GAME-BIRDS. 27 



that of the Common Moonal (L. refulgens) (120) is' perhaps the hand- 

 somest. This species is found throughout the higher wooded ranges of 

 the Himalaya, whence enormous numbers of skins were yearly imported 

 to this country for the adornment of ladies' hats. 



The splendid Horned Pheasants (Tragopari), commonly though 

 incorrectly called " Argus " Pheasants by Indian sportsmen, are repre- 

 sented by five different species, which inhabit the higher forest-clad 

 ranges of the Himalaya and China. The chief characteristics of the 

 males are the fleshy horns and the gular lappet, which are conspicuous 

 ornaments during the breeding-season, especially when the birds are 

 excited by passion, but barely traceable during the winter. 



The Crimson and Western Horned Pheasants (T. satyra (121) and 

 T. melanocephalus (123)), are two of the handsomest species met with 

 in the Himalaya. Though both inhabit the thick cover of the higher 

 hills they are rarely, if ever, seen amongst the snow, and appear to 

 shun it as much as the Blood-Pheasant delights in it. 



The Blood-Pheasants (Ithagenes] are very handsome Alpine birds 

 met with in the higher regions of the Himalaya, Tibet, and Western 

 China. The males are remarkable for the pale green colour of parts 

 of their plumage, and for the number of spurs on their legs, some 

 individuals having as many as four pairs. The species exhibited 

 (/. cruentus) (124) is met with in flocks in the higher forests of the 

 Eastern Himalaya, at elevations varying from 10,000 to 14,000 feet, 

 and always in the immediate neighbourhood of the snow. 



Among the Partridge-like birds with the Pheasant-type of wing are 

 the Stone-Pheasants (Ptilopachys) (125), represented by two African 

 species found in rocky ground in the neighbourhood of cliffs and 

 precipices ; the Bamboo-Pheasants (Bambusicola), with three species, 

 found respectively in North-east India, Southern China, and Formosa; 

 and the Spur- Fowl (Galloperdix), with two Indian and one Ceylonese 

 species. 



The Chinese Bamboo-Pheasant (Bambusicola thoracicd) (126) is a 

 very handsome bird, resembling the Common Partridge in the general 

 colour of its plumage, which is alike in both sexes. It inhabits the 

 jungle-clad hills, roosting and often perching on the branches of 

 bamboos and other trees, where it is perfectly at home. 



Of the Indian Galloperdix an example will be found in the Painted 

 Spur-Fowl (G. lunulatd) (127). As may be seen, the male and female 

 differ in plumage, and the legs of the former are armed with two and 

 sometimes three pairs of spurs, while those of the latter have usually 

 only one pair. Like the Bamboo-Pheasants, they are birds of the 

 forest and jungle. 



