MEELIX. 91 



spotted in the same manner on both webs; tail, dark brown, 

 barred with five distinct bands composed of pale reddish brown 

 spots; the tip is reddish or greyish white: there are three other 

 bars near the base; under tail coverts, partially streaked with 

 a narrow brown line near the end; legs, dull yellow, the 

 feathers marked with a brown streak. 



The males vary in colour as they advance in age, the blue 

 on the back being tinged with brown at first, and becoming 

 gradually of a purer hue. In some specimens also the breast 

 is of a light yellowish red, and in others deep orange brown. 

 In some the tail is without the dark bands, except the last 

 and broadest one; and in others the middle feathers are without 

 them, while they are apparent on the rest. 



The females differ less than the males, but assume more 

 of the character of the plumage of the latter, especially on 

 the upper parts, as they advance in age. 



