observed about Talien Bay {N. China). 259 



A broad band encircling the lower neck, the lower part of the 

 breast, and the belly, are of a smoke grey. The birds undergo 

 an autumnal moult, in which black tints become much bright- 

 ened and the grey approaches to the white of the adult. The 

 authors of the ' Fauna Japonica ' have somewhat jumbled the de- 

 scription of this bird with that of the following species. 



15. CoRvus (Monedula) neglectus, Schlegel. 



In most flocks of the pied species a few of these were to be 

 seen, but they w^ere by no means common. 



16. CucuLUs STRiATUS, Drapicz. 



This Cuckoo is found all down the coast of China throughout 

 summer, but in wdnter it leaves us. Mr. Blyth has identified 

 the species. Our specimens are invariably larger, and have 

 weaker bills than skins from India, but in other respects I can 

 see no difference. The note of this bii'd has a wonderful simi- 

 larity to that of Cuculns canorus. 



17. COLUMBA LEUCOZONUKA, n. Sp. 



This Hock-Pigeon, at once distinguishable from C. Jivia by its 

 white tail-band, its purple breast, and the reversion of the re- 

 splendent tints that adorn the neck, is found in immense num- 

 bers in Talien Bay, where the precipitous rocks abounding in 

 dark limestone caverns afford it a safe retreat and present it 

 with cradles for the rearing of its young. The caverns these 

 birds generally choose were dark and unwholesome-looking, with 

 the damp trickling from the roof. In these places out of arm's 

 reach the pigeons chose rocky ledges to place their stick-built 

 nests on ; rude constructions they generally were. You never 

 watched long before seeing some bird either going or returning 

 with food. They mostly went on these excursions several toge- 

 ther, and dashing by with rapid flight, made for the fields of 

 newly-planted grain, into which they would drop and commence 

 to search for food. On our first landing we found no difficulty 

 in approaching to within a few yards ; but they very soon learnt 

 to dread the gun. The ships of war that visited this bay during 

 early spring, report these birds as wandering about the country, 

 associated in immense flocks. One officer, I was informed^ 

 brought down thirteen at one shot. 



