290 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Ornithology. 
and small wild figs. In habits they connect the Fringillce 
and the Muscicapce, assembling, like the former, in large flocks 
and flying from tree to tree in noisy concert in search of berries, 
and, like the latter, pursuing insects in the air. They have no 
habits in common with the skulking Garrulax, preferring rather 
to show themselves tame and conspicuous; no creeping from 
bush to bush, and chattering in low and coaxing whisper, in 
their case; but, perching on the tops or exposed parts of bushes 
and trees, they assemble and utter loud notes,—often, when so 
engaged, ruffling their crests, rounding the back and tail, and 
making the tips of their wings meet over their heads. Their 
notes are very varied, but strikingly peculiar, and. I would try 
to syllable them if there was any chance of conveying to the 
reader an idea of their natural sounds. In April they commence 
nesting, but still keeping together in parties, which meet after 
the business of the day is over and amuse themselves till night¬ 
fall. They mostly build three nests in the course of the season, 
occasionally four, laying in the first nest usually five eggs, in the 
others that succeed three. In the interior the nest is large and 
deep for the size of the bird; it is usually made of grasses, lined 
with finer samples; but in the materials these birds are by no 
means particular, almost anything they can gather, such as 
scraps of paper, cotton, cloth, leaves, and feathers, being added. 
In the site too they are not regular; any bush or tree, of almost 
any height from the ground, will serve their purpose; and in the 
usual choice of their position they show as little discernment as the 
Hedge Sparrow [Accentor modularis) at home, frequently placing 
their nests in most exposed situations. They generally nestle 
in gardens close to the habitations of Chinese, and, being familiar 
birds, are protected. When their nest is approached, they make 
a great chattering; but they have far less to fear from man than 
from Magpies and Garrulaces. 
Their eggs are of a purplish-white ground-colour, spotted 
closely and often confusedly with dark shades of brownish 
purple-grey. They measure *9 by '65 in. 
48. Spizixos semitorques, Swinhoe, Ibis, 1861, p. 266. 
In shape of bill this singular bird a good deal resembles a 
