254 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



This very pleasingly plumaged Leiothrix is found in the Hima- 

 layas from Nepal to Bootan, and also in the hills of Assam. It is 

 common near Darjeeling, from 3,000 to 0,000 feet, and has similar 

 manners to tlic last, being found in considerable flocks, with a hurried 

 and lively manner, flying from tree to tree, ahghting about the 

 middle, and then liopping and climbing u[t to the topmost branches, 

 hunting for minute insects with a lively chirrup. 



Siva nipalensis, Hodgson, is now referred to Alcippe, Blytli; and 

 Siva occipitalis^ Blyth, to the next group. 



Gen. MiNLA, Hodgson. 



Syn. Cerihijjariis, Hodgson. 



Char. — Bill somewhat lengthened, slender, deiTessed at the base, 

 very slightly curved, tip strongly notched, rictus nearly smooth ; 

 tail rather short, slightly rounded ; tarsus moderate ; toes mode- 

 rate, slender, basally much connected ; hind toe very large ; claws 

 much curved and compressed. 



These birds, says Mr. Hodgson, have a quasi-Certhian structure, 

 as shown both in bill and feet, and less so in the tail. They are 

 excellent climbers ; partake of seeds less than the previous species, 

 and are very like the Tits in their habits. 



618. Minla ignotincta, Hodgson. 



Blyth, Cat. 512 — tloRSF., Cat. 589 — Leiothrix ornata, McLel- 

 LAND — Minla, Nep. — Meghlim ayeiie, Lepch, i. e. the lied Meghlim. 



The Red-tailed Hill-tit. 



JDescr. — Head and nape black, with a broad superciliary white 

 band, and, beneath this, another black band through the eye ; 

 mantle luteous-olive, tending to vinous on the back of the 

 male ; wings and tail black, broadly margined with crimson on 

 the tail and primaries, which are also tipped with the same ; the 

 other wing-feathers are edged \\ith white; throat white; the 

 rest beneath bright yellow. 



The female is white beneath, and the colours somewhat duller. 



Bill blackish ; legs horny yelloAV ; irides brown Length 5^ 

 inches ; extent 7| ; wing 2|- ; tail 2|- ; bill at front /^ ; tarsus jf . 



