342 THE BIRDS OF GILGIT. 



110— Corvus monedula, Lin. (665). 



A few always about during the time of extreme cold, gene- 

 rally mixed up with other Crows, but disappear in April. 

 The specimens procured and observed show no approach to 

 the C. collaris type with the white half collar, which is 

 recorded from Kashmir and Afghanistan. 



Since leaving Gilgit Dr. Scully writes that he has pro- 

 cured specimens of the C. collaris type, which appear distin- 

 guishable from C. monedula. 



141.— Nucifraga multipunctata, Gould. (667). 



Common at all times in the forests above 8,000 feet. 



Of six specimens the length of wing varied from 7 "75 to 

 825 inches (the smallest being a female and the largest a 

 male), total length, 14 to 1515 ; tail from 58 to 6-5. Irides, 

 brown ; legs, black. 



142.— Pica rustica, Scop. (668 bis). 



The form separated as P. bactriana by some authors. 



Very common at all times. In winter it comes down to 

 5,000 feet ; but in April it ascends to about 8,000 feet in the 

 side valleys. The natives train the Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter 

 nisus) to take the Magpie with. 



A nest with five eggs, hard set, taken in a mulberry tree at 

 Nonval (5,600 feet) 9th May. 



A nest with three eggs, f quite fresh ) taken at Dayoor 

 (5,200 feet) 25th May. The bird had evidently not done 

 laying. 



143.— Pyrrhocorax graculus, Lin. (679). 



Common at the lower elevation in December, January, 

 February and March, when they commit great havoc on the 

 newly sown corn. In summer they keep entirely to the 

 mountains. 



144.— Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Koch. (680). 



Seems to care less for cold than the Red-billed Chough, only 

 appearing in the main valley during the time of extremest 

 cold, and then only in small numbers. 



145.— Sturnus vulgaris, Lin. (681). 



Occasional specimens secured during the winter, but not 

 common. 



