FREGILINJE. 319 



679. Fregilus Himalayanus, Gould, 



P. Z. S. 1862— F. graculus, apud Blyth, Cat. 458— Horsf., 



Cat. 822. 



The Huvlaxayan Chough. 



Descr.— Black, finely glossed with purple and green; wings 

 and tail black. 



Bill and feet coral red. Length 15^ inches ; wing 12| ; tail 

 6| ; tarsus 2 \ ; bill at front 2 £. 



It differs from the European species in its larger size and longer 

 bill. It is found on the Himalayas in flocks, near the snows ; 

 some of them migrating, (with the Jackdaws) to the plains of the 

 Punjab in winter. Its call is rough and harsh. Adams found it 

 on the mountains of Cashmere ; and it has also been sent from 

 Nepal. Its wild excited flight, and still wilder cry, says Adams, 

 attract the sportsman's attention. 



Gen. Pyrrhocorax, Vieillot. 



Char. — Bill moderate or rather short, stronger than in Fregilus, 

 and less curved, subulate ; the tip of the upper mandible toothed ; 

 feet robust ; claws strong, well curved. 



This genus, with Giancopis and those very peculiar New Zealand 

 birds, Creadion and Neomorpha, once referred by Bonaparte to 

 this sub-family, are now separated by him as a distinct group of 

 his Curvirostres, leading to the Crows. 



680. Pyrrhocorax alpinus, Vieillot. 



Corvus pyrrhocorax, Linn. — Gould, Birds of Europe, pi. 218 

 —Blyth, Cat. 457-— Horse., Cat. 823. 



The Alpine Chough. 



Descr. — Brilliant black with iridescent tints ; wings long, nearly 

 reaching to the end of the tail. 



Bill yellow; legs bright red. Length 16| inches; wing 11^; 

 tail 7 ; bill at front If ; tarsus If. 



The Alpine Chough is found in the higher ranges of the 

 Himalayas. It lives in flocks, feeds on various fruits, especially 

 on the mulberry ; and it breeds in holes in rocks. In Europe it 



