269 
Mr. R. Swinkoe on Formosan Ornithology. 
29. Chaptia brauniana, n. sp. 
From the mountain forests of the interior country I procured 
several examples of a bird of this interesting genus of Drongos, 
which has hitherto comprised only two species, the C. cenea,Y ieill., 
of Hindostan, and the C. malayensis , A. Hay, of Malacca. I may 
remark that no species has been yet recorded from China. Our 
bird is a constant denizen of the dense and lofty forests that 
clothe the central mountain-range of aboriginal Formosa, and 
make their heights almost impenetrable to aught but the stealthy 
savage. I never had the gratification of seeing the bird in its 
state of nature; but I was informed by my hunters that it is 
met with in small parties perched on the highest trees, whence 
it launches after the passing insect, much in the manner of 
other Dicruridce, and that it possesses an agreeable song. The 
truth of their observation is entirely confirmed by Mr. Jerdon's 
remarks on the Indian species (see Moore and Horsfield's Cata¬ 
logue, vol. i. p. 160). 
The male and female of this species (which I have named after 
my assistant in the consulate, Mr. Braune) do not appear to differ. 
Length 9 in.; wing 5 Ay; tail 5. Entire plumage black, some¬ 
what smoky on the belly, and spotted with white on the axil- 
laries. In some specimens these last are scarcely apparent. 
Upper parts, wings, tail, and carpal rim resplendent with deep 
metallic bluish green, showing purple in some lights. Bill and 
legs black. Irides blackish brown. In the young birds the 
whole plumage is black; but the first moult soon comes on, and 
developes the glossy feathers. 
I have compared my Formosan with two fine specimens of 
C. cenea sent me by Mr. Atkinson from India. At first sight 
I pronounced them identical; but on closer examination, I think 
the distinguishing characters are quite sufficient to warrant their 
separation. They are both coloured much in the same manner, 
and both have white-spotted axillaries. But in all my skins, 
the bill, which varies inter se in size, is always shorter and much 
broader at the base than in C. cenea. It is also covered with 
feathers to a higher extent on the culmen. The feathers of the 
head and back are much shorter and rounder, and reflect purple 
and steel-blue instead of copper-green. The same colours pre- 
