Machlolophus xanthogeny's (Vigors).
Size; Same as the Grey Tit (Sparrow),
Field Characters : A dainty little black and yellow tit with
a prominent pointed crest. Sexes alike in the Northern race,
both having black crest and black ventral band. In the Penin-
sular and Southern races the ventral band of the female is dull
olive-green, The female of ihe latter race is dimorphic, some-
times having the crown also of this colour.
Distribution: A resident chiefly of lil forests and wooded
plateau country throughout {ndia. Three races--a Northern
(W. Himalayas), a Peninsnlar (Central India, Deccan, &c.)
and a Sonthern (W. Ghats) are recognised on differences of size
and colouration. Absent in Ceylon, Represented in) Burma
by an allied species, WM. spilonotus, with bright yellow forehead.
Habits: (Like others of their tribe, these tits hunt in family
parties, generally in company with other small insectivorous
birds. ‘They prefer the leafy canopy of tall trees, but will descend
lower where the prospect of food is inviting. The individuals
keep up a joyous chee-chee as they restlessly search for insects,
grubs and spiders which comprise the major part of their diet.
Various fruits and berries are alsu eaten, Like Grey ‘Tits they
hop about the leaves and twigs, clinging head downwards,
prying into cracks and crevices, and flit from sprig to sprig
in their quest. Usually they are not shy and do not resent
heing watched. During the breeding season the male has
a loud, clear whistling song: Cheewit-pretty-cheewit, &c. This is
uttered with crest erect and wings drooping at the sides.
Nesting: The season varies in different parts of its range
according to local conditions, between April and September.
The nest is similar to that of the Grey ‘Tit —a pad of moss, hair,
wool or feathers placed in a hole in a tree-stem, Old Barbet
holes are frequently appropriated. Sometimes a hole or crack
in a masonry wall or in an earth bank is utilised. The eggs—
four to six in number— are a glogsless white or pinkish-white,
more or less spotted and blotched with reddish or purplish-
brown, oth sexes share in building, incubation and care of
the young. A female whose nest-hole was cut open did not
desert her abode, but continued laying her full complement
of eggs inspite of her daily contribution being removed from
the nest on font successive mornings !
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