432 PEATINCOLA BICOLOR. 



In the south of India it is found commonly on the Nilghiris and the adjacent high ranges. Dr. Fairbank 

 procured it at Kodoikanal, at the top of the Palanis. From the Nilghiris northwards it extends along the 

 Western Ghats to their termination, I conclude, as it appears to be found at Mahabaleshwar, which is at an 

 elevation of 4700 feet above the sea. 



Habits. — The " Nuwara-Elliya Robin " frequents the " plains " or open downs of the main range, gardens 

 round the sanatarium, patnas in Uva, and bare or rocky localities in the districts above mentioned. It is 

 usuallv found in pairs, and is a sprightly bird in its actions, with all the habits, flight, and note of a true Chat. 

 It is constantly flitting from bush to bush or rock to rock, or perching on stakes, fences, and such like; and 

 while thus seated, raises and depresses its tail and darts out its wings in precisely the same manner as the 

 Stonechat, and when so doing utters a quick Chat-like note. It is far from shy, flying only from bush to 

 bush when pursued. In the early morning it is abroad almost before any other bird; and the male, perched 

 on the top of a low bush, sends forth a sweet little warble, which, sounding out from the thick mists which at 

 daybreak often envelop these lonely upland plains, falls on the ear of the traveller with an effect, perhaps, 

 more pleasing than that produced by any other bird-sound which he hears in such elevated regions. In the 

 evenings, shortly before sunset, these Chats display much restless activity, perching on elevated stones and 

 rocks, and darting from one to another with much chirping and jerking of the tail and wings ; and I have even 

 noticed them sitting on the telegraph-wires between " Wilson's Bungalow " and Nuwara Elliya. Their food 

 consists of insects and larvae of various kinds, which they take chiefly on the ground, flying down suddenly at 

 them from their perch, and after devouring them realighting on adjacent bushes. The small rhododendrons 

 glowing about Nuwara Elliya and on all the surrounding plains form a favourite perch for this bird. 



Nidification. — The breeding-season of this species is during April, May, aud June. I have not found the 

 nest myself; but it is said to be placed in holes of banks or old walls, and mention is made, in ' Nests and Eggs/ 

 lit a pair that built in an old up-turned basket. The structure is described by Mr. Hume as "a large loose 

 saucer-shaped pad, composed of grass and vegetable fibre;" this is mixed with " dead leaves, a little wool, or a 

 piece or two of rag;" it appears to have little or no lining, and sometimes the egg-cavity is very slight. The 

 number of eggs varies from three to five. In shape they are broad ovals, slightly pointed towards the small end ; 

 tin- ground-colour is delicate bluish green, thickly freckled, speckled, and streaked with brownish red; these 

 markings sometimes form an ill-defined mottled cap at the large end, and a faint purple mottling often underlies 

 the cap or zone. Dimensions from - 72 to 0"82 by - 53 to 0'63 inch. 



The young leave the nest almost before they can fly ; and I have found them hiding in the long grass on 

 the Elephant Plains. 



Genus COPSTCHUS. 

 I Jill rather long, somewhat straight ; culmen decurved from the middle, tip notched and well 

 bent. Nostrils exposed, basal, oval, the membrane bordered by the nasal tufts ; a few bristles at the 

 edge of the lores. Wings with the 1st quill rather short, and the 2nd considerably shorter than 

 the 3rd ; the 4th and 5th the longest. Tail rather long, graduated and round. Tarsus smooth, 

 longer than the middle toe and claw. 



