174 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



Distribution. — This, the largest race of the species, breeds 

 in Central Asia and Siberia. In winter it is found over a 

 wide extent from the British Isles and France to China ; 

 it occurs at this season over the eastern half of India proper 

 and the whole of Burma. In Ce3don it arrives about the begin- 

 ning of October, and some birds linger till May. It spreads 

 fairly widely throughout the low-country, but is found chiefly 

 in the maritime districts. It occurs on the hills on some of 

 the lower patanas, but does not appear to ascend to any great 

 elevation. In Colombo it is not much seen before February, 

 apparently visiting that part of Ceylon only on its return 

 journey. 



//rt&i7s.— Usually met with on pastures and grassy flats, 

 especially near the sea, in company with its smaller resident 

 relative A. r. rufulus. It may sometimes be found, generally 

 just after its arrival or before its departure in the longer 

 grass of marshy lands. It is a swift runner, and has a rapid 

 undulating flight. 



Anthus richakdi striolatus. 

 BlytWs Pipit. 



Anthtcs striolatus (Oates, Vol. II., p. 308) ; Corydalla striolata 

 (Legge, p. 628). 



Description. — In plumage it resembles A. r. richardi, but is 

 rather smaller ; the tarsus and feet are shorter and the hind 

 claw is considerably shorter and more curved. 



Length about 7 ; wing 3 • 5 ; tail 2*9; tarsus 1 ; bill from 

 gape "75 ; hind claw "5, and considerably curved. 



Distribution. — Breeds at high elevations on the Himalayas 

 and winters throughout the Indian Empire. Not very much 

 is known of its distribution in Ceylon, but it probably escapes 

 notice owing to its resemblance to Richard's Pipit. The 

 only authentic record of its occurrence in the Island is by 

 Legge, who found it south of Trincomalee near the Virugal-oya. 



Habits. — Resemble those of Richard's Pipit. It may be 

 looked for on pasture lands near the sea. It runs about 

 actively, with sudden halts, and holds itself very erect. 

 According to Brookes, it rises with a loud discordant note. 



