PHYLLOENIS MALABAEICUS. 489 



In 1871 I met with it in the Kukkul Korale and afterwards obtained it in several parts of the island, and not 

 unfrequently saw it in others. These localities were forests near Galle, coffee-estates in the Morowak Korale, 

 the Kandyan district, Uva, the Trincotnalie, Anaradjapura, and Kurunegala districts, and lastly in Saffragani 

 and the Pasdun Koi - ale. In the hills I have not seen it myself above 4000 feet. It will, I believe, be found 

 throughout the northern half of the island wherever there are forests, and the same as regards the south- 

 eastern jungle-clad plains. Mr. Parker writes me that he has found it at Uswewa. While at large this bird 

 would, of course, be taken for the commoner species, as it is not distinguishable from it unless viewed close 

 enough to see its yellow forehead. 



On the mainland this bird's habitat is restricted to the southern and central portions of the Indian 

 peninsula. I am not aware that it extends further north than Bombay ; and being partial to the damp climate 

 of the Malabar region, it does not appear to extend nearly so far north on the eastern coast ; at any rate 

 Mr. Ball, who procured P. aurifrons, the northern representative of this species, in the district between the 

 Mahanadi and Godaveri rivers, did not meet with the present bird in that region. Dr. Fairbank writes that 

 it is found along the hills from Khandala to Goa, and usually near their western base. In Travancore 

 Mr. Bourdillon says that it is a common bird in open jungle with large trees. All that is mentioned of it 

 by Jerdon is as follows : — " This species is found most abundantly in the forests of Malabar, in Wynaad, 

 Coorg, and on the sides of the Nilghiris up to about 4000 feet of elevation. It is also found, though rarely, 

 on the Eastern Ghats and in some of the forests in Central India." 



Habits. — In its economy this handsome Bulbul does not differ materially from the last species ; but it 

 does not appear to be so much given to the science of mimicry ! I have found it frequenting the topmost 

 branches and lateral boughs of moderately sized trees where the forest was not very dense, and also the 

 outskirts of patna-woods and the borders of jungle surrounding tanks in the Northern Province. It is very 

 active in its movements, and while hopping about and scrutinizing the leaves in search of food pipes out a 

 shrill note, differing from the clear whistle of the last species. The male likewise gives vent to a series of chirps, 

 which, combined, make up a short little warble. Of this performance Mr. Bourdillon remarks that the male 

 makes an attempt to sing, uttering a few notes something like those of the Bronzed Drongo (Chaptia cmea). 

 Jerdon observes that it is " seen in small parties, hopping and flying actively about the branches of trees, and 

 lives both on fruits and insects, chiefly the latter." 



Genus IOEA. 



Bill shorter and straighter than in Phyllornis, the tip slightly notched. Nostrils oval and 

 exposed ; rictal bristles very minute. Wings rounded ; the 4th and 5th quills the longest, the 

 3rd considerably shorter, and the 2nd less than the secondaries. Legs and feet weak ; the tarsus 

 lengthened, equal to the middle toe and claw, and covered with wide smooth scales ; toes short, 

 the outer one considerably joined to the inner at the base. 



Plumage of the lower back and flanks lengthened and fluffy. 



3r 



