242 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



One o'enus is found in the Palsearctic regions and North America; 

 and the Australian Pardalotiis probably enters this sub-family ; 

 Bonaparte, indeed, placing it next to the Leiotrichinoe, though in a 

 separate sub-family. Two or three of the Indian genera have a 

 somewhat wider distribution than that stated above, being found 

 in the Malayan Archipelago. This group is so closely related to the 

 Parince that the limits of each are difficult to define. 



The plumage is very varied, in most cases the markings on 

 the wing are prominent, and many are brightly coloured ; a few 

 only with dull plumage. The majority are of small size, one or 

 two attaining the size of Thrushes ; and some of them are very 

 small. Several are highly crested, and most of them have the 

 feathers of the head more or less elongated. They feed on buds, 

 seeds, fruits, and insects, nidificate on trees, and the eggs of the 

 few known are white, with a few reddish spots. They may be 

 sub-divided into the Blue Thrush-tits (Cochoea>) ; the Hill-tits 

 Leiotrichece ; and the Flower-peckers, (Ixulete.) 



1st. — Blue Thrush-tits, Cochoece. 



Gen. Cochoa, Hodgson. 



Sj ? n. Oreias, Temm. ? 



Char. — Bill short, wide at the base, depressed, straight, the tip 

 slightly bent and notched ; nostrils large and advanced, with a 

 few short hairs incumbent over them ; wings rather long, some- 

 what pointed, 1st quill minute. 2nd and 3rd graduating, 4th quill 

 longest, 5th sub-equal; tail moderate, nearly even, the outer feathers 

 slightly graduating ; tarsi rather short and stout ; feet moderate ; 

 middle toe and hind toe long ; claws short, moderately curved. 

 Head moderately crested ; of large size, bigger than a Thrush ; 

 colors rich blue, purple, and green. 



This genus is placed by Gray in the sub-family Ampelince, all 

 the others of that group being American. Bonaparte places it 

 next to Ifena in the Edoliince. Blyth, too, places it at the end of 

 the Ampelidoe, but says of doubtful location, and affined to 

 Pterutlnus Concurring in this last view of its affinities, I have 

 withdrawn it from the New World family, and placed it next to 

 Pteruthius, in the Leiotrichine Group, of which it forms a separate 

 division, distinguished by its large size, and partially terrene 



