KELAAETIA PENICILLATA. 481 



it is not so numerous at that height, hut is found more in the forests above 4000 feet. In the Knuckles it is 

 plentiful in the upper forests, as well as in the wooded patnas. In the southern ranges it is found in the 

 higher parts of the Morowak and Kolonna Koi'ales. 



Habits. — This showy Bulbul affects forest by choice, frequenting likewise the outskirts of jungle 

 surrounding coffee-estates and patna- woods which line mountain-streams in the Central Province. It lives 

 in low jungle and about underwood more than in the upper branches of lofty trees, except when the latter 

 are in fruit, and it then congregates in flocks, sometimes in company with the Blackbird. A tree thus 

 besieged with the feathered inhabitants of the Ceylon forests presents a lively scene. The sprightly Yellow- 

 eared Bulbuls dart in and out, chasing one another among the boughs and greedily feeding on the fruit, 

 which drops with a constant patter on the leaves beneath, while the more conspicuous Blackbirds, equally 

 active in their movements, fly hither and thither and endeavour to drive away their smaller companions from 

 the feast. It is shy in its disposition, and has a quick darting flight, during which it often utters its not 

 unpleasing whistle, which resembles the syllables ivhee, whee, whee, quickly repeated. Notwithstanding its 

 timid nature it is very inquisitive, and will often fly into a bush, close to a bystander, peer at him, and then 

 disappear as suddenly as it came. The resemblance in the style of head-plumage in this bird to that of 

 some of the Meliphagida? from Australia is singular ; the tufts or gay-coloured stripes about its face call to 

 mind the markings of Meliphaga nova-hollandice. 



In the Plate accompanying my article on Malacocercus rufescens will be found a figure of the present 

 species. 



Genus PYCXOXOTUS. 

 Bill stout, slightly curved. Nostrils somewhat advanced ; rictal bristles stout. Wings with 

 the 1st quill half the length of the 4th, which is the longest. Tail moderately long, square at 

 the tip. Tarsus somewhat lengthened, shielded with smooth scutse. Head crested ; nuchal hairs 

 well developed. 



3Q 



