ACTINOD URA W ALDENI » Godwin- Aus

fen.

Walden’s Actinodura.

Actinodura Waldeni, Godwin-Austen, P. Z.S., 1874, p. 46, pl. xii.

 

Tus third species of the genus Actinodura is one of the recent discoveries made by Major Godwin-Austen
in the Naga Hills ; and on reference to the Plates given in the present work a casual observer will perceive at
once its specific distinctness. In its shorter tail and general coloration the present bird is most like the
A. nipalensis ; but the feathers of the breast, every one of which is centred with brown, are a very striking and
characteristic feature in the new form. All three are elegant and harmoniously coloured little birds, rich
brown and chocolate-brown being the predominant tints.

Of course the time will come when we shall know as much about the habits and economy of Actinodura as
we do about Accentor and other European forms; and it would be interesting to know whether these birds
are gifted with song, as is the case with so many of these sombre-coloured birds. This we have to learn
from the researches of future observers; but, judging from its bill, I should imagine that they were not
very highly gifted as songsters. Dr. Jerdon places Actinodura in the Timaline, close to Trochalopteron and
Stdia; but from their barred wings and tail they apparently show some affinity to the Troglodytine.

Major Godwin-Austen is at present the only ornithologist who has met with this bird, and I am indebted
to him for the loan of the typical specimen. The following is his original description :—

‘* Head full-crested, extending back for more than an inch, hoary grey, edged pale; back rich brown with
a greenish hue, becoming more rufous on the rump and upper tail-coverts ; base of bail leather ee for
half their length narrowly barred with black, then black for terminal inch, the three outer tipped white ;
quills black, outer web chestnut at base, then barred with black, and the narrow fcunce portion grey ;
primary coverts black, the winglet-feathers grey, barred black; ear-coverts hoary; side of head hair-grey ;
chin, breast, and abdomen rufous brown, paler on the chin and throat, the whole having a streaky
appearance, the feathers being centred with a darker shade.

“Bill grey; legs and feet fleshy brown ; irides pale grey.

‘Length 8 inches, wing 3°48, tail 3-45, tarsus 1-2, bill at front 0°62. oo

“T first shot this bird on the Peak of Japvo, at about 9000 feet, on the Burrail range, Naga Hills.

The figures in the Plate are of the natural size.