266 



Catalogue of the Birds 



[OCT. 



lion, as from being so universally met with together in all localities. 

 This bird is not very common in the low country, and is perhaps most 

 numerous in bushy and jungly districts, frequenting bushes, low trees, 

 hedges, &c. On the Neilgherries it is extremely abundant, and there 

 obtains the name of Hill Robin. s It has the same manners as others of 

 its genus, darting down to the ground from its perch on the top of a 

 hush, or branch of a tree, and having secured an insect returning to 

 its seat. It has a short little song, as well as the usual chattering note 

 common to the Stoneehats, and from which they derive their name. 

 Varies in length from 5 to 6£ inches; Of one 6^ inches, the wing is 

 3 T V'hs : tail 2^ ; tarsus T Vhs. Iridesdaik brown. Bill and legs black, 

 The young bird is brown, spotted or streaked with light rufous, 



106, — S. rubecoloides, Sykes. — Indian red breast* 



This curious little species is clothed almost in the plumage of the 

 well known European Robin. It is a rare bird, I have only seen it 

 twice or thrice in topes in the neighbourhood of villages in the northern 

 part of the table land. It is seen in small flocks, as well as singly, 

 perched on the lower boughs of some large mango or tamarind tree, it 

 hops to the ground to pick up ants and other insects, occasionally hop- 

 ping a step or two, and then flying back frequently alights on the trunk 

 of the tree, clinging to it for some seconds. It occasionally takes a very 

 short flight from its perch, and back again, but whether to capture an 

 insect in the air or not, I do not know. It diffeis from the Stoneehats in 

 structure, approaching the flycatchers in its broader and more uepnssed 

 bill, and weak feet and legs. Irides dark brown ; bill and legs brown. 

 Length 5 inches ; wing 2 T 6 ^ths ; tail 2; tarsus about T 6 _ths. 



107. S. nigrorufa. — New species. — Orange Robin. 



This prettily plumaged and apparently new species, I have only met 

 on the summit of the Neilgherries, in the dense woods of which it may 

 occasionally be seen, preferring the most close, retired and damp spots. 

 Here it may be seen seated motionless on a low bough, suddenly dart- 

 ing to the ground to feast on a caterpillar or other insect it may have 

 spied. I never heard its note. 



Description— Head, face, back of neck and wings dusky black; rest 

 of body bright cinnamon rufous or orange ; palest on the belly. 



