270 Mr. E. L. Layard on the Ornithology of Ceylon. 



A head of F. rufina, however, which I received from Calcutta was 

 identified by a native as of a bird he knew and had killed on that 

 very piece of water, though he had not seen them elsewhere. 



296. Spatula clypeata, Linn. 



Passing over the bridge crossing an arm of the above-named 

 lake, I surprised a female of this bird with her brood of twelve 

 young ones, most of which I captured ; the mother, though shot 

 at before I knew of the little ones, kept flying round me and 

 often dropping into the water and feigning lameness, to draw me 

 away from her offspring : this occurred in the early part of 

 March. I have bought old birds from the shooters in November. 



297. Podiceps Philippensis, Gmel. Mukelepan, Tarn. ; lit. 

 Diver. 



Common on large tanks and even in Colombo lake. 



298. Larus brunnicephalus, Jerd. Pullu, Tarn. ; lit. Wormer. 

 Family name for Gulls and Terns. 



Common all round the coast and on the lakes and estuaries ; 

 it swims well and catches small fish. 



299. Larus ichthyaetus, Pallas. 



I saw two specimens of this fine and unmistakeable Gull on 

 the 11th of November 1851, at Pt. Pedro, after a severe storm ; 

 they were leisurely wending their way along the edge of the coral 

 reefs northward, and I watched them with the glass for five 

 minutes or more. 



300. Dromas ardeola, Payk. 



I place this bird here among the Terns, as I cannot help agree- 

 ing with Mr. Blyth in his remarks upon its affinities and posi- 

 tion. I have obtained several specimens, all at sea, with one 

 exception, which was on Calpentyn lake or estuary. A descrip- 

 tion of the egg which I formerly sent to Mr. Blyth, and his ob- 

 servation on the species, will be found in ' Contributions to 

 Ornithology/ published by Sir William Jardine. 



301. Sylochelidon Caspius, Lath. 



302. Gelochelidon Anglicus, Mont. 



303. Hydrochelidon Indicus, Stephens. 



304. Thalasseus cristatus, Stephens. 



305. Thalasseus Bengalensis, Lesson. 



