Part 24 (1/2)

ichthyaetus, _Pall_.

Sylochelidon Caspius, _Lath_.

Hydrochelidon Indicus, _Steph_.

Gelochelidon Anglicus, _Mont_.

Onychoprion anasthaetus, _Scop_.

Sterna Javanica, _Horsf_.

melanogaster, _Temm_.

minuta, _Linn._ Seena aurantia, _Gray_.

Thala.s.seus Bengalensis, _Less_.

cristata, _Stepth_.

Dromas ardeola, _Payk_.

Atagen ariel, _Gould_.

Thala.s.sidroma _melanogaster, Gould_.

Plotus melanogaster, _Gm_.

Pelica.n.u.s Philippensis, _Gm_.

Graculus Sinensis, _Shaw_.

pygmaeus, _Pallas_.

NOTE.

The following is a list of the birds which are, as far as is at present known, peculiar to the island; it will probably be determined at some future day that some included in it have a wider geographical range.

Haematornis spilogaster. The ”Ceylon eagle;” was discovered by Mr. Layard in the Wanny, and by Dr. Kelaart at Trincomalie.

Athene castonotus. The chestnut-winged hawk owl. This pretty little owl was added to the list of Ceylon birds by Dr. Templeton. Mr. Blyth is at present of opinion that this bird is identical with Ath. Castanopterus, _Horsf_. of Java as figured by Temminck: _P. Col._

Batrachostomus moniliger. The oil bird; was discovered amongst the precipitous rocks of the Adam's Peak range by Mr. Layard. Another specimen was sent about the same time to Sir James Emerson Tennent from Avisavelle. Mr. Mitford has met with it at Ratnapoora.

Caprimulgus Kelaarti. Kelaart's nightjar; swarms on the marshy plains of Neuera-ellia at dusk.

Hirundo hyperythra. The red-bellied swallow; was discovered in 1849, by Mr. Layard at Ambep.u.s.s.e. They build a globular nest, with a round hole at top. A pair built in the ring for a hanging lamp in Dr. Gardner's study at Peradenia, and hatched their young, undisturbed by the daily tr.i.m.m.i.n.g and lighting of the lamp.

Cisticola omalura. Layard's mountain gra.s.s warbler; is found in abundance on Horton Plain and Neuera-ellia, among the long Patena gra.s.s.

Drymoica valida. Layard's wren-warbler; frequents tufts of gra.s.s and low bushes, feeding on insects.

Pratincola atrata. The Neuera-ellia robin; a melodious songster; added to our catalogue by Dr. Kelaart.

Brachypteryx Palliseri. Ant thrush. A rare bird, added by Dr. Kelaart from Dimboola and Neuera-ellia.

Pellorneum fuscocapillum. Mr. Layard found two specimens of this rare thrush creeping about shrubs and bushes, feeding on insects.

Alcippe nigrifrons. This thrush frequents low impenetrable thickets, and seems to be widely distributed.