294 CKATEltOPODID^E. 



Genus MICROPUS, Swains., 1837. 



The genus Micropus may be recognized by its very ample and 

 lengthened upper tail-coverts, rounded tail, and the extraordinary 

 development of the feathers of the lower back and rump, which 

 are moreover barred with black : in this latter respect Micropus 

 shows great affinities for Pinarocichla. 



In Micropus the feathers of the head are exceedingly short and 

 glossy. The bill is about half the length of the head, and the 

 rictal bristles are well developed. The plumage of all the species 

 is very pleasing. They inhabit forest country or well-wooded 

 tracts, and they are generally abundant wherever they are found. 

 Nothing whatever is known regarding their nests and eggs. 



Fig. 91. Tail of M. melanocephalus. 



Key to the Species. 



a. Head entirely black. 



'. Lower plumage yellow M. melanocephalus, p. 294. 



b'. Lower plumage bluish grey M. cinereiventris, p. 295. 



b. Crown of head dusky or bluish grey, not 



black. 



c'. Upper tail-coverts yellow M. fusciflavescens, p. 295. 



d'. Upper tail-coverts bluish grey M. phceocephalus, p. 296. 



310. Micropus melanocephalus. The Black-headed Bulbul. 



Lanius melanocephalus, Gm, S. N. i, p. 309 (1788). 



Brachypodius melanocephalus ( Gmf), Blyth, Cat. p. 211 ; Horsf. 8f 



M. Cat. i, p. 248 ; Blyth, Birds Burm. p. 136 ; Armstrong, 8. F. 



iv, p. 324 ; Hume $ Dav. S. F. vi, p. 318 ; Hume, Cat. no. 457 



bis; Gates, S. F. x, p. 2 10. 

 Micropus melanocephalus (Gm.), Sharpe, Cat. B. M. vi, p. 65; 



Gates, B.B. i, p. 181. 



Coloration. The whole head as far back as the nape and the 

 lower edge of the throat glossy black ; with this exception the 



