As regards the above-quoted locality of the Deccan, it is rather a doubtful point 
whether Col. Sykes is referring to the present bird or to M. caniceps , which is found as 
far south as the Vindhyan hills, from whence the type specimens were procured, and 
even extends into Malabar. The dimensions he gives are rather large for this bird, 
though much too small for M. caniceps. 
The present species of Barbet is the smallest of the green group, and may be distinguished 
as readily by its colouring as by its size. Its dark brown head and nape, without a trace 
of paler streaking, distinguish it at once from all except M. zeylanica, and with this last 
the pale albescent throat renders it impossible to confuse it. The nearest approach to it in 
size is M. phceostriata, the most eastern representative of the green group, which has a con- 
spicuous cheek- stripe of bright green, a feature wanting in every other known species, and 
a striped throat. 
Its habits are similar to those of its allies ; according to Dr. Jerdon “ it inhabits the 
“ Indian peninsula, and is generally found in the woods on the Neilgherries, but also here 
“ and there in the forests of Malabar, chiefly in the higher portions of the ghats. Its note 
“ is hardly so loud as that of its more common congener of the Malabar forests, M. caniceps. 
“ Its flight, as indeed is that of all the species, is rapid, direct, and somewhat undulating. 
“ It perches generally on lofty branches of trees ; and on a wood being beaten for game, 
“ several of these may be seen winging their way over the tops of the trees to a more 
“ secure spot. I have occasionally heard the cry of a species of this genus by moonlight.” 
Another -writer gives the following account: — “This is the common green Barbet of 
“ the Malabar coast, extending up the Neilgherries, where it is very common, and also in 
“the Malabar ghats. Its voice is not quite so loud as that of M. caniceps , and its flight is 
“ similar. I have frequently heard both these birds calling by moonlight.” 
According to Sykes only stony fruit was found in the stomachs. We never obtained 
this bird, and so can give no record of personal observations. 
M. viridis is a very wmll-known bird; it has been figured by Buffbn, and also by Dr. 
Jerdon, in his “Illustrations of Indian Ornithology.” Our plate is taken from a specimen 
in our collection from Malabar, and represents an adult bird in full plumage. 
