Sahara(jamuiva Province, Ceylon. 533 



100. MoNTicoLA CYANUS (Lcgge, B. of C. p. 460). 



I have only once obtained this bird among a mass of rocks 

 in the Balangoda district during the N.E. monsoon. 



101. Myiophonus blighi (Legge, B. of C. p. 463, pi. xx.). 

 This large and beautiful Thrush is chiefly confined to the 



hill-country, and does not appear to be particularly plentiful. 

 From my own observations it does not occur below 3000 feet. 

 I procured it twice above 4000 feet in the Morahella forest, 

 and again below the Meriacotta Peak, near Maskeliye. I 

 have seen it in the Gillimali forests and three times on the 

 Central-Province side of Adam's Peak. Its shy habits may 

 have something to do with its not being more frequently 

 seen ; and, as it appears to confine itself to dark forests and 

 streams abounding with rocks, it is all the more difficult 

 to study. 



I strongly suspect the existence of an allied form in 

 Ceylon, as I once had an opportunity of watching a pair of 

 birds in the wet forests of Gillimali which, while closely 

 resembling this species, could yet be distinguished by the 

 shorter tail and much browner shade, with a smoke-black 

 head. Unfortunately, at the time I was without my gun, 

 so that I can only record the above as being a possible 

 "find," that may fall to the luck of other ornithologists to 

 place on record. 



I may add that I procured a hen bird with much duller 

 markings than the male, and with a bright blue patch on 

 the interscapulars. 



102. Hypsipetes ganeesa (Legge, B. of C. p. 469). 



A very abundant species and found throughout both dis- 

 tricts of the province. It is frequently met with in flocks, 

 affecting forests on the edges of patina- and chena-lands and 

 on the wild slopes of Raja Singha forest, towards the south. 

 It breeds in February and March in rather high trees, con- 

 structing a loose nest, like the others of the Bulbui tribe. 

 In the Kegalla district, where forest is less plentiful than 

 in the interior of the province, these birds select solitary 

 "kahata" trees {Careya arborea) to build in. The eggs arc 



