78 Major J. Biddulph on the Birds of Gilgit. 



rally mixed up with other Crows^ but disappear in April. 

 The specimens procured and observed show no approach to 

 the C. collaris type, with the white half-collar, which is 

 recorded from Kashmir and Afghanistan. 



Since leaving Gilgit Dr. Scully writes that he has pro- 

 cured specimens of the C. collaris type, which appear distin- 

 guishable from C. monedula. 



141. NUCIFRAGA MULTIPUNCTATA, Gould. 



Common at all times in the forests above 8000 feet. 



Of six specimens the length o£ wing varied from 7*75 to 

 8*25 inches {the smallest being a female and the largest a 

 male), total length 14 to ]5'15, tail from 5"8 to 65. Irides 

 brown; legs black. 



142. Pica rustica (Scop.). 



The form separated as P. bactriana by some authors. 



Very common at all times. In winter it comes down to 

 5000 feet ; but in April it ascends to about 8000 feet in the 

 side valleys. The natives train the Sparrow- Hawk {Accipiier 

 nisus) to take the Magpie with. 



A nest with five eggs, hard-set, taken in a mulberry-tree at 

 Nonval (5600 feet), 9th May. 



A nest with three eggs (quite fresh) taken at Dayoor 

 (5200 feet) 25th May. The bird had evidently not done 

 laying. 



143. Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linn.) 



Common at the lower elevations in December, January, 

 February, and March, when they commit great havoc on the 

 newly sown corn. In summer they keep entirely to the 

 mountains. 



144. Pyrrhocorax alpinus (Koch) . 



Seems to care less for cold than the Red-billed Chough, 

 only appearing in the main valley during the time of ex- 

 tremest cold, and then only in small numbers. 



145. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. 



Occasional specimens secured during the winter, but not 

 common. 



