12 birds of india. 



The Striated Jay-tiirusii. 



Vescr. — Above light wood-brown, tinged with umber brown on 

 the head, and rufescent on the wings; the tail almost chesnut brown ; 

 the outer edge of the outermost primaries tinged with hoary ; 

 beneath, brown slightly paler than above ; all the body feathers, 

 both above and below, striated longitudinally with yellowish 

 white ; the streaks on the abdomen wide, and longer than those 

 on tlie back. 



Bill black ; legs dusky plumbeous ; irides red brown. Length 

 12 inches J wing 5 5 ; tail 5|; bill at front nearly 1, fth deep; 

 tarsus 1^. 



This bird has a remarkably strong aud Jay-like bill, and was 

 originally described as a Jay by Vigors. In its mode of coloration 

 it approaches some of the Garrulax series, viz. Troclialovteron 

 lineatum, and T. imhricatiiin. The striated Jay-thrush is a very 

 common bird about Darjeeling, from about 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet, 

 but is more often heard than seen. It frequents the densest 

 thickets, in pairs, or in small and scattered parties. It has some 

 very peculiar calls, one of them not unlike the clucking of a hen 

 which has just laid an egg. I found both fruit and insects in the 

 stomach of those which I examined, chiefly the latter. It extends 

 from Bootan to Nepal, but I am not aware if it is found further 

 to the west. 



We next come to the Shrike-thrushes. These are disguised so 

 completely as Shrikes that they have usually been classed as such; 

 but, after a full consideration of all their characters, and noting 

 their apparent affinities for some of the next group, many of which 

 have strong Shrike-like bills, I think that their true place is in this 

 family. 



Gen. Thamnocataphus, Tickell. 



Cliar. — Bill lengthened, compressed, high at the base, well 

 hooked at the tip, and strongly notched ; rictal vibrissze small and 

 few ; wings short, much rounded, the 3rd to the 7tli primaries 

 about equal aud longest ; tail moderately long, nearly even ; the 

 outermost feathers slightly shorter ; tarsus long ; lateral toes un- 

 equal ; feet strong ; plumage soft, full, and puffy. 



