1844.] 



of the Peninsula of India. 



173 



I have seen this very curious Swift in vast numbers at the, 

 foot of the Neilgherries, both at Metapolliam and Goodaloor. 

 It flies with amazing velocity. As I think it is most likely 

 described, I have not at present ventured to give it a distinct 

 appellation. 



260, bis. — Hirundo urbica, L. English Martin. 



I have found this well known European bird, in small 

 numbers, on the South side of the Neilgherries, frequenting 

 a rather lower range of the hills covered with cultivation. 



261, bis. — Hirundo domicola. — New species ? — Bungalow 

 Swalloiv of the Neilgherries. 



Descr. — Forehead, chin, throat and upper part of breast, 

 white deep rufous ; plumage above glossy blue black ; be- 

 neath dusky cenerious ; wings and tail dusky black ; the lat- 

 ter with a white spot near the tip on all but the two centre 

 feathers. Under tail coverts blackish, edged white. Bill 

 and legs black. 



Length 4| inches ; wing 4 & ; tail (very slightly forked) 2 ; 

 tarsus Sloths; bill at front 2£ioths; at gape wing- be- 

 yond tail. 



This curiously plumaged little Swallow is by no means rare 

 on the Neilgherries, and builds in retired or deserted bunga- 

 lows, out-houses, &c, making a small mud nest, quite open at 

 the top, and profusely lined with feathers. 



262, — Hirundo unicolor — On examining fresh specimens of 

 this bird, I find it is a species of Cypselus or Swift, not a 

 Hirundo. 



263, bis.—Hirundo inomata. — New species ? 



Descr. — Above pale ashy brown, darkest on the tail and 

 quills ; throat and breast rufous white ; abdomen rufous ash 

 colour ; under tail coverts ashy brown. A large white spot 



