187 
THE CROWNED CRYPTONIX. 
Cryptonix coronata, — Temm. 
PLATE XXVI. 
Le Rouloul de Malacca, Sonnerat, ii. p. 174, pi. 100.— 
Cryptonix ou Rouloul couronnd, Cryptonix coronatus, 
Temminck, PI. Coloriees, pis. 350 and 351. 
This singular bird has been placed by ornitholo- 
gists alternately among the pheasants, pigeons, and 
partridges. Its nearest alliance is perhaps to the 
last, but it differs from them in the form of the bill 
and nostrils, and from all the Tetraonidce in the im- 
perfection of the hallux, which wants the claw. It 
is further remarkable for the large naked space round 
the eyes, and for the ample tuft or crown of hairy- 
looking plumes which adorn the head. The form of 
the bird is compact and robust, the wings short and 
rounded, and the tail almost concealed by the fea- 
thers of the rump. It inhabits the forests of India, 
never visiting the plains, and is most frequently met 
with in Malacca, Java, Sumatra, &c. 
The length of the male is about ten inches ; the 
plumage of the upper parts, except the wings, head, 
and neck, is a deep olive-green ; on the breast and 
under parts it becomes almost black or steel blue, 
and the head and neck are of that colour, with purple 
