254 LIST OF BIRDS IN MANIPUR, 



634.— iESgithaliscus erythrocephalus, Vig. 



I think I saw this on the Limatol range of the Western 

 hills, but I could not secure a specimen and am not sure. On 

 the Eastern hills I twice saw small parties, and each time 

 secured a single specimen. 



These specimens represent a recognizably distinct race, 

 which differs from all Himalayan examples: (1) in having 

 the white band running from the top of the eye backwards 

 over the ear-coverts, replaced by black, slightly streaked with 

 fine lines of white ; (2) in having a pure white pectoral band 

 dividing the black throat patch from the chestnut of the 

 breast, with which it contrasts strongly, and from which it is 

 abruptly defined ; (3) in having the breast band, sides of 

 breast and abdomen and flanks, a clear light chestnut, very 

 different from the pale washed-out colour of these parts in 

 Himalayan specimens ; and (4) in having the black throat 

 patch smaller. 



I myself should not separate this form specifically ; those 

 who do may call it ^. manipurensis. 



The following are the details : — 



Length. Expanse, 



$ ... 4-3 5-9 



$ ... 4-15 6-6 



Male. — Legs and feet warm reddish mahogany brown ; claws 

 darker ; bill black ; irides bright yellowish white. 



Female. — Legs and feet very pale orange brown ; bill black ; 

 irides creamy white. 



Godwin- A.usten records this from Kohima in the Naga 

 hills, but beyond this I have no knowledge of its occurrence 

 in Assam, Sylhet or Cachar. It has not yet been observed in 

 British Burmah, but Ramsay obtained it in Karenee. 



644. — Parus monticolus, Vig, 



Only observed at Matchi on the Eastern hills and very 

 scarce there. I only shot two specimens. A male measured : — ■ 

 Length, 5*25 ; expanse, 8*25 ; tail, 225 ; wing, 268 ; tarsus, 

 073 ; bill from gape, 0"52 ; weight, 0'52oz. Legs and feet 

 lavender ; claws darker ; bill black, a little yellowish at gape 

 and extreme tips ; irides hazel or reddish brown. 



I have this from the Khasi hills, and Godwin- Austen says 

 it is common enough in the Naga hills, but beyond this 

 nothing seems to be known of its distribution in Assam, Sylhet 

 or Cachar, nor is it known to extend to British Burmah. 



