{ H ) 



but in the breeding season which commences in May, it indulges in 

 a pretty little song^ which it utters from the top of a twig or piece 

 ot kine-grass. When it has finished it dives back, again into cover, 

 as if it had been frightened at its own boldness. 



It builds a very neat little cup-shaped nest, in any convenient 

 small bush and lays four pinky white eggs covered with bold spots 

 and splashes of dark red or brown. 



(No. 139 Pyctorhis sinensis.) 



THE RED CAPPED BABBLER. 



The Red-capped Babbler is a small bird about seven inches in 

 length, with rather a long fan-shaped tail, a chestnut crown to its 

 head and a white eye-brow, the upper parts of the body olive brown, 

 cheeks, chin, throat and under parts white. And is very noticeable 

 bird if one happens to catch sight of him; he generally manages, 

 however, to keep hinii^elf well concealed, it is generally found in 

 damp localities in long grass, or in shady nullahs with water standing 

 about, and when disturbed makes a great fuss hopping about twitter- 

 ino- with outstretched wings and tail. It builds a domed-shaped 

 nest near the ground, and lays two or three white eggs spotted with 

 brown. It is found all over Burma, both in the dry and wet zones, 

 but does not ascend the hills to any height. 



(No. 134. Timelia jerdoni.) 



THE BURMESE SPOTTED BABBLER. 



Is a another small bird about seven-and-ahalf inches in length, 

 havintT its whole upper plumage olive brown. The upper part of 

 the head and crown deep chestnut, throat white and under parts light 

 fawn colour with brown stripes ; and an indistinct eye-brow yellow- 

 ish white. It very rarely shows itself, but on the other hand always 

 lets you know of its presence by its monotonous cry of " pretty dear " 

 " pretty dear " uttered from some well hidden patch of jungle. 



It builds a domed-shaped nest of grass and leaves which is 

 generally rather difficult to find, being placed on the ground, am.ongst 

 fallen leaves or dense undergrowth, and lays two or tliree whitish 

 eggs covered with small dark-brown specks. This is a very com- 

 mon little bird round Rangoon and may be heard from nearly every 

 well-wooded nullah at all times of the year. 



(No. 145. Pellorneum subochraceum.) 



THE YELLOW-BREASTED BABBLER 



Is another small bird with a monotonous call. It is about five 

 itiches in length with olive-green upper plumage, its chin, throat and 



