314 THE BIRDS OF GILGIT. 



the primaries have no white tips, and usually five white spots 

 on the outer web, and the bill is large. 



Seven other specimens have the underparts strongly sullied, 

 as much so as in the darkest Sikhim* specimens; the 

 lower tail-coverts are usually barely rufescent ; the outer 

 tail-feather is barred on the outer web only at the tip ; the 

 primaries are usually black, tipped with six white spots on 

 the outer web ; and the bill is smaller. 



This is a very remarkable race ; but as in the small series 

 obtained the dark tone of the underparts appears to be the 

 only distinctive feature that is constant, sufficient ground 

 is not afforded for specific separation. — Gr. F. L. M.] 



40.— Gecinus squamatus, Vig. (170). 



In the winter and spring is common in the main valley, 

 but appears to ascend in the summer to higher elevations. 



[Three specimens shot in December and January are iden- 

 tical with the Indian type ; but three others obtained in 

 March, at an elevation of 5,000 feet, near Gilgit itself, are 

 remarkable for having the neck, back, and outer margins of 

 secondaries grey instead of green, while the wing-coverts are 

 mixed grey and green. All three are females ; and in two out 

 of the three some traces of green are visible among the grey 

 on the lower back ; so that it may be only a phase of plumage 

 of G. squamatus. In his " Zoology of Persia," Mr. Blanford 

 notices an analogous grey form of the Gecinus viridis type. — 

 G. F. L. M.] 



41 —lynx torquilla, Lin. (188). 



A summer visitant. 



Specimens shot in May have the abdomen pure white, 

 while the rufous tone of the throat is more pronounced and 

 strongly contrasted than in the autumn specimens ; the flanks 

 and under tail-coverts are also more or less strongly tinged 

 with rufous. 



42.— Cuculus canorus, Lin. (199). 



Appears about 7th May. Common everywhere, up to 

 12,000 feet, in July. 



* The Sikhim specimens referred to are perhaps referable to P. majoroides, 

 Hodgson, as P. himalayensis does not occur in Sikhim.— J. S. 



[ Sikhim here was of course a lapsus calami for Simla, where the specimens exhibit 

 the dark tone referred to.— A. O. II.] 



