Illustrations of Indian Ornilholog'j. 



but not unfrequently in small parties. It is much more restless and active in its habits than 

 the Indian members of the genus Butalis, the most fixed and sedentary of all, or of Cyomis, 

 flitting about constantly, and changing in its position more frequently than these, indeed 

 more like the Mnscipetce, Leucocircce and Muscicapa ccerulea, which last has much of the ha- 

 bits of the Fan-tailed Flycatchers. None of these ho^fever are seen in groups like the present 

 one,except perhaps now and then the Leucocircae. I do not remember to have ever heard the 

 note of the Neilgherry blue Flycatcher. I discovered its nest twice, built in a slight hole 

 on a steep earthern bank on a road side, but did not procure the eggs, both birds having for- 

 saken their nests. Its food consists of various insects which it usually takes on the wing, but 

 now and then snaps off a branch. 



Description. Of a deep Indigo blue colour, paler on the lower part of the back, and 

 inclining to lazuline on the forehead, and shoulders ; belly ashy blue mingled with whitish; 

 under tail-coverts whitish, barred with dusky blue ; wings and tail dusky black, the feathers 

 edged with blue, and those of the tail, centre feathers excepted, white at the base ; bill and 

 legs black ; Irides deep brown. Length 6— 6| inches Wing 3,'. expanse of do 9^, Tail 2,^ Tar- 

 sus 1th Bill at front ^th. Weighs from 12 to 14 drams,4th and 5th quills equal and longest. 



The female diflfers from the male in the more sombre and ashy tint of the plumage, 

 aud the young male is spotted throughout with pale rufous. 



