The eggs are very similar to but smaller than those of the preceding species—very broad ovals, a good deal pointed towards one end, pure white, and faintly glossy. In length they vary from 0·53 to 0·58, and in breadth from 0·45 to 0·49.
436. Cryptolopha poliogenys (Blyth). The Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler.
Abrornis poliogenys (Blyth), Jerd. B. Ind. ii, p. 203.
From Sikhim Mr. Gammie writes:—"A nest of the Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler, taken on the 8th May in large forest at 6000 feet, contained three hard-set eggs. It was suspended to a snag among the moss growing on the stem of a small tree at five feet up. The moss supported it more than did the snag. It is a solid cup-shaped structure, made of green moss and lined with very fine roots. Externally it measures 3½ inches across and 2¼ deep; internally 2 inches wide and 1¾ deep."
The eggs of this species, like those of C. xanthoschista and C. jerdoni, are pure white. They are not, I think, separable from the eggs of these two species. Those sent me by Mr. Gammie measure 0·66 and 0·67 in length by 0·5 in breadth.
437. Cryptolopha castaneiceps (Hodgs.). The Chestnut-headed Flycatcher-Warbler.
Abrornis castaneiceps, Hodgs., Jerd. B. Ind. ii. p. 205; Hume.
Rough Draft N. & E. no. 578.
According to Mr. Hodgson's notes and figures, the Chestnut-headed Flycatcher-Warbler breeds in the central hill-region of Nepal from April to June, laying three or four eggs, which are neither figured nor described. The nest itself is a beautiful structure of mosses, lichens, moss- and fern-roots, and fine stems worked into the shape of a large egg, measuring 6 and 4 inches along the longer and shorter diameters; it is placed on the ground in the midst of a clump of ferns or thick grass, with the longer diameter perpendicular to the ground. The aperture, which is about halfway between the middle and the top of the nest, and on one side, is oval, about 2 inches in width and 1·75 in height. Both sexes are said to assist in hatching and rearing the young.
438. Cryptolopha cantator (Tick.). Tickell's Flycatcher-Warbler.
Culicipeta cantator (Tick.), Jerd. B. Ind. ii, p. 200.
Abrornis cantator (Tick.), Hume, Rough Draft N. & E. no. 570.