1839.] 



of the Peninsula of India, 



263 



Fam. SYLVIAD.E.— Warblers. 



Sub Family SAX I C 0 L I N M—Stonechats. 



Gen. GRYLLIVORA, Swains.— Kittacincla, Gould. 



101. — G. intermedia, Sw. — Gracula Saularis, L — Turdvs Amoenus, 

 Horsf.? — Pastor, Temm. — Lan. Mindanensis, Auct. — Little Indian Pie, 

 Edw. pi. 181. — Dial bird, Lath.— Dayyur or Deyr, H. — Large or Mag- 

 pie Robin. 



This bird, so long with others of its genus banded about by authors, 

 has at length, I hope, found a firm resting place among the Stonechats, 

 to which it is certainly most closely allied in manners, as well as in 

 structure. I think that this generally spread Indian bud, is referable 

 to Swainson's* species named as above. It is far from being numerous 

 in the Carnatic, or Deccan, except in well wooded situations ; is more so 

 in the Northern Ci rears, but most abundant on the Western Coast, as 

 well in the jungles, as in gardens, avenues, topes, &c. It is solitary, 

 frequents thick trees and bashes, feeds on the ground, flying down from 

 a low branch, its usual perch, and frequently hopping a few steps on the 

 ground, jerking its tail well up every now and then. On securing an 

 insect it flies back again to its perch, elevating its tail on reseating it- 

 self, and uttering a pleasant warble. Towards evening it may often be 

 seen near the top of some lofty tree in the jungle, pouring forth its 

 agreeable song; which, however beautiful, must yield the palm to that 

 of the next species mentioned. It is occasionally caged for its song. 

 Its chief food is small grasshoppers and similar insects. Irides hazel 

 brown; bill black; legs dusky. Length 7| to 8 inches; wing about 

 4 ; tail 3 T \ ths ; tarsus I T \th. 



I have hitherto procured so few specimens from different localities 

 that I cannot say whether Swainson's new species, if it be from India, 

 (G. brevirostra) be well founded or not. I possess a specimen shot in 

 thick jungle which certainly has a smaller bill than the common species, 

 and only 3 of the tail feathers on either side are pure white, the next 

 one being edged with black; and as this, though a young bird, is the 

 only one I shot in high jungle, it may turn out to be a distinct species. 

 Another species, not uncommonly seen in cages in the Carnatic, is, I 



* v„ Swains, Classification of Birds. Part 5, 



