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T a b . X L l .
PICA ER Y TH RO RH Y N CHA .
Of all the species composing the genus Pica, no one exceeds the present either in the beauty of its plumage
or in the grace o f its proportions. It is, however, by far the least typical of the genus to which it is provisionally
assigned, dillering in the strength and direction of the beak, as well as in the formation of tbc tail,
which consists of graduated feathers, tlie two middle ones e.xceeding the rest by more than half their length.
In its habitat it is not limited to the Himalayan mountains, whence the specimen figured and described was
received, but extends over the whole o f China. It is often accurately figured in the Chinese drawings
imported into E u ro p e ; so that we suspect it to be a bird which, like our J ay or Magpie, is often kept
domesticated. V, c have reason to sujipose that this species is fierce and tyrannical. Mr. Shore, from whose
manuscri])t notes we have derived no little information, states that one which he kept in captivity, though it
refused other food, ferociously pounced upon living birds, presented to it by way o f experiment, and eagerly
dei'ourcd them. Seen among the foliage of the trees, it is recorded as forming an elegant and conspicuous
object, flitting from bough to bongli, with long and flowing tail, and full of vivacity in every movement.
Tlie occiput and back of the neck- are dull w h ite ; the head, sides o f the neck and breast bla ck; the back,
wings and tail lively blue, the quill- and tail-feathers being tipped with white, those of the tail having a bar of
black before the wh ite ; the under surface is white ; the bill bright o range ; the tarsi rather paler.
The Plate represents the species two thirds of its natural size.