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Show 334 MR. R. B. SHARPE ON THE BIRDS OF LABUAN. [Apr. 1, cente et cauda vix furcata distinguendus. Long tota 5, alee 5*3, caudee 2, tarsi 0*4. Governor Ussher writes : - " Not uncommon, but difficult to obtain owing to its lofty flight and rapid gyrations. It is generally found near large trees and forests; and although seen during the day-time, its favourite time for seeking its food seems to be towards sunset and in the twilight." (H. T. U.) This is a very interesting species, and is a large form of C. infumatus, which, however, is easily distinguished by its smaller size (wing 4*6 inches). It is ashy grey underneath instead of ashy brown, and is recognizable at a glance by its tail being only slightly forked. (See figures 1, 2, p. 333.) 44. DENDROCHELIDON LONGIPENNIS (Rafin.). Dendrochelidon longipennis, Salvad. t. c. p. 122. Macropteryx klecho, Motl. & Dillw. t. c. p. 9, pi. iii. Native name " Layang-layang besar " (Treacher). "Common, and in considerable numbers at times about Government House. Rapid and graceful in its motions ; when wounded, it erects its crest and bites and strikes out at its captor. The chestnut- cheeked examples are rarer than the others." (Ussher). 45. DENDROCHELIDON COMATA (Temm.). Dendrochelidon comata, Salvad. t. c. p. 123. Macropteryx comatus, Motl. & Dillw. t. c. p. 10. Specimens shot by Governor Ussher in M a y 1876. Mr. Low sends a pair of birds with a little nest, about an inch and a quarter in diameter, in which are the remains of a broken white egg, concerning which he sends the followiug note:-"This bird was brought to m e in February 1876 by a Kadhyan, who said he had Nest of Dendrochelidon comata, nat. size. killed it on a low tree or stump, on the south west-side of the island, with a sumpitan or blow-pipe. When he picked it up, he said that the nest which was with it was lying close to the bird with one broken egg in it, and he believed that the bird had been carrying it about with her. This was the first specimen of this pretty Swift I ever obtained ; but I have since got three others." |