262 BIRDS OF TENASSERIM. 



390 quat— Turdinus crispifrons, Blyth. (82). Descr. 

 S. F,V. S 87. 



Wimpong ; Thonngsha G-yne R. ; Momenzeik, near Moulmein. 



Confined to the isolated limestone rocks of the central portions 

 of the province. 



[This Turdinus is entirely confined to the ranges of limestone 

 rocks that occur in Tenasserim. 



They are found singly, or occasionally in pairs, but more 

 often in small parties about the rocks from their bases to their 

 summit, and never wandering away from the rocks even for 

 a few yards. 



They are excessively lively, sprightly birds, keeping up con- 

 tinually a twittering chattering note, and occasionally one will 

 perch itself on some point of rock, and with lowered wings and 

 erected tail pour forth a fine and powerful song. They feed 

 principally upon insects and small land shells, but I have found 

 small white round seeds, about the size of mustard seed, in their 

 stomachs. When shot, unless killed outright, they at once 

 scramble into one of the numerous holes or crevices with 

 which these rocks are everywhere honey-combed, and are 

 of course lost. 



They are not shy birds, and from the limited nature of their 

 habitats are not difficult to procure. — W. D.] 



390 quint— Turdinus brevicaudatus, Blyth. (6). 



Mooleyit, 



Apparently confined to the higher slopes of Mooleyit. 



[I have only met with this Turdinus at Mooleyit and its 

 slopes from 5,000 feet and upwards. The slopes of the Mooleyit 

 hills are very generally covered with masses or boulders of 

 rocks of all sizes lying about in chaotic confusion ; and in 

 such situations, and in such only, is this species found, hopping 

 about on and amongst the rocks, and turning over tbe leaves in 

 its quest for insects. Like the last it occurs in small parties, in 

 pairs and occasionally singly. When disturbed it utters a long 

 drawn kir-r-r, and keeps on uttering it till the cause of its disturb- 

 ance has passed or it has retreated into safer quarters. Unless 

 suddenly alarmed it seldom flies, but retreats by hopping rapidly 

 away. I have never heard this bird sing, as I have heard 

 T. crispifrons do. 



Of course these rocky slopes that the bird frequents are dense- 

 ly wooded. I have never seen the bird anywhere in the open, 

 or in any place that was not rocky as well as wooded. The 

 species may be said to be rare even when it does occur. 



