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ad

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.—C. CHUBB.

250 copies of this work have been printed,

of which this 1s No. Mf.

P. SLUD

THE “BIRDS

OF

BRITISH GUIANA,

BASED ON THE COLLECTION OF

FREDERICK VAVASOUR McCONNELL,

CAMFIELD PLACE, HATFIELD, HERTS.

BY

CHARLES CHUBB, EP Z:8:, MB AYe.,

ZOOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, BRITISH MUSEUM.

WITH

A PREFACE sx Mrs. F. V. McCONNELL.

pis, ~
fs
, ~

DEC 03 1992 _ Vol: |.

P. SLUD

LONDON:
BERNARD QUARITCH, 11 GRAFTON STREET, W

1916.

4

ALERE FLAMMAM.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,

RED LION COURT, FLELT STREET.

. ? *
ee e
Tae

PREFACE.

My husband, Mr. F. V. McConnell, who spent some years in
British Guiana, was deeply interested in ornithology, and made
a fairly complete collection of the birds of the country. He also
made two long excursions into the interior of the Colony, on both
occasions visiting the far-famed Mountain Roraima. For some
time previous to his death, he, with the assistance of Mr. Charles
Chubb, of the Zoological Department of the British Museum, bad
been engaged on a catalogue of his collection. Since his death
in 1914, wishing, in memory of my husband, to have some record
of his work, I decided, instead of simply completing the cata-
logue, to ask Mr. Chubb to describe all the known birds of

British Guiana, based chiefly on this collection.

I trust this book will prove useful to other workers in the
same branch of natural history. The details of my husband's
travels, with photographs of some of the places visited, which

I have added, may perhaps give it a wider interest.

Camfield Place,
Hatfield, Herts.
April 24th, 1916.

ITINERARY,

FEarty in 1894 the Royal Agricultural Society of British Guiana
decided to send an expedition into the savanna regions, which extend
over the southern part of British Guiana, with the object of obtaining
more information on the life and habits of the Indians and general
appearance of the country in which they live, and also of ascending
Roraima, a large table-mountain on the borders of British Guiana
and Brazil, which has attracted special attention, not only from its
extraordinary appearance, but from the fact that until a few years ago
its summit had not been reached.

I was invited by Mr. Quelch, in whose hands the Society had placed
the control of the expedition, to accompany him, and I gladly accepted
his invitation.

We decided to start in the beginning of July, just before the end
of the rainy season, so as to be able to ¢all in at the Potaro, on our
way up the Essequibo, and see the Kaieteur Falls in flood, and then
reach the savanna at the beginning of the long dry season, when we
might reasonably expect fine weather for our walk across to Roraima.

Before giving an account of our journey, it might be as well to
mention that the chief rivers, which all run due north, are the
Courantyne, Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, the last having two
large tributaries—the Cuyuni and Mazaruni—which both enter from
the west at Bartica Grove.

The Essequibo, the largest of these rivers, has a course of about
680 miles and a width at the mouth of 12 miles. Three or four large
islands are situated near the mouth, and numerous smaller islands are
met on the way up the river for the first 230 miles.

Both the Essequibo and Courantyne run the entire length of the
Colony, rising in the Sierra Akarai.

In the report of Barrington Brown’s survey the area of British
Guiana is given as 88,000 sq. miles, of this 6500 are savannas and
3000 grass-covered mountain.

The land near the coastand for several miles inland is uniformly flat,
and has been formed by a quite recent alluvial deposit from the large
vivers; it is on the coast-line that the sugar-estates for which the
Colony has long been famous are situated.

Immediately behind this is dense bush extending inland for some
200 miles. ‘This bush at first covers dead-level country, intersected by
numerous streams and creeks, and is monotonous in the extreme; the
vegetation on all sides is most luxuriant, and for the greater part is
so dense that it is impossible to penetrate without first cutting a path.
After some fifty miles the land becomes hilly and even mountainous
in parts; beyond this again comes the savanna district extending far

vi ITINERARY.

back into Brazil and Venezuela, with miles and miles of open country
crossed here and there by mountain ranges.

Our plan was to follow the Essequibo for some 250 miles, and then
the Rupununi, a large tributary which would take us first due west
and then south—following the general run of all the other rivers—to
Kwaimatta, a large Macusi settlement where we proposed to make our
headquarters.

Our party consisted of A. Lennox, C. Lloyd, two taxidermists, a
black cook, Quelch, and myself. Our crew, with two exceptions, were
all Indians.

Our boats were four in number. Our own, the ‘ Victoria,’ specially
built for the occasion, 36 feet in length by 6 ft. 6 in., a small 20-foot boat
to be used for carrying letters to Georgetown, and two boats borrowed
from Waraputa Mission, near the Potaro mouth, which we required
to take part of our provisions, &c., as far as the mission station, from
which point they would be brought on from time to time by the
despatch boat.

On July 7th we started from Georgetown for Bartica Grove, a small
town used as a base of operations for the gold-diggings, and from here
Quelch started on the 9th, while I went back to Georgetown with
Lennox, leaving again the next day for the Demerara River and pro-
ceeding for three days by steamer to Kanaimapu, walked across by
the Kumaparu path to the Essequibo, meeting Quelch above the first
set of rapids.

The steamer-journey was very tedious, the river winding through
thick bush, and the land being so low that it was impossible to see
‘beyond the first line of trees. The first day the steamer took us to
Akyma, another steamer took us the next day to Malali, where there
is a small rapid avoided by a walk of about half a mile, and from there
a third steamer took us on to Kanaimapu, where the first quartz-
crushing plant in the Colony was erected; we here borrowed a boat,
and after paddling for a couple of miles came to the Kumaparu path
and started for the Essequibo,

The track, thirteen miles in length, was well cleared, and walking was
easy. There were one or two steep little gullies to be crossed, and it
surprised us to see that runners had been placed along the path for
the transport of boats; the expense of laying these must have been
very great, and a boat could be worth little at the end of such a
journey.

We were late in starting, and did not reach the other end till next
morning. There we found that the Essequibo had overflowed its banks
for about two miles, and that we could not by any means reach the main
stream—this put us out considerably, We expected to find Quelch
waiting for us, and not finding him were afraid that the flood might
have so altered the appearance of the river that the captain had not
been able to make out the track; besides this, to make matters worse,
we had sent back the boat to Kanaimapu, and had brought no pro-
visions and cooking-utensils with us. Fortunately, one of our Indians
shot a hog which kept us going, although hog cooked whole on top of
a fire and eaten by itself is not appetizing.

This was a very bad start indeed, the uncertainty as to what had

Birps OF BRITISH GUIANA.

5

+

i

iif

{fi

ONE OF OUR BOATS.

ITINERARY. vil

become of Quelch was our greatest trouble. Several possibilities sug-
gested themselves—he might be ill, the boat might have upset with
all our belongings, or he might have looked for us higher up or lower
down the river and, not finding us, returned to Bartica; but after two
days’ anxiety Lloyd arrived in the smali boat, having been sent on
ahead by Quelch to let us know he was coming on slowly. He arrived
the next evening, having found the water much heavier than he
expected, and having been also delayed by one of the mission boats,
which leaked so badly that half a working day was spent in caulking
her; she then upset while being hauled up one of the rapids, losing
her paddles and one or two small items—fortunately all her cargo had
been taken out to lighten her at the foot of the rapid, so no real harm
was done.

We started early the next morning, and crossing the river met the
other boats, which were waiting for us,

Camping-grounds were very scarce, and we had great difficulty in
finding a convenient spot. High land was always chosen, but now all
the usual camps made by gold-diggers on their way to the Potaro were
under water, in some cases only the old ridge-poles, over which a
tarpaulin had been thrown, remained in sight. On the second night
we camped opposite the Potaro mouth, and reached the mission at
Waraputa early the next afterncon.

On the following day, having lightened the ‘ Victoria,’ we started
with thirteen paddlers, captain, and bowman for the Kaieteur Falls on
the Potaro. About six miles up the river we came to the Tumatumari
Falls, round which the boat had to be hauled. In dry weather this
fall is some thirty feet in height, but on this occasion the Essequibo
had dammed back the water to such an extent that the drop was not
more than ten feet.

A few miles above this is the Potaro landing; nearly all the richest
gold-placers are in this district, and are practically all on the Mahdia
ereek, which runs into the Potaro above the next set of rapids; the
store-houses for these placers are erected at this spot, the Potaro
landing, and form quite a large settlement, almost equalling Bartica
Grove in the number of sheds and store-houses, which are all roofed
with bright red neponset, making an effect against the greenheart
rising on the hill at the back which is very picturesque.

Although gold had been found for some time previously, it was not
until 1884 that it was recognized by the general public and the
Government that there was anything in it, and that it was worth
looking after; but about this time they both seemed to realize the
fact —the one by spending its money in prospections, the other by
levying a royalty.

The rapid way in which the industry developed will be seen from
the following figures, which show the amount of gold passed through
the various gold offices :—

1884, 250 oz. 1888, 14,570 oz. 1892. 129,615 oz.
1885. 939 ,, 1889. 28,282 ,, 1893. 142,788 ,,
1886. 6518 ,, 1890. 62,615 ,,
1887. 11,906 ,, 1891. 101,298 ,,

vill ITINERARY.

Up to the present the gold-industry has done no good to the Colony,
the majority of people having used any spare cash they had in sending
up prospecting parties, very few of which paid their way; but
although this money was lost by those who were anxious to be first
in the field, others who come after will realize some benefit from the
knowledge which has been gained by those first and generally un-
fortunate prospections.

The following day we came to Kobanatuk and Pakatuk, a long series
of rapids extending over about four miles. The Gold Officer at Tuma-
tumari kindly lent us a boat which he had lying above these falls,
and had it not been for this, with the river in its swollen state, we
should have been compelled to portage the ‘ Victoria’ overland for
the whole of this distance, which would have meant a delay of at
-least two days.

We next had to carry the boat round the Amatuk Falls for a
distance of 440 yards; this portage made really hard work for over
two hours. There was a steep hill to be tackled, with a cascade to be
bridged over at the top; the strain on the boat was very severe, and
we were an hour caulking her before she was fit to be put in the
water again.

It was from just above these falls that the first view of Kaieteur was
obtained. Away in the distance the upper part was visible for a few
moments until a bend in the river obstructed the view. The scenery
on all sides is magnificent, hills some 2000 feet in height, covered with
dense bush, rise almost from the water’s edge. One large square hill
with almost perpendicular sides, reminded us of an old castle over-
grown with ivy, large patches of rock showing through the green,
and rounded turret-like corners making the illusion more complete.

Passing the Waratuk rapids we soon reached the foot of Tukeit
Fall, which was to be our starting-point for Kaieteur. From the
spot on which our camp was pitched we could see the fall and
rapid just above us, and on the opposite bank a cascade, 200 feet
in height, pouring down the mountain-side, between a dense growth
of palms and forest-trees, while in the foreground ran the dark water
of Potaro with long lines of white foam from the falls. Our tarpaulins
stretched between the trees, and the figures of the Indians, in their
hammocks or moving round the fires as the darkness came on, made
a picture interesting and almost weird to one unaccustomed to. bush-
life.

The morning following, the 18th day after leaving Bartica Grove,
we started for the fall. The path, after crossing a swiftly running
stream, ascended the mountain, getting steeper and steeper as we
advanced until the angle could not have been less than 60°—very
trying to our legs after our boat-journey. At last we reached the top
and found ourselves clear of the forest on a large plateau of conglo-
merate, hard as concrete, with large patches of Brocchinea cordylinoides
growing everywhere—this plant, the leaves of which are 8 to 10 feet
in length, being the most noticeable growth of any size on this part
of the plateau.

After a short walk down a slight incline and cutting our way through
the Brocchinea we arrived at the edge of the amphitheatre, which

BIRDS oF BRITISH GUIANA.

POTARO. RIVER:

KAIETEUR. FALLS,

ITINERARY. ix

had been formed during the course of years by the water, and found
ourselves almost opposite the middle of the Kaieteur, on a level with
its highest part. The sight is one never to be forgotten, and is one
to which no description can ever do justice. At first it is difficult to
grasp the real magnificence or to realize the proportions of the huge
body of dark brown water 350 feet in width, turning amber-colour
and then white as it rolls over a precipice with a sheer drop of
741 feet. Looking down from an overhanging rock one can see the
water broken into spray before it reaches the bottom, which is hidden
by a mist, and appearing where the sunlight touches like a shower of
diamonds glistening with every colour of the rainbow; raising the
eyes and looking beyond the fall the level plateau reaches for miles,
and one can see the mountains which bound it rising in the blue
distance.

The total height of the Kaieteur including the cataract is 840 feet,
and the height of the top is 1130 feet above the sea.

We were unable to visit the pool below, and it was difficult to
believe that what appeared to us as small moss-covered rocks were in
reality 60 1o 80 feet in height, while the “moss” was DBrocchinea
similar to that on the plateau. Unfortunately our limited supply of
provisions had not been supplemented as we had expected by game, our
huntsmen having been altogether unsuccessful, and fear of running
short compelled us to make but too short a stay at this, one of the
finest waterfalls in the world, and with many regrets we started on
the return journey.

The fall was discovered by Barrington Brown while engaged in
making a survey of the Colony in April 1870.

According to the legend, there lived an old Indian who for years
had been a nuisance and a trial to his friends, but in spite of his great
age he showed no signs of approaching death; they therefore decided
to bring his affairs to a climax by floating him over the fall in a corial.
After undergoing this penalty the old man was never heard of again,
but his corial and the package containing his worldly possessions can
still be seen in the form of rocks in the basin below. ‘he name
Kaieteur, which means “ old man fall,” was given after this.

The second night on our return journey we spent at Tumatumari, in
the Gold Officer’s quarters, and was the first night since we left George-
town on which we had no rain. Previously we always had a heavy
squall about camping-time, the hammocks never having been properly
dry since starting.

An old woman, the wife of one of our crew, was considered to have
some power over the weather, and whenever a cloud appeared she
would wave her hands and mutter an incantation. If it passed away
without any rain falling the self-satisfied smile with which she
favoured us was worth seeing; her desperate attempts made at our
request when we saw we were in for several hours’ downpour were
very amusing.

The two following days were spent at Waraputa re-arranging the
loads, and, as we were not taking on the mission boats, we had to store
about one-fourth of our packages at the mission.

On Wednesday, lst August, we started for the savanna, taking

x ITINERARY.

with us a large quantity of cassava, which had been ordered before we
went up the Potaro. After a short pull we camped for the night a little
below Paiwori Caira, a large block of granite resting on a smaller in
mid-stream, and so called from a supposed resemblance to a vessel used
by the Indians for holding their favourite drink, Paiwori.

Two days were spent in getting over the Haiowa rapids. Islands
large and small are scattered about here in great numbers; on one of
them at breakfast-time we shot a Bushmaster (Lachesis mutus), the
most deadly snake in the Colony, 5 feet 63 inches long. It was lying
coiled up on some dead leaves, which it so clearly resembled in colour
that I had difficulty in seeing it when first pointed out to me; two or
three men who had gone out hunting passed within a few feet and
must have had a very narrow escape.

On the second day, when we came to the worst part of the rapid,
the boat had to be lightened and hauled over for about 200 yards, the
hauling and repacking, which had to be done very carefully, occupied
everyone for three hours, and when we camped in the evening we
estimated that we had not covered more than ten miles in the last
48 hours.

The next morning (Saturday) we reached the bottom of the Itanime
rapids and started to tackle them on Monday. These were the most
trying and irritating days on the whole journey; we had to leave the
main river and take to a small itabo, or creek, having an entrance to
the river both above and below the falls. Here we worked for over
two days, and on the Wednesday, when we got back into the Essequibo
itself, our captain pointed out the spot where we had camped on the
Saturday night, not more than half a mile lower down.

Progress in these rapid waters was most tedious; the men were
unable to use their paddles on account of the strength of the current,
and we had to resort to monkey-jumping. The boat was made fast to
a tree while a rope 20 or 25 yards in length was carried forward ; this
in itself was a difficult task, for it must be remembered that the banks
were many feet under water and covered with trees and bushes. The
men, having found a foothold on the branches, hauled on the rope, and
after moving slowly for 20 yards the boat was again made fast, and this
was repeated time after time and hour after hour until one’s patience
and temper were tried to the utmost. One man had to be continually
in the bow of the boat clearing away branches, and at times large
trees which had fallen across the water had to be cut through and
pushed into the current. To make matters worse, five out of our
thirteen paddlers were down with fever brought on by the continual
rain and sleeping in damp hammocks; looking back it seems almost
incredible that eight men should have hauled the boat against such a
rush of water with five sick men, three women, two of our assistants,
and Queleh, Lennox, and myself, besides about 3 tons of cargo—
however, it was done, and on the Wednesday at breakfast-time we
re-entered the Essequibo. Almost immediately we were obliged to
take to another itabo to avoid the Takwari rapids, and once more
had to start monkey-jumping. Emerging again into the river, we
found that it had widened out considerably, and had the appearance
of a large lake; directly on our right rose Kumuti Mountain, with

ITINERARY. Xl

the Takwari rocks—three large greenstone columns springing from
a single base—about halfway up the side. We made camp that after-
noon at a small village, called Morsa after a creek on the opposite
or left bank, and here we stayed for two days to rest the men after
the hard work they had gone through. The thin walled houses were
interesting to us, being built in the savanna style, and differed from
those seen nearer the coast in having walls; in the bush there is no
need for them as the breeze never penetrates the thick growth. These
houses belonged to a family of Wapisianas who came from the
savannas beyond the Kanuku Mountains.

In two days we arrived at Arinda on the left bank. In the time of
the Dutch this had been an outpost kept up for the protection of the
Indians, and afterwards became an Indian settlement—only finally
abandoned a few days before our arrival.

The Kurupukarri Kuariwaka and Gold Falls, which we passed during
the next three days, were hardly noticeable, except as a swift-running
body of water. On one of the islands in the Gold Fall, where we all
walked round to lighten the boat, I nearly stepped on a Labarria,
a snake almost as deadly asa Bushmaster; but it never moved, and
allowed me time to go back and bring my gun.

Just above the Gold Falls the men heard a Tapir whistling in the
bush and, taking all the guns, started in pursuit ; in about a quarter
of an hour it took to the water twenty yards above the boat, but all
the guns being ashore it crossed over to the other side in safety.
Game was not plentiful along the banks, but the men, a few of whom
used to hunt each morning while breakfast was being prepared, always
managed to find something, either hog, or Agouti, ora game-bird. We
were not able to do much in the way of collecting from the boat, birds
not being in any number or variety. Macaws flew over at a great
height, sereaining as they passed, and could be heard Jong after they
had disappeared ; large grey Kingfishers (J/egaceryle torquata) and the
pretty little Red-headed Fall-bird (Paroaria gularis) used to fly along in
front of the boat, and a few Hawks could be seen sitting on the top-
most branches well out of range. Large flocks of various Parrakeets
passed over at a great pace level with the tree-tops, and Toucans,
generally three or four at a time, flew clumsily over, generally low
down by the time they reach the opposite bank—-sometimes they fell
into the water where the river is wide, their strength having failed
them.

On one tree, which was in flower, we shot several small Creepers in
a few minutes; they apparently did not mind the discharge of the
gun, but continued buzzing round the flowers until we had secured as
many as we wanted.

The next important land-mark was on our left, the Makari Moun-
tains, where the Demerara River rises; this range is continued across
the Essequibo, and running in a south-westerly direction is terminated
by Makarapan—a large mountain 5000 feet in height on the north
bank of the Rupununi. A little way on is the village of Simang, on a
small island ; here we stopped to enquire for provisions, but the people
seemed very badly off and could spare none.

. The Pisham Pisham rapids were passed very quickly by the aid

xil ITINERARY.

of back currents under the left bank, but in the afternoon the water
was very heavy against us and we made little progress, although we
took a very circuitous route among the small islands, of which there
were a large number.

At Akaramukra the river opens out to about five miles in width,
but numerous large rounded masses of granite and islands prevent
any view of the full extent of the water. The birds which I have
mentioned as being the commonest along the river disappeared almost
entirely at this wide part of the river, their place being taken by
Scissor-bills, Sandpipers, and Terns, which are usually found either on
the mud-flats of the coast or on the sand-banks in the rivers running
through the savanna country.

After the Rappu or Bamboo rapids the river makes a considerable
bend, running for a short distance E.N.E., giving us a good view of
the continuation of the Makari range and Makarapan ahead of us.
Since passing the Makari range on the E, the banks on both sides
of the river had been very low and the bush much poorer, consisting
of small trees and cocorite and sowarri palms, and at times we had
great difficulty in finding any ground for camping, the water being
dammed back to a great extent by the falls; on our return journey,
when the heavy water had all drained off, the banks showed 20 or
30 feet above the river. In two days more we reached the Rupununi
mouth, and camped there for three days for a rest before sending the
despatch boat back to the coast with letters, and to bring up some of
our supplies from Waraputa.

During our stay I went with Quelch about two miles higher up the
Essequibo to look for an old Indian village called Apoteri, and after
some little trouble we found the site, only distinguishable by the
second forest-growth; but all traces of the houses had disappeared, and
the place was so overgrown with prickly vines that we were glad to
return to the boat. On the way back we shot an Osprey, the only
specimen obtained on the trip.

A Carib was living about two miles back from our camp, and from
him we bought some provisions ; he also lent our huntsmen a dog, and
they managed to kill a large Deer and two wild hog, for which we
were very ‘thankful, fresh meat for the men being very difficult to
obtain. We were told that he had killed one of his own tribe and
was staying here for safety.

The mosquitos and sand-flies, both by night and day, were almost
maddening, sleep being quite out of the question. "We had also
during the last few days been troubled by a small black fly called
Cabouroo, which leaves a minute blood-blister wherever it attacks.
Three different species of stingless bees were also very troublesome,
buzzing about the eyes and nose, refusing to go when brushed on one
side. With three sleepless days and nights we had, I think, our worst
experiences at this camp.

Having repacked everything into the ‘ Victoria’ and started the
little boat back to Bartica, we pushed on up the Rupununi and called
in at the two villages, Simeri and 1 Makapa, near the mouth, the latter
of which only had one house standing out of what was once a large
settlement. A single house a mile farther on, at a place called Sekwe,

ITINERARY. xii

belonged to a half-bred Brazilian. We stayed there for a couple of
hours for breakfast; the house was neatly kept, and a few guava,
tamarind, mango, and coco-nut trees had been planted and were
doing well. From a little distance farther on we could see the whole
of the eastern spur of Makarapan ; both the east and west spurs come
well to the south of the main part of the mountain, sending the
Rupununi in each case out of its easterly course round three sides of
asquare, At the first of these bends the Kwitaro or Rewa, a large
tributary, which has its source almost as far south as that of the
Kssequibo, enters. About half a mile up this river is an Atarai
settlement, where we passed the night ; the daughter of the head man
was the biggest woman we met, about 5 ft, 10 in. or 5 ft. 11 in. in height,
and Dutch built—a sister who died a short time before was even
bigger. After buying a large quantity of provisions and smoked meat
we made another start, and after a short day’s work had to camp
again for a day, all our crew either having fever or being still weak
from the effects of a late attack, not a single man having entirely
escaped, During one day’s rest we walked some distance round the
camp, but saw nothing of interest: the bush was low and quite free
from undergrowth, and the ground covered with small ironstone
pebbles; the banks of the river were 20 or 30 feet high in some parts,
and most uninteresting. We saw no signs of life, with the exception
of a very large frog, which we added to our collection, and, of course,
thousands of Cabouroo flies, which nearly drove us wild when we made
an attempt to bathe.

Another two days brought us to Annai, a village surrounded by
hills in a fertile district on the left bank, but, as there was a con-
siderable depth of swamp to pass, we did not eall in on this oceasion.
Wild pines grew in great profusion on the banks and were eagerly
gathered by all hands, none of us having tasted fresh fruit of any kind
since leaving Georgetown. After leaving Annai, our course lay “south
and continued in this direction parallel to the Essequibo.

Mosquitos again began to be troublesome after the sun went down,
and for the following two nights we paddled on in the moon-light,
which was so clear that we were able to read without difficulty, and
camped during the day until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

We arrived at the landing of Kwaimatta late in the evening of
6th September, sixty-one days after leaving Georgetown, and camped
on the bank, which was only two or three inches above the river.

The following morning we had to go a little distance farther up
an itabo, through which the water was running with great force, in
order to reach the path leading to the village, and here we all dis-
embarked for the last time, heartily ¢ clad that the first tedious stage
of our journey was over.

The path, which is all fine white sand, runs at first through low
bush, not more than 40 feet in height, for about two miles; a short
distance from the river is a clearing in which a few houses have been
erected, one of which belonged to a black trader who used to do a
large business in hammocks, giving in exchange cloth, beads, knives,
or “powder and shot. After leaving the bush the village was seen
half a mile farther on a slight rising in the open savanna,

X1V ITINERARY.

For the last eight or nine weeks we had been cramped in a boat, shut
in with thick bush, never able to see farther than the river-banks on
either side, and, with the exception of the occasion on which we went
to the Kaieteur and also when we took a short stroll through the open
bush near the mouth of the Rupununi, had not been able to stretch
our legs since our start; but here the prospect was most exhilarating—
for miles round we could see open country covered with grass still
bright green after the recent rainy season, and the feeling of relief
made us forget our past troubles, and we realized that our long boat-
journey with all its discomforts had not been made without some
compensation at the end. Looking west as far as the eye could see lay
level savannas, with here and there a clump of Ecta palms, stretching
away into the distance far beyond the Takutu into Brazil; to the
north another stretch of savanna, with Ecta palms and groves of
wild Cashew and knarled and twisted Curatellas dotted about, was
bounded at a distance of ten miles by the mountains of Lrewang.
Kwaonga, Warushee, Mova, and Annai part the large group of Paca-
raima, which extends as far north as the Potaro and from the Cotinga
to the Essequibo ; to the south the Kanuku Mountains rise from the
savanna some thirty miles away, and form the boundary in that
direction of the Macusi country.

The village consisted of a large building called the church surrounded
by thirty-eight houses and sheds in a circle at a radius of about 60 to
80 yards; only eighteen of these were regularly inhabited, and the
population actually belonging to the place was about 200.

The chief placed at our disposal two houses which had been built
for the parson when he visited the savanna from Waraputa about a
year before—both houses were raised from the ground and were
thatched with cocorite leaves, One, which was divided into rooms,
had walls and a floor of split manicole palm-stems placed an inch
apart; the other was simply a floor with a roof raised on uprights.
We selected the latter as a residence, and decided to use the former
as a store-house for provisions and barter.

All the other houses in the village were built after the same model :
the sides were parallel with semicircular ends; the walls, 5 feet in
height, were made of wattle covered with clay; and the high sloping
roots, thickly thatched with cocorite leaves, projected well over on all
sides. ‘There were no windows, and the only light entered through a
low doorway seldom more than two feet across. The doorways, of
which there were sometimes two—one at each end,-—were barricaded
at night to keep out evil spirits.

On our way up from the river we had met over 100 people, who,
having heard our guns the previous evening, had come down to meet
US 5 these now began to return laden with our boxes and other
packages from the boat, and before noon everything was arranged to
our satisfaction in the two houses.

During our stay at Kwaimatta, which extended altogether. over eight
weeks, we had a very favour: able opportunity of observi ing the habits
of the Macusis. The men whom we had had with us in the boat
probably gave a favourable report of us to the others, as from the very
beginning everyone was friendly and anxious to get on well with us.

ITINERARY: XV

- The first thing that struck us was the inconvenience of the site
atone for the village—in fact, there was nothing to recommend it
except the openness of the Aneatioe which, after all, is little recom-
mendation to an Indian; and yet ae people aeemen to fancy the spot,
Kwaimatta being the largest village in the savannas. The land round
about was all a fag or very s sandy clay, and would grow nothing but
eassava, and that not very plentifully. All other provisions, such as
yams, plantains, bananas, and sweet potatoes, were grown on the hills
at the back of Annai, and a trip to the fields and back meant three
days’ work. The long straight poles and palm-leaves used in building
the houses had to be brouglit from a place higher up the river, as far
as the Kanuku Mountains, and the return journey would take five or six
days, and many trips would have to be made before suflicient leaves
to make one of these high-roofed houses could be collected.

The water-supply is perhaps the worst feature. At the foot of the
incline on which the village is built is a particularly dirty swamp; in
this a few shallow pools, about 6 ft. square and 1 ft. in depth, are dug,
and the water which finds its way into these is the only water easily
obtainable. One objection to these pools is that the people bathe in
them, and as in the dry season the water is never changed, the idea
if nothing else,is unpleasant. At first we used this water for drinking-
purposes, but after a fortnight’s dry weather, when the mixture
became more concentrated, we began to feel the ill-effects and were
obliged to send to the river every morning and evening, a distance
of two and a half miles.

The natural laziness of the people—or, rather, dislike to any work
which is not absolutely necess akes it difficult to understand why
such a site was chosen. After the ground has once been cleared by the
men, the women have full charge of the fields, and all the produce belongs
to them. A man may take one or more wives whom he treats very
much as beasts of burden; it is their duty to keep the fields clean, bring
home the cassava, and make bread. When travelling she carries the
load and the man walks in front with his gun or bow and arrow; but
the hunting gives him plenty of work, as a shooting-expedition may
mean watching and walking for a couple of days without result. Most
men use a gun when hunting; they never fire at a moving object or
run the risk of wasting powder and shot, but walk stealthily through
the bush listening for “the slightest sound. When satisfied that they
are close to anything worth ‘shooting , they either stalk it to within
two or three yards before firing or, hiding behind a tree, call the game
to them. I have seen an agouti (a thick- skinned little animal the size
of a hare) shot through from side to side. This will give some idea of
the short range to which it was stalked.

Arrows are seldom used, except for shooting fish. The bows are made
as a rule of letter-wood and have very little spring; the arrows are
very light, being made from the flowering stalk of the wild sugar-cane,
and have a point either of iron or some hard wood.

At some target practice we started one day, we were surprised to find
that the strongest men could seldom send an arrow more than 60 yards,
even when they allowed a fair elevation,

The blow-pipe, which appears to be fast giving place to the gun, is

Xvi ITINERARY.

a very deadly weapon for birds; it consists of a hollow reed ten or
twelve feet in length without a joint—they are very difficult to obtain,
only growing in one district near the Orinoco. This reed is fixed into
a hollow stem to strengthen and preserve it from being bent, a sight
of two agouti teeth set in wax is fixed near the end. Great care is
taken when the blow-pipe is put away, it being either hung up by one
end or, if placed horizontally, two or three supports are placed under
it so as to distribute the weight and thus prevent it from drooping in
the middle and losing the straight line. The arrows, about a foot
in length, are made of the tough mid-rib of a leta-palm leaf and are
carried in a waterproof quiver.

When preparing an arrow for use, a small amount of brouvali poison
is smeared on to the tip and a piece of raw cotton wrapped round the
other end, so as to fill the whole diameter of the pipe and catch the
full force of the puff which propels it. The arrows carry a fair distance,
and it is no trouble to the Indians to bring down Macaws and Parrots
from the tops of the leta and cocorite palms, the bird only flying a few
yards before falling to the ground and apparently losing all desire to
move—in a few moments the muscles relax and lose their power, and
death shortly afterwards follows.

This poison is chiefly made by the Macusis, and as we were in
their country and were fortunate enough to make friends with one of
the men who understood its manufacture, we were able to gather a
little information about it.

The chief ingredient is the Wourali, a bush-rape growing to the tops
of the trees in the Kanuku Mountains; it was notin flower at the time
of our visit and no one could tell us what the flower was like. The
leaves are in pairs and 4 to 5 inches long, with five deep veins. The
leaf and leaf-stalk are conspicuous from the large quantity of sand-red
hair with which they are covered; there appears to be little doubt
that it is strychnos. The stem was about forty inches in girth, and
it is the bark of this which is used. There are six other ingredients
used, three very similar in growth to the Wourali, and are supposed to
belong to the same genus, a species of cactus, and two other plants ;
no snakes’ fangs or ants, as usually reported, are used in the con-
coction. Special observances have to be made before the piaiman can
begin his work; he must eat sparingly for a month, and on no account
take anything sweet—the piaiman told us that if he was not hungry
when preparing the poison, the poison would not be hungry for its
work when made. He must also wait for a certain quarter of the
moon and drink tobacco-water at intervals; but the greatest trial of
all is having to sleep in the bush by himself, as the poison would be
spoilt by anyone approaching during its preparation. When finished
it is kept in small gourds, a small quantity being in the bottom of
each, and lasts fora long time if kept dry. In appearance it is not
unlike blackish toffee.

I was very disappointed with the piaiman, having always had the
impression that, being looked on as a magician, he would be treated
with a great amount of respect, but he seemed to be more pitied for
having to deprive himself of the good things of this world than
respected, and from his appearance he did not seem to be in a very

ITINERARY, XVil

‘flourishing condition. - Besides making brouvali, he is also supposed to
have power over evil spirits, and on one occasion, when a child was
ill at Kwaimatta, our friend was sent for, and we had the pleasure of
hearing him make horrible noises in his throat and shake a rattle all
night, with the object of driving away the malignant spirit.
_ ‘here seems to be no religion amongst these people, with the ex-
ception of a belief in evil spirits called Kanaima, and these are
generally to be frightened away by shouting or by any loud noise.
The people are apparently continually seeing them, generally about
dusk, and it was by no means an uncommon occurrence just after the
sun had gone down to see a stampede from one of the houses; on
making enquiries we would be told that a Kanaima had appeared,
and the only other information forthcoming would be that it had the
form of aman. On one occasion I remember the people moving from
one corner of the village suddenly: we asked the reason, and were told
that several Kanaimas were walking up and down a little way in the
savanna, and that one woman had actually been seized by the elbows
from behind, A curious feature is that these apparitions are seen by
many people at the same time. We used to chaff the people and tell
them we wished to catch one, but we never succeeded in obtaining a
specimen for our collection.

Any illness or bad luck is put down to a visit from a Kanaima, and
they imagine that a piaiman blowing on them will help to put things
straight again. While coming up in the boat, one of our party was
‘down with fever, and it was proposed that the oldest man in the
company should blow on him for luck.

A superstition or custom worthy of mention is that of lacerating
their bodies or otherwise causing pain to bring luck in hunting or
fishing: six or eight cuts down the thigh and calf of the leg, deep
enough to leave a scar for life, are supposed to -bring luck in fishing.
While on our return journey one woman used to fish with a continual
lack of success; this was ascribed to want of luck rather than to the
flooded state of the river, and Simon, the old man of the party, was
called upon to cut her in the manner described. Similar cuts on the
arms and chest bring luck in shooting game-birds.

Another charm, the Nose Bena,.is made from the leta-palm fibre,
plaited to a fine point at one end and loose at the other, the whole
being about two feet in length and as thick as a lead-pencil,. This is
passed up the nose into the back of the throat and pulled rapidly
through the mouth. We saw one man perform this operation appa-
rently without pain, and he was amused at our expressing surprise.
Different substances rubbed on this bena bring luck in hunting
different game—for instance, a small ground-nut is the charm for
deer and a leaf, not unlike a small caladium, for tapir.

Probably the worst bena is that to which a beginner is subjected,
A large number of manourie ants are fixed between thin strips of reed
in such a way that they cannot escape, but are still able to sting; they
are then applied either to the back or chest. The pain must be excru-
ciating, the stings being very long and poisonous, and in some cases
one is sufficient to bring on an attack of fever.

~The Indians‘are close observers of nature~every insect, fish, or plant
h

XVill : ITINERARY.

being known by name; but, curiously, they seldom use any remedy for
sickness. This may be due to the fact that they ascribe all illnesses to
Kanaima, in which case medicine would have no effect. During our
stay we only saw one native remedy used, and this was applied un-
willingly, after a firm request from Quelch, for a skin disease not
unlike ringworm in appearance.

If a man is ill he lies in his hammock, and little notice is taken of
him—in some cases which came under our notice he was not even
fed. When worse and near dying, he is left absolutely alone and then
buried by his relatives; if he is friendless he is often left unburied
lying in his hammock.

A short time ago a large tree at Waraputa fell down and injured a
man, holding him down to the ground, and, although this was in the
middle of the village and in broad daylight, no one came to his
assistance until noon the next day; he was still alive when taken up,
but died two hours afterwards. This gives some idea of the unsym-
pathetic nature of the people with whom we had to deal, and the
difficulty we experienced in ingratiating ourselves into their favour,
so as to persuade them to accompany us through the district belonging
to a tribe with whom they had no friendly relations on our way to
Roraima—their wants being so small, offers of pay had little effect in
inducing them to work for us.

There is a strange religious mania—or, rather, mania for going to
church—all over this part of the savanna, but any kind of performance
given in the church satisfies the people. About ten days after our
arrival, an Arecuna named Bagot, who had lived at Bartica for some
time and could speak English well, appeared on the scene and pro-
ceeded to hold service ; he would ring a bell and assemble the people
several times a day, and repeat the alphabet over and over again,
perhaps twenty times. Nearly everyone would be there, the old chief
especially being a regular attendant, taking with him a prayer-book
which he could not read, and Bagot, who did not know one letter from
another, would turn over the pages pretending to show him the part
of the service then being performed. The game was a paying one,
for when he left he took a goodly number of hammocks and lived free
in the chief’s house during his stay.

We stayed at Kwaimatta nearly six weeks before starting for
Roraima, waiting for the return of the despatch boat with letters, and
trying to get on intimate terms with the people. During this time we
were unable to make any small trips to the Kanuku Mountains and the
Takutu, as we had previously arranged, owing to the flooded state of
the savannas; the water was also too high to allow us to look for
arapaima or cayman, of which we were anxious to secure specimens.

When we had been at the village a few days, about a dozen Arecunas
arrived from Roraima, and informed us that, hearing we were anxious
to go to their part of the country, they had come to escort us. It was
a mystery to us how they could have received this information, as their
home was nine days’ fast walking from Kwaimatta, but news travels
quickly by some unknown means in the savannas. It was impossible
for us to start then, and we were obliged to tell them to return ina
month, so after examining our barter and expressing their satis-

‘YSATY NYEVdINUV

‘yVNYINS HSILING 4O Sayig

af
tas

ITINERARY. XIX

faction they left, intending to stay in the meantime at Trewang, a small
village under the Takutu hills, a day’s journey to the north-west of
Kwaimatta ; before they left we bought two hammocks from them in
exchange for white salt, a great luxury to them, the only substitute
which they were able to obtain for themselves being very inferior
stuff from some swamp in the savanna.

Very little of interest happened during our stay at the village. We
were out the greater part of each day with our guns looking for birds,
and in the end succeeded in obtaining a very fair collection. One of
our favourite walks after the water had dried off a little from the
surrounding country was down to a large pond or keeriha about three
miles from the village. Trees, on which were a large number of
orchids, particularly the Cattelya superba, grew thickly on all sides,
but a path ran round for the convenience of fishing. One end of the
water was thickly covered with Victoria regia, the gigantic water-lily,
and on these we shot several water-birds—Tiger-Bitterns, Night-Herons,
Bronze Curry Curry; and in a swamp at one end the rushes and flats
were alive with Snipe, Plover, and Ducks. Wealso obtained specimens
of the three larger Ibises and the small Ardetta, Large alligators,
10 to 12 feet in length, were very common, and of these later on we
obtained several specimens.

At the end of the month the Arecunas returned as they had pro-
mised, but unfortunately we were again obliged to keep them waiting
while we wrote letters and prepared the little boat, which had just
arrived from town, for the return journey; she had taken 40 days in
going from the mouth of the Rupununi to Georgetown and back to
Kwaimatta. Some delay was caused in repairing her at Bartica Grove
after an accident in the Itanime rapid, in which she upset, losing a
gun, all the cooking-utensils, and a few small things belonging to the
crew, besides having the gunwale of one side ripped off against a rock
on a narrow part of the channel.

Two days more were spent in arranging for the start and dividing
our provisions and other necessaries into suitable loads for the bearers,
but unfortunately everything did not run so smoothly as expected.
The foul drinking-water proved too much for the Arecunas, and
on the day on which we should have started only five were able to
turn out of their hammocks, the others being laid up with fever and
diarvheea. The Macusis whom we had engaged from Kwaimatta and
one or two small settlements near at hand began to show signs of
impatience, and it seemed that a general strike was imminent; they
had never been anxious to go, and it had taken much argument and
promises of good pay to persuade them to entertain the idea at all.
There was the superstitious dread of the mountain to which we were
bound, and also the fear of the Arecunas with whom they were not
friendly and through whose territory we had to pass, and very little
would have made them change their minds. At last it was decided
that the only way to restore order was for us to separate, and that I
should go on together with Lennox and the Macusis to the Karona
Falls on the Ireng, and there await Quelch, who was to start in two
days’ time. He had hoped that this interval would have given
the sick men time to recover, but he was again destined to be

42

xX ITINERARY.

disappointed, and at the last moment was hard pressed to find sufficient
bearers.

Our large provisions—namely, rice, flour, salt, and sugar—had all
been hermetically sealed in kerosene-tins, and weighed between 36 aud
46 pounds each. These and our own personal supplies—such as cocoa,
milk, tinned soups, and butter—were packed into baskets and carried
on the backs of our bearers, who seemed to care little with what
weight they started; the average load was not less than 50 Ib., and, in
addition, each man carried either a hatchet or cutlass and _ his
hammock.

There was some discussion as to the route to be taken: the Arecunas
wished to start westwards as soon as possible, passing south of the
Pakaraima Range and across the Cotinga into their own country; while,
on the other hand, the Macusis wished to keep as long as they
could in their country to the east of this river, crossing eventually
high up, almost level with Roraima, at Orindouk. Apparently a
compromise was arranged and a middie course taken, which led us
across every possible mountain-range and over the roughest country
imaginable,

Everything having been amicably arranged, we started on the
16th October. Two clergymen, who had arrived in the savannas a
few days previously to report on the advisability of re-opening the
mission, which had existed in these parts some years since, agreed to
accompany us as far as Warushi, the first large village on our route—
Mr. Pringle starting with the first detachment and Mr. Dorset waiting
for Quelch.

Our route at first lay in a north-west direction, across the level
savanna and over the Benoni creek towards a pass in the Pakaraima
Mountains. I knew that I was not yet in condition for long walks,
but I was surprised to find what great difficulty I had in keeping up
with the bearers, who, in single file, covered one mile after another at
a jog-trot, carrying their loads without appearing to be inconvenienced
by them in the least.

The Pakaraima is a large group of mountains, consisting of several
sinall ranges divided from each other by level savannas. The group
includes all mountains south of a line drawn from the Potaro to
Roraima, between the Essequibo and Cotinga, as far south as the hills
of Annai and Irewang. The mountains are, generally speaking,
rounded in shape and covered with boulders of quartz-porphyry, which

make walking difficult, especially when they have become overgrown
by rank grass, It is curious to notice that some of the hills are quite
destitute of trees, while others are thickly covered; perhaps in the
middle of a short range of wooded hills one will be quite bare, or vice
versa ; we could find no apparent reason for this.

At the foot of Mt. Pareeping, in the first savanna to which we came
after entering the pass, is a curious mound of white quartz, oval
and perfectly regular in shape, some 40 or 50 yards in length by 25 in
width, and about 30 feet in height, standing quite alone in the middle
of this small savanna, on which no quartz or other rock is visible.
At first we thought it might be artificial, but, after a short exa-
mination on our way back, we came to no conclusion ; some of the

adhld Naivdidy An +O, HLINGN- SAL LY dNyD. ano

‘'YNVINS HSILING 3O sSaXyig

ITINERARY, XXi

blocks of which it was formed could not have weighed less. than
1500 lbs.

After two days’ walking alternately across bare hills and two or three
small rivers and savannas, we started on the third day through thick
bush, and after six miles of continually rising ground, arrived at
Warushi, the second largest village in the district.

The parson was expected, and people from other villages round had
assembled to meet him. I had walked on two or three miles ahead of
him, and when I emerged from the bush and came suddenly on the
village, I found over 500 men, women, and children drawn up in single
line along the path. I was right on them before I saw them, and
there was no escaping—I had to shake hands with all, J had injured
a finger and was wearing a sling for my right arm, but this made
no difference—I was regularly mobbed, beth hands going at once,
I told them I was not the parson, but that he was not far off, this, how-
ever, made no difference—they either did not believe me or did not care ;
I had to go right along, first girls, then boysand women, and, lastly, the
men. When I had finished I was at the entrance to the church, and
there I took refuge by sitting in a corner. When the parson and
Lennox arrived they had to go through the same performance, but
the enthusiasm had to a great extent worn off. When they had got
over it we went into the house which the people had just built for
the parson; the men and women then began to bring their presents
for him, some a few yams, others sweet potatoes, plantains, cassava,
and other vegetables, and soon there was a large pile in one corner of
the house.

It was rather embarrassing at first to receive these presents, as the
Indians had no word, as far so we knew, to express “thanks.” When
anything is given to them they walk away without a word of acknow-
ledgment or even a nod, but to us it was embarrassing to receive gifts
and in return to only point to the corner where we wished the things
placed,

The village is one of the most prettily situated of any we saw, A
clearing had been made for the houses on a wide ledge on the side of a
hill, at the foot of which runs the Yurora River. From the village
there is a splendid view to the north-east of the little valley, steep
mountains thickly clothed with forest, rising on either side, terminated
by a big hill called Arawanaroo, where the Yurora takes its rise. The
village was quite new, and had replaced Kwaonga which used to be
on the summit of a neighbouring hill.

Lennox was laid up the next day and unable to proceed. We there-
fore decided that T should push on, leaving him to follow with Quelch,
if it was possible for him todo so; so after buying cassava and ordering
more to be ready for Quelch, I continued, leaving Lennox in care of the
Rev. F.S. Pringle. On the second day we passed a tiny village, known
as Sakonmay-bung-bung, on the summit of a hill of white quartz, and
walking for two hours in the valley of the Karabiékura, came to the
Tipuru River near its junction with the Lreng, crossing at a shallow
part; another two miles brought us to the left bank of the Ireng,
running in a southerly direction. This river, also called Maku, rises
about 40 miles east of Roraima, and enters the Takutu about 40 miles

xxll ITINERARY.

higher than the Cotinga, to which it runs, more or less parallel, in a
direction a little east of south. Walking up the east bank, over loose
white sand and smooth water-worn rocks, we reached the Karona Falls,
and there slung our hammocks to await Quelch.

The Karona Falls are, I think, without exception, the most beautiful
sight I have ever seen, perfect in every respect. Viewed from our
camp, which was on the edge of a large area of level rock, we saw on
our left the main body of the river, which widens to some 200 yards,
falling over a mass of rock to a depth of 85 feet. At the very edge,
withstanding the fearful current, is a tiny rocky island with low bush
and a few palms—round this the water, seething into foam, rushes with
tremendous speed, roaring and breaking into spray as it rolls over
the precipice; straight in front of us the smaller body of water forces
itself through a narrow gorge, of which the perpendicular walls are
twenty feet in height above the water. In the middle of this gorge
and confined within these walls the water makes its drop, the foaming
mass at the foot boiling and spurting like a huge cauldron. Lower
down these waters all unite, but are immediately separated by a large
island, and on both sides of this the water continues, still on an incline,
for half a mile or more, and then, uniting again, flows on to join the
Takutu ; directly behind the falls are hills luxuriantly covered with
palms and forest-growth, and between them the waters of the Ireng
flow quietly, forming a remarkable contrast to the scene below. The
green hills as background, the black rocks and foaming water, with a
clear blue sky above and the brilliant sunshine over all, made a view
one could watch for hours, and the three days I spent here, fishing and
strolling about waiting for Quelch, I look back on as the most enjoyable
part of the trip.

The men I had with me not understanding the fishing in this water,
Thad taken the precaution of bringing two men from Sakonmay-bung-
bung who were accustomed to the place. These men crossed over to a
small rock at the foot of the fall and fished in the roughest part of the
current with a thick cotton cord, at the end of which was a huge hook
baited with fish. When the bait was taken the line was seized in both
hands and a pull given sufficient to take the head off any ordinary fish ;
no play was allowed, but the fish were hauled in hand over hand and
knocked on the head. The first one brought in was scaleless and flat-
headed, of a blackish colour, and was called by the Indians “ Cuma
quema.” I had no means of weighing it, but it measured 59 inches in
length and 44 inches round the body. The people were very amused
at the idea of measuring a fish, and looked upon the steel tape-measure,
which rolled up with a spring, as a most mysterious object ; they were
also very puzzled by my camera, which I produced here for the first
time. After a good deal of persuasion, I managed to induce one man
to put his head under the velvet cloth and look on the focussing-glass,
He was so pleased at seeing me walking about upside down when J moved
to the front of the camera, that he called all the others in turn to have
a-look,.and waved me back each time I moved out of the picture ; after
this there was always some one anxious to have a BOeE when I was

taking a photograph. !

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

RORAIMA.,

FACE OF MOUNT

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ITINERARY. XX

The men were very successful in fishing, and we soon had a few
hundred pounds of fish drying in the smoke on the babricots. One
fish called biara, which was very plentiful, is as good as any in the
Colony. The lower jaw is provided with two very long sharp teeth,
which fit into sockets in the upper jaw and show their tips through
the skin just under the eyes. The tiger fish was also common, of a
leaden colour, striped with black. The biara, when hooked, would
jump six feet at atime as they felt the jerks when being hauled in by
main force hand over hand. The men have no idea of sport, their sole
object being to obtain food; in fishing the strongest line possible is
used, and in shooting they never fire when there is any chance of a
miss. When we missed a difficult shot they considered it quite as
contemptible as though we had missed a bird sitting ten yards off, their
opinion being that we would not have fired unless certain of killing,

Game was very scarce at Karona, and the huntsmen were unable to
find anything. I went out with the gun and could not even see a
small bird, but just before reaching the camp on my return I shot a
large brown monkey, one of a flock of which he must have been chief,
as he was very old with grey whiskers; however, he was much
appreciated by the men. When wounded, he hid his face in his hands
and sobbed like a human being.

Quelch did not arrive until breakfast time on the fourth day, the
delay having been caused by the men wishing to attend service at
Warushi on Sunday. He only brought on four Arecunas, the others
being too weak ; in fact, on our return we learnt that two of them died
soon after he left, and the required number of 20 was made up with
Macusis from Warushi and Kwaimatta.

The next morning the whole company, 46 in number, started early
and crossed the Ireng, about a hundred yards above the fall, in two
very cranky little boats about a foot and a half wide, made from trees
scraped out. Only two people could cross in each boat at a time, and
it was an hour and a half before all the men were on the other side
with their loads.

A short walk through some bush brought us once more to the open
country, and after three hours’ jog-trot on a fairly level track, we
arrived at a village of two houses called Cosanota, about 300 yards from
the Canota Creek. It was a very pretty sight to see this little cluster
of houses in the middle of a level valley with a splendid background of
bare and wooded hills. On our right a belt of bush marked the course
of the Kurewaka River, which runs due east to the Ireng for the whole
length of its course.

Some of the people of Cosanota had been on a fishing expedition and
seen us from the opposite bank when we first arrived at Karona.
Learning from our men that we were bound their way, they had prepared
a feast in the form of a course of paiwarri. Directly we heard this, we
knew it would be no use attempting to go any farther that day, so we
had breakfast and slung our hammocks in the fringe of trees on the
river’s edge.

The paiwarri-drinking was not a great success, and only served to
make the people argumentative. They had prepared cassava bread

XKIV ITINERARY.

specially for us, each cake being about one-twentieth of the ordinary
size, and these they broke in half and wished to pass each half as a
whole; at the same time, although the size was reduced, the price was
to remain the same. An ordinary cake we used to value at 4d., and
paid in barter accordingly, doubling the original cost of our goods
for freight and portage ; this was a low value to place on them, as a
trader who brought 15 packages, averaging 1 cubic foot each, from
Waraputa to Kwaimatta only, asked us $186, although he was coming
in any case.

The Indians were rather smart in bartering, and usually tried to
divide the provisions they wished to dispose of into two or three lots;
they seemed to understand that if all were bought at once we would
give, say, a flask of powder or its equivalent, but when divided into
three lots, there would be a chance of getting half a flask for each.

A small hoy belonging to our party, while drinking a calabash of
paiwarri, was stung on the lip by a manuric ant ; this caused his head,
which was never at any time small, to swell, and brought on an attack
of fever, which caused us some delay the next day in having to wait
for him. Almost immediately after leaving Cosanota, we came to a
village of two houses called Warapata, at the foot of a big hill called
Warapyping, and a mile or two farther on met the Acouli, a shallow
rocky river running to the Kurewaka, and this we crossed five times
before breakfast. On this day we made a large collection of savanna
plants, one of the most striking having a convolvulus-like flower of a
bright sky-blue colour ; it was very common on this part of the savanna,
and we met large quantities of it for about three days, but on our
return, when we were a little farther north, on the other side of the
Kurewaka, we did not notice a single specimen. Birds and insects
were very scarce, and, with the exception of a very few small flocks of

arrakeets and an occasional hawk, we saw nothing in this line. We
did not observe a single insect. These small savannas between the
hills are dotted over with numerous ant-hills, some of which are
10 feet in height. They are made of earth, cemented together so as
to form a hard solid mass ; some of the shapes are very peculiar, many
resembling human beings. On several occasions I dug the point of
my cutlass into these heaps, but never succeeded in finding an ant,
neither did we see-any in the vicinity ; these mounds are all on the
low ground, I do not remember noticing any on the hill-sides. After
several miles of very rough road, which in many places was over pure
white quartz and very tiring to walk on, we stopped for the night at a
stream, on the banks of which three curatella trees gave us barely
room for our hammocks, the men sleeping on the rocks near us. We
had some good bathing before dinner, Quelch and the Indians having
diving and swimming-matches. The Indians were very amused by
Lloyd diving head first on to a rock a little way below the surface. The
small fish were very startling at times, giving very sharp nips on the
legs whenever we ceased moving, and making us wonder if there were
any larger ones anxious to play the same game.

The following day we started early and continued our course in the
same westerly: direction for about three hours. We then turned north
and ascended Powlinowta, a hill some 1600 feet in height. Next to

BirpDs OF BRITISH GUIANA,

ARECUNA BOY,

ITINERARY. XKV

us was a large bare hill, Marakuping, at the foot of which runs the
Marakany.

From the top of Powlinowta, looking up the valley and through a
gap in the next chain, we saw Weitiku away in the distance, and
beyond, for an instant, we could make out Roraima some 80 miles
from where we stood, the intervening distance being filled with groups
and chains of mountains which we had still to tackle.

While admiring this view, a large wiking, or savanna deer, passed
close to us and rushed furiously up a hill opposite and disappeared over
the top, the men gave chase, but it was no use; this was the only
quadruped we saw alive on our journey between Kwaimatta and
Roraima. We breakfasted on the other side of the valley at a small
gully, which rejoiced in the name of Nounkaonta, or the abode of the
sand-fly ; we were, however, lucky in finding the inhabitants away from
home.

Four miles farther on we camped at Kurewakapa, the source of the
Kurewaka, a heap of rocks about five yards square, on which grew
three or four trees conveniently arranged for hammocks; two or three
flocks of pigeons came to the trees while we were making camp, not in
any way afraid of the large crowd. Our guide, who called himself
“ Schoolmaster,” stalked two, and was within five yards on each occasion
when he fired: of one we could only find the head and neck, to which
one wing was attached by a shred of skin; while the other apparently
vanished off the face of the earth—at least, we could find nothing but
two or three feathers. The roads had been very bad, and the men
began to complain and wished they had taken the road suggested by
the Arecunas; the men all wore sandals made from the base of the leaf-
stalk of the Ecta palm, but these did not protect the sides of their feet
from the sharp rocks. These sandals are fastened on by a string, which
paces between the great toe and the next. When new they are from

4 to ? of an inch in thickness, but only last three or four days.

* The next morning we crossed the Marakany and the Sacuoata,
which apparently runs to the lreng, and not the Cotinga, as shown in
the map, and reached Palapowta, a village inhabited partly by Macusis
and partly by Monaicos. The village is divided into two parts on
opposite hills about a mile from each other; the men stayed at the
western half, while we went about half a mile farther on and camped
in some bush in the valley beyond. The people, headed by their chief,
named Adam, an old man with a straggling grey beard, came to see us
to barter for provisions; we were very fortunate in securing a large
supply of cassava and yams and two or three gourds of honey, which
was almost water-white with only a faint flavour.

Walking on towards Sabang, a high sugar-loaf mountain, and crossing
the Lake, we came to a Lokorico village, Celelu, where we waited
for some little time. In the afternoon the road became worse than
ever, being covered with sharp rocks and loose quartz; in some places
we had to walk through long grass which hid the stones, and great
care was necessary to avoid a fall. We crossed the Lake again at
Sokoking, the point where it pthc the Cotinga, and had a good view
of the falls, which are called ‘“ Sokoémaru” in Arecuna, or ‘ Soko-
marari” in Monico, and are some thirty feet in height. Our next

XXVI ITINERARY.

undertaking was to cross the Cotinga to a small island near the
opposite bank. This did not appear to me a very difficult task until 1
tried it. The river was running strongly and came above my waist,
and the bottom was made up of large slippery stones which rolled
under the feet. We all cut long sticks to help us in withstanding the
stream, and went over in twos and threes supporting one another, some
of the stronger men crossing two or three times to assist in bringing over
the loads. Crossing to the mainland early the next morning we arrived
in Arecuna country, and after passing a village called Yamacoumella, on
the Elinisia, we reached Yaramonta. Although early in the afternoon,
we made camp near the village, my feet having given out. The people
in this part of the country seemed very timid, running into their
houses and hiding in corners when they saw us coming, and our men
made them worse by groaning at them through the door; but when
they saw that we were only on a friendly visit, they would bring out a
cake of cassava on a mat with a stew of pappus and put it outside the
house for us as a welcome.

The next morning I was unable to go on, so decided to stay behind
with ten men, while Quelch continued his journey. We were told it
would take four days to cut a track through the bush up the side of
Roraima, and this would give me a chance of coming up to him. In
the afternoon one of the Indians looked at my feet while I was lying
in my hammock, and found that instead of being bruised they were
full of jiggers, which had burrowed into the soles, and directly these
were removed I was practically all right and ready to start: this we did
early next morning, after bartering some cassava for a few fish-hooks.
Shortly after starting, I saw a curious table-land on our right, in the
middle of a regular range; one mountain seemed to have had its top
removed and replaced by a big level savanna extending back for a
considerable distance. At the end of this savanna, many miles off, I
could see another range rising from the level. In the afternoon
Thad a slight attack of fever and camped early. Soon after this
Roraima came into full view, with Weitipu in front a little to the
right, but we soon lost sight of them as we descended into the valley of
the Cuino, which we had to ford. On the opposite bank we met
some Indians carrying an immense vessel of cassava, which I bought.
David, our huntsman, undertook the job of distributing it, and did so
by filling each man’s gourd and drinking half before he handed it
back. They refused to sell me some sugar-cane they had with them,
but after I moved on they either gave it away or my men took it, for
when I looked back each man was carrying about 12 feet. We next
ascended a hill which rose steeply for 1000 feet and camped in
the valley beyond, at a spot where a few trees grew from the rocks
in the middle of the stream. Just before putting up our hammocks,
we had a very heavy shower, and the water swelling rapidly, nearly
obliged us to move elsewhere; this was the first shower we had had
since leaving Kwaimatta.

The following day we had one or two particularly stiff climbs, which,
however, were not quite so trying as those we had lately, the quartz
and quartz-porphyry having been replaced by sandstone, which had
worn more or less smooth, while in the valley we only had to put up

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

ARECUNA GIRL.

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

ARECUNA CHIEF AT RORAIMA.

ITINERARY, XXVil

with small round ironstone pebbles, which would have been considered
bad enough on ordinary occasions, but after our late experiences could
be regarded as affording pleasant walking. In the middle of the
afternoon, after walking for a mile over the summit of a level-topped
mountain, we came to the edge of the decline, and saw before us the
valley leading to the base of Roraima. The sight of this group of
mountains was magnificent : on the left Kukenaam and Roraima with
their perpendicular walls rising from the plain, next to them three
smaller curiously-shaped hills, and then Weitipu, a mountain which in
some parts still shows on its face patches of perpendicular walls, point-
ing to its having formerly been similar in appearance to its neighbours,
although time has nearly effaced these characteristics, and farther to
our left rose two smaller mountains, of a steep cone-like form, called
*“ Womak” and “ Makulitpar.” The distance was very deceptive;
Roraima did not appear to be more than three miles off, but the
following day we found that twenty-five was much nearer the mark.

It seemed that we would never arrive at the corner of the mountain,
and it was some seven or eight hours before we reached the nearest
point, crossing on our way several shallow streams, the bottoms of
which were perfectly smooth, like a swimming-bath, and covered with
brownish slime. The valley, which the evening before had appeared
perfectly smooth, was found to have one or two biggish hiils, but we were
so pleased with the idea of having almost reached our destination, that
we went on at a jog-trot, hardly stopping to rest at breakfast-time.
We had to pass the full length of the south-west face and reached
Kamaiwawong, the little village at the end of the valley between
Kukenaam and Roraima, about 4 o’clock, only two hours after Quelch ;
this was on 3rd November, the 19th day after my start from Kwaimatta.
Quelch had been compelled to camp early on one or two occasions, on
account of his guide, who was suffering from fever, and this accounted
for our arriving so close together. The chief and his brother were
dressed in their best clothes to receive us: the former wore an old
frock coat, which we concluded might have been given to his father by
Schomburgk when he visited Roraima in 1838; over this he wore a
pair of braces hanging loose over his shoulders, and a long piece of red
ribbon round his waist completed the costume. His brother had a red
blanket tied round his neck reaching to the ground behind, and a tall
pointed felt hat on his head.

There were about six houses in the village, and one of these the
chief had handed over to Quelch. It was of the ordinary form, with
thatched roof of palm-leaves, wattle sides covered with clay, and one
door. In this 46 of us slung our hammocks,

The men were in great spirits at having finished the first stage of
our trip, and stayed awake talking and laughing till late. We felt the
cold in spite of blankets and seven fires burning on the floor of the
house, and in the morning found the thermometer had registered 54°,
about 20° lower than the temperature to which we had grown
accustomed at nights.

Early in the morning we were up looking at the mountain we had
come so far to see; straight in front of us it rose to a height of
5000 feet above the plain, its: summit hidden .in clouds, which would

XXVI1 ITINERARY.

not be dispersed until the sun was well over the horizon; the perpen-
dicular walls, of which we had heard so much, rising from the front and
disappearing behind the clouds above seemed to be of an immeasurable
height, while down their face fell the two falls of Kamaiwa and
Roraima paru, a long slope starting immediately outside the village led
to the foot of the walls, On our left to the south-east was Kukenaam,
very similar in appearance, but rising more abruptly from the plain,
and separated from Roraima by a narrow valley filled with cloud
during almost the whole of our stay at the mountain.

Roraima is rectangular, the north-west and south-east sides being
about nine miles, and south-west about six miles in length,

No one has yet visited the north-east side of the mountain, which is
next to Kukenaam, but the vegetation is so luxuriant, that little could
be seen from the valley, and much time and labour would-be lost in
attempting to cut a path, On the other three sides the perpendicular
cliffs present themselves, but so far the south-west face is the only
side in which any attem] t has been made to reach thetop. Here, years
ago, a large mass of the cliff evidently slipped, and, while still retaining
its vertical position, has formed a ledge diagonally across the face, by
means of which, with a little difficulty, one is able to ascend to the
summit. Mr.im Thurn, who, I understand, was at the head of the slope
for nearly a month, in his account of his trip, mentioned that a camp
should be made some distance up, as it was practically impossible to
carry hammocks and provisions to the summit; we therefore decided
to spend the first day in finding a suitable spot for a camp and in
having a general look round,

After early breakfast, I started with Quelch up the incline; for the
first mile or so we were on open grass-land quite devoid of bushes or
trees, but after this we had to pass through a belt of bracken six to eight
feet in height, mixed with other low growths, one of the most attrac-
tive of which was a shrub with dark green leaves, bearing numerous
flowers not unlike balls of crimson silk. Passing through a narrow
strip of forest, we once more came to the open slope, more rocky and
steeper than lower down, the long grass hiding the rocks making
walking more difficult; the next feature was a large swamp, wonder-
fully rich in flowers and plants, and here I stopped to collect while
Quelch went on with the two Indians. There were large masses of
Utricularia Humboltii with pale purple flowers and dark purple stalks,
three feet in height, and of. Brocchinea reducta, of a bright golden-
yellow colour, a thick undergrowth of Heliamphora, the 8. American
Pitcher plant, with its pale pink flowers on long stalks, and curiously-
shaped dark purplish and green pitchers; Drosera, not unlike our
rotundifolia, but the young shoots continually growing out from above
the older and decayed leaves, gives the plant the appearance of being
raised from the ground on a black pedestal two inches in height, in
some cases not unlike a Pepalanthus; the flowers are pink, on stalks
twelve to fifteen inches in length; orchids of many kinds, the com-
monest of which bore pale and dark brown flowers on a stalk two feet
in height. One or two humming-birds flying about in a small clump
of bush were the only signs of life I saw, with the exception of
a large hawk. probably Zeptodon, which flew away with a cry and

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BirDs OF BRITISH GUIANA.

OUR CAMP ON THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT RORAIMA,

ITINERARY. RXIX

flight not unlike a sea-gull, the prevailing white colour aiding the
resemblance.

On his return, Quelch told us that the path was fairly easy, and that
very little clearing would have to be done, at any rate, for the first
part of the thick belt of bush which surrounded the base of the cliff.
Following the advice given by Mr. im Thurn, Quelch started next
morning with all our men to erect a palm-leaf house as far into the
bush as was possible in one day, while I stayed below to take one or
two photos, and the next morning we moved up, with hammocks and
provisions, to our new camp.

Entering the bush at the head of the slope for the first time, I was
quite taken aback at the appearance of the vegetation. Masses of
creepers and lianas twisted and tangled together in such a way that it
was almost impossible to see more than ten or twelve feet in any
direction, rocks, roots, and creepers mixed under foot in a surprising
manner ; occasionally we could hear the roar of a torrent under us but
out of sight. It was difficult to say where the ground actually was, we
were certainly not walking on it, neither could we see it; we were
standing at one time on rocks, at others on fallen tree-trunks, creepers,
or bush-ropes, between which the spaces were filled with decaying vege-
table mould and moss, every now and then a branch or root would
break, and some one of the party would be seen with only half of his
body above ground, while his legs were dangling somewhere below out
of sight. The stuffy dampness was almost overpowering, especially as
the climbing was very severe; every branch and tree seemed covered
with moss, lungwort, or lichen, saturated with moisture, which to us
in our heated condition seemed icy cold; our clothes were wet through
with the dripping of this moisture in less than five minutes, After
about a couple of hours of climbing, sometimes over large rocks, or
perhaps under them, up slippery tree-trunks, and over or through
tangled creepers, using our arms almost as much as our legs, we reached
the camp which the men had prepared the day before; some long poles
propped against a straight face of rock and covered with palm-leaves
made a very good shelter, but not in any way comfortable, the floor
being as uneven and unpleasant as the path.

Most of the men now left us, not caring for the cold night, and
being also more or less afraid of evil spirits and of the big bird which
carries away anyone rash enough to attempt to reach its abode on the
top of the mountain.

Next morning our clothes and hammocks were wet through with the
damp, and we felt more as though we had been sleeping out in
November in England than in the height of the dry season in Guiana.
Continuing our path, the men on in front cutting as they went,
passing palms, large tree-ferns, and large quantities of the Roraima
blackberry (Rubus roraima), a plant closely resembling our English
species, but bearing fruit more abundantly, we reached the face of the
cliff; here and there, on the moss and on the cliff itself, we noticed the
two blood-red Utricularias, montana and cambeliana, and one single
specimen of a pure white. Looking up, we could see the straight
smooth wall, and as we turned to the left to ascend the ledge, could
realize its height and magnificence. Soon among a tangle of climbing

XXX ITINERARY,

bamboo, we emerged from the streaming wood and saw before us the
deep gully cut through by the fall of Roraima paru ; here, too, for the
first time we could see the sky and the brilliantly-lighted landscape
before us; other hills, which appeared high enough from the savanna
now appeared dwarfed and insignificant. Beyond the village we could
see the river of Kukenaam, into which the water of Roraima paru
flows, winding away to the south, where, after turning north, it runs
into the Caroni 2nd so to the Orinoco, 100 or 150 miles-from its mouth.

Looking into the gully, we could see that, by keeping close to the
cliff, a descent of 100 feet and an ascent up a rocky wall, over which
water was flowing on the other side, was all that was required of us to
overcome what appeared from the distance a formidable obstacle; in
fact, so impracticable does it appear, that no one had attempted even
to reach this point until Im Thurn and Perkins came in 1884. Schom-
burgk, B. Brown, McTurk, Beddam, Whetham, Whitely, Seyell, had
all seen the ledge, but decided that it was not worth while making an
attempt to ascend by it; this, combined with the fact that most of the
above-mentioned travellers were short of either boots or food, or both,
account, to a great extent, for the top of the mountain remaining un-
explored for fifty years after its discovery by Schomburgk.

On the side on which we descended there were a fair number of
bushes and branches by which we could hold on, but on the opposite
side the rock was bare, with a stream of water running over its full
width, and took us some little time to overcome, but once across, we
could see our way clearly.

The extraordinary mountain Roraima, on the confines of British
Guiana, near the boundary of Venezuela and Brazil, has long been an
object of wonder and speculation.

Situated away from the beaten track and far from any civilised
centre, it remained unknown except to the red man until it was
discovered by Sir Robert Schomburgk, whilst he was engaged in
making a survey of the Colony in 1841. Since then few white men
have explored the district, but the description and accounts given by
them on their return have only added to the wonder and mystery by
which the place was surrounded.

No one who read these accounts could fail to have their interest
awakened. Here was an immense mountain with a towering quad-
rangular pediment, whose lofty walls, rising perpendicularly for nearly
2000 feet above its slope, had shut off from the rest of the world,
presumably from the earliest times, a tract 54 square miles in extent
and nearly 9000 feet above the sea-level. What might there be, what
might there not be on the summit? Information gathered from the
Indians in the surrounding villages only added to the interest. The
mountain was, it was said, not only inaccessible, but jealously guarded
by animals such as had been remarkable in the time of Sindbad the
Sailor. A huge bird there was that carried away the too-adventurous
traveller, or should he by luck escape the eagle eye, he still had to face
a terrible serpent of dimensions which can only be imagined.

Such was the information to be gained from the only people at all
familiar with the place, but they lived in a country renowned for its
wonders from its earliest discovery. ’Twas not far south of this that:

‘YANIYYOHN LNNOW SO LINWAS

“YNYINS) HSILING JO SAYIG

Ol oe a a Ba a, oS ee

Birps OF BRITISH GUIANA.

SUMMIT OF MOUNT RORAIMA.

ITINERARY. XXX

El Dorado, the gilded king, lived in his golden city on the banks of
Lake Parima. “Iwas but a little to the west that Sir Walter Raleigh
heard of that headless tribe with mouths in their stomachs and an eye
on each shoulder. What wonder then that strange legends still exist.
The people are not much changed from the days when Raleigh and
Keyrics first passed the dense forests and reached the level savannas
beyond.

It is almost impossible to imagine what these first travellers must
have suffered in their search for gold and adventure, marching day
after day and month after month through stifling swampy forests,
reeking with moisture and the odour of decaying vegetation, weighed
down with heavy armour, weakened by malaria, obtaining provisions
with difficulty from the Indians, and all the time uncertain whither
they were going. We know that captured Indians were made to serve
as guides; but guides are of little use to people whose object is to reach
a place which exists only in the imagination. We know the difficulties
that surround the modern explorer who starts equipped with portable
boats, tinned provisions, breech-loader, a well-stored medicine-chest,
and generally a very good idea of the point at which he wishes to
arrive. How much greater must have been the difficulties faced by
those early travellers who passed from the mouth of the Orinoco to the
Magdalena River, or from the Amazon mouth to the Andes—this
latter being equal in length to the journey from the Congo to
Zanzibar,

Since its discovery several attempts have been made to explore
Roraima and examine the forests on its summit and the deep lakes
filled with dolphins and strange fish, of which the Indians spoke but
which they had never seen—all unsuccessfully until in 1884, Messrs.
Southern and Perkins found a practicable path of ascent to the top.

Sir R. Schomburgk in 1838, and again in 1842, when he was
accompanied by his brother Richard, made little or no attempt to
ascend the vertical walls, apparently regarding it as impracticable.
Barrington Brown in 1869, while engaged in making a survey of the
Colony, approached from the south-west, but, provisions failing, was
forced to return, having merely reached the lower slopes; while again
in 1872 he approached from the north, but did not actually reach the
mountain.

McTurk and Boddam-Whetham in 1878 started from the coast with
the special intention of making an ascent, but, after walking round and
examining three sides of the mountain, abandoned the attempt as
impracticable. Their provisions being almost exhausted and their
boots beyond repair, they were compelled to return, but not before
they were convinced that any further attempt would be futile. The
vertical walls of the lofty pediment had been to them, as to former
travellers, an insuperable barrier, As Boddam-Whetham remarks :—
Par Out of a sea of green rises a perpendicular wall of red rock
1500 feet in height. Hardly a shrub broke the sheer descent of the
shining cliff; scarcely a line of verdure marked where clinging grasses
had gained a footing on its smooth face. The south-eastern corner
was slightly rounded and its tower-like appearance increased its general
resemblance to a Titanic fortification a few miles in length, rising frony

XXXL ITINERARY.

a forest glacis. The glancing rays of the sun struck the red sandstone
layers, which shone like glass and stood out in bold and bright relief
above their green base, A fly could hardly have rested on the slippery
slabs.”

His sentiments on viewing the mountain, to which he here gives
utterance, were without doubt those experienced by all who had
approached Roraima; and the idea of its inaccessibility could hardly
be more definitely expressed than in the statements that “ nothing less
than a winged Pegasus could expect to attain the summit of the bare
red wall,” or ‘that unless one ascended the mountain by means of
a balloon, the question (7. e. of the animal life on the summit) could
never be settled.”

And, indeed, for one who has some slight acquaintance with the
scene, it is not difficult to imagine the utter hopelessness of making an
ascent which seems to have been felt by all the earlier travellers who
came within sight of the famous mountain.

The enormous walls which form the sides of the quadrangular
pediment are everywhere equally lofty and precipitous, presenting
a facing not less than 30 miles in length. The imagination fails
adequately to picture the imposing grandeur of a cliff such as this,
raised on its sloping tree-clad pedestal, 4000 feet above the surrounding
level—a grandeur that is heightened by the many waterfalls which,
starting from the sky-line, leap forth sheer into the forest below to
join the headwaters of the Amazon, the Orinoco, or the Hssequibo.
The Indians were, indeed, happy in their choice of expression when they
sang of ‘ Roraima the red rock, the ever-fruitful mother of streams.”

Previous to the actual ascent by Mr. im Thurn, Henry Whitely,
the naturalist, seems to have been the only traveller who, after trial,
believed in the possibility of reaching the summit by means of a ledge
on the south-west face. As related by him in the ‘ Proceedings of the
Royal Geographical Society,’ vol. vi. 1884, pp. 459-463, Whitely
spent several months at Roraima in 1883 collecting specimens of birds,
and during this time observed the sloping ledge which at present
affords the only practicable means of ascent.

About halfway up this ledge there is a sudden break which, from
below, seems to render all further advance impossible—and it appears
that Schomburgk so regarded it. Whitely, however, essayed the
attempt, and but for the fact that the track cut by his Indians did not
lead to the real foot of the ledge as he directed, and that a dense mist
suddenly enveloped them, there is no doubt but that he would have
succeeded in reaching the top. From his description andthe excellent
drawing of this south-west face of Roraima with the broken ledge
in situ, which accompanies it (loc. cit.), there can be no doubt on this
point.

Southern and Perkins in the next year followed more or less in his
track to the bottom of the ledge, which leads diagonally across’ the
face to the summit, and by following it succeeded in ascending the
mountain. Unfortunately, owing to unfavourable weather, they were
unable to spend more than an hour or two on the top, nor were they
able subsequently to return. For the first time, however, some idea
was gained of the configuration and physical conditions of the summit,’

BrirDs OF BRITISH GUIANA.

SUMMIT OF MOUNT RORAIMA.

ITINFRARY. XXxill

while a small collection of plants, the great majority of which were new
species, served to indicate to some extent the peculiarities of its
biological condition. Brief as had been the visit of the explorers, the
results had been of very considerable interest, and rendered still more
urgent the desirability of a detailed exploration of the isolated
plateau—even though no indications had been met with of the antique
or antediluvian creatures which speculation had regarded as likely or
probable to be discovered. The path to the summit was, indeed, now
open, but the difficulties to contend with were hardly less serious than
before.

The land near the coast and for several miles inland is uniformly
flat, and has been formed by a quite recent alluvial deposit from the
large rivers; it is on this coast-line that the sugar-estates for which
the Colony has Jong been famous are situated, immediately behind is
dense forest extending inland for a varying distance, not often less
than 200 miles and covering level country intersected by numerous
streams; the vegetation on all sides is most luxuriant, and for the
greater part so dense that it is impossible to penetrate without first
cutting a track. «after some fifty miles the land becomes hilly, in parts
even mountainous, and covered with large forest-trees; beyond this
again comes the savanna district, extending far back into Brazil and
Venezuela with mile after mile of open country crossed here and there
by small ranges of hills,

Of details of the interior practically nothing is known—the many
rivers which run northwards to the sea, for the entire length of the
Colony, afford such a ready means of communication for the few
people who travel beyond the coast-line that the absence of roads has
never been found an inconvenience, and with the exception of one or
two small districts where gold has been found nothing is known of the
Colony beyond the banks of the rivers.

The parts of the rivers which ran through the alluvial district, in
comparison with higher reaches, have little to recommend them to
travellers. They are tidal, and the black mud deposited on the banks is
repulsive ; the long line of bush on either bank, of which only the first
belt of trees can be seen, is low and wearisome, Nothing but muddy
water, mud, and continual green meet the eye, no spring or autumn
tints, and but few bright flowers relieve the monotony ; at the water's
edge grows a species of caladium known as moco moco, and behind this
low undergrowth a forest of light timber of no practical use and of no
great size.

Small steamers can travel for a considerable distance up the rivers
until the channel becomes blocked by dykes of rock, and from these
points boats specially built for working on the rapids and falls have to
be used. Here there is an entire change of scene, hills rise on either
hand almost from the water’s edge, the muddy banks are replaced by
sandy beaches, rocks and sand-banks show up in mid-stream ; the water
is no longer muddy, but clear and bright amber-coloured.

The lower parts of these rivers have just been described as low
dirty, and monotonous, and one might be inclined to think that they
are to be avoided ; but, although the general effect is as described, close
investigation of details will well repay the observer for his trouble.

c

XXXIV ITINERARY.

The dense undergrowth and the forest-trees are of infinite variety,
both in form and species, strange growths of trunks or leaves, of lianas
and parasites, attract the attention. Birds are more numerous than
in the higher reaches of the rivers, Parrots, Pigeons, Scarlet Ibis,
Sandpipers, and Plovers fly in countless flocks in their respective
seasons ; Cranes, Herons, and other wading-birds congregate in open
spaces on the cattle-farms and uncultivated. portions of sugar-estates
on the coast, and small birds are found everywhere, the nearer
civilization the greater the number—in fact, in Georgetown alone over"
one hundred species have been observed. Occasionally one passes an
Indian settlement consisting of one or two houses, but, with the excep-
tion of the little clearing in which a few provisions are grown, the
whole forest is untouched.

The three routes by which travellers have reached the Roraima
district all commence by the lower waters of the Essequibo, and branch
westward either up the Mazaruni, the Potaro, or the Rupununi.

The scenery of the two first-named is the most striking and
attractive, but the last or Rupununi route presents a greater variety
of scene and facilitates an insight into the life and customs of the
tribes dwelling in the savannas, especially the Arecunas and Macusis.
It was for these reasons that the explorers selected the Rupununi route
on the occasion of their expedition to Roraima in the latter part of
1894, There is no record of anyone having approached the mountain
from the Venezuelan side, although, so far as can be seen, there are no
natural obstacles in the way.

Bartica Grove, a small township situated at the junction of the
Essequibo and Mazaruni, was then the usual starting-place for most of
the expeditions into the interior of the Colony. It is easily reached
from Georgetown in a few hours by means of a small river-steamer,
and as it commands the mouths of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni, as well
as the Essequibo, it promised at one time to become a place of great
importance as a base of operations for the gold-diggings.

Within the last few months, however, a short railway has been
opened up from the Demerara River to a point above the falls on the
Essequibo, and as this has diverted the greater part of the traftic from
the lower part of the Essequibo, Bartica seems to be doomed and has
already assumed a semi-abandoned appearance.

We have been unable to find any account of the late Mr. F. V.
McConnell’s expedition to Roraima in 1898; but the collections of
zoology made during his journey were described in the ‘ Transactions
of the Linnean Society,’ Zoology, (2) vii. p. 51,1900, and the following
abstract, which has been made from the work mentioned, will show the
route taken on that occasion :—

“The specimens were obtained by Mr. J. J. Quelch and myself
(F. V. McConnell) on our second expedition to Roraima in August,
September, and October, 1898. The route taken on this occasion was
by the Mazaruni and Curubung rivers to the Falls of Macrobah,
a boat-journey of twenty days, and thence by land to a point on
the Upper Mazaruni where that river flows ata height of 1300 feet.

Birps oF BRITISH GUIANA.

SUMMIT OF MOUNT RORAIMA.

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ITINERARY. XXXV

Small bark-canoes were here obtained, and after three days’ journey
up the Cako and Aruparu, we arrived at the commencement of the
trail to Roraima. With the exception of the last twenty miles,
the whole journey, which occupied forty days, lay through thick forest.

“Mount Roraima (8700 feet) is formed by a sloping base, sur-
mounted by a rectangular mass, fifty-four square miles in area, with
perpendicular walls 2000 feet in height. On the south-west, part
of the wall has slipped and lies diagonally across the face of the upper
part of the mountain. By following the ledge so formed the summit
can be reached without serious difficulty.”

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.

A ae S Page
Head of Tinamus septentrionalis—to show the character of the
bol, whieh is peculiar. to the family cn. ccscras-ac'auedexrwes «trop

2. Tarsus of Tinamus septentrionalis—to illustrate the transverse
scutellations on the front part and the hexagonal scales on
the hinder portion, which are peculiar to the genus . oa 2
3. Tarsi of Tinamus and Crypturus—to show the generic dif.
se soy) io ae per Pie Se Ene eel ane 1 ae ea 0 Cet pe ee Le 8
4. Head of Crax nigra—to show the character of the bill and the
eL 1d 18g 1 e et eRe ep eae ee aR ha ak RR Ee lee aay coe ee ee 18
5. Head of Penelope granti—to show the bare space round the .
eye and the wattleon the throat: :....:.:.:cccssssssescitecee essen 24
6. Wing of Cumana cumanensis—to show the incised ae
quills naee Sara Cou
7. Head of Hupsychor ap ae? eeu ate cone hated ah i 32
8. Head of Odontophorus guianensis—to show the form of the bill. 34
9. Head of a Pigeon—to illustrate the form of the bill ..........., 37
10. Wing of Leptoptila—to show the incised first primary’ ......... 47
11. Head of the Hoatzin—to show the ornamental plumes ......... 52
12. Wing of young Hoatzin—to show the claw ......... 52
13. Head and foot of Rallus longirostris—to aiiietetet me shape
of the bill and the form of the foot .........2.... ; 65
14. Head of Jonornis martinica—to show the frontal Per al Se ieen ie 78
15. Head and foot of Heliornis—to show the sel ede of the bill and
form of the foot . pave bf fs eRe
16. Foot of a Grebe—to ‘tistints ne details OM Hee Seok
17. Head of Podilymbus—to show the peculiar shape ane patois
85

. Tail of a Tern— ray iw ne Rs, aU eee

of the bill

. Head of ee horea payee stvsiea ‘fhasteate tee Vena bill. 86
. Head of a Tern—to illustrate the pointed bill and the. long

gonys

21. Head of Rhynchops—to show the pe netiax ee ae of Ain ‘ill, 93
92. Head. of.. Larus atrici/la—to illustrate the bill with its short
OO co wiby sds saveaes ateie big stn C8Nss xp <mnensdnelR bas Can use nee dyn aden el 95
23. Tail of Larus atricilla—to show the square tip ...... ee
24. Head of the Pomatorhine Skua—to show the hooked, bi le Cares 97

. Tail of Stercorarius pomarinus—to illustrate the shape
3. Head of the Turnstone—to show the wedge-shaped bill
. Foot of Hoploxypterus cayanus—to show the absence of hind-

. Head of Numenitus ie ea hae ee curv ese: bill”

. Head of Jacana spinosa—to show the facial lappets

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

toe

eee eee ee ee

. Head of Belonopterus cayennensis—to show the occipital crest.
. Wing of Belonopterus cayennensis—to illustrate the spur
. Head of Pluvialis dominicus—to show the form of the bill .
. Foot of

ad me, —to show the absence of the
hind-toe

. Limosa hemastica—to show the slightly upturned bill.
2 Totanus melanoleucus—to illustrate the shape of the bill

5. Foot of as es —to show the web between the

outer and middle toe

a

3. Foot of Calidris leucophea—to show the absence of the hind-

toe

eee ee ee ee ee ee ee

ee

Foot of “4 »» to illustrate the long toes and hind-
claw

eee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ey

. Head of Gedicnemus bistriatus—to show the size of the eye .

a Aramus scolopaceus—to illustrate the form of the bill.

. First primary of Avamus scolopaceus—to show the peculiar

shape

eo

. Head of Ajata ajaja—to show the bare head and shape of the

bill

Ce

. Head of Mycteria americana—to illustrate the shape of the bill.
. Tail of Euxenura maguari—to illustrate the peculiar form
5. Head of Jabiru mycteria—to illustrate the peculiar form of

the bill

ay

. Head of Cochlearius cochlearius—to illustrate the peculiar

form of the bill

ee ee

. Head of Phaenicopterus ruber—to illustrate the peculiar shape

of the bill

ee

. Head of Catrina moschata—to show the elevated crest and

the caruncles on the forehead and sides of the face

. Head of Sarcoramphus papa—to show the fleshy caruncle at

the base of the bill and the skin-folds on the hinder part of
the head

ee

Foot of Sarcoramp hus papa—to show the small foot and ae
fine reticulations on the tarsus

. Head: of Micrastur gilvicollis—to iow ‘die: fibsunie Ae any

tooth on the lower edge of the upper mandible

Ce

. Foot of Morphnus quianensis—to show the scutellations on the

tarsi and toes and the large hind claw

. Head of Thrasaétus harpyia—to show the ee, mle re

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Fig.

54. Head of Harpagus bidentatus—to show the two teeth in the
MOUA Ries PERSONNES LE aS rere cee hcin ss ot eiv nie gis oe «NEA GAN OSE Rea wins

55. Head of Falco fusco-cerulescens—to show the single tooth on
the edge. or the upper Mandible ..0..0. 0.5 pc ccw ass cve casecnesccneers

56. Head of Bubo scotinus—to show the large ear-tufts ............

ai. Hook OF ,; a —to illustrate the form of the foot and
the tourth’ toe, which is reversible 2.2.0. ]...c.cceceseeseccesseecnes

58. Head of Ara macao—to show the large and powerful bill and

62.

WELDS 1) oa) oe a A Me BR, POR Mt Oe Ae RRR Re ce Me de

Bee PAT re oe aR, fe een ee ee Ly A eee ee

10. Head of Pyrrhura picta—to show the squamated appearance

WM Te RIOR OF tne THB. ooo to) eee afaes Doneeenes sonia ces noes

. Tail of Pyrrhura picta—to illustrate its graduated form
Head of Deroptyus accipitrinus—to illustrate the nape-frill ... +
3. Tail of Pionopsitta caica—to show the nearly eit tail with

its pointed feathers ....

4. Head of Steatornis car ate in: oe ‘he eee of ie bill

Patties MONEE FGI DRIRDION ccc. a Patti's oooh aa en cen awa’ vey akeee oars

5. Foot of Steatornis caripensis—to illustrate the long toes and

BHO PNNCUE VGH CIWS oyy.cx .uc isn aveuus mee mist orbensapeeN ret eau ahs

. Head and tail of Doryfera johanne—to show the form of the

ereaaieh, Hilts GUE OL ANE Te spg us ce stench onainnevavicen ace Apondecs

. Head and tail of Threnetes leucurus—to illustrate the slightly

arched bill and the pointed tail-feathers

. Head and tail of Glaueis hirsuta—to show the cae Dill ae

Pa TSU ye Bien 2 ale elie Oe Sec in AC Soe Sa en ae > Be a

. Head and tail of Phaéthornis longuemareus—to show the

wedge-shaped tail and the curved bill .............c.cceesesen ees

. Head and tail of Campylopterus largipennis—to show the form

of the bill and the rounded tail with its broad feathers ......

. Wing of Campylopterus longipennis—to illustrate the shape

of the wing and the enlarged shafts of the outer primaries
TT AES ee hos A ue gh whe bee ews ey ig Cou pacns deca RST

2. Head and tail of Florisuga mellivora—to show the form of the
.«, 392

. Head and tail of Melanotrochilus fuseus—to illustrate the

bill, the shape of the tail, and the long upper tail-coverts

shape of the bill, the slightly emarginated tail, and the
shorter upper tail-coverts

4. Head and tail of Agyrtrina datee nastier —to ston the stttight

SRN AT Bs ATUL ERIA icurelaiiy vn ve ved ewe neces anit ode asenee

. Head and tail of Saucerottea cupreicauda—to show the form
of the bill and the shape of the tail .........ssecssscesencenevcees ‘
76. Head and tail of Zylocharis pects. illustrate the

straight bill and rounded tail .

285

381

382

389

389

B94

595

399

g.
7. Head and tail of Chlorestes notatus—to show the culmen, which

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page

is bare almost to the base, the exposed nasal covers, and the
Slimh bly, momnded) tal fic, 5 5 «cut sivipthiadn ct Saran dumm oteaey cemmane Rane 402

78. Head and tail of Chlorostilbon subfurcatus—to show the

straight bill, bare culmen, exposed nasal covers, and the

square tail ......... . 403
79. Head and tail of RRetranes Spleen ‘ihawtatte fhe eimiahe

bill-and forked Wail 255. 2S. tic Poletti eno ee ene eee 404
80. Head and tail of Petasophora germana—to show the serrated

bill and the emaroinated tail 20.2%sky: eadarsnc acts eae eee 406
81. Head and tail of Avocettula recurvirostris—to illustrate the

recurved ‘bill and ‘the rounded tail: : 3.) ce. ce. eee ace ae 480
82. Head and tail of Anthracothorax viridigula—to show the form

of -the bill and the rounded dasl+ <5 .4%. oo orkeneuteteone cee 409
83. Head of Chrysolampis elatus—to show the feathering along the

PUTIN 5.5 Pe eee Merdete ca ese ahs ected eS one 412
84. Head and tail of Pstlomycter theresie—to show the form of

the bill and the slightly rounded tail ..............0..cseceneeeeees 414
85. Head and tail of Polytmus chrysobronchus—to illustrate the

shghtly curved bill and the rounded tail ............0csscsses008 415
86. Tail of Topaza pella—to show the form of the tail . sce
87. Head and tail of Heliothrix aurita—to illustrate the ge

shaped bill and the graduated tail ..............cecsceeeeeeeeeeeeee 420
88. Head and tail of Anthoscenus superbus—to illustrate the long

bill, the nasal covers, and the short and rounded tail ......... 422
89. Head and tail of Caliphlox amethystina—to show the straight

bill andthe:deeply forked ‘tail... usec pera cet oieena no oe 423

. Head and bill of Lophornis ornatus—to show the occipital crest,

the tufts on the sides of the face, and the rounded and emar-
PINAGEE MAU |. 2. issn vapuses aes ganar ecm eccbwantpan eee pee memeene 425

. Head and tail of Discosura longicauda—to show the short

straight bill and the spatulated tail-feathers............060000 00 428

. Head of Ramphastus toco—to show the position of the nostrils. 452
3. Wing of 3 », —to illustrate the two outer ere

quills, which are incised . Rite Syoas ess | lee

. Heads of Picus viridis—to hee the maetenaile: eed Soe 480
. Tail of Campephilus melanoleucus—to show the stiffened tail-

TOMES, 2 oo Ua SR ee cer ea ieee Er es oon 481

INTRODUCTION.

THE original intention was to prepare a list of the species of
British Guiana birds in the collection of the late Mr. F. VY.
McConnell, for publication in some periodical, in order to
record species that were hitherto unknown to occur in the Colony,
and to describe the plumages of some of the species that were
not given, for want of material, in the ‘ Catalogue’ of the Birds in
the British Museum. But after the death of Mr. McConnell the
writer was requested by Mrs. McConnell to give descriptions to
each of the species, with a view to publishing it in book-form—
hence the present work—which will occupy two volumes.

The classification followed is the same as that used by Brabourne
and Chubb in their ‘ List of the Birds of South America.’

The aim of the present work has been to describe each family
and give an outline of its general distribution with the number
of the genera and species that are known to occur in South
America, and also the number of those represented in British
Guiana. To describe each genus, many of which have heen
illustrated by text-figures, and to give diagnostic keys to the
species. To give the reference to the original description of each
species, with its type locality, and any further references that apply
particularly to British Guiana, and the Catalogue of the Birds in
the collection of the British Museum—Volumes I. to XX VII.—-
1874 to 1898. To record the date of the breeding-season, and
give a description of the nest and eggs and an abstract of the
notes on the habits whenever they occur in the works of reference
mentioned in the bibliography. To record also the localities where

xliv INTRODUCTION.

specimens have been collected or observed within the Colony
and to give an outline of the extralimital range of each of the
species.

It may be mentioned, however, that there has been no attempt
to compile an exhaustive treatise. This book, therefore, can only
be regarded as a basis for future work, as it is quite obvious
from the many omissions that there is a great deal yet to be
done before we can have anything like a complete knowledge
of the subject.

In the following pages three new forms are described from
the McConnell collection. These are northern representatives
of species originally described from the south, or southern
localities, viz. Ortygops duncani, which is allied to O. notata
Gould, who described it in the ‘ Voyage of the Beagle’ from
La Plata; Creciscus macconnelli, closely allied to C. melanopheus
Vieillot, which was founded on “ Ypacaha pardo obscuro” of
Azara from Paraguay, and Ciccaba macconnelli, nearly allied to
C. superciliaris Pelzeln, which was described from Brazil.

The following species and subspecies described in the present
volume are peculiar to British Guiana :—Crypturus macconnelli,
C. dissimilis, C. simplex, Penelope granti, Ortygops notata duncani,
Creciscus melanopheus macconnelli, Ciccaba superciliaris macconnelli,
Bolborhynchus panychlorus, Hydropsalis schomburgki, Caprimulqus
whitelyi, Chetura albicincta, C. guianensis, Campylopterus
hyperythrus, Agyrtrina whitelyi, Saucerottea cupreicauda, Chloro-
stilbon subfurcatus, Petasophora germanus, Heliodoxa xanthogonys,
Lophornis pavnoninus, Neomorphus rufipennis, Aulacorhamphus
whitelyanus, and Picumnus macconnelli.

Mr. H. Grénvold has prepared the original drawing of each of
the coloured plates and of the text-figures, which have been
reproduced by Messrs, John Bale, Sons, and Danielsson,

The accompanying map of British Guiana has been engraved
by Mr. H. I, Milne of the Royal Geographical Society.

INTRODUCTION. xlv

It will be observed that the spelling of the names of a large
number of the localities has been changed more or less, and
more especially in regard to the letter “cc,” which is, in almost
all cases, replaced by the letter “*k.” I may mention, however,
that I have, when quoting, retained the author’s original
spelling.

I desire to express my best thanks to the following gentlemen
for advice and assistance during the preparation of the present
volume :—Lord Rothschild, and Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant and
Mr. C, E. Fagan of the British Museum (Natural History).

CHARLES CHUBB.
London, April 24th, 1916.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

This work is not intended to be a monograph of the birds of
British Guiana ; but the following works and papers in journals
on the Avifauna of the Colony have been quoted, and notes on
the habits and distribution abstracted :—

Capanis, J., in Richard Schomburgk’s Reisen in Britisch Guiana,
vol. iii. Végel, pp. 662-765, 1848. With the original field-
notes of R. Schomburgk, some of which occur in vols. i. and ii.
Mr. H. Groénvold has undertaken for us the translation of
these notes.

Brown, C. Barrineron.—Canoe and Camp Life in British Guiana.
London, 1876, pp. xii, 400, with map.

Sarviy, O., & Gopman, F. D.—Notes on Birds from British Guiana.
Ibis, 1882, pp. 76-54, Plate 1.

Notes on Birds from British Guiana. Part II. Ibis,

1883, pp. 203-212, Plate ix.

Notes on Birds from British Guiana. Part ILI. Ibis,
1884, pp. 443-452, Plates xiii., xiv.

Satvix, O.—A List of the Birds obtained by Mr. Henry Whitely in
British Guiana. Ibis, 1S85, pp. 159-219, 291-806, Plate viii.,
418-439; id. op. cit, 1586, pp. 57-78, 1L65-LS1, 499-510,
Plate xii.

xlvi BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Sciater, W. L.—A few Notes on British Guiana and its Birds. Ibis,
1887, pp. 315-320.

Quetcnu, J. J.—On a collecting trip to the Abary River. Timehri (2)
ii. pp. 362-378, 1888.

—— On the Upper Demerara River: about and above the Great Falls.
Op. cit. (2) iv. pp. 98-133, 1890.

— On the Upper Berbice River. T. c. pp. 312-345.

—— The Native Birds of Georgetown. Op. cit. (2) v. pp. 69-107,
1891.

—— Our Birds of Prey. Op. cit. (2) vi. pp. 117-162, 1892.

— Migratory Birds in British Guiana. Op. cit. (2) x. pp. 258-279,
1896.

Price, H. Luoyp.—The Nests and Eggs of some common Guiana Birds.
Timehri (2) v. pp. 61-68, 1891.

Luioyp, C. A.—Some Guiana Parrots. Timehri (2) ix. pp. 270-275,
1895.

Nesting of some Guiana Birds. Op. cit. (2) xi. pp. 1-10, 1897.

Breese, Mary Buarr and C. Writ1am.—Our Search for a Wilderness :

an Account of two Ornithological Expeditions to Venezuela and
to British Guiana. London, 1910, pp. xix, 428.

BrapournE [Lorp] and Cuusp, C. The Birds of South America.
Vol. I. London, 1912, pp. xx, 504.

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Order TINAMIFORMES ..
Family TINAMID@ ......

Tinamus Herm,
tao septentrionalis
bourne § Chubb........

major ( G'mel.)
Crypturus Jilig.

Ria ae eo era aise

ene ee ee owe

macconnelli Brabourne §

Chubb Gi eieleng.whats win acelers ae
cinereus (Gmel.)
SOM GEECTIAL ae oe Se ale xe
dissimilis Salvad.........
variegatus ((Gmel.)
simplex Salvad.

Genreasnee

Order GALLIFORMES
Family Cracipa

Crax Linn.
nigra Linn.
Nothocrax Burm.
urumutum (Spir)........
Mitu Less.
mitu ( Linn.)
tomentosa (Spiv) .....00.
Penelope Merrem
granti Berlepsch
martial (Gee), ) cs'sse can n>
jacucaca Spur
Ortalis Merrem
motmot (Linn.)
(umana Cones

ee OR 6. 6a 29,88 Bae

se OY MO fe

Cue Ble mS oe On 6 88

eeeteeeres

eee eee

S66 pip ae O58 8

see ees us

Satna tensa ede ae

Family ODONTOPHORID# .

Eupsychortyx Gould

sonninil (7emm.)........

Odontophorus Vierll.
guianensis (C'mel.)

ho

© 0 “Te bo

Order COLUMBIFORMES.

Family CoLtumMB1p&

Jered bribe cts: iy 0,1 Aaa Aarne area
speciosa Gel, ......0...
rufina Temm. § Knip....
albilinea Bonap.
purpureotincta Ridyw.

Zenaida Bonap.
vinaceo-rufa Ridgw.

Columbina Spia

grisea (Bonn,

rufipennis Bonap.
Clarayis Oherh.

pretiosa (Ferari- Perez)
Leptoptila Swans. ..........

verreauxi Bonup.........

rufaxilla (Richard & Ber-

MONG) he seater ane erahrainats
Geotyaon Wises «ois. eas
montana ( Linn.)

Seaneesvec

Order OPISTHOCOMI-
WOIRALIS a cicmae ane ott

Opisthocomus Iilig. ...... 006+
hoatzin (P. L, 8S, Mill.) ..

Order RALLIFORMES....
Family RALMIDmM..,.....

Rallus Zinn...... SUR PA hic Meher:
longirostris Boag Ne See
Avamides Pucher.
axillaris Zaw7.......... ,

> ~
cajanea (P. LZ. S, Mill.) ..

Amaurolimnas Sharpe........
concolor (Crosse)

inlet. a ain s

DETSCOL A OPIS paces cea ace aes
talpacoti (Temm. § Knip).

noe ©. w) Wie eee eS

xlvill

Thyrorhina Sel. § Sulv. .....
schomburgki (Cab.) .....
Orzane Peels. kad nes

carolina (Linn.)
albicollis ( Vievl/.)

flaviventris (Bodd.)......
Ortygops Hein. § Reichen....
notata duncani Chubb...
(Cremecus. Cab. i.toe, carebee «
viridis (P. L. 8. Mill.) ..
melanophzus macconnelli
ChUDOR Sa PR eae

Oxilis (Tea) i.e ccarnan

Gallinula Briss.
galeata (Licht.)
Tonornis Reichend.

martinica (Zinn.).......
flavirostris (Gmel.) .....

Family HELIORNITHID. .

Heliornis Bonn.

Order PODICIPIDI-

OO MS oo. ina d cxies

Family Poprcrprpz
Tachybaptus Rerchenb,

brachyrhynchus (Chapm.).
Podilymbus Lege... ccc: o's as
podiceps (Linn.) .......

Order PROCELLARII-

FORMES |... ehiaes cee
Family THALASSIDROMID2

Cymochorea Cowes ......9.:

leucorhoa ( Vveidl.)

Order LARIFORMES

Family Larip@ ,......

Phacthusa Wage, Sinai s cere
chloropoda (Vierll.) .....

Gelochelidon Brehm

nilotica gronvoldi Mathews

Sterna Linn.

WPUN O LAN. ae «cine
melanorhyncha (Less.)....
superciliaris Viel. .....
Rhynchops Fiene. . cot ak hss
cinerascens Spit .......
Larus Lei. 2 emake
atricilia- Wian. ies t case
Stercorarius Briss... 50.3%:
pomarinus (Temm.).....

@ 0 ae A) eye ese 8: te

«2 3a) ee 6

eit eee ervey 1

Ox 8 010,50) fee B88

ome ¢

ee wee) ae

SYSTEMATIC

INDEX.
Page
Order CHARADRII-
ERORMES I so eee ee 98

Family CHarapripm .. 98

ATONRTIA Pras. oon cia ac ease 98
morinella ( Zinn.) ........ 98
Hoploxypterus Bonap. ...... 100
cayanus (Luth.) ........ 100
Belonopterus Reichen. ...... 101

cayennensis (frmel.)...... LOL
Plovishia friaes Cin. see 104
dominicus (P. LZ. S. Miill.) 105

Charadrius Linn. ....0...008: 107
WISON Ord 02. ie he 108
semipalmatus Bonap. .... 109
Collaris, ‘Viewth: ag 3. va tnde 110

Himantopus Brigg... . si 2.6. Le
mexicanus (P. LZ. S. Mil.) 111

Numenius<@7riss,¢ 12. Aco eae 112
hudsonicus Lath......... 115
borealis (Forst.) ........ 114

Latiogn 2ris. °F. ee canes 115
hzmastica (Zinn.) ...... 115

Limnodromus Wied. ......... 116
priseus, (Gel). cece eee 116

Catoptrophorus Bonap. ...... 118

semipalmatus (Gmel.).... 118
Totanus Bechst.
melanoleucus (Gmel.) .... 119

finviper temels 4... eke 121
Hips t eee) Sem a eee ees yr. 122
Bolitaria: Peale. on aki movies 122
Acctis ili). ent oe on eee 123
macularia (Zinn.)........ 124
Dartrania ess. !..). ceea ts cee 125

Jongicauda (Bechst.) .... 125

Ereunetes Willig.) 005 oe ee 126
pusillunChmn yes arcane 126
Galidiis Wiitg, {etn A ecack ks: 127
leucopheea (Vroeg) ...... 128
Heteropygia Coues.......... 129
pectoralis (Say). ....... 129
fuscicollis (Vietll.) ...... 130
Canutus Brejon Sec... ee be 131
Worse ie Me sears ie 151
GallinaporRock:. 5 eee 132
dalients: Ore 2 icccva teak 132
braziliensis Swains. ...... 133
Homoptilura Gv 3.,.6 0.008 154
undulata (Bodd.) 0.0... 13
Family JACANIDE ...... 135
ARCANAUERN ecg, Vin cand 135

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. xlix

Page

Family Burwinips .... 138
CEdicnemus Temm........... 138
histriatus’ Wag? ...0+5 0s 139

Order GRUIFORMES .... 141

Family ARAMIDZ ...... 141
PRA WACRIE crwna seus 5 a oe 2 x 141
scolopaceus (Gmel.) ...... 141
Family Eurypyeip®.... 142
UNE LING. © 6% ee gs ois vo 142
Betis ( FAGE) be 5 vw aise we 142
Family Psopuup2...... 144
Poophie: Dns peo. 659i. «oa ee
crepitans Linn........... 144
Family Ismwip# ........ 146
Theristious Wagl. .vecnscos« 146
caudatus (Bodd.) ........ 146
Harpiprion Wagl. .......... 147
cayennensis (Gmel.)...... 147
Peres AGE. dink vik b0e 3 149
oxycercus (Spiz) ........ 149
Eudocimus Wagl. .......... 150
PUPAL LANM) Fo ox ore 150
Family PLATALEID2 .... 152
Ajaia Retchenb. ......++..+- 152
ajaja (Lint.) .ccecesseces 152
Family Ciconrp2 ...... 154
Myeteria Linn, 1... .ecceenes 154
americana Linn, ........ 154
Euxenura Ridgw. ........+. 156
maguari (Gel.) .....6.. 156
POR TICIIN, io inv oscias nee 158
mycteria (Licht.)........ 158

Order ARDEIFORMES ,. 161

Family ARDKEIDZ ,..... 161
GR EAE eran Eas «6 ¥.8 vs 161
i ee are 161
Casmerodius Glog. ......++.. 162
egretta (Gmeél.) .....0. 162
Leucophoyx Sharpe ........ 164
thula (Afolina) .... ..... 164
PIOTIGG BNE oo ito c ness 165
cerulea (Zinn.) ....6e0 166
Hydranassa Baird .......455 167

tricolor (P. LZ. 8S. Miill.) .. 167

Page
Doriponus Hein. § Reichen. .. 168
agami (Gmel.) .......0.. 168
WyCthicoree FOIE Nes wise 5 170
neevius (Bodd.).......... 170
Nyctanassa Stejn. .......... 171
violacea (Linn.) ........ 171
Cochlearius Briss. .......... 172
cochlearius Zinn......... 178
Pilherodius Reichenb. ........ 174
pileatus (Bodd.) ........ 174
Butorides Blyth . oo... . eee. 175
SETAE ULM, bore «4 wed bee 175
Tigrisoma Swains. ......++,. 177
lineatum (Bodd.)........ 177
Ixobrychus Billberg.......... 178
erythromelas ( Viedll.) .... 179
AEP: MONG. occu kanes 180
undulatus (Gimel.) ...... 180
Botaurns Steph. ose ni otk 181
pinnatus (Wagl.) ....... ab
Order PALA MEDEI-
BORBIES o5.s5.. er iaat ee
Family PALAMEDEIDEH .. 182
Palamedea Linn. .....-.0.000: 182
commute, Linme oi iacc es 182

Order PHO2NICOPTERI-

OVNI ac 5 acta ne eens 184
Family PHa:nicoprertpm 184
Phenicopterus Linn, ........ 184
FUUCL LAs alee ketene 185

Order ANSERIFORMES ., 186

Family ANATIDZ ,..... 186
Cerna POM Vea cin isan e¥les 186
moschata (Linn.) ........ 186
Dendrocygna Swains, ........ 188
viduata (Linn.)......055: 189
discolor Sel, § Salv. ..,., 190
Alopochen Stejn. .......6.00: 192
Jubata (Spin) vievivccas 192
PORE ERR chs cae s Feu 193
brasiliense (Gimel.) ...... 193
Poecilonetta Myton ......666. 1)4
bahamensis (Zinn.) ...... 104
Querquedula Steph. .......44. 195
Hiest Oe Sere eee 15
Nomonyx Ridgw. .......... 106
dominicus ( Linn.) 2.2... 1u6

] SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Page | we 3 Page
Order PELECANIFORMES 197 Accipiter Briss... see eeeeeee 227
‘ superciliosus (Zimn.) .... 227
Family PHALACROCORA- bicolor ( Vietll.).....0... 228
CIDA wees reece eeneees 197 Heterospizias Sharpe ........ 229
sana ers er 197 meridionalis (Zath.)...... 229
So gece gs a Ps Eh POR EY. 198 Tachytriorchis Kaup ........ 231
‘ albicaudatus ( Veill.) .... 231
Family ANHINGIDZ .... 199 abbreviatus (Cab.) ...... a

: as Buteo License cso eet 2
“ilies o Tg Setent Greats es Sar stn d Orhtgny ods is 233
meeting (Tit eee ene hypospodius Gurney .... 285
Family Sutipz ........ 201 Buteola Sonap.. 6.35 casa nel 256
: brachyura (Vievll.) ...... 236
Sula Briss. .... 0... see se ee zor Asturina Vieill. .........6. 237
leucogaster (Bodd.)...... 201 nitidaibageyerok. so 237
: 2 Rupornis Peawp « ale hea eon 239
Pane GAS ea magnirostris (Gmel.) .... 239
Fregata Lucep. ....++..++..+- 202 Busarellus ofr: Soo en ee 242
minor (Gel) aeekta nina 202 nigricollis (Zath.)......., 243
¥ Buteogallus Less. .......... 244
Family Pevecanipa .... 203 aeininieeinas (Gmel.) .... 244
Pelecanus Lin; 44.06 s.550- 203..)} Upgubitines Jayco, use 246
occidentalis Linn. ,..... 204 urubitinga (Gmel.) ...... 246
anthracina Nitzsch ...... 248

4 C77) amr eo 24

onter CaTHARTIRORAES aos | Tenexpers uy ooo: $i
ON melanops (Zath.)........ 251
may CATE ee Morphnus Damih papel a oa Sint 252
Sarcoramphus Dum. ........ 206 guianensis (Daud.) ...... 95?
pape (LAr) 26 scene kes 206 Thrasaétus Bonap. ......+-.. 254
Coragyps Bonap. Satauhratetstatele rhe 208 harpyia ( Linn.) eee eae 954
foetens (Weed) .......... 208 Spizastur Gray .......0000- 257
Cathartes Jig. ............ 211 melanoleucus (V7eill.) .... 258
ruficollis Spur ............ 211 Spizaeius. Vel, i ss ve nace 958
ornatus (Daud.) ........ 259
é tyrannus (Wied) ........ 260
Order ACCIPITRIFORMES. Herpetotheres Vieill. .,...... 261
. cachinnans (Lim.) ...... 261
Homay EP AuCONI aa Elanoides Veil pane y poten gs 202
Polybotus! Paci: \.. 7255-1. ives 213 forficatus (Zinn.) ........ 262
cheriway (Jacg.) ........ 213 Rostrhamus 21633... 052 0s 5s 264
Thytter Piet, «icce ede eens 215 sociabilis (Vieill.) ...... 264
SEE (V AERA) ne ac eet eens 215 Chondrohierax Zess. ........ 267
americanus (Bodd.) ...... 216 uncinatus (Temm.) ...... 267
MilvasouGper > 2 Ss cc sake 217 palliatus (Temm.) ...... 267
chimachima ( Viel.) .... 217 Elanus Savigny..... Se ee 269
Cipcus alacant: t0ancwe nce 218 leucurus ( Viedll.)........ 270
bation: (Gmiehe) a sesiis cain aie 218 Ganinony Fi Svcs cenaragieiees 271
Micrasiie Naren > 5 facts cn eae 220 BWAIUEONL. 40. « cline eceed 271
brachypterus Temm. .... 221 PABr PSS VAG. hs aiess cca a 272
mirandollei Schl. ........ 221 bidentatus (Lath.) ...... 273
gilvicollis (Vieill.) ...... 222 Tetmin Vidi. - acs wae dei ee 274
interstes Bungs.......... 223 plumbea (Gmel.) ........ 274
Geranospizias Kaup.......... 224 Wale Panay Bir wterelane inse sins: 6 ox 275
cerulescens ( Vieill.) .... 224 fusco-cerulescens Vieill.,. 276
paar Deane os sie corks dient 225 rufigularis Daud......... 277
poliogaster (Temm.)...... 226 | deiroleucus Temm. ...... 278

SYSTEMATIC INDEX. li

Page

Cerchneis Bote... ccs. ce eee 279
isabellina (Swains.) ...... 279
Pandion Savigny ............ 281

carolinensis (Gmel.) ...... 281

Order STRIGIFORMES .. 282
8

Family STRIGIDZ ...... 282
ERT REIN iin ans bate a's 4 Oe
clamntor(Vzedl.) ...... 283
URNA) ae wane xc tec sx COS
scotinus Oberh. ........ 285
PRICRRIR ORO Oe ce eae e's DOO
perspicillata (Zath.) ..,. 286
OE a aA eae a 287
crucigerus (Spiv)...... pe Ol
Hophostrix 88. soc cae scans 289
eristata (Daud.) ........ 289
PR PP RGR 5-8 crs oS mieten 3 290
superciliaris macconnelli
CUMIRI tans wiv Sc 5, tn SOO
hahula {Daud.) «..<..+: 291
RIPEOUVIRK MUGS we a's’ c sin a pn nex 292
brachyptera Richm. ...... +292
Glaneniain, BO ais weiss os 293
phalznoides Daud. ...... 293
BGR EI oo exits odie Cv Vd ee 294
periata (Licht) 02.2.0: 295

Order PSITTACLFORMES. 296

Family Psirracipz .... 296
REE eatin Dexia was de as 296
ararauna (Linn.) ......+. 297
macao (Zimn.) ....2.0.6. 299
chloroptera Gray ........ 301
BOVEES (CLAMIe)” i ina dean 305
manilata (Bodd.)........ 304
hahni (Sowancé) ........ 305
Axatinga Spiro... ees ceee. 306
solstitialis (Zinn.) ...... 307
leucophthalma (P. Z. 8S.
MMR oe slg eep koe 5 498 we 308
eruginosa (Linn.) ...... 809
aurea (Gmel.) .....0005- 310
Pyrrhura Bonap. .........+.. dll
picta (P. L. S. Miill.) .... 311
egrepia (Sel.) ......+4.- 313
Bolborhynchus Bonap. ...... 314
panychlorus (Salv.§Godm.) 314
Vsittacula Kuhl ........ qaics LD
passerina (Linn,) ........ 315
Brotomeris Fig... occ wcvcacass 317
tUI1CA (GING) ss wceceves 317
chrysopterus (Linn.) .... 318
pee te ee eee 519

farinosa (Bodd.) ...s000. 319

Page
amazonica (Zinn.) ...... 320
ochrocephala (Gmel.) .... 322
dufresniana (Shaw) ...... 825
bodini (Finsch) ........ 326
fostiva (.LO:) oc cies cas 327
Fronts agi: iteynnn fees 0i2 328
menstruus (Linn.) ...... 529
fuscus (P. Z. S. Miill.) .. 339
Deroptyus Wagl. i... ..saseeus 832
accipitrinus (Zinn.) ...... 532
Pionopsitta Bonap. ........65 334
Gnlen (Lai)! eres aes 2 35
LOU Grog aviasyeen ods nies 336
batavica (Bodd.) ........ 336
purpurata (Gmel.) ...... B37
het (Fem) ocncessasn 538
PiOWURER CHEMI wise aa's,, cakes OO
melanocephala (Linn.),... 839

Order CORACIIFORMES.. 340

Family STEATORNITHID®, 340

Steatornis Humb. ........0. 341
caripensis Humb......... 542
Family ALCEDINIDE .... 343

Megaceryle Kaup ...c..-40s dtd
ale you: ( 2anniy 5.5 canara B44
torquata (Linn.) ......6- B45

Chloroceryle Kaup ....e..05. 347
amazona (Lath.) ........ 348
americana (Gmel.) ....+. 548
Cw @ 271 Ae eee ieee 349
Snes. CLAIM.) « nekts eekan 300
Family Momorip®...... 551

Blomotin BS. ogy eevee we 352
momota (Linn.) .....+-. 302

Family CapRIMULGID®.. 853

Nyctibius Veetll ........-06- 354
bracteatus Gould ........ 304
griseus (Gimel.) .......+ 809
longicaudatus (Spiv) .... 356
grandis (Gmel.) ....+06s 357

Chordeiles Swains. ....6+..+. 897
acutipennis (Bodd.) ...... 358

Nannochordeiles Hartert .... 358
septentrionalis ZZellm. .... 859

Nyctiprogne Bonap. ...se++- 359
leucopyga (Spir) .....ees 360

Podager Wagl, ..sssveeeees 360
nacunda ( Vieidll.) ......5: 360

i rocelia CHEN wit. eatedee 361

semitorquatus (Gmel.) 6... 562

lii

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Page Page

Hydropsalis Wagl. .........- 562 Hylocharis Bue “a bo \oenev an 399

* schomburgki Sel. ........ 362 viridiventris Berl. ...... 400

Nyctidromus Gould ...4.... 363 sapphirina (Gimel.) ...... 400
albicollis (Gmel.) ........ 363 Chlorestes Reichenh. ........ 401

Thermochalcis 2tichm. ...... 564 notatus (Reich.) ........ 401
cayennensis (Gimel.)...... 365 Chlorostilbon Gould...... 4033
ruficervix (Sel.) ........ 366 subfurcatus Berl. ........ 403

Caprimulgus Linn, .........-. 367 Thalurania Gould .......... 404
maculicaudus (Zawr.) .... 867 fissilis Berl. § Hart. .. 404
whitelyi (Salvin) ........ 368 Petasophora Gray .......... 405
nigrescens Cab,......++. ooo 4 germana Salv.§ Gedm. .. 406

delphinze (Zess.) ........ 407
Family Mrcropopipm .. 370 | Avocettula Zteichend. .......- 408
‘ F ae | recurvirostris (Swains.) .. 408

Cheetura Steph. «2. .++++00.. a | Anthracothorax Bote ........ 409
albocincta (Cab.) ........- ore | violicanda (Boddy = S 410
brachyura (Jard.) ...... ay viridigula (Bodd.) ...... 411
spinicauda (Bore) .......- a2] Chrysolampis Bate oo a6 evens A\2
guianensis Hartert ...... 3/3 Lelatas (Lina). = 0ee. tae 412

Cypseloides Streub. .......... ora Pstlumycter Harter? .....2-% 415
rutilus (V tell.) agence por theresive (Da Silon) ...... 414

_ nigta (Gmel.) .....+-.-- ais Polytmus Bigs ty oes 415

Reinarda Hartert ........-. lee es) chrysobronchus (Shaw) .. 415
squamata (Cass.) ........ 376 | “'Popaza Gray sinks clo aee 416

Panyptila Cab. ... vette eens pie pally:( Zalman ni, bea 417
SEE DMSBSIS LEE ean Fie Heliodoxa Gould .... 0... 419

= xanthoyzenys Salv. § Godm. me

= eliothrix Bove cs ae aa ee
Suborder TRocmILI.... 3/7 ONTIES (CNEL Pah. 4 oni 0 es 420
Be: , =F Anthoscenus Tichm. ........ 421
Fahy tn ces | superbus (Shaw) .......: 422

Doryfera Gowd ......+..--. StS +! -iGaltighion How i cede Jae 423
johannee (Boure.)........ 378 amethystina (Bodd.) 424

Threnetes Goulds. 5),1.0010-2ee28 379°). Hephosniatess, 5.5), oak 424
leucurus (Linn.) ....-.+, 380 omatus (Bodd:) occas 425

Glaucis Bote... .. 6... sees ees 380 pavoninus Salv. § Gidm... 426
hirsuta (Gmel.)..... +0005 380 Discosnra Bunap. ........... 427

Phaéthornis Swains. ........ 382 longicauda (Gmel.) ...... 427
superciliosus (Linn.) .... a

us JUNC.) woveveee pate
pouiereer ue beret 385 Order TROGONES ...... 429
rupurumii Boucard ...... 385 wees 4 2
TonARAeCe OF) Pre oes Ba st pou
ruber (Linn.) here Roa 387 Trogon Linn. -s. tote eee ecene 429
episcopus Gould ........ 398 penne ea Syrine 430

Campylopterus Szains. ...... 389 P vidis Lin ait er bles ree
largipennis (Bodd.) ...... 390 Viridis Linn. ...... «+... 432
hyperythrus, Cab. ...... 29] rufus Gmel. ......e0.-0s 435

Florisuga Bonap. ......0...5. 292 violaceus Gmel. ........ 434
mellivora (Linn.)........ 392}

Melanotrochilus Deslongch. .. 395 Order COCCYGES ...... 435
fuseus'( Peed. ive rains 393 :

Agyrtrina Chubb ......ceecee 395 Family Cucutip2 ...... 435
fimbriata (Gmel.) ........ 395 Coceymna Vieille svieds ev cdcss 435
leucogaster (Gmel.) ...... 396 SING ECG MEL, Vos oon ate os 436
whitelyi (Boucard) ...... 597 melacoryphus Vieill. .... 487

Saucerottea Bonap. .......... 398 americanus (Jinn.) ...... 437
cupreicauda (Salv.§Godm.) 898 | QUIN CAD: iss ses da kee HO

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Page

Yh EAM ies, 5 p95 ie’ me 439
eayena (Lin) a. ok sees 459
melanogaster (Vieil/.) .... 441
pa tO) ee 44]
Neomorphus Glog. .......... 442
rufipennis Gray ........ 443
ATIEDR LRUMDS Sars va vec os 443
MIDOW I LANES YS cx eid aso 445
Dromococcyx Wied .......... 445
pavoninus Pelz. ........ 445
Crotophaga Linn. .......... 446
EEN Garni sy sk ee eS» 446
ME CONE lence ces aiuis eee 448
Order SCANSORES ...... 449
Family Capironip 449
Ue 1 a 450
niger (P. LZ. S. Miill.) . 450
Family Rampnastip® ., 451
Ramphastus Linn. ........45 451
toes 2 DS. PG. sess 453
monilis P. L. S. Mill. .... 464
osculans Gould .......... 455
vitellinus Licht, ........ 456
Pteroglossus Illig. .......... 457
roraimee Brabourne§ Chubb. 458
Wires (PON Wes ovis es 459
Selenidera Gould ........5555 460
et GL 207 oe 460
nattereri (Growld)........ 461
Aulacorhamphus Gray ...... 462
whitelyanus Salv, § Godm, 462
Order PICIFORMES...... 463
Family GALBULIDZ ..., 463
Urogalba Bonap. ......000 50+ 464
dea (Linn.) ..... stimu sdiainus 464
Galbula Briss... 6505 0 ying es 466
galbula (Linn.).......... 466
ruficauda Cuv. ...... jereaen
leucogaster Vieill. ...... 468

albirostris Lath. ........ 469

Page

Brachygalba Bonap. ........ 470
lugubris (Sewains.) ...... 470
Jacamerops TE eee ty aaa 471
aurea (P. ZL. S. Miill.).... 471
Family Bucconip® . 472
ESCEGE Weipa iiers piccainss wake sesii ia va 472
CApeNnsis LAM. ces ean ss 473
macrorhynchus Gmel..... 473
tectus: Badd. veiwss enn os 474
tamatia Gel. ........0. 75
Malacoptila Gray .......... 476
Peek (awe eo ganas are 476
Momasa FV aeH. 3 Sora ie ee 477
niger (P. LZ. S. Miill.) .... 477
Chelidoptera Gould .......... 478
tenebrosa (Pull.) ........ 479
Family Pica asics, 480
Chloronerpes Swains ........ 481
capistratus ( Bonap.) 482
flavigula (Bodd.) ........ 482
rubiginosus (Swains.) ..., 4838
Melanerpes Stains... ...... . 484
cruentatus (Bodd.) ..... . 485
rubrifrons (Sptv) ......6 486
Veniliornis Bonap. .......... 486
sanguineus (Lreht.) ...... 487
passerinus (Zinn.) ...,.. 488
easwini (aie)... bees os 488
Pelend Boe. ooo < s uate hig wed 489
hellmayri Berl. ......4. 490
wundatus (.£imn.) <iccs2 ess 490
Cerchneipicus Bonap. ........ 491
torquatus (Bodd.) ...... 491
Crocomorphus Hargitt .,.... 492
flavus P. Z. S.Miill. .... 402
Campephilus Gray .......... 493
rubricollis (Bodd.) ...... 494
melanoleucus (Gmel.) .... 495
Ceophlceus Cab. § Hein. 496
lineatus (Zinn.) ...ceves 496
PN cd aa k's no vik 0 497
macconnelli Sharpe ....-. 498
spilogaster Sundev. ...... 498
undulatus Hargitt ... 499

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BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Order TINAMIFORMES.

Family TINAMID&.

Toe Tinamous are birds of medium size, ranging from the
dimensions of a Quail to that of a Guinea-fowl, and more or
less like game-birds in appearance, but they can always be

\\y

‘,
1 roe
Ws

Tinamus tao septentrionalis.
Fig. 1.—To show the character of the bill, which is peculiar to the family.

distinguished by their long thin bills, short tails, and small feet.
Their eggs are, moreover, peculiar by the highly polished shells.
The distribution of the family is within the limits of the
Lb

2 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Neotropical Region, and is known to occur from Mexico through
Central and South America to Patagonia.

The family comprises about seventy species, seven of which
are represented in British Guiana, two being endemic,

Genus TINAMUS Herm.

Tinamus Hermann, Tab. Affin, Anim. p. 164, 1783. Type Z. major
(Gmel.).

This genus is distinguished from Crypturus chiefly by the larger
size of the birds, the longer tails, and the roughness on the hinder
portion of the tarsus which is composed of hexagonal scales, while
the front aspect is smooth and transversely scutellated.

[ a,

oe pet SS SY PE
Te a)
FF €

Fig. 2.—To illustrate the transverse scutellations on the front part of
tarsi and the hexagonal scales on the hinder portion.

Key to the Species.

a. Larger, wing more than 250 mm. ;

upper surface blackish, broadly barred ;

crown of head black .................... QZ tao septentrionalis, p. 2.
b. Smaller, wing less than 250mm. ; upper

surface olive. almost uniform; crown

of head chestitttcwescivesscresesencaraaae. ho ODJOR

1. Tinamus tao septentrionalis,
NortTHERN Buve TINAMOU.

Tinamus tao septentrionalis Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat.
Hist. (8) xii. p.578, December 1913 (Plains of Cumana, Venezuela).

Tinamus tao Temm., Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 497, part,
1895; Beebe, Zoologica, i. p. 71, 1909; id. Our Search for a
Wilderness, pp. 821, 389, 1910.

Trachypelmus canus (Wagl.), Cab. in Schomb, Reis. Guian. iii. p. 749,
1848.

Adult male. Head and nape black ; sides of face also black

TINAMUS. 3

intermixed with white ; a variegated line of black and white on
each side of the nape; mantle and lesser upper wing-coverts black
minutely freckled with olive ; back black with wavy olive cross-
bars which increase in width on the lower back and rump; upper
tail-coverts like the mantle ; tail black freckled with olive ;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black, outer webs
of secondaries coarsely mottled with olive ; throat white mottled
with black ; lower fore-neck and breast slate-grey with a slight
trace of narrow black wavy lines ; abdomen pale buff; flanks and
thighs freckled with grey and buff; a black garter immediately
above the knee-joint ; under tail-coverts ferruginous buff mottled
and lined with grey. “ Iris red-brown” ( Goering).

Total length 445 mmn., culmen 37, wing 282, tail 96, tarsus 73
middle toe and claw 41.

The McConnell collection does not possess an example of this
species. ‘The above description is taken from a specimen in
the British Museum, collected at San Esteban, Venezuela, by
A. Goering : Salvin-Gedman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ A slight hollow seratched in the ground ” (Beebe),

Feggs. “ They are of a medium shade of shining turquoise-blue,
In shape they are spheroidal, with almost equally rounded ends.
The measurements are 58 x 48 mm.” (Beebe).

Range in British Guiana. Aremu River (Beele).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela and Colombia.

The occurrence of this bird in British Guiana was first recorded
by Cabanis, who described Schomburgk’s collection of birds (Reis.
Guian. lil. p. 749) which was made during the expedition to deter-
mine the boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana.
Mr. McConnell did not observe it on any of his travels in the
Colony, neither was it represented in anv of Whitely’s collections.
Mr. C. W. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 321, 389),
however, mentions having seen it on the Aremu River.

The British Guiana bird was, until quite recently, known
as 7. tao, Temm. from Para, but Brabourne and Chubb have
described it (Ann, & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8) xii. p. 578) as a separate
race. ;

Mr. ©. W. Beebe (Zoologica, vol. i. p. 71) records his obser-
vations of the species in Venezuela: —* The first news we had of
this bird was at the village of Guanoco, where some of the natives
and Indians recognized a painting IL showed them, calling: it

BZ

4 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

‘gallina del monte con los huavos azules,’ which at once
identified it.

“ We found that the Tinamou inhabited dense jungle, especially
on the slopes of rather steep hill-sides, and in such places their
high-pitched, rolling trill would occasionally be heard. To catch
sight of them was a difficult matter, and only twice did they give
us an oppportunity to use our glasses and gun. The dark cross-
bars or markings show distinctly on the dorsal plumage, which,
in shadow, appears strongly bluish.

“On April 12th, after hearing a bird call near at hand, we
forced our way towards it into an open glade, a former clearing of
some Indian, or made by the cutting of trees for the Pitch
Lake Company.

“A Tinamou was seen to creep stealthily along close to the
ground, keeping near a rotten log. As it crouched and sprang
into the air in flight, we secured it, and found it was of this
species. It proved to be a male bird, with the breast-feathers
much worn from incubating. Near where we first caught sight
of the bird we found a nest with two eggs still warm from the
heat of the parent’s body. It consisted merely of a slight hollow
scratched in the ground near the end of the log, in a rather open
patch of grass. One egg was clear, the other was about to hatch.
They are of a medium shade of shining turquoise-blue, the ege
containing the embryo being about a shade darker than the
other. The inner surface of the shell is pale, pearl-grey. In
shape they are spheroidal, with almost equally rounded ends.
The measurements are: the clear egg 56 x 48 mm., the fertile
egg 58 x 48 mm.”

2. Tinamus major.

Great TINAMOU.

Tinamus major (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 767, 1789 (Cayenne) ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 2, no. 10, 1912.

Trachypelmus subcristatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 749,
1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 48, 1876 (Puruni
River).

Tinamus subcristatus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 181 (Camacusa: Merumé
Mts.); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 817 (Maccasseema, Pomeroon
River) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. pp. 220, 8326, 1890 (Upper Berbice
River) ; Lloyd Price, op. cit. v. p. 68, 1891 (nest and eggs);
Salvadori, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 504, 1895 (Takutu River) ;
Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 1, 1897 (habits); Beebe, Our Search
for a Wilderness, pp. 319, 389, 1910 (Aremu River).

TINAMUS. 5

Tinamus major major Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8)
xii. p. 579, December 1913.

“Maam” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult. Olive-brown above with a tinge of chestnut-brown on
the middle of the back ; head and nuchal crest deep chestnut ;
breast and under surface inclining to white and the vermiculations
much finer; under tail-coverts vary in colour from ferruginous to
pale buff and the brown pattern varies in extent ; bastard-wing,
primary-coverts, and quills dark brown mottled with rufous
brown on the outer webs of the secondary quills, the innermost
secondaries tinged with olive on the outer webs and at the tips.

Total length 400 mm., culmen 3], wing 240, tail 69, tarsus 70,
middle toe and claw 37. This example was obtained on the
Ituribisi River.

Male and female are similar in plumage.

Young in down. Upper surface chestnut varied with paler and
darker colours on the various parts ; the forehead is cinnamon with
an almost blackish line across the head from eye to eye, which
extends backward in a narrow line along the sides of the crown
on to the sides of the occiput ; middle of crown darker than the
forehead ; a broad whitish band from the eye to the sides of the
upper hind-neck, which is tinged with cinnamon ; lores darker
than the forehead ; behind tke eye a broad dark chestnut line
which covers the ears and extends in a narrow streak to the gape ;
a pale buff spot below the eye; lower back and rump golden
yellow with an ochreous line on each side, this line is followed by
a much darker brown velvety patch on the sides of the body,
becoming paler on the tail ; throat white followed by pale cinna-
mon-rufous on the fore-neck and breast ; abdomen inclining
to white.—Ituribisi River.

There are four other specimens which are in nestling down and
similarly marked, but the characters vary more or less in each
individual.

Two other examples still retain down on the head, middle of the
back, and rump. The wing-feathers are partially developed,
the coverts being grey finely mottled with minute brown and white
spots at the tips, becoming more ferruginous on the outer webs
of the secondary quills; tail-feathers similar to the secondary
quills with rufous spots on the margins ; the under surface, which
is still of a downy texture, has a band of chestnut on the fore-
neck, the breast and abdomen grey.—Supenaam River,

Another young individual, which still wears the down on the

6 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

head, has the back entirely feathered and is of a rich chestnut-
brown with ferruginous spots at the tips and outer margins
of the secondaries; the under surface is also feathered, being
olive-brown in colour with wavy butt cross-bars—From_ the
Supenaam River.

The next stage of advance is marked by the chestnut colour on
the head, the broad black bars on the upper surface, the rufous
mottlings on the greater upper wing-coyerts and the outer webs of
the secondary quills.

Breeding-season. “ February to April” (Schomburgk).

Nest. “It nests on the ground by making a slight depression
among the leaves near the root of a tree” (Schomburgk). ‘The
nest simply consists of a slight depression in the ground lined
with dead leaves ” (C. A. Lloyd).

Jiggs. “The eges are seven to ten in number, of a bluish-green
colour” (Schomburgk). ‘The eggs, which number from seven to
eight, are almost spherical in shape, and of a bluish-green colour 7”
(C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Tturibisi River,
Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River,
Anarica River, Aurora Creek, Arawai Creek, Essequebo River
(McConnell collection) ; Puruni River (Brown); Takutu River,
Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains (W/itely) ; Maccasseema, Pome-
roon River (W. LL. Scelater) ; Aremu River (Beebe); Upper
Berbice River (Quelch).

Eatralimital Range. North Brazil.

The name of this bird was for many years applied to 7. serratus
(Spix), until Mr. Hellmayr in his excellent work, ‘ Revision der
Spix’schen Typen brasilianischer Vogel,’ pointed out that the
Guiana bird is the one to which Gmelin gave the name Tetrao
Major.

flalits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 749) this
species inhabits the whole of British Guiana, but only in the thick
woods. It nests on the ground by making a slight depression,
among leaves near the root of a tree. The eggs are seven to ten
in number, of a bluish-green colour, and the breeding-season is
from February to April. During the day it is found on the
ground feeding on fruits, seeds, and insects ; during the night on
trees, in spite of the absence of a hind-toe. Towards dusk one
hears its melancholy voice. Its flesh is delicate. This bird is
often tamed by the natives.

Mr. C. W. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 318)

TINAMUS.—CRYPTURUS.

gives the following note :—‘ After a half-hour’s walk Francis
motioned me to take the greatest care, and pressed my shoulder
lower until I was almost on my knees while we slowly crept
around a great mora trunk. He pointed steadily ahead, but after
a three-minute scrutiny I could discern not a sign of life. Then
he raised his gun and fired, and set loose a half-dozen feathered
bombs, or so it sounded as a flock of nearly full-grown Guiana
Crested Tinamou arose with a roar. I secured one with a quick
snap shot and we tied up the brace of birds with a slender tough
bush-thread. Fastening head, feet, and wings together, the
Indian tied them ingeniously around his waist, the birds hanging
down behind out of the way.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (‘limebri (2) xi. p. 1) gives the following
notes :—“ The large ‘Maam,’ Tinamus subcristatus, one of the
commonest of our game birds, generally selects the bank of a
small creek as the site for its nest, which it often places between
the spurs of a Mora, Dimorphandra mora. The nest simply
consists of a slight depression in the ground lined with dead leaves.
The eggs, which number from seven to eight, are almost spherical
in shape, and of a bluish-green colour, having the glossy sheen
peculiar to the eggs of the Tinamous, a character which dis-
tinguishes them at once from other eggs.

“ According to the statements of many old bushmen, this bird
sometimes lays as many as ten eggs, but we never recollect having
taken more than eight at one time.”

Genus CRYPTURUS Illig.
Crypturus Tlliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 244, 1811. Type

C. cinereus (Gmel.).

This genus differs from Tinamus by the smaller size of the
birds, the shorter tails, and the absence of the hexagonal seales
on the hinder portion of the tarsus which is smooth like the front
portion,

Key to the Species.

A. Upper surface uniform.
a’. Back sooty-black; head dark rufous ; breast

MTU BUCOMON BIGCK .6.i.h cis scrivi cls sccavxece C. macconnelli, p. 8.
b'. Back and abdomen cinnamon-brown _...... C. cinereus, p. 9.
c’. Back chestnut; head black; breast and

abdomen bright rufous ..,...0..sesssesevess C. soui, p. 10.
d', Back cinnamon-brown; head blackish in

front, rufous on hinder crown ;_ breast

)
grey; abdomen dull rufous,......c0..0 0080 . ©, dissimilis, p. LL.

8 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.
B. Upper surface barred or freckled.

e'. Back black barred with orange-buff ; breast

MELOUS A has cay tas 5 sean s Ea bs hae

f'. Back cinnamon minutely freckled with

dark brown; breast grey........csce00s

C. variegatus, p. 12. |
we ©. simplex, p. 16.

Hinder aspect of tarsus. Back view of tarsus.

Front view of tarsus,
Crypturus. Tinamus, see fig. 2.

Crypturus.

3. Crypturus macconnelli,
McConnewu’s TiNAMOU.

(Plate I. fig. 1.)

Crypturus cinereus Hein. & Reichen. (nec Gmel.) Nomencl. Mus. Hein.
Orn. p. 303, 1890 (Surinam); Penard, Vog. Guyana, i. p. 320,
1910; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 3, no. 16, 1912.

Crypturus macconnelli Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.
(8) xi. p. 820, October 1914.

Adult. Upper surface sooty-black with a slight wash of rusty
brown; the head rather more rusty brown ;__ bastard-wing, .
primary-coverts, and quills uniform blackish brown; under
surface dusky brown showing white sbaft-streaks on the sides of

birds of British Gutana. Vol. J. PUL. I.

3 Tta
Bale & Damelsson,L

1. Grypturus macconnellv . 2. Crypturus cinereus.
Me Connells Tinamouw. Cinereus Tinamou.

CRYPTURUS. 9

the face and throat; the feathers on the breast and sides of the
body have paler edges, which impart a scalloped appearance ;
thighs and crissum dusky grey with pale buff bars and mottlings
on the feathers ; under tail-coverts sooty-black barred with pale
buff ; under wing-coverts dark brown, the larger series and quill-
lining dusky grey.

Total length 280 mm., culmen 28, wing 185, tail 50, tarsus 55,
middle toe and claw 44.

The bird described above was collected at Bartica in 1911,

Male and female are similar in colour of plumage.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded.

Vest. Unknown.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Bonasika River, Abary River (AZ:Connell collection).

Extralimital Range. Surinam.

This bird appears to be restricted to the lowlands of British
Guiana and we include Surinam, from the fact that there is an
example of this species in the Rothschild Museum at Tring froin
the Dutch Colony.

Habits. Not known in British Guiana.

4, Crypturus cinereus.
CrnerEous TrNamou.
(Plate I. fig. 2.)

Crypturus cinereus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 768, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 517, 1895 (Takutu River) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8) xiv. p. 319,
October 1914.

Adult male. General colour above and below uniform cinnamon-
brown, much paler on the head, hind-neck, and throat.

Total length 275 mm., culmen 28, wing 170, tail 51, tarsus 51,
middle toe anil claw 38.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. “Eye light hazel ;
legs and toes yellowish brown; claws horn” (//. Whitely).

Total length 268 mm., culmen 33, wing 183, tail 50, tarsus 53,
middle toe and claw 40,

Mr. McConnell never met with this species in the Colony, and
the only record of its occurrence is that mentioned by Count
Salvadori (Cat. B. Brit. Mus, xxvii. p. 517), which was collected
by the late Henry Whitely on the Takutu River in the extreme
west portion of British Guiana.

10 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

5. Crypturus soui.
PILEATED TINAMOU.

Crypturus souc (Herm.), Tabl. Affinitat. p. 165, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 3, no. 22, 1912.

Crypturus sovi (Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 748,
1848.

Crypturus pileatus (Bodd.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 181 (Merumé Mts.) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 522, 1895 (Roraima: Bartica
Grove).

Crypturus soui sout Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8)
xiv. p. 319, October 1914.

Adult. Entire back, scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts
chestnut ; tail-feathers grey at the base and rufous at the tips ;
sides of rump and upper wing-coverts chestnut somewhat brighter
than the back, the latter having slate-grey bases; bastard-wing,
primary-coverts, and quills blackish with rufous edges to the
outer webs of the secondaries ; crown and nape dark slate-grey,
paler on the sides of the face; a tinge of chestnut in front of the
eye; entire under surface rufous, paler on the throat where the
feathers have white bases, darker on the fore-neck and sides of
the body, paler on the middle of the abdomen, and sandy buff
on the under tail-coverts ; marginal under wing-coverts blackish,
inner ones grey tinged with buff, the greater series and quill-
lining silvery grey.

Total length 215 mm., culmen 23, wing 131, tail 37, tarsus 40,
middle toe and claw 29.

The description is taken from an example collected at Bartica.

Adult male and female are similar in colour of plumage.

Three examples, from the Mazaruui River, Bonasika River, and
Supenaam River, which are apparently adult, have the chin and
throat for the most part white and the chestnut on the upper surface
not quite so bright. A specimen from Anarica River is similar,
but the feathers on the lower flanks have buffy-white tips, which
gives a barred appearance.

Two others, one from Mount Roraima and another from Kama-~
kabra River, apparently immature, have the upper surface much
duller, abdomen much paler, inclining to dull white, and the upper
wing-coverts tipped with buff as also the lower flank-feathers.

Young. Has the head slate-grey with a tinge of buff inter-
mixed; back and upper wing-coverts warm brown with bright

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buff edgings to the feathers and submarginal black spots; forehead
and sides of the face rather paler grey than the top of the head ;
throat entirely white ; sides of the breast similar to the back but
rather paler; middle of the breast ochraceous with black bars on
some of the feathers like the sides of the abdomen ; middle of the
abdomen paler and more uniform.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Nests on the ground” (Schomburgk).

Kags. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Range in British Guana. Mount Roraima, Mazaruni River,
Ituribisi River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River,
Anarica River, Tiger Creek, Essequebo, Great Falls, Demerara
River (AfeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Brazil, Cayenne, and Surinam.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 748) this
species also nests on the ground and feeds on fruit and insects.
Its whistling call is often heard during the night. The “ Warraus”
eall it Dubguasimo.

6. Crypturus dissimilis.
SALVADORI'’s TINAMOU.
(Plate IT. fig, 1.)

Crypturus dissimilis Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 541, 1895
(Quonga River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 5, no. 42,
1912; iid. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8) xiv. p. 320, October 1914.

Crypturus noctivagus Cab. (nee Wied) in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 748, 1848.

Adult male. Cinnamon-brown above varied with dark narrow
edgings to the feathers on the rump; upper tail-coverts barred
with olive and black and edged with buff at the tips; upper
wing-coverts paler than the back and inclining to grey, the
outer greater coverts dark brown on the outer webs and grey on
the inner ones ; the inner major coverts for the most part olive
with traces of dark cross-bars; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills blackish, some of the innermost secondaries mottled with
olive-brown ; fore part of head blackish; nape and hind-neck
rufous; superciliary line and sides of face pale rufous; throat
white washed with rufous; fore-neck, chest, and sides of breast
grey ; breast and sides of abdomen dull rufous becoming paler

12 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and whitish on the middle of the latter; flanks also dull rufous
with dark cross-bars on the lower portion; under tail-coverts
black mottled with buff and tipped with white.

Total length 280 mm., culmen 28, wing 155, tail 47, tarsus 59,
middle toe and claw 26,

The above description is that of a bird collected on the Kamuni
River.

The adult female differs from the adult male in being more
rufous on the fore-neck and more barred on the back and wings,
and, moreover, by its slightly larger size. Wing 170 mm.

There are two more examples of this species, one collected on
Ituribisi River and the other on the Abary River. They are
similar to the bird described, but differ in being more barred on
the lower back, the white edgings to the wing-coverts on the
upper surface paler, and more barred on the under surface.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

F7ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range restricted to British Guiana. Kamuni River, Ituribisi
River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Quonga River
(Whately) ; Corentyne River (Im Thurn).

Halnts. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 748) that the
habits of this bird are the same as those of C. variegatus, but he
has never found its nest.

7. Crypturus variegatus.
VARIEGATED TINAMOU.

Crypturus variegatus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 768, 1789 (Guiana) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 748, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 181 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts.); Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 326,
1890 (Upper Berbice River); Lloyd Price, op. cit. v. p. 68, 1891
(nest and eggs); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit Mus. xxvii. p. 535, 1895
(Takutu River); Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 2, 1897; Beebe, Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 3380, 1910 (Aremu River); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 4, no. 30, 1912. ;

Crypturus variegatus variegatus Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat.
Hist. (8) xiv. p. 320, October 1914.

“ Mamoo Swagger: Small Maam ” (Lloyd).

Adult. Upper surface including the back, wings, and _ tail
black with orange-buff cross-bars to the feathers ; bastard-wing,

CRYPTURUS. 13

primary-coyverts, and quills black with buff mottlings and bars on
the outer webs of the secondaries ; crown of head black becoming
paler on the sides of the face ; hind-neck, sides of neck, fore-neck,
and breast chestnut, somewhat paler on the last; chin white ;
sides of the body similar to the upper surface ; abdomen whitish ;
the feathers on the lower flanks tipped with white; under tail-
coverts chestnut followed by black and tipped with sandy buff ;
marginal under wing-coverts blackish, the inner ones, greater
series, and quill-lining silvery grey.

Total length 245 mm., culmen 32, wing 170, tail 47, tarsus 43,
middle toe and claw 30.

The description is that of an example obtained on the Makauria
River in August 1910.

The male and female are similar in the colour of the plumage,
but the female is slightly the larger.

Young. Head and neck covered with down; forehead, a line
over the eye, which widens out on the sides of the hinder crown,
sides of face, and throat golden buff; chin paler and inclining to
dull white ; a narrow line of black from the base of the bill to the
eye; crown of head dark chestnut as also a streak from behind
the eye extending backward through the ear-coverts ; a narrow
line of black feathers, tipped with buffy white, running from the
middle of the crown to the nape; back rufous brown, some of
the feathers margined with white ; upper wing-coverts grey with
a wash of rufous, edged with white, and a narrow submarginal
black cross-bar ; secondaries dark brown, or grey with rufous on
the outer webs; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills dark
brown, some of the inner primaries inclining to rufous on the
outer webs near the tip ; under surface rufous brown, the feathers
narrowly barred with black and edged with white at the tips.

This example was obtained on the Abary River in September
1907.

Another young bird, which still retains a small portion of down
on the head and hind-neck, has the upper surface chestnut-brown
with minute white spots at the tips of the feathers; upper wing-
coverts paler than the back and edged with white at the tips; the
outer webs of the secondary quills rufous ; fore-neck and breast
pale rufous barred with black and tipped with white, somewhat
darker on the sides of the breast and sides of body; paler on
the abdomen where the feathers have no black bars, some of

14 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

the under tail-coverts dark chestnut with a subapical black spot
and tipped with white.

This individual was obtained at Makauria River in August
1910,

An example from the Ituribisi River, which is slightly more
advanced in age, has the back almost uniform rufous brown and
many of the breast-feathers without a black cross-bar.

A young bird in the collection shows the approach of the blackish
feathers on the top of the head and the disappearing of the
down; the sides of the head and hind-neck still retain the down ;
back and wing-coverts rich olive-brown coarsely marked with
black and spots and bars of golden buff; a large amount of
black is seen on the feathers of the breast and sides of the body
which are more or less olive-brown, becoming paler and almost
pure white on the middle of the abdomen; under tail-coverts
pale buff marked with rufous and black.—lIturibisi River, October
1908.

A second young specimen from the same locality, which also
retains down on the head, has the back almost uniform chestnut,
and the black marks, so conspicuous in the other bird, scarcely
observable in this one; the breast and sides of body pale rufous
with scarcely a trace of black on any of the feathers; under
tail-coverts rufous marked with black and tipped with white.

The series of adult birds shows great variation of colour on the
under surface, some birds are almost entirely rufous, while others
display a great deal of white. There appears to be great variation
of colour on the under tail-coverts—for instance, while some are
black tipped with buff others are entirely buff with longitudinal
black or chestnut markings.

We do not understand Count Salvadori’s remark concerning
the female of this species, which he says differs from the male by
having two rufous bands on the feathers. We have compared a
series of twenty examples, both male and female, and find that all
have two bands on each feather.

Breeding-season. “This bird seems to have no particular breeding
season” (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. “It nests on the ground in a hollow seratched out by
itself” (Schomburgk). ‘Makes no attempt at a nest at all but
deposits its single egg on the ground at random” (C. A. Lloyd).

Iggs. “Lays but two eggs of a chocolate colour” (H, Lloyd

CRYPTURUS. 15

Price). ‘In colour they are deep chocolate, washed with pinkish
violet” (C. A. Lloyd).

“Tt is asserted that this bird occasionally lays Si egos, but as
we have never met with an instance, most likely ne eges of
another Small Maam have been mistaken for it” (C. A. Lloyd,
Timehri (2) xi. p. 2).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River,
Makauria River, Abary River, Mazaruni River, Kamuni River,
Great Falls, Demerara River, Aurora Creek, Tiger Creek
(McConnell collection) ; Takutu River, Mount Roraima, Merumé
Mountains, Kamakusa, Bartica (Whitely); Upper Berbice River
(Quelch); Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guan. iii. p. 748) says that this
bird is found throughout British Guiana. It lives on the ground
and he supposes that it roosts in trees, but is not certain. It nests
on the ground in a hollow scratched by itself. The brooding bird
sits very close on the egg and does not leave it on the approach of
a human being. During the day one often hears its wailing
whistling call sounding through the woods. The “Arekunas” and
* Macusis”’ call it Woreiwa.

Regarding this bird, Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 2,
1897) writes :—‘‘ Another of the Tinamous, the ‘ Mamoo Swagver’
of the ‘ Bovianders,’ Crypturus variegatus, makes no attempt at
a nest at all but deposits its single egg on the ground at random.
This bird seems to have no particular breeding-season, as its eggs
can be obtained throughout the year. In colour they are deep
chocolate, washed with pinkish violet, and are so curious that
when once seen they cannot easily be forgotten. Unlike its
larger congener which roosts on trees, the Mamoo Swagger passes
the night on the ground, and is never seen to perch, in fact its
small weak feet preclude its being able to do so. It is asserted
that this bird occasionally lays two eggs, but as we have never
met with an instance, most likely the eggs of another small Maam
have been mistaken for it.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch, writing from the Upper Berbice River
(Timehri (2) iv. p. 826, 1890), remarks that several of the
“Small Maam” were obtained, whose flesh afforded a welcome
relief from the tinned meats,

16 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

8. Crypturus simplex.
Mopest TINAMoU.
(Plate II. fig. 2.)
Crypturus simplex Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 531, 1895
(Rupuruni River).
Crypturus adspersus (nec Temm.), Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. America,
i. p. 4. no. 29 part, 1912.
Crypturus adspersus simplex Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat.
Hist. (8) xiv. p. 819, October 1914.

Adult. Nape, hind-neck, and back cinnamon-brown minutely
freckled with black, becoming paler on the upper wing-coverts,
outer webs of the secondary quills, upper tail-coverts, and tips of
tail-feathers ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills pale
brown; fore part of head greyish brown ; sides of face and throat
ash-grey, paler on the throat and darker on the ear-coverts ; fore-
neck and sides of breast pale grey with almost obsolete minute
black frecklings, becoming uniform dull white on the middle of
the breast and abdomen; lower flanks and thighs isabelline, with
dark brown wavy cross-bars; under tail-coverts fulvous coarsely
marked with black ; marginal under wing-coverts dark brown, the
inner ones, greater series, and quill-lining pale ash-grey, the last
pale brown along the shafts.

Total length 335 mm., culmen 30, wing 182, tail 53, tarsus 50,
middle toe and claw 35.

The bird described above was collected by Mr. McConnell during
his expedition to the Great Savannas in 1894,

The male and female are similar in colour of plumage, but the
female is rather larger in size.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range confined to British Guana. Great Savannas, Supenaam
River (Adc Connell collection) ; Rupuruni River (JV hitely).

Order GALLIFORMES.
Family CRACID A.

The Cracidee or Curassows are large birds ranging in size from
the Capereailie to a small fowl. They are only known to occur
in Central and South America and are represented in British
Guiana by six genera and nine species.

CRAX. VW

Genus CRAX Linn.
Crax Linné, Syst. Nat. LOth ed. p. 157, 1758. Type C. nigra Linn.

The diagnostic characters of this genus are the unfeathered
lores, the depth of the upper mandible being greater than its
width, the crest-feathers curled forward, the tail-feathers twelve
in number, and the tail shorter than the wing.

9. Crax nigra.

CRESTED CuRASSOW.

Crax nigra Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 157, 1758 (“ Habitat in
America australi”’).

Crax alector Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 269, 1766 (Cayenne); Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 746, 1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp
Life, pp. 187, 345, 1876; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174 (Camacusa) ;
W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Pomeroon River); Quelch,
Timehri (2) iv. p. 826, 1890 (Upper Berbice River) ; Ogilvie-Grant,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 475, 1893 (Demerara) ; Lloyd, Timehri
(2) xi. p. 4, 1897; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 332,
335, 389, 1910 (Aremu); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 8,
no. 74, 1912.

“ Powie” (Brown) or “ Powsie” (Lloyd) ; “ Powis” ( Quelch).
Adult male. Entire upper surface and the greater portion of the
underparts black witha purple gloss. The head is ornamented
with a crest the feathers of which recoil. The lower abdomen,
inner portion of thighs, aud under tail-coverts white. “Core and
base of bill yellow, remainder of bill horn-blue; feet horn-colour.”
Total length 800 mm., culmen from cere 38, wing 365, tail 310,

tarsus 110, middle toe and claw 84.

We do not know the exact locality of the bird from which the
description is taken.
The female differs from the male in having the feathers of the

erest barred with white. Wing 338 mm.

Immature. Head, neck, throat, and breast covered with down vf

a pale chestnut or rufous buff intermixed with longitudinal streaks

of black on the head and hind-neck; ear-coverts also black ;

upper back, wings, and tail blue-black mottled and edged with
rufous on the tail-feathers, primary and secondary quills, and
median upper wing-coverts ; the lower back still retains the
nestling down, which is rich chestnut; sides of breast and sides
of body dull black, more or less mottled with buff on the latter ;

‘

C

15 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

lower breast and abdomen white; flanks and under tail-coverts
buff.

The bird from which the description is taken was obtained on
the Mazaruni River.

Nestlings in down. Upper surface deep chestnut varied with
longitudinal lines of buffy-white on the forehead, sides of the
head, and neck, which are bordered and interspaced with black ;
middle of head, hind-neck, and lower back deep chestnut ; a buffy-

Crax nigra.

Fig. 4.—To show the character of the bill and the curled crest.

white line on each side of the back which extends to the tail ;
the downy upper wing-coverts are broadly barred with ochreous
and black in one specimen and rufous and black in the other;
primary and secondary quills mottled and edged with buff or
rufous ; sides of face, fore-neck, and sides of breast pale chestnut ;
throat, abdomen, and under tail-coverts white ; lower flanks and
binder portion of thighs rufous buff.

CRAX. 19

Breeding-season. “January and February” (Schomburg) ;

“ April” (Brown).

yest. ‘It builds its nest of small sticks in the bushes only a few
feet from the ground” (Schomburgk) ; “on the ground under a
low bush” (Brown) ; “rough structure placed in a tree” (Lloyd).

Eggs. ** The eggs are white and two in number ” (Schomburgh) ;
“white” (Brown); “two usually form the clutch, white, rough in
structure, and larger than those of any other game-bird” (Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Bonasika River, Mazaruni River
(Me Connell collection) ; Taramu and Corentyne Rivers (Brown);
Kamakusa (Whitely); Aremu River (Beebe) ; Maccasseema,
Pomeroon River (W. L. Sclater).

Extralimital Range. Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk records this species (Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 746) as being found in all the woods in British Guiana, singly,
in pairs, and in flocks, on the ground, in bushes, and in tall trees,
in the last there were always three or four together. Judging
from the contents of the stomach, their food consists chiefly of
fruit. In January and February, the supposed breeding-season,
one often hears their deep sounding growlish cry early in the
morning. It builds its nest of small sticks in the bushes only
a few feet from the ground. The eggs are white and two in
number. When taken young it is easily tamed and represents
our fowls with the Indians, though they never lay eggs in
captivity. The flesh is most excellent. The ‘ Macusis’’ call it
Powis and the “ Warraus ” call it Yaruma.

Mr. ©. A. Lioyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 4) writes :—‘ One of the
roughest of structures is the nest of the Powise, Craw alector,
which is a platform arrangement, fixed in a tree and so loosely
put together that the contents can be easily seen by anyone
standing under it. The eggs of the Powise are white and larger
than those of any other game bird. The shells are exceedingly
rough, looking as if they had been gummed and then sprinkled
with sand, or with comfit known as ‘thousands,’ and allowed to
dry. The Powise usually lays two eggs, but it is stated that this
number is sometimes increased to four,

“ This bird has the odd habit of swal'owing bright objects, such
as pebbles of coloured quartz, and their gizzards often contain
large pieces of the stone. We have seen pieces of bottles and
small bits of broken sheet-glass said to have been taken from the

C2

20 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

gizzard of one of these birds—a tame one most likely. The edges
of the glass had been worn smooth by attrition. ’

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 334) gives the
following note :— Just beyond were three Crested Curassows,
a male and two females, the latter busy scratching among the
dead leaves, while the male was devoting himself to a most
remarkable performance. The splendid bird walks slowly up and
down the clear space which he has chosen. The entire body is
tilted far forward, the breast low and the wings pointing down in
front, the wrist portion or shoulders, as it is often wrongly called,
dropping almost to the ground. The wing tips lie flat upon the
back, and the tail is raised, while the head is held high, almost
touching the back and tips of the wings.”

Mr. Barrington Brown found this bird nesting under a low
bush in the valley of the Taramu River in April. The nest
contained two white eggs. He also found it in abundance on the
Corentyne River (¢7. Canoe and Camp Life, pp. 187, 345).

Genus NOTHOCRAX Burm.
Nothocrax Burmeister, Th. Brasil. in. p. 847, 1856. Type NV. wrumutum
(Spix).

The distinguishing characters of this genus are—the height of
the maxilla which is greater than its width, the crest is composed
of long recumbent feathers, the lores and space round the eye are
naked, and the tail is shorter than the wing.

10. Nothocrax urumutum.
NocturNaL Curassow.

Nothocrax urumutum (Spix), Av. Bras. ii. p. 49, pl. Ixii., 1825 (“in
sylvis fl. Nigri”); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174; Ogilvie-Grant, Cat.
B. Brit, Mus. xxi. p. 484, 1893 ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer.
1. p. 9, no. 83, 1912.

Crax urumutum Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 746, 1848 ; Brown,
Canoe and Camp Life, p. 132, 1876 (Rupununi Savannas).

“Savanna powie”’ (Brown).

Adult. Upper parts dark brown vermiculated, or freckled, with
rufous on the back, wing-coverts, outer webs of the quills, and
middle tail-feathers, the remainder of the tail-feathers tipped with
buffy-white ; top of head and erest black ; sides of crown, hind-
neck, throat, and fore-neck chestnut, becoming paler on the

NOTHOCRAX.—MITU. Zt

remainder of the under surface. ‘ Lores and a large naked space
surrounding the eye pale yellow above and purplish below ; bill
scarlet ; legs and feet flesh-colour.”

Total length 532 mm., culmen 33, wing 290, tail 225, tarsus 88,
middle toe and claw, 65.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection and
the description is based on an example in the British Museum
obtained at Sarayacu, Ecuador, collected by C. Buckley—Salvin-
Godman collection.

Nestling. Blackish above with rufous or buff tips to the feathers
and down, becoming paler on the fore-neck ; a buff line on each

side of the lower back ; breast and abdomen creamy-white.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Rupununi Savannas (Brown).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Eastern Peru, Eastern
Ecuador.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 746)
the habits of this species are the same as those of Craw alector
= C. nigra, p. 17.

Mr. Barrington Brown, who observed this bird on the Rupu-
nuni Savannas, writes (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 132):—‘‘ On the
way down, at Aringwong village, I saw a tame ‘Savanna Powie’
(Crax urumutum), which ditfered considerably from the Common
Powie (Craw alector), but was of nearly the same size. It hada
red beak, and chestnut feathers on the part where the Common
Powie is white.”

Genus MITU Less.
Mitu Lesson, Traité VOrn, p. 485, 1831 Type JL mitu (Linn.).

This genus differs in having the crest moderate or well
developed, not curled at the tip, the lores feathered, the maxilla
elevated, the height being greater than its width, and the legs
comparatively long.

Key to the Species.
A. Culmen much swollen; crest well developed ;
tips of tail-feathers white ..................... Md. mitu, p. 22.
B, Culmen slightly swollen; with scarcely any ‘
signs of a crest; tail-feathers tipped with
WUE AUB ede sexaiaristeekdudaediabeudeeharets Seed COMORIORA Th ae

pe BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

1: Mitu mitu.
RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW.

Mitu mitu (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 270, 1766 (‘ Brasilia”) ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. p. 9, no. 84, 1912.

Urax erythrorhynchus (Swains.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 747, 1848.

Mitua tuberosa (Spix), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174.

Mitua mitu Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 485, 1898.

Adult. General colour black glossed with blue; a well-
developed crest ; sides of face, throat, and neck all round velvety
black; tail tipped with white; vent and under tuail-coverts
chestnut.

Total length 800 mm., culmen (including the swollen knobs) 58,
wing 400, tail 300, tarsus 106, middle toe and claw 81.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection,
and the description is taken from a specimen in the British
Museum.

The male and female are said to be similar.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. The only record we have of the
occurrence of this bird in the Colony is that by Schomburgk
(* Reisen Guiana,’ iii. p. 747), who states that its habits and mode
of life are the same as those of Craw alector= C. nigra, p. 17.

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

12. Mitu tomentosa.
LESSER RAZOR-BILLED CURASSOW.

Mitu tomentosa (Spix), Av. Bras. i. p. 49, pl. lxiii., 1825 (« in sylvis
paludosis fl. Nigri prope pagum Barcellonam”) ; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 9, no. 85, 1912.

Urax tomentosa Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 746, 1848.

Mitua tomentosa Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 486, 1893.

Adult. General colour above and below dull black glossed with
blue on the head, fore-neck, hind-neck, lesser upper wing-coverts,
mantle, and upper back, imparting a waved appearance on the
latter ; vent, under tail-coverts, and outer portion of the thighs
rich chestnut ; tail-feathers tipped with chestnut but much paler
than the vent and under tail-coverts.

MITU.—PENELOPE. 23

Tetal length 620 mm., culmen 37, wing 330, tail 292, tarsus 111,
middle toe and claw 82.

The bird described was collected at the Upper Takutu Mountains.

Male and female are similar in colour of plumage, but the latter
is slightly smaller in size.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Vest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Hugs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Great
Savannas (McConnell collection) ; Rupununi River (Whitely).

Sutralimital Range. North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ill. p. 746) observes :—
This beautiful Hokkohuhn inhabits the Savanna only, and most
commonly the wooded river-banks of the Savanna, near Takutu
and Malm, where it was very common. The ‘“ Macusis”’ and the
‘* Wapisianas ” maintain that, when the Southern Cross passes
the zenith this bird calls. Its flesh is also good. The ‘* Macusis ”
and * Wapisianas”’ call it Pawituima. He says that the habits and
mode of life are like those of Craw alector=C. nigra, p. 17.

Genus PENELOPE Merrem.

Penelope Merrem, Beyt. bes. gesch. Vogel, pt. i. pl. xi., 1786. Type
P. jacupema Mery.

The characters of this genus are: the crest fairly elongate, the
width of the maxilla greater than the height, the nostrils exposed
and placed forward, the space round the eye naked, the chin and
throat naked with a median wattle, the inner web of the outer
primary slightly incised, the tail-feathers twelve in number, and
the tarsus about equal in length to the middle toe and claw.

Key to the Species.
A. No superciliary streak ; feathers of the cheeks
mixed with grey.

a. Larger, wing more than 290 min., tail more
than 250; tarsus more than 70; back deep
bluish green ; primaries uniform pale brown ;
abdomen dark bluish green ...........0008 eee

}', Smaller, wing less than 290 mm., tail less
than 250. tarsus less than 70; back olive-
green; outer webs of primaries bronze-green
in contrast with the inner ones; abdomen
dark brown minutely freckled with rufous... 2. martial, p. 25.

B. Feathers of the cheeks uniform dark brown ; a
well-defined superciliary streak .........0... 2. jacueaca, p. 26,

P. grant, yp. 24.

pa | BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Fig. 5.—To show the bare space round the eye and the wattle
on the throat.

13. Penelope granti.
GRANT'S GUAN.

Penelope granti Berlepsch, Nov. Zool. xv. p. 297, 1909 (British Guiana) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 10, no. 94, 1912.

Penelope marial (nec Gmel.), Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii.
p-. 495, 1893 (Takutu River); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
pp. 179, 389, 1910 (Hoorie River).

Salpiza marial (nec Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 745,
1545.

Penelope cristata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 175.

Adult. General colour above dark bluish glossy green, the
feathers on the head, sides of neck, cheeks, and mantle edged
with grey, also some of the lesser upper wing-coverts; outer
primaries pale brown; alarge bare space round the eye; chin and
throat bare, with a few hair-like feathers; fore-neck and breast
dark bluish green with white margins to the feathers, which
fade away on the abdomen and sides of the body ; vent smoky-
brown ; flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts dark bottle-green.

Total length 710 mm., culmen 38, wing 300, tail 300, tarsus 81,
middle toe and claw 75.

The bird described is from the Ituribisi River.

PENELOPE. 25

Male and female similar in plumage, but the female is slightly
smaller.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range confined to British Guiana. Supenaam River, Bartica,
Ituribisi River, Bonasika River, Arawai River, Essequebo River
Great Savannas (JleConnell coilection) ; Annai ( Whately).

Hfabits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 745) mentions this
bird as having the same habits as those of Salpiza cristata =
P. marial, vide infra, but prefers the woods near the coast.

14. Penelope marial.
CAYENNE GUAN.

Penelope martial (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. 1. p. 734, 1789 (“gregaria in
silvis Gujanae”); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 10,
no. 93, 1912.

Salpiza cristata (nee Linn.), Cab, in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 745,
1848.

Penelope greeyi (nec Gray), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174 (Bartica Grove :
Camacusa: Roraima); W. L. Sclater, op. cit. 1887, p. 317 (Pome-
roon River).

Penelope cristata (nec Linn.), Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. pp. 324, 326
(Upper Berbice River).

Penelope jacupeba (nec Spix), Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii.
p- 494, 1893 (Quonga: Camacusa); Beebe, Our Search for a
Wilderness, pp. 321, 389, 1910 (Aremu).

Adult. General colour of the upper surface dark oil-green ;
the feathers on the head, superciliary line, and cheeks edged with
slate-grey, becoming paler and inclining to white on the feathers
of the mantle, upper back, and lesser upper wing-coverts ; outer
webs of primary-quills bronze-brown; a large bare space round
the eye ; chin and throat bare, with only a few hair-like shafts ;
fore-neck and breast dark oil-green, the feathers margined with
white ; abdomen, flanks, thighs, and under tail-coverts dark
brown minutely freckled with rufous, the under tail-coverts being
more uniform and glossy.

Total length 600 mm., culmen 30, wing 282, tail 220, tarsus 65,
middle toe and claw 61.

The above description is taken from an example obtained on
the Ituribisi River.

Male and female very similar in colour of plumage, but the
male is slightly larger.

26 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

~

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “The nest is placed on the ground and in bushes ”
(Schomburgk).

Eggs. “Two or three white eggs according to the natives”
(Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Kamakabra River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Great Savannas
(McConnell collection); Bartica, Kamakusa, Mount Roraima,
Quonga River ( Whitely); Pomervoon River (W. L. Sclater); Upper
Berbice River (Quelch); Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, North Brazil.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) iv. p. 326) mentions this bird as
being very numerous on the Upper Berbice River.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 246) that:—
The large number of trees bearing berry-fruit may account for
the presence of this Penelope. A very shy species, in fact one
can only get within shot when it is feeding, and, as a rule, there
are always ten or twelve birds on each tree. Three or four birds
can be brought down in succession with a blow-pipe before the
rest can get away. When the first victim falls the others look
about as if trying to discover what has happened to it, meanwh le
others may be killed, and at last the remainder disperse very
quickly from branch to branch out of sight. The nest is placed
on the ground. As soon as the chicks begin to fly the parents
lead them to the bushes and from thence to the branches of trees.
Their peculiar shrieking call is heard only in the morning.

Schomburgk also states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 745) that this
species is distributed all over British Guiana. He found it as
common in the woods near the coast as in inland woods even near
Roraima. It is generally met with in pairs, but not uncommonly
in small flocks on tall trees. It is shy like the other members of
this genus. It is easily tamed and often found in a domesticated
state. The nest is placed on the ground and in bushes ; two or
three white eggs, according to the natives. The “ Macusis ” call

‘ere
it Marasith and the ‘“* Warraus ” Marurih.

15. Penelope jacucaca.
WHITE-FRONTED GUAN.

Penelope jacucaca Spix, Av. Bras. ii. p. 53, pl. Ixix., 1825 (“ prope
Pocoens engima in sylvis Bahiae”); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 175;
Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 501, 1893; Brabourne &
Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 11, no. 101; 1912.

Salpiza jacucaca Cab, in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 745, 1848.

PENELOPE.—ORTALIS. 27

Adult male. General colour above and below bronze-brown,
darker on the nape, hind-neck, and back, with white margins to
the upper wing-coverts and the feathers on the fore-neck and
breast; some of the feathers on the lower breast have rufous
edgings. The feathers on the forehead white with dark shaft-
lines like those on the cheeks ; a broad white eyebrow which
extends on to the sides of the neck.

Total length 700 mm., culmen 36, wing 301, tail 263, tarsus 80,
middle toe and claw 78.

The description is taken from an example in the British Museum
obtained at South-east Brazil.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Rangein British Guiana, “ Distributed over the whole of British
Guiana up to an altitude of 4000 to 5000 feet” (Schomburgh).

Eetralimital Range. Kast Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 745) writes :—This
shy species is also distributed over the whole of British Guiana,
and I found it even at an altitude of 4000 to 5000 feet. Its
habits are like those of S. cristata= Penelope marial, p. 25, only
itis more often found on the ground. The flesh is very good
eating.

Genus ORTALIS Merrem.
Ortalis Merrem, Avium Rar. Icon. et Descr. pt. ii. p. 40, 1786. Type
O. motmot (Linn.).

This genus is characterized by having a large naked space round
the eye, sides of throat also naked with a narrow line of hair-like
feathers down the middle, the tail rounded and composed of
twelve feathers, the middle feathers longest, and the tarsus about
equal in length to the middle toe and claw.

16. Ortalis motmot.
LirrLe GUAN.

Ortalis motmot (linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 271, 1766 (“ Brasilia’) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 175 (Bartica Grove, Roraima) ; W. Ia
Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 317 (Maecasseema, Pomeroon River) ;
Ogivlie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 505, 1898; Brabourne &
Chubb, B, 8. Amer, i. p. L1, no, 104, 1912.

28 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Ortalida motmot Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 744, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 371, 1876 (Wahmara Mts.) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 820, 1890 (Upper Berbice River).

“ Hannaquoi” (W. L. Sclater).

Adult. General colour above, including the lower hind-neck,
entire back, and wings, olive-brown, becoming more rusty brown
on the upper tail-coverts; middle tail-feathers rather greener than
the back, the three outer pairs on each side for the most part
chestnat, the fourth tipped with chestnut; entire head and upper
neck all round chestnut ; a bare space in front and under the eye;
throat bare with a narrow line of black hair-like shafts in the
middle; under surface ash-grey tinged with olive on the fore-neck,
sides of breast, and lower flanks: under tail-coverts washed with
cinnamon rufous. ‘ Bill slate-colour ; iris brown ; legs and toes
purplish pink.”

Total length 535 mm., culmen 26, wing 205, tail 230, tarsus 64,
middle toe and claw 58.

The bird described was collected on the Abary River.

Male and female similar in colour and measurements.

Breeding-season. “ Probably in April” (Schomburgh).

Nest. “Is built on small trees” (Schomburghk) ; ** built of sticks
on a low tree” (Brown).

Eggs. “Two or three white eggs” (Schomburgk) ; ‘four in
number, speckled, little inferior in size to those of a fowl”
(Brown).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Upper Takutu Moun-
tains, Supenaam River, Kamakabra River -(J/¢e Connell collection) ;
Mount Roraima, Bartica (Whitely) ; Pomeroon River (W. L.
Sclater); Demerara River, Wahmara Mountains (Brown); Upper
Berbice River (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Cayenne.

Halits. Schomkurgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744) says that this
bird is found all over British Guiana. Its habits are like those
of Penelope marial (Gmel.), only it appears to be found more often
on the ground. It is found fairly common in the open outskirts
of the woods and along the banks of the Savanna rivers, but not
often in the thick parts of the woods. They are nearly always
found in large flocks. The breeding-season is probably in April,
during which the male all day long sounds his peculiar loud call.
The nest is built on small trees and contains two or three white

ORTALIS.—CUMANA. 29

egos, though Schomburgk did not find a nest himself. The
“ Warraus”’ call it Hannagua and the “ Macusis? Kangraiba.

Mr. Barrington Brown found this species breeding on the
Demerara River, and gives the following note (Canoe and Camp
Life, p. 371) :—“ We found the nest of a hanaquah (Orialida
motmot) containing eggs. The nest was built of sticks on a low
tree, and contained four speckled eggs, little inferior in size to
those of a fowl. The hanaquah is easily tamed, and is said to
breed with common fowls, the hybrid being a very pugnacious
bird.”

Mr. W. L. Sclater (Ibis, 1887, p. 317) writes :—‘‘ The Hanna-
quoi may be cane as the Chanticleer of Demerara, for it
rouses the sleepy wanderer most effectively by its far-resounding
ery of ‘hannaquoi!’ from which, of course, it derives its
name.”

Genus CUMANA Coues.
Cumana Coues, Auk, xvii. p. 65, 1900. Type C. eumanensis (Jacquin).

This genus is distinguished by having the first and second
primaries deeply incised, the tarsus shorter than the middle toe
and claw in length, a well-developed crest of pointed feathers,
the lores and the space round the eye naked, the throat also naked,
with a few hair-like feathers and a median wattle, and the tail
composed of twelve feathers rather long and rounded, the outer
pair shorter than the middle ones.

17. Cumana cumanensis.
WHITE-HEADED GUAN.

Pipile cumanensis (Jacquin), Beytr. Gesch. Végel, p. 25, pl. x., 1784
(Orinoco) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 175; Ovilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxii. p. 517, 1898 (‘Takutu River).

Penelope pipile (Jacq.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 745, 1845 ;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, pp. 180, 345, 1876.

“ White-headed Maroodie” (Brown).

Adult male. Upper and under surface glossy blue-black ; head
and crest smoky-white, becoming brown at the ends of the feathers
on the nape ; upper wing-coverts partially white, especially the
outer greater and median series ; the feathers of the breast more
or less margined with white; marginal under wing-coverts black

30 BIKDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and white; a bare space round the eye ; chin and throat sparsety
covered with black hair-like feathers; cheeks and ear-coverts
black, ‘* Bill black, cere and naked skin round the eye and

Fig. 6.—To show incised primary quills of C. euwmanensis.

nostrils white streaked with blue; naked skin and wattle on
throat dark blue; eye dark red-hazel ; legs and feet Indian-red,
claws brownish black.”

Total length 600 mm., culmen (exposed portion) 36, wing 320,
tail 250, tarsus 73, middle toe and claw 70.

The description is based on an example collected on the
Pomeroon River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but smaller,

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Pomercon River (McConnell col-
lection); Takutu River (Whitely); Burroburro River (Brown).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Eastern
Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian, ili. p. 745) remarks :—This
beautiful bird is also distributed all over British Guiana. It is
equally as common near the coast as inland; is generally in pairs
on tall trees. It is more shy than Salpiza gacucaca, but like that
species is easily tamed. I did not find its nest. The “ Macusis”
call it Cuyu and the “ Warraus ” Quahenne.

We have taken the following extract from Mr. Barrington

CUMANA.—EUPSYCHORTYX., 31

Brown’s work, ‘Canoe and Camp Life in British Guiana,’
p- 345 :—“The white-headed maroodie makes an extraordinary
rattling noise with its wings in early morning and late in the
evening, evidently amusing itself or following a custom of its
kind, for when it likes it can fly noiselessly enough. I examined
their wings and found that the males have four curiously shaped
feathers at the tip of each wing with which they make this noise.

“The end portion of these feathers is stiff with very short
penules. ‘The white-headed females have only three of these
feathers in each wing, which are not so intensely modified as in
the male ; while the male of the common kind (Penelope cristuta)
has only two of these feathers in each wing, which are modified
in a less degree than those in the females of the white-headed

species.”

Family ODONTOPHORIDZ.

The birds that compose this family are rather small, ranging in
size from the Common Partridge to that of the Quail, and are said
to represent the hazel-grouse of Europe.

Their distribution is South, Central, and North America. In
British Guiana two genera are represented by one species each.

Genus EUPSYCHORTYX Gould.
Eupsychortyx Gould, Monogr. Odontoph., Introd p. 15, pl. x. pt. 1,
1844. Type £. eristatus (Linn.).

In this genus there is a well-developed crest. The first primary
is slightly longer than the eighth, and rather shorter than the ninth,
the fourth being lengest. The tarsus is shorter than the middle
toe and claw. The wing is nearly twice the length of the tail in
E. sonninii, which is the only species of the genus recorded in

British Guiana.

18. Eupsychortyx sonninii.
SONNINI’S CRESTED QUAIL.

Perdiz sonninii Term. Pig. et Gall. iii. pp. 451, 737, 1815 (Guiana).

Ortyx cristatus (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis, Guian. itl. p. 747,
1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 268, 1876 (Rupununi
Savannas ).

a2 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Eupsychortyx cristatus (nec Linn.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 175.

Eupsychortyx sonniniti Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 409,
1893 (Quonga River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 13,
no. 127, 1912.

Adult male. Upper parts vinaceous grey freckled with black,
white, and chestnut, the inner margins of the scapulars and inner-
most secondaries margined with white or buffy-white ; primary-
quills uniform pale brown on the inner webs, mottled with buffy-
white on the outer ones; top of head, crest, and ear-coverts greyish
brown ; forehead whitish ; throat and a line on the sides of the

HH upsychortyx sonninit.

Fig. 7.—To illustrate the crest.

nape chestnut ; sides of neck deep chestnut spotted with white ;
breast vinaceous with black and white spots; remainder of the
under surface white or buffy-white, with dark brown and chestnut
intermixed,

Total length 190 mm., culmen 14, wing 101, tail 50, tarsus 27,
middle toe and claw 29.

The above description is taken from an example obtained on the
Abary River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the crest
darker, scarcely any chestnut on the throat, and the breast dark
brown barred with buffy-white. Wing 98 mm.

Breeding-season. Not recorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Hggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana,

EUPSYCHORTYX.—ODONTOPHORUS. oa

Range in British Guana. Takutu Mountains, Abiry River,
and Great Savannas (McConnell collection); Quonga ( Wiitely) ;
Cotinga River, Rupununi Savannas (rown).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil and Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 747):—This
beautiful bird inhabits the Savanna in British Guiana only, where
I found them in flocks from twelve to eighteen en the edges of
the oasis, never venturing more than sixteen to twenty yards out
into the open Savanna. As soon as they saw danger they
immediately ran, or flew, back to the oasis. They are said to lay
their eggs on the ground. I have never seen them sitting on
bushes, Their flesh is excellent. The ‘ Macusis” and the
** Arekunas”’ call it Tsackth, and the *‘ Warraus” Behesurae.

Mr. Barrington Brown, when on the Cotinga River, states that
(Canoe and Camp Life, p. 268) ‘Small coveys of Quail (Orty«
cristatus) frequent these savannas, which «are most delicious
eating when roasted on a stick over the fire.”

Genus ODONTOPHORUS Vieill.

Odontophorus Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 51, 1816. Type O. guian-
ensis (Gmel.).

In this genus the sexes are almost alike. The first primary is
longer than the ninth and a little shorter than the tenth; the
fourth or fifth being the longest. The tarsus is about equal to
the middle toe and claw. The wing is more than twice the length
of the tail.

19. Odontophorus guianensis.
GUIANA PARTRIDGE,

Odontophorus guianensis (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 767, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 747, 1848; Brown, Canoe and
Camp Life, p. 371, 1876 (Wahmarra Mountains); Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p. 175 (Merumé Mountains, Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ;
Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 432, 1893 ; Lloyd, Timehri
(2) xi. p. 2, 1897; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 340,
341, 1910 (Aremu River); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 13,
no. 130, 1912.

“ Duraquara” (Lloyd § Brown); “ Douraquara” (Beebe) ;
* Guiana Quail” (Beebe).

Adult maie. Upper surface black finely freckled with grey on
the mantle and with rufous brown on the lower back, upper
tail-coverts, ard tail, more coarsely marked with buff and white on

19)

db4 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

the wings, scapulars, and back ; lead black barred witli chestnut ;
base of forehead, chin, and cheeks chestnut ; a cinnamon-coloured
patch behind the eye ; lower throat more or less grey like the
mantle; breast, sides of body, and under tail-coverts chestnut-
brown marked with white, or buffy-white, and black, becoming
paler and more ocliraceous on the middle of the abdomen. “ Bill
bluish black ; feet and toes bluish lead-colour ; iris hazel; bare
space round the eye vermilion.”’

Total length 255 mm., culmen 20, wing 148, tail 58, tarsus 43,
middle toe and claw 42.

Odontophcrus gulanensis.

Fig. 8.—To show the form of the bill.

There appears to be considerable variation of colour in this
species, some being almost uniform ochraceous on the breast and
abdomen.

The specimen described was obtained on the Bonasika River.

Male and female similar in colour of plumage, but the female
rather smaller in size. Wing 136 mm.

Young in down. Upper surface dark chestnut; throat golden
yellow ; remainder of the underparts white tinged with chestnut.

Immature. Head dark rufous brown with pale shaft-lines ;
mantle grey vermiculated with brown and streaked with white ;
scapulars black, brown, and grey with irregular white shaft-lines ;
wings and tail much the same as in the adult but the colours not
so strongly pronounced; lower back grey, the feathers of the
rump pale rufous brown with a dark central spot; upper tail-
coverts pale rufous ; ear-coverts dark rufous brown ; sides of face

ODONTOPHORUS. 35

and superciliary line, sparsely covered, buff; throat whitish ;
breast and abdomen rufous brown with black bars or spots to the
feathers; downy under tail-coverts dusky tinged with rufous.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Vest. “ Built of leaves and twigs and placed under a low shrub
on the ground” (Brown): “the nest is made on the ground”
(Schomburgk).

Fyggs. * Kight in number, white” (Brewn); “as many as
fourteen eggs are sometimes found” (C. A. Lloyd) ; “six to eight
white eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana, Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River, Anarica River,
Demerara River, Tiger Creek (A/ceConnell collection) ; Aremu
River (Beebe) ; Wahmarra Mountains, Demerara River (Brown) ;
Merumé Mountains, Kamakusa, Bartica (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North-east Brazil.

Habits. Regarding this bird, Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian.
iii. p. 747):—Lives only in thick woods and up to an altitude of
3000 feet. The young must leave their parents shortly after they
are hatched, as I nearly always found this species singly or in
pairs. Just before dawn and sunset one hears their peculiar far
sounding call-note, which the Indians imitate for the purpose of
decoying them within gunshot. It seems to me that it is only
the males that call. The nest is made on the ground, and they
lay from six to eight white eggs. The settlers and natives call
it Duraquarra, the “ Macusis” Dokorra, and the “ Warraus”
Dakarre ; this word much like its call-note.

Mr. Barrington Brown, who found this bird breeding on the
Demerara River, writes (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 371) :—‘* We
found the nest of a ‘ Duraquara’ (Odontophorus guianensis) con-
taining eggs. The nest was built of leaves and twigs, placed
under a low shrub on the ground, and was roofed over, having a
small entrance in front. It contained eight white eggs, in size
between those of a fowl and pigeon.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 2) writes :—“ OF all our

game-birds the ‘ Duraquara,’ Odontophorus guianensis, seems to

be the most prolific, as many as fourteen eggs being sometimes
found in a nest, which, like that of the large Maam, is a shallow
depression near to some tree-root, having an arched approach of
about a foot in length, formed by the bending inward of grass

p2

36 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

blades and twigs. The entrance to this is always carefully con-
cealed, and the eggs, which are white, are about the size of those
of the domesticated pigeon.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 340, 841)
observes :— This I found wholly by accident as I was watching
a dragon-fly which had been injured by a small flycatcher.
Good sized pieces were bitten out of the two hind wings and one
of the others was doubled and broken. Yet the brave little insect
was far from giving up and managed to fly slowly, albeit with a
heavy slant to one side, the loose wing making a whizzing sound
as it vibrated. I followed to see its ultimate fate. As it passed
the end of a log a green lizard leaped from a leaf and seized the
unfortunate insect in mid-air, thus typifying the anlaga of bird
flight. The lizard fell full length upon a rounded pile of dead
leaves, and like a bomb there shot forth a whirring form of the
Quail, which scaled off between the trees.

“ We found the Douraguara had rocketted from a tunnel about
a foot in length, made of twigs and dead leaves, which led toa
round hidden nest-cavity containing four white eggs, one of which
was broken. On the following day the Quail had removed all
trace of the broken egg and shell. So completely was the nest a
part of the jungle floor that never except by accident would we
have discovered it.”

Order COLUMBIFORMES.
Family COLUMBIDA.

The family of Pigeons are birds of medium size, varying from
that of the Common Fowl to the Common Song-Thrush. Their
plumage is usually smooth. The chief distinction, however, is the
peculiar bill with its fleshy basal portion and the swollen dertrum.

The Pigeons are found nearly all over the world ; about seventy
species occur in South America, fifteen of which are represented
in British Guiana.

Genus COLUMBA Linn.
Columba Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 162,1758. Type C. enas Linn.
This genus is distinguished by having the upper portion of
the tarsus feathered and the first primary-quill longer than the
sixth.

wo)
~]

*.°

COLUMBA.

Key to the Species.

A. No white nuchal collar.

a’. Under tail-coverts with dark edges .... C. speciosa, p. 37.
b'. Under tail-coverts uniform grey ...... C. rufina, p. 38.
ec’. Under tail-coverts uniform vinous
DEW ect asenees tes east. ccase ~C. purpureotineta; p. 40.
B. A narrow white nuchal collar; under
tail-coverts grey tinged with vinous ... C. albilinea, p. 39.

Fig. 9.—To illustrate the form of the Dill.

20. Columba speciosa.

SPLENDID PIGEON.

Columba speciosa Gmel. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 783, 1789 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 748, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 173
(Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Roraima) ; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xxi. p. 281, 1893; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 15,
1912.

Adult male. Back and wings bright rufous with a purple tinge,
becoming duller on the median and greater upper wing-coverts
and on the short upper tail-coverts, the long upper tail-coverts
dark brown ; tail black ; primary-coverts and quills dark brown,
paler on the outer edges ; the feathers on the mantle paler than
the back and fringed with green, those on the hind-neck amethys-
tine with a white spot, like the sides of the neck and fore-neck ;
crown of head and sides of face vinous, throat similar with pale
bars to the feathers ; breast, sides of the body, and under wing-
coverts dull vinous ; middle of lower breast and abdomen whitish
with vinous edges to the feathers ; under tail-coverts white with
narrow dark edges. ‘* Bill and feet yellowish ; iris dark brown.”

Total length 330 mm., culmen 21, wing 180, tail 100, tarsus 25,

Adult female and immature males much duller, inclining to
earth-brown aboye and white, with dusky edges, to the feathers

below,

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Co
[o 4)

The male bird described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “ The nest is like other Pigeons” (Schomburgk).

Jéggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika
River, Mazaruni River, Great Falls, Demerara River (MeConnell
collection) ; Kamakusa, Mount Roraima ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states that (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 743) he met
with this Pigeon more commonly in the woods near the coast than
those inland. Only during the breeding-season is it found in
pairs ; afterwards it lives in large flocks. He did not often see it
on the ground, and concludes, therefore, that it feeds chiefly on
fruit and seeds. The nest is like that of other pigeons. The flcsh
is good. It is very shy and difficult to obtain.

21. Columba rufina.

Rurous PIGEeon.

Columba rufina Temm. & Knip, Pig. p. 59, pl. 24, 1808-1811 (French
Guiana); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 748, 1848; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 173 (Roraima, 3500 ft., Bartica Grove); Quelch,
Timehri (2) ii. p. 363, 1888; (2) v. p. 107, 1891; Salvad. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 287, 1893; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p-. 15, no. 152, 1912.

Adult male. Head, upper back, upper wing-coverts, and breast
vinous with an amethystine tinge brighter on the wings and duller
on the breast, showing a coppery reflection on the nape; lower back,
rump, and upper tail-coverts slate-colour ; tail lead-grey at the
base, earth-brown at the tip; edge of wing and outer greater
wing-coverts lead-grey ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills
brown with pale outer edges; cheeks and throat grey; chin
whitish ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, flanks, axillaries, and under
wing-coverts grey, somewhat darker on the last. ‘“ Iris red ; bill
blackish ; feet dark red.”

Total length 305 mm., culmen 20, wing 187, tail 105, tarsus 27.

The bird described was obtained at Mount Roraima in 1898.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being less bright on
the upper surface, having the scapulars and greater upper wing-
coverts earth-brown, and slightiy smaller in size. Wing 170 mm.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Vest. “ Like that of other Pigeons ” (Schomburgk).

Iags. * Like those of other Pigeons” (Sehomburgh).

COLUMBA. 39

Range in British Guiana. Takutu Mountains, Mount Roraima,
Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Quonga ( Whitely);
Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. North-east Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. This species was first recorded in British Guiana by
Schomburgk, who remarks (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 743) that this
bird is little smaller than C. speciosa and not so pretty. It occurs
higher up the mountains. I have found it at an altitude of
3000 feet. The nest and eggs are like those of other pigeons.
When the breeding-season is over it is found in large flocks, and
is shot in large numbers by the Indians. It contributed largely
to our fare during our stay in Pirrara. In July and August its
flesh became so bitter that we could scarcely eat it, which,
according to the natives, was caused by certain fruits and seeds
upon which it fed. The ‘“ Macusis” call it Wakauku and the
“ Warraus”” Kukukae.

Mr. Quelch writing of this bird says :—“ This Common Pigeon
may at times be encountered on the outskirts of Georgetown, and
along the sea or river border, or may be seen flying overhead.”

22. Columba albilinea.

WHITE-NAPED PIGEON.

Columba albilinea Bonap. Consp. Av. il. p. 51, 1855 (New Granada) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 294, 1893; Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 16, no. 154, 1902.

Columba albolineata Gray, Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 173 (Roraima, 6000 ft. ).

Adult male. Back and wings bronze-brown with metallic reflec-
tions ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills dark brown ;
lower back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail slate-grey, the
last paler at the tip, and with a dark subterminal band ; a patch
of metallic green on the hind-neck ; a narrow white nuchal collar ;
crown of head, breast, and abdomen dull vinous, paler on the
under tail-coverts ; sides of face, throat, sides of body, axillaries,
and under wing-coverts lead-grey.

Total length 345 mm., culmen 21, wing 195, tail 113, tarsus 26,
middle toe and claw 41.

The McConnell collection does not possess an example of this
species. The description is taken from a specimen in the British
Museum obtained at Mount Roraima, 6000 feet, by H. Whitely—
Salvin-Godman collection.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 195 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

40 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. Undescribed in British Guiana.

Eggs. Unrecorded from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima ( Whitely).
Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia.
Hubits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

23. Columba purpureotincta.

PURPLE-TINTED PIGEON.

Columba purpureotincta Ridgw. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. x. p. 594, note,
1887 (Demerara) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 16, no. 161,
1912.

Columba plumbea Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 173 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 323, 1893 (Carimang River,
Roraima, Ourumee).

Columba vinacea 'Temm. & Knip (nec Gmel.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 173 (Roraima, Bartica Grove, Camacusa).

Adult male. Head, hind-neck, throat, and entire under surface
vinous, including the axillaries and under wing-coverts ; entire
back, wings, and tail earth-brown with a vinous tinge.

Total length 285 mm., culmen 14, wing 178, tail 114, tarsus 18.

The male described was obtained on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but everywhere duller
in the colour of the plumage and show pale lilac spots on the lower
hind-neck. Wing 165 mm.

The female described was collected on the Berbice River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Undescribed in British Guiana.

Eggs. Unrecorded from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River, Makauria River,
Abary River, Aruparu River, Berbice River, Mazaruni River,
Great Falls, Demerara River (McConnell collection) ; Mount
Roraima, Kamakusa, Kamarmang River, Ourunei (Whitely).

Eetralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus ZENAIDA Bonap.
Zenaida Bonaparte, Comp. List Birds Eur, & N. Amer, p. 41, 18388,
Type Z. zenaida (Bonap.).
The chief characters of this genus are—the bill, which is narrow
at the base, the scapulars and innermost upper wing-coverts
spotted, the tail rounded, and the number of tail-feathers fourteen.

ZENAIDA.—COLUMBINA. 41

24. Zenaida vinaceo-rufa.
WINE-COLOURED Dove.

Zenaida vinaceo-rufa Ridgw. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. vu. p. 176, 1884
(Curacao); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 389, 1893 (Quonga,
Takutu R.. Annai); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 16,
no. 164, 1912.

Adult male. Fore part of head, sides of face, throat, and entire
under surface, including the under tail-coverts, dull vinous ;
nape, hind-neck, and sides of the latter grey with coppery
reflections ; back and scapulars earth-brown with black ovate
spots on the outer webs of the scapulars and innermost second-
aries, which are also earth-brown; middle tail-feathers like the
back, more or less tinged with grey, and a subapical black band ;
outer tail-feathers for the most part rufous, with grey at the
base ; marginal upper wing-coverts grey; bastard-wing, primary-
coverts, and quills slate-grey, darker towards the tips, where they
are edged with pale brown like the edges of the outer webs ;
a dark elongated spot behind the eye and a narrow black line
on the hinder cheeks. ‘ Bill black; feet red; iris black”?
( Whitely).

Total length 203 mm., culmen 17, wing 129, tail 82, tarsus 19.

The bird described was collected at the Upper Takutu Mountains.

According to Count Salvadori, the female is duller, the fore-
head, sides of the head, and lower fore-neck tinged with pale
brown with no vinous colour.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (J/c Connell
collection) ; Annai, Quonga (Whitely).

Eetralimital Range. Curagao and Margarita Islands, Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus COLUMBINA Spix.
Columbina Spix, Av. Bras. ii. p. 57, 1825, Type C. strepitans Spix.

This genus is characterized by having the tail longer than half
of the wing, the first primary-quill not abruptly attenuated at the
tip, and the tail rounde J,

42 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Key to the Specics.

A. Under wing-coverts, axillaries, and quill-lining

chestnut.
a’. Feathers on the fore-neck and breast with
dark centres ....... C. griseola, p. 42.
b'. Feathers on the ‘Fore: necks at ae
MUTED ang aah acane cave eh emceonts a eesree nents OREM a ees

B. Under wing-coverts ‘and axillaries black ;
quill-lining grey.
ec’. Primary-quills dark brown; entire under

wing-coverts black ............. .. C. talpacoti, p. 44.
Cs ie imary-quills cinnamon; greater ar and outer
under wing-coverts cinnamon ............... CG. rufipennis, p. 45.

25. Columbina griseola.
Sprx’s Grey Grounb-Dove.

Columbina griseola Spix, Av. Bras. ii. p. 58, pl. Ixxv*, 1825 (‘in sylvis
fl. Amazonum”’); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 18, no. 175
1912.

Chamepelia passerina (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 743, 1848; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 473, 1893 (Quonga,
Annai); Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 106, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Lloy rd,
op. cit. (2) xi. p. 3, 1897.

Adult male. Back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail earth-
brown, outer tail-feathers grey blackish towards the ends ; upper
wing-coverts pale vinous with dark violet spots on the median
series; scapulars like the back, with a dark violet mark on the outer
webs; bastard-wing blackish ; primary-coverts blackish, bright
chestnut at the base; primary-quills chestnut, outer edges and
tips dark brown, the chestnut more restricted to the basal portion
on the secondaries, the innermost secondaries like the back ; nape
and hind-neck grey with darker edges to the feathers; fore part
of head, sides of face, and breast pale vinous, with dark centres to
the feathers on the latter, which imparts a scaled appearance,
becoming paler and more uniform on the abdomen and sides of
the body; vent and short under tail-coverts white ; the long under
tail-coverts brown mottled and edged with white; axillaries, under
wing-coverts, and quill-lining bright chestnut.

Total length 155 mm., culmen 14, wing 83, tail 55, tarsus 18

The above description is taken from an example obtained on
the Abary River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in its smaller size
and the absence of vinous colour in the plumage. Wing 77 mm.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British. Guiana.

COLUMBINA. 43

Nest. ‘Small and flat, usually placed on a low shrub or stump of
atree” (C. A. Lloyd). ‘Placed in solitary bushes” (Schomburgh).

Eggs. ‘Two in number and pearly white in colour” (C. A.
Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Upper Takutu Moun-
tains, Great Falls, Demerara River (A/c Connell collection); Quonga,
Annai (Vi hitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Exetralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Heuador.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 743) that
he found this beautiful Ground-Dove in large numbers, more
commonly near the coast in open places where there are no woods,
especially on lawns in plantations where it procured its food. It
is rather shy and flies at the slightest noise to the nearest bushes.
Although shy it does not avoid human dwellings. It lives in
pairs during the breeding-season and the nest is placed in solitary
bushes.

Mr. ©. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 3) writes :—“ This pretty
little Ground-Dove, Chamepelia passerina, deserves mention for
the peculiar habit it has of pretending to be wounded when it
thinks its nest in danger of being robbed. The nest, which is
small and flat, is usually placed on a low shrub or stump of a tree,
and never contains more than two pearly white eggs. Should
anyone approach it, while the little bird is sitting on her charge,
she immediately flutters to the ground and toddles along with an
unsteady gait, at the same time drooping one of her wings as if
broken. This feint is evidently intended to distract the attention
of any would-be enemy. The food of this dove consists chiefly
of small seeds which it picks from low weeds on the ground. In
the islands the seed of the Mexican poppy, Argemone mevicana,
and the pink fruit of the ‘Turk’s head’ or globe cactus, J/elo-
cactus communis, ake up its principal fare.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed the species at Georgetown.

26. Columbina grisea.
Grey Grounp-Dove.

Columbina grisea (Bonn.), Ene, Méth. Ornith, i. p. 252, 1791 (Cayenne) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 15, no. 176, 1912.

Chamepelia griseola (nec Spix), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 173 (Yuruani
River, Roraima, 3500 ft.); Quelceh, Timehri (2) vy. p. 106, LS91
(Georgetown ).

Chamepelia minuta (nee Linn.), Salvad, Cat. B. Brit. Mus, xxi. p. 481,
1893 (Quonga, Annat).

44 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult male. Entire back, from the mantle to the upper tuil-
coverts, earth-brown like the scapulars and upper wing-coverts, the
scapulars having elongated violet spots on the outer webs ; bastard-
wing dark brown; primary-coverts and quills blackish with chestnut
bases to the former and the inner webs of the latter, the chestnut
being more restricted on the secondary quills; the innermost
secondaries like the back; tail grey with a broad subterminal
black band ; head grey; throat, breast, and sides of body dull
vinous, white on the middle of the abdomen, and dark grey, with
white edges, on the under tail-coverts ; axillaries, under wing-
coverts, and quill-lining bright chestnut.

Total length 137 mm., culmen 12, wing 75, tail 45, tarsus 14.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being slightly
smadler in size and paler in colour below. Wing 73 mm.

The birds described were collected on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Leggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River (McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Yuruani River,
Annai, Quonga (Whitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch). :

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil.

Mr. J. J. Quelech (Timehri (2) v. p. 106) states that he had
ovserved this species at Georgetown.

LTalits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

27. Columbina talpacoti.
TaLpacoti Grounp-Dove.

‘lumbina talpacoti (Temm. & Knip), Pig. i. fam. 3, p. 22, pl. xii.,
1808-11 (Brazil); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 18,
no. 179, 1912,

Chamepelia talpacoti Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744, 1848 ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p, 485, 1893 (Quonga, Annai) ;
C. A. Lloyd, Timehri (2) x1. p. 4, 1897.

Adult male. General colour above and below deep vinous,
somewhat paler on the under surface ; crown of head and nape
grey, being somewhat paler on the forehead ; with black marks
on the outer webs of the scapulars and some of the lesser upper
wing-coverts ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills dark

COLUMBINA. 45

hrown; outer tail-feathers for the most part black, the black
decreasing in extent towards the middle feathers which are like
the back.

Total length 175 mm., culmen 13, wing 90, tail 62, tarsus 16.

Adu’t female. Differs from the adult male in being earth-brown
above and below, including the head, with a vinous wash on the
upper and under tail-coverts as also the median and greater upper
wing-coverts.

Total length 175 mm., culmen 13, wing 87, tail 60, tarsus 15.

The birds described were obtained on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. The nesting habits are the same as those of C. passerina
(Schomburgk) = C. griseola, antea, p. 42.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Great Falls, Demerara River, Abary
River, Anarica River (JcConnell collection) ; Quonga, Annai
( Whately).

fetralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Mr. C. A. Lhoyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 4) observes :-—
« Another member of the genus Chamepelia occurs in the colony.
C. tulpacoti is very common on the Savannah, but we know nothing
of its habits.”

Regarding this species Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744)
states that he met with this Ground-Pigeon near the coast and in
the Savannas, though never in such large flocks as C. passerina.
Near the coast it prefers open slopes devoid of woods. It is found
in great numbers associating with C. passerina on the Demerara
sand-hills. Its call-note is rather melancholy. The nesting-habits
are the same as those of C. passerina= C. griseola, p. 42.

28. Columbina rufipennis.
RUFOUS-WINGED GRrouND-DOVE.

‘olumbina rufipennis Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 79, 1855 (Carthagena,
Colombia); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer, 1. p. 18, no, 180,
1912.

Columbigallina rufipennis Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 131,
139, 389, 1910 (Georgetown, Hoorie Creek),

Adult. General colour above and below vinous, somewhat paler

on the underparts ; crown of head ash-grey, with dark spots on

46 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

ihe scapulars and some of the upper wing-coverts, and blackish
edges to the feathers of the bastard-wing and primary-coverts ;
primary and secondary quills chestnut margined and tipped with
blackish ; central tail-feathers like the back, the outer ones for
the most part blackish, under aspect of tail blackish.

Total length 180 mm., culmen 14, wing 88, tail 57, tarsus 16.

“ Female. Above dull brownish, sometimes tinged with rusty ;
lower parts plain greyish brown or brownish grey” (Salvadori,
Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum, xxi. p. 488).

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from an example in the British Museum
said to have been collected in Trinidad.

Range in British Guiana. Georgetown and on the Hoorie Creek.
( Beebe.) ;

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Central America
north to Mexico.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus CLARAVIS Oberh.

Claravis Oberholser, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., June 2, 1899, p. 203.
Type C. pretiosa (Ferari-Perez).
The present genus is distinguished by the grey colour of the
male, the first primary-quill sharply attenuated at the tip, and the
tail about two-thirds the length of the wing.

29, Claravis pretiosa.

CrnerEous Dove.

Claravis pretiosa (Ferari-Perez), Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. ix. p. 175, 1886
(Mexico); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 18, no. 183,
1912.

Peristera cinerea Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 491, 1893 (Quonga,
Ourumee).

Adult male. General colour above dark slate-grey on the back,
wings, and middle tail-feathers ; upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and
innermost secondaries spotted with black which vary in size and
form; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills dark brown, the
latter grey on the inner webs; the outer pair of tail-feathers black
with a little grey at the base, the next two pairs grey with black

CLARAVIS.—LEPTOPTILA. AT

tips ; head and entire underparts paler grey than the back ; base
of forehead and throat whitish.

Total length 190 mm., culmen 16, wing 116, tail 73, tarsus 17.

The above description is taken from an example obtained at
the Great Falls, Demerara River,

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being rust-brown
above, with darker brown spots on the upper wing-coverts, and
paler rust-brown on the fore-neck. Wing 107 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Great Falls, Demerara River
(Me Connell collection) ; Quonga, Ourunei ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. The greater portion of South America and
Central America to South Mexico.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus LEPTOPTILA Swains.

Leptoptila Swainson, Classif. Birds, ii. p. 349, 1837. Type L. rufaxilla
(Richard & Bernard).
This genus is distinguished by its larger size, olive-brown colour
above and pale vinous below, the first primary-quill attenuated at
the tip, and the tail more than half the length of the wing.

Fig. 10.—To show the incised first prunary.

Key to the Species.

A. Fore part of head, cheeks, and lower throat

pale vinous like the fore-neck ................. L. verreauxi, p. 48.
B. Fore part of head bluish grey ; cheeks and

lower throat rufous in contrast with the fore-

OC wikarsVispte ts ssysateeredpailatesemvesasrivescs’ Lie PUSERHIC, Ds 4B:

48 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

30. Leptoptila verreauxi.
Rusty Dove.

Leptoptila verreauxi Bonap. Consp. Av. ii. p. 73, 1854 (New Granada) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 548, 1893 (Quonga); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 19, no. 189, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above greyish olive-brown including
the wings, entire back, and middle tail-feathers ; outer tail-
feathers blackish tipped with white and fringed with white on the
outer web of the outer feather; hinder crown, nape, and hind-
neck coppery red with green and purple reflections ; forehead,
throat, breast, and sides of the body pale vinous becoming white
on the lower abdomen and under tail-coverts ; axillaries and under
wing-coverts bright chestnut like the quill-lining ; under surface
of tail glossy black tipped with white. ‘ Bill black, iris orange,
naked space round the eyes and feet red.”

Total length 230 mm., culmen 18, wing 130, tail 101, tarsus 23.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but with scarcely any
metallic sheen on the mantle. Wing 127 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Aurora Creck, Tiger
Creek, Great Falls, Demerara River (McConnell collection) ;
Quonga ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

31. Leptoptila rufaxilla,
GREY-FRONTED Dove.

Leptoptila rufaxilla (Richard & Bernard), Actes Soc. Hist. Nat. Paris,
i. p. 118, 1792 (Cayenne) ; Salvad, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 551,
1893 (British Guiana; Quonga, Bartica Grove); Beebe, Our
Search for a Wilderness, pp. 131, 139, 389, 1910 (Georgetown,
Hoorie Creek) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8, Amer. i. p. 19, no. 191,

1912.
Peristera gamaicensis (Temm.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744,
1848.

Engyptila rufaxilla Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174 (Bartica Grove, Cama-
cusa, Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 66, 1891;
Quelch, tom. cit. p. 107.

Adult male. Entire back, wings, and middle tail-feathers

LEPTOPTILA. 49

greenish olive-brown with lilac reflections on the mantle, upper
back and lesser upper wing-coverts; outer tail-feathers dark
brown tipped with white; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills dark brown with pale outer edges to the primary and
secondary quills; head slate-grey with a tinge of lilac on the
nape; forehead inclining to white; cheeks and lower throat sandy
buff; chin white ; breast vinous ; abdomen dull white; under
tail-coverts pure white with dark outer margins ; axillaries and
under wing-coverts bright rufous like the greater portion of the
quill-lining.

Total length 265 mm., culmen 16, wing 143, tail 93, tarsus 33,
middle toe and claw 34.

The above description is taken from an example collected at
Bonasika River.

Adult female. Similar to the male but duller in coloration.
Wing 142 mm. This specimen was obtained on the Demerara
River in March 1890.

The young bird differs from the adult by having searcely any
vinous on the breast and the first primary is not attenuated.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “ The nest is built in tall bushes” (Schomburgk). Nest
placed on the ground at the roots of small trees and bushes
(Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “ Light salmon colour spotted with light brown” (Lloyd
Price).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Mazaruni River, Kamakabra
River, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Anarica River, Demerara
River (McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Quonga River,
Kamakusa ( Whitely) ; Georgetown and Hoorie Creek (Beebe).

Eatralimital Range. North-east Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744)
this species is distributed all over British Guiana, but it never
leaves the darkest part of the wood, where it procures its
food on the ground. It is, as a rule, found singly, though
occasionally in pairs. The nest is built in tall bushes. Its flesh
is good. The “ Macusis” call it Oatoko and the “ Warraus ”
Wassibicobo.

Mr. Lloyd Price writes (Timehri (2) v. p. 66) on the nesting
of this species :—‘‘ Other birds nesting on the ground are the

E

50 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

pretty grey and white ground pigeon (Engyptila rufawilla), whose
eggs, of a light salmon colour spotted with light brown, may be
oveasionally found at the roots of small trees and bushes.”

Genus GEOTRYGON Gosse.
Geotrygon Gosse, Birds of Jamaica, p. 315, 1847. Type G. cristata
(lemm. & Knip).
This genus is chiefly distinguished from Leptoptila in having
the first primary-quill normal, the legs and feet shorter, and the
tail almost square.

32. Geotrygon montana.
Rep Grounp-Dove.

Geotrygon montana (Linn.), Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1. p. 163, 1758 (Jamaica) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 174 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.,
Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxi. p. 567, 1893
(Bartica Grove); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 20, no. 203,
1912.

Peristera montana Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744, 1848.

Adult male. General colour above cinnamon rufous with lilac
reflections on the head and upper back; primary-quills rather
darker on the inner webs; fore part of the cheeks pale cinnamon
buff; hinder cheeks like the head; chin and throat whitish tinged
with buff like the feathers on the sides of the upper breast; breast
vinous fading into sandy buff on the abdomen, flanks, and under
tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts cinnamon rufous, quill-lining
paler, like the under surface of the tail.

Total length 222 mm., culmen 18, wing 133, tail 73, tarsus 25,
middle toe and claw 26.

The bird described above was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs chiefly from the adult male in being olive-
brown above, and the absence of any lilae reflections, which are
replaced by a bronzy sheen.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fygs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika
River, Mazaruni River, Makauria River (McConnell collection) ;
Mount Reraima, Kamakusa, Merume Mountains (Wiitely).

GEOTRYGON.— OPISTHOCOMUS, ol

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Keuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 744) says that this
bird is very similar in habits to Leptoptila rufawilla (p. 48) and
lives singly or in pairs in the depths of thick woods, where it
feeds entirely on the ground. He did not find it nesting.

Order OPISTHOCOMIFORMES.

Family OPISTHOCOMID &.

This single species, which constitutes the Order, resembles more
or less the game-bird group, having a similar bill, but has a very
long crest, long wings, very long tail, and strong feet with long
toes. The chick has highly developed claws on the wings, as
shown in Fig. 12, p. 52.

Genus OPISTHOCOMUS Illig.

Opisthocomus Mliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 239, 1881. Type
O. hoatzin (P. L. 8S. Miill.).

Distinguished by the same characters as those of the family.

33. Opisthocomus hoazin.
Hoatzin.

Opisthocomus hoazin (P. L. 8. Miill.), Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 125, 1776
(Cayenne) ; Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 524, 1895
(Berbice River) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 8366-377,
figs. 150-157, 1910 (Abary River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 5.
Amer. i. p. 21, no. 212, 1912.

Opisthocomus cristatus (Gmel.), Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 712,
1848 ; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 270, 1876 (Rio Cotinga) ;
id. t. c. p. 871 (Berbice River); Scl. Ibis, 1887, p. 319 Mees
River); Young, Notes Leyd. Mus. x. pp. 169-173, pl. 8, 1588;
Quelch, Ibis, 1888, p. 378 ‘(Berbice River) ; id. in icechri (2) it.
p. 363, 1888 (Abary Creek) ; id. Ibis, 1890, p. 327 (Abary Creek
and Berbice River: notes on the habits).

“Anna”; “ Hanna”; ‘“ Canjé or Stinking Pheasant” ;
“ Governor Battenberg’s Turkeys” (Quelch) ; “ Crested Cecilia”
(Brown).

Fig. 1

BIRDS OF PRITISH GUIANA.

9

_—To show the claw on the wing in the
young of the Hoatzin.

OPISTHOCOMUS. 53

Adult male. General colour above bottle-green with white shaft-
streaks to the feathers of the hind-neck and mantle as also some
of the lesser upper wing-coverts, the median and greater coverts
edged with white at the tips; outer margin of wing buff ;
primary-quills chestnut with dark tips, secondaries for the most
part bottle-green ; lower back blackish, the feathers downy in
texture ; tail broadly tipped with buff; crest ferruginous with
blackish ends; chin, throat, and breast buff ; abdomen and sides
of body deep chestnut.

Total length 555 mm., culmen 29, wing 310, tail 265, tarsus 53,
middle toe and claw 68.

The bird described is from the Abary River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Breeding-season. ‘‘ December to July 7” (Quelch).

Nest. “The nests are made solely of a slightly concave mass of
dried twigs and sticks taken from the plants on which they are
built, and loosely laid on top and across each other, are placed
in couspicuous positions high up over the water or soft mud, on
the top of or amongst the bushy growth, where they are fully
exposed to the direct sunshine” (Quelch).

Eggs. “ Two eggs seem to be the usual complement ; in fact,
I was told they never lay more than two eggs at one nesting,
but in a few nests there were certainly three eggs” (Quelch).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Berbice River (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Bolivia.

Habits. Schomburgk, who met with this species (Reis. Guian.
ili. p. 712), writes :--“ I have only once, during my four years’
stay in British Guiana, met with this beautiful and proud bird ;
and that was in the well-wooded borders of the Takutu River.
I found a flock of several hundreds. They kept up a continuous
ery, and thus betrayed themselves. They perched on bushes
or low trees and chased each other from branch to branch, while
others ran about on the ground: the worn tips of the tail-
feathers bespeaks the latter habit. ‘The food consists of fruits
and berries. It has a peculiar and unpleasant smell, which one is
able to detect before seeing the bird. This scent is supposed to
be produced by its feeding on Arum leaves. I doubt that, as the
leaves have quite a different smell to that of the bird. I do not

a+ BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

know anything of its nesting-habits. The ‘ Warraus’ call it
Nah and the ‘ Macusis’” Zezira.”

We quote the following notes from Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri
(2) ii. p. 363) :—“ It was somewhat of a surprise to me to find
the Canjé Pheasant or Hoatzin (Opisthocomus cristatus), locally
called ‘ Hanna,’ along the creek, and apparently as plentiful here
as they are in the Berbice River and the Canjé Creek. The
explanation of their presence is most likely to be found in the fact
of there being a water communication between the Abary and the
Berbice at some distance up, along which the birds kave spread
almost throughout the whole course of the Abary.”

(Timehri (2) iv. p. 313) :—“ This is the curious reptilian bird
the Hoatzin, locally called Anna, Hanna, and Stinking or Canjé
Pheasant. Here and in corresponding parts of the Canjé Creek,
which opens into the river below the town, and of the Abary Creek,
which communicates with the Berbice by an etaboo, these curious
birds may be seen at all times of the year, jumping about and
feeding on the fruit and foliage of the mucco-mucc9, conrida, and
bundoorie pimpler, in the morning and evening, and resting in
groups among the denser foliage, sitting on the posterior margin
of their carina sterni during the heat of the day. Here, on the
spreading bundoori pimpler, the various stages of their life-
history may be studied—from the eggs, lying two or three to-
gether on the loosely placed twigs of their conspicuously built
nest, through the young chicks climbing about among the
branches by means of bill, feet and clawed wings, to the adult
birds which in appearance are not unlike the common type of
the pheasant, or, in terms of a colonial bird, a golden-tinted
brown maroodie.

“As to the distribution of the birds along the river, they
certainly are confined to this lower portion—not a single specimen
being met with along the higher reaches.”

(Timehri (2) x. p. 259) :—“ The Hoatzin or Reptilian bird
( Opisthecomus cristatus), which, being most strictly phytophagous,
finds in the leaves or fruit of two or three plants, according to
the season, the whole means of subsistence required. Weakness of
flight prevents the birds from wandering far from their usual
haunts, nor have they any incentive to do so when their food
conditions are permanent and secure.”

Mr. C. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 270)

OPISTHOCOMUS. 55

observes :—‘“ It is the Crested Cecilia, which lives in trees
bordering river-edges. Its flight is short and heavy ; it appears
to be very clumsy, falling forwards and apparently losing its
balance whenever it alights, remaining for a short interval with
its wings outspread.

‘On bringing the head cf a specimen I shot within a few
inches of my nose, I inhaled a whiff of its perfume which to me
resembled a mixture of bad musk and ammonia.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 28) writes :—
**Hoatzins—the strange reptile-like living fossils, which are
found only in this part of the world, and which are closely
related to no other living bird. .As we draw near, the birds
flutter through the foliage as if their wings were broken. We
find that this is their usual mode of progression, and for a most
interesting reason. Soon after the young Hoatzins are hatched,
and while yet unfledged, they are able to leave the nest and climb
about the branches, and in this they are greatly aided by the use
of the wings as arms and hands. ‘The three fingers of the wing
are each armed with a reptile-like claw, and at the approach of
danger the birds climb actively about like squirrels or lizards... .
They fed chiefly upon leaves, but fish entered into the bill of fare
of at least one individual.”

The following notes on this species have been quoted from
Dr. C. G. Young (Notes Leyden Mus. x. pp. 169-171) :—

“This bird is known also as the stinking pheasant, anna,
stinking anna, and van Batenburg’s turkey—after a Dutch
Governor of years gone by. It gets the name ‘stinking’ from
the peculiar smell, like fresh cow-dung, that comes from its
crop or stomach or both, for when the skin is preserved it
possesses no smell, and the body when the inside has been
removed is quite sweet. Notwithstanding the possibility of
removing the smell by removing tke bowels, it is never used
as food ; consequently it passes its time in peace and plenty.

“Tt is found in only one place in this country, viz. the Berbice
River and one of its branches—the Canje Creek, living together
in great numbers on the low bushes that border these waters,
especially on a pimpler (Drepanocarpus lunatus) that stretches
its branches over the muddy water and rises and falls with the
tide. Any day in the year they can be seen sitting side by side
like love-birds on the branches of this shrub or on the low trees

56 BIRDS .OF BRITISH GUIANA.

behind them. They fty from twig to twig, and although I have
seen these birds every day for the last six years, I have never seen
them extend their flight beyond twenty or thirty yards at one
time, and never once saw them on the ground. This inactivity is
not the result of inability, for their wings are well developed, and
their legs and feet are strong. They never leave the river-sides
and their food is the leaves and seeds of this pimpler and of a
plant that grows in the water, a kind of gigantic cuckoo-pint,
called at home ‘ lords and ladies,’ in this country called ‘ mucco-
mucco’ (Caladium arborescens). I may mention in passing that
there is not a puddle of water in the colony in which this
Caladium is not found, and Drepanocarpus lunatus fringes every
river and creek in the country.

“In the middle of March and beginning of April they make a
flat nest, like that of a sparrow-hawk, on the top of the low
shrubs by placing a few dry sticks together, but so loosely
united that one can, when under them, see ae they contain eggs or
young by simply looking up through then They lay two, some-
times three, whitish eggs, spotted all over with light and dark
rusty-coloured spots, commencing with a blotch at the larger end.

“The egg is about the size of a small hen-egg.

‘The young is covered with a light coat of dark brown down.
The eyes, bill, feet, claws of feet, and claws on thumb and tip of
finger are a dark blue-brown.

“The bill is short, thick, and conical like that of a sparrow,
with a slight bend in the upper mandible. The legs are strong,
with large strong toes, three directed forwards and one backwards,
and have well-developed claws. In the wing the fore-arm is
larger than the arm, and the hand is Jarger than the fore-arm.
The thumb is long and well developed, and has a leng well
developed claw ; the point of the wing is developed into a
finger, tipped with a claw equal in size to that of the thumb ;
both the thumb and finger have the power of ab- and ad-duction.
As soon as the young escape from the egg they er eep about with
the assistance of these hands, stretching out their wings and
digging these claws into or hooking on to whatever er mect.
They have not the power of grasping anything between their
finger and thumb. The specimen forwarded with this paper,
by means of these claws walked out of a large calabash, which is
a basin made out of the skin of a gourd and has a smooth
inside.”

OPISTHOCOMUS. . 5

Notes on the Breeding of the Hoatzin (Ibis, 1888, p. 379).—
The following extracts from a letter addressed to Dr. P. L. Sclater
by Mr. Quelch, of the British Guiana Museum, Demerara, dated
March 31st, 1888, will be read with interest :—

“JT have just been up to the Berbice River and the Canjé
Creek after the Hoatzin. From information given to me I had
ascertained that the birds were laying, but that they had only
just begun. When I went up by myself and examined the
district, I found a considerable number of nests with one, others
with two, and a few with three eges. Two eggs seem to be the
usual complement; in fact, I was told they never laid more than
two eggs at one nesting, but in a few nests there were certainly
three eggs. In nota single nest did I find any young ones, nor
did I see any birds about which, from their smaller size, appeared
to have been lately hatched. I brought down with me a con-
siderable number of eggs, some quite fresh, and others, so far as
I can judge from the appearanee of the eggs, in different stages
of incubation ; and in this respect the conduct of the birds when
driven off the nest seemed to me conclusive. The incubated eggs
(sixteen) I have put into spirit, forty over proof, and will change
soon into fresh spirit. The fresh eggs I am trying to get a hen
to hatch out, but I do not know yet whether I shall succeed.

“Tam going to wait for another three weeks or so, and then
I shall go up and take my zine pans for the big birds and what
chickens and incubated eggs I can find. I am afraid the birds
will have to be shot. There is no way of catching them other-
wise. They are fairly plentiful along the Canjé Creek and the
Berbice River ; but there is generally great difficulty in getting
close to them, and always so in regard to the nests. These they
make among a very prickly, spreading, decumbent sort of shrub
or small tree, which grows ip the swamps along the water-side
in a thick dense mass, and into which it is most tedious and
difficult to penetrate. The nests overhang the water, so that
from the land it is out of the question to get at them. From the
water, again, it is a most tedious process. One has to wade,
often up to the thighs, through thick mud, at low tide, and to cut
a way into the prickly growth ; and then, by pulling down the
branch bearing the nest (for it is out of the question to climb),
there is a chance of getting the eggs. Often, however, in the
process the eggs jerk out ; for the nest is perfectly shallow and
open, consisting only of a few sticks loosely drawn together. At

—

dd BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

high tide it is even more tedious, for the boat has to go where. a
man otherwise might have gone at low tide, and this necessitates
cutting a large channel.

“ However, I am going to try my best to send you a satisfactory
collection.”

On the Habits of the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus cristatus): by
J. J. Queleh (Ibis, 1890, p. 327) :—

“ The observations on which the following notes are based were
made in Mareh, May, and October 1838, July 1889, and January
1890 ; and as they extended over but short periods at each time,
no doubt several characteristics have remained unnoted which
more continuous attention would have revealed.

“The Hoatzin is known in British Guiana by the various
names of ‘Anna,’ ‘ Hanna,’ ‘ Canjé, or Stinking Pheasant,’ and
‘ Governor Battenberg’s Turkeys’; but in the districts where it
is found the name of ‘ Hanna’ is the one most commonly used.
These birds are plentifully distributed along the Berbice River
above the town of New Amsterdam, along the Canjé Creek,
which opens into the Berbice immediately below the same town,
and along the Abary Creek, one of the higher branches of which
leads into the Berbice River, and along which the birds have
most likely spread, by this channel, from the main stream. They
are said to extend upward along the Perbice and the Canjé for a
considerable distance ; but on this point I have no personal
knowledge, and reports which I have heard on the subject are
conflicting.

‘¢ Where the birds are most abundantly found, the banks of the
watercourses are lined by a thick, often impenetrable, and variable
erowth, which is washed and partially swamped by the water at
high tide, and is fronted with a wide and deep deposit of soft mud
at low water. Among the plants, a prickly and thorny, low-
spreading, much-branched, leguminous shrub or tree, commonly
known as the ‘ Bundoorie pimpler’ (Drepanocarpus lunatus),
which stretches out even over the water, rising and falling
with it, generally occurs in more or less dense masses, together
with the ‘courida’ (Avicennia nitida) and a tall tree-like eroid
commonly known as ‘ mucco-mucco’ (Aontrichardia arborescens),
which grows most luxuriantly in the muddy and swampy dis-
tricts; and the young leaves and the fruits of these plants
furnish almost the entire food of these birds. I have never seen

OPISTHOCOMUS. au

them on the ground, nor feeding on the low weedy growths on its
surface.

** Almost invariably, where one or other of the three mentioned
plants formed the nearly continuous growth by the water, the
birds there shot contained in their crops only the leaves (or
fruit) of that plant; but where the plants were mingled, some-
times one and sometimes another had been eaten.

“ This dense lining growth furnishes the home of the birds. In
the early morning or the late afternoon they will be seen sitting
in numbers on the plants; while towards the middle of the day,
as the fierce heat of the sun increases, they betake themselves to
shelter, either in the denser recesses of the growths, or among the
individual trees of denser foliage, or among the tangled masses of
creeping and climbing vines, which frequently spread over con-
siderable areas of their food-planis along the very edge of the
water. At this time one may pass, by boat, aleng the river
without the faintest idea of the proximity of the birds, unless
a very sharp watch be kept up among the more leafy growths, or
unless the report of a gun causes them to utter their curious cry.
Late in the evening, after feeding, they will be seen settling
themselves down in suitable places for the aight.

“The ery of the Hoatzin is easily heard when they are dis-
turbed, and it is one of which it is not easy to give an exact idea.
It recalls slightly the shrill screech of the Guinea-bird (Numidz«),
but is made up of disjointed utterances, like the notes ‘ heigh’ or
‘ sheigh ’ (ez as in ‘ sleigh’), pronounced with a peculiarly sharp
and shrill nasal intonation, so as to be quite hiss-like. While
they are treading, the noise made is considerable, the ery being
more continuous and shriek-like.

“* Whether from the fact of their occupying situations where
they are seldom disturbed or but little likely of being pursued, or
from a natural weakness of wing, the birds are but seldom seen in
flight ; and when they take to the wing during disturbance, they
do so but for very short distances—a very exceptional flight being
once observed of a length of about forty yards with the wind,.
across a creek, from a high growth on one bank to a lower level
on the other. Usually they rise almost with a jump from the
branch, seldom in a straight line, but with a marked convex curve
to the point where they alight. The flight of the birds, in spite
of their great expanse of wings in relation to the weight of the

60 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

body, is thus extremely awkward, and the body presents a
peculiarly humped appearance. During their longer courses
the wings are rapidly and violently flapped.

“When suddenly disturbed, as by the discharge of a gun
amongst a group of them, they fly or spring away for distances
of but a few feet, while those in the immediate vicinity show no
other signs of alarm but the loud utterance of their shrill ery.
While springing from place to place, when they are feeding
or alarmed, they keep their wings fully expanded, and inclined
almost vertically when they have first alighted, thus balancing
themselves, the crest being then erect and the tail raised and
expanded. It is at such times especially that their plumage
presents a really beautiful aspect, in spite of their sober
colouring.

“The apparent awkwardness in placing themselves when they
alight is chiefly due, I believe, to the smallness of the branches
on which they usually settle, and which they are unable firmly to
grasp with their long toes, balancing themselves meanwhile by
the expanded wings and tail ; but it is also attributable, I think,
though to a much less degree, to a certain weakness in their
legs—even though these are thick and apparently strong-
looking,—since when they alight on a thick limb a certain
amount of instability is still manifest.

“This weakness of limbs seems to be still more evidenced by
the method of perching characteristic of the birds. At any time
during the heat of the day they will be found resting on the
branches, two or more together, the body directly applied to
the wood, and supported on the bare, thickened, and hardened
patch of skin which covers the flattened and broadened surface
of the posterior termination of the carina sternt. This surface of
the keel affords a firm base of support, and as the axis of the
sternal keel is not parallel with, but markedly inclined to the
spine, a slight tilt of the spine from the horizontal brings the axis
of the sternum close to the vertical, and allows nearly the full
weight of the bird to be thrown on the sternal base, while the
body of the bird seems to be quite horizontal, owing to the fact
that the enormous looped crop, which is directly. and closely
applied to the face of the furculum and sternum, canses a bulging
of the body in the front to balance the extension of the rump
behind. The feet of the bird while grasping the branch here

OPISTHOCOMUS. 61

evidently support but a very small part of the weight of the
body, and are more concerned with its equipoise and stability.

“To judge from the conditions under which the birds at
present here exist, it would seem that the sluggish habit has been
brought about by a weakening of special muscles through disuse.
From the nature of their food no prolonged flight is needed in
order to procure it; from the nature of their habilat they are
little liable to be interfered with or pursued, and, if troubled,
they can easily take refuge without prolonged flights. Even by
man they are seldom meddled with, except for scientific pur-
poses, since a peculiar and unpleasant odour attaches to the
flesh, especially after death, and which seems to be due to the
penetration of the fluid and gaseous contents of the digestive
tract. On this account they are not generally eaten; but a
few cases have been reported to me in which they have been
utilized for food.

‘The nesting-time of the birds certainly extends from December
to July, and I think it very likely that it is continuous throughout
the year. From information given to me in 1887, I was led to
conclude that March and April were their nesting-months; but as
the result of my own observation, chicks are to be found quite
early in January, and freshly-laid eggs in the early part of July,
as well as the intervening months.

“The nests, which are made solely of a slightly concave mass
of dried twigs and sticks taken from the plants on which they are
built, and loosely laid on top and across each other, are placed in
conspicuous positions high up over the water or soft mud, on the
top of or amongst the bushy growth, where they are fully exposed
to the direct sunshine. Almost invariably the plants thus built on
were the close-growing ‘ Bundoorie pimpler,’ thoughin a few cases
I have seen them on the courida and on a ‘pimpler (or prickly)
palm’ (Bactris major).

“Tn October 1888, along the Abary Creek, when nearly for a
fortnight the birds were under observation at frequent intervals,
no nests nor young were noticed ; but as the Bundoorie pimpler
was almost entirely absent, and the lining growth along the
water-side consisted of mucco-mucco and other plants, on the top
of which it was impossible for the birds to perch, and much more
so to make nests, it may well be that they were even then
nesting, but in such positions as to be screened from observation.

62 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Believing at that time that the birds only nested from March to
May, I made no special attempts to search for nests ; nor have I
yet had an opportunity of seeing whether, along the Berbice
River and the Canjé Creek, nests are to be found on the Bundoorie
pimpler at that time of the year.

“ From the binding nature of the spiny twigs, the nests last for
a considerable time, and these are certainly made use of again,
possibly after more or less repair. The same nest has been found
in use after an interval of seven months.

“ Two or three eggs are laid at a time, both numbers being
about equally common in my experience; and in one special
case six eggs were taken from a nest on which one bird had
been sitting, but whether they had been Jaid by one bird or two
birds there was nothing to show. The eggs, which vary con-
siderably in size, being usually as large as a small-sized hen’s egg,
though often a good deal larger or smaller, are easily seen from
beneath the nest, owing to its loose structure ; and the whitish
eggs, with scattered dark reddish-brown blotches, more closely
placed at the obtuse pole, form a marked contrast with the
greyish-brown twigs of the nest. Even while the birds are sitting
on them, the eggs must be kept fairly cool from below ; and this
evidently gives the explanation why a number of freshly laid
eggs that were placed to be hatched out by a common fowl
exploded one after another, much to the alarm of the foster
parent, who, however, stuck to the nest with the remainder after
each occurrence.

‘Soon after the hatching of the eggs, the nestlings begin to
crawl about by means of their wings and legs, the well-developed
claws on the pollex and index being constantly in use for holding
and hooking on to the surrounding objects. If they are drawn
from the nest by means of their legs, they hold on firmly to the
twigs both with their bill and wings; and if the nest be upset by
means of a rod pushed up from be!ow, they hold on to all objects
with which they come in contact by means of bill, feet, and wings,
making considerable use of the bill, not only to reach objects above
them, but also, with the help of the clawed wings, to raise them-
selves to a higher level. When the parent bird is driven from the
nest, owing to the close approach of a boat, generally through an
opening cut in the floating Bundoorie pimpler, at high water,
or to the cutting and pulling of the branches by some one who has

OPISTHOCOMUS. 63

waded through the soft mud, often up to the thighs, at low water,
then the young birds, unless they be only quite recently hatched,
craw] out of the nests on all fours, and rapidly try to hide in the
thicker bush behind.

“ One curious feature noticed with a nestling which had been
upset into the river was its power of rapid swimming and diving
when pursued. As soon as the hand was placed close to it.
it rapidly dived into the dark water. in which it was impossible
to see it, and would rise at distances of more than a yard away.
Owing to this power the little creature managed to evade all my
attempts to seize it, taking refuge eventually far under the bushy
growth, where it was impossible to pursue it. The prolonged
immersion which a nestling will thus instinctively and voluntarily
uadergo, or which an adult bird will bear in an attempt to drown
it, seems to me to be guite remarkable.

“ The nestlings, when resting on the bare sticks of the nest, are
observed to rest the weight of the body, as in the adult birds, on
the bare and thickened integument of the carina sterni, the toes
being spread out and the wings generally drawn up to the sides.

*T am unable to state from observation the method of feeding
of the nestlings. In very many specimens, when the crops were
examined the food was found to consist of a central portion
of closely packed pieces of young and thin leaves, apparently
both of the courida and the Bundoorie pimpler, surrounded by a
finer more pulpy mass, which was thus in contact with the walls
of the organ, and which had evidently, from its position, been
more acted upon than the central portion. The enclosed pieces
of leaves were sometimes nearly three-quarters of an inch in
length, quite ragged in outline and much folded—so much so as
to give the impression of a finely comminuted mass until they
were carefully unrolled. In nestlings of much larger size the
food-mass of the crop was considerably more comminuted, but it
still contained distinctly recognizable portions of leaves, and often
these were from half to three-quarters of an inch in length.

“ From the nature of the food contents, I was led to believe
that the time of day at which the young birds were procured
made a considerable difference as to the state of the food in the
crop. The feeding-time of the adult birds is evidently the early
and late parts of the day, at which time their crops are found to
contain, and especially at their anterior part, quantities of large

64 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

pieces of young leaves ; and sometimes these pieces consist of a
half or nearly an entire leaf, almost unaltered—the pieces packed
against and between the wrinkled surface of the immensely
developed rug being, however, seldom of this nature. Early in
the morning and late in the afternoon, before feeding-time, the
contents of the crop are but little recognizable, the fragments
being considerably altered, as well doubtless by the peculiar
warmth and moisture as by the special action of its strong ruge.
If the nestlings are fed by the parent birds with small portions of
the young foliage, which, owing to its softness and delicacy, the
weakest condition of their jaws would allow them to tear from
the bills of their parents, either in large or small portions, the
Jong resting-time during the night and the middle of the day
would be sufficient to cause a change in the leaf-pieces corre-
sponding to that produced in the adult birds.

“The nestlings, even when quite small, are frequently found
far away from any nest, climbing by the help of their clawed
wings, after the parent birds during feeding-time ; and it seems
a most likely thing, though I have never directly observed it,
that they are then fed with the tender leaves which the parents
pluck for them. Failing the proof from direct observation, there
seems to be no necessity for concluding that the nestlings are fed
by a regurgitation of the food-mass from the crop of the adult
birds, as Dr. Young has been inclined to think likely (Notes from
the Leyden Museum, vol. x. p. 171).

“Tt was a very noticeable thing, during the various months
when the birds were under my observation, that a very large
proportion of those that were shot were by no means in good
plumage, a variable number of the quills of the wings and tail,
and sometimes the feathers of the crest, and frequently those
of the neck and breast, being only in process of growth. So
marked was this feature in October 1888, along the Abary Creek,
that I was inclined to regard that season as a moulting-period
(Timehri, vol. ii. new series, 1838, p. 364) ; since then, however,
I have found them in very much the same condition in July 1889
and January 1890.

‘This is all that I am at present able to furnish about the habits
and breeding of these birds ; but I trust soon to be able to offer
some additional notes on a few pvints that have remained untouched
owing to the want of definite information.”

RALLIDA. 65

Order RALLIFORMES.
Family RALLID.

The members of this family are generally distinguished by
their laterally compressed bodies and long toes. The bill is of

Rallus longirostris.
Fig. 13.—To illustrate the shape of the bill and the form of the foot.

various shapes, being long in the true Rails, shorter and stouter
in the Crakes, and very deep in the Gallinules, the last having
the nasal opening pierced in the horny sheath.
The Rails are distributed oyer the greater portion of the known
F

66 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

world. Fourteen genera and fifty-six species occur in South
America, of which nine genera and fifteen species are represented
in British Guiana.

Genus RALLUS Linn.
Rallus Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. p. 153, 1758. Type R. aguaticus Linn.
This genus is characterized chiefly by its long and slender bill,
which, in R. longirostris, is almost equal in length to that of the
middle toe and claw.

34. Rallus longirostris.
LonG-BILLED Rat.

Rallus longirostris Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52,1783 (Cayenne) ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 10, 1894 (Berbice); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 21, no. 213, 1912.

Rallus crepitans (nec Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 760,
no. 213, 1848.

Adult female. Upper surface brown with pale edgings to the
feathers, giving a streaked appearance, more narrowly on the head
and hind-neck ; sides of face, fore-neck, and breast pale rufous ;
greater upper wing-coverts also tinged with rufous; middle of
abdomen bufty-white ; sides of body, under tail-coverts, and under
wing-coverts brown barred: with white.

Total length 340 mm., culmen 53, wing 134, tail 46, tarsus 47,
middle toe and claw 56.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female.

The female described was collected at Lamaha.

Breeding-seascn. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded-in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Lamaha (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, Trinidad.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 760) that this
species is more generally found in grassy or boggy places and less
commonly in woods.

Genus ARAMIDES Pucher.

Aramides Pucheran, Rev. Zool. 1845, p. 277. Type A. cayennensis
(Gmel.).
The members of this genus are of rather large size, with
straight bills, strong feet, long toes, and short tails; the middle
toe and claw about equal in length to that of the tarsus.

ARAMIDES. 67

Key to the Species.

A. Crown of head pale chestnut; throat white

tinged with rufous; fore-neck chestnut;

axillaries blackish barred with white ......... A, axillaris, p. 67.
B. Crown of head dusky grey; throat white with

no rufous tinge; fore-neck grey; axillaries

rouions batted with black... ic06..5. 0.251. 0.naxc A, cajanea, p. 68,

35. Aramides axillaris.
VENEZUELAN Woop-Ratn.

Aramides axillaris Lawr. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1863, p. 107
(Barranquilla, New Granada) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 56, 1894; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 23, no. 228, 1912.

Ortygarchus mangli (nec Spix), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.

8.

p. 760, 184

Immature. Head, sides of face, throat, and sides of neck pale
rufous tinged with dusky brown on the crown of the head ; hind-
neck and upper mantle grey; upper wing-coverts, middle of
back, and innermost secondaries olive-brown ; lower back, rump,
and tail dull black; bastard-wing and primary-quills bright
chestnut, more or less olive at the tips; under surface, including
the thighs, dusky grey with rufous feathers appearing on the breast
and abdomen ; axillaries and under wing-coverts blackish barred
with white ; under tail-coverts like the tail. ‘ Bill green, yellowish
at base ; feet vinous red ; eyelids and iris red.”

Total length 320 mm., culmen 36, wing 173, tail 55, tarsus 58,
middle toe and claw 52.

The immature bird described was collected at Bartica.

Adult female. Head and neck all round, as also the breast,
chestnut, paler and inclining to white on the throat ; lower hind-
neck and mantle slate-grey ; back, scapulars, upper wing-coverts,
and innermost secondaries olive; primary-coverts and quills
chestnut tipped with olive; lower back and upper tail-coverts
sooty-brown ; tail black ; flanks and under tail-coverts blackish ;
thighs and vent dusky brown; under wing-coverts blackish barred
with white ; axillaries similar tinged with rufous at the tips.

Total length 310 mm., culmen 41, wing 180, tail 58, tarsus 55,
middle toe and claw 55.

The description of the female is taken from an exampie in the
British Museum, collected in Venezuela by Spence—Salvin-

F2

68 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Godman collection. We have not been able to see a male speci-
men, but, according to Leotaud, the sexes are alike.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fugs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 760) that the
habits and mode of life of this bird are similar to those of
A. cajanea (see below).

36. Aramides cajanea.
CAYENNE Woop-Ralt.

Aramides cajanea (P. L. S. Miill.), Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 119, 1766
(Cayenne) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 23, no. 230, 1912.

Ortygarchus cayennensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 759, 1848.

Aramides cayennensis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa ).

Aramides cayanea Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 57, 1894
(Bartica Grove) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 378, 389,
1910 (Abary Savannas).

* Killicow ” (Beebe).

Adult female. Crown of head dusky brown ; sides of face and
entire neck all round slate-grey, paler on the fore-neck ; throat
whitish ; upper wing-coverts, middle of the back, and tertials
olive ; lower back, tail, flanks, under tail-coverts, and vent dull
black, thighs rather paler and more sooty. brown ; bastard-wing
and quills pale chestnut, becoming darker at the tips; breast and
abdomen chestnut; axillaries and under wing-coverts black
barred with rufous.

Total length 290 mm., culmen 46, wing 172, tail 53, tarsus 69,
middle toe and claw 62.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather larger.
Wing 181 mm.

The bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. \turibisi River, Bartica, Abary River,
Anarica River (MeConnell collection) ; Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil.

Haliis. Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 378) gives

ARAMIDES.—AMAUROLIMNAS. 69

the following note :—“ Cayenne Wood-Rails were seen every day,
but were not abundant. A psir were nesting near the island,
and well merited their native name. of Killicow, screaming a
confused chorus of syllables resembling these for five minutes at
a stretch every morning.”

Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 759) that he found
this bird most common in the coast-woods, the boggy Avicennien-
bush, and the coffee plantations. He met with them in small
flocks, which on his approach took to their wings. Tliey appeared
to depend on their wings to evade him rather than their feet.
Even when running a very short distance their progress was aided
by their outspread wings. The ‘‘ Warraus” call it Aku and the
*“ Macusis ” Kosarre.

Genus AMAUROLIMNAS Sharpe.

Amaurolimnas Sharpe, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, 1. p. xxvii, Féb. 1893.
Type A. concolor (Gosse).
This genus belongs to the Crakes, which differ from the true
Rails by their short bills, but they have long thin toes.

37. Amaurolimnas concolor.
Unirorm CRAKE.

Amaurolimnas concolor (Gosse), Birds of Jamaica, p. 369, pl. 103,
1847 (Jamaica); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 87, 1894
ead Mts.) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 23, no. 235,
1912.

Porzana concolor Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176 (Merumé Mts.).

Adult female. General colour above rufous-brown ;_bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills pale brown with pale rufous
edgings on the outer webs; tail like the back; under surface
rufous, somewhat paler on the lores, chin, aud vent. ‘“ Bill
yellowish green, blackish above ; feet dull purplish crimson or
pink ; iris vermilion” (P. H. Gosse).

Total length 200 mm., culmen 29, wing 120, tail 47, tarsus 41,
middle toe and claw 37.

The description is taken from a specimen collected on the
Supenaam River.

A male example obtained by H. Whitely at the Merumé
Mountains on July 12, 1881, now in the British Museum, is
very similar to the female described above.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

70 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Arawai River
McConnell collection) ; Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Jamaica, Central America—
north to Guatemala.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus THYRORHINA Scl. & Sulv.

Thyrorhina Sclater & Salvin, P. Z. 8S. 1868, pp. 448, 458. Type qT
schomburgki (Cab.).

The chief character of this genus is that the nostrils are not
pervious, being separated by a bony septum. The bill is short
and the toes long and slender. Wing rounded, the first primary-
quill being about equal to the tenth.

38. Thyrorhina schomburgki.

ScHOMBURGER’S CRAKE.
Crea schomburgki Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 760, 1848
(British Guiana).
Thyrorhina schomburgki Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176 (Roraima, Merumé
Mts.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 125, 1894; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 24, no. 242, 1912.

Adult male. Upper surface, including the hinder portion of
the head, entire back, and tail olive-brown, with black centres to
the feathers and ovate white spots, becoming pale rufous on the
wings ; quills pale brown; forehead, sides of face, and under
surface pale rufous; throat and middle of abdomen white, the
feathers on the sides of the breast centred with black and
ovate white spots. ‘Feet yellowish” (Schomburgk). “Hye
reddish hazel ; legs and toes red” (H. Whitely).

Total length 185 mm., culmen 14, wing 73, tail 34, tarsus 18,
middle toe and claw 23.

The sexes appear to be similar, but the material at hand is not
sufficient to form a definite conclusion.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Abary River, Ireng
River (McConnell collection) ; Merumé Mountains (Whitely).

Lxtralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela.

THYRORHINA.—PORZANA. 71

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 245) that he
obtained this bird in the vicinity of Mount Roraima. He always
found them in pairs. It is easily caught, as its feeble powers
of flight only allowed it to remain on the wing for a short time.
He kept a pair in captivity for some considerable time ; the male
died first, however, and the female only survived him for one
day—-having died from grief.

Genus PORZANA Vieill.
Porzana Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 61, 1816. Type P. porzana
(Linn.).
This genus also belongs to the Crakes, and has a short bill and
long and slender toes which exceed the tarsus in length. The
first primary-quill is about equal to the ninth.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 100 mm.
a’. Upper surface streaked with white ; throat

black ; breast barred with white ......... P. carolina, p. 71.
b'. No white streaks on the upper surface;
throat white; breast uniform grey......... P. albicollis, p. 72.
B. Smaller, wing much less than 100 mm.;
PYCARD CREAMY DUEL Sicainooc es care ver see vas os P. flaviventris, p. 73.

39. Porzana carolina.
CAROLINA CRAKE.

Porzana carolina (Uinn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 153, 1758 (“ America
septentrionali”); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 97, 1894;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 24, no. 238, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above bronze-brown blotched with
black and streaked with white ; quills brown, outer edge of first
primary white; head, sides of neck, and ear-coverts bronze-brown
with a black median line on the crown of the head ; forehead,
lores, and chin black ; a line over the eye, sides of face, fore-neck,
and breast grey, barred with white on the last ; axillaries, under
wing-coverts, and sides of body dark brown barred with white ;
middle of abdomen and long under tail-coverts white, the short
under tail-coverts buff. ‘ Bill yellow at base, dusky towards
the end; feet yellowish green ; claws light brown ; iris bright
chestnut.”

Total length 178 mm., culmen 20, wing 108, tail 47, tarsus 33,
middle toe and claw 45.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 102 mm.

12 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Young birds differ in being paler brown above and in the
absence of the black throat and grey breast, which are pervaded
with sandy buff like the greater part of the under surface.

The male bird described above was taken at Bartica in 1911.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Unknown in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartiea (MeConnell collection).

Extralimital range. Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Trinidad, West
India Islands, Central and North America.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

40. Porzana albicollis.
WHITE-NECKED CRAKE.
Porzana albieollis (Vieill.), N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxviii. p. 561, 1819
(Paraguay); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176 (Roraima, 3000 ft.) ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 102, 1894 (Georgetown, Roraima) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 24, no. 289, 1912.
Crex mustelina Licht., Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 760, 1848.

Adult male. Entire upper surface including the head, back,
wings, and tail black, the feathers everywhere edged with olive-
brown, narrowly on the head and more broadly on the back and
wings ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills uniform brown ;
throat white ; breast and abdomen bluish grey; lower flanks,
vent, and under tail-coverts blackish barred and edged with white ;
under wing-coverts and axiilaries pale brown edged with white.
‘Bill green; eye reddish hazel; legs, toes, and claws purplish
brown ” (H. Whitely).

Total length 190 mm., culmen 27, wing 105, tail 43, tarsus 36,
middle toe and claw 43.

Adull female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 99 mm.

‘The male bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River in
October 1908.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Its nesting-place is in the grass (Sehomburgk).

“ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Abary River, Essequebo River (A/c Connell collection); Mount
Roraima, Annai ( Whitely); Georgetown (British Museum).

Eatralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii, p. 760)
this bird is fairly common in plantations and grazing lands near

PORZANA.—ORTYGOPS. vB

the coast, where he says these shy birds make well-formed runs in
the tall grass. In the morning and evening it is seen on the
roads and foot-paths which lead across the meadows. At the
slightest noise it immediately takes refuge in the grass, which is
also its nesting-place.

41. Porzana flaviventris.
YELLOW-BELLIED CRAKE.

Porzana flaviventris (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 110, 1894; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 24, no. 241, 1912.

Adult. Head blackish, as is also a line in front and behind the
eye, becoming dusky on the nape and hind-neck, somewhat darker
on the mantle, back, and scapulars, where the feathers are longi-
tudinally streaked with white; wing-coverts and tertials paler and
edged with white at the tips; tail like the back ; bastard-wing,
primary-coyerts, and quills dusky brown, becoming paler on the
secondaries ; sides of body, axillaries, and under tail-coverts barred
with black and white ; a white ioral streak which extends over the
eye; throat and breast creamy buff; abdomen white. “ Bill
olive ; legs and feet yellowish.”

Total length 125 mm., culmen 16, wing 65, tail 31, tarsus 22,
middle toe and claw 31.

The male and female appear to be similar both in colour and
measurements.

The description is taken from an example obtained on the
Abary River in July 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Abary River, Perth, Essequebo
River (MeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, Jamaica, and Cuba.

falits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus ORTYGOPS Hein. & Reichen.
Ortygops Heine & Reichenow, Nomencl. Mus. Hein. Orn. p. 820, 1890.
Type O. noveboracensis (Gmel.).
The members which compose this genus are very small birds
with short bills, long and slender toes, The secondary quills are
white, and the nostrils are pervious,

74 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

42. Ortygops notata duncani.
Duncan’s CRAKE.
(Plate III. fig. 2.)

Adult. Blackish above and below with a tinge of olive-brown
on the upper surface, the feathers everywhere spotted, streaked,
or barred with white; tip of tail pale brown on the lower aspect.

Total length 120 mm., culmen 14, wings not fully moulted,
tail 31, tarsus 21, middle toe and claw 25.

This example, which is the type of the species, was obtained on the
Abary River in September 1907, and is in the McConnell collection.

This subspecies is closely allied to O. nvtata notata of Gould, from
which it differs in its slightly smaller size and darker appearance.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

F-ggs. Undescribed.

Range restricted to British Guiana. Abary River (Ae Coanell
collection).

Habits. Unrecorded.

This bird is named in honour of the second surviving son of the
late Mr. F. V. McConnell.

Genus CRECISCUS Cab.
Creciscus Cabanis, J. f. O. 1856, p. 428. Type C. jamaicensis (Gmel.).

The species of this genus are of small size with short bills, thin
legs, long and slender toes. The wings are rounded and the nostrils
are pervious.

Key to the Species.
A. Crown of head and entire underparts
Chesbiatt 5.91 fia weisawatke Sek va agin se ves owen Osten an ana IRA oils cr Ae
B. No chestnut on the head; underparts not
chestnut.

a. Nape and hind-neck bronze-brown like
the back; sides of face and sides of

fteast ehioshinh's = Serr ccrctoos ccc ven oes C. melanopheus mac-
b. Nape and hind-neck chestnut in contrast [connelli, p. 75.

to the back ; sides of face and sides of

DECASD ICU sti cs nidined toa) pa dee i eporin te nogees C. exilis, p. 76.

43. Creciscus viridis.
CAYENNE CRAKE.

Creciscus viridis (P. L. S. Miill.), Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 120, 1776
(‘‘ Cajenne”); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 25, no. 251,
1912.

4 hey au il

AeA Te

7 i <5 ay.
ern h

‘IYDL) SUDIUNT “AYDL) SYPAUUG) IPT
“mumaunp vyjou sdobAj}1g "2 ‘qpauuoz7NU snarydouD]IUL SISAL) ‘|

“DUD INE) YsSTPAd® f2 SPLAg

Ts Td FTA:

CRECISCUS. 75

Porzana cayennensis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 176 (Merumé Mts.,
Roraima) ; Quelch, Tunehri (2) v. p. 107, 1891.

Cresciscus cayanensis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxii. p. 143, 1894
(Merumé Mts., Roraima).

Adult female. Hind-neck, back, wings, and tail bronze-brown ;
forehead and crown of head chestnut ; sides of face and a line
above the eye dark grey; under surface chestnut, paler on the
thighs, abdomen, throat, and under wing-coverts. ‘“‘ Hye orange-
yellow ; legs and toes reddish pink, claws brown” (H. W hitely).

Total length 162 mm., culmen 29, wing 91, tail 30, tarsus 35,
middle toe and claw 36.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 94 mm.

The bird described was collected on the Kamakabra River,

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Kamakabra River,
Bonasika River, Makauria River, Abary River, Anarica River,
Lower Mazaruni River (McConnell collection); Georgetown
(Quelch); Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil and Colombia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

44, Creciscus melanophzeus macconnelli.
McConnei’s CRAKE.
(Plate ITI. fig. 1.)

Adult. Nape, hind-neck, back, and wings dark bronze-brown,
being darker on the quills and blackish on the innermost secon-
daries, rump, and tail ; fore part of head and space round the eye
hoary grey ; ear-coverts and sides of breast deep chestnut; throat
and middle of breast white, the latter washed with rufous ;
axillaries, under wing-coverts, flanks, and vent black barred with
white, paler on the fore part of the thighs, hinder aspect of thighs
dull black ; under tail-coverts deep chestnut.

Total length 145 mm., culmen 19, wing 80, tail 39, tarsus 33,
middle toe and claw 41.

The bird described is from Bonasika River. Type in the
McConnell collection.

The subspecies described above is allied to C. melanopheus mela-
nopheus (Vieill.), but differs in haying the fore part of the head

76 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and space round the eye grey, the lower back and rump blackish,
and the much deeper coloured chestnut on the sides of the breast.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range conjined to British Guiana. Bartica, Bonasika River
(McConnell collection),

Habits. Unrecorded.

45. Creciscus exilis.
TEMMINCK’S CRAKE.

Creciscus exilis (Temm.), Pl. Col. v. pl. 523, 1831 (Peru); Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 138, 1894; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 24, no. 245, 1912.

Adult male. Back brown, wings also brown, some of the feathers
barred and tipped with white, upper tail-coverts also barred and
tipped with white; tail blackish brown ; a chestnut band on the
hind-neck ; crown of head dark slate-colour ; sides of face and
breast slate-grey ; throatand middle of abdomen white ; axillaries,
sides of the body and under tail-coverts black barred with white,
tinged with buff on the lower flanks ; under wing-coverts whitish.

Total length 130 mm., culmen 16, wing 75, tail 33, tarsus 23,
middle toe and claw 33.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 71 mm.

The male bird described was collected on the Bonasika River. ~

Young. General colour black, with brown on the wings, throat
and middle of breast whitish, and the under wing-coverts for the
most part white. This example was obtained on the Abary River
in September 1907.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bonasika River, Abary River
(Me Connell collection).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, North Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus GALLINULA Brisson.
Gallinula Brisson, Orn. vi. p. 3, 1760. Type G. chloropus (Linn.).
The chief characters which distinguish this genus are the lateral
lobes on the sides of the toes and the frontal shield at the base of
the forehead ; general colour sooty-black.

GALLINULA.—IONORNIS.

~]
~l

46. Gallinula galeata.
AMERICAN WATERHEN.

Gallinula galeata (Licht.), Verz. Doubl. p. 80, 1823 (San Paulo) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 760, 1848; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 25, no. 255, 1912.

Adult female. Head and neck all round dull black; mantle,
upper back, wings, and scapulars dark slate-colour ; middle of
back and rump bronze-brown; tail black ; quills dark brown,
outer edge of first primary and a spot at the tip of two of the
secondaries white ; breast, sides of body, and abdomen deep slate-
grey, dull white on the middle of the abdomen, some of the flank-
feathers brcadly streaked with white ; central under tail-coverts
black, the cuter ones pure white; marginal under wing-coverts
and edge of wing white, inner coverts grey tipped with white.
“ Lill and frontal shield bright scarlet in life, end of the former
greenish yellow or bright yellow ; legs and feet yellowish green,
joints ashy blue; upper part of the naked tibia scarlet; iris
brown.”

Total length 330 mm., bill from gape 31, wing 162, tail 65,
tarsus 47, middle toe and claw 76.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 176 mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen collected
on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Abary River (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. The greater portion of North and South
America.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 760) that this
species was found in company with Jonornis martinica near the
bogs and in the Avicennien bush near the coast.

Genus IONORNIS Reichenb.
Tonornis Reichenbach, Nat. Syst. Vigel, p. xxi, 1852. Type I. martinica
(Linn.).
This genus differs from Gallinula in being more slender in form
and in having no posterior caruncle on the frontal shield; general
colour bluish green,

78 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Fig. 14.—To show the frontal shield.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 150 mm.; under

SHULER PIT PIS DITO) Ao odes. <cvannetaun or reeares I. martinica, p. 78,
B. Smaller, wing less than 150 mm.; under

surface white with a slight wash of pale blue

(G0; TRO EOPE-ECK © 2)... in. eee cdo Se eee I. flavirostris, p. 79.

47. Ionornis martinica.
PuRPLE GALLINULE.

Tonornis martinica (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 259, 1766 (“ Martinice
inundatis”) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 378, 1910
(Abary River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 26, no. 259,
1912.

Porphyrio martinicus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 761, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 177; Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 107, 1891
(Georgetown).

Porphyriola martinica Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 189, 1894
(Demerara).

Blue Moorhen (Quelch).

Adult female. Back, wings, and tail bluish green, brighter and -
more blue on the upper wing-coverts ; quills brown on the inner
webs; head, neck, and under surface purplish blue; under wing-
coverts and axillaries like the mantle ; lower abdomon and thighs
dull black ; under tail-coverts white. “ Bill red, green at the
point ; toes yellow ; frontal shield sky-blue.”

Total length 285 mm., bill from gape 31, wing 170, tail 69,
tarsus 57, middle toe and claw 74.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female.

The female described was collected on the Abary River in
June 1891.

Young birds are distinguished from the adults in being much
less bright above and having the under surface and sides of face
buff colour,

IONORNIS. 19

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Bartica,
Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, West Indies,
Central America north to Texas and Florida.

Halits. Schomburgk mentions this bird (Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 761) as one of the commonest in British Guiana. It is found
in flocks, especially along the edges of the bogs near the ccast.
The ** Macusis”’ call it Amutultu.

48. Ionornis flavirostris.
LitrLe GALLINULE.

Tonornis flavirostris (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 699, 1785 (Cayenne) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 26, no. 259, 1912.

Porphyriola parva (Bodd.) [nee Forst. 1781], Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxi. p. 191, 1894 (Aunai).

Adult male Head, hind-neck, upper back and scapulars brown
with greenish edges to the feathers; lower back, rump, upper
tail-coverts, and tail blackish brown with white tips to the upper
tail-coverts and tail; upper wing-coverts and outer webs of quills
pale greenish blue like the sides of the face and sides of breast ;
under surface white, including the axillaries and under wing-
coverts, with a wash of pale blue on the fore-neck and breast.
* Bill and shield light green ; legs and toes yellow-ochre ; claws
orange-brown ; iris reddish brown” (/7. Whitely).

Total length 230 mm., bill from gape 28, wing 138, tail 72,
tarsus 42, middle toe and claw 58.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Immature birds are distinguished by the buff on the sides of
the face, fore-neck, and breast.

The male described is from Hoobaboo.

Young. Head, hind-neck, mantle, and scapulars rusty olive-
brown ; lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts sooty-black with
ferruginous edgings to the feathers; tail bronzy brown, rather
broadly tipped with white; wings dull greenish blue; throat
and entire under surface white with a wash of sandy buff, more
intensely on the fore-neck, sides of neck, sides of face, and ear-
coverts.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

80 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River, Hoobaboo (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Family HELIORNITHIDA.

The members of this family, which are peculiar by their long
and stiffened tails, elongated wings with short tertials, and Rail-
like bills, are distributed as follows :—In Asia (Burma) one genus
and one species, in Africa one genus and three species, and in
Central and South America one genus and one species.

Genus HELIORNIS Bonn.
Heliornis Bonnaterre, Tabl. Méth. i. Introd. p. 64, 1790. Type
H. fulica (Bodd.).

This genus has no very near ally in South America, but in
the classification it is placed immediately after the Coots (Ralli-
formes) and before the Grebes (Podicipiformes) on account
of the toes being lobed laterally. It is easily distinguished from
either of these orders, however, by its peculiar bill and the long

rounded tail.
49. Heliornis fulica.
Coot-LIKE HELIORNIS.
Heliornis fulica (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 54, 1783 (Cayenne) ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 177 (Merumé Mts., River Yuruani); Quelch, Timehri
(2) ii. p. 873, 1888 (Abary River); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
Xxlil. p. 233, 1894; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 27,
no. 267, 1912.
Podoa surinamensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guiana, p. 765, 1848.
Heliornis surinamensis Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 47, 1876
(Cartoonie).

* Little Ducklar” or ‘ Frog-footed Duck,” “ Vicissi Duck”
(Quelch).

Adult male. Entire back, wings, lower flanks, and under tail-
coverts bronze-brown ; crown of head, hind-neck, and a line on
the side of the neck black ; a bright rufous patch on the sides of
the face ; throat white, as also a space in front of the eye, a line
behind the eye, and another on the side of the neck ; breast and
abdomen also white with a wash of buff more intensely on the

HELIORNIS. $l

upper breast. “ Bill bright red with a-slight black mark on
the culmen and behind the nostrils, under mandible whitish with
a whitish-yellowish streak near the base ; toes clear yellow, the
middle one with three black cross-bands, the inner one with two,
and the outer one with four ; iris greyish brown.”

Fig. 15.—Heaa and foot of Heliornis.

bee]

Total length 270 mm., culmen 30, wing 141, tail 84, tarsus 22.

The female differs from the male only by the absence of the
rufous patch on the sides of the face.
The male described was collected on the Supenaam River.
Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.
G

82 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Higgs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Abary River, Curubung, Grote Creek (McConnell collection) ;
Merumé Mountains, Yuruani River ( Whitely) ; Cartoonie River
(Brown).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Venezuela, Colombia,
Ecuador, Peru, Southern Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 765) that this
species is found commonly in pairs on stagnant creeks and rivers
shaded with overhanging vegetation. When pursued they rarely
dive, but fly along the surface of the water or hide in the bush.
The “ Macusis” call it Yawiwa and the ‘ Warraus” Oranih.
The only time he saw it dive was when wounded. Its voice
is peculiar. It has been said by others that when danger
threatens the young the parent takes them under its .wings
until it reaches a place of safety.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 8373) observed this species
on the Abary River, and remarks :—‘ A Little Ducklar or Frog-
footed Duck (Heliornis fulica), dark brown above and grey below,
with streaks of white on the head and neck, with a sharp and
narrow bill, and with a web divided up around the toes, was often
seen skimming along the surface of the water, which its wings
and feet often just slightly splashed, but more frequently they
were but just seen before they disappeared below the water.”

Order PODICIPIDIFORMES.
Family PODICIPIDE.

The Grebes are easily distinguished from all other birds by
their compressed tarsi, broadly lobed toes, and their obsolete
tails. They are distributed on all the large continents of the
world. Nine species are known in South America, one being
represented in British Guiana,

Genus TACHYBAPTUS Reichenb.

Tachybaptus Reichenbach, Syst. Nat. Vég. p. ili, 1850. Type 7. rufi-
collis (Vroeg).

The South American birds of this genus are of small size, with
thin and almost straight bills.

TACHYBAPTUS. 83

Fig. 16.—To illustrate the foot of a Grebe.

90. Tachybaptus brachyrhynchus.
SHORT-BILLED GREBE.
Podiceps brachyrhynchus Chapm. Bull. Amer. Mus. xii. p. 255, 1899

(Matto Grosso); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer, i. p. 27, no. 268,

1912.
Colymbus dominicus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 765, 1848.

Podiceps dominicus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 181; Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 520, 1898 (British Guiana).

Adult. General colour above and below dark brown ; paler on
the hinder face and grey on the lores ; a line below the eye and
chin white ; flight-quills for the most part white with brown on
the outer webs and at the tips ; the feathers of the under surface
tipped with silky white; axillaries, under wing-coverts, and
greater part of the quill-lining white.

Total length 165 mm., culmen 23, wing 99, tarsus 31, middle
toe and claw 44, :

The male and female are similar both in size and coloration.

The McConnell collection does not possess an example of this
species, and the description is taken from a specimen in the

?

:
Ga

84 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

British Museum obtained by Messrs. Quelch and McConnell
on the Great Savannas in 1898, and presented by them to that
institution.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. The nest is the same as that of the other species of the
family ; it floats on the water among the reeds, rising and falling
with the tide (Schumburgk).

Eggs. “ Two eggs form the clutch” (Schomburghk).

Range in British Guiana. Great Savannas (British Museum).

Extralimital Range. Tropical portion of South America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 765)
this bird lives in small flocks in the Savannah swamps and on
the coast, but is never found on the rivers. It is an expert
diver. The nest is the same as that of the other species of the
family; it floats on the water among the reeds, rising and
falling with the tide. Two eggs form the clutch.

Genus PODILYMBUS Lesson.

Podilymbus Lesson, Traité d@’Orn. p. 595, 1831. Type P. podiceps
(Linn. ).
This genus is founded chiefly on the short thick bill, which is
curved downwards at the tip, the oval nostrils, and the bristly
feathers on the forehead.

51. Podilymbus podiceps.
P1ED-BILLED GREBE.

Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 186, 1758 (“America
septentrionali”’) ; Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 553,
1898; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 28, no. 276, 1912.

Adult male, General colour above dusky brown, including the
head, wings, and back; sides of face more grey ; hind-neck
black ; sides of neck and fore-neck pale brown ; chin and throat
black ; breast and abdomen silky white ; upper breast, sides of
body, and flanks brown intermixed with white.

Total length 205 mm., culmen 24, wing 131, tarsus 42.

Adult female, Similar to the adult male. Wing 123 mm.

Young in down. Upper surface and sides of body brown, more
or less mixed with white ; under surface dull white ; head, throat,

PODILYMBUS.—CYMOCHOREA. 85

and neck also white with blackish-brown streaks and patches ;
middle of crown and a bar on the nape buff.
This bird can always be distinguished from all the other Grebes

by the black band on the bill.

Fig. 17.—To show the peculiar shape and colour of the bill.

The specimens from which the descriptions were taken are in
the British Museum.

There are no examples of this species in the McOonnell
collection ; but Mr. McConnell told me that he had met with it
in the Colony, and the Curator of the Georgetown Museum
informs me that they have specimens from Vryheid’s Lust and the
Hobabo Creek, the former on the east coast of Demerara and the
latter about eight miles iniand, an affluent of the Demerara River
(én litt.).

Order PROCELLARIIFORMES.
Family THALASSIDROMID AE.

The Petrels are essentially sea-birds and are all web-footed.
They can always be distinguished from the other orders of birds
by their peculiar bills and tubular nostrils.

Genus CYMOCHOREA (oues.
Cymochorea Coues, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1864, p. 75. Type
O, leucorhoa (Vieill.).
The members of this genus are very small birds with tubular
nostrils, as shown in the figure, and have forked tails, short legs,
and small webbed feet.

HD
lor)

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Fig. 18.—To illustrate the peculiar bill.

52. Cymochorea leucorhoa.
ForRK-TAILED PETREL.

Cymochorea leucorhoa (Vieill.), N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxv. p. 422, 1817
(‘a trouvé sur les bords maritimes de la Picardie’’).

Oceanodroma leucorrhoa Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 348, 1896;
Chubb, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, xxxi. p. 39, January 1913 (Essequebo
River).

Adult. Sooty-brown above and below, with a greyish tinge on
the head; a grey band across the wing; upper tail-coverts
white ; under tail-coverts inclining to white at the base. Bill
and feet black.

Total length 203 mm., culmen 15, wing 169, tail 65, lateral
feathers 87, tarsus 25, middle toe and claw 24.

The bird from which the description is taken was obtained on
the Warima River, Essequebo.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Egg. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Warima River, Essequebo River
(McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Seas of the Northern Hemisphere.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

This is the first and only record of this species in British
Guiana, but it has been recorded from Surinam (cfr. Penard,
Vogels Guyana, i. p. 58).

Order LARIFORMES.
Family LARIDA,

We include in this family the Terns, Gulls, and Skuas. The
Terns are generally distinguished by their pointed bills and forked
tails, the Gulls by their stouter bills and square tails, and the Skuas
by their hooked bills and pointed tails.

PHAETHUSA. 87

Genus PHAETHUSA Wagler.
Phaétusa Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1224. Type P. chloropoda (Vieill.).

This monotypic genus of Terns is characterized by its large bill,
which is twice the length of the tarsus, and the rounded or slightly
pointed taii-feathers, the tail being less than half the length of
the wing.

53. Phaethusa chloropoda.

GREAT-BILLED TERN.

Phaéthusa chloropoda (Vieill.), N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxxii. p. 171,
1819 (Paraguay); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 33,
no. 319, 1912.

Sterna magnirostris Licht., Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 761
(1848); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180; Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 106,
1891 (Georgetown).

Phaéthusa magnirostris Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 23, 1896
(River Rupuruni, Ourumee); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 154, Waini, p. 378, Abary, 1910.

Adult male. Crown of head black ; entire back, scapulars, and
inner lesser upper wing-coverts grey, as also the tail ; a narrow
line at the base of the forehead, fore part of face, and entire
under surface, including the axillaries and under wing-coverts,
white with a shade of grey on the sides of the body; the small
coverts round the bend of the wing, median, and greater upper
wing-coverts also white, some of the greater series tinged with
grey; bastard-wing feathers grey on the onter web, blackish on
the inner one; primary-coverts and quills black with some white
on the inner webs of the latter; secondaries grey, inner webs white;
tertials for the most part grey with whitish tips. ‘“ Bill chrome-
yellow, slightly greenish at the base of the lower mandible ; feet
olive, webs yellow.”

Total length 363 mm., exposed portion of culmen 62, wing 300,
tail 113, tarsus 24.

The bird described was collected on the Abary River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 305 mm.

Young birds differ from the adults in having the head grey and
the tail-feathers fringed with white at the tips.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,

&8 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Bartica, Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Rupununi River,
Ourunei ( Whitely) ; Waini River (Beebe) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia,
Paraguay, Argentina.

Halits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 761) that this
species is not only found on the coast but occurs up the inland
rivers and along the tributaries to the sand dunes. It lays two,
or at the most, three eggs in a hollow in the sand-banks. It
occurs also on the Rupununi River.

Mr. Beebe, who observed this bird on the Abary Savannas (Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 378), writes :—‘ Terns were one of the
most picturesque features of the savanna, flying over and around
the island in small flocks, the large Great-billed fellows with black
caps and wings, beat back and forth, or hung fluttering over
the lagoon, and now and then dropped plummet-like after a
small fish.”

Genus GELOCHELIDON Brehm.
Gelochelidon Brehm, Vig. Deutschl. p. 774, 1831. Type G. nilotica
(Gmel.).

The bird on which this monotypic genus was founded is some-
what more stoutly built than Terns generally, with the outer
tail-feathers pointed and longest, the bill short and stout, the legs
long, and the tarsus longer than the bill.

54. Gelochelidon nilotica gronvoldi.
GULL-BILLED TERN.

Gelochelidon nilotica gronvoldi Mathews, Birds Austr. ii. p. 331, 1912
(Argentina).

Gelochelidon nilotica Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 33,
no. 320, 1912.

Gelochelidon anglica (Mont.), Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 25,
1896 (Demerara).

Adult male. Head for the most part black intermixed with white,
blacker on the nape and whiter on the forehead ; back and wings
silvery grey, the primaries darker towards the tips and more or
less white on the inner webs on the basal portion; outer pair of
tuil-feathers inclining to white. ‘“ Bill black, occasionally reddish
at the base of the lower mandible ; iris hazel-brown ; tarsi and
toes black with a reddish tinge ; webs moderately indented.”

GELOCHELIDON.—STERNA. 89

Total length 325 mm., culmen 46, wing 305, tail 117,
tarsus 32, middle toe and claw 29.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 295 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example obtained
on the Abary River, September 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil and Argentina (in South America).

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus STERNA Linn.

Sterna Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 137, 1878. Type S. hirundo
Linn.

In this genus—the typical Terns—the birds are comparatively
small, with short legs, short and slender bill, wings long, tail
deeply forked, tarsus short and never exceeding the middle toe
and claw in length.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 200 mm.; tail
praseraapaiy LOW olt cote eT ak sce S. hirundo, p. 90.
B. Smaller, wing less than 200 mm.; tail
less than 100.
a'. Smaller, wing less than 170 mm. ; bill
yellow tipped with black; entire
primary-quills blackish .................. S. melanorhyucha, p. 91.
b’. Larger, wing more than 170 mm.; bill
green tipped with yellow; only the
three outer primary-quills black ...... 8. superciliaris, p. 92.

Fig. 19 —To illustrate the pointed bill and the long gonys.

90 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Fig. 20. —To show the form of the tail.

55. Sterna hirundo.
Common TERN.

Sterna hirundo Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 187, 1758 (Sweden).

Sterna fluviatilis Naum. Isis, 1819, p. 1847 (Ziebigk-Céthen, Germany) ;
Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 54, 1896; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 33, no. 323, 1912.

Immature. General colour above pale ash-grey, darker on the
outer web of the first primary and at the tips of the primary-quills,
outer webs of outer pair of tai!-feathers also darker than the back,
and a few dark feathers on the lesser upper wing-coverts ; hinder
crown and nape black ; forehead, upper tail-coverts, inner webs of
tail-feathers, primary and secondary quills white like the chin,
throat, under wing-coverts, axillaries, and under tail-coverts ;
breast, abdomen, and sides of the body tinged with grey. Bill
and feet coral-red ; iris dark brown.

Total length about 290 mm., culmen 42, wing 272, tail (outer
feathers) 145, middle feathers 86, tarsus 21, middle toe and
claw 21.

The specimen described above was obtained on the Lower
Mazaruni River in 1898:

Adult male (summer plumage). Crown of head and nape black ;
back and wings pale ash-grey ; primary-quills hoary grey ; outer
web of the first quill dark brown, as also the tips of the primaries,
inner webs broadly edged with white; upper tail-coverts and
middle tail-feathers white, the lateral feathers grey on the outer
edges; lores, sides of face, throat, under tail-coverts, and under
wing-coverts white; remainder of the under surface very pale grey.

Total length 330 mm., culmen 37, wing 270, tail 111, lateral
feathers 182, tarsus 19.

Adult female (summer plumage). Similar to the adult male.
Wing 280.

STERNA. 91

The descriptions of the male and female were taken from
specimens in the British Museum.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eqqs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Lower Mazaruni River (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Aruba and Bonaire Islands and Babia (in
South America), North America, Europe, Africa, India, and
Ceylon.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

56. Sterna melanorhyncha.

BiLAcCK-BILLED LitrLe TERN.

Sterna melanorhyncha (Less.), Deser. Mamm. et Otis. p. 252, 1847
(Guadeloupe); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 33, no. 329,
1912.

Sterna antillarum Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 122, 1896.

Immature. General colour of the upper surface pale ash-grey ;
lesser marginal upper wing-coverts dark brown ; primary-coverts
and primary-quills blackish with broad white edges to the inner
webs of the latter; head grey with dark median lines to the
feathers, nape darker and inclining to black ; forehead, threat,
and entire under surface pearly white. Basal portion of bill
yellow, tip black ; tarsi and toes orange-yellow.

Total length 200 mm., culmen 31, wing 165, tail 53, tarsus 19,
middle toe and claw 18.

The bird described above was obtained on the Abary River.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail pale grey ; the two outer
primaries blackish edged with white on the inner webs; lores,
crown of head, and nape black; forehead and entire under
surface white. ‘“ Bill yellow, tip black ; tarsi and toes orange-
yellow.”

Total length 235 mm., culmen 31, wing 171, lateral tail-
feathers 104, tarsus 14.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 167.

The descriptions of the adult male and female were taken from
specimens in the British Museum collected at Brownsville, Texas—
Salvin-Godman collection.

Lo)
bo

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.
Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.
Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.
Range in British Guiana. Abary River (MeConnell collection).
Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Margarita, Aruba and Bonaire
-{[-lands (in South America), North America, West India Islands,
and casually in Africa.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

57. Sterna superciliaris.
Least TERN.

Sterna superciliaris Vieill. N. Dict. dHist. Nat. xxi. p. 126, 1819
(Paraguay); Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 106, 1891 (Georgetown) ;
Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 124, 1896 (Rupurun: River) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 34, no. 330, 1912.

Adult male. Head, hind-neck, and loral streak black; back, wings,
and tail pale ash-grey ; primary-coverts and three outer primaries
blackish, inner webs of the latter white on the basal portion ;
base of forehead and entire under surface pearly white. Bill
green at base, yellow at tip ; tarsi and toes olive-yellow.

Total length 228 mm., culmen 36, wing 188, tail 83, tarsus 16,
middle toe and claw 19.

The description is taken from an example obtained on the
Abary River in September 1907.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 185.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Abary River (MWeConnell
collection) ; Rupununi River (Whitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Surinam, Venezuela, and Colombia to
Paraguay and Argentina.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus RHYNCHOPS Linn.
Rhynchops Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 188, 1758. Type R. nigra

Linn.
The chief character of this genus of Terns is the peculiar bill,
which is much compressed and very thin, the lower mandible
being longer than the upper one.

RHYNCHOPS. 93

Fig. 21—To show the peculiar formation of the bill.

58. Rhynchops cinerascens.
BLACK=-TAILED SKIMMER.

Rhynchops cinerascens Spix, Av. Bras. ii. p. 80, pl. cu. 1825 (“in locis
ripariis flum. Amazonum”’); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1.
p- 34, no. 338, 1912.

Rhynchops nigra cinerascens Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
pp- 135, 148, 1910 (Hoorie Creek).

Rhynchops melanurus Swains., Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 761
(1848); Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, pp. 95,346, 1876 (Mt. Arrisaro,
Upper Corentyne River).

Rhynchops melanura Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 156, 1896
(River Rupuruni, Ourumee).

Rhynchops nigra Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 106, 1891 (Georgetown).
“The Large Scissor-bill Gull” (Quelch); “‘Sea-dogs”’ (Brown).
Immature. General colour above blackish brown, with paler

edges to some of the feathers; forehead and under surface of body

white. Iris dark brown ; feet orange-red.

Total length 445 mm., culmen 85, gonys 113, wing 380, tail 99,
tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 34.

The bird described was taken on the Abary River in July 1906.

Adult male. Head, back, and wings black ; tail dark brown
with pale edges to the feathers ; forehead, cheeks, throat, breast,
abdomen, and under tail-coverts white ; axillaries and under wing-
coverts pale brown.

Total length 515 mm., culmen 86, gonys 114, wing 428,
tail 130, tarsus 36.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but smaller in size.
Wing 382.

The descriptions of the adult male and female are taken from
specimens in the British Museum collected by H. Whitely in
British Guiana.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. * On the sandy banks of the rivers ” (Schomburgk).

ags. Undeseribed from British Guiana,

G4 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch) ;
Hoorie Creek (Beebe) ; Mount Arrisaro, Upper Corentyne River
(Brown); Upper Essequebo River, Rupununi River (Schom-
burgh).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru,
Chile.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 761) that he
met with this bird in large flocks near the coast, especially at the
mouths of the oceanic rivers. They also travel up the rivers,
the sandy banks of which are their breeding-places. He found
them, also in large flocks, on the Upper Essequebo and even on
the Rupununi, about 800 miles inland. The “ Macusis” call it
Darra Darra and the * Warraus”’ Manarth.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 95)
writes :—‘ ‘The Scissor-bill Gulls’ or ‘Sea-dogs’ also are fre-
quently seen flying swiftly along in small parties, with their
sharp, flat beaks dipping in the water. Their cry resembles
somewhat the bark of a dog, hence they have received the name
of ‘Sea-dogs” On the Upper Corentyne we saw a few of the
Scissor-bill and small Gray Gulls.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 135, 148)
gives the following note :—“ Black-tailed Skimmers ploughed
the surface of the tide in endless furrows, and a large Skimmer
flew past the boat, and later we saw several flocks. In the calm
of the evening the ‘ yap ! yap!’ of a passing but invisible Skimmex
came faintly.”

Mr. J.J. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 106) observed this species
at Georgetown, and remarks :— The Large Scissor-bill Gull
(Rhynchops nigra) will at once be known by the peculiarly
flattened (in a vertical direction) and elongated bill from which
its name is taken.”

Genus LARUS Linn.
Larus Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 136, 1758. Type Z. canus Linn.

The chief characters of this genus, which separate it at once
from Sterna, are the short and stout bill, sharply curved upper
mandible, and short gonys, the almost square tail, and having a
portion of the tibia unfeathered.

LARUS. ,

59. Larus atricilla.
LAUGHING GULL.
Larus atricilla Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 136, 1758 (Carolina) ; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 106, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Saunders, Cat. B. Brit.
M

us. xxv. p. 194, 1896 (British Guiana); Beebe, Our Search for

a Wilderness, p. 134, 1910 (Georgetown Harbour); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 35, no. 348, 1912.

Xema atricilla Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 761, 1848 (Coast of
British Guiana).

Adult male. Head and throat slate-brown, eyelids above and below

Fig. 23.—To show the shape of the tail.

white ; back and wings dark ash-grey; the four outer primary-

96 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

quills blackish ; tail, hind-neck, and entire under surface white.
«« Bill lake-red, tarsi and toes dall red.”

Total length 485 mm., culmen 45, wing 310, tail 122, tarsus 50.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 299.

Immature. Differs from the adult in being brown on the upper
surface, in having no white on the hind-neck nor on the tail-
feathers.

The descriptions are taken from specimens obtained on the
Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Georgetown Harbour (Beebe) ; British Guiana (Schomburgk §&
Whitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Trinidad, Venezuela
and the adjacent islands, North Brazil, and Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states that he found this bird along the
coast.

Genus STERCORARIUS Briss.
Stercorarius Brisson, Orn. vi. p. 149, 1760. Type S. parasiticus Linn.

This genus is distinguished from Larus in having a cere, a
hook at the tip of the upper mandible, strong and sharply-hooked
claws, and by the middle tail-feathers projecting far beyond the
outer ones,

60. Stercorarius pomarinus.
PoMATORHINE SKUA.

Stercoravius pomarinus (Temm.), Man. d’Orn. p. 514, 1815 (Coast of
Sweden); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 36, no. 353, 1912.
a ag pomatorhinus Saunders, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. p. 322,
Megalestris chilensis Penard, Vog. Guyana, i. p. 18 (British Guiana).
Immature. Upper surface brown, with buff or rufous-buff
edgings to the feathers; tail uniform brown; quills blackish,
white on the inner webs at the base, shafts white at base, brown
at the tips ; under surface paler brown than the back, with rufous
cross-bars on the fore-neck and breast, which are less distinct
on the throat and broader and whiter on the abdomen, flanks, and
under tail-coverts.

STERCORARIUS. 97

Total length 417 mm., exposed portion of culmen 34, wing 343,
tail 132, tarsus 55, middle toe and claw 51.

The above description is taken from an example obtained in the
harbour at Georgetown.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Fig. 25.—To illustrate the shape of the tail of S. pomarinus.

Range in British Guiana. Georgetown Harbour (MeConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Arctic Regions.

This appears to be the first record of the occurrence of this
species in British Guiana.

98 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Order CHARADRIIFORMES.

Family CHARADRIITD.

This family includes the Plovers (Charadriine), which have
rather short legs and partially webbed toes; the bill is somewhat
short and the dertrum much swollen except in Arenaria.

Genus ARENARIA Briss.
Arenaria Brisson, Orn. v. p. 132, 1760. Type A. interpres Linn.

This genus is characterized by the wedge-shaped bill with no
swollen dertrum.

Fig. 26.—To show the wedge-shaped bill.

61. Arenaria morinella,
TURNSTONE.

Arenaria morinella (Linn.), Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 249, 1766 (Coast
of Florida).

Arenaria interpres Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 92, 1896; Quelch,
Timehri (2) x. p. 268, 1896 (Coast District).

“ White-winged Plover ”’ (Quelch).

Adult male. Upper back, top of head, forehead, breast and
sides of neck, scapulars, primaries, upper tail-coverts, and tail
black or dark brown varied with chestnut on the upper back,
scapulars, and wings, and with white on the tail, wings, hind-
neck, sides of face, and throat ; lower back, rump, and under

ARENARIA. 99

surface from the breast downwards white, including the under
wing-coverts and axillaries. ‘ Bill black ; feet deep orange-red,
claws black ; iris hazel.’

Total length 230 mm., culmen 25, wing 145, tail 58, tarsus 28.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Immature. Differs chiefly from the adult by the absence of the
chestnut on the upper surface.

The descriptions are taken from examples obtained on the
Abary River.

Breeds in the Arctic Regions.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. South America generally and the greater
portion of the known world.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 751)
this bird is found on the coast and the mouths of the oceanic
rivers of British Guiana.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 268) observed this species
in British Guiana, and remarks :—‘“ Closely allied to the Golden
Plover is the Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres), locally known as
the White-winged Plover. A special feature of this species lies
in the fact of its being as common in the Old World as it is in the
New, a feature already pointed out as quite exceptional in the
avifauna of the two regions. In the Old World it is known to
nest in extreme N.W. Europe in the early summer, passing later
to the south, extending from England to Siberia, and thence
migrating to Southern Asia and Africa, Polynesia, and New
Zealand for the winter, and returning to its usual haunts for
breeding in the spring.

“In the New World the Turnstone breeds in the Arctic regions
generally, eastwards as far as Greenland, and passes through
Canada and the United States southwards in the early spring in
its migration.

“These birds frequent the open flats by the sea, where they will
be found turning over with their beaks the seaweeds and stones,
under which they seek the crustaceans and molluscs which form
the chief part of their food. From this habit they have derived
the common name by which they are chiefly known in both hemi-
spheres. The local name ‘ White-winged Plover’ is given on
account of the while bar which crosses the inner part of the
wing.”

H 2

100 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus HOPLOXYPTERUS Bonap.

Hoplorypterus Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xliil. p. 415, 1856. Type
H. cayanus (Lath.).
This genus is distinguished by its black and white coloration,
smail size, the small spur on the carpal joint of the wing, and the
absence of a hind-toe.

Fig. 27.—To show the absence of hind-toe.

62. Hoploxypterus cayanus,
SPUR-WINGED PLOVER.

Hoplorypterus cayanus (Lath.), Ind. Orn. ii. p. 749, 1790 (Cayenne) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 135, 1896 (Ourumi); Quelch,
Timehri (2) x. p. 271, 1896; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i..
p- 38, no. 369, 1912.

Hoplopterus cayanus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 177 (Roraima).

Adult male. Nape, middle of back, upper wing-coverts, and
innermost secondaries earth-brown; forehead, sides of face, a
band across the breast, primary-quills and tips of outer secondaries,
a patch on the lower hind-neck black like the scapulars and tips
of the tail-feathers; crown of head, sides of nape, and upper

HOPLOXYPTERUS.—BELONOPTERUS, 101

hind-neck white, as also the throat, abdomen, axillaries, under
wing-coverts, under tail-coverts, base of tail, upper tail-coverts,
greater upper wing-coverts, and secondaries. ‘ Bill pink at the
base, reddish brown at the tip; feet and toes pink; eyelid and
iris pink” (Hl. Whitely).

Total length 206 mm., culmen 27, wing 137, tail 61, tarsus 49.

Adult female. Similar in colour of plumage but apparently
larger in size. Wing 142 mm.

The male described was collected at the Upper Takutu Moun-
tains.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Upper Takutu Mountains, Great
Savannas (WeConnell collection); Mount Roraima, Ourunei (ZH.
Whitely) ; Takutu River (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Ecuador, Peru, South
Brazil.

Habits. Respecting this bird Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 750) says that he found this beautiful species common, though
always in pairs, on the Takutu River. Its habits of nidification
were unknown to him. The “ Macusis” call it Veribei.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 271) gives the following
note :—“ The Spur-wing Plover (Holopterus cayanus), this species
is much more commonly met with on the coast in the winter
months, though it remains with us throughout the year, being
especially abundant along the interior streams.”

Genus BELONOPTERUS Reichenb.
Belonopterus Reichenbach, Nat. Syst. Végel, p. xx (20), 1852. Type
B. cayennensis (Gmel.).
The characters by which this genus is differentiated are the
arge size, elongated occipital crest, and the presence of a hind-toe.

63. Belonopterus cayennensis.
CAYENNE LAPWING,

Belonoplerus cayennensis (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 706, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 163, 1896 (Quonga, Aunai );
Quelch, Tiraebri (2) x. p. 271, 1896; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer.
1. p. 38, no. 371, 1912.

Vanellus cayennensis Cab. in Schomb, Reis. Guian. ili, p. 750, 1848 ;

102 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 104, 1876; Quelch, Timehri (2) ii.
p- 372, 1888 (Abary River).
“ Savanna Plover,” “Savanna Pewit” (Brown); “ Bucktown
Spurwing,” “ American Pewit or Lapwing” (Quelch).

Fig. 29.—To illustrate the spur on the wing.

Adult male. Back, scapulars, and tertials olive-brown with bronzy
reflections ; short scapulars iridescent copper colour ; lesser upper
wing-coverts metallic purple and green ; outer median and greater
series whitish, the inner ones ash-grey like the outer webs of the
secondary quills ; bastard-wing, primary-quills, and apical portion
of the secondaries black ; upper and under tai!-coverts white like
the abdomen, axillaries, and under wing-coverts ; tail white at
base, followed by a broad, bluish-black band, and tipped with
grey; crest-feathers, forehead, throat, and breast glossy bluish-
black, skirted on the forehead and sides of face with white ; hinder
crown, sides of face, and neck all round pale earth-brown, more or
less glossy on the top of the head. “ Bill pale red at the base,
the tip blackish brown; feet greyish brown, the joints red ; iris
sealing-wax red.”

Total length 320 mm., culmen 32, wing 220, tail 92, tarsus 79.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. ‘“ Bill reddish purple,
the point black ; thighs reddish purple ; feet, toes, and claws black;
eyelid reddish purple ; iris red”? (47. Whitely). Wing 222 mm.

BELONOPTERUS. 103

The birds described were collected on the Abary Creek in
October 1888 and the Abary River in July 1906.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. ) Nidification the same as that of the Common Lapwing

Eggs. (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Great
Savanna, Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Quonga, Annai
(H. Whitely) ; Abary River ( Quelch); Savannas (Brown).

Eztralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Venezuela, Colombia,
Central and Southern Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750) that he
found this species in large flocks on the Savannas and on the
borders of the Savanna rivers. When met with on the former
it keeps to the dryer places. Its food consists of insects, snails,
and worms. Its general habits are like those of the Common
Lapwing, as is also its nidification. The ‘“ Macusis” and “ Are-
kunas”’ call it Tarau-tarau.

We quote the following note from Mr. Barrington Brown
(Canoe and Camp Life, p. 104):—‘ In recrossing the Savanna to
the boats we started a large flock of Savanna Plover (Vanellus
cayennensis), a kind of Pewit, identical in form and size with the
English Green Plover. Their flight is the same, and they wheeled
over the plain in great numbers. Their colour, however, is a
slaty cast, and they have a red iris, with a red spur on the wing
at the end of the portion supporting the secondary feathers. The
Savanna Pewit also is never eaten by Indians, as they say that
partaking of its flesh produces deafness.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 372) met with species on
the Abary River, and remarks :—‘“ Just below this point, where
there is a small extent of swampy ground, the Crested Lapwing
( Vanellus cayennensis), locally termed the ‘ Bucktown Spurwing,’
was seen for the first time, and one specimen was obtained. The
bird is of a rare and most handsome species, the upper part of the
bedy being of a glossy coppery hue, dashed with green and purple.
The forehead, chin, breast, wings, and half the tail are black, and
the rest of the body a pinkish white. The head is furnished with
a long narrow crest, and the wings are furnished with a powerful
spine. The legs are long and red or bluish-red and furnished with
four toes, of which the hindmost is rudimentary and not applied
to the ground.”

104 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Genus PLUVIALIS Briss,
Pluvialis Brisson, Orn. v. p. 42,1760. Type P. pluvialis (Linn.).
The chief characters which distinguish this genus are the
absence of a hind-toe, and the somewhat stout bill with a
swollen dertrum.

Fig. 31,—To show the absence of the hind-toe.

PLUVIALIS. 105

64. Pluvialis dominicus.
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER.

Pluvialis dominieus (P. L. 8. Miill.), Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 116, 1776
(S. Domingo); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 38, no. 375,
1912.

Charadrius virginianus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 750, 1848.

Charadrius virginicus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 178 (Yuruani River,
2700 ft.); Quelch, Timehri (2) 11. p. 363, 1888 (Abary River); id.
op. cit. v. p. 107, 1891 (Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. x. p. 266, 1896
(migration ).

Charadrius dominicus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 195, 1896
(Roraima).

‘ Black- breasts,” “* Greenbacks ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Upper parts black, varied with yellow and white
spots, and also white edgings to some of the feathers, becoming pale
brown on the greater upper wing-coverts and dark brown on the
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills, the last being much
paler on the inner webs; tail-feathers brown with whitish bars ;
forehead and eyebrow white ; a line under the eye and ear-coverts
dark brown ; under surface dark brown varied with grey or dull
white ; axillaries and under wing-coverts pale earth-brown.

Total length 237 mm., culmen 26, wing 180, tail 64, tarsus 40.

The female differs in being much more finely marked above and
in the absence of black or dark brown below. Wing 179 mm.

The birds described are from the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ It scratches a small hollow in the sand in which it lays
its two or three eggs ” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Yuruani River, 2700 ft., Mount Roraimi (47, W hitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally, North America,
and the greater portion of the Old World.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750) states that he
found this bird very common on the whole of the coast, especially
at the mouths of the rivers, where it prefers the sand-banks.
It scratches a small hollow in the sand in which it lays two or
three eggs.

106 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

As this bird lays four eggs in its own breeding-ground, in
Arctic America, we are of opinion that Schomburgk has mistaken
the identity of the bird, and we cannot rectify it.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 363) observed this species
on the Abary River, where he says that dense flights of “ Black-
breast ” or Golden Plovers (Charadrius virginicus) occasionally
came down the creek or settled in patches by the waterside.

The following notes on the migration of this species are also
quoted from Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 266) :—*The
most common of these migrants is certainly the American Golden
Plover (Charadrius virginicus), known also as Black-breasts and
Greenbacks. Arriving here sparsely in August, they increase in
numbers in September and October, gradually disappearing in
the latter month, until in November, with the exception of a few
stragglers which may have been left behind, they pass southwards
in their further migration. On the lowlands of the coast, on the
grassy spaces, and on the sandbanks, they will be found in often
quite large flights, though it is reported that the numbers recently
noticed are markedly fewer than in former years, while at the
same time they vary greatly from year to year. On the interior
savannahs specimens have also been taken, but from their fewness
they should no doubt be regarded as stragglers. Richard Schom-
burgk, in his ‘Reisen in British Guiana,’ records the nesting of
this species on the sand-banks of the coast, the eggs being from 2
to 3 in number; but unless some mistake was made as to the
species, the nesting can only have been quite occasional and due
to stragglers. The flesh of the bird, as in the case of nearly all
our migrants, is greatly in request for the table, and large numbers
of them are shot in the season. This continuous slaughter, which
they meet with along their entire course of migration, is no doubt
chiefly responsible for the very large reduction in the numbers
which are observed to appear during the spring in the northern
latitudes, as contrasted with those that left during the autumn.
Though they are shy and timid, they seldom fly for any great
distance before they settle again after being disturbed, and owing
to the large numbers in a flight, it is not ditficult to secure them
in quantity.

“The American Golden Plover was for a long time confounded
with the European species, but the latter can readily be dis-

PLUVIALIS.—CHARADRIUS. 107

tinguished by its white axillary wing-feathers as against the light
brown feathers of the local forms, while it is also slightly larger—
though the latter character would hardly be noticed except from
a very close comparison.

“Considerable differences of opinion, too, exist as regards this
bird, as to its specific identity with, or difference from, the
common smaller Asiatic plover, which is closely similar to it.
Quite. recently they have been included in one and the same
species under the name dominicus.

“This plover can readily be recognised among the other migrants
with which it is found. The beak is short, being slightly shorter
than the head, straight, and curving slightly at the tip. The
upper plumage is mottled with black and greenish-yellow, which
gives a peculiar greenish tinge to the bird. The ‘under surface is
either mottled with black and white, the black being in large
patehes, or is whitish, while the young are much duller through-
out. The toes are three in number, the hinder toe being absent.
The length of the body is nearly 11 inches.

“The American Golden Plovers are known to breed high up in
the Arctic regions of North America, from Alaska to Greenland,
whither they pass in the early spring through the United States
and Canada. At the end of summer, after breeding, they migrate
in parties, the greater number of the young birds apparently
passing southwards through ‘the United States by an overland
route during August and September, while the greater number of
older birds start out southwards by a sea-route, past the Bermudas,
thence to the West India Islands and South America, in which
latter continent they are found as far south as Buenos Ayres.
After their extremely long sea-journey, it is said they are some-
times so exhausted and tame when they reach the West Indies
that they can be knocked down with sticks and stones.”

Genus CHARADRIUS Linn.

Charadrius Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p.150,1758. Type C. hiaticula
Linn.
The members of this genus differ from those of Pluvialis by
their smaller size, white under surface, and the basal web which
connects the outer and middle toes.

108 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 110 mm.
a. Sides of face and band on hind-neck
rufous; bill larger, more than 15mm. C. wilsoni, p. 108.
&. Sides of face and band on hind-neck
black ; bill smaller, less than 15mm. CC. semipalmatus, p. 109.
B. Smaller, wing less than 110 mm.; collar
on fore-neck (in winter plumage) in-
COMNPMBEE ois cieves cienns doanccnatusdiaehee teins OOPIMy Tanke

65. Charadrius wilsoni.
Wiuzson’s PLOVER.

Charadrius wilsoni Ord, in Wilson’s Amer. Orn. ix. p. 77, pl. Ixxiii.
fig. 5, 1814 (Cape Island, New Jersey); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 39, no. 377, 1912.

Charadrius crassirostris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750, 1848.

Hygialitis wilsonia Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 271, 1896 (migration).

Ochthodromus wilsoni Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 214, 1896.

“ The Great-billed or Wilson’s Plover”’ (Quelch).

Adult female (summer plumage). General colour above earth-
brown including the back, upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and long
innermost secondaries ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills
blackish more or less tipped and edged with white; middle tail-
feathers blackish towards the tips, lateral feathers for the most part
white ; crown of head and sides of the neck similar to the back
but tinged with rufous; a spot in front of the eye, a line across
the fore part of the head, and a band on the fore-neck black, the
last more or less tinged with rufous ; above and behind the eye
rufous, extending on to the hind-neck ; forehead, throat, and entire
under surface white.

Total length 180 mm., culmen 21, wing 121, tail 47, tarsus 28.

The bird described is in the British Museum and was collected by
A. Goering at Carupano, Venezuela—Salvin-Godman collection.

Adult female (winter plumage). Differs chiefly from the summer
plumage by the absence of the black line across the fore part
of the head and the black band on the fore-neck, the latter being
represented by an earth-brown band.

The female in winter plumage from which the description is
taken was obtained on Margarita Island, Venezuela, by Dr. P. R.
Lowe, on January 6, 1904, and presented to the British Museum
by the Countess of Wilton.

CHARADRIUS. 109

Breeds in the Arctic regions and is a winter migrant in British
Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. No locality recorded.

Extralimital Range. South Brazil, Peru, Margarita Island,
Central and North America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750)
the habits and distribution of this species are the same as those of
Charadrius virginianus = Pluvialis dominicus, p. 105.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 271) obzerved this species
in British Guiana, and remarks :—‘*The second migrant of the
genus, the Great-billed or Wilson’s Plover (2. wilsonia). This
species does not appear to be a common migrant here, though no
doubt it may have been confounded with Holopterus cayanus, the
Spur-wing Plover.”

66. Charadrius semipalmatus.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.

Charadrius semipalmata Bonap. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. v. p. 98,
1825 (Coast of New Jersey); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i.
p- 39, no. 380, 1912.

Charadrius brevirostris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 750, 1848.

Egialitis semipalmata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 178.

Atgialitis semipalmatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 250, 1896 ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 270, 1896 (migration).

Adult (winter plumage). General colour above earth-brown
including the top of the head, sides of the face, a band across the
chest, back, wings, and tail; forehead, throat, a narrow collar on
the hind-neck, and a bar on the wing white like the abdomen,
under tail-coverts, axilluries, and under wing-coverts ; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, quills, and tips of tail-feathers blackish.
* Bill black, basal half deep orange ; feet paie flesh-colour, claws
black ; iris deep hazel.”

Total length 150 mm., culmen 13, wing 124, tail 52, tarsus 25.

The specimen described was taken on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult (summer plumage). Differs in having a broad black band
across the fore part of the head, sides of the face, and a complete
collar round the neck also black.

Breeds in the Arctic regions and occurs in British Guiana
during the autumn and winter.

110 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. South America generally, Galapagos,
West Indies, Central and North America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758)
this bird is found on the sand- and mussel-banks of the coast.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 270) states that this bird
“ Arrives here in September, and during the later months it
appears to pass further and further south, but representativ es
are met with throughout the winter.”

67. Charadrius collaris.
COLLARED PLOVER.

Charadrius collaris Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxvii. p. 136, 1818
(Paraguay); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 39, no. 381, 1912.

Charadrius azare Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 751, 1848.

Aigialitis collaris Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 178 ( Bartica Grove) ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 288, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x.
p- 270, 1896.

* Small Ring Plover” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above earth-brown tinged with
rufous, which is more intense on the top of the head, ear-coverts,
and sides of neck; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills
dark brown, the latter with white shafts and white tips to the
secondaries and inner primaries; outer tail-feathers white, the
central ones brown ; fore part of head, loral streak, and band
across the che-t black ; forehead, throat, and remainder of the
under surface white, as also the axillaries and under wing-coverts.
* Bill black ; feet flesh-colour ; iris brown.”

Total length 130 mm., culmen 16, wing 96, tail 45, tarsus 26.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male both in colour of
plumage and measurements.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Breeding-season. Unknown in Briti-h Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Ourunei (H. Whitely).

£xtralimital Range. The remainder of South America east of
the Andes.

CHARADRIUS.—HIMANTOPUS. Liv

Hatits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 270) observed this
species in British Guiana, and remarks :—‘‘ The resident species,
the Small Ring Plover (4. collaris) is the smallest, its length
being 6 inches; the collar does not surround the neck; the top
of the head is black, with white front and sides ; while the upper
surface generally has a markedly rufous tint.”

Genus HIMANTOPUS Briss.
Himantopus Brisson, Orn. v. p. 33,1760. Type H. himantopus (Linn.).

The characters which distinguish this genus are the very long
thin legs, small body, and long slender bill.

68. Himantopus mexicanus,
BLACK-NECKED STILT.

Himantopus mexicanus (P. L. S. Miill.), Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 117,
1776 (Mexico); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 320, 1896
(British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 40,
no. 388, 1912.

Hypsibates nigricollis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 758, 1848.

Himantopus nicricollis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 178 ; Quelch, Timehri (2)
x. p. 273, 1896.

“ Red-legs or Longshanks ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Head, sides of face, sides of neck, upper back, wings,
both above and below, glossy black, as also a spot on each side of
the breast under the wing; forehead, a circle round the eye,
entire under surface, axillaries, lower back, and upper tail-coverts
white ; tail dusky grey. ‘“ Bill black; legs and feet fine rose-
pink or delicate pale lake-red ; iris rosy carmine.”

Total length 290 mm., culmen 65, wing 224, tail 74, tarsus 109.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in having
the scapulars and back dusky brown, instead of black. Wing
215 mm.

The description of the male is that of an example obtained on
the Abary River in July 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guinea.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guinea.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guinea.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection).

112 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Extralimital Range. North-east Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia
(in South America), Galapagos, North and Central America, and
the West India Islands.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758) that this
Stilt lives on the sand-banks and along the shore.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 273) observed this species
in British Guiana, and remarks :—“ A very curious and distinct
form, which is certainly a migrant in the United States, and one
that is by no means a common resident or an obtrusive migrant
here, is the Black-necked Stilt, familiarly known also as Red-legs
or Longshanks (Himantopus nigricollis). This bird is to be found
here at all times of the year, but more especially at the beginning
of the drying off of the water of the heavy wet season, when they
may occasionally be met with in pairs on the grassy lands of the
coast or on the mudflats.”... .“ It is a remarkable thing that, when
the bird stands upon one leg and the other is drawn up near the
body, in spite of the great length of the limb, it is hidden entirely
in the feathers of the breast and abdomen, so that not a vestige of
it is exposed. To the closest observation the bird appears then to
be decidedly one-legged. Its perfect balance, too, is noteworthy,
more especially considering the absence of the hind-toe.

“Tt was curious to note, in the case of a bird which was kept in
confinement for some weeks, that whenever worms were given to
it, it invariably dropped them in the little tank of water in its
cage before eating them.”

Genus NUMENIUS Briss.
Numenius Brisson, Orn. v. p. 261, 1760. Type N. arquatus (Linn.).

The chief characters which distinguish the members of this
genus are the arched bill, the transverse scutes on the front of the
tarsus, and the reticulations on the hinder aspect.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 220 mm., culmen more than
80; primary-quills barred or notched with buff

on-the inmer WED ives. codcvceeeseasscrsendacnaseenaenen LV. UGROMECOm
B. Smaller, wing less than 220 mm., culmen less than [p. 1138.
80; inner webs of primary-quills uniform ....,.... N. borealis,

[p. 114.

NUMENIUS. Lt

Fig. 32.—To show the curved bill.

69. Numenius hudsonicus.
Hupsonran WHIMBREL.

Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 712, 1790 (“ Habitat in
sinu Hudsonis”’) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180; Quelch, Timehri (2)
x. p. 275, 1896; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 364, 1896 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 40, no. 390, 1912.

Numenius pheopus (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757,
1848.

The “ Jack Curlew or American Whimbrel” (Quelch).

Adult female. General colour above pale brown irregularly
marked with white or buffy-white ; tail regularly barred with
buffy-white ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and primary-quills
dark brown, the latter notched on the inner webs with buff, the
secondaries somewhat paler and marked on both webs; head
brown like the back ; superciliaries and a longitudinal line on the
middle of the crown whitish ; throat white; sides of face, neck
all round, and breast buffy-white with brown shaft-streaks to the
feathers, the brown pattern being submarginal or irregular bars
on the abdomen, sides of body, and under tail-coverts ; axillaries
and under wing-coverts barred with pale brown and sandy buff.
‘ Bill brownish black, basal half of the lower mandible flesh-
colour; feet greyish blue, ciaws black; iris dark brown.”

Total length 430 mm , eulmen 91, wing 246, tail 91, tarsus 61.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather smaller in
size. Culmen 82 mm., wing 230.

The female described was collected on the Berbice River in
November 1895.

Breeds in the Arctic Regions and is a winter visitor to British
Guiana,

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Berbice River
(McConnell collection).

114 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Extralimital Range. Western coast of South America to Chile.
The whole of North America.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757) that he
found this bird common on the mussel-banks in the mouth of the
River Waini.

We quote the following notes from Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri
(2) x. p. 275) :—*“ The Jack Curlew or American Whimbrel (Nu-
menius hudsonicus). This species is one of the commonest of our
migrants, being found plentifully during the winter months along
the mudflats and sandy kanks of the coast, as well as on the
shores of the alluvial islands and along the estuaries of the rivers.
At all times of the day, but more especially in the early morning
and late evening, they will be found feeding on the small fish,
crustacea, worms, etc., which occur so plentifully on the flats. At
such times they are by no means shy, and can be shot with but
little difficulty. .... It is known to breed in the extreme north
of North America, and extends its southward range over the whole
of South America. It has even once been recorded from Spain.”

70. Numenius borealis.
Esqgum1o WHIMBREL.

Numenius borealis (Forst.). Phil. Trans. lxii. p. 431, 1772 (“ Habitat in
sinu Hudsonis”); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 368, 1896 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 40, no. 391, 1912.

Adult female. General colour of the upper surface dark brown
including the head, back, and wings everywhere spotted, barred,
streaked, or margined with buffy-white or sandy buff; tail dark
brown regularly banded with paler brown; bastard-wing and
primary-coverts narrowly edged with white at the tips; quills
dark brown, paler on the inner webs ; crown of head like the back
with a few white feathers interspersed; throat white; lores and
superciliaries white with minute dark centres to the feathers; under
surface including the sides of the body creamy-white with dark
markings on the feathers, in the form of bars or sagittate shaft-
lines ; axillaries and under wing-coverts rufescent marked with
pale brown. “ Bill brownish black ; lower mandible flesh-colour
at the base; feet greyish blue, claws black; iris dark brown.”

Total length 330 mm., culmen 62, wing 205, tail 80, tarsus 44.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but the bill rather
shorter. “Culmen 53 mm.

NUMENIUS.—LIMOSA. 115

The female described has no exact locality.

This species breeds in Arctic America and migrates south in
winter.

Range in British Guiana. Unknown.

Extralimital Range. South America generally and the Falkland
Islands.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus LIMOSA Briss.
Limosa Brisson, Orn. v. p. 261, 1760. Type L. Zimosa (Linn.).

This genus is at once distinguished from Numenius by its
straight or slightly upturned bill, which is about equal in length
to that of the tail.

Fig. 33.—To show the slightly upturned bill.

71. Limosa hzemastica.

Hupson1an Gopwir.
Limosa hemastica (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 147, 1758 (Hudson Bay) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 40, no. 392, 1912. ;
Limosa hudsonica (lath.), Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p- 388,
1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 274, 1896 (Coast of British
Guiana ).

“ Red-breasted Godwit or Marlin” (Quelch).

Adult female(summer plumage). General colour of the upper sur-
face black with white or buff edges and bars to the feathers; rump
dusky black with slight indications of pale edges to the feathers ;
short upper tail-coveris with dark marks at the tips, long upper
tail-coverts and tail blackish, the latter marked with white. buff,
and grey ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black, the
latter having white shafts and brown inner webs, secondaries pale
brown with white tips; head streaked with brown and white:
sides of face and throat buffy-white with dark shaft-lines ; fore-

12

116 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

neck rufous with brown centres to the feathers ; breast and abdo-
men rufous with dark bars and white fringes to the feathers, the
under tail-coverts similar but much more coarsely marked ;
axillaries and under wing-coverts dusky black with white margins
to the latter.

Total length 320 mm., culmen 77, wing 210, tail 79, tarsus 58,
middle toe and claw 37.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from examples in the British Museum.

Adult male (winter plumage). General colour on the upper
parts dusky grey, more or less marked with pale spots or edgings
to the feathers of the back and wings ; eyebrow, throat, vent, and
under tail-coverts dull white; neck all round and breast grey,
paler and inclining to buff on the abdomen.

Habits. The only reference we possess of the occurrence of this
species in British Guiana is that of Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri
(2) x. p. 274), from which we have copied the following note :—
‘“* Another migrant which will at once be recognised by its thin,
long, and flexible beak, and its long, slender, light blue legs, with
four toes, is the Red-breasted Godwit or Marlin (Limosa hud-
sonica). ‘This bird is but seldom obtained on the coast in the
Colony, though considering its range, it must pass through
equatorial America in considerable numbers on its way south.”

This species is known to breed as far north as the Arctic
regions of North America, and ranges in the winter to the extreme
south of South America.

Genus LIMNODROMUS Wied.
Limnodromus Wied, Beitr. Nat. Brasil, iv. p. 716, 1833. Type ZL.
griseus (Gmel.).
This genus differs from Limosa in its smaller size, the widening
of the bill at the tip, and the pitting on the apical portions of the
upper and lower mandibles.

72. Limnodromus griseus,
RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER,

Limnodromus griseus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 658, 1789 (“ Habitat in
Noveboraci. maritimis”); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 41, ne. 394, 1912.

LIMNODROMUS. ll7

Macrorhamphus griseus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 394,
1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 276, 1896.

Adult male. Head, back, scapulars, inner secondaries, and inner
gréater upper wing-coverts blackish brown with rutescent spots or
edgings to the feathers ; rump white with dark centres and white
fringes to the feathers giving a spotted appearance ; upper tail-
coverts and tail barred with brown and white ; hind-neck dusky
brown; supraloral streak and line over the eye white; lores
and feathers in front of the eye dusky ; chin, throat, and entire
under surface white with a wash of pale ochreous and small brown
centres to the feathers which become enlarged on the sides of the
body and formed into triangular spots on ihe under tail-coverts ;
axillaries white with diagonal bars of pale brown; under wing-
coverts pale brown, shaft-streak and margins of the feathers white.

Total length 265 mm., culmen 65, wing 143, tail 54, tarsus 34.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but slightly larger.
Wing 150 mm.

We do not know the exact locality of the male described.

This species breeds in the high north and is a winter visitor to
British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. The only records of this species
that we have been able to find are those ef Schomburgk, Mr. J.
J. Quelch, and the two examples that are in the McConnell
collection, but the last have no exact localities.

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, and Colombia in South
America, Central America, West India Islands, and North
America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758) that this
species is found on the sand- and mussel-banks of the coast.

Mr. J.J. Quelch (Timebri (2) x. p. 276) met with this species in
British Guiana and remarks :—“‘It has already been mentioned
that the true Snipes of the Colony are resident species, and this is
certainly the case with regard to our two species of Gallinago
proper. The Red-breasted Snipe (Alacrorhamphus griseus), how-
ever, which breeds in the extreme north, migrating for the winter
to Central and South America and the West Indies, certainly visits
us, though the birds seem to be but rarely obtained. Stragglers
have at times been taken in Great Britain and on the continent of
Europe.”

118 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus CATOPTROPHORUS Bonap.
Catoptrophorus Bonaparte, Ann. Lye. New York, ii. p. 323, 1827. Type
C. semipalmatus (Gmel.).
The chief characters by which this genus is distinguished are
the webs connecting the outer and inner toes with the middle toe.

73. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus.

WILLET.

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 699, 1789
(‘“‘ Habitat in Noveboraco”™); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 758, 1848; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 41, no. 396,
1912.

Symphemia semipalmata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179; Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 405, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 276,
1896.

“Stone Snipe or Curlew,” “ White-winged Curlew ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above ash-grey, including the head,
back, and wings, with dark shaft-lines to some of the feathers ;
lesser median and greater upper wing-coverts margined or mottled
with white ; bastard-wing, marginal coverts, and primary-coverts
blackish narrowly edged with white; quills white, blackish at the
tips and entire outer web of first primary, secondaries for the most
part white with a small amount of dark brown near the tip of some
of the outer ones, innermost secondaries like the back ; upper tail-
coverts and tail white with pale brown mottling near the tip of
the latter ; supraloral streak and a spot above the eye white ;
lores and feathers in front of the eye somewhat darker than the
crown ; throat and entire under surface white with a wash of grey
on the fore-neck and sides of the breast; axillaries and under
wing-coverts black margined or tipped with white. ‘ Bill light
blue, dusky towards the end; feet light blue, claws black; iris
brown.”

Total length 300 mm., culmen 59, wing 200, tail 69, tarsus 57.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 192 mm.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in
November 1906, and the female on the Berbice River in
November 1895.

Although Mr. J. J. Quelch states that this species is obtainable
ut all times of the year in British Guiana, we have not found
any record of its breeding in the Colony.

CATOPTROPHORUS.—TOTANUS. 119

Breeds in North America and migrates south in winter.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Berbice River (MeCon-
nell collection) ; grassy pastures of the Coast (Quelch).

Eziralimital Range. Peru, South America, West India Islands,
Central and North America.

Halts. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 276), gives the
following note :—‘ In the grassy pastures of the coast, but more
usually on the flats, will be found the Willet or Stone Snipe or
Curlew (Symphemia semipalmata), generally known here as the
White-winged Curlew from the white bars and edgings of the
wings. The bird is known to range as far north as the United
States and Canada, where it breeds, descending to the Equatorial
districts of South America in its migration. Specimens of this
species are obtainable in the Colony at all times of the year as
stragglers, though during the season of migration, and during
the winter months, they are much more numerous.”

Schomburgk mentions having met this species on the coast.

Genus TOTANUS Bechst.

Totanus Bechstein, Orn. Taschenb. i. p. 282, 1803. Type T. totanus
(Linn.).
The members of this genus differ from Catoptrophorus in
having a thinner and more slender bill and by having a web
between the outer and the middle toe only.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 170mm. ; culmen

more than 50 mm.; tarsus more than

PPR EIN ecu cp ea nee ieee anteinstasdcdiaiduys ee MOmOlemets pe 119,
B. Smaller, wing less than 170 mm.; culmen

less than 50 mm.; tarsus less than

a Da eerie ee nsk Sucp fa acon east attra onc bee ... T. flavipes, p. 121.

74. Totanus melanoleucus.
GREATER YELLOWSHANKS.

Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). Syst. Nat. i. p. 659, 1789 (** Habitat
auctumno in arenis littoris Labrador”); Cab. in Schomb. Rers.
Guian. iii. p. 757, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180; Sharpe, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 426. 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 271,

120 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA. "

1896 (Interior Savannas); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 41, no. 397, 1912.

“ Pica Plover” (Quelch).

Adult male. Uyper surface pale brown, the feathers everywhere

ZZ
— Wizz
B68 91 LENIN EE ig

Fig. 35.—To show the web between the outer and the middle toe.

spotted or edged with white ; upper tail-coverts white faintly
barred with brown ; tail pale brown barred or mottled with white ;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish, paler on the

TOTANUS. 121

inner webs of the latter ; under surface white spotted or streaked
with pale brown on the sides of the face, fore-neck, sides of body,
lateral under tail-coverts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts.
“ Bill black, tinted with bluish grey at the base; feet bright
yellow, claws brownish black ; iris dark brown.”

Total length 305 mm., culmen 62, wing 188, tail 73, tarsus 62.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 200 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
on the Kamakabra River in 1911.

Breeds in North America, migrating south in winter.

Range in British Guiana. Kamakabra River, Kamarang River,
Abary River (McConnell collection).

Exztralimital Range. South America to the Straits of Magellan,
Central America, West India Islands, and North America.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757) that he met
with this bird on the sand- and mussel-banks of the coast.

We quote the following notes from Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri,
(2) x. p. 271) :—“ The Big Yellowshanks (Totanus melanoleucus),
known locally as the Pica Plover. The Pica arrives here on the
coast with the Golden Plover, and leaves at 2bout the same time,
but many stragglers remain throughout the marshy alluvial islands.
They are occasionally met with in the early part of March, though
it is by no means certain whether these are returned migrants
from the far south or collected groups from our interior
savannahs. They are known to breed high up in the northern
latitudes.”

75. Totanus flavipes.

YELLOWSHANKS.

Totanus flavipes (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 659, 1789 (“ Habitat auc-
tumno in Noveboraco) ; Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757,
1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 431, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2)
x. p. 272, 1896 (migration); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i.
p- 41, no. 398, 1912.

Adult male. Upper parts greyish brown, the feathers every-
where edged or spotted with white ; upper tail-coverts white faintly
barred with greyish brown; tail greyish brown mottled and barred
with white; sides of face and entire under surface white marked
with pale brown on the sides of the face, throat, breast, sides of
body, lateral under tail-coverts, axillaries, and under wing-coverts.
Bill black ; feet bright yellow ; iris dark brown.”

122 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 225 mm., culmen 38, wing 160, tail 62, tarsus 51.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 154 mm.

The male described was taken on the Abary River in September
1907.

This bird breeds in North America and occurs in British
Guiana only in winter.

Range in British Guiana. Bonasika River, Essequebo River,
Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally, West India
Islands, Central and North America, accidental in Europe.

Halnts. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. i. p. 757)
this species inhabits the mussel-banks in the mouth of the River
Waini.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri, (2) x. p. 272) makes the following
remarks on the species :—‘‘ The small or common Yellowshanks
(Totanus flavipes), which comes as a migrant in August and
departs in October and November. ‘These birds are known to
breed as far north as Arctic America, and to range south to
Patagonia. Many stragglers remain with us throughout the
winter.”

Genus TRINGA Linn.
Tringa Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 148, 1758. Type T. ocrophus
Linn.
This genus is distinguished from Totanus by its much shorter
tarsus, which only slightly exceeds the middle toe and claw in
length.

76. Tringa solitaria.
SoLiraRy SANDPIPER.

Tringa solitaria Wilson, Amer. Orn. vii. p. 53, pl. 58. fig. 2, 1813
(probably Pennsylvania); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 41,
no. 399, 1912.

Rhyacophilus solitarius Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180 (Mt. Roraima) ;
Quelch, 'Timehri (2) x. p. 277, 1896.

Helodromus solitarius Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 444, 1896
(Bartica Grove, Carimang River, Rupurumi River); Beebe, Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 263, 1910 (Matope).

“ Wood Tattler ” (Quelch).
Adult female. General colour above olive-brown, with white
spots or edgings to the feathers of the back, wings, and middle

TRINGA.—ACTITIS. 123

tail-feathers ; lesser upper wing-coverts, bastard-wing, primary-
coverts, and quills black ; upper tail-coverts blackish barred and
tipped with white; outer tail-feathers white barred with blackish
brown ; eyelids, loral streak, throat, breast, and abdomen white ;
fore-neck, ear-coverts, sides of neck, and sides of breast dusky
brown, the feathers margined with white on the fore-neck, giving
a streaked appearance ; axillaries barred with black and white ;
lesser under wing-coverts black edged with white, the greater
series brown like the quill-lining. “ Bill greenish black; feet
greenish grey, claws brownish black ; iris brown.”

Total length 200 mm., culmen 30, wing 130, tail 56, tarsus 28,
middle toe and claw 30.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather smaller.
Wing 126 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example
obtained at Bartica in 1911.

Breeds in North America, and migrates south in winter.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Takntu
River, Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Great
Savannas (McConnell collection); Mount Roraima, Kamarang
River, Rupununi River ( Whitely) ; Matope (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America to Argentina; Central
America, West India Islands, and North America.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timebri (2) x. p. 277) gives the following
notes on the species in British Guiana :—*“‘ Of the various Sand-
pipers, perhaps the commonest visitor is the Solitary Sandpiper
or the Wood-Tattler (Rhyncophilus solitarius), which will be met
with singly by the waterside in nearly all parts of the colony.
Many of these small Sandpipers certainly remain with us all
the year round..... These little birds are known to range
in the breeding-season even as far north as the Arctic regions,
migrating to the West Indies, Central and South America, even
to Buenos Ayres in the winter. They have been obtained as
stragglers in British Guiana.”

Genus ACTITIS Illig.
Actitis IMlliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 263, 1811. Type
A, hypoleucos (Linn.).
This genus is characterised by having short legs, the secondary
quills nearly as long as the primaries, and a different coloration
which is shown in the nestling.

124 BIRDS OF BRITISH QUIANA.

77. Actitis macularia.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

Actitis macularia (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 249, 1766 (“Habitat in
Europa et America septentrionali”); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. 1. p. 41, no. 400, 1912.

Tringoides macularius Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 180 (Camacusa, Bartica
Grove); Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 363, 1888 (Abary River), (2) v.
p- 107, 1891 (Georgetown); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv.
p. 468, 1896 (Carimang River) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 278, 1896;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 156, 1910 (Waini River).

“Common Spotted Sand-Lark or Wagtail,’ “Sandpiper or
‘Nit? ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Upper surface olive-brown, with dark shaft-streaks
and dark edgings to the wing-coverts; outer marginal upper wing-
coverts and bastard-wing blackish edged with white ; primary-
coverts and quills dark brown, the latter white towards the base
on the inner web, except the outer one, basal portion and tips of
secondaries white ; outer tail-feathers more or less marked with
white; a line over the eye white; throat and entire under surface
white including the axilliaries ; sides of neck olive-brown; under
wing-coyerts brown tipped with white.

Total length 160 mm., culmen 26, wing 101, tail 41, tarsus 25.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 103 mm.

The male described is in winter plumage, and was obtained on
the Mazaruni River.

Adult male in summer plumage differs in having the under
surface spotted with brown and the dark shaft-lines on the upper
parts wider and much more pronounced ; some of the feathers are
narrowly barred with dark brown. “ Bill greenish olive above,
yellow beneath, the point of both mandibles black; feet pale
yellowish flesh-colour, claws black ; iris hazel.”

This bird breeds in North America and migrates south in
winter.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River, Maza-
runi River (AfcConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa, Kamarang
River (Whitely) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Distributed generally in South America
to South-east Brazil, Central America, West India Islands, and
North America.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 363) observed this

species on the Abary River, and writes :—“ Along the waterside,

ACTITIS.—BARTRAMIA, 125

where the grassy reaches occur, the Small Sandpiper or Wagtail
(Tringoides macularius) ran backwards as though undecided what
was best to do.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch also gives the following note (Timehri
(2) x. p. 278):—* The Common Spotted Sand-Lark, Sandpiper,
or ‘ Nit’ (Zringoides macularius), which will be met with by the
waterside throughout almost the whole colony, more especially on
the mud-flats and sand-banks. They are migrants from the North,
whither they resort for the breeding-season, but many remain
throughout the year with us.”

Genus BARTRAMIA Less.

Bartramia Lesson, Traité d’Orn. p. 5538, 1831. Type B. longicauda
(Bechst.).
This genus is distinguished by having a graduated tail and the
culmen about equal to the middle toe and claw in length.

78. Bartramia longicauda.
BARTRAM'S SANDPIPER.

Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.), Kurze Uebers. Latham, p. 453, pl. 184,
1811 (North America) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 272, 1896
(migration); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 509, 1896;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 42, no. 402, 1912.

“Grey Plover,” “Grass or Field Plover,” Prairie Pigeon”
(Queleh).

Adult female. General colour above black or greyish brown,
with buff and grey markings to the feathers, more uniform on
the lower back and rump, and rufescent buff on the hind-neck ;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills dark brown, the shaft
of outer primary white ; inner webs of quills mottled or barred
with white; inner primary and secondary quills paler, edged and
barred with white; middle tail-feathers greyish brown marked
with black, the outer feathers buff marked with black and white;
the feathers on the middle of the crown broadly edged with buff;
throat white ; sides of face, fore-neck, and breast buff with dark
shaft-lines to the feathers, which are formed into bars with spear-
shaped markings on the latter ; flanks, axillaries, and under
wing-coverts barred with brown and white; abdomen creamy-
white, becoming pale buff on the vent and under tail-coverts.

126 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 305 mm., culmen 31, wing 162, tail 79, tarsus 47,
middle toe and claw 32.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 159 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the bird described was collected by T. K. Salmon at Medellin,
Province Antioquia, Colombia and is now in the British Museum,
Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeds in the high north and migrates south in winter.

Range in British Guiana. “ Interior Highlands” (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina
and Chile, Central and North America, accidental in Europe.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timebri (2) x. p. 272) observed this
species and remarks :—‘ Bartram’s Sandpiper (Bartramia longi-
cauda), which is known under a variety of common names in the
different localities which it frequents, such as Grey Plover, Grass
or Field Plover, and even Prairie-Pigeon. The species occurs
exceptionally as a wanderer to the British Isles and on the
continent of Europe, where authenticated specimens have been
killed. Here in the Colony, it is a common migrant with the other
forms, though many more seem to frequent the interior highlands
than in the other cases, and remain as stragglers throughout the
winter months. It is known to breed as far north as the Arctic
Circle, and to range southward in its migration as far as Buenos
Ayres.”

Genus EREUNETES Illig.

Evreunetes Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 262, 1811. Type
E. petrificatus lig.

This genus is characterised by having the tarsus about equal to
the culmen in length, the bare portion of the tibia nearly equal
to the length of the tarsus, bill widened at the end and depressed.

79. Ereunetes pusillus.
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.
Ereunetes pusillus (linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 252, 1766 (‘‘ Habitat in

Domingo”); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxiv. p. 514, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 279, 1896

EREUNETES.—CALIDRIS. 127

(migration) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 42, no. 403,
baie semipalmatus (Wils.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 758, 1848.

“ Little Peep or Wilson’s Sandpiper ” (Quelch).

Adult female. General colour above dark brown with rufescent
or whitish edges to the feathers; median and greater upper wing-
coverts somewhat paler than the back, the latter tipped with
white ; middle of rump and median upper tail-coverts black ;
sides of rump and lateral upper tail-coverts white; tail pale
brown, rather darker on the two central feathers ; bastard-wing,
primary-coverts, and primary-quills blackish ; secondaries more
or less white at the base ; loral streak and eyebrow white ; a faint
dark line from the bill to the eye; throat and entire under
surface white; axillaries pale grey; under wing-coverts white
freckled with black on the marginal portion. Bill black,
becoming greenish olive on the basal part of the mandible ;
feet greenish olive ; iris dark brown.”

Total length 150 mm., culmen 24, wing 100, tail 41, tarsus 23.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 93 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example collected
on the Abary River in November 1906.

This species breeds in Arctic America and migrates to South
America in winter,

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Essequebo River,
Abary River (McConnell collection).

Extratimital Range. Peru and South-east Brazil, Central
America, West India Islands, and North America.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758) that this
bird is found in large flocks on the sand-banks of the coast, like
T. canutus = Canutus rufus, p. 131.

Mr. J. J. Quelch mentions this species as a migrant to British
Guiana,

Genus CALIDRIS Illig.
Calidris Mliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Avy. p. 249, IS11. Type
C. leuncophea (Vroeg). :
This genus is characterised by having no hind-toe, and the
bill about equal in length to that of the tarsus,

128 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Fig. 36.—To show the absence of hind-toe.

80. Calidris leucophea.
SANDERLING.

Calidris leucophea (Vroeg), Catal. p. 32, 1764 (North Coast of
Holland); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 42, no. 406,
2
A iasge ne (Linn., 1766), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii
p- 759, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxiv. p. 526, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 277, 1896.

Adult male. Crown of head and nape, back, scapulars, upper
wing-coverts, long inner secondaries, and upper tail-coverts
blackish spotted or edged with white ; some of the lesser upper
wing-coverts, bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish
with white on the inner webs of the last ; tail white, pale
brown towards the tips of the feathers; forehead, sides of face,
and entire under surface pure white. ‘ Bill and feet olive-black ;
iris dark brown.”

Total length 170 mm., culmen 26, wing 127, tail 51, tarsus 24.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 125 mm.

This bird breeds in the high northern latitudes and winters
only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Range in British Guiana. Although there are two examples of
this bird in the McConnell collection, which were obtained in the
Colony, there is no exact locality given to either.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758) that this
bird is found commonly on the sand-banks of the Waini River.

We quote the following note from Mr. J. J. Queleh (Timehri
(2) x. p. 277) -—“The common Sanderling (Calidris arenaria).

CALIDRIS.—HETEROPYGIA. 129

This species, like the Turnstone, is remarkable for its great range,
It is known to breed throughout almost the whole Arctic district,
migrating to 8. Africa, Asia, and some of the Pacific Islands in
the Old World, and to Chili and Buenos Ayres in the New. The
Sanderling does not appear to be a common bird here, as it is but
rarely met with.”

Genus HETEROPYGIA Coues.

Heteropygia Coues, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1861, p. 190. Type
Hi. fuscicollis (Vieill.).

In this genus a hind-toe is present and the tarsus is longer
than the middle toe and claw.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 130 mm.; central

upper tail-coverts black ..................... A. pectoralis, p. 129.
B. Smaller, wing less than 130 mm.; central
upper tail-coverts white ..................... A. fuscicollis, p. 180.

81. Heteropygia pectoralis.
PeEcTORAL SANDPIPER.

Heteropygia pectoralis Say in James’s Ace. Long’s Exped. Rocky Mts.
vol. i. p. 171, footnote, 1823 (Engineer Cantonment, U.S.A.) ;
Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. xxxiv. p. 465, 1819 (“Iles Antilles et
dans les parties méridionales des Etats-Unis”

Heteropygia maculata Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 562, 1896;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 42, no. 408, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above black, with rufescent or
white edges to the feathers ; lower back, rump, and central upper
tail-coverts uniform black; outer tai!l-feathers pale brown with
a subapical black bar and white tip; sides of forehead, throat,
abdomen, axillaries, and under tail-coverts white ; under wing-
coverts brown at base and tipped with white ; fore-neck, sides of
neck, and breast isabelline grey with dark brown shaft-lines
becoming darker and alinost uniform dark brown on the sides of
the breast.

Total length 200 mm., culmen 29, wings 141, tail 57, tarsus 27
The bird deseribed was collected on the [turibisi River.
Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but smalle Wing

30 mm.

We have measured four males and find the wings to vary from

K

130 _ BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

135 to 142 mm., and in the same number of females the wings
vary from 125-131 mm.
This species, which breeds in the high north, winters in British
Guiana.
Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Kamakabra River,
Essequebo River, Abary River (AleConnell collection).
Ketralimital Range. South America generally to Patagonia,
Central America, West India Islands, and North America.
Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

82. Heteropygia fuscicollis.

BoNAPARTE’S SANDPIPER.

Heteropygia fuscicollis (Vieill.), N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xxxiv. p. 461,
1819 (Paraguay); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 574, 1896 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 42, no. 410, 1912.

Adult. Head, hind-neck, and upper back brownish grey with
dark centres to the feathers ; some of the scapulars are black
with rufescent edges on the inner side and white on the outer
margin ; upper wing-coverts and long innermost secondaries
dark brown with pale grey edges, the outer greater coverts
tipped with white; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills
dark brown like the central tail-feathers ; lateral upper tail-
coverts white, like the sides of the rump; rump and central
upper tail-coverts black with narrow whitish edges; throat and
under surface, fore-neck and sides of body grey with dark
centres to the feathers. “ Bill and feet dusky ; iris brown.”

Total length 159 mm., culmen 25, wing 116, tail 50, tarsus 23.

The specimen described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult male and female similar both in colour of plumage and
measurements.

This bird also breeds in the high north and is a winter visitor
to British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Kamakabra River, Abary River
(AleConnell collection).

Eatralimital Range. The remaining portion of South America
and the Falkland Islands, Central America, West India Islands,
and North America.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

CANUTUS, T3E

Genus CANUTUS Brehm.

Canutus Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. p. 653, 1831. Type C. canutus
(Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having the bill slightly longer
than the tarsus and the tail square.

83. Canutus rufus.

THe AMERICAN Kwnor.

Tringa vufa Wilson, Amer. Orn. vil. p. 43, pl. Ivii. fig. 5, 1818
(we designate New Jersey as the type locality).

Canutus canutus (nec Linn.), Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p. 43, no. 412, 1912.

Tringa canutus (nee Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 758,
1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv.
p- 593, 1896; Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 278, 1896.

‘“‘The Knot or Red-breasted Sandpiper ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above, including the head, back,
wings, and tail dark grey, with dark shaft-streaks and a few black
feathers on the back, scapulars, and iong innermost secondaries ;
lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts black, mottled and mar-
gined, or barred with white; bastard-wing and primary-coverts
blackish brown ; primary-quills also blackish, paler and inclining
to white on the inner webs towards the base, some of the inner
quills narrowly edged with white on the outer webs; chin and
sides of face white; fore-neck greyish white with dark shaft-
lines ; remainder of the under surface irregularly coloured with
rufous and greyish white; under wing-coverts, axillaries, and
sides of body, flanks, and under tail-coverts white irregularly
marked with pale brown. “ Bill and feet black ; iris dark hazel.”

Total length 240 mm., culmen 36, wing 166, tail 63, tarsus 31.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 168 mm.

The male described was moulting from the summer to the
winter plumage,

The summer plumage of the American Knot is black above,
suffused with rufous, and the under surface almost uniform rufous,
while the bird in winter dress has the upper surface grey and the
under parts white with grey markings on the fore-neck and sides
of the body.

This species is a winter visitor only to British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. The only specimen in the MeCunnell

K 2

132 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

collection was procured in the Colony, but the exact locality is not
known.

Extralimital Range. North, Central, and South America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 758)
this bird is found in large flocks on the sand- and mussel-banks of
the coast.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) x. p. 278) remarks :—‘“ The
Knot or Red-breasted Sandpiper (Tringa canutus). As will he
gathered from the description, these birds are of very variable
plumage, according to the season. In the Colony they are of
rare occurrence. They are much more common in the Old World,
where they are known to migrate as far south as Australia and
New Zealand. They are known to breed in the extreme Arctic
regions.”

Genus GALLINAGO Koch.
Gallinago Koch, Syst. baer. Vogel, pp. xlii, 312, 1816. Type
G. gallinago.

This genus differs in having the eyes placed further back on

the sides of the head, a long bill, short tarsus, and long toes.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 120 mm. ; under

tail-coverts buff barred with pale brown . G. delicata, p. 182.
B. Smaller, wing less than 120 mm.; under
tail-coverts white with pale brown bars... G. braziliensis, p. 133.

84. Gallinago delicata.
WILson’s SNIPE.

Gallinago delicata (Ord), Reprint of Wilson’s Amer. Orn. ix. p. cexviii,
1825 (Pennsylvania); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p-. 642,
1896; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 43, no. 413, 1912.

Adult. General colour above black with rufescent, greyish
white, or pale brown markings to the feathers, which vary in
shape, some being spots, streaks, bars, or edgings ; bastard-wing
and primary-coverts blackish, the latter tipped with white, as also
the marginal upper wing-coverts ; primary-quills dark brown, the
outer web of first primary white, secondaries margined with white
at the tips; median upper wing-coverts barred with greyish
brown ; innermost secondaries black with mottled-brown bars ;
middle of back uniform black; the middle tail-feathers black
broadly banded with chestnut and tipped with white, the outer

GALLINAGO, te

ones grey mottled and barred with black and tipped with white ;
median line on the head, hind-neck, and sides of neck rufescent ;
lores, sides of face, and chin buffy-white with blackish dots ; fore-
neck sandy buff with dark shaft-lines ; abdomen and sides of body
white barred with dark brown ; under tail-coverts buff with dark
brown bars ; axillaries and under wing-coverts black barred with
white, the greater series grey fringed with white.

Total length 245 mm., culmen 70, wing 125, tail 50, tarsus 35.

Adult male and female similarin coloration and measurements.

The bird described was obtained on the Supenaam River in
1910, and is the first recorded in the Colony.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil, Central
America, West India Islands, and North America.

fTalits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

85. Gallinago braziliensis.
BRAZILIAN SNIPE.

Gallinago braziliensis Swains. Faun. Boreal. p. 400, note, 1831 (Equi-
noctial Brazil); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 43, no. 414,
2
Eien (Illig.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758, 1848.
Gallinago frenata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179 (Bartica Grove, Merumé
Mountains, Roraima, 3500 ft.); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv.
p- 646, 1896 (Aunai).

Adult. Upper surface black varied by pale grey, brown, or
white markings ; lesser upper wing-coverts, bastard-wing, and
primary-coverts black tipped with white, the greater coverts
similar, but some of the inner ones show a pale subapical bar ;
quills blackish, outer web of first primary white, secondaries edged
with white at the tips, innermost secondaries barred or marbled
with brown ; outer tail-feathers white barred with dark brown,
the middle ones black banded with chestnut and tipped with
white ; median line on the head, nape, and sides of face buff
with dark centres to the feathers somewhat paler on the last ;
a well-pronounced dark loral streak ; throat and abdomen white ;
fore-neck and breast pale brown with dull white margins to the

134 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

feathers ; under wing-coverts, axillaries, sides of body, and under
tail-coverts white barred with brown.

Total length 228 mm., culmen 62, wing 116, tail 45, tarsus 29.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected on
the Bonasika River in 1911.

The adult male and female are similar in coloration and
measurement of wing, but the length of the culmen appears to be
greater in the female.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “It builds its nest on a small hillock in the swamps”
(Schomburgk).

Eggs. * Lays two eggs” (Schomburgh).

Range in British Guana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River, Anarica River,
Great Savannas (MeConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, 3500 ft.,
Merumé Mountains, Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina and
Chile.

Tlabits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758)
the habits and distribution of this bird are the same as those of
Homoptilura undulata.

Genus HOMOPTILURA Gray.

Homoptilura Gray, List Gen. B. 1840, p. 70. Type H. undulata
( Bodd.).

This genus differs chiefly in the long bill, which resembles that
of a Woodcock and is rather more than twice the length of the
tail; the tail slightly exceeds the tarsus in length, and the wing
exceeds the length of the tail by a little more than two-thirds.

86. Homoptilura undulata.
CAYENNE SNIPE.

Gallinago andulata (Bodd.), Tabl Pl. Enl. p. 54, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 179 (Merumé Mts., Roraima, 3500 ft.) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 659, 1896; Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 43, no. 419, 1912.

Scolopax paludosa Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ni. p. 758, 1848.

Adult. Upper surface black or dark brown varied with dull
white or sandy buff which takes the form of bars, spots, or

Birds of British Guiana.

Volt. Pv.

Homoptilura undilata.
Cayenne Snipe.

LV.

HOMOPTILURA.—JACANA, 135

edgings to the feathers; primary and secondary quills brown
mottled with white; middle and sides of crown buff ; a black line
from the base of the bill to the eye; sides of the face buffy-white
more or less intermixed with dark brown; throat uniform buffy-
white; entire under surface white, the feathers barred or edged
with brown ; under tail-coverts sandy buff with dark brown bars.

Total length 330 mm., culmen 108, wing 155, tail 50,
tarsus 48.

The adult male and female are alike in colour of plumage and
very similar in wing-measurement, but the length of the culmen
appears to be longer in the female.

This species is easily distinguished from the other Snipes in the
Colony by its large size.

The bird described was obtained on the Ituribisi River in October
1908.

Breeding season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. * Built on a small hillock in the swamps” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. “ Lays two eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana, Ituribisi River (McConnell coilection) ;
Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. ( Whitely).

Eatralimital Range. Cayenne.

Halits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 758) :— This
Snipe is found solitary on the swampy grazing grounds near the
coast and in the swampy parts of the Savannas. It builds its

29

nest on a small hillock in the swamps and lays two eggs.

Family JACANIDZE.

The birds which constitute this family are very Rail-like in
appearance, with long toes and spur-like claws. They are found
over the greater part of the known world, being distributed in
Africa, Asia, and Australia, Central and South America. One
genus and three species occur in South America, one species being
represented in British Guiana.

Genus JACANA Briss.
Jacana Brisson, Orn. v. p. 121, 1760. Type J. jacana (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by the frontal leaf-like lappet and a
pendent lappet at the angle of the gape, the spur on the wing, and
the very long toes and claws.

136 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Fig. 37.—To show the facial lappets.

5

Fig. 38.—To illustrate the long toes and hind-claw.

87. Jacana spinosa.
(SOMMON JACANA.

Jacana spinosa (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 152, 1758 (“ Habitat in America
australi”’); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 44, no. 427, 1912.

Parra jassana Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 759, 1848.

Parra jacana (Linn. 1766), Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 107, 1876
(Rupununi River) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 177; Quelch, Timehri (2)
ii. p. 363, 1888 (Abary River); id. op. cit. (2) v. p. 107, 1891
(Georgetown) ; Lloyd Price, t. c. p. 67.

Jacana jacana Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 82, 1896 (Carimang
River, Quonga); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 378,
384 (Abary River), p. 129 (Georgetown), 1910.

“ Spurwing ” (Brown).

Adult male. Back, wings, innermost secondaries, tail, sides of the

JACANA. 137

body, axillaries, and under wing-coverts chestnut; head, neck,
under surface, tips of tail-feathers, and outer margin of wing
above and below black; primary-quills and outer secondaries
lemon-yellow edged with dark brown.

Total length 230 mm., culmen (from base of frontal shield) 30,
wing 140, tail 46, tarsus 61, middle toe and claw 77.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in coloration, but
smaller in wing-measurement, 133 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example obtained
on the Abary River in September 1907.

The young is distinguished by its bronze-brown upper surface,
including the head, back, wings, and tail. The under surface and
a line above and behind the eye buffy-white.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “A thick mass of water-weed” (Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “The eggs are found, usually on a thick mass of water-
weed, usually four in number, and of olive-brown, spotted and
streaked with black” (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Abary River (McConnell collection); Rupununi River
(Brown) ; Georgetown, Abary River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America to the Argentine.

Habits. Regarding the habits of this bird Schomburgk (Reis.
Guian. ili. p. 759) writes :—‘‘ Is one of the most common marsh
birds in British Guiana, being most plentiful on the coast region.
Its favourite haunts are the small ditches running from the planta-
tions, bogs, and lakes near the coast ; here it rans about upon the
leaves of water-plants, preying on insects and their larvee. As
soon as one of a flock discovers a suspicious-looking object it raises
its head, calls out londly ; the rest immediately join, and one by
one disappear until the whole flock has flown away. They do
not fly far, however, without settling again. When doing this
they display the beautiful colours of their plamage. The nest is
built in a dry hollow near the edge of a marsh or ditch, and the
bird lays from three to four eggs. ‘The ‘ Warraus’ call it
Nassitung and the ‘ Macusis’ Zeckeh-zeckeh.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) 11. p. 363) observed this species,
which he calls the Lovely Spur-wing (Parra jacana), on the Abary
River, and remarks that it ran backwards and forwards as though

undecided what was best to do.

138 BIBDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 107) observed this species,
the Long-legged and Long-toed Spur-wing, at Georgetown.

Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2) v. p. 67) writes :—“ In the canals
and trenches, and almost in the water itself, the eggs of the Spur-
wing (Parra jacana) are found, usually on a thick mass of
water-weed ; the eggs are generally four in number, and of an
olive-brown, spotted and streaked with black.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 354) writes :—
“*Spur-winged Jucanas in loud cackling pairs were everywhere,
showing conspicuously against the green reeds, dark checolate
when at rest and flashing pale yellow in flight.”

Id. (t. ¢., p. 378) :—“* Among the smaller marsh-birds, Jacanas
easily held first place, both in numbers and in action and voice,
day and night. About every half-hour through the day a group
of these birds would set up a wild and frantic clucking, sounding
as if a dozen hens were being pursued and had about given up all
hope of escape. This was usually caused by the appearance of a
crocodile, large or small, from beneath the lily pads. All the
Jacanas within sight would gather at once and dance excitedly
about on the surrounding pads, until the pestered reptile sank
again into the muddy waters.”

Id. (t ¢. p. 384) (Abary River) :—‘* A Jacana was leading her
brood of three small chicks within a few feet of my hammock,
down to a causeway of trembling lily pads. The youngsters were
very tiny, clad in grey with a large black mark on the nape.
Even in comparison with their mother their toes were of enor-
mous length. They kept at her very heels and when she stopped
for a moment crept beneath her wings.”

Family BURHINID.

These birds liold a somewhat intermediate position between the
Bustards and Plovers. They are distributed in Europe, Africa,
Asia, and Australia, San Domingo, Central and South America.
Two species are known in South America, one of which occurs in
British Guiana.

Genus (DICNEMUS Temm.
Cdicnemus Temminck, Man. d’Orn. 1815, p, 321. Type G2. edicnemus
(Linn.),

The members of this genus have rather long legs, short toes,

(EDICNEMUS. 139

conspicuously large eyes. The bill slightly exceeds the length
of the middle toe and claw.

Fig. 39.—To show the size of the eye.

88. Gedicnemus bDistriatus.

DovuUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE.

Burhinus bistriatus (Wagl.), Isis, 1829, p. 644 (Mexico); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 45, no. 431, 1912.

CEdicnemus bistriatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. in. p. 749, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 177; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 12,
1896 (Aunai).

(Edicnemus vocifer Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 142, 1876
(Quonga).

“ Stilt-legged Plover ; Corobara” (Brown).

Adult male. General colour above black or dark brown, the
feathers broadly edged with sandy rufous on the back and wings,
more narrowly on the crown of the head; tail brown, some of the
feathers barred with white ; a broad band of white on each side
of the crown; forehead, hind-neck, fore-neck, and sides of face
sandy rufous with black shaft-streaks to the feathers ; breast grey
with dark shaft-lines to the feathers ; throat, abdomen, and under
wing-coverts white ; under tail-coverts sandy rufous; primary and
secondary quills brown with white on the inner webs, some of the
inner primaries and outer secondaries have white on both webs.

Total length 400 mm., culmen 45, wing 229, tail 113, tarsus 111,
middle toe and claw 39.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 211 mm.

The male deseribed was collected in the district of the Mountains
of the Moon.

140 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Young in partial down. General colour of the upper surface
blackish brown with broad sandy-rufous margins to the feathers ;
marginal upper wing-coverts black edged with rufous ; median
and greater coverts grey with dark shaft-lines and broad rufous
margins ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, primary and secondary
quills black ; lower back and rump covered with down, sandy
rufous dotted with black ; upper tail-coverts rufous and grey ;
tail-feathers grey showing indistinct dark bars, a subapical white
band and black tip ; a white superciliary line which extends back-
wards and meets on the hind-neck, where it is fringed above and
below with black; a broad black band on the sides of the hinder
crown; ear-coverts and middle of throat rufous narrowly streaked
with black, becoming more grey on the breast; chin and sides of
throat white, as also the abdomen and thighs ; under tail-coverts
sandy rufous ; sides of body covered with whitish down.

The young bird from which this description is taken has no
exact locality.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “A small hollow in the ground among the grass’
(Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Aunai (VW hitely) ; Quonga (Brown).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia,
Central America to Mexico.

Halits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 749)
this bird is found in the grass on the Savannas singly and in
pairs. It lives chiefly on the ground and can run very swiftly ;
it flies only for a short distance and then repeats its running. Its
food consists of insects, small lizards, frogs, ete. The nest is
formed by a small hollow in the ground among the grass. The
“ Macusis”’ call it Warate and the “ Arekunas” Korrere.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 142) writes :—
“A large Stilt-legged Plover, about the size of a large Curlew,
called Corobara (G2dicnemus vocifer), which was quite tame,
running about the houses. It made a most singular, chattering
ery, both in the evening and just before daylight in the morning.”

b

ARAMUS. 141

Order GRUIFORMES.
Family ARAMID Ai.

This family consists of one genus and two species only. Its
distribution is South Florida, Greater Antilles, Central and
South America.

Genus ARAMUS Vieill.
Aramus Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Ornith. p. 58, 1816. Type dA. scolopaceus
(Gmel.).

The characters of this genus are based upon the Rail-like bill
and the peculiar form of the first primary, but anatomically it is
closely allied to the Cranes.

Vig. 41.—To show the peculiar shape of the first primary.

89. Aramus scolopaceus.
SouTHERN LIMPKIN.

Aramus scolopaceus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 647, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 367, 1888 (Abary River); Sharpe, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 237, 1894; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer.
i. p. 45, no. 432, 1912. ieee
Notherodius scolopaceus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 759, 1548,
“(Curaow”” (Quelch).
Adult male. Blackish above and below; the feathers on the
hind-neck and abdomen broadly marked with white.

142 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 590 mm.,culmen 107, wing 315, tail 140, tarsus
117, middle toe and claw 106.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 343 mm.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected on
the Abary River, in July 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Bonasika River, Kamakabra River, Abary River (A/c Connell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay,
Argentina.

Halits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 759),
this bird is found near the coast and is common in the Avicennien
bush and also in boggy places covered with high grass. Its
nesting-habits were unknown to him.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p.3877), when on Tiger Island,
Abary River, remarks :—*‘A hunting-party was, however, sent
out, which brought back four fine specimens of the Caraow
(Aramus scolopaceus).”

Family EURYPYGIDA.

This family is composed of one genus and two species only
which are distributed in Central and South America.

Genus EURYPYGA Illig.
Eurypyga Wliger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 257, 1811. Type
E. helias (Pallas).

The characters which distinguish this genus are that the bill is
Rail-like, with the nostrils horizontal and pervious; the lower
mandible grooved laterally ; inner secondaries nearly equal in
length to the primaries ; tibia bare for the greater portion of its
length; tarsus slightly longer than the bill.

90. Eurypyga helias.
Sun Brrrery.
Eurypyga helias (Pall.), Neue Nord. Beytr. u. p. 48, pl. iii, 1781

(Surinam); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 573, 1848; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886. p. 177 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ; W. L. Sclater, Ibis,

EURYPYGA. 143

1887, p. 317 (Maccasseema) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 240,
1894 (Demerara); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 45, no. 433,
1912.

Adult male. Head black, with a white line above and below the
eye, the latter wider and more extended towards the sides of the
neck ; hind-neck, mantle, fore-neck, and breast blackish brown,
barred with rufous ; back, wings, and tail black, the feathers crossed
by mottled bands of grey; the quills and tail-feathers are crossed
by two bands of deep chestnut, some of the wing-feathers are
also intermixed with white and golden yellow; throat pure white ;
remainder of the under surface, including the axillaries and
lesser under wing-coverts, buff intermixed with brown. “ Upper
mandible black, lower mandible yellow-ochre ; feet and claws
yellow-ochre; iris red” (A. Whately).

Total length 410 mm., culmen 50, wing 225, tail 156, tarsus 54.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 222 mm.

The male described is from the Anarica River.

Young in partial down. Similar to the adult, but differ from
most young birds by gaining the adult plumage direct from the
nestling down without passing through an intermediate stage.
The red bands on the tail appear to increase in width as the bird
advances in age, the rufous cross-bars on the upper surface dis-
appear more or less, and the black portion of the feathers become
more intense.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana, Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Anarica River, Mazaruni_ River,
Kurubung River (MeConnell collection); Kamakusa, Bartica
(Whitely) ; Maccasseema (W. ZL. Sclater) ; Canuku Mountains
(Schomburgh).

Extralimital Range. Surinam, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii, p. 752) that
this beautiful and graceful bird is found on the coasts and in the
depths of the woods. He found it in numbers at the Canuku
Mountains. They are very fond of sunny glades in the woods, and
prefer especially the river borders. Occasionally they are found
in pairs, but as a rule occur singly, They are easily tamed. He
knew nothing about its nidification. The “ Warraus” call it
Tucanna, and the ** Macusis”” JJarereh,

144 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Schomburgk also remarks (Reis. Guian. i. p. 440) :—This
species looked at us with its neck fully out-stretched but quickly
flew away ; it looked most beautiful in the sunshine, when it
spread its wings and tail out like a turkey-cock, Its food consists
of flies and insects only and is so agile that it seldom misses its
prey ; if it discovers a fly on a plant it will at once most care-
fully stalk it with its neck drawn in and when within reach dart
its head out, and the fly is caught.

Family PSOPHIID.

This family is composed of one genus and six species, and is
confined to the South-American continent. They are soft-
plumaged birds, with rounded bodies, long legs, and small feet.

Genus PSOPHIA Linn.
Psophia Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 154, 1758. Type P. erepitans

Linn.
This genus has no near ally, but can always be distinguished by
its small head and bill, soft plumage, short toes, and long legs.

91. Psophia crepitans.
Common TRUMPETER.

Psophia crepitans, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 154, 1758 (“ Habitat in America
meridionali’”?); Cab. in Schomb, Reis. Guian. iii. p. 751, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 177 (Camacusa, River Atapurow); W. L.
Selater, Ibis, 1887, p. 317 (Maccasseema); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxiii. p. 279, 1894 (Takutu River); Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi.
p. 3, 1892 (nesting notes); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 255, 1910 (Matope), p. 880 (Aremu) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S.
Amer. i. p. 46, no. 436, 1912.

“ Warracaba” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult male. Head; neck, mantle, wings, lower back, tail, and
entire under surface deep black ; the feathers on the head and neck
are short and down-like, those on the Fore-neck are narrowly banded
with green and broadly tipped with metallic purple ; the feathers
on the back and some of the upper wing-coverts tipped with
wnber-brown ; the inner greater wing-coverts and innermost

PSOPHIA. 145

secondaries grey, the outer portion of the webs of the feathers
disintegrated.

Total length 480 mm., culmen 37, wing 280, tail 120, tarsus 143.

The description is taken from an example obtained on the
Mazarnni River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Young in down. Upper surface rufous, mixed with blackish
grey on the head and back, paler and more buff on the wings; a
black patch on the throat and fore-neck ; abdomen pale buff.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “A hole in the fork of a tree at the height of about
20 feet from the ground” (C. A. Lloyd). “The nest is made on
the ground”? (Schomburgk).

Eggs. “ Seven in number, dirty white in colour, a trifle smaller
than those of the common fowl” (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River, Mazaruni River
(McConnell collection); Kamakusa, Kamarang Liver, Takutu
River (Whitely) ; Maccasseema (W. 1. Sclater); Matope and
Aremu (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil and Venezuela.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 751)
the Trumpeter is found in the woods all over British Guiana,
occurring singly or in flocks up to two hundred. It never seems
to leave the woods. It is very easily tamed, and is found in all
the native villages, where they make themselves “cocks of the
roost,” and even master the tamed quadrupeds ; even the large
hokkos has to bow to its regime. Its power of flight is so weak,
that when a number attempt to fly across a fairly wide river
several fall in and reach the other side by swimming. It seems to
prefer the damp low-lying woods near the coast to those of higher
altitudes. The nest is made on the ground. ‘The flesh is good.
The “ Macusis”’ call it Yakamik and the “ Warraus” Warracaba.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 3) gives the following
notes on the habits of this bird :— For a long time we could
gather no reliable information concerning the nesting-habits of the
Warracaba (Psophia crepitans), some persons stating that all the
females in a flock of these birds laid together in a common nest on
the ground, others declaring that they nested in trees and that the
eyos were blue, At last we had the pleasure of taking a nest in

L

146 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

the Savanna from a hole in the fork of a tree at the height of
about 20 feet from the ground. It contained seven dirty white
egos, a trifle smaller than those of the common fowl, and as they
were perfectly fresh, most likely the bird had not finished laying
her full complement ; a singular thing about the Warracaba is
its dislike for young ducks, which it always destroys when it finds
the opportunity. I am told that it is impossible to rear ducks
where any of them are kept.”

Mr. W. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 331) gives the
following note :—‘* They run very swiftly, but seldom use their
wings, and, although they swim quite well, rivers of any size are
never crossed, They feed on the ground and roost in the tall
trees. The voice has many variations, but the sound from which
the name is derived is very loud and sonorous and ean be heard at
a great distance. When standing upright the Trumpeter reaches
a height of from 18 to 20 inches.”

Family IBIDIDAl.

Members of this family are distributed in the temperate, sub-
tropical, and tropical portions of the world. They are generally
distinguished by their somewhat long and arched bills.

Genus THERISTICUS Wagl.
Theristicus Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1231. Type TZ. melanopis Wag).

This genus is characterized as having the head feathered ;
region of eye, chin, and upper throat bare, with some warty
papillee on the lores ; anterior aspect of tarsus reticulated.

92. Theristicus caudatus.
Gutana I[Bis.

Theristicus caudatus (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 57, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 23,
265, 1898 (Rupurumi River, Annai); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 47, no. 445, L992.

Ibis albicollis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757, 1848.

Adult male. Head and neck umber-brown, with white bases to
the feathers ; back, scapulars, and lesser upper wing-coverts olive-
grey with pale edges to the feathers, paler and more ash-grey on
the latter ; rump and upper tail-coverts bottle-green ; tail greenish

THERISTICUS.—HARPIPRION. 147

black, some of the feathers tipped or edged with brown ; greater
upper wing-coverts and outer webs of the secondary quills white ;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blue-black, some of the
latter brown at the tips, like the axillaries and under tail-coverts ;
under wing-coverts bottle-green ; abdomen rusty brown, somewhat
darker on the breast. “Iris red” (HI. Whitely).

Total length 750 mm., culmen 150, wing 395, tail 200, tarsus 86.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 383 mm.

The male described was collected on the Great Rupununi
Savanna in December 1900 by Mr. J. J. Quelch.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Great Rupununi Savanna (MceCon-
nell collection) ; Annai ( Whitely).

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757) that this
species lives in small numbers of from eight to ten scattered over
the savannas. During their morning flight one hears their far-
sounding call. They are occasionally found in large numbers on
the sand-banks of rivers. Their favourite haunts appear to be the
dried-up marshes and savannas. The nidification is unknown.
It is called Koateh by the “ Macusis.”

Genus HARPIPRION Wag.
Harpiprion Wagler, Isis, 1832, p.1282. Type H. cayennensis (Gmel.).

The characters by which this genus is distinguished are a short
nuchal crest of metallic feathers, chin and a line on each side of
the throat bare, lores also bare but with no warty papille, and
the anterior portion of the tarsus reticulated.

93. Harpiprion cayennensis,
CAYENNE [BIs.

Harpiprion cayennensis (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 652, 1789 (“ Habitat
in Cayenna”’); Salvin, Ibis, 1556, p. 172 (Bartica Grove, Cama-
cusa); Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 373, 1888 (Abary River), iv.
p- 334, 1890 (Berbice River), vy. p. 107, 1891 (Georgetown) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 25, 265, 1898; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 47, no, 448, 1912.

Lhis cayennensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 757, 1848.

Ibis infuscata (nec Licht.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian, iii. p. 756,
1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 21, 1876 (Cuyuni Kiver).

LZ

148 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Phimosus infuscatus (nee Licht.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Beebe,
Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 253, 1910 (Cuyuni River).

“ Curi-curi or River-Ibis” (Brown) ; “ Bush Curi-Curi, Bush
or Bronze Ibis ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour aboye and below oil-green with
coppery reflections on the back and steel-blue on the quills and tail
both above and below; under surface not so bright and mixed with
dull black ; top of head, sides of face, and throat dusky grey,
somewhat darker on the throat ; nape and hind-neck bright green.
“ Bill and feet light green ” (Brown).

Total length 500 mm., culmen 103, wing 279, tail 141, tarsus 58.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 315 mm.

The description is based on an example obtained on the Abary
River in September 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Range in British Guiana. Upper Tukutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Curubung River, Bartica, Abary River, Mazaruni River,
Arwye Creek (MeConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa ( Whitely) ;
Cuyuni River (Brown & Beebe); Berbice River, Georgetown
( Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 503) :—This
species is fairly common and found mostly in pairs, and is not of a
very shy nature. It seeks its food, which consists of water-insects
etc., on the edges of rivers. Towards dusk they fly away to
roost in the woods. (Cfr. vol. iii. p. 756.) This species lives as
the preceding species (Jbis rubra), singly or in pairs, on the
Savanna swamps and on the borders of the rivers. I have
found it at an altitude of 1500 ft., but I was unable to discover its
nest. The “ Warraus” call it Korro-korro.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 21) gives the
following note:—‘ The Curi-Curi or River Ibis (his infuscata)
gets itsname of Curi-curi from its ery, which resembles that word
repeated a few times ; they are of a dull olive-green colcar, with
light green bills and legs. They drill holes in the mud-banks with
their long bills for worms, feeding after the manner of Snipe.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch met with this species on the Abary River, and
remarks tnat it rose at intervals from the bushes. He also observed
it on the Berbice River and at Georgetown.

CERCIBIS, 149

Genus CERCIBIS Wag].
Cercibis Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1282. Type C. oxycereus (Spix).

Head moderately crested ; tail long, more than half the length
of the wing; lores, region of eye, and throat bare; anterior
portion of tarsus transversely scaled.

94. Cercibis oxycercus.
SHARP-TAILED [Bis.

Cercibis oxycercus (Spix), Av. Bras. u. p. 69, pl. Ixxxvi., 1825 (“in
provincia Para”) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxvi. p. 28, 1898 (Rupurumi River, Aunai); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 48, no. 452, 1912.

Ibis oxycercus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 756, 1848.

Adult male. General colour above bluish black with purple
reflections more strongly pronounced on the hind-neck ; forehead
and sides of the face whitish brown; entire under surface dull
black with rust-brown margins to some of the feathers.

Total length 825 mm., culmen 162, wing 410, tail 265,
tarsus 78.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 403 mm.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
on the Great Savanna, Rupununi River, October 17, 1960, by
Mr. J. J. Quelch.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Gniana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

F-ggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Rupununi River (AceConnell col-
lection) ; Annai ( Whitely).

Eatralimital Range. North Brazil, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian, iii. p. 757) :—This
species is found in pairs, and I have only observed it in the
vicinity of Tenette on the Tukutu River. (C/r. vol. ii. p. 48.)
Every morning we heard the piercing ery of this bird, which is
like tah-rong. The colour of the cere and ring round the eye is

orange-red,

150 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus EUDOCIMUS Wag.
Eudocimus Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1282. Type E. ruber (Linn.).

In this genus the anterior portion of tarsus is scaled, or plated,
transversely ; the forehead, sides of face, and throat bare.

95. Eudocimus rubra.
SCARLET [BIs.

Eudocimus rubra (Uinn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 145, 1758 (“ Habitat in
America ” = Guiana) ; Salvin, ime 1886, p. 171; W., i, Selater:
Ibis, 1887, p. 317 (Maccasseema) ; Quelch, Timehri (2)-¥. -p. 10r
1891 (Georgetown); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 41, 267,
1898 (Berbice); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 153, 1910
(Mora passage); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 48, no. 456,
1912.

This rubra Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 756, 1848.

“‘ Currie-Currie ” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult. Bright scarlet above and below, except the first two
primaries, which are tipped with black, and the shafts of the
feathers, which are white.

Total length 530 mm., culmen 130, wing 247, tail 91,
tarsus 73,

Young. Head, neck, wings, and tail brown ; lower back, rump,
and upper tail-coverts white like the breast, abdomen, axillaries,
under wing-coyerts, and inner webs of the quills ; under tail-
coverts pale brown towards the tips.

The descriptions are taken from individuals obtained on the
Berbice River.

The adult males and females are alike in colour of plumage,
but there are great differences in the measurements. Thus in
two males, which appear to be adult birds, the culmen measures
121 and 152 mm., the wing 244 and 267, and the tarsus 73
and 84; while thas fomled have the culmen 127, 132, 135,
the wing 240, 255, 267, and the tarsus 75, 79, 81.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Nest. “ Never builds a nest of any sort, but takes forcible
possession of those of the Small White Egret (Ardea candidissima
= Leucophoyx thula, p. 164) for depositing its eggs” (C. A.
Lloyd).

Eggs. “ Brie in number and yery variable both in shape and
markings” (C. A. Lloyd).

EUDOCIMUS. lot

Range in British Guiana. Berbice River (McConnell collection) ;
Maccaseema (W. L. Sclater) ; Mora’passage (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Eastern and Northern Brazil, Venezuela,
and Margarita Island ; Greater Antilles ; occasional in Texas and
Florida.

Habits. According to Schomburek (Reis. Guin. iii. p. 756) the
Scarlet Ibis is found all along the coast, more numerous at
the mouths of the oceanic rivers, where they appear in countless
numbers. It is well known that the young remain in the brown
plumage for three years, during which time they are kept away
from the birds in scarlet dress. At sunrise the flocks resort to
their feeding-grounds, and when flying arrange themselves side by
side—not as Geese and Cranes, behind each other. Lit up by the
morning sun the numerous rows of these beautiful birds afford a
a most wonderful sight. Each detachment of birds has its separate
area near the coast, and there on the low bushes they build their
nests; as a rule, several on each. They appear to use their nests
for several years in succession. They carry the food for the young
ones in the same manner as Pelicans, and have, like them, a
pouch which is situated near the roof of the mouth, in which they
collect the food. When the parent birds arrive at the nest, they
open their mouths and the young help themselves. During the
breeding-season they wage a continuous war against the Small
Deret, driving them away and often take possession of their
nests. The young birds are easily tamed. The “ Macusis ” call
it Yumarih and the “ Warraus” Timuku.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 9) remarks on this species :—
“Mr. D. E. Mackintosh, who has paid much attention to the Coast
birds of Surinam, asserts that the Scarlet Ibis or Currie-Currie,
Eudocimus ruber, never builds a nest of any sort, but takes forcible
possession of those of the small White Egret, Ardea candidissima,
for the purpose of depositing its eggs. He states that he has often
witnessed this Ibis in the act of tumbling the young Egrets out of
their nests.... The eggs of the Scarlet Ibis are three in number
and very variable both in shape and markings. Usually they are
spotted and slashed throughout with reddish-brown, but sometimes
the markings are thickly distributed towards the larger end, where
they often become confluent and form a large circular blotch. In
shape, some of the eggs are markedly elongate and others quite
oval,”

Mr. J. J. Quelch records this species at Georgetown.

152, BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Family PLATALEID Al.

The members of this family are represented in all the continents
of the World; one genus with one species being restricted to
America. They are easily distinguished from all other birds by
their large spatulate bills.

Genus AJAIA Reichenb.
Ajaia Reichenbach, Nat. Syst. Vogel, p. xvi, 1852. Type A. ajaja (Linn.).

This genus is characterized by its bare head and rosy plumage.

Fig. 42.—To show the bare head and shape of the bill.

96. Ajaia ajaja.
ROSEATE SPOONBILL.

Ajaia ajaja (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 140, 1758 (‘Habitat in America
australi”) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 48, no. 457, 1912.

Platalea ajaja Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 755, 1848; Brown,
Canoe and Camp Life, p. 265, 1876 (Takutu River), p. 271
(Cotinga River) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172.

Ajaja ajaja Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 52, 1898 (Savana of
British Guiana).

Immature. General colour white, with a pink tinge on the
wings, scapulars, tail, flanks, axillaries, under surface of the
wings, and, very slightly, on the abdomen ; outer webs and tips of
the bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and primary-quills pale brown.

AJAIA. Lda

Tutal length 600 mm., length of bill 150, wing 316, tail 87,
tarsus 99.

The bird described was collected on the Abary River in July
1906.

Adult male. General colour above and below rose-pink ; a tuft
of feathers on the fore-neck, lesser upper wing-coverts, upper and
under tail-coverts bright crimson; neck all round dull white.
“Trides red; lores and orbits yellow-ochre ; bare part of head
from forehead to crown pale Naples-ycllow ; occiput and below
ear sooty-black; around orifice of ear pale Naples-yellow ; skin
of chin and throat admixture of pale Naples-yellow and yellow-
ochre ; bill clear ashy, somewhat sooty between corrugations at
base; legs dark crimson-lake, feet sooty-black”?? (C. H. B.
(rant).

Culmen 157 mm., wing 345, tail 95, tarsus 99, middle toe and
claw 89.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in colour. Wing 337.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “‘ According to the natives, their nests are found on trees
and in the reeds” (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (MeConnell collection) ;
Takutu River, Cotinga River (Grown); Great Savannas, Rupununi
River (British Museum).

Extralimital Range. The greater portion of South America,
east of the Andes to Argentina. Central America, and south
United States.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 755):—This
beautiful bird haunts the oceanic river mouths and the coasts, and
very rarely goes inland, although I was once much surprised to
find a large flock on the sand-banks of the Takutu River, a little
beyond the mouth of the Mahu—more especially as I never found it
on the Savanna swamps and rivers, All the specimens I obtained
in Takutu were old birds, but, curiously enough, the specimens I
obtained near the coast were young birds. I shot a large number
on the mussel-banks of the Waini, and during my stay there they
were my chief diet. I was unable to obtain a specimen with the
purple-red feathers on it. According to the natives, the Roseate
Spoonbill’s nest is found on trees and in the reeds. I have never
found the nest myself. This bird is distributed all along the
coast, and is of rather a shy nature, in fact one of the shyest of

154 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

all the birds in Guiana. The “ Macusis” call it Warara and the
“ Warraus”’ Ajaja.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 265) writes
from the sand-beaches of the Takutu :—In the inlets off the sides
of the river, were flocks of beautiful Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea

ajaja).

Family CLCONIIDA.

The members that compose this family are large birds with long
bills, long legs, and small feet, in proportion to the size of the
birds. Their distribution is in Asia, Africa, Australia, and
America,

Genus MYCTERIA Linn.
Mycteria Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 140, 1758. Type I. americana

Linn.
This genus is chiefly distinguished by the shape of the bill,
which is decurved, somewhat rounded, blunt at the tip, and seek
in texture ; the head and neck are wa

Fig. 43. —To illustrate the shape of the bill.

97. Mycteria americana.
Woop Isis.

Mycteria americana Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 140, 1758 (Brazil); Bra-
bourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 48, no. 458, 1912.

Tantalus loculator Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 756, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 104, 1876 (Rupuneni River) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 321,
1898 ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 8538, 381, 1910
(Abary River).

“Nigger-heads” (Quelch), “Sowewies or Negrocopes” eee:

MYCTERIA. 155

Adult male. Untire back, scapulars, long innermost secondaries
pure white like the under wing-coverts, axillaries, breast, abdomen,
and under tail-coverts ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills
black ; tail greenish-black tinged with purple. ‘‘ Head and upper
part of neck bare and of a livid bluish colour, tinged with
yellowish on the forehead; bill yellowish ; legs blue, becoming
blackish on the toes, and tinged with yellow on the webs.”

Total length 940 mm., culmen 230, wing 475, tail 160, tarsus
210.

‘Lhe description is taken from an example obtained on the
Great Savannas in December 1902.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Immature. Differs from the adult in having the head and neck
feathered. Middle of crown and nape black where the feathers
have white hair-like tips; sides of the crown, throat, and upper
neck all round pale brown with dark shaft-streaks.

The immature bird was obtained on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Figgs. Undescribed in British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Rupununi Savannas
(McConnell collection) ; Abary River (Beebe) ; Rupununi River
(Brown) ; Whiroon, Abary River (Quelch).

Eatralimital Range. Greater portion of South America to
Argentina. Central and North America.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 756) that he
found this bird on all the swamps and sand-banks of the Savanna
rivers, in large numbers, and associating with Myeteria (=Jalbiru
mycteria, p. 158) and Storks. Its habits are like those of the
latter. He did not find the nest.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 370) writes :—“ Nigger-
heads were seen standing in a swampy part of the creek about
150 yards ahead. A few birds raised their heads as we came in
sight, but the rest remained in a dignified pose with their necks
thrown back and their long black bills turned slightly down-
wards, The ‘ Nigger-heads’ as they are termed, are smaller than
the ‘Nigrocops,’ they are of a prevailing white or cream colour,
with rich bluish bronze-green quills in their wings and tail; the
head and the upper part of the neck are bare of feathers in the
adult, and are covered with loose thin scales on a black ground ;
the bill and feet are black, and the former is thick, long, and

156 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

slightly curved towards the blunt tip. Obtained at Whiroon on
the Abary.”’

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 104) writes: —

“ Sowewies or negrocopes are numerous in this portion of the
country, and are seen on the sand-beaches in the river.

“Their heads and necks are bare of feathers, being covered
with a hard black skin, divided by furrows into plates. They are
white, with black wings, and are frequently seen soaring high in
the heavens in circles, mounting higher and higher till they
appear like mere specks.”

Genus EUXENURA Ridegw.

Eusxenura Ridgway, Bull. U.S. Surv. Terr. iv. p. 249, 1878. Type
E. maguari (Gmel.).

The chief characters by which this genus is distinguished are
the peculiar form of the tail which is deeply forked, the under
tail-coverts much elongated and projecting beyond the tail, the
long and straight bill, the bare lores, and stripes on each side of
the throat.

Fig. 44.—To iliustrate the peculiar form of the tail.

98. Euxenura maguari.
MacuaRi STorK.

Eusxenura maguari (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 623, 1789 (“ Habitat in
cealidiori America”); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 297, 1898
(British Guiana); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 155,
1910 (Waini); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S, Amer. i. p. 49, no. 459,
1912.

EUXENURA. 157

Ciconia maguari Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 752, 1848; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 107, 1891.

“ Heri” (Quelch).

Adult. General colour white except the scapulars, tail, greater
upper wing-coyverts, bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills,
which are black with a greenish gloss. ‘‘Legs and feet blood-
red ; bill lead-grey.”

Total length 1045 mm., culmen 200, wing 540, tail 180, tarsus
240.

The bird described has no exact locality, only that it was
obtained in the Colony.

Adult male and female similar.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Argentina, Chile.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 752) that
this bird is found in company with Mycteria americana (= Jabiru
mycteria, p. 158) in large flocks on the Savanna-bogs. It is very
shy and difficult to obtain. Its nidification is unknown. The
* Macusis” and ‘‘ Arekunas” call it Wakriang.

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 155, 156) writes: —
* About four o’clock we were surprised to see a large black and
white bird with long grey beak and red legs fly up from a mud-flat
ahead and swing outwards and around us. The glasses showed a
Maguari Stork in full breeding-colour; even the red caruncles
around the eye and the long, filmy neck-feathers being visible.
We had never expected to see the bird away from the pampas of
the interior, and the sight of the splendid Stork was most exciting.
It is almost as large as the Jabiru, white with black wings,
scapulars, and tail, and is one of the most picturesque of the
larger waders.

“We have had a pair of the birds alive for some time and have
observed a curious thing about the tail. The real tail-feathers are
forked, swallow-like, while the intervening space is filled up with
the long, stiff under tail-coverts. In flight the whole are spread,
making a parti-coloured fan of some eighteen feathers instead of
the usual six pairs.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 107) observed this species,
the “* Heri,” at Georgetown,

158 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus JABIRU Hellm.

Jabiru Hellmayr, Abhandl. K. Baer. Akad. xxi. Abt. iii. p. 711 (1906).
Type J. mycteria (Licht.).
Tail and under tail-coverts normal. Bill very large, the terminal
portion recurved. Head and neck bare with only a hairy patch
on the occiput.

Fig. 45.—To illustrate the peculiar form of the bill.

99. Jabiru mycteria.
J ABIRU.

Jabiru mycteria (Licht.), Verz. Doubl. p. 76, 1823 (San Paulo, Brazil) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 49, no. 460, 1912.

Mycteria americana (nec Linn.), Cab.in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 133,
ili. p. 751, 1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 105, 1876 (Rupu-
nuni River), p. 260 (Cotinga River); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171;
Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 365, 1888 (Abary River), v. p. 107, 1891
(Georgetown); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 314, 1898;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 353, 1910 (Abary River).

** Negrocops or Jabiru” (Quelch).

Aduli male. Entire plumage ivory white; bastard-wing,
primary-coverts, and quills tipped with hoary grey. ‘“ Bill and
feet black ; iris brown.”

Total length 1150 mm_, culmen 280, wing 630, tail 205, tarsus

300,

Immature female. Differs from the adult male in having a
patch of brown on the upper breast and hoary grey feathers
distributed on the scapulars and wings.

The specimens described are from the Great Savannas collected
in November 1902.

JABIRU. 159

Breeding-season. August and September (Schomburgh).

Nest. According to Mr. C. A. Lloyd this bird nests in the Silk
Cotton tree and returns yearly to the same nest.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Great Savannas (McConnell collec-
tion) ; Rupununi River, Cotinga River (Brown) ; Abary River
(Beebe).

Extralimital Range. The remainder of Sonth America to
Argentina. Central America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis, Guiana, ii. p. 133) than when
we arrived on the Takutu River we saw, on the tall trees on
its border, the large nests of the Jabiru. The number of nests
is very great here. I also found nests on the borders of the
rivers in the well-wooded oasis, also in tall trees, but never in
any large numbers. It sometimes builds its nest on the ledges
of the rocks, and always selects those ledges that cannot be
reached. Thus the eggs are unknown to me. They construct
their nests on a horizontally-forked branch, and when finished
the nest looks exactly like that of our Common Stork (C. alba),
They make use of the old nest for their next brood, which is
in August and September. The number of young ones is, as a
rule, two, sometimes three, and these do not leave the nest until
the following January or February. Male and female relieve
each other regularly in hatching the eggs, and the free one at
once returns when its hunger is satisfied, and seats itself close
to the nest to keep its mate company or defend the home against
monkeys and tiger-cats that continually menace the contents of
the nest. During the breeding-season it loses its great shyness,
and it sat quietly on its branch, looking down on all our doings
underneath the tree on which its nest is built. It loves its eggs
and young ones greatly, and defends them very boldly against any
intruder. It is a most beautiful sight to see hundreds of these
mighty birds suddenly startled up from the Savanna, flying in
all directions in disorder, until they reach a height of 100-150 ft.,
when they begin to order themselves, and now with graceful ease
to fly upwards in spiral lines, higher and higher, until their huge
forms have almost disappeared from human vision and look only
like a mere speck floating in the deep blue ether. If they are
bent on a longer journey they fly in wedge-shaped form, and
the foremost, after a time, is relieved by the second, In spite of
their very clumsily-shaped bill, they manage with a masterly ease

160 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

to extract the molluse Ampullaria guianensis, called ‘ apple-snails’
(Iredale), and A. papyracea, from their shells, without tearing
their soft bodies in any way. The ‘ Macusis’ call it Taramaru,
and the ‘ Warraus’ call it Doth, and the ‘ Arawaaks’ eall it
Mora-coyasehre, which means the Spirit of the Mora.”

Schomburgk also remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 751) that this
species is very rarely found on the coast. Its favourite haunts are
without a doubt the Savanna-bogs, and the banks of the Savanna
rivers. At the first-mentioned place, they are often found in large
flocks. On the Savanna rivers they are somewhat shy, and it is
very difficult to obtain a specimen. During the breeding-season
it is not at all shy. When caught young it is easily tamed. Its
flesh is good, especially that of the young birds.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 105)
writes :—‘ The Great Jabiru with its long, stout, upcurved beak,
black bare head, and scarlet-banded neck. When wounded and
brought to bay, it inflates the skin of the scarlet-coloured portion
like a great bladder. It stands fully five feet in height, and walks
with a slow and stately tread.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 365) observes :—In the
rainy season the large Waders, such as the Negrocop (M/ycteria
americana), are said to be plentiful in the surrounding savannah
of the Abary River, but in dry weather they are difficult to find
and even more so to obtain. He also met with the species at
Georgetown (Timehri (2) v. p. 107).

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 8) remarks :—‘‘ The Silk
Cotton is the favourite tree of the Jabiru, Mycteria americana.
This bird returns yearly to the same nest to breed. The Kanaku
mountain-range seems to be their chief breeding-quarters on the
Savanna.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 353, 354) re-
marks :—‘* A giant white Stork came into sight, towering above
the Herons, with black head and neck, and the sun reflected from
the distended scarlet skin of the lower neck. ‘The bill had the
faintest of tilts upward, and we knew we were looking for the
first time at a living Jabiru, the biggest and perhaps the rarest
wading bird of our continent. It stands fully five feet in height,
and the spread of the wings is about eight feet. These birds do
not nest on the Guiana savanna, but retire at the rainy season far
into the interior.”

ARDEA, | 161

Order ARDEIFORMES.
Family ARDEID.

This family is composed of large and medium-sized birds which
are distributed over the known continents of the world ; fourteen
genera occur in South America—thirteen of which are represented
in British Guiana and fifteen species.

Genus ARDEA Linn.
Ardea Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 141, 1758. Type A. cinerea

Linn.
This genus is distinguished by the elongated and lanceolate
scapular plumes, long occipital crest-feathers, and ornamental
plumes on the fore-neck.

100. Ardea cocoi.

Cocor Heron.

Ardea cocot Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 237, 1766 (“ Habitat in Cayana”) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ul. p. 752, 1848; Brown, Canoe and
Camp Life, p. 105, 1876 (Rupununi River); Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 169; Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 865, 1888 (Abary River), iv.
p. 334, 1890 (Berbice River); Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 9, 1897;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 72, 268, 1898; Beebe, Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 234, 1910 (Marooka), p. 245 (EHsse-
quebo), p. 268 (Cuyuni), p. 353 (Abary River); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 49, no. 461, 1912.

“ Heeri,” ‘“‘Honorora or Grey Crane” (Quelch) ; “* Hunurie”
(Lloyd).

Adult female. Crown of head and crest black, as also an irregular
line down the fore-neck, the sides of breast, abdomen, bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills ; throat, neck all round, edge
of wing, thighs, and under tail-coverts white ; back, scapulars,
upper wing-coverts, inner secondaries, tail, under wing-coverts,
axillaries, and sides of the body grey.

Total length 950 mm., culmen 150, wing 430, tail 150,
tarsus 189, middle toe and claw 129.

The female described was obtained in the Colony but has no
exact locality.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female in colour of plumage.

M

162 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 850 mm., culmen 158, wing 474, tail 194, tarsus 192,
middle toe and claw 123.

An immature bird from the Abary River differs in having the
neck grey, the absence of the black on the under surface, and the
ornamental plumes on the back.

Breeding season. June (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. “ It nests on trees” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Blue (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Rupununi River (Brown §& Whitely) ; Marooka, Essequebo River,
Cuyuni River, Abary River (Beebe); Berbice River (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. The remainder of South America to the
Straits of Magellan.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 572) that this
Jarge Heron was mostly found solitary on the borders of the
rivers, walking against the stream. In mode of life it perfectly
agrees with our common Heron. It seems to be distributed over
the greater part of South America. It nests on trees, and its
flesh is tasty and fat.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 365) met with this species
on the Abary River, and states that it is said to be plentiful in the
surrounding savannah during the rainy season; but in the dry
weather they are difficult to find, and even more so to obtain. He
also observed it on the Berbice River (Timehri (2) iv. p. 334),
and remarks that it rose at times in front and kept well out of

range.
Genus CASMERODIUS Glog.

Casmerodius Gloger, Hand-u. Hilsfb. p. 412, 1842. Type C. egretta
(Gmel.).

This genus is separated by its large size, the absence of a nuchal
crest and ornamental pectoral plumes, and the long dorsal train
which extends far beyond the tip of the tail.

101. Casmerodius egretta.
AMERICAN EGRET.

Ardea egretta Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 629, 1789 (Cayenne) ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 169 (Bartica Grove) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 107,
1891 (Georgetown); Lloyd, op. cit. (2) xi. p. 9, 1897,

CASMERODIUS. 163

Ardea luce Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 752, 1848.

Herodias luce Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 137, 1876 (Rupununi
Savannas).

Herodias egretta Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 95, 270, 1898 ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137, 1910 (Barima), p. 234
(Marooka), p. 8352 (Abary).

Egretta egretta Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 49, no. 463, 1912.

Adult male (in breeding-plumage). The entire plumage above
and below pure white with a long dorsal train of disintegrated
feathers. Bill rich chrome-yellow, sometimes tinged with green,
culmen black at tip; legs and feet black ; iris yellow.

Total length 820 mm., culmen 106, wing 375, tail 152, tarsus 153,
dorsal train 440.

The description of the male is taken from an exampie obtained
at the Takutu Mountains.

Adult female (in breeding-plumage). Similar to the adult male.

Total length 790 mm., culmen 112, wing 350, tail 150, tarsus 130,
dorsal train 375.

Male and female in winter plumage differ from the summer
plumage in the absence of the dorsal train.

Breeding-season. June (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Blue, being somewhat more pointed than those of Ardea
cocot (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ropununi
Savannas, Abary River, Anarica River (J/cConnell collection) ;
Bartica { Whitely) ; Barima, Marooka, and Abary Rivers (Beeve) ;
Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. The remainder of South America to the
Straits of Magellan, West India Islands, Central and North
America.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 752) that this
beautiful, large, dazzling, white Heron brightens and adorns the
Savanna marshes and bogs, where it is found in large numbers
amongst the other marsh-birds. I have only very rarely met with
it on the coast. Its nidification is unknown,

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 137, 353) gives
the following note :—“ American Egrets kept flying ahead of us
for several miles, hemmed in by the lofty walls of foliage, alighting
now and then and waiting for the steamer. At last, when only

M2

164 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

ten yards distant, they rose and floated over our heads. Every
dozen yards over the Savanna, a tall white figure stood motionless,
silently watching us—American Egrets distributed for their day’s
fishing, hundreds dotting the marsh, each solitary, statuesque.”

Genus LEUCOPHOYX Sharpe.

Leucophoyr Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, iii.
p. xxxix, 1894. Type L. thula (Molina).
This genus is distinguished by its smaller size, the nuchal crest
and ornamental disintegrated pectoral plumes, and the short dorsal
train which only reaches just beyond the tip of the tail.

102. Leucophoyx thula.
Syowy Earer.

Egretta thula (Molina), Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, p. 325, 1782 (Chili) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 49, no. 464, 1912.

Ardea nevia Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753, 1848.

Ardea candidissima Salvin, Lbis, 1886, p. 169 (Bartica Grove); Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 107, 1891 (Georgetown); Lloyd, op. cit. xi.
p- 9, 1897.

Leucophoyx candidissima Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxv. pp. 124, 273,
1898 (Savana of British Guiana).

Egretta candidissima Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 154, 1910
(Waini).

Adult female (in summer plumage). Entirely white above and
below with a dorsal train, nuchal crest, and ornamental tuft on the
breast, each composed of disintegrated feathers.

Total length 470 mm., culmen 73, wing 220, tail 74, tarsus 76,
middle toe and claw 60.

We do not know the exact locality of the bird from which the
description is taken.

Adult male (in summer plumage). Similar to the adult female.

Total length 545 mm., culmen 86, wing 265, tail 86, tarsus 100,
middle toe and claw 73.

The winter plumage of the adult male and female differs from
the sammer plumage in the absence of the ornamental plumes.

Breeding-season. July and August (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. A very frail platform-nest of twigs (C. A. Lloyd). It
builds its nest on bushes near the coast (Schomburghk).

Eggs. Dull pale blue colour, a little larger than that of a
Pigeon (C._A. Lloyd).

LEUCOPHOYX.—FLORIDA. 165

Range in British Guiana. Demerara (.VeConnell collection) ;
Bartica ( Whitely); Georgetown (Quelch) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Chile, West
India Islands, Central America, and the United States.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753) that this
species is found in large numbers on the coast, where it associates
with other species and enlivens the coast. In nesting-habits it
resembles Jiis rubra. It builds its nest on bushes near the coast,
or on the borders of the river-mouths.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 9, 1897) records the fol-
lowing observations on this species :—‘ Mr. D. Mackintosh, who
has paid much attention to the coast-birds of Surinam, asserts that
the Scarlet Ibis or Currie-Currie, Eudoctmus ruber, never builds a
nest of any sort, but takes forcible possession of those of the small
White Egret, Ardea candidissima, for the purpose of depositing its
eggs. He statesthat he has often witnessed this Ibis in the act
of tumbling the young Egrets out of their nests. The small Egret
breeds in vast ‘rookeries’ along the sea-coast, and Mr. Mackin-
tosh has seen several square acres of low bourida bushes dotted
with their nests. During the breeding-season large numbers of
young Herets fall a prey to the black Carrion Vulture, Catharista
atrata, which may be seen hovering around the breeding-grounds,
on the look out for a chance to swoop down on some unguarded
nest and carry off its contents. The old birds vigorously defend
their nests against the attacks of the Vulture, but as the Scarlet
Ibis appears on the scene, they immediately desert their charges
and fly away....

“The small Egret makes a very frail platform-nest of twigs,
and its eggs, which are of a dull pale blue colour, are a little
Jarger than a Pigeon’s. Their breeding-season in Surinam is in
the months of February and March, but in this country it is said
to be from July to August ; possibly there may be two seasons in
the year.”

Genus FLORIDA Baird.
Florida Baird, Birds North America, p. 761, 1858. Type &. cerulea
(Linn.).

This genus is characterized by the elongated and _ hair-like
occipital plumes, the scapular or dorsal feathers, which extend
beyond the end of the tail, and the ornamental feathers on the
fore-neck,

166 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

103. Florida cerulea.
LitrLe Biuue Heron.

Ardea cerulea Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 148, 1758 (Carolina) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p. 169.

Florida cerulea Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 100, 271, 1898 ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 154, 1910 (Waini) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 49, no. 465, 1912.

Ardea cerulescens Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753, 1848.

Adult female (in breeding-plumage). General colour above and
below dark slate-grey with long, lanceolate, ornamental plumes on
the back and breast ; head and neck all round as well as the throat
deep maroon with a tinge of grey on the crown of the head and
hind-neck, the nape is ornamented with long lanceolate plumes.
‘* Bill light plumbeous on the basal half, terminal half black, lores
and eyelids very pale dull greenish; legs and feet uniform pea-
green, darker at the joints ; iris sulphur-yellow.”

Total length 458 mm., culmen 84, wing 255, tail 86, tarsus 94.

The female described was collected on the Supenaam River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female.

Total Jength 500 mm., culmen 77, wing 267, tail 88, tarsus 93.

Two young examples of this species, one obtained on the Abary
River in November 1906 and the other on the Supenaam River,
are almost pure white with a little slaty-grey mottling on the
marginal upper wing-coverts, bastard-wing, and tips of the
primary-quills.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Aruba Island,
Central America, West India Islands to the Eastern United
States.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753) that
this species lives in large numbers on the coast-bogs, on the
berders of the river-mouths, and on the sand-banks and mud-
banks along the coast.

We quote the following note from Mr. Beebe (Our Search for
a Wilderness, p. 154) :—*‘ Little Blue Herons, the pure white
immature and the slaty-blue adults being equally numerous. The

FLORIDA.—HYDRANASSA. 167

latter were very inconspicuous among the foliage, while the
former stood out like marble statutes against green velvet. The
colouring showed great asymmetrical variation, and one young
bird with a single blue feather in the right wing was so tame that
it kept almost abreast of our flotilla.

‘The irregularity of moult resulted in most remarkable patterns,
as in several birds, each of which had one white and one bluish
wing.”

Genus HYDRANASSA Baird.

Hydranassa Baird, Birds of North America, p. 660, 1858. Type
H. tricolor (P. L. 8. Miill.).

This genus is distinguished by the dorsal train, which is com-
posed of hair-like plumes and extend beyond the end of the tail,
the pendent occipital feathers, and the wide lanceolate plumes on
the fore-neck.

104. Hydranassa tricolor.
TRICOLOURED Heron.

Ardea tricolor P. L. S. Miiller, Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 111, 1776 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 169.

Ardea leucogaster Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 753, 1848.

Hydranassa tricolor Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 126, 273, 1898
(Ourumee, Savana of British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S.
Amer. i. p. 50, no. 466, 1912.

Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 154, 1910 (Waini).

Adult male. Upper back, wings, and tail dark slate-colour, dorsal
train, which extends three inches beyond the tail, dirty white; head
and neck all round, dark bluish slate-colour ; a nuchal crest
composed of purple and white feathers ; the lanceolate feathers on
the lower hind-neck and sides of breast lilac purple; chin white ;
throat rufous with an irregular line of rufous and white down the
middle of the fore-neck ; remainder of the under surface, including
the under wing-coverts, white like the lower back and rump; the
long under tail-coverts tipped with grey. Total length 457 mm.,
culmen (exposed portion) 87, wing 228, tail 76, tarsus 83, middle
toe and claw 68.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but smaller and the
dorsal train shorter. Wing 218 mm.

168 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The male and female from which the descriptions are taken were
collected on the Ituribisi River in 1909.

Young. Differs from the adult in having the wings and tail
paler slate-colour and the middle of the back more dusky, the
upper wing-coverts edged with deep chestnut, and the sides of
the face and the entire neck rich chestnut. We do not know the
exact locality of this specimen.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

J-gqgs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgh remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753) that this
species has the same mode of life and haunts as Ardea cwrulescens
= Florida cerulea, p. 166.

Genus DORIPONUS Hein. & Reichen.

Doriponus Heine & Reichenow, Nomencl. Mus. Hein. Orn. p. 308,
1890. Type D. agami (Gmel.).

Bill long, narrow, and compressed ; occipital crest much
elongated, broadly lanceolate, and acute at the tip; ornamental
plumes on the lower back loosely webbed and overspreading the
rump; plumes on the sides of the neck sickle-shaped, recurved,
narrow, and acute ; jugular feathers rather wide. Malar region
naked. ‘Tarsus nearly twice the length of the middle toe.

105. Doriponus agami.

Keke HERON.
(Plate V.)

Ardea agami Gmel. Syst, Nat. i. p. 629, 1789 (‘“ Habitat in
Cayenna”); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. il. p. 753, 1848 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 170 (Camacusa).

Agamia agami Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 135, 274, 1898
(Carimang River, Camacusa) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p. 219, 1910 (Barramanni); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 50, no. 468, 1912.

Doriponus agami Hein. & Reichen. Nomencl. Mus. Hein. Orn. p. 308,
1890 (British Guiana).

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail rich bottle-green ; fore-neck,

Birds of British Guiana. Vou: DAT Vv.

Doriponus agami.

Agami Heron.

DORIPONUS. 169

sides of breast, head, ornamental nape plumes and dorsal plumes
bright lavender-grey, somewhat paler on the latter ; a line down the
middle of the throat, breast, abdomen, under tail-coverts, sides of
the body, axillaries, and under wing-coverts rich chestnut, some of
the short scapulars also edged with the same colour ; forehead, sides
of hinder face, and lower hind-neck glossy black; sides of neck deep
maroon; throat, on either side of the central chestnut line, white.

Total length 690 mm., culmen 156, wing 273, tail 113, tarsus 107,
middle toe and claw 67.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen collected
on the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Total length 760 mm., culmen 139, wing 263, tail 84, tarsus 94,
middle toe and claw 67.

The young bird differs from the adult in having the hind-neck,
sides of neck, upper back, and upper wing-coverts rust-brown ;
under parts white or buffy-white, streaked with dark brown or
blackish. This example was obtained on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Vest. “‘ The natives say that it nests in the trees” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Takutu River, Kamakusa, Kamarang River ( Whitely) ; Barra-
manni (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Cayenne, Trinidad, Peru,
Colombia, Central America to Mexico.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis, Guian. iii. p. 753) that this
very beautiful Heron seems only to prefer the thick, swampy,
coast-woods. He only observed it in these woods, especially on
the borders of the small brooks, and particularly in Aruka, Here
they frequently sit with their necks drawn in, perched mostly on
trees growing near the brook. He had not been able to observe
its nesting-habits ; the natives say that it nests in the trees. ‘The
“ Warraus” call it Okoh.

The following note is quoted from Mr. Beebe (Our Search for
a Wilderness, p. 219) :—‘* Agami Herons, beautiful in their
plumage of glossy green, chestnut and blue, were standing here
and there in the shallows snatching the insects from the petals as
they floated past.”

170 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus NYCTICORAX Forst.

Nycticorax Forster, Syn. Cat. Brit. Birds, p. 59,1817. Type WV. nycti-
corax (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by the long and narrow nape plumes
and the absence of dorsal ornamental feathers. The culmen is
about equal to the tarsus in length, which is about equal to the
middle toe and claw.

106. Nycticorax nevius.
BLACK-CROWNED Nicut HERON.

Nycticorax nevius (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 56, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 170; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 50, no. 469, 1912.

Nycticorax gardeni Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 755, 1848.

Nycticorax nycticorax Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 146, 275,
part, 1898.

Adult male. Crown and nape, upper back and scapulars black,
more or less glossed with green; lower back, wings, and tail
ash-grey ; base of forehead, eyebrow, sides of face, and throat
white; elongated nape plumes, neck all round, and entire under
surface, including the axillaries and under wing-coverts, creamy-
white.

Total length 640 mm., culmen 79, wing 288, tail 114, tarsus 81,
middle toe and claw 79.

The description of the male is taken from an example obtained
on the Berbice River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

The young differs from the adult in being brown on the back,
the absence of the long nape pluines, the forehead, face, and neck
streaked with pale brown and white.

A young male from the Abary River, obtained in January 1892,
is cinnamon rufous streaked, or spotted, with white.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “It builds its nest in low trees or bushes” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. “It lays two greenish eggs” (Schomburgh).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Mazaruni
River, Abary River, Berbice River (McConnell collection).

NYCTICORAX.—NYCTANASSA, a ly fa

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia,
Lesser Antilles, Central and North America, Europe, Asia, and
Africa.

Habits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. i. p. 755) this
beautiful Heron has exactly the same habits as those of JV. violaceus.
It is not very common in British Guiana and I rarely met with it.

Genus NYCTANASSA Stejn.

Nyctanassa Stejneger, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. x. p. 295, note, 1887.
Type IV. violacea (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished chiefly by having the tarsus longer
than the middle toe and claw, a long nuchal crest, and the dorsal
plumes much developed, reaching to the tip of the tail, the feathers
being disintegrated on their margins.

107. Nyctanassa violacea.
YELLOW-CROWNED Nicut HErown.

Nycticorax violaceus (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 148, 1758 (Carolina) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 754, 1848; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 50, no. 472, 1912.

Nyctherodius violaceus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 170; Quelch, Timehri (2)
v. p. 107, 1891 (Georgetown).

Nyctanassa violacea Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 180, 274
1898 (Savana); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 154, 1910
(Wain).

* Blue Quaak ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour lead-grey broadly streaked with
black on the back and wings; fore-neck, breast, and remainder
of under surface uniform grey ; head, throat, and hind-neck black
with a patch of white beiind the eye, forehead and middle of
crown white with elongated black and white ornamental feathers
on the nape.

Total length 510 mm., culmen 70, wing 244, tail 85, tarsus 72,
middle toe and claw 60.

The male described was collected on the Great Savannas.

Adult female. Similar in colour to the adult male, but slightly
larger than the bird described.

Total length 556 mm., culmen 77, wing 262, tail 97, tarsus 80,
middle toe and claw 64.

A young bird from the Abary River differs from the adult in

172 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

being broadly streaked on the underparts with brown and white
and more narrowly with black and white on the sides of the face.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ It builds its nest in low trees or bushes” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. “ It lays two greenish eggs ” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Great Savannas (British Museum) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South-east Brazil, Ecuador, Trinidad,
West India Islands, Central and North America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 754) that this
bird lives in the Savanna swamps and in the neighbourhood of
rivers. It builds its nest, in which it lays its two greenish eggs
in low trees or bushes in the proximity of swamps and rivers.

Mr. Quelch met with this species in Georgetown and remarks
(Timehri (2) v. p. 107):—* The Blue Quaak ( Nyctherodius violaceus)
may at times be encountered on the outskirts of the town, and
along the sea or river border, or may be seen flying overhead.”

Genus COCHLEARIUS Briss.
Cochlearius Brisson, Orn. vi. p. 506, 1760. Type C. cochlearius Linn.

The peculiar form of the bill distinguishes this genus from all

Fig. 46.—To illustrate the peculiar form of the bill.

others. Itis flat and much broader than high and slightly exceeds
the length of the tarsus.

COCHLE ARIUS. 173

108. Cochlearius cochlearius.
Boat-BILL.

Cochlearius cochlearius Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 233, 1766 (Guiana) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 50, no. 473, 1912.

Cancroma cochlearia Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 755, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 257, 1876 (Rupununi River) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Quelch, Timehri (2) i. p. 367, 1888
(Abary River) ; Lloyd, op. cit. xi. p. 9, 1897; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxvi. p. 163, 1898 (Takutu River, Carimang River); Beebe,
Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 234, 1910 (Marooka).

* Quaaks” (Quelch). ‘“ Wallaba bird” (Brown).

Adult male. Hind-neck, back, wings, and tail silvery grey ; fore-
head, throat, breast, and thighs white, or creamy-white ; top of head
sides of body, and under wing-coverts slaty black ; middle of
abdomen and under tail-coverts rufous.

Total length 525 mm., culmen 82, width of bill 39, wing 290,
tail 134, tarsus 78, middle toe and claw 67.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen obtained
on the Abary River in September 1907.

Adult female. Similar to the male in colour but apparently
slightly smaller. Wing 285 mm.

The young of this species differ from the adult in being
cinnamon rufous above, except the head which is black, and buity
white below.

Breeding-season. “ March” (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Rupununi River (Brown); ‘akutu River, Kamarang River,
Ourunei ( Whitely) ; Marooka (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,
Peru, Brazil.

Habits. This bird, according to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 755), is found solitary in the dense swampy woods in the
neighbourhood of small rivers. He found it sitting on a tree near
a brook, and this was the only one that he met with. No doubt it
hides itself in its dense favourite haunts. Withits bill it produces
a noise very much like that of the White Stork of Europe ( Ciconia
ciconia) ; this he observed ina winged bird kept in confinement by

174 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

the Indians. Its nidification is unkown. The “ Warraus” call
it Wakaineh and the “ Macusis” Warrarapa.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 362) observed this species
on the Abary River where, he says, that the “ Quaaks” were
heard all through the day.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 9) remarks on this species :-—
“ According to the Indians, the Boat-bill, Cancroma cochlearia,
lays in March, but I have never seen its eggs.”

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 257) remarks :—
“ A Wallaba bird of a greyish colour, with large boat-shaped bill.
These birds are nocturnal in their habits, roosting in trees over
swamps during the day, where they utter a curious frog-like
call.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 367) writes :—“ It was
disappointing also to find that all the Boat-bills were in immature
plumage. Nota single specimen was crested with the remarkable,
long, black plumes that give so striking an aspect to the bird.
In place of these there was a bluish-black tuft of down, both on
the white and on the younger reddish-brown specimens.”

Genus PILHERODIUS Reichenb.

Pilherodius Reichenbach, Nat. Syst. Vogel, p. xvi, 1852. Type P.
pileatus (Bodd.).
The two occipital plumes are very long and closely webbed ; no
dorsal plumes ; feathers on the fore-neck rather broad. The bill
exceeds the middle toe in length.

109. Pilherodius pileatus.
CapPpeD Heron.

Pilherodius pileatus (Bodd.}, Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 54, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 171; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i.
p. 51, no. 475, 1912.

Nycticoraz pileatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 754, 1848.

Pilerodius pileatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 171 (Rupurumi
River), p. 277 (Savana), 1898.

Adult male. Crown of head black with two long white nuchal
plumes ; forehead and remainder of the plumage white tinged,
in places, with creamy buff; the bastard-wing, primary-coverts,
and outer primary-quills have black shafts,

PILHERODIUS. — BUTORIDES. 175

Total length 585 mm., culmen 80, wing 280, tail 98, tarsus 98,
middle toe and claw 69.

The description is taken from an example procured on the
Abary River in September 1907.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but apparently rather
smaller. Wing 264 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “It builds its nest in low trees”? (Schomburgh).

Eags. “It lays two eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Great Savannas
(Me Connell collection) ; Rupununi River, Ourunei ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil and Eastern Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 754) that this
species is found singly or in pairs, but rarely in flocks, in the
neighbourhood of large rivers, where they perch on the bushes.
Tis habits are the same as thuse of the Common Heron of Europe
(Ardea cinerea). It builds its nest in low trees and lays two eggs.
The “ Warraus” call it Wonu, the “ Macusis” Unoruima, and
the “ Arekunas” Onareh. .

Genus BUTORIDES Blyth.

Butorides Blyth, Cat. Birds Asiatic Soc. p. 281, 1849. Type B. javanica
(Horsf.).

The members of this genus have a crest of long and lanceolate
feathers ; dorsal plumes similar but more rounded at the ends ;
feathers on the fore-neck broader. The bill exceeds the tarsus in
length.

110. Butorides striata.
BLACK-CROWNED HERON.

Butorides striata (Linn.), Syst. Nat. 1. p. 238, 1766 (Surinam) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 175, 279, 1898 (Bartica
Grove) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 129, 1910 (George-
town), p. 355 (Abary River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 51, no. 476, 1912.

Ardea scapularis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753, 1848.

Ardea cyanurus Salvin, Lbis, 1886, p. 170 (Bartica Grove).

“ Chow,” “ Shypook ” (Quelch) ; ‘“‘Chough” (Lloyd Price).

Adult male, Head and nape uniform glossy bottle-green, similar

176 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

in colour to the back, wings, and tail, the ornamental feathers on
the back tinged with grey, and the scapulars and wing-feathers
margined with white, or buffy-white ; hind-neck, sides of face,
abdomen, sides of body, axillaries, and under wing-coverts grey,
somewhat paler on the vent and under tail-coverts ; throat and
fore-neck white with an irregular line of dark chestnut-brown
feathers down the middle which spreads out and becomes pale
rufous on the breast ; outer edge of wing white.

Total length 365 mm., culmen 66, wing 170, tail 60, tarsus 51,
middle toe and claw 54.

The male described was obtained on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Like the adult male in colour but rather larger
in measurements.

Total length 393 mm., culmen 63, wing 174, tail 64, tarsus 51,
middle toe and claw 51.

The immature bird differs from the adult in having the crown of
the head streaked with white, the back dusky grey, the buffy-white
spots on the wings, and the under surface coarsely streaked with
white and greyish-brown.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Built close to the surface of the water (Beebe). “In low
thick bushes near the water—is simply a few dry sticks put
together ” (Lloyd Price). |

Eags. “The two eggs are a very pale blue, and quickly fade ”
(Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River, Mazaruni River, Great Savannas (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica (Whitely) ; Georgetown and Abary River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina.

Halits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753) that
this small beautiful Heron prefers the coast; here it is mostly
found, always singly, in the canals that drain the plantations, and
on the swamps near the coast. When alarmed and flying away,
it utters a screeching short note. He often found its nest on
trees or bushes.

We quote the following from Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2) vy.
p- 65) :—“The nest of the Chough or Shypook (Ardea cyanura
= Butorides striata) will be frequently met with in low thick bushes
near the water ; it is ridiculously small for the size of the bird,

BUTORIDES.—TIGRISOMA. 177

and is simply a few dry sticks put together. The two eggs area
very pale blue, and quickly fade.”

Mr. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 106) observed this species at
Georgetown, and remarks :—“In the Botanic Gardens, and on
the outskirts of the town, in the neighbourhood of water, the
small blue-grey and brown Herons (Ardea cyanura) are always to
be met with. These are commonly known as Chow (ow as in
how), on account of their ery, though the term Shypook is just as
commonly applied to them.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 355) gives the
following note :—‘‘ From almost every bush along the river bank
little Guiana Green Herons flew up from their nests, built close
to the surface of the water. These herons ‘froze’ like Bitterns
when they alighted, standing motionless with the bills at an angle
of 45°. Along the railroad they were semi-domesticated, flying
fearlessly in and out of the coolie yards, and snatching bits of food
from the very doorways of the huts.”

- Genus TIGRISOMA Swains.

Tigrisoma Swainson, Zool. Journ. iii. p. 362, 1827. Type ZT. lineatum
(Bodd.).

In this genus the front aspect of the tarsus is hexagonally scaled,
the inner toe is exceeded in length by the outer one, the claws are
strongly curved, the neck-feathers are loose and fluffy, the malar
region is naked, and the tail consists of twelve feathers.

111. Tigrisoma lineatum.
Ticer Birrern.

Tigrisoma lineatum (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52, 1783 (Cayenne) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. pp. 194, 281, 1898 (Merumé
Mts.); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 281, 1910 (Aremu).

Tigrisoma tigrinum Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 47, 1876 (Cartoonie).

Tigrisoma brasiliense (Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iti. p. 574,
1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 170 (Merumé Mts., Camacusa).

“ Tiger-bird” (Brown).

Adult male. Head and entire neck bright chestnut, duller on
the throat and fore-neck where a portion of the feathers are white
lined with black, there are also some black spots to the feathers
on the hind-neck; back, wings, and tail blackish tinged with

N

178 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

green and freckled with rufous or buffy-white; tail uniform ;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills darker and more uni-
form, many of the feathers having white edges at the tips;
abdomen and under tail-coverts tawny brown; axillaries, under
wing-coverts, and sides of body black barred with white.

Total length 630 mm., culmen 91, wing 290, tail 115, tarsus 98,
middle toe and claw 68.

The description is based on a specimen collected on the Bonasika
River.

The adult female appears to be like the adult male, but there is
no series available, and consequently we are unable to form any
conclusive opinion.

The young birds differ from the adults in being fawn colour,
all the feathers marked with black ; these marks assume different
shapes on the various parts of the boy.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Abary River, Anarica River (McConnell collection) ;
Merumé Mountains, Kamakusa ( Whitely) ; Cartoonie (Brown) ;
Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 753)
this bird is found singly in the solitudes of the thick swampy
coast-woods and the borders of rivers in similar districts. The
*“ Warraus”’ call it Okoh, and the “ Macusis” Worna.

Mr. Barrington Brown, who met with the species on the
Cartoonie River, remarks (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 47) :—‘ The
call of this bird, which is uttered early in the morning and late

in the evening, resembles that of the Jaguar, and thus obtained
the name of Tiger-bird.”

Genus IXOBRYCHUS Billberg.
Izobrychus Billberg, Synops. Faune Scand. i. p. 166, 1828. Type

I. minutus (Linn.).
The birds of this genus are of small size, with ten tail-feathers,
the tibia feathered down to the tarsal joint, the space behind the eye
feathered, a small crest of pointed feathers, and the bill serrated.

ene, a ile ant m

IXOBRYCHUS. 179

112. Ixobrychus erythromelas.
CHESTNUT-BACKED BITTERN.

Ixobrychus erythromelas (Vieill.), N. Dict. dHist. Nat. xiv. p. 422,
1817 (Paraguay); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 52,
no. 485, 1912.

Ardetta erythromelas Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 234 (Carimang
River), p. 284 (Savana), 1898.

Ardetta exilis (nec Gmel.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 501 (Carimang
River).

Ardetta involucris (nec Vieill.), Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi.
p- 284, 1898 (Savana).

Adult male. Crown of head, back, and tail glossy greenish
black; sides of face, hind-neck, lesser upper wing-coverts
chestnut, the median ones ochreous brown, greater upper wing-
eoverts and outer webs of innermost secondaries rich chestnut ;
bastard-wing and primary-coverts blackish tipped with pale
chestnut; quills dark brown, outer edge of first primary rufous ;
throat white with a dark line of feathers down the middle;
remainder of the under surface rufous-buff.

Total length 260 mm., culmen 45, wing 115, tail 42, tarsus 42,
middle toe and claw 41.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in Sep-
tember 1906.

The female, which is also from the Abary River, differs from
the male in haying the back chestnut instead of black and the
‘underparts paler.

Young birds differ from the adult in having pale edgings to the
feathers of the upper parts.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River, Lamaha
(McConnell collection); Great Savannas (British Museum) ;
Kamarang River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, South-
east Brazil, Panama.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

180 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Genus ZEBRILUS Bonap.

Zebrilus Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xl. p. 7238, 1855. Type
Z. undulatus (Gmel.).
Tail-feathers ten in number ; malar region and lower portion
of tibiee completely feathered ; bill and feet small ; culmen about
equal to the tarsus in length, both exceed that of the middle

toe and claw.

113. Zebrilus undulatus.
Ziczaa BIrreRN.

Zebrilus undulatus (Gmel.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 637, 1789 (“Habitat in
Cayenna”); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 52, no. 487,

9
Zebrilus puinilie Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 843, 1890 (Berbice River) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 241, 1898 (British Guiana).

Adult (dark phase). General colour above black with minute
wavy buff cross-bars and frecklings ; some of the nuchal crest-
feathers are uniform black like the tail and quills, the latter being
white at the base on the inner webs; under surface buff heavily
blotched and thickly freckled with black; under wing-coverts
paler buff with a white patch at the base of the quills.

Total length 265 mm., culmen 42, wing 135, tail 49, tarsus 43,
middle toe and claw 35,

The bird described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult (rufous phase). General colour above blackish with
narrow wavy rufous cross-lines on the back and wings ; forehead
maroon-chestnut—this colour also pervades the hinder crown and
nape; sides of face and sides of the neck deep rufous, becoming
paler on the throat and breast ; abdomen similar in colour to the
throat but less mixed with white in the middle, and on the under
tail-coverts and under wing-coverts ; the feathers on the abdomen
and sides of the body have dark shaft-streaks.

Total length 325 mm., culmen 37, wing 141, tail 58, tarsus 40,
middle toe and claw 37.

There are four examples of this specics in the McConnell
collection, which are all of the dark phase. The description
of the rufous phase is taken from a specimen in the British
Museum, collected by Sir Everard im Thurn on the Corentyne

ZEBRILUS.——BOTAURUS. 181

River, British Guiana, in November 1879——Salvin-Godman
collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
British Guiana (Sir £. tm Thurn); Upper Berbice River
(Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Central Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) iv. p. 343) mentions that he
obtained a good example of this species on the Upper Berbice
River.

Genus BOTAURUS Steph.

Botaurus Stephens, in Shaw’s Gen. Zool. xi. pt. 2, p. 592, 1819. Type
B. stellaris (Linn.).

This genus also belongs to the group of this family which
has ten tuail-feathers; tha colour is tawny-buff marked with
dark brown; the bill is serrated, the toes are long, the middle
one exceeding the tarsus in length.

114. Botaurus pinnatus.
PINNATED BITTERN.

Botaurus pinnatus (Wagl.), Isis, 1829, p. 663 (Bahia) ; Cab. in Schomb.
Reis. Guian. 11. p. 754, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 170; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 262, 1898 (Aunai); Brabourne & Chubb,
B: 8. Amer. i. p. 52, no. 489, 1912.

Botaurus lentiginosus (nec Mont.), Cab. in Schomb, Reis. Guian. ii.
p- 754, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 170; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xxvi. p. 259, 1898; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 52,
no. 488, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above dark brown, or black, varied
with buff or creamy-white markings on the back and wings ;.
fore part of the crown almost uniform black ; hinder crown,
nape, hind-neck, and sides of neck regularly barred with dark
brown and buffy-white ; ear-coverts inclining to uniform buff ;
under surface buffy-white, the feathers more or less mottled or
streaked with brown or rufous-brown.

Total length 650 mm., culmen 89, wing 305, tail 105, tarsus 106,
middle toe and claw 120,

182 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 265 mm.

The male described was collected on the Abary River, and the
female on the Berbice River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bonasika River, Abary River, Berbice
River (McConnell collection).

All the specimens of this species that we have examined, both in
the McConnell collection and that of the British Museum, belong
to B. pinnatus Wagl. ; and we very much doubt if B. lentiginosus
Mont. has really occurred in British Guiana.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 754) that this
bird inhabits the Savanna swamps and that its habits are the same
as those of the European Bittern (B. stellaris). The ‘ Macusis”
call it Tunaborueka and the ‘*Warraus” Unko.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 363) observed this species
on the Abary River, where he says that the “quaaks were heard
all through the day.”

Order PALAMEDEIFORMES.

Family PALAMEDEIDA.

The chief characters of this family are the large body, small
head, short legs, and large feet. It includes two genera and three
species, all of which are restricted to South America. Qne genus
and one species are represented in British Guiana.

Genus PALAMEDEA Linn.
Palamedea Linné, Syst, Nat, i. p. 282, 1766. Type P. cornuta Linn.
This monotypic genus is easily distinguished by the frontal
horn on the forehead, the strong spurs on tle wings, and the long
toes, which are slightly webbed at the base.

115. Palamedea cornuta.
HorNED SCREAMER,

(Plate VI.)

Palamedea cornuta Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 232, 1766 (‘ Brasilia”); Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ni. p. 571, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172;

Birds of British Guiana. Vol.I. Pt. VI.

Palamedea cornuta

Horned. Screamer.

PALAMEDEA. 183

Quelch, Timehri (2) ui. p. 366, 1888 (Abary River); Salvad. Cat
B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 3, 1895 ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 381, 1910 (Abary River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p. 52, no. 490, 1912.

** Mahooka ” (Quelch).

Adult female. Head and neck all round, breast, sides of body,
under tail-coverts, back, wings, and tail black ; crown of head
and nape speckled with white ; the feathers of the lower neck,
all round, with silvery grey bases; the lesser marginal upper
wing-coverts white, or smoky white with brown tips ; abdomen,
thighs, lower flanks, and under wing-coverts white. ‘“ Upper
mandible dark brown-grey, lower mandible paler ; frontal horn
yellowish white ; legs and feet ash-grey ; iris bright orange.”

Total length 655 mm., culmen 46, wing 520, tail 200, tarsus 123,
middle toe and claw, 143.

Tne adult male is said to be similar to the adult female.

We do not know the exact locality of the bird described above.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in Britis! Guiana.

Nest. “ Built on the ground” (Schomburgk).

Eags. “ The clutch consists of two eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Generally distributed (Schomburgk) ;
Abary River (Quelch § Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Ecuador, Eastern Peru,
Northern Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 751) that
although this bird appears to be distributed over the whole of
British Guiana, he had only seen two individuals, though he
had often heard its peculiar voice in the woods; the first, which
he was fortunate enough to shoot, was near Asecota. After
the breeding-season it is found in small companies of four to six
in number. Its food is supposed to consist chiefly of vegetables.
The nest is, according to the Indians, built on the ground and
the bird lays two eggs only. The natives do not eat its flesh, and
only use the large tail-feathers as arrow guides.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) ii. p. 366) observed this species
on the Abary River, and remarks :—*“ The ‘ Mahooka’ or Horned
Screamer (Palamedea cornuta)—a bird about the size of a very
large turkey, with a horny string or whip-like appendage at the
back of the head, and with two large and formidable spurs on
each wing. These birds, to judge by their curiously loud clanging
ery in the morning, are common all along this part of the creek ;

184 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

but this specimen was the only one obtained on Tiger Island
in the Auta swamp.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 381) gives the
following note :—* Faintly from behind the house, from the edge
of the distant eta bush itself, comes in the evenings a low sound,
gaining in volume until the syllables may be framed to human
speech— Mo-héo-ca ! Mo-héo-ca! and we are listening to the
evening call of the Horned Screamer, a bird known to us only
from books.”

Order PHOANICOPTERIFORMES.

Family PHG2NICOPTERID A.

The members that compose this family are easily distinguished
by their small heads, long thin necks, small bodies, and very
long legs with webbed toes. They ure distributed in Europe,
Africa, Asia, Florida, and the Gulf States of North America,
Central and South America to the Galapagos Islands.

aM
wii Wii
LEU Vi

VAL WY

Fig. 47.—To illustrate the peculiar shape of the bill.

Genus PHO@NICOPTERUS Linn.

Pheenicopterus Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed i. p. 189, 1758. Type
P. ruber Linn.

The chief characters of this genus are the very peculiar Ff
bill and the naked throat.

PHENICOPTERUS. 185

116. Phoenicopterus ruber.

FLAMINGO.

Phenicopterus ruber Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 189, 1758 (Jamaica,
Cuba, and Bahamas); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 761, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 9,
1895 ; Lloyd, Timehri (2) x. p. 6, 1897 (Waini Creek) ; Oates,
Cat. Birds Eggs Brit. Mus. i. p. 186, 1902 (Savanas of British
Guiana); Beebe, Our Search fora Wilderness, p. 234, 1910 (Marooka) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 53, no. 493, 1912.

Adult. General colour pale vermilion which varies in the
intensity of colour on different portions of the body; axillaries
bright scarlet ; primary and secondary quills black ; greater under
wing-coverts black. Bill yellow, tip black ; tarsi and feet lake
red ; iris brown.

Total length 960 mm., culmen 114, wing 350, tail 145,

tarsus 260.

The bird described was collected on the Barima River.

Breeding-season. August (Lloyd).

Vest. ‘‘ Resembles a large yam heap, and is composed of vege-
table substances thrown up by the sea. It is about two feet high
and shaped like a truncated cone”? (Lloyd).

Eggs. “ Have thick chalky-white shells, are a little longer than
those of a Goose, and seem to be from two to three in number”
(Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Barima River (MeConnell collection) ;
Marooka (Beebe) ; Waini River (Lloyd).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, West India Islands,
South-east United States, Central America, Galapagos Islands.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 761) says that this bird
breeds in British Guiana, but is only found on the coast at irregular
intervals and generally on the sand-banks at the mouths of the
oceanic rivers.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 6) observed this species
in British Guiana, and remarks :—‘‘ The seashore of the Waini
Creek is one of the known breeding-places of the Flamingo,
Phenicopterus ruber, in this country. The nest resembles a large
yam heap, and is composed of vegetable substances thrown up by
the sea. Itis about two feet high and shaped like a truncated
cone. The eggs are laid in August and have thick chalky-white
shells. Theyare a little longer than those of a Goose and seem to
be from two to three in number,”

186 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Order ANSERIFORMES.
Family ANATIDAS.

The members of this family, which vary considerably in size,
are distinguished chiefly by the shape of their bills. They are
distributed over the greater part of the known world. There are
about two hundred species, of which fifty-one occur in South
America, and eight of these are represented in British Guiana.

Genus CAIRINA Flem.
Cairina Fleming, Phil. of Zool. uu. p. 260, 1822. Type C. moschata
(Linn.).
This genus is characterized by having the lores naked; the
forehead and base of the bill ornamented with caruncles ; and an
elevated crest of recviled feathers on the fore part of the head.

Fig. 48.—To show the elevated crest and the caruncles on the
forehead and sides of the face.

117. Cairina moschata.
Muscovy Duck.
Anas moschata Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 124, 1758 (Brazil) ; Brown,
Canoe and Camp Life, p. 105 (Annai), p. 187 (Rupununi Savannas),
p- 271 (Cotinga River), 1876.
Carina moschata Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 768, 1848.
Cairina moschata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 173 (Yuruani River, 2700 ft.,
Roraima); Quelch, Timehri (2) i. p. 363, 1888 (Abary River) ;

CAIRINA, 187

Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 51, 1895; Lloyd, Timehri (2)
xi. p. 8, 1897; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 135, 1910
(Mora Passage), p. 357 (Abary River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S.
Amer. 1. p. 54, no. 499, 1912.

“Miwah” (C. A. Lloyd); “Bisam or Turkish Duck”
(Schomburgk).

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail dark glossy green; axillaries,
upper and under wing-coverts pure white; bastard-wing dark
green ; top of head, neck all round, and entire underparts blackish
brown. Bill varied with blackish and pinkish white, caruncles
and naked parts on the head pinkish red ; feet black.

Total length 758 mm., culmen 50, wing 383, tail 175,
tarsus 63.

The male described was collected on the Abary River, in
September 1907.

Adult female. Similar in colour of plumage to the adult male,
but differs in the absence of the caruncles, and the naked space
round the eye is very much restricted. It is also smaller in size.
Wing 300 mm. |

Nestling in down. Sooty-brown above with a white tuft on each
side of the back and rump and a white bar across the wings ;
forehead and a line over the eye tawny-buff; under surface
creamy-white ; under wing and under tail-coverts white, as is also
the inner portion of the thighs.

The nestling was collected on the Great Savannas.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

yest. “‘ Decaying Eta palms are the nesting-places of the Wild
Muscovy Duck” (C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. “ Eight to ten in number” (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Savannas, Abary River, Berbice
River ((cConnell collection) ; Cotinga River, Annai, Rupununi
Savannas (Brown) ; Yuruani (2700 ft.), Roraima (Whitely) ;
Mora passage, Abary River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina,
Central America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 763) that he only
found this species up to an altitude of 1500 feet. It is met with
at the mouths of the oceanic rivers and also on the Savanna rivers
and bogs. It is found in large flocks, singly, and in pairs. When
flocks of these birds are startled, they divide, and fly in all

188 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

directions. The statement that the large flesh warts on the fore-
head of this bird give out a musk-smelling oil is not correct.
I have obtained innumerable specimens for food, and have only
been able to detect the slightest trace of a musk scent. This
bird is known by the name Bisam—or Turkish duck. The
‘“* Macusis”’ call it Mairva, and the “ Warraus”’ Oumeh.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 8):—makes the following
remarks on this species :—‘ Decaying Eta palms are the nesting
places of the wild Muscovy Duck, Catrina moschata, which the
Indians call by the rather pretty name of ‘Miwah, This duck
is notable for the great disparity in the size of the sexes, the male
bird being often nearly double the bulk of: his mate. The
complement of eggs is stated to be from eight to ten. When the
young ducks are hatched, the mother bird is said to convey them
in her beak to the nearest water.”

We quote the following note from Mr. Beebe (Our Search for
a Wilderness, p. 357):—‘*‘ We now and then heard a louder whistle
of wings, and a family flock of four or five great black Muscovy
Ducks would rush past; the leader, the drake, being almost twice
the size of the members of his harum.”

Genus DENDROCYGNA Swains.

Dendrocygna Swainson, Classif. Birds, 11. p. 365, 1837. Type D. arcuata
( Horsf.).

The Tree Ducks are distinguished by their long necks, naked
tibia, long tarsi, and the absence of transverse scutelle: on the lower
front portion of the tarsi, which is reticulated. This genus is
distributed in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central and South
America. Two species are represented in British Guiana.

Key to the Species.

A. Head, sides of face, chin, and middle of fore-

neck white; nape, hind-neck, and middle of

throat uniform deep black; breast deep chest-

nut; sides of abdomen barred with black and

WHS ois ets ctteye'ee och sina uve beth «473 vou goier eee eee ECE la ee ae
B. Head rusty brown; sides of face and throat dusky

grey ; a narrow line on the hind-neck blackish;

breast grey with a rusty tinge; sides of

abdomen uniform black <.........s.ss0seecsnseeees Ds iscolor, p. 190.

DENDROCYGNA. 189

118. Dendrocygna viduata.
WHITE-FACED DUCK.

Dendrocygna viduata (Linn.), Syst. Nat. i. p. 205, 1766 (Cartagena) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762, 1848; Brown, Canoe and
Camp Life, p. 105, 1876 (Annai); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 145, 1895 (Rupurumi River) ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 355, 1910 (Abary River) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 54, no. 507, 1912.

?Dendrocygna fulva Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 355, 1910
(Abary River).

“ Wicissi Duck” (Brown).

Adult male. Fore part of head and lower throat white ; nape,
hind-neck, and a band across the throat black like the lower back,
tail, primary and secondary quills, axillaries, under wing-coverts,
abdomen, and under tail-coverts ; sides of the body barred with
black and white ; mantle, lesser upper wing-coverts, and upper
breast rich chestnut, becoming paler on the back, which is barred
with dark brown, and buff on the scapulars; median wing-coverts
and innern ost secondaries bronze-brown.

Total length 365 mm., culmen 47, wing 212, tail 55, tarsus 50.

The description of the male is taken from a bird obtained
on the Great Savannas in 1894.

Adult female. Is like the adult male in colour, but rather
smaller. Wing 199 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Supposed to nest on the edges of the bogs” (Schom-
burgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Great
Savannas (McConnell collection); Aunai (Whitely); Rupununi
River (Brown) ; Abary River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. West India Islands, South America
generally to Argentina.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian.i. p. 407) :—The small
vis-is-si ducks with their whistling call seemed bound to be close to
us; as soon as we were discovered by them one of our native
companions at once jumped into the water up to his neck from
where he continued to send well-aimed arrows into the dense flocks
of these ducks, If they were flying high and could see the arrow

190 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

coming, they at once opened out in ail directions, and came into
violent contact with each other, breaking their wings and stunning
each other. He often saw five to eight ducks come down.

Schomburgk also states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762) that he never
met this small interesting Duck on the coast but found it in
enormous flocks on the Savanna bogs. He says that they were
in small flocks on the rivers. Although so very common he did
not find them breeding, but they were supposed to nest on the
edges of the bogs. Their numbers were so great and dense that
one shot sometimes brought down from ten to eighteen birds,
When taken young it is easily tamed, and is commonly kept
domesticated by the Indians. The flesh is very good. The
“ Macusis” call it Wawing and the “ Warraus”’ Vis-sisi.

We have copied the following note from Mr. Barrington Brown
(Canoe and Camp Life, p. 105) :—“ The pretty little Wicissi duck
(Dendrocygna viduata) generally fly by night, when their presence
is known by their whistle.”

119. Dendrocygna discolor.
GREY-BREASTED TREE-Dvuck.

Dendrocygna discolor Sclater & Salvin, Nomencl. Av. Neotr. pp. 129,
161, 1873 (Maroni River, Surinam) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172 ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 161, 1895 (Rupurumi River) ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 355, 1910 (Abary River) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 55, no. 509, 1912.

Dendrocygna autumnalis (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 762, 1848.

Adult male. Upper back, scapulars, and innermost secondaries
chestnut ; upper wing-coverts ochreous, the lesser series near the
edge of the wing blackish, those on the outer margin of the wing
inclining to grey ; median series grey, the greater series white ;
bastard-wing, marginal coverts,and outer primary-coverts blackish ;
inner primary-coverts white ; primary and secondary quills black
with white on the outer webs towards the base except the two
outer feathers, the first of which has the outer web entirely black
and the second one grey; the second, third, fourth, and fifth
primaries incised on the outer web and the first to the fourth on
the inner web; crown of head and lower hind-neck pale chestnut,
which is continued on to the fore-neck ; nape and upper hind-neck

DENDROCYGNA. 191

dark brown or blackish; mantle, sides of face, throat, and breast
drab grey, most of the feathers having pale edges, which gives a
wavy appearance ; eyelids and a line of feathers below the eye
white; lower back, tail, under wing-coyerts, axillaries, sides of
body, and abdomen uniform glossy black ; lower portion of thighs
and short under tail-coverts intermixed with white, the long under
tail-coverts white with a few dark spots.

Total length 380 mm, culmen 54, wing 235, tail 70, tarsus 57,
middle toe and claw 74.

The male and female from which the descriptions are taken were
collected on the Pomeroon River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but the colours not so
bright. Wing 220 mm.

A young bird collected on the Abary River shows the outline
of the plumage of the old bird on the upper surface in a subdued
degree. The feathers generally have pale edzings and the tail-
feathers margined with white. The abdomen is greyish brown
intermixed with white, and the under tail-coverts are white with
only a few very pale brown markings. The under wing-coverts
are black with very narrow white edges.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “On some low hummock in the marsh. They sleep and
feed and nest among the thick growth of reeds and grass of the
savanna itself” (Beebe).

Fygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Pomeroon River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Rupununi River ( Whitely) ; Abary River
(Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,
East Peru, Brazil.

Halits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762) this
beautiful Duck frequents the coast in small flocks, especially at
tle mouths of oceanic rivers. It is also found on some of the
rivers such as the Barama, Barima, and Pomeroon. ‘The full-
grown individuals are only met with in pairs, and may often be
seen perching on the branches of trees which have fallen into the
water. Its whistle sounds like the word vis-sisi from which its
name originated, It is supposed to nest on the borders of the
rivers.

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 357) gives the

192 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

following note:—‘“In this region these birds are Tree-ducks
only in name, as later in the year hundreds of eggs will he
found scattered over the savanna, and sooner or later the flocks
will dissolve into pairs, each to nest on some low hummock in the
marsh. These ducks never settle on the open water of the river
on account of the many dangers swimming beneath. They sleep
and feed and nest among the thick growth of reeds and grass
of the savanna itself.”

Genus ALOPOCHEN Stejn.

Alopochen Stejneger, Stand. Nat. Hist. iv. Birds, p..141, fig. 66, 1885.
Type A. egyptiacus (Linn.).

This genus is characterized by having the distal portion of
the tarsi in front transversely scutellated and the absence of
prominent lamellze on the edges of the bill. It has the rudiment
of a blunt spur on the shoulder point of each wing.

120. Alopochen jubata.
Sprx’s Goose.

Alopochen jubata (Spix), Av. Bras. ii. p. 84, pl. eviii., 1825 (“ad ripam
fl. Solimoéns in insula Praya das Ongas”); Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 55, no. 510, 1912.

Chenalopex jubatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 762, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 265, 1876 (Takutu River);
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii.
p. 169, 1895.

“Orinoco Goose” (Brown).

Adult. Mantle and short scapulars chestnut, becoming buffy-
white on the long seapulars, und dark brown on the inner webs
of the latter; upper back dark brown with paler edges to the
feathers; lesser and median wing-coverts dark bottle-green; greater
series metallic green on the outer webs; bastard-wing and
primary-coverts blackish with a greenish tinge and brown on the
inner webs; second, third, and fourth primaries slightly incised
on the outer web, and the first and second on the inner web;
four of the inner secondaries have a large patch of white on the
outer webs which forms a wing speculum; lower back, rump,
upper tail-coverts, and tail dark bottle-green ; head, throat, neck

ALOPOCHEN.

NETTION. 193

all round, and breast, buffy-white, inclining to drab brown on the
hinder part of the head, nuchal crest, and mane on the hind-neck ;
abdomen and sides of body chestnut ; under tail-coverts white,
axillaries and under wing-coverts dark bottle-green.

Totai length 570 mm., culmen 43, wing 333, tail 113, tarsus 75,
middle toe and claw 70.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from a specimen in the British Museum.

According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762) this bird
occurs in pairs on the sand-dunes of the Lower Takutu River, but
he was unable to discover its breeding-place.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 265) writes:—
“Upon the sand-beaches of the Takutu we saw numbers of Orinooco
geese (Chenalopex jubata) being very tame from not being molested
by the Indians, who do not consider their flesh a fit article for
human food.”

Genus NETTION Kaup.

Nettion Kaup, Skzz. Ent.-Gesch. Nat. Syst. p. 95, 1829. Type
LV. crecca (Jann).
The members vf this genus are sinall birds and have the inner-
most secondaries, or tertials straight, the bill of moderate size and,
in NV, brasiliense, the culmen about equal to the tarsus in length.

121. Nettion brasiliense.

3RAZILIAN TEAL.

Anas brasiliensis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 517, 1789 (Brazil).
Querquedula brasiliensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762, 1848.
Nettion brasiliense Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 266, 1895
(Aunai) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 56, no. 519, 1912.
Adult. Head blackish ; hind-neck, upper back, scapulars, inner-
most secondaries, and upper tail-coverts earth-brown like the
flanks and under tail-coverts; upper wing-coverts velvety black
like the lower back and rump; primary-coverts and outer webs
of primaries metallic green, the inner webs of the latter dark
brown ; outer webs of outer secondaries metallic green with a
subapical black spot and tipped with white on both webs, the
white increasing in extent on the inner ones, which are tinged
with purple on the outer webs ; tail-feathers black, some of them

8)

194 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

tinged with metallic green ; forehead, sides of face, and throat
dusky brown ; breast ferruginous ; abdomen greyish drab, some
of the feathers barred with white and black; some of the feathers
on the sides of the body have ovate black spots; axillaries pure
white, under wing-coverts black tinged with green on the outer
series, the greater series brown like the quill-lining.

Total length 380 mm., culmen 38, wing 190, tail 82, tarsus 34.

The bird described was collected at the Upper Takutu
Mountains.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (Me Connell
collection) ; Annai (W hitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 762) this
species associates with J. viduata and is found in very large flocks
on the Savanna bogs. As soon as they begin to fly the two species
appear to separate. The ‘ Macusis ” call it Roppong.

Genus PECILONETTA Eyton.

Pecilonetta Eyton, Monogr. Anat. p. 33, 1888. Type P. bahamensis
(Linn.).
This genus can be easily distinguished from the other genera
that occur in British Guiana, by the long and pointed tail.

122. Pecilonetta bahamensis.
BawaMA PINTAIL.

Anas bahamensis Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 124, 1758 (“ Habitat in
Bahama ’”’).

Pecilonetta bahamensis Salvad. Cat. B. Brit Mus. xxvii. p. 282, 1895 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 56, no. 522, 1912.

Dafila bahamensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 763, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 172.

Adult male. Head, hind-neck, mantle, fore-neck, breast, and
abdomen rufescent with dark brown spots to the feathers, which
are small on the head and neck and larger on the mantle and
under surface ; back and scapulars black with cinnamon-buff

PECILONETTA.—QUERQUEDULA. 195

margins to the feathers ; lesser upper wing-coverts greyish brown,
the median series and secondaries tipped with pale fawn-colour ;
wing speculum bright green bordered with black ; upper and
under tail-coverts pale fawn-colour ; tail dull white tinged with
fawn-colour ; sides of face, throat, axillaries, and a portion of the
under wing-coverts white, remainder of the last dark brown with
paler margins, some of which are barred with white.

Total length 480 mm., culmen 42, wing 207, tail 101, tarsus 37.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but smaller and darker.
Wing 195 mm.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen obtained
on the Abary River in July 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Feggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. South Americ. generally (except Colombia,
Venezuela, and Ecuador), and the Falkland Islands, Bahamas, and
Antilles.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 763) that he
found this small Duck on the sand- and mud-banks at the mouths
of the oceanic rivers, but did not observe it breeding.

Genus QUERQUEDULA Steph.

Querquedula Stephens, in Shaw’s Gen. Zool. xii. pt. u. p. 142, 1824.
Type Q. guerquedula (Linn.).

Tuis genus is distinguished from Nettion by the bluish-grey or
blue upper wing-coverts.

123. Querquedula discors.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL.

Anas discors Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p, 205, 1766 (Virginia or Carolina).

Querquedula discors Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 299, 1895 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 56, no. 525, 1912.

“ Blue-winged Teal,’ Brown, ‘Canoe and Camp Life,’ pp. 137,

271, 1876 (Rupununi Savannas, Cotinga River).

Female (immature). Upper surface dark brown with paler brown

edges to the feathers on the head, hind-neck, and upper back, and
; 02

196 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

white margins to those of the scapulars, lower back, tail, greater
upper wing-coverts, and tips of secondaries ; lesser upper wing-
coverts pale blue ; outer webs of secondaries dark green, but no
speculum formed; base of forehead, sides of crown, sides of
face, and fore-neck dull white with dark shaft-lines ; throat uni-
form buffy-white; remainder of the under surface pale brown
margined and irregularly marked with white; axillaries and
median under wing-coverts white, marginal coverts brown edged
with white, the greater series greyish like the quill-lining.

Total length 335 mm., culmen 37, wing 173, tail 65, tarsus 28.

The specimen from which the description is taken was procured
on the Abary River in November 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Abary River (MeConnell collection) ;
Rupununi Savannas and Cotinga River (Brown).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, West India
Islands, Central and North America.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus NOMONYX Ridew.

Nomonyx Ridgway, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. ui. p. 15, 1880. Type
NV. dominicus (Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having the nail of the bill
perpendicular, the tail longer than the tarsus, and the tail-feathers
narrow and stiff.

124. Nomonyx dominicus.
Wartre-wincep LAKE Duck.
Anas dominica Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 201, 1766 (“ Habitat in

America meridionali”’).
Nomonyx dominicus Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 438, 1895;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 58, no. 535, 1912.

Adult male. Top of head, sides of face, and chin uniform black,
or aark brown like the lesser upper wing-coverts, quills, and tail ;
remainder of the upper surface and sides of the body chestnut
with dark centres to the feathers, being more uniform chestnut on
the nape and throat ; wing speculum white ; under surface dull

NOMONYX.—PHALACROCORAX. 197

white with brown centres to the feathers ; under tail-coverts tinged
with chestnut ; under wing-coverts brown; axillaries white.

Total length 330 mm., culmen 30, wing 142, tail 75, tarsus 25.

Adult female. Differs chiefly from the adult male in having the
chin and throat uniform buffy-white, two lines on the sides of
the face also buffy-white, and the upper surface barred with the
same colour. Wing 135 mm.

The male and female described were obtained on the Kamuni
River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range tin British Gwana. Kamuni_ River (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. South America generally, West India
Islands, Central and North America.

Hlalits. Unrecorded.

Order PELECANIFORMES.
Family PHALACROCORACID A.

The Cormorants are rather large birds with fairly long bills
sharply hooked at the tip, long and stiff tail-feathers, short legs,
and fully webbed feet, all four toes being connected by webs.

They are distributed on all the coast regions and tidal rivers
throughout the known world, as well as on some of the inland
lakes.

The family consists of about fifty species, six of which are
known to occur in South America, one ‘being representcd in
British Guiana.

Genus PHALACROCORAX Briss.
Phalacrocorax Brisson, Orn. v. p. 511, 1760. Type P. carbo (Linn.).

There is but one species of this genus known to occur in
British Guiana to which the characters under the family fully
apply. The members of the genus, however, can always be
distinguished from the following genus, Anhirga, by the hooked
bill and rounded scapular feathers.

198 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

125. Phalacrocorax vigua.
BRAZILIAN CORMORANT.

Phalacrocorax vigua Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. viii. p. 90, 1817
(Paraguay); Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 378, 1898
(Camacusa); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 218, 1910
(Barima River), p. 275 (Aremu River), p. 354 (Abary Savannas).

Halieus brasilianus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764, 1848.

Phalacrocorax brazilianus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 168 (Camacusa).

Adult (in non-breeding plumage). Upper surface, sides of the
body, under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts black; the
feathers of the upper back and wings are frosted with grey and
have brown margins ; sides of face and fore-neck pale brown
becoming darker and more smoky-brown on tbe breast and
abdomen.

Total length 640 mm., culmen 49, wing 267, tail 161, tarsus 51.

The bird from which the description is taken was obtained on
the Supenaam River in March 1910.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. ‘They are supposed to nest in trees” (Schomburgk).

Jéggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Bonasika River (McConnell collection) ; Barima River,
Aremu River, Abary Savannas (Beebe) ; Kamakusa (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally. Central America
to Texas.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764) that this
bird is more commonly found near the cataracts formed by the
rivers, than on the coast. It is generally found sitting on the
granite blocks in small companies, or resting on trees growing
near the banks of the river. It finds it difficult to take flight
from the rocks; when alarmed it throws itself towards the surface
of the water, and uses its wings and feet for some distance, before
being able to fly properly. The flesh of this bird is very fat, and
is so fishy that it is unfit for food. It is an expertdiver; when
shot and not mortally wounded, it usually escapes by diving.
It is supposed to nest in trees. The ‘ Macusis” call it Pareka.

ANHINGA. 199

Family ANHINGID®.

The Darters are more slender in form than the Cormorants,
with long and pointed bills, very long and thin necks, long tails,
short legs, and fully webbed feet.

The family is comprised of four species which are distributed in
Africa, Asia, New Guinea, Australia, North, Central, and South
America.

Genus ANHINGA Briss.
Anhinga Brisson, Orn. vi. p. 476, 1760. Type A. anhinga (Linn.).

This genus is easily distinguished from Phalacrocorax by the
long and pointed bill, the long thin neck, the long lanceolated
scapular feathers, and the ripplings on the tail-feathers and
seapulars, ;

126. Anhinga anhinga.
AMERICAN DARTER.

Plotus anhinga Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 218, 1766 (“* Habitat in
America australi”’) ; Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 169; Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 373, 1888
(Abary River); Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 419, 1898
(Rupununi River, Georgetown, Essequebo River).

Plotius anhinga Brown, Canoe and Camp Lite, p. 47, 1876 (Cartoonie
River).

Anhinga a Secs Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137, 1910
(Barima), p. 251 (Cuyuni). p. 354 (Abary River); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 60, no. 554, 1912.

* Diver or Duchlar”’ (Quelch) ; “ Snakebirds” (Beebe).

Adult male. General colour above and below glossy black,
spotted and streaked with silvery white on the mantle, scapulars,
and wings ; tip of tail smoky-white; with elongated hair-like
feathers on the nape and upper hind-neck ; throat and fore-neck
brown more or less speckled with white.

Total length 980 mm., culmen 96, wings 337, tail 250,
tarsus 39.

We do not know the exact locality of the male described.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the throat
and fore-neck whitish brown, the breast rufous buff, and a chest-
nut band skirting the black on the abdomen ; head and hind-neck
pale brown ; mantle more or less grey. Wing 340 mm.

200 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The female described was obtained on the Ituribisi River in
February 1907.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ivoribisi River, Abary River,
Arawai River (McConnell collection) ; Georgetown, Essequebo
(Quelch) ; Rupununi River ( Whitely) ; Cartoonie River (Brown) ;
Barima River, Cuyuni River, Abary River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil to Rio Parana,
Central America to the Southern United States.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764) that he
found this bird on the banks of the rivers and creeks; also near
the cataracts. He met with it at an altitude of 1200 feet, generally
singly, sometimes in pairs, and more rarely in small flocks. When
it is not feeding, it rests on the outermost branches of the trees
on the river-bank and is thus enabled to survey the whole river.
At the slightest movement in the proximity it stretches out its
long neck, and if not re-assured it flies off; it is difficult, there-
fore, to obtain specimens. It is equally unapproachable when in
the water, being a good swimmer and an expert diver—in fact,
when swimming its small head only is seen above the surface of
the water. If wounded by a shot when sitting ona branch, or
taken by surprise, it does not fly away, but immediately dives
perpendicularly into the water, and remains there from ten to
twelve minutes ; when rising to the surface for air it puts only its
bill and nostrils above the water and returns again below the
surface and thus evadeits pursuers. Its flesh is rank and unedible.
Schomburgk did not find it nesting. The “ Macusis” call! it
Kuyawick and the “* Warraus” Mojoh.

Mr. J. J. Quelch met with this bird on the Abary River and
remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 373) that the Diver or Ducklar (Plotus
anhinga) at times travelled along the Creek, but well ahead of
the boat.

We quote the following note from Mr. Beebe (Our Search for
a Wilderness, p. 251) :—‘*Snakebirds were perched in solitary
state at frequent intervals along the banks, silent, sinister-looking,
craning their necks out at us, and either dropping quietly into the
water and sinking from view or flapping heavily upward.
Ordinarily their flight is very Pelican-like; six or eight flaps, then a

ANHINGA.—STLA. 201

short seale, but when they once reacha high altitude, they soar most
gracefully with set wings, first in a wide, slow circle, then with
a sudden straight rush, then a circle and so on, all apparently
without a single wing-beat. When thus high up in the air they
have a most peculiar arrow-shaped appearance ; thin sharp beak,
slender neck and body, and broad, fan-shaped tail.”

Family SULID.

The Gannets are rather large birds with conical bills which
taper towards the tip, but no hook, the wings are long and
Swallow-like in form, the tail is long and wedge-shaped, the legs
short, and the feet fully webbed, all four toes being connected and
the outer one the longest.

Their distribution is chiefly, on the coasts of the temperate and
tropical seas of both hemispheres.

About nine species comprise the family, five occurring within the
confines of South America, one of which is represeated in British
Guiana.

Genus SULA Briss.
Sula Brisson, Orn. vi. p. 494, 1760. Type S. leucogaster (Bodd.).

The members of this genus are distinguished chiefly by their
pointed bills, hidden nostrils, and wedge-shaped tails.

127. Sula leucogaster.
WHITE-BELLIED Boosy.

Pelecanus leucogaster Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 57, 1783 (Cayenne).
Sula sula Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 436, 1898.
Sula leucogaster Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. 1. p. 60, no. 559, 1912.

Immature. General colour above and below smoky-brown, some-
what paler on the axillaries and abdomen.

Total length 620 mm., culmen 97, wing 395, tail 158,
tarsus 46.

We do not know the exact locality of the bird described.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail smoke-brown ; head, throat,
and neck all round darker and more chocolate-brown; under
wing-coverts, sides of breast, lower flanks, and lateral under tail-
coverts like the back; breast, abdomen, sides of body, axillaries,

202 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and central under tail-coverts pure white. “Tarsi and webs bright
chrome-yellow, under surface of webs greenish yellow ; iris pure
green; gular sac bright chrome-yellow; tarsi yellow shading into
bluish grey ” (P. R. Lowe).

Total length 620 mm., culmen 93, wing 375, tail 201, tarsus 41,
middJe toe and claw 76.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 390 mm.

The male described is in the British Museum and was collected
at Los Hermanos Island, Caribbean Sea, by Dr. P. R. Lowe on
the 1st of February, 1907.

Breeding-season. Unkuown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Coasts of South America to the
Straits of Magellan. Tropical and sub-tropical seas of the world.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 107) records this species at

Georgetown.

Family FREGATIDZ.

The Frigate birds are essentially sea-birds, and can always be
distinguished by their long and pointed wings, the large pouch,
which is attached to the throat of the breeding male only, the
long and deeply forked tail, the short and feathered legs, and the
long middle toe, all the toes being webbed.

Genus FREGATA Lacep.

Fregata (lacepéde, Tabl. Ois. p. 15, 1799), Daudin, in Hist. Nat.
(Buffon), ed. Didot, Quadr. vol. xiv. p. 317, 1802. Type F. minor
(Gmel.).

The characters which distinguish this genus are the same as
those mentioned under the family.

128. Fregata minor.
Fricate Birp.

Pelecanus minor Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 572, 1789 (West Indies).
Tachypetes aquila Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 763, 1848.
Fregata aquila (nec Linn.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 168; Ogilvie-Grant,

FREGATA.—PELECANUS. 203

Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 443, 1898; Beebe, Our Search for a
Wilderness, p. 234, 1910 (Marooka); Brabourne & Chubb, B.
S. Amer. i. p. 60, no. 560, 1912.

Adult. Entire plumage above and below black.

Total length 870 mm., culmen 109, wing 609, tail 395, tarsus 19,
middle toe and claw 67.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Pomeroon River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Tropical and sub-tropical seas.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 457) that at
dusk hundreds of these birds passed over the sand-banks, but always
out of shot. It is a glorious sight to see this beautiful bird
hovering for minutes against the strongest storm, and then all of
a sudden, dart like an arrow into the water after a fish. As it
came every evening over the same sand-banks, he was convinced
that it roosted in the woodsa little way inland. This conclusion
is more than probable, as there are no rocky islands off British
Guiana.

Schomburgk also states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 763) that this bird
occurred at irregular intervals on the coast, but did not breed in

the Colony.

Family PELECANID.

The Pelicans are large birds with very long bills and large
pouches attached to the lower mandibles, big bodies, short tails,
short legs, and rather long and fully webbed toes. There are
about ten species, which are distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia,
Australia, North, Central, and South America, and the Galapagos
Islands, as well as the West India Islards.

Two species occur in South America, one of which is represented
in British Guiana.

Genus PELECANUS Linn.

Pelecanus Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 132, 1758. Type P. onocrotalus
Linn.

The Pelicans can always be disiinguished from all other birds
by their long and hooked bills and very large gular pouches.

204 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

In P. occidentalis the bill is rather more than twice the length
of the tail, and the middle toe and claw is longer than the
tarsus.

129. Pelecanus occidentalis.
Brown PELIcan.

Pelecanus occidentalis Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 215, 1766
(Guiana) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 61, no. 563, 1912.

Pelecanus fuscus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764, 1848 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 168; Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 475,
1898 (British Guiana).

Adult. Back, wings, and tail hoary-grey, the feathers of the
back broadly fringed with dark brown, or black, as is also the upper
wing-coverts along the edge of the wing; tail-feathers blackish
along the shaft like the inner primary and secondary quills, outer
primaries black at the tips, becoming grey on both webs on the
basal portion, where the shafts are white; head and a line down
each side of the neck white; nuchal crest, hind-neck, and lower
fore-neck rich sable-brown; under surface blackish with pale
shaft-lines to the feathers, which are much broader and whiter on
the sides of the body and axillaries ; some of the under tail-coverts
dull white ; under wing-coverts brown with white shaft-lines.

Total length about 1100 mm., culmen 280, wing 490, tail 134,
tarsus 67, middle toe and claw 109.

The adult male and female are, according to Mr. Ogilvie~Grant
in the ‘ Catalogue of the Birdsin the British Museum,’ xxvi. p 475,
alike, but the female rather smaller. @ wing 558 mm., 2 508.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from an example in the British Museum.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Rangein British Guiana. “Occurs along the coast” (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Central America, Islands of
the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, and the Southern States
of North America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 764)
this bird occurs here and there along the coast, but does not breed
in the Colony.

CATHARTIDZ.

bo
oO
Or

Order CATHARTIFORMES.
Family CATHARTID.

The Vultures are very large birds with unfeathered heads and
necks, bare legs and feet. The tarsi and toes are covered with
small reticulations. The toes are flat and the claws short and
smooth.

They are distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia, and America.
Four genera are represented in South America, three of which
occur in British Guiana.

Sarcoramphus papa.

Fig. 49.—To show the fleshy caruncle at the base of the bill and
the skin-folds on the hinder part of the head.

We wish to draw attention to the fact that Brabourne and
Chubb, in their ‘List of the Birds of South America,’ used
Sarcorhamphus Dumeril for gryphus (Linn.). The International
Committee of Zoological Nomenclature have decided, however,

206 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

that the type of Vultur Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 86, 1758,
is gryphus. The following correction therefore must be made,
viz., Vultur will replace Sarcorhamphus genus 189 in Brabourne
and Chubb’s List and Sarcoramphus must be used in place of
Gypagus.

Genus SARCORAMPHUS Dum.
Sarcoramvhus Dumeril, Zool. Anal. 1806, p. 32, Type S. papa (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished chiefly by the fleshy caruncle at the
base of the upper mandible.

Fig. 50.—To show the small foot and the fine reticulations
on the tarsus.

130. Sarcoramphus papa.

Vultur papa Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 86, 1758 (Brazil).

Sarcorhamphus papa Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 743, 1848.

Cathartes papa Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 22, 1874 (British
Guiana).

Sarcoramphus papa Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 177, 1876 (Siparuni
River).

Gypagus papa Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 78; Quelch, Timehri (2), iv. p. 327,

SARCORHAMPHUS., 207

1890 (Berbice); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137, 1912
(Barima) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 61, no. 566, 1912.
Adult male. Lesser upper wing-coverts pale yellow with a
pinkish tinge ; remainder of wings, lower back, and tail black ;
head and neck bare with sides of the face, top of head, and nape
more or less covered with black hair; a collar of slate-grey
feathers surrounds the lower neck; the remainder of the under-
surface white, including the axillaries and under wing-coverts.

Total length 765 mm., culmen 32, wing 500, tail 220, tarsus 94,
middle toe and claw 107.

The description is taken from a specimen collected on the
Rupununi River, November 16, 1900.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Rupununi River, Great: Savannas,
Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ; Berbice River (Quelch) ;
Siparuni River (Brown) ; Barima River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Tropical South America and Central
America to Mexico.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guiar. ii. p. 500) writes :—I arrived
at Kashwima Hill, where I saw some hundreds of Black Vultures
resting on the trees. This surprised me, and I mentioned it to
the natives, who at once informed me that there must be a carcase
near on which the Wouraerepos (Vultur papa) must he feeding,
as the Cathartes respectfully wait until the former are satisfied.
Hearing this I at once decided to land for the sake of satisfying
myself on this much disputed matter. Attracted by the stench of
the carcase, which proved to be a Tiger-cat, we crawled to the
spot. Six of these beautiful birds, three males and three females,
were on the carcass. As soon as they discovered us they flew to
the nearest tree. I was able from where I lay to shoot one of the
males, but wounded it only. I took it into my boat. I may
mention that in rising these Vultures make, probably with their
wings, a most peculiar noise. When one of these birds has
satisfied its hunger on a decomposed carcase it is impossible to
go anywhere near it, owing to the unpleasant odours emitting
from its mouth. I noticed that the wounded bird when close by
my side, in the boat, smelt of musk. The beautiful colours of
the soft parts fade away immediately after death. The report

208 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

of the gun had also roused all the other Vultures (C. fwtens and
C. aura), which were now in company with the King Vultures
over the place where the carcase lay, but the feast was too
inviting for them to leave the spot, and after soaring about for
some time at an immense height, they began, singly or in small
parties, to descend by closing their wings and dropping with
astounding pace like a stone through the air towards one of the
trees, nearing which they spread out their strong wings and
alighted with ease.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 177) writes :—
“ King Vultures.—ILt is a well-known fact that where the carcase
of a Comudi snake is, there will two King Vultures be gathered
together.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137) observes :—
“Our stereos showed a King Vulture circling slowly around,
craning his wattled head down at us as he drifted past. We had
never expected to see this bird near the coast, and indeed we saw
no others during our entire stay in Guiana.”

Genus CORAGYPS Bonap.
Coragyps Bonaparte, Rev. Zool. 1854, p. 530. Type C. faetens (Wied).

In this monotypic genus the bill is rather long and depressed
at the base, the nostils are linear in shape and placed at the basal
portion of the bill. The head and neck are naked and black with
numerous corrugations or skin-folds, which are transverse on the
nape and longitudinal on the throat. The tail is square.

Brabourne and Chubb, tom. cit., used Catharista for fatens
Wied, but that name is an undoubted synonym of Cathartes
Illiger, consequently we are using Coragyps.

131. Coragyps fcetens.
Biack VULTURE.

Catharista foetens Wied, Beitr. Naturg. Bras. ii. p. 58, 1830 (Brazil) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 62, no. 567, 1912.

Cathartes foetens Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 742, 1848 ; Brown,
Canoe and Camp Life, p. 102, 1876.

Catharistes atratus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 24, 1874.

Cathartes atratus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 78; Quelch, Timehri (2) v.
p. 103, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Lloyd Price, tom. cit. p. 65 (nesting-
habits). -

CORAGYPS. 209

Catharista atrata Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 10, 1897 (habits).
Catharista urubu Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 112, 121,
1910 (Georgetown).

“ Bilack-headed Turkey-Buzzard” (Brown).

Adult. General colour of the plumage both above and below dull
black ; shafts of primary-quills white, both above and below ;
quill-lining pale grey near the shafts, blackish on edge of inner
webs and at the tips; under surface of tail black as above: shafts
of tail-feathers black, both above and below, but inclining to white
towards the base on the under surface. ‘‘ Naked part of head
blackish ” (Schomburgk).

Total length 500 mm., culmen 59, wing 380, tail 170, tarsus 75,
middle toe and claw 85.

The description is taken from an example obtained on the Abary
River in September 1907.

The young, according to Mr. Lloyd Price, “are of a light bluish,
or brownish grey colour.”

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Often found on the trash banks, and near the roots of
old stumps ” (Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “‘ Dirty white profusely spotted with dark brown and
two in number ” (Lloyd Price).

‘Range in British Guiana. Abary River (AfzConnell collection) ;
Rupununi River (Brown) ; Georgetown (Beebe, Quelch).

Extralimital Range. The remaining portion of South America
to the Rio Negro, Patagonia. Central and North America, Cuba
and Jamaica.

Habits. The following notes have been translated from Schom-
burgk (Reis. Guian. i. p. 461), who remarks that cattle caught
by the lasso are immediately killed when brought to the forts, and,
scarcely before they are dead, Vultures (Cathartes fwtens and
C. eura)—called “ Carrion Crows” by the settlers—come rushing
hither from all quarters of the air: in fact, in less than one
hour he counted 300-400 birds. To rid themselves of these
unwelcomed guests, the officers of the fort loaded a cannon with
rifle-balls, and one shot, when fired into a dense flock, killed from
forty to fifty birds.

Owing to the contradictory statements, in different books,
relating to the habits of these Vultures (C. fetens and C. aura),
Schomburgk studied them rather carefully in regard to their

r

210 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

habits. He had often found it stated that these Vultures when
not able to obtain carrion would attack live animals. During his
four years’ travel in British Guiana he had often for hours—evyen
for days—watched these Vultures surrounded by snakes, lizards,
mammals, and birds, but he never saw them attack either of them.

Even when a Steppe (Savannah) fire has attracted hundreds
of birds of prey of all sorts, which prey on the living creatures
fleeing before the fire, one never finds any Vultures among them.
In parts of South America the Vultures are strictly protected; in
British Guiana there is a fine of fifty dollars for killing one, the
reason being that their scavenger habits are highly appreciated ;
in consequence of this they become extremely tame, and walk about
in close proximity to dwellings. He had never seen or heard of
them attacking or killing a chick or any other domesticated animal ;
whereas if any species of Hawk approaches the settlement or
village, the natives, being very zealous about their fowls, raise a
hue-and-cry to frighten the robber away. As mentioned above,
the Vultnres never go to a Savannah-fire when raging—whereas
the day after they attend in enormous flocks on the burnt fields
to feed on the animals which had been killed by the fireand which
Jay about in great numbers. This proves that the Vultures do
not despise freshly killed animals for food. When in the town
of Pirara pieces of fresh meat were given to them, which they
swallowed with great eagerness. If there is sufficient food on
a carcase, for the number of Vultures collected there, they gorge
themselves to such a degree that they sit quite helpless on the
ground. If you attack one in that state its usual method is to vomit
its food before being able to make use of its powerful pinions.

When the Vultures have finished their feasting on a carcase
the bones are so clean, and the joints being intact, it looks as
though the most skilled articulator had excelled in his profession.
By carefully watching these birds he came to the conclusion
that they discover the carcases by the use of their nostrils as well
as their eyes, and they rarely, if ever, miss the place where the
carrion lies.

Schomburgk did not find their nesting-places.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 102) gives
the following note :—‘* Black-headed Turkey- Buzzards wait
patiently in large numbers near a camp to get any scraps and
bones that may remain behind.”

CORAGYPS.—CATHARTES. PAG

Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2) v. p. 65) writes :—‘ In newly-cut
cane-fields the common species of Black Vulture ( Cathartes atratus)
lays her two eggs, which are often found on the trash-banks, and
nzar the roots of old stumps. The eggs are of a dirty white pro-
fusely spotted with dark brown. The young of this bird are
seldom seen ; they are of a light bluish or brownish grey colour.”

Mr. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. p. 103) observed this species at
Georgetown, and remarks :—‘‘ The common Black-head or so-
called Carrion Crow (Cathartes atrata) may be seen at almost any
time, in the streets, on the coco-nut or other high trees, on the
tops of the houses, or circling overhead.”

Mr.C.A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 10, 1897) remarks on the habits
of this species :—-“‘ During the breeding-season large numbers of
young Egrets fall a prey to the black Carrion Vulture, Catha-
rista atrata, which may be seen hovering around the breeding-
grounds, on the look out for a chance to swoop down on some
unguarded nest and carry off its contents. The old birds vigor-
ously defend their nests against the attacks of the Vulture, but as
the Scarlet Ibis appears on the scene, they immediately desert
their charges and fly away.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 121) observes :—
“Just before dusk scores of the small Black Vultures appear,
flying singly, or in twos and threes, low over the trees and palms
westward to some general roost.”’

Genus CATHARTES Illig.
Cathartes Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 236, 1811. Type
C. aura (Linn.).

The members of this genus have shorter bills, not depressed at
the base, the nostrils oval in shape and placed towards the tip
of the bill. The head and neck, which are naked, are red, orange,
or yellow in colour, without corrugations or skin-folds. The tail

is rounded.

132. Cathartes ruficollis.
RED-NECKED TURKEY- VULTURE.

Cathartes ruficollis Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 2, 1824 (Bahia).

Cathartes urubitinga Pelz. Sitzb. Ak. Wien, xliv. p. 7, 1861 (South and
Central Brazil); Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 114, 1890 (Demerara
Falls); id. op. cit. v. p. 103, 1891 (Georgetown); Beebe, Our

P2

212 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Search for a Wilderness, p. 321, 1910 (Aremu River), p. 383 (Abary
River) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 62, no. 570, 1912.

(nops pernigra Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 26, 1874 (North side
of River Amazon).

Catharista awra (nec Linn.), Quelch, Timehri (2) 11. p. 363, 1888
(Abary River).

Cathartes aura (nec Linn.), Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 103, 1891
(Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. (2) vi. p. 120, 1892 (habits).

Cathartes pernigra Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 104, 1591 (Georgetown) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 62, no. 569, 1912.

“Governor Bird and King or Governor of the Carrion Crows ;
Red-headed Carrion Crow; Turkey-Buzzard; Yellow-headed
Vulture ; Red-headed Vulture ” (Quelch).

We find it impossible to follow the characters, which Dr. Sharpe
proposed in the ‘ Catalogue of the Birds in the Collection of the
British Museum,’ for the separation of the species of this genus.

Cathartes aura (Linu.) refers to the North American bird, the
type locality being Mexico; C. iota Molina, from Chile, becomes
available for the Chilian, Argentina, and Falkland Island form.

We are using C. rujicollis Spix for the Eastern South American
form, which ranges from Bahia and Piauhy to Guiana, and propose
to add as synonyms, C. wrulitinga Pelz. and C. pernigra Sharpe.

Adult. Glossy purplish black above and below; shafts of tail-
feathers black above, straw-colour below ; under surface of tail
grey, with a yellowish tinge in some lights; shafts of primary-
quills pale brown above, ivory-white below ; greater under wing-
coverts and guill-lining grey with yellowish reflections. Head
yellow.

Total length 580 mm., culmen 45, wing 484 to 490, tail 240,
tarsus 60, middle toe and claw 77.

The bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Brazil.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 363) that
this species, the Red-headed Carrion Crow, was plentiful on the
Abary River.

Mr. Quelch observed this species at the Great Falls, Demerara
River, and remarks (Timehri (2) iv. p. 114) :—“The rare
Yellow and-Red-headed Vulture (Cathartes urubitinga) circled

CATHARTES.—POLYBORUS. 213

high overhead, or rose, at times, from his feast on some putre-
scent matter by the waterside.”

Mr. Quelch also observed it at Georgetown (Timehri (2) v.
p- 103), and writes :—‘ Very frequently also, but seldom more
than one at atime, the Red-headed Carrion Crow or Turkey-
Buzzard (Cathartis aura) may be met with. These are much
larger birds, about thirty inches in length, and are often referred
to as Governor Bird, and King or Governor of the Carrion
Crows.”

On p. 104 he further remarks :—‘‘It seems to me doubtful
whether the Yellow-headed Vulture (C. pernigra), which is also
occasionally seen, is specifically distinct from this form, even
though its plumage is blacker and the shafts of the quills brown
above.”

Mr. Quelch also remarks on the food of this bird (Timehri
(2) vi. p. 120) :-—** Masses of leaves were discovered in the body
of some of the specimens of the Red-headed Vulture (Cathartes
aura). Searcity of Carrion Crows would be sufficient to explain
the peculiarity in the case of the Vulture, though even then one
would have imagined that fresh flesh would have been more
acceptable than leaves.”

Genus POLYBORUS Vieill.
Polyborus Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 22, 1816. Type P. plancus
(Miller).

The members of this genus have the greater part of the face
naked and t..e nostrils oval in shape. Outer and inner toe con-
nected to the middle one by an interdigital membrane. Innermust
primary much exceeded in length by the innermost secondaries.

133. Polyborus cheriway.

Falco cheriway Jacg. Beitr. p. 17, pl. 4, 1784 (Islands and Coast of
Venezuela).

Polyborus cheriway Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 741, 1848;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 33, 1874 (British Guiana); Brown,
Canoe and Camp Life, p. 167, 1876 (Quitaro River,); Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p..78; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 126, 1892; Beebe, Gur
Search for a Wilderness, p. 131, 1910 (Georgetown); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 62, no. 573, 1912.

“Savanna Kites” (Brown).
Adult male. Crown of head, back, scapulars, wings, abdomen,
sides of body, thighs, and under wing-coverts blackish brown, some

214 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

of the upper wing-coverts have whitish edgings ; primary-quills
and tail-feathers broadly barred with white ; throat, sides of face,
under tail-coverts, and basal portion of tail on the under surface
buffy-white ; hind-neck, mantle, fore-neck, and breast barred
with black, or brown and white, or buffy-white.

Total length 485 mm., culmen 31, wing 881, tail 200, tarsus 94,
middle toe and claw 68.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in
November 1906.

The adult male and female appear to be very similar to each
other in the colour of the plumage. As regards the measurements,
there is much variation, as we have measured the wings of a
considerable number of each sex and find that the females measure
from 385 to 408 mm. and the males 368 to 395 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana. ,

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River (McConnell collection) ; Quitaro River (Brown) ; George-
town (Beebe).

Extralinital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 741) that this
bird is very common on the Savannas, but unknown in the virgin
forests near the coast. It is always found in large flocks running
about on the dried up bogs. If Vultures have been attracted by a
dead animal this species at once made an appearance and contested
the prize with the Vultures. He was of opinion, however, that
the principal food of this bird consisted of insects, molluses, and
reptiles. Although he had met with many hundreds, he never
once saw a single individual chase a bird, but often saw a pair of
them rest on a termite hill. Schomburgk did not find its
nest. The ‘ Paravilhanos” call it Cara-carari, the ‘* Macusis ”’
Caracca, and the “ Warraus” Tosorih.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 126) remarks that :—
“These birds are not met with on the coast, being confined to the
savannah and more open tracts of the interior. In their habits
they are the most vulturine of the group.”

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 167) gives the
following notes :—‘‘ As we came along in one place the Indians
set the dry savanna grass on fire, and as the low wall of flame

POLYBORUS.—IBYCTER. 2 ie

advanced before the wind, throwing up puffs of dark smoke,
numbers of large Savanna Kites sprang up as if by magic, from
low neighbouring trees, and hovered in advance of the line of
fire, on the watch for snakes, mice, rats, lizards, etc., that were
flying before the destructive flame. One of these birds dropped
suddenly in the grass close to me, and as quickly rose again,
with a rat in its talons, which it carried to a low tree, and then
giving it a peck or two, swallowed it whole.”

Genus IBYCTER Vieill.

Ibycter Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 22, 1816. Type I. americanus
( Bodd.).

This genus differs from the preceding one in the shape of the
bill, the position of the rounded nostrils, the bare throat, the
innermost secondaries about equal in length to the innermost
primary, and the comparatively longer tail.

_ 134. Ibycter ater.
YELLOW-THROATED CARACARA.

Daptrius ater Vieill. Anal. nouv. Orn. pp. 22, 68, 1816 (Brazil); Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 742, 1848.

Ibycter ater Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 85, 1874; Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 78; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 62, no. 574, 1912.

Adult male. General colour everywhere black, both above and
below, except the base of the tail, which is white.

Total length 383 mm., culmen 29, wing 296, tail 180, tarsus 52,
middle toe and claw 48.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 308 mm.

The male described was collected at Bartica.

There are two specimens, apparently immature, one from the
Kamakabra River and the other from the Ituribisi River, which
have the under surface barred with buffy-white, white mottled
patches on the primary-quills, and the greater portion of the tail
broadly barred with white.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British’ Guiana.

Nest. “It nests on trees” (Schomburgh).

Kags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Hoobaboo River, Cako River, Tiger
Creek (MJeConnell collection).

216 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, East Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 742) this
bird lives in the oasis on the Savannas, but as soon as a volume
of smoke is seen, which indicates a Savanna fire, it repairs towards
it for the purpose of preying on the escaping reptiles. It nests
on trees. The “ Warraus” call it Outuanaitye. |

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks (Timehri (2) vi. p. 120) that the food

of this species consists almost entirely of seeds, fruit, and young
leaves.

135. Ibycter americanus.

RED-THROATED CARACARA.

Falco americanus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 25, 1783 (Cayenne).

Ibycter aquilinus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 742, 1848.

lLbycter americanus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 35, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 77 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa); Quelch, Timehri (2)
iv. p. 102, 1890 (Demerara Falls), p. 334 (Upper Berbice River), vi.
p- 120, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 63, no. 575, 1912.

“ Bush Carrion Crows” or “ Bultata” (Quelch).

Adult. General colour black, except the lower abdomen, thighs,
and under tail-coverts, which are white, the last more or less
tinged with buff.

Total length 525 mm., culmen 33, wing 343, tail 240, tarsus 48,
middle toe and claw 57.

The description is taken from an example collected on the
Kamakabra River.

We have examined a series of specimens in the British Museum
and find that the adult male and female are similar both in the
colour of the plumage and in the measurements,

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

J’ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Cako River, Demerara River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Kamakusa ( W hitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Colombia, Ecuador, Fastern
Peru, Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 742) this
peculiar bird is very common in British Guiana and generally
distriouted. It is usually found in flocks. He discovered that
its food consisted chiefly of berries by the fact of a wounded
individual having fallen from a tree and disgorged a number of red

IBYCTER.—MILVAGO. yA

fruits, which proved to be a species of Malpighia. Schomburgk
dissected many others, and always found the remains of fruits in
their stomachs. He was of opinion, however, that it varied its diet
with insects and reptiles. The “ Warraus” call this bird Yacka
tatta and the “ Macusis” Calau-Calau.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) iv. p. 102) observed this species
on the Great Falls, Demerara River, and writes.:—‘‘ The so-called
Bush Carrion Crows or Bultata (Jbycter americanus), which were
constantly to be heard hoarsely and discordantly cawing in the
high tree tops.” He also states (¢. c. p. 334) that he met with
the species on the Upper Berbice River. He likewise remarked
(op. cit. vi. p. 120) that its food consisted almost entirely of seeds,
fruit, and young leaves.

Genus MILVAGO Spix.
Milvago Spix, Aves Brasil. i. p. 12, 1824. Type JL. chimachima
(Vieill.).
This genus is distinguished from the preceding by the
feathered throat.

136. Milvago chimachima.

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA.
Polyborus chimachima Vieill. N. Dict. Hist. Nat. v. p. 259, 1816
(Paraguay).
Milvago chimachima Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 741, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 78 (Merumé Mts.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi.
p- 125, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. 1. p. 638, no. 580, 1912,
lbycter chimachima Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 39, 1874.
“* White-headed Caracaras”’ (Quelch).

Adult maie. Head and entire under surface, including the
axillaries and under wing-coverts, creamy-white ; a line behind
the eye, back, and wings dark brown ; the primaries barred and
mottled with buffy-white on the basal portion ; upper tail-coverts
buffy-white, the short central ones barred with brown ; tail dark
brown or blackish, broadly barred on the basal portion and edged
with buffy-white.

Total length 360 mm., culmen 23, wing 280, tail 178, tarsus 51,
middle toe and claw 45.

Adult female. Like the adult male in plumage, but larger in
size. Wing 300 mm.

The male described was collected on the Anarica River.

218 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. ‘“ Supposed to nest in trees” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Iturilbisi
River, Bonasika River, Abary River, Anarica River, Hssequebo
River (Me Connell collection) ; Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay,
Uruguay.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 741) that this
bird is only found on the Savannas. Its habits are the same as
those of Jbycter americana. It is supposed to nest in trees. The
“ Macusis”’ and “ Arekunas ” call it Wokira.

Mr. J.J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 125, 126) remarks that this
species is common, especially in the partially cleared lands on the
coast, and along the bushy tracts on such savannah creeks as the
Abary, are the Chimachimas or White-headed Caracaras (Milvago
chimachima). ‘These birds are sometimes seen in the pastures on
the cattl>, which they frequent for ticks and insects, or on. the
ground or bushes, where they seek out insects and small reptiles.
Often they occur in large flocks, though the individuals of such
groups generally perch at some distance apart.

Genus CIRCUS Lacep.

Circus Laceptde, Tableau Oiseaux, p. 4, 1799. Type C. e@ruginosus
(Linn.).
The Harriers belong to the group of long-legged Hawks, and
are distinguished chiefly by their facial dise and the oval nostrils.
They are distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, North,
Central, and South America. There are about fifteen species,
three of which occur in South America, one being represented in
British Guiana.

137. Circus buffoni.
LONG-WINGED HARRIER.

Falco buffont Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 277, 1788 (Cayenne).

Circus maculosus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 62, 1874; Quelch,
Timehri (2) vi. p. 145, 1892.

Circus buffont Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 64, no. 584, 1912.

“Spotted Harrier,’’ “ Snake-Hawk” (Quelch).

CIRCUS. 219

Adult male. Back, head, and neck all round black; wings and
tail broadly barred with black and ash-grey ; forehead, eyebrows,
and under surface white with a few dark spear-shaped marks on
the last; the feathers of the throat more or less marked with
white; axillaries and under wing-coverts white barred with dark
brown, the white becoming buff on the major coverts and base
of the quills.

Total length 435 mm., culmen 31, wing 378, tail 210, tarsus 77,
middle toe and claw 52.

Adult female. Similiar to the adult male.

The male described was obtained on the Abary River in
September 1907. Another, a fully adult bird, from the Abary is
entirely black below, including the axillaries and under wing-
coverts.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (Me Connell collection).

Yaetralimital Range. Venezuela and Trinidad to the Straits of
Magellan.

Habits. We quote the following notes from the writings of
Mr. J. J. Quelch (‘Timehri (2) vi. p. 145) :—‘ The Spotted Harrier
(Circus maculosus). This is one of the commonest of the coast
birds, being found along all the lower or tidal parts of the main
creeks, where it can be readily distinguished, when perching, by
its long wings, legs, and tail; but it is much more easily recog-
nised in flight by the spread of its wings and tail, on which the
numerous black and grey bars are very conspicuous. It com-
monly goes by the name of ‘ Snake-Hawk,’ and is always very
abundant among the bushy tree-growths along the savannah
streams and by swampy places, where it may pick up snakes,
lizards, and frogs. Itis particularly abundant on the Abary, and
is frequently met with in the Mahaicony and the Hoobaboo and
other creeks. Occasionally it will be encountered perched on a
tree, tearing to pieces some unfortunate bird, such as the awkward
and slow-flying Old Witch or Ani Cuckoo (Crotophaga ani), the
poor victim meantime crying out for dear life. They seem to
congregate in small flocks of five or six, though it is not un-
common to come upon them singly, or in much larger flocks,
especially in the wet weather, when they gather around the little

220 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

bushy islands left in the open savannahs by the high water, to
which the various animals on which they feed have been driven
for shelter. They are graceful looking birds while on the wing,
but they alight in a very awkward manner, their wings and tail
being more or less expanded at first to prevent them from over-
balancing as they settle on the branch. This is the first record of
the species from the Colony.” .

Genus MICRASTUR Gray.

Micrastur Gray, List Genera of Birds, 2nd ed. p. 6, 1841. Type
MI. brachypterus (Temm.).
This genus is differentiated from Circus by its rounded nostril,
shorter and stouter bill, much shorter and more rounded wing,
and the very long tail.

Fig. 51.—To show the absence of any tooth on the lower edge
of the upper mandible.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 200 mm.
a’. Above black with a white collar on the

hind-neck tittteeteeesesesteereereesesseeee DL. brachypterus, p. 221.
b'. Above uniform slate-grey, no collar on
the hind-neck ............................. ML mirandollei, p- 221.

B. Smaller, wing less than 200 mm.

c. Larger, wing more than 185 mm.;
abdomen white sparsely banded with
Riemer. Slt So ee a a

d', Smaller, wing less than 185 mm.;
abdomen numerously banded with

blackish brown. 2° si, ccisscsceceetee¥an M. interstes, p. 223.

M. gilvicollis, p. 222.

MICRASTUR.

bo
bo
—

138. Micrastur brachypterus.
Piep Haws.
Falco brachypterus Temm. Pl. Col. pls. 116, 141, 1822 (Guiana, Brazil,
Paraguay).
Micrastur semitorquatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 75, 1874;

Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 75 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi.
p- 144, 1892.

Micrastur brachypterus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 64,
no. 585, 1912.

Adult male. Upper surface black barred with white on the inner
webs of the primary and secondary quills; tail black, banded and
tipped with white ; under surface anda collar round the hind-
neck white tinged with buff, the feathers showing dark shaft-
lines ; under wing-coverts white spotted with brown.

Total length 500 mm., culmen 28, wing 264, tail 233, tarsus 86,
middle toe and claw 57.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
at Bartica.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. . Wing 277 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica (McConnell collection) ;
Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. ( W hitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally from Colombia
to South Brazil and Paraguay.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 144) gives the
following note :—‘* The Long-tailed or Collared Harrier-Hawk
(Micrastur semitorquatus). These birds frequent the wooded dis-
tricts, and are to be obtained in the open parts along the creeks

and great rivers. They are not commonly met with on the
coast.”

139. Micrastur mirandollei.

MIrRANDOLLE’s Hawk.

Astur mirandollei Schl. Ned. Tijdschr. i. p. 131, 1863 (Dutch Guiana).
Micrastur mirandollei Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 76, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 501 (Carimang River) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 144,
1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 54, no. 586, 1912.
“ White-breasted Harrier-Hawk ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above grey, becoming darker and

‘

bo

22 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

inclining to black on the head; tail dark brown, largely notched
with white on the inner webs of the feathers, also edged with
white at the tips, and an indication of two pale brown bars
on the upper aspect ; inner webs of primary and secondary quills
broadly barred with white ; entire under surface buffy- or creamy-
white, with dark narrow shaft-lines.

Total length 430 mm., culmen 20, wing 224, tail 184, tarsus 70,
middle toe and claw 52.

We do not know the exact locality in the Colony of the male
from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 233 mm.

Immature birds appear to have the feathers of the breast and
sides of the body fringed with pale brown and the dark shaft-lines
more strongly pronounced.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Arawai
River (McConnell collection) ; Kamarang River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Peru.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 144) gives the
following remarks :—‘ The White-breasted Harrier-Hawk (J/i-
crastur mirandollei). This species does not appear to occur on
the coast. This is the first record of the bird from the Colony.”

140. Micrastur gilvicollis.
Linep Hawk.

Sparvius gilvicollis Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. x. p. 323, 1817 (Cayenne).

Climacocercus concentricus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738,
1848.

Micrastur gilvicollis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 78, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 75 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) v.
p- 105, 1891 (Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. vi. p. 143, 1892 ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 64, no. 588, 1912.

* Black-barred Harrier-Hawk,” “ Chicken-Hawk ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Dark slate colour above with white bars on the inner
webs of the primary and secondary quills; tail dark brown,
inclining to black on the middle feathers, with two white bands
and white, or buffy-white tips; sides of face somewhat paler grey
than the back; throat white with a slight tinge of grey ; breast,
abdomen, and sides of body barred with slate-brown and white ;
vent and under tail-coverts uniform creamy-white : axillaries

MICRASTUR. 225

barred with white ; inner under wing-coverts white. “ Bill slate-
colour with yellow ochre at base; cere, legs, and toes orange;
claws brown ” (H. Whitely).

Total length 305 mm., culmen 17, wing 185, tail 149, tarsus 64,
middle toe and claw 31.

The description of the male is taken from an example obtained
on the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 198 mm.
‘Bill, upper mandible bluish-black, lower mandible greenish-
yellow; cere blood orange-colour ; legs and toes yellow, claws
horn-colour ; iris white” (H. Whitely).

There is considerable variation in the barring on the under
surface in this species, while some are almost uniform creamy-
white others are very numerously barred ; this may, however, be
accounted for by age.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Berbice, Tiger Creek (McConnell collection); Kamakusa, Bartica
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Eastern Peru, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738) that this
bird is called Okto by the “ Warraus” and Mapillo by the
* Macusis.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 143) gives the following
remarks on this species:—‘* The Black-barred Harrier-Hawk
(Micrastur gilvicollis). This is a very widely distributed species,
being commonly found on the coast, and in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of the town, as well as in the interior parts of the
colony, along the sheltered creeks and by the open savannahs.
It is one of the species that commonly goes by the name of
Chicken-Hawk.” .

141. Micrastur interstes.
Cassry’s BARRED HAWK.
Micrastur interstes Bangs, Auk, xxiv. p. 289, 1907 (La Estrella,
Cartago, Costa Rica); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 64,
no. 589, 1912.

Adult, Upper surface dark slate-colour with white bars on the

224 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

inner webs of the primary and secondary quills; tail dark brown
with two white bands which are more pronounced on the inner
webs of the feathers, the tips edged with white ; throat pale ash-
grey ; the remaining portions of the under surface narrowly barred
with white and slate-brown, tinged with buff on the abdomen ;
axillaries uniform dark slate-colour ; under wing-coverts barred
like the abdomen but more narrowly.

Total length 345 mm., culmen 17, wing 176, tail 160, tarsus 62,
middle toe and claw 41.

The bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Anarica River, Abary
River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador.

Habits. Not recorded in British Guiana.

Genus GERANOSPIZIAS Kaup.
Geranospizias Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 183. Type G. gracilis (Temm.).
This genus has only two species, one of which is confined to
Central America and the other to South America. The chief
characteristics are the scaling on the hinder portion of the tarsus,
commissure of bill slightly festooned, and the feathers of the thighs
closely set without any overhanging tufts.

142. Geranospizias ceerulescens.
GREY CrANE-Hawk.

Sparvius cerulescens Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. x. p. 318, 1817
(Guiana).
Ischnosceles gracilis (nec Temm.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 737, 1848.
Geranospizias cerulescens Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 81, 1874;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 64, no. 591, 1912.
Geranospizias gracilis (nec Temm.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 76; Quelch,
Timehri (2) vi. p. 142, 1892.
“ Blue Sparrow-Hawk ” (Quelch).
Adult female. General colour above and below dark slate-colour ;
bastard-wing and primary-coverts black ; quills black, blotched
and mottled with white chiefly on the inner webs, secondary quills

GERANOSPIZIAS.—ASTUR. 225

slate-colour ; tail black, white at the base and crossed by two
buffy-white bands, the feathers pale at the tips; under wing-
coverts more or less barred with white.

Total length 400 mm., culmen 24, wing 275, tail 195, tarsus 79,
middle toe and claw 49.

The description of the female is taken from an example obtained
at the Takutu Mountains.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but smaller. Wing
256 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely on the Rupununi River on
the 24th of March, 1890—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Takutu Mountains (J/eConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Ar-
gentina.

Halits. According to Schomburek (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 757) this
bird is found un the coast and inland as well. Near the coast it
occurs mostly in coffee- plantations, where it prefers the Erythrinen-
trees. It has not the same habits as most other Falcons, which
perch on the outermost branches, but skulks about amongst the
branches of the last-named trees. Its food consists of small birds
and reptiles. He did not find its nest. The “ Macusis” call it
Mohi.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 142) remarks on this species
as follows :—‘ The Blue Sparrow-Hawk (Geranospizias gracilis).
This bird is not commonly found on the coast, but occurs along
the wooded creeks, where it will be met with perching on the
sheltered branches in the more open places.”

Genus ASTUR Lacep.

Astur Lacepéde, Tableau Oiseaux, p. 4, 1799. Type A. palumbarius
(Linn. ).

The members of this genus are diagnosed as having the outer
toe about equal in length to the inner toe, without claw, and the
nostrils oval without a bony tubercle.

Q

226 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

143. Astur poliogaster.
GREY-BELLIED GOSHAWE.

Falco poliogaster Temm. PI. Col. 1. pl. 264, 1824 (“ Brésil”’).

Astur poliogaster Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 120, 1874; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 65, no. 595, 1912.

Urospizias jardinei Gurney, Ibis, 1887, p. 96, pl. iii. (“ Hab. uncertain”).

Astur jardinei Sharpe, Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. x. p. 56, 1900 (British
Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 65, no. 594, 1912.

Adult female. General colour above blackish, cheeks and top of
head deep black, the feathers on the nape having white bases,
and the feathers on the back a slaty tinge; bastard-wing, primary-
coverts, and quills dark brown broadly notched with white on the
inner webs of the primary and secondary quills, some of them
almost entirely white, while others are only mottled ; tail-feathers
crossed by three grey bands, these becoming white on the inner
webs, the outer feathers tipped with whitish ; chin, throat, and
entire under surface creamy-white, more or less tinged with grey
on the sides of the breast, flanks, axillaries, and under wing-coverts;
lower aspect of tail brown barred with silvery white.

Total length 470 mm., culmen (including the cere) 26, wing 260,
tail 190, tarsus 58, middle toe and claw 51.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female in colour and markings
but smaller.

Total length 352 mm., culmen (including the cere) 23, wing 225,
tail 155, tarsus 48, seadia toe and claw 41.

Although U. Gaiea was described in 1887, its habitat was
unknown until 1900, when the late Mr. F. V. McConnell received
an example from British Guiana—which he presented to the
British Museum and from which the description is taken.

When comparing the specimen of Astur jardinei (Gurney) in
the collection at the British Museum, which was recorded by
Sharpe, Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. x. p. 56, with an example of
A. poliogaster (Temm.) in the same collection, I found that
the two birds were identical in colour and markings, though
differing in measurements, but the latter could no doubt be
accounted for by the difference in sex. To make certain of the
identity, I asked the authorities of the Norwich Museum to allow
me to have the type of Urospizias jardinei, which was kindly
forwarded by the Curator, Mr. F. Leney, and further comparisons

ASTUR.—ACCIPITER. 227

proved the two species to be identical beyond dispute. I have
come to the conclusion, therefore, that the type of U. jardinei in
the Norwich Museum and the specimen from British Guiana
in the British Museum are both females of Astur poliogaster
(Temm.), and that the specimen of A. poliogaster in the National
collection isa male. The distribution of the species, as far as is
known at present, is Guiana, Eastern Brazil, and Paraguay.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Figgs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in Gritish Guiana. Essequebo River.

Extralimital Range. Eastern Brazil and Paraguay.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus ACCIPITER Briss.
Accipiter Brisson, Orn. i. p. 310, 1760. Type A. nésus (Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having the culmen about half

the length of the middle toe and claw.

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 200 mm.; under surface [p- 227.
aR OIE BERET tere ok clas ts ees a as hep. A. superciliosus,
B. Larger, wing more than 200 mm.; under surface
Wnisorm-withowdy bars......... 2. si s:-s:s.::--..-.... 4. bicolar, p. 228)

144. Accipiter superciliosus.
EYE-BROWED SparRow-HAwkK.

Falco superciliosus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. - 128, 1766 (Surinam).

Accipiter tinus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i p- 139, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 501 (Carimang River) ; “Quch, Timehri (2) vi.
p- 142, 1892.

Accipiter superciliosus Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 65, no. 597,
1912.

* Little barred Sparrow-Hawk ” (Queleh).

Adult male. General colour of the upper surface dark brown
inclining to black on the head ; quills dark brown barred with
white on the inner webs; tail ae dark brown with paler brown
bands and white spots or mottlings on the inner webs of the
feathers ; sides of face dark grey; throat white; entire under
surface bared with brown and white, including the axillaries
and under wing-coverts.

Q2

228 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 212 mm., culmen 15, wing 132, tail 89, tarsus 38,
middle toe and claw 29.

The male described is from the Supenaam River.

Adult female. Similar in plumage, but larger in size than the
adult male. Wing 160 mm., tail 106.

Immature. Differs in being rufous brown above and banded
with rufous below.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Bartica, Lower
Mazaruni River, Arawai River (AlcConnell collection) ; Carimang
River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 142) gives the
following remarks on this species :— “The Little Barred Sparrow-
Hawk (Accipiter tinus). This species does not seem to occur
commonly on the coast, preferring the higher and less frequented
parts of the interior. This is the first record of the species from
the Colony.”

145. Accipiter bicolor.

FourR-BANDED SPARROW-HAWE.

Sparvius bicolor Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. x. p. 325, 1817 (Cayenne).

Nisus sexfasciatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 11. p. 736, 1848.

Accipiter bicolor Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 154, 1874 (British
Guiana); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 75 ( Bartica Grove, Roraima, 3000 ft.) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 141, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 66, no. 606, 1912.

“ Red-legged Sparrow-Hawk ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above dark brown with a tinge of
slate-colour on the back and wings ; primary and secondary quills
broadly notched with white on the inner webs, the white extending
to both webs on the innermost secondaries ; tail black with two
slaty-brown bands and paler at the tip; under surface of body
pale slate-grey ; axillaries, under wing-coverts, and thighs rufous ;
under tail-coverts white tinged with buff.

Total length 283 mm., culmen 19, wing 214, tail 151, tarsus 40,
middle toe and claw 34.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in having very
conspicuous shaft-lines on the under surface, and being larger in

ACCIPIT ER.—HETEROSPIZIAS. 229

size. Total length 410 mm., wing 235, tail 185, tarsus 73, middle
toe and claw 58.

Immature. Differs from the adult in being brown above with
rufous margins to the feathers and the entire under surface cream-
colour.

The male described was collected on the Supenaam River, the
female on the Mazaruni River, and the immature on the Ituribisi
River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Mazaruni River,
Supenaam River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Mount Roraima,
3000 feet ( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Brazil.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736) that this
bird frequents the oasis on the Savannas. The “ Macusis” call it
Savato.

Mr. J. J. Queleh (Timehri (2) vi. p. 141) remarks on this
species as follows :—‘‘ The Red-legged Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter
bicolor). These birds do not seem to occur commonly on the coast,
specimens having hitherto been obtained chiefly along the un-
inhabited parts of the great rivers, and more especially on the
more elevated parts of the country. They are by no means shy—
perhaps from the height and position of their perches, where they
are generally secure from molestation. They are very active on
the wing, and exercise a kind of terrorising influence over the
smaller and even many larger birds.”

Genus HETEROSPIZIAS Sharpe.

Heterospizias Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.i, p.160,1874. Type H. meri-
dionalis (Lath.).

This monotypic genus is characterized by having the tarsus half
the length of the tail, and the nostrils round with large tubercular
process.

146. Heterospizias meridionalis.
Rep-wincep Hawk.

Falco meridionalis Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 36, 1790 (Cayenne).
Hypomorphnus rutilans Cab. in Schomb, Reis, Guian. iii. p. 740, 1548.

230 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Heterospizias meridionalis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 160, 1874;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 155, 1892;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 66, no. 609, 1912.

“ Great-winged Red Buzzard ” (Quelch).

Adult female. Entire plumage composed of rufous and brown.
The under surface rufous narrowly barred with brown ; crown of
head rufous with greyish brown shaft-streaks; back pale brown ;
distal portion of quills and tail blackish, the latter mottled, banded,
and tipped with white.

Total length 520 mm., culmen 36, wing 415, tail 197, tarsus
106, middle toe and claw 64.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, of the
female described.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but smaller. Wing
410 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

tange in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (Me Connell
collection).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina.

Habits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740) that this
large and beautiful bird of prey is especially common on the boggy
parts of the Savannas, where it hunts its prey which, apparently,
consists of reptiles only. Before alighting on the ground it settles
for a while, as a rule, on an isolated tree. He usually found it in
pairs ; it generally appears immediately there is a Savanna fire.

We quote the following notes from Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timebri
(2) vi. p. 155):—‘* The Great-winged Red Buzzard (Heterospizias
meridionalis). What has been said of the habits, occurrence, and
distribution of the two preceding species *, applies equally well to
this form, which, however, seems to be a much more active bird,
with stronger and more rapid flight—and it is much more fre-
quently seen sweeping along on the wing, especially over the wet
savannahs and swampy places, than either of the others. The
habits of the two preceding species, Busarellus nigricollis and
Buteogallus equinoctialis, are as follows: These birds resort in
search of crabs, shells, shrimps, fish, ete., on which they delight
to feed, and where they will frequently be met with, either on
the stumps or tall trees, or on the mud-flat itself.”

* Busearellus nigricollis and Buteogallus equinoctialis.

TACHYTRIORCHIS. 231

Genus TACHYTRIORCHIS Kaup.
Tachytriorchis Kaup, Class. Saiig. u. Vogel, p. 123, 1844. Type
T. albicaudatus (Vieill.).
This genus differs from the preceding only in its oval nostrils
and the absence of a tubercular process.

147. Tachytriorchis albicaudatus.
WHITE-TAILED BUZZARD.

Buteo albicaudatus Vieill. N. Dict. d Hist. Nat. iv. p. 477, 1816 (British
Guiana).

Buteo pterocles Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 11. p. 739, 1848.

Tachytriorchis albicaudatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. 1. p. 162, 1874
(Demerara); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 66, no. 610, 1912.

Buteo albicaudatus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74 (Roraima) ; Quelch, Timehri
(2) vi. p. 160, 1892.

“ Snake-Hawk,” “ Big-chicken Hawk” (Quelch).

Adult male. Head, sides of face, throat, hind-neck, and upper
back greyish brown, the base of the feathers on the nape and hind-
neck white ; small coverts on the edge of the wing white followed
by rufous, outer scapulars also rufous; wings blackish with
obsolete grey bars on the quills and white bars and mottlings on
the inner webs towards the base; rump, upper tail-coverts, and
tail white with a few dark bars, a subterminal black band and
grey tips to the feathers of the last; under surface narrowly
banded with grey on the sides of the body, axillaries, and under
wing-coverts.

Total length 460 mm., culmen 31, wing 400, tail 164, tarsus 91,
middle toe and claw 46.

We do not know from what part of the Colony the male described
was collected.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but larger. Wing
440 mm.

Immature birds of this species are almost black varied by white
or rufous and the tail mottled with grey.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unreeorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Roraima ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Chile and
Argentina.

232 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Halits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 739),
this bird frequents the oasis on the Savannas in large numbers, and
its habits are the same as those of the other birds of prey.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 160) writes :—‘ This bird
is common all over the country, but especially so about the low
bush near the savannah streams, such as on the Abary districts,
where it is often seen floating in the air, over the flooded or
swampy parts especially. Like the Harrier, it goes by the common
name of ‘ Snake-Hawk,’ though ‘ Big-chicken Hawk’
just as commonly used.”

is also

148. Tachytriorchis abbreviatus.
ZONE-TAILED BuzzarD.
Buteo abbreviatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 739, 1848
(Upper Pomeroon River); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 72.
Tachytriorchis abbreviatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 163, 1874;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 66, no. 612, 1912.

The following is a translation of Cabanis’ description :—General
appearance = B. pterocles. General coloration blackish, tail
somewhat paler with black transverse bars. The feathers of the
nape, as well as the greater part of the small feathers on the body,
white at the base and white spots near the edge, which is black ;
these black ends cover the white when the bird sits quiet and can
only be seen when the feathers are raised a little. Inner webs of
flight-feathers (with the exception of the anterior 3) and inner
webs of the tail-feathers dirty white with black bar lines. Bill
and claws black. Cere and feet yellow. The Berlin Museum has
one specimen of the above species from Mexico. A close com-
parison of this bird with the Buteo harlant Audub., at present
unknown to me, will show an affinity to each other. Total length
17°9-18°8 inches (English), bill 1:2, wing 14°3, tail 7°75,
tarsus 2°33.

The bird which Cabanis described is not available at the present
time, but it appears, from his description, to be the same as Buteo
albonotatus Gray, ‘There is no bird of this kind in the McConnell -
collection, neither ean we find any from British Guiana in the
collection at the British Museum.

The two examples collected by Whitely, one from Mount Roraima
and the other from the Merumé Mountains, recorded by Salvin in
the ‘ Ibis,’ 1886, p. 72, belong to B. wnicolor d’Orb.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

TACHYTRIORCHIS.—BUTEO. 233

Nest. “It is supposed to build its nest of twigs on very tall
trees ” (Schomburgh).

Fgas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Pomeroon River (Schombury*).

Habits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 739) that he
only once met with this beautiful bird of prey, and that was in the
dense virgin forest near the Upper Pomeroon River, from which
he gathered that to be its favourite haunts. It is supposed to build
its nest of twigs on very tall trees.

Genus BUTEO Lacep.
Buteo Lacepéde, Tableau Oiseaux, 1799, p. iv. Type B. buteo (Linn.).

In this genus the ricge of the bill exceeds half the length of
the middle toe, the tail is more than twice the length of the
tarsus, the wings, when closed, do not reach to the tip of the tail,
the nostrils are long ovals with no tubercle, and the tarsus is bare.

Key to the Species.

A. Tail grey banded with brown, the bands
and interspaces about equal in width .... B. wnicolor, p. 238.
B. Tail white with grey narrow crescentic
bars and a broad black subterminal band. B. hypospodius, p. 235.

149. Buteo unicolor.
Biack Buzzarp.

Buteo unicolor VOrbigny, Syn. Av. p. 7, Mag. de Zool. 1837 (“ Hab.
provincia Ayupayacensi, rep. Boliviana”’); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 72
(Roraima, 3500 ft., Merumé Mts.).

Buteo erythronotus (nec King), Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 172,
1874.

Adult male. General colour above and below black or dark
brown with white bases to the feathers and a shade of hoary grey on
the outer webs of the primary and secondary quills, some of which
have indications of bars which are more pronounced on the inner
webs, the third and fourth primary-quills incised on the outer web,
and the first, second, and third incised on the inner web; the long
upper tail-coverts have pale edges at the tips; tail hoary grey barred
with brown, the bars being about nine in number, including the
subterminal band, which is wider than the rest on the middle
feathers, the outer feathers somewhat darker than the middle ones,
with an inclination to white mottled bars on the inner webs ; the
feathers on cach side at the base of the forehead white; the space

234 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

round the eye is covered with short downy feathers, and the region
between the eye and the nostrils with black hair-like bristles ;
underlining of tail and quills for the most part silvery grey.

Total length 450 mm., culmen (including the cere) 32, wing 400,
tail 190, tarsus 86, middle toe and claw 48.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the bird described was collected by H. Whitely at Mount Roraima
on June 25th, 1883, and is now in the British Museum—Salvin-
Godman collection.

The following is a copy of the original description.—“ B. uni-
color Nob.—Buteo, toto corpore nigrante; basi plumarum albida ;
basi rostri et occipite albescentibus ; remigibus rectricibusque
plumbeis transversaliter lineis distinetis; tarsis squamellatis. Lat.
47 cent.—Hab. provincia Ayupayacensi (rep. Boliviana).”

Buteo unicolor was placed as a synonym of E£. erythronotus by
Dr. Sharpe in the ‘ Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum,’
and nobody appears to have suspected it to be a distinct species
until the late Henry Whitely collected the two specimens
mentioned here, one of which was sent to the Paris Museum for
compurison with the type of d’Orbigny’s description, by Salvin.
Cf. Ibis, 1886, p. 72, from which the following extract has been
copied ;—

“Mr. Whitely obtained two specimens of this Buzzard, one of
which I sent to Mons. E. Oustalet, requesting him to be kind
enough to compare it with the type of Buteo unicolor d’Orbigny
from Bolivia. His reply is as follows :—

“CHER Monsigzur SaLvin,—Suivant le désir que vous avez
exprimé, j’ai comparé l’oiseau que vous m’avez envoyé par l’inter-
médiaire de M. Stolzmann avec le type du Buteo unicolor de
d Orbigny, et j’ai reconnu que les deux spécimens appartenaient trés
probablement a la méme espéce. Cependcant les dimensions des
ailes ne sont pas absolument concordunts, et le plumage, tout en
offrant le méme dessin, n’est pas enticrement identique sous le
rapport des nuances. Ainsi dans le type de Buteo unicolor Vaile
mesure 37 centimetres, et le doigt médian 3 centimetres (sans
longle), tandis que dans le Buteo de votre collection l’aile mesure
41 centimétres et le doigt médian prés de 4 centimetres. Le
type de Buteo unicolor est d’un brun tuligineux, avec quelques
marques blanches (formées sur Ja base des plumes) sur la nuque,
Jes ailes brunes avec des raies transversales peu distinctes sur

BUTEO. 235

les pennes secondaires, Ja queue d’un brun grisatre avec de
nombreuses stries transversales brunes, assez apparentes.

“ *T/oiseau est done moins foncé en couleur, d’un brun beaucoup
moins noir que Je specimen de votre collection, et il a les ailes et
les doigts un peu plus courts; mais ses tarses ont la méme longueur,
son bec la méme forme, ses rémiges les mémes proportions
(la 3™° étant la plus longue); sa queue et ses ailes présentent le
méme dessin sur la face supérieure; son front est marqué au
dessus des lorums de la méme petite tache blanche, ete.

*“ <Ces légeres différences seraient faciles a expliquer si votre
spécimen était une 2, mais c’est un dg, et c’est dés lors un peu
étonnant qu’l soit légerement plus grand que le type de Buteo
unicolor, dont le sexe n’est d’ailleurs pas indiqué. Ce type a été
rapporté de Bolivie en 1834 par d’Orbigny, et c’est le seul individu
de cette espece que nous possédions, de sorte que je ne puis savoir
si les variations dans les longueurs des doigts et des ailes sont
fréquentes chez cet oiseau. Pour moi ces variations sont peu
importantes.

*** Telles sont les quelques remarques que je puis vous transmettre
a cet égard, en yous priant de recevoir Ja nouvelle assurance de
mes meilleures sentiments.—EH. OusTaer.’ ”

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, 3500 feet, Merumé
Mountains ( Whitely).

Eevtralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

150. Buteo hypospodius.
G REY-BELLIED BuzzaRvD.

Buteo hypospodius Gurney, Ibis, 1876, p. 73, pl. iii., lower tigure
(Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer.
i. p. 67, no. 617, 1912.

Adult female. Head, back, scapulars, and wings slaty black,
with a grey tinge on the mantle ; the feathers on tle nape and
back have white bases ; primary and secondary quills barred or
mottled with hcary grey, tips of primaries uniform blackish ;
upper tail-coverts and tail white with narrow crescentic bars of
grey, and a black subternal band, the lateral feathers more or

236 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

less grey on the outer webs; space in front of the eye sparsely
covered with black hair-like feathers ; sides of face, throat,
abdomen, thighs, axillaries, and under wing-coverts blackish ; under
tail-coverts white irregularly marked with brown.

Total length 480 mm., culmen (including the cere) 36, wing 445,
tail 163, tarsus 89.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from an example in the British Museum
collected at Quonga, by H. Whitely, October 24th, 1887—Salvin-
Godman collection.

Although the bird, mentioned above, was collected by Whitely
many years ago, it had escaped the notice of any previous
ornithologist. This will, therefore, be the first record of this
species in British Guiana.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Quonga ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus BUTEOLA Bonap.
Buteola Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xh. p. 651, 1855. Type
B. brachyura (Vieill.).
In this genus the tail is more than twice the length of the
tarsus, the wings, when closed, do not reach the tip of the tail, and
the nostrils are round with distinct central tubercle.

151. Buteola brachyura.
SHORT-TAILED BuzzArpD.

Buteo brachyurus Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. iv. p. 477, 1816 (Cayenne).

Buteola brachyura Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 201, 1874; Quelch,
Timehri (2) vi. p. 159, 1892 (British Guiana) ; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. §. Amer. i. p. 67, no. 621, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above dark brown or blackish;
forehead and bases of the feathers on the head white ; inner webs
of primary and secondary quills smoky-brown and notched with
white ; upper tail-coverts barred with white at the base ; tail-
feathers banded with grey or smoky-brown ; space in front and

BUTEOLA.—ASTURINA. 237

round the eye covered with short hair-like shafts ; sides of face
and sides of neck brown; throat and entire under surface,
including the axillaries and under wing-coverts, white. ‘“ Bill
blue-black ; feet light orange ; iris brown.”

Total length 355 mm., culmen (including the cere) 27, wing 285,
tail 136, tarsus 57, middle toe and claw 48.

Adult female. Similar in the colour of the plumage to the adult
male, but larger. Wing 310 mm.

This species, which was recorded in British Guiana by Mr.
J. J. Quelch, is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from individuals in the British Museum.
The male bird was collected at Para by E. L. Layard, on the
27th of December, 1872, and the female at Tilotilo, Province
Yungas, Bolivia, by C. Buckley—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Unknown.

Extralimital Range. South America to South Brazil, Central
America, and Florida.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 159 & 160)
remarks on this species as follows :—‘‘ The small, White-fronted
Buzzard, Buteola brachyura. This is the first record of this
species from the Colony. It does not seem to oceur commonly on
the coast, being apparently distributed along the bushy margins
of the rivers and creeks in the interior.”

Genus ASTURINA Vieill.
Asturina Vieillot, Anal. nouv, Orn. p. 24, 1816. Type A. eznerea Vieill.
In this genus the wings do not reach to the end of the tail, the
latter being more than twice the length of the tarsus, and the

nostrils oval with indistinct and concealed tubercle at base of
upper margin.

152. Asturina nitida.
SHINING Buzzarp-HAwKkK.

Falco nitidus Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 41, 1790 (Cayenne).
Asturina nitida Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 737, 1848 ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 208, 1874 (Demerara); Salvin, Ibis, 1586,

238 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

p- 72; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 153, 1592; Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 67, no. 623, 1912.

“Goshawk ” or “ Grey-barred Buzzard”? (Quelch).

Adult male. Back and wings slate-grey with paler bars and
edges to the feathers, the quills notched or mottled with white on
the inner webs; upper tail-coverts and tail blackish, the former
fringed with white and the latter tipped, banded, and spotted with
white ; top of head and sides of face paler than the back, and
the shaft-lines more pronounced ; throat almost entirely white ;
remainder of the under surface barred with grey and white,
somewhat darker on the abdomen and much paler on the under
wing-coverts ; under tail-coverts white.

Total length 385 mm., culmen 28, wing 248, tail 160, tarsus 66,
middle toe and claw 54.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but rather larger.
Wing 261 mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at Annaion June 10th, 1890
—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Built of twigs in one of the Erythrinen trees (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Mazaruni
River, Abary River (AfeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Colombia.

Habits. Regarding this species Schomburgk writes (Reis.
Guian. ili. p. 737) that the habits are the same as these of the two
preceding species * found on the coast. This species prefers the
inner branches of the Erythrinen-tree in the coffee-plantation,
where it sits watching for its prey, which consists of insects,
reptiles, and small birds. He once found its nest on one of
these trees ; it was built of twigs and contained two young ones.
The “ Macusis ” and “ Arekunas ” call it Wonira.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 153) remarks on this
species as follows :—‘* The second species of the group, the so-
called Goshawk or Grey-barred Buzzard (Asturina nitida), is also
a common bird, more especially close to the town and about the

* Geranospizias cerulescens and Rupornis magnirostris.

ASTURINA.—RUPORNIS. 239

estates and low lands of the various tidal creeks. These birds
have much of the habits of the foregoing species (Asturina
magnirostris), but they are much larger, being from 16-18 inches
in length, much less numerous, and thus correspondingly less
destructive. They are often to be observed hovering in the neigh-
bourhood of the poultry-yards in the country districts, though
generally high up in the air, and out of range.”

Genus RUPORNIS Kaup.

Rupornis Kaup, Classif. Saug. u. Vogel, p. 120, i844. Type R. magni-
rostris (Gmel.).
This genus is distinguished by its smaller-sized birds with small
feet and the wings, when closed, reaching nearly to the tip of
the tail, and, moreover, by the earth-brown and rufous coloration.

153. Rupornis magnirostris.
LARGE-BILLED Hawk.

Falco magnirostris Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 282, 1788 (Cayenne).

Rupornis magnirostris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 737, 1848 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 68, no. 625, 1912.

Asturina magnirostris Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 207, 1874
(Demerara) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 72 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Atapurau River); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Maccasseema,
Pomeroon River): Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 67, 1891 (nesting-
habits); Quelch, t. c. p. 105 (Georgetown); id. Timehri (2) vi.
p- 120, 1892 (food) ; id. t.c. p. 151 (habits).

“ Grey Chicken-Hawk” or “ Great-billed Buzzard” (Quelch).

Adult. Head, hind-neck, sides of face, and throat slate-grey ;
paler and more ash-grey on the breast, upper wing-coverts,
secapulars, and back; primary-coverts and quills bright chestnut,
barred and edged with dark brown and white on the inner webs ;
upper tail-coverts dark brown barred and edged with white ; tail
black, banded and tipped with grey or smoky-brown; lower breast,
sides of body, abdomen, and thighs white barred with chestnut-
brown ; under tail-coverts white with a few dark spots and shaft-
lines; axillaries and under wing-coyerts white, narrowly barred
with pale brown.

Total length 840 mm., culmen 28, wing 224, tail 143, tarsus 63,
middle toe and claw 40,

The specimen from which the description is taken was collected
on the Bonasika River.

240 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The male and female appear to be similar.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Composed of twigs and built on some of the smaller
trees” (Schomburgk) ; “built of sticks in the highest branches
of the courida trees” (Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “Two in number, white, and spotted with red-brown”
(Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River,
Berbice River, Cako River, Arwye Creek, Great Falls, Demerara
River (McConnell collection); Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains,
Kamarang River (Whitely) ; Maccasseema, Pomeroon River
(W. L. Sclater).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 737) that this
bird is very common near the coast, where it mostly frequents the
more open virgin forests. In the coffee-plantations, it is very
often found on the Erythrinen-trees watching for its prey. This
species, like G. gracilis, is, as a rule, found on the branches
amongst the foliage. Its nest 1s composed of twigs and built on
some of the smaller trees. The ‘ Warraus” call it Ohtocamu-and
the ‘‘ Macusis ” Ajaking.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 105) :—‘* The name Chicken-Hawk is
applied indiscriminately to several of the smaller brown or slaty-
coloured hawks, which, during early or adult life, are marked on
the under surface with dark bars or blotches. One of the commonest,
generally to be obtained among the courida branches or mangrove
stumps by the mud-flats, is the Great-billed Buzzard (Asturina
magnirostris).”

Mr. Lloyd Price writes (Timehri (2) v. p. 67) :—“A third
and much smaller species, of a grey colour (Asturina magni-
rostris?), also frequents the courida trees and builds in the highest
branches. The nest is very small for the size of the bird, and, like
that of all hawks, built of sticks. The two eggs are white,
spotted with red-brown.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 120) writes :—*‘ Asturina
magnirostris, the food of which, almost entirely, consists of seeds,
fruit, and young leaves.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 150, 151, 152), writing on

RUPORNIS. 241

“Our Birds of Prey,” remarks :—“‘ The remaining Buzzards
include some of the commonest hawks in the Colony ; and along
the lower tidal parts of the creeks and rivers, they are the birds
most frequently seen, either perching on the trees—on the highest
branches or the lowest stumps—along the sides, or flying overhead,
or seeking food, walking with slow gait on the mud-flats. They
include the well-known ‘Grey hawks,’ ‘Red hawks,’ ‘ Brown
hawks,’ and ‘ Black hawks’—nearly all being denoted by the
term ‘ Chicien-Hawk’ as well.

“The commonest of these is the ‘Grey Chicken-Hawk’ or
‘Great-billed Buzzard’ (Asturina magnirostris), which has already
been mentioned as being the commonest hawk and of the widest
distribution in the colony.

** An account has been already given of the omnivorous nature
of these birds, which seem to eat almost everything that comes in
their way. They prey upon the bats, and especially the little
long-nosed river-bats (hynchonycteris naso), which they pick off
the bark of the trees along the creeks and rivers; and while they
must be of great use in destroying fruit-eating bats, which they
secure in the late evening before settling down for the night, and
other fruit- and grain-destroying mammals, such as the sinall
opossums, and mice and other small rodents, they are pests at the
same time to the poultry-yards, where they often pounce upon and
carry off the chickens. They must thus be extremely destructive
io the young of all birds, the more especially as they do not
hesitate. to seize and tear to pieces for food the more slugyish
species, such as the ‘Old Witches’ or Ani Cuckoos ( Crotophayga
ani), which, from their slow and awkward flight, are more
frequently caught than other forms.

“As in the case of the Harriers, these birds will not in-
frequently be found holding some living bird in their talons and
tearing it to pieces, while the air resounds with the despairing ery
of the victim. Not much more than a year ago, while collecting
on the Abary Creek, our company was suddenly startled, nearly at
sundown, by the most unearthly sounds it had been my lot till
then to hear, and which were at once, by the more superstitious of
the black crew, put down to something out of the ordinary course
of human experience, Shortly after, a sudden bend of the creek
brought us in sight of one of these hawks, perched on a high branch,
and holding in its talons and voraciously tearing, one of the large

K

242 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

‘Old Witches’ (Crotophaga major), which meantime was filling
the air with its piercing death shrieks. Wounded birds are some-
times thus seized and carried off, even though the sportsman may
be standing within a few yards of the place where the bird has
fallen or is struggling. A few months ago, it was my experience
to witness the carrying-off by one of these birds, of a Yellow-
backed Hang-nest (Cassicus persicus) which had been shot, and
had been caught in the creepers about a by no means high tree,
into which it fell, while it struggled in its death throes. The
hawk, sitting unseen in some trees close by, had evidently ob-
served the fall of the bird, and hearing its cries and struggles,
had seized the opportunity of an easy meal. It darted suddenly
into the creeper and, ere a gun could cover it, had flown away
with the dying bird.

“In all parts of the Colony, they are to be met with. On the
outskirts of the town, or in the country districts; in the low bush,
or dense tall forests of the interior ; in the open savannuhs, or on
the high lands ; along the open, sheltered or secluded creeks and
rivers, or on the exposed mud-flats and swamps, they are almost
always to be seen, either perching on some stump or branch,
walking on the ground, or flying overhead, while seeking for
mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, crustaceans, or worms, or
even fruits and seeds, which seem to be equally acceptable. Their
cry is a very characteristic one, frequently repeated as they perch,
motionless, on the top of the high dead branches of some great
forest tree, where doubtless they build their nests.

“This is the only hawk, which, to my knowledge, having
mistaken the stuffed skins of birds put out in the sun to dry, for
real bodies, has ever been bold or venturesome enough to dart at
them and attempt to carry them off, even in the presence of
persons standing not more than a few yards from the spot.”

Genus BUSARELLUS Lafr.

Busarellus Uafresnaye, Dict. d’Hist. Nat. (d’Orb.) i. p. 785, 1842.
Type B. nigricollis (Lath.).

This monotypie genus is distinguished by having the soles of
the feet covered with rugose and thorny spicules.

BUSARELLUS. 243

154. Busarellus nigricollis.
BLACK-COLLARED HAWKE.

Falco nigricollis Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 85, 1790 (Cayenne).

Ichthyoborus busarellus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 7389, 1848.

Busarellus nigricollis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 211, 1874
(Demerara); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74; Quelech, Timehri (2) v.
p- 104, 1891 (Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. vi. pp. 120, 154, 1892
(habits) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness. p. 354, 1910 (Abary
River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 68, no, 629, 1912.

“ Black-necked” or ‘‘ White-headed Buzzard” or ‘‘Crab-Hawk,”
“ Wish-Hawk ” (Quelch) ; ‘* Cream-headed Hawk” (Beebe).

Adult male. General colour of the plumage both above and below
rufous, many of the feathers on the upper surface lined or barred
with black ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black, outer
secondary-quills barred with rufous on the inner webs towards the
base, increasing in extent towards the innermost, which are rufous
barred with black ; the tail, which is barred with black, hasa broad
subterminal band of the same colour; top of head, sides of face,
and chin butfy-white with black shaft-lines on the crown and
nape, where the feathers are pale rufous ; a patch of black feathers
on the throat.

Total length 455 mm., culmen (including the cere) 37, wing 386,
tail 177, tarsus 80, middle toe and claw 79.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in July
1906.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Made of twigs and built on a moderately tall tree
(Schomburgk).

déggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Abary River (MeConnell collection) ;
Rupununi River (Schomburgk) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Paraguay.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii p. 739) this
bird was very common on the borders of the Savanna rivers. Its
favourite place was a moderately tall tree where it looked out for
its prey, which consisted of insects, ampularia, and fish. It also
occurred at the edges of the bogs. Schomburgk found its nest,
which was composed of twigs and built in a moderately tall tree,
near the Rupununi River. The nest contained two young which

were just hatched.
KR 2

244 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
writes (Timehri (2) v. p. 104) :—‘“ This species is conspicuous
around the outskirts, and even at times in the city itself, or is
seen flying overhead. It frequents the mud-flats chiefly in search
of crabs, fish, ete., and is commonly known as Crab-Hawk and Fish-
Hawk. It is also called the Black-necked Buzzard (Busarellus
nigricollis).” Also (Timehri (2) vi. p.154):—* The Black-necked or
White-headed Buzzard or Crab-Hawk. The toes of this bird, on
their under surfaces, are covered with closely-packed hard spicules
(the mark of the genus) giving a very characteristic appearance
to the feet, which, doubtless owing to this structure, are generally
coated with mud from the mud-flats, whither these birds resort in
search of crabs, shells, shrimps, fish, ete.—on which they chiefly
delight to feed—and where they will frequently be met with,
either on the stumps or tall trees, or on the mud-flat itself.”

Mr. Beebe observes (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 354) :—
“ Hawks were abundant, and one of the most numerous was the
Cream-headed Hawk, which soared low over the savanna or
perched on the shrubs along the bank. Small birds showed no
fear of it, often alighting on the same tree.”

Genus BUTEOGALLUS Less.
Buteogallus Lesson, Traité d’Orn. p. 83, 1830. Type B. eguinoctialis
(Gmel.).
In this monotypic genus the wings, when folded, nearly reach
to the tip of the tail ; soles of the feet smooth and without thorny
spicules.

155. Buteogallus equinoctialis.
EQurnocriaAL Buzzarp.

Falco equinoctialis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 265, 1788 (Cayenne).

Hypomorphinus buson Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 740, 1848.

Buteogallus equinoctialis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 212, 1874
(Demerara) ; Salvm, Ibis, 1886, p. 74; Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v.
p- 67, 1891 (nesting-habits) ; Quelch, tom. cit. p. 104 (Georgetown);
id. op. cit. vi. p. 155, 1892 (habits); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 68, no. 630, 1912.

“(Crab-Hawk,” ‘ Fish-Hawk,” ‘“ Black-headed Buzzard ”
(Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above dark brown with rufous
edgings to many of the feathers on the back, scapulars, and wings;

BUTEUOGALLUS. 245

the two outer primary-quills almost entirely black, the third has a
patch of rufous—this colour increases in extent towards the inner
ones, which are mottled at the base and broadly tipped with black;
tail black edged with white at the tip, with an incomplete band of
smoky-white, and rufous mottlings towards the base; head and
neck all round black; remainder of the under surface rufous
barred with brown,

Total length 406 mm., culmen (including the cere) 36, wing 316,
tail 150, tarsus 80, middle toe and claw 56.

The male described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 326 mm.

Immature. Brown above with buff edges to the feathers and buff
bars and mottlings on the wings, quills, and tail-feathers ; crown
of head black; forehead, eyebrow, sides of face, and throat white
or buffy-white with dark shaft-streaks to the feathers; remainder
of the under surface fulvous with dark lanceolate markings to the
feathers.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Builds its nest in the forked branches of the courida trees.
The nest is a heap of dry sticks, a few green leaves on which
the solitary egg is laid are placed at the bottom ” (Lloyd Price).

Egg. “ Dirty white colour, blotched with red-brown” (Lloyd
Price).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River
(Me Connell collection) ; Coast-woods and Savannas (Schomburgk) ;
Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Paraguay.

Hatits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740)
this is one of the most common birds of prey in British Guiana,
and is found in the coast-woods as well as on the Savannas. It
is one of the first to make an appearance at a Savanna fire,
to prey on the smaller creatures escaping from the fire. Its
nidification was not known to Schomburgk.

Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2) v. p. 67) remarks :—‘* One species
of a reddish-brown colour (Buteogallus wquinoctialis?) builds its
nest in the forked branches of the courida trees. The nest is a
heap of dry sticks, a few green leaves on which the solitary egg
is laid are placed at the bottom. These hawks are very partial
to crabs, and may frequently be observed catching them on the
mud-flats This may account for the state of the egg when found,
which is always covered with a thick coating of mud, probably

246 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

caused by the dirty feet of the bird turning it in the nest. The
egg, after it is washed, is of a dirty white colour, blotched with
red-brown.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 104) :—This species is conspicuous,
and is occasionally to be met with around the outskirts, and
even at times in the city itself, or is seen flying overhead; it is
about 20 inches in length, and frequents the mud-flats chiefly in
search of crabs, fish, ete., and is commonly known as the Crab-
Hawk and Fish-Hawk. It is also called the Black-headed
Buzzard (Buteogalius wquinoctialis). He also writes (Timehri
(2) vi. p. 155) :—The Black-headed Buzzard (Buteogallus wqui-
noctialis), which is much about the same size, and has much
about the same habits, occurrence, and distribution as the
preceding (Busarellus nigricolis).

Genus URUBITINGA Lafr.
Urubitinga Wafresnaye, Dict. d’Hist. Nat. (d’Orb.) ii. p. 786, 1842.
Type U. urubitinga (Gmel.).

The members of this genus are large birds with long legs and
stout feet. The thigh exceeds the length of the tarsus, and the
wings when closed reach to about the middle of the tail. The
coloration is almost entirely black.

Key to the Species.

A. Basal portion of tail and upper tail-coverts
for the most part white ..................06

B. Upper tail-coverts and basal portion of tail
for the greater part black ................... U. anthracina, p. 248.

U. urubitinga, p. 246.

156. Urubitinga urubitinga.
BRAZILIAN EAGLe.

Falco urubitinga Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 265, 1788 (Brazil).

Hypomorphnus urubitinga Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740, 1848.

Urubitinga zonura Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 213, 1874 (Demerara) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74; Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 67, 1891
(nesting-habits) ; Quelch, op. cit. vi. p. 156, 1892 (habits).

Urubitinga urubitinga Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 164,
1910 (Hoorie Creek); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 68,
no. 631, 1912.

“Black Hawk,” “ Black Chicken-Hawk” (Quelch) ; “Black and
White Hawk” (Lloyd Price).

URUBITINGA. 947

Adult male. Black above and below ; upper tail-coverts white ;
tail-feathers broadly banded and tipped with white; a few pale
specklings on the thighs; primary and secondary quills banded
with grey.

Total length 575 mm., culmen (including the cere) 39, wing 415,
tail 220, tarsus 118, middle toe and claw 59.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen collected
at Cako.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but larger. Wing
440 mm.

Immature birds show a good deal of white or buff on the
feathers of the underparts, and ferruginous marks on the upper
parts.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “This species builds in high trees” (Lloyd Price}. “The
nest was built in unscaleable trees on the Lower Waini River”
(Schomburgk).

Fags. “ Lays one egg” (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Abary River,
Anarica River, Cako River, Great Falls, Demerara River
(McConnell collection) ; Waini River (Schomburok) ; Coast aréa
(Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Eastern Peru, Paraguay, Ar-
gentina, Chile. ;

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740) that this
large bird of prey inhabits the woods. He found it rather
common in the boggy woods near the mouth of the River Waini.
Its favourite resting place was the lower branches of the trees on
the borders of that river. It is often seen on the ground when
hunting for its prey, which consists of amphibia, insects, birds,
and small mammals. It is said that it also preys on small
monkeys. Its nest was built in unseaieable trees on the Lower
Waini River. The “Macusis” call it Woewipany, and the
“Warraus” Ohto.

Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2), v. p. 67) observes :—* The large
Black and White Hawk (Uvrubitinga zonura?) may sometimes be
noticed ; this species builds in high trees, and lays one egg.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2), vi. p. 156) remarks :-—* The
‘Black Hawk’ or ‘ Black Chicken-Hawk’ ( Urubitinga ZONUTA). 6.
This large hawk is one of the commonest in the Colony, being
distributed all over the coast area. I have never met with it in

248 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

the interior, nor in the forest or hilly districts; but along the
estuarine parts of the great rivers, and the tidal portions of the
main creeks, it is to be met everywhere, especially about the cul-
tivated districts near the town, and even in the neighbourhood of
the town itself, It is much dreaded in the poultry-yards, from
which it not infrequently carries off young birds of all kinds, and
being a powerful bird on the wing, it is equally able to successfully
attack poultry of larger size. Its food is of a very miscellaneous
character, consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, and
insects, though reptiles seem to afford its main portion. When
seen on the wing, sailing as it were in the air, with only occasional
flaps of the wings, it is not unlike the Aura Vulture, except that
the white base of the tail is very conspicuous and distinctive, and
serves at once to distinguish the species from all others. The
passage of this bird over or near to the poultry-yard will always
be noticeable owing to the peculiar clucking noise set up by the
fowls, which seem to recognize instinctively an hereditary foe.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search, for a Wilderness, p. 164) writes :—
“About noon a third migrational flocking of birds was noticed ;
seventy-two large South American Black Hawks circling slowly
around, setting their wings after a while and sailing off to the
west as one bird.”

157. Urubitinga anthracina.

Mexican Buack Hawk.

Falco anthracinus Nitzsch, Syst. Pteryl. p. 88, 1840 (Mexico).

Hypomorphnus anthracinus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740,

Urubitinga anthracina Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 215, 1874;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 157, 1892;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 69, no. 633, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below slaty-black with
white bases to the feathers on the nape, which are more or less
marked with rufous ; the outer primaries mottled with white on
the inner web towards the base ; the inner primary and secondary
quills mottled with rufous and hoary grey; upper and under tail-
coverts edged with white at the tips; a narrow white band on the
base of the tail, and a broader one towards the tip, the tip also
edged with white; the feathers on the abdomen, thighs, and under
wing-coverts narrowly edged with rufous.

Total length 530 mm., culmen (including the cere) 31, wing 357
tail 199, tarsus 92.

>

URUBITINGA.—LEUCOPTERNIS. 249

The McConnell collection does not possess an example of this
species, and the description of the male is taken from a specimen in
the British Museum, collected by Mrs. D. W. Smith on the Island
of St. Vincent, February 12th, 1889—Salvin-Godman collection.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 370 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. ‘In tall trees” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Near the mouth of the Waini River
(Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Trinidad, Cuba, St. Vincent, and
Central America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 740)
this bird is distributed over the whole of British Guiana, and has
the same habits as those of the previous species, U. urubitenga.
He also found it numerous in the damp woods near the mouth of
the River Waini. If there is a Savanna fire this bird and the
preceding species are there immediately, preying on the reptiles
and quadrupeds that are escaping from the fire. Schomburgk
says that he often saw its nest on the tall trees.

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species (Timehri (2), vi.
pp- 157, 158):—* Another species of this genus, U. anthracina,
has been recorded by Prof. Cabanis from the Colony, and has,
apparently on this authority, since the bird has not been met with
by Whitely, been included by Salvin in his revised list. It has
been included in the foregoing list of the hawks of British Guiana
on the same authority, though the species does not occur in our
Museum collection, nor indeed has ever been met with, or heard
of, by me in any part of the Colony.”

Genus LEUCOPTERNIS Kaup.
Leucopternis Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 210. Type Z£. melanops (Lath.).

The members of this genus are much smaller than those of the
preceding, and for the most part white in colour, instead of nearly
all black. The wing has a different formula, the second primary
being intermediate in length between the sixth and seventh,

Note.—Leucopternis polionotus Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 212—-founded
on Buteo polionotus Gray, Cat. Accipitr. in Brit. Mus. p. 17, 1844
(descr, nulla), has priority over L. palliata (Pelzeln & Natterer),
1861 ; and must replace the latter name in Brabourne & Chubb’s
B.S, Amer. i. p. 69, no. 638, 1912.

250 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 250 mm., top of

head with dark narrow shaft-streaks ; upper

tail-coverts white ; tail white broadly banded

MONEE NCR nae by cece one ast Seb cna ees L. albicollis, p. 250.
B. Smaller, wing less than 250 mm.; top of

head broadly streaked with black; upper

tail-coverts black; tail black, narrowly

banded and slightly tipped with white ...... L. melanops, p. 251.

158. Leucopternis albicollis.
W AITE-COLLARED Hawk.

Falco albicollis Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 36, 1790 (Cayenne).

Asturina pecilonota Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 737, 1848.

Urubitinga albicollis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 216, 1874.

Leucopternis albicollis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 74 (Camacusa) ; W. L.
Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 319 (Seceeka, Ari-pia-caru, Pomeroon River) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 158, 1892 (habits); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 69, no. 636, 1912.

Adult. Head, back, and entire underparts white with dark
shaft-lines on the head anda few dark blotches on the mantle ;
wings black, many of the feathers barred and tipped with white ;
primary and secondary quills barred, chiefly on the inner webs,
and tipped with white, and also barred with grey; tail-feathers
white, broadly banded with black.

Total length 470 mm., culmen (including the cere) 34, wing 339,
tail 200, tarsus 75, middle toe and claw 61.

The bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

We are unable, for the want of more material with proper data,
to say what the difference between the male and female is.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River, Mazaruni
River (McConnell collection) ; Kamakusa (Whitely); Seceeka,
Ari-pia-caru, Pomeroon (W, L. Sclater) ; Ournnei ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Venezuela, Trinidad.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 737) that he
only once met with this species, and that was in the virgin forest
on the coast.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2), vi. p. 158) remarks :—‘ A very
beautiful species, Leucopternis albicollis, will be met with along the
rivers, especially in the more wooded and secluded districts. It

LEUCOPTERNIS.. ri

does not appear to occur on the cleared lands of ithe ecast, nor on
the low savannahs. Around the Indian cassava fields or deserted
settlements, it will at times be found perching in the undercover
or in the sheltered branches of the trees, jumping from branch to
branch in search of grasshoppers, locusts, cicadas, and reptiles ;
but I have never seen it on the exposed topmost bare branches,
so much frequented by the generality of hawks. It is, there-
fore, not easy to secure, for one generally comes upon it suddenly
and at close quarters, and almost before one is aware of it, the
bird has jumped into some little thicket of branches and is lost
from view.” |

159. Leucopternis melanops.
BLacK-FACED Hawk.

Falco melanops Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 37, 1790 (Cayenne).

Asturina melanops Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 111. p. 737, 1848.

Urubitinga melanops Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 220, 1874.

Leucopternis melanops Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 75 (River Atapuran) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 158, 1892 (Seba, Demerara); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 69, no. 641, 1912.

Adult. Head and mantle white with black shaft-streaks to the
feathers, which become pear-shaped on the mantle; lores, eye-
brow, and a spot behind the eye black; back and wings black
with white bases and white bars to the feathers, the primary and
secondary quills have obsolete brown bars; upper tail-coverts
and tail black, the latter banded and tipped with white ; entire
under surface white.

Total length 380 mm., culmen (including the cere) 31, wing 211,
tail 133, tarsus 67, middle toe and claw 41.

The description of the bird is taken from an example collected
on the Ituribisi River.

The male and female appear to be alike, but more material is
required before we can say definitely.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Bartica, Tiger Creek (McConnell collection) ; Kamarang
River (Whitely).

Cxtralimital Range. Northern Brazil.

Halits. This bird, according to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii.

p. 737), prefers the oasis on the Savannas, where it is common and

252 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

is mostly seen perching on the tops of the trees near the edge of the
oasis. It was often seen searching for amphibia. Schomburgk
did not find its nest.

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 158,
159) :—“* A very beautiful species, Leucopternis melano;'s, will
be met with along the rivers, especially in the more wooded and
secluded districts. It does not appear to occur on the cleared
lands of the coast, nor on the low savannahs. Around the Indian
cassava fields or deserted settlements, it will at times be found
perching in the undercover or in the sheltered branches of the
trees, jumping from branch to branch in search of grasshoppers,
locusts, cicadas, and reptiles; but I have never seen it on the
exposed topmost bare branches, so much frequented by the
generality of hawks. It is, therefore, not. easy to secure, for
one generally comes upon it suddenly and at close quarters,
and almost before one is aware of it, the bird has jumped into
some little thicket of branches and is lost from view.

“This species is much more commonly met with than the larger
Leucopternis albicollis, and will at times be seen flying about
cleared and open spaces in the forest, such as at Seba, along the
Demerara River.”

Mr. Quelch’s article under the genus Leucopternis (p. 158) is
applied to ZL. albicollis and L. melanops. We have, therefore,
copied the same remarks under each species.

Genus MORPHNUS Dumont.
Morphnus Dumont, Dict. Sci. Nat. 1. p. 88, 1816, Type I. guianensis
(Daud. ).
This monotypic genus is distinguished by the long tail and
nuchal crest. The distance between the summit of the nostril and
the ridge of the culmen is less than the length of the nostril itself.

160. Morphnus guianensis.
GUIANA ORESTED EAGLE.

Falco guianensis Daud. Traité. 11. p. 78, 1800 (Guiana).

Morphnus guianensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 738, 1848 ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 222, 1874 (British Guiana) ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 75 (Bartica Grove); Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 148,
1892; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137, 1910 (Hoorie
Creek) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 70, no. 646, 1912.

~ Adult. General colour above blackish, the feathers mottled with

white and brown, the mottlings on the flight-quills rather darker

MORPHNUS. 253

and broken up into irregular bands ; tail black, with four mottled
grey bands and tipped with a similar colour; head, face, and
throat pale brown with darker shaft-lines ; fore-neck and chest
blackish ; remainder of the under surface white, freckled with

Morphnus guianensis. % nat. size.

Fig. 52.—To show the scutellations on the tarsi and toes and the
large hind claw.
brown and barred with black ; the bands on the quills and tail
below much paler than above.

Total length 820 mm., culmen (including the cere) 45, wing 452,
tail 365, tarsus 105, middle toe and claw 71, hind claw without
toe 38.

The bird described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

254 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. It builds its large nest in unscaleable trees (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mazaruni River (McConnell col-
lection) ; Tuarutu and Canuku Mountains (Schomburgk) ; Bartica
(Whitely); Hoorie Creek (Beebe).

Eetralimital Range. Colombia, Eastern Peru, Paraguay.

Habits. Schomburg (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738) says that this
beautiful bird of prey is one of the largest species inhabiting British
Guiana. He found it fairly common near the Tuarutu and Canuku
Mountains. It was rarer near the coast. He often saw it in the
tall trees growing on the river-banks or soar over the woods in a
graceful manner. It builds its large nest in unscaleable trees.
It preys on the smaller species of monkeys. It raises its crest like
the Harpy.

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species as follows (Timehri
(2) vi. p. 148):—‘The so-called Crested Eagle (Morphnus
guianensis). This species seems to have much about the same
distribution in the Colony as the Harpy (Vhrasaétus harpyia),
being never met with actually in the coast distriets—but little
or nothing is known of its habits.”

Genus THRASAETUS Bonap.
Thrasaétos Bonaparte, P. Z. 8. 1887, p. 108. Type 7. harpyia (Linn.).

The chief distinctions in this monotypic genus are the large
size, occipital crest, and the distance between the summit of the
nostril and the ridge of the culmen being greater than the length
of the nostril itself.

161. Thrasaetus harpyia.
Harpy HAGE.

Vultur harpyja Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed... p. 86, 1758 (Mexico).
Thrasaétus harpyia Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 224, 1874 (British
Guiana); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 75; Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 327,
1890 (Berbice River) ; id. op. cit. vi. p. 147, 1892 (Demerara and
Essequebo Rivers); Lloyd, op. cit. (2) xi. p. 8, 1897 (habits) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 70, no. 648, 1912.
Morphnus harpyia Cab. in Schomb. Reis, Guian. ii. p. 735, 1848.
Harpyhaliaetus coronatus (nec Vieill.), Brown, Canoe and Camp Life,
p. 239, 1876 (Upper Essequebo).
Adult. General colour above black, the flight-feathers coarsely
mottled with brown and grey ; tail black with four mottled grey
bands, the tips of the feathers also slightly edged with grey ; top

THRASAETUS. 255

Ns) Hi] |
Uy
Lath

Thrasaétus harpyia.

Fig. 53.—To show the occipital crest.

256 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

of head, throat, and neck all round, dark ash-grey, the long crest-
feathers blackish; chest biack ; abdomen and under tail-coverts
white ; thighs narrowly barred with dark brown; lesser under
wing-coverts black, more or less intermixed with white ; under
surface of quills and tail-feathers broadly banded with pale grey.
“ Bill black ; feet yellow ; iris brown.”

Total length 990 mm., culmen (exeluding the cere) 51, wing 600,
tail 390, tarsus 124, middle toe and claw 114, hind claw without
toe 70.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected on
the Puruni River.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Returns each year to the same nest to bred (C.
A, Lloyd). Nests on the topmost branches of tall trees, the nest
being as large as that of the large Mycteria (Schomburgk).

Eggs. ? Two in number (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Mazaruni River, Puruni River
(Me Connell collection) : Berbice, Demerara, and Essequebo Rivers
(Quelch) ; Essequebo River (Schomburgk) ; Kanaku Mountain
Range (C. A. Lloyd).

Extralimital Range. South America to Paraguay and Central
America to Mexico.

Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738) that this is the
largest and finest bird of prey in British Guiana, but is rather rare
—he had only seen a few specimens. He says, however, that it is
fairly common in the vicinity of the sources of the River Essequebo,
as the natives in that district had many ornaments which they had
made with its feathers. He brought one alive to Europe and
deposited it in the Zoological Gardens in Berlin, but it did not live
long. This bird looks more grand in the pure white immature
plumage than when adult. According to the natives the Harpy
is the monkeys’ greatest enemy, and they begin to wail the moment
they catch sight of one. Schomburgk also mentions (vol. ii.
p- 365) that it preys on sloths, and is said to tear them to pieces
while they are clinging tightly to the branch of the tree on which
the Harpy had attacked them. It rests on the topmost branches
of tall trees, the nest being as large as that of the large Mycteria.
The ** Macusis”’ call it Guan.

Mr. J.J. Quelch states (Timehri (2) iv. p. 327) that he obtained
a specimen of the Harpy Eagle (Thrasaétus harpyia) on the Upper
Berbice River.

THRYSAETUS.—SPIZASTUR. psy

The following remarks are quoted from the same author (op. cit.
(2) vi. p. 148) :—“* The Harpy (Thrasaétus harpyia). This bird
is a true inhabitant of the forest, and ranges in this kind of
district all over the Colony. It has been shot on the Berbice,
Demerara, and Lower Essequebo Rivers, and it is more par-
ticularly met with in the elevated or hilly districts, where it will
occasionally be found perching on the top of some dead ‘ giant
of the forest,’ evidently the better to scour the surrounding
country for its victims. It preys on all the larger birds, such as
macaws, and on mammals, such as the deer and sloth—the latter
especially being subject to its voracity, since its only chance of
escape lies in its protective colouring.

“Jn stock-raising countries it is much feared, as, owing to
its great strength, it does not hesitate to attack and kill sheep,
pigs, and calves.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd remarks (Timehri (2) xi. p. 8) :—‘ The Silk
Cotton is the favourite tree of the Harpy, Thrasaétus harpyia ;
this bird returns yearly to the same nest to breed. I have never
seen the eggs of the Harpy, but the Indians relate that their nests
generally contain two young ones, and most probably this is the
number of eggs ina clutch. The Kanaku Mountain Range seems
to be their chief breeding-quarters on the Savannah.

“The Harpy preys largely on sloths and baboons, Mycetes
seniculus—especially on the former,—and the ground about the
nesting-tree is sometimes literally strewn with the bones and hair
of these animals.”

Mr. Barrington Brown states (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 239)
that :—‘* Whilst Ben was in pursuit of a flock of Trumpet-birds,
an Eagle-Hawk (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus) swooped down at him,
and, passing close to his head, lit ona bough before him, when, to
punish it for its audacity, he shot it.”

Genus SPIZASTUR Gray.
Spizastur Gray, List Genera Birds, 2nd ed. p. 3, 1841. Type
S. melanoleucus (Vieill.).

This genus belongs to the true Eagles, which have the outer toe
only connected to the middle toe by membrane, the tibia longer
than the tarsus, the latter feathered down to the toes, the distance
between the tips of the primaries and tips of the secondaries is more
than the length of the tarsus, the claws long and much curved.

258 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.
162. Spizastur melanoleucus.

BLAcCK-AND-WH1tTE Hawk-EAGLe.
Buteo melanoleucus Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. iv. p. 482, 1816
(Guiana).
Spizastur melanoleucus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 258, 1874;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 70, no. 650, 1912.

Adult female. Occipital patch, upper back, scapulars, wings, and
upper tail-coverts black, inclining to dark brown on the lower
back and inner secondaries ; inner web of primary and secondary
quills for the most part white, especially towards the base; the
secondary-quills banded with black and smoky-brown and edged
with whitish at the tips ; long upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers
grevish brown, the former darker towards the tip, the latter having
four blackish bands, the subterminal one broader than the others,
the inner webs more or less white towards the base ; space in front
and round the eye covered with blackish hair-like feathers; fore —
part of head, hind-neck, sides of neck, throat, and entire under
surface white; lower aspect of quills and tail-feathers silvery
grey banded with dark brown.

Total length 610 mm., culmen (including the cere) 36, wing 385,
tail 226, tarsus 70, middle toe and claw 75.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. but somewhat smaller
in size. Wing 384 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely on the Rupupuni River
on January 10th, 1890—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Rupununi River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to South-east
Brazil and Central America to Guatemala.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus SPIZAETUS Vieill.
Spizaétus Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 24, 1816. Type S. ornatus
(Daud.).

The members of this genus differ from that of the preceding
by having an occipital crest, and by the distance between the tips
of the primary and secondary quills being less chan the length of
the tarsus,

SPIZAETUS. ; 259

Key to the Species.

A. Throat, fore-neck, and middle of breast uniform

white; sides of face, sides of neck, and sides

of breast chestnut-brown ; under tail-coverts

white, irregularly barred with brown............ S. ornatus, p. 259.
B. Throat, fore-neck, and middle of breast streaked

with black and white ; sides of face and sides

of neck black; under tail-coverts black regu-

Early barred: witht Wte © os. s sec. cd ase snes openers S. tyrannus, p. 260.

163. Spizaetus ornatus.
Mavpvuit’s HAwK-EAGLE.

Falco ornatus Daud. Traité, ii. p. 77, 1800 (Cayenne).

Spizaétus mauduyti Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 262, 1874.

Spizaétus ornatus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 75 (Bartica Grove); Quelch,
Timehri (2) vi. p. 149, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i.
p. 70, no. 651, 1912.

“ White-breasted Crowned Eagle” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour of the upper surface black broadly
Landed with brown on the tail and flight-quills and narrowly edged
with white on the upper wing-coverts, back, and upper tail-coverts,
with a certain amount of white on the inner webs of the primary
and secondary quills : crown of head and occipital crest uniform
black; hind-neck, sides of face, and sides of breast chestnut-brown ;
a black line from the gape down the sides of the neck skirting the
white on the throat, fore-neck, and middle of breast ; remainder
of the under surface white, broadly barred with black on the
abdomen and axiilaries, narrower on the under wing-coverts and
thighs, and more sparingly on the under tail-coverts.

Total length 640 mm., culmen (including the cere) 39, wing 360,
tail 245, tarsus 87, middle toe and claw 70, hind claw without
toe 42.

Immature female. Almost uniform white below, with scarcely
any trace of chestnut-brown on the sides of the breast and hinder
cheeks ; head white tinged with chestnut-brown ; remainder of
the upper surface chiefly brown.

The descriptions of the male and female are taken from
examples collected on the Berbice River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eqgs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

S.
a)

260 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Berbice River (McConnell collection);
Bartica ( Whuitely).

Evtralimitul Range. South America to Paraguay and Central
America to Guatemala.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

164. Spizaetus tyrannus.
Tyrant HAwK-EAGLE.

Falco tyrannus Wied, Reis. Bras. i. p. 800, 1820 (Rio Belmonte).

Spizaétus tyrannus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 264, 1874 (Deme-
rara); Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 150, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. 1. p. 71, no. 653, 1912.

* Black-breasted Crowned Eagle” (Quelch).

Nearly adult. General colour above black, broadly banded with
brown on the primary and secondary quills and tail, the last
tipped with white and the bands waved with the same colour;
upper tail-coverts spotted and edged with white ; the flight-quills
notched with white on the inner webs ; crown of head and crest-
feathers white at the base with black tips ; sides of face and sides
of neck black ; throat and fore-neck white with broad black shaft-
lines which widen out on the chest, becoming smoky-brown and
white on the breast; axillaries, flanks, abdomen, and under tail-
coverts black barred with white ; under wing-coverts white barred
with black ; under surface of quills and tail dark brown banded
with silvery grey.

Total length 690 mm., culmen (including the cere) 38, wing 395,
tail 323, tarsus 90, middle toe and claw 62, hind claw without
tue 39.

The bird described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Rangein British Guiana, Mazaruni River (MeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. South America to South-east Brazil and
Central America to Guatemala.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 150) gives a description of
this species from Guiana, and calls it the Black-breasted Crowned
Eagle; he also remarks that it is not included in Salvin’s revised
list of the birds of British Guiana.

HERPETOTHERES. 261

Genus HERPETOTHERES Vieill.
Herpetotheres Vieillot, N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. xviii. p. 317, 1817. Type
HI, cachinnans (Linn.).
This monotypic genus is distinguished by having the tarsi
bare on the lower portion, the nostrils circular, and in haying the
tarsi reticulate on the frontal portion.

165. Herpetotheres cachinnans.

Laucuine Hawk.

Falco cachinnans Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 90, 1758 (Cayenne).

Herpetotheres cachinnans Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738,
1848 ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 278, 1874 (British Guiana) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 77; Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 105, 1891
(Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. vi. pp. 120, 132, 1892 (habits).

“Crested or Laughing Falcon,” “ Black-faced Chicken-Hawk ”’
(Quelch).

Adult female. Crown of head, collar round hind-neck, and entire
underparts creamy-white, with dark shaft-lines to the feathers,
more pronounced on the head and axillaries; lores, sides of face,
and a line above the eye black, the line extending on to the hind-
neck, where it forms a collar ; back, wings, and tail dark brown ;
the tail barred and tipped with white, or creamy-white, as are
also the primary and secondary quills. ‘ Bill black ; feet orange ;
iris hazel.”

Total length 410 mm., culmen 25, wing 278, tail 210, tarsus 60,
middle toe and claw 58.

The female described was collected on the Abary River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but rather smaller.
Wing 260 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Jest. ** Its nest is composed of twigs and built on moderately
tall trees” (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Essequebo
River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ; Savannas (Schom-
hurgk) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and
Central America to Mexico.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 738)
this bird was observed by him in the woods near the coast and in
the oasis on the Savannas. It makes itself conspicuous by its loud

962 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

call. It usually perches, as most other birds of prey do, by selecting
a dead branch near the top of a tree. Its favourite prey is
amphibia, but it is also fond of birds. The nest is composed of
twigs and built on moderately tall trees. Schomburgk says that
he never saw this bird in a soaring position.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. pp. 104, 105) :—“ The name Chicken-
Hawk is applied indiscriminately to several of the smaller brown
or slaty-coloured hawks. But perhaps the commonest of these
birds on the outskirts of the town is the Crested or Laughing
Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) .”’

Mr. Quelch also writes (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 120, 132) :—** The
Common Black-faced Chicken-Hawk or Laughing Faleon (Her-
petotheres cachinnans) feeds chiefly on snakes and lizards.....
(p. 132). This Hawk is commonly met with on the coast and on
the outskirts of the town, and, as its name indicates, is particularly
fond of reptiles for food : lizards and snakes, the latter especially,
being its main diet, though chickens from the poultry-yard have
not infrequently been known to be-carried off—hence its common
name of Chicken-Hawk. It will often be seen perching on the low
bush, tall palms and other trees, swamps and other places, though
just as frequently on short stumps and sticks close to the ground,
or on the ground itself. Very often it will be noticed hovering,
like a wind-hover, close to the ground, over the grassy and bushy
areas, in search of the small grass-snakes and lizards. The little
so-called horsewhip or three-lined grass-snake (Dromicus lineatus)
seems to be its most frequent victim. Its ery is loud, hoarse, and
shrill, and at times is very frequently repeated and can be heard
from a great distance.”

Genus ELANOIDES Vieill.

Elannides Vieillot, N. Dict. d'Hist. Nat. xxiv. p. 101, 1818. Type
Fi. forficatus (Linn.).

This monotypic genus is distinguished chiefly by the deeply-
forked tail, the outer feather being longest, and the long wings,
which extend beyond the tip of the tail.

166. Elanoides forficatus.

SWALLOW-TAILED Kurs.

Falco forficatus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed, i. p. 89, 1758 (Carolina).
Nauclerus furcatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian., iti. p. 735, 1848.

ELANOIDES. 263

Elanoides furcatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 317, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 76 (Bartica Grove); Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v.
p- 67, 1891 (nesting-habits); Quelch, op. cit. vi. p. 120, 1892
(food), p. 136 (habits).

Elanoides forficatus Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 154,
250, 1910 (Waini River, Aremu River); Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. 1. p. 71, no. 654, 1912.

“ Scissor-tailed Hawk ” or “ Kite” (Quelch) ; ‘‘ Blue and White
Scissor-tail Hawk” (Lloyd Price).

Adult female. Head, hind-neck, and entire under surface white,
as is also the lower back ; mantle and lesser upper wing-coverts
bronzy brown ; wings, long scapulars, and tail slaty black, all
the feathers of the dark portion have white bases. ‘“ Bill dark
horn-blue ; feet light milk-blue ; iris rich dark reddish brown.”

Total length 530 mm., culmen (including the cere) 28, wing 425,
tail 293, tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 40.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
on the Demerara River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 423 mm.

Nestling. Covered with short white down.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Is built in the high branches of the lofty mora-trees ”’
(Lloyd Price). ‘‘ Composed of twigs and built on inaccessible
trees” (Schomburgh).

Eggs. “ Two eggs of a glossy white” (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Demerara River (McConnell col-
lection) ; Bartica (Whitely) ; Waini River and Aremu River
(Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America to South-east Brazil and
Paraguay, and Central America to the United States.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 735) that this
beautiful Falcon is more often found in the woods on or near the
coast than in those of the interior. It is quite a common sight to
see a small flock of these birds sitting on the outermost branches
of a tall tree while others in graceful flight are circling round.
The pearly long-forked tail, by which one can always distinguish
the species at a distance, is in continuous movement during flight.
It is a very shy bird. The nest, like that of most other Hawks, is
composed of twigs and built on inaccessible trees. It is im-
possible, therefore, to see what the eggs, or newly-hatched young,
are like. Its food consists of small birds and amphibia.

Mr. Lloyd Price (Timehri (2) vy. p. 67) remarks ;—“ The

264 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

beautiful Blue-and-White Scissors-tail Hawk (Elanoides furcatus)
may also be occasionally seen hovering high up in the air. The
nest is built in the high branches of the lofty mora-trees, and the
two eggs are of a glossy white.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species as follows (Timehri
(2) vi. p. 136) :—** Another very common species is the Swallow-
tailed or Scissor-tailed Hawk or Kite (Elanoides furcatus).
These birds are more commonly met with in the forest-districts
generally, especially on the more elevated parts, than on the
coast. Along the main creeks and rivers, especially on the
great reefs and ridges, they are almost always to be seen, either
singly or in groups of as many as twelve or more, circling round
with most exquisitely graceful motion, swooping down suddenly,
and then again rising upwards in wide sweeps with arched wings
and tail. It isa well-known characteristic of these birds that, if
one of a flight be shot, the others will circle round and round the
place where it has fallen, uttering their plaintive but shrill
shrieks—at times almost swooping down upon the body as though
to remove it, when it is an easy matter to procure series of speci-
mens and possibly the whole flight. The species has a very wide
range, extending to the Central States of North America and to
the southern parts of Brazil; while accidental, and apparently
tempest-tossed, specimens have been met with in Europe.

“ The food of these birds, here, seems to consist almost entirely
of insects and seeds. The winged females of the umbrella or
cushie ants, the large-bodied mothis, cicadas, grasshoppers, locusts,
and the grubs of various species of Hymenoptera, evidently taken
from the ravaged nests, make up, with seeds of the various bird-
vines (Loranthus) and other plants, the food-contents found at
various times in these Hawks.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 154) gives the
following note :—‘* While crossing the Waini several Swallow-
tailed Kites soared screaming overhead, occasionally swooping
past for a nearer look at us.”

Genus ROSTRHAMUS Less.
Rostrhamus Lesson, Traité VOrn. p. 55, 1830. Type 2. hamatus (Illiger).

The members of this genus have the tail forked, but not so deep
as that of the previous genus ; the bill is slender, with a sharply-
curved hook.

ROSTRHAMUS. 265

167. Rostrhamus sociabilis.
EVERGLADE Kite.

Herpetotheres sociabilis Vieill. N. Dict. @Hist. Nat. xviii. p. 318, 1817
(Corrientes and Rio de la Plata).
Rostrhamus hamatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736, 1848.
Rostrhamus sociabilis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 327, 1874; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 77 ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. pp. 120, 133, 135, 1892
(habits) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 71, no. 656, 1912.
Rostrhamus leucopygus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 328, 1874
(British Guiana).
“Sociable Kite,” ‘‘Sociable Shell-eating Kite,’ “ Cricketty
Hawk” (Quelch).

Immature female. General colour above bronze-brown, with
rufous or buffy-white edgings to the feathers; the primary and
secondary quills banded on the inner webs with paler brown and a
pinky tinge; under surface bronze-brown, the feathers broadly
margined with buff ; under tail-coverts uniform buff.

Total length 350 mm., culmen (including the cere) 28, wing 315,
tail 167, tarsus 47, middle toe and claw 57.

The description of the bird is taken from an example collected
at Mahaicoy.

We are unable to say what the plumages of the fully adult male
and female are from British Guiana for want of more material. It
appears, however, froma pair collected by the late Lord Brabourne
in Paraguay, that the adult male has tlie entire head, sides of the
face, and throat black, fading off into slate-grey on the back,
innermost secondaries, wings, breast, abdomen, and under wing-
coverts ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black, the last
brown on the inner webs towards the base; upper tail-coverts and
base of tail white, the latter followed by a band of greyish brown
with asubapical band of the same colour, between which there is
a very wide band of black, and the tips of the feathers are fringed
with buffy-white ; under tail-coverts white. ‘Iris bright crimson ;
bill black; feet and cere talma-orange ; claws black.” ‘Total
length 470 mm., culmen (including the cere) 32, wing 358, tail 188,
tarsus 55, middle toe and claw 53.

The adult female is similar to the adult male, but differs in the
absence of slate-grey on the back, innermost secondaries, wings,
breast, abdomen, and under wing-coverts, these parts being replaced
by black or blackish-brown. “ Iris bright crimson ; bill black ;
feet orange ; cere pale orange; claws black.’ Wing 310 mm,

266 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Composed of twigs and built in tall trees which are
inaccessible” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Abary River,
Mahaicoy (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Para-
guay, Argentina.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736),
this bird lives entirely on the Savannas. Its favourite resting-
place is on a tree at the edge of the oasis, from which it can
survey the surrounding country. Its flight is easy and graceful.
Its chief food appears to be amphibia and not so much birds and
mammals, Schomburgk infers that the nesting-habits are the
same as those of the preceding species = Llanoides furcatus.
The “ Macusis ” call it Zztow.

Regarding this bird, Mr. J. J. Quelch writes (Timehri (2) vi.
pp- 120, 133, 135) :—“ The Sociable Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
feeds chiefly on the various species of apple-snails, Ampullaria
glauca and A. amazonica (see ‘ The Mollusca of British Guiana,’
Timehri, vol. iv. New Series, 1890, p. 37, where the latter species
is referred doubtfully to A. papyracea). . .. (p. 133). The
Sociable Shell-eating Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), known to the
old huntsmen in the Abary district by the common name of
‘cricketty hawk,’ the term ‘cricketty’ being applied to all the
apple-snails (Ampullaria) found along the creeks or in the
savannah-swamps. ...(p. 135). As already mentioned, the food
of this bird is chiefly restricted to a molluscan diet ; and at times,
at the edges of creeks, swamps, and savannah-pools, piles of empty
shells, left by this Hawk, may be found at the foot of some low
bush or stump,on which the birds had perched while feeding.
Along the savannah-creeks, and especially along the Abary
districts, these birds are extremely plentiful ; and at sundown it
will be found perched in masses at special roosting-places on the
low bushes by the creek-side, or it will be seen passing overhead,
seeking shelter for the night, in continuous flights of some
hundreds at a time, made up of young and adult birds of both
sexes. While settling down to roost by the creek-side, this
species will be noticed darting down and skimming for short
distances almost on the surface of the water, as though catching

ROSTRHAMUS.—CHONDROHIERAX. 267

insects, or splashing themselves—breast, wings, and tail—with
the water itself, while uttering low and peculiar shrick-like cries.
If at such times this bird is disturbed, it will wheel backwards
and forwards in the dull light, close over the surface of the water,
eventually to settle down on the same perches or on closely
adjacent trees Asa rule, this bird is extremely fat and fleshy,
and by many of the negroes is esteemed as food—attempts
being made, in my experience, by individual boatmen to obtain
it, even when there was an abundance of other fresh meat
available.”

Genus CHONDROHIERAX Lesson.

Chondrohierax Lesson, Echo du Monde Savant, 1843, p. 61. Type
C. uncinatus (Temm.).

Leptodon is preoccupied, consequently we have to use Chondro-
hierax.

In this genus the tail is rounded, the outer feather being the
shortest and the loral space bare.

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 300 mm.; sexes

different; under surface grey barred with

white ¢, under surface white barred

out CU (a Si8 1) Sige ae eon i a ee See C. uncinatus, p. 267.
B. Larger, wing more than 300 mm.; sexes

alike ; under surface uniform dull white

tay at EINE OEISMPY *e.3), cc uvsnei nacre co ses C. palliatus, p. 268.

168. Chondrohierax uncinatus.
RED-COLLARED KITE.

Faleo uncinatus Temm. Pl. Col. i. pls. 103-105, 1824 (Rio Janeiro).

Regerhinus uncinatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736, 1848.

Leptodon uncinatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 330, 1874 (Demerara) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 77 (Camacusa); Quelch, Timehri (2) vi.
p- 1388, 1892 (habits) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 71,
no. 658, 1912.

“ Tooth-billed Kite” (Quelch).

Adult female. Sides of face and fore part of head slate-grey,
becoming darker on the nape, where the bases of the feathers are

268 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

white, while those of the hind-neck are tawny ; wings and back
dark brown, broadly barred with paler brown on the primary and
secondary quills, some of the inner primaries tinged with rufous,
all the quills broadly marked with white on the inner webs towards
the base ; upper tail-coverts marked with grey and white ; tail
black, with two pale slate-grey bands, a portion of the bands on
the inner web is white ; entire under surface white banded with
chestnut.

Total length 430 mm., culmen 29, wing 274, tail 195, tarsus 35,
middle toe and claw 37.

We do not know the exact locality of the female described.

Adult male. Differs from the adult female in being slate-grey
above and below, barred with white on the under surface and
inner webs of the quills) Wing 273 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Built of twigs in tall and inaccessible trees” (Schom-
burgk). /

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Kamakusa (Whately).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Central
America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736) that this
bird is found in similar localities to those of the previous species
(Rostrhamus sociabilis), and the nesting-habits are also the same.
Its flight is very buoyant. The “ Macusis” call it Moriro.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 138-140) remarks on this
bird as follows :—*‘ This species, which is called the Tooth-billed
Kite, seems to be of dull sluggish habit. It does not occur
commonly on the coast, being more frequently,taken in the low
bush and along the edges of the forest-creeks, where it seems to
delight in seciusion.”

169. Chondrohierax palliatus.
CAYENNE KIrTeE,

Falco palliatus Temm. Pl. Col. pl. 204, 1823 (Brazil and Guiana).

Odontriorchis cayennensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 736,
1848,

Leptodon cayennensis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 333, 1874
(Demerara); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 77 (Roraima); Quelch, Timehri
(2) vi. pp. 138-140, 1892 (habits).

CHONDROHIERAX.—ELANUS. 269

Leptodon palliatus Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 71, no. 660,
1912.

Adult female. Head and hind-ueck slate-grey, becoming paler
on the sides of the face and greyish white on the throat, breast,
abdomen, and under tail-coverts; thighs similar, but somewhat
tinged with grey, especially on the hinder portion ; axillaries and
under wing-coverts black ; back, wings, and tail glossy black ;
the upper wing-coverts, primary and secondary quills banded with
grey, us are also the upper tail-coverts and tail.‘ Bill horn-black ;
feet yellow; claws horn-brown.”

Total length 470 mm., culmen (including the cere) 33, wing 320,
tail 222, tarsus 43, middle toe and claw 48.

The female described was collected at the Mountains of the Moon.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but smaller. Wing
300 mm.

Another specimen, which is moulting into the fully adult
plumage, has the under wing-coverts and axillaries pure white.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takuta Mountains, Bonasika
River (McConnell collection) ; Roraima (Vi hitely).

Extralimital Range. Kast Peru, South-east Brazil.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 736) that he
found this bird in the virgin forests. During his stay at the
Caraiben settlement he often saw it soar with graceful flight
round the settlement. He did not observe it nesting.

According to Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 138) the
same remarks apply to this bird as to the preceding species.
Th’s species seems to be of dull sluggish habit. It does not occur
commonly on the coast, being more frequently taken in the low
Lush and along the edges of the forest-creeks, where it appears
to delight in seclusion.

Genus ELANUS Savigny.

Elanus Savigny, Descr. Egypt. Hist. Nat. i. p. 69, 1809. Type
E. ceruleus (Desf.).

The members of this genus have the loral space feathered, and
the wings, when closed, reach to the end of the tail.

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

ho
~I
i)

170. Elanus leucurus.

WHITE-TAILED KITE.

Milvus leucurus Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. xx. p. 563, 1818 (Paraguay).

Elanus leucurus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 735, 1848;
Sharpe, Cat, B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 339, 1874 (Demerara) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p. 76 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 187,
1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 72, no. 661, 1912.

*“ Hawk Bass,” “ Grey Kite ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above ash-grey ; lesser upper wing-
coverts dull blackish ; inner edge of inner webs of primaries dusky
brown ; inner webs of secondary quills paler and inclining to
white ; tail for the most part white with dark shafts to the
feathers, the two middle feathers grey; eyelid and feathers in
front of the eye black; forehead, throat, and under surface white;
the median series of the under wing-coverts blackish.

Total length 350 mm., culmen (including the cere) 23, wing 302,
tail 163, tarsus 38, middle toe and claw 38.

The McConnell collection does not possess an example of this
species. Of the specimens described, which are in the British
Museum, the adult male was collected at the Lake of Valencia,
Venezuela, in October 1868, by A. Goering, and the immature
male was collected at Mount Roraima, 3000 ft., in January 1884,
by H. Whitely—Salvin-Godman collection.

Immature male. Differs from the adult in being rusty brown
on the hinder portion of the head, back, and scapulars, the
feathers all being margined with white, as well as the tips of
the primary and secondary quills, while those on the breast have
pale rufous shaft-lines, giving a streaked appearance.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Composed of twigs and built in tall trees (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. ( Whitely) ;
Savannas (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. South America generally, Central America,
and Southern North America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 735)
this bird is common on the Savannas, where its favourite look-out
is a solitary tree on the edge of the oasis, from which it can survey
the surroundings. He often saw its nest, which was composed of
twigs and built in tall trees. It preys on small birds and
amphibia. The “ Macusis” and the “Arekunas” call it Marawia.

ELANUS.—GAMPSONYX. Ze

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species in British Guiana
(Timehri (2) vi. p. 137):—*‘* Much less common than the preceding
(Elanoides furcatus), and much more difficult to obtain on account of
its rapid flight, is the Grey Kite (Elanus leucurus). This bird is not
very often seen, apparently frequenting the tops of the trees in the
forest and ia the hilly districts, and becoming very shy of one’s
approach. From the length and strength of its pointed wings
and tail, it cleaves the air with more rapid flight than is noticed
in any other of our Hawks, and on this account and owing to its
fierceness, it is said here by the old huntsmen to be more dreaded
by other birds, especially by the Pigeons, than any other. From
this it is known by the common name of ‘ Hawk Bass’ (7. e, master) ;
and it is noticeable that other species all seem to be in a state of
alarm during the passing flight of this bird.”

Genus GAMPSONYX Vig.
Gampsonyx Vigors, Zool. Journ. u. p. 69, 1825. Type G. swainsont
Vig.
This monotypic genus is characterized by having the length of
the tail less than four times that of the tarsus, and the wings,
when closed, not reaching the end of the tail.

171. Gampsonyx Swainsoni.
SwAINson’s PEARL-KITE.

Gampsonyx swainsoni Vigors, Zool. Journ. ii. p. 69, 1825 (Bahia) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 735, 1845; Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. i. p. 340, 1874; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 77 (Merumé
Mts.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 140, 1892 (Savannas) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 62, no. 662, 1912.

“ Yellow-faced Kite ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above dark brown with a tinge of
slate-grey ; primary and secondary quills margined with white on
the inner webs, some of the secondaries fringed with white at the
tips and white on both webs ; tail-feathers edged with white on
the inner webs except the central pair, which are uniform; fore
part of head and cheeks buff ; a black patch on each side of the
breast ; throat, breast, abdomen, and under tail-coverts white ;
under wing-coyerts, axillaries, flanks, and thighs chestnut.

Total length 214 mm., culmen (including the cere) 15, wing 150,
tail 89, tarsus 28, middle toe and claw 26,

272 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The male described was collected by Mr. J. J. Quelch on the
Rupununi Savannas on December 21, 1900.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Sggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Rupununi
Savannas (JJcConnell collection) ; Merumé Mountains, Annai
( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay. «

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 735)
this bird is very rare in British Guiana. He only secured one
specimen. The other individuals that he observed had the same
habits as those of Falco aurantius. The male and female, as a
rule, sat beside each other, and if the one flew away the other
immediately followed. The “ Macusis”? and the “ Arekunas”
call it Komotoh-witwi.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 140) remarks on this
species as follows :—“ The Yellow-faced Kite (Gampsonya swain-
soni). This little kite is not a coast species. It is to be found in
the higher lands of the interior, where it frequents the forest,
chiefly on the margins of the open savannabs.”

Genus HARPAGUS Vig.

Harpagus Vigors, Zool. Journ, i. p. 338, 1824. Type H. bidentatus
(Lath.).

This genus belongs to the section of the Falcons which have two
distinct teeth on the upper mandible, as will be seea by the text-
figure, and a distinct central tubercle in the nostril. The wings,
when closed, do not reach to the end of the tail.

Fig. 54.—To show the two teeth in the upper mandible.

HARPAGUS. 273

172. Harpagus bidentatus.

DoUBLE-TOOTHED HAWKE.

Falco bidentatus Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 38, 1790 (Cayenne).

Harpagus bidentatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 734, 1848 ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 362, 1874 (Demerara) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p. 77 (Bartica Grove); Quelch, Timehri (2) v. pp. 104, 105,
1891 (Georgetown) ; id. op. cit. vi. p. 127, 1892; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 72, no. 664, 1912.

“ Cuckoo-Falcon ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Crown of head, sides of face, wings, back, and upper
tail-coverts slate-grey, the lesser wing-coverts, bastard-wing, and
primary-coverts darker and inclining to blackish, the primary and
secondary quills have dark bands and notched with white on the
inner webs; the scapulars are barred with white and have twin
white spots towards the tips ; the lateral upper tail-coverts have a
spot of white on the outer webs ; tail blackish, tipped and banded
with grey and white; throat white with a dark mesial streak ;
breast and abdomen deep chestnut barred more or less with white
on the latter; under tail-coverts white ; under wing-coverts buff.
“Bill, upper mandible black, lower mandible light slate-colour ;
iris pink; legs and toes light chrome-yellow, claws black”
(H. Whitely).

Total length 330 mm., cuimen (including the cere) 23, wing 213,
tail 151, tarsus 41, middle toe and claw 35.

The male described was collected on the Supenaam River.

The immature birds of this species are brown above with rufous
edges to the feathers and buffy-white below with dark shaft-streaks
on the breast.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but rather larger. Wing
225 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Its nest is built in tall trees (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper 'lakuta Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika
River, Abary River, Anarica River (A/cConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 734) that this
species is only found in the dense woods, where, as a rule, it sits
in the tall trees, in which it builds its nest. It was often seen to

7

274 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.
soar over the woods. The “ Macusis” and the “ Arekunas” call
it Umot.

According to Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. p. 127) “this bird
is commonly distributed in the Colony, but is most frequently
met with along the creeks and the open clearings in the forest
along the course of the great rivers, more especially in elevated
situations.”

Genus ICTINIA Vieill.

Ictinia Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 24, 1816. Type I. plumbea
(Gmel.).

The members of this genus are characterized by having but one
tooth in the upper mandible and the tips of the wings, when
closed, reaching to the end of the tail.

173. Ictinia plumbea.

Piumeeous KIre.

Falco plumbeus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 283, 1788 (Cayenne).

Ictinia plumbea Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 735, 1848; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 364, 1874; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 77 (Bartica
Grove) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 105, 1891 (Georgetown) ; id.
op. cit. vi. pp. 120-128, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer.
1. p. 72, no. 665, 1912.

“ Chicken-Hawk,” “ Kite-Falcon,” “ Pigeon-Hawk,” ‘“ Snatch
Hawk ” (Quelch).

Adult female. Back, wings, and tail dark lead-grey ; the second
to the seventh primary-quills are marked more or less with bright
chestnut ; all the tail-feathers, except the central pair, which are
uniform, have three white bars on the inner web; head, mantle,
and underparts slate-grey.

Total length 340 mm., culmen (including the cere) 21, wing 317,
tail 139, tarsus 38, middle toe and claw 35.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but smaller. Wing
286 mm.

The female described was collected on the Supenaam River and
the male on the Bonasika River.

Immature. Black above, the feathers tipped with white ; head
black with white bases and white margins to the feathers becoming
dusky slate-colour on the sides of the face and throat ; under-
parts white broadly streaked with dark brown.

1CTINIA.—FALCO. 275

The immature bird, on which the description is based, was
collected at Bartica.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Composed of twigs and built in a tall tree (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River, Berbice River, Mazaruni
River (McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Paraguay and
Central America to Mexico.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 735) that the
favourite haunts of this bird are the topmost branches of trees in
the woods near the coast. It soars with great ease high up into
the air almost out of sight, but soon returns to its favourite branch.
It builds its nest of twigs in tall trees that are quite impossible to
climb. The “ Macusis” call it Watatow.

According to Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) vi. pp. 120, 127,
128) the food of this bird consists almost entirely of seeds, fruits,
and young leaves.

Genus FALCO Linn.

Falco Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 88, 1758. Type F. subbuteo
Linn.

The Falcons are also distinguished by having only one tooth in
the upper mandible, by their somewhat short and stout bodies,

Falco fusco-cerulescens.

Fig. 55.—To show the single tooth on the edge of the upper mandible.

and by the distance between the primary and secondary quills
being more than half the length of the tail; hinder portion of
tarsus reticulate. The tail is nearly square at the tip and short in
proportion to the length of the wing.

T 2

276 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Key to the Species.

A. Upper parts paler; superciliary line and
nuchal collar buff; sides of face parti-
coloured; lower abdomen and sides of body [p. 276.
PEE CMG DUG © 5 528. Gas vances ca eap es ater eed eaad F. fusco-cerulescens,
B. Upper parts darker; no superciliary line or
nuchal colllar; sides of face uniform.
b. Smaller, wing less than 220 mm.; breast
similar in colour to the abdomen; lower
abdomen, thighs, and under tail-coverts
uniforin In coloue.<. i2;. das 75.ceseey-sask tes F. rufigularis, p. 277.
ce. Larger, wing more than 220 mm. ; breast
chestnut, in contrast to the abdomen ;
abdomen, thighs, and under tail-coverts
PUT COM RO ois, duos Sheena ak pans F. deiroleucus, p. 278.

174. Falco fusco-cerulescens.
APLOMADO FALCON.

Falco fusco-cerulescens Vieill. N. Dict. Hist. Nat. xi. p. 90, 1817
(Paraguay); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 400, 1874; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 73, ne. 669, 1912.
Hypotriorchis femoralis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 734, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 76 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2)
vi. p. 129, 1892.
* Slate-backed Hobby ” ( Quelch).

Adult male. Upper parts dark slate-grey, darker on the crown of
the head and sides of the face; upper tail-coverts and tail barred
with white, tail-feathers blackish in contrast to the back ; primary
and secondary quills barred with white on the inner webs, inner
primaries and secondaries margined with white at the tips; a line
over and behind the eye extending round the nape, edge of wing,
hinder cheeks, throat, and breast tawny-buff, the last streaked
with black ; abdomen and sides of body black, narrowly barred
with white; axillaries and inner under wing-coverts similar, but
more broadly barred or spotted with white; lower abdomen,
thighs, and under tail-coverts rufescent buff. ‘“‘ Cere and feet
yellow ; bill horn-brown, yellow at base.”

Total length 340 mm., culmen (including the cere) 21, wing
240, tail 144, tarsus 55, middle toe and claw 43.

The male described was collected at Mount Roraima by
Mr. McConnell in October 1898.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in the colour of the
plumage but larger in size. Wing 252 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

IZggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

FALCO, 277

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains (McConnell collection) ; Pirara (Schomburgk) ; Mount
Roraima, 3500 ft. ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally and Central
America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 734) that he met
with this beautiful Falcon for the first time on the Savannas in the
vicinity of Pirara. Its favourite haunts are solitary growing
Curatella trees, also bushes, from which it soars up into the air
for some time, returning to the same tree or bush. It preys on
small birds and amphibia. The “ Macusis” and the “ Arekunas”
eall it Sakuta.

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species as follows (Timehri
(2) vi. pe 129) :—“The Slate-backed Hobby (Hypotriorchis
femoralis) is somewhat common on the coast, being obtained
about the estates and along the creeks. It is, however, widely
distributed over the Colony. It is a bold and fierce bird, and,
owing to its long wings and tail, is characterized by a rapid and
even sailing flight.”

175. Falco rufigularis.
WHITE-THROATED Bat-FALcon.,

Faleo rufigularis Daud. Traité, ii. p. 131, 1800 (Cayenne); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 73, no. 671, 1912.

Falco aurantius Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 733, 1848.

Falco albigularis Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 401, 1874 (Demerara).

Hypotriorchis rufigularis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 76 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa, Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 129, 1892.

** Red-throated Hobby ” or “ Baridie Hawk” (Quelch}.

Adult female. General colour above black with dark slate-grey
bars and margins to the feathers, darker on the head and paler on
the wings and back ; primary and secondary quills barred or
spotted with white on the inner webs ; middle tail-feathers and
outer webs of the outer pair of feathers barred with slate-grey,
edged with white at the tips, remainder of the tail-feathers
(including the inner webs of the outer feathers) barred and tipped
with white ; sides of face black; chin and throat white washed
with rufous, becoming darker rufous on the fore-neck and sides of
the neck ; breast, upper abdomen, and sides of body black barred
and edged with white at the tips of the feathers; axillaries and
under wing-coverts black spotted with white; lower abdomen,
thighs, and under tail-coverts chestnut.

278 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 265 mm., culmen (including the cere) 17, wing 207,
tail 104, tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 42.

Adult male. Similar in plumage to the adult female, but smaller.
‘“ Feet yellow; bill deep bluish black, yellow at base.”

Total length 242 mm., culmen (including the cere) 15, wing 182,
tail 91, tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 34.

The male and female described were collected on the Kamakabra
River in 1911.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Composed of twigs and built in trees (Schomburgk).

Eags. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

tange in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika
River, Curubung River, Essequebo River (MeConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Kamakusa, Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina and
Central America.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 733) that he
found this beautiful Falcon mostly in pairs, and perching on the
withered branches of trees growing on the river-banks. The male
and female are alike, only the female is rather larger than the male.
Its food consists of snakes, lizards, and small birds. It usually
calls when flying away from its resting-place. The nest is com-
posed of twigs and built on trees. The ‘Macusis’ call it Tew-teu.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch makes the following remarks on this species
(Timehri (2) vi. p. 129) :—‘The commonest of the Falcons,
however, is the little Red-throated Hobby or Baridie Hawk (/ypo-
triorchis rufigularis), which is so frequently met with perched on
the tall dead limbs of the trees along the banks of our creeks and
rivers and in the open clearings in the forest. The food of this
species is of a very mixed kind, consisting of small mammals,
birds, reptiles, and insects, and it will often be observed darting
from its lofty perch at its prey and returning to the same point to
devour what it has caught—just as will so often be noted in the
case of the Falcon-Kite and the Great-billed Buzzard.”

176. Falco deiroleucus.

ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON.

Falco deiroleucus Temm. Pl. Col. i. pl. 368, 1825 (Brazil); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 73, no. 671, 1912.

Falco aurantius Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 402, 1874 (Demerara) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 180, 1892.

FALCO.——-CERCHNEIS. 279

Adult male. Upper surface and sides of face black, some of the
feathers edged with dark slate-colour; primary and secondary
quills spotted or barred with white on the inner webs, the second-
aries and some of the inner primaries edged with white at the tips;
upper tail-coverts and tail barred and tipped with white ; throat
white ; sides of neck and breast bright chestnut, with a few
black shaft-streaks on the latter; abdomen, sides of body,
axillaries, and under wing-coverts black, barred or spotted with
white ; lower abdomen, flanks, and thighs chestnut barred with
buff and black ; under tail-coverts buff barred with black.

Total length 320 mm., culmen (including the cere) 21, wing 240,
tail 111, tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 55.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
on the Demerara River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male and differing only in
its larger measurement. Wing 275 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Demerara River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. South America generally to Southern
Brazil and Central America to Guatemala.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks on this species as follows
(Timehri (2) vi. p. 130) :—‘‘ The Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco
aurantius). This is the chief representative here of those noble
Birds of Prey which during the Middle Ages were so famous in
the pastime of falconry. It might, indeed, be called the South
American Peregrine. This is the first record of this species from >
the Colony.”

Genus CERCHNEIS Boie.
Cerchneis Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 970 (976). Type C. ruficollis (Daud.).

The Kestrels are, for the most part, rufous in plumage and
somewhat long and slender in form. The tail is rounded at the
tip and long in proportion to the length of the wing.

177. Cerchneis isabellina.
ISABELLINE KESTREL.
Falco isabellinus Swains. Anim. in Menag. p. 281, 1837 (Demerara).

Cerchneis sparverius (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb, Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 734, 1848.

280 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Cerchneis isabellina Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 441, 1874 (British
Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 73, no. 678, 1912.

Tinnunculus isabellinus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 76 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) vi. p. 131, 1892 (habits).

Adult female. Back, scapulars, innermost secondaries, and
middle tail-feathers cinnamon-rufous, the last with a broad sub-
terminal black band and white tips, the outer pair of feathers
white with black bars ; the long scapulars and innermost second-
aries banded with black subterminally ; top of head and upper
wing-coverts slate-grey, the latter marked with black ; primary-
quills blackish marked with white, the secondaries slate-grey
marked with black and white ; sides of face, throat, under wing-
coverts, thighs, and under tail-coverts white; a black bar on the
fore-cheeks and another broader one on the hinder part of the
face; breast, abdomen, and sides of body isabelline-rufous ;
axillaries dusky brown barred with white. “Bill horn-blue,
yellowish at base of both mandibles.”

Total length 255 mm., culmen (including the cere) 13, wing 184,
tail 124, tarsus 35, middle toe and claw 27.

The female described was collected on the Rupununi Savannas
in December 1900.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female but smaller. Wing
176 mm.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
Mount Roraima.

Young birds differ from the adults in being regularly barred
above and streaked below.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “Composed of twigs and built on fairly high trees”
(Schomburgk).

Eags. “It lays three eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Rupununi Savannas (Me Connell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Margarita Isiand, Colombia
and Eeuador, East of the Andes.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 734) states that he
found this bird yery plentiful on the Savannas. Its favourite
piace of outlook was the termite-hills, small trees, and bushes; from
these it darts out for its prey, which consists of small birds,
insects, and amphibia. Like F. femoralis = Falco fusco-cerulescens,

CERCHNEIS.—PANDION, 281

it now and then flies up into the air and returns again to its
resting-place. The immediate surroundings of its look-out are
most vigorously defended against all intruders, even larger Falcons
being driven away. Its nest is composed of twigs and built on fairly
high trees in the oasis ; it lays three eggs. The natives keep it
in captivity, and it becomes very tame. The “ Macusis” call it
Kirirth.

We quote the following notes by Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2)
vi. p. 131) :—*‘ This Kestrel seems not to occur on the coast, being
apparently confined to the open savannahs and higher lands, where
it is generally met with, Jike its English congener, the Wind-hover,
poised on the wing, hovering, while seeking for the small mammals,
reptiles, insects, etc., on which it chiefly feeds. Though a fierce
and rapacious creature, this little Hawk is slenderly and slightly
built, being the most delicate-looking of all our species.”

Genus PANDION Savigny.

Pandion Savigny, Descr. Egypt, Hist. Nat. i. p. 69, 1809. Type
P. haliaétus (Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having the outer toe reversible,
the soles of the feet provided with small spicules, very short
- tarsi, and long tibia.

178. Pandion carolinensis.
AMERICAN OSPREY.

Falco carolinensis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 263, 1788 (Carolina).

Pandion haliaétus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 449, 1874; Quelch,
Timehri (2) vi. pp. 161, 162, 1892 (Abary River).

Haliaétus carolinensis Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 156, 1910
(Waini River).

Pandion carolinensis Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 74, no. 679,
1912.

“ Fish-Hawk ” (Quelch).

Immature female. General colour above, including the entire
back, scapulars, wings, and tail, brown with white bases, bars, and
edgings to many of the feathers, the tail regularly barred with
paler brown and white ; the head white or buffy-white with brown
shaft-streaks and an occipital crest of brown feathers, Throat
and entire under surface creamy-white with dark shaft-lines and
lanceolate spots on the fore-neck and brown markings on the

282 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

axillaries and lower flank-feathers; outer under wing-coverts
brown edged with white.

Total length 570 mm., culmen (including the cere) 37, wing
485, tail 215, tarsus 55, middle toe and claw 72.

The bird described was collected on the Barima River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Barima River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Antilles, Central and North
America.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelech remarks on this species as follows
(Timehri (2) vi. p. 161):—*The Common Osprey (Pandion
haliaétus), which is known commonly here by the name ‘ Fish-
Hawk.’ They are said to be common all along the low and water
savannahs of the coast, but I have met with them only along the
Abary Creek, where, especially in the wet season when the country
is flooded by some three or four feet of water, these Hawks are
met with all over the district, sailing along with rapid flight, or
hovering, almost quite stationary, fora moment, and then darting,
as though shot downwards into the water, to seize some fish that
they have espied. Comparatively large fishes are thus seized
by the birds, which seldom, if ever, miss the prey at which they
have darted. I have never observed them perching in the day ;
but one was shot while perching at night on the top of a tall dead
branch that projected high up in the air, immediately over the
rough benab in which we had camped on Tiger Island, along
the Abary Creek. The Osprey ranges nearly all over the world,
but this is the first direct record of its occurrence in British
Guiana.”

Order STRIGIFORMES.
Family STRIGIDA.

The Owls are peculiar by their very full and soft plumage, their
large eyes, and facial discs.

They are distributed in nearly all parts of the known world.
Twelve genera and forty-eight species occur in South America,
nine genera and ten species being represented in British Guiana,

ho
C
ve

ASIO.

Genus ASIO Briss.
Asio Brisson, Orn. i. p. 477, 1760. Type A. otus Linné.

This genus is distinguished by the distinct tufts of feathers on
the sides of the head and in haying the cere longer than the
culmen.

179. Asio clamator.
CAYENNE OWL.

Bubo clamator Vieill. Ois. Amér. Sept. 1. p. 52, pl. 20, 1807 (Cayenne).
Asio mexicanus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 231, 1875.
Asio clamator Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 74, no. 680, 1912.

Adult male. General colour of the upper surface rufescent buff,
including the crown of the head, back, wings, and tail, broadly
streaked and finely vermiculated with brown on the head, back,
and upper wing-coverts, barred and vermiculated with the same
colour on the flight-quills and tail; a crescentic line of white on
the forehead; lores, hinder cheeks, and chin white; a spot in front
aud below the eye and a patch on the throat rufous ; a dark brown
line from above and behind the eye encircling the throat ; fore-
neck for the most part white with dark tips to the feathers;
remainder of the under surface sandy-buff broadly streaked with
black on the abdomen and sides of the body.

Total length 345 mm., culmen 34, wing 235, tail 129, tarsus 50,
middle toe and claw 48.

We do not know the exact locality in the Colony of the male
described.

Adult female. General colour above and below buff, broadly
streaked and mottled with dark brown and large ovate spots of
white on some of the upper wing-coverts ; primary-coverts dark
brown ; crown of head and nape brighter and more orange-buff ;
ear-tufts margined on the inner webs with orange-buff ; base of
forehead and facial dise white, the latter more or less intermixed
with rust-colour and the feathers tipped with blackish on the outer
edges, which forms a circular margin on the hinder face; the
feathers surrouuding the eyes and nostrils are bristle-like and
coloured black and white ; the feathers on the middle of the breast
and abdomen have a great deal of white on the inner webs ; the
feathers on the toes have dark shaft-lines.

284 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 380 mm., ear-tufts 57, culmen 33, wing 260,
tail 134, tarsus 65.

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by ‘ Spence” in Venezuela—Salvin-
Godman collection. There is also an example in the National
Collection, from British Guiana, which is much darker and more
iaclining to tawny or orange-buff, but from its small size I imagine
it to be a young bird.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Demerara (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and
Panama in Central America.

FTabits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus BUBO Dum.
Bubo Duméril, Zool. Analyt. 1806, p. 34. Type B. bubo Linné.

The members that constitute this genus are large birds with
conspicuous ear-tufts on the sides of the head. The wings are
comparatively short, and the tarsi are always feathered.

Fig. 56.—To show the large ear-tufts.

BUBO. 285

Fig. 57.—To illustrate the form of the foot and the fourth toe,
which is reversible.

180. Bubo scotinus.
VENEZUELAN HORNED OWL.

Bubo scotinus Oberholser, Mus. Brooklyn Inst. Arts & Sci. Bull. i. no. 14,
p- 371, Sept. 1908 (Caicare, Orinoco); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S.
Amer. i. p. 74, no. 686, 1912.

Bubo virginianus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 733, 1848 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 70.

Adult male. General colour of the upper surface brown, ver-
miculated and mottled with dull white and buffy-white; quillsand
outer tail-feathers broadly barred with buff, the bars inclining to
white on the middle ones; ear-tufts blackish, edged with buff;
hinder portion of facial dise rufous and margined with dark brown ;
under surface of body brown, barred with white or sandy-buff.
“ Bill black ; toes ashy ; claws horn-colour, black at the ends;
iris gamboge-yellow.”

Total length 465 mm., culmen 45, wing 355, tail 180, tarsus 62,
middle toe and claw 65.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
the Takutu Mountains.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male both in colour of
plumage and measurements.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

286 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection) ; Pirara (Schomburgk) ; Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 733) that he obtained
an example of this large Owl in the vicinity of Pirara. It roosts
during the day among the dense foliage of large trees growing
in the oasis. Towards dusk it starts hunting. Even some of the
larger mammals, such as Agutis and Labas, are among its prey.
The strength of its talons is very great. He did not know
anything about its nesting-habits. The “ Macusis” call it Pusika
and the ‘‘ Warraus” Wokoboko.

Genus PULSATRIX Kaup.
Pulsatrix Kaup, Isis, 1848, p. 771. Type P. torquata (Daud.).
This genus is distinguished by the feathered toes.

181. Pulsatrix perspicillata.
SPECTACLED OWL.

Strix perspicillata Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 58, 1790 (Cayenne).
Athene iorquata Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732, 1848.
Syrnium perspicillatum Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii. p. 277, 1875.
Pulsatriz torquata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 71 (Bartica Grove) ; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 103, 1891 (Georgetown).
Pulsatrix perspicillata Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 75,
no. 688, 1912. s

Adult male. General colour of the upper parts sooty-black,
somewhat paler on the quills, which are banded with paler brown
and barred on the inner webs with white towards the base ; tail-
feathers also banded with paler brown, notched with white on the
inner webs and edged with white at the tips ; crown of head,
nape, sides of face, and throat black : frontal bristles, a line over
the eye encircling the cheeks, and a large patch on the fore-neck
white ; breast sooty-black ; under wing-coverts, edge of wing,
and remainder of the under surface sandy-buff.

Total length 443 mm., culmen 38, wing 323, tail 181, tarsus 57,
middle toe and claw 47.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but somewhat larger
in size. Wing 345 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Is said to build in hollow trees (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

PULSATRIX.——OTUS 287

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Bonasika River
(McConnell collection) ; near Roraima (Schomburgk); Bartica
(Whately); Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Kastern and Southern Brazil and (according
to the ‘ Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum,’ ii. p. 279)
Bolivia. Central America to Mexico.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732)
this bird was distributed over the whole of British Guiana. He
obtained it in the woods near the coast and also near Roraima.
It roosts during the day in the depths of the woods and at sunset
sallies forth for food. Its usual haunts were the burders of the
rivers, where it was often seen to fly along close tothe water. It
appeared to be very fond of fresh-water shrimps which crawl
on the water’s edge. The plumage of the young bird is prettier
than the adult, as it has the face black and the remainder of the
plumage pure white. The full plumage is not obtained until the
second or third year. He did not find its nest, but it is said to
build in hollow trees.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 103) :—‘‘ The third form, the Spectacled
Owl (Pulsatriz torquata), is also a large bird, of about 20 inches
or more in length. Its eyes are of a deep yellow or orange-
yellow. The young birds are covered chiefly with fluffy white
down, changing to dark or blackish brown above, and yellowish
or pale reddish brown below, while a white streak marks out the
facial disk like a spectacle, anda dark brown band girdles the
neck and breast like a collar. These birds have only been met on
the outskirts of the town.”’

Genus OTUS Penn.
Otus Pennant, Indian Zoology, p. 3, 1769. Type O. bakkamena Penn.

This genus is easily recognized by the small size of its members,
the extended ear-tufts, and the proportionately long wings which
extend, when closed, almost to the tip of the tail.

182. Otus crucigerus.
Spix’s Scorps Ow.

Strix crucigera Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 22, pl. ix. 1824 (“juxta flumea
Amazonum’).

288 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.
Scops choliba (nec Vieill.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 733,
1848.

Scops brasilianus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii. p. 108, 1875; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 71 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 9,
1897 (Roraima).

Scops roraime Salvin, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, vi. p. 38, 1897 (Roraima).

Otus roraime Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 75, no. 694,
1912.

? Scops asio Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 733, 1848.

Otus crucigerus Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 75, no. 692,
1912;

“ Little Scops Owl” (Lloyd.)

Adult male (brown phase). General colour of the upper surface
dusky brown with indistinct darker lines, buff frecklings, and
white spots; outer webs of outer scapulars pure white; quills
and tail-feathers much more coarsely marked, but the colours
similar; feathers of the facial disc whitish, minutely barred with
brown ; under surface white with blackish longitudinal lines and
mottled cross-bars; under wing-coverts and thighs buff with
minute dark markings.

Total length 220 mm., culmen 22, wing 175, tail 78, tarsus 33,
middle toe and claw 26.

The male described was collected at Bartica,

There is, in the McConnell collection, an example of the bright
rufous phase with the dark markings distributed much the same
as those in the bird described, and another from the Abary River
which is intermediate in colour between the two.

We have examined the type of OU. roraime (Salvin), which is in
the British Museum, and we are of the opinion that the characters
given for its separation are not tenable and it must, therefore, be
regarded as a synonym of O. crucigerus Spix.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Jest. ‘In holes of trees” (C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. “ Said to lay one to two eggs” (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana, Bartica, Abary River (McConnell
collection) ; Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. ( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Margarita Island, Colombia,
Eastern Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 733), under
the name of Scops asio, that he found it in the woods and that the
“Macusis” call it Kerepunuma and the ‘‘ Waraus” Muro.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) xi. p. 9) remarks on this species

OTUS.—LOPHOSTRIX. 289

as follows :—“ The little Scops Owl, Scops brasilianus, is a common
Savanah bird. There appears to be two distinct varieties of this little
Owl—one very dark and the other a light brown. This phenomenon
in Zoology is known as dichromatism, and is one of the most difficult
problems to solve. It would seem that neither climate nor locality
has much to do with it, since both varieties are met with on the
Savannah. The Scops Owl breeds in holes in trees and is said
to lay from one to two eggs.”

Genus LOPHOSTRIX Less.

Lophostriz Lesson, Compl. Butt. vii. p. 261, 1836. Type L. cristata
(Daud.).
This monotypic genus is easily distinguished from Otus by the
much larger size, the peculiar freckled plumage, and the very
long ear-tufts.

183. Lophostrix cristata.
CRESTED OWL.
Strix cristata Daud. Traité, . p. 207, 1800 (Guiana).
Scops cristatus Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 122, 1875; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 102, 1891 (Georgetown).
Lophostrix cristata Brabourne & Chubb, B. 5. Amer. i. p. 76, no. 699,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below dark brown, every-
where minutely freckled with rufous and, more or less, interspersed
with white, which assumes the form of spots on the upper wing-
coverts, bars on the flight-quills and tail-feathers, and frecklings
on the forehead, breast, and abdomen ; eyebrow and ear-tufts white,
with an admixture of dark brown on the latter; hinder crown
and nape darker and contrasting with the back; sides of face and
upper eyelid bright chestnut; chin similar, but duller; axillaries
and under wing-coverts cinnamon-buff.

Total length 430 mm., culmen 31, wing 303, tail 184, tarsus 44.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by H. Whitely at Yquitos, East Peru,
on October 2nd, 1878—Salvin-Godman collection,

Adult female. Similar to the adult male.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

290 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.
Zygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.
Range in British Guiana. Georgetown (Quelch).
fetrolimital Range. North-east Brazil, East Peru, Ecuador.
Habis, Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in George-
town, remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 102):—“The second species (Scops
cristatus) has been met with but once in my experience, when
two young ones were taken from the loft of a house in Brickdam.”

Genus CICCABA Wag].
Ciccaba Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1222. Type C. huhula (Daud.).

This genus is distinguished chiefly by the unfeathered toes.

Key to the Species.

A. Rufous-brown above, barred with paler rufous and
dark brown; under surface sandy buff marked with 'p. 290.
brightita way 3. pccosccem ere eee Aa C. superciliaris macconnelli,
B. Black above, narrowly barred with white; under
surface also black, but more broadly banded with [p. 291.
White» gs. gece52 foaac ote art eee ees eee eee C. huhula,

184. Ciccaba superciliaris macconnelli, n. subsp.
McConnewyi’s Guiana Woop-Ow1..
Ciccaba superciliaris (nec Pelz.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 71 (Camacusa,
Roraima, 3500 ft.); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 76,
no. 705, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above brown with rufous cross-bars
and mottlings to the feathers, including the back, scapulars, upper
tail-coverts, and upper wing-coverts; bastard-wing, primary-
coverts, flight-quills, and tail-feathers more broadly banded with
tawny-brown mottlings ; crown of head, nape, and sides of neck
darker than the back and inclining to black ; superciliary streak
buffy-white ; the bristly feathers which suriound the bill white
with black shafts; sides of face and throat ferruginous barred
with brown ; breast and remainder of the under surface tawny-
buff barred or mottled with brown; axillaries tinged with
cinnamon.

Total length 325 mm., culmen 31, wing 238, tail 137, tarsus 41.

The type was collected on the Ituribisi River in October 1908,
and is in the McConnell collection.

CICCABA. 291

This subspecies differs from C. superciliaris in being rufous-
brown above instead of dusky brown, outer edge of scapulars sandy
buff instead of white, and the under surface sandy buff marked
with bright tawny instead of white with dark brown markings
and shaft-streaks of the same colour.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

EEqags. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Berbice River, Ituribisi
River (McConnell collection); Kamakusa, Roraima, 3500 ft.
(Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

185. Ciccaba huhula.
Dark Woop-Ow..

Stric huhula Daud. Traité, i. p. 190, 1800 (Cayenne).

Athene lineata Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732, 1848.

Syrnium huhulum Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. ii. p. 275, 1875.

Ciccaba huhula Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 71 (Merumé Mts.); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 77, no. 708, 1912.

Adult female. General colour above and below blackish brown,
everywhere barred with white, narrowly on the upper surface aud
more broadly on the lower parts ; the white pattern on the tail-
feathers is, in some cases, diagonal ; the head is darker than the
back and the white markings much smaller ; chin black ; legs
much more narrowly barred than the abdomen.

Total length 350 mm., culmen 32, wing 245, tail 151, tarsus 48,
middle toe and claw 42.

The description of the female is based on a specimen collected
on the Ituribisi River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather larger.
Wing 254 mm.

“ Bill chrome-yellow ; eye dark brown; feet chrome-yellow,
claws pale chrome-yellow ” (1. Whitely).

The description of tiie male is taken from an example in the
British Museum, collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains
in June 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

292 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River (McConnell collection) ;
Merumé Mountains ( Whitely) ; Canaku Mountains (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732) that he shot
this bird on the Canuku Mouniains. It was flying about during the
day mobbed by a lot of other birds. This species, like the former
(= Pulsatriz perspicillata), does not attain its full plumage until
the second or third year. Its nidification is unknown.

Genus SPEOTYTO Glog.
Speotyto Gloger, Hand. u. Hilsfb. p. 226, 1841. Type S. cunicularia
( Molina).
The distinguishing character of this genus is the unfeathered
tarsi and toes.

186. Speotyto brachyptera.
SHORT-WINGED Bcrrowinc OwL.

Speotyto brachyptera Richm. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxviii. p. 663, 1895
(Margarita Island); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 77,
no. 715, 1912.

Athene cunicularia (nec Mol.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 731,
1848S.
Speotyto cunicularia (nec Mol.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 71.

Adult male. General colour above earth-brown, the feathers
everywhere spotted with white; feathers above the eye and
on the hinder cheeks, as well as those on the chin, white—a line
across the fore-neck also white ; remainder of the under surface
buffy-white with rufous-brown cross-bars.

Total length 220 mm., culmen 16, wing 150, tail 65, tarsus 47,
middle toe and claw 26.

The description of the male is based on an example collected on
the Rupununi Savannas.

Adult female. Like the adult male. Wing 140 mm.

The female examined by us is in the British Museum, and
was collected by Dr. P. R. Lowe on Margarita Island on the
22nd March, 1906.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It nests in the excavations made by the armadillos and
ant-bears (Schomburgk).

Eags. It \ays two or three white eggs (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takuta Mountains , Rupununi
Savannas (MeConnell collection).

SPEOTYTO.—GLAUCIDIUM. 293

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Margarita Island.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 731) that he only
met with this peculiar Owl on the Savannas which were overgrown
with short grass. It was to be seen during the wholeday. As soon
as it saw anything that appeared dangerous, it stretched itself out,
bobbed its head up and down, and flew off. It only flies for a short
distance, when it goes through similar movements again; it often
runs for a short distance before commencing to fly, when it utters
its whistling note. It is very shy and difficult to shoot. Its
greyish-brown colour harmonises perfectly with the dry grass, and
is perfectly hidden when squatting. Its yellow eyes are very
conspicuous in the sun-light. It rests in the termite-hills. It
does not excavate the hollows itself, but selects the excavations
made by the armadillos and ant-bears, as may be seen by the
fact that the scratchings by these animals in the excavations are
clearly visible. Its food consists of insects and small reptiles.
It lays two or three white eggs, and the owlets soon leave the
nest. The ‘* Macusis” call it Bokoba and the ‘ Paravilhanos”
Sirupow.

Genus GLAUCIDIUM Boie.
Glaucidium Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 970 (976). Type G. nanum (King).

The birds of this genus are very small, the cere is inflated,
the wing is rounded, and the middle toe is about equal in length
to that of the tarsus,

187. Glaucidium phalenoides,
TrInIpAD Pyamy Ow1,

Strix phalenoides Daud, Traité, ii. p, 206, 1800 (Trinidad),

Athene passerinoides (nee Temm.), Cab, in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii.
p- 731, 1848,

Glaucidium phalenoides Sharpe, Cat, B. Brit. Mus, ui, p. 203, 1875 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p, 72 (Merumé Mts., Roraima, 35v0 ft.) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B, 8S. Amer. i. p, 78, no. 721, 1912.

Glaucidium pumilum (nec Temm.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p, 72 (Camacusa).

Adult male. Back, scapulars, upper wing-coverts, and upper
tail-coverts sepia-brown, the scapulars and wing-coverts spotted
with white ; tail-feathers spotted on both webs with white and dark
brown; quills banded with dark brown and notched with white
on the inner webs ; head dusky brown, streaked and spotted with
white ; sides of face similar, but with more white ; under surface

294 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

similar in colour to the back, broadly streaked with white on the
abdomen and sides of the body ; under wing-coverts buffy-white
with dark markings. ‘ Bill horn-colour ; eye straw-colour; feet
greenish-yellow, claws black ” (H. Whately).

Total length 159 mm., culmen 13, wing 95, tail 55, tarsus 21,
middle toe and claw 22.

The male specimen from which the description is taken was
collected at the Takutu Mountains.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but appears to be
slightly larger in size. Wing 105mm. “ Eye yellow ; bill green
streaked with yellow ; feet yellowish-green ; underneath yellow ;
claws black” (H. Whitely).

We have examined a series of nine males and two females
of this species in the British Museum, which was collected by
Whitely in British Guiana during the months of January, March,
June, July, September, November, and December, and notice that
the colour of plumage varies from dusky brown to cinnamon-rufous.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (M/eCon-
nell collection) ; Mount Roraima, 3500 ft., Merumé Mountains,
Annai, Quonga, Kamakusa ( Whitely) ; Pirara (Schomburgh).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Margarita Island, Trinidad.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 731) that the
first specimen he obtained of this small Owl was on the banks
of the Takutu River, though he had often heard its melancholy
note. It preferred the dense woods and shrubs, and often uttered
its note during the daytime. In Pirara an old Indian had taken
three young ones from a hollow tree. They were absolutely
tame, and were as lively during the day as in the evening. The
“* Macusis ” call it Daetnuw and the “ Arekunas ”? Daiwoh.

Genus TYTO Billb.
Tyto Billberg, Synop. Faune Scand. vol. i. part ii. tab. A, 1828. Type
T. alba Scopoli.
This genus may be distinguished by the long wings, which when
closed reach much beyond the tip of the tail, in having the lower

portion of the tarsi almost naked, and the tarsus about twice the
length of that of the culmen.

TYTO. 295

188. Tyto perlata.

BRAZILIAN BARN-OwL.

Strix perlata Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 59, 1823 (“ Brasil”); Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732, 1848.

Strix flammea (nec Linn.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 70 (Roraima, 4000 ft.) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 102, 1891 (Georgetown).

Tyto perlata Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 78, no, 724, 1912.

Adult. Upper surface dusky brown, finely speckled with white
and minute lanceolate white markings, everywhere tinged with
orange-buff or sandy-buff; flight-quills and tail-feathers broadly
barred and dusted with brown; facial dise white tipped with
orange-buff, some of the feathers edged with blackish brown, the
feathers more closely surrounding the eye and base of the bill
disintegrated and bristly in texture and those in front of the eye
smoky-brown in colour ; underparts silky-white, spotted with pale
brown, and more or less tinged with buff. ‘Bill white; eye
black ; legs, toes, and claws faintish black ” (7. Whitely).

Total length 325 mm., culmen (from the base of the skull) 38,
wing 338, tail 134, tarsus 78, middle toe and claw 54.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected by
Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu Moun- :
tains (MeConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, 4000 ft. ( Whiteiy) ;
Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, East Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 732) that he
only found this bird near the coast, where it seemed to prefer
human dwellings.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 102):—‘Three kinds of Owls will
occasionally be met with, one of which, the ubiquitous Barn or
“Screech Owl (Strix flammea), is extremely common, especially
about the churches and the larger houses on the outskirts.”

bo
so
for)

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Order PSITTACIFORMES.

Family PSITTACIDA.

The Parrots inhabit chiefly the tropical and subtropical portions
of Africa, Asia, Australasia, West India Islands, Central and
South America.

They vary in size from that of a Pheasant to a Marsh-Tit or
Common Wren. Their plumage is rather harsh and combines all
the brightest of colours. They nest in holes in trees and lay
white eggs. Their bills are very powerful (for crushing hard
substances) and their feet are zygodactile or yoke-footed.

There are twenty-three genera and one hundred and sixty-five
species in South America; thirteen genera and thirty-three species
are represented in British Guiana.

Genus ARA Lacep.
Ara Lacepéde, Tableau Oiseaux, p. 19, 1799. Type A. macao (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by the naked lores, large bill, the
very long and graduated tail, and in having the orbital ring
complete.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 300 mm.
a. Upper surface entirely blue; lower parts
yellow tore Retest nae eee
b. Upper surface red and blue; lower parts
almost entirely red.

a’. Head and underparts bright red ;
an irregular patch of yellow on the
wings; middle tail-feathers red
the entire length ................2.0+ A. macao, p. 299.

b'. Head and underparts deep red; no

yellow on the wings; middle tail-
feathers tipped with blue ............ A. chloroptera, p. 301.
B. Smaller, wing less than 300 mm.
ce. Lower aspect of quills and tail-feathers
POG cee biicede th eskibe (aerated eld cel “Se ees
d. Lower aspect of quills and tail-feathers
yellow.

c’. Lower abdomen red; under wing-

COVERS BTOON 6.55 Jo xcee ss upienendaceeeek

d'. Lower abdomen green; under wing-

coverts “bright rei) 20.5) atuiacenees A. hahni, p. 305.

A. ararauna, p. 297.

A. manilata, p. 304.

ARA. 297

Fig. 59.—To illustrate the peculiar form of the foot.

189. Ara ararauna.
BLUE-AND-YELLOW Macaw.

Psittacus ararauna Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 96.1758 (Brazil).

Macrocercus ararauna Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii, p. 730, 1848 ;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 242, 1876 (Upper Essequebo
River).

Ara ararauna Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 67; Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 365,
1888 (Tiger Island); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 152, 1891
(British Guiana); Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 275, 1895 (Savannahs),

298 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

xi. p. 7, 1897; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 137, 338,
1910 (Barima, Aremu) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 79,
no. 732, 1912.

“ Cararawa”’ (Lloyd).

Adult female. Upper parts verditer-blue, including the head,
back, wings, and tail; under surface orange-yellow ; sides of face
and chin naked with a few short feathers in front and under the
eye, which joins up with a dark patch on the throat.

Total length 810 mm., culmen 67, wing 360, tail 505, tarsus 31,
middle toe and claw 59.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
at Mahaikony River.

Adult male. Similar in colour of plumage to that of the adult
female, but rather larger. Wing 380 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Frequently seen on the Savannahs, where it breeds,
making its nest in the dead trunks of the Eta Palm” (Lloyd).

Eugs. “The Indians say that its eggs are speckled, but we were
never able to prove the truth of this statement” (Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Mahaikony River (McConnell collec-
tion); Barima River, Aremu River (Beebe) ; Upper Essequebo
River (Brown); Abary River (Quelch) ; Mahu and Takutu
Rivers, Pacaraima Mountains (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range, Brazil, Colombia, Eastern Peru, Bolivia,
Paraguay.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 79), that the
pitter-patter sound caused by the falling of the shells of the fruit of
the palms revealed to us the presence of a lot of Parrots eagerly
satisfying their hunger on the ripe fruit—in fact, it sounded as if
a cloud loaded with shot emptied its contents on the monster leaves
of the Ravenala-plant.

Schomburgk (op. cit. iii. p. 730) says:—In mode of life and
habits this gorgeous Ara is identical with A. aracanga= A. macao,
p. 299; it is, however, more common than the last-named species.
I found it very common on the borders of the rivers Mahu and
Takutu, decoyed thither, no doubt, by the abundance of ripe fruits
of the palms belonging to the genera Astrocaryum, Bactris, and
Maximiliana. They must be very common on the Savanna region
and the Pacaraima Mountains, as the natives there possessed
numerous beautiful adornments made of feathers belonging to
this species only, and I saw many kept in confinement. They are

ARA. 299

very clannish, never associating with any other species. On
the Takutu River we saw at sunrise hundreds of pairs sitting
on the trees growing on the banks, preening themselves and
caressing each other, emitting all the time a purring noise. The
nidification is the same as that of A. aracanga. Its flesh is good.
We made splendid soup of it during our journey up the Takutu
River. The ‘“ Macusis” call it Cararawma and the “ Warraus ”
A pohuima.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 242)
remarks :— “ Blue-and-Yellow Macaws flew with discordant
cries up or down the river, always approaching to have a look
at us.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species on the’ Abary River,
and remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 365):—‘* The Blue-and-Yellow
Macaw (Ara ararauna) is sometimes found here also, and a dried
skin of one which had been shot a short time before was hung up
inside the house.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks (Timebri
(2) ix. p. 275):—‘“ The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, A. ararauna,
known to the Indians as the ‘ Cararawa,’ is frequently seen on
the Savannahs, where it breeds, making its nest in the dead
trunks of the Eta palm, Mauritia flexuosa. The Indians say that
its eggs are speckled, but we were never able to prove the truth
of this statement.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 137) writes as
follows :—* Blue-and-Yellow Macaws were common—always in
multiples of two. We observed them a half-dozen times in different
reaches of the river—four in the first group, then eight, two, six,
four, and two.”

He also remarks (f. c. p. 338) :—“ A pair of Blue-and-Yellow
Macaws screamed. When heard in the distance, all harshness is
eliminated from their voices, and an extremely human quality
of sound is acquired, as of one person calling in a high tone to
another.”

190. Ara macao.
ScaRLer Macaw.

Psittacus macao Linn, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 96, 1758 (Pernambuco),

Macrocercus aracanga Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 729, 1848 ;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 192, 1876 (Burro Burro) (the
author mentions that this was a tame bird).

Ava macao Salvin, Ibis, 1586, p. 67; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.

300 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

xx. p. 154, 1891 (Demerara) ; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 275, 1895
(Savannahs) ; id. op. cit. xi. p. 7, 1897; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 79, no. 734, 1912.

“ Warara” (Lloyd).

Adult male. Head, neck, upper back, lesser upper wing-coverts,
four middle tail-feathers, and under surface bright red ; some of
the median upper wing-coverts orange-yellow, tipped with blue
and tinged with red; greater coverts, bastard-wing, primary-
coverts, quills, and outer taii-feathers blue; lower back, rump,
upper tail-coverts, and some of the long under tail-coverts cobalt-
blue. ‘“ Upper mandible white, blackish at the tip and at the
base of the edges; under mandible black; feet blackish; iris
yellowish white ; naked skin of the cheeks dusky flesh-yellow.”

Total length 980 mm., culmen 66, wing 402, tail 595, tarsus 34,
middle toe and claw 61.

We do not know the exact locality in the Colony of the male
from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Similar to the male. Wing 398 mm.

The number of specimens that we have been able to examine
are so few, that we are unable to come to any satisfactory con-
clusions regarding the differences between the males, females, and
the plumages of the young.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Nesting place in the hole of a tree” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Two in number (Schomburghk).

Range in British Guiana. Demerara (McConnell collection) ;
found throughout the Colony (Schomburgk) ; Ourunei ( Wlitely) ;
Burro Burro (Brown).

Extralimital Range. East Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Bolivia.

According to Mr. C. A. Lloyd, this bird is common on the
Savannas, but its nesting-place is unknown.

According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 197), Parrots and
red Aras came now and then in large flocks to satisfy their hunger
in the ripe maize-field. Their artfulness when going to plunder
a field was astonishing. When they had found a field of ripe
maize, sentinels were placed on the surrounding trees, their other-
wise never-ceasing loud calls, or cries, of their rough voices are
silenced into a purring undertone, only heard here and there. If
danger approaches, the sentinels warn the flock that is feeding
with a subdued note, which is answered by a not very loud

ARA. 301

screeching sound from the field. If the danger becomes serious,
the sentinels leave the trees uttering their loud cries and
immediately the whole flock rises from the field and makes swilt
flight to the nearest wood for shelter. These birds are much
sought after by the natives, who make ornaments of their feathers.

Schomburgk also writes (op. cit. il. p. 729):—This beautiful Ara
is found throughout the interior of British Guiana and appears
periodically on the coast, decoyed thither by the ripe fig-trees,
this being the only season when it is found near the coast. They
frequent, as a rule, the dense woods of high altitudes and appear to
avoid the settlements and cultivated grounds. They live in pairs
or small flocks, and he did not remember ever having seen solitary
indiviluals. They nest in hollow trees, or holes in branches—if
the latter are too small they enlarge them with their strong bills ;
the same site is used for years. When brooding the long tail
projects from the nesting-hole, which enables the observer to find
the nest more easily. It lays two eggs. The flesh of the young
is good, but that of the adult is somewhat tough, though when
boiled it makes a piquant soup, which has an onion-like flavour.
This bird is much hunted by the natives, who use their feathers to
decorate themselves and also their arrows. The “ Macusis” call
it Cuijari and the *“* Warraus”’ Apahaera.

191. Ara chloroptera.

ReEpD-AND- YELLOW Macaw.

Ara chloroptera Gray, List Psitt. Brit. Mus. p. 26, 1859 (Guiana) ;
Salvin, Ibis, L886, p. 66 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa); Quelch,
Timehri (2) iv. p. 326, 1890 (Berbice River); Salvad. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xx. p. 156, 1891; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 274, 1895
(habits); id. op. cit. xi. p. 7, 1897 (nesting-habits); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 79, no. 735, 1912.

Macrocercus macao (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 730,
1545.

* Couarries,” “ Red-and-Blue Macaw” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult female. Head, neck, mantle, basal portion of tail, lesser
upper wing-coverts, and entire under surface deep red ; median
and greater upper wing-coverts, bastard-wing, primary-coverts,
and quills blue like the tips of the tail-feathers ; lower back and
upper tail-coverts also blue, but paler.

Total length 920 mm., culmen 81, wing 410, tail 530, tarsus 32,
middle toe and claw 65.

302 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, of the
female described.

Adult male. Similar in the colour of the plumage to that of the
female, but slightly smaller in size. Wing 395 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “‘ Nests in the high Mora trees” (C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Bonasika River (McConnell
collection); Canuku and Pacaraima Mountains (Schomburgk) ;
Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia.

Habits. This species, according to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. il.
p. 730), was found by him more numerously on the Canuku and
Pacaraima Mountains. Its mode of life and habits are the same as
those of the two preceding species—Macrocercus aracanga (= Ara
macao, p. 299) and M. arauna (= A. ararauna, p. 297).

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) iv. p. 326) observed this species
on the Upper Berbice River, and remarks :—‘* The great green-
winged Blue-and-Red Macaw (Ara chloroptera) was the common
form seen, and three specimens were shot, though from their
high flight they seldom gave a chance.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) ix. p. 274), writing on Guiana
Parrots, remarks :—‘ This species is common all over the Colony
but is more abundant in the remote parts of the interior, where it
nests in high mora trees. It is the favourite bird of the Macoushi
Indians—no Macoushi village is complete without one or two
tame ‘*Couarries.’ The nests of the Red-and-Blue Macaw are
placed in such inaccessible situations that even the Indian’s
ingenuity is baffled in trying to reach them; he is therefore
compelled to shoot the adult birds with his blow-pipe. As soon as
a bird is struck and falls he immediately administers to it a
dose of cane juice and salt, which, acting as an antidote to the
deadly Wourali, soon restores *‘ Couarrie’ to his senses, when he is
taken to the Indian’s hut and in a few days is as tame and accus-
tomed to his surroundings as if he had been bred and born there.”

He also writes (op. cit. (2) xi. p. 7) :—“The Red-and-Blue
Macaw, A. chloroptera, breeds on the tops of the tallest trees.

“This bird, Mr. Barshall informs me, often makes its nest
at a very moderate height from the ground, so that it can easily
he reached by climbing, but in the Savannah it always selects the
highest trees for the purpose.”

ARA. 303

192. Ara severa.

BRAZILIAN GREEN Macaw.

Psittacus severus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1. p. 97, 1758 (Colombia).

Conurus severus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 729, 1848.

Ara severa Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 66; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx.
p- 161, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 80, no. 739,
1912.

Adult. General colour above and below grass-green ; crown of
head and nape inclining to blue; bastard-wing, primary-coverts,
and quills blue edged with brown on the inner webs ; tail-feathers
blue at the tips, green on the basal portion, brown on the inner
webs towards the base and also on the central portion of the
middle tail-feathers ; bend of wing and under wing-coverts scarlet
with a few green feathers intermixed, the greater series olive-
green ; quill-lining and lower aspect of tail dark rose-pink ; base
of forehead brown.

Total length 445 mm., culmen 37, wing 231, tail 227, tarsus 21.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection,
and the bird from which the description is taken is in the British
Museum and was collected at Bogota.

A male bird in the same collection is similar to the one
described, and has a wing-measurement of 245 mm., and was
collected by Mr. J. Hauxwell at Pebas, East Peru, on the 4th of
August, 1866—Salvin-Godman collection.

The only record of the occurrence of this species in British
Guiana is that of Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 729).

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Kags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Unknown.

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,
Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Schomburgk (Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 729) mentions this bird
as one of the rarer species in British Guiana. During the whole of
his stay in the Colony he only met with it a few times. It roamed
about in small flocks. Its habits and mode of life are similar to
those of the other Araras. When it is feeding one hears
a “purring” noise. It generally sits in pairs, caressing each
other.

304 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

193. Ara manilata.
RED-BELLIED Macaw.

Psittacus manilatus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52, 1783 (Cayenne).

Conurus macavuana (Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 729,
1848.

dra macuvuana Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 67 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch,
Timehri (2) ii. p. 373, 1888 (Abary River).

Ara macavruanna Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 165, 1891 (Roraima).

Ara manilata Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 80, no. 743, 1912.

“Small Macaw,” “ Auta Parrot” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour of the upper parts green inclining
to blue on the head, sides of face, and outer portion of the flight-
quills, with pale edges to the feathers of the upper back, scapulars,
and upper wing-coverts ; under surface more olive-green with a
patch of deep red on the abdomen.

Total length 395 mm., culmen 28, wing 238, tail 203, tarsus 20,
middle toe and claw 43.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
Bartica.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 243 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example collected
at Lama in September 1896.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “It nests in the holes of trees made by Woodpeckers ”
(Schomburgk).

Eggs. “ It is said to lay two eggs” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Takutu River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Madaweene Creek, Lama (McConnell
collection); Mount Roraima ( Whitely); Abary River (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 729)
this bird is distributed throughout the whole of British Guiana.
It appears to be very fond of the ita palms (Mauritia flexuosa),
as when passing a clump of these palms I always found a flock of
these birds feeding there. Its voice is clear and high-pitched. If
disturbed, it leaves the palms uttering its loud cries, and flies for
some time round and round the particular clump of palms from
whence it was disturbed. It nests in holes made by Wood-
peckers and is said to lay two eggs. The “ Macusis” and “ Aukunas”
call it Marakang.

ARA. 305

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species on the Abary River, and
remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 373) :—“The Small Macaw (Ara
macuruana) or Aita Parrot crossed the creek morning and evening
in almost continuous flights, but high up and generally out of
range.”

194. Ara hahni.
Haun’s Macaw.

Psittacara hahni Souancé, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1856, p. 58 (Colombia ).

Macrocercus nobilis (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 729, 1848.

Ara hahni Salvin. Ibis, 1886, p. 67 (Roraima, 3500 ft.); Quelch,
Timehri (2) ii. p. 373, 1888 (Abary River); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xx. p. 168, 1891; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 275, 1895; id. op.
cit. xi. p. 8, 1897 (nesting-habits).

“The Small Macaw” (Quelch) ; “The Little Green Eta

Parrot” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult male. General colour above and below grass-green.
inclining to blue on the fore part of the head ; under wing-ceverts,
edge of wing, and snoulder-patch bright scarlet; quill-lining and
lower aspect of tail old-gold yellow.

Total length 296 mm., culmen 27, wing 170, tail 144,
tarsus 17.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Bonasika River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 173 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example collected
at Lama in September 1896.

A young bird, from the Upper Takutu Mountains, differs from
the adult in being smaller and in the absence of the scarlet
shou!der-patch. :

Breeding-season. “‘ December and January” (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. “It nests in dried trees, especially such as have been
destroyed by fire, taking advantage of old Woodpecker-holes,
which it often enlarges to suit its requirements ” (C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. “It is supposed to lay three or four eggs in a hollow
tree” (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituaribisi
River, Bonasika River, Abary River (W/eConnell collection) ; Abary
River (Quelch) ; Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. (Whitely) ; Savannas
near Pirara (Schomburgh).

x

306 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 729) that he
found this species for the first time on the Savannas near Pirara.
Morning and evening large flocks, uttering their far-sounding cry,
flew to and fro to the far-off woods and oasis. It is supposed
to lay three or four eggs in hollow trees. He rarely found it in
captivity. The “ Macusis” and the “ Arekunas” call this bird
Keih-keih.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species on the Abary River, and
remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 373) :—‘* The Small Macaw (Ara hahni)
crossed the creek morning and evening in — continuous
flights, but high up and ‘cenctally out of range.’

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks (Timehri
(2) ix. p. 8), :—‘* The Little Green ‘ Eta Parrot’ (Ara hahni)
is the smallest of the Macaws. Itis widely distributed throughout
the Colony, and together with the ‘ Screecher’ Parrot is in some
places the most obtrusive form of bird-life. It nests in dried ’
trees, especially such as have been destroyed by fire, taking
advantage of old Woodpecker-holes, which it often enlarges to
suit its requirements. The generic name Ara, given to the
Macaws by Kuhl, is said to be derived from some Indian name
for these birds, and is really a very good imitation of their usual
note.” He also writes (op. cit. (2) xi. p. 8): “ Decaying Eta
palms are the nesting-places of Ara hahni. The Eta Parrot (Ara
hahni) lays in December and January.”

Genus ARATINGA Spix.
Aratinga Spix, Av. Bras. 1. p. 29, 1824. Type A. guarouba (Gmel.).

In this genus the orbital ring is complete, the lores are feathered,
and the fourth primary is attenuated. The tail is graduated.

Key to the Species.

A. Throat orange like the abdomen; upper
parts yellow; tail-feathers po with
ites: © F225; . A. solstitialis, p. 307.
B. Throat green “Tike the ‘abdomen ; ‘upper [p. 308.
parts green, including the entire tail... A. leucophthalma,
C. Throat olive-brown in contrast with the
abdomen, which is yellowish green.
a. Fore part of head bluish green ......... A. eruginosa, p. 309.
b. Fore part of head orange-yellow ...... A. aurea, p. 310.

ARATINGA. 307

195. Aratinga solstitialis.
YELLow PARROT.

Psittacus solstitialis Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 141, 1766 (Cayenne).

Conurus solstitialis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 728, 1848;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 312, 1876 (Pacaraima Mts.) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 67; W. L. Scater. Ibis, 1587, p. 317 (Pome-
roon River); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 175, 1891 (Quunga) ;
Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 276, 1895 (Savannah country).

Aratinga solstitialis Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 81, no. 750,
1912.

“ Kissi-Kissi ” (Brown ) ; “The Kissie-Kissie” (C. A. Lloyd).

Adult male. General colour above and below yellow, suffused
with red, more intensely on the sides of the face and abdomen;
outer webs of the greater upper wing-coverts and quills green;
secondaries only slightly edged with green on the outer webs;
bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish, mostly blue
towards the tips, with more or less yellow on the feathers ; tail
blue on the apical portion with more or less green towards the
base, the middle feathers golden green.

Total length 285 mm., culmen 22, wing 160, tail 148,
tarsus 17.

The male descrited is in the British Museum,and was collected
by Whitely at Quonga, British Guiana, on November 15th, 1887
—Salvin-Godman ccllection.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 155 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. In holes in trees (Schomburyk).

Eggs. Three or four in number (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Mahu River, Pacaraima Mountains,
Mount Roraima (Schomburgk) ; Pomeroon River (W. 1. Sclater) ;
Quonga ( Whitely) ; Pacaraima Mountains (Brown).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil.

Habits. Of this bird Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 728) that he first met with it in the districts of the Mahu River,
though he felt certain that it was only there because the fruit of
the malphighia trees was ripe. He found them more abundant
near the Pacaraima Mountains and in the vicinity of Roraima
Mountain. It is the pet-bird of the natives ; he often noticed
twenty to thirty specimens caged in one settlement, and they

x2

308 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

appeared to live quite happily together. In the wild state it
flies about in large flocks, constantly uttering its loud and un-
pleasant call, and sitting on solitary trees or in the oasis. It takes
two to three years to attain its beautiful golden-yellow plumage.
According to the natives, it lays three or four eggs and nests in
the holes of trees, The “ Macusis” and * Aukunas”’ call this bird
Kessi-Kessi and the “* Warraus””’ Kuyaeseh.

Mr, Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 312)
writes :—‘ The beautiful little orange, red, and green Parrakeets,
called ‘ Kissi-Kissi,’ are not seen in this part, but frequent the
Pacaraima Mountains.”

Mr, C. A. Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks (Timehri
(2) ix. p, 276):—“The ‘ Kissie-Kissie’ (Conurus solstitialis)
deserves notice as being the most gaudy of all the British Guiana
Conures. We have only observed it in the Savannah country,
flying high overhead in small flocks. The Indians frequently
bring this pretty little species to town for sale, but it does not
appear to thrive in captivity.”

196. Aratinga leucophthalma.
WHITE-EYED PARROT,

Psittacus leucophthalmus P. L, 8. Miill, Syst. Nat. Suppl: p. 75, 177
(Guiana ).

Conurus guianensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 729, 1848.

Conurus pavua Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 67.

Conurus leucophthalmus Salvad, Cat. B. Brit, Mus. xx. p. 187, 1891
(British Guiana),

Aratinga leucophthalmus Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p: 92,
no. 760, 1912.

(or)

Adult male. General colour above and below grass-green, rather
paler on the under surface, sometimes a few scarlet feathers inter-
mixed on the sides of the face; carpal patch, edge of wing, and
outer under wing-coverts bright scarlet ; greater series of under
wing-coverts yellow ; quill-lining and under surface of tail old-
gold yellow. ‘ Bill wlleay ish flesh-colour ; naked skin round the
eyes ashy flesh-colour ; feet dusky.”

Total length 301 mm., eulmen 25, wing 159, tail 133, tarsus 16.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection,
and the description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected in British Guiana—Sclater collection.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the

ARATINGA. 309

scarlet on the edge and bend of the wing. Wing-measurement
172mm. The female from which the description is taken is also
in the National Collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. The same as other Conures (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Three or four in number (Schomburgh).

Range in British Gaana. Oasis of the Savannas (Schomburghk).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Colombia, Ecuador, Eastern
Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 729) that he
first met with this beautiful bird in the oasis of the Savannas.
Its mode of life and habits are the same as those of the other
Conures. It also lays three or four eggs.

197. Aratinga eruginosa.
BROWN-THROATED PARROT.

Psittacus eruginosus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 98, 1758 (Cayenne).

Conurus pertinax (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 728,
1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Roraima, 8500 ft.).

Conurus eruginosus Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 195, 1891 (Quonga).

Aratinga eruginosus Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 82, no. 762,
1912,

Adult ma/e. General colour of the upper surface green ; flight-
quills blue towards the tips, with the margins of the inner webs
brown ; a tinge of blue on the fore part of the head ; base of fore-
head, a line over the eye, and sides of face orange ; throat and
breast yellowish olive-green ; remainder of the under surface
yellowish green ; lower abdomen orange.

Total length 238 mm., culmen 20, wing 136, tail 105, tarsus 14,
middle toe and claw 23.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
Perth on the Essequebo River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in the
absence of the orange patch on the sides of the face and the
general colour of the plumage not so bright. Wing 139 mm.

The deseription of the female is taken from an example collected
on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Leggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana,

310 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Bonasika River, Abary River (J/cConnell collection) ;
Savannas (Schomburgk) ; Quonga ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 728) that small
flocks of this species are found on the Savannas only, where they
fly about uttering their loud and clear calls, settling now and then
on solitary trees or in the oasis. It lays more than two eggs,
which is a peculiarity apparently common to the species of this
genus. The * Macusis” call it Zumih-Tumih.

198. Aratinga aurea.
(JOLDEN-CROWNED PARROT.

Psittacus aureus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 329, 1788 (Brazil).

Conurus canicularis (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 728, 1848.

Conurus aureus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xx. p. 199, 1891.

Aratinga aureus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 82, no. 766,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above green, including the hind-
neck, entire back, upper wing-coverts, scapulars, and tail; a line
from the lores over the eye and hinder part of the head bluish ;
tips of primary-coverts, tips of primary-quiils, and outer webs of
secondaries tinged with blue; forehead and a ring encircling the
eye orange-vellow ; fore part of cheeks, chin, and throat olive-
brown; abdomen, under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts
yellowish green. ‘ Naked skin round the eye grey; bill and
feet blackish ; iris yellow-orange.”

Total length 265 mm., culmen 17, wing 150, tail 154, tarsus 10.

Adult jemale. Similar to the adult male, but apparently rather
smaller. Wing 142 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the specimens described are inthe British Museum. The male was
collected at Bahia by Dr. Wucherer—Salvin-Godman collection,
and the female at Matto Grosso by H. H. Smith.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Gniana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Unrecorded.

Eatralimital Range, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay.

ARATINGA.—PYRRHURA. 311

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 728) the
mode of life and habits of this bird are the same as those of Conurus
tiriacula( = Brotogeris tirica, p. 317).

The “ Macusis ” call it Gerraekwi and the “ Warraus ” Tyoyatsuya.

Genus PYRRHURA Bonap.

Pyrrhura Bonaparte, Naumannia, 1856, tab. F, p. 382. Type P. moline
Mass.

This genus is distinguished by having the cere naked, the
nostrils exposed, the orbital ring complete, the tail graduated ; the
feathers on the sides of the face, fore-neck, and breast have pale
edges which give a scaly appearance.

Key to the Species.
A. Lower back and fore part of cheeks crimson ;

under wing-coverts green ................2.04 P. picta, p. 311.
B. Entire back and cheeks green; under wing-
POUETIN ORiRPE Tea. 7 ooh2 coccdereean ede) es CYTE, ioe kek

199. Pyrrhura picta.

BLUE-WINGED PARROT.

?

Psittacus pictus P.L. 8. Mill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 75, 1776 (Cayenne).
Conurus versicolor Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 728, 1848.
Conurus cyanopterus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 67.

Pyrrhura picta Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 217, 1891 (Quonga,
Upper Takutu River); Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 274, 1895 (Esse-
quebo River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 84, no. 781,
1912. :

Adult male. Upper back, scapulars, upper wing-coverts, a
portion of the upper tail-coverts, and margins of the tail-feathers
green like the sides of the body, under wing-coverts, and under
tail-coverts; fore part of head and outer aspect of quills blue ;
hinder crown and occiput dark brown; carpal joint bright red ;
back, a portion of the upper tail-coverts, and tail crimsor, like the
feathers round the eye and fore part of the cheeks; a crimson
patch on the middle of the abdomen; ear-coverts dull white or
isabelline ; throat and breast brown, becoming green towards the
abdomen, the feathers edged with isabelline which imparts a
scalloped appearance.

Total length 232 mm., culmen 17, wing 122, tail 115, tarsus 15.

The male from which the description is taken was collected
in the Colony, but we do not know the exact locality.

312 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Pyrrh ura picta,

Fig. 60.—To show the squamated appearance on the
sides of the face.

Pyrrhura picta.
Fig. 61.—To illustrate the graduated tail.

Adult femaie. Similar to the adult male in the colour of
the plumage, but, as regards the wing-measurements, we have
measured several of each sex and find that the male is slightly
the largest. Wing 120 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Faas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

PYRRHURA. 313

Range in British Guiana. Essequebo River (McConnell col-
lection); Quonga, Takutu River (Whitely) ; Canuku Mountains
(Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Cayenne.

Habits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 728) that this
beautiful gaily-coloured species is one of the rarer Parrots in
British Guiana. He only met with it in the Canuku Mountains.
It does not appear to leave the woods of the high altitudes, where
it roams about in small companies. Its quick lightning flight is
accompanied by its loud cries, but when feeding it is quite silent.
He never saw any caged specimens in the possession of the
natives, but perhaps it is not easily tamed. The nidification is un-
known. The “ Macusis” call it Tumih-Tumih and the * Warraus”
Wacarlaluccu.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on some Guiana Parrots, remarks
(Timehri (2) ix. p. 274) :—‘‘On the Essequebo River we have
met with the only examples of Pyrrhura picta we have seen, but
it is by no means a rare bird, being found in other parts of the
Colony as well.”

200. Pyrrhura egregia.
DEMERARA PaRROT.

Conurus egregius Sclater, This, 1881, p. 130, pl. iv. ( Demierara); Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Merumé Mts., Roraima, 3500 to 4000 ft.).

Pyrrhura egregia Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 221, 1891; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 84, no. 784, 1912.

Adult. General colour above green, suffused with brown on
the fore part of the head ; outer aspect of primary-coverts and
quills blue; tail brown; carpal joint, under wing-coverts, and
axillaries red, becoming yellow on the bastard-wing; fore-neck
brown with pale edges to the feathers; cheeks, ear-coverts,
abdomen, sides of body, and under tail-coverts green with dull
crimson bases to the feathers of the ear-coverts and abdomen.

Total length 232 mm., culmen 16, wing 126, tail 115, tarsus 15,
middle toe and claw 20.

The description is taken from an example collected by
Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown,

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eaqgs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Roraima (McConnell

314 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

collection); Mount Roraima (3500 to 4000 ft., January, August,
December), Merumé Mountains (June), Kamarang River, Annai
( W hitely).

Halits. Unrecorded.

This species is restricted to British Guiana, where the late
Henry Whitely collected the majority of known specimens.

Genus BOLBORHYNCHUS Bonap.

Bolborhynchus Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xliv. p. 596, 1857.
Type B. aymara (dOrb.).

This genus is characterized by having the orbital ring incom-
plete, the bill swollen on the sides, the oii-gland tufted, a furcula
present. and the nostrils exposed and open in the cere and much
swollen all round.

201. Bolborhynchus panychlorus.
Roramma PARRAKEET.

Brotogerys panychlorus Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1883, p. 211, pl. ix. fig. 1
(Mt. Roraima); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Roraima, 3500 ft.).
Bolborhynchus panychlorus Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 238, 1891 ;

Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 86, no. 804, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below green, somewhat
paler on the latter. “ Bill dusky ; feet pale brown.”

Total length 142 mm., culmen 13, wing 95, tail 38, tarsus 12,
middle toe and elaw 17.

The male described was collected by Mr. McConnell at Mount
Roraima in October 1898.

We have examined the series of this species in the British
Museum, which consists of four males and two females. Both
sexes are alike in plumage, and as regards the wing-measurements
the males measure 91-96 mm. and the females 91 and 93 mm.
They were all collected at Mount Roraima by Whitely during the
months of November 1881, January 1882 and 1884.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Reraima, October
1898 (MeConnell collection); Mount Roraima, January and
November (H. Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

PSITTACULA. 315

Genus PSITTACULA Kull.
Psittacula Kuhl, Consp. Psitt. p. 8, 1820. Type P. passerina (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by the absence of a furcula, the
bill swollen on the sides, the culmen rounded, the orbital ring
incomplete, and the short tail.

202. Psittacula modesta.
ScHOMBURGK’S PARRAKEET.

Psittacula modesta Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 727, 1848
(British Guiana); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 245 note, 1891;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 86, no. 810, 1912.

“ Psittacus modesta, Cab., nov. sp.—A single specimen, labelled
¢ , without any blue, differs from the ? of passerina in being larger
and especially in its broader bill. Forehead and fore part of
crown is, as is also the whole underparts, yellowish green, the
green of the upper parts is less brilliant and darker (about the
same as in P. suipara), flight-feathers black. Rump, under
wing-coverts, and outer edges of primaries grass-green, inner edge
of flight-feathers washed with dull blue. Upper mandible dark
brown, lower mandible pale. Total length 5’ 8!’ (= 131 mm.),
wing 3} (=77), tail 1” 8’ (=39), middle toe without claw 62””
(= 13). I(Schomb.) also doubt this species, and my doubts are
as above (gregarius) that I always obtained this species when
shooting into a flock of passerina.”

As the type specimen of this species is not available at the
present time for comparison, we have copied the original
description. °

203. Psittacula passerina.
BLUE-WINGED PARRAKEET.
Psittacus passerinus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 103, 1758 (Guiana).
Psittacula gregaria Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 727, 1848.
Psittacula guianensis Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 251, 1891.
Psittacula sp., Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 7, 1897.
Psittacula passerina Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 87, no. 816,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below green ; forehead,
lower back, and rump emerald-green ; primary-coyerts above and
under wing-covyerts ultramarine-blue.

316 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Total length 114 mm., eulmen 12, wing 82, tail 37, tarsus 12.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
the Upper Takutu Mountains.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
blue on the rump, greater upper wing-coverts, outer webs of
primary-quills, and under wing-coverts, these parts being replaced
by emerald-green. Wing 83 mm,

Breeding “all the year round in confinement” (C. A. Lloyd).

Nest. Undescribed in British Guiana.

Eggs. * Laying as many as four eggs at a time—in confine-
ment” (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard) and Cayenne.

There are two other individuals in the McConnell collection,
which were collected at the Mountains of the Moon, but we
consider that locality to be outside the bounds of the Colony.

Habits. Schomburgk was evidently much’ interested in the
manners of this little Parrot and the affection shown by the male
and female towards each other (cr. Reis. Guian. i. p. 74), as he
states that their life is a perfection of married life—if one calls,
then the other does the same ; if papa eats, mamma follows suit;
if papa has a bath, mamma indulges as well; if either is ill, the
other is most attentive in administering food, ete. Schomburgk
also mentions (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 726) that this little Parrot
is found in large flocks. It appears to prefer the vicinity of the
coast and settlements rather than the interior, where it is less
common. When flying it emits its short and musical note. The
tree in which it prefers to perch is the tamarisk, the flowers and
sheots of which it greedily devours. It also hunts the under-
growth for various berries and fruits. He did not see many
tame birds of this species, and was told that they did not live long
in captivity. Schomburgk did not know anything about its
nidification.

Mr. ©. A. Lloyd, writing on the nesting of some Guiana birds,
remarks (Timeliri (2) xi. p. 7) :— We know nothing concerning
the habits of the little Love-birds, Psittacula sp., in their wild
state, but in captivity they are prolific, breeding all the year
round, and laying as many as four eggs at a time.”

BROTOGERIS. 317

Genus BROTOGERIS Vig.
Brotogeris Vigors, Zool. Journ. ii. p. 400, 1825. Type B. pyrrhopterus
(Lath.).
In this genus the bill is somewhat compressed, the cere is
naked, there is no tufted oil-gland, and the orbital ring is in-
complete.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, tail more than 80 mm.; primary-
coverts blackish edged with green on the
outer webs, uniform in colour with the
MU Mthe RICO MEME =o nn ocean eo ee B. tirica, p. 317.
B. Smaller, tail less than 80 mm.; primary-
coverts orange-yellow in strong contrast
to the rest of the wing, which is green .... B. chrysopterus, p. 318.

204. Brotogeris tirica.
ALL-GREEN PARRAKEET.
Psittacus tirica Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 351, 1788 (Brazil).
Conurus tirtacula Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 727, 1848.
Brotogerys tiriacula Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68.
Brotogerys tirica Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 254, 1891.
Brotogeris tirica Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 87, no. 820,
1912.

Adult male. Upper wing-coverts, scapulars, back, rump, and
upper tail-coverts, and tail dark grass-green with a tinge of
bronze-green on the lesser upper wing-coverts; crown of head
and nape pale grass-green ; sides of face, throat, breast, abdomen,
and under tail-coverts apple-green ; under wing-coyerts yellowish
green ; primary-coverts and primary-quills dark blue edged on
the outer webs of the latter with green, the inner webs of which
are for the greater part brown; lower aspect of quills and tail-
feathers dull bluish green. ‘ Bill reddish flesh-colour ; cere
whitish ; feet brownish flesh-colour ; iris brown-grey.”

Total length 225 mm., culmen 18, wing 122, tail 119, tarsus 13.

Adult female. Like the adult male. Wing 123 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions of the male and female are taken from specimens
in the British Museum, collected by Joyner at Rio Janeiro—
Alexander Fry Collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

318 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Egas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Habits. This is still the only record of the occurrence of this
species in British Guiana, viz., Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 727.
It is, according to Schomburgk, gregarious and found in the woods.
Like all Parrakeets it distinguishes itself by its loud piercing
voice. The “ Macusis” call it Kehrih-Kehrih.

205. Brotogeris chrysopterus.
(JOLDEN-WINGED PARRAKEET.

Psittacus chrysopterus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 149, 1766 (Guiana).

Conurus tuiparus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 727, 1848.

Brotogerys chrysoptera Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa).

Brotogerys chrysopterus Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 263, 1891.

? Brotogeris Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 273, 1895.

Brotogeris chrysopterus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 88,
no. 829, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below green, somewhat
paler on the latter ; primary-coverts orange ; primary- quills blue
with green on the edge of the outer webs and at the tips, margin
of inner webs brown ; base of forehead and chin dark brown.

Total length 174 mm., culmen 19, wing 109, tail 63, tarsus 11.

The male from which the description is taken was collected
on the Itnribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 106 mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum, collected by Whitely at Bartica on October 3rd,
1879—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Tt nests in the holes in trees” (Schomburgk). “They
generally lay their eggs in the deserted nests of wood-ants
(termites) ” (C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. “Two to four eggs form the clutch ” (Schomburgk).

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Ituribisi River (McConnell
collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 727) that this
somewhat large species is found throughout British Guiana.
It flies about near the coast in large flocks, and is very fond of
settling on the flowering erythrinen trees growing in the coffee-
plantations, and devouring the flowers. Its nest is in the holes of
trees, and two to four eggs form the clutch.

BROTOGERIS.—AMAZONA. 319

We quote the following note, which may or may not apply
to this species, from Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) ix.p. 273) :—
“Several species of Brotogeris were also reported from the
Colony, but they are small green birds, hardly distinguishable
from each other except in size, and not very interesting from an
esthetic point of view. They generally lay their eggs in the
deserted nests of wood-ants (termites) .”

Genus AMAZONA Less.

Amazona Lesson, Traité d’Orn. p. 189, 1830. Type A. pulverulenta
(Gmel.)=A. farinosa (Bodd.).

The members of this genus are fairly large birds, chiefly
green in colour, with the tail somewhat short and rounded and
the orbital ring complete.

Key to the Species.

A. Lower back and rump green.
a. Wing-speculum bright red.
a’. Larger, wing more than 230 mm.;
crown of head orange-yellow; sides
IES cata: 5 2) an eer ROA On OE pe meters A, farinosa, p. 319.
b'. Smaller, wing less than 230 mm.
b’. Crown otf head sulphur-yellow ;

lores blue; cheeks yellow ...... A. amazonica, p. 320.
ce’. Crown of head yellow; lores and
cheeks green . sisaeustissacceess Ax O¢hrocephela,-p: 322

b. ee speculum bright orange.
. Head yellow tinged with green ; sides
of face and sides of neck blue ...... A, dufresniana, p. 325.
B. Lower back and rump red.
c. No wing-speculum.

d'. Forehead and fore part of head dull

red; loral streak blackish ............ A, bodini, p. 326.
e’. Base of forehead and loral streak dark
RUE oe a gag oat odes te cor Sag oe A, festiva, p. 327.

206. Amazona farinosa.
Meaty AMAZON.

Psittacus farinosus (Bodd.), Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52, 1783 (Cayenne).
Psittacus pulverulentus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 724, L848.
Chrysotis farinosa Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p- 280, 1891; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix.
p- 271, 1895; id. op. cit. xi. p. 7, 1897 (Rupununi River).
Amazona farinosa Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 174, 201
(Hoorie Creek), p. 233 (Moruka), p. 234 (Pomeroon River), 1910;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer, i. p. 89, no, 833, 1912. °

*Saurama?’ (Lloyd).

320 ) BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult male. General colour above and below green; outer
primary black, the remainder of the primary-quills black on the
apical portion, and the inner webs of the secondary-quills also
black ; edge of wing and outer webs of the four outer
secondary-quills bright scarlet ; tail paler green at the tip and
inclining to yellow on the inner webs of the feathers on the
apical portion ; the feathers on the nape and hind-neck have dark
edges; middle of crown yellow. ‘“ Bill horn-colour ; feet blackish-
prey.”

Total length 410 mm., culmen 40, wing 242, tail 139,
tarsus 26.

The description of the male is based on an example collected on
the Abary River in July 1906.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in most respects, but
differs in the absence of the yellow patch on the crown of the
head. Wing 220 mm.

The female described is in the British Museum and was
collected by Whitely at Bartica, September 19th, 1879—Salvin-
Godman Collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Bonasika River, Abary River, Corentyne River (MeConnell
collection); Bartica, Kamakusa (Whitely); Hoorie River, Moruka
River, Pomeroon River (Leche).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert), Surinam (Penard),
North Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 724)
this is one of the largest of the Parrots as well as one of the most
common birds in the Colony. The “ Macusis” call it Worokeh
and the ** Warraus” Torom.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on some Guiana Parrots, remarks
(Timehri (2) ix. p. 271) :—‘“* The ‘ Saurama’ (C. farinosa) is one
of the largest of its genus found in this part of Guiana.”

207. Amazona amazonica.

ORANGE-WINGED AMAZON.

Psittacus amazonicus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 147, 1766 (Surinam).
Psittacus estivus (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 725,

AMAZONA. aa

1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 327, 1876 (Corentyne
River).

Chrysotis amazonica Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Camacusa, Roraima,
3500 ft.); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 2838, 1891 (Takutu
River); Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 271, 1895.

Amazona amazonica Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 89, no. 836,
1912.

**Screecher ” (Brown, Lloyd).

Adult female. General colour above and below green with dark
edges to the feathers on the nape, hind-neck, and sides of neck ;
fore part of head and edge of wings pale yellow; sides of face
orange-yellow ; the three outer secondary-quills bright scarlet on
the outer webs ; apical portion of flight-quills black ; tail for the
most part green, much paler at the tip, the outer feathers red on
the basal portion of the inner webs and a subterminal red band.
“ Bill light horn-colour, with the tip dusky ; feet dusky ; iris red-
orange.”

Total length 310 mm., culmen 31, wing 185, tail 94, tarsus 23.

The female described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female in the colour of the
plumage. Wing 200 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum, collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima on
January 4th, 1882—-Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Vest. The nest is made in the holes of hollow trees
(Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River.
Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Waini River (Schomburgk) ; Corentyne River, Parua Island
(Brown); Kamakusa, Mount Roraima, 3500 ft., Takutu River
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Linné), Trinidad, Venezuela,
Colombia, Eastern Peru, Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 725)
this is the commonest Parrot in British Guiana. It prefers the
coast-woods to those inland, and is very fond of climbing about in
the Avicenna bushes. In the morning innumerable birds start out
in pairs to their feeding-grounds, flying very high and uttering

Y

322 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

their unpleasant and powerful calls. It is a very noisy bird and
always emitting its shrill voice. That is why the settlers and
natives have given it the name of Screecher. On the Waini River
he once observed an enormous flock settle on the trees on the
borders of that river. They bent the thinner branches downwards
with their weight, and the noise they made was ear-splitting. He
was surprised to see lots of the birds drinking the somewhat salt
water, as the distance from the coast was not very far. The flesh of
the young birds was very savoury—it was therefore much hunted
and sold to the settlers. It is very commonly kept in captivity.
During the breeding-season it lives in pairs, at which time it
appears to lose its voice. The nest is made in the holes of hollow
trees. Like all other Parrots it feeds its young with half-
digested food, which it brings up from its crop. The young
are only fed twice a day—-at 11 in the morning and 5 o’clock
in the afternoon. The natives used to fell the trees in which
the Parrots nested in order to secure the young.

We quote the following note from Mr. Barrington Brown
(Canoe and Camp Life, p. 327) :—“ Just before dusk immense
numbers of Parrots, of the kind called ‘Screechers,’ flew over us,
making for Parua Island, where they settled on low trees. They
appeared to be ina most excited condition, constantly screeching
and rising up in hundreds over the trees, where they hovered and
resettled at intervals, until night closed in and put a stop to their
flittings.”

Mr Gy =A, Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks
(Timehri (2) ix. p. 271) :—‘* The ‘Sereecher” (Chrysotis amazonica)
is one of the commonest Parrots occurring here. Of our native
Parrots the Amazon is undoubtedly the best talker.”

208. Amazona ochrocephala.
YELLOW-HEADED AMAZON.

Psittacus ochrocephalus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 889, 1788 (Colombia) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 724, 1848.

Chrysotis ochrocephala Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 289, 1891; Lloyd,
Timehri (2) ix. p. 271, 1895.

Amazona ochrocephala Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 135, 146,
1910 (Barima) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 89, no. 841,
1922:

“Common Screecher Parrot” (Quelch); ‘* Yellow-fronted
Amazon Parrot” (Beebe).

AMAZONA. 323

Adult female. Upper and under surface green with dark edges
to the feathers on the nape, hind-neck, scapulars, sides of neck,
hinder cheeks, fore-neck, breast, and abdomen ; fore part of head
vellow ; outer secondaries green on the outer webs next to the
wing-speculum and blue at the tips, the inner ones green on the outer
webs as also at the tips, the innermost secondaries entirely green ;
carpal edge of the wing and outer webs of the outer secondary-quills
bright red; the apical portion of flight-quills has the outer webs
blue and the inner ones black ; tail green, paler at the tip, basal
portion of the outer feathers red. “ Bill blackish with the base
of the upper mandible flesh-colour ; feet dark grey ; iris red, with
an inner yellow ring.”

Total length 353 mm., culmen 34, wing 220, tail 121,
tarsus 23.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
on the Abary River in September 1907.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but does not show the
dark edges to the feathers to the same extent as mentioned in
the description of the female. Wing 208 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum, collected by Mr. F. V. McConnell on the
Rupununi Savannas and presented to the National Collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “These birds usually nest in hollows in the tops of the
tallest and most inaccessible trees. The entrance is rectangular,
about three by six inches, and some five feet above the ground ”
(Beebe).

Eggs. “ Three white eggs” (Beebe).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu River, Abary River
(MeConnell collection) ; Barima River (Beebe); Bartica, Kamakusa
(Whitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,
astern Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 724) that this
bird is common in British Guiana and a large number are kept in
confinement by the Indians. They take it from the nest when very
young and carefully nurse it. These birds, as well as monkeys, are
considered important articles of trade. Some of the birds’ wings
are usually cut, and the birds are then allowed to go quite free
about the settlement—some, however, are not pinioned, and these

Y2

324 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

mix with the wild birds during the day and return to the settlement
towards evening. They pick up the different sounds in the settle-
ment and imitate the crowing of the cock, barking of the dogs,
the erying of the children, ete. The fondness shown by the
parrots and monkeys to the native children is very striking, and
he had rarely seen any of the latter at play without a monkey or
parrot taking part.

The savoury flesh of this bird, its fine plumage, and the ease
with which it is tamed makes it much sought after.

At dawn innumerable pairs emerge from the woods, and
towards dusk return, calling wildly all the time. They are
especially fond of the shoots of the leguminosen trees, and when
a hundred are feeding on a tree one only-hears a subdued
murmur from them, and the falling of the empty pods makes a
considerable rustling among the undergrowth. It requires a keen
eye to discover a bird among the foliage. When a flock leaves a
tree they usually utter their unpleasant wild ery. This bird nests
in holes in trees, often using those made by Woodpeckers. The
* Macusis” call it Worrokeh.

Mr. ©. A. Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks as follows
(Timehri (2) ix. p. 271) :— Three other species of the genus
Chrysotis have been reported from here, but they are not so com-
monly seen except as cage-birds. One, C. ochrocephala, the true
Amazon, is only obtained far in the interior and never appears to
visit the coast. The Indians assert that this species frequently
breeds in company with C. amazonica, and that young birds of
both species are often taken from the same nest. It is not un-
common to meet with specimens of C. ochrocephala having the
feathers alternately green and yellow, giving the bird a checkered
appearance ; this abnormal arrangement of plumage is said to be
due to their feeding exclusively on Indian corn.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 66) writes :—
“The big Yellow-fronted Amazon Parrot. These birds usually
nest in hollows in the tops of the tallest and most inaccessible
trees. The entrance is rectangular, about three by six inches, and
some five feet above the ground. We cut a hole in the trunk
near the ground, and there find the nest of the Parrot. Three
white eggs, one of which is pipped, and a young bird just hatched
reward us, all resting ona bed of chips. The diminutive Polly
is scantily clothed with white down.”

AMAZONA, 325

Mr. J. J. Queleh, writing on the Native Birds of Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) vy. p. 107) :—‘* The common Screecher Parrot
(Chrysotis ochrocephala) may at times be seen, but at rare

intervals.”

209. Amazona dufresniana.
DUFRESNE’s AMAZON.

Psittacus dufresnianus Shaw, Gen. Zool. viii. 2, p. 513, 1811 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 111. p. 724, 1848.

Chrysotis caeligena Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove).

Chrysotis dufresniana Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 295, 1891;
Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 271, 1895.

Amazona dufresniana Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. 1. p. 90, no. 844,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below green with dark
edges to the feathers on the hind-neck and an inclination to yellow
on the throat and under surface, these parts as well as the under
wing-coverts being tinged with blue; top of head yellow tinged with
green ; an orange spot in front of the eye ; sides of face and sides
of neck lavender-blue ; wing-speculum bright orange fading in-
wardly to yellow ; tips of flight-quills bluish black, the innermost
secondaries green, becoming yellowish green at the tips of the
outer feathers, with a tinge of red at the base and on the sub-
terminal portion of the feathers, as well as a bluish tinge on the
outer web of the outermost feather. “ Bill dusky with the base
of the upper mandible red ; feet grey.”

Total length 370 mm., culmen 39, wing 200, tail 104, tarsus 22.

The deseription of the male is taken from a bird collected on the
Demerara River in April 1874.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 198 mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum collected at Bartica on the 10th of October, 1880,
by H. Whitely—Salvin-Godman collection.

We notice in the series at the British Museum, as well as in that
in the McConnell collection, that the amount of blue which pervades
the face and underparts varies in each individual.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Jartica, Jonasika River, Deme-

326 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

rara River (JJeConnell collection) ; Sururu (Schomburgk) ; Kama-
kusa, Kamarang River (Wiitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Cayenne.

Halits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 438), near
Pomeroon in the morning, waiting for the tide to come in. A
large number of Parrots came over the boat and settled in the
mimosa troes. He shot some fur identification and for food, and
they proved to be P. dufresnii—a species new to him.

Schomburgk also remarks (op. cit, iii, p, 724) that this beautiful
species is less common than many of the others. He once, and once
only, met with it near Sururu, but it was an innumerable flock.
{ts voice is somewhat different from the other species.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on GuianaParrots, remarks (Timehri
(2) ix. p. 271) :—* C. dufresniana is not a rare species, but it
is not very common, and is notable as being the only large green
Parrot having the wing-speculum yellow ; found in the Colony ;
it is said never to learn to speak.”

210. Amazona bodini,
Bopiy’s AMAZON,

Chrysotis bodini Finsch, P. Z. 8. 1879, p, 569, pl. 49 (Middle
Orinoco); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Barima River) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 307, 1891; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix.
p. 272, 1895.

Amazona bodini Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 90, no. §51, 1912.

Adult. General colour above and below green with dark narrow
fringes to the feathers ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and pri-
mary-quills bluish green, outer primary almost entirely black like
the inner webs of the primary and secondary quills, outer webs of
secondary-quills green like the back ; lower back and rump bright
scarlet ; upper tail-coverts paler than the back and more yellowish
green like the tips of the tail-feathers ; fore part of head dark
rose-colour ; throat and sides of face bluish green, nape green
with a purplish tinge ; edge of wing yellow ; under wing-coverts
bluish green ; under tail-coverts pale green with yellow bases,

** Bill and cere blackish ; feet dark plumbeous ; iris yellow, with

an outer circle of red” (Finsch).

Total length 320 mm., culmen 32, wing 195, tail 107, tarsus 22.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection,

AMAZONA. Bayt

and the description is taken from a specimen in the British
Museum collected by Mr. W. L. Sclater on the Barima River—
Sclater collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Barima River (W,. L. Sclater).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. Mr. C. A. Lloyd writes (Timehri (2) ix. p. 272) :—
“The Red-backed Parrot, C. bodini, is a very rare bird in British
Guiana, but we are told that it is common enough in Brazil. We
have only seen a few specimens of this fine Parrot, and they were
all in a domesticated state.”

211. Amazona festiva.
FrEstivE AMAZON,
Psittacus festivus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 101, 1758 (Guiana) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Gruian. i. p. 724, 1848.
Chrysotis festiva Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68; Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xx. p. 307, 1891.
Amazona festiva Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 90, no. 852,
1912. ;

Adult. General colour above and below green; fore part of
head red, more or less tinged with pale green, with a wash of blue
over the hinder part of the head which extends on to the sides of
the crown, where it is more pronounced ; lower back and rump
bright red; primary-quiils blackish, more or less blue on the
outer webs; throat also tinged with blue. ‘* Bill and feet dusky ;
iris yellow-orange.”

Total length 315 mm., culmen 28, wing 185, tail 102, tarsus 19.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, of the
specimen from which the description is taken.

Adult male. General colour above and below green; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish tinged with blue on the
outer webs of the primaries, outer webs of secondaries green with
blue at the tips ; innermost secondaries green like the back ; lower
back and rump bright scarlet; upper tail-coverts and tips of tail-
feathers yellowish green ; outermost pair of tail-feathers dull red at
the base on the outer web, and edged with purplish blue; base of

328 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

forehead dull crimson followed by yellowish green ; a patch on
the throat and sides of crown blue with a tinge of the same colour
on the nape ; sides of face green tinged with blue ; under wing-
coverts and quill-lining bluish green. Iris red.

Total length 300 mm., culmen 32, wing 213, tail 97, tarsus 23.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 201 mm.

The descriptions of the male and female are taken from examples
in the British Museum ; the male was collected at Elvira, E. Peru,
by J. Hauxwell, on the 30th of December, 1876—Sclater collection,
and the female lived in the Zooiogical Society’s Gardens and is
said to have come from Guiana—Sclater collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Unrecorded.

Eztralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Venezuela, East Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 724) that this
bird is less common than the preceding species (Towt purpurata,
p- 337). It is somewhat more numerous along the Rio Branco
and the Rio Negro. In the former place he found it a common
bird kept in confinement by the natives. It is, no doubt, the most
intelligent of the South American Parrots. He had seen indi-
viduals that could whistle long tunes and talk most excellently.
Even the Indians prize it considerably more than any of the other
species.. Its mode of life and habits are the same as those of
other Parrots.

Genus PIONUS Wagl.

Pionus Wagler, Monogr. Psitt. p. 497; Abhan. Math. Phys. K. B. Akad.
Mun. vol. i. 1880. Type P. menstruus (Linn.).

This genus is characterized by the absence of the tufted oil-
gland, the nearly square tail, the red under tail-coverts, and the
orbital ring complete.

Key to the Species.

A. Back, abdomen, and under’ wing-coverts
TOON hE Nena sc ppeos sep tre Sanne oneness thee Ooeee P. menstruus, p. 829.

wing-coverts blue... se.s0-deeviders cunsaeeavaes, (os fMSCUE, Dts

PIONUS. 329

212. Pionus menstruus.
RED-VENTED PARROT.

Psittacus menstruus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 148, 1766 (Surinam) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723, no. 263, 1848.

Pionus mexstruus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Merumé Mts., Roraima); Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 322,
1891; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 157, 1910 (Waini) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 91, no. 857, 1912.

? Psittacus maximiliant Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 723,
no. 264, 1848.

? Caica maximiliani Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 70.

Adult male. Entire back, wings, abdomen, axillaries, and under
wing-coverts green; upper wing-coverts golden-green ; entire
head, neck all round, throat, sides of face, and breast blue ; ear-
coverts black ; under tail-coverts and base of tail red, tips of the
former green ; upper and under surface of tail more or less blue
at the tip. “ Bill blackish, with red patch atthe base of upper
mandible; cere greyish; feet grey; iris brown.”

Total length 255 mm., culmen 28, wing 186, tail 80, tarsus 17.

The male described was collected on the Kamakabra River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but apparently rather
smaller. Wing 175 mm.

According to Count Salvadori, the young bird is “ greener on the
head, neck, and upper breast, where the blue colour on the edges
of the feathers is less developed than in the adult birds—sometimes
a pinkish band mixed with blue on the forehead.”

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana. _

Nest. The nests are placed in holes in trees (Schomburgh).

Eags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu Moun-
tains, Ituribisi River, Kamakabra Liver, Bonasika River, Makauria
River, Anarica River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamaxusa,
Merumé Mountains (Whitely) ; Waini River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Linné), Venezuela, Culombia,
? N.W. Ecuador, East Peru, Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723,
no. 263) this bird is found in the woods throughout British
Guiana. In September and October it migrates in large flocks
towards the woods near the coast, where it feeds on the ripe fruit

300 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

of the guava trees. During their sojourn there the birds are
shot in large numbers and sold to the settlers. It roosts in the
depths of the woods, which it leaves in the morning, uttering
its call very loudly, and returns in the evening. During the
breeding-season it lives in pairs, and one scarcely sees a solitary
bird in the woods. Its nests are placed in holes in trees. It is-
easily tamed and kept as a pet by the natives. The ‘* Macusis”
eall it Zarisa and the ** Warraus” Tomana.

Regarding this doubtful species Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian.
iii. p. 723, No. 264=Psittacus mawximiliani) that this beautiful
Parrot —like No. 263 = Pionus menstruus—repairs to the coast in
large flocks during October and November, attracted by the ripe
figs. It is shot in large numbers and eaten as game, the flesh
being considered very savoury. During the breeding-season it
lives in pairs, during which time one seldom meets with it in
the woods. It nests in holes in the trees.

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 157) writes :—“A
horde of Blue-headed Parrots were on their way up the coast.
Closely massed though most of them were, yet the eternal two
and two formation of the tribe of Parrots was never lost, and even
when. the vanguard, terrified by our puffing launch, wheeled and
dashed back through the ranks behind, each Parrot flew always
close to its mate. ‘he Parrots screamed unceasingly, and near
the main body the noise was terrific—a shrill deafening roar, as
from a dozen factory whistles. Until long after dark they flew
back and forth around us, sometimes attempting to alight ina
tree and falling from branch to branch, almost to the water,
before securing a foot- or beak-hold.”

213. Pionus fuscus.
Dusky Parrot.
Psittacus fuscus P, L. 8S. Mill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 78, 1776

(Cayenne).

Pionus violaceus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 501 (Carimang River).

Pionus fuscus Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 334, 1891 (Bartica
Grove) ; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 278, 1895 (Essequebo River) ;-
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 344, 1910 (Aremu) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 92, no. 868, 1912.

Adult male. Back, upper wing-coverts, scapulars, rump, and
upper tail-coyerts black, with pale edgings to the feathers of the

PIONUS. 33

mantle, scapulars, and lesser upper wing-coverts ; crown of head
blue as is also the fore part of the cheeks; the hinder cheeks
whitish at the base of the feathers followed by blue and edged with
lilac; ear-coyerts black, a crimson spot at the base of the nostrils;
primary-coverts, flight-quiils, and tail ultramarine-blue ; base of
outer tail-feathers bright red, as are also the under tail-coverts;
breast lilac-brown ; abdomen crimson-lilac ; axillaries, under wing-
coverts, and quill-lining uitramarine-blue. “ Bill greyish black,
towards the base of upper mandible yellowish ; feet greyish
black ; iris brown-black.”

Total length 240 mm., culmen 26, wing 164, tail 76, tarsus 17.

According to Count Salvadori, the female is like the male, but
we have examined a series of four males and four females in the
British Museum, and observe that the females differ in having
the greater upper wing-coverts and outer webs of the secondary-
quills green instead of blue or bluish black. We notice also that
the under wing-coverts and quill-lining in the female are paler
and more greenish blue. Wing 163 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. A hole in a tall dead kakeralli tree, about forty feet from
the ground (Beebe).

Jéggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Runge in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Makauria River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Kamarang River (W hitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (P.L. S. Miiller), Northern Brazil.

Habits. Mr. Beebe writes (Our Search for a Wilderness,
p. 344):—“Among the most interesting birds which we found
nesting were the Dusky Parrots. About one hundred yards from
the clearing we observed two Red-breasted Parrots fly from a hole
about forty feet up in a tall dead kakeralli tree. We watched the
tree morning and afternoon for several days, often for an hour ata
time, but neither saw nor heard anything of the birds. Fearing
we had been deceived in thinking they were nesting, we hada
black cut down the tree, but no sooner had the dust settled from
the debris of rotten wood, than a chorus of raucous cries arose,
and four young Parrots nearly fledged were gathered into a hat.
The quartet showed an interesting sequence of growth, there being
several days’ difference between each one. The youngest was clad
only in quill-like blood-feathers ; number two had the seapulars,

332 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

part of the crown, the breast, and a half inch of the tail-feathers
out of the sheath. Number three was pretty well feathered, except
for face, throat, under wings, and sides; while number four was to
all intents and purposes a real Parrot. The way in which the old
birds kept hidden was remarkable.”

Mr. C. A. Lloyd (Timehri (2) ix. p. 273) writes as follows :—
“A very common Parrot about our rivers is P/onus fuscus....
At certain times it is liable to be infested with wandering nema-
toid worms, and one we saw shot on the Essequebo River was so
filled with these parasites as to render it a mystery how the
bird could exist at all. The worms were about an inch long
and almost transparent.”

Genus DEROPTYUS Wagl.

Deroptyus Wagler, Monogr. Psitt. p. 492; Abhan. Math. Phys. K. B.
Akad. Mun. vol. i. 1830. Type D. aceipitrinus (Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having a tufted oil-gland, the
bil somewhat stout, the tail rather Jong, and the feathers on
the nape and hind-neck long and erectile.

214. Deroptyus accipitrinus,
HAWK-HEADED CAIQUE.

Psittacus accipitrinus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 102, 1758
(Guiana).

Deroptyus accipitrinus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 726, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts.) ; Salvad. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xx. p. 335, 1891; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 272, 1895;
Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 92, no. 869, 1912.

“* Hia-Hia,” “ Hawk-headed Parrot” (Lloyd).

Adult male. Back, rump, wings, tail, under wing-coverts, sides
of body, and under tail-coverts green ; flight-quills black, inner
secondaries green on the outer webs; outer webs of outer tuail-
feathers bluish; the elongated feathers on lower hind-neck and
sides of neck crimson-red, edged with blue at the tips ; breast and
abdomen similar, but the colours darker in tone, the tips of the
feathers on the sides of the breast are edged with green ; fore
part of head dull white; fore part of cheeks, sides of face and
nape dusky with white shaft-lines to the feathers; lower aspect

DEROPTYUS. 333

of tail-feathers and quill-lining black, or brownish black. ‘ Bill
dusky horn-colour ; feet black ; iris brown.”

Total length 835 mm., culmen 32, wing 202, tail 154, tarsus 21.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Bonasika River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 192 mm.

Deroptyus accipitrinus.
Fig. 62.—To illustrate the nape-frill.

The female described is in the British Museum, and was col-
lected by Whitely at Kamakusa on the 11th of March, 1882—
Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It breeds in the holes of trees (Schomburgh).

Eggs. It lays two eggs (Schomburgh).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Anarica River (McConnell collection) ; Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa (Witely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil.

304 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Hatits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 726) that this
beautiful Parrot was distributed over the greater portion of British
Guiana, though not so very common. It was, as a rule, seen in
pairs, but rarely in small flocks. In its mode of life it differed
somewhat from the preceding species= Amazona estiva.

It prefers the lower forests and flies low, never high in the air.
It appears to favour the settlements, where one often hears its long
drawn-out note, “ Hia-Hia,” and this is the name by which the
bird is known te the settlers and natives. It is rather a delicate
bird and cannot stand any hardship, but it is easily tamed, though
it did not talk easily. When angry it raises its beautiful neck-
feathers, which form a kind of fan at the back of the head. It
breeds in the holes of trees and lays two eggs.

The “Macusis” call it Wanakia and the “ Warraus”
Paratakia.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on Guiana Parrots, remarks as
follows (Timehri (2) ix. p. 272):—“ One of the most curious of the
Guiana Parrots is the ‘ Hia-Hia,’ Deroptyus accipitrinus. Its
erectile crest and hawk-like aspect have earned for it the name of
the Hawk-headed Parrot, and will serve to distinguish it at once
from any other species. It is generally met with in small
flocks of from ten to twenty, though occasionally solitary pairs are
seen, but these appear to be old birds.”

Genus PIONOPSITTA Bonap.

Pionopsitta Bonaparte, Rev. Zool. 1854, p. 152. Type P. pileata
(Scop.).
This genus is distinguished by the short tail, with its pointed
feathers, which is less than half the length of the wing.

215. Pionopsitta caica.
Catca Parrot.

Psittacus caica Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 128, 1790 (Cayenne).

Psittacus pileatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723, 1848.

Caica histrio Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove).

Pionopsitta caica Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 345, 1891 (Carimang
tiver); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 93, no. 877, 1912.

Adult male, Entire back, wings, and tail green like the abdo-

PIONOPSITTA. 335

men and under wing-coverts ; outer aspect of wings and abdomen
paler green than the back ; head and sides of face black; collar
on hind-neck rich orange with dark edges to the feathers; throat
and fore-neck bronze-brown ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills black with green edges to the outer webs ; inner webs of
tail-feathers yellow, outer webs green, and tipped with blue;
under tail-coverts paler than the abdomen and more yellowish
grey. “Bill horn-colour, cere darker; feet dusky ; iris hazel”
(H. Whitely).

Total length 210 mm., culmen 19, wing 148, tail 65, tarsus 15,
middle toe and claw 24.

VA
val |

it

aril uf
if

1

Hail” Uy

tf

Pionopsitta caica.

Fig. 63.—To show the nearly square tail with its pointed feathers.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 157 mm.

Young birds differ from the adults chiefly in haying the upper
part of the head green.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bonasika River, Anarica River (MeConnell collection) ; Bartica
Kamakusa, Kamarang River ( Wiitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard) and Cayenne.

336 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723),
the habits and mode of life of this species are the same as those
of Pionites melanocephala, p. 339.

Genus TOUIT Gray.

Touit Gray, Cat. Gen. & Subgen. Birds, p. 89, 1855. Type T. hueti
(Temm.).

This genus is distinguished chiefly by the long upper and under
tail-coverts, which reach to the tip of the tail.

Key to the Species.

A. Back and rump black; under wing-coverts
and axillaries blue ........12--.0ss0ss--+--2-505-5 LC. batavien, p. dae.
B. Back green; rump blue; under wing-coverts
and siaiflation: iC so ics cee vee ys sian
C. Back and rump green; under wing-coverts
and axillaries bright red ........................ 2. hueti, p. 338.

T. purpurata, p. 337.

216. Touit batavica.

Scoroti’s Parrot.

Psittaca batavica Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 49, 1783 (Venezuela).
Urochroma cingulata Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 351, 1891;
Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 272, 1895 (Groete Creek).
Urochroma batavica Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 93, no. 881,
1912.
“‘ Seven-coloured Parrakeet”’ (Lloyd).

Adult male. Back, rump, upper tail-coverts, and wings black ;
greater upper wing-coverts yellow with blue tips ; outer webs of
tertials yellow and green ; tail lilac with a subterminal black band
on the outer feathers; forehead, lores, and chin yellow; crown
of head, hinder face, throat, abdomen, and under tail-coverts pale
green ; nape dull yellow with narrow dark edges to the feathers,
which gives a scaled appearance; breast blue-green; edge of
wing red; under wing-coverts dull blue. “ Bill whitish yellow ;
feet pale; iris brown ” (Léotaud).

Total length 165 mm., culmen 15, wing 118, tail 50, tarsus 12.

The male described was collected on the Supenaam River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in the colour of the

TOUIT. aot

plumage, but apparently smaller. Wing 107 mm. ‘Iris sherry-
coloured; legs yellow-brown.”

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum, collected in Trinidad on December the 29th,
1905, and presented by Mr. Collingwood Ingram.

Although there is a fair number of specimens, of this species,
in the National Collection, this is the only one that has the sex
identified.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

F2gqgs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Mazaruni River
(McConnell collection) ; Groete Creek (C. A. Lloyd).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela.

Habits. Regarding this species Mr. C. A. Lloyd writes (Timehri
(2) ix. p. 272) :—‘* Urochroma cingulata is a perfect gem, and
is known to the ‘ Bovianders’ as the ‘Seven-coloured Parakeet.’
It was once very plentiful in the neighbourhood of Groete Creek,
but of late years its numbers have from some unknown cause
become greatly diminished.”

217. Touit purpurata.
PURPLE GUIANA PARROT.
Psittacus purpuratus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 350, 1788 (Cayenne); Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 723, 1848.
Urochroma purpurata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 70 (Rartica Grove, Roraima) ;
Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 353, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 93, no. 883, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below green; lower
back dark blue, small scapulars brown, outer tail-feathers red
tipped with black ; crown of head brown, inclining to yellowish
green on nape and sides of the neck; edge of wing purple; sides
of body inclining to golden yellow; long under tail-coverts green
and equal to the length of the tail. ‘“ bill lead-colour, yellow
towards the tip ; feet grey.”

Total length 170 mm., culmen 15, wing 122, tail 46, tarsus 10.

Adult female. Differs from the male in haying the lateral tail-
feathers subterminally banded with green and tipped with black.
Wing 110 mm.

338 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
on the Mazaruni River:

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River, Mazaruni River
(MeConnell collection); Kuamuka (Schomburgh) ; Kamarang River,
Mount Roraima (W hitely).

Extralimital Range. North-eastern Brazil.

Habits. Regarding this bird Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian.
iii. p. 723) that this beautiful Parrot, in the narrative of the journey,
was wrongly named P. madagascariensis (cfr. vol. ii. p. 421); it
was labelled M. at that time in the Berlin Museum. According
to the Indians it is found at certain times in the vicinity of
Kuamuka.

218. Touit hueti.

Hvet’s Parror.

Psittacus hueti Temm. Pl. Col. iv. pl. 491, 1830 (Pern).

Urochroma hueti Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 855, 1891 (British
Guiana?) ; Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 273, 1895 (Berbice); Bra-
bourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 93, no. 885, 1912.

Adult male. Lower back, rump, and upper tail-coverts grass-
green like the scapulars, innermost upper wing-coverts, and outer
edges of inner secondary-quills ; outer upper wing-coverts dull
purplish blue; bastard-wing and primary-coverts black with a
slight tinge of blue; primary-quills blackish with the outer edges
ereen ; tail crimson red, or violet purple, with a subterminal black
bar and green tips to the feathers; crown of head, hind-neck, sides
of neck, and mantle pale bronze-green; base of forehead blackish;
feathers over the eye, cheeks, and throat green; feathers in front
of the eye pale blue like the thighs; fore-neck, breast, abdomen,
and short under tail-coverts yellowish green, the long outer tail-
coverts yellow ; carpal-patch, under wing-coverts, and axillaries
bright scarlet.

Total length 170 mm., culmen 14, wing 48, tail 42, tarsus 11,

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the tail
green, with a black subterminal bar to some of the feathers and
yellow webs to the lateral ones; the top of the head is in-
clining to ochreous-brown, in the bird described.

TOUIT.—PIONITES. 339

This species is not represented in the McUonnell collection, and
the birds described are in the British Museum. The male was
collected at Sarayacu, Ecuador, by C. Buckley—Salvin-Godman
collection, and the female at Chamicuros, E. Peru—Gould
collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Jest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Berbice (C. A. Lloyd).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Peru, Eastern Ecuador, ? Vene-
zuela, ? Trinidad.

Flabits. Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on some Guiana Parrots.
remarks (Timehri (2) ix. p. 273) :—‘The two other species of
Urochroma are not so beautifully attired, U. hueti being green
marked with blue on the forehead and cheeks, and having the
axillaries scarlet. The tiny Love-birds are too well known to need
description. They are among the smallest representatives of the
Parrot tribe, and though rather noisy they make amusing and
graceful pets. Their head-quarters in this country appear to be
in Berbice, from which locality most of those we see on sale in
town are obtained. Mr. von Ziegesar, who resided in Berbice for
a long while, informs us that he once possessed a pair of Love-
birds which from time to time became the parents of twenty-four
young ones, but these the old birds invariably killed and ate.”

Genus PIONITES Heine.

Pionites Heine, Nomencl. Mus. Hein. Orn. p- 231, 1890. Type
P. melanocephalus Linn.

This genus is distinguished chiefly by the short and stout bill, and
by the wing formula, which has the third and fourth primaries
longest.

219, Pionites melanocephala.
BLACK-HEADED CAIQUE.

Psittacus melanocephalus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 102, 1758
(Cayenne) ; Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 723, 1848.

Caica melanocephalus Salvin, Ibis, 1586, p. G9 (Bartica Grove, Cama-
cusa, Merumé Mts.).

Caica melanocephala Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xx. p. 358, 1898;
Lloyd, Timehri (2) ix. p. 278, 1895 (Mazaruni and Puruni Rivers).

Pionites melanocephala Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 94,
no. 889, 1912.

ZZ

340 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail green, the last fringed with
buff at the tip; lateral upper tail-coverts margined with orange ;
flight-quills black with green on the outer margins ; head black,
with a patch of green in front and below the eye; sides of face, chin,
throat, and a collar round the hind-neck pale orange ; breast and
abdomen pale buff; sides of body, thighs, and under tail-coverts
bright orange; under wing-coverts green with a few golden-yellow
feathers intermixed. ‘ Bill horn-black ; feet and naked skin round
the eyes black ; iris with an inner ring brown and an outer one
red.”

Total length 238 mm., culmen 23, wing 145, tail 71, tarsus 17.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in Sep-
tember 1906.

Adult female. Similar to the adult made. Wing 140 mm.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “Nests in holes high up the trunks of trees” (C.
A. Lloyd).

Eggs. “We often tried to get at the eggs but could never
succeed” (C. A. Lloyd).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Makauria River, Abary River, Cako River (McConnell
collection); Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains ( Whitely) ;
Mazaruni and Puruni Rivers (C. A. Lloyd).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723) that this
bird lives in flocks in the woods, but is one of the rarer species.
The “ Macusis”’ call it Sackuth and the “ Warraus” Tischih.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd remarks as follows (Timehri (2) ix. p. 273) :—
“ Caica melanocephala is one of our handsome little Parrots that
takes readily to domestication, becoming very affectionate, allowing
itself to be handled and petted without the slightest resentment.
It is particularly plentiful on the Mazaruni and Puruni Rivers,
where it nests in holes high up the trunks of trees. We have

often tried to get at the eggs, but could never succeed.”

Order CORACIIFORMES.
Family STEATORNITHIDZ.

This family consists of one genus and one species only which
has the appearance of a Goatsucker. The osteological characters,

STEATORNIS. 341

a

however, separate it widely from its apparent relatives. The bill
is strong and hawk-like, being sharply hooked at the tip, with
a small gape, and laterally compressed. The rictal bristles well
developed. The wings are long. The tail long and rounded.
The legs and feet are small, the toes rather long and naked, except
for a few hair-like bristles which are very sparsely distributed, and
the claws are sharply curved. The distribution is restricted to
the northern portion of South America.

Genus STEATORNIS Humb.

Steatornis Humboldt, Recueil Observations de Zoologie et d’ Anatomie
Comparée, i. p. 141, 1817. Type S. caripensis Humb.

The characters of this genus are the same as those given under
the family.

WS
RES

342 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

220. Steatornis caripensis.
Orz-Birp.

Steatornis cariepenis Humb. Recueil Obs. Zool. Anat. Comp. ii. p. 141,
1817 (Caripé, Venezuela) ; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 386,
1876 (Upper Mazaruni); Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 439 (Roraima) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 653, 1892 ; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 94, no. 893, 1912.

** Salies ” or “ Guacharo birds” (Brown).

Adult. General colour above rufous brown with blackish
mottlings and cross-bars, which are generally distributed ; wings
somewhat brighter than the back ; the feathers on the head, hind-
neck, and lesser upper wing-coverts have white arrow-head spots,
those on the lateral upper wing-coverts take the form of bars more
or less; the feathers round the bend of the wing for the most part
white mottled or barred with pale brown; bastard-wing and
primary-coverts somewhat darker than the back ; the primary-
quills and some of the outer secondary-quills are spotted with
white on the outer webs, like the back, and the inner webs in-
completely barred or spotted with white ; the innermost secondaries
like the back, the tips of the primaries show golden reflections in
some lights; tail somewhat brighter and more rufous than the
hack, narrowly edged with white at the tip, and spotted with
white on the outer web of the lateral feathers, there being also an
indication of white marks on one of the middle feathers ; crown
of head more rufous than the back ; the feathers surrounding the
eye, and those at the base of the bill bristly in texture and
rufous in colour; sides of face and throat vinous, the feathers
Larred or spotted with white ; remainder of the under surface ashy
vinous with white arrow-head spots to the feathers, those on the
under tail-coverts and under wing-coverts assuming the form
of bars.

Total length 470 mm., culmen 35, wing 317, tail 207,
tarsus 19. ;

This species is not represented in the McUonnell collection, and
the description is taken from a specimen in the British Museum

collected by Whitely at Mount Twekquay, Kamarang River, on
November 17th, 1885.

STEATORNIS. 343

The male and female appear to be alike, so far as we can judge
from the series in the National Collection.

The nestling is very sparsely covered with down, and appears to
moult direct into full-plumaged feathers, without going through
an intermediate stage.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Mount Twekquay,
Kamarang River (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Hast
Ecuador.

Habits. We quote the following notes from Mr. Barrington
Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 386) :—‘* Our guide pointed out
a cave in which he said the Salies or Guacharo birds live.
Wishing to see them, we ascended the slope to it, arriving at a
great vertical rent in the rocks, some ten feet wide and fifty
feet high.

**'T'he Indians halloed and threw stones up amongst the ledges of
rock in the recess of the cave, causing the birds to utter a strange
squeaking ery, but without starting any from their hiding-places.
Upon the uneven floor were numbers of nuts of the Turu Palm,
which had been swallowed by these birds, and disgorged after the
thin pulpy covering had been digested.

‘The Indians had a bush-rope, made fast on the cliff above, let
down through a hole in the roof, which they used for climbing up
to dislodge the young Salies from their nests on the ledges. They
eut these young birds and make oil from their fat.”

Family ALCEDINID®.

The South, American members of this family have long and
pointed bills, laterally compressed. The nostrils are linear in
shape and placed at the base of the upper mandible, close to the
culmenal ridge, the hinder portion being feathered. The wings
are median in length, the second and third primary-quills being
longest and equal. The tails are comparatively short and nearly
square. The feet are small and the toes four in number, three of
the latter being directed forward, and the claws are sharply curved.

344 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus MEGACERYLE Kaup.

Megaceryle Kaup, Fam. Eisv. p. 8, 1848. Type JL maxima (Pallas) ;
Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 287, pls. xxv., xxv,
1912.

The members of this genus are birds of large size, the wing
being more than 150 mm. and the tail almost square.

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 180 mm.; under

tail-coverts white in both male and female . I. alcyon, p. 344.
B. Larger, wing more than 180 mm.; under

tail-coverts white in the male and chestnut

qi thre Fame © os ee eee eee M. torquata, p. 345.

221. Megaceryle alcyon.
BELTED KINGFISHER.

Alcedo aleyon Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 115, 1758 (Carolina).

Ceryle alcyon Quelch, Timehri (2) x. p. 263, 1896 (Coast of British
Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 95, no. 897, 1912.

Megaceryle aleyon Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 294,
1912.

Adult male. Head, back, wings, tail, and a band across the
breast pale slate-grey, the feathers spotted or edged with white on
the wings, tail, cheeks, and the band across the breast ; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish, the quills more or less
marked with white, especially towards the base, the secondaries
slate-grey on the outer webs, the innermost almost entirely grey ;
inner webs of tail-feathers blackish barred with white ; head
crested ; a portion of the lower eyelid, a spot above and in front
of the eye, throat and a collar almost encircling the neck white,
as is also the breast, abdomen, under tail-coverts, axillaries, and
under wing-coverts, the greater series of the last and sides of the
body more or less marked with grey.

Total length 315 mm., culmen 48, wing 162, tail 85, tarsus 10.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in having a
chestnut band across the lower breast, which colour extends down
the sides of the body. Wing 156 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum.

MEGACERYLE. 345

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. On the coast (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Central and North
America.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch, writing on the Migratory Birds in
British Guiana, remarks (Timehri (2) x. p. 263):—‘‘Another special
example of migrant is to be found in the northern Kingfisher
(Ceryle aleyon), of which two examples have been found on the
coast. This migrant of the northern regionsis known to descend
to several parts of Central America and the West Indies, but the
Gvianas would seem to be its extreme range southwards.”

This is the first and only record we have of the occurrence of
this species in British Guiana.

222. Megaceryle torquata.
GREAT GREY KINGFISHER

Alcedo torquata Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 180, 1766 (Mexico) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 11. p. 708, 1848.

Ceryle torquata Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts., R.
Atapurau); Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. pp. 102, 317, 1890 (Demerara
River); Lloyd Price, op. cit. (2) v. p. 66, 1891; Quelch, tom. cit.
p- 95 (Georgetown) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 121, 1892
(River Atapurow); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 163,
199, 281, 1910 (Barima, Hoorie, Aremu); Brabourne & Chubb, B.
S. Amer. 1. p. 95, no. 895, 1912.

Megaceryle torquata Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 295,

1912.

“The Large-collared Kingfisher ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Head and elongated crest, sides of face, back,
wings, and tail slate-grey, with black shaft-lines, and white dots
to many of the feathers ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills black edged with grey, the last tipped and barred with
white on the inner webs and white spots on outer webs in a few
cases; lores, a band round the hind-neck, and throat white ; breast
and abdomen deep chestnut ; under tail-coverts barred and spotted
with grey ; axillaries white, also barred with grey ; under
wing-coverts white, with dark shaft-lines to some of the feathers.
“Bill black, the lower mandible and base of the upper one

346 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

reddish grey; feet yellowish grey; claws black; iris dark
brown.”

Total length 415 mm., culmen 75, wing 192, tail 110, tarsus 12,
middle toe and claw 30.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having a broad band
of grey across the chest; the under tail-coverts, under wing-coverts,
and axillaries deep chestnut like the abdomen. Wing 188 mm.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, of the
birds described.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “In holes in the bank” (Lloyd Price); “it builds its nest
at the end of a long tunnel excavated in the steep banks on the
sides of the rivers” (Schomburgk).

Eggs. “ The eggs are of a glossy white ” (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (A/c Connell
collection) ; Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River
(Whitely) ; Georgetown, Demerara River (Quelch) ; DBarima
River, Hoorie River, Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America generally and Central
America from Panama to Mexico.

Habits. Of this bird Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 703) :—This is the largest of the Kingfishers found in British
Guiana. It haunts the borders of the rivers, where it sits on a
dead branch that projects over the water watching for prey in a
similar manner to that of the Common Kingfisher of Europe.
When sailing up the rivers we have driven this bird before us for
an hour ata time. It emits a loud call when taking flight, flies
for a short distance, and rests again on a prejecting branch. When
tired it flew across the river and returned to its original perch.
It builds its nest at the end of a long tunnel excavated in the steep
banks on the sides of the rivers. On the Upper Essequebo River
he observed a large number of these tunnels. This bird lays two
eggs. The ‘‘Warraus” call it Hapitataka and the “ Macusis”
Sackaiaka.

Mr. Lloyd Price, writing on the Nestsand Eggs of some Guiana
birds, remarks (Timehri (2) v. p: 66) :—‘‘Several varieties of
Kingfisher, one a large handsome greyish-blue bird (Ceryle tor-
guata), dart up and down the numerous trenches and waterways,
and are plentiful in the small creeks ; the eggs, of a glossy white,
are laid in holes in the bank.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and

MEGACERYLE.—CHLOROCERYLE. 347

remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 95) :—‘‘ Occasionally the Large-collared
Kinglisher (Ceryle torguata) will be seen, either near the lakes in
the Botanic Gardens or along the Lamaha canal at the back,
perching on the branches or dry sticks overhanging the water ;
but as it is rarely to be seen, and few in number, no more detailed
mention of it is necessary.”

We also quote the following note by Mr. Quelch (Timehri (2)
iv. p. 102), who met with the species on the Upper Demerara
River, where he says that it frequents the waterside. On p. 317
he remarks that :—“ The base of the hill is riddled with nest-holes
of various species of Kingfisher, chiefly Ceryle torquata, which
seem ae congregate here in large numbers during the breeding-
season.’

Mr. Beebe observes (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 163) :—
“Two big Red-breasted Kingfishers spring from their perch and
come leaping toward us through the air, suddenly wheeling up
almost in a somersault and down, like two meteors into the
water.”

Genus CHLOROCERYLE Kaup.
Chloroceryle Kaup, Fam. Eisv. p. 8, 1848. Type C. enea (Pall.) ;
Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 304, pls. xxv., xxvi., 1912.
The members of this genus are distinguished by their small
size, the wing being less than 150 mm. und the tails more or less
graduated.

Key to the Species.

A. Under surface for the most part white.

a. praca and under wing-coverts white. [p. 348.
. Breast chestnut . cestcsussene O, Qmazona; dc,
a Breast white banded w vith green eiaaasot. C. amazona, 9,
b. Axillaries and under wing-coverts green inter- [p. 348.
mixed with white.
. Throat white; breast chestnut ........... C. americana, 6,
a Throat aud breast ochreous buff ‘banded [p. 348.
WIR ROO acc aicet ahi eud inc a¥s dak amsein es caks C. americana, 2,
B. Under surface almost entirely chestnut. [p. 348.

c. beg 8 wing more than 70 mm.
. Breast uniform with rest of under surface. C. inda, ¢, p. 349.
f. Breast banded with green, the feathers

barred and edged with white ............ CG. ainda, 9, p. 349.
d, Smaller, wing less than 70 mm.
q'. Breast like the rest of the under surface... C. enea, d, p. 350.

h’. Breast crossed by a green band, the feathers
barred and fringed with white ....,....... C. enea, 2, p. 350.

348 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

223. Chloroceryle amazona.
GREAT GREEN KINGFISHER.

Alcedo amazona Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 257, 1790 (Cayenne); Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 704, 1848.

Ceryle amazona Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Merumé Mts.); Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 102, 1890 (Demerara
River ); Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 129, 1892 (Demerara) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 95, no. 898, 1912.

Chloroceryle amazona Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 308,
1912.

Adult female. General colour above dark glossy green, inner
webs of primary-quills notched with white ; lateral tail-feathers
spotted on the outer web and barred on the inner one with white ;
collar round hind-neck, hinder cheeks, throat, abdomen, and under
tail-coverts pure white; moustachial streak, patch on each side of
breast, and streaks on side of body dark glossy green.

Total length 250 mm., culmen 67, wing 132, tail 76, tarsus 13,
middle toe and claw 23.

Adult male. Differs from the adult female only in having a
broad chestnut band across the breast. Wing 130 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ; Upper Demerara
River (Quelch); Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. South America generally and Central
America, including Mexico.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704) tnat the
mode of life and habits of this bird are the same as those of
C. torquata, p. 345. It is especially common in the river-creeks.
The * Macusis” call it Saesaesu and the * Warraus” Soli.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who met with this species on the Upper
Demerara River (Timehri (2) iv. p. 102), remarks ‘that it fre-

quents the water-side.”
224. Chloroceryle americana. ,

LirrLe GREEN KINGFISHER.

Alcedo americana Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 451, 1788 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 704, 1848.
Ceryle americana Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,

CHLOROCERYLE. 349

Merumé Mts., Atapurau River, Surnani River); Sharpe, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 139, 1892 (Demerara River); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 95, no. 899, 1912.

SL Arnel americana Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 309,

Adult male. General colour above dark glossy green with white
spots and bars on the quills and tail-feathers ; cheeks, throat, and
lower abdomen white ; breast deep chestnut ; a band across the
abdomen, flanks, and under tail-coverts glossy green barred with
white ; under wing-coverts green barred and tipped with white.

Total length 170 mm., culmen 39, wing 76, tail 49, tarsus 9.

Adull female. Differs from the adult male in the entire absence
of chestnut on the under surface and in having a green band
across the chest, bordered on the throat and lower breast by pale
ochreous buff. Wing 76 mm.

The birds described were both collected on the Bonasika River
in December 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Arawai
River, Bonasika River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Merumé
Mountains, Kamarang River, Surnani River ( Whitely); Demerara
River (W. Barrow).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, East Peru, Bolivia, Argentina.

Habits. Schomburgk says (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704) that the
mode of life and habits of this species are the same as those of
C. torquata, antea p. 345.

225. Chloroceryle inda.
SpotreD KINGFISHER.
Alcedo inda Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 179, 1766 (Cayenne).
Ceryle inda Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 69 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove) ; Sharpe,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 137, 1892 (Demerara); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 95, no. 901, 1912.
Alecedo bicolor Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704, 1848.
Chloroceryle inda Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 310, 1912.
Adult male. General colour of the upper surface dark glossy
green with minute white spots on the upper wing-coverts which
become larger on the scapulars, inner webs of the quills, and inner
webs of the tail-feathers—assuming the form of bars on the last ;

350 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

entire under surface deep chestnut, paler on the throat and sides
of the neck; loral streak chestnut. ‘“ Bill blackish; feet red.”

Total length 233 mm., culmen 47, wing 98, tail 63.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having a green
band across the chest, the feathers being barred and edged with
white. Wing 96 mm.

The male described was collected on the Abary River and the
female on the Supenaam River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Supenaam River, Burtica, Waremia
River, Arawai River, Kamakabra River, Abary River, Anarica
River (McConnell collection); Kamakusa, Bartica (Whitely) ;
Demerara (British Museum).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Central
America to Nicaragua.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704)
the mode of life and habits of this bird are the same as those of
C. torquata, antea p. 345. The “ Macusis” and the “ Arekunas”
call it Sakaika.

226. Chloroceryle enea.
Pyoemy KINGFISHER.

Alcedoenea Pall. in Vroeg’s Cat. rais. d’Ois. Adumbrat. p. 1, no. 54,
1764 (Surinam).

Alcedo superciliosa Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704, 1848.

Ceryle superciliosa Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ;
W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Maccasseema, Pomeroon River) ;
Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 138, 1892 (Demerara River).

Ceryle enea Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 95, no. 902, 1912.

Chloroceryle enea Miller, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. xxxi. p. 310,
1912.

Adult male. Upper surface glossy green with white bases to
the feathers of the back and scapulars and white spots on the inner
webs of the flight-quills and tail-feathers ; loral streak and under
surface rich chestnut, paler on the throat and under wing-coverts ;
a patch of green on each side of the breast like the back ; middle
of abdomen and under tail-coverts white. ‘ Bill black, the basal
portion of the lower mandible yellow ; feet reddish; eye dark

brown.”

CHLOROCERYLE. BDL

Total length 126 mm., culmen 26, wing 56, tail 35, tarsus 8.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having a green
band across the chest, the feathers barred and fringed with white.
Wing 56 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River. Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Kamakusa, Bartica ( Whitely) ; Pomeroon
River (W. L. Sclater) ; Demerara River (R. Swain).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Surinam, Cayenne, Brazil,
Eastern Peru.

Halnts. Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 704) states that he
found this species more common near the coast about stagnant
waters and ditches, but not so common near the rivers. It preys
on small fish.

We quote the following note from Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a
Wilderness, p. 16) :—‘“‘ A Kingfisher alighted within arm’s reach.
But such a Kingfisher !—the veriest mite, clad in a robe of brilliant
emerald and orange. So small was he that it seemed as if the
tiniest of minnows must choke him. He seemed to be of
the same opinion, for while we watched him he caught only the
insects which passed him in mid-air or which were floating on
the water.”

Family MOMOTIDZ.

The members of this family are chiefly green in colour. The
bills are rather long and curved, with strong tooth-like serrations
on both mandibles. The wings ate short in comparison with the
length of the tail. The tail-feathers are twelve in number, except
in the genus Baryphthengus which has ten, and usually long.
The feet are small and the toes four in number, three of the latter
being directed forward, and the claws are sharply curved.

Their distribution is confined to Central and South America,
including the island of Trinidad.

The family consists of seven genera, five of which occur in
South America, one genus and one species being represented in

sritish Guiana,

352 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus MOMOTUS Briss.
Momotus Brisson, Orn. iv. p. 465, 1760. Type J momota (Linn.).

This genus is chiefly distinguished by the long and very
eraduated tail, the short lateral feathers being about equal to, or
exceeded by, the length of the upper tail-coverts; the middle
feathers, which are much the longest, have a well-defined racket.

227. Momotus momota.
Common Mormort.

Ramphastos momota Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 122, 1766 (Cayenne).

Pionites momota Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 704, 1848.

Momotus brasiliensis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Bartica Grove, Merumé
Mts., Atapurau River, Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) iv.
p- 320, 1890 (Upper Berbice River).

Momotus momota Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 319, 1892 (Demerara) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 96, no. 908, 1912.

* Hootoo”’ (Quelch).

Adult female. General colour above and below green, brighter
and more grass-green above, duller below, where the bases of the
feathers are rust brown and show through the &reen surface
more or less; outer aspect of bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills blue, inner webs of quills for the most part blackish; tail
blue towards the apical portion with blackish-brown tips to the
feathers ; crown of head, lores, and an elongated patch surround-
ing the eye black ; forehead pale blue, as is also a spot joining the
eye and the upper margin of the black behind the eye; occipital
plumes ultramarine blue, nuchal patch chestnut, a small patch of
feathers on the breast black edged with pale blue.

Total length 435 mm., culmen 35, wing 140, tail 255, tarsus 26.

The female described was collected at Bartica.

Adult male. Like the adult female. Wing 145 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Great Falls,
Demerara River, Bonasika River, Mazaruni River (McConnell
collection) ; Bartica, Meruamé Mountains, Kamarang River, Mount
Roraima, 3500 feet (Whitely); Berbice River, Coomacka (Quelch).

Gs
Ct
ce

MOMOTUS.

Extralimital Range. North Brazil.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Queleh, who met with the species on the
Upper Berbice River, remarks (Timehri (2) iv. p. 320) :—* At
Coomacka in the early morning, the oft-repeated ery of the beau-
tiful Hootoo (Momota brasiliensis) had been heard close by in the
belt of forest on the high land adjoining the savannah, but no
attempt had been made to get specimens under the idea that the
birds would be met with more advantageously further up ; but, as
it happened, we had no further chance of procuring them later on.”

Family CAPRIMULGID.

The Goatsuckers— or Nightjars, as they are usnally called—are
peculiar by their soft and sombre-coloured plumage, as well as by
the different forms they display, some having long streamers
or spatulate feathers in the wings, while others have similar
ornamental plumes in their tails.

The bills are broad, depressed, very wide at the gape, and
strongly furnished with rictal bristles. The wings are usually
rounded. The tails, which vary in some genera, are, for the most
part, square or slightly rounded and the feathers ten in number.
The feet are very small, and the claw on the middle toe is usually
pectinated.

The family is distributed almost entirely throughout the tropical,
subtropical, and temperate regions of the world. Twelve genera
and forty-eight species occur in South America, of which ten
genera and sixteen species are represented in British Guiana,

Mr. J. J. Quelch gives the following notes on the Caprimulgide
(Timehri (2) ii. p. 376) :—‘*In the bush here at Whieoon the
Goatsuckers (Caprimulgidee) kept up an apparently ceaseless ery.
All through the night whenever I woke the plaintive cries
sounded, ‘work, work, work to hell,’ in a deep guttural tone,
while ‘whip, whip, whip poor Will’ came as a sort of shrill
refrain, whether from the same kind of bird but of a different sex,
or from a different species it was impossible to tell. Mingled
with these was the continual query, ‘who are you?’ uttered at
times so close and loud that it seemed like a rude challenge of
one’s presence ; while again, so low, that it came like a fearful
whisper. It was out of the question, under the circumstances, to

2A

354 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

find out what species of Goatsucker gave utterance to these cries,
but it would be an interesting point to decide.”

Mr. Barrington Brown gives the following note (Canoe and Camp
Life, p. 244) :—“ On many of the large clusters of rocks in mid-
river were the nests of a small species of Caprimulgide called
* Wockariyou.? These can hardly be called nests, for the bird
only lays its two small speckled eggs on a hollow in the bare rock,
or in a little depression scratched in the gravel upon them. The
parent birds do all in their power to entice one away from the
nest by fluttering along the ground as if wounded.”

Genus NYCTIBIUS Vieill.
Nyetibius Vieillot, N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xvi. p. 6, 1817. Type
NV. jamaicensis (Gmel.).

‘Tle members of this genus are distinguished by their long, thin,
and narrow bills with very wide gapes. There are five phalanges
to the outer toe, the claws are strong and sharply curved, but
there are no pectinations.

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 290 mm.
a. Colour chiefly dark rufous; size small,
wing less than 200 mm................
b. Colour chiefly grey; size large, wing
more than 200 mm. .................. W. griseus, p. 355.
B. Larger, wing more than 290 mm.
ec. Colour chiefly pale rufous or buff;

N. bracteatus, p. 354.

size small, wing less than 340 mm.... V. longicaudatus, p. 355.
d. Colour chiefly grey; size large, wing
more than 340 mm. ................... WW. grandis, p. 357.

228. Nyctibius bracteatus.
CoLoMBIAN GOATSUCKER.

Nyctibius bracteatus Gould, P. Z. 8. 1846, p. 1 (Bogota) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1885, p. 438; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 97, no. 920,
1912.

Nyctibius rufus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 711, 1848.

Adult. General colour above and below rufous minutely barred,
mottled, or inarked with black and white spots to the tips of the

NYCTIBIUS. 355

feathers on the sides of the mantle, scapulars, innermost secondaries,
abdomen, and under tail-coverts; the innermost secondaries,
lower flanks, and under tail-coverts paler and inclining to cinna-
mon; bastard-wing and primary~-coverts black; primary and
secondary quills dark brown edged with rufous on the outer webs;
tail barred with black, some of the bars broken up into mottlings.

Total length 240 mm., culmen 5, wing 162, tail 128, tarsus 7.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description of the bird is taken from a specimen in the British
Museum collected at Sarayacu, Ecuador, by C. Buckley—Salvin-
Geodman collection.

There are no sexed specimens available ; we cannot say, there-
fore, what the sexual differences are.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Caraiben-low, Cumaka (Schomburgk)

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.

Halts. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 711) that he
only met with this species once, and that was in the vicinity of
Caraiben-low, Cumaka, in the depth of a thick and damp forest.
He did not know anything of its nidification.

229. Nyctibius griseus.
GIANT GOATSUCKER,

Caprimulgus griseus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1029, 1789 (Cayenne).

Nyctibius jamaicensis Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 488 (Bartica Grove,
Roraima, 3700 ft.); Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 625, 1892.

Nyctibius griseus Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 97, no. 922,
1912.

Adult female (grey phase). General colour above blackish brown
everywhere marked with grey or whitish in the form of moitlings
or mottled bars and streaks, also a rufous tinge on the upper wing-
coverts ; under surface chiefly grey with blackish shaft-streaks
and black tips to some of the feathers; under wing-coverts blackish
dotted with white.

Total length 335 mm., culmen 15, wing 243, tai] 167, tarsus 10.

The female described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

It may be remarked that there is a rufous phase to this species

Zh 2

356 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

in which the distribution of colours is much the same as in the
female described.

The adult male is similar in colour of plumage to the adult
female but appears to be larger in size. Wing 260 mm.,
tail 185.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Faas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Makauria River, Abary River, Mazaruni River (MeConnell
collection) ; Bartica, Mount Roraima, 3700 feet ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, East
Brazil, Paraguay.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

230. Nyctibius longicaudatus.
LONG-TAILED Goatsv CKER.

Caprimulgus longicaudatus Spix, Avsteee i. p.1, pl. i, 1825 (“in
sylvis fl. Japure”).

Nyctibius longicaudatus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 437 (Bartica Grove) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 626, 1892 ; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 98, no. 923, 1912.

Adult female. General colour above and below pale rufous, the
feathers everywhere mottled, freckled, streaked, or barred with
black much more broadly on the flight-quills and tail-feathers.
“Eyes pale yellow; leys and toes flesh-colour; bill brown;
claws brown” (H. Whitely).

Total length 400 mm., culmen 15, wing 281, ‘tail 241, tarsus 7.

The McConnell Holfeatiai does not possess a specimen of this
species, and the description of the female is taken from an example
in the British Museum collected at Buartica by Whitely on
December 7th, 1880—Salvin-Godman collection.

We have not been able to see a male example of this species.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. East Peru, Ecuador.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

©
~l

NYCTIBIUS.—CHORODEILES. Sn

231. Nyctibius grandis.
GREAT GOATSUCKER.

Caprimulgus grandis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1029, 1789 (Cayenne).

Nyctibius grandis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p- 711, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 487 (Camacusa); Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xvi. p. 628, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 98, no. 925,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above brown, composed of fine
frecklings and mottlings of white and rufous brown; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills more uniform blackish brown and
more coarsely mottled; tail also more coarsely marked than the
back ; under surface similar in colour, inclining to more white on
the abdomen and under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts blackish
dotted with white.

Total length 520 mm., culmen 27, wing 360, tail 230, tarsus 16.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Demerara River.

We have not been able to see a female of this species, so that
we cannot say what the differences between the sexes are.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Egqs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Kamakabra River,
Demerara River above the Great Falls (AleConnell collection) ;
Kamakusa ( W hitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 711) that he
did not meet with this species but saw a mounted specimen in a
collection belonging to Dr. Bonyun, who informed him that it was

shot near Georgetown.

Genus CHORDEILES Swains.
Chordeiles Swainson, Faun. Bor. Amer. ii. p. 496, 1832. Type
C. virginianus (Gmel.).
In this genus the bill is extremely small and weak and the
rictal bristles are scarcely visible. The wings are long, reaching
nearly to the tip of the tail, and pointed. The tail is rather long

and slightly emarginate.

358 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

232. Chordeiles acutipennis..
SoutH AMERICAN Nicut-Hawk.

Caprimulgus acutipennis Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 46, 1788 (Guiana).

Chordeiles acutipennis Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 614, 1892
(Quonga, Aunai) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 98, no. 928,
1912.

Chordeiles acutipennis acutipennis Oberholser, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus.
86, p. 94, 1914 (Quonga and Annai, British Guiana).

Adult male. General colour above blackish brown mottled with
buffy-white and buff margins to many of the feathers, the light
portions assuming the form of spots on the wings; the first, second,
third, and fourth primary-quills barred with white, the fifth incom-
pletely barred ; a subterminal bar of white on the outer tail-
feathers ; a large V-shape patch of white on the throat, sides of
face black spotted with buff, lower throat black with rufous brown
spots, the breast mottled with grey; remainder of under surface
ochreous buff barred with brown, including the axillaries, under
wing-coverts, and under tail-coverts ; edge of wing buffy-white.

Total length 193 mm., culmen 7, wing 170, tail 91, tarsus 14.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male chiefly by the absence
of the subterminal white bar on the tail, Wing-measurements of
two specimens 156 and 165 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

diggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River (McConnell collection); Annai, Quonga ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela,
Tobago.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus NANNOCHORDEILES Hartert.

Nannochordeiles Hartert, Ibis, 1896, p. 874. Type N. pusilla
(Gould).
This genus is distinguished by having the first three primaries
about equal in length, the scapulars reaching to at least two-
thirds the length of the wing, and the tarsus being unfeathered.

ito)

NANNOCHORDEILES.—NYCTIPROGNE. oO

233. Nannochordeiles septentrionalis.
NorvtTHERN Nicut-Hawk.

Nannochordeiles septentrionalis Hellmayr, Nov. Zool. xv. p. 78, 1908
(Maipures, Orinoco); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 5. Amer. i. p. 98,
no. 932, 1912.

Chordeiles pusillus Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 618 part, 1892
(Aunai).

Adult male. General colour above dark brown or blackish,
spotted, freckled, or mottled with white, grey, buff, or ferru-
ginous ; bastard-wing and primary-coverts uniform blackish ;
primary and secondary quills dark brown with a white bar on the
first four outer primaries and white tips to some of the inner
primary-quills and secondaries, except the innermost secondaries
which are tipped with rufous buff, there are also a few white
markings towards the base of the quills; outer tail-feathers with a
dark subapical band anda white spot at the tips, chiefly on the inner
webs ; cheeks and breast brown with buff spots at the tips of the
feathers; a broad white band across the throat ; abdomen, sides
of the body, and under wing-coverts brown narrowly barred with
white; under tail-coverts pure white.

Total length 150 mm., culmen 5, wing 128, tail 64, tarsus 11.

Adult female. Like the adult male, but slightly smaller. Wing
122 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from examples in the British Museum
collected by Whitely at Annai in March and April 1889—Salvin-
Godmiun collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

/ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Liange in British Guiana. Annai ( Whitely).

Letralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus NYCTIPROGNE Bonap.

Nyctiprogne Bonaparte, C. 8S. O. p. 35, 1854. Type iV. leucopyga
(Spix).

This monotypic genus is distinguished by the minute bill,
hidden nostrils, and absence of rictal bristles.

360 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

234. Nyctiprogne leucopyga.
WHITE-RUMPED NicHt-HAwkK.

Caprimulgus leucopygus Spix, Av. Bras. ii. p. 3, pl. ii. fig. 2, 1825
(“ad litora sylvestria fl..Amazonum’”’).
Nyctiprogne leucopyga Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 619, 1892;
; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 99, no. 933, 1912.

Adult. General colour above blackish brown mottled, freckled,
and barred with rufous brown, coarser and more pronounced on
the scapulars, wings, and middle tail-feathers; a white band ~
across the outer tail feathers commencing on the inner web of the
outer feather ; throat and breast similar to the upper surface but
more coarsely marked ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, and under
wing-coverts blackish barred with white.

Total length 168 mm., culmen 6, wing 138, tail 93, tarsus 11.

The bird described was collected on the Abary River in June
1891.

The male and female are said to be similar.

Immature. Differs from the adult in having the primary-quills
tipped with rufous.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jiggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Abary River (MeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, South Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus PODAGER Wag.

Orr

Podager Wagler, Isis, 1882, p. 277. Type P. nacunda (Vieill.).

This monotypic genus is distinguished by the much broader bill
(width at base 37 mm.); the rictal bristles well developed, though
not long, are quite conspicuous, the tarsi and toes naked, and
the tarsus and middle toe, with claw, almost equal in length.
Scapulars and innermost secondaries uniform with the back.

235. Podager nacunda.
Nacuxnba Nicur-Hawk.
Caprimulgus nacunda Vieill. N. Dict. d'Hist. Nat. x. p. 240, 1817

(Paraguay).
Podager nacunda Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 711, 1848 ; Salvin,

PODAGER.—LUROCALIS. 36]

Ibis, 1885, p. 438; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 619, 1892
(Aunai); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 99, no. 934,
1912.

Adult female. General colour of the upper surface blackish
brown mottled and freckled with bufty-white, these markings
becoming coarser on the tail-feathers and secondary-quills ;
primary-quills for the most part blackish with white at the base
on the inner webs and buff at the base on the outer webs ; chin,
sides of throat, and breast dark brown barred with buff or buffy-
white; a triangular patch of white on the throat; abdomen,
under tail-coverts, axillaries, and inner under wing-coverts white
narrowly barred with pale brown; outer under wing-coverts
narrowly barred with brown and buff.

Total length 248 mm., culmen 12, wing 212, tail 90, tarsus 26.

Adult male. Differs from the adult female in having the lateral
rectrices tipped with white and in the absence of the buff on the
outer webs at the base of the primary-quills. Wing 214 mm.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
at the Takutu Mountains.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection) ; Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Tobago, Trinidad, and the remaining
portion of South America.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Genus LUROCALIS Cass.

Lurocalis Cassin, Proe. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1851, p. 189.
Type L. semitorquatus (Gmel.).

This genus is distinguished by the narrower bill (width at base
25 mm.), the very short or almost entire absence of rictal bristles,
the shorter tail, and in having the scapulars and innermost
secondaries for the most part white in strong contrast to the
colour of the back.

362 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

236. Lurocalis semitorquatus.
SEMI-COLLARED NIGHT-HAWK.
Caprimulgus semitorquatus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1031, 1789 (Cayenne).
Lurocalis semitorquatus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 488 (Bartica Grove) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 621, 1892 (Takutu River) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 99, no. 935, 1912.

Adult male. SIintire upper surface, sides of face, and breast
blackish brown variously marked with buff and white, being
coarser on the tail and flight-quills, the white being most con-
spicuous on the sides of the neck, scapulars, and long innermost
secondaries ; a broad band of white across the throat ; abdomen,
under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts rust-colour barred
with dark brown.

Total length 212 mm., culmen 12, wing 212, tail 84, tarsus 14.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but slightly smaller.
Wing 205 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Great Falls, Demerara River, Supe-
naam River, Bartica, Abary River (AleConnell collection) ; Takutu
River, Bartica ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, North-west Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Genus HYDROPSALIS Wag.
Hydropsalis Wagler, Isis, 1832, p. 1222. Type H. furcifer (Vieill.).
This genus is characterized by having the outermost and middle
pairs of tail-feathers the longest and those next to the central ones
the shortest.
237. Hydropsalis schomburgki.
(Plate VII.)

Hydropsalis schomburgki Sclater, P. Z. 8S. 1866, p. 146 (British
Guiana) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 439 (Camacusa); Hartert, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 601, 1892 (British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 100, no. 946, 1912.

Hydropsalis furcifer (nec Vieill.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 710, 1848.

Adult male. General colour above blackish brown -reckled and
mottled with grey, spotted with white and buff on the wings,
and fringed with buff and white on the scapulars; the three outer

Burds of British Guiana. Vol. I. Pb. VII.

Bale & Danielsson, L™

Hydropsalis schomburgkv.
Schomburgks Night Hawk.

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HYDROPSALIS.—NYCTIDROMUS. 363

primary-quills spotted with rufous on both webs, the fourth barred
with white; middie tail-feathers heavily marked with grey, the
markings on the outer feathers much narrower and inclining to
rufous ; throat and sides of face buffy-white with dark bars to tie
feathers; remainder of the under surface brown barred with
white or buffy-white, the white increasing in extent on the
abdomen and under tail-coverts.

Total length 240 mm., culmen 10, wing 155, tail 134, tarsus 11.

The male described was collected at Bartica.

Adult female. Ditters from the adult male in being smaller and
darker, with scarcely any white in the plumage. The white bar
on the primary-quills in the male is represented by rufous spots
in the female. The white on the outer tail-feathers in the male is
entirely absent in the tail of the female. Wing 148 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at Kamakusa on the 10th of
March, 1882—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Ituribisi River, Sapenaam
River, Bartica, Kamakabra River (McConnell collection); Kama-
kusa (Whitely).

flabits. Unrecorded.

Genus NYCTIDROMUS Gould.

Nyctidromus Gould, leones Avium, i. pl. 2, 1838. Type NV. albicollis
(Gmel. ).

238. Nyctidromus albicollis.
WHITE-NECKED Nicut-Hawk.

Caprimulgus albicollis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i, p. 1030, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 710, 1848.

Nyctidromus albicollis Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 439 (Bartica Grove) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 587, 1892 (Demerara); Beebe,
Our Search for a Wilderness, pp. 148, 263, 1910 (Morawhanna, Lower
Cuyuni) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 100, no, 948, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below rufous brown
minutely freckled, mottled, and barred or lined with blackish ;
wings coarsely spotted with orange-buff and the scapulars broadly

margined with the same colour; primary-quills blackish with a

white bar on the outer three ; middle tail-feathers similar to the

364 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

back, outer pair blackish with a little white at the base on the inner
web, the next two pairs barred with black and buff at the base,
apical portion white with more or less black on the outer webs ;
head inclining to grey with black shaft-lines ; ear-coverts silky
orange-bufi ; a white spot on each side of the throat ; under surface
paler than above, narrowly barred with dark brown.

Total length 230 mm., culmen 10, wing 141, tail 133, tarsus 21.

Adult female. Much more rutous than the male, the outer
primary-quills with a rufous bar instead of white; no white in the
tail except on the penultimate feathers, which are slightly tipped.
Wing 141 mm.

The descriptions of the male and female are based on examples
collected on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

- Eygs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Great Falls, Demerara River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kama-
kabra River, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica ( Whitely); Morawhanna, Lower Cuyuni River (Beebe).

Extralimtal Range. North Brazil, Trinidad, Venezuela,
Colombia, Eeuador, and Central America to Mexico.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 710) this
species is very common in British Guiana ; one always sees it on
the river-borders and open spaces in the woods. After sundown
it is very common along the river-borders hunting for insects,
during which it continually emits its peculiar wailing note. It
was generally in pairs. Its flight is extremely graceful and
light; it skims along just above the ground and often settles
for a short time in a small hollow in the earth or the rocks. The
eggs are two innumber. The coloured Indians and the Niggers
fear it as a harbinger of bad omeus; and that is the reason why
they never kill it.

Genus THERMOCHALCIS Richmn.
Thermochalcis Richmond, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, xxviii. p. 179,
Noy. 29, 1915. Type 7. cayennensis (Gmel.).
Stenopsis Cassin, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1851, p. 179 (nee
Stenopsis Ratinesqgue ).
This genus is characterized by having the tail square at the tip
or slightly emarginate.

THERMOCHALCIS. 365

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 150 mm.............. Z. cayennensis, p. 365.
B. Larger, wing more than 150 mm. ......... T. ruficervia, p. 366.

239. Thermochalcis cayennensis.
CAYENNE Nicat-HaAwk.

Caprimulgus cayennensis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1031, 1789 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 710, 1548.

Stenopsis cayennensis Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 439 (Merumé Mts.,
Roraima, 3500 to 4000 ft.) ; Hartert, Cat. B: Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 583,
1892 (Aunai) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 101, no, 951,
1912.

Adult male. Dark brown or blackish above with grey mottlings
and vermiculations; scapulars black broadly fringed with white or
buff; upper wing-coverts mostly tipped with white; outer primary-
quilis handed with white, the inner ones spotted with white on
the inner webs, the secondaries similar and margined with white
at the tips ; middle tail-feathers like the back but more coarsely
marked, outer feathers for the most part white margined and
barred in the middle portion with dark brown; feathers of the
crown centred with black and sometimes margined with rufous ;
a pale rufous collar on the hind-neck ; sides of face, throat, abdo-
men, and under tail-coverts white ; sides of throat and breast buff
with an admixture of white; under wing-coverts dark brown with
more or less white intermixed.

Total length 210 mm., culmen 11, wing 143, tail 114, tarsus 15.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being much darker
and in the almost entire absence of white in the plumage. The
white pattern of the male is replaced by rufous, to some extent, in
the female.

Total length 200 mm., eulmen 11, wing 156, tail 107, tarsus 14.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Tange in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River
(McConnell collection); Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains,
Annai (1/7. W hitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian, iii, p. 710) that he

366 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

found this bird fairly common in low bush near the banks of the
rivers in virgin forest. It only flew for a short distance before
settling again. The “ Macusis” call it Tiwima.

240. Thermochalcis ruficervix.
Rurous-NaPED Niaut-HAwkK.

Stenopsis ruficervix Sclater, P. Z. S. 1866, p. 140, pl. xiv. (Interior of
New Granada); Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 439 (Roraima, 5000 ft.) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 584, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 101, no. 955, 1912.

Caprimulqus decussatus (nec Tsch.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 710, 1848.

Adult male. General colour above black with ferruginous, grey,
or white spots and mottlings to the feathers; a ferruginous
collar on the hind-neck ; bastard-wing and _ primary-coverts
blackish with ferruginous spots on the outer webs; primary-
guills dark brown with an incomplete white bar on the first,
second, and third feathers and ap indication of a white spot on the
fourth, the remainder of the primaries with small rufous spots on
both webs; the secondary-quills dark brown incompletely barred
with rufous on the outer webs and buff on the inner ones ; middle
tail-feathers dark brown with mottled-grey bars, the outer
feathers paler brown, the outer webs barred with rufous, with a
‘small white spot towards the base and a large one at the tip on
the inner webs, the outer webs mottled with rufous at the tips;
sides of the face and chin like the back ; a white patch across the
throat ; fore-neck blackish brown with ferruginous tips to the
feathers; breast and sides of the body dark brown barred and
tipped with white which fades into buff on the abdomen and
under tail-coverts ; under wing-coverts similar to the fore-neck.

Total length 240 mm., culmen 16, wing 176, tail 119, tarsus 10.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male only in the absence
of the white bar on the first three primary-quills, which is repre-
sented in the female by a rufous spot on the outer web only of the
three outer primary-quills, and in the almost entire absence of
white in the tail. Wing 164 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions of the male and female are taken from specimens
in the British Museum collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima,
5000 ft., on the 23rd of August, 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

THERMOCHALCIS.—CAPRIMULGUS. 367

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, 5000 ft. (Whately).

Evtralinital Range. Venezuela, Colombia, Heuador, Peru.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. tii. p. 710) that he
found this species on the Roraima Mountains up to an altitude of
5000 ft. Its mode of life and habits are the same as those of
other Nightjars ; its favourite haunts are low bush, fissures in the
rocks, and amongst boulders.

Genus CAPRIMULGUS Linn.

Caprimulgus Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 193, 1758. Type C.
europeus Linn.

This genus is distinguished chiefly by the absence of any orna-
mental plumes in the wings or tail, the wings being usually
pointed in shape and the tail generally rounded at the tip; the
pale markings on the head are almost always longitudinal.

Key to the Species.

A. Throat and superciliary streak rufescent
buff ; a rufous collar on the hind-neck.... C. maculicaudus, p. 367.
B. Throat-patch white, no buff superciliary
streak, and no collar on the hind-neck.
a. First and second primary-quills crossed
by a white bar, remainder of pri-
maries uniform; under tail-coverts
Myth SW hire eae, Madge a Se ea ten O. whitelyi, p. 368.
b. First primary uniform dark brown, the
second and third have a white spot on
the inner web, and fourth a white spot
on both webs; under tail-coverts dark
brown narrowly barred with buff ...... C. nigrescens, p. 869.

241. Caprimulgus maculicaudus.
Stenopsis maculicaudus Lawr. Ann. Lye. New York, vii. p. 459, 1862
(Para).
Caprimulgus maculicaudus Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer, i. p. 101,
no. 960, 1912.

Adult female. Crown of head black minutely dotted with buff ;
back, wings, and tail dark brown mottled, spotted, and barred with
rufous or buffy-white ; scapulars black, outer margins buffy-
white ; a rufous collar on the hind-neck ; superciliary line buffy-
white barred or dotted with black; throat rufous with black bases
to the feathers; under wing-coverts similar; breast barred or

368 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

spotted with black, rufous, and white ; abdomen and under tail-
coverts rnufescent buff.

Total length 178 mm., culmen 8, wing 127, tail 84, tarsus 26.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but differs in having
white spots on the inner webs of the outer tail-feathers.

The female from which the description is taken was collected at
the Takutu Mountains,

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eogs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Colombia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

242. Caprimulgus whitelyi.
Wuirte.y’s NicHr-HAwk.
Antrostomus whitelyi Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 438 (Roraima, 3500 ft.).
Caprimulgus whitelyi Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 573, pl. xu.
1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 102, no. 963, 1912.
Adult male. General colour of the upper parts blackish brown,
the feathers spotted, freckled, or mottled with white, grey, or
ferruginous; bastard-wing and primary-coverts uniform dark
brown; primary and secondary quills uniform blackish brown
except the two outer primaries, which are crossed by a white bar,
and the innermost secondaries, which are notched on the inner
webs with ferruginous buff and more or less freckled with grey;
tail dark brown, the feathers mottled with grey and barred with
buff, the two penultimate feathers have a large white sub-
apical spot on the inner webs; a patch of white on the throat,
some of the feathers tipped with buff; remainder of the under
surface dark brown, the feathers tipped with buff, or white in-
cluding the under wing-coverts, the buff increasing in extent on
the abdomen, where it assumes the form of bars ; under tail-coverts
and some of the inner under wing-coverts almost uniform buff.
Total length 210 mm., culmen 10, wing 157, tail 103, tarsus 12.
Adult female. Very similar to the adult male, differing only in the
absence of the white bar on the two outer primary~-quills, which is
represented by an incomplete narrow rufous bar on the second and
third primary-quills, and the white spots on the tail-feathers only
faintly indicated on one feather instead of two. Wing 157 mm.

CAPRIMULGUS. 369

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undeseribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Roraima, 3500 ft.
( Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

243. Caprimulgus nigrescens.
Dare Nicut-Hawk.

Caprimulgus nigrescens Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 710, 1848
(British Guiana); Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 572, 1892
(Retreat River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 102, no. 964,
112.

aintrostomus nigrescens Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 438 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa).

Adult female. Upper and under surface blackish with rufous or
whitish spots and mottlings on the sides of the crown, upper
wing-coverts, back, and short scapulars; long scapulars mottled
with whitish; tail banded with mottled grey, which becomes
almost obsolete on the outer feathers; primary and secondary
flight-quills uniform blackish brown ; throat and breast similar to
the upper surface with a white band across the former; abdomen
and under tail-coverts narrowly barred with buff; under wing-
coverts and lower aspect of quills uniform sooty-brown.

Total length 170 mm., culmen 8, wing 136, tail 88, tarsus 13.

The female from which the description is taken was collected at
Bartica.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but differs in having a
white spot on the inner web of the third and fourth primary-
quills and white tips to the two penultimate tail-feathers. Wing
150 mm.

The male described was collected on the Warema River.

The young is chestnut-brown above, mottled with black and
more or less with white on the scapulars and sides of the crown.
The under surface is everywhere bsrred with buffy-white.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. A shallow hollow in the ground under low pasties
(Schomburg).

Eggs. The eggs are two in number (Schomburgh).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Iiuribisi River,
Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika River,

2B

370 BIRDS OF BRITISH “GUIANA.

Arwye River, Tiger Creek, Great Falls Demerara River, Arawai
River, Warema River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa
(Whitely) ; Retreat River (British Museum).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Peru, Heuador, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 753) that he
found this new species fairly common near the Lower Essequebo
River, where it was generally found in pairs perched on the rocks
rising from the river. It allowed a very close approach before
rising, and only flew a short distance before settling again. The
nest is a shallow hollow in the ground under low bushes, and
the eggs are two in number.

Family MICROPODID.

The Swifts are birds of small size, and the majority of dark
colour. The bill is very short, curved at the tip, broad at the
base, and very wide at the gape. No rictal bristles. The wings
are long and pointed. The tail is composed of ten feathers.
The feet are very small.

They are distributed over the greater part of the known world.
Five genera and twenty-four species occur in South America, of
which four genera and eight species are represented in British
Guiana.

Genus CHATURA Steph.

Chetura Stephens, in Shaw’s Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. 2, p. 76, 1826. Type
C. pelagica (Linn.).

The chief characters by which this genus is distinguished are
the spines at the tips of the tail-feathers, the hind-toe directed
backwards, and the plumage particoloured.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 130mm. ; a white
collar which encircles the neck ............ C. albicincta, p. 371.

B. Smaller, wing less than 130 mm. ; no white

collar encircling the neck.

a. Under surface black; lower back and
BUM BONO KE-BP EY ns baci sas ce uchdes C. brachyura, p. 371.

6. Under surface smoke-brown; lower back

black with a white band across the

TOMAS 85 tages psn vaste en pes ee C. spinicauda, p. 372.
ec. Under surface hoary grey like the lower
back anid: xen. <)4\.°..s.cheons, see C. quianensis, p. 373.

©2
~
—

CHATURA.

244. Cheetura albicincta.
WHITE-BANDED SWIFT.

Hemiprocne albicincta Cab. J. f. O. 1862, p. 165 (Guiana); Salvin, Ibis,
1885, p. 437.

Acanthylis collaris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709, 1848 ;
Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 219, 1876 (Kaieteur Falls).
Chetura zonaris (nec Shaw), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 436 (Roraima,

3500 ft.).

Chetura albicincta Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 478, 1892
(Roraima); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 102, no. 969,
1912.

** Noroquah” (Brown).

Adult male. Glossy black above and below, somewhat paler on
the fore-neck, especially on the throat, with a white band round
the hind-neck which meets on the lower throat.

Total length 205 mm., culmen 9, wing 190, tail 72, tarsus 22.

The male from which the description is taken was collected at
the Kanuku Mountains on November 12, 1900, by Mr. J. J.
Quelch.

We are unable to say whether the female differs from the male
in plumage or measurement, as we find that the two specimens
mentioned in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ from Roraima marked ¢ ¢
are both males, and we do not know of any others that are
available.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Kanuku Mountains, Nov.
1900, Kurubung River (MeConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima,
3500 ft. (Whately).

Habits. Mr. Barrington Brown writes (Canoe and Camp Life,
p- 219):—* These birds, called Noroquah by the ‘ Macusis,’ belong
to the Hirundinide. They are of a blackish colour, with a white
ring round the neck, widening into a patch under the throat.”

245. Cheetura brachyura.
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT,

Acanthylis brachyura Jard. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. xviii. p. 120, 1846
(Tobago).

Chetura poliura (nec Temm.), Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 454,
1892 (Aunai).

282

a

372 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Cletura brachyura Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 102, no. 971,
1912.

Adult male. Head, upper back and wings, breast and abdomen,
glossy black ; lower back, rump, upper and under tail-coverts
ash-grey, tail somewhat darker with spine-like shafts which
protrude beyond the webs.

Total length 95 mm., culmen 5, wing 116, tail 29, tarsus 10.

The male from which the description is taken was collected
on the Abary River in November 1906.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but rather larger.
Wing 122 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Abary River (MeConnell collection);
Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Tobago, Trinidad, North Brazil, Venezuela,
East Peru.

[Tabits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

245. Chetura spinicauda.
SPINE-TAILED SWIFT.

Acanthylis spinicauda Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 971 (Cayenne).

Chetura spinicauda Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 437 (Bartica Grove, Cama-
cusa); Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 101, 1891; Hartert, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xvi. p. 483, 1892; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
pp- 289, 292, 1910 (Aremu River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 103, no. 975, 1912.

Spiny-tailed Swift” (Quelch).

Adult male. Head, back, wings, and tail glossy black ; sides of
neck, breast, und abdomen sooty-brown, darker on the under tail-
coverts and wing-coverts ; throat and rump ashy-white.

Total length 114 mm., culmen 3, wing 101, tail 39, tarsus 10.

We do not know the exact locality, in the Colony, of the male
from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Like the adult male, but rather larger. Wing
106 mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at Kamakusa in October
1881—Salyin-Godman collection.

CHAETURA. ofa

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unreeorded in British Guiana.

eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Kamakusa ( Whetely).

Eatralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, East and Central -
Brazil.

Habits. Mr. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 101, 1891) :—‘The Swifts are repre-
sented by one species (Chetura spinicauda), which is commonly
mistaken for one of the Swallows, whose external appearance they
closely resemble, while their habits are identical. In structure,
however, such as in the arrangement both of the feather-tracts on
the body and of the muscles of the toes and wings, in their
unnotched sternum or breast-bone, and in their 10-quilled tails,
they agree with the Humming-birds, while the Swallows are
exactly like the ordinary passerine birds.

“In the Spiny-tailed Swift the wings are very long, the total
length of the bird from the tip of the bill to the end of the wings
being about 6 inches. The colour is of a prevailing bronze- black
above and below, the rump, throat, and spiny tail being paler.
I have never seen these birds about the houses in the city ; but
when seen in the sky, they will be distinguished by their long
narrow wings, and their proportionately more rapid, bat-like

flivht.”

247. Chetura guianensis.
Guiana Swirt.
Chetura guianensis Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 486, 1892
(British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 103,
no. 980, 1912.
Chetura cinereiventris (nec Scl.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 437 (Merumé
Mts., Atapurau River, Roraima, 3500 ft.).

Adult male. Head, hind-neck, upper back, wings, and_ tail
glossy bluish black ; rump, upper tail-coverts, throat, breast, and
abdomen hoary-grey, paler on the chin and upper throat and
darker on the vent ; under tail-coverts dark bottle-green ; under
wing-coverts blackish,

Total length 106 mm., culmen 4, wing 101, tail 40, tarsus 12.

Adult female, Similar tothe adult male. Total length 109 mm.
culmen 4, wing 106, tail 41, tarsus 13.

3oit BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The male described is in the British Museum, and was collected
by Whitely at Mount Roraima, 3500 ft., on April 11th, 1883, and
the female on the Kamarang River, January 25th, 1882—Salvin-
Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eags. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Kamarang River, Mount
Roraima, Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

Genus CYPSELOIDES Streub.
Cypseloides Streubel, Isis, 1848, p. 366. Type C. fumigatus Streub.

In this genus the tail is scarcely stiffened, the shafts of the
feathers only very slightly spined, and the plumage is almost
uniform.

A. Throat and collar on the hind-neck bright
rufous in contrast with the rest of the

plumage, which is: black 71.2%. 002 spu<oducs veces C. rutilus, p. 374.
B. Throat and entire hind-neck black lke the
rest of the: plumage 2.7.5. :fiGa.ues 50s cartes neous C. nigra, p. 875.

248. Cypseloides rutilus.
SHINING SWIFT.

Hirundo rutila Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xiv. p. 528, 1817 (Guiana).

Chetura rutila Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 437 (Merumé Mts.).

Cypseloides rutilus Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 4938, 1892;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 103, no. 982, 1912.

Adult male. Crown of head, entire back, wings, and tail black,
as are also the abdomen, under tail-coverts, and under wing-
coverts ; throat, fore-neck, sides of face, and a collar on the
hind-neck bright rufous.

Total length 132 mm., culmen 5, wing 135, tail 58, tarsus 13.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description of the male is taken from the single specimen in the
British Museum which was collected by Whitely at the Merumé
Mountains on the 27th of July, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

ea |

CYPSELOIDES.—REINARDA. oT

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).
Extralimital Range. Trinidad.

FHlabits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

249. Cypseloides nigra.
Biack SwIrt.
Hirundo nigra Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1025, 1789 (Cayenne).
Cypseloides niger Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 494, 1892

(Merumé Mts.).
Cypseloides nigra Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 104, no. 984,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below black, the crown
of the head somewhat paler than the back, sides of the face and
throat paler than the top of the head, the shaft-lines darker and
contrasting with the rest of the feather ; remainder of the under
surface sooty-black.

Total length 146 mm., culmen 6, wing 151, tail 58, tarsus 11.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from a specimen in the British Museum
collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains on the 13th of
June, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Merumé Mountains (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. West India Islands,

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Genus REINARDA Hartert.

Reinarda Hartert, Bull. Brit. Orn. Cl. vol. xxxvi. No. cex. p. 7, Noy.
1915. Type &. squamata (Cass.).
Claudia Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 469, 1892 (nee Claudia
Stil).
The chief characters of this genus are the hind-toe directed
forwards, the toes in pairs, and the toes feathered,

376 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

250. Reinarda squamata.
ForKED-TAILED PALM-SWIFT.

Cypselus squamatus Cass. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1853, p. 369
(British Guiana).
Claudia squamata Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 469, 1892
(Aunai); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 104, no. 987, 1912.

Adult male. Head, back, wings, tail, sides of body, and under
wing-coverts dark brown with a steel-green gloss and pale margins
to the feathers; throat, breast, and middle of abdomen silky
white.

Total length 110 mm., eulmen 3, wing 95, tail 55, tarsus 9.

The male described was collected at the Takutu Mountains in
1909.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but somewhat larger.
Wing 112 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection); Annai (Whately).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Lartlett), Northern Brazil, East
Peru.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus PANYPTILA Cab.
Panyptila Cabanis, Archiv fiir Naturg. xiii. p. 345, 1847. Type
P. cayennensis (Gmel.).

This monotypic genus is distinguished by having all the toes
directed forward and feathered, but not paired, and the tail
deeply forked.

251. Panyptila cayennensis.
CAYENNE SwIrFt.

Hirundo cayennensis Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 1024, 1789 (Cayenne).

Panyptila cayennensis Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 4386 (Merumé Mts.) ;
Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 461, 1892; Beebe, Our Search
for a Wilderness, pp. 148, 176, 1910 (Morawhanna, Hoorie) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 104, no. 988, 1912.

Adult female. General colour above and below velvety-black ;
secondary and inner primary-quills edged with whitish ; throat,

PANYPTILA. ore

a spot in front of each eye, a collar on the hind-neck, and a spot
on the lower flanks white.

Total length 124 mm., culmen 6, wing 115, tail 55, tarsus 7.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather larger.
Wing 125 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum.
The female was collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains
on the 15th of June, 1881, and the male by J. Hauxwell at
Samiria, East Peru, on the 11th of November, 1881—Salvin-
Godman collection. F

Breeding- season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. Cf. Beebe, infra.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

~ Range in British Guiana. Merumé Mountains (Whitely) ;
Morawhanna, Hoorie River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Brazil.

Hatits. We quote the following note from Mr. Beebe (Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 143).—‘ A beautiful pendent nest of
the Feather-toed Swift composed entirely of feathery plumes. It
was a straight symmetrical column about three inches in diameter
and fourteen inches long, suspended from the palm thatch, not
half a foot from a hanging, open-comb wasps’ nest,..... This
Swift was common on all the Guiana rivers, hawking with
Swallows over the water. Seen on the wing it appears glossy
black with a white throat and collar.”

Suborder TROCHILI.
Family TROCHILIDA.

The Humming-birds are peculiar by their small size, their very
bright metallic plumage, and the many varied forms of their
bills and tails,

Their distribution is confined to the countries of North,
Central, and South America, the West India Islands and other
islands adjacent to the mainland.

There are one hundred genera and about four hundred and
sixty species in South America, twenty-six genera and thirty-nine
species being represented in British Guiana.

i

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

os
~l

Genus DORYFERA Gould.

Doryfera Gould, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 95. Type D. ludovicie (Boure. &
Muls.).
This genus is distinguished by the somewhat long and slender
bill, which is slightly upturned, with no terminal hook and the
serrations almost obsolete. The tail is short and rounded.

Doryfera johanne.
Fig. 66.—To show the form of the bill and the shape of the tail.

252. Doryfera johanne.
BLUE-FRONTED LANCE-BILL.

Trochilus johanne Boure. P. Z. 8S. 1847, p. 45 (Peru).

Hemistephania johanneé Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 433 (Merumé Mts.,
Roraima) ; id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 40, 1892; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 105, no. 992, 1912.

Adult male. Fore part of head glistening violet edged posteriorly
with green ; hinder crown and nape deep coppery bronze ; back
and upper wing-coverts bronze-green, becoming bluish green on
the rump and short upper tail-coverts; long upper tail-coverts
and tips of tail-feathers blue; under surface blackish glossed with
very dark green on the throat, dark bronze on the sides of the
neck and sides of the body, and steel-blue on the under tail-
coverts.

Total length 93 mm., culmen 28, wing 53, tail 27.

The description of the male is based on an example collected by
Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

DORYFERA.—THRENETES, 379

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being coppery
bronze on the upper surface, grey below with a tinge of green,
and the forehead glistening green. Wing 48mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains
on the 13th of July, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima (Me Connell collection);
Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima (Whjtely).

Extralimital Range. Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

This species was originally described from Peru, and was
first collected in British Guiana by the late Henry Whitely at
Mount Roraima and the Merumé Mountains, and recorded by

Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 433.

Genus THRENETES Gould.

Threnetes Gould, Monogr. Troch. i. pl. 138, October 1852. Type
T. leucurus (Linn.).

In this genus the bill is slightly arched, the nasal covers are
feathered, the tail is rounded, and the feathers are pointed.

Threnetes leucurus.

Fig. 67.—To illustrate the slightly arched bill and pointed tail-feathers,

380 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

253. Threnetes leucurus.
WHITE-TAILED BARBED-THROAT.

Trochilus leucurus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 190, 1766 (Surinam).

Threnetes leucurus Gould, Monogr. Troch. i. pl. 18, 1852 (Demerara) ;
Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 264, 1892 (Demerara) ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 105, no. 998, 1912.

Adult. Head, back, upper wing-coverts, and central tail-feathers
dull green with pale edgings to the feathers; flight-quills brown
minutely edged with white at the tips; outer tail-feathers more or
less white ; chin and sides of face blackish ; throat pale rufous,
rather dulier on the cheeks ; breast dusky, with a wash of green
which is increased on the sides of the neck ; abdomen dirty white ;
under tail-coverts green with pale margins to the feathers.

Total length 111 mm., culmen 26, wing 61, tail 136.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River.

There are no sexed birds of this species in the McConnell
collection nor in the series at the British Museum. We can only
suggest, therefore, that the male and female are probably alike in
plumage.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bonasika River,
Lower Mazaruni River (MeConnell coilection) ; Demerara (Gould
collection in the British Museum).

Eatralimital Range. Surinam (Linné), North Brazil.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus GLAUCIS Boie.
Glaucis Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 545. Type G. hirsuta (Gmel.).
This genus is distinguished by the arched bill and rounded tail,
the feathers being somewhat pointed.
254, Glaucis hirsuta,
Harry Hermit,

Trochilus hirsutus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 490, 1788 (Brazil).
Trochilus braziliensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 708, 1848.
Lrochilus dominicus (nec Linn.), Cab. tom. cit. p. 708.

GLAUCIS, 381

Glaucis hirsuta Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 431 (Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; id. Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 41, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer.
i. p. 106, no. 1001, 1912.

Adult male. General colour of the upper surface bronze-green,
darker and more dusky on the head and more green on the upper
tail-coverts and central tail-feathers ; outer tail-feathers chestnut
at the base, subapically brown, and the entire tail tipped with white;

AY, Ml! sf \

ATO

NCAT ATANY LUN
\

Glauets hirsuta.

Fig. 68.—To show the arched bill and rounded tail.

flight-quills brown with pale edges at the tips; throat dusky,
remainder of the under surface dull rufous, paler on the middle
of the abdomen.

Total length 109 mm., culmen 33, wing 58, tail 33.

We do not know the exact locality, in the Colony, of the male
from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being more bronzy
above and in having the under surface entirely rufous. Wing
55mm. “ Bill, upper mandible black, lower mandible pale yellow
tipped with black ; legs and toes yellowish flesh-colour ; eye
black ; claws black” (77. Whitely).

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima on the
27th of December, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

382 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jeggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Anarica River, Warema
River (MeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Eastern Peru, Colombia, Venezuela,
Trinidad.

FHlalits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 708)
this bird is found plentifully on the outskirts of the woods.

Genus PHAETHORNIS Swains.
Phaéthornis Swainson, Zool. Journ. iii. p. 357, 1827. Type P. super-

cetliosus (Linn.).
This genus is characterized by the somewhat long and wedge-
shaped tail and the curved bill.

Phaéthornis longuemareus.

Fig. 69.—To show the wedge-shaped tail and the curved bill.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 50 mm.
a. Piged tail-feathers tipped with white.
. Under surface rufescent buff ......... P. superciliosus, p. 383.
a Under surface grey .... oe P. augusti, p. 384.
b. Outer tail-feathers tipped with buff ....., P. bourcieri, p. 385.

PHAETHORNIS., 383

B. Smaller, wing less than 50 mm.
ce. Under surface grey er erriaot eats heb ah cs So P. rupurumii, p. 385.
d. Under surface rufous.
ec’, Chin black; no dark band on the
DRA Ste ese eke ees Sd is his P. longumareus, p. 386.
d’. Chin rufous; a dark band across the
breast.
a’, Under aspect of outer tail-feathers
subterminally bronze ..... P. ruber, p. 387,
. Under aspect of outer tail- feathers
subterminally black................+. P. episcopus, p. 388,

255. Phaéthornis superciliosus.
CAYENNE HERMIT.

Trochilus superciliosus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 189, 1766
(Cayenne); Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 708, 1848.

Phaéthornis superciliosus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 431 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Atapurau River); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xvi. p. 270, 1892 (Quonga); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i
p- 106, no. 1008, 1912.

Phaéthornis guianensis Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 307,
1910 (Aremu).

Adult male. General colour above bronze-brown, with buff
edges to the feathers on the lower back, ramp, and upper tail-
coverts ; tail green at base, subapically blackish and tipped with
white ; flight-quills brown ; eye-brow buff; ear-coverts dark
brown; cheeks greyish; under surface greyish buft, becoming
more rufous on the abdomen; under tail-coyerts inclining to
white.

Total length 158 mm., culmen 37, wing 60, tail 70.

The description of the male is taken from an example
collected on the Makauria River,

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but rather smaller in
size. Wing 56mm,

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana,

Range in British Guiana. Bonasika River, Makauria River,
Anarica River, Mazaruni River (J/ceConnell collection) ; Bartica,
Merumé Mountains, Kamakusa, Kamarang River, Quonga, Annai
( Whitely).

Eatralimital Range. Venezuela and North-west Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii, p. 708) that he

354 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

found this species common only in open places, and on the out-
skirts of woods, where it frequents the flowering Musaceen. It
produces a peculiar humming noise with its wings when flying,
when it also utters its call. He did not find its nest, although it
was fairly common.

Mr. J. J. Queleh, who observed this bird in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 98) :—‘ This species may he obtained
in or around the town, though it is only seen at rare intervals about
the trees and the flowering plants on the outskirts of the city.”

Mr. Beebe gives the following note (Our Search for a Wil-
derness, p. 307) :—‘* The Rufous-breasted Humming-birds are
abundant here, and have quite a sweet song, a trill of twelve or
fifteen notes, slow at first but rapidly increasing and ascending.”

256. Phaethornis augusti.
SALLE’s HERMIT.

Trochilus augusti Boure. Ann. Soc. Agric. Lyon, x. p. 623, 1847
(Caracas).

Phaéthornis augusti Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 431 (Roraima); id. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 277, 1892 (Quonga) ; Brabourne & Chubb,
B.S. Amer. i. p. 108, no. 1025, 1912.

Adult male. Upper surface bronze-green, somewhat darker on
the crown of the head, and with rufous edges to the upper tail-
coverts ; flight-quills uniform brown; tail-feathers blackish at
base with white tips, the central ones bronze-green like the back ;
superciliary stripe white; a dark line below the eye which extends
over the ear-coverts; a white line along the cheeks below the
ear-coverts ; under surface ash-grey, somewhat paler on the throat
and middle of the abdomen.

Total length 147 mm., culmen 33, wing 60, tail 70.

The male described was collected by Mr. McConnell at Mount
Roraima in October 1898.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being slightly
smaller and paler grey on the under surface. Wing 57mm.

The description of the female is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima (3500 ft.
alt.) on January 9th, 1884—Salvin-Godman coilection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana. .

PHAETHORNIS. 385

Egas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Rangein British Guiana. Monnt Roraima (.We Connell collection) ;
Quonga, Mount Roraima (Whitel,).

Katralimital Range. Colombia, Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

257. Phaéthornis bourcieri.
Bourcrer’s Hermit.

Trochilus bourciert Less. Hist. Nat. Trochil. p. 62, pl. 18, 1832
( Brazil).

Phaéthornis bourcieri Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 431 (Camacusa, Merumé
Mts., Atapurau River, Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi.
p- 278, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 108, no. 1027,
1912;

Adult male. Upper surface bronze-green ; flight-quills uniform
brown; outer tail-feathers brown tipped with butt, the central
pair bronze-green tipped with white ; under surface for the most
part buff, somewhat darker on the abdomen.

Total length 124 mm., culmen 32, wing 58, tail 59.

The male described was collected by Mr. McConnell at Mount
Roraima in October 1898.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but rather smaller,
Wing 51 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains
on July 14th, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

F'ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Mount Roraima (MeConnell collec-
tion); Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River, Mount
Roraima ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Peru, Ecuador, North Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

258. Phaethornis rupurumii.

30UCARD’s HErMIr.

Phaéthornis rupurumii Boucard, The Humming Bird, ii. p. 1, January
1892 (Rupurumi River) ; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p, 663,

da

a OC

386 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

1892 (Rupurumi River); Hartert, Tierreich, Trochil. p. 24, 1900 ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 108, no. 1029, 1912.
Phaéthornis rupurununt Sharpe, Hand-l. B. 1. p. 100, 1900.

Adult maie. Head, back, and upper wing-coverts bronze-green,
darker and somewhat dusky on the head, lores, and ear-coverts ;
upper tail-coverts edged with rufous ; tail-feathers bronze-green
edged and tipped with white, the outer feathers darker ; a line
above and behind the eye and moustachial streak buff ; throat
blackish with grey edges to the feathers ; remainder of the under
surface grey with dark bases to the feathers and inclining to white
on the under tail-coverts.

Total length 110 mm., culmen 26, wing 43, tail 44.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely on the Rupununi River
on March 31st, 1890—Salvin-Godman collection.

We have not seen a female of this species and cannot, there-
fore, say what the differences between the sexes are.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Rupununi River and Annai
( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Orinoco (Hartert).

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

259. Phaéthornis longuemareus.
LoNGUEMARE’S HERMIT.
Trochilus longuemareus Less. Hist. Nat. Trochil. pp. 15, 160, pls. 2, 62,
1832 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709, 1848.
Pygmornis longuemareus Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 98, 1891 (George-
town).
Pygmornis longuemarei Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 283, 1892.
Phaéthornis longuemareus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 108,
no. 1033, 1912.

Adult. Back dark bronze-green, as are also the upper wing-
coverts ; head darker than the back ; upper tail-coverts rufous ;
central tail-feathers bronze-green tipped with white, the outer
ones blackish edged and tipped with rufous ; flight-quills uniform
brown; superciliary line and under surface rufous; chin and
a line behind the eye blackish; under tail-coverts whitish.

Total length 101 mm., eulmen 24, wing 44, tail 40.

PHAETHORNIS.

Go
io <
|

The bird described was collected on the Warema River.

According to Dr. Hartert the sexes are alike.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Warema River, Bonasika River
(Me Connell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709)
the favourite haunts of this bird are the outskirts of the woods,
where he often saw it hover round the flowering plants near the
banks of the rivers. He did not find its nest.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this bird in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 98) :—‘‘ This species may be obtained
in or around the town, though it is only seen at rare intervals
about the trees and the flowering plants on the outskirts of the
city.”

260. Phaethornis ruber.

RED-VENTED HERMIT.

Trochilus ruber Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1. p. 121, 1758 (Surinam).

Trochilus pygmeus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 708, 1848.

Pygmornis pygmeus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 285, 1892.

Phaéthornis ruber Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 109, no, 1038,
1912.

Adult male. Head, mantle, upper back, and upper wing-coverts
coppery bronze; flight-quills brown; lower back and upper
tail-coverts chestnut ; tail-feathers bronze tipped with rufous; a
line over the eye, chin, throat, and under surface rufous ; a tuft
of white feathers on the lower flanks which have dark bases; ear-
coverts and a spot on the middle of the breast blackish,

Total length 84 mm., culmen 25, wing 32, tail 29.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 54 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection,
and the descriptions of the male and female are taken from speci-
mens in the British Museum collected at Pera—Balston collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Built of plant-cotton, fairly deep, and suspended between
two leaves of the tuga-branches (Schomburghk).

Eggs. White (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Unrecorded.

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Linné), Brazil, Eastern Bolivia.

2c 2

388 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Habits. Schomburgk writes of this bird (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 708)
as one of the smallest species in British Guiana. Its flight is un-
commonly swift. Its favourite haunts are the open spaces in the
woods and the native foot-paths, where it hovers over the flowering
bushes, vanishing all of a sudden and reappearing as quick as
lightning. He often found its nest, which was suspended between
two leaves of the tuga-branches, the points woven together by
the bird. The nest was built of plant-cotton only. It was fairly
deep, and contained two small white eggs or two young birds.
The female is similar to the male, but the black stripe on the
breast is absent.

261. Phaéthornis episcopus.
BisHorp Hermit.

Phaéthornis episcopus Gould, P. Z.8. 1857, p. 14 (Demerara) ; Beebe,
Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 807, 1910 (Aremu); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 109, no. 1041, 1912.

Pygmornis longuemareus (nec Less.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 341 (Bartica
Grove, Camacusa, Roraima).

Pygmornis episcopus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 284, 1892
(Demerara).

Adult male. Head, back, and upper wing-coverts bronze-green ;
flight-quills uniform brown; upper tail-coverts rufous; tail-
feathers similar to the back with a slight indication to white at
the tips; a line above and behind the eye buffy-white; ear-
coverts and a band across the breast blackish ; under surface
rufous.

Total length 82 mm., culmen 24, wing 30, tail 27.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being paler
rufous below and in the almost entire absence of the black band
on the breast, the more rufous on the back, and the rufous tips
to the tail-feathers.

The male and female described were collected by Mr. McConnell
on the Lower Mazaruni River in 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Lower Mazaruni
River (Ale Connell collection); Demerara (Gould); Mount Roraima,
Kamakusa, Bartica ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

CAMPYLOPTERUS. 389

Genus CAMPYLOPTERUS Swains.

Caumpylopterus Swainson, Zool. Journ. i. p. 358, 1827. Type C. largi-
pennis (Bodd.).

In this genus the bill is very slightly curved, the nasal covers

\

A LG ih
TAN

HA
i

Campylopterus largipennis.

Fig. 70.—To show the form of the bill and the rounded tail with
its broad feathers.

Campylopterus largipennis.

Fig. 71.—To illustrate the shape of the wing and the enlarged shafts of
the outer primaries of the male.

390 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

partly exposed, the shafts of the outer primaries swollen,
the outer web obliterated at the enlargement, and the tail
rounded,

Key to the Species.

A. Under surface slate-grey ........--+2--+0e2-6 C. largipennis, p. 390.
B. Under surface rufous ...................2....... OC. hyperythrus, p. 391.

262. Campylopterus largipennis.
BROAD-SHAFTED SABRE-WING.

Trochilus largipennis Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 41, 1783 (Cayenne).

Campylopterus latipennis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709,
1848.

Campylopterus largipennis Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 432 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Atapurau River); id. Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xvi. p. 288, 1892 (Berbice) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer.
i. p. 110, no. 1048, 1912.

Adult female. Head, upper wing-coverts, entire back, and
middle tail-feathers green ; flight-quills uniform blackish brown ;
outer tail-feathers blackish tinged with green on the outer webs
and broadly tipped with white ; sides of face and eatire under
surface slate-grey.

Total length 130 mm., culmen 24, wing 77, tail 53.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
by Mr. McConnell on the Lower Mazaruni River in 1898.

Adult male. Differs from the adult female in having the shafts
of the outer primary-quills much swollen and flattened. Wing
71 mm.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen collected
on the Supenaam River in 1911.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. *‘ Built of plant-cotton and suspended in a bush between
fork-shaped twigs ”’ (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Lower Mazaruni River, Arwye River,
Great Falls Demerara River (McConnell collection); Berbice
(Gould collection in the British Museum); Bartica, Merumé
Mountains, Kamakusa, Kamarang River ( Whitely).

Eztralimital Range. Northern Brazil.

CAMPYLOPTERUS. 391

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709) this
species is generally distributed throughout British Guiana, but is
most common in the damp coast-woods, where it frequents the
flowering Ravenala and Phzenacospermum. Itisasmall but very
quarrelsome bird. Its little nest is built of plant-cotton and
suspended in a bush between fork-shaped twigs.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 98) :—‘ The Broad-winged Sabre-wings
(Campylopterus largipennis) are equally as uncommon as the
Hermits.”

263. Campylopterus hyperythrus.
RUFOUS-BREASTED SABRE-WING.

Campylopterus hyperythrus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 709,
1848 (British Guiana); Gould, Monogr. Trochil. ui. pl. 51, 1852;
Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 432 (Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi.
p- 295, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 110, no. 1055,
1912.

Adult male. Head, back, and upper wing-coverts green ; flight-
quills brown ; middle tail-feathers bronze-green, the outer feathers
rufous like the entire under surface; some of the under wing-
coverts green.

Total length 119 mm., culmen 19, wing 66, tail 45.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male in plumage, but differs
in the absence of the swollen shafts of the outer primary-quills.
Wing 67 mm.

The male and female from which the descriptions are taken were
collected by Mr. McConnell on Mount Roraima in October 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undeseribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Roraima, Bartica
(Me Connell collection) ; Mount Roraima, 6000 ft. ( Whitely).

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709) that
during the whole of his travels in British Guiana he only
obtained one specimen, which was procured at the Roraima
Mountains at an altitude of 6000 feet. It was hovering about
some mimosa bushes. He did not find its nest. The ‘“ Arekunas”
eall it Tukui, which is the name usually applied by them to
Humming-birds.

392 lbu..v» OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus FLORISUGA Bonap.
Florisuga Bonaparte, Consp. Gen. Av. i. p. 73, 1850. Type &

mellivora (Linn.).
In this genus the bill is slender, nearly straight, the nasal
covers partly exposed, and the upper tail-coverts almost reaching
to the tip of the tail.

Florisuga mellivora.
Fig. 72.—To show the form of the bill, the shape of the tail, and
the long upper tail-coverts.

264. Florisuga mellivora.
GREAT JACOBIN.

Trochilus mellivorus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 121, 1758 (Guiana) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 706, 1548.

Florisuga mellivora Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 453 (Merumé Mts., Atapurau
River); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 329, 1892; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 111, no. 1058, 1912.

Adult male. Lower lind-neck, back, upper and under wing-
coverts, central tail-feathers, and sides of breast green ; crown of
head, throat, and fore-neck dark blue; a narrow white collar on
the hind-neck ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, and outer tail-feathers
pure white, the last edged with brown, more especially at the
tips ; flight-quills purplish brown. ‘ Bill, iris, and feet black.”

Total length 108 mm., culmen 18, wing 70, tail 38.

The male described was collected on the Makauria River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the top
of the head green, as also the tail-feathers, the latter somewhat
darker at the tips, both above and below, the outermost feathers

FLORISUGA.—MELANOTROCHILUS. 39a

more or less white at the tips, and the under surface bronzy green
with more or less white on the throat and abdomen. Wing 65 mm.

The female described was collected by Mr. McConnell on the
Lower Mazaruni River. .

Immature male. Similar to the female, but differs in having a
trace of the white collar on the hind-neck and more white on the
outer tail-feathers; breast and sides of the body brown with a
tinge of green, and the throat darker brown with white edges
to the feathers. The description is taken from an individual
collected on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam Liver,
Takutu River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Lower
Mazaruni River, Arwye River, Great Falls Demerara River
(McConnell collection); Merumé Mountains, Annai, Kamarang
River (Whitley) ; Aruka (Schomburghk).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia,
Trinidad, Tobago, and Central America to South Mexico.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 706) that this
beautiful Humming-bird is unquestionably the most common in
British Guiana. In Aruka he often saw hundreds of these birds
swarming like bees round the flowering Leguminosen. Their
haunts appear to be the woods, in which they seem to select the
flowering Musaceen and Scitamineen for obtaining food. He
remarks that the young male does not attain its full plumage
until it is two or three years old.

Genus MELANOTROCHILUS Deslongch.
Melanotrochilus Deslongchamps, Ann. Mus. d’Hist. Nat. Caen, 1.
p. 224, pl. iv. fig. 4, 1880. Type I. fuscus (Vieill.).

This genus is distinguished by the slightly emarginate tail, the
two middle feathers being the shortest, the four outer ones on each
side about equal in length and oblique at the tips, and the shorter
upper tail-coverts.

265. Melanotrochilus fuscus.
Dusky JACOBIN.

Trochilus fuscus Vieill. N. Dict. d’ Hist. Nat. vii. p. 848, 1817 ( Brazil).
Florisuga fusca Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 331, 1892.

394 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Melanotrochilus fuscus Brabourne & Chubb, b. 8. Amer, i. p. 111,
no. 1059, 1912.

Adult. General colour above and below velvety-black with
glossy steel-green on the lower back, upper tail-coverts, and middle
tail-feathers ; outer tail-feathers white, edged with brown at the
tips ; a white line on the flanks which joins the base of the white
outer tail-feathers.

Metanotrochilus fuscus.

To illustrate the shape of the bill, the slightly emarginated
tail, and the shorter upper tail-coverts.

Fig. 73.

Total length 126 mm., culmen 18, wing 78, tail 45.

The bird described above was collected on the Bonasika River
in December 1898.

This is the first and only known record of the occurrence of
this species in British Guiana.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Rangein British Guiana. Bonasika River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Eastern Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nore.—Thaumasius Sclater is an emended name for T'haumantias
Bonap., and, furthermore, it is preoccupied in Aranew.

A new name, therefore, is required, for which we propose
Brabournea, with B. taczanowskii (Sclater) as the type.

AGYRTRINA. 395

Genus AGYRTRINA, n. gen.

We propose this name for A. whitelyi (Boucard), and it will be
available for the species classed under Agyrtria Reichenbach by
Brabourne & Chubb, ‘ Birds of South America,’ i. pp. 112, 113—as
we find, upon further research, that Reichenbach proposed Agyrtria
as a substitute name for Thaumantias Bonaparte, which equals
Polytmus Brisson.

In this genus the culmen is feathered at the base, the anterior

portion of the nasal covers is exposed, the bill is straight, and the
tail emarginate.

alata \

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Y)

Da

LZ
ts
Li, ty

Lv

‘Lz

Agyrtrina leucogaster.
Fig. 74.—To show the straight bill and the emarginated tail.

Key to the Species.

A. Crown of head bronze-green; throat glittering
SMORD IP cea te sk ata dere Crs ch eesarcteugaxetads~ Lhe JUNOPRLG, Pe Gao,
B. Crown of head bright glittering green; throat
a. Base of lower mandible white, in contrast
to the remainder of the bill, which is
black; lateral tail-feathers steel-blue...... A. leucogaster, p. 396.
b. Base of lower mandible black like the rest
of the bill; outer tail-feathers bronze with
an incomplete dark subapical bar ......... A, whitelyi, p. 397.

266. Agyrtrina fimbriata.
Lesson’s EMERALD.
Trochilus fimbriatus Gmel, Syst. Nat. i. p. 498, 1788 (Cayenne).
Agqyrtria tobaci (nec Gmel.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 845 (Bartica Grove,

Merumé Mts., Roraima); Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 100, 1891
(Georgetown),

396 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Agyrtria viridissima Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 186, 1892.
Agyrtria fimbriata Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 118, no. 1082,
1912.

Adult male. Upper surface bronze-green, darker on the head
and tail, the latter having somewhat paler tips to the lateral
feathers, brighter and more glittering on the under surface ;
middle of abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts greyish white ;
flight-feathers brown.

Total length 98 mm., culmen 19, wing 55, tail 30.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
by Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in 1898.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male only in having the
tips of the outer tail-feathers grey. Wing 53 mm.

The description of the female is taken from an example collected
at Bartica.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Supenaam River, Bartica, Abary River (McConnell
collection) ; Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima, 3500 ft., Bartica
( Whately) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Eastern Venezuela, and
Trinidad.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this bird in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 100) :—‘ This species is not so common
as Agyrtria leucogaster.”

267. Agyrtrina leucogaster.
WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD.

Trochilus lewcogaster Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 495, 1788 (“Cayenna ”) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705, 1848; Quelch, Timehri (2)
v. p. 100, 1891 (Georgetown).

Agyrtria leucogaster Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 181, 1892
(Demerara) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 112, no. 1078,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above green, more glittering on the
head and sides of the neck, and more coppery bronze on the upper
tail-coverts and middle tail-feathers ; outer tail-feathers steel-blue ;
fliglt-feathers brown; throat, middle of breast, abdomen, and
under tail-coverts white ; sides of breast and sides of body green.
‘ Mandible, except the tip, flesh-colour.”

AGYRTRINA. Ty

Total length 96 mm., culmen 20, wing 52, tail 32.

The bird from which the description is taken, apparently a
male, was collected on the Abary River.

The female of this species is not represented in the McConnell
collection, but is, according to the ‘ Catalogue of Birds,’ similar to
the male, distinguished only by having the lateral tail-feathers
obscurely tipped with bronzy grey.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

2ggs. Undescribed.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (.WeConnell collection) ;
Quonga (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne and Surinam.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705)
this bird is common in British Guiana,

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
remarks (Timeliri (2) v. p. LOO) :—‘ This species is extremely
common in all parts.”

268. Agyrtrina whitelyi.
WHitELy’s EMERALD.

Uranomitra whitelyi Boucard, Humming Bird, iii. p. 8, 1893 ; id. op. cit.
iv. p. 161, 1894 (Auna1).

? Agyrtria chionopectus (nec Gould), Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 101, 1891
(Georgetown ).

Agyrtria niveipectus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. pp. 180, 659,
1892 (Quonga, Aunai).

Agyrtria whitelyt Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 112, no. 1072,
1912.

Adult male. General colour of the upper parts green with a
bronzy tinge on the back inclining to coppery bronze on the
upper tail-coverts ; tail bronze with a dark subapical bar; flight-
feathers purplish brown; fore part of heal and sides of face
glistening metailic-green ; throat, middle of abdomen, and under
tail-coverts white ; breast, sides of body, and under wing-coverts
bronze-green. Bill black.

Total length 92 mm., eulmen 16, wing 49, tail 25,

Adult female. Similar to the adult male but much duller, and
the bright glistening metallic patch on the fore part of the head
in the male is absent in the female. Wing 47 mm.

The deseriptions of the male and female are taken from specimens

398 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

in the British Museum collected by Whitely at Annai in June
1890—Salvin-Godm&n. collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Annai (Whitely); George-
town (Quelch).

Flabits. Mr. J. J. Quelch, writing on the Birds of Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 101) :—‘‘ Another Emerald, which is
distinguished from A. leucogaster by its smaller size and much
more bronze and golden-green upper surface and sides, is also to
be obtained. The males have coloured bills and the females black,
and the species seems to be indistinguishable from A. chionopectus,
except by the slightly darker tail and the less pale-green head.
It seems to be but a variety of this form.”

Genus SAUCEROTTEA Bonap.

Saucerottea Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xxx. p. 3881, April 1850.
Type S. saucerottet (Delat. & Bourc.).
In this genus the bill is nearly straight, the culmen is feathered
at the base, the anterior portion of the nasal covers is exposed,
and the tail is short and rounded or very slightly emarginate.

\s
Ai \yy) gl
7Y] yy 4 Wi

Y
\ iN
Saucerottea cupreicauda.

Fig. 75.—To show the form of the bill and the shape of the tail.

269. Saucerottea cupreicauda.
CopPER-TAILED ERYTHRONOTE.

Amazilia cupreicauda Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1884, p. 452 (Roraima) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 435 (Merumé Mts.); Sharpe, in Gould’s

SAUCEROTTEA.—HYLOCHARIS. 399

Suppl. Troch. pl. 56, 1887; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 220,
1892 (Quonga). ;

Saucerottea cupreicauda Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 115,
no. 1104, 1912.

Adult. Back and upper wing-coverts coppery bronze-green,
becoming bright green on the top of the head, throat, breast, and
sides of the neck; lower back and upper tail-coverts coppery
bronze; tail rufous, becoming more coppery bronze towards the
tips of the feathers; flight-quills brown ; abdomen and sides of
the body, as well as the under wing-coverts, dull bronze; under
tail-coverts rufous ; thighs white.

Total length 88 mm., culmen 17, wing 50, tail 25.

The bird from which the description is taken was collected by
Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 50 mm.

* Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Roraima (Jl-
Connell collection) ; Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima, Quonga
(Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

Genus HYLOCHARIS Boie.
Hylocharis Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 546. Type H. sapphirina (Gmel.).

In this genus the tail is rounded, the bill is straight,the culmen
bare almost to the base, and the nasal covers are exposed.

{ ‘Howe Wy
hin yan "/ i
Mas cunt Wa
NY (i Nn ul S
AW 47 W/

Mai Ni YZ aT
yy: if N

Hylocharis sapphirina,

Fig. 76.—To illustrate the straight bill and rounded tail.

400 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

270. Hylocharis viridiventris.
GREEN-VENTED SAPPHIRE.

Hylocharis viridiventris Berl. Ibis, 1880, p. 113 (Merida) ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 117, no. 1125, 1912.

Hylocharis cyanea (nec Vieill.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 486 (Merumé
Mts., Camacusa, Atapurau River, Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xvi. p. 246, 1892.

Adult male. Back and upper wing-coverts green, becoming
more bronzy on the upper tail-coverts ; tail-feathers steel-blue ;
flight-quills brown ; crown of head, throat, and breast glittering
violet ; abdomen and under tail-coverts green ; thighs white.

Total length 82 mm., culmen 15, wing 49, tail 26.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Bonasika River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male chiefly in the absence
of the glittering violet on the head, throat, and breast, which is
replaced by green on the top of the head and by grey on thie
throat and breast. Wing 47 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Bonasika River, Anarica
River, Arwye River (/cConnell collection) ; Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa, Kamarang River, Mount Roraima, Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela.

J/abits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

271. Hylocharis sapphirina.
GUIANA SAPPHIRE.

Trochilus sapphirinus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 496, 1788 (Guiana) ; Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p, 706, 1848.

Hylocharis sapphirina Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 436 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi.
p. 245, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 117, no. 1127,

1912.
Adult male. Head, back, and upper wing-coverts dark bluish
green; the long upper tail-coverts and middle tail-feathers
coppery bronze, the outer tail-feathers richer in colour and

HYLOCHARIS.—CHLORESTES. 401

narrowly margined with brown; flight-quills purplish black ; chin
rufous ; fore-neck and breast violet ; abdomen and under wing-
coverts dark green; thighs white; under tail-coverts rufous.

Total leneth 88 mm., culmen 19, wing 51, tail 25.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male chiefly in the paler
chin, in the absence of violet on the fore-neck and breast, the
white on the abdomen, and the dusky grey under tail-coverts.

Of the two birds described the male was collected on the
Ituribisi River and the female on the Bonasika River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Feggs. The eggs are white and two in number (Schomburghk).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Supenaam River, Arawye River, Great Falls Demerara
River (McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, 3000 ft., Kama-
kusa, Merumé Mountains, Bartica ( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 706) that this
bird is common in British Guiana and that its favourite haunt is
near the coast in the vicinity of buildings and pastures, where
it swarms round the flowering trees. It appeared to be very
fond of the Labiate. He saw it constantly hovering over the
Leonotis when it was in bloom. The nest, which was often found
by him, was constructed like those of the other Humming-birds.
The eggs are white, and the clutch consists of two.

Genus CHLORESTES Reichenb.
Chlorestes Reichenbach, J. f. O. 1854, Aufz. d. Col. p. 7. Type
C. cyanogenys (Wied).

This genus is distinguished by having the culmen bare nearly to
the base, the nasal covers exposed, the tail steel-blue and slightly
rounded.

272. Chlorestes notatus.
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE.
Chlorestes notatus ( Reich.), Magazin des Thierreichs (Erlange ) i. Abth. 3,
. 129, 1795 (Cayenne) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 118,
no. 1133, 1912.

Nore.—Chrysurus Bonap. Compt. Rend. Paris, xxx. p. 382,
April 1, 1850, has priority over Chrysuronia Bonap., after
November 1850, and must be used.

2D

402 BIRDS OF BRITISH QUIANA.

Eucephala cerulea Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 435 (Bartica Grove) ; id. Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 241, 1892.

Adult male. General colour above dark green ; tail steel-blue ;
flight-feathers brown ; under surface bright glittering green ;
thighs white. ‘ Upper mandible black, lower mandible flesh-
colour.”

Total length 94 mm., culmen 16, wing 52, tail 30.

iy \N
ANNAN SS
Nay i uNN

MINNA

Chlorestes notatus.

Fig. 77.—To show the culmen, which is bare almost to the base, the
exposed nasal covers, and the slightly rounded tail.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
by Mr. McConnell on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being white on
the under surface with green tips to the feathers.

The female described was collected on the Supenaam River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Bartica, Mazaruni
River, Kamakabra River, Makauria River, Anarica_ River,
Arawye River, Bonasika River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Kast Ecuador, Venezuela,
Trinidad, Tobago.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in George-
town, remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 101) :—‘*The Blue-chinned
Sapphire (Hucephala ewrulea) is also to be found on the outskirts
of the town, though they are vy no means common.”

CHLOROSTILBON. 403

Genus CHLOROSTILBON Gould.

Chlorostilbon Gould, Monogr. Trochil. vy. pl. 355, 1853. Type
C. pucherani (Bourc.). ;
In this genus the bill is short and nearly straight, the tomia of
the mandible only serrated, the interramal Space nude, the culmen
bare to the base, and the nasal covers exposed. he tail is short
and square,

Chlorostilbon subfurcatus.

Fig. 78.—To show the straight bill, bare culmen, exposed nasal
covers, and the square tail.

273. Chlorostilbon subfurcatus.
Roraima EMERALD.
Chlorostilbon subfurcatus Berlepsch, Ibis, 1887, p. 297 (Mount
Roraima); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 119, no. 1149,

1912:
Chlorostilbon prasinus (nee Less.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 436 (Roraima) ;

id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 56, 1892 (Demerara).
Chlorostilbon atala (nec Less.), Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 101, 1891
(Georgetown).

Adult male. Bright glittering green above and below ; tail
steel-blue ; flight-feathers brown.

Total length 67 mm., culmen 14, wing 42, tail 21.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the throat,
middle of the abdomen, and under tail-coverts white, and pale
tips to the outer tail-feathers. Wing 43 mm.

The male described was collected on the Abary River, and the
female on the Ituribisi River.

Breedirg-season. Unknown,

Nest. Unrecorded.,
pe

404 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Mount Roraima, Ituribisi
River, Abary River, Kamuni River (A/c Connell collection); Annai,
Mount Roraima ( Whitely) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in George-
town, remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 101) :—‘ The smallest of the
group to be found about the town, and fairly commonly, is a tiny
greenlet (Chlorostilbon atala).”

Genus THALURANIA Gould.
Thalurania Gould, P. Z.S. 1848, p. 138. Type 7. nigrofasciata (Gould).

This genus is characterized by the slender bill, the tomia of the
mandible roiled inwards towards the tip, the interramal space
feathered, and the tail forked.

Ko

<=

LAL = 2 =

Thalurania jissilis.
Fig. 79.—To illustrate the straight bill and forked tail.

274. Thalurania fissilis.
VENEZUELAN Woop-Nympu.
Thalurania fissilis Berlepsch & Hartert, Nov. Zool. ix. p. 87, 1902

(Caura River, Venezuela); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p. 121, nol 1172, 1912:

THALURANIA.—PETASOPHORA. 405

Trochilus furcatus (nec Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil.
p. 708, 1848.

Thalurania furcata (nec Gmel.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 433 (Bartica
Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xvi. p. 84, 1892 (Demerara).

Adult male. General colour above dark green ; tail steel-blue ;
flight-feathers brown; interscapulum purple ; throat and sides of
neck bright glittering green ; abdomen glittering purple ; under
wing-coverts green ; thighs white.

Total length 108 mm., culmen 16, wing 53, tail 43.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being green above,
greyish white below, and white tips to the tail-feathers.

The male and female described were collected on the Bonasika
River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Makauria River,
Mazaruni River, Arwye River, Great Falls Demerara River
(McConnell collection).

Vatralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 708)
this species is fairly common in British Guiana and is generally
found on the outskirts of woods, where it frequents the flowering
Musaceen. Schomburgk did not find its nest.

Genus PETASOPHORA Gray.
Petasophora Gray, List Gen. B. p. 13, 1840. Type P. serrirostris
(Vieill.).

The chief characters by which this genus is distinguished are
the feathered base of the bill, the feathered nasal covers, except
on their lower edges, the serrations on the upper mandible, and
the emarginated tail.

Key to the Species.

A. General colour green; larger wing more than

80 mm.; bill more than 20 mm. ............ P. germana, p. 406,
B. General colour rufous-brown; smaller wing

less than 80 mm. ; bill less than 20 mm.... P. delphine, p. 407.

406 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

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Petasophora germana.

Fig. 80.—To show the serrated bill and the emarginated tail.

275. Petasophora germana.
GuIANA VIOLET-EAR.

Petasophora germana Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1884, p. 451 (Roraima,
5000 to 6000 ft.); Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 434; Sharpe, in Gould’s
Suppl. Troch. pl. ii. 1887; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 108,
1892; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 128, no. 1191, 1912.

Trochilus anais Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iil. p. 707, 1848.

Adult male. Dark glittering green above and below ; flight-
quills brown ; tail-feathers inclining to blue with a dark subapical
band ; throat and ear-tufts bright purple; middle of abdomen blue.

Total length 138 mm., culmen 23, wing 80, tail 52.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
by Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but rather smaller,
Wing 77 mm.

The description of the female is taken from one of the types in
the British Museum, collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima,
6000 ft., on the 10th of August, 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown,

PETASOPHORA. 407

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British{Guiana : Mount Roraima (Mc Connell
collection) ; Mount Roraima, 5000 to 6000 ft. (Whately).

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 707) that he
only obtained one specimen of this beautiful Humming-bird in
the Roraima Mountains at an altitude of 6000 feet ; it was hovering
round isolated flowering bushes. The “Arekunas” call it Tukw—
a name they apply to nearly all the Humming-birds.

276. Petasophora delphine.
Brown VIOLET-Ear.

Ornismya delphine Lesson, Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 41 (Guiana).

Petasophora delphine Salvi, Ibis, 1885, p. 434 (Roraima, Merumé
Mts.); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 111, 1892; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 123, no. 1188, 1912.

Adult female. Dusky brown above and below ; sides of rump
and upper tail-coverts rufous with dark centres to the feathers ;
tail brown with a dark subapical band; an elongated patch of
green feathers on tbe throat; under tail-feathers pale rufous ;
ear-coverts shining purple.

Total length 111 mm., culmen 18, wing 71, tail 39.

The female described was collected by Mr. McConnell on the
Mazaruni River.

An immature bird from the Anarika River has all the feathers
on the upper surface edged with rufous, including the median
tail-feathers. :

Adult male. Similar to the adult female, but rather larger.
Wing 80 mm.

The description of the male is taken from a specimen in the
British Museum, collected by Whitely at the Merumé Mountains,
on the 30th of June, 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Mazaruni River, Anarika River
(MeConnell collection); Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains
( Whitely).

Extralimital, Range. Venezuela, Trinidad, Ecuador, Peru,
Colombia, and Central America to Guatemala,

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

408 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus AVOCETTULA Reichenb.

Avocettula Reichenbach, Av. Syst. pl. 39, 1849. Type A. recurvirostra
(Swains.).
This genus is distinguished chiefly by the recurved bill and the
short and rounded tail.

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Avocettula recurvirostris.
Fig. 81.—To illustrate the recurved bill and the rounded tail.

277. Avocettula recurvirostris.
Swatnson’s HUMMING-BIRD.

Trochilus recurvirostris Swains. Zool. Ilustr. 11. pl. 105, 1821 (Cayenne).

Avocettula recurvirostris Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 483 (Bartica Grove) ;
id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 101, 1892; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 123, no. 1193, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below dark green with
a bronzy tinge on the top of the head and hind-neck and bright
glittering green on the throat and fore-neck ; the middle of the
abdomen is more or less black, the inner webs of the outer tail-
feathers rufous-brown on the upper surface and bright metallic
copper on the lower aspect.

Total length 95 mm., culmen 18, wing 58, tail 28.

The male described is in the British Museum and was collected
in British Guiana—Balston cvllection.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having a dusky
brown central line down the throat and middle of the breast,
bordered on each side with a broad white line; outer tail-
feathers steel-blue tipped with white. Wing 54 mm.

AVOCETTULA.—ANTHRACOTHORAX. 409

The three specimens in the McConnell collection from Mount
Roraima, Supenaam River, and Arawai River appear to be
young males. They are very similar to the adult female in
plumage, but differ in having the inner webs of the outer tail-
feathers bright coppery red on the under surface.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undesecribed from British Guiana.

Itange in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Supenaam River,
Arawai River (A/cConnell collection) ; Bartica ( W hitely).

Extralinutal Range. Surinam (Penard), Cayenne (Swainson),
North-east Brazil.

Flabits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus ANTHRACOTHORAX Boie.
Anthracothorax Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 545, Type A. viridigula (Bodd.).

This genus is characterized by having the culmen feathered at
the base, the tomia of the mandible not rolled inwards towards
the tip, the nasal covers partially exposed, the bill moderately
decurved, and the tail rounded.

Anthracothorax viridigula.
Fig. 82.—To show the form of the bill and the rounded tail.

410 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Key to the Species.
A. Throat black, skirted on the sides with

Bec iddca cor Sseieas ces ecdetecelseakeries wen whe CUONCAVOE Ey ae
B. Throat and sides of the neck rich glittering
GTEC 7 Kick had yccans plea cent eeune dae Sab eemebe a: sea |, ae OP eg Oia ee

278. Anthracothorax violicauda.
VIOLET-TAILED MANGO.

Trochilus violicauda Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 41, 1783 (Cayenne).

Trochilus nigricollis Vieill. N. Dict. dHist. Nat. vii. p. 349, 1817
(Brazil).

Trochilus mango (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 706,
1848.

Lampornis violicauda Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 432 (Roraima) ; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 99, 1891 (Georgetown); Salvin, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xvi. p. 92, 1892.

Lampornis nigricollis Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 123,
no. 1194, 1912.

* Mango Humming-bird ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Head, back, upper wing-coverts, and upper tail-
coverts, as well as the middle tail-feathers, bronze-green ; the
outer tail-feathers purple margined with black; flight-quills
brown; throat, breast, and middle of abdomen black, the black
on the throat skirted on each side with steel-blue; sides of
body and under wing-coverts green; under tail-coverts sooty-
black with green edges ; a white line on side of body.

Total length 115 mm., culmen 24, wing 67, tail 39.

We do not know the exact locality, in the Colony, of the male
from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Difters from the adult male in being white on
the under surface, with a line of black running down the centre,
and having white tips to the outer tail-feathers.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Faqs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River (McConnell collection);
Mount Roraima, 3500 ft., Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert) ; Northern Brazil,
Colombia.

Halts. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 706)

this bird is especially numerous near the coast, where it appears in

ANTHRACOTHORAX. 411

large numbers and hovers round the flowering Orinoko trees
(= Lrythrina).

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 99) :—‘“ The Mango Humming-bird

(Lampornis violicauda) is extremely common about the town.”

279. Anthracothorax viridigula.
({REEN-THROATED MANGO.

‘ Trochilus viridigula Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 41, 1783 (Cayenne).

Trochilus gramineus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 488, 1788 (Guiana).

Lampornis grammineus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 482; Quelch, Timehri (2)
v. p. 99, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 95,
1892 (Demerara); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 128,
no. 1196, 1912.

Trochilus pectoralis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 706, 1848.

“ Mango Humming-bird” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above green ; flight-quills dark
brown ; middle tail-feathers dark brown with a steel-green gloss,
outer feathers purple with dark edgings ; throat and sides of neck
rich glittering green ; abdomen blackish more or less tinged with
green, like the under tail-coverts and under wing-coverts ; thighs
and a patch on the sides of the body pure white. :

Total length 122 mm., culmen 27, wing 70, tail 38.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being white on
the under surface with a broad black line on the throat extending
down the middle of the abdomen, and in having white tips to the
outer tail-feathers which are preceded by a steel-blue band.

Immature male. Similar to the adult female, but differs in
having chestnut on the cheeks and sides of the neck.

Of the birds described, the adult and immature males are from
the Abary River and the female from the Great Savannas.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Great Savannas,
Great Falls Demerara River (Ale Connell collection) ; Georgetown
(Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne ( Boddaert) ; Venezuela, Northern
Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 706) that he met

412 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

with this bird in the sunny coast-woods, where it was found
generally hovering over the flowering Mucaceen. He did not
find its nest.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 99) :—‘‘ The Mango Humming-bird

(Lampornis gramineus) is extremely common about the town.”

Genus CHRYSOLAMPIS Boie.
Chrysolampis Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 546. Type C. elatus (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by having the bill feathered for
some distance from the base along the culmen and the nasal covers
completely obscured,

Chrysolampis elatus.

Fig. 83.—-To show the feathering along the culmen.

280. Chrysolampis elatus.
Rupy-ANb-Topsaz HUMMING-BIRD.

Trochilus elatus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. 1. p. 102, 1766 (Cayenne).

Trochilus moschitus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705, 1848.

Chrysolampis moschitus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 434; Quelch, Timehri (2)
v. p. 99, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi.
p-. 113, 1892 (Georgetown, Demerara).

Chrysolampis elatus Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 124, no. 1199,
1912.

Adult male. Crown of head and hind-neck bright ruby-colour ;
back, wings, and abdomen dark brown, somewhat paler on the
last, like the under wing-coverts ; tail chestnut with dark edges
to the tips of the feathers; throat and fore-neck rich golden-
orange ; under tail-coverts chestnut ; a line on the sides of the
body and thighs white.

Total fongeh 93 mm., culmen 11, wing 55, tail 32.

The description of the male is eke Bae an example collected
on the Abary River in September 1906.

Adult female. Entirely different from the adult male in being
bronze-green above, dusky grey on the under surface, and in

CHRYSOLAMPIS.—PSILOMYCTER. 413

having white tips to the outer tail-feathers, which are preceded
by a violet band.

The immature male is similar to the female, but can be easily
distinguished by the approach of bright feathers on the middle of
the throat.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. In the fork of a branch, the inside of the nest was lined
with vegetable down, the outside was covered with lichen. The
nest contained two young birds (Schomburghk).

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount. Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Bartica, Kamuni River, Arawai River, Great Falls Demerara
River (McConnell collection); Annai (Whitely); Georgetown
(Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Linné), Brazil, Eastern Colombia,
Venezuela and the adjacent islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705) this
gorgeous species is found throughout British Guiana in open sunny
places in the woods near’ the coast and on the Savannas. He
only once found its small nest, which was in an isolated Malphigia
bush in the fork of a branch and contained two young birds. The
inside of the nest was lined with vegetable down, and the outside
was covered with lichen. The bird probably nests in the woods.
The female has a sombre plumage; its tail is quite different from
that of the male. The young male attains its full plumage in the
third year.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this species in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p.99):—‘¢ The Ruby-and-Topaz (Chryso-
lampis moschitus) is occasionally met with about town, but is much
more common outside.”

Genus PSILOMYCTER Hartert.

Psilomycter Hartert, Tierreich, Trochil. p. 104,1900. Type P. theresie
(Da Silon).

In this genus the bill is slightly decurved at the point, the
nasal covers exposed, and the tail rounded.

Note.—Anthocephala Cabanis & Heine, 1860, is preoccupied
in Vermes. A new name, therefore, is required, for which we
propose Simonula with S. chloriceps (Gould) as the type.

414 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

] NA 8 \
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Psilomycter theresia.
Fig. 84.—To show the form of the bill and the slightly rounded tail.

281. Psilomycter theresie.
GOLDEN-THROAT.

Trochilus theresie Da Silon, Maia, Min. Bras. p. 2, 1843 (Para).

Chrysobronchus viridissmus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 485 (Bartica Grove,
Merumé Mts.) ; id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 176, 1892 (Deme-

jae theresie Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 124,
no. 1202, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below bright grass-
green; flight-feathers dark brown; under tail-coverts more or less
white at the base.

Total length 92 mm., culmen 19, wing 56, tail 31.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the feathers of
the abdomen and under tail-coverts having a green subapical spot
and white tips to the outer tail-feathers.

The male described was collected on the Itnribisi River, and the
female on the Supenaam River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bonasika River, Lower Mazaruni River, Arawai River (Me Connell
collection) ; Merumé Mountains, Ourunei (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North-east Brazil, Venezuela.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

POLYTMUS. 415

Genus POLYTMUS Briss.

Polytmus Brisson, Orn. ii. p. 667, 1760. Type P. thaumantias
(Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by the slightly curved bill, the
culmen feathered at the base, the nasal covers exposed on the
anterior portion, and the tail rather long and rounded.

\V;

Polytmus chrysobronchus.

Fig. 85.—To illustrate the curved bill and the rounded tail.

282. Polytmus chryscbronchus.
SHAw’s GOLDEN-THROAT.
Trochilus chrysobronchos Shaw, Gen. Zool. viii. p. 278, 1811 (Guiana).
Trochilus viridis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 707, 1848.
Chrysobronchus virescens Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 435 (Roraima) ; Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. p. 100, 1891 (Georgetown).
Polytmus thaumantius (part.), Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 174,
1892.
Polytmus chrysobronchos Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 125,
no. 1205, 1912.
«“ White-tailed Golden-throat” (Quelch).
Adult male. Pale bronze-green above, brighter and more glit-
tering on the throat and breast; tail-feathers bluish green with a

416 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

portion of the outer webs white, as are also the tips; flight-
feathers brown ; vent and under tail-coverts white.

Total length 105 mm., culmen 22, wing 60, tail 39.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in being
not so bright; the abdomen for the most part white, and slightly
smaller in size. Wing 54 mm.

Immature male. Differs from the adult in being duller above
and pale rufous on the under surface, with a line of glittering
green feathers down the middle of the throat.

Immature female. Is also duller on the upper surface, and
uniform dark rufous below.

The descriptions of the adult female and immature birds are
taken from specimens in the British Museum collected by Whitely
at Mount Roraima in December, January, and June—Salvin-
Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Abary River
(McConnell collection); Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. Annai
(Whitely) ; Takutu (Schomburgk) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 707) that he
obtained this species once near Takutu, where it was rare. The
female is slightly duller than the male, and the young males are
like the females. The “ Macusis” call it Komariubi.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who observed this bird at Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 100) :—‘*The White-tailed Golden-
throat (Chrysobronchus virescens) is to be met with, though not
commonly, on the outskirts of the town.”

Genus TOPAZA Gray.
Topaza Gray, List Gen. B. p. 13, 1840. Type 7. pella (Linn.).

This genus is easily distinguished by the peculiar form of the
tail, two of the submedian feathers being much elongated and

crossing each other,

TOPAZA. 417

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|

Topaza pella.
Fig. 86.—To show the form of the tail.

283. Topaza pella.
Crimson Toraz.

Trochilus pella Linn. Syst. Nat. i. 10th ed. p. 119, 1758 (Guiana) ; Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 707, 1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp
Life, p. 47, 1876 (Cartoonie River).

Topaza pella Salvin, Ibis, 1585, p. 432 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Merumé Mts., Atapurau River); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 317
(Maccasseema, Pomeroon River); Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi.
p- 332, 1892 (Demerara); Geeve, Our Search for a Wilderness,
pp. 307, 325, 1910 (Aremu); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer, i.
p. 125, no. 1208, 1912.

“ Karabimiti ” or “ King Humming-bird ” (Quelch).
Adult male. Crown of head, sides of face, and a band across
the fore-neck deep velvety-black ; hind-neck, mantle, fore-neck,

2 i

418 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and breast deep red, paler and more coppery red on the upper
wing-coverts and lower back ; upper tail-coverts green ; middle
tail-feathers purple, the outer feathers pale chestnut ; flight-
feathers brown; throat-patch bright green with golden reflections;
abdomen bright fiery-red ; under tail-coverts dark bronze-green ;
under wing-coverts dark cinnamon. “ Bill black ; feet hazel.”

Total length 198 mm., culmen 24, wing 81, tail, middle feathers
100, lateral ones 53.

The description of the male is based on a specimen collected
on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs entirely from the adult male in being
dark green above and below with a coppery-red throat-patch.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “Their beautiful little nests are made of the silky
substance which surrounds the seeds in the pod of the silk cotton
tree” (Brown).

Eggs. White (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Gwana. Mount Roraima, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Mazaruni River (McConnell col-
lection); Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang
River ( Whitely); Maccasseema, Pomeroon River (W. L. Sclater) ;
Aremu River (Beebe); Kartuni River (Brown).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ii, p. 424) that the
“ Caraibar ” called this charming species Karabimite on account
of its long tail-feathers=Arara—Humming-bird. Its favourite
haunts are the banks of the rivers, and especially the creeks. It
is most lively in the early part of the day. When the sun gets
high up in the sky it retires to more shaded places, where it remains
until the sun begins to set. It is not found near the mouth of the
rivers. Schomburgk often found its nest on a pomeroon plant,
and generally built in the fork of a branch hanging over the
water. The outside of the nest was the same colour as that of
tanned Jeather. To prevent the eggs or young from falling out
of the nest when rocked to-and-fro by the wind, the birds cunningly
make the sides of the nest to curve inwards.

Mr. J. J. Quelch, who met with the species at the Demerara
Falls, remarks (Timehri (2) iv. p. 115) :—‘‘ The brilliant Karabi-
~ miti or King Humming-bird (Yopaza pella) were by no means
uncommon in the branches overhanging the water.”

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Birds of Brttish Guiana. Volt Fie ae:

Bale &Damielsson, LY

/&2. Heliodoxa xanthogonys S 9.
Yellow-cheeked Brilliant.
3&4. Agyrtrina whitelyi & 9.
Whitely's Emerald.

TOPAZA.—HELIODOXA. 419

Mr. Lloyd Price, writing on the Nests and Eggs of some
Guiana Birds, remarks (Timehri (2) vy. p. 64):—‘‘The King
Humming-bird (Zopaza pella) is fairly common in parts, espe-
cially in some of the smaller creeks, where the nests, made of a
soft yellow spongy substance, will be seen fastened to the vines
and creepers which overhang the water. The eggs are, like the
former, white.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 325) gives the
following note :—‘ A Long-tailed Humming-bird which uncon-
cernedly searched the undersides of leaves for insects.... Its

nest was hung on the side of the tip of a tooroo frond.”

Genus HELIODOXA Gould.
Heliodoxa Gould, P. Z. 8. 1849, p. 95. Type H. jacula Gould.

The members of this genus are fairly large birds for the family ;
the bill is of medium length, straight and rather stout ; the wings
are long, reaching almost to the tip of the tail when closed ; the
tail is also long and deeply forked.

284. Heliodoxa xanthogenys.
YELLOW-CHEEKED BRILLIANT.

(Plate VIII. figs. 1, 2.)

Heliodoxa xanthogonys Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1882, p. 80 (Merumé
Mts.) ; Whitely, Ibis, 1884, p. 857 (Roraima) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1885,
p. 433 (Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 321, 1892;
Hartert, Tierreich, Troch. p. 1238, 1900; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 127, no. 1238, 1912.

Xanthogenyx salvint @Hamony. Bull. Soc. Zool. France, viii. p. 78,
1883 (Mount Roraima).

Adult male. General colour above and below dark green, very
bright and glittering green on the throat and middle of the crown,
with a small patch of violet on the middle of the throat ; sides of
crown and tail-feathers bronze-black ; flight-feathers brown.

Total length 105 mm., culmen 17, wing 63, tail 35.

The male from which the description is taken was collected by
Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898.

We propose Agapetornis with A. gularis (Gould) as the type.
Z2E2

420 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

above and more or less mixed with white on the under surface,
with a line of buff in front and below the eye. Wing 62 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana : Mount Roraima, Lower
Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Merumé
Mountains (Whitely).

Halits. Unrecorded.

Genus HELIOTHRIX Boie.
Heliothriz Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 547. Type H. aurita (Gmel.).
The characters by which this genus is distinguished are the
wedge-shaped bill, the feathering at the base of the culmen,
the hidden nasal covers, and the graduated tail.

Heliothrix aurita.
Fig. 57.—To illustrate the wedge-shaped bill and the graduated tail.

285. Heliothrix aurita.
BLaAcK-EARED Fatry.

Trochilus auritus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 493, 1788 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. 11. p. 707, 1848.

Nore.—Ocreatus Gould, 1846, must replace Spathura Gould,
1849, in Brabourne & Chubb’s, ‘ Birds of South America,’ i. p. 134,
no. 595.

HELIOTHRIX.—ANTHOSCENUS, 421

Trochilus auriculatus Cab. tom. cit. p. 707.

Heliothrix auritus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 434 ( Bartica Grove, Merumé
Mts., Atapurau River); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 30, 1892:
Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 99, 1891 (Georgetown).

Heliothrix aurita Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 144, no. 1404,
1912.

* Fairy Humming-bird™ (Queleh).

Adult male. Head, back, upper and under wing-coverts green,
rather darker on the forehead and with a wash of gold on the back ;
tail steel-blue, the lateral feathers white, more or less marked
with black at the base ; flight-feathers steel-blue ; under surface
white : a longitudinal black patch on the sides of the face.

Total length 45 mm., culmen 17, wing 61, tail 50.

The male from which the description is taken was collected by
Mr. McConnell on the Mazaruni River in November 1898.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having dark
obsolete spots on the throat and fore-neck.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Makauria River, Mazaruni River (MeConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River ( Whitely) ; George-
town (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), Venezuela, Colombia,
Ecuador, Peru.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 707,
no. 189) this beautiful species is only met with in the open woods,
where it hovers round the flowering trees and bushes, When
flying it spreads its tail like a fan, and at tne same time flicks
it up and down. This bird is not common in Britisii Guiana,

Schomburgk, under the name of Trochilus auriculatus (Reis.
Guian. iii. p. 707, no. 190), states that these birds live in the open
and light part of the woods, where they swarm round flowering
trees and Scitamineen,

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 99):—‘* The Fairy Humming-birds
(Heliothrix auritus) are often seen about the town.”

Genus ANTHOSCENUS Richm.

Anthoscenus Richmond, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, xv. p. 85, 1902.
Type A. longirostris (Vieill.).

The distinguishing characters of this genus are the long and

422 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

straight bill, the bare culmen, the exposed nasal covers, and the
short and rounded tail.

x

Yi
“TAMA

Anthoscenus superbus.

Fig. 88.—To illustrate the long bill, the nasal covers,
and the short and rounded tail.

286. Anthoscenus superbus.
LONG-BILLED STAR-THROAT.
Trochilus superbus Shaw, Nat. Mise. xiii. pl. 517, 1802 (Colombia).
Heliomaster longirostris (Vieill.), Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 435 (Merumé
Mts., Roraima, 3500 ft.).
Floricola longirostris Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 229, 1892
(Merumé Mts., Roraima).
Anthoscenus superba Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 144,
no. 1412, 1912. |
Adult male. Back, upper wing-coverts, rump, upper tail-coverts,
and middle tail-feathers dark green with a bronzy tinge; lateral
tail-feathers blackish with a white spot at the tip ; flight-feathers
dark brown; crown of head bright steel-blue; throat-patch bright
ruby-red; breast and sides of the body green with dusky-grey
bases to the feathers ; a patch of white feathers on the flanks ;
middle of the abdomen and vent white ; under tail-coverts edged
with white ; under wing-coverts dark green.
Total length 123 mm., culmen 34, wing 62, tail 33.

ANTHOSCENUS.—CALLIPHLOX. 423

Adult femaie. Differs from the adult male in being brighter
green above, the absence of the bright steel-blue on the crown,
the ruby throat-patch, and the almost grey under surface. Wing
56 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum.
The male was collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima, 3500 ft.,
on the 2nd of October, 1883, and the female at Annai on the
14th of June, 1892—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eqgas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains,
Annai ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Colombia (Shaw), Trinidad, Venezuela,
Peru, Bolivia.

Halnts. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus CALLIPHLOX Boie.
Calliphlox Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 544. Type C. amethystina (Bodd.).

This genus is distinguished by its small size, straight bill, and
deeply forked tail.

Calliphlox amethystina.
Fig. 89.—To show the straight bill and the deeply forked tail,

494 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

287. Calliphlox amethystina.

THE AMETHYST.

Trochilus amethystinus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 41, 1783 (Cayenne).

Calliphlox amethystina Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 434 (Merumé Mts.,
Roraima); id. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 386, 1892 (Demerara) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 145, no. 1841, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above bronze-green ; flight-feathers
brown ; tail-feathers brown edged with cinnamon on the inner
webs ; throat amethyst followed by dull white; abdomen rusty
brown.

Total length 85 mm., culmen 16, wing 38, tail 32.

The male from which the description is taken is in the British
Museum, and was collected by Whitely on the Kamarang River
in August 1885—Balston collection.

Adult female. Bronzy green above ; throat dull white, sides of
neck brown; abdomen washed with chestnut. Wing 39 mm.

The female described was collected on the Kamuni River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Kamuni River, Merumé Mountains,
Mount Roraima (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne ( Boddaert), Trinidad, Venezuela,
East Eeuador, Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

(senus LOPHORNIS Less.

Lophornis Lesson, Traité d’Orn. p, 284, 1830. Type ZL. ornatus
(Bodd.).

This genus is distinguished by the occipital crest, the ornamental

tufts on the sides of the face, and the rounded and emarginated tail.

Key to the Species.

A, Crest and ornamental feathers on the sides of

the face rufous; throat bright green......... L. ornatus, p. 425.
B. Crest and ornamental feathers on the sides of

the face green; throat black .................. LZ. pavoninus, p. 426.

LOPHORNIS. 425

Lophornis ornatus.

Fig. 90.—To show the occipital crest, the tufts on the sides of
the face, and the rounded and emarginated tail.

288. Lophornis ornatus.
TUFTED COQuUETTE.

Trochilus ornatus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 39, 1783 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705, 1848.

Lophornis ornatus Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 433 (Roraima); id. Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 420, 1892 (Carimang River); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 146, no. 14382, 1912.

Adult male. Back, upper wing-coverts, and abdomen bronze-
green, somewhat duller on the last; occipital crest pale chestnut ;
fore part of head, sides of face, and throat bright glittering green ;
a tuft of feathers on each side of hinder face white tipped with
green ; under tail-coverts edged with dark chestnut; a line of
white across the lower back ; tail-feathers deep chestnut edged
with dark brown ; upper tail-coverts dusky brown ; flight-quills
brown.

Total length 69 mm., culmen 7, wing 38, tail 30.

Immature male. Differs from adult male in having the tufts on
the sides of the hinder face much less developed, and in being
pale cinnamon in colour with green spots.

Adult female. Differs entirely from the adult male in the
absence of the crest on the head and tufts on sides of the hinder
face, also in having the entire under surface cinnamon.

426 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

We do not know the exact localities, in the Colony, of the birds
described.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Kamarang River
(Whitely) ; Kanuku Mountains (Sehomburghk).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 705) that this
beautiful Humming-bird is one of the rarest species in British
Guiana. During his stay in the Colony he only collected some
few specimens from the Canuku Mountains which were brought
to him by the Indians. Its nidification was unknown to him.

289. Lophornis pavoninus.
GUIANA CoQUETTE.

Lophornis pavoninus Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1882, p. 81 (Merumé
Mts.); Whitely, Ibis, 1884, p. 357 (Roraima) ; Salvin, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 427, 1892 (Roraima); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. 1. p. 147, no. 1438, 1912.

Polemistria pavonina Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 433 (Roraima, 8000-3500 ft.) ;
d’Hamonvy. Bull. Soc. Zool. France, xi. p. 317, 1886 (Merumé Mts.).

Adult male. General colour above green including the back,
scapulars, and upper wing-coverts ; an indistinct band of buffy-
white across the rump; upper tail-coverts tinged with coppery
bronze ; tail bronze-green ; flight-quills purplish brown ; crown
of head bright glistening green, with a dark longitudinal line
from the base of the bill along the middle of the crown which is
bright copper-colour on the hinder crown ; lores, fore part of
cheeks, and chin black tinged with green on the throat; the
elongated feathers on the hinder cheeks bright pale green with a
circular subapical black spot on each feather, the base of the
feathers cinnamon rufous with a diamond-shaped white spot ;
remainder of the under surface green with blackish bases to the
feathers, the short under tail-coverts tipped with white. Bill
black.

Total length 85 mm., culmen 11, wing 46, tail 28.

The description of the male is taken from the type in the
British Museum which was collected by Whitely at the Merumé
Mountains on the 25th of July, 1881—Salvin-Godman col-
leetion.

. Adult female. General colour above bronze-green including

the head, back, scapulars, upper wing-coverts, and middle tail-

feathers ; a narrow band of buffy-white across the rump ; outer

LOPHORNIS.—DISCOSURA. 427

tail-feathers dusky with pale buff tips; flight-quills the same as
in the male; a black spot immediately in front of the eye; lores,
cheeks, and chin pale rufous; throat dusky brown with buffy-
white tips to the feathers; sides of the body green ; middle of
abdomen more or less grey; under tail-coverts green narrowly
margined with rufous. Wing 37 mm.

The female described was collected by Whitely at Mount
Roraima, 3000 feet, on July 3rd, 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

The young male is very similar to the adult female, but differs
in having the chin and throat almost entirely rufous.

Immature male. Differs from the adult male in having the head
dusky, a dark green patch on the middle of the throat, and the
chin and cheeks streaked with white.

The two immature birds were also collected by Whitely at Mount
Roraima, 3000 feet, in July 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Bartica (McConnell col-
lection); Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima ( Whitely).

Genus DISCOSURA Bonap.
Discosura Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Paris, xxx. p. 382, April 1850,
Type D. longicauda (Gmel.).
In this genus the tail is deeply forked, the outer feather on
each side much extended with a spatule at the tip of each.

290. Discosura longicauda.
RACKET-TAIL.

Trochilus longicauda Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 498, 1788 (Cayenne).

Trochilus platurus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709, 1848.

Discura sp. inc., Salvin, Ibis, 1885, p. 434 (R. Atapurau).

Discura longicauda Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus xvi. p. 431, 1892
(Carimang River).

Discosura longicauda Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 148,
no. 1449, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above dark green, with a line of
white across the lower back, tail-feathers brown with white shafts,
the two outer feathers extended beyond the others, and having a
spatule at the tips; crown of head, throat, and breast bright grass-
green, the feathers on the lower breast white at the base with
a green disc at the tip ; abdomen dusky brown with gold spots ;

49§ BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Discosura longicauda.
Fig. 91.—To show the short straight bill and the spatulated tail-feathers.

vent and thighs white ; under tail-coverts dusky with pale edges ;
under wing-coverts green ; flight-quills brown.

Total length 105 mm., culmen 15, wing 48, outer tail-feathers 51,
middle tail-feathers 29.

The male described was collected on the Abary River in
September 1907.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
extended tail-feathers and the bright green throat, which is dusky
with a line of white on either side.

Total length 104 mm., culmen 14, wing 48, outer tail-feathers
51, middle tail-feathers 29.

Immature male. Differs from the adult female in having pale
cinnamon on the sides of the throat and middle of the abdomen,
the outer tail-feathers also tipped with cinnamon ; a line on lower
back is of the same colour.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartiea, Abary River,
Kamuni River, Treng River (McConnell collection); Kamarang
River (Whitely).

DISCOSURA.—TROGON. 429

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 709) that he
only obtained one specimen of this beautiful Humming-bird
during his stay in British Guiana—and that was from Demerara,
near “ Golden Hill.”” He found it hovering in front of a flowering
bush. According to the natives it is very rare.

Order TROGONES.
Family TROGONID AS.

The Trogons are birds of medium size with soft and fluffy
plumage, which is very brightly coloured and highly ornamented
by their vertical crests, much developed upper wing-coverts and
upper tail-coverts, as well as the elongated tail-feathers in the
genus Pharomacrus.

The bill is somewhat depressed, broad at the base, and eta
at the tip, with a large number of rictal bristles at the base.

The wings are rather short and rounded. The third, fourth,
fifth, and sixth feathers are the longest. The secondaries are
short in comparison with the length of the primaries.

The tail is long and consists of twelve feathers, the lateral ones
being graduated. The legs are short and the feet are small; the
toes are four in number, two of which, the first and second, are
directed backwards—a character which is peculiar to the Trogons
alone.

The family is composed of nine genera and about sixty species.
Their distribution is in the tropical portions of Africa, Asia,
Central and South America. ‘Iwo genera and twenty species
occur in South America, of which one genus and five species are
represented in British Guiana.

Genus TROGON Linn.

The males of this genus have bright metallic colours, but no
ornamental developments, while the females have no metallic
colours. The bill is hooked at the tip and strongly serrated on
the cutting-edges of both mandibles ; the wings are short in pro-
portion to the tail, which is rather long and rounded.

Nove.—Loddigiornis Bonap. Compt. Rend. Paris, xxx. p. 381,
April 1, 1850, has priority over Loddigesia Bonap. after November
1850, and must be accepted.

430 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Key to the Species.

A. Abdomen red, not orange or yellow.
a. Larger, wing more than 130 mm.; tail
uniform, neither tipped nor barred
With WhIbE 2) ...5.5-tccnannaatebeosercccsas | Ls INCLANUTES, Gi, Po tele
a’. Head, back, and breast grey ......... T. melanurus, 2, p. 430.
6. Smaller, wing less than 130 mm.; tail
particoloured, lateral feathers narrowly
barred and broadly tipped with white. T. personatus, 3, p. 431.
b': Head, back, and breast cinnamon-
POW 52s i cehst ab ee ee eee eee T. personatus, 9, p. 431.
B. Abdomen orange or yellow, not red.
ce. Larger, wing more than 130 mm.
c’. Abdomen and under _ tail - coverts
yellow, outer tail-feathers obliquely

tipped with white .............sesssere T. viridis, 8, p. 432.
d', Outer tail-feathers barred on the outer
webs and tipped with white ......... T. viridis, 2, p. 432.
d. Smaller, wing less than 130 mm.
e’. Head and breast bright green ......... T. rufus, 3, p. 433.
e"'. Head and breast cinnamon-brown. TZ. rufus, 2, p. 433.
J‘. Head and breast dark blue ............ T. violaceus, 3, p. 434.
j'. Head and breast slate-grey ...... T. violaceus, 2, p. 434.

291. Trogon melanurus.
BLaACK-TAILED TROGON.

Trogon melanurus Swains. Anim. in Menag. p. 3829, 1837 (Guiana) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718, 1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 61 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Atapurau River); Ogilvie-Grant,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 472, 1892 (Demerara River); Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 150, no. 1470, 1912.

Adult male. Head, entire back, and breast bluish green ; lesser
upper wing-coverts like the back; median and greater upper
wing-coverts minutely speckled with black and white ; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts, and quills black with white edgings to some
of the primaries; tail bluish green with blackish inner webs to
the outer feathers, the outermost feather on each side has pale
mottlings on the outer web; forehead, sides of face, and throat
black ; abdomen and under tail-coverts bright red ; an irregular
white band across the breast dividiug the green from the red ;
thighs and under wing-coverts blackish with pale edges to the
latter.

Total length 275 mm., culmen 22, wing 161, tail 146, tarsus 15.

The description of the male is based on an example collected on
the Mazaruni River.

TROGON. 451

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
metallic colour in the plumage; the head, back, throat, and breast
slate-grey. Wing 159 mm.

The female described was collected at Bartica.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Mazaruni River, Abary
River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 708)
this bird is similar in habits and mode of life to 7. melanopterus
(= T. viridis), but very local in its distribution. It was common
on the sandhills near the Demerara River and on the Essequebo
in the vicinity of the Waraputa, where it preferred the light open
patches in the woods.

292. Trogon personatus.
Maskep Trogon.

Trogon personatus Gould, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ix. p. 237, 1842
(Cordillerian Andes of Peru); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 60 (Roraima) ;
Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvu. p. 446, 1892.

Adult male. Head, entire back, and fure-neck shining green
tinged with bronze on the back and fore-neck; upper median
and greater wing-coverts black with minute wavy white bars or
specklings ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black, the
outer webs of the primary-quills white; middle tail-feathers
blackish with bronze on the outer webs, the lateral rectrices white
narrowly barred with black, becoming entirely black towards the
base ; forehead, chin, and sides of face black; a broad white
band across the chest; remainder of the under surface red shading
to rose-colour; thighs black ; under wing-coverts blackish.
“ Bill yellow.”

Total length 230 mm., culmen 16, wing 127, tail 130, tarsus 15.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being pale cinnamon-
brown on the head, back, and fore-neck. The middle tail-feathers
cinnamon and the abdomen pale pink. Wing 126 mm.

The male and female from which the descriptions are taken
were collected by Mr. McVonnell at Mount Roraima in October
L808.

432 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima (McConnell collection) ;
Mount Roraima, 3500 ft. (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

293. Trogon viridis.
GREEN TROGON.

Trogon viridis Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 167, 1766 (Cayenne) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 61 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.,
Atapurau River); Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 458,
1892 (Demerara); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 149,
no. 1461, 1912.

Trogon melanopterus (nec Swains. ), Cab.in Schomb. Reis. Guian. 1i1. p.718,
1848 ; Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 154, 1876 (Quitaro River).

“‘Bowclorou ” (Brown).

Adult male. Head and breast deep blue; back metallic-green
becoming blue on the upper tail-coverts ; wings black with white
edges to some of the primaries ; middle tail-feathers bronze-green
tipped with black and a shade of blue on the outer webs, the two
pairs next to the middle ones black on the inner webs, lateral
feathers black tipped with white; abdomen and under tail-coverts
orange-yellow ; under wing-coverts black fringed with white ;
thighs black.

Total length 305 mm., culmen 21, wing 146, tail 150, tarsus 13.

The male described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being dusky grey
on the upper surface with pale narrow bars on the upper wing-
coverts and white markings on the primary and secondary quills ;
the outer tail-feathers barred and tipped with white. Wing 144mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. ‘The nest merely consists of a hole scooped out of a large
round termites’ nest built on the stem of a tree” (Brown) ; “its
nest is like that of a Pigeon’s, built loosely between the branches
of trees”? (Schomburgk).

Fggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Mazaruni River (A/c Connell collection) ; Bartica, Kama-
kusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River, Quemeta ( Whitely);
Kwitaro River (Brown).

TROGON. 433

Eztralimital Range. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Eeuador, Colombia,
Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718) that this
bird haunts the light parts of the woods and trees near the river-
banks. It is often found associated with Ampelis on the fig
and brosimum trees, the fruit of both having a great attraction
for the bird. Insects also form a great part of its diet ; it catches
them in the same manner as the Galbulide. The male and female,
when watching for insects, sit near each other on the same branch.
Its nest is like that of a Pigeon’s, built loosely between the
branches of trees. In the morning it utters its loud call (¢f vol.1.
p. 127). Its flight is similar to that of a Toucan. The “ Macusis”
eall it Sorroko and the “*‘ Warraus” Taitapih.

Mr. Barrington Brown (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 154) gives
the following note :—“ Close to my tent at that place (Ataraipu,
Quitaro River) there was the nest of a common, dark-coloured
Trogon, called Bowclorou; the nest mereiy consists of a hole
scooped out of a large, round termites’ nest, built on the stem
of a tree. In it were two young ones, which kept up a most
doleful whistling all day, while the mother sat on a tree-bough
near by, being afraid, from our near proximity, to approach
them.”

294. Trogon rufus.
BLACK-THROATED TROGON.

Trogon rufus Gmel. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 404, 1788 (Cayenne) ; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 149, no. 1460, 1912.

Trogon atricollis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 719, 1848 ; Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 61 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.) ; Ogilvie-
Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 455, 1892 (Demerara).

Adult male. Hinder part of head, lesser upper wing-coverts,
back, and middle tail-feathers metallic green, inclining to bluish on
the upper tail-coverts ; middle tail-feathers tipped with black, the
next two pairs have the inner webs black, lateral feathers white
with black bases and narrowly barred with black towards the
tips; median, greater upper wing-coverts, and outer webs of
secondaries minutely speckled with white, some of the greater
coverts black on the inner webs ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts,
and quills black with pale edges to the outer webs of the primaries;
chin, forehead, and sides of face black ; remainder of the under

2F

434 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

surface orange-yellow ; under wing-coverts blackish; thighs
black.

Total length 245 mm., culmen 16, wing 115, tail 114, tarsus 13.

The male described was coliected on the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in being pale brown
on the head, back, throat, and fore-neck. The under surface is
pale yellow and the middle tail-feathers chestnut.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica, Mazaruni River (McConnell
collection); Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habits. This bird, according to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii.
p. 719), is like 7. meridionalis (= 7. violaceus) in its habits and
mode of life.

295. Trogon violaceus.
SouTHERN TROGON.

Trogon violaceus Gmel. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 404, 1788 (Surinam) ; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 150, no. 1464, 1912.

Trogon meridionalis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 719, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 61 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Atapurau River,

Roraima, 3500 ft.).

Adult male. Top of head, fore-neck, and breast greenish blue ;
forehead, sides of face, and throat dull black ; back metallic-green,
inclining to blue on upper tail-coverts ; middle tail-feathers green
tipped with black, the next two pairs black on inner webs, outer
feathers black barred and tipped with white; upper wing-coverts
minutely speckled with white, as are also the outer webs of the
secondary-quills ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills black
with white edges to some of the primaries ; abdomen and under
tail-coverts orange-yellow; thighs black; under wing-coverts
blackish with pale edges.

Total length 223 mm., culmen 16, wing 124, tail 115, tarsus 12.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River in October 1908.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of
metallic in any portion of the plumage ; the head, back, and breast

very dark lead-grey.

TROGON.—COCCYZUS. 435

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Umecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Ituribisi River, Bartica (MeConnell collection) ; Mount
Roraima, 3500 ft., Bartica, Kamakusa, Kamarang River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Gmelin), Trinidad.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 719) that the
mode of life and habits of this bird are like those of 7. melano-
pterus (= T. viridis). It is common in the neighbourhood of the
Demerara River.

Order COCCYGES.

Family CUCULIDA.

This family, which is distributed throughout the temperate and
tropical regions of the world, has many peculiar forms, and is
divided into six subfamilies, five of which, including the genera
Coccyzus, Piaya, Neomorphus, Tapera, Dromococeya, Crotophaga,
and Giura, with thirty species, occur in South America—six of
the genera and twelve of the species are represented in British
Guiana.

The Cuckoos are of medium size with long tails, short legs, and
zy godactyle feet.

Genus COCCYZUS Vieill.

Coccyzus Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 28, 1816. Type C. americanus
(Linn.).

‘he members of this genus have ten tail-feathers, tail fan-
shaped, nostrils oval, and bill decurved.

Key to the Species.

A. Under surface rufescent buff.
a. Larger, wing more than 120 mm.,
tail more than 140 mm.; bill paru-
BOIDNIEUY vecureuceusadlscastebvcteartneciass | Cn geimory De 456,
b. Smaller, wing less than 120 mm.,
tail less than 140 mm.; bill uniform

WAG csiue ccnatl esr tiv daecltecexanassscveia (Gs Melacoryphue, yr. 403/.
B. Under surface white or greyish white.
c. Inner webs of quills rutous ............ C. americanus, p. 437.
d. Inner webs of quills white or greyish
PATEL bo Sychwh cnareides Lon uke ccubphicss kuapae,, Li@rere, Br SG

23 2

436 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

296. Coccyzus minor.
MANGROVE Cuckoo.

Cuculus minor Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 411, 1788 (Cayenne).

Coccygus helviventris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714, 1848.

Coccygus minor Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (British Guiana); Quelch,
Timehri (2) v. pp. 95, 96, 1891 (Georgetown).

Coccyzus minor Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 304, pl. xii. fig. 2,
1891 (British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i.
p- 151, no. 1474, 1912.

“ Baby-bird,” “ Foolish-bird ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Back, wings, and middle tail-feathers pale greyish
brown ; inner webs of quills, towards the base, deep buff ; middle
tail-feathers blackish towards the tips, outer feathers for the most
part black with broad white tips ; head ash-grey ; a broad black
line in front and behind the eye; throat and fore-neck ashy grey
with a tinge of buff; abdomen, under tail-coverts, and quill-
lining deep buff.

Total length 310 mm., cunlmen 26, wing 133, tail 166, tarsus 27.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Essequebo Itiver.

Adult female. Similar in the colour of the plumage to the adult
male, but larger in size. Wing 141 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Essequebo River (McConnell collec-
tion) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

- Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), North-east Brazil,
Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, West India Islands, Central
America to Mexico and Coast of Louisiana.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714)
the habits of this bird are the same as those of Piaya minutus
(=P. rutila, p. 441). The “ Warraus ” call it Kuaquei.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) v. pp. 95, 96) met with this bird
in Georgetown, where it is known by the name of Baby-bird. He
also writes that it is sometimes seen among the large mango and
sour-sop trees about the town, where, except when it is in the
act of catching insects, it remains as if dead to its surroundings.
The name Foolish-bird is also applied to this bird.

COCCYZUS. 437

297. Cocecyzus melacoryphus.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

Coccyzus melacoryphus Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. viii. p. 271, 1817
(Paraguay) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 151, no. 1475,
1912.

Coecygus melanocoryphus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Bartica Grove,
Yuruani River).

Coccyzus melanocoryphus Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 307, 1891.

Adult male. Head dark slate-grey; back and wings earth-
brown, edges of primary and secondary quills inclining to rufous,
more broadly on the inner webs ; middle tail-feathers bronze,
outer feathers darker and tipped with dull white, which extends
down the edge of the outer feather ; eyelids and a spot behind
the eye black; hinder face and sides of neck ash-grey ; entire
under surface rufescent buff, somewhat paler on the abdomen.

Total length 245 mm., culmen 21, wing 111, tail 132, tarsus 25.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Supenaam River.

Adult female. Is like the adult male in the colour of the
plumage, but rather larger. Wing 122 mm.

The female from which the description is taken is in the
British Museum and was collected by Whitely on the Yuruani
River, 2700 ft., in June 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi-
River, Supenaam River, Makauria River, Abary River, Mazaruni
River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Yuruani River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru,
Eastern Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina.

Hatits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

298. Coccyzus americanus.
YELLOW-BILLED CucKOoO.
Cuculus americanus Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 111, 1758 (Carolina).

Coccyzus americanus Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 308, 1891;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 151, no. ia76, 1912,

433 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Coccygus americanus Quelch, Timehri (2) v. pp. 95, 96, 1891 (George-
town); id. op. cit. x. p. 263, 1896 (migration).

“ American Cuckoo,” “ Baby-bird,” ‘‘ Foolish-bird ” (Quelch).

Adult male. Upper surface greyish brown, becoming more
bronze-brown on the middle taii-feathers, outer feathers blackish
tipped, and edged on the outermost with white; inner webs of
primary and secondary quills rufous; eyelids and upper edge
of ear-coverts dark brown; under surface pearly-white with a
tinge of grey on the breast and sides of the body ; under wing-
coverts creamy-white; quill-lining rufous.

Total length 270 mm., culmen 24, wing 150, tail 149, tarsus 27.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
on the Lower Mazaruni River in 1898.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male both in the colour of
the plumage and in the measurements.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Lower
Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Exztralimital Range. South America generally to Argentina,
Central America, West India Islands, North America, and occa-
sional in Europe.

Habits. Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown,
and remarks (Timehri (2) v. pp. 95, 96) :—‘* This species is
commonly known by the name Baby-bird. It is sometimes seen
among the large mango and sour-sop trees about the town, where,
except when itis in the act of catching insects, it remains as
if dead to its surroundings. The name Foolish-bird is also
applied to this bird. Like the other members of the family.’

He also remarks (op. cit. (2) x. p. 263) :—‘ A special example
of migrant is to be found in the American Cuckoo (Coccygus
americanus).”

299. Coccyzus euleri.
EULer’s Cuckoo.

Coceyzus euleri Cab. J. f. O. 1873, p. 73 (Cantagallo); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 151, no. 1477, 1912.

Coccyzus americanus (nec Linn.), Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix.
p- 308, part, 1891.

Adult female. General colour above earth-brown ; central tail-

COCCYZUS.—PIAYA. 439

feathers more bronze-brown, lateral feathers blackish tipped, and
edged on the outer feathers with white; inner webs of primary
and secondary quills white ; throut, fore-neck, and breast silvery
grey like the thighs and sides of the body; abdomen, axillaries,
and under wing-coverts white, quill-lining similar but tinted with
cream-colour.

Total length 250 mm., culmen imperfect, wing 135, tail 133,
tarsus 22.

The female described was collected on the Supenaam River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 130 mm.

The male which was examined by us is in the British Museum,
and was collected by Whitely at Annai on June 24th, 1889—
Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River (Me Connell collection).

Extralinital Range. Brazil, Argentina.

FTabits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus PIAYA Less.
Piaya Lesson, Traité d’Orn. p. 139, 1831. Type P. cayana (Linn.).

The members of this genus have short wings and long tails.
The wing is short, curved, and fits close to the body. The primary-
quills are longer than the secondaries, exceeding the latter by the
length of the tarsus.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 140 mm., tail more
than 250 mm.; throat cinnamon ......... P. cayana, p. 439.
B. Smaller, wing less than 140 mm., tail less
than 250 mm. ; throat chestnut.
a. Larger, wing more than 120 mm., tail
more than 190 mm.; head grey ; abdo-
TOMLIN PE een tinasmeeayh dxtadetided sak P. melanogaster, p. 441.
b. Smaller, wing less than 120 mm., tail
less than 190 mm.; head chestnut;
abdomen pale brown ................0... P. rutila, p. 441.

300. Piaya cayana.
CuEstNut Cuckoo.

Cuculus cayanus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 170, 1765 (Cayenne),
Pyrrhococeyx cyanus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718, 1848

440 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Piaya cayana Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove,
Roraima) ; Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 373, 1891 (Bartica ,
Grove, Camacusa); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 131,
1910 (Georgetown) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 151,
no. 1481, 1912.

Adult. General colour above chestnut including the head, back,
wings, and tail, the last tipped with white, the dividing portion
inclining to black ; chin, throat, fore-neck, and quill-lining pale
cinnamon ; breast, abdomen, and under wing-coverts ash-grey ;
under tail-coverts and lower aspect of tail black, the latter tipped
with white.

Total length 438 mm., culmen 28, wing 149, tail 270, tarsus 34.

The specimen from which the description is taken was collected
on the Supenaam River.

We have examined a series of specimens, both male and female,
in the British Museum, and there does not seem to be any apparent
difference between the male and female either in plumage or in
measurements.

A juvenile example from the Ituribisi River still retains the
minute white points to the tips of the feathers on the head and
back, and the sheaths on the feathers below the eyes. The tail-
feathers, which have only just begun to grow, are for the most
part white and look quite conspicuous.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It builds its nest in a thick bush (Schomburgk).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 713) that this
bird is distributed all over British Guiana and is found in the
woods, as also on the outskirts of woods, always in pairs and
making itself ‘‘ important ” and conspicuous by uttering its loud
call—which sounds like “ tick-tick-tick.” Its long tail is never
still. It has a very light and easy flight, and moves about in the
tangled trees with the utmost ease and quickness. It builds its
nest in a thick bush. The “ Warraus” call it Pikamant, and the
‘““Macusis” Prke.

PIAYA. 441

301. Fiaya melanogaster.
BLACK-BELLIED CuCcKOO.

Cuculus melanogaster Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. viii. p. 286, 1817

(Guiana).
Pyrrhococcyx brachypterus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714,
1848.

Piaya melanogaster Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
oa Mts.) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 152, no. 1489,

Piaya melanogastra Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 377, 1891 (Bartica
Grove).

Adult male. Crown of head and lores lead-grey ; back, wings,
tail, throat, and upper breast chestnut, somewhat paler on the
chin ; flight-quills brown at the tips; the tail-feathers chestnut
above and below broadly tipped with white, the intervening
portion black ; lower breast dusky; abdomen, flanks, under tail-
coverts, and under wing-cuverts black. ‘‘ Bill red ; legs and
claws slate-colour ; irides crimson ” (4. Whately).

Total length 355 mm., culmen 29, wing 135, tail 214, tarsus 33.

The male described was collected on the Kamakabra River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 132 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Kamakabra River
(MeConnell collection) ; Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains
( Whitely).

Eetralimital Range. Brazil, Bastern Peru, Meuador,

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 714) the
habits and distribution of this bird are the same as those of
P. cayana (p. 439). The “ Warraus ” call it Pikatuapa.

$02. Piaya rutila.
Littie Cuckoo.

Cuculus rutilus Mig. Abh. Berl. Ak. Wiss. 1812, p. 224 (Cayenne),

Pyrrhococeyx minutus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian, iti. p. 714, 1548.

Piaya minuta Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64; Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus,
xix. p. 378, 1891 (British Guiana).

Piaya rutila Beebe, Our Search for a as ‘ness, p. 181, 1910 (George-
town); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 152, no. 1490, 1912.

442 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

Adult male. General colour pale chestnut, including the head,
back, wings, tail, throat, and breast, somewhat darker on the tail
and paler on the throat ; flight-feathers brown at the tips ; tail-
feathers tipped with white inclining to black on the portion
adjoining the white; lower aspect of tail chestnut and black ;
abdomen buff; thighs, vent, and under tail-coverts dark brown ;
under wing-coverts pale cinnamon.

Total length 257 mm., culmen 11, wing 106, tail 146, tarsus 27.

The male described was collected on the Bonasika River.

Adult female. Similar to the male. Wing 97 mm. “ Eyes
red ; bill greenish yellow ; legs and toes greenish brown; claws
black” (Hl. Whitely).

The description of the female is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely on the Takutu River,
January 3rd, 1888—Salvin-Godman collection.

There is a specimen from the Abary River which, I think, must
be in the immature plumage. It is much duller and inclining to
dusky above and below. Some of the tail-feathers lack the white
tips.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Abary River (A/cCon-
nell collection) ; Georgetown (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (llliger), Trinidad, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714) that the
mode of life and distribution of this species are the same as those
of P. brachypterus (=P. melanogaster).

Genus NEOMORPHUS Gloger.

Neomorphus Gloger, in Froriep’s Notizen, xvi. p. 278, 1827. Type
NV. geoffroyt (Temm.).

In this genus the primary-gquills do not exceed the secondaries
in length ; culmen much compressed towards the base ; feathers
of the forehead encroach on the membrane that cover the nostrils,
which assume the form of horizontal slits.

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NEOMORPHUS.~~—TAPERA. 443

303. Neomorphus rufipennis.

RUFOUS-WINGED CUCKOO.
(Plate IX.)
Cultrides rufipennis Gray, P. Z.S. 1849, p. 63, pl. x. (Guiana).
Neomorphus rufipennis Cab. & Hein. Mus. Heine, iv. p. 92, note, 1862 ;
Sel. P. Z. S. 1864, p. 249; id. op. cit. 1866, p. 60; Pelz. Orn. Bras.
p- 272, 1871; Scl. & Salv. Nomencl. Av. Neotr. p. 107, 1873;
Lawyr. Ibis, 1873, pp- 292, 295; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63 (Camacusa) ;
Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p- 418, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb,
B. S. Amer. i. p. 153, no. 1494, 1912.

Adult. Head, hind-neck, and a broad band across the fore-neck
blue-black, becoming more green on the back and upper wing-
coverts ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blue-black,
becoming purple on the secondaries, which are edged with dark
red on the outer webs, as are also some of the greater coverts ;
lower back bronze-green ; tail purple, the tips and outer feathers
green with purple reflections, the outermost pair blue-black ;
throat and abdomen dusky grey; under tuil-coverts blackish ;
lower aspect of tail blue-black.

Total length 500 mm., culmen 44, wing 160, tail 235, tarsus 75.

The bird described was collected on the Supenaam River.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Oonfined to British Guiana: Ituribisi River, Supe-
naam River, Mazuruni River (McConnell collection) ; Kamakusa
( Whitely).

Habits. Unrecorded.

Genus TAPERA Thunb.
Tapera Thunberg, Goth. K. Vet. Handl. 1819, p. (?), pl. (?). Type
T. nevia (Linn.).
In this genus the upper tail-coverts are very long and reach to
the middle of the tail; the bill is short, arched, and compressed ;
the tail-feathers are narrow.

304. Tapera neevia.

Brown Ccckoo.

Cuculus nevius Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 170, 1766 (Cayenne).
Diplopterus galeritus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 713, 1848.
Diplopterus nevius Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Bartica Grove, Roraima) ;

444 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Quelch, Timehri (2) v. p. 95, 1891 (Georgetown) ; Shelley, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 428, 1891 (Georgetown).

Tapera nevia Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 153, no. 1496,
1912.

“ Wife-sick ” (Quelch).

Adult female. The feathers on the upper surface are black,
fringed with chestnut on the headand greyish brown on the back,
upper wing-coverts, and upper tail-coverts; bastard-wing black ;
the primary-coverts brown, becoming darker towards the tips ;
primary and secondary quills brown with more or less white at
the base of the feathers, and black longitudinal lines on the
innermost secondaries ;_ tail-feathers earth-brown, the outer
feathers with wavy dark bottle-green centres ; a white eyebrow,
which extends on to the sides of the nape ; ear-coverts brown, a
moustachial black streak ; throat and under surface of body dull
white washed with buff on the throat and under tail-coverts and
grey on the chest. ‘ Bill, upper mandible black and yellow,
lower mandible grey ; feet grey ; iris greenish yellow.”

Total length 260 mm., culmen 17, wing 110, tail 152, tarsus 30.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
on the Abary River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female in the colour of the
plumage. Wing 114 mm.

The immature bird differs from the adult in being more rusty
brown on the upper surface, the tips of all the feathers edged with
buff imparting a barred appearance; throat buff with dark cross-
bars to the feathers ; under tail-coverts similar, but the cross-bars
absent.

The male bird described was collected on the Ituribisi River
in August 1909.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Faqs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana, Mount Roraima, Ituribisi River,
Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Linné), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru,
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 713)
this bird is found commonly on the outskirts of the woods

TAPERA.—DROMOCOCCYX. 445

stretching along the coast and in the coffee-plantations, being
always in pairs. Its flight is very buoyant, and it moves about in
thick bushes with astonishing ease and alertness. It jerks its
long tail and simultaneously utters its peculiar whistling note; it
also utters its note when rising. Its food consists chiefly of
insects. Schomburgk did not observe it nesting. The “ Macusis”
eall it Serimi, and the “ Arekunas” Telsch.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 95) :—‘* Another common member of
this family is the bird known as Wife-sick (Diplopterus nevius).
It feeds chiefly on insects, and it will often be noticed catching
these on the ground or among the bushes.”

Genus DROMOCOCCYX Wied.
Dromococcyx Wied, Beitr. Naturg. Bras. iv. p. 351, 1832. Type
D. phasianellus (Spix).
Bill almost straight and not compressed ; upper tail-coverts
very long, almost reaching to the tip of the tail.

305. Dromococcyx pavoninus.
Peacock Cuckoo.

Dromococcyx pavoninus Pelz. Orn. Bras. p. 270, 1871 (Araguay) ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Roraima); Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix.
p- 427, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 153, no. 1498,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above glossy black or brown, thie
feathers margined with white on the back, scapulars, and upper
wing-coverts, also the short upper tail-coverts; the long upper
tail-coverts tipped with white, as are also the tail-feathers ; primary-
quills somewhat paler on the edges of the outer webs, and a white
spot towards the base on the inner webs of the three outer feathers ;
head, throat, and fore-neck nut-brown, inclining to rufous on the
nape and white on the middle of the throat; a buff line from
behind the eye extending on to the sides of the nape; remainder
of the under surface white with a greyish tinge on the breast ;
lower aspect of the tail-feathers grey, becoming darker towards
the tips, which are white.

Total length 292 mm., culmen 23, wing 135, tail 169, tarsus 34.

The male described was collected on the Bonasika River.

446 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 130 mm.

Tie immature birds diifer from the adult in being dusky brown
above with no white edgings to the feathers ; the head is like the
back ; throat also dusky brown but paler than the top of the head,
and the greater upper wing-coverts have buff shaft-streaks.

The female and immature birds described are in the British
Museum and were collected by Whitely at Mount Roraima in
January 1882 and June 1883—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding- season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bonasika River, Makauria River, Abary River, Berbice River
(MeConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Northern Brazil.

Genus CROTOPHAGA Linn.

Crotophaga Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 105, 1758. Type C. ani
Linn.

The members of this genus have eight tail-feathers, the bill much
compressed, the culmen very thin and elevated above the fore part
of the head, no crest on the head, and the general colour black.

Key to the Species.

A. Smaller, wing less than 170 mm.; tail less than

REMY SHAE os ote ene yeaa acne atte nds, ae ena C. ani, p. 446.
B. Larger, wing more than 170 mm.; tail more than
AS Ue Mae Poe eee et nena eee BORE Ga ee Af C. major, p. 447.

306. Crotophaga ani.
Common ANI.

Crotophaga ani Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 105, 1758 (Brazil) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 713, 1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p- 63 (Bartica Grove); Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 429,
1891 (Bartica Grove) ; Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 63, 1891
(habits); Quelch, tom. cit. p. 94 (habits); Beebe, Our Search
for a Wilderness, p. 131 (Georgetown), p. 253 (Matope), 1910;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 153, no. 1499, 1912.

Crotophaga rugirostra Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 713, 1848. ;

¢ Crotophaga sulcirostris Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63.

“Old Witch ” or ‘‘ Jumby Bird” (Lloyd Price).

CROTOPHAGA. 447

Adult female. Dull black above and below with blue reflections
on the quills and tail-feathers, and paler metallic margins to the
feathers on the fore-neck, sides of neck, hind-neck, mantle, and
upper wing-coverts.

Total length 330 mm., culmen 29, wing 150, tail 168, tarsus 35.

The female described was collected on the Abary River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 154 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

est. ‘‘In the thick pimpler bushes the nest may be found
composed of dry sticks loosely put together’ (Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “ The eggs when laid are covered with a loose chalky
substance, like fine powder, but when this is scraped off, they are
of a beautiful blue, which, however, quickly fades when subjected
to a strong light” (Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Upper Takutu
Mountains, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica ( Whitely) ; Matope, Georgetown (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. South America to Argentina, West India
Islands and Central America to the Southern United States of
North America.

Habits. Schomburgk writes (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 713) that this
bird is more often found near the coast in the outskirts of light
woods, and in the proximity of cattle herds.

Mr. Lloyd Price writes (Timehri (2) v. p. 63) :—‘“ In the thick
pimpler bushes the nest of the Gld Witch or Jumby Bird ( Croto-
phaga ani) may be found composed of dry sticks, loosely put
together. Several of these birds make use of the same nest, ten
to fourteen eggs being frequently found. The eggs when laid
are covered with a loose chalky substance, like fine powder, but
when this is scraped off, they are of a beautiful blue, which,
however, quickly fades when subjected to a strong light.”

Mr. J.J. Quelch remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 94) :—‘* These birds
live in large flocks and build their nests together gregariously,
frequenting the pastures and roads as well as the low bush,
especially where cattle are kept, in search of larve and other
insects. The flesh of these birds, owing to an unpleasant flavour,
is not considered good for the table; though it is used among the
older black creoles as a medicine for those subject to fits, for whom
it is supposed to be extremely beneficial.”

We quote the following notes from Mr. Beebe (Our Search

448 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

for a Wilderness, pp. 49, 157) :— “ Anis blundered along looking
as if their wings and tails were too loosely attached for use.”

*“ Smooth-billed Ani—these aberrant Cuckoos are most inter-
esting birds, and several females are said to combine, building a
single hollow nest of sticks in which the eggs are hatched.”

307. Crotophaga major.
GREAT ANI.

Crotophaga major Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 363, 1788 (Cayenne) ; Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 712, 1848; Brown, Canoe and Camp
Life, p. 152, 1876 (Rewa River); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63; Lloyd
Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 63, 1891 (habits) ; Quelch, tom. cit. p. 94
(Georgetown); Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 428, 1891
(Aunai) ; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 131 (Georgetown),
p- 156 (Waini), 1910; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 153,
no. 1500, 1912.

“ King-Witch” (Lloyd Price) ; “ Big Witch” or “ Jumbie
Bird ” (Beebe).

Adult male. General colour above and below blue-black with
green and purple reflections; the feathers on the mantle, upper
wing-coverts, and breast edged with bronze-green ; the feathers
on the head, sides of face, and throat narrow and pointed.

Total length 470 mm., culmen 49, wing 200, tail 235, tarsus 47.

The male described was collected on the Abary River.

Adult female. Like the adult male. Wing 196 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ The nest is built in the densest bush, and is not often
found” (Lloyd Price).

Eggs. “ The eggs when scraped are of the same rich blue ”
(Lloyd Price).

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Upper Takutu Moun-
tains, Supenaam River, Bartica (MeConnell collection) ; Rewa
River (Brown) ; Annai (Whitely) ; Georgetown, Waini (Beele).

Extralimital Range. Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador,
Peru, Brazil.

Hlalnts. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 712)
this bird lives on the outskirts of the woods, in the oasis or the
wooded borders of the Savanna rivers, and usually in flocks.
Small colonies of nests are found in low thorny bushes.

CROTOPHAGA, 449

Mr. Lloyd Price remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 63) :—‘ Another
and much. larger species of this bird, called the King-Witch
(Crotophaga major), is sometimes met with. The nest is built in
the densest bush, and is not often found. The eggs when scraped
are of the same rich blue. These birds have a curiously shaped
bill, somewhat like the keel of a boat.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species aif Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 103) :—Very common on the out-
skirts of the town. They are seldom seen more than two together,
not on the ground, but in the high trees and tall shrubs. The flesh
of these birds, owing to an unpleasant flavour, is not considered
good for the table; though it is used among the older black
creoles as a medicine for those subject to fits, for whom it is
supposed to be extremely beneficial.

Mr. Barrington Brown writes (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 152) :—
“A large kind of Old Witch bird, very numerous in the low trees
growing along the river’s edge. They fed on grasshoppers and
caterpillars, ferreted out from amongst the tree leaves, and pro-
duced bubbling sounds now and then, like that made by the
boiling of a pot of water.”

We quote the following note from Mr. W. Beebe (Our Search
for a Wilderness, p. 156) :—‘‘ Quite high in the air, clear of
the tops of the tallest trees, we saw a black cloud of birds
approaching. We soon made them out to be Greater Anis, or as
the natives called them ‘ Big Witch’ or ‘Jumbie Birds.” When
first seen they were in a dense compact mass heading straight
toward us. Their flight was uniform, each bird giving three to
six flaps and then sailing ahead for several seconds. Hundreds
doing this at once made the sight a most striking one, while it was
enhanced by their long, wedge-shaped tails, high arched beaks.
bright yellow eyes, and the iridescence of their dark plumage as
the slanting rays of the sun struck them.”

Order SCANSORES.
Family CAPITONID/G,

The Barbets are birds of small size, and many of them have
bright colours. The peculiar formation of their bills and rictal

bristles appear to be the chief characters which distinguish them
2a

450 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

from all other birds. They are distributed chiefly in Africa and
Asia, and two genera and twenty-two species occur in Central and
South America, one of which is represented in British Guiana.

(Fenus CAPITO Vieill.

Capito Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 27, 1816. Type C. niger (P. L. 8.
Miill.).
The members of this genus have ten tail-feathers, like all other
Barbets, and are distinguished by having the lateral feathers shorter
than the middle ones.

308. Capito niger.
BLACK-sPpoTTED BARBET.

Bucco niger P. L. S. Mill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 89, 1776 (Cayenne).

Capito niger Salvin, Ibis, 1S86, p. 66 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove, Ata-
purau River); Shelley, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 111, 1891 (Bartica
Grove, Atapurau River) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer.i. p. 154,
no. 1508, 1912.

Capito cayennensis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 720, 1848.

Adult male. Upper surface black, including the sides of the
face, sides of neck, hinder crown, hind-neck, mantle, back, wings,
and tail with a yellowish-white band across the greater upper
wing-coverts, and another on the sides of the crown ; some of the
feathers on the mantle are fringed with yellowish white ; the
feathers on the crown golden-yellow with dark bases ; forehead
and throat-patch bright red ; breast and abdomen straw-yellow
with obsolete brown spots on the under tail-coverts and ovate
black spots on the flanks ; under wing-coverts yellowish white, as
are also the inner edges of the quills.

Total length 164 mm., culmen 21, wing 80, tail 46, tarsus 24.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Mazaruni River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the lower
throat and breast thickly spotted with black, and in being broadly
streaked with the same colour on the sides of the body,

Breeding-season, Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

CAPITO.—RAMPHASTUS. 451

Eggs. Undesctibed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Makauria River, Anarika River, Mazaruni River, Arwye
River, Arawai River, Tiger Creek (McConnell collection) ; Kama-
kusa, Bartica, Kamarang River, Ourunei ( Whitely) ; Kumaka
(Schomburghk).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (P. L. S. Miller), Venezuela.

Habits. Schomburgk mentions (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 720) this bird
as being lively, living in small companies, and continually roam-
ing through the open woods. He met with large numbers near
Kumaka; after that only small numbers were seen. Its favourite
haunt was the cecropia tree, which grew near the villages, and
where sixteen to twenty individuals every morning, in company
with other birds, hunted for insects in the most alert manner—
these last being their staple food.

Family RAMPHASTIDA. |

The Toucans are among the largest of the Picariz in the New
World, and are distinguished from all others of this group in the
Western Hemisphere by the large size and peculiar shape of their
bills, which vary in length from about nine inches in the longer
to about two inches in the smaller ones. The wings are fairly long.
The tail in some is short and square, while in others it is long and
graduate. The legs are short, and the feet are zy godacty le—having
two toes in front and two behind.

The family consists of five genera and about sixty species, all of
which are confined to Central and South America—from Mexico
to Argentina. Four genera and nine species are represented in
British Guiana. The Toucans, like the Woodpeckers, usually nest
in hollow trees,

Genus RAMPHASTUS Linn.
Ramphastos Linné, Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 108, 1758. Type 2. pipri-

vorus (Linn. ).

The members of this genus are distinguished by their larger size,
large bills, black plumage, short, square, or slightly rounded
tails, and by having the nostrils placed at the back of the casque.
The first and second primaries are incised.

2G 2

BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

pe
Cr
bo

Ramphastus toco.

Fig. 92.—To show the position of the nostrils (x).

Ramphastus toco.

Fig. 93.—To illustrate the two outer primary-quills,
which are incised.

Key to the Species.

A. Throat and fore-neck white.
a. Upper tail-coverts white; a faint narrow
band of pink on the breast dividing the
white of the fore-neck from the black
preast 2.28. a kavecioasls “Eby OGRE, 20a eaees
b. Upper tail- coverts lemon- yellow ; a wide
band of red across the fore-neck separating
the black breast from the white of the

FORO OOM. 1 Sentwi eee ea eas Paremee ee R. monilis, p. 454.
B. Throat and fore-neck yellow or orange.
c. Upper tail-coverts orange ...............0008 . A. osculans, p. 455.

d. Upper tail-coverts red......,.c.cssceserrsceecene . . vitellinus, p. 456.

RAMPHASTUS. ’ 453

309. Ramphastus toco.
Tovo Toucan.

Ramphastos toco P. L. S. Miill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 82, 1776 (Cayenne);
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 721, 1848; Brown, Canoe and
Camp Life, p. 4, 1876 (Cuyuni River) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 65;
Quelch, Timehri (2) i. p. 855, 1888 (Tiger Island); Sclater, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 124, 1891 (British Guiana) ; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 156, no. 1523, 1912.

? Red-breasted Toucan, Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 275
(Hoorie Creek), 1910.

“Toco bill-bird ” ( Quelch).

Adult male. General colour above and below black; upper
tail-coverts, cheeks, throat, and fore-neck white, the last tinged
with yellow, and a faint pink band on the edge dividing the black
of the breast; under tail-coverts red.

Total length 590 mm., culmen 196, from gape 182, wing 242,
tail 146, tarsus 53.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 237 mm.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Abary River, and the female at Miritiba, N.E. Brazil. The
latter is in the collection at the British Museum.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It nests in holes of trees (Schomburgh).

Eggs. It lays two white eggs (Schomburgh).

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River (McConnell collection) ; Savannas (Schomburgk) ; Cuyuni
River (Brown) ; Hoorie River (Beebe) ; Tiger Island (Quelch).

Eaxtralimital Range. Cayenne (P. L. S. Miiller), Brazil, Bolivia,
Paraguay, Argentina.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721) that he
only observed this bird on the Savannas, where it lives in pairs or
small flocks in the oasis or the wooded banks of the rivers. It
often flies over the open Savannas in search of the ripe psidium
fruit (cfr. vol. ii. p. 183). It is supposed by the Indians that it is
a reliable barometer or weather prophet, as it always utters its
whistling call just before the rain. It is a shy bird and difficult
to approach, but it becomes very tame in captivity. It has been
known to eat flesh and fish in confinement, but has never, as Gould
says in his Monograph, been known to catch fish, small birds, or
reptiles in free life. Its favourite food is capiscum fruits. It nests
in holes in trees and Jays two whiteeggs. Young birds soon attain

454 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA,

the adult plumage, but the colour of the bill is obtained in the
second or third year. Its flesh is considered to be good for eating.
The “ Macusis ” call it Curauwui and the “ Warraus” Haritya.

Mr. J. J. Quelch gives the following note (Timehri (2) ii.
p- 355) :—The Toco bill-bird (Ramphastos toco) having an in-
ordinately long and indescribably rich orange-coloured bill, with a
Jarge ovoid black patch at the tip, occurs together with the common
red-billed species (R. erythrorhynchus). They are, however, very
shy, and very difficult to obtain on Tiger Island.

310. Ramphastus monilis.
RED-BILLED ToUuUCAN.

Ramphastos monilis P. L. S. Miill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 82, 1776
(Cayenne); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 156, no. 1527,
1912.

Ramphastos erythrorhynchus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 722,
1848 ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 64 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé
Mts. , Roraima) ; Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 365, 1888 ( Abary River) ;
Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 128, 1891 (Carimang River) ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 174 (Hoorie Creek), p. 268
(Aremu River), 1910.

Adult female. Upper and under surface black; upper tail-
coverts lemon-yellow intermixed with red; cheeks, throat, and
fore-neck white; under tail-coverts and a wide band across the
breast red.

Total length 550 mm., culmen 179, from gape 162, wing 233,
tail 155, tarsus 53.

The female described was collected on the Mazaruni River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 237 mm.

The description of the male is taken from an example in the
British Museum collected by Whitely on the Kamarang River,
November 27th, 1885.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It builds its nest in holes in trees (Schomburgk).

Eggs. It lays two white eggs (Schomburghk).

Range in British Guiana. Mazaruni River, Cotinga River
(McConnell collection); Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa, Kamarang River ( Whitely) ; Abary River (Quelch) ;
Hoorie River, Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (P. L. S. Miiller), Venezuela,
North and North-east Brazil.

Halits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 722)

RAMPHASTUS. 455

this bird is common throughout British Guiana. Only rare near
the coast, and especially common in dense woods. Its food consists
of fruits; when it has satisfied its hunger it rests on the topmost
branches of tall trees and at intervals utters its whistling note. It
appears to live chiefly in pairs, but sometimes small companies were
seen, especially on a tree full of ripe fruit. It builds its nest in
holes in trees and Jays two white eggs. It is often kept as a pet
by the natives (cfr. vol. ii. p. 390). When hopping on the ground
it appears similar to’ the European Magpie. Schomburgk also
states that neither in confinement nor in free life had he seen it
throw its food into the air and catch it again. Jt is very much
hunted by the Indians for its beautiful plumage (cfr. vol. i.
p- 403). Its flesh is edible. It often makes a rattling noise with
its bill and bites anyone who may be near it at the time. It is
also regarded as a sure weather prophet by the natives. The
** Warraus ” call it Ahaesimu and the “ Macusis”’ Cuyakeh.

Mr. J. J. Quelch remarks (Timehri (2) ii. p. 365) that the
common red-billed species (R. erythrorhynchus) occurs on the
Abary River. It is, however, very shy and was difficult to obtain.

Mr. Beebe writes as follows (Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 174) :—* The notes of the Red-billed Toucans are like the yap-
ping of a puppy, uttered in pairs and differing slightly, thus,
‘yap! yip! yap! yip!’ The great mandibles are opened and
thrown upward at each utterance.”

He also writes (op. cit. p.326) :—“ The colouring of their beaks
was wonderfully brilliant and variegated. Their notes were of
the Robin-song type, ‘ phéopha’! although the resemblance to
the puppy’s voice was also strong. They had been feeding on
seeds with a pinkish pulp which Francis called suluwafaddy.”

311. Ramphastus osculans.
OscuLaNtT Toucan.

Ramphastos osculans Gould, P. Z. 8S. 1835, p. 156 (Brazil); Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 723, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 65;
Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 131, 1891 (British Guiana) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8, Amer. i. p. 156, no, 1532, 1912.

Adult, Crown of head, hind-neck, and mantle velvety-black ;
back, wings, and tail glossy black; upper tail-coverts lemon-
yellow, whitish at the base and orange at the tips ; cheeks, sides
of neck, and throat white ; lower throat orange-yellow ; breast

456 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

and under tail-coverts crimson ; abdomen and under wing-coverts
dull black.

Total length 480 mm., culmen 136, from gape 125, wing 197,
tail 154, tarsus 50.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the description is taken from a specimen in the collection at the
British Museum.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Unrecorded.

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, North Brazil.

Halits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 722)
the mode of life and distribution are the same as those of KR. vitel-
linus, see below.

We have Schomburgk’s authority only for the occurrence of
this species in British Guiana.

312. Ramphastus vitellinus.
SULPHUR-AND- WHITE-BREASTED TOUCAN.

Ramphastos vitellinus Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 70, 1823 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 722, 1848; Brown, Canoe and
Camp Life, p. 291, 1876 (Cotinga River) ; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 65
(Camacusa, Bartica Grove); Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 182,
1891; Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 174, 1910 (Hoorie
Creek); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. 1. p. 157, no. 1535, 1912.

“Toucans ” or “ Bill-Birds ” (Brown).

Adult female. General colour above and below black ; upper
and under tail-coverts red, as is also a broad band across the
breast; cheeks, sides of neck, and upper throat white, a narrow
band of lemon-yellow across the upper breast dividing the red
from the orange on the fore-neck.

Total length 520 mm., culmen 133, from gape 126, wing 197,
tail 165, tarsus 48.

The female from which the description is taken was collected
on the Berbice River.

Adult male. Similar in the colour of the plumage to that of the
adult female. Wing 208 mm.

The male described is in the British Museum and was collected
by Whitely on the Kamarang River in November 1885—Salvin-
Godman collection.

cn
~l

RAMPHASTUS.—PTEROGLOSSUS. 4

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Berbice River (McConnell bltesion) 3
Humerida Mountains (Schomburgk) ; Cotinga River (Brown) ;
Kamakusa, Bartica, Kamarang River ( White/y) ; Hoorie River
(Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Licht.), Trinidad, Venezuela,
North Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 722)
the habits and mode of life of this bird are the same as those of
R. erythrorhynchus (=R. monilis, p. 454). The ‘* Macusis”’ call
it Kirtma and the “ Warraus ” Hariahiapi.

Schomburgk also states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 722) that he only saw
one specimen of this species and that was when he was ascending
the Humerida Mountains (e/r. vol. 1. p. 214). In colour it was
almost identical with FR. vitellinus, but the bill was almost the
same colour as that of 2. erythrorhynchus (=R. monilis).

Mr. Barrington Brown writes (Canoe and Camp-life, p. 291) :—
“The small Toucans or Bill-birds are also fond of uttering their
yelping calls of an evening, or during the day on the approach of
a shower. When doing so they bob their heads up and down ina
most extraordinary manner, with their large bills pointed upwards.”

Mr. Beebe observes (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 174) :—
“The brilliant white-breasted birds call loudly ‘kiok ! kiok !’ in
a high shrill tone very unlike that of their fellows.”

Genus PTEROGLOSSUS Illig.
Pteroglossus Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm. et Av. p. 202, 1811. Type
P. aragari (Linn.).

The chief differences which distinguish this genus from Ram-
phastus are the smaller size, diverse coloration, graduated tail,
and in having the nostrils placed on the hinder portion of the
casque on each side of the culminal ridge, which is broad and
rounded,

Key to the Specivs.

A. Larger, wing more than 130 mm. ; abdomen

yellow with a red band across the middle;
thighs rust-brown ..... . PP. roraime, 3, p. 458.

a. Crown of head, sides of face, and throat
black like the male ....................... BP. roraima, 9, p. 458,

458 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

B. Smaller, wing less than 130 mm. ; abdomen
uniform yellow, no red cross-band; thighs
QTC a ovink irk tor ask seen cagenekt gesesns- Lg SPINS, 1c

5. Crown of head, sides of face, and throat
chestnut in contrast to the male......... P. viridis, Q, p. 459.

313. Pteroglossus roraime.
Mount Rorama ARACARI.

Pteroglossus roraime Brabourne & Chubb, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (8)
x. p. 261, 1912 (Mount Roraima); id. B. S. Amer. i. p. 157,
no. 1544, 1912.

Pteroglossus aracari (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 720, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 65 (Bartica Grove) ; Sclater,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 138, 1891 (Demerara).

? Pteroglossus torquatus Beebe (nec Gmel.), Our Search for a Wilderness,
p. 174, 1910.

Adult male. Head, throat, and neck all round glossy black ;
upper back, wings, and tail bronze-green ; inner webs of quills
brown with pale edges; lower back and rump deep red ; breast
and abdomen citron-yellow divided by a broad band of scarlet ;
thighs dusky brown ; under tail-coverts like the abdomen, but in
some specimens mixed with red ; under wing-coverts whitish ;
lower mandible and ridge of culmen black, remainder of upper
mandible white.

Total length 450 mm., bill from gape 116, wing 154, tail 153,
tarsus 37.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
by Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898, and is the
type of the species.

Adult female. Similar in the colour of the plumage to the adult
male. Wing 149 mm.

The female from which the description is taken is in the British
Museum, and was collected by Whitely at Bartica on December
16th, 1880—Salivin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It nests in holes in trees (Schomburgk).

Eggs. It lays two eggs (Schomburgk).

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima (type of the species),
Ituribisi River, Supenaam River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 720)

PTEROGLOSSTS. 459

this bird was fairly common in British Guiana. It was found in the
woods, singly, in pairs, or in small companies, and on trees with
ripe fruit. When a flock was disturbed the individuals dispersed in
pairs. It lived entirely on fruit, nested in holes in trees, and laid
two eggs. Its flesh was good for food. The natives often kept it
in confinement, when it became very tame. Its call was like the
word kulik-kulik. The ‘“Warraus” called it Teifari and the
“Macusis” Parupart.

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 174) remarks :—
“In the evening on the stroke of seven, the first-comers would
arrive—a trio of Black-banded Aracaris which alight and preen
their feathers. These may remain quiet for about twenty minutes,
but more often take to flight at the approach of a screaming flock
of eight or ten Mealy Amazon Parrots which scatter over the
branches.”

314. Pteroglossus viridis.
GREEN ARACARI.

Ramphastos viridis Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 150, 1766 (Cayana).

Pteroglossus viridis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 720, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 65 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa) ; Sclater, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 147, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer.
i. p. 159, no. 1561, 1912.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail dark green; short upper
tail-coverts red ; head, throat, and neck all round glossy black ;
remainder of under surface straw- or sulphur-yellow; hinder
aspect of thighs green, front portion buff. ‘Bill: upper mandible
orange-yeilow with a longitudinal black line; lower mandible black
with a red basal line ; legs and toes olive-green, claws black.”

Total length 344 mm., bill from gape 81, wing 120, iail 110,
tarsus 29.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the head
and neck chestnut instead of black. Wing 118 mm.

The male and female described were collected on the Ituribisi
River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. It nests in holes in trees (Schomburgk).

Kags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River (McConnell collection) ;
Kanuku Mountains (Schomburgk) ; Bartica, Kamakura ( Whitely),

460 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Ertralimital Range. Cayenne (Linné), North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburg states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 720) that he
found this bird common near the Kanuku Mountains, where it
was usually met with in pairs or in small flocks. It nested in holes
in trees and its habits were similar to those of the other species
of Toucans. The “ Warraus” called it Yahi and the ‘‘ Macusis”
Karajari.

Genus SELENIDERA Gould.

Selenidera Gould, Icon. Av. pt. i. text to pl. 7, 1837. Type S. gould:
Natterer.
This genus is distinguished by having a shiorter bill, the nostrils
rounded, the ridge of the culmen narrow and keeled, and the
sexes different in colour.

Key to the Species.

A. Culmen from anterior portion of nostril to
the tip of the bill more than 55 mm.;
bill for the most part uniform black ; tail

broadly tipped with chestnut ............... S. culik, 3, p. 460.
a. Crown of head black; throat, breast,
and abdomen prey .......s..seseseceeseeee S. culik, 2, p. 460.

B. Culmen from anterior portion of nostril to
the tip of the bill less than 55 mm.; bill
particoloured ; tail narrowly tipped with

yt tty ay ee mn em Ota, Se 0 Se a S. nattereri, 3, p. 461.
6. Crown of head rufous like the throat,
breast, and abdomen ..................... 8. nattereri, 9, p. 461.

315. Selenidera culik.
GuIANA TOUCANET.

Pteroglossus culik Wagler, Syst. Av. Pteroglossus sp. 10, 1827
(Cayenne).

Pteroglossus piperivorus (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 721, no. 252, 1848 (Canuku Mts.).

? Pteroglossus inscriptus Cab. tom. cit. p. 721, no. 253 (Canuku Mts.).

? Pteroglossus pluricinctus Cab. tom. cit. p. 721, no. 254.

Selenidera piperivora (nec Linn.), Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 66 (Bartica
Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts., River Atapurau) ; Sclater, Cat. B.
Brit. Mus. xix. p. 152, 1891 (Demerara).

Selenidera culik Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 159, no. 1659,
1912.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail dark green; tips of tail-
feathers chestnut ; top of head, neck all round, throat, breast, and

SELENIDERA. 461

upper abdomen glossy black; ear-coverts yellow ; a collar round
the hind-neck golden-yellow; lower abdomen green intermixed
with yellow; under tail-coverts bright red; thighs chestnut ;
under wing-coyverts whitish.

Total length 335 mm., bill from gape 76, wing 120, tail 104,
tarsus 33.

The male described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
glossy black throat and breast, and in having a broad chestnut
nuchal collar; throat, breast, and sides of neck grey. Wing
114 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River
(Me Connell collection); Kanuku Mountains (Schomburgk); Bartica,
Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River (Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North-east Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721, no. 252)
that he found this bird common in the Kanuku Mountains, where it
was met within small companies. Its habits are the same as those
of the other species of Toucans. The “ Macusis” call it Paripari.

Schomburgk also states (Reis. Guiana, iii. p. 721, no. 253) that
this bird lives, as the preceding species (= 8S. culik), in small flocks
on the Kanuku Mountains.

Schomburgk also remarks (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721, no. 254)
that the mode of life of this species is the same as that of the
preceding (=S. eulik).

316. Selenidera nattereri.
NATTERER’S TOUCANET.

Pteroglossus natterert Gould, P. Z. 8. 1835, p. 157 (‘ Brasilia”); Cab.
in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721, no. 255, 1848.

Selenidera natterert Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 66; Sclater, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xix. p. 151, 1891 ( British Guiana) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8.
Amer. i. p. 159, no. 1568, 1912.

? Pteroglossus bitorquatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721,
no. 256, 1848 (Canuku Mts.).

Adult male. Head, hind-neck, throat, breast, and middle of
abdomen glossy black ; back, wings, and tail yellowish olive-green ;
a yellow, or orange collar on the lower hind-neck, like the cheeks

462 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA

and ear-coverts, and a patch on each side of the abdomen ; thighs,
lower flanks, and tips of tail-feathers chestnut ; under tail-coverts
for the most part red ; under wing-coverts lemon-yellow like the
inner edges of the quills on the under surface.

Total length 315 mm., bill from gape 70, wing 135, tail 107,
tarsus 32.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the head,
hind-neck, throat, breast, and abdomen chestnut instead of black.
Wing 127 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum
suid to have been collected in British Guiana by Schomburgk—
Gould collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Kanuku Mountains (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, Venezuela, and North-west
Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721, no. 255)
that he found this species in the Kanuku Mountains and the woods
near the coast, where it was generally in pairs. The ‘‘ Macusis”
call it Kamata, the “‘ Warraus” Wabacktsebeh, and the “ Parayil-
hanos” Maniata.

According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721, no. 256)
the habits and distribution of this bird are the same as those of
the preceding species (=S. nattereri).

Genus AULACORHAMPHUS Gray.

Aulacorhamphus Gray, List Gen. B. p. 50, 1840. Type A. sulcatus
(Swains. ).

In this genus the sexes are of the same colour of plumage, the
nostrils are elongated, and the ridge of the culmen is flattened.

317. Aulacorhamphus whitelyanus.

WHITELY’s ARACARI.

Aulacorhamphus whitelyanus Salvin & Godman, Ibis, 1882, p. 83
(Merumé Mts.); Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 66 (Roraima, 3000 to

AULACORHAMPHTS. 463

3700 ft.); Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 156, 1891; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 160, no. 1575, 1912.

? Pteroglossus sulcatus (nec Swains.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian.
ili. p. 721, no. 257, 1848.

Adult female. General colour above and below green; chin and
throat grey tinged with green; middle tail-feathers tipped with
chestnut. ‘Eye reddish-hazel; cere purple; legs and_ toes
bluish-green ; claws dark horn-colour” (#. Whitely).

Total length 285 mm., bill from gape 57, wing 110, tail 95,
tarsus 31.

The description of the female is taken from an example which
was collected at Quonga in October 1887.

Adult male. Similar in colour to the adult female. Wing
114 mm.

The male described is in the British Museum and was col-
lected at Quonga by Whitely on the 11th of November, 1887—
Salvin-Godman collection.

We have examined the type of this species in the British
Museum, which appears, by the smallness of its bill and the
absence of notclies on the cutting-edges of the upper mandible,
to be an immature bird.

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eggs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Quonga, collected by
Whitely (MeConnell collection) ; Kanuku Mountains (Schom-
burgk) ; Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima, 3000 to 3700 ft.,
Quonga ( Whitely).

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 721) that he
observed this bird in small companies in the Canuku Mountains,
and that its habits are the same as those of other species of
Toucans.

Order PICIFORMES.

Family GALBULID.

The Jacamars are birds of rather small size with bright metallic
and closely-set plumage. The chief character of the family,
however, is the bill, which is long, pointed, and compressed.

464 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

The ridge of the culmen on the upper mandible is very narrow,
and the gonys on the lower mandible is sharply keeled, the base
being furnished with rictal bristles. The wings are rounded, the
innermost secondaries being nearly as long as the primary-quills.

The tail is long and graduate, the middle feathers usually like
the back, while the lateral ones are of a different colour.

The legs are short and the feet small; the toes are four in
number, two directed forward and two backward, the claws being
small but very sharp.

There are six genera and twenty-six species, and their distribu-
tion is confined to Central and South America—from South
Mexico to Paraguay. - All the genera and species occur in South
America.

Four of the genera and seven of the species are represented in
British Guiana.

Genus UROGALBA Bonap.
Urogalba Bonaparte, Consp. Volucr. Zyg. p. 13, 1854. Type U. dea

(Linn.).

This monotypic genus is distinguished by having a very
graduated tail, the two middle feathers extending far beyond the
others, and the plumage being for the most part black. The bill
compressed and pointed.

318. Urogalba dea.
PARADISE JACAMAR.

Alcedo dea Linn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i. p. 116, 1758 (Surinam).

Galbula paradisea (Linn. 1766), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 717, 1848.

Urogalba paradisea Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 66 (Bartica Grove, Merumé
Mts.); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Maccasseema); Sclater,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 163, 1891 (Demerara); Beebe, Our
Search for a Wilderness, p. 171, 1910 (Hoorie Creek).

Urogalba dea Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 161, no. 1582, 1912.

Adult female. Head dark smoky-brown ; back, wings, and tail
black with steel-blue, purple, and green reflections, more brightly
on the upper wing-coverts ; inner webs of primary and secondary
quills white at the base ; tail much graduated, the lateral feathers,
much shorter than the middle pair, are edged with white at the
tips ; chin sooty-brown, darker and inclining to black on the
cheeks ; a triangular patch of white on the fore-neck ; remainder

UROGALBA. 465

of the under surface black with a dark bluish-green gloss ; Hanks
streaked with white ; median under wing-coverts and inner edges
of quills below white.

Total length 316 mm., culmen 60, wing 92, middle tail-
feathers 175, tarsus 14.

The description of the female is based on an example collected
on the Ituribisi River.

Adult male. Similar to the adult female. Wing 96 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ Like Kingfishers ” (Beebe).

Egas. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Anarika
River, Kako River, Great Falls Demerara River, Makauria
River, Abary River, Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ;
Bartica, Merumé Mountains (Whitely); Maccassema (W. L.
Sclater) ; Georgetown (Quelch) ; Hoorie River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Linné), Cayenne, North Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 717) this
bird often associates with Euphonia and Finches that frequent
the tall trees on the edges of the woods, or solitary young trees
near the Indian settlements. One sees, as a rule, several perched
on the outermost branches of the trees, where they watch for
insects flying past, which they quickly catch, and return to their
perch again. The “ Warraus” call it Vahowusch.

Mr. J. J. Quelch observed this species in Georgetown, and
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 96) :—‘* Very occasionally, the long-
tailed Paradise Jacamar (Urogalba paradisea) will be met with
about the bushy parts on the outskirts of the town, but these are
evidently, from the very rare occasions on which they are seen,
but casual visitors. They are quiet, sluggish, insectivorous
creatures, and are generally seen perching in the same place for
long periods.”

Mr. Beebe writes (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 171) :-—
“One of the first things which caught our eye were several
brilliantly iridescent green birds, insect-catching, among the
brush near the house. These were Paradise Jacamars, and they
had their homes in the clay banks of the rivulets, deep buried in
the narrow valleys which abounded in the forest. Each bird
had two or fhore favourite twigs. When bug-hunting flagged
at one post they flew with a long swoop to the second point

2H

466 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

of vantage. They were tame, and allowed us to approach witbin
eight or ten feet before flying to their alternate perches. Their
feet are small and weak, and they have a hunched up look as they
perch in wait, turning the head rapidly in every direction and
now and then swooping like a flashafter some tiny insect, engulf-
ing it with a loud snap of the mandibles. Their call-note is a
sharp, repeated ‘pip! pip! pip! pip!?..... Jacamars form a
rather compact group of some twenty species; in habit like Fly-
catchers ; in appearance and nest like Kingfishers, but in structure
more closely related to Toucans and Woodpeckers.”

Genus GALBULA Briss.
Galbula Brisson, Orn. iv. p. 85, 1760, Type G. galbula (Linn.).

In this genus the tail is rounded and the plumage is, for the
greater part, bronze-yreen. The bill is slender and compressed.

Key to the Species.
A. Bill uniform black.
a. Abdomen chestnut.

a’. Tail uniform bluish green............... ... G. galbula, p. 466.
b’. Tail, middle feathers bronze-green, the
lateral ones cinnamon-rufous ......... G. ruficauda, p. 467.
Te ADAGE WIR noc. ca ee cee a eee G. leucogaster, p.468.
B. Bill for the most part white ..................... G. albirostris, p. 469.

319. Galbula galbula.

(‘OoMMON JACAMAR.

Alcedo galbula Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 182, 1766 (Cayenne).

Galbula viridicauda Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 717, no. 234,
1548.

Galbula viridis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 61; Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xix. p. 164, 1891 (British Guiana).

Galbula galbula Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 161, no. 1584,
1912.

Aduit male. General colour above bright metallic green, in-
cluding the sides of the face and a broad band across the breast,
more bluish on the head, innermost secondaries, and tail, and
bronzy reflections on the mantle, back, and breast ; a triangular

GALBULA. 467

white patch on the throat; remainder of the under surface,
including the under wing-coverts, chestnut.

Total length 210 mm., culmen 42, wing 80, tail 81, tarsus 13.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the tri-
angular throat-patch chestnut instead of white. Wing 78 mm.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Abary
River (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Linné), Venezuela, North and
North-east Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 717) that he
found this bird scattered—but always in pairs—in the woods and
near the banks of the rivers, where it sits on a branch and waits
for insects flying past, on which it darts with lightning quickness,
and just as quickly returns to its perch again. He did not find
its nest. The “ Warraus” call it Torong.

320. Galbula ruficauda.
RvUFoUSs-TAILED JACAMAR.

Galbula ruficauda Cuy. Régn. Anim. i. p. 420, 1817 (Colombia) ;
Salvin, Lbis, 1886, p. 61; Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 166,
1891 (British Guiana) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. 1. p. 161,
no. 1586, 1912.

Galbula leptura Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 717, no. 235,
1848.

Adult male. General colour above and a band across the
breast metallic bronze-green with coppery reflections ; middle tail-
feathers like the back, the lateral ones cinnamon-rufous ; throat
white ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts
chestnut.

Total length 246 mm., culmen 60, wing 78, tail 106, tarsus 7.

The male described was collected at the Takutu Mountains.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in having
the throat rufous instead of white. Wing 83 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana,

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

2H 2

468 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains (McConnell
collection); Golden Hill (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Tobago, Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia.

Habits. Schomburgk remarks (Reis. Guian. iil. p. 717, no. 235)
that the habits of this bird are the same as those of G. viridicauda
(= G. galbula, p. 466), only it seems to prefer the dense and shaded
parts of the woods. He found it rather numerous in the vicinity
of “Golden Hill.” The “ Macusis” call it Awje: and the “ Are-

kunas ” Pieima.

321. Galbula leucogaster.
WHITE-BELLIED JACAMAR.

Galbula leucogaster Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. xvi. p. 444, 1817
(Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i p. 162, no. 1595,
1912.

Galbula leucogastra Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 62 (Merumé Mts.) ; Sclater,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 170, 1891 (Demerara).

Galbula albiventer Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 717, 1848,

Adult male. Back deep copper-bronze, duller and inclining to
green on the wings and upper tail-coverts; sides of face, top of
head, and tail steel-blue with a green reflection on the head ;
outer tail-feathers brown edged with white ; inner webs of primary
and secondary quills edged with white towards the base; chin
blackish, followed by a white patch on the throat ; breast very
similar to the back ; abdomen, under tail-coverts, under wing-
coverts, and inner edge of quills below white.

Total length 197 mm., culmen 40, wing 70, tail 89, tarsus 10.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male only in haying the
throat buff instead of white. Wing 71 mm.

The female from which the description is taken is in the
British Museum, and was collected by Whitely at the Merumé
Mountains in June 1881—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Berbice River (MJeConnell collection) ;
Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

GALBULA. 469

Extralimital Range. North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 717, no. 238)
* that the mode of life and distribution of this species are the same
as those of G. paradisea (= Urogalba dea, p. 464).

322. Galbula albirostris,
WHITE-BILLED JACAMAR.

Galbula albirostris Lath. Ind. Orn. i. p. 245, 1790 (Guiana); Salvin,
Ibis, 1886, p. 61 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.,
Roraima, 3500 ft.); W. L. Selater, Ibis, 1887, p. 318 (Maccas-
seema); P. L. Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 168, 1891;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 162, no. 1592, 1912.

Galbula flavirostris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ui. p. 717, no. 236,
1848.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail metallic bronze-green, as are
also the cheeks ; inner webs of tail-feathers, except the middle
ones, edged with cinnamon ; crown of head metallic crimson ;
under surface, including the under wing-coverts, chestnut; a
triangular patch of white on the throat.

Total length 177 mm., culmen 36, wing 73, tail 66, tarsus 11.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of
the white throat-patch. Wing 71 mm.

The birds from which the descriptions are taken were collected
on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. ‘“ At the end of a short tunnel” (Beede).

eggs. “Four round white eggs laid on the bare clay ” (Beebe).

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Kamakabra River, Cotinga River, Mazaruni River
(McConnell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa, Bartica ( Whitely) ; Maccasseema (W. L. Sclater).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela, North Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 717, no. 236)
that the habits and distribution are exactly the same as those of
G. leptura (= G. rujicauda, p. 467).

Mr. Beebe remarks (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 236) :—
“* We have found the home ofa Jacamar. At the end of the short
tunnel are four round white eggs laid on the bare clay.”

470 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Genus BRACHYGALBA Bonap.

Brachygalba Bonaparte, Consp. Voluc. Zygod. p. 13, 1854. Type
B. albigularis (Spix).

This genus is characterized by the graduated tail, the middle
tail-feathers reaching slightly beyond the others, and the general
colour of the plumage is coppery bronze. The bill is compressed
and sharply pointed.

323. Brachygalba lugubris.
BLACK-BILLED J ACAMAR.

Galbula lugubris Swains. Anim. in Menag. p. 329, 1838 (Brazil) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718, 1848.

Brachygalba lugubris Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 62 (Roraima, Merumé Mts.) ;
Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 171, 1891 (British Guiana) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 162, no. 1597, 1912.

Aduli male. Head, hind-neck, fore-neck, breast, sides of body,
and under tail-coverts sooty-brown, paler on the chin and throat
and blackish on the thighs and under wing-coverts; middle of
abdomen white, as are also the median and greater under wing-
coverts ; back, wings, and tail blackish with steel-blue reflections.

Total length 159 mm., culmen 44, wing 68, tail 51, tarsus 11.

The description of the male is taken from an example collected
by Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October 1898. There are
four immature specimens from the same locality which are similar
to the adult, but have narrow white edgings to the feathers of the
upper parts and the bills are much shorter (25 mm.) and tipped
with white.

Adult female. Like the adult male. Wing 68 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Vest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Jéggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima (McConnell collec-
tion); Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima ( Whitely).

Eatralimital Range. North-east Brazil, East Peru.

Halts. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718,
no. 239) the habits and distribution of this bird are the same as
those of G. albiventris, no. 238 (=G. leucogaster, p. 468).

JACAMEROPS, 471

Genus JACAMEROPS Dum.
Jacamerops Dumont, Dict. Sci. Nat. xxiv. p.77,1822. Type J. grandis
(Gmel.).
This genus is distinguished by the wider bill, which is incurved,
and the larger tail, the feathers of whichare broader. Upper parts
bronze-green, under surface for the most part chestnut.

324. Jacamerops aurea.

GOLDEN JACAMAR.

Alcedo aurea P. L. 8. Miill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 94, 1776 (Guiana).

Lamproptila grandis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 718, 1848.

Jacamerops grandis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 62 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Merumé Mts., Atapurau River); Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix.
p- 176, 1891 (Demerara).

Jacamerops aurea Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 163, no. 1606,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above metallic bronze-green, in-
cluding the sides of the face and throat, with rich golden reflections
on the mantle and back, and inclining to blue on the fore part of
the head ; primary and secondary quills edged with chestnut on
the inner webs towards the base; a triangular patch of white on
the fore-neck ; remainder of the under surface chestnut, with
purple reflections on the lower aspect of the tail-feathers.

Total length 300 mm., culmen 45, wing 110, tail 130, tarsus 15.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, differing only in the
absence of the white throat-patch, which is replaced by rufous.

The birds described were collected on the Mazaruni River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

/qygs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Mazaruni
River, Arawai River, Tiger Creek (McConnell collection) ; Bartica,
Kamakusa, Kamarang River, Merumé Mountains ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Colombia, Ecuador, North-east Peru.

HMalits, Unrecorded in British Guiana.

472 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Family BUCCONIDZ.

The Puff-birds are rather small and of sombre-coloured
plumage.

The bill is stout and sharply hooked in the genus Bucco, but
more slender and much less sharply hooked in Monasa and
Chelidoptera, and has numerous rictal bristles at the base.

The wings are rounded ; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
primaries are longest and subequal.

The tail is slightly rounded.

The legs are short ; the feet small, with rather long toes and
sharp claws; the toes are zygodactyle.

Their distribution is within the Neotropical Region—from
Guatemala to Argentina.

The family consists of seven genera and about fifty-three
species. All the genera and fifty-one* species occur in South
America, of which four genera and seven species are represented
in British Guiana.

Genus BUCCO Briss.
Buceco Brisson, Orn. iv. p. 92, 1760. Type B. capensis Linn.

In this genus the bill is strong, wide at the base, and sharply
hooked at the tip, with strong rictal bristles at the base. The
plumage is barred, spotted, or uniform.

Key to the Species.

A. Upper surface rufous......................... B. capensis, p. 473.
B. Upper parts black.
a. Larger, wing more tien 90 mm., tail
more than 70 mm.; a narrow white
collar on the hind- as tail uniform
black or only narrowly — with
white at the tip ...... . B. macrorhynchus, p. 473.
b. Smaller, wing less than 90 mm., tail
less than 70 mm.; no white collar
on the hind-neck ; tail black, largely
spotted with white ...... . B. tectus, p. 474.
C. Upper surface dark earth-brown, with
buff edgings to some of the feathers. B. tamatia, p. 475.

BUCCO. 473

325. Bucco capensis.
COLLARED PUFF-BIRD.

Bucco capensis Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 168. 1766 (Guiana) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 163, no. 1608, 1912.

Bucco collaris Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 62 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa,
Merumé Mts., Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix.
p. 180, 1891.

Adult male. General colour above rufous, narrowly barred with
black ; the tail somewhat paler and the interspaces between the
black bars wider; sides of face and ear-coverts uniform pale
rufous, which extends across the hind-neck, where it forms a
collar; this is followed by a black band on the hind-neck, which
widens out and forms a broad collar on the fore-neck ; primary
and secondary quills dark brown, edged with buffy-white on the
basal portion of the primaries aad by rufous on both webs of
the secondaries ; throat white ; abdomen white, washed with buff
more intensely on the flanks, under tail-coverts, and under wing-
coverts.

Total length 175 mm., culmen 28, wing 81, tail 61, tarsus 16.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the male. Wing 82 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Mazaruni River, Arwye
River (Me Connell collection) ; Mount Roraima, Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

326. Bucco macrorhynchus.
LARGE-BILLED PUFF-BIRD.

Bucco macrorhynchus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 406, 1788 (Cayenne) ;
Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 719, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886,
p. 62 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Roraima, 3500 ft.) ; Sclater, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 181, 1891 (British Guiana); Brabourne &
Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 163, no. 1609, 1912.

474 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Adult male. Crown of head uniform black; back, wings, tail,
under wing-coverts, and a broad band across the breast black,
fringed with white at the tips of the feathers ; flanks black, the
feathers barred and tipped with white ; base of forehead, a collar
round the hind-neck, ear-coverts, throat, fore-neck, middle of
abdomen, and under tail-coverts white.

Total length 251 mm., culmen 36, wing 105, tail &1, tarsus 21.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 114 mm.

Immature, Differs from the adult in having the white on the
under surface pervaded with buff and the feathers on the lower
back and wings edged with buff.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bonasika River, Anarika River, Great Falls Demerara River
(McConnell collection) ; Canuku Mountains (Schomburgk); Mount
Roraima, Merumé Mountains, Kamakusa ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), Northern Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii1. p. 719) this
bird is rare in British Guiana. He only met with a few indi-
viduals in the Canuku Mountains.

327. Bucco tectus.
CAYENNE PUFF-BIRD.

Bucco tectus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 43, 1783 (Cayenne) ; Salvin, Ibis,
1886, p. 62 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.); Sclater,
Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 185, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S.
Amer. i. p. 164, no. 1615, 1912.

Adult male. Upper surface, sides of face, a broad band across
the fore-neck, and sides of the body black, with white spots on
the fore part of the head; loral streak and a line behind the
eye white; tips of the scapulars white, and large white spots
on the tail-feathers; throat and middle of abdomen white, the
feathers on the sides of the abdomen particoloured, black and
white.

Total length 160 mm., culmen 22, wing 75, tail 56, tarsus 16.

BUCCO, 475

The male from which the description is taken was collected
on the Supenaam River.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male. Wing 71 mm.

The female examined is in the British Museum, and was
coilected by Whitely at Mount Roraima on the 14th of January,
1880—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika
River, Warima River, Mazaruni River, Arwye River, Tiger Creek
(McConnell collection); Bartica, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert), North-east Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

328. Bucco tamatia.
CAYENNE SPOTTED PUFF-BIRD.

Bucco tamatia Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 405, 1788 (Cayenne); Cab. in
Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p- 719, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63
(Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merane Mts.) ; Sclater, Cat. B. Brit.
Mus. xix. p. 188, 1891; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 164,
ne. 1622, 1912.

Adult female. General colour above dark earth-brown; forehead
and eyebrows tinged with rufous; a buffy-white collar indicated on
the hind-neck, with buff edgings to the feathers on the wings, back,
and upper tail-coverts ; the outer primaries, which are incised
on the outer webs towards the tip, are narrowly fringed with
buff on the outer edges and more broadly on the inner webs ; sides
of face black divided by a moustachial streak of white; throat
rufous ; chin whitish, strongly furnished with hair-like bristles;
breast and abdomen white, thickly spotted with black; under
tail-coverts white, tinged with buff, and obsolete spots of brown ;
under wing-coverts buff, more or less marked with black.

Total length 174 mm., culmen 23, wing 81, tail 62, tarsus 17.

The female described was collected on the Bonasika River.

Adult male. Like the adult female. Wing 80 mm.

Immature. Differs from the adult in the absence of the chestnut
on the throat, the black patch on the hinder cheeks, in having

476 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

a buff collar, which surrounds the neck, and the feathers of the
upper surface more profusely edged with buff.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Faqs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Kamakabra River, Bonasika
River, Abary River, Ireng River, Arwye River, Great Falls
Demerara River, Arawai River (MeConnell collection) ; Merumé
Mountains, Kamakusa, Kamarang River, Annai ( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), North Brazil.

Habits. This bird, according to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii.
p: 719), is generally distributed throughout British Guiana. It
is usually found in dense woods, and, as a rule, singly, rarely in
pairs, sitting in a drowsy manner on a low branch watching for
passing insects. It is not shy, and remains on its perch until one
is within about six or eight paces, when it flies a short distance
and settles again in a similarmanner. The food consists of insects.
The “ Macusis” eall it Kawari. .

Genus MALACOPTILA Gray.
Malacoptila Gray, List Gen. B. p. 138, 1841. Type If fusca (Gmel.).

This genus is distinguished by the thinner bill, which is curved
towards the tip but scarcely hooked, the long rictal bristles, and
the streaked plumage.

329. Malacoptila fusca.
WHITE-BREASTED PUFF-BIRD.

Bucco fuscus Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 408, 1788 (Cayenne).

Malacoptila fusca Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 193, 1891 (Deme-
rara River) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. 1. p. 165, no. 1631,
1912.

Adult female. General colour smoky-brown, with buff or white
shaft-streaks to the feathers of the head, back, wings, and breast ;
outer webs of some of the outer primary-quills incised towards
the tips ; inner webs of primary and secondary quills edged with “»
buff towards the base ; a spot of white in front of the eye, another
at the base of the lower mandible, also a white patch on the fore-
neck ; abdomen and under tail-coverts dull white ; under wing-
coverts and quill-lining buff.

MALACOPTILA.—MONASA. 477

Total length 155 mm., culmen 18, wing 82, tail 60, tarsus 20.

The female from which the description is taken was collected at
Bartica.

Adult male. Similar to the female in the colour of the plumage.
Wing 85 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Bartica (McConnell collection).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Gmelin), Peru, Hcuador,
Colombia.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus MONASA Vieill.

Monasa Vieillot, Anal. nouv. Orn. p. 27, 1816. Type I. niger (P. L. S.
Miill.).
This monotypic genus is distinguished by the larger size, the
compressed and curved bill, which is always red, the long tail,
and the slaty-black plumage.

330. Monasa niger.
Buiack PUrFF-BIRD.

Cuculus niger P. L. 8. Mill. Syst. Nat. Suppl. p. 90, 1776 (Cayenne).

Monasa tranquiila Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 719, 1848.

Monasa atra Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts., River
Ataparau).

Monacha nigra Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 203, 1891 (British
Guiana); Lloyd, Timehri (2) xi. p. 6, 1897 (nesting-habits).

Monasa niger Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 167, no. 1649,
1912.

* Red-billed Barbet ” (Lloyd).

Adult male. General colour above and below blackish slate-
colour, rather paler on the abdomen; lesser upper and under
wing-coverts white; median upper wing-coverts fringed with
white. Bill red.

Total length 260 mm., culmen 34, wing 126, tail 119, tarsus 23.

The male described was collected on the Kamakabra River.

Adult female. Like the adult male in the colour of the plumage,
but slightly larger. Wing 137 mm.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana,

478 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Nest. “ Nests in the burrows of the Armadillo and Paca”
(C. A. Lloyd).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Bartiea,
Kamakabra River, Kurubung River, Rupununi River (WeConnell
collection) ; Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (P. L. S. Miller), Northern
Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 719) that this
beautiful large species was always found in pairs. It preferred
the dense woods near the river-banks, where it haunted the trees.
Its food consisted of insects, which it caught on the wing. The
“ Warraus” called it Horaptipara and the “ Macusis” Warapi-
schuro.

Mr. C. A. Lloyd, writing on the nesting of some Guiana birds,
remarks (Timehri (2) xi. p. 6):—‘‘ According to Mr. Barshall,
the burrows of the Armadillo and Paca (Celogenys paca) are
resorted to by the Red-billed Barbet (Monacha nigra) asa nesting-
place. He has never seen their eggs, but all the nests examined
by him have contained only two young birds. To the Caribesie
Indians this Barbet is known from its cry as the Chekeeda,
which means in their dialect, ‘I hay’nt got it.’ ”

Genus CHELIDOPTERA Gould.
Chelidoptera Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, p. 81. Type C. tenebrosa (Pall.).
This genus is characterized by the smaller size, the thin and
pointed bill, the short and square tail, and the comparatively long
wings, which reach almost to the tip of the tail.

351. Chelidoptera tenebrosa.
SwaLtow Purr-Birp.

Cuculus tenebrosus Pall. Neue Nord. Beytr. iii. p. 2, 1782 (Surinam).

Chelidoptera tenebrosa Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ii. p. 720, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 63 (Bartica Grove, Merumé Mts., River
Yuruani); W. L. Sclater, Ibis, 1887, p. 317 (Maceasseema) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) ii. p. 375, 1888 (Abary River) ; Sclater, Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xix. p. 207, 1891 (Roraima); Brabourne & Chubb,
B. 8. Amer. i. p. 167, no. 1657, 1912.

CHELIDOPTERA. 479

Brachypetes tenebrosa Brown, Canoe and Camp Life, p. 153, 1876
(Quitaro River).

* Swallow-winged Barbet ” (Quelch).

Adult male. General colour slaty-black, including the head,
back, wings, tail, throat, and breast; rump, upper tail-coverts,
under wing-coverts, and axillaries white; lower flanks and vent
chestnut ; under tail-coverts pale grey, with dark shaft-lines.

Total length 155 mm., culmen 17, wing 103, tail 47, tarsus 13.

The description of the male is based on an example collected on
the Ituribisi River.

Adult female. Similar to the male in plumage, but rather larger
in size. Wing 108 mm.

Breeding-season. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Nest. “It makes a hole in the side of a sand-hill, in which it
lays its eggs and hatches its young ” (Brown).

Fags. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Abary River, Mazaruni
River, Great Falls Demerara River, Arawai River (Je Connell
collection) ; Kwitaro River (Brown); Maccasseema (W. L.
Selater); Bartica, Merumé Mountains, Mount Roraima, Yuruani
River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Pallas), Venezuela, Colombia,
Central Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. ii. p. 490, iii.
p- 720) this bird is very common in British Guiana, though he
never found its nest. Its favourite perch was on the topmost
branches of tall trees. The “‘ Macusis ” and “ Arekunas ” call it
Ferioba.

Mr. Barrington Brown writes (Canoe and Camp Life, p. 153) :—
*¢ A small dark-coloured bird, very common on the Quitaro and,
in fact, on all the rivers of Guiana, where it is seen sitting on the
limbs of high, dead trees, patiently awaiting for some insect to
pass, which it catches on the wing.

*TItisa stumpy-built bird, and its flight is very bat-like. It
makes a hole in the side of a sand-hill, in which it lays its eggs
and hatches its young.”

Mr. J. J. Quelch writes (Timehri (2) ii. p. 375) that the only
Barbet that he met with during his trip on the Abary River was
Chelidoptera tenebrosa, the Swallow-winged Barbet.

480 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Family PICIDZ.

The Woodpeckers are medium and small sized birds. Their
plumage is generally harsh in texture and variously coloured.
Their bills are very strong, straight, and wedge-shaped at the tip.
Their necksare thin. Their wings are usually rounded, the third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills being longest and subequal. Their
tails are generally rounded, the feathers being pointed and the
shafts much stiffened. Their legs are short, their feet small, their
toes four in number, two being directed forwards and two back-
wards, and their claws are strong and sharply curved.

They are distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia, North, Central,
and South America, and the West IndiaIslands. There are fifteen
genera and about one hundred and fifty-two species known to
occur in South America, nine genera and sixteen species being
represented in British Guiana.

Picus viridis.

* Fig. 94.—To show the prehensile tongue.
g-s. Glandula sublingualis. h. Hyoid.

* These figures were taken from specimens in the British Museum
(Natural History).

CHLORONERPES. 48]

~~ Ay Je
ine ini < led
# i ney ai
relic) ay 4; Be) j
Mie] |)8-4 phe

‘ampephilus melanoleucus.

Fig. 95.—To show the stiffened tail-feathers.

Genus CHLORONERPES Swains.
Chloronerpes Swainson, Classif. B. ii. p. 307, 1837. Type C. rubigi-

nosus (Swains.).
In this genus the nasal apertures are covered with bristles on
the posterior portion, the outer anterior toe is longer than the
outer posterior toe, and the general colour of the upper surface is

golden green.
Key to the Species.
A. Crown of head and nape entirely red.

a. Larger, wing more than 125 mm.;
throat green narrowly barred with
white; malar region green tinged
ee ith red .. ceacueh

. Malar region uniforia green without
any Tine GE TOM 21.5 occa iets Sanat

b. Smaller, wing less than 125 mm.;
throat uniform yellow ; malar region
yellow tinged with red ..........0: 000004

b’. Malar region uniform yellow without

any tinge OF red. 3... icccssccccccess os

Bb. Crown of head grey, nape only red;

throat blackish spotted with white; malar
region red in contrast to the throat

c. Malar region blackish spotted with
white like the throat...........0.0...... G. rubiginosus, 2 , p. 483.

21

C. capistratus, 3, p. 482.

C. capistratus, Q,p. 482.

C. flavigula, 3, p. 482.
C. flavigula, 2, p. 482.

C. rubiginosus, d , p. 483.

452 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

332. Chloronerpes capistratus.
BonAPARTE’Ss GREEN WOODPECKER.

Chrysopicus capistratus Bonap. Consp. Volucr. Zygod. p. 9, no. 151,

1851 (“Brésil”’).
Chloronerpes capistratus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 74, 1890
(Rupununi River); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 169,

no. 1673, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above golden green including the
back, wings, and tail; quills blackish with golden green on the
outer webs and cinnamon-rufous on the inner webs towards the
base ; tail like the back, the shafts and tips of the feathers inclin-
ing to black ; sides of the face similar to the back, with a line of
golden yellow from the base of the bill and below the eye on to
the sides of the neck; crown of head and nape red; malar
region more or less tinged with red; entire under surface dull
olive-green barred with buffy-white ; under wing-coverts and
quill-lining cinnamon-rufous ; edge of wing yellowish, with dark
edges to the feathers.

Total length 245 mm., culmen 31, wing 140, tail 75, tarsus 24.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
red on crown of the head and nape and in the malar region being
uniform green without any tinge of red. Wing 142 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum
collected by Whitely on the Rupununi River in April and July,
1889—Salvin-Godman collection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Egys. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Rupununi River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. North Brazil, Ecuador.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

333. Chloronerpes fiavigula.
YELLOW-THROATED GREEN WOODPECKER.

Picus flavigula Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 49, 1783 (Cayenne).
Chloronerpes chrysocephalus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p- 716,

1848.

CHLORONERPES. 483

Chloronerpes flavigularis Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 58 (Bartica Grove,
Camacusa).

Chloronerpes flaviqula Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 77, 1890
(Bartica Grove); Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8S. Amer. i. p. 169,
no. 1677, 1912.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail olive-green; inner webs of
primary and secondary quills blackish brown at the tips and
cinnamon or chestnut towards the base; tail-feathers blackish
along the shaft-lines and at the tips; top of head, nape, and
malar patch red; throat and sides of face golden yellow ; under
surface dusky green, with lanceolate white spots to the feathers ;
under wing-coverts and quill-lining cinnamon.

Total length 163 mm., culmen 19, wing 120, tail 63, tarsus 18.

The description of the male is based on a specimen collected on
the Warima River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of
red on the fore part of the head and the red malar patch, which
is replaced in each case by yellow. Wing 140 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.’

£ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Anarika River, Mazaruni River, Makauria
River, Great Falls Demerara River, Warima River, Arawai
River (McConnell collection) ; Kamakusa, Bartica ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Soddaert), Ecuador, Peru.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715)
this bird was distributed throughout British Guiana.

334. Chloronerpes rubiginosus.
Swarnson’s GREEN WOODPECKER.

Picus rubiginosus Swains. Zool. Illustr. pl. xiv., 1820 (Venezuela).

Chloronerpes rubiginosus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 715, 1848 ,
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 59 ( Bartica Grove, Merumé Mts., Risin
3500 ft.) ; Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 86, 1890; Brabourne
& Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 170, no. 1687, 1912.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail golden olive-brown ; bastard-
wing and primary-coverts blackish ; quills dark brows on the
inner webs at the tips, and white, or sulphur-yellow, on the edges

towards the base; top of head dark slate-grey ; sides of hinder
97,9
212

484 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

crown, nape, and malar patch red ; lores and space surrounding
the eye buffy-white; throat and sides of the neck black, with
double twin white spots to the feathers; breast dark brown
narrowly barred with buffy-white ; remainder of the under surface
similar in colour but more broadly barred; under wing-coverts
and quill-lining lemon-yellow.

Total length 192 mm., culmen 23, wing 116, tail 69, tarsus 18.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, differing only in the
absence of the red malar patch, which space is like the throat.
Wing 113 mm.

The male and female described were collected on the Anarika
River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima, Makauria River,
Anarika River, Mazaruni River (McConnell collection) ; Mount
Roraima, 3500 feet, Merumé Mountains, Kamarang River
( Whately).

Extralimital Range. Tinsel:

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715) that he
found this species throughout British Guiana.

Genus MELANERPES Swains.

Melanerpes Swainson, Faun. Bor.-Amer., Birds, p. 316, Feb. 1832.
Type JL erythrocephalus (Linn.).

This genus is distinguished by having the nostrils entirely
covered with bristles, the tarsus shorter than the outer posterior
toe, and the general colour of the plumage, of the Guiana species,
tor the most part, black.

Key to the Species.
A. A nuchal collar of golden yellow in con-
trast to the upper back; a red ssi on
the middle of the crown ..... «. Df. cruentatus, 2 , p. 485.
a. No red spot on the middle of the crown DM. cruentatus, d , p.485.
B. No nuchal collar, nape uniform black like
the upper back ; a red spot on the middle
of the crown ... M. rubrifrons, 3 , p. 486.
b. No red spot on the middle of the crown,
which is uniform black .................. MW. rubrifrons, 2 , p. 486.

MELANERPES. 485

335. Melanerpes cruentatus.

Littte Brack WoopPeEcKER.

Picus cruentatus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 43, 1783 (Cayenne).
Centurus hirundinaceus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714,

1848.
Melanerpes cruentatus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 155, 1890;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 171, no. 1703, 1912.

Adult male. General colour glossy black, including the head,
hack, wings, tail, throat, and breast ; a line behind the eye, rump,
and upper tail-coverts white with a yellowish tinge; a yellow
nuchal collar; abdomen and a spot in the middle of the crown
red ; sides of the body, under tail-coverts, and under wing-
coverts white barred with black; inner webs of flight-quills
spotted with white; inner webs of middle tail-feathers fringed
with white towards the base.

Total length 181 mm., culmen 25, wing 113, tail 58, tarsus 18.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male only in the absence
of the red spot in the middle of the crown. Wing 111 mm.

This species is not represented in the McConnell collection, and
the descriptions are taken from specimens in the British Museum
collected by Whitely at Bartica and Takutu River—Hargitt col-
lection.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. “ It nests in holes in trees, but the nest is nearly always
inaccessible ” (Schomburgh).

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Demerara, Bartica, Kamarang River,
Takutu River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert), Brazil, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714) this
bird was distributed throughout British Guiana. It haunted isolated
trees and trees scorched by forest-fires. Is was usually met
with in pairs, and one rarely found more than one pair on the
same tree ; if others attempted to intrude they were immediately
chased away under full cry. It made its nest in holes in trees,
but the nest was nearly always inaccessible. The * Warraus ” call
it Palletute.

486 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

336. Melanerpes rubrifrons.
RED-FRONTED WOODPECKER.

Picus rubrifrons Spix, Av. Bras. i. p. 61, pl. 55. figs. 1, 2, 1824 (Para).

Melanerpes rubrifrons Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 59 (Bartica Grove, Cama-
cusa, Merumé Mts., Atapurau River); Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xvi. p. 157, 1890; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 171,
no. 1704, 1912.

Adult male. Glossy blue-black on tne upper back, wings, tail,
throat, and breast ; middle of the crown and centre of abdomen
red; sides of body, thighs, and under tail-coverts white barred
with black; lower back, ramp, and upper tail-coverts buffy-white ;
quills notched with white on the inner webs towards the base ;
middle tail-feathers edged more or less with white on the inner
web; inner webs of outer tail-feathers barred with white at the
tips.

Total length 177 mm., culmen 25, wing 111, tail 53, tarsus 19.

The male from which the description is taken was collected
at Bartica. ;

According to the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ the female differs from
the adult male in the absence of the red spot on the crown of the
head.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supenaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Kamarang River, Kamakusa, Merumé Mountains, Bartica
( Whately):

Extralimital Range. North, North-east, and East Brazil.

Habtits. Unrecerded in British Guiana.

Genus VENILIORNIS Bonap.

Veniliornis Bonaparte, Consp. Volucr. Zygod. p. 10, 1854. Type
V. sanguineus (Licht.).
In this genus the chin-angle is on a line with the anterior part
of the nostrils, and the tarsus is longer than the outer posterior
toe without claw.

VENILIORNIS. 487

Key to the Species.
A. Upper surface almost entirely uniform red ;

head and back alike ..... V. sanguineus, p. 487.
B. Upper surface not uniform ; ‘head not like the
back.
a. No collar on the hind-neck; median upper
wing-coverts uniform ...... V. passerinus, p. 488.

b. A golden- yellow collar on the ‘hind-neck,
with pale shaft-markings on the median

FIORE COV ERE ron 26) node stien s apecmasanane FV. cassini, p. 488.

337. Veniliornis sanguineus.
BLooD-COLOURED WoOOoDPECKER.

Picus sanguineus Licht. Cat. Rer. Hamb. p. 17, 1793 (Guiana).

Dendrobates sanguineus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715, 1848 ;
Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 348, 1890.

Chloronerpes sanguineus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 58.

Veniliorms sanguineus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 173,

no. 1718, 1912.

Adult male. Head, entire back, including the upper tail-coverts,
and wings bright red (vermilion), with pale sagittate markings on
the upper wing-coverts ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and
quills dark brown, with white notches on the inner webs; tail
dark brown, the outer feathers barred or edged with buffy-white ;
ear-coverts pale brown; entire under surface blackish brown
narrowly barred with white.

Total length 139 mm., culmen 18, wing 72, tail 42, tarsus 16.

The male described was collected on the Anarika River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in having the crown
of the head and nape brown with pale shaft-streaks and the under
surface paler brown. Wing 73 mm.

The female described was collected on the Abary River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Abary River, Anarika
River, Lama River (Me Connell collection).

Extralimital Range. Venezuela.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716, no, 230)
that this bird was one of the commonest of the Woodpeckers ; he
met with it everywhere. Its habits are the same as those of
the preceding species (= V. passerinus, p. 488).

485 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

338. Veniliornis passerinus.
PASSERINE WOODPECKER.

Picus passerinus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 174. 1766 (Guiana).

Dendrobates passerinus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716, 1848.

Dendrobates tephrodops Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi. p. 352,
1890 (Berbice).

Veniliornis passerinus Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 173,
no. 1722. 1912.

Adult male. Entire back and wings golden olive; bastard-
wing, primary-coverts and quills brown, the last notched with
white on the inner webs ; tail dark brown, more or less marked
with paler brown; crown of head and nape red; ear-coverts pale
brown ; entire under surface brown barred with white.

Total length 126 mm., culmen 19, wing 80, tail 43, tarsus 15.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male only in having the
crown of the head and nape brown, with pale shaft-lines to the
feathers instead of red. Wing 80mm.

The male and female described were collected at the Takutu
Mountains.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Ireng River (McConnell collection) ;
Berbice River (British Museum).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne, North and North-east Brazil.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716, no. 229)
that he found this bird throughout British Guiana. It was
generally met with in pairs, and frequented the woods and the
trees in the towns and villages. The habits are the same as those
of the other Woodpeckers.

339. Veniliornis cassini.
Casstn’s WOODPECKER.
Mesopicus cassini Malh. Picide, ii. p. 55, pl. lviii. figs. 2, 3, 1862

( Brazil).
Chloronerpes sedulus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 58.

VENILIORNIS.—CELEUS 489

Dendrobates cassini Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit Mus. xviii. p. 360, 1890
(Bartica Grove, Roraima, Merumé Mts., Takutu River).

Veniliornis cassini Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 174, no. 1731,
1912.

Adult male. Back and wings golden olive, with paler sagittate
shaft-lines to the feathers of the median upper wing-coverts ;
quills dark brown on the inner webs and notched with white ; tail-
feathers brown, irregularly marked with paler brown and notched
with white on the inner webs ; a narrow collar of golden yellow
on the hind-neck; the feathers on the crown and nape black,
tipped with red ; ear-coverts pale brown ; entire under surface
dark ‘brown, or blackish, barred with white.

Tota] length 166 mm., culmen 21, wing 91, tail 53, tarsus 18.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, of the
male from which the description is taken.

Adult female. Similar to the male, but differs in the absence of
the red tips to the feathers on the head, and in having pale
rounded spots on the median upper wing-coverts. Wing 95 mm.

The female described was collected at Bartica.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Bartica, Kamakabra
River, Abary River (Jf¢Connell collection) ; Takutu River, Mount
Roraima, Merumé Mountains, Bartica, Kamarang River ( Wihitely).

Extralimital Range. French Guiana, North-east Brazil.

Habits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Genus CELEUS Boie.
Celeus Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 542. Type C. flavescens (Gmel.).
This genus is distinguished by having the nostrils entirely
exposed and the nasal aperture rounded.

Key to the Species.

A. Larger, wing more than 120 mm.; upper

surface almost uniform, not barred ......... C. hellmayri, p. 490.
B: Smaller, wing less than 120 mm.; upper

parts particoloured, mostly barred ............ C. undatus, p. 490,

490 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

340. Celeus hellmayri.
HELLMAYR’s. WOODPECEER.

Celeus hellmayri Berlepsch, Nov. Zool, xv. p. 272, 1908 (British Guiana); .
Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 175, no. 1746, 1912.

Celeus cinnamomeus (nec Gmel.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii.
p- 715, 1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 59 (Camacusa, Bartica Grove).

Celeus reichenbachi Hargitt, Cat. B. Bnt. Mus. xviii. p. 427, 1890
(Camacusa, Bartica Grove, Quonga, Takutu River).

Adult male. General colour chestnut-brown, including the
head, neck, upper back, wings, throat, breast, and middle of the
abdomen, paler and more cinnamon on the head and elongated
nuchal crest; the feathers of the back and upper wing-coverts
have pale triangular spots on the shaft-lines ; marginal upper
wing-coverts, bastard-wing, and primary-coverts blackish, with
pale markings; inner webs of quills blackish, with rufous or
citron-yellow bars; lower back, rump, upper tail-coverts, sides of
body, under wing-coverts, and base of quill-lining citron-yellow,
more or less tinged with chestnut ; tail black ; vent and under
tail-coverts paler than the abdomen; malar patch red.

Total length 266 mm., culmen 28, wing 160, tail 97, tarsus 25.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs chiefly in
the absence of the red malar patch. Wing 160 mm.

The male described was collected on the Kamakabra River and
the female on the Warima River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Supenaam
River, Bonasika River, Abary River (McConnell collection) ;
Quonga, Takutu River, Kamarang River, Kamakusa, Bartica
( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), North-east Venezuela.

Halits. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

341. Celeus undatus.

Wavep WoopPeEckeEr.
Picus undatus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 175,1766 (Cayenne). =~
Celeus rufus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715, 1848; Salvin,

Ibis, 1886, p. 59 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.) ;
Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 430, 1890 (Takutu River).

CELEUS.—CERCHNEIPICUS. 491

Celeus undatus Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 175, no. 1749,
1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below rufous, barred on
the upper surface with black, and irregularly marked by the same
colour on the feathers of the under parts ; head and nuchal crest
paler and more cinnamon, minutely dotted with black; ear-
coverts, hinder cheeks, chin, and upper throat similar, but more
conspicuously spotted with black ; fore part of cheeks bright red ;
the feathers on the lower back more narrowly barred ; under
wing-coyerts and base of quill-lining citron-yellow.

Total length 184 mm., culmen 21, wing 108, tail 65, tarsus 17.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in the
absence of the red malar patch. Wing 113 mm.

The male described was collected on the Warima River and
the female on the Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Fags. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Ituribisi River, Supeaaam River,
Bartica, Bonasika River, Makauria River, Abary River (McConnell
collection) ; Canuku Mountains (Schomburgk); Merumé Mountains,
Kamakusa, Bartica, Kamarang River ( Whitely).

Fztralimital Range. Surinam (Penard), Cayenne (Linné), North
Brazil.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715),
this species is one of the commonest Woodpeckers in British
Guiana, especially in the Canuku Mountains. It prefers the
depths of the woods, and could always be distinguished by its loud
call.

Genus CERCHNEIPICUS Bonap.
Cerchneipicus Bonaparte, Consp. Av. Volucr. Zygod. p. 9, 1854. Type
C. tinnunculus (Wagl.).

In this genus there is a distinct nasal ridge, the nostrils are
exposed, and the nasal aperture elongated. General colour for
the most part rufous.

342. Cerchneipicus torquatus.
Rrycep Wooprecker.

Picus torquatus Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 52, 1783 (Cayenne).
Celeus multicolor Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. i. p. 715, 1848;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886. p. 59.

492 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Cerchneipicus torquatus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvii. p. 487, 1890
(Takutu River, Rupununi River) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B.S, Amer.
1. p. 176, no. 1754, 1912.

Adult male. General colour above and below chestnut-rufous
barred or marked with black; outer edge of wing, breast, fore-
neck, and collar on hind-neck uniform black ; top of head, hinder
face, and throat uniform cinnamon-rufous: some of the short
feathers surrounding the eye black; a large malar patch of red;
under tail-coverts, under wing-coverts, and base of quill-lining
uniform rufous.

Total length 267 mm., culmen 33, wing 150, tail 95, tarsus 25.

The male from which the description is taken was collected on
the Abary River.

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of the
red patch on the malar region, which is uniform in colour with
the head and throat. Wing 155 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Abary River, Essequibo River
(McConnell collection) ; Takutu River, Rupununi River ( Whitely).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert), North Brazil.

Halits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715) that he
found this Woodpecker more common in the woods near the coast
than in those of the interior.

Genus CROCOMORPHUS Hargitt.

Crocomorphus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 489, May 1890.
Type C. flavus (P. L. 8. Miil.).
In this genus there is no distinct nasal ridge, the nasal aperture
is rounded, and the general colour of the plumage is, for the most
part, yellow.

343. Crocomorphus flavus.
CHESTNUT-WINGED WoOODPECKER.

Picus flavus P. L. S. Miill. Syst. Nat. Suppl, p. 91, 1776 (Cayenne).

Celeus exalbidus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 715, 1848.

Celeus citrinus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 59.

Crocomorphus flavus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 440, 1890
(British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 176,
no. 1757, 1912.

CROCOMORPHUS.—CAMPEPHILUS. 493

Adult male. General colour above and below pale yellow ;
malar patch red; lesser upper wing-coverts brown, edged with
buffy-white ; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and outer primary
quill uniform brown, the last rufous at base of the inner web;
the remainder of the primary and secondary quills rufous except
the apical portion of some of the primaries ; tail blackish ; basal
portion of quill-lining rufous.

Total length 240 mm., culmen 26, wing 136, tail 75, tarsus 27.

Adult female. Ditters from the adult male only in the absence
of the red malar patch. Wing 131 mm.

We do not know the exact locality, in British Guiana, where
the male bird was procured, but the female was collected on the
Ituribisi River.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, [turibisi
River, Supenaam River, Lama River, Abary River (Jf¢Connell
collection).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (P. L. S. Miller), North Brazil,
Peru, Ecuador.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. ili. p. 715) that he
only met with this bird near the coast. It was a rare species, and
he only obtained a single specimen during the whole of his journey
in the Colony. Its habits and mode of life are the same as those
of other Woodpeckers.

Genus CAMPEPHILUS Gray.
Campephilus Gray, List Gen. B. p. 54, 1840. Type C. principalis
(Linn.).
This genus is distinguished by having a distinet crest, the
nostrils covered by bristly plumes, the outer posterior toe longer
than the outer anterior toe, and the tail-feathers concave.

Key to the Species.

A. Abdomen and under tail-coverts rufous

brown; inner webs of quills rufous ...... C. rubricollis, p. 494,
B. Abdomen and under tail-coverts barred

with black and white; inner webs of

GUMS WHI a. ies cee cas svecteconsterrecessesnee C. melanoleucus, p. 495.

494 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

344. Campephilus rubricollis.
RED-NECKED WOoOODPECKER.

Picus rubricollis Bodd. Tabl. Pl. Enl. p. 37, 1783 (Cayenne).

Campephilus rubricollis Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 58 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Merumé Mts.) ;
Quelch, Timehri (2) iv. p. 115, 1890 (Demerara Falls).

Campophilus rubricollis Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 467, 1890
(Bartica Grove); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 176,
no. 1760, 1912.

Adult male. Upper back, wings, and tail black, as is also a
patch on sides of breast ; inner webs of primary and secondary
quills rufous ; head, neck all round, and breast red (vermilion) ;
remainder of under surface rufous brown.

Total length 315 mm., culmen 41, wing 174, tail 114, tarsus 36.

We do not know the exaet locality, in the Colony, of the male
described.

Adult female. Similar to adult male, but differs in having a
white patch on fore part of the cheeks, which is surrounded by
a narrow black line. The female described was collected at
“ Cucuie”’ in October 1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Cucuya
River (McConnell collection) ; Canuku Mountains (Schomburgk) ;
Kamakusa, Bartica, Merumé Mountains( Whitely) ; Demerara Falls
( Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Boddaert), North Brazil,
Ecuador.

Habits. Schomburgk states (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716) that this
bird was not very common in British Guiana, though it was fairly
numerous in the Canuku Mountains. It was easily distinguished
from the other Woodpeckers by its call, which it uttered when
climbing the trunk of a tree. Its habits were the same as those
of other Woodpeckers. The “ Macusis” call it Zittang, the
« Arekunas ” Zittubera, and the “* Warraus” Yoho.

Mr. J. J. Quelch (Timehri (2) iv. p. 115) met with this species
at the Demerara Falls, and remarks :—‘‘ The loud drumming of
the Woodpeckers rung out at all hours of the day—at times so

CAMPEPHILUS. 495

loud, indeed, were the peckings of the Red-necked Woodpecker
(Campephilus rubricollis) that it was difficult to imagine their
connection.”

345. Campephilus melanoleucus.
BLACK-AND-WHITE WoOoODPECKER.

Picus melanoleucos Gmel. Syst. Nat. i. p. 426, 1788 (Surinam).

Dryocopus albirostris Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. ili. p. 716, 1848.

Campephilus melanoleucus Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 68 (Bartica Grove) ;
Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 292, 1910 (Aremu).

Campophilus melanoleucus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 470,
1890 (Takutu River); Brabourne & Chubb, B.S. Amer. i. p. 177,
no. 1762, 1912.

Adult male. Lower back, wings, and tail black like the hind-
neck, mantle, throat, and fore-neck ; a white line on each side of
the neck which divides and widens out on the sides of the scapulars,
while the narrower portion extends on to the sides of the breast ; a
double buff spot at the base of the bill; the lower portion of the
ear-coverts buffy-white, upper portion of ear-coverts black ; entire
head and sides of face bright scarlet; under wing-coverts white
or buffy-white, as is also the basal portion of the inner webs of
the quills above and below ; breast, sides of body, abdomen, and
under tail-coverts barred with blackish brown and buffy-white.

The male described was collected at Bartica, 1911.

Total length 360 mm., culmen 44, wing 200, tail 124, tarsus 26.

Adult female. Ditters from the adult male in having the fore-
head and middle of the crown black, also by the white cheeks
joining the white line on sides of neck. Wing 185 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

ange in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Bartica,
Bonasika River (McConnell collection) ; Bartica, Takutu River
(Whitely) ; Aremu River (Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Surinam (Gmelin), Trinidad, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716)
the mode of life and habits of this bird are like those of D. line-
atus ( = Ceophleus lineatus, p. 496).

We quote the following note regarding this bird from

496 BiRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 312) :—‘ What
splendid birds the Woodpeckers are—strong, active, full of
vitality and enthusiasm over life. These were big fellows, black
above, variegated on shoulders and head with white ; thickly
barred below and with a long crest of blazing scarlet.”

Genus CEOPHLEUS Cab. & Hein.
cophleus Cabanis & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv. p. 85, 1865. Type
C. scapularis (Vig.).
In this genus the chin-angle is exposed, the outer anterior toe
is longer than the outer posterior toe, and the tail is less than
two-thirds the length of the wing.

346. Ceophlceus lineatus.
LINEATED WOODPECKER.

Picus lineatus Linn. Syst. Nat. 12th ed. i. p. 174, 1766 (Cayenne).

Dryocopus lineatus Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716, 1848 ;
Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p. 58 (Bartica Grove, Camacusa, Roraima,
3500 ft.) ; Lloyd Price, Timehri (2) v. p. 66, 1891.

Ceophleus lineatus Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 508, 1890
(Camacusa, Bartica Grove); Beebe, Our Search for a Wilderness,
p- 200, 1910 (Hoorie) ; Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 177,
no. 1770, 1912.

Adult male. Back, wings, and tail black, outer edges of scapular
feathers white ; a line of white running from the base of the bill
down sides of neck and extending on the sides of breast ; crown of
head and nape, as also the malar patch, bright scarlet; a patch of
grey behind the eye ; throat white with black shaft-streaks to the
feathers; a line of black which joins the malar patch uniting with
the black on the fore-neck and chest; remainder of under surface
white barred with black ; under wing-coverts white, as is also the
basal portion of the quill-lining.

The male and female described were collected in Demerara.

Total length 340 mm., culmen 37, wing 185, tail 130, tarsus 30.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male, but differs in the
absence of the red malar patch and in having the fore part of
the head black instead of scarlet, as in the male. Wing 198 mm.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

CEOPHL®US.—PICUMNUS, 497

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undeseribed from British Guiana.

Range tn British Guana. Demerara (McConnell collection);
Mount Roraima, Kamakusa, Bartica (Whitely); Hoorie River
(Beebe).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne (Linné), Trinidad, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Central America.

Habits. According to Schomburgk (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 716)
this bird is one of the commonest in British Guiana. Its tapping
and hammering are heard by the traveller wherever he goes. The
noise is similar to that produced by the strike of an axe and so
loud that one can scarcely believe it to be made bya bird. It
always flies in pairs. It nestsin the holes of trees. The “ Warraus”
eall it Haehae and the “ Macusis” Etubarra.

Mr. Lloyd Price, writing on the nests and eggs of some Guiana
birds, remarks (Timebri (2) v. p. 66) :—‘“‘ A large Black-and-
White Woodpecker with a scarlet crest, called by the ‘Creoles’
the Carpenter-bird (Dryocopus lineatus) will attract attention.
The noise these birds make while searching for insects by tapping
the trunk and branches of dry trees is, when first heard, quite
startling, and can be noticed a great distance away.”

Mr. Beebe (Our Search for a Wilderness, p. 200) writes :—
“A splendid Woodpecker—the Guiana Ivory-bill, close kin to
our Iyory-bill of the Florida swamps. Imaginea big Woodpecker
with dark brown back, wings, and tail, while the long erect crest,
head, neck, and breast are bright scarlet, shading into rich rufous
on the underparts.”

Genus PICUMNUS Temm.
Picumnus Temminck, Pl. Col. iv. Livr. 62, 1829. Type P. minutus
(Linn.).
The members of this genus are very small and have the tail
soft, the shafts of the feathers not stiffened, and the nasal aperture
concealed by dense bristles.

Key to the Species.

A. Under surface black barred with white .., P. macconnelli, p. 498.
B. Under surface dull white with dark brown

RIE cs gab awnndbadbaeeksNensuadsSdcaesinssscsss-e 2. Qplaogaater, p. 498;
C. Under surface greenish yellow barred with
Pace OER. Cpeiiina cari insiiessvisdass P. undulatus, p. 499.

2K

498 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

347. Picumnus macconnelli.
McConneE.u’s PIcu.et.
(Plate X. fig. 1.)

Picumnus macconelli Sharpe, Bull. Brit. Orn. Club, xii. p. 4, 1901
(British Guiana); Brabourne & Chubb, B. S. Amer. i. p. 179,
no. 1783, 1912.

Adult male. Back and wings pale earth-brown, some of the
feathers tipped and edged with white ; tail-feathers black margined
with white ; fore part of head red, nape black, some of the feathers
fringed, and others minutely spotted, with white; under surface
white narrowly banded with black.

Total length 98 mm., culmen 12, wing 54, tail 33, tarsus 13.

The description of the male is taken from one of the typical
specimens from the Upper Takutu Mountains,

Breeding-season. Unknown.

Nest. Unrecorded.

Eygs. Undescribed.

Range. Confined to British Guiana: Upper Takutu Mountains,
Ireng River (McConnell collection).

Habits. Unknown.

348. Picumnus spilogaster.
SUNDEVALL’s PICULET.
Picumnus spilogaster Sundev. Consp. Av. Picin. p. 100, 1866 (Guiana) ;
Hargitt, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 532, 1890; Quelch, Timehri
(2) v. p. 98, 1891 (Botanic Gardens, Georgetown) ; Brabourne &
Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 179, no. 1784, 1912.

Adult male. Back and wings earth-brown with pale tips and
edzings to some of the feathers ; tail black, some of the feathers
edged with white; head black, the feathers on the fore part
tipped with red and on the hinder portion tipped with white; under
surface of body dull white, with a tinge of buff on the abdomen,
under tail-coverts, and under wing-coverts ; throat and fore-neck
barred with black, and small ovate spots of black on the breast
and sides of the body ; inner edges of quills below white.

Total length 97 mm., culmen 12, wing 58, tail 31, tarsus 9.

The description of the male is taken from an example col-
lected on the Warima Riyer.

Birds of British Guiana. Ver oPiok:

/. Piceunnus macconnelle.
Me Connells Piculet.
2&3. Picumnus undulatus Jd Q-
Undulated Piculet.

ass

Ge
-

PICUMNUS. 499

Adult female. Differs from the adult male in the absence of red
on the fore part of the head, which is black with minute spots of
white. Wing 54 mm.

The female described was collected on the Ituribisi River.

The young male differs from the adults in having the head
uniform dark brown.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

F-ggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Upper Takutu Mountains, Ituribisi
River, Supenaam River, Bartica, Bonasika River, Abary River
(McConnell collection) ; Georgetown (Quelch).

Extralimital Range. Confined to Guiana.

Habits. Mr. J.J. Quelch, who observed this bird in Georgetown,
remarks (Timehri (2) v. p. 93):—‘*Thus among the great
oronaque trees in the Botanic Gardens, a small Woodpecker
(Picumnus spilogaster) will almost always be seen, jumping about
from branch to branch, and climbing up and around, tapping the
bark with their little bills, making the characteristic sound of the
Woodpecker’s knock, though much fainter than that made by
the ordinary members of the group.”

349. Picumnus undulatus.

UNpDULAYED PICULET.
(Plate X. figs. 2, 3.)

Picumnus undulatus Hargitt, Ibis, 1889, p. 354 (Roraima); id. Cat.
B. Brit. Mus. xviii. p. 543, 1890 (Merumé Mts., Camacusa) ;
Brabourne & Chubb, B. 8. Amer. i. p. 180, no. 1799, 1912.

Picumnus minutus (nec Linn.), Cab. in Schomb. Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714,
1848; Salvin, Ibis, 1886, p.57 (Camacusa, Merumé Mts., Roraima,
3500 to 4000 ft.).

Adult male. Back and wings olive-brown with dark spots and
yellowish edgings to the feathers, on some of the lesser upper
wing-coverts the edgings are almost white ; primary-coverts and
quills brown ; the innermost secondaries, which are like the back,
are edged with yellowish on the outer webs; tail blackish,
some of the feathers margined with white or yellowish white ;
crown of head black, the feathers on the fore part tipped with red,
and those on the hinder crown and nape minutely spotted with

2K2

500 BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA.

white; throat and remainder of the under surface yellowish white
barred with dark brown, the bars very narrow on the throat,
becoming broader on the breast and abdomen ; under wing-coverts
dull white.

Total length 88 mm., culmen 7, wing 60, tail 22, tarsus 10.

Adult female. Similar to the adult male and differs only in the
absence of the red on the fore part of the head. Wing 57 mm.

The male and female from which the descriptions are taken
were collected by Mr. McConnell at Mount Roraima in October
1898.

Breeding-season. Unknown in British Guiana.

Nest. Unrecorded in British Guiana.

Eggs. Undescribed from British Guiana.

Range in British Guiana. Mount Roraima (Me Connell collection) ;
near the coast (Schomburgk).

Extralimital Range. Cayenne.

Habits. Schomburgk mentions (Reis. Guian. iii. p. 714) this bird
as the smallest species of Pzeus found in British Guiana, It
appeared to be common and gregarious near the coast, but prefers
its own company in the woods. It also inhabits gardens and
plantations, and is a partial or local migrant. Like the larger
species of Woodpeckers, it nests in the holes of tree-trunks.

ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA.

Page 109, line 21 from the top, Hgialitis should read Afgialilis.
197, line 17 from the top should read— Habits. Unrecorded

in British Guiana.

5, 202, line 5 from the bottom. Lord Rothschild is of opinion
that Fregata minor should be replaced by J’regata magni-
ficus rethschildi Math.

(For further details and discussions on this form, see
Mathews, B. Austr. iv. part 3, p. 280.)
», 204, line 7 from the top, (Guiana) should read (Jamaica).
,, 206, between lines 7 and 8 from the bottom, add—
Kina VULTURE.
.. 213, between lines 11 and 12 from the bottom, add—
AUDUBON’S CARACARA.
,, 213, between lines 19 and 20 from the bottom, add—

Order ACCIPITRIFORMES.
Family FALCONID AS.
215, between lines 14 and 15 from the top, add—

Key to the Species.

A. Base of tail white; ventand under tail-coverts

Nn ode Keentell pane < Aare ph GE Leave aks ey cuhea I, ater, p. 215.
B. Base of tail black; vent and under tail-coverts
URULUNN: onc td erties exe uh oe caekasaoueuemene tai aden xcs I. americana, p. 216

Page 234, line 15 from the top, “2. erythronotus should read
B. erythronotus.
,, 265, line 21 from the top, for at Mahaicoy read on the

Mahaicoy River,

ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA.

Page 295, add—We find on further research that Straw perlata
Licht. Verz. Doubl. p. 59, 1823, is pre-occupied by Strix
perlata Vieill. N. Dict. d’Hist. Nat. vii. p. 26, 1816,
which is an African bird. Griffith and Pidgeon, how-
ever, in Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom, Aves, i. p. 75, 1829,
proposed Stria tuidara for S. perlata Licht. (nee Vieill.).
The species, therefore, will stand as—

Tyto tuidara (Griff. & Pidg.).
», 367, between lines 10 and 11 from the bottom, add—
SPorreD-TAILeED Niaut-Hawk.

», 997, between lines 19 and 20 from the top, add—
(Plate VIII. figs. 3, 4).

INDEX,

abbreviatus, Buteo, 232.

, Tachytriorchis, 232.

Acanthylis brachyura, 371.

collaris, 371..

—— spinicauda, 372.

Accipiter, 227.

bicolor, 228, 229.

— nisus, 227.

superciliosus, 227,

tinus, 227, 228.

accipitrinus, Deroptyus, 332, 333, 334,

Actitis, 123.

hypoleucos, 123,

macularia, 124.

acutipennis, Chordeiles, 358.

adspersus, Crypturus, 16,

—— simplex, Crypturus, 16.

Egialitis collaris, 110, 111.

semipalmata, ]09.

—— semipalmatus, 109, xv.

—— wilsonia, 108, 109.

wgyptiacus, Alopochen, 192,

znea, Alcedo, 350.

——, Ceryle, 350.

, Chloroceryle, 347, 350.

wquinoctialis, Buteogallus, 230, 244,
245, 246.

——, Falco, 244.

wruginosa, Aratinga, 306, 310,

wruginosus, Circus, 218.

, Conurus, 309.

, Psittacus, 309.

sestiva, Amazona, 334.

wstivus, l’sittacus, 320.

/Eta Parrot, 304, 305.

. , Little Green, 305, 306.

Agami Heron, 168, 169.

agami, Ardea, 168.

, Doriponus, 168.

Agamia agami, 168,

Agapeta, 419.

Agapetornis gularis, 419.

Agyrtria, 399.

chionopectus, 397, 398.

—— fimbriata, 396,

leucogaster, 396, 398,

niveipectus, 397.

tobaci, 595.

—— viridissima, 396,

Agyrtria whitelyi, 397.
Agyrtrina, 395,

fimbriata, 395.

—— lencogaster, 395, 396.
whitelyi, 395, 397.
Abhaesimu, 455.

Ajaia, 152.

ajaja, 152.

Ajaja ajaja, 152, 154.

ajaja, Ajaia, 152.

, Ajaja, 152.

, Platalea, 152, 154.
Ajaking, 240.

Aku, 69.

alba, Ciconia, 159.

, Tyto, 294.
albicaudatus, Buteo, 231.

, Tachytriorchis, 231.
albicineta, Cheetura, 370, 371,
, Hemiprocne, 371.
albicollis, Caprimulgus, 363.
, Falco, 250.

—, Ibis, 146.

——,, Leucopternis, 240, 252.
—., Nyctidromus, 363,
—, Porzana, 71, 72.

——, Urubitinga, 250.
albigularis, Brachygalba, 470,
, Falco, 277.

albilinea, Columba, 37, 39.
albirostris, Dryocopus, 495,
———, Galbula, 466, 469.
albiventris, Galbula, 468, 470.
albolineata, Columba, 39.
albonotatus, Buteo, 232.
Alcedo senea, 350.

aleyon, 344.

—— amazona, 348.
americana, 348.

aurea, 471.

bicolor, 349.

—— dea, 464.

galbula, 466.

inda, 349.

superciliosa, 350,

—— torquata, 345,

aleyon, Alcedo, 344.

-——, Ceryle, 344.

alector, Crax, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23.

5302 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

All-green Parrot, 317.

Alopochen, 192.

—— zxgyptiacus, 192.
jubata, 192,

Amaurolimnas, 69.
concolor, 69.
Amazilia cupreicauda, 398.
Amazon, Dufresne’s, 32d.
, Festive, 327.
——, Mealy, 319.
, vellow-headed, 322.
Parrot, Yellow-fronted, 322, 324..-
Amazona, 319.
sestiva, 334.
amazonica, 319, 320, 321, 324.
—— bodini, 319, 326, 327.
dufresniana, 319, 325.
farinosa, 319.
festiva, 319, 327.
— ochrocephala, 319, 322.
pulverulenta, 319.
amazona, Alcedu, 348,
——, Ceryle, 348.
, Chloroceryle, 347, 348.
amazonica, Amazona, 319, 320, 321,
324.

_ Chrysotis, 321, 322.
American Darter, 199.
Egret, 162, 163, 164.
Golden Plover, 106, 107.
—— Lapwing, 102.
—— Osprey, 281.
Pewit, 102.
— Waterhen, 77.
Whimbrel, 115,114. >
americana, Alcedo, 348.

, Ceryle, 348.
——-, Chloroceryle, 347, 348, 349.
——.,, lbycter, 218.

——, Mycteria, 154, 157, 158, 160.
americanus, Coceyzus, 435, 437, 438.
, Cuculus, 437.
——,, Falco, 216.
, Lbycter, 215, 216, 217, xv.
Amethyst, 424.

amethystina, Calliphlox, 423, 424.
amethystinus, Trochilus, 424.
Ampullaria guianensis, 160.
papyracea, 160.

Amututtu, 79.

anais, Trochilus, 406.
Anas bahamensis, 194.
brasiliensis, 193.
— discors, 295.
dominica, 196,
moschata, ] 86.

anglica, Gelochelidon, 88.
Anhinga, 197, 199.

: anhinga, 199.
anhinga, Anhinga, 199.
, Plotius, 199.
—. Plotus, 199, 200.
Ani Cuckoo or Old Witch, 219.

Ani Cuckoos, 241.

. Common, 446.

, Great, 448.

. Smooth-billed, 448.

ani, Crotophaga, 219, 241, 446, 447.
Anna, 51, 54.

Anthocephala, 413.
Anthoscenus, 421,
longirostris, 421.
superba, 422.

superbus, 422.
anthracina, Urubitinga, 246, 248, 249,
anthracinus, Hypomorplnus, 248.
Anthracothorax, 409.
yiolicauda, 410.
viridigula, 409, 411.
antillarum, Sterna, 91.
Antrostomus nigrescens, 569.
whitelyi, 568.

Apahaera, 301.

Aplomado Falcon, 276.
Apohuima, 299.

Apple-snails, 160.

aguaticus, Rallus, 66.

aquila, Fregata, 202.

, Tachypetes, 202.
aquilinus, Ibycter, 216.

Ara, 296.

aracanga, 298, 299.

—— ararauna, 296, 297, 299.
chloroptera, 296, 301, 302.
— hahni, 296, 305, 306.
— macao, 296, 298, 299, 301, 302.
macavuana, 304, 305.
macuruanna, 304.

—— manilata, 296, 304.
severa, 296, 303.
aracanga, Ara, 298, 299.

, Macrocercus, 299, 302.
Aragari, Green, 459.

; Mount Roraima, 458.

, Whitely’s, 462.

aracari, Pteroglossus, 457, 458.
Aracaris, Black-banded, 459.
Aramides, 66.

axillaris, 67.

—— cajanea, 67, 68.

cayanea, 68.

—— cayennensis, 66, 68.
Aramus, 141.

scolopaceus, 141, 142.
ararauna, Ara, 296, 297, 299.
, Macrocercus, 297.

. Psittacns, 297.
Aratinga, 306.

zruginosa, 306, 310.
aurea, 396, 311.

—— guarouba, 306.
leucophthalma, 306, 309.
solstitialis, 306, 307.
arauna, Macrocercus, 302.
arcuata, Dendrocygna, 188.
Ardea, 161.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Ardea agami, 168,
— cerulea, 166.
—— exrulescens, 166. 168.

—— candidissima, 130, 151, 164, 165.

cinerea, 161.

—— cocoi, 161.

—— eyanura, 176, 177.
cyanurus, 175.
egretta, 162.
leucogaster, 167.
luce, 163.

nevia, 164.

—— scapularis, 175.
tricolor, 167.
Ardetta erythromelas, 179.
exilis, 179.

—— involucris, 179.
Arenaria, 98,

——— interpres, 98.
morinella, 98.
arenaria, Calidris, 128.
arquatus, Numenius, 111.
Asiatic Plover, 107.
Asio, 283.

clamsator, 283.
mexicanus, 283,

jardinei, 226.

— mirandollei, 221.
—— palumbarius, 225.
poliogaster, 226, 227.
Asturina, 237.

cinerea, 237.

—— magnirostris, 239, 210, 241.

melanops, 251.
——- mids, 237, 238.
pecilonota, 250.
atala, Chlorostilbon, 403, 404.
ater, Daptrius, 215.

, Ibycter, 215, xv.
Athene cunicularia, 292.
lineata, 291.

—— passerinoides, 293,
torquata, 286.

atra, Monasa, 477.

atrata, Catharista, 165, 209, 211.

-——, Cathartes, 211.
atratus, Catharistes, 208,
, Cathartes, 208.
atricilla, Larus, 95.
——, Xema, 95.
atricollis, Trogon, 433.
Audubon’s Caracara, xv.
augusti, Phaéthornis, 382, 384.
Aulacorhampbus, 462.
suleatus, 462.
whitelyanus, 462.
aura, Catharista, 212.

213.

aurantius, Faleo, 272, 277, 278, 279.

, Cathartes, 208, 209, 211, 212,

aurea, Alcedo, 471.

, Aratinga, 306, 311.

, Jacamerops, 471.
aureus, Conurus, 310.

, Psittacus, 310
auriculatus, Trochilus, 421.
aurita, Heliothrix, 420, 421.
auritus, Heliothrix, 420, 4271.
autumnalis, Dendroeygna, 190.
Avyocettula, 408.
recurvirostris, 408.
axillaris, Aramides, 67.
aymara, Bolborhynchus, 314.
azarez, Charadrius, 110.

Baby-bird, 456.

Bahama Pintail, 194.
btahamensis, Anas, 194.

, Dafila, 194.

——., Pecilonetta, 194.
bakkameena, Otus, 287.
Barbed-throat, White-tailed, 380.
Barbet, Black-spotted, 450.
, Red-billed, 477, 478.
, Swallow-winged, 479.
Barbets, 449.

Baridie Hawk, 277, 278.
Barn-Owl, Brazilian, 295.

, Guiana, xy.
Bartramia, 125.
longicauda, 125.
Bartram’s Sandpiper, 125.
Baryphthengus, 351.
batayvica, Psittaca, 336.
——.,, Touit, 336.
Bat-Faleon, White-throated, 277.
Behesurae, 33.
Belonopterus, 101.

——- eayennensis, 101.
Belted Kingfisher, 344.
bicolor, Accipiter, 228, 229.
——., Aleedo, 349.

, Sparvius, 228.
bidentatus, Falco, 273.

, Harpagus, 272, 273.
Big-chicken Hawk, 231, 232.
Big Witch, 448, 449.

Big Yellowshanks, 121.
Bill-Birds, 456.

Bisam or Turkish Duck, 187, 188.

Bishop Hermit, 388.
bistriatus, Burhinus, 139.

, CEdienemus, 139.
bitorquatus, Pteroglossus, 461.
Bittern, 177.

— , Chestnut-backed, 179.
——., European, 182.

——, Pinnated, 181.

——. Tiger, 177.

, Zigzag, 189.

Black Buzzard, 233.
Chicken-Hawk, 246, 247.

SOL ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Black Hawk, 246, 247.

Hawks, 241.

Puff-btird, 477.

—— Swift, 375,

—— YVnuilture, 208.

— Vultures, 207. 211.
Black-and-White Hawk, 246.
Hawk-Eagle, 258,
Woodpecker, 495, 497.
Black-banded Aracaris, 459.
Black-barred Harrier-Hawk, 222.
Black-bellied Cuekoo, 441.
Black-billed Cuckoo, 437.
dacamar, 470.

—— Little Tern, 91.
Black-breasted Crowned Eagle. 260
Black-breasts, 105, 106.
Black-collared Hawk, 243.
Black-faced Chicken-Hawk. 261.
— Hawk, 25].

Black-headed Buzzard, 244, 246.
—— Turkey-Buzzard, 209, 210.
Black-necked Bazzar, 244.
Stile, 111.

Black-spotted Barbet, 450.
Black-tailed Skimmer, 93, 94.
Trogon, 430.
Black-throated Trogon, 433.
Blood-coloured Woodpecker, 487.
Bine Moorhen, 78.

Qnaak, 171.

—— Sparrow-Hawk, 224. 225,
— linamon, 2.

Blne-and-red Macaw, 302.
Blue-and-White Seissor-tail Hawk. 265,

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, 297, 259.
Blue-chinned Sapphire, 401, 402.
Blue-fronted Lance-bill, 378.
Blue-headed Parrots, 330.
Blue-winged Parrakeet, 315,
Parrot, 311.

—— Teal, 195.

Boat-hill, 173.

bodini, Amazona, 319, 326, 327.
——,, Chrysotis, 326, 327.
Bokoba, 293.

Bolborbynchus. 314,

aymara, 314.

——— panychblorus, 314. .
Bonaparte’s Green Woodpecker, 482.
—— Sandpiper, 130.

Booby, White-bellied, 201.
borealis, Numenius, 112, 114.
Botaurus, 181.

—— lentiginosus, 181, 182.
—— pinnatus, 181.

— stellaris, 181, 182.
bourcieri, Phaéhornis, 382, 385.
, Trochilus, 285.

Bourcier’s Hermit, 385.
Bowclorou, 433.

Brabournea, 394.

—— taczanowskii, 394,

Brachygalha, 470.

albigularis, 470.

—- lugubris, 470.
Brachypetes tenebrosa, 479.
brachyptera, Spectyto, 292.
brachypterus, Faleo, 221.
—, Mierastur, 220, 221.
——., Pyrrhococecyx, 441, 442.
brachyrhynchus, Podiceps, 83.
, Tachybaptus, 83.
brachyura, Acanthylis, 371.

, Buteola, 256, 237.
—., Cbhztura, 370. 371, 372.
brachyurus, Buteo, 236.
bracteatus, Nyctibius, 354.
brasilianus, Halieus, 198.
——, Seops, 288, 289.

Re ee Nettion, 193.
——.,, Tigrisoma, 177.
brasiliensis, Anas, 193.

— , Momotus, 352, 353.
——, Querquedula, 193.
Brazilian Barn-Owl, 295.
— cies 198.

oe le, 246.

se aren Macaw, 303.

brazilianus, Phalacrocorax, 198.
braziliersis, Gallinago, 132, 153.
, Trochilus, 380.
brevirostris, Charadrius, 109.
Brilliant, Yelluw-cheeked, 419.
Broad-shafted Sabre-wiag, 290.
Brotogeris, 317, 319.
cbrysopterus, 317, 318.
—— pyrrhopterus, 317.

—— tiriea, 311, 317.
Brotogerys chrysoptera, 318.
chrysopterus. 318.

—— panychloris, 314.

—— tiriacula. 317,

—— tiriea, 317.

Brown Cuckoo, 443.

—— Pelican, 204.

—— Violet-Ear, 407.
Brown-throated Parrot, 309.
Bubo, 284.

bubo, 284.

clamator, 283.

ee scotinus, sar

—— virginianus,

bubo, Bubo, 284.

Bucco, 472.

capensis, 472, 473.
— collaris, 473.

— fuseus, 476.

— macrorhynchus, 472, 473.
—— niger, 450.

—— tamatia, 472, 475.
tectus, 472, 474.
Bucktown Spurwing, 102, —
buffoni, Circus, 218,

. Faleo, 218,

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 505

Bultata, 216, 217.

Burhinus bistriatus, 139.
Burrowing Owl, Shurt-winged, 292.
Busarellus, 242.

—— nigricollis, 250, 242, 245, 246.
busarellus, Iebthyoborns, 243.
Bush Carrion Crows, 216, 217.
Curi-Curi, 143.

buson, Hypomorphnus, 244.
Buteo, 235.

abbreviatus, 232.
albicaudatus, 231.
albonotatus, 232.

—— brachyurus, 236,

buteo, 233.

erythronotus, 253, 234, xv.
— harlani, 232.

—— hypospodius, 253, 235.
melanvleneus, 258.
polionotus, 249.

—— pterocles, 251, 232.

—— unicolor, 232, 233, 234, 235.
buteo, Buteo, 233.

Buteogallus, 244.

zequinoctialis, 230, 244, 245, 246.
Buteola, 236.

brachyura, 236, 237.
Butorides, 175.

javanica, 175.

striata, 175, 176.

Buzzard, Black, 253.

——, Black-headed, 244, 246.
—., Black-necked, 244.

— , Equinoctial, 244.

——., Great-billed, 239, 241, 278.
——, Great-winged Red, 23v.
——., Grey-barred, 258.

——. Grey-bellied, 235.

—, Short-tailed, 236.

——, White-fronted, 237.

——, White-headed, 245, 244.
——, White-necked, 243, 244.
—., White-tailed, 231.

—., Zune-tailed, 232.

eachinnans, Falco, 261.

——, Herpethotheres, 261, 262.
cerulea, Ardea, 166.

, Eucephala, 402.

-— ., Florida, 165, 166, 168.
cxrulescens, Ardea, 166, 168.

- —, Geranospizias, 224, 2.8.

, Sparvius, 224.

ceruleus, Elanus, 269.

Caica histrio, 334.

—— marxiwiliani, 329.
melanocephalus, 339, 340.
Caica Parrot, 334.

caica, Pionopsitta, 334, 335.

, Psittacus, 334.

Cairina, 186.

moschata, 186, 188.
Calau-Calau, 217.

Calidris, 137.

—— arenaria, 128.

—-— leucophxa, 127, 128.
Calliphlox, 423.

amethystina, 423, 424.
Campephilus, 493.
melanoleneus, 431, 493, 495.
principalis, 493.
rubricollis, 493, 494, 495.
Campophilus rubricollis, 493, 494.
Campylopterus, 389.
hyperythrus, 390, 391.
—— largipennis. 389, 390, 391.
latipennis, 390.

Cancroma eochlearia, 173. 174.
eandidissima, Ardea, 150, 151, 164, 163.
——.,, Egretta, 164.

, Leucophoyx, 164.
eanicularis, Conurus, 310.
Canje, 51.

Pheasant, 54,

canus, Larus, $4.

, frachypelmus, 2.
Canutus, 131.

canutus, 131.

rufus, 127, 131.

eanutus, Canutus, 131.

——, Tringa, 127, 131, 132.
capensis, Bucco, 472, 473.
eapistratus, Chloronerpes, 481, 452.
, Chrysopicus, 482.
Capito, 450.

—— cayennensis, 450.

niger, 490.

Capped Heron, 174.
Caprimulgus, 367.

albicollis, 363.

—— cayennensis, 305.

—— decussatus, 366.
europeus, 367.

— grandis, 397.

griseus, 305.

leucopygus, 360.

— longicaudatus, 354, 356.
—— maculicaudus, 367.

— nacunda, 360.

nigrescens, 369.

—— whitelyi, 368.

Caracara, Audubon’s, xv.

——.,, Red-throated, 126.

——., Yellow-headed, 217.

. Yellow-throated, 215.
Cara-carari, 214.

Caracaras, White-headed, 217, 218.
Caracca, 214.

Caraow, 141.

Cararauma, 299.

Cararawa, 298.

carbo, Phalacrocorax, 197.
Carina moschata, 186.
caripensis, Steatornis, 341, 342,
Carolina Crake, 71.

carolina, Porzana, 71.
carolinensis, Falco, 281.

506 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

carolinensis, Haliaétus, 281,
, Pandion, 281.
Carpenter-bird, 497.
Carrion Crows, 209, 211, 212, 213.
—, Bush, 216, 217.

, Red-headed, 212.
Vulture, 165.
Casmerodius, 162.

egretta, 162.

Cassicus persicus, 242,
cassini, Dendrobates, 489.

, Mesopicus, 488.

, Veniliornis, 487, 488, 489.
Cassin’s Barred Hawk, 223.
Woodpecker, 488.
Catharista, 208.

atrata, 165, 209, 211.
aura 212.

— fcetens, 208.

urubu, 209.
Catharistes atratus, 208.
Cathartes, 207, 208, 211.
atrata, 211.

atratus, 208.

aura, 208, 209, 211, 212, 213,
—— fetens, 208, 209.

— iota, 212.

-—— papa. 206,

—— pernigra, 212, 213.
ruficollis, 211, 212.
urubitinga, 211, 212.
Catoptrophorus, 118, 119.
semipalmatus, 118.
caudatus, Theristicus, 146.
cayana, Piaya, 439, 440, 441.
cayanea, Aramides, 68.
Cayenne Crake, 74.

—— Guan, 28,

— Hermit, 383.

——— This, 147.

— Kite, 268.

Lapwing, 101.

— Night-Hawk, 365,
Putf-bird, 474.

—— Snipe, 134.

Spotted Puff-bird, 475.
— Swift, 376.
Wood-Rail, 68.
cayenn2nsis, Aramides, 66, 68.
, Belonopterus, i01.
——, Capito, 450.

, Caprimulgus, 365,
——, Creciscus, 75.

——, Harpiprion, 147.
——, Hirundo, 376.

——, Ibis, 147.

——., Leptodon, 268.

—, Odontriorchis, 268.
——., Ortygarchus, 68.
——, Panyptila, 376.

===, Porzana, 13.

——, Stenopsis, 364, 365.
— _, Thermochalcis, 364, 365.

cayennensis, Vanellus, 101, 102.
cayanus, Cuculus, 469.

, Holopterus, 101, 109.
, Hoploxypterus, 100.
Celeus, 489.

cinnamomens, 490,
citrinus, 492.
exalbidus, 492.

— flavescens, 489.
hellinayri, 489, 490.
— multicolor, 491].
reicheubachi, 490.
rufus, 490,

undatus, 489, 490, 491.
Centurus hirundinaceus, 485.
Ceophleus, 496.

lineatus, 495, 496,
scapularis, 496.
Cerchneipicus, 491.
tinnunculus, 491.
torquatus, 491.
Cerchneis, 279.

—— isabellina, 279, 280.
ruficollis, 279.
sparverius, 279.
Cercibis, 149.

oxycercus, 149.

Ceryle xnea, 350.

—— aleyon, 344.

amazona, 348.
americana, 348.

inda, 349.
superciliosa, 350.

Chetura, 370.

albicineta, 370, 371.
brachyura, 370, 371, 372.
cinereiventris, 373.
—— guianensis, 370, 373.
pelagica, 370.

poliura, 371.

rutila, 374.

spinicauda, 370, 372, 373.
zonaris, 371. '
Chamepelia griseola, 43, 45.
— minuta, 43.

—— passerina, 42, 43, 45.
talpacoti, 44.
Chanticleer, 29.

Charadrius, 107.

azarze, 110.

brevirostris, 109.

— collaris, 108, 110.
crassirostris, 108.
dominicus, 105.

——- hiaticola, 107.
semipalmata, 109.
semipalmatus, 108, 109.
virginianus, 105, 109.
virginicus, 105, 106.
——— wilsoni, 108.

Chekeeda, 478.

Chelidoptera, 472, 478.

torquata, 345, 346, 347, 349, 350.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Chelidoptera tenebrosa, 478.
Chenalopex jubata, 193.
jubatus, 192.
cheriway, Falco, 213,

, Polyborus, 213.
Chestnut Cuckoo, 439.
-backed Bittern, 179.

, Black, 246, 247.

—, Black-faced, 261.

, Grey, 239, 241.

chilensis, Megalestris. 96.
chimachima, Ibycter, 217.
——., Milvaco, 217, 218.

, Polyborus, 217.
Chimachimasg, 218.
chionopectus, Agyrtria, 397, 508.
Chlorestes, 401.

cyanogenys, 401.

notatus, 401, 402.
chloriceps, Simonula, 413.
Chloroceryle, 347.

senea, 347, 350.

amazona, 347, 348.
americana, 347, 348, 349.
—— inda, 347, 549.
Cbloronerpes, 481.

capistratus, 481, 482.
chrysocephalus, 482.

— flavigula, 481, 452, 483.
flavigularis, 485.
rubiginosus, 481, 483.
—— sanguineus, 487,

sedulus, 488.

chloropoda, Phaéthusa, 87.
chloroptera, Ara, 296, 301, 302.
chloropus, Gallinula, 76.
Chlorostilbon, 403.

— atala, 403, 404.

prasinus, 403.

—— pucherani, 403.
subfurcatus, 403.

choliba, Scops, 288.
Chondrohierax, 267.

palliatus, 267, 268.
uncinatus, 267.
Chordeiles, 357.

— acutipennie, 358.

—— pusillus, 359.

virginianus, 357.

Chough, 175, 176.

Chow, 175.

chrysobronchos, Trochilus, 415,
Chrysobronebus virescens, 415, 416,
viridissimus, 414.
chrysobronchus, Polytmus, 415.
chrysocephalus, Chloronerpes, 483.
Chrysolampis, 412.

elatus, 412.

moschitus, 412, 413.
Chrysopicus capistratus, 482.
chrysoptera, Brotogerys, 518.

chrysopterus, Brotogeris, 517, 318.
, Brotogerys, 318,

, Psittacus, 318.

Chrysotis amazonica, 321, 322.
bodini, 326, 327.

—— ceeligena, 325.
dufresniana, 325, 326,
—— farinosa, 319, 320.

—— festiva, 327.
ochrocephala, 322, 324, 325.
Chrysuronia, 401.

Chrysurus, 401.

Ciccaba, 290.

hubula, 290, 291.

—— superciliaris, 290, 291,
macconnelli, 200.
Ciconia alba, 159.

ciconia, 173.

maguari, 157.

ciconia, Ciconia, 173.
cinerascens, Rhynehops, 93,
cinerea, Ardea, 161.

, Asturina, 237.

, Peristera, 46.
cinereiventris, Chaetura, 375,
Cinereous Dove, 46.

Tinamou, 9.

cinereus, Crypturus, 7, 8, 9.
cingulata, Urochroma, 336, 3°37.
cinnamomeus, Celeus, 490.
Circus, 218, 220.

seruginosus, 218,

buffoni, 218.

maculosus, 218, 219.
citrinus, Celeus, 492.

clamator, Asio, 283.

, Bubo, 283.

Claravis, 46.

pretiosa, 46.

Claudia, 375.

squamata, 376.
Climacocercus concentricus, 222.
Coceygus americanus, 438.
helviventris, 436.
melanocoryphus, 437.
minor, 436,

Coccyzus, 435.

americanus, 435, 437, 438.
— euleri, 435, 438.

-—— melacoryphus, 435, 437.
melanocoryphus, 437.
minor, 435, 436.
cochlearia, Cancroma, 173, 174.
Cochlearius, 172.

cochlearius, 172, 173.
cochlearius, Cochlearius, 172, 173.
cocoi, Ardea, 161.

celigena, Chrysotis, 325,
Collared Harrier-Hawk, 221,
—— Puff-bird, 473.

collaris, Acanthylis, 371.

—, Agialitis, 110, 111.

——, Bucco, 4738.

507

508 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

collaris, Charadrius, 108, 110,
Colombian Goatsucker, 3d4.
Columha, 36,

albilinea, 37, 39,
albolineata, 39,

— cenas, 36.

— pluimbea, 40.

—— purpureotincta, 37, 40.
rufina, 37, 38.

speciosa, 37, 39.

yinacea, 40.
Columbigallina rufipennis, 45.
Columbina, 41.

grisea, 42, 43,

griseola, 42.

rufipennis, 42, 45.
strepitans, 41.

talpacoti, 42, 44.
Colymbus dominicus, 83.
Common Ani, 446.

Jacamar, 466,

Jacana, 136.

— Motmot, 362.

—— Osprey, 282.

Sereecher Parrot, 322, 325.
Spotted Sand-Lark, 124, 129.
— Stork, 159.

-——— Tern, 90.

concolor, Amaurolimnas, 69.
Conurus zruginosus, 309.
aureus, 310.

— canicularis, 310.
—— cyanopterns, 311,
—— egregius, 313.

—— guianensis, 308.
Jeucophthalmus, 308,
macayuana, JU4,
pavua, 308.

—— per'inax, 309.
severus, 303,

— solstitialis, 307, 308.
tiriacula, 311, 317.
tuiparus, 318,
yersicolor, 311.
Coot-like Heliornis, 80.
Copper-tailed Erythronote, 398.
Coquette, Guiana, 426,

, Tufted, 425,
Coragyps, 208.

feetens, 208.
Cormorant, Brazilian, 198.

coronatus, Harpyhaliaétus, 254, 257.

cornuta, Palamedea, 182, 183.
Corobara, 139, 140.
Couarries, 301.

Crab-Hawk, 243, 244,

Crake, Carolina, 71,

, Cayenne, 74.

——, Duncan’s, 74.

— , McConnell’s, 75.

——, Temminck’s, 76.

Crake, Uniform, 69.

, White-necked, 72.

. Yellow-bellied, 73.
Crane, Grey, 161.
Crane-Hawk, Grey, 224.
crassirostris, Charadrius, 108.
Crax, 17.

nigra, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23.
Cream-headed Hawk, 243, 244.
crecca, Nettion, 193.
Creciseus, 74.

cayanensis, 75,

—— exilis, 74, 76.

—— jamaicensis, 74.

—— melanopheus macconnelli, 74, 75.
— melanopbeeus, 79.
viridis, 74.

crepitans, Psophia, 144, 145.

. Rallus, 66.

Crested Cecilia, 51, 55,
Curassow, 17, 20.
Lapwing, 103.

— Owl, 249.

— Quail, Sonnini’s, 31.

or Laughing Falcon, 261.
Crex mustelina, 72.
schomburgki, 70.
Cricketty Hawk, 265, 266.
Crimson Topaz, 417.

cristata, Geotrygon, 50.

—— , Lophostrix, 289.

——, Penelope, 24, 25, 31.
——, Salpiza, 25, 27.

, Strix, 289.

cristatus, Enpsychortyx, 31, 32.
, Opisthocomus, 51, 54, 58,
— , Ortyx, 31, 33.

, Scops, 289, 290.
Crocomorphus, 492.

flavus, 492.

Crotophaga, 435, 446.

ani, 219, 241, 446, 447.
major, 242, 446, 448, 449,
rugirostra, 446,
sulcirostris, 446.

Crows, Carrion, 209, 211.
crucigera, Strix, 287.
crucigerus, Otus, 287, 288.
cruentatus, Melanerpes, 484, 485.
, Picus, 485.

Crypturus, 2, 7, 8.

cinereus, 7, 8, 9.
dissimilis, 7, 11.

— macconnelli, 7, 8.

——- noctivagus, 11.

—— pileatus, 10.

simplex, 8, 16.

soui, 7, 10.

Crypturus soyvi, 10.
variegatus, 8, 12, 15.
Cuckoo, Ani, 241.

, Black-bellied, 441.

— , Black-billed, 487. «

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 509

Cuckoo, Brown, 443.
——, Chestnut, 439.

— , Huler’s, 438.

——., Little, 441.

——, Mangrove, 436.

, Peacock, 445.

——, Rufous-winged, 445.
» Yellow-billed, 437.
Cuckoo-Falcon, 273.
Cuculus americanus, 437.
cayanus, 439.
melanogaster, 441,
— minor, 436.

— neyvius, 443.

—— niger, 477.

rutilus, 441.
tenebrosus, 478.
Cuijari, 301.

culik, Pteroglossus, 460.

, Selenidera, 460, 461.
Cultrides rufipennis, 443.
Cumana, 29.

cumanensis, 29, 30.
cumanengsis, Cumana, 29.

, Pipile, 29.
cunicularig, Athene, 292.

, Speotyto, 292.
cupreicauda, Amazilia, 398.
, Saucerottea, 398, 399.

Curassow, Lesser Razor-billed, 22.

, Nocturnal, 20.

, Razor-billed, 22.
Curauwuri, 454.

Curi-Curi, 148,

Curlew, Jack, 113, 114.

, White-winged, 118, 119.
Currie-Currie, 150, 151.
Cuyakeh, 455.

Cuyu, 30.

eyanea, Hylocharis, 400.
eyanogenys, Chlorestes, 4()].
eyanopterns, Conurus, 311.
eyanura, Arden, 176, 177.
eyanurus, Ardea, 175.
cyanus, Pyrrhocorax, 459.
Cymochorea, 85.

leucorhoa, 85, 86.

Cy pseloides, 374.
fumigatus, 374.

—— niger, 378.

—— nigra, 374, 375.
rutilus, 374.

Cypselus squamatus, 376.

Daetnow, 294.

Datfila babamensis, 194.
Paiwoh, 294.

Dakarre, 55,

Daptrius ater, 215.
Jark Night-Hawk, 369,
Darra Darran, 94.
Darter, American, 199,
dea, Alcedo, 464.

dea, Urogalba, 464, 469.
decussatus, Caprimulgus, 366.
delicata, Gallinago, 132.
delphine, Ornismya, 407.
—~—, Petasophora, 407.
Demerara Parrot. 313.
Dendrobates cassini, 489.
passerinus, 483.
sanguineus, 487.
tephrodops, 488.
Dendrocygna, 188.

arcuata, 188.
autumnalis, 190.

—— discolor, 188, 190.

fulva, 189.

viduata, 188, 189, 190.
Deroptyus, 352.

accipitrinus, 322, 353, 334.
dieroleucus, Falco. 276, 278.
Diplopterus galeritus, 443.
neevius, 443, 445.
discolor, Dendrocygna, 188, 190.
discors, Anas, 195.

, Querquedula, 195.
Discosura, 427.

longicauda, 427, 428.
Discura longicauda, 427.
dissimilis, Crypturus, 7, 11.
Diver or Duchlar, 199, 209.
Doih, 160.

Dokorra, 35.

dominica, Anas, 196.
dominicus, Colyinbus, 83.

, Nomonyx, 196.

——., Pluvialis, 104, 107, 109.
——, Podiceps, 83.

, Trochilns, 380.
Doriponus, 168.

agai, 168,

Doryfera, 378.

johannex, 378.
ludovicis, 578.
Double-striped Thick-knee, 139.
Double-toothed Hawk, 273.
Jouraquara, 33, 36.

Dove, Cinereous, 46.

, Rusty, 48.

——, Spix’s Grey Ground, 42.
, Wine-coloured, 41.
Dryocopus albirostris, 495.
lingatus, 495, 496, 497.
Dromococeyx, 435, 445.
pavoninus, 445,
Dubquasimo, 11.

Duchlar, 199, 200,

——, Little, 80, 82.

Duek, Bisam or Turkish, 187, 188.
——, Frog-footed, 80, §2.
——, Grey-breasted Tree-, 1{0.
——, Muscovy, 186, 183.
-——, Vicissi, 80.

—_, White-faced, 189.

— , White-winged Lake, 196,

510 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Duck, Wicissi, 189, 190.
Dufresne’s Amazon, 325.
dufresniana, Amazona, 319, 325,
, Chrysotis, 325, 326.
dufresnianus, Psittacus, 325,
dufresnii, Psittacus, 326.
duncani, Ortygops, 74.
Dunean’s Crake, 74.
Duraquara, 33, 35.

Dusky Jacobin, 393.

Parrot, 330, 331.

Eagle, Black-breasted Crowned, 260.
, Brazilian, 246,

——., Harpy, 254.

, White-breasted Crowned, 259,
Eagle-Hawk, 257.

Egialitis semipalmata, xy.
egregia, Pyrrbura, 311, 313.
egregius, Conurus, 513.

Egret, American, 162, 163, 164.

, White, 151, 165.

Egretta candidissima, 164,
egretta, 163.

thula, 164.

egretta, Ardea, 162.

-——, Casmerodius, 162.

——,, Egretta, 162.

, Herodias, 163.

Elanvides, 262.

forficatus, 262, 263, 264.
furcatus, 262, 266, 271.
Elanus, 269.

ceruleus, 269.

—— leucurus, 270, 271

elatus, Chrysolampis, 412.

, Trochilus, 412.

Emerald, Lesson’s, 395.

, Roraima, 403.

——, White-bellied, 396.

, Whitely’s, 397.

Engyptila rufaxilla, 48, 50, 51.
episcopus, Phaéthornis, 383, 488.
, Pygmornis, 388.
Equinoctial Buzzard, 244.
Ereunetes, 126.

petrificatus, 126.

—— pusillus, 126,

—— semipalmatus, 127.
erythrocephalus, Melanerprs, 484.
erythromelas, Ardetta, 179.

, Lxobrychus, 179.
Erythronote, Copper-tailed, 598.
erythronctus, Buteo, 233, 254, xv.

erythrorhynchus, Ramphastus, 454,

455, 457.

, Urax, 22.

Esquimo Whimbrel, 114.
Etubarra, 497.
Eucepbala cerulea, 402.
Eudocimus, 150.

ruber, 150, 151, 165,
rubra, 150.

euleri, Coceyzus, 435, 438.
Euler’s Cuckoo, 438.
Eupsychortyx, 31.

cristatus, 31, 32.

= sonninii, 31, 32.
enropxus, Caprimulgus, 367.
European Bittern, 182.
Eurypyga, 142.

-— helias, 142.

Euxenura, 156.

maguari, 156.
Everglade Kite, 265.
exalbidus, Celeus, 492.
exilis, Ardetta, 179.

, Crecixcus, 74, 76.
Eye-browed Sparrow-Hawk, 227.

Fairy Humming-bird, 421,

Falco, 275.

—— xquinoctialis, 244.

albicollis, 250.

— albigularis, 277.

—— americanus, 216.

— aurantius, 272, 277, 278, 279.
—— bidentatus, 273.

brachypterus, 221.

buffoni, 218.

cachinnans, 261.

carolinensis, 281.

cheriway, 213.

deiroleucus, 276, 278.

femoralis, 280.

forficatus, 262.
fusco-cxrulescens, 275, 276, 280.
— guianensis, 252,

—— isabellinus, 279.

magnirostris, 239,
meridionalis, 229.
nigricollis, 243.
—— nitidus, 237.
ornatus, 259.
—— palliatus, 268.
—— poliogaster, 226.
—— plumbeus, 274.

rufigularis, 276, 277.
subbuteo, 275.
superciliosus, 227.
tyrannus, 260.

uncinatus, 267.

urubitinga, 246.

Falcon, Aplomado, 276.

, Crested or Laughing, 261, 262.
, Orange-breasted, 278, 279.
Falcor-Kite, 278.

farinosa, Amazona, 319.

, Chrysotis, 319, 320,
farinosus, Psittacus. 319.
femoralis, Faleo, 280.

, Hypotriorchis, 276, 277.
festiva, Amazona, 319, 327.

, Chrysotis, 327.

Festive Amazon, $27.

festivus, Psittacus, 327.

i

ALPHABETICAL INDEX,

fimbriata, Agyrtria, 596.

-——, Agyrtrina, 395.
fimbriatus, Trochilus, 395.
Fish-Hawk, 243, 244, 281, 282.
fissilis, Thalurania, 404.
Flamingo, 185.

flammea, Strix, 295.

flavescens, Celeus, 489.
flavigula, Chloronerpes, 481, 482, 483.
, Picus, 482.

flavigularis, Chloronerpes, 483.
flavipes, Totanus, 119, 121, 122.
flavirostris, Ionornis, 78, 79.
flaviventris, Porzana, 71. 73.
flavus, Crocomorphus, 492,

, Picus, 492,

Floricola longirostris, 422.
Florida, 165.

cerulea, 165, 166, 168,
Florisuga, 392.

fusca, 393,

mellivora, 392.

fluviatilis, Sterna, 90,

feetens, Catharista, 28.

, Cathartes, 208, 209.

——, Coragyps, 208.
Foolish-bird. 436.

forficates, Elanoides, 262, 263, 264.
forficatus, Faleo, 262.
Fork-tailed Palm-Swift, 376.
Petrel, 86.

Four-banded Sparrow-Hawk, 228,
Fregata, 202.

aquila, 202.

magnificus rothschildi, xv.
minor, 202, xv.

frenata, Gallinago, 133.

, Scolopax, 133.

Frigate Bird, 202.

Frog-fuoted Duck, 80, 82.
fulica, Heliornis, 80.

fulva, Dendrocygna, 189.
fumigatus, Cypseloides, 374.
fureata, ‘J balurania, 405.
furcatus, Elanoides, 262, 266, 271.
, Nauélerus, 262.

, Trochilus, 405.

furcifer, Hydropsalis. 362.
fusca, Florisnga, 393.

, Malacuptila, 476.
fuscicollis, Heteropygia, 129, 150.

fusco-cwrulescens, Faleo, 275, 276, 280.

fuscus, Buceo, 476.

, Melanotrochilus, 393, 394,
——., Pelecanus, 204.

— ., Pionus, 330, 332.

——, Psittacus, 330.

——, Trochilus, 393.

Galbula, 466.

—— albirostris, 466, 469.
albiventris, 468, 470,
—— galbula, 466, 468.
— leptura, 467, 469,

511

Galbula leucogaster, 466, 468, 470.

—— leucogastra, 468.
— luyubris, 470.
—— paradisea, 464.

viridis, 466.
galbula, Alcedo, 466.
— ., Galbula, 466, 468.
galeata, Gallinula, 77.

galeritus, Diplopterus, 443.

Gallinago, 132.

— delicata, 132.
—— frenata, 133.
gallinago, 182.
undulata, 134.

gallinago, Gallinago, 132.

Gallinula, 76, 77.

chloropus, 76.
aleata, 77.

Gallinule, Little, 79.

, Purple, 75.

Gampsonyx, 271.

swainsoni, 271, 272.

Gannets, 2UL.

gardeni, Nycticorax, 170.

Gelochelidon, 88.

anglica, 88.

nil ,tica, 88.

gronyoldi, 88.

geoftroyi, Neomorphus, 442.

Geotrygon, 50.
cristata, 50.
montana, 50.
Geranospizias, 224,

Gerraekui, 311.
Giant Goatsucker, 355.
White Stork, 160.

ruficauda, 466, 467, 469,
—— yiridicauda, 466, 468.

braziliensis, 132, 133.

cerulescens, 224, 238.
gracilis, 224, 225, 240.
german, Petasophora, 45, 406..

gilvicollis, Micrastur, 220, 222, 223,

, Sparvius, 222,
Glaucidium, 293.
nanum, 293.
— phalenoides, 293,
—— pumilum, 293.
Glaucis, 380,

— hirsuta, 380, 381.

Goatsucker, Colombian, 354.

—., Giant, 355.
——-, Great, 357.
-—, Long-tailed, 356,
Goatsuckers, 353.

Godwit, Red-breasted, 115, 116.

Golden Jacamar, 471.
—— Plovers, 106, 121.

Golden-crowned Parrot, 310,

Golden-throat, 414,
, Shaw’s, 415.
—., White-tailed, 415,

Golden-winged Parrakeet, 318,

Goose, Orinoco, 192,

a ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Goose, Spix’s, 192. Guan, Grant’s, 24.

Goshawk, 238. , Little, 27.

——-, Grey-bellied, 226. -——, White-headed, 29.

gouldi, Selenidera, 460. guarouba, Aratinga, 506.
Governor Battenberg’s Turkeys, 51. Guiana Coquette, 426,

Governor Bird, 212. — Green Heron, 177.

gracilis, Geranospizias, 224, 225, 240. —— Ibis, 146.

, Ischnosceles, 224. Ivory-bill Woodpecker, 497.
grammineus, Lampornis, 411, 412. Partridge, 33,

, Trochilus, 411.
grandis, Jacamerops, 471.
, Lamproptila, 471.

, Nyctibius, 354, 357.
granti, Penelope, 23, 24.
Grant’s Guan, 24.

Grass or Field Plover, 128.
Great Ani, 448,
Goatsucker, 357.
— Green Kirgfisher, 348.
—— Grey Kingfisher, 345.
Jabiru, 160.

— Jacobin, 392.

Tinamou, 4.

Great-billed Buzzard, 239, 241, 278.

Plover, 108, 109.
Tern, 87.

Great-winged Red Buzzard, 230,

Greater Yellowshanks, 119,
Grebe, Short-billed, 83.
Green Aracari, 459.
Greenbacks, 105, 106.
Green-throated Mango, 411.
Green-vented Sapphire, 400.
greeyi, Penelope, 25.
gregaria, Psittacula, 315.
Grey Chicken-Hawk, 230, 241.
——- Crane, 161.
Crane-Hawk, 224.
-—— Ground-Dove, 43.
Hawks, 241.

—— Kite, 270.

Plover, 125.
Grey-barred Buzzard, 238.
Grey-bellied Buzzard, 238.
Goshawk, 226.
Grey-breasted Tree-Duck, 190,
grisea, Columbina, 42, 43.
griseola, Chainepelia, 42, 45.
-,Columbina 42.
griseus, Caprimulgus, 355.

. Limnodromus, 116.
-—, Macrorhamphus, 117.
, Nyctibius, 355,
gronyoldi, Gelochelidon, 88.
Ground-Dove, Grey, 43.

, Red, 50.

—— ,, Rufous-winged, 45.
-—., Spix’s Grey, 42.

, Talpacoti, 44.
gryphus, Sarcoramphus, 206.
Guacharo birds, 342, 343.
Guan, 256.

, Cayenne, 25,

— Quail, 33.

— Sapphire, 400.

Swift, 373.

-—— Toueanet, 460.
Violet-Ear, 406.
gutianensis, Ampullaria, 160,
, Cheetura, 370, 373.
——-, Cuonurus, 308.

——, Falco, 252.

—, Morphnus, 252, 253.
——, Odontophorus, 33, 34,
——., Psittacula, 315.
Guira, 435.

gularis, Agapetornis, 419.
Gull, Laughing, 95.

, Scissor-bill, 93, 9-t,
Gull-billed Tern, 88.
Gypagus, 206.

papa, 206.

Haehae, 497.

hemastica, Limosa, 115.
hahni, Ara, 296, 805, 306,

, Psittacara, 305.
Hahn's Macaw, 305.

Hairy Hermit, 380.
Haliaétus carolinensis, 281.
haliaétus, Pandion, 281, 282.
Halieus brasilianus, 198.
hamatus, Rostrhamus, 264, 265.
Hang-nest, Yellow- backed, 242.
Hanna, 51, 54.

Hannaqua, 29.

Hannaquoi, 28, 29.
Hariabiapi, 457.

Haritya, 454.

harlani, Buteo, 232.
Harpagus, 272.

—- bidentatus, 272, 273.
Harpiprion, 147.
cayennensis, 147.
Harpy Eagle, 254.

Harpyhahaétus coronatus, 254, 257.

harpyia, Morphnus, 254.

——, Thrasaétus, 254, 255, 256, 257.

—-—, Vultur, 254.
Harrier, Long-winged, 218.
, Spotted, 218, 219.

Harrier-Hawk, Black-barred, 222.

, Collared, 221.

——-, Long-tailed, 221.

, White-breasted, 221, 222.
Hawk, Baridie, 277, 278.

Bass, 270, 271.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Hawk, Big-chicken, 231, 232.
—, Black, 246, 247.

——,, Black-and- White, 246.
—, Black-collared, 243.
——., Black-faced, 251,

——,, Blue-and-White Scissor-tail, 263,

264.

, Cassin’s Barred, 223.
——, Cream-headed, 243, 244,
——, Cricketty, 265.

——., Double-toothed, 273,
——, Large-billed, 239.
——, Laughing, 261.

——,, Lined, 222.

— , Mexican Black, 248.
——, Mirandolle’s, 221.
—— , Pied, 221.

——, Red-winged, 229.

, Scissor-tailed, 263.
—., White-collared, 250.
Hawks, Black, 241.

-—.,, Brown, 241.

——, Red, 241.

, South American Black, 246.
Hawk-Eagle, Black-and-White, 238.
, Mauduit’s, 259.

, Lyrant, 260.
Hawk-headed Caique, 382.
Parrot, 332, 334.

Heeri, 161.

helias, Eurypyga, 142.
Heliodoxa, 419.
xanthogenys, 419.
Heliomaster longirostris, 422.
Heliornis, 80, 81.

fulica, 80, 82.
surinamensis, 80.
Heliornis, Coot-like, 80.
Heliothrix, 420.

aurita, 420, 421.
auritus, 420, 421.
bellmayri, Celeus, 489, 490.
Hellmayr’s Woodpecker, 490,
Helodromus solitarius, 122,
helviventris, Coccygus, 436.
Hemiprocne albicincta, 371.
Hemistephania johannex, 378.
Heri, 187.

Hermit, Bishop, 388.

, Bourcier’s, 385.

——, Cayenne, 389,

——, Hairy, 380.

——, Longuemare’s, 386.
—, Ked-vented, 387.

, Salle’s, 384.

Herodias egretta, 163,

luce, 163,

Heron, Agami, 168, 169.

, Capped, 174.

— , Guiana Green, 177.
——,, Little Blue, 166.

, Tricoloured, 167.
Herpetotheres, 261.

Herpetotheres cachinnans, 261, 262.
sociabilis, 265.

Heteropygia, 129.

fuse:collis, 129, 130.
maculata, 129.

pectoralis, 129.
Heterospizias, 229.

meridionalis, 229, 230.
Hia-Hia, 332, 334.

hiaticola, Charadrius, 107.
Himantopus, 111.

—— himantopus, 111.

mexicanus, 111].

nigricollis, 111, 112.
himantopus, Himantopus, 111,
hirsuta, Glaucis, 380, 381.
hirsutus, Trochilus, 880.
hirundinaceus, Centurus, 485.
Hirundo cayennensis, 376.

nigra, 375.

rutila, 374.

hirundo, Sterna, 89, 90,

histrio, Caica, 384.

Hoatzin, 52, 54, 57.

hoazin, Opisthocomus, 51.

Hobby, Red-throated, 277, 278.

, Slate-backed, 276.
Holopterus cayanus, 101, 109.
Homoptilura, 134.

undulata, 134.

Honorora, 161.

Hootoo, 352, 353.

Hoplopterus cayanus, 100.
Hoploxypterus, 100.

cayanus, 100.

Horaptipara, 478.

Horned Owl, Venezuelan, 285,
Screamer, 182, 1838, 184.
Hudsonian Whimbrel, 113.
hudsonica, Limosa, 115, 116.
hudsonicus, Numenius, 112, 118, 114.
hueti, Psittacus, 338.

, Louit, 336, 338.

, Urochroma, 388, 339.
Huet’s Parrot, 388.
huhula, Ciecaba, 290, 291.
, Strix, 291.
huhulum, Syrnium, 291.
Humming-bird, Fairy, 421.
—, King, 417, 418, 419,
——., Mango, 410, 411.
——, Ruby-and-Topaz, 412.
-——, Rufous-breasted, 384.
——, Swainson’s, 408.
Hunurie, 161.
Hydranassa, 167.

—— ruficollis, 167,

—— tricolor, 167.
Hydropsalis, 362.

— furcifer, 862.
schomburgki, 362.
Hylocharis, 399.

—— cyanea, 400,

21

S14 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Hylocharis sapphirina, 399, 400.
viridiventris, 400.
hyperythrus, Campylopterus, 390, 391.
hypoleucos, Aclitis, 123.
Hypomorphnus anthracinus, 248.
buson, 244.

rutilans, 229,

urubitinga, 246.
hypospodius, Buteo, 233, 235.
Hypotriorchis femoralis, 276, 277.
rufigularis, 277, 278.
Hypsibates nigricollis, 111,

Ibis albicollis, 146.

cayennensis, 147.
infuscata, 147, 148.

oxycercus, 149.

rubra, 148, 150, 165.

Ibis, Cayenne, 147.

, Guiana, 146.

, Scarlet, 150, 151, 165, 211.

, Sharp-tailed, 149.

Ibycter, 215.

americana, 218, xv.

americanus, 215, 216, 217.

aguilinus, 216.

ater, 215, xv.

chimachima, 217.

Ichthyoborus busarellus, 243.

Ictinia, 274.

—— plumbea, 274.

inda. Alcedo, 349.

——, Ceryle, 349.

, Chloroceryle, 547, 349.

~infuscata, Ibis, 147, 148.
infuscatus, Phimosus, 148.
inseriptus, Pteroglossus, 460.
interpres, Arenaria, 98.

, Strepsilas, 99.

interstes, Micrastur, 220, 223.

involucris, Ardetta, 179.

Tonornis, 77.

flavirostris, 78, 79.

martinica, 77, 78.

iota, Cathartes, 22.

isabellina, Cerchneis, 279, 280.

Isabelline Kestrel, 279.

isabellinus, Falco, 279.

, Tinnunculus, 280.

Ischnosceles gracilis, 224.

Ixobrychus, 178.

erythromelas, 179.

-——- minutus, 178.

Jabiru, 158, 159, 160.

——. mycteria, 155, 157, 158.
Jabiru, Great, 160.

Jacamar, Black-billed, 470.

, Common, 466,

—— , Golden, 471.

—., Paradise, 464, 465.
— , Rufous-tailed, 467.

Jacamar, White-bellied, 468.
, White-billed, 469.
Jacamars, 463.
Jacamerops, 471.

aurea, 471.

—— grandis, 471.

Jacana, 135.

jacana, 135, 136.
—- spinosa, 136.

Jacana, Common, 136.
——-, Spur-winged, 138.
jacana, Jacana, 134, 136.

, Parra, 186, 137, 138.
Jack Curlew, 113, 114.
Jacobin, Dusky, 393.

, Great, 592.
jacucaca, Penelope, 23, 26.
, Salpiza, 26, 30.
jacupeba, Penelope, 25.
jacupema, Penelope, 23.
jamaicensis, Creciscus, 74.
, Nyctibius, 354, 355.
, Peristera, 48.
jardinei, Astur, 226.

, Urospizias, 226, 227.
jassana, Parra, 156.
javanica, Butorides, 175.
jeobanne, Doryfera, 378.
-——, Hemistephania, 378.
, Trochilus, 378.
jubata, Alopochen, 192.
—-—, Chenalopex, 193.
jubatus, Chenalopes, 192.
Jumbie Bird, 448, 449.
Jumby Bird, 446, 447.

Kamata, 462.

Kangraiba, 29.

Karahimiti, 417, 418.

Karajari, 460.

Kawari, 406.

Kebrih-Kehrih, 318.

Kerepunuma, 288.

Kessi-Kessi, 308.

Kestrel, Isabelline, 279.

Killicow, 68.

Kingfisher, Belted, 344.

, Great Green, 348.

-——, Great Grey, 345.

——, Large-collared, 345, 347,

——, Little Green, 348.

——., Pygmy, 350.

——, Red-breasted, 347.

, Spotted, 349.

King Humming-bird, 417, 418, 419.

—— Vulture, 208, xv.

—— Witch, 448, 449.

—— or Governor of the Carrion Crows,
212, 213.

Kirima, 457.

Kiririh, 281.

Kissi-Kissi, 307, 308.

Kissie-Kissie, 307, 308.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Le)

Kite, Cayenne, 268.

——,, liverglade, 265.

——, Grey, 270.

———, Plumbeons, 274.

——-, Red-collared, 267.

, Scissor-tailed, 263.
——, Shell-eating, 265.

, Sociable, 265, 266.
—, Swallow-tailed, 262, 264.
, Tooth-billed, 267, 268.
—., White-tailed, 270. :
, Yellow-faced, 271, 272.
Kites, Savanna, 213, 215.
Kite-Falcon, 274.

Knot, 131.

Koateh, 147.

Komariubi, 416.
Komotoh-witwi, 272.
Korrere, 140.

Korro-Korro, 148.

Kosarre, 69.

Kuaguei, 436.

Kujei, 468.

Kukual, 39.

Kuyaeseh, 508.

Kuyawick, 200.

Lake Duek, White-winged, 196.

Lampornis grammineus, 411, 412.

nigricollis, 410.

violicauda, 410.

Lamproptila grandis, 471.

Lance-bill, Blue-fronted, 378.

Lapwing, American, 102.

, Cayenne, 101.

, Crested, 103.

Large-billed Hawk, 239.

Puff-bird, 473.

Large-collared Kingfisher, 345.

largipennis, Campylopterus, 389, 390,
391.

, Trochilus, 390.

Larus, 94.

atricilla, 95.

canus, 94.

latipennis, Campylopterus, 390.

Laughing Gull, 95.

Hawk, 261.

Least Tern, 2.

lentiginosus, Botaurus, 181, 182.

Leptodon, 267.

cayennensis, 268,

palliatus, 269.

Leptoptila, 47, 50.

rufaxilla, 47, 48.

verreauxi, 47, 48.

leptura, Galbula, 467, 469.

Lesser Razor-billed Curassow, 22.

Lesson’s Emerald, 395.

leucogaster, Agyrtria, 806, 398,

, Agyrtrina, 395, 596.

——, Ardea, 167.

, Galbula, 466, 468, 470.

leucogaster, Pelecanus, 201.

, Sula, 201.

, Trochilus, 396.

leucogastra, Galbula, 468.
leucophza, Calidris, 127, 128.
Leucophoyx, 164.

candidissima, 164.

thula, 150, 164.
leucophihalma, Aratinga, 306, 309.
leucophthalmus, Conurus, 308.

, Psittacus, 308..-
Leucopternis, 249.

—— albicollis, 250, 252.

—— melanops, 249, 250, 251, 252.
palliata, 249.

polionotus, 249.

leucopyga, Nyctiprogne, 359, 360.
leucopygus, Rostrhamus, 265.
leucorhoa, Cymochorea, 85, 86.
leucorrhoa, Oveanodroma, 86.
leucurus, Elanus, 270, 271.

, Milvus, 270.

——, Threnetes, 379, 380.

, Trochilus, 380.
Limnodromus, 116.

griseus, 116.

Limosa, 115, 116.

—— hemastica, 115.

hudsoniea, 115, 116,

—— limesa, 115.

limosa, Limosa, 115.

Limpkin, Southern, 141.

lineata, Athene, 201.

Lineated Woodpecker, 496.
lineatum, Tigrisoma, 177.
lineatus, Ceophleus, 495, 496.
——, Dryocopus, 495, 496, 497.

, Picus, 496.

Lined Hawk, 222.

Little-barred Sparrow-Hawk, 227, 228,
Little Black Woodpecker, 485.
—— Blue Heron, 166.

— Cuckoo, 441.

—— Duchlar, 80, 82.

— Gallinule, 79.

— Green /&ta Parrot, 805, 306.
Green Kingfisher, 348.

— Guan, 27.

Peep cr Wilson’s Sandpiper, 127.
Tern, 91.

loculator, Tantalus, 154.
Long-billed Rail, 66,

Long-tailed Goatsucker, 356,
Harrier-Hawk, 221.
Long-winged Harrier, 218.
longicauda, Bartramia, 125,

—, Discosura, 427, 428.

——, Discura, 427.

——, Trochilus, 427.
longicaudatus, Nyctibius, 354, 356,
longirostris, Anthoscenus, 421.

, Floricola, 422.
——, Heliomaster, 4

oo
yn 7

516 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

longirostris, Rallus, 65, 66.
longuemarei, Pygmornis, 386.
Longuemare’s Hermit, 386.

longumareus, Phaéthornis, 382, 383,

386.

, Pygmoruis, 386, 688.
Lophornis, 424. 5
ornatus, 424, 425. ©
pavoninus, 424, 426,
Lophostrix, 289.

cristata, 289.

luce, Ardea, 163.

, Herodias, 163.
ludovicix, Doryfera, 378.
lugubris. Brachygalba, 470.
, Galbula, 470.
Lurocalis, 361,
semitorquatus, 361, 362.

Maam, 5.

, Small, 12, 15.

wyacao, Ara, 296, 298, 299, 301, 302.
, Psittacus, 290.

macayuana, Conurus, 304.
inacayuanna, Ara, 304, 305.
Macaw, Blae-and-Red, 302.

, Blue-and-Yellow, 297, 299.
——, Brazilian Green, 303.

— , Red-and-Blue, 801, 502.
——., Red-and-Yellow, 301.
-——, Red-bellied, 304.

——,, Scarlet, 299.

, Small, 804, 305, 306.
macconnelli, Ciccaba, 290.

, Creciscus, 75.

——.,, Crypturus, 7, 8.

, Picumnus, 497, 498.
MeConnell’s Crake, 79.

Guiana Wood-Owl, 290.
—- Piculet, 498.

Macrocercus aracanga, 299, 302.
ararauna, 297.

— arauna, 302.

nobilis, 305.
Macrorhamphus griseus, 117.
macrorhynebus, Bueeo, 472, 473.
macularia, Actitis, 12+.
macularius, Tringoides, 124, 125.
maculata, Heteropygia, 129.
maculicaudus, Caprimulgus, 367.
, Stenonsis, 367.

maculosus, Cireus, 218, 219.
magnificus rothschildi, Fregata, xv.
magnirostris, Asturina, 239, 240, 241,
, Faleo, 239.

——, Phaéthusa, 87.

— , Rupornis, 288, 239.

, Sterna, 87.

maguarl, Ciconia, 157.

, Euxenura, 156.

Mahooka, 188.

Mairva, 188.

major, Crotophaga, 242, 446, 448, 449.

, Tetrao, 6.

——,, Tinamnus, 2, 4, 5.

major, Tinanus, 5.

Malacoptila, 476.

—— fu-ca, 476.

Mamoo Swagger, 12, 15.

Manarih, 94,

mangli, Ortygarchus, 67.

Mango Humming-bird, 410, 411.

, Green-throated, 411.

——, Violet-tailed, 410,

mango, ‘lrochilus, 410.

Mangrove Cuckoo, 436.

Maniata, 462.

manilata, Ara, 296, 304.

manilatus, Psittacus, 304.

Mapillo, 223.

Marakang, 304.

Marasih, 26.

Marereh, 143.

marial, Penelope, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28.

, Salpiza, 24.

Marlin, Red-breasted, 115, 116.

Maroodie, White-headed, 29.

martinica, Ionornis, 77, 78.

, Porphyriola, 78.

martinicus, Porphyrio, 78. .

Marurih, 26.

Masked ‘Trogon, 43].

Mauduit’s Hawk-Eagle, 259,

mauduyti, Spizaétus, 259.

maxima, Megeaeryle, 344.

maximiliani, Caica, 329.

-, Psittacus, 329.

Mealy Amazon, 319.

Megaceryle, 344.

—— alcyon, 344, 345.

maxima, 344,

torquata, 344, 345.

Megalestris chilensis, 96.

melacoryphus, Coccyzus, 435, 437.

Melanerpes, 484.

cruentatus, 484, 485,

erythrocephalus, 484,

rubrifrons, 484, 486,

melanocephala, Caica, 339, 340.

—--—, Pionites, 336, 339.

melanocephalus, Caica, 339.

——., Pionites, 339.

, Psittacus, 339.

melanocoryphus, Coecygus, 437,

——, Coecyzus, 437.

melanogaster, Cuculus, 441.

-—-, Piaya, 439, 441, 442.

melanogastra, Piaya, 441.

melanoleucos, Picus, 495.

melanoleucus, Buteo, 258.

, Campephilus, 481, 493, 495.

——,, Spizastur, 257, 258.

, Totanus, 119, 121.

melanophseus maccunnelli, Creciscus,
(4; 15:

ALPHABETICAL

melanopheus melanopheeus, Creciscus,
TD:

melanopis, Theristicus, 146.

melanops, Asturina, 251,

, Leucopternis, 249, 250, 251, 252.

, Urubitinga, 251.

melanopterus, Trogon, 451, 432, 435.

melanorhyncha, Sterna, 89, 91.

Melanotrochilus, 393.

fuscus, 393, 394.

melanura, Rhynchops, 95.

melanurus, Rhynchops, 93.

, Trogon, 480.

mellivora, Florisuga, 592.

mellivyorus, Trochilus, 392.

menstruus, Pionus, 328, 329, 530.

, Psittacus, 329.

meridionalis, Falco, 229.

, Heterospizias, 229, 230.

, Trogon, 434.

Mesopicus cassini, 488.

Mexican Black Hawk, 248.

mexicanus, Asio, 283.

, Himantopus, 111.

Micrastur, 220.

—- brachypterus, 220, 221.

—— gilvicollis, 220, 222, 223.

—— interstes, 220, 223.

-—— mirandollei, 220, 221, 222.

semitorquatus, 221.

Milvago, 217.

—— chimachima, 217, 218,

Milvus leucurus, 270.

minor, Coccygus, 436.

, Coceyzus, 435, 436.

——, Cuculus, 436.

—., Fregata, 202, xy.

, Pelecanus, 202.

minuta, Chamepelia, 45.

—., Piaya, 441,

minutus, Ixobrychus, 178.

, Piaya, 436.

—,, Picumnus, 497, 499.

, Pyrrhococcyx, 441.

mirandollei, Astur, 221.

, Mierastur, 220, 221, 222.

Mirandolle’s Hawk, 221.

Mitu, 21.

mitu, Mitu, 21, 22.

—, Mitua, 22.

Modest Tinamou, 16.

modesta, Psittacula, 315.

, Psittacus, 315,

Mohi, 225.

Mojoli, 200,

moling, Pyrrhura, 311, 312.

momota, Momotus, 852.

—, Pionites, 352.

——, Rhamphastos, 352.

Momotus, 352.

brasiliensis, 352, 3505.

momota, 352,

Monacha nigra, 477,

INDEX. a17

Monasa, 472, 477.

atra, 477.

—— niger, 477, 478.
tranquilla, 477.

mouilos, Ramphastos, 454.
——-, Ramphastus, 452, 454, 457.
montana, Geotrygon, 50.

——, Peristera, 50.

Moorhen, B'ue, 7%.
Mora~coyasehre, 160.

morinella, Arenaria, 98.
Moriro, 267.

Morphnus, 252.

guianensis, 252, 253.
harpyia, 254.

moschata, Anas, 186.

——, Cairina, 186, 188.

——, Carina, 186.

moschitus, Chrysolampis, 412, 413.
——, Trochilus, 412.

Motmot, Common, 852.
motmot, Ortalida, 28, 29.

——, Ortalis, 27.

Mount Roraima Aracari, £58.
multicolor, Celeus, 491.

Muro, 288.

Muscovy Dnek, 186, 188.
mustelina, Crex, 72.

Mycteria, 154, 256.

——— americana, 154, 157, 158, 160.
mycteria, Jabiru, 155, 157, 158.

Nabowusch, 465.

Nacunda Night-Hawk, 360.
nacunda, Caprimulgus, 360.
——, Podager, 360.

nevia, Tapera, 445, 444.
neyius, Cuculus, 443.

, Diplopterus, 443, 445.
, Nycticorax, 170.
Nah, 54.

Nannochordeiles, 358.
pusillus, 358.
septentrionalis, 352.
nanum, Glaucidium, 203.
Nassitung, 137.

nattereri, Pteroglossus, 461.
——, Selenidera, 460, 461, 462.
Natterer’s Toucanet, 461.
Nauclerus fureatus, 262,
nevia, Ardea, I (4.
Neomorphus, 435, 442,
—-- geoffroyi. 442.

-— rufipennis, 445,
Nettion, 193, 195.

—— brasiliense, 193.
crecea, 193.

niger, Buceo, 450.

, Capito, 450.

——, Cuculus, 477.

, Cypseloides, 375,

, Monasa, 477, 47%.
Nigger-heads, 14, Lad.

518 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Night-Hawk, Cayenne, 365.

, Dark, 369.

——, Nacunda, 360.

— , Northern, 359.

——., Rufous-naped, 366.
—,, Semi-collared, 362.
—. South American, 358.
——, Spotted-tailed, xvi.
—., White-necked, 363.

, White-rumped, 360.
Nightjars, 353, 367.

nigra, Orax, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23.
, Cypseloides, 374, 375.
—, Monacha, 477.

, Rhynehops, 92, 93, 94.
nigrescens, Antrostomus, J69.
, Caprimulgus, 369.

nigricollis, Busarellus, 280, 242, 243,

246.
— _, Falco, 243.
——, Himantopus, 111, 112.
——., Hypsibates, 111.
, Lampornis, 410.
Nigrocops, 155, 158, 160.
nigrofasciata, Thalurania, 404.
nilotica, Gelochelidon, &8.
— — gronvoldi, Gelochelidon, 88.
Nisus sexfasciatus, 228,
nisus, Accipiter, 227.
nitida, Asturina, 257, 238.
nitidus, Falco, 237. :
niveipectus, Agyrtria, 397.
nobilis, Macrocercus, 805.
noctivagus, Crypturus, 11.
Nocturnal Curassow, 20.
Nomonyx, 196.
—— dominicus, 196.
Noroquah, 371.
Northern Blue Tinamou, 2.
Night-Hawk, 359.
notata duncani, Ortygops, 74.
notatus, Chlorestes, 401, 402.
Nothocrax, 20.
Nothoredius scolopaceus, 141,
noveboracensis, Ortygops, 73.
Numenius, 111.
—- arquatus, 111.
borealis, 112, 114.
—— hudsonicus, 112, 113, 114.
pheopus, 113.
Nyctanassa, 171.
—— violaceus, 171.
Nyctherodius violaceus, 171, 172.
Nyctibius, 354.
—— bracteatus, 354.
grandis, 354, 357.
—— griseus, 395.
—— jamaicensis, 354, 555.
longicaudatus, 354, 356,
rufus, BA4. -
Nycticorax, 170.
gardeni, 170.
——- neevius, 170.
—— nvyeticorax, 170.

Nycticorax pileatus, 174.
violacea, 171.
nycticorax, Nycticorax, 170.
Nyctidronus, 363,
albicollis, 363.
Nyctiprogne, 359.

~—— leucopyga, 559, 360.

Oatoko, 49.

occidentalis, Pelecanus, 204.
Oceanvudroma leucorrhoa, 86.
ochrocephala, Amazona, 519, 322.
, Chrysotis, 322, 524, 325.
ochrocephalus, Psittaeus, 322.
Ochtbodromus wilsoni, 108.
Ocreatus, 420,

ocropus, Tringa, 122.
Odontophorus, 33.

—— guinanensis, 33, 34.
Odontriorchis cayennensis, 268.
(Edicnemus, 138.

bistriatus, 139.

——- edicnemus, 138.

vocifer, 139, 140.
cedicnemus, GEdicnemus, 188.
cenas, Columba, 36.

(Enops pernigra, 212.

Ohto, 223, 247.

Ohtocamu, 240,

Oil-Bird, 342.

Okoh, 169, 178.

Old Witch, 241, 242, 446, 447, 449.
Old Witch or Ani Cuckoo, 219.
Onareh, 1795.

onocrotalus, Pelecanus, 203,
Opisthocomus, 51.

—— cristatus, 51, 54, 58.
hoatzin, 51.
Orange-breasted Falcon, 278, 279.
Orange-winged Amazon, 320.
Oranih, 82.

Orinoco Goose, 192.

ornatus, Falco, 259.

, Lophornis, 424, 425.
——, Spizaétus, 258, 259.

, Trochilus, 425.
Ornismya delphine, 407.
Ortalida motmot, 28, 29.
Ortalis, 27.

-—— motmot, 27.

Ortygarchus cayennensis, 68.
mangli, 67.

Ortygops, 75.

—— notata duneani, 74.

~—— noveboracensis, 73.

Ortyx cristatus, 31, 33.
osculans, Ramphastos, 455.

, Ramphastus, 452, 455,
Osculant Toucan, 455.

Osprey, American, 281.

-, Common, 282.

Otus, 287, 289.

—-+ bakkameena, 287.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. a,

Otus crucigerus, 287, 288.
-—— roraime, 283.

otus, Asio, 283,

Ounieb, 188.
Outuanaitye, 217.

Owl, Crested, 289,

, Scops, 289.

— , Screech, 295.

——, Short-winged Burrowing, 292.

——, Spectacled, 286, 287.
, Lrinidad Pigmy, 293.
Owls, 282.

oxycercus, Cercibis, 149.

, Ibis, 149.

Palamedea, 182.

cornuta, 182, 183.
Palletute, 485.

palliata, Leucopternis, 249.
palliatus, Falco, 268.

, Leptodon, 269.
Palm-Switt, Fork-tailed, 376.
paludosa, Scolopax, 134.
palumbarius, Astur, 225.
Pandion, 281.

-~—— carolinensis, 281.
haliaétus, 281, 282.
panychlorus, Brotogerys, 514.
, Bolborhynchus, 314,
Panyptila, 376.

vayennensis, 376,

papa, Cathartes, 206,

, Gypagus, 206.

—., Sarcoramphus, 205, 206.
——,, Sarcorbamphus, 206.
——, Vultur, 206, 207.
papyracea, Ampullaria, 160.
Paradise Jacamar, 464, 465.
paradisea, Galbula, 464.

, Urogalba, 464, 465,
parasiticus, Stercorarius, 96.
Pareka, 198.

Paripari, 461.

Parra, 135.

jacana, 136, 137, 138.
jassana, 136,

Parrakeet, Blue-winged, 315.
, Golden-winged, 318.
——, Roraima, 314.

-—, Schomburgk's, 315,
——:, Seven-coloured, 336, 387.
Parrot, Asta, 304, 305,

——, All-green, 317.

——, Blue-winged, 511.
-—-, Brown-throated, 309,
—., Caica, 334.

——, Common Sereecher, 822, 325,
——, Demerara, 313.

——, Dusky, 330, 331.

——, Golden-crowned, 310.
——-, Hawk-headed, 332, 354.
——., Huet’s, 358.

——., Little Green Eta, 805, 806,
——, Red-vyeuted, 329,

Parrot, Scopoli’s, 336.

, Screecher, 306.

——, White-eyed, 808.

-——, Yellow, 3C7.. —

——, Yellow-fronted Amazon, 322, 524.
Parrots, 296.

— —, Blue-headed, 830.
——, Mealy Amazon, 459,

. Red-breasted, 851.
Partridge, Guiana, 33.
Parupavi, 459.

parva, Porphyriola, 79.
parvua, Conurus, 308.
passerina, Psittacula, 318,
Passerine Woodpecker, 488.
passerinoides, Athene, 293.
passerinus, Dendrobates, 488.
, Pieus, 488.

———. Psittacus, alips

—-—-, Veniliornis, 457, 488.
Pauituima, 25.

pavoninus, Dromococeyx, 445.
, Lophornis, 424, 426,
Peacock Cuckoo, 445.
Pearl-Kite, Swainson’s, 271.
Pectoral Sandpiper, 129.
pectoralis, Heteropygia, 129.
, Trochilus, 411.
pelagica, Cheetura, 370,
Peiecanus, 203.

—— fuscus, 204.

leucogaster, 201.

—— minor, 202.

— occidentalis, 204.
onocrotalus, 203.
Pelican, Brown, 204.

pella, Topaza, 416, 417, 418, 419.
, Lrochilus, 417.
Penelope, 23.

——- cristata, di.

—— geranti, 23.

—— greeyi, 25.

marial, 28.

—— pipile, 29.

—— jacucaca, 26.

—— jacupeba, 25,

Perdix sonninil, 31.
Peregrine, South American, 279.
Peristeria cinerea, 46.
jamaicensis, 48.

—— montana, 50,

perlata, Strix, 205, xvi.

, Tyto, 295.

pernigra, Cathartes, 212, 218,
——, Ainops, 212.

persicus, Cassicus, 242.
personatus, Trogon, 430, 451.
perspicillata, Pulsatrix, 286, 292.
—-, Strix, 286.
perspicillatum, Syrniam, 286.
pertinax, Conurus, 309.
Petasophora, 405,

delphing, 407.

——- germana, 405, 406,

520 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Petasophora serrirostris, 405.
Petrel, Forked-tailed, 86.
petrificatus, Ereunetes, 126.
Pewit, American, 102.

, Savanna, 102, 103.
Phaéthornis, 382.

--— augusti, 382, 384.

— bourcieri, 383, 385.
—— episcopus, 383, 388.
—— guianensis, 383.
longumereus, 382, 383, 386.
ruber, 383, 387.
rupurumii, 383, 385.
superciliosus, 382, 383.
Phaéthusa, 87.

——- chloropoda, 87.
magnirostris, 87.
Phalacrocorax, 197, 199.
brazilianus, 198.

— carbo, 197.

vigua, 198.

pheeopus, Numeninus, 113.
phalenoides, Glaucidium, 293.
, Strix, 293.
Pharomacrus, 429,

Phimosus infuscatus, 148.
Phenicopterus, 184.

-——— ruber, 184, 185.

Piaya, 429, 435.

cayana, 439, 440, 441.

— melanogaster, 439, 441, 442.

—— melanogastra, 441.
—— minuta, 441.

—— minutus, 436.

rutila, 436, 441.
Pica Plover, 120, 121.
picta, Pyrrhura, 311, 312, 315.
pictus, Psittacus, 311.
Piculet, McConnell's, 428.
, Sundeyall’s, 498.

, Undulated, 499.
Picumnus, 497.
macconnelli, 497, 498.
— minutus, 497, 499.
spilogaster, 497, 498.
undulatus, 497, 499.
Picus cruentatus, 485,
--— flavigula, 482.

-—— flavus, 492.

— lineatus, 496.
melanoleucos, 495.
passerinus, 488.
—— rubiginosus, 483. —
rubricollis, 494.
rubrifrons, 486.
sanguineus, 487,
— torquatus, 491.
undatus, 490.

viridis, 480,

Pied Hawk, 22].

Pieima, 468.
Pigeon-Hawk, 274.
Pigeon, Prairie, 125,

Pigeon, Purple-tinted, 40.

——., Splendid, 37.

——, White, 39.

Pigmy Owl, Trinidad, 293.

Pikamant, 440.

Pikatuapa, 441.

Pike, 440.

pileata, Pionopsitta, 334.

Pileated Tinamou, 10.

pileatus, Crypturus, 10.

——, Nycticorax, 174.

—., Pilerodius, 174.

——, Psittacus, 334.

Pilherodius, 174.

—— pileatus, 174.

Pinnated Bittern, 181.

pinnatus, Botaurus, 181.

Pintail, Bahama, 194.

Pionites, 839.

—— melanocephala, 336, 339. =
melanocephalus, 339,
momota, 352.
Pionopsitta, 334.

caica, 334, 335,

pileata, 334.

Pionus, 328.

fuscus, 330, 332.

—— menstruus, 328, 329, 330.
violaceus, 330.
piperivora, Selenidera, 460.
piperivorus, Pteroglossus, 460.
, Ramphastos, 451.

Pipile cuinanensis, 29.
plancus, Polyborus, 213.
Platalea ajaja, 152, 154.
platurus, Trochilus, 427.
Plotius anhinga, 199.

Plotus anhinga, 199, 200.
Plover, American Golden, 106, 107.
, Asiatic, 107.

——, Golden, 106, 121.

——., Grass or Field, 125.
—.--, Great-billed, 108, 109.
—,, Grey, 125.

——.,, Pica, 120, 121.

——, Savanna, 102.

, Semipalmated, 109.
——., Small Ring, 110.

— , Spur-winged, 100,101, 109.
——.,, Stilt-legged, 139, 140.
——, White-winged, 98.

——, Wilson’s 108, 109.
plumbea, Columba, 40.

, Ictinia, 274.

Plumbeous Kite, 274.
plumbeus, Falco, 274.
pluricinctus, Pteroglossus, 460,
Pluvialis, 104, 107.

dominicus, 105, 107, 109,
pluvyialis, 104.

pluvialis, Pluvialis, 104,
Podager, 360.

— nacunda, 360,

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. ay EL

Podiceps brachyrhynchus, 83.
dominicus, 83.
podiceps, Podilymbus, 84.
Podilymbus, 84.

podiceps, 84.

Podoa surinamensis, 80.
Peecilonetta, 194.
bahamensis, 194.
pecilonota, Asturina, 250.
Polemistria pavoninus, 426,
poliogaster, Astur, 226, 227.
, Falco, 226.
polionotus, Buteo, 249.

, Leucopternis, 249.
poliura, Cheetura, 371.
Polyborus, 213.

cheriway, 213.

—— chimachima, 217.
plancus, 213.
Polytmus chrysobronchus, 415,
thaumantius, 415.

pomarinus, Stercorarius, 96, 97.

Pomatorhine Skua, 96.
pomatorhinus, Stercorarius, 96,
Porphyrio martinicus, 78.
Porphyriola martinica, 78.
parva, 79.

Porzana, 71.

albicollis, 71, 72.
carolina, 71.
cayennensis, 75.
flayiventris, 71, 73.
porzana, 71,
porzana, Porzana, 71.
Powie, 17.

Powis, 17, 19.

Powsie, 17, 19.

Prairie Pigeon, 125.
prasinus, Chlorostilbon, 403.
pretiosa, Claravis, 46.
principalis, Campephilus, 493,
Psilomycter, 413.
theresix, 413, 414.
Psittaca batayica, 336.
Psittacara hahni, 305.
Psittacula, 315.

—— gregaria, 515,

—— guianensis, 315.
—— modesta, 315.

—— passerina, 315.
suipara, 315,
Psittacus weruginosus, 309.
wstivus, 320.

-—— amazonicus, 320.
—— ararauna, 297.
aureus, 310,

— caica, 334.
chrysopterus, 318.
-—— dufresnianus, 325.
— dufresnii, 326.

—~—- farinosus, 319,

—— festivus, 327.

— fuscus, 330,

Psittacus hueti, 338.

leucophthalmus, 308.

macao, 299.

——— manilatus, 304.

maximiliani, 329, 330.

—— melanocephalus, 339.

menstruus, 329,

— modesta, 315.

— ochrocephalus, 322,

—— passerinus, 515.

— pileatus, 384.

—— pictus, 311.

—— pulverulentus, 319.

—— purpuratus, 3837.

severus, 305.

—— solstitialis, 307.

tirica, 317.

Psophia, 144.

crepitans, 144, 145,

pterocles, Buteo, 23], 232.

Pteroglossus, 457.

—— aragari, 457, 458.

—— hbitorquatus, 461.

— culik, 460.

inseriptus, 460,

—— nattereri, 46].

—— piperivorus, 460.

—— pluricinctus, 460.

— roraime, 457, 458.

-—— sulcatus, 463.

—— torquatus, 458.

viridis, 459.

pucherani, Chlorostilbon, 403.

Puff-bird, Black, 477.

——-, Cayenne, 474.

——, Cayenne Spotted, 475.

——, Collared, 473.

——, Large-billed, 473.

——,, Swallow, 478.

, White-breasted, 476.

Pulsatrix, 286.

-—- perspicillata, 286, 292.

torquata, 286, 287.

pulverulenta, Amazona, 519.

pulverulentus, Psittacus, 319.

pumilis, Zebrilus, 180.

pumilum, Glaucidium, 293.

Purple Gallinule, 78.

Purple-tinted Pigeon, 40.

purpurata, Touit, 328, 336, 337.

-——, Urochroma, 3837.

purpuratus, Psittacus, 337.

purpureotineta, Columba, 27, 40.

Pusika, 286,

pusillus, Chordeiles, 359.

, Ereunetes, 126.

, Nannochordeiles, 358.

pygmaeus, Pygmornis, 387.

, Lrochilus, 387.

Pygmornis episcopus, 388,

— longuemarei, 386.

- longuemareus, 386, 388,

pygmaeus, 387,

522 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Pygmy Kingfisher, 350.
Pyrrbococcyx brachypterus, 441, 442.
eyanus, 459.

minutus, 441.

pyrrhopterus, Brotogeris, 317.
Pyrrbura, 311.

egregia, 311, 313.

moling, 311.

——- picta, 311, 312, 3193.

Quaak, Blue, 171.

Quaaks, 173, 182.

Quahenne, 30.

Quail, Guiana, 33.

, Sonnini’s Crested, 31.
Querquedula, 195.

brasiliensis, 193.

—— discors, 195.

querquedula, 195.
querquedula, Querquedula, 195.

Racket-tail, 427.

Rail, Long-billed, 66.

Rallus, 66.

aquaticus, 66.

crepitans, 66.
longirostris, 65, 66.
Ramphastos, 451.

monilis, 454.

—— momota, 352.

—— osculans, 45).

—— piprivorus, 451].

viridis, 458, 459.
vitellinus, 456.
Ramphastus, 451.
erythrorhynchus, 454, 455, 457.
—— monilus, 452, 454, 457.
osculans, 452, 455.

—— toco, 452, 453, 454.
vitellinus, 452, 456, 457.
Razor-billed Curassow, 22.
recurvirostris, Avoceitula, 408.
, Trochilus, 408.

Red Ground-Dove, 50.

Red Hawks, 241.
Red-and-Blue Macaw, 301, 302.
Red-and-Yellow Macaw, 301.
Red-bellied Macaw, 304.
Red-billed Barbet, 477, 478.
Toucans, 455.

Red-b-easted Godwit or Marlin, 118.

116.
—— Kingfisher, 347.
Parrots, 331.
Sabre-Wing, 391.
Sandpiper, 116, 131.
Snipe, 117.
Touean, 453.
Red-collared Kite, 267.
Red-fronted Woodpecker, 486.
Red-headed Carrion Crows, 212.
Vulture, 212, 213.
Red-legged Sparrow-Hawk, 228, 229,

Red-necked Turkey-Vulture, ail.
Woodpecker, 494, 495.
Red-throated Caracara, 216.
—— Hobby, 277, 278.
Red-vented Hermit, 387.

Parrot, 329.

Red-winged Hawk, 229.
Regerhinus uncinatus, 267.
reichenbachi, Celeus, 490.
Reinarda, 375.

sqnamata, 375, 376.
Reptilian bird, 54.

Rhyacophilus solitarius, 122.
Rhynchophilus solitarius, 123.
Rhynchops, 92.

cinerascens, 93.

—— melanura, 93.

—— melanurus, 93.

nigra, 92, 93, 94.
River-Ibis, 148.

Roppong, 193.

Roraima Emerald, 403,

-— Parrakeet, 314.

roraims, Otus, 288.

, Pteroglossus, 457, 458.

, Scops, 288.

Roseate Spoonbill, 153..
Rostrhamus, 264.

hamatus, 264, 265,

—— leucopygus, 265.

—— sociabilis, 265, 266, 268.
rothschildi magnificus, Fregata, xv.
ruber, Eudocimus, 150, 15], 165.
, Phaéthornis, 383, 387.
—-, Pheenicopterus, 184, 185.

. Trochilus, 387.
rubiginosus, Chloronerpes, 481, 485.
. Picus, 483.

rubra. Eudocimus, 150.

, Ibis, 148, 150, 164.
rubricollis, Campephilus, 493, 494, 495
——-, Campophilus, 493, 494.

, Picus, 494.

rubrifrons, Melanerpes, 484, 486.
, Picus, 486.

Ruby- and-Topaz Humming-bird, 412.
rufaxilla, Engyptila, 48, 50, 51.

, Leptoptila, 47, 48.
ruficauda. Galbula, 466, 467, 469.
ruficervix, Stenopsis, 366.

, Thermochalis, 365, 366.
ruficollis, Cathartes, 211, 212.

. Cerchneis, 279.

——.,, Hydranassa, 167.

, Tachybaptus, 82.
rufigularis, Faleo, 276, 277.

, Hypotriorchis, 277, 278.
rufina, Columka, 37, 38.
rufipennis, Columbigallina, 45,

, Columbina, 42, 45.

——, Cultrides, 443.

, Neomorpbus, 443.
Rufous-breasted Humwing-birds, 384.

an
bho
ww

ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Rufous-naped Night-Hawk, 366.
Rufcus-tailed Jacamar, 467. Scarlet Ibis, 150, 151, 165, 211.
Rufous-winged Ground-Doye, 45. Macaw, 299.

Cuckoo, 443. schomburgki, Crex, 70.

rufus, Canutus, 127, 181. , Hydropsalis, 362.

— ., Celeus, 490. , Thyrorhina, 70.

— ., Nyctibius, 354. Schomburgk’s Parrakeet, 315,

scapularis, Ceophleus, 496.

——,, lringa, 131. Scissor-bill Gull, 93, 94.

—., Trogon, 4380, 433. Scissor tailed Hawk, 263.
rugirostra, Crotophaga, 446. —-— Kite, 263.

Rupornis, 239. scolopaceus, Aramus, 141, 142.

magnirostris, 238, 239.
rupurumil, Phaéthornis, 883, 385.

, Notherodius, 141.
Scolopax frenata, 133.

Rusty Dove, 48.
rutila, Piaya, 436, 441.

rutilans, Hypomorphnus, 229.

rutilus, Cuculus, 441.
, Cypseloides, 374.

Sabre-wing, Red-breasted, 391.

, Broad-shafted, 390.
Sackaiaka, 348.

Sackuih, 340.

Saesaesu, 348.

Sakaika, 350.

Sakuta, 277.

Salies, 342, 343.

Salle’s Hermit, 384.
Salpiza cristata, 25, 27.
jacucaca, 26, 30.
Salvadori’s Tinamou, 11.
salyini, Xanthogenyx, 419.
Sanderling, 128, 129.
Sand-Lark, Common, 124.
~—., Spotted, 124.

or Wagtail, 124.
Sandpiper, Bartram’s, 125.
, Bonaparte’s, 130.
—— or Nit, 124, 125.
——.,, Pectoral, 129.

— ., Red-breasted, 116, 131.

——., Semipalmated, 126.

, paludosa, 154.

Scopoli’s Parrot, 356.

Scops asio, 288.

- brasilianus, 288, 289.
— choliba, 288.

— cristatus, 289, 290.
roraime, 288,

Scops Gwl, 289.

, Spix’s, 287.
scotinus, Bubo, 285.
Screamer, Horned, 182. 188, 184.
Screech Owl, 295.

Screecher, 321, 322.
Screecher Parrot, 306.
Sea-dogs, 93, 94.

sedulus, Chloronerpes, 488.
Selenidera, 460.

culik, 460, 461.

—— gouldi, 460.

— piperivora, 460.
nattereri, 460, 461, 462.
Semi-collared Night-Hawk, 362.
semipalmata, Agialitis, 109.
, Charadrius, 109.

, Symphemia, 118, 119,
Semipalmated Plover, 109.
Sandpiper, 126.
semipalmatus, A°gialitis, 109.
, Catoptrophorus, 118.

, Solitary, 123. ——-, Charadrius, 108, 109.
—, Spotted, 124. , Ereunetes, 127.
——., Wilson’s or Little Peep, 127. semitorquatus, Lurocalis, 361, 362.
sanguineus, Dendrobates, 487. , Micrastur, 221.

—, Picus, 487. septentrionalis, Nannochordeiles, 359.
——.,, Veniliornis, 486, 487. . Tinamus, 1, 2.
Sapphire, Green-vented, 400. Serimi, 445.

, Guiana, 400, serratus, Tinamus, 6.

sapphirina, Hylocharis, 599, 400.
sapphirinus, Trochilus, 400.
Sarcorawphus, 205, 206,

serrirostris, Petasophora, 405.
Seyen-coloured Parrakeet, 336, 337.
severa, Ara, 296, 305.

gryphus, 206. severus, Conurus, 303.
papa, 205, 206. , Psittacus, 305.
Saucerottea, 398. sexfasciatus, Nisus, 228.
cupreicauda, 398, 599. Sharp-tailed Ibis, 149.
Saurama, 319. Shaw’s Golden-throat, 415.
Savanna Kites, 213, 215. Shining Swift, 374.
—~, Pewit, 102, 103. Short-billed Grebe, 83.
, Plover, 102. Short-tailed Buzzard, 236.

Swift, 371.

Short-winged Burrowing Owl, 292,

Savato, 229.
scapularis, Ardea, 175.

o24 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Shypook, 175, 176, 177.
Simonula, 413.

chloriceps, 413,
simplex, Crypturus, 8, 16,
Sirupow, 293.

Skimmer, Black-tailed, 93, 94.
Skua, Pomatorhine, 96.
Slate-backed Hobby, 276.
Small Maam, 12, 10.

Macaw, 304, 305, 306.

— Ring Plover, 110.
Sandpiper or Wagtail, 125.
Smooth-billed Ani, 448.
Snake-birds, 199, 200.
Snake-Hawk, 218, 219, 231, 232.
Snatch-Hawk, 274.

Snipe, Brazilian, 133,

—., Cayenne, 134.

——, Red-breasted, 117.

——,, Stone, 118, 119.

, Wilson’s, 132.

sociabilis, Herpetotheres, 265.

, Rostrhamus, 265, 266, 268.
Sociable Kite, 265, 266.

-—— Shell-eating Kite, 265,
Sohi, 348.

solitaria, Tringa, 122.
solitarius, Helodromus, 122.

, Rhyacophilus, 122.

——, Rhynchophilus, 123.
Solitary Sandpiper, 123.
solstitialis, Aratinga, 306, 307.
, Conurus, 307, 308.

—, Psittacus, 307.

Sonnini’s Crested Quail, 31.
sonninii, Eupsychortyx, 31, 52.
, Perdix, 31.

Sorroko, 4383.

soui, Crypturus, 7, 10.

soui, Crypturus, 10.
South American Black Hawks, 246.
Night-Hawk, 358.
Peregrine, 279.
Southern Limpkin, 141.

sovi, Crypturus, 10.

Sowewies or Negrocopes, 154, 156.
Sparrow-Hawk, Blue, 224, 225.
, Eye-browed, 227.

-—., Four-banded, 228.

-——, Little-barred, 227, 228.

, Red-legged, 228, 229.
sparrerius, Cerchneis, 279.
Sparvius bicolor, 228.

—— exrulescens, 224.
gilvicollis, 222.°
Spathura, 420.

speciosa, Columba, 37, 39.
Spectacled Owl, 286, 287.
Speotyto, 292.

brachyptera, 292.
cunicularia, 292.

spilogaster, Picumnus, 497, 498, 499.

or Common Yellowshanks, 122.

Spine-tailed Swirt, 372.
spinicauda, Acanthylis, 372.
, Chetura, 370, 372, 373.
spinosa, Jacana, 136.
Spiny-tailed Swift, 372.
Spizaétus, 258.

mauduyti, 259.
ornatus, 258, 259.
tyrannus, 260.
Spizastur, 257,
melanoleucus, 257, 258.
Splendid Pigeon, 37.
Spoonbill, Roseate, 153.
Spotted Harrier, 218, 219.
Kingfisher, 349.
Sandpiper, 124.

Spix’s Goose, 192.

Grey Ground-Doye, 42,
Scops Owl, 287.

Spotted-tailed Night-Hawk, xvi.

Spurwing, 136.

—-, Bucktown, 102.
Spur-winged Jacana, 138.
-— Plover, 100, 101, 109.
squamata, Claudia, 376.

, Reinarda, 375, 376.
squamatus, Cypselus, 376.
Steatornis, 341.

caripensis, 341, 342.
stellaris, Botaurus, 181, 182.
Stenopsis cayennensis, 364, 365,
maculicaudus, 367.
ruficervix, 366.
Stercorarius, 96.
parasiticus, 96.
pomarinus, 96, 97.
pomatorhinus, 96.
Sterna, 89.

antillaram. 91.

—— fluviatilis, 90.

—— hirundo, 89, 90.
magnirostris, 87,
melanorhyncha, 89, 91.
superciliaris, 89, 92.
Stilt, Black-necked, 111.
Stilt-legged Plover, 139, 140.
Stinking Pheasant, 51.
Stone Snipe, 118, 119.
Stork, Common, 159.

—., Giant White, 160.

, White, 173.
Strepsilas interpres, 99.
strepitans, Columbina, 41].
striata, Butorides, 175, 176.
Strix cristata, 289.
crucigera, 287.
flammea, 295.

hubula, 291.

perlata, 295, xvi.
perspicillata, 286.
phalanoides, 293.
subbuteo, Falco, 275.
suberistatus, Tinamus, 4, 7.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. be

subcristatus, Trachypelmus, 4.
subfureatus, Chlorostilbon, 403.
suipara, Psittacula, 315,

Sula, 201.

—— leucogaster, 201.

sula, 201.

sulcatus, Aulacorhamphus, 462.
, Pteroglossus, 463.
sulcirostris, Crotophaga, 446,
Sulpbur-and-White-breasted Toucan,

456.

Sundeyall’s Piculet, 498.
superba, Anthoscenus, 422.
superbus, Anthoscenus, 422.
-——, Trochilus, 422.
superciliaris, Ciccaba, 290, 291.

, Sterna, 89, 92.
macconnelli, Ciccaba, 290.

superciliosa, Alcedo, 350.

, Ceryle, 350.

superciliosus, Accipiter, 227.

, Paleo, 227.

-—, Trochilus, 383.
surinamensis, Heliornis, 80.

, Podoa, 80.
swainsoni, Gampsonyx, 271, 272.

Swainson’s Green Woodpecker, 483.

Humming-bird, 408,

Pearl-Kite, 271.

Swallow Puff-bird, 478.
Swallow-winged Barbet, 479.

Swallow-tailed Kite, 262, 264.
Swift, Black, 375.

, Cayenne, 376,

———. Guiana, 373.

——, Shining, 374.

— , Short-tailed, 371.

——., Spine-tailed, 372.

——.,, Spiny-tailed, 372.

——, White-banded, 371.

Symphemia semipalmata, 118, 119.

Syrnium huhulum, 291,

perspicillatum, 286.

Tachybaptus, 82.
brachyrhynchus, 83.
ruficollis, 82.

Tachypetes aquila, 202.
Tachytriorchis, 231.
abbreyiatus, 232.
albicaudatus, 231.
taczanowskii, Brabournea, 394,
‘Vaitapih, 433.

Talpactoi Ground-Doye, 44.
talpacoti, Chameepelia, 44.
--—, Columbina, 42, 44.
Tantalus loculator, 154,

tao, ‘Tinamus, 1, 2, 3.
septentrionalis, Tinamus, 1, 2.
Tapera, 435, 443.

neevia, 443, 444,
Taramaru, 160.

Tarau-tarau, 103.

Or

Tarisa, 330.

Tattler, Wood, 122, 123.
Teal, Blue-winged, 195.

, Brazilian, 193.

tectus, Bueco, 472, 474.
Teifari, 459.

Temminck’s Crake, 76.
tenebrosa, Brachypetes, 479.
——., Chelidoptera, 478.
tenebrosus, Cuculus, 478.
tephrodops, Dendrobates, 488.
Teribei, 101.

Tern, Common, 90.

~-——, Great-billed, 87.
——, Gull-billed, 88.

——, Least, 92.

, Black-billed Little, 91.
Tetrao major, 6,

Tetsch, 445,

Teu-teu, 278.

Thalurania, 404.

fureata, 405.

fissilis, 404.

-— nigrofasciata, 404.
Thaumantias, 394, 395.
thaumantius, Polytmus, 415.
Thaumasius, 394.

theresix, Psilomycter, 413, 414.
, Trochilus, 414.
Theristicus, 146.

caudatus, 146.

-—— melanopis, 146,
Thermochaleis, 364.
cayennensis, 364, 365,
ruficervix, 365, 366.
Thick-knee, Double-striped, 139.
Thrasaétos, 254,

Thrasétus, 254.

harpyia, 254, 255, 256, 257.
Threnetes, 379.

-—— leucurus, 379, 380.
thula, Egretta, 164.

, Leucophoyx, 150, 164.
Thyrorhina, 70.
schombureki, 70.
Viger-bird, 177, 178.

Viger Bittern, 177.
tigrinum, Tigrisoma, 177.
Tigrisoma, 177.

— brasiliense, 177.

——- lineatum, 177.
tigrinum, 177.
Timuku, 15].

Tinamou, Cinereus, 9.

— , Great, 4.

——, Modest, 16.

——., Northern Blue, 2,
—, Pileated, 10.

-——, Salvadori’s, 11.

——, Variegated, 12,
Tinamus, 1, 2, 7, 8.
serratus, 6.
subcristatus, 4, 7.

526 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Tinamus tao septentrionalis, 1, 2.
Tinnunculus isabellinus, 280.
tinnunculus, Cerchneipicus, 491.
tinus, Accipiter, 227, 228.
tiriacula, Brotogerys, 317.

-~——, Conurus, 311, 317.

tirica, Brotogeris, 311, 317.
——, Brotogerys, 517.

, Psittacus, 317.

Tischih, 339.

Trivima, 3656.

toboci, Agyrtria, 395.

Toco bill-bird, 453.

Toucan, 453.

toco, Ramphastus, 452, 453, 454.
Tomana, 330.

tomentosa, Mitu, 21, 22.

——, Mitua, 22.

, Urax, 22.

Tooth-billed Kite, 267, 268.
Topaz, Crimson, 417.-

Topaza, 416.

pella, 416, 417, 418, 419.
Torom, 320.

Torong, 467.

torquata, Alcedo, 345.

, Athene, 286.

—,, Ceryle, 345, 346, 347, 349, 350.

—, Megaceryle, 344, 345.

, Pulsatrix, 286, 287.
torquatus, Cerchneipicus, 491.
——, Picus, 491.

, Pteroglossus, 458.
Tosorih, 214.

Totanus, 119, 122.

flavipes, 119, 121, 122.
—— melanoleucus, 119, 121.
totanus, 119.

totanus, Totanus, 119.
Toucan, Osculant, 455.

, Red-breasted, 453.

——, Sulphur -and - White - breasted,

456.
——, Toco, 453.
Toucanet, Guiana, 460.
, Natterer’s, 461.
Toucans, 451, 456, 547.
, Red-billed, 455.
Touit, 336.
batavica, 336.
—— hueti, 336, 338.
-—— purpurata, 328, 336,337.
Trachypelmus, 2, 4.
canus, 2.
subcristatus, 4.
tranquilla, Monasa, 477.
Tree-Duck, Grey-breasted, 190.
tricolor, Ardea, 167.
, Hydranassa, 167.
Tricoloured Heron, 167.
Tringa, 122.
canutus, 127, 131, 132.
— ocrophus, 122.
rufa, 131.

Tringa solitaria, 122.
Tringoides macularius, 124, 125. ©
Trinidad Pigmy Owl, 293.
Trochilus amythestinus, 424.
anais, 406.

-— augusti, 384,
— auriculatus, 421.

—— auritus, 420, 421.

—— bourcieri, 385.
braziliensis, 380.
chrysobronchos, 415.
dominicus, 380.

— elatus, 412.

——- fimbriatus, 395.

—— fureatus, 405.

fuscus, 393.

-—— gramineus, 411.

—— hirsutus, 380.

—— johanne, 378.
largipennis, 390.
leucogaster, 596.
leucurus, 580.
longicauda, 427.
mango, 410.
mellivorns, 392.
moschitus, 412.
nigricollis, 410.
ornatus, 425.
pectoralis, 411.

pella, 417.

—— platurus, 427.
pygmeus, 387.
recuryirostris, 408. .
ruber, 387.
sapphirinus, 400.
superbus, 422,
superciliosus, 383.
theresiw, 414.
violicauda, 410.
viridigula, 411.

viridis, 415.

Trogon, 429.

atricollis, 433. ;
melanopterus, 431, 452, 435.
melanurus, 430.
meridionalis, 434.
personatus, 430, 431.
rufus, 430, 433. :
— violaceus, 430, 434.
viridis, 430, 431, 482, 435.
Trogon, Black-tailed, 430.

, Black-throated, 433.

, Masked, 431.
Trumpeter, Common, 144.
Tsackih, 33.

Tuanna, 143.

tuberosa, Mitua, 22.

Tufted Coquette, 425.
tuidara, Tyto, xvi.

tuiparus, Conurus, 318, 407.
Tukui, 391, 407.
Tumih-Tumih, 310, 313.
Tunaborucka, 182.
Turkey-Buzzard, 212.

LET

BAe aad

MIT

ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 527

Turkey-Buzzard, Black-headed, 209,
210

Turkey-Vulture, Red-necked, 211,
Turkish Duck, 187, 188.
Turnstone, 98, 129.
Tyoyatsuya, 511.
tyrannus, Falco, 260.

, Spizaétus, 260.
Tyrant Hawk-Eagle, 260.
Tyto, 294.

alba, 294,

perlata, 295.

—— tuidara, xvi.

Umoi, 274.

uncinatus, Chondrobierax, 267,
, Faleo, 267.

, Regerhinus, 267.
undatus, Celeus, 489, 490, 491.
, Picus, 490.

undulata, Gallinago, 134,

, Homoptilura, 154.
Undulated Piculet, 499.
undulatus, Picumnus, +97, 499.
, Zebrilus, 180.

unicolor, Buteo, 232, 233, 234, 235.
Uniform Crake, 69.

Unko, 182.

Unoruima, 175.

Uranomitra whitelyi, 397.
Urochroma cingulata, 336, 337.
hueti, 338, 339.
purpurata, 337.

Urogalba, 464.

dea, 464, 469.

paradisea, 464, 465.
Urospizias jardinei, 226, 227.
Urubitinga, 246.

albicollis, 250.
anthracina, 246, 248, 249.
melanops, 251.
urubitinga, 246, 249.
zonura, 246, 247.
urubitinga, Cathartes, 21], 212.
, Fuleo, 246.

——, Hypomorphnus, 246.

, Urubitinga, 246, 249,
urubu, Catharista, 209.
urumutum, Crax, 20, 21.

, Nothocrax, 20.

Vanellus eayennensis, 101, 102.
Variegated Tinamou, 12.
variegatus, Crypturus, 8, 12, 15.
variegatus, Crypturus, 12.
Venezuelan Horned Owl, 285.
Wood-Nymph, 404,

—— Wood-Rail, 67.
Veniliornis, 486.

cassini, 487, 488, 489.
—— passerinus, 487, 488.
sanguineus, 486, 487.
verreauxi, Leptoptila, 47, 48,
versicolor, Conurus, 311,

Vicissi Duck, 80.

viduata, Dendrocygna, 188, 189, 190.
vigua, Phalacrocorax, 198.
yinacea, Columba, 40.
vinaceo-rufa, Zenaida, 41.
violacea, Nyctanassa, 171.
violaceus, Nyctherodius, 171, 172.
, Nycticorax, 171.

——, Pionus, 33).

, Trogen, 430, 434.
Violet-Ear, Brown, 407.

, Guiana, 406.

Violet-tailed Mango, 410.
yiolicauda, Authracothorax, 410.
, Lampornis, 410,

—, Trochilua, 410.

virescens, Clrysobronchus, 415, 416,
virginianus, Charadrius, 105, 109.
, Chordeiles, 357.

virginicus, Charadrius, 105, 106.
viridicauda, Galbula. 466, 468.
viridigula, Anthracothorax, 409, 411.
, Trochilus, 411.

viridis, Creciscus, 74.

, Galbula, 466.

——.,, Pteroglossus, 459.

——.,, Ramphastos, 458, 459.
——., Trochilus, 415.

, Trogon, 430, 431, 452, 435.
viridissima, Agyrtria, 396.
viridissimus, Chrysobronchus, 414,
viridiventris, Hylocharis, 400.
Vis-sisi, 190.

vitellinus, Ramphastos, 456.

, Ramphasus, 452, 456, 457.
vocifer, GEdienemus, 139, 140.
Vultur, 206.

—— harpyja, 254.

papa, 206, 207.

Vulture, Black, 208.

——, Carrion, 165.

, King, 208, xv.

——, Red-headed, 212, 213.

, Yellow-headed.

Vultures, 205, 207, 208, 210.

, Black, 207, 211.

'—— ., King, 208.

Wabacktsebeh, 462.
Wacarlaluccu, 313,
Waewipany, 247.
White-faced Duck, 189.
Wakauka, 39.
Wakaineh, 174.
Wakriang, 157.
Wallaba bird, 173, 174.
Warapischuro, 478,
Warara, 154,

Warate, 140.
Warracaba, 144, 145.
Warrarapa, 174.
Wassibicobo, 49,
Watatow, 275.
Waterhen, American, 77.

528 ALPHABETICAL INDEX.

Waved Woodpecker, 490.
Wawing.

Whimbrel, American, 113.
——, Esquimo, 114.

——,, Hudsonian, 113.
White Egret, 151, 165.
—— Stork of Europe, 173.
White-banded Swift, 371.
White-bellied Booby, 201.
— Emerald, 396.
Jacamar, 468, 469.

White-breasted Crowned Eagle, 259.

—— Harrier-Hawk, 221, 222,
Puff-bird, 476.
White-collared Hawk, 250.
White-eyed Parrot, 308.
White-fronted Buzzard, 237.
Guan, 26.

White-headed Buzzard, 244.
Caracaras, 217, 218.

— Guan, 29.

Maroodie, 29.

White-naped Pigeon, 39.
White-necked Crake, 72.
Night-Hawk, 363.
White-rumped Nigl:t-Hawk, 360.
White-tailed Barbed-throat, 380.
—— Buzzard, 231.
Golden-throat, 415.

Kite, 270.

White-throated Bat-Falcon, 277.
White-winged Curlew, 118, 119.
—— Lake Duck, 196,

—— Plover, 98.

whitelyanus, Aulacorbhamphus, 462.

whitelyi, Antrostomus, 368.
, Agyrtria, 397.

-—, Agyrtrina, 395, 397.
, Caprimulgus, 368.
——, Uranomitra, 597.
Whitely’s Aracari, 462.
—— Emerald, 397.

—— Night-Hawk, 368.
Wicissi Duck, 189, 190.
Wife-sick, 444, 445.
Willet, 118, 119.

wilsoni, Charadrius, 108.
——, Ochthodromus, 108.
wilsonia, #gialitis, 108, 109.
Wilson’s Plover, 108, 109.
Snipe, 132.
Wine-coloured Dove, 41.
Wind-hover, 281.
Wockariyou, 354.

Wokira, 218.

Wokoboko, 286.

Wonn, 175.

Wood-Nympbh, Venezuelan, 404.

Wood-Owl, McConnell’s Guiana, 290.
Woodpecker, Black-and-White,495,497.

—., Blood-coloured, 487.
——, Bonaparte’s Green, 482.
——,, Cassin’s, 488.

Woodpecker, Chestnut-winged, 492.
, Guiana Lvory-bill, 497.
——,, Hellmayr’s, 490,

——, Lineated, 496.

——., Little Black, 485.

——,, Passerine, 488.

——,, Red-fronted, 486.

— , Red-necked, 494, 495.

——., Swainson’s Green, 483.
— ., Waved, 490.

-—, Yellow-throated Green, 482.
Wood-Rail, Cayenne, 68.

, Venezuelan, 67.
Wood-Tattler, 122, 125.

Worna, 178.

Worokeh, 320.

Worrokeh, 324.

Wouraerepos, 207.

Xanthogenys salvini, 419.
xanthogenys, Heliodoxa, 419.
Xema atricilla, 95.

Yacka-tatta, 217.

Yahi, 460.

Yakamik, 145,

Yaruma, 19.

Yawiwa, 82.

Yellow Parrot, 307.
Yellow-backed Hang-nest, 242.
Yellow-bellied Crake, 73.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 437.
Yellow-cheeked Brilliant, 419.
Yellow-faced Kite, 271, 272.

Yellow-fronted Amazon Parrot, 322,

324.
Yellow-headed Amazon, 322.
Caracara, 217.
Vulture, 212, 213.
Yellow-throated Caracara, 215.
Greeu Woodpecker, 482.
Yellowshanks, Big, 121.
, Greater, 119.
——-, Small or Common, 122.
Yoho, 494.
Yumarih, 151.

Zebrilus, 180. .

pumilis, 180.
undulutus, 180.
Zeckeh-zeckeh, 137.
Zenaida, 40.
yinaceo-rufa, 41.
zenaida, 40,
zenaida, Zenaida, 40.
Zezira, 54.

Zigzag Bittern, 180.
Zitow, 266.

Zittang, 494.

Zittubera, 494.

zonaris, Chetura, 371.
Zone-tailed Buzzard, 232.
zonura, Urubitinga, 246, 247.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

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