20 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



Eyton, and to which belong Turdinus, Turdirostris, Macronovs 

 Trichixos, and Naputliera. Among the recorded species are 

 Malacoptcron magnum, Eyton ; M. major, Blyth ; JSlacronoiis 

 ptllosus, J. and S. ; Turdinus macrodacfylus, Strickland, Turdirostris 

 siiperciliaris, Hay, &c. &c., from ]\Ialayana : Turdinus crispifrons, 

 Bl., T. brevicaudatus, Bl., T. fjuttatus., Tickell, are from Tenasserim; 

 and there is a new species of that genus from the Khasia hills. 

 Cacopitta, Bonap., with a few species from the Islands, apparently 

 belongs to this section of the Timalin(B. Some of the birds, 

 however, described under these names are more nearly allied to 

 the true Timalice. Although several species have been lately de- 

 scribed, yet from their plain and sombre plumage, many are perhaps 

 overlooked ; and Wallace states that he got some new species from 

 Malacca, quite common there, but neglected by the bird-dealers. 

 They vary a good deal in the form of their bill, some having 

 this organ large, and much hooked ; and others comparatively 

 slender and slightly hooked. The last-named observer found that 

 they feed chiefly on fruit, but also on insects. It appears to me 

 (judging from the figures only, and the account of their habits) 

 tliat Pltyllastrephus, an African genus, belongs rather to this family 

 than to the Bulbuls, or Warblers, and if so, it should be located in 

 this section ; and Aletlie, Cassin, also from Africa, is said to be 

 near Napothera. 



Close to the black-headed species of Alclppe sliould be placed 

 the following group witli wlilch I would commence the series 

 of Wren-babblers, and these nearly agree with Bonaparte's section 

 TimaletXi of his Timalince. 



Gen. Staciitris, Hodgson. 



Char. — Bill somewhat long, high at the base, straight, com- 

 pressed, tapering or conic, the tip very slightly bent downwards, 

 and faintly notched ; nostrils nearly concealed ; rictus almost 

 smooth; wings short, rounded, 5th, 6tli and 7th quills equal and 

 longest ; tail rather short, slightly graduated ; tarsus moderately 

 long, stout ; lateral J;oes nearly equal, claws moderately curved ; 

 middle toe not elongated; hind toe and claws very large. The 

 head is usually crested or aub-crcstcd, the feathers being semi- 

 erect and diverijent. 



