372 Capt. Beavan on various Indian Birds. 



well-wooded hilly country, in flocks of five and six ; and the 

 following are the particulars of a male killed at Beerachalee on 

 the 26th March 1865, which, in dimensions, somewhat exceeds 

 that described by Dr. Jerdon. The irides were bright blue, 

 approaching to purple, surrounded by an orange rim. Length 

 very nearly 12, wing 6*125, tail4'5, bill, from front, '625, extent 

 19*75. This species is generally found feeding on the pulpy 

 and orange-coloured fruit of the Strychnus nux-vomica, which 

 grows abundantly in this part of Maunbhoom, and affords 

 sustenance to many of the wild Pigeons. I fancy that this 

 species is only to be met with in certain spots, and that its 

 range is confined to these ; for I never had observed it in any 

 other part of India. It doubtless breeds in Maunbhoom ; but I 

 never observed the nest. 



778. Sphenocercus sphenubus. Kokla Green Pigeon. 



At Darjeeling in 1862 I procured four specimens, and might 

 have got many more, as it was rather abundant in Sikkim. I 

 have since pi'ocured it at Simla, where it is said to be not un- 

 common near the station, and I have heard one singing late in 

 May, 1866, near the house. I have seen them near the gardens 

 of Annandale on several occasions. One killed June 2nd, 1866, 

 measured as follows: — Length 13*5, wing 7*24, tail 6*125, 

 tarsus "812, bill, from front, *812, spread of sole of foot 2. The 

 legs are coral-red, with white soles, and claws of a bluish-horny 

 tinge. The base of the bill at the nostril is of a most beautiful 

 azure-blue, its tip horny-blue, the orbits of a darker blue, and 

 the irides with a bright blue ring, surrounded by another ring 

 of pinkish orange. It has a beautiful warbling kind of song, 

 which is exceedingly musical. 



The female appears to differ from the male in being a 

 trifle smaller, and in having the whole upper parts green 

 without any maroon on the shoulders or back, or any bright 

 yellow on the head, breast, or under tail-coverts. There is 

 more green also mixed with the yellow, where it does occur, 

 than in the male, and the female is altogether a much less 

 handsome. bird. In the male the top of the head, the breast, 

 and belly are of a golden greenish-yellow ; the maroon colour 



