Common Birds of Western Himalayas 



that demands notice is the white-browed blue 

 flycatcher (Cyornis super ciliaris). In this 

 species the hen differs considerably from the 

 cock in appearance. The upper plumage of 

 the latter is a dull blue, set off by a white 

 eyebrow. The lower plumage is white save 

 for a blue collaret, which is interrupted in the 

 middle. The upper plumage of the hen is 

 olive brown, washed with blue in parts. Be- 

 neath she is pale buff. This species, like the 

 last, nests in a hole. 



There are yet four other species of flycatcher 

 which, although less frequently seen than the 

 two just mentioned, deserve place among the 

 common birds of the Himalayas. Two of 

 these are homely-looking little creatures, while 

 two are as striking as it is possible for a fowl 

 of the air to be, and this is saying a great deal. 



The brown flycatcher (Alseonax latirostris) 

 is a bird that may pass for a small sparrow if 

 not carefully looked at. Of course its habits 

 are very different to those of the sparrow ; 

 moreover, it has a narrow ring of white feathers 

 round the eye. The grey-headed flycatcher 

 (Culicicapa ceylonensis) is a species of which 

 the sexes are alike. The head, neck, and breast 

 are grey ; the wings and tail are brown ; the 



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