HYPOCOLY

(Hypocolius ampelinus), Middle Eastern songbird believed by some authorities to be related to the waxwing (family Bombycillidae) but often separated as the sole member of the family Hypocoliidae (order Passeriformes). The hypocoly is a slim grayish bird, about 18 cm (7 inches) long, with a black mask and a slight crest. The wings are black, tipped with white. The beak is short, thick, and fairly broad, the tail moderately long. The plumage, like that of the waxwings, is smooth, giving the bird a clean appearance. The hypocoly inhabits open semiarid or cultivated country in Iraq and neighbouring regions and during the nonbreeding season wanders widely, reaching India, southern Afghanistan, and probably Africa.