Catalogue of the Birds found in Ceylon; with some Remarks on their Habits and Local Distribution, and Descriptions of two New Species peculiar to the Island

404 MR. E.W. H. HOLDSWORTH ON CEYLONESE BIRDS. [Mar. 5, along the outer side of the leg to the fifth toe, margined posteriorly with pale yellowish. No spots. The membrane of the fingers very rudimentary ; the toes two thirds webbed. Hab. Rehst, Caspian Sea. Epicrium gltjtinosum, Linn. There is a median longitudinal fold from the symphysis of the lower jaw backwards as far as the length of the gape behind the angle of the mouth, abruptly defined posteriorly by a transverse fold separate and distinct from the body-folds but only reaching the sides. About halfway between it and the angle of the mouth there is another permanent fold that nearly encircles the body, but is inter-rupted behind the occiput. Anterior to this fold there is a short indistinct transverse fold on the throat, slightly posterior to the angle of the mouth. The upper and under parts are not black, as described by Giinther, but a rich slaty blue, the lateral line, however, being yellow. When-ever the specimens are removed from spirit they become dark brown, almost black. I have received this species from Goalpara, Assam, and from Shillong, in the Khasia hills. G. Catalogue of the Birds found in Ceylon; with some Remarks on their Habits and Local Distribution, and Descriptions of two New Species peculiar to the Island. By E. W. H. Holdsworth, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c. [Eeceived February 21, 1872.] (Plates XVII. -XX.) In the following Catalogue I have endeavoured to give a correct account of what is known at the present time of the birds resident in and visiting Ceylon. I have included no species about which there appears to be any doubt, except in a few cases ; and in those cases I have mentioned the grounds on which their reported occurrence seems likely to be true. The latest original list of Ceylon birds is that comprised in Mr. E. L. Layard's valuable and generally trustworthy " Notes on the Ornithology of Ceylon" published in the 'Annals and Magazine of Natural History' for 1853-54. Since that time there has been hardly any one in Ceylon who has given systematic attention to the avifauna of the island ; and in the preparation of this Catalogue the considerable collection of birds made by myself and Mr. Layard's '* Notes" have been the principal materials I have had at my command. I have been able, however, to make use of the extensive knowledge of eastern birds possessed by Lord Walden, the President of this Society, and his large collection of specimens, both of which