Ornithology of Gilgit. 573 



144. Pyrrhocorax alpinus^ Vieill. 



This species is far less commou in the district than F. gra~ 

 cuius. I only found it twice near Gilgit, at the end of De- 

 cember and in January. 



145. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. 



This Starling is not uncommon on passage south in Oc- 

 tober, and again on its way north from the middle of March 

 to the middle of April ; a few birds remain in the valley 

 throughout the winter. In six specimens preserved the upper 

 parts from hind neck to tail are green. 



146. Sturnus purpurascens, Gould. 



This species is found in Gilgit at the same season as S. 

 vulgaris, and in about equal numbers. I have killed ex- 

 amples of the two species at one shot. In the five skins 

 preserved the upper parts from the hind neck downwards are 

 purple. 



147. Sturnia pagodarum (Gmel.). 



The occurrence of this species so far north as Gilgit is note- 

 worthy. A male shot there on the 26th August measured 

 in the flesh — length 8 inches, wing 4'35, tail 2'85, tarsus 1'05, 

 bill from gape 1. Gape and base of bill cobalt-blue, ring 

 round bill at nostrils green, anterior half of bill indian 

 yellow ; irides bluish white ; feet and claws greenish yellow. 



149. Passer indicus, Jard. & Selby. 



This Sparrow is mainly a migratory species with us, being 

 a summer visitor, and breeding in the lower valleys ; but in 

 the winter of 1879-80, I observed it in small numbers 

 throughout the winter, and preserved specimens in November, 

 December, January, and February. I suspect that it only 

 leaves the district completely in severe winters, and does not 

 migrate very far. In my series the males have the wings 3 to 

 3*2 inches, and the females 2*9 to 3'05. 



150. Passer hispaniolensis, Temm. 



A rare winter visitor. I shot only a pair, about the end of 

 November, when it may have been merely passing south- 

 wards. 



