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I am wont to use whilst talking to him, and seems 

 to try new notes of his own every day. The ordinary 

 call note consists of a quiet " cherrukk," and when 

 alarmed it calls out not unlike a Jay, of course not in 

 such a loud tone. 



In size the bird is similar to the Redwing Thrush, 

 and, having an example before me, I will roughly 

 describe the colouration : Bill at the gape and base 

 cobalt blue, at the nostrils greenish, remainder 

 yellow. The parts usually described as the legs and 

 toes yellow, claws strong and whitish. Eye sharp and 

 piercing, the iris being silvery white, and a bare space 

 is situated immediately behind the eye, being more 

 visible at one time than another. Top of the head 

 surmounted with a glossy black crest, which reaches 

 well down the back of the neck. Sides of face, ear 

 coverts, throat, breast, flanks, and under parts reddish 

 buff showing distinct lines of shade. Back, shoulders, 

 and saddle down to the tail, a delicate dove grey. 

 Wings a similar colour, except the primary feathers 

 which are black. Tail feathers whitish, the upper 

 ones being black and these entirely cover the light 

 feathers when retracted, so that unless the bird 

 spreads its tail these white feathers are not seen. A 

 white feather is sometimes seen at the shoulder 

 according to the manner in which it arranges 

 its feathers. When closely examined it tightens 

 its crest close to the head and neck in a beautiful 

 curve, and the feathers of the back and body are 

 drawn closely together, which gives the bird a taper- 

 ing appearance. If undisturbed the feathers are 

 carried very much more loosely, when they appear 

 pointed and shaggy and hang lappet-like, reminding 

 one of the plumage of a Heron. If quite at ease the 

 bird often looks very shaggy, and the chin feathers 

 stand out quite straight from the skin and give the 

 bird a most peculiar appearance. 



