40 coETiD.?;. 



270 min., generally over 250 uim.; tail from 250 to 300 mm. ; 

 tarsus 50 mm. ; c-ulmeii about SO to 85 mm. 



Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and East Tibet to Kansu. 



Nidification. This fine Magpie breeds both in Sikkim and 

 South and East Tibet at heights over 10,000 feet and up to nearly 

 15,000 feet The nest is similar to that of the Common Magpie 

 !)ut is often placed comparatively low down in thorn-bushes. 

 The eggs number from four to six in u full clutcli, and are rather 

 dark as a series but otherwise like those of other species of Pica. 

 They are very big and forty-eiglit eggs average 38-7x26'7 mm. 



The birds breed from early April, when there is still snow about, 

 through May and rarely, possibly a second time, in June. 



Habits. Similar to those of other birds of the genus. 



Genus UROCISSA Cabanis, 1850. 



The genus Urocissa contains a few brightly plumaged Magpies 

 which are found in India and China. They differ from the true 



Fig. 10. — Head of U. m. occipifaUs. 



Magpies in having the nostrils, which are covered by rather soft 

 plumes, not by stiff bristles, situated near the base of the bill ; in 

 having a longer tail and a bill which is red or yellow but never 

 black. 



Key to Species. 



A. Bill red. Niichal white patch larore, 



reaching to the end o*" the black on the 



hind neck U. melanocephala, p. 40. 



B. Bill yellow. Nuchal patch small, not 



reaching to the end of the black U.Jlavirostns, p. 43. 



Urocissa melanocephala. 



Key to Subspecies, 



A. Patch on the head pale blue U. m. melanocephala, 



B. Patch on the head pure white. [p- 41. 



a. Bill smaller, under 83 mm U. m. occipitalis, p. 41. 



b. Bill larger, over 33 mm U.m. magnirostris, p. 42 



