334 MR. R. B. SHARPE ON THE BIRDS OF LABTJAN. [Apr. 1, 



cente et canda vix /areata distinguendus. Long tota 5, al<s 5 - 3, 

 caudce 2, tarsi 04. 



Governor Ussher writes : — " Not uncommon, but difficult to obtain 

 owing to its lofty flight and rapid gyrations. It is generally found 

 near large trees and forests ; and although seen during the day-time, 

 its favourite time for seeking its food seems to be towards sunset and 

 in the twilight." (H. T. U.) 



This is a very interesting species, and is a large form of C. infuma- 

 tus, which, however, is easily distinguished by its smaller size (wing 

 4-6 inches). It is ashy grey underneath instead of ashy brown, and 

 is recognizable at a glance by its tail being only slightly forked. 

 (See figures 1, 2, p. 333.) 



44. Dendrochelidon longipennis (Rafin.). 



Dendrochelidon longipennis, Salvad. t. c. p. 122. 



Macropteryx klecho, Motl. & Dillw. t. c. p. 9, pi. iii. 



Native name " Layang-layang besar " (Treacher). 



"Common, and in considerable numbers at times about Govern- 

 ment House. Rapid and graceful in its motions ; when wounded, 

 it erects its crest and bites and strikes out at its captor. The chest- 

 nut-cheeked examples are rarer than the others." (Ussher). 



45. Dendrochelidon comata (Temm.). 



Dendrochelidon comata, Salvad. t. c. p. 123. 



Macropteryx comatus, Motl. & Dillw. t. c. p. 10. 



Specimens shot by Governor Ussher in May 18/G. 



Mr. Low sends a pair of birds with a little nest, about an inch and 

 a quarter in diameter, in which are the remains of a broken white 

 egg, concerning which he sends the following note: — "This bird 

 was brought to me in February 18"6 by a Kadhyau, who said he had 



Fig. 3. 



Nest of Dendrochelidon comata, nat. size. 



killed it on a low tree or stump, on the south west-side of the island, 

 with a sumpitan or blow-pipe. When he picked it up, he said 

 that the nest which was with it was lying close to the bird with one 

 broken egg in it, and he believed that the bird had been carrying 

 it about with her. This was the first specimen of this pretty Swift 

 I ever obtained ; but I have since got three others." 



