532 Lt.-Col. G. Rippon on the Birds 



timid, but is careful to keep on the side of its cover furthest 

 from an observer. 



44. HoDGSoNius pHCENicuROiDEs (Hodgs.). (199.) 

 Only two specimens obtained. 



45. Tesia cyaniventris Hodgs, (201,) 



Very common at 5000 and up to 7000 feet^ coming down 

 to 4500 feet when the vegetation suits it. Its favourite 

 places are the peculiar hollows which are so numerous in the 

 hills of the Shan States. These vary from cone-shaped holes 

 30 yards across to valleys half a mile or more long, without 

 any above-ground exit for their drainage. Where such 

 localities are covered with dense undergrowth, consisting 

 largely of nettles from seven to ten feet high and are shaded 

 by big trees, a pair or more of T. cyaniventris, according to 

 the size of the hollow, are certain to be found. 



I have not been able to detect any difference in the plumage 

 of the male and female, I determined the sex of several 

 individuals ; some were more brightly coloured than others, 

 but this difference did not appear to be connected with the 

 sex, I did not at any time obtain a bird in the young plumage, 

 and in April, when I got most of my specimens, they were 

 breeding. They have an alarm-note, by which their presence 

 is immediately brought to notice, even when the watcher 

 is moving over the driest of dead leaves. I have sometimes 

 heard one of them utter a short but very sweet song. I think 

 that the words "golden brown'' in the description of this 

 bird on p. 192 of the ' Fauna of British India : Birds/ must 

 be a misprint and intended for " golden green.'' 



The irides of all my specimens were dark brown. 



46. Oligura castaneicoronata (Burton). (202.) 



Not common, and, so far as my experience goes, only 

 found at and over 5000 feet, and always near a running 

 stream in thick undergrowth. I have never heard it 

 utter a sound. In collecting this and similar forms which 

 haunt the brushwood, it is necessary, after catching a glimpse 

 of them, to sit down and watch. If the species is at all 

 noisy, its note is sure to be heard. 



