The genus Ianthia contains three species of Indian birds, in which the males are very brightly coloured and the females are dull. They inhabit the Himalayas, and migrate locally according to season.
This genus differs from Tarsiger and Calliope in having a much longer tail, the feathers of which are moreover pointed at the tips. Very little is on record about the habits of the members of this genus, but they probably do not differ in any important particular from those of the Blue-throats and Ruby-throats.
Key to the Species.
a. Sides of body orange-chestnut, contrasting with remainder of lower plumage……………………….I. rufilata, p. 106.
b. Sides of body of same colour as remainder of lower plumage.
a1. A white supercilium……………………….indica, p. 107.
b1. No white supercilium……………………….I. hyperythra, p. 108.
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