58 Major J. Biddulpli on the Birds of Gilgit. 



distinct from that which assumes the grey cap ; but we are 

 unable to separate them into two on this or any other hypo- 

 thesis. 



The sixty-odd specimens now examined show at least 

 twenty phases or gradations of plumage ; and though we 

 cannot separate them into two distinct species^ neither can 

 Ave show conclusively that the gradations, according to age 

 or season, are applicable on the assumption that there is only 

 one species. 



In no case does the white in these birds extend onto the 

 mantle, as it does in S. morio at all ages. 



S. picata also has the bill stronger and deeper, and the 

 tarsus and toes stronger and coarser, than in S. morio. 

 Some specimens measure as much as 6*8 inches in length, while 

 only a single specimen of S. morio measures 6"4, the next 

 longest being 6*25. No other measurements show permanent 

 distinctions J but, on the whole, S. morio has somewhat the 

 shorter tarsus. 



Two dissected females, shot March 31 and April 5, have 

 black throats and breasts, albescent ciiins, and dark brown 

 backs ; two males, shot March 25 and April 1, seem to belong 

 to the same type, having brown on the back. 



In the middle of June a nest was found deep in the crevice 

 of a stone wall in a ruined fort. After two eggs had been 

 laid the bird was apparently killed by some animal. One 

 egg was found broken, and the ground strewn with feathers 

 of the hen bird. The egg is pale blue, thinly spotted all over 

 with rusty red, more thickly (but not very thickly) at the 

 larger end. 



76. Saxicola albonigra, Hume. 



This species is never very common, but is the only Saxicola 

 Avliich remains in winter, I have procured specimens both 

 in January and June. It may always be distinguished from 

 S. picata by the size of its bill, which is always over half 

 an inch in length. 



77. Saxicola morio, Hempr. &Ehr.. 



This species is apparently only to be distinguished from S. 



