258 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



Blyth considers that Zosterops belongs to that group, but places 

 the first three genera with the Leiotrichince. 1 think that there 

 can be little doubt, but that this is their proper location. The near 

 affinity of some of the species for Siva and Minla is patent to all ; 

 and, although there may be some doubts about Zosterops and 

 JErpornis, yet most Ornithologists have classed the former genus 

 along with Yuhina. 



Gen. Ixulus, Hodgson. 



Char. — Bill short, straight, slightly curving at the tip, and 

 notched ; a very few minute rictal seta) ; wings moderate, the first 

 three quills graduated, the three next sub-equal ; tail moderate, 

 even or slightly forked ; tarsus moderate, stout ; toes rather short, 

 stout, slightly unequal, syndactyle at the base ; hind toe larger and 

 broad ; claws tolerably curved. 



This genus differs from Yuhina, with which it was at first 

 classed by Hodgson, in its shorter bill, simple tongue, and some 

 few other points. 



These are birds of plain and sombre plumage, with the head 

 furnished with a full crest. They are strictly arboreal in their 

 habits, and cling to the minute twigs and flowering branches, 

 or even climb up the larger boughs. They feed both on 

 fruits, buds, and insects, and are particularly fond of searching 

 flowers fur small insects and larvae. The tongue is simple or 

 nearly so. 



623. Ixulus flavicollis, Hodgson. 



Yuhina, apud Hodgson, As. lies. XIX., p. 167 — Blyth, 

 Cat. 518— HoRSF., Cat. 402 — Siripchong-pho, Lepch. 



The Yellow-naped Flower-pecker. 



Descr. — Above dull pale brown, with a dusky tinge ; head pure 

 rich brown ; cheeks and nape paler brown ; back of the neck 

 rusty yellow, continued in a demi-collar round the sides of the 

 neck ; a dark brown moustache ; primaries edged externally with 

 white on the outer webs ; lining of wing also white ; chin and throat 

 white ; rest of the body beneath pale yellow, the sides shaded with 

 brownish. 



