M i l l i e
Bambusicola fytchii, Anderson.
Vernacular Namos.—fVcngie (Kuid)
|?HIS species is common about Shillong, in the Khasi
Hills, and it occurs also in the Garo, North Cachar
and Naga Hills, but it has not as yet been recorded
from any other localities within our limits. As, however,
it greatly affects concealment, and chiefly
haunts dense grass and bamboo jungle, and even at
Shillong remained unnoticed until quite recently, it
very probably will prove to occur in suitable localities throughout
the hill ranges of Upper Burma and Assam south of the
Brahmaputra.
Dr. Anderson, the discoverer of this species, first procured it
in old rice clearings on the hill sides of Ponsec, in Yunan, at
an elevation of 3,000 feet, and Perc David says that it must
extend to the south-west corner, at any rate, of Sechucn, whence
he has seen a live specimen.
Nothing further is at present known of its distribution.
THE BAMBOO Partridge seems to be a shy bird, frequenting
dense grass, never seen except at early dawn in the open, and
only rarely caught sight of at other times scuttling along some
jungle path.
They are said to be difficult to flush, but to fly rapidly for a
short distance when roused ; to perch freely on trees, but to feed
habitually on the ground on grass seeds, berries and insects.
The note, often heard in the spring, is said to be loud and harsh,
somewhat fowl-like in its character, and totally distinct from the
soft low whistle of the Hill Partridges.
Mr. Damant writes :—
"This bird occurs in the Garo, North Cachar,and Naga Hills.
I have only found it in heavy forest jungle at heights of not less
than 2,500 feet ; it is generally found in pairs, and is difficult to