78 * BIRDS OF INDIA. 



common at Mussooree, in large flocks, during winter and spring ; 

 in the latter season, when the Rhododendron arboreum is covered 

 with its branches of deep crimson flowers, these birds may be 

 seen thrusting their beaks into every flower in search of insects 

 and nectar, and the forehead is, in consequence, then generally 

 covered with the pollen derived from the flowers. It is fond 

 of wild mulberries and cherries. They make a rather neat cup- 

 shaped nest of leaves, grass stalks, and spider-web, lined with 

 grasses, lichens and wood-shavings, and placed on a tall tree. 

 The eggs are usually three, rosy or purplish white, sprinkled 

 over rather numerously with deep claret or rufescent-purple specks 

 and spots, but very variable in colour and distribution." I 

 obtained the nest and eggs once only, agreeing very well with 

 Hutton's description. 



445. Hypsipetes Neilgherriensis, Jerdon. 



Jerdon, Cat. 68— Blytii, Cat. 1247. 



The Neiloherry Black Bulbul. 



Descr. — Head, with crest of lanceolate feathers, glossy black ; 

 wings and tail black, rest of the body dark blackish grey ; under 

 tail-coverts more or less edged with white. 



Bill deep red; legs orange-red ; irides brownish red. Length 10 

 inches ; extent 14 ; wing 5 ; tail 4 T % ; bill at front nearly f 9 n ; 

 tarsus jjj. 



This species differs from the last in its somewhat smaller size, and 

 the prevalent darkness of the body plumage. It abounds on the 

 summit of the Neilgherries from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. I have seen 

 it also in Coorg. It lives in small flocks, in the dense woods, feed- 

 ing on various fruits and berries, usually on the tops of trees. It 

 keeps up a lively and agreeable warbling, which it often continues 

 during its occasional flight from one tree, or patch of wood, to 

 another. Its flight is undulating, easy, and rapid. It has also been 

 found in Ceylon. 



44 G. Hypsipetes Ganeesa, Sykes. 



Sykes, Cat. 49— -Housf, Cat. 380. 



