I'hc Blaclc-hcaded Sibia. 
75 
The Black-headed Sibia. 
(Sibia capistrdld). 
By H. GooDCiiii.D. 
Our best thanks are due to Mr. Goodchild for kindly compiling 
the folhiwing interesting notes (see i)hite in hist issue).— Ed. 
From E. W. Oales's edition of Ilumo's " Nests and Eggs of Indian 
Birds." 
" The Bhick-headed Sibia hvj's thriiughout tlic Tlimahiyas from Af- 
ghanistan to Bhootan, at elevations from 5,000 to 7,001) feet. 
"They build on the outskirts of forests, constructing their nests 
towards the ends of branches; at heights from 10 to 50 feet from the 
ground." 
" Capt. Hutton remarks ' At Musoorie this bird remains at an elevat- 
ion of 7,000 feet throughout the year, but I never saw it under 6,500 feet. 
Its loud ringing note of titteree-titteree tweeyo, quickly repeated, may 
constantly' be heard on wooded banks during summer.' " 
" Caj)t. Cock says ' It builds near the tops of the highest pines, and 
unless seen building its nest with the glasses, it is impossible to Knd the 
nest with the unaided eye. 
" The nest is placed on the outer extremity of an upper bough of a 
pine tree ; is constructed of moss lined with stalks of the maiden-hair 
fern." Jerdon, Vol. XL, p. 54. 
" The Black-headed Sibia is found throughout the whole Himalayas, 
from Simla to Bhootan, and is one of the most abundant birds about Dar- 
jeeling. It is found from 4,000 feet to 8,000 feet, V)ut is most common about 
7,000. It frequents the highest trees, climbing uj) the larger branches, and 
clinging round and below the smaller branches, almost like a Woodpecker 
or Nuthatch. 
" It is often seen alone or in pairs, but occasionally in small parties ; 
and is constantly uttering its twittering call, which Hutton syllabizes titteree, 
titteree, twego, often answered by one at some little distance. It is very 
fond of concealing itself in the thick masses of Ep/plii/f/c plants found on 
all lofty trees in Sikhim, and its favouiite food is the fruit of the Epivln/t'n: 
Androiiieihv, so abundant about Darjeeling ; it occasionally, however, picks 
insects from moss, or crevices of the bark." 
[In captivity I have found this species quite hardy all the year round, 
agreeing well with a mixed series of Thrushes, Cardinals, Ouzels and Parra- 
keets ; — to meet the requirements of all, ripe fruit, milk sop, live insects, 
insectile mixture and seed were supplied, and excepting the latter the Sibias 
ate heartily of all. They are most interesting as aviary birds, as well as 
being exceedingly handsome, and for a roomy aviary containing largish 
species, they are pre eminent, and attract attention from every visitor. ]\lrs. 
Warren Vernon in 1908 all but succeeded in rearing the species, the young 
living till they were nearly fledged. (See also B.N., Vol, VIII., Vol. I. and 
II.N.S.) Ed.] 
