THE SINGING BIRDS. 



221 



together, and is placed in a bush at a considerable height from the ground. The eggs, from two to 

 three in number, are white, thickly covered with reddish brown markings of various shades, largest 

 and most numerous at the broad end, and often intermixed with a few dark grey patches, that 

 appear to penetrate deep into the shell. 



The HOOK-CLAWED BABBLERS (Crateropus), another group of the same family, are 

 recognisable by their strongly-built body, rather long, powerful, and slightly arched beak, which is 

 compressed at its sides; moderate sized, strong feet, armed with formidable hooked and pointed 





p? ; : 



THE WHITE-RUMPED BAT5BLER {CratoofiltS ItUCOpygius). 



claws; short wings, in which the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length; and long tail, formed ol 

 large feathers, and slightly graduated at the sides. The plumage is thick, harsh, and rarely very 

 brightly coloured. 



THE WHITE-RUMPED BABBLER. 

 The White-rumped Babbler (Crateropus kucopy gilts) is chocolate-brown on the upper part of 

 the body ; the top of the head, face, and rump are white ; the feathers on the under side brownish 

 grey, edged with white, this bordering presenting the appearance of crescent-shaped spots ; the quills 

 and tail-feathers are marked with a series of dark lines ; the eye it deep carmine-red, the beak black, 

 and the feet grey. These Babblers are social in their habits, and are always met with in small 

 parties, numbering from eight to twelve birds. Their flight, which is performed by alternate rapid 



