The wing measures very nearly five and a half inches, the tail from three and a half 
to three and three quarters. Dr. Jerdon gives length 10' 5, wing 5"' 25, expanse 18 . inches. 
W e have obtained a large number of specimens from the Doon, and the measurements of 
length taken in the flesh agree with those of Mr. Hodgson; so that Dr. Jerdon’ s is probably 
a little under the mark. 
The following notes are from Mr. Hodgson’s MS. writings : “ It is found throughout 
“ the lower region of Nepal, from the Terai to 4,000 feet elevation ; but it is rare in the 
“ hills. It always breeds below in the valleys. The legs are pure yellow, as also the 
“ orbital skin. The tongue is flat and cartilaginous, with the tips bifid and subjagged in 
££ some specimens, obtuse and entire in others. The stomach is muscular, of slight subequal 
“thickness, the inner coat soft and smooth. The intestines are of equable capacity, and 
“ there are no coeca. The bill is fleshy white, often with a rulescent tinge. The hides are 
££ dusky brown, clearer in some specimens. The tail is shortish and even. I he wings are 
“ rounded and full ; the fourth, fifth, and sixth quills nearly, equal and longest. It breeds 
“ i n holes of trees. The eggs are pure white, oval, and rather pointed at the smaller end.” 
“ Three more examples had pulpy berries in the stomach, and one had wild loquats. 
M. McClellandi (Moore), the type specimen of which was kindly placed at our 
disposal by Mr. F. Moore, seems to be only a very pale variety of this bird : the brown 
edgings to the feathers are perceptible on the breast, and in size it is similar, and it 
comes from the same locality. There is a specimen in a similar state of plumage in the 
Leiden Museum, and we have seen several almost as pale in colouring in life in the Doon 
which were undoubted M. hodgsoni. 
The plate is figured from a specimen obtained by ourselves in the Dehra Doon, and 
represents an adult bird in full plumage. We do not know of any other existing figure of 
this bird. 
