TAB. XX.
MYOPHONUS HORSFIELDILI.

Myoph. cerulescenti-ater, fronte, humeris, margintbusque plumarum pectoris splendidé ceerulers.

Statura Myoph. cyanez, Horsf.

3

Longitudo corporis, 10: unc.; ale, 6; rostr2, 1%; tarse, 14; caude, 5.

Tuts very beautiful species of Myophonus is named in honour of that distinguished follower of science Dr.
Horsfield. ‘The genus in which it is entered was first characterized by M. Temminck: the propriety of
separating it is now confirmed by the addition of the present and a third species figured in the succeeding
Plate, Myophonus Temminckit. As regards the habits and mode of life of the birds of this group, little can
be said with certainty, excepting that, from their lengthened tarsi and general structure, they may be con-
sidered as depending in a great measure for their subsistence upon the worms, insects and larvae which
inhabit the surface of the earth.

Although we have figured this bird as an inhabitant of the Himalayan mountains, yet, from having
subsequently learned that it is met with in considerable abundance in the plains in their vicinity, we are not
warranted in stating that those elevated regions are its exclusive habitat ;—specimens, indeed, have been
procured by collectors even so far south as Madras.

The general plumage of this species is black with reflections of metallic blue ; a semilunar line of deep blue
extends across the forehead from eye to eye; and the shoulders are resplendent with a still deeper tinge of
the same lustrous hue; the head with the exception of the line of blue, the neck, and breast are jet black ;
but on the lower part of the breast and abdomen each feather is elegantly edged at its extremity with bright
blue ; the back, wings, and tail are black, reflecting a rich bloom of blue, which in some lights prevails over
the sable ground colour; the beak and tarsi are black.

The figure is of the natural size.