Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Oruithologrj. 301 



From Dr. Jerdon's 'Birds of India/ (ii. p. 7) I am inclined 

 to think that this species is a second of Mr. Blyth's genus Chleu- 

 asicus, and in style of colouring is even more nearly allied to 

 Paradoxornis ruficeps, Blyth, than is the already-described spe- 

 cies C. ruficeps, Blyth. The bill has a few light bristles at the 

 rictus. The feathers of the head are rounded and thick-set, the 

 ear is large and oval, its rostral line within the occipital line of 

 the eye. General feathers of plumage much as in Prinia. The 

 tail,- too, is very similar to those of members of that genus, 

 except that it numbers twelve rectrices, and is usually carried 

 cleft into two halves. The first lateral tail-quill is 1*25 inch 

 shorter than the longest median quills, and is a good deal nar- 

 rower. The tail-quills are much graduated, and broader as they 

 approach the middle. Wing rounded and a good deal as in 

 Prinia ; first quill short and narrow ; the second and third gra- 

 duating ; the fourth only "1 inch shorter than the fifth, which is 

 only the least bit longer than the sixth and seventh ; thence the 

 decrease onwards is very gradual. Legs thick and heavy for so 

 small a bird ; hind toe and claw disproportionately large as 

 compared with those in front. Tarsi about "6 inch ; front claws 

 cultrated at sides, hind claw nearly smooth ; outer toe a little 

 longer than inner. The foot is quite that of a Timaliine bird, 

 and to that section it doubtless belongs. 



Dissection of female. — Trachcea with the ring above the bronchi 

 strongly protruding and muscular. (Esophagus above the thorax 

 dilatable ; the proventriculus somewhat long and granulated ; 

 stomach large and circular, about half an inch in diameter, with 

 very strong lateral tendons; epithelium yellow, adnate, deeply 

 corrugated, and containing siliceous grits ; intestines short and 

 thick; caeca not perceptible. Ribs six pairs on each side. 

 Sternum short, broad, and rounded, with long coracoids and 

 clavicles. 



The Chinese of the coast are not acquainted with the species ; 

 but the Chinese of the interior call it " Banff-taou" {lit. Net- 

 gamble), and prize it very highly for its pugnacious propensi- 

 ties. Its young are procured from the hills, reared by hand, 

 and nurtured with great care, and when mature they are fought 

 for wagers like the Hwameis, the Quail, and Copsychus saularis. 



