THE BROWN-BACKED TIT-BABBLEK 
Maiacocmda abbotti (Blyth) 
Descnpt'wn : — This babbler which, in Sing-apore at least, 
is known far better by its note than by its appearance is a 
squat, short'tiecked little bird, with a very short tail and 
longish legs. In size it is rather larger than a sparrow. 
There are few distinctive features about its plumage. The 
upper parts are entirely brown, and the lower parts whitish 
well-washt^d with rufous on the flanks and with tiie under tail 
coverts quite rich rufous. 
The iris is reddish brown, the beak browTi and grey and 
the legs fleshy in colour. 
Leng^th 6 J inches; wing 3 inches. 
The se^ces are alike. 
Distribution: — This bird is found in parts of India, in 
Burma, Siam, etc. and through the Malay Peninsula to 
Sumatra and Bonu'o, althougrh the birds from the latter locality 
arc sufficiently distinct to merit recognition as a sub-species. 
Status in Singapore common bird breeding in the 
jungle at the Botanic Gardens but on account of its very 
ulking habits not often seen although its v^ery distinctive call- 
'te must be familiar to many. 
Field Notes : —This babbler has a characteristic ca?l note 
which can be most aptly written **What-yoU'doing". The 
words always seem to us as remarkably distinct. Although 
the bird is found during the day in thick coven and always 
either alone or w*ith its mate and young family, it seems to 
have a habit of getting up very early and making tours in 
somewhat unexpected districts. 
[186] 
