RUTICILLINiE. 143 



The coloration of this bird, especially that of the female, is very 

 peculiar, and indeed unique in this group, and the sexes would 

 hardly be recognised as belonging to the same species. It probably 

 ought to form a distinct type. Hodgson classed it with Chamorrornis, 

 with which it agrees in the shorter and somewhat rounded tail, as 

 also in its habits ; but the wings are proportionally longer, and 

 the bill shorter. 



This plumbeous Redstart is found throughout the Himalayas, 

 the Khasia hills, and, according to Griffiths, all the hill ranges 

 between Assam and Burmah. In Sikhim it is common from 1,300 

 feet to 5,000 feet or so, and is a permanent resident there. It lives 

 entirely along rivers and mountain torrents, and may often be seen 

 on a wet and slippery rock, just above a boiling rapid ; it climbs up 

 the wet rocks with great facility, and every now then alighting 

 on a rock, it spreads its tail, but does not vibrate it like some of 

 the Kedstarts. It is a pugnacious little fellow, and often gives 

 battle to the little Euicurus Scouleri, which delights in similar spots, 

 and it generally drives its antagonist away. Its flight is rapid 

 and direct. It feeds on various aquatic insects and larva?, some 

 kinds of which are always found just at the edge of the water, and 

 which a wave often leaves behind it on the rock. 



Griffiths in his private journal states that he observed and shot 

 it in Kaffiristan, while it was " examining a wall for insects, and 

 fluttering about the holes in it." 



Gen. Ch^emorrornis, Hodgson. 



Differs from true Ruticilla by its more rounded wings and tail, 

 and by the intense ruddy hue. Sexes alike. 



506. Ch&morrornis leucocephala, Vigors. 



Phsenicura, apud Vigors, P. Z. S., 1830 — Gould, Cent. 

 Him. Birds, pi. 26, f. 2— Blyth, Cat. 99.— Horsf., Cat. 480— 

 Gir-chuondia, Hind. — Kali-plwlia at Mohun Ghat — Mati-tap-j>Jio, 

 Lepch, — Chubia-mati, Bhot. 



The White-capped Redstart. 

 Descr. — Frontal band, lores, ear-coverts, throat, neck, breast, 

 back, wings, and tips of the tail feathers, black ; abdomen, rump, 



