102 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



(845) Anthus richardi (Richard's Pipit). Migrant. 



Gates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 307 ; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 621. 

 A migrant, but I have never seen it before the month of February. 

 It is suggested that it does not stop in Colombo on its migration 

 south, but halts here for a month or so on the return journey. This 

 fine Pipit is by no means common. I have only seen a few 

 specimens each season, in February, March, and April. It can be 

 readil}^ recognized from the following species by its size. Its note 

 is deeper than A. rufulus. 



(847) Anthus rufulus (the Common Pipit). Resident. 



Gates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 308 ; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 625. 

 Gates says : " An exact miniature of A. r ichardi, iroiw which this 

 species differs in nothing but size." This Pipit is one of the com- 

 monest birds of Colombo, being found all the year round, and at 

 all times of the day, on open stretches of grass. 



Family AL AUDI DM. 



(872) Mirafra affinis (the Madras Bush Lark). Resident. 



Gates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 335; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 634. 

 This Lark is almost as common as the foregoing Pipit, with which 

 it consorts on all open grass lands. It is remarkably like the 

 common Pipit ; in fact, so much so that it is extremely difficult to 

 distinguish one from the other. There are three points by which 

 it can be recognized, but it is necessary to know both birds very well 

 before these differences can be appreciated : — 



(1) It generally sings whilst soaring. 



(2) It frequently perches on branches, whereas I have never seen 



the common Pipit do so. 



(3) The beak is larger and " leavier " than the Pipit's. 



Furthermore, the hinder part of the tarsus is scutellated, whereas 

 in the Pipit it is smooth, but this point, of course, cannot be recog- 

 nized miless a specimen is handled. The easiest Avay to recognize 

 these birds is by observing their habits. 



A minute description of A. rufulus and M. affinis would convey 

 little at first ; it is sufficient to say they are the common brown birds 

 seen on all grass lands. 



(879) Pyrrhulauda grisea (the Black-bellied Finch Lark). Resident. 

 Gates, Fauna Br. Ind. (Birds), II., p. 341 ; Legge, Birds of 

 Ceylon, p. 637. 

 Mr. Symons and I found a flock of about a dozen on the racecourse, 

 Avhich we believe is the first record of this bird in Colombo. 



