loo SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



bird is known to the natives, occurred to me, and following up the 

 bird I had no difficulty in identifying it as the Paradise Fly -catcher. 

 When in the full chestnut plumage with the long tail feathers it is 

 called by the Smhalese Ginni kora (Fire Thief). 



Sub-family Ruticillin^. 



(662) Thamnobia fulicata (the Black Robin). Resident. 



Oates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 115; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 440. 



This familiar black robin inhabits almost every garden. The 

 plumage of the male is glossy black, with some white in the wings 

 and a chestnut patch under the tail. The female is a brownish 

 black. Frequently seen together, when the difference in sexes can 

 easily be distinguished. 



(663) Copsychus saularis (the Magpie Robin). Resident. 



Oates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 116; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 433. 



This robin is the " black and white bird " which is found in nearly 

 every compound. The name " Magpie " is descriptive enough for 

 identification. The female has the breast dark gray, which in the 

 male is black. It is our best songster, and during March it pours 

 forth a volume of beautiful notes in the early mornings and late in 

 the evenings. 



Family PLOCEIDM. 



Sub-family Viduin^. 



(735) Uroloncha punctulata (the Spotted Munia). Resident. 



Oates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 189; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 656. 



A common cage bird. Found in the Cinnamon Gardens and more 

 outlying parts. General appearance dull chocolate colour, chest 

 white, spotted with dark brown. 



Munia oryzivora (the Java Sparrow). Partial migrant. 



Oates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 182; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 646. 



This f amihar cage bird is not admitted to the Natural History of 

 either India or Ceylon, because the specimens seen in a mild state 

 are descended from imported stock. I have frequently seen flocks 

 of as many as tAventy Java Sparrows at a time on the Galle Face, 

 feeding on the grass. My records show that they were observed in 

 August and February. The plumage above is a " delicate dove- 

 gray " (Legge), conspicuous white cheeks ; head, chin, and throat 

 black ; under surface gray ; breast " isabelline red " ; bill red. 



