SUTHORA MUNIPURENSIS, G-austen & Walden.

Munipur Suthora.

Suthora munipurensis, Godwin-Austen & Walden, Ibis, 1875, p. 250.
——- daflaensis, Godwin-Austen, Ann. Nat. Hist. 4th series, xvii. p. 32.

 

Tue species of the genus Suthora divide themselves naturally into two eroups—those whose plumage is
parti-coloured, and those whose plumage is more or less uniform. To the latter belong several species, such
as Suthora brunnea, S. webbiana, and others already figured by me in the present work ; while to the parti-
coloured group, which, moreover, invariably have a black throat, belong the present bird and its allies.
The Suthora munipurensis 1s very closely allied to S. nipalensis, but is distinguished by the ear-coverts being
grey instead of tawny-coloured, by the white eyebrow and narrow line of black along the sides of the crown.
The typical specimen was obtained by Mr. William Robert near Karakhul, Munipur hills.

Major Godwin-Austen is generally so correct in his discrimination of species that I regret to have to differ
but I cannot allow that his recently described Suthora daflaensis from the Dafla hills
He writes:—‘ The difference between them is most
marked on the undersides, the chin being grey in the Dafla bird, paling on the upper breast and belly to dull
yellowish white, while in the Munipuir and Naga species the chin and throat are deep black, fading to grey
There is also a marked difference in size, this new

from him in any way ;

is really specifically distinct from S. munipurensis.

on the breast, into the white of the lower tail-coverts.
form being the smallest of the genus now known. It was met with in the bamboo underwood of the forests
at 5000 to 7000 feet, Dafla hills, and first obtained on the slopes of Tordpitu Peak in January.” As Major
Godwin-Austen was so kind as to submit his typical specimen of S. daflaensis to me, I can only say that I
noted as due to age or seasonal plumage.

The following is the original description of the species, published (J. c.) by the authors ea one
n, becoming more olivaceous or fulvous green uw back ; shoulder of wing greenis
black, the first four edged white, the rest crossed with a bright falvous bar on the outer
‘th fulvous, and a few of the last tipped white on mner web 5 tail
h is dusky and indistinctly barred ; a broad supercilium
coverts and side of neck grey ; chin and
under tail-coverts pure white. Length

regard the slight differences above

of head cinnamon-brow
umber ;_ primaries
webs; the secondaries edged broadly w
ruddy fulvous at base, paling towards the end, whic
black ; lores and a narrow circle round the eye pure white; ear-
throat black, merging into pearly grey and white on the breast ;
4-5 inches, wing 1°8, tail 2°4, tarsus -77, bill at front 5.

On the eve of going to press, and before his starting for Ind oe
to place his S. daflaensis as a synonym to the prior-named species S. mu
done.

The birds in the Plate are drawn from M
vhich I am much indebted.

‘a, Lreceived Major Godwin-Austen’s sanction
3
ipurensis, which I have accordingly

atural
ajor Godwin-Austen s typical specimens, and of the n

size, for the loan of \