Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Ornithology. 269 



29. Chaptia brauniana, n. sp. 



From the mountain forests of the interior country I procured 

 several examples of a bird of this interesting genus of Drongos, 

 which has hitherto comprised only two species, the C. (Bnea,^\&\\\., 

 of Hindostan, and the C. malayensis, A. Hay, of Malacca. I may 

 remark that no species has been yet recorded from China. Our 

 bird is a constant denizen of the dense and lofty forests that 

 clothe the central mountain-range of aboriginal Formosa, and 

 make their heights almost impenetrable to aught but the stealthy 

 savage. I never had the gratification of seeing the bird in its 

 state of nature ; but I was informed by my hunters that it is 

 met with in small parties perched on the highest trees, whence 

 it launches after the passing insect, much in the manner of 

 other Dicrurida, and that it possesses an agreeable song. The 

 truth of their observation is entirely confirmed by Mr. Jerdon's 

 remarks on the Indian species (see Moore and Horsfield^s Cata- 

 logue, vol. i. p. 160). 



The male and female of this species (which I have named after 

 my assistant in the consulate, Mr. Braune) do not appear to differ. 



Length 9 in.; wing 5^ ; tail 5. Entire plumage black, some- 

 what smoky on the belly, and spotted with white on the axil- 

 laries. In some specimens these last are scarcely apparent. 

 Upper parts, wings, tail, and carpal rim resplendent with deep 

 metallic bluish green, showing purple in some lights. Bill and 

 legs black. Irides blackish brown. In the young birds the 

 whole plumage is black ; but the first moult soon comes on, and 

 developes the glossy feathers. 



I have compared my Formosan with two fine specimens of 

 C. cenea sent me by Mr. Atkinson from India. At first sight 

 I pronounced them identical ; but on closer examination, I think 

 the distinguishing characters are quite sufficient to warrant their 

 separation. They are both coloured much in the same manner, 

 and both have white-spotted axillaries. But in all my skins, 

 the bill, which varies inter se in size, is always shorter and much 

 broader at the base than in C. cenea. It is also covered with 

 feathers to a higher extent on the culmen. The feathers of the 

 head and back are much shorter and rounder, and reflect purple 

 and steel-blue instead of copper-green. The same colours pre- 



