(76) Machlolophus xanthogenys aplonotus.
The Southern Yellow-cheeked Tit.
Pants aplonotus Blyth, J.A.S.B., xvi, p. 444 (1847) (Mts. Of Central India). Machlolophus haplonotus. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 56.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from the northern bird in having the wing-coverts tipped with white instead of yellow and in having the green and yellow portions of the plumage dull instead of bright. In this bird also the line over the ear-coverts only extends to the corner of the eye and not over it.
Colours of soft parts and Measurements as in the Northern Yellow-cheeked Tit. A careful examination of the big series in the British Museum does not show that there is any difference in size between the Northern and Southern races in spite of Oates's opinion to the contrary.
Distribution. Throughout the Peninsula of India South of a line drawn from Abu to Paresnath in Chota Nagpur, up to elevations of about 6,000 feet. This Tit does not appear to be found East of Paresnath or West of Abu.
Nidification. Similar to that of the Northern race. The average of thirty eggs is about 17.4x13.9 mm. They are not distinguishable from those of the last bird. It is said to breed from May to September.
Habits. Is found during the breeding season between 2,000 and 6,000 feet, wandering higher than this in the Nilgiris and coming down to the level of the plains, especially in winter. There is nothing special recorded about its habits.
