THE BIRDS OF NORTH CACHAR. 188 
measured varied in length between °72" and ‘90" and in breadth between 
‘57 and *62", the average dimensions of the same number being ‘78! 
by °60", From the above measurements it may be seen that the varia- 
tions in length covered no less than *18" of an inch, whereas in breadth 
they only covered ‘05 of aninch. Asa matter of fact very few egos 
exceeded *82" in leneth, and only six eges exceeded 84, and again only 
5 eggs are less than °75" in length, so that the variation in length, put- 
ting on one side the eleven eggs, which were either abnormally long or 
short, the remaining 69 eggs only ranged in length between 75" and °84". 
I know of nothing practically of any interest to record concerning the 
habits of this bird. Like all others of the genus, it is very shy and 
retiring and gives but little chance of close observation ; it is a very 
sient bird ; such notes as I have heard are very like the lower chuck- 
ling notes of the genus Trochalopterum, but are very sweet and soft, 
When disturbed it never makes any harsh noise, but evinces its distress 
or fear in a low rippling note that conveys not the slightest sign of 
anger, though perhaps to a certain extent it does show fear. I have 
repeatedly had the bird leaye its nests when I was within a yard or so 
and then 
flutter about at a little distance in a palpable state of fear and 
anxiety ; yet the only note it ever uttered was the one already 
mentioned. It sometimes utters a clear low whistle, probably as a 
of it—for, in spite of its shyness, itis a very close sitter 
call for its mate ; this note is, however, very seldom made use of, for 
T do not think I have heard it half-a-dozen times altogether in as 
many years. ‘This species so far appears only to have been recorded 
from the Naga Hills and from Dibrughur, but nothing is said as to 
the elevation at which it has been obtained. Here I have neyer 
noticed it below 2,400 feet even in the cold season, and it is most 
common at Hungrum and the surrounding peaks at an elevation of 
some five thousand feet upwards, where it is principally found 
in thin brushwood and scrub jungle or in bamboo jungle whenever 
there is such available. As the lower hills are reached and the 
bamboo jungle becomes more plentiful, the bird seems to keep almost 
entirely to it. It is found very plentifully towards the north and 
north-east of these hills, and thence extends into Manipur and the 
Naga Hills.” 
