CATALOGUE. 
475 
perches frequently on shrubs, whence it occasionally rises a short 
distance, and descends again with outspread wings, its bright rufous 
quills glittering in the sun. It is found single or in pairs ; is a wary 
bird, and, when observed, it hides itself behind a bush, and, if fol- 
lowed, soon contrives to conceal itself from the sportsman. It feeds 
on various kinds of seeds. 
" This and another species are called in Telugu, Eeli-jitta ; the 
present one, distinguished by its smaller size, being called CJiinna 
Eeli-jitta. The name is derived from their note, which, in both 
species, is a kind of prolonged whistle." — (Jerdon.) 
718. MIRAFBA AFFINI8, Jerdon, 
Mirafra affinis, Jerd., Madr. Journ. XIII. pt. 2, p. 136 
(1844) ; 111. Ind. Orn. p. to t. 38 ; J. A. S. Beng. 
XIII. p. 959. Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. A. S. Beng. 
p. 133 ; J.A.S. Beng. XXIV. p. 259. G. B. Gray, 
Gen. of Birds, III. App.p. 18. Bonap.j C. G. Av. 
p. 243. Layard, Ann. Nat. Hist. XIII. n. s. p. 259. 
Leepee, Plains, Tickell. 
A. B. S. India. From the Asiatic Society of Bengal. 
" This species is exceedingly abundant in the "West Coast, and 
throughout the Carnatic, frequenting open spaces in the jungles, 
gardens, &c." — (Jerdon.) 
" Nest ordinary, of grasses, four inches diameter, placed on the 
ground, under shelter of clods, tufts of grass, &c., in fallow fields or 
open patches in jungles. Eggs, three or four, ordinary, rather 
lengthened, tI ^-j ^^^^J ashy- white, with stains, smudges, and 
specks of dusky, ashy, and rusty-brown." — (Tickell, J. A. S. Beng. 
XVI. p. 301.) 
" In Ceylon, this species is abundant about Tangalle. I never saw 
it in the hills. It is not easily distinguished from our other larks 
until taken in the hand: it has one habit, however, by which I 
always distinguished it when alive; on being flushed, it soars up, 
uttering a pleasing song, and wings its way towards some tree, on to 
which it descends, its legs pendent, and wings fluttering rapidly, and 
singing the while with all its might ; the instant, however, it touches 
its perch, always the highest naked branch, its song ceases, and it 
stands on the look-out, ready for flight on the least alarm." — 
(Layard.) 
