Rollulus roulroul, Scopoli.
Vernacular HameS.—[See-oul, Malay Peninsula ; Baniiil, Sumatra ; ]
f I K E the last species, the Red-Crested Wood-Quail is
a Malayan form, only just entering our limits in
Southern Tenasserim.
Throughout the entire length of the western side
of the Malay Peninsula (and probably equally
on the eastern side also), Sumatra and Borneo, this
species occurs in suitable localities. It has been
said to have been found in Java, but this appears to need confirmation.
Into Western Siam it certainly extends.
ESSENTIALLY A forest bird, this species would seem to range
from sea level to an elevation of three or four thousand feet.
It is a lively bird, flying rapidly when flushed, and although,
Quail-like, soon dropping into the undergrowth, with a dog
it affords fair sport.
Davison remarks in our " Birds of Tenasserim" :—
"This species is always found in small parties of six or eight
or more, males and females, keeping to the dense forest, and
never venturing into the open, living on berries, seeds, tender
shoots and leaves, and insects of various sorts. It does not
scratch about nearly so much as the Arboricolas, and is much
quicker and more lively in its movements, much like a Quail,
running hither and thither. They rise well before a dog, but it
is hard to flush them without. Their note is a soft, mellow,
pleasant whistle, which is chiefly heard in the morning, but
which they also utter when calling to each other after they have
been separated. Like that of A. rufogularis, their note is very
easily imitated, and they will answer the call readily."
Again, Col. Tickell says :—
"These singular birds ramble about the hill sides, at an elevation
of about 3,000 feet to 4,000 feet, in bevies or parties of six
or eight to a dozen. They are exceedingly swift of foot, never
leave the jungle, and rarely take to wing. I once came across