(774) Dicrurus leucophaeus stevensi.
The Himalayas Grey. Drongo.
Dicrurus leucophaeus stevensi Stuart Raker, Nov. Zool, xxv, p 294 (1918) (Darjeeling). Dicrurus longicaudatus. Blanf. & Oates, p 314.
Vernacular names. Solum or Sahim-pho (Lepcha); Che-chum (Bhut.); Nil-finga. (Beng.).
Description. This is the largest and darkest form West of the Brahmaputra, though neither so large or dark as D. Z. hopwoodi on the East; the tail is comparatively very long.
Measurements. Wing 127 to 152 mm., average 141 mm.; tail 128 to 175 mm,, average 152 mm.; culmen 22 to 23 mm.
Distribution. "West Nepal to Eastern Assam, West and North of the Brahmaputra, the foot-hills and plains immediately adjacent thereto.
Nidification. Breeds commonly during April, May and June from the foot-hills up to 6,000 feet or rather higher, but principally between.3,000 and 5,000 feet. Nest and eggs only differ from those of the Common Grey Drongo in being larger. The few I have seen average 25.9 x 19.0 mm.; a larger series might reduce this.
Habits. Those of the species.
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