47. THE CEYLON SPUR FOWL. 



Galloperdix bicakarafa, (Pennant). 



Tail entirely black. 



Space in front of the eye nude. 



MALE : — Lower plumage white, each 

 feather margined black. 



FEMALE: — Lower plumage chestnut 

 stippled with black. 



Vernacular Names :—Haban-kukula, 

 Saban-kukula, Ceylon. 



The Ceylon Spur-Fowl is restricted to the 

 island of Ceylon, in many parts of which 

 it appears to be a common bird. It is 

 found up to an altitude of more than 

 5000 feet. 



Colonel Legge remarks of this bird : 

 " The ' Haban-Kukula,' so well known in 

 Ceylon on account of its remarkable 

 cackling note, is one of the shiest birds 

 in the island, affecting the most entire 

 concealment, and only emerging from the 

 jungles in the early morning. It is so 

 wary that, although it may occasionally 

 be surprised or heard close to a path in 

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