Plain Zosterops.

Zosterops japonica, Swinh. in Ibis, 1861, p. 35 (nec Temm. et Schleg.).

simplex, Swinh. in Proc. of Zool. Soc., 1862, p. 317, and 1863, p. 203.—Id. Ibis, 1863, p. 294, and 1870,
p. 348.—G. R. Gray, Hand-list of Birds, part 1. p. 163.
Sheong-shee of the Cantonese (Swinhoe).

 

 

Accorpine to Mr. Swinhoe, this species of Zo
found in the islands of Formosa and Hainan.
Z. japonica, of Japan; but the Indian bird is

sterops inhabits all the provinces of Southern China, and is also
Its nearest allies are the Zosterops palpebrosa, of India, and the
easily distinguished from it by the more lively yellow colour of
the throat and upper surface, and the Japanese species by its larger size, by the duller-coloured hue of the
upper surface, by the smaller amount of jet-black on the lores, and the darker hue of its flanks. In its habits,
disposition, and entire economy it assimilates most closely to its near allies in Australia ;_ a discrepancy,
however, occurs in the colouring of their eggs, those of the Chinese bird being described by Mr. Swinhoe as
white, while those of the Australian species are delicate blue. As is the case with the other members of
the genus, the sexes of Z. simplex are alike in colour; but the male slightly exceeds the female in size.

For the following notes respecting this species we are indebted to the researches of Mr. Swinhoe :—

‘The Zosterops simplex ranges in China from Canton to Foochow, and perhaps a little higher, but not
to Shanghai, where it is replaced by Zosterops erythropleura. Yn Formosa and in Hainan it is also an
abundant resident. Like the Z. palpebrosa it is grey on the underparts. An occasional specimen or two,
however, may be picked out of my Amoy series with a tinge of chestnut-brown on the underparts, showing
the tendency of the species towards the Z. japonica. Some have the abdomen deeper grey than others. The
yellow on the throat varies in intensity, as also does the green of the upper parts ; but these are chiefly distinc-
tions of sex and age. I have one pale (almost yellow) variety, procured by Captain Blakiston at Canton.
All the adults have the black lore and eye-line common to so many of this group. I have specimens from
Hongkong, Macao, Canton, Amoy, Foochow, and Formosa, all agreeing in their essential characters.

“It is abundant at Hongkong, where in winter it may constantly be seen, roaming from tree to tree along
the roads in small parties, searching every twig for Aphides and other small insects. When engaged in pursuit
of its food, it hangs in all manner of attitudes, uttering the while a peculiar call-note. In spring it emits
a short sweet song. Its well-blended tints of yellow and green, and the snow-white ring that encircles its sharp
black eyes, may be seen to advantage by the observer who stands under the trees whereon a number of these
sprightly little fellows are exploring the twigs and leaves for small insects. On the 2nd of April I had the
good fortune to discover its nest, at the end of a bough of a large-leaved tree. It was attached to several
leaf-stalks about eight feet from the ground, and might at first sight have been taken for some insect’s nest.
It consisted of a small cup, composed of delicate grasses, spider’s web, and moss, and much resembled the
nest of a Humming-bird. This pretty little structure contained two clear-white ego's.

“Tn confinement this species readily becomes tame, even when several are kept together ; and it may be seen
as a cage-bird in most of the towns of South China. At feeding-time they are particularly lively—but when
satiated settle on their perch, sidling up to their companions ; and after caressing one another for a short
time, all ruffle their feathers and dip their heads under their wings. The siesta they take is not long. They
all wake up suddenly, and feed again, the males often putting forward the head and singing their soft melodious
notes. The Zosterops is very fond of bathing, and, for food, besides insects, is Very partial se fruit, showing an
especial fondness for plantains and bananas, on which it may be almost entirely sustained.”

I am indebted to Mr. Swinhoe for permission to copy a beautiful drawing in his possession of the nest of
this species, probably of the one spoken of above. ,

Forehead, throat, breast, vent, and under tail-coverts sulphur-yellow ; Le TU: yellowish green,
brightest or yellower on the head ; abdomen brownish grey, suffused ip some specimens with a ruddy tinge ;
a ring of white feathers round the eye; axillaries white; quills and tal dark brown, margined externally
with yellowish green ; under edge of the quills, the under surface of their shafts, and also those of the tail
white ; bill and legs slate-colour. |

The Plate represents both sexes and a nest, of the natural size.