Distribution. Eastern Burma, east of the Sittaung from Papun in the South to the Northern Shan States. Mackenzie found it not rare at Prome.
Nidification. The nest, which has been taken by Col. Harington and J. P. Cook, is similar to that of other Scimitar-Babblers. The eggs appear to number two or three only. Twelve eggs measure about 25·0 × 18·2 mm.
Habits. According to Harington the bird haunts the thickest of cover, whether bamboo or other. It is found from some 2,000 to 6,500 feet or higher.
Pomatorhinus olivaceus.
Key to Subspecies.
| A. |
Upper parts rufous-brown
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
P. o. olivaceus, p. 209. |
| B. |
Upper parts olive-brown
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
P. o. ripponi, p. 210. |
(204) Pomatorhinus olivaceus olivaceus.
The Tenasserim Scimtar-Babbler.
- Pomatorhinus olivaceus Blyth, J. A. S. B., xvi, p. 451 (1847) (Tenasserim); Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 118.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from the schisticeps group in having no chestnut band down the sides of the breast and flanks, the chestnut being confined to the sides of the neck. The rufous collar on the nape is not very pronounced.
Colours of soft parts. Iris bright yellow; bill deep yellow, dusky-green at base above; legs and feet plumbeous; claws horny (Hume & Davison).
Measurements. Length about 230 mm.; wing 90 to 96 mm.; tail about 100 to 106 mm.; tarsus about 30 mm.; culmen about 27 to 28 mm.
Distribution. Tenasserim, from Moulmein down to its extreme southern point and thence extending into the Malay Peninsula.
Nidification. Breeds in Tenasserim from January to March, making the usual Scimitar-Babbler's nest, either globular or cup-shaped, on the ground in thick jungle. The eggs, either two or three in number, average about 25·4 × 18·5 mm.
Habits. Oates writes: "They live on the ground or in shrubs very close to the ground, only very occasinnally mounting trees. They conceal themselves so well that they are very seldom seen, but when seen they perform fantastic motions, spreading out the tail and drooping the wings. They have a variety of calls which resolve themselves, however, into variations of the words 'hoot-hoot-hoot' constantly repeated. They frequent the very thickest pieces of jungle, not only where the bushes themselves are thick, but where the low undergrowth is entangled and intricate."
