BIRDS COLLECTED IN THE HYLAKANDY DISTRICT. 87 



Family Pittidce. 



Genus Pitta (VicilL, 1816). 



Hume, No. 344 ; Oates, No. 927. 



Pitta nepalensis (Hodgs.). — The Blue-Daped Pitta. 



This Pitta is quite common here. I took a nest in June. It was 124 

 placed in the fork of a tea-bush about 3 feet from the ground. It 

 was very loosely put together, and was composed of small twigs, dry 

 bamboo and tea leaves. The egg cavity, which opened from the side, 

 was lined with root fibres. Size of nest 8"xll". Egg cavity 4"X6". 

 In front of the mouth of the nest there was a platform composed of 

 twigs and leaves. The nest contained four highly incubated eggs of a 

 white colour blotched with rufous and pale lavender. 



Hume, No. 346 ; Oates, No. 935. 



Pitta cucullata (Hartl.). — The Green-breasted Pitta. 



This species is exceedingly rare here. I have only seen two speci- 125 

 mens siace I have been collecting. 



( To be continued.') 



