Habits. In winter the Red-headed Babbler may be found anywhere between the foot-hills and 6,000 feet or even higher, frequenting fairly thick undergrowth, scrub- or bamboo-jungle. It consorts in small flocks and feeds low down in whatever cover it may happen to be in, but does not descend to the ground. Its note is a soft, low whistle, seldom used, and a little chattering twitter occasionally uttered as the birds flit about the bushes.
(278) Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis.
The Bhamo Red-headed Babbler.
- Stachyridopsis ruficeps bhamoensis Harington, A. M, N. H., ii, p. 245 (1908) (Bhamo Hills).
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. Differs from the last in having the light chestnut of the head confined to the crown; the throat and lower parts are a more greyish-yellow. From S. r. sinensis, the Chinese form, it differs in having black streaks to the feathers of the forehead and a much more massive bill.
Colours of soft parts like those of the last bird.
Measurements. A trifle smaller than S. r. ruficeps, wing about 52 to 56 mm.
Distribution. The Bhamo Hill Tracts and S. Shan States.
Nidification. "A very noisy little bird in the breeding season, drawing attention to itself if anyone invades its particular bit of jungle. It builds an untidy, retort-shaped nest entirely of bamboo leaves, which it places in clumps of long, overhanging grass. It is always well concealed and can only be found by seeing the bird fly out." (Harington.)
The eggs, three or four in number, are indistinguishable from those of the last bird. Thirty eggs average 16·3 × 12·7 mm. A good many odd eggs of this bird are pure unspotted white and two clutches taken by Mr. F. Grant are all without any markings. Habits simiar to those of the last bird.
(279) Stachyridopsis rufifrons rufifrons.
Hume's Babbler.
- Stachryis rufifrons Hume, S. F., i, p. 479 (1873) (Pegu).
- Stachyrhidopsis rufifrons. Blanf. & Oates, i, p. 165.
Vernacular names. None recorded.
Description. This species differs from the last in having the rufous of the head much duller and confined to the anterior crown; the upper plumage is more grey. In S. r. rufifrons the striæ both on head and throat are inconspicuous or obsolete and the chin itself is white; the lower plumage is a tawny buff.
Colours of soft parts. Iris deep red; hill bluish plumbeous- black (Harington); legs and feet pale fleshy-horn.
