282 
CATALOGUE. 
Ixos fdicatus, Syl^es, P. Z. S. (1832), p. 89. 
(Enanthe ptygmatura, Vieill. 
Thamnobia leucoptera, Swainson. 
Micropus leucopterus, Less., Rev. Zool. (1840), j). 163. 
Eusty-vented Thrush, Lath., Hist. V. p. 71. 
The Sooty Warbler, Lath. 
Indian Eobin, Jerd. 
Ktjlchijei, Hind., Jerd. 
Caky Cooeoovi (' Black Bird '), Mai., Laijard. 
A. B. ^ $ . Dukhun. Presented by Colonel Sykes. 
"This well-known bird is tolerably common in southern India, 
and its familiar habits have gained for it the name of ' Indian 
E/obin.' It is found mostly about villages, pagodas, walls, old 
buildings and houses, often perching on the roof or pandaul, and 
feeding in the verandas, or occasionally even entering houses. It 
is generally seen singly 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 neighbouring 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 warbles forth from the top of a wall or low tree ; and 
it is occasionally^ caged. It is not confined to the vicinity of villages, 
&c. ; but it is very common on stony hills, and in various other 
situations. I have twice seen the nest of this bird ; once, built 
among a heap of large stones raised from a boury, and the bird made 
its nest during the time the well was being blasted, and continued 
the process of incubation till the young ones were hatched, when it 
was accidentally destroyed. On the other occasion, it had built its 
nest in a hole inside the wall of a house ; it contained four eggs, 
light dusky bluish colour, spotted with purplish brown." — (Jerd., 
Madr. Journ. X. p. 264.) 
" In Ceylon, this bird is a household favourite, frequenting equally 
the governor's palace and the native hut. It is never seen in the 
unfrequented jungle, but, like the cocoanut-tree, which the Cingalese 
assert will only flourish within the sound of the human voice, is 
found about the habitation of man. It feeds on insects of all kinds, 
and, like its congener the Magpie Eobin, sits upon house-tops or 
fences, with its tail elevated, and utters a pleasing song. I have 
