ALCIPPE. 277 



notes, which would soon betray its whereabouts if its actions had 

 not previously done so. 



(287) Alcippe nepalensis fratercula. 



THE SHAN STATES BABBLES. 



Alcippe fratercula Rippon, Bull. B.O.C., xi, p. 11 (1900) (Shan 

 States). 



Vernacular names. Chin-ting -wo-lee (Kachin). 



Description. The ring of white feathers round the eye less 

 conspicuous than in the Nepal Babbler ; there is no vinaceous tinge 

 on the upper plumage and the under parts are rich ochraceous, 

 the chin being of the same colour as the rest. 



Colours of soft parts. " Iris crimson, the legs and bill horn- 

 colour" (Rippon). 



Measurements. Wing 58 to 66 nun., the southern birds measur- 

 ing a trifle less than the northern ; culmeu 11 mm. 



Distribution. The Bhamo Hills, Shan States and hills of 

 Eastern Burma to Tenasserim. 



Nidification similar to that of the last. Thirty eggs average 

 18-9 x 13-8 mm. and go through as great a variation in colour as 

 do those of that bird. 



Habits. Rippon and Harington both describe the habits of the 

 Shan States birds as being as vivacious and free from shyness as 

 those of the preceding bird. 



(288) Alcippe poioicephala poioicephala. 



THE NILGIRI QUAKER-BABBLER. 



Thimalia poioicephala Jerd., Madr. Jour.L.S., xiii, p. 169 (1844) 



(Nilgiris). 

 Alcippe phteocephala. Blarif. & Gates, i, p. 158. 



Vernacular names. None recorded. 



Description. Head and neck brownish ashy-grey ; ear-coverts 

 hair-brown; back and upper parts brown, tinged grey on upper 

 back, olive on lower back and rufous on rump and upper tail- 

 coverts ; outer webs of primaries and visible portions of tail 

 chestnut ; chin and throat greyish buff; breast, abdomen, flanks 

 aud under tail-coverts ochraceous buff. 



Colours of soft parts. Iris slaty-grey ; bill horny-brown ; legs 

 and feet greyish-fleshy. 



Measurements. Total length about 150 mm. ; wing 66 to 70 mm. ; 

 tail about 65 mm. ; tarsus about 17 to 18 mm. ; culmen 13 mm. 



Distribution. Hills of Southern India, Nilgiris, Coonoor, 

 "Wynaad etc. and Travancore. 



