MALACONOTIN^E. 409 



rounded; tail rather short, even, or slightly emarginate; tarsus 

 and toes short; lateral toes unequal; outer toe the longest, slightly 

 syndactyle. 



This genus was placed by Swainson among the DicrurincB, but 

 I think quite erroneously. 



263. Tephrodornis pelvica, Hodgson. 



Tenthaca apud Hodgson, Ind. Rev., 1, 447 — Blyth, Cat. 882 

 — HoRSF., Cat. 224 — Ramnun-pho, or Rabnun-phoy Lepch. 



The Nepal Wood-Shrike. 



Descr. — Plumage above pale ashy-brown, somewhat cinereous 

 about the head ; the rump white ; quills, tail, and upper tail-coverts, 

 dark brown; a blackish streak through the eye, and the frontal 

 plumes also black ; beneath whitish, tinged with ashy-brown or 

 reddish-ashy on the neck, breast, and flanks. 



Bill dusky-blackish ; legs plumbeous-brown ; irides brownish- 

 yellow. 



Length 8| inches ; extent 14| ; wing 4-| ; tail 3^ ; bill at front 

 I ; tarsus -^■^. 



This bird has been found in Nepal, Sikhim, Arakan, and Burmah. 

 I procured it rarely at Darjeeling, where it is found from 1,500 to 

 4,000 feet. It wanders from tree to tree, picking insects off the 

 leaves and branches, and has a somewhat agreeable mellow note. 

 Hodgson says " It is much more common in the lower region 

 of Nepal than in the central or northern regions. Food grylli, 

 also mantides, crickets, grubs, and caterpillars. Takes its prey 

 either on the wing, or foliage. Is shy, adhering to the forests, 

 and has the unamiable voice of the typical Lanii.'" 



264. Tephodornis syMcola, Jerdon. 



Cat. 52 — Blyth, Cat. 881 — Phari Latora, H., i. e., Hill Shrike, 



The Malabar Wood- Shrike. 



Descr, — Above slaty-cinereous; rump white ; wings, tail, and 

 some of the upper coverts, dusky-brown ; a broad eye-streak from 



3 r 



