(482) Brachypteryx major albiventris.
The White-bellied Short-wings.
Callene albiventris Fairbank, Blanf., P.Z.S., 186?, p. 833, pi. 39 (Palni Hills). Brachypteryx albiventris. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 185.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Lores and a narrow frontal band velvety-black; above this a band of bluish white. Remainder of plumage as m the last bird but the chestnut replaced with slaty-blue on the lower plumage.
Colours of soft parts. Iris buff to red-buff; bill black; legs and feet dark horny-brown to plumbeous black.
Measurements. Wing 78 to 83 mm., ; 73 to 78 mm., ; tail 63 to 65 mm.; tarsus 29 mm.; culmen 15 mm.
Distribution. Palni Hills and Travancore only. A specimen obtained by Bourdillon at Mynal, Travancore, shows a considerable amount of rufous on the vent and flanks, proving this bird to be merely a race of ruflventris and probably specimens from the hills of North Travancore will be intermediate between the two.
Nidification. In every way like that of the Rufous-bellied Short-wing. The eggs, also, cannot be distinguished from those of that bird. The average of 12 eggs is 23.7 x 16.5 mm.: maxima 25.5 X 17.0 and 23.6 x 17.3 mm. ;minima 21.0 X 16.0 mm. Eggs taken by the late Rev. Howard Campbell were found in April and May.
Habits. Much the same as those of the last bird. It is found in shady cover, either singly or in pairs, and keeps entirely to the ground or to the lower bushes and scrub but, though so terrestrial in its habits, it flies well when forced to do so.
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