262 



Catalogue af the Birds 



mellow plaintive cry, something resembling pee-ho. Length 9^ ; wing 

 5^; tail 3| ; tarsus T V ns ; bill brownish red; irides fine lake red; 

 feet slate colour. 

 The O. liundoo, of Sykes I consider the young bird. 



98. — O. melanocephalus, L. — Black headed Mango bird or Oriole. 



This species is in general only met with in ihick and lofty jungle, 

 but in parts of the West Coast, as about Palgbaut and Trichoor, it is com- 

 mon in topes, avenues and gardens. I have seen it also in Goomsoor in 

 open jungle, but not in the Carnatic. Like the last, it is seen singly, 

 or in pairs. Length 9 inches ; wing 5; tail 3|. 



99. — O. Chinensis, Gmel. — O. Mppocrepis.MVcigleY. — O. Maderaspa- 

 tanus, Frankl. Cat., Young bird ? — Black-naped Oriole. 



I have not myself observed this species of Oriole, but find it recorded 

 in Mr. Elliot's notes, as occurring sparingly in the jungles of the Sou- 

 thern Mahratta Country. 



Genus IRENA, Horsf. 



100. — I.puella, Horsf. — Edolius puellus, Temm. — Fairy blue bird. 



This most lovely plumaged bird is far from being uncommon in many 

 of the lofty forest jungles of Malabar. I have seen it in the jungles near 

 Palghautcherry, Trichoor, the Wynaad, and on the Coonoor ghaut, as 

 high as 4000 feet and upwards. It is only found in the densest portions 

 of the jungle. 



The fairy blue bird lives generally in small parties of four or five, or 

 more, occasionally in pairs, frequents the loftiest trees near their su«n- 

 mit, and feeds on various fruit and berries. It has a loud, mellow, agree- 

 able warble, which it is frequently heard repeating; by which I have 

 generally first detected their presence in the ihick and umbrageous parts 

 of the forest they inhabit. As this bird was not observed either by Mr. 

 Elliot, or Colonel Sykes, I presume it does not extend far to the north- 

 ward. In one or two instances, I observed two or three hairs arising 

 from the nape, as in the Tricophori. Irides fine ruby red ; bill and legs 

 black. Length 10 inches ; wing 5^; tail 4 ; tarsus /o-ths. 



