206 A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF PEGU, 
198.—Pyctorhis altirostris, Jerdon. (386 dis.) 
I have already described this bird (S. F., V, p. 249). Since 
I became acquainted with the note of this species I have heard 
it very frequently in the vast plain west of the canal, and 
have procured many specimens. It is very difficult to shoot, 
as it clings to the lower parts of the elephant grass, and is 
seldom seen. I have found it the best plan to go after them 
ina canoe during high floods. Nothing but the tips of the 
grass are then available for shelter, and a few birds are secured 
with tolerable ease. 
They are abundant along both sides of the reclamation bund 
extending from the head of the canal to the road from Pegu 
to Tounghoo. Also down the canal as faras Wan. In marching 
this year from Pegu to Tounghoo I heard the note every day 
nearly up to Tounghoo wherever there was elephant grass. As 
is well known, Dr. Jerdon procured it at Thyetmyo. It also 
probably occurs in the plains in other parts of the Irrawaddy 
valley. 
ie note is peculiar and unlike that of any other bird. It is 
however impossible to describe it. Although not gregarious, 
yet the bird is seldom alone, and several may frequently be 
heard calling and answering from the same clump of grass. 
It feeds in the rains chiefly on large grasshoppers which abound, 
to an incredible extent, in all the flooded lands, 
199.—Trichastoma abbotti, Bly. (387.) 
Very common throughout the southern portions of the 
province in gardens, orchards, and damp forests, provided 
that in these there is a dense undergrowth of small and 
entangled brushwood. It has a remarkably pretty note, 
uttered so frequently, and in such rapid succession, that it 
may be said almost to have asong. It feeds chiefly on the 
eround, but I have seen it in trees peering under the leaves 
of the smaller branches for insects.* 
200.—-Alcippe phayrii, Bly. (388 dis.) 
I procured this bird only in the evergreen forests of the 
Pegu hills, where it was common. 
201.—Stachyrhis nigriceps, Hodgs, (391.) 
Appears to be fairly common in the Pegu hills on the 
Eastern slopes, where I have twice taken its nest. 
* Add 388.—Alcippe nipalensis, Hodgs. 
I bave examined a specimen of this from the North Pegu hills, —Ep., 8, F. 
