259 
observed about Talien Bay (N. China). 
A broad band encircling the lower neck, the lower part of the 
breast, and the belly, are of a smoke grey. The birds undergo 
an autumnal moult, in which black tints become much bright¬ 
ened and the grey approaches to the white of the adult. The 
authors of the ‘ Fauna Japonica 5 have somewhat jumbled the de¬ 
scription of this bird with that of the following species. 
15. Corvus (Monedula) neglectus, Schlegel. 
In most flocks of the pied species a few of these were to be 
seen, but they were by no means common. 
16. Cuculus striatus, Drapiez. 
This Cuckoo is found all down the coast of China throughout 
summer, but in winter it leaves us. Mr. Blyth has identified 
the species. Our specimens are invariably larger, and have 
weaker bills than skins from India, but in other respects I can 
see no difference. The note of this bird has a wonderful simi¬ 
larity to that of Cuculus canorus . fHl~ J? 
* 17. CoLUMBAfLEUCOZONURA, n. SpJ ^ /frjl ft tjuJ - 
This Rock-Pigeon, at once distinguishable from C. livia by its 
white tail-band, its purple breast, and the reversion of the re¬ 
splendent tints that adorn the neck, is found in immense num¬ 
bers in Talien Bay, where the precipitous rocks abounding in 
dark limestone caverns afford it a safe retreat and present it 
with cradles for the rearing of its young. The caverns these 
birds generally choose were dark and unwholesome-looking, with 
the damp trickling from the roof. In these places out of arm's 
reach the pigeons chose rocky ledges to place their stick-built 
nests on ; rude constructions they generally were. You never 
watched long before seeing some bird either going or returning 
with food. They mostly went on these excursions several toge¬ 
ther, and dashing by with rapid flight, made for the fields of 
newly-planted grain, into which they would drop and commence 
to search for food. On our first landing we found no difficulty 
in approaching to within a few yards; but they very soon learnt 
to dread the gun. The ships of war that visited this bay during 
early spring, report these birds as wandering about the country, 
associated in immense flocks. One officer, I was informed, 
brought down thirteen at one shot. 
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