68 Major J. Biddulpli on the Birds of Gilgit. 



111. MoTACILLA PBRSONATAj Gould. 



Common all the year round. In summer it goes up to 

 about 9000 feet or more. 



Severe weather in winter^ spring, and autumn always drives 

 a number down to the low ground. They are as good as a 

 barometer, always appearing a day before the bad weather, 

 and disappearing again before it entirely clears. The speci- 

 mens preserved were obtained in February, March, August, 

 September, and October ; and all show the grey back, while 

 during the summer months, though unfortunately no grey- 

 backed sjoecimens were shot, they were constantly observed 

 and were extremely common. This point establishes the 

 specific distinctness of M. personata from M. hodgsoni. 



112. MoTAciLLA ALBA, Linn. 

 Not a constant resident. 



In spring it was first observed on 24th April, when a large 

 number in full breeding-plumage suddenly appeared during 

 heavy weather. In the summer none were seen ; but in Sep- 

 tember it was again extremely common for a short time in 

 Gilgit, and also up the Indus towards Iskardo. Young birds 

 secured at this time show the yellow tinge over the white 

 on the face and neck. 



113. Calobates melanope (Pallas). 



Common in summer, but rarely seen in winter. The 

 female in breeding-plumage has, instead of the black throat 

 which is assumed by the male at that season, an interrupted 

 streak of dusky spots at each side from the base of the lower 

 mandible. 



The young bird is similar to the female in winter plumage, 

 but duller in tone throughout. 



114. BUDYTES CINEREICAPILLUS (Savi) , 



A single specimen obtained on the 10th May. Field- Wag- 

 tails, except of the yellow-headed type, were only common for 

 a few days in spring and autumn ; a few were occasionally 

 seen during winter. 



[Mr. Brooks has given an excellent diagnosis of the cha- 

 racters by which the males of several of the species can be 



