1840.] 



of tile Peninsula of India. 



S 



seen this apparently new species in low tliick jungle in the neighbour, 

 hood of Jaulnah. It associates in small flocks ; is very warj^ flying 

 before you from bush to bush, with a low chirping note, and so much 

 the manners of a Thimalia, that I at first mistook it for one. 



122. — P. ciirsitans, Frankl. Cat. — Ghas Ica Phootkee, oy Ghas ha Pit- 

 pittee — Grass warbler — Meadoiv Wren Warbler. 



This curious lark-plumaged little species of Prima frequents 

 long grass, whether on sides of nullahs, or in the open plains, 

 and is far from being uncommon in most of the large rumnahs 

 of the table land. I have also seen it in the west coast. When 

 disturbed it takes a short interrupted flight, and on seating it- 

 self hides among the tufts of grass, and often runs several yards. It 

 feeds on ants, the larvse of small grasshoppers, and various other in- 

 sects. This bird if not an aberrant species of Swainson's genus Praii- 

 coZa, is probably a link joining it to the Prinioe. It difi'ers from the 

 character of Praticola in its shorter hind claw, and unnotched bill. 

 Irides brownish yellow ; bill brownish above, pale below ; legs flesh 

 coloured. Length 4 to 4^ inches; of wing 2 ; tail nearly 2 ; tarsus 

 nearly yVths. I have specimens smaller than this in every respect, 

 killed below the ghauts. 



Sub Genus SYLVIA .~7V^^e Warbler. 



123. — »S. Montana, Horsf. 



This species (if truly distinct), which differs from the next only in 

 size, is rare in the peninsula. 1 possess but one specimen, the locality 

 of which I have mislaid. Length Sy^-^-ths; wing 2 j-'^^ths ; tail rather more 

 than 2 ; tarsus, y^o-ths ; first quill feather very minute and sharp pointed, 

 2d quill feather longer than the 6th. 



124. — S. Rama, Sykes. — Village Warbler. 



This is a tolerably abundant bird in most parts of India, frequenting 

 hedges, gardens and trees, in cultivated ground, and near villages. It 

 is lively and active, hopping about the branches, and capturing various 

 small insects, occasionally on the wing, but generally on the branches 

 or leaves. It has a rather harsh chuckling note which it incessantly 



