264 



Catalogue of the Birds 



[Oct. 



think, the G. magnirostra of Swainson — this I have hitherto not met 

 in a state of nature, and it is said to be brought over from Malacca, 

 Ceylon, Java, and other Eastern Islands. It sells for a high price, and 

 sings most charmingly. 



102. G. longicauda, Swains. — Turdus macrourus, Gmel. — Long tail- 

 ed thrush, Lath. — Long tailed Robin. — Indian Nightingale. — Abbeka, H. 



This most charming songster of the forest, is unfortunately rather 

 rare, and only found in the most retired and impervious parts of the 

 thickest forest jungle. I have seen it in the bottom of the Coonoor 

 pass, and in the greatest abundance in a tract of forest west of Sultan's 

 Battery, in the Wynaad ; in both places in the densest thickets. It is 

 solitary, perches on low branches, and hops to the ground to secure a 

 grasshopper, small mantis, or other soft insect. When alarmed it 

 flies before you from tree to tree at a low height. Its song is heard in 

 the greatest perfection towards evening, and is certainly surpassed by 

 no Indian bird, if indeed it is by the celebrated Nightingale. I believe 

 it is occasionally caught and caged for its song in the Northern pro- 

 vinces, and sells for a high price at Calcutta. Lides hazel brown ; bill 

 black; legs pale flesh colour. Length 12 inches, of which tail nearly 8; 

 wing 3| ; tarsus 1 inch. 



Genus THAMNOBIA, Swains. 



103. T. fulicata. — Ixos fulicatus. — Motac. fulicata, L. — Kulchoo~ 

 ree, H. — Indian Robin. 



This well known bird (with regard to which similar remarks to those 

 made on Gryllivora as to its previous situation and nomenclature apply 

 even more strongly), is tolerably common in most parts of the country, 

 and its familiar habits have gained for it the name of " Indian Robin." 

 It is found mostly about villages, pagodas, walls and old buildings and 

 houses ; often perching on the roof or pandaul, and feeding in the 

 verandahs, or occasionally even entering houses. It is generally 

 seen single or in pairs ; feeds on the ground, on which it runs with 

 great agility, frequently pursuing and capturing several insects 

 before it reseats itself on its perch, either on a house, or some neighbour- 

 ing tree or bush. At all times, but especially when feeding, it has 

 the habit of jerking up its tail, by successive efforts, so as almost to 

 overshadow its head. The male has a very sweet little song, which it 



