At Allahabad the Large Grey Babbler (Argya malcomi) (F. 107) or Gangai, is more abundant even than C. canorus. It may be recognised by its long tail. The three outer pairs of tail feathers are white—very conspicuous during flight. The note is a loud harsh quey, quey, quey. The bird is commoner than I thought. It occurs in most districts of the U.P.
[8]. Crateropus griseus: The White-headed Babbler. (F. 111), (J. 433), (III.)
This is the common babbler of the Madras presidency. It is easily recognised by the greyish white crown of its head. (Illus. B. D., p. 204.)
[9]. Crateropus somervillii: The Rufous-tailed Babbler. (F. 113), (J. 435), (III.)
The common babbler of Bombay and Poona. It is the least untidy-looking of the babblers, and may be recognised by the distinctly reddish hue of its tail.
All three species of babblers build neat cup-shaped nests not far above the ground and lay beautiful blue eggs. (Illus. B. B., p. 80.)
[10]. Pyctorhis sinensis: The Yellow-eyed Babbler. (F. 139), (J. 385), (+I.)
This is considerably smaller than the other babblers described. Its general colour is cinnamon brown. The eyebrows, throat, and breast are white. The under parts are cream-coloured. The eye is bright yellow. It emits a sweet note and builds a beautiful nest. This last is in shape not unlike the hat worn by a political officer in full dress. It measures about five inches in depth and is usually slung by its broadest part on to two or more growing reeds, heads of millet, stout grass stems, or perhaps more frequently to a forked branch.
[11]. Myiophoneus horsfieldi: The Malabar Whistling Thrush, or Idle Schoolboy. (F. 189), (J. 342), (+III.)
A black bird with large cobalt blue patches on the forehead and the wings. Small patches of the same hue occur on other parts of the body.