BIRDS COLLECTED IN CHINA, ETC. 237 



CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, (Linnteus.) 



Falco hudsonius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, p. 128, (1766.) 



Falco uliginosus, G-m.. Syst. Nat. I, p. 278, (1788.) 



The marsh hawk ; the harrier. 



Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 2. Aud. B. of Am., pi. 356 ; Oct. ed. I, pi. 26. 



From Benicia, California. 



2. OEDER INSESSORES.— The Perching Birds. 



GARRULAX PERSPICILLATUS, (Gmelin.) 



Turdus perspicillatus, Gtm, Syst. Nat. II, p. 830, (1788.) 



Plate 4. — Adult Male. 



Several specimens of this hird are in the collection of the expedition, and seem to fairly 

 represent the species in mature plumage. All have the ahdomen and under -tail coverts rufous, 

 which is a character mainly to he relied on in distinguishing this species from others nearly 

 allied. Like many other hirds of China, the present heing hut indifferently known, we have 

 availed ourselves of the opportunity of having one of the finest male specimens figured in the 

 plate accompanying. 



The genus Garrulax is not to he assigned to a systematic position without difficulty. It has 

 to us the appearance of a Garruline or Corvine group, and at present we so regard it, hut it may 

 belong more properly among the aherrant thrushes. The student will, however, find some 

 diversity of opinion relative to the arrangement of this singular group of hirds, presenting at 

 least the advantage of a selection heing made according to his judgment or fancy. 



From Macao, China. 



Our figure is ahout two-thirds of the size of life. Sexes very nearly alike. 



HELOPHUS MELANICTERUS, (Gmelin.) 



Fringilla melanictera, Gm. Syst. Nat. II, p. 910, (1788.) 

 Emberiza erythroptera, Jard. and Sel. 111. Orn. Ill, (no page nor date.) 

 Jardine and Selhy 111. Orn. Ill, pi. 132. 

 From China. 



Late ornithologists have greatly erred in regarding as one all the species of the genus 

 Melophus. There are several well defined and distinct, though allied, species. 



CHLOROSPIZA SINICA, (LinnEeus.) 



Fringilla sinica, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, p. 321, (1766.) 



Buff. PI. Enl. 157, fig. 3, Temm. and Schleg. Faun. Jap. Aves, pi. 49. 



Specimens of this handsome little finch are from Macao. Mr. Heine states that it is frequently 

 to he seen in the gardens and shrubbery in the suburbs, and is quite familiar in its habits. 



This bird is known also as a Japanese species, but no specimens are in the present collection 

 from that country. 



