387) Microscelis psaroides nigrescens.
THE ASSAM BLACK BULBUL.
Hypsipetes psaroides nigrescens Stuart Baker, Bull. B. O. C, xxxviii, p. 15 (1917) (Upper Chindwin).
Vernacular names. Dao-bulip gashim (Cachari).
Description. Differs from M. p. psaroides in being very much darker both above and below ; at the same time it is a paler bird than M. p. concolor and has the black crown and the head dis¬tinctly defined from the paler, blackish grey of the back.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements much as in the last, though they average a little bigger.
Distribution. South Assam, Manipur, Arrakan and the Northern Chin Hills apparently as far East as the Chindwin, but not to the Irrawaddy. It is also found in North-East Assam and the Abor Hills.
Nidification. Similar to that of the last bird but moss seems to be far more used in the construction of the nest and in some cases this material forms practically the whole of the nest. Like the last bird this also is one of the very few that employ pine-needles as a lining to their nests. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the Himalayan race, " 100 average 27.1 X 19.7 mm., with extremes of 29.0 x 19.2, 27.0 x 20.5, 24.7 x 19.3 and 25.8 x 18.0 mm.
Habits. Those of the genus. It is found up to 6,000 or 7,000 feet and descends almost to the plains. It was common in Margherita at about 700 feet and in the winter in N. Lakhimpur extends well into the plains.
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