RUTICILLA ERYTHROPROCTA, GwU.
RUTICILLA ERYTHROPROC1 r A, Gould.
Coal-black Redstart.
Ruticilla erythroprocta, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc. part xxiii. p. 78.
T h e Ruticilla erythroprocta is specifically distinct from every other known member of its well-defined genus;
it is most nearly allied to the Ruticilla Tithys of Europe, but differs from that species in several particulars:
in the first place, it is somewhat smaller in size; and in the next, the black colouring of the body both on the
upper and under surface is much more intense, besides which the lower p a rt of the abdomen is red instead of
greyish white.
The existence o f this bird having but recently become known to us, it does not occur in Mr. Moore’s
valuable Monograph o f the Ruticill<s; and I may remark that, after a careful comparison, I find it is quite
distinct from every species described therein.
The specimen from which my figure o f the male in the accompanying P late was taken was procured on the
shores o f the Black Sea. I t was sent direct from Erzeroum; of its habits and economy, and of the extent of
its range, nothing has yet been recorded; the former doubtless closely resemble those o f the other members
of the genus, and, in all probability, Asia Minor and Persia will hereafter h e found to be its true habitat.
Forehead black; crown of the head clouded silveiy g re y ; back, shoulders, throat, chest and the upper
part of the abdomen jet-black; lower p art of the abdomen, upper and under tail-coverts dull r e d ; tail-feathers
dull red, except the two middle ones which are brownish black ; wings both above and beneath brownish
black; some of the secondaries slightly fringed with silvery g rey ; bill and feet black.
The figures are of the natural size.