^^nocks o: 



the Birds of the Province of Fohkien. 607 



locks on tlie hills. Though generally keeping to the under- 

 wood, it will sometimes venture to explore trees of medium 

 size in search of food. It is of a very sociable disposition, 

 and is usually accompanied by other small birds, such as 

 Stachyridopsis ruficeps and Pomatorhinus stridulus. It always 

 betrays its presence by scolding and chattering vigorously. 



Alcippe brunnea, Gould. [319.] 



Another common species. The birds were always in small 

 parties, hopping quietly among the bushes, often in company 

 with A. hueti or others. They are very tame and confiding, 

 sometimes coming to the edge of a thicket, and then, after 

 almost peeping into one's face, disappearing into the cover 

 again with a quiet chatter. 



-4- Staphidia torqueola, Swinhoe. [32G.] 



Four specimens obtained. The first was shot by one of 

 us from a mixed flock of small birds amongst some bushes 

 and small trees. The other three were shot by our natives. 



; Braciiypteryx sinensis. 



Brachijptenjx sinensis, Rickett, Bull. B. O. C. vi. p. 1 

 (May 1897). 



Adult male. Differs from the male of B. criiralis, in its 

 much paler colouring ; the white superciliary stripe is well 

 developed, but the lores and the wide black band in front of 

 the eye, characteristic of the latter species, are grey instead 

 of black; chin, throat, and underparts grey, palest on the 

 throat and middle of the belly, and the edge of the shoulder 

 white. Total length 5-5 inches, culmen 0'6, wing 2*6, 

 tail 1*9, tarsus 1'15. 



The Chinese species is really most nearly allied to B. mon- 

 tana from Java, but the latter differs in the darker colour of 

 the upper parts, longer bill, and the absence of white at the 

 bend of the wing. 



Adult female. Easily distinguished from the female of 

 B. cruralis : the rust-colour on the forehead, fore jiart of 

 crown, and sides of face, as well as the white superciliary 

 stripes, are replaced by nearly uniform olive-brown ; the 

 tail-feathers are washed with olive instead of rufous, and the 



SER. VII. VOL. III. 2u 



