536 Mr. ¥. Lewis on the Land-birds of 



affects the "chena'Mands^ though it is not iinfrequeutly found 

 in forests. I have repeatedly obtained it in native gardens, 

 where it loves to infest mango-trees. Its beautiful pro- 

 longed whistle is very striking, and it may be added that 

 the bird appears to have a sort of ventriloquistic power, as I 

 have frequently remarked that when the bird was close at 

 hand its call appeared to come from quite an opposite 

 direction. 



I have not myself taken the eggs, but I have been shown 

 specimens obtained in the North of Ceylon. They were of 

 a grey-white, lightly and sparingly marked with pale brown 

 spots. 



110. Malacocercus strictus (Legge, B. of C. p. 494). 



A typical low-country bird, and commonly known as the 

 " Suru Sistus,'^ or Dung-Thrush. It is confined chiefly to 

 open country, and, so far as I am aware, is never found in 

 forests. It breeds in March and April, placing its nest in 

 low bushes. The eggs are usually three in number, of a 

 beautiful greenish-blue colour, and look as if highly polished. 



111. Malacocercus rufescens (Legge, B. of C. p. 497, 

 pi. xxi. fig, 2). 



A common forest species, very much like M. strictus in its 

 habits, but distinct as regards its selection of forest and 

 bush country instead of the inhabited places and gardens 

 frequented by the former. 



I have found it in the wet forests of the Adam's Peak 

 range up to 4000 feet, and again on the borders of the Galle 

 district and in the Kukulu Korah. Like the last, it is 

 gregarious, and it is noticeable that when parties of these 

 birds are found, they are most frequently to be seen followed 

 by the large Subcrested Drongo [Dissemurus lophorhinus) , 

 which I have no doubt makes use of them for unearthing 

 grubs and worms that the Drongo snatches away. I have 

 not taken the eggs of this indigenous bird. 



112. Garrulax cinereifrons (Legge, B. of C. p. 499, 

 pi. xxii. fig. 2). 



Not uncommon, but restricted to the forests. I have 



