OF EASTERN TURKESTAN. 143 
fall short of tail, 0:8. Bill, black; irides, dark brown ; legs, 
feet, and claws, black. 
Three young birds (not sexed), Yarkand, 20th May.—Length, 
6 to 6°2; expanse, 11-4 to 11°9; wing, 3°7 to 3°85; tail, 2°1; 
tarsus, 1:1 to 1:2; bill, from gape, 0°82 to 0:9; closed wings 
fall short of tail, 0°9. 
Bill dusky, horny below; irides, dark brown ; legs and feet, 
dusky blackish ; claws, black. 
This species was common in the plains of Eastern Turkestan, 
at elevations of from 4,000 to 6,300 feet, from the middle of April 
to the middle of August; it was never met with during the 
winter, nor in the hills at any season. It probably arrives in 
the country towards the end of March, and leaves certainly not 
later than October. The bird frequents waste ground, usually on 
the borders of cultivation, and at Besharik and Bora in August 
it was found associated with Sawicola deserti. In the neigh- 
bourhood of Yarkand it breeds in April and May; three quite 
young birds were obtained there during the latter month. The 
Turki name for all Wheatears is Chikit, a word having some 
reference to the black and white tail; the present species is dis- 
tinguished as Boz chikit, i. e., ‘the Grey Wheatear.’ 
492.—Saxicola deserti, Riipp. 
Seven males, shot in August.—Length, 6:2 to 7:05 ; expanse, 
10°8 to 11:6; wing, 3°45 to 3-9; tail, 2°6 to 2°95; tarsus, 0°95 
to 1:0; bill, from gape, 0°8 to 0:9; closed wings fall short 
of tail, 1-0 1°35 ; weight, 0°7 oz. to 0°8 oz. 
Bill, legs, feet, and claws, black; irides, brown, dark brown 
and blackish brown. 
Four females, shot in August.—Length, 5-8 to 6°32; expanse, 
11 to 11:15; wing, 3°5 to 3°85; tail, 2-4 to 2:9; tarsus, 0-91 
to 0:96; bill, from gape, 0°75 to 0°82; closed wings fall short of 
tail, 0°8 to 13; weight, 0°7 oz. Bill, legs, feet, and claws, 
black; irides, brown to dark brown. 
Specimen shot at Balakchi, 26th August—-Length, 6:2; ex- 
panse, 11:3; wing, 3°7; tail, 2°55; tarsus, 0:95; bill, from 
gape, 0°75 ; closed wings fall short of tail, 0°95 ; weight, 0°7 oz. 
Bill, black—brownish at base below; irides, brown; legs, 
feet, and claws, black. 
The last specimen is doubtfully referred to this species by 
Mr. Hume. It differs from the others in having less black on 
the tail, and in the tail feathers being broadly tipped with fulvus. 
This species was common in the plains of Kashgharia at 
elevations of 4,500 feet and upwards, and in some portions 
of the hills up to an elevation of 12,300 feet. It was never 
observed during the winter. In the plains it was foundin the 
