on the Ruby-throated Bulbul.



239



shade towards the smaller end) mottled and spotted all over

with a darker shade of the same. I find that it is intermediate

in size between the egg of the Silver-eared Mesia and that of

the Black Lark—but bulkier in shape.


This species is only known from the islands of Java and

Sumatra. -


I will now briefly refer to the Indian Ruby-throated

Bulbul, and to two other kindred species : for my bird has been

mistaken for at any rate one of the latter, and that by those who

might have known better.


The Indian Ruby-throated Bulbuu, Rubigula gularis,

is almost a duplicate of R. dispar. It is stated to be a little

smaller, with a less clear black chin-spot, to have more yellow in

the plumage above and less orange in the yellow below. The

Museum Catalogue (VI., 167) gives the throat patch as “orange

scarlet,” Jerdon (II., 87) as “ beautiful shining ruby-red,” and

“the rest of the plumage beneath bright yellow,” and “ irides

light yellow.” As regards the latter, I do not know if there is

any difference between the sexes. Jerdon says of the throat,

“ the feathers much divided and somewhat bristly.” The Museum

Catalogue does not mention this, but says of R. dispar, “ feathers

of the throat loose and stiffened.”


This species is found only in the forests of the South

Indian Peninsula, and, as a live bird, seems to be little known.

It does not seem ever to have been brought to this country;

possibly it has never been seen in the Indian bird markets. Mr.

Frank Finn once wrote me that he knew the species only as a skin,

adding “ I see Oates gives it as a rare forest bird even in India.”

Jerdon tells us,—“ This pretty species is found only in the forests

of Malabar, extending from Travancore to North Canara. It is

found from the level of the sea nearly to about 2,000 feet of

elevation. It is not common, frequents the more open spots and

glades in thick jungle, and is usually found in the neighbourhood

of water. It lives in small families, is sprightly and active,

hopping about the smaller branches of trees, and uttering now

and then its pleasant twitter, much in the manner of the crested

Bulbuls. Its food consists chiefly of fruits and berries.”


These two are the only species in Rubigula which have

the ruby throat.



