(. 138.7) 
fact, hunt among lower branches, only occasionally it joins its more 
boisterous companions among the taller evergreen trees. In_ size 
itis 4 inches. Its bright, well developed little crest, appears, 
amongst the dark foliage, like a flame of light. Together with this 
mark, which is easily distinguished and its predominating colours, 
tegulus is made out without much difficulty. Colour above, is 
dingy green, vellower on lower back (rump); sides ofthe head 
greenish grey ; wing coverts dusky with pale spots; tail dusky 
edged with yellowish green ; underparts are light greenish. 
Sup-Famity SYLVIINAE (Grey-Varblers) 
These are nearly all found in the plains in winter, and are famed 
for their rich, beautiful melody—nature has clothed them, in dull 
sombre garments ; but placed at their disposal a voice and song, 
which perhaps, is the richest of our warblers. Bill is fairly slender ; 
wings longish ; tarsus and feet short and strong ; claws a bit curved. 
They feed on insects, flower buds and berries. They are arboreal 
in habits. 
(583) SyLtviA curRUCA, Lesser WV hite-Throat, is found on our 
hill sides, but it does not descend in summer, much below 8,000 feet 
elevation. This species is met with more frequently above Darjeeling 
It is generally found among bushes by the side of mountain streams 
or Jhoras as they are called. It is not so long ago that I saw this 
grey warbler pouring forth a sweet song as it sat ona twig, a few 
yards above its nest, which I was desirous to give a closer examina- 
tion to, nevertheless I felt disinclined to disturb the melodious out- 
burst so rich in soft notes and harmony. Once you hear the song of 
this bird, the colour you will reckon a secondary consideration. In 
size this Sylvia is 54 inches, above, the plumage is ashy in colour 
with a reddish tinge ; it has a faint white line between the bill and 
eyes ; lower parts are white ; neck and breast have a reddish tinge ; 
tail brownish, with white outer feathers ; sides of the head dusky 
ash. 
Before closing this introduction to the Sylviinw ; I must keep the 
promise I made, in an earlier part of the book to dwell ona certain 
Warbler when I come to Sylvia ; but I am sorry to say, that I know 
not the bird, which visited my window twice or three times on two 
sueceeding winters, the latter end of November. This warbler, 
doubtlessly, was driven down to Darjeeling by snows and_ piercing 
wintery weather prevailing on higher altitudes (Sylvia is chiefly 
