a broad and continuous, though irregular, band.
35. HNHYDRINA VALAKADIEN, Boie.
5)
Enhydrina velakadien, Mocquard, Bos Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 52
(1907).
Enhydrina valukadyn, Wall, Mion: Asiat Soc. Bengal, Vol II, No. 8,
p: dod, (1909):
Two specimens from Klong Yai.
36. JuACHESIS GRAMINEUS, Shaw.
Trimeresurus gramineus, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-CCine, p.
57 (1907) ;
Lachesis gramineus, Smith, Jour. Nat Hist, Soc. Siam [., p 183
(1915).
One example from Koh Mehsi Yai. This snake is common in
Bangkok, and in many other parts of Siam.
BATRACHIANS.
37. OXYGLOSSUS MARTENSII, Peters.
Flower, P-ZS 1899, p 887.
Four examples from Ok Yam, three from Klong Yai, one from
Koh Kut. Two of the series have a light vertebral line.
While we have placed these specimens under O. inartensii, they
are doubtfully distinct from O. laevis, Gunth., which is the older
name.
38. RANA LIMNOCHARIS, Boie.
Boulenger, Fascie Malay. Zool., I, p. 184 (1908) ; Barbour, Memoirs
M-CrZ., ELT Now 1s p64 41912).
A single example of this common frog from Ok Yam: snout to
vent 385 mm.
39. RaNA TIGRINA, Daud.
Boulenger, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p. 134(1903); Laidlaw, P.Z.S.,
1900, p. 885; Barbour, Memoirs M.C.Z., XLIV, No. 1, p. 63 (1912);
Robinson & Kloss, Journ. F.M, 8, Mus., V. p. 155 (1915).
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 249
THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
Eleven examples from the 8. H. Siamese mainland, and two from
Koh Chang.
This frog is much esteemed by the Siamese as food, and in
Banekok is frequently brought into the market for sale. It is hunted for
at night, during and after heavy storms, when its loud croak betrays
its whereabouts. In the fields it is also fished for with a rod and line,
asmall frog, usually Rana limnocharis, being used as bait.
40. Rana DORIA, Boulenger.
Twenty-three examples from S.E. Siam and Koh Chang, Koh
Mehsi and Koh Kut of all sizes: snout to vent of largest, 85 mm.
Originally described from Tenasserim and since known from the
south of the Malay Peninsula, this frog does not seem to have been
recorded from Siam before.
41. RANA NIGROVITTATA, Blyth.
Two specimens from Koh Chang, both of them unusually large,
the biggest measuring 72 mm. from snout to vent.
42, RANA ERYTHRAEA,
Boulenger, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p 155 (19°53) ; Barbour, Memoirs
MEO) Zi5) SUV Now p.67.C1912):
Two examples from Klong Yai, and another from Ok Yam.
43. _MICROHYLA BERDMORII.
One specimen from Klong Yai, without any dark marking on the
head and back.
44, BUFO MELANOSTICTUS, Schneid.
Boulenger, Fasvic. Malay. Zool,, I, p 133 (1903) ; Barbour, Memoirs
MC A. SUL, No.l, p73 912).
Two moderate sized examples from Koh Chang.
SO
250
ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS FOR SIAM.
By C. BopEn K1Loss, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S.
While residents in Siam know the position of, or have no
difficulty in locating, the towns, villages and various geographical
features of that country, such is not the case with non-residents, who
are furnished as a rule with only the small-scale map of an ordinary
atlas. For many naturalists it would, therefore, lead to a clearer
understanding of the zoology of the country, if a number of zoo-geo-
graphical divisions were agreed upon and generally employed.
For these I suggest the following :—
1. Northern Siam. The Laos country, mostly mountainous or
submontane, north of a line (approximately Lat. 17° 50’, but for all
practical purposes 18° North) between the mouth of the Me Mue or
Thoungyin River, an affluent of the Salwin, and the great eastern
bend of the MeKawng in Long. 101° 30’ E.
2. Central Siam. The great plain watered by the Menam Chao
Praya and its tributaries, south of upper Siam, including the lowlands
of the basin of the Bangpakong River in the south-east and the lower
reaches of the MeKlawng and Petchaburi Rivers in the south-west.
3. Western Siam. The hill country between the Tenasserim
frontier and the Menam lowland plain from the Me Mue River mouth,
south to Koh Lak in about Lat. 11° 45’ N. near Petchaburi.
4. Peninsular Siam. The Malay Peninsula from Koh Lak
south to the Malayan boundary.
5. Hastern Siam, The “ Korat Plateau ” bounded on the north
and east by the MeKawng, on the south by the Cambodian frontier
and (continuing beyond this westwards ) by the southern slopes of the
Deng Rek Range to its termination near Saraburi; thence north to
the MeKawng bend along the watershed between the Menam and Me-
Kawng river systems.
6. South-eastern Siam. The varied country along the Gulf
bounded in part by the southern edge of the Bangpakong basin (ap-
proximately in Lat. 13° 20’ N) and partly by the Battambang-Cambo-
dian frontier.
In a small area like Siam, we should not expect to find much
variation in the zoology if it were all the same kind of country,
but when this differs—forests and open country, mountains and
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Dec. 1915. ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS FOR SIAM. 251
plains—we generally finda change in the fauna also, and this is
particularly notable in a contrast between the life of the two latter
kinds, and is perhaps always best illustrated by the mammals. Siam
shows some of these orographical and vegetational differences, and it is
in accordance with them that I have attempted to distinguish a
number of divisions, about which, however, it is quite impossible to
draw sharp boundaries.
Northern Siam, as I-have defined it is, on the whole, a moun-
tainous area, and Western Siam is the same. Hastern Siam is,
speaking broadly, a sub-montane division of a different formation
from the rest of the country, and with a different vegetation. In
Central Siam I have endeavoured to include the whole riverine plain,
and that only. South-eastern Siam contains both mountains and coastal
lowlands ; as does Peninsular Siam, which, from the present point of
view, forms naturally a geographical sub-division. I have considered
it here, as starting from the gap in the mountains between Koh Lak
and Tenasserim, though it might with equal propriety be regarded as
commencing at Muang Kra or Pakchan. Though I should have pre-
ferred, with the classical instance of Egypt as precedent, to have
divided the Menam country into Upper and Lower Siam, I have (in
deference to the wishes of several members of the society) used the
terms Northern and Central for this area, though the latter name
seems scarcely logical since the periphery is incomplete.’ The other
titles require no explanation except that of Peninsular Siam about
which a word or two may be said.
American zoologists in reporting on collections from Trang,
etc., set the fashion, and are still in the habit of referring to that area
as Lower Siam. ‘This practice has been the cause of misunderstand-
ing on the part of other naturalists, and has resulted in a good deal of
confusion. or this outlying province I have, therefore, proposed the
name of Peninsular Siam, as being especially descriptive, and, of all
alternatives, the only one which is absolutely devoid of ambiguity ;
which is not the case unfortunately with ‘“‘southern”—a geographical
term of the same class as the others, and complementary to the two
names for the river area. If collectors would refer to the above
divisions, the stations from which their material came, a very good
idea of the provenenance of their specimens would be obtained, even
though the exact positions could not be located.
252
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
—————_—_-
No. —ADDITIONS TO THE MAMMALIAN FAUNA
OF RATBURI.
During the period December-June 1915 the following mam-
mals were obtained in the Sai Yoke district of Ratburi, additional to
the List published in the Journal Vol. 1. No. 3.
Presbytis Phayrei, Phayre’s Leaf monkey. (Siamese, ‘“Karng”
M. 1. F. 1. with fully developed foetus.
This species was obtained in N. Lat 14° 40’ on the range of
mountains east of Si-sa-wad (vide Map frontispiece Vol. 1. No. 3.), but
was not observed west of that range. Both were obtained in ever-
green forest at an elevation of 1000 metres, and probably at the south-
ern limit of the species.
Specimens obtained agreed very closely with Col. Tickell’s descrip-
tion and measurements of an adult female obtained east of Moulmein,
and in his sketch he emphasizes the dark colour of the hands and feet,
as opposed to the light body colour. Blanford, in Fauna B.I., adopted
Col. Tickell’s sketch for the species, but seems rather uncertain as to
whether Col. Tickell’s animal may not have been 8. albocinereus.
Kven if the southern form shows no structural difference from
the Northern or Arakan type, yet the colour of the southern appears
to be constantly lighter. A description of freshly killed specimens is
as follows :—
Back, sides, flanks and tail, light silvery grey. Legs and
forearms, darker grey. Hands and feet, almost black. Eyebrows
and forehead, brownish. Orbital skin, dark bluish. Upper lip from
nostrils down, and all lower lip, pinkish flesh-colour. Kars, very dark
brown. Callosities, dirty yellow. Inguinal region, bluish white, and
female with the triangular sex mark down inners of thighs as in
P. Germaini. Hair of poll produced into a median crest, the apex of
which is slightly in front of ears. Whiskers long, almost concealing
ears from the front. Tail shghtly tufted.
The male measured as follows :—Length 22.5 in. Tail 30.0
Hand 5. Foot 6.75. The fully developed foetus ( obtained 19/5/15 )
was in colour light fawn or straw colour, the extremity of tail being
greyish chestnut.
Arctictis binturong. The Bear Cat (Karang ‘“ Ka-cheu’’). 1
flat skin. 1 skull.
Both specimens were obtained by surveyors near Sai Yoke,
though the Karangs are well acquainted with the animal and state it
is generally distributed in evergreen forest.
In 1914 I received a skull from Pachin in Hastern Siam, and
Blanford also records the species from Siam. Recently the Bombay
N. H. 8. Survey has obtained 2 skins without skulls near Tenasserim
village.
Blanford states that the head and body measure 28-33 in., tail
Dee 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 253
26-27, but his skull measurements of an adult female are nearly an
inch less both ways than the Sai Yoke skull which measures :—
Sai Yoke skull. Basal length 5.67 in. Zygomatic breadth 3.85
Pachin skull " 4 rot Y i a2
In the skull the number of molar and premolar teeth is variable,
but the skull is markedly different from that of any other members of
the family Viverridae, ‘The skin may be recognized by the general-
ly coarse black pelage, tufted ears, naked tarsi and long bushy tail.
It is 1 believe the only Siamese mammal with a truly pre-
hensile tail, and, according to the Karangs, can suspend itself by the
tail alone.
Arctonyw collaris, The Hog-badger (Siamese ‘‘ Moo Ring”)
1 Female, Sai Yoke. 1 flat skin, Si-sa-wad.,
This full-grown female measured:—Head and body 30.2 in.
Tail 10.25 or with hair 13.2. Hind foot 4.2. Height at shoulder 12.0.
Kar 1.1. Snout to eye 4.2. Skull, basal 6.05 in. Zygomatic breadth
3.36, and greatest breadth 3.58 in.
Colour. Hye, very small, brown. Snout, yellowish pink ; lips,
pinkish white Feet and all body skin, yellowish. ‘Toes broad and
mobile. Claws, bear like and grooved, pale horn. General colour of
of body and tail, dirty yellowish white, the longer body hairs being
buff at base and tips, and black in middle. The head, face, ears and a
band beneath lower jaw, very datk brown. A whitish patch around
eyes, and a yellowish median line from crown to snout. Lars, tipped
buff. Fore legs and feet, black from shoulders down, hind feet black,
the legs buff and black.
This specimen was obtained (10/6/15) in rocky bamboo jungle.
A coolie saw the animal approaching and missed it three times with
the 12 bore, and thereupon seized the animal by the tail and
broke its back with a stick. This behaviour accords’ with Col.
Tickell’s statement that {it is duil of sight, and its only acute sense
appears to be that of smell.” Two scent glands were found discharg-
ing into the post-caudal pocket, the latter formed by the base of the
tail which was 2 in. broad. The secretion was brownish yellow, and the
hind parts were stained by the flow; and the stench so pervaded the
beast that the coolies, to their sorrow, were unable to eat the flesh.
Mr. A. A. Porter obtained a specimen in Raheng district, and
Blanford records the species from Tenasserim. The Bombay N. H. 8.
survey failed to obtain it,
Chiropodomys (gliroides) pequensis. The Burmese Tufted-tailed
Tree-mouse.
1 male. This was obtained west of Si-sa-wad at 960 metres
elevation, in evergreen jungle. Length 96 mm. Tail 125. Hind foot
20.5. Har from skull 18.2. Width between ear tips 45 mm.
General appearance. Short broad head and large prominent
eyes. Hars almost circular. Feet short, with flat nails on pollex and
hallux. Colour. Brown above, the lower surface, white. ‘Tail slightly
tufted, the longest hairs being on extreme one-third. Blanford records
this species from Burmah, and the Bombay N. H.S. Survey has
recently obtained a number of specimens in southern Tenasserim.
254 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
In addition to the above, specimens of 17 other species already
recorded were obtained this year, of which the following are of
interest :—
Ursus Malayanus. The Malay Bear (Siamese Mi Mah or Mi Moo).
A large female was obtained with half-grown cub. The female
measured :—Snout to vent 42.7 inches. Tail, represented only by a
tuft of hairs. Height at shoulder 21 in. Hind leg, vent to heel
15.7. Hand 5.5. Foot 7. Har 2.5, or from crown 1.6. Snout to base
of ear 11 in. Width on crown between ears 8. Circumferences: Chest
33 in. Belly 35. Forearm 12.2. Leg 10.3. Skull. Basal length, 8.22
in. Zygomatic breadth, 7.68. Canines yellow, flat topped (this was the
case in the only other Ratburi skull I have examined). Claws grooved,
nearly black (Blanford says “pale horn, sometimes dusky”). Muzzle
and chin, greyish white. Hye, brown. Palms and soles, dirty flesh
colour, slightly haired at bases of digits. I believe mamme should
be 3 pairs. I noticed but 2 pairs, the pectoral longest.
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat.
A male of this rare rat was obtained at Sai Yoke within 3 miles
of where last year’s specimen was found (vide Journal No. 2. page 116).
[t measured :—Length 154 mm. Tail 208. Hind foot 29. Fore foot
17. Ear from orifice 18. Vibrissae 55 mm. These measurements
accord fairly with those of the specimen taken last year.
In this specimen the lower lip was much drawn back, exposing
the incisors almost to the gums, but this may have been due to trap-
ping. The Bombay N. H. S. Mammal Survey recently obtained 2
specimens in southern Tenasserim.
Capricornis sumatrensis milne-edwardsi. The Burmese Goat
Antelope.
A nearly full grown female was obtained Hast cf Si-sa-wad
measuring :—L. 41 in. Ht. at shoulder, 31. Ht. at withers, 32. Har
from skull, 7.8. Tail without hair, 4.8. Body circumference, 32.
Hair of mane, 4.7. Horns, brown, 2. in. (these came away with the
skin, having no pedicels). Suborbital glands } in. dia., situate 1.75
in front of eyes. Inter-digital glands (orifice } dia.) on both fore and
hind feet, the secreting bag being 2 in. in length. The secretion
had no scent.
Colour, Hye, brown. Naked inners of ears, yellowish flesh
colour. Face and cheeks, black, a white stripe extending 2 in. from
mouth, a sma!l dull chestnut patch above upper lip. Outers and front
bases of ears, the hairs basally black, tipped bright chestnut. Chin,
blackish ; throat, white and chestnut mixed. Whole body, greyish
brown with a plum-coloured tinge—the hairs being basally white,
tipped with dark brown or black. Dorsal stripe extending to tail,
chocolate brown—the basal half of the hairs being white. Uppers of
fore-legs, very dark brown—the hind legs somewhat lighter, but both
chestnut from knees and hocks downwards. Tail, naked beneath.
Cervulus feae. Fea’s Muntjac. The Black Barking Deer.
Another specimen of this rare deer was obtained within 2 miles
of the spot where part of a specimen was procured last year ( vide
Journal No, 2. page 116 ).
Dee, 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 255
Unfortunately the surveyor who procured the animal, kept
only the skin without head or legs. He informed me that he had, in
1912, shot this animal in the Hue Sut Yhai in N, Lat 12°40.’
Sus cristatus. The Indian Wild Boar.
Some doubt has been expressed as to the identification of pig
obtained in the Ratburi district ; and pigs obtained in lower Tenas-
serim by the Bombay N. H. S. Mammal Survey have been classified as
the smaller species viz:—Sus jubatus—the Tenasserim Wild Pig.
Unfortunately the weights and measurements of these specimens are
not given. The measurements of a boar and sow obtained in Ratburi
district are given here, together with those given by Blanford for the
Indian species, and it will be seen that Ratburi specimens are well up
to the Indian—sows being constantly smaller than boars.
Fauna B.1.. Length Height Skull basal Zygomatic Weight.
Boar. 60 in. 28-36 13.79 7.0 200-300 Tbs.
B) ay
Petchaburi. i! Dell. » ade LN — — estimated 300.
Boar.
Sai Yoke. Sow. 52in. 314 in. £49". 5.4 in. 175 tbs.
Further skulls are desirable, with body measurements and
weights if possible.
Kk. G. GAIRDNER.
Oct., 1915.
No. Il.—NOTE ON SAMBAR ( CERVUS UNICOLOR )
SHEDDING ITS HORNS.
As there seems to be considerable diversity of opinion as to how
often sambar shed their horns, the following may be of interest.
A stag which was caught when a few months old and obtained
by the present owner at the age of 2 years, has for the last four years
while in his possession shed its horns annually in August.
The horns have not appreciably become bigger with each
successive year, but this year they appear to show signs of being
larger than before. In 1912 the left horn had an extra tine just
above the brow tine, but this has not appeared since.
According the Blandford and Lydekker wild stags in India
do not shed their horns regularly every season, and it would be
interesting to know in what months sambar with fully developed
horns have been shot in Siam.
Pp. A. R. BARRON.
Nov., 1915.
No. II.—A NEW SNAKE FOR BANGKOK.
Since completing my articles on the Snakes of Bangkok, another
species has been added to the list, viz., Lycodon lacensis, caught last
month beneath some fire-wood at Bangkok Noi. The descriptions of
this snake, taken no doubt from museum specimens, give the colour as
being “ dark brown above, with a whitish cross-band on the occiput
256 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
and others on the back, etc.” In the Bangkok specimen, as with an-
other from Den Chai, the only two which I have seen alive, these white
cross-bands were, during life, of a bright lemon-yellow colour, whilst
in the former also, a young specimen, the dark brown was pure black.
MALCOLM SMITH.
October, 1915.
No. IV.—ON THE BREEDING HABITS AND COLOUR
CHANGES IN THE LIZARD, CALOTES MYSTACEUS.
A pair of these lizards, caught at Paknampo in January of last
year, bred whilst in captivity, and afforded me an opportunity of
observing their habits during this period. Like other species of the
genus Calotes in confinement, they were extremely wild and shy, and
would never allow themselves to be handled. They fed, however,
freely on insects of al) sorts. For the first six weeks of captivity,
they were evidently too much disturbed to show any colour changes,
and remained a mixture of dull greys and browns of varying shades.
The courtship, which was continued until the eggs were laid,
was much the same as that described for C. versicolor, ( Robinson,
P. ZS. p. 858. 1899.) and consisted for the most part in absurd
bowings and noddings of the head.’ This was commenced by the
male, and was usually, after a short time, responded to by the female.
The pair invariably faced each other on these occasions, arching their
backs and puffing out their throats to the full extent. The vivid hues
assumed by the male (and slightly so by the female) during this per-
formance, transformed him into a truly gorgeous creature. .The
head and fore-part of the body became of a light electric blue
(sometimes green ) colour, the gular pouch dark purple, whilst the
pale stripe which borders the upper lip, and passes on to the shoulder,
turned almost white, and stood out in strong contrast to its sur-
roundines.
They were first observed in copula on May 9th, and after that
were frequently seen together. On June 21st, I observed the female
busy with the earth in the flower pot in the cage. She did not like
being watched, and ceased operations as soon as she saw me, but by
hiding behind a door I was enabled to observe the rest of the pro-
ceedings. The eggs had been already laid, and she was then engaged
in covering them up, raking the earth over them with her fore-paws
and hammering it down with her nose. The male, perched on a
branch above, watched the performance with great interest, and
I was surprise d to see him, in the midst of it all, suddenly race down
to his mate and engage her. She, finally, completed her task, smooth-
ing the earth completely over at the spot, so that no traces were left to
show that anything had been done there. I never saw her near the
spot again, and she appeared to take no further interest in her pro-
geny. The eggs were placed about 2 inches deep in the earth, and
had the usual soft, white parchment-like covering. They were 7 in
<I
Dee, 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 25
number, 15 to 18 x 10 to 11 mm, in size. The first young one
appeared on Aug. 20th, and measured from snout to vent 26 mm., tail
48 mm. in length. They had the usual drab colours of their parents.
The colour changes in these specimens, I found, were not brought
about by sexual excitement only. Fear would produce exactly the same
effect. This could be demonstrated by putting a snake into their cage.
Their attitude then was that of being fascinated and unable to escape.
They invariably faced the snake, bowing to it and nodding their heads
exactly as when courting. ‘The crest was strongly erected, the gular
pouch fully distended, and the colours would gradually become more
vivid until they were almost as intense as during sexual excitement.
Calotes mystaceus 1s widely distributed throughout Siam, its
handsome colouring usually attracting attention wherever it is found.
It has been seen as far South as Hua Hin, but below that Latitude
has not yet been recorded. It is not found in Bangkok, or in the
country immediately surrounding, but away from the great plain, its
haunts and modes of life are similar to those of C. versicolor (the com-
mon Bangkok ‘“‘ chameleon”), to which, when ‘ off colour,” it bears a
close resemblance.
MALCOLM SMITH.
Dec., 1915.
258 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
38rd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at the Oriental Hotel on July 14th, 15 members
and 2 guests being present. The President read a paper from Mr.
Boden Kloss proposing certain Z o-geographical divisions for Siam,
its object being to assist those who were not well acquainted with the
country, in locating specimens recorded by members of the Society or
other naturalists.
A considerable amount of discussion followed, and the matter
was ultimately referred to a sub-committee, who were requested to
draw up the proposed alterations, and refer them again to Mr. Kloss
before publication in the Journal.
Specimens were exhibited by H. R. H. Prince Chumporn, Mr.
Herbert, Dr. Smith, Mr. Gairdner and Mr Godfrey.
Ath ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at the offices of the Bangkok Times on December
21st, 11 members and 1] guest being present.
Mr. Herbert and Dr. Smith exhibited an interesting series of
mammals, birds, reptiles and batrachians recently taken by their col-
lectors in a expedition to the mountains at Nakon Sri Tamarat. A
detailed report of this collection, when it has been fully worked out,
will be published in the Society’s Journal.
The following publications have been recently received :—
The Fishes of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vols. 1 and I. By Dr. Max
Weber and S. L. F. de Beaufort. The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian
Archipelagc. Vol. 1. ( Lacertilia, Chelonia, Emydosauria). By Dr. Nelly
de Rooij. Java, Zoilogisch en Riologisch. Door Dr. Koningsberger.
Laboratorium voor Plantenziekten. No 18. Bulletin du Jardin Bota-
nique de Buitenzory. No. XVIII and XX. tecords of the Indian Mu-
seum. Vol. XL. Parts l and 2. Jowrnal of the Federated Malay States
Museums. Vol. VI. parts i, ii and iii. On Birds collected by Mr. C.
Boden Kloss, ¥.R.G.8., M.B.0.U., on the Coast and Islands of South-Kastern
Siam. By H. ©. Robinson, M.B.0 U., C.M.Z.S , with Field Notes by the
Collector. Arkiv fir Zoologi. ( Royal Swedish Academy of Science,
Stockholm). Band 8, Hafte 1 to 4. Band 9, Hafte 1 and 2. Arkiv for
Botanik. ( Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm ). Band 13,
Hiaifte 1 to 4.
259
A FURTHER LIST OF PUBLICATIONS RELATING
TO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SIAM.
Author.
Title of Work.
Publisher,
Auguste Pavie.
Robinson & Kloss
Nelly de Rooij |
Max Weber and |
L. F. de Beaufort. |
|
Various,
Barbour.
Mission Pavie
Indo-Chine, 1879-95.
Collection of Mammals, Birds,
Reptiles, Batrachians and
Plants from Bandon, Koh
Samui and Koh Pennan.
(Jour. F. M. S. Museums
Wak Vie No: 3.)
On Birds Collected on the
Coast and Islands of S. E.
Siam (/dis. Oct. 1915).
The Reptiles of the Indo-
Australian Archipelago.
Vol. I. Lacertilia, Chelonia,
Emydosauria, 1915.
The Fishes of the Indo- Austra-
lian Archipelago = Vol_‘I.
1911, Vol: LE. (913:
| Fasciculi Malayenses. Results
of an expedition to Perak
and the Siamese
States, 1901-1902.
A contribution to the Zoogeo-
graphy of the East Indian |
Vol. XLIV. No.
Batra-
Islands
1, (Reptiles and
chians) 1912.
Malay |
Ernest Leroux,
28 Rue Bonaparte, Paris.
Selangor Museum,
Kuala Lumpor.
E. J. Brill, Leyden.
Longmans, Green & Co,,
London.
Harvard College
Museum, U. S. A.
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Ti
Issued May, 191) ce
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LIST OF MEMBERS ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1915.
Aagaard, C. J. Lambert, 8. G.
‘ Laydeker, H. A.
Bain, W. Lucius, Dr. med. R.
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Barton, C. 8. luyons, J: R. C-
Bonnafous, H.
Boyce, E. B. Massey, H. E.
Brewitt Taylor, L. McBeth, J. J.
Butler, T. S. Mohr, -A.
Cable, J. A. Nesbitt, P.
Cambiaso, Count F. Nisbet, R. H.
Carthew, Dr. M. (M.D., D P.H.) Nunn, W.
Cole, S. H. ey,
Collins, Mrs. D. J. Ogilvie, A. W.
Couper-Johnston, D.
e ; Phongse Sanitwongse, Mom Luang
Dalgleish, J. H. Porter, A. A.
Berg, N.
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2 Rankin, A. C. (M.D.)
Duke, A. H. Robert, Dr. L. -
Hisenhofer, EH. Rogers, B. H.
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a ae Smith, M. A. (M.R.C.8., L.R.C.P.)
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Geyer, H. Spigno, AZ B.
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Note.—Members may borrow any of the Publications by personal
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month,
‘MAMMALS.
Anthropology, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Elephants, Guide to ( recent and fossil ), in the British Museum.
C1908').
Great Game Animals, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Catalogue of Heads and Horns of Indian Big Game ( bequeathed
by A. O. Hume, c.B.) in the British Museum. By R.
Lydekker, F.R.S.
BIRDS.
Birds collected by Mr. C. Boden Kloss, F.R.G.S., M.B.0.U., on the
Coast and Islands of S. EK. Siam. By H.C. Robinson, m B.0.Uv.,
C.M.Z.S., (Ibis; Oct. 1915 ).
Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians, List of, in Raffles Museum,
Singapore. (1912 ).
Birds, Guide to, in the British Museum. (1910).
REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS.
Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vol. I. ( Lizards,
Tortoises and Turtles, Crocodiles). By Dr. Nelly -de Rooij.
(1915).
Snakes, The Poisonous Terrestrial, of our British Indian Domi-
nions. By Major F. Wall. (1907).
Snakes of Bangkok. By Dr. Malcolm Smith. (1915).
Reptiles and Amphibians, List of, in Raffles Museum. (1912).
Reptiles and Amphibians, Guide to, in the British Museum.
FISHES.
Fishes of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vol. I. 1911. Vol. II.
(1913). By Dr. Max Weber and Dr. L. F. de Beaufort.
Fishes, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Poissons d’ eau douce de |’Indo-Chine. By Dr. Jacques Pellegrin,
(1907).
INSECTS, ETC.
Butterflies, Paleearctic, Catalogue of Leech Collection. (1902 ).
Insects, Guide to the exhibited series of, in the British Museum.
(1909).
House F'ly as a danger to health (pamphlet). By Hrnest. E.
Austen. (19138).
Spiders, Descriptive Catalogue of the, of Burma. By T.
Thorell. (1895).
BOTANY.
Flora of Siam, Contributions to the, by Wm. Grant Craib, Ma
Dicotyledones. (1912). Monocotyledones. (19138).
JOURNALS, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Vol. XVII. 1916,
(in issue).
Arkiv for Botanik. Vols. XIII, XIV, (1913-1915).
» 4oologi. Vols. VIII, 1X, (1913- A
Bulletin du Jardin Botanique, No. 18, 20, 21, (19153.
Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums. Vols. L—VI.
(1905-1916).
Journal of the Siam Society. Vol. XI, (in issue).
Mededeelingen van het Laboratorium voor Plantenzieten. No. 18.
(1915%.
Records of the Indian Museum Vol. XI, (1915).
Zoologisch Biologisch. No. 10. (1914).
Handbook of Instructions for Collectors ( British Museum ).
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Abrornis superciliaris
Acanthopneuste borealis
plumbeitarsus
Wernenosaure armata
a crucigera
Accipiter virgatus
Acridotheres Geene
ey 154, 240
ks 151, 234.
24, 106, 149, 168, 197,205
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 197
+ orientalis 42, 83, 86
2 stentoreus 42, 196
Acrochordus javanicus 13, 187, 212
AAgialites dubia 235
“ placida ae: 235
Aigialitis dubia . 48, 152, 235
ts placida 235
Afgithina tiphia ... 42, 78, 166
Aithiopsar grandis ee 43, 106, 149, 168 205
Athopyga cara iar LEao Nel
ey dabryi ae 217
Mthorhynchus lafresnayii sve 166
= xanthotis 166
Alabes scriptus ea) doe 2s
Alcedo ispida ae .. 49, 150, 281
2 » bengalensis Ae 201
Alseonax latirostris .. 43, 169, 208
Alsocomus puniceus by Lol
Amaurornis fuscus 47
<5 phoenicurus : 48, 108, 152, 285
- a chinensis ae 239
Amblycephalus carinatus oe 215
‘ margaritophorus 215
moellendorfli 181, 215
Ampeli iceps coronatus ee cee 168
Amphiesma subminiatum eas eee 245
Anas haringtoni : 109
,», poecilorhyncha ~ FOS
,, zonorhyncha 109
Anastomus oscitans ade 30, 152
Ancistrodon blomhofhi ax hay G25
BS rhodostoma 7,07, 215
Anorrhinus tickelli wo» 145
Anthocincla phayrei ie LGA
Ef phayrii te LGA
Anthothreptes malaccensis ee 4 45, 129
Anthracoceros albirostris Ae 150, 219, 232
il JOURNAL NAT.
Anthus cervinas
» maculatus
» Tvichardi
bP) be)
i rufulus
) -striolatus
» trivialis maculatus
Arachnechthra flammaxillaris
Arachnothera longirostris
Arboricola brunneipectus
chloropus
Arctictis binturong
Arctonyx collaris
Ardea cinerea
» manillensis
Ardeola bacchus
e erayl
Ardetta cinnamomea
3 sinensis
Artamus fuscus
Arundinax aédon
Asarcornis scutulatus
Asio accipitrinus
Astur badius
,», poliopsis
Athene brama
Batrachostomus affinis
Baza _ lophotes
Bos bubalus
» frontalis
5 gaurus
5, sondaicus
5 porteri
Babalerts coromandus
Bufo asper
», melanostictus
Bungarus candidus
x fasciatus
7 flaviceps
a multicinctus
Butastur indicus
a liventer
Butorides javanica
striolatus
HIST. SOC. SIAM. Vol. I.
PAGE.
cnn, OS
149, 171
44,17]
ave i
44,171
. 198
af sean gel
a 129, 171
as onl val.
. 108
ge |
aoe
208
ee 31, 152
aye “eo doz
199, 236
wok 48752
48, 152, 236
eS
Me Ad Diiaa9
42, 83, 86, 167
: OS.
an 198
47, 234
cha we eee
sae EF hy cenlo
150
107, 123, lied 234
<1 140
bo. LEO
53, 110, eee 129. 148
38, 53, 110, 148
1, a0
31, 48, 152
130, 156
. 249
ie 7, 128, 244
4, 6, 58, 177, 187, 214
cee . é
fod
ee oe Ae
. 234
rr we» 2036
INDEX OF SPECIES, iil
Cacomantis merulinus an
» querulus ...
Calamaria pavimentata
Callialeyon lilacina
Calliope camtschatkensis
Callophis macclellandi ue
univirgatus
29 ob)
4 maculiceps
Caloperdix oculea__... ae
Calotes
Calotes cristatellus
emma
mystaceus
» versicolor
Campophaga melanoptera
neglecta
be]
99
oe)
Canis aureus
Capricornis
milne-edw nee
rubidus
: sp.
99
sumatrensis robinsoni
i s swettenhani
ts el thar
x thar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
ce macrurus ais
¥ t ambiguus
monticola
3)
Carcineutes pulchellus
Caretta squamata
Carpodacus erythrinus
Carpophaga zenea
» eenea
a eriseicapilla
Centropus bengalensis =
bengalensis
bP]
39 9
sinensis
>, intermedius
Cerberus rhynchops 568
Cervulus feze
muntjac
2)
29
a 5, curvostylis
Cervus eldi
», platyceros
unicolor
39
39
sumatrensis milne- aie da
"154, 256, 257
154, 240, 256, 257
- 168
“102, 213,
115, 116, 130, 148, §
Z 38.
3B, 18;
iV JOURNAL NAT, HIST. SOC.
Cervus unicolor equinus A
Ceryle varia eke
Ceyx tridactyla ae
,, tridactylus ee
Chaleoparia phoenicotis
Chalcophaps indica
Chaptia eenea
Charadrius fulvus
Chelone imbricata
Chersydrus granulatus
Chibia hottentotta
Chiropodomys
Chloropsis aurifrons ...
chlorocephala
™ hardwickil
Chrysocoecyx maculatus
Chrysocolaptes gutticristatus
9)
39
Chrysopelea ornata
Chrysophlegma flavinucha
Circus eeruginosus
». melanoleucus
Cissa chinensis
Cisticola cursitans
Cisticola volitans (exilis)
Cittocincla macrura
Coccystes coromandus
Collocalia fuciphaga
Columba intermedia
Coluber oxycephalus ae
radiatus
ks taenlurus
Copsychus saularis
Coracias affinis
Corvus insolens
» macrorhynchus
Corydon sumatranus
Corythocichla brevicaudata
Criniger burmanicus
be eutturalis
Crocopus phoenicopterus
9
be viridifrons
Crypsirhina varians :
Cryptolopha burki tephrocephala-
i tephrocephala
Cuculus micropterus
Culicicapa ceylonensis
eliroides) peguensis
one icus .
SIAM, S¥ol, W,
PAGE.
38, 117, 148
32, 45, 56, 150
118, 198, 281
. 231
i von AS
ies 15 234
167
AS, 152
4 24 8
14, 212, 244
106, 167
. 253
Bas ree HG04
105, 148, 166
sede:
<<. | 46
. 230
230
4,175, 187, 214, 24:7
229
hy
c 47, 234
122, 123, 144, 148, 164 -
42, 85
196, 197
_ 82, 149, 170
. 46, 107, 233
AG, 197
aS 7108
130; 155, 213
187, 213, 245
213
170
230
45 betta
42,76, 105, 148, 164
39, 130, 149, 229
mae cauld,
tae Ae
. 166
, 234
... 204
42, 76, 164
ac, OY
on OT
198, 232
mE)
95, 155,
32, 44, 106, 149,
AS. 106.150.
INDEX OF SPECIES. v
PAGE,
Cyanops asiatica 123, 217
Cyanops cyanotis sce fe ... 230
» davisoni 122, 123, 137, 149, 217, 230
2 ramsayl geo cee
Cyclemys dhor 23
Cylindrophis rufus se 10, 187, 212
Cymborhynchus macrorhynchus ... se 39, 149
Cyon rutilans 37, 04, 110, 147
Cyornis dialileema : GoGo
ae oatest = 269,
., rabeculoides . 149
Cy pselus pacificus 46
Dendralaphis caudolineatus meuele
i subocularis Meets
Dendroeitta himalayensis ie ee OA
a rufa . 164
Dendrocopus pectoralis . 45
Dendrocyena fulva 109
us javanica 29, 31, A8 109, 153
Dendrophis formosus 213
5. pictus 96, 176, 187, 213
4 subocularis 109
Diceeum chrysorhceum ne poe el al
+ cruentatum ix a5. 149,171
s ignipectus 217
Dichoceros bicornis iS 150, 231
Dicrurus ater 42, 81, 105, 148, 167
i cineraceus a 167
s leucogenys “42, 82
Dioptoma ae LOZ
‘ adamsi a. (OL
Dipsadomorphus cyaneus 914, 246
i cynodon wee 214
s dendrophilus .. 214
F hexagonatus . 214
a multimaculatus ,.. 173, 182, 187, 214
" nigriceps w 214
Dipsas cyanea _ 246
Dipterocarpus alatus 35
e tuberculatus Ee ae
Dissemurus paradiseus 42,82, 106, 148, 167
Dissura episcopus oe 30, 152
Distira cyanocincta _ 247
Fe tuberculata
. 247
vi JOURNAL NAT, HIST. SOC. SIAM.
Doliophis bivirgatus
. intestinalis
Draco blaufordi
3, Maasti
» maculatus
be 53 haasii
,, teenlopterus
33. voelans
Drymocataphus tickelli
Drymocathapes tickelli
Dryocalamus davisonii
Dryonastes chinensis
Dryophiops rubescens
Dryophis mycterizans
43 prasinus
Ducula griseicapilla
» Insignis griseicapilla
Dupetor flavicollis
Elanus ceeruleus
Klephas ‘maximus
Emberiza aureola
Be rutila
Enhydrina valakadien
~ velakadien
ie valakadyn
Enhydris hardwickii
Kpinys rattus
5 » poenitentiarii
a3 » portus
» surifer
Eudy namis honorata
Eulabes sp.
» Intermedia
Kurylemus javanicus
Kurystomus orientalis
3 “i calony x
5 orientalis
Excalfactoria chinensis
Falco severus
Felis bengalensis
» Chaus
» pardus
“ole a,
PAGE.
7, 187, 215
7, 215.
130, 153
239, 240)
239, 240
. 239
ots Joao
coe oS
was Le
pede
UB By.
130, 148,
re ey O14
174, 187,
185, 214,
108, 151,
.. 934
aa
171,
“177, 214,
(a7 Li; 214,
299,
221, 999’
32, 46, 107, 150,
106, 149,
213
164.
214,
247
234
48
A?
198
14.9
248
» 248
248
248
221
224,
223
222
233
33
168
wee ag
ool
230,
aol
. 231
Aq,
197,
. 198
36,
leh 7
14:7
ive M7
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Felis temmincki Ae
js eetISTIS eee
,, Viverrina
Francolinus chinensis
Galeopithecus volans
Galeopterus volans ee
Gallicrex cinerea mae
Gallinago ccelestis
53 gallinago
A megala
e stenura
Gallinula chloropus
Gallus ferrugineus
Gampsorhynchus torquatus
Garrulax diardi
3 moniliger
5 pectoralis
% strepitans
Garrulus leucotis
Gecinulus viridis
Gecinus chlorolophus
» nhigrigenis
» occipitalis
a striolatus
» Viridanus
Gecko verticillatus
Gennzeus lineatus Se
es sharpel oe
vol sbarpu
Geocichla citrina
Geoemyda grandis
Geopelia striata
Glareola orientalis
Glaucidium brodiei
- cuculoides
Glyphoglossus molossus
Gracula javana intermedia
Graculipica nigricollis
Graucalus dobsoni
“ macel
se macil ace
J sumatrensis .P
Grus antigone
5, Sharpii :
Gymnodactylus marmoratus eee
33, 43, 106, 12
47, 120,151, 235
143, 147
Se AE
48, 109, 152, 236
40, 108, 151, 235
33, 105, 148, 164
w. 45, 197, 229
9, 149, 168, 204
165, 217
106, 229
176, 239
150, 233
er is
130, 153
JOURNAL NAT. HIST.
vill
Haleyon pileata
smyrnensis
"7 fusca
Haliastur indus
Hapalomys longicaudatus
Haplopeltura boa...
Harpactes erythrocephalus
. orescius
vs oreskios
Hemicercus canente
Hemidactyius frenatus
- platyurus
Hemilophus pulverulentus
Hemipus picatus
Henicurus leschenaulti
a. schistaceus
Herpeton tentaculatum
Herpornis xantholeuca
Hierococcyx sparverioides
Hipistes hydrinus
Hipposideros armiger
$9
* diadema
me lylei
34 pratti
Hirundo gutteralis
Homalopsis buccata
Hopea odorata
Hoplopterus ventralis
Huhua nepalensis
Hurria rynchops
Hydrochelidon hybrida
Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Hydrophis czerulescens
A diadema
“s fasciatus
5 gracilis
i jerdonii
zs klossi
. nigrocinctus
.) ornatus
Ls tuberculatus
viperina
Hydrophobus davisonii
Hydrus platurus
Hylobates agilis
. lar
Hypotaenidia striata
Hypothymis azurea
SOC.
SIAM.
32, 47, 107,
115,
103, 126, 187,
8)
36,
Vol. I-
PAGE.
AD Dead
45, 231
eo
Tok
254.
215
107, 232
150, 232
to wee
5. 200
au. 208
sss 209
we eo
thoy
ss RW)
170
214
PAN)
46, 232
103, 214
49, 50
147,
at, 100, ‘101, 187, 213
34, 133
ia 275)
150, 217
sd AIG
se
109, 152
ie lt
Se Ae
= 214
x. BIA
2 mA
eee
eae!
214
O14, 247
. 214
142, 146
47
43, 149, 169, 209
INDEX OF SPECIES. ix
Hypothymis azurea styani
Hypsipetes concolor
Hy psirhina bocourti
7. chinensis
P enhydris
oe jagoril
A plumbea
smithu
Hystrix bengalensis
98 orotei
Tbis melanocephala
Tole olivacea
Irena puella
Tyngipicus canicapillus
lynx torquilla
Kketupa zeylonensis
Lachesis gramineus
As monticola
Bs purpureomaculatus
Lamprophorus tenebrosus
Lanius collurioides
» eristatus
, lucionensis
5 higriceps
7 longicaudatus
Le .pidodacty lus cevlonensis
Leptoptilus dubius
Lepus siamensis
»» peguensis
Limonidromus indicus
Liolepis belliana
Locustella certhiola
Re lanceolata
Lophospizias trivirgatus
Lophotriorchis kieneri
Lophura diardi
Loriculus vernalis
Luciola italica
PAGE.
169, 170
Fe OG
100, Loy pole
EE 101, 213
100, 126, 187, 213
Oo, 10k. 213
156, 185, 213
1095 10%, 213
sand
141, 147
- 930
. 233
6, 183, 187, 215, 248
192, 193
a JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC
Lusciniola aédon
Lycodon aulicus
ue fasciatus
laoensis
subcinctus...
Lygosoma anguinoides
99
A bowringil
53 isodactylum
¥ maculatum
4 olivaceum
33 ophioscincus
55 vittigerum
Lyncornis cerviniceps
Mabuia
» macularia
multifasciata
Macacus arctoides
- cynomolgus
e nemestrinus
3 rufescens
Macropistodon rhodomelos
Macropteryx coronata
Macropy gia ruficeps
ie tusalia
Manis javanica
Pea)
Megaleema marshallorum
5 virens
Melanochlora sultanea Bac
in sultana flavocristata
Melittophagus swinhoei
ns swinholl af
Merops orientalis birmanus see
philippinus
. ) -vinidis
Metopidius indicus
Microhierax eutolmus
ah fringillarius
Microhyla berdmorii
Micropternus brachyurus
5 pheeoceps coe
* »» pheeoceps ...
Miglyptes jugularis re
Milvus govinda ate
» melanotis
99
. SIAM. ~Vol. 7.
PAGE.
7 86, 167
a2. £6, R37, 283
nt oe. 2ES
213, 255
xe ahd
67, 130
154, 243
61, 127
154, 243
150, 154
sae | WS
130, 154
150, 232
te
oa
x, Bee
i 446
28, 146
36, 146
142, 146
cote
07
1 285
151, 217
us 048
_ 39
ey,
217, 230
0) laeaaiiaG
a ... 166
cn 281
nwa ZBL
eal
45, 150
wh . 281
31, 109, 152, 199
4 ORR
32, 151
wis 949
as .. 149
198, 230
... 230
... 280
31, 47, 151
47, 151
INDEX OF SPECIES. x
PAGE.
Mirafra cantillans 44, 197
5» microptera a AE
Pe Oe . 197
Mixornis gularis ae earn
‘ rubricapillus ee 42, 77,7 78, 148, 165
Molpastes atricapillus es va »~ 166
% germaini Sit pee 7,
Monticola cyanea we’ got LEO
» Solitaria philippensis Bae ol ZAU
Motacilla alba we’ A4, 196
- ,, Jeucopsis rar el
3 boarula melanope ae L#1
borealis om 44, 171
Oy leucopsis o 171, 196
melanope np ltl
Miilleripicus pulverulentus harterti 204, 200
Munia atricapilla 170, 198
Myiophoneus eugenii . 165
in temmincki Gs
Naia bungarus 7, 214
., tripudians 6, 179, 187, 214
Natrix piscator fe ... 244
Me subminiata ee 245
Nemorhaedus 20
. bubalinus 21
4 goral 26
> sp. 393
es sumatrensis ree : Zl
es milne-edwardsi ... eee v2!
rt Js bubalinus al
a a rubidus ee hee |
= swettenhami 20
Nettopus coromandelianus i 109, 153
Ninox scutulata ; Ae 150, 233
Nycticebus tardigradus 30, 146
Nycticorax griseus sa Seabee ie)
Nyctiornis amictus eee 130, 150
Ee athertoni . 231
(Mnopopelia tranquebarica
- humilis
Ophioscincus australis
31, 47, 151, 235
, 235
68
X11 JOURNAL, NAT.
Opuntia dillenii
Oreicola ferrea
Oreocincla dauma
Oriolus indicus
» melanocephalus
Orthotomus atrigularis
* sutorius
Osmotreron bicincta
= phayrei
. pompodora phayrei
“f vernans
Otocompsa emeria
- flaviventris
Otogyps calvus
Oxyglossis laevis
. lima
Ls martensil
Paleeornis fasciata
5 fasciatus
5 finschi
5 indoburmanicus
io rosa
ie schisticeps
torquatus
pandion haliaétus
Paradoxurus hermaphrcditus
Passer domesticus
,, flaveolus
a. montanus
Pavo muticus
Pelargopsis gurial
burmanica
Pelicanus philippensis
Pellorneum subochraceum
Penthoceryx sonnerati
Pericrocotus cinereus
fraterculus
S peregrinus
Petrophila cyanus
- solitaria
Phalacrocorax carbo
javanicus
Pretinas castus
\ consanguineus
HIST. SOC. SIAM. tole Ws
PAGE.
34
se =e let ao
170
43, 149, 168, 201
"39, 43, 106. ; 149, 168, 202
é S 2, 89
au 7 84
5 89.107. 154
107, 451, 234
. 234
ahah rate
AD 792166
105, 148, 166
al, 47,415
. 248
apie) 6
. 248
233
_ 107, 118, 150, 197, 233
46, 197
=e else
29, 37, 147
oe cw OO
ae Seat en
4 44, 106
ve AO, TOS: Tal
43, 90, 106, 119, 168
SCE 44, 170
ub jac Ad 170
se oy 31, 152
. 152
ike is ga
195, 194
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Photinus marginellus
pyralis
Be scintillans
Photodilus badius
Phylloscopus borealis
fuscatus
- sapercillosus
Physignathus mentager
* cochinehinensis
Picumnus innomitatus
Picus canus occipitalis
be)
be)
Pinus merkusii
Piprisoma modestum
* squalidum
Pitta cucullata
» cyanea
» cyanoptera
oatesi
Platurus laticaudatus
Platysternum megacephalam
Ploceus manyar
» Megarhynchus
Plotus melancgaster
Polioaétus humilis
rs ichthyaétus
Pohiohierax insignis
Polyplectron thibetanum
Polyplectrum chinquis
Polyodontophis collaris
” geminatus
Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps
cS olivaceus
=) tickelli
Porphyrio poliocephalus
Pratincola caprata
ts in bicolor
¥ leucura
a maura
Presbytis harbei
Ri femoralis
4 germalai
- obscurus
» phayrei
Prinia blanfordi
Prionodon maculosus
Prymnomiodon chalceus
Psammodynastes pulverulentus
chlorolophus chlorolophus
xiii
PAGE.
te ie UGA
193, 194
42, 86, 88
130, 155, 212, 244
oh 44, 196
2 Kalaaeays
142, 144, 146
117, 142, 146, 252
116, 142, 146
"156, 174, 214
XIV JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOG: STAM. Wolo:
Psammophis condanarus
Psarisomus dalhousize
* dalhousize ...
Pseudogyps bengalensis
Pseudotantalus leucocephalus
Pterocarpus indicus
Pteropus edulis
Ptiloleemus tickelli
Pycnonotus analis
5 atricapillus
fi blanfordi
finlaysoni
plumosus
Py rrhopicus pyrrhotis
Python curtus
» molurus
* . teticulatus
Querquedula circia
3%”
Rallina fasciata
» superciliaris
Rana doriee
», erythraea
limnocharis
macrodon
nigrovittata
tigrina
Ratufa melanopepla
Rhacophorus leucomystax
Rhinoceros sondaicus
ve sumatrensis
Rhinolophus luctus
Rhipidura albicollis
= javanica
Rhizomys badius
sumatrensis
Rhopody tes diardi
tristis
» hainanus
Rhy tidocer os subruficollis
undulatus
bi
99
querquedula ( circia S
PaGE.
17, 94, 187, 218
. 229
Ree)
31, 47, 16%
» Le2
see OO
29, 14/
bist dow
42, 79
aol
80, 166, 196
148, 166
42, 196
gaa.
10
10, 212
9, 10, 126, 155, 187, 212, 244
31, 18
. 153
ad LOO
saan, SOO
. 249
249
_ 96, 248, 249
130, 156
... 249
vse, 248
135, 147
at LO
136, 147
136, 148
. 147
ae
48, 129, 149, 210
Ber vee ef
37, 147
cae, OZ
107, 233
. 233
. 150
, 232
INDEX OF SPECIES. RY
PaGu.
Rollulus roulroul te Ne ey Mol
Rostratula capensis sos 48, 54, 109, 236
Sarcogrammus atrinuchalis oh 48, 109, 152, 235
asia ochracea os ~~ vue: ed
Sauropatis chloris Ae ster ee eG
Sciurus albivexilli ae kag 226, 227
5 atrodorsalis BNE sad on AZ
s., bicolor one se sae LAT
5, . bocourti oe 160, 227, 228
+ _ dextralis bis ae wench
ra » , ylei ses a sag SONA
x (lox she re soe Deed
+ 3 sinistralis ais ie re 7
5 - caniceps a Bf seaty be
», epomophorus a5: i ww» 147
» ferrugineus a 157, 226, 227
x 5 cinnamoneus ae 226, 227
a 3 frandseni_.... sae 220, 227
» finlaysoni 157, 158, 159, 160, 225, 226, 227, 228
- - finlaysoni ae 158, 159, 225, 226
is * folletti , 159, 162, 227
re 3 portus 158, 159, 161, 225, 226, 227
. Hower me dd 160, 22
5» germaini ont ee Hecnee
» harmandi be so 226, 227
» Mmacclellandi barbei a ids 0 AAG
Scolopax rusticula fe bai 4.0 109
Scops baccamcena lempiji as Fas .. 233
» bakkaimcena a ... 46, 150, 23838
» eit cat sds a AG
Semnopithecus sp. any ae ees
Serilophus lunatus Nee Fe ide CUD
As lunatus be dad mere 4)
Shorea cee ee w. 40
3 Obiusa aes ie 34, 35
» - robusta as aS we OO
», slamens’s ine AS ame YOO
Simotes cyclurus 97, 98, 99, 187, 213, 245
2 inornatus 5 Se 68, 130, 213, 245
re mouhoti ae wn FO 29a a7
,, purpurascens sie fee ... 2138
re quadrilineatus si fc Eee Al,
: taeniatus ak 69, 70, 98, 187, 213
., violaceus
Xvi JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC. STAM.
Siplia albicilla
Sitta cinnamomeiventris
cinhamoventris
99
frontalis
”
» heglecta
Sphenocerus apicauda
Spilornis cheela
a] » vrutherfordi
Spizaétus limnaétus
Stachyrhidorsis rufifrons
Stoparola melanops
Streptopelia turtur meena
33
Strix flammea
Sturnia malabarica
nemcericola
» sinensis
Sturnopastor floweri
i superciliaris
Surniculus lugubris
Sus cristatus
29
Tabanus rubidus
a striatus
Tachornis infumatus
Tapirus indicus
Tectona grandis
Tephrodornis pelvicus
ks pondicerianus
Terpsiphone affinis
f inci
Testudo elongata
5 vemys
Thalassophis annandalii
Thaumatibis gigantea
Thereiceryx lineatus
" lineata hodgsoni
*
we)
suratensis tigrina
43, 149,
Led
39,
eee
pheeostricta saigonensis
Thriponax feddeni
a javensis feddeni
Tiga javanensis
Tinnunculus alaudarius
Totanus calidris
» hypoleucus
» gilareola
A,
io)
e
33, 43, 149,
168, 169, 206,
see
3, 123, 149, 169,
196, 208,
“106, 198, 2:
48, a
48,
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Totanus glottis
3 ochropus
Tragulus javanicus
Treron nepalensis
Trimeresurus gramineus
Tringa subminuta
» temmincki
Tringoides hypoleucos
Trirhinopolis nuchalis
Tropicoperdix chloropus
Tropidonotus chrysargus
ms nigrocinctus
be piscator
A stolatus
: subminiatus
tigrinus
ub upaia ferruginea
Turdinus abbotti
Turnix blanfordi
- pugnax
Turtur orientalis
, tigrinus
Typhlops albiceps
braminus
floweri
lineatus
nigroalbus
schneideri
siamensis
Upupa indica
5. pops indica
Urocissa occipitalis
Uroloncha acuticauda
ee punctulata
Ursus malayanus
torquatus
33
Varanus nebulosus
Vipera russel]ii
Viverra zibetha
‘A, 14, 155, 187, 212,
XVll
PAGE.
. 48, 109,
39,
151,
2199
236
148
234:
248
. 199
“199
- 236
155:
130, 155, 213,
213,
16,
15, 187, 213,
30,
: Yip
“I5h 197,
215
235
244,
244,
244,
213
245
2138
147
197
235
ze L08
. 235
at eae
239
8, 212
212
ont ok
8, 123, 187,
124, 125,
8,
185,
150, 198,
212
212
212
212
232
. 232
122,
Ad.
147,
40, 148, 154, 2
6, 182, 187,
36,
164
170
4h
254
. 147
242
215
147
xVill JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC. SIAM. Vol. .
PaGE.
Xantholeema hematocephala ae ... 45, 149, 230
Xenopeltis unicolor 455 is 12, 187,212
Xenorhynchus asiaticus ae ie 30, 152
Xylia dolabriformis ee see Bee 2)
Zamenis korros ie 94, 187, 213
a mucosus oe 4, 93, 187, 213
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