Genus MELANOCHLORA Lesson, 1839.
This genus was placed by Gates amongst his Liotrichinæ, with which, however, it appears to have nothing in common. It is undoubtedly, a very aberrant form of Titmouse and might possibly be well placed in a Family or Sub-family by itself. The wing is long and pointed and the nostrils are slightly exposed, both features unlike any other of the Paridæ. On the other hand bill, feet, habits and nidification all point strongly to its affinity with these birds.
There is only one species extending from Nepal to the Malay Peninsula.
Melanochlora sultanea.
Key to Subspecies.
| A. |
Yellow very brilliant and strong; rather larger
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|
M. s. sultanea, p. 101. |
| B. |
Yellow paler and less bright; rather smaller
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|
M. s. flavocristata, p. 102. |
(87) Melanochlora sultanea sultanea.
The Indian Sultan Tit.
- Parus sultaneus Hodgs., Ind. Rev., 1836, p. 31 (Nepal).
- Melanochlora sultanea. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 241.
Vernacular names. Bon-tylia-pho (Lepcha); Dao-rajah-gatang-lili (Cachari).
Description. Adult male.—Forehead, crown and crest brilliant yellow; the rest of the head, whole upper plumage, wings and breast deep black, with a metallic lustre on wings and back; tail the same with outermost feathers tipped with white; remainder of lower plumage deep bright yellow, the thighs mixed with some white.
Colours of soft parts. Bill black; mouth dark fleshy; eyelids plumbeous; irides dark brown or red-brown; legs dark slaty, claws dark horny.
Measurements. Total length about 200 mm.; wing 110·5 to 115 mm.; tail about 85 to 95 mm.; tarsus about 24 mm.; culmen about 17 mm.
Adult female and young. The black of the male is replaced with greenish brown, the yellow is paler and duller, and the chin and throat are yellowish brown.
Distribution. The Lower Himalayas from Nepal, through Assam, North and South of the Brahmaputra to the Kachin and Shan Hills and to Arrakan. Birds from Karenni and North Siam are of this race.
