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Show 386 MR. R. B. SHARPE ON BIRDS FROM MADAGASCAR. [Jlllie 9, Tardus goudoti, Verr. Nouv. Arch. i. p. 77, pl. v. fig. 2 (1866). " Nossi Vola. Native name Kankimavei' "Female. Saralalan, Nov. 19th, 1869. Local." M . Grandidier (/. c.) states that the original specimen of this species was not adult, and that the birds obtained by him in Madagascar differed materially from the description given by Dr. Hartlaub. The specimens procured by Mr. Crossley seem to be intermediate in plumage between the type specimen and the bird figured (I. ci) as Turdus goudoti, hut do not have the white collar so distinct. If, as M . Grandidier asserts, the original Tylas eduardi is a young bird, we may conclude that the white collar is characteristic of the old bird. I would remark upon what appears to be a curious case of mimicry in regard to this species, as compared with Vanga polleni, Schl. (Faun. de Madag. Ois. p. 174: 1868). The specimen before me agrees very well with the description given by the learned Professor ; and I really supposed I had a specimen of Vanga polleni before me, till Professor Newton identified the bird as Tylas eduardi. All I can say is that, if Tylas eduardi, Hartl., and Vanya polleni are two distinct species, we have a case of mimicry which is almost unrivalled for interest; for it is evident that the Shrike assumed the plumage of the more peaceful Thrush because it doubtless served him well in pursuit of his prey. Fam. TIMALIID.E. OXYLABES, gen. nov. Rostrum elongatum, apicem versus compressum; maxilla mandi-bulam paullo superante : dertro recto, apice decurvato : gonyde ascendente setis brevibus ad basin mandibulee : naribus ovalibus supra parvo membrano obtectis. Alee rotundatee, remige primo brevi, secundo et tertio gradatim longioribus; quarto, quinto, sexto et septimo eequalibus et longissimi s. Cauda longa, rectricibus duodecim, externa brevissima, duabus proximis gradatim longioribus, sex mediis longissimis et sub-eequalibus. Pedes robustissimi, unguibus validis; tarso scutellato, digito exteriore quam interior paullo longiore, halluce ambos superante. The subjoined woodcut illustrates the characters of this new genus. The type is 3. OXYLABES MADAGASCARIENSIS. Ellisial madagascariensis (Briss.); Hartl. Faun. Madag. p. 37 (1861). " Nossi Vola. Native name Cerun-cerun. Eye brown. Contents of stomach insects." This bird appears to me to be without doubt the Rossignol de Madagascar of Brisson ; and Professor Newton, who compared the |