MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 49 



between the young and the old birds, either as regards the state of 

 moult or depth of colouring. 



The young birds were identified by the shorter bill (about 6 

 to 10 mm. less than the old bird) and by the lack of development 

 of the corrugations on the bill, by brighter colour and smaller size 

 of the legs, and lastly by the sutures on the skull. 



Careful note of the first arrival of young birds was not 

 taken, but it is believed that the first obtained was fully a month 

 later than the arrival of the old birds. 



October 18th and 19th. Both days yielded the same propor- 

 tion of seven Pin-tails to two Fan-tails, but this must vary 

 according to the suitability of the ground for the latter birds, as 

 Fan-tails are nearly always found in the paddy. Their softer and 

 more sensitive bills necessitating their feeding in the softer ground. 



February 35th 1920. 



E. G. Herbert. 



vol. iv, no. .i, 1920. 



