«at« 



Ithagenes cruentus, Hardwicke. 



Vernacular Names. — [Chilmeah, Chilme (Parbutteah), Srimen, Selmung 

 (Bhutia), Nepal ; Same, Semo, (Bhutia), Soomong pho (Lepcha), Sikhim.] 



HE exact area of distribution of this species is still 

 quite unknown. According to Hodgson's notes it 

 is found in the higher regions, far north of the 

 Great Valley, throughout the whole length of Nepal, 

 but I doubt if it really extends to the western 

 portions, as it is unknown to the hunters of even 

 the extreme eastern portions of Upper Kumaun. It 



occurs undoubtedly throughout native Sikhim, and occurs in 



the western portions of Bhutan. It very likely extends in 



suitable localities much further east. 



Northwards it is replaced in Eastern Thibet and Sechuen 



by /. geoffroyi, and further north again by /. sinensis, both 



nearly allied and similar species. 



I HAVE never myself had the luck to shoot the Blood Pheasant, 

 but the following unpublished notes of Mr. Hodgson give some 

 idea of the bird's habits : — 



" This species is common in Nepal in flocks of 20 to 30, 

 in the same situations as the Moonal ; that is to say in the higher 

 forests and in the immediate neighbourhood of the snow, even 

 outside though always near the forests. 



" They greatly affect the clumps of Mountain Bamboo, and 

 feed about on the ground amongst these much like domestic 

 fowls, turning over the leaves and grasses with their feet, 

 scratching about in the ground, and picking up insects, grass, 

 seeds, grain, and wild fruits. 



" They do not eat the bulbous roots of which the Moonal 

 is so fond. On any alarm the whole flock utter a sharp alarm- 

 note (ship, ship) and scuttle away. 



" In the winter the birds come southward a little, but never ap- 

 proach the Great Valley. Numbers are caught in November and 

 December, and in their own haunts they are by no means rare. 

 Packs are often seen consisting of as many as 70 to 100 birds. 

 They ascend and descend with the snow, and are easily captured, 

 being fearless and stupid. They prefer somewhat inaccessible 

 places. Their flight is short and feeble. 



