28S 



CASSELL S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



This species is spread throughout all India and Ceylon ; it is very generally met with in the hilly 

 and wooded parts, but is rare in the open country, especially towards the south of India, the Carnatic, 

 and the bare table-land ; it is apparently most abundant in Bengal and the more northern districts. 



"It occasionally," says Jerdon, "is to be seen on the banks of rivers, but is more generally 

 found in gardens near houses, in towns and villages, and on walks in the forest, or where there is 

 sufficient shelter. Mr. Blyth, who had abundant opportunities for observing it, says he has seen it 









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THE mountain wagtail ( Calobales sulphured). 



tripping over the filthiest narrow black drains between hut and hut in the native town of Calcutta. 

 It occasionally, though rarely, perches upon trees, and has the jerking motion of its tail more 

 remarkably noticeable than any other member of the entire group, for it appears unable to keep it 

 in repose even for a moment." 



The SHEEP WAGTAILS (Budytes), a group of European birds, are recognisable from the 

 other members of their family by their short tail, the straight long nail on the hinder toe, and the 

 brilliancy of the plumage, which varies in the two sexes, insomuch that naturalists are undecided as to 

 whether certain species of these Wagtails are distinct or identical. 



