252 



CRATE ROPODlDyE. 



Fig. 78. Molpastes leiicotis. 



Subfamily BEACHYPODIN^E. 



The Bracliypodince or Bulbuls form a numerous and fairly well- 

 defined group of birds, which attain their greatest development in 

 (Southern Asia. They are also, ho\ve\ er, well represented in Africa. 



In the Bulbuls the sexes are invariably alike in colour, and the 

 young closely resemble the adult, the brighter colours being replaced 

 for the first few weel<s by paler tints of the same. All species 

 are non-migratory. The eggs of all about the nidification of which 

 anything is known are marked with various shades of red and 

 purple. 



The main feature of the Bulbuls is their short tarsus, which is 

 never longer than the middle toe and claw together. This cha- 

 racter is possessed by other birds in a few instances, but the Bul- 

 buls may be further recognized by the presence of some hairs 

 springing from the nape. These hairs are frequently very long, 



