TaB. LI.
PICUS MAHRATTENSIS.

Tux collection among which this bird occurred, has afforded us an opportunity of ascertaining that this
species of Woodpecker, which was first described by Dr. Latham in 1801 from a specimen in the British
Museum, is found equally in the higher regions of the Himalaya and in the lowlands surrounding them, to
the latter of which it has hitherto been thought peculiar. The only account published respecting it is that of
Dr. Latham, who states it to be a native of the Mahratta country, but without any history of its habits and
manners. It is to be regretted that in the present notice we are unable to give any additional information.

The male has the top of the head and occiput scarlet ; the cheeks and throat dull white; the whole of the
upper surface is black, with oval spots of white so disposed as to produce a barred appearance ; the tips of
the tail-feathers inclining to scarlet ; the sides of the chest are brown; the flanks and thighs white, streaked
with dashes of brown ; the centre of the abdomen scarlet; beak and tarsi brown ; length 63 inches.

In the female, the scarlet head of the male is exchanged for dull yellow.

Both sexes are figured of the natural size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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