THAMNOBIA FULICATA. 441 



hue on the head, throat, and chest than in most insular specimens of this sex. It is replaced in North India by 

 the " Brown-backed Bobin ;" and between the two forms there are in Sindh, G-uzerat, and Kattiawar, according 

 to Mr. Hume, intermediate birds ; he writes, " the backs of the males are much too dark for the one and not 

 dark enough for the other." He further remarks that between the two types every possible intermediate link is 

 to be found, and that it appears advisable to include both as local races of one species. Typical specimens of 

 both forms, however, are very distinct from one another ; and each appears to me to be a good race in itself, 

 notwithstanding that the two extremes have a tendency, in particular districts, to unite. The females of 

 T. cambaiensis are very distinct ; they have the under surface uniform brownish grey, presenting the opposite 

 character to that of the male ; specimens of this sex from Nepal measure 2-6 to 2-7 inches in the wing. 



Distribution.— The Black Robin is very numerous in the dry parts of Ceylon, and affects, by choice, the 

 maritime districts of them, viz. from Chilaw northward to Jaffna and the adjacent islands, and thence down 

 the whole east coast round to Tangalla on the south. In the Western. Province and south-western districts it 

 is less common, but is nevertheless in these parts a familiar bird, as it locates itself, to a great extent, in the 

 vicinity of human habitations. As regards the latter part, I noted, in the ' Ibis/ 1874, that it was more 

 numerous in the Galle district than " in the Western Province, appearing as if it increased gradually towards 

 the south-east coast, where it is extremely abundant ;" this seems, on further experience, to be the case. It 

 inhabits the southern ranges and the lower hills of the Kandyan Province, and is found in coffee-districts of 

 considerable altitude on the north and west of the main range, being not uncommon as high up as Maturata 

 on one side and Lindula on the other. In the former neighbourhood its limit is abruptly defined by the high 

 spur which culminates in the mountain of Mahacoudagalla, to the soutli of which it does not seem to pass, 

 being immediately replaced on the Elephant Plains by the Hill Stonechat, Pratincola bicolor. It again reappears 

 in Uva, extending from Badulla eastwards to Madulsima, and thence into the low country, in the interior of 

 which, as well as to the south of Haputale, it is common. On the Dimbulla side I have seen it as high up as 

 the Agra patnas, and about Lindula it is not uncommon. 



In India this species is found, according to Jerdon, as far north as Taptee on the west and the Godaveri 

 on the east, and is tolerably common in the south. It does not appear to frequent regions of any elevation, as it 

 is not recorded from Travancore, and in the Palanis only from the eastern base. Dr. Fairbank says that it is 

 found in the villages of the Deccan, as well as on the sides of all the hills. Messrs. Davidson and Wender 

 likewise say that it is common in this region. To the north of this region it is replaced immediately by the 

 species already noticed in the "observation.'"' It inhabits the island of Bamisserum and the adjacent coast. 

 I have lately acquired a specimen of T. cambaiensis from Mr. Whitely's collection, labelled Malabar; but I am 

 of opinion that there has been a mistake in the locality. 



Habits. — This familiar little bird is a general household favourite in Ceylon, frequenting the vicinity of 

 human dwellings, perching on walls and roofs, and resorting even to the verandahs of bungalows. It seems 

 to covet the companionship of man, taking up its abode in the very towns, and, as Layard remarks, frequents 

 alike the Governor's palace and the native hut. I remember that a pair established themselves in an unused 

 portable engine at the Colombo Breakwater Works, and dwelt fearlessly among the busy throng of workmen ; 

 in the evening, when the labours of the day were ended, they would roam about among the huge " beeton " 

 blocks and warble out their cheerful little notes, their tiny black forms contrasting strangely with the 

 enormous white masses inanimately waiting their turn to be lowered into the deep. In the northern and 

 eastern parts, where it is abundant, and likewise in many portions of the interior, it is by no means restricted, 

 as Layard supposed, to the neighbourhood of houses, but is found in all open rocky places, in newly burnt 

 clearings, and in cultivated clieenas ; and in the Central Province it affects stony patnas and bare hill-sides. 

 It is particularly fond of the low jungle, interspersed with " wood-apple " and other trees, which is 

 characteristic of the east coast ; and I have often enjoyed its companionship when sitting in the verandahs of 

 huts and outhouses in that part and resting after the labours of the morning's collecting ; it would come into 

 the verandah and perhaps fly on to the arm of the long lounging-chair, or take up its position on the railing 

 at the other end of the building, and give out its animated little call-note to its shier partner, who flitted from 

 bush to bush in the adjacent compound. It is most animated in its movements, carrying its tail erect and 

 ierking it up with a corresponding strutting down of its wings when giving out its pretty warble. It passes 



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