TROCHALOPTE RON VIRGATUM, Godwin- Austen.
White-eyebrowed Trochalopteron.

Trochalopteron virgatum, Godwin- Austen, P. Z. ., 1874, p. 46.

 

Here, again, ornithology is indebted to Major Godwin-Austen for presenting to our notice this new species,
which is marked by sufficient differences to admit of no doubt as to its specific distinctness. It belongs to
the plain-coloured section of the genus, and does not exhibit those striking contrasts of colour which are to
be noticed in Zrochalopteron variegatum, 1’. erythrocephalum, and their allies. I cannot help reiterating my
wish that we may soon come to an end of these “ Laughing-Thrushes,” as Dr. Jerdon calls them; but at
present there seems no likelihood of it, for species are discovered faster than I can figure them in my yearly
issue of the present work. With their discovery unfortunately we get little or no information respecting
their habits; and all that we know respecting the present bird is the following observation by its original
discoverer :—‘‘ I obtained a single specimen near the village of Razami, Naga Hills, under the Kopamedza
ridge, 5000 feet.”

The following is the description given by Major Godwin-Austen :—

“Head dark rufous brown, olivaceous on back, paler and greyer on rump; tail olive-brown, with a slight
tinge of rusty on basal half, finely and indistinctly barred; wing, first three quills grey on outer web,
the rest and secondaries pale ferruginous, merging into rich chestnut at their base; coverts of the latter
colour, narrowly tipped ochre; feathers of winglet conspicuously white-centred, and lores chestnut, a white
supercilium ; ear-coverts pale rusty; chin and throat rich dark chestnut; breast and abdomen bright
ochraceous ; under tail-coverts darker brown. As viewed from below, the tail is grey-brown, each feather
faintly tipped with white.

‘‘ All the feathers of the head, upper back, flanks, and breast are centred white or pale ochre, and those
of the head and neck are rigid.

‘ Bill black ; legs pinky grey; irides pale brown.”

The single figure in the Plate is taken from the type specimen kindly lent to me by Major Godwin-
Austen, and represents the bird of the natural size.