28 HABITS AND HAUNTS OF BIRDS 



dense swamps and marshy tracts, and are very difficult to flush, and 

 consequently rare in collections. None of tbem are known to breed in 

 the plains. 



Hill warblers, {Horomis, Boreites.)—A group of small plain 

 coloured birds found at high elevations in the eastern Himalayas, and 

 some on the Khasia hills. They frequent brush-wood and thick grass 

 and shun observation. The eggs vary a good deal, but typically appear 

 to be richly coloured, chocolate brown, or dull purple. The nests are 

 near the ground in thick brush-wood. 



Tailor birds, {Orthotomus). — Are found throughout India, shun- 

 ning the dry open plains, and creeping about in trees or brush-wood. 

 They are non-migratory, and the eggs are spotted. 



Wren warblers, {Prima, Drymoipus, Burnesia, Frnnklinia) .— 

 A large group of tiny birds which are spread throughout India, not 

 however ascending the Himalayas to any height. They affect open 

 plains or gardens creeping about in grass or bushes. They make purse- 

 like nests, deep with an opening near the top, or a little cup sewn in 

 leaves like a tailor bird^s nest. They do not migrate, but breed wher- 

 ever they are found. The eggs of the Prinias, with ten tail feathers, 

 are brick red. Those of the Prinias, with twelve tail feathers, are blue, 

 with small spots. The smaller species of Drymoipus lay blue eggs, richly 

 streaked and blotched, while the larger species lay dull-coloured clouded 

 eggs. Of Burnesia and Franklinia the eggs are profusely speckled. 



Grass warblers, [Clsticola, Gramminicola). — Are spread locally 

 throughout the plains in marshy spots, frequenting thick grass and 

 shunning observation. The eggs are spotted. 



Scrub warblers, ( Di-ymoBca). — One species only is found, and 

 that in the trans-Indus hills in low scrub jungle, where it is a permanent 

 resident. The eggs are profusely spotted. 



Tailed hiU warblers, (Swya).— These birds are found only 

 in the Himalayas where they take the place of the Brymoipi, which they 

 much resemble in appearance and habits. They are not migratory in the 

 true sense of the word, but descend to the warm valleys in the winter. 

 The eggs are zoned. 



Tree warblers, {Neomis, Byppolais, Phylloscopus, Reguloides, 

 Culicepeta, Abrornis, Tickellia). — A large group of very small birds, 

 many of which are brightly coloured. They are migratory as a rule. 

 Only one {Hyppolais rama) is known to breed in the plains, and that very 



