THE BIRDS OF TRAVANCORE. 469 



August, and the bird builds at elevations of 2,000 feet and upwards 

 above sea-level. 



Average size of eggs # 60X'42." 

 (107) Uroloncha malabarica.— The White-throated Munia. 

 Oates, No. 734 ; Jerdon, No. 703. 



Oates' description of the distribution of this bird, viz., " The whole 

 continent of India from the Himalayas to Cape Coinorin and Ceylon," 

 leaves out the essential characteristic which is that it is only found 

 where there is a dry climate. Its specific name is ill bestowed, as it is far 

 from common in Malabar and other well-wocded districts. In Travan- 

 core it is only found in the dry open country about Cape Comorin 

 where it is fairly common, going aboat in flocks. Breeds from 

 December to March. 



(108) Uroloncha punctulata. — The Spotted Munia. 

 Oates, No. 735 ; Jerdon, No. 699. 



The Spotted Munia is fairly common in the low country, but does not 

 ascend the hills. It frequent* gardens, compounds and paddy fields. 

 Breeds April to July. Oates says that Sporceginthus amandava is found 

 throughout the whole of India proper from the foot of the Himalayas 

 to Cape Comorin. This is incorrect. It may occur pretty far south 

 on the eastern side, but it is not found at Cape Comorin nor anywhere 

 else in Travancore. 



Family FRINGILLID^. 



(109) Carpodacus erythrinus. — The Common Rose-finch. 

 Oates, No. 761 ; Jerdon, No. 738. 

 Oates says this bird is " a winter visitor to the whole of India as far 

 south as the Nilgiris," for Nilgiris may be substituted the High Range 

 in Travancore where it is fairly common from December to March, 

 frequenting both open country in flocks and also sholas. 



(110) Gymnorhis flavicollis. — The Yellow-throated Sparrow. 



Oates, No. 775 ; Jerdon, No. 711. 

 Fairly common in the low country. Breeds in May and June. 

 (Ill) Passer domesticus. — The House-sparrow. 

 Oates, No. 776 ; Jerdon, No. 706. 

 Common in the low country. It also ascends the hills at times 

 where there is cultivation, following the rice carts. Breeds in Feb- 

 ruarv and March. 



