DIPPER. — Hydrdbates cinclus. 



neck, are also black, a clarkisli line is drawn through the eyes, the throat is greyish white, 

 and the abdomen and lower surface of the body are brownish gi'ey. In total length the 

 bird measures about nine inches. 



The Shoet-tailed Pitta, so called from the extreme shortness of that member, is a 

 native of India, being most plentifully found in Bengal. 



It is a quick, lively bird upon the ground, rarely taking to flight except when 

 absolutely forced so to do, but moving with incredible rapidity over the earth. In its 

 general habits it differs nothing from the remainder of its kind. The plumage of this 

 bird is remarkably pretty, and notable on account of the curious markings of the head 

 and neck, and the beautifully vivid colouring of the wings. 



The ground colour of the bird is a soft mouse-brown, which is boldly marked with 

 three jet-black bands, one passing from the forehead over the top of the head to the nape 

 of the neck, and the other two passing from the gape through the eye, and joining the 

 first band in a kind of half-collar between the neck and shoulders. The central stripe 

 suddenly widens upon the crown of the head. Upon each shoulder and upon the basal 

 portion of the tail are a number of glittering verditer-green feathers, that gleam out in 

 the light, and render it a most conspicuous bird. The quill-feathers of the wings are 

 dead black, except a white spot or bar upon their coverts, forming an irregular band when 

 the wing is spread. The throat is a light brown, and the abdomen a pale mouse-colour. 



The Ant Thrushes find an English representative in the well-known Dippee, or 

 Watee-Ousel, of our river-banks. 



Devoid of brilliant plumage or graceful shape, it is yet one of the most interesting of 

 British birds when watched in its favourite haunts. It always frequents rapid streams 

 and channels, and being a very shy and retiring bird, invariably prefers tliose spots where 

 the banks overhang the water, and are clothed with thick brushwood. Should the bed of 

 the stream be broken up with rocks or large stones, and the fall be sufficiently sharp to 

 wear away an occasional pool, the Dipper is all the better pleased with its liome, and in 

 such a locality may generally be found by a patient observer. 

 2. Y 



