No. 29.— 1884.] BALANGODA ORNITHOLOGY. 



285 



87. Prinia socialis, the Ashy Wren-warbler. Affecting 

 the grass lands above 3,000 feet. I have frequently seen it in the 

 patanas between Denegama and Boltumba, in company with the 

 following species. 



88. Drymceca valida, the Robust Wren-warbler. Affecting 

 grass lands, grass plots, and not unfrequently abandoned coffee 

 fields. It is one of the commonest birds in the district, in suitable 

 localities. 



89. Drymceca insularis, the White-browed Wren-warbler. 

 I have once met with this bird, at about 4,000 feet elevation, but 

 from my observations it is not common in this district. 



90. Cisticola cursitans, the Common Grass -warbler. I have 

 repeatedly seen this bird in the grass lands and paddy fields of the 

 district, but it is not so numerous here as in the higher parts of 

 the Island, as for instance Bogawantalawa. 



91. Acrocepkalus dumetorum, Blyth's Reed or Bush- 

 warbler. I am not quite satisfied with the descriptions afforded 

 relating to this species by Messrs. Legge, Holds worth, and 

 Kelaart. None of these writers describe it as living in small 

 flocks, as I have always found both in this and other districts. 

 I have observed it in March and April, and procured specimens 

 in September, and I remember to have seen it in intermediate 

 months, so that the impression left on my mind is, that it is a 

 resident, though the greater number may be migratory. 



92. Phylloscopus nitidus, the Green Tree-warbler. A migra- 

 tory species, arriving iu September and remaining in considerable 

 profusion till March, when it becomes scarce, and disappears by 

 the end of April. During its stay it is one of our commonest and 

 most restless birds, affecting both forest and coffee alike. 



93. Parus atriceps, the Grey-backed Titmouse. Very com- 

 mon above 3,000 feet, but scarce below that level. It spends the 

 year with us, and builds in the district. 



94. Dendrophila frontalis, the Blue Nuthatch. Very com- 

 mon at all levels throughout the district. There appears to be 

 some slight variation in size, according to elevation. 



95. Cinnyvis Lotenius, Loten's Sun-bird. Not uncommon 

 about 1,700 to 2,000 feet, and may be met with in chenas. 



96. Cinnyris Zeylonicus, the Ceylon Sun-bird. Very com- 

 mon below 3,000 feet, but becoming scarce above that altitude. I 

 have found its nest in May, close on the above elevation, and 

 also at 2,000 feet in March. 



