LOBIPLUVIA MALABARICA. 967 



speaks of large flocks frequenting that neighbourhood in winter. Though I have met with it on the north 

 and along the north-west coast, I never observed it at Trincomalie, nor anywhere in that district, and between 

 there and Batticaloa it was rarely seen by me. Southward of this place it occurs not unfrequently ; and 

 between Hambantota and Yala it is common and resident throughout the year, though it is there only an 

 occupant of the maritime region, being replaced in the interior by the last species. In the Galle district; it is, 

 as far as my experience proves, entirely wanting. I understand that it has occurred in the Colombo district, 

 but only as a straggler in the N.E. monsoon ; I have not myself seen it south of Chilaw, where, as also further 

 north, about Puttalam, it is not uncommon. At the latter place Mr. Parker has observed it, and has met with 

 it far inland, halfway between Nikawaretiya and Anaradhapura. As a rule I do not think it strays much into 

 the interior ; but I have seen a young specimen at Mr. Whyte's which, I was given to understand, was shot in 

 Dumbara. 



In India it is found throughout the greater part of the country, but is confined, according to Mr. Hume, 

 chiefly to the dry uplands. Mr. Bourdillon records it from the Travancore hills ; but at what elevation he 

 does not mention. I conclude that it inhabits the Carnatic in suitable localities, for Mr. Morgan found it 

 breeding in that part ; and as it inhabits the island of Ramisserum, is probably found in the Tuticorin district. 

 In the Deccan it is common, according to Messrs. Davidson and Wenden, and is spoken of by Col. Sykes as 

 affecting dry stony places in that region. In Chota Nagpur it is, says Mr. Ball, rare compared to the last 

 species; but nevertheless pretty generally distributed; he records it from the Rajmehal hills, Birbhum, 

 Manbhum, Lahardugga, Sambalpur, Orissa, Raipur, and the Godaveri valley. It is pretty common in some 

 seasons at Calcutta, but appears to be absent in some years altogether. Mr. Hume, for instance, does not 

 seem to have noticed it at all in the bazaars there, whilst Blyth says that it is not uncommon at times. 

 Further east than this district it probably does not extend, as I find no record of it in ' Stray Feathers;' but 

 there is a specimen in the British Museum from Darjiling. It inhabits the North-west Provinces, and breeds 

 in Oudh. Towards the west it is not by any means numerous. Captain Butler says that it is not very 

 common in the plains of Guzerat, and does not ascend to the hills. Throughout the surrounding districts of 

 Cutch and Ivattiawar it occurs ; but is very rare in Jodhpore, and has only been once found in Sindh, on 

 which occasion Major Le Messurier met with it near Kurrachee. In the northern portion of the province, 

 writes Mr. Hume, it is unknown. It does not occur in Guzerat in the hot weather. 



Habits. — The Yellow-wattled Lapwing, as I have already indicated, is an inhabitant of dry places, 

 and quite avoids the moist damp lands, fields, and marshes which are the chosen grounds of the last species. 

 I have always met with it in perfectly parched-up spots, such as are to be found lying between or around the 

 leways and salt lagoons of the south-east of the island. Here, on the gently sloping land between the edge 

 of the dense thorny scrubs, or on the dried-up soil, covered in the wet season by the waters of the lagoons, 

 but then thoroughly baked and powdery in consistency, these birds were to be found in pairs or three or four 

 together in scattered company. They are wary in their disposition, not permitting so near an approach as the 

 last species ; and I have found on emerging from the thorny fastnesses surrounding these great haunts of 

 Waders that they would be on the wing (if anywhere near) before a hasty glance could be taken of what 

 species were within shot, or else they were to be seen at a distance standing motionless and intently surveying 

 the intruder who had so unexpectedly appeared on the lonely scene. In such solitudes, however, birds are 

 often shier than they are in more frequented localities. The present species appears to be perfectly at home 

 in these hot and arid wastes ; and were it not that in tropical climates insect-life abounds everywhere, it would 

 be difficult to realize that such spots could constitute feeding-grounds for the smallest of birds. The Aripu 

 district, where Mr. Holdsworth met with this bird, consists of open plains, studded with low bushes and 

 stunted groves of trees, and bears some resemblance to the Hambantota country. It subsists on ants, termites, 

 small beetles, and other insects. Its flight is swifter and more regular than that of the Common Lapwing, and 

 its note differs in being a shrill but somewhat plaintive cry of three syllables. 



Nidification. — This bird breeds in the Hambantota district in June and July. A nest I found near one 

 of the salt-pans not far from the town was situated near a pathway leading out of the jungle, and crossing an 

 open grass-plot to the water, which was not far distant. It was a hollow excavated in the sandy ground and 



