{ 4B) 
species are seen. They are mostly birds of small size, frequenting 
the temperate zone, in different parts of the world. We have a few 
species, which are common to Darjeeling and eastern side of the 
Himalayas. These birds appear to favour certain localities or alti- 
tudes where Nature has placed them. They don’t seem to seek 
migratory advantages, gained by visiting either warm valleys in the 
district or plains of India, where the cold weather has withdrawn 
most of its summer associates. In habits they are gregarious, they 
prefer to forage among taller evergreens and trees to feeding on the 
ground, to which at times they descend. They are usually seen in 
company with mixed groups of small birds, which are hunting to- 
gether chiefly for the security and protection offered against attacks 
of hawks and other tormentors. Tits join in with zest in the merry 
jollifications which are often in progress. 
(634) ANGITHALISCUS ERYTHROCEPHALUS, Red-headed Tit, or 
Titmouse, as it is commonly called, is a pert little bird. This 
species is plentiful in Darjeeling. Perhaps, more in evidence, to- 
wards the close of the cold weather, when most birds are away in 
the plains or near foot of the hills. They are usually seen hopping 
and climbing about the trees, not infrequently entering our gardens, 
and approaching quite close to the house by aid of the bushes and 
creepers about the place, out of Darjeeling, you will meet them, on 
trees along the road to Tongloo and a good way up to Sandakphu. 
This Titmouse is about 4? inches ; body is small, tail adds considera- 
bly to the length of the bird. The tail is slightly forked. The little 
rufous cap on top of the head makes them comparatively easy birds 
to distinguish. Colour, above, is cinereous, having a reddish tinge 
on the neck ; same colour extending to the back, lower body, upper 
tail coverts ; tail and wings, perhaps, a little darker in shade ; it has 
a broad black and white stripe extending past the eye and ear- 
coverts to the nape, which shows out conspicuously also the little 
black throat ; chin and lower parts of the body are white tinged 
below with rufous ; bill black ; irides brown. Remaining species of 
these tits are not common in Darjeeling. They are generally found 
at a higher altitude in the district and North Sikkim. 
(644) PARUS MONTICOLUS, Green-backed Tit, is more in evidence 
in Darjeeling, throughout the year, than Titmouse, This friendly 
little bird seems to be best known of all Darjeeling birds. In many 
respects it is not unlike the English “Tom-Tit,” as this interesting 
species was commonly called. Green-backed Tit bears a striking 
resemblance to it in colour and habits. It is always tame and cheer- 
ful and ready to make friends. For about 5 years or more we have, 
a male “Tom-Tit” which has taken up its abode, under the corrugat- 
ed iron eaves, among shingles of the roof, in front of my window, 
