274 Mr. H. Whistler on the [Ibis, 



Passer pyrrhonotus Blyth. (15 skins.) 



The Rufous-backed Sparrow is a resident species, and is 

 common in the southern half of the district from about the 

 neighbourhood of Chund bridge downwards. North of that 

 it appears to be somewhat scarce, as I only saw a single pair 

 in the neighbourhood of Nurpnr escape, which is exactly 

 suitable to its requirements. Kikur-trees and" Pampas grass" 

 in the immediate neighbourhood of water are essential for 

 the presence of this very local Sparrow, conditions which are 

 most ideally fulfilled in the neighbourhood of the embank- 

 ments which are constructed in connection with the big 

 railway bridges over the Punjab rivers. Accordingly the 

 Riva/- bridge at Chund is one of the main haunts of this 

 Sparrow in Jhang District. Naturally it is most abundant in 

 the riverain area, but where the canals or other channels have 

 taken water further afield, as at Kadirpur, Asabha and Wer, 

 it is also to be found in small numbers. During the winler 

 months it may be found in large flocks, which feed in company 

 with S'porcegintlms amandava and Kmheriza c. par on the 

 plumc-lilvc seed heads of the '' Pampas grass." 



Nidification commences in July: eggs and young arc to be 

 found in August and September. Both sexes share the work 

 of incubation. The nests are of two shapes — a small, fairly 

 regular, domed oval of the usual Sparrow type, with the 

 opening rather towards the top, or a long, rather straggling- 

 structure, looking like two or three ol the first type joined 

 together and connected by a through tunnel. These latter 

 nests are difficult to examine, as the long and narrow entrance 

 way is spiked and guarded with the sharp thorns of the 

 Kikur twigs on which it is based. 



All the nests are made of the same materials — namely, that 

 mixture of grass, roots, and large feathers so dear to the 

 hearts of the Sparrow tribe in general : there is some attempt 

 at a definite lining with finer materials and smaller feathers. 



The nests are placed impartial^" in Kikur-trees and Kikur- 

 bushes, and I have found none in any other species of tree. 

 The tiec-nests for tlie most part are susj)ended in the finer 



