76 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



rriarks that the affinity of the family for that of the Melliphagidee 

 is, I think, undeniable. With regard to other external relations, 

 they appear to have affinities with the AmpelidcB, and particularly 

 perhaps for some of the Leioinchin(s, as will be pointed out 

 hereafter. 



They live both on fruit and insects, more particularly on the 

 former food. Only a few species ever descend to the ground. 

 Most of them construct neat nests, and the eggs are either pale 

 reddish, or pinkish white, more or less spotted with red. 



The Brachypodidm may be sub-divided into — 



1st — Pycnonotince, true Bulbuls. 



2«£Z. — PhyllornithincB, Green Bulbuls. 



Srd. — IrenincBy Blue-birds. 



Aiih. — OriolincB, Orioles. 



Sub-fam. Pycnonotin^. 



The true Bulbuls are distinguished from the members of the 

 other sub-families by the bill being generally shorter, straighter, 

 and more depressed at the base, with the rictal bristles more 

 developed. The tongue is more simple, though bifid in some, 

 and slightly pencilled in a few. Their plumage is usually full, 

 sometimes puffy, and, in very many instances, there are various 

 hairs or bristles (undeveloped feathers) conspicuous, especially 

 on the head and nape ; so much so, that some have received 

 generic names (Trichophorus, Criniger,) from that character. 

 The sexes are in most cases exactly alike in colour. They 

 are birds of rather small size, and, as a general rule, of plain, 

 though, in many instances, pleasing plumage, green, brown, and 

 yellow being the predominant tints. They are mostly denizens 

 of the forests and jungles, a very few only frequenting gardens 

 or groves. They feed both on fruit and insects. Their wings 

 enable them to fly with ease, and some have a tolerably swift 

 flight. They make a rather neat nest, and the eggs of most 

 are pale reddish or pink, with numerous darker red specks. They 

 are tolerably numerous in India, Burmah, and Malayana; and 

 many species are found in Africa ; one occurs in Spain. They are 

 active and sprightly in their movements, and usually have a 



