187?.] MR. E. W. H. HOLDSWORTH ON CEYLONESE BIRDS. 463 



been obtained at Putlam, on the west coast ; and I have little doubt 

 that I saw a flock at Aripo in 1866, but I could not get near them. 

 It is rather remarkable that this bird is not better known in Ceylon, 

 as in India, according to Jerdon, it is most abundant in the south 

 and south-west. 



Ceylon and India westward. 



190. Eulabes religiosa, Linn. 



Recorded by Layard as common on the west coast. I have never 

 met with it at Aripo, and believe it is more frequently seen in the 

 south. There are many Ceylou specimens in Lord Walden's collec- 

 tion, most probably procured in the south-east of the island. 



Ceylon, South India. 



191. Eulabes ptilogenys, Blyth. 



This well-marked species of hill Myna is peculiar to Ceylon, and 

 is found in flocks on the upper hills chiefly, but sometimes met with 

 in the neighbourhood of Kandy. It frequents the tops of the trees ; 

 and at Nuwara Eliya, where it is often numerous, I have found it 

 wild and difficult of approach. I have heard, however, of large 

 numbers having been killed on some of the coffee-estates in the early 

 morning or evening. Its call is constantly repeated when on the 

 wing, and sometimes when perched on the tops of the trees. 



This species may be readily distinguished by the yellow lappets at 

 the back of the head, and the absence of any naked skin about the 

 eye and cheeks. 



Bill deep orange, base black ; irides brown, lappets yellow ; feet 

 dull yellow. 



Ceylon. 



192. Ploceus baya, Blyth. 



This bird, called by Layard P. philippinus, is said by him to be mi- 

 gratory and to breed in June. It was, however, generally to be found 

 at Aripo ; and there they used to build their curious nests in December 

 on the trees close to my house. A young bird was brought to me in 

 February which was just ready to leave the nest. I have never seen 

 the nest of this species in any other than ordinary branching trees ; 

 but Layard says it builds on palms and other trees indiscriminately. 



Ceylon, India, Assam, Burmah, Malaya. 



193. Ploceus striatus, Blyth. 



I have not met with this species at Aripo or on the west side of 

 Ceylon ; and Layard, who found it on the east side, thinks it is con- 

 fined to that part of the island. It is rather remarkable, however, 

 that this bird should not change its quarters according to the season 

 and, like many other species, migrate from one side to the other at 

 the change of the monsoons. 



This is the species most probably given by Layard under P. manyar, 

 Horsf., which is a Javan bird. 



Ceylon, North and Central India, Burmah, parts of Malaya. 



