071 the Birds of South- Eastern China. Gl 



Henicurus schistac^us. 



The Forktail occurs only in the forests at Howlik and on 

 the Tung On Rapids (fifty miles above Samshui), where it is 

 a scarce resident, for two pairs only were observed at the 

 former and one at the latter. 



It is extraordinary how these little birds keep their long 

 tails dry as they iiop from rock to rock and catch their insect 

 prey in the spray of the mountain-streams. They have a 

 strident, metallic, but not unpleasant note. 



On May 21st, 1907, Mr. J. C. Kershaw found a nest of 

 this species containing four eggs ; it was situated on a 

 ledge in a bank by the side of a stream, and was dripping 

 wet. The nest was chietly composed of moss and lined with 

 skeleton leaves and a few dry grass-stalks, and closely 

 resembled the description of those which this species builds 

 in India. 



Four eggs average "87 x "60 . 



Trochalopterum caxoruim. 



The Cliinese name " Wa Mei " means " Painted Eyebrows. ^^ 



Of all the Hong Kong Thrushes this is by far the 

 commonest, although from its skulking habits it is not 

 greatly in evidence. In April and May, however, the 

 number of these birds to be heard singing in the woods is 

 remarkable. 



Although the Chinese regard them as exclusively hill- 

 dwellers, in Hong Kong they are quite as common near the 

 sea-level as higher np in suitable localities. They were 

 frequently heard in the grounds of the Naval Hospital, 

 and just outside its boundaries their nests have been 

 found. 



Although the Laughing-Thrush sings in every month of the 

 year at Hong Kong, its beautiful song is chiefly to be heard 

 in April, May, June, and July, and the cock prefers, when 

 singing, to perch on some slightly elevated position, such as 

 a tree-stump or a small bush. At such times he seems to 



