Illustrations of Indian Ornithology ; 



one or two more ; and the elevated forests of the Wyiiaad, and the edges of the higher 

 mountains of the Western ghauts, are the habitat of a very distinct species, somewhat allied 

 in colouring to the Craieropi, which curiously enough at a higher level inhabit the same 

 regions, to the exclusion of the Malacocirci, though in very limited number, whilst in the 

 North of India species of the former genus abound, and descend I believe, nearly to the 

 plains. 



The genus Malacocircus was first defined by Swainson, in his Zoological 

 Illustrations, and was founded on a species firom Ceylon. It is distinguished by its high 

 and compressed bill, gradually arching from the base, soft bowed wings, large broad 

 and soft t;iil, strong legs and feet, light coloured irides, usually white or pale yellow, and 

 sombre and uninviting plumage. 



The white headed Babbler is found throughout the Carnatic, extending on the 

 one side into the Northern Circars, and on the West into the neighbouring portions 

 of the table land, to a greater or less distance. It is extremely common and abundant in the 

 Carnatic, and is to be found in every hedge, avenue, and garden. Like the others of its 

 genus it always associates in families of six, seven, eight or more ; even in the breeding 

 season the parent birds feeding in company with their former companions. One may be 

 seen suddenly dropping to the ground from some tree, and is followed in succession, though 

 perhaps not immediately, by each of the flock. They hop about, turning over fallen leaves, 

 and examining all the herbage around the base of trees, a very favorite spot, or on a 

 hedge side, never venturing to any distance from cover, being aware of their tardy 

 powers of flight. They are occasionally seen seeking insects or grain, from heaps of dung, 

 whence they have received their common denomination as well from the French, (Fouille- 

 merde,) as from the English, (Dirt bird,) who are on this account prejudiced against them. 

 They generally feed at some little distance apart from each other, but now and then if 

 a richer prize than usual is spied out, two or more will meet and struggle for it ; 

 and now and then, one of them will make a clumsy flight after a grasshopper, seeking 

 safety by its wings, and not unfrequentiy eluding its awkward pursuer. On being driven 

 from the ground, or leaving it from choice, their hunger being satisfied, they fly up to the 

 nearest tree, hopping and climbing up the larger branches, and if you happen to be 

 watching them they do not stop till they have reached the top, or the opposite side whence 

 they fly off in single and extended file as before. They often appear to pick insects off 



