Smithsonian

Purchased from the
CULLMAN ENDOWMENT

.

THE

ZOOLOGY

OF

THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. BEAGLE,

UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPTAIN FITZROY, R.N.,

DURING THE YEARS

1832 to 1836.

PUBLISHED WITH THE APPROVAL OF
THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF HER MAJESTY’S TREASURY.

l£HtteK anti SupatutentteiJ bj>

CHARLES DARWIN, ESQ. M.A. F.R.S. Sec. G.S.

NATURALIST TO THE EXPEDITION.

PART III.

BIRDS,

BY

JOHN GOULD, ESQ. F.L.S.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY SMITH, ELDER AND CO. 65, CORNHILL.

MDCCCXLI.

LONDON :

PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY,
OLD BAILEY.

ft

B3K

f£3<?

ff.S

BIRDS,

Desrrfeti bp

JOHN GOULD, ESQ. F.L.S.

WITH

A NOTICE OF THEIR HABITS AND RANGES,

BY CHARLES DARWIN, Esq. M.A. F.R.S. Sec. Geolog. Soc.

AND WITH AN ANATOMICAL APPENDIX,

BY T. C. EYTON, ESQ, F.L.S.

ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS COLOURED ENGRAVINGS.

CORRIGENDA.

I am indebted to Mr. G. R. Gray for the following remarks and corrections : —

Page 13, to Milvago ocrocephalus, Spix. add

Polyborus ocrocephalus, Jard. Sf Selby's III. t. 5.

Alter 7, 8, 9, & 10, to 5, 6, 7, & 8.

Page 15, Milvago leucurus, add

Falco Australis, Jard. Sf Selby’s III. Orn. n. s.
pi. 24.

Page 49, Serpophaga, Gould, is probably synonymous with
Eusearthmus, Pr. Max.

Page 56, Agriornis, Gould, is synonymous with Dasycephala
of Swainson, and Tamnolanius, of Lesson ; the
species therefore should be
sp. 1. D. lividus, G.R. Gray.

Thamnophiluslividus, Kittl. Voy.de Chili, pl.l.

Tyrannus gutturalis, Eyd. Sf Gerv. Sfc.
sp. 2. D. striata, G. R. Gray.

Agr. striatus, Gould.

Agr. micropterus, juv. Gould, sp. 3.

Page 57, sp. 4. D. maritima, G. R ■ Gray.

Agr. maritimus, G. R. Gray, &c.

Page 66. The generic appellation of Opetiorhynchus, was
adopted after the subjection of Mr. Gould ; since
its publication, however, I have considered that it
might cause confusion with Furnarius, of Vieillot,
as it is Temminck’s name for the identical same
division, therefore only a synonym, and am on

that ground induced to change and propose the
name of Cinclodes, which has been adopted by a
Continental writer. The species should be altered
thus : —

Page 66, Sp. 1. Cinclodes vulgaris, G.R. Gray.

Page 67, sp. 2. C. Patagonicus, G. R. Gray, List of the
Genera of Birds.

sp. 3. C. antarcticus, G. R. Gray.

Cinclodes fuliginosus, Less.

Page 68, sp. 4. C. nigrofumosus, G.R. Gray.

Page 69, Eremobius, being previously employed, it is changed
to Enicornis, G. R. Gray. The species to
En. phoenicurus, G. R. Gray, List of the Genera
of Birds.

Page 70, Rhinomya, being also previously employed ; it is
therefore changed to Rhinocrypta, G. R. Gray.
The species to

R. lanceolata, G. R. Gray.

Page 76, for Synallaxis major, Gould, read Anumbius acuti-
caudatus, G. R. Gray.

Furnarius annumbi, Vieill.

L’Anumbi, Azara, No. 222.

Anthus acuticaudatus, Less.

Anumbius anthoides, D'Orb. Sf Lefr.

Page 94, Fringilla fruticeti, Kittl. gives place to

Fringilla erythrorhyncha, Less. Voy. Thetis, ii. p. 324.

Plate I.

II.

III.

IV.
V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

X.

XI.

XII.

XIII.

XIV.
XV.

XVI.

XVII.

XVIII.

XIX.

XX.

XXI.

XXII..

XXIII.

XXIV.

LIST OF PLATES.

Milvago albogularis.

Craxirex Galapagoensis.

Otus Galapagoensis.

Strix punctatissima.

Progne modestus.

Pyrocephalus parvirostris.

— nanus.

Tyrannula magnirostris.

Lichenops erythropterus.

Fluvicola Azaras.

( Xolmis variegata, in place, of
\ Taenioptera variegata.

Agriornis micropterus.

leucurus.

Pachyramphus albescens.

minimus.

Mimus trifasciatus.

melanotis.

parvulus.

( Uppucerthia dumetoria, in place of
t Upercerthia dumetaria.
Opetiorhynchus nigrofumosus,
in place of

Opetiorhynchus lanceolatus.
Eremobius phoenicurus.

Anumbius acuticaudatus, in place of
Synallaxis major.

Synallaxis rufogularis.

— flavogularis.

Plate XXV.

Limnornis curvirostris.

XXVI.

rectirostris.

XXVII.

Dendrodamus leucosternus.

XXVIII.

Sylvicola aureola.

XXIX.

Ammodramus longicaudatus.

XXX.

j Ammodramus Manimbe, in ■
\ Ammodramus xanthornus.

XXXI.

Passer Jagoensis.

XXXII,

Chlorospiza melanodera.

XXXIII.

xanthogramma.

XXXIV.

J Aglaia striata, in place of
Tanagra Darwinii.

XXXV.

Pipilo personata.

XXXVI.

Geospiza magnirostris.

XXXVIT.

strenua.

XXXVIII.

fortis.

XXXIX.

parvula.

XL.

Camarhynchus psittaculus.

XLI.

crassirostris.

XLII.

Oactornis scandens.

XLIII.

assimilis.

XLIV.

Certhidea olivacea.

XLV.

Xanthornus flaviceps.

XL VI.

Zenaida Galapagoensis.

XLVII.

Rhea Darwinii.

XLVIII.

Zapornia notata.

XLIX.

spilonota.

L.

Anser melanopterus.

ADVERTISEMENT.

When I presented my collection of Birds to the Zoological Society, Mr.
Gould kindly undertook to furnish me with descriptions of the new species and
names of those already known. This he has performed, but owing to the hurry,
consequent on his departure for Australia, — an expedition from which the science
of Ornithology will derive such great advantages, — he was compelled to leave
some part of his manuscript so far incomplete, that without the possibility of
personal communication with him, I was left in doubt on some essential points.
Mr. George Robert Gray, the ornithological assistant in the Zoological depart-
ment of the British Museum, has in the most obliging manner undertaken to
obviate this difficulty, by furnishing me with information with respect to some
parts of the general arrangement, and likewise on that most intricate subject, —
the knowledge of what species have already been described, and the use of proper
generic terms. I shall endeavour in every part of the text to refer to Mr. G. R.
Gray’s assistance, where I have used it. As some of Mr. Gould’s descriptions
appeared to me brief, I have enlarged them, but have always endeavoured to retain
his specific character; so that, by this means, I trust I shall not throw any
obscurity on what he considers the essential character in each case ; but at the
same time, I hope, that these additional remarks may render the work more
complete.

The accompanying illustrations, which are fifty in number, were taken from
sketches made by Mr. Gould himself, and executed on stone by Mrs. Gould, with

B

11

ADVERTISEMENT.

that admirable success, which has attended all her works. They are all of the
natural size with the exception of four raptorial birds, a goose and a species of
Rhea. As the dimensions of these latter birds are given, their proportional
reduction will readily be seen. I had originally intended to have added the initial
letter of my name to the account of the habits and ranges, and that of Mr. Gould’s
to the description of the genera and species ; but as it may be known that he is
responsible for the latter, and myself for the former, this appeared to me useless ;
and I have, therefore, thought it better to incorporate all general remarks in my
own name, stating on every occasion my authority, so that wherever the personal
pronoun is used it refers to myself. Finally, I must remark, that after the
excellent dissertation, now in the course of publication, on the habits and distri-
bution of the birds of South America by M. Alcide D’Orbigny, in which he has
combined his own extended observations with those of Azara, my endeavour to
add anything to our information on this subject, may at first be thought super-
fluous. But as during the Beagle’s voyage, I visited some portions of America
south of the range of M. D’Orbigny ’s travels, I shall relate in order the few facts,
which I have been enabled to collect together ; and these, if not new, may at least
tend to confirm former accounts. I have, however, thought myself obliged to omit
some parts, which otherwise I should have given ; and, after having read the pub-
lished portion of M. D’Orbigny’s great work, I have corrected some errors, into
which I had fallen. I have not, however, altered any thing simply because it
differs from what that gentleman may have written ; but only where I have been
convinced that my means of observation were inferior to his.

BIRDS.

Family — VULTURIDiE.
Sarcoramphus gryphus. Bonap.

Yultur gryphus, Linn.

— , Hurnb. Zoolog. p. 31.

Sarcoramphus Condor, D’ Orbigny. Yoy. Ois.
Condor of the inhabitants of South America.

The Condor is known to have a wide range, being found on the west coast of
South America, from the Strait of Magellan, throughout the range of the Cordil-
lera, as far, according to M. D’Orbigny, as 8° north latitude. On the Patagonian
shore, the steep cliff near the mouth of the Rio Negro, in latitude 41°, was the
most northern point where I ever saw these birds, or heard of their existence ;
and they have there wandered about four hundred miles from the great central line
of their habitation in the Andes. Further south, among the bold precipices which
form the head of Port Desire, they are not uncommon ; yet only a few stragglers
occasionally visit the sea-coast. A line of cliff near the mouth of the Santa
Cruz is frequented by these birds, and about eighty miles up the river, where the
sides of the valley were formed by steep basaltic precipices, the Condor again
appeared, although in the intermediate space not one had been seen. From
these and similar facts, I believe that the presence of this bird is chiefly determined
by the occurrence of perpendicular cliffs. In Patagonia the Condors, either
by pairs or many together, both sleep and breed on the same overhanging
ledges. In Chile, however, during the greater part of the year, they haunt the
lower country, near the shores of the Pacific, and at night several roost in
one tree ; but in the early part of summer they retire to the most inaccessible
parts of the inner Cordillera, there to breed in peace.

b 2

4

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

With respect to their propagation, I was told by the country people in
Chile, that the Condor makes no sort of nest, but in the months of November
and December, lays two large white eggs on a shelf of bare rock. Certainly, on
the Patagonian coast, I could not see any sort of nest among the cliffs, where
the young ones were standing. I was told that the young Condors could
not fly for a whole year, but this probably was a mistake, since M. D’Orbigny
says they take to the wing in about a month and a half after being hatched.
On the fifth of March (corresponding to our September), I saw a young bird at
Concepcion, which, though in size only little inferior to a full-grown one, was
completely covered by down, like that of a gosling, but of a blackish colour.

I can, however, scarcely believe that this bird could have used, for some months
subsequently, its wings for flight. After the period when the young Condor
can fly, apparently as well as the old birds, they yet remain (as I observed
in Patagonia) both roosting at night on the same ledge, and hunting by day
with their parents : but before the young bird has the ruff round its neck
white, it may often be seen hunting by itself. At the mouth of the Santa Cruz,
during part of April and May, a pair of old birds might be seen every day,
either perched on a certain ledge, or sailing about in company with a single
young one, which latter, though full fledged, had not its ruff white.

The Condors generally live by pairs ; but among the basaltic cliffs of the
plains, high up the river Santa Cruz, I found a spot where scores must usually
haunt. They were not shy; and on coming suddenly to the brow of the precipice,
it was a fine sight to see between twenty and thirty of these great* birds start
heavily from their resting place, and wheel away in majestic circles. From the
large quantity of dung on the rocks, they must have long frequented this cliff ;
and probably they both roost and breed there. Having gorged themselves with
carrion on the plains below, they retire to these favourite ledges to digest their
food in quietness. From these facts, the Condor must, to a certain degree be
considered, like the Gallinazo ( Cathartes atratus ), a gregarious bird. In this part
of the country they live almost entirely on the guanacoes, which either have
died a natural death, or, as more commonly happens, have been killed by the
pumas. I believe, from what I saw in Patagonia, that they do not, on ordinary
occasions, extend their daily excursions to any great distance from their regular
sleeping places.

The condors may oftentimes be seen at a great height, soaring over a certain
spot in the most graceful spires and circles. On some occasions I am sure that they
do this for their sport ; but on others, the Chileno countryman tells you, that they
are watching a dying animal, or the puma devouring its prey. If the condors

* I measured a specimen, which I killed there : it was from tip to tip of wing, eight and a half feet ; and
from end of beak to end of tail four feet.

BIRDS.

5

glide down, and then suddenly all rise together, the Chileno knows that it is the
puma, which, watching the carcass, has sprung out to drive away the robbers.
Besides feeding on carrion, the condors frequently attack young goats and
lambs. Hence the shepherds train their dogs, the moment the enemy passes
over, to run out, and looking upwards, to bark violently. The Chilenos destroy
and catch numbers ; two methods are used : one is to place a carcass within an
enclosure of sticks on a level piece of ground, and when the condors have gorged
themselves to gallop up on horseback to the entrance, and thus enclose them : for
when this bird has not space to run, it cannot give its body sufficient momentum
to rise from the ground. The second method is to mark the trees in which, fre-
quently to the number of five or six, they roost together, and then at night to climb
up and noose them ; they are such heavy sleepers, as I have myself witnessed, that
this is not a difficult task. At Valparaiso I have seen a living condor sold for
sixpence, but the common price is eight or ten shillings. One which I saw
brought in for sale, had been lashed with a rope, and was much injured ; but
the moment the line was cut by which its bill was secured, it began, although
surrounded by people, ravenously to tear a piece of carrion. In a garden at the
same place, between twenty and thirty of these birds were kept alive ; they
were fed only once a week, yet they appeared to be in pretty good health.*
The Chileno countrymen assert, that the condor will live and retain its powers
between five and six weeks without eating : I cannot answer for the truth of this
fact, but it is a cruel experiment, which very likely has been tried.

When an animal is killed in this country, it is well known that the condors,
like other carrion vultures, gain the intelligence and congregate in a manner
which often appears inexplicable. In most cases, it must not be overlooked,
that the birds have discovered their prey, and have picked the skeleton clean,
before the flesh is in the least degree tainted. Remembering the opinion of
M. Audubon on the deficient smelling powers of such birds, f I tried in the above
mentioned garden, the following experiment. The condors were tied, each by a
rope, in a long row at the bottom of a wall. Having folded a piece of meat in
white paper, I walked backwards and forwards, carrying it in my hand at the

* I noticed that several hours before any of the Condors died, all the lice with which they are infested,
crawled to the outside feathers. I was told, that this always happened.

+ In the case of the Cathartes Aura , Mr. Owen, in some notes read before the Zoological Society, (See
Magazine of Nat. Hist. New Ser. vol. i. p. 638.) has demonstrated from the developed form of the olfactory
nerves, that this bird must possess an acute sense of smell. It was mentioned on the same evening, in a com-
munication from Mr. Sells, that on two occasions, persons in the West Indies having died, and their bodies not
being buried till they smelt offensively, these birds congregated in numbers on the roof of the house. This
instance appears quite conclusive, as it was certain, from the construction of the buildings, that they must have
gained the intelligence by the sense of smell alone, and not by that of sight. It would appear from the various
facts recorded, that carrion-feeding hawks possess both senses, in a very high degree.

6

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

distance of about three yards from them ; but no notice whatever was taken of it. I
then threw it on the ground within one yard of an old cock bird ; he looked at it for a
moment with attention, but then regarded it no more. With a stick I pushed it
closer and closer, until at last he touched it with his beak : the paper was then
instantly torn off with fury, and at the same moment every bird in the long row
began struggling and flapping its wings. Under the same circumstances, it
would have been quite impossible to have deceived a dog.

When the condors in a flock are wheeling round and round any spot, their
flight is beautiful. Except when they rise from the ground, I do not recollect
ever to have seen one flap its wings. Near Lima, I watched several of these
birds for a quarter and half-an-hour, without once taking off my eyes. They
moved in large curves, sweeping in circles, descending and ascending without
once flapping. As several glided close over my head, I intently watched, from
an oblique position, the separate and terminal feathers of the wing ; if there
had been the least vibratory movement, their outlines would have been blended
together, but they were seen distinct against the blue sky. The head and neck
were moved frequently, and apparently with force. If the bird wished to
descend, the wings were for a moment collapsed ; and then, when again
expanded with an altered inclination, the momentum gained by the rapid
descent, seemed to urge the bird upwards, with the even and steady movement
of a paper kite. It was a beautiful spectacle thus to behold these great vultures
hour after hour, without any apparent exertion, wheeling and gliding over moun-
tain and river.

In the garden at Valparaiso, where so many condors were kept alive, I
observed that all the hens had the iris of their eyes bright red, but the cocks
yellowish-brown. In a young bird, whose back was brown, and ruff not white,
(but which must have been at least nearly a year old, as it was then the spring) I
observed that the eye was dark brown : upon examination after death, this
proved to be a female, and therefore I suppose the colour of the iris changes at
the same time with the plumage.

BIRDS.

7

1. Cathartes atrattjs. Rich, and Swain.

Cathartes urubu, D’Orbigny. Y oy. Ois.

Yultur atratus, Bartram , p. 287.

jota, Jardines "Wilson, vol. iii. p. 236.

, Bonaparte s List, p. 1 .

Gallinazo or Cuervo of the Spanish inhabitants of America; and Black Yulture or Carrion Crow of the
English of that continent.

These birds, I believe, are never found further south, than the neighbourhood
of the Rio Negro, in latitude 41°: I never saw one in southern Patagonia, or

in Tierra del Fuego. They appear to prefer damp places, especially the vicinity
of rivers ; and thus, although abundant both at the Rio Negro and Colorado,
they are not found on the intermediate plains. Azara* states, that there existed
a tradition in his time, that on the first arrival of the Spaniards in the Plata,
these birds were not found in the neighbourhood of Monte Video, but that
they subsequently followed the inhabitants from more northern districts.
M. Al. D’Orbigny, in reference to this statement, observes that these vultures,
although common on the northern bank of the Plata, and likewise on the
rivers south of it, are not found in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres, where
the immense slaughtering establishments are attended by infinite numbers of
Polybori and gulls. M. D’Orbigny supposes that their absence is owing to the
scarcity of trees and bushes in the Pampas ; but this view, I think, will hardly
hold good, inasmuch as the country near Bahia Blanca, where the Gallinazo
(together with the carrion-feeding gull) is common, is as bare, if not more so,
than the plains near Buenos Ayres. I have never seen the Gallinazo in Chile ;
and Molina, who was aware of the difference between the C. atratus and C. aura,
has not noticed it; yet, on the opposite side of the Cordillera, near Mendoza,
it is common. They do not occur in Chiloe, or on the west coast of the con-
tinent south of that island. In Wilson’s Ornithology it is said that “ the carrion
crow (as this bird is called in the United States) is seldom found on the
Atlantic to the northward of Newbern, lat. 35° North Carolina.” But in
Richardson’s “ Fauna Boreali-Americana,” it is mentioned, on the authority of
Mr. David Douglas, that on the Pacific side of the continent, it is common on
the marshy islands of the Columbia, and in the neighbourhood of Lewis’s and
Clark’s rivers (45° — 47° N.) It has, therefore, a wider range in the northern

* Yoyage dans l’Amerique Meridionale, vol. iii. p. 24.

8

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

than in the southern half of the continent. These vultures certainly are
gregarious ; for they seem to have pleasure in each other’s society, and are not
solely brought together by the attraction of a common prey. On a fine day,
a flock may often be seen at a great height ; each bird wheeling round and
round in the most graceful evolutions. This is evidently done for their sport ;
or, perhaps, is connected (for a similar habit may sometimes be observed dur-
ing the breeding season amongst our common rooks) with their matrimonial
alliances.

2. Cathartes aura. Illi.

Vultur aura, Linn.

— , Jar dines Wilson , vol. iii. p. 226.

Vultur jota, Molina , Compendio de la Hist, del Rcyno de Chile, vol i. p. 296.

Turkey-buzzard and Carrion Crow of the English in America.

This bird has a wide geographical range, being found from 55° S. to Nova
Scotia (according to Wilson, in Jardine’s edition, vol. iii. p. 231,) in 45° N. ;
or exactly one hundred degrees of latitude. Its lesser range in Northern than
in Southern America is probably due to the more excessive nature of the climate
in the former hemisphere. It is said to be partly migatory during winter, in the
Northern and even in the Middle States, and likewise on the shores of the Pacific.
The C. aura is found in the extreme parts of Tierra del Fuego, and on the
indented coast, covered with thick forests, of West Patagonia, (but not on the
arid plains of Eastern Patagonia,) in Chile, where it is called Jote, in Peru, in
the West Indies ; and, according to Wilson, it remains even during winter, in
New Jersey and Delaware, latitude 40°. It and one of the family of Polyborinse
are the only two carrion-feeding hawks, which have found their way to the
Falkland Islands. The Turkey buzzard, as it is generally called by the English,
may be recognized at a great distance from its lofty, soaring and most graceful
flight. It is generally solitary, or, at most, sweeps over the country in pairs.
In Tierra del Fuego, and on the west coast of Patagonia, it must live exclusively
on what the sea throws up, and on dead seals : wherever these animals in
herds were sleeping on the beach, there this vulture might be seen, patiently
standing on some neighbouring rock. At the Falkland Islands it was tolerably
common ; but sometimes there would not be a single one near the settlement for
several days together, and then many would suddenly appear. They were
usually shy ; a disposition which is remarkable, as being different from that
of almost every other bird in this Archipelago. May we infer from this
that they are migratory, like those of the northern hemisphere ? In a female
specimen killed there, the skin of the head was intermediate in colour between

BIRDS.

9

“ scarlet and cochineal red,”* and the iris dark-coloured. D’Orbigny describes
the iris as being bright scarlet; whilst Azara says it is “jaune leger.” Is this
difference owing to the sex and age, as certainly is the case with the condors ?
As a considerable degree of confusion has prevailed in the synonyms of this
and the foregoing species, caused apparently by a doubt to which of them
Molina applied the name of Jote, I would wish to call attention to the fact, that
at the present time the C. aura in Chile goes by the name of Jote. Moreover,
I think Molina’s description by itself might have decided the question ; he says,
the head of the Vultur jota is naked, and covered only with a wrinkled and
reddish (roxiza) skin.

Family — FALCQNIDiE.

Sub-Fam. POLYBORIM, Swains.
(CaracarideB, D’Orbigny.)

Polyborus Brasiliensis. Swains.

Polyborus vulgaris, Vieillot.

Falco Brasiliensis Auctorum ; Oaracara of Azara ; Tharu of Molina ; and Carrancha of the inhabitants of
La Plata.

This is one of the commonest birds in South America, and has a wide geographi-
cal range. It is found in Mexico and in the West Indies. It is also, according

to M. Audubon, an occasional visitant to the Floridas ; it takes its name from
Brazil, but is no where so common as on the grassy savannahs of La Plata.

It generally follows man, but is sometimes found even on the most desert plains

of Patagonia : in the northern part of that region, numbers constantly attended
the line of road between the Rio Negro and the Colorado, to devour the carcasses
of the animals which chanced to perish from fatigue. Although abundant on the
open plains of this eastern portion of the continent, and likewise on the rocky
and barren shores of the Pacific, nevertheless it inhabits the borders of the damp and
impervious forests of Tierra del Fuego and of the broken coast of West Patagonia,
even as far south as Cape Horn. The Carranchas (as the Polyborus Prasiliensis
is called in La Plata) together with the P. chimango |, attend in great numbers
the estancias and slaughtering houses in the neighbourhood of the Plata. If an

* In this work, whenever the particular name of any colour is given, or it is placed within commas, it
implies, that it is taken from comparison with Patrick Syme’s edition of Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours.

t Milvago Chimango of this work.

C

10

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

animal dies in the plain, the Cathartes atratus or Gallinazo commences the feast,
and then these two carrion-feeding hawks pick the bones clean. Although
belonging to closely allied genera, and thus commonly feeding together, they are
far from being friends. When the Carrancha is quietly seated on the branch of a
tree, or on the ground, the Chimango often continues flying backwards and for-
wards for a long time, up and down in a semicircle, trying each time, at the bottom
of the curve, to strike its larger relative. The Carrancha takes little notice, except
by bobbing its head. Although the Carranchas frequently assemble in numbers,
they are not gregarious ; for in desert places they may be seen solitary, or more
commonly by pairs. Besides the carrion of large animals, these birds frequent
the borders of streams and the sea-beach, for the sake of picking up whatever the
waters may cast on shore. In Tierra del Fuego, and on the west coast of
Patagonia, they must live almost exclusively on this last means of supply.

The Carranchas are said to be very crafty, and to steal great numbers of
eggs ; they attempt also, together with the Chimango, to pick the scabs off the
sore backs of both horses and mules. On the one hand, the poor animal,
with its ears down and its back arched ; and, on the other, the hovering bird,
eyeing at the distance of a yard, the disgusting morsel, form a picture which has
been described by Captain Head with his own peculiar spirit and accuracy.
The Carranchas kill wounded animals ; but Mr. Bynoe (the surgeon of the
Beagle) saw one seize in the air a live partridge, which, however, escaped, and
was for some time chased on the ground. I believe this circumstance is very
unusual : at all events there is no doubt that the chief part of their sustenance is
derived from carrion. A person will discover their necrophagous habits by
walking out on one of the desolate plains, and there lying down to sleep : when
he awakes, he will see on each surrounding hillock, one of these birds patiently
watching him with an evil eye. It is a feature in the landscape of these countries,
which will be recognised by every one who has wandered over them. If a party
goes out hunting with dogs and horses, it will be accompanied during the day, by
several of these attendants. The uncovered craw of the Carrancha, after feeding,
protrudes from its breast ; at such times it is, and indeed generally, an inactive,
tame, and cowardly bird. Its flight is generally heavy and slow, like that of the
English carrion crow, whose place it so well supplies in America. It seldom soars ;
but I have twice seen one at a great height gliding through the air with much
ease. It runs (in contradistinction to hopping), but not quite so quickly as some
of its congeners. At times the Carrancha is noisy, but is not generally so ; its
cry is loud, very harsh and peculiar, and may be compared to the sound of the
Spanish guttural g, followed by a rough double r r. Perhaps the Spaniards of
Buenos Ayres, from this cause, have called it Carrancha. Molina, who says it is
called Tharu in Chile, states, that when uttering this cry, it elevates its head

BIRDS.

11

higher and higher, till at last, with its beak wide open, the crown almost touches
the lower part of the back. This fact, which has been doubted, is true ; for I have
myself several times seen them with their heads backwards, in a completely
inverted position. The Carrancha builds a large coarse nest, either in a
low cliff, or in a bush or lofty tree. To these observations I may add, on
the high authority of Azara, whose statements have lately been so fully
confirmed by M. D’Orbigny, that the Carrancha feeds on worms, shells, slugs,
grasshoppers, and frogs ; that it destroys young lambs by tearing the umbilical
cord : and that it pursues the Gallinazos and gulls which attend the slaughtering-
houses, till these birds are compelled to vomit up any carrion they may
have lately gorged. Lastly, Azara states that several Carranchas, five or six
together, will unite in chase of large birds, even such as herons. All these facts
show that it is a bird of very versatile habits and considerable ingenuity.

I am led to suppose that the young birds of this species sometimes congre-
gate together. On the plains of Santa Cruz (lat. 50° S. in Patagonia), I saw in
the month of April, or early autumn, between twenty and thirty Polybori, which
I at first thought would form a species distinct from P. Brasiliensis. Amongst
those I killed, there were some of both sexes ; but the ovarium in the hens was
only slightly granular. The plumage of the different individuals was nearly
similar ; and in none appeared like that of an adult bird, although certainly
not of a very young one. Having mentioned these circumstances to Mr.
Gould, he likewise suspected it would form a new species ; but the differences
appear so trifling between it and the specimens of young birds in the British
Museum and in the Museum of the Zoological Society, and likewise of the figure
of a young bird given by Spix, (Avium Species Novae, vol. i. p. 3.), that I have
thought it advisable merely to allude to the circumstance. In my specimen,
which is a cock, the head, instead of being of a dark brown, which is the usual
character of even very immature birds, is of a pale rusty brown. The bill and
cere are less produced than in the adult P. Brasiliensis ; and the cere is of a
brighter colour, than what appears to be usual in the young of this species. In
other respects there is such a perfect similarity between them, that I do not
hesitate to consider my specimen as a young bird of the P. Brasiliensis in one
of its states of change ; — and to be subject to great variation of plumage during
growth, is known to be a character common to the birds of this sub-family. It
may, however, possibly be some variety of the P. Brasiliensis, for this bird seems
subject to variation : Azara (Voyage dans I’Amerique Meridionale, vol. iii. p. 35.)
remarks, “ II y a des individus dont les teintes sont plus faibles, ou d’un bran
pale, avec des taches sur la poitrine, et d’autres qui ont des couleurs plus fonc^es ;
j ai d(jcrit ceux qui tiennent le milieu entre les uns et les autres.”

I have myself more than once observed a single very pale-coloured bird, in

c 2

12

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

form like the P. Brasiliensis, mingled with the other carrion-feeding hawks on the
banks of the Plata ; and there is now in the British Museum a specimen, which
may be considered as partly an albino. Spix, on the other hand, (Avium Species
Novae, p. 3.) has described some specimens from the coast of Brazil, as being
remarkable from the darkness of the plumage of their wings.

Milvago, Spix.

Several new genera have lately been established to receive certain species
of the sub-family of Polyborince, and consequently great confusion exists in
their arrangement. Mr. George R. Gray has been kind enough to give me the
following observations, by which it appears he has clearly made out, that Spix’s
genus Milvago, is that which ought to be retained. M. D’Orbigny has made
two sections in the genus Polyborus, according as the craw is covered with
feathers, or is naked, and he states that the P. Brasiliensis is the only species
which comes within the latter division ; but we shall afterwards see that the
Falco Novce Zelandice, Auct. (the Milvago leucurus of this work) has a naked
craw, which is largely protruded after the bird has eaten. M. D’Orbigny
has also instituted the genus Phalcobcenus, to receive a bird of this sub-family,
with the following characters :

“ Bee fortement comprime, sans aucune dent ni sinus, k commissure tr6s-
arquee & son extr6mit6 ; cire along^e et droite ; un large espace nu entourant la
partie anterieure et inferieure de l’ceil, et s’etendant sur toute la mandibule
inferieure ; tarses emplum^s sur un tiers de leur longueur, le reste reticule ;
doigts longs, semblables k ceux des gallinac6s, terminus par les ongles longs,
deprim6s et elargis, tr&s-peu arques, toujours a extremite obtuse ou fortement
usee ; ailes de la famille, la troisi&me penne plus longue que les autres.”

Mr. George R. Gray, however, has pointed out to me that Spix, (in his
Avium Species Novae) ten years since, made a division in this sub-family, from
the rounded form of the nostril of one of the species, namely, the M. ochroce-
phalus of his work, or the Chimac/iima of Azara. And Mr. Gray thinks, that all
the species may be grouped much more nearly in relation to their affinities by
this character, than by any other : he further adds ; — “ The only difference
which I can discover between this latter genus (Milvago), and D’Orbigny ’s
(. Phalcobcenus ), is, that in the latter the bill is rather longer, and not quite so
elevated in the culmen as in the former ; and these characters must be considered
too trivial for the foundation of a generic division. I, therefore, propose to retain
Spix’s genus, Milvago, for all those Polyborince which possess rounded nostrils with

BIRDS.

13

an elevated bony tubercle in the centre. They were once considered to form three dis-
tinct genera, viz. — Milvago, (Polyborus, Vieill. Haliaetus, Cuv. Aquila, Meyen.)

— Senex, Gray. (Circaetus, Less.) — Phalcobaenus, D'Orb. but a careful com-
parison of the several species, shows a regular gradation in structure from
one to the other, which induces me to consider them as only forming two
sections of one genus. Those which have the bill short, with the culmen
arched, and are of small size, slender form, and with the tarsi rather long and
slender, are —

1. Milvago ochrocephalus, Spix.

Polyborus chimachima ; Vieill. (young).

Falco degener, Licht.

Haliaetus chimachima, Less.

2. Milvago pezoporos, nob.

Aquila pezopora, Meyen.

3. Milvago chimango, n.

Polyborus chimango, Vieill.

Haliaetus chimango, Less.

Those which have a buteo-like appearance, and with rather short and stout
tarsi, are,

7. Milvago leucurus, n.

Falco leucurus, Forsters Drawings No. 34.

Falco Novee Zealandise, Gm.

Australis, Lath.

Circaetus antarcticus, Less.

8. Milvago albogularis, n.

Polyborus (Phalcobaenus ?) albogularis, Gould.

9. Milvago montanus, n.

Phalcobaenus montanus, D’Orhig.

10. Milvago megalopterus, n.

Aquila megaloptera, Meyen.

1. Milvago pezoporos.

Aquila pezopora, Meyen. Nov. Act. Phys. Med. Acad. Cass. Leo. Car. Nat. Cur. suppl. 1834. p. 62. pi. YI.

I obtained two specimens of this bird, one from Port Desire, in Pata-
gonia, and another at the extreme southern point of Tierra del Fuego.
Meyen* describes it as common on the plains of Chile, and on the mountains
to an elevation of 4000 or 5000 feet. As M. D’Orbigny does not notice this
species, I presume it is not found on the Atlantic side of the continent, so far
north as the Rio Negro, where he resided for some time. The habits and
general appearance of M. chimango and this bird are so entirely similar, that
* Novorum Actorum Academise Caesarise, Leopol. vol. xvi. p. 62. Observationes Zoologicas, F. J. Meyenii.

14

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

I did not perceive that the species were different ; hence I cannot speak with
certainty of their range, but it would appear probable that the M. pezoporus
replaces in Chile, Tierra del Fuego and Southern Patagonia the M. chimango
of La Plata. In the same manner the M. chimango is replaced between the
latitudes of Buenos Ayres and Corrientes by a third closely allied species, the
M. ochrocephalus. D’Orbigny, (p. 614, in the Zoological part of his work)
speaking of the Chimango, says, “ II n’est pas etonnant qu’on ait long-temps
confondu cette espece avec le falco degener , Illiger, (the M. ochrocephalus ) et qu’on
l’ait cru de sa famille. II est impossible de presenter plus de rapports de
forme et surtout de couleur. Nous les avions, nous-meme confondus au pre-
mier abord ; mais, en remarquant, ulterieurement, que le sujet que nous re-
gardions comme le male ne se trouvait qu’a Corrientes, tandis qu’il y avait
seulement des femelles sur les rives de la Plata, l’etude plus attentive des
mceurs de ces oiseaux, et les localites respectives qu’habite chacun d’eux, ne
tarda pas a nous y faire reconnaitre, avec Azara, deux especes vraiment tr&s-
distinctes ; mais qui, depuis, ont encore ete confondues, sous la meme nom, par
M. la Prince Maximilien de Neuwied. *” I may observe that the figure given
in Meyen’s work, has the iris coloured bright red, instead of which it should have
been brown.

2. Milvago chimango.

Polyborus cbimango, Vieill.

Haliaetus chimango, Less.

Chimango, Azar. Voyage, vol. iii. p. 35.

My specimen was obtained at Maldonado, on the banks of the Plata. In the
following short account of the habits of this bird, it must be understood that
I have confounded together, the M. chimango and the M. pezoporus ; but I
am certain that almost every remark is applicable to both species. From what
has been said under the last head, it may be inferred, that both of these allied
birds have comparatively limited ranges, compared with that of the P. Brasiliensis .
Azara says the Chimango (and he first distinguished this species from the
M. ochrocephalus , or M. chimachima ) is rarely found so far north as Paraguay.
D’Orbigny saw the Chimango (M. pezoporus ?) at Arica in lat. 16°, and I killed
the M. pezoporus in the extreme southern point of America, in lat. 55° 30' south.

The Chimango, in La Plata, lives chiefly on carrion, and generally is the last
bird of its tribe which leaves the skeleton, and hence it may frequently be seen
standing within the ribs of a cow or horse, like a bird in a cage. The Chimango
often frequents the sea-coast and the borders of lakes and swamps, where it picks
up small fish. It is truly omnivorous, and will eat even bread, when thrown out

* Tom. iii. p. 162.

BIRDS.

15

of a house with other offal. I was also assured that in Chiloe, these birds (pro-
bably in this district the M. pezoporus) materially injure the potato crops, by
stocking up the roots when first planted. In the same island, I saw them follow-
ing by scores the plough, and feeding on worms and larvae of insects. I do not
believe that they kill, under any circumstances, even small birds or animals. They
are more active than the Carranchas, but their flight is heavy ; I never saw one
soar ; they are very tame ; are not gregarious ; commonly perch on stone
walls, and not upon trees. They frequently utter a gentle, shrill scream.

3. Milvago leucurijs.

Falco leucurus, Forsters Drawings, No. 34. MS.

Novse Zelandise, Gm.

australis, Lath.

Circaetus antarcticus, Less.

It will be observed in the above list of synonyms, which I have given on the
authority of Mr. G. R. Gray, that this bird, although possessing well marked
characters, has received several specific names. Mr. Gray’s discovery of
Forster’s original drawing with the name F. leucurus written on it, I consider very
fortunate, as it was indispensable that the names by which it is mentioned in
most ornithological works, namely, Falco or Polyborus Novce Zclandice , should
be changed. There is not, I believe, the slightest reason for supposing that
this bird has ever been found in New Zealand. All the specimens which of
late years have been brought to England have come from the Falkland Islands,
or the extreme southern portion of South America. The sub-family, moreover,
to which it belongs, is exclusively American ; and I do not know of any case
of a land bird being common to this continent and New Zealand. The origin of
this specific name, which is so singularly inappropriate, as tending to perpetuate
a belief which would form a strange anomaly in the geographical distribution
of these birds, may be explained by the circumstance of specimens having been
first brought to Europe by the naturalists during Captain Cook’s second voyage,
during which New Zealand was visited, and a large collection made there. In
the homeward voyage, however, Cook anchored in Christmas Sound, in Tierra
del Fuego, and likewise in Staten Land : describing the latter place he says,
“ I have often observed the eagles and vultures sitting on the hillocks among the
shags, without the latter, either young or old, being disturbed at their presence.
It may be asked how these birds of prey live? I suppose on the carcasses of
seals and birds, which die by various causes ; and probably not few, as they are
so numerous.” From this description I entertain very little doubt that Cook
referred to the Cathartes aura and Milvago leucurus , both of which birds inhabit
these latitudes, as we shall hereafter show.

16

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

The plumage in the two sexes of this species differs in a manner unusual in
the family to which it belongs. The description given in all systematic works is
applicable, as I ascertained by dissection, only to the old females ; namely,
back and breast black, with the feathers of the neck having a white central mark
following the shaft, — tectrices, with a broad white band at extremity ; thighs and
part of the belly rufous-red ; beak “ ash gray,” with cere and tarsi “ Dutch orange.”

Male of smaller size than female: dark brown ; with tail, pointed feathers of
shoulders and base of primaries, pale rusty brown. On the breast, that part
of each feather which is nearly white in the female, is pale brown : bill black,
cere white, tarsi gray. As may be inferred from this description, the female is a
much more beautiful bird than the male, and all the tints, both of the dark and
pale colours, are much more strongly pronounced. From this circumstance, it
was long before I would believe that the sexes were as here described. But the
Spaniards, who are employed in hunting wild cattle, and who (like the aboriginal
inhabitants of every country) are excellent practical observers, constantly assured
me that the small birds with gray legs were the males of the larger ones with
legs and cere of an orange colour, and thighs with rufous plumage.

The Young Male can only be distinguished from the adult bird by its beak
not being so black, or cere so white ; and likewise in a trifling difference of
plumage, such as in the markings of the pointed feathers about the head and
neck, being more like those of the female than of the old cock. One specimen,
which I obtained at the Falkland Islands, I suppose is a one-year-old female ;
but its organs of generation were smooth : in size larger than the male ; the tail
dark brown, with the tip of each feather pale colour, instead of being almost
black with a white band ; under tail-coverts dark brown, instead of rufous ;
thighs only partly rufous, and chiefly on the inner sides ; feathers on breast and
shoulder like those of male, with part near shaft brown ; those on back of head
with white, like those of adult females. Beak, lower mandible gray, upper
black and gray (in the old female the whole is pale gray) ; the edge of cere and
the soles of the feet orange, instead of the whole of the cere, tarsi, and toes being
thus coloured. The circumstance of the young birds of, at least, one year and a
half old, as well as of the adult males, being brown coloured, will, I believe, alone
account for the singular fewness of the individuals with rufous thighs, a fact which
at first much surprised me.

The Milvago leucurus is exceedingly numerous at the Falkland Islands, and,
as an old sealer who had long frequented these seas remarked to me, this Archi-
pelago appears to be their metropolis. I was informed, by the same authority,
that they are found on the Diego Ramirez Rocks, the II Defonso islands, and on
some others, but never on the mainland of Tierra del Fuego. This statement I can
corroborate to a certain degree, since I never saw one in the southern part of

BIRDS.

17

Tierra del Fuego, near Cape Horn, which was twice visited daring our voyage.
They are not found on Georgia, or on the other antarctic islands. In many
respects these hawks very closely resemble in their habits the P. Brasi-
liensis. They live on the flesh of dead animals, and on marine productions. On
the Ramirez Rocks, which support no vegetation, and therefore no land-animals,
their entire sustenance must depend upon the sea, At the Falkland Islands
they were extraordinarily tame and fearless ; and constantly haunted the neigh-
bourhood of the houses to pick up all kinds of offal. If a hunting party in the
country killed a beast, these birds immediately congregated from all quarters
of the horizon ; and standing on the ground in a circle, they patiently awaited
for their feast to commence. After eating, their uncovered craws are largely
protruded, giving to them a disgusting appearance. I mention this particularly,
because M. D’Orbigny says that the P. Brasiliensis is the only bird of this family
in which the craw is much developed. They readily attack wounded birds ;
one of the officers of the Beagle told me he saw a cormorant in this state fly
to the shore, where several of these hawks immediately seized upon it, and
hastened its death by their repeated blows. I have been told that several have
been seen to wait together at the mouth of a rabbit hole, and seize on the animal
as it comes out. This is acting on a principle of union, which is sufficiently
remarkable in birds of prey ; but which is in strict conformity with the fact
stated by Azara, namely, that several Carranchas unite together in pursuit of
large birds, even such as herons.

The Beagle was at the Falkland Islands only during the early autumn
(March), but the officers of the Adventure, who were there in the winter, mentioned
many extraordinary instances of the boldness and rapacity of these birds. The
sportsmen had difficulty in preventing the wounded geese from being seized before
their eyes ; and often, when having cautiously looked round, they thought they
had succeeded in hiding a fine bird in some crevice of the rocks, on their return,
they found, when intending to pick up their game, nothing but feathers. One of
these hawks pounced on a dog which was lying asleep close by a party, who were
out shooting ; and they repeatedly flew on board the vessel lying in the harbour,
so that it was necessary to keep a good look-out to prevent the hide used about
the ropes, being torn from the rigging, and the meat or game from .the stern.
They are very mischievous and inquisitive ; and they will pick up almost
anything from the ground : a large black glazed hat was carried nearly a mile,
as was a pair of heavy balls, used in catching wild cattle. Mr. Usborne
experienced, during the survey, a severe loss, in a small Kater’s-compass, in a
red morocco case, which was never recovered. These birds are, moreover
quarrelsome, and extremely passionate ; it was curious to behold them when,
impatient, tearing up the grass with their bills from rage. They are not truly

18

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

gregarious ; they do not soar, and their flight is heavy and clumsy. On the ground
they run with extreme quickness, putting out one leg before the other, and
stretching forward their bodies, very much like pheasants. The sealers, who
have sometimes, when pressed by hunger, eaten them, say that the flesh when
cooked is quite white, like that of a fowl, and very good to eat — a fact which I,
as well as some others of a party from the Beagle, who, owing to a gale of
wind, were left on shore in northern Patagonia, until we were very hungry, can
answer for, is far from being the case with the flesh of the Carrancha, or
Polyborus JBrasiliensis . It is a strange anomaly that any of the Falconidce should
possess such perfect powers of running as is the case with this bird, and likewise
with the Phalcobcenus montanus of D’Orbigny. It perhaps, indicates an obscure
relationship with the Gallinaceous order — a relation which M. D'Orbigny suggests
is still more plainly shown in the Secretary Bird, which he believes represents in
Southern Africa, the Polyborince of America.

The M. leucurus is a noisy bird, and utters several harsh cries ; of which,
one is so like that of the English rook, that the sealers always call it by this
name. It is a curious circumstance, as shewing how, in allied species, small
details of habit accompany similar structure, that these hawks throw their
heads upwards and backwards, in the same strange manner, as the Carranchas
(the Tharu of Molina) have been described to do. The M. leucurus, builds on
the rocky cliffs of the sea-coast, but (as I was informed) only on the small
outlying islets, and never on the two main islands : this is an odd precaution
for so fearless a bird.

4. Milvago albogularis.

Plate I.

Polyborus, (Phalcobsenus) albogularis, Gould, Proceedings of Zoolog. Soc. Part V. (Jan. 1837.) p. 9.

M. Fcem. fuscescenti - niger, marginibus plumarum inter scapulas fulvis ;
primariis secundariisque albo ad apicem notatis ; guld, pectore, corporeque subtiis
alb is ; lateribus fusco spar sis ; rostro livido, lineis nigris ornato ; cera tar sis -
que Jlavis.

Long. tot. 20 unc. J ; rostri, 1§ ; alse, 15f ; caudse, 9 ; tarsi, 3.

Description of female specimen, believed to be applicable to both sexes.

Colour. — Head, back, upper wing coverts pitch black, passing into liver
brown ; feathers on back of neck and shoulders terminating in a yellowish-
brown tip, of which tint the external portion of the primaries, and nearly
the whole of the tertiaries partake. Tail liver brown, with a terminal white
band nearly one inch broad ; base of the tectrices white, irregularly
marked with brown : upper tail coverts white. All the feathers of the wing

BIRDS.

19

tipped with white, their bases irregularly barred with transverse marks of
brown and white. Under surface. — Chin, throat, breast, belly, thighs, under
tail-coverts, under lining of wings, and edge of shoulders perfectly white.
On the flanks, however, there are some brown feathers irregularly inter-
spersed ; and on the lower part of the breast, most of the feathers show
a most obscure margin of pale brown. Bill horn-colour. Cere and tarsi
yellow.

Form. — Cere and nostril as in the M. Leucurus, but the bill not quite so
strong. Feathers on the sides and back of head narrow and rather stiff ;
those on the shoulders obtusely pointed, — which character of plumage is very
general in this sub-family. Wing : fourth primary very little longer than
the third or the fifth, which are equal to each other. First primary three
inches shorter than the fourth or longest, and more nearly equal to the
sixth than to the seventh. Extremity of wing reaching to within about an
inch and a half of the tail. Tarsi reticulated, with four large scales at the
base : upper part covered with plumose feathers for about three quarters of an
inch below the knee ; but these feathers hang down and cover nearly half of
the leg. Middle toe with fifteen scales, outer ones with about nine. Claws
of nearly the same degree of strength, curvature and breadth as in Polyborus
Prasiliensis, or in M. leucurus , but sharper than those of the latter.

Inch.

Total length

. 20^

Tail

. 9

Wings when folded ....

. 15f

From tip of beak to anterior edge of eye

• 15

Tarsus from soles of feet to knee joint

■ 3i

Hind claw measured in straight line from
tip to root ......

Claw of middle toe, a twentieth less than that
of the hind one.

Habitat, Santa Cruz, 50° S. Patagonia. {April.)

Mr. Gould, at the time of describing this species, entertained some doubts
whether it might not eventually prove to be the Phalcobcenus montanus of D'Orbigny,
in a state of change. I have carefully compared it with the description of the
P. montanus, and certainly, with the exception of the one great difference of
M. albogularis having a white breast, whilst that part in the P. montanus is
black, the points of resemblance are numerous and exceedingly close. The
M. albogularis, appears to be rather larger, and the proportional length of the wing
feathers are slightly different ; the cere and tarsi are not of so bright a colour ;
the middle toe has fifteen scales on it instead of having sixteen or seven-
teen. The black shades of the upper surface are pitchy, instead of having
an obscure metallic gloss, and the feathers of the shoulders are terminated
with brown, so as to form a collar, which is not represented in the figure of

d 2

20

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

P. montanus, given by M. D’Orbigny. Although the main difference be-
tween the two birds, is the colour of their breasts, yet it must be observed,
that in the M. albogularis there is some indication of an incipient change
from white to brown in the plumage of that part. But as M. D’Orbigny, who was
acquainted with the young birds of the P. montanus, (of which he has given a
figure), does not mention so remarkable a modification in its plumage, as must
take place on the supposition of M. albogularis being an immature bird of that
species ; and as the geographical range of the two is so very different, I am
induced to consider them distinct. Moreover, on the plains of Santa Cruz, I saw
several birds, and they appeared to me similar in their colouring. The M. albogu-
laris is remarkable from the confined locality which it appears to frequent. A few
pair were seen during the ascent of the river Santa Cruz, (Lat. 50° S.) to the Cor-
dillera ; but not one individual was observed in any other part of Patagonia.
They appeared to me to resemble, in their gait and manner of flight, the P. Bra-
siliensis ; but they were rather wilder. They lived in pairs, and generally were
near the river. One day I observed a couple standing with the Carranchas
and M. pezoporus, at a short distance from the carcass of a guanaco, on which
the condors had commenced an attack. These peculiarities of habit are described
by M. D’Orbigny in almost the same words, as occurring with the P. montanus;
both birds frequent desert countries ; the P. montanus, however, haunts the great
mountains of Bolivia, and this species, the open plains of Patagonia.

In the valleys north of 30° in Chile, I saw several pair, either of this species,
or of the P. montanus of D’Orbigny, (if, as is probable, they are different) or of
some third kind. From the circumstance of its not extending (as I believe) so
far south even as the valley of Coquimbo, it is extremely improbable that it
should be the M. albogularis, — an inhabitant of a plain country twenty degrees
further south. On the other hand, the P. montanus lives at a great elevation
on the mountains of Upper Peru ; and therefore it is probable that it might
be found in a higher latitude, but at a less elevation. M. D'Orbigny says,
“ Elle aime les terrains secs et depourvus de grands v6g4taux, qui lui seraient
inutiles ; car il nous est prouv6 qu’elle ne se perche pas sur les branches.”
In another part he adds, “ Elle descend cependant quelquefois jusque press de
la mer, sur la cote du P£rou, mais ce n’est que pour peu de temps, et peut-
&tre afin d’y chercher momentanement une nourriture qui lui manque dans son
s6jour habituel ; peut-etre aussi la nature du sol l’y attire-t-elle ; car elle y
trouve les terrains arides qui lui sont propres.”* This is so entirely the cha-
racter of the northern parts of Chile, that, it appears to me extremely pro-
bable, that the P. montanus, which inhabits the great mountains of Bolivia,
descends, in Northern Chile, to near the shores of the Pacific ; but that further

* Voyage dans l’Amerique Meridionale Partie, Oiseaux, p. 52.

BIRDS.

21

south, and on the opposite side of the Cordillera, it is replaced by an allied
species, — the M. albogularis of Santa Cruz.

5. Milvago megalopterus.

Aquila megaloptera, Meyen , Nov. Act. Acad. Cses. Suppl. 1834, p. 64. PI. VIII.

When ascending the Despoblado, a branch of the valley of Copiapd in
Northern Chile, I saw several brown-coloured hawks, which at the time appeared
new to me, but of which I did not procure a specimen. These I have no doubt
were the A. megaloptera of Meyen. In the British Museum there is a specimen,
brought from Chile by Mr. Crawley. Mr. G. R. Gray suspects that this bird
may eventually prove to be the young of the Phalcobcenus montanus of
D’Orbigny, and as I saw that bird (or another species having a close general re-
semblance with it) in the valleys of Northern Chile, although notin the immediate
vicinity, this supposition is by no means improbable. Meyen’s figure at first sight
appears very different from that of the young of the P. montanus, given by M.
D’Orbigny, for in the latter the feathers over nearly the whole body are more dis-
tinctly bordered with a pale rufous shade, the thighs barred with the same, and the
general tint is of a much redder brown. But with the exception of these differences,
which are only in degree, I can find in M. D’Orbigny’s description no other
distinguishing character, whilst on the other hand, there are numerous points of
close resemblance between the two birds in the shadings, and even trifling marks
of their plumage. Meyen, moreover, in describing the habits of his species, says,
it frequents a region just below the limit of perpetual snow, and that it sometimes
soars at a great height like a condor. Those which I saw had the general
manners of a Polyborus or Milvago, and were flying from rock to rock amongst
the mountains at a considerable elevation, but far below the snow-line. In these
several respects, there is a close agreement with the habits of the P. montanus,
as described by M. D’Orbigny. I will only add that the specimen in the British
Museum appeared, independently of differences of plumage, distinct from the M.
albogularis of Patagonia, from the thinness and greater prolongation of its beak,
and the slenderness of its tarsi.

22

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Sub.-Fam. — BUTEONINiE.

Craxirex. Gould.

Rostrum JButeonis sed longius; mandibulee superioris mar go rectus; versus
apicem subitd incurvus. Alee elongates. Cera lata. Nares fere rotundee,
apertee. Tarsi mediocres, anticb squamis tecti. Digiti magni, fortes ; ungues
obtusce.

Mr. Gould was partly led to institute this genus from the facts communicated
to him by me regarding the habits of the following species, which is found in the
Galapagos Archipelago, and there supplies the place of the Polybori and Mil-
vagines of the neighbouring continent of America. If a principle of classification
founded on habits alone, were admissible, this bird, as will presently be shown,
undoubtedly would be ranked with more propriety in the sub-family of Poly-
borinse, than amongst the Buzzards. To the latter it is closely related in the
form of its nostrils ; in the kind of plumage which covers the head, breast, and
shoulders ; in the reticulation of the scales on its feet and tarsi, and less closely
in the form of its beak. To the Polyborinee it manifests an affinity in the great
strength and length of its toes and claws, and in the bluntness of the latter ;
in the nakedness of the cere, in the perfectly uncovered nostrils, in the pro-
longation and bulk of the bill, in the straightness of the line of commissure, and
in the narrow shape of the head. In these several respects, taken conjointly with
its habits, this bird supplies a most interesting link in the chain of affinities, by
which the true buzzards pass into the great American sub-family of carrion-
feeding hawks. I am, indeed, unable to decide, whether I have judged rightly
in placing this genus, as first of the Buteoninse, instead of last of the Poly-
borinee.

BIRDS.

23

Craxirex Galapagoensis. Gould.

Plate II.

Polyborus Galapagoensis. Proceedings of the Zoological Society for January, 1837, p. 9.

C. Mas. adult. Intense fuscus ; primariis nigris ; secundariarum pogoniis internis
transversim albo et fusco striatis ; caudd cinerascenti-fusca, transversim lineis
angustis et numerosis intense ' fuscis notata ; rostro obscure corneo ; pedibus
olivaceo-Jlavis .

Long, tot. 201 unc.; rostri, l\; aloe , 15; caudce , 8-±-; tarsi, 3^.

Fesm. adult, feemince juniori fere! similis, pectore tamen fusco.

Teem. juv. Capite corporeque intense! stramineis, fusco-variegatis ; illo in pec-
tore et abdomine proevalente ; primariis fusco-nigris ; rectricum pogoniis ex tenth
cinerascenti-fuscis, inter nh pallide rosaceis ; utrisque lineis angustis et frequentibus
fuscis transversim striatis , apicibus sordide albis ; rostro nigrescent if usco ; pedibus
olivaceo-Jlavis.

Long. tot. 24 unc.; rostri , l-i ; aloe, 17^; caudce, 10^-; tarsi, 3-|.

Description of adult male.

Colour. — Entire dorsal aspect umber brown: base of feathers on hind part of
neck, white ; base of those on back, irregularly banded with pale fulvous, and
the scapulars with a distinct band of it. The inferior feathers of upper tail co-
verts banded in like manner to their extremities. Tail dusky clove-brown,
obscurely marked with darkened transverse narrow bands. Primaries per-
fectly black towards their extremities, but with the outer edge of their base,
gray : inner web banded and freckled with gray, brown, and white, which in
the secondaries takes the form of regular bars. Under surface, entirely umber
brown, but rather paler than the upper. Lining of wings gray, with irregular
transverse brown bars : under-side of tail the same, but paler. Thighs of a
rather yellower brown. Bill and cere horn colour, mottled with pale gray :
tarsi yellow.

Form. — Beak, with apex much arched, both longer and more pointed than it is
in the group of the Polyborince. Cere naked, with few bristles ; nostrils large,
quite uncovered, irregularly triangular, with the angles much rounded, and
situated rather above a central line between the culmen and commissure.
Fourth primary longest, but third and fifth nearly equal to it ; first, four
inches and a half shorter than fourth, and equal to the eighth; second shorter
than fifth. Extremities of wing reaching within half an inch of end of tail

24

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Tarsi strong, feathered for nearly a third of their length beneath the joint.
Scales in narrow, undivided (with the exception in some instances of one)
bands, covering the front of tarsus. Toes very strong and rather long, like
those of the species of Milvago, and much more so than in the genus Buteo.
Hind-toe equal in length to the inner one ; but not placed quite so high on the
Tarsus as in Polyborus. Basal joints of middle toe covered with small scales,
with five large ones towards the extremity. Claws very strong, thick and
long, and rather more arched, and broader than in Polyborus Brasiliensis ;
their extremities obtuse, but not in so great a degree as in some species of
Milvago.

Inches.

Total length from tip of bill to end of tail following curvature of body . . . . . 20^

Tail 8^

Wing, from elbow-joint to extremity of longest primary . . . . . . . . .15

Bill, from tip to anterior edge of eye measured in a straight line .

Tarsus, from soles of feet to centre of joint ........... 31

Hind claw from tip to root, measured in straight line . . . . . . . . . 1tl

Claw of middle toe ...............

Old female.

Colour. — Nearly as in young female, but with the breast dark brown.

Young female.

Colour. — Head, back of neck, back, wing coverts and tertiaries barred and
mottled, both with pale umber brown (of the same tint as in the male bird)
and with pale fulvous orange. On head and back of neck, each feather is of
the latter colour, with a mere patch of the brown on its tip ; but in the longer
feathers, as in the scapulars, upper tail coverts, inner web and part of outer
of the tertiaries, each is distinctly barred with the dark brown. Tail as in the
old male. Primaries black as in male, with the inner webs nearly white, and
marked with short transverse bars. Under surface and thighs of the same
fulvous orange, but some of the feathers, especially those on the breast,
are marked with small spots of umber brown on their tips. Some of the
longer feathers on the flanks, on the under tail coverts, and on the linings
of the wing, have irregular bars of the same.

Form and Size. — Larger and more robust than the male. Total length 24 inches.
Tail ten and a half inches long, and therefore longer in proportion to the
wings than in the other sex. Wings from joint to end of primaries, \7\.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, {October).

BIRDS.

25

This bird is, I believe, confined to the Galapagos Archipelago, where on all
the islands, it is excessively numerous. It inhabits, indifferently, either the dry
sterile region near the coast, which, perhaps, is its most general resort, or the
damp and wooded summits of the volcanic hills. This bird, in most of its habits
and disposition, resembles the Milvago leucurus, or the Falco Novce Zelandioe of older
authors. It is extremely tame, and frequents the neighbourhood of any building
inhabited by man. When a tortoise is killed even in the midst of the woods, these
birds immediately congregate in great numbers, and remain either seated on the
ground, or on the branches of the stunted trees, patiently waiting to devour the in-
testines, and to pick the carapace clean, after the meat has been cut away.
These birds will eat all kinds of offal thrown from the houses, and dead fish
and marine productions cast up by the sea. They are said to kill young doves,
and even chickens ; and are very destructive to the little tortoises, as soon as
they break through the shell. In these respects this bird shows its alliance
with the buzzards. Its flight is neither elegant nor swift. On the ground it
is able, like the 31. leucurus and Phalcob Genus montanus of D’Orbigny, to run
very quickly. This habit which, as before observed, is so anomalous in the
Falcons, manifests in a very striking manner the relation of this new genus
with the Polyborince. It is, also, a noisy bird, and utters many different cries,
one of which was so very like the shrill gentle scream of the 31. chimango, that
the officers of the “Beagle” generally called it either by this name, or from
its larger size by that of Carrancha, — both names, however, plainly indicating
its close and evident relationship with the birds of that family. The craw is
feathered ; and does not, I believe, protrude like that of the P. Brasiliensis
or M. leucurus. It builds in trees, and the female was just beginning to lay in
October. The bird of which the full figure has been given, is a young female,
but of, at least, one year old. The old male-bird is of a uniform dusky plumage,
and is seen behind. The adult female resembles the young of the same sex, but
the breast is dark brown like that of the male. In precisely the same manner as
was remarked in the case of the 31. leucurus, these old females are present in
singularly few proportional numbers. One day at James’ Island, out of thirty
birds, which I counted standing within a hundred yards of the tents, under which
we were bivouacked, there was not a single one with the dark brown breast.
From this circumstance I am led to conclude that the females of this species (as
with the M. leucurus) acquire their full plumage late in life.

E

26

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

1. Buteo erythronotus.

Haliaetus erythronotus, King , in Zoological Journal, vol. iii. p. 424.

Buteo tricolor, D'Orbigny.

I obtained specimens of this bird from Chiloe and the Falkland Islands, and
Captain King who first described it, procured his specimens from Port Famine,
Lat. 53° 38' in Tierra del Fuego. M. D’Orbigny states that it has a wide range
over the provinces of La Plata, central Chile, and even Bolivia ; but in this
latter country, it occurs only on the mountains, at an elevation of about 12,000
feet above the sea. The same author states, that it usually frequents open and
dry countries ; but as we now see that it is found in the dense and humid forests
of Chiloe and Tierra del Fuego, this remark is not applicable. At the Falk-
land Islands, it preys chiefly on the rabbits, which have run wild and abound
over certain parts of the island. This bird was considered by Captain King as a
Haliaetus ; but Mr. Gould thinks it is more properly placed with the Buzzards.
Captain King gave it the appropriate specific name of erythronotus, and, there-
fore, as Mr. Gould observes, the more recent one of tricolor, given by M.
D’Orbigny, must be passed over.

2. Buteo varius. Gould.

Buteo varius, Gould , Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part v. 1837, p. 10.

B. vertice corporeque supra intensb fuscis, plumis fulvo marginatis vel guttatis ;
primariis secundariisque cinereis, lineis numerosis fuscis transversim striatis ;
caudd cinered, lineis angustis numerosis fuscis transversim notata ; singulis
plumis flavescenti-albo ad apicem notatis ; gula fuliginosd; pectore fidvo, lined in-
terruptd nigrescente a gula tendente circumdato ; abdomine imo lateribusque stra-
mineo et rufescenti-fusco variegatis ; femoribus crissoque stramineis lineis transver-
salibus anfractis rufescenti-fuscis ornatis ; rostro nigro ; cerd tarsisque olivaceis.
Long. tot. 211 ; alee, 161; caudee, 10; tarsi, 3f.

Colour. — Head and back of neck umber brown, with edges of the feathers
fringed with fulvous, (or buff orange with some reddish orange) and their
bases white. Shoulders brown, with the feathers more broadly edged. Back
the same, with the basal part of the feathers fulvous, with transverse bars
of the dark brown. Tail blueish gray, with numerous, narrow, transverse,
faint black bars. Tail-coverts pale fulvous, with irregular bars of dark
fulvous and brown. Wings: primaries blackish gray, obscurely barred;
secondaries and tertiaries more plainly barred, and tipped with fulvous.
Wing coverts, dark umber brown, largely tipped, and marked with large

BIRDS.

27

spots, almost forming bars, of pale fulvous. Under surface. — Chin black ;
throat and breast ochre yellow, with a narrow dark brown line on the shafts
of the feathers, which, in those on the sides of the throat and breast expands
into a large oval spot. Feathers on belly reddish brown, fringed and marked
at base with the ochre yellow. Lining of wings ochre yellow, with nume-
rous transverse bars of dark brown. Under-side of tail, inner webs almost
white, outer pale gray, with very obscure transverse bars. Thighs, ochre
yellow, with numerous zigzag transverse bars of pale reddish brown. Bill
pale blackish ; iris brown ; tarsi gamboge yellow.

Form. — Fourth primary very little longer than third, and about half an inch
longer than fifth. First rather shorter than seventh, and longer than eighth.
Wings when folded reaching within two inches of the extremity of the tail.

Inches.

Total length 21^

Length of tail ............... 10

Wings when folded 16^

From tip of beak to within anterior edge of nostril, measured in straight line .... t%5q-

Tarsi from soles of feet to middle of knee joint ......... 3f

Middle toe, measured from basal joint to tip of claw ........ 2^

Habitat, Strait of Magellan, ( February ,) and Port St. Julian in Southern Pata-
gonia, (January.)

3. Buteo ventralis. Gould.

Buteo ventralis, Gould , Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part v. 1837, p. 10.

B. vertice corporeque intensb nitide fuscis, plumis dorsalibus purpurascentibus ,*
primariis nigris ; cauda fused, lineis obscurioribus cancellata numerosis, ad
apicem sordidb alba ; guld abdomine medio crissoque stramineo-albis ; pectoris
corporisque lateribus fascia abdominali femoribusque flavescenti-albis fusco notatis,
not is in femorihus rufescentibus ; tar sis per mediant partem anticb plumosis, rostro
nigro ; cerd tarsisque flavis.

Long. tot. 23 unc. ; aloe , 15-J ; caudce, 9±; tarsi, 3~.

Colour. — Head, back of neck, back, and wing-coverts, umber brown. Feathers
on sides of throat edged with fulvous ; those on lower parts of back with
their basal parts marked with large white spots, edged with fulvous, but
which do not show, until the feathers are ruffled. Tail of the same dark brown
as the back, with many bars of pale brown, and extreme points tipped with
dirty white. Tail-coverts same brown, with the more lateral ones marked with
white and fulvous. Wings : primaries black, with the inner and basal webs
brownish; secondaries and tertiaries brown, with obscure traces of paler

e 2

28

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

transverse bars. Under surface. — Chin almost white ; throat and breast very
pale ochre yellow, with narrow brown lines on the shaft of the feathers, which
expand into large marks on the sides of the upper part of the breast, and into
regular spots on those of the belly. Lining of wing white, with brown
spots on the feathers near their tips, like on those of the belly. Thighs
very pale ochre yellow, with transverse bars of pale brown, appearing like
inverted wedge-formed marks, with the apex on the shafts. Under tail-
coverts almost white ; under side of tail pale gray, with darker gray bars on
the inner side of shafts. Bill blueish black, with base of lower mandible and
part of upper yellowish. Tarsi pale yellow.

Form. — Fourth primary very little longer than either the third or fifth, which are
equal. First nearly equal to the eighth. Extremity of wing when folded
reaching within two inches and a half of the end of the tail.

In.

Total length . . . . . . 23

Wing when folded . . . . . 15j

Tail 9£

Tarsi

Middle toe from joint to tip of claw .

From extremity of beak to within nostril .

Habitat, Santa Cruz, Lat. 50° S. Patagonia, {April.')

In.

H

3

JL

Mr. Gould remarks that “this species has all the characters of a true Buteo,
and will rank as one of the finest of this well defined group. In size it rather
exceeds the Common Buzzard of Europe, which in its general style of colouring it
somewhat resembles.”

Sub-Fam.— FALCONINA, Vig.

Falco femoralis. Temm.

Falco femoralis, Temm. PI. Col. 121 male ; and 343 adult male.

Spix, Av. Sp. Nov. 1. p. 18.

This specimen was shot in a small valley on the plains of Patagonia, at Port
Desire, in Lat. 47° 44'. It builds its nest in low bushes, and the female was sitting
on the eggs in the beginning of January. Egg, 1*8 of an inch in longer diameter,
and 1-4 in shorter ; surface rough with white projecting points ; colour nearly uni-
form dirty “ wood brown,” thickly freckled with rather a darker tint ; general
appearance, as if it had been rubbed in brown mud. M. D’Orbigny supposed
that Latitude 34° was the southern limit of this species ; we now find its range
three hundred and thirty miles further southward. The same author states that
this falcon prefers a dry open country with scattered bushes, which answers to
the character of the valleys, in the plains near Port Desire.

BIRDS.

29

Tinnunculus Sparverius. Vieill.

Falco sparverius, Linn, et Auct.

I obtained specimens both from North and South Patagonia (Rio Negro and
Santa Cruz), and Captain King found it at Port Famine in Tierra del Fnego. I
saw it at Lima in Peru; and Mr. Macleay (Zoological Journal, vol. iii.) sent
specimens from Cuba. According to Wilson it is common in the United States,
and Richardson says its northern range is about 54°. The Tinnunculus therefore,
ranges throughout both Americas over more than 107 degrees of latitude, or 6420
geographical miles. It is the only bird, which I saw in South America, that
hovered over one particular spot, in the same stationary manner, as the common
English kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus , Linn.) is so frequently observed to do.

Sub-Fam. — CIRCINdE.

1. Circus megaspilus. Gould.

Circus megaspilus, Gould, in Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part V. 1837, p. 10.

C. vertice corporeque supra intensb fuscis, lined stramined a naribus supra oculos ad
occiput tendente ; hoc rufescenti-fusco ; primariis intensb fuscis ad basin cinereis,
lineis nigris cancellatis ; caudce tectricibus albis ; rectricibus intermediis cinereis,
externis cinereo-stramineis, omnibus lineis latis fuscis transversim notatis, lined
ultima latissima, apice sordid b stramineo ; gula pectoreque stramineis, fusco varie-
gatis ; corpore subtus stramineo ; plumis pectoris laterumque stria centrali fused
notatis ; rostro nigro ; cerd tarsisque flavis.

Long. tot. 22 unc. ; rostri, 1^; aloe, 17; caudce, 10^; tarsi , 3-g.

Colour. — Head, back of throat, whole back, and wing-coverts umber brown, of
a nearly uniform tint, and not very dark. Front, over the nostrils, with few
fulvous bristly feathers ; over the eyes, extending backward, a pale almost
pure white streak, which joins an irregular band, extending across the nape
of the neck, from below ear to ear, of brown feathers, edged with pale fulvous,
giving a streaked appearance to that part. The wing-coverts are just tipped
with dirty white. Wings : primaries of the same brown as the back, the inner
ones assuming a gray tinge ; these, and the basal parts of the inner webs of
all, are obscurely barred ; secondaries and tertiaries of a paler brown than
the interscapular region. Tail grayish brown, with five well-defined bars,

30

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

about | of an inch wide, of the same brown, as the rest of the upper sur-
face ; extremities tipped with very pale dirty brown. Tail-coverts ; upper
ones brown, and the under ones white, with small brown spots on the shaft
towards their extremities. Under surface. — Chin, pale fulvous, or ochre
yellow. Breast, belly, thighs and under tail-coverts the same ; the feathers
on the lower part of the breast and on the belly have a dark brown mark

* along the shaft, which widens but very little towards the extremity ; the
brown on those on the upper part of the breast and on the throat is broader,
and some of the feathers are of a darker fulvous, and as the dark brown of
the back encroaches on each side, this part is much darker than the rest of
the under surface. Above this, and just beneath the chin, a kind of collar is
formed from ear to ear, of short feathers of a more strongly pronounced fulvous
tint, with a narrow brown streak on their shafts. Lining of wings, and flanks
almost white, with transverse brown bars. Under side of tail pale gray
passing into fulvous, with the terminal dark brown bars seen through. Bill,
horn-coloured, with some white markings towards its base ; tarsi bright
yellow.

Form. — Third primary rather longer than fourth, second equal to fifth ; first more
nearly equal to the sixth than to the seventh. Wings reaching within an
inch of the end of the tail. Feathers on thighs depend but little below the
knee.

Total length .
Wings folded .
Tail

In.

22

17

10^

Tarsi . . . . .

Middle toe to end of claw

From tip of bill to nearest part of cere

Habitat, Maldonado, La Plata, (July.)

2f

This hawk was not uncommon on the grassy savannahs and hills in the
neighbourhood of the Rio Plata. Mr. Gould remarks “that in size it fully equals
the Circus ceruginosus of Europe, which it doubtless represents in the countries it
inhabits. This species has a remarkable specific character in the lanceolate and
conspicuous stripes down its breast.”

2. Circus cinerius. Vieill.

Circus cinerius, Vieill. Ency. Meth.

Falco histrionicus, Quoy and Gaim. Voy. autour du monde, Plate 15.

Circus histrionicus, Vigors , Zoological Journal, vol. iii. p. 425, note.

My specimens were obtained at the Falkland Islands, and at Conception in
Chile. M. D’Orbigny states that it is a wild bird ; but at the Falkland Islands it

BIRDS.

31

was, for one of its order, very tame. The same author gives a curious account of
its habits : in a different manner from other raptorial birds, when it has killed its
prey, it does not fly to a neighbouring tree, but devours it on the spot. It roosts on
the ground, either on the top of a sand hillock, or by the bank of a stream : it
sometimes walks, instead of hopping, and when doing so, it has some resemblance
in general habit to the Milvago chimango. It preys on small quadrupeds, mollus-
cous animals, and even insects ; and I find in my notes, that I saw one in the
Falkland Islands, feeding on the carrion of a dead cow. Although in these
respects this Circus manifests some relation in its habits with the Polyboriuce,
yet it has the elegant and soaring flight, peculiar to its family ; and in form it
does not depart from the typical structure. Mr. Gould remarks that “ we see in
this elegant bird as perfect an analogue of the Circus cyaneus of Europe, as in the
preceding species of the Circus ceruginosus.”

Family. — S T R I G I D M.

Sub-Fam. — SURNINiE.

Athene cunicularia. JBonap.

Strix cunicularia, Mol. Bonap. Am. Orni. I. 68. pi. 7. f. 2.

This bird, from its numbers and the striking peculiarities of its habits has
been mentioned in the works of all travellers, who have crossed the Pampas. In
Banda Oriental it is its own workman, and excavates i'ts burrow on any level
spot of sandy soil ; but in the Pampas, or wherever the Bizcacha is found, it uses
those made by that animal. During the open day, but more especially in the
evening, these owls may be seen in every direction standing frequently by pairs
on the hillock near their habitation. If disturbed, they either enter the hole, or,
uttering a shrill harsh cry, move with a remarkably undulatory flight to a short
distance, and then turning round, steadily gaze at their pursuer. Occasionally in
the evening they may be heard hooting. 1 found in the stomachs of two which I
opened the remains of mice; and I saw a small snake killed and carried away by
one. It is said that reptiles are the common object of their prey during the day
time. Before I was aware, from the numbers of mice caught in my traps, how
vastly numerous the small rodents are in these open countries, I felt much sur-
prise how such infinite numbers of owls could find sufficient means of support.
I never saw this bird south of the Rio Negro, (Lat. 41° S.) In North America
they frequent only the trans-Mississippian territories in the neighbourhood of the
Rocky Mountains. The account given by Say of their habits, agrees with what

32

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

may every day be observed in the Pampas ; but in the northern hemisphere they
inhabit the burrows of the Marmot or Prairie dog, instead of those of the Bizcacha ;
and it would appear that their food is chiefly derived from insects, instead of from
small quadrupeds and reptiles. Mr. Gould says he has compared my speci-
mens from La Plata and Chile, on opposite sides of the Cordillera, with those
from Mexico and the Rocky Mountains of North America, and he cannot perceive
the slightest specific difference between them.

Sub-Fam. — ULULINiE.

1. Otus Galapagoensis. Gould.

Plate III.

Otus (Brachyotus) Galapagoensis, Gould , in Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part V., 1837, p. 10.

O. fascia circa oculos fuliginosd ; strigd superciliari, plumis nares tangentibus et circa
angulum oris, gula et disci facialis margine, albis ; vertice corporeque supra intensb
stramineo fuscoque variegatis ; primariis ad apicem intensh fuscis , ad basin stramineo
fasciatis ; corpore subtus stramineo, notis irregularibus fasciisque fuscis ornato ;
femoribus larsisque plumosis rufescenti-stramineis ; rostro unguibusque nigris.

Long. tot. 13 Jr ; rostri, 1; alee, 11 ; caudce, 6; tarsi, 2.

Colour. — Facial disc ; plumose feathers immediately around the eyes, nearly
black, tipped with glossy fulvous ; those nearer the margin are white at their
base, and only slightly tipped with a darker brown. Between the eyes a
band of small fulvous feathers with a central streak of dark brown, passing
backward, blends into the plumage of the nape. Back of head and throat
streaked with fulvous and brown, the centre of each feather being brown,
and its edge fulvous. Interscapular region and the feathers of the wing,
coloured in the same manner, but the fulvous part is indented on each
side of the shaft in the brown, giving an obscurely barred appearance to
these feathers. Primaries brown, with large rounded marks of fulvous;
those on the first feather being smaller, and almost white : wing-coverts brown,
and but little mottled. Tail with transverse bars of the same brown and
fulvous, the latter colour much clearer and stronger on the external feathers ;
in the central ones, the fulvous part includes irregular markings of the dark
brown. Under surface. — Throat and breast, with center of each feather
brown, edged with fulvous ; the former colour being predominant. On the
belly and under tail-coverts the brown coloured marks on the shafts are
narrow, but they are united to narrow transverse bars, which form at the

BIRDS.

33

points of intersection marked something like arrow-heads. The fulvous tint
is here predominant. Downy feathers on thighs same fulvous colour as rest
of body. Bill black.

Form. — Second primary scarcely perceptibly longer than the first, and fourth
rather longer than first. Tarsi thickly clothed with short feathers to the
root of the nails.

In.

Total length ........... 1 3^

Wings 11

Tail 6

In.

Tarsi -

Middle toe to root of nail . . . • • • ■ 1-tV

From tip of beak to interior edge of nostril . T6-g-

Habitat, James Island, Galapagos Archipelago, {October).

Mr. Gould informs me, that “this species has most of the essential characters
of the common short-eared owl of Europe ( Strix brachyota), but differs from
it, and all the other members of the group, in its smaller size and darker
colouring.”

The lesser proportional size of the fulvous marks on the first primaries, and
on the tail, and the peculiar transverse brown marks on the feathers of the belly,
easily distinguish it from the common short-eared owl. The specimen described
is a male bird.

2. Otus palustris. Gould.

Strix brachyota. Lath.

Specimens of this bird were obtained at the Falkland Islands, at Santa Cruz
in Patagonia, and at Maldonado on the northern bank of the Plata. At the
latter place it seemed to live in long grass, and took to flight readily in the day.
At the Falkland Islands it harboured in a similar manner amongst low bushes.
Mr. Gould says, “ So closely do the specimens brought home by Mr. Darwin,
resemble European individuals, that I can discover no specific difference, by
which they may be distinguished.”

We have, therefore, the same species occurring in lat. 52° S. on the coast of
South America, and in the northern division of the continent, according to
Richardson, even as far as the sixty-seventh degree of latitude. Jardine says it
is found in the Orkney islands (lat. 59°), and in Siberia ; and that he has received
specimens of it from Canton. M. D’Orbigny says it is found in the Sandwich
and Marianne islands in the Pacific Ocean, and at Bengal in India. This bird,
therefore, may be considered as a true cosmopolite.

v

34

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Ulula RUFIPES.

Strix rufipes, King, in Zoological Journal, Vol. iii. p. 426.

I obtained a specimen of this bird from a party of Fuegians in the extreme
southern islands of Tierra del Fuego. Owls are not uncommon in this country,
and as small birds are not plentiful, and the lesser rodents extremely scarce, it at
first appears difficult to imagine on what they feed. The following fact, perhaps,
explains the circumstance : Mr. Bynoe, the surgeon to the “ Beagle,” killed an
owl in the Chonos Archipelago, where the nature of the country is very similar
to that of Tierra del Fuego, and, on opening its stomach, he found it filled with
the remains of large-sized crabs : I conclude, therefore, that these birds here
likewise subsist chiefly on marine productions.

Sub.-Fam. — STRIGINiE.

1. Strix flammea. Linn.

I obtained a specimen of a white owl from Bahia Blanca in Northern Pata-
gonia, and Mr. Gould remarks concerning it, that he only retains the name of
S. flammea provisionally, until all the white owls, from various countries, shall
have been subjected to a careful examination. Mr. Gould suspects, that when
this is effected, the South American white owl will prove to be specifically
distinct from that of Europe.

2. Strix punctatissima. G. R. Gray.

Plate IV.

S. supra nigricans, flavo subnebulosa, m inu te alb o -punc ta tissim a , macula alba ad apicem
plumce, cujusvis; subtus fulva, f asciis interruplis nigricantibus ; caudd dor so conco-
lore, nigricanti-fasciata , apice alba ; disco faciali castaneo-rufo nigricanti-nebuloso
circumdato, pogoniis internis albis, scapis nigris ; pedibus longis, infra genu
plumosis ; tar so reliquo digitisque subpilosis.

Long. tot. 1 3^ ; alee, 9 J ; caudce, 44 ; tarsi, 2t7q.

Colour. — Head and feathers within facial disc, glossy ferruginous brown, those
forming the margin of it, same coloured, with their tips dark brown. Back

BIRDS.

35

of head and throat smoky brown, mottled with numerous small white dots,
on the tips of the feathers. Back and wing-coverts the same, with the
white spots larger and purer. Wings : primaries, same dark brown, mottled
with dull chesnut red ; the tip of each, with the exception of the three
first, is marked with a triangular white spot, of the same kind with those
over the rest of the body, but larger. Tail, transversely barred with
brown and reddish fulvous, and the extreme points mottled with white.
Under surface. Breast, belly and lining of wings, fulvous, mottled with
brown ; — the feathers being transversely barred with narrow brown lines.
Under side of tail, pale gray, with well defined transverse bars of a darker
gray. Short downy feathers on tarsi, of a brighter fulvous than the rest of
the under surface.

Form. — Third primary rather longer than second; first equal to third. Wing,
exceeding the tail in length by nearly one inch and a quarter. Short
feathers on the tarsus, extending about one-third of its length, below the
knee. Tarsi, elongated. Toes and lower part of tarsi, with few scattered
brown hairs.

Total length .

Wing

Tail

In.

1 3^ Tarsi ......

9^ Tip of beak to rictus

4^ Middle toe, from root of claw to base .

Habitat, James Island, Galapagos Archipelago, {October.)

2tV

I am indebted to Mr. G. R. Gray for the description of this species, which is
deposited in the British Museum. Only one specimen was obtained during our
visit to the Galapagos Archipelago ; and this formed part of the collection made
by the direction of Captain FitzRoy.

This owl is in every respect a true Strix ; it is fully a third less than the
common species of Europe, and differs from it in many respects, especially in
the darker colouring of its plumage. The colouring of the Plate is not perfectly
accurate in its minuter details.

36

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Family.— C APRIMULGIDJE.

Sub-Fam.— CAPRIMULGINiE.

1. Caprimulgus bifasciatus. Gould.

Caprimulgus bifasciatus, Gould, in Proceedings of the Zoological Society, February 1837, p. 22.

C. capite nigro fusco et fulvescente ornatus ; caudd albo bifasciata, fascia termi-
nali lata : primd angusta ; primariis nigrescentibus fascia angusta alba ad medium :
alls spuriis macula alba notatis ; gutture lunula alba ; secundariis tectricibusque
alarum macula fulvescente ad apicem ; crisso pallide rufescente ; rostro pedibusque
fuse is.

Long. tot. unc., 9f ; alee, ; caudce , 5 ; tarsi f .

Front and back of head gray, mottled with black and with little fulvous. The latter
colour more abundant, and in larger markings in the interscapular region, and
on the wing-coverts. The black markings give a somewhat streaked appearance
to the back of head and interscapulars. On the back of throat the fulvous tint
is so much pronounced, that a collar is formed which is continued under a
white one round the breast. Wings : primaries brownish-black ; four external
ones, with a large white mark, forming a band, at about one-third of their
length from their extremities : these white marks are edged with fulvous, and
the part on the outer web of the first primary, is wholly so coloured. The
other primaries are marked with reddish brown, as are the secondaries and
tertiaries, the marks becoming more numerous and smaller, and the colours
more mottled, nearer the back. Tail : upper tail-coverts and two central
feathers of tail marked like those on the back ; the black, however, forming-
narrow interrupted transverse bars. The pair next to these central ones have
near their extremities a large white mark, but only on the inner shaft. In
the three succeeding pairs, the white spot extends on both sides of the shaft,
and in each pair increases somewhat in size ; so that in the external pair, the
white spot is merely bordered with a very narrow, faint margin, of brown
and fulvous. At about half their length, all the feathers, with the exception
of the central pair, have a smaller white mark, but only on the inner side of
the shaft. This mark is transverse, in the form of a band, and the white
blends into fulvous on the edges of the webs. Outer web of these same
external feathers, are transversely barred with black and fulvous. Under
surface. — Chin, breast, belly, and lining of wings, dirty fulvous, with numerous

BIRDS.

37

narrow, irregular, transverse bars of brown. Throat with white collar,
beneath which the fulvous tint is predominant, forming a kind of undercollar,
which is continued round the whole neck. Under tail-coverts fulvous,— tail
itself appears almost black, with a great terminal white band, and a narrower
one at about half its length.

Wings, an inch and a quarter shorter than the tail. Second primary, scarcely
perceptibly longer than the third ; the first about an eighth of an inch shorter
than the second, and s ths longer than the fourth. Feathers on wing, with
the outer webs, slightly excised.

In.

Total length ...... 9f

Wing folded ...... 6^

Tail 5

In.

Tarsi T8o

From tip of beak to rictus ... 1

Of middle toe without the claw -L70-

Habitat, Valparaiso Chile, [August).

This species frequents the mountains of central Chile. When bivouacking
one night on the Bell of Quillota, at an elevation of 6000 feet above the sea, I
heard a gentle, plaintive cry, which I was told was made by this bird. It is
regarded with superstitious dread by many of the lower orders.

Mr. Gould observes, that “ this species has a strong resemblance, at the
first glance, with the Caprimulgus Europceus, but may be readily distinguished by
its shorter wing, more lengthened tarsi, by a conspicuous white band across the
base of the tail, and by all these feathers, except the two middle ones, having
another white band near the tip.” Mr. Gould then adds, as “ I am quite unde-
cided to which of the sub-genera this and the following species should belong, I
leave them for the present in the restricted genus, Caprimulgus, although I certainly
perceive in it many points of affinity to the group which inhabits the United States
of North America.”

2. Caprimulgus parvulus. Gould.

Caprimulgus parvulus, Gould, Proceedings of the Zoological Society, February 1837, p. 22.

C. capite intense fusco, guttis minutis cinereis ornato ; vittd rufd cervicem cingente ;
gutture scaputaribusque ad marginem, secundariis ad apicem stramineis ; pectore
et abdomine lineis fuscis transversis ; primariis nigrescentibus, tribus f asciis ince-
qualibus pallide rufescentibus ; caudci f asciis pallidd fidvescentibus et fuscis ornatd.

Long. tot. unc,, ; alee, 5 ; caudce, 4 ; tarsi, §.

Crown of head gray, with black longitudinal streaks. Back of neck with a fulvous
ring, which extends round the front beneath one of white, as in the C. bifas-

38

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

ciatus. Back, dull gray. Interscapulars, with the central part of each
feather, black, terminating in a point ; the outer part of the web being broadly
fringed with a very pale fulvous, the inner with gray. Wings : primaries
brown, with fulvous marks, forming three irregular transverse bars, which are
scarcely visible when the wing is closed. Tail and upper tail- coverts, dull
coloured, very obscurely marked with transverse bars of gray and fulvous, of
different degrees of darkness. Under surface. — Throat white, edged with
fulvous on lower side. Breast, belly, and under tail-coverts, fulvous, with
numerous very narrow transverse bars of brown. The pale fulvous marks,
forming interrupted bars, are more plainly seen on this than on the upper side
of the tail.

Third primary, very little longer than second, and second than first. First rather
longer than fourth. Extremities of wings reaching within an inch and a
quarter of end of tail. End of tail more rounded than in last species.

In.

Total length . . . . . . 7 5

Wings ....... 5

Tail 4

In.

Tarsi ....... |

Middle toe, from tip of claw to joint of foot
From tip of beak to rictus ... 1

Habitat, La Plata, ( September ).

This species is not uncommon on the wooded banks of the Parana, near
Santa Fe. If disturbed, it rises from the ground, in the same inactive manner
as the European species. I saw one alight on a rope diagonally, but not so com-
pletely in a longitudinal position as does the C. Europceus, nor transversely as
other birds. Mr. Gould observes, that “ this goatsucker is full a third less than
the Caprimulgus Europceus, and is remarkable for the uniformity of its markings,
having no distinct white bars, or marks, either on the wings or tail.”

Family.— HIRUNDINIDiE.

1. Progne purpurea. Boie.

Hirundo purpurea, Wils.

My specimens were obtained at Monte Video, (November) and Bahia Blanca,
39° S. (September) how much further southward this species extends I do not
know. Jardine says, that in North America it migrates during summer as far as
the Great Bear Lake, in Lat. 66° N. ; it is mentioned by M. Audubon, at New
Orleans, 30° N,, and by Mr. Swainson, at Pernambuco, in 8^° S.; we may, there-

BIRDS.

39

fore, conclude that it ranges throughout both Americas, but it is not found in the
Old World. Wilson describes this bird as a great favourite with the inhabitants
of North America, both European and Indian, who erect boxes and other con-
trivances near their houses for it to build in. At Bahia Blanca, the females were
beginning to lay in September, (corresponding to our March) : they had excavated
deep holes in a cliff of compact earth, close by the side of the larger burrows
inhabited by the ground parrot of Patagonia, ( Psittacara Patagonica.) I noticed
several times a small flock of these birds, pursuing each other, in a rapid and
direct course, flying low, and screaming in the manner so characteristic of the
English Swift, ( Hirundo Apus, Linn.)

2. Progne Modesta. Gould.

Plate Y.

Hirundo concolor, Gould , in Proceedings of the Zoological Society.

P. nitide ccerulescenti- nigra.

Long. tot. 6 unc ; aloe , 5{- ; caudce, 2f ; tarsi,

The upper and under surface has not so strongly a marked purple shade, as in
the P. purpurea. The primaries and feathers of the tail, however, have
a greenish gloss, perhaps slightly more metallic.

Tail not so deeply forked as in P. purpurea, which is owing to the two external
feathers on each side not being so much prolonged and bent outward, as in
that species. Nostrils of less size than in the latter, although the beaks
differ but little. Claws and feet are much less strong, than might have
been anticipated, even proportionally to the less dimensions of this species
compared with the P. purpurea.

Inches.

Total length 6

Wings 5\

Tail 2f

Habitat, James Island, Galapagos Archipelago, (October).

Male.

This swallow was observed only on this one island of the group, and it
was there very far from common. It frequented a bold cliff of lava overhanging
the sea. Had not Mr. Gould characterized it as a distinct species, I should
have considered it only as a small variety, produced by an uncongenial site, of
the Progne purpurea. I can perceive no difference whatever from that bird,

Inches.

Tarsi ^

Middle toe from tip of claw to joint . . .

40

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

excepting in its less size, slenderness of limbs, and less deeply forked tail ; and
the latter difference may perhaps be owing to youth.

1. Hirundo Leucopygia. Licht.

My specimens were obtained at Port Famine, in Tierra del Fuego, ( February ),
and at Valparaiso, in Chile, ( August to September ). At Port Famine they build in
holes in a cliff of earth. Mr. Gould says, “ were it not for the bare legs of this
little Martin, I should have some difficulty in discriminating between it and the
one so well known as a summer visitor in our island.”

2. Hirundo frontalis, Gould.

H. vertice, plumis auricularibus, dorso et lunula pectorali nitide casruleo viridescentibus,
nota alba supra nares, gula corporeque subtus albicantibus, crisso niveo, alls cauda-
que fuscis viridi tinctis, rostro nigro , pedibus intense fuscis.

Long. tot. 4f unc. alee , 4f ; caudce , 2 ; tarsi, 4-.

Upper surface, with a greenish blue metallic gloss; which can faintly be perceived
on the primaries and on the tail feathers. The short feathers over each
nostril white, thus forming two small white marks ; those over the ridge of
bill pale brown, giving together the appearance of a narrow white band over
the upper mandible. Entire under surface and lining of wings pure white.
Tarsi rather darker than in H. leucopygia.

Very slightly larger than H. leucopygia-, upper mandible rather broader.

Inches.

Total length 4f

Wings . . ' 4f

Habitat, Monte Video, {November).

Inches.

Tail 2

Tarsi ^

Mr. Gould says, “this species is closely allied both to the common martin,
and to the last species ; from the former bird, however, its bare legs at once dis-
tinguish it, while it differs from the latter in being rather larger in size, in having
an obscure white mark on the forehead, at the base of the bill, and in having
the metallic lustre of the upper surface deep steel green, instead of purple, which
is the prevailing colour of both Hirundo leucopygia and H. urbica

It is abundant on the northern bank of the Plata, and more common than the
H. purpurea, which frequents the same localities. It probably replaces on the
eastern side of the continent, the H. leucopygia of Chile.

BIRDS.

41

3. Hirundo cyanoleuca. Vieill.

It is nearly allied to the two latter species, but is readily distinguished from
them by the absence of the white rump. I procured specimens in September,
both from Valparaiso, and from Bahia Blanca (North Patagonia). At the latter
place it built in holes in the same bank of earth with P. purpurea.

Cypselus unicolor. Jarcl.

C. unicolor. Jard. et Selby, Iliust. Ornith. pi. 83.

I obtained a specimen of this bird from St. Jago, Cape de Verd Islands.
(September).

It more resembled a swallow than a swift in the manner of its flight. I
only saw a few of them. Insects occur so scantily over the bare and parched
plains of basaltic lava, which compose the lower parts of the island of St. Jago,
that it is surprising how these birds are able to find the means of subsistence.

Family.— HALCYONIDiE.

Halcyon erythrorhyncha, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837.

Alcedo Senegalensis var. /3, Lath.

In January, during the first visit of the Beagle to St. Jago, in the Cape de
Verd Islands, these birds were numerous. But in our homeward voyage, in the
beginning of September, I did not see a single individual. As Mr. Gould informs
me it is an African species ; it is probably only a winter visitant to this archi-
pelago. It lives in numbers in the arid valleys in the neighbourhood of Porto
Praya, where it may be generally seen perched on the branch of the castor oil plant.
I opened the stomachs of several, and found them filled with the wing cases of
Orthopterous insects, the constant inhabitants of all sterile countries ; and in the
craw of one there was part of a lizard. It is tame and solitary ; its flight is not swift
and direct like that of the European kingfisher. In these respects, and especially

G

42

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

in its abundance in dry rocky valleys where there is not a drop of water, it
differs widely from the habits of the allied genus Alcedo ; although certainly it
abounded more in those valleys where streamlets occurred. This Halcyon was
the only brilliantly coloured bird which I saw on the island of St. Jago.

] . Ceryle Americana, Boie.

Alcedo Americana, Gmel.

This Kingfisher is common on the banks of the Parana. It frequents the
borders of lakes and rivers, and sitting on the branch of a tree, or on a stone,
it thence takes short flights, and dashes into the water to secure its prey. Its
manner of flying is neither direct nor rapid, which character is so remarkable in
the flight of the European species ; but it is weak and undulatory, and
resembles that of the soft-billed birds. It often arrests itself suddenly in its
course, and hovers over the surface of the water, preparatory to darting on some
small fish. When seated on a twig it constantly elevates and depresses its tail ;
and as might have been expected from its figure, it does not sit in the stiff
upright position so peculiar to the European Kingfisher. Its note is not unfre-
quently uttered : it is low, and like the clicking together of two small stones. I
was informed that it builds in trees. The internal coating of the stomach is of a
fine orange colour. Mr. Gould has seen specimens of this bird from Mexico ; it
enjoys, therefore, a very wide range.

2. Ceryle torquata, Bonap .

Alcedo torquata. Gmel.

Ispida torquata. Swain.

This bird is common in the south part of Chile, in Chiloe, the Chonos Archi-
pelago, and on the whole west coast, as far as the extreme southern parts of
Tierra del Fuego. In these countries, it almost exclusively frequents the retired
bays and channels of the sea with which the land is intersected ; and lives on
marine productions. I opened the stomach of one, and found it full of the
remains of crustaceae, and a part of a small fish. It occurs likewise in La Plata,
and is very common in Brazil, where it haunts fresh water. It is said ( Diet. Class.
(VHist. Nat.) to occur in the West Indian islands; it has, therefore, a wider
range (from the equatorial region to the neighbourhood of Cape Horn) than the
Ceryle Americana.

BIRDS.

43

F a mil y MUS C I C API D/E . Vieill.

Sub-Fam. — TYRANNINiE. Sw.

Saurophagus sulphuratus. Swains.

Lanius sulphuratus. Gmel.

Tyrannus magnanimus. Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 850.

Tyrannus sulphuratus. D'Orb. et Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 42.

The habits of this bird are singular. It is very common in the open country,
on the northern banks of the Plata, where it does not appear to be a bird of
passage. It obtains its food in many different methods. I have frequently
observed it, hunting a field, hovering over one spot like a hawk, and then
proceeding on to another. When seen from a short distance, thus suspended in the
air, it might very readily be mistaken for one of the rapacious order; its stoop,
however, is very inferior in force and rapidity. At other times the Saurophagus
haunts the neighbourhood of water, and there, remaining stationary, like a
kingfisher, it catches any small fish which come near the margin. These birds
not unfrequently are kept, with their wings cut, either in cages or in court-yards.
They soon become tame, and are very amusing from their cunning odd manners,
which were described to me, as being similar to those of the common magpie.
Their flight is undulatory, for the weight of the head and bill appears too great
for the body. In the evening the Saurophagus takes its stand on a bush, often
by the road-side, and continually repeats, without change, a shrill and rather
agreeable cry, which somewhat resembles articulate words. The Spaniards
say it is like the words, “ Bien te veo” (I see you well), and accordingly have
given it this name.

Muscivora Tyrannus. G. R. Gray.

Muscicapa Tyrannus. Sw.

Tyrannus Savana. Vieill. Bonap. Am. Orn. pi. 1. f. 1.

This species belongs to Mr. Swainson’s genus Milvulus (more properly
Milvilus,) but which name Mr. G. R. Gray has altered to Muscivora as the latter
was proposed for Muse, forficata as far back as 1801, by Lacepede.

It is very common near Buenos Ayres ; but I do not recollect having seen
many in Banda Oriental. It sits on the bough of a tree, and very frequently on

44

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

the ombu, which is planted in front of many of the farm houses, and thence
takes short flights in pursuit of insects. From the remarkable structure of its
tail, the inhabitants of the country call it scissor-tail ; a name very well applied
from the manner in which it opens and shuts the forked feathers of its tail. Like
all birds thus constructed, (of which the frigate bird offers a most striking
example), it has the power of turning very shortly in its flight, at which instant
it opens and shuts its tail, sometimes, as it appears, in a horizontal and sometimes
in a vertical plane. When on the wing it presents in its general appearance a
caricature likeness of the common house swallow ( Hirundo rustica ). The

Muscivora, although unquestionably belonging to the family of Muscicapidae
manifests in its habits an evident relationship with birds of the fissirostral
structure.

Sub-Gen. PYROCEPHALUS, Goulb.

Muscicapa. Auct.

Muscipeta. Cuv.

Tyrannula. Swain.

Rostrum capite brevius, rectum, depressum, basi setis numerosis nigris obsessum ;
mandibuld superiore emarginata , inferiorem obtegente ; naribus rotundatis patulis.
Caput subcristatum. Alee longce ; remige prima secundum tertiamque longissimas
subcequales fere cequante. Tarsi mediocres, anticb scutellati; digitis lateralibus ince-
qualibus , exteriore longiore. Cauda mediocris quadrata.

Mr. Gould observes, that “ the males of nearly all the members of this group
(which may be considered either as a distinct genus or sub-genus of Myiobius),
have the crown of the head and greater part of the under surface scarlet. Four
species were obtained. — Pyrocephalus parvirostris,( Gould), and Muscicapa coronata,
(Auct.), may be taken as types.

1. Pyrocephalus parvjrostris. Goidd.

Plate VI.

Le Churrinche, Azara. No. 177.

P. supra fuscus ; capite et subtus nitide puniceis ; rectricibus exterioribus tectricumque
et secundariorum apicibus griseo-marginatis.

Long. tot. 5^2 unc.; alee , 1 3TV ; caudal, 2^; tarsi, ; rost. t1 * * * * 6j.

Crown of the head, crest, and all the under surface, bright scarlet ; the remainder

BIRDS.

45

of the plumage, deep brown ; the outer tail-feathers on each side, and the
edges of the secondaries and wing-coverts, margined with grey.

Habitat, La Plata, {October.)

This species differs from Pyr. coronatus or Musicapa coronata, of authors,
chiefly in its size ; in other respects it is very similar. The admeasurements of
the latter, for comparison (as given me by Mr. G. R. Gray), are : total length,
5 inches and 8 lines ; bill, between 9 and 10 lines ; wings, 3 inches and 2 lines ;
tail, 2 inches and 7 lines ; tarsi, 7 or 8 lines.

During the summer, this bird was common both near Buenos Ayres and
Maldonado ; but at the latter place, I did not see one in the months of May,
June, July, (winter) and therefore, no doubt it is a bird of passage, migrating
southward during the summer from Brazil. The birds of this and the allied
genera, correspond very closely in their habits to certain of the Sylviadae of
Europe ; some of the species frequenting bushes, like the black-cap, {Sylvia atri-
capilla) ; others more usually the ground, as the robin {Sylvia rubecula) or hedge-
sparrow {Accentor modularis). Another group {Synallaxis, fyc.) represent those
European Sylviae, which frequent reeds.

2. Pyrocephalus obscurus. Gould.

P. lividus rufotinctus ; prcecipue in f route ventreque.

Long. tot. 5-^ unc. ; alas, 3^ > caudce , 2^ ; tarsi , > rost.

All the plumage chocolate-brown, tinged with red, the latter colour predominating
on the forehead and lower part of the abdomen ; bill and tarsi, black.

A single specimen was obtained, and it would appear to be either an imma-
ture bird or a female.

Habitat, Lima, Peru. {August.)

3. Pyrocephalus nanus. Gould.

Plate VII.

P.fuscus ; rectricum exteriorum marginibus omniumque et sbcundariorum apicibus
nitidb griseo-brunneis.

Femina, brunnca ; gutture griseo-albo ; corpore subtus pallide Jlavescente ; pectoris
l ater unique plumis in medio brunneo-striatis.

Long. tot. m unc.; alee, 2-j^-; caudas, 2-f^; tarsi, > rostri,

Male.

Crown of the head, crest, and all the under surface, scarlet ; back, wings, and

46

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

tail, sooty-brown ; the external margin of the outer tail feathers, and the tips
of all, light greyish brown ; bill and tarsi, black.

Female.

All the upper surface, wings, and tail, brown; throat, greyish white; the
remainder of under surface, pale buff, the feathers of the chest and flanks,
with an obscure fine stripe of light brown down the centre.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (< September .)

There is nothing remarkable in the habits of this bird. It frequents both the
arid and rocky districts near the coast, and the damp woods in the higher parts of
several of the islands in the Galapagos Archipelago.

4. Pyrocephalus dubius. Gould.

P. minor, lividus ; fronte, superciliis corporeque subtus stramineis ; tectricibus stramineo
marginatis.

Long. tot. 4-jL- unc ; alee , 2^ caudce , 1^ ; tarsi , -fa ; rost.

Forehead, stripe over the eye, and all the under surface pale buff ; back of the
neck and upper surface chocolate brown ; greater and lesser wing coverts
margined with buff.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (September).

From the appearance of this bird when alive, although closely resembling
P. nanus, I entertained no doubt that it was a distinct species. Mr. G. R. Gray
informs me that there is a specimen of a male in the British Museum, which differs
from the male of the precedent species, in having the upper colour of a decided
brown, and the external margins of the outer tail feathers and tips of the
secondaries rather reddish white ; also in size as stated by Mr. Gould.

Myiobius. G. R. Gray.

Tyrannula. Swains.

Mr. Gould had adopted for the following species Mr. Swainson’s generic
appellation of Tyrannula, but Mr. G. R. Gray has pointed out, that as Tyrannulus
was proposed and published eleven years before, namely in 1816, by Vieillot, it
becomes necessary to change the former name, and therefore he proposes
Myiobius.

BIRDS.

47

1. Myiobius albiceps. G. R. Gray.

Muscipeta albiceps. D’Orl. et Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 47.

This bird is not uncommon in Tierra del Fuego, and along the western coast
of the southern part of the continent, where the land is covered with trees ;
it is occasionally found near Valparaiso in central Chile ; and likewise in Banda
Oriental on the banks of the Plata, where the country is open, from all of which
places I procured specimens. At Port Famine and in the islands of the Chonos
Archipelago, it inhabits the gloomiest recesses of the great forests. It generally
remains quietly seated high up amongst the tallest trees, whence it constantly
repeats a very plaintive, gentle whistle, in an uniform tone. The sound can be
heard at some distance, yet it is difficult to perceive from which quarter it
proceeds, and from how far off ; and I remained in consequence, for some time
in doubt, from what bird it proceeded.

2. Myiobius auriceps.

Tyrannula auriceps. Gould , MS.

M. rufus ; capite cristato nitidb Jlavo ; plumarum apicibus brunneis ; aiis brunneis,
secundariarum marginibus tectricumque apicibus rufis ; caudd pallidb br tinned,
plumarum extcrnarum marginibus externis pallidioribus ; gutture corporeque
subtus pallidb Jlavescenti-albis ; plumis singulis fascia centrali brunned.

Long. tot. 5^ unc ; aloe , 2^ caudoe , 2^ tarsi , A- rost.

All the upper surface rufous ; the basal portion of the coronal feathers yellow ;
tail uniform light brown, the external margin of the outer feathers lighter ;
wings brown, the external margin of the secondaries and the tips of the
greater and lesser wing-coverts rufous ; throat and all the under surface pale
buffy white, each feather having a brown mark down the centre ; bill brown ;
feet black.

Habitat, Buenos Ayres, La Plata, ( August ).

This bird is about the size of a sparrow. It is nearly allied to Tyrannula
ferruginea of Swainson and M. cinnamonea of D’Orbig. and Lafr.

48

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

3. Myiobius parvirostris.

Tyrannula parvirostris, Gould , MS.

M. supra rufobrunneus ; pileo, nucha humerisque obscurb olivaceo-brunneis ; alis brunneis,
primariarum et secundariarum marginibus exterius august b tectricumque late
ferrugineis ; caudd guttureque griseo-brunneis; pectore abdumineque jlavescenti
brunneis.

Long. tot. 4-L| unc. ; aloe , 2-^ ; caudce, 2^- ; tarsi, ; rost.

Crown of the head, back of the neck, and shoulders, dark olive brown ; back
and upper tail coverts rufous brown ; wings brown ; the external edges of
the primaries and secondaries finely, and the greater and lesser wing coverts
broadly margined with ferruginous ; tail uniform greyish brown ; throat
brownish grey ; chest and abdomen sandy brown ; upper mandible dark
brown ; under mandible yellowish brown ; feet blackish brown.

Habitat, Tierra del Fuego, Chile, and La Plata.

This bird inhabits the forests of Tierra del Fuego, and as I procured
specimens of it in the beginning of winter (June), it probably remains throughout
the year in the extreme southern part of South America. Other specimens were
procured on the banks of the Plata, and near Valparaiso in Chile ; it has there-
fore a wide range.

4. Myiobius magnirostris.

Plate YIII.

Tyrannula magnirostris. Gould, MS.

M. Fcem. Supra olivaceo-brunnea ; caudd brunned ; rectricum externarum marginibus
griseo-brunneis ; gutture pectoreque olivaceo griseis; abdomine caudceque tectricibus
infer ioribus pallidb flavis ; alis saturatb brunneis, secundariis tectricibusque late
griseo marginatis.

Long tot. 5^ 5 dice, 2-^- ; caudce, 2^ ; tarsi, ^ ; rost. r^.

Crown of the head and back olive brown ; tail brown ; the external margins of
the two outer feathers greyish brown ; throat and chest olive grey ; abdomen
and under tail coverts very pale citron yellow ; wings dark brown ; second-
aries, greater and lesser wing coverts broadly margined with grey ; bill and
feet black.

Habitat, Chatham Island, Galapagos Archipelago (October).

This bird and the Pyrocephalus nanus, inhabit the same island. Not very

uncommon.

BIRDS.

49

Genus.— SERPOPHAGA. Gould.

Rostrum capite multd brevius, rectum, subdepressum ; tomiis rectis ; mandibuld
superiore subemarginata ; naribus basalibus, lateralibus, pilis mollibus cmticb versis
partim teclis. Alee breves, concavce, remige quartd lougissimd. Cauda longiuscula
subrotundata. Tarsi mediocres squamis duris annulati; digitis parvis, postico
mediano breviore, lateralibus cequalibus, exterior e cum mediano usque ad articulum
prior em connatum.

1. Serpophaga Parulus. Gould.

Muscicapa parulus, Kitlitz, Mem. L’Acad. Imp. des Sci. St. Peters. 1831. 1. p. 190. PL 9.

Sylvia Bloxami, Gray’s Zool. Misc. 1831. p. 11.

Culicivora parulus, D’Orbig. & Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 57.

This bird is common in central Chile, in Patagonia, and although found in
Tierra del Fuego, it is not numerous there. Its specific name is very well chosen,
as I saw no bird in South America whose habits approach so near to those of our
tom-tits (Purus'). It frequents bushes in dry places, actively hopping about them,
and sometimes repeating a shrill cry ; it often moves in small bodies of three and
four together. In August I found the nest of one in a valley in the Cordillera of
central Chile ; it was placed in a bush and was simply constructed.

2. Serpophaga albo-coronata. Gould.

S. supra olivaceo-brunnea, subtus pallide Jlava ; pileo nigrescenti brunneo, in hoc plu-
marum basibus linedque supra oculos alb is ; alis nigrescenti brunneis, primariis
angustb olivaceo marginatis, tectricibus late olivaceo-griseo marginatis, gutture
griseo.

Long. tot. 4-^2 ; alee, 2 ; caudas , 2 ; tarsi , ^ ; rost. -j^.

A stripe of white from the nostrils over each eye; crown of the head brown, the
base of all the feathers pure white ; back of the neck, back and upper tail
coverts olive brown ; wings blackish brown, the external edges of the pri-
maries finely margined with olive, and the greater and lesser wing coverts
largely tipped with olive grey; tail uniform brown; throat grey; abdomen
and under tail coverts pale citron yellow ; bill and feet brown.

Habitat, Maldonado, La Plata, (June).

H

50

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

This bird, like the last species, generally moves in very small flocks. Its
habits, I presume, are also very similar ; for I state in my notes that it closely
approaches to our tit-mice in general manners and appearance.

3. Serpophaga nigricans. Gould.

Sylvia nigricans, Vieill.

Tachuris nigricans, D’Orbig. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 55.

Le Petit Tachuris noiratre, Azam, No. 167.

This bird is common in the neighbourhood of Maldonado, on the banks of the
Plata. It generally frequents the borders of lakes, ditches, and other moist
places; but is related in its general manners with the last species. It often
alights on aquatic plants, growing in the water. When seated on a twig it occa-
sionally expands its tail like a fan.

Sub.-Fam. — TITYRANiE. (Psarianae, Sw.)

Pachyramphus, G. R. Gray.

Pachyrhynchus, Spix.

1. Pachyramphus albescens.

Pachyrhynchus albescens, Gould , MS.

Plate XIV.

P. olivaceo-griseus ; alis nigrescenti brunneis, albescenti marginatis ; gutture corpore-
que subtus griseo-albis ; alarum tectricibus inferioribus pallide sulphureis.

Long. tot. 5t32 unc. j 2t72 > cuudce, 2^ ; tarsi , 5 rost-

Head and all the upper surface olive grey ; wings blackish brown, the coverts
and secondaries broadly margined with dull white ; primaries narrowly
margined with greyish white ; tail blackish brown, the external web of the
outer feather white; under surface of the shoulder pale sulphur yellow;
throat and under surface greyish white ; bill and feet black.

Habitat, Buenos Ayres.

The generic name of Pachyrhynchus Spix, is changed by Mr. G. R. Gray,
to Pachyramphus, as the former word is used in entomology.

BIRDS.

51

2. Pachyramphus minimus.

Pachyrhynchus minimus, Gould , MS.

Plate XY.

P. rufo brunneus ; capite guttureque brunneo-nigris ; plumarum basibus albis ; alls
cauddque brunneis, plumis jlavescenti-albo marginatis; colli lateribus, fascia
pectorali hypochondriisque fulvis ; jugalo ventreque pallidb Jlavescenlibus.

Long. tot. 3t72 ; alee, 1-^-g- ; cauda , l-fe ; tarsi, -3^ ; rost.

Crown of the head, sides of the face and throat blackish brown, each feather
white at the base; back of the neck black, and upper tail coverts rufous
brown; wings and tail dark brown, each feather margined with sandy white ;
sides of the neck, under surface of the shoulder, band across the chest and
flanks reddish fawn colour ; lower part of the throat, and centre of the abdo-
men very pale buff ; bill and feet blackish brown.

Habitat, Monte Video, (November).

Sub-Fam. — FLUVICOLINiE, Swain.

Alecturus guirayetupa. Vieill. Diet.

Muscicapa psalura, Temm., PL Col. t. 286 and 296.

risoria, Vieill., Gal. des Ois. PI. 131.

Yetapa psalura. Less., Tr. d’Orn. i. p. 387.

Le Guirayetupa, Azara, No. 226.

This bird is not uncommon on the open grassy country near Maldonado on the
banks of the Plata. It sits generally on the top of a thistle ; from which it makes
short flights and catches its prey in the air. The two long feathers in its tail
appear quite useless to it. It sometimes feeds on the ground. In the stomach
of one which I opened there was a spider ( Lycosa ), and some Coleoptera.

1. Lichenops perspicillatus. G. R. Gray.

Sylvia perspicillata, Gmel.

CEnanthe perspicillata, Vieill.

Ada Commersoni, Less.

Perspicilla leucoptera, Swains., Nat. Libr. x. Flyc. p. 105, PI. 9.

Fluviola perspicillata, D’Orb. Lafr ., Mag. deZool. 1837, p. 59.

Le Clignot ou Lichenops, Comm., Sundev.

Le Bee d’argent, Azara, No. 228.

This bird belongs to the sub genus, Perspicilla, of Mr. Swainson ; but as Mr.

52

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

G. R. Gray has pointed out that Commerson had previously considered it the type
of his genus, Lichenops, we have been induced to prefer the latter as the oldest name.
It is common in the neighbourhood of the Plata, and across the Pampas, as far as
Mendoza on the eastern foot of the Andes ; it has not, however, crossed those
mountains and entered Chile. It usually sits on the top of a thistle, and like our
common fly-catchers ( Muscicapa grisola), takes short flights in pursuit of insects ;
but does not, like that bird, return to the same twig. It feeds, also, occasionally
on the turf : in the stomach of some which I opened, I found Coleopterous insects,
chiefly Curculionidae. Beak, eye-lid, and iris, beautiful primrose yellow.

2. Lichenops erythropterus. Gould.

Plate IX.

L. supra nigrescenti-brunneus, plumis rufo-marginatis ; primariis secundariisque casta-
neis, apicibus pogoniaque externa dimidio apicali brunneis ; gutture corporeque
subtus cervinis ; pectore brunneo-marginato.

Long. tot. 6 unc. ; alee, 3; caudce, 2-|; tarsi , 1; rostri,

All the upper surface and tail blackish brown, each feather margined with rufous;
primaries and secondaries reddish chesnut, their tips and their external webs
for half their length from the tip, brown ; tertiaries, greater and lesser wing-
coverts dark-brown, each feather margined with reddish buff; throat, and
all the under surface, fawn colour ; the chest spotted with brown ; base of
the bill, and chiefly of the lower mandible, as well as the iris, bright yellow ;
eye-lid, blackish yellow; feet, dark brown.

Habitat, Banks of the Plata.

This bird is not very common. It frequents damp ground, where rushes
grow, on the borders of lakes. It feeds on the ground and walks. It is certainly
allied in many respects with the foregoing species, but in its power of walking,
and in feeding on the ground, there is a marked difference in habits. As it has
lately been described (Swainson’s Nat. Libr. Ornith. x. p. 106.) as the female of the
L. perspicillatus, I will here point out some of its chief distinguishing characters.
Its beak is slightly more depressed, but with the ridge rather more plainly pro-
nounced. In the L. perspicillatus, the upper mandible is entirely yellow, excepting
the apex ; in the L. erythropterus, it is entirely pale brown, excepting the base. The
eyelid in the former is bright primrose yellow, in the latter blackish yellow. The tail
of L. erythropterus is squarer and contains only ten feathers instead of twelve : the
wing is to of an inch shorter, and the secondaries relatively to the primaries are also
shorter. The red colour on the primaries represents, but does not correspond with, the
white on the black feathers of L. perspicillatus ; and the secondaries in the two birds

BIRDS.

53

are quite differently marked. In L. erythropterus , the third, fourth, and fifth
primaries are the longest, and are equal to each other ; the second is only a little
shorter than the third. In L. per spirilla tus the third is rather shorter than the
fourth and fifth ; and the second is proportionally shorter relatively to the third,
so that the outer part of the wing in this species is more pointed than in L. ery-
thropterus. The hinder claw in the latter is only in an extremely small degree
straighter than in the former ; and this, considering that the L. perspicillatus is
generally perched, and when on the ground, can only hop ; and that the L. ery-
thropterus feeds there entirely, and walks, is very remarkable.

1. Fluvicola icterophrys. D'Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 59.

Muscicapa icterophrys, Vieill. Encyc. Meth. p. 832.

Le Suiriri noiratre et jaune, Azara, No. 183.

Specimens were found by me both at Monte Video and at Maldonado, on the
banks of the Plata. I found Coleoptera in their stomachs.

2. Fluvicola Irupero. G. R. Gray.

Tyrannus Irupero, Vieill , Ency. Meth. p. 856.

Muscicapa moesta, Licht. Oat. p. 54-.

Muscicapa nivea, Spix, Av. pi. 29. f. 1.

Pepoaza nivea, D’Orb. ty Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 62.

Irupero, Azara , No. 204.

This elegant bird, which is conspicuous amongst most land species by the
whiteness of its plumage, is found, though not commonly, (in November) in Banda
Oriental ; whilst near Santa F£, three degrees of latitude northward, it was com-
mon during the same time of year. It is rather shy, generally perches on the
branches of bushes and low trees.

3. Fluvicola Azar^e. Gould.

Plate X.

F. alba; alis, caudd caudceque tectricibus atris, his albo-marginatis ; primariis Jlaves-
centi-albis, basibus apicibusque nigris ; rostro pedibusque atris.

Long. tot. 8T3g- unc. ; alas, A-fy; caudoe , 4T3^ ; tarsi, 1 ; rost. 1.

Head, all the upper and under surface white ; wings and tail black ; tail coverts
black margined with white ; primaries broad and crossed near their extremity
with sulphur white, and tipped with brown ; bill and legs black.

Habitat, banks of the Plata.

54

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

This bird is very common in the neighbourhood of Maldonado, where it
frequents the open grassy plains. It sits on the top of a thistle, or on a twig,
and catches the greater part of its food on the wing. It is generally quiet in its
movements and silent. Mr. Gould remarks, that he finds “ nearly all the species
of this peculiar group to differ remarkably in the structure of their wings and
tail, while in all other respects they closely resemble each other both in form and
habit ; I have, therefore, hesitated to separate them into so many genera. I have
assigned the present species to Mr. Swainson’s subgenus Fluvicola, considering
that differences in the form of one organ alone would not be sufficient grounds
for the institution of a new genus among such closely allied species ; the present
bird evidently leads off to Tcenioptera , a genus proposed many years since, by
the Prince of Musignano for the Pepoazas of Azara.

“This species is closely allied to, if not identical with the Pepoaza Do-
minicana of Azara, but as there is a degree of obscurity in his description, which
causes some doubt on this point, I have considered it better to pay a just
tribute of respect to that zealous labourer in the field of natural science, by
assigning his name to this very elegant bird.”

1. Xolmis coronata. G. R. Gray .

Tyrannus coronatus, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 885.

Muscicapa vittiger, Licht. Oat. p. 54.

My specimen was obtained on the wooded banks of the Parana, near Santa
Fe, in Lat. 31° S.

Boie’s name of Xolmis is adopted by Mr. G. R. Gray, as it was proposed
some five years anteriorly to that of the Prince of Musignano’s.

2. Xolmis nengeta. G. R. Gray.

Lanius nengeta, Linne , 1. p. 135. 7.

Tyrannus nengeta, Swains. Journ. Sci. xx. p. 279.

Fluvicola nengeta, Strains. Nat. Libr. Fly-catchers, p. 102. pi. 8.

Tyrannus pepoaza, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 855.

Muscicapa polyglotta, Licht. Spix. II. pi. 24.

Tyrannus polyglottus. Guv.

Le Pepoaza proprement dit, Azara, No. 201.

My specimen was procured at Maldonado, north bank of La Plata, where
it is not common. Its habits in many respects are like those of the Fluvicola
Azara; it appears to catch its prey on the wing. Iris bright red.

BIRDS. 55

3. Xolmis varieg ata. G. R. Gray.

Plate XI.

Pepoaza variegata. D’Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 63. Voy. dans l’Amer. Mer. Orn. pi. 39. f. 2.
Teenioptera variegata. On plate.

This bird feeds in small flocks, often mingled with the icteri, plovers, and
other birds on the ground. Its manner of flight and general appearance never
failed to call to my recollection our common fieldfares ( Tardus pilaris, Linn.)
and I may observe that its plumage (in accordance with these habits) is different
from that of the rest of the genus. I opened the stomachs of some specimens
killed at Maldonado, and found in them seeds and ants. At Bahia Blanca I saw
these birds catching on the wing large stercovorous Coleoptera ; in this respect it
follows the habits, although in most others it differs from those of the rest of its
tribe. Iris rich brown.

4. Xolmis pyrope. G. R. Gray.

Muscicapa pyrope, Kitlitz. Mem, l’Acad. Imp. des Sci. St. Peters. 1831. p. 191. pi. 10. Yogel von Chili,
pi. 10. p. 19.

Pepoaza pyrope, D’Orb. <f Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 63.

This bird is not uncommon near Port Famine in Tierra del Fuego, and
along the whole western coast (at Chiloe specimens were obtained) even as far
north as the desert valley of Copiapo. In the thickly wooded countries of Tierra
del Fuego and Chiloe, where it is more common than further northward, it
generally takes its station on the branch of a tree, on the outskirts of the forest.
When thus perched, usually at some height above the ground, it sharply looks out
for insects passing by, which it takes on the wing. Iris scarlet. It builds a
coarse nest in bushes. Egg perfectly white, pointed oval ; length one inch,
breadth 76 of an inch.

56

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Genus.— AGRIORNIS. Gould .

Tyrannus, Eyd. Sf Gen.

Pepoaza, D’ Orb. 8f Lafr.

Hoslrum, longitudine capitis , rectum, forte, compressum, abruptb dejlexum, emargi-
natum ; tomiis rectis integris ; naribus basalibus, lateralibus, rotundis, patulis ;
rictu pilis rigidiuscidis obsesso. Alee mediocres, remige primd long a , tertid quartaque
eequalibus, longissimis. Cauda mediocris, quadrata. Tarsi longi, fortes, squamis
crassis annulati ; digito ungueque postico mediano breviore, lateralibus eequalibus,
liberis.

Mr. Gould observes that the members of this genus are remarkable for their
robust form and for their strength and magnitude of their bills ; and their habits
strictly accord with their structure, as they are fierce and courageous.

The species are closely allied to those of the preceding genus. *

1. Agriornis gutturalis. Gould.

Tyrannus gutturalis, Eyd, Sf Gen. Voyage de la Fav. Ois. dans Mag. de Zool. 1836. pi. 11.

Pepoaza gutturalis, D’Orb. Sf Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 64.

My specimens were obtained near Valparaiso in Chile. I saw it as far
north as the valley of Copiapo. I was assured by the inhabitants that it is a very
fierce bird, and that it will attack and kill the young of other birds.

2. Agriornis striatus, Gould.

A. Fcem. intense olivaceo-brunnea ; alis caudaque fuscis, utriusque plumis marginibus
apieeque pallidb brunneis ; rectricum externarum pogonia externa alba ; gutture
facieque lateribus albis, his nigrostriatis ;pectore hypochondriisque olivaceo-brunneis ;
ventre crissoque flavescentibus.

Long. tot. 10 unc. ; alee , 4^-; caudoe , 4-^; tarsi , 1-^-; rostri, 1^.

Head, and all the upper surface dark olive brown ; wings and tail dark brown,
each feather margined and tipped with pale brown, and the outer web of the
external tail-feather, white ; throat, and sides of the face, white, striated with

* Perhaps to this genus belong Muscicapa thamnophiloides and cinerea, figured by Spix, in his Aves,
pi. 26. f. 1 and 2. G. R. Gray.

BIRDS.

57

black ; breast and flanks olive brown ; centre of the abdomen and under
tail-coverts, buff ; bill, horn colour ; feet, black.

Habitat, Santa Cruz, Patagonia. {April.)

I am not aware of any difference in habits between this species, and the fol-
lowing (A. micropterus) ; and the country inhabited by it is similar. From these
circumstances I am induced to suspect, that it is the same species in an immature
state.

3. Agriornis micropterus. Gould.

Plate XII.

31. pallidl brunneus, sub t us Jlavescenti-albus ; alarum caudceque plumis griseo-margina-
tis ; gutturis albis, brunneo-marginatis.

Long. tot. 9^2 unc. ; aloe , 4-i ; caaclw, 2-J ; tarsi, 1^- ; rostri, 1-|.

Head, all the upper surface, wings and tail, pale brown, each feather of the wings
and tail margined with greyish brown ; throat, white, striated with dark
brown; the remainder of the under surface, huffy white; bill, dark horn
colour ; feet brown.

Habitat, Port Desire, and St. Julian, Patagonia. {January).

These birds frequent the wild valleys in which a few thickets grow. They
generally take their stand on the upper twigs. They are shy, solitary, and not
numerous. Mr. G. R. Gray considers the two specimens which were obtained
to be immature, and that one is a full-fledged young, and the other a nestling
of the Agr. striatus.

4. Agriornis maritimus. G. R. Gray.

Plate XIII.

Pepoaza maritima, D'Orb. et Lefr., Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 65.

Agriornis leucurus. Gould’s MSS., and on PI. xiii.

Inhabits the coast of Patagonia. It is a scarce, shy, solitary bird, frequent-
ing the valleys in which thickets grow, but often feeding on the ground. In the
interior plains of Patagonia, on the banks of the Santa Cruz, I several times saw it
chasing beetles on the wing, in a peculiar manner, half hopping and half flying ;
when thus employed, it spreads its tail, and the white feathers in it are displayed
in a very conspicuous manner. I also met with this species in the lofty and arid
valleys on the eastern side of the Cordillera of Central Chile, and likewise at
Copiapo.

i

58

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Family. — L A N I A D M. -

Sub-Fam. — LANIANiE, Swains.

Cyclarhis Guianensis, Swains.

C. Guianensis, Swains ., Ornith. Draw. PI. 58. ?

Tanagra Guianensis, Gmel.

Laniagra Guyanensis, D’Orb. et Lafr.

Falcunculus Guianensis, Swains ., (1837.)

Le Sourciroux, Levaill. Ois. D’Afr. PI. 76. f. 2.

My specimen was obtained at Maldonado, in the latter end of May. I did
not see another during my residence there. In its stomach were Coleoptera.

Sub-Fam. — THAMNOPHILINiE.

Thamnophilus doliatus, Vieill.

Lanius doliatus, Linne.

My specimen was obtained at Maldonado, where it is not very common. It
generally frequents hedge-rows. Cry rather loud, but plaintive and agreeable.
Iris, reddish orange ; bill, blue, especially base of lower mandible. I observed
individuals (females?) in which the black and white bands on the breast
were scarcely visible, and even those on the under tail-coverts but obscurely
marked.

BIRDS.

59

Family. — TURDIDiE.

1. Turdus rufiventer. Licht.

T. rufiventer, Licht. Cat. p. 38.

Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 639 ?

Spix , Av. Sp. Nov. tom. 1. p. 70. t. lxviii.

D'Orb. et Lafr. Yoy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 203.

Grive rousse eir “noirfitre, Azara , No. 79.

Turdus Chochi, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 639.

D'Orb. et Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1835. p. 17.

T. leucomelas, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 644.

T. albiventer, Spix, Av. Sp. Nov. tom. 1. p. 70. t. lxix. f. l.m. 2 fem.

La grive blanche et noiratre, Azara, No. 80.

The white-bellied thrush, described under the three latter synonyms, accord-
ing to M. D’Orbigny, (p. 203 of the ornithological part of his work), is the
female of the T. rufiventer. My specimens were obtained at Maldonado and the
Rio Negro, which latter place, in 41°, is its most southern limit: Spix found it
near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It utters a note of alarm very like that of the
common English thrush, ( Turdus musicus ).

2. Turdus Falklandicus. Quoy et Gaim .

T. Falklandicus, Quoy et Gaim. Zool. de 1’Uranie, p. 104.

Pernetty , Hist, d’un Yoy. aux lies Malouines, II. p, 20.

D’Orb. § Lafr., Yoy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 202.

T. Magellanicus, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. (1830) p. 14.

D’Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1835. p. 16.

M. D’Orbigny has pointed out that the Turdus Magellanicus of King is only
the male bird of Turdus Falklandicus. I obtained specimens from the Rio Negro,
Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego and Chiloe : I believe I saw the same species
in the valleys of Northern Chile ; I was informed that the thrush there lines
its nest with mud, in which respect it follows the habits of species of the
northern hemisphere. In the Falkland Islands it chiefly inhabits the more rocky
and dryer hills. It haunts also the neighbourhood of the settlement, and very
frequently may be seen within old sheds. In this respect, and generally in its
habits, it resembles the English thrush {Turdus musicus) : its cry, however, is
different. It is tame, silent, and inquisitive.

60

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE,

1. Mimus Orpheus. G. R. Gray.

Orpheus Calandna, D’Orb. Sf Lafr. Mag. de Zool. (1835) p. 17- — Voy. de
l’Amer. Mer. Av. 206. pi. x. f. 2,

Turdus Orpheus, Spix. Av. t. 1. pi. 71.

Mimus satuminus, P. Max. Beitr. p. 658 ?

Orpheus modulator, Gould , in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part IV. (1836) p. 6.

This bird is described in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society (Part IV,
1836, p. 6.) as having come from the Straits of Magellan, which undoubtedly is a
mistake. It is extremely common on the banks of the Plata ; but a few degrees
south of it, is replaced by the O. Patagonica of D’Orbigny. In Banda Oriental
these birds are tame and bold ; they constantly frequent the neighbourhood of the
country houses to pick the meat, which is generally suspended to the posts and
walls. If any other small bird joins in the feast, the Calandria (as this species is
usually called in La Plata) immediately chases him away. In these respects,
and in its manner of sometimes catching insects, the Mimus is related in its
habits with that division of the Muscicapidce , which includes the genus Xolmis :
indeed, the general colour of the plumage of X. Nengeta is so like that of Mimus,
that it might readily be mistaken for a bird of that genus. The Calandria
haunts thickets and hedge-rows, where it actively hops about, and in doing so
often elevates and slightly expands its tail.

2. Mimus Patagonicus. G. R. Gray.

Orpheus Patagonicus, D’Orb. 8$ Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1836, p. 19. — Voy.de
l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 210, pi. xi. f. 2.

I obtained specimens of this bird at the Rio Negro and at Santa Cruz in
Southern Patagonia, at both of which places it is common. It is not found in
Tierra del Fuego, for neither it nor the other species of the genus inhabit forests.
This species has slightly different habits from the M. Orpheus. It is a shyer
bird, and frequents the plains and valleys thinly scattered with stunted and thorn-
bearing trees. It does not appear to move its tail so much. Its cry, like that of
the rest of the genus, is harsh, but its song is sweet. The M. Patagonicus ,
whilst seated on the highest twig of some low bush, often enlivens the dreariness
of the surrounding deserts by its varying song. Molina, however, describing
the song of an allied species, has greatly exaggerated its charms. It may be
compared to that of the sedge-bird ( Motacilla salicaria, Linn.), but is much more
powerful, some harsh notes and some very high ones being mingled with a
pleasant warbling. The song of the different mocking thrushes certainly is

BIRDS.

61

superior to that of any other bird which I heard in South America ; and they are
almost the only ones which formally perch themselves on an elevated twig for the
purpose of singing. They sing only during the spring of the year. I may here
mention, as a curious instance of the fine shades of difference in habits between
very closely allied species, that when I first saw the M. Patagonicus, I concluded
from habits alone that it was different from M. Orpheus. But having afterwards
procured a specimen of the former, and comparing the two without particular
care, they appeared so very similar that I changed my opinion. Mr. Gould,
however, immediately upon seeing them (and he did not then know that M.
D’Orbigny had described them as different) pronounced that they were distinct
species ; a conclusion in conformity with the trifling difference of habit and
geographical range, of which he was not at the time aware.

3. Mimus Thenca. G. R. Gray.

Turdus Thenca. Mol.

Orpheus Thenca. JD’Orb. Toy. de l’Amer. Mer. Orn. p. 209, pi. f. 3.

This species seems to be confined to the coast of the Pacific, west of the Cor-
dillera, where it replaces the M. Orpheus, and M. Patagonicus of the Atlantic side
of the continent. Its southern limit is the neighbourhood of Concepcion, (lat.
37° S.) where the country changes from thick forests to an open land. The
Thenca, (which is the name of this species, in the language of the Aboriginal
Indians,) is common in central and northern Chile, and is likewise found (I
believe the same species) near Lima, (lat. 12°) on the coast of Peru. The habits
of the Thenca are similar, as far as I could perceive, to those of the M. Patago-
nicus. I observed many individuals, which had their heads stained yellow from
the pollen of some flower, into which they bury their heads, probably for the
sake of the small beetles concealed there. Molina describes the nest of
the Thenca, as having a long passage, but I was assured by the country
people, that this nest belonged to the Synallaxis cegitlialoides, and that the
Thenca makes a simple nest, built externally of small prickly branches of the
mimosa.

62

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

4. Mimus trifasciatus. G. R. Gray.

Plate XVI.

Orpheus trifasciatus. Gould , in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part v. 1 837, p. 27.

M. vertice , nucha, et dorso nigrescentihus ; uropygio rufo pallide lavato ; alis nigres-
centibus, tectricibus notd albescente terminali fascias tres transversas facientibus ;
rectricibus caudce duabus intermediis nigrescentibus, reliquis ad apicem pallidioribus ;
plumis auricularibus, striga superciliari, gala, et corpore subtus albis, lateribus notis
guttisque fuscis ornatis ; r astro pedibusque nigris.

Long. tot. lOf unc. ; rost. If; alee, 5 ; caudce, 5| ; tarsi , If.

The vertex, nape of the neck and the back, blackish ; with the lower part of the
back tinged with pale rufous ; the wings blackish, with the tips of the wing
coverts white, forming three transverse bands ; the tail with the two interme-
diate feathers black, with the tips of the others much paler ; the auricular
feathers with a streak above the eyes, throat, and beneath the abdomen white;
the flanks ornamented with fuscous marks and spots.

Habitat, Charles Island, Galapagos Archipelago. (October).

5. Mimus melanotis. G. R. Gray.

Plate XVII.

Orpheus melanotis, Gould, in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part v. 1837, p. 27.

M. vertice, nucha, dorsoque pallidb fuscis ; plumis capitis et dor si ad medium colore
saturatiore ; .alis intense fuscis, singulis plumis ad mar ginem pallidioribus, secunda-
riis, tectricibusque majoribus notd alba terminali, fascias duas transversas facien-
tibus ; caudce rectricibus nigrescent i-fuscis ad apicem albis, loro, plumisque auricu-
laribus nigrescenti-fuscis ; laterum plumis notd fused centrali, abdomine albo ; rostro
pedibusque nigris.

Long tot. 9| unc. ; rost. ; alee, 4J ; caudce, ; tarsi, If.

The vertex, nape of the neck and the back, pale brown ; the feathers of the head
and the back, as far as the middle, of a darker colour ; the wings intensely
brown, with the margins of each of the feathers paler ; the secondaries and the
greater wing-coverts terminated with white marks, giving the appearance of
two transverse bands ; the feathers of the tail blackish brown, with the tips
white ; the lores and the feathers of the ears blackish brown, the feathers of the
sides with a central brown mark, the abdomen white ; the bill and feet black.
Habitat, Chatham and James’s Islands, Galapagos Archipelago. (October.)

BIRDS.

63

6. Mimus parvulus. G. R. Gray.

Plate XYIII.

Orpheus parvulus. Gould , in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part v. 1837, p. 27.

M. vertice , nucha caudaque intensb fuscis, hujus rectricibus ad apicem albo notatis; alis
fuscis secundariis tectricibusque nola alba apicali fascias duas transversas facienti-
bus ; loro plumisque auricularibus nigrescentibus ; gidd, colli lateribus, pectore, et
abdomine albescentibus ; plumis laterum notis fuscis per medium longitudinaliter ex-
currentibus.

Long. tot. 8| unc. ; rost. 1 ; alee, Sg; caudce, 3f ; tarsi , 1|;.

The vertex, the nape of the neck, and the tail intensely black ; with the tips of the
tail feathers marked with white ; the wings brown with the secondaries and
coverts tipped with white marks, giving the appearance of two transverse
bands ; the lores and the feathers of the ears black ; the throat, the sides of
the neck, breast, and the abdomen white ; the flanks marked longitudinally
with brown.

Habitat, Albemarle Island, Galapagos Archipelago. {October.)

It will be seen, that the three last species of the genus Mimus, were procured from
the Galapagos Archipelago; and as there is a fact, connected with their geographi-
cal distribution, which appears to me of the highest interest, I have had these three
figured. There are five large islands in this Archipelago, and several smaller ones.
I fortunately happened to observe, that the specimens which I collected in the two
first islands we visited, differed from each other, and this made me pay particular
attention to their collection. I found that all in Charles Island belonged to M. tri-
fasciatus; all in Albemarle Island to M. parvulus, and all in Chatham and James’s
Islands to M. melanotus. I do not rest this fact solely on my own observation,
but several specimens were brought home in the Beagle, and they were found, ac-
cording to their species, to have come from the islands as above named. Charles
Island is distant fifty miles from Chatham Island, and thirty-two from Albemarle
Island. This latter is only ten miles from James Island, yet the many specimens
procured from both belonged respectively to different species. James and Chat-
ham, which possess the same species, are seventy miles apart, but Indefatigable
Island is situated between them, which perhaps, has afforded a means of commu-
nication. The fact, that islands in sight of each other, should thus possess pecu-
liar species, would be scarcely credible, if it were not supported by some others of
an analogous nature, which I have mentioned in my Journal of the Voyage of the
Beagle. I may observe, that as some naturalists may be inclined to attribute
these differences to local varieties ; that if birds so different as O. trifasciatus , and

6'

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

O. parvulus, can be considered as varieties of one species, then the experience of
all the best ornithologists must be given up, and whole genera must be blended
into one species. I cannot myself doubt that M. trifasciatus, and M. parvulus are
as distinct species as any that can be named in one restricted genus.

The habits of these three species are similar, and they evidently replace each
other in the natural economy of the different islands ; nor can I point out any differ-
ence between their habits and those of M. Thenca of Chile ; I imagined, however,
that the tone of their voice was slightly different. They are lively, inquisitive,
active birds, and run fast ; (I cannot assert, positively, that M. Thenca runs). They
are so extremely tame, a character in common with the other birds of this Archipe-
lago, that one alighted on a cup of water which I held in my hand, and drank out
of it. They sing pleasantly ; their nest is said to be simple and open. They seem
to prefer the dry sterile regions nearer the coast, but they are likewise found in
the higher, damper and more fertile parts of the islands. To these latter situ-
ations, however, they seem chiefly attracted by the houses and cleared ground of
the colonists. I repeatedly saw the M. melanotis at James Island, tearing bits of
meat from the flesh of the tortoise, which was cut into strips and suspended to
dry, precisely in the same manner as I have so often observed the M. Orpheus , in
La Plata, attacking the meat hung up near the Estancias.

1. Furnarius rufus. Vieill.

Furnarius rufus, Vieill ., Ency. Meth. 513.

Merops rufus, Gmel. PI. enl. 739.

Opetiorhynchus rufus, Tern. Man.

Turdus vadius, Licht. Cat.

Figulus albogularis, Spix. Av. pi. Ixxviii. f. 1 & 2.

Fournier, Buff., Azara , No. 221.

This bird is common in Banda Oriental, on the banks of the Plata ; but I
did not see it further southward. It is called by the Spaniards Casaro, or house-
builder, from the very singular nest which it constructs. The most exposed
situation, as on the top of a post,. the stem of an opuntia, or bare rock, is chosen.
The nest consists of mud and bits of straw ; it is very strong, and the sides are
thick ; in shape it resembles a depressed beehive or oven, and hence the name of
the genus. Directly in front of the mouth of the nest, which is large and arched,
there is a partition, which reaches nearly to the roof, thus forming a passage or
ante-chamber to the true nest. At Maldonado, in the end of May, the bird was
busy in building. The Furnarius is very common in Banda Oriental ; it often
haunts the bushes in the neighbourhood of houses ; it is an active bird, and
both walks and runs quickly, and generally by starts ; it feeds chiefly on Coleop-
tera ; it often utters a peculiar, loud, shrill, and quickly reiterated cry.

BIRDS.

65

2. Furnarius cunicularius. G. JR. Gray.

Alauda cunicularia, Vieill.

Alauda fissirostra, Kittl. Mem. l’Acad. St. Peters, ii. pi. 3.

Oerthilauda cunicularia, D'Orb. 8$ Lafr. Mag. de Zool.

This bird has a considerable geographical range. On the eastern side of
the continent it is found from about 40° (for I never saw one in the southern
districts of Patagonia) northward to at least 30°, and perhaps much further. On
the western side its southern limit is the neighbourhood of Concepcion, where
the country becomes dry and open, and it ranges throughout Chile (specimens
were procured from Valparaiso) to at least as far north as Lima, in lat. 12°, on the
coast of Peru. I may here observe, that the northern limit of all birds, which are
lovers of dry countries, such as this Furnarius and some of the species of Mimus,
is not probably at Lima but near Cape Blanco, 10° south of the Equator, where
the open and parched land of Peru blends (as it was described to me) rather
suddenly into the magnificent forests of Guayaquil. This Furnarius constantly
haunts the driest and most open districts ; and hence sand-dunes near the coast
afford it a favourite resort. In La Plata, in Northern Patagonia, and in
Central Chile, it is abundant : in the former country it is called Casarita, a name
which has evidently been given from its relationship with the Casaro, or Fur-
narius rufus, for, as we shall see, its nidification is very different. It is a very
tame, most quiet, solitary little bird, and like the English robin ( Sylvia rubecula )
it is usually most active early in the morning and late in the evening. When
disturbed it flies only to a short distance ; it is fond of dusting itself on the
roads ; it walks and runs (but not very quickly), and generally by starts. I
opened the stomachs of some, and found in them remains of Coleoptera, and
chiefly Carabidae. At certain seasons it frequently utters a peculiar, shrill but
gentle, reiterated cry, which is so quickly repeated as to produce one running
sound. In this respect, and in its manner of walking on the ground, and in its
food, this species closely resembles the Casaro, but in its quiet manners it differs
widely from that active bird. Its nidification is likewise different, for it builds its
nest at the bottom of a narrow cylindrical hole, which is said to extend horizon-
tally to nearly six feet under ground. Several of the country people told me,
that when boys, they had attempted to dig out the nest, but had scarcely ever
succeeded in getting to the end. The bird chooses any low bank of firm sandy
soil by the side of a road or stream. At the settlement of Bahia Blanca the walls
are built of hardened mud ; and I noticed one, enclosing a courtyard, where I
lodged, which was penetrated by round holes in a score of places. On asking
the owner the cause of this, he bitterly complained of the little Casarita, several

K

66

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

of which I afterwards observed at work. It is rather curious, that as these birds
were constantly flitting backwards and forwards over the low wall, they must be
quite incapable of judging of distance or thickness even after the shortest circui-
tous route, for otherwise they would not have made so many vain attempts.

Uppucerthia dumetoria. I. Geoffr. fy D'Orb .

Plate XIX.

Uppucerthia dumetoria, J. Geoffr. fy D’Orb. Ann. du Mus. i. 393 and 394.

Furnarius dumetorum, D’Orb. MS.

Uppucerthia dumetorum, D’Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1838, p. 20.

This bird is an inhabitant of extremely sterile regions. I saw several at the
Rio Negro, but at Port Desire they were, perhaps, more numerous. I did not
observe it near Valparaiso, in Central Chile, but I procured specimens of it from
Coquimbo, where the country is more desert. It frequents open places, in which
a few bushes grow. It hops very quickly, and often flies quietly from one place
to another. It may often be seen turning over and picking dry pieces of dung.
It is a remarkable circumstance, that in the three specimens which I brought
home, from different localities, namely the Rio Negro, Port Desire, and Co-
quimbo, the beak varies considerably in length : in that from Port Desire in
Patagonia it is three-eighths of an inch shorter than in that from Coquimbo in
Chile ; whilst the Rio Negro specimen is intermediate between them. Mr. G. R.
Gray has pointed out to me that Latham long since observed a great variation in
the beak of the Patagonian warbler, Opetiorhynchus Patagonicus.

1. Opetiorhynchus vulgaris. G. R. Gray.

Uppucerthia vulgaris, D’Orbig. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1838, p. 23.

This bird in general habits has several points of resemblance with the Fur-
narius cunicularius, but differs in some other respects. Its flight is somewhat
similar, but it shows two red bands on its wings, instead of one, by which it
can be distinguished at a distance : instead of walking it only hops ; it feeds
entirely on the ground, and in its stomach I found scarcely anything but Coleop-
terous insects, and of these many were fungi feeders. It often frequents the
borders of lakes, where the water has thrown up leaves and other refuse. It
likewise may be met with in all parts of the open grassy plains of Banda Oriental,
where (like the Uppucerthia at the Rio Negro) it often turns over dry dung. Its
note is very like that of the F. cunicularius , but more acute, and consists of a
shrill cry, quickly reiterated so as to make a running sound. I was informed
that, like that bird, it builds its nest at the bottom of a deep burrow. This species

BIRDS.

67

is common in La Plata, the Falkland Islands, and Tierra del Fuego ; in the latter
it frequents the higher parts of the mountains, or those exposed to the western
gales, which are free from forests, for it is a bird that exclusively lives in open
countries and on the ground. I believe it is not found in Chile ; nor is it common
on the coast of Patagonia. This species in its habits is very different from the
three following closely allied ones, since the latter never, or most rarely, leave the
sea beach, whilst this bird, excepting by chance, is never seen there, but always
in the interior country. Nevertheless with this marked difference in habits, (there
are several other points beside that of the station frequented), if the preserved
skins of O. parvulus and O. vulgaris were placed in the hands of any one, even
perhaps of a practised ornithologist, he would at first hesitate to consider them
distinct, although upon closer examination he would find many points of differ-
ence,— of which the much greater strength of the feet and the greater length of
the tarsus are conspicuous in those species, which live amongst the stones on the
sea beach.

2. Opetiorhynchus Patagonicus. G. R. Gray .

Patagonian Warbler, Lath. Syn. iv. p. 434.

Motacilla Patagonica, Gmel.

Motacilla Gracula, Forst. Draw. No. 1G0.

Sylvia Patagonica, Lath . Index, ii. 517.

Furnarius Lessonii, Dumont.

Chilensis, Less. Yoy. de la Coqu. i. p. 671, n. Tr. d’Ornitli. p. 307, pi. 75, f. 1.

Opetiorhynchus rupestris, Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. St. Petersb. i. p. 188, pi. viii.

Uppucerthia rupestris, D’Orh. 8f Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1838, p. 21.

This bird is extremely common on the sea shore of all the bays and channels
of Tierra del Fuego ; on the western coast it is replaced in Northern Chile by the
O. nigrofumosus, and in the Falkland Islands by the O. antarcticus. As the
habits of this species and those just named are quite similar, I shall describe
them all together under the head of O. nigrofumosus. A specimen of O. Pata-
o-onicus from Chiloe has a bill rather more than two-tenths of an inch longer than
in those from Tierra del Fuego ; but as no other difference can be perceived, I
cannot allow that this is a specific character any more than in the case of the
Uppucerthia.

3. Opetiorhynchus antarcticus. G. R. Gray.

Certhia Antarctica, Qmn. Ann. des.Sc. Nat. 1826.

Furnarius fuliginosus, Less. Yoy. de la Coqu.' Zool. i. p. 670.

Patagonian Warbler, Lath. $ in Dixons Yoy. App. No. 1, 359 and pi.

This species inhabits the Falkland Islands. My specimens were procured at

68

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

the east island, from which, also, those described by the French naturalists came,
and likewise that given in the Appendix to Dixon’s Voyage. I have no doubt
that it is peculiar to this group, for the foregoing species, which in the neighbour-
ing mainland of Tierra del Fuego supplies its place and has precisely the same
habits, has been examined by Mr. Gould and is considered distinct. The O. an-
tarcticus has long been noticed by voyagers to the Falkland Islands from its
extreme tameness : in the year 1763 Pernety states it was so tame that it would
almost perch on his finger, and that in half an hour he killed ten with a wand.

4. Opetiorhynchus nigrofumosus. G. R. Gray.

Plate XX.

Uppucerthia nigrofumosa, D'Orb. et Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1838, p. 23.

Opetiorhynchus lanceolatus, Gould, MS. and on plate XX.

My specimen was killed at Coquimbo, on the coast of Chile. It differs from
O. Patagonicus in its larger size, much stronger feet and bill, and more dusky
plumage, and in the white streak over the eye being less plainly marked. In this
species the red band, which extends from the body obliquely across the wings in
all the species, reaches to the third primary, whereas in O. Patagonicus, O. vulgaris,
and O. antarcticus, that feather is not marked, or so faintly, as scarcely to be
distinguishable. In the genus Furnarius, the wing feathers are marked in an
analogous manner. I saw this species (as I believe) on the coast near the mouth
of the valley of Copiapd.

I will now make a few remarks on the habits of these three coast species.
The first, O. antarcticus , is confined, as I have every reason to believe, to the
Falkland Islands. The second inhabits Tierra del Fuego, and in Chiloe and
Central Chile is replaced by the local variety with a long beak, and this still
further northward by the O. nigrofumosus. On the east side of the continent I do
not believe these marine species extend so far northward. I never saw one on the
shores of the Plata, but they occur in Central Patagonia. These birds live
almost exclusively on the sea beach, whether formed of shingle or rock, and feed
just above the surf on the matter thrown up by the waves. The pebbly beds of
large rivers sometimes tempt a solitary pair to wander far from the coast. Thus
at Santa Cruz I saw one at least one hundred miles inland, and I several times
observed the same thing in Chile, which has likewise been remarked by Kittlitz,
who has given a very faithful account of the habits of O. Patagonicus. I must
add that I also saw this bird in the stony and arid valleys in the Cordillera, at a
height of at least 8000 feet. In Tierra del Fuego I scarcely ever saw one twenty
yards from the beach, and both there and at the Falkland Islands they may fre-

BIRDS.

69

quently be seen walking on the buoyant leaves of the Fucus giganteus, at some
little distance from the shore. In these respects, the birds of this genus entirely
replace in habits many species of Tringa. In the stomachs of those I opened I
found small crabs and little shells, and one Buccinum even a quarter of an inch
long : Kittlitz says, he found in one, besides such objects, some small seeds.
They are very quiet, tame and solitary, but they may not unfrequently be seen in
pairs. They hop and likewise run quickly ; in which latter respect, and likewise
in their greater tameness, they differ from the O. vulgaris. Their cry is seldom
uttered, but is a quick repetition of a shrill note, like that of the last named bird,
and of several species of Furnarius.

On the 20th of September, I found, near Valparaiso, the nest of O. Patago-
nicus, with young birds in it: it was placed in a small hole in the roof of a deep
cavern, not far from the bank of a pebbly stream. Three months later in the
summer I found, in the Chonos Archipelago (Lat. 45°), a nest of this species,
placed in a small hole beneath an old tree, close to the sea-beach. The nest
was composed of coarse grass and was untidily built. The egg rather elongated ;
length I’ll of an inch, width in broadest part *8 of an inch ; perfectly white.

Genus. — Eremobius. Gould.

Rostrum capitis longitudine seu longius, fere rectum, ad apicem deorsum curvatum,
haud emarginatum ; naribus parvis, basalibus, oblongis, in sulco positis ; Alae breves,
remigibus primariis secundariisque fere cequalibus, plumis 4, 5, 6-que subcequalibus
longissimisque ; Cauda mediocris apice rotundato; Tarsi sublongi antice squamis
ferb obsoletis induti , halluce digito medio breviore , digitis lateralibus incequalibus ,
internis brevioribus.

Eremobius phcenicurus. Gould.

Plate XXI.

E. fuscus, remigibus cinereo fusco marginatis, stria superciliari pone oculos extensd
cinereo-alba ; caudd nigro-fuscd basi castaneo fused ; gula abdomineque medio
cinereo albis ; hypocliondriis tectricibusque caudalibus inferioribus pallide flaves-
centibus.

Long. tot. 6^ unc. ; rost. 1 ; aim, 2-^ ; caudrn, 3 ; tarsi,

Head and all the upper surface brown ; the primaries margined with greyish
brown ; stripe over and behind the eye greyish white ; tail feathers chestnut
brown at the base, and blackish brown for the remainder of their length ;

70

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

throat and centre of the abdomen greyish white, passing into pale buff on the
flanks and under tail-coverts ; bill and feet blackish brown.

Habitat, Patagonia.

This bird, though forming a well-marked genus, is in many respects, even in
plumage, allied to Furnarius and Opetiorhynchus, — for instance, in the streak over
its eyes, in the red band on its wings extending obliquely from the body to the
third primary, and to some of the species of these genera in its rather plumose
feathers. In its general manners, the same resemblance, together with some
differences, always struck me. It lives entirely on the ground, and generally in
dry sterile situations, where it haunts the scattered thickets, and often flies
from one to another. When skulking about the bushes it cocks up its tail,
imitating in this respect Pteroptochos and Rhinomya. Its cry is shrill, quickly
reiterated, and very similar to that of several species of Furnarius and Opetio-
rhynchus. The stomach of one which I opened was full of Coleoptera. I procured
specimens from three places on the coast of Patagonia ; namely, Port Desire,
St. Julian, and Santa Cruz ; but it is nowhere common. I likewise saw it at a
considerable elevation in the eastern valleys of the barren Cordillera, near Mendoza.

Rhinomya lanceqlata. Is. Geojfr . fy D'Orb.

Rhinomya lanceolata. Is. Geoffr. D’Orb. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. pi. 7. f. 1. 1832, cl. 11. pi. 3. id. — Mag. de
Zool. 1832, II. pi. 3. and 1837, p. 15.

I procured a specimen of this bird from the Rio Negro in Northern Patagonia,
and I never saw one any where else ; and M. D’Orbigny makes the same remark.
On the Atlantic side of the continent, it replaces the several species of Pteroptochos
which live on the shores of the Pacific. Its habits, in some respects, are similar ; it
lives at the bottom of hedges or thickets, where it runs with such quickness, that
it might easily be mistaken for a rat. It is very unwilling to take flight, so that,
I was assured by some of the inhabitants, that it could not fly, which, however,
is a mistake. It frequently utters a loud and very singular cry. The Rhinomya
is distantly allied to the Eremobius phcenicurus , which is found in Southern Pata-
gonia, whose habits in some respects are similar.

1. Pteroptochos Tarnii. G. R. Gray.

Hylactes Tarnii. Vigors , Proc. Zool. 1830.

Megalonyx ruficeps. D’Orb. Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837. p. 15.

Leptonyx Tarnii. D’Orb. fy Lafr. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 198, pi. viii. f. 1.

This species, as well as several others of the genus, and likewise of Scytalopus
are confined to the west coast of South America. The P. Tarnii ranges from the

BIRDS.

71

neighbourhood of Concepcion, lat. 37°, to south of the Peninsula of Tres Montes,
between 41° and 50°. It is not found in Tierra del Fuego, where the climate pro-
bably is too cold for it, for in other respects, the great forests of that country
appear admirably adapted to its habits. Its limit, northward of the province of
Concepcion, is evidently due to the change which there takes place, from dense
forests to an open and dry country. The P. Tarnii is abundant in all parts of the
Island of Chiloe, where it is called by the native Indians, guid-guid; but by the
English sailors, the barking-bird. This latter name is very well applied, for the
noise which it utters is precisely like the yelping of a small dog. When a person
is walking along a pathway within the forest, or on the sea-beach, he will often be
surprised to hear on a sudden, close by him, the barking of the guid-guid. He
may often watch in vain the thicket, whence the sound proceeds, in hopes of see-
ing its author, and if he endeavour, by beating the bushes, to drive it out, his
chance of success will be still smaller. At other times, by standing quietly within
the forest, the guid-guid will fearlessly hop close to him, and will stand on the
trunk of some dead tree, with its tail erect, and strange figure full in view. It
feeds exclusively on the ground, in the thickest and most entangled parts of the
forest. It rarely takes wing, and then only for short distances. It has the power
of hopping quickly and with great vigour ; when thus awkwardly proceeding, it
carries its short tail in a nearly erect position. I was informed that the guid-guid,
builds a nest amongst rotten sticks, close to the ground.

2. Pteroptochos megapodius. Kittl.

Pteroptochos megapodius. Kittl. 1830, Mem. de l’Acad. 1, pi. iv. et Yogel. von Chili, p. 10, pi. iv.

Megalonyx rufus. Less. Cent. Zool. 1831, pi. 66.

D'Orb. 4 1 Lafr.

Leptonyx macropus. Swains. Zool. 111. pi. 117.

D'Orb. 4- Lafr. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. 197.

This bird is common in the dry country of central and northern Chile, where
it replaces the P. Tarnii of the thickly wooded southern regions. The P. mega-
podius, is called by the Chilenos, “ EL Turco it lives on the ground amongst
the bushes which are sparingly scattered over the stony hills. With its tail erect,
every now and then it may be seen popping on its stilt-like legs from one bush to
another with uncommon celerity. Its appearance is very strange and almost ludi-
crous, and the bird seems always anxious to hide itself. It does not run, but hops,
and can hardly be compelled to take flight. The various loud cries which it utters,
when concealed in the bushes, are as strange as its appearance. I opened the ex-
tremely muscular gizzards of several of these birds, and found them filled with
beetles, vegetable fibres, and pebbles. Observing the structure of the gizzard, the

72

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

fleshy covering to the nostrils, and the arched, rounded wing, and great scratching
claws, it was easy to imagine some distant kind of relationship between these birds
and those of the Gallinaceous order. I was informed that the Turco makes its
nest at the bottom of a deep burrow which it excavates in the ground.

3. Pteroptochos albicollis. Kittl.

Pteroptochos albicollis. Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. Petersb. 1. pi. iii. Vogel von Chili; p. 8. pi. iii.

Megalonyx medius. Less. 111. Zool. pi. lx.

Megalonyx albicollis. D’Orb. and Lafr. Mag. de Zool. (1636,) Aves, p. 15.

Leptonyx albicollis. D'Orb. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 196, pi. viii. f. 2.

This species is called by the Chilenos “ Tapacolo,” or cover your posteriors.
The name is well applied, as the Tapacolo generally carries its short tail more
than erect, that is, inclined backward and toward the head. It is extremely
common in central Chile ; and in the same manner as the Turco replaces the
Barking-bird of the southern forest-land, so does the Tapacolo replace a fourth
species (P. rubecula ), which is an inhabitant of the same forests. The Tapacolo
frequents hedge-rows, and the bushes which are scattered at a considerable eleva-
tion over the sterile hills, where scarcely another bird can exist : hence it plays
a conspicuous part in the ornithology of Chile. In its manner of feeding, and
quickly hopping out of a thicket and back again, in its desire of concealment, un-
willingness to take flight, and nidification, it manifests a close resemblance with
the P. megapodius ; its appearance is not, however, so strange, and (as if in con-
sequence) it exposes itself more readily to view. The Tapacolo is very crafty ;
when frightened by any person, it will remain motionless at the bottom of a bush,
and will then, after a little while, try with much address to crawl away on the
opposite side. It is also an active bird, and continually making a noise ; these
noises are various and strangely odd; one is like the cooing of doves, another like
the bubbling of water, and many defy all similes. The country people say it
changes its cry five times in the year, which is according, I suppose, to some
change of season. I was told that the Tapacolo builds its nest at the bottom
of a deep burrow, like the Turco ; whereas the P. Tarnii, (as well as the P. ru-
becula, an inhabitant of the same districts,) makes its nest amongst the sticks just
above the ground. This difference in the nidification, of the southern and northern
species, is probably due to the nature of the damp forests inhabited by the former
in which a burrow could hardly be made dry. I may here observe, that travelling
northward from Valparaiso to Coquimbo, I met near Illapel with a bird closely
allied to the Tapacolo, but which, from some slight difference in manners, I
believed was a distinct species. The range of this supposed species, is from
between Coquimbo and Valparaiso, to at least as far north as the valley of
Copiapo.

BIRDS.

73

4. Pteroptochos rubecula. Kittl,

Pteroptochos rubecula, Kittl. Vog. von Chili, p. 7. pi. ii.

Megalonyx rubecula, D’Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 16.

Megalonyx rufogularis, D’Orb. 8$ Lafr. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. pi. 7, f. 2.

Leptonyx rubecula, D’Orb. fy Lafr. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 196.

This species appears to have nearly the same range with the P. Tarnii: its
southern limit certainly extends as far as 47° south, but northward, where the
forests cease, near Concepcion, I was unable to ascertain that this bird is ever
met with, and Kittlitz has made the same remark. In Chiloe, where it is com-
mon, it is called by the Indian inhabitants the “ Cheucau.” It frequents the
most gloomy and retired spots within the damp forests. Sometimes, although
the cry of the Cheucau is heard close by, a person may watch attentively and yet
in vain ; at other times, if he stands motionless, the red-breasted little bird will
approach within a few feet, in the most familiar manner. It then busily hops
about the entangled mass of rotting canes and branches, with its little tail cocked
upwards. I opened the gizzard of several specimens ; it was very muscular, and
contained hard seeds, buds of plants, occasionally some insects, and vegetable
fibres mixed with small stones. The Cheucau is held in superstitious fear by the
Chilotans, on account of its strange and varied cries. There are three very
distinct kinds : — one is called “ chiduco,” and is an omen of good ; another “ hui-
treu,” which is extremely unfavourable ; and a third, which I have forgotten.
These words are given in imitation of its cries, and the natives are in some things
absolutely governed by them. I have already stated that I was informed by the
inhabitants that the Cheucau builds its nest amongst sticks close to the ground.

5. Pteroptochos paradoxus. G. R. Gray.

Troglodytes paradoxus, Kittl. Vog. von Chili, p. 12, pi. 5. — Id. Mem. de l’Acad. St. Peters. 1833, i. pi. 5.

Malacorhynchus Chilensis, Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. St. Peters. 1 835, p. 527.

Leptonyx paradoxus, D’Orb. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 197.

This species differs in a small degree from all the others of the genus : its
claws are longer, tarsi shorter, and bill flattened at the top : in these, and some
other respects, it approaches to Scytalopus. I may add, that from a greater
degree of resemblance, especially in the feet, P. Tarnii and megapodius may be
ranked in one section, and P. albicollis and rubecula in another.

I procured specimens of the P. paradoxus both from Valdivia and Chiloe ;
like the P. Tarnii and P. rubecula it is confined to the regions of forest. Its
habits are closely similar to those of the last species. I opened the gizzard of
one at Valdivia, and found it full of large seeds and the remnants of insects. In

L

74

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Chiloe, where it is mueh less common than the Cheucau, it is called by the inha-
bitants Chenqui. Kittlitz procured specimens from Concepcion. He describes
the cry which it utters over and over again, in the same high tone, as very
singular, and more like that of a frog than of a bird.

Scytalopus Magellanicus. G. R. Gray.

Sylvia Magellanica, Lath. Index, ii. p. 528. 5 Foist. Dr. No. 163. $

Scytalopus fuscus, Gould , in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part iv. 1836, p. 39. $

Jard. and Sell. 111. Orn. New Ser. pi. 19. $

Platyurus niger, Swains ., Two Gent, and a Quarter, p. 323. $

This bird has a wider range than the species of the foregoing and closely
allied genus. It is common near Port Famine in Tierra del Fuego, and on the
west coast in the thickly wooded islets of the Chonos Archipelago. I was assured
by an intelligent collector that this bird is met with, though rarely, in central
Chile ; and Mr. Gould informs me, that he has received specimens from that
country. It has found its way over to the Falkland Islands, where, instead of in-
habiting forests, it frequents the coarse herbage and low bushes, which in most
parts conceal the peaty surface of that island. In general appearance the Scy-
talopus fuscus might at first be mistaken for a Troglodytes, but in habits it is
closely allied to the several species of Pteroptochos. In a skulking manner, with
its little tail erect, it hops about the most entangled parts of the forests of Tierra
del Fuego; but when near the outskirts, it every now and then pops out, and
then quickly back again. It utters many loud and strange cries: to obtain a good
view of it is not always easy, and still less so to make it fly. A specimen I pro-
cured at Chiloe had its upper mandible stronger and more arched, but differed
in no other respect.

1. Troglodytes Magellanicus. Gould.

T. Magellanicus, Gould , in Proc. of Zool. Soc. Part iv. 1836, p. 88.

This bird has a considerable range. I procured specimens of it near Rio de
Janeiro, on the banks of the Plata, throughout Patagonia, in Tierra del Fuego,
where it is one of the commonest birds, and likewise in Central Chile : its habits
resemble very closely those of the common Troglodytes of England. In the open
country near Bahia Blanca it lived amongst the thickets and coarse herbage in the
valleys ; in Tierra del Fuego, in the outskirts of the forest. Its chirp is harsh.
In Chile I saw one in October building its nest in a hole in a stone wall, in a
situation such as would have been chosen by our Troglodytes.

BIRDS.

75

2. Troglodytes platensis. Gmel.

I procured specimens of this bird from Bahia Blanca, in Northern Patagonia,
and likewise from the Falkland Islands, where it is not uncommon. When first
killed, its legs and beak appear of larger size, compared to its body, than in other
species of this genus. In the Falkland Islands it lives, almost exclusively, close
to the ground, in the coarse grass which springs from the peaty soil. I do not
think I ever saw a bird which, when it chose to remain concealed, was so difficult
to disturb. I have frequently marked one down to within a yard on the open
grassy plain, and afterwards have endeavoured, quite in vain, by walking back-
wards and forwards, over the same spot, to obtain another sight of it.

1. Synallaxis humicola. Kittl.

S. humicola, Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. St. Peters, i. pi. 6. — Id. Vog. yon Chili, p. 13, pi. vi.

Not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Valparaiso. Kittlitz has well de-
scribed its habits. He says it lives on the ground under thickets, that it is active
in running about, and that it readily flies from bush to bush. It holds its tail
upright; utters a shrill, quickly reiterated cry; feeds on insects; but Kittlitz
found in the stomach chiefly grains and berries, with little stones. From these
circumstances, he conceives that this bird shewrs some affinity with Pteropto-
chos, but I feel no doubt that in the form of its beak, wings, tail, manner of
carrying the latter, kind of plumage, sound of voice and habits, the relationship
is much closer with Eremobius, which perhaps it may be considered as represent-
ing on the Pacific side of the Cordillera. Its tongue is furnished with bristly
points, but apparently is less deeply bifid than in the other species of Synallaxis
or Limnornis. I obtained both sexes, but there is no difference in their plumage.

For the reason just given, I have put this species at the head of its genus,
and therefore nearest to Eremobius, although it is impossible to represent by a
linear arrangement, the multiplied relations between the following genera —
Furnarius, Uppucerthia, Opetiorhynchus, Eremobius, Anumbius, Synallaxis,
Limnornis, Oxyurus ; and again, Rhynomya, Pteroptochos, Scytalopus, and
Troglodytes, which, with the exception of the last, are strictly South American
forms.

76

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

2. Synallaxis major. Gould.

Plate XXII.

S. olivaceo fuscus ; infra fulvus albo distinct b maculatus ; plumis singulis stria ob-
scura centrali notatis ; fronte rufo, remigibus fuscis, cinereo-fusco extern £ maculatis,
tertiariis nigro fuscis apice margineque late cinereo fuscis ; guld alba , plumarum
flavescentium serie fusco maculatarum circumdata.

Long. tot. 8 unc. ; rost. 1 ; alee , 3 j ; caudce , 4 ; tarsi, 1 .

Forehead rufous ; crown of the head, back of the neck and back olive brown,
with a conspicuous stripe of blackish brown down the centre of each feather ;
wing-coverts and lower part of the back olive brown, with a faint trace of the
dark patch in the centre of each feather ; primaries brown, margined exter-
nally with greyish brown ; spurious wing and secondaries rufous tipped with
brown ; tertiaries blackish brown broadly margined and tipped with greyish
brown ; two centre tail feathers dark olive brown ; the remainder blackish
brown largely tipped with white ; throat white encircled with a series of
feathers of a buff colour spotted with dark brown ; breast and all the under
surface tawny indistinctly blotched with white ; tarsi with a very pale blue
tinge.

Habitat, Maldonado, north bank of La Plata. (June).

This bird is not very common. Those which I saw lived on the ground in
dry and open places, and did not frequent the neighbourhood of lakes abounding
with rushes or thickets, like the greater number of species of Synallaxis, and the
allied genus Limnornis. The flight of this bird is peculiar, which seems chiefly
due to the length of its elegantly acuminated tail. It sometimes alights and
rests on the summit of a thistle or twig, a habit different from that of any species
of the genus which I have seen. Its manner of living and feeding on the ground
might have been suspected, from the length of the soft secondaries, like those of a
lark or of Furnarius cunicularius. The claws also of the front toes are produced
and perhaps they are rather straighter than in other members of the family. The
tongue is bifid and divided into bristly points. The nest, of which I have seen
two, is very peculiar. It is cylindrical, about two feet long, and placed vertically
in the middle of a thick bush in an exposed situation. It is made externally of
prickly branches, and is very large compared with the size of the bird. The
opening is at the upper extremity, from which a passage leads to the true nest,
which is lined with feathers and hairs. There is a slight bend in the passage
both at its exit and where it enters the nest.

BIRDS.

77

3. Synallaxis rufogularis. Gould.

Plate XXIII.

S. olivaceo fuscus plumis singulis macula oblong a fusco nigra ; remigibus primariis
secundariisque basi ferrugineo fuscis, apice nigro fuscis, Jlavescenti albo marginatis ;
lined superciliari, mento abdomineque medio Jlavescenti albis ; gula ferrugineo fused;
pectore fulvescenti fusco, plumis singulis stria pallidiore centrali ornatis.

Long. tot. unc ; rost. ; alee, 3 ; caudce, 3 J ; tarsi, 1 .

Head and all the upper surface and two centre tail feathers, brown, with a large ob-
long patch of brownish black down the centre of each feather ; primaries, except
the three outer ones, bounded posteriorly with an irregular line of black ; secon-
daries, rusty brown at the base, and brown for the remainder of their length,
margined all round with greyish olive ; lateral tail feathers brownish black,
largely tipped with tawny white ; stripe from the nostrils over each eye, chin,
and centre of the abdomen, pale buff ; sides of the face and throat grey, with
a spot of dark brown down the centre of each feather ; in the centre of the
throat, a patch of ferruginous brown ; chest, pale brownish buff, with a fine
pale stripe down each feather ; bill and feet brown.

Habitat, Patagonia. {April.) Valparaiso. {September.)

These birds are not uncommon on the dry rocky mountains near Valparaiso,
and in the valleys of southern Patagonia, where a few thickets grow. They hop
actively about the withered herbage and low thickets, and often feed on the ground.
The hind claw is weaker and straighter than in most of the other species of this
genus.

4. Synallaxis maluroides.

S. maluroides. D'Orb. <$• Lafr. Yoy de l’Amer. Mer. Ois. pi. xiv, f. 2. Mag. de Zool. 1837, Cl. 11, pi. 22.

My specimens were shot near Maldonado. Iris yellow ; tarsi very pale coloured.
This species, as well as some others of Synallaxis, Anumbius, and Limnornis,
live amongst reeds and other aquatic plants on the borders of lakes, and have
the same general habits. I will, therefore, here describe them. They all have the
power of crawling very quickly by the aid of their powerful claws and feet,
as I soon discovered when they were not killed at once, for then it was scarcely
possible to catch them. Their soft tail-feathers show signs of being used, but
they never apply them, as the Certhias do, as a means of supporting their bodies.
The tail-feathers were (at least during June) so loosely attached, that I seldom
procured a specimen with all of them perfect ; and 1 saw many (especially of
S. maluroides), flying about with no tail. All the species, or nearly all, utter an

78

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

acute, but not loud, rapidly reiterated cry. They are active and busily seek for
small insects, chiefly Coleoptera, in the coarse herbage. The iris in all is rusty
red ; the tongue is divided and terminates in bristly points. These reed birds,
which are very numerous both in species and individuals, on the borders of lakes
in the provinces north of the Plata, appear to supply in South America, the
various Sylvise, which frequent similar stations in Europe.

5. Synallaxis flavogularis. Gould.

Plate XXIV.

S. supra fuscescenti cinereus, infra cinereo-fuscus ; remigibus obscure fuscis, basi obscurb
rufis ; caudce plumis sex mediis nigro-fuscis, externis ferrugineis ; genis gulaque
Jlavescentibus, plumis singulis apice obscurb fuscis.

Long. tot. 6|- unc ; rost. f ; aloe , 2| ; caudce , 3| ; tarsi , f ;

Head and all the upper surface, brown ; primaries, dark brown, with the basal
portions rufous ; six central tail-feathers, blackish brown ; the remainder fer-
ruginous ; sides of the face and throat yellowish, with the tip of each feather
dark brown ; the remainder of the under surface, greyish brown ; bill and
feet, dark brown.

Habitat, Patagonia.

My specimens were obtained at Bahia Blanca and at Santa Cruz, two extreme
parts of Patagonia. It frequents the thinly scattered thickets on the arid plains :
the hind claw of its foot is not produced as in S. rufogularis, and it lives less on
the ground.

6. Synallaxis brunnea. Gould.

S. pallide rubro fusca ; primariis secundariisque rufis apice fuscis ; caudce plumis qua-
tuor mediis nigrescenti fuscis , duabus proximis ferrugineo fuscis inter nb nigres-
centi-marginatis, duabus extimis ferrugineo fuscis ; genis, guld abdomineque medio
albescentibus ; hypochondriis cinereis.

Long. tot. 5t\ ; unc. rost. ; alee, 2-fy ; caudce, g ; tarsi, -pa.

Head and all the upper surface pale reddish brown ; primaries and secondaries,
brown at the tip and rufous at the base ; four central tail feathers, blackish
brown ; the next on each side rusty brown, margined internally with black-
ish brown ; the two lateral feathers wholly rusty brown ; sides of the face,
throat, and centre of the abdomen, whitish ; flanks cinereous ; bill and feet
brown.

Habitat, Port Desire, Patagonia. ( January ;.)

BIRDS.

79

This little bird frequents the thickets in the dry valleys near Port Desire. It
often flies from bush to bush, and its habits are nearly like those of the rest of the
genus. From its tail feathers, however, being little used, and the tarsi being slightly
elongated, I suppose it lives chiefly on the ground. I may observe, that this species
comes nearest to S.flavogularis, but that in the form of its tail, straightness of bill,
and kind of plumage, it departs from Synallaxis, and approaches Eremobius.

7. Synallaxis ^githaloides. Kittl.

S. iEgithaloides. Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. 11. pi. vii. — Yog. von Chili, p. 15, pi. vii.

This bird is common throughout Patagonia and Central Chile, being found
wherever thickets grow on a rocky or dry soil. It sometimes moves about in small
flocks. Its habits, as Kittlitz remarks, resemble in many respects, those of a
titmouse (. Parus ) ; but there is one remarkable point of difference, namely, that
this bird is able to run very quickly on the ground. It does not always do so, but
often hops about with great activity ; nevertheless, I repeat, I have distinctly seen
it running very quickly amongst the thickets. When hopping from twig to twig,
it does not use its long tail, any more than the long-tailed titmouse ( Parus cau-
datus ) of Europe. It utters a harsh, shrill, quickly reiterated cry, like so many
other species of this genus and the allied ones. In Chile, I several times saw a
very large cylindrical nest, built of prickly twigs of the mimosa, and placed in the
middle of a thorn-bearing bush, with its mouth at the upper extremity ; I was
assured by the country people, that although so very large, it belonged to this
little bird.* This kind of nidification, the habit of feeding on the ground, and the
length of acuminated tail, are points of resemblance with S. major.

8. Synallaxis ruficapilla. Vieill.

Synallaxis ruficapilla. Vieill. Gal. des Ois. pi. Ixxiv.

Parulus ruficeps. Spix. Av. Sp. Nov. tom. 1. p. 84, t. lxxxvi. f. 1. m. f. 2. fem.

Sphenura ruficeps. Licht. Yer. p. 42.

My specimens were obtained at Maldonado, (June) where it was rare, and at
Buenos Ayres. Near Santa Fe, in Entre Rios, 3° northward, it was common :
Spix found it near the Rio San Francisco in Brazil. Iris yellowish red ; legs
with faint tinge of blue ; tongue terminated in bristly points, not deeply bifid.
This Synallaxis approaches in character Anumbius ruber. Habits similar to those
of S. maluroides.

Molina, in his account of Chile, attributes this nest, I believe, through an error, to Mimus thenca.

80

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Anumbius ruber. D'Orb. and Lafr.

Anumbius ruber. D’Orb. Sf La/. Mag de Zool, 1838, p. 18.

Furnarius ruber. Vieill. Ency. Meth. 514.

Anumbi rouge. Azara, No. 220.

Frequents reeds on the borders of lakes near Maldonado. Habits very
similar to those of Synallaxis maluroides, and likewise of the two species of Lim-
nornis ; to one of which L. curvirostris, it is most closely allied in structure. Iris
bright yellowish orange ; tarsi, with faint tinge of blue ; tongue divided on each
side a little below the extreme point.

Genus— LIMNORNIS. Gould.

Rostrum capitis longitudine seu longius, leviter a basi ad apicem arcuatum, lateraliter
compressum, baud emarginatum ; naribus magnis basalibus linearibus apertis aut
partim operculo tectis : alse brevis sinus rotunda , plumis quarta, quinta sextaque fere
cequalibus et longissimis ; cauda rotundata et graduata, scapis aliquanto ultra
radios productis ; tarsi mediocres, for titer scutellati ; halluce digito medio breviore, ro-
busto, ungue robusto armato, digitis lateralibus ferl cequalibus, intermediis aliquanto
brevioribus.

1. Limnornis rectirostris. Gould.

Plate XXVI.

L. pallide flavescenti fusca ; cervice nigrescenti fusco ; cauda rufa ; tectricibus prima-
riis secundariisque fuscis rufo lath marginatis ; fascia pone ocidos, gula abdomineque
flavescenti albis ; hypochondriis fulvis.

Long. tot. 6// unc ; rost. alee, 2-^ caudce, 2-/^ tarsi,

Crown of the head brown ; the remainder of the upper surface, pale yellowish
brown ; tail rufous and acutely pointed ; wing coverts, primaries and secon-
daries brown, broadly margined with rufous ; stripe behind the eye, throat,
and all the under surface buffy white ; flanks tawny ; bill lengthened, orange
at the base, dark brown at the tip ; iris rusty red ; feet very pale coloured ;
claws whitish.

Habitat, Maldonado, La Plata. (June.)

This bird lives amongst the reeds on the borders of lakes. It often alights
vertically on stems of plants, but in climbing does not use its tail : habits, gene-
rally similar to those of Synallaxis maluroides.

BIRDS.

81

2. Limnornis curvirostris. Gould.

Plate XXY.

L. rvfescenti-fusca ; cauda, remigiumque basibus pallidb castaneo-fuscis, lined superci-
liari, genis, gula abdomineque albis ; hypochondriis cervino tinctis.

Long. tot. 7 unc., rost. 1§ ; alee, 2T8^ ; caudce, 3-^ ; tarsi,

Head, all the upper surface, and wings reddish brown ; tail and basal portion of
the outer margins of the primaries and secondaries reddish chesnut brown ;
stripe over the eye, throat, and all the under surface white, tinged, especially
on the flanks, with fawn colour ; bill orange at the base, the tip brown ; legs
pale bluish ; claws white ; tongue bristled on the sides ; near the extremity
it is divided into little bristly points.

Habitat, Maldonado, La Plata. (June.)

This species frequents the same localities with the last, and I am unable to
point out any difference in its habits. Of the two specimens collected, the beak
of one is very nearly one-tenth of an inch longer than that of the other; but this
is almost wholly due to the sharp point of the upper mandible projecting beyond
the lower mandible in the one, whereas they are nearly equal in the other.

1. OxYURUS TUPINIERI. Gould.

Synallaxis tupinieri. Less. Zool. de la Coqu. pi. 29. f. ] .

Oxyurus ornatus. Swains . 2 Cent, and p. 324.

This bird is perhaps the most abundant of any land species inhabiting Tierra
del Fuego. It is common along the west coast, (and numerous in Chiloe,) even as
far north as a degree south of Valparaiso ; but the dry country and stunted woods
of central Chile are not favourable to its increase. In the dark forests of Tierra
del Fuego, both high up and low down, in the most gloomy, wet, and scarcely
penetrable ravines, this little bird may be met with. No doubt, it appears more
common than it really is, from its habit of following, with seeming curiosity, every
person who enters these silent woods; continually uttering a harsh twitter, it flutters
from tree to tree, within a few feet of the intruder’s face. It is far from wishing
for the modest concealment of the creeper ( Certhia familiaris) ; nor does it, like
that bird, run up the trunks of trees, but industriously, after the manner of a
willow wren, hops about and searches for insects on every twig and branch.

M

82

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

2. OXYURUS? DORSO-MACULATUS. Goilld.

Synallaxis dorso-maculata. D’Orb. and Lafr. Voy.de l’Amer. Mer. Ois. pi. 14. f. 1.
Mag. de Zool. 1837, Cl. 11. p. 21.

My specimen was procured from Maldonado, {June), where it was not common.
It frequents the same localities with Synallaxis maluroides, and the two species of
Limnornis, and has very similar habits with them. In structure, and in the general
shade of its plumage, it is closely allied to the foregoing species, although differing
from it in habits.

Genus.— DENDRODRAMUS. Gould.

Rostrum capitis longitudine, aut longius, culmine recto, gonide ascendente, per omnes
partes lateraliter compressum, durum et apice inemarginatum, naribus basalibus lon-
gitudinalibusque ; alee mediocres et subacuminatce , plumis tertia, quarta et quinta
cequalibus longissimisque ; cauda mediocris, scapis ultra radios in spinas acutas pro-
duct is ; tarsi sub-breves, digitis unguibusque longis, his multum curvatis, digito
externo valido et fere digiti medii longitudine, digitis lateralibus ineequalibus,
internis multum brevioribus.

Dendrodramus leucosternus. Gould.

Plate XXVII.

D. capite, dorsi parte superiore alisque nigrescenti fuscis, rubro-tinctis ; primariis
secundariisque subferrugineo fusco irregulariter marginatis, uropygio caudaque
nitidb ferrugineis, gula pectoreque albis, abdomine medio rufescenti fusco, singulis
plumis ad apicem macula magnd ovali alba ; hypochondriis saturate nifis ; rostro
basi corneo, apice pedibusque nigro fuscis.

Long. tot. 6t3¥ unc. ; rostri, 1-^j ; aloe, 3 ; caudce, 2^- ; tarsi,

Head, upper part of the back and wings blackish brown, tinged with red ; pri-
maries and secondaries irregularly margined with dull rusty brown ; rump
and tail rich ferruginous ; throat and chest white ; feathers of the centre of
the abdomen reddish brown, with a large oval spot of white near the tip of
each feather ; flanks deep rufous ; bill horny at the base, the remainder and
the feet blackish brown.

Habitat, Chiloe and Southern Chile.

This bird is common in the forests of Chiloe, where, differently from the Oxy-

tirus tupinieri, it may constantly be seen running up the trunks of the lofty forest

BIRDS.

83

trees. Its manners appeared to me to resemble those of Certhia familiaris. I
found Coleopterous insects in its stomach. Its range does not appear to be
extensive ; Chiloe to the south, and some woods near Rancagua (a degree south
of Valparaiso) were the extreme points where I met with it. The Dendrodramus
is not found in Tierra del Fuego, where the O. tupinieri is so numerous. Mr. G.
R. Gray remarks that this genus is very nearly allied to Dendroplex of Mr.
Swainson.

Family.— S YLYIADT.

Sub-Fam.— MOTACILLINiE.

1. Muscisaxicola mentalis. D'Orb. <Sf Lafr.

M. mentalis, D’Orb. 4’ Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1837, p. 66.

Voy. dans l’Amer. Mer. Ornitli. pi. 40, f. 1.

I procured specimens of this bird from Bahia Blanca, in Northern Patagonia,
from Tierra del Fuego, from Chiloe, and from Central and Northern Chile. It is
everywhere common. It frequents open places ; so that in the wooded countries
it lives entirely on the sea- beaches, or near the summits of mountains, where trees
do not grow. In the excessively sterile upper valleys of the Cordillera of Northern
Chile I met with this bird, even at a height of little less than ten thousand feet,
where the last traces of vegetation occur, and where no other bird lives. It gene-
rally moves about in very small flocks, and frequents rocky streams and marshy
ground : it hops and flies from stone to stone, very much after the manner of our
whinchat ( Motacilla rubetra ), but when alighting it frequently expands its tail
like a fan. The sexes are exactly similar in size and plumage.

Mr. G. R. Gray observes, that the genus Muscisaxicola is probably synony-
mous with Lessonia of Mr. Swainson ; but the latter name cannot be used, as it
has already been twice employed in other branches of Natural History.

2. Muscisaxicola macloviana. G. R. Gray.

Sylvia macloviana, Gam. Yoy. de la Coqu. Zool. p. 663.

Curruca macloviana, Less.

I brought home only one specimen of this bird ; it came from East Falkland
Island, whence also those described by Messrs. Lesson and Garnot were procured.
Mr. Gould considered it a distinct species, but having carefully compared it with
M. mentalis, I can see not the smallest difference in any point, excepting that it

84

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

is somewhat larger in all its dimensions. The length of the whole body is .6 of
an inch greater, of wing when folded .45, of tarsus .2, greater than in the forego-
ing species. I can scarcely hesitate in thinking it a large-sized local variety,
from some favourable condition in the Falkland Islands to its growth.

3. Muscisaxicola brunnea. Gould.

M. griseo-fusca ; gutture abdomineque albis Jlavescenti tinctis, pectore obscuro ; alis
caudaque obscure fuscis, singulis plumis rufescenti fusco marginatis ; rectricum ex-
ternarum radiis later alibus jlavescentibus.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; rostri, ^ ; alee, 3§ ; caudoe , 2-|; tarsi, 1.

Head, and all the upper surface greyish brown ; wings and tail dark brown, each
feather margined with reddish brown ; the outer webs of the external tail
feathers buffy white; throat and all the under surface white, slightly tinged
with buff ; bill and feet blackish brown.

Habitat, Port St. Julian, Patagonia. {January).

The only specimen I procured was immature.

4. Muscisaxicola nigra. G. R. Gray.

Alauda nigra, Boddater.

rufa, Gmel.

fulva, Lath. Index.

Anthus fulvus, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 309.

' variegatus, Gerv. fy Eydoux , Mag. de Zool. 1836, p. 26.

Sylvia dorsalis, King.

Lessonia erythronotus, Sicains. Class, of Birds.

Alouette noire a dos fauve, PI. enl. 738.

L’Alouette a dos rouge, Azara, No. 149.

This bird has a wide geographical range. It is found in La Plata, Pata-
gonia, Tierra del Fuego, and on the west coast at least as far north as the valley
of Copiapo, in Northern Chile. It is every where common : it is a quiet, tame,
inoffensive little bird : it lives on the ground, and frequents sand-dunes, beaches,
and rocky coasts, which it seldom leaves : the broad shingly beds of the rivers in
Chile have, however, tempted it inland, together with the Opetiorhynchus. I was
told that it builds in low bushes.

BIRDS.

85

1. Anthus correndera. Vieill.

Anthus correndera, Vieill. Ency. Meth. i. p. 325.

La correndera, Azara , No. 145.

This titlark is found in La Plata, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. I was
informed by an intelligent sealer, that it is the only land-bird on Georgia and
South Orkney (lat. 61° S.) : it has, therefore, probably a further range southward
than any other land-bird in the southern hemisphere. It does not live in flocks,
is very common, and resembles a true Alauda in most of its habits. This species
(as well as the following) is so closely allied to our meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis,
that Latham considered it only as a variety ; the latter has a high northern range, as
the former has a southern one. There can be little doubt that the bird alluded to
by Mr. Yarrell (British Birds, p. 392, vol. i.) as having been caught in the Southern
Atlantic Ocean, nine hundred miles from Georgia, was this species, which was
mistaken, owing to its close similarity, for the true Anthus pratensis.

2. Anthus furcatus. D'Orh. &f Lafr.

A. furcatus, D’Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1836, p. 27. Voy. de l’Amer. Mer. Av. p. 227.

My specimens were procured on the northern bank of the Plata. It is more
common there than the foregoing species, to which it is most closely allied : its chief
distinguishing character appears to be the greater shortness of its toes and of the
hind claw. I have seen this species alight on twigs. In the breeding season it
flies upward, and then falls to the ground, with raised wings, in the peculiar
manner common to the Anthus arhoreus of England. It builds on the ground ;
nest simple; egg ^ of an inch in length, and TL in width; colour dirty white, with
small specks and blotches of dull red and obscurer ones of purple. This species,
both in habits and structure, appears to be an analogue of A. arhoreus of the
northern hemisphere, as A. correndera is of A. pratensis. Mr. Yarrell informs
me that the egg of Anthus furcatus is very different from that of A. arhoreus ,
although the parent birds are so similar.

3. Anthus Chii. Licht .

A. Chii, Licht. Spix. Av. Sp. No. i. t. lxxvi. fig. 2. p. 75.

Le Chii, Azara, No. 146.

My specimen was procured at Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.

86

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Sylvicola aureola. Gould.

Plate XXVIII.

> S. supra Jlavescenti olivacea ; fronte cerviceque nitide Jlavis, singulis plumis ad apicem
rufescenti castaneis ; occipite griseo ; alis cauddque nigrescentibus , late Jlavo-margi-
natis ; genis guttureque nitidh Jlavis ; pectore concolori sed singulis plumis in medio
pallidb castaneo notatis ; abdomine albescenti.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; rostri , ; aloe , 2t 2 > caudoe , 2-^- ; tarsi , i-J.

The nape of the neck, back and tail-coverts yellowish olive ; the wings and tail
blackish, broadly margined with yellow ; the front and crown yellow, with
the tips of the feathers reddish castaneous ; the hind head grey mixed with
yellow, the cheeks and the throat bright yellow ; the breast of the same
colour, but each feather is marked down the middle with pale reddish casta-
neous, the sides and middle of the abdomen whitish.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. {September).

This bird is not uncommon on these islands. It has the habits of our Sylviae.
It frequents the thickets in the lower, dry and rocky parts of the island, and
especially a peculiar bush, with thick foliage, which grows only near the sea-
coast.

Cyanotis omnicolor. Swains.

Regulus omnicolor, Vieill. Gal.pl. 166.

Sylvia rubrigastra, Vieill.

Regulus Byronensis, Gray , Griff. An. King. pi.

Tachuris omnicolor, I)' Orb. fy Lafr.

Tachuris roi, Azara , No. 161.

My specimens were obtained at Maldonado in June, and therefore probably
it is not a bird of passage. It frequented reeds on the borders of a lake, but
was exceedingly rare. I likewise saw one in Northern Patagonia, and in a
collection of birds at Santiago, in Chile, made there by an inhabitant of the
place. The soles of the feet of this exquisitely beautiful little bird are bright
orange.

BIRDS.

87

Trichas velata. G. JR. Gray.

Sylvia velata, Vieill. Ois. de l’Amer. Sept. ii. pi. 74.

D’Orb. if Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1836, p. 20.

Tanagra canicapilla, Swains. 111. Orn. pi. 174.

Trichas canicapilla, Swains.

My specimen was procured at Maldonado in June.

Family. — FRINGILLIDiE.

Sub-Fam. — ALAUDINiE.

Melanocorypha cinctura. Gould .

M. Fcem. fuscescenti rufa ; guld abdomineque medio pallidioribus ; remigibus ad apicem
nigrescenti fuscis ; rectricibus singulis macula alba ovatd nigrescenti fused ad apicem
notatis.

Long. tot. 5f unc. ; alee, ; caudce , 2^ ; tarsi , J ; rost. J.

The whole of the plumage, bill, and feet, sandy rufous brown, which is lightest on
the throat and centre of the abdomen; primaries near their extremities pass-
ing into blackish-brown ; and each of the tail feathers with a large oval
spot of blackish-brown near the tip.

Habitat, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands. (September.)

This bird inhabits the most arid plains of lava ; it runs, and in its habits resem-
bles, in many respects, a lark.

Pyrrhalauda nigriceps. Gould.

P. supra fuscescenti alba, plumis medio obscurioribus ; fronte, genis lineaque pectoris
utrinque albis ; corpore infra lineaque a basi rostri supra oculos ad occiput transiente
nigris ; caudce plumis mediis nigrescentibus fuscescenti albo marginatis, plumis
externis atris.

Long. tot. 4f unc., aloe, 2| ; caudce , 1-|; tarsi , -^-s ; rost.

Upper surface brownish-white, with the middle of the feathers darker ; the front,
cheeks, and a line on each side of the breast white ; beneath the body, and
aline from the bill passing over the eyes to the hind head, black; the tail
with the middle feathers blackish, margined with brownish-white, the outer
feathers deep black ; the bill and feet pale.

88

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Habitat, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands. ( September and January.)

Like the last species, this bird inhabits sterile lava plains ; it runs like a lark,
and generally goes in small flocks.

Sub-Fam. — PYRRHULINiE.

Spermophila nigrogularis. Gould.

S. capite corporeque supra, alls caudaque fusco cinereis ; loris gulaque nigris ; lineis a
rostri angulis per collum utrinque descendentibus, pectore abdomineque mediis, tegmi-
nibusque caudalibus inferioribus cinereo albis.

Fern. ? supra olivaceo fusca, subtus pallidior.

Long. tot. 3 unc. ; alee, 2^ ; caudce, 2 ; tarsi, g ; rostri, -jfe.

Male. — Head, all the upper surface, wings and tail, brownish-grey ; lores and
throat black ; lines from the angle of the bill down each side of the neck,
centre of the chest and abdomen, and the under tail coverts greyish-white ;
bill light horn colour ; feet dark-brown.

Female? — The whole of the plumage olive-brown above, and lighter beneath ; bill
and feet brown.

Habitat, Monte Video. (November.)

1. Crithagra? brasiliensis.

FringiUa Brasiliensis, /Spice. Av. Sp. Nov. ii. t. lxi. f. 1. m. 2. fem. p. 47.

My specimens were obtained from the northern bank of the Plata, in the
months of June and November.

2. Crithagra? brevirostris. Gould.

C. vertice dorsoque pallidb olivaceo fuscis, plumis singulis stria angusta media nigro-
fusca, pennis scapularibus alis caudaque nigrofuscis cinereo olivaceo late marginatis ;
uropygio virescenti jlavo ; loris, gula, pectore humero infra, abdomine, tegminibusque
caudce inferioribus lath flavis.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; rostri > TC’ aloe, 2| ; caudce, ; tarsi, f .

Crown of the head and back, light olive-brown, with a narrow stripe of blackish-
brown in the centre of each feather ; scapularies, wings and tail, blackish-
brown, broadly margined with greyish olive ; rump greenish-yellow ; lores,

BIRDS.

89

throat, chest, under surface of the shoulders, abdomen, and under tail-coverts
bright yellow : bill and feet brown.

Habitat, Maldonado {May), and Valparaiso {September).

Near Maldonado, I saw very large flocks of this species feeding on the open
grassy plains. When the whole flock rises, these birds utter alow but shrill chirp.
In Chile I obtained only one specimen.

Sub-Fam.— EMBERIZINJE.

1. Emberiza gubernatrix. Tcmm.

Emberiza gubernatrix, Temrn ., PI. Col. 63 & 64.

• cristata, Swains , Zool. 111. pi. 148.

cristatella, Vieill. Gal. des Ois. pi. 67.

Yellow crested grosbeak, Lath. Hist.

La buppe jaune, Azara, No. 129.

My specimen was procured on the banks of the Parana, near Santa Fe, in
latitude 31° S.

2. Emberiza luteoventris. G. R. Gray.

Fringilla luteoventris, Meyen , Nov. Act. 1880, pi. 12. f. 3.

This bird was procured at Santa Cruz, in Southern Patagonia ; it was rare
there.

Chrysometris campestris. Gould.

Fringilla campestris, Spix. Avium Nov. Sp. ii. p. 47, pi. 59. f. 3. $

C. Mas: olivaceus ; dorsi plumis singulis flavo marginatis, uropygii. prcesertim ; vertice ,
guld, alis caudaque nigris, alis caudaque plus minusve flavo-marginatis ; capitis
lateribus corporeque infra lath jlavis.

Long. tot. 4 unc. 1 1 lin. ; rost. 5 lin. ; aloe, 2f ; caudce, 2|- ; tarsi, 7 lin.

Male ; olivaceous, with each feather of the back margined with yellow, especially
on the rump ; the top of the head, throat, wings and tail, black, the two latter
margined more or less with yellow ; the sides of the head and beneath the
body bright yellow.

Habitat, forests of Tierra del Fuego {February), Valparaiso {September).

N

90

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Sub-Fam. — FRINGILLINiE.

1. Ammodramus longicaudatus. Gould.

Plate XXIX.

A. vertice humeroque cinereofuscis, dor so pallescenti fusco, uropygio rufescenti fusco
tincto, plumis singulis striga media fused ; tectricibus alarum majoribus, remigibus
primariis secundariisque et caudd nigrescentibus, cinereo albo externe marginatis ;
fronte, striga superciliari corporeque infra flavescentibus.

Long. tot. 5§ unc. ; alee , 2§ ; caudce , 3 ; tarsi, f ; rostri,

Crown of the head and shoulder, greyish brown ; back, light brown, tinged with
reddish brown on the rump, and with a stripe of dark brown down the centre
of each feather; greater wing-coverts, primaries, secondaries, and tail blackish,
margined externally with greyish white ; forehead, stripe over the eye, and
all the under surface, buff; bill black ; feet brown. Young, or a bird after
gaining its new plumage, differs in having the whole of the upper surface rich
brown, with a tinge of olive and with a stripe of dark brown down each feather,
and in having the wing coverts margined with reddish instead of greyish brown.

Habitat, Monte Video (November), Maldonado (June).

At Maldonado this bird frequented, in small flocks, reeds and other aquatic
plants bordering lakes. In general habits, as well as in place of resort, it resem-
bles those species of Synallaxis and Limnornis, with which it is often associated.
It appears to live entirely on insects, and I found in the stomach of one which I
opened various minute Coleoptera. Mr. Gould remarks, that the structure of this
Ammodramus is very remarkable, for that it has a great general resemblance both
in form and colouring to Synallaxis, although the thickness of its bill shows its
relation to the Fringillinae. In its habits it certainly is more allied to the former
genus, than to its own family.

2. Ammodramus Maximbe, G. R. Gray.

Plate XXX.

Ammodramus xanthornus, in Plate, and in Gould’s MS.

Fringilla Manimbb, Lic/it., Cat. No. 253.

Emberiza Manimbe, D’Orb. 3? Lafr., Syn. p. 77.

Manimbe, Azara, No. 141.

My specimen was obtained from Maldonado.

BIRDS.

91

1. Zonotrichia matutina. G. R. Gray.

Fringilla matutina, Licht ., Cat. 25.

Kittl. Kupfertafeln der Yogel, pi. 23. f. 3.

Tanagra ruficollis, Spix, Av. Sp. Nov. ii. t. liii. f. 3. p. 39.

Chingolo, Azara, No. 135. Chingolo Bunting, Lath. Hist.

I procured specimens of this species from the banks of the Plata, Bahia
Blanca in Northern Patagonia, and from Valparaiso in Chile : in these countries it
is perhaps the commonest bird. In the Cordillera, I have seen it at an elevation of
at least 8000 feet. It generally prefers inhabited places, but it has not attained
the air of domestication of the English sparrow, which bird in habits and general
appearance it represents. It does not go in flocks, although several may be fre-
quently seen feeding together. At Monte Video I found on the ground the nest
of this species. It contained three eggs ; these were .75 of an inch in length ;
form, rather rounded ; colour, dirty white, with numerous small spots of chesnut
and blackish brown, almost confluent towards the broadest end. It was in this
nest that I found the parasitic egg, supposed to belong to a species of Molothrus,
described in my journal.*

2. Zonotrichia canicapilla. Gould.

Z. vert ice cinereo ; loris regioneque paroiica obscure fuscis: dor so collique later ibus rujis ,
dor so superiori et uropygio fuscis ; dor so medio nigrescenti fusco, plumis singulis pal-
lido fusco marginatis ; tectricibus alarum nigrescenti fuscis, rufescente fusco margin-
atis, apice albis, duas fascias obliquas trans alarum formantibus.

Long. tot. 5| unc. ; alee , 2| ; caudce , 2^ ; tarsi , f ; rostri , §.

Crown of the head grey ; lores and ear-coverts dark brown ; back and sides of
the neck rufous ; upper part of the back and rump brown ; centre of the back
blackish brown, each feather margined with light brown ; wing-coverts
blackish brown, margined with reddish brown, and tipped with white, forming
two oblique bands across the wing ; primaries, secondaries, and tail, dark
brown, margined with greyish brown ; throat and all the under surface
brownish grey ; and feet brown.

Habitat, Port Desire in Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego.

This species is not uncommon in Tierra del Fuego, wherever there is any open

Journal of Researches during the Voyage of the Beagle, p. GO.

92

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

space. Of the few birds inhabiting the desert plains of Patagonia, this is the most
abundant. At Port Desire I found its nest : egg, about .83 in length ; form some-
what more elongated than in that of the last species ; colour, pale green, almost
obscured by minute freckles and clouds of pale dull red.

3. ZONOTRICHIA STRIGICEPS. Goilld.

Z. capite castaneo , lined media obscure diviso, plumis singulis stria media nigrofusca,
humeri jlexura rufa ; corpore supra fuscescente, plumis singulis strict latd media
obscure fused ; remigibus, primariis caudaque nigro-fuscis pallide fusco marginatis ;
strigd super ciliari, faciei collique lateribus, gula pectore abdomineque medio cinereis ;
hypochondriis tegminibusque caudce inferioribus flavescentibus.

Long. tot. 5f unc. ; rostri, \ ; alee , ; caudce, 2-| ; tarsi, f .

Head chestnut, divided down the middle by a line of deep grey, each feather with
a stripe of blackish brown down the centre ; point of the shoulder rufous ; the
remainder of the upper surface light brown, with a broad stripe of dark brown
down the centre of each feather ; primaries and tail brown ; secondaries
blackish brown, margined all round with pale brown ; stripe over each eye,
sides of the face and neck, throat, breast, and centre of the abdomen, grey ;
flanks and under tail-coverts buff ; upper mandible black ; under mandible
light horn colour ; feet brown.

Habitat, Santa Fe. Lat. 31° S. (October.)

This species appears to replace in this latitude the Z. matutina, which is so
abundant on the banks of the Plata and in Chile, as that species does the Z. cani-
capilla of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

m

Passerina jacarina. Vieill.

Tanagra jacarina, Linn.

Passerina jacarina, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 933.

Emberiza jacarina, D’ Orb. fy Lafr ., Syn.

Le Sauteur, Azara, No. 138.

Euplione jacarina, Licht. Cat. p. 30.

Fringilla splendens, Vieill. Ency. p. 981 ?

I procured a specimen of this bird at Rio de Janeiro.

BIRDS.

93

1. Fringilla Diuca. Mol.

Fringilla Diuca, Kittl. Mem. de St. Petersb. t. i. pi. 11.

Mag. de Zool. 1837, pi. 69.

Emberiza Diuca, D’Orb. et Lafr. Syn. Mag. of Zool. 1838, f. 77.

This bird is very common on the coast of Chile, from the humid forests of
Chiloe to the desert mountains of Copiapo. In Chiloe it is perhaps the most
abundant of the land birds ; south of Chiloe I never saw it, although the nature of
the country does not change them. On the eastern side of the continent, I met
with this bird only at the Rio Negro, in northern Patagonia. I do not believe
it inhabits the shores of the Plata, although so common in the open country,
under corresponding latitudes west of the Cordillera. The Diuca, as this
Fringilla is called in Chile, generally moves in small flocks, and frequents, al-
though not exclusively, cultivated ground in the neighbourhood of houses : habits
very similar to those of the Zonotrichia matutina. During incubation, the male
utters two or three pleasing notes, which Molina has in an exaggerated de-
scription called a fine song. In October, at Valparaiso, I found the nest of this
bird in the trellis-work of a vineyard, close by a much frequented path. The
nest is shallow, and about six inches across ; the outer part is very coarse, and
composed of the thin stalks of twining plants, strengthened by the husky calices
of a composite flower ; this outside part is lined by many pieces of rag, thread,
string, tow, and a few feathers. Eggs rather pointed, oval, *94 of an inch in
length ; colour, pale dirty green, thickly blotched by rather pale dull-brown, which
small blotches and spots become confluent, and entirely colour the broad end.

2. Fringilla Gayi. Eyd. fy Gerv.

g Fringilla Gayi, Eyd. <%• Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1834. pi. 23.

Emberiza Gayi, var. D’Orb. Sf Lafr. Syn. p. 76.

This Fringilla, which was first brought from Chile, is abundant in the southern
parts of Patagonia.

3. Fringilla Formosa. Gould.

F.f route lorisque nigris; vertice, genis, gula, alarum tegminibus coeruleo griseis, teg-
minibus primariis, secundariis rectricibusque griseo-nigris, coerulescenti-griseo mar-
ginatis, dorso Jlavescenti castaneo ; tegminibus caudalibus infer ioribus pallidb griseis;
uropygio pectore abdomine hypocliondriisque saturate Jlavis.

Long. tot. 5| unc. ; aloe , 3j ; caudce , 2§ ; tarsi , f ; rostri,

Forehead and lores black ; crown of the head, sides of the face, throat, wing

94

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

coverts, and the margins of the primaries, secondaries, and tail feathers, blue
grey ; the remainder of the primaries, secondaries, and tail feathers, greyish-
black ; back yellowish-chestnut ; under tail coverts light-grey ; rump, breast,
abdomen and flanks, deep wax-yellow ; bill bluish horn -colour ; feet light
brown.

Habitat, Tierra del Fuego ( December and February).

This finch is common on the outskirts of the forests in Tierra del Fuego.
Mr. Gould remarks, that it is nearly allied to F. Gayi, but it is much smaller,
and is richer in its colouring.

4. Fringilla fruticeti, Kiitl.

Fringilla fruticeti, Kittl. Kupf. der Vogel, pi. 23. f. 1.

Emberiza luctuosa, Eyd. et Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1834. Cl. 11. pi. 71.

D’Orb. et Lafr . Syn. p. 80.

I obtained specimens of this bird from Northern Chile, and Southern Pata-
gonia. I saw it also in the Cordillera of Central Chile, at an elevation of at least
eight thousand feet, near the upper limit of vegetation. In Patagonia it is not
common, it frequents bushy valleys in small flocks, from six to ten in number.
These birds sometimes move from thicket to thicket with a peculiar soaring flight:
they occasionally utter very singular and pleasing notes.

5. Fringilla carbonaria. G. R. Gray.

Emberiza carbonaria, D’Orb. et Lafr. Synop. p. 79.

I never saw this bird but once, and then it was in small flocks, on the most
desert parts of the plains between the rivers Negro and Colorado, in Northern
Patagonia.

6. Fringilla alaudina. Kittl.

Fringilla alaudina, Kupf. der Vogel, pi. 23. f. 2.

Emberiza guttata, Meyen, Nov. Act. Cur. xvii. pi. 12.

D’Orb. Sf Lafr. Syn. p. 78: Adult.

Passerina guttata, Eyd. fy Gerv. Mag. de Zool. 1834. pi. 70. p. 22.

My specimens were obtained from the neighbourhood of Valparaiso.

BIRDS.

95

1. Passer Jagoensis. Gould.

Plate XXXI.

Pyrgita Jagoensis, Gould , Proc. of Zool. Soc. 1837. p. 77.

P. summo capite , et macula parvd gulari intense nigrescenti-fuscis; strigd superciliari,
collo, humeris dorsoque intensb castaneis, hujus plumis strigd fused centrali notatis ;
alis cauddque brunneis, tectricibus alarum minoribus albis, qui color fasciam trans-
versam efficit : lined angusta alba a nare ad ocutum ; genis corporeque subtus albis,
hoc colore in cinereum ad later a transeunte : rostro, pedibusque fuscis.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; caudce , 2\; alee, 2\ ; rost. | ; tarsi,

Crown of the head and a small mark on the throat intense blackish brown, with a
stripe on the eyebrows, the neck, shoulders and back bright chestnut, the
feathers of the latter marked with a central dusky streak ; wings and tail
brown, with the smaller wing coverts white, forming a transverse bar ; a nar-
row white line from the nostrils to the eye ; cheeks and under side of body
white, this colour passing into grey on the sides ; beak and feet dusky.

Habitat, St. Jago, Cape Verde Islands {January).

This is the commonest bird in the island ; it frequents, generally in small flocks,
both the neighbourhood of houses and wild uninhabited spots. It was building
its nest towards the end of August.

2. Passer Hispaniolensis. G. R. Gray.

Fringilla Hispaniolensis, Temm. Man. i, 353.

In the month of January I obtained a specimen of this bird from St. Jago,
one of the Cape Verde Islands, where it was not common.

1. Chlorospiza? melanodera. G.R.Gray.

Plate XXXII.

Emberiza melanodera, Quoy <$/• Gaim. Voy. de L’Uranie, Zool. i. p. 109.

C. Jlavescenti olivacea ; dorso superiori cinereo rufoque mixto ; vertice , auribus, colli
lateribus pectoreque cinereis rufomixtis ; lined a naribus pone oculos transiente genisque
albis ; plumis inter rostrum et oculos gulaque atris; remigibus primariis et secundariis
nigrescentibus flavo marginatis: cauda rectricibus mediis olivaceo -fuscis, tribus ex-
tends fere toto pallidh flavis; abdomine medio Jlavescenti albo, lateribus obscurioribus .
Long. tot. 6-J,- unc. ; alee, 3^ ; caudce, 2f ; tarsi, 1 0 lines ; rostri, 5 lin.

Adult. Yellowish olive, mixed with grey and rufous on the upper part of the back ;

96

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

top of the head, ears, sides of the neck and breast, grey mixed with rufous ;
the lines from the nostrils reaching behind the eyes and cheeks, white ; the
space between the bill and eye, and the throat, deep black ; the primaries
and secondaries blackish, margined with yellow ; the tail, with the middle
feathers, olivaceous black, with the three external nearly wholly pale yellow;
the middle of the abdomen yellowish white, with the flanks darker.

Young : Upper surface brownish white, with the middle of each feather black ;
the throat lighter ; the wing coverts and secondaries margined with white
and brown ; the primaries with yellow ; the tail blackish, with their outer
margins yellow, and the external feather wholly pale yellow white; beneath the
body pale yellowish white, streaked on the breast and flanks with a darker tint.

Habitat, East Falkland Island ( March ), and Santa Cruz, Patagonia {April).

This bird is extremely abundant in large scattered flocks in the Falkland
Islands.

2. Chloiiospiza ? xanthogramma. G. R. Gray.

Plate XXXIII.

C. cinerascenti olivacea, rufo paulo tincta ; linen a naribus pone ocalos transiente
genisque Jlavis ; plumis inter rostrum et oculos guldque atris ; remigibus secundariis
nigrescent ibus, cinereo et olivaceo lath marginatis ; primariis nigrescentibus, jlavo
angustb marginatis ; cauda cinerascenti nigra , plumis externis albis ; corpore infra
flavescenti albo, hypochondriis obscurioribus.

Long. tot. 7-f unc. ; alee , 3| ; caudce, 3 ; tarsi, 1 ; rostri, 7 tin.

Adult : Greyish olive, very slightly mixed with rufous, a line from the nostrils
reaching behind the eyes and cheeks, yellow; the space between the bill and
eye, and the entire throat, deep black ; the secondaries blackish, broadly
margined with grey and olive ; the primaries blackish, slightly margined
with yellow ; the tail greyish black, with the outer feathers white ; beneath
the body yellowish white, darker on the flanks.

Female : Upper surface brownish white, with each feather blackish brown in the
middle, the head and throat paler ; the wing-coverts and secondaries blackish,
margined with brownish white ; the primaries blackish, slightly margined
with yellow ; the tail blackish white-margined, with the outer feathers nearly
wholly white ; beneath the body yellowish white, streaked with brown on
the breast and flanks: and the space from the nostrils reaching to behind the
eyes and cheeks, yellowish.

Habitat, East Falkland Island {March), and Tierra del Fuego {February).

BIRDS.

97

This species is common at the Falkland Islands, and it often occurs mingled
in the same flock with the last one. I suspect, however, it more commonly
frequents higher parts of the hills. These species have a very close general
resemblance ; but the marks about the head, which are white in the C. melanodera ,
are yellow in the C. xanthogramma, while the parts of the tail-feathers which are
white in the latter, are yellow in the C. melanodera : this difference of colours
does not hold in the females, but they may be at once distinguished by the
greater length of wing, when folded, of the C. xanthogramma.

Chrysomitris Magellanica. Bonap.

Fringilla Magellanica, Vieill. Ency. Meth. D83 ; Ois. Chant, de la Zone Torride, pi. 30 ;

Audubon, Birds of Am. pi. 394, f. 2.

Gafarron, Azara, No. 134.

Fringilla icterica, Licht. Cat. p. 26.

This bird was very abundant in large flocks during May, at Maldonado ;
I found it also at the Rio Negro.

Sub-Family. — TANAGRINiE.

PlTYLUS SUPERCILIARIS.

Tanagra superciliaris, Spix. Av. Sp. Nov. 2. t. lvii. fig. 1. p. 44.

My specimen was procured from Santa F6, in Lat. 31° S.

1. Aglaia striata. D'Orb. <Sp Lafr.

Plate XXXIV.

$ Tanagra striata, Gmel. Syst. 1. 899 ; Ency. Meth. 77 6 ; Licht. Cat. p. 31. Sp. 347 ;

Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 121, pi. 34 of this work.

L’Onglet, Buff. iv. p. 256.

Le Lindobleu, dore et noir, Azara , No. 94.

? Tanagra Darwinii, Bonap. ; Proc. Zool. Soc. 1837, p. 121.

I saw the only specimen, which I procured, feeding on the fruit of an opuntia
at Maldonado.

Mr. G. R. Gray is induced to consider the species figured under the name
of T. Darwinii, as the T. striata, Gm. and the T. Darwinii of the Zoological
Society’s Proceedings, as the female of the same species, while the young birds
may be described as following :

Brown, with the margins of the dorsal feathers greenish-brown, those of the
wings and tail margined brownish-white ; head and neck greyish-green ;

o

98

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

beneath the body pale dusky green, somewhat darker on the breast and
sides ; uropygium yellowish -green.

Three specimens of this species are contained in the British Museum, ex-
hibiting male, female, and young.

2. Aglaia Yittata.

Tanagra vittata, Temm. PI. col.

Maldonado ; not common.

Pipillo personata. Sivains.

Plate XXXV.

P. personata, Swains. Two cent, and a quart, p. 311.

Maldonado; not common. The stomach of one, which I shot, contained

seeds.

Emberizoides poliocephalus. G. R. Gray.

E. olivaceus, dorsi plumis medio nigro striatis ; capite guldque cinereis, priore plumis
singulis, medio nigro striatis ; corpore infra rufescenti albo; hypocliondriis tectricibus
caudce inferioribus obscurioribus ; alarum margine late Jlava, remigibus primariis
secundariisque nigris ; prioribus pallide olivaceo, posterioribus olivascente Jlavo lath
marginatis.

Long. tot. 7f unc. ; alee , 3 J ; caudce , 4 ; tarsi , 1 \ ; rostri, 8 lin.

Olivaceous, with the feathers of the back marked down the middle with black ; the
head and throat cinereous, with each feather of the former streaked down the
middle with black ; beneath the body rufous white, darker on the flanks
and under tail coverts : the border of the wings bright yellow ; the secon-
daries and primaries black, the former broadly margined with pale olive, the
latter with bright olivaceous yellow ; base of bill dusky orange.

Habitat, northern shore of the Plata. ( May and August .)

This bird is common both near Monte Video and Maldonado, in swamps.
Stomach full of seeds : it makes a shrill loud cry : its flight is clumsy, as if its
tail were disjointed.

Fam. — COCCOTHRAUSTINiE.

Genus, Geospiza, Gould.

Corporis jigura brevissima et robusta.

Rostrum magnum , robustum, validum, altitudine longitudinem preestante ; culmine
arcuato et capitis verticem superante , apice sine denticulo, lateribus tumidis.

Naribus basalibus et semitectis plumis frontalibus.

BIRDS.

99

Mandibuld superiori tomiis medium versus sinum exkibentibus , ad mandibulce inferioris
processum recipiendum. Mandibula inferior ad basin lata, hoc infra oculos tendente.
Alee mediocres remige primo paulo breviore secundo , hoc longissimo.

Cauda brevissima et cequalis.

Tarsi magni et validi, digito postico, cum ungue robusto et cligito intermedio breviore ;
digitis externis inter se cequalibus at digito postico brevioribus. Color in maribus
niger, in fcem.fuscus.

This singular genus* appears to be confined to the islands of the Galapagos
Archipelago. It is very numerous, both in individuals and in species, so that
it forms the most striking feature in their ornithology. The characters of the
species of Geospiza, as well as of the following allied subgenera, run closely into
each other in a most remarkable manner.

In my Journal of Researches, p. 475, 1 have given my reasons for believing that
in some cases the separate islands possess their own representatives of the different
species, and this almost necessarily would cause a fine gradation in their characters.
Unfortunately I did not suspect this fact until it was too late to distinguish the spe-
cimens from the different islands of the group ; but from the collection made for
Captain FitzRoy, I have been able in some small measure to rectify this omission.

In each species of these genera a perfect gradation in colouring might,
I think, be formed from one jet black to another pale brown. My observations
showed that the former were invariably the males ; but Mr. Bynoe, the surgeon of
the Beagle, who opened many specimens, assured me that he found two quite
black specimens of one of the smaller species of Geospiza, which certainly were
females : this, however, undoubtedly is an exception to the general fact ; and is
analogous to those cases, which Mr. Blyth* has recorded of female linnets and
some other birds, in a state of high constitutional vigour, assuming the brighter
plumage of the male. The jet black birds, in cases, where there could be no doubt
in regard to the species, were in singularly few proportional numbers to the
brown ones : I can only account for this by the supposition that the intense black
colour is attained only by three-year-old birds. I may here mention, that the
time of year (beginning of October) in which my collection was made, probably
corresponds, as far as the purposes of incubation are concerned, with our autumn.
The several species of Geospiza are undistinguishable from each other in habits ;
they often form, together with the species of the following subgenera, and likewise
with doves, large irregular flocks. They frequent the rocky and extremely arid
parts of the land sparingly covered with almost naked bushes, near the coasts ;

* This genus, and the following sub-genera, were named by Mr. Gould at a meeting of the Zool. Soc. Jan. 10
1 837, p. 4. of Proceedings.

t Remarks on the Plumage of Birds, Charlsworth’s Mag. of Nat. History, vol. i. p. 480.

100

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

for here they find, by scratching in the cindery soil with their powerful beaks and
claws, the seeds of grasses and other plants, which rapidly spring up during the
short rainy season, and as rapidly disappear. They often eat small portions of
the succulent leaves of the Opuntia Galapageia, probably for the sake of the
moisture contained in them : in this dry climate the birds suffer much from the
want of water, and these finches, as well as others, daily crowd round the small
and scanty wells, which are found on some of the islands. I seldom, however,
saw these birds in the upper and damp region, which supports a thriving vege-
tation ; excepting on the cleared and cultivated fields near the houses in Charles
Island, where, as I was informed by the colonists, they do much injury by digging
up roots and seeds from a depth of even six inches.

1 . Geospiza magnirostris. Gould .

Plate XXXVI.

G . fuliginosa, crisso cinerascenti-albo ; vostro nigro-brunnescente lavato ; pedibus
nig vis.

Long. tot. 6 nnc. ; alee, 31 : caudce, 2 ; tarsi, 1 ; rostri, -£ ; alt. rost. 1 .

Fcem. vel Mas jun.; cor pore intensb fusco singulis plumis olivaceo cinctis ; abdomine
pallidiore; crisso cinerascenti-albo ; pedibus et rostro, ut in mare adulto.

Sooty black ; with the vent cinereous white, the bill black, washed with brownish,
and the feet black.

Female, or young male : Deep fuscous, with each feather margined with olive, the
abdomen much paler, with the under tail-coverts cinereous white, the feet
and bill like those of the male.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (Charles and Chatham Islands.)

I have strong reasons for believing this species is not found in James’s
Island. Mr. Gould considers the G. magnirostris as the type of the genus.

2. Geospiza strenua. Gould.

Plate XXXVII.

G. fuliginosa, crisso albo, rostro fusco et nigro tincto ; pedibus nigris.

Long. tot. 5 J unc. ; aloe, 3 ; caudce. If ; tarsi, f- ; rostri, § ; alt. rost. f.

Fcem. Summo corpore fusco singulis plumis alarum caudceque plumis exceptis, pallidb
cinerascenti-olivaceo cinctis ; gula et pectore fuscis ; abdomine lateribus et crisso
pallide cinerascenti fuscis ; rostro brunnescente.

Sooty black, with the under tail coverts white ; the bill brown, tinged with black,
and the feet black.

Female : Upper part of the body fuscous, with the margins of each feather,
except those of the wings and tail, pale cinereous-olive ; the throat and breast

BIRDS.

101

fuscous : the abdomen, sides, and under tail- coverts pale cinereous-fuscous ;
the bill brownish.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago (James and Chatham Islands.)

Geospiza fortis. Gould.

Plate XXVIII.

G. intense fuliginosa, crisso albo ; rostro rufescenti-brunneo, tincto nigro ; pedibus
nigris.

Fcem. (vel Masjun.) Corpore suprh pec tore et gutlure intense fuscis, singulis plumis
cinerascenti-olivaceo marginatis ; abdomine crissoque pallidb cinerascenti-brunneis ;
rostro rufescenti-fusco ad apicem Jlavescente ; pedibus ut in mare.

Long. tot. 4§ unc. ; alee, 3 ; caudoe , 1^; tarsi , -L& • rostri, T2-

Deep sooty black ; with the under tail-coverts and the bill reddish brown tinged
with black ; the feet black.

Female (or young male) : The body above, breast and throat, deep fuscous, with
each feather margined with cinereous-olive: the abdomen, and under tail-
coverts pale cinereous-brown ; the bill reddish fuscous, with the apex yellowish,
and the feet like those in the male.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (Charles and Chatham Islands.)

4. Geospiza nebulosa. Gould.

G. summo capite et corpore nigrescenti-fuscis; singulis plumis cinerascenti-olivaceo
marginatis ; corpore subtus pallidiore, abdomine imo crissoque cinerascentibus ;
rostro et pedibus intense fuscis.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; aloe, 2f ; caudoe. If ; tarsi , f ; rostri, f ; alt. rost.

Male. — Upper part of the head and body blackish fuscous, with each feather
margined with cinereous olive ; the body beneath paler, with the lowest part
of the abdomen and under tail-coverts ashy ; the bill and feet deep fuscous.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (Charles Island.)

5. Geospiza fuliginosa. Gould.

G. intensk fuliginosa, crisso albo, rostro fusco ; pedibus nigrescenti-fuscis.

Long. tot. 4| unc. ; alee, 2J ; caudoe, 1| ; tarsi, § ; rostri, 1| ; alt. rostri, f .

Foem. Summo corpore, alis, cauddque intensb fuscis; singulis plumis cinerascenti-
ferrugineo marginatis ; corpore infra cinereo, singulis plumis medium versus obscu-
rioribus ; rostro brunneo ; pedibus nigrescenti-brunneis.

Deep sooty black, with the under tail coverts white ; the bill fuscous, and the feet
blackish fuscous.

*

102 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Female: Upper part of the body; the wings and tail deep fuscous, with each
feather margined with ashy ferrugineous ; beneath the body cinereous, with
each feather towards the middle darker; the bill brown, and the feet blackish
brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (Chatham and James’ Island.)

6. GeOSPIZA DENT1ROSTRIS. Gould.

G. (Fcem. velMas jun.) mandibulce superior is margine in dentem producto, vertice cor-
poreque supra fuscis ; singulis plumis medium versus obscurioribus ; secundariis tec-
tricibusque alarum ad marginem stramineis ; gulture et pectore pallide brunneis,
singulis plumis medium versus obscurioribus, imo abdomine crissoque cinerascenti-
albis ; rostro rufo-fusco ; pedibus obscure plumbeis.

Long. tot. 4f unc. ; alee, 2f ; caudce , 1§; rostri , \ ; alt. rost. f.

The margin of the upper mandible produced into a tooth ; the vertex and above
the body fuscous, with each feather towards the middle darker ; the margins
of the secondaries and wing coverts straw colour ; the throat and breast pale
brown, darker towards the middle of each feather ; the sides and under tail-
coverts cinereous white ; the bill rufous fuscous, and the feet obscure lead
colour.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.

Mr. Gould considered this specimen a female, from the appearance of its

plumage ; but from dissection, I thought it was a male.

7. Geospiza parvula. Gould.

Plate XXXIX.

G. (Mas) capite, gutture, et dorso fuliginosis ; uropygio cinerascenti-olivaceo; cauda
et alis nigrescenii brunneis; singulis plumis caudce et alarum, cinereo -mar ginatis ;
lateribus olivaceis, fusco guttatis ; abdomine et crisso albis, rostro et pedibus nigres-
centi-brunneis .

Long. tot. 4 unc. ; alas, 2§ ; caudce, 1 1 ; tarsi, f ; rostri, f ; alt. rost.

Foem. Summo capite et dorso cinerascenti-brunneis, gulture, pectore, abdomine crissoque
pallide cinereis, stramineo tinctis.

The head, throat, and back, sooty black ; the lower part of the back cinereous
olive ; the tail and wings blackish brown, margined with cinereous ; the sides
olive with fuscous spots ; the abdomen and under tail-coverts white ; the bill
and feet blackish brown.

Female : The upper surface cinereous brown ; the throat, breast, abdomen, and
the under tail coverts, pale cinereous tinged with straw colour.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (James’ Island.)

BIRDS.

103

8. Geospiza dubia. Gould.

G. (Foera. Mas ignot.) summo capite et corpore supra fuse is, singulis plumis cinera-
scenti-olivaceo marginatis ; striga super ciliari, genis, gut lure, corpore infra cinera-
scenli-olivaceis, singulis plumis nota centrali fused ; alis caudaque brunneis singulis
plumis olivaceo-cinereo marginatis ; rostro sordid k albo, pedibus obscurb fuscis.

Long. tot. 3§ unc. ; alee, 2 J ; caudce , 1 f ; tarsi , | ; rostri, § : alt. rostri, f .

Upper surface fuscous, with each feather margined with cinereous olive ; the
streak above the eye, cheeks, throat, and beneath the body, cinereous olive,
with the middle of each feather fuscous ; the wings and tail brown, with each
feather margined with cinereous ash ; the bill white, and the feet obscure
fuscous.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (Chatham Island.)

Sub-Genus.— CAMARHYNCHUS. Gould.

Camarhynchus dijfert a genere Geospiza, rostro debiliore, margine mandibulce supe-
rioris minus indentato ; culmine minus elevato in frontem et plus arcuato ; lateribus
tumidioribus ; mandibula inferiore minus in genas tendente.

Camarhynchus psittaculus is the typical species.

1. Camarhynchus psittaculus. Gould.

Plate XL.

C. (Fcem.) summo capite corporeque superior e fuscis; alis caudaque obscurioribus ;
gutture corporeque inferiore, cinerascenti-albis, stramineo tinctis ; rostro pallide
flavescentifusco; pedibus fuscis.

Long. tot. 4f unc. ; alee, 2f : caudce , If ; tarsi, | ; rostri | ; alt. rostri , |.

The upper part of the head and body fuscous ; the wing and tail darker ; the
throat, and beneath the body cinereous white, tinged with straw-colour ;
the bill pale yellowish fuscous, and the feet fuscous.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (James’ Island.)

The species of Camarhynchus do not differ in habits from those of Geospiza ;
and the C. psittaculus might often be seen mingled in considerable numbers in the
same flock with the latter. Mr. Bynoe procured a blackish specimen, which,
doubtless, was an old male ; I saw several somewhat dusky, especially about
the head.

2. Camarhynchus crassirostris. Gould.

Plate XLI.

C. (Mas jun. et Fcem.) corpore superiore inlensb brunneo, singulis plumis cinerascenti-

104

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

olivaceo marginatis ; gutture pectoreque drier ascenti-olivaceis, singulis in medio
plumis obscurioribus ; abdomine, lateribus crissoque cinereis stramineo tinctis.

Long. tot. unc. ; alee , 3f ; caudce, 2 ; tarsi, 1^ ; rostri, ^ ; alt. rostri, |.

Upper part of the body deep brown, with each feather margined with cinereous
olive ; the throat and breast cinereous olive, with the middle of each feather
darker ; the abdomen, sides, and under tail coverts cinereous tinged with
straw colour.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (Charles Island ?)

I am nearly certain that this species is not found in James Island. I believe
it came from Charles Island, and probably there replaces the C. psiitaculus of
James Island. I obtained three specimens, one male, and two females ; from the
analogy of so many species in this group, I do not doubt the old male would
be black.

Sub-Genus. — CACTORNIS. Gould.

Cactornis differt a genere Geospiza rostro elongato, acuto, compresso, longitudine
altitudinem excellente ; mandibulce superioris margine vix indentato; naribus
basalibus et vix tectis ; tarsis brevioribus, unguibus majoribus et plus curvatis.
Cactornis scandens is the typical species.

1. Cactornis scandens. Gould.

Plate XLII.

C. intensb fuliginosa, crisso albo ; rostro et pedibus nigrescenti-brunneis.

Long. tot. 5 unc. ; rostri , § ; alee , 2-| ; caudce, If ; tarsi, §.

Fcem. Corpore superiore, gutture pectoreque intensb brunneis, singulis plumis palli-
diorb marginatis ; abdomine crissoque cinereis, stramineo tinctis ; rostro pallidb
fusco ; pedibus nigrescenti-fuscis.

Deep sooty black, with the under taiheoverts white ; the bill and feet blackish-
brown.

Female : Upper surface of the body, throat and breast intensely brown, with the
margins of each feather paler ; the abdomen and the under tail coverts
cinereous, tinged with straw-colour; the bill pale fuscous, and the feet blackish
fuscous.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago, (James’ Island.)

The species of this sub-genus alone can be distinguished in habits from the

several foregoing ones belonging to Geospiza and Camarhynchus. Their most

BIRDS.

105

frequent resort is the Opuntia Galapageia, about the fleshy leaves of which they
hop and climb, even with their back downwards, whilst feeding with their sharp
beaks, both on the fruit and flowers. Often, however, they alight on the ground,
and mingled with the flock of the above mentioned species, they search for seeds
in the parched volcanic soil. The extreme scarceness of the jet-black specimens,
which I mentioned under the head of the genus Geospiza, is well exemplified in
the case of the C. scandens, for although I daily saw many brown-coloured ones,
(and two collectors were looking out for them), only one, besides that which is
figured, was procured, and I did not see a second.

2. Cactornis assimilis. Gould.

Plate XLIII.

Tisserin des Gallapagos, (lie St. Charles,) Neboux , Revue Zoologique, 1840, p. 291.

C. Mas (jun?) corpore suprh fuliginoso, ( gutture abdomineque exceptis,) cinereo
marginatis ; rostro pallidb rufescenti-brunneo ; pedibus nigrescenti-brunneis.

Long. tot. unc. ; rostri, f ; alee , 2f ; caudoe , If ; tarsi , f .

Upper surface of the body sooty black, margined with cinereous, as well as the
throat and abdomen ; the bill pale rufous brown ; the feet blackish brown.
Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.

I do not know from which island of the group this species was procured ;
almost certainly not from James Island. Analogy would in this case, as in that
of Camarhynchus crassirostris, lead to the belief that the old male would be jet
black. By a mistake this bird has been figured standing on the Opuntia Darwinii,
a plant from Patagonia, instead of the O. Galapageia. I may here mention that a
third and well characterized species of Cactornis has lately been sent by Captain
Belcher, R.N. to the Zoological Society ; as Capt. Belcher visited Cocos Island,
which is the nearest land to the Galapagos Archipelago, being less than 400 miles
distant, it is very probable that the species came thence.

Sub-Genus. — CERTHIDEA. Gould.

Certhidea differt a genere Geospiza rostro graciliore et acutiore; naribus basalibus
et non tectis; mandibulce superioris margine recto ; t arsis longioribus et gracilioribus.
Of the foregoing sub-genera, Geospiza, Camarhynchus and Cactornis belong to
one type, but with regard to Certhidea, although Mr. Gould confidently believes it
should also be referred to the same division, yet as in its slighter form and weaker
bill, it has so much the appearance of a member of the Sylviadce, he would by no
means insist upon the above view being adopted, until the matter shall have been
more fully investigated.

p

106 ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Certhidea olivacea. Gould.

PLATE XLIV.

C. summo capite, corpore superiore, alis cauddque olivaceo-brunneis ; gutture et corpore
infra cinereis ; rostro pedibusque pallidb brunneis.

Long. tot. 4 unc. ; rostri, \ ; alee, 2 ; caudce, tarsi, f.

Upper part of the head, body, wings and tail, olivaceous brown ; the throat, and

beneath the body, cinereous ; the bill and feet pale brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (Chatham and James Island).

I believe my specimens, which include both sexes, were procured from Chat-
ham and James Islands ; it is certainly found at the latter.

Phytotoma rara. Mol.

P. Bloxami, Children, Jard. and Selby’s 111.

P. rutila, Vieill. Mag. deZool. 1832, ii. pi. 5.

P. silens, Kittl. Mem. de l’Acad. des Sci. de St. Petersb.

This is not a very uncommon bird in Central Chile : the farmers complain
that it is very destructive to the buds of fruit trees. It is quiet and solitary, and
haunts hedge-rows or bushes ; its manners are similar to those of our bullfinch,
( Loxia Pyrrhula). Iris bright scarlet. Mr. Eyton has given an anatomical
description of this bird in the Appendix.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Swains.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. 2. 278.

Emberiza oryzivorus, Linn.

This one specimen only was seen at James Island, in the Galapagos Ar-
chipelago, during the beginning of October. It is remarkable that a bird
migrating, according to Richardson, as far as 54° N. in North America, and
generally inhabiting marshy grounds, should be found on these dry rocky islands
under the equator. Mr. Gray and myself carefully compared this specimen
with one from North America, and we could not perceive the slightest difference.

1. Xanthornus chrysopterus. G. R. Gray.

Oriolus cayennensis, Linn. Syst. 1. 168 ?

Agelaius chrysopterus, Vieill.

Psarocolius chrysopterus, Wagl Syst. Av. p.

This bird generally frequents marshy grounds. I procured specimens from
La Plata and from Chile ; in the latter country it extends at least as far north
as the valley of Copiapo, in 27° 20' : on the eastern plains it does not range,
according to Azara, north of 28°. It builds in reeds. Molina says it is called
by the Indians Thili, or Chile — hence he derives the name of the country.

BIRDS.

107

2. Xanthornus flavus. G. R. Gray.

Plate XLY.

Oriolus flavus, Gmel.

Psarocolius flaviceps, Wagl. Syst. Avium.

Troupiale a tete jaune, Azara , No. 66.

This species is common at Maldonado in large flocks.

Leistes anticus. G. R. Gray.

Icterus anticus, Licht. Cat. p. 19.

Agelaius virescens, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 543.

Psarocolius anticus, Wagl.

Le Dragon, Azara , No. 65.

This bird is exceedingly abundant in large flocks on the grassy plains of La
Plata. It is noisy, and in its habits resembles our starling.

1. Agelaius fringillarius. G. R. Gray.

Icterus fringillarius, Spix, Av. Sp. No. 1. t. lxv. fig. 1 & 2. p. 68.

Psarocolius sericeus, juv., Wagl.

This species is rare at Maldonado, but appears more common on the banks
of Parana in Lat. 31°. S. Spix says (vol. i. p. 68, Birds of Brazil), it is found
in Minas Geraes.

2. Agelaius chopi. Vieill.

Turdus curseus, Gmel.

Le Chopi, Azara , No. 62.

Icterus unicolor, Licht.

Icterus sulcirostris, Spix, Av. Br. pi. 64. f. 2.

This species is common in flocks on the pasture grounds of Chile, and along
the whole western shore of the southern part of the continent. In Chile it is
called, according to Molina, “ cureu.” It is a noisy, chattering bird, and runs
in the manner of our starlings. It can be taught to speak, and is sometimes
kept in cages. It builds in bushes.

MoLOTHRUS NIGER. Gould.

Tanagra bonariensis, Gmel.

Icterus niger, Dand.

Passerina discolor, Vieill.

Icterus maxillaris, D' Orb. Lafr.

Icterus sericeus, Licht.

Psarocolius sericeus, Wagl.

This Molothrus is common in large flocks on the grassy plains of La Plata,
and is often mingled with the Leistes anticus, and other birds. In the same flock

108

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

with the usual black kind, there were generally a few dull brown coloured ones,
(. Icterus sericeus of Liclit .) which 1 presume are the young. Azara states that
the brown-coloured birds are smaller than the black glossy ones, and that they
sometimes form one-tenth of the whole number in a flock. In the single specimen
which I brought home, the size, with the exception of the length of the wing, is
only a very little less. Sonnini, in his notes to Azara, considers the brown birds
as the females ; I can, however, scarcely believe that so obvious a solution of the
difficulty could have escaped so accurate an observer as Azara, These birds
in La Plata often may be seen standing on the back of a cow or horse. While
perched on a hedge, and pluming themselves in the sun, they sometimes attempt
to sing or rather to hiss : the noise is very peculiar ; it resembles that of bubbles
of air passing rapidly from a small orifice under water, so as to produce an acute
sound. Azara states that this bird, like the cuckoo, deposits its eggs in other
birds’ nests. I was several times told by the country people, that there was some
bird which had this habit; and my assistant in collecting, who is a very accurate
person, found in the nest of the Zonotrichia ruficollis (a bird which occupies in
the ornithology of S. America the place of the common sparrow of Europe),
one egg larger than the others, and of a different colour and shape. This
egg is rather less than that of the missel-thrush, being -93 of an inch in
length, and ’78 in breadth ; it is of a bulky form, thick in the middle. The
ground colour is a pale pinkish-white, with irregular spots and blotches of a
bright reddish-brown, and others less distinct of a greyish hue. This species is
evidently a very close analogue of the M. pecoris of North America, from which,
however it may at once be distinguished by the absence of the glossy brown on
the head, neck, and upper breast, — by the metallic blueness of its plumage in
the place of a green tinge, and by its somewhat greater size in all its proportions.
The young or brown-coloured specimens of these Molothri resemble each other
more closely ; that of the M. pecoris is of a lighter brown, especially under the
throat, and the small feathers on its breast and abdomen have each an obscure
dark central streak. The eggs of the Molothri, although having the same
general character, differ considerably ; that of the M. pecoris being smaller
and less swollen in the middle ; it is '85 of an inch in length, and *78 in breadth.
Its colour cannot be better described than in the words of Dr. Richardson* — it is
“ of a greenish white, with rather small crowded and confluent irregular spots of
pale liver-brown, intermixed with others of subdued purplish grey.” From this

* Fauna Borealis, Birds, p. 278. Dr. Richardson states that the egg is only seven lines and a half in length.
I presume the measure of eight lines, instead of twelve to the inch, must in this case have been used. I am
much indebted to the kindness of Mr. Yarrell for lending me an egg of the Molothrus pecoris, forming part of a
collection of North American eggs in his possession.

BIRDS.

109

description it is obvious that the egg of M. niger is larger and of a much redder
tint ; the more prominent spots also are larger, the subdued grey being quite
similar in both.

If we were to judge from habits alone, the specific difference between these
two species of Molothrus might well be doubted ; they seem closely to resemble
each other in general habits, — in manner of feeding, — in associating in the same
flock with other birds, and even in such peculiarities as often alighting on the backs
of cattle. The M. pecoris , like the M. niger, utters strange noises, which Wilson*
describes “ as a low spluttering note as if proceeding from the belly.” It appears
to me very interesting thus to find so close an agreement in structure, and in
habits, between allied species coming from opposite parts of a great continent.
Mr. Swainsont has remarked that with the exception of the Molothrus, the
cuckoos are the only birds which can be called truly parasitical ; namely, such
as “ fasten themselves, as it were, on another living animal, whose animal heat
brings their young into life, whose food they alone live upon, and whose death
would cause theirs during the period of infancy.” It is very remarkable, that
the cuckoos and the molothri, although opposed to each other in almost every
habit, should agree in this strange one of their parasitical propagation : the
habit moreover is not universal in the species of either tribe. The Molothrus,
like our starling, is eminently sociable, and lives on the open plains without art
or disguise the cuckoo, as every one knows, is a singularly shy bird; it
frequents the most retired thickets, and feeds on fruit and caterpillars.^

Amblyramphus ruber. G. R. Gray.

Oriolus ruber, Gmel.

Amblyramphus bicolor, Leach.

Sturnus pyrrhoceplialus, Licht.

Sturnella rubra, Vieill.

Leistes erythrocephala, Swains. Class. Birds.

This bird frequented marshy places in the neighbourhood of Maldonado, but
it was not common there. It is more solitary than the following allied species ; I
have, however, seen it in a flock. Seated on a twig, with its beak widely open, it
often makes a shrill, but plaintive and agreeable cry, which is sometimes single

* Wilson’s American Ornithology, vol. ii. p. 162.

t Magazine of Zoology and Botany, vol. i. p. 217. + See Azara, vol. iii. p. 170.

^ It appears that the eggs in the same nest with that of the Molothrus pecoris, are turned out by the parent
birds before they are hatched, owing to the egg of the M. pecoris being hatched in an unusually short time ; in
the case of the young cuckoo, as is well known, the young bird itself throws out its foster-brothers. Mr. C. Fox,
however, (Silliman’s American Journal, vol. xxix. p. 292), relates an instance of three young sparrows having
been found alive with a Molothrus^

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

1 10

and sometimes reiterated. Its flight is heavy. The young have their heads and
thighs merely mottled with scarlet.

Sturnella militaris. Vieill.

Sturnus militaris, Gmel.

Etourneau des terres Magellanique, PI. enl. 113.

I met with specimens of this bird on the east coast of the continent from the
Falkland Islands to 31° S., and on the western coast from the Strait of Magellan
to Lima, a space of forty degrees of latitude.

Family. — TROCHILIDiE.

1. Trochilus flavifrons.

Monte Video. — November. Not abundant.

2. Trochilus forficatus. Lath.

Edwards' Gleanings.

Vieill. Ois. dores, t. 1.

Ornismya Kingii, Less. Trochilidees, pi. 38.

This species is found over a space of 2,500 miles on the west coast, from the
hot dry country of Lima to the forests of Terra del Fuego, where it has been
described by Captain King as flitting about in a snow-storm. In the wooded
island of Chiloe, which has an extremely damp climate, this little bird, skipping
from side to side amidst the humid foliage, and uttering its acute chirp, is
perhaps more abundant than any other kind. It there very commonly
frequents open marshy ground, where a kind of bromelia grows : hovering near
the edge of the thick beds, it every now and then dashes in close to the ground ;
but I could not see whether it ever actually alighted. At that time of the year
there were very few flowers, and none whatever near the beds of bromelia.
Hence, I was quite sure that they did not live on honey ; and on opening the
stomach and upper intestine, by the aid of a lens, I could plainly distinguish in a
yellow fluid, morsels of the wings of diptera, — probably Tipulidae. It is evident
that these birds search for minute insects in their winter quarters under the thick
foliage. I opened the stomachs of several specimens which were shot in different
parts of the continent, and in all remains of insects were numerous, forming a
black comminuted mass. In one killed at Valparaiso, I found portions of an ant.
Amongst the Chonos Islands, at a season when there were flowers in open places,
yet the damp recesses of the forests appeared their favourite haunt. In central

BIRDS.

Ill

Chile these birds are migratory ; they make their appearance there in autumn ;
the first arrival which I observed was on the 14th of April (corresponding to our
October) but by the 20th they were numerous. They stay throughout the winter,
and begin to disappear in September : on October 12th, in the course of a long
walk, I saw only one individual. During the period of their summer migration,
nests were very common in Chiloe and the Chonos Island, countries south of
Chile. When this species of Trochilus migrates southward, it is replaced in Chile
by a larger kind, which will be presently described. The migration of the
humming birds on both the east* and west coasts of North America, exactly
corresponds to that which takes place in the southern half of the continent. In
both they move towards the tropic during the colder parts of the year, and retreat
poleward before the returning heat. Some, however, remain during the whole
year in Tierra del Fuego; and in northern California, — which in the northern
hemisphere, has this same relative position which Tierra del Fuego has in the
southern, — some, according to Beechey, likewise remain. Near the south end of
Chiloe, I found on the 8th of December, a nest with eggs nearly hatched. It was
of the ordinary form of nests ; rather more than an inch in internal diameter, and
not deep, composed externally of coarse and fine moss, neatly woven together,
and lined with dried confervae, now forming a very fine reddish fibrous mass.
I feel no doubt regarding the nature of this latter substance, as the transverse
septa are yet quite distinct : hence this humming bird builds its nest entirely
of cryptogamic plants. Egg perfectly white, elongated, or rather almost
cylindrical, with rounded ends ; length -557 of an inch, and transverse diameter
•352 of an inch. In January, at the Chonos Islands, when there were young in
the nest, a considerable number of old birds were shot ; of these, however, few or
scarcely any had the shining crest of the male. In the only specimen, which I
carefully examined, the metallic tips of the young feathers of the crest, were just
beginning to protrude. Several of these males without their crest, had a yellowish
gorge ; and I saw some with a few light brown feathers on their backs. I
presume these appearances are connected with their state of moult.

3. Trochilus Gigas, Vieill.

Orsimya tristis, Less ., Oiseaux Mouches, pi. 3.

This species is common in central Chile. It is a large bird for the delicate
family to which it belongs. At Valparaiso, in the year 1834, I saw several of
these birds in the middle of August, and I was informed they had only lately
arrived from the parched deserts of the north. Towards the middle of September

* Humboldt, Pers. Narr. vol. v. part 1. p. 352. Cook’s Third Voyage, vol. ii. and Beechey’s Voyage.

112

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

(the vernal equinox) their numbers were greatly increased. They breed in central
Chile, and replace, as I have before said, the foregoing species, which migrates
southward for the same purpose. The nest is deep in proportion to its width ;
externally three inches and a half deep ; internal depth a little under one inch
and three quarters ; width within one inch and two-tenths ; mouth slightly con-
tracted. Externally it is formed of fine fibrous grass woven together, and attached
by one side and bottom to some thin upright twigs ; internally it is thickly lined
with a felt, formed of the pappus of some composite flower. When on the wing,
the appearance of this bird is singular. Like others of the genus, it moves from
place to place, with a rapidity which may be compared to that of Syrphus
amongst diptera, and Sphinx among moths ; but whilst hovering over a flower,
it flaps its wings with a very slow and powerful movement, totally different from
that vibratory one common to most of the species, which produces the humming
noise. I never saw any other bird, where the force of its wings appeared (as in a
butterfly) so powerful in proportion to the weight of its body. When hovering by
a flower, its tail is constantly expanded and shut like a fan, the body being kept
in a nearly vertical position. This action appears to steady and support the bird,
between the slow movements of its wings. Although flying from flower to
flower in search of food, its stomach generally contained abundant remains of
insects, which, I suspect, are much more the object of its search than honey is.
The note of this species, like that of nearly the whole family, is extremely shrill.

In the Appendix an anatomical description of this bird by Mr. Eyton is
given.

Order— SCANSORES.

1. CONURUS MURINUS, Kulll.

Psittacus murinus, Gmel.

Perruche, Pernet , voy. 1. p. 312.

This parrot feeds in large flocks on the grassy plains of Banda Oriental, where
not a tree can be seen. They are very destructive to the corn-fields. I was
assured that in one year, near Colonia del Sacramiento, on the north bank of the
Plata, 2,500 were killed, a reward being given for each dozen heads. Many ot
these birds build their nests close together in trees, the whole composing a vast
mass of sticks. I saw several of their compound nests on the islands in the river
Parana.

1

BIRDS.

113

2. CoNURUS PATACHONICUS.

Psittacus Patagonus, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p.

Psittacara Patagonica, Less* Yoy. de la Coquille Zool. pi. 35 bis.

Psittacara Pataclionica, Lear's 111. Psitt.

Le Patagon, Azara , No. 277.

Pattagonian maccaw, Lath. Hist. 11, 105.

I obtained specimens of this bird at Bahia Blanca in Northern Patagonia,
where there is not a single tree, and the country is dry and very sterile. I did
not meet with this species in the southern parts of Patagonia, but it is common
near Concepcion in Chile, in nearly the same latitude. They build their nests in
holes in cliffs of earth or gravel, together with the Hirundo cyanoleuca. In
September, at Bahia Blanca, they were laying : their eggs are quite white, and
small in proportion to the bird. Several usually rush forth from their holes at
the same instant, and utter a noisy scream.

Picus kingii. G. JR. Gray.

Picus melanocephalus, King, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1830, p. 14.

I procured specimens at Valparaiso, and at the Peninsula of Tres Montes
(Lat. 46° S.) At the latter place, I killed in January a pair, male and female.
Captain King’s specimens were obtained from Chiloe. The male has its whole
head scarlet with only the nape black, so that Captain King’s specific name
is unfortunately not applicable for the species ; therefore Mr. G. R. Gray thinks
it should be named after the first describer. The head of the female is black,
with some short reddish-brown feathers over nostrils. There appears to be no
other difference in the plumage of the sexes.

Chrysoptilus campestris. Swains.

Picus campestris, Licht. Cat. p. Spix, Av. Br. pi. 116.

Le charpentier des champs, Azara , No. 253.

My specimens were obtained from Banda Oriental and Buenos Ayres; I saw
it no further southward. Spix says (Birds of Brazil, vol. i. p. 51.) it inhabits
Minas Geraes. They frequent open plains and especially rocky ground. They
are rather wild, and generally live three or four together. The tail of these ground
woodpeckers seems but little used ; their beaks, however, were generally muddy
to the base : in the stomach of one I found only ants. Their flight is undulatory
like that of the English woodpecker, and their loud cry is likewise similar, but

Q

114

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

each note more separate. They alight on the branch of a tree, horizontally, in
the manner of ordinary birds ; but occasionally I have seen one clinging in an
upright position to a post. They appear to feed exclusively on the ground.

Colaptes Chilensis. Vigors.

Picus Chilensis, Garnot , Voy. de la Coquille, Zool. pi. 52.

This bird frequents the dry stony hills of central Chile, on which only a few
bushes and trees grow. It is closely related in habits and structure to the fore-
going species, and appears to be its representative on the western side of the
Cordillera ; hence I cannot but think the institution of the above two genera
unfortunate. It is the “ Pitui ” of Molina, which name, I imagine, it derives from
its peculiar cry. Molina states, that it builds its nest in holes in banks.

1. Diplopterus nalvius. Boie.

Cuculus nsevius, Lath. Ind. 220.

Rio de Janeiro. April.

2. Diplopterus guira. G.R.Gray.

Cuculus guira, Linn.

Crotophaga Piririgua, Vieil. Gal. des Ois. pi. 44.

Ptiloleptus cristatus, Swains. *

Buenos Ayres. In small flocks ; a noisy, chattering bird.

Crotophaga ani. Linn.

Petit Bout-de-Petun, pi. enl. 102. f. 2.

Rio de Janeiro. May. The stomach of several specimens contained remains
of numerous Orthopterous, and some Coleopterous insects.

Order GYRATONES. Bonap.

1. Columba Fitzroyii. King.

Columba Fitzroyii, King., in Proc. of Zool. Soc. part 1, 1830, p. 14.

Columba denisea, Tamm. pi. col. 502.

Columba araucana, Less. Voy. de Coqu. pi. 40.?

Peninsula of Tres Montes. Lat. 46° S. January. Captain King’s speci-
mens were obtained at Chiloe, three degrees northward. I procured other speci-
mens near Valparaiso. This bird therefore frequents dry rocky land, and damp
impervious forests.

BIRDS.

115

2. Columba loricata. Licht. Vog. Yerz. s. 67.

Columba gymnophthalmus, Temm ., Pig. i. 18.

leucoptera, Pr. Max. Reise, 2, p. 242.

picazuro, Temm. Pig. p. 1 1 1 .

Picazuro, Azara, Voy. No. 317.

Frequents in large flocks the fields of Indian com in the neighbourhood of
Maldonado. Legs dull “carmine red.” This, probably, is the representative on
the eastern side of the Andes of the foregoing or Chilian species.

1. Zenaida aurita. G. R. Gray.

Columba aurita, Temm. Pig. p. 60. Wagl. sp. 70.

I procured specimens of this bird at Maldonado (where it was very abundant^
in La Plata, and at Yalparaiso in Chile.

2. Zenaida Galapagoensis. Gould .

Plate XLYI.

Z. vertice, cervice, dorso caudceque tegminihus obscure fuscis vinaceo-tinctis ; dorso
nigro-guttato ; alarum tegminihus fuscis , plumd singula pallidk vinaceo-fusco ter-
minate pogonii utriusque margine , macula oblong a magna nigra , lined alba
separata ; remigibus primariis et secundariis nigrescenti-fuscis, cinerascenti-albo
anguste marginatis ; cauda fuscescenti cinereo ad apicem fascia lata irregular i
nigra ; loris linedque angustd supra et infra oculari nigris pallidb fusco mixtis ;
gula pectoreque vinaceis, colli lateribus cerato tinctis ; crisso, caudceque tCgminibus
inferioribus cinerascentibus, rostro nigro, pedibus rufescenti aurantiacis.

Long. tot. 8J unc. ; aloe , 5\ ; caudoe , 3 ^ ; tarsi , ; rostri , 1.

Crown of the head and back of the neck, dark chocolate brown, with a vinous
tinge ; back and tail-coverts the same, the former spotted with black ; wing-
coverts brown, each feather having a large oblong spot of black on the
margin of either web, separated by a line of white, and tipped with light
vinous brown, the white predominating on the larger coverts, primaries and
secondaries blackish-brown, finely edged with greyish-white ; tail brownish-
grey, crossed near the extremity with a broad irregular band of black ; lores
and a narrow line above and beneath the eye black, interrupted with light
brown : throat and chest rich vinous, glossed on the sides of the neck with
metallic bronze, and fading into greyish on the vent and under tail-coverts :
bill black ; feet reddish-orange.

116

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago. (Sept, and Oct.)

This species may at once be distinguished from the Z. aurita, by the redder
tint of its breast, — the greater number of black marks on the wing coverts and
back — the outer half of some of the feathers on the wing coverts being white —
the marks on the under side of the tail being grey (instead of white as in the
Z. aurita ) and by the larger size of its beak.

This dove is one of the most abundant birds in the Archipelago. It frequents
the dry rockj^ soil of the low country, and often feeds in the same flock with the
several species of Geospiza. It is exceedingly tame, and may be killed in
numbers. Formerly it appears to have been much tamer than at present.
Cowley,* in 1684, says that the “ Turtle doves were so tame that they would often
alight upon our hats and arms, so as that we could take them alive : they not
fearing man, until such time as some of our company did fire at them, whereby
they were rendered more shy.” Dampierf (in the same year) also says that a
man in a morning’s walk might kill six or seven dozen of these birds. At the
present time, although certainly very tame, they do not alight on people’s arms; nor
do they suffer themselves to be killed in such numbers. It is surprising that the
change has not been greater; — for these islands during the last hundred and fifty
years, have been frequented by buccaneers and whalers ; and the sailors,
wandering through the woods in search of tortoises, take delight in knocking
down the little birds.

3. Zenaida Boliviana. G. R. Gray.

Columba Boliviana, D'Orb. fy Lafr. Mag. de Zool. 1836. Ois. p. 33. pi. 75.

My specimen was obtained (end of August) at Valparaiso.

1. ColUMBINA STREPITANS. Spix .

(Av. pi. 75, f. 1.)

I procured specimens at Maldonado (where it was not common), on the banks
of the Plata, and at Rio Negro, in Northern Patagonia.

2. Columbina talpacoti. G. R. Gray.

Columba Talpacoti, Temm. Pig. p. 22. t. 12.

Columbina Cabocolo, Spix , Av. pi. 7 5a. f. 1.

Le Pigeon rougeatre, Azara, No. 323.

My specimens were obtained at Rio de Janeiro.

* Cowley’s Voyage, p. 10, in Dampier’s Collection of Voyages.

t Dampier’s Voyage, vol. i. p. 103. For some further observations on the tameness of the birds on this and
some other islands, see my Journal of Researches, p. 475.

BIRDS.

117

1. Attagis Falklandica. G. R. Gray.

Tetrao Falklandicus, Gmelin, Syst. 1. 762.

La Caille des Isles Malouines, Buff. pi. enl. 222.

Coturnix Falklandica, Bonn. Ency. Meth. Orn. 220.

Perdix Falklandica, Lath. Ind. Orn. 11, 652.

Ortyx Falklandica, Steph. Shaw’s Zool. xi. 386.

This bird is not uncommon on the mountains in the extreme southern parts
of Tierra del Fuego. It frequents, either in pairs or small coveys, the zone of
alpine plants above the region of forest. It is not very wild, and lies very close
on the bare ground.

2. Attagis gayii. Less.

Attagis Gayii, Less. Cent. Zool. pi. 47, p. 155.

A specimen was given me, which was shot on the lofty Cordillera of Coquimbo,
only a little below the snow-line. At a similar height, on the Andes, behind
Copiapo, which appear so entirely destitute of vegetation, that any one would have
thought that no living creature could have found subsistence there, I saw a covey.
Five birds rose together, and uttered noisy cries ; they flew like grouse, and were
very wild. I was told that this species never descends to the lower Cordillera.
These two species, in their respective countries, occupy the place of the ptarmigan
of the northern hemisphere.

Tinochorus rumicivorus. Eschscli.

Thinocorus rumicivorus, Eschsch. Zool. Atl. pi. 2.

Tinochorus Eschscholtzii, Less. Cent. Zool. pi. 50.

This very singular bird, which in its habits and appearance partakes of the
character both of a wader and one of the gallinaceous order, is found wherever
there are sterile plains, or open dry pasture land, in southern South America.
We saw it as far south as the inland plains of Patagonia at Santa Cruz, in lat. 50°.
On the western side of the Cordillera, near Concepcion, where the forest land
changes into an open country, I saw this bird, but did not procure a specimen of
it: from that point throughout Chile, as far as Copiapo, it frequents the most
desolate places, where scarcely another living creature can exist : it thus ranges
over at least twenty-three degrees of latitude. It is found either in pairs or in
small flocks of five or six; but near the Sierra Ventana I saw as many as thirty and
forty together. Upon being approached they lie close, and then are very difficult
to be distinguished from the ground : so that they often rise quite unexpectedly.
When feeding they walk rather slowly, with their legs wide apart. They dust
themselves in roads and sandy places. They frequent particular spots, and may

18

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

be found there day after day. When a pair are together, if one is shot, the other
seldom rises; for these birds, like partridges, only take wing in a flock. In all
these respects, in the muscular gizzard adapted for vegetable food, in the arched
beak and fleshy nostrils, short legs, and form of foot, the Tinochorus has a close
affinity with quails. But directly the bird is seen flying, one’s opinion is changed;
the long pointed wings, so different from those in the gallinaceous order, the high
irregular flight, and plaintive cry uttered at the moment of rising, recall the idea
of a snipe. Occasionally they soar like partridges when on the wing in a flock.
The sportsmen of the Beagle unanimously called it the short-billed snipe. To
this genus, or rather to that of the sandpiper, it approaches, as Mr. Gould informs
me, in the shape of its wing, the length of the scapulars, the form of the tail, which
closely resembles that of Tringa hypoleucos, and in the general colour of the
plumage. The male bird, however, has a black mark on its breast, in the form of
a yoke, which may be compared to the red horseshoe on the breast of the English
partridge. Its nest is said to be placed on the borders of lakes, although the bird
itself is an inhabitant of the parched desert. I was told that the female lays five
or six white eggs, spotted with red. I opened the stomachs of many specimens
at Maldonado, and found only vegetable matter, which consisted of chopped pieces
of a thick rushy grass, and leaves of some plant, mixed with grains of quartz.
The contents of the intestine and the dung were of a very bright green colour.
At another season of the year, and further south, I found the craw of one full of
small seeds and a single ant. Those which I shot were exceedingly fat, and had
a strong offensive game odour ; but they are said to be very good eating, when
cooked. Pointers will stand to them. In the Appendix Mr. Eyton has given an
anatomical description of this bird, which partly confirms that affinity both to the
Grallatores and Razores, which is so remarkable in its habits and external
appearance.

Chionis alba. Forst.

Shaw’s Nat. Miscel. pi. 481.

I opened the stomach of a specimen killed at the Falkland Islands, and found
in it small shells, chiefly Patellae, pieces of sea-weed, and several pebbles. The
contents of the stomach and body smelt most offensively. Forster remarked this
circumstance ; but since his time, other observers, namely, Anderson, Quoy,
Gaimard, and Lesson (Manuel d’Ornithologie, tom ii, p. 342) have found that this
is not always the case, and they state that they have actually eaten the Chionis.
I was not aware of these observations, but independently was much surprised at
the extraordinary odour exhaled. We, like other voyagers in the Antarctic seas,
were struck at the great distance from land, at which this bird is found in the

BIRDS.

119

open ocean. Its feet are not webbed, its flight is not like that of other pelagic
birds, and the contents of its stomach, and structure of legs, show that it is a coast-
feeder. Does it frequent the floating icebergs of the Antarctic ocean, on which
sea-weed and other refuse is sometimes cast ?

1. Nothura major. Wagl.

Nothura major, Wagl. Syst. Av. p. sp. 4.

Tinamus major, Spix. Av. pi. 80.

These birds are very common on the northern shores of the Plata. They do
not rise in coveys, but generally by pairs. They do not conceal themselves nearly
so closely as the English partridge, and hence great numbers may be seen in
riding across the open grassy plains. Note, a shrill whistle. It appears a very
silly bird : a man on horseback, by riding round and round in a circle, or rather
in a spire, so as to approach closer each time, may knock on the head almost as
many as he pleases. The more common method is to catch them with a running
noose, or little lazo, made of the stem of an ostrich’s feather, fastened to the end
of a long stick.* A boy on a quiet old horse will frequently thus catch thirty
or forty in a day. The flesh of this bird, when cooked, is most delicately white,
but rather tasteless.

The egg of this species, I believe, closely resembles that of the two following.

2. Nothura minor. Wagl.

Nothura minor, Wagl. Syst. Av. p. sp. 4.

Tinamus minor, Spix, Av. Br. pi. 82.

I procured a specimen of this bird at Bahia Blanca, in northern Patagonia,
where it frequented the sand-dunes and the surrounding sterile plains. Its habits
appear similar to those of the N. major , but it lies closer and does not so readily
take to the wing. It is the smallest of the species mentioned in this work, and its
plumage is less distinctly spotted. The egg of this bird is described below.
Spix’s specimens were obtained at Tijuco in Brazil. The figure in his work on the
Birds of Brazil, differs slightly from mine, in being less marked on the breast.

3. Nothura perdicaria G. R. Gray.

Crypturus perdicarius, Kittlitz, Vogel von Chili.

This species closely resembles, in its general appearance and habits, the

* In Hearne’s Travels in North America, (p. 383), it is stated that the Northern Indians shoot the varying
hare, which will not bear to be approached in a straight line, in an analogous manner, by walking round it in a
spire. The middle of the day is the best time, when the shadowT of the hunter is not very long.

J 20

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

N. major, of which probably it is the analogue on the western side of the Cor-
dillera. It is larger and has a considerably longer beak than the N. major ; its
breast is not spotted, and its abdomen has a less fulvous tinge. The N. perdica-
rius runs on the open ground, generally a pair together, in the same unconcealed
manner, as its analogue, and does not readily lie close. Flight similar, but on
rising it utters a shriller whistle, of a different tone. It does not appear to be
so easily caught as the Plata species. It is tolerably abundant in all parts of Chile,
as far north as the valley of Guasco ; but I was assured, that it has never been
seen in the valley of Copiapo, although only seventy miles north of Guasco, and
of a similar character. The egg is very glossy and of a peculiar colour, which,
according to Werner’s nomenclature, is a palish chocolate red : length in longer
axis 2*07 of an inch; shorter axis I ’495 of an inch. The egg of the N. minor is
of a similar colour, but a shade paler, and rather smaller; its length being
1'815, and its transverse diameter 1-3 of an inch.

Rhynchotus rufescens. Wagl.

Rhynchotus rufescens, Wagl. Av. Syst.

Tinaraus rufescens. Temm. Gall. iii. p. 552.

Rhynchotus fasciatus. Spix. Av. Br. pi. 76.

Cryptura Guaza. Vieill.

Crypturus rufescens. Licht. Vog. Verz. s. 67.

My specimens were procured at Maldonado, where it is a much rarer bird
than the Nothura major ; I met with it also in the sterile country near Bahia
Blanca. At Maldonado it frequented swampy thickets on the borders of lakes.
It lies very close, and is unwilling to rise, but often utters, whilst on the ground,
a very shrill whistle. When on the wing, it flies to a considerable distance. Seve-
ral are generally found together, but they do not rise at the same instant, like a
covey of partridges. Flesh, when cooked, perfectly white. Spix’s specimens
were procured in the country between St. Paul’s and Minas Geraes ; so that this
bird, as well as the Nothura minor, has a considerable range.

Order — CURSORES. Temm.

1. Rhea Americana. Lath.

This bird is well known to abound on the plains of La Plata. To the north it
is found, according to Azara, in Paraguay, where, however, it is not common ; to the
south its limit appears to be from 42° to 43°. It has not crossed the Cordillera; but

BIRDS.

121

I have seen it within the first range of mountains on the Uspallata plain, elevated
between six and seven thousand feet. The ordinary habits of the ostrich are well
known. They feed on vegetable matter, such as roots and grass ; but at Bahia
Blanca, I have repeatedly seen three or four come down at low water to the
extensive mud-banks which are then dry, for the sake, as the Gauchos say, of
catching small fish. Although the ostrich in its habits is so shy, wary, and
solitary, and although so fleet in its pace, it falls a prey, without much difficulty,
to the Indian or Gaucho armed with the bolas. When several horsemen appear
in a semicircle, it becomes confounded, and does not know which way to escape.
They generally prefer running against the wind; yet at the first start they expand
their wings, and like a vessel make all sail. On one fine hot day I saw several
ostriches enter a bed of tall rushes, where they squatted concealed, till quite
closely approached. It is not generally known that ostriches readily take to the
water. Mr. King informs me that in Patagonia, at the Bay of San Bias and at
Port Valdes, he saw these birds swimming several times from island to island.
They ran into the water, both when driven down to a point, and likewise of their
own accord, when not frightened : the distance crossed was about 200 yards.
When swimming, very little of their bodies appear above water, and their necks
are extended a little forward : their progress is slow. On two occasions, I saw
some ostriches swimming across the Santa Cruz river, where it was about four
hundred yards wide, and the stream rapid. Captain Sturt,* when descending the
Murrumbidgee, in Australia, saw two emus in the act of swimming.

The inhabitants who live in the country readily distinguish, even at a distance,
the male bird from the female. The former is larger and darker coloured,'!' and
has a larger head. The ostrich, I believe the cock, emits a singular, deep-toned,
hissing note. When first I heard it, standing in the midst of some sand-hillocks,
I thought it was made by some wild beast, for it is a sound that one cannot tell
whence it comes, or from how far distant. When we were at Bahia Blanca in the
months of September and October, the eggs were found, in extraordinary num-
bers, all over the country. They either lie scattered single, in which case they
are never hatched, and are called by the Spaniards, huachos, or they are collected
together into a shallow excavation, which forms the nest. Out of the four nests
which I saw, three contained twenty-two eggs each, and the fourth twenty-seven.
In one day’s hunting on horseback sixty-four eggs were found ; forty-four of these
were in two nests, and the remaining twenty scattered huachos. The Gauchos
unanimously affirm, and there is no reason to doubt their statement, that the male

* Sturt’s Travels, vol. ii, p, 74.

t A Gaucho assured me that he had once seen a snow-white, or Albino variety, and that it was a most
beautiful bird.

R

122

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

bird alone hatches the eggs, and for some time afterwards accompanies the young.
The cock when on the nest lies very close ; I have myself almost ridden over
one. It is asserted that at such times they are occasionally fierce, and even
dangerous, and that they have been known to attack a man on horseback, trying
to kick and leap on him. My informer pointed out to me an old man, whom he
had seen much terrified by one chasing him. I observe, in Burchell’s Travels in
South Africa, that he remarks, “ having killed a male ostrich, and the feathers
being dirty, it was said by the Hottentots to be a nest bird.” I understand that
the male emu, in the Zoological Gardens, takes care of the nest : this habit there-
fore is common to the family.*

The Gauchos unanimously affirm that several females lay in one nest. I have
been positively told, that four or five hen birds have been actually watched and
seen to go, in the middle of the day, one after the other, to the same nest. I may
add, also, that it is believed in Africa, that two or more females lay in one nest.'j'
Although this habit at first appears very strange, I think the cause may be
explained in a simple manner. The number of eggs in the nest varies from
twenty to forty, and even to fifty ; and according to Azara to seventy or eighty.
Now although it is most probable, from the number of eggs found in one district
being so extraordinarily great, in proportion to that of the parent birds, and like-
wise from the state of the ovarium of the hen, that she may in the course of the
season lay a large number, yet the time required must be very long. Azara
states, £ that a female in a state of domestication laid seventeen eggs, each at the
interval of three days one from another. If the hen were obliged to hatch her
own eggs, before the last was laid, the first probably would be addled ; but if
each laid a few eggs at successive periods, in different nests, and several
hens, as is stated to be the case, combined together, then the eggs in one
collection would be nearly of the same age. If the number of eggs in one of
these nests is, as I believe, not greater on an average than the number laid by one
female in the season, then there must be as many nests as females, and each cock
bird will have its fair share of the labour of incubation ; and this during a period
when the females probably could not sit, on account of not having finished
laying.^ I have before mentioned the great numbers of huachos, or scattered

* It appears, also, from Mr. Gould’s late most interesting discoveries regarding the habits of the Talegalla
Lathami , (an Australian bird, one of the Rasores,) that several females lay in one nest, and that the eggs are
hatched by the heat engendered by a mass of decaying vegetable matter. It appears that the males assist the
females in scratching together the leaves and earth, of which the great conical mound or nest is composed.

t Burchell’s Travels, vol. i. p. 280. £ Azara, vol. iv. p. 173.

§ Lichtenstein, however, (Travels, vol. ii. p. 25.) states, that the hens begin to sit when ten or twelve eggs
are laid, and that they afterwards continue laying. He affirms that by day the hens take turns in sitting, but
that the cock sits all night.

BIRDS.

123

eggs ; so that in one day’s hunting the third part found were in this state.
It appears odd that so many should be wasted. Does it not arise from some
difficulty in several females associating together, and in finding a male ready to
undertake the office of incubation ? It is evident that there must at first be some
degree of association, between at least two females ; otherwise the eggs would
remain scattered at distances far too great to allow of the male collecting them
into one nest. Some authors believe that the scattered eggs are deposited for the
young birds to feed on. This can hardly be the case in America, because the
huachos, although often found addled and putrid, are generally whole.

2. Rhea Darwinii. Gould.

Plate XLVII.

Gould , in Proceedings of Zoological Soc. 1837, p. 35.

R. pallide fusca , pluma singula distinct a semilunar i nota Candida terminata ; capite
collo, femoribusque pallidioribus : rostri culmine augusti, ad apicem latiore, f routes
plumis parvis setosis anticb directis et supra nares extensis ; tarsi latcribus in
dimidiam partem plumis parvis mollibus tectis ; tarso f- antice posticeque toto,
squamis reticulatis tecto.

Long. tot. 52 unc. ; alee , 30; tarsi , 11 ; rostri, 2.

The whole of the plumage light brown, each feather with a decided crescent-
shaped mark of pure white at the extremity ; head, neck, and thighs lighter;
base of the neck blackish; culmen of the bill narrow, becoming a little
broader towards apex ; front with small bristly feathers, pointing forwards
and reaching over the nostrils. Tarsus with small downy feathers on sides,
extending half way downwards ; upper two-thirds of front of tarsus, and
whole hinder side, with reticulated scales.

Habitat, Eastern Patagonia (Lat. 40° S. to 54° S.)

This species, which Mr. Gould, in briefly characterizing it at a meeting of
the Zoological Society, has done me the honour of calling after my name, differs
in many respects from the Rhea Americana. It is smaller, and the general tinge
of the plumage is a light brown in place of grey; each feather being conspicuously
tipped with white. The bill is considerably smaller, and especially less broad at
its base ; the culmen is less than half as wide, and becomes slightly broader
towards the apex, whereas in the R. Americana it becomes slightly narrower; the
extremity, however, of both the upper and the lower mandible, is more tumid in
the latter, than in the R. Darwinii.

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ZOOLOGY OF THE TOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

R. Darwinii. R. Americana,
inches inches

Length of beak, from edge of membrane at base to the apes ... 2 2|

Length, from anterior margin of eye to apex ......

Width of upper mandible, measured across middle of nostrils . . . 1-^

The skin round and in front of the eyes is less bare in R. Darwinii; and
small bristly feathers, directed forwards, reach over the nostrils. The feet and
tarsi are nearly of the same size in the two species. In the R. Darwinii, short
plumose feathers extend downwards in a point on the sides of the tarsus, for about
half its length. The upper two-thirds of the tarsus, in front, is covered with
reticulated scales in place of the broad transverse band-like scales of the R. Ameri-
cana ; and the scales of the lower third are not so large as in the latter. In the
R. Darwinii the entire length of the back of the tarsus is covered with reticulated
scales, which increase in size from the heel upwards : in the common Rhea, the
scales on the hinder side of the tarsus are reticulated only on the heel, and about
an inch above it ; all the upper part consisting of transverse bands, similar to
those in front.

The first notice I received of this species was at the Rio Negro, in Northern
Patagonia, where I repeatedly heard the Gauchos talking of a very rare bird,
called Avestruz Petise. They described it as being less than the common ostrich
(which is there abundant), but with a very close general resemblance. They
said its colour was dark and mottled, and that its legs were shorter, and feathered
lower down than those of the common ostrich. It is more easily caught by the
bolas than the other species. The few inhabitants who had seen both kinds,
affirmed that they could distinguish them apart, from a long distance. The eggs,
however, of the small species appeared more generally known, and it was
remarked with surprise, that they were very little less than those of the common
Rhea, but of a slightly different form, and with a tinge of pale blue. Some eggs
which I picked up on the plains of Patagonia, agree pretty well with this descrip-
tion ; and I do not doubt are those of the Petise. This species occurs most rarely
in the neighbourhood of the Rio Negro ; but about a degree and a half further
south they are tolerably abundant. One Gaucho, however, told me he distinctly
recollected having seen one, many years before, near the mouth of the Rio
Colorado, which is north of the Rio Negro. They are said to prefer the plains
near the sea. When at Port Desire in Patagonia (Lat. 48°), Mr. Martens shot an
ostrich ; I looked at it, and from most unfortunately forgetting at the moment,
the whole subject of the Petises, thought it was a two-third grown one of the
common sort. The bird was skinned and cooked before my memory returned.
But the head, neck, legs, wings, many of the larger feathers, and a large part of
the skin, had been preserved. From these a very nearly perfect specimen has

BIRDS.

125

been put together, and is now exhibited in the museum of the Zoological
Society. M. A. D’Orbigny, a distinguished French naturalist, when at the Rio
Negro, made great exertions to procure this bird, but had not the good fortune to
succeed. He mentions it in his Travels (vol. ii. p. 76.) and proposes (in case, I
presume, of his obtaining a specimen at some future time, and thus being able to
characterize it,) to call it Rhea pennata. A notice of this species was given long
since (A.D. 1749) by DobrizhofFer, in his account of the Abipones (vol. i. Eng.
Trans, p. 314). He says, “ You must know, moreover, that Emus differ in size
and habits in different tracts of land; for those that inhabit the plains of Buenos
Ayres and Tucuman are larger, and have black, white, and grey feathers ; those
near to the Strait of Magellan are smaller, and more beautiful, for their white
feathers are tipped with black at the extremity, and their black ones in like
manner terminate in white.”

Among the Patagonian Indians in the Strait of Magellan, we found a half-
bred Indian, who had lived some years with this tribe, but had been born in the
northern provinces. I asked him if he had ever heard of the Avestruz Petise ? He
answered by saying, “Why there are none others in these southern countries.”
He informed me that the number of eggs in the nest of the Petise is considerably
less than with the other kind, namely, not more than fifteen on an average ; but
he asserted that more than one female deposited them. At Santa Cruz we saw
several of these birds. They were excessively wary : I think they could see a
person approaching, when he was so far off as not to distinguish the ostrich. In
ascending the river few were seen ; but in our quiet and rapid descent, many, in
pairs and by fours or fives, were observed. It was remarked by some of the
officers, and I think with truth, that this bird did not expand its wings, when first
starting at full speed, after the manner of the northern kind. The fact of these
ostriches swimming across the river has been mentioned. In conclusion, I may
repeat that the R. Americana inhabits the eastern plains of S. America as far as
a little south of the Rio Negro, in lat. 41°, and that the R. Darwinii takes its
place in Southern Patagonia ; the part about the Rio Negro being neutral territory.
Wallis saw ostriches at Bachelor’s river (lat 53° 54'), in the Strait of Magellan,
which must be the extreme southern possible range of the Petise.

Order -GRALLATORES.

Oreophilus totanirostris. Jard. fy Selb.

Oreophilus totanirostris, Jard. fy Selb. Illustr. of Orn. iii. pi. 151.

My specimens were obtained at Maldonado and at Valparaiso. At the
former, it was common, feeding on the open grassy plains in small flocks,
mingled with the icteri and the thrush-like Xolmis variegata. When these birds

126

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

rise on the wing, they utter a plaintive cry. Legs “crimson red;” toes leaden
colour, with their under surface remarkably soft and fleshy. Iris dark brown.

Charadrius virgininus. Borkli.

Charadrius virgininus, Borkli. Act. Acad. Caes. Leop. Car. Nat. Cur. 1834. xvi. pi. 18.
Charadrius marmoratus, Wagl.

This representative of tlie golden plover of Europe and North America, is
common on the banks of the Plata in large and small flocks. It is found also,
according to Meyer, in Chile.

1. Squatarola cincta. Jard. Selby.

Tringa Urvillii, Garnot, Ann. Ic. Nat. Jan. 1826.

Vanellus cinctus, Less. Vo y. de la Coqu. Zool. p. 720. pi. xliii.

Squatarola cincta, Jard. Sf Selby's Illust. Orn. pi. 110.

Charadrius rubecola, Vig. Journ. iv. p. 96.

I obtained specimens of this bird in Tierra del Fuego, where it inhabited
both the sea shore and the bare stony summits of the mountains ; at the Falkland
Islands, where it frequented the upland marshes ; and at Chiloe, where I met
with large flocks in the fields, not near the coast.

2. Squatarola fusca. Gould.

S. vertice corporeque supra fuscis, dor si parapterique plumis pallidiore marginatis ;
remigibus primariis nigrescenti fuscis , pogoniis externis albo august b marginatis
rhachibus albis ; uropygio cauddque obscurb fuscis, remigibus externis albo lath mar-
ginatis et terminatis ; fronte, genis, guld, abdomine postico, caudceque tegminibus
inferioribus flavescenti albis, colli pectorisque lateribus fuscis, colli plumis fusco
pallido terminatis ; pedibus nigris.

Long. tot. 8 unc. alee, 5§ ; caudce, 3 ; tarsi. If ; rostri, f .

Crown of the head, all the upper surface brown, the feathers of the back and the
scapularies, margined with paler ; primaries blackish brown, finely edged on
their inner margins with white, and with white shafts ; rump and tail dark
brown, the outer feathers largely margined and tipped with white ; forehead
and sides of the face sandy white ; throat, lower part of the abdomen, and
under tail coverts, bufly white ; sides of the neck and chest brown ; the
feathers of the latter tipped with still lighter brown ; bill and feet black.
Habitat, Maldonado ; inland glassy plains.

This species is most closely allied to the foregoing. I obtained only one
specimen, which, on comparison with several of the S. cincta, appears a little larger
in all its dimensions, especially in the length of the tarsi. Its back and scapu-

BIRDS.

127

laries are of a more uniform brown, the feathers being less edged with pale brown.
Its feet are black, whereas those of S. cincta are brown.

Philomachus Cayanus. G. JR. Gray.

Charadrius Cayanus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 11. 748.

I met with this bird from latitude 30° to 45° S. on both sides of S. America.
In La Plata it is called “ Teru-tero,” in imitation of its cry ; and in Chile, according
to Molina, “Theghel.” These birds, which in many respects resemble in habits our
peewits ( Vanellus cristatus ), frequent, generally in pairs, open grassy land, and
especially the neighbourhood of lakes. As the peewit takes its name from the
sound of its voice, so does the teru-tero. While riding over the grassy plains,
one is constantly pursued by these birds, which appear to hate mankind, and I
am sure deserve to be hated, for their never-ceasing, unvaried, harsh screams.
The stillness of the night is often disturbed by them. To the sportsman they are
most annoying, by announcing to every other bird and animal his approach : to
the traveller in the country, they may possibly, as Molina says, do good, by
warning him of the midnight robber. During the breeding season, they attempt,
like our peewits, by feigning to be wounded, to draw away from their nests dogs
and other enemies. Their eggs are of a pointed oval form ; of a brownish olive
colour, thickly spotted with dark brown. Their eggs, like those of the peewit,
are esteemed particularly good eating.

1. Hiaticula AzartE. G. JR. Gray.

Charadrius Azarse, Temm. pi. col. 184.

collaris, Vieill.

Albatuitui a collier noir, Azara, No. 392.

My specimens w7ere obtained on the banks of the Plata and at Valparaiso.
The specimen from the latter country differs from those procured at the former,
in the absence of the black collar on the breast, of the black streak running from
the eye to the corner of the mouth ; in the plumage of the back and back of head
having a lesser tinge of red ; and especially in the feet being black, and tarsi
blackish, instead of both being orange, as is the case with those killed on the
shores of the Plata. I have not, however, thought it desirable to make twfo
species of these birds, not having a larger series of specimens for comparison.

2. Hiaticula trifasciatus. G. R. Gray.

Charadrius bifasciatus, Licht. Yog. Yerz. p.71.

trifasciatus, Wagl. Syst. Ay. sp. 31.

I procured two specimens of this bird at Bahia Blanca, in Northern
Patagonia.

•28

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

3. Hiaticula semipalmata. G. R. Gray.

Tringa semipalmata, Temm.

Charadrius semipalmatus, Caup. Isis. 1825, p. 1375, t. 14. Wagl. Syst. Ay. sp. 23.

Bonap. Am. Orn. iv. pi. 25, f. 4.

Galapagos Archipelago.

HjEmatopus palliatus. Temm.

Rio Plata.

Egretta leuce. Bonap.

Ardea Leuce, 111.

Ardea Egretta, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 61, f. 4.

My specimen was procured at Maldonado. I saw it also in Patagonia.

Ardea herodias. Linn.

Galapagos Archipelago. Frequents the sea-coast and salt-lagoons. There
are no fresh water pools in any of these islands.

1. Nycticorax violaceus. Bonap.

Ardea Yiolacea, Linn.

Ardea callocephala, Wagl. Syst. Av.

Mr. G. R. Gray has thought it advisable to give the following description of
this specimen, from the Gallapagos Archipelago. It appears to be a young bird,
and is small in all its dimensions.

Upper part blackish-grey ; each feather marked down the middle with a broad
stripe of black, and tinged on the margins with shining bronze-brown ;
beneath the body blueish-grey, with the front of the neck, top of the head,
and margins of the feathers on the thighs rufous ; the sides of the head and
throat deep black, the former divided in the middle on each side with a patch
of white ; the bill black, and feet of a pale reddish colour.

2. Nycticorax americanus. Bonap.

Ardea nycticorax, Wils. (young bird.)

Valparaiso, Chile.

Theristicus melanops. Wagl.

Ibis melanops, Lath. Hist. ix. pi. 150.

This bird frequents the desert gravelly plains of Patagonia, as far south as
lat. 48° : in the British Museum there are specimens which Captain Clapperton
brought from central Africa ; so that this bird has an extraordinarily wide range.
It generally lives in pairs, but during part of the year in small flocks. Its cry
is very singular and loud : when it is heard at a distance it closely resembles the
neighing of the guanaco. I opened the stomach of two specimens, and found in
them remains of lizards, cicadae, and scorpions. It builds in rocky cliffs on the

BIRDS.

129

sea-shore : egg dirty white, freckled with pale reddish-brown ; its circumference
over longer axis is seven inches. The legs are carmine and scarlet-red : iris
scarlet-red.

Ibis (falcinellus) Ordi. Bonap.

Tantalus Mexicanus, Ord. Joum. Acad. Phil.

Tantalus clialcopterus ? Temm.

Ibis Falcinellus, Bonap. Am. Orn. iii.

My specimen was obtained at the Rio Negro : it is very numerous in large
flocks on the vast swampy plains between Bahia Blanca and Buenos Ayres. Its
flight when soaring is singularly graceful ; the whole flock moving in precise
concert.

1, Numenius hudsonicus. Lath.

Numenius Hudsonicus, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 712.

This curlew is very abundant on the tidal mud-banks of Chiloe. When the
flock rises, each bird utters a shrill note.

2. Numenius brevirostris. Licht.

Numenius brevirostris, Licht. Cat. 75, sp. 774 a.

Buenos Ayres.

Limosa Hudsonica. Swains.

Scolopax Hudsonica, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 720.

My specimens were obtained from the Falkland Islands and from Chiloe,
where it frequented the tidal mud-banks in flocks.

1. Totanus flavipes. Vieill.

Totanus flavipes, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 1106.

Yellow shanks snipe, Penn. Arct. Zool. ii. 468.

— Wills. Am. Orn. pi. 58. f. 4.

Monte Video, Rio Plata.

2. Totanus macropterus. G. R. Gray.

Tringa macroptera, Spix. Av. n. sp. pi. 92.

Monte Video, Rio Plata.

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

3. Totanus melanoleucos. Licht. et Vieill.

Scolopax melanoleuca, Gmel.

Scolopax vociferus, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 58, f. 5.

Chorlito a croupion blanc, Azara, No. 394.

Totanus solitarius, Vieill.

White-rumped snipe, Lath.

Maldonado, Rio Plata.

4. Totanus fuliginosus. Gould.

T. corpore supra caudaque fuliginoso-griseis ; alis fuscis ; gutture albo ; pectore
hypochondr Usque plumbeo-griseis ; abdomine medio, caudce tegminibus inferioribus
albis, illis obscure, his plane grisescenti fusco fasciatis ; rostri rubescenti fusco ;
pedibus obscurb olivaceo fuscis.

Long. tot. 9| unc. aloe, 6§ ; caudce, 3 ; tarsi, 1\ ; rostri, §.

The whole of the upper surface and tail sooty-grey ; wings dull brown ; throat
white ; chest and flanks leaden grey ; centre of the abdomen and under
tail coverts white, the former indistinctly, and the latter distinctly, barred
with greyish brown ; bill, reddish-brown ; feet, dark olive-brown.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago {October).

This species appear quite distinct from any described one.

Hjmantopus nigricollis. Vieill.

Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 340.

Recurvirostra himantopus, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 58. f. 2.

My specimens were obtained from the provinces bordering the Plata. On
the great swampy plains and fens which lie between Buenos Ayres and Bahia
Blanca, it is very numerous in small, and occasionally, in large flocks. This
plover, which appears as if mounted on stilts, has been wrongfully accused of
inelegance ; when wading about in shallow water, which is its favourite resort, its
gait is far from awkward. In a flock it utters a noise, which singularly resem-
bles the cry of a pack of small dogs in full chase : when I travelled across the
above mentioned plains, I was more than once startled, when lying awake at
night, at the distant sound, and thought the wild Indians were coming.

Tringa rufescens. Vieill.

Tringa rufescens, Vieill., N. Diet. d’Hist. Nat. 34. p. 470.

Ency. Meth. Orn. p. 1090.

Gal. des Ois. pi. 238.

Yarrel, Lin. Trans.

Gould ; Birds of Europe, pi.

Monte Video, Rio Plata.

BIRDS.

131

1. Pelidna Schinzii. Bonap.

Tringa Schinzii, Brehm. Bonajp. Am. Orn. iv. pi. 24. f. 2.

Pelidna cinclus, var. Bay.

Flocks of this species were common on the shores of the inland bays in the
southern parts of Tierra del Fuego.

2. Pelidna minutilla. Gould.

Tringa minntilla, Vieill. Ency. Meth. 1089.

Galapagos Archipelago. Both the specimens which I procured here are
smaller than the ordinary size of this bird, but do not differ in other respects.
Vieillot says it ranges from the Antilles to Canada.

Rhynceuea semicollaris. G. R. Gray.

Totanus semicollaris, Vieill ., Ency. Meth. p. 1100.

Rhynchsea Hilairea, Valenc. Less. 111. de Zool. pi. 18.

Rhynchsea occidentalis, King, Zool. Jonrn. iv. 94.

Le chorlito a demi colliers blanc et noiratre, Azara, No. 409.

Monte Video, Rio Plata. Frequents swamps ; habits like the Scolopax
Gallinago.

1. Scolopax (Telmatias) Paraguale. Vieill.

Scolopax Paraguai, Veiell. Ency. Meth. p. 1160.

Brasiliensis, Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 400.

Becassine 1st Espece, Azara.

Valparaiso and Maldonado, Rio Plata.

2. Scolopax (Telmetias) Magellanicus. King.

Scolopax Magellanicus, King , Zool, Journ.

My specimens were obtained from Maldonado and East Falkland Island.
Flight a very little less irregular and rapid than the English snipe. I several
times in May observed this, as well as the foregoing species, flying in lofty circles,
and suddenly stooping downwards, at the same time that it uttered a peculiar
drumming noise, similar to that made by the English snipe in summer, when
breeding. This species is most closely allied to the foregoing, but I have no
doubt it is distinct ; because at the time when I procured specimens of both at
Maldonado, I perceived a difference between them. This species is there more
abundant than the S. Paraguaice. Its beak is nearly three-tenths of an inch
shorter, and the culrnen rather broader. The plumage of its back is of a decidedly
less dark tint ; each separate feather having much less black in it.

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Strepsilas interpres. III.

Tringa Morinellus, L.

I obtained specimens from Iquique, on the coast of Peru, and from the
Galapagos Archipelago.

Crex lateralis. Licht.

Crex lateralis, Licht., Cat. p.

Griff". An. King. Aves.

Maldonado, Rio Plata. On being disturbed readily takes wing. Base of
the bill, especially of the lower mandible, bright green.

1. Zapornia notata. Gould.

Plate XL VIII.

Z. corpore toto supra nigrescentifusco, pluma singula medio albo-guttatd et olivaceo-
fusco lath marginatd ; remigibus fuscis, mento albo, corpore infra fuscescenti-nigro,
gutture pectoreque albo-striatis ; abdomine tegminibusque caudce inferioribus albo
irregulariter transversb strigato ; rostro obscure corneo ; pedibus olivaceo-viridibus.
Long. tot. 5-f unc. ; alee, ; caudce, If ; tarsi, f ; rostri, \.

The whole of the upper surface blackish brown, each feather spotted with white
down the centre, and largely margined with olive brown ; quills plain brown ;
chin white ; the remainder of the under surface brownish black, striated with
white on the throat and chest, and crossed by irregular bars of the same on
the abdomen and under tail coverts ; bill dark horn colour ; feet olive green.
Habitat, Rio Plata. (Shot on board the Beagle.)

2. Zapornia spilonota. Gould.

Plate XLIX.

Z. capite corporeque infra, nigrescenti-griseis ; corpore supra obscure rubrofusco,
uropygio obscure grisescenti-nigro ; alis hypochondriis postice, tegminibusque caudce
inferioribus albo parciter spar sis; rostro nigrofusco ; pedibus rubescentibus ; iridibus
carmineis.

Long. tot. unc. ; alee , 2f ; caudce, 1 ; tarsi, f ; rostri, § .

Head and all the under surface blackish grey ; all the upper surface dark reddish
brown, fading off on the rump into deep greyish black ; the wings, hinder
part of the flanks, and under tail coverts slightly sprinkled with white; bill,
blackish brown ; feet, reddish ; iris, bright scarlet.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago.

BIRDS.

133

This bird frequents in large numbers the high and damp summits of the
islands. It lives in the thick beds of carex and other plants, which, from the
condensed vapour of the clouds, are constantly kept rather humid. It is tame,
but lives concealed ; it often utters a loud and peculiar cry. The female is said to
lay from eight to twelve eggs. It is, I believe, the only bird in this archipelago
which is exclusively confined to the upper parts of the islands. With respect to
the specific description, I must observe, that in one of the specimens, the few and
small white spots on the wings and abdomen are wanting. This is not a sexual
distinction, but possibly may be owing to immaturity.

1. Rallus Phillipensis. Linn.

Common on the low coral islets, forming the Keeling or Cocos Atoll in the
Indian ocean. With the exception of a snipe, this was the only bird without web-
feet which inhabited this group.

2. Rallus ypecaha. Vieill.

Rallus ypecaha, Vieill. Ency. Meth. p. 1071.

Crex melampyga, Licht. Oat. Sp.

L’Ypacaha, Azam, No. 367.

Buenos Ayres.

3. Rallus sanguinolentus. Swains.

Rallus sanguinolentus, Swains , 2 cent, and a quart.

Valparaiso.

Gallinula crassirostris. J. E. Gray.

Gallinula crassirostris, J.E. Gray, in Griff. An. Kingd.

I obtained specimens on the banks of the Plata and at Valparaiso.

Fulica galeata. G. R. Gray.

Crex galeata, Licht , Cat. 80. sp. 826.

Yahana proprement dit, Azara, No. 379.

Gallinula galeata, Bonap.

Concepcion, Chile.

PoRPHYRIO SIMPLEX. Gould.

P . vertice, remigibus primariis obscurb olivaceo-viridibus, harurn apicibus Jlavescenti
albo anguste marginatis ; corpore supra obscure olivaceo-viridi, pluma singuld

134

ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

obscure fulvo late marginatd; genis gutture, corporeque infra Jlavescentibus ; rostro
rubro ; pedibus viridescenti-fiavis.

Long. tot. 9 unc. ; alee , 5( ; caudce , 2|- ; tarsi , 1| ; rostrio, g.

Habitat, Ascension Island, Atlantic Ocean. (July.)

This specimen was killed with a stick near the summit of the Island. It
was evidently a straggler, which had not long arrived. There is no aboriginal
land bird at Ascension.

Order — PALMIPEDES.

Anser melanopterus. Eyton.

Anser melanopterus, Eyton, Monog. Anatidse, p. 93.

Plate L.

Captain FitzRoy purchased a skin of this fine goose at Valparaiso, which he
has presented to the British Museum. There is another specimen at the Zoologi-
cal Society, which Mr. Pentland procured from the lake of Titicaca, in Bolivia.

Chloephaga Magellanica. Eyton.

Anas Magellanica, Gmel. Syst. i. 505.

Chloephaga Magellanica, Eyton, Monog. Anatidse, p. 82.

Bernicla leucoptera, Less. Trait d’Ornith. 627.

This goose is found in Tierra del Fuego, and at the Falkland Islands; at the
Tatter it is common. They live in pairs and in small flocks throughout the interior
of the island, being rarely or never found on the sea-coast, and seldom even near
fresh-water lakes. I believe this bird does not migrate from the Falkland Islands ;
it builds on the small outlying islets. This latter circumstance is supposed to be
owing to the fear of the foxes ; and it is perhaps from the same cause, that
although very tame by day, they are much the contrary in the dusk of the
evening. These geese live entirely on vegetable matter ; they are called by the
seamen, the “ upland geese.” Mr. Eyton, in his excellent Monograph on the
Anatidse, has described the trachea of this bird, which I brought home in spirits,

Bernicla Antarctica. Steph.

Bernicla antarctica, Steph. Sh. Zool. xii. 59.

Eyton , Monograph, p. 84.

Anas Antarctica, Gmel. Syst. i. 505.

This goose is common in Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and on the
western coast, as far north as Chiloe. It is called by the sailors the “ rock goose,”
as it lives exclusively on the rocky parts of the sea-coast. In the deep and retired

BIRDS.

135

channels of Tierra del Fuego, the snow-white male, invariably accompanied by
his darker consort, and standing close by each other on some distant rocky point,
is a common feature in the landscape. Mr. Eyton has described the treachea of
this species, which I brought home.

PjECilonitta Bahamensis. Eyton.

Psecilonitta Bahamensis, Eyton , Monog. p. 116.

Anas Bahamensis, Linn. Syst. i. 199.

Mareca Bahamensis, Steph. Gen. Zool. xii. p. 137.

A specimen was procured from a small salt-water lagoon in the Galapagos
Archipelago ( October.)

It was a male ; bill, lead colour ; base of superior mandible purple, with a black

mark in the upper part.

Dafila urophasianus. Eyton.

Dafila urophasianus, Eyton , Monog. Anatidee. p. 112.

Anas urophasianus, King , Zool. Journ. iv. 351.

Bahia Blanca, Northern Patagonia.

Rhynchaspis maculatus. Gould.

Rhyncliaspis maculatus, Gould, in Jard. & Selby Illust. Orn. p. 147. pi. 147.

Mr. Gould observes that, “ A good figure of this beautiful shoveller may be
found in the 3rd vol. of Messrs. Jardine and Selby’s Illustrations of Ornithology.
Their figure was taken from an example which I forwarded to those gentlemen
with the name of maculata attached: my specimen was received from the Rio Plata,
and this is also the locality whence (in October) Mr. Darwin’s specimen was
procured. The numerous and conspicuous spots distributed over the body,
renders this species readily distinguishable from all the other members of the
genus.”

1. Querquedula erythrorhyncha. Eyton.

Querquedula erythrorhyncha, Eyton , Monog. Anatidee, p. 127.

Anas erythrorhyncha, Spix , Av. Nov. sp. pi.

My specimens were obtained from Buenos Ayres ( October ) and the Straits
of Magellan ( February .)

2. Querquedula creccoides. Eyton.

Querquedula creccoides, Eyton , Monog. Anatidee, p. 128.

Anas creccoides, King , Zool. Journ. iv. 99.

Mr. Gould observes that, “This species was first described by Mr. Vigors,

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

from a specimen in the collection brought from the Straits of Magellan, by Capt.
P. P. King. It is a true teal, and in size and form closely assimilates to the
common teal of Europe, and to the species inhabiting North America {Querquedula
Carolinensis, Bonap.) to both of which it is evidently an analogue, and doubt-
less represents those birds in the southern half of the American continent.”
My specimens were procured from the Rio Plata, and from the Straits of
Magellan.

Micropterus brachypterus. Eyton.

Micropterus brachypterus, Eyton , Monog. Anat. p. 144.

Anas brachytera, Lath. Ind. Orn. ii. 834.

These great logger-headed ducks, which sometimes weigh as much as twenty-
two pounds, were called by the old navigators, from their extraordinary manner
of paddling and splashing over the water, race-horses, but now much more
properly steamers. Their wings are too small and weak to allow of flight, but by
their aid, partly swimming and partly flapping the surface of the water, they move
very quickly. The manner is something like that by which the common house
duck escapes, when pursued by a dog ; but I am nearly sure that the steamer
moves its wings alternately, instead of, as in other birds, both together. These
clumsy birds make such a noise and splashing, that the effect is most curious.
The steamer is able to dive but a very short distance. It feeds entirely on shell-
fish from the floating kelp and tidal rocks ; hence the beak and head are sur-
prisingly heavy and strong, for the purpose of breaking them. So strong is the
head, that I have sometimes scarcely been able to fracture it with my geological
hammer; and all our sportsmen soon discovered how tenacious these birds were
of life. When pluming themselves in the evening in a flock they make an odd
mixture of sounds, somewhat like bull-frogs within the tropics.

1. Podiceps kalipareus. Quoy Gaim.

My specimens were obtained from Bahia Blanca (September), Northern
Patagonia, and the Falkland Islands. In the former place it lived in small flocks
in the salt-water channels, extending between the great marshes at the head of
the harbour. At the Falkland Islands I saw (March) very few individuals ; and
these only in one small fresh-water lake. Tarsi of the same colour as the plumage
of the back ; iris of a beautiful tint, between “ scarlet and carmine red pupil
black. Mr. Gould remarks that, “ This beautiful species of Podiceps is equal in
size, and has many of the characters of the P.auritus, but is at once distinguished
from that species by the silvery colouring of the plumes that adorn the sides of
the head ; which in P. auritus are deep chestnut.”

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137

2. Podiceps roll andii. Quoy et Gaim.

Podiceps Rolland, Quoy et Gaim. Yov. de rUranie, pi. 36. p. 133.

I obtained specimens from the Falkland Islands (March), where it was common
at the head of the tortuous bays which intersect those islands ; from a fresh water
lake near the Strait of Magellan (February); and from the eastern coast of Chiloe.
The male and female have the same plumage. Iris of a fine red colour. Mr.
Gould adds that, “ this species appears to be as nearly related to the Podiceps
cornutus, as the preceding species is to P. auritus, but is readily distinguishable
from it, by the white spot in the centre of the tuft of feathers that spring from the
sides of the face.”

3. Podiceps Chilensis. Garnot.

Le macas cornu, Azara, No. 443.

This specimen was procured in a fresh-water lake near Buenos Ayres.
Capt. P. King brought home specimens from the salt-water channels in Tierra
del Fuego, where it is excessively numerous. It often makes a very melancholy
cry, which suits the gloomy climate of those desolate shores.

Spheniscus Humboldtii. Meyen.

Spheniscus Humboldtii, Meyen. Nov. Act. Acad. Caes. Leop. Car. Nat. Cur. 1834, 110. pi. 21.

My specimen was obtained near Valparaiso. Meyen, who first described
this bird, procured it from the coast of Peru.

PuFFINUS CINEREUS. Steph.

Puffinus cinereus, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii. p. 227.

Procellaria puffinus, Linn.

This bird frequents the seas on the whole coast of South America. I
obtained specimens from Tierra del Fuego, Chiloe, the mouth of the Plata, and Cal-
lao Bay on the coast of Peru. It is likewise known to be common in the Northern
Hemisphere ; this species, therefore, has a most extensive range. It generally
frequents the retired inland sounds in very large flocks ; although, occasionally,
two or three may be seen out at sea. I do not think I ever saw so many birds of
any other sort together, as I once saw of these petrels, behind the Island of
Chiloe. Hundreds of thousands flew in an irregular line, for several hours in one
direction. When part of the flock settled on the water, the surface was blackened ;
and a cackling noise proceeded from them, as of human beings talking in the
distance. At this time, the water was in parts coloured by clouds of small
Crustacea. The inhabitants of Chiloe told me that this petrel was very irregular

T

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

in its movements ; — sometimes they appeared in vast numbers, and on the next
day not one was to be seen. At Port Famine, every morning and evening, a long
band of these birds continued to fly with extreme rapidity, up and down the
central parts of the channel, close to the surface of the water. Their flight was
direct and vigorous, and they seldom glided with extended wings in graceful
curves, like most other members of this family. Occasionally, they settled for a
short time on the water ; and they thus remained at rest during nearly the whole
of the middle of the day. When flying backwards and forwards, at a
distance from the shore, they evidently were fishing : but it was rare to see them
seize any prey. They are very wary, and seldom approach within gun-shot of a
boat or of a ship; — a disposition strikingly different from that of most of the other
species. The stomach of one, killed near Port Famine, was distended with seven
prawn-like crabs, and a small fish. In another, killed off the Plata, there was
the beak of a small cuttle-fish. I observed that these birds, when only slightly
winged, were quite incapable of diving. There is no difference in the plumage of
the sexes. The web between the inner toes, with the exception of the margin, is
“ reddish-lilac-purple the rest being blackish. Legs and half of the lower man-
dible blackish purple. From accounts which I have received, the individuals of
this species, which live in the Northern Hemisphere, appear to have exactly
the same habits as those above described.

1. Pelecanoides Berardi. G. R. Gray.

Puffinuria Berardi, Less. Tr. d’Orn. p. 614.

Procellaria Berardi, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. depl. 31

This bird is common in the deep and quiet creeks and inland seas of Tierra
del Fuego, and on the west coast of Patagonia, as far north as the Chonos
Archipelago. I never saw but one in the open sea, and that was between Tierra
del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. This bird is a complete auk in its habits,
although from its structure it must be classed with the Petrels. To the latter Mr.
Gould informs me, its affinity is clearly shewn by the form of its beak and
nostrils, length of foot, and even by the general colouring of its plumage. To the
auks it is related in the general form of its body, its short wings, shape of tail,
and absence of hind-toe to the foot. When seen from a distance and undisturbed,
it would almost certainly be mistaken, from its manner of swimming and frequent
diving, for a grebe. When approached in a boat, it generally dives to a distance,
and on coming to the surface, with the same movement takes flight : having flown
some way, it drops like a stone on the water, as if struck dead, and instan-
taneously dives again. No one seeing this bird for the first time, thus diving

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139

like a grebe and flying in a straight line by the rapid movement of its short wings
like an auk, would be willing to believe that it was a member of the family
of petrels ; — the greater number of which are eminently pelagic in their habits,
do not dive, and whose flight is usually most graceful and continuous. I
observed at Fort Famine, that these birds, in the evening, sometimes flew in
straight lines from one part of the sound to another; but during the day,
they scarcely ever, I believe, take wing, if undisturbed. They are not very wild :
if they had been so, from their habit of diving and flying, it would have been
extremely difficult to have procured a specimen. The legs of this bird are of a
“ flax-flower blue.”

2. Pelecanoides Garnotii. G. R. Gray.

Puffinuria Garnotii, Less. Voy. de l’Coqu. pi. 46.

Procellaria urinatrix, Gm. ?

My specimen was obtained at Iquique (lat. 20° 12'), on the coast of Peru.
M. Lesson, who first described this species, says (Manuel d’Ornithologie, vol. ii.
p. 394.), “ Lej vuffinure de Garnot habite par grandes troupes le long des cotes du
Perou. II vole mediocrement bien, d’une maniere precipitee et en rasant la
mer; mais il pr^fere se tenir en repos sur la surface des eaux, et plonge tres
frequemment a la maniere des grebes, sans doute pour saisir les petits poissons
qui forment sa pature.” An anatomical description of this bird is there given.

1. Procellaria gigantea. Gmel.

This bird, which is called by the English, “ Nelly,” and by the Spaniards,
“ Quebranta-huesos,” (properly an osprey,) is common in the southern latitudes of
South America. It frequents both the inland sounds, and the open ocean far
from the coast. It often settles and rests on the water. The Nelly, in its flight
and general appearance on the wing, has many points of resemblance with the
Albatross ; but, as in the case of that bird, it is in vain to attempt observing on
what it feeds ; both seem to hunt the waters for days together, in sweeping
circles, with no success. In the stomach, however, of one which I opened, there
was the beak of a large cuttle-fish. The Nelly, moreover, is a bird of prey : it was
observed at Port St. Antonio, by some of the officers of the Beagle, to kill a diver.
The latter tried to escape, both by diving and flying, but was continually struck
down, and at last was killed by a blow on its head. At Port St. Julian, also,
these great petrels were seen killing and devouring young gulls. The Nelly breeds
on several of the small islands off the coast of Patagonia ; for instance, Sea-Lion
Island, in the mouth of the Santa Cruz. Most other species of the family retire
for the purpose of breeding to the Antarctic Islands.

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

I have often observed in the southern seas, a bird similar in every respect to the
Nelly, excepting in its plumage, being of a much more intense black, and its bill
rather whiter. I procured a specimen thus coloured, at Port Famine, and had
concluded that it was a distinct species, until Mr. Low, (an excellent practical
observer, long acquainted during his sealing voyages with the productions of
these seas,) assured me that he positively knew, that these black varieties were
the one-year-old birds of the common greyish black Nelly.

2. Procellaria glacialoi'des. A. Smith.

Procellaria glacialo'ides, A. Smith, Illust. of Zool. of S. Africa, Aves, pi. 51.

I saw this petrel on both sides of the Continent south of lat. 30° ; but seldom
more than two or three together. I am informed that it arrives in Georgia in
September for the purpose of breeding, and that it lays its eggs in holes in the
precipices overhanging the sea. On the approach of winter it is said to retire
from that island. My specimen was caught in the Bay of St. Mathias (lat. 43° S.)
by a line and bent pin, baited with a small piece of pork ; the same means by
which the Pintado ( Dapt . Capensis ) is so easily caught. It is a tame, sociable, and
silent bird ; and often settles on the water: when thus resting it might from a dis-
tance be mistaken, owing to the general colour of its plumage, for a gull. One or
two often approached close to the stern of the Beagle, and mingled with the
Pintados, the constant attendants on vessels traversing these southern seas.

Daption Capensis. Steph.

Procellaria Capensis, Linn. Syst. i. 213.

This petrel is extremely numerous over the whole southern ocean, south of the
Tropic of Capricorn. On the coast, however, of Peru, I saw them in lat. from 16° to 1 7°
S., which is considerably farther north than they are found on the shores of Brazil.
Cook, in sailing south in the meridian of New Zealand, first met this bird
in lat. 43° 30'. The Pintados slightly differ in some of their habits from
the rest of their congeners, but, perhaps, approach in this respect nearest to
P. glacialo'ides. They are very tame and sociable, and follow vessels navigating
these seas for many days together : when the ship is becalmed, or is moving slowly,
they often alight on the surface of the water, and in doing this they expand their
tails like a fan. I think they always take their food, when thus swimming.
When offal is thrown overboard, they frequently dive to the depth of a foot or two.
They are very apt to quarrel over their food, and they then utter many harsh but
not loud cries. Their flight is not rapid, but extremely elegant ; and as these
prettily mottled birds skim the surface of the water in graceful curves, constantly
following the vessel as she drives onward in her course, they afford a spectacle

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141

which is beheld by every one with interest. Although often spending the whole
day on the wing, yet on a fine moonlight night, I have repeatedly seen these birds
following the wake of the vessel, with their usual graceful evolutions. I am
informed that the Pintado arrives in Georgia for the purpose of breeding, and
leaves it, at the same time with the P. glacialdides. The sealers do not know
any other island in the Antarctic ocean excepting Georgia, where these two birds
(as well as the Thalassidroma oceanica ) resort to breed.

Thalassidroma oceanica. Bonap.

Thalassidroma oceanica, Bonap. Journ. Acad. Nat. Scien., Philadelphia, vol. iii. p. 233.

Procellaria oceanica, Forster.

Petrel echasse. Temm.

I obtained this bird at Maldonado, near the mouth of the Plata, where it was
blown on shore by a gale of wind. These birds, although seeming to prefer on most
occasions the open ocean, and to be most active, walking with their wings
expanded on the crest of the waves, when the gale is heaviest, yet sometimes visit
quiet harbours, in considerable numbers. At Bahia Blanca I saw many, when
there was nothing in the weather to explain their appearance. I was informed
by a sealer, that they build in holes on the sea cliffs of Georgia, where they arrive
very regularly in the month of September. No other place is known to be
frequented by them for the purpose of breeding.

Prion vittatus. Cuv.

Procellaria Vittata, Gmelin. Syst. i. 560.

I did not procure a specimen of this bird, although I saw numbers on both
sides of the Continent from about lat. 35° S. to Cape Horn. It is a wild solitary
bird, appears always to be on the wing : flight extremely rapid. Mr. Stokes
(Assistant surveyor of the Beagle) informs me tbat they build in great numbers on
Landfall Island, on the west coast of Tierra del Fuego. Their burrows are about
a yard deep : they are excavated on the hill-sides, at a distance even of
half a mile from the sea shore. If a person stamps on the ground over their
nests, many fly out of the same hole. Mr. Stokes says the eggs are white,
elongated, and of the size of those of a pigeon.

1. Larus fuliginosus. Gould.

L. Mas. corpore toto obscure plumbeo-griseo, tegminibus caudce superioribus inferiori-
busque pallidioribus ; rostro basi rubro, apice nigro ; pedibus nigris.

Long. tot. 16 1 unc. ; alee , 13| : caudce , 6 ; tarsi , 2-i ; rostri 2§ .

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

The whole of the plumage deep leaden-grey ; the upper and under tail coverts

being lightest ; bill red at the base, black at the tip ; feet black.

Habitat, Galapagos Archipelago {October).

This species of gull has many characters in common with the Larus licemato-
rhynchus of King, from the continent of S. America ; but may at once be distin-
guished from it by the general extreme duskiness of its plumage, feet, tarsi, and
bill ; and by the more elongated form of the latter. My specimen was killed at
James Island. I observed nothing particular in its habits. It is the only species
of gull frequenting this Archipelago.

2. Larus klematorhynchus. King.

Larus heematorhynchus, King , Zool. Journ. iv. 103.

= Jar cl. fy Sell. 111. Orn. p. 1 06.

This bird was killed at Port St. Julian on the coast of Patagonia. Beak
(when fresh killed) of a pale “ arterial blood red,” legs “ vermilion red.”

3. Larus dominicanus. Licht.

Larus dominicanus, Licht. Oat. 82. sp. 846.

Grande Mouette, Azara, No. 409.

This gull abounds in flocks on the Pampas, sometimes even as much as fifty
and sixty miles inland. Near Buenos Ayres, and at Bahia Blanca, it attends
the slaughtering-houses, and feeds, together with the Polybori and Cathartes, on
the garbage and offal. The noise which it utters is very like that of the common
English gull {Larus canns, Linn.)

Xema (Chroicocephauus) cirrocephalum. G. R. Gray.

Larus cirrocephalus, Vieill. Nov. Diet. d’Histoire, 21. p. 502.

Larus maculipennis, Licht. Cat. 83. sp. 855.

Larus glaucodes, Meyen , Nov. Act. 1839, p. 115. pi. 24.

Mouette cendree, Azara, No. 410.

This species so closely resembles the Xema ridibundum , Boi&, that Mr. Gould
observes, he should have hardly ventured to have characterized it as distinct ;
but as M. Vieillot and Meyen have deemed this necessary, he adopts their view.
I have compared a suite of specimens, which I procured from the Rio Plata, the
coast of Patagonia, and the Straits of Magellan, with several specimens of the
Xema ridibundum ; the only difference which appears to me constant, is that the
primaries of the X. cirrocephalum, in the adult winter plumage, both of male and
female, are tipped with a white spot (a character common to some other species),
whereas in the X. ridibundum the points are black. The beak of the latter species,

BIRDS.

143

especially the lower mandible, is also a little less strong, or high in proportion to
its length. In the immature stage, I could perceive no difference whatever in the
plumage of these birds. The proportional quantity of black and white in the
primaries, given by Meyen as the essential character, varies in the different states
of plumage. The specimens described by this author were procured from Chile.*
The soles of the feet of my specimens were coloured, deep “ reddish orange,”
and the bill dull “arterial blood-red” of Werner’s nomenclature.

In the plains south of Buenos Ayres I saw some of these birds far inland,
and I was told that they bred in the marshes. It is well known that the black-
headed gull ( Xenia ridibundum), which we have seen comes so near the X. cirroce-
phalum, frequents the inland marshes to breed. It appears to me a very inter-
esting circumstance thus to find birds of two closely allied species preserving the
same peculiarities of habits in Europe and in the wide plains of S. America.
Near Buenos Ayres this gull as well as the L. dominicanus sometimes attends
the slaughter-houses to pick up bits of meat.

Rhynchops nigra. Linn.

I saw this bird both on the East and West coast of South America, between
latitudes 30° and 45°. It frequents either fresh or salt water. Near Maldonado
(in May), on the borders of a lake, which had been nearly drained, and which
in consequence swarmed with small fry, I watched many of these birds flying
backwards and forwards for hours together, close to its surface. They kept their
bills wide open, and with the lower mandible half buried in the water. Thus
skimming the surface, generally in small flocks, they ploughed it in their course ;
the water was quite smooth, and it formed a most curious spectacle, to behold a
flock, each bird leaving its narrow wake on the mirror-like surface. In their
flight they often twisted about with extreme rapidity, and so dexterously managed,
that they ploughed up small fish with their projecting lower mandibles, and
secured them with the upper half of their scissor-like bills. This fact I repeatedly
witnessed, as, like swallows, they continued to fly backwards and forwards, close
before me. Occasionally, when leaving the surface of the water, their flight was
wild, irregular, and rapid ; they then also uttered loud harsh cries. When these
birds were seen fishing, it was obvious that the length of the primary feathers
was quite necessary in order to keep their wings dry. When thus employed, their
forms resembled the symbol, by which many artists represent marine birds. The
tail is much used in steering their irregular course.

These birds are common far inland, along the course of the Rio Parana ; and

* The naturalists in Lutke’s voyage, vol. iii. p. 2 55, seem to consider a gull, which they obtained at Con-
cepcion, as the Larus Franklinii of North America.

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

it is said they remain there during the whole year, and that they breed in the
marshes. During the day they rest in flocks on the grassy plains, at some
distance from the water. Being at anchor in a small vessel, in one of the deep
creeks between the islands in the Parana, as the evening drew to a close, one of
these scissor-beaks suddenly appeared. The water was quite still, and many
little fish were rising. The bird continued for a long time to skim the surface ;
flying in its wild and irregular manner up and down the narrow canal, now dark
with the growing night and the shadows of the overhanging trees. At Monte
Video, I observed that large flocks remained during the day on the mud banks,
at the head of the harbour ; in the same manner as those which I observed on the
grassy plains near the Parana. Every evening they took flight in a straight line
seaward. From these facts, I suspect, that the Rhynchops frequently fishes by
night, at which time, many of the lower animals come more abundantly to the
surface than during the day. I was led by these facts to speculate on the
possibility of the bill of the Rhynchops, which is so pliable, being a delicate organ
of touch. But Mr. Owen, who was kind enough to examine the head of one,
which I brought home in spirits, writes to me, (August 7, 1837,) that —

“ The result of the dissection of the head of the Rhynchops, comparatively with
that of the head of the duck, is not what you anticipated. The facial, or sensitive
branches of the fifth pair of nerves, are very small ; the third division in particular,
is filamentary, and I have not been able to trace it beyond the soft integument at
the angles of the mouth. After removing with care, the thin horny covering of
the beak, I cannot perceive any trace of those nervous expansions which are so
remarkable in the lamelli-rostral aquatic birds ; and which in them supply the
tooth-like process, and soft marginal covering of the mandibles. Nevertheless,
when we remember how sensitive a hair is, through the nerve situated at its
base, though without any in its substance, it would not be safe to deny
altogether, a sensitive faculty in the beak of the Rhynchops.”

M. Lesson (Manuel d’Ornithologie, vol. ii. p. 385.) has stated, that he has
seen these birds opening the shells of the Mactrae, buried in the sandbanks on the
coast of Chile. From their weak bills, with the lower mandible so much
produced, their short legs and long wings, it seems very improbable that this can
be a general habit, although it may sometimes be resorted to. Wilson, who was
well acquainted with this bird, does not believe “ the report of its frequenting
oyster beds, and feeding on these fish.” The existence, however, of this same
report in the United States, makes the question, whether the Rhynchops does not
sometimes turn the peculiar structure of its beak to this purpose, worthy of further
investigation.

3

BIRDS.

145

Viralva aranea. G. R. Gray.

Sterna aranea, Wils. Am. Orn. pi. 72. f. 6.

My specimen was procured at Bahia Blanca, in Northern Patagonia. I may
here observe, that many navigators have supposed that terns, when met with out
at sea, are a sure indication of land. But these birds seem not unfrequently to be
lost in the open ocean ; thus one ( Megalopterus stolidus) flew on board the Beagle
in the Pacific, when several hundred miles from the Galapagos Archipelago. No
doubt, the remark made by navigators, with respect to the proximity of land where
terns are seen, refers to birds in a flock, fishing, or otherwise showing that they
are familiar with that part of the sea. I, therefore, more particularly mention,
that off* the mouth of the Rio Negro, on the Patagonian shore, I saw a flock
(probably the Viralva aranea ) fishing seventy miles from land : and off the coast
of Brazil a flock of another species, 1*20 from the nearest part of the coast. The
latter birds were in numbers, and were busily engaged in dashing at their
prey.

Megalopterus stolidus. Boie.

Sterna stolida, Linn. Syst. i. 227.

My specimens were procured from the Galapagos Archipelago. It is well
known to be an inhabitant of the seas in the warmer latitudes over the whole
world. The Rocks of St. Paul’s, nearly under the equator, in the Atlantic ocean,
were almost covered with the rude and simple nests of this bird, made with a few
pieces of sea-weed. The females were sitting upon their eggs (in February), and
by the side of many of their nests, parts of flying-fish were placed, I suppose, by
the male bird for his partner to feed on during the labour of incubation.

Phalacrocorax carunculatus. Stephens.

Phalacrocorax carunculatus, Steph. Gen. Zool.

Pelecanus carunculatus, Gm. Syst. i. 576.

Phalacrocorax imperialis, King , Zool. Proc. vol. i. pt. 1. 30.

I procured a specimen of this bird at Port St. Julian, on the coast of
Patagonia, where, during January, many were building. I merely mention it
here, for the purpose of describing the singularly bright colours of the naked skin
about its head. Skin round the eyes “ campanula blue cockles at the base of
the upper mandible, “saffron mixed with gamboge-yellow.” Marks between the
eye and the corner of the mouth, “ orpiment orange tarsi scarlet.

u

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ZOOLOGY OF THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE.

Fregata Aquila. Cuv.

Pelecanus Aquilus, Linn.

I had an opportunity, at the Galapagos Archipelago, of watching, on several
occasions, the habits of this bird, which are very interesting in relation to its
peculiar structure. The Frigate bird, when it sees any object on the surface of
the water, descends from a great height, in an inclined plane, head foremost, with
the swiftness of an arrow ; and at the instant of seizing with its long beak and
outstretched neck, the floating morsel, it turns upwards, with extraordinary dex-
terity, by the aid of its forked tail, and long, powerful wings. It never touches
the water with its wings, or even with its feet ; indeed I have never heard of one
having been seen on the surface of the sea ; and it appears that the deeply
indented web between its toes is of no more use to it, than are the shrivelled wings
beneath the wing-cases of some coleopterous beetles. The Frigate bird has a
noble appearance when seen soaring in a flock at a stupendous height (at which
time it merits the name of the Condor of the ocean), or when many together are
dashing, in complicated evolutions, but with the most admirable skill, at the same
floating object. They seem to scorn to take their food quietly, for between each
descent they raise themselves on high, and descend again with a swift and true
aim. If the object (such as offal thrown overboard) sink more than six or eight
inches beneath the surface, it is lost to the Frigate bird. I was informed at
Ascension, that when the little turtles break through their shells, and run to the
water’s edge, these birds attend in numbers, and pick up the little animals (being
thus very injurious to the turtle fishery) off the sand, in the same manner as they
would from the sea.

APPENDIX.

Anatomical description of Serpophaga albocoronata, Furnarius cunicularius, XJppu-
certhia dumetoria, Opetiorhynchus vulgaris, O. antarcticus, O. Patagonicus,
Pteroptochos Tarnii, P. albicollis, Synallaxis maluroides, P hytotoma rara,
Trochilus gigas, Tinochorus rumicivorus*

BY T. C. EYTON, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

SERPOPHAGA ALBOCORONATA. Gould. (Male.)

Tongue pointed, furnished with a few short bristles at the sides near the base. Trachea with the
same muscles as among the warblers generally. ^Esophagus slightly funnel-shaped ; proven-
tiiculus much expanded at its entrance into the gizzard, which is rounded, not very muscular,
inner coat slightly hardened, smooth. Intestine of moderate size, furnished with two rudi-
mentary caeca.

inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus 1

of gizzard f

Breadth of ditto ^

Length of intestine from gizzard to cloaca 3J

from caeca to cloaca 3^

The skeleton of this bird is precisely that of the smaller and weaker species of Laniadae.

Length of sternum 5

Breadth anteriorly 3

posteriorly 4J

Width of fissures 1

Depth of ditto 1^

Depth of keel 2

Length of pelvis 51

Width anteriorly 21

posteriorly 5^

Length from occiput to point of bill 12

Breadth of head 5|

Length of coracoids

No of cervical vertebras 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 9

caudal ditto 6

Total 33

N o. of false ribs 1 1?

true ditto 5

Total 7

I am much indebted to Mr. Eyton for these observations, which greatly add to the value of the previous descriptions

148

APPENDIX.

FURNARIUS CUNICULARIUS. G. R. Gray. (Male.)

Tongue, trachea, and oesophagus, as in Uppucerthia. Proventriculus longer, and slightly contracted
at its entrance into the gizzard, which is large, flattened, and muscular, more rounded than in
Opetiorhynchus, lined with a rugose hardened coat, and filled with small seeds, and the remains
of insects ; intestines of small diameter, and furnished with two rudimentary caeca.

inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus If

of gizzard §

Breadth of ditto §

inches

Length from gizzard to caeca 5

caeca to cloaca 1^

Sternum of nearly equal breadth, both posteriorly and anteriorly, but much narrowed in the
middle, the portion to which the ribs are attached much elongated beyond their junction ;
posterior margin furnished with two deep fissures, slightly narrowed at their exit ; keel deep,
slightly rounded on its inferior edge, and much scolloped out anteriorly; pelvis broad and short,
the os pubis projecting far backwards; the ischium terminating posteriorly in an acute process.

Os furcatum thin, much arched, furnished with a flattened reflexed process at its junction with the
sternum ; the points of the rami bent forwards at their junction with the coracoids.

Coracoids of moderate size' and length, inserted deeply into the sternum ; scapula of moderate size,
broader near the extremity.

lines

Length of sternum 11

Breadth anteriorly 6^

posteriorly 8J

Depth of keel 4|

Length of pelvis 12

Width anteriorly 4|

posteriorly 11

Length from occiput to point of bill 19

Breadth of cranium 7^

Length of coracoids 8

No. of cervical vertebrae 12

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 10

caudal ditto 7

Total 36

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto . : 2-1

Total 8

UPPUCERTHIA DUMETORIA. Geoff, fr D' Orb. (Female.)

Tongue short, compared with the length of the bill, pointed, armed with a few spines at the base ;
trachea of moderate size, acted upon by one pair of sterno-tracheal muscles, which go off to
the sternum, about ^ of an inch above the inferior larynx ; from the upper ring of the bronchi®
on each side, a process proceeds upwards to the point from which the muscles diverge, to
which point only the rings of the trachea are continued, two spaces therefore, one on the
anterior, the other on the posterior side of the trachea, immediately above the bronchi®, are
left devoid of osseous matter, being bounded laterally by the process above mentioned, interiorly
by the upper rings of the bronchi®, and superiorly by the lower ring of the trachea, which is
slightly enlarged ; oesophagus small, slightly dilated a little above the proventriculus, which
is of moderate size, and not contracted before entering the gizzard ; gizzard large, oval, very
muscular, inner coat hardened, deeply furrowed longitudinally, and filled with the remains of
insects; intestinal canal of moderate size, without c®ca; rectum very slightly enlarged ;
liver bilobed.

inches inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventiculus 2 Breadth of ditto J

of gizzard f | Length of intestinal canal 10

BIRDS.

149

With the exception of being larger than Furnarius cunicularius, and in having the bill more
bent and longer, the skeleton presents no material difference from that of the above-named bird.

lines

Length of sternum 13

Breadth anteriorly 6

posteriorly 7\

Depth of keel 4

of fissures 4

Breadth of ditto 1

Length of pelvis 14^

Breadth anteriorly 4

posteriorly 9|

Length from occiput to point of bill 27

Breadth of cranium 8

Length of coracoids 11

No. of cervical vertebras 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto li

caudal ditto 6

Total 35

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto 2-1

Total 8

OPETIORHYNCHUS VULGARIS. Gray. (Male.)

The structure of the soft parts, both in this species of Opetiorhynchus, and the two following
ones, so closely resemble that of Furnarius and Uppucerthia, that one description will almost serve
for fhe whole ; those differences that do exist being not more than are generally found in species of
the same genus ; the external characters also being slight, I cannot but doubt the propriety of
separating them ; the caeca are slightly developed in this species, measuring -h inch in length.

inches

Length of oesophagus, proventriculus included 2^

of gizzard §

Breadth of ditto £

inches

Length of intestinal canal from gizzard to the cloaca . . 7J
from caeca to cloaca |

Skeleton similar in form to that of Furnarius cunicularius.

lines

Length of sternum Ilf

Breadth anteriorly 5\

posteriorly 7J

Depth of keel 3f

of fissures 5

Breadth of ditto lj

Length of pelvis 12|

Breadth anteriorly 4

posteriorly 9|

Length from occiput to point of bill 17

Breadth of cranium 7

Length of coracoids 8|

No. of cervical vertebrae 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 11

caudal ditto 7

Total 36

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto 2-1

Total 8

OPETIORHYNCHUS ANTARCTICUS. G. H. Gray. (Male.)

Structure of the soft parts as in O. vulgaris, but with the rectum of rather larger diameter, and the
caeca very minute ; gizzard filled with the remains of insects.

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus
gizzard

inches

inches

• i

Breadth of gizzard

Length of intestinal canal from gizzard to cloaca

7

150

APPENDIX.

Skeleton similar in form to Furnarius cunicularius, and the other species of this genus.

li>

Length of sternum 11

Breadth anteriorly 6

posteriorly 7\

Depth of keel 4§

of fissures 4

Breadth of ditto If

Length of pelvis 12

Breadth anteriorly 3f

posteriorly 10J

Length from occiput to point of hill 18

Breadth of cranium 7\

Length of coracoids 9

No. of cervical vertebrae 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 12

caudal ditto . 7

Total 37

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto 21

Total 8

OPETIORHYNCHUS PATAGONICUS. G. R. Gray. (Male.)

No difference in the structure of the soft parts from the other species of the genus before spoken of.
The trachea, however, does not differ from the ordinary simple form found in most birds, but
differs from O. vulgaris and O. antarcticus , in having the lower rings continued to the bronchi*
it is acted upon by one pair of muscles ; no ceeca are apparent.

inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus 2|

gizzard j

inches

Breadth of gizzard §

Length of cutis from gizzard to cloaca 5|

Skeleton in form similar to that of Furnarius cunicularius, and the other species of

this genus.

lines

Length of sternum 13

Breadth anteriorly 6|

posteriorly 8|

Depth of keel 5

fissures 4

Breadth of ditto 1J

Length of pelvis 13J

Breadth anteriorly 5

posteriorly 10|

Length from occiput to point of bill 19

Breadth of cranium 8

Length of coracoids 10

No. of cervical vertebrae 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 9

caudal ditto 6

Total 33

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto 2'1

Total 8

Remarks : — the last five species approach so nearly, that I doubt the propriety of separating
them generically. The skeletons are only distinguishable with the exception of the form of the
bill, by the proportions between the different admeasurements.

PTEROPTOCHOS TARNII. G.R.Gray. (Female.)

Tongue pointed, armed with two strong lateral spines, and a few intermediate smaller ones at the
base ; oesophagus largest at the upper extremity, and gradually becoming smaller towards the
proventriculus ; no vestige of a craw ; proventriculus of moderate size, not much contracted
towards the gizzard, which is also of moderate size, and much flattened ; not very muscular,
and lined with a hardened coat, rugose longitudinally; the gizzard was filled with small
1

BIRDS.

151

pebbles, and a coarse black powder, probably the remains of insects ; intestinal canal small ;
caeca rudimental ; rectum large, becoming more expanded towards the cloaca, which is also
large ; trachea of equal diameter throughout, furnished with one pair of sterno-tracheal
muscles, a portion of each of which is continued downwards to the upper rings of the bronchi®,
on which it expands ; liver two-lobed.

inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus 3)

of intestinal canal, from gizzard to cloaca ...... 18

of rectum 2|

inches

Diameter of gizzard

Length of ditto 1

The pelvis and ribs of this bird were much damaged ; sternum of equal breadth posteriorly and
anteriorly, slightly contracted on its lateral edge, near the middle indented on its posterior
margin with four deep fissures, the outer ones largest; a large triangular process projecting
forwards between the junctions of the coracoids, bifid at the apex ; the coracoids themselves
very strongly articulated to the sternum, the sides of the sternum to which the ribs are arti-
culated projecting in the form of a process far beyond the junction of the coracoids ; the
sternal keel is narrow, and has its edge straight ; the coracoids are long, thin, with very
slight external lateral processes at their junction with the sternum; os furcatum very thin,
roundish, a very slight process on the point at which it approaches nearest to the sternum, very
slightly arched.

Scapula broad, flattened, much widened at about one-third of its length from the hinder extremity ;
wing bones short, and weak ; leg bones long, and strong; the fibula much developed.

lines

Length of sternum 15

Greatest breadth of sternum 9)

Breadth at the narrowest part 7

Width of external fissure 1|

Depth of ditto 6

Width of internal ditto 1)

Depth of ditto 6)

Depth of keel 3

lines

Length from occiput to point of bill 22)

Breadth of cranium 10)

Length of coracoids 11

Breadth of scapula in the broadest part 2

Cervical vertebrae 12

Dorsal ditto 6

Sacral, damaged.

Caudal, damaged.

PTEROTOCHOS ALBICOLLIS. Kittl. (Male.)

Trachea, tongue, oesophagus, gizzard, and liver of the same form as in Pterotochos Tarnii. The
contents of the gizzard also did not differ.

inches

Length of intestinal canal 14)

from caeca to cloaca 2|

inches

Length of gizzard )

Breadth of ditto |

Only the body, after skinning, of the species, was brought home by Mr. Darwin.

The skeleton of this species does not differ in anything but admeasurements from that of
Pterotochos Tarnii ; the pelvis, however, being so much damaged in that species, that I was not
able to make many notes upon it, I shall give a description of that part in the present one.

Pelvis of moderate size; the ossa pubis and ischium much expanded, and elongated posteriorly, and
placed nearly perpendicular to the plane of the ilium, ischiatic foramina large ; two large
processes arise on the ilium on each side of the junction of the caudal vertebrae for the attach-
ment of the levator muscles of the tail.

152

APPENDIX.

lines

Length of pelvis 14

Breadth posteriorly

anteriorly 4

Length of sternum

Breadth of ditto 7

in the narrowest part 5^

Depth of keel 2^

Length of coracoids 7J

Breadth of scapula in the widest part 1

No. of cervical vertebrae, wanting,
dorsal ditto, wanting.

sacral ditto 9

caudal ditto, wanting.

Remarks : — Both this and the foregoing bird are most curious ; it is difficult to say in what
order .they ought to be placed, the external form being equally ambiguous with the internal
structure.

The digestive organs nearly agree with that of many insessorial birds ; the pelvis also approaches
nearly in form to that of the thrush; the sternum, however, differs altogether from any form found
in that order, and is precisely that of a Picus. The coracoids are lengthened ; the os furcatum is
furnished with only a slight process where it approaches the sternum, in which particulars, also in
the form of the ribs, it agrees with the Picidce.

Having found the internal structure so curious, and so contrary to what I expected, I was led
to examine the external more minutely than I had before done. The same form of claw is found
in several species among the cuckoos, in the genus Pelophilus, for instance ; the two outer toes
are zygodactyle, being united together as far as the first joint; the bill, at first sight, might be
taken for that of a gallinaceous bird ; but in searching among the order Scansores, for some resem-
blance, I find the same structure in several of the cuckoo family, with the exception of the nostrils
being nearer to the apex of the bill in Pterotochos. The Australian genus Menura is, probably,
allied to this, but differs in the structure of the nostrils.*

SYNALLAXIS MALUROIDES. B'Orb. (Female.)

Tongue pointed, furnished at the base with two strong spines, the sides of which are armed with
smaller ones ; trachea, oesophagus, and proventriculus as in Furnarius and Uppucerthia ; gizzard
rounded, not very muscular, lined with a slightly hardened smooth coat, and filled with the
remains of insects ; intestinal canal of moderate size and length, furnished with two rudimentary

cseca.

inches

Length of oesophagus and proventriculus lg

gizzard §

Breadth of ditto -jg

inches

Length of intestinal canal from gizzard to cloaca 4f

from cseca to cloaca f

The parts of the skeleton of this bird which I was able to preserve, were more closely allied
to the corresponding ones of Troglodytes than to those of any other genus in my possession, but
differ in the following particulars : the lateral processes of the sternum bounding the posterior
fissures are not so much expanded, consequently the fissures themselves are smaller ; the keel is
rather deeper ; the portion to which the ribs are attached does not project so far forwards, but the

* Since the above was in type, I have had, through the kindness of Mr. Gould, an opportunity of examining Menura lyra,
and find my former supposition to be correct ; hut neither of these genera can be placed among the gallinaceous birds where the
latter bird has been arranged by some authors.

BIRDS.

153

process between the coracoids is rather longer ; the interocular portion of the cranium is also rather
broader than in the above-mentioned genus ; the pelvis, coracoids, and scapula agree both in

shape and size with Troglodytes.

lines

Lenth of sternum 6J

Breadth anteriorly 4

posteriorly 4|

Greatest width of fissures .. i]

Depth of ditto 21

Length of occiput to point of bill 14|

lines

Breadth of cranium 5|

Length of pelvis _. 9

Breadth of ditto posteriorly 5

anteriorly If

No. of cervical vertebrse 12

PHYTOTOM A RARA. Molina.

This bird being injured about the sexual organs, I could not ascertain the sex. Tongue pointed,
armed at the base on each side with a flattened tricuspid spine ; trachea small, of uniform
diameter throughout its whole length, acted upon by one pair of sterno-tracheal muscles ;
oesophagus funnel-shaped at the upper extremity, when distended capable of containing a
common pencil, at its junction with the proventriculus much smaller ; proventriculus scarcely
perceptible ; gizzard small, consisting of little more than a thick skin, inner coat hardened ;
the entrance of the oesophagus, and the exit of the intestine placed very near together at the
upper extremity of it ; intestinal canal very short, and of large diameter, entirely devoid of
caeca ; the whole length with the gizzard and oesophagus distended with a stringy substance,
resembling coarse spun cotton cut into short lengths.

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus 3

of intestinal canal 7^

Length of gizzard
Breadth of ditto

inches

B

• 1

Sternum of nearly equal breadth, both posteriorly and anteriorly, much narrowed near the middle ;
posterior margin nearly straight, indented with two large fissures, narrowed at their exit ;
between the junctions of the coracoids furnished with a bifid process; the portion of the
sternum to which the ribs are attached, continued anteriorly beyond the junction of the
coracoids ; keel of moderate size ; coracoids long, not very strong ; os furcatum long,
slightly arched, furnished with a flattened process, turned inwards at the point it approaches
the sternum.

Pdlvis broad, and short, narrowest anteriorly, the os pubis and ischium continued far backwards,
beyond the junction of the caudal vertebrae ; ribs strong, and flattened ; posterior process
large ; scapula long, broadest near the extremity ; legs of moderate strength, the internal
processes of the tibia large, and flattened ; bones of the cranium strong.

Length of sternum 12^

Breadth anteriorly 6^

posteriorly 9$

Width of fissures 1|

Depth of ditto 4

keel 4|

Length of pelvis 13£

Width anteriorly 5

posteriorly 11

Length from occiput to point of bill 16

Breadth of head 8

Length of coracoids 9

No. of cervical vertebrse 11

dorsal ditto 7

sacral ditto 10

caudal ditto 7

Total 35

No. of true ribs 5

false ribs 2-1

Total 8

X

154

APPENDIX.

Remarks : — The skeleton and soft parts of this bird very nearly resemble those of the genus
Loxia, but differ in their superior size, in having the fissures on the posterior margin of the
sternum not so deep, and in the margin itself being straighter, the coracoids larger, and in having the
process at the end of the os furcatum approaching the sternum smaller than in that genus. The
ribs also are stronger.

TROCHILUS GIGAS. Vieill. (Male.)

Tongue bifid, each division pointed; hyoids very long, in their position resembling those in the
Picidce ; trachea of uniform diameter ; destitute of muscles of voice ; bronchia very long ;
oesophagus funnel-shaped, slightly contracted on approaching the proventriculus, which is
small, and scarcely perceptible ; gizzard small, moderately muscular, the inner coat slightly
hardened, and filled with the remains of insects ; intestine largest near the gizzard ; I could
not perceive a vestige of caeca.

inches inches

Length of oesophagus, including proventriculus If

intestinal canal 3J

Length of gizzard
Breadth of ditto

Sternum with the keel very deep, its edge rounded, and projecting anteriorly ; posterior margin
rounded', and destitute of indentation or fissure; the ridges to which the pectoral muscles
have their attachment, large and prominent, the horizontal portion much narrowed anteriorly,
consequently the junctions of the coracoids are very near together.

Pelvis short, very broad ; os pubis long, curved upwards at the extremities, projecting far down-
wards, and posteriorly beyond the termination of the caudal vertebrae ; the ischiatic foramen
small, and linear ; femora placed far backwards ; coracoids short, very strong, their extremities
much diverging ; os furcatum short, slightly arched near the extremities of the rami, which are
far apart, furnished with only a small process on its approach to the sternum ; scapula flattened,
long, broadest near the extremity ; humerus, radius, and ulna short, the metacarpal bones
longer than either ; the former furnished with ridges much elevated for the attachment of the
pectoral muscles ; caudal and dorsal vertebrae with the transverse processes long, and ex-
panded ; cranium of moderate strength, the occipital portion indented with two furrows, which
pass over the vertex, and in which the hyoids lie ; orbits large, divided by a complete bony
septum ; the lachrymal bones large, causing an expansion of the bill near the nostrils.

lines

Length of sternum 13|

Breadth anteriorly 4

posteriorly 7\

Depth of keel 6J

Length of pelvis 6^

Width anteriorly 2^

posteriorly 7

Length from occiput to point of bill 27J

Breadth of cranium 6^

Length of coracoids 6

Remarks : — The skeleton of this bird does i
at page 270 of the Cyclopaedia of Anatomy an
nearly allied to fissirostral birds than any other.

No. of cervical vertebrae 10

dorsal ditto 6

sacral ditto 9

caudal ditto 5

Total 30

No. of true ribs 5

false ditto 1*3

Total.... 9

t differ in form from that of Trochilus pella, figured
Physiology. The whole of the group are more

BIRDS.

155

TINOCHORUS RUMICIVORUS. Eschsch. (Male.)

Trachea of uniform diameter, furnished with one pair of sterno-tracheal muscles, from which a few
fibres descend on each side to the upper rings of the bronchiee; oesophagus of large diameter
to about half its length, where it is furnished with a craw, and afterwards contracted to the
proventriculus ; the craw where it is connected with the oesophagus is much contracted, after-
wards it expands into a large sac ; proventriculus small ; gizzard large, and very muscular ;
the grinding surfaces hard, concave in the middle, and furnished with longitudinal grooves
in the concave part ; the intestinal canal is of moderate length, small next the gizzard, largest
at the entrance of the caeca, from whence it slightly tapers to the cloaca, which is small ; caeca
long, of greatest diameter at the opposite extremity to their entrance into the rectum ; the
gizzard and oesophagus were filled with reeds, mixed with very small pebbles ; liver bilobed.

inches

3

13

if

3

Length of oesophagus from glottis to gizzard 3 inch.

from oesophagus to outer extremity of craw § inch.

Perpendicular diameter of craw 7 lines

Greatest diameter of gizzard obliquely to the grind-
ing surfaces 1 inch.

Diameter parallel to the grinding surfaces
Length of intestine from gizzard to cloaca

from caeca to cloaca

of caeca

A second specimen, a female, did not differ, except in sex. Skeleton light; bones in general thin.

Sternum broadest posteriorly, and indented on its posterior margin with two large fissures; keel
deep, its inferior edge rounded, much scolloped out anteriorly ; a moderate-size bifid manubrial
process between the junction of the coracoids.

Pelvis broad, of moderate length, similar to that found among the genus Strepsilas.

Os furcatum much arched, furnished with a small flattened process, where the ligament unites it to
the sternum ; coracoid of moderate length, strong, furnished with a large process externally
near their junction with the sternum ; ribs flattened, posterior process long, slightly curved,
and narrow.

lines

Length of sternum 16

Breadth anteriorly 7

posteriorly 11

Width of fissures 4

Depth of ditto 6

keel 7

Length of pelvis 16^

Width anteriorly 6

posteriorly 12

Length from occiput to point of bill 16

Breadth of head 6|

Length of coracoids 7^

No. of cervical vertebrae 14

dorsal 6

sacral 12

caudal 7

Total 39

No. of true ribs 6

false ditto 2

Total 8

Remarks. The bill of this curious bird much resembles that of the genus Glareola, but the
soft skin covering the nostrils is more developed, in which respect it resembles the quails, and other
gallinaceous birds. The structure of the tarsi, feet, and nails approach near to that of Strepsilas ,
but differ in the latter being sharper, and in the scales on the feet and tarsi being more apparent,
which may, perhaps, have been caused to a certain degree by the bird having been for a long
while in spirits.

156

APPENDIX.

The wing has precisely the same structure as in Glareola , and some of the plovers.

The tail is more lengthened than among the plovers, but not more so than in Glareola pra-
ticola, which species has, however, the tail forked, but some of the same genus, as the last named
bird, although it is not so long in them, have it in the same shape as in Tinochorus, — as Glarecola
Australis.

The structure of the digestive organs is altogether that of a gallinaceous bird ; the skeleton,
however, agrees scarcely in any particular with that order, approaching closely to that of the
waders. The sternum differs from any gallinaceous bird with which 1 am acquainted, in wanting
entirely the strong lateral process, and in the fissures on the posterior margin being much smaller ;
the nearest approach in form which I have been able to find, is that of Machetes, from which, if it
were not for the superior size of the latter, it could scarcely be distinguished.

The pelvis agrees so perfectly with that of Strepsilas interpres, and the Charadriidce in general,
as not to require farther remark.

The remainder of the skeleton resembles both the plovers and sandpipers.

I much regret that I have never had an opportunity of dissecting a specimen of Glareola, to
which the genus, Tinochorus, appears closely allied, and I believe that they will form a connecting
link between the orders Grallatores and Razores .

INDEX TO THE SPECIES

N.B. The Synonyms are in Italics.

Page

Ada Cotnmersoni

. 51

Agelaius cliopi

. 107

fringillarius

. 106

chrysopterus

. 106

virescens

. 107

Aglaia striata

. 97

vittata

. 98

Agriornis

. 55

gutturalis .

. 56

•gtriatus

. 56

micropterus

. 57

maritimus

. 57

Agriornis leucur us

. 57

AlaudincB

. 87

Alauda cunicularia

. 65

• nigra

. 84

rufa .

. 84

fulva

. 84

Albatuitui a collier noir

. 127

Alcedo torquata

. 42

A mericana

. 42

Senegalensis

. 41

Alecturus guirayetupa

. 51

Alouette noire a dos fame ,

. 84

ci dos rouge .

. 84

Amblyramphus bicolor

. 109

ruber

. 109

Ammodramus Manimbe .

. 90

xanthornus

. 90

longicaudatus

. 90

Anas Antarctica

. 134

■ brachyptera

. 136

erythrorhyncha .

. 135

creccoides

. 135

Page

Anas Magellanica

. 134

urophasianus

.

. 135

Bahamensis

. 135

Anser melanopterus

. 134

Anthus furcatus

. 85

Chii

. 85

fulvus

. 84

variegatus

. 84

correndera

. 85

Anumbi rouge

. 80

Anumbius ruber

. 80

Aquila pezopora .

. 13

megaloptera

. 21

Ardea leuce

. 128

Egretta

. 128

■ Herodias

. 128

nycticorax

. 128

violacea

. 128

callocephala

. 128

Athene cunicularia

. 31

Attagis Gayii .

. 117

Falklandica

. 117

Becassine, le Espece .

. 131

Bee d’ argent

. 51

Bernicla leucoptera

. 134

antarctica

. 134

Buteo tricolor

. 26

— — varius

. 26

ventralis

. 26

erytlironotus

. 26

Buteoninae

. 22

Cactornis assimilis

. 105

scandens

. 104

(Jaille des Isles Malouines

. 117

INDEX TO THE SPECIES,

Camarhynchus psittaculus

crassirostris

Caprimulgidse
Caprimulgus bifasciatus .

parvulus

Cathartes aura

atratus

urubu .

Certhia antarctica
Certhidea olivacea
Certhilauda cunicularia
Ceryle torquata

Americana

Charadrius virginius

marmoratus

semipalmatus .

bifasciatus

trifasciatus

rubecola

Azarce

collaris

Cayanus

Charpentier des champs
Chii

Chingolo
Chionis alba
Chloephaga Magellanica
Chlorospiza xanthogramma

melanodera

Chopi

Chrysometris campestris

Magellanica

Chrysoptilus campestris
Churrinche

Circaetus antarcticus .
Circinas .

Circus histrionicus

megaspilus

cinereus

Clignot ou Lichenops
Coccothraustinse
Colaptes Chilensis
Columba Fitzroyii

■ denisea .

■ araucana

loricata

Page

Page

103

Columba gymnopthalmus

. 115

103

leucoptera

. 115

36

picazuro

. 115

36

Talpacoti

. 116

37

Boliviana

. 116

8

aurita

. 115

7

Columbina strepitans

. 116

7

talpacoti .

. 116

67

Cabocolo

. 116

106

Condor .....

. 3

65

Conurus murinus

. 112

42

— Patachonicus

. 113

42

La Correndera

. 85

126

Coturnix FalJclandica

. 117

126

Craxirex Galapagoensis

. 23

128

Crex lateralis ....

. 132

127

galeata ....

. 133

127

melampyga

. 133

126

Crithagra? brevirostris

. 88

127

Braziliensis .

. 88

127

Crotophaga ani

. 114

127

Piririqua .

. 114

113

Cryptura Guaza

. 120

85

Crypturus rufescens

. 120

91

— perdicarius

. 119

118

Cucidus guira

. 114

134

ncevius ....

. 114

96

Culicivora parulus

. 49

95

Curruca macloviana

. 83

107

Cursores ....

. 120

89

Cyanotis omnicolor

. 86

97

Cyclarhis Guianensis .

. 58

113

Cypselus unicolor

. 41

44

Dafila urophasianus

. 135

15

Daption Capensis

. 140

29

Dendrodramus ....

. 82

50

leucosternus

. 82

29

Diplopterus neevius

. 114

30

guira

. 114

51

Dolicbonyx oryzivorus

. 106

98

Dragon ....

. 107

114

Egretta leuce ....

. 128

114

Emberiza melanodera

. 95

114

carbonaria

. 94

114

guttata

. 94

115

Manimbe

. 90

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Emheriza Diuca

Gayi .

oryivorus

luteoventris

luctuosa

jacarinU

gubernatrix

cristata .

cristatella

Emberizina

Emberizoides poliocepbalus
Eremobius

phcenicurus

Etourneau des terres

Euphone jacarina

Falconidse

Falconina

Falco sparverius .

Falco femoralis

degener

— ; — leucurus

Novae Zealandice

Australis

Brasiliensis

histrionicus

Falcunculus Guianensis .
Figulus albogularis
Fluvicolinse
Fluvicola nengeta

icterophrys

Azarse

— Irupero

perspicillata

Fournier
Fregata Aquila
Fringilla Gayi

carbonaria

campestris

formosa

fruticeti

icterica

Hispaniolensis .

matutina

alaudina

splendens

Diuca

Page

Fringilla Manimbe

. 90

Magellanica

. 97

— luteoventris .

. 88

Fringillidse ....

. 87

Fringillinse .

. 90

Fulica galeata ....

. 133

Furnarius Chilensis .

. 67

Lessonii

. 67

cunicularius, Anat. Descript, of

. 148

fuliginosus

. 67

rufus

. 64

cunicularius

. 65

dumetorium

. 66

ruber ....

. 80

Gafarron ....

. 97

Gallinula crassirostris

. 133

galeata

. 133

Geospiza magnirostris

. 100

strenua

. 100

parvula

. 102

nebulosa

. 101

fortis ....

. 101

■ crassirostris

. 103

dentirostris

. 102

fuliginosa

. 101

dubia ....

. 103

Grallatores ....

. 125

Grande Mouette .

. 142

Grive rousse et noirdtre

. 59

blanche et noirdtre .

. 59

Guirayetupa ....

. 51

Gyratones ....

. 114

Hsematopus palliatus .

. 128

Halcyonidse . .

. 41

Halcyon erythrorhyncha

. 41

Haliaeius chimachima

. 13

erythronotus

. 26

chimango

. 14

Hiaticula Azarse .

127

semipalmata

. 128

■ trifasciatus

. 127

Himantopus nigricollis

. 130

Hirundinidae ....

. 37

Hirundo purpurea

. 38

concolor

. 39

leucopvffia

. 40

y 2

Page

92

, 92

106

88

94

92

88

88

88

88

98

69

69

110

92

9

28

29

28

13

15

15

15

9

50

58

64

51

54

53

53

50

53

64

146

92

94

89

92

94

97

95

91

94

92

92

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Hirundo frontalis

cyanoleuca

Huppe jaune .

Hylactes Tamil .

Ibis melanops

Ordi

Falcinellus

Icterus fringillarius
niger

■ anticus

maxillaris

sericeus

unicolor

sulcirostris

Irupero

Ispida torquata .
Laniadee

Laniagra Guianensis

Lanianse

Lanius doliatus

— nengeta

sulphuratus

Larus fuliginosus

hasmatorhynchus

dominicanus

■ cirrocephalus

maculipennis

glaucodes

Leistes erythrocephala

anticus

Leptonyx macropus
Tarnii

— albicollis

paradoxus .

rubecula

Lessoma erythronotm
Lichenops erythropterus

perspicillatus

Limosa Hudsonica
Limnornis

rectirostris

curvirostris

Lindo bleu dore et noir
Macas cornu

Malacorhynchus Chilensis
Manimbe

Page

Mareca Bahamensis . . .135

Megalonyx medius . . . . 72

rufus . . . .71

albicollis . . . . 72

rujiceps . . . .70

rubecula . . . 73

rufogularis . . .73

Megalopterus stolidus . . . .145

Melanocorypha cinctura . . .87

Merops rufus . . . . . 64

Micropterus brachypterus . . .136

Milvago pezoporos . . . .13

montanus . . 19

oclirocephalus . . .13

chimango . . 14

megalopterus . . .21

leucurus . . . 15

albogularis . . . .18

Mimus Patagonicus . . .60

Orpheus . . . 60

■ parvulus . . . .63

Thenca . . . ..61

saturninus . . . .60

melanotis . ..62

trifasciatus . . . .62

Molothrus niger . . . . 107

Motacilla Patagonica . . .67

Gracula . . . 67

Mouette cendree . . . .142

Muscicapa psalura . . . 51

risoria . . . .51

moesta . . 53

nivea . . . .53

parulus . . 49

icterophrys . . ,53

pyrope . . . 55

polyglotta . . . .54

Tyrannus . . . 43

vittiger . . . .54

Muscicapidse . . . . . 42

Muscipeta albiceps . . . .47

Muscisaxicola brunnea . . . 84

nigra . . .84

mentalis . . . . 83

macloviana . . .83

Muscivora Tyrannus . . . 34

Page

40

41

88

70

128

129

129

107

107

107

107

107

107

107

53

42

58

58

58

58

54

43

141

142

142

142

142

142

109

107

71

70

72

73

73

84

52

51

129

80

80

81

97

. 137

, 73

90

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Myiobius parvirostris .

magnirostris . . .

albiceps .

auriceps . . . .

Nothura minor .

perdicaria . . .

major .

Numenius Hudsonicus . . .

brevirostris

Nycticorax violaceus . . .

American us

(Enanthe perspicillata . . .

L’Onglet . ... .

Opetiorhynchus rufus . . . .

antarcticus, Anat. Descript.

of . . . . .

lanceolatus

nigro-fumosus

antarcticus

Patagonicus

vulgaris, Anat. Descript, of .

Patagonicus, Anat. Descript.

of

vulgaris . . .

rupestris

Oreophilus totanirostris . . .

Oriolus Jlavus ....

cayannensis . . . .

ruber ....

Ornismya Kingii . . . .

tristis . . . . .

Orpheus Thenca ....

melanotis . . . .

trifasciatus ....

Patagonicus . . . .

modulator ....

■ parvulus . . .

calandria ....

Ortyx Fal/clandica ....
Otus Galapagoensis . • .

palustris ....

Oxyurus ornatus . . . .

dorso-maculatus

tupinieri . . . .

Pacliyramphus albescens

minimus . . . .

Page

Palmipedes ....

. 134

Parulus ruficeps

. 79

Passerina discolor

. 107

jacarina

. 92

guttata

. 94

Passer Hispaniolensis

. 95

— Jagoensis

. 95

Patagon ....

. 113

Pattagonian maccaw .

. 113

warbler

. 67

Pelecanoides Berardi .

. 138

Garnotii

. 139

Pelecanus carunculatus

. 145

aquilus

. 146

Pelidna cinclus

. 131

; — minutilla

. 131

Schinzii

. 131

Le Pepoaza proprement dit

. 54

Pepouza variegata .

. 55

pyrope

. 55

maritima .

. 57

gutturalis

. 56

nivea

. 53

Perdix Falklandica

. 117

Perruche ....

. 112

Perspicilla leucoptera

. 51

Petit Bout-de-Petun .

. 114

Petrel echasse

. 141

Phalacrocorax imperialis

. 145

carunculatus

. 145

Phalcobcenus montanus

. 19

Philomachus Cayanus

. 127

Phytotoma Bloxami

. 106

rutila

. 106

silens

. 106

rara, Anat. Descript, of

. 153

rara

. 106

Picasuro ....

. 115

Picus campestris

. 113

Chilensis

. 114

Kingii

. 113

melanocephalus

. 113

Pigeon rougeatre

. 116

Pipillo personata

. 98

Pitylus superciliaris

. 97

Platyurus niger

. 74

Page

48

48

47

47

119

119

119

129

129

128

128

51

97

64

149

68

68

67

67

149

150

66

67

125

107

106

109

110

111

61

62

62

60

60

63

60

117

32

33

81

82

81

50

51

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Podiceps kalipareus

Rollandii

Chilensis

Poecilonitta Bahamensis
Polyborinae

Polyborus Galapagoensis

chimango

Brasiliensis

vulgaris

albogularis

chimachima

Porphyrio simplex
Prion vittatus
Procellaria oceanica .

Capensis

Berardi .

vittata

urinatrix

gigantea

glacialo'ides

puffinus

Progne purpurea

modesta .

Psarocolius sericeus .

anticus

chrysopterus .

• Jlaviceps .

Psittacara Patachonica
Psittacus Patagonus .

murinus

Pteroptochos albicollis

albicollis, Anat. Descript, of

Tarnii

Tarnii, Anat. Descript of .

■ rubecula

• megapodius

paradoxus .

Ptiloleptus cristatus
Puffinuria Berardi

Garnotii

Puffinus cinereus
Pyrocephalus .

parvirostris

obscurus

nanus

dubius .

Pyrgita Jagoensis
1

Page

Pyrrhulauda nigriceps . . . 87

Pyrrhulinae . . • • .88

Querquedula creccoides . . . . 185

erythrorhyncha . . .135

Rallus Philippensis . . ..133

ypecaha . . . .133

sanguinolentus . . . .133

Recurvirostra himantopus . . .130

Regains omnicolor . . . 86

Byronensis . . . .86

Rhea Americana . . . . . 120

Darwinii . . . .123

Rhinomya lanceolata . . . . 70

Rhynchaspis maculatus . . .135

Rhynchaea semicollaris . . . .131

Hilairea . . . .131

• occidentalis . . . .131

Rhynchops nigra . . . .143

Rhynchotus fasciatus . . . .120

rufescens . . .120

Sarcoramphus gryphus . . 3

Condor . . .3

Saurophagus sulphuratus . . . 43

Sauteur . . . . .92

Scansores . . . . 112

Scolopax melanoleuca . . .130

■ vociferus . . . . 130

Magellanicus . . .131

Hudsonica . . . .129

Paraguaiae . . .131

Brasiliensis . . . .131

Scytalopus fuscus . . . .74

• Magellanicus . . 74

Serpophaga . . . . .48

parulus . . 49

nigricans . . .50

albo-coronata . . 49

albo-coronata, Anat. Descript, of .147

S'iuriri noiratre et jaune . . 53

Sourciroux . . . . . 58

Sperm ophila nigrogularis . . .88

Spheniscus Humboldtii . . . 137

Sphenura ruftceps . . . .79

Squatarola fusca . . ..126

cincta . . . .126

Sterna aranea . . . • 145

stolida . • • .145

Page

136

137

137

135

9

23

14

9

9

18

13

133

141

141

140

138

141

139

139

140

137

38

39

107

107

106

107

113

113

112

72

151

70

150

73

71

73

114

138

139

137

44

44

45

45

46

95

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Strepsilas interpres

Strigidae ....
Striginae

Stria cunicularia

flammea

punctatissima

brachyota

rufipes

Sturnella rubra. .

militaris

Sturnus pyrrhocephalus
militaris

Surninae ....

Sylvia Magellanica

velata

Bloxami .

macloviana

nigricans .

■ Patagonica

dorsalis

perspicillata

rubrigastra

Sylvicola aureola
Synallaxis humicola

major

rufogularis

maluroides

maluroides, Anat. Descript, of

flavogularis

brunnea

aegithaloides

ruficapilla

dorso-maculata

tupinieri

Tachuris omnicolor

roi

nigricans

Le Petit Tachuris noiratre
Tanagra ruficollis

Guianensis

vittata .

canicapilla .

Darwinii

Bonariensis

superciliaris

jacarina

Page

Tanagra striata ....

. 97

Tanagrinee .

. 97

Tantalus Mexicanus

. 129

chalcopterus

. 129

Tetrao Falklandicus

. 117

Thalassidroma oceanica

. 141

Thamnophilinee

. 58

Thamnophilus doliatus

. 58

Theristicus melanops

. 128

Tinamus minor

. 119

■ - major

. 119

rufescens

. 120

Tinnunculus Sparverius

. 29

Tinocliorus rumicivorus .

. 117

rumicivorus, Anat. Descript, of

. 155

Eschscholtzii ,

. 117

Tisserin des Galapagos

. 105

Tityranae ....

. 50

Taznioptera variegata

. 55

Totanus semicollaris

. 131

fuliginosus

. 130

flavipes

. 129

— macropterus

. 129

melanoleucos

. 130

solitarius

130

Trichas canicapilla .

. 87

velata ....

. 87

Tringa Morinellus

. 132

minutilla

. 131

Urvillii

. 126

rufescens

. 130

semipalmata .

. 128

macroptera

. 129

Schinzii

. 131

Trochilidas ....

. 110

Trochilus flavifrons

. no

forficatus

. no

gigas

. in

gigas, Anat. Descript, of

. 154

Troglodytes Magellanicus

. 74

Platensis .

. 75

paradoxus

. 73

Troupiale a tetejaune

. 107

Turdidae .....

. 59

Turdus Falklandicus . . . .

. 59

Turdus Magellanicus . . .

. 59

Page

. 132

. 31

. 34

. 31

. 34

. 34

. 33

. 34

. 109

. 110

. 109

. 110

. 31

. 74

. 87

. 49

. 83

. 50

• 67

. 84

. 51

. 86

. 86

. 75

. 76

. 77

. 77

. 152

• 78

■ 78

• 79

. 79

. 82

. 81

. 86

. 86

. 50

. 50

. 91

. 58

. 98

. 87

. 97

. 107

. 97

. 92

INDEX TO THE SPECIES.

Turdus Thenca

rufiventer

varius

curceus ....

C/iochi

leucomelas

albiventer

Orpheus

Tyranninae ....
Tyrannula magnirostris

auriceps

parvirostris

Tyrannus Irupero .

pepoaza

polyglottus

— — nengeta

magnanimus

sulphuratus . .

gutturalis

coronatus

Savana

Ulula rufipes ....
Ululinae ....
Uppucerthia dumetoria

dumetoria, Anat. Descript, of

dumetorum

Uppucerthia vulgaris

rupestris

Uppucerthia nigro-fumosa

Page

Vanellus cinctus

. 126

Yiralva aranea

. 145

Vultur gryphus

. 3

aura

8

atratus

7

jota

. . 7

Vulturidse

. 3

White rumped snipe

. 130

Xanthornus chrysopterus

. 106

flavus

. 107

Xema cirrocephalum

. 142

Xolmis nengeta

. 54

coronata

. 54

■ variegata

, 55

Pyrope

. 55

Yahana proprement dit .

. 133

Ypacaha

. 133

Yellow crested grosbeak

. 88

Yellow shanks snipe

. 129

Yetapa psalura

. 51

Zaporina notata

. 132

spilonota

. 132

Zenaida aurita

. 115

Galapagoensis

. 115

Boliviana

. 116

Zonotrichia strigiceps

. 92

canicapilla

. 91

matutina .

. 91

Page

61

59

64

107

59

59

59

60

42

48

47

48

53

54

54

54

43

43

56

54

43

34

32

66

148

66

66

67

68

Jfvrahs. 1*1 /

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Birch, n. 4>.

Struv ■

Jjir<Zs\ 2*1 6.

mod&sfais.

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-jfyrocepJbafow 2?arvvros5n£.

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