factorily on the authenticated specimens we have seen. As Muller’s name is the oldest 
(1776), we have adopted it as the specific name for the Indian bird. 
B.flamgula of Boddaert, a figure of which is given in the ‘Planches Enluminees,’ is 
the same as X. hcemacephala. The locality is Sumatra. 
B. nanus is a bird in immature plumage, probably from the same locality as B . flavigula. 
B. philippensis of Brisson is founded on specimens from the Philippines. His descrip- 
tion agrees exactly with that of X. lioemacephala , except in the back of the head, which 
he states to be green, omitting to mention the black band across the occiput ; the green 
head is simply a mark of nonage. The black band varies very much in width and intensity 
in specimens from all parts, and is wanting entirely in the immature bird. There is a 
specimen in the Leyden Museum, labelled “ ? , Philippines,” which has the black line 
across the head fainter and narrower than usual, and the nape rather more washed with 
blue. We have two specimens in our own collection from the Philippines (from 
Verreaux) agreeing precisely with our Indian specimens in colour, but a trifle longer in 
the wings, and with somewhat larger bills. These considerations, and a careful comparison 
of the specimens, have determined us to include X. philippensis of Brisson among the 
synonyms of X. hcemacephalus, although further research may possibly show it to be 
distinct. A young male from Cochin China in the Leyden Museum is identical with our 
specimens from the Philippines and India. 
Bucco indicus of Latham is the bird from Continental India, and is the specific name 
in most general use, and the one that would stand if the Malayan varieties prove to be 
good species. It is the Xantholcema indica of Jerdon’s ‘ Birds of India.’ 
The specimens from Ceylon are identical in colouring with the Indian bird. One male 
in the Leyden Museum has the black occipital band very broad, but otherwise is precisely 
similar. 
Bucco luteus of Lesson, a figure of which is given by Des Murs (1. c.), is only a yellow 
variety of this species. This same peculiarity is also found in Palceornis torquatus and 
Merops viridis. 
This species may be distinguished from X. rubricapilla and X. malabarica by its 
striped under surface, and from X. rosea by its yellow cheeks and throat. 
