Fauna of British India - 1

u
P
S
THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA

iNCLuniKo
CEYLON AND BURMA /

Published vnobu the avthoritv of the Sechetary op State for India in Council.
EDITED BY STB /iKIHUK
HON.
7).So.
E. SHII'LEY, G.li.E., M.A., So.D.Oantob.,
Princ(!ton,HON. LL.D. Michigau, F.E.S.
BIRDS.-VOL.
(Second Edition.)
I.
E. C.
STUART BAKEK,
O.B.E., F.Z.S., Etc>
N 1) N TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

L
OALODTTA:
THACKEK, SPINK, & CO.
{ I
BOMBAY:
THACKEE &
CO.,
LIMITED.
Juhj, 1022.
ALKKK
I-I.AM5IAM.
TR1NTEJ>
li
TAYLOK
CdVKT,
^f
FRANCIS,
UKI) LIOS
ri.KI'.T
STllKET.
PREFACE.
Thk
first:
volume
l)y
Mr.
Oiites
on
tho Birds of
British
India was
published
in 188'.)
it
under the editorship of Dr.

in
W.
T.
Bliinford
and
was then estimated that

enumerated
this
and the three succeeding volumes the number of species

<lnalt
with
would exceed
ol:
those
in
Jerdon's
classical " Birds
India " by more than
one half.
Mr.
Oatos had been able to come to England on furlough and
was
tiius abl(^
to
utilize the collection of
Indian birds in
the British
collections
Museum, which
Mr. Ihuue's
included
of
amongst other large

CO, 000
skins.
collection
Tho
second of the volumes written by Mr. Gates appeared the

following year
of his
Init
as he
was unable
to obtain
an extension
two years' furlough he had

snuiller
to be content with issuing

Still,
a
ill
somewhat
volume than usual.
he succeeded
covering the whole of the Passerine birds, the largest

ditficult of all the
and most
great orders.
The two remaining volumes on

Dr.
Birds were
written by
W.
T. Blantord
and jiublished respectively in 1895 and
1898.
These volumes on lUrds have been for

print,
many
years out of
and there
It
is
lias
been a constant demand for a re-issue of

the
them.
therefore with great pleasure that with
sanction of the authorities of the India Office T have been

able to secure the services of Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker in
preparing this
much needed
view edition.
a2
IV
PEEFAOE.
Dr. Blanford died
in 1905.
For twenty-seven years he
had been a member of the Indian Gfological Society and
had acquired a wide and deep knowledge of the geology of But he was a man of the utmost width that great Empire.
of scientific interest.
During
his
many journeys ho kept a

it
keen eye on the fauna of British India and
was
this first-
hand knowledge that enabled him so successfully to complete the great work begun by Mr. Gates. Dr. Blanford was an
indefatigable worker and everything that he wrote
was of
the
highest order of merit, marked by thoroughness and
accuracy.
Mr. Gates survived

and had devoted
British India.
his editor
by
six years.
He
had spent
of India
thirty-two years in the Public

all
Works Department
his sjjare time to the ornithology
of
He was
chiefly stationed in
Burma and was
undoubtedly the world's authority on the birds of that country. His " Birds of Britislj Burma " in two volun^cs is
still
a standard work, though
it
has perhaps been to some

in
extent replaced
India."
by his later work
"The Fauna
of British
He
is
described by those
but at times hot-tempered
who knew him as being a lovable man but officials who have spent
;
a large part of their lives in the tropics are apt <o be a
little
hot-tempered.
The
fact that
Mr. A. G.
Hume made
o7er to
Gates the whole of his notes and correspondence when the latter was preparing his work on " The Nests and Eggs of
Indian Birds"
testifies to
the high regard he inspired in his
contemporaries.
Gn
his retirement he
was requested by th
catalogue their large
Trustees of the British
Museum
to
collection of British eggs,
and he prepared a manuscript

50,000
specimens.
of four volumes, covering about

first
The
his
two volumes
of this catalogue
were issued during
lifetime.
Both he and Dr. Blanford are splendid examples of men carrying on thorough scientific work in the rare and sporadic
intervals of exacting, official duties.
VKEfACiS.
Those who are responsible
for issuing these
volumes
may
to
well congratulate themselves on having secured the services

of Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker.
all
Mr. Baker
is
well
known
those in India
who take an
interest in ornithology
and
big
all
game
shooting.
Ho
is
equally
known
to Ornithologists
over the world as a regular contribator for more than
thirty years to the
"Ibis" and "Bombay Natural History

His volnnies on Indian
all
Society's Journal."
Game
Birds are
standard works and
who read
these pages
will recog-
nise in his vivid descriptions of the habits
and song
of birds
the work of a first-hand authority.
The author has produced a work which combines the

highest scientific
enabl(5S
standard
with a system
which readily
the sportsman or amateur
to identify the various
birds of British India.
He
has himself drawn attention to
the impnrative need of the trinominal system of

clature and he has modernised
the
nomenspecific
generic and
names
in
accordance with the
rules of the International
Congress.
In some cases
it
will be noticed
that there
is
no name
following the words "vernacular names."
In these cases
sportstiien
fill
none have been recorded, but

naturalists in India
it is
hoped that
and
may
of
in
time be able to
up these
for the
blanks.
plates
The extremely accurate and living drawings

are the
work
the
author.
They
have
been
admirably reproduced by Messrs. Bale
&
Danielsson.
7th July, 1922.
A. B.
SHIPLEY.
SYSTEMATIC INDEX.
Page
Order
I.
T.
PASSEHES
10
18-
Family C o b v i d vE 1. Genus Corvus Linn 1. corax JJnn

corax laurencei (Hume) 2. corax tibetanus (Uodgs.) 3. corax ruficollis (Lesson) 2. corone Litw. 4. corone orientalis (Eversm.) 3. coronoides Gould
1.
20'
21 21
23 23 24 24
25>
5.
(5.
corojioides levaillaiiti (Less.)
27
28-
coronoides ciilminat.us (Sykes) coronoides intermedins (Adams)
7.
2&
29 30 30 32 32 32
coronoides andamanensis (STyiiffr) 4. frugilegns Linu 9. frugilegns tschusii Ilartert

8. 5.
comix Linn 10. comix
sharpii (Oates)
6. spleiidens Vieill
11. splendens splendens (Vieill.)
12. splendens zugmaj'eri (Lauhm.)

13. splendens isolens
33 34
34 35 36 36 37 38 38 39 39 40 40
41
(Hume)
14. splendens protegatus

7.
Madar
(Fischer)
2.
monedula Linn 15. monedula soemmeringii Genus Pica Brisson

8. pica (Linn.)
16. pica bactriana
Bonap
17. pica serioa
Gould)
18. pica bottanensis (Delessert)

3,
Genus Urocisaa Cahanis

9.
melanooephala (Lath.) 19. melanooephala melanooephala (Lath.) .... 20. melanooephala occipitalis (Blyth) 21. melanooephala magnirostris (BlytK)
22. flavirostris flavirostris (Blyth) 23. flaviroatrie Gucullata (Gould)
41
10. flavirostris (Blyih)
42 43 43
44
vm
I.
srsTEMATro index.
Family C o b v i b je (cont.). 4. Genus Cissa Boie

11. chinensis (Bodd.) 24. chinensis chinensis (Bodd.)
Page
12. ornata
5.
Wagler)
Genus Dendrocitta Gould 13. rufa {Latham) 25. Tufa rufa {Latham) 26. rufa vagabunda {Latham) 27- rufa sclateri, subsp. nov 28. rufa kinneari, subsp. nov
29. rufa saturatior {Ticehurst)
14. leucogastra Gould 15. sinensis {Lath.) 30. sinensis himalayensis [Bbjth)
45 46 45 40 47 48 48 50 50
51 51 51 52 52
31. sinensis assimilis

16. frontalis
6.
{Hume)
McChll
17. bajleyi TiiUer
53 54 55
56 56 57 58 58 59 60
Genus Crypsirhina Vieill 18. varians {Latham)

19. cuculiata Jerdon
7.
8.
Genus Platysraurus linch 20. leucopterus (Tcmm.) Genus Garrulus Brisg

21. lanceolatus Vigors 22. leucotis Hume 32. leucotis leucotis
23. bispccularis Vigors
(Hume)
61 61
33. leucotis oatesi (Sharpe)
34. bispccularis bispccularis
Vigors)
35. bispccularis interstinotus Hartert
36. bispccularis persaturatus Hartert 37. bispeeularis haringtoni (Rippon)

9.
Genus Nucifraga Brisg 24. caryocatactes Linn

38. caryocatactes hemispila 25. multipunctata Ooidd
(
Vigors)
10.
Genus Pyrrhocorax
Vieill
26. pyrrhocorax (Linn.) 27. graenlus {Linn.)

11.
Genus Podoces Fischer

28. humilis
Hume
62 63 63 64 65 65 66 66 66 67 68 68 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 76 76
II.
12.
Family Pabid^: Genus Farus Linn 29. major Linn

39. major cinereus (Ftt'M.) 40. major intermedius (Sarudny) 41. major kasohmiriensis Hartert
sySTBJlATIC INDEX.
II.
IX
12.
Family P 4. r 1 1) (oont.). Genus Parus (cont.). 42. major planorum Nartert 43. major mahratturum Hartert 44. major tibetanus llartert 45. major commixtus {SwinJioe) 30. nuohnlis Jerdon
31. monticolus Vi<jors 46. monticolus moiiticolus ( Vi<jors) 32. cyanus Pallas 47. cyanus tianschaiiicus Meiizbier 33. palustris Linn 48. palustris korejewi (Zarud. Harnu) .... 49. palustris poecilopsis {Sliarpe)
tjj-
Page
77 77 78 78 79 80
80
81 81
13.
Genus Lophophanes
Katt^)
34. melanolophus {Vigors) 35. ater {Linn.) 50. ater SDinoditis {Hodgs.) 3fi. rubidiventris {Jilyth) 37. rufonuchalis {Hlyth)
51. rufoimchalis rufonnchalis {Blytli)
.....
52. rufouuchalis beavani ( Blytli) 38. dichrous {llodyn.) 53. dichrons diclirous {llodgs.) 54. dichrons wellsi Stuart Baker
14.
82 82 82 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 86 86
87 87 88 88 88 88 89 89 89 89
91 91 91
Genus Sylvipams Burton 39. modestus Burton

55. modestus modostus {Burton) 56. modestus sinilaen.sis Stuart Baker 57. modestus saturatior {llippon)
15. Genus Maoblolophus Cahanis 40. spilonotus {Blyth) 68. spilonotus spilonotus {Blyih) 59. spilonotus subviridis {Tickell) 41. xanthogonys ( Vigors) 60. xanfhogenys xanthogenj-s {Vigors) 61. xanthogenys aplonotus {Blyth)
16.
Genus
-lEgithaliscus Cahanis
42. coneiiinus Gould 62. coneiiinus iredalei Stuart Baker 63. eoncinnus manipurensis {Hume) 64. ooneinuuB pulchellus (Rippon)
65. coucinnus talifuons's {Rippon) 43. bonvaloti Oustaht 66. bonvaloti bonvaloti {Ousialtt) 67. bonvaloti sharpei {Rippon) 44. leuoogenys {Moore) 45. uiveogularis {Moore) 46. iosohistos (Modgs.)
92 93 93 93 94 95 95 96 96 97 97 98 99
X
II
.
BVSTEJIATIC INIKX.
17.
Family P a e i d jj (cont.). Genus llemiz St^Jn

47. coronatus (Swertz.)
IS.
Page 100
Genus Melanochlora Lesson

48. sultanea {Hodgs.)
68. sultanea sultanea (I/odi/s.)
100 101 101 101
69. sultanea flavocristata (Lafres.)

III.
102
103 103 104 105 105 106 107 108 1 09 109 109 110 Ill Ill Ill Ill 112 112 113 113
1
19.
Family P a u a b o x o Genus Conostoma
it
i r
md
js
//yrff/s
49. sBinodiuni Uodijs
20.
Genus raradoxornis Gould

50. flavirostris
Omdd
51 . guttaticoUis David
21.
Genus Suthora Hodgs

52. unicolor (llod<js.) 53. ney)alensis Hodgit
54. poliotis
/JZ/<A
70. poliotis poliolis (Blyth)
71. poliotis liuinii (S/iarpe)
72. ])aliotis lea; (Snlvadori)

73. poliotis ripponi (iSharjie) 55. gulans (J-forxf.) 74. gulnris craddocki (Jiinr/liam)
56. webbiaiia Slater

75. weliliiauii lirunnea (Anderson)
57. fulvifroiis llod(js

76. fulvifroiis fulvifroiis [IJudya.)
58. ruficepR (Blyth) 77. ruficeps rufioeps (Blyth)

78. ruficeps atrosupcrciliaris
14
Oodw.-Aust
22.
Genus Neosuthora Ilellmayr

59. davidiaua (Gray)
114 114 115

1
15
79. davidiana tliompsoni (Bingham)

23.
Genus Psittiparus Helhnayr

60. ruficeps (Blyth)
80. ruficeps ruficeps (Blyth)
81. ruficeps bakeri (Hartert) 61. gularis (Gray) 82. gularis gularis (Gray) 83. gularis transfluvialis (Hartert)
115 116 116 116 117 118 118 118 120 121 122 3 23 123 123
IV. Family
24.
Sittid;e
Sitta
Genus
Linn
4'
62. himalayensis Jard.

63. victorisB Bippoii
Selhy
64. castaneiventn's
Frank
. .
84. castaneiventris eastaneiventris (JFVan^.)
STeTBMATlC INDEX.
XI
IV. Family S i t 1
24.
Genus
1 r (cont). Sitta (cont.).
Page
.
85. castaneivoiitris cinnamoventris {Bh/th) 86. castaneiveiitris nefrlecta

(
WaW.)
65. europsea Linn

87. europiea iiagaousis (Godw.-Aust.) 66. kashmiriensis Brooks 67.
68.
magna
Wardl.-lianismj
(Sfiarpe)
neumayer MicJiahtlhs 88. neumayer tephronota
69. leucopsis Gould

89. leucopsis leucopsis (Gould)
70. formosa Bhjth

71. frontalis Hursf. 90. frontalis frontalis (Horsf.)
125 126 127 127 128 128 129 129 130 130 131 132 132
V. Family T i m a x d .e Subfamily Tima liukm 25. Genus Dryonastes Sharpe 72. ruficollis {Jard. Sf Selhi/) 73. nuchalis (Godw.Aust.)
74. chinensis (Scoji.)
IM
136 138 139 140 141 141 l4l 141 142
91. chinensis leucogcnys [Blytli)

7iJ.
cserulatus {IJodf/s.)
92. cajrulatus cairulatus (Hod<js.')

93. cserulatus subcserulatus (JJume)
9-1.
cajrulatus Jiuurensis {Kippon)
76. sannio (Swinh.)
77. galbanus (Godiv.-Aust.) 26.
Genus Garrulax Lesnon

78. leucolophus (Ilardw.)
95. leucolophus leucolophus
143 144 145 145 146

146 148 148 149 150 150 151 151 151 152
(Hardw.)
96. lcucoloi)hus bolangeri (Lesn.)
97. leucolophus diardi (Less.)

79. delesserti (Jerd.)
.
SO. pectoralis (Gould) 98. pectoralis pectoralis (Gould)
99. pectoralis semitorquata (Ogilvie-Orant) 81. moniliger (Hodgs.) 100. moniliger moniliger (Hodgs.) 101 moniliger fuseata Stuart Baker
.
82. gularis (McClell.) $3. albogularis (Gould) 102. albogularis albogularis (Gould)
103. albogularis whistleri Stuart Baker

84. Btrepitans Bhjth 27. Genus lanthocincla Gould 86. ocellata (Vigors)
104. ocellata ooellata
Vigors)
152 158 153 154 154 155 156 155
Xll
BTSTEMATIC INDEX.
V. Pamily
27.
TiUAhtiVM (cont.).
lanfchocincla (cont.).
Genus
Page
86. cineracea (Oodw.-Aust) 105. cineraooa cineracea (Godw.-Atist.)
106. cineracea styani (Oustalet) 87. rufogularis Gould 107. rufogularis rufogularis (Govld) 108. rufogularis assameusis Hartert 109. rufogularis occidcntalis Hartert 88. austeni {Oodw.-Anst.) 110. austeni austeni (Godw.-Avixt.) 111. austeni victorisB {Itippon)
28.
Genus Trochalnpterum
Ho'ltjH
89. erythrocephalum ( Vigors) 112. erythrocephalum oryUirocepbulum(Fi(7or) 113. erythrocephalum erythroltema (Hume) 114. erj'throcephalum iiigiimentum (Oules) 115. erythrocephalum godwini //arm^'iOJi .... 116. erythrocephalum woodi Stuart Balcer ....
. . .
.
156 156 157 1 58 158 159 159 160 160 161 161 162
16'^
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95. 06. 97.
98. 99.
164 164 165 166 166 117. erythrocephalum chrysopterum (Gould) 167 18. erythrocephalum melanostigma (Blyih) 119. erythrocephalum ramsayi ((>7i7vt ff !<; 168 168 phceniceum (Gould) 1 68 120. phceniceum phceniceum ( Gould) 169 121. phoeniceem bakeri Hartert 170 122. phceniceum ripponi (Gates) milnei Davki 170 170 128. milnei sharpei (Ii'p))on) 171 subunicolor (Ilodga.) 124. subunicolor subunicolor (HodcfS.) 171 172 affine (Hodgs.) 125. affine affine (Ifodga.) 172 173 varigatum ( Vigors) 126. variegatum variegatum ( Vigors) 173 174 127. variegatum simile {Hume) squamatum (Gould) 174 caohinnans Jerd 176 128. caohinnans cinnamomeum Davison 177 jerdoni (^Bli/th) 177 129. jerdoni jerdoni (Blgth) 177 130. jerdoni fairbanki (/ilanf.) 178 131. jerdoni meridionale (Blanf.) 178 virgatum Godw.-Aust 179 lineatum (Yigm-s) 180 132. lineatum lineatum ( Vigors) 180 133. lineatum griseioentior (Fflfrtr) .. .... 181 134. lineatum gilgit {Hartert) 182 136. lineatum aiaratensis {Tieelmrsi) 182 136. lineatum imbricatum {Blpth) 183
1
.
.' .'
SYSTEMATIC INDEX.
XIU
V. Family
TimaliidjE
(cont).
2S, Gentis Trochalopteram (cont,). 100. henrici OuHalet 29.
Page
Genus Grainmatoi>tila
lieichenb
101. striata ( Vigorg) 137. striata striata {Vigors) 138. striata austeni (Outes) 30. Gonus Stuctocicha SJtarpe 102. merulina {Bl,/th) 13!). merulina merulina (Bli/th) 31. Genus fiabax David 10:i. lanceoktus ( Verr.) 140. lanceolatus lanceolatus (Verr.) 141. lanceolatus victorise [liippon) 104. waddelli Dresser 32. Genus Turdoidos CreUschmar 105. terricolor {Ho<Ujs.) 142. terricolor terricolor (Hodgs.) 143. terricolor malabaricus (Jerd.) 144. terricolor sindianus Ticehurst 106. griscus {(Inul.) 14.5. griseus griseus (Omel.)
14().
183 184 184 184 186 186 186 186 187 187 187 188 189 190
191
1.91
prisoiis striatus [JSwaiiis.)
107. somervillei {lî/lces) 1 08. rufescens (Bh/th) 109. cinereifrons (Blijth) 33. Genus Argyii Lesson 110. earlii (BL/th) 111. caudata (Dtimont) 1-J7. caudata caudata {Jhnnont) 148. caudata hvLtioiaiiBhjth) 112. gularis {Blyth) 1 13. malcolmi (Sykes) 114. subrufa (Jerdon) 115. longirostris (Ilodgs.) 34. Genus Acanthoptila Blyth 116. nipaleusis (Hodgs.) 35. Genus Poinatorhinus Jlorsf 117. schisticeps Hodgs 149. schisticeps schisticeps (Hodgs.)
. . . .
192 193 193 193 194 194 195 196 196 197 198 198 199 1 99 200 201 202
150. schisticeps erj'ptnnthus HaHert 151. schisticeps mearsi (Ogilvie- Grant) 152. schisticeps pinwilli (Sharpe) 118. nuchalis Twetildale 119. olivaoeus Blyth 153. olivaceus olivaoeus (Blyth) 154. olivaceus ripponi (Haringtm)
. .
120. horsfieldi%it 155. horsfieldi holsfleldi (Sykes)
203 204 205 205 206 207 207 208 208 209 209 210 210 210
XlV
V.
STSTKSIAIIO IJSDKX.
Family T i i a hid m. {cont.). 35. Genus Poraatorhinus {cont.).

156. horstieldi obsourus (J/ume) 157. horsfieldi trarancoricnsis ^rigr<ci 158. horstieldi melanurus (Bh/th) 121. ferruginosus Bli/th 159. femigiriosus ferrugiiiosus (^///</i) J (50. ferrugiiiosus phayrei (Bh/ih) IGI. ferruginosus jilbigularis (Bli/th) )fi2. ferruginosus niarias \Falden) ( 122. ruficollis Hod</g
....
Page
211 211 212 213 213 214 215 215 216 U)3. ruficollis ruficollis (IIod;/s.) 216 164. ruficollis bakeri IlariwjtDii 217 123. ochracoicfjijs Walden 217 165. ochracciceps ocbraceiccps ((FffiJfên) 217 166. ochraceiceps austeni {Hume) 218 167. oehraceiceps stenorhynchus (J5i!y</t) .... 219 124. erythrogeuyg Vir/ors 219 168. erythrogenys eryt.hrogonys (F'i(/ors) .... 220 169. erythrogenys haringtoiii'(/S'<Mrtrt .Ba/fc-) 220 170. erythrogcnys macelellandi (Jerdon) 221 171. erytbrogenys gravivox (David) 221 172. erytbrogenys iniberbi.s (Salmd.) 222 125. hypoleucus Bh/th 222 173. bypoleucus hypoleucus [Blyth) 222 174. hypoleucus t.ickcUi {Bhjth) 223 36. Genus Xiphiramphu.s Bhjih 224 126. supereiliaris Bhjth 224 37. Genus Timalia Horsf. 225 127. pileata Horsf. 225 175. pileata bengaleiisis (CrO'iw.-yduA'^) 226 176. pileatfi jerdoiii ( Waklen) 227 38. Genus Dumotia Bh/th 228 128. hyperyfhra {fran/d.) 228 129. albigularis (Bh/ih) 229 177. albigularis albigularis (Bh/th) 229 178. albigularis aVmeusis Hannnton 230 39. Geuus Ganipsorhynchu.s Bljith 230
.
'
130. rufulus Bhjth 179. rufulus rufulus (Bhiih) 180. rufulus torquatus (ffuine) 40. Genus Pyctorhis Eodgg 131. sinensis (Gmel.) 181. sinensis sinensis (Omel.)\ 182. sinensis saturatior Ticehurgt 183. sinensis nasalis (Legge) 132. altirostris (Jerd.) 184. altirostris altirostris {Jerd. 185. altirostris griaeigularis
.'
231 231
(Hume)
232 233 233 233 234 235 235 235 236
srSTEMAXIC INDUX.
XV
Family Timaliij);E (cont.). 40. GenuB Pyotorliis (cont.).

186. altirostris scindicuB Harinr/ton
41.
Page
'
Genus Pellorneum Swainson 133. rnfieeps Swains
2o7 237
2:38
187. ruficeps ruticeps (Sivains.) 188. ruficeps subochraceum {fSwinJi.) 189. ruficeps gruiiti ffarinrjtan
190. ruficeps mandellii (lilanf.) 191. ruficeps jonesi iituart BaJcer 192. rnfieops minus (Ifume) 134. palustre JerJon 135. ignotum Hume 193. ignotum ignotum (Hume) 194. ignotum ciunamomeum llip[ion. 136. fuscicapilluni {Blyth) 195. fuscicapillum fuscieapillmn {Blyth) 190. f'uscicHpillum babaulli (Wells) 137. nigricapitatum {Hyton) 138. tickelli (Bhjth) 197. ticki'lH tickelli {Bhjth) 198. tickoUi assameusis (Sharpe)
42. Genus Gursonia Stinner 139. crispifron.s {Bljiih)
13.
238 239 240 240

241
242 242 243 243 244 245

24.'>
Genus Turdinulus
]9!.
/{ami'
245 246 247 247 248 248 249 250

251
....
140. brovieaudalim (BlytJi)

lirevicttudutus brevicaudatus (/%<7t)
200. brovicaudatus striatus {Bhjth) 201. brovicaudatus venningi Haringtoii 141. roberti {Godw.-Anst.) 202. roborti roberti {Goihv.-Aust.) 203. roberti guttaticollis {Ogihie-Grant) .... 142. epilcpidotus {Ot/ilvie-Grdnt) 204. epilepidotus davisoni (Of/ilvie- Grant) .... 205. epilepidotu.s bakeri Ifanm/ton 44. Genus Kimator Bh/th 143. malacoptiliis Bh/th
45.
251 251 252
Genus
144.
Horizillas Oherholser
magna {Eyton) 206. magna magna {Hytoa)
145. magiiirostre {Moore) 46. Genus Erjthrocichla Sharpe 146. bicolor {Less.)
47.
Genus
147.
..Sithostoma Sharpe
rosfcrafca
(Blyth)
48. Genus Malacocincla Biittik 148. sepiaria (Bhjth) 207. sepiaria abboti (Bhjth)
48.
Genus Thringorhino Oaies
253 253 254 254 254 255 255 255 257 257 257 258 258 258 259 259 260 260 260 261
XVI
STSIUMAIIC I SDKS.
V. Family
49.
Timai. iidjs {conU). Genus Thringorhina {t-oni.).

'
page
262 22 263 264 264 265 265 265 265 266 267 267 267 268 268 269 269 269 270 271 271 271 271 272 272 273 274 274 54. Genus Alcippe Blyth 275 158. nepalensis {JJodgs.) 275 223. nepalensis nepalensis {Hodgs.) ........ 275 224. nepalensis fratercula {Rippon) 277 159. poioicephala {Jerd.) 277 225. poioicephala poioicephala (Jerd.). .... 277 226. poioicephala bruoei {Hume) 278 227. poioicephala phayrei {Blyth) 278 228. poioicephala davisoni {Harington) 279 229. poioicephala haringtonise {Hartert) .... 280 230. poioicephala magnirostris ( Walden) .... 280 55. Genus lihopooichla Oateg 281 160. atrieeps {Jerdon) 281 vgj 231. atrieeps atrieeps {Oatet) 232. atrieeps bourdilloni {Hume) 282 233. atrieeps nigrifrons (Blyth) 282 56. Genus Schoeniparus Hume 283 283 161. dubius (Hume) 234. dubius dubius (ffwm) 283
". .
149. oglei (^Godw.-Amt.) 150. guttata {Blyth) 50. Genus Stachyri.s Hodtja 151. iiigrieeps Uudgg 208. nigriceps nigriceps {ttodys.) 209. nigriceps ooltarti Hai-ington 210. nigriceps davisoni {Sharpe) 152. chrysaea Blytlt 211. chrysiea chryseea (Blyth) 212. chryssBa binghami (liippon) 213. cbryssea assimilis ( Walden) 214. chrysaea chrysops liichmond 51. Genus Stachyridopsis Sharpe 153. ruflceps Biyth 215. ruficeps ruficeps {Bbith) 216. ruficeps bbamoensis Harington 154. rufifroiiB (Hume) 217. rufifroiis rufifrons {Hume) 218. ralit'rons anibigua Ihtrington Ino. pyrrhops (Bk/th) 52. Genua Cyauoderma Snlvadori 156. erythroptera {Blyth) 219. erythroptera erythroptera {Blyth) 53. Genua Mixornis JJodgs 157. rubricapilla Tichell 220. rubricapilla rubricapilla {Tickell) 221. rubricapilla minor {Oyldenstolpe) 222. rubricapilla pileata (Blyth)
BTSTBMATIO IKDSZ.
XVll
V. Family
Tihaiiid*
(cont.).
56. Genus Schosniparus (cont.). 235. dubius mandolli (Oodw.-Aiut.) 236. dubius genostieri {Outtalet)
57.
Page
162. rufigularis {Matulelli) Genus Pseudominla Oates 163. cinerea {BlytJi.) 164. castaneiceps (Ilodgs.) 287. castaneiceps castaneiceps {Hodg.) 238. castaneiceps brunneicauda (Sharpe) 58. Genus Fulvetta David & Oust 165. vinipeota (Bodgs.) 239. vinipecta vinipecta (Ilodc/s.) 240. vinipecta austeni {O.-Gniut) 241. vinipecta ripponi {Harvnyton) 166. manipuretisis {O.-Grant) 167. raiicapilla ( Verreavx) 242. ruficapilla sordidior (Kippon) 59. Genus Liopnrus Outes 168. cho'sotis {Hodys.)
60. Genus Sibia ffodyson 169. picaoidea Hodgs 243. picaoides picaoides (Hodys.) 61. Genus Leioptila Blyth 1 70. capistrata ( Vigors) 244. capistrata capistrata {Vigors)
Subfamily Si BiTH^
245. capistrata pallida Hartert 171. gracilis (McClell.) 172. melauoleuca (TSdell) 246. melanoleuca melanoleuca (Tidcdl) 247. melanoleuca radcliffei, ? subsp. nov, 173. castanoptera (Salvadori) 174. annectens (Blyth) 248. annectens annectens {Blyth) 249. annectens saturata (Waldtn) 250. annectens davisoni {Hume) 175. pulcbella {Godw.-Aust.) 251. pulchella pulcbella {Godw.-Atist.)
.-
284 285 286 286 287 288 288 289 289 290 290 291 291 292 292 292 293 293 294 295 295 295 296 296 290 298 298 299 299 300 300 300 300
301
62. Genus Actinodura Qovld 176. egertoni Gould 252. egertoni egertoni (Gould) 253. egertoni khasiana (Godui.-Autt.) 254. egertoni ripponi (O.-Grant)
177. ramsayi Walden 255. ramsayi ramsayi {Walden) 256. ramsayi radcliffei ffarington
63.
Genus Ixopa Hodgs

178. nipalensis {Hodgs.)
302 302 302 303 303 303 304 805 306 305 306 307 307
Xviii
srSTBMATIO IITDBX.
V. Family
TiMAiiiDiB
(cont.).
307 308 309 259. nipalensiB poliotis (Bippon) .... 309 260. nipalensis daflaensis [Godw.-Aust.) 309 64. Genus Staphidia. Swinhoe 310 179. castaneiceps (Moore) 311 180. striata (Bh/th) 311 261. striata striata (Blyth) 311 202. striata rufigenis (ffume) 312 65. Genus Siva Hodffs 313 181. strigiila l/odgs 313 26;i. strigula strigulii {Hodgs.) 314 264. strigula castaucicauda {ffume) 314 182. cyanouroptora Hodgs 2''5. cyanouroptera cyanouroptera (Hodgs.) 314 266. cyanouroptera wingatei (O.-Orant) .... 315 2C7. cyanouroptora aorJida (Hume) 31G 316 268. cyanouroptera oatesi Ilai-ington 316 66. Genus Yuhiaa Hodgs 317 183. gularis Hodgs 269. gularis gularis (Hodgs.) 317 318 270. gularis yangjiiensis (Skarpe) 318 184. diadomata ( Verreaux) 318 JJ71. diademata arapelina (Bippon) 319 185. occipitalis Hodgs 319 272. occipitalis occipitalis (Hodgs.) 320 186. nigrimentum (Hodgs.) 273. nigrimentum nigrimentum (Hodgs.) .... 320 321 67 Genus Ixulus Horh/s 321 187. occipitalis (Bh/th) 322 188. flav-ieoUis (Hodgs.) 274. flavicollis flavioollis (Hodgs.) 322 323 275. flavicollis baileyi Stuart Balcer
.
63. ttenus Ixops (cont.). 257. nipalensis nipalousis (^Hodga.) 2.58. nipalensis waldeni {Qodw.-Aust.)
Page
"
276. flavicollis harterti Harington 189. humilis Hume 277. hnmilis humilis (Hume) 278. humilis clarkii (Oatts)
32.3
Genus Erpornis (Hodgs.) 190. xantholeuca Hodgs 279. xantholeuca xantholeuca (Hodgs.) Subfamily Liotrichinje 69. Genus Liothrix Swains
68.
324 324 324 324 325 325 326 327
191. lutea (Scop.) 280. lutea callipyga (Hodgs.) 281 lutea yunnanensis Bothschild
.
.327
828 329 329 329
70.
Genus Cutia Sodgs 192. nipalensis Hodgs
SirSISUATIC IHTDEX.
'
XIX
Family Timaliid^ (cont.). 70. Genus Cutia (emt.).

282. iiipalensis nipaleusis (IJoJ<js.) 71. Genus Pteruthius ISivains 193. erythropterus ( Vigors) 194.
ffiralfttus
Page
Tiekell
283. acralatus seniktns {Tichell) 195. melnnotis Hod(i>t 284. melanotis melanotis {JIod(/8.)
285. melanotis intermedins {Hume)
196. xanfchochloris Hodgs 286. xaut hocbloris xanthocliloris {Hodgs.) .... J335 287. xanthocliloris occidentalis llariwjton .... 336 336 72. Genus Hilarociclila Oates 197. rufiveuter {Bhjth) 337
73.
329 330 331 333 333 333 333 335 335
Genus Aelborbynchus SundevaU
198. lafresnayi Hartl 74. Genus Aegithina VieiU 199. tiphia Linn
288. tiphia tiphia {Lhm.) tiphia zeylonica {Gnul.) 290. tiphia humei, suhsp. nov 200. viridissima {Bonap.) 201. nigrolutea {Marshall)
28!).
75.
Genus Myzoniis Uodgs
202. pyirhoura Hodys 70. Genus Chloropsis Jard. <|- Selby 203. aurifrons {Temm.) 291. aurifrons aurifrons {Ttmrn.) 292. aurifrons davidsoni Stuart Baker 293. aurifrons inornata Kloss
337 338 339 339 340 342 342 343 344 344 345 346 346 346 348 349
3.49
20 1. hardwickii Jard.
if
Sdby
^'
294. hardwickii hard-wickii {Jard.
Sdbij)
205. icterocephala 295. icterocephala chlorocephala (TfW.) 206. viridis {Horsfield) 296. viridis zosterops ( Vigors) 207. jerdoni {Blyih) 208. cyanopogon {2'emm.)
77.
Genus Mesia
ffotU/s
209. argentaurjs Botfgs 297. argenfcauris argentauris {Modgs.)

78.
Genus Minla Hodgs
210. ignotincta Hodgs 79. Genus Hypocolius Bonap 211. ampelinus Bonap
349 350 .... 350 351 351 352 353 353 354 354 355 365 366 357
.
4is
afBiiaiknc iNdSX. Pag
VI, Familj'
80.
359 361 362 212. teplirogeiiys (Jard. 4- Selbij) 362 298. tephrogeiiys tephrogenys (Jard. ^ &elhy) 299. tephrogenys flaveolus (Gould) 363 300. tephrogenys burmanicus (Dates) 364 301. tephrogenys griseioeps (//i((!) 365 302. tephrogenys grandis (Stuart Baher) .... 365 366 81. Genus Tricholostes ScUvadori 213. criniger (Blyth) 366 303. criniger criniger (Blyth) 366 82. Genus Alophoixus Oales 367 214. phajocephaluB Ifartl 368 368 S3. Genus Microsoelis Gray 215. psaroides ( Vir/ors) 369 304. psaroides psaroides ( Viyors) 369 305. psaroides nigrescens (Stuart Baker) .... 371 306. psaroides concolor (Blyth) 372 307. psaroides ganeesa (Sykes) 372 373 84. Genus Cerasophik Binr/Jiam 216. thompsoni Bingham 373 374 85. Genus Hemixus Hodgs 217. flavala Eodgs 374 308. flavala flavala (Hodgs.) 374 309. flavala davisoni (Hume) 376 376 310. flarala hildebrandi (Hume) 218. macolellandi (Horsf.) 377 311. maoclellandi macolellandi (//ors/.) .. .. 377 312. macolellandi tickelH (Blyth) 378 379 313. macclellandi binghami (Uartert) 379 86. Genus Alcurus Hodgs 379 219. striatus (Blyth) / * 381 87. Genus Molpastes Hume 383 >^^0. haemorrhous (Omel.) 883 314. hsemorrhous hffimorrhous (Gmel.) 385 315. hsemorrhous pallidus Stuart Baker 385 316. hsemorrhous burmanicus (Sharjte) 386 317. hcemorrhous nigripileus (Blyth) 387 318. haemorrhous chrysorrhoides (Lafr.)
Ptononoiidje
Genus Crinigcr Temm.
389 389 390 391 392 88. Genus Xanthixus Oatea 892 222. flaveacens (Blyth) 324. flavescens fiavescens (Bly'Oi) .......... 892 825. fiarescens viridus Stuart Baker 393
.
319. hsemorrhous bengalensis (Blyth) 320. hsemorrhous intermedius (Jerdon) v221. leucogenys (Gray) 321 leucogenys leucogenys (Gray) 322. leucogenys leuootis (Gould) 323. leucogenys humii (Oates)
387
...... 389
StSXflMAKO ISDBX.
XXI
Pago
VI. Family
89.
PrcsoiroTiDiE
(cont).
Genus Ctocompsa Cabanis
394
90. 91.
92. 93.
94.
223. emeria (Linn.) 394 326. emeria emeria (Linn.) 394 327. emeria fusoicaudata (Goidd) 396 328. emeria pegiiensis, subsp. nov 396 224. flaviventris {Tick.) 397 "397 329. flaviventris flavivcntris (Tici;.) 330. flaviventris minor Kloss 398 Genus Pinarocichla Sharpe 399 225. eutilota {Jard. ^- Selby) 399 Gontis Spizixus Blijlh 400 226. canifrons Bbjth 400 331. canifrons canifrons {Blylh) 400 Genus Traohj'comus Cahanis 402 227. ochrocephalus {Qmel.) 402 Genus lole Blypi 403 228. raakccensis (Bh/th) 404 332. malaecensis malaccensis (Blyth) 404 405 229. ictcrica (Strickl.) 405 230. olivacca {Bh/th) 406 333. olivacea virescens (Blyth) 334. olivacea cinnamomeoventris Stuart Baker 407 335. olivacea lonbergi (Gylde>istolpe) 408 408 231. nieobariensis {Eorsf. 6f Moore) 409 Genus Rubigula Blyth
232. squamata {Temminek) 336. squamata wcbberi {Hume)
95.
Genus Pycnonotus
KuM
233. goiavier {Scop.) 337. goiavier analis (fforsf.) 234. aurigaster ( Vieill.) 338. aurigaster xantborrhous {Anderson) 235. finlaysoni Strickl 339. finlaysoni finlaysoni {Strickl.) 340. finlaysoni davisoni (ffume) 236. melanicterus {Qmel.) 237. xantholsemua {Gould) 238. gulaiis {Gould) 239. cyaniventris BlytJi 341. oyaniventi'is cyaniventris {Blyih)
240. luteolus {Less.) 241. plumosus Blyth, 342. plumosus plumosus {Blyth) 343. plumosus robinsoni {0.-6rant) 344. plumosus blandfordi {Jerdon) 242. simplex Less. 345. simplex simplex {Lest.)
409 409 410 410 410 411 .... 411 412 412 413 414 416 415 416 416 417 418 419 420 420 421 421
VI. Family
95.
Pycnonotid*
(mnt).
Tiige
Genus Prenonotus (conL).
243. erythrophthalmus (flume) 340. er3'throphthalmiiserythrophthalmu8(ibrM)He). 96. Gonns Miorotarsus Ei/ton 244. raelanocephalns {Omel.) 347. mclanocoplialns melanocephalus (Gmel.) 348. melanocephalus fusoiflavesccus {Hume) 245. poiocephalus {Jrrdon) 246. cinereivontris (Bh/tJi) 97. Genus Kelaartia (Blijth) 247. penjcillata {Dhjth)
.
422 422 422 423 423 425 425 426 426 427
428 428 429 430 431 432 432 432 433 434 434 435 435 437 437 438 438 439 439 441 441
VTI. Family
98.
Cebthiid^
Linti
Genus Certhia
248. himalayan.'i Vigors 349. himalayana himalayana ( Vigors) 350. himalayana tnura (Severtz.) 351. himalayana yunnaiiensis (SJiarpe) 352. himalayana inf-ermedia Kinnear 249. familiaris Linn 353. familiaris ncpalensis (Bh/th) 354. familiaris khamensis {Bianclii) 355. familiaris hodgsoni {Broohs) 250. t'.iscolor (Bhjth) 356. discolor discolor {Bbiih) 357. discolor manipurensis (Hume) 358. discolor victorias {liippoii) 359. discolor fuliginosa, subsp. nov 251 stoliczkpB Brooks 99. Genus Salporuis Gray 252. spilouotus FranJc 100. Genus Tichodroma lUUjer 253. muraria (Linn.)
.
VIII. Family Tkooiobttidje 101. Genus Troglodytes Vieill 1'54. troglodytes (Linn.) 360. troglodytes nipalensis (Hodge.) 361. troglodytes talifuensis (Sharpe) 362. troglodytes neglectus (Brooks) 1^63. troglodytes tibetaniis (Walton) 102. Genus Elachura Oates 255. formosa (Walden) 256. haplonota Stuart Baker 103. Genus Spelseornis Sharpe 257. loDgicaudatus (Moore) 364, longicaudatus longioaadatus (Moore) .... 365. iongicaudatus cbocolatinuB (Gfodw.-Autt.).
.'
444 444 445 445 440 446 448 448 449 460 451 461 462 459
8TSTEMATI0 INDEX.
XXIU
VIII. Family
103.
Teoqlodyiidje
Spelosornis (cont.).
(cont,),
Genus
Page
. .
366. lotigieandatus sialuraensis (Harington) 3P7. longicaudatus kauricnsis (Harington) .... 368. longicaudatus reptakis (Bingham) 369. longicaudata oatesi (Eippon) 258. caudatus (Jilyih)
104. Genus Pnoepyga Hodgs 259. sijuamata (Qould)
370. squamata squamata (Gould) 260. pusilla Ilodgs 371. pusilla pusilla Hodgs
105. Genus Splienocichla Godwin-Austen 201. huraei (MandelU)
^*
Wahlen
262. robert.i Godw.-A usteu 4' Walden 106. Genus Tesia Hodgn 263. cyaniventer Hodgs 372. cyauiventer cyauiventor (Hodgs.)
264. castanoocoronata (Burton) 373. castanoocoronata oa8taneocoronata(Z?H'<oii)
45y 454 455 455 456 457 458 458 459 459 460 461 461 462 463 463 65 465
-J
INTKODUCTION.
The
present volume
'
is
the
first of
the series of the
new
edition
Avifauna of British ludia,' and, funds permitting, it is proposed to bring out about one volume every two years until
of the
the work
is
completed.
It has been
little
my endeavour
in writing tiiis
volume to disturb as
as possible the classiiication adopted by Gates in the first
edition but during the thirt\-two years that have elapsed since
volume was published, much scientific work has beendoue and many discoveries made which have rendered alterations imperative some of these, unfortunately, are of a drnstic nature. lu the first place, the trinomial system has been adopted a decision which has added ver^ greatly to the number of birds to be
his first
;
described, i.e. to the
total
it
number
of
species
and subspecies,
of species,
though, on the other hand,

for
it
has reduced the
number
has relegated to their proper positions as subspecies or
geogi'aphical races
many forms which have
hitherto improperly
held the status of species.
In using the trinomial system I have adhered

ing rides
:
to the follow-
there
Forms, or groups of forms, have been named as specific when ai-e no forms known which directly connect them with other
forms or groups of forms.

Subspecies or geogiaphical forms have been recognized
when
other
they differ in
charactaristic
degree
tlie
either in
size,
colour or
some
from
forms with which they are most closely
cpnuected, yet, though linked with these forms by others which are intermediate, are themselves constant within some given area.
TOfc
I.
2
It
is
INTEODUOTION.
true that a few island forms
defijiition,
may not come
very exactly
under this
but in these cases the differences are such
as are obviously parallel to those obtaining in non-isolated areas
on
tlie
mainland.
vvhicii
Where
is
evolution and isolation have evolved

divided from
all
forms
are
definitely
others
by some
characteristic
which
not one merely of degree, I have treated
them
as distinct species.
In India we are constantly meeting with the most intricate

cases of subspecific variation,
and a study of birds which admits
the recognition of these geographical races and the wisdom of
naming them
affords infinitely greater interest both to the field
and to the scientific worker than does the easier method of lumping them all together. Por instance, to take two of our most common birds, the Indian House-Crow and the Red-vented
Bulbul.
Two
species of the former

specific
and many of the

sjiecitic
latter have
differ-
been recognized and given
names, although the
ences between them are in no
way
and are not any
greater than the differences which exist in
many
other forms
which have been

unfortunate
left undivided.
The second point
to
which reference^ must be made which has

arisen
for
is
the
necessity
very
numerous
corrections in Gates' nomenclature.
Such corrections cannot; but

field naturalists,
be a source of some difficulty to the older race of
and students M'ho have learnt these names will now have to learn tliose which replace them. The younger generation wUl, however, have the satisfaction of knowing that they are learning
names which, with few exceptions,

strict
Mall
be permanent;
foi",
with
adherence to the laws of priority, a time will soon come

sliall
when we
really have arri\ed at the Iwd-rock of nouienIt should be
datorial research.
mentioned here that I have had

Iredale in this particular branch
the unstinted help of Mr.

of the work,
Tom
and
his unrivalled
knowledge of bibliogniphy and
nomenclature has been of inestimable help to me.
Another
difference
between
this
and the preceding edition

editor, Sir
will
also be noted.
Shipley, the
With the approval of the synonymy has been reduced
Arthur E.
edition of
to references to the
original description
this
and to the Blanford and Gates'
work, in the former case the type-locality being given in
brackets after the reference.
The saving of space thus obtained
and the use of briefer descriptions has given additional room for
UraEODUCTIOW.
field notes,
which
it is
hoped
both for
field uaturalists
will add to the value of the work and the non-scientific lover of birds, for
whom
they are principally written.
As regards the classification, this is founded mainly on Gadow's work, but 1 have also had the valuable assistance of \V. P. Pyeraft, and the results of his personal work will be found
in
almost every order, family and genus,
I must, however, take
upon my own shoulders any criticisms which may be made on the minor divisions in the Passeres, though, here again, my constant
object
lias
been to disturb as
little
as possible the careful
work of
Blanford and Gates.

Ornithological
work
in India has hitherto been divisible into
very definite periods.
The
first
period was that prior to the
publication of Jerdon's 'Birds of India' in
1862 and the subthe fathers
sequent eight or ten years when the leading figures were Jerdon
himself,
Hodgson and Blyth, who may be considered
of Indian Ornithology.
An
the
'
account of the chief writers on Indian birds up to 1862

in the Introduction to the first
was given by Jerdon

Birds of India.'
volume of
The
prinoiiial
authors mentioned were
Franklin, Tickell,
Sykes, McClelland, Burgess, Adams, Tytler,
Kelaart, Layai-d and Hutton, iu addition to the tliree already
mentioned.
The next period, from about 1872 to 1898, may be termed Hume's period, the other most notable workers being Tweeddale, Wardlaw-Kamsay, Biddulph, Anderson, Elwes, Beavan, Scully,
Sharpe, Stoliczka, Godwin-Austen, Ifrooks, Ball, King, Vidal,
McMaster, Blanford, Legge, Gates and Barnes, with many other minor writers. The third period is that of Blanford and Gates, both leading
Ornithologists in the preceding period but completely dominating
the position on the publication of the

India.'
'
Avifauna
'
of
British
Since these volumes saw the light no big work has been
published on Indian birds but Harington's

Gates'
'
Birds
of
Burma,'
Game- Birds
of India,'
many popular works by Dewar,
Finn and others, and the present writer's different works on Indian Bucks, Pigeons and Game-Birds have appeared. In addition to
these the 'Journal of the
Bombay Natural History Society 'contains

ornithology by Harington, Osmaston,
a mass of
details
on
field
DAvidson, Bell, Barnes, Inglis, Bailey, Whistler, Jones, Hopwood,
u2
ISTBODUCTION.
Mackenzie, Ticehurst, Donald and others.

catalogues, and,
iiiiall3%
There are many
local
ilarington's
work on the TimalHdce,
in
which the writer had the pleasure of co-operating.
those
Anatomy has not been treated at the length it deserves, but who intend to take up this much neglected but most imof Dr.
portant branch of ornithology should refer to the well-known
works
Hans Gadow, Huxley, Garrod, Bronn,
Eiirbringer,
Forbes, Nitzsch and Parker, and to the

as Pycraft,
more recent writers such

must
also
Beddurd and Lucas.

in India
The ould-be Ornithologist

it is
remember that
not only the dry skins of birds which are required by the
systematisfc
whu, tlicugh he may have the good fortune to work

of material are
museums and other centres where masses available for comparison and where good libraries
in big
are at band for
reference, yet urgently needs specimens, especially of the rarer
forms
in
spirit,
not only for anatomical purposes but for the

Again, poor skins of moulting birds are
study of Pteryiosis etc.

often
more valuable than those in the finest condition of plumage, while the nestlings and young of many of the most common birds
still
are
desiderata in the British
Museum and
a
other institutions.
As regards
nidiflcation, it will be seen that
I have devoted conbird's life-history.
siderable space
and
detail to this portion of
It is true that birds
cannot be
classified
it is
according to the eggs
they produce, but at the same time
equally true that a bird's
egg
may be
a valuable clue to show us where
we
should expect to
find its nearest allies or^
on the other hand, may cause us to
suspect that
it is
it
should be removed from amongst those with which
now
placed.
E. C.
4th February, 1922.
STUABT BAKER.
DiAORAM
1.
01'
A BiKi). tn
ilhistnit-o the;
kTBiinology of
tlie
plumage and
earlier
(jr
linibH.
Forebcail.
20, Priniaries (the
outerof
2.
Crown.
most 9 or
wing-).
10 iimWs
the
3. i.
Nape
Lores
or ociajint.
(fljiacc in fivijit
of eye).,
21,
Outer
sucondaries
(w'ing-quills
5. Snpcrcilhiin. 6.
7.
i*pringing
from the radius and
Cheeks.
Ear-ooverts.
nlna).
22, Inner secondaries.
i>r
8. 9.
Upper mandible
maxilla.
23, LeHsor wing-coverts.

'2i.
Lower mandible.
Median wing-coverts.
10, C'nlmen ornpper profile of maxilla. 11, ComniisBiire or lino of junctioti of
25, Greater wing-coverts. 20.
Primary wing-ooverts.
Winglct or bastard-wing.
the two mandibles.

12, Kictal brifitloB or vibrissEO, 13, Chin.
27.
28.
Upper
tail-coverts,
29. Tail-feathers or rcctrices, 30.
14
Throat,
Under
tail-coverts.
15. Breast.
31. Tarsus.
16. Allomen.
17. 18.
32.
Hind
toe or first tos or hallux,
Back.
33. Inner or
34. 35.
second
toe. to. toe.
Eump.
Middle or third
19. Seapularii.
Outer or fourth
TEBMINOLOaT.
Flanks cr sides of body are the parts approximately covered by the closed wing.
i xillaries
are the lengthened feathers springing from the axilla
or region beneath the base of the wing.
Supplementary
bristles or hairs are those springing
from the side
of (he forehead in front of tiie rictal bristles.
Nasal
bristles or hairs are those
springing from the front of the
forehead and covering
tlie nostrils.
The measurements
are taken thus
in this
:
work are invariably
in millimetres,
nnd
Length.
The distance from
the tip of the
bill
to the tip of the
longest tail-feather, unless otherwise stated.

Tail.
The distance from the root of the

feather.
tail,
generally indicated
both in the fresh and dried state by the presence of a

piece of flesh on the underside, to the tip of the longest
Wing.
The
greatest distance from the bend of the wing to
the tip of the longest primary, measured straight. the wing

is
When
curved,
it is
flattened out for the purpose of
measurement.
Tarstis.
The
distance from the centre of articulation of the
tarsus with the tibia to the base of the middle toe.
Cufmen.
The distance
in a straight line
from the feathering
of the forehead to the
extreme
tip of the beak.
AVES.
distinguished from all other vertebrates by their covering of feathers. Though related to the Reptiles, they differ in heiug warm-blooded a feature which is correlated with a fourchambered heart, iu which the chambers are completely separated, thus preventing the intermixture of arterial and venous blood which obtains among the lower vertebrates. Of the right and left aortic arches present in the Eeptiles, only the right persists in Birds and the left in Mammals. The skull, which presents no sutures in the adult, possesses but a single occipital condyle and the jaws are produced into a beak ensheathed in horn, whilst in more primitive, extinct species, they were armed with teeth. The lower jaw is a complex of several bones, but the right and left rami are never separable as in Reptiles and many Mammals. Proximally tiie mandible articulates with the skull, after the reptilian fashion, by means of a quadrate bone. The fore-limb has become transformed into a "wing," and the sternnm, in accordance with the requirements of flight, has taken on the form of a broad, oblong plate, usually provided with a median keel for the attachment of the pectoral muscles, wiiich have become excessively developed. In the hip-girdle the tliree elements of the pelvis have become fused. The ilium lias become greatly elongated, and is closely applied to the vertebral column, preventing all movement between the vertebra) within its grip. As a consequence, these vertebrsB, which include more or fewer of the lumbar, the sacral and a variable number of post-sacrals, have become welded together to form a synsacruui. In the hind-limb the proximal row of tarsals have become fused with the shaft of the tibia to form a " tibio-tarsus," while the distal row have fused with the On this account the metatarsals to form a tarso-metatarsus. Three of the ankle-joint is " intertarsal " as in many reptiles. four surviving metatarsals have fused to form a solid, cylindrical shaft or "caiinou-bone" as in Dinosaurs, while the fourth has become reduced to a mere nodule of bone supporting the hallux. In many species the hallux has become reduced to a mere vestige, and, in some, it has disappeared altogether, whilst in the Ostrich With the reptiles on the one (Struthto) but two toes remain. hand, and the primitive mammals Echidna and Orniihorhynchus on the other, birds agree in being oviparous.
BiitDS are
Hitherto most systems of classification have been founded on and have therefore to some extent failed in their purpose. Birds have been commonly divided into two great groups or sub-classes, Hatitxe and Oarinatce, according to the
living birds only,
AVES.
presence or absence of a median keel to the steruum. But these groups, though accepted by Blanford and Oates, are very uusatisfactory, since in some flightless Carinatce the sternum has become reduced to the Ilatite condition. Taking into consideration birds both living and extinct, we have two well-defined sub-classes, tiie ArchoiormtJies and Neormthes.
'
mxjt
Under view of tb skull of a Baven. process; pa, palatine ; p^^y, pterygoid; iph.r, sphenoidal rostrum.
o,
q,
vomer
iitixj),
luazillo-palatine
quadrate;
h.xpk,
basi-spuenoid
The
first is reserved for the Arehceopterya; with an elongated reptilian chain of caudal vertebrsB, each bearing a pair of rectrices
and having the jaws armed with
teeth.
The
sub-class Neomithes
AYES.
includes
all
liviue;
birds in which llie vertebrae sapportiug the

tail-feathers
rectrices have
become so abbreviated that the
have
to be arranged fan-wise on either side of a fused mass of bones known as the " pygostyle."
the Neorniihes, the palate affords a much more satisof division than the Hiernum. According to this, living birds are divisible into two fiirflier groups, the Palaognatha> and Neojnailuf., the former in substitution for the Ratitm and the latter for the OariuaUe.
factory basis
As regards
In the PaleeoijnaihcK Die vomer is large, and articulates by squamous suture with the pterygoid, wliile the palatine is applied
to the outer margin of the vouiero-pterygoid articulation. In the Neognatlias the palatines have shifted inwards, under
the vo'.iiero-pterygoid
articulation, to
median
line.
The
pterygoids, in early post-embryonic
meet one another in tlie life, undergo
a striking process of segmentation, itiasiruich as that portion of their shafts which rests upon the proximal end of the palatine snaps off, as it were from the main shaft, and fuses witli the palatine. Later, at the point of fracture a cup-and-ball joint is formed, aifording the strongest possible contrast with the squamous suture found in tlie Palaw/nathce. Where the vouier still retains some semblance of its former size, its proximal bifurcated end may just reach the extreme tip of the anterior end of the pterygoid, but it now depends for its support not upon the pterygoid, but upon the palatine, as, for example, in the Penguins. But among the Neognatlm the vomer
displays a striking series of stages in degeneration, becoming more and more divorced from the pterygoid, until it finally assinnes the forui of a minute nodule of bone, and at last, in the Gattirue, it becomes a mere spicule of bone held by a few tendinous fibres to the anterior border of the expanded ends of the palatines, and
in some, as in the Falconidce for example, vanishes altogether. If nothing were known of the early ])ost-embryonic developmental stages of the Neoffnathine vomer, it would have been impossible to divine that the Neognathine was a direct derivative from the
Paheognathine palate.
These two orders, the Pdlceoynathm and Neognathce, must be divided further, for the Class Aves, in the course of its evolution, has split up into a vast number of different forms. The genetic relation of these forms or types to one another, and the precise affinities of the individual members of tlie various groups, should as far as possible find expression in any system of classification. These divisions may be known as Orders, which are again divided
into Sub-Orders, Families, Genera and Species.
Order
I.
PASSEllES.
This edition oi^ the I'auna folloAVs its predecessor in begiiuiiiig with the Passeres. The ciassilication and further division of this Group presents more difficulties than ail the rest put together. Pnsseres may be defined as follows Brit'fly, the Skull segithogiiathous (vomer truncated in front). Sternum with a large spina externa, and no spina interna. Clavicle with expanded free ends. Hypotarsus complex. Wing lacking the biceps and expansor secondarioriim muscles. Thigh muscles having no accessory t'emorocaudal or abiens muscles present. Only one carotid the left is present. Ca3ca are vestigial. Oil-gland nude. Wing eutaxic. The arrangement of the Sub-Orders adopted here is that of Gadow (Bronn's Thier-reichs, Bd. vi., ii. Syst. Theil, 1893). But the subdivision of the AnisomyotH is based on thiit of Pycraft (P. Z. S. 1905-()-7), his Oligomyodi answering in part to
:
that of Huxley (P. Z. S. 1867).

Slfi-OltllKlt.
[
CtRour.
I
Family.
Enrylimnidii'.
Cotinsrida'.
Svb-Family.
PmleiMttulit.
I
Pipriiia'.
Tyrannid.T.
PittidsB.
V.
Olifforaytxli
Auisomyoili
Phytotomidii'. Oxyrhamjadii'.
"Formieariida;.
a;
DendrocolaiitiJiB.
Fraiiariidte
FmnariiniB. Sderurina;.
Syiiallaxiusp.
TracheophoriB?..
MargarornithinsB. Phylidorliin*.
Coiiopopliitgidtt'.
Oonopophflginaj. Pteroptocliin.
Hylaotinffi.
XenicidiB.
r
Diaorcimyodi.
Mennridic.
\OBcineB.
Having regard to the fact that the main divisions of the Passeres are based on the structure of the syrinx, a brief summary
FjtSSXBKSi.
11
of tlie essfintial features oE this organ, in so far as tliey concern the systematist, nay be welcome. Tlie syrinx is the term applied to tlie lower end of the windpipe ami the adjacent ends of the bronchi in birds, wherein these portions have become variously modified to form the organ of voice, which, in Mammals, is formed by the larynx the upper end of the windpipe. But while in the Mammals the larynx is a comparative]) stable structure, in the birds the syrinx presents a very remarkable range of differences both in regard to its fundamental structural characters, as vvfll as of musculature. For tlio present it nuist suffice to give a brief survey of ttie essential features of the syrinx in the Passeres and, for systematic purposes, tlie musculatiu-e is the dominant factor. Tlie syrinx, tlien, in tlii.i Group presents wide contrasts, even among Genera of the same i'amily, but nevertheless it conforms in its essential characters with that of the Aves as a whole. That is to say, it is formed of a number of bony or cartilnginoiis rings and semi-rings some of which may be completely or partially welded held together by thin membranes which ser\'e not merely to sup])ort the framework-, but also in the production of the " voice."
In the Aisomt/odi the syringeal muscles ai'e inserted either in the middle or on to the dorsal or ventral ends of the semi-rings.
Syrinx of ZW/a i'.yoifKSi (after Qarrod, V.Z.S. 1876, pi. liii), showing the Anisoniyodiaii nttaeliment of tlie intrinsic mnaclesatthe middle of tiiebroncbial gemi-rings. There ie also a single pair of bronchial muecles, continued down from the sides of the windpipe, insignificant in size, quite lateral, and terminating by being inserted into the middle of the outer surface of the eooond
bronchial semi-ring.
In the Diaeromyodl these muscles are inserted into both ends They may be limited always to one pair as of the semi-rings. in Clumatores, to two as in Oligomyodi and some Tracheophonm
or there But the
may
be
as
many
as
seven pairs as in
itself,
is,
tlie
Oscines.
structiu'e
auisculature,
bos
of the been, and
syrinx
still
as apart' from its a feature of importance in
12
the
classificration
PA881SBE8.
witness the Tnielieophoncf. are recognized the 'J'nu.-lieoand the Bronehial, the last two being The tracheo-brotichial is the type found derivatives of the iirst. iu the Oscines and Suh-Osciites. Herein the lower end of the trachea has the last four or five rings welded to form a little tliceshaped box communicating below with the bronchi. The bronchial rings I and II are closely attached to this box, while III forms a strong arcuate bar supporting a delicate sheet of membrane stretched between rings I and II on the one hatid and IV on the other. The bronchial rings are incomplete on their inner aspects, their free ends supporting a " tympanic membrane," which plays an important part in voice
Briefly three types of bronchial, the Tracheal
of the Pusseres syrinx
as
'^îîrr"'""-"^
-JIT
Syrinx of a Magp'ie, showing the Diacromyodinn attaelinieiit of tlie iutrinsie muscles at the ends of the broiii-liial seiiii-riugs. 'I'lie lert-haiid figure is a side view and the right-hand ligure a dorsal view of Ihn syrinx. The uieuibranous jKirtB between the broucliial spnii-rings and the internal tyiupaniforra membrane are dotted 11, III are the second and third bronchial senii-ringe; T.i, the internal tympaniform membrane */, the muscle from the side of the trachea to the upper end of the clavicle; 1, 2. S, 4, 0. 0, the syringeal muscles; there is a 7tli, which is hidden by the 0th the 4tli is hidden below and between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
;
production.
bony bar the " pessulus." This supports a thin fold of membrane whose free edge cuts across the bottom of the dice-shaped
the "fi'ee extending from the inner surfaces of bronchial semi-ring III narrow the aperture on either side of the " reed " during the production of the " voice " or song, and thus complete the mechanism of voice production. In the Tracheal syrinx a variable number of the lower tracheal
its vibrations it acts like
At the
junction of the bronchi with the fraeliea
is
box of the tracheal tube.
By
reed" of an organ-pipe.
Muscular
lips
PASSEBIiS.
13
rings are reduced in thickness, leaving wide spaces filled by raerabrane. The range of sounds produced by this niodiflction is much more limited than in the Traeheo-bronchial syrinx. Tn the Bronchial syrinx the voice is produced by modififation of the bronchi. But as this type does not occur among the Passeres, its description may be deferred. It is not the purpose of this survey to pass in review all the anatomical characters which have bfen used as aids to the classificati(m of this difficult Group, but rather to iifford a concise suiiiuiary of such as are regarded to-day as of imporlance.
aiikic
Ini-so-metatarsus.
Skctcli
showing the arrangement of the deep plantar tendons

passerine bird.
in
(From
P. Z. S. 1876, p. 347.)
After the syrinx, systematists seem to have relied most upon the plantar tendons of the foot. Sometimes, indeed, too much that is to say, a reliance seems to have been placed upon these too arbitrary use has been made of the evidence they afford. Of these tendons two only are spwially recognized in this connexion. These are the Flexor profundus digitorum and the Flexor longuB hallucis. The first named arises from the greater part of the hinder face of the fibula and tibia, beneath all the other flexors, and at the intertarsal joint passes into a tendon, which, rttiining through a perforation in the metatarsal tubercle, divides just above the distal end of the tarso-nsetatarsus, sending a slip
;
14
PASSKBES.
The Flexor longue haUueis arises from the to eucli front toe. outer condyle of the femur and from the intercondylar region. It accompanies, and is closely associated with, the Fl. -profundui througiiout its vhole length. Passing also into the tendinous
intertarsal joint, it crosses the Fl. profundus middle, from hehiiid and from wii.hout inwards to he inserted on the terminal phalanx of the iiind toe. This, at least, is what obtains in all the Passeres save the Eiirylxemidai, where the hallueis tendon anchors itself to the profundus tendon at the point vrliere the two tendons cross, by a number of tendinous fibres, to form what is known as a " vinculum." No less tliau eight different modes of anchorage between these two tendons are recognized. The typical Passeriforu) tvpe is No. VII. of this series that of the Earyl<emid(e is
condition at
tlie
tendon
ut-ar its
No.
1.'
Nitzsch, in laying the foundations of the study of the pterylosis,
opened up a field of great promise, which, so far, has only very partially been exph)red by systematists. Tlie attempt to use the
of the remiges as a factor in the subdivision of the Passeres only resulted in the formulation of a lest which is based on Thus, in the previous edition of this work an .ittempt error. was made to foru) two Groups of Passeres, the one (hsplaying 9, This was unfortunate, since all the the other 10 primaries. so-called '' 9-primaried " Passeres possess lU remiges, wliiie many of tlie so-called " lO-primaried " Passei-es possess 11 remiges. The error has arisen from a failure to distinguish vestigial quills and their coverts. In the " 9-priniaried " Passeres the 10th may be reduced to the vanishing point. Where the 10th primary is conspicu(msly long, as in the Corvidaj, the lltli will be found as Bearing these facts in a " remicle," 1 cm. or more in length. mind, there can be no objection, for the sake of convenience, to the continued use of the division into 9-primaried and 10-primaried wings, the remicle being in both cases a negligible quantity. iSo far, unfortunately. Ornithologists have made no more use of pterylosis than this numbering ot the Ming and tail-feathers. A vast amount of work has yet to be done, in investigating the pterylosis of the trunk, for the sake of the evidence it will unquestionably furnish as to the relationship of forms whose affinities can at the present be no more than guessed at. The Paridm, Ampelidce, OriolidcB afford cases in point. True, we cannot discover this evidence by a study of the pterylosis alone the osteology and myology of these pur-zles must also be taken but we shall have made great strides when this into account pteryological wort has been thoroughly done. It is to be hoped that those who use these volumes will endeavour to take up this much neglected work. The juvenile or "nestling" plumage of the Passeres affords very valuable data to the Bystemaiist. In the last edition of this
lias
number
FAS8EBB8.
15
work
it was pointed out that the juvenile plumage of the " 10-primaried " Passeres seemed to consist of five types. " In the first the nestling resembles the adult female ; in the second the nestling resembles the adult female but is more brightly coloured and generally suffused with yellow; in the third the nestling is cross-barred ; in the fourth it is streaked in the (ifth and last mottled or squamated." These divisions of the Passeres seem to be of great importance and have been adopted in this edition with but very minor
;
modifications.
!rhe whole system of classification here accepted is merely provisional and does not, and cannot, pretend to be final, but it is hoped that it will provide a sound basis upon which future
Ornithologists can work. jVo classification will be found upon is universal agreement. Many Ornithologists hold that, whilst it is sound science to split species ad infinitum, it is equally unscientific to use the same arguments for splitting genera and families. I have considered classification purely as u means to an end t. . to enable the student to recognize any bird whose name and position he desires to ascertâin. If "lumping " will assist him in this, 1 have amalgamated genera and families; but if lumping, by creating huge, unwieldy families, will lead to his confusion, 1 have split them so as to render bis work easier and quicker. Each Order will be dealt with in turn us it is reached in the succeeding volumes.
which there
Scheme of Indian Passerine Families.

A. (DlACUOMYODi.) Syringial muscles of the syrin-x inserted on tlie ends of the bronchial aeini-rings. a. The edges of the mandibles never serrated though sometimes notched. '. Tongue non-tubular and ni)t bifid or tufted. a^. The hinder part of the tarsus longitudinally
laminated,
rt'.
AVing with ten primaries, the 11th too minute to be seen.

the line of the foretliau
n*. Nostrils clear of
head and nearer the commissure

the culmen.
'.
Plumage of the
nestling like that of the adult female, but duller and
n".
sometimes darker. Nostrils completely hidden by

feathers or bristles.
a'. First
primary exceeding half the second in length plumage

;
6".
Corvidas. glossy and firm First primary leas than half

sacond
.'
Paxids.
c'.
First primary exceeding half second ; plumage lax and soft.
Paradoxomithidae.
10
fASSSBDS.
. Nostrils bare or merely
orer-
hung by
rf'.
It".
hairs or I)lumelet8. liictnl bristles ftlwnys present.
Inner and hind toe very

eq[ual
uii-
Sittidae.
/!*.
Inner and hind too equnl. ". Winjj: rounded, tarsus long and strong Timaliida.
b".
Wing more
less
pointed, tarsus strong and long .... Fycnonotidse.
(^.
Ilictal bristles absent.

c"*.
//'.
Tail-feathers stiffand pointed. Certhiids. Tail-feathiTssol'tandroundod. Troglodytidse. Plumage of nestling mottled or

(f.
c.
sqiiauiated. Nostrils not covered by any hairs. /'. Rictal bristles absent Cincli,dae. y^. Kictal bristles present .... Turdldae. iP. Nostrils more or less covered by hairs Musclcapidae. c^, Plumaae of nestling cross- barred.
e".
Ftjlded wings not reaching beyond
middle
A'.
ol tail.
.
.
Shafts of runip-reathers soft Laniidae. ?'. Shafts of rump-featliera spinous. Campephagidae. /". Folded wings reaching to tip of
tail
d^.
Artaxnidae.
of nestling spotted with
Plumage
white
DicTuridae.
Sylviidas.
of nestling like the adults, but brighter /''. Plumage of nestling like the adults, but p^ler f/\ Plumage of nestling streaked. Ilictal bristles present. ff. f. Nostril.x covered with hairs k'. Kostrils quite exposed. c". First piiniary at least half length of second /''. First primary less than half
e'.
. .
Plumage
Regulidae.
Irenidae.
OrioUdae.
second
h".
//*.
Eulabetidas.
Without
rictal bristles
btumidas.
Nostrils pierped, partly within line of foreliead and nearer culnien than
commissure
i'.
Ploceidas.
Wing with
nine primaries, the
lOth
poinUd and entire, the longest seconduries reaching to a point midway between the middle FringiUidaB. and top ot wing d*. Bill long, slender nnd notched, the longest 'secondaries reaching almost BSotaciUidaB. to tip of wing e*. BilHliit, broad and notched,thelongest secondaries reaching to the uiiudle of wing Hirundinidaa,
c'.
obsolete. Bill coivical,
FASSBUBB.
6^.
li
The hinder
scutellated
part of the tarsus transversely
Tongue tubular c'. Tongue bifid, with siuall brushes e". Plumage not metallic iP. Plumage more or less metallic
6'.
I).
Alaudidae. Nectariniidae.
at tip.
Zosteropidae. ChalcopariidaB.
The edges
of the mandibles finely serruted on Dicaeidse. the terminal third of their edges'.
B. (Anisomyodi.) Syringial muscles inserted either in the middle, or on the dorsal or ventral endu of the bronchial semi-rings. haliueis and Flexor profundus c. Flexor longus digit orum not united with a vinculum Fittidae. d. Flexor lotu/us haliueis and Flexor profundus diffitortim joined near the centre with a vin-
culum
.' .
. .
Eurylaemidae.
roh.
I.
18
OOEFIDJE.
Fig.
1.
Urucisifa
m.
occipitalis.
Family
The
bronchial semi-rings.
CORVID^.
intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the The edges of both mandibles smooth, or the upper one simply notched; hinder aspect of tarsus smooth, composed of two entire longitudinal laminie ; wing with ten primaries ; tongue n(m-tubuliir ; nostrils clear of the line of
forehead, the lower edge of the nosiril generally nearer to the commissure than the upper edge is to the culmen ; plumage of the nestling like that of the adult but paler ; nostrils hidden by feathers and bristles; reetrices twelve; sexes absolutely alike
an autumn moult only.

In this family the first primary is long, exceeding half the length of the second, whilst the bill exceeds its depth in length. It contains the Crows, Magpies, Jays, Jfutcrackers, a^d
coktidjE,
19
All species are resident within the limits of this work except the Book and the Hooded Crow, which are winter visitors to the North and North- West. Their suniiner quarters are, however, not far off and their migrations are only partial and local The members of the genera Corvm, or the true Crows, Pica, the Magpies, Nucifrm/a, the JNutcrackers, and Fyrrhoeorax, the Choughs, are birds of wide distribution but the members of tiie other genera are nearly all restricted to small areas. The Corvidm vary a good deal inter se in structure and habit. In one or two genera the nostrils are not so conjpletely hidden by bristles as in the typical Crow, The majority feed completely on the ground, others are strictly arboreal. They all agree iii laying four or live spotted eggs except certain species of the genus Podoces, which lay white eggs in burrows. The mode of nidification of the remaining genera varies greatlv, some species breeding in holes of trees and cliH's, the others, the majority, constructing large nests of sticks and twigs. Most of them are omnivorous, but some of the smaller tropical species appear to confine their diet to insects. The Corvidce, as a family, have few characters in common, and yet there is no gronp of birds which is more easily recognized.
Choughs.
Keij
lo
Genera.
Nostrils dist.int tVoin forehead ."ibont onethird length of bill: iiarial bristleH rigid and straight, reachinfj- to about middle of bill or rictiil bristles and feathers of face iibsênt. a. Tail much shorter tliaii wing b. Tail much longer tliau wing B. Nostrils distant from forehead less than ouequarier length of bill; narial bristles or plumes short, never reaching to middle of
;
A.
Couvus,
Pica,
p. 20.
p, 37.
bill.
c.
Tail greatly graduated, outer feathers less than half length of tail,
a'.
Middle tail-feathers uniforndy wide throughout or widening gradually towards tip,

rt", ]iill
a'".
//".
red or yellow. Tail more than twice length of
wing
Tail less
-winer
Urocissa,
than
twice
length
p. 40,
of
Oissa,
p. 45. p. 47, p. 56.
h". Bill black

b'.
Denbbocitta,
'
Middle tail-feathers suddenly broadening towards tip
Cbypsikhina,
d.
graduated, outer feathers more tlian half length of tail, c'. Graduation of closed tail less ilian length of tarsus ; rictal bristles extremely
Tail not
much
long
Platysucrus,
p. 58.
C2
20
d'.
OOilXlDM.
Graduation of
tail
more than length of
bristles moderate or rictiil tarsus ; obsolete. c". Nostrils nearer edge of culmen than
lower edge of upper mandible. about half leng-tli or head, deep Rud notched d'". JJill about SBnic length as head, slender and not notehed d". Nostrils nearer lower edge of upper mandible than to culmen.
to
c'".
liill
tiAKBri.fs,
p. 50.
NrciKKAftA,
p. (id.
Wings long, falling short of the tip of tLe tail by li!S.s than length of tarsus /'". Wings short, falling short of the tip of the tail bv more thau length of tarsus
r'".
I'viiiiHOcoRAX, p. (W,
J'oDoi'Ks, p. 71.
Genus COEVUS Linn., 1766.

Tlie genus Corvux contains tlie Kavens, Grows, Eooks and .Taekdaws. Seven species .are found in India, several of which are divisible into we,ll-iuarked geofjraphical races, some of which were ranked by Gates as species whilst others equally easily differenOf tlie seven species some are tiated were altogether ignored. widely distributed and well known to all, and others are confined to the Himalayas and the north-west portion of the Empire. Corini.1 has the plumage black throughout or nearly throughout, and may be recognized by the position of the nostrils, which are placed fur forward, about one-third the length of the bill from the forehead, and are entirely concealed from view by a multitude of very stiff, straight bristles that reach the middle of the bill. In these characters this genus agrees with the Magpies 5 but the latter may be separated by the length of the tail, which is very much longer than the wing, and the shape of the first primary, which is figured on p. 37. The Crows are with two exceptions resident, the other two
being only winter visitors. The Hook forms a partial exception to the general characters given above for determining Oorvus. Up to nine months of age it has tlfe ordinary stiff bristles over the nostrils, but at that nge it casts them all off, as well as the feathers on the front part of the head. Its appearance in this state is well depicted in the figure of the head given on p. 31.
Kfy
A. Size
large,
to Species.
win^ always over 380 mm B. Size smaller, wing always under 380 mm. a. Crown and neck concolorous or nearly go. a'. Lower plumage with little gloss, and this
hlue or green
in adults.
;
C com.r, p.
21.
bill stout, face
featherod
.COKVUS,
a".
21
Plumage
hind
neck
intensely black, feathers of lirni ntid glossy with

".
fe'liatening shiifts
C. coioiie, p. -U.
h".
h'.
so black, leathers of hind neck soft and decomposed with inconspicuous shafts Ijowei- plumage inluiisely glossed with blue and puvple, bill slender, face of adults bare
Plumage not
<J.
cortmmdcs,
]).
2o.
C, frut/itcj/ns, p.
.".0.
h.
Hind neck grey or

black crown.
e'.
nshy, coiilrastin^r with
Wing exceeding JJOO W. "Wing never iisinucli as .'iOO mm. ('". Chin and throat deep black contrasting
f^'.
mm
(j.
comix,
p.
."iS.
witli breast , Cilia and throat gn^y like breast ....
('.
splenilinis, p.
.'!2.
C. inoitedii/a, p.
'Mi.
Corvus corax.
A'cy io Subspecies.
A. I'luniago
.
h.
black, the present almost imperceptible.

glo.ssy
brown
tint
if
Wing averaging about 420 mm. 71 mm. Throat-hackles short Wing averaging about 500 ram.
scapulars
Bill about
t'. c.
laurencei, p. 21.
tibi'ttmits, p.
Jiill
about
('.
81 vam. Tliroat-hackles long B. riumajro very brown on neck, upper back and
c.
23.
C.
c;
niJicoUic, p. 23.
(1)
Corvus corax laarencei.
The Pbnjab Eaten.

Corvits lawi'iicpi
Hume, Lnh.
to Yark., p. 23*) (1873) (Punjab).

i,
Corvws corax.
Blauf.
&
Gates,
p.
14 (1889).
;
Vernacular names. The European Raven (Hind, in the N.W.); Kargh (Candahar).
l)omhal\
Doda
and
Description. Entirely black, glossed with steel-blue, purple the throat-hackles short and not very conspicuous. lilac
:
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown bill and legs shining black. wing Ueasurements. Length from about GOO to 620 mm. from 400 to 440 mm. ; tail about 240 nnn. ; tarsus about 60 mm. cuimen about 64 mm. to 75 mm. IMstribution. Punjab, Bombay, United Provinces and N.W. Provinces, and a rare straggler into Kashmir and Central India. It occurs also in Sind, but in the N.E. of that province the
; ;
Brown-necked Haven takes its place. Outside of India the Punjab Haven
tan, S. Persia,
is found through BaluchisMesopotamia, Southern Asia Minor and Jôrthejeu-
22
Palestine.
coetid;e.
It
is
not easy to separate the breeding ranges of but the former appears to be essentially a bird of deserts and bare hills whilst the Punjab Eaven is more a bird of wooded country, though both are great wanderers and overlap one another constantly in their non-breeding haunts.
rvficollis
and
laurencei,
Kidiflcation. This Eaven makes a large nest of sticks, sometimes lined with a little wool, leaves or smaller, softer twigs and places The it near the top of a tree either in the open or in thui forest. eggs number from four to six, generally four or five and are a pale blue-green marked with deep brown and with underlying marks of pale grey and neutral tint. The markings are usually
thickly distributed over the whole surface but are sometimes bolder and blacker and more sparse, making the eggs very handsome in appearance. Thny are typically rather long ovals. They average about 60-7x33-6 mm. The breeding season is from the end of December to earlv Jlarch.
(o').'(-' '"
".,,
-^
Pig.
2.
-A Uivoat-liaekle of the Raven of Sikkiin Raven of the Punjab (J).
(a)
and of
tlio
Habits. The Punjab Eaven is a very bold, confiding bird and has all the habits of the Common Crow, attending camps and villages and going about without fear but with the wariness of his tribe. Hume has noticed how a large number of Bavens die annually in the autumn on their first arrival in Sind from no apparent cause. This form of Eaven will not be fovmd far from trees in the breeding season, nor does it haunt hills and mountains of any great elevation, though it has been found at about 6,000 feet in the Simla Hills by Mr, P. Dodsworth.
COKTPS.
(2)
23
Corvus corax tibetanus. The Tibet Eateis-.

Ann. Mag. N.
i,
Corvm
tibetanus llodgs.,
II.,
(2)
iii,
p.
SaS (1849)
(Tibet).
Coram
corax.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p. 14.
Vernacular names. The

Description.
throat
Tibet Eaven, Sard.;
much
bigger,
Neka-wak {Tihetun). more powerful bird thau the
PuDJab Kaveu, with a bigger bill and tlie lanceolate hackles of the much longer and more pointed than in that bird. Measurements. Wing from about 480 to 530 mm., nearly always between 490 and 51 mm. Culmen about 80 mm. and running up to 85 mm.
Distribution. The Himalayas from Kashmir to Eastern Tibet, including 8ikkim, Bhutan and the hills north of the Urahmaputra
in
Assam.
Nidification. The breeding season of this fine Eaven appears to be from early March to the middle of April and the eggs are generally laid whilst the whole country is still under snow. It appears to nest both in cliffs and in stunted trees and is not un-
the great Q-yantse Plateau at 12,0U0 to 14,000 feet, nesting on the willows and thorn-trees. Mandelli also took its nest in Sikkim. The eggs number three to live in a clutch and taken as a series are very diffl'erent from those of either teitrenca or In general colour they are very dull, brown eggs ; the ruficoUig. ground-colour is much less blue or green-blue and the markings are more numerous, yet smaller and less bold in character. broader, bigger egg Twenty eggs average 49-0 x 35-6 mm. than that laid by either of our other Indian Kavens, though we have but few to judge from
common on
Habits. The Tibet Eaven is a bird of lofty regions, being met with up to 18,000 feet in the summer and seldom below 9,000 feet even in mid-winter. Its note is said to be a harsher, deeper croak than that of the Punjab Eaven, and over most of its range it is a much shyer, wilder bird, tliough it is said to haunt the vicinity of
It was also reported as common all along the route taken by the Military Expedition to Lhassa, frequenting the camps, feeding on the animals that died on the march and acting as regular scavengers.
villages in Tibet.
(3)
Corvus corax
ruficollis.
The
BiiowN-iTEOKED Eavek.
(1831) (Africa).
Corms ruficollis Lesson, TraitS d'Om., p. 329 Corvm umbrinus. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 15.
Yemacular names. None
recorded.
Desoription. Differs from other Indian forms of
Baven in
24
COKVIB^
being a much browner bird in general coloration, more especially so on the neck and shoulders. The neck-hackles are even shorter than in laurencei and it is rather smaller also than either of the
previous forms.
UeasaremiBnts.
Wing
The
about 400
bill
mm. and
ranging between
380 and 420 mm.

slender than
it is
in the Indian form is also in either the Tibet or Punjab Raven.
more
and
Distribution. Sind,
Baluchistan,
S.
Persia,
Palestine
N. Africa to Abyssinia.
Fig. 3.
A throat -hackle of
C. c. riijimllix.
Nidification.
The Brown-necked Kaven
builds in
clift's
or river
banks throughout its whole area. In Baluchistan it apparently occasionally breeds in the rocky sides of the steeper and more broken gorges and cliffs. In South Palestine it breeds in great numbers in the river banks or in the many precipitous ravines in that country and the little that is on record concerning its breeding elsewhere agrees with this. It usually lays four eggs, often three only and sometimes five. Col. K. Meinertzhagen took a fine series of the eggs near Jerusalem. They are very small and can hardly be distinguished from those of a CarrionCrow but they are rather poorly marked on the whole, less brown than those of the Tibet Eaven but much less richly coloured than those of the Punjab Eaven. They measure about 45-0 x 31-5 mm. The breeding season in Palestine seems to commence in early March, but in Baluchistan they lay in December and January. Habits. This is essentially a bird of the desert or of rocky barren coasts and hUls and wherever such are intersected by cultivated or better forested areas the Punjab Raven or some other form takes its place. It is a more companionable bird than eitlier of its Indian relations and where it is most numerous several pairs may be seen consorting together. Meinertzhagen, who has recently examined a mass of matei-ial, is unable to detect any characters by which umbrinus of India to Palestine can be separated from ruficolUs of Africa.
(4)
Corvns corone orientalis.
The Eastebn Caeeiow-Cbow.

Corvus orientalis Eversm., Add. Pall. (Buchtarma). Corvui corme. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 16.
Zoogr.,
ii,
p.
7 (1841)
COBT0S.
2r>
VeroacQlar names. None recorded. Description. The whole plumage very glossy black, the feathers of the hind neck firm and v^'ith glistening shafts.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown
Measurements.
:J50
Length about
about li)0 tarsus about the same. The Eastern Carrion-Crow differs from the Common CarrionCrow in being decidedly bigger, a more glossy blue-h\a,vk in colour and in Laving the outer tail-feathers more graduated.
tail
mm.;
and bill shining black. wing about .330 to mm.; cuhnen about 58 to 60 mm.;
;
legs
.ÔO
mm.
Distribution. Siberia from the Yeuesei to Japan, south to Central Asia, Afghanistan, Eastern Persia, Kashmir, Tibet and N. China. AVhitehead found it common in the Upper Kurram
Valley.
XTidification. The Eastern Carrion-Crow is resident where found, but within Indian limits very little has been recorded about its history. It nests in the Kurram "Valley, whence WhiteLead sent me eggs, ar)d also in Kashmir, from wliich State I have received othei's. It builds in trees and very often near villages or buildings, laying three to five eggs, which cannot be distinguished from those of the Common Carrion-Crow.
Habits. The Cari-ion-Crow is found up to 1,400 feet and higher during the hot weather but certainly breeds as low as 5,000 feet. In the winter it descends much lower and it was obtained by Magrath at Bannu. Prom its superficial resemblance to the Common Jungle-Crow it is possibly often overlooked and it may prove to he not uncommon in the plains in the extreme northwest of India. In Kashmir it is not rare but haunts the wilder parts of the country, though on the Afghanistan and Baluchistan frontier it is, according to Whitehead, generally found in the neighbourhood of villages and mankind. Its voice is the usual croak of its tribe and its food is as omnivorous as that of the western bird.
Gorvus coronoides. The Jungle-Ceow.
Our Indian Jungle-Crows have hitherto been known by the name of macrorhynchîs, a name which really applies to their
Javan cousin, but they are merely races of the Australian JungleCrow, and must therefore be known specifically by the name coronoides, though they form several well-defined subspecies.
Key to Subspecies. Wing about 805 mm., bill about 60 mm. A. B. Wingp about 200mm., bill about 56 mm. C. Wine about 380 mm.
.
.
C.
c.
c.
levaUlanti, p. 27. culminutus, p. 28.
a. Bill
6.
Bill about
about 60 mm., more slender 65 mm., more massive
C.c
intermedins, p. 28. C.c. andmnanensis, p. 29.
28
oohyiuê.
feature which is also of souie use in distinguishing geographical races is the colour of the bases of the feathers. In southern birds these are nearly always very dark, in Central Indian birds they vary a great deal from pale dirty white to dark, whilst in the northern mountain birds when f>dhi adult they are generally pale and often pure white. Andaman birds seem invariably to have the bases to their feathers a very pure white, and differ in this respect from their nearest allies in Assam and
Fiff. 4.
Head of
('.
nmniniilrs.
Fig.
5.
Foot of
C. cormioides.
Burma, from which it may be found necessary to separate them they agree. with these, however, in their very heavy bills. As 80 much of the material for examination in museums is unsexed, it has been very difficult to draw conclusions from measurements. It must be remembered, however, that females on the whole run smaller than males and certainly have smaller, slighter bills. Although non-migratory birds and in their wilder
coBvrs.
27
haunts keeping to very restricted areas, the races which have taken to scavenging cities and villages for food probably travel over very wide areas in the non-breeding season and the result of this habit is that we are often faced with conflicting ineasurements from the same locality.
It is most noticeable in the geographical races of this Crow that the eggs are more easily differentiated than the birds themselves.
(5)
Corvus coronoides levaillanti.

TlIi;
JND1A.N .)LVJf(ilE-0llOW.
Corvus levnillanti Less., Traitu d'Orii., p. 328 (ISai) (Bengal). Corvus macrorhym-hii/:. Blanf, & Gates, i, p. 17.
,]
Vernacular names. The Indian Corhij, the Blender-hilled Orinv, erdon ;Bhar or. Dhiil-Kdwa (Hindi in the North); Karrial{tiuu\\);
black, except the hind neck and sides of neck, which are almost glossless, and of which the feathers are disintegrated and silky, not of the intense black of the other parts, and with the shafts not conspicuously different from the webs.
Dad-Kawa, Jitmjli-Kaiva (Bengali). Description. Upper plumage glossy
Colours of soft parts. Jris brown, or very dark almost bhicklegs, feet and bill black. Measurements. Length from about 430 to 510 mm. (about 17 to 20 inches); tail about 170 to 200 inni. wing about 304 mm., but varying from about 290 to 3^0 mm. ; culiuen about 60 mm.
;
brown
Distribution. The (Jommon Indian Jungle-Crow extends over the whole of India south of the Himalayas, as far South as the Deccan and on the East to about the latitude of the Madras Presidency. To the North-east it is found up to the Bay of Bengal, but east of the Brahmaputra its place is taken by the Burmese form.
The breeding season of this race of Jungleover the greater portion of its habitat is from the middle of December to the middle of January but in the north-eastern portion of its range, such as Behar, Oudh, etc., it appears to lay The nest is a very well-made neat cup of in March and April. small and pliant twigs, much and compactly internnxed with It is leaves, moss, etc., and well lined with hair, grass or wool. generally placed high up in some tree away from villages and towns but may occasionally also be found building right inside the
Nidification.
Crow
streets of big cities.
The eggs number four or five, rarely six, and are quit* typical Crows' eggs, but, compared with those of the hill races, are much smaller and much paler in general tint. In shape also they average longer in proportion. One hundred eggs average 39-6 x
28'9
mm.
28
POliVlVM.
Habits. Normally the Jungle-Crow is, as its name implies, a bird of the forests and juugles rather than of cities and civilization : at the same time this particular race has taken to emulating
the Indian House-Crow in haunting the abodes of men and, even where it still keeps to the jungles, generally selects places within easy distance of some village, possibly for the sake of the food it is able to scavenge from it. It is not nearly so gregarious as the House-Crow, and, except in Ihe towns, each pair has its own special territory, from which it excludes all others of its own kind.
((>)
Corvus coronoides culminatus.
The
SouTHKii>' Jujnole-Ckow.
Vorme adminatus Sykes, P. 'A. 8., ]S3-i, p, 9(5 (DeccHll). forms macrorhj/nchun. Blauf. k ()at,s, i, p. J 7.
Kudu-Kaka
(Ceylon).
Vernacular names. nheri-hawn{mn<\. South); Kaki (Telegu) (Tel. Travancore) Kuka (Tamil) ; Goifeqanima Kttku
;
Description. Only differs from the ])revious bird in being smaller, with generally a smaller, more slender bill and in having the bases to the feathers nearly always dark in the adult as in the
young.
Colours of soft parts as in leraUlanti.
Measurements. Wing from 272 fo 305 mm., in one case only 319 (possibly a wanderer), and averaging about 291. mm. Culmen about 55 to 56 mm.
Distribution. India in the Madras Presidency southwards, the Decean and south through Malabar and Travancore to the south of Ceylon.
Nidiflcation. In the northern portion of its habitat this Crow breeds in December to February, but in Ceylon it breeds in June and July, though possibly in other months also. The nest is similar to that of the Common Indian Jungle-Crow, biit the 60 eggs available for measuren)ent average only 38'0 x 28*1 ram. In colour they seem to be richer and darker than those of the northern bird and to be of a stouter, shorter oval.
Habits.
more
Similar to those of the other races, but it is perhaps really a jungle bird tliaTi is levaillanti. In Ceylon it is said
(Wait) to keep much to the coastal areas, which are well forested.
(7)
Corvus coronoides intermedius.
The Himalaya.^
Curms macrorhynehm.
Description.
Blanf.
Jxingle-Ceow.
p.
Corvus intermedins Adams, P. Z, S,, 1859,
171 (Kashmir).
&
Oates,
i,
p. 17.
Vernacular names. UlakpJio (Lepcha)
Ulal- (Bhutea).
bill
very large bird with a
little if
anything
coBvi's.
29
larger than that of the Northern Indian race. In adults the bases of the feathers are generally pale and in some pure white.
Colonrs of soft parts as in hvaillanti.
Measurements. Wing averaging over 330 imii. and running up to as much as ^(iS in two birds, one from Simla and one from
Sikldm.
If birds from only the higher portions of their liabitat were taken, the wing avenige would probably be well over 340 nun., but the average is greatly decreased by late summer birds, which may well be visitors from the plains wandering into the hills alter Thus both in Murree and Mussoorie individuals occur breeding. with wings of about 2SJ0 mm. and there is a specimen iu the British Museum from Gilgit witli a wing of oidv 285 mm.
and
it
Distribution. The ? Dafla Hills.
Himalayas
from
Afghanistan to Bhutan
Nidification. This form is essentially a jungle-breeder, though may place its nest in forest not far from habitations. Bound about 8imla the deodar is a favourite nesting site, the nest being
placed very high up and even bettor and more compactly built than that of the plains' birds. The clutch is bigger also, live.being not iincomn)on and six sometimes met with. The eggs average 44-Sx30'0 mm. and are much more richly and brightly coloured than are the eggs of the plains' birds. The breeding season lasts from the middle of March to the end of May.
Habits. The Himalayan Jungle-Crow is found from the foolup to at least 10,000 feet, though it may not; be common at Birds from the hot country below 1,000 or even this elevation. 2,000 feet elevation are intermediate between the plains and the mountain forms and cannot be correctly assigned to either. This is, of course, the case in intermediate areas between geographical races of all species. The Himalayan bird is not so much addicted to haunting the vicinity of human habitations as is the Common Jungle-Crow and
hills
pairs
may bo found inhabiting

is
stretches of forest far from any
camp
or village. Its voice that of the plains' bird.
notably louder and deeper than
(8)
Corvus coronoides andamanensis. The Asdamait Jungle-Ciiow.

p.
Corvus andamanensis Tytler, Beavan, Ibis, 186t>, Aiidamans). Corvus macrorhynohus. Blanf. & Oat8, i, p. 17.
420 (Pt. Blair,
ffagrani
VeniMnlar names. Kak-mrai, Jungla ak-omi (Assamese) Vo-kah Dao-ha (Cachari) Inrui-hafe (Kacha Naga)
; ; ;
(Kuki); Taw-chegan (BviTm&a&)
Kv/ak (Shmese).
30
COBVID^.
Description. This race is distinguished from the Himalayan bird by its long, very stimt bill and from the other races by its greater size.
Measurements. Wing about 325 mm. the males run from 304 to 345 mm. and the females from about, 290 to 321 mm. The bill is very lojig, never under 58, generally well over CO and ruimiug up to 70 nnii., the average being about 05 mm. In addition to its length it is stouter and heavier than in any other
;
form.
Distribution.
Audaumns,
Assam,
Burma,
and
North
and
1 cannot find any satisfactory character v^hicli In all suffices to separate the Andaman birds from tlie others. the island adults the bases to the feathers are very pure white, whereas in the Assam aud Burmese birds they range from ahnost pure black to more than equally pure white. Northern birds have more white than southern, but even this i.s only a question of degree in average.
iSiara.
West
entirely a frequents the neighbourhood of human habitations moi'e freely, occasionally building its nest in tovi^ns and villages. The nest is the neatest and best built of any made by Crows, and I have seen specimens made entirely of mo.ss and moss roots and so neatly lined with hair and fur that they would have been a credit to any bird architect. The eggs number four to six and differ from those of intermedkts in being duller, browner and darker in their general tint aud being somewhat l)roader in proportion to their length. They average 43-1 x3l"6 mm. In Assam and Upper Burma the breeding season is during April and May but in Lower Burma and Siam January and February are the laying months.
jungle bird
Nidiflcation. In Assam in Central and ;
and
N. Uurina almost
it
Lower Uurma
Habits. These do not differ from those of the other JungleCrows, but over a considerable portion of their northern range they are shy, retiring bii'ds, generally frequenting heavy forest and never scavenging round about villages. Each pair has its own territory over which it hunts and in the breeding season it is most destructive to other birds' eggs and young. It ascends the hills up to some 6,000 feet but is not common above this height, though it wanders up to 8,000 or even 9,000 feet. It occurs
all
over the plains except, j)erhaps, in the driest portions of Central Burma.
(9)
Corvus fragilegns tschusii.
The Easteest Eook.

Cnrvus /ru!/ilei/iM fschmii
Corviis frnffikffus.
Ilartv.rt, Vcig. Pal.,i,
j),
14 (190a)
(fijilgil).
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 18.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
COBTTJS,
31
Description. The whole plumage black ; the head, neck and lower; plumage richly glossed with purplish blue, the upper plumage with violet-purple ; tlie base of the bill and face without any feathers and showing up white. The Eastern race differs from the typical bird in being smaller and especially in having a smaller, more slender bill.
Colours of soft parts. Bill and feet black

facial skin white.
iris
deep brown
about 300
Measurements. Total length about 480 mm. or less wing mm. tail about 160 ram. culmen 52 to 60 mm.
;
is without any gloss at first, but quickly assumes Until about 10 to 12 months old the face is fully feathered the nasal bristlet! are then cast, and by the time the bird is a year old the face is' entirely denuded of feathers. Whitehead says that the Eastern form does not shed its facial feathers until April or until it is practically a year old.
it.
The Nestling
Fig. 6.
Head of
C'.y. tsvluisii.
Nidification. The Eastern Kook breeds iu Persia, Turkestan and North-West Siberia, and probably Ladakh. A nest taken for me by a native collecter was built on a small tree and contained three egs;8, similar to those of the Common Eook and measuring 33-6 x 25-9 34-0 X 26-0 and 34-1 x 2.5-0 mm. The female was shot on the nest.
; ;
Habits. The Eastern

the
plains,
Eook
is
a very
common
winter visitor to
the
North-West Himalayas and

having been killed
at
occasionally wanders into
Whitehead and Magrath report it as visiting Kohat in enormous numbers. The Eook frequents the tetter cultivated parts of the country and feeds in ploughed and grass-covered lauds on worms, snails, grubs and grasshoppers, etc. In Europe the Western form breeds in
Abbottabad.
large societies but there
is little
on record about the Eastern
form.
82
(10)
Tjie
COBTID^.
Corvus comix sharpiiEastern Hooued Cbow.

p. iiO
Corvus gharjni Oatos, Avifauna of B. I., i, Corvwi corm.%: Blanf. fc Gates, i. p. 19.
(]889) (Siberia).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Entire head and neck, the central part of tlie upper breast, the wings, tail and thighs glossy black ; remainder of the plumage drah-grny ; the shafts of the upper [wrts black, those of the lowi^r brown.
The light parts in the Coniiuon Hooded Crow are as/iy-grey of quite a different tint and the races are easily separable.
Colours of soft parts. Legs and
bill
black
irides
dark brown.
Measurements. Total length about 480 mm,; wing about 320 to ;34U mm.; tail about 200 mm.; culmen 47 to 54 mm.; tarsus about 55 mm. Distribution. Breeding in West Sibeiia, Turkestan and Afghanistan, and migrating south to the extreme north-west of India, Punjab, Gilgit and the North- West Frontier. Rare visitor to Kashmir, where Mr. T. R. Livesey records seeing it ; this was on Jiiii. 10th near the Hokra Jheel. The birds of S.E. Persia seem to be nearer to this race than to C. c. capelltmus.
Nidification. Mr. A. J. Carrie obtained what lie considered to be this form of Hooded Crow breeding in great numbers iu and about Kermaii, S.E. Persia, at considerable elevations. The nests were of sticks, twigs, roots, etc., lined with somewhat finer material and placed in trees both evergreen and deciduous. The
eggs number four or five and are laid in early April. They arw quite indistinguishable from those of tlie Common Hooded Crow and measure about 42-2x29'f) mm. They vary in coloration to the same extent as all Crows' eggs do.
Habits. The Hooded Crow has much the same habits as the Carrion-Crow, being shy and frequenting the more barren parts In addition to eating the usual food of the countries it inhabits. of its ally, it is said to feed on grain and to be found in fields searching the ground like the Kook. common winter visitor to the extreme North-west of India. This form of Hooded Crow as well as the European form seems to interbreed freely over part of their northern habitat with the Carrion-Crow.
Corvns splendens.
Key
to Subgjaeciet.
A. Difference between grey and black portion of plumage well defined B. Pale portions of plumage very pale contrasting strongly with dark
C.
tplendau, p. 33.
C.
s.
Bugmayeri,
p.
34.
coBvus.
0. Contrast between pale and dark plumage very slight and ill-defined D. Contrast between pale and dark plumage slight, yet easy to define
33
insolem, p. 34.
C. C.
s.
s.
protegatm,
p. 35.
(11)
Corvus splendens splendens.
The Common Isman IIousb-Ckow.

Corvm ipUndmii
(Bengal)
;
Vieill.,
Nouv.
i,
Diet. d'Hist. Nat., Tiii, p.

p. 20.
Blanf.
&
44 (1817)
Dates,
Vernacular names. Kama, Pati-kawa, Desi-kawar (Hindi in various districts) ; Kari or Kak (Bengali) ; Myen-Kwah (Manipur) Kak-sorai (Assam) Noni Bas-hah (Caohari) ; Manchi KaJd (Tel.) ; Nalla Kaka (Tamil).
;
Description. Forehead, crown, lores, cheeks, chin and throat deep glossy black nape, ear-coverts, the whole head, upper back and breast light ashy brown wings, tail and remainder of upper plumage glossy black; lower plumage from the breast dull brownish black the feathers of the throat are lanceolate and the whole of the black portions of the plumage are highly resplendent with purple-blue and greenish reflections.
; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; legs and bill black. Measurements. Length about 420 to 440 mm. wing from about 250 to 275 mm. tail about 170 mm. ; tarsus about 50 ram. and culraen 45 mm. Distribution. The whole of India, except Sind and perhaps the extreme north-west, to the extreme south, Assam, Manipur, Lushai and the north of Arrakan and the Chin Hills.
;
Nidification. The breeding season varies very greatly according In the greater part of Bengal and its eastern range to locality. it breeds in March and April, but in Dacca I found it breeding in December, January and again in April and May ; in its northwestern rang it breeds in May, June and July ; and in Assam,
Manipur and N. Burma in April und May. The nest is a rough a&ir of sticks lined with smaller twigs and other miscellaneous
softer material, and is placed at all heights in trees, growing in and round about cities, towns and villages. The eggs number four or five or sometimes six, very rarely seven. Thev are typical Crows' eggs and run through the same range of variations as do those of all the Oorvidm. The ground is any shade of blue-green, and the markings are of dull reddish and brown with secondary markings of grey and neutral tint, usually they are small and irregular in shape and are scattered profusely over the whole egg. The average of 100 eggs is 37'2 x 27 mm. Habits. The Indiau House-Crow is one of the most familiar
throughout its habitat, whatever race it may belong to. It haunts human habitations and follows human beings as civilization gradually usurps the place of jungle or forest and wherever
birds
TOI,. I.
34
coetidj:.
man iS, there, sooner or later, it will surely be found. originally purely a plains' bird it has followed rail
Probably
and road
routes into the hills almost everywhere, being now found in hill stations at elevations of 6,000 and 7,000 feet or even higher. Whitehead says that in the Kurram (this is probably zugmm/eri) it remains in the hills all t!ie year round except in very severe
weather but in most of the higher haunts it is a winter visitor It is one of the boldest, yet one of the most astute of birds, and whilst on the one hand it will snatch food from the very hands of the Indian servants, a very few shots will keep every crow ill the neighbourhood out of shot until the gun is put away. In many cities and towns they are so numerous as to become an actual pest and measures have to be taken to suppress them.
only.
(12)
Corvus splendens zugmayerl
The
Corms zugmayeri
SiiTD
House-Ceow.
Monatsb., xxi, p. 98 (1919) (Las
i,
Laiibni.,
Om.
Bela, 8.E. Baluchistan). Corvus Dplendena. ISlauf. & Oates,
p. 20.
Vernacular names. Pat-Kawar (Hind.). Bescription. Like C. s. splendens, but with the pale parts almost white and showing in sharp contrast to the black.
Colours of soft parts and Heasuremeuts as in the
Common
coast
House-Crow.
Distribution.
Baluchistan, Afghanistan,
Sind,
Mekrau
and S.E. Persia as far north as Fao. It is common in Kashmir, where it breeds, and wanders into the Punjab. Nidification. The breeding season of the Sind House-Crow
appears to commence in the latter half of June as soon as the monsoon breaks. It breeds in immense numbers all round and in Karachi and as nesting sites are here not too common, for trees are comparatively few, many eggs are thrown out of the nest during squabbles between the owner of the nest and other crows. Nest and eggs are like those of the other races but the nest is often placed on quite low bushes, especially if they are thorny ones. Sixty eggs collected for me by General R. Betham average 37-6 X 25-8 mm.
Habits. These do not differ from those of the other races.
(13)
Corvus splendens insolens.
The Bubmese HotrsB-CBow.

Conui insokng Hume,
Blanf.
S.
F.,
51,
p.
480 (1874) (Tenasserim)
&
Oates,
i,
p. 21.
Vernacolar names. Kyeegan, Ohegan (Burmese).
cojivus.
Description.. Similar to tlie Indiau House-Crow, but with the i)arts shading into the lighter, which are ill-defined aud a blackish grey.
dark
Distribution. Burma, Siam, Yunnan, Cochin China and the north of the Malay Peninsula. Its soufcheru limit is not known, but it extends to villages some way soutli of Mergui. Birds from Assam, N. Chin Hills and JV. Arrukan are somewhat intermediate as would be expected, but are nearer splendens than Wickham reports that be found the Common Crow at insolens. Sandoway to be s2ilendens and not the Burmese form.
Nidification. Indistinguishable from that of splendens.
One
hundred eggs average 35-1 x
2(3-1
mm.
Habits. In Burma this race lakes the place of the Indian bird in every way, and is its equal in familiar insolence and crafty care for its own safety.
(14)
Corvus splendens protegatus.

TiiK
Cevlon IIouse-Cbow.
Oin. Moiiatsb.,
xii,
CorviM splendens protegatus Madar., (1904) (Golowbo).

Cofftis splendent.
lilanf,
p.
195
&
Gates,
i,
p. 20.
Veruacular names. Mancld Kakl (Tel.) ; Nalla KaM (Tam.) Karnri-Kaki, Kakum (Ceylon) Graya (Portuguese in Ceylon).
;
Description. Very similar to insohnx^ but the light parts are not quite so dark as in that race and ai'e more easily defined from the black.
Colours of soft parts as in splendens.

rather smaller bird tlian splendens; wing Measurements. other parts in proportion. generally between 220 aud 250 mm.
;
Distribution. Ceylon only. Specimens from the extreme south of Travancore are very dark compared with Northern Indian birds, but are nearer to those than to the small dark Ceylon subspecies.
One hundred eggs collected by Messrs. W. E. Wait A. Phillips average i34-8 x 25-6 mm., and are not distinguishable in colour from those of other races.
Nidification.
and
W. W.
Habits. Though
Ceylon as
its
neither so numerous nor so ubiquitous in confreres in other parts, there is no difference to be
recorded in their habits.*
Corvus spleiidens maledevicus Bchw. (Wiss. Erg. D. Tiefsee-Kxp., p. 3.56, 1904) appeara to be described from some form of House-Crow imported iato the Maldives. 6nly a single specimen was obtained. It U impossible to say what race this bird is, and the name cannot bs maintained. 1)2
36
(lo)
COETIDJK.
Corvus monedula soemtneriagii.
The
Easxeest Jackdaw.
i,
Corvus sa-mmcringii Fischer, Mm. Soe. Imp. Natur. Moscovi, (1811) (Moscow). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 22. ] Coj-Biw monedula.
p.
Vernacular names. Paya (Tibetan).

Description. Forehead and crown glossy black ; nape and hind neck duskj grey sides of the head and neek light grey, almost white, and forming a half-collar on the posterior portion of the side of the neck; lores blackish; upper plumage, wings and tail bluish black with a considerable amount of gloss chin and cheeks black with grey shaft-streaks throat and fore neck entirely black remainder of lower plumage slafy black with very little gloss.
;
Head of
C. m. sammeriiigii.
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris nearly wliite

black.
legs,
feet
and
bill
Measurements. Length about 320 to 340 mm.; wing 230 to 250 mm.; tail about 135 mm.; tarsus about 44mm.; culmen 32 to 34 mm. Distribution. Breeding from Eastern Eussia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, through Asia as far east as the Yenesei and south to Persia, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Liidakh and Easlern Tibet In winter it wanders into the plains, being numerous close to the Himalayas and having been found as far south as Ferozepore, J helum and Kalabagh, and as far east as Umballa.
Nidification. The Eastern Jackdaw breeds iu great numbers in Kashmir, West Ladakh, Gilgit, etc., making its nest of all kinds of
rubbish in old buildings, hollow trees and holes in cliffs. It lays four to seven eggs of a very jjale sea-green colour, sparsely marked with spots and specks of dark brown and purple. They average about 34'2 x 24*9 mm. in size but vary very much both in length and breadth, even in the same clutcli. The breeding season commences in April but eggs may be found until the end of June.
PICA.
37
Habits. This Jackdaw is in habits much the same as its western cousin but in the wilder parts of its habitat it is essentially a cliff bird. It is very fond of company, and numerous birds are often seen together, though it can lianlly be calletl gregarious like the Book. Its food consists of all kinds of grain, seeds, fruit and
insects.
It will also kill
and eat mice,
lizards
and nestlings of
other species, though not nearly to the same extent as the CarrionCrow or Haven. Onr Indian and Central Asian bird has been again separated by Kleinschmidt as having the under parts darker and the wing longer than in Ilussian birds hut the flue series in the British Museum does not endorse this diaj;nosis.
Genus PICA Brisson,
17f)0.
There is but one species of Fica \\\ Iiidia containing three subwhich grade into one another in the areas where they meet, but which are well differentiated over large tracts of country in which their characteristics are quite constant.
species
Fig. 8.
Head of P. pica bactr'tana.
Fig. 9.
First primary of P. pica haciriana.
Pica differs from Gorvus in having a very long graduated tail and in having a first primary of very peculiar shape. The Magpies are, however, more addicted to well-wooded districts; they are equally wary and they are almost omnirorous.
as
COETID^.
Pica pica.
Key
A.
to
Subspecies.
white rump, sometimes reduced to a dull grey band. a. Gloss on -wings green h. Gloss on win{i;a blue K. Rump wholly bltick
P. p. haetnana, |i. 38. P. p. serica, p. 39. 1'. p. Mtanensis, p. 30.
(16)
Pica pica bactriana.
The Kashjiib Magpie,

Pica baofriana Bonap., Conspect., i, p. IHca rmtira. Blanf. & Dates, i, p. 24.
38-3
(1850) (Kandahar).
Vernacular names. AkJta

Description.
(Cabul")
Aq
aq (Mesop.).
entire head and neck, the upper plumage, breast, thighs, vent and under hiil-eoverts black, the rump with a broad white band across it ; scapulars, abdomen, and the greater portion oE the primaries white; wings brilliantly glossed with blue, and the tail with green, lilac and purple. Differs from the British Ma<!;pie in having a broader white rump band. It is said also to be larger; Hartert gives the European bird a wing of 155 to 193 mm. and bacirinna a wing of 210 mm. and over. I find, however, that whilst many English birds have a wing of over 210 mm., many Indian specimens have
it
The
under 190
mm.
brown
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark
bill
and
legs black.
Measurements. Wing 182 to 227 mm., generally well over 200 ram.; tail anything from 200 to 270 mm., usually about 240 mm. ; culmen 30 to 32 ram. tarsus from 40 to 45 mm.
;
Asia to Kamschatka and South to South Persia, Afghanistan and Kashmir. It is found also in Knmaun, the Simla Hills and Garhwal, but not ajjparently
in Nepal.
Nidiflcation. The Kashmir Magpie seems to bo resident and to breed wherever found. It is very common in Kashmir, breeding in great numbers between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, making a nest like that of others of its tribe a cup of twigs, bents and roots w ifch a dome of twigs, often with moss, thorns, and lined with roots or
Distribution. Throughout
NoH hern
wool. It is usually placed well np in a fairly high tree but sometimes comparatively low down in thorny bushes. The eggs number four to seven and are indistingaishable from those of the Common Magpie. The ground-colour is a pale sea-blue green and the markings consist of small blotches, freckles and spots of dull reddish brown, scattered profusely all over the egg but more numerous at the larger end. They average 35'7 x 24'4 ram.
The breeding season

to elevation.
is
from
early April to late
May, according
WOA.
39
Habits. The Magpie is found in well-wooded parts of the country and near cultivation. Two or more pairs may often be seen in company, and in parts of Kashmir where they are very common several birds may be found together. They do not come very low down the hills in winter, and are seldom found below 5,000 feet. They are very conspicuous birds on the wing, their black and white plumage, long waving tail and undulating flight
and
quickly attracting the eye. They eat insects, fruit and grain, their voice is typically harsh and Corvine in character.
(17)
-
Pica pica
serica.
Thk Chinese Magpie.

8.,
Pica serica Gould, P. Z.
1845, p. 2
(Amoy, China).
Vernacular names.
differs in the
None
recorded.
Description. "Closely allied to the Common Magpie but wings being blue instead of green, in the rather less extent of the white "(6''omW). Gould also says that this form has a larger bill and a much longer tarsus.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as

Distribution. Japan, north to
in bactriana.
Upper Burmese Hills, through China to South Korea and south to Hainan and Formosa. Nidiiication. This Magpie breeds freely in the Chin and Kachin Hills and in Shan States in February, March and early April, and eggs were also taken by Styan in Foochow in the latter month. In N.E. Cliihli, La Touche found it breeding in May and June. Nest and eggs are similar to those of P. p. hactriana, forty of the eggs averaging 35*6x24'3 mm. In the Cliin Hills this bird is often victimized by the Koel, and Col. Harington found many Koels' eggs in Magpies' nests. of the genus. 'Habits. Similar to those of other members According to La Touche it is migratory in China, assembling in In large flocks prior to commencing its journey southwards.
Burma
it is
resident.
(IS) Pica pica bottanensis.
The Black-bumpku Magpie.

Pica bottanensis Delessert, Key. Zool., 1840,
p.
100 (Biitan); Blanf.
&
Oa^s,
i,
p. 25.
Vernacular names.
None
recorded.
Description. Similar to the Common Magpie, but with rump entirely black. It is much larger, with a shorter tail.
the
ColOTirs of soft parts as in
P.p. bactriana. Measurements. Length about 625 mm. wing from 225 to
;
40
cobtiBjE.
;
270 mm., generally over 250 mm. tail from 250 to 300 mm. culmen about 80 to 85 mm. tarsus 56 mm. Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and East Tibet to Kansu. Nidiflcation. This fine Magpie breeds both in Sikkim and South and East Tibet at heights over 10,000 feet and up to nearly 15,000 feet The nest is similar to that of the Common Magpie hut is often placed comparatively low down in thorn-bushes. The eggs number from four to six in a full clutch, and are rather
;
dark as a series but otherwise like those of other species of iHca.
They are very big and forty -eight eggs average 38-7 X 26*7 mm. The birds breed from early April, when there is still snow about, through May and rarely, possibly a second time, in June.
Habits. Similar to those of other birds of the genus.
Genus UEOCISSA Cabanis, 1850.

a few brightly plumaged Magpies which are found in India and China. I'hey differ from the true
Ui-ocissa contains
The genus
Fig. 10.
Head of V.
tn. occipitalis.
Magpies in having the nostrils, which are covered by rather soft plumes, not by stifE bristles, situated near the base of the bill ; in having a longer tail and a bill which is red or yellow but never
black.
Key
A.
Bill
red.
to Species,
Nuchal white patch laree, reaching to the end of the Black on the
U. tnelatioeephala,
p. 40.
hind neck B. Bill yeUow. Nuchal patch small, not reaching to the end of the black
U. flavirottrit, p. 48.
IJrocissa melanocephala.
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Patch on the head pale blue B. Patch on the head pare white. a. Bill smaller, under 88 mm
b. Bill larger,
U. m. melanocephala,
[p. 41.
over 38
mm
U.m, ocdpitaUs, p. 41. U.m. magnirottrts, p. 42
UBOOIBSA,
41
(19) * Urocissa
melanocephala melanocephala.
The
Chiitese Ebd-btllbd Magpie.

i,
Coraciag melanoceiihalus Lflth.,I)]d. Orn.,
p.
170 (1790) (China).
; a large patch on the nape, continued down the back lavender- or pale blue-grey, and feathers oE the fore crown tipped with the same colour lower plumage greyish white with a bluish sheen ; under tailcoverts the same, but bluer and with a black band at the tips of the feathers with a greyish-white subterminal band ; tail azureblue, broadly tipped with white and all but the central pair of feathers with a broad subterminal band of black ; wings dull bluebrown, the primaries edged with brighter blue and brown on the inner webs ; the inner secondaries blue on both webs.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Head, neck and breast blaok
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown coral-red to crimson, claws horny.
bill
and
feet
Measurements. Total length about 550 mm.; wing 180 to 200 mm. tail .'{75 to 425 mm. tarsus about 45 mm. culmen about 32 to 33 mm. Distribution. China and Yunnan. A bird from the South Shan States, perhaps from the extreme East, seems referable to
; ; ;
this subspecies.
Nidiflcation. In Chihli, La Touche took its nests and eggs in He describes them as having a clayey-brown ground-colour, very heavily marked. Two clutches sent to me are green eggs, very small, about 29 x 24 mm., and just like Koels' eggs. There may possibly be some mistake about them. The breeding season seems to be May.
May.
Habits. These appear to

birds.
be
similar to those of our Indian
(20)
Urocissa melanocephala occipitalis.
The Red-billed Blub Magpie.

Psilorhimts
occipitalis
Blyth, J.A.S.B., xv,
p.
27 (1846) (N.W.
Himalayas).
Urocissa occipitalis.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 26.
Vernacular names. Nilkhant
(at Mussoorie); Digg-Bal (Simla).
Description. Similar to U. m, melanocephala, but can be distinguished at a glance by its white nape-patch. The back is more purple, with a blue sheen rather than lavender-brown.
ColoUTB of soft parts in the preceding bird.

*
fay
and Keasurements much the same as
Conm erpthrorhvnehus Gml., SyBt. Nat., Boddaert, tabl. Fl. Enlum., p. 38, 1783.
i,
p.
372 (1788)
is
preoccupied
42
Distribution. Tibet,
COUVIBJB.
N.W. Himalayas through Nepal and
Sikhim to
Nidification. This bird breeds eominonly over a great portion of the Himalayas in the uorth-west at elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. The nest is a roughly made cup of twigs and coarse roots lined with finer roots and fern rachides, and generally placed some 10 to 20 feet from the ground in a small tree in
evergreen forest. The eggs, which number three to six, vary very much in colour. The ground ranges from a very pale yellowish stone-colour to a darkish, ratlier reddish stone-colour; rarely there is a faint green tinge but this is quite exceptional. The markings consist of small specks and blotches, or all small irregular blotches, of various shades of brown, sienna or reddish brown, wit h a few underlying ones of pale sienna and purple. As a rule they are richly marked handsome eggs but are not, as they have often been described, like those of Miigpies except in general character. They measure about 33'9 x ii3'9 mm. Habits. This Blue Magpie is found in small parties, probably consisting of the parent birds and their last brood. They keep much to evergreen forest at elevations between 5,000 and 12,000 feet, descending lower in the winter but never to the plains as does the next bird. Their flight is slow and undulating and they are rather noisy birds, especially during the breeding season. According to Col. Eattray, they are much given to feeding on the ground. Like all Magpies they are said to be addicted to stealing eggs and young of other birds.
(21)
Urocissa melanocephala magnirostris.

EEO-BiLiiEu Blue Magpie.
The BtJHMESK
Ding Mt).
Utocigsa occipitalis.
Fstlorfihim magnirostris Blyth, J. A. S. B., xv, p. 27 (1846)
(Ya
Ma
Blanf
&
Gates,
i,
p. 26.
Vernactilar name. Hnet-daw-pya (Burmese).

Description. Differs from occipitalis in having a darker back,
more suffused with purple-blue, and it also differs both from that bird and from melanocephala in having no white tips to the
primaries.
ColotiTS of soft parts as in mehnocejihala.
ICeastireiuents. This with a wing of about 3fi to 37 mm.
is a slightly larger bird than occipitalis, 200 to 210 mm. and a much larger bill,
Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Burnrn to Slam. It is very rare in the Khasia, N. Cachar and Manipur Hills, but more common in the Naga Hills and comparativelv common in the Chin and Kachin Hills, West Shan States and North Siam.
UHOCIBSA.
-J
Nidification, Similar to that of occipitalis, but the eggs ai-e quite difFerent. The ground-colour seems always to be a vei pale salmon or pink stone-colour and the marks consist of light reddish blotches and freckles over tlie whole surface, with numerous others underlying them of pale neutral tint. Eggs taken by Col. Bingham and by Messrs. llopwood, Mackenzie nnd .Hariugion were all of this description and I have seen none of
occipitalis
six.
anything
like
them.
The
full clutch
ninnbers three to
The breeding season is March lo April in Lower Burma, April May in Upper Burma. Habits. This bird is said to come right down into the plains in winter and even to breed at very low elevations. In Assam
and
and Northern Burma it keeps to the higher ranges and is seldom found below 5,000 feet. They are said to keep much to the deciduous forests in Burma, but in Assam haunt rhododendron, oak and mixed evergreen
forests.
Urocissa flavirostris.
Kei/
to Stihspccit's.
A. Under parts a rathr dnrk lilac B. t'ndev parts almcst pure white
(22)
l^''^-
U. f. cucullata,
J- fuvirostris. p. 4.'i. p. 44.
Urocissa flavirostris flavirostris.

TiiK Ykllow-bit-led Magpik.
I'silorhinusJtaviroUnsIilyiU, J. A.S. 13., xv, p. :.>8(1840) (Dnrjeoliiig). Urocissa Jtavirostrif. IJlanf. & Oates, i, p. '27.
,
Vernacular names. Tying-jonyriruj (Lepeha)

(Bhutea).
Fianging-jahring
Description. Head, neck and bieast black, the nape white and the feathers of the crown tipped white ; back, scapulars, rump and upper tail-coveits purplish ashy, the last tipped black and with a narrow pale band in front of the black ; wing-coverts, the outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries and the whole of the inner secondaries purplish blue ; all the quills tipped white, the earlier primaries whitish on the terminal half of the outer web tail blue with a broad white tip and all but the central pair of feathers with a subterminal black band; lower plumage from the breast downwards lilac tinged with purple.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow ; bill pale waxyellow to a strong wax-yellow; legs and feet bright orange-yellow.
Xeasnremeuts. Length about 630 to 650 mm.; wing from 178 to 190 mm. ; tail up to 470 uim. culmen about 65 mm. The female is similar to the male but generally smaller, wing 170 to 180 mm. and the iris is a dull blue-brown.
;
44
Distribution. Bhutan,
piitra,
COETIDJE.
Sikkim and liilU probably Eastern Nepal. Chin Hills.
IS. of
tlie
Brahmu-
XTidiflcation. I have one egg of this race from Chambi, north of Sikkim, taken from the usual twig nest at an elevation of some 9,000 or 10,000 feet. The egg is erythriatic and almost certainly
abnormal. The ground-colour is a very pale eream and the markings are bright reddish brown with others underlying of pale neutral tint. It measures ii'2-0x22'Q mm. and was taken on the 7th May.
Habits. These probably do not differ from those of the better of higher elevations, as in Chambi in Tibet at about 11,000 feet. It is found at 6,000 to 8,000 feet round about Darjeeling and keeps much to the evergreen forests. form of this Magpie extends well into Burma, but the only skin I have seen thence differed in many respects from the normal type, and further material may jjrove it to be a new subspecies.
known Western form but it may he a bird my collectors assured me they met with it
(23)
Urocissa flavirostris cucullata.

YELiiOW-Bii.iED Magi'ie.
pi.
The Western
Urocusa cucullata Gould, B. of A., v,
51 (1861) (Kulu Valley).
Vernacnlar names.
None
recorded.
Description. Similar to the last but altogether a paler bird, and more especially so in the lower parts, which are almost pure white with scarce a tinge of lilac.
Distribution. N".W. Himalajâs and
W.
Nepal.
wherever found above Nidification. This Magpie breeds 5,000 feet. It is common at Simla and again in the galis in the Murree Hills, where Eattray, Buchanan and others have taken
many
nests.
The breeding season appears
to
be
May
but
Major Lindsay Smith took one nest as late as the 15th July. It lays three or four eggs and both these and the nests are much
like those of the Eed-billed Magpie. As a whole, however, the eggs are duller and not so boldly marked. They measure 33*8 x 23'1 mm, (60 eggs) and do not differ in shape or texture from those of oceipitalit.
Habits. This Magpie, like the red-billed bird, haunts prinIt is equally evergreen forests and heavy jungle. omnivorous and equally an enemy to small mammals, unfledged young of other birds, and to insects of all kinds. It eats fruit greedily in captivity and probably also in a wild state. It is a shy and rather retiring bird and is never found in the vicinity of villages and cultivation. The call is very harsh and penetrating, and during the breeding season is freely indulged in.
cipally
cissA.
45
Genus CISSAJBoie, 1826.
The genus Cissa- contains, among others, two Indian Magpies of very beautiful plutnage. They difter from the Magpies of the genus Uroeissa in having a much sliorter tail and the eyelids wattled at the edges, a feature which is very distinct in life and generally visible in some degree in dry skins.
Jerdon, very properly, placed this bird between Uroeissa and Dendrocitta, but wrongly called it a Jay. Gates, in view of its long tail and bright coloration, more correctly termed it a Magpie, a name which is now generally accepted.
The Magpies of this genus are forest birds of shy habits, feeding both on trees and low bushes and sometimes on the ground. In the construction of their nests they resemble Uroeissa and not They have red bills. Pica. Davison has mentioned (S. F. vi, p. 385) that the habits of these birds closely accord with those of Garrulax but the resemblance is not very striking, although it is a curious fact that in structure these two geuera also possess certain allinities.
Key
A. Head and neck green B. Head and neck chestnut
to S^êcies.
C.
('.
c.
chhw.nsis, p.
4(5.
4.5.
ornata, p.
(24) Cissa chinensis chinensis.
The Green Magpie.

Coracias cMtienxin BoM., Tabl. PI. Enl., p. 38 (1783) (China). Blanf. & Ontee, i, p. 28. Cissa chinensis.
Vernacular names. The Green Jay, Jerdon ; Sirgang (Beug.) ClMp-ling-pho (Lepcha) liab-ling-chapa (Bhutea) Pilitel (Dafla Hills); Xi/ /S'ojm (Assamese) ; Duo-gatang-lili (Cachari).
; ;
Description.
Head and neck

lores
greenisli
yello^^
general body
plumage green;
)iape, black
;
and a band through each eye meeting on the cheeks, sides of neck and whole lower plumage paler
gceeu, the centrnl feathers tipped with white, the others tipped with white and with a subterminal black band lesser wing-coverts green, the other coverts red quills brown on the inner webs, red on the outer the inner secondaries tipped with pale blue and with a band of black in front of the tips.
preen;
tail
Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red, pale blue-brown in young bill deep coral-red ; legs coral-red ; claws horny red eyelids yellowish brown, the edges red.
birds
;
Measurements. Total length about 370 to 380 mm. wing about 150 mm. tail about 200 mm. tarsus about 40 mm. culmeu
; ; ; ;
about 37 ram.
The plumage of this bird in ill-heiiltb, in captivity and after death changes greatly ; the yellow pigment all evaporates, leaving
46
coEViw^.
tlie
the bright greeu a dull blue whilst
red also fades greatly,
young birds occasionally have the whole lower parts almost white and in some adults the greeu is partially replaced by bright azureblue.
Distribution. Himalayas from the Jamna Valley to the extreme Assam, North and South of tlie Bramaputra, Eastern Bengal, Burma, Shan States and Northern Siam.
east of
The breeding season in the Himalayas cortnnences few days of March and continues through April and May, a few birds laying in June and even in July but these latter may be second broods. They build cup-shaped nests of twigs, leaves, grass, roots and bamboo-leaves, lined with roots and placed on a liigh bush, small sapling or a clump of bamboos. The eggs number from four to six, in Burma often only three and are very magpielike in their general appearance, but more grey and not green in general tone. Here and tiiere a rather reddish clutch may be found and even more rare, a clutch that is almost white. They measure on an average for 200 eggs 30'2 X 22-9 mm. This Jay breeds at all elevations from the foot-hills to nearly 4,000 feet, but is not common above 2,.500 feet.
Nidiflcation.
in the last
Habits. This beautiful Magpie is an inhabitant of lowevergreen forests and heavy jungle, but may also be found in baraboo-juiigle and the more dry, deciduous forests, such as oak, etc. In Burma they seem to be more often found in dry open parts than in the heavier evergreen cover. Tlieir name "Hunting Jay," or "Hunting Magpie," is well applied, as they are determined hunters of big insect life aud of small unfledged birds, etc., and for their quarry they will regularly quarter the country they work over. Ttiey feed alike on high trees, scrubTheir notes are very jungle and actually on the ground itself. harsh and strident and they are rather noisy birds although shy
level,
and wild.
(25) Cissa
omata.
Magpik.
The
Pica omata AVagler,
C.etik)nesj5
Isis,
Giim ornala.
liiaat
&
1829, p. 749 (India Orientali). Gates, i, p. 29.
Vernacular names. JCahibella (Ceylon). Description. Whole head, neck, upper back and upper breast rich chestnut remainder of the body plumage bright blue, suffused with cobalt next the chestnut of the neck tail blue tipped with white and subterraiually with black; wing-coverts brown, more or less margined and suffused with blue; quills chestnut on the outer webs, black on the inner, changing to blue, on the iimer secondaries thighs dusky purple. Colours of soft parts. Iris light brown to dark brown ; eyelid deep red ; orbital skin somewhat paler ; bill, legs and feet coralred, claws more horny and yellowish at their bases.
;
|s!
DENDEOOITTA,
-,
47
Measurements. Total length about 400 to 420 ram. tail about 235 to 255 mm.; wing about 165 to 170mm.; tarsus about 40 ram.; culmen about 37 mm. Distribution. Ceylon only. The type-locality must be restricted
to Ceylon.
Kidification. According to Lejrge, the breeding season of the Ceylon Magpie is December to February but eggs collected for me by Mr. J. E. Jeukins were taken in February and March and two clutches purchased with the skins of the old birds from Lazarus, a small dealer in Slave Island, were both taken in April. The nest is said to be like that of the preceding bird and to be in tall bushes in evergreen jungle. The eggs are large replicas of those of Cissa chinensis, measuring about 32'2x23*2mra.
Habits. Apparently similar to those of the Indian Green Magpie; Legge describes it as haunting evergreen forest up to at least 7,000 feet but also found it in similar forest in the
foot-hills.
when perching and

cover its the plume-hunter.
a noisy bird, uttering its discordant notes both flying, so that but for its keeping to very dense voice would have led long ago to its extermination by
It
is
Genus DENDROCITTA Gould, 1833.

In the Tree-pies we have a collection of birds which are closer to Picd than to either Urocissa or Cusa, inasmuch as they have
black bills and very numerous stiff, but somewhat short, bristles completely concealing the nostrils. The bill, however, is short, with the comu)issure greatly curved and in one species, D. haykyi, the tail approaches the next genus in structure, the central tailfeathers being gradually enlarged throughout their length, not suddenly at the tip as in Crypsirhina. The Tree-pies are sociable, associating in small flocks and they They have a seiies are arboreal, seldom descending to the ground. of clear metallic notes, which sound very pleasantly in tiie jungle. They construct large nests, generally in trees, and lay eggs which are less Corvine in appearance than those of the true Magpies. Their food consists of both fruit and insects.
Key
to Species.
A. Tail ashy with black ou terminal half. a. Crowu brown, abdomen rufous black, abdomen and hind neck b. Crown white black, abdonieu and hind neck e. Crown ashy B. Tail entirwly black. d. No white spot on wing e. With a white wing-spot
D,
rufa, p. 48.
p. 51.
D. leucogastm,
2). sinensis, p. 62.

I), frontalis, p. 64.
D. haykyi,
p. 56.
48
COETIDJ!.
Dendrocitta
rufa,.
This species extends over a very wide area and, as might be expected, varies greatly in different portions of its range, thougli their variations have until now been almost entirely overlooked. Lanius rufus of Linne *, the name wliich has generally been accepted as applicable to this bird, cannot be used as it is preoccupied by him in an earlier page of the same work. Curiously enough, however, Latham * independently named it Oorvus rttfus a few years later from a bird obtained on the Malabiir coast, so the name rufus will, therefore, still hold good.
Pig. 11.
Head o( V. mfa rufa.

to Suhspeeies.
Key
A. Colours
.
of
head
and
back
contrasting
strong'ly.
Lighter both above and below and not

nearly so richly coloured
D.
)-ufa rufa, p. 48.

r.
Darker and more richly coloured above and below D. B. Colours of head and back blending with one
b.
c.
vagahunda,
p. 50.
another. Tail 195 to 241

a'.
b'.
mm. dark dull plumage, Darker, more brown Paler and redder
;
D. D.
r.
saturatior, p. 51.
r. kinneari, p. 51. r. iclateri, p. 60.
d. Tail
242 to 287
mm.
pale dull plumage
D,
(26) Dendrocitta ra&> ru&>.
The
IifDiAir
Tebe-pib.
Corvus rufus Latham, Ind. Orn., p. 161 (1790) (Malabar Coast). Dendrocitta rufa. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 30.
LaniuK nifm Linn, Syst. Nat., i, 17()6. Cornus ritfui Lath. Ind. Orn., p. 161, 1790. The description given is very poor, but it is founded on Sonnerah's plate, Althouf;h called vol. ii, p. Ifil, Voyage de Sonnerat,' and cannot be mistaken. " de Chine" it was apparently obtained on the Malabar Coast. Ou p. 171 Latham describes C. vagahunda and here lays stress on the black head and red baek, evidently huving obtained a N.E. Indian bird, possibly from the vicinity
'
of Calcutta.
DEXDEOCiri'A.
49
Vernacular names. Mahtab and Chand (Sind); Gokurayi, Konda-kati-gada (Tel.) ; Mootri (Lueknow) Maha-lat (Hindi).
;
Description.
;
The whole head and neck with the upper

;
breast,
sooty-brown remainder of the plumage fulvous or reddish fulvous, darker on the back and scapulars wing-coverts greyishwhite; wing-quills dark brown, the outer webs of the inner seconciaries grey tail pale ashy-grey, darkest at the base, broadly tipped witli black.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown ; bill dark slaty horn-colour, albescent at the base; mouth flesh-colour; eyelids plumbeous ; legs dark brown, daws horn-colour.
Measurements. Length from 365 to lail which varies from 193 to actually 305 mm, wing from 137 to one case 177 mm. tarsus about 33 mm. ;
length of
; ;
450 mm., according to 257 mm., in one case 159 inm., and in the
culmen about 28 mm.
The young are duller in colour than the adults, the head is lighter brown and the lateral tail-feathers are tipped with white
or buffy-white.
Distribution. The whole of Southern India, North to, and including, Orissa; West to Sind, Punjab and Afghanistan and thence East to the South of Kashmir, Simla Hills and Garhvval.
In the southern part of their range these Magpies February and March, whilst further north tliey breed principiiUy in May and June. As, however, with so many common birds, their breeding extends over a prolonged period and eggs are laid both later and earlier than the above months. The nest is a rather untidy, but not very bulky, affair of twigs, roots and other material, carelessly interwoven and lined with roots and sometimes a scrap or two of wool. Generally they are placed well up in trees of some size, but often in thorn hedges, Ber bushes or cactus clumps. In the north the birds lay three to five eggs, most often four, but in the south they lay fewer and generally only two or three. The majority are of two distinct types one pale greenish in ground-colour vi'ith blotches and spots of light and dark greybrown; the other pale reddish white or salmon-colour with blotches of reddish and dark brown and others, underlying, of
Nidification.
breed in
lilac
and neutral tint. 150 eggs average 29*2 x 21*7
mm.
Habits. This Magpie is more of a plains than a mountain bird, but in some parts of the Himalayas it is said to wander up to It is a sociable, as high a^ 7,000 feet and to breed at this height. noisy bird but many of its notes are very musical, though it can give vent to most unmusical discords at times. Its usual call is an oft-repeated "bob-a-link bob-a-link " as it flies from one bush to another, the cry being repeated by each member of the, flock in turn. They are practically omnivorons ami are arrant egg and nestling thieves during the breeding seasons of the smaller bn-ds. YOL. I. i
50
COEVIM.
Their flight is dipping and consists of alternative flappings of the wings with short spells of sailings with the wings stiffly ouf'spread. This Magpie is everywhere one of the most familiar of birds, frequenting gardens and the outskirts of towns and villages and
not penetrating into the wilder parts. The type locality of rvfa was certainly somewhere in South India, probably Malabar and therefore that place may be now
designated.
(27)
Dendrocitta rufa vagabunda.
Thb Bengal
Tbee-pus.
Coracias vaffolunda Lath., Ind. Orn., p. 171 (1790) (India).
Vernacular names. Bohalink (Europeans Bengal); Kotri Tahht-chor, Bandi-chacha (Bengali); Kash(Hindi in Beng.) &urs7ii(N, Cachar) ; Khola-Khon( Assa,in.) Dao-la-linh (Cacliari).
; ;
Description. Differs from the last in being more richly coloured the head is blackish and the red of the back is almost chestnut and the fulvous red below also much richer,
Colours of soft parts as in rufa.
measurements. Wing 145 to 172 mm. tail 209 to 2.53 mm. Distribution. Northern India from Grarhwal to Eastern Assam, Behjir, U. Provinces, Bengal and Manipur. The type locahty may be restricted to Calcutta. Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird and neither nest
;
nor egg can be distinguished.

Habits.
An
equally confiding,
common
bird,
flocks in gardens
and parks
in tl\e centre of Calcutta
being found in and haunting
the inimediate vicinity of every town and village,
(28)
Dendrocitta rufa sclateri, subsp. nov.
Thb Chin Hills

Description. Similar to
Teeb*pih.
D. rufa rufa but with the whole
plumage very pale and washed out and the dark grey of the head gradually merging with the pale dull rufous-brown or rufous-grey
of the back.
Colours of soft parts as in the rest of the subspecies.
Measurements.
generally well over 260
Wing 142 mm.
to 161
'mm.;
tail
242 to 287 mm.,
Distribution. Chin and Kacbin Hills.
Kidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.
Type. No. 19059. 10. 1,600 feet.
6.
Brit,
Mus.
Coll.,
Mt, Victoria,
UENDEOOimA.
(29)
Ol
subsp. nov.
Dendrocitta rufa kinneari,
The Bubmbsb
Tiiei;-pie.
Description. Similar to the last but
much darker both above
and below, the colour of the head and back blending with oue another, the red of the back dull and brownish. Measurements. Wing 137 to 151 mm.; tail 195 to 241 mm.
Distribution. The whole of Burma south of the Chin and Kachin Hills down to N. Tenasserim and east into Yunnan, Shan States and West Siam.
Nidiiication. Similar to tliat of
J),
rufa nt/a.
Habits. The Burmese Tree-pie, thou(!;li equally tame and confiding in its ways, is not so exclusively confined to open country in civilization as is the Indian Tree-pie and it may also bo found iu thin forest and the more open parts of evei'greeu
forest.
Tijin.
No. 8711.
(:))
20.
213 Brit. Mns.
Coll.
Toungoo.
Dendrocitta rufa saturatior. The Tenasskeim Tkise-pie.

().
Denrlrocitta vagabuntlu saturutior Ticehurst, Bull. B.
C, xlii,p. 56
still
all.
(1922) (Kaukareyet, Amherst).
Description. Similar to that of the Burmese Tree-pie but darker and browner, the back having the red hardly visible at
race.
limits extend
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Burmese

Distribution. Peninsular Siam and Burma cannot at present be defined.
but
how
far
its
Ifidification
and Habits. Nothing recorded,

(31)
Dendrocitta leucogastra.
The Soutmekn
Bevdrocitta leucogastra Gould, P. Z.
Blanf.
Tbeb-pib.
S.,
1833, p. 57 (Malabar Coast)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 31.
yernacular names. Neela val Kaka
(Tel.).
Description. Forehead, anterior half of crown, sides of the head,

chin, throat, upper breast and thighs black ; posterior crown to hind neck, lower breast to vent and upper tail-coverts white;
back, scapulars and rump chestnut-bay ; under tail-coverts chestnut; wings black, the primaries with a large patch of white at their base; central tail-feathers grey, broadly tipped black; the next pair half grey and half black and the others nearly entirely black.
a2
62
COJIVIDÊ.
Colours of soft parts. Bill black, legs nnd feet duller black; iris brown to red-brown. Measurements. Length about 475inin. tail 250 to 300 mm.; wing about 140 to li55 mm.; tarsus about 30mm. and eulnien about 25 ram. Distribution. Southern India from South Travancore to the Wynnad. McMastr records a specimen from Cliikalda in the
;
Gavvilgarh Hills, apparently a straggler only. to the western coast.

Nidiflcation.
It keeps principally
of this bird were taken by BourStewart from Pebruary to May and again in August, and the latter gentleman informs me that they breed twice in the year. The nest is similar to that of the preceding bird and is placed in small trees and high bushes but it is always built ill heavy forest and never near villages. Three eggs only are most often laid but four is not uncommon and sometimes two only are incubated. In general appearance they cannot be separated from those of himalat/erisin, described below. l""ifty eggs averafje 28-2 x 20-5 mm.
Nest and eggs

J.
dillon iu
March and by Mr.
Habits. Found from the foot of the hills up to about 5,000 feet, generally below 3,000 feet. The flight, voice and general habits are like those of the Common Indian Tree-|ue hut this bird is essentially an inhabitant of lieavy foi-est and shuns the immediate
vicinity of
mankind.
Dendrocitta sinensis.
Kei/
to Suhsfiecies.
A. Central tail-feathers pale grey, with no

black tip B. Central tail-feathers darker grey, with a black tip. colour ; vent a. Paler and brighter in and centre of abdomen almost wliite. and duller in colour; vent h. Darker and centre of abdomen asliy
D.
s.
sinensis.
D.
s.
himalayensis, p. 52.
assimilis, p. fi3.
O.s,
(32)
Dendrocitta sinensis himalayensis. The HimaIjATan Tbeis-pie.

p.
Dendrocitta himalaiiensis Blvth, Cat., Blaiif. & Gates, i,' p. 32.
92 (1866) (Himalayas);
Vernacular names. Kokia-Kak (at Mussoorie); Kamo-plio (Lepcha); Karriah-han {BXmUiix); Kok-lorig-ah (Assam); J)ao-kaliitJc
(Cachari)^ Fnrui-ko-kinJc (NagB,).
Description. Forehead, lores and feathers above the e^ye black sides of the head, chin and throat dark sooty-brown, fading and spreading over the sides of the neck and breast ; crown of the head, nape and upper back ashy; back and scapulars clear brownish t)uff;
ramnand upper tail-coverts aahy wings and their coverts

;
DBNJBKOCXTa'A.
03
black, all the primaries but the first two with a patch of white at their base, forming a coiKspieiioiis spot; central pair of tail-feathers
ashy for two-tliirda of their leiijjth, then black; the others all black except their extreme bases, which are ashy abdomen and flanks cinereous; thighs brown; vent and under tail-coverts chestnut.
;
Colours of soft parts.
Bill
black
black.
irides
reddish brown
feet
brownish black, claws
homy
Measurements. Total length about 400 nun. tail from 200 to 210 mm.; wing from 132 to 140 mm.; tarsus about 30 nun.: culmen about 32 mm. The young are paler ami duller, the featliers of the upper part are tippe*! with buff, the under tailcDverts and vent are reddish brown and the legs are dull leaden black and the iris blue-brown. Distribution. Throughout the Himalayas from the iSutlej Valley, through Assam and throughout the Burmese hills as far
;
as,
hut not including, Tenasserim.
Tree-|)ie breeds during April, heights from the level of the plains to at least 7,000 feet. It makes a nest like that of D. rufa rafa and builds it in similar situations, but selects forest, either light or heavy, well away from habitations for this purpose. The nest is often much smaller and more fragile than that of the Connnon Tree-pie and I have known it placed in quite low hushes. The eggs number from three to live, the latter number being exceptional. The ground-colour may be any tint of pale stone, very pale cream or pale reddish, and more rarely pale greenish white. The markings are of pale sienna and grey-brown, darker richer brown, or dark reddish brown ; typically the markings are ri(;her and bolder than they are on the eggs of the Common Tree-pie and are often confined to the larger end in a ring or cup. Very few of its eggs could be confounded with those of tliat bird. Two hundred eggs average 28'8x20'l ram.
Kidiflcation.
The Himalayan
all
May
and June at
Habits. The Himalayan Tree-pie is found all over the |)lains of also in the plains close to the foot-hills of the Dooars and Nepal Terai and ascends everywhere up to 6,000 feet and often considerably higher. They are forest birds and do not care for the vicinity of villages and houses but otherwise they are much like r. rufa in their ways. They are equally noisy but not, I think, so musical, and like the rest of the family, are great persecutors of small birds during the breeding season.
Assam and
(33)
Dendrocitta sinensis, assimilis.
The Bckmese
Deneb-ocitta
atsimilis
HiLii Tbee-pib.
v, p.
Hume,
.*J2.
8. F.,
117 (1877) (Muleyit);
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
Vernacular aames.
None
recorded.
is
Description. This subspecies
a rather darker, duller bird
54
than the
last
;
OOEVlDiE.
the under parts are more uniform in colour and the
centre of the abdomen less white. throat are a paler brown.

ensis
The cheeks,
ear-coverts
and
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in D. but the bill more massive.
s.
himnlay-
Distribution. Burma as far north as the Chin Hills and States and to the west the Pegu and Arrakan Yomas.
Shan
Nidification similar to that of
Z>. s.
Mmalayensis.
Habits. A hill bird confined to elevations principally between 3 ,00U and 4,000 feet, but descending to the foot-hills in the winter. In the sunnner it is found at least up to 6,000 feet, probably
higher.
(34) Deudrocitta frontalis.
Tjib BtACK-nnowEi) Tbee-pie.

Bendrocitta frontnlia McClell., P. Z.
S.,
1839, p. 163 (Assam)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 33.
;
Vernacular names. Hamsld-hon (Lepcha)

Dcio-kn-Huk gaschim (Cachari).
KoUo-Ko (Bhutea)
Fig.
12.Head
of
1>.
fronlalis.
Dsscription. Forehead, the greater part of the crown, sides of the head, chin, throat, fore neck, tail, wing-quills and the primarycoverts black ; the remainder of the wing ash-grey; nape, hind neck, upper back, sides of the neck, breast and upper abdomen pale grey ; lower back, scapulars, rump, upper tail-coverts, lower abdomen, thighs and under tail-coverts ohestuut, the thighs tinged with brown-
Colours of soft parts. Bill and legs black; irides red-brown, often very bright.
Measurements. Total length about 370 to 380 nnn. tail 245 to 255 mm. wing 120 to 126 ram. tarsus about 30 mm. culmen about 25 mm.
; ;
; ;
Distribution. Himalayas from Eastern east and south of Assam into the higher
Nepal to the extreme hills of Manipur, but
apparently not into Lushai or Chin Hills.
DEBTDBOCnTA.
55
Nidification. This bird breeds freely in the N. Cacbar, Khasia and Naga Hills east as far as Lakhimpnr but it seems to be much rarer north of the Brahmaputra. I have not personally found it breeding mucfi below 4,000 feet but the Nagas brought in nests and eggs to Dr. Colturt from much lower elevations ni Lakhirapur. The nest is a small, neat I'eplica of that of the Himalayan Tree-pie but is much more compact and well put together. They are often built quite low down in scrub-jungle, The undergrowth and even in high weeds and small bushes. breeding season lasts from the end of April into July.
The eggs
also are similar to those
of the last bird
but are
more handsome and nearly always much more profusely marked. They measure about 27"0 x 19'9 mm.
Habits. The
Black-browed Tree-pie
forest, tliough
it
is
heavy evergreen
affects the
essentially a bird of more open glades on
the outskirts of these. It goes about in small parties of half-adozen or so, and has a very musical note rather like, yet easily Like these distinguishuble from, the call of its plains' cousins. birds also it has immy discordant notes, though it is not nearly as noisy a bird. It does not appear to be a regular egg and youngbird" thief, but doubtless despises neither if fate throws them in its way. It eats fruits, seeds and insects but cliiefly the last. It is common between 4,000 and 7,000 feet and descends in the winter still lower, coming into the plains themselves in Eastern
Assam but not
elsewhere.
(35)
Dendrocitta bayleyi.
S. B., xxxii, p.
The AuKAMADf Tbbe-pie.

Dendrocitta hayleyi Tytler,
.1.
A.
88 (1863) (Andft-
maus)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 34.
Vernacular names. None recorded. The feathers round the base of the bill black ; the remainder of the head, neck, upper back and upper breast dark bluish ashy lower back, scapulars and rump pale rufousrufescent olive ; upper tail-coverts bluish ashy; lower breast and ashy abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts chestnut ; tail white patch on the primaries wing black, the latter with a large
Description.
;
and outer secondaries.

the sides Colours of soft parts. Bill, legs, feet and claws black, bright yellow, in some rich goldrn yellow. plumbeous grey ; iris
(//wHie.)
Measurements.
liiO to 126 tarsus and
mm.
bill
tail
Total length about 35u to ij60 mm.; wing from 180 to 250 mm., generally about 210
only.
from about 25 mm.
Distribution.
Andamans
eggs coUected Hidification. Nothing on record, but I have 13 convict which can all be matched by eggs ot for me by a Pathan
66
himalaj/ensis.
COBVIB.I.
They average about 28*5 x 21-9 mm and were taken in April and March near Port Bhiir. Habits. Davison obtained this bird near Port Bhiir and more commonly at Mount Harriet and Aberdeen. He observes that it is a forest bird and never ventures away from the cover of large Gates did not trees ; also that it never descends to the ground. obtain it either on the G-reat Coeos or on Table Island.
Genus CRYPSIRHINA.
Vieill., ]81t5.
With this genus we come to the end of the true Magpies or Long-tailed Crows. The members of the present genus are small and are characterized by a tail of peculiar structure, the central pair of feathers being spatulate at the ends. The bill is small and the nostrils are concealed by a mass of fine velvety plumes, which also surround the base of the bill. The Eaeket-tailed Magpies are quite arboreal and in the course of many years' observation Oates never saw one of them on the
ground.
AVy
A. All
to
Species.
C. varians, p.
.'ifi.
tail-featliers black B. Central tail-fualhers black, outer feathers grey.
C.cucuUafa,
p. 57.
Fig. 13.
Head of C. vanans.
(36)
Ciypsirhina varians.
The Black Racket-xailbd Magpie.

CwvuB
varians Lath. Ind. Orn. Suppl., xxvi, (1801) (Java)
i,
;
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p. 35.
Vernacular names. Ami-whine (Burmese). The whole plumage metallic bronze-green, tinged with bluish on the head ; wings brown, the outer webs of the
Description.
primaries greenish, the other quills more or less entirely tinged with greenish tail black, with the same tinge but with more sheen ; forehead, round the eye and about the gape dull black, the feathers of a velvety texture.
;
legs
Colours of soft parts. L-is blue and claws black.
bill
black,
mouth
;
flesh-colour
to 116
Ueasurements. Length about 310 to 330 mm. wing about 110 mm. tail from about 175 to 200 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. culmen about 23 mm.
; ;
CEYPSIEHINA.
57
Dlstribatiott. This fine littln Magpie has its lieadquarters in Pegu, extending up the valleys of the Irrawaddy and Sitlaung to some way north of Thayetinyo and Touugoo. To the west it extends to Bassein, south to Mergui and info Sumatra, Borneo and Java. To tha east it extends to Siain, where it is very common in the south, and to Cochin China.
Nidiflcation. The breeding season lasts from April, in which month Hop ood took eggs in Tavoy, through May and June to July, iu which latter month Nurse took eggs in i'egii and Herbert found them breeding in Siam. The nest is a typical Magpie's nest, It is a shallow cup of fine twigs, roots thougii without a dome. and tendrils with .1 diameter of about 5" to 6" by 1" deep internLt is generally placed in a ally and gome 9" in external diameter.
thorny bush or tree 8 to 12 feet from the ground. The eggs are two to four in number, ty])ically Corvine appearance, and average 24-8xl8'3 mm.
in
Habits. The Racket-tailed Magpies are birds of comparatively open forest and light bush, tree, or bamboo-jungle. They eat both fruit and insects, and may be seen clinging to the outer branches of trees as they search the leaves and flowers for the latter. They are not gregarious, though sometimes two or three may be seen in company ; their usual note is a not unpleasant metallic call, and they do not appear to possess the harsh notes so common to this
group.
(37) Crypsirhiua cucullata.
Thjo
Hooded Raokkt-tailed Magpie.

Ibis,
Ci-ypsirhina ciicuUata Jerdon, Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 35.
1863,
p.
20
(Tbayetmyo)
black ; round the neck, next to the black, a ring of ashy white ; the whole upper plumage, wing-eoverts and inner secondaries viuaceous grey ; lower plumage the same but rather more rufous; central tailfeathers black, the others the same colour as the back ; primaries and their coverts black ; outer secoudaries black with ashy-white edges.
legs ColOTirs of soft parts. Iris blue ; eyelids plumbeous ; bill black and claws dark brown ; inside of the mouth flesh-colour.
Vemacnlar name. Ami-whine (Burmese). Description. Whole head, chin and throat
KeasarementB. Total length 300 to 315 mm.; tail 180 to 200 mm. wing 102 to 108mm.; tarsus about 26 to 27 mm.; culmen about 20 mm. The young have the bead browu ; the central tail-feathers and wingH are blackish brown and the general colour of the body plumage is less ashy aud more viuaceous the bill is black, with an orange gape and inside to the mouth ; the eyelids are pale blue
;
with orange edges.
58
con\wM.
C.
Tins Mag;pie Las the central tail-feathers narrower than in variam and more abruptly spatulate at their ends.
Distribution. Central and South BuriDa, Siam and N. Malay Peninsula, llarington obtained it as far North as Monyw a and Pymmaiia on the Chindwin, and it extends East into West Central Siani. Wickbum obtained it as far North as t!ie foot of Mt. "Victoria in the Chin Hills.
Nidification. Similar to that of C.
varlans, tliough the nests
appear to be smaller and neater.

those of that bird obtained its eggs in Mfiy.
The eggs are small replicas of Haiington and measure 23-0 x 18-0 unn.
Habits. Differ in no way from those of the Elack Eaeket-tailed Majtpie, but it seems to keep more exclusively to barabno-junfjle and scrub. It is a bird of the dry zone, and will not be found in tliose parts of Burma where the rainfall is very heavy.
Genus
PLATYSMDRUS
Reich., 1700.
species,
one of v^hich is Borneo. In many ways this genus connects the typical Magpies and the
resident in Tena.sserim
whilst the other iniiabits
typical Jays.
The genus Platysmurns contains two
much curved and shorter than the head and the the nostrils are numerous and stiff but shoit. The feathers of the crown of the head are very harsh. The tail The sexes are alike and is of no great length but well graduated. the young resemble the adults.
The
bill is
very
bristles covering
(38)
Platysmurus leucopterus. The Whitb-wikged Jat.

Temm.,
PI. Col.,
Oluucopis leucopterus
No. 265 (1824) (Sumatra).

i,
Platysmurus leucoiHa'us.
Blauf.
&
Ontes,
p. 37.

Description. The whole plumage black; the terminal halves of the larger upper wing-coverts and a large patch on the exterior webs of some of the outer secondaries white the forehead
;
crested and the feathers stiff. In some specimens the smaller wing-coverts are narrowly margined with white, and this probably means immaturity.
Colours of sofc parts. Bill, legs, feet {Davison.) lake-red to crimson.

to 200
and claws black
irides
Keasurements. Length about 400 to 410 mm. ; wing about 190 mm. ; tail about 200 to 220 mm. tarsus 35 to 38 mm ; cuhuen about 35 mm.
;
GAHKULTIS.
Distribution. Tenasserim, S.W. Siam,
59
Malay Peninsula and
Sumatra.
NidificatioB. The nests were first obtained by Davison and again quite recently by Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenzie in Teniisaerim. They are rough, heavy affairs of wigs, roots, etc., cup-shaped with a shallow internal hollow. They are placed in tall bushes, small trees or palms some to 8 fe(3t from the ground. The ejigs number two or three and are exactly like big eggs of Cissa chiI
nensis.
They measure about .'13-5 x 2.3-1 mm. The breeding season iippears to he March and
April.
Fig. 14.
Head of p. leticnpierns.
Habits. According (o Diivi.sou ' tliis species keyps entirely to the forests, going about usually in parties of from four to six. They have a deep, rolling, metallic note, which tiiey continually utter as they ino\e from tree to tree. I have never seen them on the ground; they probably get tiieir food, which consists of insects, and, occasionally at any rate, of fruit, amongst the trees. They are excessively restless and always on the move, flying front tree to tree, generally at a considerable height and continually uttering their harsh, metallic call. They restrict themselves to the evergreen forests, never, tiuit I am aware, coming into the gardens or open ground." Hopwood says they are common about Tavoy and that they are not si) v.
Genus GARRULITS
Briss., 1760.
The genus Garnilm contains the True Jays, of which there are numerous species in Europe and Asia, three species and several
subspecies being found within the limits of the Indian Empire. These Indian Jays are resident species but may be partially migratory to the extent of moving up aad down the slopes of the mountains according to season. The Jays are birds of bright plumage, the wing especially being marked with vivid blue. They are not exactly gregarious but often three or four are found together.
60
COttTlDJE.
In the Jays the bill is strong, about three-quarters the length of the head and the coiurnissure is straight. The nasal bristles are short and numerous, completely cover;ng the nostrils. The tail is of medium lengtii and slightly graduated. (t. lanceolatus has been separated generically under the name Laletris on a.count of its crested ctowu and more stiffened feathers of the throat. These ciiaracters are, however, only questions of degree and I see no reason to accept them as generic in the Jays when we discard far greater differences as of uo value
speeilically in
other birds.
Key
A. Tail blue barred with black
B. Tail
a.
all
to
Species.
G.
laitceolaius,
]>.
tiO.
black.
I).
Forehead vphite, crown black or black and white ... Porehead and crown vinaceoua like the back
O. G.
leucotis, p.
(J I.
hispectUm-is, p.
(J'2.
(:^9)
Garrulus lanceolatus.
Tub BiACK-THEOAXEI) Jav.

Garrulus
Jllai.f.
&
lavceolatus Vigors, P. Z. S., 1830, Gates, i, p. S8.
p.
(Himalayas);
Vernacular names. Ban-sarmh

;
(of the
Simla hillmen).
Description. Forehead, crown, nape, crest and sides of tiie head black remainder of upper plumage vinous grey, brighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; tail blue, barred with black, tipped with white and witli a broad sub terminal band of black; primaries and secondaries black, barred with blue on the outer web ; the primaries narrowly, the outer secondaries broadly tipped wliite ; the inner secondaries grey, with a subterminal black band and a white tip lesser coverts vinous, the median and greater black primary coverts almost entirely white ; winglet barred with blue and tipped with white. Chin, throat and foreneck black with white shaft-streaks, the black terminating in a patch of iron grey on the upper breast remainder of the lower plumage and sides of tiie neck vinous grey, brighter than the back.
;
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet livid flesh or slaty pink claws more horny bill slaty pink at base, yellowish at tip iris red-brown, red or deep red-lake. The colour of the iris probably changes with age.
; ;
Heasnrements. Length about 225 to 235 mm. wing 150 to 155 mm. tail about 160 to 175 mm.; tarsus 32 to 34 inm.; culmen about 27 mm. Distriljation. The Himalayas from Ohitral and Hazara to êpal and the whole of Garhwal and Kashmir up to some 8,000 feet.
;
;
GAEBULTJS.
61
Nidiflcation. Breeds from the middle of April to early June at heights between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, raakinga shallov\- cup-shaped nest of twigs and roots, more rarely of grass, lined with moss, fern rachides, or fine roots. It is generally placed in a small oak or other tree, 10 to 30 feet from the ground in thiu forest. The eggs vary from three to six, genernlly four or five. In colour they vary from pale yellowish stone to pale greenish, finely stippled everywhere with olive-brown and, more seldom, with a few hairThey measure about 28'0x22'6 mm. lines of black.
Habits. The Black-throated Jay is a bird of forests but of the thinner more open parts, venturing oft*n into comparalively unwooded tracts. Like the European Jay its voice is loud, harsh and penetrating, and it is a noisy bird, more especially in the mornings and evenings in the breeding season. It is omnivorous,
eating fruit and insects, small mammals, birds iind reptiles and other birds' eggs. Its flight is like that of its European cousin and it indulges in the same flappings and contortions A\hen on the wing.
Garrulus
\ Crown
.
leacotis.
A'ey to Suhspcmes.
all
black
. ,
B. Crown white, narrowly streaked with black

(-KJ)
G. G.
(. I.
leucotis, p. 01
oati'xi,
p.
(ii'.
Garrulus leucotis leucotis. The Buumese Jay.

I'.
Garrulus leucotk Hume,

JJhuif.
A.
S. B.,
1874, p. 106 (Kaukaryit)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 39.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Forehead and front of crown white, with brow n shaft-streaks ; anterior crown and crest black ; lores, feathers under the eyes, ear-coverts, chin, throat and front of neck white ; back, run)p and scapulars a broad moustachial streak black vinous brown, paler on the rump breast the same as the back.; abdomen and flanks paler vinous brown; upper and under tailcoverts and vent white ; tail black, barred with ashy towards the base ; lesser and median wing-coverts like the back winglet, primary-coverts, flie outer greater coverts and the outer webs of most of the secondaries on their basal halves, bright blue banded with black remainder of greater coverts and quills black, the
; ; ; ;
primaries with some portions of the outer most secondary partially chestnut.
web grey ; the
inner-
CoIonrB of soft parts. Iris hazel-brown to dark brown or woodlegs horny bill almost black with pale or whitish tip white to dull flesh-colour, claws a little darker. Uewnrements. Total length about 800 to 325 mm. wing 165 to 177 mm. tail about 130 mm. ; tarsus about 45 mm. ; culmen about 26 mm.
brown
62
COEVID^.
Bistribntioni The hills oF Burma from the Kachin Hills in the north-east, through the Shan States, Karen Hills to'.Teiiasserim.
Nidification. This bird breeds in great
numbers
all
round about
Maymyo, and its nest* and eggs have been taken by many collecThe nests are wide, untidy cups of twigs, grass and roots, tors. and the eggs are like those of O. laneeokiUis but verj' much larger, averaging about yS'O x 23-0 mm. It appears to nest in comThe breeding season commences in the end of March munities.
and
lasts
up to the end of May.
Three to
five
eggs are laid,
generally four.
Fig.
l.'i.
Head of
fir. /.
Uiwotis.
Habits. Found principally between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, and keeping much to pine and dry deciduous rather than to evergreen forest; there is little otherwise in the habits of this Jay which calls for remnrk. Hariugton found it very commoti in the oak forests near Maymyo, and obtained six or seven nests close to one another in quite small patches of forest.
(41)
Gamilus
lencotis oatesi.
Shaupe's Jay.
Garmlut
oatesi Sliarpe, Bull. B. 0.
C,
v, p. 44,
1896 (Chin
Hills).
Vernacular names. Kone recorded.

Description. Like the Burmese Jay but has the anterior crown and crest white, broadly streaked with black instead of wholly
black.
Colonrs of soft parts and Measnrements as in G.
I.
leueotia.
Distribution. Upper and lower Chin Hills right up to the borders of Manipur and Looshai and probably inside these countries also, though the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers may prove to be its west and eastern boundaries.
GAfiBtTLTTS.
63
Nidification. This Jay breeds in the Chia Hills ia April and probablj' Mav between 3,500 and 5,000 feet. Mr'. J. M. D. Mackenzie describes a nest as " a shallow cup in a low tree in scrub
jungle on a steep hillside.
It was placed about 10 feet up and entirely of roots with a few scraps of moss outside. It measnteil externally 6"x2|", inside ^"x2"." The eggs are like thoee of the Burmese Jay but the few I have seen average smaller, being about 29-5x23*l mm. The hen sits very close and has literally to be driven from the nest.
made
Habits. Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenzie found this Jay fairly ooiiunon in the Ohin Hills, keeping to hillsides with oak and scrub forevSt. Voice, flight and habits generally are in no way distinguishable from other species of tiie same genus. They report this Jay as moving about fairly widely in the spring and autumn, visiting comparatively low valleys in the winter but always breeding at over 4,000 feet.
Garrulus bispecularis Key to Suhsiiecies.

A. Th palest of all the forms. Throat vinaceous like head B. Darker and browner and lesis viuaceous throat and lower breast about the same
colour C. Still darker and browner throat aud hroast concolorous D. Above very rich red-vinaceous throat and sides of head much paler forehoad faintly streaked threat almost E. Above rich red-vinaceous pure white and sides of head paler; forehead faintly streaked
; ; ; ;
G.
b. bigjieciilans, p.
63.
G.b. intersiinctus,
p. 64.
G.b. penaturatm,'^. 6o.
G.b. huringtoni, p. 65.
G.b, rufesceiu, p. 65.
It is very doubtful whether the whole of the Garruli should not be treated as subspecies of the same species in so far as leucotis and bispecularis are concerned. Haringtoni in many ways links up the white-eared forms with the dark-eared ones but the breeding areas still require to be carefully worked out aud, until this is done, it seems desirable to keep them apart. The above key is a far from satisfactory one but may suffice to enable students who know whence their specimens come to
identify them.
(42)
Garralos bispecularis bispecularis. Thb HiMALA-XAir Jay.

(Himalayas)
P. Z. S., 1831, p. 7 Oates, i, p. 30. I restrict the type-locality to Muiree, Punjab.
Oarruliu bispecularii Vigors,

Blanf.
&
64
COBTIDJ;.
A broad black raoustachial band lower part of rump, upper and lower tail-coverts, veut and thighs white with these exceptions the whole plumage of the head, necli and body is a rich vinaceous fawn-colour ; tail blade, with some interrupted ashy liars near thH base of the central pair of feathers wings as
Description.
; ; :
in hwotis.
Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky; margins of eyelids dull iris reddish brown tarsi and toes pale pinkish fleshy claws livid. (Scully.)
brick-red
; ;
tail
measurements. Length about 300 mm. ; wing 160 to 178 mm. about 180 ram. ; tarsus about 32 mm. ; culmen about
26 mm.
Distribution.
Western Himalayas from Cashmere
to Nepal
and
Garhwal.
Nidification. Breeds in April, May and June, making a nest of twigs and roots, liiied either with grass or with finer roots and sometimes having a little moss on the exterior. In shape it varies from a shallow to a deep cup some 6" to 8" in diameter and it is placed in a fork of some small tree, near thft top. Chestnuts and oaks seem to be .specially favoured. It breeds up to 7,000 feet or higher and sometimes as low as 3,000 feet. Tlie eggs number four or five and are like those of lanceolaUis but more boldly speckled and often more reddish in the groundcolour and markings. Xhey measure 21'0 x 21-4 mm.
Habits. The Himalayan Jay is a resident bird throughout the range between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, perhaps movine up and down It haunts forest of all kinds, a little in summer and winter. both evergreen and deciduous, and in general habits it closely resembles the Black-tliroated Jay.
1^3)
Garrulus bispecularis interstinctus.
Thb Sikkim
Garrulus
p.
Jat.
btspeculai-ie
inttritinctm Hartert, Nov. ZoologiciB, xxv,
430 (1918) (Darjeeling).
Vernacular names. Lho-Karrio-pho (Lepcha). Description. Similar to the Himalayan Jay with the upper parts darker and more reddish brown. The throat is concolorous with the lower breast and upper abdomen.
Measurements.
Wing 150
to 170
mm,
{Hartert).
Distribution. Sikkim and probably all the hills north of the Brahinahputra as far as the Mishmi and Dafla Hills, where Dr. J. Falkiner obtained it.
Nidification
and Habits. Nothing recorded.
6A.BUUI-US.
65
(44)
Garrulus bispecularis persaturatus. The Khasia Hii,ls Jay.
Oarridus bispecularis persaturatxis Ilartert, Nov. ZoologicoB, xxv, p. 430 (1918J (ShiUong).
Yernacular names. Bao-flampu (Caehari). The darkest and brownest of all the races. Measurements. Wing 162 to 176 mm. Distribution. Hilli> south ol' the Brahmaputra, but the limits South of Manipur it is notfouad in the Chin Hills still undefined. and east of the Naga Hills the country is still utterly unknown. Nidiflcation. Breeds in the Khasia Hills in May, during which month two nests were brought in to me with the parent birds. They were made of twigs, roots and tendrils and lined with finer roots and fern rachides ; in shape broad cups about 10" x 4|". Both nests were placed in rhododendron trees 15 to 20 feet from the ground in mixed oak and rhododendron forest at about
Description.
6,000 feet. The eggs are like those of the Himalayan Jay and average about 29-0 X 22-5 mm.
Habits. I found this bird more than once in N. Cachar in stunted oak forest at 5,000 to 6,000 feet but it was very rare in the Ivhasia Hills it was generally to be found either in the pineforests or in the patches of oak-forest just above the pines. In habits and manner it was very like the common European Jay, but much more shy and not so noisy.
;
(45)
Garrulus bispecularis haringtoni.

Ripjpon's Jav.
Garrulus haringtcmi Rippon, Bull. B. O.

Victoria, S.
C,
xv, p. 97 (1905) (Mt.
Chin
Hills).
Vernacolar names. None recorded. Description. Similar to the Sikkim Jay, but throat whitish and The crown is also sides of head and ear-coverts much paler.
distinctly, sometiiHCs strongly, streaked with blackish.
Measnrements- This is a large bird, the wing-measurements being 170 to 178 mm., so that in size as well as in colour it approaches the Burmese Jay. Distribntion. South Chin Hills and South Kachin Hills, where they seem to overlap with the Burmese Jay. A Jay which is found in the N. Shan States may be this or leucotia.
Nidification.
The
nest
and eggs of
this
Jay were taken on

It
is
Mt. Victoria but no
details recorded.
Habits. Similar to those of the other Jays.
said to keep
much to pine-forests and to grass-covered hills with scattered oaks.*

*
<?.
b.
Sban
States and
I.
rufesctm, the Yunnau Jay, is almost sure to occur wiihin the may be distinguished by the characters giren iu the key.
!
VOIh
68
COBTlBi.
Genus NUCIFRAGA Briss., 1760. The genu8 Nucifraga contains the Nutcrackers,
marked form and
limits,
birds of well-
two of which are found within Indian inhabiting the higher part of the Hiumlayas where they
colour,
are resident. In the Nutcrackers the plumage is more or less spotted with white ; the bill is straight, pointed and al)out as long as the head the nasal bristles are short and stiff and completely cover the nostrils ; but the tail is short and very little rounded.
Keii to Species.
A.
and upper tail-coverts not marked with white B. Eump and upper tail-coverts marked with white
Rump
N.caryocatacteshemispila,
p. 60.
N, muUipimctata,
p. 67.
(46) KTucifraga caryocatactes hemispila.
The Himalayan Nxjtcbackeb.

Nucifrnga henmpila Vigors, P. Z.
Gates,
i,
S.,
1830, p. 8 (Himalayas)
Blanf.
&
p. 41.
Vernacular names. Lho-lcariyo-plio (Lepcha). Description. Narial bristles black and white; forehead, crown, nape, hind neck and upper tail-coverts chocolate-brown ; with these exceptions the whole of the plumage is umber-brown, the sides of the head and neck streaked with white chin and throat with a few small white shaft-streaks the back, breast and ui)per abdomen with oval white drops under tail-coverts pure white ; wings glossy black, the lesser and median coverts with triangular white tips a few of the inner primaries with a large oval white mark on the inner webs, probably disappearing with age, as it is absent in some
; ; ;
birds
central tail-feathers black, the olliers broadly tipped white,
the
of white increasing outwardly. birds have the breast-spots pale rufescent instead of white, a feature which seems to have nothing to do with age.
amount
Some
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet black ; iris reddish to hazel or deep brown ; bill brown with paler tips.
;
brown
Heasurements. Total length about 370 mm. tail about 150 to 160 mm. wing 205 to 225 mm., averaging about 210 or rather more; bill 40 to 45 mm. tarsus about 40 mm.
; ;
The yonng are pale brown, with rufescent drops everywhere

instead of white.
These, however, turn white at the
first
moult,
when the head

This bird
is
also acquires the white colour.
merely a local race of the European Nutcracker, in having a far darker bead, the centre of the throat and neck unspotted with white and the outer tailfeathers almost entirely white instead of merely tipped with white.
from which
it differs
NDCIFBAaA,
67
Distribution. The Himalayas from the extreme N.W., Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan into Tibet. Its distribution still requires a cousiderable amount of consideration ua it seems to overlap in many places with the next.
Kidification. Hume took its nest with young in May near Simla, 6,500 feet, and Mr. A. E. Jones found a nest wit'n yoinig and one addled egg in April in tlie same district, whilst Whymper took nest and eggs in G-arhwal 10.6.06 at 10,500 feet. The nests are described as being like neat Crows' nests but with a thick lining of fir-needles and grass. Two clutches of eggs were obtained for me in Tibet on ;i0.4:.2O, both of which were second layings after the first had been destroyed. The two clutches contained three and four eggs, butall wereuufortunately broken except one. This, and the eggs taken by Messrs. Jones and Whymper are similar in character to those of the European bird, except that they are duller pale sea-green colour and have much larger blotches of olive-sienna and neutral tint. egg measures 35-0 x 26'U mm.
My
Habits. This bird keeps much to forests of pine, cedar and fir between 3,000 and 12,000 feet, and subsists largely on the seeds of tliese trees but they also eat other seeds and fruits as well as insects. Though not regularly gregarious, they are said sometimes to collect in small parties. Their notes are harsh and loud.
;
Fig.
16. Head
of
.V.
multipitnctata.
(-17)
Nucifraga multipunctata.
L.viiGKE-spoTTED
The
layas)
;
Nutckackek.
p.
Nucifraga midtipumtata Gould, P.Z.S., 1849,

Blanf.
23 (N.W.HimaTong-she-slia-(ja
&
Oates,
i,
p. 41.
;
Vernacular names.
(Tibetan).
KhaJs-hharra (Pushtu)
Description. Differs from the Himalayan Nirtcracker in being darker, a chocolate rather than an umber-brown, and in being much more profusely marked with white. The lores and narial bristles are white or black and whit ; the rump and upper tail-coverts have a white spot on each feather ; the wing-coverts and quills are
f2
t5o
cobvid:e.
more profusely spotted with wliite, and the white on the lower plumage is so extensive as to sometimes make this look almost
wholly white.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown bill horny brown legs and feet black. Measurements. Length about 350 ram. wing 190 to 210 mm., average about 200 or rather less tail 160 to 170 mm. tarsus about 40 mm. bill about 50 mm. and decidedly more slender than in
;
hemispila and its subspecies.
Distribntion. N.W. Himalayas from Afghanistan, Gilgit, Kashmir, Ladakh to S.E. Tibet, whence I have had specimens sent me. Charabi Valley in Tibet and Sikkim.
Nidification. Eggs sent me by Mr. D. Macdonald with tlie parent birds from the Ciiambi Valley are exactly like those of the European Nutcracker, very pale blue-green speckled with daik
brown spiirsely everywhere and a little more numerous at tlie They measure about 38'fi x 24*6 mm. larger end. The nests wt-uv said to be neat facsimiles of those of the Indian House-Crow, but nealer and with a lining of pine-needles.
Habits. These differ in no way from those of the last bird. it feeds principally on the seeds of the Blue Pine {Pinus exceha) and of the Spruce (Picea morinda).
Osmaston says that
Geuus
PYKEHOCORAX
Vieill.,
1810.
The genus Pi/rrhocoraar contains t,he Choughs, of which theie P. pyrrhocorax, the Eed-billed Chough, and are two species P. graculus, the Yellow-billed Chough, which occur unchanged over a great area of three continents. Both are found within
Indian
limits.
They resemble the true Crows in colour, but differ from them all in having the bill and feet brilliantly coloured. The bill is long and slender and gently curved throughout its length the narial plumes are very short and dense. The tarsus is quite smooth, differing markedly from the true Crows in this
;
respect.
(48)
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The Ekd-billei) Chough.

p.
Upupa pyrrhoeorax Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. x, Graculus eremita. Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 4!J.
118 (1758) (England).
Vernacular names. Tsai^h (Kandahar). Description. The whole plumage glossy black.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown claws black bill vermilion-red.
;
legs
and
feet vermilion-red,
Measurements. Total length about 450 mm.; wing 270 to 315 mm.; tail 150 to 170 mm.; culmen 45 to 60 mm.; tarsus 45 to 53 mm.
prnaHOcoEAX.
69
The Indian bird seems to average much larger than the Enghsh though not hirger than the Continental bird. Distribution. Northern Africa, Europe and N. Asia. In India it is found throughout the Himalayas to Eastern Tibet.
Pig. 17.
Head of
/'.
pijrrhooorax.
18.
Foot of
J",
pi/rrhocontx.
Nidification. The lled-billed Chough breeds freely in Tibet, Ladakh and Northern Kashmir, breeding generally in cliffs, but, in Tibet, frequently in the Tibetan houses and buildings whether occupied or not. They are early breeders, laying in the end of March and April and often having a second brood. The eggs are like those of the English bird, but much duller and more brownish in tint and they average much bigger, 41*7x28"4inm. against
40-7
X 27*9 mm.
Whymper
took
its
eggs at the end of April in
Garhwal
at 9,000
and 12,400
feet.
The
nests were of sticks
with wool lining, placed in
clefts of rocks.
70
COETIDJB.
Habits. The Eed-billed Chough is found in summer up to 16,000 feet and over, descending in winter to 5,000 feet or even iower. It is a gregarious sociable bird feeding together on the ground much like liooks. They are noisy birds and haunt
))umari habitations
and camps as well as wilder
tracts.
(49)
Pyrrhocorax graculus.
The Yellow-billed Chough.

Pyrrhocorax
Corvus f/raculus Linn., Syst. Nat., ed. xii, p. 158 (1766) (Swiss Alps). alpintis. Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 44.
Fig. 19.
Head of P. graculus.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. The whole plumage black with a slight gloss, more developed on wings and tail. Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown ; bill yellow feet vermilion, the claws horny brown or black. Heasorements. Total length about 420 mm.; wing 262 to 287 mm.; tail about 180 mm. ciilmen 25 to 30 mm.; tarsus 45 to 48 mm. Distribution. South Europe and Central Asia. In India throughout the Himalayas from Kohat to Central Tibet and South-East Tibet. Nidiflcation. Eggs have been taken in the Liddar Valley and in 8.E. Tibet in April and May from nests placed in steep rocky
;
cliffs, eitlier in holes or in crevices in rocks. As a rule the breeding places are almost or quite inaccessible. The eggs dift'er in no way from those of the European bird. The ground-colour is a very pale yellowish grey, rarely with a cream tint, and the spots are of light brown and neutral tint, rather sparse as a rule but more numerous at the larger end.
Habits. In summer it is found between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, coming down to 5,000 feet in winter. According to Stoliczka this species is very social and frequently visits the camp of the traveller in Spiti and Ladakh, as it does also in Tibet. It is as familiar and noisy in the neighbourhood of villages and campinggrounds as the common House-Crow is in India. In the breeding season it to some extent deserts human habitations for the wilder
cliffs.
PODOOBS.
71
Genin PODOCES
In
Fischer, 1823.
this most remarkable genus are found certain species of birds which appear to be most nearly related to the Choughs but should possibly be placed in a family by theraselves. The bill is slender and very long and the nostrils completely concealed under stifE plumes the wing is short and rounded and the legs long and strong. These curious birds, to which the name of Ground Choughs has been given, differ from all other forms of Oorvidce in their very weak flight. In habits they are strictly ground-birds spending practically their whole time upon it. They are found only on the high plateaus of Central Asia, a single specimen of one species having straggled into India.
;
(50)
Fodoces humilis.
408 (Saryu Pass, Yarkand).
Hume's Ground Chough.

Fodoces humilu
Hume,
Ibis, 1871, p.
Vernacular names. Bay-day (Tibetan).

Description. Above sandy brown with whitish collar around wing-coverts like the back with faint terminal brown bars ; quills brown with pale edges below pale isabelline with centre of abdomen almost w^hite ; central tail-feathers blackish brown paling to isabelline-white on the outermost.
neck
Colours of soft parts. Bill and feet black
iris
brown.
ICeasurements. Wing 90 to ^'d mm.; tail about 65 mm.; tarsus > 28 mm. bill about 23 uim. The female is a trifle smaller, wing 88 to 90 mm.
;
Distribution.
Tarkand
to Tibet,
single specimen has been sent
Koko Kur and Kansu. me from the Chambi Valley in
A
the
extreme north of Native Sikkim.

Nidification. This bird breeds freely in Tibet between 11,000
and 15.000 feet, making its nest, a soft pad of grass and fur, in burrows of the Mouse-hares, or self-made. According to Dresser the nest is sometimes placed at the end of a tunnel as much as 12 feet long, such as one would hardly expect the bird to excavate The eggs, either three or four in number, are pure for itself. white and measure about 22'9xl6''l mm. The breeding season is May, June and July. Hahits. They inhabit the same uplands as those inhabited by the Mouse-hares but are sometimes seen away from them. Their flight is very tow and feeble and they are essentially ground-birds, spending their whole time thereon and never perching on trees or bushes. They are insect feeders.
PASIUÊ.
Family
PARID^.
The Titmouses,
Gates included the Titmouses in the same family as the Crows and the group of birds he called Crow-Tits. "Whilst, however, they show certain affinities with both of these groups, the three seem to be much easier to separate than are many otliers, such as the Thrushes, Elyeatcliers and Warblers, the true Shrikes, etc., and it, therefore, seems to be more consistent to keep these
separate also.
first
differ from the Corvida; in haying the primary equal to or less than half the length of the second, whereas the latter have this always uiore than half us long as the
The Titmouses, Paridw,
Btcond.
Like the Corvida, the Paridw liave the nostrils concealed by feathers or bristles, though in the genus MelunocMora the soft feathers wliich lie over the nostrils do not wholly cover them. The bill is short and conical, varying considerably in depth and stoutness ; the rictal bristles are short, the tarsus well developed and the surface scutulated ; the wing is generally wealc aiid rounded but is longer and more pointed in MelanocJdora. Hellmayr has divided the Titmouses into several subfamilies, and includes amongst them the PnradoxornithidcB. These latter birds, however, seem to me to constitute a good family, showing in some respects an affinity to the Titmouses, but in others a still closer connection with the Ttweliidce. The genus Panurus, the Bearded Tits, should probably also be placed with the Paradoicornithidce. As regards the Indian Titmouses, 1 see no reason to divide them into subfamilies, and I include them all in the same. Since, however, the ' Fauna of India' was published, we have had to add other genera and species to our list, the principal being Bemiz (Antlioscojitts) coronatus and Pnriis (Ci/anistes) cyanus. The key to the genera given below applies only to our Indian species. Hellmayr includes Lophophanes, Sylviparus, Machlohphus and Cyanistes in the genus Partis, but though Cyanistes cannot be divided from that genus, the other three appear to me to be generically distinct and are therefore retained. Lophophanes, it is true, is not always crested. Our Indian Lojihophanen ater anwdivs has a well-developed crest, although it is only a subspecies of L. ater ater which has none and the two extremes are linked up by geographical races which have crests in varying degree. On the other hand, the shape of the tail in this genus quite suffices to keep it distinct from Parus. Oyanisieg is a true Parus in everything but colour. The young are like the adult but paler, and in some species the grey or black in the adult is strongly suffused with green in the
yonng.
PABUS.
73
Key
A. Tail
a'.
to
Oenera.
slightly rounded. a. Head not ureated.

falling; short of ^the tip of tlie tail by length of hind claw only Outermost tail-feathers falling short of the tip by length of hind toe and
Outermost tail-feathers
Pabun,
p.
73.
b'.
claw
b.
yiTHALiscu8,
p. 93.
13.
as 90 as 100 Tail square or very slightly forked.

c.
Head crested. c'. Wing never as much d'. Wing never as short
Head crested Head not created.
'.
mm mm
SfACHLOLOPHus, p. 89. MKLAXOCHLOitA, ij. 101.

Loi'HOphanks,
Sylvipaiuis,
p. 83.
d.
Pluniajre above yellowish green
p. 88.
/'.
No
green on upper plumage
Uemiz,
Liiin., 1706.
p. 100,
Genus PAKTJS
of which the Great Tit of England may be considered lie type, contains those Tits which are not crested and in wiiich the tail is slightly rounded. They liave a broad, black, ventral band and in this character agree vvith Machlolophus, wliich, however, possesses a long pointed crest. The true Tits are found, over a considerable portion of the world. Five species inhabit the Indian Eiupire, tw(> being found over the greater part of Europe and Asia, i.e. major and pulustris; two, imchalis and monticoltis, being local and the fifth, cyanns, a very rare visitor. In Parus the feathers of the crown are rather long, but do not form a crest; the tail is considerably shorter than the wing, and the outer feathers are shorter than tlie central oues by about the length of the hind claw.
The genus Parug,
Key
A. Plumage not blue and white.
a.
to
Species.
buff, or fawn, but not bright yellow. a'. Back and rump ashy or greenish b'. Back and ruxnp black c'. Back nnd rump olive-brown b. Lower plumage bright yellow B. Plumage all blue and white above
Lower pliunage whitish
P. major, p. 73. P. michalis, p. 79. P. palustris, p. 81.

/'.
monticolits, p. 80.
p. 81,
P. ei/anus,
Parus majorThe Great- Tits or Grey-Tits may be divided into two groups the first group with green backs and yellow under parts, the
second
with
grey backs
and the
under parts ranging from
practically pure white to fawn or buff. The tirst group, that of the true Panes major, ranges over the whole of Europe, extreu e Northern Africa and Northern Asia to
74
Japan. Southwards Northern Persia.
group,
is
paeidjE.
it
extends to Palestine, Asia Minor and
call the Indian cinererts found through Southern Persia and North Arabia, throughout India and in a loop working North, including Afghanistan, Syr Daria and Amu Daria in Turkestan, TianscLan and Kashmir. East it is found through Burma and Southern China and the countries South of them. Between these two distinct groups we have more or less intermediate forms found in Tibet, Northern Shan States, and Central Asia. Within Indian limits we have no form approaching the European Parus major major group, ail our geographical races belonging to the grey dnereun group.
The second group, which we may

to be
Key
A.
to
Sulspecies.
No
a.
green on
baclc.
;
Upper and lower plumajje darker
tail
b.
black on inner web with grev edge, and all grey on outer web. Wing ttO to 68 mm., tail 58 to 61 Paler upper parts a pale clear blue-grey, under parts almost white, nuchal patch distinct and nearly white. Wing 08 to
mm
P. m. cinereus, p. 74.
75 mm., tail 62 to 63 c. Upper and lower parts darker, nuchal patch greyer and inconspicuous, a'. Larger wing 70 to 79 mm., tail 60 to 70 b. Smii Her; wing 63 to 70 mm., tail 62 to 63 d. Upper plumage as dark as cinereus tail black on both webs with narrow grey edges. Wing 63 to 74 mm., tail 61 to 62 B, Some green on upper plumage.
;
mm
[p. 76.
P.m.
intermedius,
mm mm
[p. 70. P. m. katchmiitensis,

[?'"!'
P.m. planorum,
mm
[p. 77.
P. m. mahrattarwn,
e.
/.
Upper parts and scapulars all olive-green wing 6(J to 79 mm., tail 66 to 74 mm.. Green confined to extreme upper back; wing 61 to (58 mm., tail 63 to 61 mm..
. .
P. m. tibetanus,-p. 78.
_
[p. 78.
P. m. commixtua,
(51)
Parus major cinereus.

Tit.
p.
The Indian Gebt

(Java).
Parus einerem VieiJL, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat, xx,
316 (1818)
Parus
atriceps.
Blanf,
&
Gates,
i,
p. 46.
yernacalar names. Ram-gangra (Beng.). Description. Forehead, lores, crown, nape, chin, throat, breast, a band on either side the neck connecting the nape with the breast, and a band down the middle of the abdomen, black; cheeks
PA1HT8,
75
and ear-coverts white ; the upper part of the back next the nape white; remainder of back, rump, scapulars, lower and median coverts iishy grey winglet and greater coverts black, edged with ashy grey and the latter broadly tipped with white ; quills dark brown, the earlier primaries and inner secondaries edged with white, tlie other quills with ashy grey upper tail-coverts deep ashj^ blue tail black, the four median ])airs of i'eatliers ashy grey on the outer webs and all but the middle two pairs tipped with white fifth pair white, with the shaft black and a band of black on the inner web; outer pair nearly entirely white with black shafts; sides of the breast and abdomen vinaceous under tail-coverts
; ;
;
black in the centre, white at the sides.
Fig. 20.
Head o{ P.
Bill black
m. cinereus.
Colours of soft parts. plumbeous.

tail .53 to
iris
brown
legs
and feet
Ueasnrements. Total length about 140 mm.; wing 60 to 68 mm. 61 mm.; tarsus about 15 nira. ; culmen about 10 mm. The young of this and all the allied grey forms have a tinge of yellow on the lower parts and generally a good deal of green on
the upper.
Distribution. Northern Sunda Island and Java.
India,
Assam, Western Burma to
Nidiflcation. Breeds throughout its range but at different times in different localities from March to June. The nest is placed in a hole of a tree, wall or, more rarely, in a bank and consists of a pad of moss, hair, wool or fur occasionally with some vegetable cotton and feathers. Wickham reports that it took' readily to nest-boxes placed low down on trunks of trees in his garden at Maymyo. The eggs, four to six in number in India, three or four only in Burma, are white or very pale pink with spots and specks of reddish brown. They average about 17-0 X 13-3 mm.
:
Habits. Though not gregarious in the strict sense of the term, these little birds are very sociable and may often be seen consorting in small parties in favourite feeding-haunts. They are restless, active little birds, clambering about branches and twigs in their search for insects, now hanging head downmoat to reach some tempting morsel below, now standing on tip-toe to get to one above them and then once more scuttling round to catch some quickly moving ant or spider. They feed on all kinds o
76
insects,
pamDjE.
many seeds and fruits and in times of stress practically anything that comes to hand. A meaty bone is a tempting bait to them as is a split cocoa-nut hung in a tree near their haunts. Tliey are essentially arboi-eal in their habits but occasionally descend to the ground after insects. Their note is a rather shrill
whistle and their flight rather feeble and dipping. They are resident birds almost wherever found, moving about to some extent according to the seasons.
(52)
Parus major intermedius.
The AroHAN Gbey-Tit.

Pariis hochircnsvs
vai'.
hit.ermediug Sarudiiv, Hull. See. Inip. Nat.
Moscow, (No.
3), vol. iii,p.
789 (1890) (S.W. Transcaspiii).

very pale race, the upper parts a clear blueDescription. grey, the under parts almost pure white with veiy little tinge of vinaceous ; the nuchal patch is white and conspicuous and the grey of the tail pale and extensive.
Colours of soft parts as in cinereus, but the legs are pale slaty
grey.
tail.
Measurements. A rather large bird with a comparativ(>ly short Wing 68 to 75 mm. tail 52 to (53 mm.
;
Distribution. Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and S.AV. Transcaspia.
Chitral, East
Persia
Nidification and Habits as in cinereus ; the eggs average about 17"5x 13'6 mm. Its nest, and eggs were taken by Whitehead at Kalhntty, Baluchistan, and by tlarington in the Khagan Valley. Pulton found it up to 12,000 feet in Chitral, where it was very common, and took two nests from holes in Walnut-trees.
(53)
Parus major kaschmiriensis.
The Kashmik Geex-Tit.

I'arwt majov /caschmirienm
(Gilg-it).
Hartert, Vijg,
I'al.,
i,
j'.
345 (1905)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. A dark bird distinguishable from all others of the dark forms by its greater size ; both upper and lower parts are
not as dark, liowever, as in cinereus, but the nuchal patch and very inconspicuous.
Colours of soft parts as in citweus.
is
grey
measurements. Wing 70
West.
to
79
mm.
tail
60
to
70
mm.
Distribution. Eiashmir, Garhwal, Simla, and Hills of the North-
PAEUS.
77
NidijBiCatiou. Breeds freely in Kashmir and elsewhere, from 3,600 feet up to 9,000 feet or higher. The eggs four to six, or even seven, are more richly coloured than are those of the Indian Grey-Tit and measure about 18'5xl3*5 mm. Tho breeding season is from the end of April to early June.
Habits as in the other Grey-Tits.
(54)
Parus major planornm.
The Punjab Gkey-Tit.
Pams
major planornm Hartert, Nov.
Zool., 1905, p.
499
(S. Punjab).

Description. This bird
Tit, nn)ch
is
a small replica of the Kashmir Grev-
the same
size as einereus
but decidedly paler.

tail
Colours of soft parts as in einereus.
Measurements.
Wing
63 to 70 mm.
52
to
63 mm.
Distribution. Plains of
N.W.
India and Puujab.
Nidiiication. Nothing recorded. Eggs of a dutch sent me, and said to have been taken at Lahore, average about 17'5x 13"4 mm.
Habits as usual, but according to Hartert this is purely a plains form though there is very little material available for study in tlie shape of breeding specimens.
(55)
Parus major mahrattarum.

TlTK SotTTHBRN GbEY-TiT.
Panu major mahrattartim Hartert, Nov. Zool., 190o, p. 499 (Ceylon).

Description. Similar to the Indian Grey-Tit or even darker, the nuchal patch hardly noticeable and the tail-feathers wholly black on both webs, with only narrow grey edges to the outer webs. The black central streak on the abdomen is generally very wide.
Measurements. Wing G3
to
74
mm.
tail
51 to 62 mm.
Distribution. The whole of Central and South India and Ceylon. It is found as far north as Northei-n Bombay across to Chota Nagpore and E. Bengal.
Nidification. Breeds throughout its range in the more hilly parts which are well wooded. In the northern drier countries it lays in IVbruary, March, and early April; in South India in March and April and in the higher hills in April to June, whilst in Fooua Betham took eggs as late as August, possibly second broods. The eggs are more richly coloured, as a rule, than those of einfreus and the average size of 30 eggs is 17*4x 13*6 mm.
78
PAHIDJ.
HabitB. Similar to those of cinereus. This little Titmouse is more of a hills than a plains bird, though in the winter it wanders over a verj wide extent of country. It prefers hills and broken country, more especially such as are fairly well covered with trees and forest, and it is found in the hills of Southern India practically up to tlieir summits.
really
(56)
Parus major tibetanus.

Vcig. Pal., p.
TitB Tibet AX Geeat-Tit,
Parus major tibotanus Ilartert,
340 (1905) (Cliakuam).
VernacTilar names.
None
recorded.
Description. Back decidedly green and the lower parts suflf'used with yellow. Its size alone at once distinguishes it from fomniLvtus and ininor, and it has more whit* on the tail than either of these races.
Colours of soft parts as in cinereus, but tarsi apparently paler
and
brigliter slate-blue.
Measurements.
66 to 74
Hills.
Wing OG
to 79
mm., generally over 70;
tail
mm.
S.B. Tibet, runnan Valley, Sikkim.
Distribution.
and N.E. Kauri Kachin
Chumba
Nidification. A common breeder in tiie Gyantse Plain, Tibet, breeding both in holes in trees and in walls and banks. Eggs of a clutch, taken from a small natural hole in a willow, measure about 18'8x 13'5 mm., and are richly marked for Great-Tit's eggs. The nest was of wool and Mouse-hare (Lagomys) fur. It was taken on 18.5.1.7.
Habits. Tho.se of the species.

(57)
Parus major commixtus. The B[Tbmese Gkeat-Tit.

Ibis, p.
i,
Parus f.ommivtus Swinhoe,
63 (1808)
48.
(S. China).
Parm
minor.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p.
Vernacular names. Buinum memka (Burmese).

Description. Differs from tibetanus in having the green confined to the upper back and scapulars, the yellow below is obsolete or very slight, and the white on the outer tail-feathers From the true minor of Japan and N. China is less extensive. it differs in being much less green above, and more buff or vinaceous rather than yellow below.
Colours of soft parts as in cinereus.
53
lEeasnrements. to 61 mm.
S. China.
Wing 61
to 68 mm., generally under 66
tail
Distribution. Tenasserim, Eastern
Burma, Siam, Shan States
and
PAiiTjs.
Nidification. Breeds in April and

earlier, as a clutch iu
May and
possibly sometimes
the Waterstradt collection was taken on the 20th February. The nest is made of fur, wool, or hair, sometimes with a base of soft moss and sometimes mixed moss and other materials, but nearly always lined with wool, hair, or fui". It is generally placed in some l)oIe in a tree or dead stump but Harington took it from a hole in a bank. The eggs, four to six in number, are like those of cinereus and measure about 16-2 X 12-8 (16-80 X 1305 mm. Mackenzie). Habits.
Much
sociable, lively little
country and being found in the low country, perhaps, however, more frequently in the winter than in the summer.
same as those of cinereun in India. bird frequenting, preferably, broken hilly ascending the hills to at least 6,000 feet but also
the
(58)
Parus nuchalis.
The White-winged Black-Tit.

Farm
Ghats)
nuchalis Jerdon, Madr. Journ., Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 49. ;
xiii,
p.
131 (1844) (Eastern
Vernacular names. Nulla jmisa
jitta {Te\.).
Description. The whole upper plumage, wing-coverts, lores, sides of the crown, chiu, throat, centre of the breast and a broad êlltral band black ; a large nape-patch, tiie cheeks, ear-coverts and those parts of the plumage not already mentioned white the under tail-coverts streaked with black ; quills with the outer webs white at base and a partial narrov\' edging of white elsewhere ; the later secondaries broadly edged white and the innermost one or two wholly white. The two outer tail-feathers white, the next with the outer web white, the inner web black with a white tip, the other feathers black with white tips. The amount of white on the tail varies considerably in different individuals.
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark feet slaty-plumbeous (Butler),

tail
brown
bill
black
legs
and
lEeasurements. Total length about 140 ram. ; wing 61 to 71 mm.; 51 to 57 mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm. culmen about 10 mm.
;
Distribution. From the country round the Sambhar Lake through Aimere to Deesa and on to Cutch ; Jerdon first obtained it on the Eastern Grhats west of Nellore and Dr. Stewart obtained it at Bangalore. The specimen in the British Museum from the Gadow collection is labelled Bhutan, but this assuredly is a mistake.
Nidiflcation.
Nothing on record.
Habits. Apparently a resident bird wherever found, but very little is known about it. Jerdon records it'as keeping to the tops of heavily wooded hills on the Eastern Ghats,
80
PAKIDM.
(59)
Farns monticolus monticolus. The Gebek-backej) Tit.

Z. S., 1831, p.
Pants munticulus Vigors, P.

Blanf.
22 (Himalayas, Simla)
&
Gates,
i,
p.
49.
Vernacular
(Cachari).
names.
Samk-cIiak-pJto
(Lepcha);
Daosi'-whet
Description. Cheeks and ear-coverts white ; the whole head, nape, breast and a broad band down the middle of the abdomen a whitish patch on the nape ; back and scapulars greenish blai-k yellow ; rump slaty upper tail-coverts black ; tail black, the outt^r webs suffused with blue, all the feathers tipped with white, the outer web of the outermost feather entirely white lesser wingcoverts black, edged with slaty the other coverts and the winglet black, edged with blue and tipped with white, forming two wingbars ; the earlier primaries edged with white at base and below the emarginatious the others, with the outer secondaries, edged with blue and tipped with white ; iniiennost secondaries black abdomen, sides of breast and edged and tipped with white under tail-coverts black, tipped with axillaries bright deep yellow white.
; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; iris brown pluuibeous, claws horny-brown to blackish.
;
legs dark slate or
tail
Measurements. Total length about 130mm. wing 64 to 69 mm. 54 to 60 mm. tarsus about 18 to 20 mm. ; culmen about
;
10
mm.
The female
is
smaller with a wing of 60 to 65 mm. Himalayas from the extreme N.W. to Manipur, Chitfagong and the N.E. of the Chin Hills, Nidification. This little Tit breeds throughout its range at altitudes between 4,000 and 9,000 feet in April, May and J une. It makes a nest of moss, fur, wool and hair, sometimes of one, sometimes of two or more of these materials, and often with a dense lining of feathers. Any convenient hole will suffice whether it be in a tree, a wall, part of a building or occasionally a bank. In Shillong it has been found in a hole in the thatch of a house but, for nesting purposes, this bird does not frequent houses and buildings as often as do the Grey-Tits. The eggs number from four to six and even eight and are white, boldly and freely blotched with red and reddish brown. 100 eggs
a
little
Distribution. The
average 17'1
12-8.
Habits. A high-level bird, this little Tit is seldom found much below 5,000 feet, whilst it may be seen in the Western Himalayos up to and over 10,000 feet. It is a sociable, familiar little bird, haunting gardens and the vicinity of human habitations, keeping much to the trees and taUer shrubs, on which it keeps up an
ever-restless
hunt for
its insect food.
It also eats
many
fruits
I'AEUS.
83
is not a seed-eater, nor does it seem to enjoy a stray meatIts note is a very bone from the kitchen as cinerem does. loud four syllabic whistle, which may be written ti-ti-Ue-it, the third syllable much prolonged. In Shillong, where it is very common, this call is the first bird-note to be heard in the early dawn when it is most persistent and shrjll though quite musical.
but
(60)
Parus cyanus tianschanicus.
Thk Tianschan Blue-Tit.

Vyanistes cyanus var. tianschanietdi Menzbier, Bull. Soc. Zool. France, ix, p. 270 (1884) (Mountains of Oeutral Asia),
Vernacular names.
ISTone recorded.
Description. A thin line of deep blue running through the eye and over the ear-coverts in a narrow collar round the nape remainder of head pale vinous blue or blue-grey; back pale blue-grey ; upper tail-coverts bright dark blue, tipped with white ; outermost tail-feathers white, with the basal third of the inner web black ; on each succeeding pair the white decreases and the black increases and becomes more blue, especially on the outer web, until the central rectricef are all dark blue, except for broad white tips. Visible portion of closed wing deep blue, the quills edged with white on their terminal halves and the iuner secondaries with bold white tips also ; greater coverts with similai tips making a broad bar of white across the wing. Below pale vinous blue-grey with a broad patch of black on the abdomen forming an interrupted black median line on these parts.
;
Colours of soft parts. Bill slaty horn

feet plumbeous,
irides
brown
legs
and
Heasurements.
about 7
mm.
tarsus about 15
Wing about 75 mm., mm.
tail
about 65
mm. culmen
;
Distribution. Tiauschan, Turkestan, Afgiianistau, Ghitral.

Nidificatiou. It is said to breed in May, laying 10 or li typical Blue-Tits' eggs, white spotted with red, in a nest of hair and grass in a hole. In size they seem to vary between 18*5 x 12"5
{Dyhowaki) and 14'8
X 115 mm.
(B,*y).
They are found at considerable Habits. Those of the genus. elevations, certainly up to 12,000 feet, descending lower in winter, especially in the most northern parts of their habitat where they may be found at the level of the Plains. Fulton obtained five young birds in Chitral, at 10,000 feet in July 1902 ; he reports that this Tit was common there in the river-bed, where they were frequenting dense scrub of willow, juniper and birch.
TOl.
I.
82
PAKIBJE.
Farus palustris. Key to /Subspecies.

A. Back grey, tinged with
B. Back olive-brown, (61)
olive-gi-een
much
darker
P. p. korejewi, p. 82. P. p. pcecilopsis p. 82.
Parus palustris korejewi. The Turkestan Mabsu-Tit.

tfc
Partis
communis korejewi ZsiTiidi. (1902) (Karatau, I'urkestan).
Harms, Orn. Mouatsb.,
x, p. 6-4
Vemacolar names. None
recorded.
Description. Head, nape and extreme upper back, chin and upper throat black ; back grey, tinged with olive-rufous next to black of head on nape pure white, fading into stnoky fulvous ou neck ; below white tinged with fulvous on flanks and abdomen wing-quills brown, with silver-grey edges ; coverts broadly edged grey.
;
Measurements.
tarsus about 10
Wing about 65 mm. tail about 56-2 mm. mm.; culmeu about 10 mm.
;
Distribution. Turkestan, Afghanistan, straggler into extreme N.W. India.
Balucliistan.
rare
Nidij&cation. A clutch of eggs taken at Sarsen, Turkestan and given to me by Ilerr M. Kuschel are indistinguishable from those They average about 16-0x1 2-5 mm. of the British Marsh-Tit. and were taken on the 10th May, 1896.
Habits. Similar to those of other races of the Marsh-Tit.
(62)
Parus palustris
poecilopsis.
The Ytjnnah Maksh-Tit.

Lophophanes
(Chatun^j^,
jxBcilopsis Sharpe, Bull. B. O.
C,
xiii, p.
W.
11 (1902)
Yunnan).

Description. Similar to the last, but much darker olive-brown above and darker, duller fulvous below. Colours of soft parts. Not given, but appear to be the same as
in the British bird.
measurements. Total length about 120 mm.; culmen about 10 mm. ; wing about 65 mm. tail about 52 mm. ; tarsus about 14 mm. Distribution. Yunnan. A specimen obtained by Col. H, H. Harington near Maymyo in the Kachin Hills is referable to this
;
race.
ITidification
LOPHOPHANES.
83
Genus
LOPHOPHANES
Kaiip, 1829.
This genus is very similar to Varus, but can be distinguished by the shape of its tail whicli is square or slightly forked. Our Indian species are crested but others are not and even in the same species the crest may be absent, moderate or well developed as in Lophophanes ater ater which has no crest, and in L. a. osmodms which has a long one.
Key
corerts.
to t>^)ecies.
A. With a double row of spots on the wing-
Abdomen iron-grey i. Abdomen ferruginous 15. With no spots on wing-coverts,

a.
c.
L. melanulopJius, L. ater wmodiua,
p. 83. p. 84.
Ohii)
a'.
b'.
JJreast
and throat black or blackish. and abdomen ferruginous.
...
(/.
Breast black Chin and throat fulvous grey
L. rtihidive)ttvis, p. 84. L. rufonuchalis, p. 83. L. dichrous, p. 86.
(03)
Lophophanes melanolophus.
Till!
CiiBSTKi)
Bj.ack-Tit.
Parug melanolophus Vigors, 1', Z. S., i, p. 23 (1831) (Ilimalayfts). Lophophanes melanoloj/hus. BLuif. & Oates, i, p. 57,

Description. Forehead, crown, crest, Jiind neck, lores, chin, throat and cre.st deejj black a large patch on the nape white the ear-coverts extending down the sides of the neck, the cheeks and under the eye white; upper plumage iron-grey, the exposed parls of the wing and tail paler; the middle and lower series of the wiug-coverts, the inner and some of the outer secondaries tipped with white, the tips of the coverts more or less tinged with rufous ; lower plumage from the brfnist downwards iron-grey; the under wing-coverts, axillaries and a portion of the flanks chestnut ; uuder tail-coverts nearly all chestnut.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Bill black

bluish grey
;
legs, feet
and claws dark

;
brown {Davison). Measurements. Length about 110 mm. wing 60 to 63 mm.

iris
;
tail
about 37 to 38 mm. tarsus about 16 mm. culmen about 6 mm. The young have the head brown ; the upper plumage greyishbrown the wing spots very rufous ; the chin, throat, and crest brown the remainder of the lower plumage fulvous-brown with the axillaries pale chestnut. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afghanistan to Gbrhwal, between 6,000 and 12,000 feet.
; ; ; ;
Nidification. Breeds at all heights from the end of March to the middle of June, most eggs beiug laid in May. The nest may be placed in any convenient hole, in tree, wall, bank or rock. It has generally a substantial basis of moss, sometimes several inches
g2
84
thick, over
FASIDJS.
placed a mass of fur, hair or wool. The to ten and are white with spots of bright brownish red. Typically they are longer ovals than are the eggs of the genus Parve and one hundred eggs average 15'7 x 11"7 mm.
which
is
'
number from four
They
are
sftid
to generally rear
two broods.
Habits. This little Tit is extremely common over the Western Himalayas, being found up to 12,000 feet in summer and down to 2,000 feet in winter, perliai)s even lower. It goes about in flocks of some dozen or more birds and is very partial to oak forest when not too thick. It is said by Adams often to associate with Cq)haloj>yrus flammkeps.
(64)
Lophophanes ater semodins. The Himalayan Cole-Tit.

xiii, p.
rarus cemoihm Hodcis., Blyth, J. A. S. B., Lophophanes aniiodiim. Blauf. & Oates, i,
043 (1844) (Nepal).
p. 58.
Vernacular names. JVone recorded.

Description. Foreliead, crown, crest, lores, sides of the head
cheeks, earand nape, chin, throat and sides of the neck black coverts and a nape-patch white upper plumage and exposed parts of wings and tail bluish ashy ; the rump tinged with ferruginous the median and greater coverts tipped with white, forming two wing-bars the inner and a few of the outer secondaries minutely tipped with white lower plumage, axillaries and under wing; ; ;
coverts ferruginous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark black (Blanford).

tail
brown
legs leaden grey
bill
measurements. Total length about 105 mm., wing 59 to 61 mm. about 40 mm. ; tarsus about 17 mm. ; culmen about 6 mm.
Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim. It extends into the South of Tibet as I have had a skin sent me of a bird caught on the nest in the Chambi Valley.
bird sent me with some eggs was caught on its Nidiflcation. nest in a hole of an oak-tree at between 10,000 and 11,000 feet elevation. The nest was all of rat fur, a well mattd pad fitting into the bottom of the hollow. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of the European Cole-Tit and measure about 17*9 x 12-9 mm. The nest was taken on the 13th June.
Habits. This is a bird of high elevation from 6,000 feet upwards, ascending as high as 12,000 feet at least.
(65)
Lophophanes rabidiventris.
EtrroTis-BEU.U!D Cbbbteb Tn-.
The
Pant
Lophophcmet itdndiventrU.
rubidiverUru Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 445 (1847) (Nepal). Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 58.
LOPHOPHAKKS.
85
Description. Cheeks, ear-covers, sides of the neck and a large nuchal spot white, remainder of head and neck dark brown or blackish, but more the deep black of inelanolophus upper plumage olive-brown the wings and tail brown, with bluish-ashy edges and the upper tail-coverts tipped with fulvous; lower plumage and under wing- coverts ferruginous.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown

i'oet
bill
black
legs
ant!
plumbeous-brown.
;
; ;
tail
Measurements. Total length about 115 mm. wing 60 tofiS mm. about 42 to 43 unu. tarsus about 18 ram. culmen about S mm. Distribution. Nepal and "X.W. Himalayas." The latter locality is given for some sjjeoimens in the Piiiwill Collection, and may refer to Kumaon. Nidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded.
Lophophanes rafonuchalis.
Key
ashy olive
B. U])per
bvoa.'^t
to 'Suhsjiecies.
\. Upper and lower breast black and abdoaieu

black
;
[mw/ia/in, p. 86.
X. rufuimchalis
mfo-
lower breast and abdoL.

r.
men
ttsiiy
olive
hc.avani, p. 80.
(6H)
Lophophanes rufonuchalis rufonuchalis. The Simla. Hi.a.ok-Tit.

Hlyth, J. A. S.
Blaul'.
B., x\iii, p.
I'ltnis riifoimcfialin
810 (1649) (Simln).

08.
Lophopliaites rufoinichalU.
&
Oates,
i.
p.

Description. Ear-coverts, under the eye and a stripe down the neck white remainder of bead and neck, breast and a broad band down the aljdomen black ; nuchal spot white, tinged with ferruginous next the back; upper plumage olive-green ; lower abdomen and sides of the body ashy-olive; under tail-coverts and a.xillaries chestnut ; under wing-coverta pale fulvous.
;
legs, feet and bill black. Measurements. Length about 130 mm. wing 73 to 77 mm. tail about 55 mm. tarsus nearly 20 mm. culmen about 10 mm. The young have the black replaced with browu and the chestnut
;
;
with pale rufous.

Distribution. Turkestau and Afghanistan
to Garhvval.
and N.*W. Himalayas
Nidiflcation. Mr. L. L. "Whymper is the only collector who has ever found this bird's nest. He writes " I found this bird fairly common at 10,000 feet and upwards in the Bhaghirattie Valley, where Brooks got a nest with young
:
86
pabiDjB.
and I was lucky enough to find six nests. These were all in the ground, either under stones or in actual holes such as rat-holes, and all were found between the 8tli and 22nd of May. "Speaking generally it is impossible to find them except when the birds are building, for tliey are in the most unlikely places that show no sign whatever of a nest. Four eggs seem to form the full clutch. The ne.st is the ordinary pad of wool and hair with a little moss below and around. " The male has an aggravating habit of carrying in <vool after the eggs have been laid." Three eggs given me bv Mr. Whymper measure about
18-0
13-0
mm.
it
Habits. Similar to those of the Crested Hill-Tit, with which sometinses consorts.
(07)
Lophophanes rufonuchalis beavani.
The SiKKiM Black-Tit.

Lophophancs heavani
Teringloo, SiJikim)
;
lilylh,
Blanf.
Jerd. B. & Galea,
1.,
i,
ii,
p.
27'>
(1803)
(Mt.
p. 59.
Vernacular names. Liho Tasso (Lepcha).

Description. The colour of the back is blue-grey, instead of greenish, the light parts on the face are yellowish or yellow below a greenish grey witli no traces of a black band.
;
Colours of soft parts and measurements the last.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and
Nidiflcation.
much
the same as in
Western China.
eggs sent by Mr. St. J. Hickley were taken at about 10,000 feet elevation from a hole in the roots of a small tree. Tlie nest was a pad of hair and wool, and the eggs only differ from those of the last in being rather larger, measuring about 18-5 x 13*7 mm.
Habits. This is a bird of great elevations, and has so far not been recorded nnich below 8000 feet. The Sikkim Black-Tit does not seem to intergrade anywhere with the Simla Black-Tit, but until more material is available from the intervening country it appears better to treat them as
Nothing recorded.
Two
geographical races of the same bird-
Lopbophanes dicbrous.
Keij to Subspecies.
A. Paler above, more rufescent below B. Darker above, more buff below -
Z.d. divhrous,
L.
p. 87. d. wellsi, p. 87.
IiOPHOPHANBS.
(68)
87
Lophophanes dichrons dichrous.
The Bbown
CnESTJSD Tit.
xiii, p.
I'arus dichrous Hodgs., Bljtli, J. A. S. B., Lophophanes dichrous. Blanf. & Gates, i,
493 (1844) (Nepal).
p. 59.

Description. Upper plumage brownish grey ; the wing-foathers very narrowly edged with hoary grey; forehead and sides of the head fulvous mottled with brown ; a half collar round the hind-neck, interrupted at the nape, cream-colour ; chin and throat fulvous grey ; lower plumage ochraceous.
Colour of soft parts. Bill dusky bluish brick-red (Jerdon).
feet plumbeous
iris
71 11
Ueasurements. Length about 115 mm. wing about 65 to mm. tail about 55 mm. tarsus about 18 mm. oulmen about
;
;
mm.
;
Distribution. Himalayas Sikkim.

Nidification.
Soutli
Kashmir, Grarhwal, Nepal and
of this Tit was taken by Mr. B, B. Tons Valley first with the young in 1894 and finally with eggs in 1899. The nests are described as pads of moss witli a lining of fur placed in small holes in pear and other trees. They were taken at an elevation between 8,000 and 10,000 feet in April and May. The eggs are described as " white, spotted and blotched fairly thickly all over with chestnut markings." They measured 67x*51 in. ( 17'0xl3-0 mm.). The nest with eggs was placed in a natural hole in a rotten branch of a pear-tree beside the Chakrata-Simla road and in 1917 a second nest with five eggs was taken near Chakrata similar to
The nest
Osmaston
iu the
the other but lined with hair.
This too contained
five
eggs
measuring '69 x '50 in, (=20-0 x 12'7 mm.). Habits. Those of the genus.
(69)
Lophophanes dichrous
wellsi.
Tit.
The TuifNAN Bbown Ceested
Lophophanes dichrous wellsi Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C, xxxviii, p. 8 (1917) (W. Yunnan, Yangtse big bend).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This form differs from both L.
d.
dieJirous
and
L. d. dichroides in being much darker above and paler below, more The head and back are practically concolorous buff than rufous. and do not contrast, a distinctive feature ia the latter race.
DimensionB aud colours of soft parts as in L. Distribution. Yunnau and N. Shan States. Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.
d. dichrous.
88
PAEIU^.
Genus
SYLVIPAEUS
Burton, 1835.
This geims closely resembles Farus but differs in having a proportionatel_y shorter, siiialler bill and a square or very slightly forked tail ; plumage greejiish with no ventral band. Thore is
only one species.
Sylviparus modestus.
liey ^
to Subspecies. '
r-
[ p.88.
A. Above olive-green, below ochraceous yellow .... B. Above darker and duller, below dull yellowish
grey
C.
S. ?. modeiitu,
[p. 88.
S. in. saturatiar,
Above
j)aler
paler and brighter, below brighter and more j'ellow
and
S.
m.
[p. 89. siuilaensis,
(70)
Sylviparus modestus modestus.
The rELLOw-BitowEi)
Si/lviparus vuxJestus Burton, Gates, i, p. 53.
1'.
Tit.
(]83.5) (Nepal)
;
Z. S., p.
154
Blanf.
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage, sides of the neck, the wings and tail olive-green, the feathers of the crown centred with brown sides of the head yellowish green slightly mottled with brown ; a ring of feathers round the eye and a short eye-brow yellow lower plumage yellow tinged with oohraceous ; edge of wing and under wing-coverts bright yellow.
Colours of soft parts. Bill dark plumbeous, palest along the commissure and at base of the lower mandible legs and feet plumbeous ; iris very dark brown {^Davison). tail about Measurements. Total length about 100 mm. 35 mm. ; wing 60 to 64 mm. tarsus about 15 mm. ; culmen about 5 mm.
; ; ;
Distribution. Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and the Brahmaputra at least as far East as the Abor Hills.
hills
N. of
Nidi&cation. Nothing known.

Ha1)itB.
plains.
apparently comes
In winter it bird of the hills above 6,000 feet. much lower, possibly on rare occasions into the
(71)
Sylviparus modestus simlaeusis.
The Simla Yellow-beowbd
Tit.
Sykiparut modestus tintlaemis Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C, xxxviii, p. 8 (1917) (Simla).
Yemacnlar names. None
recorded.
Description. DifEers from the true modestus in being a much brighter yellower green above and in being paler and purer yellow below.
MACHLOLOPHTJS.
89
Colour of soft parts and measurements as in the Nepal bird.

Distribution. Simla Hills, iiortliwards. The division between the Grarhwal and Simla birds is curious and unusual but is very mai'ked.
(72)
Sylviparus modestus saturatior.

CHiNBSi!!
Tub
Si/li'iparua
'
Ykllow-urowei) Tit.
Bull,
mturatior
Hiîpon,
Iiill).
li.O.C,
x%-i,
p.
87 (1900)
(Mt. Victoria, Chin
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Like the Nepal Yellow-browed Tit but. nmcli darker aud duller both above and below. The under phimage is also wore grey and less yellov\'.
Distribution. Hills
South
of
the
Brahmaputra, N.
Burma,
East into China.

Nidiflcation
unknown.
little
Habits. Very the other races.
recorded.
bird of high elevations
liite
Genus
MACHLOLOPHUS
Cabai.is, 1850.
This genus contains a group of rather large Tihnouses with black and yellow plumage, structurally close to the getuis I'arus but with long pointed crests. Like Farus^ however, the birds of tiiis genus have a broad ventral band and graduated tails.
Kei/
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Forehead bright yellow. a. Paler and brigliter, green of back more yellow and less olive .... b. Darker, green of back more olive, less yellow and with more black
iu proportion B. Forehead black. c. Paler and brighter, tips of wingcoverts yellow d. Darker aiid duller, tips of wingcoverts white
M.
uptlonotiis spilunotus, p. 89.
M.
s.
subviridis, p. 90.
M.
M.
[p. 90. .vanthogenys xanthoyenya,
.V.
aplonotm, p. 91.
(73)
MachlolophuB spilonotus spilonotus.

BiiACk-spotted Yellow-Tii.
The Nobthbbn
Panu spUomtua Blyth, Oat. B.M. A.S., xvi, p. 445 (1849) layas, N. Cachar). MacTMopkits fipilonotus, Blauf. & Oates, i, p. 54.
Vernacular names. Muchetink-pho (Lepcha).
(Hima-
90
PABIB^.
Description. Forehead, lores, a broad superciliuin, a napepatch, sides of the head and neck bright yellow ; crown, crest, a patch on either side the nape, chin, throat and a broad lueaial line down to the vent black ; the longer feathers of the crest tipped with yellow ; sides of the breast yellow ; remainder of the lower plumage olive-yellow, purer next the black band under tailcoverts mixed grey and white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries yellowish white ; back and scapulars yellow, each feather laterally margined with yellow ; rump yellowish green ; upper tail-coverts dark bluish grey; tail black, broadly edged with bluish grey and tipped with white, the outer web of the outermost feather entirely white; lesser wing-coverts black, tipped with bluish grey; median and greater coverts and inner secondaries black witli broad white tips ; primaries white at base, the outer ones edged with white,
;
the others and the outer secondaries edged with bluisli grey and the latter narrowly tipped white.
feet bluisli
Colours of soft parts. Irides brown or red-brown plumbeous or dark blue-slate ; bill black.
legs iind
tail
Measurements. Length about 140 mm.; wing 72 to 78 in i. about 58 mm. ; tarsus about 22 mm.; culmen about 10 to
11
mm.
The young have no black margins to the feathers of the back and the throat, breast and ventral band are tinged with green. Distribution. Nepal to Miri Hills north of the Brahmaputra hills south of Brahmaputra to Looshai and Lakliimpur and
?
Chin Hills.
Nidification. Breeds very commonly in the Khasia Hills in April, May and June, a few birds nesting both earlier and later. The eggs are laid in holes of trees, stone walls and, very rarely, banks. The nest is a pad of moss, grass and bits of bracken mixed with fur, wool or hair and with a layer entirely composed of the three latter on the top. The eggs number from four to six and are white boldly spotted, blotched and speckled with light reddish brown with a few underlying of pale neutral tint or grey. The average of 100 eggs is 17'6 x 14*1 mm. Like most Tits these birds are very close and fearless sitters, often allowing themselves to be caught on the nest rather than leave their eggs
or young.
Habits. North of the Brahmaputra this fine Tit is confined upwards but in the Khasia Hills, Manipur, etc., it is common at 4,000 feet and descends in winter even lower. It may be found either in small parties of half-adozen or so, or in pairs. It is a bold familiar bird entering compounds freely and with little fear of watchers. Less restless than the Grey-Tits it is still an active, energetic bird and when hunting for insects assumes the same curious attitudes. It is a much stronger flier than the Grey-;Tit8 and keeps more exclusively to the higher trees but I have seen it hunting low down in Mimosa trees when they are in flower.
to elevations of 5,000 feet
MAOHLOLOPHUS.
It
is
91
No, he
is
an early riser and its loud " Did-he-do-it Did-he-do-it This call didn't " may be heard soon after dawn breaks. generally uttered from the top of some tree, especially the first
thing in the morning.
(74J
Machlolophus spilonotus subviridis.
Tjik BirEMESE Black-si'oti'i;i)
Yellow
Tit.
Pni-HH mbviridis Ticlcell (Blytli), J. A. S. U., vol. xxIt, p. (Tenaeserini).
265
(18.55)

Description. This is a darker bird than the last, the greeu of the back and danks more olive and the extent of the black greater both above and ou the median ventral line.
Measurements
etc. as in the last bird.
Distribution. Burma, Slam, Shan Slates and south to Tenasserim, where it was obtained on Mt. Muleyit.
Nidificatioa. Similar to the 18"5 X 13'5 mm. {Mackenzie).
last.
The eggs measure about
Habits. Is apparently found down as low as 3,000 feet but generally kops more or less to the pine forest region of about 4,500 to G,000 feet.
(~3)
Machlolophus zanthogenys xanthogenys.
The Noethebx YELLow-cnEEKEn
Tit.
I'arus xmttlwgenys Vijôrs, P. Z. S., i, p. 23 (1831) (Himalayas). Machlolophus xanthogenys. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. .55.

Description. Lores, forehead, crown, crest, sides of the nape, a bar on the side of the neck, a broad streak behind the eye, chin, throat, centre of the breast and a broad band down the middle of the abdomen black, the longer feathers of the crest tipped with yellow a distinct supercilium over the eye anil ear-coverts, a napepatch, the cheeks, ear-coverts, sides of the breast and of the upper abdomen bright yellow remainder of the lower surface oliveyellow under tail-coverts white; back and rump olive-green, upper tail-coverts slaty scapulars and lesser wing-coverts black, broadly edged with olive-green; the other coverts black tipped yellow ; primary coverts dark brown ; primaries white at base, and the outer ones edged with white below the eraarginations outer secondaries edged with bluish and tipped with white, the inner secondaries with still broader white tips ; tail dark brown suffused with ashy-blue on the outer webs, all the feathers tipped with white and the outer web of the outermost pair entirely white.
;
;
92
PAKIUÊ.
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep brown

feet clear light slaty blue or lavender-blue.
bill
black
legs
and
Measurements. Length about 130 mm. wing 69 to 73 nun. about 58 iiini. ; tarsus about 20 uiui. euliiien about 10 mm. The young differ from the adult in having the black mostly replaced with greenish brown and the crown the same colour as
;
tail
the back.
recorded
Murree to ISTepal and Sikkim. The many birds xanthogenys from various places south of the Himalayas are all the next bird as far as can be now ascertained.
Distribution.
as
s. .?^>i/oo<(S.
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of J/, of ihiriy eggs is 17'7x 13-1 mm.
The
avei-age
Habits. This Tit is found betweeji 4,000 and 7,000 fcu-t in sunnner and does not seem to work much lower in vi'inter. in its habits generallv it differs little from the Black-spotted YellowTits. Its call, flight and feeding-iiabits are all described as
similar.
(76)
Machlolophus xantliogenys aplonotus.

TlIK
SOUTHEE.N' YeLLOW-CIIEEKBU
'J'lT.
Farm
nphtmitus Blytli, .J.A.S.B., xvi, p. 444 (1S47) Central India). Miichtolophus htiploiioius. Bhinf. & Gates, i, p. o6.
(Mts.
of
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the northern bird in having the wing-coverts tipped with white instead of yellow and in having the green and yellow portions of the plumage dull instead of bright. In this bird also the lino over the ear-coverts only extends to the corner of the eye and not over it. Colours of soft parts and measurements as in the Northern Tellow-cheeked Tit. A careful examination of the big series in the British Museum does not show that there is any difference in size between the Northern and Southern races in spite of Oates's
opinion to the contrary.
Distribution. Throughout the Peninsula of India South of a drawn from Abu to Paresnath in Chota Nagpur, up to elevations of about 6,000 feet. This Tit does not appear to be found East of Paresnath or West of Abu.
line
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the Northern race. The average of thirty eggs is about 17*4 x 13-9 mm. They are not distinguishable from those of the last bird. It is said to breed from May to September.
Habits. Is found during the breeding season between 2,000 and 6,000 feet, wandering higher than this in the Nilgiris and coming down to the level of the plains, especially in winter. There is nothing special recorded about its habits.
JBGITHALISCUS.
93
Genus JEGITHALISCUS
The gonu ^(/itJialigciis
Cabanis, 1850.
contains a group of very small Titmouses with tails longer in proportion and more graduated than in Pants. There is no crest but the feathers of the crown are very long and full. There is no ventral band.
Key
A.
Chill white, throat black
to
Species.
Ai. cuncinnus, p. 93. Ai. honvaloti, p. 96. jX!. leucogenys, p. 97.
B. Chin und upper throat black in a <-sh!ipe C. Chin and throat broadiv black
I).
Chin and throat all white E. Chin and throat with silver-white centre and rufescent sides
AL
tiiveii/ulan, p. 98.
Ji". iosc/iistos, p. 99.
iEgithaliscus concinnus Gould, 1855.

Indian Tits hitherto known as irythroceplialns are only a geographical race of the Chinese concinnus, moreover the name itself cannot be used for this Tit as it is invalidated by Linne's Farus erythrocephalus, x. ed. p. 191 (1758), and I have therefore had to give it a new subspecific name.
Our
little
Key
to
Suhspecies.
c.
Ai. A. Broad supercilium white jE. E. Supercilium mixed black and white C. Supercilium all black a. Crown ochre; pectoral band dark and well developed JE. pectoral band paler M. J. Crown brownish buff
;
iredalei, p.
9.'}.
e.
manipwensis,
[p. 94.
c.
tali/uensis, p. 9.0.
c.puic}iellus,-^.9<->.
(77) JEgithaliscus
concinnus iredalei.
The
(1920) (Simla).
Red-hisadei) Tit,
Stuart Baker, Bull. B. 0.
Blanf.
JEffithalineiti concinnidi iredalei
C,
xli, p,
JEgitluUiicHB erythrocephalus.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 50.
Vernacular names. Pyiong-Samyi (Lepcha). Description. Forehead, crown and nape chestnut ; a broad eyebrow from the eye to the nape white ; lores, round the eye, earcoverts, a band under the eyebrow and a large round patch on the throat black chin and a moustachial streak white remainder of the lower plumage ferruginous, with a paler band across the breast next to the black of the throat ; upper plumage and wingcoverts bluish grey; primary wing-coverts and winglet dark brown ; quills brown, narrowly edged with bluish grey tail dark brown suffused with bluish grey, the outer web of the outermost feather white, the inner tipped with white ; the next two feathers
; ; ;
tipped with white.
94
FA.BIUwE.
Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; gape fleshy ; iris pale yellow or creamy yellow legs buffy yellow ; claws livid (Sculh/).
;
Measurements. Length about 110 mm.; wing about 48 to 52 mm. ; tarsus about 13 mm. culmen 6 mm. Distribution. Himalayas from Chitral to the Mislimi Hills over 5,000 feet, aud in the Miri Hills, according to Stevens, over
;
4,000 feet.
Nidification.
The breeding season
of this little Tit
commences
about the middle of March and continues throughout April and May. The nest is a lovely little ball of moss, mixed with cobwebs, lichen and seed-down and is thickly lined with soft feathers or with feathers and seed-down mixed. About Simla it is often placed at the end of a branch of a deodar, at other times in small oaks and even in bushes and tangles of creeper. The eggs are a very pale pink with a ring of faint red freckles round the Ijirger end, but they vary from almost pure unmarked white to a 100 eggs average l)ink with a dense dark ring of reddish brown. 13'88 X 10'57 mm. The clutch is from three to eight eggs. They breed at heights from 6,000 to 10,000 feet or more.
Habits. The Eed-headed Tit associates in small flocks, probably merely family parties, frequenting both lofty trees and low bushes and shrubs when hunting for food, which consists almost entirely It is said, however, to also eat certain fruit and nuts. of insects.
It is as restless and energetic as the rest of the family, and keeps up a constant rather shrill " tweet " as it flits or scrambles from one branch to another.
down very
It appears to be a resident wherever found, little with the change of seasons.
moving up and
(Tii)
.Sigithaliscus concinnus manipnrensis.
Hume's Eed-headed
Aiflifhaluais matiipurensis BlHuf. Oates, i, p. 51.
Tit.
Hume,
S. F., xi, p. ii54 (1888) (Manipiir)
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from iredalei in having the eyebrow white and black, instead of pure white ; the pale pectoral baud next the black throat very white and distinct and the lower plumage chestnut, the portion next the pectoral band being brighter than
elsewhere.
mahogany brown
clavrs
JfaZe. Legs and feet warm reddish darker ; bill black irides bright yel;
lowish white. Female. Legs and feet very pale orange-brown; irides creamy white.
bill
black;
Measurements
as in iredalei, perhaps averaging a trifle smaller;
several birds have the
wing under 48 mm.
JESITHAMSCUS.
95
Distribution. Hill ranges South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Looshai and the extreme northern ranges of tlie Chin
Hills.
Nidiiicatioii. Its eggs have been taken by myself in Shillong, and by Messrs. Hopwood, Mackenzie and others in the northern Chin Hills, and many by Col. Tytler in the Naga Hills where it
common. Mr. Mackenzie describes the nest as like a small and beautiful specimen of the Long-tailed Tit's and remarks on its predilection for brilliant feathers for use as a lining. The eggs are like those of the Common Red-headed Tit and are nearly always three only They measure about 18-0 x 10"3 mm. in number. The breeding season seems to be May.
is
quite
Habits. Similar to those of others of the genus. In the Khasia Hills and Caehar it is found as low as 5,000 feet, but over most of its range it keeps above 6,000 feet and ascends at least as
high as 9,000
(79)
feet.
iSgithaliscus concinnus pulchellus.
Tub
S.
Sjian Eed-hbaded Tit.

Jiiill.
^Ht/itfialiscus pulchellus liippon,
B. O.
C,
xi,p. 2 (1900)(Nanoi,
Shan
States).

Description. Can bo separated at once from Hume's Eed-headed Tit by the wholly black supercilium, whilst from the next bird it can be differentiated by the colour of the crown, which is brownish butf rather than ochre.
Colours of soft parts and measurements as in maniimrensis.

Distribution. Southern Shan States, Karenni. the range of this subspecies are not yet known.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. got it in Karenui at 3,000 feet.
The
limits of
Wardlavv Kamsay
(80) .fflgithaliscus
concinnus talifuensis.*
Ripi'on's Ee-hj3ai)EJ) Tit.

Aigithaliacus taUfuemis Rippon, (Ovi-dzin, N. Shan States).
Bull. B. 0.
C,
xiv, p.
18 (1903)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Similar to Hume's Eed-headed Tit but has the crown oohraceous rather than chestnut the supercilium is black, the plumage below is whiter, and the pectoral band darker, though not 80 dark as in the Shan bird.
;
* This form
cinniu,
is
very doubtfully distinct from JSgithalieaus concinntta con.
from Cbina and Yunnan.
96
TKBIDM.
Tlie race is nearest to true JE. e. ooncinnus of China but is distinguished from that bird by the more chestnut flanks and sides.
Colour of soft parts as in
iredalei.
rather bigger bird than the Coninion Redheaded Tit. Total length about 115 mm.; wing 53 mm.; tail 53 mm.; tarsus about 14 mm.
Measurements.
Distribution. Mt. Talif u, W. Yunnan, States as far west as the Irrawaddy.

Nidification. Harington,
S.W. China and
IS".
Shan
Shan
who took
this Tit's nest in the
States, describes it as like that of the Long-tailed
Tita
ball of
moss lined with feathers and with an inner lining of seed-down, placed iu a raspberry bush within two feet of the ground. The full clutch of eggs seems to be three only and they measure about 13-5 X 10-9 mm. Harington took the above nest iu the end of April but Mr. F. Grant found it breeding in March and early April.
Habits. This Tit seems to be obtained principally between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Little has been so far recorded of its habits, which doubtless do not differ from those of others of the genus.
iBgithaliscus l)onvaloti.
Key
to Stibspecieg.
A. Below white with ferruginous pectoral band. Wing 5C-61 uim Ai. b. bonraloti, p. 96. B. Below rufescent with brownish band. Wiug 50-55 mm ^. b. sharpei, p. 97.
(81) iEgithaliscus bonvaloti bonvaloti.
The Chinese BtACK-HKADED

p.
Tit,
JEgithalUcus bonvaloti Oustalet, Ann. Sci. Nat. Zool., (7) Vol. 12,
286 (1801)
(Ta-tsien-lu),

Description. Head black, a coronal streak white on the forehead and becoming chestnut-buff posteriorly ; upper back dull chestnut, fading into dull olire on back and rump feathers of the latter tipped with dull chestnut; chin and upper throat black, somewhat mottled in the centre with white edges to the feathers ; below white; a broken pectoral band, flanks, vent and under tailcoverts sandy chestnut ; tail blackish brown, the outermost three pairs of reotrices with terminal broad streaks of white; wings brown, quills pale-edged and coverts tipped with olive.
;
Not
recorded.
;
MeasurementB. Total length about 110 mm. wing 56 to 61 mm.; tail 51 to 60 mm.
JEQITHALISOUS.
Distribution.
97
States.
Western China, Yunnan and N.E. Shan
There are several specimens from the
last place in the British
Museum
Collection.
Kidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded.
(82)
^githaliscus bonvaloti sharpei.

Tit.
The Mt. Victouia Blaok-ueadkd

JEgithaliscns sharpei Rippon, Bull. B. O. Victoria, Chin llills).
C,
xiv, p.
84 (1904) (Mt.

Description. Similar to the preceding bird, but is wholly rut'eseent on breast and belly. The pectoral band is brownish and tlie black on chin and on the throat is V-shaped.
Measurements. Wing 50 to 0-3", tarsus 0-65" " {Sharpe).
55 mm.;
tail
48 to 51 mm.; "culmen
Distribution. Higher mountains of the Chin Hills.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond the fact that it is found in forests on the mountains of the Mt. Victoria
chain at 5,000 feet and upwards.
(83) JEgithaliscus leucogenys.
The White-cheeked
Tit.
Orites leucoyenys Moore, V. Z. S., xxii, p. \'JQ (1855) (Afghanistan). ALyithalucua leucuyenys. Blonf. & Gates, i, p. 5i.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Forehead, crown and nnpe pale reddish brown lores, a very broad band through the eye to the nape, chin and throat black ; cheeks and ear-coverts white ; upper plumage, a band over the ear-coverts, wing-coverts and the edges of the wingfeathers olive-grey; winglet and primary-coverts dark brown; tail brown, the outermost feather with the outer web white and the inner tipped with white, the next feather obliquely, and the one next to this again very narrowly tipped with white ; lower plumage reddish fawn, the portion immediately next the black throat deep rusty red. Colours of soft parts. Bill black ; iris pal creamy or white feet pale orange, claws dusky or brown {Scully). Measurements. Total length about 130 mm. ; tail about 55 mm. ; wing about 55 mm. ; tarsus about 17 mm. ; culmen about 8 mm. The young have the black chin and throat of the adult faintly indicated only and the colours duller.
TOl.
I.
98
PASiOiE.
Hills, into
Distribatioa. Gârliwal, Simla into Afghanistan.
Kashmir and thence
Kidification. Whitehead (Ibis, Jan. 1909) describes the nesting of this species in the Kurram Valley, where it breeds freely in the ilex scrub between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. The nest is like that of the British Long-tailed Tit but smaller and less neat. It is made of moss and cobwebs externally, then a little green grass and The eggs seem to number from finally a thick lining of featiiers. five to eight and to be very like tliose of the Ked-hended Tit and measure 14-7 X 9-5 mm.
They breed from the end
of
March
to early
May.
Habits. Ill summer the White-cheeked Tit is found between .5,000 or 6,000 and 12,000 feet, but in winter descends much lower and down to some 2,000 feet. Whitehead obtained a specimen, presumably after it had bred, at Safed Koh at 1,800 feet on the
20th July.
It goes about in parties of eight or nine in scrub-jungle, continually uttering its call-note, which Whitehead syllabifies as
"
prit-t-t."
It
is
sometimes found
in
company with Grey
Tits.
(84) JEgithaliscus
niveogularis.
Tit.
The White-xhboatep
Orites niveogulayis
Moore, P.
Z. S., xxii, p.
40 ( 1 855) (North India)

i,
jEgitluducus niveof/idaris.
Blanf.
& Oatea,
p. 52.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Porehead and front of crown, cheeks, chin, throat and sides of neck white lores and a very broad eye-band black the two bands partially blending on the nape ; ear-coverts hairbrown slightly streaked with whitish ; hind crown and nape huffy brown; upper plumage, wing-coverts and edges of the wing;
feathers ashy grey, all but the latter tinged with isabelline ; tail brown, the outermost feather with the outer web vi'hite, the next two white along the shaft and at the tip ; lower plumage pinkish buff, divided from the white of the throat by a broad brown
band.
Colours of soft parts. Bill dark slaty ; legs reddish
yellowish.
;
irides pale
Measurements. Total length about 110 mm. ; wing about 64 mm.; tail about 56 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 8 mm. Distribution. From Garhwal and Simla to Gilgit, ChitraJ and Baluchistan, between 6,000 and 14,000 feet. Nldification. The eggs of this bird were first taken by Whymper in June 1905 at Dumdar, Garhwal and more recently other nests by Messrs. B. B, Osmaston and P. Dodsworth. The
nests nre described as being like that of the Bed-heade^ Tit but larger and densely lined with feathers. That first found by Whymper was placed in the fork of a willow about 6 feet from the ground and others as much as 30 feet from it, whilst Osinaston's was in the fork of a cherry-tree, both nest and tree being covered with lichen. The eggs appear to be four in number and are like those of the Red-headed Tit's but more spotted and less zoned with the markings. The.v breed from May to June at elevations of 11,000 feet
upwards.
Eggs sent me by Dodswortli from above Simla measure about X 10-5 mm. These were takeu from nests in small oaks. Habits. Osmaston found this bird common in tlie Tons Valley, and Whymper equally so inGarhwal at elevations of some 11,000 If. seems to liaunt both thick and sparse forest or 12,000 feet. equally, and to go about in little parties like the rest of its tribe. Whitehead likens its note to the " Wi " of the Goldfinch.
14-0
(85) JEgithaliscus ioscWstos.
The
EtfrotTS-rBoSTED Tit.
Pni-us ioschistos Hodgs., J. A. S. JUffithaliscus tosc/iiitiu. Blanf.
R,
xiii, p.
i,
943 (1844) (Nepal).

p. 62.
&
Gates,
Vernacolar names. None recorded. Description. Porehead, a broad band on the middle of the head, tlie sides of the neck and a broad collar on the, upper back fawncolour; lores, under the eye, and a broad band on the side of the crown extending to tlie upper back and there blending with the blind on the other side, black ; ear-coverts blackish in front, upper plumage, wing-coverts and the edges to rufous behind the wings and tail ashy olive; primary-coverts and winglet dark brown ; tail brown, the outer web of the outermost feather white, the )iext two with some white at the tip ; chin and throat silvery white, with the black bases of the feathers showing through ; the chin aud a stripe under the cheek blacker than the other parts cheeks and entire lower plumage dark ferruginous.
;
brown (Jerdon)
legs Colours of soft parts. Bill black iris yellow (Jilanford). ;

;
yellow-brown
iris
SCeasorements. Length about 100 mm.; tail about ,55 mm.; wing abeut 60 mm. culmen about 7 mm. tarsus about 17 mm. Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Nidification and Habits. Very little on record. Blanford found it in Sikkim at 9,U00 feet and upwards, and believed that
; ;
it
kept only to the pine-forests.
nS
100
lARIDJE.
Genus
REMIZ
Stejn., 1886.
This genus contains a group of small birds generally known as Penduline Tits, extending from South and East Europe to China. They are all small in size, have square tails, no crests, and have no green on the upper plumage. They are more or less migratory in their habits and only enter India as rather rare winter visitors.
(86)
Remiz coronatus. The Penduunh Tit.

viii, p.
.3githalus coronatus Severtz.,Izv. Obsck. Mosko^-,
136 (1878)
(Chodynt, Syr Daria).

Description. Crown white, varying considerably in extent and the hinder part much marked with black forehead, lores, sides of crown, cheeks and ear-coverts black, running round the nape as a broad band chin, throat and neck white, forming a collar below the black band ; back dark rufous, paling to dull fulvous on the
;
tail blackish brown, most of the outer webs and edges of inner webs white; lesser and median wing-coverts like the back but duller; greater coverts blackish suffused with deep cliestnut and with broad tips of i)ale quills blackish brown edged with white. rufous-cream Below white, suffused with vinous or rufous on breast and flanks under
; ;
lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts
tail-coverts white.
about 42 to 45
Ueasarements. Length about 105 mm. wing 52 to 55 mm. tail mm. culmen 5 to 6 ram. tarsus about 12 ram.
; ; ; ;
Distribution. Transcaspia, West Turkestan, to East Persia, Baluchistan and extreme N.W. India. It has been recorded from Sukkur in Sind (T. E. Bell), Lachi and Kohat (^Whitehead ir Magrath) and JheJum (H. Whistler).
nest of vegetable wool and
makes a wonderful retort-shaped lined with the softest seed-down and with an entrance near the top. It is fastened to the end of
Nidification. This little Tit
down
a branch of a tree. The eggs, four or five in number, are white faintly marked with reddish specks. Four eggs in my collection measure about 14'3 X 11*0 ram. The birds are said to breed during May and June.
Habits. Apparently very similar to those of the Long-tailed In Sukkur, Bell found them in small parties in well-watered, dense tamarisk-acacia jungles but in Kohat they were noticed in flocks numbering as many as forty. Here they were seen frequenting Shisham-trees and also orchards and camel-thorn scrub. The call-note is said to resemble that of the White-eye {Zosteropt) and to be constantly uttered as they hunt about for insects, their principal food, though they will also eat seeds and fruit, as do most other Tits.
Tit.
MKLANOCHIiGEA.
101
Genus
KELANOCHLORA
Lesson, 1839.
This geuus was placed by Gates amongst his Liotricfiince, with which, however, it appears to have nothing in common. It is undoubtedly, a very abei-rant form of Titmouse and might possibly be well placed in a Family or Sub-family by itself. The wing is long and pointed and the nostrils are slightly exposed, both features unlike any other of the Parida. On the other hand bill, feet, habits and nidification all point strongly to its affinity with these birds. There is only one species extending from Nepal to the Malay Peninsula.
Melanoclilora sultanea.
Key
A. Yellow very
larger
brilliant
to Subspecies.
and strong
rather
M,
and
less
s,
sultanea, p. 101.
B. Yellow pnler
smaller
bright;
rather
M,
s.Jlavocristaf.a, p. 102.
(S7)
Melanochlora stiltanea sultanea.
The Indian Sulxan

Fantg sultaneus Hodgs., Ind.
Melanochlora sultanea.
llev., 1836, p.
Tit.
31 (Nepal).
Blanf.
& Gates,
i,
p. 241.
Vernacular names. Bon-tyliu-pho (Lepcha)

lili
DM-rajah-gataiw/-
(Car-hari).
Description. Adult maU. Forehead, crown and crest brilliant yellow ; the rest of the head, whole upper plumage, wings and breast deep black, with a.metallic lustre on wings and back; tail the same with outermost feathers tipped with white remainder of lower plumage deep bright yellow, the thighs mixed with some white.
;
Colours of soft parts. Bill black mouth dark fleshy ; eyelids plumbeous ; irides dark brown or red-brown ; legs dark slaty, claws dark horny. Measurements. Total length about 200 mm. ; wing 110'5 to 115mm.; tail about 85 to 95mm. ; tarsus about 24 mm. culmen about ] 7 mm. Adult female and jonng. The black of the male is replaced with greenish brown, the yellow is paler and duller, and the chin and throat are yellowish brown.
; ;
DistributioB. The Lower Himalayas from Nepal, through Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra to the Elachin and Shan Hills and to Arrakan. Birds from Karenui and North Siam
are of this race.
102
PARID.
nest taken by me in N. Cachar on the Nidiflcation. 7th May, 1890, was similar to that of a Titmouse, a pad of moss with dense lining of cotton-down, placed in a crevice in big bough of an oak. The eggs, seven in number, are like those of a Maehhlophw and measure about 19'2xl5'3 mm. They were on the point of batching.
1
*
Habits. The Sultan Tit goes about in small flocks of half-adozen or so very much like the birds of the genus Maehhlophus and have the same manner of searching for insects in the branches of trees, but their actions are somewhat slower and more deliberate. They eat both insects and fruit and seeds, principally the firstuamed, and their call is a Joud, rather shrill note bearing a resemblance to the note of the Great Tit. They are low-level birds, being found principally at and below 2,000 feet, though they ascend sometimes as high as 4,000 feet. They may be found both in evergreen and deciduous forest, preferring the former, and they also frequent bamboo-jungle and scrub and secondary growth. They are not shy birds.
(88)
Melanochlora sultanea flavocristata.
The Malax Sultan

Farm Jlavocmtatm
de la Sonde).
Tit.
2, p.
Lafre8.,Mag. de Zool., CI.
80 (1837)
(lies
YernacTilar names.
None
recorded.
Jiiid
Description. Similar to the last but with the yellow paler

less rich.
Measurements. Bather smaller than true suhanea with a wing under 110 mm.
Distribution, Peninsular Siara and
Burma
to Sumatra.
Kidification
unknown.
PAEADOXOBXITHlDiE.
103
Family
PARADOXOKNITHID^.
When Blanford and Gates wrote the 'Avifauna of British India' very little had been recorded about the habits and nidification of this group of birds and it was, perhaps, on account of this that they were placed by them as a Sub-family of the Corvidce. When Haririgton in 1914 wrote his " Tlmeliides" in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, he incorporated the ParadoxomithidoB in this so-called Order. I can, however, see no reason for raising the Timaliidw to the rank of an Order, and though it appears that in many respects these curious bircb do form a link between the Titmouses and Babblers, it appears preferable to give them the rank of a family between the two. The genus Panurua is undoubtedly a close relation of some of our Indian Parrot-Bills, and will have to be incorporated in the same family. The Paradoxornithidce differ from the Parida in having a much longer first primary, the plumage very soft and lax, and in having a thick, soft crest of feathers arising from the whole crown. Prom the Timaliidas they differ in having the noslrils completely
covered with
bristles.
in their habits and build cup-shaped nests in reeds, busln'S, etc., whilst their eggs are of several types. The bill is very dee]), being greater in depth than length in all but Conostoma. The culnieu is very rounded transversely and the margins of the mandible in most species are curiously sinuate.
They are very gregarious
Key
;
to
Genera,
A. Tail longer than the wing. a. Tail less graduated outermost pair of
b.
feathers fully f length of tail Tail more graduated ftutermo-st pair of feathers not more than J length of tail.
;
Conostoma,
p. 103.
Height of bill more than leng-th. Commissure fjreatly curved of bill less than length. b'. Height Commissure very slightly curved .... B. Tail no longer, or shorter, than wing. c. Wing well over 3 inches or 76 ram d. Wing well under 3 inches or 76 mm
a'.
PARAnoxoRNiS,
Sttthoea,
p. 105.
p. 107. p. 116.
Psittiparus,
Nrosuthoba,
p. 115.
Genus COLOSTOMA Hodgson, 1841.

species, the largest It is characterized by a tail longer than the of the family. wing, but with the feathers considerably less uraduated than io the following genera. The bill is proportionately much longer.
The genus Conostoma contains only one
member
104
(89)
PAEABOIOBNITHIDi.
Conostoma semodium.
The Geeat Paebot-Bill.

Conogtimw <mio(l{us Hodp:s.. J. A.S. B., Conostoma amMlium. Blanf. & Gates,
x, p.
i,
857 (1841) (Nepal).
p. 61
Vernacular names. The lied-hilhd Jmj-ThrusJi (Jerdon); The

Bed-billed Grow-Tit (Gates); Lho-rannio-jiilu) (Lej)cha).
Description. Lores
brown;
foreliead greyisli white;
and feathers in front of the eye dark upper plumage olive-brown with
a rufous tinge ; outer edges of primaries ashy ; of the secondaries rufous, their tips and the wliole of the innermost secondaries ashy tail ashy grey, more or less washed with rufous along the
;
middle of the feathers; chin, throat, and sides of the liead brown, with a vinous tinge, becoming paler on the rest of the lower plumage.
Fig. 21.
Head of C. tmnodium.
;
plumbeous or slate-grey
;
Colours of soft parts. Bill horny or dull orange iris brown.

;
legs pale to
Measurements. Length about 300 mm. ; wing about 130 to 133 linn. tail about \AQ mm. ; tarsus about 37 mm.; cidmen about 20 mm. and from gape 25 mm.
Distribution. Prom Nepal, through Sikkim and the higher ranges of liills of Nortii Assam into Tibet and W. China.
Nidification. Breeds in 8ikkira in May. Hume describes the nests as shallow, almost hemisj)heral cups very compactly made of grass and lined with the finest grass-stems. nest sent to me was similar but deeper in shape, measuring about 130 mm. in
breadth and about 105 mm. in external depth. All the nests were placed in clumps of ringed bamboo at elevations of over 10,000 feet, except one sent me which had been built in high
reeds.
The egg is a dull white sparsely spotted, speckled and smudged with yellowish brown and inky purple. The only two eggs known
both measure about 27"8 X 20*4
mm.
Habits. The Great Parrot-Bill is a bird of very high elevations breeding between 10,000 and 12,000 and descending in winter
PASADOZOKNIS,
1G5
It is found in small companies, scrambling about bamboos, reeds and high grass, hunting for insects, on wbich it chiefly feeds. Its flight is weak and fluttering and its call is a loud bleat.
iind climbing
some 4,000 feet lower.
Gejius
PARADOXORNIS
Gould, 1836.
The genus Paradoxornis, as restricted by Gates, contains only three species, two oF which nre found in India and Burma and
a third heudei in Eastern China. Paradoxornis differs from Conostoma in ha\'ing the feathers of the tail more graduated and The cutting-edge of the upper tlie bill aliorter and much deeper. mandible has a deep sigmoid curve with a corresponding sinuation The plumage is very lax and full, the wing short in the lower. and rounded, the 4tli, 5th, and 6tli quills being snbequal.
Key
to Specii:s.
A. Tln-oat barred black and white, borderfed below with a black band B. Tliroat ^lalo fulvous with black arrow-head marJcings and no band
P.flavirostria, p. 105.
P.
gtittaticollis, p.
106.
Fig. 22.
Head o( P.
flavirostrix.
(90)
Paradoxornis flavirostris.
Goutn's Paebot-Bill.
Paradoxornu Jlaviroatris Gould, P. Z.

Blanf.
S., iv, p.
17 (1836) (Nepal)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 62.
Vernacular names. Dao mougasha gadeha (Cacbnri); But-but
JSorai (Plains Miri).
Description. Forehead, nape, sides of neck and hinder parts of ear-coverts dull chestnut; lores black; feathers round the eye and a patch under it white, the bases of the feathers more or less black ; auterier two-thirds of ear-coverts and the point of the chin black; cheeks and chin white barred with black; throat black; upper plumage fulvous-brown, rufous on the tail and visible portion of wings ; lower plumage fulvous.
106
PABADOXOBNITHIDifi.
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red or red-brown ; bill uaxyellow to bright yellow legs clear slate or plumbeous grey.
;
Measurements. Length about ISOmni. ; wing about 85 to 90mm. tarsus about 30 mm. ; culmen about tail about 100 to 110 mm. 12 mm. Distribution. From Nepal to the Chin Hills and the hills south of the J3rahmaputra from the foothills up to 5,000 or even
;
7,000 feet.
Kidification. This Parrot-Bill breeds in April and May and the part of June, making a very compact, deep nest of soft grasses, a few shreds of bamboo-leaves and the bark of reeds, well
early
coated over with cobwebs and lined with fine grass-stems. It is placed either in reeds, bamboo clumps or in bushes, low down and generally well concealed l)ut sometimes quite exposed. The eggs are normally only two in number, sometimes three. They are pure white in ground-colour, very sparsely speckled and spotted with tiny pinky -brown marks. Occasionally eggs are found which are more like those of Psittipanix, but such are very rare. Thirty-five eggs average 21*9 x iO'2 mm.
HahitB. Gould's Parrot-Bill is found from the level of the plains North Assam up to 7,500 feet in the Naga Hills, !it which elevation Col. Tytler repeatedly took its nest. It is a shy, retiring bird, the flocks in the cold weather sliulking about in grass and reeds, climbing with considerable agility but very loath to fly and then usually only fluttering away into thicker cover a few yards distant. When unaware that they are being watched they are in the habit of fluttering a few feet into the air above the reeds or bushes uttering a loud chirrup as they rise. They have the same bleating or mewing cry which seems to be common to the family. Although principally insect-feeders they also eat seeds and berries. Stevens refers to tlie curious snapping sounds made by these birds with their bills when feeding.
of
(31)
Faradozornis guttaticoUis.
Austen's PABaoT-Biii.
Paradoxornis Quttatkollis iJavid, Nouv. Arch. Mus., vii, (Szechuen, W. China) ; Blanl'. & Dates, i, p. 62.
p.
14 (1871)
Yemactllar names. Dao mougatha gadeha (Cacbari).

Description. Differs ivom flaviroatns in having the cheeks, chin, throat and upper part of the breast pale fulvous white, with numerous delicate arrowhead-shaped marks of black, and the remainder of the lower plumage of the same colour hut without the marks ; the head and crest of a paler chestnut the bill about half the size and the legs much feebler.
;
SUTHOEA.
10,7
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris brown to red-brown ; bill waxyellow legs and feet slaty-grey or plumbeous tiuted with blue or green " legs and claws green '" {OoMurn).
; ;
Ueasurements. Bather smaller than the last; tail about 100 mm. ; wing 80 to 85 mm. ; culmeii about 8 to J) mm. tarsus about 26 mm.
;
hills
Distribution. Hills south of Brahmaputra, N. of N. Burma, Shan States into western China.
Lakhimpur,
briêds
Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but probably never belo* 3,000 feet aud seldom under 4,000 feet. The eggs
also are indistinguishable
and the average
of
34
is
22-2
16-4
mm.
Habits. The same as those of fiavirosiris, but whereas that bird is most common at low levels this is found at much higher levels and never, so far as has been recorded, in the plains or
foot-hills.
Genus
SUTHORA
Hodgson, 1838.
The genus Suthora is one which has been much split up by some Ornithologists. Harington accepted Heteromorpha, OhUuasicus, Suthora and Neosuthora as good genera. Whilst^ however, the last named is sharply divided from the others by its very short tail, I can find no generic differences between the three
first
and retain them
all
under Suthora.
bill, a trifle longer than deep, the ciilmen strongly curved but with the commissure almost straight. The nostrils are very small, circular, and completely concealed by plumules. The sixth primary is a The taillittle longer than the fifth and seventh or subequal. feathers are long and narrow and greatly graduated, the outer being about half the length of the central. The plumage is soft and full and there is a short thick crest.
The
characteristics of the genus are the short, thick
Key
A.
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A well-defined
or brown.
supercilium of black
S, unioolor, p. 108. S. nepaleasis, p. 109,
n.
h.
Whole upper plumage olive-brown. Crown ashy-brown, remaining upper

plumage orange-brown
Grown and upper

brown.
',
parts all orasge-
Ear^joverts slaty blue-grey.
a". Breast and

b". Breast
abdomen pale grey and abdomen orange.

.
S. poliotis poliotit, p. 109.
b'.
fulvous Ear-coverts orange^chestnut
ripponi, p. 111., S, p. humii, p. 110.

iS".^.
108
rAEABOXOBNITHIDJE.
B. Supercilium obsolete or entirely absent.

<f.
Crown and upper plumage orangebrown,

Ear-coverts slaty grey, brea.st fulvous d'. Ear-co\ert8 brown, breast orangefulvous Crown chestnut-brown, back olivec'.
S.
p.fea,
p.
111.
p.
S. gularis
<S.
craddocM,
111.
e.
brown
/. Centre of crown fulvous, back olive-
nvhhiana brunnea,
p. 112.
yellow
g.
S.fttlvifrnnn, p. 113.
Crown bright chestnut, back rufousbrown.

e'.
No
/'.
supercilium at all short black supercilium directly over eye
S. riificep.t
ttifice.ps,
p. 114.
S.r. airkupercilians, p. 114.
(92)
Tiris
Suthora unicolor.
Bbown Suthoea.
ii,
Heteromorpha unicolor Hodgs., Ind. Rev., Suthora unicolor. Blanf & Oatos, i, p. 64.
p.
.'J2
(1838) (Nepal).
Vernacular names. Lho-ramnio-pho (Lepclia). Description. Forehead and crest brown tinged with rufous chin and sides of lores and supercilia reaching to the nape black
:
Fig. 23.
Head of S. unicolor.
the head vinous brown throat and sides of the neck greyish brown; upper plumage olive-brown, strongly tinged with rufous on the tail and visible portions of wings; breast and lowtr plumage dull fulvous. Colonrs of soft parts. Iris hoary grey to brown (? juv.) bill fleshy yellow to orange-yellow ; legs and feet pale slaty tinged with
;
grey or green.
tail
MeaaarementB. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.; about 102 to 107 mm. culmen 10 mm. tarsus about 30mm.
; ;
StTTHOEA.
109
Distribution. The higher regions of Nepal aud Sikkim ; Jerdon obtained it at 10,000 ieet near Darjeeling and Blanford in the Lachung Valley between 7,000 and 8,000 feet elevation. It extends to the mountains which lie between China and Tibet.
ITidification
(93)
Suthora nepalensis,
Ashy-isaebi) Suthoea.
ii,
The
Suthora nepalensis Hodp:a., Ind. Rev.,
p.
32 (1838) (Nepal)
Blanfl
&
Oates,
i,
}).
C5.
Vernacular names. SatJwra (Nepal).

Description. Foreiiead, crown and nape smoky grey a very broad black supercilium from forehead to nape lores, round the eye, and ii short broad eyebrow white remainder of the side of the head slaty blue ; upper plumage and wing-coverts orangebrown ; primary-coverts black primaries with hoary outer webs, tinged with chestnut at base; the outer quills chiefly chestnut on the outer webs and tipped with white on both webs ; tail chestnut broadly tipped with blackish point of the chin black; throat rusty,, with black bars showing through lower plumage orange-fulvous.
; ; ; ;
; ;

tail
Not
recorded.
Measurements. Totallength about 110mm.; wing 47 to 49 mm.; about 55 to 58 mm. ;_ tarsus about 16 to 16'5 mm. culmen about 5 mm.
;
Distribution. Nepal only.

Nidification
and Habits. Nothing known.
(94)
Suthora poliotis
polit)tis.
BlYTH'S SlTTHOEA.
Suthora poliotis Blyth, J. A. S.
B.,
i,
xx, p. 522 (1851) (Cherrapanji,.

p. 66.
Ehasia Hills)
Blanf.
&
Oates,
Vernacular names. Dao mougaslia kashiba (Cachari). Description. Upper plumage bright orange-brown ; a broad black supercilium extending to the nape and a narrow white line below it ; lores, cheeks and under the eye white ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck slaty-blue ; a streak of fulvous behind the ey& and over the front jiart of the ear-coverts; chin and throat black; lower plumage bluish grey, becoming whitish on the abdomen and under tail-coverts primary-coverts black ; primarie* with hoary outer webs, tinged with chestnut at the base; the outer quills chiefly chestnut on the outer webs and tipped witU
;
white;
tail
chestnut broadly tipped with blackish.
110
PAEADOIOBNITHIDJE.
;
ColouTB of soft parts. Iris brown

slaty
;
legs slate-grey or bluish
bill fleshy
yellow.
tail
Measurements. Length about 100 inm. ; wing 44 to 46 mm. about 52 ram.; culmen about 5 mm. Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra from the Khasia Hills to the Eastern Naga Hills,
Nidification.
breeds in the Khasia and June, making a very neat little, cup-shaped nest of fine grasses and shreds of bamboo-leaves well fastened together witli cobwebs and lined with the finest -grass-stems. It is placed low down in thick bushes or tangles of -creepers, both in scrub jungle and evergreen forest. The eggs are generally three in number and are of a rather deep hedgewparrow's egg-blue, uns])otted. In shape they are rather broad ovals with the smaller end broad and bhint. Twenty eggs average
This
little
bird
N. Cachar Hills in
May and
15-7xll"9 mm.
Hahits. Blyth's Suthora seems to be found at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, wandering about in small flocks in the denser undergrowth in evergreen forest or, less often, in scrub and secondary growth. They are great skulkers and very hard to get a shot at as they climb and scramble through the lower parts of the bushes, only showing themselves for a second -or two as they feebly flit from one bush to another. Their callnote is a very plaintive little bleat, constantly uttered by each member of the flock, and they also have a variety of low cheeps and "chirrs." They feed both on insects and grass-seeds, etc. Helimayr ('Genera .Ivium,' p. 73) considers <?rt/iaMns separable from true poliotia in that it has the feathers of the chin and tliroat with longer white fringes than lias the latter bird. I cannot separate the two races with the material available.
(95)
Suthora poliotis humii.

Suthoha..
The BiiAOK-FBONTEn
Suthora humii Sharpe, Cat. B. M.,
lUanf.
vii, p.
487 (1883) (Daijeeling)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 64.

Description. Similar to ^S. p. poliotis, but has the ear-coverts -orange-chestnut and the flanks and vent orange-fulvous.
Colonrs of soft parts as in poliotis.
Distribution. Darjeeling.
Nidification
Measurements. Wing from 46 to 48 ram. Native 8ikkim extending to the
hills
about
unknown.
Habits similar to those of poliotis.
SXITHOBA,
111
(96)
Suthora poliotis fee.

Saltaboei's Stjthoea.
Hiithora fete Salvadoii, Ann. Mus. Civic. Genova, vii, p. 364 (1889) (Karenni) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 66 (footnote).

Description. Similar to S. p. jyoliotis, but with flanks bright pule fulvous and no black supereilium.
and vent
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in Blyth's Suthora.

Distribution.
So
far
only
obtained
in
Karenni
and Fort
Stedman.
Nidification, A nest sent to me from near Fort Stedman, with both parents, was made entirely of shreds of fine grass, coated with cobwebs and lined with fine grass-stems. It was cup-shaped nd had been placed low down in matted reeds and grass. The two blue eggs measure 15-3 x 12-5 and 16'0x 12-5 mm.
Habits. Nothing recorded, and the only

Salvadori's type
and
tliose sent
uie
known specimens are from Fort Stedman by Col.
H. H. Harington.
(97)
Suthora
poliotis ripponi.
Eippon's Sl'thoba,
Suthora ripponi Sharpe, Bull. B.O.C, xv,
p. 9ii
(1905) (Mt. Victoria,
Chin
Hills).
abdomen orange-grey and

Measurements.
48 mm.
;
Description. Similar to S. j). jjoliotis, bvt has the breast and the ear-coverts a distinctly paler grey.
Colours of soft parts as in

tail
poliotis.
Total length about 110 about 56 nini. ; tarsus about 18
mm.; wing about
mm.
Distribution. Mt. Victoria, Ohin Hills.

Nidification and Habits. Notjiing recorded.
(98)
Suthora gularis craddocki.

Bingham's ScrHOKA.
Suthora craddocki Bingham, Bull. B. O.
C,
xiii, p.
54 (1903) (Loi-
Pang-Nan, Shan
States).

Description. " Forehead, crown, nape, back, rump, and upper
tail-coverts orange-brown, shaded
on
tlie
back and nape with
112
PAKADOXOEKITHIDiE.
olive-brown; the primaries edged externally with white, the secondaries and terl-iaries broadly edged with bright orangebrown ; the prinmry-coverts brown, forming a conspicuous patch on the upper portion of the wing tail brown, the outer edges of the feathers bright rufous-brown for three-fourths of their length the from the base ; lores, cheeks and a long superciliura white white of the cheeks extending on to the sides of the neck ; earcoverts brown ; chin and throat black, shading into grey on the upper breast; abdomen and under tail-coverts briglit orange;
brown.
" Upper mandible horny, lower fleshy-yellow ; legs and feet fleshy-brown. Length about 4" (100 mm.), wing 1*8" (45 mm.), tail 1-9" (48 mm.), bill 0-3" (7 mm.), tarsus 0-9" (iJ2-8 mm.)."
{BinffJiam.)
Bingham's Suthora
is
only a race of
c/ularis (verreauxi
Sharpe,
Cat. B.M.), differing from that bird in having the under tail-coverts orange-brown instead of white.
abdomen and
Shan
iJills.
Distribution.
Nidification
Mekong
water-shed,
Kentung
State,
unknown.
little
Habits. This
Suthora
is
evidently a bird of very high
elevations, only having been found by
Bingham
at 8,500 feet.
(99)
Suthora webbiana brunnea.

AnDEKSOJT's SlTTHOBA.
Suthora brunnea Anderson, P.Z.
S.,
1871, p. 211
(Yunnan)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 68, footnote.

Description. The whole head and neck all round with the breast chestnut-brown, suffused with vinaceous below : the upper plumage, wing-coverts, tail and exposed parts of closed wing olive-brown ; lower plumage yellowish brown.
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red ; bill yellow horny, pale except on the culmen ; legs greenish plumbeous or slaty brown.
Measurements. Total length about 125 to 130 mm.; wing 51 to 54 mm. tail about 60 to 65 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. culmen
;
;
about 7
mm.
Yunnan and
the Kacbin Hills from
Distribution. wards.
Bbamo
east-
Nidification. This bird has been found breeding commonly in Siulum-Kaba, Bhamo District, at an elevation of some 6,000 feet, Harington describes the nest as "a rather deep cup-shaped structure composed of bamboo-leaves and coarse blades of grase,
StTHOEA.
lined with finer grass
113
and a few horsa-hairs ; measuring about outside and 2" x 2" inside." The nests were all extremely well concealed and were only discovered by carefully watching the birds. They were placed in clumps of reeds or grass, or in thick bushes and tangles of creepers, in each case quite low down, less than three feet from the ground. The eggs number 2 to 4, the former number having been taken much incubated, hut 3 is the usual full clutch. In colour they are a ratherdeep, unspotted hedge-sparrows' egg-blue and in shape broad ovals, very little compressed at the smaller end. Twentyfour eggs average 16'3x 12-8 mm.
4"
X 3i"
The breeding season
is
from the end of April to early June.
Habits. Anderson's Suthora keeps principally to reed and grass cover, where they creep about but seldom fly. As they huut for insects they keep up a continuous twittering, and they are more often heard than seen.
(100)
Suthora fulvifrons falvifrons. The rULTOUS-FKONa'ED SUTHOBA.

xiii, p. 3]
i,
Temnoris fulvifrons Ilodgs., P. Z. S., Suthora fulvifrons, Blanf. ifc Gates,
(184.5) (Nepal).
p. 66.
Veruacular names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, middle portion of the crown, a very short neck and the under tail-coverts bright fulvous a broad band from the lores over the eye to the nape, the back, rump and lesser wing-coverts greater wing-coverts olive-yellow ; upper tail-coverts fulvous edged with chestnut quills with the outer webs chestnut, hoary on the basal halves of the primaries tail blackish, the outer webs more or less bright chestnut except at the tips abdomen deep
superciliuu), cheeks, chin, throat, breast, sides of the
;
grey.
Colonrs of soft parts. Irides brown
bill
pale fleshy yellow,
horny above ; legs fleshy brown.
wing about' Ueasurements. Total length about 150 mm. 54 to 56 mm. tail about 66 mm. culmen about 5 mm. ; tarsus about 20 to 22 mm.
;
Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim.
and Habits. Practically nothing known, Masson breeding on the Single Bidge about 8,500 feet, but failed to find the nest. This was in May. It probably keeps to high elevations and dense forest in which it is not easily observed.
Nidi&catioii
it
found
TOL.
X.
114
(101)
PABABOXOEIfmnDjE.
Suthora ruficeps
ruficeps.
The Ked-hkadbd Suthoea.

Chleuaaicus mflceps Blyth, J. A.S.B., xiv, p. 578 (1845) (Sikkim). Suthora ruficeps. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 67.
Vernacular names. Ohongto-phep-plm (Lepclia). Description. Forehead and crest to hind ueck bright chestnut; lower plumage white, tinged sides of the liead and neck paler with pink on the breast ; upper plumage rUI'ous-brown, deeper on the tail and exposed parts of the wings shafts of chin-feathers
;
distinctly black.
Colonrs of soft parts. Bill creamy or fleshy white or pale horny ; legs greenish plumbeous iris bright red-brown.
;
Measorements. Total length about 150 mm. wing 75 to 78 mm. tarsus about 23-5 mm.; culmen about 7'5 mm. tail about 80 mm. Distribution. 8ikkim only. Nidification unknown.
; ;
Habits.
A very rare
(102)
The
habits are probably
bird found in Sikldm at 7,000 feet upwards. much the same as those of the next bird.
Suthora ruficeps atrosuperciliaris. The BlACK-BEOWED SlTTHOBA.

P.A.S. Beng.,
Chleuaticus ruficeps VBX. oiJ'osujuerwftamGodw.-Aust., 1877, p. 147 (Sadiya, Assam). Suthora atrimpercUi'aris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 67.
Vernacular names. Dao-mougasha (Cachari). Description. Dififers from the last bird in being darker and more richly coloured everywhere and in having a well-defined black
eyebrow.
little
Colours of soft parts. Maxilla fleshy, the culmen and base a darker and becoming bluish next the forehead, lower mandible pale fleshy, the gonys almost white irides liglit bright brown legs pale, clear bluish plumbeous, claws paler still.
;
Measurements. Total length 145 tolSOmin.; wing57to59mm.; about 99 mm. culmen about 10 mm. and from gape about 12 mm. Distribution. From Cachar to Lakhimpur in Assam, south of the Brahmaputra and east of the Dibong in the Abor and Miri Hills, north of the same river and thence esistwards to Yunnan through the Shan States. Godwin- Austen's birds from Baladhan were undoubtedly of this and not the last race.
tail
;
Nidificatioii. The only nest I have seen of this bird was an exact miniature of those of Paradoxornit and PtUtiparut. Outvra.rdly it measured 2"5" X 3" deep and invraidly 2'' x 2". It was
composed of
fiue shreds of grass
and reed-bark with a
lining of
BIRDS. VOL.1.
SUTHORA
R.
ATROSUPCRCIUARIS.
author*.
llff
The Blci(-brow*d
V,
tin.
NHOSCTIIOHA,
115
the finest grasses but, under these, were a few scraps o bamboo It was bound together with cobwebs and placed in a bamboo clump growing' on a grass-covered hillside. The single egg contained in the aest was a pale hedge-sparrow blue and measured 19'r> x 15-2 mm. A nest with three eggs taken by a Naga were similar but the latter measured only about
leaves.
18-4 X
L'5'l>
mill.
inveterate little skulker in long grass and scrubHabits. jungle, never taking to flight unless actuallj' forced, but creeping in and out low down and out of sight, though its constant twittering may be heard the whole time. They go about in large
parties nuinberiiig a dozen or more and, when they think they are not being watched, every now and then one climbs to a tall grass, chirps loudly and immediately descends again. They consort frequently with both I'sittiparns rufim-ps and Paradoxornis and it is \ery curious to watch tliese three lled-heads in company.
An
The Black-browed Suthora is found in winter practically in the plains and in summer breeds between 2,000 and -1,500 feet. 1 found in the stomachs of those examined by me small grasshoppers, Coleoptera, and a few hard seeds.
Genus
NEOSUTHORA
Hellmayr, 1911.
This genus differs from Suthora in having the tail less graduated and much shorter, not more than three-fourths the length of the wing ; the bill is larger and much deeper in proportion the wing is still more rounded, the 4th to the 7th being subequal. It contains but one species, Neosulhora davidiana, of.whidi a subspecies, A^. d. thomjpsmd, comes within our limits.
;
(103)
Neosuthora davidiana thompsoni.

Thomi'sok's Sutuoba.
Suthora tkomptoni Bingham, Bull. B. 0.

pyin,
C,
xiii, p.
63 (1903) (Kyat-
Shan
States).
Vernacular names.
>ône recorded.
Description. Top and sides of the head bright cinnamon-rufous; hind neck, back and rump pale slate-grey, more or less washed with olive ; wings and tail grey-brown, the quills edged with bright rufescent brown ; chin and throat black ; breast grey tinged with buff, more especially on the centre ; flanks, abdomen and lower tail-coverts clear brownish ochraeeous.
Colonrs of soft parts. Bill fleshy horny ; irides hazel legs plumbeous grey. Measnrementfl. Total length about 95 to 100 mm.; wing SO to 52 mm. ; tail 36 to 88 mm. Distrilmtion. Southern Shan States.
;
Ifidification
and Habits. Not recorded.
i2
116
PAKADOXOHNITHID-^.
Genua PSITTIPARUS Hellmayr, 1903.

Blaiil'oi-d's
name
oi Sccnorh/ncJms being preofcupied, Hellniayr's
must bo used for this genus, it differs from Neosuthora in having the tail longer, about equal to the wing and still less gi-uduated, the outermost feather being noarlj- or quite five-sixths the length of the central ones. The bill is larger an<[ longer in proportion. The 1st primary is a little more than half the length of the fltli, (ith and 7tli, which are longest and subequal. The legs are exceptionally strong.
of Psittiparus
name
Key
to iSpecies
and
Subspecies.
A. Crowu of heiui rufous chin white. a. Winjr uiidei- 90 mm. bill from front to tip 14 ram h. Winir 90 mm. or over; bill from front
;
;
P. rii/ucpn riificeps. p.
1^. r.
1 1('>.
to tip
16
mm
;
baheri, p. 117.
yularis, p. 118,
1
B.
Crown
c.
il.
of head grey Wing' over 90 mm.
chin
:
bliick.
.
Wing
under 90 mm. fused with fulvous
under parts white under part.s suf-
7'. f/itlaris
P.
ij.
(nins/liifidlis, p.
IH.
(104) Psittiparus ruficeps ruficeps.
The Hud-ueaded
ScceorhynciiHs riificepa.
1'akeot-Bill.
(184.'?)
Parudoxornii) rujict-ps Blyth, J. A. 8. B., (1 ) ii, p. 17" Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 6f*.
(Huotan).
VemacalaT names.
Description. coverts chestnut
;
Chongto-pTiep-pho (Lepcha).
Head, nape, upper back, lores, cheeks and earupper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings olive-brown, tinged with rufous; the whole lower plumage white, tinged with brown on the sides of the body, vent, thighs and under tail-coverts.
Coloars of soft parts. Iris deep red-brown ; upper mandible horny brown, lower fleshy-brown eyelids and mouth slate-blue; legs dark plumbeous blue ; clawshorn-brown.
;
86 mm.
Heasarements. Total length about 180 mm. wing 84 to tail about 85 mm.; bill "from forehead to tip in a ; straight line 14 mm." {Hartert) ; tarsus about 28 mm.
;
Distribution. Hills north of the Brahmaputra east to Sadiya.
Nepal and Sikkim.

next subspecies.
Kidification and Habits. IS'ot distinguisbable from those of the Seven eggs in my collection average 22*8 x 16-7 mm.
psmuPAiics,
(105) Psittiparus ruficeps baker i.
Baker's PAnnor-BiLr,.
Sctenrhynchus nificejis bakeri Ilartert, Nov. Zool,,
(Ilungnira, N. Cacliar).
vii, p.
548 (1900)
IiKjdorla
Vernacular names. J)aonu(o[iusJta (Naga) Vohti'ra (Mikir).

;
<jaJao
(Cachari)
Tmlo-mi
ilit!
Description. Differs I'roni tlio Ked-lieailed Parrot-Bill in having under parts tinged evt^rjwliere with buff and in being a liltle
larger.
Measurements. Wing 90 to 9.3 nun.; tail about 95 mm.; bill from forehead to tip in a straight line 16 mm,, and abont 14 mm. deep as against 12 iiim. in rnjweps.
Colours of soft parts as in ruficeps, but the bill is a darker horny-brown, n)ore especially above, and the legs are generally (jiiite a dark slate-blue.
Distribution.
Hills
south of
hills of
Shan States through the
tiie Bralnuaputra, Chin Hills, Central Burma to Tenasseriin.
Nidification. This Parrot-Bill breeds principally in late
May
and early June, but eggs have been taken from the 15th April to the 24th July. Thenest is composed of shreds of grass, shreds of bamboo leaves and the bark of reeds and bamboos, lined with finer grasses and strips of bark and bound together with cobwebs. In shape it is a dee]), very well-built cuj), externally about 3 to 4 inches broad and deej), whilst internally it is nearly an inch less each way. It may sometimes be placed in reeds and high grass, more often in bamboo clumps, but most nests will be taken from small saplings and high or low busheis. The height from the ground may be anything from 2 to 8 feet. The eggs, either two or three in number, rarely four, remind one very much of those of the Garden- Warbler. The groundcolour
is
white tinged with green, grey or yellowish, sometimes
reddish.
The markings
consist of spots, irregular blotches
and
cloudings of pale sienna-brown, reddish brown and neutral tint; these, never very numerous, are scattered indefinitely over most of the larger half of the egg; sometimes they are quite sparse and confined to the big end. Forty -five eggs average 21 -A x 16-7 mm.
'
Habits. Baker's Parrot-Bill is found at all heights between 2,000 and 6,000 feet, ascending some 1,000 feet higher than this in the summer and perhaps 1,000 feet lower in the winter. They wander about in parties of a dozen or so, seldom showing themselves except momentarily as they clamber through the grass or undergrowth. Occasionally they will visit the higher bushes and small trees in searching for insects but these Ihey leave at once when disturbed. When feeding they utter a constant *' chee-chirrup," but when separated from one another their call is
118
the typiial
PABADOXOnNmiTB.i:.
bleat of the family. 80 curiously like is it to the plaintive bleat of a small Idd in di.tress that I have more than
once been deceived by it. Whilst almostas active as the Titniouses in climbing about, they are much less so on the win;^, for their flight is tluttering, illsustained and weak, nor do they ever take to wing unless compelled.
Their food
certain
is
principally
insectivorous,
but they also eat a
amount
of seeds
and even grain.
(106) Psittiparus gnlaris gularis.
The Gkev-he.vdeb
I'aradu.vonm
I'ica'orhyiichus
PAisnoT-BiMi.
ii,
i,
i/uldris firay, (Jen. Birds,
p.
389 (1845)
(Sikkini).
gidarU.
lilanf.
<.V
Uates,
p.
OSt.
Vernacular names. Chonfflo-pheji-pho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, nasal plumes, a snperciliuin from the forehead to the nape and the chin black ; lores and round the eye, cheeks and lower j)lumage white; flanks and sides of breast only crown and nape slightly suffused with buff; ear-coverts pale grey dark grey upper plumage, tail and visible portions of closed wing rufous-browu.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red-brown ; legs and to ;in almost orange horny yello occasionally with a bluish tinge.
;
bill
chrome-yellow
feet slaty-brown,
Measurements. Total length about 150 to loo mm.; wing 90 to 95 mm. tail about SO mm.; tarsus about 27 mm. ; culmeu about 12 to 13 mm. long and about 10 to 11 deep.
;
Distribution.
Sikkira
and Bhutan
and
lulls
North
of the
Brahmaputra.
Nidification. Simildr to that of F. mjiceps hakeri.
The eggs
measure about 21-0 x 15*2

Habits. Similar to the
mm.
last.
(107) Psittiparus gularis transfluvialis.
HaKTBRt's I'AEUOT-BlIiL.
Scaorhynchw
ffularis tramfluvialie Hartert, Nov. Zool., (1900) (Guilang, N. Cachar).
;
vii, p.
548
Vernacular names. Daomougasha gophu (Cachari)

gahahale (Kacha Naga).
Indco-rui
Description. Differs from the Grey-headod Parrot-Bill in having the whole of the under parts suffused with fulvous and in being rather smaller.
PBrmPAKUs,
119
ICeasurements. Wing 86 to 89'5 mm. ; tail about 78 mm. ; culto 13 mm. long but only 9 to 9-5 mm. deep at the base tarsus about 23 mm.
men 12
Hills
Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin, Kachiu and hills of Central Burma.
Nidification.
headed Parrot-Bill in any way.
Cannot be distinguished from that of th Eed38 eggs average 20'7x 16*2 mm.
Habits. Similar to those of P. r. halceri, but is perhaps not found at such low elevations. It occurred in the low hills round Margharita in Assam, but here the close proximity of the snowline gives an avifauna and flora at 700 to 1,000 feet which obtains elsewhere at more than twice this height. It is curious that though all the lied-headed forms of Parrot-Bill. consort together when feeding, none of the red-headed birds are ever found mixing with those of the grey-headed races.
120
SlTTID.'E,
Fig. 24.
Sittri hiinaluyensis.
Family SITT1DJ2.
The family of Sktidm, or Nuthatches, is one whicli it is not easy to place in any system of arrangement of the Order Passeres. Gates placed them between the Bulbuls {Pycno)iotirl(fi) and the Drongos (Din-uridce), with neither of which can they have any Hartert ])laces them between the Certhiidw possible connection. and Paridoi, an excellent position, but making these three familie.s form a group entirely by themselves having no close connexion with those which come before or after. In the present work the preceding family, the Paradoxornitldda, is an obvious link between the Paridce and the Timaliidce, and a position between these families seems, perhaps, the best for the SittidcK. In many ways they are closely allied to the Tits, especially anatomically, and though they have not such close afSnities with the Timaliidce, they may well be an offshoot from the Paridai, tlie other end of
S1TTA,
lai
ill
with any of the other families of Pajwrcs cover, whilst the TimnliidiM are another development in a different direction. In this family the edges of the upper nmndible are smooth, or
visible link
which has no
the area
we
the upper one simply notched; the hinder aspect of the tarsus smooth, composed of two entire longitudinal laralnje and other features as already given in the key to the Famihes. The nostrils are overhung by some hairs and tlie rietal bristles are present ; tlie feet are very strongly developed for tlie purpose of climbing, the hind toe and claw are very powerful and the inner toe and claw dwarfed the hill is about as long as the head, fairly stout and straight. The wing is long and iiointed and tlie first primary is always less than half the second. The tail is short and square or very shghtly rounded. The sexes are dissimilar. Only one genus of Nuthatch, Sitta, is found within our Hiiuts. The little Velvet-fronted Nuthatch is sometimes separated under the name Dendrophila but without any very apparent reason or necessity. J follow Gates in uniting them all under one name.
;
Genus SITTA
Linn., 1766.
The
characters of the genus are tliose of the family.
Key
to !S]iecies
and
Siibspecieg.
A. Upper pliiniaffe uniform bluish grey. (I. Middle ])iiir of tail-feathers while ut base. '. Sides of neck and lower plumape chestnut li. Hides of neck white, marked with golden cliestnut; chin, throat and upper breast white /'. Middle pair of tail-feathers uniform, with no white. c'. Lateral tail-feathers with white spots. ". Under tail-coverts chestnut, centred
asiiy.
fi'".
<S'.
himalntiemu,
p. 1:22.
S. victoria:, p. 123.
W mm
Lower plumage
paler;
wing over
'.
a. luislimirienm, p. 128.
//".
Lower plumape
under 80
darker;
mm
wiug
;S'.
canfaneiventris ecmta-
Tinder tail-coverts white, tipped chestnut. ("'. Lower plumage chestnut. '. Ciieatnut of lower plumage uniform from throat to vent (>'. Throat aud breast paler than rest of lower plumage d'". Lower plumage grey c". Under tail-coverts chestnut, tipped
h".
.
.
HCtup<m, p. 123.
[p. 12.3.
S.c. ciimamoventris,
S.
S.
c.
neylecta, p. 12(5.
'
europcm nagnemis,
[p. 127.
white
(/'.Lateral spots
tail-feathers
S. mat/na, p. 128.
without
white
S.
|p. 129.
neunmyer tephronota,
122
;
SITTIDJK.
S. leucopsie leucopsta,
B. Upjier plumage slaty-blue crown black 0. Upper pliimagti black, streaked with brilliant blue I). Upper plumage uniform purplish blue uirehead black
.
& formosa,
[p. p. liil
180.
S. frontalis frontalis,
[p.
132.
(108) Sitta himalayensis.
Sitta himalayensis Jard.

Blaiif.
The White-tailed Nuthatch. & Selbj-, 111. Ind. Orn., iii,

i,
pi.
144 (1835)
&
Oates,
p. 300.
Vernacular names. Siddyi-pMji (Lepclia). Description. Adult male. The forehead, lores, a streak behind the eye, produced down tlie side of the neck to the shoulders, black nil indistinct eyebrow fulvous white ; u|)i)er plumage, wing-eoverts and inner seeondcaries dark slaty-blue, somcwliat paler on the ends ; primaries and outer secondarie.s dark brown edged with slaty-blue middle pair of tail-leathers slaty-blue, the basal half of the iiiner web and a band next the shaft on llie outer web white the next two pairs wholly black; the next pair black with an ashy tip the next lilack with an oblique white band and an ashy tip, the outermost the same but with more white; sides of the face and chin pale fulvous ; lower plumage chestnut, richer and deeper on the ilauke and under tail-coTerts under wingcoverts black, a white patch on the base of the primaries showing from below only. Adult female. liesembles the male, but is rather duller and
;
;
paler.
Colours of soft parts, li'is pale brown ; bill black, the gape and base of lower mandible bluish white to pale slaty ; legs and feet yellowish or olive-brown.
tail
wing 71 to 76 mm. Measurements. Length about 120 mm. about 37 to 41 mm. tarsus about 17 to 18 mm. culnien about
;
;
14 to 15 mm.
Distribution. The Himalayas from Kangra to Assam North of the Brahmaputra liiver, but in over twenty years' collecting we never found it South of the river, and there may be some mistake in Grodwin-Austen's record from Aimul in Manipur.
The "White-tailed Nuthatch breeds in the Nidification. Himalayas from 5,000 feet to at least 11,000, at which height Blanford procured it in Sikkim. It is a very early breeder, commencing to lay in the first few days of April or even in the end The eggs are laid in some natural hollow in a tree or of March. stump, the entrance being filled in neatly with mud so as to leave only a small, quite circular entrance, little over an inch in diameter. The nest is a pad of moss, or moss and moss-roots with a depression in the centre for the eggs. These number from four to six and are white with numerous specks and spots of reddish, sometimes more
filTTA.
23
sparse and confined to the larger end. They measure about 18-3 X 14-0 mm. Both parents, according to Hodgson, assist in incubation and in loolting af(er the young.
Habits. Ttie habits of most IVuthatcties are very similar. In the non-breeding season they are to be found in family parties, sometimes in greater numbers, hunting all over the trunks and branches of trees for insects; scuttling about upwards and downwards, now under, now over, peering into every cranny and every broken bit of bark as they restlessly work their way from the trunk of the tree to the highest branches, whence they take flight to the nearest tree likely to ])rove a profitable hunting-ground. They also feed on nuts, including the hardest, boring holes into them and extracting their contents, and they sometimes eat Tiieir note when feeding is singularly like th(! seeds and fruits. cheep of a mouse and is frequently uttered. 'J'iie (light is fnirly strong and direct.
(109) Sitta victoriae.
Tub
CriiN
Hiiyr..?
A'uTii/VTCii.
().
mua
rictoi-im
Rippou, Hull.
R.
C,
xiv,
p.
S-l
(1904)
(Mt.
\'i(-toria).
Vernacular names.
H net-pya-fhouh (Burmese).
;
Description. Similar to the last bird, but has the chin, throat, upper breast and centre of the abdon)en white the sides of the face and neck pure wliite, the latter marked with golden chestnut.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown the tip legs dull yellowish brown.
;
bill
slaty-grey, black at
Measurements. Wing
14
(38
to
72 mm.
tail
about 40
mm. culmeu
;
mm.
Female
is
apparently similar to the male.
Distribution. Ciiin Hills.
Mt. Victoria.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded, found at 9,000 feet. This bird should probably be placed as a subspecies of A'. Mmalayetms, but until some connecting forms are discovered it must rank as a species.
(110) Sitta castaneiventris castaneiventris.
TuK
Chestnut-bellibjo Ncthatch.
121 (Vindhyan Hills)
Sittn eastaiieimttns Frank., P. Z. S., 183], p. Blaiif. Gates, i, p. 304.
&
Description.
Vernacular names. SiH (Hind.) Ohor-parTci (Beug.). Adult male. A black streak from the
;
nostril
124
tlirougli the
chill
sittidjE.
eye to the shoulder; lores, cheeks, ear-coverts and white; the whole upper plumage and visible portions of closed wing sluty-blue middle tail-feathers ashy-blue the uext two black, edged and lipped with ashy-blue; the others with a subterniiiial white patch ou the inner webs and generally with a white band on the outer web of the outermost leathers whole lower plumage Tuiifonii dark chestnut-bay under tuil-coverts ciiestnut, centred with ashy under wing-coverts black a white patch on the base of (he primaries visible from below. Female i!< a iialer chestnut below and the wliile on the face
; ; ; ; ; ;
is ill-delined.
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark hvown hill greenish or blnish ])lnmbeoH8, the terminal lialf black and lower mandible and base paler; legs and feet greenish plumbeous. In some specimens nearly the whole bill is black.
;
tail
Measurements. Length about 130 mm. wing 74 to TO nnn. about 37 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.; culmeu about
;
16 to 17
mm.
Distribution. The whole of the nortliern jilains of India as far soutli as the Wynaad, as far west as Umballa and Khandesh and as far east as Calcutta. I obtained it botli in Nadia arid the 24tii Pargauas, where hoviever it is very rare. In Behar it is extremely common to the east.
This little Nuthatch breeds principally in Nidification. February and March tliroughoiit its range, making its nest in small holes in trees at any height from 10 to 30 feet from the ground. A very favourite nesting-site is in niango-trties in brunches between 8 and 12 feet from the ground, and the natural hollow is always cemented round with clay to reduce the entrance to about 30 nun. This masonry work is also often continued well down inside the hollow and on the bark outside the tree as well and, even when the natural entrance to the liole is in no way too big, it is nearly always made neat and tidy with a clay finish. The nest is generally notliing but chips of dried bark and soft tinder-wood with a few leaves and rarely a little drirtd moss. The eggs number anything from two to six, most often five and are rather fragile, broad oval iu shape and of the usual white ground with red specks. They average about 17'0xl3-2 mm. Many birds must breed twice in the year, as nests may be taken iu May and June and even as late as September.
and
Habits. The Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch is entirely a plains' bird is very common in all well-wooded parts, thougli it is not a Mango-topes both in the vicinity of, as well as away forest bird. from, villages are very favourite resorts and two or more pairs may often be found in the same orchard. They have the usual restless habits of the genus and feed on the same kind of food.
BIRDS. VOL.1.
PLATE
II.
SITTA C. CINNAMOVCNTRIS,
Cinnamon-bsllivd
*i
lift
Tlw
Nuthatch.
ai.
SITTA.
125
(111) Sitta castaneiventris cinnamoventris.
Tim
CiSNAMOIf-BEU/IEl) NUTHAUCH.
liittaoinnaniw&iitriaBlyth, 3. A. S.Ti., xi, p. 439 (1S42) (Darjeeling). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 301. iS'i"rt cinnamoitipoventris.
Veraacular names. Siri (Hind.);

mnjo-<;ajao (Cachari).
Sidhi/i-phij> (Lepclia);
Doo-
Adult male. Like the last but the white parts of Description. the face are delicately barred witli l)rown the ujjper plumage is more an ashy-blue, tlie under parts are a deep cinnainon-ehestnut and the under tail-eorerts are wliite with ashy buses and narrow chestnut tips. Female. Differs from the male in being a ])ale dull chestnut below.
;
Fig. 25.
Head of
^S'.
r.
(yimuiinovrnfrh.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to lake; bill slaty-blue, black at the tip and paler on base and lower mandible; legs and feet dull blue-grey or bluish plumbeous.
Measurements. Total length about 150 mm.; \\m<s, 78 to 81 mm.; about 45 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm. ciilmen about 20 mm. Distribution. The Himalayas from Murree to Eastern Assar>i, both North and South of tlie Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai and
tail
;
Oates's specimens Chittagong hill-tracts, but not further East. Bliamo are much nearer negUcta and should be assigned to that bird.
froiri
Nidification. Gammie obtained the nest in Sikkim at 2,000 feet in a decayed bamboo, and I found many nests in the Khasia Hills in April and May at elevations between 4,500 and 6,u0o
hills, although a nest might now and then be some old stump, the great majority ore built in the retaining walls of roads or in walls of fields and compounds. These walls are built of mud and stones and form favourite breeding places for Tits, Nuthatches, Flycatchers and many other birds. The Nuthatches select some hollow, generally only a few inches from the ground, and then fill the whole entrance in with mud, leaving only a circular hole about 40 mm. across. The hollow inside, however big it may be, is filled to a depth of some inches with scraps of dead wood, bark and odds and ends of vegetable matter, over which is placed a bed of moss and then a They are very persistent fine thick layer of fur, or fur and wool.
feet.
In these
in
found
126
little birds,
SITTID^.
and will often repair and again lay in a nest which has In North Cachar I found them breeding in trees, and in these the nests were often very flimsy and scanty, consisting of leaves and rubbish and perhaps a little moss and a few feathers or scraps of fur. They lay in A pril and May, but an occasional nest may be seen as early as Mai-ch or as late as Juno. Tiie normal full cotuplement of eggs is six, but -sometimes only four or live are laid and sometimes as many as eight. They are of the usual white ground with i-ed specks, but are more strongly and numerously marked than those of the last bird and
been
j)illaged.
in shape are much longer, narrov\er ovals. Sixty eggs average 10-8 X 14-1 mm. The maxima are 21-0 x 14-4 and 20-t)xlo mm., and the minima are 17"3 x 13"() and 18"8 x 13'2 mm.
Habits. This JSTuthatch is most common between 4,000 and 7,0G0 feet and is not often found below 3,000 feet. It has mneh the same habits as the rest of the genus, but I have often noticed it on the ground feeding on ats and termites, and it seeuis very partial to hunting wails, cliffs and banks as the Kock-K uthatches Its note is a continual cheep, very much like the squeak of a do. mouse. It is a very sociable bird, and I have seen flocks of this bird and Sift/i frontidls hunting together in perfect amity.
(112) Sitta castaneiventris neglecta.
The Bukmese Kuthatcu.

Sitta neglecta \^'ald., A. M. N. Blanf. Gates, i, p. 301.
II., (4) v, p. L>18
(1870) (Karen Hills);
&
Vernacular names. Pan-che-Up (Kacliin). Description Differs from the preceding in being smaller and in having the throat and breast much paler than the abdomen and flanks, whilst the white of the sides of the head blends with the rufous of the throat. The female differs in the same way from
the female of the Cinnamon-bellied Nuthatdi.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; upper mandible bluish, tipped black; legs and feet dark plumbeous, claws horn-colour.
tail
Keasurements. Length about 130 mm. ; wing 75 to 78 mm.; about 38 to 42 mm. ; tarsus about 18 ram. ; culmeu about
17
mm.
Distribution. From Muleyit Mountain in South Teuasserim, through the eastern hill-ranges of Burma to the Bhamo Hills,
N. and
N.W.
Siam.
Nidification. Similar to that of 8. c. castaneiventris, but this is a fores'; bird and its nest is found in the natural hollows of trees on the outskirts of forest or in dead trees in deserted clearings.
16-2
The eggs are of the usual short, blunt type and measure from X 13-4 to 18-3 X 14'2 mm. They are apparently early breeders Bingham found the young
;
SITTA.
127
hatched in the end of March, and eggs sent uiehy Col. Hai'ington, taken on the 22nd of that mouth, were on the point of hatching. Habits. Those of the genus, and there seems to be nothing They are found between 2,000 and 5,000 feet, calling for notice. 'never in the plains, and are forest birds, though like most Nuthatches they keep to the more open parts, the outskirts, or to partially cleared or deserted cultivation clearings in which the dead trees are still standing.
(113) Sitta europsea nagaensis.
Austen's Nuthatch.
Sitta
nuqaenm Godw.-Aust,,
Bliiiii:
1'.
Z. S., 1874, p.
44 (Soitreiuak,
Naga
Hills/;
&
Gates,
i,
p. 'Mil.
Vernacular names. Vaomojo-yophu (Gachari); Huet-pya-cliouh

(Burmese).
Description. Upper plumage, closed wings and central tailfeathers slaty-bhie-grey ; a black line from the bill, through the eye to the nape ; primaries and secondaries black on the inner webs outer tail-feathers black, the three or four outer pairs with a white subterininal spot on the inner web and the outermost sides of the pair with an oblique white baud on the outer edge head and neck and lower ])liimage grey ; sides of the body rich chestnut lower tail-covei't s white tipped and edged with chestnut the usual white patch on base of quills. The female only differs in being a trifle duller.
; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown, bill slaty-grey, the terminal half blackish ; legs and feet greenish brown.
Measurements. Length about 130 mm. wing 74 to 78 ram. about 40 mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm. cuhnen about 15 mm. Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and Kachiu Hills. Kinuear's Sitta e. griseiventris (Bull. B. O. C. It is possibly Ix, p. 142, 11120) seems to be the same as this bird. a purer grey, but as all the specimens of Austen's Nuthatch in the British Museum are very poor specimens and some of the Chin
;
tail
Hills birds taken elsewhere are quite iudistinguishable, 1 consider this name to he merely a synonym of nagaensis.
This Nuthatch breeds in the Kachin Hills in probably also March and May. Eggs taken by Col. Harington were placed in the usual kind of holes in trees and were plastered up with clay masonry, reducing the entrance to a size just suffioient to allow ingress and egress to the parents. The nests were of moss with a lining of fur, and contained two to four eggs just like those of S. c. castaneiventris and measuring
Nidificatiou.
April and
about 18'9xl41 mm. Habits. This is a forest form found up to the highest hills, 9,000 or 10,000 feet and apparently down to about 5,000 feet, below which S, e. neglecta takes its place.
128
BirriD^.
(114) Sitta kashmiriensis.
BuooKs's Nuthatch.
Sitta
kaKhmirkmif Brooks, V. A.
8. B., 1871, p. :i79 (Ivnshmir)
Blauf.
&
Gates,
i, p.
303.

Description. Upper plumage and wings slatv-bliie; the usual black band tbrougli tlie eye ; chin and sides of ibe face dull white tinged with fulvous: throat more fulvous, the lower jilumage
gradually becoming deeper and turning to deep chestnut on the
abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts middle tail-feathers ash}'two pairs black edged and tipped with ashy, the next two black with a subterminal white sjiot on thi! inner web ; the outermost feather black, witli a white patch on each web and a brown tip under wing-coverts blackish with the usual white primary patch; under tail-coverts chestnut with traces of ashy
;
blue, the next
centres.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown bill slaty-grey with black tip and paler base legs greenish brown, yellowish brown or dull grey-brown.
; ;
tail
Measurements. Length about 130 mm. about 40 to 44 mm. tarsus about 18

;
mm.
Ming 81 to 85 mm. cubnen about

;
18 to 10 mm.
Distribution. Himalayas, Afghanistan to Garhwal.
Nidification.
This bird breeds in some numbers throughout
Kashmir and
at all heights
in the
Murree
Galis.
It selects holes in forest-trees
from the ground, plastering up the entrance with the usual hard clay masonry and laying its eggs in April and Mav. These number four to seven and are quite typical. Fifty eggs
average about 19-7 X IG'4
mm.
Habits. Those of the genus. This is a forest bird, haunting rather deep forest at heights between 6,000 and 9,000 feel, straggling both lower in the cold and higher in the hot weather. "Whitehead found it fairly common in the Safed Koh between 7,500 and 10,000 feet.
magna. The Giast Nuthatch.

(115) Sitta
Sitta magna Wardl.-Ramsay, P. Z. S., Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 303.
1870, p. 677 (Kavennee)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage, wings and central pair of tailfeathers slaty-blue ; two broad bands of black from the base of the bill through the eyes to the shoulders ; two pairs of tail-feathers next the central pair black with a slaty-blue tip, the next two the same with a subterminal white patch and the outermost the same but with a white bar on the outer web lores, sides of the
;
SITTA.
129
head, chin and throat greyish white changing to darker grey on breast and to dull chestnut on lower flanks, thighs, vent and under tail-coverts, the latter broadly tipped with white under wingcoverts black and the under surface of the primaries with the typical white patch.
;
blue, darker
bill slalyColours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel-biown on terminal half legs and feet pale yellowish brown.
; ;
; ;
tail
Measurements. Length about 200 mni. wing 114 to 119 mm. about 08 to 70 mm.; tarsus about 23 nun.; culmen about 25 to 28 mm. The female is like the male but has a more decided tinge of buif or chestuut-buff on the breast, the chestnut of the flanks, thighs, etc., may not be quite so deep and the head also is greyer in some individuals. Distribution. Hills of Central Burma, Shan States and Yunnan, apparently from about 3,000 feet upwards. Nidification and Habits. There is nothing on record about this fine Nuthatch, now represented by good series from Kippon, Thompson and Oraddoek in the British Museum. It has been found so far between 4,000 and 0,000 feet and seems to be a forest
bird.
(116) Sitta
neumayer tephronota. The TUBKESTAiY EOCK-NOTHATCII.

II., (4) x, p.
Siitta
tephrmmta Sbarpe, A. M. N. Turkestan) Blauf. & Gates, i,

;
450 (1872) (Ferghana,
p.
305.
Description. aries ashy-blue
Vernacular names. JVone recorded. Whole upper plumage, wing-coverts and secondthe usual black eye-band primaries pale brown ;
;
central tail-feathers pale ashy-blue, the others brown broadly edged with pale ashy on the outer webs, this colour gradually changing to pale fulvous, the outermost feather having the inner web brown
with a fulvous tip and the outer web fulvous with a brown tip; sides of the iiead and lower plumage fulvous, darker and becoming strongly tinged with pink on the flanks, lower abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts, these last having ashy centres.
Colours of soft parts. brown, darker at the tip
Iris
;
brown
bill
horny-brown or
slaty-
legs clay-slate.
measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 75 to 90 mm.; tail about 50 to 60 mm. tarsus 21 to 24 mm. culmen 20 to 23 mm. Distribution. Baluchistan and Afghanistan to Ferghana in Turkestan and the Tianschan. Birds from the Tianschan seem to have more of a dull rufous tinge on the breast and lower throat as well as being rather bigger, and should possibly be kept separate; I cannot, however, distinguish ^S*. . obswra from North and East
; ;
Persia.
VOL,
I.
130
sittiDjE.
Nidification. This bird breeds both in Afghanistan and Baluchistan from early March to the end of April or early May. The nest-hole may lie either in a tree or in a rock but in the very The hole is lined, great majority of cases it will be in the latter. sometimes partially, sometimes throughout, with a clay which becomes very hard when set, and this lining is continued until it projects in a cone beyond the entrance for from 6 to 9 or ] inches. In jiddition to this, however, the bird decorates the face of the rock or the bark of the tree all round the enti-anoe for some di!<tance with feathers stuck in the crevices of the rock or bark. The lining to the nest is generally fur or hair, sometimes vcith a few feathers, but underneath this is often a bed of leaves, chips of The eggs vary from four to bark, touch-wood or similar material. six or rarely seven in number; the ground is a white of a purer, harder tint than that of most Nuthatches and the spots of brown are sparser and more definite. They are generally rather scanty in number but more numerous at the larger end than elsewhere. The normal shape is a broad, blunt oval, and twenty-four Indian eggs average about 21*2x 16'0 uini. These were all taken by General Bethau) at Quetta.
Habits. This bird is common in Baluchistan, where Betham took nests, and extends in some numbers along the frontier in suitable localities between ;3,(>00 and 7,00U feet, ascending yet higher lliau this in the northern portion of its range. In general habits, flight, voice and food it is a typical Nuthatch, but rocks form its principal hunting-groutui rather than trees, though it does resort to these also on occasions. It is never, however, a forest bird and frequents bare hillsides with' but little cover of any sort just as often as it does those a little less bare which have a few scattered trees and an odd ravine or so with bush or tree forest. It is said not to be a shy bird or to shun observation.
many
(117) Sitta lencopsis leucopsis.
The Wuixe-chebiced Nuthatch.

Sitta leucojisix
Gould, P. Z.
S..
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
306.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape and a part of the sides of neck glossy black; upper plumage, closed wings and central tailblue,
feathers slaty-blue ; otlier tail-feathers black, tipped with slatythe three outer pairs with a subterminal white patch on
the inner
the outer web
the outermost pair with a white band also on sides of the head and lower plumage white, more or less tinged with pale fulvous; flanks and under tail-coverts rich chestnut. Sexes alike.
;
web and
Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel-brown to dark brown; bill black, the base of the lower mandible whitish-horny or pale grey-
homy;
legs yellowish- or
greemsh-brown.
SITTA.
131
tail
Measurements. Total length about 140 mm. ; wing 74 to 79 mm.; about 42 mm. tarsus about 18 mm. culmeii about 15 mm.
;
Distribution. The whole of the North-West Himalayas from the Baluchistan boundaries where well forested, Afghanistan, N. Kashmir to the hills next the plains as far as the pines continue and as far east as Q-arhwal.
Nidification. This Nuthatch breeds freely throughout its range. many nests in the Murree Hills in June, and says that a favourite site is higli up in a tall fir-tree that has been struck by lightning and cracked down the ceutre, a convenient place in this crack being selected for the nest. They lay from four to eight eggs, which are just like thost? of tlie various forms of Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches and measure on an average for 50 eggs about 18-2 x 13-7 mm. The nest is difficult to find,
Eattray took
both from
its
position
and the cautious habits
of the birds.
Habits. This is a bird of high elevations, being found principally between 7,000 and 12,000 feet and, according to liattray and others, seldom below 8,000 feet. Its range, however, seeniK to be decided by the forest growth and it will not frequently be
of firs, pines and other coniferous Stoliezka says that it feeds principally on the seeds of Films yirardidna and that its voice is a loud, uniform, melancholy call, uttered while it is busily engaged in securing a pineseed in the bark of a large tree. Whitehead likens its cull to the French word " pain," and he and Davidson both say that the
found
outside, the regions
trees.
monotonous, wailing cry

'long.
is
to be heard in the forests all day
(118) Sitta formosa.
TnE BKACTifUL Nuthatch.
SMa
formosa
Hl.yth, J.
i,
A- S. B.,
xii, p.
938 (1843)
(l)arjilinj?);
Blarif.
&
Oiites,
p.
306.
;
Vernacular names. Dao-mojo-r/adeha (Cachari)

(/umbo (Lepcha).
Tishe
Kuyi
Description. Upper plumage black, streaked with pale blue on the upper back and the sides of the neck and with brilliant colialt-blue elsewhere; sides of the bead and chin fulvous white, the feathers round tiie eye and over the ear-coverts blackish at lesser wing-co\erts, primary-coverts, primaries and their bases secondaries bright blue ; edges of the median and gi-eater coverts and of the inner secondaries white remainder of wing blue scapulars, lower bark and rump verdigris-blue; central tailfeathers blue with black bases and black next the shafts the next two pairs black edged with blue; the others black with pro,gressively larger white tips, blue-edged on the exterior margins; lower plumage dull chestnut.
; ;
;
k2
132
SITTID^.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown or dark brown bill black with base and gonys black legs greenish horny (Jerdon) or yellowisli brown.
;
Heasiireinents.
tail
Length about 186 mm.
wing 114 to
11 8
mm.
about 58 to 60
mm.
tarsus about 21
mm.
culnien about
17
mm.
Distribution. Himalayas from Sikkim to the Miri and Arbor Also hill-ranges in South Assam as. Hills in Eastern Assam. The Salween-Mekong watershed in the far East as Laklnmpur.
N.E. Shan States.

Nidification. The few nests found by me in the Khasia and North Cachar Hills were all on the highest ranges from 5,000 feet upwards. They were placed in trees at considerable heights from the ground and contained from four to six eggs or young. The eggs only vary from those of S. c. cinnamovcntris in being larger Sixteen eggs average 20'6 x 15"iJ mm. and and broader ovals. vary between 18-0 x 14-7 and 22-6 x 15-8 mm.
Habits. The Beautiful Nuthatch, well named from its lovely colouring, seems to be a rare bird everywhere. I never saw it but in pairs or in family parties after the young had hatched, and it is the most shy and elusive of all the Nuthatches found in
Its actions when on trees, rather slow and deliberate for genus, reminded one of Woodpeckers and its note also differed from all other Nuthatches in its low, rather sweet tone.. On the wing it was exceptionally swift, and its beauty when the sun caught it in flight could only be likened to that of the Buddy Kingfisher under similar circumstances.
Assam.
this
(119) Sitta frontalis frontalis.
The VELTBT-rBONTEB Nuthatch.

Sitta frontalis Horsf., Trans. Linn. Blanf. Gates, i, p. 807.
Soc,
xiii,
p. 162 (1821) (Java)
;.
&
Vernacular names. Dao-mojo-buku-gajao (Cachari). Description. Forehead and superciiium black; whole upper plumage and exposed parts of wings and tail purplish blue inner webs of all primaries, outer webs of the first two and concealed portions of rectrices blackish brown; ear-coverts lilac; chin and throat whitish ; lower plumage greyish, more or less suffused with
;
dull lilac.
Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow, brown in the young and sometimes in the adult female; eyelids plumbeoiis; bill coral-red,, black in the quite young with a pinkish gape and base; legs fleshy-brown or reddish brown, never red.
Heasnremeats. Total length about 125 to 130 mm.; wing 70 to 75 mm. ; tail about 40 mm. ; tarsus 17 to 18 mm. ; culmen 12 to 13 mm.
BIRDS. VOL.1.
SITTA
Tho
F.
FRONTALIS.
Nuthatch.
Vlvt- fronted Blu* *'3 life Si.
SITTA.
133
Female differs from the male iu having no black supercilium and, like the rest of the genua, in being a trifle smaller.
Ceylon, the whole of India west of Bombay, ; Assam, practically the whole of Burma in suitable localities, Siam, Malay Peninsula to Java.
Distribution.
Gwalior and
Kuumon
Nuthatch breeds all over its habitnt, between 1,000 and 4,000 feet elevation. In the southern portions of both Burma and India it lays iu February and March, but in the northern districts it does not lay until April, continuing through May and even into June. It selects some natural hollow or one made and deserted by a Barbet or Woodpecker. Though it very seldom uses clay to reduce the size of the entrance, it does, on the other hand, often enlarge crevices sufficientlv to allow it to make its nest in some enviable hollow. The nest itself is made of moss, generally green and fresh, worked into a solid pad, and above this may be fur, fur and feathers or, very
chiefly
Nidiflcation. This little
rarely, feathers alone.

soft
This lining or superstructure
is
always
froni
and
plentiful, almost hiding the eggs
which number
three to six. These are typical Jv'uthatches' eggs, but are rather more densely and unifonnly covered with blotches than is usual and they are also longer ovals in shape than are those of most Nuthatches. Fifty eggs average 17'2 x lS-2 mm. and the extremes are maxima 18'0 X 13-4 and 17-9 x 13 8 mm., minima 16'0 X 12-3 mm.
:
Habits.
The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
is
a bird of the plains
and lower hills where there are forests and woods, but it is not found in quite open tracts and sparsely wooded areas. It frequents both the higher and smaller trees in flocks of half-adozen to a dozen or more, and is the quickest and most aetive of all the Nuthatches in its ways. Its note is a constant mouselike cheep.
134
TIMAMID*.
Fig. 26.
Oamilax
I.
leucolophtis.
Family TIMALIID..!^:.
The
intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the
;
ends of
the-
the edges of both mandibles smooth or the upper one with a notch ; hinder aspect of tarsus smooth, tongue non-tubular bilaminated ; win^ with ten primaries nostrils clear of the line of forehead, the lower edge of the nostril, nearer to the commissure than the upper edge is to the culmen plumage of the nestling like that of the adult female but paler nostrils never entirely concealed from view although frequently covered by hairs or bristles ; rictal bristles present ; rectrices twelve ; inner and hind toes equal in length.
bronchial seuii-riugs
;
The Family
nearly
didce
all
tropical
There are, of course, no grounds, for tliis, as the Timaliidce are so close to other families that some ornithologists include with them such groups as the Thrushes From these, however, they seem to me to be and others.
and which he called Timelwles.
Timaliidce contains a very large number of birds, and subtropical, which Gates called Crateropowhich Harington raised to the rank of a suborder
TIMALIID^.
133
sufficiently differentiated b}' t)ie plumage of the young. As regards the name for the family, we cannot use Crateropodidce for CraUropus, the name used by Gates tor a genus of Babblers, is preoccupied, and we must therefore discard this also for the family. Timaliidce from the genus Timalia of JHorsfield 1821 may therefore be taken as the family name. Since the first volume of the 'Avifauna of British India' was published, our knowledge of the TimaUine birds has advanced considerably, and many alterations and eliminations, with a few additions, are imperative. In the iirst jilat-e, the subfamily Brdcliypteryginoe must be removed to a place near the Thrushes, the spotted plumage in the young birds making it impossible to retain them in the present group. The genus Zosterops, again, appears to have no close connection with the Babblers and must form a family of its own, more properly placed near the Dieceidm. The Bulbuls differ from the true Babblers in their shorter tarsi and longer wings, and would seein also to form a fairly well-marked family already frequently differentiated as the Fycnonotidtv. Other genera and species which must be removed are Melanochlom to the Titmouses, Paridm, LeptopcBciU and dphalopyrus to the Megultdce and Psaraijhssa to the Starlings. There are, however, other birds of which the position is still very doubtful. Thus the genera Turdinulus and llimator are Wren-like in many respects though they possess very small rictal bristles. jEyithina and Aethorhj/nchug have a summer and winter [)lumage, differing in this respect from all other Babblers ; Chhropsk is perhaps nearer the Pycnonotidee than the Timaliidce, whilst Chaleoparia is undoubtedly a Sun-bird, though an aberrant one. So also the long-winged, t.hrush-like Jrena can have no connection with this family and Oberholser seems right in placing it in a family by itself. When we come to dividing the Timaliidae, into subfamilies in order to facilitate students' work, we are met with many difliculties. The differences relied on by Gates and Haringlonare often purely individual, varying greatly in degree in different genera. It cannot be either usefid or scientific to depend on noisiness and similar characteristics as guides to classification and, though the coloration of birds' eggs may help greatly in giving us hints as to their position in the Avifauna, we cannot rely on this exclusively as a
mifficient
ground for
differentiation.
The only
follows
:
three subfamilies I
now
retain
may
be diagnosed a&
Key
to
Subfamilies.
A. Sexes alike. a. Legs and feet very powerful; wings short and rounded habits mainly terrestrial 5. Legs and feet lei>8 powerful ; wings diort and
;
.
.
Timaliinte, p. 136.
rounded; halHts principally arboreal 9. Seicea dissimilar
....
SibUnte, p. 294. Liotriehina, p. S26>
136
TIMAHID^.
Suhfaiuily
TIMALIINiE.
This subfamily, as now constituted, contains Oates's Crateropoand the Timalh'na, which I find quite impossible to differentiate by any satisfactory character one from the other. The great majority of the Timaliivoe. are very gregarious and go about in flocks of considerable size, a few consort in small flocks, whilst fewer still are only found singly or in pairs. They feed principally on the ground or in bushes and long grass close to it, but some of thera also haunt trees in their quest for the insects wliicli form their main diet. Some of the genera comprise birds as noisy as any known, whilst others are birds with sweet notes or are silent. The most prominent chanicteristics are the very powerful legs and the weak, rouTided wings. The head is frequently fully crested, and is generally covered with somewhat erectile feathers even where there "is no definite crest. The bill is of almost every conceivable shajie. In habits they are non-inignitory, though some of the hill forms move up and down the hills under climatic stress and, whilst some species are very bold and haunt freely the vicinity of villages, others are among the most shy. In the following key an attempt has been made to discriminate between the genera in a way which will be easy for the field naturalist to work out; size and plainly visible features in construction being made use of.
diiia
Key
A. Tail more than 88 mm.
a.
a'.
to
Genera.
long.
bristles
.'
Bill not so lonj; as head.

Nosti-ils
almost hidden by
Dryonastks,
Garrul,4X,
p.
138.
Nostrils visible and oidy partly concealed
by
c'.
bristles
p. 145.
Nostrils not hidden by bristles but some-
times with a few long hairs. a". Hill not toothed at the extremity. a'". Tail tipped with white or brown b'". Tail with no white or brown tip.
'.
] Jill
'('.
Ianthocincla,p. 155.
long and slender.

tail
Wing longer than
STACTOCicr.A,p.l86.
A\
shorter than tail, a". Shafts of feathers of forehead short and not glistening i". Shafts of feathers of forehead long and glistening, a'. Upper parts uniform, not streaked, a". Feathers of breast not spinous
.
Wing
Tc hdoidks,
p. 190.
Ahgya,
p. 196.
4'.
Feathers of breast spinous

pai-ts striated
ACANTHOl>TILA,p.203.
v. Upper
....
b\
Bill short
and thick
Babax, p. 187. Gbammatopteca,

[p.
184.
TIMALIIKiE'.
b". Bill
c'".
137
toothed at the extremity, Bristles at gape stitt ; under parts
[p.
230.
whitish
d'". Bristles at
b. Bill
d'.
Gampsoehynchds,
;
gape hair-like parts parti-coloured
under
[p. 161.
Thociialoptkuum,
much compressed. [p. 205. than 50 mm. long I'omatohhinds, '. Bill more tlian 50 ram. long Xiphiramphus, B. Tail less than 88 mm. long, more than 46 mm. [p. 224. c. Wings short and rounded and titling in close to the body. f. Shafts of feathers of forehead stiff, c". Tail longer than wing. e". Shafts of feathers of crown not glistening I'yctobhis, p. 2iiS.
longer than head and
Bill less
Shafts of feathers of crown glistening. Bill black and stout Timai.ia, p. 225. f/'. Billpale-coloiired and more slender Dumetia, p, 228. d". \\'ing longer than tail. //'". Nostrils rounded and exposed. e*. Crown dark brown or blackish l{H()PocicHi.A,p. 281. /'. Crown rufous or rufous-brown Mixornis, p. 272. h'". Nostrils protected by overhanging membrane. [p. 201.
'".
e*.
.(/*.
h*.
Wing ovijr 70 mm Wing under 65 mm.

length.
c'\
</<'.
Thringobhina,
its
c'.
Culmen curved throughout
d''.
Space round the eye feathered Space round the eye naked. Culmen straigh t and bill w edge.
STAOHyms, p. Cyaxodkuma,
263. p. 271.
sliaped
</'.
Stachyjbidopsis,
stiff-
Shafts of feathers of forehead not
[p.
267.
shafted. e". Bill stout and straight, deeper at the centre than at the nostrils. t". Kictal bristles well developed. i'. Nostrils long, protected by an over-
hanging membrane
Nostrils oval and exposed /". Rictal bristles obsolete or only ". feebly developed /". Bill stout, generally curved throughout and deeper at the nostrils tnan in the middle.
.;'.
Curronia, p. 248. Malacocincla,
PKLLOaNECM,
[p. 260. p. 237.
k'".
k*.
Outer edges of primaries uniform. Nostrils long and overhung by a
membrane.
'.
Small
bristles
;
nostrils
overhanging the outer tail-feathers
less than
12 middle pair
bristles
mm.
shorter than
Alcippe,
p.
275.
/'.
No
over nostrils; outer tail-feathers more than 12 mm. shorter than middle pair ....
ScHaENiFABU8,p.283.
138
I'".
TlUA^hXlOJE.
Outer ed;e8 of primaries conspicuously parti-coloured. I*. Nostrils overhung by Imirs m*. Nostrils overhung by numerous
small haiis; tail strongly graduatt'd. Bill nan-ow ; hind toe and claw
Pskudominla, p.
286..
t'.
equal broad hind claw shorter than hind toe d. Wings longer,not so i-ouuded and not fitting close to the body. /*'. Wing more than three times length of
/'. Bill
;
FuLVETTA,
Liopabus,
p. 289.
p.
293.
tarsus
t',
HoiiiziLLAS,
p. 257.
Winer lessthan three times length of tarsus.

ff".
Tail more than three times length of tarsus h". Tail equal to twice length of tarsus.
.
[p.
258.
Ebythiiocichi.a,
^tiiobtoma,
p. 259.
C. Tail under 45 mm. ItiMATon, p. 2.')5. e. Bill as long as the head; curved downwards. Tiuidinulus, p. 250. straight. /. Bill half as long as the head
; .
.
Genus
DRYONASTES
Sharpe, 1883.
Dryonastes, of which D. ruficollis is the type, contains those Tjaughiiig-Thrushes which have the nostrils almost completely hidden by bristles, and in many respects show a similarity to the- Corvidce, from which, however, in others they are as widely divided as they are in their habits and nidification. They are all noisy, gregarious birds, feeding principally on the ground but also on bushes, and they eat both insects, seeds and
fruit.
The genus
Harington ))roposed to divide the birds of this genus into two genera on account of the varying degree of density in the plumes and bristles at the base of the bill and by the differences in the shape of the bill itself. To be consistent, however, one would have to make yet further genera, for if ruficollis differs in degree from ccei-ulatuK, so also galbanus differs to an equal extent from Under the circumstances it would seem wiser to keep ntfieolHs.
them
together,
and
this I do.
to
Key
a.
b.
Spedti and Subspecies.

Z). rttficoUis, p. 339.
A. Chin and throat black.

Ear-coverts black Ear-coverts white. a'. Back chestnut 5'. Back olive-brown B. Chin and throat white. c. Tail with no pale tip d. Tail with pale tip. cf. Ear-coverts white d'. Ear-coverts brown C. Chin and throat chestnut-brown D. Chin black, throat yeDow
Z). ntickalia, p. 140.
D.
chiitenm, p. 141.
p.
D. earulatui cmmlatm,
141.
D.
.
o. subearulatus, p. 142. I}, e, kaureruit, p. 143.
D, lannio, p. 144. D. galbanus, p. 146.
DfiYONASTES.
1 5M>
(120)
Dryonastes
ruficollis.
The
B.UFO0s-ifECKED Laughing-Thkush.
Icmthocincla nificoUis Junl.
&
&
Selby,
Oates,
111.
Orn., 2nd series,
jil.
21
(Himalayas).
DryoHctites nijicolln.
Blanf.
i,
p. 73.
/i/io (
Vernacular names. Pobdwja,Hath Gurrl-gurnCBeng.); MapchenLepcha) Doopookeka (Assam); Dao-popaMcu (Cachiiri).

;
Description. Crown and nape slati-grey; remainder of head, throat and centre of U])per breast blaik sides of neck to earcoverts bright chestnut ; upper plumajie and wings olive-brown; the outer webs of the primaries ashy; tail bluclc, the base suffused with olive-green; breast, upper abdouien, sides of the body and thighs olive-brown ; centre of lower abdomen and under tail-coverts bright i-hestnut.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red
legs, feet
;
and
bill
black.
Measurements. Totnl length about 250 mm. wing 100 to 105 mm.; tail about 115 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen
about 20
mm.
Distribution. Eastern Nepal, through Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, Mauipur, Lushai, Tippera and Chittagong Hill tracts, and iihamo and the Upper Chindwin.
Nidification. The liufous - necked Laughing - Thrush breeds principally in April and May, but nests may be found containing eggs almost any time from March to August, and 1 have had them brought to me once in September. Tlie nests are deep, rather untidy structures of grass, leaves, roots and tendrils lined with
roots, fern-rachides or coarse fibre. They are cup-shaped and are generally placed in high bushes or small trees in scrub-jungle or the secondary growth in deserted cultivation. The eggs number
and are an intensely glossy pale skim-milk blue, pale blue or practically white, the latter being rare. 200 eggs average 26*7 X 20-0 mm. They breed generally below 2,000 feet.
tliree or four
is a very gregarious, very noisy the outskirts of villages, scrub- and bamboojungle, reeds or long grass. It is very partial to the dense matted growth which at once springs up in deserted cultivation but it is not a forest bird, and when seen in the forest it will be only on the fringe of it. The parties, which may number anything from balf-a-dozen to twenty or more, feed both on the ground and in amongst the lower cover, clambering freely about 111 a very energetic manner and keeping up a continual noisy ohatter, which every now and then bursts into a perfect babel of shrieks, lauglis and expostulations. They are not shy birds and do not resent observation, though from their habits they may somethe vicinity of villages the flocks are times be difficult to see but
Ha1)it8. This
Laughing-Tbrush
bird,
haunting
140
TiirAiiiD*.
very tame and confiding. They keep generally below 2,000 feet and are most common in the low foot-hills and adjoining plains, hut they are also found up to 4,000 feet.
(121) Dryonastes nuchalis.
Ogle's LAucHiifG-THiiusH.
GarntlaA' nuchalis Godw.-Ausit., A.
M. N. H.,
i,
(4) xviii, p. 41 1 (1876)
(Dibrugarh, Assam).
JJri/otucdes nuchalis.
Blaiif.
&
Oatea,
p. 74.
Vernacular names. PaZ,--c7u-M-a(Tians-Dikkii Nagas). Description. .Forehead, upper portion of cheeks and round the ve black ; crown and nape slate-grey a few po.nted white feathers in frout of the crown hind neck and upper back chestnut remaining upper plumage olive-brown, the outer webs of the quills tinged with paler grey und ti|)S of tail-feathers broadly black lower parts of cheeks, ear-coverts and sides of neck v^'hite chin and throat black breast light ashy remainder of lower plumage olive-brown.
;
legs
Colours of soft parts. Iris blood-red to brick-red bill black and feet pale fleshy or fleshy-grey, toes the same or a shade
; ;
darker.
Measurements. Total length about 135 mm. wing 106 to 112 mm.; tail about 110 mm.; culmen about 25 mm.
;
Distribntion. Hills South of the Brahmaputra from Naogang to the extreme east of Lakhimpur from the foot-hills up to some This Laughing-Thrush probably does not occur in 3,000 feet. Mauipur, certainly not in tlie Cachar Hills adjoining.
Nidification. Ogle's Laughing-Thrush has so far only been found breeding by Dr. Coltart and later by myself round about Margherita in the extreme east of the Assam Valley. It is a common bird in the higher foot-hills from about 500 feet up to about 3,000 feet during the breeding season, which is from April to June. The nest is like that of the Bufous-necked LaughingThrush but bigger and more massive. It is generally placed in scrub-jungle in ravines or broken country. The eggs numlier two or three and are a rather darker blue than the eggs of the last bird and not so glossy as a rule, though one set of pure white Forty eggs eggs taken by Dr. Coltart are very highly glossed. average about 28-5 x 20-7 mm. Habits. At present there is nothing recorded about this bird, but from what we saw of it at Margherita it differs little from the rest of the genus. Perhaps not quite so noisy as rujkollis, i1 indulges in much the same games of follow- my-leader through scrub- and bamboo-jungle, each bird every now and then clambering up to the top of a bush and shouting loudly to the others, who in turn emulate both his climbing feats and his cackling laugh,
SBXOMASTBB.
141!
a chorus from the rest urging each to do his best. They are not very shy, but from iheir habit of feeding on the ground in thick scrub are more often heard tliau seen. They appear never to be found in the plains and probably never over about 3,000 feet.
(122)
Dryonastes chinensis leucogenysJiiiACK-THROATBD Laughing-Thrush.

(Upper
The
C'rateropug leucogem/a Blyth, J. A. S.B., xi, p. 180 (1843) Bengal, in errore). Dryonastes chinensis. Blanf & Dates, i, p. 74.
.

Description. Crown and nape slaty-blue, the anterior portion of the crown streaked with wliite ; cheeks and ear-coverts white remainder of head to upper breast black; upper plumage and exposed parts of the wings rich olive-brown, outer webs of first primaries silvery-grey; tail olive-brown, the terminal quarter black ; breast, sides of neck and upper abdomen ashy-grey ;, remainder of lower surface olive-brown.
plumbeous
to
Colours of soft parts. Iris red bill black ; mouth and eyelids legs fleshy-brown ; claws horn-colour.
; ;
Measurements. Total length about 280 to 290 mm.; wing 110 115 mm. tail about 115 to 120 mm. culmen about 22 mm. Distribution. The Southern Shan States, Tounghoo to th(> southern half of Pegu, Yunnan, ? South- West China. Nidification unknown. Harington's eggs are very doubtful.
; ;
Habits, llarington says that this is a very commoTi bird at Tounghoo. It has a series cf fine notes which can hardly be called a song as well as many of the harsher notes of the genus. In general its habits are much those of the rest of the family.
It
is
a favourite cage-bird in China.

is
The bird from S.W. China new subspecies germaini.
probably Eobinson and Kloss's.

leiicogenys as
I designate the type locality of
Meetan, Pegu.
(123)
Dryonastes cserulatus csrulatus.

Gebi'-sidbd LAUGHUfs-THKUSH.
The
Cinclosoma asrulatm Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 147 (1836) (Nepal). Dryonastes ctenilatus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 76.
Yernacular names. Tarma-2^ho (Lepcha) ; Piang-kam (Bhut.). Description. Forehead, the upper part of the cheeks and round' the eye black; ear-coverts black above, whitish tipped with rufous below ; upper plumage and sides of neck rufous-brown, brighter on the greater coverts, the outer webs of the quills and on the head, the feathers of which have narrow edges of black ; rump.
142
tinged with ashy
TIMAUIDJE.
;
tail chestnut-brown ; lower parts of cheeks rufous-brown ; extreme point of chin black ; remainder of chin, throat, the middle of the breast and abdomen and under tail-coverts white sides of breast and abdomen aslij
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown bill horny-blaclr, " Orbital akin paler and {jrever at the base legs pale fleshy.
; ;
livid
''
(Jerdon).
;
Measurements. Length about 280 ram. tail about. 120 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.
wing 103 to 108 mm. culmen about 20 mm.
and
Distribution. Nepal, ISikkim, hills A'orth of tlie Biiihniiiputra hill-ranges of ]Vorth Manipur, JN'aga lliils to Dibrugarh.
Fig. 2T.
Head of S.
c.
caruliifus.
May and June and occasionbetween 6,000 and 8,000 feet, making a bulky, cup-shaped nest of twigs, bamboo leaves, grass, roots and stems of plants, lined with finer roots and fem-rachides and placed in small trees or high bushes at any height between 5 and 15 feet. The eggs, two or three in number, are pale blue-green, very like those of Garrulax monilkier, but the texture is smoother and closer though not nearly so hard or glossy as those of the nj/Jco^Zts group.
Nidification. Breeds in Sikkim in
ally as early as April at
Fifteen eggs average 30'5
x 221 mm.
Habits. Similar to those of the rest of the genus. This bird, however, is one of high altitudes, being found principally between ^,000 and 5,000 feet, and ascending up to 6,000 feet in summer and descending to about 2,000 in winter.
(124)
Bryonastes csralatus snbcsBrolatns.

TlIE SHItLONG LiTJGHING-THBPSH.
Garrula.v subctsrulatus Hume, S. F., vii, p. 140 (1878) (Shillong). Dryonaaies subcarulatus. Blauf. & Oates, i, p. 76.
Yernacnlar names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last, but has the ear-coverts and -cheeks above and below them white, just tipped here and thefe with black ; the three outermost pairs of tail-feathers are broadly vtipped with white and the upper parts are rather paler.
DBYONASTBS,
Colours of soft parts and Keasurements as in D.
Distribution. Khasia Hills only.
e.
148
emrulatus.
June
Nidification. The Shillong Laughing-Thrush breeds in May and The nest in the pine-forests betwi'en 4,000 and 0,000 feet. is like that of the last bird, but seldom has bamboo leaves in the materials of whicii it is composed and, on the other hand, often has pine needles. It is generally placed in a high, thin bush in one of the numerous bush- and ferii-eovered nullahs or ravines running through the pine-forests but it may also be found iu tangles of raspberry or blackberry vines within a couple of feet
of the ground.
The eggs number two or three, very rarely four, those of ccerulaUw, ))erhnps a little more highly polished, yet never like the eggs of the liufous- necked LiiughingThrusli. i'orty eggs average 293 X 20'8 mm., but vary very greatly
and are
like
in size.
not so noisy a bird as most others of the genus has the same habit of wandering about in flocks of half-a-dozen to a dozen in undergrowth tind scrub-jungle, all the while keeping up constant conversation which now and then breaks out into violent abuse or argument. Many of its notes are very full, soft and jileasant, but others are equally harsh and discordant. It feeds much on the ground or in low bushes, but I have seen it working at some height on the rhododendron trees near the Shillong Peak. It never seems to descend helow 3,000 feet and is found up to 6,2i)0 feet on the highest peaks.
Habits. This
is
Dn/otuiKtes, but
it
(125)
Dryonastcs caerulatus kaurensis.
The Kachin Hills LAUOHiNe-THKusH.

Drt/onastes kauremis
Eippon, Bull. B. 0.
C,
xii,
p.
13 (1901)
(Bhamo).
Vernacular names. Wo-Jcrang-h-ang-from/ (Kacliin).

Description. Differs from D.
c.
mbearuluttts in having rufescent-
brown
ear-coverts.
Colours of soft parts. " Orbital skin and naked patch round the
eye slaty-blue " (Uarington).
Measurements. Totallength about 287mm.; culmen26-6mBa.; wing 104-6 mm. tail 115-3 mm. tarsus 40-6 mm, {llippon).
; ;
Distribution. North and Central Kachin Hills.
Hariagton and Grant found it breeding in the April, May and June. The nest, which is generally composed of bamboo leaves and lined with roots, was placed either in clumps of hill-bamboo or in high bushes. The eggs, two in number, are like those of easrulattu but perhaps rather darker. Ten eggs average 30-5 x 21-5 mm.
Nidification.
BhaiDO
district iu
144
TIMALIID^.
Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is found between 5,000 and 7,000 feet in the Bhanio Hills it is said to have a " very fine, almost human whistle which can easily be imitated and by which It generally keeps to very dense forest." it can be called up.
;
(126)
Dryonastes sannio.
The White-bkowed LAUGniNG-Timusji.

Garrulax sannio Swinh.,
Z>]-}/outisfes
Ibia, 1807, p.
408 (China).
p. 76.
sannio.
Jiluuf.
&
Oates,
i,
Vernacular names. Shong-sliay, Wo-frotv (Kachin).

Description. Lores, cheeks, loiver part of the ejir-coverts and a. supercilium to the nape yellowish white ; remainder of head, neck, chin and throat chestnut-brown upper plumage and exposed parts. of wings olive-brown ; tail rufoiis-brown centre of breast and abdomen pale ochraceous; sides of same rufouts olive-brown j under tail-coverts bright ochraceous.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pale brown with a faint purplish-fleshy tinge claws darker ; bill blat-kish orbital skin pale flesliy-grcy ; iris dull brownish maroon, li\er-browii, or light
; ;
brown {Hume). Heasnremeuts. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 95 to 99 mm.; tail about 100 to 105 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen.
about 18 to 19
Distribution.
mm.
The extreme east of Cachar Hills, Manipur, Chin Shan States into S.W. China, Folikien {Let
in February, but
to-
and Kachin
Touche).
Hills,
Nidification.
The breeding season commences

April and
most eggs are
laid in
May
and from then onwards
the middle of June. The nest is like that of ruficollts but with more grass in its construction, and is generally placed low down in brambles, bushes or thick grass, but in the Shan States it appears to select small trees and saplings for nesting purposes. The eggs vary from two to four in number and in colour from pure white to pale blue. They have the extremely hard, glossy texture of the eggs of the Rufous-necked Laughing-Thrush from which they cannot be distinguished. Eighty eggs average26-0 X 19-6 mm".
>.
Habits. A very rare bird in Cachar and Manipur, this LaughingThrush becomes extremely common in the Kachin and Chin Hills, between 3,000 and 5,500 feet. In its habits it is the same noisy, gregarious bird as is rvfieolUs, and, though a skulker in low jungle^ is not shy or intolerant of observation. According to Hariiigton they collect together in the eveniners and are then often very noisy, but their notes are more complaining and less hilarious thaik
those of the White-crested Laughing-Thrushes.
GABEITLAX.
(127)
145
Dryonastes galbanus.
Axisthn's Laxjghing-Theush.
Gar rulax galbanus Godw.-Aust., P. Z. S., 1874, Dryonastes galbanus. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 68.
p.
44 (Manipur).
A narrow ashy-white supercilium; crown and nape ashy-brown ; rest of head and chin black upper plumage, wingcoverts and outer webs of secondaries ochraceous brown ; the outer wehs of primaries ashy-olive inner webs of all quills brown tail greeuish-ashy, the four middle feathers broadly tipped with black and sub-tipped whitish, the others broadly tipped with white preceded by blackish; lower plumage yellow washed with olive on the sides ; under tail-coverts white.
Description.
; ; ;
Bill
black;
legs
ash-grey;
iris
red-
brown
(Godtu.-Austen).
Measurements. Length about 240 to 250 mm.; wing 92 to 96 tail about 105 to 110 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm. culmen about 20 to 22 mm.
mm.;
Distribution.
Nidiflcation.
Manipur and Chin

In
all resjiects like
Hills.
that of the last bird. Thirty eggs average 24-3 x 18-5 mm. and cannot be distinguished from those of that Laughing-Thrush, except that they are a trifle smaller and perhaps rather less glossy.
Habits. Similar to tliose of ruficollis, but found principally between 2,500 and 5,(J00 feet. It is said also to be more of a forest bird in the Chin Hills and less restricted to scrub and bush-jungle, though Hume found it frequenting grass-lands in very large flocks, 50 to 80 in number, in Manipur.
Genus
GABRULAZ
Lesson, 1831.
Oarrvlouc differs from Dryonastes in having fewer and hairs covering the nostrils, which are clearly visible. The feathers of the head are in most species long and ample, and
bristles
The genus
in some are developed into long crests. At first sight the White-headed Laughing-Thrushes appear to be divided from the rest of the genus by their fine crests and by the fact that they lay eggs of a totally difierent character to those of the other genera. Now, however, that Mr. J, Stewart has taken many nests of Q. ddesserti in Tria van core, it is found that this bird, though in other respects like the species which lay blue eggs, lays round white eggs, exact miniatures of those of G. lextcolophtit. All the species within Indian limits lay unspotted eggs, either blue or white.
VOL
I.
146
TIMALIID,E.
Key
a.
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Ci-own and crest white.

Ujjpor breast white, distinctly defined from rufous of h)wev breiist and
abdomen
b.
G.
G.
/.
lencolophns, p, 14(5.
helam/cri, p. 14S. diardi, p. 148.
Uroast white, nierpiug into rufous of

iibdonien
I.
1.
and entire abdomen white B. Crest not present, crown not while. d. .V well-marked black pectoral bnnd.
c.
Bvi'iist
G.
e.
black cheek-stripe. u". Tips to tail white h''. Tips to tail buff Ii'. No black cheek-stripe. r" Tips to tail white d". Tips to tail buff No pectoral band.
a'.
.
G.p.
pectoralis, p. 150.
G.}). sevtiturquata, p. 161.
G, ni. moniliger, p. lOl. G. m.fiifCdlii, p. l^S.

G.
f/uli(rin, p. 1 'r2.
('.
d'.
Chin and throat yellow Chin and throat white.
e". Tail entirely blacrk /". Tail tippt'd with white. '". Darkia'
b'".
e'.
G.
delexnerti, p.
1 10.
I'aler
<.;hin
and
tliront
chocolate-brown
G. n. (dliDi/uhiris, p. 15.'5. G. a. whii'tkri, p. 154. G. utrepiditif, p. 154.
(128)
Garrulax leucolophus leucolophus.

Whitk-cbesteb Laugiunc-Tukush.
xi, p.
Tnii lliMAL.vYAN
Corvtts leucolophun
Hardw., Trans. Linn. Soc,

Blanf.
208 (1816)
(Mt. above Hardwar),
Garrulax leucolophus.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 77.
Vernacular names. Bawil-Kuhy {llmdi iiiN. W.P.); Karrio-pho (Lepcha) ; Karria-yoka (Bhutan) Naga-dhaopoolelca (Assam)
;
Dao-Jlantu (Cachari),
Description. Lores, ear-eoverts and round the eye black ; the bead to nape and to lower breast pure white, the longest feathers of the crest dark ashy-grey a ferruginous collar below upper breast merging into the olive-brown of the rest of upper and lower plumage ; wings brown, the outer webs of the feathers like the back tail brown washed with olive-brown flanks, lower breast and abdomen like the back, but with a tinge of rufous throughout.
rest of the
; ;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown bill horny-black to fleshy -grey, the soles paler and ; legs and feet slate claws darker ; orbital skin dull slate.
;
to black
Heagnrements. Length about 300 mm.. ; wing 132 to 137 mm. about 130 to 135 mm. ; tarsus about 45 mm. culmen about 28 to 30 mm.
tail
;
Distribntion. Himalayas from Simla to North Chin achin Hills and North and Central Burma.
Hills,
QAHEUIiAX.
147
Nidificatiou. As with so many of the common birds, the breeding season of this Laughiiig-f hriish is very extended, eggs being laid from the end of March to the beginning of August, the latter being second broods. They breed from practically the level of the plains up to 5,000 feet, but between ],0U0 and 2,50 feet is the favourite altitude. The uests are broad, but shallow, cups, rather loosely put together and are generally composed for the main part of grans and bamboo leaves, bound together with stems
of plants, tendrils, roots and feni-rnchides and mixed more or less with dead leaves, dried inoss, etc. Tlie lining is of coarse roots, fern-rachides and tendrils. They may be placed in almost any })osition from low down in scrub and brambles to 20 feet up in small saplings, but a coramon site is some thorny, and not too dense, bush in light undergrowth.
Fig.
28. Head
of G.
I.
Icucolophux.
']"ho eggs number from three to five, two or six only very rarely. They are a pure china- white iu colour, hard and glossy with numerous pits, a feature shown in no other egg of this family. In sha])e they are very spherical, and but for their stoutness and the pits might easily be nn"staken for Kingfishers' eggs. 200 eggs average 28'1 x 22-8 mm., and the extremes in length and breadth are 30-0 x 23-4 mm., 287 x 241 mm. and 260 x 210 mm.
Habits.
putra.
The White-crested Laughing-Thrush

hills in
is
extremely
abundant in the lower
the North and South of the
Brahma-
It is one of the noisiest of birds, always calling to one another in notes of varying degrees of harshness, the big flocks in which it congregates every few minutes indulging in an outburst
of cackling and laughing calls in which each member tries to outshout the rest. These outbursts are often accompanied by dancing and flapping of wings as the birds clamber about the undergrowth or work along the ground underneath. They are not shy birds, and if one keeps quiet they show far more interest in eacli other and in their food than they do in the intruder. Moreover, they are most inquisitive birds and must investigate carefully everything they cannot understand. They may be found in flocks even in the breeding season, and a bird seated on her 1,2
148
TIMAhUDJE.
nest has been heard joining in the chorus of a number engaged in the cackling and clambering round about her.
(129)
Garrulax leucolophus belangeri.

LAirGUiNO-Tuiiusii.
p. (548
The Bcrmbse Whith-ceksteu

Oiites,
i,
Gnmtla.v belam/en Less., Tiaitc d'Oin.,

p. 7Si.
(18;3]); Blanf.
&
Vernacular names.
(Burmese).
Wa-youn-lmet,
Way-onng-hnet-gouwj
bf/n
Description. Differs from the preceding in having the white of the breast running into the abdomen instead of being sharp]y defiued by the rufous colour. The colour of the up|)er parts is a hglit ferruginous- rather than an olive-browu.
lencolojiJius.
last,
Measurements. A ratlier smaller bird than the of about 125 to 130 mm.
Distribution.
with a wing
Lower
Cliiu
siiid
Yunnan, Nortii and South Shan States, Annain, Ivachin Hills, Pegu and Teiiasseriin.
Similar to that of the last
bird,
Nidiflcation.
twelve eggs
averaging 28-3 x 22-7
Habits
differ in
mm. no way from
those of the last or the next bird.
(!30) Garrulax leucolophus diardi. Thk Siamese Wuite-ceested LAUGniNG-TiiKtjsH,

Tiirdiis
Giirndax diardi,
diardi Less., Traitd d'Orn., Blanf. & Gates,
p.
i,
408
(18.31) (Siam).
p. 79.

Description. Differs from the other two races by the grey of the crest merging into the rufous back instead of contrasting therewith. The whole of the abdomen is white.
Colonrs of soft parts as in the other races.
Measurements. The hirgest of the three races with a wing between 135 and 140 mm. Distribution. Extreme South Yunnan, Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Cochin China, rarely extending into South-East Tenasseriiri, and then in a somewhat intermediate form approaching hehmyeri. The speeiiaens in the British Museum from the Si)an States and
Annam
labelled ''diardi" should all be referred to the last race,
heUtmien.
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the other races. Twelve eggs average 27'4 x 22-4 mm., but a larger series would probablv average bigger.
Habits. Like those of the other races but this form appears to be found well into the plains.
GARBUIiAX.
149
(i;ii)
Garrulax
delesserti.
Tub Wynaad LAHGiirNG-TuEUSH.

C'raf/'ropits
deli'sscrti Jerd., Madr. Jour. L. (AV^'naad, S. India). (jwiiilax deleuerti. Blanf. &, Oatcs, i, p. 82.
B.,
x,
p.
ôO
(18."i9)
Vernacular names. Poong Karuvi
(Tel.).
Description. Lores, ear-coverl;s and louiid the eve black; forehead, crown, miintle and sides of neck deep slaty-grev, the forehead mottled with lighter grev ; back, rump and visible portions of wing chestunt-brown, except the outer webs of the lirst few primaries which are duller; upper tail-coverls brighter chestnut; tail black, tinged with rufous at tlie base: extreme point of cliin black; remainder of chin, cheeks and throat white; breast and upper i)art of abdomen ashy-grej'; lower part of abdomen, vent, I highs and under tail-coverts deep chestnut.
Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson ; upper mandible blackish brown, lower uiundible pale fleshy legs, feet and claws fleshy;
white.
Measurements. Total leiigth about 250 to 260 mm. wing 100 to 105 mm. tail 08 to 102 ram. ; tarsus about 38 mm. culmen about 24 nnn.
;
;
Distribution. of Travancore.
The
hills of S.
India from the
Wynaad
to the south
Nidification. Mr. J. Stewart describes the nest as varying greatly in character. In some it is a rather bulky, deep cup, almost semi-domed, others it is a cup hardly bigger than that of MolpaMes. It is composed of grass, leaves, weed stems, etc, lined with roots and placed either in a bush or in a tangle of
creepers and briars. The breeding season is March to May, but Mr. Stewart has taken eggs in February and again in August, the latter possibly a second laying. The eggs are generally two or three in number, very rarely four. Tliey are in appearance a link between those of the df. Ifttcohphus group and those of the other Laughing-Thrushes. Pure white and very round in shape like the eggs of the former they are a little less hard-shelled nd have no pits ; on the other hand, they are harder shelled and different in texture to the eggs of the latter. 50 eggs average 27"5 X 20-5 mm.
The
birds appear to breed at all heights
up
to 4,000 feet, but
principally
between 1,500 and 2,500
feet.
Habits. Apparently found from the level of the plains up to the highest hills, haunting thick underwood and having the same noisy and gregarious habits as others of the genus.
150
TIMALIIDiE.
(132)
Garrulax pectoralis pectoralis.

BLAOK-aoiiciBTisD
Tub Indian
Garrulax
Laughing-Thkush.
183r), p.
i,
Innthucinda pectoralis (Jould, P.Z.S.,

pectovalisi.
180 (Nepal).
Blaiif.
&
Ontes,
p. 80.
Vernacular names.
OI-pJio
(Lepcha)
Bum
Penga (Bengali).
Description. Foreliead to tail and M-ing-coverts fulvous olivebrown; a broad collar on the hind neck brighter t'ulvous; tail like tlie back, i.lie outer feathers broadly tipped with white and with subterniinal bands of lilack; the middle t,ail-feather8 uni-coloured and the next two pairs witli blaek bands onl\' ]iriuiary-co\erts black edged with hoary ; exposed parts of quills olive-brown, the
;
edged witli hoary ; lores and a. narrow superciliuni white; ear-coverts black and white or almost entirely white or entirely black; a cheek-stri])e from the gape, continued round the ear-coverts to the upper part of the eye, and a broad pectoral band, the remainder of the under ])arts black; chin and throat whitish fulvous, albescent on the abdomen.
earlier primaries
;
Coloars of soft parts. Upper mandible dark horn-colour; the lower bluish-horn at the base and tip, dark brown in the middle mouth bluish iris yellow, orange-yellow or ornngebrown eyelids and orbital skiu dusky blue, edges of the ej'êlids orange-yellow legs light to dark slaty-grej% davps pale horn.
; ;
Measurements. Total lengtli about 330 to 340 mm. wing 142 to 150mm.: tail about 130 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen about 30 mm. Distribution. Nepal to E. Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, N. Burma and N. Shan States.
;
many
Nidification. Breeds from the end of March to early June, birds having second broods in July and August. The nests
are large, loosely-built cups of leaves, bamboo leaves, grass, roots and stems of weeds, sometimes with moss added, and lined ith finer roots, tendrils and fern stems. They may be placed in any thick bush, sapling or clump of bamboos, sometimes quite close to the ground, at other times 20 feet from it. The eggs are generally four in number, sometimes three and rarely five. In colour they are a rather deep blue-green, but quite pale ones are not uncommon rather long in shape, the texture is smooth and there is very little gloss. The 200 eggs average 81 "4 x 22'7 mm. extremes of size are 33-8 X 22-7; 29-2 X 24-1; 28-7 X 21-6 and 30-2 X 20-9 mm.
;
Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is a bird of low elevations; it is in the plains near tiie hills and breeds principally below 2,500 though it may be found up to 4,500 feet. It is very gregarious, and may often be seen associating with other LaughiugThrushes, especially with the Necklaced Laiighing-Thrush. They are not shy, but from their habit of keeping much to dense
common
QAKBULAX.
undergrowth they are
151
less often seen than heard, for they are as noisy as the rest of their family. They indulge in the same dances during the early part of the season and not infrequently at other times also, hopping about the ground, flirting and spreading their wings, bowing and performing like circus contortionists, all the time loudly applauding their own performances.
(133)
G-armlaz pectoralis semitorquata.
The Btihmbsb Black-gok&eted LAtrouiNG-THEUsH.

Oarrulax semitorquata Ogilvie-Orant, Bull. B. O. C,
(Five-finger Mt., Hainan).
x, p.
49 (1900)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the last bird in having the tips to the tail-feat liers buff instead of white and the pectoral baud frequently interrupted in
tlie
centre.
Colours of soft parts and Measnrements as in the last bird.

DiBtri1i)Ution.
8.
Burma,
IS.
Shan
States,
Yunnan, Siam and

50 eggs
Hainan.
average 30'7
Nidification and Habits as in pectwalis pectoralis. X 22-0 mm.
(134)
Garrulax moniliger moniliger.
The Indian Necklaceu LAUGHiifG-THEUsn.

C'indosoma moniligera Hodp^s., As. Res., xix,
p.
147 (1830) (Nepal).
Garrulax moniliyer.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 81.
Vernacularnames. 0^2)''(rêpcha); Piang-Tcam(]ih.xxt.); Poreri Chota penga (Bengali). Description. Differs from pectoralis in wanting the black cheekstripe and in having the primary-coverts the same as the others, not black. The ear-coverts are black and white, varying much
or Purirhi (Daphia)
;
individually.
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale yellow to bright yellow ; eyelids legs bill dark horn-colour, the tip and edges paler ; light plumbeous, claws pale horn-colour. In young birds the eyes are greenish yellow or a pale washed-out blue.
dull purple
;
Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing 123 to tail about 120 to 125 mm. ; tarsus about 43 mm. ; culmen about 28 mm. Distributioa. Practically the same as that of G, pectoralis
128mm,;
pectoralis.
Nidiflcation. This Laughing-Thrush has breeding habits, season, elevation, etc., all identical with its larger cousin, pectoralis ; the nests are indistinguishable, but the eggs can be told by their smaller
size.
200 eggs average about
28-4:
X 21-3 mm.,
but the largest of
152
TIMAWID.B.
these exceed in eize the smallest of those of the lilack-gorgeted Laughing-Tbriish.
The extremes are maxima, 30-3 X 21-0 and 27-9 X 23"5 mm. minima 27*0 X 21-6 and 27-2 x 19-8 mm. Habits exactly the same as those of pe'ctoralis, with which it
frequently consorts.
(135) (Jarrulaz moniliger fdscata.
The Bubmbsk Necklaced LAUGiiiNG-TuRrsH.

Garrukix moniliger fuscata Stuart Baker, Bull, B. O. C, xxxvii, p. C4 (1918) (Tavoy).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from G. m. moniliger in having the tips to the tail-feathers buff instead of white and in, r/enerally, having more vhite and less black on the ear-coverts.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last, but South Burmese birds are rather smaller. Distribution. South Central Burma and Siam to the south of Tenasserim.
bird.
Nidification and Habits differ in no way from those of the last 60 eggs average 27'8 x 21-3 mm.
(136)
Garrulax gularis.
S.,
i,
McCtELiiAND's Laughing-Thrush.
lanthodncln gidaris McOlell., P. Z.
GarruUiA- gttlarit.
Blanf.
1830, p. 150 (Cachar).

p. 81.
&
Gates,
Vemacnlarnames. Dao-ria pMng
{C&ch&Ti).
DeBcription. Lores, ear-coverts and under the eyes black ; forehead, crown, nape, mantle and sides of the neck slaty-grey ; back, rump and visible portions of the wing deep chestrut-brown, except the outer webs of the first primaries, which are duller ; upper tailcoverts deeper chestnut; the four central tail-feathers rufousbrown on the basal two-thirds of their length, then black ; the others all pale chestnut, the fourth pair from the outside partially black on the inner web ; extreme point of chin black ; remainder of chin, ciieeks, throat, fore neck, centre of breast and abdomen yellow sides of breast and upper abdomen dark ashy-grey ; lower part of flanks, thighs, vent and under tail-coverts deep chestnut.
;
Colours of soft parts. Bill black
irides
crimson or bright red.
Heanurements. Length about250mm ; wing about 95 to 100mm. tail about the same tarsus about 38 mm. ; culmen about 28 mm. Distributioa. The bills South of the Brahmaputra, from Cachar to Lakhimpur and the Dafla Hills.
;
Vidification. McClelland's Laughing-Thrush is resident and breeds throughout its range, the great majoritj of eggs being laid
GAHKXri,AX.
153
in May but others also in late April and tliroughout June. The nest is a typical Laughing-Thrush's nest, a large, shallow and rather
initidy cup, but more tendrils are used in its construction than 1 have noticed in the nests of others of the genus. It is generally built in dense forest, and may be placed in bushes or in saplings between 3 and 20 feet from the ground. The eggs are two or three in number, rather long ovals, more smooth and glossy than the eggs of most of its genus, but less so than tliose of Dryonwtes They vary in colour from pure white to pale blueruficolUs etc. green, and TOO eggs average 29-2 X 20-5 mm. The extremes in
measurement are 31'0xl9-8; 29-0 x 21-7; 25-5 x 19-6 and 27-8

19-2
mm.
Habits. This is a Laughing-Thrush of rather high elevations, seldom under 3,500 and hardly ever below 2,000 feet, even in winter, though a straggler was obtained at Lakhimpur in Cacliar, practically in the plains. It is a less noisy, less gregarious bird than many of its nearest relations and keeps much to dense forest rather than to scrub. It has a loud, rather sweet whistle in addition to the usual cackling notes of its kind.
(137) Grarrulax albogularis albogularis.
Tub White-turoateu Laughing-Thrush.

lanthochiHa rilbcgvlaris
(iarrulax
albif/itlaris.
nouW,
ISlanf.
&
P. Z. S., 1835, p. 187 (Nepal). Gates, i, p. 82.
Vernacular names. Kan-iam-pho (Lepcha). Description. Forehead fulvous lores and feathers above and below eye black ; cheeks, chin and throat white ; upper plumage rich olive-brown, tinged with fulvous on the crown and ear-coverts and ritsty on the upper tail-coverts wings brown, edged with the
; ;
colour of the back; tail olive-brown, the four outer pairs of feathers very broadly tipped with white ; sides of neck and a broad pectoral band olive-brown ; ren)ainder of lower plumage bright ferruginous.
Colours of soft parts. Bill black or dull black, inside of mouth yellow legs, feet and claws pale fleshy plumbeous to ilarker livid plumbeous ; iris greyish blue.
;
Measurements. Length about 300 to 310 mm.; wing 123 to 133 mm., average 128 mm. tail 140 to 145 mm. tarsus about 48 mm. ; culmen about 25 mm. Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim, but not in Bhutan or Assam, except twice in the Barail Eange in N. Cachar. Nidification. The only nest recorded is one taken by myself in N. Cachar. Neither nest nor eggs differ in any way from those of
;
the next and better
known form.
Habits. Similar to those of the next bird.
154
(138)
TIMAUIDJ;.
Garrulax albognlaris whistleri.
The Westkhn WHriE-TH boated Lauguing-Thuush.

Garrula.r alhogularis whutleii Stnart Haker, Bull. B. 0. p. 29 (1921) (Simla).
C,
xlii,

Description. Differs from true albof/ularis in having the upper parts paler, more grey and less red, in having the red of the under parts paler and duller, and in being distinctly bigger.
Colours of soft parts as in the
last bird.
J
Measurements. Wing 132 (very abi-aded) to mm. other measurements in proportion.

;
44, average 139
Distribution. Himalayas from the Hazara country to Garhwal.

Nidification. Breeds at all ranges between 4,000 and 9,000 feet in May and June, making a cup-shaped nest of grass, leaves, roots, tendrils, etc., rather loosely put together and generally bound with Sometimes there is no lining, at other times it is well reed stems. Tliey are usually built in small, lined with moss and fern roots. fairly thick bushes iti dense forest, less often in small trees and rarely in scrub or secondary growth. The eggs runuber three,
seldom two and even more seldom four, and are of a beautiful dark blue, darker tlian that of any other egg except Hodgsonius phoenicuroides. In shape they are fairly long ovals, and the average of 50 eggs is 29'0x21*l mm.
glossy
Hal)it8. These birds are as gregarious and almost as noisy ns the White-crested Laughing-Thrushes, remaining in flocks even during the breeding season. They are birds of high elevations and do not seem to wander down much below 3,000 feet, though they may be found a little lower in winter. They keep much to forest, feeding on the ground and on low undergrowth. Though from their habits difficult to watch, they are not shy birds.
(139)
Garrulax strepitans.
TicKELi's Laughing-Thkush.
Garrulax strepitans Blyth,
Muleyit, Tenasserini)
;
J.
A. S. B., xxiv,
p.
268 (1858) (Mt.
BJanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 83.

Description. Forehead, crown and nape reddish brown ; face black ; hinder portion of ear-coverts ferruginous ; a spot on either side of the neck white ; hind neck, sides of neck and upper back ashy, paler and whiter in front, darker behind, and blending with the ohve-brown of the upper plumage and wings ; tail blackish, marked with olive-brown on the outer webs ; throat and breast
chocolate-brown, the latter bordered by ashy blending with the olive-brown of the remainder of the plumage.
lANTHOClNClA.
;
155
Colours of soft parts. Iris red, lake-red or criinsori legs and feet very dark browu to almost black, claws horny-brown ; bill black.
Measarements. Length about 300 to 310 mm. wing 132 to 135 mm. tail about 135 nnri. ; tarsus about 45 to 47 mm. ; culmcn about 27 mm.
; ;
Distribution. Tenasserim and North and South-West Siaiii, where specimens have been obtaiued at Kooti Tan and Si-sa-wad.
Nidiftcation
unknown.
Habits. Davison says that it is a noisy but shy bird, avoiding observation. "Not by any means unconniion, occurring in small flocks of twenty or more, and keeping entirely, so far as I have observed, to the forest, especially to the ravines here this is
densest."
(Jeiuis
lANTHOCINCLA
Gould, 1835.
Gates applied the generic term lanthocincia to those LaughingThrushes which have no bristles at the base of the forehead, but in which the nostrils are overhung by a few long hairs. I^he genus differs in no other respect from Garrulax, and the division is perhaps hardly necessary, but it is convenient for students and
may therefore be retained. All the species are remarkable for having the secondaries tipped with white and the bill is rather narrow.
Kei/ to Speciex
and
Sul/xpecies.
A. Grown nnd nape blnck. . Upper phunage spotted with white. 6. Upper plumage barred with black.
IDar-coverts black v. Har-coverts rusty-orauê
a'.
c'.
...
I. oceltata oreUata, p.
155.
[p. 158. I. ru/iigularis rufogvlaris,

I. r. occidentalis, p. 15i). /.
;.
Kar-coverta brown
aummensis,
p. 159.
[p. 150.
c.
Upper
plumage
neither
barred
nor
/.
spotted
B. Crown and nape ashy C. Crown and nape reddish browu with pale
shafts.
d.
cineracea cintraceu, I. c. styani, p. 157.
Lowerplnmage rufous-brown with whit^

bars
/.
auateni nusteni, p. 160.

victoria!, p. 161.
e.
Lowf r plumage mueh paler,

with Droad white edges
each feather
La.
(140) lanthocincia ocellata ocellata.
The White-spotteb Laughinq-Thrxtsh.

Cinclomma ocellatum Vigors, P.Z. S., 1831, p. 15 (Himalayas). Blanf, & Oates, i, p. 84. lanthocincia ocellata.
Ternacnlar nanus. Lho-karreum-joho (Lepcba). Description. Forehead, crown and nape brownish black
face
156 and and

supercilia briglit
sides of
TIMALIIDJE.
fulvous; ear-coverts chestnut; upper back neck fulvous, the featheruS with broad black siibterniiiial marks and fulvous tips scapulars and \vins>-coverts to tail reddish brown with white spots preceded by black marks (luills tipped white, the earlier primaries black on the outer webs, middle tailbecoming progressively ashy and then idiestimt feathers chestnut, tipped with white; tiie others rufous at base, then ashy and finally black with white tips centre of throat black, the feathers with narrow rufous edges sides of throat rufous barred with black below fulvous buff, the breast barred with black and the flanks moi'e olivaceous with a few paler fulvous bars. Coloura of soft parts. Bill yellonish, dusky above and on tip; legs dull yellow iris yellow-bron. Measurements. Length about 310 to 820 nun.; wing 130 to 135 mm.; tail about 180 mm.; tarsus about 48 mm.; culmen about 30 to 32 mm.
;
;
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkira and Bhutan, from which latter place 1 have received typical specimens. The ii/pe-hcaliiy may be.
restricted to DarjeeHiif/.
Nidiflcation. ilume received a nest from Sikkim with one of " The nest is principally composed of these" the parent birds. (fern and grass) " intermingled with moss and roots and is a large, loose structure some 7 inches in diauieter." It was placed close to the ground in a thick clump of fern and grass, and contained two eggs which are not described.
Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is a bird of high elevations. It occurs about Darjeeling from some 6,00(i or 7,000 feet up to at least 10,000 feet. It keeps much to heavy forest, and appears to be less gregarious and not so noisy as the species of the two preceding genera.
(^-^1)
lanthocincla cineracea cineracea.
The Ashy
Hills).
LArGHiNG-THiii;sn.
S., 1874, p.
Trochalopterum cineraeeum Godw.-Aust., P. Z.

lanthocindii cineracea. Blanf.
15 ("Naga
&
Gates,
i,
p.
85.
Vernacular names. Lehu (Angami Naga). Description. Forehead, crown and nape black ; lores, a broad supercilium, ear-coverts and under the eye dull white, a narrow line over the ear-coverts and a broad moustachial streak black, the latter ending in streaks on the sides of the upper neck; upper plumage and wing-coverts olivaceous-ashy, tinged with rufous on the upper tail-coverts secondaries and the tail like the back, each feather with a subterminal black band and a white tip ; primaries ashy on the outer web ; primary-coverts black ; winglet ashy on the outer webs, dusky on the inner chin and throat pale fulvous, with the shafts black ; whole remaining lower plumage fulvous, tinged with olive on the flanks and albescent on the abdomen.
; ;
lANTHOOlIfCLA.
157
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale bufRsh yellow to oraiige-yellow ; edged dnsky bill horny-brown, tipped paler and with whole lower mandible pale horny-yellow ; legs and feet
lids pale lavender,
;
pale dull fleshy.
89 20
wing 80 to Measurements. Total length 22-5 to 235 mm. mm. tail abtiut 100 ram. tarsus about 32 mm. ; culnien about
;
;
mm.
Distribution.
Naga
Hills, Ivhasiaand N.
Cachar Hills, Manipur,
Lushai and Chin to Lakhiinpur.

Nidiflcation.
Hills in
Jlills.
Does not apparently extend eastwards
nests were taken by Col. Tytler in the and June and by Messrs. Mackenzie, Hopwood and otiiers in the Chin Hills in March and April. They are composed of ferns, leaves, roots and grass, lined with finer roots and often bound round with tendrils and stems of plants they are rather more compact than most nests of this group and are placed
Numerous
Naga
May
in bushes or small saplings in forest. The eggs are generally two only in number, sometimes three the texture is very fine and close and the surface smooth and silky to tlie touch, not hard and glossy as in 1). ruficoUis. In colonr they are pure unspotted blue-green. 150 eggs average 25'3x 18*6 mm. Habits. This is not a very gregarious bird, and though it may sometimes be found in small family parties, it more often wanders about in pairs, scratching on the ground amongst the fallen
;
rubbish for insects or clambering through the undergrowth and bracken. It constantly utters conversational notes, some sweet and some harsh, but never breaks out into a paroxysm of sound like some of the other Laughing-Thrushes do. It haunts elevations of 6,000 feet upwards and is rare below 5,000 feet.
(142) lanthocincla cineracea styani.
SiTAN'S LAUGHING-l'HErSH.
Tiochaloptertim (Ta-tsien-lu),
Hyani
Oustalet, Bull.
Mus. Par.,
6, p.
226 (1898)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This race differs from the preceding in having the head dark asliy instead of black and the ear-coverts rufous The upper plumage is browner and instead of black and white.
the breast
is
tinged with vinous.

/.
c.
cineracea.
ICeasurements. Wing 94 to 98 mm. ; tail 106 to 118 tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen 22 to 25 mm.
Distribation.
Nidiflcation. 28-1 X 19-8 mm.
mm.
Yunnan and
the E. Shan States.
single egg from the
Styan collection measures
Habits.
Not recorded.
158
TIMAUIBJE.
(143) lanthocincla rufog^laris rufogularis.
Thk KurOUS-CUINNEO LAUGHIKa-TllUCSH.

lanthovinda rufogularis (jould, P. Z.
Sikkira); Blanf.
S.,
1835,
p.
48 (Himalayas,
&
Gates,
i,
p. 86.
Vernacular names. Narhigivan-pho (Lepcha). Description. Lores pure white a large ring of grey round the
;
eye ear-coverts wholly black or tiuged with rufous posteriorly forehead and crown black ciieeks and a large patch under the eye and ear-coverts mingled black and white ; a broad superciliuni reaching to the nape, the sides of the neck and the whole upper plumage olive-green, tinged witli fulvous and each feather of the hind neck, back and upper rump tipped with a lunate black bar wing-coverts olive-brown, the larger series broadly tipped with black primary-coverts dark brown margined with black ; winglet ashy, tipped black ; earlier primaries hoary on the outer webs, the others with a black patch, inci-easing in extent whilst the basal portions change to olivaceous outer secondaries with the outer webs olive-brown, broadl)' tipped with black and with a sub-tip white line; inner secondaries olive-brown on both webs and tipped with black and white; tail rufescent, with deep rufous tips and black subterminal bands; point of chin rufous, throat white; under tail-eoverts deep chestnut remaining lower plumage ashybrown, albescent on the abdomen and each feather, except on the last, spotted with black.
; ; ; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown bill pale yellowhorny, darker at tip legs dull fleshy-brown eyelids and orbital
; ;
;
skin bluish.
Measurements. Length about 225 to 94 to 97 mm.; tail about 120mm. tarsus about 24 mm. The young have the crown olive-brown, whole chin -white, and the black bars and
;
235 mm. wing about about 34 mm.; culmen

;
tipped with black ; the spots above and below
smaller.
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and the hills North of the at least as far East as the Miri Hills North of Lakhinipur.
Brahmaputra
commonly in Sikkim and May, June and July, making a nest of small twigs, many tendrils, a few roots and sometimes a leaf or two, lined with fine roots. In some cases nothing but tendrils
Kidiflcation. This bird breeds very
in
round about Darjeeling
It is placed as a rule often in a low bush. The eggs number two to four, generally three, and are pure white, not highly glossed, though very smooth and very fragile for their size. In shape thev are long ovals and fifteen eggs average 26-2 X 19-4 mm.
in a high
are used for the outer part of the nest.
bush or small tree,
less
A second
brood
is
sometimes brought up as late as September.
lAMTHOOINCLA.
Habits. The Rufous-cliinned
159
Laughing- Thrusli is found in and five and, like the rest of its relatives, haunts undergrowth, scrub and secondary growth, but always in forest or in its immediate vicinity. It is not a noisy bird, but has a large variety of notes, some of which are harsh and loud and some are soft and mellow its flight, when it can be forced to take to wing, is feeble and ill-sustained, but in clambering about bushes and reeds it is very active and equally so on the ground, where it seeks much of its food, both insect and seed. It is found as low as 2,500 feet, but is most common between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, ascending as high as 8,000 feet.
pairs or in small parties of four
;
(144) lanthocincla rufog^laris assameusis.
Hartert's Laughing -Thbush.

Innthocmcla rufogularis atsamemsh Ilartert, Vfig. (1910) (Mitrfilierita, Assam).
Pal.,
i,
p. 6.3.5
Vernacular names. Mi-pa-'jnia (Traus-Diku Nagas). Description. DifEnr8 from typical rufogularis in having the whole chin and throat rufous and the ear-coverts almost all, or
nearly
all,
rufous.
Colours of soft parts as in rufo<jularu.
Measurements. A rather smaller bird than rufogularis with wing about 91 to 94 mm. Distribution. The whole of Assam south of the Brahmaputra as far South as the Lushai and Cliittagong Hills and as far East as Lakhimpur and thence into the Chin Hills. Nidification. Breeds from 3,500 feet upwards throughout its habitat in May and June, witli an occasional second laying in August and September. The site selected is almost invariably a bush in heavy forest, though the part selected is always near an opening of some kind, river, road or a natural open glade. Nest 40 eggs average and eggs like those of the preceding birds.
20-5
18-9
mm.
Habits. Similar to those of rufogularis.
(145)
lanthocincla rnfogularis occidentalis.
The Kashmir
lanthocincla
LAUCJHiNG-THRirsH.
i,
rufogularis occidentalis Hartert, Vog. Pal. (1910) (Dehra Doon).
p.
636
YemaculaT names. None
recorded.
Description. Similar to the Bufous-chinned Laughing-Thrush, but has the ear-coverts rusty-orange and the upper parts pale, more olive and less rufous.
ColooTB of soft parts and Keasnxements the same as in the
last.
160
Distribtttion.
TIMAIrllDjE.
tho
From Kumaon westwards through Kashmir and N.W. Himalayas.
Nidiflcation. Breeds in Garhwal and the Simla Hills in May and June between 6,000 and 8,000 feet elevation. Nest and eggs are liiie those oF the Sikkim bird, but the former are made more of twigs, and tendrils are not so invariably or plentifully used.
Six eggs average 26'3
x 18-7 mm.
Mutton found in Habits. Liii"? those oF the other subspecies. the stomach of a bird he examined " sand, seeds and the remains of wasps."
(140)
lauthocincla austeni austeni.
TilK
CaCHAE LAUaHlNG-THBUSH.
ii,
Troc.halopteron austeni Qodw.-Aust., J. A. S. B., xxxix, (1870) (Ilensdiing Peak, N.Cachar Hills). lanthocinclti audeni. Blanf. & Dates, i, p. 87.
p.
105
Vernacular names. Dao-gajao-i-ba (Cachari). Description. Foi-ehead, crown, nape, hind neck and sides, and the whole neck reddish brown witli pale streaks ; rump paler, without pale shaFts upper tail-coverts and middle pair of tailother feathers black ith white tips and with the feathers ruFous bases suffused with rufous on the outer webs ; wing-coverts and iniier secondaries reddish brown, the latter and the longer coverts tipped with white and with subterminal dusky marks ; outer webs
; ;
of the earlier primaries grey, those of the other quills reddish ; lores dusky ; ear-coverts dark rufous-brown with pale shafts chin, throat and breast rufous-brown, indistinctly barred
brown
remainder of lower plumage rufouswith dusky and whitish hrowu, with broad and distinct white bars preceded by a dusky line; under tail-coverts narrowly tipped with white.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or lake-brown;

blackish at the tip, paler on lower mandible
;
bill
dark horny,
legs dull fleshy- or
livid-brown.
Measurements. Total length about 250 mm.; wing 100 to 105 mm.; tail about 120 mm.; tarsus about 35 mm,; culmen 20 mm. Hengdang Peak Distribution. Khasia, Caehar and Naga Hills. is on the watershed between the Caehar Hills and Manipur, and doubtless it will be found also in the higher hills of the latter
state.
Nidification. This rare Laughing-Thrush breeds throughout its range between 4,000 and 8,000 feet, principally about 6,000 feet, but it is not very uncommon on the higher hills about Cherrapunji It breeds iu the iu the breeding season at little over 4,000 feet. end of April and May, and possibly sometimes has a second laying The nest is as I have a nest taken in August with fresh eggs.
TROCHALOPTKETJM.
like
161
that of /. mfogidaris, but seems to be generally placed low bush, or a tangle of canes or ras])berry busbes quite close to the ground. The eggs, two or three in number, are pure white, fragile, with a very slight gloss, and 48 average about
in a
26'3xl9-()mni.
Habits. I found the bird in the Khasia aud Cachar Hills in rhododendron and stunted oak forest, going about in pairs or small family parties in \\v. (iense undergrowth. Tliey were just as loath to take to wing as other members of this subfamily, and when forced to do so tlutUsred and sailed alternately to the next bit of cover, into which they tumbled headlong rather than settled. They kept up a continuous chatter, but were not particularly noisy. Those examined by me had eaten both insects and seeds, several containing masses of a small red ant, a most vicious
biter.
(1*17)
lanthocincla austeni victorise.
T
lunthociHcla
iiB
CuiN Htus
LA.oGiniiG-Tuiii;sH.
B. O.
vktorifB liii)pon, Bull.
C,
xvi,
p.
47 (1906)
(Mt. Victoria).

Description. Differs from the Cachar bird in being more olive and less red above and in having the lower parts much paler and whiter, each feather being edged witli white.
last.
Measurements. Total length 244 mm.; wing 94 mm. {Rippon). Distribution. South Chin Hills.
Nidification
unknown.
Habits. A bird of high elevations, only found between 7,000 and 10,000 feet.
Genus
TEOCHALOPTERUM
Hodgson, 1843.
The genus Trochcdopterum differs from the preceding genera in having the base of the bill quite devoid of all bristles and hairs, the nostrils and their membranes being free and exposed. In other respects it is quite typical of the snbfamily. The bill varies a good deal in length and stoutness, and the nostrils in some are oval and exposed, whilst in others they are long and narrow and partly covered by a membrane. Gates and Harington poiut out that those birds with short, stout bills lay unspotted eggs, whilst those with slender bills and long linear This is true, but, on the other hand, nostrils lay spotted eggs. birds of the group of Laughing-Thrushes with the curious wingspeculum, probably an older feature than bill and nostril, all lay
TOL.
I.
162
TIMAUIDJE,
epotted eggs with the one exception of T. squanuitum, which lays them plain blue. Even the shape of tlie bills mid nostrils, however, vanes only in degree, more or less intergrading with one another. If Harington and Oates, and before them Gray, thought it desirable to split up the genus, we have Ilartert on the contrary lumping under the one name {lanthocincla), Oiites's gewera, lantJiocinda, Bahax and 2'rochalopterum. It must be remembered, however, that in the Paliearctic region Hartert has to deal with only 29 species and subspecies, whereas in the Oriental region the imiiiber is much greater, no less than 40 species and subspecies being found in India iu this genus alone. Oates's genera, as given in the iirst edition of the 'Avifauna,' seem reasonable and are easy for the student to understand, and 1 retain them in the present edition. In the first edition, however, many geograi)liieal races were quite wrongly given the status of full 's[)ecies, and these are now relegated to their proper position. A few new species and subspecies have been added to our list, and we have recognized in this
genus 12 species and 17 subspecies.

Jietf to Species.
A. Chestnut on crowi; or nape, or both

li.
'T.
en/f/iroce/ihalum,
"
No
a.
a'.
chestnut on crown or nBpe. VVinjfs brightly coloured.
[}>.
162.
Wings
chiefly criiuoon.
T. phanicmm, p. 168. T. milnei, p. 170.
a". Tail black

h". Tail cvirason
b'.
e".
Winjfs chiefly bright yellow. IVimary-coverts brown
T. subunicolor, p. 171. T. affine, p. 172.
d". Pi'imary-coverts black. '". Tail without white tips

b'".
[gatum,
Tail with white tips
T.
p.
vuriegatAtm
173. varie-
c'.
d'.
Wings chiefly slaty-blue Wings with patch of bright
[p.
174.
blue
T. variegatum, simile, T. squamaium, p. 174.
h.
AVingg dull coloured with no bright patch. e'. Upper plumage not striped. e". Breastrufous /". Breast whitish, streaked ashy g". Breast olive grey- brown
/'.
T. cachinnans, p. 176. T.jerdnni, p. 177. T. henrid, p. 183.

T. virgatum, p. 179. T. linmtum, p. 180.
Upper plumage
A''.
striped.
t".
With a white supercilium With no white supercilium
Trochalopterum erTthrocephalum.
This species
is
Western Himalayas to the south
a very widely extended one, ranging from the of Tenasserim. As might be

it is
expected, its geographical variations are great, and divided into 8 subspecies.
therefore
THOCHALOPTEBUM.
163
Key
spots.
a.
to
Suhtpecies.
A. Back and breast with large black round
No
a'.
h'.
consjncuous p^rey supercilium. Ear-coverts chestnut, tipped black
[p.
168.
and white
black, edged pinkish white Ear-coverts chestnut like the crown conspicuons frrey supercilium. Ear-coverts chestnut Ear-coverts grey with black shai'i-
T. T. T.
e.
erythrocephalmn,
niffrime.ntum, p. 164. (ri/throUema, p. 164,
Ear-covei'ta
e. e.
c'.
b.
A
<P.
e'
.
T.e. gudwini, p. 165.
stripes
B.
Back and
breast with brown oval spots
T.e. teoodi, p. 166. T.e. chrysopUrum,
p. 166.
O.
spots on back or breast. c. Chin and throat only rufous d. Chin, throat and breast rufous
No
T.
T.e. mdnnostigma, p. 167. e. ramsat/i, p. 168.
<148) Trochalopterum erythrocephalum erythrocephalum.
Tub EBD-IIBA.DED
Lattoiiing- Thrush,
Cincloiioma erythrocephalum Vigors, P.Z.S., 1831, p. 171 layas, Chamba). Dates, i, p. 89. Trocludopterum erythrocephalum. Blanf.
(Hima-
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description, rorehead, crowu and nape chestnut ear-coverts I'hestmit, each fealher blackish near the tip and edged with white lores, chin and npper throat black, with a chocolate tinge ; cheeks mingled chestnut and black mantle and sides of neck olive-brown, each feather with a semicircular black mark near the end, lower back plain olive-brown rump and upper tail-coverts slaty-grey tail wingashy, suffused wit h golden yellow on the outer webs
; ;
;
coverts olive-brown, the greater broadly tipped with deep ferruginous primary-eoverts and winglet yellow on the outer webs, shy on the inner ; outer webs of primaries and outer secondaries bright golden yellow inner secondaries and tips of outer ashyblue the base of the outer webs of the outer secondaries golden red lower pluuiage pale fulvous, washed with olivaceous on the tsides of the body and under tail-coverts, eacli feather of the throat and breast with a narrow crescentic black bar near the end and tipped with fulvous white.
;
-,
Colours of soft parts. Iris grey-brown or yellow-brown ; bill black legs and feet pale yellowish- or fleshy-brown or light
;
brown.
tail
Seasurements. Length about 2S0mm. wing 102 to 105 mm.; about 120 to 125 mm. tarsus 37 to 38 mm. calmen about 20 to
;
22 mm,
Distribution.
The Himalayas from Chamba to

Laughing-Thrush breeds in
IJêpal.
at heights from 4,000 to 7,000 feet or more, making the usiuil cup-
ITidification. This
May and June
m2
164
TIMAMIB^,
shaped nests of leaves, bracken, ferns and grass witli a thin Outwardly the nesfs measure liniug of roots and fine grass. about 6 inches in diameter by 3 inches in depth, and are placed low down in tliick bushes or tangled undergrowth in forests. The eggs, two or three in number, are pale bright Thrush-egg
blue-green in colour, dotted and blotched sparsely at the larger lu shape they are rather long ovals fine with but little gloss. Fourteen eggs average 29-2 x 21*3 mm.
end with dark brownish red. and in texture smooth and

Habits. This bird, noisy than those of found in small flocks, ing about in pairs. chatter, interrupted
and indeed most of this genus, is much less the genus Gari'ulax, and tJiough sometimes is not so invariably gregarious, often wanderTlioy keep up a continuous conversational with louder calls, some of which are quite mellow and sweet. They feed almost entirely on the ground itself or in the lower undergrowth in forests, and take to wing on\j when forced to do bo. They are both insectivorous and eat small
seeds.
(149)
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum erythrolsema. Hume's EED-iiEA.nED Laughing -THRUsir.

Hume,
S. F., x, p.
Trochalopterum erythroleema
S.
153 (1881) (Matchi,.
Gates, i, p. 90. Trochalopterum holerythropa llippon, Bull. B. O.

;
Manipuv)
Blfinf.
&
C,
xiv,p. 83 (1904)
(Chin Hills).

Description. Differs from the last in having the lores and point of chin dusky brown ; the chin and throat chestnut like the crown ; the breast chestnut and the centre of the abdomen ferruginous. Tlie forehead is tinged with grey.
Colours of soft parts as in the last bird.
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. wing about 91 toeulmen 19 to 21 mm. tarsus9.5 mm. ; tail about 110 to 115 mm. 27 mm. Distribution. East Manipur and Chin Hills. Nidi&cation. The nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the last bird. Twenty-two eggs average 29'9 x 20-5 mm..
;
; ;
(150)
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum nigrimentuni. TnU SiKKIM ReD-HBADED LAPQHING-THarSH.

,
Trochalopterum niqrimentum Oates, Blanf. & Oates, Avifauna B. T i, p. 91 (1889) (Nepal) (ex Hodgson MS.).
Yemacnlar names, ârpôm-p/w (Lepcha) ;
Panio(/ (Bhutea).
Description. Similar to T. erythroee^lwilum, but the forehead is rufous with black shafts and the anterior portion of the crown deep grey, each feather black in the centre ; the ear-coverts are-
TBOOHAlOFUEEirM.
65
black with pinkish-white edges and the lores, cheeks, chin and upper throat are black. The upper tail-coverts are olive-green.
Colours of soft parts. Bill dark horny-brown or blackish brown legs dark fleshy or yellowish brown iris grey-brown ; " red (Jerdon),
;
Measurements. Total length about 260 to 270 mm. wing 100 mm. tail 112 to llomm. tarsus about 38 mm.; culmen about 21 to 22 mm. Distribution. Eastern Nepal to the Daphla and Mikir Hills in Assam. Nidification. Breeds throughout its range in the months of April, May and early June at elevations of 5,500 feet upwards. The nest is a massive deep cup made of leaves, grass and a large proportion of moss, bound together with tendrils and roots. The lining generally consists of fine roots with an inner lining of
;
to 105
Fig. 29.
Head of T.
e.
niffrimentiini.
matted dead leaves, but this latter is not always present. Most nests are placed in thick bushes, but otliers may be found on small saplings, and the site selected is either the fringe of forest and heavy jungle or scrub-jungle and secondary growth. The eggs number two or three and are like those of the rest of the genus,
but are generally very sparsely marked. about 28'7 x 21*1 mm.
Seventeen eggs average
Habits. This is a bird of high elevations from 5,000 up to 9,000 feet or more. It has the usual habits of the genus and is quite common in the woods round about Darjeeling, where in the early morning and evening it may often be surprised on the roads and jungle paths, hunting in small parties for insects in the cattle droppings, but scuttling off promptly into cover when disturbed.
(151)
Trochalopterum erj^hrocephalum godwini. GoDwur- Austin's Eed-headed Laughihg-Theush.

C,
92 (1914) (Hengdan, N. Caohar
Hills).
Trochaloptei-um eryihrooephalum godieini Harinffton, Bull. B. 0,

xxxiii, p.
Vernacular names. Dao-qua-hJc (Oachori).
166
TIMALUDJ:.
Description. Similar to T. e. eiythrolmma, but has a conspicuous grey supercilium and the forehead also much greyer,
Colonrs of soft parts and Measurements as in erythrolmma.

Distribution.
The high ranges between Cachar, the Naga
Hills
and N.W. Manipur.

Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded.
(152)
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum woodi.

Wood's Eed-hbaded LADGniNG-TiiKUsn.
Troclialopterum in-i/throcephahim woodi. Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. xxxT, p. 17 05^14) (Loi-lSinjr, N. Shan States).
C,
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from 2'. e, godwini in having tlie upper back unmarked with black as in mdanostujma. The chiu and throat are blacrkish instead of rufous and the oar-coverts are grey. From erythrolcema it differs in having grey ear-coverts and a
broad grey supercilium. Prom chrysopterum it differs in having black not rufous-brown edges to the breast-feathers, and the
upper parts are rufous-brown rather than olive-green.

Colonrs of soft parts. Bill dark horny-brown
;
legs apparently
dark fleshy-brown.
Measurements. "Wing 107 mm.; tail 20 mm. tarsus 37 mm." {Hamilton). Distribution. Shan States. Nidification and Habits not recorded.
;
122
mm.; culmen
(153)
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum chrysopterum.
The Shillokg Yellow-winged LAUGHiNG-THEirsH.

lanthocincln chrytoptera Gould, P. Z. S., 1835, p. 48 (Khasia Hills). Trochalopterum chrytopterum. Blanf. Gates, i, p. 90.
&
Vernacular lumes. Kone recorded. Description. Differs from all the other races in having brown It oval spots instead of black round spots on back and breast. has a broad grey supercilium and the ear-coverts are rufous more or less tinged with grey. The chin and throat are dark chestnut.
ColonrB of soft parts. Iris yellowish or greyish brown, sometimes quite grey ; legs fleshy or yellowish brown ; bill dark hornybrown,
Heastiremeats. Total length about 260 to 270 mm, ; wing 101 to 106 mm. ; tail about 1 10 to 115 mm. culmen about 20 to 21 mm, tarsus about 38 mm.
;
TBO0HAI.OPTEErM.
Distribution. Khasia Hills oiily.
167
Kidification. The breeding season of Ibis subspecies coiniiiences in ti)e end of April and ceases in the first week in June, though an odd uest or so, perhaps a second brood, ma)' be found as late as August. The nest is a wide, shallow cup of moss, roots, grasses and dead leaves, bound together with roots, tendrils and stems of reeds and is lined with roots, fern-rachides or, rarel}', fine grass. It is a fairly well-built nest, and often looks much like that of some of the true Thrushes. No attempt seems to be made at concealment, and it is usually placed in some tall, thinly foliaged bush, about feet from the ground, in pine- or evergreen-forest. The eggs are generally two only in number, sometimes three and very rarely four. Tn type of coloration they are like those of erythrocephahnn, but are more boldly marked with a few black or deep purply-red blotches, sj)ots or lines. In a few eggs these markings are very scanty, but in some are more numerous than in the eggs of other i-aces of this Laughing-Thrush. The average of 60 eggs is 30*Gx21"(j mm.
Habits. Those of the genus. 4,000 feet upwards.
bird of the piue-forests
from
(154)
Trochalopterum erythrocephalum melanostigma.

Blyxu's Ked-heaued LATJOinife-TiutusH.
Garrulax melanostigma Blvth,

(Mt. Muleyit). Trochalopterum melanoatigma.
J.
A.
S.
B., xxiv, p.
i,
268 (1855)
Blauf.
Ik.
Gates,
p. 9iJ.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Torehead, lores and cheeks black, the black of the lores extending to over the eye and merging in a short grey ear-coverts and sides of the neck silvery-grey Bupercilium streaked with black ; throat and upper breast ferruginous, paling on lower breast and abdomen and becoming olive-grey on flanks and under tail-coverts. iSIo spots on either back or breast. Colours of soft parts. Legs, feet and claws very pale brown
;
to reddish
bill
black
iris
brown or hazel-brown {Hume
^ Bavis.).
Distribution. Muleyit Mount, Tenasserim, and thence northwards into the Shan States.
Mdification. Nests resemble those of T. 20'4 mm.
and
e.
eggs taken by Mr. C. Hop wood chrysopterum, his eggs measure 30-5 x
Habits. According to Davison these birds keep in parties of six or eight, feeding chiefly on the ground and keeping much in the brash-wood. They are neither very noisy nor very silent, uttering from time to time a fine whistling call in addition to other numerous conversational notes. They appear to feed exclusiveljr
on
insects.
168
(155)
TIMAMID^.
Trochalopterum erythrocephalam ramsayi.

HkD-HEADED liAUGHlIfO-THaUSU,
0., xiv, p.
TilE KaIUSNNI
Trnchnlopterum rmnsayi Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. 0.

(1904) (Karetinee).
19

Description. Differs from the last bii-d in liaving the chestnut of the chin iind throat continued over the entire breast and belly. Colonrs of soft parts. " Iris deep chocolnte bill black ; legs
;
pinkish brown."
Measurements. Total length about So-t mm. wing 101 .to 104 mm. tail about 114 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen
; ;
about"'
20
mm.
the
Distribution. Karenni, extending to the pine-forests in Sal ween District.
Trochalopterum phoeniceum
Key
A. Tail broadly tipped with
a. (leneral
6.
to Suhsjjecies.
oranjre.
,'
phiiuage darker
T. p. phceniceum, p. 168.
General plumage paler B. Tail narrowly edged with ochraceou^
T.p. bakeri, p. 109. T.p. ripponi, p. 170.
(156) Troclialopterum
phoeniceum phceniceum.
The AsaAM Ceimsos-avinged Laughing-Thupsh.

lanthocincla pJimiieea Gould, Icon. Av., pi. 3 (1837) (Nepal). Troclialopterum phamiceum. Blaiif. & Dates, i, p. 03.
Vernacular names. TUji-pho (Lepcha)

Description.
Re^yeha (Bhut.).
Lores, cheeks, ear-coverts, round the eye and a patch on the side of the neck crimson ; a short supercilium black upper plumage olive-browm, the feathers of the crown with partially concealed black margins ; tail black, broadly tipped with orange and outermost feathers washed with orange throughout; wing-coverts olive-brown; primary-coverts dusky edged with olive-brown ; winglet suffused with crimson on the outer webs and outermost coverts edged with the same ; outer webs of primaries edged wvith crimson and yellow, the former increasing and latter decreasing in extent inwards ; secondaries with centre of outer webs edged blue, the terminal portions suffused with crimson, the bases with olive-green ; the whole lower plumage fulvous olive-brown, tinged with ashy on the abdomen; uadr tail-corerts black, broadly tipped with crimson.
TBOOHAIOPTIiBtTM.
169
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet brown with a purplish bill horny dark brown to practically black iris brown ; (jiiv.) to deep crimson or lac-red orbital skin dull leaden-dusky.
tinge
; ;
tail
Ueasuremeuts. Total length about 230 mm.; wing 81 to 93mm. about 100 mm. tarsus about 32 mm.; eulraen about 18 mm. Distribation. Nepal to the extreme east of Assam, JS'orth of the
;
Braiima])utra.
Nidiflcation. Breeds between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and sometimes rather higiier in tlie months of April to June, making a comjiact, deep cup of grass, leaves, roots and moss, lined with the latter and measuring about 4| inches to o| inches in diameter by nearly as much in depth. It is generally placed in bushes iu rather dense and moist forest, sometimes fairly higli up but more often ,it 3 or 4 feet from the ground. The eggs number 2 or 3, very rarelj' 4, and are very beautiful, the groundcolour being a deep Thrush-egg blue with dark maroon and redblack lines, blotches and dots, the first being most numerous. Klty eggs average 25-9 X 18"5 mm.
Habits. This species haunts forests and secondary growth rather than scrub jungle, at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, wandering as low down as 2,000 feet in winter. They are sometimes found singly or in pairs, but more often in small parties of four or five, keeping much to the uudergrowtli and lower trees and also hopping about and feeding on the ground, eating insects of all Idnds and also certain seeds. Their flight is feeble and their
notes consist of a great variety
and sweet, with an

separated.
oi: conversational calls both harsh occasional louder call when the birds get
(157)
Trochalopterum phoemceuin bakeri.
The Assam CBiMSON-wiJfGED LAuamifG-THEUSH.

Troehdbpteron plueniceum bakeri Hartert, Bull. B. 0. C, xxxiii, p. 10 (1909) (Laisung, N. Cachar).
Vernacular names. Dao-yao-gajao (Cachari). Description. Differs from the preceding bird in being paler both above and below and in having the ashy-grey wash on the abdomen much more pronounced.
Keasureuients slightly smaller than the last, the wing averaging about 85 mm. as against 90 mm. in that bird. Distribution. Hillao South of the Brahmaputra, Mauipur and Lusbai Hills. Kidification. Breeds in May and June between 3,500 and 6,000 feet. The nest is a well-made cup, similar to that of the Eggs last bird but more often placed quite close to the ground.
170
TIMAtllD^.
;
indistinguishable from those of the last avttrage iiO'l x 18*5 mm.
100 measure on an
Habits. A comparatively common bird between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, nearly always found in cool, moist tree-forest in which there is a fair amount of undergrowth. Voice, food, flight, etc.
as T.
jj. 2>7i(e>ik-euin.
(158)
Trochalopterum phoBniceum ripponi.

ripponi
Oate?,
Bull.
Tjie Buemjsse Cbimson-wisgui) Laughing- THErsii.

Trochalopiermn
B. O.
C,
xi,
p.
10 (1900)
(Kengtung State).
Vernacular names. Kranf)-shong-malin(j (Kaehin).

Description. Similar to the preceding, but has tlie crimson of the head extending on to the sides of tlie neck, throat and supercilium. The lower plumage is greyish yellow instead of fulvous or olive-brown and the tail is narrowly tipped with ochre instead of broadly vîth orange.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in T.p. phaniceum.

Distribution. KacJiin Hills, N. Shan States.
Nidiflcation. The few eggs I have seen of this race seem to be Twenty-one average rather darker than those of the other races. about 25-8 x 18-6 mm.
Habits as in the other races, but according to Harington they frequent bamboo-jungle as well as forest, placing their nest sometimes in clumps of bamboo. They keep generally above 5,000 feet and are found at least up to 7,000 feet.
(159)
Trochalopterum milnei sharpei.

IIeD-T\II,KD LAtlGHINQ-THBUSH.
xii,
The BUBMESJ!
Troehuloptemm sharpei Hippon, Bull. B. 0. C, (Kengtung State).
p.
13 (1901)
Vernacular names. Krang-gheng-kahr (Kaehin).

Description. Crown and upper parts of liead and neck buffyrufous ; eur-coverts pale grey ; throat and lores black ; back and wing-coverts olive, each feather of the back with dark edge;
rump and upper
tail-coverts golden olive ; below ashy-olive, more green towards the neck ; tail above bright red, below blackish wing-quills above brilliant and glossy red, tlie inner webs o the innermost secondaries pure white. Colotirs of soft parts. " Bill and feet black ; iris brown "
{David
4r Oust.).
;
Heasurements. Length about 280 mm. -wing about 106 mm. tail about 120 mm. ; tarsus about ^8 mm. ; culmen about 30 mm. DistrlTnition. Kaehin Hills and N. Shan States.
THOCHAtOFl'EBUM.
Kidification. Breeds in the
171
in Aprii and Ma}v biimboo leaves and grass, mixed with a few roots and other leaves and lined with the former. [Chey are, as usual, cup-sliaped, and are placed either in bushes or low down against trees in the dense undergrowth of ravines in forest growing in valleys over 6,000 feet elevation. The eggs are unlike anj' others of this family and have a pure white ground sparingly spotted and blotched with reddish-brown ornearly black spots they are in fact exactly like Golden Orioles' eggs. Fifteen eggs average 28-7 X 20-7 mm.
Kachin Hills
iiiakiug a typical Laughiiig-Thrusli's nest of
Habits. This very handsome Trochaloptemin is only found at heights from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, frequenting the most denseof undergrowth, in which it skulks about in small parties or pairs, being heard much more often than seen at the same time,, according to Harington, they are as inquisitive as noisy, and if one remains hidden, the birds soon show themselves in the attempt to make out the intruder.
,
(160)
Trochalopterum subunicolor subunicolor.
The
Pj.AIN-CyLOITlUSl) LAUGHIHG-TilltUSH.
xii, p. 952'
Troclialopterum suhwiicolor (Hodgs.), Blytli, J. A. S. B., (IS-iH) (Nepal) Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 94.
;
Vernacular names. Tarmal-pJw (Lepcha) ; Nahom (Bhut.). Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark ashy-brown, the forehead tinged with fulvous; sides of neck and whole upper plun)age olive-brown, each featlier margined with brown middle
;
tail-feathers olive-brown, the others black
suffused with olive-
yellow on the outer webs and tipped with white; wing-coverts olive-brown primary-coverts dark brown visible winglet ashyprimaries brown with the outer webs grey outer yellow secondaries with an increasing amount of yellow ; inner secondaries olive-browu tinged with yellow and tipped with white cheeks, chin and throat like the back, but darker and with a few white tips to the feathers of the face ; under plumage olive-brown, tinged with fulvous on the abdomen and all the feathers margined with black, except on under tail-coverts and thighs.
; ; ; ; ;
red-brown (Jerdon)
tail
legs reddish brown Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky iris yellowish grey {Blanf.).
; ; ;
iris
Measurements. Length about 2'AQ mm. wing 90 to 95 mm. about 100 to 105 ram.; tarsus about 35 mm.; oilmen about
18
mm.
hills
Distribution. Nepnl, Sikkim, Bhutan and Brahmaputra as far as the Dibang.

Nidifteatioa.
North oF the
According to Hodgson this
Laughing-Thrush
breeds in Nepal in the months of April, May and Juuii, making a eup-shaped nest of grass and moss lined with bamboo leaves, which it builds in bushes and trees, close to the ground, in open
172
foreets
TIMALIID.S.
and groves, it laj's three or four spotless blue eggs which measure about 26-1 x 17"7 mm.
Jiigli
Habits. This is a bird of very high elevations, being found as as 11,000 and not below 6,000 feet.
061) Troclialopterum affine aflB,ne. The Black -ij'ACED LAroHiNG-THBCSu.

Ourrulax
(Nepal).
affinis
(Hodjfs.),
Blytb,
.
.1.
A.
i,
S. R., xii, p.
p.
950 (1843)
Trochalopterum
nffine.
Blanf
& Gates,
94.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description, forehead, crown and nape dark brown tinged with rufous, paler on the forehead ; lores and sides of head black cheeks and a large patch behind the ear-coverts wliite, extending to, and becoming pale rufous on, the sides of the neck; hind neck rufous-brown blending with the darker brown of the head back
;
and
scapulars rufous-brown, each rather broadly terminated with pale grey ; rump olive-brown ; upper tail-coverts ferruginous ; tail slaty-blue, three-quarters of the central feathers and the outer webs of the others overlaid with bright golden yellow ; wing-coverts
slaty-blue
primary-coverts black; wiiiglet and inner secondaries outer webs of outer secondaries and primaries bright golden yellow, slaty-blue at tips and bases chin black, throat rufous-brown breast paler and each feather edged with grey remainder of lower plumage rufous-brown.
;
rufous;
Colours of soft parts. Bill black feet reddish olive-grey {Bhnf.) to brown (Jerclon).
;
brown
;
iris
from
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 nun. wing 102 to 115 tail about 125 mm. culmen about 21 to 22 mm. tarsus about 40 mm.
mm.
Distribution. Eastern Nepal to Bhutan.

Nidification. Osmaston took nests in May and June in Sikkim at altitudes between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. "The nests were rather massive but neat cups, about 8 inches in external diameter
and were composed of moss, thin twigs and dried grass stems, lined copiously with black rhizomorph of a fungus mixed with souje birch- bark 'paper'." The nests were placed in rhododendron and viburnum bushes, 5 to 8 feet from the ground. The gg8 generally number two only, but three were in one nest taken by Mr. AV. P. Masson. In ground-colour they are Thrushegg blue with a few spots and blotches of purplish black at the larger end. Twelve eggs average 28o x 21-2 mm.
Habits. This is a common bird in Sikkim between 8,000 and 13,000 feet, haunting both rhododendron, fir and mixed forest right up to the snow-line. It is apparently generally found in pairs and not in flocks, but otherwise its habits resemble those of the genus.
TBOCHALOPTEEUM.
17ft
Trochalopterum variegatum.
Key
A. Outer -webs
to Subspecies.
tail
of priniaries and part of yellow B. Outer webs of primarie.s and part of
T.v. variegatum, p. 173.

tail
slaty-blue
T.v. eimik, p. 174.
(162) Troclialopteruin
variegatum variegatum.
The
EASTERTif
Vaiueoated Laughing -Theush.

Vigors,
1'.
t'incloioma vmnegutum E, Nepal).
Z. S., 1831, p. 56 (Himalayas,
Troohalnjite.runt variet/atum..
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 05.
Vernacular names. Ganza (Nepalese). Description. Forehead fulvous crown and nape ashy-brown j feathers of eyelid and a spot behind the eye white lores and a line over and below the eye to the ear-coverts black ear-coverts white with a black patch; cliin and upper throat black; cheeks fulvous, meeting round the black throat; sides of neck and whole upper plumage olive-brown wing-coverts the same, the greater broadly edged with rufous wiuglet and primary-coverts black the inner webs of the inner secondaries bladv, the outer grey outer webs of other quills bright goldentipped with white yellow tinged with rufous and tipped with white; a large black patch on the outer secondaries ; the middle four pairs of tailfeathers black on three parts of tiieir length, then ashy-yellow and tipped with white, the other feathers ashy-yellow on the inner webs, olive-yellow on the outer and tipped white ; breast and remainder of lower sides of the body fulvescent ashy-brown plumage bright tawny-buff. Colours of soft parts. Bill black legs and feet pale reddish orange-brown iris pale yellow-green, brown, raw sienna-brown^ pale yellowish brown [Hume).
;
Measurements. Length about 280 to 290 mm.; wing 102 to^ 112 mm.; tail about 130 mm.: tarsus about 38 mm.; culnien about 20 mm. Distribution. Himalayas from Chamba to Nepal. Nidiflcation. This Laughing-Thrush breeds from Simla to Nepal in April, May and J une at elevations between 4,000 and
8,000 feet. The nest is a bulky cup made principally of grass with a few roots, dead leaves, etc., mingled with it. Sometimes there is no lining, but at other times there are a few roots and grass stems. It is placed in low bushes and small trees at any height above the ground from a few inches to 10 feet. The eggs generally number three, sometimes four and very rarely live. They are a pale, rather dull blue in colour, freckled and spotted with different shades of reddish brown, aud are not nearly such
17
TIMAmDJB.
ert/throcephalum group.
raverage ii8-5
handsome eggs as those of the x 20-5 inni.
Eight eggs
Habits. Similai- to those of other Laughing-Thrushes, but perhaps they are rather more often seen frequenting low trees ns It is found between 4.000 and 8,000 feet. well as undergrowth.
(103) Trochalopterum variegratum simile. The WJiSTEUN Vauiegated Laughing-Tiibush.
Ti-ochalopteron simile Hume, Ibis, 1871, p. Klanf. & Gates, i, p. 96.
408 (Far N.W. Gilgit)

Description. Differs from the Eastern form in having tlie outer webs of the wing-feathers slat}' blue and in having the yellow on the tail replaced with the same slaty-blue.
iris
Coloars of soft parts. Legs and feet flesh-colour brown {Dr. 0. Hciulerson).
bill
black
Measurements
as in the last bird.
Distribution. The Western portion of Kashmir and the Hazaru country. Very common in the galis round about Murree and Naini-Tal, extends up the Gilgit Valley above Gilgit and up to the frontier of Afghanistan.
Nidification. Breeds very commonly from Murree south-westwards, being found up to some 10,000 feet and down to 5,000 feet. The nest is a big cup with very thick walls composed of grass, -leaves, fine twigs and roots, lined with the latter, and measuring .anything from 5 to 9 inches in diameter by 5 or 6 deep. The It is usually internal cup is about 4 by 2^ inches deep. placed well up in a fir, deodar or other tree, sometimes as high The eggs number as 25 feet and seldom low down in bushes. vthree or four, rarely five, and are like those of the last bird, but Fihy eggs :generally more blotched or spotted and less freckled. average 27'8 x 21*0 ram. The breeding season is from the beginning of May to the end of June. Habits. This Laughing-Thrush, like the last, is much more of a tree bird than most others of the genus, and will be found quite .as often hunting for insects well up in the trees as low down It is found up to at least in the undergrowth and bushes. 10,000 feet, and possibly higher, and in winter descends to ;about 4,000 feet.
(1B4)
Trochaloptenun squamatam.
ThI BLUB-WIKQKD LATJQHISa-THBUSHi

lanthocincla squamata Gould, P. Z. S., 1836, p. 48 (Himalayas, Sikkim). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 96. TrochaloptertLtn, tquamatitm.
VernacTilar names. Tarmal-pho (Lepcha); XWo-krang-h-ang-mut (Elachin).
Nahom
(Bhut.);
TBOCHALOPrBBUM.
Description.
175
streak over the eye from lores to nape sides of head olivaceous or rufous ; ; upper tiiil-coverts chestnut, remaining upper plumage rufescent olive-brown, each feather with a terminal lunate black tip ; in
lores grey or fulvous-brown
tlie lores and sides of the head olivaceous the ashy; wing-coverts chestnut, dusky internally primarycoverts dusky edged with black; outer web of outer primaries pale blue, inner primaries black secondaries chestnut at the base; remainder of wing black, the later quills minutely tipped white lower plumage fulvous, e<ach feather with a terminal black bar ; under tail-coverts and thighs castaiieous. Birds with grey crowns have the tail deep black, the others have it bronze-colour with a chestnut tip.
A black
birds which have
crown
is
The variations in colour seein due to neither sex nor age, I have found all in both sexes and in pairs breeding together, and they appear to form one of tiiose curious dimorphic colorations, the necessity for the evolution of which naturalists have not yet been able to detect.
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet horny black, paler and greyer at mandible; iris ])ale greenish or bluish dull brown, these latter probably only
bill
pale flesh to fleshy-brown

tip and on base of lower white; glaucous-brown or in young.
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm.; wing 93 to 99 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 37 nun.; culmen
about 20
mm.
;
hill-ranges
The Himalayas from Nepal to the Kacliin Hills North of the Brahmaputra to N. Arrakan, and Chin Hills and Shan States.
Distribution.
<3,000 feet
Nidificatiou. The bird breeds at all heiglits between 3,000 and and in }ieâ\(vi(le Hodgson)as low as 2,000. The nest is the usual bulky cup in shape, fairly compact, and made principally
oE dead leaves intermixed with roots, tendrils and grass, and lined with roots. It is always placed low down in some thick bush or tangle of creepers, often within a foot or two of the ground. The eggs, two or three in number, are otless blue-green, the texture very smooth and fine but soft and âlmost glossless. Fifty eggs
average 29'4x20'7
mm.
Habits. The Blue-winged Laughing-Thrush is a bird of humid In the hills South of the forests at a comparatively low level. Brahmaputra it is most common between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, and seems to haunt the banks of streams and rivers far more than the other species of this genus do. It goes about both in pairs and in small family parties, and is conversational rather than Its flight is noisy, many of its notes being very ricli and full. very weak and ill-sustained, but it is as strong and clever on its
feet as the rest of the family.
176
riMALIIDiE.
Trocbalopteram cachinnans.
Key
A. Lores, chin and a
to
Subspecies.
line tliroujj^h the eyt black B. Lores rusty brown chin durij brown ; no line throuj!;h eye
;
1\ T.
c,
eacliinnant, p. 17fi.
c.
cinnaviomeum,
p. 177.
(I6u)
Trocbalopterum cachinnans cachinnans.
ThK NiLGIBI LAUGUlNG-THRnSU.

Cratenpus cachinnans Jerd., Madr. Jour,
(Nilgiris).
x, p. 2")5, pi.
p. 97.
7 (1839)
Trochalopterum cachinnans.
Blnnf.
&
Oates,
i,

Description.
Point of foreheiid black; sides of the foi'ehead
and broad supemlium white; crown and nape slaty-brown, the

feathers very narrowly margined with black ; the lateral feathers of the foi'ehead and crown black on their inner, white on the lores, outer, webs, forming a black line above the aupercilium chin and a streak behind the eye black ; feathers of the eyelid white ; ear-coverts pale rufous ; sides of the nape ashy at the end of the supercilia, this colour suffusing the whole of tlie nape upper plumage, sides of neck, wings and tail olive-brown ; throat and breast bright rufous ; abdomen a duller rufous thighs, vent, under tad-coverts and sides of the body rufescent olive-brown j
; ;
under wing-coverts rufous.

Iris
red-brown to crimson
:
legs, feet
and
bill black.
wing 92 to Heasarements. Length about 225 to 235 mm. 96 mm.; tail about 100 mm. ; tarsus 30 to 32 mm.; culmen about 16 to 18 mm.
Distribution.
ITidification.
Nilgiris,
Breeds
from 4,500 feet upwards. from February to the end of June
The nest is made of grass, leaves, moss, its range. small twigs and other miscellaneous bits, and is lined with roots and fibre and frequently with fur, eottK)n-wool or feathers, in shape it is a very deep cup, rather bulky but compact, and it is placed in an upright fork of some bush or small tree in forest. The eggs are nearly always two in number, sometimes three but never more. In ground-colour they are a pale, rather washedout blue and are speckled and blotched with reddish or pinkish brown, a few eggs having also one or two darker spots or hairlines. They average about 25-0 x 18*8 mm.
throughout
Habits. This Laughing-Thrush is extremely common all over the Nilgiris above 4,000 feet wherever there is sufficient cover. It is always found in parties, sometimes consisting of a dozen or more birds, and is o.ue of the noisiest of the family, though ita
TEOCHALOFTERCM.
177
notes are not so discordant as those of Garrulcue leucolophug, etc. It keeps much to the ground and to dense undergrowth, and though its diet is partly insectivorous, Jerdon remarks that it feeds principally on the imported Peruvian cherry {Pht/salis peruviana). It is said to be a shy bird except in the breeding season, when it sits very close and becomes much bolder,
(16G)
Trochalopterum cachiunans cinnamomeum.

Davison's Laughing-Theush.
Trochalopterum cinnamomeum Davison,
Ibis,
1886, p. 204
Blanf,
&
Gates,
i,
p. 98.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Differs from the Nilgiri Laughing-Thrush in the entirely wanting the black markings of the head and face lower parts are deep cinnamon-brown rather than rufous and the crown is hair-brown instead of slaty-brown.
Description.
;
Colours of soft parts not recorded. Ueastirements. " Length 203 mm. ; wing 89 mm. ; tarsus 74 mm. bill from gape 22*8 mm." {Davison).
;
tail
94
mm.
Distribution.
India.
Unknown
probably Palghat Hills in Southern
Kidification and Habits unknown.
Trochalopterum jerdoni.
Key
to
Subspecies.
T.j. jerdoni, p. 177. A. Chin black B. Chin grey. a. Conspicuous white supercilium extending T.j.fairhanhi, p. 178. to nape b. Short supercilium not pa-ssing behind eye.. T.j. meridionak, p. 178.
(167)
Trochalopterum jerdoni jerdoni.
The Banasoee LAUGHiNe-THEUSH.

GarriUax- jerdoniM\yth,i A. S. B., xx, p. 522(1851)(Bana80Te Peak). Trochalopterum jerdoni. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 99.
.

Description. Point of forehead black ; crown and nape slatybrown, the feathers edged darker; a broad white supercilium, with a narrow black line above ; lores and a line through the eye black ; ear-coverts greyish white ; sides of the neck ashy-brown, continued back and meeting round the neck; upper plumage, wings and tail olive-brown, tinged with rufous on the tail ; chin and cheeks black ; throat and breast streaked ashy and white
TOL.
I.
178
;
TIMALIID^.
abdomen rufous sides, thighs and under tail-coverts olivaceous brown, under wing-coverts rufous. Colonrs of soft parts. Bill horny black ; legs, feet and claws
light
brown or slaty-brown iris crimson. Measurements. Length about 215 to 230 mm. wing 80 to 83 mm.; tail about 90 mm. tarsus about 32 mm.; cuhneii about
;
;
;
18
mm.
Distribation. The Coorg and Wynaad Hills above 4,000 feet. Mr. Morgan gives the Palghat Hills and the Chinna Coonoor Ghat as a part of its range, but these have not been confirmed.
Nidiflcation.
Not
recorded.
c.
Habits. Similar to those of T.
oaehinnans.
(168)
Trochalopterum jerdoni jEairbanki. Tub Tkatancoke Lafghing-Thrush.

2,
]i.
Trochalopterum fairbanki Blanf. J. A. S. li., xxxvii, (Palni Hills) Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 99.
;'
175 (1868)
Vemacular names. None
recorded.
Description. Differs from tlie Banasore Laughing-Thrush in having the forehead, crown and nape black or nearly so the chin and cheeks ashj'-grey instead of black and the lower parts a much brighter rufous.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark red or red-brown (Fairlank).
Measurements. Length about 225 to 230 mm. wing about 87 to 90 mm. tail about 92 to 95 mm. tarsus about 32 mm. culmen
;
;
about 20
mm.
The Palni and AnnamuUi
Hills in S. Travancore.
Distribution.
Nidification. Fairbank took the nest of this bird at Kodaikanal in the Palni Hills in May, and I have received three clutches from the collection of the late Eev. Howard Campbell as cachinnans,
taken at the same place and evidently those of fairbanki. They were taken in February, April and May, and are indistinguishable from those of the former Laughing-Thrush. They measure about
25-8
X 19-3 mm.
is
Habits. Similar to those of cachinnans. This Laughing-Thrush found from 3,000 up to 7,000 feet or rather higher.
(169)
Trochaloptemm jerdoni meridionale.

BiiAKiroBo'B
Laushihg-Thbubh.
S. F., vii, p.
TroahaUpterm meridionale Blanf., Hume,

(Travancore)
;
Blanf.
&
36 (1878)
Gates,
i,
p.
100.
Tenuumlar names. None
recorded.
Description. Differs from the Banasore Laughing-Thrush in having a much shorter white supercilium with no blaek lines
TKOCHALOPTEBUM.
above
it.
79
The
is
the chin white.
lores and whole crowa to uape are dusky brown nearly white and the centre of the abdomen also is
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark red

{Bourdillon).
bill
black
legs
dusky
Measurements about the same

BriHsh
as fairhanki.
Distribution. North Travancore;
Museum from
there are specimens in the Cliinnipanni, the Patnas, Mynall and the
it
Tinnevally boundary, and Mr. J. pStewart obtained Autchineoil Gap on the Ghats.
at
the
Nidiiication. Mr. J. Stewart appears to be the only collector has seen the nest of this bird. He describes it as just like most nests of eaehinnuns it was taken at about 3,000 feet. Tlie eggs are more Thrush-like than are those of any other of the South
who
Jndiun Laughing-Thrushes, and might be matched in colour by many eggs of Merula simiUima. The ground-colour is a very pale
blue-green,
and the
marlciiigs consist of rather
numerous
blotches,
smears and spots of reddish brown, mostly on the larger end, where in one egg they form a dense ring. The three eggs average about 25-5 x 19'i mm. 1 expect these eggs are somewhat abnormal
in coloration.
Habits. Those of the preceding bird.

(170) Trochalopterum virgatum. The MANii>mi Stbeakku Laughing-Tukush.
TrochalopUrcn vin/utmn Godw.-Aufet., P. Z.
S.,
1874,
p.
46 (Eazami,
Naga
Hills)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. KJO.
Vernacular names. Dm-pMrii
(Cacliari).
Description. Point of the forehead and a long supercilium extending to the najie white ; lores ferruginous ; cheeks, lower ])art of ear-coverts and under the eye fulvous- white; upper part of ear-coverts ferruginous, ivith pale shaft-streaks ; crown, nape, mantle, lesser wing-coverts and sides of the neck reddish brown, with very white shafts lower back, scapulars, rump and upper tail-coverts ashy-brown, with white shafts ; tail olive-brown, distinctly cross-rayed ; the outer feathers tipped with white ; greater wing-coverts chestnut, with white shafts and tips ; primary-coverts
;
pale rufous, with white shafts and brown tips ; winglet deep ashy, with the outer webs white along the shafts; wings ashy; tbo middle feathers washed with chestnut and the inner secondaries edged with paler ashy ; chiu and throat deep chestnut, shading off into yellowish-buff on the remainder of the lower plumage, all
the feathers with white shafts.
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pale horny or fleshy, the and more yellow ; bill dark brown, paler at the gape orbital skin dusky plumbeous. iris haiel-brown
soles paler
;
Keaanremeats. Length about 250 mm.
wing 85
to
89 mm.
s2
180
tail
TIMAUIDJE.
about 110 to 115
mm.
tarsus about 31
mm.
culmen about
17
mm.
Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai and Chin Hills. Nidification. This Laughiug-Thrush breeds throughout its rauge between 3,000 and 8,000 feet, making a deep, compact, cup-shaped nest of leaves, roots, bamboo leaves and grass, and always with more or fewer tendrils and a little moss. The lining is of roots and moss roots or fern-rachides, and the inner cup usually measures about 4in. x2-75in. or less and the outer about 6 in. X o in. Most ue.ts are placed close to tlie ground in dense tangles of creepers and vines or tiiick bushes, but- they sometimes
select higher hashes or small saplings for nesting purposes.
Eggs
These are either two or three in number and are a pale unspotted blue with a soft satiny texture, almost glossless though intensely smooth. 100 eggs average 26-0x1!) -2 mm. Habits. This is not a gregarious bird aiul I have generally seen it ill pairs only, nor is it as noisy as most of its relations though it has some quite sweet conversational and call-notes. It keeps almost entirely to thick undergrowth of forests or to the ground itself in bracken and brambles. Those I examined had fed on insects only, chiefly a small grasshopper and a very odoriferous little bug, but doubtless they also eat seeds. They are found up to 8,000 feet or over and never descend below some 3,000 feet.
to July.
maybe found from May
Trochalopterum lineatum.
Key
to
Subspecies.
A. Head and mantle ashy with dusky streaks. a. Ijower plumage rufescent. a'. Grey margins to feathers narrow b'. Grey margins to feathers broad .... b. Lower plumage paler and more grey.
. .
T. T.
/.
lineatum, p. 180.
griseicentior, p. 181.
gilgit, p. 182. ziaratensis, p. 182.
I.
Ear-coverts chestnut Ear-coverts pale rusty B. Head and mantle reddish brown glistening black shaft-stripes
c'.
ft ,
T. T.
I. I.
with
1\
I.
imbricalum,
p.
183,
(171)
Trochalopterum lineatum lineatum.

Nepai<esb Stkeaked LAUOHiira-THRUBH.
S.,
The
Cinclosoma lineatum Vigors, P. Z. Trochalopterum lineatum. Blanf.
&
1831, p. 56 (Nepal), Gates, i, p. 101.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description, Forehead, crown, nape and mantle dark ashy streaked with dusky, the shafts black; lower back and wingcoverts reddisli brown, the shafts white ; rump and upper tail-
TROOHALOBTiSEUM.
181
coverts plain ashy ; tail marked with rufous, cross-rayed, with a subtenninal black band aiid grey tips wings chiefly rufous on the outer webs, the inner secondaries edged with grey ; lores and a ring round the eye mingled while and grey ; cheeks, ear-coverte and an indistinct supercilium castaneous; chin, throat, breast and upper abdomen chestnut, all the feathers with ashy margins and those of tlie breast with glistening white shafts ; lower abdomen,
:
flanks
and under
tail-coverts ashy-brown.
Colours of soft parts. Bill dusky, the base of the lower mandible greyish or brownish-Jiorny; iris brown or reddish brown; feet fleshy-brown, claws livid horny.
Measurements. Lengtli about 200 lo 210 nnn. 77 mm. tail about 90 mm.; tarsus ahout 27 mm.
;
wing 74 to
culinen
18o
to 20-8
mm.
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim.

Nidiflcation and Habits similar to those of the belter known form, next described. Eggs taken in Native Sikkim and Darjeeling average about 26'Ox 18-8 mm.
(172)
Trochalopterum lineatmn griseicentior.
The
Siml.Il
Steeakeb LAUuniNa-TnEusH.
//riseiceniior
Imithocinda lineatiim
(1910) (Simla).
Hartert, Vojf. Pal.,
i,
p.
63(>
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. A paler bird than the preceding, both above and
below, with
parts.
much broader grey edges
to the feathers of the under-
and Seasurements as in 7\ I. Hneatum. Distribution. Garhwal, Kumaon, Simla and S. Kashmir. Nidiflcation. The Simla Streaked Laughing-Thrush breeds in great numbers throughout its range between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The breeding season is very extended and eggs have been taken in every month from March to September, though probably tliose laid in July to September are second broods. The nests are made of dry grass, leaves, small pliant twigs and stems of plants, scraps of bracken and roots and they are lined with either roots or grass They are bulky nests measuring stems, generally the latter. roughly anything from 6" to 10" in outward diameter by some 3" to 5" in depth, the egg-cavity being about 3"x2|" or rather more. It is placed either in some thick bush in undergrowth or on a brfench low down in a big tree, the Deodar being a special
Coloiirs of soft parts
favourite and, tliough so big a nest, is always well concealed. The normal fuU clutch of eggs is three, rarely four and jiot seldom two They are unspotted blue-green in. colour and have a onlysmooth satiny surface with but little gloss. 100 eggs average
25-6 X 18-4
mm.
182
TIMAMIDJ^
is
Habits. This Laughing-Thrush
one of the most comuion
birds about nearly all our North- West hill-stations in every kind of forest and jungle where there is sufficient undergrowth. It wanders about in pairs or small parties of four or five, constantly chattering and calling but, though not shy or wild, keeping much out of view in the thick undergrowth, where it hunts for seeds and
insects.
It is loth to take to flight but
when
forced to do so, the
wing one by one, fluttering feebly to the next piece of cover much in the same way as do tlie birds of the genera Aryya and Turdoides.
flock takes
(173)
Trochalopterum lineatum
gilgit.
The Gilom Stjikaked LAroHiNG-TuBUSu.

lanthocincla
(Gilgit).
lineatum
(){l</{t,
llarteit,
Vog.
Pal.,
i,
p.
6-56
(1910)
Vernacular aames. None recorded.

Description. This race
less rufous, in tint
is still paler than the last and more grey, both on the upi)er and lower plumage.
Distribution. Gilgit, Ohitral and
N. Kashmir.
Nidification and Habits similar to those of the last bird. clutches of eggs average 24*9 X 18-5 mm.
To
(174)
Trochalopterum lineatum ziaratensis.
TH BaLUOHISTAK StuEAKED LArGHlXG-TUEUSlt.

lanthocincla
p.
lineatum ziaratensis Ticehurst, Bull. B. O. C,
xli,
56(1920) (Ziarat).
Yernacnlar names. None recorded.

Description. Differs from "/. l.gilyil in having much paler rusty, not chestnut, ear-coverts ; grey, not olive-brown, rump and tailthe markings on the coverts, and grey, not grey-brown, belly breast paler and yellower, not red-brown; the golden-brown edges to the wings and tail are also somewhat paler. It lacks the
;
white-ticked throat which 1.
I,
gilgit has."
I.
Colours of soft
Nidification.
parts and measurements as in T.
lineatum.
Quetta measure 26-1 x 18-7 mm. The nest was said to have been placed in scrub growing in a ravine on an otherwise bare and stony hill.
Habits. Apparently is often found in the low scrub-jungle which grows here and there in the ravines in the hills, as well as
in the better
Two e^s from
wooded
parts.
TKOCHALOMBBCM.
(175^ Troclialopterum
183
lineatum imbricatimi.
The Bhutan Stueaked Lacghing-Thrtish.

Garmlax imbricatus Blyth,
J.
A.
Trochalopterum imbrtcattim.
S. B., xii, p. 951 (1843) (Bhutan). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 102.

Description. Differs from the other three races in having the bead, neck and mantle concolorous with the rest of the body, the shafts black and glistening; the lores, superciliutn and sides of the head greyish-brown with white shafts.
Colours of soft parts not recorded.
Measurements as
Distribution.
in T.
I.
lineatum.
Bhutan
only.
Nidiflcation and Habits
unknown.
(176)
Trochalopterum henrici.
PniifCE Henky's Laughing-Thhush.

Trochalopterum
(1891) (Tibet).
henrici
Oustalet,
Ann.
Sci. Nat., (7) xii, p.
274
Vernacular names. Jomo
the lady (Tibet).
Description. Upper parts and wing-coverts dark olive-brown, the crown slightly darker ; lores and a line through the eye and ear-coverts dark chocolate quills blackish edged with lavendergrey tail blackish brown, broadly tipped with white a broad white stripe through the cheeks a small white supercilium below the same colour as above, but paler and the flanks and under tailcoverts chestnut-rod.
; ;
;
Colours of soft parts. crimson.

to 115 ram.
Bill
and
legs
dark plumbeous
iris
Heasurements. Total length about 270 to 280 mm. wing 110 culmen about 22 mm. tarsus tail atiout 150 mm. about 37 mm.
;
Distribution. Tibet, and it has been obtained by Col. . at Shoaka, 9,000 feet, in the Mishmi Hills.
M. Bailey
Nidification unknown.
Habits. "It is found in the same poplar and alder bushes as the Bahax, but also comes up quite close to the villages. It has the characteristic habits of a Babbler to a marked degree, rotes about in parties pf eight or more individuals, chafctars most noisily, uttering its fluty call of ' Whoh-hee Whoh-hee,' is always on the move, scampering along the branches, seldom showing itself, and (TToAfaR). flying very low across a clearance to the next cover."
184
TIMALIID2E,
Genus
GRAMMATOPTILA
Reichnb., 1850.
The genus Orammatoptila contains but one species, which may be recognized by its stout, deep and short bill, striated plumage and by the long frontal hairs which reach over the nostrils. It is in habits and nidification near Troclialopterum, and seems to form a link between the true Laughing-Thrushes and the birds of the genera Turdoides and Argija. There are two geographical races.
Grammatoptila
Key
to
striata.
Subspecies.
A. Feathers of crest not streaked with white no brown bands on sides of crown .... B. Feathers of crest streaked with white a brown bnnd on either side of crown. ...
;
O. striata striata,
p.
184.
G.
i.
aust^nti, p.
185.
(177)
Grammatoptila striata striata. The STEIA.TED Latjohiug-Thkush.

striata.
Gamthis
striatns Vigors, P. Z. S., 1830, p. 7 (Himalayas, Naini-Tal).
Grammatoptila
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
103.
Vernacular names. Nampioh-pho (Lepcha) ; Kopiam (Bhut.). Description. Whole upper plumage, sides of head and neck, chin and throat umber-brown, darkest on the crown, shading off
Fig.
30. Head
of G.
s.
striata.
brown on the lower plumage ; every feather of the whole i>lumage including inner secondaries but not other quills, with a ong median white streak, the streaks larger but less defined on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; quills dark brown, the outer webs of the first few primaries hoary, of the others pale chestnut tail chestnut, the outer feathers with a minute white tip,
into pale
Colours of soft parts. Iris lake or reddish legs dull slate or slaty-brown.
to 150
brown
bill
black
Heasnrements. Length about 300 to 310 mm. ; wing about 140 mm. ; tail about 132 to 136 mm. ; tarsus about 42 mm. culmen about 25 mm, Diatribntioli. Himalayas from the Sutlej Valley to Bhutan.
GEAMMATOPTII-A.
185
its
Nidiflcation. The Striated Laughing-Thrush breeds throughout range at heights varying between 3,500 and 7,000 feet, but is
not often found nesting below 4,500 feet. The nest is a large, rather deep cup, about 9 to 10 inches in diameter by some 4 to 5 deep and is composed largely of moss with grass, leaves, roots and tendrils mixed and a compact lining of roots. It is generally placed some 6 to 12 feet up in small saplings and other trees. The eggs are almost invariably two in number and are long ovals of pale blue, in neai'ly every case spotless, but rarely with a few tiny specks of blackish or reddish. They average about 33-8 X 23-2 mm. This is a very favourite fosterer for the Ked-winged Cuckoo coromandus). The breeding season lasts from April to July. (
Habits. This bird
is
a true Laughing-Thrush in
its
habits but
is
more arboreal than most, frequenting both bush and the lower It is found in pairs and small parties and is verytrees alike. loquacious, some of its notes being likened by .Jerdon to those of a hen which has laid an egg. It feeds on insects and fruit and seeds, the hitter to a greater extent than most of the family.
(178)
Grammatoptila striata austeui.
AuSXElf'S Sl'KIATED LAUGHING-TlFnUSn,
Orammatoptila austeui
(Dafla Hills).
Oates, Avifauna B.
I.,
i,
p.
104 (1889)
Vernacular names. Baopa (Cachari).

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having two broad dark coronal bands meeting on the nape ; no shaft-stripes on the crown, and tliose elsewhere narrower but better defined.
feet pale
legs and Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to dark red slaty-grey, soles yellowish ; bill dark slaty-brown or " bluish-horny " (Stevens).
;
Heasurements
as in O. striata striata.
Distribution. Hills south of the Brahmaputra as far east as Margherita. Stevens procured this form on the eastern watershed of the Sabansiri Eiver, and Falkiner and Kemp both procured it on the Mishmi Expedition, so that it appears to work round the head-waters of the Brahmaputra, Dibong and Dihong as far west as this river.
Hidiflcation. I found this bird breeding freely above 4,500 feet in the Khasia HiUs and more rarely so in the N. Oacbar Hills. Nest and eggs like those of the last bird, but I have never seen any egg marked at ail. Twenty eggs average about 31-5 x 23*5 mm.
Habits. Frequents pine-woods as well as other forest, provided there is any undergrowth ; otherwise its habits are like those of
G.
s.
striata.
186
TIMALIIDJE.
Genus STACTOCICHLA Sharpe,
188iJ.
This genus contains a single species, a brown bird with a spotted breast extremely Thrush-like in appearance. The bill is long and slender, the tail and wing about equal in leii{!;th, the latter sliort new form of this species has recently and rounded as usual.
been described from
Annam *
(179) Stactociohla merulina merulina. The Spoxtbd-bbeasted LAUGHisc-THiirsH.

Uarrulax vierulinus Blyth, .T. A. Blanford
S. B., xx, p.
521 (1851) (Manipur).
Stactociohla merulina.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 104.
Temacular names. Moh mepeh (Angami Naga),

narrow white streak above the ear-coverts Bescription. forehead mottled with grey; remainder of upper plumage, exposed parts of wings and tail rufescent olive-brown ; chin, throat and breast yellowish buff, broadly streaked with oval black stripes centre of abdomen the same colour unstriped; flanks rufescent olive-brown ; under tail-coverts bright ochraceous.
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris pale yellowish or pinkish, brown in birds legs and feet pale to dark brown, the soles paler and claws darker; bill dark horny-brown, black at tip and on culmen, greyish on lower mandible.
young
Measuremeuts. Length about 260 to 270 mm.; wing 93 to 99 mm. ; tail about 96 ram. tarsus about 40 mm. culmen ahout 24 mm. Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra South to Manipur and Lushai, East to Lakhiinpur.
;
Nidification. Breeds above 3,500 feet from April to July, but principally in the end of June, both in bamboo-jungle and in In the former the nest is made almost entirely of bamboo forest, leaves, mixed witli grass, moss, roots, etc., and lined with roots ; when placed in forest the major part of the materials is moss mixed with dead leaves, roots, tendrils, etc., and lined with moss
roots. In shape a hemispherical cup, it is generally laced close to the ground either iu a bamboo clump or a dense E ush, more seldom in a high bush or small sapling. The eggs, two or three in number, are large replicas of those of Troehalopterum virgatum, a shade darker, perhaps, but of the same shape and texture. 50 eggs average 2S"7 X 21 "7 mm.
and fern
Habits. Although 80 aberrant in appearance, this is a true Laughing-Thrush in its habits very gregarious, it is found in very noisy, it possesses a wide flocks of ten to twenty individuals
; ;
range of very beautiful notes as well as many others less pleasing a terrible skulker, it is one of the hardest birds to watch or procure.
Robinson
&
Kloss, Ibis, 1919, p. 577 (S.
Annam).
BABAX.
187
In Manipur Hume found them frequenting secondary grovvtii in deserted clearings, but in N. Cachar they preferred deep, wet forest with an undergrowth of bracken, caladiums, jasmine and raspIn berries, which grew in dense matted profusion everywhere. bamboo-jungle they were easier to watch, and 1 often saw them hopping about feeding among the fallen leaves, but anv movement drove them off at once and they took to wing and flew better than most of their nearest relations.
Genus
BABAX
David, 1876.
The Babblers of this genus form a connecting-link between Trochalopterum and the genera already dealt with and Argyn and
Turdoides,
being
on
the whole nearer the
latter
than
the
former group.
The wing is short and rounded, the tail long and much graduated. The bill is rather slender, slightly curved, and
in length about equal to, or longer than, hiud toe and claw toThe rictal bristles are strong and of considerable length, gether.
and the oval, exposed nostrils are overhung by numerous hairs. There are several species of this genus found on the borders of the Indian Empire, of which three enter our limits, whilst others may possibly be found to do so in extreme Northern Burma when the ornithology of that country is better known.
Key
to
Species
and
Suhspfcies.
A. Plumage boldly striped above and below. a. Wing under 110 mm. plumage rufescent. a'. Throat immaculate buffy white b'. Throat white with black shafts to the
;
[p. 187.
li.
I.
lanceolatus,
victoria, p. 188.
feathers
li.
;
I.
over 110 mm. plumage gioy B. Pluma<re rufous above and below, stripes absent or obsolete
b.
Wing
B.
toaMelli,j>. 189.
p. 189.
. koshwi,
(180) SabapX lanceolatus lanceolatus.
The CmifESE Babai.

Pterorhinus lanceolatus Yen., Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, (1871) (Chinese Tibet).
vi,
p.
30
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Crown bright rufous-brown w ith dark centres to remainder of upper plumage and wing-coverts the feathers darker rufescent brown, each feather broadly edged with pale fulvous grey, white on sides of neck, almost so on nape and darkest on rump ; upper tail-coverts grey with obsolete concealed tail rufous-brown, duller than crown ; lores and dark centres forehead fulvous, the latter merging into the crown ; ear-coverts striped white and brown; a broad moustaehial streak varying from chestnut to almost black ; chin, throat and upper breast
; ;
188
XIMALIIDJE.
fulvous white, a few indistinct dark strias ou the latter ; sides of breast and flanks pale fulvous with broad brown and chestnut streaks, disappearing ou the abdomen and centre of breast ; under tail-coverts and thighs earthy-brown.
Colours of soft parts. Iris white to bright orange coloured ; legs paler horny-brown.
bill
hoiu-
about 38
Measurements. AVingJ)3 to 115 mm.; tail 125 to 140mm.; tarsus mm.; culmen 27 to 28 mm. The largest and smallest birds come from the same place. Hartert gives the wing up to 110 mm.
Distributiou. I
nanensi-g
and
E. Tibet,
W.
cannot distinguish between laiiceolatus, yimthe range therefore of this Babax is China, Yunnan, Kachin Hills and K. Shan States.
honvaloti;
Nidification. This bird was found breeding by Harington, Pershouseand others in the Bhanio Hills between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, making a cup-shaped nest of dead leaves, grass, bits of bracken, etc., lined with roots and placed in low bushes in thin scrub-jungle or mixed bracken and bush. The breeding season appears to be April to June, The eggs number from two to four, generally three, and are rather long, pointed ovals in shape, rather dark spotless blue in colour, and with a fine, close texture and surface but no gloss. 15 eggs average about 27-3 x
20-3
mm.
HaMts. This Babax is said to haunt thin scattered forest or " the more open hillsides, which are covered with bracken and bramble bushes, and never enters the dense secondary growth which springs up after cultivation " {Harington). They go about either in pairs or small parties and keep up a continuous flow of
and musical notes, varied occasionally by il harsher outburst.. are no better fliers than the rest of the family, and are equally strong and active ou their legs.
soft
They
(181)
Babax lanceolatus
victorise.
The Mouhx Victoeia Babax.

Babux victorice Rippon,Bull. B. O. C, xv,p. 97 (1905) (Mt. Chin Hills).
Victoria,

Description. Differs from lanceolatus in having the throat and upper breast a purer white and the black shaft-stripes extending right up to the chin, whereas in typical laneeolatm there are no In stripes on chin or throat and often not on the upper breast. this bird also the moustachial stripe is very black and broad.
ColoTirs of soft parts. " Irides yellow
;
bill
dark horny ; legs

tarsus
and feet lighter " (Hippon). Measurements. Wing 100 mm. culmen 25 mm.
tall
140
mm.
35 mm.
BABAX.
Sistribution. Chin Ililk.
189
Nidification. Nests taken by Venning and Grant in the Chin Hills are described as open cups made of dead leaves and coarse grass stems lined with roots and placed in low thorny bushes on open hillsides or near swauips. They were found in April and May, and contained from two to three eggs similar to those of
the preceding subspecies and measuring about 27".5x20'4
mm.
Habits. This Babax is found from 5,000 to at least 9,000 feet, haunting the same kind of country as the last bird, which it closely resembles in all its habits.
(182)
Tjie
Babax
waddelli.
Giant Tmra Babax.

i,
Babax
Tibet).
toaddelli Dresser, P. Z. S., 1905,

li'orio,
p.
54 (Tsaiigpo, Tibet).
;
Vernacular names,
Teh-teh (Tibet)
Kifu-mo (Gyantse,
Description. Whole plumage ashy-grey; above with broad streaks of blackish brown edged with dull chestnut ; below with narrower streaks but with the cliestnut brighter ; centre of belly, vent, under tiiil-coverts and thighs cinereous ashy without stripes on the ear-coverts the central marks are obsolete, but on the cheeks form a broad, black moustachial stripe.
;
bill black legs dark brown. ; Measurements. Wing 132 to 140 mm. tail 148 to 160 mm. tarsus 40 to 43 ram. culmeu 33 to 37 mm. Distribtition. South Tibet and the extreme .north-east of Sikkim *. Nidification. The Giant Babax breeds freely in South Tibet from 11,000 to 14,000 feet, or higher, during May, June and July, a few odd birds breeding both earlier and later. The nest is a large, rather rough cup of grass, dead leaves, fern fronds, roots, wool, etc., lined with finer roots and fern stems or line It measures externally some 7 inches in diameter by 3 to 4 grass. deep, and has an internal cup of about 4" by 2" or rather less. It is placed low down in the small thorny bushes which cover parts of the Tibetan plateaus or in willow-trees and small The eggs are two or three in number and similar to saplings.
; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow
those of the last but averaging about 33-1 x 21-6 mm. Habits. This is a very common Babax over the greater portion of South Tibet, going about in small parties of five or six birds and having all the habits of the true Laughing-Thrushes. They are great skulkers, keeping much to the ground or to the lower bushes and scrub, and though they come close to dwelling-houses,
the
* Babax konlowi, an all rufous bird with obsolete Btrenks only, Mekong watershed and is sure to enter parts of N. Burma.
is
found on
190
TIMAMXD^.
Their food
is
is
they seldom show themselves.
chiefly,
perhaps
wholly, insectivorous, aud their call harsh notes, rapidly repeated.
said to consist of
two
Genus TURDOIDES Cretzscbmar, 1826.

This genus contains the well-known Bahblers called " The Unfortunately Se\ en Sisters " over so great a part of India. we cannot employ either Crateropus or Malacocercns as a name for the genus, and it must now be known as Turdoides. It differs from the True Laughing-Thrushes of the preceding genera in liaving the covering membrane of the nostrils more or less covered by plumes, though they have no overhanging hairs. The rictttl bristles are short and stout and the feathers of the forehead short, firm and close. The tail is about the same in lejigth as the wing and well graduated, the outermost pair being about two-thirds the length of the central feathers. The wing is short and rounded, the third or fourth primary being the longest. There are two species which call for remark in this genus, Turdoides rufeseens and Turdoides cinereifrons, Tlio former, the Ceylon Babbler, is su[)posed to differ in having the feathers of the forehead bare at the tips and spinous it has accordingly been geiierically separated with Argya suhrufa as Lcnjardia. The difference seems to me very minute, sometimes hardly visible, aud does not constitute sufTicient cause for removal to another genus. The other characteristic, referred to by Harington, is the more slender, wholly black bill, but the difference between this and the shorter yellow bill of others is bridged over by the intermediate yellow and black bill of Argya subnifa. The second bird, the Ashy-headed Babbler, differs only from typical Turdoides in having a longer bill, coloured black instead of pale yellow or white as iu the other species. There does not appear to be any other difference, and though when first seen the bird appears to be nearer Garrulcuc or Dryonastes than Turdoid^, I can see no sufficient reason for instituting a new genus for it. Its habits aud nidification may assist when these are known.
;
Key
to
Species
and
Subspeciet.
A. Throat ashy, mottled with pale brown

a.
breast ashy-fulvous. Upper plumage paler with very LndiBtinct shaft-streaks
T, Urrieolor terricolor, p. 191, T.t. malabaricus, p. 192.
b.
Upper plumage darker and browner

with
distinct shaft-streaks
c.
Paler and more grey everywhere,
with shaft-streaks oDsolete

B. Throat and breast dark brown or black with ashy margins. d. Tail ashj and brown; primaiies
T.t, tindianut,
p.
193.
edged paler.
XUllDOIDES.
a'.
191
b'.
and darker than the rest of the head Ear-coverts same as the rest of
Efti'-coverts blackish
T. griseus ffriseus, p. 193.
the head
e.
T.
ff.
striaim, p. 194.
Tail rufous; primaries without pale

edfj;B8.
c'.
Throat aud breast mottled with
brown
C. Throat
1).
,7*.
gomermllei, p. 194.
and breast uniformly rufous.
Throat pale rufous, breast dark rufous.
T. rufescens, p. 195. T. cinereifroHs,'p. 196.
(183) Turdoides terricolor terricolor. TiiE BKNUAr. Jungle-Babblek.

Pasliir tniicolor Ilodgs., J. A. . B., v, p. 771 (1836) (Nepal). Blanf. k. Oates, i, p. 110. (.'ruteropm eunorua.
Vernacular names. Ctear/iia (Beng.); Pempja-maina {Wmdi. in the TJ.P.) ; tât Bhai, Jam/U-Jchi/r, Ghonr/hai (Hind.) ; Pedda-Sida KiUch-hatehia (Behar). (Tel.)
;
Description. Upper plumage, coverts and inner secondaries pale l)rown, cinereous on the head and rump, slightly fulrous on
Fig. 31.
Head of T,
i.
terricolor.
the upper tail-coverts, the back with dark brown streaks and whitish shaft-stripes; tail brown, paler towards the base and darker towards the end, which is tipped with white and cross-rayed wings dai'k browu, edged with ashy on the outer webs; lores whitish with a narrow black line above them ; sides of the head like the crown; chin and throat cinereous, faintly cross-barred darker; breast fulvous ashy with whitish shafts; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts fulvous ; the sides tinged with brown and with faint white shafts. Colours of soft parts, Iris white, yellowish white or creamy white ; orbital skin pale yellow ; legs and claws yellow, chromeyellow, fleshy -yellow or yellowish white; bill chrome-yellow, yellowish white, dirty whitish or, rarely, pale horny-yellow.
tail
KeaBuremeiitB. Length 250 to 260 mm. ; wing 103 to 110 mm. 108 to 115 mm. ; tarsus about 32 to 34 mm. ; culmen about
Bistxi'batioii.
25 to 26 mm.
Northern India from the U.F., Eastern Bajpn-
192
^lilXhUDM.
tana to Bengal, south to Origsa, across to about the latitude of
Bombay.
and July
Nidification. The Jungle-Babbler breeds principally in June after the break of the monsoon, but odd nests with eggs
may
be found
any time from March
to September.
They
are
bound together with weeds, twigs and tendrils, and lined with grass or roots, and they may be placed in any kind of bush or tree at heights of a few inches only to 30 feet from the ground. The usual number of eggs is four, but Inglis has taken seven from the same nest, all apparently Turdoide* eggs, and not those of the Common HawkCuckoo or Pied Cuckoo, both of which victimize this Babbler very freely. It is sometimes difficult to tell the Cuckoos' eggs from
built of grass, leaves, roots, etc., carelessly
those of their fosterers, but as a rule they are much leas glossy, a softer, more satiny texture and more elliptical in shape. 'Hie Babblers' eggs are typically a deep Hedge-sparrow blue, intensely glossy, and 100 eggs average about 25-2x 19'6 mm. Habits. The " Seven Sisters " have obtained this name from
the fact that they go about in flocks of six to a dor.en, but very frequently numbering exactly seven, and their sisterhood or brotherhood they show by the manner in which each individual resents any interference from outside to any of the party yet retains full liberty to argue, disagree and fight with any one or all of the other six. They are noisy, hysterical and active birds so long as they are not forced to fly, and anything out of the common at once attracts their attention and calls forth a babel of comment and assertion which rises crescendo until something else diverts them. Their excitement seems to be equally intense and voluble whether caused by some mere insect or by the murder of one of their party by a Hawk. They may be scattered at the moment, but within a second or two all have taken a few prodigious hops and have collected together either to discuss the They are object of interest or to defend the member in danger. very brave birds, and when attacked throw themselves on their back and fight with bill and claws, whilst their comrades throw themselves with fury on the assailant, whether cat, hawk or some smaller vermin. They seem to prefer the vicinity of humanity to the wilds, but are found over their whole range where the country is sufficiently, yet not too, densely wooded.
(184) Turdoides terricolor malabaricns.
The SOUTHKBN JUKaLB-BABBLEK.

Malacocereue malabarictu Jerd., B, of
I.,ii, p.
62 (1877) (Malabar).
yernacalar nam^. Pedda gida (Tel.). Sescription. Differs from the northern bird in being very much darker both above and below, most noticeably so <m the
TDBDOIDES.
19g
also
chin, throat, breast and flanks. Tlie darker edging to the feathers show up the central pale streaks more vividly.
Colours of soft parts and Ueasuremeuts as in the

Distribution. India South of the habitat of T.
t.
last.
terricolor.
Nidiflcation and Habits similar to those of the Twenty eggs average about 23-8 x 18-0 mm. Babbler.
Northern
(185) Turdoides terricolor sindianus.
The 8ind
.TuNGLK-BABiiUin.
Turdoiden terricnJor mulicmus Ticehuist, Bull. B. 0. (19:20) (Karachi, Sind).
C,
xl, p.
150
Vernacular names. JVone recorded.
and with the dark streaks
Description. Similar to temcolor but paler, u|)per parts greyer ill-defined or obsolete; throat paler dusky grey ; belly paler cream-colour.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the other two

races.
Distribution. Sind, Western Ilajjnitana (Mt. Aboo) and Punjab.

Nidification. Breeds in Sind in July and in the Punjab in April, iSlay and June and apparently again in Septeuiber. Twenty-one eggs average ^4'1 X 17'^ mm.
Habits. Tliose of the species.
(18G) Turdoides griseus griseus.
Tub WmTB-HHAUEo Babbleu.

Turdua
ffriseus Grael., Sxst. Nat.,
(jriu-us.
i,
p.
i,
824 (1788) (Cnrnatic),

p. 112.
Crateropus
Blanf.
&
Gates,
;
Vernacular names. Khyr (Hindi) Karavi (Tel.).
Chinda or Sula and Kalli-
Description. Whole upper part of head dingy greyisli white cheeks and ear-coverts brown; upper plumagu ashy-brown, the feather.s of the back with white shaft-stripes and a black streak on either web ; quills black, narrowly edged on the outer webs with ashy ; tail ashy-brown on the basal and dark brown on the terminal half, which is tipped with wliitish ; tail and inner chin, throat aud breast secondaries cros-s-rayed with blackish dull blackish, the feathers edged ashy ; middle of abdomen fulvous remainder of lower plumage brown. The colour of the head varies greatly in some specimens, obviously young, the head hardly differs from the back, and it varies from this colour to a dirty or creamy white. Here and there very pale individuals are met with whicli have a strong erythristie tendency both above and below, two such from Travaneore having bright rust-red patches on the back and breast o Toij. I.
; ; ;
194
TIMALIIDJE.
a third from Mysore and yet another from the similnr but less red markings.
skin,
Wynaad show
Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy or yeHowish white ; orbital bill, legs and i'eet yellowish white to almost chrome-yellow.
Measurements. Length about 2.30 to iJ3.T mm. ; wing about 98 to 104 mm. tail about 100 mm. tarsus about 32 mm. culmen
;
about 17
mm.
Distribution. Southern India up to a line from Ellore, Secunderabad and Eelgaum.

Nidification. Breeds all over South India in the plains and hills up to some 2,000 feet, having two broods, the first in April to June and the second in September to November, odd birds laying at other times throughout the year. Kest and eggs
lower
are typical of the genus, the' latter numbering three or four, whilst sixty eggs average 24-0 x 18\S mm.
Habits. Those of the genus.

(187)
Turdoides griseus striatus. TnE Ckvlon Babblek.
Miiktc.ocercHs striatus Swains., Zool.,111., p, ll>7 (1831) (Ceylon). Urateropus yrisfius. Wanf. & Gates, j, p. 112.
Vernacular names. VemelitcJia (Caylon)
Funil
{Turn.).
Description. The Ceylon Babbler differs from 2'. (/. (/riseus in having the head concolorous with tlio back the dark and light streaks to the back are less M-ell-defined.
;
Colours of soft parts as in the White-headed Babbler.
Measurements. Wing about 110 mm. Distribution. Ceylon only. Individuals are obtained in South India Hhich approach this race in colour, but they are all, possibly, young birds and should be referred to the former ratlier than to
the present race.
Nidification. This Babbler breeds in great numbers in parts of Ceylon, laying normally three eggs, often only two and very rarely four. Neither nest uor eggs can be distinguished from those of T. g. griseus, and a fine series of fifty eggs collected for me by Messrs. W. E. Wait and W. W. A. Phillips average 23-8 X 18"4 mm.

(188) Turdoides somervillei.
The Bombay Babbler.

Sykes, P. Z. S^ 1832, p. 88 (Bombay). Crateroput eomerviUii. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 1J8.
Timalia
somei-villei

Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark brown, the feathers
TUIIDOIDBS,
195
with narrow pale edges ; lores white; sides of the head and neck, back, wing-coverts and inner secondaries paler brown tinged with rufous, the feathers of the back with white shafts; rump and upper tail-covei'ts ferruginous ; tail reddish brown, both tail and inner secondaries cross-rayed witli blackisli ; primaries aru:l outer secondaries black ; chin and throat dark brown, each feather with a broad ashy margin ; breast brown with broad white shafttail
streaks ; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts deep ferruginous; tipped paler below.
Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy or yellowish white ; orbital skin pale yellow ; bill, legs and feet pale yellow or fleshy-yellow.
Measurements. Length about 230 to 260 mm. wing 97 to 105 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 32 mm.; culmen about 20 to 21 mm. This species is easily distinguished from all others by its rufous runjp and tail and deep ferruginous lower parts.
;
Distribution. Travancore to
Nidiflcation.
Bombay
along the
West
Coast.
This Babbler breeds throughout its range in practically every month of the year. The nest is made of grass, occiisionally mixed with grass-roots, fine twigs, etc., and lined with fine roots or grass-stems. It is placed in a bush or small tree, very often in date-palms. The eggs whicli number two or three, very rarely four, are of the usual glossy deep blue and thirty-six average about 24-2 x 19'5 mm.
(189) Turdoides rufescens.
TUK
C'raterojms riifeneeiu.
OUYLONBSI! BaBBLEE.
J.
Malacocercun rufescens Bhth,

Blanf.
A.
S. B.,xvi, p.
i,
453 (1847) (Ceylon).
&
Oates,
p.
114.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Descripliou. "W hole uppsr plumage and exposed parts of wings lower plumage ferruginous, browner on flanks, rufous-brown vent and under tail-coverts tail faintly cross-rayed. ICeasurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. wing about tarsus about 32 mm. tail about 115 to 120 mm. -S6 to 104 mm. culmen about 19 to 20 mm.
;
; ;
(Tolonrs of soft parts. Iris white, yellowish white or greenish bill orange-yellow, deepest on the basal half legs and feet ; dull chrome-yellow, claws yellowish-horn; orbital skin and
white
eyelid pale
greenish yellow {Legye).
Distribution. Ceylon, throughout the
damper
portions.
Nidification^ According to Legge this Babbler breeds in March, April and May, making a nest similar to that of itriatm but very -carefully concealed. Two eggs taken bv Mr, MncVicar at
o2
196
TIMAIillDJE.
Bolgodole measure 24-1 x 18-0 mm. and 23'3xl7-9 mm. Two taken for me by Mr. W". A. T. Kellow measure 24-2 x 18-1 mm. They cannot be distinguished from those and 24-0 X 17-8 mm.
of striatvs.
Habits. The Ceylonese Babbler seems to be a bird of the forest and jungle rather than a frequenter of village scrub and open country. Mr. W. Phillips informs me that it is not uncommon in. the Matagaina district but that it keeps much to forest.
(190) Turdoides cinereifrons.
ThK ASHY-HEAOBI)
Garruln.v einere(fronsB]yth,
Cratero/nis a'nereifruns.
.1.
BABBTiEE.
]>.
A. S. B., xx,
170 (1851) (Ciylon).

1
lilanf.
&
Oats,
i,
p.
14.

Description. Forehead, crown and sides of the head cinereous, shading off on the nape into the bright reddish brown which is the colour of the whole upper plumage, tail and visible ))ortions of the wings, e.vcept the outer webs of the tirst few |)riinaries which are paler chin whitish ; remainder of lower plumage rufous-brown, darker on the flanks and under tail-coverts.
;
inside of
Colours of soft parts. Iris white eyelid plumbeous bill black mouth greenish yellow legs and feet plumbeous brown claws dusky-horny (Lec/ge).
;
;.
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. wing 121 to tail about 105 to 110 mm.; tarsus 38 mm.; euliiien, about 20 to 22 mm. Distribution. Ceylon only, up to about 2,500 feet.
;
128mm.;
Nidification.
Unknown.
Habits. This bird is a typical Babbler in its noisy, gregarious habits, but it is confined to dense forests where it is always damp and gloomy.
Genus ABGrTA Lesson, 1831.

This genus differs from Turdoides in its longer tail and in itsmore slender bill. The wing also is not so rounded, the third quill being longest or subequal with the fourth. The tail is longer and more graduated, the outermost feathers being about Argya longirosirtB has a bill half the lengtli of the central ones. longer than the other species but is otherwise congeneric.
longer,
Key
A. Heed and back
a.
to
Species
and SvMpecies.
distinctly strealied -with
blackish or very dark brown. Chin and throat rufous with dark shaftstripes
A.
earlii, p.
197.
ABGIA.
A.
197
Chin and throat immaculate white or

pnle fulvous.
a'.
Jyower
a''.
pluiiiag'e pale fulvous.
["p.
198.
.
Above reddish brown b". Above more grey-brown J'. Lower plumage ferruj);inous
J5.
A. candatanaudatn, A. c. huttoni, p. 109. A. i/ularis, p. 19i>.

A. malcohni,
p. 200.
Plead not streaked, back with oval brown spots No streaks or spots on head or upi>Br
plumage.
c.
(Jhin
d.
and throat rufous, lores dark .... Chin, upper throat and lores white. ...
(191)
J. subrufa, p. 201. A. loiKjit-odrk,-^. 202.
Argya
earlii.
The
Stuiatei) Babumii.
.
Malitiwerciis earlii lilyth, J. A S. B., xvii, p. .^09 (1844) (Calcutta). JJliinf. & Oates, i,p. 105. Arr/i/a earlii.
Vernacular names. Jiarra-phenga (Hindi).

feivtlier.s
Description. Upper plutnuge brown tinged with rufous, the of the crown largely centred with very dark brown, tliose
Fig. ^2.
Head of A.
earlii.
of the back witli very dark sliaf t-stripes ; upper tail-coverts obsoletely durk-shafted tail brown, the shafts darker and the feathers cross-j'ayed ; wings brown, the lesser coverts dark-centred ; lores grey ; cheeks and ear-coverts plain rufescent ; chin, throat and breast the same, the dark stripes increasing in size downwards ifemftinder of lower plumage pale buffy-brown, albescent in the
;
middle of the abdomen.

Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow; eyelid plumbeous; fleshy-yellow, the culiiien, nostril and tip darker horn-colour mouth yellow; legs plnmbeous or fleshy-plumbeous, claws
bill
;
pinkish.
tail
Heasurements. Length about 140 mm. ; wing 85 to 93 ram. about 120 to 130 mm.; culmen about 20 mm,; tarsus about
.îku.
32 mm.
Distribution.
Sind to the llun of Cutch, along the base of tbie Himalayas to Behar, all over iiehar and Bengal, East through Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, through Chittagong, Cliia Hills and Arrakan to Pegu.
From
198
TIMALIID^,
principally during the rains but at ITidification. Breeds different places at different times and in some, as in Assam and Bengal, at almost any time of the year. It prefers marshy land, where it makes its nest in the reeds, like that of a large IteedWarbler, or it makes a larger, more untidy nest of grasses and
reed-blades in a low bush or thicket of grass. The eggs are either three or four in number, of the usual bright, rather dewp blue-green typical of the genus, in shape a rather broad oval with fine texture and considerable gloss. Sixty eggs average 22-8 x 1 7"0 mm.
wide grass-plains, marshy wherever conditions are suitable it is sure to be abundant. It is very gregarious, according to Marshall, being found in flocks even in the breeding season. They are very noisy birds and have the same follow-myleader style of clambering tlirough grass and bushes and fluttering from one patch of cover to another as have the better-known species. On the other hand, probably on account of their semiaquatio habits, they do not descend as much to the ground as do
Habits. This Babbler
is
a bird of
tracts
and sub-montane grass-covered
hills
the other birds.
They
are chiefly insect feeders.
(192)
Argya caudata caudata. Tke CoMMoif Babblbk.

p. 20(5
Cossyphus caudatus Dumont, Diet. Sci. Nat., xxix,
(1823).
Argya caudata.
Ulauf,
&
Oates,
i,
p. 106.
Vernacular names. i>umri (Hindi in the South); i/Mn/(Tara.); Heddo &\\di Lailo (Bind); Chil- ehil [Hmd. in the N.VV.P.); Penff
or Ohota-jpenga (Hindi); Sor (in the
N.W.); Chinna
sula (Tel.),
Description. Whole upper plumage fulvous-brown, each feather with a dark brown shaft-streak ; wing and tail-coverts with only the shafts dark; quills brown, lighter on the outer webs tail olivebrown, croBS-rayed and the shafts very dark ; chin and throat fulvous- white ; lores brown; ear-coverts rufescent; lower plumage pale fulvous, albescent on the abdomen and the sides of the breast
;
faintly streaked.
legs
Colonrs of soft parts. Bill light brown, yellow at base below and feet yellow ; claws fleshy-brown ; iris brown or yellow
;
iris red-brown (Jerdon). Ueasarements. Total length about 230 mm.; wing 78 to 84 mm. ; tail about 120 to 125 mm. ; tarsus about 28 mm. culmen about 19 to 20 mm. Distribation. Every portion of India proper, from 8ind to E. Bengal and Calcutta from the foot of tlie Himalayas to the Palni Hills; the Laccadires and in Bameswaram Island. Not Burma.
;
;
(Bingham)
Nidiflcation. This Babbler breeds practically throughout the year, certainly having two broods and sometimes possibly three.
AEGTA.
199
The
principal
months are March to
May
before the rains break
Tlie nest is a fairly neat cup made of grass, with roots, grass, bark and other fibrous material to a lesser extent mixed with it. There is either no lining or a very slight one of fine grass stems. It may be placed in almost any
and again
in July to September.
position low down generally in a thorny bush, but also in cactus hedges, orange-trees, babools, tufts of grass, tangles of canes or vines, creepers over trellis-work or any similar site. It measures roughly about 5" x 2|" externally by about 3" X 2", or rather
;
less,
inside.
Tlie eggs
sometimes only two.
number three or four, in South India They are of the typical dark glossy-blue
colour common to the genus, in shape broad, blunt ovals, whilst the average of 200 eggs is 21-2 x Iti"! mm.
Habits, In the North of India this is one of tlie most common and familiar of birds, entering and breeding in compounds and all round about villages, but it is found wherever there is open country with sufficient cover in (he way of bushes, hedges and
scrub.
It does not haunt forests, but is often found in high grasscovered plains when they are dry. In the South of India it is said to be less confiding in its habits and rather to shun the vicinity of human beings. Its flight arul manners generally are similar to those of the last bird, but it is less noisy. Its voice is described by .Terdon as a "low, undertoned warbling whistle" and it also has a constant soft chattering.
(193)
Argya caudata
TiiK
huttoni.
Afghan
J.
BabijiiEK.
Malacocercus huttoni IJlyth,
A.
S. B., xvi, p. 47(3 (1847)
(Candahar).
Yeruacular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last bird but much paler and greyer, the central marks less defined and not so dark. It is also a
trifle larger.
Colours of soft parts as in the last bird. Measurements. Wing 83 to 95 mm. tail 125 to 135
;
mm.
Afghanistan, Baluchistan and S.E. Persia. specimen from " the Jay lliver Hills," Sind, is a very typical example of this race, but other specimens from the plains of Sind I cannot separate Hume's eclipes. are true caudata.
Distribution.
Nidiflcation and Habits do not appear to differ from those of the Indian bird.
(194)
Argya
gularis.
TnB Whit-i'Hboatbd Babbleb.

ChtUarrhcea gularis, Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxiv, of Bay of Bengal). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 107. Arfft/a ffularis.
p.
478 (1855) (E. sid*
Yernaonlar names. Zay-we (Burmese).
200
TIMAiaiD^.
Description. Forehead and short line to the eye grey with black streaks ; crown to back and scrtpuliirs ruddy brown, with dark sliaft-striiJes ; i-ump and upper tail-coverts oli\e-brown, the latter with faint stripes; tail olive-brown, cross-rayed; exposed parts of wing olive-brown, some ot' the greater eoverls indistinctly dark-shafted ; ear-coverts and sides of the neck ruddy brown lores black; chin, throat, cheeks and upper breast white; re-
mainder of
lowai-
plumage ferruginous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris yellow or reddish brown; legs and feet dark yellow; bill pale yellow-horny, culnien and tip dark
horny-brown.
tail
Measurements. Length about 2(!0 mm.; wing 78 to S.'Jmm.; about 140 niro.; tarsus about 35 mm.; culmen about 19 to
20
mm.
Distribution.
The dry zone
of Central, North and Soutli
Burma.
Nidiflcation. That of the rest of the genus. The full clutch seems to be four though often only three eggs are laid. Mr.
Mackenzie gives me the measurements of 00 ef.'KS as follows: average 22-C x 17-1 jiim. maxima 24-7 X 17-2 and 23-5 x 18-2 uim.; ininimu 20'6xl7'0 and 22'0xl6-0 uira. The breeding season is from early April lo lute May.
:
Habits. "The Zay-we is one of the most familiar birds of Mandalay and the dry zouc generally, haunting both compounds and jungle, and goes by the nauies of the 'seveu sisters' or 'rat-birds.' There is no mistaking them with their untidy dress, dirty white shirt fronts and long, r.igged tails. They cannot be exactly called 'Lau(/hinc/-ThraiiheB' as they seem never happy, but always complaining with their harsh, grating voices. They go about together in parties, and generally seem very busy as they hop about with tails held at different angles, hunting and turning
over the fallen leaves. When they have to fly, which they always loth to do, they go in for a regular rocketing flight, with their smnll, round wings extended and their tails spread out in fans." (H, If. Harlngton.)
seem
(195)
Argya malcolmi.
The Lauge Gkey Babblkb.

Tvmlia makolmi Sykes, P.Z. S., laSS, p. 88 (Dukhun). Argya malcolmi. B'lanf. & Gates, i, p. 108.
Vernacular names. Ghopoi ( Hind.) Ganffai (Hind, in N.W.P.) KohaUi\yiahr.); Verri-chinda and Gowa-sida (Tel.); Bhaina {Lncknow).
;
Gowjya (Can.);
Description. Upper plumage dull brown, the feathers of the mantle with dark centres ; forehead bluish grey with fine white flhaft-Btreaks lores dusky ear-corerts brown with pale shafts the three outer pairs of tail-feathers white, the fourth pair with
; ;
AEQYA.
201
the outer webs whitish, the others pale brown, the central one cross-rayed ; wings dark browu, tlie earlier primaries hornybrovvii on the outer webs, the others edged witli the colours of the back ; entire lower plumage, cheeks and sides of neck i'ulvesuent, the throat and breast darker and washed with glaucous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow ; upper mandible dark lower mandible, legs and feet fleshy or fleshy-yellow, sometimes tinged with bluish.
browu
Measurements. Leugtli about 280 mui. wing about 112 to IIB mm.; tail about 135 to 145 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culnien about 19 nnn.
;
Distribution. The greater portion of the peninsula of India, South to the Nilgiris and Mysore, common in Central AVost India To tbe East it is found as far as and rare in the North- West. Allahabad, and further iSouth I have liad specimens sent me from 8urguja.
Nidificatiou. These birds breed more or less throughout the The nest year, but possibly more regularly in the early rains. cannot be distinguished from that of Turdoides terrkolor and may be placed in a bush, cactus hedge or mango-tree, often at considerable h(:iit,'hts fi-om the ground. The eggs are usually four in number, of the usual shape, colour and texture and one hundred average 25-2 x 19*4 mm.
Habits. Like the Common Babbler this bird frequents both the wilder and more jungly tracts, where it is a wild, shy bird, and the vicinity of towns, villages and houses, where it is as tame and confidhig as it is possible to be. It is very gregarious, kee])ing in parties even during the breeding season and whatever is the 'business of one bird is the interest of the whole party. If one member is attacked by hawk, snake or other enemy the rest of the flock combitie to attack and not infrequently will succeed in driving it off. It is very noisy and very excitable like tlie JungleBabbler and, like that bird, active on its legs, feeble on its wings. They eat both insects, seeds and fruit but principally the
first.
(196)
Argya
subrufia.
The Rufous Babblbe.

TimaKa mbrufa Argya mhrufa.
.Terdon,
Blaiif.
Madr.
.Tom-n. L. S., p.
i,
259 (1844) (Wynaad).
&
Oates,
p. 109.
Vernacular names. Jungli-Khyr (Hind.). whole Description. Forehead deep grey with black shafts upper plumage, tail and exposed portions of the wings olivebrown with a rufous tinge, especially strong on the outer edge of
;
202
TlilXLUVM.
;
the quills, the tail and upper tail-coverts lores brown ; cheeks, sides of head and neck olive-brown tinged with rufous ; lower plumage bright rufous, paler on the abdomen and suiSFused with brown on the thighs and under tail-coverts u!nder wing-coverts and edge of wing rufous ; tail slightly cross-riiyed.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy-white to bright yellow ; bill yellow or pale yellowish-horny, the culmen and tip dark brown legs and feet dark fleshy-yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown and yellowish grey.
;,
tail
Measurements. Length 250 to 260 mm. ; wing 87 to 90 mm. about 110 to 115 mm.; tarsus about 33 mm,; culmen about 18 to 19 mm.
;.
JKstribation. The Western Gliats from Coouoor and Kotagiri on the Nilgiris to Khandala near Bombay.
Nidificatiou. The Rufous Babbler makes a nest of leaves, grass and creeper stems lined with One grass stems, which it places in a bush or tree standing in forest. The eggs seem to be usually three in number, sometimes only two, sometimes four. They are of the typical glossy, rather dark blue and measure about 24-2 x 18-5 mm. The breeding season is February and March.
Habits. Except that
it
awny from the haunts
of
typical of the genus. musical than that of the noisy and active.
keeps much to jungle and bamboo cover men, the habits of this bird are quite Its voice is said to be softer and more
common
forms, but
it
is
almost equally
(197)
Argya
longirostris.
The
Ar(/ya lunyirostris.
SiiKifDEB-BiiiLBD
Babbler.
S., 185J^, p.
Pt/ctorhis longirostris (Hodgs.),
Moore, P. Z.
i,
104 (Nepal).
Hlanf.
&
Oates,
titri
p. 108.
Vernacular names. Dao-Unfj
(Cachari}.
Description. Upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings deep reddish brown lores, cheeks, chin and upper throat white the whole lower plumage and the ear-coverts ferruginous,, becoming albescent on the abdomen ; tail cross-rayed.
;
;,
legs
Colours of soft parts. Iris white or bluish white and feet dark brown.
;
bill
black
tail
Keasuremeuts. Length about 240 mm. wing 75 to 79 mm. about 115 to 120 mm. ; tarsus about 80 ram, culmen. about 18 to 19 mm.
;
-,
sight this bird with its more alender, curved, black bill should be put in a genus separate from the Common Babbler with its shorter bill of almost bright yellow. Its somewhat spiny-shafted feathers of the forehead are also a feature
first
At
looks as
if it
AOANTHOPTILA.
203^
which differentiates it from caudata; but their differences are bridged over by the Large liufous Bubbler, which has jin iutermediate shaped bill which is partly black and Las the feathers of the forehead with the shafts distinctly stiff and bare at the tips. BIytli placed both subrufa and longirostns in a separate genus, Luyardia, but in view of the gradation in degree in the characteristics defining them, I keep them altogether under Argya.
Distribution. The Nepal Terai, Bhutan and Buxa Duars, the Terai at the foot oE the Himalayas, Nortli of the Brahmaputra to Sadiya and the grass plateaus of the hills South of that river to Manipur and Chittagong.
Nidification. This Babbler breeds not uncommonly on the grass plateaus in the Khasia Hills during May and June, making a cupshiiped nest of grass, Irned with grass stems and placed in amongst grass or reeds, a bush or tangle of brambles, or even on an old stump or a broken-down wall or bank. The eggs number three or four, but are a rather paler blue than are the eggs of most of those of the genera Argya or Turdokles though quite similar in shape and texture. Twenty-one eggs average abimt 21 '5 x lG-7 mm.
Habits. These are of the gregarious, noisy and i-estless nature of the rest of the group. Hume, in Manipur, and myself, in the Khasia Hills, found them nearly always in the long grass covering wide extents of hill and valley, where they fed both on the ground and on the grass and reeds. Several of their notes were quite pleasant, but the majority were of the discordant character common to all these Babblers.
Genus
able bird discovered
this
ACANTHOPTILA
Blyth, 1855.
The genus AcanthoitUa was instituted by Blyrh for a remarkmany years previously, characterized by its
spinous plumage and long, graduated tail. Sharpe originally placed genus in his Vrateropodinm but Gates, in the Avifauna, removed it to the Sylviidce. It has two phases of coloration, in one of which the lower part of the head becomes partially white. Gates considered the change to be a seasonal one, but there is nothing in the British Museum series to show this and I consider it is the plumage of the older bird. This acquisition of white is found in other Timaliine birds such as Gampsorhynchus and Gypsophila. In its general appearance it is very close to Bahax and Argya. The feathers of the upper plumage and breast have stiff shafts which become very spinous when worn ; the bill is nearly as long as the head and gently curved ; the nostrils are long, lunai--shaped slits ; the rictal bristles short and weak; the wing rounded and 4th primary longest tail graduated and much longer than wing, and the tarsus very strong and about one-third the ' length of wing. ,
;
204
(198)
'I'lSIALlID^.
Acanthoptila nipalensis.
The Spiny Babblee.

Timalia nipalensis Ilodgg., As. lies., xix, AcanlJiojttUa ucpakmis, Jilaiif. & Oatus,
j).
182 (1836) (Nepal).

p.
i,
386.

Description. The whole upper plumage, tail and visible portions of the wings rich olive-brown, the feathers of the head and back with stiff, black shafts tail cross-rayed darker ; lores and the feathers behind and below the eyes vvhitish ear-coverts brown, mixed with white ; lower plumage rufescent, each feather Avith a dark brown shaft-stripe, these increasing in size on breast and abdomen; under tail-eoverts and flanks plain rufescent brown.
; ;
ITig.
3;j.
Heail of A. nipalensis.
Some birds, including specimens killed in summer, have the lower part of head, chin and throat white with glistening shafts, and the lower plumage is paler. Aceoi-ding to Gates this is the summer plumage, but there is too little evidence at present either to confirm or I'efute this suggestion.
Bill dusky brown legs dull fleshysmoky-brown {lloclyson, MS.). ICeasTirements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. tail about 125 to 130 mm. ; wing 85 to 90 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. culmeu
Colonrs of soft parts.

;
brown
iris
about 18 to 19
mm.
Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim and ?
N.W.
Himalayas.
Nidification. According to Hodgson this Babbler makes a loose, shallow grass nest, about 5" in diameter by about 2" deep, which The eggs are said to be verditer-blue it places in a fork of a tree. and to measure about 23 x 16-5 ram. Eggs in my own collection
reputed to be of this bird are quite different and in type more The ground is white and they are prolike those of Megalurug. fusely speckled and spotted with brown and underlying spots of They measure about pale neutral tint on purplisli lavender. Their identification is not satisfactory and more 22 X 17 mm. information is very badly required about the bird and its lifehistory.
Habits. Hodgson says tl^t this bird
is
solitary, tenants
low
POUATOIUHNUS.
U05
bushes, flies very badly and unwillingly, and that it feeds entirely on the ground. He ulso says that it is found by bushy rills and is a shy, skulking bird. On the label of a Pin will specimen is a remark that this bird is a fine songster.
Genus
In
this
POMATORHINUS
Horsf., 1821,
is the long, either as long as, or longer than, the. head, much The nostril is bare curved downwards aud always compressed. and exposed, -whilst the feathers of the forehead are short,
genus the principal distinguishing feature
slender
bill,
rounded and close. The tail is longer than the wing and much graduated, the outer feathers never exceeding three-quarters the
length of the central pair. The young of the genus generally have more rufous or dark colour on the breast aud abdomen than the adults. The bill is not fully grown for some months.
Keij to Sjjecles.
A. With a white
a. 15ill
siiperciliuni.
comparatively shdrt, about equal to .head. a'. Hrwast, throat and abdomen wliife. n". Sides of neck cliestnut, contrasting;
'". Clie-stnut of
with upper plumage. neck produced as a band down fianlis. '. Chestnut band streaked with
w'liiti!
streaked h'". Chestnut confined to neck h". Sides of neck not chestnut b'. Throat white ; breast ferruginous, not
ft'.
Hand not
P. P. P. P.
sckidicej}s, p. 2()5.
nuehaii, p. i!08.
olivaceus, p. 209.
hursfieldi, p. 210.
striped
c'.
P.feiruffinosHS, p.21JS.
Throat white; breast striped with olive-
h.
Bill
brown more slender and about
P.
half as long
rufioollu, p. 216.
again as head
P. ochraceiceps, p, 217.
P.erythrogenyg,^. 219. P. hypoleuciis, p. 222.
B.
No
c.
d.
white superciliuin. Bill not longer than head and slender .... Bill longer than head and very coarse ....
Fomatorhinns scMsticeps.
Key
to
Subspecies.
A. Chestnut band deep maroon-cbestnnt. a. Wing over 4 inches. a'. Darker and more olivaceous above b'. Paler nd more rufous above h. Wing under 4 inches B. Chestnut band much paler
P.
gchisticepx, p.
206,
P.s. eryptanthus, p. 207, P. s. jnnwilli, p. 208, P.s. mearsi, p. 207.
^06
(199)
TIMAI,IIO.B.
Pomatorhinus schisticeps schisticeps. Tub Sla-ty-headbd Scimitab-Babblee.

tchiaticepi Ilodgs.,
i,
Pomatorhinus
lilanf.
As. Res., xix, p. ]81 (1836) (Nepal)
&
Ofttes,
p. 116.
;
Vernacular names. Pahdoa{Beng.) Phoyeum-pho or Fhurreeamjpho (Lepclia); likiakuroh (Parbuttiah).
Description. Poretiend to nape dark slate, the shafts darker; upper phunage and wing-coverts rufescenfc olive-brown; a bold superciliuiii ifrom nostrils to nape white; lores and ear-coverts a large patch on the sides of the neck extending to sides black of breast and abdomen rich maroon-chestnut, streaked with white except on the neck; flanks, vent and under tail-coverts dusky -olive-brown remainder of under parts from chin white.
;
Fig. 34.
Head of P.
,<.
gchisticeps.
.pale
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale yellow, pale reddish yellow or creamy; pale glaucous -brown in young birds; bill pale dull yellow, the base of tlie upper mandible blackish legs slaty, claws
;
horny and
;
soles yellowish.
Measurements. Length about 270 mm.; wing about 98 to 106 mm. tail about 115 to 120 mm. tarsus about '32 mm.; culraen about 27 mm. Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and hills North of the Erahmaputra; how far East is not known exactly at present, but Stevens found it coiDinon in N. Lakhimpur.
;
Nidification. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds freely from the footof the Himalayas up to at least 5,000 feet, but is most common between 1,500 and 2,600 feet. It makes a nest of grass,
hills
leaves and fibrous material, either cup-shaped or with the materials produced so as to make it domed though the top is so fragile that it often collapses and appears to be only part of an The eggs are three or four in number, ill-made shallow saucer. .j)ure white, as with all Scimitar- Babblers, fragile for their size, sometimes highly glossed, sometimes almost or quite glossless, generally a distinctly pointed oval, and they measure about 26*4 x iS-O mm. The breeding season is April, May and June.
Habits. The Slaty-headed Scimitar-Babbler is a sociable, noisy notes when disturbed or alarmed are very mellow and musical and during the breeding season, when the flocks break up into pairs, it has a low, musical " hoot-hoot," which tbe
bird but its
POMATOBHtSCS.
207
two birds constantly utt-er as tliey wander about hunting for food. They keep much to low jungle, secondary growth and bamboojungle and iilso feed on the ground, turning o\'er the leaves and rubbish just as the true Laughing-Thrushes do.
(200)
Fomatorhiuus
schisticeps cryptanthus.
Coltabt's Scimitab-Babbler.
Pomaforhinus ichisticeps crypfnntlms Ilartert, Bull. p. .S5 (1915) (Margherita, Assam).
I?.
O.
C,
xxxvi,
Teraaculaj: names. Dao
hn'ku-<]nlno (Cachari).
Description. Differs from the last in having the upper parts less olive and more rufescent, tho red of the neck and flanks a brighter, lighter chestnut and, according to JTartert, it is a trifle
smaller.
Colours of soft parts. golden yellow.
As
in the last bird
tho
iris
is
often a
Measurements. 102 ram.
little
smaller than schisticeps; wing 94 to
Distribution. Hills South of the Hills and Cachar to Margherita.
Brahmaputra from the Mikir
Nidification similar to that of F. s. scliisiiceps, breeding from about 2,000 feet upwards to at least 5,000 foet but principally about 4,000 feet. It builds its nest often in bamboo-jungle and
also in scrub, edges of cultivation and in forest, especially when there are open glades and streams witli griissy banks. The eggs number three or four, very i-arely five and sixty eggs average about 26'(Jx 19-2 mm. The breeding season lasts from the end of April to late July.
Habits. Those of the last bird; this race, iiowever, is not a noisy bird and, unless alarmed or excited over some special find, one seldom hears more than a secret low, chuckling note and the usual call of " hoot-hoot-hoot." It is, of course, a poor flyer like all the Scimitar-Babblers but I should not call it a skulker as it often feeds practically in the open bamboo-jungles, where it is very easy to watch it. It can hop at a great pace, proceeding in long bounds and when so engaged might easily be mistaken for a frightened rat. Its food is principally insectivorous, but possibly it also eats grain and seeds.
(201)
Pomatorhinus schisticeps mearsi, Geant's Slaty-headed Scimitab-Babbiee.

p.
Fomaforhimis mearsi Ogilvie-Grant, Bull. B. O. C, xv, (Taungdwin).
95 (1905)

description. This race has the chestnut
still
paler
than in
208
TIMALIIDiE.
tryptanthus, and the tfdp;es to the primaries are also paler than tliey are in that bird. The rufous collar is ot'ten very pronounced in
this race.
Colours of soft parts as in the other races.
Measurements. The largest of the Slaty-headed ScimitarBabblers wing from 100 to 110 mm. and other raeasuremeuts in
;
proj)ortion.
Western Burma, Chin Hills and Arrakan. two birds. Two eB;gs taken by Mr. J. M. D. Mackenzie in the Chin Hills and four sent me from Arrakan measure about 226 x 19"7 mm. Habits. Those of the species. Appears to be found from the lowest hills up to about 4,000 feet.
Distribution.
Kidification. Like that of the last
(202)
Pomatorhinus schisticeps
mnwilli
Sharpe, Cat, B.
pinwilli.
SllAKPii's
SLATX-HEABEO SoiMITAK-BABIiME.
M.,
vii,
Pomatorhinus
(Simla).
p.
413 (1885).

small race of schisticeps, similar in colour but Description. with the chestnut a trifle less deep in colour and with the rufous collar on the nape more pronounctd.
Colours of soft parts as in P.
schisticeps.
Measurements. A small bird; wing from 85 to 95 mm., generally about 90 to 91 mm. Distribution. N.W. Himalayas to Garhwal.
ITidiflcation
and Habits
similar to those of the other races.
(203)
Pomatorhinus nuchalis.
Tweeudalb's Soimitae-Babblbb.
Fomatorhinui nuchalis Tweeddale, A. M. N. H., (4) xx, (Thayetmyo) Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 117.
;
p.
536 (IST?)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Eesembles a small P. schisticeps, but has the rufous of the neck and sides unstreaked with white. The rufous nuchal
collar is also
more developed.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale to golden yellow ; eyelid and ocular region pale lavender bill orange-yellow, only the base and
gape dusky
inside of
mouth
flesh-colour
legs dusky
plumbeous
claws horny-bi-own.
Measurements. Length about 225 to 235 mm.; wing 87 to 91 mm. ; tail about 210 to 220 mm. ; tarsus about 30 mm. ; culmea about 25 mm.
POMATOBHINUS.
Distribution. Eastern
209
in the South to the Nortliern
Burma, east of tlie Sittaiing from Papuu 8han States. Mackenzie founil it
not rare at Proine.

ITidificatiou. The nest, which has been taken by Col. Harington and .T. P. Cook, is similar to that of other fScimitiir-Babbittrs. The eggs ai)|)ear to number two or three only. Twelve eggs
measure about 25'0 x 18-2 mm. Habits. Accordint;; to Hariugton the bird haunts the thickest of cover, whether bamboo or other. It is found from some 2,000
to 6,500 feet or higher.
Pomatorhinus olivaceus. Key to Subspecies.

A. Tipper parts rufous-brown B. Upper parts olive-browu
(204)
P.
o,
oUmceus,
p. 20f).
1'. o.
ripponi, p. 2J0.
Pomatorhinus olivaceus olivaceus. Tub Tenasshrim 8cimitak-Babblbu.

olivaceus
;
Pomatorhimis
(Tenasserini)
Ittytli,
J.
i,
A.8.
B.,
.xvi,
p.
4'A
(1847)
Blaiif.
&
Oates.
p. 118.

Description. Differs from the schistiecps group in having no chestnut band down the sides of the breast and flanks, the chestnut being confined to the sides of the neck. The rufous collar on the nape is not veiy pronounced.
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow bill deep yellow, duskygreen at base above ; legs and feet plumbeous claws horny (J5fwe Sf Davison).
;
Measurements. Length about 2.30 mm. ; wing 90 to 96 mm. about 100 to 106 mm. tarstia about 90 mm. culmea about 27 to 28 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim, from Moulmein down to its extreme southern point and thence extending into the Malay Peninsula. Nidification. Breeds in Tenasserim from Januaiy to March, making the usual Sciraitar-Biibbler's nest, either globular or cupshaped, on the ground in thick jungle. The eggs, either two or three in number, average about 25-4x 18'5 mm. Habits. Oates writes " They live on the ground or in shrubs vry close to the ground, only very occasionally mounting trees.
tail
;
-,
They conceal themselves so well that they are very seldom seen, but when seen they perform fantastic motions, spreading out the tail and drooping the wings. They have a variety of calls which
resolve themselves, however, into variations of the words ' hoothoot-hoot' constantly repeated. They frequent the very thickest pieces of jungle, not only where the Dushes themselves are thick,
but where the low undergrowth vol. I.
is
entangled and intricate."
210
(205)
TIMALIIB.E.
Pomatorhinus olivaceus ripponi.
Haeington's Shan Soimitae-Babblek.

romatorhimis rijipmii llnriiigton, Bull. (Shan States).
V>.
0. 0., xvii, p. 9 (1910)
Vernacular names. None
recoiclt>d.
Description. Ditt'ers from the Tenasserim Sciitiitar-Babbier in having the cokmr of the upper parts olive-brown instead of rufous-brown; the tail is coiicoiorous with, instead of darker tlian, the back the chestnut neck-patch is ])aler and the bill is perhaps more slender.
;
Colours of soft parts as iu P.
o.
olivaceus.
MeaBurements. Total length about 210 mm.; wing 85 to 88 mm.; tail about 95 to 98 mm.; tarsus 25 mm.; culmen about 27 to 28 mm.
Distribution.
SLan States and Kachin
Hills.
Nidification eimilar to that of the last bird. Messrs. J. P. Cook and Mackenzie aver.ige about
Eggs taken by 25-Ox 17'9 mm.
Habits. Tliis bird was found by Mr. Cook frequenting grass lands rather than forest or jungle, and heeven obtained it breeding in such places. It is found at all elevations between 2,500 and
5,000
feet.
Pomatorhinus
Key
A., Sides of neck
horsfieldl.
to Suhsjiecies.
.
and breast blackish brown H. Sides of neck and breast brown C. Sides of neck rufeseent like the back D. Sides of neck and breast brondly deep
.
hldck
P. h. honfieldi, p. 210. P. h. obscunis, p. 211. P. h. melamirus, p. 212. [p. 211. J\ h. travancoriensis,
(206)
Pomatorhinus
horsfieldi horsfieldi.
The Deccan SoiMiTAn-BABBtEH.

Pomatorhinus
&
horsfieldi Sykes, P. Z. S. 1832, p.
39 (Deccan)
Blanf.
Gates,
i,
p.
119.
(Tel.).
Vernacular names. Namala Pitta or Damri Pitta
Description. Upper plumage dark earthy-brown with a tinge of rufous, the head slightly darker ; a white superciliiim from the nostril to the nape, edged with black above ; chin, throat, breast;
and abdomen white; lores, under the eye, the ear-coverts, the sides of the neck and a band bordering the breast and abdomen blackish brown sides of the body, vent and under tail-coverts slaty-brown tail and wings dark brown, washed on the outer webs
;
with the colour of the back.
POMATOBHINITS.
211
legs
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, maroon-brown or crimson and feefc greenish i)luiiibeous ; bill yellow, dusky at base of lower mandible.
;
Measurements. Length about 250 to 260 mm. wing about 100 to 105 mm. tail about 105 to 108 mm. tarsus about 32 mm. culmen about 25 nun. Distribution. Bombay, Mahabaleshwar, Khandalla, Kanara and the plains of Mysore, Madras and the Ueccan.
;
Scimitar-Babbler breeds from January to hills up to about 2,000 feet as well as in the actual plains, making the usual grass, domed nest, which it places on the ground in grass and bushes, or in forest. The eggs apparently sometimes number as many as Hye, but two or three are the normal clutch. Twenty-four eggs average 26*6 X 18-3 mm.
Nidiflcation. This
in
May
broken country and low
Habits. Those of the genus. This is a subspecies of the low country, it being represented by other races in the higher hills.
(207)
Pomatorhinus
horsfieldi obscurus.
Hume's Scimitae-Babbleu.
Pomatorhinm ohscurus Hume,
S. F.,
i,
p,
7 (1873) (Mt. Abu)
Blanf.
&
(.)ate.s, i, p,
120.
Vernacular names. Namala Pitta or JJasaii Pitta
(Tel.).
Description. much paler bird than the lasl, with no black band separating the white of the breast from the upper plumage, the >ides of the neck and breast being practically the same colour as the back.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in true

Distribution. So far only recorded from Mt.
"
horsfieldi.
Abu and
Seoni.
Kidification. Similar to that of the other i-aces. me froiri Mr. Abu measure about 23-0 x 17-5 mm.
Five eggs sent
Habits as
jungles.
worked
it is
in the last, but perhaps does not frequent such dense Its range of elevation still requires to be carefully out together with its full distribution. Butler says that
not gregarious, but goes about either singly or in pairs.
(208)
Pomatorhinus
horsfieldi travancoriensis.
This
Southern Indian Scimitah-Babbleb.

horsfieldi travaticoriemin
Fomatorhimis
xxiii, p.
Harington,
J.B.N.
11. S.,
333 (iyi4) (Travancore).

pitta (Tel.).
Temacular names. Namala
Description. Much darker than typical horsfieldi ; back a rich olive-brown, head decidedly darker than back and often blotched with black. White of breast and abdomen divided from brown of
b2
212
upper parts by a
the end.
TIMALIID-S.
broiid black band.
Tail often nearly black at
Colours of soft parts and Uetisiirements as in liorsfieldi. Distribution. Practically the whole of 8. India, South of the range of P. h. horsfieldi, wherever there are hills and mountains.
Nidification. This bird breeds in great numbers in the Nilgiris and commonly in many other places between 2,000 and 8,000 feet. It makes the usual globular nest of grass, more or less mixed with leaves, bracken and roots, very flimsily put together and placed Many authors either on the ground or low down in some bush.
describe the full clutch as four or five, but over the greater part They of its range two or three is probably the normal number. are, of course, tlie usual pure white, and ten eggs average about 26-5 X 19'7 mm. They breed in December to March on tlie West
Coast but duringMarch, April and

hills.
Mavin
the Kilgiris and higher
Habits. A gregarious bird, going about in pnrtiee from half-adozen to a do/en or more, working through the low bushes, or on the ground under them, for insects. They employ a variety of soft, ratlier musical notes, bursting into a chorus of abuse and loud language when frightened or annoyed. Their call-note is the
usual hoot Jwot of the family.
(209)
Pomatorhinus horsfieldi malanurus. The CiSi'LON Scimitak-Badhlek.

S. B.,
Pomutorhinus mclanvrus Myth, .1. A. (Oeylon) JJlanf. & Oates, i, p. 118.

;
xvi, p.
481 (1847)

Description. Similar to horisfieldi horsfieldi but with tio demarcations between the plumage of the upper parts and tlie sides of the breast and neck, the latter being of the same ferruginous brown as the former ; the tail is very darii marked with ferruginous at the base.

skin and
eyelid
Iris reddish
brown to
on the base; plumbeous feet, generally more bluish than tarsi, claws dufky-horny. Keasurements. Length about 210 to 215 mm. wing about. 86 to 94 niin. tail about 95 mm. tarsus about 30 mm.; culmea about 25 to 26 mm. Distribution. Ceylon only.
; ;
;
dull blue ; bill pale to dark legs and feet slaty or greenish
dull red orbital yellow, blackish

;
The description given above is for the individuals obtained in the South, where heat and humidity are at their greatest. Birds, obtained on the Horton Plains and at the highest altitudes are more olive than rufous and paler, less rich, in coloration throughout. 1 cannot, however, on the material available define the habitat of either form, and therefore refrain from naming anotfaer-
new
race.
POMATOEHINTJS.
213
Nidiflcatioa. Breeds in the months November to March, making a typical Scimitar-Babbler's nest and laying two or three pui'e white eggs, indistinguishable fi-om those of other species. It is noticeable that the egp;s of Southern Scimitar-Babblers are more regularly elliptical and less pointed oval in shape than are those of Northern birds, but every variation is to be found in both. Two eggs of the present bird measure 23'Ox 17'8 mm.
Habits. These Babblers associate either in pairs or small (locks, haunting any class of thick cover and working both the ground, bushes and the lower branches of trees for food. Legge describes their habil; of indulging in dances and gesticulations, if such a term may be applied to birds. Tlieir voice, flight and general habits are similar to tlioss of the Indian species.
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus.
Key
to
Suhspecieg.
much darker than buck B. Crown of head olive-brown or practically concolorous witli back. a. Breast brig'ht ferruginous b. Breast pale, ferruf,'iiious buff c. Breast bufFy white or very pale buff.
of head nearly black,
.
A Crown
P.f.ferfiiyinosus, p.
;.'18.
P. /. phayrai, p. 214. P./. alhiyularig, p. 215.

/'./. mart'm, p. 215.
(210)
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus ferruginosus.
The CoBAL-BiLLBD
;
Scimita.r-Ba.bblek.
Po?natorhiuus ferruginosus Blytli, J. A. S. B., xiv, p. 597 (1845) Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 120. (Darjeeling)
Vernacular
Bhotetet (Bhut.)
names.
;
Piovig-hoJiut or Peet-gongor (Daphla).
Poniong-hut
(Lepcha)
Description. Forehead rufous ; crown, nape, lores, upper and ear-coverts black; a broad supercilium to the nape, chin and lower cheeks white ; upper plumage, tail and visible portions of closed wing olive-brown, tinged with rufous; chin and throat white ; breast and centre of abdomen bright ferruginous
clieeks
remainder of plumage olive-brown.

Colotirs of soft parts. Iris yellow or golden yellow ; bill deep coral-red; legs light yellowish brown, sometimes with a greenish
or leaden
tint.
Heasnrements. Length about 220 mm. ; wing 90 to 95 mm. tail about 110 mm. ; tarsus about 30 mm. ; culmen about 27 to
28 mm.
Assam, North
Distribution. Himalayas from Nepal to the extreme east of of the Brahmaputra.
214
TIMALIID^.
Nidiflcation. Breeds in Sikkim from the end of April to the end of June, making a globular nest of grass and bamboo leaves, sometimes lined with finer grass, but generally unliued. The nest is placed either on, or quite close to, the ground, generally in dense undergrowth, less often in bamboo or thinner jungle. The eggs, either three or four in number, according to Hodgson sometimes Ave, are the usual pure white, and twenty eggs average about 23-5 X i7"7 mm.
Habits. This bird is generally found at considerable heights from 4,000 feet up to at least 6,000 feet, seldom breeding belothe former. Its habits differ in no way from those of the better
known
phayrei.
(211) Pomatorfainus ferruginosus phayrei.
PhATEe's COKAl-BILLED ScIMITAK-BabBLEH.

Pomatorhinusp}iayreiiM\i\x, 3. A. S. B., xvi, p. 462 (1847)(Arrakau); Blanf. & Gates, i, p. I'Sl.
Vemacalamames.
Naga).
Dao-hukv^gajao(Ca.(ih&vi); Iiirui-(jojo(Ka.iih\i
last, but the upper plumage oliveabove the white superciliuin there is
Description. Similar to the
brown with no rufous tinge
a trace of a black line ; the under parts are much The crown is practically concolorous with the bacls.
more rufous.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in ferruginosus.

Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and
Arrakan Yomas.
Nidiflcation. Breeds in considerable numbers in the Khasia and N. Cachar Hills between 3,000 and 5,000 feet, most commonly
at 3,000 to 3,500 feet. The nest is the usual football-shaped affair, lying on its side, very loosely and untidily made, principally of bamboo leaves and bracken, more or less mixed with grass, roots and a few leaves. In most nests there is no true lining but, in a few, fine grass is used for this purpose. The entrance, which may be anything up to 4" wide, is at one end low dow'n and the ends of the materials stick out all round, half hiding it from sight. The nest is sometimes placed on the ground, but far more often in bushes some feet above it, and I have taken one nest which lay on the top of a bush about 7 feet up, easily visible from the hillj path above but looking like a mass of rubbiah blown together by tb'e wind against a jutting branch. Three is the number of eggs most often laid, sometimes four, frequently two only. Fifty e^s average 27*1 X 19'1 mm. The breeding season lasts from May to July but 1 have seen nests with eggs both in Ap gâ nd late August.
Habits. Fhayre's Scimitar-Babbler is a birdl^PtKck forest and dense undergrowth, found but little in bamboo-jangle and still less in the grass-covered hills, except in the mornings and evenings
BIRDS. VOL.1.
POMATOUHINUS
P:
PHAYRII.
PhayrtV Scimitar Babblar. ''a lift ilM.
POMATOBHIlfrS.
215
when feeding.
is to be met with both in pairs and in small parties, but occasionally bursting into a chores of rather sweet, full notes when anything of special interest is seen or if suddenly disturbed. They slink about in a very rat-like manner on the ground under the bushes but move from one piece of cover to another in big bounds, only taking to wing when actually forced to do so. Tliey fly much hke the Laughing-Thrushes, alternate sailings and furious flappings, tail bent up or down and widespread and legs carried well forward and down unless the flight is prolonged. They are not shy birds and are very inquisitive and cannot resist a closer acquaintance with any novel sight or sound. I have seen these birds mobbing a civet cat much as the birds of the genera Turdoides and Anjya will mob a village cat which
It
silent as a rule
invades their territory.
(212)
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus albigularis.

BlTTII'S SCIMlTAIl-BAajBLEH.
Pomntorhittiis alhii;ulark Blvth, J. (Muleyit ]\lt.) Blanf. & Gates, i.

;'
A.
S.
B., xxiv, p.
274 (1865)
p. ]L>1.

Description. iSiuiilar to the Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, but the crown is very little darker than the back. A black line extends above the white supercilium. Tlie breast and abdomen are a very pale ferruginous, or pale buff with a faint rufous tinge.
and
Colours of soft parts. Iris creamy-white to bright yellow; legs bill deep vermilion or feet pale greenish or yellowisli brown
;
coral-red.
Measurements. A rather larger bird than phayvei, with shorter wing about 95 to 100 mm. bill about 24 to 2.5 mm. Distribution. M<mntains of Tenasserim South to Tavoy and North to Karen H ills. Nidification. Mr. K. Macdonald found it breeding on the Taok plateau 60 miles east of Prome. The nest was of the usual type, and the eggs, two or three in number, measured about 24"6 x
bill;
;
18*4
mm.
races.
Habits similar to those of the other

(213)
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus marise.

Warden's Scimitae-Babbler.
Pomatorhinus marite
Walden, A. M. N. H., xv,
p.
403 (1876)
(Tounghoo
Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This is a pale form of albigularis, and the under parts are very pale bufE with no tinge of rufous.
216
timahidjB.
Colours of soft parts and Meastiremeiits as in the last bird.

Distribation.
Toimgoo and Karen
Hills,
Yainethen,
Upper
Burma.
Kidification and Habits. Notliing recorded. This and the last bird are uiidoubledly only races of P. ferruginosus, although the extremes of difference betA\'eeu birds from
Nepal and
birds
from the Karen Hills are
A'ery great.
Pomatorhinus
Key
B. Upper plumn>re olivu-bro-wn
to
ruficoUis.
Suhspecies.
P.
r.
A. Upper phimnge ruddy hiown
ruficollh, p. 216.
P.
r.
bdkeri, p. 217.
(214)
Pomatorhimis ruficoUis
TvficolUs Ilodgs., As. ' i, p. 122.
ruficoUis.
TuE
Blanf.
Nkpa-t. lluFous-XEOKisD Scimitah-Eabulkr.

Itiis., x'lx,
Pomatorhinus
p.
182 (1830) (Nepal)
&
Oiites,
Vernacular names. Bhinkuroh (Parbuttiahs). Description. IIp|)er phnnage, tail and closed wing ruddy brown; a broad wliite superciliutn from the nostrils to the nape; lores, under the eyes and ear-coverts black sides of the neclc bright ferruginous, extending to the hind neck and forming a collar; chin, cheeks and throat white; lower throat, breast and
;
centre of abdomen white streaked with olive-brown sides abdomen and breast, vent and under tail-coverts olive-brown.
;
of
Colours of soft parts. Bill yello', pale at the tip and with three-quarters of tlie cuhneu nearly black ; iris pale red to crimson ; eyelid plumbeous ; feet pale brownish plumbeous, pale greyish or greenish plumbeous ; claws brownish horny.
Measurements. Length about 195 to 205 mm.; wing 78 to 84 mm. tail about 83 ram. tarsus about 27 mm, culmen about
; ;
20 mm.
Tonng
nestlings have the whole breast rusty red.
The
bill is
entirely yellow.
Distribution. Himalayas, Nepal to Eastern Assam, North of the Brahmaputra.

Ifidiflcation. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds from the end of April to June from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, making the usual ballshaped nest of grass, bracken and fern fi-onds. etc., placed on the ground in grass, weeds or bush undergrowtl). The egcs vary from three to five and are white like all other Scimitar- Babblers but have very little gloss. Pifty eggs average about 23'6 x 1 8-0 mm.
Habits. The Eufous-neckod Scimitar-Babbler frequents elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, being found still lower in winter and higher in summer. It keeps much to forest Avith plentiful undergrowth, but also may be sometimes found on hillsides covered mainly with long grass and bushes.
POMA-TOEHINXTS.
Z1
(215)
Pomatorhinus ruficoUis bakeri.

B. N.
II. S., xxiii, p.
BiKEH's EUFOUS-NBCKKD ScIMITAR-BaBBLER.

Pomntorhiniw nt/icollis bakeri JIunnglon,
(1914) (Shillong).
J.
336
Vernacular names. 3Ioh-Mem (Angami Naga).

Description. Similar to the last bird, but paler and olive-brown :above rather than rui'ous-brown ; below it is more fulvous and white instead of olive-brown and white.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the bill is ratlier more slender.
Distribution.
Hills
nificollis,
but
South
Hills,
of the
Brahmaputra
in
Assam,
Manipur, Lusliai, Chin
Kachin
Hills.
Nidification. Breeds in the Klisisia and N. Caehar Hills in May ,nd June, and in the Eastern Hills in April also. Later nests taken in July and August are certainly second broods. They
nest everywhere between .':i,000 and 6,0U0 feet, and though they seem to prefer humid forests, also sometimes build in recently deserted parches of cultivation where the grass and scrub is still scanty and low. The nests are the typical domed ovals of grass, bamboo and bracken leaves, but they are, perhaps, rather more tidy and smaller than most, measuring about 8" long by 6" wide and Iiigh. They hiv three to five eggs which average (50 eggs) 23-4 X 17-4 mm. Habits. Those of the genus. It keeps much to evergreen forest but may also be f(mnd in open bamboo jungle where it scratches about amongst the fallen leaves for a small bug-like insect on
which
it
feeds.
Pomatorhmus
Key
to
ochraceiceps.
Subspecies.
A. Throat and breast white. a. Upper plumage bright ochraceous .... b. Upper plumage olive-brown B. Throat white, breast pale ouhraceuus ..
(216)
1'. o.
ochraceiceps, p. 217.
P. o. amteni, p. 218. P. o.steiiorhyHchm,'f.2\9.
Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps ochraceiceps.

Lloyd's Scimitak-Babblbb.
xii, p.
Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps Walden, A. M. N. H., (Shan States) ; Blaiif. & Gates, i, p. 123.
487 (1878)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage bright ochraceous, the inner webs of the quills pale brown; tail paler ochraceous, the terminal Jialves of the feathers sufPused with brown ; lores and feathers at the base of the upper mandible black a narrow white superdliuiu from nostrils to nape ear-coverts rich hair-brown chin, throat.
; ; ;
218
breast
TIUJLLIIOM.
and centre of abdomen pure white
flanks, vent
and under
tail-coverts ocliraeeous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale brown probably young birds to yellowish red and bright yellow ; bill rennilion with a dusky patch next forehead ; legs utid feet yellowish or greenish brown.
Fig.
3.5.
Head of P.
o.
ochraceicrps.
Measurements. Length about 2iJ0tuin.; wing 80 to 92 mm.; about 105 to 110 iiini. tarsus about 32 nun. cuhuen about 30 to 32 mm. Distribution. The Karen Hills and Karenni, Mts. of
tail
;
;
Tenasserim.
Nidiflcation
unknown.
Habits. Those of the genus, but Davison says that he sometimes found them in comparatively open spaces and also that he saw them moving about moderately high up iu the branches of trees. They keep above 3,000 feet and are found in pairs, not flocks.
(217) Fomatorliinas ochraceiceps austeni.
Hume's SoiMiTAH-BABBtEii.
Pomatorhinv^ austeni Hume,
Blanf.
S. F., x, p. 1.52 (1881) (E.
Mauipur)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 123.
Vernacular names. Inrui-gna (Kacha Naga). Description. Differs from the last in having the upper plumage pale olive- brown, merely tinged with ochre on the bead and neck. The flanks, vent and under tail-coverts are also olive-brow n.
o.
ochraceiceps.
Measurements as to 36 mm.
in P. o. ochraceiceps,
but the
bill
measures up
Distribution. Hitherto only obtained in the Eastern Hills and once, for certain, in Eastern Cachar.
Manipur
Nidification. Like the other species of this genus, Hume's Scimitar-Babbler makes an oval domed nest of grass and bamboo nest taken by myself at about 5,000 feet contained leaves. four eggs measuring about 27'8 x 19'3 mm. It was taken on the 19th of June.
feet
Sabits. This bird seems to be found between 5,000 and 6,000 and upwards in the more humid forests with ample under-
POMATOEHINUS.
growth. wards is
Little is
still
219'
its distribution east-
known about a matter of doubt.
it,
and even
(218)
PomaiMrhinus ochraceiceps stenorhynchus.

Austen's Scimitae-Babbleb.
A. 43 (1877).
Pomatorhinut stenorhynchus Blyth,

(Sadiya)
;
J.
S. B., xlvi, p.
Blaiif.
&
Oates,
i, {>.
12."{.
Vernacular names. Inrtii-gna (Kacha Naga).

Description. Differs from P. o. ochraceiceps in beinj imich palerand less richly coloured Ihrougliout. The flanks and abdomen are tinged with rufous-buff.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the
last.
Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra from N.E.Caohar and Naga Hills to extreme East Assam and Sadiya Xortli of the-
Brahmaputra.
Nidification. Similar to that of other Scimitar-Babblers. Of the few nests taken in N. Cachar some were placed on the ground and some on bushes or tangles of vines and creepers a few feet above it. The ei;gs numbered thi-ee or four, generally the latter,, and rarely five, ajid were, like those of P. o. austeni, longer in proportion to their size than those of most of the genus, thirty eggs averaging 25-2 x 18"3 nnn. They are also rather more fragile in texture. All the nests were found in forest, but generally close to a jungle-path, stream or open glade. The breeding season appears to be from the middle of May to early July.
Habits. I found this Scimitar-Babbler in pairs only, haunting wet, cool forests with a fair amount of undergrowth, but not the dense scrub and grass so beloved by some of its nearest relations. It was, comparatively speaking, a very quiet bird, each of the pair uttering from time to time its soft, full " hoot hoot " or a pleasant whistling chuckle. Like the rest of their tribe, they spend most of the time on the ground turning over the leaves and debris in search of food but, according to the Nagas, when the vai'ious figs 'are ripe they work high up into these trees in quest of the insects which infest the fruit. It is a bird of high levels, from 5,000 feet upwards to at least 9,000 feet in the Naga Hills.
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys.
Kej/ to Subsjpecies.
A. Flanks deep rufous. a. Breast almost pure white. a'. Wing over 89 mm h'. Wing under 89 mm
Breast pale grey, streaked with white. Breast white, streaked with black B. Flanks olivaceous
b. c.
. .
P.e. erythrogenys, p. 220. P. e. imierbis, p. '-'23. P. e. haringtoni, p. 220. P. e. gravivox, p. 221. P.e. macclellandi, p. 221.
220
(219)
timauidjE.
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys erythrogenys.

SCIMITAB-BaBBLEE.
Z. S., 1831, p. 173
YlGOllS'S EUS'IT-OHEBKED
Pomatorhinm erythrogonya Aîgors, P.

Blaiif.
(W. Nepal)
&
Gates,
i,
p.
124.
Vernacular names. Ban-huhra (Mussoorie). Description. Upper plumage, closed wiugs and tail olivebrown ; lores white, streaked with grey some white feathers on the eyelids; a moustachial stripe, i-ed near the bill and then black forehead, ear-coverts, sides of the neck, thighs and under tail-coverts chestnut; sides of breast and body uhestnut washed with olivaceous chin, throat, centre of breast and abdomen white. There are only the faintest indications of grey striae on
; ; ;
the breast.
Colours of soft parts. Iris light greenish white, yellowish white or pale bright yellow ; legs and feet fleshy or fleshy-brown bill
;
yellowish-horjiy.
wing 95 to Measurements. Length about 280 to 290 mm. 105 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus about 40 mm.; culmen about 83 to 85 mm. Distribution. N.W. Himalayas to Simla. Nidification. These birds breed in May and .June, making the same kind of large oval nest as the other birds of this genus. They ascend at least as high as 8,000 feet and possibly to 10,000 but are most often found in summer between 8,000 and 5,000. They build on grass-covered hills and in open scrub-jungle moi-e frequently than the other species do and nests may often be found some little distance from heavy cover. Hodgson says they lay three or four eggs but two will be found hard-set far more often than four. Thirty eggs average about 27"i)x20-8 mm. They are rather
;
broad ovals in shape.

Habits.
The Husty-cheeked Scimitar-Babblers haunt both
deuse forest, grass-covered sides of hills and deserted patches of cultivation where the vegetation is still sparse. They feed like the rest of the genus on grubs, beetles, earthworms and insects of all kinds, and their voice is the typical triple " hoot." They consort in small parties of three or four to a dozen individuals, are secretive in their habits, though not really shy, and they indulge in the same conversational outbursts and quaint dances that their relations delight in.
underwood in
(220)
Pomatorhinus erythrcênys haringtoni.

123
BAKEft'S EUSTY-CHEEKED SCIMITAE-BaBBLEE.

Pomatorhinva haringtoni Stuart Baker, Bull, B. 0. C, xxxiii,
(1914) (Dm-jiling).
p.
Temacnlar names. Tonga-hut-pho (Lepcha).
POMATOEniNUS.
221
Description. This race differs from the last in having the wholfr and upper breast dark jishy, the feathers of the chin and tlirout having white bases and those of the breast white central streaks.
chin, throat
1'. e.
erythrogenys.
Measurements. This form wing !)2 to 102 mm.

Kidification. Breeds in
is
little
smaller than the
last,,
Distribution. IJimaLayas, Garliwal to Sikldni.
May and June at all elevations between. 2,000 and 8,000 feet. Tiie nests and eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the lust.
Habits do not
(221)
differ
from those of
7'. e.
erythrogenys.
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys macclellandi.

McCi.I5LLANL)' Scimitae-BabdJjKr.
ii,
Punuiforhinug macclellandi Jerdon, B. ofl.,

Hills)
;
p.
32 (18t)3)(Khasia
iiliinf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. llô.
Vernacular names. Dao-gurritm-huhu (Cachari). Description. In this riice the iianks are olivaceous instead of rufous, and the breast is white streaked with dark ashy brown.
Colours of soft parts as in erythrogenys.
Measurements. This is a smaller bird than the last two, with a wing of about 87 to 9;J mm. In this, as in all the ScimitarBabblers, the female is decidedly smaller than the male, and the
smaller dimensions given refer to that sex. The bill is only about 30 to '62 mm. and more slender than in the previous two races.
Distribution.
Hills.
Assam, South of the BraJnnaputra and
Chin
Nidiilcation similar to that of the last two birds, forty eggs 26'5 x ly"3 m. The breeding season lasts from early April to laie June, and nests may be found at all elevations, between 2,500 and 6,000 feet.
avei-age
same genus, but
Habits. These do not differ from those of other birds of the this race wanders down very low in winter, for Stevens obtained it in the Liikhiuipur plains in January to March.
(222)
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys gravivox,

David's Scimitab-Babbleb,
Pomatorhinus gravieox David, Ann. Sci.Nat., xviii,

Sbensi).
p.
2 (1873) (South,
Vernacular names.
CM-ha-wo-graw (Kachin).
e.
Deacriptiott. Differs from P.
macclellandi in baring the flanks
rufous and the breast streaked with black.
Colours of soft parts and MeasuremeutB as in P.
e.
maeeUUandi.,
222
Distribution.
TIMAUID^.
Bhanio
Hills,
Yunnan
into China.
Nidiflcation. This Scimitar-Babbler breeds in some numbers in the Bhamo Hills from 5,000 feet upwards and Harington took several nests at 5,500, which he describes as domed and placed on, or close to, the ground. Tlio eggs are laid from the middle of March io early May and usually three form the full clutch, sometimes two only. They are rather broad ovals and measure
about 2:-Ox21-orum.
Habits. Harington records that this bird is very noisy in the raornings and evenings, having a line Blackbinl-like song, which it often repeats.
(223)
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys imberbis.

SaLVADOKI's SCIMITAB- BaBBLEB.
410
PomatorJdnus imbeihis Salvad., Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen., (2) (1889) (Yado, N.E. Leito).
vii, p.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Practically the same in coloration as Vigors's Rusty-cheeked Sciuii tar-Babbler but much smaller.
Colours of soft parts as in Vigors'* Scimitar-Babbler.
Measurements. Wing about 84 to 88 mm. tail about the same tarsus about 37 mm. culmen about 30 to 31 mm. Distribution. Hills of Eastern Burma from the Euby Mines to
; ;
Tenasserim.
Kidification.
in
Mr. J. P. Cook found this bird breeding at Kalaw some.numbers in thin grass and scattered scruli-jungle at an
about .3,200
feet.
elevation of
The nest he describes
as like that
of other Scimitar-Babblers and on the 13th April he took a single egg, hard-set, measuring 26*0 x 203 mm.
-or
Habits. Frequents grass-land and thin scrub rather than forest heavy jungle.
Fomatorhinus hypoleucns.
Key
a.
i>.
to
Subspecies.
J'.h. hypoleucut, y).222.
Sides ofhead not streaked with white Sides of head streaked with white
F.h.
ttekelU, p. 223.
(224)
Fomatorbinns hypolencus hypolencus.
The ASEAKAir SciMITAa-BABBMB.

Othorhinus hypolmcm Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxiv, p. 273 (1875) (Arrakan). Pumatorhinm hypoleucm. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 126.
Vernacular names. Dad^lioot (Cachari). Destoription. Upper plumage olive-browD, deeply tinged with
POMATOEHINtrS.
;
223
rufous on the tail and exposed parts of closed wing ear-coverts and cheeks greyish brovrn ; lores grey; a line commencing above the eye, passing over the ear-coverts and terminating in a broad patch behind them bright rusty; chin, throat, breast, and abdomen
white
sides of breast deep slaty streaked with white, the breast ; with a fyw small spots of slaty-grey sides of body and thighs rufous-ashy under tail-coverts ferruginous.
; ; :
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to deep red-brown the naked patch behind Ihe eye is a dull livid, or bluish ilesh-colour bill pale horny with a yellow, grey or green tinge in it legs and feet pale plumbeous or slaty-grey. Measurements. Length about iJOO mm. w ing ] 05 to 112 mm. tarsus about 38 mm. tail about 110 to liJO mm. culmeu about 40 mm.
; ; ; ;
Fig. 36.
Head of P.
h. hi/pokucus.
Chittagoiig,
Distribution, Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Arrakan and the Chin Hills.
Nidiflcatiou.
This Babbler breeds principally at quite low throughout ils range, but may be found nearly up to It breeds in the end of March to early May, making 4,000 feet. a huge oval nest about a foot or more in length by nearly as much in breadth. It is composed of leaves, grass and baiuboo spathes very roughly and loosely put together, nearly always on the ground, rarely ou a bush or tangle of creepers. Twelve eggs average 30-6 x 22- 1 mm. Habits. The Arrakan Scimitar-Babbler is always found in pairs, hopping about on the ground in the thickest of undergrowth, and it is particularly partial to the most impenetrable
levels
cane-brakes in swampy places. Its voice is the triple "hoot" of the genus, but can be distinguished from that of the previous birds by its deep mellowness. Inglis says that the male has a deeper hoot than the female. This species eats small shells, snails, etc., as well as the usual insect food of the other species.
(2-id)
Fomatorhinas
li]rpoleacus tickelli.
TlCKBM,'8 SoIMITAH-BaBBLEB.
J\)matorhinut tiokelli Plyth, J. A. S. B., xxlv, p, 273 (1876) (Tenasserim) ; Biauf. & Oates, i, p. 127.
Temaoular
luuues.
None
recorded.
224
Description. DifEers olive-brown above and with white, the streaks rufous of tiie neck and
TIMAUIUJG.
from the preceding bird
iu being a richer
in having the rufous head-patch streaked increasing in size and extending on to the
shoulders.
Colours of soft parts. Tlie legs and feet vary a good deal, being pale bluish green, very pale brown, or pale whitish blue; the upper mandilile pale brown, the lower mandible palo whitish blue; iris pale to daik brown and brownish red; naked patch behind the eye flesh-colour, more or less strongly tinged blue (Hume 4"
Davison).
Keasurements
as in P. h. hypoleueus.
Distribntion. Tenasserim.
Kidi&catiou. Mr. G. Hopwood describes its nest as like that of the Arrakan Scimitar-Babbler, but placed in clumps of bamboo and made of tendrils, twigs and roots. It breeds apparent! from January to March, and lays two or three white eggs measuring about 30-2 x 22-7 mm.
Habits. Davison lemarks that this Babbler keeps much to thick undergrowtli, either in pairs or small parties, keeping to the ground more exclusively than any of the other Scimitar-Babblers
known bv
him.
Genus
XIPHIEAMPHUS
Blyth, 1843.
The genus having a much contains but one species.
XipJiiramj^hiis differs
only from Potnatorhwus in longer, more slender and still more curved bill. It
Fig. 37.
Head of X.
superoiliaris.
(226) Xiphiramplins snperciliaris.
Th
(Sikkini)
;
Sli!K1>b-bxlli:s Scimitab-Babbi<u.
J.
Xiphiramphus superdliarit Blyth,

Blenf.
A.
S. B., xi,
p.
175 (1842)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 128.
Temacnlar names. JCamok-tamveep (Lepcha).

Description. Lores black ; chin and throat white streaked with ashy ; a white supercilium, the rest of the bead slaty-grey ; upper plumage bright rufous-brown ; tail dark brown or blackish, th&
TIMAUA.
225
outer webs tinged with rufous at the base ; wings dark brown, the outer webs olive-brown and the inner secondaries rufousbrown ; breast and abdoraen ferruginous ; flanks, vent and
under tail-coverts rufous-brown ; thiglis plumbeous. Colours of soft paxts. Iris red-brown to almost vermilion bill black, paler at tip ; legs dull grey, horny-grev, or plumbeous brown. Measurements. Length about 210 to 220 mm. ; wing about 72 to 77 mm. ; tail about 90 mm. ; tarsus about 30 mm. ; culmen about 55 to 60 mm.
;
Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and hills South of the BraRmaI obtained it in both the Khasia and Cachar Hills, and ihave had it sent me from the Naga Hills.
putra.
Nidification. This bird breeds from April to July between 4,500 and 8,000 feet, but as a rule over 5,000 feet. It makes the usual grass- ball nest, rather more tidy and neat than most Scimitar-Babblers and measuring roughly about 6" in diameter. The eggs, three to five in number, are like those of the genus Pomatorhinus, and measure about 23"8x 18' 1 mm.
Habits. These are typically those of the Scimitar-Babblers, but as far as 1 saw they were always in pairs, not flocks. Their voice is a high-pitched replica of the triple " boot," a quite sweet note and not often uttered. They were seen frequently in bracken and fern cover and are also sometimes found in Pine forests in
which the undergrowth and hollows.
is
very scanty and confined to the ravines
Genus TIMALIA
Horsf., 1831.
The genus Timalia consists of a single species, which is characterized by the peculiar rigid shafts of the feathers of the forehead and crown and by its deep black bill. The lail is longer than the wing and much graduated, the outer feather being about half the length of the central ones.
Fig. 38.
Head of T. p. bengaXenm.
Key
to Subtpeeieg,
Timalia pileata.
A. Abdomen fulvous
B.
Abdomen
vol,
I.
upper plumage darker. . rusty-buff ; upper plumage paler.

;
T.p. benffalenm, p. 226. T.p.jerdoni, 1^.227.
226
TiiiAminjE.
Fig.
39.Timaliap. bengahnsis.
(227)
Timalia pileata bengalensis.

BiiNaAii Bus-ciuPFEi}
The
abblbb.
xli,
Timalia bengalensis, Godw.-Aust., J. A. S.B.,

(Khafiia Hills). Timelia pileata. Blanf.
2, p.
143 (1872)
&
Oates,
i,
p.
182.
Vernacular names. Dao-maogatha gashim (Cachari); Ingeto (Kacha Faga) ; Vongnavi (Mikir).
Description. Forehead and short siipercilium white crown deep rufous ; ear-coverts white in front and ashy behind upper plumage and exposed part of wings olive-brown tinged with fulvous, the mantle suffused with ashy and with blackish shafts tail brown, strongly cross-rayed ; cheeks, chin and throat white breast white with black shaft-lines; sides of neck deep grey, running on to sides of breast ; remainder of lower parts f ufvouB
; ;
or dull buff.
TIMAUA.
227
legs
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep, bright red ; eyelids blue-grey dark blackish or purplish brown, claws honi-colour; bill
;
black.
Heasurements. Total length about 170 to ISO mm. 64 mm. tail about 80 mm. culmen about 15 mm.
;
wing 55 to
Distribution. Lower hills and sub-montane tracts from to Eastern Assam.
Nepal
Nidification. These little Babblers breed from April to July, probably often Jiaving two broods. They build either on the ground, or very close to it, in grass-laud, cane-jungle and iu low scrub and mixed jungle. The nest is domed and measures about 7" X 4" with an entrance near the top about 2" in diameter ; it is composed of bamboo leaves or grass, according to whichever is the most easily obtained and is lined with grass or, occasionally, a
few
fine
rarely
five,
roots. The eggs, which number either three or four, in a clutch, are broad, obtuse ovals ia shape aud with
stout, glossy texture. The ground-colour is generally a pure china-white, rarely pinkish, aud they are densely covered all over with spots and blotches of umber artd reddish brown. Forty eggs average 18-3 x J<5'2 mm.
Habits. The Red-capped Babbler frequents plains and low hills of grass, reeds or bush-jungle, rarely, if ever, entering forest-laud. It goes about in pairs, creeping about the lower cover aud every now and then taking little flutters to the top branches or longest grasses, and then dropping dovvn again aftei- uttering a few sweet notes. They call constantly to one another but are not noisy birds. They are found from the plains up to about 3,000 feet, but more often below 1,000 feet than over.
(228)
Timalia pileata jerdoui.
The Bubmbsb Ked-oappbd Babbleb.

JHnialia jerdoui Walden,
A. M. N. H.,
(4) x, p.
61 (1872) (Pegu).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. The whole plumage more ferruginous than
T. p. beruftilensis
olive,
;
in
but there
is
the sides of the breast more white in the centre.
and
flanks are
more
Cktlours of soft parts as in the preceding race.
Ueasurements. Ou an average this is a larger bird than the Bengal form, the wing measuring from 60 to 68 mm. and the other
parts in proportion.
Distribtitios.
localities
Practically
the
to
from the plains up

8. China.
whole of Burma in suitable some 2,000 or even 3,000 feet
Siam to
mdifieation^ Breeds from May to July, making a nest similar to that of the last bird, placed in the same kind of situation. Th
q2
228
TiMA.tnD;E.
eggs also resemble fchose of the western form, but measure about 18-7 X 14-9 mm.
Habits.
states that he only
Upper in Lower Burma.
not differ from those of the last bird. Harington found the bird in damp low-lying places in Burma, whilst Oates speaks of its frequenting gardens
Do
Genus
DUMETIA
Blyth, 1849.
This genus, which contains two common species, resembles Timalia very closely in structure, especially in the stiffness of the feathers of tiie forehead and crown. The essential difference between the two genera is that in Dumetia the bill is much smaller, more slender and of a pale colour, whereas in Timalia it is larger, deeper and black.
Key
to Sjiecies
and
Subspecies.
A. Chin and throat nifoiis B. Chin and throat "'hitfi. a. Forehead only pal rufous b. Whole crown rufous with pale shafts
D. hyperythra, D. D.
p. 228.
[p.
229.
albiyularis albiyidaris, a. abnensis, p. 230.
(229)
Dumetia hyperythra.
Babblisb.
1831, p. 118 (Ganges near
i,
The EuFous-BBLMEn
Timalia hyperythra Frankl., P. Z.
Benares). Dumetia hyperythra.
S.,
Blanf
&
Oates,
p. 183.

Description. Forehead and anterior half of crown reddish brown, the feathers of the former rigid and pointed, with large fulvous streaks and with the shafts black when viewed in certain lights ; featiiers round the eye white ; upper plumage, tail and exi)osed wing olive-brown, the tail cross-rayej ; cheeis fulvous with pale shafts ; ear-coverts like the upper ])luinage but paler and with still paler shafts ; entire lower plumage pale fulvous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris light to dark brown ; bill pale horny or pale livid brown ; legs pale fleshy-white to fleshy-grey.
Heasurements. Total length about 135 to 145 mm. wing 53 to 56 mm.: tail about 65 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 20 nun.; culmen about 12 to J 3 mm.
;
Distribution. This little Babbler is found South as far as Khandaia on the West and the Godaveri Valley on the East. Thenee it is found throughout the Central Provinces, Central
India, Cliota N'agpur, the dry western portions of Bengal, Orissa and Behar, and thence to the Lower Himalayas from Sikkini to Kuinaon. To the West it occurs as far as longitude 75*.
The Kufous-bellied Babbler breeds from early end of August and early September, making a ballshaped nest of grass and bamboo leaves, lined with finer grass or a little hair, soiuetirnes with no lining at all ; in size it varies in diameter from 5 to inches. Often the nest is placed in, or at the foot of, a clump of bamboos, at otlier times in grass, bushes or cactus hedges. The eggs number three or four, and are in shape short, blunt ovals with a smooth and rather glossy The ground is white varying occasionally to pink, and texture. they are rather profusely marked all over ith specks and blotches of light reddish to dark brown, generally more numerous at the
Nidiflcation.
tlie
June to
Fifty eggs average 17"3 X 13'8 mm. HaMts. This little bird is a typical Babbler in all its ways. Though much more shy than the " Seven-Sisters " group, it lias the same gregarious, cheerful habits, the same foliow-my-leailer
larger end.
style of clambering along from one tuft of grass or one bush to another and, like tliose birds, is very conversational and argumentative, though it indulges in softer notes and fewer quarrels. It prefers mixed scrub and grass, or grass alone, to other haunts, but may also be found in hamboo-jungle and thin forest or secondary growth.
Fig. 40.
Head of D,
a. alhigularis.
(280)
Thjb
Dnmetia albigularis
albigularis.
Small White-i'ueoated Babbleb.

p.
Malacocercua albtgtdarit Blyth, J. A, S. B., xvi,

(Mysore).
453 (1847)
Dumetia albiffulnris.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 134.
;
Vernacular names.
Pandi-jitta (Tel.)
last,
Batitchia (Ceylon).
Description. Similar to the
but with a pure white throat.

;
Iris
white to pale grey
bill fleshy,
horny-brown on culmen;
claws horny.
legs
aud
feet pale fleshy or livid fleshy,
wing 52 to Iteasurenients. Total length about 150 to 155 mm. 56 mm. tail about 57 to 64 mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm. caJmen about 12 to I'd mm. Bistribation. Ceylon and South- West India as far North as Belganm. Hidiflcation. In Ceylon this little Babbler has two breeding seasons, and Mr. Wait has taken eggs from November tQ March
; ; ;
230
and again
TiMAiiinjE.
in June and July, but in 8, India it appears to breed principally in the two latter months. It is found from the level of the plains up to at least 3,000 feet, making a little ball-shaped nest of grass about 4 to 5 inches in diameter and without anj' lining. It may be placed on any kind of grass, weed or scrubjiiMi^le, the first being the favourite and either on the ground or, more often, wedged in aujongst thorns and grass. The full clutch is either three or four and the eggs are miniatures of those of Tinialia and hardly distinguishable from those of the last bird.
Fifty eggs avenige 17-8
13'5
mm.
Habits. The White-throated Babblei- may be found in almost any kind of cover other tlian actual forest. Like the last bird, it associates in small parties, which feed either on the ground or low down in the bushes and grass, skulking about much in the same way as Turdoides and Argya, constantly uttering a low chattering call with an occasional louder whistle or chirp. Like the others of the genus, they ai-e almost entirelv insectivorous, and are peculiarly fond of ants and termites. Their iiight is weak
and
ill-controlled.
(231)
Dumetia albigularis abuensis. The Mount Abd Babblbe,

abuenm Harington,
J. B.
Dumetia
a/bir/ularit
N. H.
S., xsiii, p.
429
(1915) (Mt. Abu).
Vernaciilar names. Fandi jitta (ê\.).

Description.
Differs from the last bird in having the whole
crown chestnut and the under parts much darker.

last, but the iris dark brow]i. lEeasurements the same as in the last. Distribution. The country round Mt. Abu, Deesa, and down to Mababaleshwar. Nidification and Sabits as in Dumetia a. albigularis. Three eggs taken by Lieut. H. E. Barnes in Deesa measure about
17-6
14-0
mm.
Genus
OAKPSORHTNCHTIS
Blyth, 1844.
This genus contains but one species, races of which are found from Sikkim to the Malay Peninsula. They are birds of rufous or golden-brown plumage with white heads and breasts, but the young differ from the adults in having the white replaced with the colour of the upper partes, a feature in which they diflfer from nearly all the other IHmalUdas. The toil is longer than the wing and much graduated, the outer feathers being less than two-thirds the length of the central ]>air8. The bill is about half the leiagthof the head and very Shrike-like in appearance ; the ricta! bristles are Very long. The tarsus is typically stout, but rather short in comparison to the size of the bit^d.
CÂMfSOBHEirOHUS.
231
The habits, which are now well known, agree well with those of the more arboreal Timaliidce, but their nidification would seem to link them with the genus Volvocivora and its allies. Its position is extremely doubtful, but for the present I retain the genus in the position given it bj' Oates.
Fig.
41. Head
of
(?, r,
rufalw.
Cktmpsorhynchus rufulus.
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Upper plumage golden-brown B. Upper plumage rufous-brown
G.r. rufulug, p. 231. G. r. torquatus, p. 232.
(232)
Gampsorhynchus rufulus rufulus. The White-headbu Shmke-Babbme.

rttfidus
Gampsovhynckua
jiling)
;
Blyth,
i,
.1.
A.
S. B., xiii, p.
371 (1844) (Dar-
Blanf.
&
Oates,
p. 135.
;
Vernacular names.
tiba (Cac'hari).
Chongtopliep-pho (Lepcha)
Daophlantu-
Description. The whole head, neck and breast white ; rictal black and white in front, pure white behind ; upper plumage, tail and wings golden brown ; lower and median coverts
bristles
and edge of wing white quills dark brown tail edged interiorly and tipped with yellowish buff; lower plumage pale fulvous.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale lemon-white to deep golden yellow ; bill pale fleshy-horny, darker at base and on culmen
brown. Measurements. Total length about 250 to 260 mm. wing 90 to 100 mm. tail 110 to 120 mm. tarsus about 26 to 28 mm. culmen about 20 to 2 1 mm. The yoong bird has the white of the head and breast replaced with light chestnut, the fulvous of the abdomen extending on to the lower breast there is no white on the wing and the upper parts are more rufous. The adult plumage probably takes two years for completion, as the male has been found breeding in semi-mature dress. Distribution. The lower hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills and Arrakan.
legs reddish
; ;
;
282
TIUAJJIDS.
Nidiflcation. Breeds in forest, making a sballow eup-shaped nest of dead leaves, a scrap or two of moss, one or two tiny twigs, all carelessly and untidily bound together with cobwebs and lined with fine roots and tendrils. The whole structure reminds one more of a Cuckoo-Shrike's nest rather than that of a Babbler. One found by myself was built in a small fork of a straggly bush, quite unconcealed and easily reached by hand. It contained four eggs with a pale yellowish ground-colour well covered with freckles, specks and blotches of reddish brown, numerous every-
where but more so at the larger end. They were much like large, dully coloured and brown eggs of Copsychus. They measured 23"1 X 17"1 mm., and were taken, very hard-set, on the 9th August.
Habits. This curious Babbler is found during the cold weather between 1,000 and 2,500 feet, frequenting bamboo-, bush- and grass-jungle and, less often, secondary growth. In the breeding season it is found nearly up to 4,000 feet, and then deserts the lighter form of cover for the densest and dampest forests. It is like the birds of the genera Garrulax and TrooTialopierum in being very gregarious and very noisy, but, unlike them, keeps entirely to trees and bamboos and never works
principally
on the ground for its food. They are intensely curious and by no means shy, and will allow close observation without resentment. They fly fairly well and are much more active on the wing than most of the Timaliidce.
(233)
Oampsorhynchus rufulus torquatus.

The
RiNG-iTBCKEi) Sheike-Babblbe.
torquatus Hume, P. A. S. B., 1874, p. 107 Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 136.
Qammorhpnehus
zalin Iliver)
;
(Young-

Description. Differs from G. r. rufulus in having the upper plumage rufous-brown ; the outf webs of the first primaries and the tips of all horny-grey; the tail is edged and tipped with white instead uf buff and the sides of the neck are marked with rufous and black.
as
Colours of soft parts as in the last bird, but the legs are described " greyish white, slaty white or fleshy white with a blue tinge."
Heasnrements
Distribntioa. serim.
as in White-headed Shrike-Babbler.
The Toungoo
Hills
and Karenni
to
Tenas-
Hidifioation unknown.
Habits do not seem to diffar from those of the White-headed Shrike-Babbler. Davison proctired them both in bamboo and
evei^reen forest.
BIROS. VOL.1,
J,.'*'-
PYCTORHIS S. SINENSIS. The Y8ltow-^d Babbler.
life
Bile.
PTCTOBHIS,
Genus PYCTORHIS Hodgson, 1844.

This genus is peculiar to India, Burma and Siam and, if one includes Moupinia 2)oeeilotis Verreaux, to China. It is cliaracterized by a very short, deep bill without a notch and with oval and exposed nostrils ; the tail is long and well graduated, the outermost feathers being about half the length of the central ones. Tliis genus was very well worlced out by Harington, with whoso conclusions. I am in complete accord, but yet another geographical race named by Ticehurst must be added to the number.
Kei/ to Species
ami
Subxpeeles,
A. Bill black ; forehead plain rufous.

Nostrils yellow. Upper parts paler b'. Upper parts darker and richer b. Nostrils black B. Bill yellowish brown forehead blackish
a.
a'.
;
P. sinensis sinensis, p. 233. P. s. eaturatior, p. 234. P. s. nasalis, p. 235.
with
c.
c'.
gi-ey margins.
[p.
Upper plumage reddish brown. Chin, throat and upper breast whitish
Chin, throat and upper breast grey Upper plumage earthy-brown, chin and throat white
.
235.
P. altirostris
altirostris,
d'.
P. a. griseigviaris, p. 286.
d.
P.
a. scindictis, p.
237.
Fig. 43.
Head of P.
sinensis.
(234) Fyctorhis sinensis sinensis.
The Indian Teliow-eyed Babbles.

Parus sinensis, Gmel., S. N., i, p. 1012 (1788) (Sina) (China). PyctorMs sinensis. Blanf. & Dates, i, p. 187.
Yernacitlar names. Gal-chasm or Bidal-chasm (Hind., South) Sara-podna (Hind., N.W.P.) ; Terra Kali-ntta (Tel.). Deacriptioa. Whole upper plumnge, ear-coverts and sides of the neck rufescent brown, changing to cinnamon on tiie exposed
parts of th wing-quills ; lores, a short eyebrow, the eyelids, chin, throat, efaeeks and breast pure white; abdomen, rent, flanks
and under
tail-eorerts pale fulvous
tail faintly cross-rayed.
Oolotiraof soft parts. Iris pale leinbn>yIlpw to brightest golden
234
bill
XIltALIISJE.
black, yellowish at the nostrils legs pale orange-yellow ciaws pinkish ; mouth yellow in winter, black in summer.
;
Heasnrements, Length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing 65 to 70 mm. tail about 85 to 90 mm. tarsus about 25 mm. culmen about 12 mm.
;
Sistribntion. Whole of India and Burma, except those portions noted as the habitat of the next form, South to Tenasserim and extending into Siam and Annam.
Nidification. In Assam this Babbler breeds principally between the 15th May and 15th July, but in India, further south, they breed from June to September, whilst Col. Sparrow took them in Trimulgherry in October. The nest is a beautifully built cup or inverted cone of fine soft grass and fibre lined with the same and well bound with cobwebs. It may be placed in a bush, a weed, a clump of grass or in sugar-cane or crops. In Assam they build in the centre of the great seas of sun-grass which run for miles over the undulating plateaus between 1,000 and .^,000 feet and are never found elsewhere, but iu other parts of India they build in all kinds of scrub- and grass-land and even in gardens. The eggs number three to five and vary greatly in colour. The most common type is pale yellowish or pink in ground-colour, rather densely marked all over with light red speckles aud spotfs or more rarely blotches. Another type has bold smears and blotches of pale pinky red, reddish brown or deep purple-brown, sometimes with a few irregular streaks and lines and generally with some underlying marks of a dull neutral tint. third type has a pure white ground with bold blotches of deep purple-brown at the larger end. 100 eggs average 17'9 x 149 mm. ; the maxima are 20*3 X 18"0 and 20-1 x 16*6 mm., and the minima 16'8xl5-0 and 1 7*0 x 13-6 mm.
Habits. Found at all elevations from the plains up to nearly 6,000 feet, but is most common un3er 2,500 feet. It is not a gregariouH bird, but keeps in pairs, wandering about in grass, scrub, secondary growth and even in gardens and the bushes surrounding villages, but never in forest. It clambers about much as the typical Babblers do in the lower growths, but does not feed on the ground and fiies better and more freely than they do. It has a sweet note, almost a song, in the breeding season, which it frequently utters from the top of some high piece of grass or other perch elevated above its surroundings.
(235) Pjctorhis sinensis saturatior.
Thb Bhuxax Yslvow-xzsd Babbleb,

Puotorhit sinmsii saturatior Ticehuzst, Bull. B. 0. (1922) (Bhutan Doars).
C,
zlii, p.
57
VemacnUur names. None
recorded.
PTOTOEHM.
;
285
Description. " Upper parts, especially head, saturated very dark brown, paling only on the rump. Chestnut colour of wings darker " (Ticehurst).
Colours of soft parts and HEeasuretnents as in the
last.
Distribution. "Bhutan and Buxa Dooara, Sikkim" {TiceJmrst). I cannot distinguish this bird from those obtained in Nepal and the whole of West Assam, North of the BraJunaputra. Birds from the South of this river and from Bengal and the Chin Hills are nearer the typicnl form.
my
ITidification similar to that of the typical race and 12 eggs in collection average exactly the same as those of that bird.
Habits. This is a common bird in all the M'ide grass-covered areas from the foot-hills up to at least 6,000 feet. It has, of course, exactly the same habits as the last bird, from which it is only very slightly distinguished in colour.
(236) Pyctorhis sinensis nasalis.

Turn Ceylon Ybllow-eybd Babblbe.
Pyctorhit nasalis Legge, A. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 138.
M. N. H.,
(5)
iii,
p.
169
(]
879) (Ceylon)
Vernacular names. Yerra-Kali-jitta
(Tel.).
Description. Differs from P. . situnsis in having tlie exposed portions of tlie wing-quills concolorous with the back, and in having more white on the sides of the head.
little
Colours of soft parts similar to the typical form, but with very or no yellow about the nostrils.
Heasurements. A rather smaller bird than the Indian form wing 59 to 63 mm. and other measurements in proportion.
Distribution. Ceylon onh'.
Nidification. Breeds from December (W. W. A. Phillips) to May (Legge), making a nest similar to that of P. s. sinensis but laying only two or three eggs. The few eggs I have seen resemble the m98t common type of egg described above for P. s. sinensis, bat they only measure 17"5x 13'8 mm. (19'4x 14"4 mm., Hume).
Habits. The same as those of the preceding subspecies.
(237) Pyctorhis altirostris altirostris.
Jkbson's Babblbb.
Chrysomma
altirostris Jerd., Ibis, 1862, p.
22 (Thayetmyo).
J^ctorhit aUirostris.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 138.
Yematinlar names. None recorded.

DeBcription. forehead and a broad stripe to the eye hoary grey
236
TlMALlIDiB.
with black centres to the feathers ; sides of head and neck rufousgrey-brown ; wJioIe upper plumage reddish br(\vn, darkest on the wings and tail ; chin, throat and upper breast wliitish remainder of lower plumage pale fulvous,
;
Colours of soft parts. " Upper mandible pale horn-colour, Ii)\ver pinkish flesh-colour ; iris hazel-brown ; eyelid and orbital skin greenish yellow ; legs and feet pinkish brown " (Oates).
Measurements. Total length about 165 mui. 62 mm.; tail about 80 mm. tarsus about 22 nun. 12 mm.
;
wing 57 to culraen about
Distribution.
Nidifilcation.
The
plains of
Lower Burma.
nest and eggs seat to me as belonging to this bird do not differ from those of the Yellow-eycd Babbler, the eggs being of the boldly marked cream-coloured type. The five eggs measure 17*0 x 14'1 mm.
Habits. This Babbler seems to be confined to swamjiy, lowi)lains, covered with ekra or elephant-grass where it is very abundant. It is, however, such an inveterate skulker and flies so seldom that it is very hard to watch or to shoot unless high floods practically cover its hiding ))laces. It li\es in great part on grasshoppers, large and small, and its note is said to be quite different from that of sinensis but has not been more minutely
lying
described.
(238) Pyctorhis altirostris griseigularis.
HtTME's BaBBXBE,
Pyctorhis yriseigularis
Hume,
S. F., v, p. 116 (1877) (Assam).
Vernacular names. Tiri-sorai (Assamese). Description. Differs from Jerdon's Babbler in having the chin, throat and upper breast grey instead of white, and the lower breast, abdomen and flanks dull rufous instead of pale fulvous.
Colours of soft parts. base of lower mandible
" Bill pale horny, nearly white towards legs pale fleshy or orange-brown ; feet browu or golden brown, eyelid and- orbital
;
darker" (Hume);
iris
skin yellowish green.
Measurements. Wing 62 to 64 mm. Di8tril)Ution. The sub-Himalayan plains from the Bhutan Duars to the extreme east of Assam ; Cauhar and Sylhet Plains. Nidiflcation. I found this little Babbler very common and breeding in great numbers in the ekra and elephant-grass plaint These are facsimiles in N. Lakhimpur, where I took several nests. of the neat, compact caps of tie Tellow-eyed Babbler, but are less often shaped like inverted cones, having the bottom rounded The nests found were always spotted by the bird being seen off. to quit, otherwise in these vast seas of grass they would never be
PBLLOBNEtTM,
seen, for though
237
they will sit on the nest until an elephant or buffalo almost touches them, they slink away amongst the grass long before a man on foot ciin get near them. I obtained nests in the months of April and July, but presume they are principally " Kains " breeders when their food grasshoppers are most
I have seen are very beautiful, having a pale or bright pink ground-colour, with handsome blotches and smears of reddish brown or light red with secondary markings Fourteen eggs average about 18-1 x 14-6 mn). of neutral tint.
numerous.
The few eggs
Habits. Tills little Babbler seems to be found only in the plains or in the rolling stretches of " sun-grass " lands on the It is found always in pairs and foot-hills of the Himalayas, always in grass of some kind though this may be anything from two to twenty feet high. It has a sweet little song of some dozen
notes or so which
nest.
it
sings
from the highest piece of grass near
its
(239) Pyctorhis altirostris scindicus.
Tub Sixn Babmlbr.

Pi/ctorhis altirostris scindicus Harington,
p.
Jour. B. N.
II. S.,
xxiii,
424 (1918) (Sukkur
in Scind).
Vernacular names. Mulldla (Sind). Description. Differs from Jerdon's Babbler in having the upper plumage fulvous, chin and throat white, breast and remainder of lower plumage ochraceous.
a. altirostris.
;
Ueasarements. Wing 65 mm.

Distribntion. Sind only.
culmen 12
mm.
Nidificatiou and Habits.
Nothing recorded.
Swainson, 1831.
Geuus
In
this
FELLOBNEUH
genus I include Harington's three genera Pellorneum, SeotocicMa and Drymocataphus, the last and first only of which Gates recognized in the Avifauna, These genera have generally been divided on account of the alleged difference in the comparative length of wing and tail, but a glance at the measurements of the various species suffices to show that this does not form a Thus Pelhrneum pahtstre sufficient ground for their separation. has always been accepted as a typical Pellorneum, yet (his is the only species or race in the three genera in which the tail exceeds the wing in length. In all the other species the tail is always shorter than the wing, and the three genera only differ in this
respect in degree. In Pellormum, as now accepted, the tail is shorter than the wing, with the one exception of P. palutire, but is equal to or longer than twice the length of the tarsus ; the bill is about equal to, or
238
xmAUisjB.
a little luore than, three quarters the leogth of the head, straight
and notched at the tip the nostrils are not overhung by hairs and the rictal bristles are very short.
;
Key
to
Species
and
Subspecies,
A. Breast boldly streaked with dark brown, a. Mantle not streaked.

a'.
b'.
c'.
Crown rufous Crown pale chestnut Crown dark chestnut
P. ruficepiru/ieept,Tp. 238. P.r. lubochraceum, p. 239. P. r. granti, p. 240.
Mantle streaked with dark brown. Upper back streaked with dnrk brown. a". Less olive, more rufous b''. Less rufous, more olive e'. Upper back with no definite streaks. B. Breast streaked brown and greyish buft'. C. Breast either not sti-eaked at all or only
h.
d'.
P.r. mandellii, p. 240. P.r. jonesi, p. 241.

P. r. mmm, p. 242. P. palustre, p. 242.
obsoletely so.
c.
Crown concolorous with back

without pale
/'.
g'.
forehead
P.
foreticke.lli tuikelli, p.
shaftA.
d.
Above fulvous olive-brown Above rufescent olive-brown Crown concolorou.s witli back but
P.t. anximensin,
p.
247. 248.
head pale shafted. h'. Breast tinged brownish

e.
Breast tinged bright rufous Grown darker than back. j'. Cap nearly chocolate-brown k'. Cap olive-brown I'. Cap black
i'.
P.i.
P.ignoUoii ignotum,^.'2A'A. cinnanwmeum, p. 244. [cupillum, p. 245. P. fmcicapillum'fttmP.f. babaulti, p. 245. P. nigricapitatum, p. 246.
(240)
Pellorneum ruficeps
ruficeps.
The SpoaTBD Babbles.

Pellorneum ruficeps Swains., F. Bor.-Am., Birds,
(Nilgiris)
;
p.
487 (1831)
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 141.
Temacnlar names. Adavi-lika-jUtu

Description.
(Tel.).
;
Forehead, crown and nape dull rufous whole upper plumage and exposed parts of wings, sides of neck and tail olive- brown, the latter tipped with white; lores and an indistinct supercilium creamy-white ; sides of the bead rufous, paler than the crown and mottled with black round the eye, and the earcoverts streaked with brown ; chin, throat and cheeks white lower plumage white or pale fulvous white boldly streaked with black on the breast and flanks and suffused with olivaceous on the latter and thighs ; under tail-coverts olive-brown edged with
white.
brown in the young
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris red to crimson-lake, but cinnamonupper mandible dork brown, lower white to ; fleshy -white; legs, feet and claws fleshy- white.
FiEIjtOKirBUM.
289
HeBSuremeiits. Length about 160 to 170 mm. ; wing 72 to 76 inm. tail 64 to 67 mm. tarsus about 26 mm. ; culnien about 17 to 18 mm.
; ;
hills
Distribution. The Indian Peninsula south of Khandesh and the Cachar birds formerly identified for me of Chota Nagpur. as ruficeps are nearer minus, but the normal birds of this part of Assam are mandeUii. Birds of 8.W. India from Coorg, Wynaad, 8.W. Mysore and Travancore belong to the race called grand.
Nidiflcation. This bird breeds in March, April and May, making a very rough globe-shaped nest of leaves and grass, very flimsy and fragile and, according to Miss Cockburn, often a mere canopy for the eggs, which rest on fallen leaves and rubbish. It is invariably placed on the ground and generally under shelter of The eggs are either two or three in number a stone or bush. and in shape broad, regular ovals. The general colour is a very
pale greenish or yellowish white, profusely speckled and freckled
all
and neutral
to
over with reddish brown and underlying 8])ot8 of pale grey tint. They average about 21'1 x 16-3 mm.
Habits. The Spotted Babbler is found from about 2,000 feet up some 6,000 feet or higher, descending lower in the winter but not apparently breeding. According to Miss Cockburn and Jerdon it goes about in small flocks when not nesting, but other observers i-ecord it as being found in pairs or singly. It haunts scrub-jungle and secondary growth and also undergrowth in treeforest, not ascending into trees but, on the other hand, often hopping about on the ground in search of its insect food. It keeps up a constant chatter and has a wide variety of notes, occasionally loud and discordant but for the most part soft and often sweet and pleasing. It is a shy bird and shuns observation.
(241)
Pellorneum ruficeps subochraceum.
The Malax Spotted Babblke.

Pellorneum subochraetum Swinh.,
A.M.N. H.,
p. 142,
(4)
vii, p.
259 (1871)
(Rangoon)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
VernactilaT names.
DftBcription,
None
recorded.
Very
close to the last bird,
but has the crown
chestnut and
is
smnller.
Colours of soft parts. " Iris red ; upper mandible dark brown, lower yellow at the base, changing to light brown at the tip legs light brownish yellow " (Oo<). Xeajiiiremeats, Wing 62 to 68 mm., average about 64 mm.
Lower Burma from Toungoo and the Karen Malay Peninsula, Annam and Cochin China, Hidifioation, Apparently exactly like that of P. r. mandeUH, described hereafter. Breeds from March to August, probably
Distribution.
Hills to the
240
TIUJJJIVJE.
differ
;
The eggs only having two broods. mandeUii in averaging rather smaller
16-4
from those of P. r. 20 measure about 21-6 x
mm.
Habits. Those of Mandelli's Babbler.
(242)
Pellomeum
ruficeps granti.
The Teataxcobe Spotted Babbleb.

Pellomeum
ruficeps granti Harington, Bull. B. 0. (1913) (Travancore).
C,
xxxiii, p.
381
Vernacular names. Adavi-liku-jittu
(Tel.).
Description. Similar to P. r. rujkejps but altogether a darker, more richly coloured form. The head is dark chestnut rather than rufous.
Coloars of soft parts. Irides dark red-brown to crimson ; bill above black, below horny-white legs, feet and claws pale fleshy.
;
Heasurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm.; wing 74 to 78 mm. eulmeu 18 mm. ; tarsus JiS mm.
'
Distribution.
8.W.
India,
Travancore,
Wynaad, Coorg aud
8.W, Mysore.
Eggs sent me by Messrs. J. Nidiflcation. Nothing recorded. Stewart and T. E. Bourdillon are not separable from those of the Spotted Babbler and measure almost 21'8 X 16*3 mm.
Habits.
Is
4,000
feet,
found throughout its range between 1,500 and but principally about 2,000 feet.
(243) Fellorneiun rnficeps mandellii.
Mandelli's Spotted Babbleb.

Pellortieum mandelliiBltint.,}. A. S. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 140.
xli, p.
166 (1844) (Sikkim)
Vernacular names. Dao-jMn-pit (Gachari).

Description. Differs from all preceding forms in having the feathers of the hind neck and sides of the neck blackish on the outer web, creamy-buff on the inner, forming broad streaks on the sides of the mantle. The lower plumage is more fulvous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel to deep crimson, dull pale brown in the young; upper mandible dark horny-brown, lower pale yellowish or borny-white ; legs and feet pale fleshy or fleshy. white.
Measurements. Length about 165 to 175 mm.; wing 66 to 73 mm., average 70 mm. ; tail about 66 to 68 mm. ; tarsus about 25 to 26 mm.; cuimen about 16 to 17 mm.
Distribution. From Nepal eastwards through the Himalayas, North and South of the Brahmaputra in Assam, Manipur, extreme North of Chin and Kachin Hills, and Bbamo.
vmLLomxExni.
241
Nidiflcation. Mandelli's Babbler breeds from March to May, a second brood being very often found from May to July or even August. Tlieir favourite elevation is between 2,000 and 3,000 feet and their favourite country bamboo-jungle, the lightest of grass or scrub undergrowth, or poor secondary growth in deserted cultivation more rarely their nests may be found in undergrowth of forests. Wherever found the nests are always on the ground
;
Pig. 43.
Head of P.
r.
mandelUi.
unless in
bamboo clumps a few inches to 2 or 3 feet above They are made of grass and bamboo leaves, or of the latter it. alone merely lined with grass and in shape are large oval balls.
Sometimes, when the fallen leaves lie so thick as to completely hide the nest, this is merely a deep cup or semi-domed affair and I have seen such buried deep in piles of bamboo leaves and dead grass. They are very fond of placing their nests at the edge of elephant or gaur tracks, where it seems a wonder they can escape being trampled on. The eggs, three or four in number, are like those of P. r. ruficeps, but are perhaps rather more richly marked 200 eggs average 22"4x 16'3mm. maxima on the whole. 24-19 X 17-1 and 217 X 18-8 mm. minima 20-5 x 16-1 and 20-6 x IS'3 mm. Habits. During the winter this little Babbler goes about eitlier in pairs or family parties of five or six, frequenting the kind of cover described above. They are very restless, energetic birds, constantly on the move and keeping up a never-ending chatter amongst themselves. They feed both on the ground and on bushes and grass, and from their partiality to thin cover are easy to watch as long as one keeps perfectly still, but a movement of hand or foot sends them scuttling off into denser cover, whence they loudly expostulate against the disturber. They have many sweet notes as well as harsh ones, but their prevailing note is that of the genus, a constantly repeated " pretty-dear, pretty-dear."
;
(244) Fellorneum rnficeps jonesi.
Thb
BeUorneum
(1920) (Kalka).
"Westhbk- Spoithd Babblkr.

Baker, Bull. B. 0. 0.
xli, p.
ru/ieept jonesi Stuart
Teroacolar names. None recorded. DeseriptiOB. Differs from Mandelli's Babbler in having th general tone of plumage more brown and less olive; the cap is
TOtT.
242
TiUAUio^.
more brown and the black markings on the nape even more highly
developed.
Colours of soft parts and Heasnrements as in
manddlU
;
wing
74 mm.
Distributiou. Kalka, Bhagat State,
Kidifictftion
N.W. Himakyas
Garhwal.
unknown.
Habits. Shot by Mr. A. E. Jones in thick undergrowth of

forest.
(245)
Pellorneum ruficeps minus.

Hume,
i,
Shabpb's Spottfi) Babblee.

Pellorneum minus
Blanf.
S. F.,
i,
p.
298 (1873) (Thayetmyo)
&
Gates,
p. 141.
VernacTilar names.
None
rticorded.
Description. Intermediate between mandellii and subochraeeum, having the hind neck streaked but no dark markings on the back as in the former.
Colonrs of soft parts and Keasurements as in mandellii.

Distribution. Constant in character in the Chindvvin, Chin Myingyan, Meiktila districts, and Central Burma to Thayetmyo. Individuals quite inseparable from this form occur throughout the range of P. r. mandellii, and are quite common in The distribution is most Assam, south of the Brahmaputra. pusizling, the more so as now and then specimens of this form are also met with in the area occupied by subochraeeum. It is rather doubtful whether it should be given the status of a subHills,
species.
HidiAcation and Habits similar to those of mandellii.

eggs average about 21-5
Porty
x 16*4 mm.
(246)
Pellorneum palnstre.
p.
The Maebh Spotted Babbme.

PeUorneumpalugtre Jerdon,Ibis, 1872,
Blanf.
300 (Cherrapunji, Assam)
&
Dates,
i,
p. 143.
Vemacnlar names. Dao-priti-pit hashiba (Gachari). Description. Upper plumage olive-brown, the forehead and a tail and exposed parts of wing line over the lores bright rufous rufous lores white cheeks white barred with brown ear-coverts rufous mottled with brown and with pale shafts chin, throat and centre of breast and abdomen white the remainder of the
; ; ; ; ;
lower plamage rich oohraceous buff the whole breast and sides of the body with heavy, dark brown streaks.
;
Colours of soft parts. *' Iris bright brown ; bill horny-brown base of lower mandible tinged blue ; tarsus pale horny-blue {H. Steveta).
pbliobnuttm;.
243
HeasTixementB. Total length about 160 mm. ; wing 62 to tail about 64 to 69 mm.; tarsus about 26 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.
68 mm.
DiBtribution. Assam, South of the
Brahmaputra and N. Lak-
himpur, North of that

Kidification. I
in the
river.
found the bird breeding in the North of wide stretclies of upland grass. In the hollows water stood for the greater part of the year, but the nests were built, on the higher lands, tucked in amongst the roots of grass or under the protection of some small shrub or weed. Later I found them breeding in Cachar and Sylliet Plains and again in Lakhiuipur where the nests were all built in reeds and {>rass on the banks of rivers and edges of swamps. April to June appear to be the breeding months, and the nest and eggs are similar to those of P. r. maiulellii, but the latter measure only about
N. Oachar
20-6xlo'7 mm. Habits. The Marsh Spotted Babbler is found principally in the ])Iains, but wanders up to at least 2,.500 feet. Jerdon obtained it bi)th in long grass and reeds and in " bushes and low tree- jungle," but I have neêr seen it in cover other than grass and reeds, though this may vary from short sun-grass in N. Ciichar, Jiot
2 feet high, to the dense elephant-grass of the plains, over 12 feet
high. The note is a sharp double chirp, syllabefized by Stevens as " clii-chew," constantly repeated. They are rather noisy but very skulking little birds, and one seldom sees them under ordinary circumstances, but when beating for game they may often be seen
flitting in a rather lop-sided
manner from one patch
of grass to
another.
(247)
Pellorneum ignotum ignotum.
Tub Assamese Babblee.

rellomeum iqnotum Hume,
Blaiif.
S. F., v, p.
339 (1877) (Sadiva, Assam)
&
Oates,
i,
p.
144.
Vernacular names. Dm-chihi (Cachari).

Description. Whole upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings and tail rather more the wing rufescent olive-brown lores and over the eyes greyish brown rufescent than the back ear-coverts brown with paler shafts ; sides of neck like the back ; chin, throat, centre of breast and abdomen dull white, very slightly mottled with rufesceut brown ; remainder of lower plumage rusty-brown.
; ; ;
paler
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; bill pale bluish-horny, still on lower mandible; legs and feet light sienna-grey to
flieshy.
tail
Heajrarements. Length about 150 mm.; wing 56 to 59 mm.; 51 to 55 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen about 12 to
13 mm.
b2
244
XIMAMIDa,
Distributioii. .A,ssaia south of the Brahmaputra and in the extreme north-east, where it has been observed in Sadiya. Stevens also obtained it iu N. Lakhimpur, west of the 8ubansiri,so it may extend a good deal further west than hitherto recorded.
Nidification.
to
iit
least 6,500,
commencing in is made of grasses and bamboo leaves, lined with tlie former. It is smaller, better and more compactly made than most nests of
this gi-nus
The Assamese Babbler breeds from 3,000 feet up and possibly much higher, the breeding season May and lasting until the end of July. The nest
and very often
is
a deep
cti])
in
shape, rather than
also differs from the nest of other species of PeUorneum in being placed well ahove the ground, in bamboo clamps, tangles of vines or in bushes, and never on the ground. The eggs number
1 1
domed.
three or four, somelimes two only, and are pale pink in groundcolour, with freckles of rather" dark brownish red profusely scattered over the whole surface, but sometimes even more
at the larger end, wiiere they may form a cap or illIn shape they are regular ovals and the texture is fairly close and smooth, there is but little gloss nnd the she!! 18 rather fragile in comparison with (he size. Two hundred eggs average 20-0 X 15-1 mm. ; maxima 22'8x 15-5 and Xl5'9 mm.
numerous
defined zone.
2M
raiuinial82xl41 mm.
Habits. This
call-note
is
flocks or in pairs.
a shy, quiet little bird, found either in small Its notes are low and soft, and its alarm and a low, rippling whistle. It is most common between
is
3,000 and 5,000 feet, but wanders much higher in summer and descends practically to the plains in winter. In this latter season it shows a marked fondness for bamboo-jungle, especially such as has a little undergrowth, but in summer it keeps more to thin scrub and brushwood and even to thicker forest. It is an extraordinarily close sitter and will remain blinking at one from its nest until almosf touched.
(248)
PeUorneum ignotum cinnamometim.

Eippon's Babblkb.
xj, p.
Drymocataphus cinnamomeus Rippon, Bull. B. O. C,

(Loi Mai, S.
Shan
12 (1900)
States).

Description. Differs from the last bird in having^ the] upper parts olive-brown and not rufescent, the breast more Vufous and the chin and throat whitish with arrow-shaped tips.
Colours of soft parts. Iris orange-red; bill dark horn, lower mandible paler ; legs pale horn (Ifarinffton).
the
Measurements.
tarsus about 24
Distributifln.
to S.
Annam.
Wing 51 to 67 mm. tail about ."iO to 55 mm. mm. culmen about 12 mm. Shan States and Bhamo Hills above 5,000 feet
;
'
Nidification. Similar to that of the
Assamese Babbler but
th>j
X'KLLORlfJiiUM:.
245
nest is more often placed in grass nearer the ground. The eggs, generally two only in number, sometimes three, are like tlicse of that bird, but are pinker or more terra-cotta in tint. Fifty eggs
average 20"4xl5"0 mm. Habits. 'J'hose of the last bird, from 3,000 feet, Draii, S. Annaiii.
(240)
llobinson and Kloss record
it
Pellorneum fuscicapillum fuscicapillum. The Bbowk-capped Babblbk.

.
Biumocutfipftus fuscicapillm Blyth, J. A. S, B., xxiii, v. 815 (1849) .t ; (S.W. UhvIod). Pellorneum fuscieapillum. Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 14.'>.
Vernacular names.
Jiatite/da (Ceylon).
Description. Forehead, crown and nape dark chocoliite-brown, the shafts fulvous; upper plumage dark olive-brown, the tail tipped narrowly with ochraceous, the feathers of the wing-covert.s and back with pale shafts, and the edges of the primaries tinged M'ith rufous lores, sides of the head and neck tind whole lower plumage sienna-brown, the sides of the neck aud breast with obscure striations on some of the feathers, the striations sometimes obsolete.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris light to deep red eyelid olivaceous upper mandible deep brown with a pale margin, lower fleshcolour legs aud feet brownish-fleshy claws pale brownish (Z/^g'jre). Ueastirements. Total length about 160 to 170 mm. wing 66 to 72 mm.; tail about 56 to 61 mm.; tarsus about 20 to 28mm.; cuhnen about 16 mm. Distribntion. South and 8outh-\V"est Ceylon. Nidiflcation. Mr. W. E. Wait describes the nest as similar to that of Pellorneum rvficeps, and the eggs also are exactly like rather weakly-marked specimens of that bird's and measure about 22"5xl6*3mra. In one clutch there were three eggs, in the othors two only. The breeding season appears to be from
;
;
the habits of this Eabbler as much shy skulker, frequenting thick cover and feeding on or near the ground. Its note he turns into the syllables " to-meet-you."
like those of the rest of the family.
November to February. HaMts. Legge describes
(250)
Pellorneum foscicapillum babaolti.

WbliiB'b Babblbb.
ScotoctcUafiiseicttpiUum bahauUi Wells, Bull. B. O. 0., xxxix, p. 09 (1919) (Trincoinalee).
Tenuusnlar names. Batitchia (Ceylon).

BescripliOB. Similar to the last but much paler, especially on the lower parts which are brownish buff rather than chestnut. 'The top of the head is olive-brown instead of blackish.
246
TIMAIiUDJE.
bill
Colours of soft parts. Iris brownish red

legs
brownish
flesh
and
(
tVet flesh-grey {Bahault).
MeasTiremeiits.
Wing
68 to 74
mm.
tail
57 to 62 mm.
tarsus
28 mm.
Welh).
Distribution. North Ceylon.

Nidification unknown. Habits. This form is purely a dry district form, whereas the last bird inhabits the wet portions of the island.
(251) Fellornetiin nigricapitatnin.
The Black- capped Babbler.

Brachypteryx nigrioapitata Eytoii, P.Z. S., 1839, Dnjmocataphus nigricupitattig. Blanf. & Oaies, i,
j).
10.3
(Malaya).
p. 145.
Yernacular names. None recorded.

Description.
The
lores, a
broad supercilium reaching to the

;
nape and the cheeks grey, each feather with a white shaft-stripe a very narrow ear-coverts ashy-rufous with whitish shafts moustachial stripe black forehead, crown and nape black the whole upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of the wing deep ferruginous brown chin and throat white sides of neck and the whole lowêr plumage ferruginous, brightest on the breast and tinged with brown on the flanks, lower abdomen, vent aud under
;
;
tail-coverts.
Colours of soft parts. Iris rhubarb-red upper mandible black, lower fleshy-white legs and feet fleshy-white, slightly tinged with brown or reddish-horny.
; ;
Measurements. Total length about 170 to 180 mm. ; wing 69 to 72 mm. ; tail about 52 to 54 mm. ; tarsus about 28 mm. ; culmen
about 17
mm.
and S.W. Siam, down the Malay
Distribution. Tenasserim Peninsula to Sumatra.
Nidifioation. Davison describes the nest as being built on the ground, of coarse fern roots on a foundation of twigs and leaves. It was placed at the base of a small clump of ferns and contained two eggs. They are described as creamy-white, densely speckled all over with inky-purple and purplish brown. They measure 20-8 X 15-7 mm.
Habits. The Black-capped Babbler appears to be more essena ground bird than any of its relations. Davison says that he never found it off the ground, and even when pressed to flight it always alighted again on the ground. It has the same shy, skulking habits of the birds of this and the last genus, and inhabits dense cover, most often in heavy forest. Its note is said to be a single loud call, and it is usually found alone or in pairs *.
tially
* Drymocaiaphm n^fmnotut WaMen, A. M. N, H, xv, p. 402 (1875) (Karennoe) are nothing but ôung Pomatnrhini of tome kind.
Mai.ojttini)rM,
247
(252)
PeUorneran tickelU tickeUi.

Tickell's Babblbb.
J.
Pellorneum tiokelK Blyth,

serim).
A.
S. B., xxviii, p.
414 (1859) (Tenas-
DrymocataphuiB
ticheUi.
Blnnf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 146.
Vemacnlar names. Dao-hmha
(Caohari).
Description. Whole upper plumage olive-brown ; the forehead more fulvous ; the featliers of the crown pale-shafted ; tail rather more rufous than the back; lores, eyebrow and
Pig.
44. Head of
P.
t.
tkkelU.
feathers round the eye pale fulvous ; ear-coverts fulvous-brown with pale shafts ; sides of the neck similar to the back but paler ;
cheeks and entire lower plumage fulvous, with indications of stripes on throat and breast ; centre of abdomen and sometimes chin and throat albescent.
Colours of soft parts. Bill bluish or dusky-horny above, paler below and moi-e fleshy iris reddish brown to Indian red ej elids livid or dull greenish flesh-colour; legs, feet and claws fleshy; ;
white.
66mm.;
18
Measurements. Total length about 150 to 160 mm. wing 60 tail 52 to 55 mm.; tarsus about 27 mm.; culmen 17
;
to to
mm.
Distribution. Assam South of the Brahmaputra, but not East of the Naga Hills, through West Burma and Karenni to Tenasserim and Malay Peninsula, Siam to Annam.
Nidification. Tiekell's Babbler breeds from early April to the May and also, possibly a second brood, in late June and July. It maybe found at this season at all heights between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, more often over 4,000 feet than under that height.
end of
The nest is sometimes globular, frequently a deep cup made principally of flne grasses but with a few leaves, b&mboo-spathes or even a scrap or t^'o of dried moss or bracJicen leaves added to the outer fabric. The lining is always of fine grasses only. It
few inches of
never placed actually on the ground though often within a it but is built in some low bush, tangle of creepers or raspberry-vines, or occasionally, in a bamboo dump. Scrub near to openings forms the favourite site, but I have taken nests in fairly deep forest.
is
248
tlUALlIDM.
The eggs, either three or four iu number, are perfect miniaturea of the dull-coloured eggs of the Dayal or Magpie-Kobin. The ground-colour is a pale greenish grey, and the markings consist of numerous freckles and small blotches of pale reddish brown and secondary markings of lavender and purplish grey, scattered over the whole surface. The texture is fine and close, faintly glossed and the shape is a broad, blunt oval. Two hundred eggs average 203x 15-7 mm.
HaMts. Tickell's Babbler is a timid, skulking bird, haunting low brushwood or practically any efficient cover. As a rule all one sees is a small brown object squatting on the ground, which suddenly dives into the nearest bush. They feed much on the ground and are so loath to fly that even trapped birds, when released, flew on to the ground and then made off in long, bounding leaps. The only note I have heard is a soft, rippling " chir-chir."
(253)
Fellorneum
tickelli assamensis.
Austen's Babblke.
Drymocataphus assamensis Sharpe, Oat. B. M.,
(Dikrang)
;
vii, p.
657 (1888)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
147.

Description. Differs from Tickell's Babbler in being a rufescent olive-brown above, the crown and mantle more conspicuously white-shafted.
67
Keasuxements. Much the same as in the last. Wing 64 to mm. tail 50 to 55 mm. Distribntion. Eastern Assam, North and South of the Brahma;
putra.
Nidification similar to that of tickelli, but a larger assortment of materials are to be found in the nests. The favourite buildingsits are in rocky ravines with bush-covered sides, and the nests are often placed actually on the ground. One hundred eggs average 19-9 X 16*7 mm. In colour they are much like those of the last
bird but are duller
and a
series
shows a much more olive-grey
tint.
Habits. Common all the year round from about 700 feet upwards, otherwise its habits, haunts and food all agree well with those of the last bird. Godwin-Austen records this little Babbler as being very fearless, but those. seen by Dr. H. N. Coltart and myself were very shy.
Genus CT7BS0HIA Skinner, 1898.

Oates's name GyptopkUa being preoccupied, Gursonia is the next available and must be used in its place. The genus contains one species only which is in many ways one of the most aberrant
CUBSONIA.
249
birds in the 2\maliidm In general appearance it is much like Pellornewm, differing from that genus in having a stronger bill
with longer rictal bristles. The upper plumage is squamated, each feather being margined with black. Unlike nearly all the other members of the family, but like Qampsorhynchus, the adults iu this genus differ from the young in becoming much more white on the head and lower plumage. In spite of this peculiarity Oates appears to have properly placed it in the TimaliincB, in which I retain it. The wing and tail are about equal in length, the former being short and rounded. The feathers of the forehead are soft and the rictal bristles highly developed the bill is straight and about as long as hind toe and claw together ; the nostrils are exposed and without overhanging hairs.
;
Fig. 45.
Head of C crispifrons.
(254)
Cursonia crispifrons.
The Lime-eock Babbler.

I^rdinus crispifrons Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxiv,
serim).
p.
269 (1855) (Tenas-
Oypsophila crixpifrons,
Elanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
149.

Description. Adult. Whole head, neck and lower plumage pure white ; upper plumage olive-brown, the feathers of the back margined with .black; each inner secondary of the wing-quills minutely tipped with white.

;
Iris pale red, red, light red,
deep red;
brown upper mandible dark brown, lower pale plumbeous feet and claws dark purplish green (Hume Coll.).
;
legs,
wing about Xeasurements. Total length about 190 mm. 78 to 83 mm. ; tail about 74 to 77 mm. ; tarsus about 28 mm. culmen about 17 to 19 mm. Birdsof the first year have the forehead to back olive-brown, each the rump, upper tail-coverts, tail feather margined with black and exposed portions of wing olive-brown ; the sides of the forehead and a short supercilium are greyish white with black specks chin, throat and upper breast white, streaked with dark brown, especially on the breast; remainder of lower plumage ochraceous oUre-brown.
;
250
XIMAXIISJE.
Birds in intermediate plumage have the forehead and a varying sides of the head white the chin and throat become pure white, and even the upper breast losus many of the
amount of the
streaks.
The adult plumage seems to take some time to acquire, and probably, as in Oampsorhynehus, the wholly pure white head and under parts are not acquired until the bird is two years old.
Distrihution. The limestone ranges of Tenasserim, such as those at Wimpong, the Toungsha Oyne Eiver and Momenzeik.
Nidification
unknown.
Habits. Davison says that they wander about tlie limestone rocks in pairs, singly or in small parties. They are excessively lively, sprightly birds, keeping up a continuous twittering, chattering note, and occasionally one will perch itself on some point of a rock and, with lowered wings and erected tail, pour forth a fine and powerful song. They feed principally on insects and land-shells, but also in part on seeds. They are not shy and are easy to watch and procure. He observes that this bird is "really a little Thrush."
Genus TtTRDINULUS Hume, 1878.

Turdinuliis of Hume, with which I unite Gorythocontains a small group of Babblers which are extraordinarily Wren-like in appearance, habits and even nidification, and at one time I felt convinced that they sliould be removed en bloc Closely connected, however, with this to the Troglodytidce. genus are the birds of the genus liimcUor, which seems to serve Bobinson as a connecting link with other forms of Timdliidce. and Kloss's recently-described Bimator danjoui seems to still further strengthen these links and, though with some reluctance, I leave them in this subfamily. They are all birds with tails very ranch shorter than the wing the plumage is soft, lax and squamated ; the bill like that of The nostrils are Drymoeatapkug but with longer rictal bristles. exposed and are mere slits with no overhanging membrane. The tarsus is very stout and long and the feet large.
The genus
dcJila,
Key
a.
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Tail more than half length of wing.

Tips of wing-feathers white. Sides of breast and flanks chestnut. a". Wiug 6o mm. or under b". Wing over 65 b'. Sides of breast and flanks reddish
a'.
mm
[caudattts, p. 251. T. brevicaudatiis breviT. b. venningi, p. 252.
brown
T.b. striatxu,
p.
261.
B. Tail less than half the length of wing. b. Feathers of the throat spotted triw Mack. c'. Colour brown washed wifli rufous,
especially
[p. 258.
on
flanks.
T. roberti robertt,
TlTEDINtlLrS.
d'.
251
Colour dark brown, flanks dark oliTe-
brown
Feathers of the throat unspotted. e'. Sides of breaflt and flanks rufous- brown f. Sides of breast and flanks dark olive-
T.r. gtriiatteoUis,
p.
254.
[p. 264.
T.epilepidotusdavuoni,
T.
e.
brown
baheri, p. 255.
(255)
Turdinulus brevicaudatus brevicaudatus.
The Shoet-tailed Ween-Babbleb.

Ttirdinm brevicaudatus Blyth, J, A. S. K., xxiv,
yit Mt.).
p.
272 (1855) (Mule-
Corythoeichla brevicaudata.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 148.

Description. Whole upper plumage and sides of the neck olivebrown, tlie feathers everywhere margined with black except on the rump and upper tail-coverts: tail rufescent; wings olivebrown, the coverts and all the quills, except the earlier primaries, tipped with a small white spot; lores, a short supercilium, cheeks and under the eye deep ashy ; ear-coverts the same, tinged rufescent ; chin and throat ashy-white, streaked with dark brown ; breast and lower plumage ferruginous, paler on the breast and. centre of the abdomen, darker on the flanks, vent and under tailcoverts, the latter tij^ped paler ; centre of abdomen a somewhat
creamy
tint.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red or cinnamon-red to dark brown ; bill above very dark brown, lower mandible paler and more plumbeous; legs, feet and claws pale brown, more or less tinged fleshy.
tail
Ueasurements. Length about 140 mm, wing 60 to 65 mm. 42 to 45 mm. tarsus about 25 ram. ; cuhuen about 16 to
;
17
mm.
Distribution.
The mountains
of Tenasserim above 5,000 feet.
Nidiflcation unknown.
Habits. This Babbler appears to be found only in the wooded slopes of the higher hills where there are innumerable rocks and It may be found either singly or in small parties, is boulders. essentially a ground bird, loath to fly, quick on its legs and n great skulker. Davison records its call as a prolonged " kir-r-r."
(256)
Turdinulus brevicaudatus striatus.
The Streaked Ween-Babblbb.

Turdmus ttriatut Blyth,
HUls).
Corythoeichla ttriata,
Blanf.
J.
A.
S. B., xxxix, p.
269 (1870) (Khasia
&
Qates,
i,
p. 148.
VeriiaoaUur names. Dao-pvfii (achari).

Description.
Differs
&om
the Short-tailed Wren-Babbler m.
252
lIMALIlBiE.
having the sides of the head brown, instead of deep ashy ; the breast and lower plumage are brown merely tinged with rufous, and the wing-spots are less conspicuous and fulvous instead of
white.
Colours of soft parts. Irides dark red; upper mandible dark brown, lower plumbeous, darkish at the base, paler elsewhere
mouth creauiy-slate colour; legs and feet pale fleshy-brown. MeasurementB. Length about 130 mm. wing 56 to 61 mm.; tail about 44 to 46 mm. tarsus about 24 mm. culmen about 16 mm. Distribution. Assam and Manipur. Probably not North of the Brahmaputra. Nidiflcation. This Babbler breeds in May and June at all heights above 4,000 feet, invariably in very rocky ground on steep well-forested hill-sides. In the Khasia Hills it frequents rhododendron forest for breeding purposes, making its deep, cup-shaped or semi-domed nest of dead leaves, fern fronds, grass and moss bound together with roots and tendrils and lined with dead leaves. Although fairly well put together the materials are very rotten and th.e nest falls to pieces when handled. It is always placed on the ground, generally in some damp situation at the foot of a tree, rock or other cover and so closely resembles the rest of the decaying vegetation round it that is very hard to find. The eggs number 2 to 4 and are a glossy china- white with rather sparse specks and spots, or small blotches, of reddish and
; ;
pale pinkish purple.
Thirty eggs average 21*3
16'0
mm.
one of the most shy birds and though not uncommon in suitable localities is seldom seen and still less often possible to watch. At the slightest sound or movement it slinks away at a great pace on foot and at once Ijecomes invisible, though its low, chirring note may be continued close by until the intruder leaves. It is generally found in pairs but occasionally small family parties may be met witii in the cold weather. It is a purely tree-forest bird and never seems to haunt the lov scrubjungle or secondary growth so beloved by many Babblers and, even the forest, to suit it, must be damp and shady and much broken up into rocky ravines and steep slopes. It is found up to the top of the highest hills in S. Assam but in the cold weather may be found down as low as 3,000 feet.
Habits. This
is
(257)
Turdinulus brevicaudatus venningi.

Venning's WkEN-BaBBIiKB.
Turdinului hrevicaudatus venningi Harington, Bull, B. 0. p. 269 (1870) (Shan States).
C,
xxxiz,

Bescription. Similar to T. h. brevicaudatiu but has the upper plumage greyer, the breast and abdomen dark rufous and the
flanks dark brown.
TUEDIN UiUS.
Colours of soft parts. Irides red ; bill dark brownish-horn, beneath; legs and feet fleshy -brown {Venning),
races
253
i)aler
Measaremeuts. A larger bird than either of the two other wing 65 to 74 mm., average 15 specimens 68 mm. Distribution. Southern Shan States, Burma and Yunuan. Nidification. Nothing recorded but I have in my collection eggs of a Turdinulm from the S. Shan States wliic-h must be of They are exactly like those of T. b. stn'tUus already this race. descrilied and measure 21'6 x 16-9 mm. Habits. Nothing recorded but liippou obtained it in the Salween Valley between 2,800 and 3,000 feet, a lower elevation 1 linu
;
this species usually hauuts.
(258)
Turdinulus roberti
roberti.
Austen's Wben-Babblek.
Pnoepyga roberti Godw.-Aust. Manipur).
&
Wald.,
Ibis,
1875,
p. :i52
(Cliaka,
Vernacular names. Dao-mojo gashim,Dao-pu/li-kaishiha(Ca,chiu\). Description. Above rich brown, more rufescent on upper tailcoverts ; the feathers of head, back and scapulars edged with blackish and with pale greyish centres ; lores grey ; ear-coverts brown with grey centres; supercilium and patch under ear-coverts rufous, the feathers of the latter with specks at the tips; chin and throat white with black specks forming three distinct lines from chin to breast; breast rather rufous-brown with broad white
flanks more rufous with still paler shaft-stripes centre abdomen almost white with faint rufous edgings; under tailcoverts the same but darker; wing brown, the outer webs of the quills suffused with dark rufous, greater and median coverts aud
centres
of
secondaries with distinct white tips.
Colours of soft parts. Irides red upper mandible dark plumaud lower mandible paler and tipped almost white; lagn fleshy-brown, claws paler.
;
beous, tip
tail
Measurements. Length about 100 mm. ; wing 50 to 55 mm.; about 18. mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm. culmeu 12 to 13 mm. Distribution. Cachar, Manipur, Naga Hills and Khasia Hills. NidifLcation. This little Wren-Babbler breeds freely both in the N. Cachar aud Khasia Hills from 4,000 feet upwards from the end of April to the end of June, making a nest an absolute miniature
;
in every way of that of the Short-tailed Babbler. It also places in precisely the same sort of position and in the same forests. The eggs number three or four, more often the former, and are like those of T. b. brevicaudattis but smaller, not so glossy a white and with more numerous but smaller specks and spots. Forty eggs average 18'3 X 14-8 mm.
it
Habits. "Wren-Babbler" describes this bird exactly aud in
all
254
its
TIMAIIIDJE.
ways
it
is
more Wren than Babbler.
They haunt dense,
dark forest wherever there are openings for streams, pools or natural Small glades and they specially affect places strewn with mossy bouldei;s, fallen trees covered with ferns and orchids, old stumps etc. and over these they dodge about and scramble hither and thither just as does our little Wren at home. Sometimes, however, they hop more sedately about amongst the fallen leaves, turning them over for the hidden insects, or they creep through the bracken and scrub more in the manner of a genuine Babbler. Fly they will not, but however hard pressed seek safety on tlieir legs, scuttling away into the undergrowtli where they speedily become non est. They are, so far as I know, always found in pairs and not in flocks but, as I have seen them principally in the breeding season it way be tliat they collect in flocks in the winter. Their cry is a rather shrill " chir-r-r " but they liave also a rather pleasant but low set of whistling notes. They are tistraordinarily tame and, if quiet, one can watch them for a' long time without disturbing them.
(259)
Turdinulus roberti guttaticollis.

Guant's Wken-Babbleii.
Ibis,
Turdinulus guttaticollis Ogilvie-Grant,
1895,
p.
432
(iJiri IlilLs,
Assam).

Description. Differs from Austen's Wren-Babbler in being darker and browner above ; the rufous on the sides of the breast and flanks is wanting and there is but little of this colour on the cheeks.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last race. Distribution. Hill-ranges of Eastern Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra.
Nidification. Dr. H. N. Colturt and 1 found Grant's WrenBabbler breeding in some numbers in the hills and broken ground round about Margherita. It nests from some few hundred feet, or even in the plains (vide Stevens), up to 6,000 feet and is an early breeder, most of Dr. Coltart's and my eggs being taken in March and April. Nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from tliose of The latter (40) average 19-3 x 14-8 mm. T. r. roberti.
Habits. Except that this

of the last bird's habits
is
a bird of lower levels the description

suffice for this also.
would
(260)
Turdinnlus epilepidotus daviBoni. Daviso's Wbbn-Babbieb.

C,
xxv, p. 97 (19()
Turdinulus davisoni O.-Grant, Bull. B. 0. (Thoungyah).
Vernacular names. None recorded. PescripUOn. Differs from either of the two preceding birds in
BIMATOK.
255
having no black spots on the throat ; the under parts are olivebrown, the flanks and sides of the breast more rufous.
ICeasorementB. Wing about 55 to 57 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim and N. Malay States.

near Perak by Mr.
Nidification like that of the last species. Four eggs taken W, A. T. Kellow measure 18*2x 14'8 mm.
Habits. Those of the genus. (261)
Turdinulus epilepidotus bakeri.

Baker's Wbest-Babblee.
Turdinulus epile/iidotus bakeri Harington, Bull. B. O. p. 94 (1913) (Na Noi, S. Shan States).
C,
xxxiii,
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the last in having the upper parts much darker and the under parts more olive-brown with no rufous on the flanks.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in Austen's Babbler.
Distribution.
Wren-
The Southern Shan
States
and Kareiini, Burma.
Nidification similar to that of others of the genus. Three eggs sent me from the 8. Shan States measure about 20"5xl6'8 mm. and are probably greatly above the average in size.
Genus
KIMATOR
BIyth, 1847.
The genus liimator appears to connect to some extent the more Wren-like Turdinulus with the true Babblers, both in appenrance and habits. It is very like the former in its lax plumage and mottled colouring but its long bill, long in our bird but much
longer in others of the genus, eeeuis to link it with the ScimitarBabblers. It is also much like these birds in its habits. It difEers from TurdinuJm in its long, slender bill, equal in length to, or much longer than, the head ; the culmen is curved downward and tiie tip only slightly notched. The rictal bristles Tlie tail is very short are short and the nostrils open ovals. and the tarsi and feet very strong and powerful.
(2G2)
Bimator malacoptilus.
A. 8. B., xvi>
The Lons-billed Ween-Bajbbibe.

Bimator malacoptilus Blyth,
ling).j
J.
p.
165 (1847) (Darjee-
Blanf.
& Gates,
i,
p, 175.
Vernacular names. Karriak-tungbrek-pho (Lepcha); Bao-mojobuku-galao (Cachari).
Desoriftioa. Forehead, orown, nape, sides of the neck and mantle
256
TIMAIrllAJE.
dark rufescent brown, with very distinct fulvous shaft-stripes the feathers of the back with the inner webs black and the outer webs brown and with pale fulvous shafts; rump, upper tail-coverts and tail plain rufescent wing-coverts and the outer webs of the quills rufous-brown, the former with pale shafts ; lores fulvous ; ear-coverts rufous-ashy with paler shaffs; cheeks mixed black and fulvous, with a black line above; chin fulvous-white; throat, breast and abdomen rufescent brown, with large pale fulvous shaftsides of body and thighs plain rufescent brown streaks vent and under tail-coverts ferruginous.
; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris light red-brown ; upper mandible very dark horny, blackish at the base, paler at the tip gape and edge of lower mandible blackish, remainder pale horny legs pale livid iieshy with no tinge of red but the tarsi tinted brown, the soles, claw and joints very pale.
;
;
Fig. 46.
Head of
li.
malacopii/us.
Measurements. Total length about 123 to 130 mm.; wing 57 mm.: tail about 25 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen about 21 to 24 mm.
to 60
Distribution. Sikkim to E. Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra ; Manipur and Looshai. I7idiflcation. This Babbler breeds in the hills both North and South of the Brahmaputra throughout Assam from 4,000 feet upwards, and in the extreme East, nearer the snowy mountains, down to 3,000 feet. It breeds in much the same sort of country as Turdinulus but affects more open forest and nests may be found, though
overgrown, cultivation. Tlie a largo domed affair, measuring 8 or 9 inches in height by 5J to 6^ in breadth, the entrance, which is near the top, measuring about 2 inches across. It is made of dead leaves, bracken fronds, grass, sometimes a little moss, and lined with dead leaves only. It is always placed on the ground and nearly always amongst the The breeding season roots of bushes or at the foot of some tree. lasts from the end of April to July. The eggs are three or four in number, rarely five, pinkish white to pale salmon-pink in groundcolour and marked with spots and sraall blotches of reddish brown and paler suiears of the same with here and there lines and scriggles of deep red-brown. The texture is fragile and practically glossless, the shape an obtuse oral and thirty eggs average in size 21-2 X 15-5 mm.
rarely, in scrub-jungle or deserted,
nest
is
Habits. In habits this
little
bird is
more of a Babbler and less of
UOBIZII,LAS.
257
a "Wren than those of the preceding genus ; it rrequenta the same kind of forest as Turdimilus but may also be found in scrub and deserted clearings. It keeps much to the ground, on which it feeds in the same manner as the Sciinitar-BahWers, turning over the leaves and scratching in tiie inoukl for insects. It has a sweet, chirping whistle which it utters as a call or when frightened or disturbed. It keeps in pairs, not in flocks, and is wholly
insectivorous in its diet.
Genus HORIZILLAS Oberholser, 1905.

is remarkable for its lengthened wings comparatively short tail the plumage is The two Indian species of the genus appear to soft and silky. be more arboreal tlian any of the preceding genera and to have somewhat the deportment of Bulbuls. The rictal bristles are very conspicuous on aecoutit of their length and the bill is short and The legs and feet are weak for Timaliine birds. The straight. name Malacopterum Eyton is preoccupied as is Setaria Blyth *.
The genus
Iforizillas
its
and, in consequence,
Key
A..
to Species.
B.
Crown briffht ferruginous Crown olive-brown

(263) Horizillas
H. magna magna,
p.
257.
//. magnirostre, p. 258.
magna magna.
S., 1839, p.
The Red-iikadeu Tuee-Babbler,

Malacopterum magnum Eyton, P. Z.
103 (Malaya)
;
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
151.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Forehead and crown bright ferruginous, the anterior feathers black-shafted and the posterior ones faintly edged with black lores and a broad supercilium grey, the middle of the the whole nape black ear-coverts fulvousfeathers whitish brown with pale shafts the whole upper plumage fulvous-brown, tinged with ferruginous on the rump, upper tail-coverts and outer webs of the tail-feathers cheeks mottled grey and white; chin, throat and upper breast white, streaked with grey remainder of lower plumage greyish white. Colours of soft parts. Iris sienna-brown (young) to carmine or orange-red; bill dark horny-brown above, lower mandible pale plumbeous white legs, feet and claws pale plumbeous blue to
;
pale smalt-blue.
XeasatemeiLts. Length about 170 to 180 mm.; wing about to 94 muu; tail about 75 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmea about 20 mm.
84
See Oberboliw, Smiths. Mise. TOt.

I.
Coll. 48, p. 61, 1905.

t
258
Distribution. Peninsular
sula.
TlUKIdHiJE.
Burma and Siam and N. Malay Penin-
Nidification.
this Babbler is almost enabout in trees and bushes in small parties or in pairs and never descending to the ground. It is said to be a purely forest bird and to be entirely insectivorous in its diet.
Habits. According
Nothing recorded. to Davison
tirely arboreal, liuntiiig
(264) Horizillas magnirostre.
The Bkown-headku Thke-Bahblee.

Alci}ipe magnirostre Moore, P. Z. S., 1854, p. 271' (Malacca). Malaoopterum viagniroitre. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. ISl.
Yemactilar names. None recorded. Description. Forehead, crown, nape and back olive-brown, the feathers of the forehead with black shafts wing-coverts and exposed parts of quills rufescent olive; upper tail-coverts and tail bright chestnut-brown ; feathers round the eye white; lores and an obsolete stripe over the eye grey; cheeks and ear-coverts deep ashy, the latter witli paler shafts entire lower plumage dull white, washed with ashy on breast, flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts. Colours of soft parts. Iris ciimabar-red to lake; bill, legs and
; ;
feet as in the last bird but less blue.
Measurements. Length about 160 to 170 mm. wing 80 to 85 mm. tail about 55 to 57 mm. tarsus about 21 mm. culmeii about 15 to 16 mm. Distribution. Extreme South of Tenasserim, extending South down the Malay Peninsula and East to Cochin China. Two eggs from the WaterITidification. Nothing recorded. stradt collection, said to have been taken on 14. 2. 1901 in East Malacca, are very j)ale yellow-creamy white with a few specks of light red principally in the centre of the egg-shell. In shape they are almost ellipses, with fine, close texture but almost glossless. They measure 21-8 x 16-0 and 21-3 x 15-5.
;
;
Habits.
As
far as
is
known
similar to those of the last bird.
Genus
This genus
is
EBYTHBOCICHLA
Sharpe, 1883.
its
wing and
it is
very close to the last but differs in apparently a ground bird.

(265) Brythrocichla bicolor.
shorter
The FERBtramous
Brachyptfi-t/.v bicolor Less.,
Ba.bbi>eb.
p. 138 p. 152.
Rev. Zool,, 1889,
(Sumatm).
Erpthrodichla bkqlor,
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
Yernacnlftr names.
Description.
None recorded. Whole upper plumage
ferruginous, the
crowa and
jEthostoma.
259
sides of the head brighter ; upper tail-coverts and tail chestnut lores dull white or pale fulvous ; lower plumage white suffused
with brownish on the breast and less so on the sides of the body.
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale wood-brown ; upper mandible dirty white, lower mandible dark brown ; legs and feet fleshy-
w hite.
Fig.
47. Head
of A', bicolor.
Measurements. Total length about 160 to 170 mm. ; wing 72 to 82 mm.; tail about 60 to 63 mm.; tarsus about 28 mm.; culmen 18 to 20 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim South through the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra.
Nidiflcation
unknown.
Habits. Said by Davison to be entirely a ground bird, only flying up into the bushes and trees when disturbed.
Genus iETHOSTOMA Sharpe, 1902. The name Trichostoma being already occupied, Sharpe's
uEtJio-
stoma is the earliest available for this genus. It difft-rs from the last genus in having remarkably long rictal bristles and a very
short
tail.
(266)
iEthostoma rostrata.
Bltth's Babbler.
.T.
Trichostoma rostrata Blvth,

Blanf.
A.
S. B., xi, p.
796 (1842) "(Malaya)
&Oates,
i,
p. 153.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Bescription. Whole upper plumage and wings rufescent olivebrown, tinged with rufescent on the upper tail-coverts and outer webs of tall-feathers ; lores whitish mottled with black; ear-coverts and round the eye rufescent, the former with whitish shafts; cheeks white with black shafts and tips; entire lower plumage white, washed with pnle grey across the breast and suffused with ashy-brown on the sides of the breast and abdomen. Colours of soft parts. Iris pale red-brown ; upper mandible dark horn-brown, lower pale plumbeous blue; legs and feet rather dark pinkish-fleshy claws pale horny-bro^n (Davison). Measurements. Total length about 160 to 170 mm. ; wing 70 to 75 mm.; tail about 62 to 54 mm.; tarsus about 26 mm.; ulmen about 18 to 20 mm.
;
82
260
TIMALIIDJE.
Bistrilûtion. The extreme South of Tenasserim, extending down the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo.
Hume
Nidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond the fact that asserts it is arboreal,
Qeniis
UALACOCmrCLA
difEers
Biittik.,
1895.
from all the other genera of this subfamily with stout straight bills in having tbe nostrils oval and exposed, with no protecting membrane. The rictal bristles are well developed but there are no hairs overlianging the nostrils.
The genus Malacocincla
The
tail is shorter than the wing. preoccupied, the above takes its place.
The name
Turdiniis being
Fig.
48. Head of ^J.
g.
nbhoHt.
(267)
Malacocincla sepiaria abbotti.

Abbott's Babbleii.
Malacocincla abbotti Blytlj, J. A. S. B., xiv, Arrakan). Turdinut abbotti. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 154,
p.
601 (1845) (Kamree,.
Vemacalar names, 'None recorded. Description. Whole upper plumage rich

;
olive-brown, the fore-
head with fulvous streaks, tbe other feathers with pale shafts exposed parts of wing-quills like the bac-k upper tail-coverts and tail deep rufous; lores round the eye and a short supercilium dark grey; ear-coverts rufous with fulvous ehafta ; chin, throat and cheeks pale grey ; sides of neck, breast and body enrthy ferruginous, centre of breast and abdomen whitish ; under tailcoverts bright ferruginous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris light reddish brown to red
eyelids
plumbeous ; upper mandible dark horny-brown, tip and lower mandible pale liorny or bluish-horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy^
claws pale horny.
tail
Ketunirements. Total length about ISO mm. ; wing 74 to 77 mm.; about 50 to 52 mm. ; tarsus about 25 mm. ; culmen about
18
mm.
Burma
to the
Distrilmtion. Nepal, Sikkim, E. JBengal, Assam, Malay Peninsula, and Siam.
BIRDS. VOU.I.
PLATt
VI.
MALABOCINCLA ABBOTTI.
Abboitt Babbler.
llf<
>lu.
THEIIfGOHHINA.
261
Nidification. In India this bird breeds in April and May and sometimes in June, whilst in ]}unna its nest has been found from February to May. It breeds only in deep, wet tree-forest with ample undergrowth and preferably near some stream, making a massive nest of dead leaves, weeds and grass with an inner cup of leaves, roots and weeds compactly bound together and lined with roots. It may be placed in a clump of weeds, a low bush or in
some fern-palm near the ground. The eggs number three to five and are very beautiful the ground-colour varies from a very pale
;
to a rich j)ale salmon-pink, whilst the markings consist of spots, blotches and lines of deep red-brown with paler spots of light red and neutral tint. In shape they are normal ovals and the texture iSj^ne with a good gloss. They measure about 22-2 x 16'5 nun.
but vary greatly in
size.
Habits. Abbott's Babbler is a bird of the plains and the foothills, rarely being found much over 2,000 feet. It haunts deep forest where it is always humid and green and where the trees have an ample undergrowth of plants, weeds and bushes. In N. Cachar it was always to be found near rivers and streams and it is very partial to places where palm-ferns grow in great luxuriiince. They have a pleasant whistling note but are very silent birds, creeping about in the dense undei'growth very quietly and stealthily. They are apparently entirely insectivorous.
Genus
The genus
coloration
nostrils.
THRINOORHINA
Gates, 1889.
TkringorJiina contains four species of peculiar characterized by the very large operculum over the The bill is veiy strong, with the culmeu curved gently
Fig.
49. Head
of T. giUtttta.
throughout, and the rictal bristles are weak. The feathers of the forehead are harsh to the touch and those of the crown ample and erectile, possibly forming a short crest in life. This genus is very close to Staehyris and like that genus the birds contained in it all lay pure white eggs.
Key
A, Wings and B. Winfs and
tail
tail plain.
'
to Species.
barred with brown,
T. nglH, p. 262. T. ffuitata, p. 262.
262
(268)
TIUAUIBJB.
Thringorhina
oglei.
Attsmk's Spotted Babblkh.

Aetinura Off lei QoAvf.-Amt., J. A. S. B., xlvi C'J) Thringorhina oylii. Blanf & Oates, i, p. ] St'.
.
p.
4a (1877) (Sadiya).
Ternacolar names. Chum-pitti (Trans-Dikku Kagas).

Description. Crown, nape and hind neck rich golden-brown back, rump and upper tail-coverts the same but duller and obsoletely cross-rayed ; wing and tail umber-brown, narrowly and
closely cross-barred with a darker shade of the same ; forehead and broad supereilium white, the former with black shafts on the sides of the neck the supereilium breaks up into white spots bordered with black ; forehead and supereilium also bordered above with black ; lores and ear-coverts black cheeks, chin and throat white; breast grey; remainder of lower plumage dull umber-brown.
; ;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris crimson-lake
bill
black above, grey
on lower mandible
;
legs
and
;
feet
umber-brown.
;
;
Keasnrements. Total length about 180- mm. 76 mm. tail about 53 mm. tarsus about 27 mm.
16-5 to
wing 68 to culmen about
175 mm.
Assam North and South
of the
Distribation. Eastern putra.
Brahma-
Nidification. This bird, together with its nest and eggs, were brought in by Jvagas on several occasions to Dr. H, N. Coltart and myself at Margherita. The remains of the nest seemed to be those of large globular affairs made of bamboo leaves and grass with a mixture of roots, small twigs and dead leaves and according to the Nagas was always placed on the ground in ravines in heavy forest with plenty of undergrowth. The eggs, three or four in number, are pure whit* and very like those of Scimitar-Babblers but more fragile and without gloss. They measure about 22'o x 17-0 mm. The breeding season is May and June.
Habits. Beyond the fact that this Babbler haunts thick, moist from 6,000 feet upwards, we know little of their habits. According to the Nagas they keep much to the heaviest undergrowth and are silent, skulking birds. Those we examined had eaten insects only.
forests at elevations
(269)
Thringorhina guttata.
TiOKBUi's Spottbd Babblxb.

Turdinus gtataius Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxvii,
Mt.).
p.
414 (1859) (Muleyit
Tkrmgorhma
guttata.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 155.
Veraacnlar names. KTone recorded.

Descriptioii,
Lores and forehead white with black streaks
BTACHXBIS.
;
263
round the eye black a large patch of white below the eye bounded by a black moustachial streak ear-eoverts ashy-brown a white superc'.lium to the nape bordered above by black sides of neck and termitial portions of the mantle feathers black with long, white, oval drops remaining upper plumage rich goldenbrown, the rump, tail and the outer webs of the wing-quills tinged with deep rufous chin and upper throat white remainder of lower parts ruddy ferruginous, the flanks and under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous, the breast with very narrow white margins to the feathers, which, with those of tlie abdomen, have also
;
whitish shafts.
Colours of BOft parts. Iris crimson-lake ; bill mandible and cotiiinissure plumbeous; legs and green {Hume cj' Davison).
;
black,
feet pale
lower dingy
tail
Heasurements. Total length about 180 mm. wing 66 to 69mm.; about 56 to 58 mm. tarsus about :i5 mui. culmen about 17 to 18 mm. Sistribution. The mountains of Peninsular Burma and Siam. It has been obtained on Muleyit, on the Thaungyin Eiver, at Malewuii in the extreme south of Tenasserim and in Kao Nawng and Traiig in Siam. Nidification unknown. Habits. According to Davison, Tickell's Spotted Babbler is found in small parties haunting jungle, both forest- and more open bamboo-jungle, in the lower hills. For the most part it keeps to the undergrowth but he never saw it actually on the ground, whereas the Nagas describe the last bird as frequenty hunting for food amongst the fallen leaves.
; ;
Genus STACHYRIS Hodgson, 1844.

This genus
ia
its smaller,
is
very close indeed to the

bill,
last, differing principally
which has, however, the culmen gently curved throughout in the same manner.
more pointed,
Key
to Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Crown black streaked with white. . Throat blackish grey, mottled white b. Throat deep grey or black c. Throat ashy-grey B. Crown golden-yellow streaked with
black.
d.
S. nigriceps nigriceps, p. 264.
S.n. eoUarti, p. 266. S.n. daviemii, p. 265.
A black streak through eye.

a'.
6'.
Upper parts olive-yellow Upper parts dark oil ve-green. a". Under parts bright yellow .... b". Under parts dull yellow
.
8. chrystea chtystBa, p.
265.
e.
No black
streak throagh eye
S. e. ataimilU, p. 267. S.o. ehryaops, p. 267. iS, e. binghami, p. 266.
264
(270)
TIMAUID^.
Stachyris nigriceps nigriceps.
The Black-tuiioated Babbler.

Stachyris
(jSi^pal)
niffi-ici'ps
;
Ilodgs..
t)ates,
i,
Blvtli, J.
p."
A.
S. B., xiii, p.
378 (1884)
Blimf.
&
162.
yemacular names. Sungriam-pJio (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, (Town and nape black the feathers edged with white, giving a streaked appearance to these parts; round the eye white ; ear-coverts golden-brown ; cheeks white ; a conspicnou deep brown or black superciliuni ; chin and throat deep blackish grey, the feathers edged with white; whole upper plumage rich olive-brown, the quills of wings and tail edged rufous; lower plumage bright fulvous, the flanks, abdomen and under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous.
;
Fig. 50.
Head of S. n. nigriceps.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish- or orange-brown eyelids bill horny-brown, tlie lower mandible flesliy-homy in winter in summer the bill becomes much darker, blnckish-horny above and slaty below; legs and feet fleshy-brown, greenish brown or
slaty
;
more
rarely yellowish.
;
Measurements. Total length about, 140 mm. wing 58 to 62 mm. tail about 65 nlm. ; tarsus about 21 mm. ; culmen about 15 mm.
'
DistriMtion. Nepal, Sikldm and putra to the Miri Hills.
hills
North of the Brahraa-
June
Nidification. The Black-throated Babbler breeds in May and at all elevations from a few hundred feet up to at least 10,000, making a cup-shaped or domed nest of bamboo leaves and pieces of bracken, mixed and lined with grass. It measures 6" to 8" in height by some 4" to 6" in breadth and is always placed on the ground but generally on a bank so that it keeps well drained.
It
may be
situated in almost
any kind of cover.
pure
vrhite, broad,
fair gloss
bhmt ovals, they are and number four or, more
The eggs are stout in texture and have Fifty eggs rarely, three.
average 19'2xl4-7
mm.
Habits. This is a typit-al little Babbler in its habits, skulking about iu thick undergrowth, in bamboo-jungle or mixed scrub and gra8. It is found in email parties in vpinfcer which keep close together, seldom uttering any call bejond an occasional sweet, low
SIAOHTHTS.
whistle.
<!over
265
its
It
is
purely insectivorous, finding
food in the lower
and but seldom descending to the ground.

(271) Stachyris nigriceps CDltarti.
The Assam
(191.3) (Mnrgherita).
BtACK-TiiKOA.TED Babbieb.
Starhi/ris nigriceps coUarti liarington, Bull. B. O.
C,
xxxiii, p.
CI
Vernacular names.
Duo-riaphotifi (Cachari).
Description. Differ.s from S. n. nit/riceps in having no white -edges to the feathers of the chin and throat.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in that bird.

Distribution. Assam south Burma and Bhamo Hills, South
of
the Brahmaputra,
Western
to Tenasserim but not including
that state.
butween
lower
tliis
Birds from the Southern Shan States are intermediate and the next form but nearer the latter.
It
is
Nidificatiou and Habits as in the Sikkiin bird but keeping to

levels.
more common below 3,000

eggs average
1
feat
than above
this height.
Two hundred
9'1
14-7
mm.
(272) Stachyris nigriceps davisoni.
TuE Malay Grby-throated Babbled.

Stachyris davisoni Sharpe, Bnll. B.
O.C,
i,
p. 7 (1893)
(Pahang).

Description, llifft^rs from the two preceding forms in having the throat ashy-grey ; the ear-coverts are hair-brown and the upper plumage is suffused with rufous.
Colours of soft parts and measurements as in

sula.
/S.
n. nic/ricepg.
Malay PeninBirds from the Eastern Burmese hills as far North as Karenni are also of this race as are those from the Shan States.
Distribution. S. Tenasserim, Peninsular Siaui and
Nidification and Habits differ in no way from those of the preceding forms. The eggs average about 19"2x ll'S mm.
(273) Stachyris chryssea chryssea.
Thb Nepal Golden-hbaded Babbleb.

Stacht/ris chrytcea Blyth, J.
A. S. B.,
xiii,
p.
379 (1844) (Nepal)
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
103.
Vernacular names. Syak-Urang-pho (Lepcha). Description. Forehead golden-yellow ; crown and nape the same streaked with black lores and a short raoustachial streak black; ear-coverts oil-yellow upper parts, sides of neck and exposed parts of wings bright olive-yellow tail brown washed with jrellow on the outer webs; entire lovrer plaintge bright yellow.
; ;
;-
266
TIMAIiIIDiE.
Colours of soft parts. Iris golden-brown or light brown ; bill dark slaty-horn above, paler below ; legs and feet pale yellowish-
brown to greeuish-brown. Measurements. Total length about 112 to 115 mm.; wing about 48 to 51 mm. tail about 50 mm. tarsus about IS to 19 mm. culmen about 12 ram. Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim to Assam, N. Chin Hills and Manipur to Kachin Hills. Nidification. This pretty little Babbler makes a nest wliich is a
;
small, neat facsimile of that of the last species but which is sometimes placed in bushes or, more often, bamboo clumps a few inches
to a couple of feet from the ground. It is generally domed but cup-shaped nests may be found wlieu placed in positions where there is cover overhead as in a thick clump of bamboo. It breeds principally above 3,000 feet during May, June and July, laying
four eggs which are normally pure white but rarely a faintly spotted egg may be found souiewhat like those of the next genus. The surface is close and has a fair gloss and the shell is comparaSixty eggs tively harder than that of the Black-throated Babbler. average 15"4 x 12'1 mm.
Habits. The Golden-headed Babbler collects in the winter in
many as 40. They kei']) and undergrowth in damp tree-forest, seldom if ever descending to the ground but perpetually on the move on wing or feet as they scramble or flit from one twig to another in search of their insect food. The entire time the whole flock keeps up a constant soft, low twittering which rises to shriller and louder notes of expostulation when disturbed. They do not mind being watched and I have often sat for some minutes within a few feet of a flock before they took their departure. In the breeding season the flocks break up and the birds frequent bamboo and secondary jungle as well as forest; It is found up to at least
quite large flocks numbering sometimes as
to the bushes
6,000 feet.
(274) Stachyris chryssea
binghami.
The Chin Hills Golden-headed Babblee.

iStncfa/ris
bivghami Rippon, Bull. B. 0. C, xiv, p. 84 (1904) (Mt.
Victoritt).

Description. Differs from the last bird in having the upper parts ashy olive-green ; the lower parts dull orange-yellow and the ear-coverts slaty-green.
Colours of soft parts and Heasnrements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Central and S. Chin Hills and
N. Arrakan.
Habits not recorded.
STACHTEIDOPSIS.
267
(275) Stachyris chryssea assimilis.
The Bubmese Golden-headed Babblee.

Stachyris iiasimi/is Walden, Blyth's B. of nee) ; Blanf. &, Gates, i, p. I6;{.
1}.,
p.
116 (1895) (Karen-
Vernacular names.
JSTone recorded.
Description. Similar to the Inst bird but witViout any black eyestreak ; both upper and lower plumage rather duller, below inort^ yellow, less orange.
Coloors of soft parts. Iris ender-grey, pinker at the base specime!)8 dark horny-brown, yellowish brown to greenish
deep red -brown or Jake; bill lavand on lower mandible ; in some

probably in breeding season legs brown. Wardlaw-Eamsay records
;
one male as having black
irides.
Measurements ns
Distribation. S.
in the others.
Slian States
and Karenni and probably
all
the hill-ranges of East Central Burma.

Nidification and Habits similar to those of the Assam bird. Three eggs sent me from the South Shan States measure about
16*3
X 12'0 mm.
(276) Stachyris chrysaea chrysops.
The MAliAYAN
GoX-DEtf-HEADED BaBBLEH..
Stachyris chrysaia chrysops Itichraond, Proc. Hiol. Soc. Wash., xv,. p. 157 (1902) (Trang, Lower Siam).

Description. This race has a black eye-streak like the Northern Indian form and has the under parts fairly bright yellow but rather less 80 than in the typical bird; the upper parts are the
same as in
assimilis.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in assimilis.

sula.
Burma and Assam and Malay Peninthe British

this race.
The specimens
in
Museum
collection
from
Tenasserim seem referable to
Nidification and Habits not recorded.
Genus STACHYBIDOFSIS Sharpe, 1883.

This genua differs from the last in having the culmen perfectly It seems to be a form intermediate between Sta<ihyri and Mixornis and then leading into Ahnê. la the genus Mixornis, howef er, the nostrils are oval and exposed whereas in Staohyridopdi they are covered with a membrane somewhat as in the two preceding genera.
straight.
268
TXMAMIDJi;.
Key
A. Fore crown rufous
a.
a'. Kul'oiis
b'.
to
Species
;
and
bill
Subspecies.
[p.
.
to chestnut
not red.
268.
.
Throat yellowish.
of crown extending to nape Kulbus of crown confined to th.it part
S. ruficeps ruficeps,
S.r. bhamoensis, p.
2(50.
b.
Throat whitisli. c-'. Lores ulmost white; fore crown dull

rufous
d'.
,S.r.
ruffrone,
p. 26S).
Lores
yellow
fore
bill
crown
bright
rufous B. Fore crown fulvous
S.r. nmbii/tm, p. 270.

;
red
*'.
injrrho'ps, p. 271.
(277) Stachyridopsis ruficeps ruficeps.
The Bbd-headed
\mg)
;
BambijEB.
452 (1847) (Darjee-
Stachyriitopais ruficeps Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i.
p. 164.
Vernaciilax names. Syuk-Urayig-pho (Lepeha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape bright chestnut, the forehead with obsolete dark shaft-stripes ; lores bright yellow upper plumage, tail and exposed parts of wings olive-browu, tinged rufous ; chin and upper throat pale yellow with conspicuous' black shafts; sides of the head and neck and entire lower plumage fulvous yellow the sides of the body, thighs, vent and under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous.
;
Colotirs of Soft parts. Iris golden-brown,

bill bluish
red-brown or crimson plumbeous, darker above, paler and rather fleshy below
;
legs pale yellowish- or fleshy-brown.
Measurements. Total length about 120 to 125 mm. wing 54 mm. tail about 50 to 52 mm. ; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm. cnlmen about 10 mm. Distribution. Sikkim and hills North of the Brahmaputra. Khttsia and N, Cachar Hills. Annam (Robinson ^ Kloss). It must also occur in the intervening countries in extreme Jf Burma but so far has not been recorded thence. Nidification. This little Babbler breeds in Sikkim from 3,000 feet upwards and in the Assam Hills from 2,500 feet, commencing in early April and continuing until the end of June. The nest is a raall, rather neatly made egg-shaped structure with the entrance at the top, or small end ; outwardly it is composed of dead bamboo leaves but inside is more or less mixed with roots and fibrous material and generally lined with fine roots. The site selected is ither a mass of twigs low down in a bamboo cluunp or some thick bush ; rarely it is placed actually on the {frouud. The eggs, four in number, have a pearly white ground with faint specks and small blotches, generally disposed as a ling round the larger end and sparse or absent elsewhere. A few eggs may be found which are pure white and equally seldom a ûtoh comparatively boldly marked. The shape is a short, broad oval, the texture stout and glossy. Thirty eggs average about 16*8 x 12-4 mm.
to 58
:
STAOHtUIUOPSIS.
26{>
Habits, In winter anywhere between the
Eed-headed Babbler may be found and fi,0()O feet or even higher, frequenting fairly thick undergrowth, scrub- or bamboo-jungle. It consorts in small flocks and feeds low down in whatever cover it may liappen to be in, but does not descend to the ground. It note is a soft, low whistle, seldom used, and a little chtittering
tlie
foot-hills
twitter occasionally uttered as the birds
flit
about the bushes.
(278) Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis.

'J'liE
BiiAMo Eisn-nEADKD Bahbleii.

bhamoensis
Ilariiigtoii,
fitachyridopiiis nt/inepis
A.M. N. H,,
ii,
p. 345-
(]908j
(Bhamb
Hille).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the Inst in having the light chestnut of the head confined to the crown the throat and lower parts are a more greyish-yellow. Prom S. r. sinensis, the Chinese form, it differs in having black streaks to the feathers of the forehead and
;
much more massive
bill.
Colours of soft parts like those of the
last bird.
r.
Measurements. 52 to 56 mm.
Distribution.
A trifle smaller
than S.
ruficeps,
wing about
States.
The Bhamo
Hill Tracts and S.
Shan
Nidi&cation. " A very noisy little bird in the breeding season, drawing atteution to itself if anyone invades its particular bit of jungle. It builds an untidy, retort-shaped nest entirely of bamboo leaves, which it places in clumps of long, overhanging grass. It is always well concealed and can only be found by seeing the bird fly out." (Harington.) The eggs, three or four in number, are indistinguishable from those of the last bird. Thirty eggs average 16-3x1 2-7 mm. A. good many odd eggs of this bird are pure unspotted white and two clutches taken by Mr. F. Grant are all without any markings.
.
Habits similar to those of tie
last bird.
(279) Stachyridopsis rufifrons rufifrons
HuMja's Babblbe.
Stachyris rwUfrom
Hume,
Stachj/rhidopsig rtffifrems.
S. F., i, p. 479 (1873) (Pegu). Blanf. Gates, i, p. Iti5.
&
Vernacular names. None
recorded.
Description. This species differs from tlie last in having th& rufous of the head much duller and confined to the anterior crown the upper plumage is more grey. In S. r, rvfifrfynM the striae both on head and throat are inconspicuous or obsolete and the chin itself is white ; the lower plumage is a tawny buff.
Colours of soft ôts. Iris deep red ; bill bluish plumbeousblack {ffanngton) ; legs and feet pale fleshy-horn.
270
TIMAUIDJB.
KeasurementB. Total leugth about 115 to 120 mm.; wing 50 mm.; tail about 48 mm.; tarsus about 18 ram.; culmen about 10 mm. Distribution. Shan States to Tenasserim, Burma, North-East Siam *.
to 53
Nidification not recorded.
Habits. Apparently those of the next race. A low-level bird found from the plains up to 3,000 feet or so and haunting both deuse forest and the more open bamboo-, grass- and scrub-jungles.
(280) Stachjrridopsis rufifrons
ambigua.
Hakington's Eed-fbonted Babbler.

Stachvrhidopsis rufifronf ambiffua Ilarington, J. B. N, H, S., xxiii, p. 631 (1916) ((junjong, N. Oachar).
Vernacular names. Dao-pere-gajao
(Cacliari).
Description. Differs from the last bird in having the white of the throat grading into the fulvous of the lower ])luuiage. The black shaft-stripes on the crown and nape are very conspicuous and the upper plumage is less grey and more olive-green ; the flanks and thighs are strongly washed with olive-brown.
legs
Colours of soft parts. Iridea reddish brown ; and feet pale yellowish brown, claws darker.
bill
slaty-blue
53 mm.
Measurements. Total length 115 to 120 mm.; wing 48 to tail 46 to 48 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 ram.; culmen 9 to 10 mm. Distribution. Sikkira, Assam North and South of tlie Brahmaputra, Manipur.
;
Nidification. The breeding season of Harington's Eed-fronted Babbler commences in the end of March in the plains to the end It breeds everywhere up to of June or even July in the hills. 2,000 feet and occasionally higher than this and nests of both
and ambir/ua may be found in the same jungle. Nest and eggs are quite indistiguishable from those of the Itedheaded Babbler and, as with that bird's eggs, pure white ones may sometimes be taken of this bird. One hundred eggs average 16"1 x
ruficeps
12-4
mm.
Habits. This species differs from the last in being a bird of much lower levels. It extends well into the plains and is more plentiful below 2,000 feet than over this height, though it wanders frequently It is more a bird of comas high as 3,000 feet or a little over. paratively open bamboo- and scrub-jungle, grass-lands and thin deciduous forest than of the deep evergreen forests, though it will It is a companionable, cheery little bird, be found in these also. collecting in quite big flocks and having much the same manners, voice and diet as the Golden-headed Babblers.
* Specitneni from S,W. Siam have tieen, aepsrated by me under the niune S.r, obtoura and this form ma; possibly be found in extreme S.S. TeuMwrim.
OyANODBIlMA.
(281) Stachyridopsis pyrrhops.
271
The Eed-billed Babblbe.

Stachi/rio pyrrhops Blytli, J.
A.
S. B., xiii, p.
379 fl844)
p, 165.
(Nepal).
Staehyrhidoptis pyrrhops.
Blaiif.
&
Gates,
i,
Vernacular names. 'Soae recorded. Description. Forehead and anterior lialf of crown fulvous, blending into the olive- brown of the upper plumage thu feathers of tlie forehead, crown and mantle dark-shafted lores and chin black, the lower portion of the latter barred with white sides of he bead fulvous ; lower plumage rather brighter fulvous the sides of the body, flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts tinged with olivaceous. Colours of soft parts. Iris red to blood-red; upper mandible brown, sometimes, probably in the breeding season, tinged with red, h>wer mandible fleshy-pink, reddish-fleshy or fleshy tinged with slate ; legs, feet aud claws pale brownish-lleshy. Measurements. Total length about 120 mm. ; wing 50 to 53 mm. tail about 55 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen about 10 to
; ; ;
t ;
ram.
Distribution. Himalayas, from Murree to êjjal.
Nidification. The Ked-billed Babbler breeds from 3,000 f o ,000 feet or higher in Ivashmir, making a nest of grass and reed leaves, either cup-shaped, semi-domed or completely covered in. It is nearly always placed low down in bushes in scrub-land or more or
less
open
forest.
three or four in 16'5 X 13"0 mm.
The eggs are like those of the rest of the genus, number and mensure on an average about The breeding season is from the middle of April
to the end of June.
Habits. These appear to be much tlte same as those of the last out they are never found below 3,000 feet and between 4,000 and 6,000 feet is their more usual elevation. They are said in winter to mix much with flocks of other birds and to have "a clear and musical note like the ringing of a tiny bell."
bird
Genus CFANODEBIIA
Salvadori, 1874.
This genus differs from the two preceding in having the orbits naked and of a bright colour in life. The bill has the culmen straight on the basal half and slightly curved on its terminal half.
(282)
Cyanoderma erythroptera erythroptera.

The Red-winged
Babbx-bb.
Timalia erythroptera Blyth, J. A. 8. B , xi, p. 794 (1842) (Malay). Cyanoderma erytkropteruim. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 166.
Vernaenlar names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, superciliura, ear-coverts, sides of the head. and neck, chin, throat and breast clear plumbeous ; abdomen,
fJAuks,
ventand under
;
tail^coverts fulvous-brown
tail
upper plumag
rufesoent brou-n
wings and
bright ferruginous.
272
TIMALIIDJE.
Colours of soft parts. Iris madder-red te deep brown ; orbital skin light 1o dull smalt blue ; bill dark plumbeous or brownish blu(v lower mandible paler ; legs, feet and claws very pale greenish or jellowish white.
tail
Measurements. Total length about 140 mm. wing 50 to 60 mm about 50 mm. tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen about 1 3 to 14 mm
; ;
Distribution. Trotti the extreme South of Tenasserim down the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra. Nidiflcation. Nests taken by Davison and othc;rs in March and April are described as balls of grass or reed-leaves about 6 inches in diameter aud placed in bushes. The eggs, two or three in number, are glossy china-wliite spotted with reddish all over btit most numerously at the larger end. In shape they are obtuse ovals. Five eggs in my collection average about ]()'9 x 13-C mm. Eggs taken by Messrs. Hopwood and Mackenwe are described as unspotted white with a bluish tinge.
Habits. Said to be very coiiunon in the evergreen pnrts of Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula, haunting brushwood, small
trees and cane-brakes iti parties, working the foliage for insects much like a Titmouse and uttering a " sharp, metallic rolling sound, which it utters chiefly when alarmed, but also at other times " (Davison).
Genus HIXOBNIS Hodgson, 1842. The genus Mixornis differs from all other genera
billed Tinialiinee in
of slender-
exposed and not covered by a membrane, or scale, as in the others. Within Indian and Burmese limits we have but one species which varies considerably in different countries, forming subspecies or geographical races which are not always easy to define.
having the nostrils oval,
Mizornis rabricapilla. Key to Subspecies.

A. Crown pale ferruginous, stripes on foreneck and breast fairly well developed . B. Crown more pale brown, leas ferruginous, stripes on fore-neck and breast very fine. 0. Crown more chestnut-rufous, stripes on fore-neck and breast decidedly heavier.
. .
M.r.
rubricapilla, p. 273.,
M. M.
r.
minor, p.'274.
pileaia, p.l274.
r.
Having examined
in the British
several
hundred specimens of
this little bird
Museum and Tring Museum as well as those in the Indian Museum and my own collection, I have come to the conclusion that we cannot recognize more than three races of Mixornis
BHp^n'ssulphurea is an as coming within the limits of this work. exact replica of many Assam and Bengal birds and the Southern Shan States appears to be about the limit of this form. Northern Siam specimens, from which Gyldenstolpe names his M. minor, are certainly nearer South andCentral Siam forms, as also are specimens from East Central Burma, so all these birds must bear his name.
MIXOBNIB.
273
KIoss'b eonnectetis I cannot separate from pileata the South Malay form and his name therefore becomes a synonym of that bird. Variation inter se is so great in the birds of this species that it is quite unsafe to found geographical races on anything but very large series.
Fig. 51.
Head of M.
r.
rubricapilla.
(283)
Mizornis rubricapilla rubricapilla.
The TBiiLow-BUEASTEB Babblbe.

Motacilla rubricapilla Tickell,
J.
A.
i,
S. B.,
p. 167.
ii,
p.
576
(1833)
(Manbhum).
Mixomis
rufieapilla.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
Vernacular names. Dao-peri gatang-lili (Cachari).

Description. Urown pale ferruginous blending on the neck into the olive-green of the upper plumage and sides of neck; supercilium, lores and front of forehead yellow, the two latter with black shalts; ear-coverls dull yellow with pale shafts; cheek, chin, throat and upper breast yellow with black shaft-lines ; centre of breast and abdomen plain yellow remainder of lower plumage dull ashy;
yellow.
Colours of soft parts. Iris white or pale yellow to yellow-ochre eyelids pale slate-colour; bill horny-brown or slate-brown, the culmen almost black and the lower mandible paler ; legs olive-or brownish-fleshy, the claws yellower.
tail
Measurements. Total length about 125 mm. wing 53 to 58 mm. about 52 to 54 mm. tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 10 to 11 mm.
;
to Chin, Kachin asserim.
Distribution. Sikkim and Eastern Bengal to Assam and East and Shan States ; South to Arrakan and N. TenHidification.
The Yellow-breasted Babbler breeds during April, and sometimes into July at heights up to 2,500 feet or more and also in the plains. In Burma it begins to breed in March. It makes a rough domed nest of grass and bamboo leaves, with a meagre lining of finer grass, which it places either in a bamboo clump or a bush close to, but not on the ground The eggs, generally occasionally 4 or even 5 feet above it. three, sometimes two only or four, are china-white with numerous
May and June
specks and small blotches of red and reddish brown distributed all The lexture over but, as a rule, more thickly at the larger end. T TOl. I.
274
is
TlMAHIDiE.
glossy and stout and the shape a broad oval. average 16'6x 12"6 mm.
One hundred
eggs
Habits. The birds of this genus are typically plains' birds, seldom ascending the hills to any height. They keep to bushes, lower trees and bamboo when hunting for food, never resorting to the ground for this purpose and almost equally seldom visiting the higher trees. In their attitudes and manners they are more thoroughly Timah'ine and less Tit-like than birds of the genera Stachyris and Stadiyridopsis, for though they keep in good-sized flocks they creep and clamber about in a quiet, unobtrusive manner instead of fluttering or moving restlessly f i-oni one twig to another. They are very partial to bamboo-jungly, whether with or without undergrowth and are also found in scrub and grass and in deserted cultivation patches. Harington describes their note as a monotonous "chuk" constantly repeated.
(284)
Mixornis rubricapilla minor.

Gyldensiolpb's Babblee.
Mh-ornis ffularis minor Gyldenstolpe, KuDgl. Sv. \'et.-Akad. Haudl., Ivi, 1916, p. 60 (Lat Buii Kau).

Sescription. DifEers from the last bird in having the crown less ferruginous, more brown ; the stripes on tlie throat and breast finer and fewer ; the upper parts a less pure olive-green.

Distribution. Siam and Eastern Central Burma.
last.
Nidification. Eggs obtained by Messrs. W. J. E. Williamson and E. G. Herbert near Bangkok in May and June measure about 16-9 X 13-0 mm. The nest seems to be almost inviiriably placed in
Pine-apple plants.
Habits. This race seems to fovour the haunts of mankind far more than the other races do. It is not only to be found round about villages and human habitation but actually enters gardens and orchards and breeds there.
(285)
Hizomis
rubricapilla pileata.
The Malay Yellow-bbeastbd Babbleh.

J. A. S. B., xJ, 1842, p. 204 (MaUy). Mixortm gtdaris. Blaof. & Oates, i, p. 168. Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the last two in having the stripes on the under parts much more developed the crown more rufous and the upper parts also tinged with rufous and the exposed parts of the wing more castaneous. Colours of soft parts and Ueasarements. The bill may be a trifle heavier and longer than in the last but the difference is quite insignificant. Davison records the iris as brown, otherwise both in size and colours of soft parts jtn^to agrees with the other races.
Pnniapileata Blyth,
AiciPPB,
Distribation.
275
The extreme South of Tenasaerim and through-
out the Malay Peninsula.

Nidification and Habits as in the other subspecies. Eggs sent A. T. Kellow uieasure about 17-1 x 12-7 mm. The name MDtucilla gularis Baffles, Trans. L.S., xiii, p. 312, 1820, which is the oldest name for this species, cannot be used as it is preoccupied by MotadUa guUiris (-rtnelin (1788).
me by Mr. W.
Genus ALCIPPEBlyth, 1844.

In this genus
t'le bill is stout
and
slightly curved
and
is
over-
hung by long hairs; rhe nostril is protected by a membrane; the wing is short and rounded, the first lour primaries being graduated;
the
tail is
about equal in length to the wiug, the feathers being
slightly graduated.
species within our limits but these rnimerous well-marked geographical i-aces. The two s])ecies are very similar in colour but in habits differ considerably.
forii)
The genus contains but two
Ke;i to Specks
and
Snhgpecies.
A.
Bill small
li.
a ctnispicuous ring of white feathers round the eye. Chin and throat white, flanks tinged olivaceous Cliin and throat ochraceous like abdo;
[p.
275,
A. nepalensis
A,
nepalensis,
men
B. Bill large
c.
;
n. fratercula, p.
277.
no ring of white fuathers
round eye.
a'.
[cephala, p. 277. Head not striped or only obso ctely so. Lower back and rump tingi d rufous. A. poioicephala poioib'. Lower back and rump grey like back. A. p. pfuiyrei, p. 278. a". Under parts tinged rufous
"b.
No
rufous on under parts.
'".
Grey of head well defined from

back A.
blending
into
p. davisoni, p. 279.
b'".
Grey of head
d.
Head and neck

c'.
colour of back conspiculously striped.
A.
p. brticei, p. 278.
d'.
Stripes sooty-brown Stripes deep black
A. p.
A.
maynirostris, p. 280.
p. harinytonite, p. 280.
(286) Alcippe nepalensis nepalensis.
The Nepal Babblbb.

Siva nepalentu Hodgs., Ind. liev., 1838, p. 89 (Nepal). Alcippe itepatemis. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 157,
Yernacnlai; names. Dao-pere-Jcaihiba (Cachari). conspicuous ring of white feathers round the Description. eye; head, neck and upper back ashy-brown with a vinaceous tinge; a dark sooty-brown stripe on either side of the crown ex-
t2
276
TIUAIiIIDiE.
tending down the neck to the back j ear-coverts grey back olivebrown ; exposed portions of the wings and tail yellowish brown ;
;
chin whitish ; under parts pale fulvous, washed with olivaceous on the flanks and thighs.
bill Colours of soft parts. Iris light to ileep hazel-brown plumbeous or livid brown, black on the culmen and base of the upper mandible, lower paler; legs and feet pnle fleshy or livid
;
white.
tail
Measurements. TotaIlengthaboutl25inm.; wing56to60mm. about 60 mm. tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen 10-5 toll-5 mm.
;
Distribution.
The lower
hills
of Nepal, 8ikkim,
Assam both
Eastern
North and South of the Biahmaputra, Mauipur, Bengal, Chin Hills and Arrakan.
Nidification. Thi.s
little
hills of
bird breeds principally

t^niall
and 3,000
feet,
makii'g a
between 1,600 eup-shnpfd nest of grass and
bamboo leaves lined vith finer grasses. In some cases a little other material may be mixed with the rest, such as dead leaves, a little dry moss, or chips ol' bracken frond. .It is placed either
Fig. 52.
Hfad of A. n. nepalensis.
in a bush some 12 inches to 4 feet from the ground or in a bamboo clump. The eggs number two to four and %ary in the most extraordinary manner. The following are common types; (1) Pure white with sparse but bold dots and specks of deep purple; (2) while n ith innumerable specks of lilac-red ; (3) white to pale pink with blotches arid small spots of light red; (4) pale to suhn onpink with clouds and smears all over of reddish (5) pure w hite with a ring or cap of deep purple lines and hieroglyphics. The first three are the most common. Two hundred eggs average
;
18-4
X.
14-0
mm.
The breeding season lasts from April to July, May being the month when most birds lay. Habits. The Nepal Babbler may be found at all heights from a few iiundred feet up to 4,000 feet but its favourite elevations are
about half-way between the two. It gathers into small flocks in the w inter, sometimes however keeping in pairs, and it hunts all kinds of co\er, thick and thin, forest or bamboo, keeping to the bushes and lower trees and showing a most restless energetic di|>osition. At one moment it may be seen twisting backwards and torwards, over and under the branches, in its search for insects, at another fluttering into the air in pursuit of a gnat or fly, whilst, yet again, it may be seen racing along some bough ahei' a quickly travelling beetle or other prey. It is by no means shy and kee|is uttering continually a little chattering call of several
AWim'Hi,
notes, wliieli would sooi) betray its whereabouts not previously done so.
if its
277
actions bad
(287) Alcippe nepalensis fratercnla.
The Shan
States),
Statjas
Babbler.
xi, p.
Alcippe fmtercula Rippoii, Bull. B. O.C.,
11 (1900) (Shan
Vernacular names. Uhin-Hng-wo-ke (Kachin). Description. The ring of white featliers round the eve less conspicuous thau in the Nepal Babbler tliere is no vinaceous tinge on the upper plunxige find the under parts are rich ochraceous, the chin being of the same colour us the rest.
;
Colours of soft parts. "Iris eciinson, the legs and colour" {Eippon).
bill
bora-
measurements. Wing 58 to 66
ing a
trifle less
nim., the southern birds measur;
than the northern
culmen 11
mm.
and
hills
Distribution.
The Bhamo
to Tenasserim.
Hills,
Shan
States
of
Eastern
Burma
Thirty eggs average Nidification similar to that of the last. 18*9 X 13'8 mm. and go through as great a variation in colour as do those of that bird.
Habits. Eippon and Harington both describe the habits of the States birds as being as vivacious and free from shyness as those of the preceding bird.
Shan
(2S8)
Alcippe poioicephala pokicephala.
The Niloibi Quakee-Babblbk.

mmalia
poioicephala Jerd., Madr. Jour. L. S.,
Blanf.
xiii, p.
169 (1844)
(Nilgiris).
Alcijtpe phaocephala.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 158.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Head and neck brownish ashy-grey ear-coverts hair-brown ; back and upper parts brown, tinged grey on upper back, olive on lower back and rufous on rnnjp and upper tailcoverts; outer webs of primaries and visible portions of tail chestnut; chin and throat greyish buff;, breast, abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts ochraceous buff. Colours of soft parts. Iris slaty-grey ; bill horny-brown legs
Description.
; ;
and
tail
feet greyish-fleshy.
KeaanrementB. Total length about 150 mm. ; wing 66 to 70 mm. about 65 mm. ; tarsus about 17 to 18 min. ; culmen 13 mm.
etc.
Distrilmtion. Hills
Wynaad
of Southern and Tcavaocore.
India,
Nilgiria,
Coonoor,
278
TIMAtllBiE.
Nidification. The Nilgiri Quaker-Babbler is said to breed from January to June, generally iu May and June, in the hilly country from tiie lowest foot-hills upwards. The nest is a cup of leaves, It grass and a little moss or lichen and lined with black roots. is usually placed in a bush, 2 to 8 feet from the ground, The eggs Ktanding in either dense forest or in scrub-jungle. are nearly always two only iu number and vary in colour very greatly but the majority are of the clouded pink ty])e described Thirty-eight eggs as one of the types of the Nepal Babbler.
average
2()-0
15*1
mm.
Habits. This Babbler is found from the level of the plains in broken country up to some 6,000 feet. In habits it appears to agree well with A. j)-phayrei described further on.
(289) Alcippe poioicephala brucei.
Tub BoMBAi' Quakbh-Babbiee.

Alcip}>e
hmcei Hume, J.A. S.
B., xxxix,
j>.
122 (1870) (Mahaba-
leshwar).
Vernacular names. Chit Knruvi

Description.
(Tel.).
larger and much greyer bird than the last ; the head and neck paler than in that bird and grading into, not contrastiug w-itli, the colour of the back there is no rufous tinge on the ruuip and upper tail-corerts and the quills and tail-feathers are light brown j-atlier than chestnut.
;
Colours of soft parts as
iu the last.
;
Measurements.
Distribution.
'
Wing
;
72 to 75 mm.
bill
14 to 15 mui.
Mahbaleshwar, Western Ghats from Ilajkot in Khathiavvar to Belgaum the Central Provinces ; Pachraarhi and the Paresnath Hill, Lower Bengal " (Harington). Nidification as in the last. Nearly all the eggs I have seen of this race have the ground-colour pale salmon, whilst the markings consist of suiears and blotches of light red and reddish brown, often covering the greater part of the surfat-e of the whole egg. Ten eggs measure about 19"I x 14"6 ram.
Habits do not differ from those of the Nilgiri and the Arrakan Quaker-Babblers.
(290) Alcippe poioicephala phayiei.
The AauAKAN Qdakee-Babbmib.

Alcippe phayrei Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiv, p, 601 (1845) (Arrakan
Blanf.
;
&
Gates,
i,
p. 158.
Vernacular names. Dao-pere-gadeba (Cachari).

DescriptioB. The head and neck in this form are brownish grey gradually changing into the olive-brown of the back ; the chiu fl,i|d throat are greyish and the rest of the tinder parts are rufescent
ALOIPPE.
tail
279
are
oehraceous. The yellowish browu.
exposed portions of primaries and
Colours of soft parts. Iris pearly-wltite to grey ; eyelids slaty upper mandible browiiish-horny, darker at base and on culmen, lower paler and yellowish ; legs and feet pale dull fleshy, or
;
fleshy-white.
Heasnrements.
Wing 66
to 72
mm.
eulmen 12 to 13 mm.
Distribution. Assam and Western Burma from the Chin Hills to tlie South of Arrakan. Birds from Assam and others from W. Burma differ in some respects, more especially in the tint of the grey on the head and again in the amount of rufous on the lower plumage. However, though material from Assam is plentiful, from Burma it is very scanty and more must be obtiiined before the vlue of the differences can be estimated.
Nidification. The nest of this bird is merely a rather larger edition of that of the Nepal Babbler and is placed in quite similar positions. It breeds in great numbers in all the hills South of the
Brahmaputra, not only at elevations up to 2,000 feet but also freely in the plains themselves. I have myself taken eggs as early as March .iiid as late as September but May and earlv June is the principal breeding time. The eggs only differ from those of the Nepal Babbler in being larger, but the great majority are in colour of the clouded and smudged type described as No. 4 in that bird. One hundred and fifty eggs average 19-6 x 15-0 mm.
Habits. Tlie larger Quaker-Babblers of this group (poioiceithala) are rather moi-e Timaliine in their habits than those of the previous (nqialensis) group. More shy and retiring, they are also less quick and active in their movements. They use their legs more, yet are not so Tit-like in their actions and though they take readily to flight, they do not make the constant little sallies into the air, both in play and for food, like the Nepal Babblers I do not think they ever actually descend on to the gi'ound do.
to feed except for a second or two.
(291) Alcippe poioicephala davisoni.
Tun Tenassbbiu
Qitakeb-Babbliib.
Alcippe pheeaeephala davUoni Harington, B. N. (J915) (Tavoy).
H.
S. J., xxiii, p.
453

Description, Very similar to A.p. brneei from S. India but much darker. The bead and neck are brownish-ashy well defined from the back ; in some apecimens there are faint indications of the coronal stripes but in most these are quite absent.
Colours of sctft parts. Iris slaty-grey to slaty -yellow ; bill, upper mandible horny-brown, lower yellowish. Keasnrements. Wing 68 to 73 mm.; culmen 13 to 14 mm.
230
DiBtribation. Tavoy,
nuA.iiinjE.
Mergui South
to about the latitude
of
Moiibnein.
Nidification. Apparently similar to that of others of this group but the eggs obtained so far are all of the pink blotchy type except two clutches sent me from Tenasseriiu by one of my collectors, which are white with deep purple specks and spots. They were taken on the 19th January and the 1st June respectively and measure 19*5 X 14'8 mm.
Habits. Davison says that this Quaker-Babbler "is the low hills and at their bases where the country is lu habits, It avoids the dry, deciduous forests. exactly resembles the preceding species " (the Nepal
found only in well wooded.

voice
etc.
it
Babbler).
(292) Alcippe poioicephala haringtonise.
The UPPEK BUEMA QrAKBH-BABBI,HE.

Atcijipe phaiocephala luiringttmia Ilartert, Bull. B. O.
C, xxv,
p.
10
(1909) (Bhamo).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from all but the next bird in having coronal bands of black on either side of the head extending down to the upper back. The under j)arts from the chin to vent are ochraceous buff tinged with olivaceous on the flanks. Keasurements. Wing 65 to 70 mm. ; culmen 12 to 13 mm. Distribntifin. N.E. Upper Burma and N. Shan States.
Kidiflcation. Not recorded but sixteen eggs taken ington, Mackenzie and Grant average about 18"7x 14'8
by Har-
mm.
Bhamo
Habits. Harington only found this form in the plains near itself and not in the hills.
(293) Alcippe poioicephala magnirostris.
The LowiiB Bubua Quakeb-Babbleb.

Alcippe magniroHrit Walden, Blyth's (Karennee).
B.
of B., p.
115
(1875)
Temacnlar names. None
recorded.
Description. Differs from the last race in having the coronal stripes sooty-brown instead of black ; the chin and throat are whitish and the head is more brownish grey and well defined from the back ; the ear-coverts also are greyish brown and the olivebrown of the back is tinged with grey.
Keasnronents.
Wing 69
to
73
mm.
Disliibatuni. Siam, S. Shan States, to just north of Moulmein.

Kidiflea'tioia
culmen 13 mm. Sarenni and S.. Burma
taken by Mr. J.
bird.
and Habits. Nothing recorded, but fifteen eggs M. D. Mackenzie average 19-2 x 14-7 mm. In eol<tion, shape and marknigs they are like those of the last
BHOPOOICHIiA
281
Genus BHOFOCICHLA Gates, 1889.

This geiiuB differs exposed and pierced having a shorter tail curved throughout
;
from Aleippe
in
having the nostrils rounder,
in the anterior part of the
membrane, and
win"^.
in
when compared with the
The
bill is
there are no hairs overhanging the nostrils hut the rictal bristles are well developed. There is only one species in the genus confined to S. India and Ceylon, where it is represented by three races.
Rhopocichla atriceps.
Key
to Subspecies.
.
.
A. Crown and sides of the boad black B. Forehead and ear-coverts only black
C. Ear-coverts only blackish
It. a. atricepii, p.
S.
a. nigri/rons, p.
li. a.
281 282. bourdittoni, p. 282.
(294)
Rhopocichla atriceps atriceps.
The Black-headed Babbieh.

Brachypteryx atn'cepg Jerdon, Madr. Jour. L.
(Trichoor).
S., x, p,
250 (1839)
Bhopociehla atriceps.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 160.
Vemactilar names. None recorded.

Description. Forehead, crown, nape, ear-coverts and under the the whole upper plumage, wings and tail fulvous eye black brown lower plumage dull white, changing to olivaceous on the
; ;
flanks
and under
tail-coverts.
ColonrB of soft parts.. Iris bright yellow, pale orange or buff bill dull black, commissure and lower mandible fleshy-pink ; legs and feet pale plumbeous shaded in varying degree with fleshypink OP dull purple.
tailabout 50
Keasarements. Total length about 140 mm. ; wing 54 to 60 mm. mm. ; tarsus about 23mm.; culmen about 13 to 14mm. Distriliution. The Nilgiris and hills of S.W. India, not
Travancore.
Sfidiflcation. The Black-headed Babbler appears to breed in almost every month of the year from December to August and It makes an oval nest of grass probably in the other three also. lined with softer hits of the same which it places in bamboos, grass and reeds by roadsides through jungle, in reed-beds or scrubjungle. It is found during the breeding season from the lower hills up to 6,000 feet. The eggs, two in number, are pure white with numerous small spots and dots of dark purple-red scattered over the whole surface but generally more numerous at the larger end. The texture is hwd and glossy. Twenty eggs average about 19-2 x 13*!^ mm.
EaMtf. The birds of this genas are said to have much the stune habits as those of P22onwwn, i. . they are shy, ratber skuMog
282
birds,
TIMAJJIDJE.
shunning observation and haunting thick cover. Jerdon says : " It frequents the thickest underwood in dense and lofty jungles; lives in small flocks of five or six, and is constantly hopping about the thick bushes with an incessant loud, twittering note. It lives on various insects."
(295)
Bhopocichla atriceps bourdilloni.

BoiriiDiLLoN's Babblbb.
Aleippe bourdilloni Hume, S. F., iv, p. 399 (187(5) (Mynall). Rhopocichla bourdilloni. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 161.
Vemacnlar names. None recorded. Description. The black of the ci'own, nape, lores and cheeks of M. a. atriceps is replaced with brown and the lower parts from
lower breast to under tail-coverts are ferruginous.
Distribution. Travancore, from Nortli to South.
ColotiTB of soft parts and Habits as in the last bird. Mr. T. P. Bourdilloti describes the nest as being made of soft blades of reed-
grass lined with fine roots.
The
eggs,
which are always
tW'O,
measure 19-1 x 14-3 mm.
The principal breeding season lasts from March to May but there seems to be a second brood very often in July and August.
(296)
Bhopocichla atriceps nigrifrons.
The Black-fboswjj) Babblkb.

Aleippe niyrifons Blyth, J. A. S. B., xviii, p. 815 (1849) (Ceylon). MhoiMcichla nigrifrons. Blaiif. & Gates, i, p. 160.
VemAcnlor names. ButitcMa
(Ceylon).
Description. Differs from K. a. atriceps in having the black of the crown replaced by rufous-brown, a little darker than the rest of the upper plumage ; the white feathers of the cheeks have lengthened black shafts and the vent, thighs and under tail-coverts
are rufous-brown.
Colours of soft parts and Ueasnrements as in the two prectding forms.

Distribution. Ceylon only.
Nidi&cation. There are apparently two breeding seasons, one in and June and the second in December and January. The nest is a ball of dead leaves with an inner lining of twigs and is usually placed in some bramble or straggling bush near a jungle pathway, 2 to 5 feet from tbe ground. The eggs, two only, are exactly like those of the other races and measure about 19-2 X 14-2 mm.
May
Habits. According to Legge this race is much bolder and more than either of tbe others and he ddsbribes it as a nqulsitive, ebeerful little bird fluttedog about the bushes And oUowing one another in trae Babblpr trtyle*
iveiy
v^
SOHffiNiPAEirs.
283
of small birds essentially Timaliine both in characteristics and in habits. They possess the typical short, rounded wing and strong tarsi and feet but differ from all the rest in having short, blunt bills very Tit-like in tiieir superficial appearance. In nidiiication and habits
Genus SQHffiNIPARUS Hume, 1874. With the genus Sehoeniparus we enter on a group
they resetnble many other genera, building ball-shaped nests placed on the ground, whilst they seek their lood at least as much on the ground as on the lower bushes. The nostrils are covered by a membrane and not overhung by hairs and the rictal bristles are small the wings and tail are about equal in length and the latter is well graduated.
;
Kei/ to Species
and
or
Subspecies.
A. No chestnut band across breast.

a.
Sides of neck not obsoletely so.

a'.
striped
only
Above olive-brown tinged ochraceous

S. dubius dubius, p. S. d. genestieri, p. 285. S. d. inandeUii, p. 284.
S. riifiyidaris, p.
b'.
Above olive-brown with no ochra-
b.
B.
ceous tinge Sides of neck boldly striped chestnut band across breast
28C.
(297) Schoeniparus dubius dubius.
The Tenasseuim Tit-Babblee.

Froparm dubim Hume,
SohcmipartiB dubius.
Blanf.
P. A. S. B., 1874, p. 109 (ISIuleyit). Gates, i, p. 168.
&
Vernacular names.
Prej>-doi- (Kachin).
Description. Forehead, crown and nape reddish brown, each feather obsoletely margined darker and the foreiiead tinged with chestnut; lores and a band on each side of the crown, blending on the back, black ; a white supercilium from the eye to the nape ear-coverts and sides of neck pale fulvous-brown ; upper plumage olive-brown, tinged with rufous on exposed parts of wings aud tail ; lower plun)age pale fulvous, whitish on the chin and throat and olivaceous un the flanks and under tail-coverts.
Colours of soft parts. Iris yellowish red, pale yellow to slatypink ; bill dark brown to dull black ; legs and feet fleshy.
Heaaurements. Total length about 1 85 mm. ; -wing 53 to 58 mm. about 60 mm. ; tarsus 25 mm. culmen 12 mm. Distribatioa. Northern and Central Tenasserim. ITidifieation. The Tenasserim Tit>Babbler makes a domed nest of tmboo leaves aud grass, which it places either on the ground or close to it. The lining, always very slight, is of roots and fibirs. and occasionally these are made use of inthebody of the nest. Tlw^flites selected seem t be generally in forests with amp
tail
;
284
TiMAi.uDj;.
undergrowth and, less often, bamboo-jungle. Il'tie eggs number from two to four. In colour they are white or creamy-white, smudged and blotched with yellowish brown and with a few darker, almost black, spots and lines. The breeding season is from February to May. Thirty eggs average 20-5 x 15'9 mm.
Habits. The birds of this genus are more typically Timaliine in their habits than Alcippe, less so than RhopocieJiJa. They collect in small flocks of Hire to ten birds, haunt brushwood and low forest and feed wholly on insects which they obtain principally on the ground. Davison says that their note is like " chir-chit-chitchit," constantly repeated.
(298) SchiBniparus dubius mandellii.
The Assam Tit-Babblkk.

Sehopniparm mandellii Godw.-Aust., A. M. N.
(187) (Naga llilh)
;
II.,
(4)
xviii,
p. .33
Blarif.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
]9.
Vernacular names. Dao-eJdtter (Cachari).

Description. Diifers from the last in having the upper plumage more olive and the chin and throat buff like tlie centre of the
Fig. 53.-
Head
of S. d. mandellii.
; the black supei'cilium and black markings of the head and upper back more pronounced; and the sides of the neck are distinctly striped with black and buff.
breast
Colours of soft parts as in S.
d.
dubiw.
tail
Measurements.
Wing 56 to
mm.
64 mm.;
about 62
mm.
tarsus
25 mm.
eiilmen 12
Distribution. Assam, Chin Hills and
W.
Burma.
Hldifieation. This handsome little Babbler breeds in great numbers during April, May and Jane at all elevations above 3,000
and fully up to 6,000 feet. It may be found in almost any kind of cover but prefers forest with an undergrowth of bushes, bracken and raspberry vines. The nest is prat'tically invarkbly placed on the ground, generally under the protectbu of some thick patch of cover and always on a inere or less sloping bank. The mfU^rials used are dead leaves mixed with bracken, grass, roots etc, and the shape is. eith^ a de^p, semi-domed enp or a
BOHCBKIFABUB.
285
completely domed, egg-shaped affair measuring about 7 to 8 inches high by about 5 to 6 inches broad. The full complement of eggs TIte eggs are is three or Four but sometimes two only are laid. like those of the last bird and two hundred average 20'8x 15-fJ mm. the maxima are 28"0xl6"0 and 19*5xl6"l mm., and minima 19-4x 15'3 and 207 X 160 mm.
;
Habits. During the winter the Assam Tit-Babbler collects in small flocks of half-a-dozeu to a dozen individuals, haunting forest with ample undergrowth and to a less extent bamboo-jungle and scrub. It is most common from Ji.OUO feet upwards and is found up to at least t5,000 feet and possibly a good deal higher. It is a restless, energetic little bird feeding partly on the ground, partly on the low bushes and trees, constantly {-hanging its position and
now and
then fluttering from one prch to another iis well as Whilst engaged in scrambling and hopping through the cover. feeding they utter a constant " chir-r-r-r " alternating with a sharp " chit." In the breeding season their habits alter greatly and they become shy, retiring little birds, and instead of being able to watcli them minutes at a time all one sees of them is a small brown object slipping out of sight into cover when disturbed.
(299) Schoeniparus
dubius genestieri.
Eippon's Tit-Babbj,be.
Alcippe getiestieri Oustalet, Bull. Mus. d'Hist. Nat., Paris, (1897) (Ts^kao).
iii,
p.
210
Vernacular names. Prep-dor (Kachin). Description. Differs from S. d. dubius in having the forehead pale rufous ; the crown is golden-brown with very faint dark edges to the feathers; the upper plumage is olive-brown and the sides of the neck are not streaked.
<S^.
d. duhius.
Heasarements. Wing 58 24 mm. culmen 11 mm.

;
to 61
mm.
tailabout 60
mm.
tarsus
States
Distribation. Kachiu and Bharao Hills,
Yunnan, 8han
and S.W. China.

Eothschild has shown (Nov. Zool. xxviii, p. 36) that intermedius not separable from genestieri &nd with this 1 agree, but the former sometimes has quite plain indications of the neck-stripes as in mandellii and as we should expect in that part of its range nearest
is
that race.
Nidiflcation. Kesembles that of the last bird. Harington, Glrant and others took many nests in March, April and May between 4,00i).and 6,000 feet. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of the last two birds and measure about 199 x 16"6 mm.
Habits
differ in
no way from those of
tlie
Assam
Tit-Babbler.
286
^riMAiiiiD.E.
(300) Schoeniparus rufignlaris.
The Eed-thboaxed Tit-Babblbe.

Minlu
rufigularis Mandelli, S. F., S(/i<etnparus rufigularu. Blanf.
i,
p.
416 (1873) (BliutRn Duars).

i,
&
tJateS',
p. 170.

Description. Forehead, crowu and nape cliestnut, bounded on each side by a black band, the two meeting on the nape ; lores and Kupercilia white ; upper part of! ear-coverts and a patch below the e\'e blackish ; lower part of ear-coverts rufous, connected together by a broad chestnut band across the throat upper plumage, wings and tail olive-green, the outer webs of the feathers of wings and tail suffused with fulvous chin, throat and centre of breast and abdomen white; remainder of tiie lower plumage olivaceous, tinged with rufous on the under tail-coverts.
; ;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris reddish brown to lake-brown hill black ; legs and feet yellowish brown, fleshy-brown or fleshy-livid.
;
55mm.;
wing 51 to Measurements. Total length about 140 mm. tail atioutSOmm.; tarsus about 21 to 22 mm.; culinen
;
about 10 to 11
Distribution.
mm.
Bhutan Duars; Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Eastei-n Bengal Hill tracts.
Nidiflcation. This little Tit-Babbler breeds in great numbers all round the foot-hills of Margherita in E. Assam and probably up to some 3,500 feet. Br. H. N. Coltart and 1 took uumy nests and had many brought to us, with the birds, from the central ranges. The nest is like that of the duhius group but perhaps more moss, It is always roots, fern and bracken are used in its construction. placed on the ground and quite as often in small scrub- and bamboojungle as in forest whilst occasionally we found it in small ravines running through tea cultivation. The eggs are similar to Ihose of other birds of the genus but are decidedly greyer and less bold in coloration asa whole. One hundred eggs average 19-5 x 14-7 ram., the extremes being 21'1 x 16-7 mm. and 173 X 13"9 mm.
Habits. Those of the genus, but I think this bird feeds less on the ground than the other S|)ecie8 and flies more freely and often without being frightened into doing so.
Genus PSEXmOMIlTLA Gates, 1894.

generic name Sittiparua being preoccupied Gates renamed This genus contains two species within genus as above. Indian limits which differ horn Sehmniparus in having the tail muirh shorter than the wing, whilst from Lw^nru$ it differs in having no hairs overhanging the nostrils.
The
his
I'SBUDOMINIA.
287
Key
A. B.
;
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
P. cinerea,
p.
Head grey a long' black superciliuin. no black superHead chestnut

;
287.
cilium.
a.
h.
chestnut Oi'own light cheHtnut

diirk
Crown
[p. 288. P. castaneiceps castanetceps, P.e. hrnnneicmtdata, p. 289.
(301) Pseudominla cinerea. Thk Dusky-obeen Tit-Babbleb.

Minla cinerea Blyth,
Sittiparus cinereus.
J.
A.
S. B., xvi, p.
449 (1840)
p.
(Darjeeling;).
Blanf.
& Oates,
i,
171.
Vernacular names. Dao-pere kanMha (Cacliari). Description. Upper plumage gre.visli green, the feathers of the forehead, crowji and nape margint?d with black; a broad black baud on either side of the crowii from the forehead to the nape, terminating in a number of streaks on the upper back a broad
;
Pig. 54.
Head of P. cinerm.
;
pale yellow superciliuni from the back to the nape; a line through the trye black ear -co verts mi.\ed grey and black cheeks yellow, tipped with black wing and tail-featliers suffused on the outer webs with tlie colour of the back whole lower plumage yellow, the sides of neck, breast and abdomen olivaceous.
; ; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown bill dark horny-brown to nearly black legs fleshy- or reddish-brown
; ;
;
" fleshy yellow " (Jerdon).
Measurements. Total length about 110 to 115 mm. wing 53 to 58 mm. tail about 42 to 44 mm. tarsus about 23 mm. culnien
; ; ;
;
10
mm.
Assam North and South
of
Distril>ation. Nepal, Slkkim and the Brahmaputra.
Nidification. Ttie Dusky-green Tit-Babbler breeds from 2,500 up to at least 6,000 fett but not often below some 3,500 feet. The nesting season comuiencea early in April and continues up to the latter part of July. The nest is either a deep cup, semi-domed cup or a complete oval and is placed either low down in bushes, bamboo dumps, vines and creepers or, more rarely, very low down The principal materials in all in amongst the roots of the same. cases where bamboos are handy are bamboo leaves ; elsewhere soft
288
'nuAUiSM.
und bracken-fronds and weeds
blades of grass but with these are mixed a certain

leaves, fern;
tendrils
amount of dead and roots are
bamboo
used to bind the materials together. The lining is of roots or leaves and sometimes a little moss is used inside and
outside the nest. The sites selected may be either in bamboo and scrub or in deep forest. The ep;gs number two, three or four and have the ground-colour anyttiiiig fnmi pure white to pale sienna und the markings consist of tiny specks of dark siennabrown, often forming a ring or cap but profusely scattered elsewhere also. A few eggs with white ground have the specks still pyriform darker and finer. The shape is generally a short oval eggs not being rare. They are very fragile and have no gloss. Sixty eggs average 18'3x 14-3 mm. Habits. This is a still more cheerful, lively little bird than those of the genus Schatnipai-m and when fluttering about a bush on which insects are plentiful remind one of Warblers of the genus Phylhseopus. They do not, I think, ever feed on the ground nor on the other hand do they ascend any height into trees but I have seen them in giass and scrub occasionally and when in deep forest, which they most affect, in bamboos often they prefer places where there are glades or breaks such as are
;
;
made by streams, jungle-tracks etc. rather than tlie denser, darker portions. They keep up a soft twittering the whole time they are feeding.
(302)
Pseadomlnla castaueiceps castaneiceps.
The Chestnut-headed Babblee.

Minla castaneiceps Hodga., Ind. Rev., 18.38, p. 38 (Nepal). Sittiparus c<Maneicq>s. Blanf & Oates, i, p. 172.
.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Forehead, crown and nape chestnut-brown, the
feathers of the forehead with broad white streaks, those of
;
t"he
crown and nape with pale rufous streaks a broad line through the eye and a narrow moustachial streak black; remainder of sides of head white; back, scapulars, rump and smaller wingcoverts olive-green tinged with fulvous ; greater wing-coverts and primary -coverts black winglet black on the outer webs, white on
;
the inner; quills olive-green, the earlier primaries edged with hoary-grey, the latter and the secondaries edged with chestnut at the base innermost secondaries broadly edged with olive-green on both webs below from chin to under tail-coverts pale fulvouswhite, the sides of breast and body ochraceous ; under wingcoverts white.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to crimson; bill, above dark horny, the lower mandible dull fleshy, sometimes yellowish, especially at base ; legs and feet <Mngy greenish yellow or yeUowishhorn.
FULTETTA.
289
Measurements. Total length about 115 to 120 mm.; wing 53 mm.; tail about 45 ram.; tarsus about 22 to 23 min. ; culuieii 9 mm.
{Haringtoii) to 67
Distribution. Sikkira, Nepal, Assam liorth of the Bmhmaputra, Lakhimpur, Chin and Kachiii Hills, Shan States and hills of Central East Burma to Tenasseriin Specimens from N. Assam are perhaps a little more rufous or fulvous than those from the Shan States South to Tenasserim, but the average difference is so little that it seems hardly enough for the purposes of subspecific rank. Individual specimens
vary greatly.
Nidification. The nests, though similar in shape and site to those of the last, differ in construction in having a great deal of moss mixed with the other material. Davison describes nests as made wholly of tliis material and worked beautifully into the The eggs are very like those of living moss growing on trees. tlie last bird and twenty measure on an average 18* 1 x 13-6 mm.
Habits. Those of the genus, but Stevens says that this bird is more arboreal iu its habits than the last. It is found from almost the level of the plains up to 7,000 foet,
(303)
Fseudominla castaneiceps brunneicauda. The Shillong CHHSTimT-HBA.DED Babbibe.

vii, p.
Minla brunneicauda Sharpe, Cat. B. M.,
609 (1883) (Shillong).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. DifEers from the last in having the head much paler and more rufous, the chestnut on the wings paler; the tail
brownish.
last.
;
Heasnrements. Wing 58 to 62 mm. 22 mm. culmen 9 to 10 mm.

;
tail
about 45
mm.
tarsus
Distribution. Kbasia Hills, Cacbar Hills and probably Manipur.

Nidification. Nests in the Khasia Hills in April, May and The nest is like that of the last but with less moss and more grass and bamboo leaves both in the lining and the outer Forty eggs average 17'9 X 13-4 mm. part.
June.
Habits similar to those of the
last two.
Genus FULVETTA David & Oust., 1877. The name Pfopai~us having been first applied to a species of Minla is only a synonym of that genus and cannot be used for
David and Oustalet's name, originally given to a Chinese is therefore available. In FulveUa th nostrils are covered by a membrane and are overhung by numerous hairs but the rictal bristles are short. The hind claw is very long and thick, equal in length to the hind toe. The wing and tail are
this.
species,
TOl.
I.
290
TIMAUIDJB.
The plamage is graduated. and dense. Three species are found within Indian limits and these again divide into numerous races extending to China and Formosa.
about equal in length and the latter
IB
soft
Key
A.
to
Species
and
at
Subspecies.
A white supercilium
the eye.
commencing
a.
Crown reddish - brown, bordered ou the sides of the occiput with

black
[p.
200.
F. vinipecta vinipecta,
b.
Crown dull chestnut, bordered on the sides of the occiput with

F.v. austeni,
I', v.
B.
C.
reddish brown White supercilium commencing at
p.
291
No
c.
the base of the bill white supercLUum. Crown chestnut
ripponi, p. 291.
[p.
292,
d.
Crown brown
(304)
ruficapilla sordidim; F. inanipurensis, p. 292.

jP.
Fulvetta vinipecta vinipecta.

HonQSOS's PULVETTA.
Siva vinipeettie Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1838, p. 89 (Nepal). Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 173, P)-oparus vinipectiu.

forehead, crown, ear-corerts, cheeks a broad white supercilium from the eye to the nape, bordered above by a black line, the two on either side of the head converging on the back back brown with a vinous tinge ; rump, wing and upper tail-coverts ferruginous tail brown, washed with rusty-red on the outer webs ; primarycoverts chestnut ; the earlier primaries edged with bluish grey, secondaries ferruginous on the the others edged with black outer webs ; chin, throat aud upper breast whitish with dusky streaks ; sides of the breast like the back but paler ; abdomen and under tail-coverts dark fulvous.
;
Description. Lores dusky

;
and nape reddish-brown
Coloars of soft parts. Iris pale ochre (Godw.-Attst.), dark brown bill dark fleshy- or horny-brown ; above, paler livid-fleshy below legs and feet fleshy-brown or dull
(Hunu) or reddish-brown
purplish-fleshy.
tail
Ueasnrements. Total length about 120 mm. ; wing 57to60mm.; about 55 mm. ; tarsus about 2i mm. ; culmen 10 mm.
Distribution. Simla, Nepal, Sikkim and Assam North of the Brahmaputra. As Harington has pointed out, birds west of Nepal have the head somewhat brighter and have fewer markings on the throat, but more material is required to show whether the difierenoes are
individual or subspeoific.
Vin-VETTA.
291
Nidification. This Pulvetta breeds in the Himalayas in May and June between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, making a deep, compact cup of grass and bamboo leaves completely covered with moss outside, except at the base, and densely lined with fine grass and roots and
an inner lining of hair or fur. It appears to be generally placed low down in bushes in thick scrub. The eggs number two or three and are like no other eggs known to me, the ground-colour is a Prench grey, or grey-blue with markings at the larger end of sepia and dark brown with a few underlying blotches of pale neutral tint; all the markings are bold in character but sparse and confined almost entirely to the larger end. They measure
about 18-2
13-7 ram.
Habits. The habits of the Fulvettas seem to be much the same as those of PseuiJIominIa, though very little has been recorded. They are found up to at least 12,000 feet.
(305) Pulvetta vinipecta austeni.
GonwiN-AusTEw's Fclvetta.
IVopanig austeni O.-Qrant, Bull. U. O. C,
v, p.
3 (1895) (Manipur).
Vernacular names. Dao-pere-gajao (Cachari). Description. Differs from the last in having the head duller chestnut and the black head-stripes replaced by deep reddishbrown; chin white aud throat white with reddish-brown spots.
black
Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish-brown legs and feet dull fleshy-brown.
;
bill
dark brownish-
measurements about the same as in Hodgson's Pulvetta. "Wing 57 to 00 mm.; culmen tt to 9'5 mm. Distribution. Naga Hills, Manipur, Caehar Hills and probably all the hill-ranges South of the Brahmaputra over 5,000 feet. Kidification and Habits. Nothing recorded. In Caehar it was a wintwr visitor only to the liighesh peaks on the Barail Bange, where I found it in small flocks in the stunted oak forest at 5,000 to 6,000 feet. It is an active, cheerful little bird, restlessly moving about the bushes and lower trees, both by feet and wings,
uttering continually a soft " chip, chip."
(306) Fulvetta vinipecta ripponi.
The Chin Hicts Fulvetta.

Pioparm
ripponi Ilarington, Bull. B. 0. 0., xxxiii, p. 59 (191.3) (Mt. Victoria.).
Yemacnlar names. None
recorded.
Description. Similar to F. v'. austeni but differs in having the white supercilium commencing from the base of the bill ; the earcoverts are cliocojate-brown, almost the same colour as the head instead of very dark brown contrasting with it.
Colours of soft parts as in amuni.
02
292
TIMAUIDiK,
;
tail
HeasnremeatB. Total length about 110 mm. wing 51 to 56 mm. about 54mm.; tarsus about 22mni. culmen 9 mm. Distribution. Mt. Victoria and highest peaks of Chin Hills. Nidification. Nests taken by Mr. F. Grant on Mt. Victoria were similar to those of F. v. vinipecta, being made of grass and leaves tbii-kly bound together M'ith green moss, the leaves only showing through in small patches here and there the lining was of fine roots and iu shape the nests were rather deep, viell-made cups. They were placed in low bushes in forest. Two eggs sent me by Mr. Grant are like those of Hodgson's Fulvetfa but measure only 16'3 x l-3'O mm. Habits. Those of the genus. It is found on Mt. Victoria up
;
to 9,000 feet.
(307)
Pulvetta manipurensis.
Bull.
The Manipur Fulvetta.

Propaitis mnnijmrciuis O. -Grant, (Manipur).
B. O.
C,
xvi,
p.
323

Description. Similar to F. v. vinipecta but differs in wanting the white supercilia and in having the flanks and sides bright tawny-rufous the coronal stripes are chocolate, not black, and the lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts are dull ochraceous orange.
;
Colours of soft parts. brownish-yellow.

,
The
legs in the dried skin are light
about 22
Measurements. Wing 50 to 56 mm. tail about 47 mm. tarsus mm. ; culmen 8 mm. Distribution. Obtained by God win- Austen on theOwen-khulno Peak,'Manipur, and not again by anyone else. Nidification and Habits. Unknown found at 8,000 feet.
; ; ;
(308)
Pulvetta Tuficapilla sordidior,

Eiraow's FctTKrxA.
0., xiii, p.
ProparuB mdidior Rippoo, Bull. B.0.
60 (1903)
(Talifu).
Vemacnlar names. None
recorded.
Description. Lcn^s and in front of the eye greyisli ; a white ring round the eye; forehead, crown and nape dull chestnut; a faint grey supercilium and over that a black stripe ear-coverts greyisli brown; back and wings olive-grey; outer edge of first primaries bluish grey, inner black lower back, rump and upper tail-coverts and tail fulvous; chin and throat grey, obsoletely striped ; breast vinous grey ; flanks and abdomen pale fulvous.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. "Iris dark brown; bill black-brown, lower mandible yellow-brown; legs and feet dark olive-brown" (Rothschild, Nov. ZooL, xxviii, p. 27).
woPABtrs.
293
about 22 inm.
Measurements. Wiug /J3 to 57 mm. ; tail about 54 mm. ; tarsus culmeu about 9 mm. ; Distribution. Tuuiian and W. China and ? Siian States. Eggs of a Piilvetta sent me from the Eastern Shan States
Nidificatiou aiid Habits. Frequents mountains between 7,000 1 1 ,000 feet elevation.
Ijrobably belonged to this race.
and
(lenus
LIOFABUS
Gates, 1889.
As pointed out by Gates this genus differs from Fulvttta in having the hairs over the nostrils longer and the rictal bristles much longer; a sliorter, broader bill and, especially, by its much The genus contains but one very little-known shorter hind claw. species which Hodgson first called clirysotis and then later altered Tiie former name, however, must stand. to chri/swus.
(309)
TuJil
Lioparus chrysotis.
938 (1884)
GoiiDEN-MBEASTED FtTLTETTA.
xiii,
Piopnrus chrysotis (Ilodgs.), Blvth, J. A.S. B., (Sikkim). Lioparus c/iri/scetis. lilanf. & Gates, i, p. 174,
p.
Vernacular names. Prong-samyer-pho (Lepclia). Description. Forehead, crown, nape and lores soft blackishashy ; ear-coverts, cheeks and a ring round the eye silvery-white, the first streaked with ashy back and scapulars ashy-olive rump and upper tail-coverts olive-green ; tail brown, the basal twowingthirds of all the featliera margined with orange-yellow coverts black ; wings dark brown, the first five primaries edged with orange-yellow; the outer secondaries all broadly margined with the same and tipped with white ; the inner secondaries broadlymargined witli white on the inner webs ; chin and throat silveryashy-brown ; remainder of lower plumage bright oi-ange-yellow.
;
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris legs pale fleshy.

tail
brown
bill
plumbeous, paler below

;
Measurements. Total length about 1 1 m m wiug 50 to 54 mm about 50 mm. ; tarsus about 23 mm. culmen about 8 mm. Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Assam in the higher ranges both Korth and South of the Brahmaputra, Maniptir.
.
.
Hodgson describes the nests as oval, measuring made almost entirely of bamboo leaves and grass and lined with grass and moss roots. Nests taken by H. Stevens in Nepal agree well with the above but are smaller and are very deep cups, not domed, densely lined with feathers. They were placed in clumps of bamboo as were Hodgson's. The
Nidiflcation.
about 6"x4'5",
eggs, three in number, are white, deeply tinged with pink before being blown, with blotches and spots of sienna-brown and pale
294
TIMALHD^.
neutral tint, principally disposed ns a ring round tlie larger end. Mr. Stevens's nests were )iieasure about i7-4x 13-3niin. taken on the 29th May and 3rd June at about 9,000 feet.
They
forest
Habits. Stevens found them in pairs haunting shrubs in dense between 6,000 and 9,000 feet elevation.
SubEamily SIBllNÊ*.
This subfamily differs from the Timaliina' in having longer wings and comparatively shorter, weaker tarsi and feet. Together with these features they have different habits, as one would have expected. They are strictly arboreal, seldom, if ever, feeding on the ground, nor do Ihey scramble and climb about the undergrowtli but hop from one branch to another, take easily to fliglit, and are not nearly so noisy as the last group of birds. Tl>e sexes are alike in plumage and often brightly coloured. This subfamily remnins much as in Blauford and Gates, but tiie genus Zosterops is i-emoved en bloc to a family by itself, Zosteropulw
of Sharj)e.
I retain in this subfamily with some approaches the previous subfamily, especially in its nidification, but on the whole it appears to be properly placed where it is.
The genus Acthioduni
doubt, as in
many ways
it
Key
A. Tail
to
Genera.
Sibia, p. 295.
iiearly twice the lenjjrtli of wing B. Tail and wing not differing much in length. a. Tail-feathers graduated. a'. All the tail-feathers gi'aduated. a". Tail longer than winpr; the outer tail-feathers falling short of tip of tail by a distance equal to length of tarsus. a" WingB not barred b'". Wings barred 6". Til not louger than wing; tl>e outer tail-feathers falling short of the tip of tail by less than the length of tarsus. c'". Nostrils not overhung by hairs; wings barred
.
."
Leioptila,
p. L'96.
p.
Actinodcba,
303.
Ixops,
p.
307.
p. 309,
d'". Nostrils
overhung by
hairs
and
wings not baned
Staphiuia,
* The subfiiiiiily liracht/pten/ffina does not belong to the Tmaliide at all. Oaten realized their dose connection with the Tardiaa but plaeetl them in hia Crateropodidit on the ground that the plumage of the young was like that of the parent, whereas it has been proved ibat in Larvivora, Brachypteryie and Drymocharea all have spotted .young. Ite genera Myiophotums and Arrenga are true Thrushes; Elaphrornis appears to be a Warbler somewbero near Trihara Tesia and 0%ra; are Wrens, livahdytidm ; and the other genera short-winged Chats which may be retained in a subfamily,. Brachyplerygina, in tlie Turdida. All these genera will be found in their appropriate plaoes in future Tolnmea.
;
siBiA.
pairs only of tiul-featbers graduated a. Tail square and not graduated, e'. Bill slender, gently curved and both mandibles of the same length d'. Bill stout and straight, the upper mandible longer than the lower one, with the tip bent down. e". Depth of bill at nostrils less than breadth d". Depth of bill at nostrils more than breadth
b'.
295
The two outer
Siva,
p. 312.
Yphina,
p. 316.
IxuLirs, p. 321.
Ehpornis,
p. 324.
Genus SIBIA Hodgson, 1836.

Sibia contains but one species, which is remarkable for the extraordinary length of its tail, which is twice as long as the wing and greatly graduated. The bill is shorter than the head, slender and curved, and the nostrils are covered by a large membrane. The rictal bristles are moderate in length. The bill is similar to that of Leioptila, figured
The genus
below.
(310) Sibia picaoides picaoides.
The LoNO-TAiLKD
Sibia picaoides Hodgs., J.A.S.B., Oates, i, p. 196.
Sibia.
viii, p.
SS (1839) (Nepal)
Blanf.
&
Vernacular names. Matcheo-pho (Lepeha). rescription. Whole upper plumage, wings and tail deep slatybrown, tiie tail tipped with white and the wings with a white patch formed by a spot on each outer web of four of the secondaries forehead and lores blackish throat and breast slaty-brown remainder of lower plumage ashy-grey, becoming albescent on the abdomen. Colours of soft parts. Iris red or crimson, occasionally brown; bill black or horny-black legs dusky grey, claws horny-black. Measurements. Total length abont 340 mm. wing 120 to 125 mm. ; tail about 210 to 220 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. colmen about 24 mm. Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim to Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra Chin Hills, Kachiu Hills, Shan States and Karenni to Tenasserim. Nidifioation. A nest taken by Mr. H. Stevens in Sikkim at about 8,000 feet elevation, where this Sibia was common and no others were present, was assuredly of this bird though the owner of it was not shot. It was a compact nest made entirely of moss, lined with mo?s roots and was placed at the end of the branch of a pine-tree. The one egg it contained measured 24'5xl8'3mm,
;
and
is
exactly like those oi Ldoptila gradlia, described further on.
296
nuAhiiJiJs.
Habits. This beautiful Sibia is not uncommon from 3,000 to 8,000 feet, frequenting forests in small parties or in pairs and feeding largely on the insects which are found in flowering trees, such as the cotton-tree etc. They are not noisy birds but frequently utter a note which Jerdon terms " a sort of whistling call," shrill but not unpleasant. According to Stevens it is found in the foot-hills in Lakhirapur in January and February in flocks numbering as many as twenty.
Genus LEIOPTILA Blyth, 1847.

from Sibia in its much shorter tail this is longer than the wing and well graduated, the outermost feather reaching a little beyond the middle of the tail. The rictal bristles are a little longer than in Sibia and there is a full crest in all the
Differs chiefly
;
species.
Key
a.
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Crown of head black or brown.

tail-feathers with a subterminal black band. a'. Rump and uppertail-covertsrufous. a". Darker ; breast rufous breast pale pinkishb". Paler ;
Median pair of
[p.
290.
Z. capisf.rata capistrata, L.e. pallida, p. 298. L, gracilis, p. 298.
rufoua
b'.
b.
and upper tail-coverts ashy Median pair of tail-feathers uniform brown or black with a white tip. ('. Rump and upper tail-coTerts choco.
Rump
late-brown. Inner secondaries black. a'". Tipper plumage brownish black 6'". Dpper plumage deeper black. d". Inner secondaries chiefly chestc".
L. 7n. melanoleuca, p. 299. L. m. radcUffei, p. 300.

X. castant^tera,
p. 300.
nut
d'.
Rump
chestnut,
[p.
Wing-coverts margined with ashy and chestnut. c'". Chestnut of back paler <f ". Chestnut of back darker .... f. Wing-covevts entirely black B, Crown of head bluish-grey like the upper back
e".
. .
800.
L, atmeetens annectem,
L.a. saturata, p. 301. Z.a. davimni, p. 302.

Z. pdchdla pukhella, p. 302.
(311) Leioptila capistrata capistrata.
ThB
(DaqilJng). Lioptila capistrata.
BLA0E-H2A.BIUD SiBIA.
S.,
Cinelosoma capistratum Vigors, P,Z.

Blanf.
196.
;
& Oates, i, p.
VemaculaT names. Sambriak-pho (LeTôha)

Sibya (Nep.).
Sesigona (Bhut.);
LHIOPTILA,
297
Description. Forehead, crown, crest, nape and sides of the head black, the ear-coverts sometimes dark brown the whole lower plumage, rump and upper tail-coverts and a broad collar round the neck deep bright rufous ; back and scapulars greyishbrown median tail-feathers rufous for three-quarters of their length, then with a dark band and a bluish tip in the otiier feathers
; :
;
the rufous portion rapidly diminishes and the black increases lower wing-coverts rufous primary-coverts black greater coverts white at base, forming a broad band, the exterior feathers blue tipped with black, the others tipped with rufous inner secondaries chestnut edged with blue the other quills dark brown, the primaries with the outer webs pale blue, the outer secondaries
; ; ; ;
dark blue.
Pig. 55.
Head of L.
c,
capistraia.
Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish-brown to brilliant crimson, perhaps according to age; bill black; legs fleshy-grey to purplishbrown, claws horny-brown.
Ueasurements. Total length about 220 to 230 mm. wing 91 to 96 mm. tail about 100 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. culmeu about 20 mm.
;
Distribatiou. Eastern Himalayas, Kaini-tal to
Dada
Hills.
Kidification. The Black-headed Sibia breeds during May and June at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, making a very compact, deep cup of moss, sometimes mixed more or less with scraps of dead leaf, lichen, etc. Between the outer nest and the true lining of fine roots and fern-rachides is an inner lining of soft grass and shredR of fibre and leaves. The nest is very hard to locate, as it is generally high up in pine-, fir-, or deodar-trees in the bushy extremities of the outer branches. The eggs are generally two, more rarely three, and are pale blue in ground-colour with splashes, smears and blotches of pale and dark brownish-red with a few spots and hair-lines of very dark red-black. The shell is fine but not glossed, they are fragile eggs for their size and in shape they are rather broad blunt ovals. They measure about
24-1 X 191
mm.
HabitB. This Sibia is found in flocks, often of some size, in tree-forest between 5,000 and 8,000 feet elevation, -wandering a good deal lower in the cold weather. They are entirely arboreal
298
TIUJLUIDM,
and keep much to the higher branches of firs, spruce and similar wings far more and their feet far less than birds of the preceding sub-family; at the same time their flight is dipping and slow, nothing like that of the Timlidce. They are rather noisy birds, but their notes are very pleasing and Hutton says
trees, using their
their " loud, ringing call titteree,
may
iitleree, tueei/o (juickly repeated be constantly heard on wooded banks during summer.''
(312) Leioptila capistrata pallida.
The Pale
(1891) (Simla).
Sibia.
p.
LioptUa cafnstrata pallida Hartert, Kat. Viig. Senckenb. Mus.,
21
Vernacalar names. None recorded.

Descriptioa. DifFers from L. c. capistrata in being paler everywhere and in having the lower parts a pale, almost pinkish rufous.
Colours of soft parts and Keastiremeiits as in the

Distribution.
last.
N.W.
Himalayas, Hazara to Garhwal.
STidification. The nest and eggs cannot be distinguished from the last but Mr. A. E. Jones has taken some very beautiful Twenty -four eggs average about erythristic clutches in Simla.
5'0xl8-lmm. Habits. Found from 5,000

kind of haunts as the
to 9,000 feet elevation in the
same
la^t bird.
(318) Leioptila gracilis.
The Gkby
Idoptila ffradlit.
Sibia.
IS-'JQ, p.
Hypsipetes gracilis McOlell., P. Z. S.,

Blanf.
159 (Assam).
& Oates, i, p. Vemaenlar names. None recorded.
197.
description. Forehead, crown and lores hlack, paling on the nape and ear-coverts and blending with the rich slaty-brown of the hind neck, back and scapulars rump and upper tail-coverts ashy-grey lesser, median and primary coverts, and outer feathers of the greater coverts black ; remaining greater coverts and innermost secondaries bluish-ashy, edged with bltick, and the basal portions more or less white ; quills black, the earlier primaries edged with hoary-grey on the outer webs; central tail-feathers bluish-grey with subterminal black bands, the black bands and grey tips increasing in extent until the outermost feathers are
; ;
entirely
black
with grey tips
chin, throat
and cheeks white,

sides of
buff.
becoming fulvous on the breast and abdomen, the are washed with lilac; vent and under tail-covert*
in
which
Colours of soft parts. Iris red to bright crimson, reddish-brown young birds; bill black; legs and feet brown to brownish-black, the feet and claws darker still.
Heasnrements. Total length about 235 to 245 mm. wing 92 to 97 mm. tail about 130 to 140 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. culmen about 20 mm. Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Mauipur and Chin Hills.
;
;
Nidification. This bird breeds freely in the

it is
KLasia
Hills,
where
common-between 4,000 and 6,000 feet, In the early si.vties Godwin-Austen took its nest in the Umiam Valley and tlie next nest was taken by myself in 1905 in the same spot since then
;
nests have been taken, all in pine-trees and all built in the They are made of green moss thick tufts at the ends of branches. and lined with roots and are rather massive and well-built cups. The eggs are generally two only in number, sometimes three and very rarely four. In appearance they are very like weakly coloured Blackbirds' eggs, pale greyish or greenish blue, lightly freckled and blotched all over with pale reddish; a few eggs approach the Actinodura type of egg with bolder markings and spots. Sixty eggs average 23"tX 17'7mra. The breeding season lasts from the middle of May to July and the birds may be found during these
many
months any where between 4,000 feet and the highest peaks. Habits. Tii6 Grey Sibia is essentially a bird of pine-forests, outside of which it is but rarely met with except in the cold weather m<mths, when it wanders down to about 3,000 feet in any
It flies fairly well, haunting the tops of the pines in small flocks or pairs, working the brandies for insects as assiduously as other species of this family. Its call is a tine, dear treble note but il has many others of a conversational character though it is not a noisy bird.
kind of tree-forest.
(314) Leioptila
melanoleuca melanoleuca.
413 (1859)
TlCKELIi'S SiBlA.
Sibin melanoleuca Tickell, Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxviii, p. (Muleyit Mt.). Oates, i, p. 198. Ltopitia melanoieitea. Blanf.
&
Ternacular names. None recorded.

Description. Ear-coverts very dark brown; forehead, crown, nape and rest of the sides of the head black ; back, scapulars, lesser and median wing-coverts, rump and upper tail-coverts chocolate-brown, tinged with ashy on the two latter parts ; wingquills and greater coverts black ; tail dark brown, the outer webs edged black and all the feathers tipped with white; entire lower plumage white.
Colours of soft parts. Iris lake ; bill black legs and feet dark reddish-brown to dark purplish -brown or brownish black (Eiime
;
4"
Dav.).
;
Keasurements. Length about 220 mm. wing 87 to 90 mm.; about 120 mm. ; tarsus about 28 mm. ; culmen about. 17 mm.
tail
300
TIMAIillDJE.
tlirotigti Siain
Distribution. Vrova Mulai-yit Mountain in Tenasserim, possibly to the Shan States and Kuby Mines district.
Nidiflcation. Davison obtained a nest of this bird on Mulai-yit of bamboo leaês, grass, moss and other materials and placed in a small branch of a high tree growing in a ravine. It was taken on the :ilst Febronry and contained three eggs, pale spotless blue
made
and measuring about 29-3xl7"0mm. Habits similar to those of the last

its
bird.
Davison describes
note as a single, long-drawn, clear-sounding whistle.

(315) Leioptila
melanoleuca
radcliffei, ? snbsp. nov.
Bidcliffe's SiBiA.
VernacTilar names. !None recorded.
Description. Differs from L. m. melanolmca in iiaving the whole upper parts glossy black with no trace of brown. Colours of soft parts and MeasurementB as in the last bird. Distribution. There are only three specimens from N.E. Central Burnia in the Uritish Museum and one in the Bombay N<itural History Society's Museum from Tauughoo. These are marked Lioptila radcliffei, but there is nothing to show by whom the name was written or where it has been published, if at all.
Nldification and Habits.
Not
recorded.
(316) Leioptila castanoptera.
Fba's Sibia.
Malaeias castauoptet-a Salvadori, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen., p. 363 (1880) (Monte Carin).
Lioptila cattanoptera.
(2)
vii,
Bianf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 199.

Description. Besembles Tickell's Sibia but is a and has the greater part of the inner secondaries coTerts chestnut.
darker bird
and greater
Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson
bill
and
legs black.
last
;
Measurements. 95 mm.
A rather larger bird
than the
wing S9
to
Distribution. Karenni and
Western Shan
States.
(317) Leioptila
annectens annectens.
A.
8. B., xvi, p.
i,
Bx-xth's Sibia.
Leioptila ownecfew* Bly th, J. Lioptila annecteng. Blanf.
460(1847) (Darjeeling).
&
Oates,
p.
199.
Vernacular names. Bubnun-jaho (Ijcpcha). Description. Upper part of head and hind neck black, tbo
LEIOMILA.
latter streaked
; ; ;
301
with white sides of tlie back black scapulars pale rufous middle of back, rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut, the latter with a few black streaks lesser and median wingcoverts black edged with ashy greater coverts black tipped with chestnut primaries black, edged on the outer webs of ail but the last two or three with bluish-white, secondaries the same but with broader edges and the innermost tipped with white and with some chestnut on the outer web tail black, edged with still deeper black on the basal half and tipped with white, the white increasing iu extent outwardly ; lower plumage white, except the vent, flanks and under tail-coverts which are chestnut.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris grey-brown in the young to chocolate-brown and deep crimson in the adult; bill black, the extreme base of the lower mandible yellow ; legs and feet wax- or chromeyellow, claws brownish.
tail
Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing75to80mm.; about 85 to 87 mm. tarsus about 24 mui. culmeu about
;
15 to 16
mm.
Brahma-
Distribution. Sikkiin, Assam North and South of the putra, Manipur and Chin Hills. .
Nidification. This graceful Sibia breeds from 4,000 feet to the top of the highest hills South of the Brahmaputra, jjlacing its nest on the small outer branches of trees, sometimes at great heights, sometimes in quite small saplings not 20 feet from the ground. In shape it is a deep cup of moss, mixed with a few leaves and roots with an inner lining of grass and reed-stems and a true lining of fine roots and fern-rachides. It is placed without any attempt at concealment and even if not spotted at once the excited actions of the birds soon draw one's attention to it. The eggs, which number either two or three, are pale blue with blots, blotches and specks of pale reddish-brown and a few hair-lines Twenty -five eggs average 22-0xl5'5 mm. of the same or darker. The breeding season is May and June.
Habits. Blyth's Sibia is a bird of the evergreen forests above 4,000 feet, descending but little lower even in the cold season. It climbs, creeps and flutters amongst the higher branches of the trees in hunting for food and is generally found in small parties of five or six individuals. Their note is a clear, single whistle but they are quite unobtrusive birds, though not very shy.
(318) Leioptila annectens saturata.
Waldek's
Idoptila saturata
Sibia.
Walden,
Ibis, 1875, p.
852 (Karennee).
Vemaoular names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to the last but differs in having the back a richer, deeper cliestnut.
3C2
Distribution.
TIMAtllDvE.
The
eastern hills of Barma, Kachin Hills and
S han States
Kareuni. Kidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded.

to
(319) Leioptila
annectens davisoni.
p.
DATISOlf's SiBlA.
Luiptila davisoni Blanf. & Oates,
Hume,
i,
S. F., v,
110 (1877) (Mulej'it Mt.)
p. 200.

Description. Differs from L. a. annectens in having the back and M'iiig-coverts black and the rump and upper tail-coverts mingled black and deep ferruginous maroon.
Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson brown.
bill
black
legs
horny-
Keasarements about the same

trifle
as
in
the other races ur a
smaller
wing about 75 mm.
Distribution. Tenasserim.
Nidification
unknown.
:
Habits. Davison says " I only found this bird at Muleyit, quite near the top, usually in pairs, sometimes singly. I found it generally about the large trees surrounding the Sakans or camping-ground.", strange to say, climbing about the trunk and brunches much after the manner of a Nuthatcii. 1 have also seen it, hunting about the leaves and smaller branches of the Those 1 killed had eaten only insects." tree-tops.
' '
(320) Leioptila pulchella palchella.

TiiK Beautifui, Sibia.
Sibia puhhella Godw.-Aust.,
A. M. N. H.,
Oates,
i,
(4)
xiii,
p.
160 (1874)
(Kunho, Naga
Hills).
Lioptila pulchdla.
Blnnf.
&
p. 200.
Ternacnlar names. None recorded. Description. The whole upper plumage and smaller wing-coverts bluish-grey, brighter on the head median tail-feathers umberbrown, with a snbterininal black band and a dark grey tip ; the black gradually increasing in extent until the outermost feathers are nearly all black with grey tips greater coverts next the back entirely chocolate-brown changing to black on the outer coverts, winglet and primary-coverts primaries black broadly edged with bluish-grey ; outer secondaries with darker grey edges and inner secondaries umber-brown, edged with black on the outer webs lores and round the eye black ; ear-coverts mixed bluish-grey and black ; lower plumage ashy-blue, tinged with vinous.
; ; ;
; bill black ; legs l)omy -brown. HeaauremeatB. Total length about 230 mm.; wing 100 to 105 mm. tail about 120 mm. ; tarsus about 33 mm. ; culmen about 20 mm.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson
AcnwoDtjaA.
Distribution.
feet,
303
Brahmaputra above 5,000
The
Hills South of the

Hills.
Toropatu Peak, Dafla
Nidification urxknown.
Habits. This Sibia frequents only the higher ranges. In some parts of the Naga Hills at about 7,000 to 9,000 feet it is not rare and it wanders, ]5robabl)' only in winter, into Cachar and the Khasia Hills on the peaks and ridges between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. God win- Austen says that it is found in companies of about half-adozen, haunting the tops of rhododendron-trees, the flowers of which it searches busily for insects. The only call I heard was a very loud, shrill whistle, less musical than the notes of this genus They are extremely active birds like all the others. generally are.
Genus ACTINODUEA Gould, 1836.

The genus Actinodura only differs from Leioptila in its shorter, less slender bill and in life they have a stouter, rather stronger
tarsus,
though this is not visible in dried skins. about half the length of the head, the rictal bristles are long and the tail is considerably longer than the wing and well
The
bill is
graduated as in Leiofitila. There are in India and
Burma two
species which vary con-
siderably in different geographical areas.
Key
A.
to
Species
and
;
Subspecies.
No
a.
white ring round eye. Forehead and lore crown chestnut

;
back
A.effertoHieffeitoni,-p.S08.
b.
reddish-olive Forehead rufous

a'.
crown
like
tlie
back.
v.
Back ochraceous Back greyish-olive
A,
e.
khasiana,
p.
A.e. ripponi,
p. 804. 305.
B.
A
c.
d.
conspicuous ring of white feathers round the eye. Crown and back ashy olive- brown .... Crown tinged with rufous back more
;
[p. 305.
A.ramiayiraimayi,
ochraceous
A.r.
radeUffei, p. 306.
(321)
Actinodura egertoni egertoni. The Nepal Bae-winq.

S.,
Actinodura egertoni Gould, P. Z.

Gates,
i,
1836, p, 1 (Sikkim)
Blanf.
&
p. 201.
Vernacular names. Jl(imnio-pha (Lepcba). Description. Crest rich ashy-brown ; forehead, lores, round the eye, cheeks and chin rufous; ear-coverts, sides of the neck and mantle brown, paler than the crest; smaller wing-coverts, rump, back and upper tail-coverts reddish brown ; primary-coverts almost entirely black ; greater coverts chestnut inner webs of primaries and outer secondaries brown, the outer webs ashy with chestnut
;
304
TIMALIIDJE.
bases and black bars; inner secondaries silky-brown, narrowlf barred with black ; outer tail-feathers brown, barred with black and tipped witli white ; the middle pair reddish brown, obsoletely barred and the intervening ones gradually changing from the one to the other ; throat and upper biea*t pinkish-fulvous ; remainder of lower plumage fulvous, the centre of the abdomen whitish and the under tail-coverts tipped with white.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown
bill
pile
honiy-browu, darker on culmen, paler on gonys; legs and feet pale sienna or pale brown.
Heasnrements. Totallength about 2S20 to 230 mm. wing 80 to 85 mm. tail about 105 to 115 ram. tarsus about 28 mm. culmeu about 15 mm.
;
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkira and Dafla Hills.

breeds between 4,000 and June, making a compact cup-shaped nest of grass, leaves and bamboo leaves mixed with roots aud tendrils and lined with liner roots and rhizoiiiorph. Outside there is always a certain amount of moss aud often a great deal, whilst in some instances this material is largely used in the nest itself. It measures between 4 and 6 inches in diameter and is almost as deep as wide, though occasionally a more shallow-shaped nest may be taken. It is placed in saplings, small trees or high bushes 10 to 25 feet from the ground and most often in fairly dense forest. The eggs number two or three, very rarely four, and are a pale blue-green in colour with rather smeary lines, blotches and suiudges of reddish brown with secondary markings The texture is fine but not very glossy, the of pale lilac-grey. sha|)e an obtuse oval and twenty-five eggs average 22-8 X 17"5 mm.
Nidification.
The Nepal Bar-wing
8,000 feet in
May and
in
measurement.
Habits. In habits these birds differ little from those of the genus Leioptila. Hume remarks that they go about in small parties and are quite tree-birds, clambering about and poking into every hole and cranny and foraging about much like Tits in the huge bunches of orchids and other parasites. They are rather noisy birds but most of their notes are mellow and pleasant. They are mainly insectivorous in their diet, perhaps wholly so.
(322)
Actinodura egertoni khasiana.
The Shillons Bab-wibg.

Actinodura khatiana Godw.-Aust., J. A.S.B., xv,
(Shaiong).
pt.
ii,
p.
76(1876)

Bescriptioa. Differs from the last bird in the Ugfater crown, the rufous of the forehead is ;â]er and does not extend on to the crown as it does in that bird; the back, rump and upper tail-
AOTmODDBA.
806
coverts are much more ochraceous and the central tail-feathers are mnch more distinctly barred.
Colours of soft parts and Ueasurements as in the last bird.

Distribution.
Hills South of the
Brahmaputra
in
Assam
to
Manipur,
Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but breeds at a lower elevation, i. e. between 3,500 and 6,000 feet. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the last bird and are like poorly coloured, weakly marked specimens of those of Troehalopterum phteniceum. One hundred eggs average 23'4 x 17*7 mm ., and the extremes are 25-0X18-4, 21-7X17-4 and 22'0xl7-0mm. Habits. This is a very common bird over all the Western Hills South of the Brahmaputra but much more rare to the East. It wanders about in parties of half-a-dozen to a dozen or so, keeping
principally to the tree-tops and bigger trees, as described by Hume when referring to the last bird but sometimes haunting the lower cover when there is any special attraction. In N. Cachar they were found occasionally feeding on the gronnd amongst strawberries, which were infested with a little black ily. In these latter cases we found the stomachs contained a mass of crushed strawberries and Hies, the birds evidently swallowing tliem together. They were not shy birds and allowed quite close observation
without moving away but they were always most restless and quick in their motions.
(323)
Actinodura egertoni ripponi.

liippou's Bar-wixg.
Actinodura ripponi Ogilvie-Grant,
Ibis, 1907, p.
166 (Mt. Victoria).
Vernacular names. Pong-prap (Kachin). Description. Similar to A. e. khasiana but with the crown dark grey as in A. e. egertoni and the back, rump and upper tail-coverts
olive-green.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements a? in the other races.

Distribution. Chin and Eachin Hills.
Nidiflcation and Habits differ in no way from those of the two Ten eggs taken by Harington, Mackenzie, Grant other birds. Harington obtained their and others average 23-0 X 17*5 mm. nests from bamboo clumps.
(324) Actinodura
ramsayi ramsayi.
(4) xv, p.
Eamsat's BAB-wiira.
Actinodura ramsayi Walden, A. M. N. H,, (Karennue) Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 202.
;
402 (1876)
Vernacular names. None recorded,

roii. I.
306
TIMAUIDJB.
Description. TJp))er plumage ashy olive-brown, tinged with ferruginous on the head and more so ou the forehead, the feathers of the back, rump and upper tail-coverts faintly cross-barred with black lores dusky ; a conspicuous ring of white round the eye sides of head ashy ; primary-coverts black ; inner secondaries and other wing-coverts olive-brown, distinctly bari-ed with black outer webs of primaries and outer secondaries chestnut on the tail olivebasal, ashy on the terminal halves, barred with black brown, distinctly barred with numerous narrow black bars, the bars increasing in width on the outer feathers ; all the tailfeathers tipped with white whole lower plumage ochraceous buff, becoming browner on the under tail-eoverts.
; ; ;
ligiit hair-brown bill horny-brown Wardlaw-Bamsay). Measurements. Total length 230 to 240 mm.; wing 86 to 90 mm. tail about 120 to 130 mm. tarsus about 28 mm. culmen
Colours of soft parts. Iris

(
legs slaty-brown
about 18
mm.
Distribution. Thfe Southern Shan States and Kareuni.
Habits. Eippon records of this bird in the Shan States " The habits of this bird are very like those of Ltioptila casianoptem
:
it
hops rapidly from branch to branch, frequently uttering
its
three notes in the minor in a descending scale, preceded by a flourish ; that of A . ramsayi is the same without the flourish." It is found in heavy forest or
call.
The
call of L. castanoptera is
brushwood between 3,000 and 5,000
feet elevation.
(325)
Actinodura ramsayi
radcliffei.
The Euby Mikes Bae-wing.

Actinodura rammi/i
(1910)
radcliffei
Harington, Bull. B. O. C,
xiii, p.
(Ruby Mines).
Vernacular names. Xone recorded. Description. " Differs from A. ramsayi in having the fore part of the head and crest darker ferruginous, the general colour of the upper parts ochraceous the abdomen is conspicuously white, and the feathers of the throat have rather conspicuous shaft;
streaks."
Ctolours of soft parts. " Iris
brown
bill
dark brown
;
legs pale
brown."
measurements. " Total length about 246 mm. culmen 20 mm. wing 91*4 mm. tail 127 mm. tarsus 30-5 mm." Distribution. " The type, the only specimen obtained, was shot by Col. H. Delmd-Kadcliffe in the Kuby Mines District, Upper Burma." Nidiflcation and Habits unknown.
;
;
jxops,
;i07
Genus IXOPS Hodgson, 1844. The genus Ixops is very close to Actinodura, differing only in having a comparatively shorter tail and the tail-feathers less
Species of this genus extend from Nepal eastwards to Formosa. In the case of this genus it is not easy to decide whether the different forms sliould be treated as species or subspecies. There are four quite distinct birds in which the material at present available shows no intergrading. These are two rufous-breasted birds, one striped and one unstriped, a third striped grey bird and a fourth with a grey breast with brown centres. There seems, however, to be no intervening area in which a lialf-way form occurs. At tlie same tiuio no two of tliese forms are found breeding in the same area and, therefore, for the present, I keep them as geographical races, or subspecies,
graduated.
only,
Ixops nipalensis.
Key
A.
(jhin,
to
Subspecies.
[p.
throat and breast not striped head with pale streaks B. Chin, throat and breast streaked feathers of head with pale edges. a. Chin, throat and breast rufous with darker centres. a'. Upper parts rufous; esr-coverls silvery-grey i'. Upper parts deep rufous cr maroonbrown ear-coverts dark ijrey .... b. Chin, throat and breast grey' with brown centres
;
307.
I.tops nipalensis nipalenxis,
I.vops n. waldeni, p. 308.

l.iops n. poliotk, p. 809.
I.rops n. dqflavmif!, p. 309.
Pig. 56.
Head of
/. n.
nipalensis.
(326) Ixops nipalensis nipalensis.
TuE Hoaux Bak-wins.

Cincloamna nipalensis Ilodgs., As. Res., six, p, 145 (1836) (Nepal). Ixopt Hepalensi. Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 208.
Vernacular names. Eanmio-pho (Lepcha). Sescriptioa. Forehead and crest coffee-brown, with long pale
x2
308
;
TIMALIIDiE.
rufous sliaft-streaks sides of neck, mantle, back and lesser wingcoverts rufescont brown, with indistinct pale shaft-lines rump and upper tail-coverts more rufous and unstreaked primarycoverts black greater coverts rufous tipped with hoary ; quills chestnut, barred witli black on the outer webs ; innermost rufescent and barred on bolh webs; the outer webs of tiie first few primaries more or less ash3' basal portion of tail castaneous, barred with black, the chestnut decreasing in extent on the outer feathers, the other portions black, tipped with white ear-coverts and lores pale grey cheeks black, the black continuing back below the ear-coverts chin, throat and breast fulvous-ashy, turning to ferruginous on the iiankEi, lower abdomen and under
;
;
tail-coverts.
brownish black
tail
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris brown, eyelid bluish grey feet brownish-fleshy, claws livid (Seullj/). ;
bill
Heastirements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 84 to 91 mm. about 80 to Somm. tarsus about 30mm. culmen 17 to 18mm. As usual with the TimaliidcK, the female is decidedly smaller than the male.
; ;
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Nidification. Hodgson notes that this Bar-wing breeds between 4,000 and 6.000 feet in Sikkim and Nepal but the nest and eggs he describes in no way resemble any other birds of this group, and judging from the very close connection of this genus with the genus Actinodwa there is possibly some mistake. Other observers say that in the breeding season they haunt mountains nearer the 8,000-foot levels.
Habits. Jerdon says that it is more arboreal than birds of the and that it feeds chiefly on insects which it obtains from the higher parts of moderate-sized trees, es])ecial]y those with insect-infested flowers such ns rhododendrons. He gives its habitat as from about 7,000 to 1 0,000 feet upwards.
last geiius
(327) Izops nipalensis waldeni.

Wa.i.1)isn's
Bab-wihg.
S.,
Actinodura waldeni Godw.-Aust., P. Z.
1874,
p.
46 (Jopvo Peak,
Nuga
Ilills).
I.vops waldeni.
Blanf.
& Oates,
i,
p. 204.
Vernacnlar names. None recorded. Description, feathers of head darker than in the last bird and unstreaked but with pale edges ; the upper plumage is rufous, also unstreaked the whole lower plumage is rufous, the feathers of tlie chin, throat and breast with pale edges, giving a streaked
;
appearance
ear-coverts silvery-gi-ey with fine dark. centres.

;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris pale grey fleshy-brown {Godw.-Aust.).
bill
grey
legs
and feet
MeasnrementB as
Distribntion.
in the preceding race.
Naga
Hills
and Manipur.
STAPtllDIA.
309
it is
Nidification and Habits. Notliing recorded beyond the fact tliat found up to 9,000 feet and frequents the tops of trees.
Izops nipalensis poliotis.
Thk Chin Hills

Lvopg poliotis Ilippon, Bull,
i3.
Bab-wxjtg.
xv,
p.
0.
C,
07
(1!K).5)
(Mt. Victoria).

Description. Similar to
/.
almost a maroou-brown broader brown centres.
n. ivaldeni but much darker abo\'e, the ear-coverts are darker grey with
Colours of soft parts and Heasurements as in the last bird.

Distribution. Chin Hills, Mt. Victoria.
(329) Izops nipalensis daflaensis.

j\.usTEji's
Bab-wing.
M.N.
II., i'4) xti, p. ;540
Actinodura
daflatinsis Godw.-.'Vust., A.
(1875)
(Uafln Hills). Ixops dnflaenais.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 204.

Description. Similar to /. n. waldeni but a darker, duller chestnut above and tiie chin, tiiroat and breast-featliei-s grey with reddish-brown central streaks, the whole effect being grey, not rufous ; ear-coverts a rather darker grey.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Hoary Barwing.

Distribution.
Dafla and Miri Hills.
Habits. Thex-e is nothing on record beyond the fact that GodwinAusten shot it in high forest on Shengorh Peak at about 7,000 feet.
Genus STAPHIDIA Swinhoe, 1871. The members of the genus Staphidia are found in the hilly regions of North-Eastern India, Burma and China and again in
Two species are found within our limits, one of which represented by two geographical races. In StapJMia the bill is short and thick and resembles that of Ixuhn, figured below the nostrils are overhung by a few long hairs the rictal bristles are short and the head is crested. The Some species of tail is comparatively long and much graduated. this genus have been wrongly retained in Ixulus by Indian authors, the square tail of lanilrts at once separating it from the rounded tail of Staphidia. In this genus the first three primaries are graduated, the third and fourth being sobequal.
Borneo.
is
; ;
TIMAMIDiE.
Key
to
Species
. .
.
and
Subgpeeiex.
casfaneiceps, p. 310. striata gtriata, p. 31 1 8. s. rujigenii, p. 811.
S.
iS.
A. Crown chestnut-rufous Vi. Crown dark brown, no superciliiini .... C. Crown dark grey with white supercilium ..
,
(330) Staphidia castaneiceps.
The CHESTXUT-nEADBD
errore) (Cachar). Staphidia castaneiceps.
Staphidia.
I.mlus flustaneicips Mooie, V.Z.S., 1854,' p. 141 (Afghanistan in

Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 2()r).
Vernacular names. Dao-tisha-magini (Caehari). Forehead chestnut-brown, the feathers margined M'ith grey crown and crest cliestnut upper plumage and visible portions of wings and tail greenish brown, the back and scapulars with white shafts; niicidle tail-feathers and concealed webs blackish brown, outer feathers broadly tipped white, the tips
Description.
; ;
lores grey
decreasing in extent until they disappear in the central ones a short supercilium from above the eye white enrcoverts cbesfiiut with whitish shalts lower plumage and under wing-coverts pale fulvous white under tail-coverts brown tipped
; ;
;
with white.
hill rather light Colours of soft parts. Irides pale hazel legs reddish-horny, gape and base of both mandibles purplish dull reddish or fleeh-colour, claws dusky flesh-colour.
;
;
about 58
Measurements. Length about 135 mm. ; wing 60 to 70 mm.; tail mm. ; tarsus about 14 mm. culmen about 7'5 to 8 mm. Distribution. Assam Hills South of the Brahmaputra as far East as the Naga Hills and South to Lushai. According to Grodvvin-Austen this bird has also been found in the Dafla Hills.
;
between 2,000 and 5,000
Nidification. This pretty little Babbler breeds all over its range The feet, principally about 3,000 feet. breeding season begins in the middle of April and ends in the middle of July and the nest is nearly always placed in holes in
small perpendicular banks, those beside paths cut through the jungle being a very favourite site. They are placed only just inside the hole, often very indifferently concealed, and are made of some very soft fibrous material like tow, the surrounding portion of the nest being of weed stems, moss and leaves, more or less mixed with shreds of grass. The eggs number three or four and are broad, obtuse ovals, pure glossy white with fairly numerous specks and spots of vandyke-brown or reddish-brown, sometimes scattered over the whole surface, sometimes confined for the most part to the larger end, where they may form a rough ring or cap. 150 ^gs average 16'6 X 13'5 mm., the extremes being 180x1 4-0; 16-2xU-2mm.; 15-0 X 130 and 15-2 x 12-3 mm.
flocks, the individuals
found during the non-breeding season in small keeping very near to one another. They keep closely to the tops of the higher bushes and smaller saplings,
Habits. It
is
8TAPHIDIA.
311
ueither ascending to any height in the bigger trees nor frequenting the lower shrubs unless frightened, when they dive into the undergrowth and escape by clambering and flitting from one perch to another until they are out of sight. It is not a shy bird and may be watched at leisure from a few paces, scrambling about in very Tit-like postures and constantly uttering a low "chir-chit,chirchit." It is a very poor flyer and seldom uses its wings for more than a few yards. Those birds examined had fed on aphidse, locust larvsB and other insects and also on small hard seeds like
mustard seed.
(331) Staphidia striata striata.
TiCKEM-'s Staphidia.
Lrulm driatm Blyth,

Staphidia striata.
J.
A.
S. B., xxviii, p.
413 (1859) (Tenasserim).
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 206.
Vemacular names.
JN'one recorded.
DeBcription. General colour above dull olive-brown, the head darker with a greyish tinge, in some specimens a sooty-brown; the feathers of the head, mantle and back with grey shaft-stripes; ear-coverts dull chestnut and sides of the neck suffused with the same ; wings and tail the same colour as the back but darker the three or four outer pairs of tail-feathers broadly tipped with white ; under parts dull greyish white.
Coloars of soft parts. Iris blood-red brown colour ; legs reddish-horn.

;
bill
dark horn-
Measurements. Length about 130 ram. wing 60 to 63 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim northwards through the hills of Eastern Burma to Bhamo in the Chin Hills. Kidiflcation. Very similar to that of the last bird and Mr. 8. M. Eobinson records that this species like that form is also much
The nest is like given to nesting in holes in the roadside banks. that of the Chestnut-headed Staphidia but more raoBS is used in its outer walls. The few eggs I have seen are not distinguishable from those of that bird. They measure about 17*7 X 13-7 mm.
Habits. Similar to those of the preceding species.
(332) Staphidia striata rnfigenis.
Hume's Staphidia.
Ixfdm ruflyenis Hume, S. F., v, p. 108 (1877)(Himalayas,
Staphidia rujigenis.
Blanf.
Darjeeling).
&
Gates,
i,
p. 206.
Temaoolax names. None
recorded.
Description. Similar to the last but with the head lighter and more grey and with a distinct white supercilium from eye to back of ear-coverts, above which there is ti rufous band.
Colours of soft parts and Measorements as in the last bird.
312
TIUAUIDJB.
Bistribution. Sikkim to Assam North and East of the BrahmaThe eastern limits are not yet putra, Abor and Miri Hills.
known, but Harington obtained
it
in
the Kaehin Hills.
Nidification. Similar to that o the previous
two
birds.
Bound
about Margherita we found its nests on banks and sides of cuttings through the jungle, made of soft tow-like material mixed with moss, leaves and rubbish, more or less filling the base of the The eggs were generally three only, hole in which it was placed. rarely four and they differed from those of the Ghestnut-headed Staphidia only in being a little more richly marked. One hundred eggs measured on an average lG-6xl3*3mm. and the extremes were 180 X 13-2 mm., 16-2 X 13-7 mm. and 14-7xl2'4 mm. The breeding season lasts from March to June.
Habits. This little Staphidia is found in parties throughout the cold weather, according to Stevens sometimes numbering as
It haunts trees and brushwood alike as thirty individuals. both in forest and in the secondary growth and has the usual restless habits of its tribe. It is not a shy bird. It probably ascends as high as 4,000 feet in summer but is more a low-level bird, keeping for the most part from the foot-hills up to about 2,000 feet.
many
Genus SIVA Hodgson, 1838.

The genus Siva contains two species which occur within our limits,
these being divided into several well differentiated geographical They are distinguishable at a glance from other genera by their peculiar tail-feathers, the ends of which are obliquely truncated. The four central pairs are of equal length and the two outer pairs graduated. The bill is about half the length of the head, gently curved and notched ; the rictal bristles are long and the nostrils are covered by a membrane ; the head is crested and they are birds of handraces.
some plumage.
Key
a.
to Species
and
Subspecies,
A. Primaries edged with orange.

Central ttul-feathers red on only half ." their length h. Central tail-feathers red on five-sixths of their length B. Primaries edged with blue. c. Under plumage vinous-grey. '. Upper plumage light ochraoeous secondaries tipped with white .... v. Upper plumage fulvous olive-brown no white tips to secondaries d. Under plumage white.
c'.
& strigula strignda, p. 313.

S.s. cmtaneicauda, p. 814.
&
[p. 314. cyan, cyanouroptera,
S,c. wingatei, p. 815.
a".
6''.
Foreuead blue, indistinctly striped. Upper plumage fulvous olive-
brown , Upper plumage dusky olive-brown.

.
&.
8.C. oatesi, p. 816, orrfô, p. 316.
SIVA.
313
(333) Siva strigula strigula.
Tke Steipe-tukoated
Sim
i,
Siva.
;
strii/ultt
Hodgs., Tnd.Rev., 1838,
p.
89 (Nepal)
Blanf.
& Gates,
p.
208.
Vernacular names. MegUim (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead, crown and nape bright orange-brown a ring of yellowish feathers round tlie eye ; sides of head grey, mottled with whitish and dusky; upper plumage slaty-green: middle pair of tail-feathers chestnut-red on lialf the inner and one-thirtl the outer webs at the base, the remaining two-thirds black tipped with white ; the next pair black with a traoe of red at the base and tipped yellow; the other feathers black with
increasingly broad yellow tips, the outermost pair being all of this colour: wing-coverts and winglet like the back; primarycoverts black ; primaries and outer secondaries black, the outer
Fig.
57. Head
of 8.
ftrigula.
webs edged with orange, changing to yellow near the tips, inner secondaries chiefly slaty-grey on the outer webs and black on the inner and tipped with white; chin orange-yellow; throat pale yellow, with narrow crescentic black cross-bars a narrow moustachial stripe and a patch on the side of the neck black remaining lower plumage bright yellow, tinged with olivaceous on the sides of the breast and abdomen.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark reddish-brown; upper mandible dark brown, lower mandible light greyish -brown, tip white ; legs and feet grey, claws light brown.
Heaaurements. Total length about 165 mm. wing 64 to 69 mm. about 70 to 72 mm.; tarsus about 25 mm.; culmen 12 to 13 mm. " The young appear to have the crown light golden yellow intermingled with grey, and to have the bars on the throat less
;
tail
developed " {Oates).

Oistribntion. The Himalayas from the Sutlej Valley to Eastern Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra Valley. Kidifioation: The Stripe-throated Siva breeds in May and June
at heights between 4,000 and 9,000 feet or higher, making a neat cup-shaped nest of moss, roots and bamboo leaves, sometimes with a few other dead leaves and reed-stems an^ lined with roots.
314
It is placed either in a high
TIMAUID*.
bush or a small sapling in forest, either pine, fir or other isinds. The eggs vary from two to four and are a bright pale blue in colour with a few specks or spots of black, or reddish, or reddish brown. They measure according to Hodgson between 20*0 to 22-8 in lengtli and between 15-2 to lt)-5 in breadth but nine eggs in my own collection measure only ]9"6 x 14*9 mm.
Habits. This bird, like others of the genus, goes about in small haunting both the higher trees and scrub- and bush-jungle, thongh it keeps more to the former than the latter.
flocks,
(334) Siva strigula castaneicauda.
Hume's Siva. Sim castanekawda Hume, S. F., v. p. 100
(1877) (Muleyit)
Hlaiif.
&
Otttes,
i,
p. 209.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the last bird in the much greater extent of red on the tail the sides of the head are blackish and the ring of yellow round the eye brighter and more conspicuous. Colours of soft parts. Iris deep brown upper inaudible brown, lower fleshy legs and feet dingy glaucous-blue. Measurements as in the last. I cannot find that the average Gates says that the bill is much size of the bill is any bigger. larger but gives no details. Distribution. The whole of Burma, throughout the hills from Tenasserim to the Chin and Kachin Hills and Siam. It is extremely difficult to define the limits of these two races. Birds from the extreme Soutli and East of Burma are quite different from those of the Western Himalayas to Sikkim, but birds from
; ;
Assam to W. Central Burma are intermediate, having the sides of the head little darker than in typical strigula, yet with nearly as much red on the tail as castatieicatida ; the Chin Hills birds are a step nearer the latter, whilst those from Yunnan, the Shan States and nil Eastern and Southern Burma are practically identical with that form.
Nidiflcation and Habits as far as
bird.
is
known
like those of the last
single
egg taken by Mr.
W.
A. T. Kellow measures
18-4
X 15-6 mm.
(335)
Siva cjranouroptera cyanonroptera. Hodgson's BiUE-wiNGBD Siva.

;
Siva a/anouroplera Ilodgs., Ind. Kev.,1838, p. 88 (Nepal) & Oats, i, p. 209.
Blanf.
Vernacular names. Meghlim adiim (Lepcha). Description. Forehead, crown, nape and hind neck pale blue, the sides of the crown deeper blue, the forehead and anterior part of the crown streaked with brown ; lores, round the eyes and a broad
SIVA.
315
streak behind the eye while back, scapulars, wiug-coverts, rump and upper tail-coverts bright ocbraceous ; the median pair of tailfeathers wholly blue with a subterminal black patch and white tip the next four pairs with the outer webs blue, the inner brown margined with white, with the black patch aud white tip the outermost feather black on the outer, white on the inner web
; ;
primary-coverts black; winglet cobalt-blue, tipped white; primaries cobalt-blue on the outer webs outer secondaries margined with pale blue and tipped white inner secondaries blackish on the inner and bluish-grey on the outer wbs, tipped white; ear-coverts, cheeks, sides of the neck, chin and throat, breast and sides of the body delicate vinous-grey middle of abdomen pale yellowish buff; venit and under fail-coverts white.
;
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown bill horny-grey, brownish about the nostrils and with the base of the lower mandible yellowish ; feet fleshy-brown or flesh-colour.
;
measurements. Total length about 150 to 155 mm,; wing tarsus about 25 mm. 62 to 70 mm. ; tail 63 to 70 mm. eulmen 12 to 13 mm. Birds from the Himalayas are rather largei- than those South of the Brahmaputra, having wings 65 to 70 mm. as against 62 to 64 mm. in the southern birds.
; ;
Distribution. Himalayas from Naini-Tal to E. Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Chittagong Hill tracts and Chin Hills. Nidiflcation. The Blue-winged Siva builds a nest which is a small, neat edition of that of Leiotlirix lutea ; i. e. it is a small cup made of leaves, grasses, moss and roots, lined ith very fine roots and fine grasses, usually of a very dark colour. The majority of nests are found low down in bushes only a few feet from the ground but others may be taken higher up in trees. Wherever it is placed, however, it is sure to be well hidden, unlike that oiLeiothrix which The epgs vary from two to four, often is well exposed to view. two only, and are like those of Siva strigvia ; in shape they are very regular ovals and 24 eggs measure on an average 18"4 x 14- 1 mm. The breeding season is May and June.
Habits. This Siva may be found anywhere between 3,000 and 8,000 feet but is most common and breeds freely between 4,000 They consort in flocks and feed both on the and 6,000 feet. higher trees and in amongst the brushwood and seem particularly fond of the tangles of raspberry and blackberry vines so common throughout their haunts. They fly well and fairly quickly.
(33&) Siva cyanouroptera wingatei.
The Yvmixs BLrE-wiirGiD

Siva wingatei Ogilvie-Grant, ( E. Yunnan).
Bull.
Sita.
B. O.
C,
x,
p.
38 (1906)
Temaonlar names. Ching-tog-fm4ee (Kachin).
316
TIMALIIDJE,
Description. Differs from Hodgson's Blue-winged Siva in liaTing the upper plumage more olive-brown and in lia>iiig no white tips to the wing-quills.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the last bird, the culmen averaging a little larger.
Distribution. JLachin Hills to
Yunnan and
the Shan States.
Nidification. Nothing recorded but a nest and egg sent the Shan States are exactly like those of the last bird.
me from
Habits those of the genus.

(.337)
Siva cyanonroptera sordida.
The Dui.l
*Vpfl
Sia'a.
sordida Hume, 8. F., v, p. Gates, i, p. 210.
104 (1877) (Muleyit)
lilanf.
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from Hodgson's Blue-winged Siva in having the upper parts earthy-brown, the under parts entirely white and no white tips to the wing-quills. Colours of soft parts. " Lower inaudible, legs, feet and claws whitey-brown upper mandible darker but still pale brown iris creamy-white " (Oatet). measurements. Wing 62 mm. ; tail 68 mm. ; culmen 14 mm. Distribution. Mt. Muleyit in Tenasserim.
; ;
(338) Siva cyanouroptera oatesi.
Oateb's Sita.
Siva ci/anmtroptera oatesi Haringtou, Bull. B. O. (1913) (Byingyi Mountain).
C,
xxxiii, p.
62
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Intermediate between toingatei and sordida. Above olive-brown tinged with ochre on the rump but the head almost entirely dull blue, showing only faint indications of the stripes which are conspicuous in wingatei. Below white.
Distribution. Mt. Byingyi, borders of Shan States.
Nidification and Habits uuknown.
Genus T1TEINA Hodgson, 1836.
The genus TuJdna contains four species which are found within the limits of this work, extending from the Western Himalayas to Assam, Burma and China. In Yuhina the bill is about two-thirds the length of the head, greatly curved and sharply pointed; the frontal hairs and rietal
TCHINA.
bristles are well
317
developed and the nostrils are covered with a long

is
membrane. The head and quite square.
fully ci-ested.
The
tail is
rather short
Key
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Throat streaked with black. a. Upper plumage fulvous brown .... 6. Upper plumage olive-brown B. Throat not streaked. c. Throat brown. a King round the occiput white
.
.
I'.
gvJaris yiilaris, p. 317.
Y.'y. yangpicmia, p. 318.
;
.
shafts to tail-feathers white v. lling round the occiput orangerut'ous; shafts to tail-feathers
Y.diademata ampeUnOjifAM^.
brown
d.
Y.occipitalis occipitaHs,'^. S19.

[p.
Throat white with black spot on

chin
320.
y. nigriinentum niyrimenimn,
(339)
Yuhina
gularis gularis.
The Steipe-theoatei) Yuhina.

Yuhina yidaris Hodgs., As.
Bes., xix, p.
166 (1836) (Nepal)
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
631.
Vernacular names. Fugi-pho (Lepcha). Description. Foreheadandcrest rich hair-brown; upper plumage, wing-L-overts, inner secondaries and tail fulvous brown, more fulvous on the rump lores, cheeks and ear-coverts grey ; chin and
;
throat pale rufescent steaked with black ; breast plain rufescent remainder of lower plumage dull orange-brown, duller on the sides ; primary-coverts and winglet black ; wings blackish, the third to sixth primaries edged with pale grey on the terminal portion of the outer webs and all the secondaries except the first edged throughout their entire length with orange-brown.
lower mandible horny-brown
bill black, the Colours of soft parts. Iris dark hazel-brown ; legs and feet yellow-buff or orangebuff, claws dusky.
;
Keasurements. Total length about 150 to 155 mm. witig-68 to 72 mm. tail about 60 mm. tarsus 20 mm culmen about 12 to 13 mm. Distribution. Xepal to Eastern Assam Korth of the Brahma; ; ; ;
putra.
Kidiflcation. Hodgson describes the nest as a massive globular of moss wedged into a fork of a tree or between rocks, and the eggs as bnff or cafe-au-lait, thickly spotted with reddish browa. Nests taken for me by Messrs. W. P. Masson and sent with the birds are cradles of fern and moss roots, lined with finer moss roots and attached to the pendent roots under an overhanging bank. The eggs are pale sea-green, profusely but not boldly,
affiiir
318
TIMAMIDJK.
speckled all over with light red. All tha uests were taken in May.
They measure 17*4xl2'6 inm.
Habits. Very little on record but it is found from 3,000 feet upwards and principally between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. A gregarious bird and haunting trees in forest in preference to the lower buslies and smaller cover.
(340)
Yuhina
gularis yangpiensis.
SllAUrE'S YtTHINA.
Yuhina yangpieima Sharpe, Bull. B. 0. 0., Yunnau).
xiii, p.
11 (1900) (Yaiigpi,
Vernacular names. Ghee-chaw-pmn-frong, Chee-chaiv, Pum-eheechatrj (
Kachiu).
is is
Description. Very similar to the last but and less fulvous-browu above and the crest stead of a rich hair-brown.
more olive-brown fulvous-brown inblack, the
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown lower horny legs and feet orange.
;
upper mandible
Ueastirements as in T.
g. gularis.
Distribution. Hills South Shan States and Yunn.an.
of
the
Brahmaputra, Chin
Hills,
Nidification and Habits unrecorded.
(341)
Tuhina diademata ampelina.

Exppon's Yuhina.
12 (1900) (Warabum,
Yuhina antpctom Kippon, Bull. B. 0. C, xi, Bbaiuo Ilills;.
p.
Vernacular names.
chee-chaw (Kacbiiil
Chee-cliaw-pum-frong,
C/iee-chaw,
Pum-
Description. Crest, wing-coverts and upper parts dark earthbrown ; a line of silky-white feathers from each eye meeting between the occiput and nape; crest with lighter shaft-streaks; bastard wing and primary-coverts dark brown ; quills black, tiie shafts brown, changing to white at the tips and the primaries edged with white at the ends tail-feathers brown, dusky on the inner webs and at the tips and with white shafts ; lores black eyelid white; sides of face and ear-coverts greyish brown, the
;
with pale shaft-stripes; the anterior part of the cheeks under parts earthy-brown, darker on chin and darker brown throat, greyish on the breast and paler on flanks; centre of abdomen and tail-coverts white. AxiUaries and under wingcoverts white with brown patch.
latter
;
Colours of soft parts. yellow " {David).
"Iris clear chestnut;
bill
and feet
TftTHIKA.
319
;
MeaBurements. Total length about 165 mm. wing about 74 to mm. tail about 74 mm. tarsus about 24 mm. ; cubnen about 16 to 17 mm. This bird only differs from Y. d. diademata in being darker throughout and in having the breast and sides of the bead more
77
; ;
Sistribxition.
Yunnan and Kachin
Hills.
Nidification. Breeds in the Bhamo Hills in April and May, making a flimsy, almost transparent cup of black roots with a few scraps of bracken, well plastered with cobwebs and lined with fine
black I'oots and fern-rachides. They are invariably placed low down in brambles, bracken or coarse grass and measure outwardly about 4" by 2|" deep. The eggs are two iu number, very rarely three, and are long ovals in shape, the ground-colour a dull greenish blue with profuse blotches and specks all over of umber-brown.
Twenty-two eggs average 20'5xl4'9 mm. Habits. A 'common bird in the Bhamo Hills, going about in small flocks in higher saplings and trees. Haringtou says " They are very Tit-like in their habits and notes, continually raising the crest and so revealing the conspicuous white patch at the back of the head." They seem to be found between 4,500 and 7,000 feet.
Kig. 68.
Head of Y.
o.
occipituUs.
(342)
Tuhina
occipitalis occipitalis.
Ilea.,
I'uhina occipiialis Hodgs., As. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. aia
xix, p.
166 (1836) (Nepal)
Yernacular names. Turinging-pho (Lepcha). Descriptioa. Forehead and crest slaty-grey with whitish shaftstreaks, posterior feathers of crest and nape chestnut ; hiud neck ashy upper plumage rufous-brown the wings and tail brown, the outer webs of the feathers suffused and margined with rufousbrown ; a circle of white feathers round the eye ear-coverts and the region of the eye slaty-gi-ey, streaked whitish ; a narrow interrupted black moustachial streak ; chin, throat, bi-east and sides of neck vinous ; sides of the abdomen rusty-grey, centre pale chestnut; thighs, vent and under tail-coverts bright chestnut; under wing-coverts and edge of wing wiiite.
; ; ;
320
TIMALIIDa.
reddish
ColotirB of soft parts. Iris red-brown ; bill feet onmge-bufE, claws horny-brown (Scully).
brown
to
wing 69 Measurements. Total length about 125 mm. 62 mm. tail about 50 mm.; tarsus about IS mm.; culmen to 12 mm. Sistribatioii. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan. Kidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded. It is a bird high levels, not being found below 6,000 feet and ascending up
; ;
11
of to
10,000.
(343)
Yuhina nigrimentum nigrimentum. The BLACK-CHITfUED YXIHINA.

p.
Polyodon nigrimenttmi Hodgs., Gray"s Zool. Misc.,

(iSTepsl).
82 (1844^
Vuhinu nigrimeiitum.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 212.
Vernacular names. Twringhig-pho (Lepcha). Description. Forehead and crest black, each feather margined with grey nape and sides of head grej' lores and chin black upper plumage and tail dull olive-green ; primaries and secondaries brown, narrowly margined with olive-green ; throat white remainder of lower plumage fulvous, tinged with rufous. Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel ; bill dusky above, the lower mandible pale and i-eddish ; feet and legs reddish yellow.
;
;
tail
Measorements. Total length about 115 mm.; wiug54to 57 mm.; about 38 to 40 mm.; tarsus about 16 to 17mm.; culmen about
10 to 11
mm.
Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Chin Hills and N. Arrakan.
Nidiflcation. This little Yuhina breeds from 4,000 feet upwards throughout its range in the months of May, June and July. It makes a beautiful cradle-shaped nest of moss roots, a tiny scrap or two oE moss and a lining of the finest grass stems. It is placed either in amongst the pendent roots of overhanging banks or in amongst the lichen on the lower side of dead branches, in nearly all cases well concealed and difScult to find. They measure only about 80 to 90 mm. in diameter by about 65 mm. in depth. The eggs number three or four and are pale sea-green in colour, lightly marked all over with freckles of reddish, and they measure about 16-5 X 12-2 mm. Habits. This little Yuhina keeps much to the higher branches of medium-sized and high trees, bunting about for insects in the manner of Titmotises, as often banging head downwards from the under side as scurrying along the upper, or even clinging, Tree-creeper like, to the bark of the trunk itself. They collect in flocks of some size and keep up a constant " chip, chip " the whole time, occajiionally breaking out into a louder, shriller call.
ixuLtrs.
321
Genus IXULTJS Hodgson, 1844. The genus Ixulua resembles Yuhina very closely but has the bill shorter, deeper and more curved at the tip the rictal bristles
;
and
hairs over the bill are
weaker and
less developed.
Key
to
Species
and
Subsj)ecies,
I. oocipitalin, p.
A. Nape white JB, Nape without any white. a. A. distinct collar round neck. a'. A rusty-yellow collar on hind neck. a", Striee confined to scapulars and upper back darker b". StruB over the whole back to rump
;
821.
[p.
322.
I.JlaoicollisJlavicoUis,
I.Jl. haiUyi, p. 323.
paler
h\
b.
bright
chestnut
collar
on
hind
I.fi. harterti, p. 323.
[p. 824.
neck
on hind neck. c'. Crown and back brown W. Crown brown, back greyish
collar
No
/. hwmilia humilit,
I. h. darkii, p. 324.
(344) Iznlus occipitalis.
The Chbstnut-headed Ixulus.

Sim
occipitalis Blyth, J.
occipitalis.
A. S.
B., xiii, p.
i,
937 (1844) (Nepal).
Ixulus
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p. 217.
Vernacular names. Temgyeng-pho or Turring-ng-^ho (Lepcha).

Description. Forehead and crest ferruginous brown ; tips of the occipital crest and a bold nuchal patch white ; lores and
Pig.
59. Head oil,
occipitalis.
ear-coverts white streaked with rufous ; the rest of the sides of head and neck ferruginous brown ; back,
round the eye dusky
closed surface of wing dull olive-greeu, the shafts of the feathers of the upper back and scapulars whitish and the outer webs of the earlier primaries hoary-grey upper tail-coverts and tail fulvous-brown chin and throat white ; breast pinkish brown, streaked with brown abdomen and flanks olivaceous, the middle of the former paler ; under tail-coverts ferruginous. bill black Colonrs of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown legs pale yellomsh, fleshy-brown or " dull olivaceous " (Stevens).
rump and
TOI-. I.
822
TiMjLan>x.
tail
HeaBiiremeiitB. Total length about 130 mm.; wing 64 to 68mm. about 50 to 52 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen about
10 mm.
Distribution. Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkiiii and Bhutan to the extreme east of Assam, Manipur and the Chittagong Hill tracts. Nidification. This Ixulus breeds between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in May and June, the nest varying very greatly in character, shape and position. Noi'miilly it is domed and placed either on or close to the ground, but sometimes it is semi-domed or merely deep cup-shaped and may be built in a branch of a tree or shrub, in amongst the lichen and moss hanging from a trunk or I'ougli, or it may even be placed in a niche in a rock. The material used is always chiefly moss but this may be mixed to a lesser or greater extent with roots and chips of leaves or bracken, the lining
being of roots alone. The eggs number three or four and are in every respect just like those of our English Swallow^ but the markings are more numerous as well as bolder and larger. Sixty eggs average 19-3 X 14-2 mm. and the extremes are 21*3 X 14-0 mm., 20-1 x 16'0 mm. and 17-3 X 14'0 mm.
Habits. These are just like those of Yuliina. They fly well, their note is a rather sweet, soft chatter. They are very arboreal and may sometimes be seen on the highest trees. They keep almost exclusively to evergreen forest.
and
(345) Izulus fiavicollis flavicollis.

This fBLLow-HEADBD IxtritJs.
YuhinaJlavicolUg Hodgs., As. Res., xix, p. 167 (1836) (Nepal).
Ixulm flavicollis.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 218.
Veruacnlar names. Srip-ehong-pho (Lepcha). Descriptioii. Forehead and crest rich brown; hinder part of crown, nape and sides of the head mouse-grey, the lower part of the ear-coverts bronze-grey ; lores and moustnchial streak black a broad rusty-yellow collar round the a white ring round eye hind neck upper plumage olive-brown, the shafts of the feathers upper tail-coverts tinged with fulvous tail and of the back pale wings like the back but less olive, the primaries narrowly edged with white; chin .and cheeks white; throat white with a few narrow ochraceous streaks and with dark shafts ; middle of breast and abdomen pale fulvous ; vent and under tail-coverts deep
; ; ; ;
fulvous; flanks and sides of breast ochraceoiu, streaked with white ; under wing- coverts white.
Colours of soft parte. Iris reddish brown or hazel; bill dark horny, the lower mandible paler and rather fleshy ; legs and feet fleshy-brown or yellowish brown.
tail
MeatnixementB. Length about 130 mm. ; wing 62 to 67 mm. about 60 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen about 10 to
11
mm.
ixcLtis.
323
Distribution. Himalayas, Sutlej to Bhutan.

Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the preceding bird but, whereas the Chestnut-headed Ixulus generally places its nest on or almost on the ground, this bird seems to preiier to build it amongst the moss growing on the branches and twigs. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the last and 28 average 19'81 Xl4'2 mm.
Habits. Those of the genus. This Ixulus is found between 4,000 and 8,000 feet and keeps almost entirely to the greenest and most humid forests though it frequents the more open parts of
these.
(346) Ixulus flavicollis baileyi.
The MisHiii
Ixidm
(1914) (Mishmi
Ililis).
IxuLtrs.
fiavicoUis haileyi Stuart Baker, Bull. B. 0. 0., xxxy, p. 17
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. General plumage paler than in I. f. flavicollis and the white shaft-lines extending over the whole of the upper parts: the ear-coverts have none of the bronze tint showing in
that bird.
Colours of soft parts. " Iris rod-brown
bill
horny
tarsus dull
yellow"
(Stevens).
Measurements as in the preceding bird. Distribution. Mishmi Hills. Nidification and Habits. Not recorded.
It
is
apparently this
form which Stevens found in the foot-hills of N. Lakhimpur and the Abor Miri Hills. The birds from the N. Chin Hills are,
perhaps, also nearest this form.
(347) Ixulus flavicollis harterti.
The
Lfulm
flavicollis
CHESTNtTT-N-iMlD IxULUS.
harterti Harington, Bull. B. O. 0., xxxiii, p.
62
(1913) (Sinlum,
Bhamo
Hills).
Vernacular names. Chee-chaw (Kachin).

Description. Similar to I. /.flavicollis but diflfers in having the crest a darker and richer brown the collar a deeper and brighter eliestnut and the back a darker olive-brown.
;
Colonrs of soft parts and Measurements as in I. /.flavicollis. The Bhumo (Knchin) Hills and Trans-Sal ween Shan States, Burma. Birds from S. Assam, Mauipur and S. Chin Hills are also of this form though not so dark as more Eastern specimens.
DistrilraMon.
Nidifioation. This bird may commonly be found breeding throughout 8. Assam and also in the Bhamo Hills. Neither nest nor eggs can be distinguished from those of the Himalayan forms. Porty -eight eggs average 19-3 x 14-2 mm.
t2
324
nuAi.iwx.
Stevens found that this bird fed
Habits. Those of the species. on berries ns well as insects.
(348) Izulus humilis humilis.
Datisos's Ixulus.
Imlm
hwnilit Hume, S. F., v, p. 106 (1877) (Muleyit) Gates, i, p. 218.
Blanf.
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Whole upper plumage, visible portions of wings and tail and sides of head plain brown; lores and luoustachial streaks darlser brown; sides of neck and whole lower plumage M'liite, the chin, throat and breast with very narrow brown shaftstreaks, broadening on the flanks, thighs and under tail-coverts under wing-coverts white. bill, upper mandible Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown black, under one pale brown ; legs and feet flesliy-brown.
Description.
;
Measurements. Length about 130 mm.; wing about 60 to tarsus about 20 mm. tail about 43 to 45 mm. 62 mm. culmen 10 to 11 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim only.
; ; ;
Nidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded. higher portion of Muleyit Mountain.
Trequeuts the
(349) Ixulus humilis clarkii.
Oates's Ixxtlub.
Ixulus clarkii Gates, Bull. B. O.
C, iii,
p.
41 (1894) (Bylngyi)
Blanf.
&
Gates, iv, p. 481.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Differs from the last in having a niucli greyer hack, well defined from the brown head, the shafts on itbe back are also paler, showing up as better-deiined streaks.
bill
Keasurements. " Wing 66 mm. from gape 12*7 mm."
tail
50
mm.
tarsus 19
mm.
Distribution. At present only known from Byingyi, a tain on the borders of the Shan States.
Nidification
moun-
unknown.
Habits. Gates records that he " found this bird very common on Byingyi, in small parties, searching the blossoms of small trees for insects." Byingyi is at about 6,200 feet elevation,
Genus ERPOBNIS Hodgson, 1844.

represented by one species only, which extends from the Himalayas to China and the Malay islands, where it is represented by geographical races or subspecies. In Erpornis
is
The genus Erpomis
kbtohvis.
825
the bill is slender and about as long as the head, with the tip well bent down ; the nostrils are covered by a few long hairs and the rictal bristles are strong the head is crested, the wing rather long and pointed and the tail perfectly square. The plumage is green.
;
(350) Erpornis xantholeuca xantholeuca.
Tub White-bellied Heepoknis.

Ur/wnis xantholeuca
Hodf^s.,
.T.
A.
S. B., xiii, p.
i,
380 (1844) (Nepal).
Herpornie raitiholeuca.
Blaiif.
&
Gates,
p. 219,
Vernacular names. Dung-pu-plio (Lepcha). Description. Whole upper plumage, visible wings and tail clear greenish yellow lores, cheeks and lower plumage white, slightly tinged with grey; ear-coverts ashy-white; under wing-coverts under tail-coverts bright yellow. pale yellow
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown; bill pale fleshy horn-colour, tlie edges of the commissure, lower bill and gape brighter, paler fleshy mouth and extreme corner of gape yellow; legs and feet flesh-colour or yellowish flesh-colour.
;
Fig. 60.
Head of E.
x, xantholeuca.
Measurements. Length about 120 mm. wing 63 to TOnim. about 45 mm.; tarsus about 16 mm. culmen 10 to 10"5 mm. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Assam, both North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and practically the whole of Burma, Siam and N. Malay Peninsula. Nidification. The White-bellied Herpornis breeds from practically the level of the plains i*p to sonie 3,000 feet but more often below 1,500 feet than over. The nest is a cradle of fine roots, mixed with fibres and fine grass stems and lined with the latter. It may be pendent in a horizontal fork or just hanging from a few twigs either of bamboo or some shrub within a few feet of the
;
tail
ground. Hopwood took its nest in Burma in March but in India Its nest is built either in evergreen it breeds in April and May. The forest, mixed bamboo and scrub or in bushes in thin cover. eggs are two or three in number, the ground-colour white or, rarely, creamy-white and the markings consist of sjmrse blotches The texture of piOe reddish, generally confined to the larger end. is faintly glossy and is stout for the sise of tiieeggs ; in shape they are rather long ovals and twenty eggs average 16'7x 12-6 mm., the extremes being 18'8 X 14-0 and Ifi'S X 12*0 mm. In each of
TIMALIIDJi.
these cases the same individual egg gives the extremes in breadth
like those of Lvuhis but Erpornis seems to keep to the tops of very high trees. In the non-breeding season it is not usually found in heavy forest but prefers the thinner outskirts of big forests or the smaller forests which generally fill the ravines and pockets in the grass-lands. It was common in the thin deciduous forest in the North of the N. Cachar Hills, where we found it in small parties diligently hunting the smaller branches and twigs for insects. It is a very silent bird and I have
and length. Habits ver3'
much
not heard
its
note.
Subfamily
LIOTRICHIN.^.
This subfamily contains a number of genera the placing of of which is a matter of no little diffieulty. Since Gates wrote the first volume of the first edition of the Avifauna we have learnt a good deal which has enabled us to eliminate several genera which are obviously non-Timaliine, but further examination
many
of material anatomically may assist us to place yet others in suitable positions than the present.
more
Of the 16 genera included by Oates in bis Zdotricliincp, the following five have been removed to other families. Ireua is now placed in Oberholser's new Family Irenidce Melanochlora has been transferred to the Titmouses, ParidcB ; Leptopcecile and Cephalopyrus have been included in the lieffuliclce, whilst Psaraglossa is a true Starling and will be found in the Stumidce. Of the remaining genera there are still some whose position is especially doubtful. Cutia and PteruHdus have, it has been suggested, many affinities with the Campephagidce and Harington claims that tlieir nidification also proves this ; to me, however, the nidification seems to point strongly to a position somewhere near Tvihina, Jxûlus etc. and, for the present, the reasons for their retention in the subfamily seem greater than for their rejection. The position of MyzomU is problematical, and careful examination of pterylosia and anatomy and a correct knowledge of its breeding habits are urgently required. Chhropsis is in the same group as Aethorhynchus and ^githina and seems to be in many ways intermediate between the TimaliidcB and Pycnonotidce, the fact that the sexes differ seeming to determine their position in the former rather than the latter. HypoeoUv* is a very curious bird with a very short first primary and may eventually have to be placed in a family by itself. The subfamily as now restricted differs from the previous subfamilies of the Timaliida and from tl'e Pyenmiottdai in having the sexes differing in coloration ; the young are very like the adults but rather duller; the wing and tail are generally not greatly different in length; the first primaryj with the exception of Hypocolius, is about half the length of the second ; the wing is fairly rounded but longer and more pointed than in the preceding
;
MOTHEIX.
subfamilies
;
327
the tarsus
is
than terrestrial habits and the
strong, though more fitted for arboreal bill is usually short.

to
Key
Oenera.
A. First primary about half the length of the second. a. Tail considerably shorter than wing. a'. Tail-feathers curved outwards
v. Tail-feathers straight.
a".
h".
Liothkix,
p. 827.
Upper tail-coverts falling short of tip of tail by less than the length of hind toe. Upper tail-coverts falling short of tip of
by about the length of tarsua. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. a*. Bill stout, strongly notched and
tail
Outia,
p.
329.
a'".
hooked at
a'.
tip.
A'.
about half the length of head culmen well curved Bill as long as head; culmen nearly
Bill
[p. 330.
PTEBincHius,
6*.
straisrht Bill slender
Aethobhynchus,
and very
little
deflected
[p. 337.
at tip.
principally black and greenish yellow tP. Plumage green and red h'". Tarsus shorterthan middle toe and claw Tail and wing about equal in length. c'. Outer tail-feather falling short of tip of tail by a distance equal to length of tarsus d'. Outer tail-feather falling snort of tip of tail by a distance less than 'length of tarsus, c". Closed bill deeper than wide at nostril d". Closed bill equal in width and depth at
c'.
. .
Plumage
.SIsithina, p. 339.
Mtzobnis, p. 344. Ohlokopsis,

[p.
b.
346.
Hil,AKOClCH.tA.
[p. 836.
Mksia,
Mint,a,
p. 353.
p.
nostril
B. Thirst primary about a sixth the length of the
356. [p. 356.
second
HYPOCOLitie,
Genus LIOTHRIX Swains., 1831. The genus lAothrix contains one remarkable species
;
of hill-bird,
which is characterized by a slightly forked tail, the feathers of the bill is about half the which are gently curved outwards length of the head, stout and with the culmen curved. It resembles The tail is very closely the bill of Mesia, figured below (p. 354). quite square at the tip and the upper tail-coverts are long. The species extends from Simla in the Western Himalayas, East into China and South into S. Burma and Slam. It is divisible into
several geographical races.
Liothrix lutea.
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Smaller; wing, male 65 to 71 miu.> female 61 to 66 mm. ...... i B. Laiger wing, male 72 to 76, female 66 mm^
;
L.{uteaedllipyffa,^.SW. L. I. ytmrumensii, p. S29.
328
riVLATjUDM.
(351) Liothrix lutea callipyga.
The
Liothrix lutea.
Iitdian Eed-bilijid Liothhix.

p.
Bahila caUipyi/a Hod^., Ind. Eev., 1838,

Blanf.
88
(Nepfil).
&
Oates,
i,
p. 221.
Vernacular names. Nanachura (Behru (Lepeha); Daotisha-huhu-gajao (Cachari).
Doon) ;
Bajpchil-pJio
Description. Âdnlt male. The whole upper plumage and sides of the neck olive-green, the forehead and crown tinged with yellow ; middle pair of tail-feathers and the outer webs of the others black, inner webs brown and all tipped white ; the primaries edged with yellow and later on with crimson ; outer secondaries black, with a patch of orange-yellow at the bases of the outer webs inner secondaries olive-green tinged with rufous ; lores orangeyellow ; a ring round the eye yellow ; ear-coverts silvery-grey ; a narrow moustachial streak dusky green ; chin and throat bright yellow, turning to deep orange-yellow ou the lower throat ; centre of breast and abdomen, the vent and under tail-coverts yellow sides of breast and abdomen slaty-green. Female differs from the male in having the crimson on thawing replaced by yellow.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown bill brilliant orange-red throughout in summer, blackish at the base in winter legs and feet yellowish brown to dark brown.
;
Measurements. Total length about 145 to 155 mm. ; wing males 65 to 71 mm., females 61 to 65 mm. ; tail 55 to 60 mm. tarsus about 25 mm. ; culmen 10 to 11 mm.
Distribution.
Khasia
Hills,
The Himalayas from Simla to Eastern Assam, the Chin Hills and N. Arrakan.
Kidification. The Bed-billed Liothrix breeds throughout its rauge between 3,000 and 8,000 feet in almost any kind of forest, pine, evergreen, deciduous, or in secondary growth and heavy scrubjungle, but it certainly prefers forest of pine or fir with undergrowth. Its nest is a neat cup of grass, bamboo and other leaves and moss ; the latter material often forming nearly the whole nest,
whilst the lining is of fine roots and tendrils. It is generally placed in a fork, upright or horizontal, or in amongst a few twigs of a bush or bramble, at some height between 2 and 10 feet. It is seldom well hidden and is often very conspicuous. 200 eggs average 21-9 X 16-1 mm. and the extremes are 23'2xl7'0, -'3-0 x 171, 18*9 X 15-2 and 21-4 x 160 mm. In colour they vary from almost pure white to pale blue and the markings consist of sparse spots and blotches of reddish brown with others, underlying these, of neutral tint, generally confined to the larger end and often forming an ill-defined zone. The shape is a blunt, broad oval and the texture is close, hard and glossy, often very highly so. The breeding season lasts from early April to September but
most eggs are
laid in
May and
June.
ctrriA.
329
Habits. This bird is found in the cold weather in small parties of half-a-dozen or so wandering about in the lower growth in forests and scrub but not frequenting the higher trees unless frightened into them. They are clieerful little birds, constantly chatting to one another and, in the Khasia Hills, very bold and In the confiding, though they are said elsewhere to be shy birds. breeding season, however, when they break up into pairs they are much shyer and quieter, though the male may often be seen perched on some bramble, quivering his wings and fluffing out his feathers as he trills his pretty little love- song to his mate nearby.
(352) Liothrix lutea yunnanensis.
The TuifNAN Eed-billed Liotubix.

Liothrix lutea yunnanensis Rothschild, Nov. Zool.,xxviii, p. 36(1921) (Shweli-Salwin Divide).
VemacnlaT names. None
recorded.
Description. " Differs from L. I. ealipygus in its larger size, more sharply defined yellowish head and in the fact that of eight specimens six have the red or yellow on the 7th, 8th and 9th primaries broadly interrupted, while the whole eight have this colour ou the first secondary interrupted or entirely absent, while in the other two species it is never brolcen or it is entirely black."
Colours of soft parts. " Iris brown : bill orange-red summer, scarlet with black base winter ; legs and feet dark brown."
Measurements. " Wing cj 72 to 76 mm.; $ 66 mm." (JBot7isc7wW), Distribntion. Yunnan west to the Kachin Hills. Birds obtained in Bhamo by Harington seem referable to this race. Nidification and Habits. Similar to those of the last bird.
Genus CUTIA Hodgson, 1836. The genus Cutia contains but one species, a very handsome
bird
remarkable for the great development of the upper tail-coverts, which reach nearly to the tip of the tail. In Cutia the bill is rather slender, curved, notched and pointed and slightly longer than half the length of the head; the riotal bristles are very short; the nostrils longitudinal and covered by a membrane and the frontal bristles are short and firm. The tail is about two-thirds the length of the wing and slightly rounded.
(353) Cutia nipalensis nipalensis.
The Nhpal
Cuxia.
;
Cutia nipalenm Hodjfs., J. A. S. B., v, p. 774 (1886) (Nepal) & Gates, i, p. 232.
Blanf.
Yemaoitlar names. Khatya (Nepal); Bapnoon or Rapnun^pho

(Lepcha),
330
TIMAUIDJE,
Description. Male. The lores, sides of forehead and a broad band passing through the eyes and ear-coverts round the nape black; the whole crown deep slaty; back, scapulars, rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut wing-coverts black quills black, nil but the first two with a patch of slaty near the base, increasing in extent inwards and the 3rd to the 6th or 7th primary with a narrow edging of the same about the middle of the outer web most of the later quills minutely tipped with white lower plumage tail black white, the sides of the body boldly barred with black vent and under tail-coverts pale buff.
; ; ; ; ;
;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris brown ; bill black, pale leaden-blue at gape and base of lower mandible ; legs and feet rich wax-yellow ; claws pale yellowish-homy.
Fig. 61.
Head of
C. n. nipalensis.
Measurements. Length about 180 mm. wing 90 to 96 mm. about 55 mm. ; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about 17 mm. Female. The crown paler and the band surrounding it chocolate-brown instead of black ; the back and scapulars reddish brown
;
tail
with large oval black spots

Distribution.
otherwise as in the male.
The Himalayas from Nepal to Eastern Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Karenni. Nidiflcation. Unknown. Habits. Pound in flocks, above 6,000 feet, in summer, in forest where it frequents the higher trees only. In winter it certainly wanders down a good deal lower, for I saw it on two or three occasions in the north-west of N. Cachar at about 3,000 feet during December and January. They were then frequenting the
higher branches of oak-trees and the huge cotton-trees which were scattered about amongst them. They feed both on insects
and
berries
and seeds.
Genus PTEBUTHIT7S Swains., 1831.

species and many subspecies of a very curious group of birds rather Shrike-like in general outward appearance but quite unlike any Shrikes in habits and nidification and also in the sexes being dissimilar. Harington (Journal B. N. H. S. xxiii, p. 655, 1915) suggests that the proper position of this and the preceding genus is somewhere near the Oampt-
The genus PtentHiiui contains four
FTEBXTTHIITS.
331
phagidm
but, though they may in some respects approach this family, they seem to me to be nearer the Timaliidm, in which I retain them.
about one-half the length of the head, strongly hooked and with the margins sinuate the rictal bristles are weak. The nostrils are the same as in Lioilirix lutea as are also the wing and tail but the upper tail-coverts only reach to the middle of the tail. The feathers of the crown are ample but do not form a crest, the tarsus is strong and quite Timaliine.
The
bill is
at the tip
Key
a.
b.
to
Species (tnd SubBpedes. P. crythroptents,

P. crytAropferus,
^
A. Inner secondaries chestnut.
Crown black Crown bluish crey
tS
p,
331
^ [p. 333, B. Inner secondaries golden yellow P. eerulatus mralatug, c?, 0. Inner secondariefS tipped with chestnut P. <s. teralatus, 5 P- 333. D. luner secondaries bluish grey or green . c. Crown greenish yellow. a'. Nape bluish-ashy. [p- 333. a". 1 ips of wing-coverts white .... P. mehmotis melanotis, cj b". Tips of wing-coveitssnlmon-pink P. m. melanotis, $, p. 334-. b' Nape greenish yellow. c". Tips of wing-cpverts white .... P. in. intermedius, ^ p. 335. d". Tips of wing-coverts salmon-pink P. m. intermedius, 2 > P- 335.
>
,
p. 332.
d.
Crown
c'.
blackish.
[cMoris,
p. SSfi.
white ring round e}'e d'. A white ring round eye e. Crown dark grey. '. No white ring round eye /'. A white ring round eye
f.
y.
No
P. xanthoMoris xanthoP. x, pallida, ij

1\ x. xanthochloris,
$
,
,
p.
836.
P.r. paUida, $
P. x. ucddentalits,
cj
Crown pale a.sh-grey .' Crown pale greenish grey

.
p. 336.
p. 336.
P.x. occiJentalis, 2
P. X. pnllidtt (David,
Yunnan)
the N. Shan States, so
is
is very likely to be found in included in the key.
(354) Pteruthius erythropterus.
Thb EEn-wiNGBD Sheikb-Babbleb.

LanitM
ei'ythroptei'us
Vigors, P. Z. S., p. 22 (1831)
(Himalaya Mt.)
{Murree, Ptmjab). Pteruthius erythropterus.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 224.
Vernacnlar names. Dao-kranji (Cachari). Detcription. Adtdtmale. Forehead to nape, lores, under the eye and ear-coverts black a broad white supercilium upper plumage bluish grey, some of the upper tail-coverts tipped with black tail and wing-coverts black primaries and outer secondaries dark brown, edged with glossy black and tipped with white inner secondaries chestnut, lower plumage very pale greyish white, the sides of the throat, centre of the abdomen, vent and under wing- and tailcoverts pure whit ; lower parts of the flanks pale rusty.
332
TIMAIillSJG.
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris pale greenish or greyish white to deep lavender-, green-, or blue-grey of almost every conceivable tint and sometimes (6ô(ifwwi-.4iM<en) amber ; bill pale plumbeous, the base of mandible and most of the culmen black ; legs and feet pale
fleshy-white to pale fleshy-brown, claws horny-brown more yellowish.
tail
and
soles
Measurements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.; about 60 to 65 mm. tarsus about '28 to 29 mm. culmen about
; ;
17 mm.
Female and Young. The upper pai-t of the head bluish grey instead of black and supercilium' very indistinct ; upper plumage olive-grey ; smaller wing-coverts black edged with yellowish ; greater coverts block with yellow outer webs ; primary-coverts and winglet black ; the earlier primaries edged with hoary-grey, the others with yellow ; inner secondaries chestnut ; the central tail-feathers gi'een, the others black with broad green margins to the outer webs and tipped with yellow ; lower plumage entirely pale bufl^.
Measurements
alittle smaller
than the male; wing 78 to 81
mm.
Fig. 62.
Head of
i'.
erythroptems.
Theyoxmg male assumes the adult plumage
in the first
autumn.
Distribution. The Himalayas from Hazara to E. Assam, Manipur and the Chin Hills.
Nidification. This Shrike-Babbler breeds between 3,500 and 9,000 feet in June. Col. B. H. Battray describes its nest as one of the most difficult to find, being always built in the smaller twigs very high iip in high trees in forest. The nest is a strong, neat cradle of fine roots, built, like an Oriole's, pendent from a small fork. Three eggs taken on the 1 1th of June were a pale lilacwhite with numerous fine specks and spots of deep purple, forming deep rings round the extreme larger end and finely peppered over the rest of the surface. They are broad ovals in shape, of a rather fragile, glossless texture and measure about 21*8 x 16-2rom. nest taken by myself on the !ha8ia Hills in May contained two abnormal, addled eggs. Heither nest nor eggs bear any resemblance to those of the Laniida or CampepJuigidce.
Habits. In the Himalayas from West to East this bird seems to be found from 5,000 feet upwards but in the hills South of the Brahmaputra thej descend to 3,500 feet and are common, even in summer, at 4,000 feet. They consort either in pairs or in small
JTBBUTHItrS.
333
parties and keep much to the fringe of forests, the sides of roads and streams and open glades, and wiien perched on the topmost twig of some tall bush they do look extremely Shrike-like but directly they move the resemblance disappears. They are sedate and rather slow in their actions as they hop about or clamber through the bushes and scrub and their flight is jerky, dipping and They are not shy birds and keep up a continuous rather feeble. grating " chirr " when being watched but they also have some loud musical call-notes. They feed both on insects and berries and seeds.
(355) Pteruthius sralatus seralatus.

TicKELii's
Sheike-Babbleb.
(1855)
Pteruthius aralatus Tickell, J. A. S. B., xxiv, p. 267 (Tenasserim, 3,500-4,500 ft.) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 225.
Description. Hale. Differs from the last in having the inner secondaries golden yellow on the outer webs and edged with black ou the inner webs and tipped with black. The lower plumage is
also
recorded.
more grey.
;
" Legs and feet fleshy white claws pale lower mandible and basal edges of upper mandible along commissure pale blue, rest of the bill black ; iris varied considerably, slaty grey, pale greenish grey and deep brown " (Hume
C!olour8 of soft parts.
brown
to black
Davison).
;
Ueasnrements a little smaller than the last wing 75 to 81 mm. The female differs in having the inner secondaries green, tipped with chestnut and the back grey. Distribution. The Knchin Hills, East of Bhamo, the hills of Central East Burma, Muleyit and probably other ranges in Tenasserim and the Nôrth of the Malay Peninsula. Nidification. Unknown.
Habits. On Muleyit, Davison found this bird in pairs or singly, frequenting the tops of the highest trees, hunting the smaller branches and foliage for insects. Its note he syllabifizes as " too weech." He also says that if one of a pair is shot, the other at once commences calling and hunting for its companion. This trait is also seen in the last bird. Probably all the forms of ceralaius should be treated as geographical races of erythropterus, but in the series available for examination I have seen no intermediate forms.
QA&&)
Pteiuthius melanotis melanotis.
Thb Chestnct-tukoatei) Shrike- Babbler.

lUruthim
E. Himalayas) ;
melanotis Hodgs., J, A. S. B., xxiv, p. 267 (1855) (Terai, filftnf. & Gates, i, p. 226.
Vernacular names. Kn-er-pho (Le\)cha.).
334
'flUALUUJE.
Hale. Upper plumage greenish yellow ; tail, Description. central tail-feathers green, tipped 'olack, next four paij-s black tipped white, these white tips increasing in size outwardly until the outermost ax-e wholly white ; a white ring round the eye earcoverts yellow ; a black spot behind the ear-co\erts ; a broad supereilium bluish white ; nape bluish-ashy ; lores niid lines above and below the eye nifeting behind it black ; chin, throat and upper breast deep chestnut ; remaining lower plumage bright yellow. Wings brown, the feathers edged with bluish grey and the inner sscondaries wholly of this colour and all the quills but a few of the first primaries tipped with white; lesser wing-coverts black edged with grey ; greater coverts black, broadly tipped vi-ith white
;
primary-coverts and winglet black.

bill plumbeous Iris hazel or light brown and feet fleshy-while. Measurements. Length about 120 mm. wing 60 to 63 mm. tail about 45 to 46 mm. tarsus about 20 mm. culmen about
legs
7 to 8
mm.
tips to
Female. Differs from the male in having sahnou-pink
the wing instead of white, the chestnut of the throat not reaching the breast, andiu having the lores and lines through the eyes brown and not black.
The young are like the female but the upper plumage is olivebrown and the lower plumage is yellowish white the nape is concolorous with the back and there are no black lines through the eyes. Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to E. Assam botii North and South of the Brahmaputra Manipnr.
; ;
upwards
Nidification. This beautiful little Babbler breeds from 4,000 feet in the hills of 8. Assam and according to Hodgson at
6,000 or 7,000 feet in Nepal. It makes a lovely little cradle-like nest of fine roots, a little moss and lichen, occasionally an odd twig or leaf or two, scantily lined with rhizomorph from a fungus or very fine muss roots. It may be placed either it) a horiKoiital fork or pendent between two or more small twigs and at any height from the ground from 5 to 15 feet, in bush or small sapling. Tliey breed from the middle of April to the middle of June, laying four or five, or even six eggs. These are of two types a delicate pinky- lilac with fine specks and tiny blotches of dark purple, mostly confined to the larger end, or a pale pink with similar marks of pale reddish brown with others underlying of pale lilac and neutral The shape is a regular or rather broad oval and the texture tint. soft and fine, glossless and rather fragile. Thirty-four eggs average 17'9xl3o mm. and the extremes are 191 X 14*4 mm. and 16-8 X 13-0 mm. and 17*4 x 12*6 mm.
Habits. This little bird seems to be invariably found in pairs only, frequenting both lofty trees and the higher bushes and
brushwood. It is essentially a forest bird but at the same time keeps to the more open parts and to the vicinity of jungle-tracks.
WEETTTHIUS.
335
streams and natural glades. It has the Tit-like habits of many of the smaller Babblers but is very deliberate in its movements both on wing or on foot. Its call is a pleasant double note "too-weet, tooweet," not often uttered unless the birds are separated.
(357) Pteruthius melanotis intermedins.
Hdme's Shbike- Babbler.

AUotrius intermedius
Hume,
S. ., v, p. 11:^ (1877) (Tenasserim).
I'teruthius intermedius.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 227.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Male. Differs from the last in having the forehead deep chestnut, followed by a yellow band ; the grey nape and black neck-patches are absent; the outermost tail-fe.ithers have a streak of black near the tips of the outer webs; the 1st and 2nd primaries are entirely black, the next four black on the base and white on
the rest of the outer webs.
Colours of soft parts and measurements as in the
last.
The female has the forehead rufous and the lower plumage
Tlie wings are edged with green except the yellow. primaries which are edged with pale yellow.
pale
earlier
Distribution.
The eastern
bills
of
Burma from Bhanio
to
Tenasserim.
Nidification
(.358)
Fteruthius zanthochloris xanthochloris.
The Gheex Shiuke-Babbleb.

Pteruthius .vanthochloris Hodgs., J. A. 8. B., xv, p. 448 (1847j (Nepal) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. '2i7.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Male. The forehead, lores, sides of the crown and Description. round the eye dark grey ; crown and nape blackish with traces of ear-coverts and upper parts green ; lesser wing-coverts grey brown edged with green ; gi-eater coverts the same tipped with yellovtdsh ; primary-coverts black ; wings dark brown edged with green exteriorly; tail brown suffused with green on the outer webs, tipped with white and the outer web of the outermost feather whitish; chin, throat and breast pale ashy, suffused in places with yellow ; remaining lower plumage, undenring-coverts and axillaries bright yellow. ColoOTS of soft parts. Iris grey, dark grey or grey-brown ; bill black, the lower mandible and commissure pale blue-grey ; legs and feet fleshy or fleshy-grey. Measnxements. Length about 125 mm.; wing 62 to 65 mm. tail about 48 to 50 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen 8 mm.
;
336
TIMAUIDJS,
!Flie female has the crown the same grey as the forehead, and there are no traces of hlack or blackish on the face.
Distribation. Nepal, Sikkim putra.
and Hills North of the Brahma-
Kidification. Nests and eggs sent me by Mr. D. Macdonald and P. Masson with the parent birds are exactly like those of the next form, nor can the eggs be distinguished from those of that bird. They measure about 19"3 x 14*8 mm.
Mr. AV.
Habits. This is a quiet, rather retiring bird, but cannot be called shy as it does not mind being watched. It keeps to the tops of the higher trees in deep forest and is so slow and unobtrusive in its habits that it does not attract attention and its low, rather pleasant, call-notes cannot be heard at any distance. It is not gregarious, being generally found in pairs, and feeds on small
insects
and small berries and
seeds.
(359) Pternthius zanthochloris occidentalis.
The Simla Green Shbike-Babbt.ee.

IHerathitis xaiithochloria occidentalis Harington, Bull. B. O.
p.
C, xxxiii,
82 (1913) (Dehra Dun).

Male. Differs from the last in having the crown Description. and nape ash-grey instead of blackish and the whole plumage is somewhat paler and less vivid. The female differs in having the head greenish with a wash of grey.
Distribation. N.W. Himalayas Garhwal and, possibly, W. Nepal.
last.
from
the
Sutlej Valley
to
Nidificatdon. Nests taken by Osmaston and Battray are described as deep cradles of root-fibres and lichen, bound together with cobwebs, lined vi'ith the finest black roots and rhizoiiiorph of a fungus and attached to small forks in the outer branches of spruce or deodar. They apparently breed from April to July at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet and lay two to four eggs. These are miniatures of those of P. eri/thropterus and ten eggs average about 19'4x 14'6 mm.
Habits. Practically nothing recorded. It keeps much to heavy tree-forest in pairs or solitary, frequenting the higher branches, where it attracts no attention either by voice or its quiet
movements.
Genus HILABOCICHLA Oates, 1889.

Hilarocichla was created by Oates for a species very close to Pteruthittg but differing in its much longer tail. This is equal to the wing in length and is greatly graduated, the outer-
The genus
most feather being about one-third less than the central ones. other respects HUarodchla and Pttruthivt are alike.
In
ABTHOJBHyiTOIttrS.
337
(360) Hilarociclila rafiventer.
Thu Bttfous-bellihd Subike-Babblbb.

Plei-uthias rwfivenler Blyth, J. A. S.B., xi, p. 18 (1843) (Darjiling). Blanf. Jlilarocichla rufiventris. Oates, i, p. 243.
&
Yernacnlar names.
Description.
!Nône recorded.
Kale. The forehead, crown, nape, hind neck and head black upper plumage chestnut ; wings black, the secondaries tipped chestnut, a few of the primaries margined with grey below the emargi nations chin, throat and upper breast ashy, divided by a white line from the black of the head ; a patch of golden yellow on each side of the breast; remainder of lower plumage soft vinous-brown, paler on the abdomen and lower tailcoverts ; under wing-coverts pale vinous ; edge of wing white. Colonrs of soft parts. In the dry state the bill is black, bluish on the lower mandible ; legs fleshy-brown.
sides of the
; ;
tail
Measurements. Length about 200 mm.; wing 85 to 88 mm.; about 85 mm. tarsus about 30 mm. ; culmen about 15 to
;
16
mm.
;
Female. Forehead grey tipped with black; crown and nape black sides of head grey, with a black patch at the end of the ear-coverts ; back, scapulars and upper part of rump bright green, irregularly barred with black ; lower rump and upper tail-coverts chestnut ; central tail-feathers green with black shafts, black subterminal bar and white tips ; the others black with a portion of the outer webs green and all tipped with chestnut ; smaller wingcoverts black, broadly tipped with green; greater wing-coverts black on the inner webs and green on the outer webs^ winglet and primary-coverts black; quills black, the earlier primaries edged with hoary-grey, all the other quills with green, the innermost having the whole of the outer webs green ; chin, throat and breast grey lower plumage dark vinous-brown, with a yellowish patch on either side of the breast.
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim and the are not yet known.
Naga
Hills but its limits
Nidification and Habits. Beyond the fact that high elevations, nothing is known about it.
it is
a bird of
Genus
AETHORHYNCHUS
Sundevall, 1872.
In this genus the bill is very strong, nearly as long as the head, very nearly straight and with the tip strongly notched and hooked the nostrils are long ovals and the rictal bristles are weak. The tail is almost square at the end. The Ist primary is about half the length of the 2nd and the 3rd and 4th are longest and not equal. The legs are not so strong as is usual in the
Tirhaliidat,
TOl.
I.
838
TIMAUIDJE.
position of this genus, of jEgithina which is very closely and of Chloropsis is very doubtful. In all three the sexes are dissimilar and in the first two the summerand winter plumages They have frequently been placed in of the males are different.
The
allied to it,
with the Bulbuls and one or two others but they appear them than with the truly Timaliine birds. Probably they should be placed in a family by themselves leading from the Timaliidm to the Pycnonotidas but Specimens in spirit are for the present I leave them as they are. wanted for examination.
a" family
to
me
to be even less closely connected with
(361)
Aethorhynchus lafresnayi. The Great Ioea.

p.
lora lafresnayi Hartl., Eev. Zool., 1844,
401 (Malacca).
i,
Aethorhymkut lafremayi.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p. 228.
Vemacolar names. None
recorded.
Breeding male. Upper plumage dull green, the Description. feathers fringed with black: wings, tail and upper tail-coverts deep black, the primaries and outer secondaries very narrowly
Fig. 63.
Head of Ae. laframayi.
edged with greenish on the outer and more broadly with white on the inner webs ; lores, cheeks, a ring round the eye and the whole lower plumage bright yellow.
STon-breeding male and female. Upper plumage without the black fringes; the tail dull greenish yellow; primaries and secondaries brown instead of black.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel-brown ; bill plumbeous, leaden blue or bluish slate, the culmen darker ; legs and feet clear slate or plumbeous blue, the claws homy- brown.
tail
Keasnrements. Length about 165 mm.; wing 67 to 72 mm.; about 55 to 57 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen about 17 mm.
Bistribation. From South Arrakan down West Burma to Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula, Siam and ? Annam.
Nidification. Two nests taken by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow near Perak are small, ratlier deep cups of the softest grasses, lined with the same and well bound round and about with spiders' webs, often mixed with their egg-bags. Both were placed in high bushes in evergreen-jungle. They were taken on 4th January and
iKGlTHINA.
339
27th March and contained one and three eggs respectively. In ground-colour these area greyish white and they are marked longitudinally with grey streaks and here and there with one more reddish. They measure between 17'3 x 14-1 mm. and 20-2 x 15'3 nun. ; the former is presumably abnormally small.
The Great lora is more of a forest than a garden bird, same time in Mergui and other places it is known to enter compounds and orchards. It is said to keep to the higher trees in preference to scrub- and bush-jungle, to have a line whistling call and to be entirely insectivorous in its diet.
Habits.
at the
Genus JECHTHINA
The
Vieill.,
1816.
birds of this genus are very closely allied to the last but
have
Like the last tliey have two moults in the year, a smaller bill. the male assuming a breeding plumage at the early moult.
Key
to
Species,
A. Tail black or green throughout. a. Upper plumage either greenish yellow, or black, or a mixture of both h. Upper plumage entirely dark greeu
B. Tail tipped witli white
^". tiphia, p. 339. vtiidutima, p. 343. JE. nu/rolutea, p. 344.
^.
JEgithina tiphia.
This species is found over a very wide range of country from Ceylon, almost throughout India, Burma, Siam, the Malay Peninsula, Java Jtiid Borneo and, as might be expected, shows a very great variation in plumage, especially in the breeding season. Birds from the South of India and Ceylon are very like those from the extreme South of Burma and from the Malay Peninsula, as is so often the case with species which extend from one end of the Indo-Burmese horseshoe to the other. Gradations from North to South are, however, very gradual and it is difficult to define where the meeting lines of the various races are to be found and on this account it is only possible to divide the species into very few well-defined geographical races. We ijave, however, the following subspecies which seem worthy of attention
:
very black-backed bird from Ceylon and South Travancore, possibly reappearing in South Malaya (2) A bii-d with a much greener and less black back, which occurs over the whole South-East, East and North-East India,
(1)
(8)
and form in which the male has no black in the nonbreeding season and in which the female vt duller and paler than those from elsewhere.
Burma,
third
etc.
;
t2
340
TIMAMIDJ!.
Key
to Sid>B2')ecies.
A. ITppev pnjts greenish, more or less uinrked witih block from crown to rump, the bases of the feathers showing through as greenish .... B. Whole upper plumage from crown to rump black. Bases showing through as brightyellow G. Upper pHrts mostly block but with great deal of yellow showing tt through, especially on nape 1). Above rather dark yellowish green,
tail black E. Above a still darker black
yE.
lip/iia tiphia, <
[p. 340. breeding,
[p.
342.
jE.
t.
zeyloniia.
<$
bretdmg,
^.
^.
t.
tmmei,
t.
breeding, p. 342. [p. 341. tiphia, d non-breeding,

<S
shade,
tail
[p. 34ii.
A.
tail
t.
zeylonica,
F.
Above
green
paler,
more yellowish,
yellow
non-breedinir, [p. 343.
G. Above
II.
greeni.li
Above darker
Abiive
I.
very
greeni>li pale dull
yE. JE. JE.

greenish
t.
humet,
tiphia,
d
2,
t.
non-breeding, p. 341.
t.
zeylonica,
J
,
p.
342.
yellow
M.t. humei, J
p, 342.
JE. t. sca/rnhmx is the Ja\'aii form which is probably tlie same as those from Sumatra, Borneo and iSouth Malaya. Birds from Siaui, Cochin China and further east are very richly coloured and orange below, whilst those from Annam are again somewliat different, the females being very grey on the breast and flanks.
Fig. 64.
Head of ^.
t.
tipliia.
(362) iEgithina tiphia tiphia.
TuE Common Ioea.

Motacilla tiphia Linn., S. N., p. 186 (1758) (Bengal). yEyithina tiphia. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 230.
(Tel.);
Vernacular names. Shmhiga or SJwubigi (Hind.); Patm-^ttn Fachapora (Tam.); Cha-tuk, Taphika, Fatickju-tanfik (Beng.) Barsat-Sorai (Assamese) Daotisha gurrmo gadeha Inga^ruina (Kacha Naga) ; Vohjong pong (Mikir) (Oachari) Shwe-pi-so (Burmese).
; ; ;
Description. Hale breeding. Lores, forehead, crown, back, upper tail-coverts and lail black, the bases of the feathers yellowgreen and showing through on the back; rump green; wings black with two wide bars of white, formed by the median coverts
and
tips of greater;
edges of inner secondaries white; outer
JiGlTHXKA.
341
secondaries and primaries very narrowly edged with white; earcoverts, sides of head and whole lower plumage yellow, washed with green on the flanks, vent and under tail-coverts, brightest
on throat and upper breast.

bill slaty-blue,
Colours of soft parts. Iris yellowish white to briglit pale yellow the culinen blackish legs and feet clear slaty-blue
;
to dull plumbeous.
tail
Measurements. Length about 140 mm.: wing 59 to 68 mm.; about 50 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.; culmen about 12 to 13 mm.
Female. Above green or yellowish green, the tail rather darker and faintly edged with yellowish white, the black of the wings in the male replaced by brown entire under plumage yellow, tinged with greyish green ou flatiks.
;
Male in winter plumage is similar to the female but has the tail black and the undersides rather brighter.
male given above is (juite exceptional, the rule and many bret-ding males have practically no black ou the upper jiarts other tlian the wings and tail.
Tiie description of the
more green and much
less black beiug
Distribution. All India, except S. Travancore, East of a line, roughly speaking, drawn fi-oni the head of the Gulf of Cambay through Abu to Simla and excUiding tiiat portion of South, Central India occupied by yli. t. Jiumei. It extends through Asfiani, Burma, certainly to the north of the Malay Peninsula, east to Western 8iam, Annara (Robinson S Khss) and the Kachin Hills. There is a specimen in the British Museum collection received from Xhornsan in Persia.
Nidiflcation.
The Common lora breeds from April
to July,
making a veiy neat, cup-shaped nest of fine, soft grasses lined with the same and well matted outside with cobwebs and spiders' egg-bags. It measures about 2|" (62'3 mm.) in diameter by about 2" (50 mm.) deep, the wallsbeing very thin, only some 3 or 4 mm. thick. It may be placed in either a horizontal or vertical fork of any bush or small tree at any height from 2 to 30 feet from the ground. The eggs number two to four, most often three, and are^very unusual in coloration they are of two types one with a pale creamy or greyish-white ground-colour, with a few irregular longitudinal marks of grey and underlying ones of
;
neutral tint. The second type has the ground-colour a beautiful pink and the markings are reddish. Eggs from Siam are much more speckly in their character. 60 eggs average 17*6 x 13-9 mm., the greatest and least length and breadth being 19'0 X 14-3 181 16-0 ; 18-2 x 14-0 and 18-2 x 13-2 mm.
Habits. The lora is a bird of the plains and lower hills, seldom being found much over 2,000 feet, though stragglers may rarely wander up as high as 8,000 feet (Simla). It is a familiar little bird, haunting gardens, orchards and the outskirts of villages as
S42
M'ell as
TVAALIWM.
the fringe of forests and scrub-jungle. In the breeding performs wonderful acrobatic feats, darting up into the air and then with all its feathers, especially those of the rump, puffed out, it comes spinning down in a spiral to the perch it has left. Arrived there it spreads and iiirts its tail like a little Peacock, drooping its wings and uttering all the time a ])rotraeted, sibilant whistle or chirrup. It has a great variety of note's, the most striking of which is a prolonged " we-e-e-e-tu," a long, drawnseason
it
out wail with the last note dropping suddenly. Tiiis seems never to be uttered except in the rains, and when constantly repeated to the accompaniment of the splash of rain and the sough of the wind, is one of the saddest little bird-notes imaginable. It is generally found in pairs and is not gregarious, tliougb, where it is common, three or four may be seen togetlier on the same tree, hunting actively for tlie insects which form its food.
(363)
JEgithina tiphia zeylonica.
Tub
Vernacular names.
Cjsylon Ioba.
i,
Motaiilla xeylmiica Gmel., S. N,,
p.
904 (1788) (Ceylon).
Patm jitta
(Tel.).
Description. Male breeding. Above from crown to rump much blacker than in the last bird and where tiie bases of the feathers show through these are much narrower, especially on the extreme upper back.
The non-breeding male and female are a much darker green above than ^. t. tiphia. The other differences which have often been dwelt upon, such as the absence of white on the wing, the depth of yellow below, etc. are of little help in dislioguishing one race from another, but the dark tint at once suffices to separate Ceylon and 8. Trnvancore birds from all but those of the Malay Peninsula, which
undoubtedly come extraordinarily close to them.
Colours of soft parts and Ueasurements as in the other races.
Distribntion. Ceylon and 8. Travancore only.
*
Kidification and Habits as in the
last.
(364)
JEgithina tiphia humei, subsp.
nor.
The Cbnteal
Indiast Idea.
Ternacular names. None recorded.

Description. Adult male breeding. Taris little from the last ; there may be rather more yellow showing on the nape as a rule and the lower parts are perhaps brighter.
Female is much paler and duller than either of the other races, the yellow-green of the back having a faint grey tinge wliilst the
XQTinisA..
343
feathers are
underparts are also paler and duller. more conspicuous.

tail
The
pale edges to the tail-
Non-breeding male. Paler and duller than the other races and
with the
green, not blackish.
Sistribution. South Central India. Thero are specimens in the British Museum, chiefly from the Hume collection, from the following places Saugor, Jhansi, Jubbulpore, Eaipur, Seoni, Mhow, etc., roughly embracinfi 8. and W. Eajputana, the Central Provinces and the United Prorinces south of the G-anges.
:
Nidiflcation and Habits in no way different from those of the other races. I have named this bird after Allan O. Hume, who pointed out the differences at considerable length in ' Stray Peathers,' vi, p. 437. The type is $ , No. 86.9.1.143, British Museum Coll., dated 12 5 70, Raipur.
.
(365)
.Slgithina viridissima.
The Gbbbn
lora viridissima Bonap., Consp.
Ioba.
p.
i,
A v.,
i,
379 (1850) (Sumatra).

p. 2.^1.
^githina
viridisaima.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
Description. Adult male. The whole plumage dark green, becoming yellow on the abdomen and vent ; lores blackish feathers above and below the eye bright yellow under taiicoverts pure yellow ; under wing-coverts white tail glossy black wing-coverts black with white tips forming two wing-bars quills black, narrowly edged with grên and the inner secondaries broadly edged on both webs with white.
;
;
recorded.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or reddish brown ; bill slaty or plumbeous blue, the culmen and tip black; legs and feet
plumbeous
blue.
Measurements. Total length about 130 mm.; wing 60 to 65 mm.; tail about 46 to 46 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm.; culmen about 12 to 13 mm. Female and jronng male. Above paler than the adult male and the tail edged with yellow ; the wing-coverts are brown, instead the quills are dark brown of black, with yellowish wing-bars and the whole lower plumage is pale greenish yellow. Distribntion. Peninsular Burma and Siam, down the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra. Nidiflcation. Nest and eggs sent me by Mr. W, A. T. Kellow from the foot-hills beyond Perak are indistinguishable from those The nests were taken in thin scrub-jungle of jEgithina tiphia. and were placed in vertical forks of bushes. The eggs measure 17*8 X 13'9 mm. They were taken in May, HaMts. Similar to those of the Common lora, though this is apparently more of a jungle, and leas of a Tillage, bird than that is.
;
344
(366)
XIUALIID^.
ifig;ithina nigrolutea.
Mabbhall'b Ioba.
lora nigrolutea Marshall, S. F., iv, p. 410 (1876) (Meerut), JEgithina nigrolutea. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 232.
Yernacnlar names. The same as for jEgithina
Description. Male l>reeding. Upper back bright golden yellow, delicately fringed or stippled with black remuining upper parts black, the yellow showing through more or less on the lower back ; tail broadly tipped with white ; scapulars, lesser coverts and greater coverts black, the latter tipped with white and the median coverts wholly white ; qnills black, narrowly margined with greenish, the outer secondaries tipped with white and the inner
;
t.
tiphia.
tipped and margined with white ; sides of head and neck and whole lower plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts white.
Hale in non-breeding plumage loses all or nenrly all the black on the upper parts which become dull greenish yellow. Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown bill horny plumbeous, the culraeu darker legs and feet light plumbeous. measurements. Total length nbout 130 to 140 mm.; wing 60 to 66 mm.; tail about 44 to 60 mm. tarsus about 17 to 18 mm. culmen 10 to 11 mm. Female. Whole upper plumage greenish yellow the upper tail;
coverts black, fringed with green ; tail ashy-green, the central pair of rectrices nearly all white and the remainder broadly edged with white, yellowish -white or greyish-white ; rest of plumage like that of the male but the black of the wings replaced by blackish brown.
Distribation. Takes the place of jE. t. ti^hia and ^. i. humei to the north-west of India. It is found in Cutch, Eajputana where it overlaps the range of ^. t. humei for some distance, Southern and South-Western Punjab, North-West Provinces; occasional in the north of the Central Provinces and north of the Ganges as far as Behar and the Santal Parganas, much overlapping the range of jS. t. tiphia. Some authors consider both this bird and the last to be merely geographical races of JEgiihwa tiphia, but their actual breeding ranges overlap so constantly without a corresponding intergrading of form that it seems imperative to give them the status of full species.
Nidifioation. Exactly like that of ^gtihima Hphia.
Twenty-
four eggs taken by Barnes, 17*1 X 13-1 mm.
Kemp and
General Betham measure
Habits. Those of
all
the rest of the genus.
Genus
UTZOBKIS
Hodgson, 1843.
species of brilliant green plumage, an inhabitant of the higher portions of the Himalayas,
The genus Myzomit contains one
MTZORNIS.
345
slender and nearly as long as the hea,d, with the culmen gently curved ; the nostrils are longitudinal and covered by a membrane ; the rictal bristles are weak the head is not crested, but the feathers of the crown the wing is rounded ; the tail about are somewhat lengthened two-thirds the length of the wing and slightly graduated and the
bill is
In Myzomis the
distinctly notched,
tarsus
is
long and slender.

are dissimilar.
The Hexes
(367)
Myzomis pyrrhoura.
Myzobbtis.
S. B., xii, p. J.
The Eirb-tailbd
Myzomis pyrrhoura Hodgs.,
Blanf.
A.
884 (1843) (Nepal)
&
Gates,
i,
p.
238.
Vernacular names. Lho-sagvit-pho (Lepcha).
Fig. 08.
Head of M, pyrrhoura.
Hale. Lores and a patch behind the eye black head and body bright green, the feathers of the foreJiead with black centres and a streak above and below the eye still brighter green throat and upper breast suffused with red and the lower breast and abdomen tinged with the same ; vent and under tail-coverts chestnut-red ; wing-coverts and inner secondaries bright green ; winglet tipped with white ; primary-coverts black, edged with green and tipped with yellow ; primaries brown, the first eight tipped with white, the outer webs of all deep black, more or less edged with red ; outer secondaries with the outer webs red and tipped with pinkish ; inner secondaries black with some green on the inner webs ; tail-feathers red on the outer webs, green on the inner, broadly tipped with dusky.
Description.
rest of the
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris red or red-brown

legs fleshy.
bill
dusky-brown
tail
Measurements. Length about 130 mm. wing 59 to 63 mm. about 70 to 75 mm. tarsus about 22 to 23 mm. culmen about 18 mm.
;
Female has the primary-coverts green, tipped with white ; the terminal spots on the secondaries pure white and the red on under
parts, tail
and wings
duller.
Distribution. Nepal and Sikkim from 6,000 feet upwards.

Nidiftcation,
No
authentic record.
HalntB.
or more.
A bird of high-level forests,
from 6,000 to 10,000 feet
346
TIMALIIDJB.
Genus CHLOROPSIS Jard. &
Selby, 1826.
1 have already referred to this genus when dealing with JEgithiua. It contains a large number of species of bright plumage, principally green, which extend from Ceylon, through India, Burma,
8iam etc. to Western China and through the Malay Peninsula to the islands. It is represented in India by six species, some of which have numerous geographical races and are spread over a very wide area. In this genus the bill is slender and curved and about as long as the head, the tip is notched and the nostrils are oval ; the rictal bristles are weak ; the frontal feathers are advanced up to the nostrils ; the wings are rounded, but are less so and longer than in the more typically Timaliine birds ; the tarsi are very short, resembling in this respect the Pyenonotickr:.
Key
to
Species
and
Subspecies.
A. Forehead rich yellow-orange. a. Chin and throat bright blue. a. A yellow collar round blue throat .... v. Yellow collar absent or obsolete b. Chin and throat black B. Forehead greenish or yellowish.
p.
[p. 846.
C.
atmfrons aurifrom,
C. a. inornata, p. 349.
C. a. diividsoni, p. 348. C. hardtvicMi, p. 349.
d.
Abdomen orange Abdomen green.

c'.
d'.
Outer webs of primaries blue Outer webs of primaries green. a". A bright patch of colour on wingcoverts.
icterocephala vhloro[cephala, p. 350.
a". Moustachial streak a mere sliort, narrow line I)'". Moustachial streak broad and occupying the whole cheek .... h'. No bright patch of colour on wingcoverts
viridis zosterops,
[p. 351. C. jerdoni, p. 352.
C. cyanopogon, p. 353.
(368)
Ghloropsis aurifrons aurifrons.
The GrOLD-FBONTHD ChLOBOPSIS.

PhyUornia aurifront Teram., PI. CoJ., 484 (1829) (Cachar).
Chloropais aurifrons.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 285.
yniacnlar names.
Skalem-2>ho (Lepcha).
Subz-harewa (Nepal); Hwriba (Beng.);
Description. Forehead and fore-crown golden-orange; chin, cheeks and extreme upper throat brilliant purplish bjue ; remainder of throat, ear-coverts, round the eye, lore and a narrow line up to the nostrils black an indistinct supercilium and a broad band surrounding the black of chin and throat golden-yellow, a patch
;
ouioaopsis.
347
on the wings including most of the lesser coverts, bright pale

blue ; edge ol: wing rather darker blue ; concealed portions of wing-quills dark brown ; loweraspectof tail plumbeous; remainder of plumage bright grass-green, lighter below and sometimes inclined to an emerald tint.
Colours of soft parts. Iris light to dark brown bill black, gape and base of lower mandible horny mouth bluish ; legs clear pale to dark plumbeous, the younger the bird the brighter and clearer the colour.
; ;
tail
Measurements. Totallength about 190 mm.; wing 94 to 98 mm.; about 70 to 75 mm. tarsus about 18 mm. ; culmen about
;
17 to 18
mm.
less
;
Female has the gold forehead

duller, the gold collar is obsolete
developed and the crown the blue of the throat is some-
times mixed with black.
Measurements.
Distribution.
A smaller bird than the male
wing 90 to 94 ram.
to
The Himalayas from Garhwal and Simla
Eastern Assam ; the hiUy country of North and North-East India froui Chota Nagpur, liajmahal, Santal Parganas etc.; the whole of Burma to South Tenasserim where it meets V. a. inornata ; Shan States, North aud Central Siam.
Nidification.
line twigs,
The
nest
is
a rather shallow cup, made of very
moss roots, the tendrils of climbing plants, outwardly bound together aud also interwoven with scraps of moss, grass and a tow-like material which seems to be the inner bark of a tree. The lining, if any, is of finest grass htems or mo&s roots.
The
nests are generally placed in horizontal forks at the extremity As of a small outer branch near the top of a high tree in forest. the nest is a small one, roughly about 3*7 " (93 mm.) by under 2" (50 mm.) deep, it is very hard to find. They breed from the middle of May to the end of July or even
at all heights from 3,000 to 6,000 feet and probably lower, as a nest of a Chloropsis, probably of this species, was taken by natives in the foot-hills of Cachar at a few hundred feet elevation only and in Margherita, Assam, at about 700 feet
into
August
much
common throughout the summer. clutch of eggs is two, three only rarely and in appearance they are very like long dull-coloured eggs of the Niltavas. The ground is cream or reddish cream and they are covered, usually profusely, with faint pale reddish-brown markings, They are long, often equally numerous over the whole surface. pointed, ovals in shape and the texture is glossless aud fairly fine.
this bird
was quite
The normal
Ten eggs average
:i3'5
x 155 mm.
Habits. The Golden-fronted Chloropsis is found in small parties-, four to a dozen or so, throughout the non-breeding season, frequenting open but well-wooded country, and keeping much to the tops of the highest trees, especially the Cotton-tree {Bombay mahharica) when in fiower. At other times it may be found in
348
TIMAIIID^.
the lower growths and it roosts for preference in dense secondury scrub or even in long sun- or elephant-grass. It indulges in the quaintest of attitudes when feeding and is a very active and At one moment it will hover like a Sun-bird in restless bird. front of a flower, at another it clambers along the lower surface of a thiu branch and sometimes it will swing itself round and round in somersaults, a trick it carries with it into captivity. It is a most charming cage-bird, very easily tamed and a sweet songster. Its note, most often used in the cold weather when feeding in company, is a low " cheep," like that of a cliicken calling for its mother, but it has an immense number of notes and is an excellent mimic. It feeds on insects, seeds and fruit and I have seen it feeding on bananas, oranges and peaches which had burst over-ripe on the trees. They are extremely quarrelsome birds and will allow no others to feed near them.
(369) Chloropsis aurifrons davidsoni.*
The Mai/ABab Chlobopsis.

Chloropsis aurifrmta davidsoni, Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O.
xli, p.
(1920) (Malabar). Chloropsis malabarica.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i^
p.
235.
Vernacular names. Chota Harrial (Hind.).
Fig. 66.
Head of C.
a. davidsoni.
Adult male. Differs from C. a. aurifrons in having Description. the chin and throat black instead of blue without the surrounding gold collar. The monstachi.al streak remains blue.
Colours of soft parts and Keasurements as in the last. The female has but little signs of the golden forehead or moustachial streak and has the chin and throat pale green. The young bird, as in the last, is all green.
Distribution.
blue
West
coast of India, Khandala to Ceylon.
Nidification. nest with eggs sent me from Eatnapui'a, Ceylon, is exactly like that of the Gold-fronted Chloropsis and was placed in an outer small branch of a tree abont 20 feet from
avttbor, p. 816,
* Turdm maiabaricug Groel., S. N., p. 837, and cannot therefore be used.
is
preoccupied by the same
CULUB0FSI8.
349
the ground. The two eggs are also just like that of the last bird and measure 21-0 x 15-0 and 21-0 x 15-1 mm. They were taken
on the 25th January.

Hakits. This bird is found at all heights up to 6,000 feet, more often between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. It inhabits forests or open country as long as it is well wooded and appears to keep almost entirely to trees in its search for food, which consists of both
insects
and
fruit.
(370) Chloropsis aurifrons inornata.
The Siam
Chloropsis aurifrotis
Chiobopsib.
Ibis, 1938, p.
inomatus Kloss,
198 (Lat Bau
Kao, Siam).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description, Differs from G. a. awifrons in having on the foreliead and practically no golden collar.
Colours of soft parts. "Iris dark;
{Kloss).
bill
less
orange
black; feet plumbeous"
Heasurements.
Wing 85
to
88 mm.
tail
60 to 65 mm.
Distrihution. West and South Siam, straggling into the extreme East of Peninsular Burma ; Annam and Cochin China.
Nidiflcation.
Not
recorded.
Habits. Apparently differ in no

races.
way from
those of the other
(371)
Chloropsis hardwickii hardwickii.
The Okange-bellieu
Culobopsis.
111.
Oiloropsis fiardmckii Jard. & Selby, (Nepal) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 236.
Orn. Add., p.
(1829)
Vernacular names. Dao-gurrum-ho-gatatuj (Cachari). Description. Whole upper plumage and inner secondaries bright green; forehead, above the eye and down the neck, strongly tinged with yellow lores, ear-coverts and a patch behind them black chin, throat and upper breast velvety black,
; ;
tail
glossed with purplish blue ; moustachial streak bright cobalt above purplish blue, the inner webs dusky-black; lesser wingcoverts verdigris-blue; other coverts black edged with purple; flanks green ; remainder of lower plumage bright, deep orange.
bill
Colonrs of toft parts. Iris bright red-brown to black-brown black; legs plumbeous blue, dull and dark in old birds, bright and clear in the young.
Measurements. Total length about 188 mm.; wing 93 to 99 mm. tail about 75 to 78 mm. tarsus about 18 mm. ; culmen
; ;
17
mm.
350
TIMAUISJE.
Female. A inoustachiol streak pole cobalt; priuiaries and outer secondaries brown, tbe former narrowly, the latter broadly, edged with green ; centre of breast and abdomen and under tail-coverts oran^'e, paler than in the male.
The jaxvug are wholly green their full plumage.
and take over the year to acquire
Bistribution. The Himalayas from Simla and Mussoorie to Eastern Assam, South through Manipur, Luahai Hills to Tenasserini, East to the Shan States and North and Western Siam. It iilso occurs in the Malay Peninsula.
The Orange-beUied Chloropsis breeds throughout range during the rains, occasionally in May, making a nest quite indistinguishable from that of awifrons but which is sometimes placed lower, rarely within 8 or 1 feet of the ground. It breeds more exclusively in forest and less in the more open parts than does the previous species. The eggs cannot be separated from those of the aurifrons group. Twenty eggs average 22'8 x
Kidification.
its
15'9
mm.
Habits. The Orange- bellied Chloropsis is found from the foothills and the plains adjoining up to about 6,000 feet; \t is much more a forest bird than most members of the genus, but haunts the thinner parts near rivers, glades and openings rather than the deeper parts. It may be seen either in pairs or small parties, jind is very active and quick on its legs and flies well. It is a reall}'beautiful songster and has a wonderful range of notes in addition to great powers of mimicry. It is a very favourite cage-bird in Assam and is easily taught tricks and becomes very tame. In a wild state it lives principally on insects, though it also eats some seeds and most fruit ; in captivity, however, it is almost exclusively frugivorous.
(372) Chloropsis icterocephala chlorocephala.
The Btjemese Chloeopsis.

Phyllomu cMoroeephaluB Wald., A. M. N. H.,
(Tounghoo).
Chloropsis chlorocephala.
(4) vii, p. 241 (1871)
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
237.
Vernacular names. Dao-btdip gurrimo (Cachari).

Description. Kale. Lores, feathers under and in front of the eye, cheeks, chin and throat black ; forehead and broad baud from eye to eye pnssing round and encircling the throat pale yellowish green ; front of the crown above the forehead and a broad streak passing over the eyes and enr-ooverts pale green a very short moustachial streak cobalt; crown of the head and nape golden green ; back, rump, upper tail-coverts and scapulars deep green ; tail blue ; primaries and their coverts black, edged with blue ; outer secondaries black on the inner, blue on the outer webs edged with green; inner secondaries and greater
CHt.osufsis.
351
coverts green tinged with blue : lesseu coverts glistening cobaltblue ; median and greater coverts green tinged with blue at the base ; under plumage bright green tinged with blue on the breast.
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris brown bill black ; legs plumbeous. Measurements. Length about 180 mm. wing 80 to 85 mm. tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 16 to tail about 67 to TOioni.
; ; ;
17 mm. Female. The black on the head is replaced by bluish green, there is no yellow band round the black ; the moustachial streak is pale and tlie general tint duller. Distribntioii. Hills South of the Brahmaputra to the extreme East of Assam, Manipur, Burma, tlie whole of Siaiii, East to Cochin China and Yunnan, and South to Tenasserim.
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the other species of this genus.
found it breeding in N. Cachar and the. Khasia Hills in April and May and again, perhaps a second brood, in July and August. They kept for breeding purposes to dense, humid forests between 2,000 and 6,000 feet. Sixteen eggs average 22-3 x 15-.5 mm., the 22-3 x 16-0 mm. and 21'0x extremes being 23"2xl5-4 mm. 14*4 mm.
I
;
Habits. In the non-breeding season the Burmese Chloropsis is found from the plains up to at least 6,000 feet, but during the breeding time seems to leave the plains and keep to the higher hills. It has the usual habits of the genus and a very sweet song, though not as fine as that of tlie Orange-bellied Chloropsis.
(373) Chloropsis viridis zosterops.
The Malachitk-shouldeeed Chloeopsis.

CMoropsis zoBteiopa Vigors, App. Mem. Life (Tenasserim) ; Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 238.
Itaffl.,
p.
674 (1830)
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Male. The whole upper plumage, wing-coverts, inner secondaries and tail bright green, the inner webs of all but the central tail-feathers edged with brown ; a patch on the lesser wing-coverts malachite-green ; other wing-quills dark brown, broadly edged with bright green feathers above the nostrils, lores and a nan-ow line over the eye, cheeks, chin and throat black ear-coverts and next the black throat a paler green than the back ; a short blue moustachial streak ; lower plumage bright green, a little paler than above. Colours of soft parts. Iris light brown, dark browu to crimson bill black ; 1^ and feet pale to dark plumbeous. Measurements. Length about 220 to 230 mm. ; wing 87 to 90 mm. ; tail about 75 mm. ; tarsus about 19 mm. ; culmen about
20 mm.
352
tiuKhiiDX.
;
throat
The female and young have no black on the head the chin, and a ring round the eye are bright yellow and the
is
moustachial streak
pale
and
ill-defined.
Distribution. Tenasserim, South of Ye, near Moulmein, Peninsula to Borneo and Sumatra, South-West Siam.
Malay
Nidification
unknown.
Habits. Davison records the habits of this bird as being the same as those of chlorocephala but that it is even more exclusively a forest bird. This bird is otily a race of Chloropsis vij-idis of Java, from which it differs iu the tint of the shoulder-patch.
(374) Chloropsis jerdoni.

JisBBOs's Chlohopsis.
Phyllorni$ jerdoni Blyth, J. A. S. B., liii, p. 39i (1844) (Madras). Vhloropsh jerdoni. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 288.
Vernacular names. Uarrtwa (Hind.)
Male. moustachial streak bright purplish blue ; Description. lores, chin, throat and a line fi-om the lores over the moustachial streak black ; forehead and a band surrounding the black greenish yellow; lesser wing-coverts very bright malachite-green; remainder of the plumage with the visible portions of wings and tail green.
legs
Wanna
bojanum
(Tel.).
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or red-brown and feet lavender or pale slaty.
;
bill
black
Heasnrements. Length about 190 to 200 mm. wing 8G to 89 mm.; tail about 75 mm. tarsus 17 to 18 mm..; culmeu about 17 mm. Female. The black of the male is replaced by bluish green and
;
the cheek-stripe
is
bright greenish blue.
The young
are like the female but have no moustachial streak.
Distribution. The Peninsula of India, from Sitapur, Tyzabad and Barti on the North ; Baroda and Panch Mahals on the West the Eajmahal Hills and Miduapore on the East down to and into
Ceylon.
Nidiflcation. This Chloropsis makes a nest like the nest of the genus, a small cradle of soft, tow-like material interwoven with small pieces of grass and other stems, fine roots and lichen and This it places in a lined, if at all, with a sparse lining of grass. fork <^ an outer branch of some tree, generally between 15 and 25 They breed from April to August, laying feet from the ground. two or, very rarely, three eggs. These are quite unlike those of the other known eggs of the members of the genua. The groundcolour is a white to a very pole creamy or pink sparingly marked with spots, specks, small blotches and short hair-Unes of blackish, purplish or reddish brown, chiefly disposed about the larger end. The surface is glossless but smooth, the texture fragile and the
HB8IA.
358
151 mm.
shape a rather long obtuse oval. Tliirty eggs average 21'1 x the extremes are 23-1 x 18*4 mm. and 19"3 X 14'3 mm. ;
Habits. Jerdon's Chloropsis is found either in pairs or small parties frequenting trees in fairly open country, gardens, orchards, small spinneys nnd light forest. It apparently is not found in lieavy forest such as is common in sub-Himalayan plains and in parts of Southern India also. It is as active in its habits as the rest of its relations, a sweet songster with an endless repertoire of notes, both of its own and copied from other birds. Manj' of its notes are very like those of the common King-Crow, though softer and sweeter. It is a favourite cage-bird, feeding, both in
captivity
and when
wild,
on
fruit, seeds
and
insects.
It
is
very
fond of small grasshoppers.
(375) Chloropsis cyanopogon.
The BLtTE-wHisKEBBD
PhyllornU cyanopogon Temm., PI.
Chloropsis cyanopogon.
Chioeopsis.
i
Col., 51i2, fig.

i,
(1829) (Sumatra).
Blanf.
& Oates,
p.
239.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Male. The upper plumage, tail, wing-coverts and sides of the neck bright green, the forehead tinged with yellow and inner webs oE tail-feathers brown ; wing-quills dark brown edged with green lores, cheeks, chin and throat black a line over the lores and eye brighter green than elsewhere a short moustachial streak blue; a line round the black throat greenish yellow lower plumage light green. Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs and feet dark plumbeous. Measurements. Length about 180 mm.; wing 81 to 85 mm.; tail about 30 to 33 mm.; tarsus about 18mm.; culmen about 15 mm. Female. Chin and throat green, the moustachial streak pale dull blue and feathers round eye yellowish. i}iBtribution. The South of Tenasserim down the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. South- West Siam.
Nidification.
Unknown.
Habits. According to Davison the habits of this bird closely resemble those of the Burmese Chloropsis.
Genus
MESIA
Hodgson, 1838.
The genus Mtiia is very closely allied to Hothriv, differing principally in the shape of the tail, which is rounded and a little graduated. The bill is exactly like that of Liothrite but the
nostril is covered
Tor., I.
by a
peculiarly shaped
membrane.
2a
354
(376)
TIMAUll>vE.
Mesia argentauris argentauris.
The
Oiites,
i,
SiLVBB-EAiiED Mesia.
Itev., 1838, p.
Mesia argentauris Hodgs., Ind.

p.
88 (Nepal)
Blanf.
&
244.
Dantj-raî-cliil-pho
Vernacular names. Chi-ro-cM-rlt (Kacliin);

(Lepeha).
crown, iia-ije, Male. Forehead poldcii-yeUo-vv Description. cheeks black, produced as a stripe under tlie ear-coverls ; ear-coverts siK-erv-white ; upper back iind .'ides ot neck fulvous yellow lower back, scapuhirs, inner secondaries and wing-coverts slaty, some of the outermost of the latter edjjed with green
;
lores,
Fig.
(57.
Ifeiid of M.
a.
anjcnfaurif.
upper tail-coverts crimson hiil bkekisL ruinp slaty-Kreen brown, the three outer pairs of feathers edged with yeUowish wings brown, the first three primaries edged with yellow, theotlier quills with crimson near their bases and yellow elsewhere; chin lower plumage olive-yellow, and throat deep orange-yellow brighter on the breast and abdomen, the former of which is obsoletely streaked darker under tail-eoverts crimson.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris red-brown to brown ; bill yellon-oehre, tinged with greenish or brown at the base legs and feet
;
fleshy-yellow.
Measurements. Length about 180mm.; wing 74 to 78 mm.; about 45 mm. ; tarsus about 25 mm. culmeu 12 to 13 mm. The female and young have the upper and lower tail-coverts orange-buff and the latter also has the crown yellowish.
tail
;
Distribution. The Himalayas from Garhwal to East Assam JNorth and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur, Lushai, Chin, Kachin Hills, mountains of Central and 8. Burma, Shan States, Slam. East of this it is replaced by a nearly allied race, M. a. cunhacei (Kloss).
lutea
bird,
Every word written on the nidification of Lioihrix would do equally well for this bird also and it is quite impossible to tell nests and eggs of the one from tlie other. This
Kidiflcation.
however, breeds a little lower down than does the liothrix. Whilst the latter breeds principally between 4,500 and 7,000 feet this bird breeds for the most part between 3,000 and 5,000 feet and whereas the former prefers pine-forests, the present one likes
MINLA.
355
low scrub and evergreen forest. Two hundred eggs average 20-9 x 16-1 mm. and tVie extremes are 23"4:Xl6-0; 22-8 x 17*0 and 19-4:Xl6-0; 21-0 X 15-0 mm.
in the cold weather in sometimes as many as twenty, or even thirty, forming a flock. They are not shy birds and will allow very close observation, flitting about the bushes and lower trees within a few yards of the watcher, constantly uttering a chirrup-
Habits.
The Mesias gather together
flocks of considerable size,
ing cry with occasional clear, loud, whistling notes every now and then. They are restless, active little birds and form a "wonderful spectacle of bright colour in front of heavy green bushes and
undergrowth.
Genus
MINLA Hodgson,
1838.
The genus Minla, as restricted by Gates and adopted here, contains one Indian bird of pleasing plumage, found on the Himiilayas and hill-ranges of Assam. In Minla the bill is slender, curved, notched and pointed and about half the length of the head ; the tail is as long as the wing and slightly graduated. The head, as in practically all the birds of this Subfamily, is not actually crested but the feathers of tlie crown are very full aud
morn or
less erectile.
(377)
Minla ignotincta.
The BED-TAiiiED Minla.

Minla uinotincta Hodga., Ind. Rev., 1838,
Gates,
i,
p. ?>3
(Nepal)
Blanf.
&
p. Si-").
Vemacular names. Minla (Nepal)
MeghKm-ayene (Lepcha).
Male. The forehead, crown, nape and middle of Description. the upper neck black ; a very broad, long supercilium white, meeting the opposite one on the upper back; lores, ear-coverts fl,nd a bund extending nearly to the end of the supercilium black upper tail-coverts back, ruinp and scapulars deep vinaceous blavk ; tail black, tipped and edged on the outer webs with rimNon, the two middle tail-feathers with a white streak at tlie base of the inner webs, the outer feathers suffused with red on the inner webs ; wing-coverts and inner secondaries red, edged with white, the latter also broadly tipped with white ; primaries and outer secondaries black, edged with crimson on the greater part of the outer webs; the earlier primaries margined with white near the tips, the outer secondaries tipped with white ; chin yellowish white; entire lower plumage yellow, sparingly and
;
narrowly streaked with brown.

Colours of soft parts. Iris greyish or brownish white ; bill, upper mandible and tip of lower blackish-horny ; rest of lower mandible horny-grey or bluish-greenish-horny ; legs and fest
2a2
356
TIUA.IJ.11DJE.
grey- brown to greenish-leaden, with a wax-yellow tinge on toes, more decided in males than females ; soles wax-yellow (Hume).
tailabout 55
Ueasurements. Length about 140 mm. ; wing 62 to 65 mm. mm.; tarsus about 21 mm. culmen about lOtollmm.
;
Female and young male difter from the adult male in having the back, rump, scapulars and upper tail-coverts vinaceous brown the crimsou on the wing is replaced by pinkish white and on the
tail
by pale red.
Distribution. The Himalayas from Nepal to Eastern Assam in the Miri Hills, South to Manipiir, Cachar, Naga Hills, etc.
Nidiflcation. The Eed-tailed Minla breeds throughout its range between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, making a most lovely little pendent cup or deep purse of fine green moss, lined plentifully with wool, hair or vegetable down, sometimes hair and down They are placed in small forks of bushes 4 to being mixed. 10 feet from the ground in evergreen forest. The eggs are two or three in number Hodgson says four and in colour just like the eggs of Propasser or Siva, that is to say, deep HedgeSparrow's egg-blue with a few spots and specks of black or Fifteen eggs average 19"3 X 14-6 mm. reddish. The breeding season is May and June.
Habits. The Minla is found up to at least. 1 0,000 feet and still higher in the upper forested portions of the Chambi Valley and Native Sikkim. It is said to go about in small parties, having much the habits of the Sivas, but in the Assam Hills it was very rare and I only saw it in pairs. In these hills it keeps much to the oak and rhododendron forest at about 6,000 feet.
possibly
Genus HYPOCOLIUS Bonap., 1850.

Sublished,
first edition of the Avifauna was D. Cumming has written in the Bombay Fatural History Society's Journal (vol. xii, pp. 760-765, 1900) some most interesting notes on this curious bird, which tend rather to confirm than to disprove its position in the lAotriehina. The young are practically the same as the female in plumage and show no signs of barring, so that they cannot be placed in the It has two moults but the plumage Laniidee or Campephagidce. does not seem to differ, except that it is said to be brighter and clearer in the summer than in the winter.
Since Blanford and Oates's
Mr,
W.
The
sexes are dissimilar.

bill is
stout and broad at t he base and about the nostrils are small exposed ovals ; the rictal bristles are weak but always clearly visible ; the wing is short but pointed, the first primary being minute and the second reaching to the tip of the wing. The tail is long and slightly graduated. The tarsus is very short and stout, shorter than the middle toe and claw and is coarsely scutellated.
In Hypocolius the
half the length of the head
HTPOOOLIUS.
(378) Hypooolius ampeliuus.
357
The
G-bbt Htpooolhts.
i,
Hypocolius ampeliuus Bonap., Consp. Av., Africa) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 250.
p.
336 (1850) (N.E.

Male. From the lores, through the eye widening broad band on the nape black ; forehead, crown, chin, cheeks, throat, the middle o the abdomen, vent, thighs and under tailcoverts pinkish cream-colour; remainder of the body plumage, wing-coverts and inner secondaries drab-grey winglet and primary-coverts blackish, shaded with ashy and partially margined with grey ; primaries black, with broad white tips shaded with grey on the first two or three outer secondaries black, broadly edged and tipped with ashy, the black diminishing in amount on the later quills and occupying only a portion of the inner webtail drab-grey, broadly tipped black.
Description.
to a
; ;
Pig. 68.
Head of H, ampelinus.
Colours of soft parts. Irides brown ; bill black in the breeding flesh-coloured with a black tip in non-breeding season season and in the young legs, feet and claws flesh-colour.
;
Measurements. Length about 260 mm.; wing 100 to 110 mm.; tail about 115 ram. ; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmen 15 to 16 mm. Female. The upper plumage and the whole wing greyish isabelline, the quills shaded with brown interiorly and edged and tipped with light grey the tail is merely brown towards the end and tipped paler the lower plumage pinkish cream-colour, suffused with drab-grey across the breast there is no black on head or
; ; ;
nape. Nestling. " A fortnight to three weeks old the first primary is " almost entirely sooty, all the others being graded with the same (Cumminff). Toong male like the female but has the white wing-patch from the earliest stages of plumage.
Immature female has
the secondaries tipped with white.
Distribution. Persia, working South in March to Bushire and a little latr to Fao and other places on the shores of the Persian Ghulf. A rare straggler down the Mekrau coast and into Sind and Khelat. First recorded from Korth-East Africa.
358
TiMAUisj;.
Nidiflcation. Breeds at Fao from the last few days of May to the end of July, making a cup-shaped nest of roots, palm fibre
and grass, lined with grass, ool or hair. It is placed generally on a leaf of a date-palm at any height from 3 to 10 feet from it lias also been found in cactus-hedges and, very the ground
;
rarely, in
The eggs number either four or five, and are a dull white with pale grey blotches and spots of grey. The texture is fine and close but
thorny bushes.
occasionally only three,
the smaller end distinctly compressed.
almost glossless and, in shape, they are fairly broad ovals with The eggs measure about
26-iJxl8-7mm.
According to Gumming " the male assists the female in building the nest and sitting on the eggs. " The nest is completed in three to four days one egg is laid
;
daily
till
the full
number
is
com])leted,
i. .,
four or
five
and about
14 days are taken in incubating."

the
Habits. Apparently the liypocolius is locally migratory, leaving liilly country during the breeding season and taking to the
date-gardens and semi-cultivated country. " Tlie call of these birds is a very pleasing liquid note, nothing like the harsh cry of the Shrikes. The female has only the one
call
;
the male has a different

;
call,
but often imitates the female,

habit of erecting the
are
especially
feathers
when alarmed he has also the of his head when excited. They
than the Shrikes.
more
arboreal, at
least in Tao,
They
also indulge in a little insect diet,
on fruit, but as several stomachs 1 have

live chiefly
examined contained legs and wings of beetles etc, " They become very tame if i-eared from the nest " {Cmmhu/.}
rrCNOJTt/TID^.
.359
Fig. 69.
Mulftastes leucoiis.
Family
PYCNONOTID.^.
Gates in tlie first edition oF tlie Avifauna retained the Bulbuls as a Subfamily, Braeliypodlme, of the Timaliidce but they seem to me to be sufficiently well differentiated to warrant tbem being
They form a very numerous group treated as a separate family. of birds, which are found throughout Southern Asia, practically the whole of Africa, and also the extreme South-West of Europe. The two jirincipal features by which the Pyenonotidm can be distinguished from the TimaVdda are the coinparatively short tarsus and the presence of some liairs which grow from the nape. These hairs are often long, fairly numerous and conspicuous, sometimes short, few and inconspicuous but never It is this latter character which separates them pntirely absent. from the Timaliida, which have short tarsi, such as CMoropsis, ^c/ithina etc., in addition to which the sexes are ahke in the Bulbuls but different in those genera. In the Bulbuls the young are practically like the adults but sometimes paler and duller and sometimes darker and duller as in
ffemuvus.
360
PTCNONOTXDj;.
The wing is more pointed and longer than in the typical Timaliidce and the bill varies from the short Fincli-like bill of tSpixixus to the long, slender bill of Microscelis.
Fig. 70.
Foot of MUroscelis p. psaroides.
Many Bulbuls are amongst the most common and familiar birds in the gardens and towns of India, whilst others are purely forest
birds.
It would be difficult to improve on Oates's key to the genera of Bulbuls, which is given below, practically unaltered.
Key
to
Genera.
A. Hairs irota nape uumei-ous and at least as

long as tai-sus. Crest long and pointed 6. Crt!st absent or inconspicuous. a'. Long hairs springing- from back and nape. 6'. Long hairs sprinspng from nape only B. Hairs springing from nape short and few, sometimes almost hidden. c. Feathers of crown and over ear-coverts all similar in shape.
a.
.
Ciunigeb,
p. 361.
Tbichoi^ i:stes, p. 3CG.
AiOPHOixus,
p. 367.
e'.
distinct crest. a". Nostrils not covered by plumelets. '". "Wing pointed ; secondaries falling short of tip of wing by not less
o*.
than length of tarsus. Tail forked the outer feathers curved outwards, a'. Plumage all black, grey and white or some combination of
;
these
of several colours .. b\ Tail square or rounded; outer feathers not curved outwards. c". Crest-feathers shorter than tarsus and pointed......... ... d'. Crest-feathers longer than tar&'.
Plumage
MiCBOscKLis, p. 308. Cubaspphila, p. 373.
Hbuixcs,
p. 374.
sus and rounded

b''.
Ai;ccBi7S, p. 379.
Wing mure
rounded; secondaries
falUnff short of tip of than length of tarsus.
wing by less
OBIKieHB.
*.
361
Greet ample and covering whole

e'.
crown. Tail very slightly rounded, the

outer feather falling short of the tip of the tail by less than the length of the hind toe
. .
/. Tail greatly rounded J*. Crest thin and confined to centre of crown. </". Feathers of back with soft shafts h^. Feathers of back with rigid, spinous shafts b". Nostrils nearly concealed by thick
.
Molpastks, Xanthixus,
p. 381.
p.
892.
Otocompsa,
p. 394.
[p. 399.
Pinabocichla,
Spizixcs,
p. 400.
plumelets ' d'. Crest inconspicuous or entirely absent, e". Upper tail-coverts not reaching to middle of tail, c"'. Feathers of crown and forehead short and stiff (f''. Feathers of crownand forehead
.
'.
Tkachycomus, p. 402.
lonsrer
'.
/*.
and soft. about f length of head, compressed and sharply carinate Bill about ^length of head, neither much compressed nor carinate.
Bill
.
.
Iolk, p. 403.
.9'.
A'.
Plumage not squaniated Plumage squamated
....
PrcNONOTCS, RuBiauLA, p.
Micbotahsub,
p. 410.
400.
p. 422.
d.
Upper tail-coverts reaching nearly to end of tail Feathers on sides of crown and over earcoverts long and pointed, contrasting with the rounded feathers of forehead
d".
Kelaabtia,
p.
426.
Genus CBINIGEB Temm., 1820.

The genus Criniger may be kuown from all the other Bulbuls by the presence of a long pointed crest and numerous, very long The tails of all the hairs springing from the nape and hind neck. Indian aud Burmese species are, moreover, rufous, a character bared by few other Bulbuls.
Fig.
71.Head
of C. <.;?aMO?.
In Oriniger the bUl is strong and about half the length of the head and the culmen is curved throughout ; the rictal bristles are wU developed. The wing is blunt; the tail short and rounded And the tarsus short but very strong. The plumage is very soft.
362 The
earliest
PJ-ONONOTIBiE.
name
for
any form of
Criniffer is tephrogenys
of
Jardine and Selby and the description undoubtedly applies to one of the southern forms, though no locality is given. In the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society I designated the type-locality as South Tenasserini (vol. xxvii, p. 466, 1921). The female is a good deal smaller than the male.
Key
io
Subspecies.
A. Lower plumage j'ellow. a. Chin and upper tliroat wliite crest greenish yellow b. Chin, throat and upper breast white
;
[p. 363. tephroyenys J{aveolus,
crest greyish
C.t. hnrmanicus,
p.
304.
B.
Lower plumage darker and more ochraceous.

c.
Wing
'.
under 105 mm. Chin and throat white;
crest rufesC.
C.
t.
cent olive-brown V. Chin, throatand upper breast white;

crust olive-grey
d.
tephrogenys, p. 362.
grisHceps, p. 305. yrandis, p. .%').
t. t.
Wing
over 110
mm
C.
(379) Criniger
tephrogenys tephrogenys.
TnK Maxayan White-throated Bvlbvl.

Tricophortis tephrogenys Jard. & Selby, 111. Ind. Orn.,pl. xxvii (1833) ("no locality) (Tenasserim). Criniger gutturalis. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 256.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Whole upper plumage olive-brown with an ochraceous tinge, rufescent on the head, crest and upper tailcoverts tail rufous-brown tipped paler ; wings brown, the outer webs of the feathers rufescent lores and a ring round the ey greyish ear-coverts brown with pale shafts chin and throat white; lower plumage fulvous-brown tinged with ochre and ochraceous yellow on the centre of the abdomen; under iailDescription.
; ; ; ;
coverts buff.
Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown ; upper mandible dark horny-brown, lower mandible plumbeous ; legs and feet pinkish
brown {Hume
6f
Davison).
Measurements. Length about 230 mm,; wing 96 to 102 mm.; tail about 100 mm.; tarsus 17"0 to 18"6 mm.; culmen about 18 mm. Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserim and 8.W. Siam down the Malay Peninsula. The true gutturalit from Borneo is a darker, browner bird below. Kldification. Nest and eggs sent me by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow, from near Taiping, Federated Malaj States, were all found in March, April and May, some of these taken in tfae first month
.
ORJNIGER.
363
were already hard-set.. The nests, which were taken in dense forest amongst the heaviest underprowtli, were placed in low bushes on the banks of, or close to, forest streams. They were bulky cups of leaves, roots, twigs, moss etc. with a thick lining of bamboos, inside which again there was a true lining of roots both fine and coarse. The eggs, two in number in each case except once when there wei-e three, are very beautiful. The ground-colour varies from a pale wine-coloured pink to the deepest salmon and the whole surface is more or less covered with blotches, smudges and a few spots and scrawls of deep bright red. The surface is intensely glossy, the shell hard and fine and in shape they are
in
rather long ovals, generally well pointed Nine eggs average 25-2 x 18'5 mm.
at
the
siiialh'r
end.
HaMts. Similar to those of the better-known C. t. Jl.aveolus from the Sub-Himalayas. They are birds of dense everjjreen forests at low levels, go about in small flocks in the non-breeding season and are very noisy birds. They keep much to the lower trees and undergrow th.
(380) Criniger tephrogenys flaveolus.
The Inwan White-theoaxed Bplbul.

Trichophorus flaveolus Gould, I'.Z. Criniger flaveolut. Blanf. & Gates,
S.,
i,
1836,
p.
6 (India) (Onchnr).
p. 255.
;
Vernacular names.
gxvrrmo-didi (Cachari).
Kussap-eeeMop-plio (Lepcha)
Bao-halip-
Sescription. Differs from the last in having the upper plumage of the feathers being distinctly olive-green; the lower surface is a bright yellow, the chin and upper throat alone being white ; there is a white supercilium always present and sometimes quite conspicuous.
more green, the edges
gape and mouth

or fleshy-grey.
Colours of soft parts. Irides deep red ; bill pale greyish blue, still paler; legs greyish-horny, pale bluish-horny
Keasurements. Total length about 210 to 220 mm. ; wing 88 to 96 mm. tail about 83 mm. ; tarsus about 18 to 20 mm. culmen 17 to 18 mm. Distribution. The Sub-Himalayas from Garhwal and Nepal, where it is apparently very rare, to the East of Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Tippera, IHdification. This Ane Bulbul breeds in some numbers in all the ranges of hills south of Assam from 1,000 feet, or even lower, to above 5,000 feet. At first I took most of my nests at higher elevations but later, when I knew the bird's habits better, I found it extremely common bebw 2,000 feet and many nests were taken in the ever- wet, deep forests of the lower valleys. They were almost always placed near tanning water and a favourite
;
364
site
PTONONOTIDJB.
was low down in some thick tangle of canes nnd bushes amongst palm-ferns. The nests are very heavily made, hemispherical cups of leaves, bamboo-spathes etc., wound round with roots, grass and stems of weeds the inner lining is generally of bamboo leaves but <here is always also a true lining of coarse, red roots of ferns and bracken. Eoughly the nests average about 6" X 2^'' externally and 3|'' x 1|" internally. Gates mentions finding these nests 10 feet up in small trees but nearly all mine were less than 4 feet from it. The birds lay in May and June and often during the early rains of July and August, and in North Assam and Sikkim, where the rains do not break until June, few nests will be found before that month. The normal clutch of eggs is two only, sometimes three and very rarely four. They
jjrowiiig
;
are extremely beautiful eggs the ground-colour is a deep salmon, rarely with a lilac tinge, and the markings consist of irregular lines, specks and blotches of different shades of blood-red and maroon with secondary markings, sometimes absent, of grey and neutral tint. Tlie markings are generally rather profuse everywliere, but in some are confined to the larger end and the lines are generally on this part of the egg. The surface is hard, fine and intensely glossy and the shape is a long oval, distinctly pointed at the smaller end. One hundred eggs average 2G-9x 18"6 mm. and the extremes are 27-6 X 18-6 mm.; 26-1 x 20-0 mm.; 23-3 X 18-3 mm. and 24-8
;
18-Omm.
Habits. Though this Bulbul
is
may
be found up to 6,000 feet,
it
typically a bird of the humid forests of valleys between 1,000 and 3,000 feet. On rare occasions it may wander into bamboo-
jungle but it is essentially a resident of tree-forest with the most thickly grown underwood. It is, unlike most Bulbuls, really gregarious, wandering about the bushes, cane-brakes and scrub in small parties of half-a-dozen to a dozen, creeping and clambering about them very much in the same manner as do the LaugliingThrushes. It is, however, a good flyer when forced to take wing, though it prefers pedestrian work when possible. It feeds on both insects and seeds and fruit, and in North Cachar was very partial to the berries of a babool-like tree {PhyUanthus emlica), swallowing them whole although they were as big as marbles. They are noisy birds with a few sweet calls and many discordant ones.
(381) Criniger tephrogeuys
bnrmanicus.
BulBtTI,.
i,
THB BuEMESB WHITB-THEOAntD

Criniger burmanicut Oates,
Fauna B.
I.,
Birds,
p.
266 (1889)
(Tounghoo).
Vernacolar names. None recorded.

Description. Similar to C. t. flaveolva but with the upper parts and more greyish, especially on the head and crest ; the upper breast is white as well as the chin and throat.
less olive-green
OBINIGEB.
365
Colours of soft parts as in the last. rather larger bird than fiaveolm ; wing 95 Keasurements.
to 102
mm.
Hills East
of
Distribution.
the Salwin from Yatnetliiii to
Moulmein.
Nidification. Nest and eggs sent me from near Moulmein are quite indistinguisliablo from those of the last bird. They were taken in March and May, the nests being placed in low bushes on the outskirts of heavy forest. Nine eggs average 25"l X 18-4 mm.
either of the
Habits. According to Gates this is more of a tree bird than two previous races. Davison also remarks that it never descends to the ground as the Indian bird often does but otherwise he describes it as being the same energetic, noisy bird Their song, he writes, is a feeble " twee, twei?, as that i-ace is. twee."
(382) Criniger
tephrogenys griseiceps.
BtTLBUi,.
;
Hume's Wuitb-thhoated
Criniger griseiceps Blanf. & Dates, i,
Hume,
p.
S. F.,
i,
p.
478 (1873) (Upper Pegu)
257.

Description. This form is close to typical tephrogenys but lias the upper parts olive-grey rather than rufescent brown and the upper breast, as well as the throat and chin, is white the rest of the under parts are ochraceous as in that bird.
;
last.
Measurements. A rather smaller bird than yutturalis, with a wing between 90 and 98 mm., according to sex, and other measurements iu proportion. Distribution. Central West Burma, South to North Teiiasserim.
Kidification.
Not
recorded.
Habits. Those uf the genus.

(383) Criniger teplirogenys grandis.
Tub
YcirirAir
"White-thboatbd BuiiBut.
Criniger pallida grandis Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. (1917) (Yunnan).
C,
xxxvii, p.

Description. Upper parts olive-brown, the head browner lower parts pale olive-yellow, the flanks olive-green and the under tail-coverts buflf the yellow is deeper and more olive than in pallida. Nearest to the Hainan form, C. (. pallida but mucfi bigger, with a wing 114 to 119 mm. as against 100 to 115 in that bird, according to Oustalet, or 98 to 105, according to the British
;
Museum series.
366
C.
t.
PICSONOTJB^.
henrici
is
intermediate in size but yellower on the under
parts.
Colours of soft parts. Iris red ; bill bluish grey, darker on tip and eulinen legs fleshy-grey. Measurements. The largest of all the forms of White-throated JJulbuIs, with a wing 114 to 119 mm. Slam birds seem Distribution. Yunnan and N.E. Slian States. ruferable to 0. t. henrici,!). smaller form in the South from Annam, Cochin China etc. Oustalet's larger birds from Yunnan should
;
probably
all
be (jrandis.
Nidiflcation and Hatits not recorded.
Genus TRICHOLESTES
Salvadori, 1874.
Tricholestes is remarkable for the numerous long spring from the back these hairs lie close to the feathers and nre not distinctly visible until they arc lilted up. In Tricholestes t;he bill is very strong for the size of the bird. The culmen is straight for half its length and the ti]) of the npper luandible is strongly tipped and notched. The frontal and rictal bristles are long. The iiead is not crested. The wing is blunt, tiie tail slightly rounded and the feet are e.xceediugly small and
Jiairs whicii
;
The genus
weak.
Fig.
72. Head and back of
T.
c,
criniger.
(34) Tricholestes criniger criniger.
The Haiet-baoked Bulbto,

Brachypodiut
(Malacca).
Tricholestei criniger.
filanf.
(?)
criniger Blyth, J,
A.S.B., xiv,
i,
p.
577 (1846)
& Gates,
p. 258.

Descriptios. Forehead and crown olive-brown ; hind neck, back and nimp dull olive-green; wing-coverts browner; quills
Ai/OPHOixcs.
l)rowii, the inner secondaries
367
and the outer webs of the others rufescent ; tail riifescent, the outer webs tinged with greenish and the outer feathers tipped with whitish lores and sides of the head yeUovv, the latter feathers tipped with dusky ; chin and throat whitisti ; lower plumage yellow, the breast and sides of the body tinged with ashy ; under tail- and wing-coverts yellow.
;
Colonrs of soft parts. " Legs and feet pale bluish or pinkisli claws pale plumbeous blue; lower brown or salmon-fleshy mandible and edge of the upper pale plumbeous ridge of eulmeii and tip of upper mandible black rest of the upper mandible dark plumbeous, sometimes horny brown; iris pale umber or snuSybrown to dark hrown " {Hume tf- Davison).
;
Measurements. Total length about 180 mm. vîng 70 to 77 mm.; tail about 70 to 75 mm.; tarsus 15 mm. eulraen about
;
15
mm.
Distribution. The extreme South of Tenasserini and S.E. Siam to the South of the Malay Peninsula. The Sumatran and J3orneau form has been separated as Trkholestes c. viridis.
Two eggs of the form viridis in the collection of Davidson and taken by a eorrespoiuletit of Hcrr M. Kusuhel in W. Java are very like the eggs of lole iotericu. Tlie groundcolour is a pronounced pink, thickly mottled all over with a darker brownish pink, the mottling only a little darker than the ground-colour, so that at a short distance they look uniform. In shape they are long ovals and they measure about 23-2x .lO'O mm.
Nidiflcation.
J.
Mr.
Habits. Davison records that " This little Biilbni goes about in small parties of five or six, keeping to the brushwood and following each other about from bush to bush, uttering all the while a soft twittering note. In its habits it approaches much nearer the Timaliine birds than the Bulbuls, like them hunting systematically the foliage and branches of the brushwood and smaller One specimen I shot was quite alone and was perched frees. on a dead twig, where it kept expanding and closing its tail spasmodically and bobbing about exactly like a Plycatcher. Their food consists almost exclusively of insects, though they do They are very tame birds occasionally eat a few small berries.
. . .
-and their plumage apparently never in good condition, so that is .impossible ever to make up a really good specimen."
it
aenus ALOFHOIZUS Gates, 1889.

This genus was created by Gates for a species previously placed genus Griniger. It differs from that genus in having no -crest and from Trkholettes in not having such long back-hairs. JBill, wings and tail are very similar to those of Griniger. There is but one species at present referred to this genus.
in the
368
(385)
PTONONOTIDJE.
Alophoizus phsBOcephalus.
Bulbui,.
The Ckestless White-theoated
Ixos pheeocephalus Ilartl., Rev. Zool,, p. 401 (1844) (Malacca). Alophoixus phaocephahu. Blanf, & Gates, i, p. 269.

Description. Crown of head and nape blackisb, each feather edged with bluish-grey; lores whitish; back, rump and upper wing-coverts olive-green, the lateral feathers of the rump washed with yellow at the tips ; upper tail-coverts and tail rufous-brown j wings dark brown, the feathers rufescent on the outer web.s ; sides of the head and neck and a narrow half-collar on the hind-neck ashy-grey, darker posteriorly ; chin and throat white ; remaining lower pluiuage bright yellow washed with olive on the sides of the body ; under wing-coverts yellow. Colours of soft parts. " The legs, feet and claws vary from
fleshy white (sometimes with a pinky tinge) to fleshy yellow ; the upper mandible from dark plumbeous to dark horny brown ; lower
mandible and edges of upper mandible pale plumbeous; irides snuff-brown, burnt sienna-brown or reddish brown" {Hume ^
Davison),
Measurements. Length about 200 to 210 mm.; wing 86 to 95 mm., the female averaging some 5 mm. less than the male; tail about 70 to 80mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen 14 to
17
mm.
Distribution.
The extreme South of Tenasserim to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Nidification. Nothing recorded. Habits. Davisou found this bird either singly or in pairs in thick forest or thin tree-jungle and, though common, never in gardens or clearings. In its general habits it closely resembles It is never found on the ground. birds of the genus Criniger.
Genus MICEOSCELIS Gray, 1840.

this genus of Bulbuls has hitherto been known is unfortunately preoccupied by Typsipetee(Stephens, Syst. Brit. Ins., ii, p. 138, 1829) and the next name applicable is Mierotcelis of Gray (List Gen. Birds, 1840, p. 28), created for M. amaurotis, a Japanese Black Bulbul which cannot, I think, be separated generically from our Indian and Burmese forms. Haringtonia of Mathews and Iredale seems to me to be
The name Hypgipeta by which
unnecessary.
The genus contains a group of Bulbuls characterized by grey and blackish plumage, red bills and long, forked tails. The bill is slender and about as long as the head, which is furnished with a
long crest of pointed feathers. The rictal bristles are very short, not exceeding a third of the length of the culmen. The wing ia
MICfiOSCBUS.
869
pointed, the secondaries falling short of the tip by a considerable distance. The tail is distinctly forked and the outer feathers curved outwards. The tarsus is smooth and very short (see fig. 70, p. y60), being between a sixth and a seventh of the length of the wing. There is only one species found within our limits but that is represented by numerous geographical races. The genus
extends
I'roiit
India to Japan.
Microscelis psaroides.
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Crown of head blaclc, contrasting!; with paler grey of back and clearly detined from it. a. A black streak behind and under the earcoverts.
[p. ,369.
Paler grey both above and below. ... v. Darker bluish jrrey above and below b. No black streak behind or under the earcoverts B. Crown of head black, gradiinlly merging into the blackish ^rey of back and upper
a'.
.
M. psaroides psaroides, M.p. niijrescens, p. 371.
M.p. ganeesa, M.p.
p.
372.
parts
concolor, p. 372.
Fig. 73.
Tail of M.
p. psaroides.
(386) Microscelis psaroides psaroides.
The HiMAirATAN Black

Hypsipetea psaroides Vigors, P. Z. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 200.
S.,
Bulbvii.
j
1831, p. 43 (Himalayas, Simla)
(Lepcha)
Yernaonlar names. Ban Bahra (at Mussoorie) I%aM-jpho Durkal (Ohamba). Description. Crown from forehead to nape, lores, a* spot at
;
and a broad
vol.. I.
the base of the lower mandible, another at the angle of the chin stripe round the ear-coverts black a spot above the lores grey ; upper plumage and wing-coverts dark grey remainder
; ;
2b
370
PTCNONOTIBJB.
of wings and tail black; ear-coverts, chin, throat, breast and flanks grey ; abdomen and vent paler, the feathers being grey with white edges ; under tail-coverts grey with broad white margins.
Fig. 74.
Head of M. p. psaroidcs.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris darker hazel- brown bright coral-red, the claws horny-brown.
;
bill
and legs
HeaBTirements. Length about 250 mm.; wing 120 to 130mm.; the females, as usual, being decidedly the smaller tail about 112 to 120 mm. tarsus about 18-5 to IQ'ii mm.; culmen about 21 mm.
;
Distribution. Western Himalayas to Bhutan. far this specimen bird extends East in Assam is not yet known. obtained by Dr. Falkiner in the Abor Hills is nearer the next form ; one of the big tributaries of the Brahmaputra such as the
How A
Subansiri or the Dihaug will between the two.
probably be the dividing line
Nidiflcation. The Himalayan Black Bulbul breeds in considerable numbers at all heights between 2,000 and 7,000 feet, The principal breeding occasionally even higher than this. months are May and J une but eggs are laid both earlier and later by at least a month. The nest is generally a rather shallow cup, made of almost any vegetable material but for the main part of fine elastic twigs, lichen, roots and a few leaves well plastered with cobwebs where it is attached to the horizontal fork in which Often it is placed at very great heights from the it is cradled. ground, 50 or 60 feet up on the outer branches of some great forest tree; at other times it is placed in a small sapling and yet again, though but very rarely, in a tall bush. It is usually a very difficult nest to find and an even harder one to obtain when found. The site selected is most often in thin forest on the outskirts of heavier forest but it does now and then build well inside the interior of very dense forest. The eggs number two or three or, according to Hodgson, four and are very like the eggs of the common forms of Molpattet though so much bigger. The ground varies from pure white to
pale pink or even a fairly warm salmon-pink and are covered^ generally densely, sometimes only sparingly, with specks, spots and small blotches of various shades of red, reddish brown or umber-brown with others underlying these of neutral tint and
MIOBOSCSLIS.
grey.
is
871
The texture is neither very fine nor very close ; the gloss but slight or even altogether absent and the normal shape is a rather long, well-pointed oval. Fifty eggs average 26-2 x 19"1 mm. nd the extremes, are 282x20-0, 23-8 x 18-7 and 26-2 18'3 mm. The longest egg is also the broadest. Habits. The Himalayan Black Bulbul is the exact opposite of the White-throated Bulbul in most of its ways. It is equally noisy and equally discordant in its notes but it is essentially a bird of liigh tree-tops, a percher and not a climber, a free and fairly easy dyer and largely vegetarian in its diet. The nectar of flowers, which Gates says it takes, is probably swallowed together with the numerous small insects which frequent these same fliowers and upon which the Bulbuls feed. It goes aliout regularly in flocks all through the winter, sometimes two flocks combining where food is plentiful, and they have a curious follow-my-leader style when flying from one tree to another. It is a very bold bird and has no objection to being watched but it is naturally restless and unless on some tree, such as a Bombax in flower, which offers particularly fascinating food, soon flits away out of sight. It is never found except in really well-forested hills and mountains which it ascends to about 9,000 feet elevation.
yS7) Microscelis psaroides nigrescens.
The Assam Black Bulbul.

Hypnipetes pparoides nigrescens Stuart Baker, Bull. B. 0. p. If) (1917) (Upper Chindwin).
C,
xxxviii,
Vernacular names. Bao-hulip gashim (Cachari). Description. Differs from M. p. psaroides in being very much darker both above and below at the same time it is a paler bird than M. p. eonco/ov and has the black ci'own and the head distinctly defined from the paler, blackish grey of the back. Colours of soft parts and Measurements much as in the last, though they average a little bigger. Distribution. South Assam, Manipur, Arrakan and the Northern Chin Hills apparently as far East as the Chindwin, but not to the Irrawaddy. It is also found in North-East Assam and
;
the Abor Hills.

Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but moss seems to be far more used in the construction of the nest and in some cases this material forms practically the whole of the nest. Like the last bird this also is one of the very few that employ pineneedles as a lining to their nests. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the Himalayan race. 100 average 27'1 x 19-7 mm., with extremes of 29-0 X 19-2, 27-0 x 20-6, 247 X 19-3
and 25'8xl8 mm. HaWts. Those of the genus.

feet
It is found up to d.OOO or 7,000 and descends almost to the plains. It ws common in Margberita at about 700 feet and in the winter in N. Lakhimpui-
xtettd8 well into the plains.

??
372
PYCiroifoxiDJE.
(388) Microscelis psaroides concolor.
The Bubmese Black Buibol.

'
Hypsipetes cmwolor Blyih, J. A. S. B., iviii, serim) ; Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 261.
p.
816 (1849) (Tenas-
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. DiflFers from M. p. psaroides in having the grey very dark, darker even than in nigresctns and in having the black of the head merge into the slightly paler back without any definition between the two. Colours of soft parts and Heasurements as in the Himalayan
form.
Distribution. Eastern Buri))a, Shan South Burma to Muleyit Mountain. cannot be separated from this form.
Statesi,
Yunnan, Siam and
Anderson's
yunnawnm
Nidification. Similar to that of the other birds of this genus.
Twelve eggs average 27'2x 19-4 mm., these few varying very
little
either in size or shape.
Habits. This is a forest bird, according to Davison keeping more to the outskirts of jungle, clearings and more open forest than the other races do. It is found from the level of the plains in winter to at least 7,000 feet in the Kachin Hills in summer.
(.889)
ICicroscelis psaroides ganeesa.
The Southben Indian

Hyptipefct ganeem Sykes, P. Z. & Gates, i, p. 26l'.
S.,
Bi-aok BiTLBtrt.
1832, p.
8(5
(Deccan)
Blanf.
Vernacular names. Kele Kondiya (Ceylon). Description. Differs from all the other races in having no black line round the ear-coverts ; the grey is darker than in the Himalayan form but the head is sharply defined from the back. There is little or no wliite on the abdomen.
Colours of soft parts. "Iris hazel dyed with lake-red; orange-vermilion ; feet orange-yellow " {Fairhank).
Iffeasurements. This
is
bill
the smallest of
all
the races except for
some specimens from the extreme South of Burma. Wing 112 to 120 mm., tail about 100 to 105 mm. Distribution. India South from Matlieran and Ceylon. McMaster obtained it at Chikaldar on the Garwilgurgh Hills in
Berar.
Nidiflcation. The Southern Black Balbul seems normally to frequent higher elevations for breeding purposes than do the other races and will not often be found breeding below 4,000 feet. It builds a nest similar to those of its relations elsewhere biit makes a greater use of dead leaves in its construction. It is often placed at very great heights and seldom on saplings or bushes. The egfijft are almost invariably two only and differ from those of the
CEEA80PHII.A,
373
Himalayan form in being more weakJy marked, less handsome eggs and also in being generally a shorter, blunter oval. Thirty ggs average 26-6 x 19"5 mm. and vary in length between 28'3 X 19-3 mm. and 25-0 X 19-2 mm. and in breadth between 27-0 x 20-6 and 26-3 x 19-0 mm. They breed from February to July. Habits. Those of the genus. They are never found in the plains and seldom below 2,000 feet, even in winter. Mr. Rhodes Morgan records having seen these Bulbuls " migrating in vast flights, numbering several thousands, in the Bolumputty Valley in July. They were flying westwards towards Malabar." They frequent both the outskirts of forests and heavily-wooded districts and also small spinneys and aholas standing in the
hollows of grass-covered
hills.
Genus CERASOPHILA liingham, 1900.

This genus was created by Bingham for the reception of a very remarkable Bulbul, probably nearest to the genus Microscelis {Hypsipetei auct.). Like that genus the tarsi are short and nonscutellate and the tail is rather long and forked. Tlie culmen is more curved than in Microscelis but it differs principally from that genus in having a bare unfeathered patch of skin round the eye. The under tail-coverts are brightly coloured as in MoljpasUs and Otocompsa,
thompsoni. BiKGHAM'S WniTJE-HEABEn BuLBUIi.

(390) Cerasophila
Cerasophila thompsoni Bingham, A. M. N. II., (7) v, p. 358 (1900) (Loi-San-Pa, 6,500 foet, S. Shau States).

Description. " The whole head and neck snow-white, the white of these parts abruptly defined from the back and breast, and extending further down on the upper back than on the sides of the back, rump, upper tail-coverts, wingthe neck and breast coverts, scapulars, the outer webs of the two inner tertiaries, the breast, sides, and stomach a clear ash-grey; the primary wingfeathers, the secondaries, the tertiaries, with the exception noted above, and the tail hair-brown; vent and under tail-coverts light bright chestnut ; the under wing-coverts and axiliaries, the lower portion of the stomach, and some of the lower feathers on the thighs pale grey with a wash of light chestnut." Colours of soft parts. " Bill, legs and feet coral- red, claws horny
;
a bare patch of skin round the eyes, conspicuously wider below the eyes than above it, greyish tinged with yellow, the eyelids with a rim of bright vermilion-red. Iris whitish-yellow to pale
yellow." The sexes are alike in plumage and differ only very slightly in size.
tarsus 0'7,
Xeasurements. "c?. Length 7-8 inches, wing 3'8, tail bill from gape 0*85. ? Length 7"8 inches, wing
.
8'8,
3*7,
374
TxcsoyiyaDM.
from gape 0'85. These measurements were taken in the flesh." {Bint/ham.) Distribution. Southern Shan States, North- West Siam and East Central Burma. "VVickliara reports it as not uncommon at
tail 8*85, tarsus 0*7, bill
Taung-gyi.
Nidiflcation
unknown.
Habits. According to "Wiekham this is a Bulbul of high elevations during thp breeding season, when it is found from 6,000 feet upwards, in the non-breeding season it comes down to lower elevations between 8,000 and 4,000 feet, going about in small flocks. Their note is harsh but quite typical of the family.
Genus
HEMIXUS
whicii
Hodgson,
18-14.
flavala is the type, contains many subspecies. It differs from Microscelis in having the tail square or slightly rimnded and its outer feathers straight. The crest consists of a great number of
The genus Hemixus, of two Indian species and
H.
short
hilt
sharply-pointed feathers.
The nuchal
hairs are short
and
indistinct, but the rictal bristles are strong.
The wing
is
pointed, the secondaries falling well sliort of the longest primaries. The bill is like that oi Microscelis but the tarsus is slightly shorter, though this is not noticeable in dry skins.
Key
A
Tail dark brown.
a.
6.
to Sju'eiex
and
Subspecies.
Head and
colorous
back
practjcall}
con-
H. JIavalaflarida,
contrasting
p. .374.
Head much darker and

a'.
with the back. Back brown, thoug-h lighter than head
H. ft. davimni,
p.
376.
p. ;i70.
b'.
Back gruy
ffi-een.
H.Jl. hildehrandi,
B. Tail
c.
c'.
Back
green.
[p. 377.
f .
Breast and sides of neck strongly rufous; throat nearly pure white Breast and sides of neck merely tinged rufous ; throat grey
ILmacclelhindi macclellandi,
H.m.
tickelli, p. .378.
d.
Back brown
(391)
H. m. bingkami,
p. 379.
Hemixus
J.
flavaia flavala.
Bdlbujc.
The Himalayan Bbown-eabbd

Hemixus flavala Hodgs.,
Blanf.
A.
S. B.,
xiv, p.
572 (1845) (Nepal)

JDao
&
Gates,
i,
p.
263.
Temacolar names.
(Gachari).
Nalli-pindi
(Lepcha),
hvlip-gadUha
Description. Upper plumage and smallei' wing-coverts dark ashy, the feathers of the crown edged paler and the upper tailcoverts tinged with olive-green; tail browo, tinged with oHve-
HKMixxrs.
375
;
green on tbe basal half of the outer webs greater coverts brown on the inner and olive-yellow on the outer webs quills brown,
;
tbe earlier primaries edged with grey below the emarginations all the other quills margined with olive-yellow, very narrow on the outermost and increasing until it covers the whole of the outer webs of the innermost secondaries; lores and cheeks blackish ; ear-coverts bronze-grey chin, throat, centre of the abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts white; breast, sides of neck and flanks grey.
;
Fig.
7r>.
Head of Hcmixiisjl. flavala.
Coloura of soft parts. Irides dull crimson or reddish brown black the legs vary much between horny-brown and dark plumbeous, in a few specimens being almost black.
bill
;
tail
Measarements. Length about 210 mm.; wing 04 to 99 mm.; about 86 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; cuhnen about 15 mm. The female is, as usual, a little smaller wing about 90 to 96 mm.
;
In the young the crown

cap.
is
very dark, showing up as a distinct
N. Chin
Distribution. Himalayas from Mussoorie to Eastern Assam, Hills, Kachin Hills to Yunnan. South Assam, Manipur,
Chittagong Hill tracts and Arrakan.

Nidification. This Bulbul breeds at elevations between 3,000 feet in scrub-jungle and the dense secondary growth on deserted cultivation, or occasionally in the undergrowth of forests. It is very partial to the banks of tiny streams such as are dry
and 6,000
during the winter but form rapid little water-courses during the rains. The nest is a rather deep cup, composed outwardly of grass stems only. Sometimes a few bamboo leaves, a twig or two and some roots may be added to the other materials, but it is curious that whatever the article chosen it is nearly always yellow, tan, or pale brown in colour. Externally the nests roughly average about 3*5 " X 2-5" and they are nearly always placed close to the ground, somewhere between 2 and 5 feet from it, and well hidden in a thick bush or dense mass of brambles or creepers. Nests majr be found any time from early May to late July. The eggs are either two or three in number, rarely four, and vary in ground-colour from pearly-white to pale salmon. They are pronisely covered all over with specks and spots of light pinkish red to a reddish brown. In shape they are rather long,
376
rrcsosofiiDJE.
often pointed, ovals. Fifty eggs average 23'6x 17"3 ram., the extremes being 26-5xl8-0 mm., 221 X 17-6 mm. and 24-0 x 16'3 mm. The greatest length and breadth occurs in the same egg-
Habits. The Brown-eared Bulbuls come well into the plains winter but in summer keep above 2,000 feet and ascend to 6,000 or perhaps 7,000 feet. They collect in very large flocks containing 20 to 30 individuals and haunt both the higher trees and low scrub and brushwood. They are noisy birds and have many harsh notes but they also have a rather ])retty, jerky little song which they sing at all seasons. They keep much to the more open wooded parts until the breeding season commences, wlien they retire to the deeper forests. They have a curious habit of swinging themselves on the pliant ends of the small bamboo, Bamhusa vulr/M-is, several birds often perching on the same hanging end and evidently enjoying themselves as they sway in the breeze.
ill
(392)
Hemixns
Hume,
i,
fiavala davisoni.
Davison's Bjiown-eaeeh HvijUvl.

Ilemixvs davisoni
Blanf.
S. F., v, p.
Ill (1877) (Tenasserim)
&
Gates,
p.
264.
Vernacular names. Nyen-hoh-ha-loiie (Burmese). Description. Differs from H. fl. flavula in having the entire crown and nape a rich dark brown, the upper j)art8 a paler brown and the yellow on the wings less in extent the breast is ashy rather than grey.
;
Colours of soft parts as
in tlie last.
Heasnrements. This race seems to average a trifle larger than the last, the wing being between 97 and 102 mm.
I>istribatioii>
Tenasserim, Meetan and Thoungyah.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded beyond Davison's statement that it is confined to the hill-forests of the southern half of Tenasserim.
(303)
Hemizus
flavala hildebrandi.
Hir.DEBaAND's Beowk-eaeed BfIBFIi.
HemuTus
Blanf.
hildebratidi
& Gates,
i,
p.
Hume, 8. F., iU.
ii,
p.
508 (1874) (Salween
Dist.)
Ternacnlar names. Nyen-b6h-ka-lone (Burmese.)

Oescription. Differs from Davison's Brown-eared Bulbnl in having the head still darker, almost a blackish brown and tbe upper parts more grey and less brown.
ColotiTB of soft parts similar to those of the other races.
HBMIXUS.
377
Heasurements. This is the largest race of the three, having a wing between 100 ancl.105 mm. Distribution. Salween and Karen Hills. Nidiflcation and Habits. NotliinK recorded. Three eggs sent nie with the bird from Karen Hills measure 22-1 x 17"0 mm. The nest is in appearance just like that of II. f.flavala and was said
to have been placed in a thick bush in scrub-jungle.
(394)
Hemixus macclellandi
The Eufous-bellied
macclellandi.
Etji-bul.
Jli/piipetes macclellandi llovtif., V. Z. S., 1839, p.
oO (Assam).
Jlemivus macclellandi.
Wauf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. '2iib.
Vernacular names.
CJiinchiok-pJio (Lepcha); (^77()(!/iiaOT(Lepcha);
Dao-hullp-yadeha (Cachari).
Description. Forehead, crown and na])e bright vandyke-brown, the shafts jjale reddish while, giving a streaky appearance; remainder of upper plumage, wing-coverts and inner secondaries olive-green, brightest and sometimes more )'e]low on the upper tail-coverts; tail bright oli ve- green ; quills brown edged with olive-green ; lores and cheeks grey or grey and white ; ear-coverts, sides of neck, breast and flanks chestnut abdomen white, more or less suif'used with rufous under tail-coverts yellowish rufous.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel, red-brown to red bill, upper mandible dark blue-grey, eulinen, tip and base of lower mandible dusky, remainder fleshy-white legs dull yellowish- to purplishbrown.
; ;
Measurements. Total length about 240 mm.; wing 106 to 110 mm.; tail about 110 mm.; tarsus about 19 mm.; culmen 20 mm. Distribution. Himalayas from Mussoorie to E. Assam both North and South of the Brahmaputra Kiver, Chin Hills, Manipur, Lnshai and Arrakan. Nidiflcation. The Eufous- bellied Bulbul breeds between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, from the end of May to the beginning of August. The nest is a large, rather shallow cup of grass, bamboo leaves, shreds of bark and long roots which are wound round the branches of the horizontal fork from which it is always suspended. It is generally an untidy, loosely-built nest but very strong. The lining is of fine grasses only, very rarely a few roots being added. The site selected is the outer branch of a tree at some height between 20 and 40 feet from the ground, the chossin tree standing either on the outskirts of forest, in scattered tree and bamboo jungle or sometimes in dense forest wheu this is broken by a stream or some natural clear space. The eggs are generally two only in number and are very like those of the genus Microseelia but on the whole are duller, less
378
PYCNONOTIDÊ.
richly coloured eggs nnd the texture is distinctly more fragile and coarser, tlie surface seldom having any glo^s. i'ifty eggs average
26-2 X 18-2 mm. and the extremes are 28-lXl9-6 mm., 27-3X 39'3 and 22-0 X 16-0. The last is both the shortest and most narrow.
Habits. This Bulbul is not gregarious though, where food is two or three pairs may be found in company. They frequent lighter forest, bush ami scrub in preference to heavy forest, rarely entering tliese to any depth except in the breeding season. They are quiet birds but have a few musical notes and a loud mellow call, a whistle with three ascending notes. It is found up to about 7,000 feet and in winter descends to 2,000 feet. It is a most amiable bird nnd will allow much smaller birds to drive it away from food without making any
plentiful,
protest.
(395)
Hemizus macclellandi
Tickell's Bulbul.
tickelli.
Hypsipetes tickelli Blyth, J. A. S. B., xxiv, p. 27 /j (1855) (Interior of Teuasserim). Hevwvus tickelli. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 265.

Description. Differs from the Eufous-bellied Bulbul in having the lower plumage grey tending to white on the abdomen and the breast streaked with whitish shaft-stripes ; the ear-coverts and the sides of the neck are pale rusty, which colour also tinges the breast ; the shaft-stripes of the crest-featliers are broader and whiter the throat is grey instead of white.
;
Colours of soft parts. " Legs and feet fleshy-pink, light purplish brown, pale pinkish brown or pale reddisli brown bill black, hoary black or dark hoary brown; iris wood-brown, deep red-brown, light red or crimson " (Iltmie and Davison).
;
wing Measurements. Total length about 230 to 240 nnn. 97 to 102 mm. tail about 106 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; cnlmen about 23 mm. Distribution. Karenni and the hills of East Central Burma
; ;
to Muleyit in Tenasserim.
Nidification.
Unknown.
Habits. This race seems to be found in much the same kind of forest as that frequented by the last bird but it is also found in pine-forests, in which H. m. macclellandi does not seem to enter. It occurs from 2,500 up to 4,000 feet. There is a form of Hemixiis macclellandi found in the Kachia Hills (Barington) but I have not seen any specimens. Presumably it is typical macclellandi with which Harington placed it but it may be this Karen Hills form, tickelli, and specimens ar badly wanted to confirm or disprove this.
AIXVEUS.
(396)
37&
Hemixus macclellandi binghami.

Hartkut's Shan Bclbui,.
Viig. Pal., ix, p.
loU hoUi binghami Hartert, S. Shan States).
558 (1902) (Loi-San-Pa,
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This fonn differs from the Himalayan and Davison's Brown-eared Eulbuls in having the upper plumage brown, not green. It is nearest to H. m. holti, from Southern China, in its abdomen being paler and whitish rather than rusty rufous and in its paler upper parte. Keasurements. " Wing 108 mm.; tail 11.5 mm." (Hartert). Distribution. South Shan States. Nidiilcation and Habits. Nothing recorded. "Within a comparatively small area we have many forms of this Bulbul //. . holti from S. China, J/, m. similis Rotlischild from Yunnan, H. m. ticlelli from the Karen HiJls, IJ. m. muecMlandi from the Chin and Kacliin Hills. Apparently tliese are all good forms. From Annam, Messrs. Robinson and Ivloss describe yet another form as U. tickelli griseiventer (Ibis, 1919, p. 50b).
Genus
ALCURUS
Hodgson, 1843.
The only species in this genus is a conspicuous and easily recognized bird with ample crest and striped plumage. The crest springs from every portion of the crown and is of considerable length when erected, the feathers being narrow but of the same width througliout and not sharply pointed. The bill is small and only half the length of the head ; the tarsus is scutellated but in young birds is almost smooth throughout. The tail is slightly rounded and the wing rather pointed.
Fig. 76.
Head of Alcurus striaius.

Alcurus striatus.
BtriBtrL.
(397)
Thb Steiatbb Gbbbit
Trichophorue tti-iatm Blyth, J. A.S.B,, xi, p. 184 (1842) (Nepal). Alcurus itriatus. Bianf. & Dates, j, p. 266.
Ternaoillamuaes. 8mim-flek-pho{li6î'h&)\ Chichiam{Tih\xâ.).
380
PrCNON0T1D.E.
tail
Description. Wliole upper plumage and closed wings and
olive-green, brownish on the crest, which in some specimens is almost a hair-browu ; the feathers of the crown have white striaj which are broadest and often yellowish on the forehead, narrowest
where they become little more than nape, upper back and scapulars broadly striated white, the striations becoming narrower towards the rump and ceasing altogether ou the upper tail-coverts ; lores and chin yellow or orange-yellow throat paler and duller yellow, the feathers tipped witli dusky-brown ; eai'-coverts dark brown narrowly streaked with yellowish white ; breast, sides of neck and flanks dark grey-brown broadly stTiated with yellow towards the abdomen, which is wholly of this colour; under tail-coverts yellow under surface of the tail yellowish green the greater wingcoverts are broadly margined with yellowish on (he outer webs. Colours of soft parts. Iris reddish brown to Indian-red or bright brick-red; bill dark horny, almost black; legs dark clear plumbeous, according to Davison sometimes dark brown.
crest-feathers,
on the longer
shaft-stripes
tail
Measurements. Length about 220 mm. wing 102 to 112 ram. 96 to 108 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 15 to
;
16
mm.
Distribution. Himalayas, Nepal to Assam both Xorth and South of the Brahmaputra, Chin Hills, Kachin Hills to Yunnan, Manipur and hills of (Jentral Burma to Tenasserim. Eothschild has recently shown that Alcurtis striatm pauliis* described from Yunnan cannot stand as it is no smaller than tiiose from Sikkira and elsewhere. The birds from Tenasserim possibly average 1 or 2 mm. less in wing measurement but the extremes are much the same, and as I can trace no difference in plumage there seems to be no sufficient ground for separating them. Birds of this species in abraded plumage differ from freshly plumaged birds far more than is generally the case and
this must always be borne in mind when comparing specimens from different areas'.
The Striated Green Bulbul breeds between 4,000 perhaps higher still, over the greater part of its known range, building a cup-shaped nest of roots and fine elastic twigs with a lining of fine grass stems. In some cases a fewscraps of mose, spiders' egg-bags and a cobweb or two may be added but in all roots and twigs form the main materials. The site selected is a thick bush or clump of the small bamboo which grows in amongst other trees and scrub and in all eases the nests are very well hidden, generally 3 or 4 feet only from the ground. The tew eggs which have been found are of two types the one like very exceptionally brown eggs of the Common Bengal Bulbul, the other with a white ground marked with numerous small freckles and blotches of pinkish red, more sparse towards the smaller en d. They measure about 22-4 x 18'3 mm. It
Nidification.
and 8,000
feet,
*Alcurta
p. tl84.
atriaiut
paulus Bangs
&
PhillipB, Bull.
Mu. Comp. ZooL, Iviii,
MOLPASTEB.
381
appears to be a late breeder, no eggs having been taken earlier than June except one by Mandelli in May. Habits. The Striated Green Bulbul is a bird of high elevations only, not descending below 4,000 feet even in the cold weather. Jerdon says that it keeps much to the tops of high trees but in N. Cachar we found it frequenting smaller trees and scrubHere it was restlessly moviug about from one bush to jungle. another and when disturbed made its way into safety by short flights of a few yards at a time, although they are good flyers when really forced to take wing into tlie open, with a faster, more direct flight than most Bulbuls. Their principal note is " a loud, mellow whistle," as referred to by Jerdon but they are really rather silent birds on the whole. They consort in small flocks in the non-breeding season and eat fruits, seeds and insects.
Genus
MOLPASTES Hume,
1873.
comprises some Bulbuls which are amongst the most familiar of Indian and Burmese garden birds. They are very widely distributed and though there are but few species these are represented by very numerous geographical races. In Molpastes the crest is thick and of considerable length, the feathers growing from every portion of the crown and nape. The nuchal hairs are extremely short and difficult to detect. The wing is blunt and the tail very slightly rounded. All the birds of this genus are remarkable for the bright colour of the under tailcoverts and are further to be recognized by the broad white tips
iWoZ^âjiiM
The genus
to the tail-feathers.
Fig.
77. Head of M.
I.
ktmii.
One of the species or races hitherto recognized cannot be maintained. This is Molpastes magrathi ("Whitehead, Bull. B. O. C, xxi, p. 48) which is only a rather common hybrid between M. h. iniermediw and if. leucotis, partaking of the characters of these two birds in varying degree, some individuals showing more of the former and some more of the latter. The question of the status of the Chinese birds chrysorrhoides is one of some doubt. Eobinson and Kloss consider that there are two good species, ehrygorrhoides and hcemorrhous, both containing one or more races. To me it seems that we have but one species, extending from Oeylon to China, for there is no real break in the continuity of gradation from the dark fvestem forma
382
pycnonotidjE,
with black ear-coverts to the pale eastern forms with almost white ear-coverts. At the same time, all along the joining line of
Molpastes
h. bunnanictjis,
M.
h. nigripileus
and
J/, h,
hengalensit
on the West with M. h. chrysovrhoidea on the East we have not only many intermediate birds, which might equally well be assigned to either form, but there are many birds, the majority in fact, which can quite definitely be credited to one or the other. Thus there are in the British Museum Collection specimens from the Shan States, Yunnan, Siam, Karenni, Tenasserim, etc., some of which are labelled ehrysorrhoides, some nigripileus, some atricapillus and some Mossi but of the birds so labelled there are many of which it is impossible to say to which race they belong. Davison, Armstrong and others obtained birds at the same place about the same date which they had no difficulty in calling
ohrygorrhoides or nigripilenn, yet others again are referable to either. It appears to me that all along the Siam-Burmese boundaries there is a narrow region in which there is no stable form found and where, evidently, there are such conflicting conditions in the environment that Nature has not yet had time to evolve one definite form. It is, of course, true that in ail lines of demarcation between geographical races intermediate forms in this intervening territory intermediate are the rule but individuals are less common than such as can be definitely assigned to one or the other of the races in the adjoining area. In view of the many individuals which are exactly half-way
between
in this
elirysorrlioides
work to
treat
and their next-door neighbours, I propose all the forms as geographical races of
hfftnorrhous,
p.
Molpagtes chrysorrhoides Mossi Robinson, Bull. B. O. C, xli, 12 (1921) does not seem to be maintainable; the Museum
series varies in
wing measurements between 87 and 104 mm.,
whilst the very large series of Chinese birds range from 90 to 107 mm., one huge bird from Amoy having a wing of 111 mm. On the other hand, it is quite possible that the birds of West Siam may be separable as somewhat smaller and darker on an average. The series in the British Museum from that country is insufficient to detennitie this point.
Key
A. Under tail-coverts
a.
to Species red.
and
Subspecies.
The black
of crown sharply delined and not extending to the
a'.
hind-neck. Ear-coverts black and not distinguishable from the crown. a". Back dark brown, feathers narrowly edged with white. b". Back paler brown, feathers
[p.
388.
M. kmmorrhout hamorrhum,
6'.
broadly edged with white . Bar<overts brown, contrasting with black of crown.
M.
h. pallidus, p. 385.
UOLFASTBS.
c
'.
388
M.h,
burmanictts, p. 885.
throat Chin, and breast deep black
upper
d".
e'.
Chin and upper throat only

black
M, M.
h, niffripileus, p. 386.
b.
whitish like the lower plumage ; point of chin only black Black of crown extending into hindneck and back and not sharply defined from brown of latter. iV. Black extending far on to back and breast Black extending only on to hinde' neck and shading into brown on breast
Ear-covei't8
.
h. chrygorrhoides, p.
887.
M.h.
benyaletuu,
p,
387.
M.h.
intermediws, p. 389.
A. Under tail-coverts yellow. and long crest hairc. Forehead brown, each feather edged with
greyish white
d.
[p.
389.
M.
crown black; no
leucof/e?n/e Imicogenyn,
Forehead and
crest
M.
black
I.
leticotis, p.
390.
e.
Forehead and crown with short

full crest
M.
I.
humii, p. 391.
(398)
Molpastes hsemorrhons hsemorrhous.
The CBiLON Kbd-aented Bulbul.

Miiscicapn hmmorrhous Gmel., S. N., i, p. 941 (1789) (Ceylon). Molpastes hmmorrhous. Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 208.
(Tel.)
Vernacular names. Bulbul or Bulhuli (Hind.) ; Jfigli-pitta Konda-lah (Tain.). Description. The whole head, chin and throat deep black,
;
sharply defiiieci at the back of the head; neck, back, wing-coverts, scapulars and breast brown, each feather narrowly margined with whitish ; rump plain brown ; upper tail-coverts white ; tail brown at base, darkening and becoming black towards the end, tipped white ; wing-quills brown, very narrowly margined with whitish ; sides of body and flanks brown fading to almost white on abdomen; under fail-coverts crimson ; shafts of tail-feathers whitish beneath.
legs
Coloars of soft parts. Iris hazel to dark brown; and feet dark brown to black.
;
bill
black;
Xeasuremsnts. Total length about 200 mm. wing 85 to 95 mm. ; tarsus about 21 mm. culmen about 15 mm. Distribution. Ceylon and South India, Travaneore and Mysore. North about up to 18 on the East and to about 20 on the West.
;
NidMcation. This Bulbul breeds over the whole of its area in the plains and the foot-hills of the various ranges up to about 2,000 feet, ascending much higher than this in any hills where bis towns, cultivation and big open plains have usurped the piaue of jungles and forests. In Ceylon they are commonly found up to
884
PIOSONOTIDiE.
3,000 feet and on the Nilgiri Hills up to about 8,000 feet above Ootacatnuud. They breed in Ceylon principally in March and April but eggs miiy be taken in almost any month ; in India May and June are, perhaps, the favourite months but there also the breeding season is very extended, many second broods are hatched and there is practically no season in which an odd nest or two may not be seen. The nest is a cup made of dead leaves, grass, twigs, creeper stems and odd scraps of dried moss, lichen etc., fairly compactly put together but rather untidy. The lining is of fine roots and green stems. No nests are ever taken in forest or really heavy jungle and no nest is built very high up in big trees or, on the other hand, placed quite on the ground. Within these limits, however, they may be built in almost any situation. A shrub or small tree within a few feet of a frequented path, a trellis over a verandah, a bush in scrub surrounding a village, a thick patch of high grass in an orcliard all in turn may serve the purpose and, failing these, any other kind of bush, tree or stump will suffice. The number of eggs laid is two or three but in the north a clutch of four may occasionally be seen. In ground-colour the eggs vary from pure white to a pale or deep salmon-piuk, a few having rather a lilac tint. Normally the markings consist of numerous small blotches, spots and freckles of various shades of red, reddish brown or pinkish brown with others, less numerous, underlying them of pale neutral tint and grey. In a few eggs the marks may be mere freckles or stipplings, in others again somewhat bolder and more blotchy but the range of variation does not seem as great as it is in M. h. bewjahnsis and M. It. burmanicm. In texture the eggs are smooth but not very fine grained, there is little or no gloss and they are rather fragile for their size. 100 eggs average 21-1 x 15-5 mm. and vary in length between 24-3 X 16-5 and 19'0x 151 mm. and in breadth between 20-2 x 16-9 and 21-4x16 mm.
Habits. The various races of Eed-vented Bulbuls are amongst the most common birds of India, sharing with the Myna, the Crow and the Kite an attachment to the vicinity of civiliKation and the haunts of man. They are not gregarious in the true sense of the word but they are so plentiful that in any spot which offers any inducements in the way of food large numbers may be seen feeding together. Tiiey feed on almost any kind of fruit, seed or insect and are often most destructive, picking off oranges when about the size of a pill, destroying peas in the hill gardens and also palling to pieces young shoots and buds. They are rather quarrelsome and extremely plucky and the natives in many parts of India keep them for fighting purposes and the males will sometimes Their voice cannot be called fight to the death unless parted. beautiful but many of the notes are pleasant and they are extremely cheerful birds, always in an optimistic frame of mind and any garden is the richer for their lively, restless presence and constant gay notes. Their flight is quick and strong.
MOLPASTES.
(399) Molpastes hsBmorrhous pallidus.
'J85'
The Centbal
p.
Indiat-
Eeb-vented Bctlbux.
Molpaftes hmmorrlmis pallidus Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O.
C,
xxxvif,.
15(1017) (Dfeea).
m\i\
Vernacular names. Bullul {Western Bengal).
IMhuU {Rmd.)
TonM-BuUml'
Description. This bird only differs from typical hmmorrJwus in being paler both above and below and having much broader white or jjreyish-white edges to tlie feathers, these greatly increasing the general paleness of the whole plumage.
last bird.
Measurements. Much the same as Hnlbul wing about 87 to 97 mm.

;
in the
Ceylon Red-vente(f.
Distribution. Continental India roughly jS'orth of a line running from 18 on the East to about 20 on the West. It is found as far North !is Behar and Western Bengal on the East and through Bundellihand and the liewah Xtates to the southern portions of Kajnntanii, Ciitch and Katliiawar. Kidification in no way different to that of the last bird except
hat clutches of four eggs are not nnconiuion in the north-east of range, whilst clutches of two are exceptional anywhere but in the south-west. Forty eggs average 22"3 x 16'1 mm., the extremes being practically the same as in the preceding subspecies.
I
tliu
(400) Molpastes hsemorrhous
burmanicus.
The Bchmkse Eeu-venxbd Bulbul.

MolpnM^s hurmanicus Sharpe, Cat. B. M.,
Blauf.
vi, p.
125 (1881) (Pegu)
&
Gates,
i,
p.
2UU.
Vernacular names. i'qpJH-m-to, Bopin-ni (Burmese); Boh-lca(Burmese for all Buibuls). Description. Differs from the last two in having the ear-coverts glossy hair-brown. The black of the crown is sharply defined from tliB brown back as in these birds but the black below extends to^ well on to the breast. Colours of soft parts. Those of the genus the legs are morelone
;
completely black.
UeasurementB. Wing about 91 to 106 mm. Birds from th<^ extreme south average a little smaller than those from the north. Distribution. Manipur, Chin Hills, Arrakan South to Eangoon and East to the Sittang Eiver. Aa Gates observes, it is not easy to define the limits of this race In but no specimens ever occur North of the Brahmaputra. 2 TOIi. 1.
386
PVCKONOTID^K.
Maiii])ur it niaj' be said to be the constant form as it is in Lusliai in the Eastern Caohar Hills birds are nparer this form Ihan bengalenisis but in Western Cachar and tlie Khasia Hills the Bengal bird is the normal one, though some few a|)[)roach the Burmese birds. This is, hoviever, only what we expect to find in geographical iMfes and on the dividing lines between all the races of iliis Bulhul the birds inhabiting them will themselves be more or less intermediate.
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the birds already described Imt is often placed in hushes on the outskirts of forest and sometimes even inside light forest, bamboo- or scrub-jiingle. it is not so persistent an adiiorent to civilizut ion and though it prefers the vicinity of towns luid villages, w ill often bo found in ()|)en country some distance from them. 100 eggs average 22-0 x IfJ-iJ unn. and the extremes are 23-8xl0-7; '2-2'2xll-b aiut 20 5 x
the nest
15-;-);
21-2
X 15-0 mm.
is tiie normal clutch round about Rangoon The breeding season lasts from April to
in the northern portion of

it
its liabilat
four
for this bird, further south three only,
liilst
often lays but two. July, earlier in the south, later
still in
the north.
(40J) Molpastes hsemorrhous nigripileus.
The Tenasseimm Eed-tkxted Bulhul.

Pj/cnonotm
uiffripileus
Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi,

Bianf.
p.
472
(1847)
(TenHSserim). Molpastes nijiripilcus.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
270.
Vernacular names.
Boh-l-a-lone (Bunnese).
Colours of soft parts as usual.
Legs and
feet black.
Measurements.
Wing
.about
85 to 99 mm.
Distribution. Burma East of the Sittdng River, as far Soutli as Tenasserim and North to Karenni. The range of this bird and It appears that that of the next has been very much confused. the whole of the South Burmese race East of the Sittang and Teniiisular Siam must be placed under the name niffripileun. Oates in allowing two races to occur in the same area has been misled by the fact that hero and there among birds from North-East "Tenasserim one tneets with individuals which have rather light <!ar-covert8, thus showing some approach to the next race.
Nldiflcation. Darling found a nest of this bird containing three on the IGth March in Tenasserim. This is recorded as that Nest and eggs are in no way of the Chinese Red-vented Bulbul. <iistinguisliable from those of others of the genus. The few eggs
1 have seen average about
<?ggs
24-lxl7'0 mm. but a larger would assuredly decrease these figures.
series
Habits. This bird is said to be even more of a forest and jungle bird than the last, otherwise there is nothing to not about it.
MOI.PASTES.
38"
*
(402)
Molpastes haemorrhous chrysorrhoides.
The Chimesb Eud-vented Bvlvvl.

llmmatornu
chr)ii>orrJwide Lafr.,
Blaiif.
Uev. Zool.,
i,
Molpastes atricapillus.
&
Gates,
p. 3(57 (1845) (China). p. -170.

;
Vernacular names. Kator-tor-nwnr/

(Chitiftse).
(Kacliiii)
Ko-hai-kwun
Description. This form is distingnislied from all others by its almost white car-coverts the ffeiieral plumage is ])aler aiid the black of the lower i)arts confined to the chin. The black of the crown is sharply defined from the rather pale brown hind neck and
;
back.
Colours of soft parts as usual.
Measurements. Wing about 85 to 111 mm. Chinese birds vary between 90 and 111 mm. and two very doubtful birds from Tenasseriin have wings of only 87 mm.
Distribution. From the North of Ivarenni through the Kachin Shan States and Yunnan to South-West China. Birds from North and Central Siam are also of this race. Birds from SouthWest Siatn and East Tenasseriin are doubtfully referable to this
Hills,
race.
Nidification. Tlie nest and eggs are described as similar to those of the Bengal bird and a series of the latter obtained by StaffSurgeon Jones at Hongkong might stand almost equally well for
any of the other r.aoes. They average 21-8 X 16-7 mm. the longest and shortest are 22-9 xl7'3 and 20'6x 16-4 mm. the longest is also the broadest, and the most narrow is 21-5 xl6'l mm. Staff-Surgeon Jones says that the eggs number from two to six in a clutch and that the nest is often placed in a fir-tree at a considerable height from the ground. Habits. The Chinese Red-vented Bulbul is the same familar bird in China and the Burmo-Chinese countries that the Indian Eed;
veiited Bulbul is in India but over a great part of its range it is a bird of the semi-jungle and forest land as well as of villages and towns. Otherwise in all its habits it differs iu no way from the
other geographical races.
(403)
Molpastes hsemorrhoas bengalensis. The Bengal Ehd-ventbu BuLBtiL.

;
Mol/mttes bengalengU Blyth, J. A. S.B., xiv, p. 666 (1845) (Bengal) Blanf. & Gates, i, p. a71.
Vernaoular names. Bulbul, Bulbuttt (Hind.) ; Kala Bulhul Dao-huUip (Cachari) Inrut (Beng.) Bulhul-torai (Assam) bullip (.Naga) ; Paklom (Bhut.) ; Mandeph-pho (Lepcha).
; ; ;
Mnteicapa atrieapiUa of VieilL, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat,, rxi, p. 489 (1818) preocoupied by Iiinn6, 1768, and mnnot be used.
2o2
388
PYCNONOTIDJE.
Description. Diilers from M. h. Ticemorrhous in having the black of the liead gradually shading into the blackish brown of the lower back iind the lower breast. The eur-coverts are dark cliocolate-
brown and the whole plumage is much darker than in M. 7j. hmnorrJions and a fortiori than that of M. 7t. pallidas. Colours of soft parts. Iris huzel or dark brown bill and legs
;
black, the latter rarely with a brownish tinge.
Measurements. This is the largest of the Indian races and larger than any of the other races except c/tri/soi-rJioides. Wing 103 to
Hi mm.
Distribution. The Himalayas and Snb-Himalaynn terai and adjoining plains from Kumaon to East Assam ; Oiidh, Northern Behiir ; East Bengal from about Cliota T\agpur ; Khasia Hills and Naga Hills East to Lalihimpnr; N.W. Cachar. In Manipur and in East Cachar the common type is hurnmnicus, thnu;h here, as one would expect, many birds are half-way between the two. In Central Cachar the birds are quite intermediate hut li^re and there, even as far West as the Khasiii Hills, birds of the IJuriiiese ty[)e are not uncoitimon.
Bulbul breeds freely Nidification. Tlie Bengal Ked-vented throughout its range from the level of the plains to at least 7,000 feet. In the plains it begins in March and continues until May, many birds having a second brood after tha rains break in June and July. In (he hills May seems to he the great breeding month but eggs have been taken in ))ractically every month of tiie year. The nest is the usual cup-shaped affair made by all Bulbuls but is possibly rather bigger and bulkier than those made by its more southern cousins. It is placed in bushes or trees in gardens, roadsides, orchards etc. and also in the scrub round villages. In the Khasia and Cachar Hills it also breeds in thin jungle and the extreme outskirts of forest. The normal full clutch is three or four eggs and rarely even five may be laid. Typically they are rather broad obtuse ovals but they vary considerably in shape. In colour again typical eggs are white to strong pink or lilac-pink profusely spotted, speckled and blotched with various shades of brown or reddish brown with sparser secondary markings of pale lavender and neutral tint. They. however, vary enormously and many eggs are extremely richly and handsomely marked, M'hilst others are not. 200 eggs a\erage 22-9 X 16-9 mm. and the extremes are 35-0x170; 24-0 x 17-6 and 20-9 X 17-5; 21-8 x 16-3 mm.
true sense of the
Habits. The Bengal Bed-vented Bulbul is not gregarious in the word but it is so coramon that it will be seen in numbers wherever the country is at all suitable and there is no garden of any size which does not have several resident pairs as ell as innumerable casual visitors. They are charming and sprightly birds in their ways and actions and most of their notes are very pleasant. Like many other Bulbuls they are very pugnacious and during the breeding season no other Bulbul is allowed within the
MOLPASTES.
389
imiiiediiite vicinity of the nest, though ttiere may be nests of other genera within a very few feet of it. They get extraordinarily tame and I have frequently had pairs of wild birds, with nests in my garden, who would take white ants fron\ within a few inches of my fingers iind who never thought of leaving their nests when 1 took tit-bits of food to tliem or their chicks.
(404)
Molpastes haemorrhous intermedius.
Thk Punjab Eed-aented

Pycntmotus intermedius Jerdon, B. of I., Molpattes inter tnediUK. Blanf. & Oales,
ii,
i,
BuLBxri,.
p.
\i.
95
(]8(i7)
(Murree).
272.
Vernacular names. Kala iminja (Cbamba). Description. Only difl'ers from the hist race in llaîlJg the black of the head not extending to the back or upper breast. The earcoverts are chocolate-brown as in the Bengal bird but the general appearance is decidedly paler.
Measurements. Wing 92 to 105 mm. It is a decidedly smaller bird than hemjalensis, very few birds having the wing as much as
100 mm.
Distribution. The lower ranges of the Himalayas from the extreme Xorth-WesI to about Alurree, the Simla Hills, Kashmir and tliejS'orthof flic Punjab. Birds from Western Oudh and West Bengal are intermediate botween this and the last race.
Nidification. Similar to that of
tlie last
race but
it
lays three eggs
more often than four and the eggs themselves do not seem to go through nearly as wide a variation. The birds breed from May to July at all heights up to about 5,000 feet or higher. Forty ejigs
average 22'iJ
10-3
mm.
h.
Habits similar to those of M.

(405)
bengahmis.
Molpastes leucogenys leucogenys.
The White-chbeked
Brachypus leucogenys Gray, Hardw.
(Darjiling).
Bulbui..
Ind. ZooL,
p. 272.
ii,
III.
p.
35 (1830)
Molpastes
Ititcogenys.
Blanf.
&
Oates,
i,
Vernacular names. Manglio-hur or Mankliph-lur (Lepcha); Kundghara (Beug.) Fuiiiju (Chamba). Description. Forehead and crest hair-brown, each feather
;
narrowly edged with greyish white ; lores black, with a white line above them ; cheeks, round the eye, chin and throat black earcoverts whit, with a black patch behind them and another patch below rhem striped white and brown; upper plumage olive-brown, the hinder part and sides of the neck barred with blackish, and the centres of the feathers brown ; wings brown, the feathers edged with olive-brown ; tail broun on the basal half, black on the terminal half and all the feathers except the two middle ones tipped
;
390
with white
;
KVUNONOTID^.
lower phnnage pale earthy-brown, wliitish on the ab;
domen; lowertail-eoverts bright sulphur-yellow; edge of wing white. Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or hazel bill black legs and feet brown to blackish brown, occasionally with a plumbeous shade.
;
Heasnrements. Length about 200 ram. wing 80 to 93 mm. tail about 85 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culinea about 14 to 16 mm. Distribution. The Himalayas from Afglianistan aud the extreme North-VVest to Bhutan and the hills of Assam, North of the Brahmaputra as far East as the Dihang lii\er, whence 1 have had specimens sent me for identification.
; ;
Nidiflcation. The White-cheeked Biilbul breeds from May to all heights from 2,500 to 7,000 feet, making a nest very similar to that of the Ked-veuted birds but generally less solid and well-built and decidedly smaller. It is made of tlic usual materials,
July at
grass, leaves, tine twigs and stems of plai\ts mixed with odd scraps of moss, lichen and roots and lined either with fine roots or grass. It is placed low down in a bush or small tree, seldom more than 5 or 8 feet above the ground and sometimes within a foot of it. The site selected may be either in a garden or a compound or in light jungle and low scrub.
The eggs are similar to those of tlie hist species but, ])erhnps, average longer in shape and duller in tint and markiniis. 100 avenige Sl-OxlO'l mm. aud the extremes in length and breadth are 24-6x1 (i-8, 24-0 x 18-0 and 19-0xld-2mm. The fuil clutch is either three or foui- eggs, mor(^ often the former.
Habits. Though found constantly wlierever there are villages
and culrivation, this Bulbul is occasionally found haunting nullahs and ravines which are comparatively well-wooded. This is especially the case round about Mussoorie. It is found at all heights from 2,500 up to 7,500 feet aud even higher than this near Simla, where Mr. P. Dodsworth took manv nests.
Fig. 78.
Heud of M.
I.
Itucoim.
(400)
Molpastes leucogenys leucotis.
The White-earbd Bulb at.

Ixos leucotis Gould, P. Z. S., 1830, p. 6 (India orientali) (restricted to Punjab). Molpaatet leucotu. Blanf & Gates, i, p. 273.
Vernacular names. Kmujdhura (Beng.); Kushandra or KunsJianbra (Punjab)

;
Jihooroo (Sind).
MOI-PA8TES.
391
;
This bird is a black-lieaderl crestless form of the last bird general colour above is also decidedly paler.
;
the
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown bill and legs black. Ueasarements. Just about the same size as the White-cheeked Bulbul, the wing running from 80 to 93 mm. the bill, however, is;
than in eitlier the preceding or tiie following bird, measuring only about 12 to 18 mm. lu shape it is rather stout
luufli smaller
and blunt instead of slender as in leueojenys or very stout and

heavy us in humii. Distribution. Sind ; Cuteh ftuzerat; Eajputana; Punjab the N.W. Provinces South to Etawa and Central India as far
;
,-
Enst as
Jhiiiisi,
Nidiflcation. This differs in
Saugor and Hoshangabad. no way from that

tlie ei^gs
of the
White-
cheeked Bulbul but
avenige about 2l-(>x lo'O
mm.
Habits. This bird is merely a plains form of M. J. lencoqenys, is a hill Bulbul. It is also more exclusively a l)ird of civilization, breeding round about villages, gardens and orchards ami frequenting lightly- wooded and cultivated countr}'^ rather than those parts where the woods are at all extensive.
which
(4u7)
Molpastes leucogenys humii.

WlriTE-BAKED BuLBUL.
15ird,
i,
lIUME'Si
Mtt'pasti's
humii
)fltes-.
Fauna H. T.,
p.
274 (Jala]piir,Jhelura),
Vernacular names. Xot distinguished from the last. Description. Differs from the Wh.te-eared Bulbul in having a short, full crest and in having both forehead and crest practically There is no white black, with only very faint pale edgings. eyebrow the upper plumage is a grey-brown, with no trace of
;
tiie olive
tinge so often present in
M.
I.
leucof/eni/s.
bill
is
Colours of soft parts as in leucogewjs but the
always
deep black.
Measurements as in the other races but the culmen measures 1 mm, and is blunt and very stout and heavy. The wing v.aries from 82 to 93 mm. Distribution, Gates named this bird from a specimen in the British Museum series which he said differed from all the rest, but a more careful examination shows that in this series there are
about
")
about twenty other specimens in evei'y respect identical with the type. These birds are all from a small area in the country round! Jhelum, Attock, Bannu and Kohat, on the extreme N.W. frontier.
Nidiflcation. Similar to that of the other subspecies.
Habits. This appears to be a bird of the lower
hills of
the
!N.W. ifrontier intermediate between the range of M.l. leneogenygon the higher iiills aud M. I. hucotis in tiie better-wooded plains. It is a resident bird, of course, frequenting and breeding in the gardens and in the scanty vegetation aud hedges round about
culti\ated areas.
302
Genus
picsosotidjE.
XANTHIXUS
Oates, 1889.
This genus was created by Oates for the reception of XantliLrus flavescens, a species differing from all its nearest allies ill having the tail-feathers strongly graduated. The outermost tail-feather falls short of the longest by a distance equal in length to the tarsus; the crest resembles that of Hemixus Jlavala and the wing
that of Jloljmntes.
There is only one speeie.s, which I divided into two races in 1917, one of which was again reinimed by Kloss in 1919 on the grounds that I had renamed the original race from Arrakan instead of the new race. 1 liave again compared the fine series in the British
Museum and find that my original distribution is quite correct. Kloss's namo sofdidus therefore becomes a syncniym of my vitndits. The types of Jlnveseenis from Arrakan, which are in the Indian Museum and were inspected by Kloss, are ])robably discoloured
by age, as fresh specimens from Arrakan and tlie Chin Hills show beyond all doubt that they belong to the same form as that irom Assam and not to the more yellow form from Eastern Bui-ma. Kloss's birds from Annam may quite possibly be yet another form, though I cainiot distinguish any differences, in which case they would retain the luime sord'ulus.
Xanthixus flavescens. Key

to
Subspecies.
'ccns, p.
A Below paler,
.
rev of abdomt;n slightly sutTdSed with yellow not extending to breast B. Below darker on breast and flanks and yellowextending to breast or even to tln-oat
{f
392.
A'. Jiatescetm Jlates-
X-Jl- vividus, p. 303.
(4(j8)
Xanthizus flavescens flavescens.

BlYTH'S BULMUii.
J.
l^cnmotus flavescens Blyth,

Xanthixtiejiavegcau.
A. S. B., xiv,
Oates,
i,
p.
6C8 (1845) { Arrakan).
tilBxif.
&
p.
270.
Vernacular names. Dao bnlip-ffwrmo (Cacbari). Description. Forehead and crown dark brown, the feathers of the front half of the crown edged with grey, those of the hinder half with olive-greeri upper plumage olive-brown tinged with <lavescent on the rump wings olive-browu ; edges of quill-feathers olive-green ; tail olive-brown, shafts rather darker brown, the threw
; ;
outer pairs of ail-feathers faintly tipped with yellowish white; lores black ; a short superciliuin from base of upper niaudibie yellowish white ; ciieeks and ear-coverts greenish grey chin pale grey throat, breast and flanks grey, slightly suffused with yellow on the lower breast abdomen dull yellowish vent and under tail-coverts bright yellow ; edge of wing and under wing-coverts
i
fulvous yellow.
bill,
legs
and
feet black.
XANTHIXUS.
;
383
wing 81 to Ueasurements. Total length about 205 mm. 87 uim. tail about 100 imu. culmen tarsus about 20 inui. about lU mm. Distribution. Assam, South of the Brahmaputra as far East as the Naga Hills, Manipur, Lushai, Chin Hills and Arrakan. Nidification. In Assam and the Chin Hills Blyth's Bulhul breeds between 3,500 and 7,000 feet in April, May and June, but nests and birds sent me from the Arrakan Yomas were taken at about 3,000 feet in February and March.
; ; ;
Tliey are forest birds, tlieir nests being generally placed in quite low bushes and carefully concealed and as the bird slips out very silently when disturbed, the nests are hard to find. In shape they are shallow cups very neatl)^ made of grass, lino twigs, weed stems, an odd leaf, scraps of moss or lichen and a few coarse roots. Tlie lining is nearly always the flowering end of ii coarse grass, bright tan in colour. The ])ush selected is always one in forest or thick scrub, the rare exceptions being in mixed scrub- and bainboo-jungle. Tiiey lay either two or three eggs, most often the former. These are typical Bulbul's eggs but very finely freckled or stippled instead of blotched, and, whilst the markings are generallv very profuse everywhere, they are often much paler and pinker than they are in Molpastes. There are sometimes about the larger end a few short lines of darker reddish brown or purplish black. In shape they are long, rather blunt ovals with fragile, glossless shells. 100 eggs average 23'8 X 16"4 mm., the greatest and least lengths being 26-8 X 17-4 and 18"7 x
15-2mm. and the broadest and most narrow 26'8xl7"4 and 21'8xl5'0mm. respectively. Habits. Blyth's Bulbul may rarely be found in valleys of the higher ranges as low down as 1,500 feet but normally they are
In birds of the higher hills between 3,500 and 7,500 feet. winter they frequent more open country, such as patches of
cidtivation, light forest,
tion,
open glades and
light forest near streams
bamboo- and scrub-jungle round cultivaand tracks but in
the breeding season they retire to the deeper forests. They may be found in Hocks of anything from half-a-dozen to over thirty and resent other birds feeding with or near them, often quarrelling even amongst them.selves over food and other matters of interest. They are not noisy birds and seem to have no song, most of their conversational notes being much like those of the last genus. They feed on both insects and fruit and frequent bushes, low trees and high trees alike in their quest for them.
(409)
Xanthizns flavescens vividus. The Muletit Bulbul.
Xanthixtm flavescens' vividvs (miaprint vivida) Stuart Baker, Bull. B.O. C, xxxviii, p. 10 (1917) (Muleyit Mt.).
Temacular names.
Cheng-ma-kettor (Kaahin).
394
pxcNommc^.
Description. Differs from the last bird in being darker, especithe grey of the breast and the yellow, which is confined to the lower breast in flavescens, extends well on to tlie upper breast and even to the throat. In tint also, perhaps in contrast ith the darker grey, it is brighter and more vivid.
ally in
Colours of soft parts. The legs are more tinged with brown than in the last bird.
Measurements.
Wing measurements 80
Shan
to 89
mm.
(79 Kloss,
Annam).
Burma
Distribution. Kaehin Hills, into the Malay States.
States,
Karenni and S.E.
In Nidification differs in no way from that of the last bird. the Xachin Hills it breeds between 4,000 and 0,000 feet in forests, generally on the outskirts. Ten eggs measure about il3"l X 16-0 mm. Hopwood and Grant took its eggs in Mni-ch, April and May.
Habits. Those of the last bird.
Genus OTOCOMPSA Cabanis, 1851.

of this genus are very close indeed to Moljxtstes but the feathers forming the crest spring from the centre of the crown, the feathers of the hind crown being short and of the usual character. In our Indian forms the crest is vei'y long but in the Burmese forms less conspicuously so and in O.Jlaviveiitris johnstoni from East Siam it is quite short. From the next genus, FinarocicJda, it is easily distinguished by its soft plumage on the lower baclt and rump.
Keij to Species
The Bulbuls
and
Sut)species.
A. Upper pUimage brown, no

in plumiige.
a.
It.
gi'een or
yellow
O. eiiierta emeria, p.
.'594.
Upper plurange n rich ruddy -brown .... Upper plumage d ull brown. '('. Tail-feathers with no white tips ....
h'.
Tail-feathers with white tips

all
O.e. fuscicmtdata, p. .ÔB. O. e. pegurnsis, p. 396.

[p.
I).
Tlumajre nearlv '

head.
c.
(I.
green and yellow except
397.
wing averapre about 86 mm Smaller, wing average about 81 mm

Jjarger,
O.^âvimnti isjktviwntris, O.Jl. mi/wr, p. ."98.
Otocompsa emeria emeria. The Bengal KjED-WHiSKEiiEn Bui-bul.

(410)
Lanlua emeria Linn.,
Otocuntpsa emeria.
S. U.,
lilanf.
i,
p.
137 (1766) (Bengal).
&
Oatef, i,'p. 276.
Vernacular names. Kamera Bulhul (Hind.) ; Kara Bulhul and Dao-bulKp (/ajao-hl [Caahnri); Inrui bullingahirha (Kacha Naga) ; Boh-ka-lone (Burmese). Ko-hai-hwun
Sli)nhilitdhul{^&ne,.)',
(Chinese).
OTOCOMPSA.
;
395
Description. Forehead, crowu and lores bkck hinder parts of cheeks and ear-coverts white surrounded with black a tuft of crimson-scarlet feathers under tlie eye and extending over tlie lower ear-coverts; whole upper plumage, wings and lail ruddybrown, the feathers of tlie wing nmrgined paler and the tail having all but the centnil, or two central, pairs tipped witlifulvouswhite, purest on the outermost feathers lower plumage white, pure on the chin and throat and suffused with fulvous-brown on the flanks and thighs abroad bnnd across the breast dark brown, more or less broken in the centre under tail-coverts crimson.
; ; ;
;

bill,
Iris
hazel-brown or crimson-brown
and feet black. Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 88 to 95 mm. tail 80 to 85 mm. tarsus about 20 mm.; culinen about 14 mm. The nestling has no red ear-tufts antl the under tail-coverts
legs
; ;
are pink.
Distribution. Himalayas, Simla to East Assam, North and South of the Brahraaputni, Bengal, Oudh, IVorth of Orissa Noi-th Chin and Kachin Hills, North Tunnan. Tlie birds from China are very doubtfully separable but if separated would be known
;
as 0. eiiieria jocosa.
Nidification. This Bulbul breeds from early March to late September but most birds build in April, May and June. They are found during the breeding season from the level of the plains up to at least 7,000 feet, perhaps up to 8,000. They make a compact, cup-shaped nest of tw-igs, roots, bents, leaves and grasses, lined with fine roots or grasses. Generally it is placed on low shrubs but sometimes in small trees, cactus hedges or trellises of verandahs. 1 once found a nest in a grass tield quite on the ground amongst the roots of the grass. They are birds of civilization, selecting gardens and cultivation for their abodes and even when they breed away from human haunts they select the thinnest
scrub or fringes of heavier forest.
Their eggs number three or four
and are like those of the genus Molpaittes but rather less variable. 200 eggs average 22"2x 16'2 mm., the extremes being 24'1 X 17-1, 190 X 160 and 21 1 x 130 mm. 16-0, 230 Habits. The Hed-whiskered Bulbul is just as familiar and friendly a little bird as his Eed-vented cousin and is even more cheerful and lively in his actions. They are less quarrelsome than the birds of the previous genus but are equally good fighters
roused, the males fighting fiercely in the breeding season if ground is invaded. Their notes are much the same as those of Molpastes but much more nnisical. They fly well, though at no great rate. Their diet is both insectivorous and vegetarian and they can do a good deal of mischief in fruit and vegetable gardens, destroying oranges, plums etc. hen only just formed and raspberries, strawberries etc. when ripe.
their special
when
396
(411)
PTCNOlfOTlDJE.
Otocompsa emeria fascicaudata.
The Sottthekn Eed-whiskebed Bclbux.

Otocompsa fuscicaudata Gould, P.
lilanf.
Z. S.,
1865, p. 664 (Madras)
&
Gates,
i,
p. 277.
Vernacular names. Phari-hidhul (Hind.); I'uraka pir/H-pUta Komla-Kloti-Kurari (Travancore). Description. Differs from the Bengal bird in being much duller brown above, in having the necklace complete on the breast or only very slightly interrupted and in having no white tips to the
(Tel.)
;
tail-feathers.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown bill, legs and feet black. Measurements. A rather smaller bird than the northern; wing 83 to 90 luni. and other measurements in proportion. Distribution. South India, meeting the last form in Soutli Orissa and Western Bengal the whole of the Western Ghats to Kiijpufeaua and in Central India to the Central Troviuces and
; ;
Behar.
Similar to that of 0. e. emeria but it lays only in a clutch and more often two than three. Pifty egg.s average ''22-',ix 16"1 mm. and the extremes are 24'6x 16-4, i!:i-6 X 18-0 and 19-9 x 150 mm. They are like those of the last bird, but vary even less than they do. The breeding season is chieriy in March and April but many nests may be found from February to August and odd ones in almost any mouth of the year. They breed up to at least 7,000 feet and are more entirely re.-jtricted to gardens and cultivation than the Bengal bird. They are extremely confiding and frequently breed in creepers on
Nidification.
two or three eggs
verandahs and house walls.

Habits. The Southern Bed- whiskered Bulbul is in the South the same as its Bengal cousin is in the North. Cheerful, energetic, confiding and ubiquitous, it is alniost as common as the Sparrow
at
home
in
England and
infinitely
more
pleasing.
(412)
Otocompsa emeria peguensis.
subsp. nov.
The Bcbmbse Ked-wuiskebeo
Bulbui..
Vernacular names. Boh-ka-lone (Burmese).

Description. Similar to the Southern Bed-whiskered Bulbul but with broad fulvous-white tips to the tail-feathers as in emeria. In 0. e. fuscicaudata the brown of the back is perhaps not quite so dull as it is in this form, a faint tinge of ochre-red showing
in
some
lights.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris hazel
legs, feet
and
bill black.
;
Measurements. This is the smallest of the three races 75 to 85 mm., in one case 88 mm. ; tail 77 to 81 mm.
wing
OTOCOMPSA.
Distribation.
397
ti>
South Chin Hills and South Kacliin Hills
Teuasserim, Arrakan and the whole ot" the Central Hills of Burma, iSiam and 8han States. Andainaiis and Nicobars. This form is another of the interesting cases in which birds from tiie two extremities of a range are nearer than they iire to In India we have a horseshoe of which those iu the centre. Assam and the Chin Hills may he said to form the centre, whilst Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula form the two extremities. E\'olution has evidently gone on on similar lines with very similar results in the two latter places, though we need not infer from this tiiat these extremities were ever linked togetlier.
Kidification.
this forui,
differ in
it
its
eggs, in the North three and more rarely four. sent me by one of my collectors from Pegu are exactly like a series from Miidras and measure on an average for forty eggs 20'0 X lo-Sf mm. The breeding season seems to be February to April but doubtless extends over a much longer period than this.
lays
no two or three
series
Though there is little on record in regard to nests and eggs, habits of breeding, etc. seem to way from those of the Indian birds. In the South
large
Habits. Takes the place in Burmese gardens, villages and towns of 0. e. emcria in Northern India etc. and of the Madras bird in Southern India. It is not found in forest or any kind of
lieavy jungle.
(413)
Otocompsa flaviventris
flaviventris.
Bulbui,.
(]8;j;l)
The Black-ceestej) Yullow

VtiHffaJlaviventrisTic^., J.
A.
S. B.,
ii,
p.
573
i,
(I)holbhura).
,
Otocompsa
-flumventris.
lilanf.
&
Gates,
p.
278.
Vernacular names. Pnhariya haiujdhara (Gorakpur); MandiphJmr (Lepcha) llagrani Dao-buhp (Caohari). Description. Head, with long crest, chin and throat glossy black upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-yei.ow, brighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts quill-feathers of wing brown, primaries and outer secondaries edged with olive-yellow and inner secondaries with all, or nearly all, the outer webs of this colour tail brown, the feathers edged with olive-yellow for nine-tenths of their length whole plumage below and sides of neck bright
; ; ;
King's yellow.
bill dark Colours of soft parts. Irides bright pale yellow horny, culinen and tip almost black and the gape dull yellowish ; legs brown or grey-brown.
;
Heasurejuents. Total length 180 to 190 mm.; wing 78 ($) mm.; tail about 81 mm.; tarsus about 16 mm.; calmen about 13 ram.
to 90 (cT)
Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej Yalley to East Assam the forests of the Central Provinces ; Orissa, South of the
;
;J98
rvcNOjroTiDiK.
hills
Malianadi, Eastern Bengal,

putra,
juid
Burma, Siam, Shau

it is
States,
and plains Soutb of the BrahmaYunnan. In Peninsular Siam
Burma
replaced by the next form.
Nidiflcation. This Yellow Bulbul makes a nest much like that of the two genera last described, but deeper and better built and nearly alw.iys niade of tan-coloured materials amongst which dead leaves are always prominent. The lining is of fine grass-
stems, occasionally of line moss roots or similar material, whilst one nest was lined with mithna (Bos frontalis) hair. They breed most numerously in May and June but eggs are laid almost any time between early March and late August or even early September. The full clutch numbers two to four and the eggs differ from
those ot' tiie other species of Otnrowpsa in being more jirot'nsely stippled and speckled all over with very tine markings varying in colour from reddish- or creamy-pink to deep purple-red or redbr.;wn. 100 eggs average 22-;Jx 16'5 mm. and vary in length between 24'2xl6-4 and 20*5 xl 0-8 mm. and in breadth between
^1
-9
X 17-2 and 23-1 x ISS mm.

its
Hight and food this bird is a true often found in light scrub- and bamboo-jungle and sumefimes on the outskirts ot deep forest. In Assam it frequents the vicinity of the hiil villages, cover of any kind in and around patches of cultivation and open places near roads and streams. It collects in the cold weather in flocks of half-a-dozen to a score or more individuals and frequents indiflPerenlly scrub, bushfs, bamboos and high trees. They eat both insects and fruit
Habits. In Otocompsa but
actions,
it is
and I have seen them on the ground eating wild strawberries and also feeding oti termites as they came up from the ground. They are, for Bulbuls, not noisy birds and their song, which may be iritten " weet-trti-trippy-wit," with the last three syllables
repeated twice or more, forms a rather sweet though jerky little They are found commonly up to 3,500 feet and rarely up song. to 5,000.
(414)
Otocompsa fiaviventris minor.

Black-headed Yeli/Ow Bvzvvl.
p.
KjjOss's
Otocompsa flauiventria minor Kloss, Ibis, 1918, S.W. Siam).
200 (Koh Lak,
Description. " Smaller than O.fl. Jlaviventris (Tickell) of Chota Nagpur; wing 83 mm. or less " (Kloss). Distribation. Peninsular Burma and Siam and throughout the Malay Peninsula. It is only after some hesitation that I have accepted this form. It certainly averages smaller, but the smallest Miilay bird and the smallest bird from Assam both have a wing of 77 mm. On the other hand, Kloss's minor seems also to be a trifle darker and to
have a decidedly shorter

STidification
crest.
and Habits. Nothiog recorded.
I'irfAROcic'KLA.
399
Genus PINAROCICHLA. Sbarpe, 1881.

This genus contains a single species very closely allied to Olocompsa but different in having the feathers of the back and rump vîth rigid and spinous shafts. If the fingers are passed a,loi)gthe back from the tail towards the head, the prickly character of the feathers can easily be felt. The crest of PinarocichJa is shorter than it is in our Indian species of Otcoinps(( but not shorter than in the Siamese Otocompsa JIaviventris joJinsoni and very little shorter than in O. /!. minor.
(4lo) Pinarocichla eutilota.
Tub
Braehypus
(Singapore).
t^KESTEi)
k,
Biiowy Bri,BrL.
Selby,
111.
eutilotus .lard,
Orn.,
p. 279.
iv,
])1.
ii
(1830)
I'inarocichlti euptilosa.
Blaiif.
&
Oates,
i,

lore.",
Description. C/rowu greyish brown, with blackish shaft-stripes; cheeks, ear-coverts and sides of neck paler, w ithout stripes back, rump and scapulars ochraceous olive, the feathers of the
Fig. 70.
-Head
of P.
etitilotn.
with black showing up in places as black patches and tail ferruginous, the outer three pairs of tail-feathers tipped with white ; wing-coverts and inner secondaries brighter and more ochraceous than the back ; primaries and outer secondaries dm-k brown, the outer webs ochraceous the whole lower plumage whitish, suffused with grey on the breast and with
rump banded
upper
tail-coverts
yellow elsewhere.
Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson in the male, wood-brown to litharge-red in the female ; bill black ; legs and feet dark grey- or plumbeous-brown to black {Hume ^- Daviaon).
Measurements. Total length about 225 to 230 mm. ; wing 84 to 99 mm. ; tail about 95 mm. ; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm. c'ulmen about 13 mm.
Difttribntioa. Peninsular
Burma and Siam
to Sumatra, Java
and
Borneo.
Nidificatioa^
Unknown.
400
PiCNONOTID-E.
Habits. According to Davison this is a bird of open or cultivated country. Its Imbits nre like those of the genus Otocompsa, its note is whistled "kick pettigrevv " and its food consists principally of Ritiall berries but also to some extent of insects.
Genus SPIZIXUS Blyth, 1845. The genus Spizixm contains species and subspecies ranging from Assam to China. They differ from all other Bulbuls in their very curious Finch-like bill and in having the nostrils partially concealed by overhanging plumelets. It is a typical Bulbul in habits, nidific.ation and voice and does not seem to have any connexion with the Sihihue as suggested by
Dates.
Fig.
80. Head
of 8.
c.
canifrms.
is thick and long but not much pointed. very short and deep, the culnien being gently curved tliroughout ; the edges of the mandibles are sliglitiy sinuated and notched near the tips. The tail is perfectly square and the tarsus short and weak. The crest as shown in the woodcut is too bushy and not sufficiently pointed.
hi Spizixus the crest

bill
is
The
(416) Spizixus canifrons canifrons.
The
FiircH-BiLLEK Bpibttl.
Spisiros canifrons Blvth, J. A. S. B., xiv, p. 671 (1846) (Khasia Oates, i, p. 280. Hills) ; Clanf.
&
Vernacular iiam8. â<or-< (Kachin); J9ao6Wjp-6Miu(Cachari). Description. Forehead running up in a point into the crown, grey ; lores, chin and cheeks mixed grey and black ; crown and round the eye black ear-coverts grey, tinged with Iiair-brown on the upper parts ; nape and sides of neck grey ; chin dark brownish grev whole upper plumage bright green tinged with olive, lightest on the rump and upper tail-coyerts, darkest on the scapulars and upper back ; wing-coverts the same, tinged with brown on the inner webs of the greater coverts ; primries and outer secondaries
; :
SPIZIXUS C CANrPONS The rinch-billad Suttiiil
lift
nlli*
spwixus.
401
brown on the inner webs greeu on the outer, the inner secondaries green on both webs but more or less tinged with brown on the inner tail yellowish green, with an inch-wide band of dark brown near the tips lower pluuiaire dull greenish yellow, brightening to yellow on the belly and under tail-coverts.
; ;
bill
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris red-brown to pure vandyke-bro-wn very pale struw-white or ivory-white legs and feet dull deep
; ;
flesh-eolour to grey-browii.
Keasxtrements. Total length about 210 mm. wing 79 to tail about 90 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.; culmen about 13 mm.
89 ram.
Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, Arrakan, Chin Hills to Yunnan. Eothachild (Nov. Zool., xxvii, p. 50, 1921) points out quite correctly that Bangs and Phillips's 8. c. ingrami is merely the imniiiture S. c. canifrong which has the throat grey instead of brown and the under parts rather dull olive-green instead of grrenish yellow.
and Kachin
Nidification. The Finch-billed Bulbul breeds from the eud of April to the end of July from about SjflOO feet up to the highest peaks in the North Cachar, Khasia and Naga Hills and up to 6,000 or even 7,000 feet in the Kacliiu and Yunnan Hills. The nest can be told. at a glance froni any other Bulbul's nest, for it is made entirely of tendrils, some stout, some fine and rarely they may be mixed with a few tiny twigs or scraps of bracken, but these are so scanty that they are not noticeable. The lining, as a rule, consists merely of tendrils finer than the rest but I have seen scraps of dried l)racken also used for this purpose. The internal shallow cup measures something under 3 inches (75 mm.) in diameter by under 1 inch (25 mm.) deep but the outer measurements are difficult to ascertain as the ends of the tendrils stick out in all directions. The nests are extremely well put together and stand very rough handling. The site selected is usually in a tall, scraggy bush or a small sapling, some 5 to 10 feet from the ground, standing in dense evergreen forests or in thick scrub-
jungle.
The eggs number two or three only, four being quite excepand are like very large examples of those of Xanthisms The ground-colour is anything from the palest pink flavescent.
tional,
to a rather deep brick-red pink but they are so completely covered with innumerable freckles and tiny blotches of light red, deep red or dark brownish red, that little ot the ground-colour is visible. Many tggs, indeed, look almost unicoloured at a short distance. In shape they are long, blunt ovals and the texture is fine, lt)0 eggs averape 25'7 x practically glossless and very fragile. 17'6 mm. ; the greatest length and breadth 28-1 x 18-0 and 26'0 X 19"3 mm, and the least each way 24-0 x 16'1 mm. Habits. The Finch-billed Bulbul is a bird of fairly high altitudes and is not found below 3,000 feet even in the cold
vol.. I.
2d
402
rxoNouoxiDi.
season, wbilst in the breeding season it keeps to heights between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. They collect in flocks of a dozen or more individuals in winter, feeding both on tlie higher trees and in the bushes and undergrowth. Their food consists of insects of all kinds, but largely small beetles, seeds and some soft fruits such as Fid. In the stomachs of some specimens killed in I he various N. Cachar were numerous tiny fragments of quartz. In the breeding season they seem to desert the higher trees and to keep to the lower jungle. Their notes are those of the family but full, soft and sweet and easily distinguishable from those of their nearest relations. They fly well but are not very active or quick
on
their feet.
Genus
This genus
striated
is
TEACHYCOMUS
Cabanis, 1851.
size,
represented by a single species of large
plumage and peculiar structure. It lias no crest but the crown is covered with dense, bristly, decomposed feathers of a yellow colour. The tarsus is remarkably strong, with a few scutellatious iu front and sometimes quite smootli. The bill is
short, being about half the length of the head, tlie rictal bristles are strong and the nuchal hairs short. The wing is comparatively short and rounded and the taii-featliers well graduated. Tlie peculiar structure of the feathers of the crown and its large size will suffice to separate this Bulbul from all others.
Fig. 8],
Head of T. ochrocephalus.
(417)
Trachycomus ochrocephalas.
Tub YEtLOW-CEOwsrEB BuLBrL.

Turdui ocrocephalus Gmel.,
Trachi/comus ochrocephalus.
8. N.,
i,
p.
821 (1788) (Coylon and Java).

Oats,
i,
Blanf.
&
p. 2^1.
VemacTilar names. Burong-haran-haran (Malay).

Description. Forehead, crown, a patch under the eye, branching out into two streaks, one extending partially over the ear-coverto and one under, straw-yellow; âr-coverts brown with white shafts ; lores and cheeks black, divided by a yellowish streak upper plumage and lesser wing-coverts ashy-brown dashed with green, all the feathers, except those of the rump, with conspicuous
IDLE.
403
white shafts; the upper tail-coverts are margined with olivegreen ; greater coverts, wings and tail dark brown the wingquills edged with olive-green, the tail-feathers edged with greenish and tipped below with pale ochraceous ; chin and throat white breast and sides of the neclc ashy-brown, with white shaft-streaks sides of the body brown, with fainter shaft-streaks; abdomen and vent brownish white ; thighs and under tail-coverts ochraceous under wing-coverts and axillaries ochraceous brown.
;
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet dark horny-brown or black ; bill black ; iris pale or litharge-red {Hume 6f Davison).
Measurements. Total length 265 to 275 mm. wing 115 to mm. tail about 95 to 100 mm. tarsus about 25 to 28 mm. uhueu about 18 to 19 mm. Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam throughout the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. This bird does not occur in Ceylon and its typical locality must therefore be restricted to Java (Stuart Baker, Journal B. N. H. S., xxvii, p. 470, 1921). Nidification. Mr. J. Darling took the nest of this Bulbul at Kossum on the 2nd July. In appearance it was " of the ordinary Bulbul type but much bigger." It was made of fern, grass and moss roots and a long piece of a trailing orchid, about y feet long, wound round and round. It was placed in a high buNh, 10 feet from the ground and in a very exposed position. The egg.s, two in number, are much like those of Microscelis and measure about 26"0 x 18-5 mm.
;
12;{
Habits. This Bulbul is a bird of the plains, being found in open country and not in forest or heavy jungle. Davison records that it is found in small parties of four or five to eight or nine birds. "It is very garrulous and keeps up a continuous chatter but it also has a song which is particularly rich and powerful." In Mergui he found the Yellow-crowned Bulbul frequenting gardens.
Its food consists of berries and insects and it may often be seen hoppiug about on the ground in search of the latter.
Genus lOLE Blyth, 1844.
The genus Idle is not marked by any very striking characteristic In many fceyond the sharp carination of the upper mandible. respects it is intermediate between Uemixus and Pycnonotus but differs from both in the jjoint above noted. In lole the feathers of the crown are slightly lengthened but they do not form a crest. The bill is about three-quarters the length of the head and when viewed laterally is of much the same shape as that of Hemveus (fig. 75, p. 375). The nuchal hairs are short. In lole there are generally nuuierous hairs spriuging from the back but in lole nicobariensis these hairs are very inconspicuous and on this account Bl^yth proposed the generic name Ixocincla for this species, and if it is retained the specific uame would than be viremena Blyth. If, however, a careful examination
2s2
404
is
SYCHtOHKytlDM.
made these hairs will be found, though they are short and not numerous. Although, therefore, somewhat aberrant, I retain it in the genus lole. Sharpe retained the name Ixocincla for the other species of lole and placed Lvocinela vireseens of Blyth in the genus Hypsipetes {Mieroscelis) but in making both these changes, he was, of course, quite incorrect.
Key
to
Species.
lole tnalaccemis, p. 404.
in
A. Lower plumage streaked B. Lower plumage not strcalied. a. Crown and upper phimage uniform
colour.
a'. b'.
Entire lower plumage bright )'ellow
b.
Lower plumage dull yellow Crown distinctly darker and browner

than the back
Jole icieriea, p. 405. lole olivacea, p. 406.
lole nicobarienm, p. 408.
(418) lole malaccensis malaccensis.
The
Hypdpetea
(Malacca).
Stheakej) Bclbul.
J.
malaccensis Blyth,
Blanf.
A.
S. B.,
xvi,
p.
574 (1846)
lok
malaccensis.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 283.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage, with lesser wing-covei ts, brownish green ; greater coverts, M-ings and tail dark brown, the feathers edged with the colour of the back; ear-coverts brownish green
with pale shafts
;
lores ashy-grey
cheeks, chin, throat, breast
and sides of the body ashy with broad greyish-white shaft-streaks, fainter on the last-named ; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pale yellow. Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet pinkish brown to reddish brown; bill horny-brown or very dark horny-brown iris n)ahogany;
brown to litharge-red (Hume Sf Davison), Measurements. Length about 230 mm.; wing 109 to 115mm.; tail about 90 to 95 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culraen about 18 to 20 mm. Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam and Malay Peninsula. Birds from Cochin China seem identical, whilst those from the
Southern Islands are perhaps separable.
I7idification. Eggs and nest obtained by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow on the 17th June were like those of the next bird. The nest is a small cradle of twigs, leaves and grasses bound by cobwebs to, and interlaced around the twigs of a small forked branch of a bush. The two eggs are white with innumerable freckles of light yellowish^ and ninkish-red and measure 23" 1 x ltJ"9 and 22'1 x 16'5nim. Habits. Beyond Davison's remarks to the effect that this Bulbul's habits are similar to those of Hemlvws m. tiokelli, nothing; has been recorded.
lOLB.
405
(419) lole ioterica.
Tub Ykllow-buowed Bclbul.

Criniger ictericus Stricld., A.M. N. H., baleshwar). loh icterica. Blnnf. & Oate9, i, p. 283.
xiii,
p.
411 (1844) (MaLa-
Vernacular names. IMdi Ihdhul (Mysore). Description. "Whole upper plumage bright olive-yellow wings dark brown, the outer webs of the feathers olive-yellow and the inner edged with the same tail-feathers olive-yellow, with brighter edges and the inner edges and shafts yellow below a streak from the nostril to the eye and a circle round it, sides of the head and whole lower plumage and under wing-coverts bright yellow, washed with olive-green on the flanks. Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown lgs and feet pale blue, claws bluish-horny upper mandible brownish black, lower pale brown, darkest along the edges and tips {Davison) iris bloodred, dark red (Butler) iris blood-red (Jerdoii).
;
Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 94 to 98 mm.; tail about 94 mm. tarsus about 19 mm.; culmen about 15 mm. Sistribution. The West side of (Southern India from about Mahabaleshwar to Cape Comoriu and Ceylon.
;
Nidification. The Yellow-browed Bulbul breeds principally in February and March from Kauara to Travancore but eggs have been taken as late as 15th May {Davidson) ; in the Nilgiris and higher hills it breeds from April to the end of May or earlj June. In Ceylon it ai)parently breeds in July and August. The nest is
like a small neat edition of those of Microscelis, a cradle in a hori-
zontal fork or between two twigs, made of leaves, soft, pliant twigs and grasses, firmly wound round the supporting twigs and The lining is of fine grasses only. well plastered with cobwebs. The site selected is on a small sapling or high bush, 5 to 10 feet from the ground, which may be either in dense forest, thin scattered tree- or bush-jungle,- or even in a small spinney or clump
of bushes. The eggs are nearly always two only and are very different from those of any other genus, except Kelaartia, approaching nearest to very bright pale eggs of Xantliixus and Sjtizianu. The ground is a very pale pink, almost white in many cases, and they aro profusely speckled, more or less, all over with pale bright reddishor pinkish-brown. In a few eggs the markings are moat numerous at the large end, where they form an iil-defined cap or ring. Thirty eggs average 23*1 x 16-6 mm. and the extremes are : maxima 26'0 X 17-2 mm. and minima 21-3 x 16-3 and 22-0 x 16-5 mm.
Habits. This Bulbul is found at all heights from 2,000 to about 6,500 feet, frequenting forest, both light and dense, more open country and even sometimes venturing into gardens and orchArds.
406
PTCNONOTIDJE.
It is said to have a soft, mellow whistle and to feed on insects, seeds and certain fruit. It is found in small flocks in the nonbreeding season.
lole olivacea.
lole olivacea oliv.icea is an iniiabitant of Singapore but there are several geographical races found within the limits of the present work, one of which, virescens, has been accorded the status of a species and the other two until recently ignored entirely.
Key
to
Subspecies.
I. olivacea virescens, p. 400.
A. Under tail-coverts yellow B. Under tail-coverts cinnamon. a. Wlnpc under 82 mm

h.
I.o. cinnamomeupcntris, p. 407.

I. o. liimibcryi,
j).
Wing
over 82
mm
408.
(420) lole olivacea virescens.
The Olivk
lole virescens BIyth, J. A. Gates, i, p. 284. Blanf.
Bi'lhul.
S. B., xiv, p.
.
673
(ISi-))
(.Vrrakan)
&
Vernacular names. Baobulijy-c/umm (Cachari). and short eyebrow olive-yello' ear-eovwts dark olive ; remainder of upper plumage from forehead to rump olive-green ; upper tail-coverts and tail rather bright rufousbrown ; sides of the neck olive-brown whole under-surface from
Description. Lores
; ;
chin to Tent yellow, more or less suffused with olive-yellow j wings dark brown, the coverts and inner secondaries broadly, tlie remaining feathers narrowly, edged with rufescent olive-brown.
bill
Colours of sofc parts. Iris brown or red-brown eyelids grey ; bluish-horn, the mouth flesh-colour; legs and claws pinkish
;
brown.
Keasurements. Length about 185 to 190 mm. wing 76 to 82 mm.; tail about 85 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm. culmen about 15 mm.
; ;
Distribution. Cachar, Sylhet, Tippera and the plains and lower

hills of
Western Burma
is
us far
South as Pegu.
'
apparently nothing recorded about the nesting of this Bulbul beyond my own notes in The Ibis ' and Bombay Natural History Society's .Tonrnal (1892, p. 6). The nests are compact, well-made cups composed of a few dead leaves and tiny elastic twigs well interwoven with and bound together by long strips of what looks like the inner bark of some tree. They were oil, with one exception, in horizontal forks, the branches of which were incorporated in the sides of the nest about two-thirds up. The lining was in each case of black fern roots and the long red tendrils of a small yellow ground-convolvulus. All my nests
Nidification. There
lOLB.
407
were taken in May well inside thiu jungle of mixed bamboo and secondary growth, thin forest or deserted cultivation patches inside deep forest and all were placed over or close to gametracks.
The eggs are in type like those of icierica but darker and more liandsome, some closely approaching speckled eggs of Molpastes general appearance. They measure about 22-6 X 16*3 mm.
Habits. This Bulbul seems to be nowhere common I never saw it but in pairs or singly, a ratlior secretive, quiet bird, feeding on the higher bushes and thin tree-tops but not, apparently, frequenting the more dense and humid tree-forest. It is said to be more often met with in flocks in Pegu, where it does sometimes enter quite heavy forest. Beyond the jarring " chir " made by the birds caught in nooses, I have not heard it utter any call. It is found from the level of the plains up to some 2,000 feet.
;
(421) lole olivacea
cinnamomeoventris.
Tub Tbnassbkiu Oj.ive-Bulhul.

lole virescens cinnamomeoventris Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O.
p. 16 (1917) (Tfuasserim).
C, xxxvii,

Description. This race differs from the last in being darker and less green above ; it is also duller and less yellow below, the throat and fore-neck being grey, only faintly tinged with yellow the under tail-coverts are cinnamon, this colour often extending on to the belly.
more ruddy and

;
Colours of soft parts. "Iris dark; maxilla blackish, mandible "Irides clear grey, grey; feet fleshy-brown" (^. G. Herbert). dark slaty, salmon-pink or golden-brown " (Davison).
Measurements. About the same 80 mm., in one 82 mm.
as in the last;
wing 73 to
Distribution. Peninsular Burma and Siam extending as far North as Karenni and Central West Siam. Eobinson and Kloss identify birds from Cochin China and Ainiam as belonging to this One of their specimens, a male from Annam, is as subspecies. much as 84 mm. in wing measurement.
Nldification unknown.
Habits. According to Davison "This is a forust bird but occurring also in thin tree-jungle and even entering well-wooded ganiens. It is met with singly or in pairs, foraging abont the trees and living chiefly on berries, and never, I believe, descending to the ground. They are rather lively birds, moving about a great deal and having a pleasant soft whistling note, something uke that of Ixos ^nhi/ioni, but distinguishable at once."
408
PiCNOXOXIDJB.
(422) lole olivacea Idnnbergi.
The Siah Bulbul.

Criniyer loiinben/i Grldenstolpe, Kiing. Sven. Vetensk. Handl., 50,
No.
8, p.
24 (1913) (Bang-hue-liom, N. Siam).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This race difEers from /. o. vlvescem in having the under tail-coverts ciiiuamon instnad of yellow and from cinnamomeoventris in being moi'e yellow below and more greeu above,
rrom both
of these subspecies a wing of 83 to 89 mm.
it difters in
being
much
larger with
Measurements. Wing 83 to 80 mm. culmen 15 to 15-5 mm.; tarsus 15'5 to 16-0 ram.; tail 76 to 83-5 mm. {Oyldemtolpe).
;
Sistribution. This
is
limits of neither are as yet definable.

also referable to this form. S.E. Kachin States.
a Northern form of the last bird but the Gyldeiislolpe found it in

It will probably also be
N. Siam and specimens from the Shan States and Yunnan are
found
in the
Kidification.
Unknown.
Habits. Gyldenstolpe records that he found it shy hut not uncommon in some places in North Siam, frequenting dense primeval forests in small flocks.
(423) lole nicobariensis.

Tjib Nicobae Bulbul.
Hx/psipetes nicohnriemis Ilor.sf. & Moore, Cat., (Nicobnrs). lole nicobariendi. Blanf. Oates, i, p. 28a.
i,
p.
267 (1854)
&
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Head and nape dark brown grey ; upper plumage olive-green wings and
;
sides of the
tail
head
hair-brown, the feathers all edged with olive-green externally; chin, throat and upper breast white, faintly streaked with pale bi-own, grey or yellowish ; remaining lower parts and under wing-coverts pale primrose-yellow, slightly mottled with white the under tailcoverts yellow with brown centres.
;
Colours of soft parts. Legs and feet dark horny, greenish brown or greenish plumbeous horny-brown, lower bill deep mandible and edge of upper dull yellow ; iris brown {Hume). Keasorements. Length about 200 mm. wing 96 to 103 mm. tail about 95 mm.; tarsus about 18 to 19 mm.; culmea about 20 mm. Distribution. The Nicobar Islands of Teressa, Bompoka, Tillanchong, Camorta, Nancoury, Trinkat, Eatchali and Pifu Milu. Nidification. Unknown but as Davison shot ven' young birdb in February, they presumably lay about November to jDecember.
;
:
KUBIGUIyA.
409
Habits. Davisou remarks: "Occurs only at the Nieobars, it is comparatively common ; it keeps to the forest generally, Imt is also found in gardens, in the secondary jungle, and not infrequently in places where there are only a few scattered bushes; it is usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small parties of live or six ; but 1 have seen ilieui on several occasions in flocks of nearly a hundred. They have a chattering note, very similar to the other Hypsijietes, and when they are in flocks they make nearly as much noise as a flock of Mynas set'ling down for
where
thd night."
Genus
RUBIGULA
Blyth, 1845.
The genus lluhigula contains species of siuali Hulbuls of handsome appearance with squamated })lumage. The bill is broader
than high and shorter than the tarsus ; the rictal bristles are strongly developed and the nostrils are exposed and not hidden by bristles. The tail is well graduated. The only member of the genus found within our limits is a geographical race of Jtubiyula squamata of Ja\a.
(424)
Rubigula squamata webberi.

Webbku's
Bt;i-}iUL.
Ixidia webberi
Hume,
S, F., viii, p.
40 (1879) (Tonka).

Description.
Head and neck
black
back golden
;
olive,
shading
on the upper tail-coverts tail black with a broad diagonal white band on the end of the outer tail-feathers, decreasing in extent inwardly on each succeeding pair; visible j)ortion8 of the wing like tiie back but greater coverts edged with brighter yellow quills and bastard wing black below, throat and sides of neck whit, with tiny black striaj breast and flanks black with white edges, giving a beautiful squamated appearance to these parts centre of abdomen white under tail-coverts deep
into golden yellow
;
; ;
bright yellow.
Colours of soft parts. Irides deep red

legs
bill
brownish black
and
feet
plumbeous brown.
Measarements. Total length about 150 mm.; wing 73 to 76 mm.; tail about 60 to 65 mm. tarsus about 15 mm. culmen about li mm.
;
;
Sistributioa. Peninsular
Burma and Siam, throughout Malay
Peninsula to Sumatra.
HicUfloatioa and Habits. Practically nothing recoi-ded.
410
PKCNOKOTID^.
Genus
PYCNONOTUS
Kuhl, 18:26.
exception of the genus Molpastes, the present genus contains a far greater number o species and subspecies than any other and of these there are representatives found from Ceylon to Central India and from Arrakan to the Malayan Islands and again East through the Kachin Hills to China. The genus is, however, not represented in Northern India or North-West
With the
Burma. In Pi/enonotus the
bill is of small size and tlie nuchal hairs are obsolete or suimII. Many of the species are of dull colour but a few are of brillinnt phnunge.
Key
to Sjiecies.
[p. 410. P. j/oiarier analu, [p. 41 1. P. auiif/aster xanthorrhous, IKJinlui/simi, p. 412.
A. Throat white. a. Forehead aud crown dark brown. b. Forehead and crown black
I{.
...
Throatgrey streaked with 0. Throat yellow.

c.
briglit
yellow
d.
Crown black Crown yellow
P. melanictrrus,
p. -114.
D. Throat ruby-red E. Throat slaty-blue F. Throat brown or grey. e. Under tail-coverts yellow
J.
P. scdntholeenms, p. 415. P. (/itltm's, p. 415. P. cyaniventris, p. 410.
P. Itdeulus,
p.
417.
Under
a' .
b'.
or buff. Ear-coverts silveiy-white or with silvery-white shafts

ta'l-coverts
Wowii
P. phimosus,
p.
418.
Ear-coverts like the crown. a". Wing over 75

b".
Wing under 75
(425)
mm mm
P. simplex, p. 421. P. erythropthalmua,
p.
422.
Pycnonotus goiavier analis. The Yelloav-ventkd BuLBur-.
Turdus analis Ilorsf, Trans. 1j. S., xiii, p. 147 (1820) (Java). Pjfcnonotus analis. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 287.
Yeruactilar names. Merehah (Malay).
Bescriptioa. The whole upper plumage brown tinged with olive, darker on the head and the feathers with faint pale edges; wings and tail dark brown edged with olive-brown; a broad supercilium white lores and feathers on the eyelids black ear-coverts pale brown; cheeks, chin and throat whitish; breast brown, the feathers with pale edges; abdomen white suffused with brown and flanks darker brown ; under tail-coverts sulphur-yellow.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris wood-brown or chocolate ; legs, claws and bill black.
feet,
Measurements. Total length about 200 mm. ; wing about 83 to 91 mm. ; tail about SO to 85 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmeu about 15 mm.
Distribution. Tenasserim and Malay Java, Borneo, Siam, Cochin Chiua.
Peninsula,
Somabra,
PKlNONOTUS.
411
Nidiflcation. The Yellow-vented Bulbul apparently breeds twice in the year, as a good series of nests and eggs were obtained by Mr. W. A. T, Kellow round about Perak and Taiping in February and early March and again in May. The nests are exactly like those of Otoeornpsa and are placed in bushes and small trees in scrub-jungle and thin forest. The eggs also are indistinguishable from those of that genus and are normally only two They average (20 eggs) 22'4 x J 5-9 mm. and or three in number. the extremes are 23'6 X 15-1 mm. 21*0 X 16'8 mm. The longest egg is also the most narrow and the shortest is also the broadest.
;
Habits. Davison describes this bird in Mergui, where it is very abundant, as being just like Otocompsa in habits, food and the country it frequents. He says: "I have repeatedly seen it on the ground hopping about. It feeds largely on insects, such as grasshoppers etc., but also on berries and fruit, and 1 have seen it clinging to mangoes and pecking away at the fruit. Its note is extremely lilce that of Otocompsa enieria, kick, kick, pel.tigrew,* repeated several times. It is usually found singly or in pairs, thoiiffli often half-a-dozen or more may be seen seated about the bushes near each other, but I do not think they act in concert or ever go in flocks; they are not shy."
'
{42P)
Pycnonotus aurigaster xanthorrhous.

Andkhson's Tellow-vexi'ed Bulbul.
p.
Pycnonotus xanthorrhou^ Anderson, P. A. S. B., 1869,
205 (Kak-
hyen Hills)
Ulanf.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 286, footnote.
Vernacular names. Kator-tor-proug (Kachin). Description. Forehead, crown, lores, a ring round the eye and a narrow cheek-stripe extending to the end of the ear-coverls, black; a small spot of deep red at the base of the lower mandible
near the gape; ear-coverts glossy hair-brown, the feathers with obsolete pale margins; wings and tail darker brown, the former margined with the colour of the back, tlio latter narrowly tipped with white sides of the neck brown, meeting in a crescentic band across the breast ; abdomen and vent whitish ; sides of body and thighs brown ; under tail-coverts deep golden yellow ; under sida of shafts of tail-feathers white.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown or brownish red;

feet black.
;
bill,
legs
and
Measurements. Total lengtli about 200 mm, wing about 85 93 mra.; tail about 95 mm.; tarsus about 23 mm.; culmeu about 15 mm. Diatribation. The hills of Eastern Burma frotn Karenni tothe Kachin (Kakhyen) Hills, Shan States, Yunnan to China. Kidification. Col. H. H. Harington writes (Journal B.N.H.S., " It always seems to build its nest, which is of the rix, p. 121) ustial Bolbul type, within 2 or 3 feet of the ground, generally (^cing it in a bramble-bush amongst long grass and weeds, and
to
;
412
PTCNOirOTIDJ!.
almost invariably lays three egp;8, only on one or two occasions 1 have taken two incubated eggs." The eggs are exactly like those of Molpastes h. hengalensis Tmt do not go through nearly as wide a range of variations. The average of thirty eggs is 21 "7 X 16"2 mm. and the extremes are 23*5xl6-5 mm.; 21-3 x 16-8 mm.; 21 -Ox
](i-Oand
Habits.
2Mxl5-8mm. A common and
found from 2,000 to G,000
familiar bird throughout its range and feet, frequenting both lighter jungle,
scrub, bamboo-jungle, etc. and the quite open country round villages. It does not apparently actually enter gardens and
compounds.
Pycnonotus finlaysoni.
species finlaysoni extends from Tenasserim to the extn^me South of the Malay Peninsula, North to Karenni, Kachin Hills, Siam, Annam, Cochin China. Two races are found within the
limits of this work.
The
Key
to
Sahspecies,
A. Anterior half of crown of a different colour [p. 412. P.Jinlaysoni Jinla;/soni, to the hinder hnlf and nape B. The whole crown and nape of the same
colour
,
P-Ji- ihivUoni, p. 413.
(427)
Pycnonotus finlaysoni finlaysoni.

Bplbul.
(1) xiii, p. 4]1 (1844)
Stricld.,
;
FiNXiAXsojr's STiuPE-TiiiioATiio
Pycnonotus Jmlaijsoni
(Malacca, Hartert)
A. M. N. H.,
Blanf.
&
Gates,
i,
p.
287.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Forehead as far back as the eyes bright yellow, the feathers edged with ashy-brown ; lores black, narrowly edged above with orange ; cheeks, ear-coverts, throat, chin and upper neck grey with bright yellow streaks ; crown and nape deep grey, the centres of the feathers paler; upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-green, the back washed with asliy wiug-quilla dark brown edged with olive-green; tail olive-green, the outer webs brightest; breast, upper abdomen and flanks dai-k ashy, the shafts paler lower abdomen yellowish grey ; vent and under tail-coverts bright yellow edge of wing, under wing-coverts and axillaries yellow.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris pale to deep brown; bill bluish black to black, paler at the base, mouth dark flesh-colour j legs
dusky plumbeous to almost black.

'
Keanrements. Total length about 190 mm.; wing 75 to 87 mui. tail about 85 mm. ; tarsus about 20 mm. culmea about
; ;
16
mm.
Biatribation. Tenasserim East of
the Sittaung Biver from
TouDgoo South through the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Ima.
PIONOlfOTtJS.
413
and Borneo Yunnan.
East throughout Siam to Cochin China, Annarn and
Xidiilcation. This Bulbul breeds in the plains and lower hills to some 1,500 feet, making the usual Bulbul's cup-shaped nest of leaves; grass and fern roots, fine twigs, etc., lined with fine It is generally strongly but rather slightly grass and fern roots. made and is placed in bushes or saplings at any height from 3 to 15 feet from the ground. It is built in small jungle or scrub, occasionally in denser forest and sometimes quite close to villages and human habitations. The eggs are either two or three in number and most of them resemble i-ichly-marked eggs of
up
Otocompsa, though they vary a good deal inter se. Fifteen eggs average 22-4 x 16*1 mm.; the extremes are 23'1 X 16"5 and 21-4 X J 6-2 mm. The breeding season is from February to June.
Habits. Davison remarks that this
is
the most
common form
of Bulbul in the plains' portion of Tenasserim. "It does not affect forests but is found on the outskirts of it, in scrub-jungle, in cleared Und and in gardens, giving perhaps the preference to
the latter.
They do not go
pleasant, feeble whistling chirrup, continually uttered whether the bird is sitting or flying. It is a very lively bird, always on the move." It feeds both on berries and insects, which it takes on the ground as well as on trees and
many about that it is difBcult single. The note is a rather
in flocks but there are generally so to say whether they are in pairs or
bushes.
(428)
Pycnonotus finlaysoni davisoni.
Davison's Steipe-thkoated Bur,Bur..

Ixus daviioni Hume,
S. F.,
iii,
p.
301 (1875) (Arrakan).

Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having the forehead and crown concolorous except for a narrow yellow line just above the lores ; the yellow on the throat and chin is much less in extent the whole head and nape is dull olive with faint golden centres to the feathers.
;
Colours of soft parts as in P. fi. finlaysoni
Ueasurements. A slightly bigger bird than Finlayson's Bulbul, the wing running from 76 mm. to 90 mm.
Distribution. Arrakan, Chin Hills to Sittanng Biver.
Tenasserim West of
Nidiflcation. Gates obtained two nests in Pegu cups made of stems of weeds, lined with grass and placed low down, one in a bush, the other in a creeper about 4 feet from the ground. In both cases there were two eggs, typical Bulbul's eggs, in every way,
414
JTCKONOTIBJ.
and measuring between 23*3 x 16'5 mm. and 208 x 16'5
mm.
They breed
bird.
in
Juue.
Habits. These do not differ in any
way from those
of the last
(429)
Pycnonotus melanicterus. The Black-capped Bulbul.
Muscicapa melanictera Gmel., S. N., i, p. 941 (1789) (Ceylon). Pycnonotus melatiicterus. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 288.
Vernacular names. Ka-karuUa (Ceylon). Description. Head to neck above black: remaining upper plumage and wing-coverts olive-green quills brown, their outer webs olive-green ; tail dark brown, the central pair suffused with olive-gi"een on the base and the others all ti|)pe(l with white whole lower plumage bright yellow, the sides of the breast and under wing-coverts and edge of wing flanks washed with olive
; ;
yellow.
bill black legs Colours of soft parts. Iris bright to dull red In the female feet dark blackish brown to practically black. the iris is brown and the "legs and feet deep plumbeous or blackish blue " {Legrje).
;
and
Measurements. Total length about 100 to 165 mm.; wing 68 tail about 60 to 65 mm. ; tarsus about 15 mm. 74 nun. culm en about 13 mm. Distribution. Ceylon only. Nidificatioii. The nest is a small cup of dead leaves, fine twigs and grasses, stems of plants and roots firmly bound together and It is placed in a bush, creeper or lined with fine dead grass. other cover at from 3 to 10 feet from the ground, generally, Legge records its nest from however, within 4 or 5 feet. April to September and eggs have been taken by Messrs. Stewart, Phillips and Sykes between January and May, so that it probably breeds in almost any month of the year. The nest is nearly always placed in forest, that which is rather thin being preferred to that which is very dense. 'I'he eggs, of which there are either two or three, have a reddishto
;
white ground-colour *nd are profusely covered with small blotches of various shades of reds and red-browns underlying whieh are sparser secondary markings of neutral tint and lavender-grey. Six eggs average 21'2x 15*6 mm. The texture is not nearly so
smooth
as in
most Bulbuls' eggs and
is
very dull and glossless.
Habits. This beautiful little Bulbul is found from the plains up to about 5,000 feet, wherever there is forest or the country is It is not found in the dry zone and well-wooded and wet. prefers above all lightly forested Talleys along which streams ran. It feeds on insects and seeds which it seeks in the lower bushes and trees, seldom wandering into the higher ones. It consorts ia
PTONONOTUB.
smtdl parties of four or five and other birds.
whel^."
is
415
said to be very sociable with
Legge describes
its
note as " whee-whee, whee-
(430)
Pycnonotus xantholsBmus,
BuiiBUi.
The YELLOW-raEOATED
BrachypuB .rantMeemua Gould, P. Z. S., 1835, p. 186 (Belgaum). Pycnonotm xanthoUemui. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 289.
Vernacular names. Kondapoda-pigli (Tel.). Description. Porehead, crown and sides of the head yellowish green, the feathers near the nostrils dusky ; chin and throat upper plumage grey, the upper tail-coverts tinged |}right yellow uith green wings and tail brown, the outer webs washed with yellowish green and the tail-feathers tipped with yellowish white brenst and sides of neck and body grey, turning to whitish under tail-coverts and edge of wing bright on the abdomen yellow thighs dull yellow ; under wing-covert.s pale yellow.
;
bill and legs black. Measurements. Length about 18.5 to 190 mui. wing about 81 to 88 mm.; tail about 88 mm.; tarsus about 'HQ mm.; culmen about 14 to 15 mm. Distribution. Travancore, Mysore and Eastern Ghats. Nidification. Mr. P. Koscoe Allen (Journal B. N. H. S., xviii, p. 905) obtained several nests of this rare Bulbul on a peak called irlorscly Koiidu, south of the Cuddapah District in Madras, where he found it not uncommon. The nests are described as typical Bulbuls' nests and the eggs as of the ordinary type of liulbuls' eggs, " white marked with purple and brick-red" and measuring 21-1 x 17"0 mm. Of the nests one was placed actually on the ground between two boulders and a second on a dwarf A-Uother nest, taken by Mr. C. L. Wilson at Bellary, date-palm. is described as unusually bulky and heavy for a Bulbul's nest. The breeding season appears to be May, June and July. Hal)its. The Tellow-throated Bulbul is found from the foothills up to nearly 5,000 feet but very little is known of its habits. -ently visits the higher ranges at about 4,000 feet for It a bree 4 purposes and is said to be a shy, active bird, very resthen disturbed, flying a considerable distance before less
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red
'
again
s.
..11.
(431)
Pycnonotus gularis.
BriBUi..
186 (Belgaum).
The Bubt-theoaxed
Srackypus gularis Gould, P.
Pj/cnonvtua gtUaris.
Blanf.
Z. S., 1835, p.
&
Dates,
i,
p. 289.
Temacolax names. Hone
recorded.
416
rrcNoiroTiDiE.
Description. Forehead, crown, nape, sides of head and extreme point of chin black ; throat ruby-red, the feathers long and rather bristly ; upper plumage yellowish green ; wings brown, the outer webs of the feathers yellowish green tail the same lower plumage bright yellow ; under wing-coverts and edge of wing
;
;
yellow.
black
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris pale cream to bright yellow ; bill legs and feet dark plumbeous to almost black, claws black.
; ;
Ueasarements. Length about 180 mm. wing 71 to 78 mm. tail about 66 mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culmen about 11'5 to
120 mm.
Distrihution.
Western India from Kanara
to
South Travancore.
Nidification. Nests taken by Mr. J. Davidson are described as " small cups, outwardly composed of a mass of large, red
dead leaves, slightly bound with one or two roots and spiders' web, and lined inside with a few roots and grass steins of a coarse description." The nests were taken from low bushes, only a foot or two above the ground, higher bushes and small The nests are all placed in saplings as high as 10 feet up. forest, generally dense, sometimes thinner but never in open
country.
" The eggs are two in number, very small for the size of the they are quite devoid of gloss and of a pink colour, mottled thickly all over with the smallest possible dark reddish-brown and purple spots." Eggs sent me by Messrs. J. Davidson and T. R. Bell measure about 20-9 X 15-2 mm. They are very like those of
bird
;
the last bird.
Habits. This is said to be a shy Bulbul, keeping to forested areas in the plains, sometimes going about in small flocks and sometimes in pairs or singly. Davidson sa_\8 that it is common in Siddapur and in the wooded parts of Honwar and Kumta and to a less extent in the denser forests of Karawar, Ankola and
Tellapur.
(432)
Pycnonotns cyaniventris cyaniventris.
The Bltib-bemjbd
Pyenonotu$ cyaniventris Blyth,
Peninsula)'; Blanf.
J.
i,
Buibxjl.
B., xi, p.
A. S.
792 (1841) (Ivlalay
&
Gates,
p.
290.
Temacolar names. Kone recorded. Description. The whole head and lower plumage deep
slaty-
blue ; lores black; forehead and a streak over the lores paler blue; upper plumage and wing-coverts bright greenish yellow; tail dark brown, the outer webs greenish yellow nearly up to the tips; wing-quills dark brown, ul but the first two primaries edged with greenish yellow ; under wing-coverts and edge of wing pale yellow ; under tail-corrarts bright yellow.
PXCNONOTPS.
417
Colonrs of soft; parts. Iris dark brown, dark plumbeous slate and grey-brown bill black legs and feet very dark plumbeous, claws horny-brown, sometimes almost black. MeasaremeatB. Total length about 165 mm. wing 68 to 78 mm.; tail about 66mm.; tarsus about 15 mm.; culraen 12 to 13 mm.
; ; ;
Xridification.
Burma and Siam

collected
to Sumatra.
Nest and eggs
by Mr. W. A. T. Kellow
near Taiping in the Federated Malay States are just like small ones of Otoeompsa. The nests were all in low bushes and contained two or three eggs which measured about 20-4 x 15'4 ram. They seem to breed in April, May and June.
Habits. Davison found them either singly or in pairs on the outskirts of forest or in deserted clearings. He remarks : " They live, so far as have been observed, entirely upon small berries of various sorts. They are rather shy, and on being alarmed beat a
hasty retreat to the forest and other dense cover. Their note is a sharp, lively cliirrup." Mr. Kellow found thera very common about Taiping and apparently took many nests there.
(433)
Pycnonotus luteolus.
BuIiBui.
The Whixk-bbowed
Hamatornis
Pycnonotus
luteolus Less.,
luteolus.
.
Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 354 (India, Bombay). Blanf & Oates, i, p. 290.
;
Vemacular names. Poda-pigli (Tel.) Guluguluwa (Ceylon). Description. Upper plumage dull olive-green, tinged with ashy on the head and with fulvous on the rump and upper tail-coverts ;
tail brown, washed with green on the outer webs of the front of forehead, a broad streak from the nostril over the eye and partly over the ear-coverts and an indistinct ring round the eye, white ; lores mingled black and white ; a stripe from the base of the lower mandible and the point of the chin yellow ; lower plumage ashy, tinged and faintly striped with pale yellow, the breast washed with brown ; vent and under tailoorerts pale yellow under wing-coverts and edge of wing yellow.
wings and
;
feathers
CfOlours of soft parts. Iris blood-red black ; legs dark plumbeous.
bill
blackish or horny-
tail
Ueasoremeats. Length about 200 mm.; wing 72 to 89 mm.; about 80 to 85 mm.; tarsus about 22 mm.; culmeu 15 to
17
mm.
Ceylon birds are certainly smaller than those from India ; the wings run from 72 to 83, rarely to 85 mm., those from Travanoore northwards measure from 85 to 8tf mm. I can see no corresponding variation in colour and as they overlap in measurements, these alone seem hardly well-defined enough to constitute
a separate subspecies.
TOL.
I.
iJ
418
SiBtribution.
axid
PXCNOSOTIDJi.
The Peninsula of India, from Baroda on the Midnapore on the East down to Cape Comorin; Ceylon. Eare or absept on the Deccan table-land and throughout
West
the Central Provinces.

KidiAcatioa. This bird breeds very commonly in Ceylon, the coast of South India and again in West Bengal and parts The nest is not, I think, distinguishable from tliat of Orissa. of Otocompsa but is on the average more untidy, flimsy and unfinished. The sites selected ai-e low, thick bushes in scrubjungle, the outskirts of forest and partly cultivated country and the nest is seldom more than 4 feet from the ground. Hume Whilst, says the eggs are urdike those of Molpastes or Otocompsa. however, richly marked, handsome eggs such as are so often obtained of Molpastes are very rare in this species, the eggs as a series are like weakly marked, rather long-shaped eggs of that Normally only two eggs are laid, sometimes three, and bird. the average of sixty eggs is 22'9 x 15'8 mm., the extremes being
West
25-6
X 16-6, 24-6 x 17-0, ID'O X 1 56 and 23-8 X 150 mm. The birds lay in alntcsst every month of the year in Ceylon but chiefly in February and March, whilst in Bombay they lay from
April to July.
Habits.
It prefers scrub- and bushjungle, thill rathrt- than dense, the outskirts of forest and country which is partly cultivated and partly wooded. It does not enter
forest nor of
The White-browed Bulbul compounds and gardens.
is
a bird neither of actual
gardens but may be seen in the vicinity of only in the plains and lower hills.
villages.
It is
found
Fycnonotus plumosus.
The birds of this species are spread over a very wide area through East and South Burma, the Malay Peninsula and many of the islands and again East through Siam, Yunnan, Annam, etc. There are three races separable but they do not occupy very well-defined areas and it is not easy to say exactly where P. p. bianfordi and P. p. plumosus meet. Between P. p. robinsoni and P. p. plwmosut 1 cannot fix anything definite but throughout Jhe Northern Peninsula they probably represent Eastern and
Western
species.
races.
They may eventually
Iiave
to
be treated as
Key
to Subspecies,
A. EftiHSOverts brown with silreiT-white

B. Ear-coverts entirely silvery-white. a. Paler both above and below 6. Darker both above and below
stripes.
P. plumostts plmmms,
[p. 419;
P.p. bianfordi, p. 420. P.p. robinsoni, p. 42o!
PYCSOTSOTVS.
419
(434)
Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus.
Tub Laeqk
Pycnonotus plumosus Blyth,
pore)
;
Ox-ive Bnusnt.
J.
A. S.B., xiv,
p.
567 (1845) (Singa-
Blanf.
&
Dates,
i,
p. 292.
VernacTilar names.
None
recorded.
Description. Foroliead and crowu dark greyish brown, eacli feather margined with olive-green; wings and tail dark bi'own, the outer webs of the feathers washed with bright olive-green ; lores diirlc brown ; cheeks and chin dull whity-brown ; ear-coverts dark brown with silvery-white shafts ; lower plumage ashybrown, slightly mottled and streaked with dull oi;hraceous
under wing- and

ceous.
tail-coverts
and edge of wing brighter ochra-
Colours of soft parts. Iris burnt sienna-brown to dark cinnabarbill almost black legs and feet reddish brown, darker in red some, paler in others {Hume).
; ;
Measurements. Length about 190 to 200 mm.: wing 78 to 89 mm. tail about 84 mm.; tarsus about 19 to 20 u)m. culmen about 15 to 16 mm.
;
Distribution. It
is
extremely
difficult to define
the boundaries
and the next, P. p. rohinsoni. It apjiears that the present bird is found in tiie South of the Malay Peninsula iu Johore, Pahang, Perak, Keda and tlience up the West coast of Teuasserim as far North as Tenasserim Town and also iu Sumatra and Borneo, whilst liobinson's Bulbul woi'ks North from Patani up the East coast.
between
this lurd
Nidiflcation. Nests taken by Davison, Ivellow and Waterstradt were of the ordinary Bulbul type built low down in bushes generally in thin forest, sometimes in fairly dense forest but not, apparently, The eggs are two or three in in cultivated and village areas. number, luost often the former, and one clutch in the Waterstradt collection was a five, but this must be quite exceptional. The eggs are like those of the rest of the genus and it is doubtful if any of these can be distinguished from one another except, perhaps, by size. Ten eggs average about 22'0xl7'r mm. but Davison's eggs seem to be abnormally big. Six of my own only measure 21 "8 x 161 mm. This speci-8 breeds in February, March and April.
Habits. This Bulbul is a bird of forests rather than of open country and Mr. Kellow informed me that he took the nests in almost impenetrable cane-brakes along streams in virgin forest. They are quite unobtrusive birds, keeping to the lower trees and bushes and having a chirping chatter, according to Davison, like They feed chiefly on berries. that of (Jnnigrr.
2i32
420
(435)
PIONOSOTID^.
Fycnonotus plumosiu robinsoni.

BoBissou's Olite Bttlbui,.
Ff/onmiotus robinsom Ogilvie-Grant, Fasciculi Malay., p. 85 (1906) (Patani, Malay Pen.).
Yernacalar names. None recorded. Description. Differs from 1\ plumosut " hy having more distinct white shaft-streaks to tlie feathers of the cheeks and earcoverts ; tbeouter edges to the quills dull greenish, not olive-green, and the middle of the breast and belly pale yellowish white." This form is nearest to P. p. blanfordi, from which it is separable by its much darker plumage above and below. Colours of soft parts. Iris brown ; bill brownish-horn legs and feet blackish-lead.
;
Heasurements. Mucii the same as those of P. p. plumosus. AViug 83 to 89 mm. culmeu about 15 mm. Distrihntion. From Patnni in the extreme South of Peninsular Siam, up the East Coast, perhaps entering the borders of Tenasserim near Tavoy, as far North as Ayuthia, Natrang and Kraben. There are also specimens in the British Museum collection from Annam.
:
Nidification. Messrs. AVilliarason and Herbert collected and examined vast numbers of nests and eggs of this Bulbul round Bangkok, M'here it is exceedingly common. They are quite indistinguishable from others of this genus but when considered as a whole are very poorly marked, pale eggs with none of the rich variations seen in so many Bulbuls' eggs. 100 eggs average 21-6 X 15-6 mm., the extremes being 23-0 x 162, 22-2 x 16-7 aiid
in light and heavy forest and also in scrub and bushes round about cultivation and villages. Out of 76 clutches examined by Mr. W. Williamson only four nests contained three eggs, tne rest only two each. The breeding season is froni
20-1x15-1 mm. The birds breed
January to July.
Habits. They are very familiar birds, far more so than the Bulbul, and freely enter gardens, orchards and cultivated country. In winter they are found in small flocks and are restless, energetic birds, constantly flying from one tree to another in search of their food, which consists of berries and insects.
Large Olive
(436)
Fycnonotus plumosus blanfordi.

BLASrOED'S OlIVB
BiriiBUL.
PycmmttM
Oates,
i,
blanfordi Jerdon, Ibis, 1862, p.

p.
20 (Pegu)
Blanf.
&
291
Vernacaiar names.
(Kachin).
Description.
Bj/u,
Bo-m-mwe (Burmese); Bo-m-mwe
Differs from Bobinson's Olive Bulbul in being
PXONOKOTUS.
421
much paler and with

niucli less
ear-coverts wholly silvery-white. It is green both on upper plumage and on wings and tail than plumosus.
Colours of soft parts. Iris varies from yellowish brcwn to red eyelids plumbeous bill brown, paler at base of lower mandible and gape; mouth flesh-colour; legs plumbeous, claws horn-colour.
; ;
HeasurementB as in the culmen about 15 mm.
otiier races.
Wing 85
to 89
mm.
Distribation. Practically the whole of Burma, North of Kangoon, the Kachin Hills, North and Central Siam, Shan States
and Annam.
Nidification. Similar in every way to that of the last bird. Eggs and nests are indistinguishable and the clutches are the same in number, i.e. two or three. As a series they are even more poorly marked than those of Kobinsoii's Olive Bulbul. I'orty eggs
average 20'6 x i5-7 mm. The breeding season must be very extended, as eggs have bên sent me takeu from early March to late August and, probably, like most of the common Bulbuls, they breed more or less throughout the year.
Habits. Those of the last bird. They are said- to have a very harsh note when disturbed and like all Bulbuls under these circumstances, erect their crests as they make the call.
(-137)
Pycnonotus simplex simplex.

Moohe's
Oute
Bulbul.
p.
Pycnonotug awiplex Less., Rev. Zool., 1839,

'Blai)f.& Gates,
i,
167 (Sumatra);
p. 292.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage brown with a greenish tinge, slightly fulvous on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; wings and whole lower tail brown, the outer webs washed with greenish plumage huffy-brown, slightly streaked in places with darker ochraceous under tail-coverts dark ochraceous with paler edges under wing-coverts and edge of wing pale ochraceous.
; ;
Colours of soft parts. Iris orange-red, pale red, whity-pink; upjKjr mandible dark horny-brown, lower mandible paler; legs and
feet fleshy- or reddish-brown.
Heasorements. About the same as plumo$u. Wing 80 to 88 mm. culmen about 15 mm. Distribution. Tenasserim, from Mergui, South through the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. The Javan form has been separated by Hartert (Nov. Zool. ix, 1902, p. 5B1) as P. prillwitsi and the Bomean form also seems different from the MsJay bird. Niîfloation.. Neats aud eggs taken by Mr. Kellow at Simpang in the Malay States were, like those described by Davison, taken They are rather more richly in thick jungle in high bushes.
;
422
coloured tlian those of about 2I,"0 X 15'9 mm.
Ji'ebruary
tlie
PTdKOirOTIDjE.
two preceding species and they measure Mr. Kellow's eggs were taken in January,
and
April.
Habits.- Those of the genus but this species is a bird of thin forests and does not haunt cultivated or inhabited areas.
(438)
Pycnonotus erythropthalmus erji;hropthalmus.* The Small Olive Bulbul.

vi,
Ltos ertjthropthalmue Hume, S. F., vS. Tennsserim). Ih/aumotus pusillvs. Blanf. & Gates,
p.
.314 (1878)
(Pakchan,
i,
p. 29;S.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. The \Ahole upper jilumage and wing-coverts olivebrown, tinged with rufescent on the rump and upper tail-coverts tail rufescent-brown ; wings brown, the visible portions suffused with olive ; lores and sides of the head ashy-brown chin and throat ashy-white; breast and sides of the body ashy-brown washed with fulvous ; abdomen, vent and under tail-coverts dusky yellow under wing-coverts and axillaries pale ochraceous yellow. Colours of soft parts. Iris crimson, an ophthalmic ring vivid orange-yellow but this withers away in skins and is not discernible bill black, gape and base of lower mandible and nostrils orangeyellow legs, feet and claws pale reddish-horny. Measurements. Length about 165 mm.; wing 70 to 78 ram. tail about 76 mm.; tarsus about 15 to 16 mm.; culmen about 13 to 14 mm. Nidiflcation and Habits. According to Davison this Bulbul differs in no way from the various races of P. phimosus. The few eggs of which measurements have been obtainable measure about 21*0 x 15*9 mm., but a larger series would certainly give a smaller average for the eggs of this small bird.
;
Genus
MICKOTAESUS
Eyton, 1839.
The genus Mierotargus may be recognized by its very ample and lengthened tail-coverts, rounded tail and the extraordinary development of the feathers of the lower back and rump, which are moreover barred with black; in this respect Mierotargus shows great ailinities to Pinarooiehla. In this genus the feathers of the head, though erectile, are exceedingly short and glossy. The bill is about half the length of the head, and the rictal bristles are well-developed. The tarsus is very short but fairly stout. The plumage of all the known species is very pleasing.
Sharpe shows that P. pumllut of Salvadori, 1874, is preoccupied by' Qraj, Oenera Birds, 1, p. 237, and cannot be used. He therefore propowi (Cat. B. M., 1881, Appendix, p. 401), P. mtvadoHi, but though Uiie itande the name for the Sumittran race, erytkropthalmus of Hame has priority th
speeiflo
name.
HIUBO'l'ABSIJS.
423
three species found withiu our limits it is extremely decide what relationship M. m. melaiiocephalus and M, cinereoventris bear to one another. It is true the former is often found in flocks with no individual of the latter but neither Mr. H. A. Hole, who knew this bird very well, nor I myself have ever seen a flock of the latter without some of the former. The plumage of tlie Grey-breasted Bulbul is merely that of the Blackheaded Bulbul with the yellow eliminated on some portions and this in varying degree. One of Lord Tweeddale's birds is described by him as being " in a stage of transition from yellow to grey." A specimen in the collection of Mr. Hole showed traces of green on the hind-neck but was otherwise of purely dnereoventrig type a third, a young male shot by myself, appears also to be ill a transition stage between tiie two forms. I expect, when the necessary evidence is obtainable, the two will be found to be one and the same bird. Age and sex have nothing to do with the matter, but no one has yet been able to prove that they breed together, however closely they may accompany one another in the non-breediiig season.
difficult to
;
Of the
Key
A. Lower plumaga
c.
b.
to
Species
and
Siihspedes.
[cephalus, p. 423. melanocephaltis melano-
yellow or '
olive-
yellow. Ilaad entirely black Head above bluish grej'.

a'.
M.
Upper tail-coverts yellow .... Upper tail-coverta bluish grey B. Lower plumage bluish grey
v.
31. m.fusciflaveseens,y). ^2^.
M.
M.
poiucephalus, p. 425.
cinertoventrit, p. 426,
(439)
Microtarsns melauocephalns melanpcephalus. Tub Black-headed BuistTL.

S. N.,
i,
LaniuB melanocephcUu Gmel., mares australia).
p.
309 (1788) (Sandwich in

i,
Micropm melanocephalus.
Description.
Blanf.
&
Gates,
p. 294.
Vernacular names. Dao-buUp-cfarasha (Cachari).
Whole head, throat and upper

;
breast black, glossed
remainder of upper plumage olive-yellow, brighter on the rump and yellow on the upper tail-coverts ; breast and flanks the same, shading into bright yellow on the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; tail olive-yellow for half its length, then black and tipped with yellow, narrowly on the centre feathers and increasingly broadly on the others ; primary-coverts dull black, narrowly edged with olive-yellow, other coverts wholly of this with blue and purple
colour on the outer webs ; primaries and outer secondaries black, the first obsoletely, the latter broadly, edged with olive-yellow the visible inner secondaries all olive-yellow ; the feathers of the rump and upper tail-coverts are very dark grey at the base and then black, the tips alone being broadly yellow so that the rump nearly always appears barred with black, though in a perfect specimen the rump looks almost immaculate vellow.
424
PICNONOTIDJE.
;
Coloars of soft parts. Irides various shades of pale blue bill very dark plumbeous, nearly black ; mouth and gape bluish, soioetiraes tinged fleshy ; legs dark plumbeous, claws black.
tail
measurements. Length about 176 mm. about 84 mm. ; tarsus about 13 mm.
Distribution. Assam, South oE
hill-tracts,
;
;
wing 80 to 86 mm. culnien about 13 to
14 mm.
tiie Brahmaputra and Eastern Arrakan, Chin Hills, practically the whole of Burma, Shan States, Siam and the whole Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Jara, Borneo and the Philippines.
Bengal
Nidification. This Bulbul bi-eeds round Amherst from February to April and in North Cachar in May, making a very stronglybuilt cup-shaped nest, which it places in low bushes in evergreen,
forests from the level of the plains up to 2,000 or 3,000 feet. The materials of the nests I have personally seen have consisted principally of the tough but fine stems of a wild bean. With these are twigs, dead leaves and grass blades and the whole is securely wound round the supporting twigs. The lining is of skeleton leaves and grass stems. The eggs number two or three and, like all those of this genus, are easily distinguished from other Bulbuls' eggs. The ground-colour is a pale fleshy-pink to a lilac-pink and the primary markings consist of freckles, specks and small blotches of pale reddish, whilst the secondary, or underlying, markings are of pale grey or pale lilac neutral tint. The latter markings are generally more numerous than the former and give the dominant tint to the egg. Some eggs have the marks so fine and so numerous that they look unicoloured but roost eggs have them more numerous at the big end than elsewhere, forming a pronounced ring or cap. The average of seven of my own eggs and six of Mr. J. M. D. Mackenzie's is 20*5 x 15*5 mm. and the extremes are 23'0xl6'6, 19*0 X 15-5, and 2U'5 X 15*0 mm. The surface is fine and glossy and the shell fragile. la shape they vary as much as the eggs of Otacompaa and
humid
Moipaites.
is a purely forest Bulbul, though in the cold be found in small or big flocks feeding ou trees well away from forest, especially when these are in flower and attracting many insects. It prefers scattered forest or light jungle and was most common in the ravines running from the foot-hills into the plains of Cachar and Sylhet. These ravines were heavily forested, running between grass-covered hills and light forest where the birds came out to feed in the mornings and evenings. It keeps almost entirely to the tops of high trees in the cold weather but in the breeding season descends to the smaller trees and undergrowth. Their ordinary note is a musical chirp but they also have a very mournful double whistle like the rainy-weather call of the lom, but deeper and softer. They feed principally on berries and fruit but also eat small
Habits. This
it
weather
may
MI0BOTAB8US.
insects
425
ovoi'-full of
and I have shot specimens feeding on the cotton-trees such obtained from their great red flowers. In most flocks of this birds one or more specimens will be found of the Grey -bellied Bulbul.
(440)
Microtarsas melanocephalus fusciflavescens. The Andaman Black-hbabed Bulbul.
Brachypodius ftuiciflavescens Hume, S.F.,i,p. 297(1873)(Andaman8). Micropus fueeifiavetcem. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 295.

Sescription. Differs froiu the preceding bird in having the whole head dusky olive-green; the black on chin and throat is confined to the centre of the latter the black bars are narrower and the abdomen and under tail-coverts are a still brighter yellow.
;
slate to slaty-black
Colours of soft parts. Iris bluish-white to pale blue legs and feet plumbeous.
;
bill
bluish-
Measurements as in the preceding Nidificatiou unknown.

Habits. Davison found
it
bird.
singly or in pairs on the outskirts of
forest, edges of jungle-tracts
and natural openings.
(441)
MicrotatBus poiocephalus.
Bttlbul.
S., x,
The Gbbi-hkadbd
Jiracht/pus poiocephalus
Jerdon, Stadr. J. L.
Blanf,
p.
246 (1830)
(Travancore). Mtcroptts phaovephalug.
&
Oates,
i,
p.
296.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description, forehead olive-yellow chin blackish cheeks greyish yellow remainder of head clear bluish grey upper side of neck, back and scapulars olive-green rump-feathers black with broad yellow tips upper tail-coverts and four middle tail;
feathers bluish grey with dark shafts, the others black,. broadly
edged on both webs and tipped with bluish grey, the basal twothirds of all suffused with olive-green; wings black, all the feathers edged with olive-green, the outer webs of the innermost secondaries being wholly of this colour; breast, abdomen and flanks oil-yellow ; under tail-coverts bluish grey. Colours of soft parts. Iris almost white to blue ; bill pale slate, " pale green " {Davison) ; legs and feet fleshy tinged with orange
(Davison),
Measurements. Bather smaller than M. melanocephalus ; wing

about 73 to 78
Distriljution.
;
mm.
;
Malabar coast from Belgaum to South TravanOoonoor and Wynaad Hills. ITicUficatioii. The Grey-headed Bulbul makes a small, compact cup-shaped nest, which it places in lovr bushes in fairly dense The eggs are like those of M. m. melanoeqfhalttt and ton jungle.
core
426
pxcNosroTiD^.
eggs taken by Stewart and Bourdillon in Travancore and by Eell in Kanara average 21'9 x 15*6 mm, and vary in length between 21-0xl5-9 and 22'3xl6mm. and in breadth between 21-2 150 and 22-3 x 16 mm. The birds of this species often lay one egg only, single eggs quite hard-set having been taken by Mr. J. Stewart in Travancore.
plains
Habits. Those of the genus. up to some 2,000 feet.
It
is
found from the level o the
(442) Microtarsus cinereoventris. The Gkey-belheu IJaniUL.

Brachypodiiia cinereoventrig BJytb, J.A. S. B.,
(Tippei'a).
xiv, p.
576 (1845)
Micropm cinereiventru.
Blanf
&
Gates,
i,
p.
296.
Vernacular names. Dao-buUp-garaju (Cachari).

Description. This bird differs from M. m. meianocephalus in having the breast, upper pai-t of the abdomen, hind-neck and sometimes the upper back bluish grey instead of yellow or green.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in that bird.
The same also as in that bird but apparently not Annam, or Sumatra and the other islands. Nidiflcation and Habits exactly the same as those of the Blackheaded fiulbul. It is generally found in company with flocks of
Distribution.
extending to Siara,
the Black-hea"ded birds and, as far as my experience goes, never by itself, though every flock of the former may not necessarily contain any of these with grey abdomens. The Cachari names for M. melunocephaluf and M. cinereoventris mean male and female of the same species but, as I have already shown, the diflerence is not one of sexes though the two birds are probably dimorpliie forms of the same species. Two pairs of eggs in my collection measure 2 1-4X 15-4; 21-0xl5-land 23-4X16-1 ; 22-4xl7-0mm. The latter appear very large for the size of the bird.
Genus
KELAARTIA
Blyth (fide Jerdon), 1863.
single species of JSêlaartia is peculiar. to Ceylon. It is characterized by the curious pointed feathers constituting the supercilium and by the rounded feathers of the crown, the two forming a striking contrast. The tarsus in this genus is rather longer than is usual in the Bulbuls, but it does not exceed in length the middle toe and claw.
The
(443) Eelaartia peniciUata.
Thb
Pj/monoim
Ybx.i<ow-i(abbi>
J.
Bvlbvl.
S. B.,
p.
penieiUtfttu Biytb,
A.
i,
xx, p. 178
(1851)
(Ceylon). Kehartia penieiUata Blanf.
&
Oates,
297.
Vemaculw namet. None
recorded.
KELAAllTIA.
427
Description. Forehead and crowu dark brown or blackish, each feather very narrowlj' edged with ashy ; a narrow white line from
the iioatril to the upper part the eye and a broad yellow streak from that point to the nape ; chin and upper ])art of cheeks wiiite lores, ear-L'overts and lower part of cheeks black, the ear-coverts
ol-'
with a streak of yellow down the middle; a large slaty-blue spot on the neck next the ear-coverts; upper plumage olive-green; wings and tail dark brown, the outer webs of the feathers washed with olive-green ; the whole lower i)hiraage, except tlie chin, deep yellow, washed with olive on the breast and flanks under wingcoverts and edge of wing yellow.
;
Fig. 8i.
Head of K. penicillafa.
bill
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright red, reddish brown or carmine; black ; legs and feet dark plumbeous or dark bluish plumbeous.
tail
Ueasurements. Length about 190 mm.; wing 80 to 85 mm.; about the same tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 15 mm.
;
Distribution. Ceylon only.
This bird breeds in March and April, perhaps foot-hills and about 4,000 feet. It makes a cup-shaped nest, rather shallow and flimsy, of dead leaves, twigs and grass, which it suspends between a vertical fork of an outer branch of some small sapling or high bush in the forest. The eggs, which are always two in number, are like richly-coloured eggs of loh kterica, that is to say the ground-colour is pale pink and they are profusely covered all over with tiny longitudinal specks of pale pinkish red with a few underlying ones of pale lavender. Six eggs measure 22-3 x 16-8; 21-8xl7'0; 24-2 x 16-7; 23-6 X 16-3; 24-0 x 16-1; 23-2x160 mm.
Nidiflcation.
also in other
months, between the
Habits. The Yellow-eared Bulbul is found principally in forests, ascending as high as 7,000 feet but being most numerous between 2,000 and 4,000 feet. According to Legge it keeps to low jungle and underwood rather than to the higher trees, is restless and shy, yet inquisitive and has a note which he describes as " whee whee, whee," quiokly repeated. It is more a fruit- and seed-eater than insectivorous but indulges sometimes in the latter diet.
428
CmLTTUlDX.
Family CERTHIIDJ5.
The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the bronchial semi-rings; the edges of both mandibles smooth or witli a simple notch on the upper one ; hinder aspect of the tarsus bilaminated, the laminse entire and smooth ; wing with ten primaries and tail with twelve rectrices.'; tongue non-tubvilar; nostrils clear of the line of forehead, the space between the nostril and the edge of the mandibles less than the space between the nostril and the culmen ; plumage of the young like the adult female, but paler ; nostrils bai-e ; rictal bristles absent ; the wing is generally long or rather long and pointed and the tarsus is very short, the feet being unusually large and strong with long powerful loes and claws.
Whereas most authors have given the Cerihiidce, or TreeCreepers, a definite family by themselves, others have united tiiem with the Trofflodytida: or Wrens, whilst others again have united the latter with the Timaliidm or Turdidce,. Undoubtedly the Wrens aud the Certhiidw are very closely allied, their strong feet and the entire absence of rictal bristles being the most conspicuous characters held in common. On the other hand, the longer wings of the Certhiidce together witli their short tarsi seem to separate them sufficiently distinctly from the short, rounded winged Troghdytkla with their much longer tarsi. The Certhiidce are found over a considerable portion of the world and are represented in India by three genera ; of these one possesses the typical stiff, pointed tail-feathers and two have soft, rounded tail-feathers as in the Wrens.
Key
to
Genera.
A. Tail composed of stiff, pointed feathers fi. Tail composed of soft, rounded feathers. a. First primary uot more than a quarter the
length of the second
b.
Ckrthia,
p.
428.
Salpobnis,
p. 439,
p.
First primary about half the length of the
second
TiCHonrtoMA,
441
Genus
CERTHIA Linn.,
1766,
The genus Cerihia contains four Indian species which are, however, divisible into many gsographical races. They are resident in the Himalayas and higher hills of Burma, moring vertically to some extent under varying; conditions of temperature. Certhia has only a single moult, in the autumn, Biddulph's opinion that C. himalayana bad both a spring and autumn moult being undoubtedly incorrect.
CBBTHIA..
429
The young are coloured like the adult but have signs of crossbars on the lower plumage, especially on the sides of the breast and flanks, and are somewhat paler and duller. In Certhia the bill is as long, or nearly as long, as the head, slender and curved downwards. The nostrils are long, narrow slits. The tarsus is scutellated and the toes and claws are
extremely long.
Foot of Certhia.
The wing is rounded, the first primary being about half the length of the second, and the third a little shorter than the second. The tail and wing about equal in length and the former is composed of twelve very stiff pointed feathers and greatly graduated.
Key
A.
to Species.
Tail distinctly cross-barrod B. Tail without bars or with only faint ones. a. Chin, throat and breast white; under tailcoverts fulvous
b.
c.
C.
himalayana,
p.
429.
Whole lower plumage earthy-brown

(Jhin
C. famUiarie, p. 432. V. discolor, p. 436.
and throat white, remainder of lower plumage deep ferruginous
C. tloliczkce, p. 438.
Certhia himalayana.
himalayana is represented in India by four well-marked and is found from Baluchistan and Afghanistan to Yunnan and the Shan States. It is easily distinguished from all other forms of Tree-Creeper by its boldly barred tail.
Certliia
races,
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Upper plumage blackish brown, strongly

suSused with ferruginous on the rump and upper tail-coverts. abdomen and flanks pale a. Darker above smoky-brown tinged with fulvous abdomen and flanks pale b. Paler aoove smoln'-hrowii with no tinge of fulvous. B. Upper plumage very dark, slightly tinged with rufous on rump C. Upper plumage with no tinge of rufous.
;
.
C. h. himalayana, p. 430.
C h. C
faniura, p. 431.
C. h. intermedia, p. 433. h. yimnanensia, p. 432.
430
(444) Certhia
CBSTHIISiS.
himalayana himalayana. The Himalayan Tbee-Cbeepee.

Z
S.,
Certhia himalayana Vigors, P. Gates, i, p. 320.
1831, p. 174 (Himalaya)
Blanf.
&
Vernacular names. Chua-sorai (Assamese).

Description. Upjier plumage and wing-coverts blackish brown, the feathers broadly centred fulvous; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts strongly tinged with ferruginous: tail pale reddish brown, regularly barred with black ; a well-developed supercilium pale fuhous ear-coverts black ; wings dark brown, all the quills except tiie first three or four with a broad oblique fulvous band bordered with black chin and throat pure white remainder of under plumage pale smoky-brown tinged strongly
; ;
with fulvous.
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown upper miindible dark horny-brewii or blackish, the lower mandible fleshy-horny legs and feet fleshy, claws a little darker.
; ;
Measurements. Length about 140 mm. ; wing 66 to 71 mm. tarsus about 18 mm. ; culmeu 15 to 22 mm. 59 to 67 mm. The bill varies very greatly, males generally vary between 19 and 21 mm. and females between 17 and 20 mm., but other birds of both sexes, possibly young birds though in adult plumage, have bills of 15 and 16 mm. The young in this; as in all other CertJuas, have the lower plumage mottled and with indications of bars. Bistribntion. South Kashmir, most of the North- West Himalayas, Garhwal, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan to W. Assam. NidiAcation. The Himalayan Tree-Creeper breeds throughout its range between 5,000 and 9,000 feet or even higher. It is an Dodsworth took several nests at Simla in April early breeder. and few birds breed later than May, during which month Eattray, Buchanan and others found many nests round about the Murree Hills. It builds, like most Tree-Creepers, either in a crevice of a tree or in between a loose bit of bark and the trunk, the latter being the favourite position. The nest is made of a little grass or moss, often with a foundation of dead leaves, chips of wood, etc. and always with a lining of fur, wool or feathers. It may be placed at any height from the ground, from 10 to 50 feet. The eggs number four to sir and have a white ground, generally tinged with pink and are profusely spotted all over with light to dark brownish- red or pinkish-red. A few eggs have the ground pure white and the marks of dark i-eddish-brown in a ring round
tail
;
and 16-Hxl2'0mm. and the minima 14'7xll'9 and 14-9xll"8 mm. The shape is a fairly broad oval and the
texture
is fine
the larger end. are 17-6 X 12-4
Fifty eggs average
5'8
X 12-2 mm. The maxima
but glossless.
Habits. This Creeper may be rarely found as low as 4,000 fet in winter and in summer ascends to some 10,000 feet. It is, of
OHBTHIA,
431
course, only found in heavily-forested areas but it does not keep entirely to the interior of forest, wandering freely into the more open country wherever there are large trees forming suitable hunting-grounds. They are intensely active, restless little birds, never still for a minute, scuttling hither and thither, now racing over the trunk of the tree, now scrambling along the under surface of one of the smaller boughs. They, unlike the Woodpeckers and Barbets, are just as fond of running down as running up the trunks of trees, but their general method is to work a tree upwards before taking flight to the next. Their ordinary note is a very feeble little squeak, which develops into a louder, fuller series of notes in the breeding season. They are entirely insectivorous.
(445) Certhia
himalayana tseniura* Tub Tubkesian Tkeb-Obeepeh.

p.
CoMia
tmniura Severtz., Turk. Jevotn.,
138 (1873) (Turkestan).
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. This race differs from the preceding bird in being much paler, more brown, less black ; the under parts, except the chin and throat, are all smoky-brown with no tinge of fulvous.
Colours of soft parts as in the Himalayan Tree-Creeper.
Measurements. Wing 65 to 73 mm. tail about b2 to 65 mm. mm. culmen about 18 to 21 mm. Blanford remarks that keniura has a much longer bill than himalayana the
;
tarsus about 18
British
Museum
series does not confirm this.
Distribution.
Turkestan,
Afghanistan,
Cliitral,
North and Central Kashmir,
Karam
Baluchistan, Valley, etc.
Gilgit,
Kidification. The Turkestan Tree-Creeper is found breeding between 5,000 and 12,000 feet over all the mountains of extreme North- West India. Whitehead found it breeding in some numbers in the Safed Koh up to 9,000 feet and in JVorth Kashmir it breeds in great numbers up to 10,000 feet. The nest differs in no way from that of the Himalayan Tree-Creeper and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of that bird. Forty eggs average 15'9xll'9 mm. and the extremes of length and breadth are 17'6 x 12-3 mm. and 14'9 X 11'3 mm. It breeds later than the preceding bird, most eggs being laid during the first week in June or the last few days of May. Minertzhagen has recently separated another form as intermediate between hinuHat/atia and tmniura under the name of mUe (Bull. B. 0. 0. xlii, June, 1922). It i) true that the birds from Central Kashmir and N.W. India are eomewliat iutarmediate between tbe two but the great majority geem to me to be easily referable to one or the other race and a third race appears to be uaneceasarv, for on tbe dividing linee of all subspeoies intermediate birds must Meinertzbagen is wrong in crediting ttgniwra with a longer culmeu oeour. than Mmaiayana.
43S
OEBIHIIB^.
Habits. Those of the genus. Whitehead says: "The call note is a faint squeak, rarely heard in winter. In summer its loud but rather monotonous song is constantly uttered. It does not by any means restrict itself to trees. I hare often noticed it climbing up walls." This Tree-Creeper is found up to 12,000 feet in summer but, on the other hand, in winter descends to 4,000 feet or lower still in the Afghanistan and Baluchistan Hills.
(446) Certhia
himalayana srunnanensis. The Yvsnxs Tbbb-Cbehpib.
Certhia yunnanensii Sharps, Bull. B.O.C., xiii, p. 11 (1902) (Yunnan).
VenxacTilar names.
Description.
None
recorded.
Similar to C. h. Mmdayana but witli the whole upper plumage very black without any ferruginous tint. Below it is dull smoky-grey, albescent on the chin and throat.
Colonrs of soft parts not recorded. Tn the dry skin they do not differ from the same parts in typical himalayana.
Measurements. Wing 68 to 71 18 mm. ; culmen 19 to 20 mm.

Distribution.
Ifidification
mm.
tail
58 mm.
tarsus 17 to
Yunnan and Northern Shan States. unknown. Habits. This bird was found by Bippon to be fairly numerous at heights varying between 7,000 and 9,000 feet in Yunnan.
(447) Certhia
himalayana intermedia,
139
The Chin Hills Tebk-Ckuepbe.

Certhia himalayana intermedia Kinnear, Bull. B. 0. C,
xli, p.
(19il) (Mt. Victoria).
Yeraacalar names. None recorded.

distinct rufous tinge
Similar to the Yunnan Tree-Creeper but with a on the run)p and lower back. It is closer to this last Tree-Creeper than to the Himalayan bird.
Description.
Colours of soft parts are apparently the same as in himalayana.
measurements. Wing 65 to 73 mm. 16 to 17 mm. culmen 17 to 19 mm.

;
tail
55 to 72 mm. ; tarsus
Distribntion. Chin Hills only so far as
is
known
at present.
Hidiflcation and Habits. Nothing recorded.
Certhia fkmiliari&
In India we have three races representative of the Common European Tree-Creeper which are fdund from North- West India to South-East Tibet and North-East Eachin Hills.
CEBTHIA..
433
Key
A. Upper plumê dark brown
to
;
Suhspedes.
lower back and

C.f. nipalensis, p. 433. C./. ftAam<n,p.434.
rump
fe^Tuginous
;
B. Darker above with very little ferruginous on back or rump C. Paler above ; only a tinge of fulvous on the lower back and rump
C.f, hodgtoni, p. 434.
(448) Certhia familiaris nipalensis.
The Nepal
TEE-CRfiEPBE.
Certhia nipalengis Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiv, 2, p. 681 (1845) (Nepal) Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 380.
Vernacular names. Dao-mojo (Cachari) ; Inrui-m-jet (Naga). Description. Upper plumage and wing-coverts very dark brown, streaked witli bright rufous and with a few additional streaks of blackish and fulvous-white; lower back and rump ferruginous; tail brown faintly tinged with reddish; a fulvous white supercilium from the nostrils to the nape lores and ear-coverts mixed brown and rufous wings brown, the primaries with an oblique band of fulvous edged witii black; chin and throat pure white; abdomen, flunks and under tail-coverts fulvous-white. Colours of soft parts. Iris brown; upper mandible horny brown, lower mandible fleshy horny legs and feet flesh-colour. ICeasurements. Wing 67 to 71 mm. tail 57 to 76 mm.; tarsus about 18 mm.; culmen 13 to 15 mm. Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and hills North and South of the Brahmaputra above 6,000 feet.
;
;
Nidification. A nest taken by myself in N. Cachar was composed entirely of scraps of soft green moss, forming a pad fitting into a hollow between n projecting piece of bark and the trunk of a tree at about 25 feet from the ground. There were only three eggs which were taken as I had to leave the place, or doubtless more would have been laid. In colour they are a pure white with tiny spots of reddish, principally in a ring about the larger end. They were taken on the 11th April, 1890 (recorded in error 16th May, Journal B. N. H. 8. and Ibis '), and measure 17*7 x 13-1 mm. They will possibly eventually prove to be abnormally large, pale eggs but I watched the parent birds for hours previously and am
'
certain of their identity.
Habits. These are in no way different from those of the Himalayan Tree-Creeper. It is found principally between 7,000 and 10,000 feet North of the Brahmaputra and certainly ascends to 12,000 and 13,000 feet during the summer. South of the Brahmaputra it was not very rare either in North Cachar or the Khasia Hills at 6,000 feet, being found as low as 5,000 feet. It is essentially a bird of pine and fir forests but I found it also 2F VOL. I.
434
CBTHUD^,
in mixed oak and rhododendron and, though I failed to find its nest, it certainly bred in the latter in the Khasia Hills. Its voice ie a very Bat-like little squeak but; I have never heard its song.
(449) Certhia familiaris khamensis.
The Tibetan TBEE-CuBEPEii.

Certhia khamensis Bianohi, Sliarpe, Hand-1. B., iv, p. 355, description p. 360 (1893).
plumage
Description. This race is near to the preceding but the upper is still darker and has less rufous ; on the under parts the breast is more white and the abdomen, flanks and under tailcoverts are paJe smoky-brown instead of fulvous.
Colours of soft parts as in the preceding bird.
Keasurements. Wing about 69 to 70 mm. ; tail 65 to 68 mm. mm. culmen considerably longer than in nipalensis, measuring about 17 to 18 mm. Eggs of a Creeper sent me Sistribution. South-East Tibet. from the Chambi Valley, South Tibet, may be either of this or the preceding form. The record of the Nepal Tree-Creeper from the extreme North-East of the Kachin Hills (Uarington) is almost
tarsus 18
;
sure to refer to this bird. Nidification and Habits. Nothing known.
(450) Certhia familiaris hodgsoni.
Honesojf's Tkee-Ceeepbe.
Certhia hodgsoni Brooks, .T, A. S. B., Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 329.
xli, p.
74 (1872) (Knslimir)

Description. This Tree-Creeper differs from both the other Indian races of this species in being much paler above; the rufous tinge is absent but the rump and upper tail-coverts have a wash of fulvous below it is almost entirely white, with merely a tinge of fulvous on the posterior ilanks and under tail-coverts.
;
Colours of soft parts as in the preceding races.

races.
Measuxements. This is decidedly the smallest of the three "Wing 63 to 66 mm. tail 60 to 61 mm. ; tarsus about 17 mm. culmen about 16 to 18 ram.
; ;
Distribution. Glârhwal to
North-West Kashmir.
Nidification. The nest of this bird was first taken by Captain Cock at Gulmurg in Kashmir and it has also been taken by Battray,
Buchanan and others in Panga Gali and Changla Gait in the Murree Hills. The birds are late breeders Capt. Cook's nests were
;
CEBXHIA.
435
taken in early June and the others between the 18th and the end of that month. The nest is like those of the rest of the genus, a pad of moss, lined with a few feathers and placed high up in a crevice or in between the tree and some projecting piece of bark. The eggs are like those of himalayana but apparently vaiy greaMy in size ; twenty-five eggs average 15-8 x 11'9 mm. and
the
least 14-8
greatest length and breadth are x 11-1 and 15-0 x 110 mm.
16'8xl2'6 mm. and the
Habits. This Tree-Creeper seems to be a bird of rather higher than most, never descending below about 7,500 feet in the breeding season and ascending up to 10,000 feet. With this exception there is nothing special calling for remark about it.
*llevations
Certhia discolor Blyth.

races of this species are found within the limits of this work, ranging from Nepal to the extreme east of Burma and the
Four
Shan States these four include one hitherto undescribed but referred to by Gates as being found in Karenni and as being inseparable from the Sikkim bird. Further material, however, shows that when series from the two places are compared one with the other they differ very greatly and can be easily distinguished from oue another.
;
Key
to Subspecies.
A. Lower plumage earthy-brown, fulvesceiit on posterior tianks and abdomen .... B. Lower plumage more fulvous, especially
C.
I).
U. d. discolor, p. 435. C. d. trumipurensis, p. 437. C. d. vietorite, p. 487. V. d. fuligimsa, p. 438.
Much
Very
on throat darker above; chin, throat and
breast reddish fulvous dull, with little ferruginous above and no fulvous tint below
is
not unlike C. d. meridionalis Eob. & Kloss, but can be distinguished by its paler lower plumage which is more a smoky grey than dark grey and without any tinge of rufous on the belly.
G. d. fuUf/inosa
ibis, 1919, p.
60S),
(451) Certhia discolor discolor.

TUJS SiKKIU TBDE-CfiliBfEB.
Certhia discolor Blyth, J. A. S. B., xiv, p. 580 (1845) (Darjeeling) Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 8.31.
;
Yeroaonlar names. Saddyer-pho (Lepcha). Upper plumage dark brown, streaked with fulvous j ramp and upper tail-coverts bright ferruginous ; tail bright reddishbrown with red shafts and obsoletelv cross-rayed ; wings dark
Description.
2e2
436
OJSBXHIIDA.
fulvous, black-edged band across all but the four primaries ; most of the quills tipped with white and the later ones with a fulvous streak near the end of the outer web lower plumage earthy-browu, paler and fulvesceut on the posterior under tail-coverts ferrugiuous a cheekflanks and abdomen skripe rufous or fulvous-rufous ; under wing-coverts and axillaries
brown with the usual

first
white.
Fig.
84. Head
of C. d. discolor.
Colours of soft parts. Iris dark brown to red-brown ; bill above dark horny-browt), almost black on cuhnen, below pale horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy-brow n or pale brown.
Measurements. Wing 67 to 71 mm. tail 75 to 77 mm. ; tarsus about 18 mm. ; culmeu 13 to 15 mm. Distribution. The Himalayas from Ifepal to E. Assanj, both North and South of the Brahmaputra.
;
Nidification. The only nests and eggs of this bii-d recorded appear to be those taken by myself in North Cacliar and the Khasia Hills. In these hills I found the bird very rare and breeding only in the stunted oak forest in the former district and In neither case did they breed below in pine-woods in the latter. 5,000 feet. The nests are the usual pads of moss inside a broken piece of bark but in the few I saw all had fairly thick linings of fur either of the Bamboo-rat or of a shrew. They were placed between 12 and 30 feet from the ground and they contained from 3 to 5 eggs. These are typical Tree-Creepers' eggs and some are not separable from brightly coloured pink eggs of himalat/ana and familiaris but as a whole they are much redder eggc, the spots being iihnost a pure red or pinky-red. Twenty-four eggs average 16-3 X 12-5 mm., and the extremes are 17"5X 129 and 17'4 x 13'0 mm. and 16-2 X 12-3 and 15-4 x 11-0 mm. The birds are earlv breeders, commencing in early April and continuing until the second week in May.
Habits. The Sikkim Tree-Creeper is found north of the Brahmaputra between 6,000 and 10,000 feet but on the south of that river between 5,000 and 8,000 feet or a little higher than this in tiieNaga Hills. In its habits generally it is like all other TreeCreejiers but it seems to keep much to the interior of forests whether of pine or other trees and it is a very shy, quiet little bird, resenting observation more thau most of the other members
of the genus.
OEBTHIA.
437
(452) Gerthia discolor manipurensis.
Htimb's Teee-Ceeepeb.
Cerfhia manipurensis Ilume, S. F., x, p. 151 (1881) (Maiiipur) Bknf. ftOfttes, i, p. 831.
Yernacular names.
Voli-ti-ii-llwi
(Manipuri).
tlie
Description. Differs from the preceding bird in having upper parts darker and the throat more fulvous.
Colours of soft parts as in C.
d. discolor.
;
Measurements. Wing 66 to 71 mm. 17 to 18 nun. culmen 15 to 10-5 mm.

;
tail
65 to 68
mm.
tarsus
Distribution. Manipur and tlie Chin Hills South and East of that State. The bird to the East of the Irrawaddy is not known and may be either the Manipur bird or some other form.
Hills,
trees.
Kidification. Nests and eggs taken by Mackenzie in the Chin not far from the Manipur border, are just like those of the
Sikkim Tree-Creeper but the former were placed iu small lioles in Mackenzie describes them as little pads of moss lined with a few feathers and a little " fluff." An egg sent me, one of a clutch of four, measures 16*5 x 12-9 mm. but others in Mr. Mackenzie's own collection are longer, measuring 17'2 to ]7'5 mm. This clutch was taken, hard set, on the 7th of May, but young birds were seen on the wing and shot on this date. Two other eggs taken by Mr. E. Grant measure 16-5 x 12-4 and 15-9 x 13 mm.
Habits. Quite similar to that of the Sikkim Tree-Creeper.
(453) Certhia discolor victoria.

TiiB
Chis Hilm Teee-Oeeepbe.

xvi, p.
CeHhia victoria Eippon, Bull. B. O. C,

toria).
87
(190(i) (Mt.
Vic-

Description. Similar to the Sikkim Tree-Creeper but much darker above, a blackish brown, with less fulvous; the throat, chin and breast are a dark reddish-fulvous and the abdomen and flanks are also darker and more tinged with fulvous.
Cdours of
soft parts as iu the kist bird.

tail
Ueasarements. Wing 63 to 72 m:ia. ; 17 to 18 mm. ; culmen 15 to 17*6 min.
65 to 70 mm.
tarsus
BiBtri'biition. So far obtained only in the high peaks round about Mt. Victoria in the South Chin Hills.
NicUflcatioa and Habits. Nothing recorded.
438
(451)
CEBTHIIDJS.
Certhia discolor fuliginosa, subsp. nov.
The Kabenhi Tbeh-Orbepee.

Description. This little Creeper has hitherto been accepted as the same as the Sikkim Tree-Creeper, from which, however, it It is both darker and duller on the upper is very different. plumage, the brown blacker and the fulvous duller and less in extent ; below, the whole plumage is a smokv brown with no tint of fulvous anywhere.
Colours of soft parts and Heasnrements as in C. d. discolor.

Ti/pe.
No. 1903.12.24.363, not sexed.

April 1902.
7,000
feet.
Loi-pang Nan, Mekong, H. M. Thompson & Craddoek Coll.
British
Distribntion.
Museum. Shan
States to Karenni.
(455) Certhia stoliczkae.

StoI/ICzka's Teee-Cheepeii.
Certhia stoliczaka Brooks, J. A. S. B., Blauf. & Gates, i, p. 332.
xlii,
2, p.
256 (Sikkim)
>
Vernacalar names. Dao-mojo-gajao (Cachari). Description. Upper plumage black streaked with fulvous the wing-coverts black with fulvous tips ; rump and upper tail-coverts ferruginous; tail brown, the shafts reddish and the outer webs tinged with reddish quills dark brown, all but the first four with the usual oblique fulvous and black band the quills tipped with buff and with a subterminal band of buff on the outer webs chiu feathers round the eye, supercilium and cheeks aiid throat whitish buff ; centre of breast and abdon)en pale fulvous sides of these parts, vent and under tail-coverts deep ferruginous under wingcoverts and axillaries pale fulvous.
;
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris red-bro-vn ; upper mandible dark horny-brown; base of upper and whole lower maudible pale horny ; legs and feet pale fleshy horny.
Heasarements. Wing 67 to 74 mm. tail 64 to 71 mm. ; tarsus mm. culmen 13 to 18 mm., generally about 16 mm. Distribntion. Sikkim and Bhutan to E. Assam. I fouud it in the North Cachar Hills at 5,000 feet in winter and it possibly extends to the Naga Hills and Manipur. Nidification unknown. HaMts. Those of tbe genus. In N. Cachar it haunted the stunted oak forests between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, scrambling in and out of the long moss which covered every tree and hunting for insects in the masses of orchids and long streamers of moss as well as in the crevices in the bark. I never heard it utter anything but a very low squeak and it seemed a very silent bird.
;
about 18
8AU?0SNia.
439
Genus SALPORNIS Gray, 1847.

The genus Salpornis contains two species, one Indian and the other African. It differs from Oerthia in many remarkable respects, although bearing a great general resemblance to it. It has an extremely long, pointed wing, with a minute first primary, whilst the second primary reaches to the end of the wiug. The foot, also, is differently shaped.
Fig.
85. Foot oi Salpornis.
Saljômis has a typical Certhia's bill, though it is longer than it most birds of that genua the tarsus is short and the hind claw is much shorter than tlie hind toe. The tail is composed of 12 soft, rounded feathers and is nearly square. The sexes are alike and the young are similar to the adult. There is apparently no spring moult.
is in
;
(456) Salpornis spilonotas.
The 8pottbd-Gee\- Ckeephr.

Certhia
tpilonota Frankl., V. Z. S., 1831, p. 121 (Ganges
Blanf.
between
Calcutta aud iênares).
Salpomig spilonota.
&
Dates,
i,
p. 333.
Yemacnlar names. Xone
recorded.
Pig. 86.
Head
of 8. tpilonottu.
tail black, spotted forehead and crown brownish ; a broad white supercilium ; lores and a line through the eye unspotted black ; chin and throat white, the sides of the latter sometimes speckled with black ; lower plumage pale cinnamon-fulvous barred with black and with white tips to some of the feathers.
Seaoription.
Whole upper plumage, wings and

;
and barred with white
Colovn of soft parts. Iris dark brown ; bill above dark blackish horny, below pale homy ; legs and feet dark plumbeous.
440
cmRTUiinM,
tail
HeasnremeiitB. Length about 150 mm.; wing 84 to 91 mm.; 45 to 52 mm. ; tarsus about 17 mm. culmeu 21 to 24 mm.
;
Distribution. Nothing has been added to our Icnowledge of this Throughout a considerable portion bird's distribution simse 1889. of the plains of India, from the foot of the Himahiyas South to the Kistna Eiver. On the West the limits of this species appear to be Gurgaon, Sambhar, Ajmer and Abu. Further South it has been met with at Dhulia in Khandesh and Blanford records it from Chanda, Sirancha and the Godavari Valley. Ball obtained it at Sambulpar and at various localities in Chutia Nâgpore and I have seen a specimen collected somewhere in Behar.
The nest of this bird was first taken by Cleveland Gurgaon on the 16th of April and subsequently Mr. T. It. Bell took a good many nests during March and April at Khandesh. The nests are extraordinary and bear no resemblance to those of Tree-Creepers of the genus Certhia. They are shallow cup-shaped affairs made of n matted mass of scraps of leaf-stalks and leaves, bits of bark and lichen bound together with spiders' webs and decorated externally with lichen, spiders' egg-bags, and caterpillar excreta. The position selected is the horizontal branch of a tree, generally at some point where a vertical twig or shoot can be used as a support to one of the sides. The nests are always placed in leafless trees on the bare branches and are practically invisible from below, so that the birds must be watched on to the nests before they can be found. Sometimes, however, the sitting hen gives away her position by answering her mate as he sits singing in the vicinity of the nest. The number of eggs seem to be nearly always two and very rarely three and these, too, are quite unlike what we should have expected. The ground-colour is a greji or greenish-white according to Cleveland, and the markings consist of very dai-k brown tiny spots and specks sparsely scattered over the greater part of the egg but sometimes more numerous in an ill-delned cap or ring at the larger end. Cleveland's egg measured 17*3x13*4 mm. and those given me by Mr. Bell average about 16*9 x 13*0 mm. The surface is smooth and fine but dull and not very hard.
Nidiflcation.
at
Habits. This Creeper is a bird of the plains, being found in small flocks in winter and in pairs as soon as the breeding season
commences.
Davidson found
it
not
uncommon
in
Khandesh,
in the northern end of the Western Ghats along the Tapti Eiver. The country here is hot and low-lying, mostly flat but containing small wooded hills. They haunt the lai-ger trees for preference, but are also sometimes found on smaller ones and they frequent both forest and more open well-wooded country. Their, actions on a tree are much the same as those of birds of the genus Certhia and they are equally active and quick in their movements.
common
Blanford records their flight as rather swift and their

whistling note.
call as
TICHOSBOUA.
441
Genus
TICHODEOMA
Illiger, 181.1.
species, the well-known Wall-Creeper, which breeds throughout the higher Himalayas, descending lower in the winter. The Wall-Creeper, in addition to a complete autumn moult, has a partial one in the spring by which the colour of the chin and throat is changed. The sexes differ slightly from one another in summer. The young birds resemble the adults in winter plumage very closely, but they have more spots on the wings and these rufous instead of white. They also have less crimson on the wing. Tichodroma has a very long, slender and almost straight bill, longer than the head, with long, narrow slits for nostrils. The wing is extremely large, but rounded, not pointed, the first primary being about half the length of the second and the second and third also shorter than the tip of the wing. The tail is composed of twelve soft feathers, about half as long as the wing and very slightly rounded. The tarsus is smooth and the hind claw longer than its toe.
The genus Tichodroma contains the one
Fig. 87. Head of T. muraria.
(457)
Tichodroma muraria.
The Wall-Ceeepee.
Certhia muraria Linn., S. N., Tichodroma muraria. Blaof.
i,
p.
184 (1766) (S. Europe).

i,
&
Gates,
p.
3S4.
Veraacalar names. DewalQaiyuh(2ix6\iX\i); Sag-gorsa-lamdong-
pho (Lepcha)
Suppurotsu (Chamba).
Description. In winter plumage the forehead, crown, nape and ear-coverts are brown ; a ring round the eye and a short supercilium white ; lores mixed ashy and brown ; hind neck, back and scapulars ashy grey ; rump and upper tail-coverts iron-grey lesser wing-coverts bright crimson ; the outer greater coverts and primary -coverts brown on the inner and dull crimson on the webs : the inner greater coverts and inner secondaries brown tinged with ashy; winglet brown; quills black tipped with whitish ; the outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries, except the first three, with the basal halves crimson ; the first four primaries each with two large white spots on the inner webs ; tail
ouW
442
OEBTHIIBiE.
black tipped with ashy, which gradually changes to white and iucreases in extent towards the outer tail-feathers ; chin and throat pure white j remainder of lower plumage ashy slate, the under tail-coverts fringed with white ; axillaries crimson.
bill, legs and feet black; Measarements. Total length about 170 to 180 mm. ; wing 94 to 102 mm. ; tail about 50 to 54 mm. tarsus 25 to 27 mm. culmeu 27 to 32 mm. In summer the crown of the head becomes grey and the chin and throat black. The female has generally rather less black on the throat than the male.
;
Coloars of soft parts. Iris dark brown
less
The young resemble the adult in winter plumage but there is crimson on the wing and all the quills have each two rufous
spots on the inner web. These spots gradually disappear, except on the first four large primaries, where they eventually turn white.
Distribntion. The mountains of Europe and Asia, breeding throughout the Himalayas at suitable elevations and descending lower in winter, occasionally venturing actually into the plains in exceptionally cold weather.
Nidification. The Wall-Creeper breeds throughout the Himalayas between 14,000 and 16,000 feet, in some cases as low as 12,000 feet. Whitehead found it breeding in Chitral and the Kurram Valley and Whymper actually found its nest with young in
June in the Lidar Valley in Garhwal. The young were old enough to leave the nest on the 27th of that month. In Tibet it breeds in some numbers just above the Gyantse Plains at little over 12,000 feet, laying in the early part of May onwards. Owing to the inaccessible places in which it builds and to its habit of placing its nest deep down in crevices of unbreakable rock, few nests have been taken in India, though the Tibetans know well many places in which it breeds. The nest is just a pad of moss and grass, more or less mixed and lined with wool, fur or hir, wedged into the bottom of some deep but narrow crevice of the rock-face of a precipitous cliff. The eggs number four to six and are pure, but rather dull, white with a few specks and spots of black or deep red-browii at the larger end. In shape they are broad ovals, decidedly compressed and pointed at the smaller end. The meafiurements of 26 eggs, including 15 mentioned by Hartert,
âverage 21-3xl4'9 mm.; maxima 22'7xl5"7 and 160 mm., minima 20*0x14*0 mm.
are:
20-8
Habits. This beautiful little bird haunts the face of precipitous aad great rocks, scuttling about over their surface just as the Tree-Creepers do over the trunks of great trees. Unlike the Tree-Creepers, however, they have a habit of constantly fluttering about the holes and crevices as they search for their insect food and, when so employed, they are singularly like large and beautiful butterflies. This curious habit has earned them the name of
cliffs
TICHODKOMJk*
Butterfly-birds in
as Switzerland
443
in countries as far apart
many languages and

Tibet.
and Eastern
Their trivial
name
of Wall-
Creeper
is
given thera on account of their resorting to the walls
of buildings
their wilder, uninhabited
and retaining walls of roads etc, when they leave summer forests and visit the lower hills
It is a not uncommon cage-bird in plains of Europe. Switzerland and will lay freely in captivity, though no instances
and
are recorded of their rearing any young under these conditions.
444
TEOGtODTTIDJE.
FamUy TROGLODYTIDiE.
The
birds of this family are very close to those of the last
but.
seem to be sufficiently divided by the short, rounded wings of the Wrens as compared with tlie longer, pointed wings of the TreeCreepers the tarsi also are longer and the bill, though varying in shape from the curious wedge-sliaped bill of Sphenociehla to the thin, narrow bill of Troglodytes, is never like tlie long, slight bill of CertJiia with the culmen curved downwards practically from
;
its base.
In the TroglodytidcB the tail is composed of soft feathers numbering from 6 in Pnoejyyga and 10 in Spelceomis to 12 in others the tarsi and feet are very strong there are no rictal The young of bristles except in the rather aberrant genus Testa. the spotted forms are much less barred or spotted than the adults, whilst the young of Tema have quite a different coloration to that In some of the genera the sexes are alike, of either parent.
;
;
whilst in others tliej differ greatly.
Key
A. Without any
a.
a'.
to
Genera.
rictal bristles.
b.
Tail much shorter than wing. Tail of twelve feathers. a". Tailnotgreatlygraduated.the outermost feathers about three-quarters length of central much graduated, outermost b''. Tail feathers only half length of central. b'. Tail of ten feathers c'. Tail of six feathers Tail and wing about the same in length .
Troglodxtes,
p.
444.
Elachuba,
p. 448.
Spei^jKOBNIS, p. 461.
Pnokpyga, p. 467. Sphknocichla, p. 460.

Tesia,
p. 462.
B.
With
well-developed rictal bristles
Genus TEOOLODYTES
Vieil!.,
1807.
The name Troglodytes has been rejected as it was first applied to an American Wren ; as this species, however, is quite congeneric with the English Wren, of which the Indian forms are
but local races,
to the adult.
it
should be retained.
alike
In Troglodytet the sexes are
and the young bird
is similar
very slender and feeble and about half the length of the head the wing is extremely short and rounded, the first primary being about two-thirds the length of the second the tail, of 12 feathers, is shorter than the wing and not very much graduated, the outer feathers being about three-quarters the length of the central ones ; the tarsi and claws are long and
The
bill is
;
slender.
laoQWJtrTm.
Troglodytes troglodytes.
445
Key
to Suh2Jecies.
, .
A. Upper plumage very dark rufous-brown B. Upper plumage rufous-brown, not veiy dark. C. Upuer plumage a much paler rufous-brown. a. Wing 47 to 61 mm.; culmen 11 to
11-5
h.
T.t. nipalensis, p. 445,

7'.
<a<j/ue, p.446.
mm 63 13 mm
Wing
T.t. neglectut, p. 446.

to
66 mm.;
culmen about
T.
t.
tibetamis, p. 448.
JFig. 88.
Head of T.
t.
nipalenm.
(458) Trogolodytes troglodytes nipalensis.
TuE Nepal Wken.

Troglodytes nipalettsis (1846) (Nepal).
Ilodgs.,
Blyth,
Gates,
J.
A. S.
337.
B.,
xiv,
p.
089
Anortlmra nipahnsu.
Blanf.
cS:
i, p.
Vernacular names. Marehek-pho (Lepcha). Seacription. Ui)per plumage dark rufous-brown, the lower back, wings and tail closely barred with black; sides of the head, lore.i and au indistinct supercilium brown with tiny rufous-ashy spots; lower plumage rufous-brown, almost immaculate on the chin, throat and upper breast in old birds, elsewhere closely barred with black, often with some albescent on the belly and with some white spots on the under tail-coverts. Some birds have a few small white spots on the lesser and median wing-coverl s, a feature found occasionally in all the races In the same way the burring on the sides of the of this species. throat and neck varies very much in extent. ColonxB of Boft parts. Iris hazel ; bill dark brown, fleshy at the base ; legs fleshy-brown to horny-brown.
tail
Ifeasurements. Total length about 95 mm.; wing 48 to 63 mm. 27 to 30 nun. ; tarsus 19 to 20 mm. ; culmen 11 to 12 mm.
Specimens from Distribution. Sikkim and Nepal to Bhutan. of this race, whilst those from Simla are nearer to neglectus. Specimens collected by Whymper are undoubtedly ntpalensis but Osmaston records two specimens of negleetm taken by him in the Northern parts of Garhwal. Very possibly Garhwal forms the connecting area between the two sub-
Oarhwal appear to be
species.
446
Nidifleation.
ZBOSIiOSTTISJlS.
The only
collector
who
has seen the nest and
eggs of this
follows:
Wren is Mr. S. L. Whymper, who describes them as "Two nests were found with eggs and three with
from 20 to 30 feet up, a decidedly different situation to all the nests of the Kashmir "Wren I have seen or heard of. The nests were large and domed, made of moss, grass and leaves and very thickly lined with feathers. The eggs were white witli a few red specks." An egg subsequently sent me by Mr. Whymper measures 16'6 x liJ'6 mm. and is not distinguishable from those of T. t. negleetug. It was taken on the 29th of June.
young
birds, all in crevices in birch-trees,
Habits.
There
is
not
much on
record about this
Wren
but the
habits are not likely to differ from those of neglectm. Whymper found it in Tehri-Garliwal between 11,000 and 13,000 feet. In
Sikkim, Blanford found it hunting over loose, moss-covered stones, constantly entering tlie crevices between the blocks and emerging again at a considerable distance. He usually saw the birds in small families, three or four together, hunting on the ground and low bushes and with the same predilection for exploring hollows
under stones.
(459) Troglodytes troglodytes talifuensis.
The Yunnan When.

Troglodytes talifuensis Sharpe, Bull, B. 0.
(Ttilii'u,
C,
xiii,
p.
77 (1902)
Yunnan).

Description. Similar to the preceding race but not so dark either above or below.
Colours of soft parts as in T.
t.
nipalensis.
Measurements. Wing 47 to 52 mm.; tail 29 mm.; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm. culmen 11 to 11-5 mm. The spotting on the wing-coverts is very conspicuous on the type-specimen but in others is no more developed than in many specimens of the other subspecies, and this appears to be purely an individual characteristic.
;
Distribution.
Nidification
Yunuan, Shan
States
and Iôrthern Siam.
unknown. Habits. Nothing recorded.

(460) Troglodytes troglod3rtes neglectns.
The Kashmib Wben.

Troglodytes neglectm Brooks,
.T.
A. S. B., xli, p. 328 ( 1873) (Kashmir).

i,
Anorthwa
negleeta.
Blan
& Oates,
p. 338.
TSOGtwxtTrm.
447
The brown
Description. Like T. t nijaaUnsis but very much paler all over. is not nearly so deep, less rufous and in some eases
tint.
;
with almost a grey
Colours of soft parts'. Iris brown or hazel-brow ti brown or fleshy-brown.
bill
horny-
Heasarements. I cannot make out

T.
t.
this bird to be smaller
than
nipalensis or to have visibly smaller or
than that bird. "Wing 47 to 51 mm.; tail 19 to 20 mm. ; culmen 11 to 115 mm. Troglodytes mayrathi ("Whitehead, Bull. B. 0. C, xxi, 1907 Sat'ed Koh) cannot be separated from neglectus.
:
weaker feet and legs 26 to 30 mm.; tarsus

p. 19,
Distribution. From the border hills of Afghanistan and Baluchistan throughout the whole of Kashmir to the Simla Hills.
Whitehead found the Kashmir Wren breeding on 8,500 and 12,000 feet and it breeds freely througlioiit Kashmir between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. The most usual form of nest is a large domed affair, constructed principally of moss and densely lined with feathers, which is placed on the ground on a bank between the roots of a pine or under a boulder more rarely they may be placed among creepers ou a Davidson, however, tree or in a specially dense buuch of foliage. also took eggs from holes both in banks and trees in which the nests consisted merely of a few feathers and a few odd scraps of other materials. The eggs number four or five and are a pure white in ground-colour with a few specks and spots of pale red, never numerous and sometimes altogether wanting. The shell is frail and the texture fine but glossless. In shape they are ovals,
Nidification.
the Safed
Kob between
often inclined lo be pointed at the smaller end. Fifty eggs average 16'8xl2'3mm. and the extremes are: maxima 18'1 X 12-1 and 17-6 x 13'2 mm. minima 14'6 X 10-3 mm.
;
The breeding season

or early July.
is
from the end of
May
to the end of
June
those of
habits of the Kashmir Wren differ but little from European relation but it is more of a forest bird than a haunter of the immediate neigbourhood of man. It is the same restless but secretive little bird, hopping about the undergrowth or hunting rocks and boulders for spiders and other insects. Sometimes it may be seen scrambling among the creepers, moss and orchids on some faUen tree or mass of boulders, sometimes it flits in little jerky flights from one tangle of bushes to another, whilst yet again it may be noticed making occasional visits to the lower branches of trees with ample foliage cover. Its note and song are said to very closely resemble those of the English Wrpn and, like that bird, it subsists almost entirely on an insect diet.
Habits.
The
its
448
thogiodytidjE.
(461) Troglodytes troglodytes tibetanus.
The
Jong, Tibet).
TiBHTAir
Wben.
p.
AnoHhura tibetana Walton, Bull. B. 0. C, xv,

Description. Exactly like T. cidedly bigger.
t.
93 (1905)(Khamba
neghctvs except that
it
is
de-
None
noted,
;
Measurements. Wing 53 and 56 mm. and 18 mm. ; culmen 13 mm.

Distribution.
tail
33 mm.
tarsus 17
Khamba
Jong, Tibet.
Kidification unknown.
Habits. "Walton records (Ibis, 1906, p. 74) that he shot several of tliese Wrens at Khamba Jong in the autumn " Tliey occurred there during very cold weather, when all the streams were frozen hard, except one that was supplied by a clear warm spring."
:
Genus
ELACHURA
Oates, 1889.
This genus was created by Oates for the little Wren Troglodytes formosus (punctaius), which differs from the typical birds of the geiiuj Troglodytes in having a much stouter bill and a more graduated tail. The plumage in Elachura is spotted and not
barred.
are alike and the young are probably bill is stoat and almost half the length of the head. Tlie wing is very siiort and rounded and the first primary is about two-thirds the length of the second. The tail is well graduated, the outer feathers reaching to about the middle The tarsi, toes and claws are long iind of the central ones. strong. There are only two species known and one of these, Elachura Jiajalonota, is represented by a single specimen.
In Elachura
tlie
sexes
siiiiihu-
to the adult.
The
ICey
to
Species.
A. Upper plumage spotted B. Upper plumage uuspotted
Machura formoia,* p. 449. JElachura haphnota, p. 450.
* The name punctata cannot be used for this little Wren as Troglodytes punctaius a already preoccupied by Brehm. Troglodytes formosus of Walden is tberefore the next available.
ELACHUBA.
(462)
449
Elachura formosa. The Spotted Wkeit.
Troglodytet formosus Walden, Ibis, 1874, p. 91 (Darjeeling). JSlachura punctata. Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 339.
Vernacular names. Marcliek-pho (Lepcha).

Description. The upper plumage und wing-coverts dark brown, tinged with rufous on the lower rump and upper tail-coverts, each featlier with a small, subterminal white spot bordered above and below with black; inner webs of quills brown, the outer bnrred with chestnut and black ; tail reddish-brown, cross-barred with black ; lower plumage pale fulvous, inclining to rufous on the abdomen and flanks, each feather with a triangular white spot, above which is a smaller black one; all the feathers delicately vermiculated with white.
Fig.
89. ITead
Iris
of K. formosa.
Coloiirs of
soft parts.
brown
legs
horny-brown
bill
horny-brown.
Measurements. Total length about 110 to 115 mm.; wing 49 mm.; tail 30 mm.; tarsus 18 to 19 mm.; culmen 11 tO' 12 mm. Stevens recordsDistribution. Sikkim to Eastern Assam. obtaining his specimens at Panchnoi, Dafla Hills, at quite low
to 60
elevations.
Nidification. Several clutches of this Wren's eggs were obtained by Mr. "W. P. Masson and Mr. K. Macdonald in Sikkim round about Darjeeling and in Native Sikkim. The former reported them as very common on the Singa-lila Bidge above 9,000 feet. The nest was described as a deep, semi-domed cup made of dead leaves, grass, roots, etc., densely lined with feathers and placed on the ground on a bank, half hidden in fallen rubbish or well concealed by the undergrowth. The eggs seem to number 3 or 4 only and are rather glossy, with a fine hard surface. In colour they are pure white with a few specks of reddish-brown. Thefew eggs I have seen measured about 16'5xl2'5 mm. Habits. Mr. Masson informed me that these birds were typical
Wrens in their behaviour, keeping much to their legs and apparently loth to take wing unless very hard pressed. As they live principally in deep forest with plentiful undergrowth and much broken with moss-covered boulders and rocks, it is not often one can force them to flight.
iittle
Tbi.
I.
2 G
450
(463)
TllOGLODTTlDjE.
Elachura haplonota. The Plain Beown Ween.

1892,
p.
Elachui-a haplonota Stuart Biiker, Ibis, N. Cachar).
62 (Ilungrura,
Vernacular names. Tinglin-mi-gajela (Ivaclia Naga). Description. Whole upper plumage and wing-coverts dark umber-brown, rather lighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts, the feathers obsoletely edged with rather pale sienna-brown wings dark cinnainon-brown on the exposed parts and dark brown where unexposed in the closed wing; tail brown, tinged with cinnamon-red but not so strongly as are the wing-quills; lores fulvous-brown, dusky next tlie eyes; chin and throat white tinged with fulvous and the feathers, except in the centre, tipped with dusky breast and sides of the neck fulvous-brown, the feathers tipped brown and subtip})ed vchite, the white being most prominent in the centre of the breast; centre of abdomen white; flanks and under tail-coverts fulvous-brown, some of the
; ;
feathers of the former tipped white; thighs greyish-brown, the shafts of the feathers paler ; under wing-coverts grey ; axillaries dark fulvous-brown.
Colours of soft parts. Iris light red; bill dark horny, slightly paler on commissure and tip; gape black, mouth bluish-fleshy; legs sanguineous-fleshy, the claws still p.iler.
tail
Keasurements. Length in the flesh 104 mm.; wing 50 mm.; 40 mm. ; tarsus 15 mm.; culmen 10 mm. Distribution. The only specimen known was obtained on the llungrum Peak, N. Cachar Hills, at 6,400 feet. XTidification. The nest, upon which the above bird was trapped, was made of skeleton leaves, dead leaves, roots, tiny twigs and grass bents fairly well bound together, covered outside with loose dead leaves and compactly lined with skeleton leaves. In shape it was a very deep cup about 81 mm. across its broadest part by about 135 mm. deep and it was placed under a fallen tree, supported by fallen branches and rubbish, the fallen tree itself forming the top of the nest. The eggs, three in number, were pure glossy white, one faintly speckled and the others more strongly marked with pale reddishbrown. They measure about 17'2 x 13* 1 nun. The nest was taken on the 11th May in very dense secondary growth in which many dead trees were left lying. Habits. The two birds seen when watching the above nest were just like birds of the genus Pnoepyga in habits, very active nd restless, quick on their legs but slow and feeble in their Other birds seen but not procured, with a nest similar to flight. that above described, were just as shy and restless. The call-note is a loud, clear whistle and there is also a conatantly-uttered soft *' chir." The bird, trapped on its nest, had fed on ants and a
species of tiny bright blue beetle.
SFELJEOBNIS.
451
Genus SPELJEOBNIS Sharpe, 1881.

The name Uroeichla is pre-occupied but the birds placed by Sharpe in that genus are congeneric with those which he placed in Jiis following new genus Spelmornis iu the Catalogue of Birds. This name is therefore applicable. The birds of this genus have short, rounded tails of 1 feathers onlj' the ])lumnge is soft and fnll and the feathers squamated the bill is like that of Elackura iind Troglodytes but stouter than either ; the tarsi are long and strong and the feet the same. The sexes are alike but the young differ from the adults in being unmarked above and, generally, in having redder wing-quills.
;
Key
to Species.
A. Lower plumage without any black and white bars B. Lower plumage barred with black and white
[p. 451, S. longkaudatus,
S. eaudatus, p. 456.
Spel%ornis longicaudatus.
Key
nor spotted
to Subspecies.
A. Under parts fulvous-rufous, neither barred

S.
I.
[p. 45'i. lonfficaudattts,
B. Under parts rufous with black

spots
terminal
S.l.ehocolatimts, p. 453.
C. Under parts principally grey, more or less tinged with rufous on flanks. a. No distiuct spots on lower plumage ....
b.
S.
I.
reptatus, p. 455.
Lower plumage conspicuously marked with dark brown terminal and dull
white subteririnal spots Sides of breast more strongly tinged with rufous and spotting on lower plumage less conapicuous
S.
I.
sinlunietuis, p. 453,
c.
8,
1,
kauriensis, p. 454.
oateti, p. 465.
D. Whole lower plumage practically white with triangular black tips
<S'.
^.
so little material available for examination say whether or not some of the hitherto so-called species are even good subspecies and with better series some may have to be done away with. Spelceornis I. kauriensis, for instance, is very probably nothing more than feebly marked specimens of S. I. ainlumensis, both occurring in the Bhamo Hills On the other hand, more material at about the same elevation.
At
present there
is
that
it is
difficult to
might possibly show that in Spelceornis longicaudatus, Spelceornis

linlumetms and Spdasomis oatesi we have three quite good species. Tor the present it seems safer to retain them all as geographical races of longicaudatus, dealing with them more definitely when we have more specimens for examination.
2e2
452
TUOGLODITID^.
(464) SpelsBornis longicaudatus longicaudatus.
The Assam Long-tailed Wbbn.

Pnoepyga
Hills).
lonfficaudata,
Moore, P.
Blanf.
Z. S., 1854, p. 7 (N. India,
Kbasia
Urocichla lonfficaudata.
&
Gates,
i,
p. 340.
Vernacular names. Tin-l'm-rui (Kacba Nnga).

Description. Poreliead to hind neck olive-brown, each feather with a uarrow dark brown or blackisb margin; rump, upper tailcoverts and tail olive-brown with a rufous tinge; coverts and wing brown, with the greater part of the outer webs of the lores, cheeks and ear-coverts deep feathers chestnut-brown ashy the whole lower plumage ferruginous, the feathers of the throat and breast with numerous small brown specks, most conspicuous in newly moulted birds middle of the abdomen white.
; ;
;
Fig. 90.
Head of
8.
I.
longicaudatus.
bill
Colonrs of soft parts. Iris red in adults, brown in the young dark horny-brown to blackish legs and feet light brown.
;
Heasnrements. Length about 115 mui.; wing 49 to 60 mm.; tail 45 to 48 mm. tarsus about 19 to 20 ram. culmen about 12 mm. Distribution. Hills South of the Brahmaputra, a])parently not Manipur and not the extreme Eastern Naga Hills.
;
Vidiflcation. This curious little
Wren
breeds in considerable
numbers in the Khasia Hills but is much more rare in the adjoining Cachar and ISTaga Hills. It commences breeding in early April and eggs may be found to the end of June. The nests of this Wren and all others of the genus are aui generis and cannot be confounded with those of any other bird. The outer part consists of dead leaves, withered grass, a few roots and sometimes a few bamboo spathes, but all the materials are of a very damp and rotten description, falling to pieces directly the nest is moved from its original position. The lining, however, is quite waterproof and consists of a material exactly resembling papier mdcM, apparently made of skeleton leaves and some soft fibrous stuff worked into a pulp and then spread over the whole interior of the nest in a very neat cup. The nest itself is a long oval, generally completely domed, sometimes only partially so, and is placed on the ground on some sloping bank among weeds or scrub in damp, evergreen forest. The eggs number two tp four and are pure, but dull white, sparsely speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with reddish-brows. The texture is fine and cbse and the shell fairly stout. In shape they are broad, obtuse ovals'.
sPEiijiiOBiris.
453
Fifty eggs average 18-4 x 14-9 and breadth are 19-9 X 15-0 18-4 X 19-6 mm.
mm. and
;
18'6
x 16-9
the extremes of length 18-0 x 15'0 and

;
is found between about 3,500 and breeding wherever found. It haunts principally dense, evergreen forest with lots of weed and fern undergrowth and especially those places where the ground is rough and broken with big boulders. Among these it creeps and climbs just as the Common Wren does, but it is even less inclined to fly than that bird and seeks safety by dodging into crevices and holes between the boulders. Even when disturbed from the nest, which it will not leave until the hand almost touches it, it merely flies a foot or two and then drops into the undergrowth and scurries away on foot. It is a verr silent
Habits.
The Long-tailed Wren
and 6,500
feet, resident
bird but I have heard it give a loud, clear whistle much like the call of Pnoepyija and after being disturbed it will continue to utter its soft chirring note for some minutes. It is entirely
insectivorous.
(465) SpelsBornis longicaudatus chocolatinus.

GroDwiif-AirsTEN's
When.
1875, p. 252 (Kediniai,
Pnoepyga chocolatina Godw.-Aust.,

Manipur).
Ibis,

Description.. Upper plumage and wings fulvous-brown, more rufous on lower back, rump and tail feathers of head and back obsoleteiy fringed with darker brown ; lores and line through eye grey cliiu albescent ; centre of belly and breast white, splashed with rufous ; throat, upper breast, sides of lower breast and flanks rufous, the feathers with black terminal edges and subtipped with white under tail-coverts darker rufous. Colours of soft parts. " Bill dark brown. Legs pale flesh; ; ;
colour" {G.-A.).
tarsus 20
Heasnrements. Wing 47 and 50 mm. mm. ; culmen 10 and 11 mm.
tail
36 and 40 mm.
Distribution. The only two specimens known were obtained by Q-odwin-Austen at Kedimai, Manipur, about 4,000 feet altitude.
(466) Spelseornis
longicaudatus sinlumensis.
8iNii0M
The
Wbbn.
M. N. H.,
ser.
Urociehla sinlumetuia Harin|;ton, A. (1908) (Sinlum, Bhamo Hills).
8,
ii,
p.
246
De8Criptio&.
lass
Vemaenlar names. None recorded. Above like S. I. Ungimudatut but more
falrous,
orange and with the dark bars better defined, below asby-
454
laoGtoDiTiD^,
grey, the feathers with black terminal bars and conspicuous subterminal white spots ; centre of throat and upper breast whitish ; under tail-coverts rufous-brown.
Coloare of soft parts.
" Iris reddish-brown
bill
black
legs
brownish " (Harington).

tarsus
(
tail 36 to 37 mm. SEeasnrements. Wing 48 and 51 mm. 21 mm.; culmen 12 mm. "Total length about 4-1"
;
= 104
mm.) (Harington).
Distribution. Siulum,
Bhamo
Hills.
Nidification. Nests of this Wren taken by Col. Harington and Mr. . Grant were just likethoie of /S. I. hn(jicau(latus, that is to say oval-shaped, domed nests made principally with dead leaves and lined with the same papier mdche substance which appears to
be used by all the birds of this genus. They were placed on the ground in forest, on banks in dense undergrowth. The five eggs
sent to me are all quite lilie those of S. 1. lonyicaudnttis, white eggs well speckled with dark red, but of three eggs in one clutch talcen by Col. Harington two were pure white aud the third very faintly freckled. Ei^ht eggs arerage 19'0xl4'6 mm. and the extremes are 207 X 156 and 18*1 X 141 mm. May and June seem to be the breeding season and apparently the nests were all found at about 6,000 feet elevation.
Habits. Harington describes and very hard to obtain though

be heard.
It
this
its
Wren
as
an inveterate skulker
loud, powerful song
may
often
keeps almost entirely to dense forest with thick andergrowth betweei- 5,000 and 8,000 feet.
(4G7) SpelsBornis lonfiîcaadatus kauriensis.
Haeingxon's Lokg-tailbd Ween,
UroeiMa kaurienm Harington, A. M. N. H., ser. 8, ii,

(Watan,
p,
Bhamo
246 (1908J
Hills).
indeed to S. I. sinlumengii but the throat and breast a shade more fulvous-grey, a little redder perhaps on the flanks and with the markings on the under
close
Vemacolar namas. Dascription. Very
ISFone recorded.
plumage
less distinct.
bill
Colours of soft parts. " Iris dark red ; legs light brown " (^Harington).
dark horn-colour
Measarements. Wing 47 to 48 mm.; tail about 30 (damaged) ; tarsus about 20 mm. ; culmen about 12'5 mm.
Distributioii.
mm.
The only two specimens known were both taken Watan, Bhamo Hills, at about 7,000 feet. I retain this race with very great doubt and am convinced that with a better series of this and the previous form the -8, 1, ainlumensis will have to be suppressed. Kauriensis, it should be
at
BFELÔBNIS.
noted, will be retained because than that of sinlumensis.
it
455
appears earlier on the same page
Nidiflcation. The two specimens sent by Col. Harington to the British Museum were shot when building their nest in low scrub-
jungle at the edge of dense forest.
Habits. In qmlola Col. Harington says that they are the same determined little skulkers as the Siulum Wren, with similar haunts, habits and voice.
(468) Spelffiornis longicaudatus reptatus.
Bisgham's Long-tailed Wekn.

llrocichln repixUa Bing:hau), Bull. B. O. C., xiii, p. pang-Nan, Mekong "Valley).
54 (1903) (Loi-
Vernaciilar names.
None
recorded.
Description. Similar to ginlumetisis but with wings more cinnamon-chestnut, below all grey with no white on throat and breast and with the dark bars and paler spots obsolete; the sides of breast and flanks are more rufous. Colours of soft parts. " Iris crimson ; bill dark brown ; legs
and feet brown " (Forrest). Measurements. Wing 47 mm.; culmen 13 mm.
tail
damaged
tarsus
20 mm.
Distribution. East of Kengtung on the Mekong Valley at about 7,000 feet and on the Shweli-8alwin Divide in Yunnan.
Nidification and Habits. Nothing recorded and only one speciobtained by Harington and a second by Torrest in Yunnan Nests and at about 8,000 feet in JJecember 1919 in a thicket. eggs sent me by a collector from Thoungyi, Southern Shan States, are probably of this race but the birds' skins sent are too fragmentary to distinguish with any certainty. The nests are exactly like those of the Assam Long-tailed Wreu, as are the eggs which measure 18-5 x 14-9 mm. The two clutches, each of three slightly incubated eggs, were taken on the 1 6th and 28th April respectively.
men
'
(469) SpelsBornis
longicaudatus oatesi.
EIPPON's LONG-TAIIiED
Urocichla oatesi Eippon, Bull. B. 0.
toria).
WbEF.
p.
C, xiv,
83 (1904) (Mt. Vic-
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Upper plumage and wings fulvous-brown, with faint dark margins to the feathers and slightly more rufous on the rump and tail; lores, sides of forehead and cheeks grey; earbelow white with coverts greyish-fulvous to golden-brown
;
466
teoglojjytiBjE.
triangular turminal spots of blackish brown ; in some cases the lower plumage is faintly tinged with fulvous, especially on the sides flanks brown obscurely barred with blackish ; under tailcoverts rufous The white colour of the lower parts at once distinguishes this race from all the others.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris legs brownish-fleshy.

tarsus 21
red-brown
bill
dark horny -brown
Heasurements. Wing 47 to 49 mm. tail 37 to 39 mm. mm. ; culmen 12 to 13 mm. Distribution. Chin Hills above 5,000 feet. Nidification. Major Venning and Mr. F. Grant found this Wren breeding in the Chin Hills between 5,000 and 9,000 feet in March, April and May, eggs being found between the 12th March nud the 24th May, tv\o fresh eggs having been taken on
;
the latter date. The nest is typical of that of the genus. Venning describes one taken by him as " a large, oval, domed-shaped structure, composed of an outer layer of dead leaves, canna leaves, coarse grass, etc., inside which was a layer of grass stems, fibres and a little moss, the cup being lined up to the level of the
inch thick, composed, as far as I which looked like chewed thistle stem or chewed grass. The dimensions were exterior height 6 in., diameters 5 in. and 4 in." Other nests taken were exactly like the one described ; they were all placed ou damp ground in undergrowth or grass in forest. The eggs, which number two to four in a full clutch, are not
j^-g
ntranee with a plaster about
<:ould determine, of a substance
distinguishable
from those
8-2
of tiie
Assam
race.
Kfteen eggs
average about
x 1 4"6 mm.
Habits. There is practically nothing on record about this bird, it is not likely that its habits differ in any way from those of the other races. It, however, seems occasionally to be found iu rather more open country.
but
(470) Spelseornis caadatns.
The Tailed Wben.

Testa caudata Blyth, J, A. S. B., xiv, p. 589 (1845) (Darjiling). Urocichla caudata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 341.

Description. Lores and wides of the liead grey the whole upper plumage olive-brown, the feathers with terminal black edges and faint shaft-streaks : wings and their coverts chestnnt-hrown ; tail rufous-brown; chin and throat bright chestnut; breast paler chestnut, each feather with a black centre and tip sides of the body the same ; abdomen black, each feather with a white shaftstreak, in most cases hidden, and a large subterminal square white
; ;
spot.
PlfOEPYGA.
457
;
bill blackish legs brown. Measurements. Total lengthabout lOOnim.; wing47to51mm.-, tail 31 to 35 mm.; tarsus about 20 mm.; culmen about 11 to 12 mm. Distribution. Sikkim only as far as is known at present.
;
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown
Notliing recorded beyond Hume's note to tlie "a deep cup-shaped nest about the roots of trees or in a hole in fallen timber; the nest is a dense mass of moss and moss roots, lined with the latter. The eggs are spotless white." A nest and four clutches of eggs taken in Sikkim at about 8,000 feet and sent to me do not iigree with this description. The nest sent has evidently been egg-shaped and is made of dead leaves, fine twigs, bracken and gniss, all very decayed and well matted toge'uher. The lining is very much like (hat of the Long-tailed Wrens' but is brown in colour instead of whitish and not quite so firmly stuck together. The e<rgs, two clutches of four and two of three, are just like tiiose of SjnlcBOrnis I. longicaudatus, i. e. pure but ratlier dull white, feebly speckled with reddisli-bro n and deep pur])lB-brown. They measure on an average for twenty eggs 1 8- 1 x 14-1 mm., and the extremes are 19"9xl4'2 and 18-6xl4'5 mm. maxima and 17'3 x 14-2 and 17-9 X 13"8 mm. minima. These nests were all found in heavy, damp forest and were placed on the ground on banks amongst weeds, moss and caladiums. They were taken between the 17th May and the 28tli June, at an elevation of 8,000 feet and over.
Nidification.
effect that it builds
Habits. Nothing recorded. Mr. Masson, who sent me the nest and eggs, could only say that they belonged to a small Wren which he could never catch on the nest or see quickly enough to shoot as it left it. The birds apparently were not common, though they were in fair numbers along the ridges above Darjeeling between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. They were never seen outside the dense, damp, evergreen forest.
Genus
PNOEPTGA
Hodgson, 1845.
The genus Pnoepyga contains two species of Wren which are characterized by an extremely short tail of six soft feathers, completely concealed from view by long and ample rump feathers. The wing, bill and feet are very much the same us in Spelceornig. The sexes differ in the female having the white on the under parts replaced by bright fulvous. The young are very dull coloured without any of the conspicuous barring and spotting of the adults.
Key
A. Wing well over 65
B.
to Species.
Wing
well under 68
mm mm
Pnoepyga iqitamata, p. 458, Pnoepyga pmiUa, p. 469.
468
TEOGLODXTlBji;.
(-iTi)
Pnoepyga squamata squamata.

The Scalt-bebastbd Ween.
Microura gguamata Gould, Icon. Ares, pi. v (1837) (Cachar). Pnoepyga squamata. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 342.
VernacTilar names. Marcliok-bon<i (Lepcha) (Kachii Naga).
Inrui-ba gadiha
Description. Adult male. Whole upper plumage and lesser \ving-covert8 rich golden-brown, the forehead, feathers above the eye and sides of neck with fulvous shaft-stripes, tbts remaining upper plumage with fulvous subterminal drops and with black edges, the
becoming bolder on the rump where the drops often become median and greater coverts brown, broadly edged with chestnut-brown and often with terminal fulvous spots ; primaries and secondaries chestnut-bi'own on the visible portions and the innermost secondaries often tipped with fulvous chin and throat white with brown edges to the feathers ; breast and centre of the abdomen white, the feathers with broad black centres and edges ; sides of the breast and flanks falvous-brown with similar dark centres and margins ; under tail-coverts and vent fulvous.
latter
bars;
bill Colours of soft parts. Iris bright hazel to- deep l)rown horny-brown above, pale fleshy-horny on lower mandible, gape and commissure; legs fleshy-brown to light brown. Measurements. Length about 100 ram.; wing 59 to 64 mm.;, tail about 14 mm. tarsus 21 to 23 mm. culuien 11 to 12 mm. Adult female. Similar to the male but with the whole lower plumage fulvous instead of white, every part marked as in the male, though in some specimens the chin and throat are almost
; ; ;
immaculate.
Distribution. The Himalayas from the Sutlej Valley to Easteri* Assam, both North and South of the Brahmaputra; Chin Hills and West and South- West Burma to Tenasserini. Ifidification. The Scaly-breasted Wren breeds from the end of April to the middle of June between 3,600 and 7,000 feet. It makes two very distinct types of nest, either of which is among the most beautiful specimens of birds' architecture. That most commonly made is built in and of the long strands of brilliant green moss which clothes the trunks and branches of so many treesin the more humid forests. The inner strands are compactly and firmly woven together to form a tiny cup, well lined with black muss roots, over all of which the outer green strands fail in natural profusion so that ttie tiny entrance, little more than an inch across, can never be found without most careful search. The second type of nest is a tinj'^ ball of the same brilliant green moss, tightly wedged in amongst the masses of orchids, ferns and creepers growing over trees, dead and alive, or fallen logs. A tJiird type of nest, a cup-sliaped one of moss, was found by Mandelli in a basb^
J?NOIiPIGA.
459
but this sort of nest must be quite abnormal. The height selected be anything between a foot and six feet from the ground. The eggs vary from three to five, but four is the full number normally laid. They are pure white, glossless and very fragile, regular oyals, sometimes a little pointed at the smaller end. Eighty eggs average 18'0xl3-7 mm. and the extremes are: maxima, 19-3 x] 4-4 and 19-0x14.6 mm.; minima, 16-9 X 13-9
may
and 17-1
13-1
mm.
Habits. This quaint little tailless bird is a typical Wren in all its habits but is even more of a pedestrian and Jess of a flyer than the birds of the genus Troglodytes. It is an inhabitant of wet, evergreen forest, loving the vicinity of jungle-streams where it scrambles over the mossy boulders, the fallen trees and decaying vegetation. In and out of the hollows and crevices, under and through the luxuriant moss and climbing plants, ever on the move yet never on the wing, at the first hint of danger it dodges out of sight, only to reappear once again when quiet is restored. It is insectivorous in its diet and seems especially fond of the smaller spiders and ants, pursuing these with great activity and restless energy. Its ordinary note is a loud, rather shrill whistle but it attempts a little song in the breeding season which rather reminds one of the English
Wren.
This Wren is found up to at least 9,000 feet and possibly a good In winter it occasionally may be found as deal higlier in Sikkim. low as 3,000 feet but it does not descend much below its ordiuary breeding range, even in the coldest weather.
Pnoepyga
pusilla.
This species has been split up into numerous races on rather slender reasons, for the variations are, for the most part, individual rathertlian geographical. The two points most usuallydwelt upon are the amount of spotting and barring, more especially on wing-coverts and innermost secondaries, and the rufous or brown colouring on the bides of the head. The extremes of both these features are to be found in birds obtained in Nepal and Sikkim, now in the British Museum Collection, and the greatest care should be exercised when naming subspecies that not only the series named is a full one but that ample material for comparison With more material it is possible that some of the is available. subspecies at present accepted will have to be suppressed.
(472)
Pnoepyga pusilla pusilla. The BaowN When.

S.,
JPnoepyga pusiUa Ilodgs., P. Z. i, p. 343.
1845, p. 26 (Nepal); Blanf.
& Gates,
Vernactilar Barnes. Inrui-ba gajeha (Kacha Naga).
460
inoQhODTnoM.
Description. Differs from P. s. squamata, sex for sex, in being decidedly smaller and in having the upper plumage less marked with fulvous spots, these being both fewer and less distinct. On the other hand the median and greater coverts and innermost secondaries are more plentifully and more regularly spotted than they are in that bird.
The young are like those of P. s. equamata the whole upper parts and wings unspotted rich rufous-brown and the lower parts dusky
;
brown.
biackish-liorny above,
Colours of soft parts. Iris ha/êl to deep brown ; bill dark, fleshy-horny below; legs fleshy-brown or pale horny-brown.
18 to 20
Measurements. Wing 40 to 52 mm. mm. culmen 10 to 1 1 mm.

;
;
tail
about 12
mm.
tarsus
Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, Assam North and South of the Brahmaputra to the extreme East Chin Hills, Kachin Hills, Burma East thi'ough the Shan States to Karenni. Geographical races have been described fi'om Sumatra (?cstdfa), South Annam (ai)ne8t), Malay Peninsula {harterti) and West Java (rufa). Nidification. Except that the nests, whether of the ball type or built in amongst the moss on trees, average rather smaller than do those of the Scaly-breasted Wren, there is nothing one can add
to the descriptions already given for the nests of that bird.
The
two breed together over much the same range at the same elevations and at the same time of year.
The eggs are exactly like those of the last bird in colour, shape and texture but fifty average smaller, 17'lXl3*l mm., whilst the extremes are as follows maxima, 18*9 X 13'0 and 18*3 X 14'0 mm.; minima, 15-4xl2'6 and 17"9xl2*l mm. Hahits. The same as those of P. s. squamata. Stevens found
:
this
Wren
plentiful in the Plains daring winter, obtaining it both
North and South of the Brahmaputra in the undergrowth of forest. He observes that it is by no means difficult of approach at this
season.
Genus SPHENOCICHLA Godwin-Austen & Walden, 1875.

The genus Sphenoeiehla contains two remarkable and but littlebirds. They are in appearance stout, rather squat and heavy-looking birds with very powerful feet and legs. The bill is perfectly conical and sharp-pointed wheii viewed laterally and is
known
little shorter ; there arenorietal short and rounded; the tail is of twdve feathers and greatly rounded, the outer feathers being about twothirds the length of the central. The sexes are alike but the young are still unknown.
about the length of the head or a

bristles; the
wing
is
SPHBIiroCICHlA.
461
Key
to
Species.
A. Feathers of the throat and breast black with pale shafts B. Feathers of breast ashy-brown with black margins and white submargins.
S, humei, p. 461.
&
roberti, p. 461.
humei. Hume's WEraE-BiH-ED Wken.

Reterorhynchus humei Mandelli, S. F.,
Sikkini).
i,
(473) Sphenocichla
p.
415 (1873) (Native
Sphenocichla hxtmii. Blanf.
&
Oatos,
i,
p.
336.
Vernacular names. None recorded. Description. Whole upper plumage rich golden-brown, the feathers edged with black and all but those of the crown and nape narrowly barred with blackish feathers of bead, neck and interscapulars with white shafts, most conspicuous on the forehead a
;
;
Fig.
91. Head
of 8. humei.
broad white superciliiim from the back of the eye breaking uj) into white spots on the sides of the neck ; wings blackish-brown, the risible parts burred with dark golden-browu chin, throat, breast and flunks dark brown with white shafts and the narrowest posterior flanks and under tailof white edges belly ashy-grey coverts golden-brown.
; ; ;
bill slate-colour, the CJolours of soft parts. Irides dark brown culmen darker legs dark brown. KeasnrementB. Wing 70 to 74 mm. tail 64 to 71 mm. tarsus 26 to 27 mm. culmen 22 to 24 mm.
; ; ; ; ;
IKstribntion. Sikkim to the
Abor
Hills.
(474) Sphenocichla roberti.
Eobbbt's Wbdge-bjxltod
Wben.
p.
SpheHockMa roberti Godw.-Aust. &Wald., Ibis, 1875, N. Oachar); Blanf. & Gates, i, p. 336.
261 (Hemeo,
Temacnlar names. Ting-Unrui gadiba (Kacba Naga). DesoriptiOB. Above dark reddish goldeu-brown, the
o{ the
feathers
asfajr
bead and mantle with darker margins and obsolete
462
;
TBOsiiODrriDJE.
terminal spots wings and tail the same barred with darker brown or blackish and the coverts with indistinct ashy tips ; the wingquills and rectrices are sometimes slightly reddish on the outer webs ; ear-coverts brown with darker streaks ; a short indistinct black and white superciliuni ; below from chin to abdomen goldenbrown, edged with blackish and with broad white sub-edges disappearing on posterior flanks, abdomen and under tail-coverts.
bill very pale bluishColoors of soft parts. Iris rich brown the base of maxilla and culmen much darker; legs dark brown, the soles, claws and edges of scutellations pale slaty.
;
slaty,
Measurements. Wing 71 to 74 mm.; tail 58 to 64 mm. tarsus 26 to 27 mm. culmen 25 mm. Distribution. Assam, Hills South of the Brahmaputra. GodwinAusten procured this Wren in North Cachar and Mauipur it was also obtained by me in the North Cachar and Khasia Hills, by Tytler in the Naga Hills, and Coltart had it brought in to him by the Trans-Dikku Nagas from somewhere near Margherita.
;
Nidiflcation. On the 24th May, 1898, a bird of this species was brought to me by a Naga with nest and four eggs. The former was merely a mass of fine grasses, tendrils and bents with no lining, placed at the bottom of a long crevice in a large oak-tree, about 20 feet from the ground. The site selected, whieli I afterwards saw, was just such a one as would be used by a Tree-Creeper. The eggs are pure white, broad, rather pointed ovals the shells are very fragile, partly owing to their being very bard set and had only the faintest gloss. Other eggs brought to me were quite similar and seven specimens vary betvi'een 20-7 X 17-0 and 22-3 X 17-4 mm. Habits. The little I saw of the habits of this bird showed an approach both to the Wrens and Tree-Creepers. It was a very
;
active climber about the rough bark of the bigger trees, though 1 never saw it on the higher branches ; on the other hand, it hunted about in the undergrowths much as the Wrens do. It flew quite
well with a direct, quick flight from tree to tree or bush to bush but seemed to prefer legs to wings as means of pi-ogression. I never heard its note and the contents of the stomach was entirely insectivorous, mostly wood-lice and small boring beetles. The Naga name Ting-linrui is applied to all the Wrens and
Creepers with some qualifying adjective following. These natives, who are extraordinarily close observers, say that this bird is a true Tree-Creeper in all its actions.
Genus TS&lk Hodgson, 1837.

diffidence I include this genus in the Trogloshort rounded wing, long legs and large feet all point to a position in this family, whilst the character of its habits and nidification confirms the classification. On the other
It is with
some
bill,
dytidce.
Its
TESIA.
463
hand, the presence of rictal bristles might induce some ornithologists to place the genus in a family by itself, leading from the Troglodytidce to the Short-winged Chats, Braehypterygince. In 2'eda the bill is equal to or rather more than half the length of the head, broad at the base and compressed at the tip. The wings are very short and rounded, the tail so short as to be invisible and the tarsi and feet very long. The male and female are alike but the young differ considerably from the adult though they lire not spotted or barred as iu the Shortwings or paler than the adult as in Timaliidce.
Key
A. Crown golden-hrown
H.
io Species.
Crown
bright chestnut
T. cj/anioenter, p. 463. T. casfaneocoronata, p. 465.
Fig. 92.
Head of T.
c.
ct/aniventcr.
(475) Tesia cyaniventer cyaniventer.
Teaia
;Thb SliATT-BELLIED WeEN. cyaniventer HodMon, J. A. S. B., vi, p. 101

Blanf.
(1837) (Nepal),
Teda cyaniveniru.
&
Oates,
i,
p. 192.
Vernacular names. Tii (Nepal); Ting-linrui bermai-ga (Kacha Naga).
Samtii-tammong (Lepcha);
Description. The forehead, chin and nape glistening golden olive-brown, the yellow more pronounced at the sides of the crown where it forms a fairly definite superciiium ; the rest of ti>e upper plumage and the visible portions of the closed wings and tail olive-green ; lores and a broad stripe from the loi-es to the nape black ; sides of the head aud whole lower plumage slatyblue.
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown, sometimes, according to bill above and on the tip of the lower Oockburn, vermilion mandible dark brown, the remainder pale horny, often yellowish or tinged with orange legs and feet pale fleshy to pale dull
; ;
fleshy-brown.
wing about 44 to Ueasurements. Length about 100 mm. tarsus 24 mm. culmen 11 to tail about 20 mm. 47 mm.
; ; ; ;
12 mm. The adult female

<ie8cribed by Oates.
is
similar to the male and does twt differ as
Tbe young
j^reen
bird has the whole upper

dull,
and the lower parts
dark ohve-green.
plumage rather rufescentThe black line
464
TBOGLODYTID^.
through the eye is acquired during the summer viith the completion of the first plumage, but the full brightuess of the adult plumage not until the following moult.
Distribntion. GarhwaJ,
sibly
Nepal,
Sikkim, the whole
of
Assam
North and South of the Brahmoputra, Chin, Kachin Hills and posAiinam. McClelland's olivea, a name given to Assam birds, cannot stand, as the Assam birds differ in no way from the Nepal and Sikkim birds and I have seen specimens from the Kachin Hills every bit as bright above and as dark below as any specimen from those countries. They vary very greatly individually and large series are necessary for comparison.
Nidification. The Slaty-bellied Wren breeds in April, May and June South of the Brahmaputra and in June and July North of it, at all heights between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. The nest is a beautiful ball of bright green moss lined with moss roots and measuring some 5 inches in diameter, or, according to Hodgson, more oval in shape, measuring about 7x5 inches. It may be
placed either in a tangle of creepers or in dense, long moss against a tree or stump, or may be built in amongst the numerous branches of a thieli, low bush, whilst, very rart-ly, it may be placed on a steep bank or a<;ainst a rock or heap of boulders. The eggs number three or four, very rarely five and vary considerably in appearance. The ground-colour is a very pale pink, often with a yellowish-salmon tint; the markings consist of reddish-pink specks and spots, sometimes so fine and so numerous as to make the eggs look an almost uniform terra-cotta, at other times sparser and much bolder, showing up well against the ground-colour and more numerous at the larger end than elsewhere. In shape they are normally rather long but blunt ovals. Fifty eggs average 17'4x 12-9 mm. and the extremes are: maxima, 19-1 X 131 and 17*9 x 13-6 mm. ; minima, 16-8 X 13-2 and 18-0 X 12-0 mm.
Habits. This Wren is found over a greater range of altitude than any of the others with the exception of the next bird. It is certainly found up to at least 10,000 feet in Sikkim in summer, whilst, on the other hand, Stevens found it right down amongst the foothills and broken ground on the North bank of the Brahmaputra, but it must be remembered that in temperature the plains of North and North-East Assam are equivalent to an altitude of at least 2,000 feet South of the river and in Burma. It is a purely forest bird, preferring forests which have an ample undergrowth in which it can skulk about without showing itself. It is very loth to take flight and if one can mark it into a dense isolated buoh it can easily be caught with a butterfly net. It much affects the vicinity of tiny water-courses through boulders and dense evergreen forest, and its high, shrill note may be heard mornings and evenings above the ripple of the water. It is
exclusively insectivorous.
TBSIA.
466
(476) Tesia castaneocoronata castaneocoronata.
The ClIEBTNUT-HEADED WeKN.

Si/ivia
cadaneccoronata Uurton, P. Z. S., 1835, p. 152 (152).. Oligura cuataneicorunutu. Blaiif. & Oaten, i, p. 108.
{hez\\&)..
Vernacnlar names. 2V5i(Nepul); 8amtit-pho
Fig.
93. Hfod
of T. c._castaneocorom!a.
line
Description. Forehead, crown, iiapf, lores, ear-coverts and e under the eyes bright chestnut; a small patch of white feathers at the posterior corner of the eye cheelis, chin, throat,
;
yellow, the breast suffused with olivaceous and mottled with a few indistinct brown bars; sides ot breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts olivaceous; upper plumage, wings and lail dark olive-green.
breast and
abdomen bright
Colours of soft parts. Iris brown to red; or brownisli-yellow leg.s fleshy-yellow.

;
bill yellovvisli-horny
tail
Measurements. Length about 100 nun.; wincr 43 to 48 mm.;. about 15 nini. tarsus 23 unn. culmen about 10 to 11 mm. Distribution. Himalayas from Garhwal to the extreme East of Assam the Khasia, ^'aga and Cachar Hills South of the Brahniapnlra but not recorded from Manipur or farthei' South autJ
;
East.
Nidiflcation.
The Chestnut-headed Wren

months
of
and 8,000
feet in the
breeds between 6,000 June and July, building a nest
much like that of the la.st bird but less well put together audi During the breeding season lined with feathers instead of roots. it haunts oak and other forests where there is ample undergrowth and where the moss and parasitic plants are luxuriant. The nest is placed either in a bush or low branch of a tree and no atfem pt seems to be made at concealment, though in appearance itis. so like the numerous clumps of moss which are to be seen in every direction that it would never attract attention. Occasionally a> nest may be found in amongst the moss on a tree-trun!t crhanginr from a branch and in such cases they are very difficult to detectThe eggs number three or, less often, four and are like those of the Slaty-bellied Wren but usually much darker and richer iu Fifteen eggs avernge 17-4 xl 2-9 mm. and the excolouring. trme8 are maxima, 18'3x 13*4mm. ami minima, 16'8 xl2"4mui. A larger series would probably give a smaller average.
:
YOt.
I.
2h
466
TROGJ;0DYTH)^.
as hisjh
HaMts. The Chestnut-headed Wren has been found

as 11,000 feet in Sikkim and,
them
in the h)w foot-hills
on the other hand, Stevens has found In their of the Assam Himalayas.
haunts and actions they very closely resemble Tenia ctjanmnter. Osmaston says: "This pretty little bird, like Tesia, has the
habits of a
Wren and
fretjuents
brushwood under high

above the ground.
all
forest,
rarely ascending
more than
hw feet
It is
common
in the
neighbourhood of Darjeeling at
elevations
up
to 8,000 feet, according to season.
" It has a shrill call of four notes resembling that of CttUdcfipa
ceylonemis which
cover,"
it
utters as
it
moves
restlessly
about in thick
It is entirely insectivorous in its diet
and
just as averse to
taking flight as
is
the Slaty-bellied Wren.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
{Synoiiyms in
italiesi]
ahho/ti {Mal,acovinala), 260. abbntli ( Tiirdium), 260.

Acaiillioptila, 203. Actiriodura, 303. yEgitlinliscus, 03. vEjjilhina, 339. iKmodiuin (Conostonva), 104. remoJivm (Commtoma), J 04. amodiua ( Conns(oma), 104. tsmodim (Lop}iopha>ies), 84. mmodius (Farm), 84. igralaUiK (Hertithim), 333. Oiralatiis teralatiis (Pteruthius), 333. Aethorliynchiis, 337. .Ethostonm, 259. affine {Trochaloplerum), 172. nfflne aSlne (Trochaloplerum), 172. o.ffiim (Garrulax), 172. alhigularU {Dumetia), 229. alhigularis (Malacocercita), 229. eUhigularU (Pomatorhiuus), 215. albigularis abtiensig (Dumetia), 230. aUngularis ahuenris ( Dmnetia), 230. albigularis albigularia (Dtimef.ia), 229. alliogidttrm (Garrttlax), 153. altiogularis \laiithocincla), 153. (Garrulax), albogularis albogularis 153. albogularis wliistleri (GUrrulax), 154. albngularis whietkrl (Garrulax), 1,54. Alcippe, 275.
scindkua (Pi/ctorkis), 237. ampdiua, {Yuhitw), 318. ampelinus (Hypocolius), 357. ampelinus {Hypocolius), 357.
altirostris
analis (Pi/cnonolus), 410. aualh {Turduf). 410.
andamanemis (Corvm),
annectens (LivptUa),
29.
annecteiis (Leioptila), 300.

.300.
annecteiis annevtens (Leioptila), 300. annectens davisoni (Leioptila), 302. annectens saturata (Leioptila), 301. aplonolus (Parus), 92. argentattris (Mesia), 3.94.
argentauris argeotauris (Mesia), 354. Argya, 190. assamensis (Dryniocataplius), 248.

assimilis {Dendrocitta), 53. nssimilis {Stachyris), 267.
ntr leniodius (Lophophanes), 84. atrioapillus (Molpasles), 387. atriceps {IBrachypteryx), 281.
atriceps (Pams), 74. atriceps (Rhopocichla), 281. atriceps [Rhopocichla), 281.
atriceps atrioeps (Ehopocichla), 281. atriceps bourdilloni (Rhopociobla), 282. atriceps nigrifrons (Bhopocichla),
282.
AlcuruB, 379. AlophoixuB, 367.

(Pj/rrhoeorax), 70. auirostris (Ckrysomma), 235.
atrosupercUiaru (SiUhora), 114. aurifront ( Chhropsis), 346.
alpinm
aurproni {PhyllomU), 346. aurifrons annfrons (Chloropsis), 346.

aurifrons daridsoni (Ohlaropsis), 348. aurifrons daviisoni (CUoropm), 348. aurifrons inornata (CbloropsiB), 349. aurifrona iiiornatus (Chioropsit), 349. aurigB8terxanthorrhous(PT<sonotus), 411.
<Mirotns (Pi/elorhis), 235.

altirostrig aUirostrii (Fyotorhis), 2.35.
aUirotrig 236.
griseurulnris
(Fvctorbis),
ftUirottris Roindieus (Pyctorbis), 237-
2h2
468
austeni austeni ausieni austeni austeni austeni austeni
ALWIABETICAI. INDEX.
(GrammaioptUa), 185.
(lanthocincla), 160.
(Poma/orhinua), 218. {Propanm), 291.

IVochaloptermi), 16(). nusteni (lantliooincla), 160. Tictoria! (lantliocincla), 161.
(
ca^hinnans (Craieropus), 176. cachinnans (Troolmlopteruin), 176. cachiunans (Trochalopterum), 176. (Trochalocachinnans cachinnans pterum), 176. cachinnans ciunamomeuui (Trochalopterum), 177. cmrxdalus (Cinclumma), 141.
cimilatas (Dryonasfe!<), 141. (Dryonastes), ciKTulatus cserulatus
141. ca;rulatus kaiirensis (Dryonaslcs), 143. ciBrnlatus sub(ja!rulatu8 (Dryonastes), 142. callipyga (Sahila). 328. cifnifrmis {Spiin,rus], 400. oanifrona oiinifr.ins (Spizixus), 400.
caiionis (Craieropua), 191. vapistrata (Lioptilii), 296. capistrata capistrata (Leiop(ila), 296. eapistrata pallida (Leioptila), 298. capistrata pallida (Linpfila), 298.
Babax, 187.
bactriana (Pica), 38. baylevi (Dendrooitta), ."ifi. hayleyi ( Dendroeitta), 55. heavani (Lophophanes), 86. helangeri (Garrutax), 148. hengalensis (Molpaates), 387. henffalensis(Timalia), 226. hicolor {Braohypteryx), 258. bicolor (Erythrociolila), 258. '/ico/nr (Erythrocichla). 258. hinghami (Siackyris), 26R.
bispeciilaris (ftarruliis), 6.3.
InspectUarix (Gamilus), 63. bispecularie bispecularis (Qarrulus),
capislralum (Ciiidosotiia), 290.

castaneicaiula (Siva), 314. castaneicepn (Indus), .310. castaneiceps (Mivla), 288. castaiieiceps {SiUip(irus), 288. cfistaneiceps (Sta)>hiflia), 310. ca-staneiceps (Staphidia), 310. oastaneioeps brunneieanda (I'seudorninla), 289. (Psewdoca8taneicep< cnstnneiceps uiinlii). 288. castaaeinoronaia (Oligura), 465.
63. bispecularis
haringtoni
(Garrulus),
66. bispecnlaris interstinotus (Garrulus),
hiepmifaris inierstinctus {Garrulus),
64
bispecularis persaturatns (Qarriihis), 05. bispecularis persaturaim (Garrulus), 65. Iilanfordi (Pyctwnotus), 420. bocharensis var. intermedins (Parm), 76. bonvaloti (.BgiihaUscus), 96. bonvaloii (JEgithalisctis), 96. bonvaloti bonraloti (.i^Cgithalisous), 96. bonvnloti sharpei (.Egitbaliscus), 97. botlanensis (Pica), 39. hourdilloni (Alcippe), 282. bcmrditloni (Bhopocichla), 282. firevicaudaia (Coryihocichla), 251. bremeuudatus(7'urdimis), 251. brevicandatus brevicaudatufi (Turdiluilus), 251. brevicaudatus striatus (Turdinulus), 251.
castaneivetitrLi (Sitta), 123.
castnneivenf ris sastaneiventris (Sitta), 123. castaneiventris einnarnoventris (Sitta), 125. castaneiventris neglecta (Sitta), 126. castaneJicoronata (Sylvia). 465.
oastaneocoronata castaneocoronata (Tesia). 465. castanoptera (Leioptila), 300. caltanoptera (TAopiUa), 300. castanoptera iMalacias), 300. carvocatactes hemispila (Nuoifraga),
fie.
brevicaudatus venningi (Turdinulus), 252. brevicaudatus venningi (Turdinulus), 252. brucei (Alcippe), 278. Iiruniiea (Snthora), 112. brunneicmda (Minla), 289. Immumicui) (Criniêr), 364. hurmajiicus (Mdpastes), 315.
eaudaia eaudata caudata cauduta caudata
(Argya), 198. (Tema), 456. ( Urocivhla), 456. candatn (Argya), 198. huttoni (Argya), 199.
catuiatus (CossypAns), 198.
oaudatus (Spelopornis), 456.

Cerasopbila, 373. Certhia, 428. Certhiidae. 428.
clUnemiii (Cissa). 45. chinemis (Coraeias), 45. chine7isiB (Dryonastes), HI.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
ohinensiB chinensio (Cissn), 45. ohineiisis loiicogenjs (Drjonastes), 141. cMorocephala ( CUoropsis), ZhQ. cMorocephalus (Phyllornis), 350. Chloropsin, 346. chocolatina ( Pnoepyga). 4.')3. chrynea ( 8luchi/ru), 260. uhrysaiii asRiinilis (Stiicliyris), 267.
clirysiEiv binglianii (StticLyris), 26().
469
corone (Corvm), 24, oorone orieiitalis (Corvus), 24. coronoides (Corvus), 25. corunoides andaiuanensis (CurTus),
29.
.
coronoidea culminatua (Oorvus), 28. coronoidea intermedins (Oorvns). 28. coronoides levaillauti (Oorvus), 27.
Corvidaj, 18. Oorvus, 20. eorvus ruiiooUis (Oorvus), 23.
ohrystea oliryssca (Stachyris),

clirysaea
2(!.").
ohrysopa (Sticliyris), 267. rkri/saa ckrysopn {Stachyris), 267, chrynmits (Lioparus), 293. chrymvptera (lan/hociiicla), 106. chryxop/erum (Trocha/opierum), 166. (:hrymrrhoidi>s (HismatorniK), 387. iihi-yaotis (Lioparus), 293. chri/so/is (Pro/iariif), 293. cmeracea (Invihucinulu), 156. cinnraoea (lineraeea (lantliocincla),
l.V>.
craMocki
{liitfhora), 11 1.
cineracea stynni (lantliocinela), IW. cme.mcmm ( Trorhulopieruni), 156. cinerea (Minla), 287. eiiierea (Pseudominla), 287. cinereifruitH (Oraferopus), 196.
rhiereifrons (Garru/usc). 196, ciuerei Irons (Turdoides). 19(5. rhtereiventris (Brachypodiwi), 426. dnereiventris (Microptis), 42(). ciiiereiventris (Microlarsiis), 426. rinereus (Partes), 74. cinereus {SUtrparus), 287, ciniiamomaoveiitris (Si/ta), 125.
Orinigor, 361. criniyer {Brachypodim (')), 306. crinigcr {Triohvleates), 3(56. oriuiger eriniger (Tricliiilestes), 3f>6. criapiCrons (Cursonia), 249. drispi/rons (CiypsophUa), 249. crispi/rons (1'urdiims), 249. Orypsirhina, o6. eufuUata (Orypsirliina), .57. cucuUata [Crypsirhina.], 61. cucullaia ( Uroi-visa), 44. culmiiiai'us (C'orvm), 28. Oursonia, 248, Outift, 329. cyauivenie.r ( Tesia), 463. cyaniventer uyauiventer (Tesia), 463. cyaniventris {Pycnonotits), 416. cyaniiientris ('lenia), 463, cyaniventris cyaniventris (Pycnonotus), 416, Cyauoderiua. 271.
cyauopogon
(Oiiloropsis),
,"553.
dnnamomeum
Trnrhaloptentm), 177.
cyanopogoH (Chloropds), 3,5;i oyanopogvn (Phylloniii), 353.

cyaiwuropiera. (Siva), 314.
ciimamoninm (Dri/mocalaphus), 244.

ciimamovcntris (SitUi), 125.
Cissa, 45. clarkii (IxuliiS), 324. commixtus (ParuB), 78.
oyanouroptera cyanouroptera (Siva),

314,
(Farm), 82. coneolor (Hypsipetes), 372. coneinnns (^githalisous), 93. ooncinnus iredalei (JJgithaliscus), 93, coct(s iredalei {Mgittudiicus), 93, ounoinnug mRgnipureneis (.Xgithalisous), 94,
coMttni! korejewt
cyanouroptera oatesi (Siva), 316. vyanouroptfra oatesi (Siva), 316, cyanouroptera sordida (Siva), 316. cyanouroptera wingatei (Siva), 315, cyanus tianschanious (Parus), 81, cyanus var. tianschanicus (Cyaiiistes),
81.
concinnus pulchellus
95.
(..Egithalisoug),
dajlaeuais (Actinodura), 309. dafiaenm (Ixope), 309.
conoinnus tnlifuensis (.Xgithaliscns),

06,
Conostoma, 103,
carax (Oorvus), 21.
corttjt
(Corvu), 21, 23,
Coras iawrencei (Oorvus), 21. oorax tibebmug (Oorvug), 23. eornix (aorvun), 32. cornix gbarpii (Oorvui), 32, coronatus (JEffithalus), 100, coronatus (Betniz), lOU,
ttiompaoni (Neosuthora), 115, daviaoni (Hemixus), 376, daviaotii (Ixus), 413, davitoni (LioptUa), 302. daviaoni (Stochpria), 266, davisoni (TurdintUut), 254, delesserti (Crateropus), 149. delesserti (0arrulaz), 149, delesserti (GarrHlax), 149. Bendrooitta, 47,
davidiana
470
ALPHABETICAIi INBEX.
erythroeephalum nigrimentum (Trochalopterum), 164. erythroeephalum ranisayi (Trochalopterum), 168. erytlirocephahim woodi (Trochalopterum), 166. (Trochaloert/thriKepkalum woodi pterum). 160. erijthrofephalus (Mgithalisims), 93. EiythroeiohlH, 258". erythrogenys (Poiuatorliinus), 219. erythrogmiys (Pomatorhiims). 220. erythrogenys erythrogenys (Poniatorhinus), 220. (I'oraatogravivex erythrogenys rhinus), 221. haringtoni (Pomatoerj'throgeiivs
rhinus), 220. iiuberbis erythrogenys
rhinus), 222. erythrogenys niacclcllandi rhinus), 221.
(liademata ampelina (Yuliiiia), 318. diardi (Garruiaw), 148. diardi iTurdm), 148). dichroue (Lophophaues), Sfi. dichrons {Lophophanes), 87.
dichrotu
(
Partus), 87.
dichrouB dicbroua (Lophophanes), 87. dichrous wellsi (Lophophanes), 87.

dichroiis wellsi {Lojihophanes), 87.
discolor (Oer(hia), 435. discolor ( Certhia), 436. discolor discolor (Certhia;, 435. discolor fuliginosa (Certhin), 438. discolor inanipureiisis (Certhia), 437. discolor Tictorise (Certhia), 437. Dryonnstes, 138. diuiius ( Proparus), 283. dulnus (Schoeniparu*), 283. duhius diibius (SchcGuiparus), 283. dubiua geiiestieri (ScluenipariiK), i!8J). dubius iriandellii (Selicenipariip), 284. Diiiiietia, 228.
(Poniato-
(Pomato-
i-ythi-ol<ema {Trochulopterum), 164. crythrnphthahuns (la-on). 422.

earlii (Argya), 107.
earlii (Ari/ya), 197.
earlii (Matncocercus), U)7. egertoni {Actinodura), 303.
egertoni eeertoni (Actinodura), 303. egertoni kliasiana (Actinodura), 304. egertoni ripponi (Actinodura), 305. Elaehura, 448.
cmeria (Lnnitts), 394.

emeriti (Otocumpsa). 394.
emeria eineria (Otooonipsa), 394.

erneria 396.
fuauicaudata
(Otououipsa),
crytlirophthalniuB erythrophtljaluius (Pycnonotuo), 422. erylhroptera ('J'inmlia), 271. erythroptera erythroptera (Cyanodernia), 271. erytliropterum iCyaiiodcrwu), 271. trythropieruf (Jîtiius), 331. erythropterns (Pleruthius), 331. erytliropfertin (Pieru/him), 331. eiiptilom (l'i)iarocich/a), 399. eiiropa'a nagaensis (Sitia), 127. eutilota (Pinarociehla), 399. eiiHlotvs {liraehypus), 399.
emeria peguensii?(Otocorapsa'l, 396.

epilepidotus bakeri (Turdinulus), 265. epilepidoiiis hakeri ( Turdimilus), 25.5. epileoidotus davisoni (Turdinulus), 254. eremita (Grafulas), 08. JErporiiis, 324. ftrythrocephaluru (Cinclosouia), 163. erytiroceplialuni (Trochalopteruin), 162. erythroceptudum ( TVoohalopiermn),
163.
fairhivlci
TrocknlnpUrum), 178.
familiiiris (Certhia), 432.
familiaris liodgsoni (Cftrtbia), 434. familiaris khauiensis (Certhia), 434. lamiliaris nepalensis (Certhia), 433. fea ( StUhora.) ,111.
erythroeephalum chrjsopterum (TroehalopteruHi), 166.
erjtlirocephalum eryUirot-ephalum (Trochalopterum), 163. erythroeephalum ery hrola'uia (Trochalopterum), 164. erythrooeph]uni godvrini (TrochalopU-rum), 16.').
I
ferruginosus (Pomatorhinus), 231. ferruginous {Pomatorhinus), 213. ferruginosus albigularig (Pomatorhinus), 215. ferruginosus ferruginosus (Pomatorhinus), 213. ferruginosus inarite (Pomatorhinus),
215.
eryihrocepfialuni
godwini
( Troctialo-
piefum), 165.
erythroeephalum melanostigraa (Trochalopterum), 167.
ferruginosus phiiy rci (Foniatorhinus), 214. flniaysoni (Pycnonotus), 412. finlaymni (P^cnunofits), 41 2. finlaysoni davisoni Pycnonotus), 413. finlaysoni (Pyenonotu*), flnlaysoui 412. fiavala (Hemixm), 374.
(
AI4PUA.BETICAL INDEX.
flttvala
471
davisoni (Hemixiis), 376.
flavala flnvala (Hwiiixus), 874. flarala hildebrandi (Hemixus), 376. jtaveolus ( Criniger), 363.
galhanus (Drgonastea), 145. galbanus (Garrulax), 143.
Uampsorhynch ue, 230.

ganeesa {Hypsipetes), 372. Garrulax, 145. Qarrulus, 59.
geuestieri (Alcippe), 285. goiavier analis ( Pynconotus), 410. gracilis {Hypsipetes), 298. gracilis (Leioptila), 298.
ffracilis (Lioplila),
Jlavealm (Trickopkonis), 3fi3. /lavesoetin (Fi/cmmotwH), 31)2. fla,vcscem {Xanthijcas), 392. Havescens flan-sceiis (Xantbiiue), 392. (larescenB vividus (Xantliixus), 393. Jlavescen* vivldtis (.Xaiilhixus), 393. flavicoUis (Lvuhis), 322. fiamcoUis {Yuhina), 322. flavieollis bailfji Jxuhis), 323. flavicuUiH haileyi (iTiiluit), 323. fluvieollis flnvicollis (Ixulus), 323.
I
298.
graculns {Corvus), 70. graculns (I'yrrhoeorax), 70.

(Jrauimatoptila, 184. gravivex {I'oniatorhinus), 221. yriseiecps (Crimger), 365. grisc'igttlaris {PyctorhU), 23f). grimis {Crnteropm). 193, 194. griseus (Turdus), 193. griseuB grisous (Tiirdoides), 193. griseus strintuB (Turdoides), 194. giiliiris (Argya), 199. gularis {Argya), 199. gularis {JSnicliyptts), 415. gularis {Chntarrhmt), 199.
gularis (Giirrulax), 1,52. gularis (Garndax), 152. gularis (laulhocincla), i52. gularis (Mixoriiis), 274. gularis (Paradoxornis), 1 18. gularis (Pycnonotus), 415. gularis (ryciiotwtus), 415. gularis (SciPorhynohus), 118. gularis (Yuhina), 317. gularis rraddocki (Suthora), 111. gularis gularis (Psittiparus), 118. gularis gularis (Yuhina), 317. gularis minor (Mixornis), 274. gularis transflnvialis (Psittiparus), 118. gularis (ransjluvialus ( Scieorhgnchtie), 118. gularis ynngpiensis (Yuhina), 318. guttata (Thringorhina), 262. guttata {TAriiigorhina), 262. guttaticollis (Paradoxornis), 106. guttatieollis (Paradoxornis), 106. guttaticollis (Turdinulm), 254. gutfatus ( TurdtHUs), 262. gutiuralis (Criniger), 362.
ttavicollis Imrterti (Ixulus), 323.
fiavkvlUn harterti {hulns), 323. flavirostris (Paradoxoniis), 105.

fiavirostris
' (
Varado^roriiia), 105.
JlaviroMris
flavirostris
Vsilorhiuns), J3.
Urucissa), 43.
flavirostris (tJrocisua), 43.

(
tlavirostris cueiillala (UrociBsa), 44.
flavirostris ilnviiosti-is (L'rocissa), 43.

Jlai'fveiiiris {0/iic<niiiw<i.),
397.
flui'iveii/rinl Viniiia). .397.
(laviTonti'is flaviveiitriB
(Olocouipsa),
397.
flnTivealris iiiiruir (Otoroiiipsa), 398.
fidvivaitrtJi
ijiinur
(Olticimrpm), 398.
flavncristains (Paru.t), 102. t'oniiosa ( Elaobura). 449.

(Silta), 131. f'ormona (^Sif/a), 131. J'urmosus {Trogludyies), 449. fratercidti {Alci/ê), 277. frontalis (]>endrocitta), f)4. f'ronfaUs (Dendrocitia), 64. j'nmtalu (SUfa), 132. frontalis frofitalis (Sitta), 132.
formosa
fruffilegus
Corvm), 30.
(Corvus), 30.
friiEilogtis tBohusii
frtufilequs tchtmi (Corvuii), 30. Fiilvette, 289,
fttlvifrons (SiiHiora), 113.
fulvifrmis {Temuorie), 113. fulvifrons fulvifrons (Sntlioral, 113. funcieapiUum (Fellomemn), 245. fuecicapilliiin babaulti {^Pellorneum), 245. fimeicapillum bahatdti (Scotocichla), 245. fuscicapilluni fascicapillum (Pellorneuiii), 245. /ttfcictt/fiUit* (Drifniocaiaphus), 246. fuacieaitdata (Otocompsa), 396. fvtMjlavctcens (Brachypoditui), 425. fuscijiavescene {Mieropui), 426.
haniorrJious (Molpastes), 383. hamorrkous (Muscicapa), 383. hcFtnurrhous bengalensis (Molpantes),
387.
hiemorrhous burmanicus (Molpaeles),

885. hsBinorrhous ohrysorrhoideB (Molpaetes), 387. liKinorrhous hfemorrhouB (Molpastes), 383.
galbanue (Dryonastes), 145.
472
AI.PHABBTICAL INDEX.
huttoni {Malncocercm), 199. liyperytlira (Duinetin), 228.
hyperytht-a (Dumetia), 228. hifperythra ( Timilia), 228. Hypoeoliiis, 350. hypoleucus {Othorhiiiiis), 222. liypoleueus (Pomati)fliimis), 222. hypoleiu-us (Pomatorhinus), 222. hypoleiicus ^Pomatohypuleiiuus rhinua), 222. hj'poleucus tiokelli (Pomatorhinus), 2J3.
haiinorrhousintermediuafMolpastea),
389.
liiBmorrhoiis nigripileus CMolpastes),
386.
hnemorrhous
385.
pallidua
(Molmstea),
hmmorrhous paUidus (Motpasfes), 385.

hardu-'ickii (CAloropsin), 340.
liardwickii
litii-tlwickii
(Chloropsis),
349.
haplonottt (Elachiira), 450.
haplonota {lilachura), 450. haplonotus (Maciilolopliiis),
!)2.
hariiHitani (Gamilus), 6't. haringtoiii (Puiuntorhiuus), 220. hemispila (Xuîfraga), OB.
lant.Iiooinela, 155.
ieteriea (lole), 4U5.

ictnricti (lole),
Ilemixus, 374. henrifi (Troeliaiopterum), 183. hcnrici {Trochiiopterum), 183. Hilarocicbla, 330. hUdefirandi (HeMixtis), 376. liinmliiynna (Cci-Miia), 428. himalui/ana (Cerfhia), 430. himulavaTia hiiHalavana (Certhia), 430. himalayana iiitermediu (Certhia), 432. himalayana infermedia {Certhin), 432.'
liiinalayaiia tainiura (Certhia), 431.
405.
iiiericui (Crimger), 405.
ioLeroeeiihala eiilororepliala (Chloropsis),
3.W.
3.5.5.
ignotiiictn (Minia),
ignotinola. (Minlii), 355.

igao/iiin. (Pelliiriieum),
243.
igiiotiim pinnamouieiiiu(Pellorneiim).
244.
ignotum ignotiim(Pellorneiim), 243.

imherliis (I'oma/orAinm), 222.
iinhricatum (Trochaloplerum), 183.

imhricaiu.i (Garralaxi, 183. iusoleiis yCorfus), 34. intermedim (Alloiriim), ,335.
himalayana
432.
ytitinanensis
(Cortliia),
himalai/ensis (Dniidrocifia), 52. Iiimaliiyensis (Sitta), 132, himalaj/enisin (Sitta), 122. hodgsoni (Certhia), 434.
holeryfhrops
trochalopterum), 104.
intermedins (Corvus), 2S. irUermedius ( Molpastes), 389. inter medius ( Vleruthius), 335. intermedins (Pi/CJtonotus), 289. lole, 403. ioscliistjs (^githaliscus). 99,
iosehistos (JSyilhaliscus), 99.
ioschistos (Parus), 99.
holti hinglianii (lole), 37y.
Horizillas, 257. horsfieldi (Poinatorhiniis), 210.
horgfi^di {Pomatorhinns), 210. horsBoldi (I'oinatohorsfieldi rhinus), 210.
Ixops, 307. Ixulus, 321
melanuru* (Pomatohorsfieldi rhinus), 212. horsfieldi obscurus (Pomatorhinus),

211.
horsfieldi travancorlensis rhinus), 211.
(Pomato-
tramncorienm {PomatohorfieUi rhimts), 211. Jiumei (Heterorhynchus), 461. huiuei (Splienociohitt), 461. humei (Spkenocichla), 461. humii (Molpagfes), 391. htmii (Suthora), 110.
humilis (Ixulus), 324. Immilis (Podoces), 71. humilis (Fodocea), 71.
hnuiilia olarkii (Ixulus), 824. humilis humilis (Ixulus), 324.
jerdoni (Ohlorop.<i8), 382. jerdoni (Chloropsis), 352. jerdoni (Crarrulax), 177. jerdoni ( PhyUornis), 352. jerdoni (TiTialia), 327. jerdoni (Trochalopterum), 177. jerdonHTrochaloptaruin), 177. jerdoni fairbanki (TrochHlopteruro),
178.
jerdoni
177.
jerdoni
(Trochalopterum )i
(Trochalo-
jerdoni meridionale pterum), 178.
kashmirianaia (Sitta), 128. kathmirieuait (Sitta), 128. kaurenais (Dryonastes), 143.
ALPHABETIC At IITDEX.
kawriemia
(
473
(Trochalopte(lanthooincla),
UrociehU), 454.
lineatum
liueatum
Kelaartia, 428. khamenniK {Certhia), 434. khasiaiM (Ac/itiodnra), 304.
ziaralensis riim), 182.
lafresnayi (Aetiiorhynchiis), 338.

lafresnai/i (Aeihofhi/ncfms), 338.
sriaratenms 182. Lioparus, 293. Liothrix, 337. Liotrichinje, 326.
lafnsuayi ( lora), 338. knoeolatus (Giiri-iilus). 60. lavneMalus ( GarrtUuf), 00.

laiiceolaius (l'te>-orhiims), 187. lanceolatiis laiiceolatHB(Babax), 187. laiioeolatu"! victoriic (Babax), 188.
longicaudafa (Pnoepyga), 452. longicaudMa, ( Urncich/a), 462. longicaudiitus fSpeln'ornia), 451. longicaudatus chocolatinus (Spelseornis), 453. longieaudatiis kauriensis (Spelaeornis),
4.")4.
/aurmeii {Corims), 21.

Leioptila, 20t). iBiicogaatra (Dendrocitta), 61. leidcogaUra {Dendrocitta), 51. leueogenys (^githaliseug), 1)7. Utwotjenys {Mijithaliscus), 97.
iencA>(ieHy^ {Brnrhypm), 389. teucngem/s {Cratiirnpus), 141. tmicoffeni/s {MolpaUes), 389. UtKOffenys (Orifes), 97.
longicaudatus longicaudatus (SpelaiorniB), 452. longicaudatus oatesi (Spelffiornis),

455.
longicaudatus reptatus (Spolieornis), 455. longicaudatus sinlumensia (Spelaeornis), 453. longirostris (Argya), 202.
lonr/irof/rh (Arijya), 202. lonyirostrix (Pyctorhis), 202.
toniihergi {Criniger), 408.
leucogenys humii (Mo!pastft.s), 391. leucogenys leucogenye (Molpastes),

389. Iftucogenys leucotis (Molpastes), 399. Iiûcotophm (Coruus), 146. UttcoUphus (Garrmia.v), 146. leucolophus belangeri (Garrulnx),
148.
leucolophus diardi (Garrulax), 148. leucolopliua leucolophus (Garrulax),

146.
Icucopsia (Sit fa),
Lopboplianes, 83. lutea (Liothrix), 327. lalea (L/iothrio!), .328. lutea callipyga (Liothrix), 328. lulea yunnauensis (Liothrix), .329. lutea ymmanensis (Liothrix), 329. luteolus (Higmatomis), 417. luteolus (Pyoiujnotus), 417. luteolus (Vycnonotus), 417.
VM.
macclellandi (ffemixus), 377. macclellandi (Hypsipeteti), 377. macclellandi (Pomatorhinus), 221. macclellandi binghami (Hemixus), 379. macclellandi macclellandi (Hemixus), 377. macclellandi tickellii (Hemixus), 378. Machlolophus, 89. macrorhi/nchus (Corvus), 27, 28, 29. magna (Sitta), 128. magna (Sitta), 128. magna magna (Horizillas), 257. magnirosfre (Alcippe), 258. raagnirostre (Horizillas), 258. magnirostre (Malacopterum), 258. magnirostris (Alcippe), 280. magnirottris (Piilorhinus), 42. magnum. (Majacopterum), 257. major (Parus), 73. major oinereus (Pants), 74. major commixtus (Parus), 78. major intermedins (Parus), 76. major kasobmiriensis (Parus), 76.
leucupsig leuoopsis (Sitta), 130.
leucoptems ( Gliaicopsd*), 58. leucoptenis (Platysmurus), 58. lnHcopttrus (Platysmurus), 58.

leucotis (Garruliis), 61.
leucntis (Garruim), 61. leucotis {Ixon), 390.
leucotis (Molpastes), 390.
leucotis leucotis (Q-arruUis), 61. leucotis oatesi (Garrulus), 62. ievaillanH ( Corvin), 27.
lineatwm (Cinclosoma), 180.

lineatiiin (Troohalopteruin), 180.
lineatum (Trochaloptermn), 180. Uneaium gilgil (lauthodncla), 182. (Troobalupterum), lineatum gilgit
182.
lineatwn gr'aeicentinr (lanihoBmcla),

181.
(Troohaloliueatum griseioentior pterum), 181. (IVocbaloimbricatura lineatum pterum). 183. lineatum lineatum (Trocbaloptwum),
180,
474
AtPHABETlCAI- INUEX.
mtridioaah (Trochalo'pteron), 178. merulina (Stac(ociohlii), 186. raeruiina merulina (Stactociehla),
186.
itiertdintts
major i:agvlimiriensui (Pants), 76. major malrat,tarum (Parus), 77. major inahntUarum (JParws), 77,
uiajor plariorum (Parus), 77.
major planoram (Parus), 77. major libetauus (Varus), 77. Major tibetamts (Parus), 78.
malaharica (Chloropsis), 348. malabaricus (Malacocenms), 192. inataccmids (Hffpsipeles), 404. malacceiutis (lole), 404. iiialnccensiB malaccensis (lole), 404. Malacocincia, 2(W. ninlucuptilus (Bimator), 2.55. iiialaaoptilus (Rimator), 25o. inalcolmi (Argya), 200. inaleolmi (Argt/a), 200. malcdmi ( TimaUa), 200. iiMndeUii (PeUorneum), 240. matidellH (Schaenipanu)), 284. mauipurensis (^îthaliscus), 04. manipurenmf. (Certkia), 437. znanipurensis (f'ulvetta), 292. ma-iiipurtiisis (Propnrtis), 292, maritf (Pomatorhhuts), 21,'i. mearsi \ Pomaiorhiuus), 207.
melaiiicteniH (iVitfcica/ift), 4] 4. inelanicterus (Pycnonotiis), 414. vielaiiic/eni.i (Pi/cnotinlus). 414. iiielaiiocephaltt (Uroeissa), 40.
(Garruliix), 180.
Mesia,353.
Miorosoelis, 368.
Microtarsus, 422. (Troehalopterum), sharpei milnei 170. Minla, 35o. 'minor (I'artts), 78. ims {PeUorneum,), 242. Mixornis, 272. modestuB (Sylvipanis), 88, modesius ( Si/hnparus), H8. modestuB modestus (Sylvipnrus), 88. luodestus Bttt.iiratior (Sylviparus), 89. modestus simlaensis (Sylviparus), 88. inodestus simlnensis (Si/tviparun), 88. Molpastes, 381. monedula (Corvus), 36. monediila sipuimeringii (Corvus), 36. moiiiliger (Ciiirlonnnia), 151. iiioniliyer (Gamilaa-), 151. moiiiliger I'uscata (Garrulnx), l.')2. moniliger Juscata (GnrnUax), 152. moniliger moniliger (Garrulax), 151 mwitico/tts (Parus), 80.
monticolus
iiionticoliis (I'nrus), 80.
melnnocephala
eissa), 42.
magnirostris
(Uro-
inelanocephala uielanocepliala fUroeissa), 41. uielanocepliala occipitalis (Uroeissa), 41. melmioceplialus (Coracius), 41. mdauocephalns (Lanitm), 423, melanocephaiun (Mioropvn), 423. melanooeplialus fusciflaTescens (Microtftrsus), 425.
niultipunotata (A'ucifVagii), 67. inidtipimciaia (yiicifraga), G7. muraria (Cerlhia), 441. muraria (Tichodroma), 441. muraria (Tichodroma), 441. Myzornis, 344.
iwgaensis (Sitia), 127.

nasalis (Pyctorliis),
23.'i.
neghcta (AnoChura), 446.

neglecla (Silta), 120. aeglecUis ( Troglodytes), 446. NeoButliora, 115.
nielnnocephalus melanocephalus (Microtarsus), 423. Melanclilora, 101. melanoleuca (Liopiila), 299. inelanoleuca (8ihiu), 299.
uepalemis (Acanthophita), 201.

tiepaletisin (Aloippe), 276.
melanoleuca melanoleuca (Leioptila),

299.
melanoleuca
300.
radcliffei
(Leioptila),
melanolopbuB (Lophophanes), 83,

inelaHolophua {Jj&phophanex), 83. melanolopkufi (Parus). 83. mdanoaligma (Cramtlax), 167. tmlanostigmo. ( TroehcUoptenun), 167, melanoiis (PierutMus), 333. mclanotis iiiteriiiedius (Pterutbius),
S3f>,
ueoalemis (Ixops), 307. nepalensiD (Siva), 276. nepalensis (Snthora), 109. nepalemis (Snlhoraj, 109. uepalensis frateroula (Aloippe), 277. nepalensis ztepaleuria (Ak-ippe), 275. neumayer tephronota (Sitta), 129.
nicohariemis (Hypapetmi), 408. nicobarienais (lole), 408. tdcobariensit (lok), 4(W. uigricapitaia (Brachypieryx), 246. nigrirapitaluni (PeUorneum), 246. i^ricapitaluii (DrymBcataphui), 246. mgrUepa (8tachyri), 264. nigriceps ooltarti (Stachyris), 265.
melanotis
333.
melanotis
(Pteruthias),
melauurus (Potmatorhinm), 212.
AliWIABETICAL IXBBX.
niffricepg coltarti (Siacht/ris), 265. iiigriiepe davisoni (Stacliyris), 'M!).
,
475
nigrioeps nigrineps (Stuchvris), 264. nigrifrom (Alcippe), 282." uigrifrnm {lihcpucichla), 282. mgrimeiUum (I'olr/udoii), 3^0. nigri/neniuni. {Trvchalo/Uerm/i), 1(>4. nigrimentum (Yuhiiia), 320.
ocliroceplialus (Trachycoinns), 402. ochrocephalua {Trachi/comus), 402. oc/irocephalut ( Tardus), 402.

oglei
(Acdnura), 262.
oglei (Tliringorhina), 262.

oglii {Thrhigorhina), 202.
oliTftcea (lole), 40(5.
iiigrimontum nigrimentum (Yiihinft), 320.

Higripik'Hf (Mulpastes), 380. iiigripilens (Vgcuoiwliis), ;-i86. nigrolutea (Jigithiiia), 344. nigrolnica {.Egirhina), 344. nignihtUui (/vra), 344. nipalensis (Acntli<iptila), 204.
nipalenm (Anuthura), 440.

itipalpiiKiK (Certkiii),
433.
iiipalcimx (Ciiiclnsoiua). 307. uipaleiims ((-'una), 32S. nipalensis (Ixo])s), 307. iiipaleiisin { Tinudia), 204. lUpalensis lTroglo</i/fci), 445. nipalensis daflaensis (Ixops), 309. ui|jalen8ie nipalensis (Ontia), 329. nipalensis nipaltnsiB (]xoi)9). 307nipalensis poiiotis (Ixops), 309. nipalensis waldoni (Ixops), 308. i\ivcogiilaris (j4igithjiii.sciiK), 98. iu'veogu/aris (.,iCgit/iuliKdis), 98.
iiimogitlaris (Oritex), S)8.
olivacea cinnamomeoventris (lole), 407. olivacca lonnbergi (lolo), 408. olivacea viroscens (loin), 406. olivaoeus (PomaUirliinus), 209. olivaceuD (J'oinalnrhimin), 209. olivaceu-s oliTacens (Pomatorhinus), 209. olivacens ripponi (PoniatorhinuK), 210. orientalis (Corvun), 24. ornata fCissa). 46. oruaia (Cissa), 46. ornata (Pica), 4(). Otoconipsa, 394.
nuclmlis (Dryonastes), 140. imchaUti (Dryo)wMcf). 140. mwhalin (tiirrulnx), 140.

nudiivlia (Piinis), 79. nuckalu ( Pariin), 79. nuclmlis (Poiuaiorhiniis), 208.
)>aJHda grandis Criniyer), 365. palustre (Pellorneum), 242. imluftre (Pdlurnvimi), 242. paln.'itris (Parus), 82. palustris korejewi (Pavus), 82. paluslris piecilopsis (I'arus), 82. Paradoxornis, 105. PAKAnOXOliNlTHlD.E, 103. Paiuu.b, 72.
(
Parus, 73.
Passcres, 10. peHurolis {(iarruldx), 150. pecforalis (lanthocitictu), 150. pectoralis pecloralis (Garrulax), 150. pectoralia seniitorquala (Garrulax),
151. Pellorneuni, 237.
penicillata (Kelaartia), 420.
penicilfaltt (Kelaartia), 42ti.
Huehalis Povia(whinus), 208. Nucifraga, (!5.

(
iiaXesi
(Garriihs), 02. (laUm ( Urochu-hla), 455.
tibseurus {I'ojnatorhinvn), 211.

iiccipitalig (Ixulus), 321.
(Ixulns), 321. occipitalu (I'siJorhinng), 41. iiccipitalis (Siva), 321. uocipUaMs ( VrocisM), 41, 42.
iH-oipitalit>
peuicillatus (Pi/cnoHoiue), 420. phmocephala (Ah'ippc), 'J77.
phceocfpMa davisoui
(Alcippe), 279.
occipitalis {Yuhina), 319. occipitalis oucipitalis (Yuliina), 319.

iieellata {lantkocincla), l.'iO. ocellata ocellata (lantliocincla), 155. ucfllatum (Citwlosoma), l.'>5. ocshraceioeps (Fotuatorliinus), 217. ochraeeiceps {I'omatorhiniis), 217.
phaorephtila haringtoniiB {Alcippe), 280. pliseocephalus (Aloplioiius). 368. phaocephaltts {Aloplwurus), 368. pk(eucephalits (Ixos), 368. phmoci^/ialus {Micropua), 425'. phayrei (Alcippe), 278. phat/rei {Pomat(irhinus), 214.
ochraoeioeps aiiateni (Pomatorliiuus), 218. oohraceioepR oohraceiceps (PoniatorhinuB), 217. oohraoeiceps stonorhynchus (PomatorluJliu), 219.
phvnicea (laiithocincla), 168. phoBniceuiu (Trochaloptenun), 168.
plumncmm
169.
Trochalopterum), 168.
phopniceum bakeri (Trocbalopterum),
phienkeum bakeri (Trochalopieron),

169.
476
Ijliopiiioeuin
AliPHABEXlCAIi INOEX.
phoeniceiini
(Xrooha-
iDpieruiii), l(i8. plioiiiioBuni ripponi
(Trochalo-
pterura), 170. ri<.-, 37. pica (Pica), 38. pica bactriaim (Pica), 38. pica botianoiisis (Pica), 30.
pica sei-iea (I'ic.a), 39. picaoides (dihia), 295. pifaoides piciioide.s (Sibia), 295. pileata (Prmia), 274. pileata (Timalia), 225. piUaiii I'I'hne/ui), 226.
pilent.a beiignlenais (Timalia), 22(5.
pileata jerdoni (Tiraalia), 227. Pinarocielila, 399.
pinwUli
(Pomatoi-liimis), 208. Platj'fmiirus, 58. pliituoaiis (P^fiionotiis), 418.
pulckella (LiopMa), 302. pulchella {Hihia), 3t)2. pulchella pululiella (Iioioptihi), 302. puMtellus (J&fi/haliscui)), 95. punciata (kiachura), 449. pusilla (Pnoepyga), 459. ptmilla {Pnoepi/(j(i), 459. pusilla pusilla (Pnoepyga), 459. pusiUtts (I'ycnonotus), 422. Pycnonotidffi, 350. Pyeninotus, 410. Pyetorhis, 233. Pyrrhocorux, 68. pyrrhiicorax (Pyrrhocorax), (>8. pyrrhocorax ( Upupa), 68. pyrrliops (Staoliyrjdopsis), 271. pyrrhops (Sfachyridopsia), 271. pyrihupH (Stachyris), 271. pyrrhoiira (Myzurnis), .'J45. pyrrhoura (ilysornis), 345.
plumosHs {Vyncnonotus), 419.

pluiuosua bliindfordi 420.
plimioeiis
(Pyciionotuu),
ranisai/i (Actinodura), 305.
phimosns (Pycnonotiis),
rnbiusoni
419. plumosiis 420.
ranwayi ramsayi
TrocJiaiopteruiu), 1(>8.
radclift'ei (Actiriodura), ;j06.
(Pycnonotus),
rammyi
Pnoepyga, 457.
Podoees, 71.
pacilopsis (Lophophanes), 82. poioccphaluD (liruchypus), 425. poiucepbaliis (Microtarsiie), 425. poioieephala ( Tkimalia), 277. Iôioiueplmla bnicei (Alcippe), 278. poioieephala davisoni (Alcippe), 280. poioieephala haringtonite (Alcippe), 280. poioieephala niagnirostris (Alcippe),
radcliffei {Actiiiodura), 306. rarnsayi raiiiRiiyi (Aetinodura), 305. liemiz, 100. reptata ( Urxichla), 4.'J5.
Bbopocichla, 281.
iliiuator, 255.
280
poioieephala phayrei (Alcippe), 278. poioieephala poioieephala (Alcippe), 277. polioiii (Ixops), 309. poliotit (Sutkora), 109.
poliotis teee (Siithora), 111. poliotis hiimii (Suthora), 110. poliotis poliotis (Suthora), 109. poliotis ripponi (Suthora), 111.
ripponi ( Aciinodtira), 305. ripponi (Pomaiorhinnfi), 210. ripponi (I'roparus), 291. ripponi {Sathora), 111. ripponi {Trocfialopterum), 170. roherti (Pnoepyga), 263. roberti (Sphenocioula), 461. roberti {SphenooicUa), 461. roberti guttaticoUis (Turdiuuius), 264. roberti roberti (Turdinulus), 253. robinsmd (Pymono/us), 420. rostrata (.(thotoma), 259. rostrata iTrichoetoma), 259. rubidiventris (Lophophanes), 84.
rubidioentris (Lophophaitta), 84. rvindiveniris {Parus), 84.
Pouiatorbinus,
^5.
Bubimula. 409.
rubricapilla rubricapilla rubricapilla rubricapilla rubricapilla
rufii
pmroidet {Hypnpetes), 369.

p8aroid-8 (Microscelis), 389. psaroidefl ooncolor (Microscelis), 372. psaroides ganeesa (Micro'li), 372.
(Mixomis), 272.
(MaiaeiUa), 273. minor (Mixornis), 274. pileata (Mizurnis), 274. rubricapilla (Mixomis),
psaruides nigreseens (Microsoelis), 371. psaroides nigreeoms (Hyptipetu), 371. psaroides psaroides (Microscelis), 369. Pseudouiinla, 2S6.
Psittiparus, 116. Pteruthius, 330.
273. (Dendrocitta), 48. nifa {Dendrodtia), 48. rufa kinneari (Dendrocitta), 51. rufa rufa (Dendrocitta), 48. rufa aatnratior (Dendrocitta), 61. rufa (clateri (Dendrocitta), SO.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
rufa vHgabunda (Dendrocitta), 50, rufescms ( Craieropns), 195. rufescena (Malacocercus), 195.
nifesofiis (Tiirrloiilcs), 195.
477
rufogularis {Ianth<)cincla), 158. rufogularis aasaiiiensis (lantbocincla),

l.')9.
rujkapilla (Mixornis). 27;!. rnJicapilla sordidior (Fulve(tu), 292. rujkeps (Chlmatieus), 114.
i-uficepa
ruficeps (I'a,racU>xorins), 116. Pfillortieum ), 238. (
rufoquluris assamensis {laiithocincla), 159. rufogularis occidentalis (lanthocincla), 159. rufogularis occidentalis (laitthocincla),
l.')9.
ruficeps (Siâorhf/tichns), 116. riijireps {Siachi/?-idopsii), 268.
rufogularis
rufogularis
(lantho-
cincla), 1,58.
ruficeps (Suthora), 114.
nificepa iiLrosiiperciliaris (Sutbora), 114. ruficeps bakeri (PsiUipanis), 117. ruficeps hiikeri ( Sccsurhynchus), 117. ruficeps lihamoensis (iitachyridopsis),
'zm.
rufonuohalis (Lopholianes), 85. rufunuchalia {Lophnphanes), 85.

rufiinuohalis beavaiii (Lonlniplianes), 86.
nifice/m
bhamoeiiMa {Stnchtfridcypeis),
209.
niflceps grant! (I'ellorneuiii), 24(l. ruficeps ffraiiti (I'ellornenm), 240.
niflceps joucai (Pellorneiini), 241. nifireps jiinesi {Vellnnieiint), 241. ruficeps niandellii (l'elli)riicuin), 240. ruficpps iiiiniia (I'ellorneuiii), 24i! niflceps nificepa (Pellornoiiiii), 238. ruficeps nificeps (Psitt.ipiirus), lUi. ruflcepa nifloepa (Staclivridopsis), 268. ruficeps ruficeps (Siitliora), 114. ruficeps .lubocliraceuiu (IVllumeuni),
rufonuohalis rufonucbalis (Lophophanes), 85. nifonnchas (Pans), 85. ruf uhi.s (Gaiiipsorhyndius), 231. rufuliis (Gampsorhgnchis), 231. nifulus rufiilua ((TrauipsorhTncbus), ' 231. rufuliis torquatus (Gainpsorbynolnis), 232. rufus (C'orims), 48.
riislica (I'ica), ;J8.
Salporiiis. 439.
saiinio (Dryonnstes), 144.
239.
ruficeps var. tilnisupercUiaris {Chleuasicus), 114.
sanniu (Ih-gotutstes), 144. (Gumilax), 144. safura/ii (Liopti/a), 30].

saiiiiiv
saturatii'T (Si/li'iparus), 89.
nificoUis (Corcns). 2'i. ruficollis (Dryouastes), 139,

iiifiiwUis (Dryimas/es), 139.
riificnllit
(lanthocinrld), 139.
ruflcollis (romatorliiiiiis), 216,

ruficollis (I'omatorhinns), 216. ruflcollis bakeri (I'omatorliinus), 217.
ruficollis
bakeri (I'omalorhiuiis), 217.
runcoUis ruficollis 216.
(Pomatorhiuus),
rufifrons (fiiacfii/ridopsis), 269. rufifrotis (S/nchyris), 2(>9. rufifrons ambigua (Staohyridopeis),
270.
rufifrons
ambigua
rufifrons
Stnchi/ridopsis),
270. ruflfrons 269.
(Stachyridopsis),
nifijfens {Ixaltis}, 311.
rft^jfeni* (Sfaphidia), 311.
rnfigularis (Minla), 286. riiflgularis (Soliceniparus), 286. rufifudaris (Schceniparus), 286.
ruflVenter (IIilarociohla\ 337. n^fiventer (Ptentlhius), 397. mfiventris (Hilarocichla), 337.
205. {Pomuturhiinis), 206. scbisticeps cryptantlius (Pouiatorbiniis), 207. H^hisficeps crgptantirus( Fomatorhinus), 207. soliisticeps mearsi (Poiuatorlunu;, 207. schisticeps piuwilli (Pomatorliiniis), 208. sehistieeps schisticeps (Poinatorhinus, 20(>, Sclutniparus, 283, semiiorpiaia {Garrulax), 151. sepiaria abbotti (Malacooincla), 260. serica. (Pica), 39. sJiarpei (Mgitlialiseus), 97. sharpei (Trochalopieriim), 170. sharpii ( C't>rms), ,32. Sibia, 295. SibiiniB, 294. simile (Troehalopieroii), 174, simplex (Pycnonetus). 421, simplex simplex (Pycnonotus). 421, sinensis (Dendrocitta), 52, sinensis (Purun). 233, sitims'is (Pgetorhis), 233,
scliisl.icops (Poniatorliiuns),
scli.isl.iceps
478
ALPHABETrCAIi INDEX.
striatus (Alcurvi-s), 379. striatus (Atctirm), 379. striatus (Oarrular), 184. striatus (Ma-lacocerctts), 194. striatus ( TricJtophonis), 379. striatus (Turdinns), 2.'>1. strigula (Siva), 313. strigiila castaneiciiiida (Siva), 314. strignla strigula (Siva), 313.
sinensis assiiuiliB (Dendrocitta), 63. sinensis liinialaTeiisis (Dendrocitta), 52. sinensis nnsalis ( Pyetorliis), 235. sinensis satiiratior (I'yctorbis), 234. sinensis satnraiior {Pyciorhin), 234. sinensis sinensis (Pyctorhis), 233. siiUuinensis ( I'rocichla), 453. Sitta, 121. Sittidffi 120. Siva, 312. soeni/merinffii (Corfun), 3fi. somervillei ( Timaiiu). 194. somerTiUi'i (Tiirdoides), I'.M. somervillii (Crnlcropua), 104. sordida (Siva), 310. sordidior (I'ropai-us). 292.
Spelaeopnis. 451. Sphciiucichla, 460. spilonnia {Verihia), 439. xpilonota (Sa/pornis), 439. jipilonoius (MacUolopkun), 89. spilmiottis (Punts), 89.
styuHi (Trochnliiplermn), 157. subearulatus (Dri/oimstes), 142.

suhcrerulatus
{
Garrntajc), 142.
(PitUonietiiii),
suhochramnn
239.
siibrufa (Argya), 201.
201. subrufa (Timalia), 201.

stilirnfa (Ari/i/a),
nuMtiriculor (Trorhalopte^'um), 171.
subunieolor snbunieolor pterum), 171. sumiridis (Parus), 91.
(Troehalo-
sultane.a (.Melanochloni), 101. stiltanen (Me'aiwc'ilora), 101.
suUanea flavocristata
102.
(iVTeliinocliloral,
spilouotus (Salpornis), 439. spilonotiis spilouotus (Machloloplms),

89.
spilonotus snbTiridis (Machlolophus), 91. Spizixns, 400. splendene (Corvus), 32. tjtlendeua (Cormis), 33,34, 35. splendeng iiisulens (Corvng), 34. splendens protegatus (Coiths), 35. i'p/endens protegatus ( Cwvns), 35.
stdtanea (Melaiiocblora.), 101. sulta?inia (Parus), 101. Euperoiliaris (Xipliirarnpbus), 224. superciliaris (Xiphiramphtis), 224.
sultanea
Suthora, 107. Sylviparus, 88.
taniura (Certhia), 431.

taJifueiisis
(
plendens splendens (Corvus), 33. splendens rugmayeri (Corrus), 34.
Troglodytes). 440.
ialifuensis (Mgithaliscus), 95.
Hjuamata (lanthocincla), 174.

iiquamata (Microura), 458. squamata {Piioepyga), 4u&. squamata squaninta (Pnoepyga), 456. sijuamata webberi (Bubigu)a), 409. sqiinmatiim (Tro^lialopterum), 174. squamutum ( Troehalopterum), 174. Sfaciiyridopsis, 267.
Staebyris, 263. Staotocichla, 180.
tephrogenys (trichophonts), 362.
tepbrogenys buruianiciis
3fi4.
(Criniger),
tephrogonys flaveiilng (Criniger), 303. tepbrogenys grandis (Criniger), 305. tephrogenys griseiceps (CrinLzer), 305. tephrogenys tephrogenys (Criniger),
362. tephronota (SUiia), 129. terricolor (Pastor), 191,
terricolor malabaricus (Turdoides), 192. terricoU)r sindianus (Turdoides), 193.
terricolor
Staphidia,
,309.
sfennrhi/nehts (Pomaiorhinus). 219. etoliczksB (Certhia), 438. stoliceia (Certhia), 438. strepitans (Garrnlax), Ibi. strejtUans (Garrular), 154. striata (Corythocichkt), 251.
striata (Qrammatoptila), 184.
sindianm (Turdoidrji), 193. terrieolor terrioolor (Turdoides), J91. Tesia, 462.

thompsoni (Cerasophila), 373.
striata (Grammaioptila), 184. striata (lanUun), 311.

striata (Staphidia), 311.
striata ansteni (Gh-ammatoptila), 185. striatA i-ufigenie (Staphidia), 811.
thompsoni (Cerasophila), 373. thompsoni (Suthora), 115, Thringorhina, 201. tiheiana (Anothura), 448.
tihetanu$ (Corvut), 23. Tichodrnnia, 441. tickelU (Drymocalaphm), 247. tickeUi (ffemixttt), S78.
striata striata (Gratnmatoptila), 184. striata striata (Staphidia), 311.
ALl'HAmsaiCAL INDEX.
tickein tiokeUi ikkelli ticksUi
(Hypsiixiles), 378.
viiiipecta ausleiii (Fulvetta), 291.

vinipectjv ripponi (Fulvetta), 291.
(I'eUoriieum), 247.
[Pomaiiirhims), 22.3. iisiiamensis (rellorneuin), 248. tiukplli tiukelli (Pellorneimi), 247.

TinialiB,
22,^).
TiMAum.K,
134.
'il.MALUN*. 136.
tipliia (iEgi!,liina), iip/tia
ti/,/iiri
vinipecta viiiipecta (Piilvelta), 2yO. vinipectm {Vroparus), 2SK). vinipcctiis (Siva), 290. virgat.uvi (Trorfialopiefon), 179. virgatum (Troclialopternin), 179. viridis zoet^rops ((Ililoropsis), 351.
Tiridissitiia (JCgitliina), 34.3.
339.
(M/ifhhm), 340.
(Afu/.aciUa,, 34(),
lipliia
viridisnimti {MijitJiiiui), 343.

t'lridisi'iiiia.
Uora),
.343.
tiphia liimiei (TEgitliiiia), 342.
Uphia
tipliia
(Mgithhm),
34t).
virescais ciiijiamoiiicoveii/riK (lolc), 407. I'V-esceiis {Ink), 406.
zeylimiea (/EsitliiimJ, 342. Jorqiitttus {(iampKdrhynchiiif), 232. Tnicliyfonm.s, 402.

'rrinholi'sleH, 3(JC.
waddp|li(l{abax), 189, w<iddplti(hahai-), 189.
Troulialopleniin, Ki). Ti-ogl(,(l_\to9, 444. troglodytes (Troglodytes), 44r>. troglodytes upglectiis (Tr'oglodytes), 446. troglodytes iiepaleiisis (Troglodyt.es),
44.'').
waldeni (Aciiiiodtira), 308. waldeni [Ixojis), 'M*.
webbiana
briitiuea (Siitliora), 112.
vvliberi (h-idla), 409.
winijatei (Hira), 315.
ruglodytes lalifnensia (Troglodytes),

44(),
Xanlbiitus, 392.
xnnthuchliiris {Plrridhiun), 33.5.
<i-oglodvtfis
tibetaiiUB
(Troglodytes),
xantbochloris
thius),
.33(^.
oocideiitalis
(I'teru-
448.
Thohi.oiiytid.t., 444. Tiirdinuius, 250.
Tiirdoides,
liHI.
xant/iocMorin occidcntafis {Pteruthiiis), 336. xantlioehloris santliocbloria (1't.erutbiiLs), ;a5.
waul hogcnya (MachlohphuK), 91.

niiiliriiiKx
(
OirriiK), 23.
1(.I8.
xaiifkngeni/f {I'nriis), 91.
luiicolor {Heleromorph(i),
jtiiioolor (Sutliora), 108.
xantliogeiiys
aplouotus
(Machlo(Maclilo-
(Sidlwra), 108. Urocissn, 40.

iinir.olor
lophus), 92. xanthogeiiys xanttiogenys loplnis), 91.
xaniholmnns
mrialmiida (Coranion), saturatim'
f)l.
(lirachi/piis), 415.
santlioliEiiius (Pycnonotn.s), 415.
W.
(DenJrocitfa),
3'anfhol<emt(s (Pyciionoiun), 415.

xaiitholrtica (Krpornis), 325.
t'Ciffahunda
variau.'i
{Cnrvus), 56.
varians (Orypsirliiiia), 56.

ixirifâtiim XViiiclosonta), 173.
viiriegatum (Troclialoplerum), 173. rarifffafnni { Trochaloptermii). 173. variegatmn simile (Trochaloptormii),

174.
xamfholeuca {Herpornis), 325. xiiiitholeuca xaiitlioleuca (Erpornis), 325. xaniharrhoiis {Pyoionoins), 411. Xiphirainpliiis, 224.
vnriegatum
Tariegatmii
(Trochalo-
pteriini), 173.
paiiffpieum ( YiMna), 318. Yiiiiina, 316. yminanensis (Cer/hia), 432.
viclmia {Babax), 188. t'ie/onts ICerthia.), 437.

victoria {lanihocincla), 161.
victoriie (Sitta), 123.
eic/oria: (Si/ta),
seylonica (Mofacilla), 342.

zos/erops (Chloropm), 351.
123.
wigroayeri Ôorviis), 34.
PBINTKU
lir I'AYJ.OR
fOL'KT,
AND FHANCIS.
IIKI) J.IOS
PLKET STBEKI'.
DATE OF ISSUE
TiuK
l)(n)k
nmfct
ht>
riitiim*")
isKiie.
witliin 3, 7, 14
dajNof its
tho liwik
fin*
i.).VF.
ANNA per
is
day
wilf
bi> i?hf :j!P(1 if
ovonlne.
For Reference
Onlg.

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u

THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA

CEYLON AND BURMA /

E. SHII'LEY, G.li.E., M.A., So.D.Oantob.,

Princ(!ton,HON. LL.D. Michigau, F.E.S.

O.B.E., F.Z.S., Etc>

N 1) N TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

under the editorship of Dr.

was then estimated that

and the three succeeding volumes the number of species

classical " Birds

India " by more than

Oatos had been able to come to England on furlough and

utilize the collection of

amongst other large

second of the volumes written by Mr. Gates appeared the

two years' furlough he had

to be content with issuing

volume than usual.

covering the whole of the Passerine birds, the largest

The two remaining volumes on

and jiublished respectively in 1895 and

These volumes on lUrds have been for

been a constant demand for a re-issue of

therefore with great pleasure that with

sanction of the authorities of the India Office T have been

Dr. Blanford died

For twenty-seven years he

had been a member of the Indian Gfological Society and

many journeys ho kept a

keen eye on the fauna of British India and

highest order of merit, marked by thoroughness and

Mr. Gates survived

thirty-two years in the Public

his sjjare time to the ornithology

Burma and was

a standard work, though

has perhaps been to some

by his later work

but at times hot-tempered

a large part of their lives in the tropics are apt <o be a

the high regard he inspired in his

Trustees of the British

collection of British eggs,

and he prepared a manuscript

of four volumes, covering about

were issued during

Those who are responsible

for issuing these

well congratulate themselves on having secured the services

over the world as a regular contribator for more than

thirty years to the

"Ibis" and "Bombay Natural History

standard works and

nise in his vivid descriptions of the habits

the work of a first-hand authority.

The author has produced a work which combines the

the sportsman or amateur

to identify the various