. So) 
(252) Strra rormosa, Beautiful Nuthatch, is by far the loveliest 
of the group and one of the prettiest little birds to be found any- 
where. It has so many bright colours, beautifully blended on so 
small a figure (compass). Varieties of shades and kinds of blue 
and other colours: cobalt-blue, azure-blue, verdigris-blue, lavender, 
rusty brown and patches and spots of black and white are all found 
on this beautiful nuthatch. Which glisten and show out in the sun- 
shine looking bright and vivacious, much more so, in the live-bird 
than in a stuffed species. The difference being between live colours 
and dead colours, if I may be permitted to say so. This nuthatch 
is to be found in Sikkim or Tongloo, also at Senchal ; but not so 
frequently at this latter place. Stffa formosa is at its best, in spring, 
when it adorns its wedding garments. In length it is 74 inches; 
irides dark brown. 
FamiLty UPUPID AS ( Hovpoes ) 
This brings us to the 3rd group of Venuirostres. 
Sup-tamity UPUPINA ( LLoopoes ) 
Are birds so well-known to residents in the plains, chiefly owing 
to them typical forms, markings and characteristics, that it seems 
scarcely necessary to Introduce the hoopoe. Its bill is very long, 
curved and compressed; head is crested with long and spotted 
feathers ; tail broad. These birds are terrestrial in habits and feed 
on lisects—grasshoppers, ete. Gait is elegant and easy, not lack- 
ing in dignity. Hoopoe’s call is lively, a familiar, whoop, whoop, whoop, 
which is oftener heard during the rainy season, when we have a 
nice break of sunshine, in the weather, after a “down pour.” Its 
crest is generally erect and most conspicuous by its absence when 
depressed or trailing over its shoulders. The Hoopoe is uncommon 
in Darjeeling. . 
GENUS UPUPA 
Bill very long, shghtly curved and compressed; crest large ; 
wing long, 4th quill Jongest ; tail broad, of 10 feathers; targus mode- 
rate, with scutw in front; claws short; hind claw long. ~ . 
