43 
1872.] W. T. Blanford — Zoology of SilcJcim, 
the Sikkim specimen with the series in the Indian Museum, I found that 
in no case have any of the three species named small hexagonal scales in 
front of the tarsi as in B. plumipes * There is some variation in this charac- 
ter, hut all differ widely from my specimen. Both B. vulgaris and B. 
desertorum also appear to have shorter toes. 
Mr. Blyth (Ibis, 1866, p. 245) considers B. japonicus, Sehl., (Fauna 
Japonica, Av., t. vi. and vii.) probably identical. This is of less importance 
at the present moment, because Mr. Hodgson’s name has priority, but dis- 
regarding the question of plumage, the scutes on the tarsus of B. japonicus 
are said to be broader, but less high than in B. vulgaris, and there are about 
8 in front and 12 to 15 behind. The dimensions are a little smaller than 
those of B. plumipes, wing 13| inches (french, = 14'4 english) in the adult 
female. The only conclusion at which I can arrive is that B. plumipes is a 
good specios, and that B. japonicus is probably distinct. f 
56 M u.rrs GovrsmA, Sykes. — The only kite I have brought from the 
upper Lachung valley, shot at 8,000 feet, belongs to the common Indian race, 
but a specimen from Tamlung and another from Darjiling are of the large 
M. melanotis, Tern, and Sell., M. major of Hume. Kites, M. Govinda, I 
believe, were seen up to about 12,000 feet. 
The paucity of Raptorial birds in Upper Sikkim is most striking. I 
did not notice a single true falcon or eagle ; and kites, kestrils, sparrow-hawks, 
and LEemmergeyers are the only kinds at all frequently seen. 
Order — Iksessoees. — Sub-order — Picaelze. 
Picidce. 
161 Pices htpeetthbes, Vig. — This is the only woodpecker which I saw 
in the pine forests of upper Sikkim. Even this is rare ; only two specimens 
were obtained during our stay, one at about 10,000 feet in the Lachung 
valley, the other at about 9,000 in the Laclien. The latter is a young bird, 
and has dusky bars on the breast. The change from the fauna of outer Sik- 
kim, where woodpeckers abound as they do throughout Malayasia, is strikingly 
exemplified by this family. It is doubtful, if P . hyperythrus has been obtain- 
ed in the neighbourhood of Darjiling ; specimens reported to have been brought 
thence were probaby shot in the interior. 
* Mr. Hodgson’s original specimen of B. plumipes, however, is described, P. Z. S., 
1845, p. 37, as having the tarsus scutillate before and behind. 
f Since writing the above, I have seen Dr. Jerdon’s remarks on this species in 
the July number of the Ibis, p. 340. He also" considers the species distinct, but says 
the toes are peculiarly short. I trust to be able hereafter to compare my specimen 
in Europe. 
