1863.] MR. R. SWINHOE ON THE BIRDS OF CHINA. 287 



bined serve to produce the Malacca race. But, at any rate, some 

 other agent than that of cHmatal influence must have been at hand 

 to work the change, in alienating forms from their pristine type and 

 in assimilating the aliens situated under apparently such different 

 circumstances. 



I have a fourth well-marked variety, with the ashy head, but with 

 no white on the forehead, and scarcely any eyebrow; its back is rufous- 

 brown, like the tail. This may yet turn out to be another race pe- 

 culiar to some particular area. 



On its arrival in spring and autumn at Amoy, this Shrike an- 

 nounces itself very soon by its loud jarring note. It feeds occasion- 

 ally on insects, but I think more frequently on small birds. It arrives 

 with the majority of the Willow-Wrens, following closely at their 

 heels and preying daily upon them. While feeding it impales its 

 prey on thorns, as do most Shrikes. If a bird, it usually suspends 

 it by the neck, and commences operations on the brains. It some- 

 times, during its visit, entertains us with a song, which is the most 

 melodious of its kind that I have ever heard. 



125. Lanius BUCEPHALUS, Schlcg. Faun. Japou. 



I have one female, procured so far south as Amoy. It is found in 

 Japan and North China. 



126. Artamus Fuscus, Vieill. 



Reported by Cassin to have been procured by Commodore Perry's 

 expedition at Macao. I have never met the bird. (See Report, &c., 

 of Perry's Japanese Expedition.) 



HiRUNDINIDiE. 



127. HiRUNDO GUTTURALIS, ScOp. 



H. rustica, var. rn/a, von Schrenck. 



A summer bird throughout China as far as the Amoor. Also visits 

 in the same season Japan and Formosa. Winters in Siam and Hin- 

 dostan. Is the eastern representative of H, rustica, L. 



128. HiRUNDO DAURICA, L. 



H. alpestris. Pall. 



Locally distributed throughout China as far as Peking. In North 

 China only a summer visitant. In South China vagrant during 

 winter. Represented in Japan and Formosa by larger varieties. 



129. Chelidon lagopoda, Pall. 



Never procured in China, except at Tientsin. It thence ranges 

 into Amoorland. For comparison of this eastern race with the 

 European C. urbica and with C. blakistoni of Japan see The Ibis, 

 1863, p. 91. 



130. COTYLE RIPARIA, L. 



Procured in North China (Tientsin), where it is a summer visitant. 

 It ia noted by von Schrenck from Amoorland. 



