LOBIPLUVIA MALABARICA. 
967 
speaks of large flocks frequenting that neighbourhood in winter. Though I have met with it on the north 
and alono- the north-west coast, I never observed it at Trincomalie, nor anywhere in that district, and between 
there and Batticaloa it was rarely seen by me. Southward of this place it occurs not unfrequently ; and 
between Hambantota and Yala it is common and resident throughout the year, though it is there only an 
occupant of the maritime region, being replaced in the interior by the last species. In the Galle district it is, 
as far as my experience proves, entirely wanting. I understand that it has occurred in the Colombo district, 
but only as a straggler in the N.E. monsoon ; I have not myself seen it south of Chilaw, where, as also further 
north, about Puttalam, it is not uncommon. At the latter place Mr. Parker has observed it, and has met with 
it far inland, halfway between Nikawaretiya and Anaradhapura. As a rule I do not think it strays much into 
the interior ; but I have seen a young specimen at Mr. Whyte’s which, I was given to understand, was shot in 
Dumbara. ‘ , 
In India it is found throughout the greater part of the country, but is confined, according to Mr. Hume, 
chiefly to the dry uplands. Mr. Bourdillon records it from the Travancore hills ; but at what elevation he 
does not mention. I conclude that it inhabits the Carnatic in suitable localities, for Mr. Morgan found it 
breeding in that part ; and as it inhabits the island of Ramisserum, is probably found in the Tuticorin district. 
In the Deccan it is common, according to Messrs. Davidson and Wenden, and is spoken of by Col. Sykes as 
affecting dry stony places in that region. In Chota Nagpur it is, says Mr. Ball, rare compared to the last 
species ; but nevertheless pretty generally distributed; he records it from the Rajmelial hills, Birbhum, 
Manbhum, Lahardugga, Sambalpur, Orissa, Raipur, and the Godaveri valley. It is pretty common in some 
seasons at Calcutta, but appears to be absent in some years altogether. Mr. Ilume, for instance, does not 
seem to have noticed it at all in the bazaars there, whilst Blyth says that it is not uncommon at times. 
Further east than this district it probably does not extend, as I find no record of it in 1 Stray Feathers;’ but 
there is a specimen in the British Museum from Darjiling. It inhabits the North-west Provinces, and bleeds 
in Oudh. Towards the west it is not by any means numerous. Captain Butler says that it is not very 
common in the plains of Guzerat, and does not ascend to the hills. Throughout the surrounding districts of 
Cutch and Kattiawar it occurs ; hut is very rare in Jodlipore, and has only been once found m Sindh, on 
which occasion Major Le Messurier met with it near Kurrachee. In the northern portion of the province, 
writes Mr. Hume, it is unknown. It does not occur in Guzerat in the hot weather. 
Halits The Yellow-wattled Lapwing, as I have already indicated, is an inhabitant of dry places, 
and quite avoids the moist damp lands, fields, and marshes which are the chosen grounds of the last species. 
I have always met with it in perfectly parched-up spots, such as are to be found lying between or around the 
leways and salt lagoons of the south-east of the island. Here, on the gently sloping land between the edge 
of the dense thorny scrubs, or on the dried-up soil, covered in the wet season by the waters of the lagoons, 
but then thoroughly baked and powdery in consistency, these birds were to be found in pairs or three or four 
together in scattered company. They are wary in their disposition, not permitting so near an approach as the 
last species; and I have found on emerging from the thorny fastnesses surrounding these great haunts of 
Waders that they would be on the wing (if anywhere near) before a hasty glance could be taken of what 
species were within shot, or else they were to be seen at a distance standing motionless and intently surveying 
the intruder who had so unexpectedly appeared on the lonely scene. In such solitudes, however, birds are 
often shier than they are in more frequented localities. The present species appears to be perfectly at home 
in these hot and arid wastes ; and were it not that in tropical climates insect-life abounds everywhere, it would 
be difficult to realize that such spots could constitute feeding-grounds lor the smallest of birds. I he Aripu 
district, where Mr. Holdsworth met with this bird, consists of open plains, studded with low bushes and 
stunted groves of trees, and hears some resemblance to the Hambantota country. It subsists on ants, termites, 
small beetles, and other insects. Its flight is swifter and more regular than that of the Common Lapwing, and 
its note differs in being a shrill but somewhat plaintive cry of three syllables. 
Nidification. This bird breeds in the Hambantota district in June and July. A nest I found near one 
of the salt-pans not far from the town was situated near a pathway leading out of the jungle, and crossing an 
open grass-plot to the water, which was not far distant. It was a hollow excavated in the sandy ground and 
