274 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



where it expands, fonning a large patch there ; and lelow this a 

 blackish-brown streak from the lower mandible along the sides 

 of the neck ; beneath, the plumage is sullied white, vvith longitu- 

 dinal brown streaks ; the vent and under tail-coverts pale roseate- 

 crimson. 



Bill plumbeous-white. Length 8 to 8^ inches ; wing 4| ; tail 

 2f ; bill at front § ; foot 2|. The central tail-feathers slightly 

 exceed the others. 



The Brown-fronted Woodpecker has been placed with P. JSJah- 

 rattensis as Leiopicus, Bonap.; but though allied to that species by 

 its coloration, it is structurally more like P. Macei. It has been 

 found in the North-west Himalayas, extending on the East to 

 Nepal, but it has not yet been found in Sikim. Col. Tytler tells 

 me that it is abundant at Mussooree and Simla, entering 

 gardens, and destroying fruits, such as pears, &c.; and that it has a 

 soft rolling whistle. 



The next species has some slight points of distinction from the 

 previous birds, and has been separated as Leiopicus, Bonap.; but 

 I will merely point out the distinctive marks, without adopting the 

 generic name. The bill is slightly lengthened ; the lateral ridge 

 short and inconspicuous ; the culmen not quite straight ; the gonys 

 short, and the central tail-feathers are spotted. 



160. Picus Mahrattensis, Latham. 



Geay andHAKDW., 111. Ind. Zool., pi. 32, f. 62 — Gould, Cent. 

 Him. Birds, pi. 51— Sykes, Cat. 124 — Jerdon, Cat. 207 — Blyth, 

 Cat. 291 — HoESF., Cat. 987— P. haemasoma, Wagler — P. auro- 

 cristatus, Tickell (the female). 



The Yellow-fronted Woodpecker. 



Descr. — Plumage above, wings, and tail, black, banded with white; 

 forehead and top of head pale yellow ; occiput bright crimson in the 

 male, yellow in the female ; lores, around the eyes, ear-coverts, sides 

 of neck behind the throat, and middle of the neck and breast, 

 white ; a brown stripe, commencing near the nape, down the sides 

 Qf the nect and breast ; Iweast and abdomen brown, with pale 



