6o 



ornithologist will perceive that it differs from that 

 form, and will agree that Mr. Hodgson has very 

 properly made it the type of a new genus, HcB7)iatospiza. 

 It is not only the most highly coloured species of the 

 family Loxiadcs, but its plumage is perhaps more 

 intensely scarlet-red than any other at present known ; 

 and in its native woods it must be a most attractive 

 and brilliant object, especially if, like its near allies, 

 it be gregarious, and many males may be seen on the 

 same tree at one time. But little information has 

 been recorded respecting this species. It is said to 

 have been received from Darjeeling and the Himalaya, 

 and in all probability the rich country of Nepaul is its 

 native habitat, as it is from thence that specimens 

 have been most frequently brought to this country. 

 Mr. Blyth states that living examples are occasionally 

 brought to Calcutta for sale ; and the Prince of 

 Canino and Dr. Schlegel inform us, in their " Mono- 

 graphic des Loxiens," that it sings very agreeably, and 

 plays a great part in the mythology of the Indians. 

 The sexes, as will be seen, present a strong 

 contrast to each other. 



The male has the entire plumage intense scarlet- 

 red, with the exception of the inner webs of the wing- 

 feathers and the tail, which are black ; irides yellow- 

 ish brown ; bill yellowish horn-colour ; legs and feet 

 brown. 



The female has the feathers of the head black 

 and wing-coverts dark brown, broadly margined with 

 yellowish olive; rump rich orange; primaries and 

 tail brownish black, the former margined externally 

 at the base with yellowish olive ; tail-coverts brownish 

 black, margined with yellowish olive ; feathers of the 



