Tongloo and Sandakphu at an elevation of 9,000 feet and over. A 
number of these birds are generally observed together keeping up 
a cheerful chatter whilst they forage for insects. They are local 
in their habits and seldom move from place to place like the more 
migratory birds. ‘Though they feed much among the lower branches 
near the ground, they frequently expose themselves, in the bright 
sunshine. This species is 7? inches; bill bright yellow ; head crested ; 
plumage ashy olive-brown; brighter coloured on the head, wings 
and tail. 
(377) CHLEUASICUS RUFICEPS, Red-headed Tit-Thrush, is generally 
found at Chuabhunjin, across the Sikkim frontier, after leaving 
Phalut. Scanty groups are occasionally met with on the Sandak- 
phu road. They are similar in habits to the former bird (Unicolor). 
In size, smaller; about 54 inches in length. Plumage of this Tit- 
Thrush is olive-brown, above, with a reddish tinge; head and neck 
bright ferruginous ; underparts of the body white ; legs greenish ; 
irides reddish brown ; bill bluish white, and fineh-like ; short, stout 
and deep, sides compressed, culmen much arched. 
Most of the Tit-like Thrushes are found, between Phalut and 
Shampu, the lake below the glacier,, which comes off Kinchinjinga, 
about 14,000 feet elevation. 
(382) GRAMMATOPTILA STRIATA, Striated Jay-Thrush, is the first 
bird of this sub-family which makes itself quite at home in Dar- 
jeeling. Most of the previous species are not a little partial to 
higher altitudes. This biggish thrush is frequently met with here. 
It usually arrives late in the season and is seldom seen before May. 
Though it comes fully a month earlier, it hides away among thick 
jungle on the outskirts of the station. From these secluded re- 
treats its clear, cheerful call, can be heard, on bright sunny morn- 
ings, groups of four or five of these thrushes congregate together. 
Once the rains have fairly set in, this bird becomes more solitary 
and less concerned of being observed. At such times, it may be 
seen, on a high branch, overhead, looking grimly, down, as you pass 
through a bit of forest along side of the road. I have seen this 
species, many a time in Bankside and Silver Spring forest jungle. 
Its umber brown plumage, with striated markings, is easily made 
out. Head has a full crest; bill is jay-like; shortish, stout fairly 
compressed and curved, scarcely hooked and notched at the tip, 
rictal bristles few and scanty; wings short and rounded 5th and 6th 
quills the longest; tarsus strong; feet stout; claws fairly broad ; 
bill black ; legs dull bluish ; irides red brown. Sériata is 12 inches 
in length. Like most of the thrushes, this bird has blue eggs ; 
rather elongated in shape and pointed at the small end. , Its nest 
is big, shaped like a shallow cup; constructed of moss anc creepers, 
