42 
On the Species of the Genas Plotus. 
M. Oustalet, in reviewing the collections made in the same 
region by M. Chantre (Ann. Sc. Nat. July 1882, art. 7), 
describes the Antioch Plotus as a new species, under the name 
of P. chantrei , and states that he differs from my conclusions, 
asserting also that the Antioch bird has its affinities rather 
with the Indian than with the African species. I was not a 
little surprised at this expression of opinion, and also at the 
omission by M. Oustalet of the one permanent character 
which in all stages of plumage distinguishes the African 
from the Indian bird, viz. the grey or rusty-brown band at 
the termination of the primary wing-coverts, which forms a 
conspicuous terminal bar on the wing. This is admirably 
shown by Temminck (PI. Col. 380); but Schlegel (Mus. des 
Pays-Bas) is the only writer who, so far as I can ascertain, 
has drawn attention to this as the one true specific distinction. 
In all the Indian and Australian birds there is not the 
slightest trace of this russet band, the whole wing being a rich 
glossy black. The three points given in his diagnosis by 
M. Oustalet to distinguish this new species are :—1st. The 
silky-white markings of the feathers on the side of the neck, 
and the white periophthalmic line reaching to the forehead. 
But both these characters are found in P. levaillanti in breed¬ 
ing-plumage, and are well shown in TemminclCs plate. 2nd. 
The front of the neck white, hardly tinted with yellow. This, 
again, is the character of the African bird in nuptial dress. 
3rd. The silvery markings on the wings and back being 
thicker and broader. This also varies with age, sex, and 
season in both species. I have examined over sixty speci¬ 
mens in the British Museum, and compared them with my 
Antioch skin, and have come to the decided conclusion that 
the Antioch bird is simply P. levaillanti in full nuptial dress. 
In this I am confirmed by Mr. Sharpe, who kindly examined 
the series with me. It is very difficult to find two specimens 
in exactly identical plumage, and there is not one in the large 
Museum series in such absolutely perfect nuptial dress as 
my bird. 
I should have added that, besides the russet or brown 
wing-bar, the African and Syrian species has also the inner 
