BL'LBULS. 



491 



pounds, cinnamon plantations, the vicinity of roads, low jungle, open scrubby land, 

 and the edges of forest. It is a fearless and very sprightly bird, most active and 

 animated in its manners, erecting its conspicuous crest to full height as it sits on the 

 top of a bush chirping to its companions. It locates itself in close proximity to 

 houses, and not unfrequently builds its nest in verandahs, and is consequently a uni- 

 versal favorite with Europeans, who rate its attempts at singing so highly that it is 

 styled by many the 'Ceylon nightingale.' As a matter of fact, however, its notes 

 have but little music in them, but it is constantly uttering its quick chirruping warble, 

 which, in the breeding season, is to a certain extent more melodious than at other 

 times. Its food consists of insects, as well as fruit and seeds of all kinds, the berry 



FIG. 239. Accentor modularis, hedge-sparrow; A. collaris, Alpine accentor. 



of the Lantana plant being a favorite diet, a fact which conduces to the propagation 

 and spreading of this horticultural pest. In the evening little parties of bulbuls as- 

 semble, and after a great deal of excitement and chattering they choose a roosting- 

 place in some thick bush or umbrageous shrub." 



Of somewhat doubtful relation to the Timaliidae are the African Eremomelinae, 

 nearly fifty species of warbler-like birds, which may perhaps be better placed among 

 the SylviicUe. Still more uncertain is the position of another group, which is often 

 recognized as a separate family under the name of LEIOTRICHID^K. The ' hill-tits,' 

 comprising nearly sixty species, peculiar to the Himalayas and the oriental region, 

 have a varied plumage, often brightly colored, and with prominent markings on the 

 wing. They feed especially on berries and insects. The best known species is the 



