260 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



from Affghanistan by Griffiths, but more likely from Assam ; and 

 indeed, since the above was penned, I procured it on the Khasia 

 Hills. 



625. Ixulus striatus, Bltth. 



J. A. S. XXVIII. p. 413. 



The Striated Flower-pecker. 



Descr. — Above, the whole plumage dull earthy brown, the 

 feathers all with white shafts ; quills dark brown ; tail the same, 

 with all except the central feathers tipped white ; beneath albescent, 

 sullied on the abdomen. 



Bill dusky brown, fleshy yellow at the base ; legs pale brown ; 

 irides light brown. Length 5 inches ; wing 1\ ; tail 2^ ; bill at 

 front f ; tarsus f . 



Mr. Blyth described this species from a specimen sent from 

 Tenasserim. I obtained one specimen at Darjeeling and another 

 on the Khasia Hills, which I shot at about 4,500 feet of elevation. 



Gen. Yuhina, Hodgson. 



Syn. Poly o don, Hodgs. 



Char. — Bill moderate or rather long, slender, much compressed 

 beyond the nares ; tip of the upper mandible slightly inclined, with 

 three minute teeth on each side (nothowever always distinguish- 

 able) ; a few weak rictal bristles ; wing as in the last ; tail moderate, 

 nearly even, or divaricate; legs and feet strong, slender, hind toe 

 and claw very large ; claws well curved. 



This genus di tiers from the last by its longer bill, somewhat 

 brushed tongue, and, in its habits, it is still more a Flower-hunter. 

 The head is more or less crested ; the tongue is deeply cleft, fila- 

 mentous and brushed. Hodgson says " They adhere exclusively to 

 the wild uplands, preferring the lower and more umbrageous to the 

 higher and barer trees, and seem to procure no portion of their food 

 from the ground. They are usually found in small flocks, and have 

 a monotonous feeble monosyllabic note. They feed on viscid, 

 stony berries and fruits, and tiny insects that harbour in the cups of 

 large deep flowers, such as the Rhododendrons, and to which the 

 birds cline: with their strong feet." 



