Descriptive List of the Common Birds 
Cock: Very like A. lotenia, but this species 
is smaller and its curved beak is shorter. It isa 
very fine songster, its voice being as sweet as 
that of the canary or the pied wagtail. 
Hen: ‘Upper plumage earthy brown, lower 
plumage yellow. 
Found all over India, but is only a summer 
visitor to the Punjab and N.W. F. P. (Illus. 
I. F., frontispiece.) 
108. Arachnechthra zeylonica: The Purple- 
rumped Sunbird (F. got), (J. 232), (- I.) 
Cock: From a little distance the cock looks 
like a black-and-white bird, the upper parts 
and breast appear black, and the lower parts 
white. Closer inspection, however, reveals a 
livery of many colours, each of which has a 
beautiful sheen. There is a patch on the 
crown which appears metallic lilac in some 
lights and emerald green in others. The neck 
and upper back are dull crimson, the lower 
back, chin, and throat are brilliant metallic 
purple. The tail and wing feathers are dark 
brown. There is a maroon collar below the 
throat. The lower plumage is bright yellow. 
Hen: Upper plumage earthy brown, lower 
parts yellow. 
Found in all parts of India except N.W. F. P., 
153 
