STACHYKIUOPSIS. 260^
Habits. In winter the Red-headed Babbler may be found anywhere between the foot-hills iind (i,0()0 feet or even higher, fre- quenting fairly thic-k undeigrowth, scrub- or bamboo-jungle. It consorts in small Hocks and feeds low down in whatever cover it may happen to be in, but does not descend to the ground. Its note is a soft, low whistle, seldom used, and a little chattering twitter occasionally uttered as the birds tlit about the bushes.
(278) Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis.
The Bhamo Red-headed Babbler.
- Sfac/iyridopsis nijiceps bhamoensis Harington, A. M, N. PI., ii, p. 245- (1908) (Bhamo Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from the last in having the light chestnut of the head confined to the crown; the throat and lower parts are a more greyish-yellow. Erom S. r. sinensis, the Chinese form, it differs in having black streaks to the feathers of the forehead and a much more massive bill.
Colours of soft parts like those of the last bird.
Measurements. A trifle smaller than S. r. rujlceps, wing about 52 to 50 mm.
Distribution. The Bhamo Hill Tracts and S. Shan States.
Nidification. " A very noisy little bird in the breeding season, drawing attention to itself if anyone invades its particular bit of jungle. It builds an untidy, retort-shaped nest entirely of bam- boo leaves, which it places in clumps of long, overhanging grass. It is always well concealed and can only be found by seeing the bird &y out." {Harington.) The eggs, tiiree or four in num.ber, are indistinguishable from those of the last bird. Thirty eggs average 16-3 x 12-7 mm. A good many odd eggs of this bird are pure unspotted white and two clutches taken by Mr. F. Grant are all without any markings. Habits simi]p,r to those of tie last bird.
(279) Stachyridopsis rufifrons rufifrons
Hume's Babbler.
- StacJij/n's rufifrons Hume, S. F., i, p. 479 (1873) (Pegu).
iStachyrhidopsis ruffrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 1(35.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. This species differs from the last in having the rufous of the head much duller and confined to the anterior crown; the upi^er plumage is more grey. In /S'. r. rvjifrons the stria) both on head and tliroat are inconspicuous or obsolete and the chin itself is white; the lower plumage is a tawny buff.
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red; hill bluish plumbeous- black {fJ((rin<jto)i); legs and feet pale fleshy-horn.
